Disclaimer: I do NOT own Bonanza nor any of the original Cartwright characters.

Only thing I can lay claim to is the characters "Mariah", "Jacob" and the old man "Jim"...along with the storyline.

For Jacob's Sake

Chapter Five

Scene Eight

"Ya what? He's what? Are ya serious?" Mariah stared at the good doctor. She couldn't believe what she was hearing.

"Ben, how long have ya known me? Twenty years or more?" Dr. Martin looked at Ben with a look that said 'Get real', "When have I lied to you?"

"Never." Ben answered.

"Do ya mind repeating yerself? Not necessarily word for word." Mariah looked towards the room her great uncle lay in having a hard time comprehending everything the doctor had said.

"I met that man 'round fifteen years ago. Up until ya called him Michael I never knew he had any other name but Jim. On more than one occasion he has helped me out and has saved countless of lives. In that time he has never taken a dime that was not his to take and paid countless debts others could not. Last time I saw him I told him to leave the travelin' to other folks. That anythin' more than a two hour trip would prob'bly kill him. His heart ain't good anymore. Though there is one thing that bothers me." Dr. Martin rubbed his chin thoughtfully.

"What is that?" Ben felt a bit on edge. If the man had changed that much since Mariah saw him last what would worry their friend?

"Due to the facts I have already stated I had a bit of a chat with him-ya know, to catch up on things. I mentioned the fact that I have been tending to that new bank teller; the one named Lane Johnson? Ben, I have never seen such fear enter into a man's eyes before. When I asked him what was wrong all he'd say was 'Does it really matter? He will only deny it and she will see to it no one believes me. They'd best keep an eye on that youngin..' Mind you, I could barely hear him he was talking that low and he fell asleep before he could tell me why Jacob would be in danger. I have no idea who he was referring to when it comes to the 'she' part," he lifted up his hand when Ben went to speak, "Ben, all I know fer sure is this- he does know somethin' 'bout that fellow that everyone should know. Maybe ya can get it out of him. I will come by tomorrow but, if you do not mind, I am not sayin' a word 'bout who yer visitor is. I know there is something 'bout him the two of you are not sayin' only...he IS a good man. I will not endanger him; especially when he has such a short time to live anyway."

Only when the good doctor had left did they notice Adam standing at the top of the stairs; concern written all over his face, "If you do not wish to talk to the man I will." He'd just gotten his son back-he wasn't about to take any threat to the lad lightly. Besides, he'd never felt comfortable around Mr. Johnson. Come to think about it Adam had seen the man looking at Jacob when he would take the lad into town with him. Why?

"I do not think it would be a bad fer ya and yer pa to be in the room; after all it was for Jacob's sake he made this trip in the first place but," Mariah stood up, "He is my relative and it seems, we need to make peace between us if we are to find anythin' out." Soon the three were inside the guest bedroom. Mariah sat on the side of the bed while Ben and Adam remained standing.

Scene Nine

"Is there anyway we can get definite proof of what that old man is telling us? I mean without giving Mr. Johnson a chance to cover anything up?" Adam was in the sheriff's office talking with Sheriff Coffee.

"I can send a few telegrams out but I can not promise he would not find out. He and Miss Thatcher seem to becoming friendly with each other."

That woman had too big of a mouth for her own good; at least Adam thought so. Slowly a smile came across his face as he remembered what the woman had said as he passed her on the way to see Roy, "She will be gone for a whole week starting this afternoon. I can work it so Little Joe takes her place; after all, he did help out there for awhile. After little brother takes over send the telegrams but make sure to say you need any answers within the week."

"Okay," Roy stood straight up, "Go get Little Joe."

0o0

"I still don't understan'," Hoss and Melinda had cover over for a visit, "Sure, it makes sense that the man is known to be a con artist and such but Little Jacob? Why would he be in danger?"

"I think I may know why," Adam spoke up as he entered the house. That morning he had found his mind going over things his late wife had told him and the description she'd given him. It had been those memories that had led him to believe the old man. "Is Jim awake? Where's Little Jacob?" He looked around the room.

"Relax," Hoss answered, " he is in visitin' the old man. Reckon those two are darn near inseparable." He grinned as he thought on how much time his nephew had been spending with Mariah's great uncle.

"Son?" Ben face shown his worry as he reached out and put his hand on Adam's shoulder.

"I will explain everything after I talk with Jim only, pa, you have not signed any papers at the bank have you? I mean, you were talking about a business deal with some lumber company this morning."

"Not yet. Mr. Lynn was going to save me a trip into town and come by tonight with the papers . Why?" As far as he knew Mr. Johnson had nothing to do with the papers or the deal.

"Maybe nothing; just, if the man gets here before I come out...do not sign anything." Adam looked on his father; a look of sincere concern shown on his face.

"All right," Ben turned up his hands, "I will wait."