Summary:  A traveling rodeo comes to town and Joe enters the competition

Rated: K (8,475 words)

A Sure Thing

“Whoo-ee!” said Hoss in delight. “Take a look at this Joe!” He pointed to the poster on the wall of the Livery Stable as he shook his head.

Joe looked. “So what?” he said casually. “We’ve had travelling rodeos here before. There ain’t anything special bout that is there? Stand to reason that they were bound to have one again for the Founder’s Day doings.”

“Yeah,” said Hoss. “But take at look at that. They ain’t never given away money for it before.”

Joe looked to where his brother was poking his finger. “One thousand dollars,” he said in awe and then whistled between his teeth. “I see what you mean brother.” He began to read the poster silently. “One thousand dollars just for sitting on a horse for one minute,” he said. “Must be some kind of horse.”

“You could do it Joe,” Hoss said confidently. “There ain’t no one round these parts can sit a bronc like you.”

Joe tried to look modest and failed. “Well ….maybe,” he said. “Still … I want to see this horse first before I decide.”

“The organisers are down the other end of town,” said Hoss. “How bout we go and check it out?”

Joe nodded. “OK,” he said. “Let’s go brother.” He put his arm around Hoss’ shoulder and they walked off together down the street. As they approached the Livery Stable they saw a crowd of people clustered behind it and made their way towards them. “What’s going on Bernie?” asked Joe to one of the bystanders.

The man indicated with his thumb over to where two strangers sat at a table talking to several men. “They’s the guys organising this here rodeo,” he said. “You signing up Joe?”

Joe glanced over to the corral where several horses were standing. “I’m thinking about it,” he said and then turned to Hoss. “Let’s take a look at them horses first brother.” The two Cartwright made their way over to the corral and stood with all the others who were looking at the horses. “What do ya think Hoss?” asked Joe after a few minutes.

Hoss nodded thoughtfully. “They’re a spirited bunch,” he said. “Specially that fellar over there.” He indicated a black horse in the corner. “He looks as if he’d give you a run fer your money brother.”

Joe drew himself up to his full height. “He’s nothing I can’t handle,” he said testily.

“I didn’t say you couldn’t,” said Hoss. “Jest that he’s the most spirited of the bunch is all.”

“You’re right there young man,” said one of the organisers, standing up and walking over to them. “I can see you understand horseflesh. Blackie is our special attraction.”

“Yeah?” asked Joe. “What’s so special about him?”

The man gave Joe a withering look. “He’s a mighty hard horse to ride,” he said.

“Don’t look so hard to me,” said Joe instantly.

“Yeah Joe,” said one of the men standing by. “You could ride him no trouble I reckon.” Patted the youngest Cartwright on the back. “It’d be worth it fer the money they’re offering for him.”

Joe’s eyes lit up. “Money?” he said. “How much?”

“I’m so confident of Blackie that we’re offering one thousand dollars for any man who can stay on him for one minute,” said the organiser smugly.

“You ain’t serious!” exclaimed Hoss.

“I most certainly am,” said the man. “So far no one has seen fit to take us up on it either. You only have to look at the horse to see that he needs an expert rider.”

Joe and Hoss turned to look at the horse again which was pawing the dirt restlessly in the corner of the corral. “He does look might feisty,” said Joe thoughtfully. “I guess he’d have to be hard to ride for a thousand dollars.”

“Yeah,” agreed Hoss. “Maybe he’s wilder than he looks Joe. These guys ain’t gonna give away that kind of money fer nothing.”

“As I said … no man has had the guts to sign up for him yet,” said the organiser. He looked Joe up and down. “Let alone a boy.” He stared at Joe meaningfully.

“I ain’t no boy mister,” said Joe, taking a dislike to the man instantly. “I can ride with the best of em.”

“He sure can!” shouted one of the men in the crowd. “Joe Cartwright’s the best rider we got around these parts!”

The organiser’s eye lit up. “Really?” he said. “Well best rider or not, I guess this boy don’t have the guts to ride Blackie.” He gave Joe a nasty smile. “Don’t you worry about it boy. Sign up for one of the quieter animals if you like. Something you can handle.”

“I’ll handle the black just fine thanks,” said Joe haughtily. “Where do I sign up?”

“Over here.” The man indicated a space at the table. “Entry fee payable in advance and any side bets can be paid over there.”

Hoss grabbed Joe by the sleeve. “Joe,” he said. “Maybe you’d better not.”

Joe shook off his brother’s hold and gave him a frustrated look. “Don’t be stupid Hoss,” he said impatiently. “It’s a sure thing.” He walked over and began to write his name on one of the entry forms.

++++++++++

“I reckon it’s the easiest money I’ll ever make,” boasted Joe at the supper table that evening. One thousand dollars just for one minute on the back of a bronc.”

Ben frowned. “That’s an awful lot of money,” he said. “There must be more to it than that.”

“Well yeah,” Joe shrugged. “They’ve got smaller prizes as well. The one thousand dollars is only for riding the black that they have.”

“I see,” said his father. “And why so much for that particular horse? What is so hard about riding him?”

“Not much that I can see,” replied Joe. “He’s spirited … that’s obvious … and the average rider wouldn’t have a hope of sticking with him I suppose. “I’ll be OK though.”

Adam snorted. “Pretty confident words, aren’t they?” he said sarcastically. “What makes you think that you’ll stick on him if he’s so spirited?”

Joe gave his older brother a withering look. “We all know that I’m a great rider,” he said. “He’s spirited alright, but no more than I can handle. I’ve ridden harder broncs many times here on the ranch.”

“Joseph there is such a thing as modesty young man,” said Ben sternly.

Joe gave his father a pained look. “I know Pa,” he admitted. “But I’m only telling the truth. Everyone around here knows that I can sit a bronc real good.”

“Well good or not, they’re not going to offer one thousand dollars for nothing,” said his father. “I suspect that there’s more to this.”

Joe shook his head and grinned. “That’s just it,” he said. “The two men organising it don’t seem to have much of an idea about horses really. They’re showmen, and the horses are just a way for them to make some money.”

“And just how are they going to make so much money if they’re willing to give away one thousand dollars just like that?” asked Adam. “The whole thing sounds very fishy to me.”

“You’re just jealous because you didn’t think of it first,” scoffed Joe. He turned to his father. “I reckon that they’re counting on my ride to bring lots of customers in. They’re charging to see it, so that’s how they’ll make their money. Besides … they’ll make lots on all the other riders who fall off their mounts … which some are bound to do.”

Adam snorted again. “And how can you be so sure that you won’t?” he said.

Joe ignored the comment and smiled at his father. “Honestly Pa, it’s fine,” he said. “Isn’t it Hoss?”

Hoss nodded. “I got a real good look at that horse Pa,” he said. “It’s like Joe says. He’s feisty, but nothing that Joe can’t handle.” He grinned. “I aim ta make a bit on this as well.”

“Oh?” Ben’s eyebrows lifted. “Exactly how would you be aiming to make money Hoss?”

“They’re taking bets,” said Hoss. He held up his hand to stop his father speaking. “I know what you’re thinking Pa …. but Joe’s a sure thing.”

Ben shook his head. “I can’t say that I like what I’m hearing,” he said.

“Now don’t you worry Pa,” said Joe, patting his father’s shoulder. “You can come along and watch if you like. You’ll enjoy it.” He turned to Adam. “You too Adam,” he added. “You just might learn a thing or two about riding broncs too.”

“I know all I need to, thank you very much,” said Adam with a smug expression on his face. “Have you forgotten who taught you? Besides … I leave for Reno tomorrow and I won’t get back until Saturday night. I’m afraid I’ll have to miss your little performance baby brother.”

Joe glared at him. “Well you’ll miss a good one,” he said huffily.

Adam smirked at him. “I’ll try to get over it,” he said, standing up from the table. “Good night all. I have an early start in the morning.”

Joe gave his brother a dark look as he walked up the stairs. “I’ll show him,” he muttered under his breath.

“Joe I know you’re a good rider,” said Ben. “Just make sure you’re careful.”

“Don’t you worry Pa,” said Joe confidently. “I wouldn’t ride anything that I couldn’t handle …. You know that.”

“No, I don’t know that,” said Ben, standing up as well. “All I’m asking is that you don’t take any unnecessary risks son, that’s all.”

“I won’t Pa,” Joe assured his father. He nudged Hoss as their father walked away. “Do you reckon big brother wishes he’d thought of this first?”

“Maybe,” said Hoss.

“Well I’m sick of him putting me down all the time,” said Joe. “I aim to show him and everyone else just how good a rider I am. Adam will be laughing on the other side of his face when I bring home that thousand dollars.”

“Aw … he don’t mean what he says Joe,” said Hoss. “That’s just his way … you know that.” His eyes lit up and he rubbed his hands together. “And I’m gonna clean up big time when I collect my bets on you too little brother.” He slapped Joe on the back. “Yes siree Joe, we’re both gonna do well outta this.”

++++++++++

“How many we got?” Anderson asked as he leant over the top of the stall and patted one of the chestnuts absently.

Simpson consulted the papers in his hand for a moment. “Sixteen,” he said after a moment. “Only that Cartwright kid has put down for the black though.” He grinned at his partner. “We’ll make a killing, even if half of them manage to stick on for the allotted time. We’ll get our money back on Blackie as we always do …. Especially with all those side bets you’ve put on him.”

Anderson shook his head as he continued to pat the horse. “For once I’m not sure about that Jake,” he said. “I’ve been asking round town as I usually do, and that young Cartwright fellar is a great rider according to everyone I’ve spoken to. He might just be the one ta stick on Blackie for once.”

Simpson shook his head confidently. “No one ever has,” he said. “This Cartwright fellar won’t last the distance, I can promise you.”

Anderson stopped patting the horse and stared at his partner. “I’m telling you Jake, this one just might. I reckon we should use more on the horse than we usually do.”

Simpson shrugged his shoulders. “It’s up to you,” he said. “I won’t object to using extra. All I care about is the money.”

Anderson grinned at him. “You and me both,” he said. “Leave it to me Jake. That young Cartwright won’t have a hope in hell after I get through with Blackie. Not even the devil himself could stick on that horse once I get him fired up.” He smiled at the chestnut as he went back to patting him again.

++++++++++

The crowd gasped as another rider hit the ground and ate dirt. “That makes four so far,” said Hoss. “They’re sure making their money on this ain’t they?” He stared over at the two organisers who were busy getting their men organised with the next horse.

“Four fell off … but seven have stuck it out too,” Joe reminded him.

“Joe are ya sure about this?” asked Hoss, eyeing off the black horse in the next corral. “He sure looks wilder than I remember him from the other day.”

Joe looked over at the horse which was running up and down the small corral, lifting its forelegs several times and pawing the air in front of it. “He sure does,” he said. “I don’t remember him being like that.”

“He looks downright vicious,” added Hoss, seeing the whites of the horse’s eyes as he rolled them around. “I don’t think you’d better go through with this Joe.”

“I can’t back out now,” said Joe indignantly. “I’ll be fine Hoss. You’ll see.” He looked around. “Where’s Pa got to?”

“He went down to see Roy Coffee bout something,” replied Hoss. “Don’t worry … he’ll make it back in time. Joe, there’s no shame in changing ya mind. It ain’t too late ta ….” He stopped as he heard the organiser shouting from the other side of the corral.

“Our next rider will be Joe Cartwright!” he shouted and everyone cheered.

Joe grinned at Hoss. “I’m up brother,” he said. “Wish me luck.” He hopped over the top of the railing and walked over to the small group of men who were standing in the middle of the corral. Hoss watched as his brother spoke to the men and then climbed up onto the side of the small area where the black horse was being held in readiness for him.

“So I made it in time,” said a voice next to Hoss and he turned to see his father standing there.

“Hi Pa,” he said. “Yeah … Joe’s just up now.”

Ben leant on the railing beside Hoss and looked at Joe on the black horse anxiously. “Are you sure Joseph can handle that animal?” he asked in a worried voice.

Hoss tried not to show his own anxiety. “I think so,” he said. “It sure looks mighty het up though Pa.”

Ben jerked. “What do you mean by het up?” he snapped.

Hoss scratched his chin thoughtfully. “Well take a look at it,” he said. “Seems much more feisty than he did the other day.” He gave his father a less than confident smile. “Joe’ll be OK thought Pa. You’ll see. There ain’t no horse that can beat him.”

Ben opened his mouth to reply, but at that moment the gate opened and Joe shot out on the black horse, holding on for all he was worth as the animal bucked alarmingly. Ben closed his mouth again, feeling his heart stand still as he watched his son being bouncing about in an alarming fashion on the back of the horse. Hoss stood beside him, his big hands gripping onto the wooden raining and his eyes fixated on his younger brother in the middle of the corral. “He’ll be fine,” he said in a low voice. “You’ll see Pa.”

But Joe wasn’t fine. Suddenly he slipped alarmingly to one side and fell off the saddle as the horse gave a particularly large lunge. He foot remained in the stirrup in spite of his frantic effort to free it and he was dragged several feet along the ground until the black horse reached the other side of the corral and began to rear up and down frantically in his efforts to free himself of the weight of Joe’s body against his side.

There was a gasp from the crowd and Hoss immediately climbed up onto the wooden railing and vaulted over it, running towards his brother without a second thought. “Hoss!” shouted Ben. “Be careful!” He climbed over the fence himself, his one thought to get to his son on the ground before he as badly hurt.

Before Hoss could reach Joe, however, Ben saw the horse rear up one more time and he heard a sickening thud as the animal’s hooves slammed down onto Joe’s body. His heart stopped for a split second and then restarted as he spurred himself forward, oblivious to the danger that he was racing towards. Out of the corner of his eye he saw Hoss grab hold of the horse’s reins as he tried to bring it to a halt, but all of Ben’s focus was on the body of his youngest son as he lay in the dust in front of him. He skidded to a halt and immediately went on his knees beside Joe, reaching out to free his son’s twisted foot from the heaving stirrup in front of him. As he did so, Hoss wrenched on the reins and pulled the animal away from Joe.

Ben rolled Joe over and gathered him up into his arms, still oblivious to anything else that was going on around him. “Joseph!” he said desperately. “Joseph!” He hugged his son to his chest, realising that the young man wasn’t responding in any way. For a moment he stayed like that with his son in his arms, all his energy concentrated on willing Joe back to consciousness.

Suddenly he felt a hand on his shoulder and he looked up to see Hoss staring down at him in disbelief. “Pa?” he said. “Pa? Is he …”

Ben shook his head, not wanting to think for a moment that he was holding the lifeless body of his son. “He’s alive Hoss,” he answered. “He has to be.” He looked around wildly. “The horse …” he said.

Hoss knelt down beside his father and tried to lift Joe’s body away from him. “They’ve got him,” he muttered. “He’s cornered over there.” He indicated towards the other side of the corral with his head. “Give him to me Pa. I’ll carry him.” He tried once more to take Joe from his father, but Ben wouldn’t let him go. “Pa,” he said urgently. “We’ve gotta get him to the doctor. Let me take him.”

Ben looked at his son for a moment and then nodded, surrendering Joe to Hoss’ large and safe arms. He stood up beside him, and cleared a passageway for him between the many people who had also now gathered around them, pressing close to se how Joe was. “Let us through,” he said urgently as he pushed his way forward with his arms, Hoss close behind him.

Finally they were free of the crowd and hastened down the street towards Doctor Paul Martin’s office. Ben burst through the office door, shouting in his anxiety. “Paul! Paul … are you here?”

Paul Martin came into the outer office, wiping his hands on a towel. “Ben,” he began. “What are you …” He stopped as Hoss shouldered his way into the room, Joe still lying limp in his arms. “Bring him in here,” he said without further ado, motioning to the inner office. “What happened?” he asked as he bent over Joe as Hoss laid him on the examining table.

“He fell off a bronc,” said Hoss in a low voice. “He was dragged for aways and then the horse stomped on him.”

Paul raised his eyes to meet Hoss’ for a moment and then swivelled back straight away to his patient, but not before both Hoss and Ben had seen the anxiety in his eyes as well. “I see,” he said simply and began to pull Joe’s shirt gently from his torso to expose the deep purple bruises that were already forming on his stomach and chest.

Ben wrung his hands as he watched the doctor slowly moving Joe’s arms and legs and then probing his stomach area. “He hasn’t regained consciousness at all,” he said. Paul merely nodded and continued his examination. Suddenly Joe gave a low groan and moved his head from side to side.

Ben leapt forward immediately. “Joe?” he said, bending over his son. “Joseph? Can you hear me son?”

Joe’s eyes fluttered open for a moment and he stared up at his father’s face. “Pa?” he said softly.

Ben grasped hold of his son’s limp hand and pressed it to his own chest. “Yes Joe. It’s Pa. I’m here with you boy. You’re going to be alright now.” Joe tried to speak, but instead closed his eyes again with another low groan. “Don’t try and speak son,” said Ben. “Just lie still while the doctor takes a look at you.” He looked across Joe’s body at Paul who was still probing the young man’s abdomen. “At least he’s awake,” Ben said hopefully. “That’s got to be a good sign, doesn’t it Paul? If he …”

Suddenly Joe lifted his head and began to cough. Paul picked up a bowl and held it under the young man’s head, looking at him intently. “Do you want to be sick?” he asked.

Joe looked up at the doctor for a moment and shook his head. “No,” he said softly. “I …” He began to cough again and Ben felt his heart constrict momentarily as he saw blood trickling from the side of his mouth.

“Paul?” said Ben in a distressed voice. “He’s …”

Suddenly Joe lifted his head and coughed up a mouthful of blood before leaning back again onto the pillow and closing his eyes. “There’s some sort of internal damage,” said Paul, looking at Ben. “This blood could be a very bad sign Ben. I’m sorry.”

Ben nodded as he gripped Joe’s hand tightly. Behind him, Hoss looked on in despair as Joe lifted his head once more and coughed up more blood into the bowl. “Hoss,” said Ben, over his shoulder. “Get back to the house and let Adam know what’s happened. He should be back there soon.”

“But Pa …” began Hoss, his eyes fixated on his younger brother.

“Hoss!” said Ben.

Hoss nodded and headed out of the room. “How is he?” Roy Coffee asked as Hoss made it out onto the sidewalk.

“Not good Roy,” said Hoss to the sheriff who had been waiting there. “He …” He fought to control his voice. “The doc says there’s some internal damage, but I reckon he don’t know what yet. Joe’s coughing up a lot of blood.”

Roy looked distressed. “I’m sorry to hear it,” he said. “That was a mighty bad fall he took out there.”

Hoss nodded, looking up the street towards the corral. “I’m gonna kill those ….” He swallowed and then looked at Roy. “If anything happens to Joe I’m gonna kill em Roy.”

“You’ll do nothing of the kind,” said Roy sternly. “Don’t make things any worse fer your family than they already are Hoss.”

Hoss nodded silently as he undid the reins of his horse. “I’m gonna get Adam,” he said, still clenching his jaw. He mounted his horse and rode down the street.

++++++++++

Adam rode into the front yard just as dusk was falling, surprised to see Hoss’ horse tied up to the hitching rail. He’d thought that his father and brothers would still be in town for the rodeo and had considered going straight there himself to see the end of it, but had decided against it and had opted for a hot bath instead before the others returned. As he dismounted, he wondered why Hoss would be back so soon and was surprised to see his brother running from the house towards him.

“Back so soon brother?” he said. “I suppose you’re counting all your winnings from Joe’s ride eh? So how did the kid do?”

Hoss shook his head. “Not good Adam,” he said. “Pa sent me back to the house to get ya. Joe’s had a fall and he’s hurt bad.”

Adam’s face immediately registered his anxiety. “What?” he said. “How bad?”

“It’s real bad Adam,” said Hoss. “We took him to Doc Martin’s. Pa’s with him there now.”

Adam mounted up on his horse again. “Let’s ride,” he said. “You can tell me on the way.” Hoss mounted up as well and the two brothers turned their horses towards Virginia City. “I thought this horse he was riding was a sure thing?” said Adam.

Hoss nodded as he galloped beside his brother. “We sure thought so,” he said.

“Well then what happened?”

Hoss shot his brother a dark look. “I’m not sure,” he said. “But I aim ta find out.”

“What do you mean?”

“I mean it weren’t the same horse Adam. Leastways it was the same animal, but he acted real different from when we saw him last time. He was real vicious.” Adam said nothing. “I’m gonna kill em if anything happens ta Joe,” muttered Hoss.

“Let’s just get in there and see how he is first,” replied his brother. “Then we’ll worry about whoever is responsible for this.”

++++++++++

Adam and Hoss burst into the doctor’s office. “How is he?” asked Adam.

Ben looked up from his position beside the examining table, his face grey with anxiety and stress. “He’s still haemorrhaging. Paul says there’s some sort of internal damage.”

There was silence in the room for several seconds. “But he’ll be alright?” asked Adam finally.

Paul stepped forward. “Boys, your brother isn’t doing too well,” he said. “When the horse stepped on him it obviously ruptured something internally. It’s hard to determine exactly what though.” He bent over as Joe opened his eyes slightly and coughed up a few clots of blood. Adam and Hoss looked on in a horrified fashion as Paul wiped the blood from Joe’s mouth and their father spoke to him calmly.

Hoss stepped forward. “He’s gonna be alright Pa,” he said soothingly to his father, putting his hand on Ben’s slumped shoulder. “I jest know he is.”

Ben nodded and put his own hand on top of Hoss’, keeping his eyes fixed on Joe in front of him. “Yes,” he said in a low voice.

“What can we do Paul?” asked Adam, as Joe began to cough up another mouthful of blood. “There must be something we can do.”

Paul merely shook his head and began to wipe Joe’s face again.

“Boys, it might be best if you were to wait outside,” said Ben.

“But …” began Hoss.

Adam pulled his brother by the arm. “Pa’s right,” he said. “Come on Hoss. Joe needs quiet in here.” Hoss reluctantly followed his older brother to the outer office and they both sat down, their bodies slumped as they listened to Joe’s continual coughing in the next room.

“I jest don’t understand it,” said Hoss eventually. “That horse …. It weren’t like that the other day when we looked at it.”

“What do you mean?” asked Adam absently, staring into space as his thoughts centred on his youngest brother in the next room.

“It just weren’t like it was today,” insisted Hoss, his face darkening. “I reckon they did something to it.”

“Like what?”

“That’s what I can’t figure out,” said Hoss mournfully. “But I aim to! I’m gonna go down there and see em about it.” He stood up. “It was a sure thing Adam! The way Joe can ride … it hadta be a sure thing …. and now looks what’s happened.”

“Nothing’s a sure thing,” said Adam. “Sit down Hoss. You’re not going to do anyone any good by causing a fuss. Least of all Joe.” He indicated towards the doorway with his head.

“I ain’t gonna let this be Adam,” declared Hoss. “They’re gonna pay fer what they’ve done ta Joe!”

Adam stood up as well. “Alright,” he said. “But we’re going to do this the right way. We’re going down to see Roy Coffee. Alright?” He gave Hoss a meaningful look.

Hoss glared at him and then softened his look. “Alright,” he said grudgingly. “We’ll see Roy first. But if he ain’t gonna do nuthin, then I will!” He stomped out of the office, followed by Adam.

++++++++++

“I’ve already talked to them,” said Roy, giving Hoss a hard look. “And I was there, remember? I saw the whole thing.”

“Well then you should be arresting em!” shouted Hoss, thumping his fist on the sheriff’s desk.

“What for exactly?” asked Roy.

“My brother is lying down the street in the doctor’s office … maybe dying … and you ask what for?” asked Hoss incredulously. “They nearly killed him Roy …” his eyes darkened. “They still might have … we don’t know yet.”

Roy shrugged his shoulders at Adam who was standing quietly by. “They haven’t broken any law to speak of,” he said, looking at Hoss again. “All they did was put on a show. Joe willingly got on that horse Hoss … and that’s an end to it.”

“They did something to it!” shouted Hoss, banging his fist again. “I swear they done something ta make it act like that!”

“Hoss make sense,” interrupted Roy. “Just what do you mean by that? You said yourself the horse was skittish …. Stands ta reason that they weren’t gonna offer a thousand dollars ta anyone jest for riding a bronc that was easy ta stay on.”

Hoss shook his head. “That’s easy ta say when it ain’t your brother lying down there,” he said, hanging his head.

“Roy is right Hoss,” said Adam, putting his hand on the big man’s arm. “He can’t do anything unless you have proof that these men fixed the competition.”

Hoss shook off Adam’s arm. “Well I aim ta get proof then,” he said and stomped out of the office.

Adam bit his lip. “He’s probably right you know Roy,” he said. “There’s no on in this world who’s opinion I trust more about horseflesh than that brother of mine. If Hoss says that the horse was somehow fiddled with then I believe him.”

“I’m not saying he’s wrong Adam,” said Roy. “But without proof …” He shrugged his shoulders again. “Get after him Adam. In the mood that brother of yours is in there’s no telling what he might do.”

Adam nodded. “Don’t you worry Roy,” he said. “I’ll keep an eye on him.”

Roy sighed and sat at his desk as the door banged behind Adam.

++++++++++

Adam ran down the street after his brother. “Hoss!” he shouted. “Wait up! Hoss!” Finally Hoss stood still and waited for his brother to catch up with him.

“What?” he snarled as Adam drew up beside him, struggling for breath.

“Where are you going?” asked Adam, when he could speak again.

“Where do ya think?” said Hoss, staring in front of him. “If proof is what Roy needs, then it’s proof I’m gonna get him.”

“Oh really?” asked Adam in a sarcastic tone. “And just how are you going to do that brother? Beat a confession out of them?”

Hoss nodded slowly. “If I have to,” he said.

“Hoss use your brains,” pleaded Adam. “You’re not going to get anywhere like this.”

The big man’s eyes suddenly filled with tears and he brushed them away impatiently. “You weren’t there Adam,” he said in a low voice. “You didn’t see … you didn’t see it happen. Joe was … “ he looked at his brother pleadingly. “My brother is down there maybe dying …. How can ya ask me ta take it easy?”

“He’s my brother too Hoss,” said Adam. “I may not have seen it happen, but I sure saw him just the same as you did in that doctor’s office. I know how you feel Hoss.” He grabbed hold of his brother’s sleeve. “I know what you want to do. Don’t you think that I want to beat them to a pulp as well?” Hoss was silent. “But we’ve got to go about this the right way,” continued Adam. “If we don’t we’ll only make things worse.”

“What then?” asked Hoss, looking directly at his brother for the first time. “What are we gonna do Adam?”

Adam stroked his chin. “I’m not sure yet,” he said. “But the first thing we need to do is think this through carefully. You say that you’ve already met these men?”

Hoss nodded. “Twice,” he said. “Once when Joe signed up and then before he took his ride.”

“They know you’re his brother then?”

“Yeah.”

“Well they don’t know that I am,” said Adam. “Maybe if I scout around down there they’ll let something slip? We can only try, don’t you think?” He pushed Hoss slightly away. “Go back and wait with Pa Hoss. I’ll be back soon. Go on …” he added as Hoss hesitated. “Pa might need you.”

“You promise ta come straight back?”

Adam nodded. “I promise brother,” he said. He watched as Hoss walked slowly back up the street and then squared his shoulders and walked down towards the far-distant corral.

++++++++++

Adam stood at the back of the tent and listened to the two men abusing each other on the other side of the canvas. He heard the sound of a fist being slammed down on something hard and winced. “How much did you give him?” he heard one of the men shout.

“Keep your voice down for heavens sake,” said the other in a milder tone. “Someone might hear us. I told you I was going to give him more than I normally do.”

“Yes …. But not enough to raise suspicions against us!” the first man shouted in a slightly lower tone. “For heavens sake! He was nearly foaming at the mouth! You’d better hope that he’s calmed down before anyone comes to check him out!”

“He is already,” said the first man. “Relax Jake. No one can pin anything on us. That young Cartwright kid was hurt fair and square as far as anyone is concerned and it was nothing more than an unfortunate accident. All we have to do is show how sorry we are that it happened, collect our money and get out of town.”

“And if the youngster dies?”

The was silence for a moment and Adam strained to hear. “So what if he does?” the first man said in a nonchalant tone. “I’ve told you …. We can’t be charged with anything. He signed up for the competition and took the risk. That’s all there is to it.”

“Don’t you understand?” shouted the first man. “His father is a big man around these parts! If anything happens to that youngster he’ll come looking for us.”

Adam heard someone take a few steps. “He can do what he likes,” the first man said calmly. “But he can’t pin anything on us. Believe me Jake …. We’ve got nothing to worry about. Now … let’s get these horses organised. We’re due in Reno on Friday and the sooner we get out of this town the better.”

Adam flattened himself against the side of the canvas tent as he heard the two men walk outside. His fists were clenched and his jaw was set as he waited for them to disappear and then slunk off into the shadows from whence he’d come and disappeared down the street towards the doctor’s office.

++++++++++

Hoss stared at his brother, his face darkening. “I knew it!” he said in a low voice. “Those low lifes! Jest you wait until I get my hands on them!” He shook his head. “What do ya reckon they did to the horse Adam?”

“I’m not sure,” said his brother thoughtfully. “But whatever it was caused Joe’s accident … that’s for sure.”

“It weren’t no accident,” said Hoss.

“In the eyes of the law it was,” replied his brother.

“Not any more though,” said Hoss. “You heard em say it.”

“And it’s my word against the two of them,” said Adam. “Face it Hoss. Who’s going to believe someone whose brother is laying a doctor’s surgery hurt when he doesn’t have any witnesses? Everyone will think I’m out for revenge …. and making it up.”

“I’ll make em say it in public then,” said Hoss, standing up. “I’ll wring their necks until they confess … jest see if I don’t.”

“That’s not the way brother,” said Adam. “Calm down.”

“Don’t tell me to calm down!” shouted Hoss. “Joe is lying in there dying and you’re telling me to stay calm?”

“We don’t know that he’s dying,” said Adam sensibly. “And yes …. I’m telling you to be calm. If you want to pin these two for what they’ve done then listen to me Hoss. I promise you we’re going to get them for what they’ve down to Joe … but first we have to have a plan. Now calm down while I think this through.”

Hoss sat down heavily next to his brother again and stared at the floor. He’s always put his trust in his older brother and he was able to do it again …. Even with the image of his hurt beloved younger brother so vivid in his mind. “OK Adam,” he said in a calmer tone. “You just tell me what to do and I’ll do it.”

Adam patted his brother on the back and the two of them sat in silence as they heard Joe coughing up blood again in the next room.

++++++++++

The man looked up from his papers and smiled at the darkhaired man standing on the other side of the table. “Yes sir?” he asked. “Are you wanting to sign up?”

“I sure am,” said Adam, his eyes giving the man a calculating stare as he plonked down the entry fee. “That’s if you’ve got anything that will be a challenge.” He gave the horses in the corral a superior look. “To be perfectly honest, I don’t know if this is worth my time.”

The man glanced at his partner cagily. “Well sir if you’re that good a rider …” he began.

“I am,” Adam cut across his smugly.

The man could hardly control his glee. “Well then sir, you might like to try Blackie over there.” He indicated a horse in a corral by himself. “We’re offering one thousand dollars to anyone who can stick on him for one minute.”

“Really?” Adam feigned interest for the first time. “Why?”

The two men looked at each other. “Because he’s so hard to ride,” said the first one. “Still …. If you’re no up to it ….” He put his hands up as if to ward Adam away. “We can give you an easy horse Mr …?”

“Carter,” said Adam. “Adam Carter.”

“Well Mr Carter …. We have a few easy horses back here ….”

“No. The black will be just fine,” interrupted Adam as he bent down as sign the form on the table. “You taking any bets on this as well?”

“Sure am,” said the second man, stepping forward quickly. “What are you wanting to place on yourself Mr?”

“How about five thousand dollars?” said Adam, meeting the man’s eye for the first time. He drew his wallet out of his pocket and counted the money out, before putting it on the table.

For a moment there was silence as the two men looked at each other. “Five thousand dollars?” said the organiser finally, after swallowing.

“Yes,” replied Adam shortly. “Can’t you cover that much?”

“Of course we can,” said the other man, putting his hand quickly over the pile of money and giving his friend a meaningful glance. “Five thousand dollars it is Mr Carter.”

“See you tomorrow then,” said Adam casually and walked away.

“Are you mad?” shouted Jake, turning on his partner as soon as Adam had left. “Five thousand dollars? We don’t have that sort of money!”

“We soon will,” replied Jake, ruffling the wad of money between his fingers in glee. “Once that guy falls off we’ll not only have this, but we’ll also collect on lots of other bets that I can guarantee will come in once we spread the word that he’s put five thousand on himself.”

“But what if …”

Jake put up his hand to silence the other man. “Now don’t you start that again,” he said. “Haven’t “I always fixed it with Blackie before?”

“You’re crazy!” his partner shouted. “After what happened to that Cartwright kid just a couple of days ago …. You can’t seriously mean to use the drug on Blackie again? It’ll look too suspicious Jake!”

“That was in Virginia City,” said Jake casually. “No one here in Reno could even of heard of that yet. Besides …. What’s one thing got to do with the other? Trust me partner … it’ll be fine. That Carter guy won’t know what’s hit him come tomorrow and we’ll be considerably richer than we were before.”

A few feet away in the small alleyway, Adam’s eyes narrowed and he gave a small grin as he listened to the two men. “We’ll just see about that,” he whispered softly to himself as they walked away.

++++++++++

“Your turn Carter,” said Jake confidently as he watched Blackie being brought into the small mounting area. “Good luck,” he added with a smirk.

“I won’t be needing luck,” replied Adam, raising an eyebrow at the expression on the man’s face. “It’s all about skill you know.” He strode over and climbed the corral fence, putting his leg over Blackie and sitting down slowly on the animal’s back. “OK,” he said with gritted teeth. “Let him go!”

Everyone began to cheer as Adam sprang forward on the bucking horse. Jake winked to his partner, rubbing his hands as he thought about all the money they were about to gain, but to his surprise, Adam quickly got the horse under control and within a minute had brought him to a standstill to the delight of the crowd which was going wild with delight as everyone anticipated the money they were about to make.

Jake swallowed and went pale as Adam drew the black horse to a halt and jumped down, grinning at them both. “Well?” he said. “I believe you owe me quite a bit of money.”

Jake swallowed again and hesitated. “Yes,” he said. “Well, we’ll discuss that a bit later on Mr Carter,” he said.

Adam shook his head. “I don’t think so,” he said, glancing around at the people who were starting to mill around them. “As I see it you owe quite a few other people money as well. I thin everyone would appreciate being paid right now.”

There were murmurs of assent from the crowd and Jake glanced at his partner in dismay. “Certainly,” he said, raising his voice. “We’ll have everything organised in due course. My partner and I will see to the bets and pay everyone out. We just need to go to our tent and get organised and we’ll be back in due course.”

“I’ll come with you,” offered Adam, grinning at them both. “You might need protection if you’re going to be carrying all that money around.”

“Thank you Mr Carter,” said Jake, giving Adam a dark look. “But we’ll be fine.”

“I insist,” said Adam. “After you gentlemen.” He gestured down the street and the two men had no choice but to walk away with Adam following close behind them. As they approached the tent, Jake gave his partner as meaningful glance and they both stepped quickly into the tent in front of Adam. As Adam made to follow them, Jake put his foot out and tripped him, before his partner took out his gun and banged him on the side of the head. Adam fell heavily to the ground.

“I thought you said you’d fixed it,” snarled Jake angrily as soon as Adam had lost consciousness.

“I did!” replied the other man as he began to grab up his possessions.

“Then how come he was able to stick on Blackie?”

“How do I know? Maybe I didn’t make the drug strong enough! That’s not important now …. What’s important is getting out of here before that crowd out there has our hides! Now get moving!”

“What about him?” Jake gestured to the unconscious man on the floor.

“What about him?” we haven’t got time to worry about him now and if we shoot him they’ll come for us. Just leave him and get moving Jake!”

“I told you we shouldn’t have tried this so soon after that Cartwright kid,” snarled the first man. “Now look what’s happened!” He kicked Adam’s unconscious body viciously and shook his head. “If I told you once I told you a hundred times … never drug the horse more than is necessary!”

“It was necessary!” said his partner. “Both that Cartwright kid and this fellar were two good riders. We had no choice the way I look at it. Now get moving before someone gets here.”

“I’m afraid you’re too late gentlemen,” said a voice in the corner and both men turned abruptly to see the sheriff moving towards them, his deputy behind him. Both of them had rifles pointed in their direction. “Someone already got here,” the sheriff added. “In fact we got here before you did and heard everything you had to say about your little scam.” He gestured to Adam on the ground. “See if he’s OK Jim.”

The two men watched appalled as the deputy bent over Adam and turned him over. “He’s OK,” he said over his shoulder as Adam began to groan and opened his eyes. “Just stunned a bit.”

Adam put his hand to his head and began to sit up slowly, helped by the deputy. “Did you hear it all sheriff,” he asked groggily.

“I sure did,” replied the sheriff, levelling his rifle at the two men. “I’m arresting you two for fraud and attempted murder … two counts,” he said.

“What?” shouted Jake. “You can’t be serious?”

“I’m deathly serious,” replied the sheriff. “After what I’ve heard just now and what …” he gestured towards Adam. “ … what I believe happened in Virginia City a few days ago … I have more than enough reason to arrest you both.”

“Nothing happened in Virginia City!” shouted Jake, glaring at Adam. “You can’t prove anything!”

“I certainly can,” said the sheriff. “My deputy and I are both witnesses to you both admitting to drugging that horse today and two days ago when young Joe Cartwright rode it.”

Jake was silent. “I’d like to know just how you stuck on that horse mister,” snarled his partner. “There was no way you should have been able to.”

Adam smirked at him as he stood up. “No,” he said. “I suppose not. That is if the drug you’d given him had worked of course.”

“What do you mean by that?” asked Jake.

Adam shrugged. “I substituted it for plain water,” he said casually.

“But how … how did you know where we kept it? You couldn’t have possibly …”

“A man can find out a lot if he keeps his eyes open,” said Adam. “Once I was on to you then I merely watched you both closely, that’s all. You weren’t expecting anyone to know what you were about, so neither of you were particularly vigilant.”

The sheriff gave both men a shove with the barrel of his rifle. “Jim, you get the money out and make sure everyone gets back what they bet,” he instructed. “I’ll get these two down to the jail.”

Adam stepped forward. “Just a moment sheriff,” he said. “There’s just one more thing before you take them.” He drew his fist back and knocked Jake to the floor and then did the same with the second man.

Jake spat some blood out of his mouth as he glared up at Adam. “What was that for?” he shouted angrily.

“That was for my brother,” replied Adam, giving both men an evil stare.

“Your brother?”

“Cartwright’s the name,” replied Adam, taking great delight in seeing recognition down in their faces. “Adam Cartwright. Joe Cartwright is my brother.” He turned and strode out of the tent.

++++++++++

“Are you sure?” asked Adam looking at his father anxiously.

Ben nodded and smiled at his son. “I’m sure,” he said. “He hasn’t coughed up any blood since yesterday and Paul is quite confident that he’ll be fine. Whatever it was, Joe’s body seems to have over come it.”

Hoss gave his brother an anxious look over his father’s shoulder. “Sounds like you’ve been kinda busy brother,” he said. “Good move ta pound them two at the end too.”

“You would have enjoyed it,” acknowledged Adam with a grin. “I thought of you as well when they hit the ground Hoss.”

“Of course I understand you doing what you did son,” said Ben. “I know how you both felt, but still … you took an awful risk Adam. You could have been killed.”

Adam shook his head. “I knew what I was doing Pa,” he assured his father.

Hoss grinned at them both. “Tell me again how you pounded em one Adam,” he said. “I sure wish I’d been there to see it.”

Adam returned the grin. “Sure felt good,” he said. “Besides … I had to do it for the kid … you know?”

“Really?” said a voice beside them and they all looked down in surprise at the bed to see Joe staring up at his brother with a slight grin on his face.

“Joseph!” said his father, bending close to his son. “I thought you were asleep.”

“I was,” replied Joe. “But older brother here woke me up with his story of how he defended me.” He gave Adam a slight smile and then shifted wearily on the bed. “So you had to do it for me, did you?” he said mockingly to his brother. “That’s nice to know that you think so much of me to take a risk like that.”

Adam raised an eyebrow in a sardonic fashion. “Don’t flatter yourself,” he said casually, fooling none of them with his reply. “I only did it to show you that someone in this family can ride properly, that’s all.”

Joe’s smile turned into a grin. “Yeah sure,” he said. “Well …. Thanks anyway older brother.”

Adam put his hand on his youngest brother’s shoulder and shrugged casually. “Think nothing of it kid,” he said gently. Joe reached up and laid his own hand on top of that of his brother’s and squeezed it gently, before sighing and closing his eyes again.

The End