The Cartwrights rescue 11-year-old Gabrielle Wickham (Diane Mountford), a blind orphan girl whom they find wandering aimlessly in the snow. Gabrielle is hoping against hope to locate her grandfather, Zachariah Wickham (John Abbott). Alas, Zachariah turns out to be a contentious hermit who hates people in general and relatives in particular. Also appearing is Kevin Hagen as Everett. Written by Anthony Lawrence, "Gabrielle" originally aired December 24, 1961, as Bonanza's Christmas present to its many fans. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi