{"id":12148,"date":"2003-09-01T17:12:36","date_gmt":"2003-09-01T21:12:36","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=12148"},"modified":"2025-02-27T12:07:44","modified_gmt":"2025-02-27T17:07:44","slug":"first-notch-by-debbieb","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=12148","title":{"rendered":"First Notch (by DebbieB)"},"content":{"rendered":"

Summary:\u00a0 <\/strong>“Sooner or later, the day will come when a man will force you into a shootout, and there will be no way out of it, except kill or be killed.” Adam shared a bit of wisdom with his youngest brother the day that Joe was permitted to wear a sidearm for the first time.\u00a0 Little did either brother realize how soon those words would come back to haunt them.<\/p>\n

Rated:\u00a0 PG for mild violence\u00a0 (12,850 words)<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

First Notch<\/strong><\/p>\n

Joe Cartwright strapped on his new holster that housed his equally new Colt .45. The side arm and hardware had been a special birthday present from his father on the day that he had turned seventeen. Joe grabbed his hat as soon as he finished tying down the thin rawhide string that held the pistol and holster snugly to his left leg.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

As he turned toward the door, the door suddenly opened, almost hitting his nose.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHey,\u201d he snapped and grabbed the door to peer around to see who had almost flattened his face.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cOh sorry, little buddy, I didn\u2019t know you were hiding behind the door,\u201d laughed Adam softly.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHa, ha, ha,\u201d mimicked Joe as he came around the door and tried to scoot past his oldest brother.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam blocked the doorway, giving Joe the once over with his eyes. He instantly spotted the sidearm and he quickly raised his head to peer into his brother\u2019s hazel eyes. Adam nodded his head toward Joe\u2019s gun.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhere are you heading off to with that thing on?\u201d he quizzed the boy while his eyes grew dark with suspicion.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cOut,\u201d Joe snapped and tried to worm his way past Adam, but Adam, being almost twice his younger brother\u2019s size, hadn\u2019t been as easy to nudge aside as Joe had thought.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI figured that, I meant, where are you going? You know Pa doesn\u2019t want you to wear that thing into town, at least not just yet,\u201d Adam reminded his brother.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI know that, I don\u2019t need you to remind me. And\u2026for your information, I\u2019m just going out to check the fences in the north pasture. AND\u2026before you ask, yes, Pa knows that I\u2019m wearing it, he said it was alright. Now\u2026if you will kindly move, I\u2019ll be on my way.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe gave Adam a small crooked smile that was meant to say, \u2018Ha\u2026I guess I\u2019ve told you!\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cExcuse me,\u201d Adam nodded his head, folded his arm across is stomach, bowed gracefully and then stepped aside to allow his brother to leave.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam stood in the doorway and watched his younger brother stroll casually across the yard toward the barn. He was surprised at the stab on regret that had suddenly washed over him at seeing his baby brother wearing a holster and pistol. It was hard for him to believe that Little Joe was actually old enough now to be allowed such a privilege and Adam couldn\u2019t help feel a bit concerned about the boy. Joe was young and high spirited, not to mention hot tempered, and tended to react to certain situations rather hastily at times. Adam could only hope and pray that the boy would use caution and remember the wise words of wisdom that their father had been trying so hard to instill in him if faced with a matter pertaining to having to use his sidearm.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam sighed. He had started to close the door, but stopped when Joe led his horse from the barn. He couldn\u2019t refrain from stepping back out into the afternoon sun and going to his brother\u2019s side.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cJoe,\u201d Adam called when he\u2019d come near enough for Joe to hear him.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe peered over the top of his saddle at his brother. He knew what was about to happen and he steeled himself for the onslaught of words. He forced himself to hold his tongue, for he was trying hard to practice patience and tolerance, as his father had insisted were needed if he were to be allowed to wear his sidearm.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYeah Adam?\u201d Joe answered in his normal tone.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam paused only for a second. \u201cHmm\u2026Pa said that there has been some rustling going on up near the buttes around the Anderson\u2019s place. I know the fence line up that way, divides their property and ours, so\u2026well\u2026just keep your eyes opened and\u2026watch your back,\u201d Adam warned.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

He was trying hard not to sound as if he were ordering his brother but warning him of possible danger.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2019ve been missing some cattle ourselves, and well\u2026stay alert,\u201d Adam said.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe leaned his arms across his saddle and studied his brother\u2019s face. He refrained from smiling, Adam, in his own way was telling\u2026no, asking him to be careful.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThanks Adam, don\u2019t worry, I can take care of myself,\u201d Joe said, finally smiling. \u201cAnd I promise, I won\u2019t use this thing, unless I have too.\u201d Joe patted his leg where the new pistol hung.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam smiled as well, showing his dimple on the left side of his face.\u00a0\u00a0 He wasn\u2019t at all surprised at his brother\u2019s self-assurance.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThose rustlers haven\u2019t been caught yet, little brother, and they might still be hanging around, so\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAdam, don\u2019t worry\u2026I\u2019ve already told you, I won\u2019t use my gun, unless I have too.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe pulled back from his saddle and untied his horse from the hitching rail. As he swung gracefully into the saddle, he smiled down at his brother.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2026and Pa\u2026taught me well. I\u2019m fast, big brother, even you said that and\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam laid his hand on Joe\u2019s knee, squeezing gently.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s right kid, too fast for your own good. And, I might add, you\u2019ve only been shooting at cans, shooting at a man that is shooting back at you, trying to kill you is something totally different.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam\u2019s voice had taken on a serious tone. He pointed his finger at his brother; his smile had disappeared.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s no picnic, having to live with the fact that you\u2019ve killed a man, for any reason. I\u2019d like to spare you that if possible, Little Joe, but sooner or later the day will come when a man will force you into a shoot out, and there will be no way out of it, except to kill or be killed. I don\u2019t want to see you gunned down. Yes, you are fast, but remember Joe, no matter how good you think you are, there will always be someone just a fraction of a second faster than you\u2026and that will be the man who might just kill you!\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam stepped back from Joe\u2019s horse and removed his hand from his brother\u2019s leg where he had placed it. \u201cBe careful\u2026and use caution\u2026that\u2019s all I\u2019m asking.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe had seen the deep concern on his older brother\u2019s face and knew that Adam was only looking out for his welfare. His irritation that he had first felt toward his brother faded. He gave Adam a warm smile.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI will Adam, I promise. If I see anything out of the ordinary, I\u2019ll come straight back here and tell you.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cGood, now\u2026get going!\u201d Adam nodded his head and slapped Cochise\u2019s rump, making the startled horse jerk his head up.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe kicked gently at the horse\u2019s sides and turned toward the north pasture. \u201cSee ya tonight!\u201d Joe called out as he disappeared around the barn.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam tossed his hand in the air and after a brief moment, went inside. His worry had not faded; not even with his brother\u2019s assurance that he would follow all the rules that had been laid out to him, had he stopped worrying.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe felt exuberant as the wind blew against his face. He kicked Cochise, urging him on even faster. He lowered himself over the horse\u2019s long silky neck, and allowed his body to move as one with his horse. It was rare that Joe Cartwright was able to let his pinto run as he was now and Joe was enjoying the freedom of the ride. Had he known that his father was watching from the hill on the opposite side of the open meadow, Joe would not have felt as he was at this precise moment.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben sighed, shaking his head as he watched his youngest and most daring son race across the field below. He had already determined that he would have a word with the boy about running his mount as he was now doing. Ben had no doubt that his son was an expert horseman, for he and Adam had taught the boy well. It was the memory of another expert rider, a fast horse and a sudden death that caused his heart to lurch each time that he saw his youngest son racing with the wind that troubled the anxious father.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben smiled as he sat remembering that everything about his youngest son caused him moments of heart-stopping anxiety. Ben laughed softly to himself. Joseph\u2019s early arrival into this world had even caused his father a great deal of apprehension and had, in his father\u2019s assumption, been the beginnings of his hair changing to the silver color that it had now become. He waited until Joe disappeared from his sight before turning Buck around and heading back to the ranch house. He knew that it would be nearly dark before his son arrived back home, so he had plenty of time to pick and chose his words carefully for the planned lecture he would deliver, though Ben was sure that his words would go unheeded, once Joe was out of his sight. Perhaps he\u2019d forego the lecture\u2026this time, let the boy have his freedom. There was no taming the boy, sighed Ben, not that he really wanted too, he loved his youngest just as he was.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe made a point of riding slowly along the fence line. He wanted to be sure that he did not miss any weak or broken places in the fence where cattle might be able to push through, plus the slow ride would give Cochise time to cool off before he started back.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

He was almost finished when he happened upon a section of fence that had been totally demolished. As Joe dismounted to inspect the damage he found, much to his displeasure, that the fencing had literally been pulled from the ground. Joe studied the area thereabouts and calculated that at least forty to fifty heads of cattle had been driven through the break. Fixing the fence right then was out of the question, for Joe had been sent to inspect only, not to do repairs. He mounted back up and rode to the furthermost corner of the property line to be sure there were no more breaks and then started home. He would have to return in the morning with a wagon and supplies and do the repairs then.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYessir, about forty or fifty\u2026at least that was my guess,\u201d Joe explained to his father when he arrived home.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben had been sitting at the table on the side porch, discussing other matters with both Adam and Hoss when Joe had returned and reported the destroyed fence and the missing cattle.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWell, you and Adam can take some supplies back up there in the morning and see that the fence is repaired. Hoss and I will ride into town and report this to Sheriff Coffee,\u201d Ben said.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe looked at his brother and nodded his head. \u201cWe\u2019ll need a whole new roll of that wire big brother\u2026oh, and some new posts. It sure was a mess,\u201d Joe said.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam stood to his feet and stretched his long body first to the right and then to the left. \u201cWell,\u201d he said as he leaned forward stretching in that direction as well, \u201cI\u2019m turning in, sounds like you and I are going to have a long day tomorrow.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe pushed back his chair and stood as well. \u201cYep, and it\u2019s gonna be a hot one too, just look at that sunset,\u201d he pointed to the west where the sun was just dipping behind the mountains. The sky blazed red and the clouds looked as if they were on fire.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben glanced over his shoulder at the sun. \u201cSure is pretty though.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam tapped on his brother\u2019s bedroom door, then pushed it open. He stuck his head inside, seeing that Joe was still sleeping he grinned.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cCome on sleepy head,\u201d he called and then paused.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cOhh\u2026what time is it?\u201d Joe groaned. He was halfway down the bed with the pillow over his head.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cTime to rise and shine!\u201d laughed Adam.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

He grinned, he knew Joe hated mornings and he knew that his little brother was almost always the last to get up.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cCome on Joe\u2026it\u2019s five thirty and if you hurry, we might just have that fence repaired before lunch. Pa said we could take the rest of the day off\u2026if we finished before then, now get your ornery hide up and lets get going.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe tossed back the blanket and swung his bare legs over the side of the bed. He gave his brother a scowl as he ran his slender fingers through the tangle of dark curls.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWell, you gonna stand there all day gawking at me, or are you going to close the door so I can get dressed?\u201d snapped Joe groggily. He yawned and scratched his chest, \u201cWell? What\u2019s it too be\u2026either you close the door, or I stand up and embarrass both of us!\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam tossed his head back and laughed, \u201cOkay, little brother, just hurry it up\u2026I\u2019d like to get finished and then\u2026maybe we can do some fishing\u2026just the two of us.\u201d Adam started to close the door, but stopped when Joe yelled out at him.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cFishing? You mean, just me and you?\u201d Joe stammered.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYou and I,\u201d Adam corrected, grinning.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYeah, that\u2019s what I said, me and you\u2026just the two of us?\u201d Joe said, smiling.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam rolled his eyes but laughed lightly. \u201cYou heard me\u2026just the two of us.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAdam\u2026that\u2019s great,\u201d Joe stammered as he started to get up. He\u2019d forgotten the blanket covering his nearly nude body.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhoa Joe!\u201d shouted Adam as he slammed the door.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

As he turned to leave, he could hear his little brother\u2019s high-pitched giggle and he laughed again. He had asked their father the night before if he would mind letting them take half a day off if they finished repairing the fence by lunch time and Ben, hearing that Adam had wanted to spend a little free time with his younger brother, had heartily agreed.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The two brothers worked side by side all morning. They stacked up the old broken fence posts and the ones that could be salvaged and reused, they stuck back into the holes that they dug. The cut up wire, they rolled up into a ball and after removing the new roll from the wagon, placed the balled wire in the back.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cReckon those cattle thieves rustled our steers, or do you think the cattle just tore down this fence?\u201d Little Joe questioned his brother when they stopped for a few minutes to take a break. They sat in the shade, with their backs pressed up against a tree.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam looked up, seeming to be studying the sky before he glanced at his brother. \u201cIt\u2019s awfully dry up here, Joe\u2026could be they went through the fence looking for water.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cDumb bovines,\u201d laughed Joe. \u201cThe watering hole ain\u2019t but a mile or so on the other side of that rise.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cDumb is being polite, little brother. If those steers got it in their heads that water was in that direction,\u201d Adam nodded his head beyond the fence line they had been working on and then continued. \u201cThey\u2019d go in that direction.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe shook his head and giggled. \u201cThat\u2019s why I want to raise horses instead of cattle, at least a horse can think for himself.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cJoe, even a horse has a will of his own, take Cochise for instance, remember the time that he\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAdam look,\u201d Joe pointed to the horizon, \u201criders,\u201d he said. \u201cYou know them?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Both Adam and Joe rose to their feet. Adam shaded his eyes with his hands and stared at the approaching men. There were four riders that he could count.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cCan\u2019t tell, they\u2019re too far away.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam, hearing horses behind them, spun around quickly, there were four more riders approaching them from behind.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cGet your rifle!\u201d shouted Adam quickly as he made a run for the wagon.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

He and Joe stopped abruptly when the men began shooting in front of them to block their paths.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t move!\u201d shouted one man who maneuvered his horse between the brothers and their wagon where their rifles and gun belts lay in the back.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam froze and placed his arm across Joe\u2019s chest to keep his brother from continuing.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cBe still, Joe,\u201d he muttered.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

He raised his head and looked at the man and then around at the circle that the other riders had made around Joe and himself. The circle of horses trapped them and Adam sensed immediately they were in trouble.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhat do you want?\u201d he asked of one who seemed to be in charge.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The man nudged his horse forward, causing Adam to take a step to the side. The man had managed to wedge his mount between the two brothers, separating them. His horse moved his hindquarters toward Joe and the boy was forced into stepping even further away.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cTie up the kid,\u201d the man ordered.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Before Joe could gather his thoughts, two men dismounted, starting towards him. From behind him, Joe could hear the buzz of the rope and then felt the coarseness of the braided twine as it wrapped itself about his shoulders, pinning his arms to his side. He tried to fight off the two men but the third, the one holding the rope, backed up his horse, tightening the rope that much more. Joe was pulled to the ground and dragged several paces. The movement left him on his chest with his arms pinned to his sides. He felt the knees of one man, press into the small of his back, causing him to groan. The second man grabbed his wrists and wrenched his arms behind his back. The rope was pulled snugly just above the elbows where the rope was yanked tightly. Joe gave a howl of pain as the rope drew his upper arms together and forced his shoulders back in an uncomfortable position.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The man, pressing his knee into Joe\u2019s back, laughed.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHurts don\u2019t it kid?\u201d he said in a mocking voice. \u201cThis won\u2019t feel any better,\u201d he warned as he tied the rope around Joe\u2019s wrists and then grabbed the boy\u2019s ankles, pulling them upward, then wrapping the rope about Joe\u2019s legs and securing them to his wrists; thus leaving Joe hog-tied and face down in the dirt.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam glared at the man sitting on the horse who snickered at the sight of the boy on the ground. He had tried to push his way around the man and beast, but with no effort, for the man was constantly moving his horse, hampering Adam\u2019s efforts.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYou can\u2019t help him, Cartwright, so stop trying. You just do as you\u2019re told, and the kid won\u2019t get hurt,\u201d the man said.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWho are you and how do you know my name?\u201d demanded Adam, his dark angry eyes and never leaving the man\u2019s face except to glance occasionally at his brother who lay pinned to the ground.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cName makes no difference, and how I happen to know who you are, is easy, everyone hereabouts knows the Cartwrights,\u201d barked the man. \u201cTie his hands and put them both in the back of the wagon,\u201d he ordered his men. He turned again to Adam. \u201cWe\u2019re goin\u2019 to take a little ride. Just remember Cartwright, the boy\u2019s life is in your hands, make one wrong move and he\u2019s dead.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam stood without moving as another man tied his wrists behind his back and then shoved him toward the wagon. When Adam glanced at the wagon, the ball of wire had been removed and placed on the ground. He watched with growing fear as three men grabbed Joe by his bound arms and legs and carried him to the back of the wagon where they unceremoniously dropped him face down onto the hard planks. His heart hammered deep within his chest when Joe cried out from the pain and then turned tear filled eyes up at him.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHang on Joe,\u201d Adam whispered.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhere are they taking us?\u201d Joe whispered in return.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cShut up!\u201d snarled one man who had climbed into the wagon with them. He jabbed Joe in the middle of his back with the butt of his rifle and glared at Adam.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe gritted his teeth to the pain and clamped his mouth shut to muffle the sound. A lone tear rolled silently down from the corner of his eye as he glanced once more at his brother.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam could see the fear that etched itself into his brother\u2019s expression and he tried, pleading with his eyes, to send the boy a voiceless message of reassurance. Joe took a deep breath, the jarring about of the wagon intensified the pain in his arms and legs, but he forced himself to smile slightly at his older brother.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam counted eight men, including the one who deemed himself the leader. He had no idea who the men where or what they wanted with the two of them. Looking down at his brother, Adam knew they were in big trouble; Joe would be no help to either of them if the chance arose, he couldn\u2019t even help himself, tied the way he was.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The afternoon wore on and the day grew hotter and hotter with each passing mile. They had been moving constantly for more than two hours, estimated Adam as he watched the passing landscape, trying to get his bearings. The soft pastureland had turned to rock and the going was getting rougher and rougher as they made their way higher into the mountains.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

He recognized the landmarks around him and knew that they were headed in the direction of Eagle\u2019s Nest. Once there, Adam knew that there would be a thousand hiding places in which the men could hold out. The rocks formed blind and boxed canyons on either side of the highest peak and a man could stay hidden away for weeks without ever being found. Game was plentiful, as was water and positioned just right, a lookout could spy an approaching man on horseback, long before the rider was aware that he was being watched.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam\u2019s attention was drawn to his brother, for Joe had moaned weakly. Joe was sweating profusely and from the grimaces on his face, Adam knew that the pain in his arms and legs was reaching near unbearable. Joe had stopped struggling against the ropes long ago, for which Adam was thankful. He had tried to whisper to his brother to just relax, but the man sitting in the wagon with them had struck him in the back of the head with his fist. Since, Adam had kept silent, fearing that one of the men might take their wrath out on his brother. He hoped they would be stopping soon, Joe needed water, and he confessed silently, so did he. His mouth was dry and felt as if cotton had been shoved down his throat and knew that Joe must be feeling as badly if not more so, than he.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

It was as if the man driving the wagon had read his thoughts, for suddenly the wagon lurched to a stop. The boss man rode to the back of the wagon and pulled his horse to a halt.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cGet out,\u201d he ordered Adam.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam glanced quickly at Joe and then scooted on his behind to the end of the wagon. \u201cCould use a little help,\u201d he said in a tight voice.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cJack, you heard the man, help him down,\u201d ordered the boss.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Jack, the man who had been riding guard, stepped over Joe and reached down, grabbed Adam by the back of the shirt and all but shoved him out of the wagon. Adam turned and gave the man a daring look, which only served to get his face back handed. Adam\u2019s head snapped backward and he staggered a step or two.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cLay off!\u201d shouted the boss.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThen tell him to keep his dirty looks to himself!\u201d growled Jack, who gave the boss a go-to-hell look.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Boss pulled his pistol from his holster, and before anyone was fully aware of his actions, pointed and fired the gun at Jack. The sharp sound of the bullet caused Adam to jerk to his right, out of the way. Jack staggered and slumped to the floor of the wagon, landing crossways on top of Joe.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe screamed out in agony as the weight of the man landed onto his back, pulling on his shoulders. The scream sent panic into the team of horses, which bolted into a run.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam watched in horror as the team of chestnut bays fled, tossing the wagon from side to side along the pitted path between the rocks. Joe\u2019s cries could be heard in the distance as the horses rounded a bend in the road.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cStop those animals!\u201d the boss screamed in fury.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Two riders gouged their mounts into a full run and took off after the wayward team. It was several long agonizing minutes before Adam saw the men return, leading the horses.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

As soon as they stopped, Adam ran to the back of the wagon to check on his brother. Jack had been tossed from the wagon during the wild ride, but Joe had somehow managed to remain where he was. His face was ashen and Adam could see the fear written in each fine line and saw how his brother\u2019s body trembled.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAre you alright?\u201d Adam asked.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe nodded his head. \u201cWater\u2026please,\u201d he begged.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam looked up at the boss man and the man nodded his head. \u201cPete, untie Cartwright\u2019s hands and let him give the boy some water.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Pete slid from his horse and quickly had Adam\u2019s hands free. He tossed the canteen to the oldest Cartwright and Adam quickly jumped into the back of the wagon. Carefully, to avoid hurting Joe, Adam turned Joe over as best he could and glancing up at the boss pulled the cork from the canteen.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cCan\u2019t I untie him, so his shoulders aren\u2019t in such a bind?\u201d Adam asked as he held the canteen to Joe\u2019s parched lips and allowed the boy to drink his fill.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNo! Just give him the water and then get out of the wagon,\u201d the boss ordered.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam turned his attention back to Joe. \u201cSorry, pal,\u201d he said softly. \u201cI know you\u2019re hurting, Joe, but try to hang on a little longer. I\u2019ll get you out of this mess\u2026somehow.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI thought I told you to give the kid some water, not carry on a conversation. That\u2019s enough, now get out of that wagon!\u201d the boss man ordered Adam.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam popped the cork back into the rim of the canteen and tossed it back to the man called Pete. With a reassuring glance down at his brother and a gentle pat on the arm, Adam climbed out of the wagon.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cJesse, you drive the team, Billy, you keep an eye on the kid. Pete, bring Jack\u2019s horse over here,\u201d the boss instructed.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

When Pete had Jack\u2019s horse ready, he handed the reins to Adam.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cMount up Cartwright.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam looked at Joe who was straining his neck trying to see what was going on behind him.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhere are we going\u2026and what about the boy?\u201d Adam questioned.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI said mount up\u2026unless you want Billy boy there to\u2026work the kid over a little\u2026it could be arranged.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam had seen Billy stand up in the back of the wagon and glanced in his direction. Billy was standing over Joe\u2019s body; the barrel of his rifle was digging into the side of Joe\u2019s head. The sight sent terror into Adam\u2019s heart and he turned dark, indignant eyes back up at the boss man.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI get the message\u2026just call off your dog!\u201d snapped Adam.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cGet on your horse, Cartwright.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The boss man made a nod of his head at Billy and Billy backed away, but not before pushing the end of the rifle down just hard enough into Joe\u2019s temple to make Joe groan. It was Adam\u2019s face that Billy watched and he grinned wickedly when he saw the fiery daggers that Adam shot at him.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam knew that the man had made the gesture just to prove to him who was in control. Adam swallowed his pride and mounted his horse. He turned to the boss.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhat do you want me to do?\u201d he questioned, still unsure of this man\u2019s motives.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll give you your instructions as we ride along,\u201d boss said to Adam.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

He turned to Billy who had moved away from Joe and to Jesse who was sitting in the wagon seat.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cTake the wagon and the boy to the hideout. Make sure he doesn\u2019t get away, Billy that\u2019s your job. The rest of you men, get back to the herd, if something should go wrong and I\u2019m not back by nightfall\u2026kill the kid.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cMove out Cartwright,\u201d issued the boss.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam gave one final glance over his shoulder at the wagon that was slowly moving in the opposite direction. Billy had sat down next to Joe and was saying something to his brother, but Adam could not make out what was being said. He glanced at the boss man and saw that he was being watched. A deep seeded anger washed over Adam.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cIf anything happens to that boy, I\u2019ll hunt you down and kill you, all of you\u2026that\u2019s a promise,\u201d snarled Adam as he nudged his mount into a trot.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The boss ignored the Cartwright\u2019s wrath and added more indignity to fuel Adam\u2019s hatred of the man by tossing back his head and laughing loudly.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The wagon bumped along the deep rutted road for another hour before finally coming to a stop. Joe twisted his head around to try to see what was going on. Billy had jumped from the back of the wagon and gone to talk to a couple of the men. In the back ground, Joe could hear the low mooing of the steers and realized that these men must have been the ones who had torn down their fencing and then had rustled their cattle.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe was in the process of trying to raise his head when he felt hands on his arms and legs. He winced when the hands pulled his body from the back of the wagon and carried him, by his ropes, over to the shade of a large overhanging boulder. He was dropped, rather than placed, on the hard rocky ground. His muffled cry when he was dropped slipped by his tightly pressed lips and the men standing over him snickered. One man managed to get in a good hard kick to his sides before walking away and leaving him groaning face down in the dust.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe was left to himself for a long time. He had begun to squirm, he needed to relieve himself but nobody would come near enough so that he might ask to be untied. He waited another half-hour and when Billy finally strolled over to him, Joe looked up into the other man\u2019s face. He hated the thoughts of having to ask this person for permission to relieve himself, but he knew if he didn\u2019t swallow his pride, it would be more damaged if he were to have an accident.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHey\u2026I gotta go\u2026mind untying my hands?\u201d Joe asked in a weak voice that he tried not to sound too pleading.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Billy snickered as he placed himself on a nearby rock and watched the boy. \u201cSay please, and I might just let you,\u201d he taunted.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe gave the man a menacing glare but when Billy only shrugged his shoulders and then rose as if to walk away, Joe took a deep breath and swallowed his pride.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cPlease,\u201d he whispered softly.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Billy stopped and turned back to Joe. \u201cWhat? I didn\u2019t hear you.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cPlease,\u201d Joe said a little louder.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s better,\u201d laughed Billy. \u201cHey, Jesse, Pete\u2026did ya hear that, the kid\u2019s gotta take a leak, reckon I should let\u2019em?\u201d asked Billy as he poked at Joe\u2019s side with the toe of his dirty boot.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Jesse walked over to stand next to Billy and in a moment, Pete joined them. Joe eyed each man cautiously. Jesse jabbed him in the leg and then laughed.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cSure, let the kid take a leak\u2026I\u2019ll watch him and make sure he don\u2019t wander off too far,\u201d Jesse offered.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cOkay, kid, you heard the man, I\u2019ll untie you, but I\u2019m keeping this rope around your legs, if ya try anything, I\u2019ll haul your butt to the ground, got that?\u201d snapped Billy.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI got it, just hurry up, will you?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Billy burst into laughter as he worked at loosening the ropes around Joe\u2019s arms and legs. When Joe felt the ropes go slack, he dropped his legs down and tried to stretch them out. They were stiff from being held in the awkward position for so long. His arms were the same way and it took Joe several long minutes before he could move comfortably enough to try to stand. Once he was on his feet, Billy tied the rope tightly around one ankle.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHurry it up kid, you\u2019ve got about two minutes to finish your business.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe swallowed the lump in his throat and feeling as if every eye in the camp were watching him, slowly he made his way to the edge of the camp and behind a boulder. He finished his business in due time. Billy had tugged gently on the end of the rope to be sure that his prisoner had not taken off.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe leaned down and using fingers that trembled, he quickly untied the knot in the rope around his leg. As soon as the rope was untied, Joe quickly tied it off to the biggest rock he could find and then took off at a run into boulders. He hadn\u2019t gotten very far when he heard the shouts of the men who were supposed to be guarding him. Joe paused just long enough to see three men sprinting toward him. He turned and fled, running as fast as his stiff sore legs would permit.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

His freedom was short lived. Billy had coiled up his rope and when he swung it out, over Joe\u2019s head, the rope slipped neatly about Joe\u2019s body. Billy stopped running and yanked with all of his might on his end of the rope. Joe was hauled backwards onto the hard ground and the wind was knocked from his lungs. He lay dazed, trying desperately to suck in large amounts of air to fill his deflated lungs. Billy was by his side in seconds, kicking and gouging Joe in the side with his boot. Joe twisted in the opposite direction, only to be kicked repeatedly in both sides by Billy\u2019s companions and then when Joe turned onto his stomach, one man stomped on his back. Joe screamed out his agony but to no avail. The three men were ruthless in their assault. It was only after Joe had stopped fighting and gave way to the blackened world that sought to claim him, did the men cease their brutality on their prisoner.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe woke several hours later. His head was pounding and when he tried to focus his eyes, and move his body, he found that he had been blindfolded as well as tied tightly. His jaws ached and Joe realized that he had been gagged as well. Fear began seeping from every pore in his body and he wondered where he was and what had happened to his older brother. He was afraid of dying\u2026and above all else, he hated the darkness that disallowed him to see the world around him. His back ached as well as his stomach and for the first time since he was a kid, he wished that his father would come for him, for he wanted nothing better than to go home.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe tried to move, but something besides the ropes were holding him down. He was unable to move his legs for his captives had spread him eagle on the hard burning sand and had staked his ankles to spikes driven into the rock. The same had been done to his arms and wrists and even under his chin where the rawhide pulled upward and back on his lower jaw, forcing his head into a very confining position. He groaned; the sand beneath his body was hot and his back felt as if it were on fire. Though he tried to stop them, Joe felt the tears that filled his eyes underneath his blindfold and knew without a doubt that they would soak through the tight cloth that covered his face.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

He felt the end of a gun barrel pressed lightly into his bare chest. \u201cYou awake kid?\u201d he heard Billy ask.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe thought about not answering his captor and for several minutes he held himself in check. When the barrel of Billy\u2019s rifle pressed deeper into his chest cavity, Joe tried to wiggle his upper body in an attempt to dislodge the gun.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAbout time,\u201d laughed Billy. \u201cEnjoy the sun, kid?\u201d he snickered. \u201cHope so, it\u2019s a long time \u2018til dark,\u201d Billy said and then strolled over to the fire where the other men had gathered to sip on cups of hot coffee.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam and the boss, whom he finally learned was named Marcus Bass, had ridden back toward town and now had stopped just on the outskirts of Virginia City.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYou understand what you are to do?\u201d quizzed Bass.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI understand, but it will never work, you\u2019ll see,\u201d Adam said in a voice laced with contempt.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYou better hope that you don\u2019t fail, it could cost you the life of that brat you call brother,\u201d snapped Bass as he glared at Adam.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhat if Morgan doesn\u2019t want to buy the cattle? I can\u2019t force the man to something that he\u2019s not interested in doing,\u201d responded Adam.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

He hadn\u2019t like Bass\u2019 plan. Selling his father\u2019s cattle, which had been stolen, to a man whom Ben had always disliked, for a price far below the market value. The idea that he\u2019d be forced into giving Morgan a bill of sale for those same steers, would never give Adam the proof he needed to prove that Bass had actually stolen the cattle and then forced him, against his will to sell the herd. Adam seethed with anger\u2026if Bass could somehow pull this deal off; he might easily put Ben Cartwright in a state of financial destruction. Adam knew that Ben could overcome the financial strain, but at what cost, Adam wondered.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cMove,\u201d ordered Bass as he nodded with his head.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam tapped lightly at his mount\u2019s sides and slowly the pair moved down the street. Adam\u2019s eyes searched for a familiar face. He remembered his father saying that he and Hoss would be in town sometime today, and Adam\u2019s eyes flickered from one side of the street to the other in search of his father and brother or their horses. Any hope of finding either was short lived as Bass ordered him to stop in front of Morgan\u2019s office.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cGet down Cartwright, and remember\u2026I left Billy in charge of your kid brother.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam remembered and he remembered the fear that shone in Joe\u2019s expressive eyes when the wagon in which he was being carried off in, had moved away in the opposite direction.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam took a deep breath and let it out slowly. Bass pushed opened the office door and stepped back so that Adam could enter in front of him. Morgan sat at his desk and casually glanced up when he saw Adam Cartwright enter the room, followed by a tall dark stranger.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYou really are brave, aren\u2019t you? I\u2019m mean, as long as you have a man tied down,\u201d groaned Joe.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Billy had removed the gag and the blindfold from Joe\u2019s face. He had begun to grow bored with just having to sit around in the hot sun. The cattle had become thirsty and had started milling around so the others had gone down to the makeshift corral to keep an eye on the unsettled herd, least they decide to bolt through the crudely built fence that kept them tightly corralled within the boxed canyon.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Billy planted his boot onto the top of Joe\u2019s exposed stomach. Joe felt the pressure but forced himself not to let his tormentor see the fear that Joe felt deep within. Billy had spent the last several minutes kicking and gouging at him with either his booted foot or the barrel of his rifle. His sides showed the bruised areas where Billy had kicked him, his flesh was inflamed by the sun\u2019s hot rays that cooked his skin, and Joe felt sure that if he was not allowed up soon, he would die lying on the rocks roasting in the late afternoon sun.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHow good are you at fighting a man when that man can fight back?\u201d Joe taunted his captor.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cShut up!\u201d snapped Billy.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYou yellow, Billy?\u201d Joe dared to ask the man.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

It was the wrong thing to say for Billy dropped to his knees and began punching Joe in the face. Almost immediately, Joe\u2019s lip busted open and began to bleed. Billy\u2019s fist slammed into Joe\u2019s nose that spurted blood all over the attacker. Billy had raised his fist for one more blow when he felt his arm jerked upward.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s enough, Bill\u2026he\u2019s practically unconscious now,\u201d growled Jesse as he pulled Billy to his feet.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cServes the brat right, spouting off like he was,\u201d stormed Billy as he kicked out at Joe.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The tip of his pointed boot caught Joe in the lower side, and though unconscious, he grunted painfully as Billy strolled away.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWell, Adam Cartwright,\u201d Morgan greeted as he rose from the chair he\u2019d been sitting in. He extended his arm and offered Adam his hand.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Reluctantly, Adam accepted and shook hands with the man.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cTo what do I owe this visit?\u201d Morgan chanted, his eyes taking in the tall stranger who accompanied the eldest Cartwright son.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cMr. Morgan, this is\u2026Marcus Bass\u2026hmm\u2026\u201d began Adam.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThe Cartwright\u2019s new foreman,\u201d supplied Bass as he gave Adam a warning glare.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cMr. Bass,\u201d Morgan extended the same courtesy to the stranger as he had to Adam.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m here about the cattle that you offered to buy from my father\u2026he\u2019s hmm\u2026changed his mind,\u201d Adam said flatly.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHe\u2019s changed his mind? My, my, I find that hard to believe. May I ask why?\u201d Morgan asked as he rounded his desk and went back to sit down in his chair. He leaned back and tapped the ends of his fingers together lightly and studied Ben Cartwright\u2019s oldest son.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cCall it a change of heart, I suppose,\u201d Adam explained.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

He had no intentions of explaining to this man his real cause for wanting to sell the stolen cattle, which in truth, if he sold them, then they weren\u2019t really stolen. It was getting complicated.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHow much?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cExcuse me?\u201d stammered Adam. He\u2019d been caught off guard by Morgan\u2019s abrupt question.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHow much\u2026for the cattle\u2026perhaps I should ask, how many?\u201d Morgan repeated himself.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam glanced at Bass. The expression on Cartwright\u2019s face had not gone unnoticed by Morgan.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cTwo hundred head of prime beef,\u201d Bass informed the other man.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThat many?\u201d Morgan pondered aloud.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAnd we\u2019re ready to let you have them below market price\u2026say $15 a head?\u201d Bass stated to Morgan.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Morgan was surprised; he\u2019d only asked Ben Cartwright for half that many steers. Morgan studied both Adam and his friend, Bass. Something wasn\u2019t right, Adam Cartwright would never let another man, let alone his foreman, talk up a deal that pertained to Ponderosa business, but he kept silent, wondering where all of this would lead.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cMarket price is $20 a head\u2026$15 a head is quite a savings. Let\u2019s see now, that\u2019s\u2026\u201d Morgan began trying to quickly figure the cost in his head.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201c$3,000,\u201d Bass said quickly.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Morgan looked up, first at Bass and then Adam. Adam met his gaze with a steady one of his own. Instantly, Morgan knew that the young man was trying to tell him something by the expression on his face, but what, he pondered.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAdam?\u201d he said.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s right sir, that\u2019s the price my father said to agree on,\u201d Adam said.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Two hundred heads of prime beef, Adam had no idea that they had been missing that many steers. He felt his repulsion for the man standing next to him, grow even deeper than before.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThen $3,000 it will be. I will write you out a draft on\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNO!\u201d Bass all but shouted. \u201cI mean\u2026Adam\u2026you said your father wanted cash, remember?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam\u2019s eyes narrowed, \u201cCertainly, Pa said cash only, Mr. Morgan, if you don\u2019t mind?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNot at all, Adam, not at such a good savings.\u201d Morgan pulled open a drawer from his desk and withdrew a leather moneybag. He untied the thin straps and counted out the bills required.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI think this is correct,\u201d he said as he counted the money so that Adam could see and placed it into Adam\u2019s hand. \u201cNow, all I need from you is a bill of sale.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cOf course, I have that right here,\u201d Bass withdrew the paper from his vest pocket and opened it for Morgan before handing the paper to him.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Morgan took the paper and glanced over in Adam\u2019s direction. He noted the dark eyes that spoke volumes without voicing a word. Morgan dipped the tip of his pen into the ink and gently tapped the end on the rim of the inkwell.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

His hand stopped halfway to the paper and he glanced again at Adam. \u201cYou\u2019re positive this is what you want?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cGive me pen so I can sign it!\u201d Adam snapped and grabbed the pen from Morgan\u2019s fingers.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

He quickly scribbled his name on the document and then tossed the paper and pen across the table to Morgan.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cLet\u2019s go!\u201d Adam barked at Bass as he picked up the money and shoved it into his pocket.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam turned toward the door and flung it opened, marching out into the late afternoon sun and started for his horse. He was already swinging his leg across the saddle by the time that Bass caught up to him.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWait!\u201d shouted Morgan, bringing Adam to a sudden stop. \u201cWhat about my cattle?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll have our men bring them out to your place. Adam here can give them directions, can\u2019t you Adam?\u201d Bass called out.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYeah, I\u2019ll tell them how to get there. Morgan,\u201d Adam said and tipped his hand to the rim of his hat.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

They rode slowly out of town, side by side. Adam kept his eyes trained straight in front of him, his mind busy with troubling thoughts of his younger brother. He was totally unaware that from the other side of the street, his father had been watching from the window of the sheriff\u2019s office where he and Hoss had gone to report the broken fence and the missing cattle.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s strange,\u201d muttered Ben.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhat is?\u201d Hoss asked, turning his attention to his father.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Hoss dipped his head and peered out the window trying to see what it was that his father thought was so strange.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAdam, he just rode past with some fellow.\u201d Ben scratched his head. \u201cHe\u2019s suppose to be mending fences with Little Joe and then they were going to do some fishing, wonder why he was in town?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cMaybe he needed more supplies?\u201d offered Hoss.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNo, he would have gone to the house first, it\u2019s much closer and he knows that we have everything he\u2019d need right there\u2026something else strange too, he wasn\u2019t riding Sport,\u201d Ben said as he glanced out the window for the second time.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s odd, sure \u2018nough,\u201d muttered Hoss. \u201cWonder why short shanks wasn\u2019t with\u2019em?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t know, but I aim on finding out, come on Hoss.\u201d Ben grabbed his hat and shoved it down on his head. \u201cSee ya, Roy,\u201d he called as he made his way out of the office.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

He and Hoss were just about to mount up when someone called out his name. Ben stopped and turned toward the voice.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cGreat,\u201d he muttered in a low voice.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Hoss glanced up to see Harry Morgan hurrying down the street toward him. Hoss looked over at his father and saw the aggravation on his face. He started to speak, but Morgan beat him to it.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI must say Ben, I\u2019m surprised at you!\u201d Morgan said with a wide grin on his face.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAt me, why?\u201d Ben questioned as he mounted his horse.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cBecause of your change of heart. I know we\u2019ve had our differences in the past, but this\u2026this is most gracious on your part,\u201d smiled Morgan.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cMorgan, I\u2019m sort of in a hurry, if you don\u2019t mind,\u201d Ben said as he forced Buck to back away from the hitching post. Ben nudged the animal\u2019s side and slowly Buck walked down the street.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Morgan was not to be put off and he walked quickly beside of Ben. \u201cBen\u2026Ben\u2026about these steers that Adam just sold me\u2026I wanted to tell you thanks, that\u2019s all\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben jerked back on Buck\u2019s reins. \u201cAdam sold you some cattle\u2026what the hell are you talking about?\u201d Ben demanded in a deep voice.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Morgan spent the next several minutes telling Ben about Adam\u2019s arrival into his office with his new foreman, and the below market price he\u2019d just paid Ben\u2019s son for two hundred heads of prime beef.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben\u2019s eyes grew smaller and the color changed from chocolate brown to ebony. \u201cI don\u2019t have a new foreman!\u201d bellowed Ben, \u201cand I did NOT authorize the sale of any cattle, let alone to YOU!\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cPa, calm down!\u201d Hoss said, grabbing Ben\u2019s arm and pulling him away from the other man.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben had stepped up to Morgan and stood nose to nose with him. \u201cIf this is some kind of joke, I don\u2019t find it funny!\u201d shouted Ben.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s not a joke\u2026I have a bill of sale!\u201d Morgan shouted back at the rancher.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

He\u2019d cursed himself for having the audacity to approach Ben Cartwright and out of the goodness of his heart, try to thank the man, he should have known better, he told himself.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cLet me see that!\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben grabbed the folded paper out of Morgan\u2019s hand and unfolded it. He could barely believe what he was seeing. It was Adam\u2019s signature on the paper stating that Morgan had purchased two hundred head of cattle for the sum of $3,000.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Eyes glaring, he handed the paper back to Morgan and turned around to Hoss. \u201cCome on Hoss, I want a word with that older brother of yours.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Bass signaled for Adam to stop.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cGive me the money,\u201d he ordered as he stretched out his opened hand.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam studied the man\u2019s face. He\u2019d have to think of something fast, if he planned on getting Little Joe back safely, for he had no doubt that once Bass had the money in his hand, they were as good as dead. There was no way that the man would allow either of them to live, not with all they knew.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNot until we get back to the camp. I want to make sure that Joe is alright,\u201d he dared to say.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cSuit yourself,\u201d Bass said, surprising Adam. \u201cI have some men around this bend, I\u2019ll have them move those steers out while we go on to the camp.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Bass rode off, leaving Adam behind. He knew the man would not make an escape, he\u2019d already seen how devoted the man was to the kid. No, Adam Cartwright was filled to the brim with loyalty; he\u2019d never abandon his brother. What a shame, thought Bass, to kill a man like that, but he was left with no other choice, he\u2019d have to kill them both.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

They stopped once more, at the edge of a boxed canyon. Adam stared in wonder at the cattle that milled around. He knew that they had been loosing cattle here and there, but he had no idea that the loss had amounted to this many. Even hearing Bass tell Morgan that they had two hundred steers to sale, seemed nothing compared to actually seeing the two hundred heads.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

He waited while Bass spoke to his men. Again his thoughts turned to his younger brother and he dared to imagine what the boy might have suffered in his absence.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cUntie him!\u201d shouted Billy to Jesse as he stomped around, angered by the constant taunting of his prisoner. \u201cI ain\u2019t afraid of no man, much less a smart mouth boy! I\u2019ll show him\u2026hurry it up, untie him and then get out of here, both of you!\u201d he ranted.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI can handle this brat easily\u2026I don\u2019t need the likes of the two of you standing around watching\u2026get down to that herd!\u201d he order the other two men.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe knew that his only hope was in getting free of the ropes that bound him to the ground. Unless he could get to his feet, he\u2019d die staked to the hot stones beneath him. He slowly and deliberately took his time to get to his feet. His body was battered and bruised from Billy\u2019s constant kicking and jabbing at him, and he was stiff from being immobile for so many hours. He got to his knees and rubbed at the soreness in his hands and along his wrists where the rope had burned into his flesh. He flung his hands a time or two to force the blood into his fingers.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cGet on your feet!\u201d shouted Billy.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

He glanced around; Jesse had taken off with Pete to start moving the cattle like Bass had instructed them to do earlier, before he had ridden into town with the other Cartwright. He laughed; he was alone with just the kid. This was what he\u2019d been waiting for all day. He despised the kid for reasons known only to himself and it would give him great satisfaction to kill the boy, in his own time and in his own way.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Billy unfastened his sidearm and tossed it to the ground. This was one fight he\u2019d fight fair, or die trying. Again he laughed, the boy was a weakling, he out weighed the boy by thirty or forty pounds he surmised, and he was taller, thicker and in better shape than the kid was. Having been staked out for more than four hours had clearly taken its toll on the boy. Billy rubbed his hands together.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cLet\u2019s get on with it,\u201d he dared Joe.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe got to his feet at last and right away, Billy began circling his prey. They walked in a full circle before Billy threw his first punch, which whizzed passed the end of Joe\u2019s chin. Joe ducked and then threw a punch of his own when Billy staggered a step or two toward him. Joe\u2019s punch clipped Billy\u2019s chin and Billy\u2019s head snapped back.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

When he\u2019d regained his footing, he took a step back and laughed. \u201cSo, there\u2019s still some fight left in you!\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

He dove at Joe\u2019s mid-section and plowed into the younger boy, knocking him to the ground. Billy held on to Joe and tumbled down with him. He reared back his fist and pounded it into Joe\u2019s face. Again and again he delivered blow after blow until Joe was beaten near senseless.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe had been weaker than he had thought and had only been able to hold his arms outward attempting to ward off the other man\u2019s punches. He\u2019d gotten in a couple of ill-fated jabs to Billy\u2019s face, but Billy had been so incensed that he\u2019d barely felt the blows.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe was tiring quickly and he knew it was only a matter of time before Billy moved in for the kill. He tried tossing the man over his head, but his legs refused to obey his brain\u2019s silent commands.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

One more blow to the side of Joe\u2019s head rendered him defenseless. He lay dazed, trying to collect his thoughts. Billy allowed himself time to catch his breath. As Joe lay gasping for every breath he struggled to take, Billy got to his feet and grabbed his pistol from his holster.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cTime for you to die, kid,\u201d snarled Billy.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe raised his head enough that he could see Billy standing over him. He tried to scramble away, but he was too weak. Billy took a step closer to the frightened boy and pointed the gun at Joe.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe swallowed hard; his throat was thick. He heard the cocking of the trigger and heard Billy laughing; he closed his eyes and the last thought that ran through his mind before he heard the blast from the pistol, was of his family and how much he loved all of them.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe heard someone call out Billy\u2019s name and then his head hit the ground; he lay motionless until he felt the weight of the body that toppled onto him. Shocked, he opened his eyes and found himself staring into the blank face of his tormentor. Instantly, Joe shoved the body off him and turned toward the ruckus that was taking place just a few feet away from him.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

He was surprised to see Adam and the boss man fighting. Not sure where they had come from, when, or who had shot Billy, Joe felt a pang of relief wash over him. He tried to get to his feet but was still too weak, his body battered and the piercing pain shot throughout his whole being when he tried to move.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

His eyes found Billy\u2019s gun laying just a few feet from him and he forced himself to crawl along on his bare stomach until he reached the pistol. Sounds of the fight forced him into turning; Adam had just flung the other man over his body and had turned to face the man, ready to lock arms. The boss man whirled onto his front side and hunkered down. Joe saw him take a deep breath and then charge into Adam, using his body weight to knock Adam backwards and onto his own back.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The boss hammered at Adam\u2019s face. Blood spurted from his brother\u2019s nose, but Adam was able to grab the man\u2019s fist. A power struggle resumed as the two men pushed against the other, both slowly rising to their feet. The boss was first to break free of Adam\u2019s vise like grip and when he did, he swung out, clipping Adam on the end of his chin. Adam, dazed from the powerful blow, faltered and staggered backward, crumbling to the ground.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The other man laughed and glanced over his shoulder. He found what he was looking for, and quickly he grabbed his gun, which had been knocked free of his hand minutes before. He aimed the pistol down, pointing it at Adam and pulled back on the trigger.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNO!\u201d screamed Joe, who held Billy\u2019s pistol in his own trembling hand.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe staggered to his feet. The boss stopped, turned toward Joe and quick as a flash pointed the gun in his direction.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe\u2019s eyes met the blue eyes of the man facing him, and when he fired his gun, he had no idea that he had struck the man in the center of his chest. The other gun went off. Joe heard the whiz of the man\u2019s bullet as it buzzed by his head. He watched, transfixed as the boss man\u2019s legs folded beneath the weight of his body and crumbled to the ground.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe stared, wide-eye in horror at what he had done. His heart pounded deep beneath his breast and his stomach began to churn at the sight of the blood that seeped from the hole in the man\u2019s chest.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe turned away from the sight. Tears filled his eyes as the hot bile boiled to the surface from the pits of his stomach and he began retching violently, time after time. He was hardly aware of the hands that tenderly held his head or of the person who knelt beside of him.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

When he\u2019d emptied his stomach of it\u2019s contents, he was only faintly aware that someone pressed a cool wet cloth into his hand and ordered him to wipe his mouth. The damp cloth felt good against his raging skin and brought him slowly back to his senses.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

He turned to look into the dark compassionate eyes of his brother. Joe\u2019s chin began to quiver, his eyes filled again with unshed tears until he blinked and then they rolled gently down the front of his face. Adam\u2019s hands clutched his younger brother\u2019s shoulders and Joe, beyond going, gave him self over to the tender touch and fell, weeping into his brother\u2019s caring embrace.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI killed him\u2026I killed him, Adam,\u201d sobbed Joe.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI know Joe\u2026but it\u2019s going to be alright,\u201d whispered Adam.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

His arms had entwined themselves about his brother\u2019s heaving shoulders and his fingers were laced amid the thick curls at the base of his brother\u2019s hairline as he held Joe against his breast.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI didn\u2019t want\u2026to kill him\u2026but he was\u2026going to shoot\u2026you,\u201d wept Joe.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI know, Joe\u2026you had no other choice\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cBut I didn\u2019t want to kill\u2026him. Adam\u2026I killed a man\u2026I\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe\u2019s words were lost in his tears as he sobbed out his sorrow while clinging tightly to the only support he could find, his brother.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam\u2019s lips were pressed tightly into a fine straight line. He knew that Joe had been forced into killing Bass. The man had pointed a loaded gun at him, had Joe not fired when he had, Joe would be the one lying in a pool of bright red blood, not Bass. Somehow he had to make his brother understand that.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cJoe, listen to me buddy,\u201d pleaded Adam. \u201cI know how you feel\u2026honest. I remember the first time I was faced with having to kill a man. I remember how it felt, knowing that I had actually ended a man\u2019s life, but believe me buddy, you had to do it.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe had momentarily stopped his weeping and appeared to be listening to his brother\u2019s words. However he made no move to remove himself from the protecting arms of his older brother.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cJoe, just like I did, you had to make a choice, it was either kill or be killed. If you hadn\u2019t shot him when you did, Joe, you\u2019d be dead now\u2026and so would I. Bass wouldn\u2019t have let me live, not after killing you. Don\u2019t you see, little buddy, he was planning on killing us both anyway. Joe, you saved my life, pal, mine and your own,\u201d explained Adam.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

He could still feel the tremors that surged through his brother\u2019s body. Joe pulled back from Adam enough to see his face.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYou ain\u2019t just saying all of this to make me feel better\u2026are you?\u201d he stammered.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam met Joe\u2019s intense gaze and he smiled a tiny smile. \u201cNo, I wouldn\u2019t lie to you, Joe. You really didn\u2019t have another way out, except to kill the man.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam brushed the stray curls back from Joe\u2019s sweat dampened brow with one hand.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI suppose you\u2019re right, but\u2026I\u2026can\u2019t believe I killed a man.\u201d Joe\u2019s chin quivered and he grasped Adam\u2019s vest with trembling fingers.\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cI hope I never have to kill another man, Adam\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cSo do I Joe, because it never gets any easier. I\u2019ve killed when I\u2019ve had no other choice, but it\u2019s always the same, I get sick to my stomach, just like you did. It makes me mad that men put one another into positions where they are forced to protect themselves or their families with guns and with killing\u2026I don\u2019t know, Joe, maybe someday men will find a way to settle their differences in a more civilized manner instead of with guns.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe wiped away the tears that lingered on his face and when Adam handed him his handkerchief, Joe blew his nose.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI hope so too, Adam. I\u2019ve killed one man, even if he deserved to die, I didn\u2019t relish being the one to make him.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI know Joe. I wish I could have spared you all this pain and guilt\u2026I wish I\u2019d been the one, instead of you\u2026if I could have\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAdam, stop. It was bound to happen, sooner or later; even you said that, yesterday. Don\u2019t you remember, you said, \u2018sooner or later the day will come when a man will force you into a shoot out, and there will be no way out of it, except to kill or be killed.\u2019\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n

\u201cThat day came sooner than either of us expected, little brother\u2026I\u2019m sorry about that,\u201d Adam whispered softly. The look on his little brother\u2019s face did nothing to hide the fact of what Joe was feeling.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam cupped the back of his hand around the base of Joe\u2019s neck and pulled the boy back into a hug, where he held him for several moments.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhat say we go home and get you into bed?\u201d he muttered into Joe\u2019s ear.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

He felt Joe nod his head in reply. Adam helped Joe to his feet, when they turned, they were surprised to see their father and Hoss ride into camp. Behind them was Roy Coffee, the sheriff and about a dozen men.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben slid quickly from his horse and rushed to his son\u2019s sides. \u201cAdam, Joe\u2026are you both alright?\u201d he asked.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

He took in the discoloration on both of his son\u2019s faces, the dried blood, the cuts and scrapes and when Joe\u2019s legs started to give way, Ben reached out to support the wobbly boy. He glanced at Adam with eyes full of concern and unanswered questions.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cCome on, let\u2019s get you both home. Joe, I want you in the bed,\u201d Ben instructed as he helped Joe over to the wagon. \u201cEasy now, just lie back, and we\u2019ll have you comfortable in no time. Adam, you too, in you go,\u201d ordered Ben.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam didn\u2019t bicker with his father, but did as instructed and climbed in next to his brother. Hoss had fashioned a bed or sorts from their bedrolls so that his brothers could be as comfortable as possible on the ride back to the ranch.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

When both sons were settled, Ben tied Buck to the back of the wagon and crawled into the back with them. Hoss tied his horse as well and jumped into the seat.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll drive,\u201d he called back to his family. \u201cYou two just sit easy,\u201d he gave them one of his winning smiles. The relief of having his family together again showed in the glimmer of his sky blue eyes.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

They had only traveled a few miles when Ben noticed that Joe had fallen to sleep. He was leaning against his brother. Adam moved just enough to be able to lower Joe\u2019s head into his lap and then turned, smiling at his father.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThe kid\u2019s had a rough day, Pa,\u201d he said in a low voice.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI can see that, in fact I can see the results of his day all over his body, and yours,\u201d Ben observed sadly.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHow\u2019d you find us Pa?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHmm\u2026believe it or not, it was Harry Morgan, the rascal,\u201d Ben laughed to himself.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cMorgan, how?\u201d questioned Adam.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI saw you ride out of town with that stranger, Bass, Harry said his name was. I suspected that something was wrong, I just didn\u2019t know what it was. Hoss and I were on our way to follow you when Harry stopped me and thanked me for selling him two hundred heads of our prime beef. I thought the man had lost his mind. Then he showed me the bill of sale you gave him and when he said that you told him Bass was our new foreman, I knew for sure something was mighty wrong, so Roy got some men together and we trailed you. We found the herd and the men who were guarding it; they didn\u2019t give us any trouble after Roy explained to them that cattle rustling was a hanging offense. We didn\u2019t tell them that in truth, you sold those cattle, in a legal and binding contract, I might add.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben stopped to gather his thoughts.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI didn\u2019t know where Joe was until we got to the camp.\u201d Ben\u2019s words were beginning to falter as he thought about all that his youngest son had been put through.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThey kept him tied up, they knew I wouldn\u2019t do anything to endanger his life\u2026I only wish that\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAdam, you did all you could to keep your brother safe. I couldn\u2019t have asked more of you, son. I want you to know how proud I am of you\u2026of both of you,\u201d Ben said as he gently rested his hand on Adam\u2019s arm.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cJoe\u2019s going to have a hard time dealing with having killed Bass. He only did what he had to do, Pa\u2026you could very well have lost two sons tonight, if Joe hadn\u2019t killed that man,\u201d Adam explained.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI realize that, son. And yes, Joe will have a hard time dealing with this, but he knows that we\u2019re here for him\u2026now and always. And son, I have no doubts that he\u2019ll be forced into having to kill again, someday, somewhere and for the same reasons, either kill or be killed.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHow old were you, Pa\u2026when you killed your first man?\u201d Adam asked unexpectedly.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhew\u2026that was many years ago son. But I remember it like it was yesterday, it\u2019s something that a man never forgets. I was about twenty, I was at sea, with your grandfather and pirates attacked us. I had to shoot a man, he came at me with a saber,\u201d Ben paused and took a deep breath, letting it out slowly.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI guess I was luckier than most, I was twenty-two,\u201d admitted Adam. \u201cRemember, we were in Carson City, at the bank, when those robbers came in. I can still remember the frightened look on Little Joe\u2019s face when that man grabbed him and held a gun to his temple.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben could see his son\u2019s hand begin to tremble as he gently fingered the curls on Joe\u2019s head. When Adam looked up, Ben could see the shine of tears that his son forbid to fall.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019d have killed that man a hundred times over if I could have, for what he did to Joe that day,\u201d whispered Adam in a thick voice. \u201cOf the men I\u2019ve had to kill, he\u2019s the one I\u2019ve regretted the least.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI understand, Adam. I regret that Joe is so young and yet has had to experience something that some men twice his age, have yet to endure,\u201d Ben concluded.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cSeventeen years old for what\u2026three weeks? He\u2019s man for sure now, Pa\u2026killing Bass took away Joe\u2019s youth\u2026and part of his innocence\u2026for that I can allow myself to hate the man,\u201d Adam said sorrowfully.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAdam, don\u2019t waste your time hating Bass\u2026it could have been anyone, he just happened along at the wrong time\u2026for Joe I mean. Not too many men in this day and time have lived without having killed someone, for some reason\u2026it\u2019s almost a part of life. Hopefully, someday, that will all be changed, but until then, we live with it. Bass was an outlaw, he lived by the gun\u2026that was his choice\u2026and he died by the gun\u2026that too was his choice\u2026not Joe\u2019s. And I\u2026\u201d Ben stopped mid-sentence.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cJoseph, I didn\u2019t know you were awake son,\u201d Ben said as he smiled down at his son. \u201cWe\u2019re almost home and then you can\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe pulled himself into a sitting position and glanced at his father, then Adam and back to Ben. \u201cDid you mean what you just said?\u201d he asked.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben looked puzzled.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAbout Bass living by the gun and dying by the gun?\u201d Joe questioned.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYes, I meant it. Men like Bass who make breaking the law their way of life, know that some day they may very well die in much the same manner as they live. That\u2019s their decision to make son, why?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI just wanted to know, that\u2019s all.\u201d Joe dropped his head.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

They had reached the house, and Ben jumped from the back of the wagon where he had been sitting with his sons. Adam followed and waited while Ben helped Joe down. As Joe stood to his feet, he glanced up at his father. Ben noted the accumulation of tears that welled in Joe\u2019s hazel eyes.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhat\u2019s wrong, son?\u201d Ben whispered as he pulled Joe into his arms.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

He could feel Joe\u2019s arms slide around his waist and squeeze his mid-section. Adam gave his father a wink and walked away, nodding his head to Hoss who followed him into the house.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cJoseph?\u201d Ben murmured.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m just glad to be home, that\u2019s all, Pa,\u201d Joe muttered. He pulled back and looked up at his father. \u201cWhen I got up this morning\u2026I never gave a thought to the fact that today\u2026I might have died\u2026or that Adam could have been killed\u2026or that I would end the day by taking the life a man I didn\u2019t even know.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben heard the catch in his son\u2019s voice and he tightened his arms a bit more.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe leaned his head down on his father\u2019s chest. \u201cLife is a mystery, isn\u2019t it, Pa? I understand now what you mean when you tell me to live today as if today was the last day of my life\u2026you know\u2026it almost was. I love you, Pa,\u201d whispered Joe, \u201cI haven\u2019t said that in a long time, but I want you to know that I do.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben swallowed the lump that had thickened his throat. \u201cI love you too, Joe\u2026you just don\u2019t know how much I truly do.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHey, you two going to stand out here all night or what?\u201d Adam called from the doorway.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNo Adam,\u201d Ben laughed as he guided Joe toward the house. \u201cI think we\u2019ll come inside, I believe Little Joe is just about ready to drop. Hoss, help me take him upstairs. Come on you little scamp, bedtime\u2026and we need to tend to these cuts and bruises too.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAw Pa\u2026I\u2019m fine, really,\u201d Joe muttered, but he didn\u2019t resist when his father and Hoss took his arms and gently guided him upstairs.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

They had Joe in bed in a matter of minutes. He was long asleep by the time Ben finished bathing his blistered, battered and bruised body. Ben covered his sleeping son with the blanket that he pulled from the foot of the bed.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe slept through the night, the next day and far into the second night before he woke. His eyes had swelled some, his lip had been stitched by Doc Martin, salve for his sunburned chest and back had been applied by Hop Sing.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWell, welcome back!\u201d greeted Ben with a happy smile.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHave I been gone long?\u201d Joe asked.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cA couple of days, that\u2019s all. How do you feel?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cFine\u2026where\u2019s Adam, Pa\u2026we were supposed to go fishing!\u201d Joe said as he made as if to climb out of bed.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhoa\u2026just where do you think you\u2019re going, young man!\u201d demanded Ben. He gently pushed Joe back down and covered him up. \u201cIt\u2019s the middle of the night!\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cOh,\u201d stammered Joe, \u201cI thought it was almost morning\u2026Adam and I\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cLittle Buddy,\u201d Adam called from the door. He\u2019d been awakened by the ruckus of the argument that his little brother was having with their father. \u201cI promised that we\u2019d go fishing, but first\u2026you have to get better.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI am better,\u201d Joe smiled.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

His smile faded and his expression changed. He stared at his brother for a long moment before finding his voice.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThanks Adam,\u201d Joe said in a low voice.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThanks?\u201d puzzled Adam.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben had seen the look that washed over Joe\u2019s face and knew that the boy had something on his mind that he needed to say to his brother. He took his cue and slipped unobserved from his son\u2019s room. There\u2019d be plenty of time come morning, to talk with both Adam and Joe. Ben pulled the door closed, but not before he saw Adam sit down on the side of his brother\u2019s bed and take Joe\u2019s smaller hand into his. He smiled to himself, they might fight amongst themselves, but Ben knew that each of his sons would readily give up their lives for the other.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

He\u2019d done his job as a father; satisfaction swelled his chest. Somehow along the way, he\u2019d been able to lead his three sons into manhood, teach them honesty and integrity and how to love one another. Joe had earned his first notch, not something to brag about, but pride in the fact that he\u2019d saved his brother from certain death, justified the boy\u2019s actions. It had been another milestone in his youngest son\u2019s life, a hard lesson to learn at such a tender age, but Ben had no doubt that Joe would survive, he was after all, a Cartwright, and hadn\u2019t the Cartwright name survived for generations?<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

THE END<\/strong><\/p>\n

August\/September 2003<\/strong><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

<\/div>\n

<\/g><\/svg><\/i> \"Loading\"<\/p>\n

<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Summary:\u00a0 “Sooner or later, the day will come when a man will force you into a shootout, and there will be no way out of it, except kill or be killed.” Adam shared a bit of wisdom with his youngest brother the day that Joe was permitted to wear a sidearm for the first time.\u00a0 Little did either brother realize how soon those words would come back to haunt them.<\/p>\n

Rated:\u00a0 PG for mild violence\u00a0 (12,850 words)<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":9052,"featured_media":8478,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"template-full-width-post.php","format":"standard","meta":{"_jetpack_newsletter_access":"","_jetpack_dont_email_post_to_subs":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_tier_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paywalled_content":false,"_jetpack_feature_clip_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":"","jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false},"categories":[23],"tags":[14,15,17,16],"class_list":["post-12148","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-drama","tag-adam-cartwright","tag-ben","tag-hoss","tag-joe","wpcat-23-id"],"a3_pvc":{"activated":true,"total_views":1792,"today_views":2},"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/04\/LJshadow1.jpg?fit=720%2C576&ssl=1","jetpack_likes_enabled":true,"jetpack-related-posts":[{"id":7700,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=7700","url_meta":{"origin":12148,"position":0},"title":"The Left-handed Holster (by DJK)","author":"DJK","date":"May 9, 2014","format":false,"excerpt":"Summary:\u00a0 Little Joe has a plan, and all he needs is a left-handed holster. \u00a0 *This story was written as a series of responses to weekly prompts. 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Adam has the opposite opinion in this slice-of-life vignette. Rating: G 610 words","rel":"","context":"In "Brothers"","block_context":{"text":"Brothers","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?cat=1009"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/01\/Bonanza-SC-Angel.jpg?fit=385%2C289&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200},"classes":[]},{"id":7623,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=7623","url_meta":{"origin":12148,"position":3},"title":"Seeing An Angel (by DJK)","author":"DJK","date":"May 9, 2014","format":false,"excerpt":"Summary:\u00a0A girl from Marie\u2019s past has something for Little Joe. Rated:\u00a0T\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Word count:\u00a0 1351","rel":"","context":"In "Drama"","block_context":{"text":"Drama","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?cat=23"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/10\/guardian-angel.jpg?fit=250%2C233&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200},"classes":[]},{"id":12911,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=12911","url_meta":{"origin":12148,"position":4},"title":"The Stranger – A Missing Scene (by Jenny G)","author":"Gwynne & JennyG","date":"January 11, 2003","format":false,"excerpt":"Summary:\u00a0 What followed when Roy released Little Joe from jail. Rating:\u00a0 K+ (1,130 words)","rel":"","context":"In "Drama"","block_context":{"text":"Drama","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?cat=23"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/05\/Adam-and-Joe-Desert-Justice-2.bmp","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/05\/Adam-and-Joe-Desert-Justice-2.bmp 1x, https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/05\/Adam-and-Joe-Desert-Justice-2.bmp 1.5x, https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/05\/Adam-and-Joe-Desert-Justice-2.bmp 2x"},"classes":[]},{"id":919,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=919","url_meta":{"origin":12148,"position":5},"title":"Physics 101 (by the Tahoe Ladies)","author":"Tahoe Ladies","date":"August 19, 2006","format":false,"excerpt":"Summary:\u00a0 Adam becomes the 'butt' of a joke... 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