Chapter 2
Heading Home

Back at the Ponderosa, Ben sat at his desk working the figures to purchase the next livestock for the ranch.

In walks Joe….

"News from Adam, Pa. A telegram came today".

"Thanks, Joseph. Go ahead and read it son."

...Wil and Karen Deceased. Heading Home. Bringing the children. Make 5 beds. Love Adam…

"Bringing the children? Pa, what's Adam talking about? I knew that Karen was sick. But will as well?"

"Well Joe, I know Mr. Scott contacted Adam. He was called to Boston to help when Karen became ill. That's all I've heard in six weeks."

"Six weeks, rather unusual for Adam not to send further word?"

"I agree son, I agree. Adam typically gets silent when he is contemplating something heavy."

"And they had five children? No relatives?"

"I do recall Adam telling me that Karen and Wil Scott had no extended family. They welcomed Adam into their home and treated him like family during his years in Boston. I'm afraid your brother will grieve heavily for the loss of his friends but if I was to make a guess at all this, his true burden lies in the fate of their 5 children.

"Oh' surly Adam isn't bringing the children here to stay at the Ponderosa Pa. He has more sense than that. He has probably settled on a family close by to keep eye on them. Pa?"

Ben's eyes gazed off in a distance….. "Yes, yes son. I'm sorry, I didn't hear you. Well in the meantime shall we prepare those beds?"

"Just over that hill is the Ponderosa, kids. You see those large pines? The Ranch is right pass those pines."

Adam pulled into the Ponderosa to be greeted by Joe and his father.

"Adam, so good to see you. I see that the stage coach made it in earlier than expected? We were going to meet you in Virginia City in just a few short hours."

"Not to worry Pa, I needed to barrow a larger wagon anyway."

Ben nodded, "Hello Children how was the trip?"

The children didn't answer. They looked towards Adam. "Excuse my manners, Pa."

"Kids this is my Pa. Pa, This here is John. John is 12 years old, although he looks almost as much of a man. And Kate, she's 11, and as pretty as her mama. Jack and Michael are 9-"

"Whoa, am I seeing double, "smiled Joe.

"Kids, this is Uncle Joe, I've told you stories about little Joe..."

"Now don't listen to ol' Adam and his stories before you've heard from me."

"And I'm Molly!"

"Yes, and this is Miss Molly, and Molly is not a baby, she is all of Five". Molly smiled at Adam as he lifted her up into his arms.

"Hello, children, I've heard so many wonderful stories about you. Adam shall we take them inside. You all must be starved from the journey."

"That we are Pa. Wait till these kids taste Hopsings good cooking". Adam put his arm around Ben and gave him a squeeze. "It's good to be home Pa. I didn't think I could take another day in Boston."

"Adam, I can't even imagine what you all have been going through."

"I have so much to tell you Pa. We'll get the kids settled down to bed after dinner and I will fill you in."

Adam walked in the door to see Joe teasin the twins and laughing up a storm. This was the first time Adam heard the kids laugh in weeks. Joe was just the right introduction the children needed to come home too. They hardly said a word the entire trip.

"Dinner's ready", Hopsing announced. "Eat now, play later Mr. Joe."

Everyone giggled at Hopsing for correcting Joe, including Adam.