Disclaimer: I do NOT own Bonanza nor any of the original Cartwright characters.
A Favorite Song. Poetry by T. Campbell. Composed by James Hewitt, 1770-1827
For Jacob's Sake
Chapter Four
Scene Six
Adam and the rest had just set down at the table to eat when they heard the rider coming. "I'll see who it is." Adam stood up and headed for the door. Everyone jumped up from the table as Adam let out a holler, "JACOB!" He ran through the opened door way towards his son and the stranger. The others were right behind him.
"Where on earth have ya been! We have been looking for you for days!"Adam embraced his son for all he was worth.
Once Adam let go of him Little Jacob began talking, "Sorry, pa," He felt bad for scaring everyone, "it was like this..." he went on to tell everything that had happened since he left for his 'small camp out', "Mr. Jim here was good enough to feed me and bring me home."
"How can we ever thank you." Adam held out his hand and smiled at the old man; grateful that he'd taken the time to care for a stranger.
"No thanks, needed," Jim answered as he took the offered hand but kept his eye on Mariah; who had remained frozen in her steps, "I'm just glad I was able to help. I best get going." he went started to lift the reigns.
Little Jacob stopped him, "But we have not eaten since noon. Surely your not going to let him start back on an empty stomach, pa?" He couldn't imagine that one; his pa and the rest of the family had too big of hearts to do that one.
Adam shook his head, "I never had any such intentions. You're more than welcome to join us for supper."
For the first time Adam and the others realized the old man was looking only at Mariah. They turned their eyes towards her. They were shocked to see the coldness her eyes held. They didn't know what to think; Mariah had always welcomed others with open arms and a warm smile. "Dear?" Ben asked not knowing what to think.
"There's food enough to spare." She turned around sharply and went back inside. For once she was grateful she'd changed her mind and actually wore a dress that day. If she'd had her other attire on she'd have had her gun with her and probably have had to fight herself to keep from pulling it out of its holster!
It was Jim who broke the silence; after Adam and Little Jacob had disappeared into the house, "Sir, I have some food in my saddlebags I can cook on..." he never finished his sentence as things went out of focus and he found himself falling.
Scene Seven
"What is going on, Mariah!" Ben demanded as he stood by the fireplace. She was sitting defiantly on the couch. The fact that she was unhappy about the help they were giving the old man shown as clear as the windows after the sun sent its rays upon them. He'd never seen his wife act this way, "Why are you acting this way?" He'd been appalled when she'd stated that Little Joe was wasting his time in going for a doctor and just to send the man on his way.
"You watch and see. The doctor is not going to find anything wrong with him!" Mariah shot back; all the hate and anger she had towards 'that man' was spilling out in the sound of her voice, "he is nothing but a no good con artist! I do not doubt he helped Little Jacob but believe me when I say he has to have an alternative motive!" He always had one.
"Why not start at the beginning so I am not so lost. How do you know our guest?" Ben walked and joined his wife on the couch.
Mariah floored him with her next words, "His name is Michael James Thompson; he is my great uncle. I have never heard him called Jim in my life. It is Michael or Mike. He is famous for his gambling and con tricks. I thought I got rid of him twenty years ago after he swindled my first husband out of the land he'd inherited from his aunt. Ben, a small part of that land is connected to the Ponderosa. I would not listen to a word he has to say."
Ben stiffened. Had the old man known who Little Jacob was all along? Had he indeed used the boy to try to 'get in the door' per say. Wrapping his arm around Mariah, he said, "If the doctor finds nothing wrong we will send him on his way. If he does...we take care of him but do not take his word for anything. Fair enough?" He couldn't see turning a sick old man out; no matter what kind of person he'd been in his life.
"Just do not expect more help than I absolutely have to." Mariah did not like the feelings she had towards the man only she couldn't seem to let them go either.
O0o
"Pa," Little Jacob walked up to where Adam sat on the porch, "The extra chores are done and I really am sorry for everything." He'd be having extra chores for a solid week. While Adam had not hidden the fact that he was overjoyed at having his son back; he let it be know there would be consequences for a wrong choice made.
"I know," Adam lifted the child up on his lap and let Little Jacob rest his head against his shoulder, "From now on just remember we do have trips you are allowed to go on. You do not need to go making your own yet."
"I know, pa," Little Jacob pulled away from his father, "Why does Grandma Mariah not like Mr. Jim. He is a nice old man."
Adam shrugged his shoulders, "My guess is they know each other from the past and something has happened to cause a drift between them. Anyway, the doctor is with him right now so let's not worry about it. Whatever the problem is I am sure your grandpa and grandma will take care of it."
"Yes, pa." Little Jacob laid his head against his father's shoulder once more, this time to enjoy listening to him sing.
On the green banks of Shannon what Shelah was nigh No blithe Irish lad was so happy as I. No harp like my own could so cheerfully play And where ever I went was my poor dog Tray, Was my poor dog Tray, was my poor dog Tray, And where ever I went was my poor Dog Tray