Summary:  You’ve heard the saying, ‘Loose lips sink ships’?  Joe learns a valuable lesson and Adam could pay the ultimate price when the family attempts to deliver a herd of horses to the Army.

Rating: K+  WC 10,000

 

The Army Horses

 

Joe glowered at his older brother as they rode back to the horse herd. There hadn’t been any reason to drag him out of the saloon like that. Joe would have loved to wipe the sanctimonious look off his older brother’s face but he knew Adam was more than a match for him physically so he resigned himself to glaring at Adam, his brother was going to know just how he felt.

 

Adam was cross with his brother, two beers and Joe was boasting about their superb herd of horses and how much the army would pay. Adam was just as proud of the string of seventy mustangs they had trained for the army and equally aware that they would get top dollar for them. Their father had ridden ahead to the fort to finalise the details with a guarantee that every one of the horses was top quality. He was due back the next day with soldiers to take the herd in. They had agreed to deliver the herd to a box canyon some twelve miles from the fort. The Colonel wanted his more experienced horsemen to check out the mustangs before bringing them into the fort. Adam had been slightly concerned about the odd method of delivery but Ben had thought it was sensible; check out the green horses quietly away from the noise of the fort.

 

Adam and Joe had gone to town to collect stores for the journey home, leaving Hoss with their three hands to guard the herd, already safely stored in the box canyon ready for delivery. With the stores loaded on the wagon Adam had taken his little brother for a beer, but when Joe started sounding off, Adam was too conscious of interest from three men at a nearby table. Adam had done his best to shut Joe up, until failing totally he had almost dragged Joe from the saloon.

 

Now as they neared the canyon Adam had a very uncomfortable feeling between his shoulder blades and he kept looking back, but he hadn’t been able to spot anything or anyone behind them. Very uneasy Adam was totally oblivious of the glares Joe was giving him, but Hoss couldn’t help noticing, as he rode over to meet them. He sighed heavily the last thing he needed was his two brothers at odds with each other, while Pa was away. Before he actually reached them there was the sound of a shot and to Hoss’ horror his eldest brother slumped forward and then slowly fell from the wagon. He saw Joe try to catch hold of Adam, but everything seemed to be happening in slow motion and Hoss barely had time to push Chub on before Adam hit the ground. Joe pulled the team to a stop and jumped down from the wagon as another shot came at them. It splintered the seat where Joe had been sitting and the scared team with no control on the reins took off at a run. Hoss threw himself down by his brothers as the team left. Not even taking time to check he picked up his elder brother and yelling at Joe to come with him, Hoss took off for the limited protection of a small grove of trees.

 

Joe skidded to a halt next to Hoss as the trees closed round them and Hoss laid his burden down. Joe was white faced as he took in the blood soaking Adam’s shirt, “Is he alive?” he asked, licking suddenly dry lips.

 

Hoss frantically tore the shirt away to find the source of the blood, but he managed an answer, “Got a pulse. Must stop this bleeding.”

 

Joe pulled off his own shirt and began tearing it into strips, “Ain’t perfect but it was clean on this morning. How bad is it?”

 

Hoss tried to clean the blood away to see the wound and felt for an exit wound “Bullet is still in, taken him in the ribs.” For the moment he could only pad the wound and tie it up and as he did so he checked his brother’s pulse again “Feels good and strong and his breathing sounds okay. I think I can feel at least a couple of broken ribs but I’d guess he’s had worse.”

 

Joe let his breath out, not even knowing that he had been holding it, awaiting Hoss’ verdict.

 

Hoss looked up at his little brother “Wanna tell me what happened in town? You two come back glowering at each other and then someone starts shooting.”

 

Joe shook his head “I don’t know. Adam suddenly dragged me out of the saloon and insisted we came back fast.”

 

“Didn’t he say anything to explain?” Hoss asked but then his attention was brought back to his eldest brother, who was struggling to sit up, “Easy Adam, you got a bullet in you.”

 

“I’m okay. Are they still there?”

 

Hoss peered out “I don’t know. Can’t see anyone.” Joe edged out to try and find out and half a dozen bullets came his way as Hoss grabbed his brother and hauled him back. Hoss glared at him “Don’t be a fool. I’ve already got one brother hurt. Can’t cope with both of you!”

 

Unrepentant Joe grinned “I’m fine and now we know they are out there.”

 

“Wouldn’t help if you had a bullet in you shortshanks.”

 

Adam was ignoring the argument and easing himself to his feet, trying to work out where they were with respect to the box canyon. He couldn’t help the moan of pain as he pushed himself up. Hoss instantly forgot about Joe and moved to support Adam as he swayed. “Easy brother”

 

“Must get back to the herd, that’s what they want.”

 

“Who are they Adam do you know? How many of them?” Hoss asked anxiously.

 

Adam lent against his big brother’s warm strength and slowly won back to control pushing the pain to the back of his mind “Three in the saloon, far too interested, in what Joe said,” He licked dry lips “Thought someone following. Could be more.”

 

Joe had come up to give Adam what support he could and he suddenly realised why Adam had dragged him out. Feeling so guilty, that his big mouth had got his brother hurt; he tried to apologise but realised Adam wasn’t taking anything in. He looked over at Hoss “What do we do?”

 

“Adam’s right about one thing they’ll be after the horses, we need to get back and help Frank, Rod and Jase.”

 

“Sure as hell can’t leave Adam on his own.”

 

Hoss stared across to the canyon, only just over a quarter of a mile, but as far as the moon for his injured brother.

 

Adam had been listening to the conversation even if he could barely keep his eyes open and now he forced himself to join in “You were on Chub?”

 

Hoss frowned wondering what Adam meant “Well yeah.”

 

“Whistle him.” Adam closed his eyes for a moment gathering his wits, “Chub comes when you…” he lent his aching head on his big brother’s shoulder “I could ride, not far.”

 

Hoss realised what his brother was suggesting and sure enough after three attempts at a low whistle, his big black came over towards them. Hoss grabbed the reins and got the horse under cover. At least that gave Hoss a canteen and he held it for Adam to have a drink. The water was lukewarm but it helped and Adam pulled away from his brothers, knowing neither of them were going to like what he was about to suggest.

 

Adam studied the lie of the land again but he didn’t see much choice. At least his voice was stronger after the drink and for now he could ignore the pain in his side; somehow he had to ensure his brothers were safe. “The canyon, we can defend it, until the ammunition runs out. But it can be a trap. We need Pa and the army. Need someone on the rim.”

 

Hoss frowned knowing his brother so well; he had the feeling he didn’t like whatever Adam was suggesting. Joe was openly suspicious “Explain Adam.”

 

Adam gave a half smile at his brothers “I’m not exactly mobile. I’ll join the hands arrange the defence in the canyon. Joe drop me off by the rocks at the southwest end of the canyon. Keep moving I can cover you. Only about three hours to the fort.”

 

Adam took too deep a breath and had to bite his lip as the pain lanced up his side. Wordlessly Hoss fed him some more water, feeling the tight grip on his arm, as Adam needed the support to steady himself. Adam lent against his big brother for a moment and then answered the unspoken question “It isn’t too bad Hoss, you’ve had broken ribs, sore but not dangerous.”

 

“Bullet’s still in.”

 

“Let’s leave it for a Doc. Won’t do any harm for a few hours.”

 

“Alright what do you want me to do, once Joe’s gone to fetch help.”

 

“The rim. They get up there, could pick us off.”

 

Hoss stared out at the ground ahead. There was about four hundred yards of open ground between them and the canyon entrance but staying in the trees and skirting north he could keep in cover. He frowned “If’n I recollect right there’s a trail up to the rim ‘bout half way along the north-east rim.”

 

Adam nodded “There is. We chased a mountain lion up there. Five or so years back.”

 

“Right so while they are watching you and Joe, I slip away.”

 

“That’s the general idea.”

 

Joe had been quiet too long and now, seeing Hoss apparently accepting what Adam was planning, he showed his growing anger “Just one thing you’re both forgetting. Hoss we can’t just leave Adam, he’s barely capable of standing up.”

 

Hoss looked at his eldest brother and had to admit the truth of Joe’s complaint, but then as he met Adam’s gaze and saw the certainty there, he also knew that he would do as he had all his life and let his brother plan for them. To Adam’s intense relief Hoss said “We don’t have any choice Joe. Frank and the boys will look after Adam and when you bring Pa, you can have a doctor for Adam. Be the quickest way to get him help. Ain’t nothing you or I can do.”

 

Joe glared at both his brothers but the point about a Doctor did get through to him and sighing heavily he gave in “Okay when do we move?”

 

“Sooner the better.” Hoss decided. He would go along with Adam’s plan, but he wanted help for his brother, just as quickly as they could get it.

 

Joe helped Hoss ease Adam up into the saddle on Chub, but when he was going to swing up behind, he found Adam easing backwards so that Joe could get in the saddle “Easier for you to take off.” Adam explained and Joe stared at him, knowing the real reason. With his big brother behind him Adam’s body would protect him from any bullets coming at them. Joe could see that he had no chance of changing Adam’s mind and so he slipped up in front of his brother. “Just one condition, you two promise to be here, no more damage when I get back.”

 

Hoss gripped his little brother’s hand “You just be real careful Joe.” Words weren’t needed between the older brothers, at least Joe should be safe, they’d take their chances.

 

There wasn’t any sound from the would-be rustlers and Joe headed Chub out as fast as he could. The black gelding responded magnificently and at first the movement seemed to take the rustlers by surprise but then seven men rode out and started shooting at the brothers. Hoss could only watch and pray that none of the bullets would find his brothers’ bodies. To his infinite relief he saw Adam swing down by the rocks and start returning fire while Joe carried on round the corner and out of sight.

 

Adam was far too concerned with ensuring that his brother got away to worry about the pain with each shot that he fired. He had a sort of brittle strength that he knew, from experience, would keep him going as long as there was something useful that he could do. Despite the pain, his shots were accurate and he saw one man sway in the saddle and another one fall, before the rustlers withdrew. The three hands, who had remained in the canyon, ran over towards him and, as the horsemen withdrew, Frank got over to Adam and, seeing the blood on his shirt, he helped his boss back to the makeshift camp.

 

Hoss had waited until he saw Adam get to cover and Joe leave and then started his long walk round through the trees and up to the side trail so that he could protect his brother from the rim. He made it over to the bottom of the trail without being spotted as far as he could tell and then began the climb up. Before he was a third of the way up Hoss decided that, either the trail had got steeper, or he was a lot less fit than he had been five years ago, maybe he would go on that diet that Doc had mentioned. On some stretches he was scrambling up on all fours and once he even slipped back down ten feet or so before he could grab onto a rock and stop himself. Knowing that his brother was relying on him Hoss took a deep breath and slowly fought his way on up.

 

He wasn’t a mountain lion and it was a very awkward trail but eventually Hoss pulled himself out onto the top of the rim where he could look down into the canyon. He realised what Adam meant about being vulnerable, he could see his brother and the three hands and, from where he was, a good shot with a rifle could pick them off. Hoss was glad to see his brother was being sensible sitting down, leaning against the canyon wall. Adam had his rifle next to him and was watching the canyon entrance. Unfortunately there were too many ways of getting in close, which couldn’t be covered from inside the canyon. Hoss could see that all too clearly from on the rim and he wasn’t at all sure how long the four men below could hold out. He just hoped that his little brother would make good time and bring help.

 

Down in the canyon Adam was equally aware of their vulnerability, but he was also very aware of the importance of this herd to the ranch. Several problems at the end of the previous year, a fire affecting some of their timber and a considerable amount of winter feed, combined with disease hitting part of the herd, had left the ranch strapped for cash. Adam knew that his father had had to take out a loan and, with money tight, he had had to put up some of the land as security. The sale of these horses would go a long way towards paying off the loan and Ben was relying on the money from the army. Adam kept thinking round in circles, unsure that they could hold of a determined attack, knowing his father wouldn’t want him to risk lives, and yet if they lost the herd they couldn’t fulfil the contract and might end up losing some of the ranch. Weak and in pain he would have liked to give into the beckoning darkness but this was his responsibility. For now he could only await events and react when something happened.

 

Rafe Ellis the leader of the group who had been in the saloon had called in his brother Jerry and four more friends so that eight of them had followed the Cartwright brothers out. Seeing Joe disappear, Rafe was all for sending someone after him but Jerry shook his head. “Ain’t worth it, nothing but sand that way, it’ll take him hours to reach any help just as long to get back. We’ll be long gone.”

 

Rafe could only go along but he was impatient to move in. His older brother again told him to wait. They had already sent their best shot, Al Saxon up to the rim, once he started to shoot down into the canyon that would be their signal to move. Saxon had headed to the other side of the canyon from Hoss and he had had an easier climb up but he wasn’t inclined to hurry himself and he was behind Hoss in reaching the rim. As he moved over the edge he spotted the big man across the canyon staring down into it. With a wolfish grin, he raised his rifle and sighted in “Nice big target you make, fat boy.”

 

Adam down in the canyon had seen his big brother outlined against the sky, that hat unmistakable and for a moment Adam gave a sigh of relief, his big brother was safe up on the rim but then he heard a shot from the rim and Hoss’ silhouette vanished. Scared for his brother Adam sunk back into cover, he had wanted to keep Hoss safe and looked as though he had sent him straight into danger. Now if Hoss had lost control of the rim, the four of them down in the canyon were in imminent danger.

 

Meanwhile Little Joe pushed Chub hard until he was sure that he was out of range and then slowed the big black to a lope. He knew the horse could keep that up for hours and it was the best way of covering distance fast. If he pushed any harder he would end up having to rest the horse. Joe knew he had at least a three hour ride to get to the fort and then it would take the same to get back, without even considering the time it would take the army to get off their butts. Joe was desperate to get help back to his brothers, especially Adam, blaming himself bitterly for the trouble they were in which had already got his brother hurt.

 

It was late in the afternoon so at least the worst of the heat from the sun was dying down. Joe pushed on as hard as he dared and in the half light as the sun set, Chub lost his footing on a deceptive slope and stumbled, throwing Joe heavily. Joe managed to hold onto the reins but he was winded by his fall and for a moment he could only stay still and try to catch his breath. Eventually he pulled himself to his feet only to find his left ankle would barely take his weight, swearing softly Joe limped over to Chub only to find the horse was also holding one of his front legs up. Scared what had happened to his brother’s horse Joe felt down the leg and to his relief found that it was just a bad stone bruise, at least Chub would be fine. Joe lent against the big black “Chub we are in a right mess. I can’t ride you. Dear God I must get to Pa.” Joe would have liked to rest his head against Chub and cry, but that didn’t solve anything, and eventually he took firm hold of the reins in his right hand and the stirrup leather in his left hand. Using Chub as a crutch to support his injured leg Joe moved on towards the fort, as quickly as he could, but far too slowly for him. Tortured by visions of his brothers in trouble and with his ankle throbbing Joe could only make what time he could. He knew he still had more than three miles to go to get to the fort.

 

At the fort Ben had completed the business, as far as he could until the inspection of the horses had taken place. His word was acceptable to the army but the final payment of the money would depend on the inspection. For now word that he had seventy top class horses had been greeted with delight and the men, for the morning detail to collect the horses, had already been given their orders for an early start. Ben had had a very pleasant meal but, as they sat over brandy after the meal, he began to feel uneasy, something was wrong. Ben excused himself needing fresh air and went out to wander aimlessly around the fort wondering just what was happening.

 

At the canyon Adam was surprised when no bullets came in their direction and he began to feel more cheerful when he realised that the exchange of fire was going from rim to rim on the canyon, Hoss must be okay for now at least. Nothing was coming in his direction so Adam took the opportunity to get the three men with him to build up some defences, where they could get protection from a frontal attack and from the rim above. Adam made no attempt to move himself, he could still feel blood seeping down his side, but the three hands felt better for getting firm orders with someone in charge. They all knew Adam was clever he would find a way out for all of them. Adam was no where near as confident, he was just puzzled that there hadn’t been any frontal attack so far.

 

Jerry in charge had heard the shot up on the rim but there shouldn’t have been any exchange of fire. Worried he decided to hold off a little longer and get someone up on the north rim too. He knew the area well, and like Adam knew the side trail, so he sent one of the other men Eddie Cawdron up that side. Eddie had seen the sign that someone had used the trail recently and he was moving up very cautiously.

 

Hoss had been lucky, the setting sun had just caught the rifle before Saxon had fired, and Hoss had thrown himself down in cover before the bullet hit the rock just behind him. Scared what would happen to his brother and the hands if the gunman got a clear shot into the canyon, Hoss had moved into better cover and then tried to keep the other man pinned down. So far he had been successful, but Hoss was aware that his opponent was edging round cover towards the entrance to the canyon, closer to Adam and the hands. Hoss was trying to do the same, but he cover wasn’t as good on his side and he was just trying to get across a ten yard open area when his attention was drawn by noise from just below him.

 

Hoss eased back into cover and then, as Cawdron came over the edge, Hoss yelled at him to throw down his gun. Cawdron fired twice at Hoss and then slipped back down the canyon wall. Hoss’s cheek had been cut by a rock splinter but otherwise he was untouched, on the other hand he hadn’t hit the newcomer either. Hoping the shots had confused his opponent on the other rim Hoss threw himself across the open space as fast as he could and the big man was remarkably agile. He wasn’t quite fast enough but the bullet only just caught his arm, a flesh wound across his biceps. Hoss tied his neckerchief round it and then moved forward into better protection, from both the rim opposite and behind him on his side. He saw Cawdron easing back over the edge, but although Hoss fired he knew he had missed, and now he had two men to keep occupied.

 

Hoss did the best he could but he had to keep in cover, the two men were both good shots. While he kept one of them with their head down the other was free to fire, either at Hoss, or more worryingly to him, down into the canyon where his brother and the men guarded the herd.

 

Adam was listening intently to the pattern of shots and he soon realised that there were gunmen on both sides of the canyon and Hoss would be in an untenable position. Almost as soon as he realised, a shot caught the youngest of the hands, Jase, in the shoulder and he fell. Frank ran over and pulled him back into cover and as Adam eased over to him, Frank was checking the wound. “Ain’t too bad Boss.”

 

Adam bit his lip the kid might survive that bullet but in time there would be many more. The canyon was turning into a trap and up on the rim his big brother was in trouble.

 

At that moment the rest of the rustlers tried a frontal assault. Adam had his three men in reasonable cover, even Jase helped out, and after a hectic five minutes the attackers withdrew. Adam checked his own belt but he was short on ammunition and he knew his men were too. There was plenty on the wagon but that was in enemy territory.

There were still at least two hours until darkness and Adam didn’t believe they could hold out that long. The money was important, but maybe they could find some way to repay that out of other resources, people couldn’t be replaced. His mind made up Adam considered his physical state, the bullet was still in, but the wound wasn’t that painful and it seemed to have clotted. He had ridden before with broken ribs and he could do it again. Sure that he could do what he wanted, he just hoped that he wasn’t fooling himself about the relationship he had established with the black stallion, who was very much the leader of this bunch of mustangs. Adam had wanted to keep the black but his father had overruled him and as Adam had Sport, he couldn’t deny Ben’s argument that he didn’t need another horse, and this one would bring a good price. He signalled Rod to come over and tend Jase and then turned to Frank, “I’m going to take the herd out of here then the gunmen will have no reason to attack.”

 

“But your Pa..”

 

“I’m here not Pa, my decision. I need you to open the corral gate at my signal. Okay?”

 

“Sure Adam.”

 

Adam eased his way round the canyon wall and then pulled out a carrot from his pocket. As he had hoped the big black came over to get his treat and let Adam make a fuss of him. Adam slipped a rough rope round the black’s muzzle to give himself some hope of controlling direction. Then using the rocks at the side of the canyon he eased himself onto the black, bareback. To his relief, the black seemed to accept this strange arrangement with very little objection just tossing his head a couple of times. Adam took a firm grip of the rope and used his legs to direct the horse, trying to ignore the stabbing pain in his side.

 

Frank hadn’t expected to see Adam mounted and he moved forward to protest, but Adam waved him back to the gate, and then he moved the black round the rear of the increasingly restive mustangs. As Frank opened the gate the horses began to stream through it and Adam slid the black in with them, keeping low, his own black clothing melding with the horse, and he hoped making him less visible.

 

Hoss was cowering behind cover, which seemed smaller by the minute. He gave a sigh of relief as he saw the horses stampede out, but then as he spotted his brother on the black, and knew that Adam was going to attempt to keep most of them together, he felt as though he had stopped breathing. There was nothing he could do to stop Adam from the rim but knowing that Adam was hurt, he was desperately worried. To his relief the stampede seemed to catch those guarding the canyon by surprise and no bullets were sent at the horses, or more importantly his brother.

 

Adam gripped tight to the rope and the black’s mane and let the stallion make his way to the front of the herd, his normal position. Then Adam exerted gentle pressure, with his legs and what little he could do with the rope, and got the stallion heading south-west towards the river. Adam was praying that once he had the herd headed in the right direction the horses would smell water and head towards the river. The river ran towards the north-west and, the way they were heading, the herd would hit the river some five miles south-east of the fort. Adam was hoping that the herd would stay together and that the rustlers would run into trouble trying to collect them. He managed to stay with the black stallion for nearly eight miles but the horizon began spinning round him and eventually he couldn’t hold on any longer and he fell into a dark pit. Even then the stallion stopped and nuzzled his shoulder but when the man made no response, the black horse whinnyed softly to his mares and once they had moved past, he went on and led them to water.

 

Adam lay curled up, hugging his damaged ribs, but with his dark clothes he was invisible to the pursuing rustlers. He was out cold not even aware of the pain in his side.

 

Meanwhile Joe had been limping on towards the fort. It seemed to take forever but eventually he saw the fort in the distance, still more than a hour’s trudge away at the best pace the limping horse and injured man could make but at least in sight.

 

Ben had been restless for several hours and even though it was dark he found himself irresistibly drawn to the walls of the fort staring east to the canyon where his sons guarded the herd. He lent his arms on the wall staring out into the dark and thinking about his three sons. Adam strong, intelligent and reliable, reserved as far as outsiders were concerned but Ben knew his eldest son felt very deeply, he would give his life for his brothers. Hoss strong and more sensitive than outsiders realised almost scared of his strength, the perennial peacemaker between his brothers and life long friend of both. Then Joe, his mercurial youngest son, impulsive with a quick temper, often at odds with his eldest brother, fighting to establish himself in the family and yet loving his brothers deeply. If there was trouble his sons would help each other and they knew each other so well that the three of them automatically backed each other, making them stronger than any six others. Ben stared unseeingly out into the dark seeing images of his sons, so many memories, that at first as he saw the indistinct figure still over half a mile from the fort but highlighted against the horizon, Ben thought it was just another memory. Then instinct came to his aid and he knew, without any shadow of a doubt, that it was his youngest son. Ben turned and headed down the stairs and over to the gate. Then he hesitated, it was quite some way and Joe was on foot, he needed Buck. He ran over to the stable and hastily saddled his horse and led him out. Colonel Walsh had come out for an after dinner cigar and seeing Ben on his horse he came over, “Where on earth are you going at this time of night Mr Cartwright?”

 

Ben turned to him “Not far. My son is walking in about half a mile out. There must be trouble.”

 

“Are you sure?” Colonel Walsh looked sceptical “It’s very dark.”

 

“I know my own son, now will you order the gate opened?” Ben edged Buck closer to the gate and the Colonel saw the determination on his face and nodded to the man on guard to open up. Ben kicked Buck into a canter and very quickly covered the distance, which was taking Joe so long to cross. Joe wasn’t even aware of his father’s approach, desperately worried he was tense and tired and his ankle throbbed, all he was thinking about was putting one foot in front of the other. Ben dismounted and moved over to him and put his hand on Joe’s arm “Joseph whatever is wrong?” Only then did Joe realise that his father was really there. He lent against Chub giving a sigh of relief “Pa.”

 

“Your brothers?”

 

“Hoss was alright when I left, Adam’s hurt but he’ll be okay, couple of bust ribs he said. Rustlers attacked Pa got them pinned down in that box canyon. They need help.”

 

“What about you?”

 

“Chub stumbled threw me bruised his foot and I sprained my ankle, about three miles back. Not serious, just slowed me down We’ve got to go get help to Adam and Hoss.”

 

Ben frowned but, whatever else they had to do, he had to get Joe back to the fort and he helped his youngest son up on Buck and leaving Chub ground tied for a moment headed back to the fort.

 

As he rode in, Ben demanded the Doctor come to see to his son and one of the men go and collect Chub. Then he turned to the Colonel “Your demands for an exchange in the middle of nowhere has backfired, leaving my sons in danger. What are you going to do about it?”

 

Colonel Walsh frowned “How did anyone find out about the exchange? I haven’t even told the men yet where we are collecting them.”

 

Joe said “We went into town for stores and were sorta talking in the saloon.”

 

Ben erupted “For goodness sake for an intelligent man, your brother has no sense! He got into trouble with Kane for talking too much, I thought he’d learnt his lesson.”

 

Joe tried to explain that it was his fault, but the Doc had appeared and Ben was far too busy telling the Doc what was wrong with his youngest son to listen to a word Joe said. Joe found himself taken over to the office and then, as his boot was removed, he had other things on his mind. By the time it was strapped up, Ben and Colonel Walsh had decided that a troop of twenty men with Lieutenant Gerse and Sergeant Broughton should ride with Ben to the canyon. Gerse was young but the Sergeant was about the most experienced man on the fort. Ben told Joe to get some rest, but found his young son absolutely adamant he was going with his father. He had to get back to his brothers. Ben knew his son well enough to know that the only way to stop Joe following him would be to have him locked in the stockade. The Doctor had confirmed that Joe’s ankle was just sprained, on horseback it wouldn’t bother Joe that much, so begrudgingly Ben gave way. Knowing that at least one man was injured, the Doc collected his bag and sighing heavily mounted up. “I’m getting too old for these damned animals.”

 

Within twenty minutes of arriving at the fort Joe was mounted and on his way back to the canyon. The troop had fresh horses and Ben pushed hard with the full support of Sergeant Broughton, but it was still three hours to the Canyon.

 

At the canyon things had been very quiet since the horses stampeded out. The two men up on the rim had both cursed loudly and then Hoss heard the noise, as the men hurried down as fast as they could to rejoin the rest of the rustlers knowing they would be left behind. The group outside the canyon had been taken by surprise when the horses started streaming past them and their own horses were infected and restless. It took them several minutes to get organised and then, cursing fluently at the work this was now going to cause them, they set out in pursuit as best they could. None of them were expert trackers but at least to begin with the herd stayed together, leaving a clear trail. The free running herd with out the burden of riders, apart from the stallion, was making better time and Jerry Ellis swore “We had a nice easy little job and now it’s all gone wrong. Maybe we ought to cut our losses give up.”

 

Rafe glared at his brother “Ten minutes ago I had enough money to go to Frisco and I ain’t giving up. Even half them horses will do. You give up if you want, I’m still gonna get my share.”

 

Hoss had spotted a way down the inner wall of the canyon and eased his way back down to join Frank and the other hands. It seemed to take forever, but eventually he slid down the last ten feet and staggered as he tried to get his balance. Frank was waiting for him and he steadied the big man. Hoss looked round and seeing Jase with blood on his shoulder, he asked anxiously “How bad is it?”

 

“Clean wound. It’s your brother I’m worried about. I tried to stop him.”

 

“Far too stubborn for his own good.” Hoss sighed heavily. “Okay let’s get organised and head out after him.” They still had the hands three horses, Sport and Cochise who had remained in the corral, when the herd fled. Hoss looked at his brother’s temperamental chestnut, “I suppose I’ll have to ride you. Just don’t try and knock my head off, you awkward animal, ‘bout as pigheaded as your master.”

 

Hoss checked that Jase could ride and then the four men headed out after the rustlers and the herd. Hoss was only worried about one thing and that was finding his brother. In the growing dark it wasn’t that easy to see anything and Hoss pushed on with growing impatience, but he knew if he lost the trail it would take even longer to find it than the detailed tracking was taking. He had dismounted for what seemed the hundredth time to check the sign when he heard horses approaching. He put his hand over Sport’s muzzle to stop him reacting and signalled the hands to do the same. It was a large group and Hoss was puzzled, but then Cochise pulled free from Rod and whinnyed his welcome to his stable mate and maybe to his normal rider. Ben heard the horse and signalled the troop to stop. Hoss edged forward to try and see and he realised that it was the army and then he spotted not only his father but also his youngest brother. Much relieved that Joe at least was safe, Hoss yelled “Pa over here.”

 

Ben saw his big son stand up and headed straight over to him “What on earth is going on Hoss? Where’s Adam? Where are the horses?”

 

“I wish I knew Pa. Adam stampeded ‘em outta the canyon I bin trying to track them.”

Ben was furious “What is the matter with that boy, he knows how important this contract is.”

 

Hoss put a hand on his father’s arm “He didn’t exactly have a choice Pa.”

 

“Well where is he? You’re on Sport, did he have to stay in the canyon? Joe said he had bust ribs.”

 

“No Pa, he rode out on that black stallion, reckon he was trying to keep the herd together.”

 

“But that’s his saddle.” Ben frowned as he looked at Hoss more closely and saw the worry on his son’s face

 

“Yeah well he was riding bareback.”

 

“That stallion is barely broke.” Ben protested.

 

“Seemed to be co-operating from what I saw.”

 

“Why didn’t you stop him Hoss? You said he’s hurt.”

 

Joe intervened at that “Pa he couldn’t. Hoss was up on the rim trying to stop the canyon becoming a death trap.”

 

“Yeah none too successfully. They had two up there one each side, I couldn’t keep em both down, reckon that’s why Adam decided to stampede the herd.”

 

Ben took a deep breath and tried to get his whirling thoughts in order, scared for his eldest son and knowing just how disastrous the loss of the contract could prove, he still knew he was being unfair and he apologised to his big son. “I’m sorry Hoss I know you did all you could, but I can’t help worrying. Where is your brother?”

 

Hoss shook his head and then as he considered the cavalry troop he noticed lanterns, “Pa you got lanterns?”

 

“Yes the Doctor insisted we brought some, he wanted light available if he had to deal with injuries in the middle of nowhere.”

 

“Get one lit and maybe I can make some sense of this sign.” Hoss offered and Ben nodded knowing just how good a tracker his big son was. One of the troopers passed down the lantern, while Hoss and Joe had a quick word, exchanging news. Hoss lit the lantern and then knelt down to examine the ground. Hoss found quite a lot of sign and Ben stood over his son studying it “What do you think Hoss?”

 

“Well the herd went this way, lots of horses without riders but then there’s heavier prints, horses with riders. Looks to me like three groups.”

 

Sergeant Broughton had joined them and he squatted down next to Hoss “Four ahead of the others and then two pairs maybe together but…”

 

Hoss shook his head and gestured to certain marks “This pair going much slower, behind the others.”

 

Ben frowned as he considered what his son had said “Does it make any sense to you Hoss?”

 

Joe had edged forward “Could be Pa. We reckoned there were eight of them. Hoss thought Adam had managed to wound two and two of the others were up on the rim. If you reckon the first four were those who were fit and down on the flat, they’d have been the first away.”

 

Hoss added “The pair on the rim headed down real fast, reckon they didn’t wanna get left behind, so they’d be the next two.”

 

“Then the wounded pair move on slowly behind them.” Joe completed.

 

Ben nodded slowly it made sense but it didn’t answer the main question, “Where was Adam?”

 

Joe realised the same, “Can you see if Adam was still on the black?”

 

Hoss shook his head “Can’t even tell which is the black’s prints, they all came through together.”

 

Joe sighed heavily “What do we do now?”

 

Sergeant Broughton intervened “If I may make a suggestion.”

 

Ben nodded he was out of ideas and was grateful for any move they could make. The Sergeant smiled “From the way that herd is going I reckon they are heading to the river about three miles south east of us.”

 

Hoss nodded “Could be. There was only a slow flowing spring in that box canyon we had to water them in groups, and with the attack it’s been a while.”

 

“Makes it even more likely. If we split up, some follow on just in case with your son since he’s right good at tracking. The rest head straight for the river and then move up it towards the fort. I reckon we’ll have both the herd and the rustlers between us.”

 

Ben nodded slowly and Lieutenant Gerse came forward. He was in nominal charge but had enough sense to know that he had a lot to learn about conditions, out in the west, while the sergeant was far more experienced “Sounds sensible to me Mr Cartwright. I know the way to the river so if you and I take half the troop that way and leave the Sergeant and your son to follow on with the rest of the men, with any luck we will catch the rustlers and find your eldest son.”

 

Ben made up his mind, just warning Hoss to be very careful and telling Joe to stick with him, he needed at least one of his sons safe under his eye. Joe gave in but he did insist on transferring to his own pinto.

 

The army men knew the area well and Lieutenant Gerse led Ben quickly to the river. They hadn’t moved far along the river towards the fort before they became aware of the presence of a large number of horses. The men had barely taken that in, when some very colourful cursing, proved that it wasn’t only the herd that had reached the river.

 

Rafe Ellis was trying to collect some of the beautiful horses with all the money they would bring, but it was one thing to take them from a nice small corral. Here on the river bank they milled around and kept slipping his attempts to encircle them with the six men at his disposal. His older brother had tried to lasso the black, recognising he was the leader, but three times he had failed and now he was blaming his little brother for bringing him on a wild goose chase.

 

Furious with the way a fortune seemed to be slipping through their fingers the two brothers were each blaming the other and never even noticed the approach of the cavalry. Al Saxon was more aware and he heard the sound of a horse chewing on its bit behind him. He knew none of his colleagues were there and he swiftly pulled his own horse off into the cover of some scrub trees. Saxon swore softly, things had been going wrong ever since the stupid brothers had let the kid go for help, then they let the herd escape and couldn’t even round them up. He decided to cut his losses and eased his horse, further back into the trees so that he couldn’t be heard, and then headed back to town.

 

The other five were still completely absorbed in finding some way to catch the herd, with the two injured men sitting their horses just watching. Ben and Lieutenant Gerse moved up either side of the men and had guns levelled at them before the men even knew they were there. Ben took their guns and passed them back to two troopers, warning them to be very quiet. Then he gathered the other men together and edged further forward. To his relief he saw his big son signal him from the far side of the herd and, without any discussion, the two Cartwrights got the army spread in a large circle round the rustlers and the herd and very slowly edged in tightening their grip. The herd were the first to notice milling closer together with the stallion, rearing and whinnying loudly.

 

Jerry turned away from his brother “What’s wrong with that damned stallion?”

 

Rafe was about to answer when he saw two cavalrymen moving in and he could only squeak “Jerry look!”

 

As Jerry turned Sergeant Broughton called to all the men to throw their guns down and the complete encircling troop stood up in the stirrups yelling at the men, just to let them know what they were facing. Rafe put his hand on his gun to draw it but Jerry grabbed his hand. “Don’t be a fool. We haven’t done anything to get hung for yet, don’t start now.”

 

The five men threw their guns down and dismounted putting their hands up. Lieutenant Gerse ordered five of his men to go and tie the men’s hands behind them. Ben was more concerned in looking for his eldest son. He yelled out for Adam in case he had taken cover, but there was no answer. Ben looked questioningly at Hoss but his big son just shook his head, he hadn’t seen any sign of Adam. Ben dismounted and went over to the Ellis brothers, who were obviously the leaders of the group. Ben grabbed Rafe by his neckerchief lifting the man onto tiptoes and demanded to know where his eldest son was.

 

Rafe shook his head and gestured at Hoss, wondering what the man was on about Hoss moved over menacingly “The man in black.”

 

“Hell he went in that canyon we ain’t seen him since.”

 

Ben looked up at his big son but Hoss shook his head and Ben pushed Rafe over to join the other prisoners. The two Cartwrights went over to join Joe, who had stayed up on Cochise, not daring to risk his ankle. Joe looked round anxiously “You didn’t see any sign of him Hoss?”

 

Hoss shook his head “Those black clothes of his and the dark we could’ve been ten yards from him and not seen anything.”

 

“Those men?”

 

Ben shook his head “They don’t know anything Joe. I reckon they were lucky to have even managed to follow the herd this far.”

 

“Pa he’s still got a bullet in him, we’ve got to find him.” Joe bit his lip, sure that it was all his fault.

 

Before Ben could answer Lieutenant Gerse and Sergeant Broughton came over. Gerse said “We have checked the area carefully but I’m afraid there’s no sign of your son.”

 

Ben nodded not trusting his voice and the Lieutenant went on “We have made a count and most of the horses are here. Make it fifty-five. As I understand it your contract with the army was for a minimum of fifty well-broken horses, with up to an additional twenty. I reckon the fact that these here have stayed together means they are broke and I’ll accept them on behalf of the army. That completes the contract as far as the army is concerned.”

 

The contract with the army was the last thing that was on Ben’s mind but he was grateful to have one thing taken off his mind and he nodded, then said “No. Only fifty-four for the army. That black stallion isn’t for sale.”

 

Gerse shrugged “Pity I had my eye on him, but whatever you say Mr Cartwright. Now I suggest that I take ten of the men and the seven prisoners and we will get the herd back to the fort. Sergeant Broughton and the rest of the men, with Doc, will help you search the stretch from here back to the canyon. From what I have been told your son must be somewhere along that stretch.”

 

Ben looked up at that, the gratitude very clear on his face and he straightened his shoulders, with the extra help he would find his son. “Right lets get started.”

 

Hoss wasn’t so sure he knew just how hard it was going to be, but Sergeant Broughton was ordering his men to make thick bundles of sticks to act as torches, to augment the four lanterns that they had. Then with fourteen men in total at his disposal, Broughton spread them out ten yards apart, to sweep back along the path that the herd had taken. Hoss took one end of the line with Broughton at the other and Ben and Joe in the centre.

 

They knew the path well enough having followed the herd from the canyon. Progress was slow and the three Cartwrights searched with growing worry. Each tried to remind themselves that Adam was strong and he could look after himself. But despite his ability, they all knew he was hurt and alone somewhere in the dark and the bullet still in him could have done more damage than he had admitted, or could be causing blood poisoning. Dawn was still all too far away and without even a moon it was pitch dark. Joe found himself bemoaning his brother’s habit of wearing black, at least if he’d had his custard coat they might have been able to see it, but they couldn’t hurry knowing they could miss a dark body in the poor light from the torches.

 

They had been searching for nearly three hours, when Hoss suddenly tensed and said “Be real quiet I heard somethin’”

 

Ben edged over to his big son with Joe right behind him but at first nobody could hear anything and then there it was again a soft snore. Hoss was down off Sport almost before the others had taken in the sound. Hoss knew that sound, he had known it all his life, in deep sleep sometimes Adam snored, barely even a snore a sort of hitch in his breathing and Hoss would have recognised it anywhere. So many nights curled up close for warmth on the trail, sharing a room for years as youngsters and even now, when older, often sharing hotel rooms. The men with lanterns passed them along and Ben and Joe joined Hoss. Ben dismounted and with the lanterns the two men tried to

find the source of the sound, Hoss pulled a bush aside and under it he found the most beautiful sight in the world, his big brother. Adam was curled up on his undamaged left side fast asleep. Hoss felt his forehead and he looked up in concern “Got quite a fever Pa.”

 

“We’ve found him Hoss, lets get him up somewhere flat where Doc can see to him.” Ben knelt by his son feeling Adam’s pulse for himself “Good strong pulse. I’ll take his legs you lift his shoulders Hoss, careful of his side.”

 

Sergeant Broughton had his men building up a fire and had laid down several bedrolls for the injured man. Ben and Hoss eased Adam down on it and Hoss wiped the sweat from his brother’s face “Pass me a canteen Joe.”

 

Doc moved forward “No not yet. Let me in. Best he stays out for the moment.”

 

Hoss moved aside and the lanterns were brought in close as the Doc began to cut away the bandage Hoss had used the previous day. It was stiff with blood some of it still wet and Doc grunted as he eased it off. The three Cartwrights could only wait anxiously as Doc took seemingly forever to examine his patient but eventually he sat back on his heels. “Your son is a very lucky young man Mr Cartwright. Ribs stopped it going too deep, two broken and one cracked rib and I’d guess a couple of bone splinters but nothing vital touched. He’s got a damaged ankle just like his brother but at least he hasn’t tried walking on it. Good job we found him when we did just beginning to build an infection but I reckon I can deal with that. You got the water boiled for me Broughton?”

 

Joe couldn’t face the next twenty minutes as the Doc cut the bullet and bone splinters out of his brother and thoroughly cleaned the wound. Hoss held his brother still and mercifully Adam remained unconscious and unaware. Ben had retreated as well hearing the scrape of the Doctor’s instruments as he cleared the bone splinters and went over to join his youngest son. Joe was very drawn and Ben put his arm round his son’s shoulders “Adam will be fine in a few weeks. Have to make up the blood he’s lost, get those ribs to heal but he’ll be fine.”

 

“It’s all my fault Pa. It wasn’t Adam sounding off in that saloon it was me. Adam tried to shut me up but I just lost my temper with him. Even when he was hurt, he was still trying to make sure I didn’t get hurt.”

 

“Equally it’s my fault Joe. Adam never liked the idea of delivering to the canyon rather than the fort. He even said it would prove a trap if anything went wrong but I wouldn’t listen to him. I wouldn’t even let him keep that black stallion after all the work he did with that horse.”

 

“Adam understood that, he knows things are tight.”

 

Ben raised his eyebrow in surprise, “How come you know about our finances all of a sudden?”

 

“Nothing detailed Pa, Adam just warned Hoss and me to be a bit careful for a while that cash was short. Heck we know about all the problems last year, bound to take time to recover.”

 

“Well they aren’t that tight that the price of one horse, not even what that animal is worth, is enough to make a difference. It never was that important, the horse is.”

 

Ben stared into the fire, furious with himself, his eldest son so seldom asked for anything for himself and he should have known how important it was to Adam, even if his son had been tentative in asking.

 

Joe recognised the anger and put his hand on his Pa’s arm “Adam won’t blame either of us Pa, you know that.”

 

“Yes Joseph but it doesn’t really help I still blame myself.”

 

“Do a deal Pa, I’ll stop taking the blame if’n you will. The men who hurt him are on the way to the fort under guard. And you said he’s gonna be fine.”

 

Ben pulled his youngest son close and gave him a hug “Just when did you grown up to be so wise son?”

 

“I had two real good teachers in you and my eldest brother, lets go see how he is.”

 

Ben supported his youngest son so that Joe didn’t have to put any weight on his injured ankle and moved back over to Doc. Doc was just finishing the bandage round Adam’s ribs and told Hoss to move the lanterns closer to his brother’s feet. He looked up as Ben and Joe approached “Doing fine. He hasn’t stirred but stood up to the operation real well. Will you hold his leg for me Mr Cartwright so I can ease this boot off. Good boot I don’t want to cut it off.”

 

“I don’t care.” Ben pronounced and then was totally taken aback as a deep voice answered him “Well I do, just got them broken in.”

 

His father and brothers all lent over him and Adam took in the three faces that he loved and smiled, “See you brought help little brother, well done.”

 

Ben glanced at Doc “Water alright now?”

 

“Sure Mr Cartwright, just take it slow.”

 

Broughton was quick to pass Ben a canteen and he gently lifted his son’s head and fed Adam a little water. Adam looked over at Hoss “You okay?”

 

“Sure big brother apart from you giving me heart failure riding out with the herd!”

 

Adam sighed “Sorry Pa I tried.” He remembered passing out, unable to keep the herd together.

 

Ben squeezed his shoulder “You did more than try, you succeeded. We found fifty- four of the herd together at the river, they are on the way to the fort, fulfils the contract with four to spare.”

 

Adam looked up at his father, who smiled “You did everything right son, your brothers are fine and the herd safe. You’ll be fine in a few weeks, bullet out just a couple of broken ribs and a sprained ankle. Soon be out teaching that black stallion all the same things you’ve taught Sport.”

 

Adam frowned at that and Hoss grinned “After seeing you ride that stallion bareback, when he’s only rough broke, we couldn’t help it, had to bring him back to his master.”

 

Joe recognised his brother’s need and he signalled the trooper holding the black stallion to bring him forward.

 

Ben was repaid a thousand fold by the delight so obvious on his eldest son’s face, as too weak for once to cover his feelings they were written all over his face. Adam just gripped his father’s hand in a surprisingly strong grip and managed “Thank you Pa.”

 

~The End

 

Tags:  Adam Cartwright, Ben Cartwright, Hoss Cartwright, Joe / Little Joe Cartwright, rustlers