{"id":12205,"date":"2003-11-01T22:34:30","date_gmt":"2003-11-02T03:34:30","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=12205"},"modified":"2025-02-27T12:07:38","modified_gmt":"2025-02-27T17:07:38","slug":"ties-that-bind-by-debbieb","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=12205","title":{"rendered":"Ties That Bind (by DebbieB)"},"content":{"rendered":"

Summary:\u00a0\u00a0 <\/b>Adam and Joe both learn that the ties that bind as brothers can never be severed, not by a lying woman, a rockslide or certain death. \u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

Rated PG \u00a0WC 13,900
\n<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ties That Bind<\/strong><\/p>\n

The sky had grown dark and gray<\/strong> and in the distance one could hear the deep rumbling of thunder.\u00a0 It looked and sounded as if a storm was brewing, both outside and in.\u00a0 Within the barn, a fight was taking place, brother against brother.\u00a0 One brother, furious at what he believed to have happened and the other brother bewildered as to why his oldest brother was taking his obvious anger out on him.\u00a0 Fists were flying; blood had spewed from the younger man\u2019s mouth and nose where his older brother had repeatedly hit him.\u00a0 One last solid punch to his mid-section, sent Joe Cartwright catapulting across the barn and sprawling onto the hard earthen floor.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cGET UP!\u201d\u00a0 The angry shout echoed in the hollow barn.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe could barely move his battered body as he withered in pain, his body coiled up into a tight knot.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI SAID, GET UP!\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe shook his head, refusing to obey the heated command.\u00a0 \u201cNo\u2026\u201d he moaned, grasping his stomach.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

He turned slightly and glanced over his left shoulder, up at his older brother, moisture forming in his hazel eyes.\u00a0 He was stunned when he felt his body jerked from the ground and into the air as Adam forced him into a standing position.\u00a0 Dazed, Joe never saw the balled up fist that connected with his jaw and sent him tumbling backwards, across the sawhorse, landing with a thud against the back wall of the nearest stall.\u00a0The jolt had knocked the young man unconscious.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam stood, swaying slightly from the exertion of the fight until he finally steadied himself and then, dusting off his hands, retreated from the barn leaving his youngest brother laying in the dirt.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam walked into the night air, brushing the dust from his trousers and then wiping his mouth with the sleeve of his shirt.\u00a0 He stopped and stared at his father and middle brother as they came rushing from the house, worry etched onto his father\u2019s rugged face.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

When the pair came near, Adam turned without a word to either and climbed into the buggy where Jessica waited, her gown torn and soiled, her eyes brimming with tears.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019ll find him in the barn.\u00a0 I\u2019m leaving, and I won\u2019t be back!\u201d snarled Adam as he grabbed the reins and slapped them against the horse\u2019s rump.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben, his eyes wide, shouted out.\u00a0 \u201cADAM, WAIT!\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

He stood in shocked bewilderment at the retreating back of his oldest son so unable to comprehend how an evening that had started out so perfect had ended in such chaos. The small group of guests, having heard the ruckus and the shouting, gathered behind him in the yard standing in silent awe as they watched the scene before them being played out.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cPA!\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Hoss\u2019 shout awakened Ben from his stupor and he turned in Hoss\u2019 direction.\u00a0 His son was running toward the barn and Ben followed with his eyes.\u00a0 Joe stumbled from the dark interior, grasping the door as his legs gave way and falling downward, to his knees still clinging to the doorframe in an attempt to break his fall.\u00a0 Slowly he lost his grip and slumped to the ground, moaning softly.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHey, Punkin,\u201d Hoss said as he slipped his massive arms around the sagging boy and hoisted him up, into his arms.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe cried out in pain.\u00a0 \u201cAd\u2026am\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cTake it easy, now,\u201d Hoss muttered.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cJOE!\u201d his father cried, seeing the damage to the boy\u2019s face.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben glanced up at Hoss and noted the scowl that had formed on the big man\u2019s face.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYa jist wait \u2018til I get my hands on Adam,\u201d snarled Hoss through gritted teeth.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHush\u2026not now, son,\u201d commanded Ben, helping Hoss to the house with his precious cargo.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben turned to his guest, unsure what to say, when Roy Coffee spoke up.\u00a0 \u201cLooks like the party\u2019s over folks, ya best git ya things and sayin\u2019 ya good-byes.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

As Ben quickly opened the door and allowed Hoss to carry Joe inside, he nodded his thanks to his friend.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cTake him to his room,\u201d Ben instructed.\u00a0 \u201cHOP SING!\u00a0 I NEED WARM WATER AND TOWELS, AND BRING THE MEDICAL SUPPLIES,\u201d shouted Ben, following behind Hoss as he climbed the steps.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Hoss carefully placed his brother down on the bed, and immediately stepped back, allowing Ben to inch his way closer to the wounded boy.\u00a0 Ben knelt down shocked at the bruises that had already transformed the handsome face into a mass of black and blue.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAd\u2026am\u2026\u201d sobbed Joe.\u00a0 With his left hand Joe reached out, clutching his father\u2019s larger hand when Ben took hold of his smaller one.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cShh\u2026son, please\u2026everything\u2019s going to be all right,\u201d Ben said, swallowing the thickness in his throat.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cPa\u2026I don\u2019t\u2026understand\u2026why\u2026why\u2026why, Pa?\u201d Joe muttered softly as a lone tear rolled from the corner of his eye.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t know, son\u2026I don\u2019t know,\u201d Ben answered, looking up at Hoss who was leaning over the top of his shoulders in order to see and hear what it was that Joe was trying to tell them.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe\u2019s emerald eyes sought his father\u2019s face.\u00a0 His chin quivered and Ben could feel the trembling in the boy\u2019s hands as they each tried to make heads and tails out of Adam\u2019s reasons for taking his anger out on his younger brother.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben\u2019s breath was coming in large gulps.\u00a0 The thoughts of what had just happened, Adam\u2019s motives, Joe\u2019s battering, had left him with a terrible dreadful feeling in his gut.\u00a0 Somehow, the young woman Jessica was involved, of that Ben was sure, but as to how and why, the worried father had no idea.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHere is water and medicine,\u201d nodded Hop Sing as he placed the pitcher and basin on the table next to the bed.\u00a0 The faithful servant stopped and gazed down at the injured boy.\u00a0 He shook his head in distaste and then turned to his boss.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNumber one son\u2026Mis\u2019ta Adam, wrong for hurting brother!\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Hop Sing turned and stomped from the room before giving Ben time to question him about whether or not he knew what had transpired.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben began to tend to Joe\u2019s wounds.\u00a0 He wiped away the dried blood from the boy\u2019s nose and around his mouth where the upper lip had split and begun to swell. Carefully he dabbed at the long narrow scratch that ran sideways down Joe\u2019s right cheek.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe tried not to cry out, but the uncomfortable feeling that stung his face prevented him from doing so.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m sorry son, I know it hurts,\u201d Ben said as he tended to the cut over Joe\u2019s left eye.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe said nothing, but closed his eyes.\u00a0 He was fighting back the despair that kept trying to force more tears into his eyes.\u00a0 We was confused, and hurt by what his brother had done to him, and deep within his heart, he harbored a smidgen of hate for his older brother who had used him so callously and with no concern for the injuries he inflicted.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cJoe, let\u2019s get you out of these clothes, son.\u00a0 Hoss come over here and help me get his boots and pants off,\u201d Ben ordered as he freed Joe from his soiled shirt.\u00a0 He stood to his feet, glancing down at Joe who had opened his eyes and was studying his father\u2019s face.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben could see the sad expression in the eyes and the tears that threatened to spill forth.\u00a0 Slowly, he sat back down on the edge of the bed and tenderly brushed back a strand of wayward curls.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cSon\u2026can you tell me what this was all about?\u201d he asked.\u00a0 Ben saw Joe swallow and noticed one lone tear that ran down the side of the battered face.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe opened his mouth to speak, but a sob drowned out his words, and Joe closed his eyes, turning his head to the side in an attempt to hide his distress from his family.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cOh, Joe\u2026\u201d Ben said, as he carefully turned Joe\u2019s head around so that he could see the boy\u2019s face.\u00a0 \u201cPlease, don\u2019t.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhy Pa\u2026why did he do\u2026this to\u2026me?\u201d sobbed Joe.\u00a0 Joe looked straight into his father\u2019s eyes with a sadness that Ben had never seen there before.\u00a0 \u201cI didn\u2019t do anything\u2026honest, Pa\u2026honest,\u201d cried Joe.\u00a0 \u201cI don\u2019t understand\u2026why\u2026and why did he\u2026leave?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t know\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cBut what did I\u2026do?\u201d\u00a0 Joe tossed his head, giving in to his despair and allowed himself a moment to vent his anger and hurt feelings at his brother for what Adam had done to him.\u00a0 \u201cI don\u2019t understand,\u201d he mumbled at last as he fell silent.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben took a deep breath and let it out slowly.\u00a0 Joe had turned his head away and was staring out the window.\u00a0 Ben glanced at Hoss and saw that even his largest son was having trouble understanding what had possessed Adam to fight with Joe.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m goin\u2019 to town, Pa,\u201d Hoss said softly, not wanting Joe to hear him.\u00a0 \u201cI\u2019ll see if the doc is back from that call and if so, I\u2019ll have\u2019em come out to have a look at Joe, and then\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t need a doctor,\u201d Joe said as he turned toward Hoss.\u00a0 \u201cI\u2019m fine\u2026just sore,\u201d he muttered.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben pinched his lips together and then cast wary eyes from Hoss to Joe.\u00a0 \u201cRegardless, son, I think Paul should have a look at those ribs, you may have cracked a couple, and your shoulder needs looking after as well and that cut over your eye might need stitching\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

He looked again at Hoss and nodded his head toward the door, a signal that Hoss understood and he slipped silently out of the room.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI said, I don\u2019t want a doctor, I\u2019ll be fine,\u201d growled Joe, all the while trying to mask the pain that showed on his face.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe glared at his father\u2019s back.\u00a0 When Ben spun around, taken back by Joe\u2019s tone, Joe lowered his eyes, unable to meet his father\u2019s dark ones.\u00a0 Joe turned again toward the window, refusing to look in his father\u2019s direction.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cJoseph,\u201d Ben said softly as he placed himself in the chair next to the bed.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe still refused to look his way.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cJoseph, please look at me when I speak to you.\u201d\u00a0 Ben waited and a moment later, Joe did as asked.\u00a0 His eyes had threatened to fill with tears once more and Ben noted the way in which the boy\u2019s chin had begun to quiver.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m\u2026sorry Pa,\u201d Joe said in a wee voice.\u00a0 He quickly wiped the moisture dry with his hands and turned his head.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben moved to the edge of the bed, willing himself not to let Joe see the deep embedded anger and confusion he was feeling.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cTell me what happened when Adam came out to the barn, and you were alone with him inside.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe moved slightly, winced, and then turned to look at his father.\u00a0 \u201cI can\u2019t seem to think straight, but I was \u2026doing something, I can\u2019t remember what it was, when all of a sudden, Adam was standing behind me.\u00a0 I turned around, said hi to him and the next thing I knew I was knocked across the barn. Before I could say anything at all, he pulled me up from the ground and hit me again.\u00a0 I stumbled around and when I turned back to face him, he clobbered me again.\u00a0 By that time, I was mad and I tried to ask him why he was hitting me.\u00a0 But I never got the chance, he pounded me half a dozen more times and then the last time he hit me\u2026I must have blacked out, because when I opened my eyes, he was gone.\u00a0 I managed to get to the door just in time to hear him yell at you that he was leaving and never\u2026never\u2026\u201d Joe had to stop in order to control the deep rooted uncertainty that was surfacing.\u00a0 \u201cHe said he\u2026was never coming\u2026back.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben could take no more; his son\u2019s confusion was breaking his heart.\u00a0 Gently he pulled Joe up into a sitting position and pulled the boy into his arms and held him against his breast for several long minutes. The fingers of one hand entwined themselves amid the locks of chestnut curls while the other hand cupped the boy\u2019s head gently against his chest.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Hoss had stopped by Doc Martin\u2019s office and asked that he ride out to the ranch and have a look at Joe.\u00a0 The doctor had been called away on an emergency earlier and had not been able to attend the party that Ben gave earlier that evening and so the good physician had been unaware of the fight that had taken place between the two brothers.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Now Hoss pulled Chubb to a halt in front of the boarding house.\u00a0 He sat for several long moments before dismounting, trying to search his mind for the words that he would say to his older brother.\u00a0 Hoss was still angry, still confused and hurt by what Adam had done to Joe, and Hoss was hard put to keep that anger at bay.\u00a0 Sighing deeply and setting his jaw firm, Hoss climbed down from Chubb\u2019s back and stepped up onto the porch.\u00a0 At that moment, the front door opened and Hoss found himself standing face to face with his older brother.\u00a0 Neither said a word as they stood staring at one another.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam\u2019s eyes were dark, Hoss\u2019 jaw twitched and being unable to control himself any longer, Hoss grabbed the front of Adam\u2019s shirt and pulled his brother from the doorway, swung him around and delivered a hard punch to Adam\u2019s jaw.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam\u2019s head snapped back, he staggered backwards until he stumbled over his own feet and fell to the ground.\u00a0 Quickly he jumped up and spun around, facing his middle brother.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHoss\u2026\u201d began Adam, but stopped short of finishing his sentence when Hoss\u2019 large, massive fist hit him again.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Once more Adam\u2019s body was whipped around coming full circle only to have his jaw struck once more.\u00a0 This time when Adam hit the dirt, he remained where he was.\u00a0 He turned and looked up at his brother, a dark glare glowing in his eyes.\u00a0 Adam rubbed gently at the place on his face that was quickly bruising.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s for what ya did to our little brother,\u201d growled Hoss.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

He surprised Adam by stretching out his arm and offering his hand to his brother.\u00a0 For a long minute, Adam stared at Hoss\u2019 hand, not sure what his brother was meaning.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cLet me help ya up,\u201d offered Hoss, his voice softening some.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam accepted the outstretched hand and allowed his brother to pull him to his feet.\u00a0 Hoss refused to relinquish the hand he held even though Adam tried to pull free.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNow tell me what in tarnation possessed ya to lay into Joe like ya dun!\u201d demanded Hoss.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHoss\u2026it\u2019s none of your business,\u201d stated Adam with finality.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Hoss\u2019 eyes darkened and he glared at his brother.\u00a0 \u201cOh yes it is.\u00a0 When ya start beatin\u2019 the boy fur no good reason\u2026nearly killin\u2019 the kid\u2026that makes it my business!\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI had good reason\u2026but\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cTell me, I wanna know!\u201d\u00a0 Hoss tightened his grip on Adam\u2019s hand, making Adam wince softly from the pain.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAll right, I\u2019ll tell you, but you aren\u2019t going to like it,\u201d grumbled Adam who managed to slip his hand free when he felt Hoss lessen his grip.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cCome on, let\u2019s go over to the saloon and have a beer\u2026I\u2019ll fill you in on what\u2019s going on,\u201d Adam explained, rubbing his hand which Hoss had squeezed.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAdam,\u201d Hoss said in a thick voice, \u201cya better have a darn good reason for doin\u2019 what ya did\u2026ya plum near kilt Little Joe.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHe has a couple of cracked ribs, and his shoulder is pretty badly bruised Ben, but other than that, he should be up and about in a few days.\u00a0 Just keep him still and in the bed until the end of the week and after that, there isn\u2019t any reason why he can\u2019t get up and join you downstairs.\u00a0 No heavy lifting and certainly no working\u2026I\u2019ll be back out sometime next week to check on him,\u201d Paul explained.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Paul patted Ben\u2019s shoulder as a gesture of comfort.\u00a0 \u201cI hated to see this happen Ben, Adam and Joe fighting against one another\u2026it\u2019s sad.\u00a0 I asked him why his brother did what he did, but he wouldn\u2019t answer me, just laid there staring out the window.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t think Joe knows the reason why\u2026and I\u2019m worried more about his mental condition than the injuries.\u00a0 He\u2019s been hurt emotionally by what happened, more so than from the beating he took,\u201d Ben said sadly.\u00a0 \u201cI wish I knew what started it,\u201d Ben mumbled more to himself than to the doctor.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYou haven\u2019t asked Adam?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNo, he left here in such a rush earlier, he didn\u2019t give anyone time to ask anything.\u00a0 I think Hoss was going to go find him after he stopped by to see if you were back.\u201d\u00a0 Ben turned and stared at the fire blazing in the fireplace.\u00a0 He glanced up, looking back at the doctor.\u00a0 \u201cI certainly hope the two of them don\u2019t get into a brawl in town.\u00a0 Hoss was pretty angry at Adam when he left here.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI saw him going over to the boarding house as I was leaving.\u00a0 Isn\u2019t that where Miss Bryson is staying?\u201d Paul asked.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYes.\u201d\u00a0 Ben paused and took a deep breath.\u00a0 \u201cAdam and she was going to make an announcement this evening\u2026that was why we were having a party.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cOh, I see\u2026and before Adam could say anything, something happened?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYes\u2026but I don\u2019t know what.\u00a0 I questioned Joe, but all he told me was that he didn\u2019t do anything and that he didn\u2019t understand why Adam turned on him as he had,\u201d explained Ben.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

He moved to pour himself and the doctor a brandy.\u00a0 \u201cBrandy?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYes, thank you,\u201d Paul said, taking the tiny goblet from Ben\u2019s hands.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cMiss Bryson had something to do with what happened, I\u2019m almost positive,\u201d Ben said after swallowing a sip of brandy.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cOh?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI knew she had gone outside just before Adam got ready to make the announcement.\u00a0 I saw Adam looking for her, so naturally I told him she\u2019d gone out, probably for a breath of fresh air.\u00a0 I had no idea that Joe was even home yet, or in the barn for that matter.\u00a0 I had sent the boy to Carson City this morning and he was running late in getting back in time for the party,\u201d Ben explained and then continued to tell his story to the doctor.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI waited a few minutes to give Adam time to find Jessica and then someone was rushing inside saying that there was a fight going on in the barn.\u00a0 When I rushed outside, Miss Bryson was sitting alone in the buggy and Adam was coming from the barn.\u00a0 He was mad and dirty but before I could ask him what was going on, he jumped into the buggy with the young lady and yelled that he was leaving and never coming back.\u00a0Naturally, I was stunned.\u00a0 I had no idea, until I saw the boy, that it had been Adam and Joe fighting.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben\u2019s voice sounded full of sadness as he explained to his friend what had transpired.\u00a0 He downed his brandy in one swig and then poured himself another.\u00a0 As he turned it up, he noticed the doctor watching him.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThose two will be the death of me yet, Paul.\u00a0 Hoss\u2026now he\u2019s never caused me a night\u2019s sleep, but Adam and Joe\u2026they\u2019re another story altogether!\u201d\u00a0 Ben turned the goblet up and took a sip of his drink.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYa cain\u2019t be serious, Adam\u2026there ain\u2019t no way Little Joe dun what ya just said!\u201d Hoss exclaimed.\u00a0 \u201cThe boy ain\u2019t like that, atall!\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam set his mug of beer down on the table with a thud.\u00a0 \u201cI didn\u2019t think you\u2019d believe me,\u201d he snapped, starting to rise.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Hoss reached across the table, grabbing Adam\u2019s arm and preventing him from rising.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cSit down,\u201d ordered Hoss.\u00a0 \u201cI didn\u2019t say I didn\u2019t believe ya\u2026I jist said I didn\u2019t believe Joe would do what ya jist said.\u00a0 He\u2019s jist a kid Adam, he wouldn\u2019t treat a lady like\u2026like what Miss Jessica said he dun did.\u00a0Why Joe\u2019s\u2026plum backward when it comes to knowing about such things\u2026why, he\u2026he wouldn\u2019t even know what to do\u2026I don\u2019t reckon.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam had lowered himself back into his chair.\u00a0 \u201cAre you trying to say that Jessica lied about what happened to her?\u201d\u00a0 His eyes had grown dark and Hoss could see his brother\u2019s jaw line tightening.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNo\u2026I\u2019m jist sayin\u2019 I don\u2019t believe Joe dun it.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThen why\u2019d she accuse Joe?\u00a0 And, if what you think is true, then who attacked her, and why?\u201d questioned Adam.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

He hadn\u2019t really had time to think about what he had been told.\u00a0 He was in love with the beautiful Jessica Bryson and tonight had been the night that they were to announce to their family and friends that they were to be married.\u00a0 Adam had ventured out into the yard, only to find his future wife lying in a heap on the ground.\u00a0 Jessica was sobbing, her dress was soiled and torn, her hair had fallen free from the pins that held it in place and her face had been dirtied and tearstained.\u00a0 When he had dropped to his knees and reached out for her, Jessica had recoiled, screaming that his brother had tried to take advantage of her and had ripped her clothing. Instantly anger had filled his soul and dulled his sense of reasoning and once he had Jessica safely seated in her buggy he had stormed into the barn to confront his youngest brother.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe had been wiping at, what Adam deemed to be a scratch on his face and when Joe turned around and smiled at his brother as if nothing had happened, Adam had lost what reserve he contained and took a swing at the boy.\u00a0 The fact that Joe never once offered to hit him back had not entered Adam\u2019s head, until now as he sat sipping a beer and discussing the incident with Hoss.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Hoss saw Adam swallow hard and noticed how the hard lines began to soften.\u00a0 As Adam turned his way, Hoss noted the doubtful look that entered the troubled eyes.\u00a0 It was several long moments before either of them spoke.\u00a0 Slowly, Adam rose to his feet, pausing as he downed the last few droplets of his beer.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI suppose I\u2019d better go have a word with Jessica\u2026I\u2019ve just realized Hoss, thanks to you, that I might have made a very serious mistake.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Without another word, Adam turned and walked from the saloon.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

It was well passed mid-night by the time that Hoss returned home.\u00a0 He wasn\u2019t surprised to find his father standing at the foot of the stairs, still dressed, waiting for him.\u00a0 Ben waited until Hoss had removed his gun and holster and hung his hat on the peg behind the door before he spoke.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Hoss walked slowly toward his father, seeing the expectant look in the tired, worried eyes.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWell?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAdam\u2019s stayin\u2019 at the hotel, Pa.\u00a0 I reckon he\u2019s got some figurin\u2019 to do,\u201d answered Hoss.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Hoss stood eye level to his father, his fingers crammed into the front pockets of his trousers and he held the same worried expression in his blue eyes as his father had in his brown ones.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHow\u2019s Joe?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cResting\u2026though not too well.\u00a0 He\u2019s plenty sore, and he keeps crying out for his brother, though why I\u2019m not sure,\u201d Ben said with a slight grumble.\u00a0 \u201cCome over here and sit down Hoss, I want to know what Adam said about all of this.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben pointed to the blue chair at the foot of the steps and waited until Hoss had sat down before he took a seat on the wide boarded table, facing his son.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhat\u2019s Adam to say for himself?\u201d Ben questioned.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Hoss gulped and eyed his father carefully.\u00a0 \u201cWell, Pa\u2026it\u2019s like this\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s ludicrous!\u201d stormed Ben, jumping to his feet. \u00a0\u201cThere is absolutely no way that I believe that!\u201d he thundered.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s jist what I told Adam, Pa.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben spun around, his hands on his hips.\u00a0 \u201cAnd just what did your brother have to say about that\u2026accused you of not believing him, right?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cUmm\u2026yessir,\u201d stammered Hoss.\u00a0 \u201cI jist told\u2019em I didn\u2019t think Joe was capable of doin\u2019 that to no lady.\u00a0 Adam said Miss Bryson told\u2019em it twas Joe what attacked her and ripped her clothes and tried to\u2026to\u2026well, ya know.\u00a0 And I asked Adam how\u2019s come Joe didn\u2019t fight\u2019em back when he started to punch the boy.\u00a0 That\u2019s when ole Adam dun remembered that Joe never took a swing at\u2019em.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cJoe didn\u2019t fight back because he didn\u2019t know what the fight was about.\u00a0 At least, that\u2019s what Joe told me,\u201d Ben explained.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

He settled himself back down on the table, facing Hoss.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhat do you think happened, Hoss?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI cain\u2019t right say for sure, Pa\u2026but to my thinkin\u2019, I think that woman lied about Joe.\u00a0 I don\u2019t think my little brother did what she said.\u00a0 I ain\u2019t got no notion who\u2019d a dun it, but it sure tweren\u2019t Little Joe,\u201d Hoss said.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhy would she lie about something like that?\u201d Ben pondered aloud.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t rightly know.\u00a0 I do know that Adam believed her, for whatever reason.\u00a0 He did say that when he went into the barn, Joe was wiping blood from his face and there was scratch on the boy\u2019s cheek\u2026could have been from where Miss Jessica scratched him\u2026if\u2019n he was the one who attacked her.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Hoss ran his fingers through his hair.\u00a0 \u201cAdam said he was goin\u2019 to talk to the lady, and find out the truth.\u00a0 He\u2019s thinkin\u2019 he\u2019s dun made a big mistake, Pa.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben\u2019s head jerked up and Hoss could see the anger returning to his father\u2019s eyes.\u00a0 \u201cOh, he\u2019s made a mistake all right, you just wait until I get my hands on that young man, why I\u2019ll\u2026.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cPa?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The muted cry caused both father and son to turn their attention to the top of the stairs.\u00a0 Joe, dressed only in his nightshirt, clung tightly to the stair railing.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

\u201cJoseph,\u201d Ben called as he quickly ran up the stairs.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The concerned father gently gathered the teetering young man in his arms and turned him around, guiding him carefully back up the stairs to his room.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYou shouldn\u2019t be out of bed, son,\u201d Ben gently scolded.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhy\u2026Pa\u2026Adam, I want\u2026Adam.\u00a0 I need\u2026to\u2026explain\u2026\u201d Joe whined.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNot now, young man, you\u2019re going back to bed.\u00a0 Hoss, give me a hand,\u201d Ben called over his shoulder.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

They managed to get Joe back into his bed and covered up.\u00a0 Ben sat down on the edge of the bed and smiled softly at his son.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cPlease son, try to rest.\u00a0 We\u2019ll talk all about this in the morning,\u201d Ben said.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cPut Pa,\u201d Joe cried weakly, \u201cI have to ask him\u2026why\u2026I don\u2019t understand.\u201d\u00a0 Tears threatened to fill the hazel eyes, but Joe refused to allow himself to cry.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t understand either, son.\u00a0 But I promise you\u2026we\u2019ll work it out.\u00a0 Now close your eyes and try to get some rest.\u201d\u00a0 Ben stood to his feet and arranged the blankets until he was satisfied that his son was comfortable.\u00a0 \u201cI\u2019ll stay right here until you fall to sleep.\u201d\u00a0 With that, Ben leaned down and placed a kiss to Joe\u2019s brow.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI want to know why you lied!\u201d shouted Adam as he grabbed Jessica\u2019s arm and spun her around so that she faced him.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI didn\u2019t lie, Adam, honest!\u201d she stammered.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t believe you.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThen don\u2019t, that\u2019s your privilege, but it\u2019s the truth.\u00a0 Your brother grabbed me and pulled me into the barn.\u00a0 When he tried to kiss me, I fought with him.\u00a0 You saw the scratch on his face.\u00a0 And then, when he wouldn\u2019t let me go and I tried to scream for help, he hit me with his fists.\u00a0 When I fell down, he pounced on me, ripping my dress!\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Jessica pulled free of Adam\u2019s grasp, turned her back to him and covered her face with both hands and began to cry.\u00a0 \u201cHe tried to\u2026to\u2026rape me!\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cRape?\u00a0 Dear God, Jessie\u2026do you realize what you\u2019re saying?\u00a0 My kid brother could go to prison for the rest of his life for doing what you\u2019re insinuating!\u201d groaned Adam.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam placed both hands on the young woman\u2019s shoulders and turned her around.\u00a0 He removed her hands from her face and tilted her chin upward.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cJessie\u2026are you absolutely sure, that\u2019s the way it happened?\u201d Adam said, trying to swallow the fear that was quickly rising from deep within the back of his throat.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Jessie\u2019s blue eyes opened wide and she instantly pulled back from him.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYou don\u2019t believe me!\u201d she shouted at him.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam was at a loss for words, he wanted to believe her, but not of Joe.\u00a0 Though he had jumped to conclusions first without confronting his brother, he did have second thoughts as to whether or not Joe had attacked Jessie, but he\u2019d never, in a thousand years, believe that Joe would be capable of raping a woman.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI didn\u2019t say I didn\u2019t believe you, Jessie, I\u2019m only questioning you as to whether or not you’re sure of what Joe was trying to do to\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cOf course I\u2019m sure, you fool!\u201d she screamed in anger.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam drew back as if he\u2019d been struck.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Jessie spun around on her heels and moved further away from the angry man, frightened at how the sudden and unexpected questioning had taken her by surprise. She had never thought for one minute that the handsome Adam Cartwright would doubt her.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

It was early the next morning when Adam slipped into the house.\u00a0 He was sure that the family was sleeping, so when Ben rounded the corner of the dining room to see who had come in, Adam was caught completely off guard.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAdam!\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam swallowed hard, for he had not wanted a confrontation with his father.\u00a0 He had even given serious thought as to whether or not he should return home long enough to collect his belongings.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cPa?\u201d Adam said, trying to avoid meeting the deep penetrating eyes.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben could easily read the uncertainty on his son\u2019s face that Adam tried so hard to mask, and his heart softened somewhat.\u00a0 Several hours had passed since the fight between his two sons, and with the passing of those hours, his anger had lessened as well.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m glad you\u2019re home son\u2026I think we need to have a talk,\u201d Ben said.\u00a0 \u201cHave you had breakfast?\u201d\u00a0 Ben motioned with a nod of his head for Adam to follow him to the table.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNo sir.\u00a0 Pa\u2026you should know that I\u2019m not here to stay, I\u2019m leaving just as soon as I can gather a few things.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben was lowering himself into his chair and paused.\u00a0 Taking a deep breath to calm himself, he sat down.\u00a0 \u201cI see,\u201d he said solemnly.\u00a0 \u201cAnd why is that?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam had poured himself a cup of coffee and had started to take a sip.\u00a0 His hand stopped, just short of his mouth.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhy do you think?\u00a0 Surely you don\u2019t believe that I can actually stay here\u2026not after what I have done?\u201d Adam declared.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAdam, this is your home\u2026and whatever has happened between you and your brother, can be fixed, I assure you\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNo Pa, you\u2019re wrong, it can\u2019t be fixed, not this time.\u00a0 I\u2019m sorry,\u201d Adam said sadly, standing to his feet, \u201cbut I have to cut all ties with Joe\u2026I have to go\u2026I have\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben rose as well and moved around the table.\u00a0 He stopped and clutched his son\u2019s shoulder, surprised to feel the slight tremors that ran beneath his hand.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhy Adam\u2026why must you feel that you have to severe ties with your brother\u2026don\u2019t you realize that your leaving won\u2019t change the fact that he\u2019s your brother, that blood binds the two of you together?\u00a0 What good would it do, for either of you, if you run away from this?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m not running away, Pa.\u00a0 I\u2019m sorry for what I\u2019ve done to Joe\u2026I was wrong, but it\u2019s too late to change that now, I can\u2019t take back what I\u2019ve done and\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAdam,\u201d Ben said in a strained voice, \u201cit\u2019s never too late.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam clinched his jaw, closing his eyes tightly and groaned softly.\u00a0 \u201cYou don\u2019t understand, Pa\u2026I have to go\u2026for Joe\u2019s sake.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben let a long deep sigh escape from his mouth.\u00a0 \u201cYou\u2019re right, I don\u2019t understand, would you please explain it to me?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAlright Pa, I\u2019ll explain it to you, and then I\u2019m asking you to let me go, please?\u201d pleaded Adam.\u00a0 He dreaded telling his father what Jessie had told him, and what she believed that Joe had intended to do to her.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cJessie said that Joe tried to rape her.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

There, he\u2019d said it, plain and simple.\u00a0 Now he watched the color drain from his father\u2019s face and suddenly wished that he had phrased the statement in a milder way.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben sank into the chair nearest him.\u00a0 His eyes grew dark and when he turned to Adam, Adam could see the moisture beginning to build in the depths.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t believe that,\u201d he stammered.\u00a0 \u201cJoe would never attempt to do such a thing.\u00a0 Surely, Adam you don\u2019t\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNo, of course not.\u00a0 I don\u2019t believe it for a minute.\u00a0 I honestly think Jessie is lying, but I can\u2019t prove it, and neither could Joe.\u00a0 She said that she scratched his face, well, when I went into the barn, sure enough, Joe had a scratch on his face.\u00a0 Her clothes were ripped; she was practically hysterical\u2026what was I to think when she told me Joe attacked her?\u00a0 I know I should have questioned the boy\u2026but I didn\u2019t, and for that I\u2019m truly sorry, Pa.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThen if you think she\u2019s lying, why are you leaving?\u201d\u00a0 Ben was confused by his son\u2019s decision.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI told you\u2026it\u2019s Jessie\u2019s word against Joe\u2019s\u2026who do you think a court of law would believe?\u00a0 Pa, you know Joe\u2019s reputation with the girls\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cBut Adam\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNo, Pa\u2026he wouldn\u2019t stand a chance in court if Jessie were to decide to press charges,\u201d Adam stated.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben sighed again.\u00a0 \u201cIs she\u2026going to press charges, I mean?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

It was Adam\u2019s turn to sigh and he did.\u00a0 \u201cThat\u2019s why I\u2019m leaving, Pa.\u00a0 Jessie and I are going to San Francisco on the noon stage.\u00a0 Once we get there, we\u2019re going to be married, that\u2019s the only way she will refrain from sending Joe to prison for the rest of his life.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The wind went right out of Ben.\u00a0 His face slowly turned red with anger and he stood to his feet.\u00a0 \u201cThat\u2019s blackmail!\u201d he roared.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cPa, please,\u201d begged Adam, standing as well.\u00a0 \u201cI have to do this, I owe Joe as much.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYou owe Joe no such thing, short of an apology.\u00a0 You don\u2019t have to marry a woman who you know is a liar, just because you and your brother had a fight, for God\u2019s sake!\u201d stormed Ben.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYou may not think so, Pa, but I do\u2026and I\u2019m going to do this, you can\u2019t stop me.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam stormed up the stairs, nearly colliding with Hoss who had awakened to the sound of shouting and had ventured from his room to see what the ruckus was.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHowdy, Adam,\u201d Hoss said as his brother brushed passed him.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam ignored the greeting and continued to his room.\u00a0 Hoss watched Adam\u2019s retreating back and then turned to his father, who had started pacing back and forth in front of the fireplace.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cPa\u2026what\u2019s goin\u2019 on?\u00a0 Why\u2019s Adam here and what was all the shoutin\u2019 \u2018bout?\u201d Hoss asked in a troubled voice.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHe\u2019s leaving, just like he said he was\u2026and to make matters worse, he\u2019s marrying that\u2026that\u2026woman!\u201d grumbled Ben as he dropped into the red leather chair.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHe\u2019s what?\u00a0 That don\u2019t make no sense.\u00a0 Why Adam dun told me he thought that woman lied to\u2019em about what happened\u2026why\u2019d he want to marry up with her and go away?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Hoss lowered his massive frame into the blue chair.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cBecause Miss Bryson now claims that Joe tried to rape her, and if Adam don\u2019t go away with her and marry her, she\u2019ll press charges against Joe and he\u2019ll end up going to prison for the rest of his natural life\u2026THAT\u2019S WHY!\u201d ranted Ben.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

There was a long silence that followed.\u00a0 It was broken by the sound of a door closing upstairs.\u00a0 Both Ben and Hoss stood to their feet when Adam appeared on the steps.\u00a0 Adam paused briefly and then continued downward.\u00a0 In his hand he carried his satchel, packed with his few belongings.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Slowly he walked to the door, and set down his things.\u00a0 As he pulled on his coat, he turned to face his father and brother as a look of sorrow clouded his hazel eyes.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWould you tell Joe for me that\u2026that\u2026I\u2019m sorry?\u00a0 I was wrong, I know that now\u2026tell him that for me, please Pa?\u201d Adam said softly as he turned to Hoss.\u00a0 \u201cSee you Hoss, take care of yourself.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cBye Adam,\u201d Hoss said in a quiet voice.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAdam\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cPa, please don\u2019t try to talk me out of doing this\u2026don\u2019t make it any harder for me than what it already is.\u00a0 I\u2019ve made a fool out of myself and I\u2019ve hurt Joe this time to the point that things could never be the same between us.\u00a0 He\u2019d never forgive me, not after what I\u2019ve done to him.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAdam, you\u2019re wrong\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI was wrong\u2026but not in this\u2026don\u2019t you understand?\u00a0 If I don\u2019t leave and marry Jessie, Joe will go to prison Pa\u2026PRISON!\u00a0 He\u2019s only eighteen for God\u2019s sake don\u2019t you have any idea what they would do to a boy like Joe in prison?\u00a0 Well, I\u2019ll not have THAT on my conscious as well!\u00a0 Now, I\u2019m leaving\u2026don\u2019t try to stop me!\u201d shouted Adam.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam grabbed up his bag and practically ran from the house, slamming the door behind him and leaving his father and brother staring at the closed door.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe, who had slept throughout the day, woke much later that evening.\u00a0 His body ached from the beating he had taken, but more than the pain he felt, the reasons behind the beating troubled him more.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cPa\u2026where\u2019s Adam?\u201d he asked as Ben sat down a tray of broth that he had carried into the room.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben turned to the boy; it was now that he would confront his son about what had happened between him and his brother.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cJoe,\u201d Ben began in a soft voice, \u201cAdam\u2019s gone, son.\u201d\u00a0 Ben arranged the pillows behind Joe so that the boy could be in a more upright position to eat his broth.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cGone?\u00a0 Gone where\u2026and why, Pa?\u201d Joe questioned in a worried voice.\u00a0 \u201cIt was because of me, wasn\u2019t it\u2026it was something I\u2019ve done.\u00a0 But I don\u2019t know what that something was\u2026PA\u2026ANSWER ME!\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cJoseph, calm down, please,\u201d ordered Ben, sitting down next to Joe on the bed.\u00a0 \u201cYes\u2026Adam is gone, to San Francisco and he\u2019s\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHe\u2019s not coming back\u2026ever\u2026is he?\u201d stammered Joe, fighting to keep his voice from quivering.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m afraid not, son\u2026unless\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cUnless what?\u201d demanded Joe.\u00a0 \u201cI want to know what\u2019s going on\u2026I want answers to my questions, Pa.\u00a0 Don\u2019t you think I\u2019ve a right to know just why my oldest brother seen fit to beat the crap out of me and then take off and leave me without even telling me what it is I was suppose to have done?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben took a deep breath to steady his nerves.\u00a0 \u201cJoe, why don\u2019t you eat first and then we\u2019ll discuss it?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNo!\u00a0 I want to discuss it now, besides, I\u2019m not hungry.\u00a0 Please Pa\u2026tell me what\u2019s happened?\u201d begged Joe.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAlright son, but first I want some honest answers from you, agreed?\u201d Ben dared to ask.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cSure Pa, I wouldn\u2019t lie to you.\u00a0 What is it that you want to know?\u201d Joe questioned.\u00a0 He had a look of uncertainty on his face that did not go unnoticed by his father.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhat can you tell me about what happened to Miss Bryson?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cMiss Bryson?\u00a0 Oh, you mean Jessica\u2026I didn\u2019t know anything happened to her.\u00a0 What are you talking about?\u201d Joe seemed truly puzzled by his father\u2019s question.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYou don\u2019t know?\u201d\u00a0 Now it was Ben\u2019s time to be puzzled.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNosir\u2026did something happen to her?\u00a0 Is that why Adam went away?\u00a0 I thought they were going to announce their engagement the other night, at the party?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThey were, but Miss Bryson, Jessica, was attacked\u2026and assaulted before\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAttacked?\u00a0 When\u2026where?\u00a0 Is she okay?\u201d Joe said in disbelief.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cJoseph, she says it was\u2026you\u2026who\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cME!\u201d shouted the stunned boy.\u00a0 \u201cME!\u201d he repeated.\u00a0 \u201cThat\u2019s crazy, I wasn\u2019t even here\u2026remember, Pa\u2026I was late for the party\u2026how could she claim it was me?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThen it wasn\u2019t you?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe\u2019s face drained of color as he sat in stunned silence and stared at his father.\u00a0 He couldn\u2019t believe his ears, apparently his father had believed that he had indeed assaulted the young woman.\u00a0 And if that was so\u2026then Adam must have thought the same thing\u2026and that had to be the reason why Adam had turned on him.\u00a0 The breath went slowly from his lungs as his eyes beaded with tears.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYou don\u2019t honestly believe that I\u2019d do something like that\u2026do you, Pa?\u201d stammered Joe, his chin quivering.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNo\u2026of course not and I said as much to your brother.\u00a0 But I had to hear if from you, son,\u201d Ben explained as he took Joe\u2019s hand into his.\u00a0 \u201cThere\u2019s no way that you are the type of young man that could rape a woman\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cRAPE!\u00a0 Is that what she told you?\u201d Joe\u2019s eyes were wide, fear began seeping into his voice and when he blinked, a lone tear rolled down from a corner of one eye.\u00a0 \u201cPa\u2026I ain\u2019t\u2026I mean\u2026I\u2019ve never\u2026you know.\u00a0I\u2026I\u2026\u201d Joe looked pleadingly at his father for understanding.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s what the young woman claims, is that you assaulted her in the yard and then dragged her into the barn and tried to rape her.\u00a0 She promised Adam that if he would take her away from here and marry her, she wouldn\u2019t press charges against you,\u201d Ben explained.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe made a face and shook his head from side to side.\u00a0 \u201cLies, all lies, Pa.\u00a0 I wasn\u2019t even here\u2026like I said I was late getting back and\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cJoe, what about the scratch on your face, this one,\u201d Ben gently ran his finger down the long ugly scratch that Jessie had claimed she had done to Joe while fighting against him.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThis?\u201d Joe fingered the scratch.\u00a0 \u201cWhy?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cBecause she claims to have scratched your face while trying to get away from you,\u201d Ben told his son.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhen I got home, I took Cooch straight to the barn.\u00a0 It was dark and as I was putting him in the stall, I heard something.\u00a0 It spooked him and he jerked his head around and his harness brushed against my face\u2026that\u2019s how I got the scratch.\u00a0 She didn\u2019t do it\u2026honest Pa, I didn\u2019t even see her when I rode in\u2026in fact, I didn\u2019t see anyone, but I heard the party going on inside.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAlright, son.\u00a0 Now, what about that noise you heard, what was it?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe looked thoughtful for a moment and then shook his head.\u00a0 \u201cI don\u2019t know what it was, Pa.\u00a0 It sounded like the back door, but after Cooch scratched my face, I forgot all about the noise and started cleaning the blood.\u00a0 That\u2019s what I was doing when Adam came in and started taking punches at me.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben stood from the bed and walked to the window.\u00a0 He brushed back the drapes and stared out into the night.\u00a0 He remained deep in thought for several minutes before turning around.\u00a0 When he looked at Joe, he smiled slightly and returned to the bed.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cJoe, I want you to know that I do believe you son.\u00a0 And just so you know, Adam doesn\u2019t think you are capable of doing what that woman suggests you did\u2026he asked me to tell you that\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThen why he\u2019d jump me\u2026and why is he gone?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben sat back down.\u00a0 \u201cHe jumped you because he was angry\u2026angry at you for what he thought you had done.\u00a0 He made a very big mistake, son.\u00a0 He acted first without thinking and then, by the time he realized what he had done, it was too late, or so he thinks.\u00a0 Jessica later told him that you tried to rape her\u2026that\u2019s why he went away with her to San Francisco.\u00a0 He plans to marry her once he gets there, so that she will not press charges of attempted rape against you\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cBut I didn\u2019t do anything!\u201d Joe declared loudly.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI know that son, but it\u2019s as Adam says, if the woman decides to press charges, you could end up going to prison for the rest of your life, or at least for a very, very long time,\u201d Ben said regrettably.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhy can\u2019t I just explain to the sheriff what happened?\u00a0 Roy would believe me\u2026wouldn\u2019t he?\u00a0 Besides, like I said, Pa\u2026I didn\u2019t know she was anywhere around.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cJoe, Roy would believe you, naturally, but a jury in a court of law might not.\u00a0 They tend to believe a woman before believing a man\u2026and besides, what proof do you have, other than your word against hers?\u201d Ben asked.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

He watched Joe\u2019s face as the boy lowered his head in defeat.\u00a0 The sight tugged at his heartstrings.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cSo Adam\u2019s marrying her to keep me out of prison, is that what you\u2019re saying?\u201d Joe asked.\u00a0 His voice had begun to quiver and when he looked up at his father, Ben could see his son\u2019s chin quivering as well.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben\u2019s jaw locked tightly and he nodded his head.\u00a0 \u201cThat about sums it up son.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe grew very quite and leaned his head back against the pillows.\u00a0 He swallowed and brushed his hand across the front of his face in an effort to dry the moisture that had collected in his eyes.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m sorry, Pa,\u201d he muttered softly.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cSorry?\u00a0 For what son?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cFor a while I was mad at Adam\u2026I think I even hated him a little for pounding me like he did\u2026and now I find out that he\u2019s willing to marry some woman who\u2019s a lair, just to keep me from going to prison.\u201d\u00a0 Joe hesitated and then started to toss back the covers.\u00a0 \u201cI have to go find him, I have to tell him\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cOh no you don\u2019t!\u201d Ben snapped into action and forced Joe back down in the bed.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Quickly he grabbed the blankets and pulled them back across the boy\u2019s lap.\u00a0 \u201cYou are not getting out of this bed, do you understand?\u201d growled the determined father.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cBut Pa!\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNo buts, young man, you will do as I say, and I say, stay in this bed!\u00a0 You are in no condition to go anywhere!\u201d ordered Ben, shaking his finger in Joe\u2019s face.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe slumped back against the pillows in defeat.\u00a0 \u201cYessir,\u201d he muttered.\u00a0 In his mind he was already devising a plan to sneak out of the house and go in search of his brother.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The house had grown extremely quiet by the time that Joe determined that his father and Hoss were sleeping soundly.\u00a0 Slowly he crept from his bed and ignoring the pain in his ribs, he dressed as quickly as he could and sneaked from the house.\u00a0 As he entered the barn, Cochise, sensing his master\u2019s presence snorted softly.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cShh\u2026don\u2019t want to wake the household ole friend,\u201d whispered Joe as he struggled with lifting the saddle onto his horse\u2019s back.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe worked quickly and when he had finished, he silently led his mount from the barn and walked the horse a short distance, until he was out of sight of the house.\u00a0 Once he mounted up, he dug his heels into the horse\u2019s ribs and took off at a full gallop in search of his brother.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe rode until the sun finally put in an appearance, rising slowly over the tops of the jagged Sierra Mountains.\u00a0 By the time that he pulled his mount to a stop for a long needed rest, his entire body ached from the continual jolting of the horse\u2019s movements. \u00a0Joe longed to dismount, but feared that once he had, he might not be able to pull his achy body back up onto the horse\u2019s back.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cSorry, Cooch, this is as good as you get,\u201d muttered Joe, pulling a strip of jerky from his saddlebags and taking a bite from the tough leather-like strip of dried venison.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe knew he was on the right trail.\u00a0 Adam had used the old road that led to Virginia City, where he had planned on meeting the stage, rather than the other.\u00a0 This road was less traveled and for whatever reason Adam must have had, it was apparent to his younger brother that he had not wanted to encounter too many folks along the way.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cCome on, let\u2019s get moving.\u201d\u00a0 Joe nudged his horse into a trot, watching the road, least the buggy tracks ventured off course.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The free time that Joe had as he rode along in silence gave the boy plenty of time to concentrate on all that had happened in the last couple of days.\u00a0 He knew that Adam and Jessica had several hours head start, but he never doubted that he wouldn\u2019t be able to catch up with them.\u00a0 And when he did, Joe determined to himself that he would have answers to his disturbing questions.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Who had assaulted the young woman, why had she pointed the finger of guilt at him and what were her motives?\u00a0 Those were the three main questions that haunted Joe\u2019s thoughts.\u00a0 What was she to gain by accusing him\u2026money reasoned Joe as he rode along.\u00a0 Or could it be that all she wanted was his brother, knowing that a marriage to a Cartwright would guarantee her future, both financially and through business dealings that included his older brother?\u00a0 An inheritance, such as Adam would leave, if something unexpected happen to him, would make his widow a very rich woman.\u00a0 Joe jerked back on the reins.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s it Cooch\u2026she\u2019s after Adam\u2019s money\u2026and the Ponderosa!\u201d he exclaimed aloud.\u00a0 \u201cIt has to be\u2026I can\u2019t think of any other reason!\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThe only thing I can\u2019t explain is, why blame me for what happened to her?\u00a0 It doesn\u2019t make any sense,\u201d he muttered and then urged his horse on.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Two hours later and much hard riding that had begun to take its toll on Joe\u2019s battered body, Joe pulled his horse to a complete stop.\u00a0 He rested his mount atop a small rise that overlooked the road below.\u00a0 He had cut his traveling time in half by taking a short cut through the steep incline but now, as he gazed at the buggy parked in the shade of an ancient oak tree, Joe smiled to himself.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

After giving his tired horse time to catch his breath and keeping an eye out, least Adam and the lady decided to move on, Joe kicked gently at Cochise\u2019s sides.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe wasn\u2019t surprised that Adam and Jessie were nowhere to be seen.\u00a0 Even under the tree, it was still hot, for the sun was at its peak and the hot rays had yet begun to cool.\u00a0 Joe dismounted, groaned as a wave of pain surged through his chest, making him to grasp his arm tightly around his bounded ribs.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

He paused, allowing himself time to catch his breath and then tied the reins around the wheel of the buggy.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cADAM!\u201d he shouted.\u00a0 \u201cHEY, ADAM!\u201d he called the second time.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Slowly, he began walking towards the base of a large rock formation that lay just ahead of him.\u00a0 He stopped to search the ground for tracks and was pleased when he saw two sets, a small dainty pair following behind a larger set of boot tracks, obviously his brother\u2019s.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cADAM!\u201d Joe called, pleased with himself that he had at last caught up with his brother.\u00a0 Now, he\u2019d be able to set the record straight and alert his brother to the young woman\u2019s scheme, if in fact, that was what it was.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe stopped suddenly, surprised to see the opening of a cave amid the rocks.\u00a0 He was even more surprised to see that the tracks he had been following led right up to the mouth of the cave and then had been joined by a third set of tracks.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Confused by what he was reading in the dirt, Joe pulled his pistol from his holster and crept cautiously into the cave.\u00a0 It was dark, cold and damp within the interior and Joe couldn\u2019t stop the shiver that passed through his body.\u00a0 He had walked for several minutes before stopping to listen.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Deep within he could make out the sounds of soft murmuring.\u00a0 Silently, Joe crept forward, stopping within yards of his brother and the young woman.\u00a0 Jessie had her back to Joe and was unaware that he stood so near.\u00a0 Adam had both hands raised high in the air, and it was then that Joe noticed the gun that Jessie held in her hands, pointed straight at his brother\u2019s chest.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t want to kill you Adam,\u201d Jessie was saying.\u00a0 \u201cBut Matthew says it\u2019s the only way.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThe only way for what?\u00a0 To collect my inheritance?\u201d demanded Adam.\u00a0 \u201cJust because we\u2019re married now, doesn\u2019t mean that everything I have will be yours!\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cBut it does, that\u2019s the law, Matthew told me so!\u201d Jessie declared.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam laughed.\u00a0 It was a cold, taunting laugh.\u00a0 \u201cThat fool doesn\u2019t have the sense of a goose.\u00a0 What he failed to tell you, Jessie, is that man who supposedly married us last night, was not a real licensed minister.\u00a0He\u2019s an old friend of the family\u2019s\u2026just a God fearing cowpoke that works for us.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWHAT!\u201d screamed Jessie as she frantically waved the pistol around in front of Adam\u2019s face.\u00a0 \u201cThen why did he act like he was performing a marriage ceremony?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cBecause I asked him too.\u00a0 Remember when you excused yourself?\u00a0 Well, I took the liberty of asking him to go along with me, act like he was a minister and marry us.\u00a0 I wanted to find out what game you\u2019re really playing\u2026and it worked,\u201d Adam explained in a smug tone of voice.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYou bastard!\u201d stormed Jessie as she slapped Adam across the face.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam refrained from snickering at the woman\u2019s frustration.\u00a0 \u201cJust tell me one thing, who roughed you up?\u00a0 I know it wasn\u2019t my kid brother.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam saw the lady\u2019s blue eyes grow round and fill with tears.\u00a0 Her hand was shaking and Adam had to keep one eye on the gun she held.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cMatthew\u2026I told him I wouldn\u2019t stand for his killing you.\u00a0 We got into an argument and he hit me a couple of times.\u00a0 Then that kid brother of yours came riding into the yard and Matthew pulled me into the barn and we hid in the shadows while Little Joe stabled his horse.\u00a0 We slipped out the back door and Matthew told me that I\u2019d better think of something quick cause he knew you would ask about my face, and my torn dress,\u201d Jessie explained.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThat explains just about everything, except one, and I admit, I\u2019m very curious about this,\u201d stated Adam, who had inched deeper into the cave to distance himself from the woman.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhat about the scratch on my brother\u2019s face?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll answer that one for you, big brother,\u201d Joe said as he stepped from the shadows.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Startled, Jessie spun around, giving Adam the time to snatch the pistol from her hands.\u00a0 \u201cGood work, little brother,\u201d smiled Adam.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

He grabbed the woman\u2019s arm and forced her to sit down on a large rock.\u00a0 Once he was sure she would stay, he turned to Joe, taking the boy by the shoulder and pulling him into a quick hug.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThank God, you\u2019re alright,\u201d smiled Adam.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cSore, but I guess I\u2019ve had worse,\u201d responded Joe with a small smile of his own.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAbout that scratch\u2026what happened?\u201d questioned Adam.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhen I was in the barn unsaddling my horse, I heard something\u2026guess I know what it was now, anyway, the noise spooked Cooch and when he jerked his head his harness brushed up against my face, scratching it.\u00a0 I was wiping away the blood when you came in and started to\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The smile on Joe\u2019s face died as he glanced at Adam\u2019s face.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cJoe, I\u2019m\u2026.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cDROP THAT GUN!\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The deep roaring shout came from the shadows, taking Adam and Joe unprepared as the man stepped into view.\u00a0 \u201cI said, drop those guns, NOW!\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam let the pistol he\u2019d been holding slip from his hand, watching Joe slowly do the same.\u00a0 When both guns were on the ground, Matthew turned to Jessica.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cGet their guns and toss them over there,\u201d he ordered.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Jessica was quick to do as she had been told and gathered the two guns up and tossed them far over to the other wall out of reach.\u00a0 She returned to stand at Matthew\u2019s side.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cMatthew, did you hear what he said?\u00a0 He said that we weren\u2019t really married, that the minister was only a cowboy that\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI heard!\u00a0 But it doesn\u2019t matter, once I take care of these two, we\u2019ll go on to San Francisco.\u00a0 Later you can write old man Cartwright and tell him that his son met with an unfortunate accident and that you are coming back to claim what is rightfully yours,\u201d smiled Matthew.\u00a0 \u201cYou\u2019ll see, it will all work out just fine.\u00a0 Now, you two, get moving!\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Matthew waved his gun at both Adam and Joe, motioning for them to go deeper into the cave. \u00a0Joe glanced up at his brother and waited until Adam made the first move and pointed with one finger.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cCome on, Joe,\u201d he ordered softly, waiting for Joe to move ahead.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

They walked a good distance before Matthew ordered them to stop.\u00a0 \u201cThis should be far enough.\u00a0 It\u2019s not likely that anyone would ever find them, not in here,\u201d he said with a sneer on his face.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cTurn around, both of you!\u201d Matthew ordered.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cMat, darling\u2026you aren\u2019t really going to\u2026kill them, are you?\u201d Jessie said in a voice that quivered with fear.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Matthew turned angry eyes on the young woman.\u00a0 \u201cI\u2019ve got too\u2026I\u2019ve already explained to you why\u2026we can\u2019t just leave them here.\u00a0 They will get away and then\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Matthew had been so preoccupied with explaining things to Jessie that neither one had seen Adam turn and jump on Matthew\u2019s back.\u00a0 When they hit the ground, Joe quickly grabbed Jessie by the arm and held on to her while Adam and Matthew fought it out.\u00a0 The fight lasted several minutes, with Matthew ending up on the losing end.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNow get to your feet,\u201d growled Adam as he pulled on the man\u2019s arm and forced him to his feet.\u00a0 \u201cMove,\u201d he ordered, giving Matthew a shove to the middle of his back.\u00a0 \u201cYou too,\u201d he demanded of Jessie.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam stepped aside to allow the woman to fall into step ahead of Matthew.\u00a0 He glanced back at his brother, concern written on his face.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYou okay?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYeah, I\u2019m fine, Adam,\u201d Joe said with a twisted smile.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

They had only walked a short distance when all four stopped in their tracks.\u00a0 A loud rumbling outside of the cave warned that danger was very near.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThat sounds like a landslide!\u00a0 RUN!\u201d shouted Adam, urging the two people in front of him to move faster.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The four ran as fast as they could, until Adam stumbled and fell.\u00a0 Joe stopped so suddenly that he nearly tripped over Adam, who was trying to get to his feet.\u00a0 Matthew paused just long enough to look over his shoulder and laugh and then continued running for the entrance.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHurry Adam, get up,\u201d urged Joe, taking his brother\u2019s arm and trying to hoist him to his feet.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI can\u2019t, my ankle, I\u2019ve twisted it.\u00a0 Joe, go on, hurry!\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNO!\u201d Joe shouted, ignoring the pain in his ribs as he helped his brother to his feet.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

They ran together for several more yards before the dirt and dust that spewed forth from the opening stopped them in their tracks.\u00a0 Large rocks rolled into the cave, the dust was so thick that they were forced to turn their heads to keep the smoke-like particles from getting into their eyes.\u00a0 An extra large rock rolled toward them, seen only by the youngest brother.\u00a0 His eyes wide, Joe stared in astonishment at the rolling obstacle until he at last found his voice.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cADAM, LOOK OUT!\u201d Joe shouted, shoving Adam from the path of the boulder that was just feet from overpowering the brothers.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam was caught off guard by his brother\u2019s forceful move and stumbled backwards out of danger\u2019s way.\u00a0 He caught himself on the stone wall of the cave before falling and used his arm to cover his face from the flying pebbles and dust that followed after the boulder.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAWWW\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam heard his brother\u2019s scream but could not see through the thick dust fog that hung in the air between them.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cJOE!\u201d bellowed Adam, fear filling every pore of his body.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam waited only seconds until the dust settled and then moved forward, searching frantically for his younger brother.\u00a0 \u201cJOE!\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAww\u2026Adam,\u201d Joe cried out in agony.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam located the boy just feet away, Joe\u2019s left arm reaching out, groping the air for a handhold.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cJoe!\u201d muttered Adam, appalled by what he saw.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAd\u2026am\u2026hurts\u2026oh God\u2026my leg, it\u2026hurts!\u201d whimpered Joe.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cTake it easy, Joe, I know it hurts,\u201d Adam tried to soothe the frightened boy whose leg was bent at an awkward position beneath the heavy boulder.\u00a0 Adam clutched his brother\u2019s hand and tried to reassure the boy.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll get you out, Joe\u2026just hang on.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam glanced again at the position of Joe\u2019s leg and scrunched up his face.\u00a0 He could see the bone protruding through the skin just above the knee.\u00a0 The leg was twisted backward from the hip and forcing the ball of the leg to snap from the natural cup where the ball joint naturally fit into the socket.\u00a0 There was no doubt as to the fact that Joe\u2019s leg was broken and the hip disjointed.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAww\u2026Adam\u2026\u201d moaned Joe through gritted teeth.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam could barely contain his rising panic and he wondered how on earth he could keep his promise to the boy and free him from the huge rock that claimed half his body.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m here, Joe,\u201d he whispered, brushing the dirt gently from his brother\u2019s face.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cMy leg\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cJoe, your leg\u2019s broken buddy, and it looks like your upper leg has separated from the hip,\u201d Adam explained.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHurts\u2026like hell,\u201d Joe met his brother\u2019s eyes and he tried to smile.\u00a0 \u201cIt\u2019s bad\u2026ain\u2019t it?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam pinched his lips into a fine taunt line and nodded his head.\u00a0 \u201cI\u2019m afraid so, buddy.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe stifled a sob, refusing to let fear take control of him.\u00a0 \u201cWhat about the others?\u00a0 Did they get out?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam glanced upward, where the opening had once been and then back down at his brother.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t know, Joe\u2026it\u2019s hard to tell.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe strained his head around trying to see where he knew the opening had been.\u00a0 \u201cThey had a pretty good head start on us, maybe they did.\u00a0 Reckon they\u2019ll send help back for us?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam\u2019s dark eyes watched the fear grow in the hazel, pain filled eyes that looked back at him.\u00a0 As bad as their plight was, there was no way that Adam was going to lie to his brother.\u00a0 He cleared his throat and tried to explain to Joe why he doubted that Matthew or Jessica would send them help, if they had been able to get clear of the rock-slide.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cJoe, they were planning on killing us\u2026I seriously doubt that they\u2019d be so kind as to want to save our hides, not now.\u00a0 This mess we\u2019re in, works out just fine for them, if they did manage to get out.\u00a0 They\u2019re hands are spotless, we\u2019re presumed dead, and they get off scott free!\u201d Adam scowled.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYeah\u2026guess you\u2019re right.\u00a0 I suppose that means, if we\u2019re ever going to get out of here\u2026it\u2019s up to us\u2026ere\u2026you.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

When Joe saw Adam look down at him, he forced a smile.\u00a0 His smile vanished quickly.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAdam\u2026I\u2019m sorry\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cSorry?\u00a0 For what, you didn\u2019t do anything to be sorry for, buddy.\u00a0 It\u2019s me that\u2019s sorry, and I am Joe\u2026I shouldn\u2019t have jumped to conclusions without speaking to you first.\u00a0 I hope someday, you\u2019ll forgive me, I was wrong, sport\u2026I made a horrible mistake in misjudging you.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam hung his head and turned away.\u00a0 It was hard for a man like himself to admit he was wrong, especially when it came to admitting it to his brother.\u00a0 He had always tried, throughout his life, to set a good example for his younger brothers, especially Joe who at eighteen, was still impressionable and easily influenced.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAdam?\u201d Joe said in a tired voice.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYeah Joe?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYou just gonna sit here all day stewing, or are ya gonna get this rock off my leg like ya promised?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam cut his eyes over to Joe\u2019s face and noted the way that his brother strained to smile for him.\u00a0 Lovingly, he rubbed the top of the boy\u2019s thick mass of curls.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhatever shall I do with you kid?\u201d Adam grinned.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHow about just getting this rock off my leg?\u201d Joe grinned and then lowered his head to the ground, moaning softly.\u00a0 \u201cIt sure hurts like the blazes.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

It took Adam several hours of tossing aside the loose rock that blocked the entrance to the cave and still he had not reached the opening.\u00a0 He paused, trying to catch his breath, for the air inside was thin and Adam knew that it was just a matter of time before their air supply ran completely out.\u00a0 He glanced down at Joe, surprised to see his brother watching him.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHow you doing, Joe?\u201d he asked as he made his way over to his brother.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam had covered Joe with his coat for Joe had complained of being cold.\u00a0 Adam knew that Joe had spiked a fever and that he was having a hard time breathing as well.\u00a0 He had made several attempts to move the rock from his brother\u2019s leg, but all had been in vain.\u00a0 After the last failed attempt, he was forced to admit to himself, as well as to Joe, that it would take more than just one man to move the heavy stone.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe tried to be brave, but the excruciating pain in both his leg and his hips had finally gotten to the boy.\u00a0 Joe tossed and turned his upper body, trying in his own way to free himself and thus relief the agony, for so long that he had finally worn himself completely out.\u00a0 Now he lay still, either unable or unwilling to fight the boulder that held his leg pinned tightly to the ground.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHurts\u2026bad\u2026\u201d Joe groaned.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe\u2019s eyes clouded with tears, but he somehow managed to will them away.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2019re\u2026running out of\u2026time, aren\u2019t\u2026we, Adam?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNaw, we\u2019ve plenty of time, kid, don\u2019t worry yourself.\u00a0 Didn\u2019t I promise to get you out of here?\u201d\u00a0 Adam knew Joe was correct in what he was saying, but Adam also refused to give up and he returned to his rock pile.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Another hour passed and Adam was nearly to the point of admitting defeat.\u00a0 His brow was beaded with perspiration and his handsome features were covered in a thick layer of dirt and dust.\u00a0 He heard the soft moaning coming from the opposite side of the rock where Joe lay trapped.\u00a0 He had been listening for several minutes to the pitiful sounds and had cursed himself for having led Joe into the trouble that he found them in now.\u00a0 Adam blamed no one, other than his self and for not having more faith in the boy than what he had displayed the night of his engagement party.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cPa\u2026Pa?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam scooted around to Joe\u2019s side.\u00a0 His brother\u2019s face was damp with sweat and Joe tossed his head gently from side to side.\u00a0 Adam wished he had some water to wipe Joe\u2019s brow and to refresh the boy\u2019s dry lips but everything that he had brought with him, had been left in the buggy when Jessica had forced him to the cave.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cPa?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe was looking up at Adam\u2019s face, but the face that he saw was not the one to whom he called out for.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s me Joe, Adam,\u201d his brother said tenderly.\u00a0 \u201cI\u2019m the only one here with you, pal.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam pulled his neckerchief from around his neck and dabbed at the moisture on Joe\u2019s brow.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAdam\u2026how\u2026much longer?\u00a0 I\u2026want Pa\u2026\u201d Joe cried.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam could tell that Joe was beginning to fade in and out of consciousness, either from the pain that ripped his body apart or from the lack of air inside the cave, Adam wasn\u2019t sure.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI know buddy, I know,\u201d Adam said in a voice that sounded less than convincing, even to his ears.\u00a0 \u201cIt shouldn\u2019t be much longer.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam glanced up at the opening and sighed.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018We\u2019re doomed to die, here, I\u2019m afraid,\u2019 his heart whispered to his head.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam looked down again at his brother.\u00a0 Tears had formed in the hazel eyes and though Adam knew that Joe tried, he could do nothing to stop the tears that rolled unchecked down his face.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAdam\u2026I have to tell\u2026you something,\u201d Joe said in a near inaudible voice.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cJoe, please, save your energy, don\u2019t try to talk right now, it\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNo\u2026I have\u2026to tell you,\u201d pleaded Joe, clinging loosely to his brother\u2019s arm.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAlright, Joe, what is it?\u201d Adam asked.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

He took hold of Joe\u2019s hand and held it securely within his own.\u00a0 Flashes of bygone days danced before his eyes as he recalled other times, when the same hand had clung to his.\u00a0 Without a warning, tears washed into Adam\u2019s eyes, but he brushed them away before Joe could see them.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI was\u2026mad\u2026really mad, at you.\u00a0 I even thought\u2026I hated\u2026you,\u201d Joe said, barely above a whisper.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYou had a right to be mad\u2026and to hate me, Joe\u2026for what I did to you,\u201d agreed Adam.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNo\u2026no\u2026not for that,\u201d Joe strained to say.\u00a0 He shook his head slightly, arching his body and gritting his teeth to the pain that threatened to claim his life.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t understand.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cFor\u2026leaving\u2026I hated you\u2026for leaving me,\u201d cried Joe.\u00a0 \u201cDon\u2019t you\u2026remember when you\u2026came home from\u2026college?\u00a0 You made\u2026me a promise\u2026that you\u2019d\u2026never leave me\u2026again, and you\u2026broke that\u2026promise.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe had begun to breath deeply, trying desperately to fill his lungs with much needed air.\u00a0 It was several moments before he was able to speak again, and his next words cut Adam to the core, for they were the truth, plain and simple.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cIt was\u2026the only promise\u2026you\u2019ve ever\u2026made to me\u2026that you broke.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe\u2019s eyes closed and Adam felt the boy\u2019s hand relax it\u2019s hold on his.\u00a0 Joe\u2019s fingers opened slowly as Adam placed his brother\u2019s hand across his chest.\u00a0 A sob caught in Adam\u2019s throat as he tried to digest his brother\u2019s words, praying that they were not the last that Joe would ever utter.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

More determined than ever, Adam arranged his coat around Joe and returned to his rock pile.\u00a0 With a fervor that surprised even himself, Adam hauled rock after rock from the pile that barred his path to the world beyond their prison cave.\u00a0 He forced himself to ignore Joe\u2019s muted cries, for there was nothing, absolutely nothing that he could do to give aid or comfort to his brother, other than to hold the boy\u2019s hand.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The air had grown dry and stale inside the cave and Adam sucked in deeply to fill his burning lungs.\u00a0 Time was swiftly running out for Joe and himself.\u00a0 Joe had grown quiet and more than once Adam had climbed down from his pile of rocks to check on his brother.\u00a0 Joe\u2019s features were drained of any color; the boy was barely breathing and had at last stopped his continual whimpering and given himself over to the world of obscurity.\u00a0 For that, Adam was grateful, for once locked securely within the world of total aloneness, there was no pain.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam swallowed, trying to push the muck from his throat.\u00a0 His mouth was dried out and he could barely make salvia enough to be able to clear his throat.\u00a0 He tried speaking aloud, but was unable to form any words and what sounds did spew forth, sounded more like an injured animal caught in a trap.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam heard himself laugh; it was a rough and coarse sound to his own ears.\u00a0 Trapped like animals, he thought, that was what he and Joe were, animals caught in a trap.\u00a0 Adam leaned his head down, across his folded arms and shut his eyes.\u00a0 He was too tired to move, too worn out to keep plugging away at the pile of endless rocks.\u00a0 He couldn\u2019t keep his promise to his brother, they were going to die, of that, Adam was certain.\u00a0 The weary man raised his head just slightly and seeing his brother\u2019s still form, dragged his own weary body next to Joe\u2019s and lay down, shutting his eyes for the second time.\u00a0 His arm, he slung across his brother\u2019s chest, holding himself as close as he could to the boy whom he loved with all his heart.\u00a0 He sighed deeply, if they were doomed to die, then at least they\u2019d die together.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAdam\u2026Adam\u2026can you hear me, boy?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam tried to open his eyes, but he was so weak that even that small effort seemed to drain all his strength. He pinched his eyes tightly, but the voice would not go away, nor would it stop calling his name.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAdam\u2026open your eyes, son\u2026Adam!\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cPa?\u00a0 Is that you?\u201d Adam said, forcing his eyes to obey his brain\u2019s command.\u00a0 His long lashes fluttered and then slowly, his hazel eyes were visible to the one who held his head tenderly in his arms.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYes son\u2026it\u2019s okay now, your Pa\u2019s here,\u201d Ben said, smiling up at Hoss who hovered over the top of his shoulder.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam squeezed his eyes tightly and then re-opened them so that he could better see his father\u2019s face.\u00a0 He then tried to push himself into a sitting position.\u00a0 He glanced quickly around him, searching frantically with his eyes and then twisted his head back around to face his father.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cJOE! PA, WHERE\u2019S JOE?\u201d Adam cried out in a hoarse voice that was barely above a whisper.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

His voice bordered on hysteria and Ben was quick to calm his son.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cJoe\u2019s being seen after, son.\u00a0 Paul\u2019s with him\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHe\u2019s hurt Pa, badly,\u201d stammered Adam as he stretched his neck around trying to catch a glimpse of his brother.\u00a0 \u201cI have to get to him\u2026I promised him\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYou can\u2019t, not just yet son.\u00a0 In a little while you can see him, I promise, now lets get you to the wagon.\u00a0 Can you walk?\u201d Ben asked as he and Hoss helped Adam to his feet.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI can walk, but I need to see Joe\u2026please Pa\u2026I have to tell\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAlright Adam, but for just a minute, Joe\u2019s not very coherent and he\u2019s in a lot of pain right now,\u201d explained Ben.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI know, Pa\u2026I know, I saw his leg, he saved my life,\u201d Adam said in a serious voice.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Hoss and Ben guided Adam to the wagon where Paul was working at making Joe as comfortable as he could for the trip home.\u00a0 He glanced up when he saw Adam approaching.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cGood, he\u2019s been asking for you, Adam,\u201d Paul smiled and then moved so that Adam could crawl into the back of the wagon next to Joe.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHey little buddy,\u201d Adam smiled as he gently brushed his fingers along Joe\u2019s cheek.\u00a0 \u201cHow you doin\u2019?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHey\u2026Adam,\u201d Joe tried to smile, but wasn\u2019t too successful.\u00a0 \u201cWe made\u2026it.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam could see the pain that Joe could not mask shining back at him from his brother\u2019s eyes and it caused a huge knot to form in his throat.\u00a0 He tried swallowing several times to remove it, but it seemed to only make matters worse.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cCourse we did, you didn\u2019t doubt me now, did you?\u201d Adam managed to say in a strangled voice.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe had closed his eyes briefly and shook his head.\u00a0 \u201cNever,\u201d he muttered.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam noted a lone tear that rolled freely down from the corner of Joe\u2019s right eye and he touched it with his finger.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cJoe\u2026look at me,\u201d Adam whispered lowly.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe opened his eyes as instructed and looked up at his brother.\u00a0 Adam smiled, causing his dimple to deepen the tiny crease in his cheek.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cJoe, about that broken promise\u2026no\u2026don\u2019t say anything until I\u2019m finished.\u00a0 I mean it Joe, I\u2019m sorry about leaving you, but I did come back.\u00a0 I shouldn\u2019t have acted so irrational, and I shouldn\u2019t have taken someone else\u2019s word about something so important without talking to you first.\u00a0 I\u2019ll promise you now Joe, it won\u2019t ever happen again.\u00a0 I\u2019m so sorry that I hurt you, both physically and emotionally.\u00a0 Can you ever forgive me?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam\u2019s dark eyes glistened with unshed tears as he gazed down into the pain-ridden face of his youngest brother.\u00a0 He saw Joe swallow and then try to smile up at him.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAdam,\u201d he said softly.\u00a0 \u201cPa once told me that I was bound to you and Hoss not just because we share the same father, but because blood binds us together, making us brothers, and nothing that could ever happen to us could ever change that.\u00a0 We\u2019re family, and what happens to one of us, happens to all of us, because we are bound to one another.\u00a0 So when you\u2019re hurting, I\u2019m hurting, and vice versa.\u00a0 You made a mistake Adam, God, who hasn\u2019t?\u00a0 For sure, I\u2019ve made my share and you\u2019ve always forgiven me, who am I that I should hold this against you?\u00a0 I can\u2019t and I won\u2019t\u2026so forget it, big brother.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe\u2019s voice faded away softly as the medication that the doctor had given him began to dull his senses.\u00a0 His hand still clung tightly to his older brother\u2019s and as he slipped into a deep drug induced sleep, he muttered softly.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI love ya, Adam.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam\u2019s head dropped low as the tears he fought so hard to control slipped slowly and silently from his eyes.\u00a0 What more could he have asked for?\u00a0 He had beaten his brother to within an inch of his life, yet this same boy had nearly died saving his, Joe had forgiven him and then declared his devotion to him.\u00a0 Adam wept silent tears of remorse for what he had committed and then those same tears turned to tears of joy for the forgiveness that Joe had so graciously given to him.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

It was two days later before Adam had a chance to question his father about how he had known where to find him and Joe.\u00a0 They were sitting outside on the side porch, Joe, still bedridden from his long surgery that repaired his broken leg and rejoined his hip, was napping. Hoss came from the barn and joined Adam and his father, taking a chair across from his older brother.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cPa, you never did get around to telling me how you found us,\u201d Adam said as he sipped his lemonade that Hop Sing had served them.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben set his glass down, smiling slightly.\u00a0 \u201cIt was Miss Bryson.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cJessie?\u201d\u00a0 Adam looked from his father to Hoss.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYep, sure was.\u00a0 She came runnin\u2019 up to us screamin\u2019 like a Banshee.\u00a0 Took Pa and I both to calm her down, ain\u2019t that right, Pa?\u201d Hoss grinned.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYes, that\u2019s right.\u00a0 I suppose she must have had a bout of conscience, she began blurting out how she and this Matthew fellow planned on getting you to marry her and then they were going to kill you.\u00a0 This woman was then going to claim everything you had.\u00a0 But she couldn\u2019t go through with it because she didn\u2019t want to be party to murder. Then she ranted on about how Joseph kept getting in the way and ruining their plans.\u00a0The woman is nuts Adam, you do realize that, don\u2019t you?\u201d Ben said in a serious tone.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYes\u2026I found that out\u2026that hard way, mind you,\u201d Adam smiled.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAnyway, once we calmed her down, she told us where you and Joe were.\u00a0 It was lucky for us that some of the hands went along, and Paul too.\u00a0 He had stopped by that morning to check on Joe and when he went upstairs, we found that the scamp had sneaked out of the house.\u00a0 I knew right away that he went looking for you, he had wanted to the night before and I wouldn\u2019t let him.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhat about Matthew?\u201d questioned Adam.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben shook his head sadly.\u00a0 \u201cWe found his body crushed beneath a pile of rocks near the entrance of the cave.\u00a0 I don\u2019t know how Miss Bryson managed to get out, but thank God she did.\u00a0 If we had not happened upon her when we did, we would never have found you; we had absolutely no idea that you and Joe were buried in that cave.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m glad she made it out\u2026where is she now?\u201d Adam asked.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cGone\u2026when Hoss and I and the others started digging you out, she must have seen her chance to get away and she took it.\u00a0 The buggy and the horse, both were gone and no one has seen hide nor hair of her since,\u201d explained Ben.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cGood riddance, I say,\u201d muttered Hoss with a toss of his head.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWell son, she couldn\u2019t have been all bad,\u201d Ben scolded, \u201cshe did tell us where to find your brothers.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Hoss bobbed his head in compliance.\u00a0 \u201c\u2019Pose ya right, Pa, but I\u2019m glad she\u2019s gone any how.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cShe made a mistake, son\u2026we all do, isn\u2019t that right, Adam?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben glanced up at this son, a twinkle in his eyes.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYeah, Pa\u2026that\u2019s right.\u00a0 We all make mistakes Hoss, but fortunately for some, myself included, we have a chance to right our wrongs.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHow so big brother?\u201d Hoss inquired.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cLike Pa said, and Joe reminded me, some of us are fortunate enough to be bound to one another.\u00a0 Like us, you and Joe and myself.\u00a0 The blood that flows in our veins and the love and respect we have for each other, even though at times we forget about them, bind us to one another, making us brothers.\u00a0 They\u2019re still there, always, for our entire lives\u2026they are the ties that bind.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYeah,\u201d snickered Hoss, \u201cI see what\u2019cha mean.\u00a0 We\u2019re brothers, now and forever and nothin\u2019 we do will ever change that.\u00a0 Hmm\u2026ain\u2019t that sumthin\u2019?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cADAM!\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Hoss snickered again.\u00a0 \u201cHey Adam, I think someone\u2019s yellin\u2019 for ya.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t remind me,\u201d he groaned in a gentle, teasing manner.\u00a0 \u201cDoesn\u2019t that boy know anyone else\u2019s name other than mine?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cADAM!\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAw\u2026shucks, Adam, the boy loves ya, that\u2019s all,\u201d laughed Hoss, turning to see the smile that spread apart his father\u2019s face.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s today Hoss, tomorrow it might be different, one can never tell with Joe,\u201d Adam said as he strolled toward the door.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAAADAMMM!\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m coming Joe, I\u2019m coming,\u201d muttered Adam in a whisper that he was unaware his father and brother had overheard.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

He stooped over the edge of the porch and snatched a Daisy from the flowerpot and slowly made his way to the door, tossing petals along the way.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cJoe loves me, Joe loves me not, Joe loves me, Joe loves me not\u2026Joe loves me!\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

November 2003<\/strong><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

<\/div>\n

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

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

Summary:\u00a0\u00a0 Adam and Joe both learn that the ties that bind as brothers can never be severed, not by a lying woman, a rockslide or certain death. \u00a0<\/p>\n

Rated PG \u00a0WC 13,900<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":9052,"featured_media":1228,"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_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":"","jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false},"categories":[2,23],"tags":[14,15,17,16],"class_list":["post-12205","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-actionadventure","category-drama","tag-adam-cartwright","tag-ben","tag-hoss","tag-joe","wpcat-2-id","wpcat-23-id"],"a3_pvc":{"activated":true,"total_views":1955,"today_views":0},"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/03\/bonanza2.jpg?fit=720%2C475&ssl=1","jetpack_likes_enabled":true,"jetpack-related-posts":[{"id":13814,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=13814","url_meta":{"origin":12205,"position":0},"title":"A Pearl Without Price (by JC)","author":"JC","date":"January 24, 2017","format":false,"excerpt":"Summary: Adam Cartwright knows well there are some things in this world that money can\u2019t buy, and other things are priceless. (Part of the Ties That Bind AU series) Rating: K+\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 (1,425 words) Ties That Bind Series, links to stories within the series are included.","rel":"","context":"In "Adam \/ Joe"","block_context":{"text":"Adam \/ Joe","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?cat=1091"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"","width":0,"height":0},"classes":[]},{"id":10754,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=10754","url_meta":{"origin":12205,"position":1},"title":"The Sound and the Fury (by sandspur)","author":"sandspur","date":"March 24, 2015","format":false,"excerpt":"Summary: It's brother against brother, Cartwright style! Revenge is not a dish best served cold--it's best served to the sound of the cannon! 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(by AC1830)","author":"AC1830","date":"January 17, 2018","format":false,"excerpt":"Summary - Why is Adam in the dirt at Hoss' feet?\u00a0 Hoss is not going to like the answer.\u00a0 Rating - K, WC - 823","rel":"","context":"In "Humor"","block_context":{"text":"Humor","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?cat=4"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/01\/Adam-on-his-back-The-Ape.png?fit=620%2C470&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/01\/Adam-on-his-back-The-Ape.png?fit=620%2C470&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/01\/Adam-on-his-back-The-Ape.png?fit=620%2C470&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x"},"classes":[]},{"id":15348,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=15348","url_meta":{"origin":12205,"position":3},"title":"Joe Cartwright – Magician! (by Questfan)","author":"Questfan","date":"October 26, 2017","format":false,"excerpt":"SUMMARY: A Bonanza story celebrating that fun side of Michael in his role as Joe Cartwright. Make it scary, funny, or dramatic . . . or all three! 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Can Adam explain it correctly so a ten-year old Joe can understand? Rating:\u00a0 G\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Word count: 1250","rel":"","context":"In "Drama"","block_context":{"text":"Drama","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?cat=23"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"","width":0,"height":0},"classes":[]},{"id":14080,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=14080","url_meta":{"origin":12205,"position":5},"title":"A Piece of Cake (by JC)","author":"JC","date":"March 27, 2017","format":false,"excerpt":"Summary: \u00a0How hard can it be, taking care of two little boys for one day? \u00a0That's what Joe thinks.... (Part of the Ties That Bind AU series) Rating: K \u00a0 \u00a0(1661 words) Ties That Bind Series, links to stories within the series are included.","rel":"","context":"In "Alternate Universe"","block_context":{"text":"Alternate Universe","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?cat=7"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/04\/Calamity-over-the-Comstock-8.jpg?fit=634%2C563&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/04\/Calamity-over-the-Comstock-8.jpg?fit=634%2C563&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/04\/Calamity-over-the-Comstock-8.jpg?fit=634%2C563&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x"},"classes":[]}],"jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/12205","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/9052"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=12205"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/12205\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/1228"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=12205"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=12205"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=12205"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}