The Biggest Fireplace In All Of Nevada
Summary: It is Alexandra's second Christmas with her father, Adam Cartwright. Feeling excited and anxious about Christmas. Alexandra finds a way to help Santa deliver some special friends their Christmas wishes. A Reminder; Adam has met Marty at his father's birthday party. ( I Swallowed The Green Dress Chapter4 Watch Me Pull A Rabbit Outta Ma Hat) Alexandra hasn't met Lajocci.
A.N. Sorry for this being so late. I had it almost done when something important came up and I had to prioritize.
Chapter 3
Christmas Eve
A Child Goes Missing
There were very few families left in the street, most headed home before the heavier snow started to fall. Hoss and Clem had waved a hearty Merry Christmas and good bye, before heading back to the Ponderosa with a sleigh full of gifts that would be stored in the barn overnight and delivered before dawn to the stockings that hung over the fireplace - though some would have to remain in the barn. While all gifts could come down the large fireplace there were a few that would be far too big for the children's stockings. This included a lovely little short haired Münsterländer hound that the Swede had given to Hoss just before he and Clem left. Hoss would find a nice cozy corner for the pup, until Patrick arrived for the picnic after Christmas services in the morning.
Ben, Hop Sing and Alexandra would take the buggy home while Joe and Adam rode their horses. Adam had installed two large lanterns to the top of the Cartwright's buggy. It offered good lighting on a not too dark light. So, Josh and his parents would drive their wagon behind - staying close until the fork in the road that separated the two properties.
Just as they were about to leave the group heard someone yelling their names. The wagons pulled up. They found Miss Evelyn running towards them.
"Josh, Josh wait," she cried frantically.
"Hey, Miss Evelyn. What's wrong?"
Evelyn brushed the hair out her face, and took breadth. "Have you seen Harrison. Emma rounded up all the children, but we can't find Harrison," She babbled frantically.
"No Ma'am. I haven't seen him since the Carols. He didn't go back to the big house did he?"
"No he didn't. When we found him missing, we thought he might have, but he isn't there. I've left Emma in charge, hoping he may have found you. I'm so worried, he knows better than to go off by himself. He had been playing happily with the other children after he'd seen Santa."
Josh hopped down from the wagon, as did his father and Ben from theirs. Adam and Joe dismounted from Cochise and Sport.
"Don't worry, Miss Evelyn, he can't have gone far. We'll help you look," said Joe.
Evelyn tried to calm herself. "You're right he can't have gone far, but if he's gone somewhere and curled up and gone to sleep… well its getting cold, he'll…l he'll …"
"We will find him. Come with me, Joe, we'll see if we can find anything over where the children were playing," said Adam.
"I'll look behind the store," said Michael Reed.
"I'll join you," added Ben.
"Hop Sing take Alexandra home," suggested Adam, before leaving with Joe
"No, Dad. Me and Josh, we can look over at the school," offered Alexandra. He likes the big swing maybe, he went there."
Carolyn Reed Jumped down and hitched the team to a rail. "Come on Evelyn, why don't you and I go over to the church. I bet that little one has gone there. Santa's post box is still there."
"Okay everyone, meet back here in five minutes," ordered Adam.
They were all back in five minutes with more searchers, but no Harrison. Sheriff Coffee, Pastor Dave, Dan DeQuille as well as Doc Martin all arrived to help with the search.
"We found lots of prints, so it's hard to tell which are his," said Adam.
"I found this old sock by the Christmas tree," said Joe, holding up a tattered stripped sock.
"Hey that's just like your old sock, Josh, the one your ma gave me," said Alexandra.
"It's Harrison's stocking sock," said Evelyn. "Well it's his mothers, actually."
"Yes; that's the sock he showed me the other day. He wanted to hang it out at the fireplace", said Pastor Dave.
"Oh No," said Josh. He turned to Alexandra. "See he doesn't understand, Alexandra. "He wants his mother back. He wants Santa to bring his mother for Christmas."
"Oh that poor little boy," said Carolyn Reed. "You don't think he's trying to walk out to the Ponderosa, do you?"
"We'll find him; he can't have gotten too far," said Roy.
Hop Sing you take Alexandra, Josh and Mrs. Reed back to the Ponderosa, keep your eye out for the boy. Tell Hoss to meet us on the road as soon as he can," ordered Adam.
"I'm going with you to Pa," stressed Josh. "If he's scared, he'll come to me. He might run if he sees all of you grown-ups."
"Okay, son; we'll double up," nodded Michael.
"I wannna' come with you too, daad," whined Alex.
"No Alexandra, it's too cold. Besides, Hop Sing and Mrs. Reed will need you help at home."
Alexandra tried to respond, but Adam quickly put up his hand, "We don't have time to argue, young lady," he said in a firm tone.
Alexandra got the message. "Okay dad - I guess the more eyes we have on the road looking for Harrison James the better; Hop Sing's gotta' concentrate on the driving."
"Good girl," smiled Adam, realizing Alexandra was more worried about the little boy than the thought of missing an adventure.
Once Josh had hopped down from the buggy, Hop Sing flicked the reigns, clicking the horse into motion, and headed off down C Street and towards home.
Meanwhile, Roy had turned to the remaining group. "I can't' get any more deputies tonight folks, though I reckon we got us a good search party here. Joe you head over to the Swede's. Tell him what's going on and we need his best hound. Take the boy's stocking. Ben, you, Michael Reed and I need ta get horses. We'll meet up with you Adam to follow the tracks as best we can from where Joe found the sock."
"Fine Roy. Miss Evelyn you best get back to the other children," suggested Ben. "They'll find him. Paul can you go with Evelyn?"
"I'm best going with you," considered Paul. "With this cold front coming, he may need my help as soon as we find him."
"I can go with Evelyn," said a young woman from the crowd. "I'm Martha Strawn, Mrs. Willburn's niece. I'm a nurse."
Adam remembered the pretty Australian nurse that had attended his father's birthday party some months before. He had wanted to get to know the pretty young woman more, but that night - like this one had turned into quite a drama. "Thank you, Miss Strawn."
"Yes; Good. If he's found close by or returns home Martha knows what to do," said Paul assuring Evelyn.
"As soon as we find him, Evelyn we will send word," assured Adam.
Michael, Ben and Roy returned with mounts for themselves and Paul Martin. Joe returned with the Swede and one hound dog. The dog sniffed around at the tree and then went back and forth between it and the sock, the Swede held in his hand. Adam looked around the big tree finding the tracks to where Hoss had parked the sled. The hound joined him a second later, barking at the ground where the sled had been. There the dog also sniffed a several small footprints. Clem's oldest boy had been left in charge of the sled earlier on in the night, keeping the younger children away as the adults had loaded up the gifts. The Swede's hound concentrated on a set of smaller prints that appeared not trek back away as many of the others had.
"I think our little runaway has hitched a ride in Santa's sled," said Adam. "I can't be sure, though."
"Let's hope so," said Paul, "at least he'll have some protection against the elements."
"It's our best bet. Hoss was dropping off Clem before heading back, they may have already discovered him."
"Mount up," called Roy as the Swede's hound took off following the sleigh's tracks.
~oOo~
Harrison James had indeed hitched a ride in what he believed to be Santa's sleigh. He had found himself a nice cozy spot in the back nestled amongst some heavy laden sacs and toys – unrecognizable in the dark space. At first Harrison was hoping to hitch a ride back to the Ponderosa- any ride. With several of the wagons heading out of town and to the Ponderosa; well he presumed that's where everyone went. There he could hang up his mother's stocking. The four-year-old believed that would help the magic Santa needed in order to recognize his mother in heaven. But then, actually finding Santa's sleigh was an even bigger bonus. He knew Santa was going to the Ponderosa sometime tonight, but even better, was that the sleigh would return to the North Pole, where perhaps, he personally could show Santa his mother's stocking. Santa had a strong connection to God. Pastor Dave told him so. If his mother couldn't come back to him, again like pastor Dave had suggested, maybe he could go see her. Surely Santa could take him to the angels - one of them was Harrison's mother.
The little boy panicked when the sleighs canvas had been thrown back, fearing he was going to be found before the sleigh had even left town. He sunk back into the crook and shadows of the sleighs back seat and waited quietly. But Instead of being discovered, a fury bundle was tucked safely in a box between the sacs.
Within minutes the sleigh started to move. The ride was a little bumpy at first. There had been only a light falling of snow that day, but enough for the sleigh to glide. It wasn't until they were halfway out of town when the heavier snows started. Hoss pulled up the sleigh and Clem quickly jumped out.
"You best get moving Hoss, this snows going to get heavier soon enough. The weight of that load might slow you down some," yelled Clem.
"We'll, be right Clem, but I am sure hankering ta get home, afore it gets too cold," shouted Hoss. With that, Hoss flicked the reigns and the horses trotted off. The sleigh glided a little more fluently this time, with the many ruts in the road now slowly filling with a fresh powdery snow.
Harrison heard the puppy whimper and crawled over to the space and opened the box. The puppy was there, looking decidedly worried. Harrison patted him making small cooing noises, before wrapping the puppy in a blanket that lined the box. He patted the puppy again until its eyes started dropping and it appeared it was sleeping. Harrison then tucked himself in closer to the sacs behind the box. He wrapped himself in his coat. It was enough to keep him warm and, so sleep too came to him - long before Hoss pulled into the Ponderosa yard just before ten o'clock.
Hoss led the sleigh and horses straight into the open barn. It was snowing heavily now, and he hoped his father would be along soon- before the road got too heavy and too deep for the wagon wheels. For the time being, his priority was to get the horse unhitched, brushed and settled down for the night. As soon as he had done that, he went to the sleigh. He was going to have to leave the gifts there until his family returned home with Alexandra and when she was asleep. Then, he and Joe and Adam would move all the gifts. He checked on the puppy. It was asleep, "cozy as a bug in a rug," he mumbled to himself. 'Best I've leave you there yougin,' he said. 'You'll have quite an adventure tomorrow." He then placed a small bowl of water, in the corner of the box in case the infant canine woke and was thirsty before he and Joe returned later that night. Under the shadow of the canvas, Hoss did not see the small bundle behind the sacs. He quickly secured the barn doors and headed for the house; intending to light the fire and warm the house for the return of the family.
Harrison woke a little time later, and scrubbed at his eyes. It was near completely dark in the sleigh, with only a few grey outlines glowing against the canvas' opening. He felt around, for the edge and started to climb over, but before he could, he was suddenly pulled back with a slight tug at his coat tail. He turned and found himself being licked ferociously by the sloppy and happy tongue of the puppy. "Hey there puppy? Do ya reckon where here?" he asked "I hope I didn't fall asleep past Christmas." He climbed the side of the sleigh and jumped down. The puppy followed, landing at his feet.
The barn was full of shadows, but no detail. Harrison could see the outline of shapes in the stalls. Letting his imagination run way with him, he wondered if he had slept all the way and had ended up at the North Pole instead of the Ponderosa. He needed to get out of the barn. He felt his way around coming to what he imagined were the large doors of the barn. But, he couldn't budge them, or find anyway to open them. The puppy pulled at his coat tail, so he followed him towards another wall. Here, the puppy scratched and dug away at the wall. There was a loose board there and Harrison could pull it sideways. The puppy shot through it, yapping as it bounced through the opening and into the cold air. Harrison followed, worried that the puppy was hurt. But, the puppy wasn't- he was a little way in front of Harrison, peeing at the base of a huge pine tree.
Harrison looked around. The entire area was covered in snow. The rocks, the hillsides, and the trees. He could see for yards; white shapes illuminated by the full moon. Harrison was now convinced that he had slept in Santa's sleigh all the way to the North Pole. Now all he had to do was find Santa.
~oOo~
Meanwhile Roy coffee and his search party had arrived at Clem's homestead. The hound sniffed around where Hoss's sleigh tracks were still slightly visible.
"Hoss left here a little under an hour ago. He should be home by now," said Clem.
"You didn't notice anything extra in the sleigh did you, Clem; one of the orphans is missing. We're pretty sure he stowed away in there."
"Nope, didn't really look in the back, though; snows started coming in heavier then. Hoss got moving as soon as I jumped out."
Adam called the others over who had taken cover under Clem's row of trees - all except the Swede and his hound. "Roy, you and the Swede should head back. Hoss should be home by now. If the boy is there Hoss will have either found him or he's still hiding in the sleigh."
"Ja, I am pretty shure he vill be there, Mr. Cartwright; my hound is da best in these parts. He has not deviated from da sleigh tracks," agreed the Swede.
"Okay Adam, me and swede will head back. I'll go straight to Miss Evelyn and tell her what we think is going on. But, that little gal is going to be worried sick all night, until he's found."
"As soon as we find him, Roy we'll send word."
"You won't be sending anybody out in this tonight, Adam" said Roy, "and you best be going before it gets much worse."
"We'll find some way to let you know, Roy. Now you better be going too. Everybody else head back to the Ponderosa. Pa, take the east road it's faster," suggested Adam.
"Alright, Adam. Follow me everybody - stay close; this snows coming heavier again," yelled Ben before turning his horse towards the Ponderosa.
Adam started to mount up, but before he could turn Sport, Clem grabbed him. "Adam, I didn't want ta worry ya none, but Hoss did put a puppy in the sleigh."
"Yes it's for one of the orphans," said Adam.
"I know that, Adam, but then it come from one of the Swedes pups. Ya see… Well…I'm jist hopin' his hound ain't sniffin' that pup instead of the boys' scent."
Adam worried his lip. "I hope not, but we can't do any more than hope. There was no sign of him in town. If he was on foot, surely he would have stuck to the roads and someone would have seen him. We can't search anywhere else tonight; it's too dangerous."
"True, Adam. Maybe some of the other folks found him and his bed down somewhere safe until they can get him home tomorrow," suggested Clem.
"Like I said, Clem; all we can do is hope."
"And pray, Adam. The almighty's listenin', Adam."
Adam nodded and turned sport and headed in the direction the rest of their search party took.
~oOo~
Hoss was busy in the kitchen banking the stove ready for some hot chocolate, when he heard the buggy pull into the yard. Still dressed in his Santa suit, minus the beard, he headed out the back door to greet the family and help with the horses. He was surprised to see Hop Sing driving with no sign of his father and brothers.
"Hey there Hop Sing, Pa far behind you?" asked Hoss.
"No Mr. Hoss. Trouble in town…"
"What's happened?" Hoss asked in alarm. Checking the buggy he found Alexandra asleep with her head on Mrs. Reed's lap.
"No one hurt, Mr. Hoss, but little boy from orphanage missing. Honorable father and brothers look for child."
"Yes Mr. Cartwright. You brother wants you to meet him at the crossroads as soon as you can. They need your help tracking." Carolyn shifted Alexandra and made to disembark from the carriage. As she did so Alexandra woke up.
"Are we home?" she asked.
"Yes sweetheart, come on why don't we get you up to bed."
"What about Harrison, did we find him?"
"No we didn't see him on the road, Alexandra."
"Thanks Miss Carolyn," said Hoss. "I've left some hot chocolate on the stove. Hop Sing why don't you help Miss Carolyn. I'll put the horses away and saddle Chubb and get going. This snow storm ain't goin' ta help none, though; the little fella's tracks will be well covered by now, especially iffin he left the road."
"I do horses, Mr. Hoss, you go; go now while can still see road good."
"Okay Hop Sing, but you'll need help, come on. "
"I want to help too, Uncle Hoss," said Alexandra as she jumped from the carriage and started running towards the barn.
Hop Sing gripped the reigns of the buggy. "No pumpkin," said Hoss quickly grabbing her. "You go and show Miss Carolyn where the hot chocolate is and help get her settled. The fires going in the big room; you wait there for Hop Sing."
"You haven't got the fire too big Uncle Hoss, cause Santa's coming."
"I know that sweetheart, but right now it's more important we find Harrison and he's going to need a warm room."
"Oh, sorry Uncle Hoss. Yes, I'll keep the home fires burnin," announced Alexandra.
"Good girl, but don't you go touchin' the fire; let Hop Sing or Miss Carolyn do it. Now, I gots to hurry."
Hoss lead Alexandra and Carolyn Reed in through the big door before reaching for his hat and gun belt from the credenza. He then raced towards the barn. Once inside he quickly helped Hop Sing unhitch the horses, and put the carriage away.
"We'll have to move that when I get back. We'll need the sleigh in the morning. He grabbed Chubb's tack and saddle and started to gear the big bay up. Before mounting up, he suddenly remembered the little puppy. "Oh Hop Sing," he called as the man was about to leave the barn. "I need ya ta do something for me, though you might have to wait until Alexandra's asleep." Hoss moved over to the sleigh and reached for the box that was to have the pup. "I got this here little pup, for Patrick. I suspect it might be a bit too cold out here tonight, so iffin you wouldn't mind taking him inta the house by the stove for the night. I reckon… DANG! - He's gone. The puppy's gone."
Both men started searching the sleigh then the barn. Hop Sing lit extra lanterns and then carried one as he searched the stalls, hoping he would find the pup curled up next to a pile of warm straw. Then he worried he might find him not so safe, as puppies rummaging around in the dark under horses' hooves, could wind up in real strife. Still he kept looking. As did Hoss.
After calling for the pup, Hoss returned to the sleigh and found the disturbed dirt of where not only the pup had jumped down but the small footprints of a child. Here look at this, Hop Sing. That little fella… I done think we mighta found him. Look there - prints. Why that little tyke musta' snuck inta the sled."
"This is good, said Hop Sing, but bad…"
"Huh," asked Hoss.
"Well little boy and puppy both not here. But, were here not too long ago. We need to find them."
"They's couldn't got out of the barn…" surmised Hoss.
"No barn door very hard closed before Hop Sing bring in carriage," assured Hop Sing.
"Well they got to be here somewhere." Hoss followed the scrawling prints holding his lantern up high. He finally came to the back wall of the barn. There he found the loose board and a piece of material - likely from Harrison's woolen brown coat. "Here, here… They's climbed through here, Hop Sing. Come on we can track them from the back of the barn."
Both Hoss and Hop Sing ran with their lanterns through the large barn doors, then climbed through the corral fences and found themselves behind the barn, following the plinth board to where the loose board had been. But, there was no sign of either the boy or the dog; just the fresh tracks, of a little dog and a small boy heading through the snow and into the trees.
~oOo~
Harrison had followed the puppy; awed by the white that surrounded him. He tried to catch the puppy as it steamed ahead, curiously sniffing at the fauna, and a lone squirrel that had dared to come out and collect a lone nut laying nearby. It chased the squirrel, who in a fit of panicked ran for the nearest tree, then stopped and threw the nut square at the canine, before scrambling up the large tree trunk to safety. Harrison caught the pup as it whimpered from a sharp hit to its nose. He sat down against the tree stump and held the pup firmly in his grasp.
"Wait, puppy, wait. We gotta find Santa. Here..." said Harrison. "I gotta show him ma momma's stocking so that he knows which angel she is," he said as he scrambled in his pocket to looking for his cherished stocking. But, his pocket was empty. Harrison yelled in shock. "Nooo… I done lost it. I done lost it. Now, no one can find my momma." The little boy laid his head down on the only patch of dirt under that tree and cried and cried.
The little pup whimpered as he tried to escape from Harrison lap. He squeezed his way out and started licking the boy's tears, but they never stopped and soon the child was asleep. So, the puppy just lay beside the warmth of the child and his brown woolen coat; each keeping the other warm.
While he slept, Harrison dreamt of his mother as an angel. Hey my baby boy, she whispered. Harrison couldn't see her. He only saw white; everything was white, except for the light pink breath of a whisper on the air. I'm watching you baby, you need to wake up.
'I wanna be with you, momma, can't I stay. I'm tired now and cold. I wanna be with you. Can't you find me; I'm here.'
The pink whisper got closer and bigger and wrapped itself around Harrison. 'You can't be with me baby; not yet. Not now. I can't look after you here; I can only look after you FROM HERE.'
'I don't understand momma. Please come home; take me back home then.'
'No baby, I can't look after you there, I couldn't look after you there. It's better that I stay here. I can look after you from here. I asked Him and He said I can look after you from here.'
'But that's not the same, momma.'
'No baby, it's not. There is someone special for you. There will be lots of others that will be special people in your life. You must go to them. It's what I can do, but you must wake up, baby. Go back the way you came, follow my voice.'
'Okay, momma, but I'm very tired. Can I go in the morning?'
'No baby, now… wake up.'
Suddenly the puppy woke and started yapping. It barked at the tree, wondering if the squirrel had returned to take more revenge, but it wasn't the squirrel that had aroused his consciousness; a fine pink mist floated above the sleeping child in front of him. He noticed the child wasn't as warm as he had minutes ago been. He nudged the boy, pulling again on the hem of his brown woolen coat. Still the child didn't move. Desperate, the puppy barked at the pink mist; trying to snap at it and get it away, but that didn't work. Again, he pulled at the coat, trying to wake the boy, who perhaps might have more luck with the mist. The mist moved in closer to the boy. The dog snapped at this time bearing its teeth, snapping and growling, trying to get the mist to get way from the boy. But, instead of biting the mist, the pup bit the boy; not a hard bite, but enough to make the boy jump awake and grab his shin where the fine teeth marks of the pup were.
"Owe!" cried Harrison. "Hey, pup why you would go bite me like that?" he asked.
The pup jumped in the air, again at the fine pink mist. 'Good boy whispered the mist, good boy.'
Harrison grabbed the pup and patted him. "There's no need to be a scared; that's jist my momma. Come on we gots to find Santa. He'll take us home. My momma says, I've got ta go home."
With heart, the little boy stood up with the puppy and watched the mist fade away through the trees. The puppy jumped from Harrison's arms and took off after the mist. "Good doggy! My momma said ta follow…Jist don't go so fast," cried Harrison.
Hoss heard the yapping of the pup, but couldn't quite make out the direction. He was certain they weren't too far away. He and Hop Sing followed the tracks a couple of yards away; into the set of large pines that lined the corrals and back of the barn. But, with heavy snow falls and mounds of snow and ice, sounds bounced. So, he kept his lantern high while Hop Sing kept his low and followed the fading footprints.
Harrison stopped when the mist suddenly disappeared around the trunk of a tree. He ran; scared he was going to lose, not only sight of the mist, but his surroundings as well. As he rounded the trunk he could see the mist way above his head and floating up towards the peak of the tallest tree he had ever seen. Then came a figure just feet in front of him. He looked like a big man, carrying a lantern. It shadowed his face, but he could just make out the red suit and the white fur the lined the sleeves; illuminated by the lantern. Beside the big man was a much smaller one; like an elf perhaps with his lantern held lower to the ground. "Santa!" yelled Harrison.
The pink mist oscillated before disappearing completely, leaving a whispered joyfulness on the wind, as four forms - one big, one small, one very small and a little rotund ball of fur, found themselves entangled in each other's arms in the snow.
~oOo~
Ben, Josh and Michael Reed, Doc martin and Adam came into the yard. Carolyn and Alexandra heard them and rushed out; worry etched into to their faces. Hop Sing and Hoss had gone out to the barn, over half an hour ago and had not returned. Alexandra wanted to go and look, but Carolyn insisted she stay in the warm room. She too was worried, but wanted to wait a little longer before venturing out.
Carolyn was relieved when she heard the horses. "Oh, Mr. Cartwright; thank goodness. Mr. Hoss left half an hour ago to meet up with you," declared before any of the search party could dismount.
'Yeah and Hop Sing went with him, dad," added Alexandra.
"Hop Sing went with Hoss," frowned Adam.
"Well he went to the barn ta help with the horses, and he ain't come back, Dad."
"Adam we may have missed them; we took the east road. It's getting thick out there. I'll head back along the road."
"No Pa, wait. Joe check the stables will you. "
"Sure Adam," nodded Joe. Dismounting Cochise, he led him to the open barn doors.
"Everybody else should get inside," suggested Doctor Martin, "it's far too cold out here."
Everybody dismounted except Ben.
"You too Pa, I'll go back for Hoss," assured Adam.
"But dad…" started Alexandra.
"Pa, please can you get everybody back inside, Joe and I will find Hoss. Alexandra go with Grandpa."
Before everybody had a chance to argue further, Joe returned from the barn. "They aren't there, Adam, but Chubb is all saddle up and ready to go …"
"They must have…" Before Adam could finish his sentence they heard three gunshots.
"They've found the boy," sighed Ben. "They're close by, too."
Ben and Adam started to head off in the direction they presumed the shots came from, however before they got anywhere near the yard's gates, Hop Sing and Hoss rounded the side of the big barn. Hop Sing held tight to two lanterns, as Hoss came waddling behind him. They looked a pair. Hoss was still in his Santa suit, minus his beard, but wearing his hat and gun belt. However, his stomach padding appeared to have doubled in size.
"Hey, Pa, Adam," he called as he neared. "I found the youngster," he beamed, patting his stomach where a bundle lay tightly buttoned up in his large red coat. "He's a might cold, but I think he's okay," announced Hoss.
"Quickly; get him into the house," said Paul Martin. "Ben; the spare room off the big room?" confirmed Paul as he headed for the front door.
Ben nodded as the small crowd followed behind Hoss and Doctor Martin.
Hoss unbuttoned his coat, as Carolyn Reed pulled down the covers of the spare bed. Carolyn jumped and squealed as the puppy rolled out and landed at her feet.
"That's one of the children's Christmas present," said Hoss, "Iffin it wasn't for him, I don't reckon I woulda found the little tyke so easily."
"I'd say, he also kept the child warm," deduced Paul martin. "How long do you think he was out there, Hoss?"
"Not sure, Paul, exactly, but I'd only been home a half hour or so. Time enough to get the big fire going and the stove."
"Not too long then," said a relieved Paul. "He's wet and his legs are cold. Carlyon let's get him out of these wet clothes."
The pup jumped around yapping, as they stripped Harrison. The child stirred, "Santa found me; he bought me home," mumbled Harrison groggily before falling back into a light slumber.
"He thinks I'm Santa," whispered and chuckled Hoss. "Told me; he saw his momma too, and that she was angel. Told me; he knew that I couldn't bring his momma for Christmas."
Carolyn sniffed, rubbing a tear that had welled in her eye. "What a special little boy," she said softly, then continued to peel Harrison's wet clothes off him.
The pup interrupted again, trying to jump up on the bed to get to his friend. "You need to get this puppy out of here", said Paul. "He's bitten the boy already."
"It ain't too bad, Paul. I reckon the little critter was jist trying to get boy awake. He's been very sleepy."
"Yes, well you may be right, Hoss," said Paul examining the bite wound more carefully. "It hasn't broken the skin. Still we need to get it cleaned, and the boy warmed up."
"I'll take the dog out dry him off by the fire," offered Hoss.
Hoss passed Hop Sing as he arrived with a bed warmer and a small night shirt he'd aired by the stove. He handed the shirt to Carolyn. "Little boy wear this; it nice and warm," he explained before putting the bed warmer under the covers at the end of the bed.
"Well done, Hop Sing. Could you also get some of your salve for the bite there?" asked Paul pointing to Harrison's calf.
"Yes, Doctor Martin straight away," bowed Hop Sing, before quickly leaving the room.
"He's very sleepy, Paul," said Carolyn, "Do you think the cold has affected him?"
"No, not too much; there's no frost bite that I can see, but he is cold. Children's bodies have an uncanny way of knowing what it should do to heal and stay alive. His body temperature dropped and his metabolism slowed down; that's why people want to sleep when they are cold. But, he'll warm up very soon. I'd say he is tired basically because he's had a long day, a long walk and it's also very late."
As if on cue, once Harrison was in his nightshirt and the blankets tucked in around him, he rolled over on to his side, stuck his thumb in his mouth and went back to sleep. Carolyn smiled up at Doctor Martin. "Can I stay with him, Doctor?" she asked.
"Yes, that would be a good idea. Keep him warm. When Hop Sing brings back the salve apply a little to his leg. Can you bandage?"
"Yes I can manage that."
"Good. I' don't think he'll wake; the little ones tuckered all out and I need a hot coffee; what about you?" Laughed Doc Martin.
"Love one," smiled Carolyn. Not looking up she stroked Harrison's short black curls.
"Very well. I'll send Michael in with a tray. Let me know if you're worried. I'm just in the big room," he said as he exited the room passing Hop Sing with bandages and the salve.
~oOo~
Adam and Joe walked into the big room. They had stabled all the horses for the night. Both were exhausted, but knew their night was not over yet. The Christmas stockings needed to be filled, ready for the morning. But, none of that could be done until Alexandra was a sleep. Ben had sent her upstairs to bed after Paul had announced that Harrison's was going to be fine after a good night's rest. The little boy was warm and comfortable. They would have to keep him inside for the next couple of days at least as a precaution against a cold or at worst pneumonia. At that comment, Josh had become particularly anxious. Paul assured him that child showed no signs of either a cold or pneumonia. And, most likely would not develop anything more than a sniffle for his ordeal. The child had been very healthy prior to his adventure; however, precaution was always a wise move. After hearing that, Josh and his father happily went to visit Harrison, taking a tray of food and beverages to Carolyn. The three would eat and watch Harrison together.
Adam and Joe removed their hats and coats and retreated for some well-deserved respite to their favorite chairs. Ben handed them both a warm drink from the pot on the table now sitting in front of Paul Martin.
"Is Alexandra asleep?" asked Adam.
"I doubt it," said Ben. "I've shuffled people around a little tonight Adam. Nobody's going anywhere in all this snow. At least the storm has passed. Alexandra is in your bed, waiting for a bed time story. Paul, you best take her room. The Reeds can stay in the spare room with Harrison. Hoss is organizing a pallet for the floor, once he gets the puppy settled in the barn."
"Hey we need to let Miss Evelyn know we've found Harrison," remembered Joe.
"I'm afraid that's not going to possible, Joe. It's far too dangerous for anyone to attempt going back to town. The storm should be over by morning. We can tell them all when we head for services. Adam you're taking the sleigh to bring all the children here."
"That poor girl is going to be beside herself with worry," said Paul. "She takes her responsibilities very seriously. She will be blaming herself for all this."
"Chubb and I could make it back, Pa. I'll stay in town," said Hoss coming in from the kitchen.
"No Hoss, maybe a little later when the snow's cleared, but not now," said Ben firmly.
"Pa, the skies clearing up over ta the west. It should be clear here soon enough."
"Maybe, Hoss - in an hour or too, but it's still very cold and too dark."
"Dang it, we gotta let her know somehow."
"Why don't we shoot a star in the sky like on the first Christmas," said Alexandra from the stairs.
"Hey, little miss, you're supposed to be asleep," scolded Adam.
"Yeah pumpkin, Santa won't come iffin you're still awake."
Alexandra made her way down the stairs and maneuvered herself up onto her father's knee, "But, dad last year grandpa read Twas the Night before Christmas story on Christmas eve afore we went ta bed."
"Awww," groaned Joe, "It's almost midnight, Alexandra, we'll read it in the morning."
"Ya can't read that one in the morning its twis supposed ta be read the night afore the morning. It's a good story Uncle Little Joe. Remember… Twas the night afore Christmas and all through the house, everyone was asleep even a pet mouse. Though I ain't allowed ta have a mouse in the house, I ain't even allowed ta ma pet rabbit, little George," added Alexandra. "I should be allowed ta have him in the house on Christmas Eve though, cause I got him for a Christmas present last Christmas. And I'm pretty sure he' be asleep long afore Old Saint Nick come along."
"The mouse in the poem wasn't a pet mouse, Pumpkin, it was a varmint," said Hoss.
"Yes probably eating all Hop Sings flour and make no good; bad mouse," growled Hop Sing.
"Hmm…Maybe Old Saint Nick shoulda brung them a cat. Ya let a good mouser sleep in the house wouldn't ya, dad? Asked Alexandra.
"Yes, sometimes; but only in the kitchen, Alexandra."
Alexandra frowned. "You wanna hear the rest of the story," asked Alexandra, "Or maybe I could narrate the Jesus's birth story and how the shepherds and the kings even though they were far away, they's all saw the star in the sky. They seen it shoot way up and they knew something special must had made it so. They's knew it was good news. The angels come then and told them ta follow. Everyone was happy cause they bought presents of mirth and Franklyn's cents. Cents is like money; pennies. I guess that why ya put pennies in Christmas pudding. Mirth is another word for joyfulness, ya know."
"It was myrrh and frankincense," said Adam, "They are special herbs."
Ben laughed, then reached for Alex when she frowned at her mistake. "Still, darling they did bring happiness with them and to the world," he added, pulling Alexandra from Adams lap to his.
Joe, jumped up. "Hey say that again, Alexandra."
"Say what, mirth?"
"No, about shooting the star and Miss Evelyn."
"Well, Iffin we had a star we could throw way up in the sky and let thems that watching and waiting know that Harrison's safe."
"Hop Sing!" Shouted Joe. "You know what we need…"
Hop Sings eyes went wide, and the little man jumped and ran to the kitchen ranting Chinese. "Joe ánghǎo siǎng yǎnxià hé yú zhǎo hezi bǎo yǐn yú shǎo xiǎojie bǎoxiǎn better gāi bànfǎ…" They could all hear him continue his bluster as he rummaged in the kitchen.
"Is he cussin' dad?" Asked Alexandra, never sure when it came to Hop Sing's animated use of his native language.
"No Alexandra, he's saying something about a box he was hiding from you."
"And Mr. Little Joe too," added Hop Sing, when he returned minutes later from the kitchen with a box labeled in Chinese characters.
"Oh now, Hop Sing that's not fair. I knew you bought them for Chinese New Year, and I haven't touched them."
"You not know where I hide them that's why," chortled Hop Sing.
Joe laughed smugly back. "How did you think I knew you bought them."
"Hop Sing know you spy on me; so found new hiding place when Little Joe go to sleep," said Hop Sing having the last laugh as he placed the box on the table.
Hoss clapped his hands together. "Why Ding Dong the merry 'O'" said Hoss. "Hey Adam, we might be able to send one of these up in the sky towards Virginia City. If it gets up high enough and its clear above, Roy and Miss Evelyn might jist see it?"
"It's worth a try, Adam," added Joe.
Alexandra jumped down from her grandfather's lap and walked over to her father. She clasped his face in her hands. "Hey Dad, it will be just like the star over Bethlehem," she exclaimed wide eyed.
"You're a clever kid, Alexandra, you gave me the idea," said Joe.
Adam spontaneously lifted Alex into the air before planting her feet on the floor in front of him. "Well come on then rug up everyone, we'll have to try this on the hill back of the house. Alexandra why don't you go get Josh, I'm sure he'll want to see this. Of course there's no way of knowing whether Roy and Miss Evelyn will see it."
"That don't matter, Dad, we can only hope and have faith, sorta like a prayer."
"Yeah and iffin they do see it, they'll know its good news," said Hoss, his kind expression and beaming smile of joy filing up his entire face.
"Corse they will; fireworks all good news," said Hop Sing. "These two dragon rockets; go high in sky. Bring torch to light dragon tail," he explained further.
~oOo~
Alexandra could hear happy chatter and a few quiet chuckles as she stood at the guest room door. She knocked before entering. "Hey Josh, get ya coat, we're gonna set off a firework into the sky to let Miss Evelyn know Harrison has been found."
"Really!" yelled Josh.
"Shhh," scolded Carolyn, "you'll wake Harrison."
"Can I go, Ma?" whispered Josh.
"Its jist up the hill Mrs. Reed, ya can still see the house from here. Sides, we gotta work real fast, cause Santa's coming soon and we've all got ta get be asleep afore he comes, otherwise he won't bring us presents, and it would sure be a waste cause we done gone to a lot of trouble to have him come here to The Biggest Fireplace In All Of Nevada, even iffin he can't bring ya what ya want exactly, he still brings ya presents; and that's jist as special in a way."
Mr. Reed laughed. "Don't you worry none, Alexandra, Santa will come. This Christmas will be special for lots of children," he smiled at Carolyn and winked at Josh. "Go on, Josh; go with Alexandra. We're staying here the night. It might be a bit rough of the floor, and not quite the same as being in our own hose for Christmas morning, but will be here all of us; together. "
Josh, smiled and ran over and gave his mother a kiss. "Love you Ma." He grabbed his coat and a woolen hat and mittens and put them on. "I'll stay warm, I promise," he said as he went out the door.
~oOo~
There were not many who would be able to make sense of a band of hikers, rugged up in heavy coats and hats, led by a slight figure caring a flaming torch, make their way to the small hill, except perhaps for the ethereal beings; who held such delight and the patience of eternity. Behind the group was the warm glow from the windows of a home. All were waiting for the dawn of Christmas and the joy it would bring.
Miles away, standing with Roy and Marty on the back porch of the orphanage, all rugged up with hot chocolates in their hands, Evelyn looked to the sky; now clear and crisp as midnight came near. She tried to stay positive; imagining a scene taking place miles away. A scene where Harrison was safe and sound, surrounded by people who cared so much about all God children.
'Thank you for staying with me Sherriff, I won't be able to sleep a wink for worry. You too Martha," declared Evelyn.
"Please, my friends call me Marty."
Evelyn milled. "The children and I have made good friends here, Marty. I'm moved to count you among them. "
"No, it's I that should be thanking you. We should all get some sleep, though," suggested Marty.
"Oh I don't think I can sleep; not until I know something for sure," said Evelyn.
"Well that's something ya gonna hafta' fix then, Miss Evelyn. They'll find the boy. I'm sure of it. The Cartwright's are like family to me, and even though there a lots of times I think theys jist plumb loco crazy; they's good crazy. They won't stop till they find the boy. Iffin I was betting man; I'd say the little ones been found."
"Good Crazy!" laughed Martha. "That's what close families are. The Cartwrights seem like a very close family.
"And not so Crazy. Hoss Cartwright seems to be the kindest man I've ever met." Said Evelyn.
"Yes, they all seem magnanimous. Auntie is such a gossip, and they put up with so much. Yet they still invited her to Mr. Cartwright's birthday. Adam seems so intelligent and wise. He's doing a great Job with that little girl."
Roy laughed. "Ben is so proud of them all. Little Joe was a real handful when he was a youngin', and it seems Little Alexandra is jist as busy. But, their hearts are always in the right place."
"Very much so, I'd say," mused Marty. "It was the little girl's idea about the fireplace. A hard one too, but they all supported it and have gone out of their way to make it happen."
"Same with the search party," said Roy, "they'll find him. Nevertheless, you two need ta get some rest. Tomorrows a big day for you both. I'll stand watch here."
"Why? Tomorrow will be a big day for you too, Sheriff," suggested Evelyn.
"Not too big. I'll spend the morning at services then back at the ranch. Since my Mary has been gone. I spend Christmas at the Ponderosa. Sure am looking forward to seeing your youngin's' faces, Miss Evelyn. The Snow Picnic in the big yard should be fun too. Then I'll snooze by that big fireplace there, before coming back to town and do my rounds."
"Would you come back here for Dinner, before that?" Asked Evelyn.
"Why thank you, that would make a nice end to the day," said Roy.
"What about you Marty?" Asked Evelyn.
"Oh Auntie and I are going to services and to the snow picnic. Auntie will be all tired out after that I'd say, either from the food or the gossip," laughed Marty, "so we'll spend the night in, Evelyn. Thank you for asking."
Back on that Hill miles away, Joe let Hop Sing arrange the fireworks. "Must set them off just a right time; say oath to ancestors and spirit of the dragon before sending flames into sky to make stars," explained the Oriental.
"Can I light them, Uncle Hop Sing?" asked Alexandra.
"Best if Josh help you," said Hop Sing. "Boy make honest oath to dragon ancestors?" he asked.
"I will Hop Sing," replied Josh as he stepped forward.
"Okay everybody, stand to side behind Mistah Hoss."
"Why Hoss? Asked Joe, "We won't be able to see anything," he complained.
"Will see if look in sky!" pined Hop Sing. "Mistah Hoss best wind breaker."
"Now Hop sing, I don't know iffin that's a compliment or…"
"It fact- no take offence. Only have two dragon rockets. Rest of fireworks small. No good for making stars in sky," laughed Hop Sing.
The crowd chuckled as they did as Hop Sing asked. Alexandra and Josh walked up behind the rockets. Josh took the flame from Hop Sings out stretched hand. Hope Sing looked to the sky and chanted in Chinese. "Teng long shénqí zhèng shíkuài hángxíng áng - Dragon God make rocket sore high." Then nodded to Josh.
Josh let the torch lick the wick of the first rocket, and whispered. "Thank you for giving me my new family. I promise to look after them all for the rest of my life.
Only Hop Sing and Alexandra could hear Josh's silent oath and prayer. They smiled at each other, before Hop Sing looked once again to the sky and translated Josh's proud oath. "Teng long, xièxie gěi wú hù shǒuhòu yuēdìng tāmen tōngtōn."
The rocket wick ignited and travelled the short distance to its base, where it suddenly took to the sky. One long and high stream of light trailed it, until it appeared to clear the horizon inches just below the moon. There it detonated with and explosion of first yellow, then red and finally white starlights bunched together in a giant wheel the size of a mountain.
The small crowd cheered, before Hop Sing directed Alexandra to the next rocket for her turn. She looked at the sky, and yelled. "Thank you flying dragon for helpin' make this a good Christmas for everyone." She looked to Hop Sing, inferring that he should translate for her also.
"Not too worry, Little Miss; no need for Hop Sing to translate. Dragon hear that very loud from your heart."
Alexandra smiled as she lit her rocket and sent it flying high into the sky.
If it had been another minute, later Roy Coffee would have been the only one to see the sky explode into a series of starlights. The girls were about to head off to the large sofa in the small parlor for a rest, when Roy alerted them to the Horizon. "There, there!" he exclaimed. "It's coming from the Ponderosa fer shure. Its fireworks. Moreover, it ain't coming from Chinatown. It's definitely coming from the Ponderosa spread. Hop Sing gotta have had those fireworks. I'm surprised that Little Joe hadn't done found them. Though, the boy had a bad experience some months back, when he near set the whole town of fire, after messing with the wrong girl and trying ta hide in Chinatown. Ben banned him from playing with fireworks for the rest of his life," laughed Roy.
Both women laughed. "So do think it their way of telling us they've found Harrison?" asked Evelyn.
"I shure do," quipped Roy, just as another Star full of millions of smaller stars lit up the sky over the horizon, and miles away. "There's not a better way ta let us know that everything's alright on this fine night."
"Yes Poignant," laughed Marty, "A child was born nearly two thousand years ago, and here we are getting the same message of jubilation."
"And his family," added Roy. "We're all belong to the Almighty's family."
The trio hugged and laughed with each other for a moment longer, before heading in for a much needed rest; one that would come easily now for all of them.
Of course, it was not going to be the same for the Cartwrights and their visitors. Finally, Alexandra was more than willing to sleep for the night, but there was to be no rest yet for the Ponderosa Elves. All of the adults got involved, including Josh and except for Carolyn, who would stay with Harrison.
"Come on Josh," said Adam. "The rule in my house is that once you stop believing in the man in a red suit coming down the chimney, you have to keep the secret and be one of his elves."
"Yeah big brother made that rule up long ago," said Hoss.
Michel Reed laughed and slapped his son on the back. "Well, big brother, I suspect you'll be doing elf duty for some time now."
The Cartwrights looked at the two; guessing at what Michael was alluring too.
"You gonna take that little tyke for your own, Mr. Reed?" asked Hoss.
"Yep, Carolyn, Josh and I discussed it tonight. Now, we only need Little Harrison to want it."
"Oh I think he will," said Ben.
"Well then Josh, I think you just made head el; that's one of the most special presents any elf could give," declared Ben.
"Not just for Harrison, but us too, Mr. Cartwright. My ma's keeps tearing up. And she ain't called Harrison Benji, once neither. She talks about both of them, like they already are her boys. It's like it was meant to be."
"Yes son, all our children will stay in our hearts forever," hailed Ben.
"Boy too; he make oath to flying dragon. Make star; so it will come true," said Hop sing as he handed out warm eggnog.
Each adult, or should I say, Elf, then travelled backwards and forward to the barn, with gifts for the stockings. The fire was roaring, but banked more towards the back of the fireplace, as per Alexandra's instructions. Soon, the big room was filled with, sleds, toboggans and toy trains and doll houses, skates, rocking horses and books, surrounded by six exhausted elves, wearing nothing but their nightshirts and wooly socks; all sitting in front of The Biggest Fireplace In All Of Nevada.
~oOo~
TBC chapter 4: Epilogue
Coming soon. By the end of the week I promise. I didn't want Alex in trouble Christmas day, but hey; it was inevitable.
And another apology; My Alexandra time line may be out; just go with it.