Summary:  Trouble invades Virginia City, and with the law on their tails, they unwitting head straight for the schoolhouse.

Rating:  K+ (6,550 words)

 

Schoolhouse Siege

Hoss Cartwright jerked and he gave his brother Adam a horrified look as three shots rang out in succession outside. “What was that?” he said.

 

Adam motioned to him to be quiet as everyone in the store immediately flattened themselves against the walls or ducked down to take cover. Again, another two shots could be heard from outside.

 

“Sounds like trouble,” said Adam as he took his gun from his holster and checked it. He motioned to Hoss again and the two brothers inched their way towards the door while the other customers looked on silently.

 

Suddenly they heard yelling from outside and Bert Cummins appeared in the doorway, waving his gun frantically. “Two men just held up the bank!” he shouted. “They’re getting away!”

 

Hoss and Adam immediately leapt forward and joined the man. “Which way?” yelled Adam. Bert waved his arm up the street. “Follow me!” he shouted. “Roy Coffee hit one of em and I don’t think he’ll be going too far!”

 

The three men ran up the street towards the end of town. They saw two men in the distance riding at full pelt, scattering people before them in their haste to get away.

 

“They got no money,” panted Bert as they ran. “They hadta drop it when Roy shot one of em.” He motioned to Roy who was a head of them, also running after the men. As the men reached the outskirts of town, the sheriff suddenly dropped to his knees and aimed his rifle, firing at them.

 

As his shot rang out, one of the horses dropped and the man who was riding him fell heavily on the ground. The other man, obviously the one who’d been shot, hesitated for a moment and then whirled his horse around and rode back to help his partner up onto his own horse. However, his arm hung limply by his side and all he succeeded in doing was falling off his horse as his friend tried to pull himself up. The two of them stood helpless in the street as the horses ran away from them.

 

His arm around his hurt partner, the man who’d fallen began to run to the closest building. He jumped the small picket fence, pulling the other man after him and ignoring the startled looks of the few children who were in the yard.

 

“They’re heading for the schoolhouse!” said Adam. “Quick!”

 

The three men ran forward and caught up to Roy who had at that moment reached the small gate. They watched in horror as the two men flung open the schoolhouse door and entered the building, pulling the door behind them. Suddenly a shot range out and Roy looked at Bert, Adam and Hoss frantically. “Get these kids outta here!” he yelled. “Hurry!”

 

Adam’s eyes scanned the area and he quickly assessed the situation. “Come on Hoss!” he shouted. “You get those little ones over there. Bert, you get these kids out of here and I’ll bring the stragglers.”

 

Hoss hesitated, also looking around. “But Adam ….” He said.

 

“Move Hoss!” shouted Adam. “We’ve got to get these kids out of here!” He sprang over the fence and waved his hands at the terrified children. “Come on!” he shouted. “Follow me!”

 

Hoss ran over and picked up two of the younger children and jumped the fence with both of them in his arms. Bert and Adam herded the remaining children through the small entry, while Roy Coffee kept his eye on the small window of the schoolhouse for any movement.

 

The three men retreated with the children until they’d reached a small group of people who had begun to gather up the street. “Here,” said Hoss, thrusting the two youngsters in his arms at one of the women. “Look after them.” He glanced around frantically. “Adam!” he said.

 

Adam nodded, knowing exactly what was in his brother’s mind. “Our brother isn’t here,” he said to the crowd. “Is anyone else missing?” There were murmurs all around as people started to count the children. Adam went down on one knee in front of Billy Thompson. “Billy,” he said. “Was there anyone in the schoolhouse?”

 

Billy nodded. “Miss Jones was,” he said. “And Joe and Mitch Devlin. Miss Jones didn’t let em out for lunch cause Joe had a spit ball and he …”

 

“Never mind about that now,” interrupted Adam impatiently. “Anyone else?”

 

“Becky and Tom Brodie,” said Billy. “They was helping Miss Jones clean the blackboards.”

 

“Is that it?” Billy nodded. “You sure?” asked Adam.

 

“Yes,” said Billy, his eyes wide. “What’s gonna happen, Mr Cartwright?”

 

Adam didn’t answer, but stood up again and looked around. “You people get these kids indoors,” he said. “Hurry!”

 

“Adam!” Adam turned to see Hoss looking at him frantically. “Joe!”

 

Adam nodded again. “I know,” he said. “Get on out to the ranch and tell Pa Hoss and then go to the Devlin’s ranch and let Mr Devlin know.” He looked over at Bert. “You go to the Brodie place and get Mr Brodie in here Bert.”

 

“I’ll let Abigail Jones’ mother know,” said one of the men and Adam nodded at him before turning back to face the schoolhouse again. With his shoulders squared, he walked back towards Roy and crouched down beside the sheriff who had taken up a position behind a bush where he had a good view of the schoolhouse.

 

“Anything?” he asked. Roy shook his head, his eyes fixed on the small window. “There are five in there,” continued Adam. “Abigail Jones, Becky and Tom Brodie, Mitch Devlin and …” his voice caught for a moment. “Joe.”

 

Roy glanced over at him. “We’ll get em out Adam,” he said. “Don’t you worry, we’ll get em all out safe.” Adam nodded as he stared at the schoolhouse door.

 

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“Move!” shouted one of the men and holding his rifle up in front of the terrified children.

 

Abigail Jones motioned to them. “Over here children,” she said. “Come over and sit down here with me.”

 

“That’s it lady,” snarled the man. “You keep em quiet.”

 

Abigail put one arm around Becky and the other around Becky’s little brother Tom. “Joe! Mitch!” she said. “Come over here!”

 

Joe and Mitch stood up, eyeing off the two men as one of them bolted the door and the other smashed his rifle through the windowpane and pointed the barrel of his rifle through it. “Hey!” said Mitch angrily.

 

The man who’d bolted the door turned on them. “You were told to get into the corner with them other brats!” he said angrily. “Now get!” He lifted his hand and hit Mitch across the face, the boy staggering under the blow and falling to the floor.

 

“Leave him alone!” shouted Joe, his eyes blazing with fury. He swallowed as the man pointed his rifle at him and jabbed him in the chest.

 

“You shut up kid!” said the man threateningly. “Now get him over in that corner and keep still!”

Joe bent down and pulled Mitch towards the corner where Abigail, Becky and Tom were sitting. Mitch groaned at the movement and put his hand to his head where he’d hit it.

 

Abigail looked at the boy and pulled him towards her. “Here,” she said soothingly, taking out her handkerchief to stem the flow of blood from the cut. “Hold this on it, Mitch.”

 

Joe looked at his friend who had gone pale. “You OK Mitch?” he asked and was relieved to see the other boy nod.

 

“Just do as you’re told children and we’ll be alright,” said Abigail, putting her arms around Becky and Tom again. “I’m sure these men will let us go soon.”

 

“You be quiet over there!” one of the men shouted over his shoulder. He lowered his voice. “What do you think Jim?” He asked his partner.
“I’m not sure Frank,” said the first man. “I think there’s only two or em out there for now, but the place will be swarming with em soon.” He looked at the frightened children and Abigail over his shoulder. “I think we’re gonna need this lot before the day is over.”

 

“I reckon you’re right,” said Frank. He fingered the sleeve of his shirt where the blood was seeping through. “We gotta out of here quick though Jim. “I’m shot.”

 

“I’m not going anywhere without that money,” snarled Jim. “I reckon we got a good chance at getting it back now.” He indicated the children and Abigail over his shoulder. “They’ll give it back to get this lot back now.”

 

Frank gave his partner a nasty grin. “Good thinking,” he said. “You sure was in first place when they came ta handing out brains Jim.” He peered through the broken window. “We’ll need fresh horses too,” he said.

 

“Don’t you worry partner,” Jim assured him. “They’re gonna give us anything we want now. We’ve got five tickets to our freedom sitting right here. We’ll just wait a little bit and let those folks out there start ta worry some and then we’ll talk to em.”

 

Behind them, Abigail shuddered as she watched the men. She pulled the two children closer to her and smiled bravely at the other two young boys. Joe bit his lip and gave Mitch a worried look.

 

 

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Ben looked up and frowned as Hoss galloped into the front yard. “What on earth are you riding like that for?” he said crossly. “For heaven’s sake Hoss, you don’t ….” He stopped as he saw the look on his son’s face. “What’s wrong?” he asked breathlessly.

 

Hoss leant down as he struggled for breath. “Two … men robbed the … bank Pa,” he said. “They made it as far as the …. Schoolhouse.”

 

Ben’s heart constricted. “Joe?” he breathed.

 

Hoss nodded. “He’s in there. They’ve got him and Mitch and the two Brodie kids, plus Abigail Jones.”

 

Ben ran to his horse. “Get a fresh horse and catch me up,” he shouted over his shoulder.

 

Hoss shook his head again. “No time Pa,” he said. “Chubb is fine. I’m riding over to the Devlin ranch to get Mitch’s Pa. I’ll meet ya there.”

 

“Adam?” said Ben anxiously.

 

“He’s with Roy Coffee.” Hoss gave his father an anxious look. “Joe’s gonna be alright Pa, ain’t he?”

 

“Of course he is,” said Ben, more confidently than he felt. “Whoever these men are, they surely wouldn’t hurt children. Joe and Mitch are only twelve and the Brodie children are even younger. Don’t worry Hoss … I’m sure they’ll let them go.”

 

They’ll let them go …. They’ll let them go … The words drummed in his head over and over again as he galloped towards town. “Dear God, please make them let them go,” he murmured over and over again.

 

By the time he’d reached town, he would have known exactly where the trouble was without asking. Most of the people were gathered near the mercantile, watching the small schoolhouse silently. Roy Coffee, Adam and several other men were crouched down under the cover of some bushes, each with a rifle trained onto the small building in front of them. Without hesitating, Ben reached for his own rifle and went to join them.

 

“Anything?” he said in a low voice as he knelt next to Adam and Roy.

 

Adam shook his head. “No,” he said. “Roy has called to them several times, but they haven’t replied yet.” He looked over his father’s shoulder. “Mr Devlin?”

 

“Hoss rode to get him. He should be here soon,” replied Ben. He shot a glance at Sam Brodie, knowing exactly how he felt. The man nodded back at him, his face showing the anxiety that he felt about the fact that his two young children were also at the mercy of the robbers.

 

“I’ll go in,” volunteered Ben suddenly. “If I hold up a white …”

 

“You’ll do nothing of the kind!” snapped Roy quickly.

 

“But Roy,” said Ben. “They’re children! We can’t just …”

 

“I’m gonna try again,” interrupted Roy. “Cover me, men.”

 

The sheriff stood up, still clutching his rifle. He put one hand around his mouth and yelled as loudly as he could. “You in there! I wanna talk!”

 

Suddenly the barrel of a rifle appeared through the broken window. “What?” a voice shouted.

 

“Let them kids and their teacher go!” shouted Roy. “There’s no need ta keep em all in there! Now be reasonable about this!”

 

There was silence.

 

“Try again,” suggested Ben.

 

“Hey! You in there!” shouted Roy again, but there was no reply. He looked at the two fathers helplessly. “Looks like we might be in for a long wait,” he said as he joined them again. “Them two aren’t gonna budge until they’re good and ready.”

 

“So what do we do now?” asked Sam Brodie anxiously.

 

“We wait,” said Roy, checking his rifle. “Ain’t much else we can do fer now.” He looked at both men again. “We jest wait,” he repeated.

 

 

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Frank looked over his shoulder at Jim. “How many you reckon are out there?” he asked.

 

“Hard to tell,” replied Jim, studying the area through the window. “One thing’s fer sure though, the longer we wait the more they’ll have out there.” He turned as little Tom Brodie began to sniffle. “Shut that kid up!” he snarled to Abigail.

 

Abigail tried to shush the little boy. “But I need ta pee,” Tom sniffed. “I can’t hold on no more, Miss Jones.”

 

Abigail bit her lip and looked at the men. “The boy needs to use the outhouse,” she said. “Will you let me take him?”

 

“In your dreams,” snorted Frank.

 

“But I haveta go!” insisted Tom anxiously.

 

“He’s only a little boy,” said Joe. “Let him go.”

 

Frank pointed at Joe. “Ain’t no business of yours, boy. Now shut up!”

 

“My friend is sick,” insisted Joe, in spite of Abigail trying to shush him. “He hit his head when he fell and he’s not well.”

 

“Well, ain’t that too bad,” said Jim.

 

“Miss Jones!” said Tom, holding onto himself. Suddenly a pool of liquid began to pool at the boy’s feet and everyone wrinkled their noses distastefully.

 

“What the …!” shouted Frank. “Tell that brat to stop!”

 

Abigail tried to soothe the distraught child.

 

“He can’t help it,” said Joe, indignantly. “You shoulda let him go.”

 

Frank gave Joe an appraising look. “You gotta smart mouth, boy,” he said in a threatening tone. “You’ll shut up if you know what’s good for you.”

 

Joe closed his mouth and was silent, while Abigail and Becky tried to calm Tom and the two men turned their attention back to outside. “We gotta act soon if we’re gonna get horses and that money,” said Frank. He jerked his head towards the children and Abigail. “They’ll give us whatever we want to get them lot back.”

 

Suddenly the two men straightened as Roy Coffee’s voice once again sounded through the open window. “Let the kids go!” shouted Roy. “Can ya hear me in there?”

 

“We hear ya!” shouted back Jim. “We want two horses and the money bags we dropped from the bank, then we’ll talk about giving ya the kids!”

 

“No deal!” shouted back Roy. “Let the kids go first!” There was silence for a moment. “At least some of them then …. You don’t need them all. They’re only little children!”

 

Frank looked at Jim and then nodded. “He’s right,” he said. “We don’t need em all and they’ll only slow us down.” Jim nodded in response. Frank got up and walked over to where the children and Abigail were huddled in the corner. He picked Tom up by the arm. “Get out there,” he said. “And take ya smells with ya!” He pushed the little boy towards the door, but the child began to sob again. “I want my sister!” he cried. Becky ran towards him. “He’s my brother,” she said, giving Frank a pleading look.

 

“Alright,” the man said. “Get on out there both of ya. And you tell those men out there that we mean business ya hear?”

 

“Yes,” said Becky, looking at Abigail, Joe and Mitch.

 

“You go on now, dear,” said Abigail bravely. “We’ll be fine. Take Tom outside, Becky.” The girl nodded and grasped hold of her sobbing brother’s hand, pulling him through the door, which Jim was holding slightly ajar for them.

 

He closed the door immediately behind them and gave the remaining hostages a hard stare. “Now you three keep quiet if you know what’s good fer you!” he snarled. Abigail gave Joe a smile as she held her handkerchief to Mitch’s cut head.

 

 

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The men froze as the door of the schoolhouse opened and the two children emerged, hand in hand. Beside him, Ben felt Sam Brodie jerk and he whispered under his breath. “Becky … Tom.” Ben held onto the man’s arm until the two children had walked down the steps and then let him go so that he could run to them. Sam picked up Tom and carried him over to the bushes, Becky running behind him as he pulled her along.

 

When they reached the spot where the other men were, Sam sat down and pulled both children towards him, hugging them fiercely. Ben’s heart constricted. He was so pleased that the two children had come out safely, but his heart and mind were still inside the small building where his own son remained in danger. He glanced over at Pete Devlin who had joined them and knew that he was also feeling the same.

 

“The man in there said to tell you that they mean business,” Becky told her father as soon as she could free herself from his grasp.

 

Sam nodded as he stroked Tom’s hair, looking at Ben and Pete over the top of the child’s head. “I’m sorry they all didn’t come out,” he said.

 

Ben nodded and patted him on the arm. “They will,” he said, trying to sound confident.

 

“Mr Devlin?” said Becky.

 

“Yes?”

 

“Mitch is hurt. One of those men pushed him and he fell and cut his head. There’s lots of blood.”

 

Pete said nothing and Ben could see that the man was trying desperately to keep his emotions under check. “How about Joe?” he asked.

 

“He’s OK,” replied Becky. “One of the men said he had a smart mouth, but.”

 

“Sounds about right,” said Adam dryly, ignoring the look that Ben gave him.

 

“I’m taking the children back to their mother,” said Sam. “I’ll be back to help in a few minutes.”

 

Ben turned to Roy. “We need to get what they’ve asked for,” he said. “I’ll get a couple of horses while you get the money.”

 

“Now just hold on there Cartwright,” said Jake Beale beside him. “Don’t you go giving away our hard earned money so quick.”

 

Ben stared at him. “What are you talking about?” he said incredulously. “We’re talking about the lives of three people here … two of them, twelve year old boys. Of course we’re giving them the money if that’s what they want!”

 

“And just what makes you think that they’re gonna hand those three over to us if we give it to them?” said Matt Cashman. “Do you think for one minute that they’re gonna leave themselves without any hostages?”

 

Ben sighed. “No … I don’t,” he admitted. “But I do know that if we give what they want we’ve at least got a chance of getting those three out of there alive.” He looked at Roy. “Well?” he asked. Roy hesitated. “Then I’ll stand good for whatever money they take,” added Ben.

 

“So will I,” said Pete Devlin.

 

Roy shook his head. “Now don’t get so stirred up about it,” he said. “I’ll get the money.”

 

Adam touched his father on the arm. “Pa,” he said. “How much money was in those bags?”

 

“I have no idea,” replied Ben. “But it doesn’t matter. Even if I have to sell the entire Ponderosa and everything else we own, I’ll do it to cover whatever is in them. Nothing is worth the life of a child ….” His eyes misted over as he thought of his young son so vulnerable and alone in the schoolhouse. “Whatever it takes to get Joseph back is what we’ll do, Adam. Whatever it takes.”

 

 

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Abigail looked across at the two men and shuddered. She knew without doubt that her being here practically alone with them meant that her womanly virtue was at risk …. After all, how could they resist her obvious charms for much longer? She only hoped that they wouldn’t make a move on her in front of the two young boys. She tried to smile at Joe who was looking anxiously at Mitch.

 

“Miss Jones?” whispered the boy.

 

“Yes Joseph?”

 

“Mitch ain’t doing too good, is he?”

 

Abigail mopped Mitch’s brow with her handkerchief again and the boy moaned slightly. “He’ll be alright,” she said. “Have faith, Joseph. I’m sure these men will let us go soon and then we’ll get him to a doctor.”

 

“Don’t be too sure of that,” snarled Frank over his shoulder. “You’re our ticket outta here lady.” He spat on the floor and Abigail’s eyes widened with horror.

 

“Really!” she exclaimed. “Such lack of manners is deplorable!”

 

Frank gave her a withering glance. “Shut up!” he spat. “Where’s those horses? They should be here by now.”

 

“Well I think you should let this boy go,” Abigail insisted. “He’s not well.”

 

Jim looked over his shoulder this time. “Well we don’t much care what you think,” he said. “Now shut up like Frank said. We’re keeping ya all here!”

 

Abigail sniffed. “Well it’s obvious why you want me here,” she said in a martyred tone. “But you could at least let the boys go. One hostage is surely enough.”

 

Frank gripped his rifle tightly and looked for all the world as if he wanted to hit the schoolteacher with it. “Obvious why we want you here?” he said. “I hope you don’t mean what I think you mean.”

 

“I certainly do,” said Abigail haughtily. “I’m well aware of what men like you are like and I am prepared for any eventuality in order to save these two young boys from harm. I am willing to sacrifice my womanly …”

 

“Shut up!” snarled Frank again abruptly. He reached for Joe. “You! Get over here!”

 

Joe resisted and struggled with all his might, but the man had a tight grip on his arm. “Let me go!” he shouted. “I ain’t done nothing!”

 

Frank hit the boy on the side of the head and put his arm around Joe’s neck, holding his throat in a grip so tight that the boy found it hard to breathe. He put down his rifle and took out his pistol, pointing it directly at Joe’s head. “Now you shut up kid unless you want your brains splattered all over this floor,” he snarled. “Jim …. Cover me. We’re gonna get those horses one way or another.” He opened the door and walked outside, pushing the terrified boy in front of him.

 

Outside, there was a gasp from several of the men as Frank and Joe appeared. “Joseph!” breathed Ben softly, feeling his heart constrict at the sight of his precious boy with a gun pointed at his temple. “Joseph!” He felt Adam gripping his arm tightly to stop him from leaping forward, as indeed he felt he was about to do in spite of the danger. He couldn’t concentrate on anything, except the sight of his youngest son’s terrified green eyes as they searched around frantically for him.

 

Finally Joe saw his father and brothers crouched down with the other men. “Pa!” he called out.

 

Frank gripped him tighter at the sound of his voice, causing Joe to nearly choke. He closed his mouth and was silent. “Where are them horses?” shouted Frank. “We want em here with that money or this brat gets it!”

 

“They’re coming,” shouted back one of the men. “We’re just getting the money organised.”

 

“Well, hurry up!” shouted back Frank, digging the gun into Joe’s temple with such a force that the boy flinched. He fixed his gaze on his father’s eyes and held it there, willing the man to give him strength. Ben nodded slightly and held up his hand in a gesture of hope so that Joe might be heartened by it. It was the only thing that he could think of to do in his own despair and he hoped that it would ease the boy’s mind slightly. His heart constricted again as Frank dragged the unwilling boy back into the schoolhouse and slammed the door behind them.

 

“He’ll be OK Pa,” said Adam’s voice beside him, as he let go of his father’s arm.

 

“What?” Ben gave his eldest son a glazed look.

 

“We’ll get him outta there,” said Hoss, looking anxiously at the door where they’d seen Joe only moments before.

 

“Yes,” said Ben softly. He turned as someone began yelling behind them and his eyes widened at the sight of Mrs Jones struggling in the arms of Roy Coffee.

 

“Let me go sheriff! I demand that you let me go!” the woman screamed shrilly.

 

“I’ll let ya go ma’am, when you’re calmed down a mite,” Roy said, his own voice relatively calm in spite of the fact that the woman was doing her utmost to kick him.

 

“Calm down?” shouted Mrs Jones, kicking out furiously. “You tell me to calm down when my daughter is in there with those …. Those depraved fiends? How can I be calm? I’m a mother and my baby is in danger!”

 

“Someone take this woman!” shouted Roy irritably. “I’ve got more important things to attend to!”

 

“More important things?” shouted Mrs Jones, beginning to weep copious tears as one of the other men grabbed her and dragged her back towards the rest of the crowd. “What is more important than my darling’s safety, might I ask? What is more …” Her voice trailed away as she was dragged further down the street.

 

Roy shook his head and grabbed hold of the two horses’ reins that he’d been forced to drop in the confusion. “No wonder Abigail Jones is like she is, with a mother like that,” he muttered to himself. He came up behind Ben and his sons and crouched down again. “I got the horses and the money,” he said. “I wanted ta have it counted before I brought it here. Josh Pickens down at the bank weren’t too keen on giving it to me since he’d just got it back again though.”

 

“I told you that I’d stand good for whatever is in there,” said Ben.

 

Roy shot him a quick glance. “There’s close to a hundred thousand dollars,” he said quietly.

 

Ben nodded. “Fine,” he said instantly, although he knew that he could never repay that amount without sacrificing a large portion of The Ponderosa to pay for it. He brushed the thought immediately out of his head as he momentarily saw once again Joe’s terrified green eyes in front of him. “Get it to them quickly, Roy,” he added.

 

Roy stood up. “We got ya horses and the money!” he shouted.

 

“Put the money on the porch,” shouted back one of the men. “We’re gonna check it before we go!”

 

“It’s all there,” shouted back Roy.

 

“On the porch!” shouted back the man. “The boy is going to come out and get it …. And remember that there’ll be two rifles aimed right at him the whole time …. So don’t try anything!”

 

Roy nodded at Ben and led the horses forward, tying them to the hitching rail just near the porch and putting the bag of money on the porch as instructed. He turned and came back to where the rest of the men were crouched and joined them. “You men over there keep your rifles aimed at that window,” he instructed. “Ben … you and the boys cover the door.”

 

Everyone waited in silence, their hearts thumping in their chests so hard that Ben swore that his would burst out at any moment.

 

 

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“OK you,” said Jim, beckoning to Joe. “Over here.” Joe didn’t move, but simply glared at the man in response. “I said get over here!” Jim shouted, making both Abigail and Joe flinch. Mitch was lying on the floor with his head on Abigail’s lap and didn’t respond. His eyes were closed and his face was pale, but Abigail was grateful that at least his head wound had stopped bleeding. Joe looked at his teacher and then stood up, edging slowly towards the man who was glaring at him. When he came within arm’s reach, Jim reached out and pulled him towards him, shaking him fiercely. “You come when you’re told to boy … you understand?” He snarled. Joe nodded.

 

Jim pulled Joe towards the door. “Now you get out there and get that money,” he said. “And remember … you’ve got two rifles pointed right at you the whole time … and so have they,” he added, jerking his thumb towards Abigail and Mitch. “Now get!”

 

Joe opened the door and walked slowly out onto the front porch of the schoolhouse. His heart was beating furiously as he picked up the moneybag and he took a moment to look around. He lifted his hand in his father’s direction and tried to smile, but the expression was more one of wary anxiety. He swallowed, wanting nothing more than to run down the few steps and into his father’s arms, but instead he resolutely turned back inside and closed the door behind him.

 

“Give it here!” same Frank, snatching the bag from him and pushing him roughly back into the corner. Both men sat on the floor and opened the bag, their faces breaking into grins as they saw all the money inside it. “It’s all here,” said Frank with relief. “Now we can get outta here.” He looked over at the three figures huddled in the corner. “You!” he said. “On your feet.”

 

Joe helped Mitch to his feet and he and Abigail supported the half-unconscious boy between them. “You have to let the boy go,” said Abigail firmly. “He’s not well. Besides …you can’t take all of us hostage.”

 

“She’s right Frank,” said Jim as he flung the bag over his shoulder and checked his rifle. “They’ll only slow us down.”

 

Frank thought for a moment. “OK,” he replied. “You,” he said to Abigail. “You take that kid out there and let them know that we’re coming out to those horses. If they try anything then this brat here will get it. We’re taking him with us.” He indicated Joe with his thumb, who stared back at him, his eyes wide with fear.

 

“Let the two boys go,” said Abigail. “I know you’d rather keep me than them anyway. I know what’s on your minds.”

 

Frank gave Jim a horrified look. “Get out,” he said tersely and pushed Abigail towards the door.

 

“No!” she said. “I’ll stay. Let the boys go.”

 

“Get out now or you’ll never be going anywhere ever again,” said Jim, pushing her roughly.

 

“Don’t you worry, Joseph,” the teacher said over her shoulder, supporting Mitch as she opened the door. “You’ll be fine, dear.” Joe nodded, not taking his eyes off the two men for an instant, as his teacher and his friend left the room together.

 

Frank crouched at the window and looked out. “Give em a minute to get clear of the horses,” he said. “Then we’ll make our move.” He shook his head. “What do ya reckon bout that schoolmarm, Jim,” he added. “I mean … as if …”

 

“I know,” added Jim. “We might be running from the law and desperate, but we sure as hell ain’t that desperate.” They both shuddered.

 

 

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Pete Devlin sprang forward as Abigail and Mitch came down the steps. He swooped Mitch up into his arms and ran back towards the other men, Abigail close on his heels. “Get him to the doctor,” said Ben, as soon as they’d made it.

 

“But …”

 

“Joe will be fine,” Ben assured his friend. “See to your boy first, Pete.” He turned to Abigail as Pete carried Mitch back towards the town. “Is Joe alright?” he asked.

 

“Yes Mr Cartwright,” said the woman. “They said that they’re going to take him with them though. I tried to convince them to take me instead, but they wouldn’t.”

 

“You offered yourself in place of Joseph?” asked Ben. “That was mighty brave of you, Miss Jones.”

 

Abigail put her hand on the man’s arm. “Think nothing of it Mr Cartwright,” she said gently. “I had an obligation to get the boys out safely if I could.” She shook her head. “I knew it was a big sacrifice though. It was clear what was in their minds right from the start. My … um …. womanly virtue was under constant threat.”

 

“My baby!” shouted someone behind them and Mrs Jones flung herself on Abigail, sobbing hysterically. “My baby! Oh! You’re safe!”

 

“Calm down, Ma,” said Abigail. “I’m fine. Although I was just telling Mr Cartwright that my womanly virtue was in constant danger.”

 

At that moment the door was flung open again and Frank appeared, holding Joe in front of him, with his pistol held to the boy’s head. Jim came out behind him, the money bag still slung over his shoulder. They inched their way down the steps slowly, Joe all the while in front of them. “We’re getting on them horses,” shouted Frank. “Don’t no one follow us unless you want this kid dead!”

 

Ben swallowed and closed his eyes momentarily at the sight of his terrified son in the clutches of the robbers. He said a silent prayer and then stood up. “Let him go!” he shouted.

 

The two men hesitated momentarily. “Who the hell are you?” Frank snarled.

 

“I’m his father,” said Ben, taking a step towards them.

 

Frank’s grasp on Joe tightened. “Well then, if you want to ever see your boy alive again, you’d better get back there mister,” he said. “Move!”

 

“Take me instead of him,” said Ben desperately as Frank slung Joe up onto one of the horses. “I’ll be your ….”

 

Suddenly Joe kicked the horse and the startled animal reared up, taking all of the men by surprise. Instantly, a shot fired out and Frank slumped to the ground, holding his right knee where a bullet had pierced it. Jim turned and reached for the other horse, but also fell as he was hit in the side. Joe struggled to gain control of the horse and for a moment it looked as though he wasn’t going to be able to, but Ben reached out and grabbed the reins and between the two of them the animal finally settled.

 

Adam and Hoss sprang forward, each grabbing a gun from one of the injured men. Roy Coffee stood guard over them, pointing his rifle directly at both of them. In the background, Mrs Jones was screaming, while Abigail tried to comfort her.

 

As soon as the horse settled, Joe slid down from the saddle into his father’s arms. Ben knelt down and hugged his son to him. Finally, he drew Joe away from him and looked intently into his face. “Are you alright, Joe?” he asked breathlessly. Joe nodded, his eyes still wide with fear. Ben ruffled his hair. “Clever boy,” he said. “You gave us just the break we needed to get these two.” He hugged his son to him again as Roy, Adam and Hoss hauled the two men to their feet and took them down to the jail, Roy with the moneybag slung over his shoulder

 

 

xxxxxxxxxx

 

 

“Paul Martin says that Mitch will be fine,” Ben said to Roy in the sheriff’s office. “He just has a slight concussion, that’s all.”

 

“I bet he’s gonna get time off school now,” muttered Joe. “Lucky thing!”

 

“I’m afraid there won’t be any school for the rest of the week Joseph,” said Abigail. “I think the shock of all this is settling in and I’ll need a few days to recover.” Everyone ignored Joe’s delighted look and Hoss nudged his younger brother, who was opening his mouth to say something.

 

“I wanted to thank you again for doing what you did Miss Jones,” said Ben. “You were very brave the way you handled the situation.”

 

“Yes,” said Adam. “You were very calm.”

 

Abigail gave him a simpering look. “Well, thank you,” she said. “I try to remain in control at all times.” She put a hand to her forehead and sighed. “Oh dear … I am feeling a little faint now. Perhaps you’d be good enough to escort me home, Mr Cartwright?” She grabbed hold of Adam’s arm, not noticing the pained look he gave her as she did so. “I’ll tell you all about my trying time,” she said as she pulled him from the sheriff’s office.

 

Ben and Roy tried not to laugh as they looked at each other. “Well those two in there will be mighty thankful to Adam,” said Roy, indicating the cells with his thumb. “Miss Jones has promised ta visit em both and read the scripture to em. I think she’s hoping that they’ll see the error of their ways.” He cleared his throat. “Personally I think she’s … well …. you know … infatuated with em.” he rolled his eyes at Ben. “They’ve even asked me if I can get the circuit judge here sooner so they can get ta prison straight away.”

 

Ben kept a straight face, aware that Joe was listening. “I see,” he said, giving a slight cough.

 

Roy ruffled Joe’s hair. “You did mighty fine, son,” he said. “Your Pa and I are mighty proud of you.”

 

Joe grinned at the man. “Thanks sheriff,” he said. “I guess having a few days without school work will be a great reward for me then huh?” He grinned at his father.

 

“Who said you’re having time off schoolwork?” asked Ben, raising his eyebrows.

 

Joe’s grin turned to one of despair. “Miss Jones,” he said. “There ain’t no school for the rest of the week Pa. She said so!”

 

“Well there may no be any school, but you’ll be doing your work at home under my supervision,” said Ben firmly. “I’m not giving you time off to get into mischief, young man.”

 

Joe gave his father an appalled look. “But that ain’t fair!” he said indignantly. “I nearly got killed and now I get …” He stopped as he saw the expression on his father’s face.

 

“Get!” said Ben firmly, pointing to the door. He laughed as Hoss pulled Joe towards the open doorway and then tipped his hat at Roy. “Thanks for all you did Roy,” he said. “I’ll see you later.”

 

“See ya Ben,” said the sheriff, sitting down behind his desk. From outside he could hear Joe’s shrill voice as Ben marched his son away. “What’s infatuation mean, Pa?” the boy asked.

 

The End