Summary:  This story highlights what happens when you have a friendly game between three brothers, two not so bright criminals, a heaping amount of missing chicken, and a desire to use word association to your best advantage.

Rating:  K+  WC  11,800

Come Hell or High Water

 

It all started out so simple. The Cartwright brothers were returning from their three weeks out on the road. Their father, Ben, had to make an unexpected trip to San Francisco on business and left the boys to manage the cattle drive on their own. Everything had gone smoothly without their father’s presence. They had safely transported all the cattle, not losing one head along the way. Adam had negotiated well and they had received top dollar for their efforts. The workers were amply paid and now the brothers were simply enjoying a leisurely ride back to the Ponderosa.

They stopped in a town along the way to visit the local saloon; each wanting desperately to quench their thirst and relax for a bit before taking to the road once more.

“Boy, I can’t wait to see Pa’s face when we tell him we didn’t lose a single head,” Joe stated as he smiled broadly. He then took a swig of his beer and propped his feet up on a nearby chair.

Hoss quickly piggybacked on Joe’s statement. “…And just think what Pa’s gonna say when he finds out our older brother here got a dollar more a head than what was expected.”

Hoss let out a loud laugh and slapped Adam hardily on the back.

Adam was in mid-swig when he felt the force of his brother’s sentiment. He let out a cough, expelling a mouthful of beer out onto the table.

“Take it easy there, Hoss,” he annoyingly uttered as he wiped the remainder of the remnants from his mouth.

“Sorry Adam,” Hoss said as he grinned broadly.

“Yeah Hoss, take it easy,” Joe eagerly taunted. “Now Hoss if’n that had been me I would have slugged you with a sidearm in the belly. But then, I must remember that our highly educated brother can be a bit fragile at times. He’s more accustomed to fighting with his words and not so much with his brawn.”

The two brothers laughed and Adam just rolled his eyes and took another swig of his beer. Just then Joe reached into his pocket and pulled out a considerable amount of money.

“Allow me to buy the next round,” he proudly declared. Then he started to blatantly display all the bills as he leafed through them looking for the smallest denomination.

That’s when Adam and Hoss noticed two men at the bar eying them. Adam quickly leaned over to his little brother, pushing his hand under the table.
He then whispered, “Use your head boy… You’re flashing an ample sum of money to wandering eyes.”

Joe looked up as Adam made a head gesture towards the bar. Joe swiftly shoved the money back into his pocket.

Hoss finished off with a smooth transition, placing a few coins down on the table and loudly stating, “Let me get this round, Joe.”

The brothers drank quietly for a while. Adam was busy watching the two men from the corner of his eye. Soon his interest in them, however, faded and he began to relax once more. It wasn’t long before he decided to pick back up where his brother had left off earlier.

“So, Joe, what was this comment you made about me fighting my battles with words?” Adam raised one eyebrow and then stared intensely at his brother waiting.

Joe hated that look for it was always intimidating and it made Joe nervous.

“Come on, Adam,” Joe laughed. “I was just giving you a hard time. But you have to admit that you do love to use big vocabulary from time to time.”

Adam smirked slightly. “Well, Joe, you might find it hard to believe, but words can be as powerful as actions when used in the correct way.”

“I can’t say I disagree with ya Adam,” Hoss intervened. “And Lord knows I ain’t as smart as you two… But I think sometimes your body needs to say what your words just can’t.”

“Point taken, brother,” Adam simple stated. There was again silence at the table.

Adam sat pondering Hoss’s rather profound statement. He couldn’t deny that sometimes you had to fight, but he also felt his little brother tended to rush towards the fighting rather than possibly finding a more peaceful solution. Suddenly he remembered a game from his college days. A game that one of his literary professors had used as an assignment to stress the power of ones mind to relate words and phrases.

“Perhaps I can better make my point then by teaching you two a game. It’s a word association game I learned in college. It’s really quite simple,” he told his brothers as they finished off the last of their drinks.

“Joe, I want you to think of a word or phrase that you think I would have difficulty in getting Hoss to say. Then you whisper it in my ear. It’s my job then to get Hoss to say that word without using the word myself.”

“You’ve got to be kidding Adam. That’s easy,” Joe said half laughing at his brother’s suggestion.

“Oh?” Adam questioned, “How so?”

“Well, for one thing. If I picked the word ‘black’ for example, all you’d have to do is turn to Hoss and say. ‘What color is Joe’s horse?’ He’d say the word in an instant. I don’t think it takes one with a college education to achieve that?”

Hoss snickered.

“Ah… I see,” Adam acknowledged. “Well, perhaps I need to explain further some of the rules. You cannot use half sentences that lead to your answer or phrase such as ‘The month that follows June is ___________.’ You may use questions, though, but your question cannot have one direct answer.”

“What’s a direct answer?” Hoss interrupted.

“Well, it means that your question has only one answer… Hoss, what day of the week is it?” Adam paused and waited for him to respond.

“It’s Monday, why?”

Joe and Adam smirked. “I just asked you a question with a direct answer. Today is Monday and it can’t be any other day. I couldn’t ask that sort of question in this game. But, I could ask you ‘What do you think the weather will be like today?’ You could answer in many ways so there isn’t just one thing you could say. Am I making any sense?”

Hoss pondered for a moment and then simply nodded.

“Do you want to give it a try then?”

Joe and Hoss looked at each other for a moment and then nodded in agreement.

Adam eyed his brothers wisely. “Care to make it worth your while if you prove me wrong?”

Joe and Hoss exchanged glances. It wasn’t often they could get their older brother in on a bet. It was quickly decided that Hoss would be the mediator in charge of holding the winnings. Joe and Adam would relinquished twenty dollars to his care, with the winner taking all.

“Okay Hoss. Go get your horse so that your brother can tell me what it is he wants you to say.”

Hoss left the two brothers alone. Joe pondered for a moment then whispered, “Banana peel” to his older brother. Adam just grinned and the two walked out of the saloon. It wasn’t long before they were all on the trail once more.

Adam was patient for he loved to play the waiting game. He quietly rode alongside his brothers, not saying a word. Finally, Hoss couldn’t stand the silence any longer.

“Dad burnit, Adam. How can a fella talk if he ain’t talked to?”

Adam just smirked, “All in due time, brother… all in due time.”

Joe smiled a knowing smile. He was sure Adam wouldn’t be able to get Hoss to say those words based on one simple fact; Hoss hated bananas. He despised them. Joe could remember how Hoss’s face would construe into the worst expression at the sight or mention of what he deemed as “a disgusting fruit.”

Joe could almost hear his brother saying, “Those are the most gall darn mushiest things I ever did ate. They send my stomach turning like I’m riding atop a wild bull.”

The thought of this one fact… a fact he was certain his brother had forgotten about, made Joe ride taller in the saddle. A moment later he spoke.

“Perhaps we should make this game a bit more interesting, Adam?”

Adam shot his brother a sly sideways glance. He knew where Joe was headed with his remark. Could the fish have taken the bait?

Joe continued. “Care to make a little BIGGER wager?”

Adam simply grinned. He knew his little brother all to well and was even more pleased with himself for leading him unbeknownst into his trap.

After a moment, they agreed upon another twenty dollars apiece and handed the funds over to Hoss.

No sooner had they made this transaction that Adam began to speak. “You know, Hoss. I have to admire our little brother here. He sure has come a long way from the pure terror he once was…”

“Darn right, Adam.” Hoss turned towards Little Joe. “You sure were a little spitfire that’s for sure.”

Joe eyed Adam cautiously and then muttered, “I couldn’t have been all that bad.”

Both Hoss and Adam snickered at his remark.

“Well, I think it all depends on how you define the word bad, Joe,” Adam commented. “One time you discovered Hop Sing’s freshly made BUTTER sitting in the kitchen. You decided to smear it all over yourself from head to toe…”

Adam’s words were cut off by Hoss’s loud guffaw. “And then… And then… when Pa mentioned the word bath you took off running like the wind. Ha ha ha… none of us could catch you because you were covered from head to toe in grease and slicker than a banana peel.”

Hoss’s laughter again boomed.

Joe shot a look at Hoss and then at Adam. His face was one of pure amazement. Adam couldn’t help laughing out loud at his brother.

Joe was flabbergasted. He didn’t know what to say or do. Adam wasted no time in extending his right hand out towards Hoss. Hoss was at first dumbfounded and then realized what his brother was demanding. He reached into his pocket and pulled out the money. He leaned over to Adam’s outstretched hand and gave him the wadded up bills.

Adam then looked over at Joe. “Word association, Joe…word association,” he matter-of-factly stated.

Joe turned angrily towards Hoss. “I thought you hated bananas,” he scowled.

“I do… those are the most gall darn mushiest things I ever did ate,” Hoss said contritely. He then turned towards Adam, “Sore loser, ain’t he?”

“Well, let’s just say I don’t think he had hold of that forty dollars long enough to really say he lost it, Hoss.”

Joe shot Adam an angry look. “Well, you could at least give me a chance to earn it back.”

Adam said nothing for a moment. Then the wheels began to turn. “All right, little brother. I’m willing if you are, but let’s change the rules just a bit so Hoss can partake in this little endeavor.”

Joe could tell that Adam was laying out the groundwork for a plan.

“I think our next victim should be Pa.”

“Pa!?” both brothers said in unison.

“Yes, Pa. that way all three of us can try to get him to say something and whoever does it first wins.”

Hoss’s face instantly took on an “I have an upset stomach” look.

“I don’t know fellas… you know how Pa can be about gambling and all.”

Adam could see Hoss needed some reassurance. “Pa won’t know about the betting part Hoss. He won’t even know about the game unless one of us tells him. He’s just our victim.”

Joe’s face took on a wry grin. “I like your thinking, brother… I like your thinking.”

“Well, I suppose it won’t hurt none,” Hoss stated. Then he asked, “What should we have him say, though?”

There was silence for a long moment.

“How about ‘Come Hell or high water?” Hoss questioned. “Because the way I figure it… if Pa ever catches onto any part of this scheme you can bet he’ll get to the bottom of it…”

“Come Hell or high water,” all three stated in unison.

“Perfect,” Joe announced.

Adam shot Hoss a sly grin. “And I believe you made reference to the fact that you weren’t as smart as your brothers?” Hoss grinned and the three shared a good laugh.
*********************************

All this fun had made the Cartwrights oblivious to the fact they were being followed. The two men at the bar had noticed Joe’s display of wealth and decided to investigate further. They had been following along since town at a comfortable distance surveying the situation.

“Just look at those three, Jack. They’re riding along as if they don’t have a care in the world. It must be nice.”

“It is a might bit disgusting to see, Sam. Especially when others like us have to beg, steal, or borrow for our keep.”

“That young one there must have had at least $500 on him, wouldn’t you say?” Sam looked over at his older brother and waited for his reply.

Jack simply answered, “Yep that sure will help us make ends meet for quite some time.”

“So when do we git to the fun part?” Sam asked.

“Have patience, brother. I don’t think we should take on all three of them. The older one looks like he’s pretty smart witted and I don’t feel much like tangling with the big guy, unless of course you want him?”

Jack shot his younger brother an awaiting look and Sam just shook his head.

The two road silently for a while before Jack spoke again.

“The way I figure it, they’re on their way home. Let’s follow along to see just what else these three can provide.”

He smiled over at his little brother.

“You’re right, Jack.” Sam grinned. “We just may be following a rainbow that leads to a pot of gold.”

*********************************

By the time Adam, Hoss, and Joe reached the ranch they had all the rules planned out for their little game. In order to win, all three brothers must be present at their Pa’s chosen utterance. If those valuable words were spoken only in front of one or two, it did not count. They had decided upon $75 dollars a piece. They placed the money safely inside a vase and shook hands. The deal was set and now they just had to wait for their Pa to come home. He returned from his trip that afternoon and that night at the dinner table the word association game began.

“So how was San Francisco, Pa?” Hoss asked as he took a heaping spoonful of potatoes and three more pieces of chicken. “I bet it felt like HEAVEN to see the WATER again?” Adam and Joe just rolled their eyes.

Ben looked over at his middle son with a questioning brow. He wondered why Hoss suddenly felt the need to emphasize certain words.

“Well, yes son. I do enjoy seeing the ocean and I love the smell of the salt in the air,” Ben answered plainly.

Joe snickered and then said, “Yeah, Pa. Did you notice whether it was HIGH or LOW tide?” Hoss shot his brother a piercing glare. Joe couldn’t help but laugh out loud. Adam hung his head and pinched the bridge of his nose in frustration.

Ben set down his fork as his eyes scanned the table. “Care to share what is so humorous, Joseph?” he annoyingly asked.

Joe quickly averted his eyes back to his food. “Sorry, Pa,” was all he could say. Ben eyed his youngest for a long moment before turning his attention back to his middle son.

“So Hoss. Why the sudden interest in the sea?”

Joe’s head instantly arose as he looked apprehensively over at Hoss. Hoss glanced nervously around the table for he knew that his father was becoming suspicious. He didn’t want to spill the beans so he did the only thing that came to mind. He grabbed his fork and scooped up a big mound of potatoes. He was about to raise the fork to his mouth when Ben gently placed his hand on his arm.

“I’m waiting, son” he simply stated.

It was now up to Adam. In order to keep the game going, he was going to have to save his brothers’ hides.

“Perhaps I can explain, Pa.” Three sets of eyes instantly looked his direction. Adam tugged nervously at his ear. “Well, on the ride home I was explaining to Joe and Hoss the importance of enunciation. I was telling them about a college course I took on the subject and we were all practicing our speech patterns…. well, shall I say… with overemphasis.”

Joe saw the light at the end of the tunnel and let out another laugh.

“Yeah Pa. You should have heard the three of us in the saloon ordering beer… BAR-tend-ER. GIVE us A-noth-ER ROUND. I think the poor guy thought we had inhaled too much trail dust.”

Both Adam and Hoss had to snicker at this comment and Ben couldn’t help but smirk at his youngest son’s antics.

“Yeah I guess I still was feelin’ the effects from it, Pa,” Hoss added. “And as far as the sea goes, I just was curious is all.”

Ben’s eyes swept the table. After a moment his attention turned back to his food. The three brothers let out a silent sigh of relief and they all continued on with their meal. A short time later, Adam decided it was safe to try his luck.

“I must say, Pa that we fared quite well on the drive. But I have to admit I became a little suspicious when Steve Parkinson seemed eager to pay more per head than usual,” Adam casually remarked.

“Oh, how so?”

“Well, I’d like to take credit for it being my ability to bargain, but really it was he who offered top dollar, not I.” Adam paused before adding, “I just thought you should know.”

Joseph watched his father’s expression. Ben’s brow was now furrowed and he could tell he was thinking hard about what Adam had just said. Adam patiently watched the effect of his words. He knew his father all too well. Ben Cartwright would not be content with just the outcome. He’d set his mind on finding out the ‘why’.

Suddenly Ben spoke out.

“You’re right, Adam. There must be a reason for it, but why?”

“That’s what I’d like to know, too. There must be a reason for it.” Adam coyly threw a smirk his brother’s direction.

Joseph could sense defeat soon approaching. He wasn’t about to let his brother walk away with the loot that easy, so he did the only thing left for him to do…FLEE.

“I’m sure there is a reason for it, Pa, but while you two are sitting there figuring it out I think I’ll try to get my evening chores done.”

He then quickly jumped up and was out the front door as quick as lightening.

Ben Cartwright looked up at his eldest son the moment the door shut.

“Well, Adam. I’ll get to the bottom of it, come Hell or high water.”

He then arose from the table and headed over to his desk.

Hoss looked up at Adam with a surprised look. He had been so busy focusing on the remainder of his meal that he hadn’t paid attention to what was transpiring around him. Once he noticed the empty chair across from him, it all made sense. Hoss grinned then snickered.

“If that don’t beat all,” he softly stated and shook his head. His actions fueled his brother’s anger.

Adam threw down his napkin in disgust and arose from the table. “I think I’ll help Joe finish up his chores,” he coldly stated, then walked briskly out the door in search of his little brother.
*********************************

Adam stepped inside the barn and leaned against the door frame. Joe glanced up and noticed his presence, but continued to act busy. The older brother watched in silence with a cold, hard stare. Joe could sense his brother’s anger. He knew he had made a quick exit, but it was all within the guidelines set and no rules had been broken. Yes, it was a sneaky tactic, but fair in every way, according to Joe’s philosophy.

Joe knew, however, that Adam focused more on the principles of the game… staying within the boundaries regardless of whether they had been officially discussed.

Upon quick analysis, Joe decided it would be best to let his brother make the first move. After a moment, Adam slowly walked up to where Joe was working and grabbed hold of the rake handle. He removed it from his brother’s hand and leaned it against the side of the stall. He then folded his arms and squared himself to Joe, looking intensely into his eyes.

Joe had dealt with his brother’s methods of intimidation before and knew all to well he was waiting for an explanation.

“Now Adam, I don’t see why you’re so upset. We all agreed on the same rules. Everyone has to be present in order for it to count.”

Adam remained still.

“There was nothing stated that one of us could not leave the room you know.”

Adam’s facial features were set in stone.

“I didn’t break any rules of the game… I just made it more interesting and challenging.”

Adam drew in a long breath. “If you insist that you did nothing wrong, why try to justify it then, Joe?”

Adam always knew how to goad his brother and Joe turned away in anger, knowing he had fallen directly into his trap.

Joe became defensive. “Don’t you think you’re taking this a little too seriously? I don’t understand why you’re so upset… unless…” Joe’s words trailed off as he began to realize what had happened.

He walked right back up to Adam and pointed his finger into his chest. “Oh… he said it, didn’t he? He said it after I left!”

Adam sucked in a deep breath of air and averted his eyes.

“Ha – Ha! I can’t believe it. He said it!” Joe cackled and held his side as if it were about to burst open.

Just then, Hoss entered the barn. “C’mon fellas. Pa’s wondering what’s keeping ya two,” he quickly stated.

Joe let out one more round of laughter.

“Oh, I’m sorry, brother… truly I am,” Joe said amidst giggles.

Adam looked at Joe as a smirk appeared on his face. Deep down he knew his brother had acted cleverly, given the situation. He placed his hand around the back of his brother’s neck and gave it a slight squeeze before resting it on Joe’s shoulder.

“You won this round, Joe, but one word of advice. A boxer that uses all his energy to beat down his opponent in the first round finds himself with nothing left in the second.”

Hoss snickered and then added, “Unless he throws a lucky punch that connects.”

Adam and Joe looked up at their brother and all three laughed.

“I suppose that was your reasoning for your own actions at the dinner table?” Adam questioned.

Hoss just wrinkled his face up in disgust.

“Word association, brother…word association,” Joe chided as he walked towards Hoss and put his arm around his shoulder. He then began to escort his brother back towards the house, offering words of advice along the way. Adam followed behind shaking his head. Deep down he was silently thinking of his own tactics for round two.

*********************************

There was a rustle of hay from the loft as Jack and Sam peered over the side.

“That was too close, Jack… simply too close.” Sam inhaled loudly. “My heart’s still a fluttering.”

Jack said nothing in return for he knew how close they had just come to disaster. They had waited patiently half the day for their victim to separate themselves from the others, but to no avail. They peeked in through the window at meal time, stomachs growling and anger brewing at all the luxuries seen. When they saw Joe rise from the table so abruptly, they made up quick ground, arriving just barely in time to hide themselves in the hay.
The two were about to jump on Joe when Adam appeared at the door, ruining their plans.

Sam could tell his brother was deep in thought, trying to think out their next plan of action. After a moment he spoke.

“Sam, I think we can still manage to make out okay here… if we’re patient. Sooner or later the small one is gonna have to separate himself from the others. He probably doesn’t have all the cash on him now, but I’m sure with some persuasion he could lead us to where it is kept.”

Jack let out an evil cackle.

Sam grinned back and then his stomach rumbled. “I don’t know how much longer I can hold out after seeing what they all had to eat on that table.”

Jack looked over at his brother. “Well, wait no more… we’ll sneak into the kitchen after they’ve gone to bed and have us a little snack.”

Sam’s face lit up like a kid at Christmas time. “I plan on having more than a little snack.”

Jack smiled at his brother’s remark. “Just remember what mother used to always tell us, ‘mind your manners and always leave a clean plate.’”

The two laughed and nestled back down in the hay to wait.

*********************************

The next morning, Hoss stumbled downstairs and was the last to take his seat. He usually beat everyone to the table, but for some reason he seemed solemn and extremely tired.

Ben looked up at his middle son with some concern, “Are you feeling all right, Hoss?”

Hoss answered, “Yeah, Pa. I just had a restless night of sleep is all.” Then he stretched tall and let out a huge yawn before taking his seat.

Joe showed no sympathy towards his brother. He, too, had slept little with his mind too preoccupied on the current game. After much thinking, he decided the best strategy was to take up where his brother had left off and build from there. After all, Adam had paved the way with his remarks the night before, why not use them to his advantage this time.

“So Pa, did you figure out what was going on with Steve Parkinson?” Joe’s eyes scanned over, ever so briefly, towards his brother. Adam seemed the least bit worried in Joe’s strategic move.

“Well, yes Joe, we did,” Ben matter-of-factly stated to his youngest son. “It seems that your older brother doesn’t like to take credit where credit is due.” Ben paused to take a sip of coffee as Joe’s face took on a questioning look.

“Adam and I had a long talk after you two went to bed last night.”

Both Joe and Hoss looked sharply at Adam who simply raised his coffee cup to his lips in an attempt to hide his broad, developing grin.

Ben cleared his throat and then continued. “Well, you see the reason Steve was so eager to offer more was because Adam had insinuated that there was another buyer in the waiting.”

Ben paused and smiled over at his oldest son. “Why don’t you tell them what you said, Adam… go on.”

Adam set down his cup of coffee and made his best attempt at looking humble. “Well, it really was Pa that figured it out. He had me go back through exactly what I had said to Mr. Parkinson. And… well… at one point I stated that I hated like HECK to take the cattle over more HIGH water.” Joe and Hoss’s eyes grew big and round hearing those few chosen words being uttered in proximity to one another.

“Well, I guess Mr. Parkinson thought that I meant I would be traveling elsewhere to sell our prime stock when all I meant was that I’d be taking the cattle back home if the price was not right…”

Ben interrupted to finish the story for Adam. “Yes, and it was that comment along with the fine visual representation of the stock that made Steve so eager to snatch them up on the spot.” Ben chuckled as Adam just threw Joe a pleasurable look, and then decided to stick the knife in just a little and give it a slight twist.

“I guess you might say it was WORD ASSOCIATION, Pa.” His eyes perused the table and then he took a slow sip of his coffee.

Just then Hop Sing came in from the kitchen muttering in his native Chinese tongue. The four Cartwright men watched as he hastily put the morning breakfast on the table.

Ben Cartwright could tell the man was not happy. “Hop Sing, you seem upset this morning?”

Without saying a word, Hop Sing turned his full attention towards Hoss, delivering a piercing glare that made Hoss flinch upon receipt.

He then turned and walked hastily into the kitchen. Ben, Joe, and Adam turned their attention towards Hoss looking for an explanation. Hoss was dumbfounded. He shrugged his shoulders and flashed a look of puzzlement.

Hop Sing returned a moment later with the remainder of the morning meal.

Ben waited until he set the food on the table. He gently grabbed hold of Hop Sing’s arm as he turned to leave. “Hop Sing is there a problem you would like to share with us?”

The man looked at Ben and then his eyes turned towards Hoss in a cold stare.

“Hop Sing prepare food for workers last night… Hop Sing cook PLENTY of food for PLENTY of men… Hop Sing then leave food in kitchen for today.
When Hop Sing go to warm food… food ALL GONE. Hop Sing not appreciated…now must make more food… in short time.” Then the China man began muttering in his native Chinese once more.

Ben tried to intervene “Well, I’m sure there is some explanation for all this…”

“Hop Sing knows… Hop Sing knows where food went… In middle son’s stomach!” He then turned and stormed out of the room leaving everyone momentarily stunned.

Ben, Joe and Adam all smirked. “Did you have another one of your midnight binges, brother?” Joe sarcastically asked.

“Now hold on everyone… I didn’t eat nothing from that there kitchen last night and I ain’t about to take the blame for it neither…” Hoss arose abruptly from the table and started after Hop Sing. He found him busily working about in the kitchen. The man noticed Hoss in the doorway and ignored his presence.

“Hop Sing we need to talk.” Hoss waited for acknowledgement, but Hop Sing continued his work uninterrupted.

“Gall darnit, Hop Sing. I didn’t eat any of your food last night. I know I’ve done it before, but not last night.”

Hop Sing eyed Hoss for a moment, mentally contemplating his words. He then walked over to him and looked him square in the eye. “No one else… in family could eat…” He pressed his index finger deep into Hoss’s stomach at each utterance of the last three words. “…that…much…food.”

Hoss construed his face up into an angry pout. “You’re ‘bout as stubborn as a dog gone mule. I told ya I didn’t eat it… and I guess I’ll just have to prove it to you then.” Hoss turned around abruptly and walked back out into the dining area.

There was a round of laughter as he seated himself at the table once more.
Hoss knew, all too well, what his family had been laughing about. He sat back down in a huff, not even wanting to touch the food before him.
Ben noticed his son’s behavior and sat silently watching. He knew that Hoss would be the first to admit something if he were guilty of the crime, so his actions weren’t making sense. His thoughts were soon interrupted by his youngest son’s voice.

“What’s wrong, Hoss? Are you still full?” Joe let out a cackle that was quickly cut short by his father.

“That’s enough, Joseph.”

Hoss shot instantly up from the table.

“I didn’t take nothing and that’s all I’m gonna say about it. Laugh if you want little brother, but I don’t have to listen to it.” Hoss then walked over to grab his gun belt and hat.

Ben and Adam arose and followed him to the door.

Adam grabbed hold of his brother’s arm and with a concerned look asked,

“Hoss, You are telling us the truth?”

“I already answered that,” he coldly stated.

Ben put his arm around Hoss’s shoulders and firmly said, “We believe you, son…We believe you.”

There was a long silence as all four Cartwrights processed the situation.

Ben finally spoke the obvious. “Well, if it wasn’t Hoss here, that means we had unbeknownst visitors last night.”

Joe appeared from around the corner. “How would they have gotten in here, Pa?”

Ben pondered for a moment. “Probably through the kitchen door… You know I’ve been meaning to get a stronger lock on it for some time now.”

Adam’s eyes scanned the living room area. “I don’t think there is cause for too much concern, Pa. Whomever it was, seemed only hungry. I don’t notice anything else out of the ordinary.”

“Good point, Adam. We best be on our guard, however. Just in case…”

“Pa,” Hoss interrupted. “Can I go out and check around a bit before heading out to mend those fences?”

“I’ll ride with you, Hoss,” Joe all too eagerly offered.

“Not so fast, son…” Ben gave his youngest a knowing smirk. “Adam will go with your brother. Are you forgetting that it is your turn to clean the barn?”

“Oh yeah, Pa. I guess I did forget,” Joe half-heartedly announced. Hoss and Adam laughed.

“I have to ride into town on some business. I’ll let Roy know of our little incident and ask him to keep an eye out for any strangers in the area. Now I don’t want you two to use this as an excuse to waste the whole day. Make some fast rounds then get to work on those fences. I want them finished by sundown so that we can move the cattle there at first light.”

Hoss and Adam nodded in agreement.

Ben then turned and looked over towards the table where a half eaten meal still remained. “Now, I would appreciate some help in finishing up this FINE food our cook has made for us. You know how he feels about our plates not being cleaned… And we certainly do not want to add to his anger, do we?” Ben then gestured for his boys to move back to the table and all three complied.

Soon all four were in their respective positions once more. The meal continued.

Hoss again was spending most of his time playing with his food rather than actually eating it. Ben took notice and it didn’t take him long to realize that his son was still feeling the effects of being wrongly accused.

“Don’t worry, son. It will all come out in the wash. I’m sure Hop Sing will believe you once we can prove him otherwise.”

Hoss set down his fork and looked up at his father. “Well I can tell you one thing, Pa. I ain’t gonna give up until I find out the answer. It’s my reputation that’s at stake here and…. by gum… I’m gonna get to the bottom of it come Hell or high water!”

…and so ended round two.
*********************************

Sam and Jack peered down at Adam and Hoss from the loft. Moments early they had been praising themselves for their evasive ways, but the conversation now going on beneath them proved otherwise. The two men were setting out to look for their uninvited dinner guests. They watched them mount and set off in their hunt. This left two very worried thieves pondering their next move.

“I was sure we had gotten away with it, Jack. I don’t understand how they figured it out,” Sam stated as he scratched the side of his head.

“Well, maybe it was because you ate enough to feed two horses you know,” Jack snapped back out of frustration. Deep down he knew, however, that he had eaten his ample share as well.

“I don’t know why their dander is up anyhow. We didn’t touch anything else you know. We could have robbed them blind and been done with it,” Sam grumbled.

“Yes, and had a posse on us quicker than a cricket. I don’t know about you, brother, but I don’t like being hunted down like a wild animal. When we strike, we have to have enough time to skedaddle so that they can’t follow our trail.”

Sam knew his brother was right. “Do you think those two fellas will find our horses?”

“Not if you hid them where I told you to…now shush up I’m trying to think.”

Just then the front door to the ranch house opened and out walked Ben. He made his way to the barn and saddled his horse. Sam and Jack watched him ride out.

“The older fella looks like he’s going into town. I wonder if he has business at the bank?” Jack gave his brother an evil grin.

“But that leaves the younger fella all alone, ‘cept for that cook that will probably head out to feed the workers here soon,” Sam stated, trying to be helpful.

Jack rolled his eyes at his brother’s declaration of the obvious. Then he truly started weighing the odds. If they stayed here, they knew there was plenty for the taking. Jack felt that the two of them could take on Joe with no worries, or let’s just say he assumed that much. The only problem was that the others could return home at any time. Yes, they could take all that they wanted: money, food, clothing, items to sell later, etc. But, they risked getting caught in the act or having a very short period of time for a getaway.

If they followed after Ben, the takings would be limited to what was in his saddlebag and pockets. Again, Jack thought that an older man would not be a challenge, but there was a chance that he may not be carrying any money at all. Jack deep down knew that sooner or later that $500 would have to find its way to the bank. Given the timing of Ben’s trip, he figured it was a safe bet that a least part of that cash was tucked inside his saddlebag. It sure would make for a slicker get away, but the rewards would be limited.

After a moment, he turned towards his brother to discuss their next move.

“Well, Sam, the way I figure it …it all boils down to whether we want a clear path through the mountains or forge one for ourselves.”

“I want more of that china man’s cookin’. I ain’t never eaten chicken that tasted that good before…” Sam’s words were cut short by a swift wallop on the arm from his older brother.

“Can’t you stop thinking about your stomach for once?” Jack shot his brother a disgusted look. Then he arose and started cautiously moving down the ladder.

“C’mon I guess it’s up to me to make the decision for us.” Sam looked at his brother with a puzzled look and then followed him down the ladder.

*********************************

Joe Cartwright walked slowly out to the barn. He had procrastinated as long as he could before getting started on his barn cleaning. He opened the door wide to allow the sunshine entry, pausing just inside the doorway to look around. After a long moment he heaved a huge sigh.

“Well, I guess there’s no use avoiding the inevitable,” he said aloud.

Joe grabbed a rake and started to climb up into the loft. When he stepped off the last rung onto the landing, he noticed something unusual. There were definitely two set imprints in the hay. Joe was certain someone had spent more than a few nights there. He fished around a little and found nothing more. Suddenly, the barn door shut with a crash and Joe jumped quickly around. He had left his gun belt in the house, not thinking he would need it.

“How could I have been so dumb,” he silently chastised himself as he crouched down trying to stay out of sight. There was nothing but silence. Joe moved some hay away from the floor and tried to peer through the slats to the bottom level. With the sunlight now shut out, he could only identify the spotted behind of his faithful horse, Cochise. He sat there contemplating his next move. Suddenly, his eyes fell on the barn loft door. If it had not been secured from the outside he could make an exit through there. Joe crawled as quietly as he could over to it. He was able to open it slightly and scan the yard. Nothing was in sight. With the rake secure under his arm, Joe grabbed the rope running through the pulley and quickly slid to the ground. He instantly placed the rake across the door to secure it and ran quickly towards the ranch house to retrieve his gun.

*********************************

Ben Cartwright was enjoying his ride into town. It was such a beautiful day that he decided to stop and rest for a while by his favorite watering hole. He knew his boys were handling things at the ranch and there was no need to rush back to check on them.

He dismounted and tied his trusty horse to a tree where he could enjoy both feed and drink. Ben then walked over to a shady spot and sat down at the base of a rock. He rested his back against the granite and pulled his hat down over his eyes to rest. It wasn’t long before he was sound asleep.

That’s where Sam and Jack caught up with him. They watched from the brush for several moments before making the decision to approach the horse.
Jack whispered his directions to his younger brother. “You go search his bags, Sam. I’ll position myself behind him in case he wakes up.”

Sam nodded and started towards Ben’s horse. Jack waited a moment then turned to double back. The only problem was that there was a man with his gun cocked blocking his route. Ben Cartwright stared coldly at Jack. He grabbed him roughly by the shoulder and spun him around.

Then he shoved him in the direction of his brother, whispering, “One sound and I’ll be forced to use this.”

Jack winced as he felt the barrel of the gun press into his back. He hadn’t any other choice but to follow Ben’s request.

Sam was oblivious to what was happening behind him. He reached the saddlebags and started digging inside. It wasn’t long before he found what they had hoped for… the money…all $500 dollars of it. Sam spun around to hold up the treasure for his brother to see, but jumped clear out of his socks when he discovered Jack and Ben directly behind him.

“Land sakes you just about scared this poor fella to death!” He exclaimed.

Jack rolled his eyes and hung his head at his brother’s imbecilic response.

Ben coldly eyed the man. He held out his hand and wiggled his fingers to indicate he wanted the money handed over to him.

Sam looked like a young boy who just got caught with his hand in a cookie jar. He hung his head and slowly handed Ben the money. “We were just gonna take enough to help us along is all.” Sam nervously tried to justify their act.

Ben just smirked as he put the money inside his vest pocket.

“All right young men we can do this the easy way or the hard way. It’s really up to you. You’re gonna take a trip with me into town to see Sheriff Coffee. I’m sure he’ll be interested in hearing your story and of your intentions.”

Just then a thought entered Ben’s mind.

“You two by chance haven’t eaten fried chicken in the last few days, have you?”

Jack simply said, “Don’t know what you’re talking about, sir.” He figured politeness might lesson the eagerness of Ben to press charges.

Ben wasn’t all that convinced by his statement, but chose not to push the issue any further. Keeping the gun on the two he reached over to grab the rope hanging from his saddle.

“Now lead me to your horses,” he coldly stated. Sam and Jack walked ahead of Ben over to where the horses were hid.

Ben reached over to one of horse’s reins. It spooked and reared, kicking Ben right in the chest. He fell to the ground from the blunt of blow and Jack instantly jumped on top of him. The two began fighting. Sam just stood there stunned. He grabbed his horse and petted its neck to calm it back down.

“Good boy, Chester,” he reassured his faithful companion.

Jack and Ben continued to fight with only their fists. Ben’s gun lay in the dirt near Sam, but he thought nothing about picking it up.

Suddenly he heard his brother shout out, “For God’s Sakes, Sam. Help me out!”

This brought Sam back to reality. He instantly ran towards the fighting duo, tackling Ben to the ground. He jumped on top of him and began wildly administering blow after blow to his face and chest. A moment later, Sam felt Jack’s arms encompassing him.

“It’s over, Sam… It’s over… take it easy.”

Sam looked down to see a bloodied unconscious body beneath him. He instantly rose to his feet.

“My God, Jack… Did we kill him?”
Jack placed his hand on his brother’s shoulder. “Damn near … but he’s still alive.”

He then bent down and took the money out of Ben’s pocket and placed it in his own.

Sam just stood there stunned. “I don’t want to hang, Jack. I don’t want to hang.”

Jack was feeling the same sentiment. The two brothers were really not bad men. When their parents had died, the two tried to make a go of it on the farm, but ended up losing it the first year with a bad crop. They had no choice but to hit the road and wander around. At first, they had found odd jobs where they could make an honest living, but soon those jobs were no more. They were forced to steal just to stay alive. When they had seen the Cartwrights in the bar, the two were fed up with the honest life and had decided it was time to pursue a life of crime. They thought it would be a life of adventure, but judging now by both their expressions it was anything but that.

“We could take him into town to the doctor,” Sam softly stated.

“We can’t risk that, Sam. Let’s move him over under the shade of that tree. We’ll tie his horse nearby where it can get food and water. We’ll fill his canteen. When we get to town, we’ll leave a note on the sheriff’s door telling him where to find him.”

Sam hung his head, but he knew his brother was right.

“Well, at least that will give him a chance, Jack,” was all he could say.

*********************************

Adam and Hoss had made their rounds and decided to stop back at the ranch house to grab a bite to eat before heading out to mend the fences. As they rode into the yard their eyes caught sight of their younger brother hidden just to the right of the front door behind a tree trunk. He motioned for them to dismount and be quiet about it. Adam and Hoss scurried to the nearest covering and pulled out their weapons. Joe motioned towards the barn.

The three Cartwrights maneuvered themselves into position. They couldn’t see or hear anything from within, so Adam shouted out a warning.

“All right, we have you covered. It would be in your best interest to throw out your weapons and come out with your hands up.”

There was silence. Then it was Hoss’s turn. “I’d do as the man says, fellas. A few measly pieces of chicken ain’t nothin’ worth getting yerself killed over.”

Again silence.

Joe scurried up to one side of the door and Adam to the other. Hoss stayed back, keeping his gun pointed directly between them. Joe and Adam quickly lifted the rake away from the door and swung it open. The only sound that emanated from within was Cochise’s startling neigh. Joe stayed low and entered, followed by Adam and then Hoss. Upon thorough investigation, they found no one inside. Joe came back out into the yard, scratching his head.

“They must have slipped out somehow when I went to get my gun,” he stated.

Adam walked over to his little brother. “Well, I’d safely say you’ve found a way to evade your barn cleaning, Joe.” Joe just shot him a disgusting look.

“Well I don’t see you two rushing out to get your fencing done either,” he coldly stated. Just then the boys heard and all too familiar voice.

“Adam, Hoss, Little Joe, come quick.” They spun around to see Roy Coffee ride into the yard with Ben’s horse, Buck, being led alongside. Their father’s body was draped over the saddle. The three rushed to his aid.

“I sent the deputy back to town to get the Doc. Your Pa’s beat up pretty bad. We best get him in the house and as comfortable as possible.”

“What the Hell happened, Roy?” Adam questioned. “Well, that’s what I’d like to know me self. I found a note attached to the jail door saying that a man had been injured at the watering hole by the edge of the Ponderosa. It told me to send help quick and we rode right out.” Roy paused as he watched Joe and Hoss carefully haul their father towards the ranch house. He waited until the three disappeared inside.

“You know, the funny thing is… well, your Pa obviously fought tooth and nail with someone. It was a darn good fist fight that’s for sure… and your Pa definitely ended up on the losing end. But whomever he wrestled with thought enough to put him in the shade with a full canteen, and leave notice in town.”

Adam looked at Roy enraged. “And that is supposed to make me have pity on them?”

“No, Adam. A vicious crime has been committed and two criminals are on the loose.” Roy dismounted from his horse. He turned Adam towards the ranch house and the two started walking side by side. “Just remember, Adam that a conscience doesn’t always keep someone from doing wrong, but it does keep that someone from enjoying it. This just may make it a little easier for us to track those criminals down.”

*********************************

Sam and Jack rode quietly down the road. The two had left Virginia City just as quickly as they had come, stopping only to put the note on the sheriff’s door. Once outside the city limits and well on their way headed west, the two slowed to give their horses a break. The brothers rode side by side, neither in the mood for conversation.

Finally, Sam’s conscience spoke out. “I hope they got to that fella in time,” he softly said.

Jack said nothing at first. Then he figured it better to at least acknowledge the comment. “What’s done is done, Sam.” Yet, he too, secretly wished the same thing as his brother.

“What should we do now?” Sam asked. There was again a long pause.

“Well, I figure we best head back the way we came. We can afford a hotel room for a while and that will allow us a chance to get our thoughts in order.”

Jack then turned to look at his younger brother. Sam noticed his subdued demeanor. He could almost see the heavy cloud of burden pressing down upon him as he spoke. “I don’t know about you, Sam, but I don’t much like my new life as a criminal.”

Sam simply replied, “I’m with you there, Jack.” He then eyed his brother for a few moments contemplating whether he should speak his mind. Finally, he blurted out the words. “Maybe we should just go back and turn ourselves in…”

Jack shot his brother a stern glare. “Sometimes I think you were behind the door when the brains were handed out. I said I didn’t want to be criminal but I still darn well want my freedom… or my life… depending.”

Sam hung his head at first and then his temper flared. “Well, I much rather be sitting in jail or facing a swinging noose than staring at three angry brothers out to defend their Pa’s honor.”

Sam chuckled at his own statement. “Let’s just say if each of them did the same damage as their old man did to your face, well now… I just don’t think there’d be nothing left of you to identify by…”

He let out a loud laugh. “Why don’t you chew on that for a while, brother.”

Sam then kicked his horse and took off down the road. Jack reached up and gingerly touched his eye now swollen shut. “Point taken, brother,” he said to himself. “Let’s hope our luck soon changes.” He then took off to catch up with Sam.

*********************************
Ben awoke to the sound of Doc Martin’s voice. “He’s coming around, gentleman.”

Soft moans could be heard then his eyes fluttered open. Ben surveyed his surroundings then slowly closed his eyes once more, becoming aware of the pain.

“What happened…” He mumbled.

The doctor leaned over and felt his pulse. “Take it easy, Ben. It seems you’ve had an accident. Do you remember anything?”

Ben was slow to respond. His whole body ached, especially his chest, face, and ribs. He fought to recall his last memory… something about… “A horse… a horse reared…” was all he managed to say.

Doc Martin was quick to analyze his condition. “Well, that would explain why your chest has such deep bruises…It seems you are able to breath fine, however.”

Adam moved his chair closer to his father’s bedside. “Pa, you left here to go to town this morning. You told us you had business, but you never got there….Try to remember.”

Ben pondered his son’s words. “The money… they took the money…”

“Who, Pa. Who?” Adam persisted.

“Two men… they tried to ambush me… never saw them before but I think they were our kitchen crooks.”

Roy then asked, “Can you describe them, Ben. We need something to go by…”

The room was silent as everyone waited.

“Young fellows…brothers I’m sure….sandy colored hair, blue eyes…”

“Any special features?” Adam questioned.

“One had on a funny looking bandana… bright yellow in color.”

Ben then said, “I’m tired. Can we talk later boys?”

“Sure, Pa.” Adam acknowledged and the room quickly cleared.

Out in the hallway Roy turned to face the Cartwright brothers. “Well, looks like there ain’t much to go by… I guess I’ll head back to town and question to see if anyone noticed who it was that might have left that note.”

They escorted Roy to his horse and bid him farewell. Joe and Hoss turned to head back into the ranch house, but were stopped by their brother’s calm voice.

“I think we need to take a little ride, gentlemen.” Adam had that all to well known smirk upon his face.

Hoss quickly turned towards him. “Did you figure somethin’ out, Adam?” He eagerly waited for his reply.

“Just a hunch… yes, it does make sense.”

“What makes sense?” Joe annoyingly questioned. “Come on, Adam, fill us in will ya?”

“Hoss do remember those two men at the bar a few weeks ago?”

Hoss thought hard for a moment. “Yep, the two that seemed to be eyeing Joe and his money. What about it?”

Adam’s smirk broadened into a wide smile. “Well, I do believe one of them had on a yellow bandana.”

“And sandy hair, too…” Hoss let out a deep chuckle. “By gum, brother, I think you’re onto something.” He then finished his words off with a hardy slap to Adam’s back.

“Well, what are we all standing around here for?” Joe asked. “Let’s get going…”

Adam stopped Joe’s movement with his arm.

“Listen now you two… I know we have a score to settle, but we also want to let the law do their part. Do you get my drift?”

Joe rolled his eyes. “Here we go again with the ‘words being more powerful than actions’ spiel.

Hoss spoke up. “Adam’s right, Joe. We talk…FIRST…” Then he shot Joe an emphasized wink.

Joe covered his hand with his mouth trying to stifle his laugh. He turned towards Adam. “All right, brother…we promise to do our best.”

Joe and Hoss headed towards the barn to get their horses. Adam shouted after them, “You better promise to do MORE than your best.” Then he quickly followed.

*****************************

Sam and Jack stood at the bar downing another beer. They had been in town for three days, mostly keeping a low profile. The two had been enjoying the luxuries of having a soft bed to sleep in and plenty of food to eat whenever they desired, but they were once again getting antsy and thinking of moving on to new surroundings.

The unearned money in their pockets seemed to be burning a hole. They had bought some new clothes and other luxuries. With each day, they were finding excuses to spend more and more. Their gold mind was dwindling rapidly and their disposition was subdued. Neither spoke of the incident that had happened, but deep down their sub conscience was trying to rid them of the evidence. Perhaps with the money gone, so would end the guilt.

“Your turn to buy, Sam,” Jack told his brother as he solemnly finished off his current glass.

Sam reached into his pocket and pulled out a sizable wad and started leafing through it to find a smaller bill. Suddenly they heard a calm baritone voice behind them.

“You know, gentlemen, it’s not wise to flash considerable wads of money around.” They then heard the cold, distinct click of three guns in unison being engaged.

Sam’s body instantly became erect as he raised his hands in the air. Jack shot his brother a look and Sam quickly lowered them once more to the counter.

Without turning around, Jack asked, “Can we help you gentlemen?” He tried to sound calm, but there was a distinct quiver in his voice.

Adam then delivered the command. “Turn around… nice and slow.” The two brothers complied.

“What seems to be the problem gentlemen?” Jack continued. This time his question received only silence which made Jack and Sam began to squirm.

“We were just having a beer… between brothers,” Sam nervously spoke. “I guess we best get going, huh, Jack?” He started to move towards the door but Hoss rapidly approached, escorting him back to his original position against the bar. Sam gulped as he was stared down by two deep blue eyes towering over him.

“Well… maybe we can stay… for awhile anyway,” Sam nervously chuckled.

Adam looked over at Jack. His face wore the battles scars and his neck wore the yellow bandana.

“Do you two make it a habit to ambush men traveling alone?” Adam waited to hear their response.

Jack looked up at Adam. “I’m afraid I don’t know what you are talking about.”

Joe had been the silent observer up to this point, but his temper had been building within. His mind flashed back to his father’s bloodied face and beat up body. He suddenly lunged at Jack, blurting out in anger and frustration, “Well, perhaps I can help you remember.”

Adam was quick to intervene. “Let him go, Joe. Pa wouldn’t want it handled this way.”

The three men remained in their respective positions for what seemed like moments. Finally, Joe lowered his eyes and released his grip, for he knew his brother was right.

Adam turned his attention back to the men. “My father remembers little about the attack, but he does remember a yellow bandana and two men with sandy hair. Now, I’ll ask you again… Do you two make it a habit to ambush men traveling alone?”

“Jack…” Sam began to speak.

“Shut up, Sam…” Sam hung his head.

Adam could tell that perhaps he was putting the pressure on the wrong man. He walked slowly over to Sam, eyeing him with his dark unfeeling eyes.

“I’ll be quite honest with you two. My brothers and I have only so much patience. In fact, you should be thanking me right now for momentarily saving your hides. You see, these two feel that … well fists should come before talk. I on the other hand feel the opposite. You can accomplish just as much with reason, if not more at times.”

Adam paused. Sam gulped and Jack nervously watched knowing all to well his brother.

“Allow me to demonstrate, gentlemen. Have either of you heard of word association?” Both men looked puzzled and then apprehensively shook their heads.

“Well, I say a word and you say the first word that comes to your mind. Let’s try it, okay?” Adam didn’t wait for an answer.

“Hop Sing…”

“What’s a Hop Sing?” Jack couldn’t help but speak out.

Joe smiled and stepped up near Hoss. “He’s our cook.”

“Makes the best fried chicken, too,” Sam innocently spoke out. Jack whacked his brother on the arm and Adam, Hoss, and Joe all snickered.

“Why’d ya wallop me for?” Jack was too angry to speak.

“Well, gentlemen, now we know you were our uninvited guests. That puts you in the area for the aforementioned crime. Now why don’t you two make it easy on us and confess, hmm?”

Sam hung his head as he realized his mistake. There was a long silence before Jack finally spoke.

“Have you ever been down and out? Do you even know what it is like to not have food or a place to call your own? We ain’t bad men… it’s not like we’ve done this many times before…we’re just trying to survive is all.”

His comments received only cold stares.

“Oh… what the Hell… We might as well get it over with… Why don’t you three just beat the tar out of us and turn us over to the sheriff.”

Adam , Joe, and Hoss exchanged glances. It was good enough of a confession for them.
“You know, gentlemen,” Adam spoke out. “I think you made a poor decision but you knew what you were doing…there’s no excuse for your actions… regardless.”

Hoss then added. “You’ll have to pay for your crime, but maybe you’ll think differently the next time.”

They motioned the men to move towards the door. As they entered out into the street and started for their horses, Sam asked softly, “Is your father okay?”

“You ain’t gonna hang if that’s what you’re askin’” Hoss answered bluntly. “But you’ll get your wish. You’ll have plenty of food to eat, although not the best that’s for sure…and don’t forget those mighty soft beds, too.”

Joe then sarcastically added, “You know something, fellas, ‘What the Hell’ might have been the best decision you ever did make.”

Jack looked up at Joe. “I hope it will allow us to get to the sheriff at least in one piece.”

“Well that all depends on one thing…” Adam’s dark eyes scanned the two men. “Whether or not our Pa taught us what’s right from what’s wrong.”

********************************

It was a long ride back to Virginia City for Sam and Jack. Although they arrived safely, their escorts were none too friendly. Let’s just say they used the power of intimidation to their utmost advantage. Adam, Hoss, and Little Joe handed the two over to Roy and headed back home.

Along the way, Little Joe decided to open a conversation with his brothers. “Those two weren’t exactly the brightest.”

Adam smirked. “I must admit, I was surprised that they could ever commit such a crime. They have such innocence about them.”

“Well, I kind of feel sorry for ‘em,” Hoss added.

“You feel sorry for everyone, brother,” Joe quickly retorted and then laughed.

Hoss just scowled.

“It will be interesting to see what happens to them, though. Hopefully the judge will see the same element of nativity.”

Joe looked stunned at Adam’s comment. “Oh, don’t tell me you’re going soft on them, too? Remember what they did to Pa.”

“No, Joe. You misunderstood. Remember that time you stole that piece of candy from the mercantile?”

Joe cringed. “Yeah, I couldn’t sit down for weeks.”

“Yes, Pa was pretty tough on you, Joe. But he also made you apologize and work off the debt at the candy store. He loaded you down with chores around the ranch and he kept an extra eye on you for sometime afterwards.”

“Yeah, I remember. I felt so ashamed. By the time it was all over, I didn’t have any desire to go back down that path again.”

“Exactly brother… That’s what I mean about Jack and Sam. If the judge is harsh enough on them, perhaps they can get themselves headed in the right direction.”

Hoss laughed. “By the looks of Jack’s face, I’d say Pa already did a fairly good job at putting his own two cents worth in on the affair.”

Adam grinned. “Yeah, he still can hold his own. That’s for sure.”

Joe suddenly turned towards Hoss and Adam. “Well, brothers. I plan to be the first in the yard to tell our father the good news.” He gave his horse a quick kick and took off like the wind. Hoss and Adam shot each other a knowing glance and followed suit.

******************************

A week later, Ben Cartwright sat propped up in bed with his three sons around him. He was still pretty sore, but his spirits were high. Hop Sing had finally accepted the fact that Hoss was not the chicken thief and life was starting to return to normal for everyone.

“Roy said to tell you that they’ll set up the trial once you’re on your feet, Pa.,” Adam stated. “Sam and Jack will stay locked up until then… And, quite frankly, I don’t think we need to worry if they did manage to break loose.”

Just then Hop Sing entered with Ben’s breakfast.

Hoss seized the opportunity. “They might just head back for more of Hop Sing’s chicken.”

“…No, I’m sure they wouldn’t come back just for that,” Joe said teasingly as he carefully watched for the family cook’s reaction.

Ben laughed but the pain in his ribs quickly stifled the humor. Joe simply stated, “Sorry Pa.”

Hop Sing set down the tray and turned towards Joe. “Don’t press your luck.” That brought another round of laughter from everyone.

Ben looked down at his tray and suddenly he was puzzled. His meal looked grand, but the main course of eggs and ham looked somewhat construed.

“Hop Sing… I’m not complaining, but what happened with the eggs?”

Hop Sing looked over at Ben with a scowl. “Hop Sing couldn’t find skillet…had to fry eggs in oven.”

Ben nodded. “Well, I’m sure they will be just fine. Thank you.”

“What happened to yer skillet, Hop Sing?” Hoss innocently questioned.

“Hop Sing don’t know… but…” The man paused to think of his next choice of words.

“What’s that you say, Mr. Cartwright… You’ll get to bottom of it… when well water rises?”

Ben, Joe, and Adam all let out a hardy laugh. Hoss just stared, not knowing what was so funny.

He then waited for the laugher to subside. “Pa, I don’t understand what Hop Sing means. What would well water have to do with finding a skillet?”

Ben, Adam, and Joe all laughed again. “Well, Hoss.” Ben addressed his son through mixed chuckles. “I believe what Hop Sing is trying to tell us is that he doesn’t know what happened to his skillet, but that he will certainly get to the bottom of it, come Hell or high water.”

Joe and Adam instantly fell silent. Adam hung his head and pinched the bridge of his nose. Joe angrily pounded his fist into his hand. Hoss, on the other hand, now found the humor in the situation and let out a loud guffaw.

“That’s right Hop Sing… come Hell or high water.” Hoss patted the family cook hardily on the back.

“Did you hear that fellas?” Hoss turned towards his brothers. “Pa said he’d get to the bottom of it come Hell or high water.” Again, Hoss’s laugh echoed off the walls.

Neither Adam nor Joe said anything in response.

“Well, Hop Sing. I’ll tell you what I’ll do. The least I can do is come help you look. There’s a little something I need to pick up downstairs that is rightfully mine. Ain’t that right, brothers?”

Adam waved his hand at Hoss in disgust as if to help him find the door. Hop Sing turned and walked out. Hoss followed, pausing in the doorframe. He firmly grabbed hold of the door knob. Then leaned his body back into the room and smiled. “Word Association, brothers… Word Association.” He grinned broadly, savoring every moment of victory.

Ben had witnessed the current change of events and his frustration had been building.

“What’s this ‘word association’ you speak of, Hoss?” He bluntly asked his son.

“It’s a game Adam taught us, Pa. He learned it in college. It’s a mighty fine game, too. Ain’t it, Joe?”

Hoss glanced over at his brother. Joe looked like steam was about to come out of his ears.

“I’ll leave Joe and Adam to explain it to you…” He then smiled the biggest gap-toothed grin and slowly closed the door behind him.