Summary:  A beautiful new lady in town leads to trouble between and for the brothers.

Rated PG    Word count 44,027

 

The Engagement

The Cartwright brothers had been working out with the herd for the last two weeks and none of them had a date for the Saturday night dance. Not that it bothered them particularly and they had cleaned up and headed in for a night of relaxation. Joe was hoping that his latest girl, Janie, was nursing her broken heart in his absence and Adam knew that his friend Katie would be glad to see him, even if she had come with someone else. Hoss was less bothered about any particular girl, he would find a number who were happy to dance with him, raid the food and the punch and have a chat with some old friends. At the very least it was a chance to relax, get away from the cows, and even from his brothers after weeks stuck together, branding a lot of ornery cows.

Joe considered the crowd that was already there and, as Janie gave him a little wave, he gave a triumphal nod to his brothers and headed off through the crowd to her side. Adam smiled and shook his head “Trust Joe. If you put him down on the Moon he’d find some Moon maidens!” He hadn’t seen Katie and joined his big brother to get some punch and speak to a couple of old friends.

Hoss had just turned away to get some cake when Adam noticed a statuesque blonde walk in. She was tall and slightly voluptuous, which might cause her problems later in life, but for now she was certainly eye-catching and being a normal red blooded male Adam didn’t miss that. To his surprise she headed straight over towards him. Adam raised his glass and considered her as he sipped the punch.

She stopped by him and raised an eyebrow in query. Adam was tempted to wait her out and see how far she would go, but he decided he had better be polite “Can I get you some punch?”

“Please.” As Adam passed her the cup she looked up at him “You are from the Ponderosa?”

“I am.”

She laughed, a slight deep laugh for a woman, “You are not very forthcoming Sir.”

“We can fence for the rest of the evening or you can come and dance with me.”

“I’ll dance please.”

Adam took her in his arms and out onto the floor for the slow waltz that was being played. She seemed to mould her body to his and Adam studied her intently. If the messages from her body were to be trusted, he could invite her over to the hotel right now and she would spend the night with him. His body was reacting almost in spite of himself and he pulled slightly away from her. “I still don’t know your name.”

“Nor I your’s”

“True.” Adam smiled, the dimples showing, as the smile lit his eyes momentarily “I’m Adam Cartwright, as you said from the Ponderosa.”

“I’m Margarite Corlay, from just about everywhere.”

The pair settled to the dance, both very aware of the other, but hardly speaking. Joe watched his eldest brother with a smirk. The pair almost radiated lust and they looked very striking, with the girl as blonde as Adam was dark. He didn’t know who the girl was, but it sure looked as though Adam was striking lucky.

Adam danced twice with Margarite, but he was uneasy. He accepted that she was very lovely but, on the whole, he preferred to do the chasing and anyway he wanted to see Katie. He excused himself to get them both some punch. There was quite a crowd round the punch bowl and when he turned back Margarite was gone. Slightly picqued Adam mainly felt relief, although his body had some lingering regrets, and then he saw Katie come in and moved smoothly over to her side.

He didn’t see Margarite until much later in the evening when, to his surprise, she was dancing with Hoss. For the rest of the evening the pair were inseparable and Adam was well aware of his big brother’s delight in her company. He couldn’t help feeling uneasy considering the way she had come on to him earlier, but dismissed it. This was just an odd evening and they would probably never see the girl again.

The three brothers all thoroughly enjoyed the evening and made their own way home, not meeting up until the following morning at breakfast. Adam had almost forgotten the strange blonde, he had thoroughly enjoyed his time with Katie, and he was stunned when Hoss announced he was going into town to take Margarite out for a buggy ride.

Ben was pleased at that, it was unusual for his big middle son to get involved with a girl and for once he didn’t seem to be hanging back, or to be lacking in confidence. He made it very clear that if Hoss wanted some time, both his brothers would cover his chores. They owed him for many favours in the past. Neither Adam nor Joe was prepared to argue with that but Joe did it with delight, while Adam couldn’t help being worried.

His family all knew him well enough to see his reaction, but they couldn’t understand the reasons. Joe assumed he knew why and put it down to jealousy. He had seen Adam’s reaction to her at the beginning of the evening. He was more amused than he was willing to admit to any of the others. It was rare for big brother to be bested with any woman, most of them seemed to find him irresistible, and for him to lose out to Hoss was very entertaining for the youngest Cartwright.

Ben was far more puzzled. He knew his eldest son, no-one knew him better and normally he would have been delighted for his big brother. He was the first to try and stop Hoss running himself down, which the big man was too prone to do. In Adam’s eyes his brother was a very important person, as he had often said Hoss’ heart was as big as he was and in Adam’s eyes any female who captured his brother’s heart would be a real winner. Now in this Adam seemed very uneasy and Ben wondered if there was something his son knew about this girl that he wasn’t sharing with them. He tried to talk to Adam when Joe went out to do the chores and Hoss headed for town, but Adam denied knowing the lady in question.

Adam was glad to get away from his family and headed out to the corral to check on the brood mares. He couldn’t help feeling that something was very odd. He was experienced enough with women to be sure he hadn’t misread the signals she had been giving him the previous night and yet she had then vanished. He wondered whether she was using his brother in order to get to him, but decided that was just being conceited. He really wasn’t interested himself but he didn’t want his big brother hurt. He knew that it didn’t take much to knock Hoss’ confidence when it came to the opposite sex. Hoss had always compared himself with his brothers and long ago decided that, while both of them were very handsome and charming, he was sorely lacking in those areas. Nothing Adam could say to him had ever changed his opinion.

Hoss was totally oblivious of the undercurrents between his family. He was just looking forward to his day with Margarite. He wasn’t quite sure how he had ended up inviting her out, it had somehow just happened. Initially she had been standing next to him when someone pushed past, knocking her into the big man. Hoss had quick reactions and was able to stop her falling. That had broken the ice and the pair had introduced themselves, Hoss was just asking her how come she was in Virginia City when the band began to play “Susannah”. She turned to him with delight “Oh that’s my favourite” It had seemed natural for Hoss to ask her to dance and somehow that first dance had led to many others. Sometime during the evening she had expressed the wish to see more of the countryside and Hoss had found himself extolling the virtues of his own ranch. Then of course he had had to ask her to come for a drive to see it and he had been walking on air when she accepted. Now as he drove into town with a picnic made up by Hop Sing, he wondered if she would feel differently when she saw him in the cold light of day. Still at the very least he had the prospect of a pleasant day and he could show her the best scenery and give her the best lunch to make up for his own shortcomings.

Hoss was pleasantly surprised to find that Margarite was ready and waiting for him in the hotel lobby and as he escorted her out to the buggy she stood tall against him. She wasn’t that much smaller than his little brother, tall for a woman and for once he was less aware of his own size. She was easy to talk to and seemed fascinated by the ranch, as he showed her the lake and indicated the extent of the Ponderosa. She was equally interested in the fawns they disturbed in the woods and sat back, laughing, as he demonstrated his skill at tickling trout. Hoss couldn’t remember when he had last enjoyed a day so much and she seemed very willing to join him for dinner on Wednesday evening, the next time he could get free of the work of the ranch.

On Wednesday Hoss had announced he had business in town and the look on his face just dared anyone to ask what the business was. Ben was more than happy for Hoss to take some time for himself, all too often his middle son ended up doing extra work to cover for his brothers. Adam and Joe went along with their brother, Joe with rather better grace than Adam. Adam was very worried, if Hoss was getting involved with that blonde then she was going to hurt him. Adam recognised the type and he was experienced enough to have some fun and move on with no harm done to either of them, but he was totally unconvinced that his big brother was worldly enough to recognize her type. He was scared Hoss would get caught in the middle and get badly hurt. He often claimed his big brother had a heart as big as he was and Adam believed that implicitly, but that just made his brother that much more vulnerable.

Hoss didn’t really care what his family thought. He had had a wonderful evening. Margarite had listened to every word he said, as though his pronouncements were more important than anyone else’s.

That set the agenda for the next three weeks. Every time Hoss could get away he did and he didn’t hide the fact that he was spending his spare time, and any time he could scrounge from his brothers, with Margarite. Ben was delighted he liked what he had heard about her and it was unusual for his middle son to be so comfortable with a woman, so he was living in hope. Sooner or later one of his sons would settle down. Joe was equally pleased for his big brother seeing the glow of excitement in the big blue eyes.

Adam was, as so often, the odd one out, he was seriously worried. He couldn’t forget the way she had come on to him, just minutes before she turned her attention to his big brother. He tried to accept that she was tempted momentarily by him before she found someone she could really care for. He had just about convinced himself of that when Hoss brought her out to join them for dinner one Friday evening.

Hoss had been on edge all day. He knew that Hop Sing could always put on a superb meal, after all the meals he had eaten none knew better, but that didn’t stop him popping into the kitchen four or five times to check that everything was going smoothly. Eventually Hop Sing threw him out with a long screed of Chinese and the usual threat that he would go back to China if number two son didn’t keep out of his way. Joe laughed and taking his big brother’s arm he took him out to the barn and suggested that Hoss clear the barn chores while he waited.

Hoss glared at his brother “Dagburnit Joe I done had a bath so I don’t smell of horses and cows and now you want me to get all sweated up agin!”

Joe laughed “Well if you have to choose between a slight smell of horse or a black eye I guess that little filly would prefer the horse smell. And a black eye is what you are going to get if you go bothering Hop Sing again.”

Hoss glared at him and walked out of the barn, but he didn’t go back to the house either, opting to go and sit down by the stream, until he heard the buggy approaching from town.

Joe was inside chatting to his father and the only person in the yard as Margarite drove in was Adam. He looked round for Hoss, but with no-one else there he couldn’t be rude, and went forward to welcome her to the Ponderosa.

Margarite was quick to check as well and with no-one else in sight she gave in to temptation, pushing her body blatantly against Adam, as he helped her down from the buggy. Adam couldn’t miss the invitation but all he could see was his big brother’s trusting face. He quickly moved away, just in time as Hoss came almost running up from the stream.

The moment Hoss appeared she was all over him and Adam was almost convinced he had been imagining things when he met her eyes over Hoss’ shoulder. She was hugging his brother but she was looking at him with longing, almost with lust, in her eyes.

Adam couldn’t face her any more for the moment so worried about his brother, and he went into the stable and saddled Sport. Joe and his father had come out to welcome Margarite and they both frowned as they watched Adam bring Sport out. Ben asked “Where are you going Son?”

“I have to check out the herd Pa. I’ll be back later.” he swung up and tipped his hat to the girl “Miss Margarite” and then rode out. Ben assumed that Adam had intercepted some message indicating trouble with the herd and trusted his son to sort things out and report later. Joe wasn’t so sure, but for now he concentrated in welcoming the statuesque blonde to the ranch, so pleased to see his big brother happy.

Adam did check by the herd, just to salve his conscience, but then he rode up to the lake and sat down by Marie’s grave. He stared out over the lake for a while and then almost reflexively began to talk to his stepmother. “What do I do? I know Hoss is smitten but she can’t look at me like that and really love him. Or am I just being conceited and imagining things? I don’t want him hurt. What the hell do I do, get away for a while or tell him what I think?”

For once he found no peace at the lake and after an hour he remounted Sport and pushed his stallion hard as he rode up into the hills, just wanting to get away from the thoughts which kept revolving in his mind. As it got dark he did at least have to pay far more attention to his horse and the rough terrain, until eventually tired out, he headed home.

Ben wasn’t best pleased when his eldest son didn’t reappear for the meal. All his sons knew that they were expected for meals unless they had warned Hop Sing in advance. He decided to give his son the benefit of the doubt, maybe there was a problem, which needed his attention, and he refused to let it colour the meal. He was slightly amused and very pleased to see his middle son so proud and happy. Margarite seemed very nice and she was hanging onto Hoss’ every word, seemingly as involved with Hoss as he was with her. Ben began to hope that in this blonde his big son had found a soul mate. Certainly physically she was a fair match for him, a large but beautifully proportioned woman. He enjoyed the evening, just watching his happy son was enough to ensure that.

Joe had also been enjoying the evening he was delighted to see his big brother so happy, even if he was storing up the odd incident ready to tease Hoss over the next few days. The only fly in the ointment as far as Joe was concerned was the absence of his eldest brother. He knew the position at the herd rather better than his father and couldn’t imagine that anything had come up which needed Adam’s presence. The weather had been fine and with food and water at hand none of the cows would stray far. They had enough men round the herd to deter any rustler so that was unlikely to be a problem. He knew accidents could happen at any time, but Adam hadn’t sent for Doc to his knowledge, so it seemed unlikely that anyone was hurt. All in all Joe had come to the conclusion that his eldest brother was just being a bad loser and had run away because he was jealous of Hoss’ happiness and he wasn’t feeling very friendly to his brother. He had already decided that when Adam did come home, he would wait until Hoss was out of the way and then give his eldest brother a piece of his mind.

After the meal Hoss had to take Margarite back to town. He didn’t push the horse enjoying her company and the way she had moved close to him, her hand on his arm. Eventually they did reach town and Hoss tied up outside the hotel and then escorted Margarite up to her room. He wouldn’t go in not wanting to risk her reputation, but she gave him sufficient encouragement for him to pluck up his courage and gently kiss her lips before he let her go into the room. He was sure that he felt her respond and headed back to the buggy with a spring in his step and a broad grin on his face.

Joe had hung around for quite a while wanting to speak to both of his brothers, for very different reasons, but he was tired. When he started yawning for the third time and was rubbing his eyes Ben suggested he head on to bed. They had a busy day planned for the next day. Joe had to admit his father was talking sense and he nodded “Why don’t you take your own advice Pa?”

Ben laughed as he watched his youngest son head up, wise words and common sense from Joe, what was the world coming to! Then more solemnly he stared into the fire. He had noticed more than Joe would have wanted and recognised the anger in Joe that seemed to be directed to his eldest son. Ben wondered just what was going on that he didn’t know about. He was lost in his own thoughts and not aware of the passage of time when he heard the door go. He turned to see his big son, looking very pleased with life. “Did you have a good evening Son?”

“Sure did Pa, she’s a real nice lady and she’s coming out for a picnic with me tomorra.”

“Fine. Well I’m tired I think I’ll head up.”

“Be following you, just want to get a bite to eat first. Need to get an early start if I’m gonna pick her up at three.”

Ben headed for the stairs and was halfway up when he heard the door go again and his eldest son slipped in. Ben turned to speak but the expression on Adam’s face changed his mind and he went on up. Adam was disappointed to find anyone else still up. He really didn’t want to talk to anyone least of all his big brother. The mask came firmly down. He nodded to his big brother “Hope you had a good evening Hoss. Sorry I had to miss it, but I’m bushed I’ll see you in the morning.”

Hoss knew his brother too well to push him and just picked up his sandwich “Sleep well.”

Ben had taken the opportunity to head for his room and Adam was able to make the sanctuary of his own room. Once he had closed the door he moved over to the window and stared out. He was tired but he’d never felt further from sleep. He still hadn’t resolved anything, but he had the distinct feeling that trouble was coming.

Despite his late night Adam was up very early and had already left for the saw-mill before his family came down for breakfast. He had left word for his father that he would see to fitting the new saw and then was going up to the lumber camp. They had already planned on him doing both jobs, but he had intended to leave it until Monday, neither was that urgent. Ben knew that for some reason Adam was avoiding his family or back to his old habits of trying to exhaust himself with work. Ben had known his son do that many times but usually he knew the reason. This time he didn’t and that worried him more than he wanted to admit.

Hoss had also been up early and was out with the herd before his youngest brother surfaced. Joe was irritable not able to have things out with Adam and not having any real plans for the day, but when Ben queried it, Joe wasn’t in the mood to talk. He headed out to do his share of the chores warning his father and Hop Sing that he would be heading for town after lunch and not in for the evening meal.

Ben sat down with coffee staring pensively into the fire. Once he had thought that everything would get easier once he managed to get his three sons to adulthood but it seemed that problems just became more convoluted. And it was more difficult to get his sons to tell him exactly what was wrong. After five minutes he sat back and chuckled, when had the problems been anything but awkward and he’d been trying to get his eldest son to open up to him all Adam’s life. Things would work out they always did.

Adam kept himself busy out at the lumber camp for four days, but then with wages to collect he had to go to town. He had been able to push his concerns about Hoss to the back of his mind and having made arrangements at the bank and ordered some stores decided to go for a drink. He was relaxed and enjoying a chat with an old friend Jay McKeller, who worked in the bank, when he saw Margarite across the street. Jay knew Adam well enough to see him tense up and followed his gaze “Have you met Miss Corlay and her brother?”

“I have met the lady but I don’t know anything about a brother.”

“Well he only came into town this week, staying over at the International.”

“Like his sister.”

“Only makes sense Adam.”

“What do you know about them?”

“Not much, he deposited some money in the bank when he arrived, said he was interested in transportation and mining.”

“She been seeing anyone?”

“Well you ought to know he’s your brother, never seen so much of Hoss in town as we have the last couple of weeks.”

Adam smiled but it didn’t reach his eyes “I haven’t seen him, been up at the lumber camp.” He downed his beer and straightened up “Talking of which I had better finish up here and get back to the men.”

He was just coming out of the bank with the money when he practically walked into Margarite. She had seen his horse and been watching his movement round town. She had timed her move across the bank doorway very carefully when she saw his dark figure through the window. Adam had no choice but to catch her as she seemed to lose balance and as she winced on putting her foot down, he had to steady her and help her back to the hotel. She made the most of it pressing close against him. Adam couldn’t say anything, it seemed very conceited, but he felt thoroughly uncomfortable. He tried to avoid having tea with her when he had her in the hotel, but the alternative was to take her up to her room and he didn’t dare risk that. He sent two of the ubiquitous urchins to go and find her brother so that he could pass over the problem.

Margarite made the most of his attention and Adam had to admit, that with the table between them, she was an interesting companion. They had interests in common, she was very knowledgeable about music and art. It just brought it home to him how unlikely a pairing she was with his brother. She was sorry when her brother came in, but introduced Adam to her brother Henri. Adam asked a couple of questions. but Henri Corlay was as adept at parrying questions without giving any real information as Adam was himself. Adam excused himself Henri should get his sister upstairs, where she could soak her ankle, and he hoped she would soon be recovered.

Once Adam had gone out of sight, Margarite got up and when her brother came to help she pushed him away and almost flounced upstairs. Henri followed and pushing into the room before she could slam the door he lent against it “I see your ankle has made a very quick recovery.”

She glared at him “Why didn’t you let me go after him. That is a man!”

“Far too clever a man. I warned you about that.” Henri moved over and grabbed his sister’s shoulders “For God’s sake Margarite, you are like a bitch on heat when you are near him. You know what is at stake here.”

“Hoss will believe anything I tell him.”

“I’m sure he will my sister, unless he sees you with his brother, now you must be careful.” Margarite glared at her brother but he just smiled, “I think it is time you moved on with Mr Hoss before you have a chance to blow this. It shouldn’t be beyond you to get engaged this weekend”

Margarite tossed her head, but she knew she would do exactly what her brother suggested. It had worked well for them for more than eight years so far.

She was meeting Hoss for a picnic on Saturday afternoon and it was a glorious day. Hoss drove her up to the lake and she sat back and stared at the view. It wasn’t the first time she had been there but today the air was so clear that she could almost see the individual trees on the far shore and the mountains stood sharp against the sky. Despite her plans for the day, she couldn’t help staring at the view mesmerised by it. Hoss moved closer to her and put his arm round her “Almost as beautiful as you are Margarite.”

She turned and melted into his arms “I wish I never had to leave this beautiful land”

“You don’t have to.” Hoss swallowed hard and summoned up all his courage “Stay here, be my wife, I swear you will never want for anything and I will always look after you.”

Margarite looked up at him, for a long moment, and then snuggled up against his broad chest “Oh yes my dear, I would love to marry you.”

Hoss was so delighted he swung her high in the air and then he wanted to go and tell his family, share his joy. Margarite tried to show the same delight, although she couldn’t help thinking just how different she would be feeling, if it had been his eldest brother standing in front of her.

Hoss helped her back into the buggy as though she was made of porcelain and would break if he breathed wrong. For a moment she was tempted to tell him the truth the big man was so gentle and kind, and although she lusted after his brother, she had grown fond of him and didn’t want him hurt. She straightened her shoulders and reminded herself of all she and her brother had endured and their dreams, no-one would really be hurt by her deception, but she and Henri could return to the life they had been born to.

Adam had paid the men and returned to the house just after lunch on Saturday. Like Joe he had arranged to take his girl to the dance that evening and he wanted time for a long soak in a hot bath. It had been a hard week physically, short handed he had been lending a hand with the physical labour of cutting the huge Ponderosa pines, as well as dealing with all the paperwork and organization. He was tired and sore, with a variety of bruises and small cuts and blisters, which seemed to always be part of the job of a lumberjack. Very short of sleep, partly from the job and partly from worrying about his brother, he had a severe headache and was very glad of the prospect of 36 hours away from the lumber camp.

Ben frowned when he saw his son come in, he knew that Adam was pushed to make the contract but he shouldn’t have been so worn down by the job, unless something was going on that his son hadn’t bothered to tell him. He followed Adam out into the wash house and watched as his son eased his aching body into the hot water “Want your back washed?”

“Thanks Pa and then you can explain why you’re hovering over me like a mother hen. It’s been a good few years since you had to check that I washed behind my ears.”

Ben smiled at his eldest son “I should know better! Just wondered if there was any trouble, you look exhausted.”

Adam lent back in the water and smiled affectionately at his father “I’m fine. Tired I admit. I’ve had easier weeks but it was just a number of niggling things, a broken saw, two men squabbling over a girl, the logging road subsided. It’s all under control and four more days should see the contract completed and just tidying up to do at that stand.”

“I know you’ve been short-handed, but with the mines working full out, it’s virtually impossible to get more men.”

“Pa, we are all in the same boat and we will manage. I’m sure my brothers are equally tired and I’ll bet they haven’t been complaining. Get this contract completed and paid for and, provided the drive is completed, we are in good shape financially for the winter.”

“Well at least you can take a few hours to relax.”

Adam smiled and his dimples showed as his eyes lit up “Is that a promise, have you warned Katie?”

Ben squeezed his son’s shoulder “More than one way to relax! I’ll let you finish you’re bath in peace.”

Adam laughed but laid back and closed his eyes as the hot water eased the ache of tired muscles. He was just getting dressed in clean clothes when he heard his big brother calling for all of them. There was something about the excitement in Hoss’ voice that scared Adam, but he had to make an appearance and find out if he was right. As he came in Ben and Joe were already there and Hoss was standing over by the big fireplace, his arm so possessively round Margarite’s shoulders that Adam knew what he was going to say before Hoss opened his mouth. Adam took a deep breath and with mask firmly in place he moved forward into the big room.

Hoss yelled for Hop Sing to come in, he wanted all of his family and near family there. As soon as Hop Sing came in, Hoss grinned broadly “Guess this won’t come as any great surprise `cept maybe to me but Margarite has agreed to be my wife.”

Ben and Joe were quickly over to congratulate Hoss but Adam couldn’t. He tried to, but he met Margarite’s eyes and what he read there was not love for his big brother. He forced himself to move forward and shake Hoss hand but he couldn’t meet his eye or say more than “Good luck”. Then he turned and went swiftly up the stairs to his room.

Joe was furious and was about to go after his brother but Ben grabbed his arm and signaled with his eyes to Hoss. Anything Joe did was just going to make it worse for Hoss who was frowning as he watched his elder brother disappear. Joe swallowed hard and went over trying to show his own delight and cover up for Adam’s reaction.

Ben was very puzzled, it wasn’t like his eldest son. Normally even if Adam didn’t like something only his very closest family would know and even they would be dubious. Adam had always been all too good at wearing a mask to hide his feelings. Ben firmly put it to the back of his mind, he liked Margarite and he had waited a long time for one of his sons to give him a daughter-in-law.

Adam had swiftly packed a few essentials for the trail and wrote a note for his father. For now the only thing he could do for Hoss was remove himself from the vicinity. Then maybe Margarite could decide whether she really did love his brother enough to marry him. Adam knew she was as aware of the physical connection between them as he was, but that was all it was, just chemistry. He thought a lot of his big brother and knew there were many reasons a woman could love Hoss, maybe the chemical attraction between Margarite and himself would fade away, once they got to know each other. Certainly he would never act on it, she was his brother’s girl.

Adam went to see Katie but the last thing he wanted to do was to go to the dance, particularly if his little brother was going to be there. He hadn’t missed the disgust on Joe’s face as he headed for the stairs. Luckily Katie knew him very well and was very fond of him. She was quite happy to sit and talk quietly for a couple of hours. Adam couldn’t tell her what the trouble was but as they reminisced and Adam borrowed her guitar and played, he gradually relaxed.

Late in the evening Adam kissed her gently “You are good for me Katie. I’m sorry about the dance. When I get back from Frisco I promise I will make it up to you”

She smiled up at him “Don’t be silly I’ve thoroughly enjoyed this evening I love it when you sing for me. Better than any old dance I’ve had you all to myself.”

Adam crushed her against him and kissed her again, “I’d better go or your father will be chasing me off with a shotgun.”

“Just come back soon.”

“That’s a promise.” Adam mounted Sport and headed back to the lumber camp. He hadn’t intended to spend Sunday there but he could use the time, get the paperwork as up to date as he could. Then, in four days when the cutting was complete, he would take the final load to the railroad himself and head straight to San Fransisco from there.

Hoss had headed to town with Margarite for the dance and once he’d left Joe was able to vent his feelings about his eldest brother’s behaviour. Ben was puzzled but not as cross as Joe. He barely listened to his youngest son as he puzzled over his eldest, but he did turn on Joe eventually. “Maybe you ought to wait and hear what your brother has to say. One thing I am sure of. Adam wouldn’t do anything to hurt Hoss or you and you should know that as well as I do.”

“Maybe not but he’s — “Joe broke off “I’m going to the dance, guess I’d better get ready.”

“Stay away from your brother.” Ben warned “I do not want any family disagreements aired in front of the whole of Virginia City.”

Joe nodded “I promise that much, but I need to talk to my brother and soon.”

Joe wasn’t in the world’s best mood and he fell out with his girlfriend Jamie soon after they arrived at the dance. She wasn’t about to put up with his mood and flounced off with Mitch, much to Joe’s annoyance. Not in the mood to find another partner Joe went down to the Bucket O’Blood and drank rather too much whiskey. The only person to really enjoy the evening was Hoss. He was floating on cloud nine as he danced with Margarite with the knowledge that she would be his wife. In between dances they began to lay their plans for the future. Hoss had to take the drive out in just over a week and he would be away at least three weeks, but once he returned they would be able to arrange their wedding within a couple of weeks. Hoss could hardly believe that this beautiful and intriguing woman would be his in about six weeks time. He barely even gave a thought to his brothers and didn’t even notice their absence from the dance, he only had eyes for Margarite.

Margarite was asking all sorts of questions about the herd and his plans and Hoss just answered them. It was natural for his future wife to be interested in what his plans were, after all it would affect their wedding plans. It was late when he took her back to the hotel and greatly daring held her close and kissed her passionately. Margarite did her best to respond to him but all the time she could see his eldest brother and she closed her eyes and surrendered to her imagination. Her act was enough for Hoss and he rode back to the Ponderosa almost in a dream.

Adam had headed up to the lake to try and sort out his own thoughts before he went up to the lumber camp and it was quite late when he remounted Sport. It was only as he turned towards the lumber camp that he realised that he had left the contracts he would need for Frisco on the desk at home. It was already late and hoping that all his family would be in bed, he decided to get them now before heading up to the hills. Adam let himself in and found the big room in darkness. Relieved at that he lit the lamp on his father’s desk and was looking through one of the drawers for the contracts he needed when he heard the door go. Adam sat back and sighed heavily as he saw his youngest brother come in.

It was a toss up which of his brothers he wanted to see least, but as he realised Joe was far from sober, Adam came to the conclusion that it was definitely Joe. Joe saw his brother sitting at the desk and went over to tell him exactly what he thought of him. Anger had been growing all day and, fueled by the argument with his girl and whiskey, he headed over towards Adam to unleash that anger. “So you have deigned to come home. Are you gonna congratulate our brother finally or are you so eaten up with jealousy that you can’t bring yourself to do that?”

Joe was shouting at the top of his voice, fury obvious on his face, and Ben upstairs heard the angry voice. He hurried down pulling on his dressing gown as he came, wanting to know what was wrong. Adam was stunned by his brother’s attack and he couldn’t even find the words to deny jealousy, not that Joe was in the mood to listen.

“Just ‘cos you saw her first. What’s the matter don’t like getting cut out by your own brother? Well I reckon she’s showing real sense. You drive everyone away from you, with your logic and hard headed ways. Sometimes I don’t think you even have a heart. But I still thought you’d have the decency to congratulate him you can see how happy he is but oh no you have to try and spoil it. Sometimes I think you hate Hoss and me.”

Adam sat white faced and badly shaken and it was their father’s voice, which cut through Joe’s tirade “That is more than enough Joseph.”

Joe looked up seeing the fury on his father’s face, he glanced back and saw his eldest brother’s face as drawn as he could ever remember, except when Adam was badly hurt. Joe would have loved to have gone back five minutes and start again but he couldn’t. So he ran up to his own room pushing past his father on the stairs, not wanting to talk to him.

Ben barely noticed his youngest son all his attention was on his eldest. Adam looked as though he was in shock and Ben moved down to him and put his arm round his shoulders “Joe didn’t mean it, he’s drunk.”

Adam swallowed to get control of his voice and pulled away from his father “Didn’t he Pa? What do they say, in vino veritas. Maybe it’s what he’s felt for a long time just now coming out.”

“Adam, you know your brothers love you and trust you. You have looked after them all their lives and only ever wanted the best for them. They know that as well as I do.”

“Doesn’t seem like it Pa.” Adam had a huge lump in his throat and he could barely find his voice. He wiped the back of his hand across his mouth fighting for control, wanting to hide the tremor in his lips and he blinked hard, he would not give way, not yet. He had to get away be alone. “I’m going to finish up at the lumber camp and I’ll head straight to Frisco. Need some time to think and maybe my brothers do too.”

“Come home before you go to Frisco.” Adam shook his head, not at all sure he was coming home at all “Let me be Pa. I will be in touch.”

Ben tried to block the door “You are coming home?”

Adam gripped his father’s arms for a moment, but could only shrug his shoulders, he just didn’t know and then he moved out, swung up on Sport and was gone. Adam headed for the lake and sat staring out over it, so very beautiful in the moonlight, but all he could think was that he might never see it again.

Every word his brother had said seemed to resound in his mind, especially Joe’s final comment “I think you hate Hoss and me”. Where had he gone so wrong? He loved both his brothers and would willingly have given his life for them. He wanted them to be happy and if he could have believed that Margarite loved his brother, he would have been delighted; but no-one in love could treat a future brother-in-law the way she did. Why couldn’t he reveal his feelings the way Joe did, he felt just as deeply?

Adam was cold and near exhaustion by the time sunrise came, but no nearer a solution to his problems and he headed up to the lumber camp to bury his worries in work. He was short tempered but did his best not to take it out on the men. He buried his head in paperwork all morning and then, with a thumping headache, he went to vent his feelings with physical effort taking over an axe from one of the men. They could all see the mood he was in and had been with him long enough to walk very wary round him, just doing exactly as he said.

The work went very smoothly but the next day, after another virtually sleepless night, Adam was too slow to react when a pulley broke. The timber fell away and cracked into his leg, sending him rolling down the hillside. Bert and Johnny, two long time timbermen with the Cartwrights, rushed after him and when he would have pulled himself up, Bert put his hand on his shoulder, “Just take it easy Boss let’s check the damage first.”

Adam desperately trying to get his breath accepted the sense of that and then as Bert checked his leg he lost what little breath he had, his senses swimming. Bert sat back “Don’t think it’s broken but sure is ripped up, want me to cut your pants away so I can clean it?”

Adam got a grip on himself and nodded “Only any use for rags now anyway.”

Bert cut the material away and then with water from his canteen began to try and clean the torn and mangled flesh. Adam grabbed at a bit of wood to bite down on and when Bert finally sat back he ordered him to get some whiskey and wash the wound. “It’ll hurt Boss.”

“Not as much as an infection will, now just do it.”

Bert did as he was ordered and Adam bit back the cry of pain brushing angrily at the tears of pain he couldn’t prevent “Bandage it up and get me something to act as a crutch.”

“You sure you ain’t hurt anywhere else, took quite a fall.”

“No just a few bruises. Get on with it we still have a contract to complete.”

“Maybe we oughta let your Pa know.”

“There is no way I am bothering my family over a few cuts and bruises!” Adam insisted angrily and the anger gave him the strength he needed to get his aching body moving again. His leg supported him as long as he moved slowly and he determinedly set about the remaining tasks to complete the contract and leave the lumber camp safe, returning the tools and unused stores to the ranch. As far as he could tell his leg was clean enough, it was sore but not the deep throb of infection and it would heal.

At the house Joe had come down rather late for breakfast, with a hangover from too much whiskey and feeling rather ashamed of his outburst the previous night. He could still see his brother’s shocked face and he knew that what he had said wasn’t true. He had never really doubted his brother’s love for either him or Hoss, even though Adam often found it hard to show it. He knew he had to apologize to Adam but wasn’t sure just how and he found it hard to move downstairs. He looked round and was glad to see he seemed to have the place to himself.

Hop Sing bustled in complaining about people who wanted breakfast late, should be on time if they wanted to eat. Joe knew full well that once he had finished complaining Hop Sing would see he was well fed and as the old man calmed to a mutter Joe asked about the rest of his family. That was enough to set Hop Sing off again. No-one let him know when they didn’t want food, Mr Adam not even there, Mr Cartwright only wanting coffee only Hoss eating and even with his appetite he couldn’t eat for four.

Joe was almost glad to hear his eldest brother had already left for the lumber camp so he didn’t have to face him, but he was more concerned about his father. He had seen his father was upset the previous night, but surely not enough to put him off his food. After all it was hardly the first time there had been arguments between his sons. Still hungry himself and desperate for coffee Joe settled to cajole Hop Sing into getting coffee and making a fresh batch of pancakes, bacon and eggs for him.

Joe ate quickly and then headed out to the barn to find that Hoss had already finished the chores and was heating up the forge to change some shoes, get the remuda ready for the drive. He at least seemed his normal self, if in a particularly good mood and Joe relaxed. Whatever had gone on yesterday it seemed to have passed his big brother by and he wasn’t about to let Hoss know there had been any problems.

Ben had felt the same but he couldn’t sit and talk to his middle son and hide the fear he had, that this time Adam would leave for good. So leaving Hoss to breakfast he had gone up to Marie’s grave. There he asked for help, from both his third wife and his first. How did he bring their sons back together? He knew both of them loved the other very deeply, but somehow they managed to butt heads all too often, maybe in some ways they were too alike. He prayed that this land had as deep a hold on Adam as it had proved to have in the past and that whatever was worrying his eldest son Adam would eventually open up and share it with him.

He spent several hours up at the lake and it was a real effort to turn away and return home to the million and one jobs that awaited him at this time of year. Joe had to head out with a small horse herd that he was delivering for the army and he would be away for four days. He was quite glad to get away from all his family for a while and have a chance to think things out, with just a few good hands the drive was an easy one. It was very satisfying to hand over the horses he had worked on and get paid and know the good job he had done was being recognized. Especially when he got a contract for twice as many for the following year,

Hoss spent the next few days almost in a dream. His father contrived to give him time to go and join Margarite in town before he left for the drive. He would have liked to have had an engagement party, but with all the ranches busy heading up for drives it wasn’t really practical. Maragrite seemed content to wear the pretty ring, he had bought her and tell everyone they met that they were engaged, with the wedding to be soon after the end of the drive. He had seen a fair amount of her brother and if he didn’t particularly like Henri, that didn’t matter when Margarite melted into his arms. He wasn’t marrying her family. She made him feel so good, always so proud of his strength and making it clear that she had always wanted a big man who made her feel small and feminine. His mind with her whatever his body was doing, Hoss didn’t even notice the undercurrents at the house.

When Joe returned he reported on the successful drive and then joined his father and Hoss for supper. Joe wanted to be updated on the current position round the ranch and the gossip from town and they spent a pleasant meal.

Ben waited until Hoss had gone to town to talk to his youngest son about the row with Adam, but he didn’t have a chance to say anything before Joe spoke up “I’m real sorry for the other night. I’d had a row with Janie and I was mad at Adam and I guess I’d had too much to drink. I didn’t mean what I said.”

“I’m not the person you need to say that to. Your brother was really hurt by what you said.”

“Yeah I saw his face.” Joe sighed “I’ll tell him soon as he comes home.”

“If he comes home.”

Joe stared at his father in horror “What…”

“He was going straight to Frisco from the lumber camp and, from what he said, I wasn’t sure he was coming back.”

“But it’s hardly the first time we’ve argued.”

“I never remember you saying you thought he hated you and Hoss before.”

Joe got to his feet impetuously “I didn’t mean it. Adam must have known that” he met his father’s gaze and sank down on the fireplace surround “He must have known.”

“I’m scared that he thinks that you do mean it. I tried to tell him it was just the drink and he said sometimes true feelings only come out when you’re drunk.”

Joe got up and walked over to the window “I must go up to the camp catch him before he leaves.”

“You may be too late already.”

“Then I’ll follow him to San Francisco”

Ben got up and went over to grip his son’s shoulders “Your brother can not be pushed Joseph. Don’t you think I want to go after him and force him to come home? But it has to be his decision.”

“Can I at least see if he is still at the camp?”

“As long as you just keep it at talk.”

“All I want to do is apologize make him understand that I didn’t mean it”

Ben nodded he could see that his son had to try “Don’t push him Joe.”

“You have my word, Pa” Joe headed out and saddled Cochise heading for the hills. It was already dark and he had to take it slow. When the moon went down he camped, still about six miles short of the lumber camp. He was up at dawn and pressed on as soon as he had re-saddled his pinto. When he rode into the camp they were just beginning to stir and Joe looked around for his brother, but he couldn’t see him.

Recognizing Bert he went over to him “Adam around?”

Bert, barely awake, yawned widely “Didn’t expect to see you here Joe.”

“Well I needed to talk to Adam.”

“Bit late Joe. He left for Frisco last night. I tried to get him to ride home first. Thought he oughta see Doc Martin but he sure is stubborn.”

Joe, with considerable concern, asked “Why should he see Doc? Is he hurt?”

“Nothing much Joe. Just a timber hit his leg, got it all bruised and cut. We cleaned it up washed it in whiskey and he said it was okay, but he was still limping pretty good.”

“What time did he leave?”

“About seven, we had finished all the cutting and he had everything packed up for us to move today. Reckoned he could push on and get to Sacramento and then catch the steamer tomorrow.”

Joe sighed heavily “Well I guess it’ll have to wait until he gets back. Can you manage everything here Bert?”

“Sure can. I bin working with your brother for quite a few years now.”

“Anything you want me to take down with me?”

Bert passed over the paperwork that Adam had entrusted to him “Reckon you might as well take this to your Pa. We’ll be back tomorrow.”

Joe nodded and taking the package he swung up on Cochise and started the long journey home. All he could do was pray that his brother would come home, but for now the decision had to be left to Adam. He was sorely tempted to chase after Adam but knew his father was right, that would risk driving his brother further away.

The ride home seemed to take twice as long and Joe found himself remembering so many times in the past when his brother had been there for him. Getting him out of trouble, hiding his mischief from their father, even if sometimes applying discipline himself, teaching him to ride, to shoot, and just about everything else he knew. As a kid it had been his big brother everyone looked up to and Joe had basked in the reflected glory. Fastest gun, best shot, best rider and yet he’d found the time for a young brother and even trained him to contest some of those titles and reveled in Joe’s prowess. Adam might not be good at putting his feelings into words, but he sure showed it with his actions and Joe felt more ashamed of himself than he had done for a long time.

At least at that time of the year there was so much work to be done that he could bury his worries in work, especially with Hoss wanting some extra time with Margarite. Joe was still puzzled by Adam’s reaction to the girl, he couldn’t see anything to be concerned about. Now he had stopped to think, Joe couldn’t believe it was just sour grapes at being beaten to a girl by his brother.

In town Henri had made very sure that all the people, who needed to know, were very clear that his sister was marrying into the wealthy Cartwright family. He led them to believe that he was in business with the Cartwrights and seeing Hoss with Margarite no-one doubted his word.

Eventually Hoss had to say goodbye to his fiancée and get ready to take the herd out. He would be gone just over three weeks but he knew it would feel a lot longer. Margarite held tight to him and told him how much she was going to miss him and in some strange way it was true. He didn’t have the sheer physical allure of his elder brother, but she had grown fond of the big man finding him as gentle as he was big. Not knowledgeable about books and art, but he knew far more than anyone else she had ever met about the land and the animals of his homeland.

Adam had reached San Francisco and the first day he was busy making appointments with all the people he needed to see to arrange contracts for the ranch. He was surprised by some of the comments he got, implying his father was interested in a couple of mines, which he would never have advised, and a branch line railway that he knew nothing about. Adam was too closely involved in all the business of the ranch not to be suspicious and he set in motion a number of enquiries. Almost as an after thought he added enquiries about Henri and Margarite Corley to the list. Adam had always had many friends in strange places, people that he had quietly helped over the years, some his father had helped, and it didn’t take very long for information to start coming in.

Unfortunately word was also given to Henri Corley about the enquiries. Scared that the eldest son was going to cause problems before they could cash in Henri sent some precise orders to San Francisco. He wanted Adam Cartwright eliminated. It wasn’t the sort of instruction that could be sent over the telegraph and Margarite heard her brother giving his order to Jud Nelmes. Jud had killed for them before and Margarite had always been able to square her conscience that the men deserved to die, but this time she couldn’t.

As Jud left she went in to face her brother “You can’t, he hasn’t done anything.”

“Just because you like the man.”

“You don’t understand he is beautiful, why didn’t you let me go after him?”

Henri laughed “You’re talking rubbish, men can’t be beautiful! Anyway I told you he’s too clever and that’s the problem. He’s asking too many questions. He gets word back here before we cash in and we lose everything.”

“But to kill him….”

“Won’t make any difference to you Margarite you’ll never see him again. Ten days your big man gets the money for those cows and we get that and we take all the investments we are getting. Then we go back East where we belong. You’ll soon forget these country yokels, dead or alive. Think about it Margarite.”

“I won’t find another Adam Cartwright.”

“Forget him. By the time he finds out some of the things we have been up to for the last eight years, he wouldn’t have anything to do with you, even if he is alive.”

“Suppose he sends word?”

Jud is cutting the telegraph line in several places should buy the time we need, just two weeks.”

Margarite stared at him, but she had done as her brother told her all her life and she couldn’t change now, so she went into her bedroom and threw herself on the bed. She sobbed her heart out for the man she couldn’t have and really wanted and for the gentle giant who had fallen in love with her. Maybe most of all for her own mixed up life, just how had it all got so out of control. Until now nothing had seemed really bad, but looking back she knew she was lucky they hadn’t ended up in prison years ago.

Henri wasn’t really worried, his sister threw tantrums from time to time, but eventually she always came round and did as he told her.

The first Ben heard of trouble came five days later, the telegraph had been repaired and word came through that Adam had missed two important appointments. They wanted to know why and was he going to rearrange them. Ben stared at the telegraph it was so unlike his eldest son, who was meticulous at keeping to any arrangements he made. Even if Adam had decided not to come back to the Ponderosa he wouldn’t fail to fulfil a job he had undertaken.

He was still looking at it when Joe came in from the barn. Joe hurried over to him “Whatever is wrong, Pa? You look as though you’ve seen a ghost.”

“Maybe nothing. I don’t know.” Ben passed over the telegram and Joe quickly read it.

“Adam must be in trouble, he’s never late.”

Ben frowned, scared for his eldest son, and yet he was committed to a meeting with the Governor in Carson City in two days time. He had asked for the meeting, trying to ensure the safety of the watershed of the Carson Valley and he couldn’t avoid it. If he knew there was a need for him he would go to Frisco and forget everything else, but there was nothing to say Adam was hurt, just the missed appointments.

Joe looked at his father “You have to be in Carson City, let me go to Frisco.”

Ben hesitated his two sons hadn’t exactly separated on good terms and he didn’t dare risk anything driving them further apart.

Joe could see the hesitancy and knew his father well enough to guess the reason. “All I want is for Adam to be home safe and I won’t do anything that would jeopardise that. I owe him an apology but I swear I won’t try and push him. Just make sure he’s alright.”

Ben gave in, he needed to do something and just said “Go pack, there is cash in the safe, take $500 in case you need to buy information.”

“Sure Pa. Don’t worry I’ll find that big brother of mine and I’m sure he’ll be fine.”

“You make sure you keep in touch, let me know as soon as you find anything.”

“Are you gonna tell Hoss?”

“We can’t contact him until he reaches the buyers and you know with Margarite here he will be aiming to get back as quickly as he can after that anyway. No point in worrying him.” Ben forced a smile “At least one of us will have happy dreams.”

“I’ll get my big brother and we’ll both come back and dance at Hoss’ wedding.” Joe gripped his father’s shoulder momentarily and then took the stairs two at a time, eager to pack and get started for Frisco.

Hoss had had a reasonably easy drive. For once there had been enough rain to ensure plenty of feed but not so much that the rivers were up and he had enough experienced men to help. He missed having at least one of his brothers along, but as the ranch expanded they had had to separate and take charge of different areas of work. This wasn’t the first time he had taken the herd alone. This time he did have an added reason to push on, not just to reach the buyers first and get the best price, but so that he could get back to Margarite. During the day he was far too busy to have time to think about her but at night when he settled in his bedroll he could dream.

Adam hadn’t been expecting trouble and he was busy with various appointments round Frisco mainly for his father but a few in his own right. At night he still found it difficult to sleep worried about his big brother but distance eased the concerns, for now there was nothing he could do and insensibly he relaxed. Most of the time he was very busy during the days, but at night his worries always resurfaced.

One evening he was walking back to his room just after dark. He wasn’t worried, not carrying any cash and with no enemies as far as he knew. The shot came out of the dark and he didn’t even register the noise, just the sudden brutal blow to his back and a feeling of falling.

He might well have died where he fell but a saloon girl Glorie was out taking some air and she saw the black clad body lying motionless in the alley. Tentatively she moved over to him and felt for a pulse. The body, whoever it was, was out cold but the pulse was strong. For a moment she hesitated but she couldn’t just leave him to die and she ran back into the saloon.

The bartender Sam was an old friend and rather begrudgingly followed her out back. When he saw the body, with an increasing pool of blood, his first inclination was to walk away but she grabbed hold of his arm “We can’t just leave him here.”

“Ain’t none of our business Glorie.”

“Maybe not but I found him. He’s still alive.”

“Call the sheriff’.“

She shook her head “I don’t want any trouble but if you help me carry him to my room, reckon I can pad that wound.”

“What are you gonna do if he dies in there?”

Glorie gave a low laugh “You’ll help me dump his body in the Pacific.”

“Girl you do delight in getting yourself in fixes! I’ll help you get him in but that’s it. I ain’t never seen him you understand.”

Glorie kissed his cheek “I promise. After all we aren’t doing anything wrong just trying to help him.” She stared down at him “He sure is a good looking man.”

Sam shook his head “Since when have you been that desperate, half the men in Frisco are chasing you and you have to go pick up a half dead one from an alley!” Between them they carried Adam round the back and into her small bedroom and then Sam left her to it.

She cut away his shirt and found the bullet hole. Adam had been lucky the bullet had gone straight through although it seemed to have made a mess of a couple of ribs on the way through. Glorie did what she could to clean the wound and then with it leaking blood on both sides put pads and a thick bandage round his body to try and stop the bleeding. Once she had done all she could she pulled the blanket round him and sat studying his face.

Adam was pale from the shock of his wound although with the deep tan from his work outside it was less obvious than it might have been. She traced her finger round his lips, so very pale almost bloodless but beautifully shaped. She was tempted to kiss them but that could wait until he was more with it. The thick dark lashes swept his cheeks and she smiled to herself “Lots of women would die for those lashes Mister. I wonder who you are, bet you’ve never gone short of female company.” That thought led her to check his pockets. She had expected that he had been robbed but she found his wallet and he was carrying nearly two hundred dollars. Glorie sat back at that. It would pay for a Doctor and maybe she should find one for him, he was beginning to run quite a fever. She checked through the wallet and found his name Adam Cartwright but the name didn’t mean anything to her.

Eventually she left him to sleep and headed back to the saloon to finish out her shift and it was nearly three hours later before she returned to her room. Adam had come round sometime during that period and he was aware of the pain in his back and side. He couldn’t remember how he got there and looked round the unfamiliar room, but he knew he had to get back to the hotel and let the law know what had happened. He managed to swing his legs round and pulled himself up with his left arm, his right side throbbed and his right arm didn’t seem to be working. Sheer stubbornness got him onto his feet and he staggered towards the door, but his legs felt like rubber and he could hear this weird moaning sound, not even realizing that he was making it. The ten feet to the door seemed like ten miles but as he made it and grabbed onto the door to sat upright. For a minute he could only lean there and try to get his breathing under control but the sharp pains in his ribs as he made the mistake of taking a deep breath made his head swim. He tried to keep his balance and open the door but with only one working hand it didn’t work and he felt himself slipping. He caught the edge of a shelf in his side and the excruciating pain in his side lost him all hold of his senses.

When Glorie got back she found the door almost jammed shut by Adam’s body and she had to push hard to shove him back before she could slip in. She knelt down by him “Well that was real smart Adam Cartwright! You’ve got it bleeding again and you’re far too heavy for me to lift onto the bed. Maybe Sam was right I should have just let you lie there in that alley and minded my own business. Never learn, always have to stick my nose in.”

As she talked Glorie did her best to tighten up the pads and stop the bleeding again, all too conscious of the fever which was beginning to take a hold of his body. “You need a Doctor, but there ain’t no way anyone will come out for me at this time of night, so I guess that will have to wait until morning. Just hope you’re still with me by then.” Unable to lift his unconscious body, she pulled down some blankets and a pillow and did what she could to make him comfortable on the floor. He kept trying to throw off the covers burning up with fever and Glorie spent the rest of the night sponging him down to try and bring the fever down and keeping him wrapped up as he shivered intermittently. Adam murmured once or twice in delirium, but nothing that made any sense to Glorie.

When daylight came Glorie stretched her aching body and, leaving her patient for a moment, went to make coffee. He was at least lying still now, but deeply unconscious, and she was scared he was slipping away. Almost angrily she wiped his face “You are not going to die on me. Don’t you dare. You hang on. Another hour and I can go roust out Doc Cutter. He’ll come for the money you’ve got.” Adam moaned slightly as he moved and the pain caught him, but otherwise was lost in his world of pain. He murmured “Pa” once as he saw his father in his fevered dream but mainly he lay still just burning up, too weak to really move. Glorie did what she could sponging his face and upper body but it didn’t seem to do any good.

Finally it was late enough for her to fetch the Doc. She tucked the blanket round him once more “Now you lay real quiet I won’t be long. I hope.” The Doc only lived three blocks over and Glorie hurried through the streets and banged on the door. Doc had drunk too much the previous night and was slow to wake but he was used to being hauled out of bed and eventually pulled himself up “Hold your horses I’m coming” When he opened the door and saw the saloon girl standing there, he was less than welcoming. “What do you want at this hour?”

“Please you must come this man. He’s been shot. He’s burning up.”

“Probably deserved it, another good-fer-nothing layabout.”

“No Doc he has money. Look lots of money. Please.” Glorie fanned the bills from Adam’s wallet in front of him and Doc eyed them greedily “Yeah well maybe I could help. Need some coffee first.”

“Please Doc he may be dying.”

“Oh why is everyone always in such a hurry. Never let a body wake up in the morning.”

Glorie thrust his bag at him “I promise I’ll make you coffee while you check Adam, but please hurry.”

Still bemoaning his fate Doc Cutter allowed Glorie to grab his arm and lead him back to her room. It was easier to give into the girl than it was to fight and despite his liking for whiskey, which had cost him so dear over the years, there was still a vestige of the young man, who had wanted to be a doctor to help people.

Adam hadn’t stirred from when she left not even realizing he was alone although he had once again thrown off the blankets and was shivering as the sweat from his fever dried on his body. Doc stared down at him “Really worried about him ain’t you? Don’t even give up your bed to him sick as he is!”

Glorie was furious “He was on the bed but he tried to leave and when he collapsed he was too heavy for me to get him back on it.”

“Alright Girl calm your horse. Maybe between us we can lift him back, easier on this old back of mine if he’s higher up.” Glorie nodded and she took Adam’s legs as the older man took his shoulders and between them they managed to get him back on the bed. Moving hurt and Adam groaned, but he bit down and endured, somehow he knew that these people were trying to help.

Doc straightened up “Big one ain’t he? What did you call him?”

“Adam Cartwright. His name was on a couple of things in his wallet along with the money.”

“Well he seems strong. Good job, way he’s burning up, he’s gonna need all that strength if he’s gonna be able to thank you for what you’re doing.” While he spoke the Doc was untying the bandages Glorie had wrapped round Adam “Where’s that coffee you promised?”

Glorie turned away to deal with that but came back swiftly as she heard a cry of agony from the injured man. Doc had had to pull the pads away from the wound where the blood had dried and it had stuck to Adam. As he looked at the wound Doc whistled softly “Surprised he’s still with us. This is a mess.”

“You can help him can’t you?” Glorie demanded.

“I’ll do what I can. Need to get this cleaned up first.” Doc sighed “Don’t dare give him anything to put him out, don’t know him and he’s having trouble breathing anyways. May have punctured the lung.” Glorie looked at him horrified and Doc Cutter grinned at her “Easy girl, just thinking aloud. I’m gonna need your help and can you get anyone else to help, someone big to hold him down.”

“I’ll go get Sam. He’s big enough to hold an elephant down.” She was half out of the door before she had finished speaking and Sam had no choice. He had never found a way of turning this particular girl down. The fact that he was only half way through his breakfast made no difference. He grabbed a couple of biscuits, looked longingly at his coffee, and followed his arm out of the door, because Glorie had a firm hold on it.

Doc had boiled some water and put his instruments into it while he sorted some pads and bandages. He was just getting a pad of thick leather out for his patient to bite on when Glorie hauled Sam in.

Glorie went over to Adam and saw he was awake and watching everything that was happening. “He’s awake Doc”

“Yes I know, pity that but I need to get that wound cleaned up before the fever gets any higher.”

Adam struggled to find his voice “Thank you for …. help  do ….what …. need.” His voice was barely a whisper by the time he had finished the sentence and Glorie gently wiped his face “You just rest easy. Doc here will look after you and Sam and I will help.”

Adam didn’t know who any of them were but they seemed to be helping and he had his work cut out biting down on the leather as Doc began to clean his side, scraping bits of bone off the damaged ribs and setting two broken ones. Removing cloth and dirt that had been driven into the wound by the bullet and cutting into it to remove the long splinter of bone which had cut the parietal pleura, the covering of the lung. Doc knew that he must be causing his patient excruciating pain as he sewed the long tear, plenty of nerve endings in that part of the body but Adam refused to give in to the lure of oblivion. He was alone and he didn’t really know if he could trust these people, so he had to remain alert. He couldn’t have kept still without the firm hands holding him and as he began to lose his hold on his senses he thought the big hands belonged to his brother.

The three people with him couldn’t understand why he was calling for his horse, but then even Adam’s iron will wasn’t enough and to their relief he passed out. To Glorie and Sam, Doc seemed to take forever to tidy up the wound and he kept soaking up blood and tossing the soaked cloths to one side. Sam frowned “Never realised just how much blood is in a person, would have thought he’d be about out by now.”

Doc straightened up having finished sewing the wound up as far as he intended to for now. “I’ll leave it open for a couple of days to drain, still a bit of infection there but I don’t want cut anymore away.”

Glorie bit her lip “All that blood, will he …”

Doc grunted “Where is that coffee girl?”

“You haven’t answered my question?”

“I’m not God. He has a chance, maybe only a slim one but looking at the scars on him, he’s beaten odds before.”

“What can I do?”

“Keep him warm get liquids into him, broth if you can make it and wait.”

Glorie sighed heavily but her guest looked so very pale, almost bloodless that she wondered if he stood any chance, still there were two men wanting coffee and she got herself busy.

Joe thought the journey to Frisco had taken longer than ever before. He had opted for the steamer from Sacramento and usually he enjoyed the boat trip, but with concern about his eldest brother on his mind, all he could think was the long hours since they had had word from Adam. At the back of his mind all the time were the angry words he’d thrown at his brother the last time he saw him and Adam’s pale shocked face. He had to be able to tell Adam that he hadn’t meant any of it.

Ben was if anything even worse off, he would dearly have loved to be going to look for his eldest son but he had meetings and had to try and concentrate. The nights were the worst during the day he could keep busy and trust in his youngest son, to do all that could be done, but at night. At night he could only think of his long time partner, the serious little boy who had had to grow up so young to take care of his brothers. The keen analytical brain and the mask, which hid the sensitive caring man, the man who would give his life for his family, who so often expended time and energy helping the underdog never counting the personal cost. Only his faith kept Ben sane through those long nights, his only companion Hop Sing, who was almost equally worried, but insistent that Mister Adam would be home soon. #

The only member of the family with pleasant dreams was Hoss and he was so busy during the days that he had no time to think about Margarite, let alone his family. At night he dreamt of the wedding they would have when he got home and the future life they would have, God willing with a houseful of kids. He had always wanted kids but a big ungainly man, at least in his own eyes, he had always doubted his attractiveness to women, especially when he compared himself to his brothers. He was making good time and would deliver the herd two days ahead of schedule.

Knowing that he could get home early Hoss sent a telegram to Margarite as he had arranged before he left. He didn’t realize that the telegram was the signal to Henri to complete his haul in Virginia City and make the move out. Henri had already got four men awaiting Hoss arrival with the herd. They had initially thought of rustling the herd but it was far easier to steal the money. Especially when Hoss had let slip to Maragrite that he would have to accept payment in cash. He had been laughing over his father’s concerns about him holding the money, given that his first move would be to go to the bank and convert it into a bank-draft. Henri had been very explicit, there would be a very short window of opportunity and the men he had sent had to act during that time.

Hoss was delighted with the price he had got for the cattle and he had lost very few along the way. Now his commitment to the ranch was complete he had time to concentrate on his own affairs, plan his own wedding. Almost walking on air as he headed down the street to the bank Hoss was an easy victim to the two men waiting in the alley. He didn’t know anything about it as one moved in behind him and viciously hit him over the head. They moved swiftly to pull him into the alley and then, worried by the sheer size of the man, gave him another heavy blow to the head for good measure. Sure that he would remain unconscious, they stripped the money-belt from his inert body and walked casually out and over to their horses. The other two men, who had been keeping watch, joined them and the four of them left town.

They were to meet up with Henri and Margarite in Reno. The leader of the four Jay Burley had worked with Henri for many years and, although tempted by the large sum of cash, he had no desire to have the vicious killer after him. He had seen at all too close quarters how Henri had dealt with another man who had given way to temptation, some four years earlier. Henri would pass over a reasonable share and his plans had a habit of working out.

Henri had used the Cartwright name to great effect in Virginia City and a number of local businessmen had been eager to invest in something that had Ben Cartwright’s seal of approval. Now he had to withdraw all the money from the bank and get out of town, before those same businessmen found out that the share certificates he had given them weren’t worth the paper they were printed on. This particular set up had worked even better than he had hoped and with the money from the cattle, there would be enough to get out of this godforsaken wilderness and go back to civilization.

Margarite had resigned herself to never seeing Adam again. She could at least sit and count the money and think of the new life that would buy her. She barely gave Hoss a thought. He had been far more pleasant to spend time with than she had expected when she first saw him, but he was just another in a long list of men she had used on her brother’s orders. They were already leaving town when word came in of Hoss’ injury.

When the telegram came in, Billy on duty at the office hesitated, he knew both Adam and Joe were away and wasn’t at all sure where Ben was. Deciding that the sheriff was his best chance of information, he called in a friend to take over the telegraph for a minute and took off down the street to find Roy. When Roy read the telegraph, he turned it over in his hands as though hoping it would go away. “Sorry to bother you Sheriff but I hoped you’d know where Mr Cartwright is, didn’t want to just send it out to the ranch and then find he’s in Carson City or something. Reckon he needs to know real soon.”

“You’re right Billy. Best I know he was due back from Carson yesterday. Guess I’d better take a ride out to the Ponderosa.”

Ben was out by the corral looking over some stock that had just been brought in and when he saw Roy ride in Ben moved over to greet him. “What brings you out this way Roy, social or business.” As he moved closer the expression on Roy’s face gave him the answer and Ben licked suddenly dry lips “Adam?”

“No it’s Hoss. I’m real sorry Ben but he’s been attacked.” Roy handed over the telegraph even before he dismounted and moved closer to his old friend, just in case, as Ben read the message.

Ben stared blankly as he let the telegram fall from his hand “He would only have cash for about ten minutes, just time to walk to the bank.”

“We don’t know he was robbed Ben.”

“Why else would someone attack him?” Ben straightened his shoulders and ordered one of the men to saddle Buck for him while he went in to collect a few essentials. Then he was going to his middle son. The telegram just said that Hoss had been hit over the head and was still unconscious. Ben debated whether to try and reach Joe in Frisco but he was still very worried about his eldest son and Joe was needed there, so for now he decided to keep quiet. Once he knew just how Hoss was he could decide what to tell Joe. Hopefully Hoss would be awake nursing a sore head and waiting to come home. That thought reminded Ben of his son’s fiancée. She had the right to know and he asked Roy to find Margarite and let her know what had happened, she had a brother to escort her to Hoss if that was what she wanted.

Roy promised to see Margarite a soon as he got back to town so that Ben was free to go directly to his son, but worried about his old friend, he suggested Ben take one of the long term hands with him. The withering look that Ben gave him showed exactly what Ben thought of that suggestion so Roy shrugged “Just try and take it easy. You got three sons who need you.”

Ben nodded but, as he swung up on Buck, he prayed that there were still three sons to worry about. Both his oldest sons were in need of prayer, their lives hanging in the balance, but neither would have had any doubt that their father was doing all he could for them. The ride to Hoss seemed to take forever but in the gathering gloom Ben had to stop and make camp. A broken leg for Buck would only cause further problems and he knew, at the very best, it would take him two more days to reach his middle son. Even worse none of the small towns along the way had a telegraph, so he could only rely on his feelings and the inner belief that Hoss couldn’t be dead without him knowing.

Joe had arrived in Frisco and headed for the hotel that his father and brother always used. When he enquired at the desk he found Adam did have a room, paid up until the end of the week, but the clerk hadn’t seen him for several days. That wasn’t exactly unusual as Adam often worked long hours when in Frisco and the man just assumed that his brother had been returning late in the evening and leaving early in the morning. He knew Joe well enough to give him the key to his brother’s room and Joe went up to see what he could find out.

Joe wasn’t surprised to find the room immaculate, unlike him Adam had always been tidy. The consequence of that was his brother’s predictability, he found his brother’s notes about the planned meetings exactly where he expected in the top drawer. They didn’t help much, the notes for the two missed meetings were there and maybe it confirmed that Adam hadn’t been back to his room for the last week.

Joe studied the notes and thought about the ranch. He needed to find his brother but maybe he also needed to complete the work that had brought Adam to town so that the Ponderosa was in good shape for the next year. Joe was used to leaving the main business decisions to his father and eldest brother but he had sat by, half listening, for too many years, not to have a good idea of what the ranch needed. He had little in the way of leads to find Adam, but he knew that if his brother was still alive he would be fretting at the missed meetings. While he tried to find Adam he could at least complete his work.

His mind made up, Joe rearranged meetings and using his brother’s notes he did his best to represent the Ponderosa and gain the contracts Adam had been looking for. Adam had always planned well and Joe had little difficulty in getting what his brother wanted, but despite talking to the law and to the people Adam did business with, he was no closer to finding word on his brother. It was now nearly a week since anyone had heard from Adam and Joe was beginning to get really scared that he would never find out what had happened.

The proper circles had failed him so Joe tried the underworld. He had visited Frisco with Adam several times and knew a couple of saloons that his brother frequented. Adam was greeted by saloon girls, in any town they went to regularly. He was a favourite with many, never talking down to them or treating them as trash. Joe had no idea which, if any, his brother had had as a lover. The age gap was just too big for him to ever think of asking his brother such questions, but Joe was well aware that many thought of Adam as a friend. He knew both his brothers had helped out girls in trouble on occasion and had a shrewd suspicion that Adam was actually the softer touch, if only because he normally had more money than Hoss and Joe.

In desperation Joe headed for the two saloons he knew Adam frequented and looked around hoping he would recognize someone. It was more than a year since the brothers had been there and Joe hadn’t really taken any notice of his brother’s companions as he had enjoyed himself. Nobody seemed familiar but it didn’t take very long for one of the younger girls to notice the visit of an attractive young male. The girl Betsy came over to see if he would buy her a drink. Joe was fairly sure she was too young to be any help, but maybe she could tell him who might. Anyway worried and alone Joe was just in the mood for a sympathetic ear. Betsy was quite happy to join him at a table in the corner and Joe bought a bottle of champagne to ensure he had her undivided attention, even though he stuck to beer.

For a few minutes Joe just chatted easily as he would normally do, but once she had relaxed a little with him, he moved onto the one subject close to his heart. “Maybe one of the other girls could help me. I’m looking for my eldest brother Adam Cartwright. I know he comes in here when he’s in town.” “Well maybe he’ll be in later.”

“No. He’s gone missing, no-one has seen him for over a week.”

“This is San Francisco, shanghaiing isn’t as common as it was but it still goes on.”

“Not Adam. He knows his way around too well and he wouldn’t put himself at risk.”

“Well what do you expect me to do?”

“Could you ask around the other girls, does anyone here know him?”

Betsy put her hand over Joe’s and smiled at him “Ain’t likely. I mean you’re cute and I know your name now Joe but in three days time?” She shrugged “Men come and men go, don’t tend to remember them.”

“I’ll make it worth your while to ask.” Joe pleaded with her and she lent over and kissed him “Sure Sugar can’t do no harm but why so worried? If he’s your older brother and he can look after himself..”

“It’s not like him to be out of touch like this and we have some unfinished business.” Joe looked down at his hands for a moment, not wanting her to see how upset he was, but Betsy completely misinterpreted what he said and thought Joe was looking to fight his brother. She did know exactly who Adam was one of the older girls Marta had been extolling his virtues and been querying his non-return for the last week. She had known Adam since he first came to Frisco representing his father, a young man having to prove himself to much older businessmen and scared he wouldn’t live up to his father’s faith in him. She had seen his self-confidence grow over the years but he had always remembered the young girl, who had been willing to sit and listen to the scared young man with responsibilities beyond his age. Adam always saw her when he came to town.

Betsy wasn’t about to say anything to Joe until she had checked with Marta. Eventually with her promise to ask around Joe left and headed for the other saloon. This one seemed to have gone considerably down market since the last time Joe had been in it. He couldn’t imagine his fastidious elder brother frequenting it now. He didn’t even bother stopping for a beer and just headed back to the hotel, hoping beyond hope that there would be word awaiting him. Once again he was out of luck and tired Joe went up to Adam’s room, even though he was sure he wouldn’t sleep.

Joe wasn’t at all sure that Betsy would do anything and anyway he knew she wouldn’t be on duty until the evening so he spent another fruitless day asking questions trying to retrace his brother’s footsteps get some clue to his whereabouts. He picked at his food that evening not hungry, scared that he would have to go home and tell his father that he’d failed that Adam was just gone. Gone with the sound of his brother’s voice saying “you hate us” ringing in his ears. Joe had almost got to the stage of hoping he had driven Adam away with his stupid comments, at least that way his brother would still be alive, but he couldn’t believe Adam would do that to their father, however hurt his feelings.

Eventually he thought it was late enough to go back to the saloon, almost his last possible lead and he went slowly, his feet somehow dragging as he didn’t want to find this turning to ashes too. Much to his surprise Betsy came hurrying over as soon as he appeared and grabbed his hand “About time. I thought you’d never come.”

Joe went with her as she almost dragged him over to a table in the corner. Suddenly eager he asked “Do you know where he is?”

Betsy shook her head “Not yet but — This is Marta she knows your brother.”

Joe sat down heavily taking off his hat “Marta.”

“I haven’t seen your brother for about eight days, he was in here and said that he would be back the next day but he didn’t come.”

Joe sighed “Sorry Betsy, Marta I hoped – ” he broke off and gratefully sipped the beer that had been placed in front of him “I know he attended three meetings the next day and then nothing. It’s as though he vanished of the face of the earth.”

Marta smiled at him “Not so easy to make your brother do anything he doesn’t want to.”

Joe stared into his glass “He’s just as vulnerable to a bullet in the back as anyone and there’s a big ocean there to hide a body.”

“Why should anyone do that to him Joe?” Betsy demanded

“If I only knew they would be answering to me.”

Marta forced a smile “I won’t deny it’s possible but I have seen that brother of yours bounce back against the odds before. What have you done so far to find him?”

Joe outlined the people he had seen without finding anything and she considered that “Okay I think you have covered all the official channels, now let me try some of the unofficial ones. There is plenty goes on in this town that the law and the big businessmen know nothing about and want to know less.”

“What can I do?” Joe asked eagerly.

Marta smiled “Plenty I need to spread the word so I guess you’ll have to visit a few saloons this evening.”

She settled down to write a few notes and gave detailed descriptions of the bartenders or girls that Joe had to deliver them too. After his sixth saloon Joe was tired and his initial enthusiasm had faded, so far although everyone had promised to help, no-one had any news for him.

Glorie had had her hands full with Adam, despite Doc’s best efforts his wound had got infected and he had been running a high fever. Glorie had taken time off to stay home and nurse him. At least Adam had enough money to pay for the medicine and food she needed but too weak to even talk he hadn’t been able to tell her anything about himself, delirious most of the time and comatosed the rest. At first she had regretted taking him in but now her natural stubbornness had set in and she was not going to let this man die after all her hard work.

Each of the girls that Marta had contacted had sent word on to some of their own friends and eventually the question reached Sam. He knew that Glorie was still tending the dark haired fella and, although he couldn’t remember the name she’d said, he thought the name Adam was familiar. When he took his dinner break he popped into her small room where she was attempting to spoon a little broth into the unresponsive figure on the bed. Sam considered him for a minute “He any better?”

“Well he’s still alive, fever is a little lower I think but I don’t know whether I’m kidding myself.”

“Someone’s looking for an Adam Cartwright. Is that him?”

Glorie looked up horrified “The men who shot him?”

“Don’t seem so. Comes from Marta down at the Silver Palace. Seems his brother is looking for him.”

“Brothers have been known to shoot each other before now.”

“Yeah but Marta she says he’s just real worried. Come all the way from Nevada looking for him.”

Glorie sponged the feverish man down once more, the money was getting low and maybe he needed more help than she could give him. “Sam I’m just not sure. Do you reckin you could go talk to this Marta. I can’t leave him.”

“Where am I gonna find time to get all the way over there?” Glorie moved over and kissed his cheek

“Come on Sam. For me, Mort will stand in for you for an hour you know he will.”

“Yeah and drink the profits for the whole evening.” Sam grumbled but he had never been any good at saying no to Glorie. He gave in as she knew he would and promised to go and find out more details.

Joe had spent most of the day in the Silver Palace, he had completed all his brother’s tasks only the most important job was still outstanding and if there was news this was where it would come. He’d stuck mainly to coffee not really fancying beer, but even so he felt as though he was awash in liquid. Restless he had wandered out to stretch his legs unsure just how long he could keep hoping. As he came back in he saw a short badly dressed rotund man in front of him. The man really didn’t seem to fit in the elegant saloon and Joe frowned but it was nothing to do with him and he went back over to rejoin Marta, only to see the bartender pointing the man in their direction.

Ben had finally reached Hoss, to find his big son still unconscious from the blow to the head. as he had expected the money was gone but although it was a hard blow for the ranch, Ben didn’t even care. The only important thing was his big son’s health. The doctor wasn’t able to help much, until Hoss came round there was no way to know the extent of the damage. He had been slowly bringing down the swelling and Hoss seemed slightly more responsive today, his breathing deeper, a little movement.

Ben went back in to check his son and changed the pad on Hoss’ head before taking his hand and talking to his son, trying to reassure Hoss that everything would be alright that his father was with him now. Ben barely moved all day spooning a little liquid into his son, changing the pad and talking to him. He slowly drifted into reminiscing, the number of times he had spent hours in vigil by one son or the other. He had never worked out if his sons were accident prone, or whether with three boys in the rough area, such things were inevitable.

It was nearly dark when Hoss finally stirred, putting his hand to his head in the first co-ordinated move he had made. Ben lent over his big son “Easy son easy.”

Hoss recognised that voice “Pa?”

“Right here son. Just take it very easy. You have had a bad knock on the head.” Ben was very relieved that his son had come round and at least seemed to know him. Hardly daring to ask he said “Can you see me son?”

Hoss squinted through half opened eyes, but even that much made his head throb twice as badly. ” Pa I ain’t sure if there’s three or four of you.”

“Easy son. You want a drink?”

“Mmm” Ben lifted Hoss’ head as carefully as he could, but even so Hoss felt the mists and blackness swirling round him. He held on to drink thirstily, but as Ben settled him down again, his father’s suggestion that he get some sleep seemed the best idea he’d heard in a long time. The Doctor came in a little later and checked Hoss’ pulse and temperature, he listened to Ben’s report and smiled encouragingly “Well still too early to be sure but indications are far more positive than they were this morning. You should try getting some sleep yourself Mr Cartwright, I think he will sleep until morning.”

“I can’t leave him” Ben said without even thinking about it and Doc knew there was no point in arguing. However Ben wasn’t about to turn down Doc’s suggestion of a truckle bed so that he could rest alongside his son.

Hoss didn’t stir again until nearly ten the following morning but when he did wake up he felt rather better as long as the room was kept dim and he kept still. At least there were only two images of his pa in front of him. For the first time he felt hungry and was able to eat some broth before dozing off again. Once he was asleep Ben went to wash himself up and get a meal.

For the first time he began to think about the money, sure now that in time Hoss would make a full recovery. It didn’t take long to visit the cattle buyers and the bank and check that his first thought was correct. The money from the herd was gone and after four days there was absolutely no lead or way to track the robbers. Ben was angry, but he would gladly have given ten times the money if it meant his son was safe and well. The local sheriff was sorry for what had happened but he couldn’t offer any real help. At this time of year there were always a lot of strangers in town.

The buyers could only confirm they had paid Hoss $34 650 and he had been heading for the bank. They were very sorry but they had Hoss’ signature on the bill of sale and Ben wasn’t denying that the loss was his. It wasn’t the first time Ben had made a business loss, although it was one of the biggest, but the Ponderosa would survive. These days all the investments that Ben, and more recently Adam, had made, usually to help out people trying to make a life for themselves, were bearing fruit and covering taxes and normal running expenses. It was all the hard work that he and his sons had put in that really hurt. They had worked for the profit on those cattle and Ben was furious that someone could just walk in and take it. Not having anywhere to aim his fury didn’t help, but at least his middle son was recovering, albeit slowly, and he could only pray that Joe would manage to find his eldest and bring him home.

In Frisco, Joe watched Sam approach their table but he didn’t realise that this was what he had been hunting for for days. Sam was hesitant not comfortable in this fancy saloon but he had to talk to this Marta “Excuse me Miss but I’m looking for Marta”

Betsy smiled “You have come to the right place” and nodded towards her friend “This is Marta.”

Marta moved forward “Have a seat, Can I get you a drink?”

“No thanks I need to get back. Run a place down town. Word is you’re looking for a guy Adam Cartwright?”

Joe sat forward eagerly at that but Betsy put her hand on his arm and shook her head “Leave it to Marta.”

Marta smiled “I am indeed.”

“why•,,

“We are worried about him.” Marta indicated Joe “This is his brother, he’s been missing for over a week.”

“Any idea who might try and hurt him?” Sam asked watching the youngster but Joe couldn’t hide his fear for his brother “You saying he’s hurt?” he demanded.

Sam studied him for a moment and then turned back to Marta “You know these guys?” She could guess what he was thinking and put her hand on Joe’s arm “I don’t know Joe too well except through his brother. I do know Adam and have known him for years and know just how close they are. Joe only came to Frisco when Adam was already missing. You have nothing to worry about by telling Joe what you know.”

Sam stared at the younger man “She telling the truth?”

“Sure is. He’s my brother and he means a great deal to me.” Sam stared at him trying to read the truth in his eyes and then looked over at the two girls, both of whom seemed to be backing the youngster. He sighed heavily hoping he was doing the right thing “Well I ain’t one hundred percent sure but we bin tending this guy for more’n a week, least one of my girls has.”

“What does he look like, hasn’t he said anything? What is wrong with him?” Joe asked urgently.

“He’s a big guy well over six foot, black hair, sorta light brown eyes, dressed all in black.”

“That’s my brother.” Joe said bending forward “How is he, is he alright?”

“Ain’t doing too well, bullet in the back, messed up some ribs, tore the lung from what Doc said and he’s been running a high fever, ain’t really been in his right mind.”

“Can you take me to him?” Joe asked “Please, I was so scared he was dead.”

Sam looked at the two saloon girls as though for confirmation and seeing them both nod, he said “Okay guess I can, need to get back anyways, afore old Mort ends up giving my bar away.” Joe was on his feet instantly and the older man hauled himself up and led the way down the street. It was only six blocks away from the Silver Palace but it was a very different part of town. As Sam led the way down a small alley Joe found himself automatically easing his gun in his holster. Sam headed over to the far end and knocked on a door, as Joe waited he saw a woman open it and Sam spoke to her briefly and then she stared intently at him “You do any harm to him and you’ll answer to me.”

“Let me see my brother.” Joe said a note of desperation in his voice and Glorie moved out of the way. Joe threw himself through the door and seeing his brother lying on the bed moved swiftly over to kneel down by him. “Adam, dear God brother what have they done to you.” He felt his brother’s forehead and the fever in it and reached for the cold water, automatically sponging his face. “I’m here now Adam. Come on you have to be alright we need to talk, I gotta tell you just how much you mean to me. How much I rely on you. I didn’t mean what I said” Slowly he realised he wasn’t alone and he looked up at Glorie “Thank you for all you have done for him. What does the Doc say?”

“Not a lot. Says the fever will break or it’ll kill him.”

“What medicine has he given him?” Glorie shook her head and Joe frowned knowing Doc Martin always gave them something to help with fever, even if he didn’t know what. “When did you last change his bandages?”

“Doc said best to leave them, not start him bleeding again, he lost an awful lot of blood.” she smoothed Adam’s hair back from his forehead “I bin doing my best Mister.”

Joe smiled at her “I know and I am very grateful but I think perhaps my brother needs to see another doctor now and I need to get him somewhere where I can nurse him. Let you have your bed back.”

“He ain’t fit to move Mister.” Joe stared down at his brother, as thin and gaunt as he had ever seen him, burning up with fever and Joe almost dreaded what he would find under the unchanged bandage. For now he had to get his brother somewhere where he could be given the help he obviously needed. Joe’s gaze fell on Sam still hovering wondering what he had got himself involved in. Joe got back to his feet “Do you have a wagon Sam?”

“Well yeah we have an old one.”

“Horses?”

“One broken down old nag.”

“That will be enough to get Adam back to my hotel. Could you go and get it please. I’ll pay anything you like.”

Sam blushed slightly “Ain’t no need for money Mister. Glad to help but it’ll be rough on him.” he gestured over to the unconscious man in the bed.

“He’ll be fine ” Joe insisted although the tone of his voice didn’t match the words, so scared for his brother. He frowned as he tried to think how to transport his brother as easily as possible and then looking at the blood stained mattress he turned to Glorie “That mattress isn’t going to be much good for anything.”

“Only one I got Mister. It’ll clean up.”

“Can I take Adam on it and send back a clean one from the hotel?”

Glorie frowned at that “The hotel won’t like that.”

“They won’t care I’ll buy a dozen new ones if necessary. I just want to move my brother as little as possible.”

Glorie shrugged “Suits me.”

When Sam got back Joe enlisted his help and with Glorie’s help as well they managed to carry the mattress and the unconscious man out and slid him into the back of the wagon. Adam moaned once as the pain caught him even from the depths of unconsciousness but slipped back into his comatosed state as the mattress settled in the wagon. Joe eased himself up next to his brother to steady him and left Sam to drive. He smiled down at Glorie “I’m sure Adam will be back to see you when he recovers. I don’t know how to say thank you for all you have done for him, but anytime you need any help just contact us on the Ponderosa, Virginia City Nevada and its yours.”

Glorie watched them leave and was sure she would never hear from them again, but she hoped that the handsome stranger did make a full recovery. The jolting of the wagon on the rough streets jerked Adam back to consciousness and he did his best to bite back the cry of pain. Joe was quick to react and he took his brother’s hand “Easy Adam not far now and I’ll get you to bed, get a proper Doctor, easy brother.”

Adam couldn’t really focus, but he didn’t need to in order to know his little brother. “Joe how? Don’t hate you.” Then a particularly large jolt sent a sharp pain from his side and he moaned and he passed out again.

Joe stared down at him in horror. He had been bitterly regretting his drunken angry words but had hoped that they hadn’t hurt Adam as much as it appeared at the time. Now he couldn’t think that, they were very obviously still eating at his brother. He hated himself for hurting Adam that way, especially as he knew it was totally untrue. For now all he could do was his best to save his brother’s life and then they could work out their problems.

Joe was mightily relieved when he reached the hotel and he went in and demanded help. To their credit the hotel staff were quick to come to his aid, sending for a doctor and helping him get his brother up to Adam’s room. They didn’t turn a hair at his demand that a clean mattress be placed in the wagon, knowing that he would pay for it later. Joe had barely got Adam settled when the door went and a young man came in. Joe looked up at the man who seemed about his own age and was slightly taken aback, when the man introduced himself as Doctor James Farrah. Joe hesitated for a moment but then moved to one side to let the man get to his patient “This is my brother Adam Cartwright. He has been missing for about ten days. The girl who was looking after him said he was shot in the side from the back, damaged the lung. She got a Doctor to sow him up but he hasn’t really been conscious since, running one hell of a fever.”

The Doctor nodded “Okay lets get those clothes and bandages off him, see what we are dealing with. I’m going to need water, hot and cold, need some boiling water for my instruments.” One of the hotel staff hurried to collect that and Doc looked at Joe “I’ll need your help, he’s a big man, heavy.”

Joe smiled faintly “Good job it isn’t my middle brother he makes Adam look small.” As he spoke he moved close and the Doc asked “Worried about the clothes or can I cut them off him?”

“Anything which makes it easier on him.” Doc got out two pairs of large scissors and between them they cut away the filthy blood stained clothing. For the first time Joe realised his brother’s leg was bandaged too and by the heat coming from it and the swollen state, that at least was infected. The bandages round his chest were stuck tight and even after soaking them Doc had a job to pull them away. The sudden sharp pain brought Adam round and he couldn’t help the scream of agony. Joe wiped his face “Easy brother soon have you feeling better.” but it was hard to sound optimistic as he took in the swollen, inflamed mess of Adam’s side. He looked up despairingly at the Doc, who tried to be encouraging. “Not as bad as it looks or he’d have been dead days ago.”

Adam was shivering now and Joe did his best to reassure his brother, but he knew he wasn’t making any sense. He watched Doc cut away the bandages from Adam’s leg and saw the suppurating ulcers on his brother’s leg and smelt the decay. No wonder his brother was running such a high fever. Doc frowned as he took in the condition of his patient. “I need to clean up both his side and that leg. Trouble is with possible lung damage I daren’t give him anything to put him out. It’s gonna hurt like hell, but you are going to have to hold him still. Can you do it?”

“I’ll do what ever I have to.” Joe said grimly and Doc put his hand on the other man’s arm “My guess he’ll pass out pretty quickly. Won’t really know too much about it.” Just in case he put a wad of cloth in the injured man’s mouth, so he had something to bite down on. Then concentrating on the more serious wound first he had to open up the inflamed row of stitches. As he did so pus began to leak out and Doc cleaned up, throwing wadge after wadge of dirty material into a bowl. Eventually the stream eased and Doc began to cut away some of the diseased flesh, judging how much he needed to remove in order to give his patient the best chance.

Adam had tensed against the pain, but to Joe’s infinite relief the pain quickly proved too much for his brother’s weakened body and Doc was right Adam passed out. Just in case he maintained his hold even though the smell and sight turned his stomach. It seemed to take forever but eventually Doc has re-sowed the wound leaving it open to drain and then padded and bandaged it. Then he was able to start cleaning the leg wound, several small ulcers cleared easily but one was much deeper and eventually Doc pulled out a sliver of wood left it in from the original accident. Doc frowned “This one is going to take a fair amount of time to heal, likely to leave quite a scar.”

“I’ll settle for him being alive and well long enough to worry about a scar.” Joe was sweating and still felt sick.

“Well I’m not sure how he has stayed alive this long but at least his chances are more than double what they were two hours ago. One thing going for him the wound on his lung is healthy, if the infection had reached there he would be dead.” The Doc straightened up from washing his hands “Strange the Doctor who did that original surgery was good. Wonder why his follow up care was so abysmal?”

“What now?” Joe asked.

The Doc passed over a bottle “Three spoonfuls of this every four hours and as much liquid as you can get into him. I’m a little worried about his kidney function.” Seeing the fear on the other man’s face, Doc smiled “Probably just the high fever. He’s been sweating out all the fluid he’s managed to take in. Try to keep him cool. I’ll be back in the morning. Do you want me to arrange for a nurse?”

“Not yet. Maybe when he’s a little better, but for now I need to look after him.”

“Well make sure you get some sleep too. I don’t want two patients on my hands.”

“Thanks Doc.” Once Doc had gone Joe went and washed his face and then sat down next to the bed and washed Adam’s face again, he found himself praying for Adam and almost as fervently wishing that his father and brother were there to help him. It was a long night as Joe sat next to his big brother. The small teapot that Doc had given him was fairly efficient at persuading Adam to drink even while he was asleep and Joe had even managed to get some milk into his brother. Joe thought Adam’s fever was slightly lower, but he wasn’t sure whether he was kidding himself.

Joe was glad when dawn came at least his brother had survived another night. He stretched and sent down for some breakfast and fresh milk for Adam. While he waited he wrote out a telegram for his father, to let him know that he had found Adam and warn his father that his brother was injured. Joe was sure one of the bell boys would take it down to the telegraph office for him. Joe was just finishing his breakfast when he heard a faint moan from the bead where Adam had tried to turn over. Joe swiftly moved over and was relieved to see his brother looking up at him with recognition in his eyes. “Easy Adam. Welcome back brother.”

“Where?” Joe carefully fed his brother some water “We are in a hotel room in San Francisco. You have a bad wound in your side and a banged up leg, but you’re going to be fine.”

Adam considered that carefully, trying to make sense of the situation. Then puzzled why his brother was there he frowned “Why you?”

Joe was rather badly shaken by the weakness he could hear in his brother’s voice and he realised that even the couple of words was taxing Adam’s meagre strength. For now all he could do was put his brother’s mind at rest as best he could “We had word that you missed a couple of meetings. That’s not like you and Pa had to see the Governor so I came to make sure you were alright.”

Adam suddenly remembered the contracts he had come to Frisco to get and he tried to pull himself up. Joe pushed him gently back onto his pillows “Easy big brother. Everything is under control. If you’re worried about the contracts, there’s no need. You left very clear notes I think I got everything you wanted. He smiled down at his big brother “Think they underestimated me, just a kid. Not a good idea when I have clear instructions from a master negotiator.”

A faint smile crossed Adam’s face but his eyelids were heavy and exhausted by that much conversation he slipped back into sleep. Joe was stunned by that. He had known his brother badly hurt before but he couldn’t remember him ever being so weak. Joe was glad when the Doc reappeared and he reported what had happened that morning. Doc smiled “That’s good and you have been able to get fluids into him.”

“Well yes but five minutes talk and he only manages three words and he is exhausted. It’s not like him.”

“Mr Cartwright I think you underestimate just what your brother has been through. His body has been fighting a high fever for nearly ten days as best we can tell, with very little food and not enough liquid. The miracle is that he is conscious and able to think clearly enough to have any sort of conversation. His fever is definitely down a lot and you keep getting fluid into him, milk, broth but just light food for now.”

“You think he’ll be alright?”

“From what I have seen of him he’s too stubborn to give in. He’s a lot better this morning but it’s going to take a long time for him to get his strength back. Don’t worry too much I expect him to sleep most of the time for the next week or so. I reckon he’s used up just about every reserve of strength he has in staying alive. Just make sure you don’t let him get exposed to any infection. Build him up as best you can and try not to let him worry about anything. I’ll pop back this evening, but if you are worried about anything let the desk here know. They can contact me.”

Joe offered his hand and shook firmly “I’m real glad you were around last night Doc, get my recommendation any time.”

“Might take you up on that. Still establishing my practice in this town.”

Joe was slightly easier after talking to the Doc but he still found it hard to accept his big brother being so weak. Adam was hardly ever ill and even when he was he barely let anyone know, quietly taking whatever treatment was offered and not bothering his family. Now there seemed so little Joe could do for him, although he continued to feed Adam water, milk and broth. Surprisingly it was far easier to do so while Adam was apparently asleep. The reflex action of swallowing worked automatically, as long as Joe fed him a little at a time. Just after lunch a very soberly dressed Marta knocked on the door. She had to know how Adam was and after all her help Joe felt she was more than entitled to ask. Joe had seen his brother the previous day, when he was still burning up and in blood stained clothing, and to his eye Adam looked better but Marta seeing him for the first time was horrified. Adam looked drawn gaunt and almost bloodless, his lips were so pale and big black smudges round his eyes. She turned to Joe the question obvious on her face “Has he any chance?”

“Easy Marta. Doc is sure he’ll be fine. Just going to take a while.”

“You sure Joe, quite a lot of people asking about him. Can I go ahead and let them know that he’s on the mend?”

Joe hesitated for a minute “Who has been asking?”

“Well the girls, especially Glorie and Sam, but some of the other girls we asked for help, why?

“Someone shot him. Maybe someone still wants him dead and he’s not exactly in a fit state to defend himself”

Marta bit her lip “I didn’t think of that. I was just so pleased that he was still alive that I sort of told everyone.”

Joe patted her hand “Don’t worry it was going to leak out fairly quickly anyway. Too many people here know. Anyway I can look after my brother. You go ahead and let everyone know he will be fine.”

Once she had gone Joe began to wonder if it was such a good idea, he felt quite vulnerable in the hotel room and decided that he needed some support that he could trust. His father had worked with a lawyer Johnny Rey in Frisco for many years and Joe knew he could trust the wily old lawyer. He wrote a note asking Rey to come and see him in the hotel, explaining that his brother wasn’t well enough to be left. The clerk at the desk was quite happy to send one of the boys out on an errand knowing that the Cartwrights were rich and generous patrons.

Rey came to the hotel that evening, he was fond of Adam and wanted to see the younger man for himself. He had helped Adam in negotiations in Frisco ever since the rather nervous young man had come to represent his father as a twenty year old. Joe had spent a quiet day feeding his brother when he could get Adam to co-operate and talking to him, even if Adam was asleep. Somehow it was easier to tell his brother just how much he loved and admired him when Adam was asleep than it was to his face. Even though Joe knew he had to make it clear to his brother later when he was awake, somehow it cleared his mind and made him feel better to do it this way first.

When the knock on the door came, Joe went to answer it with his gun in his hand, not taking any chances. Seeing Rey there, Joe holstered his gun and smiled “Thank you very much for coming Sir. I’m sorry I couldn’t come to you.”

“No matter young man. How is your brother?” Joe gestured over to the bed “Still very weak but I hope on the mend. He has a good Doctor in Doc Farrah.”

Rey moved over to look at the still body in the bed and almost disbelieving that he was alive took Adam’s hand to check his pulse. “Your brother is tough Joseph I’m sure that he will make a full recovery. Now what can I do to help?”

“I can’t help thinking that whoever shot him is still out there. I need some men I can trust to act as guards, especially while he’s too weak to do anything to help himself. I thought you would know some.”

“Surely do young man and from the look of you a night nurse to keep an eye on him so you can get some rest. Or you won’t be much use to him.”

“No I can manage.” Joe protested but he might as well have saved his breath. Rey carefully made lists of exactly what Joe needed to keep his brother safe and to nurse him. He soon had the manager up and arranged to take over three rooms, the one either side of Adam’s and the one opposite. Several messengers were sent to collect the people that Rey wanted and Joe found himself sitting down at table to eat a proper meal.

Joe didn’t realize that Adam was awake again, but Adam couldn’t face all the people who were in the room and kept his eyes closed just listening to Rey laying down the law to his youngest brother. Adam was fond of the old lawyer who had kept him right at the beginning and taught him a great deal over the years, but he didn’t have the energy to cope with Rey at the moment. He was vaguely amused as he heard his little brother being treated like a child and just hoped Rey left before Joe reached boiling point. In fact Joe was far too worried about his brother to be paying much attention to Rey as long as the older man could ensure their safety. Even so Joe was glad when the room became quiet as all the men who were to help moved into the surrounding rooms. He had won the argument for one more night he would nurse his brother himself. As it grew quiet Joe moved over to Adam and smiled down seeing his brother was awake.

Adam said “Alone?”

“Yes they have all gone. Nothing to worry about, just taking a few precautions.”

Adam had other worries on his mind “Need to pee.” To his utter surprise that statement seemed to make his younger brother inordinately happy, but Adam didn’t care getting the help he needed, to relieve the pressure on his bladder. Even the limited movement that necessitated hurt and Adam was breathing hard, desperately trying to hang onto his senses, by the time Joe eased him back onto his pillow.

Joe wiped his face and then fed him a little water, “Easy now big brother You’re on the mend but a way to go yet.”

“Thanks”

Joe didn’t want to upset his brother but he knew the angry words he had thrown at Adam were still on his brother’s mind, he had his brother’s near unconscious testimony to that. “Makes a change for me to be able to do something for you. Usually the other way round.” Joe sat down next to his brother’s bed and took his hand. “Adam I would have given anything not to have said such cruel things to you. I think I could only say it because I knew it was so totally untrue. I know how much you love me and Hoss and somehow that gave me the licence to say anything I wanted, because I knew whatever I did I couldn’t turn you against me. I love you big brother and”

Joe broke off as he saw the tears falling down his brother’s cheeks. Joe wiped his face gently “I didn’t mean to upset you Adam.”

“Didn’t” Adam’s hand reached out for his brother’s again, so very thankful that Joe didn’t really believe he hated them. He could see the truth in his brother’s eyes. It had just been anger, and drink, lashing out wanting to hurt someone else to hide his own hurt and if he hadn’t run away, Joe would have cleared things up the next day. Adam studied Joe’s green eyes and he smiled up at his brother and then, his eyelids heavy, he fell asleep still clutching tight to his younger brother.

Joe felt a lot better too, back on terms with Adam and with his brother seemingly on the mend. He knew Adam well enough to be sure that his stupid outburst was now in the past and Adam would never bring it up again. Joe settled down on the bed next to his brother, sure he would wake if Adam stirred and that there were guards outside and he was able to get some sleep himself.

Ben had been very relieved when he got word from Joe that the brothers were together even though Joe had had to admit that Adam had a badly bruised and cut leg and had been shot through the ribs. It didn’t seem too bad and he could only trust in his youngest son to look after his eldest and bring him home. Hoss had recovered enough to be moved home slowly, although he was still suffering severe headaches and his vision blurred if he moved too fast. Of all his sons Hoss was the best patient, seldom ill, when he was he always seemed more worried about his carers than himself. He did all he could to make life easy for them, including obeying orders. Even so after five days travelling Ben was very relieved to get his son settled back in his own bed.

Hoss was eager to see Margarite and Ben promised to go into town the following day and let her know that her fiance was home. Ben was slightly surprised that there hadn’t been any enquiries from her but assumed that Roy had been keeping her informed. Hop Sing could look after Hoss for a few hours and anyway Ben needed to sell off a few stocks to help cover the loss from the herd. Ben got an early start for town and, deciding it was too early to bother Maragarite, he headed for the bank. Several old friends were there, but to Ben’s surprise they weren’t talking to him, in fact he was getting the cold shoulder from them. Very puzzled, wondering why he was suddenly so unpopular Ben concentrated on his business. Even the bank manager Harris was brusque and fed up with this treatment Ben sat down and said “Do you want to explain what I have done to annoy everyone or shall I take my business elsewhere?”

Harris apologised “I’m sorry Ben it isn’t really you. It’s that Corlay.”

Ben was shaken by that “Margarite’s brother?”

“Yes”

“What has he done?”

“Walked off with some considerable slims for investments in a railroad spur and mines that don’t seem to be worth the paper they are printed on. Guess you’ll know all about that. How much did he take you for?”

“Look Harris I really don’t know what you are talking about. I know Margarite obviously, she’s engaged to Hoss, but we only met her brother once or twice and I had no business dealings with him.”

“Unfortunately that’s not what Henri Corlay has said round town. He was very clear that you were partners in these ventures. It was one of the main selling points. The Cartwrights have a good reputation for business sense and if you were putting money in most people felt it was safe for them.”

“Without ever checking with me that I had even heard of it.” Ben shook his head “Gullible.”

“Over the last two days we have found out that the railway spur is not happening and everyone started to get worried and then they found Corlay has drawn out all his money and left town.”

“Well Margarite will know where he is.”

Harris shook his head “No Ben she left too.”

Ben stared at Harris, hardly believing what he was hearing, and dreading telling his big son, shattering his world. “Are you sure?”

“Only what I heard, but seems likely.”

Ben straightened his shoulders he needed to check that first and then check with Roy and see what he knew. Ben headed for the hotel and soon found that Harris was exactly right Margarite had left with her brother. They had left no forwarding address, not even a note.

Ben went slowly down to see Roy. Roy took one look at his old friend and poured him a coffee, getting the whiskey bottle out of his bottom drawer and putting a hefty slug into it. Ben sat down grateful for the drink “The Corlays have gone.”

“I know Ben. There’s been some information come in on them. Seems Adam started some enquiries in Frisco and Sacramento. It’s not the first time that she has made up to some man and even got engaged and then her brother has fleeced them. It’s possible they were behind the robbery from Hoss.”

Ben stared down into his cup. It was bad enough to have to tell his big hearted middle son that his fiancee was gone, but for her to be party to a vicious attack on him would hurt far more than the blows which had nearly killed him. It all fitted too clearly it would explain just how they knew when and where to attack. “Any idea how much they have cleared round town?”

“Not exactly but it must run into thousands. I’d guess twenty thousand at least and maybe far more, some people keep their losses close to the vest.”

“My fault”

“Don’t be daft Ben. People risk their money hoping to get something for nothing and if they don’t check it out properly than that’s their fault none else’s.”

“How do I tell him?”

Roy didn’t need any explanation as to what Ben meant, but neither did he have any answer. Ben headed home but Buck seemed to move more and more slowly as they approached the ranch and for once Ben wasn’t eager to get to the house he had built. He was no nearer knowing how to tell his son what he believed than he had been when he left town. Hop Sing bustled out of the kitchen with coffee when he heard Ben come in and Ben sat down gratefully with it. However Hop Sing ruined any peace and quiet he might have enjoyed by grinning broadly “Very glad you back. Mr Hoss he threaten get out of bed, go look for Miss Margarite if you no bring her soon.”

Ben sighed heavily and Hop Sing realised something was wrong. The question was clear on his face and Ben pulled himself slowly to his feet, feeling thirty years older. “Margarite and her brother have left town with quite a lot of the town’s money and no forwarding address.”

Hop Sing frowned “She seem nice lady.”

“We all thought so, except maybe Adam. Seems we were all wrong, but now I have to tell Hoss.”

“Maybe you need drink first?”

“I don’t think that’s going to help.” Ben headed for the stairs it had to be done and he was the only one who could do it. Hoss heard his father’s footsteps approaching and he sat up grinning broadly. Sure that Ben would at least have news of Margarite and hopefully was just checking he was decent before bringing her up. Hoss’ eager expression slowly faded as he took in the look on his father’s face. “What’s wrong Pa? Adam ? Joe? They okay?”

Ben went over to the window wanting to give his son what privacy he could, knowing that what he was about to say was going to break that big heart. “Your brothers are fine Hoss, but I have some bad news for you.”

“Margarite?”

“She has gone son. Left town with no forwarding address.”

Hoss stared blankly at his father’s back “No that ain’t possible. We’re engaged, she is waiting. We’re getting married.”

“I’m so sorry son.” Hoss bit down on his finger not wanting the screams of protest to come out. Slowly the tears began to slip down his cheeks and Ben left his son to his grief. “Call me if there’s anything I can do.”

“Just leave me be Pa.” Ben went down and this time he welcomed the brandy that Hop Sing passed him. It seemed a very long day. Hop Sing went up to try and give Hoss some lunch, but retreated rapidly when the big man threw the tray at him. For once Hoss had absolutely no interest in food. All he could think was that there must be something missing in him that had driven Margarite away. He seldom became involved with women and yet again he had been left.

There was little else Ben could do, no word on the Corlays and Hoss wouldn’t talk, turning away from his father and refusing to listen. It seemed a very long week as he awaited word from his sons. He had hoped that Adam and Joe would be on their way home but the last telegram from Joe had made it clear that it would be some time before Adam was fit to travel.

In Frisco both Adam and Joe were getting restless. Adam had picked up a cold, despite Joe’s efforts to protect him, and already weak it had gone onto his chest. He had a bad cough and every time he couldn’t stop the cough it tore at his ribs. The pain was so severe he couldn’t hide it. He was scared at the severity of the pain and his weakness. After nearly a week he could only sit up if his little brother helped him and put pillows to support him. Even ten minutes of conversation usually monosyllabic on his part, and he was exhausted. Joe was equally worried about his brother, he had seen Adam recover from apparently more serious wounds rapidly but this time the improvement was barely perceptible. Both of the brothers were determined to talk privately to Doc Farrah and when he came early the following morning Adam asked Joe to leave them alone.

Joe frowned and looked questioningly at the Doc. The young doctor had become quite friendly with Joe over the last few days and he could see the concern on the younger man’s face. He smiled at the brothers “Joe I need your help to change the bandages and then you can leave us alone so Adam can ask whatever he wants. I’ll check in with you afterwards okay?”

The brothers both nodded that made sense and only left Adam the task of holding onto his senses as Joe and the Doc changed the bandages. Then a coughing fit had him doubled up with pain. Despite his agreement Joe was loathe to leave his brother but as Doc fed Adam some pain killer he accepted the instruction to leave. Doc eased Adam back onto his pillows, half-sitting to aid his breathing, and sat back waiting for Adam to get control. Once he was sure he had enough breath to speak Adam asked “What’s wrong with me?”

“Apart from a bad cold, damaged ribs and leg?”

“Shouldn’t stop me being up and around.” Adam glared at the Doc as though it was his fault and his mood wasn’t helped by the slight smile on Doc’s face. Doc sighed and sat down by the bed “Well provided you’re careful that bad cold won’t turn into pneumonia and the rest will heal.”

“Doc I have been hurt before. Never felt like this.”

“I told your brother and I am telling you, there is nothing that won’t heal. I’d guess at least a few scars but they won’t be the first and I don’t imagine they will worry you much. What neither of you will accept, is just how hard a fight your body had to stay alive. Frankly I am amazed that you are as strong as you are. For more than a week your body fought high fever and infection with no real assistance. The young lady who nursed you got just enough fluids into you to save your life, but with the bandages unchanged infection built up. If I knew who the Doctor was I would give him a piece of my mind. He couldn’t have done a better job of nearly killing you if it had been deliberate, which is weird given his excellent surgical treatment initially.”

“I want to go home Doc, how long?”

“Try and be patient and don’t fret, it’ll only delay your recovery. You will start to recover more quickly now that you are beginning to eat. Another couple of days and we’ll move you onto solid food and then you’ll find you begin to recover your strength.”

“You didn’t answer my question?”

You have to go all the way to Nevada?”

Adam nodded and the Doc considered him compassionately “To be honest I think it may well have to wait until the spring.” That hit Adam very hard and he felt the tears of frustration welling up and turned away from the Doc not wanting to let the other man see.

Doc realized that and gripped his shoulder momentarily “Try and rest. I’ll go reassure your brother.” He found Joe hovering anxiously out in the hall. Joe glanced in and could see Adam was upset but Doc took his arm “Best leave him alone for a few minutes. He’ll soon doze off.”

“I don’t understand Doc. I’ve known my brother get shot in the gut, unconscious for five days but once he came round he was a damned sight fitter than he is now. What the hell is wrong?”

“Only what I have told you. The cough isn’t helping, must be very painful tearing at those damaged ribs, and it is stopping him getting the rest he needs. His weakness still goes back to those long hours of fighting fever and infection. He is improving even if too slowly for the pair of you.”

Joe stared at him intently “Is he going to be alright?”

“As long as we can stop this turning to pneumonia, he has an excellent chance.”

“He could die?”

“Anyone as weak as your brother is at risk Joe, but he’s a strong man and I don’t believe he will succumb having lasted this long. Couple more days of broth and we’ll try him on some light solids. Should start to pick up more rapidly.”

“When can I take him home?”

“You are alike. That’s what your brother asked. I’m afraid he didn’t like my answer. I doubt he’ll be fit enough to travel across the Sierra’s until spring.”

Joe stared at him in disbelief. He had assumed that it would be a couple of weeks not four or five months. “He’ll never accept that.”

“Be realistic Joe. He won’t be up to riding and the stagecoach is far too rough. You haven’t the physical strength to carry him around and that’s what is going to be needed for several weeks yet. By then the weather is going to start closing in. Can’t risk him getting caught in bad weather, not for the next six months. Survive that and he can more or less forget about this, but for that period he is going to be very vulnerable.”

“I can hire men to help me tend him.”

“Maybe. You know your brother best. Is that going to be any easier on him than a few months in Frisco?”

Joe knew Adam would never be able to accept outsiders but he had one other option that Doc didn’t know about. He might not be physically capable of lifting Adam around, but he had a brother who was. Doc shrugged knowing he could only offer advice. “I must go I’ll be back tomorrow, try and get him to rest as much as possible, stick to broth for two more days.”

“Thanks Doc.” Joe was just impatient to go and check on his brother. To his surprise Adam was sitting up reasonably calm and looking very thoughtful. Joe went over to him “Are you alright?”

“Sure Joe. Thinking clearly for the first time.” Joe looked questioningly at him, he had expected Adam to be upset at Doc’s ruling. For almost the first time Adam grinned at his brother, reading him like a book. “Doc told you the same as me, stuck here until spring.”

“Yeah.” Joe wasn’t surprised at his brother reading him Adam had been doing that all his life, usually annoying him in the process. However at the moment he was more puzzled by Adam’s reaction to the news. “I thought you would be ready to tear the place down.”

“Doc doesn’t know Hoss. I think we need to send for our big brother. You aren’t big enough to get me home but he is.”

Joe laughed “Great minds think alike! I had already decided to send a telegram.”

Adam contemplated the response of “Fools seldom differ” and decided that on this rare occasion when he agreed with his brother it wasn’t a sensible riposte. Joe studied his brother “If you’re not uptight about what Doc said, what are you up to?”

Adam laughed “Joe I can barely sit up, even with pillows for support, how on earth can I be up to anything?”

“I don’t know big brother but I know that look. You’re up to something!”

“It was just something that Doc said. He was puzzled that a Doctor could do such a good job surgically and then such a poor job of after care.”

“I don’t understand. So he was a good Doctor, who couldn’t be bothered to look after you. She was a saloon girl and he didn’t know you.”

“He didn’t just not bother, he told her not to change the bandages. No Doc would say that.”

“What are you suggesting?” Joe frowned considering his brother almost suspiciously.

“Someone tried to kill me Joe. Maybe they got to Doc after he did the original surgery and wanted him to complete the job. If you had been a few days more before you found me, I’d have been dead. Nice hands off way to kill someone, a sin of omission.”

Joe shivered at that. He knew it would only have taken hours for Adam to have died but maybe his brother had a point. “What are you suggesting?”

“I don’t remember the Doctor at all but that girl who looked after me, I vaguely remember her. I’d like to see her again anyway and she must know the Doc. Then I guess we try and talk to him.”

Joe shook his head in exasperation “You won’t be talking to anyone. You are going to stay right there and rest until you get your strength back. If he tried to kill you before, I sure as hell ain’t gonna let him in the same room as you now. One hand over your face and he could smother you and there wouldn’t be anything you could do to stop him!” Joe stopped suddenly as he saw the cloud pass over his brother’s face. All he had said was true but Adam didn’t need to be reminded how weak he was and Joe could have kicked himself “I’m sorry Adam. I wasn’t thinking.”

Adam tried to force a smile, knowing his brother was only worried about him “It’s okay Joe. Just a bit tired. I think I’ll have a doze.” Joe helped him lie down a little more comfortably and then frowned as he watched his brother slide into sleep. He couldn’t remember Adam being so weak for so long. Still his brother was talking sense and he was very used to Adam drawing the correct conclusion from sparse facts. It was at least possible that the Doc could give them a lead to the would-be killers. The idea of someone out there wanting to murder his defenceless brother terrified Joe, far more than any threat against himself had ever done. Anyway he knew Adam well enough to know he wasn’t going to settle without seeing the girl who had helped him. Now Adam was feeling a little better, he would nag away at it and not get the rest he so badly needed. Joe decided to ask one of the guards to keep an eye on his brother, while he took an hour break and went to speak to Marta, arrange to have Glorie visit.

Marta was pleased to see him but she studied his face carefully, before reassured, asking “How is your brother?”

“Still very weak but beginning to issue his orders. He wants to see the girl who helped him, Glorie. Can you arrange for her to come visit the hotel. I don’t think Adam is going to be well enough to go visiting before we head home.”

“Should you be taking him home then?” Marta said with very obvious concern.

“I’m not for a week or two and only then if my big brother can come and help me. Hoss can carry Adam around if necessary. I can’t manage except for a very short stretch in an emergency.” Joe’s memory went back to a time when he had seen his brother collapse with a bullet from the Apache and the only important thing had been to get him to safety. The sheer weight he had to carry was irrelevant and fear had given him the necessary strength.

Marta asked, “Is he well enough for me to visit?”

Joe smiled, “Sure as long as you keep it short. I’m sure he’ll be glad to see someone apart from me.” He didn’t want to overload his brother but they did owe a lot to Marta and from all he had heard Adam was fond of her.

“Of course I will and I’ll get in touch with Glorie arrange for her to come over and see him.”

Joe kissed her forehead and said thank you. Then he settled back, to relax with a beer, before he had to get back to his brother. Adam was still fast asleep when he got back and hadn’t even noticed he was missing. Joe relaxed at that and, thanking the man for standing in, he settled down next to his brother. Joe was just dozing off when someone knocked at the door. Joe eased himself up and hurried over to the door before it woke his brother. Adam stirred but settled back into sleep as Joe reassured him. Joe had his gun in his hand as he opened the door, but put it away as he recognised Dave from the ranch. Alarmed he asked “What’s wrong now?”

Dave grinned at him “Ain’t nothing wrong. Just yer Pa wanted to be sure you got this here letter.” Joe moved back and beckoned Dave in but asked him to keep his voice down so they didn’t disturb Adam. Dave moved over to look down at the man he had known so long. He whistled quietly, never having seen him so drawn “You sure he’s gonna be okay Joe?”

“Yeah Already fretting to go home.” Joe held out his hand for the letter and then considered Dave “You got a room for the night?”

“Not yet.”

“Hold on here while I go see the manager.”

“Joe I can’t stay at this place. Far too grand fer the likes of me.”

“Don’t be daft Dave. The beds are comfortable and the food good and no-one cares if you are straight off the trail.”

Dave wasn’t at all sure. He couldn’t help thinking that what was acceptable for wealthy Joe Cartwright wouldn’t be so acceptable in a lowly hand called Dave. There was nothing he could do about it Joe had already disappeared. He shrugged, he would only be staying a couple of nights they would have to put up with him. Joe managed to get another room just a little further down the same corridor and he had ordered food and drink to be delivered to the room, plus water for a hot bath.

Sure he had done all he could to arrange for Dave’s comfort, Joe checked his brother again and then sat down to read his father’s letter. This was the first that Joe had heard of the attack on his big brother and Ben had made it very clear that physically Hoss was almost fully recovered. Even so Joe was furious that anyone had hurt his brother. He went and poured a large brandy and sipped it, calming down, the important thing was that Hoss would be alright. Only then did he take in the fact that they had lost all the money for the cattle, money they had always worked very hard for. Ben had done his best to reassure his sons that the loss, while it would hit them hard, did not endanger the ranch. He knew Adam would know the position, but if Joe read the letter first, which was at least possible as his eldest brother was injured, he didn’t want his youngest son panicking. Furious and not knowing where to direct the fury Joe was pacing around restlessly and he woke Adam.

Adam could see that something was wrong and he tried to ease himself up on the pillows, but the pain caught him from his side. He couldn’t help the slight moan and Joe was instantly over by his side “I thought you were asleep.”

“Help me up.” Joe pushed some pillows to support his brother

“You should be resting”

“Not until you tell me what’s wrong.”

“Nothing that can’t wait until morning.”

Adam rubbed his aching eyes, he was very tired, but he had known Joe all his little brother’s life and something was very wrong. He wasn’t going to rest until he knew. “Joe just tell me or I’ll be imagining the worst.”

Joe capitulated “Pa sent a letter with Dave.”

“Hoss?”

“He’s gonna be fine but he was attacked, took a bad knock and lost the drive money.”

Adam held his hand out for the letter but he was too weak and he couldn’t hold it steady or focus. Furious with himself he had to ask Joe to read it to him. Joe recognized the anger at his own weakness and poured Adam a brandy. Adam’s hand was shaking but he could manage the half empty glass. Joe sat down on the bed and read the letter to his brother. The first part he had already read himself but as he came onto the news of the Corlay’s efforts in Virginia City and the fact that they had gone, he let the letter fall “You were right about her Adam, how did you know?”

“I didn’t think they were real thieves. I just thought she was after Hoss for what he owns rather than for the man he is.”

“Why?”

Adam frowned slightly “You saw her with me that first night. What did you think?”

Joe reddened slightly “I thought if you wanted to take her up to a hotel room she would enjoy it.”

Adam nodded “But I prefer to do the chasing and then when she came to the house she sort of pushed herself against me.”

“That’s why you went out to the herd.” Joe stared down at his brother “I am so sorry Adam I got it all wrong. I should have known better.”

“That’s in the past. Sorry Hoss hurt, but better now than when he’s married maybe kids.” Adam’s voice was beginning to weaken and Joe looked at him in concern, “You need to get some sleep.”

“Finish the letter Joe I can’t sleep.” Joe accepted the sense of that, but really there wasn’t a great deal more, news of how badly their brother was taking things and a plea from their father that they return as soon as possible that Hoss needed them. Adam furious with his own weakness threw the glass against the wall where it smashed.

Joe gripped his shoulder in mute sympathy “You must try and rest Adam. Come on take one of those sleeping powders Doc left.” Adam accepted the sense of that and to Joe’s relief he was asleep within minutes, but Joe himself found it impossible to settle, worried about both his brothers and furious at what had been done to their family. Eventually close to dawn, exhaustion set in and Joe got some rest, but he was still awake instantly when he heard his brother stir.

Adam was thinking more clearly after some sleep and he asked for the letter to read again. At least this morning he could manage on his own, while Joe arranged for breakfast. Once Joe had fed him the broth that Doc was still insisting on and had eaten his own meal, Adam relaxed back against the pillows “What have you told Pa so far?”

“I didn’t lie to him Adam. Just kept it simple. I told him you had a bullet in the ribs and a banged up leg.”

“So he thinks we will be home any time?”

Joe bit his lip “Well Adam I didn’t see any reason to worry him while he was so far away and anyways I thought we would be going home soon.”

Adam sighed “So did I. So useless.”

Joe could have shaken his brother “For goodness sake Adam. For once you are ill and can’t do as much as you usually do. How many times over the last years have you done far more than your share covering for us when we are ill, or just plain goofing off?”

Adam shook his head. He didn’t see that was relevant and Joe gripped his shoulder “Adam you do more than your share you know that, not only the physical chores but the planning and the bookwork as well. Maybe you are stuck in bed but your brain is beginning to work and I need your help right now. What do we do? What do we say to Pa?”

“From that letter sounds like Hoss is just about recovered physically.”

“That’s the way I read it.” Joe agreed “So?”

“Pa wants us home, we want to go home and we need Hoss to get me there.”

Joe grinned “By the time Dave gets back to the ranch Hoss will be well enough to travel and in ten days you’ll be fit enough for Hoss and I to get you home.”

“That seems to be about right.” Adam even managed a smile.

Joe passed him some water “Look I’ll write a letter to Pa if you will check it for me.”

“Sure Like old times checking your homework.” Adam relaxed against the pillows feeling slightly more cheerful and his brain was working. He started to think through everything that had happened recently and to wonder if the attack on him was related. He had no enemies in Frisco that he could think of and the business he had come to do should not have caused any trouble. He remembered asking for information on the Corlays and wondered if that had set off alarm bells along with his checks on the strange rumours. The attack couldn’t have involved them directly, they didn’t have time to get to Frisco but it was obvious from the attack on Hoss that they didn’t work alone. It just seemed to make it more important to get in touch with the Doctor who had treated him. It might give them the lead they needed to find the Corlays and reclaim their money.

Joe passed over the letter and Adam grinned at the scrawl “I see you used your best writing.”

“You must be getting better. You’re getting sarcastic again!” Between them the brothers finalized the letter and then Joe went to find Dave and break it to him that they needed him to turn right round and head back to the Ponderosa.

Dave groaned “I thought I was gonna see Frisco.”

Joe laughed “Well I guess we can wait one more day. Enjoy yourself today and head home tomorrow.”

He passed Dave over some spending money and suggested a couple of places where he might find some fun and then headed back to Adam. The Doc had just arrived and to the relief of both brothers gave the go ahead for Adam to move onto some light solid food. Despite Doc’s permission Adam found it hard to force even a few mouthfuls of scrambled egg down. He wanted to recover his strength and tried to force himself, but it was just making him feel sick.

Joe recognized that and took the plate away “Easy big brother Don’t try and force it. Little and often for now. Try and get some sleep.”

Adam sighed “Not sure I can take my little brother being the wise one!”

Joe laughed but just tucked the blankets round his back “Go to sleep.”

Later that afternoon there was a knock on the door and when Joe answered it he found both Marta and Glorie. The younger girl hadn’t been able to face coming to the fancy hotel on her own and had persuaded Marta to come with her. Adam had woken up some ten minutes earlier and was sitting up against his pillows. It was as good a time as any and Joe smiled “Thank you for coming Ladies.”

Adam smiled at them and got very different reactions. For Glorie who had only seen him since he was shot, he was looking rather better, no fever now and alert, while Marta who had known him for years had never seen him so gaunt and pale with big black circles under his eyes. He did look slightly better than he had a few days earlier but she found it hard to believe that he would be capable of returning to Nevada in months, let alone weeks. Adam knew her well enough to see the concern and he grinned at her “Come on Marta give me a kiss, I’m going to be fine beginning to pick up my strength now, just take a few weeks and I’ll be back to normal.” Marta came over to him and did as he asked and felt slightly better as Adam gave her a hug.

Glorie hung back feeling awkward but Adam beckoned her over too. “Only reason I’m here at all is the good care you gave me. I hope my little brother tried to say thank you for me.”

“He surely did Mister. Just wish I could have done more.” Adam gave her a lazy grin and she relaxed as he said “You did all that you could, all I needed and thanks to you I’m lazing here while my brother does the work.”

Joe took that as a signal and invited both ladies to partake in coffee and cakes, while Adam relaxed for a few minutes. Once he had regrouped his strength, Adam asked casually if Glorie could give him the name of the Doctor she had called in to treat him. Glorie frowned not sure what he wanted, but again she got that lazy grin which showed his dimples even now when he was so gaunt, and forgot her misgivings. “He only lives a couple of blocks over from me Doc Cutter.”

Joe helped out his brother “Our Doc said he did a real good job on the surgery, sewing up Adam’s lung.”

Adam added “I want my brother to go and thank him for his help. I was rather out of it at the time. Don’t know if we owe him anything.”

Glorie blushed slightly “You had money on you. I used it to buy what you needed and pay the Doc. I hope you don’t mind?”

Joe was quick to speak up for his brother, insisting that they were very happy for her to use the money to assist his brother. She had done exactly the correct thing. Then the two brothers concentrated on entertaining the pair until Joe caught his brother trying to hide a wince as he picked up a cup. He could see that Adam was tiring rapidly and so he made an excuse saying that the Doc was due and the ladies would have to excuse them. Adam gave both a kiss asking them to come back and visit, over the next ten days or so that he intended staying in Frisco, and making them promise that if there was anything he could do to help they must let him know.

Joe saw them out and reiterated his brother’s offer. “Adam means that offer, now or in ten years time or more. If there is anything we can do, either by being there or if you need a financial contribution, then we will help. If Adam isn’t around I will help or my father or brother.”

Marta kissed him “We didn’t help to get a reward.”

“Adam and I both know that but we like to be able to help our friends.”

“You just look after that brother of yours. He’s a very special man.”

Joe smiled “I know that.” Once the pair had gone Joe went back over to his brother and Adam was frowning slightly “I didn’t think Doc was coming back until tomorrow.”

“He isn’t but it was the best excuse I could think of You look tired big brother. Let me help you settle down and have a doze for a bit.”

Adam smiled up at his little brother “You’ll make someone a good mother one of these days.” He was glad to do as Joe said and soon went to sleep. Joe stared down at his brother for several minutes. He had seen rather more than Adam had wanted and knew just how much it had taken out of his brother to put on an act for the girls. He was seriously worried about his brother and doubted his ability to get Adam home within the next few weeks, even with Hoss’ help.

In fact exhausted Adam slept through until morning and then for the first time he was actually hungry. Joe insisted on obeying Doc’s instructions despite Adam’s attempts to persuade him that a steak would be fine. In the end Adam gave up and groused that it was typical that the first time Joe obeyed a Doctor it was to spite his big brother! Joe just laughed at him and went ahead and ordered a large omelette and coffee for his brother. He was reassured to see Adam clear his plate and even reach for a roll. Adam moved restlessly feeling slightly better he was fed up with being in bed and wanted to get up. Joe shook his head “Wait until Doc has been, see what he says.” They always say it’s a good sign when the patient gets grouchy.”

He was confident enough to leave his brother alone for five minutes while he went to see a couple of the men across the corridor and get them started in finding out what they could about Doc Cutter. Adam was restless and he wanted another cup of coffee, so with Joe not there, he decided to get up and pour it himself. He eased his legs out of bed and holding onto the bedstead just about made it to his feet. He was weaker than even he had realized and as he straightened up the room started going round on him and he couldn’t keep his balance and slumped down on the floor, catching his side on the bed. The sudden pain lost him all hold on consciousness.

Joe had sub-consciously been listening for sounds from his brother’s room and he heard the thud as Adam fell. He hurried over to see his brother’s crumpled body on the floor and anxiously ran over to him, calling for help as he did so. Between them the three men lifted Adam back onto the bed and Joe checked his side, but to his relief there was no sign of bleeding and he sat back. Joe shook his head as he looked down at his brother “That’s my trick big brother. I thought you were supposed to be the sensible one.” Despite finding no real sign of new problems Joe was very glad when the Doc arrived just as Adam began to stir. He had just finished telling Doc what had happened when Adam really woke up and tried to ease himself up on the pillows.

Doc put his hand on Adam’s shoulder “You just rest easy while your brother and I get that bandage changed and then you can explain what you were up to out of bed.” Luckily Adam hadn’t done any harm in his fall and Doc was encouraged that his patient had the will to even try. With Joe’s help he redid the bandages and sat back “All nice and healthy beginning to heal. You are a very lucky man.”

Adam didn’t feel lucky, but he accepted what Doc said, and promised not to do anything else without the help of his brother. He would obey orders.

Ben had tried everything he could think of to cheer up his big son, but Hoss had withdrawn into himself and didn’t even seem to listen. Hop Sing had tried to tempt him with all the big man’s favourite foods to no avail. Hoss was still barely eating and that more than anything scared both Ben and Hop Sing. The only positive for Ben was Doc Martin’s assessment that Hoss was just about fully recovered from his bad concussion. Unable to reach his son, Ben was desperate for his other sons to return, maybe they could reach their brother. Hoss had very close, if rather different relationships, with both of his brothers.

Ben had a clear idea of how long it would take Dave to get to Frisco and he was hoping that there would be a telegram from Adam and Joe to say that they were on their way home, but no news came. Very restless and worried about all his sons Ben had ridden up to the lake to sit by Marie’s grave and try to work out what he could do. As he had so many times over the years he wished she was there to talk to. For once it wasn’t her son that was causing him the heartache but as that thought crossed his mind he knew it was wrong. In her eyes Hoss and Adam were as much her sons as the child born of her body and she cared as much for them. Hoss seldom gave either of them any real concerns, even as a child, but now Ben wanted some way to help his big son and even Marie couldn’t give that to him.

Hoss knew he was worrying his father but that was on the other side of a glass wall and there didn’t seem to be any way to break through the wall and get back to the man he had been. He went through each day mechanically, nothing mattered; he barely even noticed the absence of his brothers. He ate a little when it was put in front of him, but didn’t even know what it was. He barely even thought about Margarite or the money. Just feeling he was only half a man no use to himself or anyone else.

Ben was reduced to sending another telegram to Frisco after three days with no answer from his sons. Joe read it and kicked himself. He had sent a letter home with Dave but he should have sent a telegram. He showed Adam the telegram and asked what they should do. Adam was trying to work out times, but at best it would be three days before Dave got back. All he could suggest was a brief telegram to say they were okay and would see him as soon as possible and that a letter was on the way. Adam had no intention of letting the whole of Virginia City know how weak he was.

The telegram did little to put Ben’s mind at rest, it merely showed his sons were still in Frisco. He couldn’t help worrying that Adam was more seriously hurt than Joe seemed to be indicating. He went to have a word with Paul but the doctor couldn’t help. A bullet in the ribs could mean anything from a flesh wound to a life-threatening wound damaging the lung. Without seeing Adam he couldn’t give any opinion. Paul did suggest that Ben tried to relax and rely on his sons to look after each other. Ben accepted that his sons were grown men and very adept at looking after themselves and at least Joe was with his brother, but it really didn’t help in the early hours of the morning when he couldn’t sleep. He was even more worried when Hoss seemed not to care that his brothers weren’t coming home. Not even listening as Ben and Hop Sing discussed the telegram and speculated what it might mean. It was so unlike the big man that Ben became seriously worried just how far his big son had withdrawn from him, would even his brothers be able to bring him back.

Dave made good time and rode into the ranch a day before the brothers expected him to. He found Ben sitting at his desk, even though the ledgers in front of him were getting scant attention. As Dave came in Ben got to his feet “Do you have a letter from my sons?”

“Sure do Mr Cartwright.” Dave held out the thick envelope and Ben took it eagerly, but now he had it Ben was almost scared to open it. “How are my sons?”

“Joe he’s fine.”

“And Adam?”

“Didn’t look too good but Joe said he’d be fine. He was asleep.”

“You look as though you could do with some sleep yourself Dave. Thank you for your long trip. Get some rest and then take a couple of days off in Virginia City.” Ben passed over some spending money and a very pleased Dave headed for the bunkhouse.

Ben went over to the fire and sat down with the letter. Hop Sing could see the dread written on his boss’ face and he poured out a brandy and brought it over “The boys will be fine You see. You read letter find out what Little Joe say.”

Ben smiled up at the little man, who had made himself so much part of their family over the last twenty years. “Let’s just hope I can read his scrawl!” he opened the letter and found two inside. One was the letter that Adam and Joe had jointly written to Ben and the second was a shorter note that Joe had written to his brother. Joe had guessed how worried his father would be and his first statement was reassurance, that although his eldest brother was very weak, still he was on the mend and would make a full recovery. He gave much fuller details of Adam’s injuries and explained that although the injuries could have been much worse, they had got infected and it was the infection, which had drained his brother’s strength. He didn’t try to hide the fact that Adam was still weak and stuck in bed but they would be able to get home if Hoss would come and help. Otherwise they were going to be stuck in Frisco until the spring. Ben let the letter fall from his hands and drained the brandy, wondering just how accurate his youngest son was being.

Hop Sing refilled the glass without asking and patted Ben’s shoulder “Mister Adam is strong, he will be fine.”

Ben forced a smile “Of course he will.” He got to his feet “Maybe this will get through to Hoss, nothing else has.” He headed out to the barn where Hoss was lackadaisically doing the chores. Ben stared at his big son who looked almost as though he was walking through molasses, every move seeming to take considerable effort and he couldn’t help wondering if Hoss was even well enough to go to Frisco. He could only trust in Paul’s opinion and Paul reckoned that physically Hoss was fine. Straightening his shoulders Ben went over to his big son “Hoss leave that for now I need to talk to you.”

Hoss shrugged he didn’t really care, but he did follow his father inside. Ben handed over the letter from Joe, but Hoss just sat holding it not making any attempt to read it. Ben stared at his big son and finally lost all patience “Don’t you care any longer Hoss, your brother is hurt and needs your help and you can’t even be bothered to read Joe’s letter.”

Hoss heard his father’s voice as though from a great distance and slowly the anger in it penetrated the fog in his brain. He wasn’t used to his father being cross with him. As a child he had hated his father to be angry with him and even now as a grown man it worried him. He hadn’t taken in yet why Ben was cross but it seemed to have something to do with the letter Ben had given him. He looked up at his father and frowned as he realized just how drawn and tired Ben looked. “Pa I’m Sorry.”

Ben sat down next to his big son “No I shouldn’t be sounding off at you Hoss but Adam is hurt and he needs your help.”

Hoss stared blankly at him “Adam, but how? You never said.”

“I was wrong Son, just didn’t want to worry you while you were hurt and Joe is with your brother. He missed a few appointments which just isn’t like him and I sent Joe to check. He found your brother. Adam had been shot, a saloon girl was tending him.”

“How bad?”

“He’ll be fine but he’s very weak. Read Joe’s letter it will fill in the details.”

“Pa Can I have a brandy?”

Ben was surprised by that it was very rare for his big son to take more than beer but he went and poured Hoss one as he watched his son decipher his brother’s writing. There was more emotion showing on his big son’s face than he had seen in the last two weeks and Ben had a surge of hope that this would bring his big son back. Hoss frowned as he put the letter down and then he drained the brandy.

Ben said “There’s another letter from Joe to you.” Hoss held his hand out and Ben watched as his son tore the letter open and read it. Joe had only written a fairly short note but it was a plea for his big brother to come and help him as he was scared their eldest brother would do something stupid if he thought he was going to be trapped in Frisco for months. Hoss passed the letter over to his father and got to his feet heading for the stairs.

Ben asked “What are you doing?”

Hoss smiled for the first time since he had been hurt “Go pack a few essentials and go get my brothers. Sooner I start the sooner I can get them home.”

Hop Sing had overheard that and went to pack some food for Hoss to take along. He had a shrewd feeling that the big man might just find his appetite had returned. Ben would dearly have loved to go too but he was sure that letting Hoss go alone was the best way to get his big son back and he could trust the brothers to look after each other. He had enough problems at the ranch to keep him busy, as he tried to ensure the ranch was safe despite the huge loss from the cattle. Hoss was moving much more briskly and he accepted the large packet of grub from Hop Sing with every appearance of pleasure before heading out. He promised to get in touch with his father as soon as he reached his brothers and that he would bring them home safe and sound. He felt and sounded so much more like himself that Ben was grinning broadly as he watched Hoss leave, despite all the remaining problems.

In Frisco Joe had extricated a promise from Adam that he wouldn’t pull any more daft tricks like trying to get up without help and in return Joe was pushing the limits of Doc’s suggestions. Despite his own reservations Joe had helped his brother to get up and sit in a chair for a while. Joe knew himself how restless he got stuck in bed but he still wasn’t sure Adam was well enough. Adam fought against his swimming head the first time he tried and was almost glad when Joe insisted it was time to go back to bed but he persevered. When Hoss came he had to be well enough to cope with a wagon and get home. Sure that his brother wouldn’t break his word and with Adam rather stronger Joe was confident enough to leave him alone for the odd hour or so, which gave him rather more freedom. He ensured that the guard was tight round his brother, but he still wanted both the would be killer and whoever had given the order.

For a start Joe was determined to talk to the doctor who seemed to have tried to kill his brother with neglect. He wasn’t going to worry Adam by telling him where he was going but as so often Joe found his brother had an uncanny knack of being able to read his mind. He had been just too casual as he asked Adam if he would be alright on his own for a couple of hours. Adam frowned and then asked “Are you going to see Doc Cutter?”

Joe shook his head and sighed “One of these days I’ll finally give up trying to fool you. How did you know.”

Adam grinned “I didn’t until you said that! Seriously Joe if he did try and kill me he could be dangerous, don’t go alone.”

“He didn’t do anything. I mean he could have deliberately hurt you, but he just didn’t help.”

“Maybe but if he is feeling guilty because he knows he meant to try and kill me, then he may react violently. I need you Joe and I can’t cope if you get hurt.”

Joe shook his head “That’s below the belt Adam.”

“Maybe, but its true. Just be careful please.”

“Alright I’ll take someone with me. On condition you relax and stay in bed. Promise?”

Joe went over to the guard room and asked the largest of the men there, Nick Brody to come with him. He explained what he wanted to do and Brody grinned broadly “Sounds interesting, better than sitting around here. I do a very good loom in the background, very threatening.”

Joe laughed “Sounds exactly what I need. No overt threat, not at first anyway, but I do want to know what he did and what he knows.”

“Just one thing Joe I stick to the law. If you find he did try to deliberately kill your brother, he goes to the law. You don’t hit him unless he attacks first.”

“Wouldn’t have it any other way.” Joe warned the other men to keep close watch as Adam was on his own; then with Nick headed down to the Doc’s office. It wasn’t very far from the hotel but it was as though they had moved into a different country. Dirty narrow streets with squalid rooms open to the street, obviously used by the lowest prostitutes and catering for the sailors, as they drew closer to the docks. The Doc’s office was slightly cleaner than some of the surrounding buildings but not by much.

Doc Cutter was dealing with a frail looking woman who had a bad cut on her face and Joe waited patiently until she left and then moved in with Nick standing behind him. Nick turned and locked the door and the Doc seemed to shrink back into his chair. He looked from one man to the other not daring to speak, the big man was obviously threatening, but it was the icy glare from the brilliant green eyes of the smaller man than scared him so much. He was physically shaking before Joe even opened his mouth. In that instant Joe knew that his brother was right it wasn’t just negligence, but a deliberate attempt to kill on the Doc’s part. He was also aware that a cornered, scared animal can be dangerous and just at the moment the Doc looked like a feral animal. He was glad that Adam had insisted he bring back up. Joe moved forward “I’m Joe Cartwright you treated my brother Adam.”

Doc Cutter swallowed hard but he couldn’t find his voice and just nodded.

Joe went on very conversationally “You had to repair a large tear in the lining of the lung. Did a very good job of it.”

Doc cringed even further back in his chair as Joe leaned towards him “Strange reaction Doc I am congratulating you on your surgical technique.”

“He was alright when I left.”

“I am well aware of that. Tell me Doc how often should you change bandages on an open wound?”

“I didn’t hurt him.”

“Not personally. Just tried to arrange for him to die of infection and fever.”

The Doc couldn’t answer and just licked dry lips, panic clear on his face. His hands came up almost of their own accord as he tried to defend himself against this intense young man.

Joe said “You have two choices Doc. You keep quiet and we will have you charged with attempted murder, either you go to prison for at least ten years or my friend and I will make you pay for some of the suffering that you have caused my brother, take it out of your hide.”

Doc said tentatively “You said two choices.”

“You tell me why you changed from a doctor doing a good job to a would be killer. Who paid you?”

Doc shook his head ” No, not money.”

“Alright who threatened you?”

Doc Cutter looked as though he was about to burst into tears, so scared by Joe and almost equally by the man who had approached him weeks ago. His hands were shaking “I can’t.”

“Doc you have no choice.”

“You don’t understand they’ll cut off my supply. I have to do what they say.”

Joe frowned not really understanding, but Nick did “What is it Doc? Heroin?”

The Doctor buried his face in his hands and Nick moved closer to Joe “Addict, he’ll do anything to get his supply”

“How do we force him to talk?”

Nick grinned and signaled Joe to move back, “Okay Doc if it’s like that, you are gonna have to come with us. Few days without any heroin and you’ll tell us everything we want. You know that as well as I do.”

“N0000,” Doc wailed, “You can’t”

Nick grinned “Oh yes I can, unless you tell me right now.”

Doc stared from Joe to Nick and back looking for anyway out, but there wasn’t one.

Joe said “We can keep your name out of it. If you tell the truth now.”

Nick added “You can find another supplier.”

A weak man Doc gave into the pressure “I really didn’t want to hurt him but I was scared.”

Nick pressed “The name?”

“There were two of them too. My supplier Barton McClaine and this gunman Jud Nelmes. Nelmes has killed before. I don’t know whether he shot your brother, but he sure wanted him dead.” Doc sat up and for a moment the trace of the man he could have been emerged “I’m glad he didn’t die. I didn’t want to do it, that operation was some of the best work I had done in a very long time.”

Joe felt vaguely sick and he just warned Doc that any other such treatment would lead to him spending the rest of his life in prison. Joe claimed to have ways of finding out if Doc was tempted to mistreat anyone again. Then the two men left. Joe was glad to get out into the fresh air and headed straight back to the hotel, needing to check on his brother.

Nick was glad to have something to do and promised to get started on checks to try and find the two men that the doctor had named. He had a fair idea where he might find McClaine. Nick had worked with the law in town and been just on the other side of the divide and he had a lot of contacts. It didn’t take him long to find McClaine and even less time to persuade McClaine that it was a lot easier to give up what he knew about Nelmes, than to argue with this hard head.

Nick came back to report to Joe the following morning and found Joe and his brother having breakfast. Adam had insisted on getting up again and was sitting at table with his brother when Nick came in. Joe introduced his brother to the man, who was helping them and Adam smiled, “Good to meet you. Thanks for helping my brother yesterday.”

Nick grinned “Well you aren’t looking too bad for someone who is supposed to be at death door”

“Oh I’ve cheated death before and looks like I’m gonna beat it again.” Adam grinned and then, as Nick sat down, he signaled Joe to pour more coffee all round.

Joe asked “Have you found out anything?”

Nick lent back in his chair and grinned as he sipped his coffee “Just might be able to help you some.”

Joe sat forward in his chair and asked “What have you found out?”

Nick laughed “Relax Joe. Ain’t nothing we can do until this evening.”

Adam smiled amused by the frustration on his brother’s face and asked “Which saloon does Nelmes frequent?”

Nick frowned “The Golden Spur, but how the hell did you know?”

Joe giggled “Join the brigade Nick! He always does know. Been driving me up the wall for years!”

Adam smiled at that grateful to be back to normal with his little brother and decided to push his reputation a little further “I don’t want either of you getting in to trouble, so take a couple of those guys lazing around across the corridor with you for backup. You can leave me my gun and I can now defend myself.”

It was Joe’s turn to stare at his brother and wonder how Adam knew, he had been careful not to say anything, not wanting to alarm his brother. Adam grinned but he wasn’t about to reveal the source of his knowledge, he still liked to keep his little brother guessing. In fact Johnny Rey had been round to visit him, while Joe was out and Adam had a very clear picture of what was going on.

Joe knew that look he wasn’t going to get any explanation and let it slide for now, at least while Nick was there. The three men laid their plans to go visit The Golden Spur that evening. Adam was restless, wishing he could go along but he could barely make it to the chair even with Joe’s help. After some twenty minutes Joe signalled Nick to go and insisted on helping Adam back to bed, where he swiftly fell asleep.

Hoss was making good time as he headed to Frisco, he felt alive for the first time in days. He was still upset at Margarite’s treachery but now he could push that to the back of his mind. He had felt so useless, but his brothers needed him and, as he had all his life, he had to answer that call. He had lost all the money from their hard work, but still they had asked for him and that helped him to believe that his brothers wouldn’t hold the loss against him anymore than their father had done. In his heart Hoss knew his brothers wouldn’t blame him, but he blamed himself so much, that in the long sleepless hours he had found it hard to be sure about anything. Hoss rode to Sacramento and then caught the steamer down river. It was several weeks since he had seen his brothers and the big man missed their company. They had always been his best friends as well as his brothers.

As Hoss got to Sacramento, Joe with Nick and two others in support had headed out to the Golden Spur. Nick ordered four beers and then led the way to a table at the back. He knew the bartender slightly and for five dollars the man had promised to point out Nelmes when he came in. They didn’t have long to wait, about twenty minutes later Nick got the nod and the four men moved over to surround Nelmes. He frowned for a minute but then as he recognised Joe, he tried to push through them, suddenly scared. Joe saw the recognition on his face and the sudden fear and he gripped Nelmes arm. “You aren’t going anywhere until we’ve had a talk.”

Nelmes found himself pushed into a chair in the corner and the four men pulled up close. Nelmes seemed to shrink into himself “I ain’t done nothing”

Joe’s gaze seemed to see right through him as Joe said so very softly “You know Doc Cutter?”

Nelmes bit his lip but he couldn’t meet the younger man’s eye and looked down at the table. Nick shook him none too gently “Mr Cartwright asked you a question.”

“Okay I’ve met the Doc so what.”

“You provided him with a patient.”

“I didn’t shoot yer brother.” Nelmes protested

Joe studied him for a moment and then turned to Nick “Now did I say anything about my brother?”

“I sure didn’t hear you. Just how did you know that his brother was a patient of Doc Cutter’s?”

Nelmes swallowed hard seeing the disbelief on all the men’s faces. He had heard that the Cartwrights were a close knit family, hurt one and you had better look out for the rest. He had seen Joe laughing and playing in Virginia City, but this tight-lipped stern young man was a very different character and those green eyes seemed to cut like knives. He couldn’t find an answer and just shook his head.

“Now of course I could take you to my brother and get him to identify you, but I really don’t want to worry him this evening.”

That comment shook Nelmes and he frowned “He’s alive?”

“Oh yes. Well on the mend. He’ll be fine. Don’t reckon much to your chances if he decides to come after you. On the other hand maybe I ought to take you into the law right now, attempted murder.”

“You can’t prove it.”

“Oh between Adam and Doc Cutter I think I can.” Joe said very confidently and Nelmes lost colour not helped by Nick’s comment of “Should get at least ten years maybe more.”

Nelmes lent forward “Look I only did what I was told. It was Corlay who wanted your brother taken out of the way. I can tell you where he is.”

“In return for what?”

“You let me go.”

Joe shook his head “I don’t think I could do that, you put a bullet in my brother and then tried to get his Doctor to finish the job”

“Corlay got all the money from your herd and lots from Virginia City as well. Must be worth something to get him.”

Joe shrugged “I reckon we can find him anyway. We found you.”

“He ain’t in Frisco.”

“That might make it a bit harder.” Joe acknowledged. That statement seemed to be all that Nelmes needed to start telling everything he knew. He was quite willing to give Joe the Corlays to try and save his own skin and over the next half an hour he told them that the Corlays always took refuge in a small town Elk Grove, an hour’s ride south of Sacramento, between jobs. Henri had a girl who ran the small rooming house there. He also told them of some of the other jobs that the Corlays had pulled and gave them details of the other men who usually rode with Henri. He even warned Joe of Henri’s habit of hiding a deringer in his top pocket for emergencies.

Eventually he ran out of steam and couldn’t think of anything else to say “Can I go?” he asked. Joe looked at him “I never said that.”

“But I done told you all about them.” Nelmes stared at him in near disbelief.

“You shot my brother.”

“I told you it wasn’t my idea.”

“It was your bullet.” Joe glared at him. He couldn’t let Nelmes go, apart from anything else he didn’t trust the man not to turn round and go warn the Corlays. He frowned “I’ll go this far You admit to shooting my brother and I’ll have you charged with armed robbery not attempted murder. Not bring Doc Cutter into it. Maybe you’ll get off with five years.”

“I didn’t rob him.”

“What do you call the attack on my other brother?”

“Yeah well that wasn’t me.” Nelmes glared at Joe, but Nick lent forward. “It’s the best deal you’ll get. Bad enough to shoot a man in the back. but how much sympathy do you reckon you’ll get from the court if they hear how you tried to get the Doc to kill him, by leaving his wounds untreated, to get infected?”

Nelmes shuddered knowing the big man was right. Joe said “You plead guilty and I won’t push for a long sentence. Take it or leave it but make your mind up now.”

Begrudgingly Nelmes nodded and Joe left Nick to take him into the law, with the other two in support, while he went back to the hotel. He knew Adam would be anxious all the time he was gone. Sometimes his eldest brother still didn’t seem to think he was capable of getting to town and back on his own.

Joe had guessed right, Adam knew that his little brother was good at looking after himself and he had three men to give him support, but he had the proof in his aching body that Nelmes was a would be killer. Tensing up, he felt worse than he had for several days and he was very relieved when he heard Joe’s voice outside the room. With the relief the room began to swim round him and he shut his eyes, fighting to hold onto his senses.

Joe was grinning as he came in but that quickly faded as he considered his brother. He went over to the bed and gripped Adam’s arm “Easy brother. You alright? Should I get Doc?”

Adam fought for control, easier now he could see Joe and knew his brother was alright “No, just tired.”

Joe got some water and fed it to him and slowly Adam relaxed “Didn’t mean to worry you Joe”

“No matter. Look everything is fine. Nelmes is on his way to jail with Nick and the others. He filled in a lot of details but nothing that can’t wait until the morning.”

“You going out again?”

“Nope I’m gonna have some coffee and then I’ll turn in too. So you just settle down and get some sleep.”

“Bullied.” Adam protested but he smiled at his brother and then gave in to the lure of oblivion. He felt better in the morning and was eager to find out what Nelmes had told Joe. Joe was equally eager, wanting his brother’s advice on what to do next. He wanted to go after the Corlays, but he couldn’t leave Adam and he couldn’t trust the law in a small town, especially one where the Corlays had ties.

Joe waited until breakfast had been brought and then, as they ate, he told Adam everything he had learnt the previous night and the deal he had done with Nelmes. Adam was very impressed with the way his brother had handled it and he made that very clear to Joe. Joe was pleased but demanded to know what they should do now. He wanted the Corlays to pay and he wanted to get their money back.

Adam put up his hand “Hold on Joe let me think for a minute.” He sipped his coffee and then asked “Any word from Pa yet?”

“Just that telegram saying Hoss was on his way. Hopefully be here day after tomorrow.”

“If we go home by wagon from Sacramento won’t be much of a detour to go to that town. Shouldn’t be beyond the three of us to cope with Corlay, even if he does have a couple of sidekicks. You sure that Nelmes won’t be able to make contact with him?”

“Don’t think he even wants to. Have to admit that he has betrayed Corlay. Anyway Nick was going to make very sure he didn’t get the chance. He seems to have pretty good contacts with law enforcement here in Frisco.”

“Okay and from what he said Corlay usually rests up for a month or two before heading out on his next foray, so hopefully we have time.”

“Sure we do.” Joe said optimistically, but both brothers worried that with the large sums the Corlays had stolen from them they might not carry on their normal routine. Joe was very worried about his brother, he knew Adam would insist on getting involved, even if he could barely stand and he was scared that his big brother would be hurt if he met Margarite again. He did his best to hide his concerns from Adam but in many ways Adam shared them and he knew Joe too well.

Adam was moving around the room, determined to be fit enough to head home as soon as Hoss arrived, but despite his will power a few steps was the limit of his strength and he kept having to rest. For the moment Joe knew his brother’s bodily weakness would prevent him overdoing it and, by the time Adam could overcome that, he would at least have Hoss’ help to try and prevent big brother overdoing things.

In fact he had that help before he expected. He had finally persuaded Adam to rest in the afternoon after Doc had been and changed the bandages and Adam was fast asleep when there was a knock on the door. Joe grabbed his gun and went to the door, but he let it fall and grinned hugely as he saw his big brother standing there, at least 36 hours before he had dared hope to see him.

Joe shoved his gun away and gave Hoss a hug moving out into the corridor not wanting to disturb Adam. Then he moved back and considered his brother, “You sure you’re alright? That bang on the head, you really recovered?”

“Yeah Joe I always did have a hard head. I’m fine. What about Adam? Where is he?”

Joe gestured to the room behind him “He’s asleep at the moment. Come on in this room and we can talk.”

“He is gonna be okay?”

“Oh yes. Well on the mend, but I have only just persuaded him to get some rest. He’s been doing too much all day.”

Hoss followed Joe in and Joe sent the man in there to keep guard over Adam and Hoss sat down looking very worried. “Right you’d better be straight with me little brother. Adam don’t normally sleep in the middle of the day, even if he has been hurt. You say he’s gonna be alright, but you sure don’t look it, you look exhausted.”

Joe grinned at his brother “Oh I’m fine now you’re here. Adam has made it back to his feet last two days and he’s pushing too hard. I need your help to try and keep him under control.”

Hoss relaxed slightly at that, but one other thing was worrying him and he said, “I lost all the drive money.”

Joe frowned, “You didn’t lose it someone stole it, ain’t your fault. Anyway Pa said we can survive without it. Maybe the new buggy will have to wait but .”

Hoss interrupted “Sure feels like my fault. I told them exactly how to do it. If I could get my hands on Margarite and that brother of her’s I’d get the $34 000 out of their hides.”

Joe grinned and Hoss groaned, “Little brother I’m in enough trouble to keep me going until Christmas. Whatever you’re planning I ain’t doing it.”

“It’s not my plan.” Joe protested trying to look innocent and failing abysmally, “It’s Adam’s.”

“Don’t make it no better. You can both dig me into a hole faster than any other ten critturs I’ve ever met.”

Joe giggled at that, “I have missed you brother!”

Even Hoss had to grin and then he settled down to get every detail that he could of Joe’s visit to Frisco. It was nearly two hours later when Joe turned serious again and warned his brother that he was going to get a shock when he saw Adam, although well on the mend he was weaker and more gaunt than Joe could ever remember. Hoss accepted that, but was eager to see for himself and Joe nodded, “On past experience he’ll be waking soon. Don’t forget he has a bad cold and when he coughs it hurts, but Doc says it doesn’t do any harm so don’t panic.”

Hoss nodded, but he needed to see for himself.

Adam was just beginning to stir and as he heard his big brother whisper, not very quietly to Joe, he came awake with a start. For a moment, as he tried to get a grip on his senses, he couldn’t hide the pain a sudden movement had made and then he focused on his big brother’s very worried face. Adam struggled to sit up and Joe moved swiftly to help him. Despite the pain, Adam was grinning broadly “Hoss. You’re a sight for sore eyes. You have made really good time.” He held out his hand but his big brother gathered him into his arms very gently “You ain’t safe let out alone brother.”

“Well I’m fine now with both of you to look after me.” Adam looked from one brother to the other and although he had spoken almost jokingly he knew just how true it was and to his disgust found his eyes filling so thankful to have both his brothers there.

Joe was more in tune with his brother than he had been at any time in his life and understood why Adam was emotional. He also knew that it would tax Adam’s slight strength and so he went and poured coffee and put a slug of brandy in each. He passed them out and asked “Just how did you get here so fast big brother?”

By the time Hoss had explained the quick journey that Dave had made and his virtually instant departure, Adam had got back into control and he flashed a look of gratitude to his little brother. Hoss didn’t notice the by-play, far too busy trying to hide his concern. Despite Joe’s warning Adam looked far worse than he had expected and he wasn’t at all sure that his brother could travel as far as the foyer in the hotel, let alone home. As they drank their coffee Hoss demanded to know just what Adam intended doing. However ill his brother was Hoss was still so used to him taking the lead in laying plans that he automatically turned to his eldest brother.

Adam eased himself on the pillows, trying his muscles and wondering just how far he dared push it and then smiled at his brothers, who were both considering him in concern.

Adam smiled at them “Come on you two, I just need to get my strength back. We were reckoning two more days before you got here Hoss. I think I need to take those two days anyway. Then we head for home. I reckon the steamer to Sacramento will be fine as long as we can book a cabin and you can help me get to it. The stage is another matter. I really don’t fancy that, so Joe and I were planning on getting a wagon in Sacramento, maybe put a mattress in the back. Joe is an expert at buying mattresses! Then we can take a break if I need.”

Hoss frowned picking up on the one statement he didn’t understand, as he tried to think if Adam’s plan was feasible. “Why is Joe an expert on mattresses?”

Joe gave a snort, he had been teased by his brother about that. Arriving at the hotel with Adam on the bloodstained mattress, he had told the desk clerk to give the wagon driver a mattress, or even half a dozen mattresses, to make up for the one he had take. The clerk had misheard, accidentally or on purpose, and given them a dozen mattresses and billed Joe for them. Adam had been very amused by Joe’s reaction when he saw the bill and hadn’t let Joe forget. Now he had great delight in telling Hoss how his little brother had done a real good business deal, exchanging one filthy bloodstained mattress for a dozen brand new ones with Joe making up the difference.

Hoss was just relieved to see Adam looking more like himself as he teased his little brother. Adam grinned at his big brother “I could do with some more coffee Hoss.”

Hoss refilled his cup taking care not to make it too full, seeing his brother was weak enough for his hand to still shake. Then he frowned and studied Adam carefully “You are planning something else that you ain’t told me.”

Adam shook his head, deciding he was weak enough for his acting ability to be at a low ebb and looked over to Joe for help. Joe acknowledged the plea and said “Adam hasn’t mentioned the route home. He is intending to go via Elk Grove.”

Hoss stared blankly at Joe, “I ain’t even heard of Elk Grove.”

Adam sat back amused as Joe tried to explain, getting himself so involved, that Hoss was getting more and more confused. It gave Adam time to finish his coffee and renew his strength. Eventually he took pity on Hoss and told him briefly how Joe had connected the Corlays with the attack on him and found out where they were.

Joe had been trying to avoid mentioning their name, which had been half his problem, and he stared at Hoss as Adam spoke of them. In fact Hoss was far too worried about his eldest brother to even think about Margarite. “What are you intending doing Adam? You can barely stand unaided and you wanna go chase criminals.”

Adam gave a slight shrug “They have more than thirty thousand of our money plus some of our friends’ money, I just intend to get it back.” He didn’t add the far more important reason, at least in his mind, they had hurt his big brother.

Hoss turned to Joe “Help me here. He’s nuts.”

Joe grinned “I told you I need your help Hoss, now maybe you can see why.”

Adam lent back and grinned at his brothers, “I wasn’t intending doing any of the fighting that’s what I have you two for. I’ll provide the brains as usual.”

To his surprise that comment got the first broad grin he had had from his big brother. Hoss nodded “Yeah you’re right Joe just needs to get his strength back, as ornery and conceited as usual.”

The brothers chatted for a few more minutes and then Joe sent for food and once Adam had forced down some food he dozed off again. Joe and Hoss moved over to the corner to chat without disturbing Adam. Hoss frowned “Is he gonna be up to moving in two days?”

“Probably not, but he’ll be a lot worse if we try to stop him. You know he’ll fret himself back into a fever.”

“Even if he takes another week.”

“Hoss he’s scared that our lead to Henri will vanish if they leave Elk Grove before we get there. He’s not gonna accept a delay and when, even between us, did we ever change big brother’s mind?” Hoss could only accept what Joe was saying and at least he was there to carry his brother, physically if he had to, and every other way. It made him feel needed and melted the cold ice wall in his soul that had been there since he found out he had been used.

Over the next two days Adam spent more and more time out of bed but he was willing to accept his brothers’ help and rested frequently. They both had to bite back concerned protests but they knew Adam had little choice. Doc came in during the afternoon just after Adam had been pushing himself and he tried reading the riot act but it made very little impression. The younger brothers agreed with every word and he wasn’t at all sure that Adam had even heard.

Hoss came over to Doc and asked quietly “Is he gonna do himself any real harm? Cos if he is, he’s going back to that bed if I have to tie him down.”

Doc sighed it was against every medical instinct he had, but he had to admit that his patient was recovering far faster than he had expected and just maybe this dark haired man knew his own body best. He tried to be honest with Hoss “Provided you don’t let him get cold or wet and try to make sure he rests when he needs it, I guess he’ll cope. He will put himself through unnecessary pain, but he won’t do any real harm.”

“Doc we’re real grateful for all the care you have given my brother. Has Joe settled up your bill.”

“The hotel pays me.”

Hoss shook his head “No that ain’t right. You gone far beyond just a hotel Doc.” Hoss pulled out his wallet and counted out some money “This can’t come close to saying how grateful all my family is but maybe it’ll give some idea.”

Doc was taken aback at the big man’s generosity but he couldn’t refuse. Joe added his thanks and made it very clear that he and his father would be making sure all their friends and business associates heard of the excellent new doctor in town.

Joe had been busy and booked a cab to the steamer dock and the best cabin he could on the steamer to Sacramento, but he was still scared Adam was pushing too hard. In fact neither Joe nor Hoss got much sleep the night before they left, both worried about Adam. Adam himself slept like a baby, he had been pushing hard all day, trying to work some of the stiffness out of unused muscles and he was exhausted.

Joe left him to sleep as late as he dared but then he had to wake his brother. He wanted Adam to be able to relax and have a decent meal before they moved him. Adam tried to keep cheerful seeing the concern neither of his brothers could hide. He ate a reasonable breakfast and then for the first time since his injury he had to get dressed. Hoss was firm and told his brother just to leave it to him but even so lifting his arms to get his shirt on pulled at his damaged side. Adam lost the little colour he had and Hoss glanced over at Joe did they dare go on. Joe bit his lip but he knew that stubborn look and signaled Hoss to get his brother’s boots on.

Once Adam was ready, apart from his thick coat, Joe insisted that he sit and relax for a while, they had plenty of time before the steamer. Adam was glad of the break and slowly he regained a little colour at least in his lips and grinned at his brothers “Come on you two, we knew it wasn’t going to be easy. I know I’ll be tired when we get there but I’m not going to do any harm and I won’t collapse.”

Joe nodded “I’ll go make sure the cab is there, take the bags down.” He slipped into the next room and made sure that the men were ready to cover them. Probably the threat in Frisco was over, but Joe wasn’t about to take any chances while his brother was so weak. He had arranged for four of them to come to Sacramento with them, although he had only told Hoss so far.

Hoss alone with his eldest brother took Adam’s shoulders and forced his brother to look at him. “Right now you let me do the work. I can handle your weight you know that.”

“Sure Hoss that’s why we sent for you.” Adam tried to lighten the mood and smiled at his brother but Hoss wasn’t about to be distracted. “Adam I want your promise, or we ain’t leaving this room. If n you need a break you tell me and when you need to rest you tell me.”

Adam gripped his brother’s arm “I’ll be fine, but I promise I won’t push too hard, I will tell you. Now let’s go join Joe before he gets into any trouble.”

Hoss moved round to Adam’s uninjured side and eased Adam’s arm round his own shoulders. It was difficult to give enough support without hurting his brother but they had found a reasonable way to give support the previous day. Hoss held Adam to him round Adam’s hips and was able to take most of his weight and eased his brother out of the room and down the corridor. As they got to the top of the stairs Hoss hesitated feeling Adam tense up but Adam insisted “Go on.”

Somehow Hoss half carried his brother down the stairs and then did lift him into the cab Joe had waiting. Adam lent back and closed his eyes, rather shaken by how much it had taken out of him to get that far, but still determined to get home. The sweat was pouring off him and he had lost all trace of colour, but the determination was clear. Hoss would dearly loved to have carried his brother back to bed, but Joe shook his head and they just got into the cab, settling down next to him to give him as much support as they could.

Adam rested his head back against his big brother and closed his eyes. The cab was jolting on the rough roads as the horse broke into a trot, but the pain was almost happening to someone else and he was able to float above it and in fact dozed off. Hoss realized his brother had gone to sleep and risked asking Joe if they should turn round and wait another week or two before attempting to go home. Joe shook his head “I know he’s weak and in pain, but his temper is intact and if he doesn’t get his own way it will take so much out of him I reckon it’s more dangerous than travelling.”

Hoss could only accept that and at least while Adam was asleep he could do what he wanted and when they reached the steamer, he ordered his brother to go and find out just where their cabin was, the quickest way to it and find something to act as a stretcher as Adam wasn’t walking.

Joe agreed with him but he whistled softly “You’re getting brave in your old age Hoss. I’m leaving it to you to tell Adam he’s getting carried.”

Hoss laughed “I’m hoping he will stay asleep and not notice.” He nearly got away with it, Adam was still asleep as Joe helped Hoss settle him on a stretcher carried by the four guards who were travelling with them to Sacramento. As they climbed up the gangway onto the ship, Adam stirred feeling he was about to fall out of bed and opened his eyes. As he realized where he was he glared at his brothers but even Adam could see that this wasn’t the time to argue. For now he just wanted to get into a private room as fast as possible and see as few people as possible.

Hoss and Joe looked at each other, they were expecting a tongue lashing from an angry brother once they were alone but both would take that willingly if Adam got there without straining himself any more. In fact Adam barely said anything apart from warning them that they had got away with it once but wouldn’t do it again, so they shouldn’t try. In fact he knew himself that he had been pushing his luck and was just thankful he could get very much closer to home without any effort on the boat. Once settled in his bunk he gave way to the lure of oblivion and was fast asleep before Joe could even collect food. The brothers considered waking him for food, but decided rest was probably more important and let him be.

They reached Sacramento and had tied up at the wharf before Adam showed any sign of waking up. In a way that worried his brothers, the evidence of his weakness but on the other hand they were glad to see Adam getting the rest he needed. Joe had already gone out to collect the wagon he had ordered and to ensure that his orders had been obeyed. He had arranged for the wagon to be padded and covered, taking very seriously Doc’s warning that his brother must not be exposed to the weather. The company had dealt with the Cartwrights before and, if puzzled by the instructions, they had carried them out to the letter and arranged for a pair of horses to pull the wagon. Joe signed the bill and made arrangements for it to be paid and then drove back to the wharf to pick up his brothers.

Adam had been able to take his time in waking up and had even managed a reasonable meal so Hoss didn’t even argue when Adam asked for a helping hand to get down to the wagon.

The long rest seemed to have helped and Adam made it to the wagon with far less sign of distress than he had at the hotel and he was pleased with himself when he reached the wagon. His plan to sit up next to Hoss while his big brother drove, brought arguments from both his brothers, but Adam was adept at cutting out what he didn’t want to hear. He was either getting up on his own or they could help him and so Hoss gave way and settled his brother as best he could. Joe disappeared to collect another horse for him to ride. He had intended to hire a horse anyway it would give them extra flexibility.

He pulled up by Adam and suggested “We could stay at a hotel here overnight, get some rest.” Adam laughed “Joe I have been asleep for hours. Believe it or not I do not want to rest. Let’s head for Elk Grove and then we can decide how we check things out. Trouble is the Corlays know all three of us.”

Joe motioned towards the group of four men waiting for his signal, “Bringing some help with us Adam. No-one knows them.”

Adam wasn’t sure he approved of that, he was used to them sorting out their own problems. It was odd to have Joe being so far thinking and mature and slowly he realized that he owed his little brother a thank you. He beckoned Joe over “Glad one of us is thinking straight. Thanks little brother.”

“You just take it easy Adam and when you get tired admit it and get in the back and sleep.”

“Stop fussing,” There was an edge of anger in his voice and Joe pulled back relying on Hoss to look after him.

Adam kept up for a couple of hours but then was beginning to wilt. Hoss had seen him wince once or twice as the wagon jolted and knew it was time to either stop or at least for Adam to rest. He pulled the horses into cover by some rocks and stopped. Adam demanded to know why they were stopping and Hoss smiled “You know perfectly well. You either get in the back and rest some or we stay put over night ‘cos you’ve had it brother.”

Adam would have liked to argue, but he knew his big brother was talking sense. To Joe’s amazement he meekly accepted Hoss’ help into the back of the wagon. He couldn’t sleep but at least he wasn’t trying to stay upright and he didn’t have to hide how he felt.

Hoss kept glancing back into the wagon but he couldn’t see much in the dark of the wagon and after a bit he beckoned Joe over. “Maybe you oughta get in the back with him, steady him, he’s moving around too much in there.”

Joe swung down and tied his horse on the back, worried that Adam wasn’t making any protest. He swung up next to his brother and was relieved to see him grinning “What is it gonna take for you two to stop fussing?”

“Okay so you’re alright, but even so it might be more comfortable.”

“I’m not arguing. How far are we from Elk Grove?”

Joe looked up at his big brother “What do you think Hoss?”

“I’d guess about five miles.”

Adam considered that “I don’t want to go into town certainly not tonight. Find somewhere to camp Hoss, about two miles out of town.”

“Sure Adam. What are you planning?”

“I’m not sure until we find out if they are there and what the position is in town. Tomorrow morning we’ll send one of the men into town, see what we can find out.”

Joe asked the smallest of the men Rafe to go into town and between them the brothers gave detailed descriptions of both Henri and rather more easily Margarite. Adam watched his big brother very closely as they described the girl, but whatever he felt for her seemed to have been killed by her actions.

All the brothers had had a reasonable night’s rest and felt better for it. Adam seemed to be moving slightly more easily and as his brothers weren’t watching his every move he was able to relax. They sat over coffee, each in their own way trying to work out what the future would bring. Rafe rode in sooner than any of them had expected, but he was grinning, pleased with himself. Adam and Joe met each other’s gaze and both grinned, but it was left for Hoss to ask what Rafe had found out.

Rafe was very pleased with himself, he had barely reached town when the couple he was looking for had walked out of a small boarding house on the edge of town. They had another woman with them but he heard the names Henri and Margarite just to confirm his identification. The other woman appeared to be with Henri, her arm in his.

Joe got Rafe to sketch a map showing exactly where the house was with respect to the town and then sat back on his haunches and looked up at his brothers. Adam frowned “Any idea how long they were likely to be out?”

“Looked to have a picnic basket with them, so I guess several hours.”  Rafe said and then backing off, added “I’m only guessing.”

Adam could see the uncertainty on Rafe’s face but he was prepared to go with the first impression “Worth a risk I think. We’ll drive the wagon up close t,o the house and then Joe and I will go in. Hoss you take the wagon out of the way. Get Nick and Rafe and the other two to cover the house, move in when the Corlays have come in. I think if we give Margarite a shock by facing us she’ll break and that will be enough to break Henri. I don’t think they will have the money very far away from them.”

Hoss glared at his brother “Just one thing wrong with that. I am not leaving you there.”

“Can’t leave it all up to Joe.”

“You take the wagon I’ll go face Margarite. I was the one who was stupid enough to propose to her.”

Adam reached out and gripped his brother’s arm, “You weren’t the stupid one. She was the one who didn’t have the sense to see what was in front of her.”

Rafe had backed away feeling embarrassed and the three brothers were left alone. Adam went on “I can’t drive the team Hoss, with the best will in the world.”

“Joe can take you.”

Joe shook his head “No way. I am not going to leave you in there alone Hoss.”

Hoss was angry, “Then what are you suggesting? Adam is not fit enough for even the slightest risk of trouble.”

Joe put up his hands in a peace sign, “Wasn’t suggesting it. I think we all three go in, get Rafe to move the wagon out of sight and then he can come back. At the worst there are three of us with three in support.”

Adam and Hoss both studied Joe and then rather begrudgingly nodded. Both of them would have preferred to keep the big man away, not worried so much about his physical wellbeing but sure he was going to be hurt emotionally. Unfortunately any attempt to force him to stay away would hurt the big man equally.

They were in luck, the house was empty and Hoss helped Adam inside once Joe and Nick had made sure it was clear. Rafe removed the wagon and once Adam had recovered from walking in, he considered the place. He sent Joe to check out what other rooms there were and Joe found Margarite’s room recognizing two of the dresses she had worn.

Adam grinned “Yeah that will work. Help me up there and I’ll rest on her bed, you two stay out of sight.”

“What about Henri?” Joe asked

“I’m betting she’ll yell loud enough to wake the dead when she sees me and he’ll come running. Just in case Nick and the others move in and block all the exits as soon as they come in.”

Hoss frowned “Supposed he isn’t with her?”

“Don’t worry about problems until they happen.” Adam insisted and his brothers weren’t about to push him Hoss wasn’t about to take any nonsense, his brother was pushing his luck even being there and there was no need to push himself physically. If Adam wanted to go up to Margarite’s bedroom then he was going to be carried.

In fact Adam’s biggest problem once he was settled on the bed was staying awake. He lazed back and shut his eyes knowing his brothers would keep a close watch. In fact they had nearly three hours to wait before Henri and the two women returned. Adam had dozed for awhile and felt better for it, but even he was getting impatient when they heard someone approaching.

Rafe had been right they had gone for a picnic and were very relaxed as they came back into the house. They had had a very pleasant day and the last thing any of them were expecting was trouble. Margarite headed upstairs to change her dress after sitting on the ground while Henri went out with the owner of the boarding house, Meg Sacher, to make coffee.

The first Henri knew of trouble was the scream his sister gave, as she walked into her room and saw Adam lazing out on her bed. She stared at him as though mesmerized and moved over towards him. He was pale and drawn with black circles under his eyes and gaunt, but to her eyes still the most attractive male she had ever seen. She had resigned herself to never seeing him again and now there he was, just as she had dreamt in her bed. She held out her hand to him, but Adam just stared at her and then a deep voice she knew well came from behind her, “I thought you were engaged to me.” She whirled and looked at Hoss and then sank to her knees burying her face in her hands just as Henri ran into the room.

Henri only had eyes for Adam. He already hated the eldest Cartwright. The one man who had threatened his hold over his sister and, oblivious of everyone else, he moved over towards Adam wanting to kill him with his bare hands. He was reaching out for Adam ready to strangle him, when Hoss moved and grabbed him in a bearhug.

Hoss lifted the smaller man off his feet “Reckon you owe us quite a lot.”

Henri tried to kick out but he was finding it hard to breathe and scared for her brother Margarite begged, “Let him go I’ll show you where the money is.”

Hoss was distracted as the woman he had loved spoke to him and he relaxed his hold just enough for Henri to wrench free and, grabbing for the deringer in his pocket, try to kill Hoss. Joe had been watching carefully, scared for both of his brothers. Quick as Henri was to act, he was a lifetime too slow compared to Joe. The bullet Henri fired buried itself in the floor as he died.

Adam was unable to help and everything seemed to be happening in slow motion, but he was the first to react. He pulled himself to his feet and moved over to Joe. He took his brother’s gun, “We need the sheriff. Joe can you go and fetch him.”

Joe stared down at Henri “Is he ⁹“

“He’s dead Joe. Leave this to Hoss and me Go and fetch the law. We don’t want any trouble. Just bring the sheriff say there has been trouble, but leave it to me. Okay?”

Joe was used to relying on his older brother and, badly shaken by the last few minutes, he nodded he would do exactly as Adam said as so often before.

Once he had left the room Adam turned his attention to Hoss and Margarite, both seemed to be in a daze and he needed to break through to them. He started with Hoss and taking his big brother’s arm said “Whatever she’s done Margarite shouldn’t be here with her brother’s body. Take her downstairs and get her a drink I think she’s in shock.”

Hoss accepted that and, forgetting that Adam was hurt, he did as he was told and taking Margarite’s arm led her out of the room.

Left alone with the body Adam lent against the wall feeling weak and ill. He was surprised when he felt someone take his arm and lead him back over to the bed. It was Nick. He had been just outside the room and seen exactly what had happened. “Just take it easy for a few minutes Adam” Nick got out his hip flask and poured Adam a brandy.

Adam sipped it gratefully. “I didn’t want him dead.”

“Joe didn’t have any choice.”

Almost angrily Adam retorted “I know that.” His head was thumping as he tried to think his way through the current situation and Nick left him in peace for a couple of minutes while he fetched some coffee. Adam was very glad of both the time and the drinks and had himself well under control by the time Joe got back with a very skeptical sheriff, Brent Johanson.

Johanson looked at the body and took the gun from Henri’s hand. He sniffed it “Fired.” Adam got the distinct impression from the way the sheriff looked at him that he was under suspicion of firing it after Henri was dead. He sat back “My brother killed Henri in order to save our brother Hoss’ life, but I realize I am a biased witness. Mr Brody is an independent witness I suggest you get the details from him.”

The sheriff frowned but he did as Adam suggested and by the time he came back in he was distinctly more friendly, accepting that Joe had no choice and that the Corlays however they appeared in Elk Grove were very different characters elsewhere. He assured Adam that there would be no problem, a statement from each of the brothers to add to the one he had from Brody would suffice. Even the statements could wait until tomorrow when they had had a chance to sort things out. Adam thanked him for his help and then he had to put his mind to dealing with Margarite and hopefully reclaiming their money.

Once the sheriff had left Adam asked Nick to check out Henri’s room and Margarite’s to see if they had the money hidden. He was fairly confident that the pair, thieves themselves, would not trust in banks but want to keep their hard won money close to them.

Once he had despatched Nick to check Adam got to his feet, faced with the problem of getting downstairs wanting to see how his big brother was coping. He was totally unsure about his ability to handle stairs unaided and was more grateful than he could have said to see his little brother come in. Joe saw the gratitude in Adam’s eyes and, if not sure of the reason for it, he was warmed by the fact. Adam moved over to join him reasonably easily, “Let’s go rescue Hoss before that witch gets her claws into him again.”

Joe came over to support him but he disagreed with Adam’s premise “Don’t underestimate big brother. He’ll trust too easily once, but he never makes the same mistake twice, not with the same person.”

Adam hoped Joe was right but this time there was the added complication of physical attraction, either way the sooner they were there the better. In fact once Hoss had taken Margarite downstairs and found Meg Sacher cowering downstairs scared by the shots, he had left the two women to help each other while he got coffee for them. He was sitting sipping his own as the pair hugged each other and cried. Even so he was very glad to see his brothers he wasn’t good with women, least of all crying women.

Joe helped Adam into a chair and then he went to fetch some brandy and passed out large glasses to everyone. It had the desired effect and both women sat back and started drying their eyes. Even now Margarite found it hard to drag her eyes away from Adam and Hoss seeing that bit his lip and went outside. Adam met his youngest brother’s eye and signaled him to go after Hoss. Joe hesitated but decided that the best thing he could do for Adam was to obey instructions and seeing Nick hovering in the door, Joe stopped by him and asked him to help Adam.

Adam said gently, “Margarite we need to talk.”

She shivered as though cold and then looked up at him beseechingly, “I didn’t want to hurt you or any of your family.”

Adam raised his eyebrows at that “You gave them the information they needed to attack Hoss. He was unconscious for several days. He is only alive because he has a hard head and is very strong.”

“I didn’t know they would do that.”

“You were happy for them to rob him, happy to string him along and pretend that you cared. Didn’t you think that might hurt him?”

“I’m sorry” she sobbed “I tried to stop them hurting you.” She had grabbed hold of his arm and Adam shook her off as though her touch burnt “We weren’t discussing me. You were engaged to my brother.”

She saw the absolute disgust in his eyes and buried her face in her hands, crying far more sincerely for the death of her dream than she had for her brother. Adam gave her a couple of minutes until the sobs had moderated and then he said brusquely “If you want to stay out of prison you had better start co-operating with me right now. One chance that’s all you have.”

She swallowed hard and sat up, rubbing her eyes as she tried to brush the tears away “What, what do you want?”

“Our money.” Adam sat back “I should send you to prison anyway, I’m sure we are far from the first people you have stolen from, but I’d guess that money is long gone. I’ll settle for the money you took from us and the good citizens of Virginia City.”

Margarite buried her head again as she considered what he had said and wondered if there was any way to barter herself for a better deal.

Joe had followed his big brother outside and found Hoss hitting a tree hard with clenched fists. He had already split the skin and his hands were both bleeding and Joe ran over and grabbed his brother’s hands. For a minute he thought Hoss was going to hit him but then Hoss seemed to sag and lent against the tree for support. He stared down at the ground. “Should have known. Wasn’t me she wanted, it was Adam.”

“Adam didn’t do anything to encourage her ” Joe said defensively but to his surprise Hoss looked up at him as though he was daft “You don’t need to tell me that. Ain’t in Adam. Anyways he don’t want her.”

Joe thought on a physical level Hoss might be wrong, but he had more sense than to say so. Certainly Adam wouldn’t touch her with a barge pole after her involvement with Hoss. Joe would have done anything to cheer his brother up and he pointed out that whatever Margarite had felt she had been prepared to sit back and see Adam killed. To his surprise that thought did seem to help Hoss and he straightened up “Adam ain’t up to coping alone best we get back to him.”

As the brothers came back in Adam was just checking over the money that Margarite had begrudgingly given him. Margarite glared at the pair and flounced over to the other side of the room to sit with a very bemused Meg. Meg had never realised that Henri’s business was illegal and she couldn’t believe what had happened, sitting in near shock.

Margarite had collected all the money from her brother’s room, nearly seventy thousand dollars, the money which had been going to finance her new life in the East. She brought it back down and handed it to Adam. Silently followed by Rafe, she had no choice but to do as she was told. Adam wasn’t feeling very trusting and he beckoned Nick over and asked him to go check both rooms. Nick hesitated, but with Rafe and Charlie in the room he reckoned that Adam would cope and went to do as he was asked.

Adam had no real idea how much money the Corlays had conned out of the citizens of Virginia City, but this would at least go some way to repaying them. He was just trying to decide what to do with Margarite when his brothers came back in. Thankful for the support for once it was very obvious on his face and Joe moved over next to him and gripped his shoulder. Adam passed the money to Hoss. “I think you lost some of this.”

Hoss whistled softly as he took in the amount of money “More than we lost.”

“Some of it belongs to people they fleeced in town.”

Margarite close to tears again begged “You can’t leave me destitute.”

Joe gave a harsh laugh “You can leave one of my brothers in an alley with a bullet in the back, and the other nearly dead from a blow to the head. But we can’t leave you here with all your brother’s things to sell, all your own jewellery, because you’re destitute!”

She seemed to shrink back but looked beseechingly at the other two brothers. Adam was prepared to give her a thousand dollars to let her start a new life, still convinced she was largely under her brother’s thumb and said as much. Joe was surprised his brother was being soft but as he watched where Adam’s gaze had rested, he realised Adam was suggesting it more for Hoss than for the girl. As such Joe was willing to go along, but just then Nick reappeared. He had overheard the conversation and held out a purse to Adam “Real destitute! I reckon there’s close to twenty grand in this.”

As she recognised her purse Margarite did break down in real tears, sobbing her heart out at the loss of her money, far worse than the loss of her brother. Hoss looked down at her with total disgust wondering how he had ever thought he loved her. “Don’t reckon she needs any thousand dollars Adam. She was holding out what twenty grand so I reckon we give her twenty dollars it will buy a stage ticket back to Frisco and she’ll soon pick up some rich man to keep her. She’s real good at that.” Hoss turned on his heel and went outside needing fresh air.

Nick looked over at Adam “What do you want me to do. I’ll take her in to the law if you want.”

Adam and Joe met each other’s gaze and for once they were totally in tune. Any trial would be hard on Hoss and with Henri dead they didn’t see his sister as a real threat on her own. Hoss had doubtless read her future accurately but there were plenty of women who preyed on rich men. Joe answered for them both “No I don’t think so Nick. She was a bit player, her brother has already paid the ultimate penalty. Let her go.”

Adam nodded his agreement, so Nick took Margarite’s arm “Reckon you ought to go pack and think yourself lucky. I wouldn’t be so kind.”

Once she had left Nick turned back to the other woman “Mrs Sacher I found this upstairs in Henri’s room I reckon it belongs to you.” He passed over the deed for the boarding house and as the brothers looked questioningly at him he explained “Deed for this place along with a sales agreement selling it to some guy Barret, had Mrs Sacher’s signature on it.”

She looked up in surprise “I haven’t signed anything I wouldn’t sell, this is my home.”

Joe said gently “I reckon Henri was clearing everything he could and not aiming to come back.” At that she dried her eyes and straightened up “Looks like I’ve been a fool.”

Joe smiled gently “Happens to all of us at times. Real convincing pair but don’t let it get to you.” She considered the brothers, Adam beginning to wilt now that everything was under control and the younger brother obviously concerned about him. “Why don’t you stay here for the night. Looks like your brother could use a bed.”

Joe wasn’t about to turn that down, he knew Adam had been overdoing things and for once Adam didn’t even argue. Joe called Hoss for help and between them they got Adam to bed.

Late in the evening Hoss had gone back outside and Joe followed his big brother. Hoss was leaning against the fence and didn’t stir as his little brother moved up next to him, but he valued Joe’s opinion. “She sure took me for a sucker didn’t she? How come I don’t ever see it coming?”

“Her loss big brother.” Joe put his arm round Hoss’ broad shoulder “She had us all fooled.”

“Not Adam”

“Yeah even him. He was uncomfortable with her but only thought she was after what she could get, not a real con woman.”

“You reckon he’ll be well enough to go on home tomorrow I’d really like to get home now.”

“I think we all feel the same Hoss and big brother seems to have survived today far better than I could have hoped. After some sleep he’ll be raring to go.”

Joe proved a true prophet and the three brothers headed on home, leaving Nick and the others to return to Frisco with their thanks and a hefty bonus. They didn’t want to waste time going back to Sacramento and there weren’t any telegraph offices on the way home but deciding the quicker they got there the better, the brothers headed out.

Taking it easy, with regular stops, it took them four days to get over the pass and head on down to the ranch, but relaxed knowing they had done all they could to repair the damage and enjoying each other’s company, the time went quickly. To their relief Joe and Hoss could see Adam improving rapidly. Eating far better he was now regaining his strength and on the final day as they actually crossed the borders onto the Ponderosa, he lent back in the seat and began to sing. His brothers joined in and the three came into the yard in full harmony singing ‘Home sweet home’.

Ben had been working on the figures trying to see where to cut down to help carry the ranch in the absence of the money from the cattle. He missed his sons and was worried just how ill his eldest was, but he could only wait. In their absence he was continually busy but only a small proportion of his brain was occupied and the rest was worrying about his sons. Then suddenly he heard horses and his son singing, Adam’s deep brown voice carrying his brothers and for once even Hoss was reasonably in tune. Ben grinned at the sound his sons were all home and, from the sound of it, all very content.

Ben hurried out to greet his sons and went over to the wagon. He studied his eldest son carefully but Adam just grinned at him and slowly Ben relaxed “Good to see you all home boys.” He called to one of the hands to take the horses and then watched worriedly as he saw how carefully Hoss and Joe helped their elder brother down. Hoss and Joe had worked out exactly how to help Adam without putting any pressure on his injured side and they soon had him inside on the sofa.

Ben hovered anxiously and grabbing his youngest son’s arm, he asked “Do we need to send for Doc?”

Joe shook his head “No Pa, he’s well on the mend. Just take a few weeks to get his strength back and we have been travelling since early this morning.”

Adam had overheard his father and the laugh in his voice as he asked if Ben had finished checking on him, did more to reassure Ben than anything else could have.

Hop Sing hurried in with coffee, pleased to see all his favourite people home. He considered Adam critically “You too thin. I cook you eat, soon be better.”

Hoss laughed “I reckon elder brother done got his orders Pa.” then he turned to Hop Sing “I hope in all this feeding of Adam you can find time to feed me. I’m near starved.” Hop Sing hustled back into the kitchen and soon reappeared with a stack of sandwiches and a couple of pies.

Adam was tired and not particularly hungry but took a sandwich and then turned to his father “We have something for you Pa.”

Ben looked questioningly at his son and Adam motioned to Hoss to get out the money belt. Hoss pulled it out and handed it to his father. Ben took it and flicked through the money “How much is here Adam?”

“Eighty seven odd thousand. I reckon it’s the money from the cattle and the money conned out of people in town.”

“The Corlays?”

“Henri is dead, his sister has gone back to Frisco and I think we had most of the others involved.” “Looks like I have a long story to hear, but time for that later. Just how are you?”

“Fine Pa my little brother looked after me real well. Don’t let him know but he’s grown up into a wise young man. We were mighty glad to see Hoss too, just to get me home, but a few more days and I should be able to move around without their help. Then you can put them back to work.”

Joe came over and gripped his brother’s shoulder “Hey I heard that Adam. That all the thanks I get for taking care of your ornery hide?”

“Yeah brother that’s it.” but the look that Adam gave his brother told a totally different story. Ben relaxed his sons were all home and if there would be some scars, both physical and emotional, scar tissue was tough. The brothers were back on terms with each other. With a long winter ahead he would gradually learn the full story of the last weeks, but he already knew all the important facts.

Epilogue

People in town were very glad to get back their investment money that they thought they had lost. In fact after everyone was paid, Ben still had nearly ten thousand dollars. He wasn’t sure if there were still some who wouldn’t admit to being fooled and would rather take the loss, or whether it was money the Corlays already had before coming to town. He discussed it with his sons but as Adam said, if it hadn’t been conned from people in Virginia City it was doubtless ill gotten gains from somewhere else. None of the brothers were prepared to send it back to Margarite even if they had known where to reach her. Adam’s suggestion, that they donated half to the hospital and half to the orphanage, met favour with both his brothers and that’s what Ben did.

Whatever had taken place between his eldest and youngest Ben never really found out, but somehow they were more at ease with each other than they had been in several years. They still teased each other unmercifully, but now both assumed it was meant jokingly and they enjoyed each other’s company. It made for a pleasant winter with no money problems and all of the family content to be together. Adam taught Joe how to play chess well enough to give him a run for his money and together they ganged up on Hoss and inveigled him into a long running checkers championship. Ben sat back and enjoyed having his sons with him. One day they would leave, hopefully for the fulfilment of wives and families of their own, but on days like these he had a feeling none of them would roam very far. Ben thanked God for all his mercies and blessings, most of all for his three sons.

 

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