{"id":12257,"date":"2003-05-04T07:53:35","date_gmt":"2003-05-04T11:53:35","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=12257"},"modified":"2026-07-31T08:39:31","modified_gmt":"2026-07-31T12:39:31","slug":"of-one-mans-blood-by-debbieb","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=12257","title":{"rendered":"Of One Man’s Blood (by DebbieB)"},"content":{"rendered":"

Summary:<\/strong> \u00a0Ben’s three sons have vanished, but where could they be?\u00a0 Months of worry and fear leave him devastated over his loss.\u00a0 When Ben offers the Ponderosa for sale, a reformed criminal comes to Ben’s aide and together they set sail on the high seas in search of Ben’s most cherished of life’s gifts, his three sons.<\/p>\n

Rated:<\/strong> \u00a0R\u00a0 Subject matter hints at sexual content, contains cruel and inhumane treatment to certain individuals and deals with white slavery.\u00a0 May not be suited for all readers…proceed accordingly. \u00a0By clicking into the story, you are adhering to the warning that has been posted.<\/p>\n

(42,600 words)<\/p>\n

Of One Man’s Blood<\/strong><\/p>\n

\u201cGot\u2019em?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYeah, I got\u2019em, hand me the bottle.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The boy tried to jerk free but the arm around his neck only tightened, nearly choking off his air supply.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cMight as well stop strugglin\u2019, kid. Ya gonna drink this stuff, like it or not,\u201d growled the man as he gave his arm a little jerk to reinforce his words.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The boy grasped the man\u2019s thick arm with both of his hands and tried to yank the arm free from his neck.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI said, hold still, ain\u2019t gonna do no good to fight. Now open ya mouth,\u201d the man said as he pressed the lip of the bottle to the boy\u2019s mouth.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe Cartwright tried twisting his head away from the offending bottle but with no luck. \u201cI ain\u2019t gonna drink that stuff,\u201d he grunted through gritted teeth.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cLike hell ya ain\u2019t,\u201d the man holding the bottle of whiskey announced as he forced the bottle between Joe\u2019s lips and tipped the whiskey bottle up until the liquid began flowing into Joe\u2019s mouth.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe had no other choice but to swallow the strong tasting liquid or drown in the whiskey. After several swallows, the man removed the bottle and laughed, giving Joe time to catch his breath.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNow, that ain\u2019t so bad, is it kid?\u201d he laughed.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cLet me go,\u201d growled Joe as he began struggling against the arm that remained clasped around his neck. Already Joe could feel his head begin to spin, partly from the foul tasting whiskey and partly due to the fact that the man refused to lessen his hold on him.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The bottle pressed against his lips for the second time and forced its way into his mouth. Joe had to gulp fast as the liquid poured freely. He thought he might choke on the brew before the man removed the bottle. Joe\u2019s head spun, his vision had begun to blur. His stomach was churning and he feared that he might vomit. When at last he felt the man push against his mouth with the tip of the bottle, Joe felt the sting of tears in his eyes.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNo\u2026please\u2026no more,\u201d he tried to plead but was cut off by the bottle being shoved between his bruised lips. Again, Joe was forced to swallow what remained in the bottle until the man was sure that the bottle was entirely emptied.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The laugher seemed far away to Joe who had begun to sway against the body of the man who held him. Joe\u2019s knees felt like jelly and his arms dangled down to his sides. He burped and then giggled.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHe\u2019s almost gone, hand me another bottle, Dave,\u201d the man snickered.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Dave passed the second bottle to Sam and grinned at the expression on Joe\u2019s young face. \u201cKid sure is gonna have one hell\u2019va headache when he wakes up,\u201d Dave said.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cA headache\u2019s gonna be the least of his worries,\u201d Sam said as he put the bottle to Joe\u2019s mouth and tipped it upward.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The whiskey made a gurgling sound as it ran from the bottle into Joe\u2019s mouth. Joe automatically swallowed, taking half the amount in the dusty old bottle before his knees gave way completely and he lapsed into unconsciousness.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cGuess he\u2019s gone,\u201d laughed Sam. \u201cDrank more than what I would\u2019ve thought he could,\u201d he laughed again.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Sam handed the bottle back to Dave and quickly scooped Joe\u2019s body up into his arms and carried him into the next room where he placed Joe on the bed.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHe ain\u2019t gonna wake up for quite sometime, but I reckon, ya better go ahead and tie his arms and legs. Make sure ya strip him down to his long johns first. Boss said he wanted to check him over good, afore that buyer gets here,\u201d ordered Sam.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhen\u2019s he getting here?\u201d Dave asked as he began removing Joe\u2019s clothes.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cCouple\u2019a hours, the boss should be here in a few minutes. If the buyer likes what he sees, he\u2019ll take the kid tonight, and by the time that the boy wakes up and remembers his name, he\u2019ll be so far away from here, he won\u2019t ever get back,\u201d laughed Sam.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cGuess we was lucky we spotted\u2019em when we did yesterday on the wharf with his pappy. Boss sure \u2018nough was takin\u2019 with him,\u201d said Dave as he tossed Joe\u2019s pants into the trash.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWell, hell, look at\u2019em, he\u2019s a right good lookin\u2019 kid,\u201d stated Sam.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe\u2019s clothes had been removed and Joe lay bare-chested with nothing but his long john bottoms covering him.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHe sure is purty, that\u2019s for sure. I sorta feel sorry for what\u2019s gonna happen to\u2019em,\u201d milled Dave.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYeah, well, we can\u2019t think about that. This here boy ain\u2019t just one of the run of the mill kids, he\u2019s quality. I seen that right off, when I spied his papa and the way they was dressed. Boy should bring a right high price,\u201d Sam figured. \u201cProbably a couple\u2019a thousand dollars.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThat much?\u201d Dave seemed surprised.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Sam casually lifted the front band of Joe\u2019s long johns and chanced a quick peek. \u201cHmm,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhat?\u201d Dave barked, as he leaned down, doing the same thing. \u201cWhew,\u201d he allowed the air to whistle through his lips.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAin\u2019t so bad for a kid,\u201d smiled Sam. \u201cHow old ya reckon he is\u2026seventeen, eighteen?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t look that old, more like fifteen or sixteen to me,\u201d Dave said at last.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

After inspecting Joe\u2019s wrists, which were tied to the bedposts and then his ankles, tied securely to the posts at the end of the bed, Sam grabbed the blanket at the foot of the bed and pulled it up around Joe and turned from their prisoner.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cLet\u2019s hope he ain\u2019t that young, boss could get in some bad trouble if\u2019n he tried to sell flesh that young. Come on, let\u2019s get something to eat before the boss gets here.\u201d Sam led the way out of the room and closed the door after Dave had joined him in the other room.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Dave and Sam sat at the small wooden table enjoying their meager meal when they picked up on a thumping sound in the second bedroom. Sam started laughing.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cGuess that fella finally woke up. Come on, let\u2019s take a peek.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Both men rose to their feet and headed for the door. \u201cBest be careful, he sure did put up a fight earlier. Ain\u2019t like the kid, this ole boy was harder to take,\u201d warned Dave.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYeah, but I bonked him good,\u201d Sam snickered.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cRight, after he damn near broke my jaw!\u201d sneered Dave.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Sam opened the door, surprised to see his other captive awake and glaring at him with dark eyes that warned him of the anger that brewed within the man. The raven hair captive yanked at the bounds that held him tied in the bed. He tossed his head from side to side in an effort to force the gag from his mouth.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam Cartwright was furious; he wanted nothing better than to free himself from his bounds and rip the sarcastic looking smirks off the faces of the two men who towered over him. He was cold too, all of his thrashing about on the bed had moved the blanket off his near naked body and nearly into the floor.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cTake it easy, mister, ya only gonna make matters worse,\u201d growled Sam as he grabbed the blanket and started to cover Adam.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

He hesitated briefly, and started snickering. He gave Dave a wicked little smile and a nod of the head. Dave giggled and moved to the opposite side of the bed, waiting to see what Sam was up too. Sam tossed the blanket in the air, spreading it across Adam\u2019s body and letting the lower half of the blanket fall into place. The top portion he held in his hand and with his free hand he lifted the band of Adam\u2019s long johns in the same matter that he had done the young boy\u2019s.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhew\u2026wee,\u201d Sam snickered.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Dave followed Sam\u2019s action and then raised his head, laughing. \u201cDang, the boss sure is goin\u2019 to like this one, too. I ain\u2019t never seen men so\u2026well\u2026so well endowed before, not in all the years I been snitchin\u2019 men for the boss to sell. This one here\u2019s a keeper, sure \u2018nough,\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Sam glanced down at Adam as he dropped the edge of the blanket and let it cover Adam\u2019s chest. Adam\u2019s wrath shone in his dark eyes as he continued to glare at the pair. He grunted, trying to make his self understood but they only laughed at him.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cCalm down stranger. What boss\u2019 got planned for you ain\u2019t so bad,\u201d Sam explained. \u201cWhere ya headed, you\u2019ll have all the purty gals and all the free\u2026well, just you never mind, you\u2019ll be put to good use,\u201d laughed Sam.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

He turned to his friend, \u201cKinda wish I was goin\u2019 where this here fella and that kid is headed.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNaw, not me\u2026I ain\u2019t got no hankerin\u2019 to be down in them there islands, too damn hot to suit me, come on, I think I hear someone comin\u2019,\u201d said Dave as he glanced one last time over his shoulder at Adam before shutting the door.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam waited until the door was completely shut and then tried yanking on his ropes that held him down. How had he been so careless, he questioned himself? Had it not been for having to follow after his younger brother, none of this would have happened he scolded.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam stopped struggling and sighed deeply. It hadn\u2019t really been his youngest brother\u2019s fault; he couldn\u2019t blame Joe for any of this. In truth, admitted Adam, it had been his fault, every bit of it. Hadn\u2019t he been the one to suggest that the three of them take a stroll along the battery? Hadn\u2019t his seventeen-year old brother been the one who advised against it, stating in the words of their father, \u2018the battery at night is no place for three healthy, able-bodied young men to be\u2019, Joe had warned he and Hoss. But Adam, older and supposedly wiser, had laughed and bragged about who would attempt to Shanghai the three of them, as long as they stayed together. Besides, Adam remembered laughing and winking at Hoss, he had told Joe that no one would dare once they set their eyes on their middle brother, for Hoss was an intimidating whale of a figure. Hoss had even joined in his joking and told Joe that if he was chicken, he could stay behind and wait for their father to return from his late night meeting and then be put to bed early like they knew Pa would do.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe had shrugged his shoulders, giving in to both brothers on the pretense that if anything happened to him, it would be on their shoulders, not his. They could stand before their father and explain what had happened and if they should be lucky enough to get away with it, all Joe would have to tell Pa was that he was forced into going along because what else could he do? Adam was left in charge and Pa had always made it clear to him that he was to always do as his older brother told him to do.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam couldn\u2019t help but laugh, though his gag made it practically impossible. Joe had them both over a barrel. The kid was sharp; he\u2019d give his baby brother that much.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam\u2019s thoughts turned to other things. He wondered if Joe was okay for once the fight in the tavern they were passing, had broken out and spilled over into the street, he had lost sight of his youngest brother. Joe seemed to have vanished into thin air, and when he and Hoss had gone down separated streets looking for the boy, Hoss had vanished as well, and the next thing that Adam remembered were the two thugs in the other room jumping him from behind. He had gotten in one good punch to one guy\u2019s chin before being clobbered over the head and knocked out cold. Everything after that had been a blur until he woke up and found himself tied in this bed and stripped of all his clothes but his long johns. He had no idea where his brothers were or if they had met with a similar fate or not.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam groaned; his father would never let him forget this, if he were to ever get back to his father. Adam shut his eyes, unaware that just on the opposite side of the wall lay his youngest brother, passed out cold from having been forced to drink his self into a whiskey induced stupor.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

**************************<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Boss entered the rundown shack and tossed his hat down on the table as he pulled out a chair. Dave had quickly poured their boss a cup of coffee and placed it in front of the brawny man.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYa gonna like what we got for ya today, Sal,\u201d smiled Dave.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Sal\u2019s face cracked with a smile as he took a swig of coffee. \u201cDid ya get me that kid?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cSure did Sal,\u201d Sam jumped in to say. \u201cAnd we got another fella. He\u2019s a bit older than most we usually get, but ya gonna like\u2019em. I have an ideay, he\u2019s gonna make ya some fine dollars. That buyer is gonna get rich when he starts producin\u2019 offsprings. If\u2019n I was ya, I think I\u2019d be askin\u2019 for a percent,\u201d suggested Sam.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Sal gulped down his coffee, his eyes never leaving Sam\u2019s face. \u201cHe\u2019s that good, is he?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cSure is,\u201d laughed Dave.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Sal pushed back his chair and stood to his feet. \u201cThen let\u2019s take a look.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Sal followed Sam and Dave into the side room where they had Adam bound and gagged on the bed. Sal stepped up to the bed and grabbed the lone blanket that covered the oldest Cartwright son. A smile broke the stern expression on his face when he spied the body hidden beneath the cover.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNot bad,\u201d Sal grinned.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam\u2019s eyes had followed the threesome into the room. One man was a stranger and Adam could tell just by the way that the man presented himself, that here was the boss. He fought against cringing when the new arrival jerked the blanket from his body and then again when the man carelessly lifted the band of his long handles and inspected his groin area. Anger fueled by his humiliation turned his eyes red and his nostrils flared, as his breathing became deeper.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNot bad, he should do just fine. I haven\u2019t seen a specimen like him in a very long time. He should breed well, now, what else have you got for me?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Sal dropped the blanket and let it fall where it willed. He walked, without so much as a backward glance at Adam, from the room and into the smaller room across the hall.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe was still out cold. He had not even moved and as Sal pulled the blanket from around his still form, he smiled. He tossed the blanket into the floor and sat down on the edge of the cot next to Joe.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cGet out,\u201d he ordered the other two men, his eyes never leaving Joe\u2019s face.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

When he heard the door shut, he glanced over his shoulder to be sure that he was alone with the boy. With the tenderness of any loving parent, Sal gently ran his fingers through the thick dark curls, moving to tenderly caress Joe\u2019s cheek. He allowed his fingertips to trace the outline of Joe\u2019s lips, his tongue moving across his own as his fingers retraced the boy\u2019s for the second time.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Gently, as if afraid to wake the boy, Sal pulled opened the band of Joe\u2019s long johns and stared in open-mouthed wonder at the boy\u2019s private parts. Quickly he stood, brushing his hand across his face to wipe away the tiny beads of moisture that had begun to bead on his forehead and grabbed the blanket, spreading it across the unconscious boy.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

He walked to the window and opened it just enough to allow a small breeze to filter in to the room. He could smell the salt air and hear the gulls and he sighed deeply. The buyer would be here any time. He would sell both the boy and the handsome raven-haired man for a goodly sum and then be on his way. This would be the last time that he would be forced into providing Harriman with men and boys for use on the man\u2019s cotton and vanilla plantation down in the south Pacific islands. The very last time, for he was married now, he had a wife and life had turned out to be better than it had ever been before. Sal vowed not to let anything ruin his perfect life now, he was finished with this white slavery trade; he had made a small fortune and from now on, he would live a normal, decent life with his wife and little boy.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

**************************<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben paced the floor of his hotel room and glanced again at the time. It was nearly mid-night and he was fuming mad. He had expected his sons to be back long before now, he had the note in Adam\u2019s neat handwriting to prove it. Ben grabbed the note again and reread the message to be sure he had not misunderstood. It was plain, Adam had said that they would be back early, probably even before he had finished with his meeting.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben opened the door and glanced down the hall, it was way past Joe\u2019s bedtime, much too late for his brothers to have kept him out. He had warned Adam about the dangers of roaming the streets of San Francisco late night, especially along the waterfront, why anything could happen to them he reasoned. Ship\u2019s captains were always on the lookout for healthy, strong men to help man their ships, and for sure, his three sons fit the bill.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben took a deep breath and shut the door. He would give the boys until morning, and if they had not returned by then, he would go to the local law enforcement office and speak with them.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Reluctantly, Ben stretched out on the bed and tried to get some rest. It was a long time in coming; his fear for his sons kept his thoughts foremost in his mind. \u201cAdam, so help me, you had better have a good excuse for worrying me like this,\u201d he mumbled to himself.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

**************************<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI have two for you tonight, Mr. Harriman,\u201d Sal said as he led the way through the house to the two rooms where his captives were being held. \u201cOne\u2019s just a boy, but he looks strong, seems to appear to have worked hard at something. He\u2019s feisty, and has a temper, but I\u2019m certain he can be whipped into shape, if you get my meaning,\u201d Sal said with a smirk across his face.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNothing wrong with a temper, as long as I\u2019m the one controlling it,\u201d laughed Mr. Harriman, \u201cand you know me well enough to know, I\u2019ve broken many men in my time, a boy poses no threat to me.\u201d Mr. Harriman straightened his jacket and glared down at Sal. \u201cWhat about the other fellow? I hope you did better with him than with the last man you claimed was \u2018perfect\u2019.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Sal stopped in front of the door and twisted around to smile up at Harriman, who stood at least a foot taller and fifty pounds heavier. \u201cOh, you\u2019re gonna like this guy. He\u2019s about thirty, built like a brick wall, and well\u2026well, let\u2019s just say, I think even your breeders will like him. Nothing like keeping the women satisfied,\u201d laughed Sal, hoping that his boss would think his little insinuations were funny.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cOpen the door, you idiot and let\u2019s take a look,\u201d growled Harriman as he pushed his way into the room where Adam was being held.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam could see the two men as they entered. The one called Boss, or Sal rushed around the big man to stand close to the bed. Adam glanced from one to the other, tugging on his bound hands in a futile attempt to free himself.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cCalm down, Mister, we ain\u2019t gonna hurt ya none,\u201d Sal said and then jerked the blanket from Adam\u2019s body.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam glared up at the two men but then fixed his eyes on the newcomer. He saw Harriman\u2019s mouth twist into a crooked grin as his deep-set eyes took in every inch of his half naked body. Adam felt himself shiver when the man raised his longjohns and stole a glance at his private parts. The way that the man studied him, pressed his fingers around his biceps to test his strength and then stood back and smiled evoked such instant hatred in his heart that Adam found himself trembling.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll take him,\u201d smiled Harriman. \u201cHe will do just fine. Put the chains on him and get him down to the docks and below deck. Make sure he can\u2019t get away and you had better be careful that you\u2019re not seen. Do you understand me?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cSure thing Mr. Harriman\u2026hmm\u2026about the price?\u201d stammered Sal as he followed the larger man from the room.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI want to see the boy first\u2026is he in here?\u201d Harriman stopped in front of the second door and pushed it opened. When he stepped inside, he went straight to the bed, without stopping and jerked the cover from the boy\u2019s body.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Sal slipped silently up next to his buyer and watched the man\u2019s face twist into a broad smile. \u201cYa like him?\u201d he asked softly.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cLike him?\u201d Harriman grinned as he pulled open the front of Joe\u2019s longjohns. \u201cNot bad, for a kid,\u201d he smiled at Sal. \u201cHe will make the perfect house servant until he\u2019s old enough to use for breeding.\u201d Harriman turned, placing his hand down on Sal\u2019s shoulder, \u201cyou out did yourself this time, Sal. How much do you want for the pair?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWell, I ain\u2019t sure Mr. Harriman, what do you think they\u2019re worth?\u201d Sal had a figure in mind but was hesitant to voice his offer, lest Harriman think it too high.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Both men sat down at the table in the other room. Mr. Harriman reached inside of his coat and pulled out his wallet.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHow\u2019s five thousand for the older fella and\u2026say\u2026twenty-five hundred for the kid?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Harriman began pulling bills from his wallet, counting silently to himself. Sal tried not to show his pleasure, but Harriman, an observant man, saw past his cohort\u2019s facade. Sal swallowed hard and tried to keep the smile from his face.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI suppose that\u2019s fair enough,\u201d he said and stretched out his hand to receive the money. When Harriman placed the bills in Sal\u2019s hand, Sal\u2019s fingers quickly tightened around the money.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Harriman laughed, \u201cNot so fast\u2026half now, and the other half when they are safely loaded on my ship.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cOh, sure thing, Mr. Harriman, I\u2019ll get my men to move them now,\u201d Sal quickly replied.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cGood, I\u2019ll meet you on the wharf in half an hour. I sail in one hour.\u201d Harriman pushed back his chair and stood to his feet. \u201cBe there!\u201d he ordered and left.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Sal glanced quickly at the door where Harriman had left and grinned. Stuffing the handbills into his coat pocket, he hurried to the back door and called out to his men.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cGet the big fella first, keep him quiet and make sure you have those chains on properly this time. I can\u2019t afford for him to get away,\u201d Sal ordered and stood back while four seaworthy sailors entered into Adam\u2019s room carrying shackles with them.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Sal watched from the doorway, the fight that went on inside the room. The dark headed man fought like a bear against the four seamen who were attempting to put the chains around his wrist and ankles. It took all four to hold Adam Cartwright down just to put the wrist chains on.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The second that Adam felt one rope loosen around his wrist, he had begun fighting. By the time that the second wrist was free, the four men knew that they had made a mistake in not putting the shackles around Adam\u2019s ankles first. Adam swung out, his fist connecting with one man\u2019s jaw. The man groaned, but kept on clinging to Adam\u2019s left arm, twisting it behind Adam\u2019s back.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam\u2019s arm swung out again, this time his punch was blocked and instead he received a solid blow to his chin. Dazed, Adam shook his head while two men twisted his right arm behind him and upward. There was nothing more that Adam could do to protect him self, if he moved, the man would snap his arm as easily as if it had been a twig.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The iron bands clicked and Adam was defenseless. He lowered his head to the pillow, the fight gone for now. He lay, without a struggle and waited until the men had the shackles fastened about his ankles.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam was roughly hauled to his feet, the gag had slipped from his mouth during the short scuffle and the bandanna lay knotted around his neck. He glared at the man in front of him.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t know where you\u2019re sending me, but rest assured I\u2019ll be back, and when I do, you will be the first man I come looking for,\u201d snarled Adam.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam doubled up; Sal\u2019s fist had welded itself deeply into the pit of Adam\u2019s stomach. His knees buckled and his legs gave out. Had it not been for the two sailors, Dave and Sam, holding Adam upright, he would have crumbled to the floor.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cBlindfold him and gag him, I don\u2019t want anyone hearing you taking him out of here,\u201d he told the two.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Sal waited until his men had Adam blindfolded and gagged. Adam could put up little resistance, the pain in his stomach had nearly caused him to vomit and only because of sheer determine had he been able to refrain. Now with the rag stuffed into his mouth, all his concentration would have to be focused on being able to keep the pain subdued and the hot tasting bile in his stomach. When Dave and Sam were ready to go, they half dragged, and half carried Adam from the house, going out the back and down the dark ally to keep from being seen.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Sal turned to Jock and Vennie, \u201cGet the boy, he shouldn\u2019t be any trouble. If he\u2019s still out cold, just carry him, he doesn\u2019t look like he weighs much. When you get him on the ship put the chains on him as well. Harriman has a special place down in the hull of the ship where he keeps his\u2026guests\u2026so no one sees them much. He\u2019s a shrewd man, mean too when he doesn\u2019t get things his way. His men won\u2019t say anything to anyone, not even each other if they happen to find Harriman\u2019s stash, they all know what happens to a man if he rats on the captain,\u201d warned Sal.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cBetter get going, times running out and I don\u2019t want to make Harriman mad, get the kid.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Jock and Vennie entered the room where Joe was still passed out on the bed. They grinned at each other as they worked at freeing Joe\u2019s limbs from the ropes that held him tied to the four posters. When they finished, they took the blanket and rolled Joe up within its folds. Vennie, the larger of the two men, picked Joe\u2019s body up and tossed him over his shoulder as easily as if Joe had been a sack of potatoes.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cKid ain\u2019t heavy at all,\u201d laughed Vennie as he led the way out the door and down the same ally that Dave and Sam had used to take Adam to the ship.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHe don\u2019t stand much of a chance, I sorta feel sorry for the kid. Most of the men that Harriman uses on that plantation of his, are lots bigger than this boy is. Take that big ox of a man we clobbered earlier, took half a dozen grown men just to knock that fella to the ground and then six more to put the chains on\u2019em,\u201d muttered Jock. \u201cAin\u2019t never had to tackle one that big,\u201d appraised Jock, following behind.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

He hurried to catch up with Vennie, the blanket had slipped and Joe\u2019s dark curls were showing. Jock tugged at the blanket to recover Joe\u2019s head, looking about him to be sure that they weren\u2019t seen.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Sal trailed behind, his mind going over the deal he had made. Seventy-five hundred dollars in one night, he was ecstatic, he would never have to work again. What with the small fortune he had made just in the last year, he could move away, take his small family and live in luxury. His dreams of being a gentleman rancher were on the verge of becoming reality and the anticipation was exhilarating. Sal rubbed his hands together; they had made it undetected to the wharf.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The mist had formed a shroud about the ship that swayed gently in the water. Long thick ropes held the ship at the dock, the gangplank stretched from the side of the ship to the wooden deck below. At the top of the long walkway, stood Harriman, and Sal hurried to follow Jock and Vennie. He stopped and waited as Harriman spoke with Jock and Vennie and then turned and issued orders to one of his own men. Harriman picked up the corner of the blanket and studied Joe\u2019s face briefly before waving them on. As the big man turned to face Sal, he smiled and had no one ever suspect him of anything vile, he would have appeared a most charming gentleman. But Sal knew different, the man was wicked.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHere\u2019s the rest of your money Sal. Thanks, I really didn\u2019t think you\u2019d be able to fulfill your promise to me. I tossed in an extra thousand dollars,\u201d Harriman said, and then almost burst out laughing at the expression on the smaller man\u2019s face.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Sal\u2019s mouth dropped opened, \u201cTh\u2026thank you, Mr. Harriman,\u201d he stuttered.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYou deserve it, my good man. I think those two you found for me are the most promising of all. They should make me a rich man,\u201d beamed Harriman as he shook hands with Sal.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Dave and Sam, Jock and Vennie returned from below deck where they had deposited their cargo and joined their boss. Harriman tipped his hat to the group and as soon as the five had made their way down the plank to the dock, he ordered that the gangplank be raised and that the ship be prepared to sail.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

**************************<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Far below the upper deck, Adam slowly regained consciousness. His head throbbed from where one of the men had struck him and knocked him out. He had fought with what strength he could, which had been next to nothing. There wasn\u2019t much that he could do, not with his hands chained behind his back and running was impossible with shackles. But when he had seen the long row of stalls which had been built in the ship\u2019s hull, one that the men were forcing him into, he had found that hidden determination and had fought back, knowing all along that the four brawny sailors would eventually win the battle.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The stall was nothing more than four thick walls and a ceiling, built from solid oak. It was narrow, barely wide enough for a man to turn around in, and hardly long enough for a grown man, especially a tall man, to stretch out in. There were no windows, or peepholes, only the heavy door, that once closed, sealed the tiny room entirely. The only space that opened, was a narrow slit at the base of the door where food could be passed inside and out. Within, it was dark and damp, stale straw had been tossed in the floor for sleeping on, an old tattered blanket lay in the other corner and an old pot sat in the furthest corner from which the stale odor of urine emitted. There was no need for Adam to wonder what the pot was used for.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam pushed himself into a sitting position, surprised to find that his hands had been unchained and then chained again, in front of him this time. He could barely see his hands in front of his face; it was that dark. He rubbed the back of his head and then inched his way to where he believed the door was. It took several minutes for his eyes to adjust to the dark but after awhile he was better able to see his surroundings.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHello?\u201d he called and waited.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cIs anyone there?\u201d he called again after several moments.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

No other sound could be heard, but one and Adam wasn\u2019t sure exactly what it was. He pressed his ear against the thick boards and shut his eyes tightly, focusing all of his attention on the strange noise that sounded as if it were coming from the opposite side of the ship\u2019s sectioned off hull.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The noise continued for several moments and then the undeniable sound of another human being, coughing, reached Adam\u2019s ears.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHello, can you hear me?\u201d Adam whispered loudly, afraid that the men who had taken him as their prisoner might hear him and return.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam could hear nothing now except a soft whining sound and then, there it was again, the odd noise, someone was retching! Adam could barely make out the sound of the moans for they were faint but then began to grow in volume as the horrible retching sound continued. Someone was mighty sick, determined Adam, mighty sick. His heart went out to the individual for the ship had begun to sway back and forth and he was beginning to feel a little nauseous himself.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHang on friend, you\u2019ll get used to it,\u201d Adam said as he leaned his back against the thick boards and buried his face in his hands.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

As badly as he felt for the man, there was nothing he could do to ease the man\u2019s suffering. Time and time again Adam was subjected to the sickening sounds of the individual as that person vomited repeatedly. The in between times were nearly as pitiful as the retching, for the person moaned and groaned over and over again. At one point Adam could have sworn that the man was weeping, and then the person began mumbling inaudibly words that he could not understand.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam tried to force his thoughts on different things, such as his brothers and what had happened to them. Had Hoss found Little Joe, had they managed to make it safely back to the hotel, and what about his father? Had Ben began searching for him? Had he notified the authorities? When in God\u2019s name was that poor soul going to stop being sick?<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam pressed his fingers to his temples and rubbed vigorously. Dear God, how much more can that man endure, he questioned himself. He was hot, and thirsty, and feared for the individual who surely by now had vomited up his insides. Adam knew that the man would soon become dehydrated if he were not given water.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The sound ceased at long last and Adam breathed deeply. He turned so that he could press his mouth against the tight fitting boards.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHello, can you hear me? Are you still sick?\u201d he called out.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The only response was the groaning, as if the person were in pain.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAre you injured?\u201d Adam said, raising his voice to just above a whisper.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cOhhh\u2026my head\u2026hurts,\u201d the muted reply came in a voice so low that Adam found it hard to understand.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhat\u2019s made you ill?\u201d Adam called.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Nothing more came from the stall on the opposite wall. It had grown quiet down below and Adam gave up trying to talk to the individual and closed his eyes. It wasn\u2019t long before he had fallen to sleep, his body swaying with the gentle roll of the ship.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

**************************<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe groaned; he felt as if his stomach had turned inside out. He was groggy, unsure of where he was and what had happened to him. His head pounded and he sat up, rubbing his temples to ward off the stabbing pain. His chains rattled, bringing his eyes downward in horror at the cuffs and shackles that had been fastened about his wrists and his ankles. Joe\u2019s eyes widened, fear engulfed his body and he began to tremble.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cPA!\u201d he screamed just seconds before the darkness over came him and he slipped back into his world of oblivion once more.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam\u2019s eyes popped opened, his head raised from his arm where it had been supported as he lay on the foul smelling straw, sleeping. He listened intently, for he could have sworn that Joe had just called out for their father. Adam rubbed the sleep from his eyes and shook his head to clear the fogginess that clouded his thinking. He scooted up to the thick boards and tried to peer between the cracks, but nothing was visible in the darkness that blinded his vision.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam was just about ready to lay back down when the sound of the door at the top of the steps opened, allowing thin layers of sunlight to momentarily shine down into the darkened hull.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cPut him in the pen, and you damn well better be sure he can\u2019t break those chains again. The man\u2019s an ox and just as strong, too,\u201d shouted one of the men.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam listened as they struggled to haul whom ever it was, down the steep stairs and into the stall next to his. Adam heard the thud as the prisoner landed on the floor of the ship and heard when the man grunted. The door creaked as it was shut and Adam listened while the lock was fastened, sealing the newcomer\u2019s fate inside.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHey!\u201d shouted Adam.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cShut up in there!\u201d shouted a man on the opposite side of the thick oak wall.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m thirsty, when can I have some water?\u201d Adam chanced to ask.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The man glanced at his companions as if pondering the thought.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThe man on the other side, he\u2019s been sick\u2026if he hasn\u2019t any water either, he\u2019ll die. I wouldn\u2019t think that the new owner would like that much,\u201d Adam said in a voice that revealed nothing of the inner turmoil he was feeling.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI suppose you\u2019re probably right. I\u2019ll send one of my men down with food and water. Now you just keep your mouth shut, do you hear me?\u201d shouted the guard.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI hear you,\u201d muttered Adam, smiling to himself. He had to think of a plan, he had to get out of here, one way or the other, or die trying, he told himself.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

He waited until he was sure that all the men had left before moving against the wall where the newcomer had been locked.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHey, you okay in there?\u201d he called, hoping that the man on the other side was conscious by now.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam heard the man groan and then scoot around.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYou awake?\u201d he questioned.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cOh lordy, my head\u2019s ahurtin\u2019 somethin\u2019 fierce,\u201d groaned the man on the other side.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam hesitated, stunned at the choice of words and the sound of the familiar voice. \u201cHoss?\u201d he whispered.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYeah, how\u2019d ya know?\u201d Hoss whispered in return, rubbing the back of his head with his opened palm.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s me Hoss, Adam!\u201d Adam almost shouted.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cADAM?\u201d Hoss yelled and moved closer to the wall.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhat are you doing here? Where\u2019s Little Joe, is he with you?\u201d Hoss said.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThey hit me over the head and took me to some house, tied me to the bed and striped me down to my long johns. Some man came in and inspected me like I was an animal used for breeding and then the next thing I knew, I woke up in here, chained. I haven\u2019t seen Joe since that fight on the street, what about you?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI ain\u2019t seen Little Joe either, not since we got separated. Lordy, Adam, ya don\u2019t reckon they waylaid him as well, do ya?\u201d Hoss asked, suddenly more worried than before about his younger brother.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t know, Hoss, all I know is that we\u2019re on some ship, headed for God only knows where,\u201d Adam explained.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cSome where to an island, from what I heard tell. Some big plantation owner has a cotton plantation and needed workers to run the place for him. I heard tell he keeps slaves, black and white and that he deals with breeding them and sells off the young\u2019ons when theys old enough,\u201d Hoss told his brother.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cGreat,\u201d muttered Adam.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhat\u2019s wrong, Adam?\u201d Hoss asked, hearing the dread in his older brother\u2019s voice.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI heard a couple of the men talking, one of them mentioned that the big man could get rich with the offsprings I could sire. Guess I know what I\u2019m expected to do,\u201d groaned Adam, not the least bit looking forward to being used as a stud service for slave women.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cOh Adam, what are goin\u2019 do?\u201d Hoss inquired.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNothing right now, pal. Shh\u2026they\u2019re comin\u2019 back, don\u2019t let on Hoss, that we\u2019re brothers, they could use that against us,\u201d Adam ordered quickly, just as the sound of the men returning, cut off the rest of his sentence.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cOkay, you in there, here\u2019s some water and grub,\u201d the guard slid the tray through the opening at the bottom of the door.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThanks,\u201d Adam called, \u201cwhen are we going to get out of here?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019re not, you\u2019re to stay where ya are until the Captain has a chance to come down and talk with ya, so don\u2019t go trying somethin\u2019, either of ya, cause if\u2019n ya do, he won\u2019t hesitate to hurt ya, or worse,\u201d instructed the guard. \u201cYa got a long way to go, mister, don\u2019t make it any harder on ya self than necessary,\u201d suggested the man.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThanks for the warning, I\u2019ll remember that. Say, what\u2019s your name?\u201d Adam questioned.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHank, Hank Sorrows, spelled just like it sounds too,\u201d he laughed.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHere\u2019s your tray, big boy,\u201d Hank said and pushed Hoss\u2019 tray through the opening. \u201cEat up, ain\u2019t much, but it\u2019ll keep ya from stravin\u2019 to death.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhat about the other man?\u201d Adam asked.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t worry mister, I\u2019ll take care of him. Captain paid a pretty price for you and the kid, he don\u2019t want nuthin\u2019 to happen to either of ya,\u201d Hank explained.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam could hear the guard move away and from the echo of his footsteps, Adam knew that the guard named Hank, had crossed to the other side and was unlocking the cubicle where the sick man had been placed. Adam pressed his face against the boards, a tiny slit between the tight fitting timbers, allowed him a narrow, thin peephole.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhew!\u201d Adam heard Hank exclaim loudly. \u201cGet some light over here!\u201d he ordered another man.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The man quickly brought the lantern over to Hank and held it up in the air, permitting a bright light to shine within the cubicle of the man on the opposite side. Both Hank and the man with him had their backs to Adam, blocking his view of the ill man.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cGet someone to help you get this man out of here and get him and this stall cleaned up. The boy\u2019s vomited everywhere,\u201d ordered Hank, heading for the stairs. \u201cThe Captain will be down here in an hour to see his guest, I want that boy cleaned up, now get busy!\u201d Hank stomped up the stairs, mumbling to himself.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhat\u2019s happenin\u2019?\u201d whispered Hoss.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThey\u2019re dragging that fellow out, he\u2019s been sick and must have made quite a mess\u2026shh\u2026\u201d warned Adam as he continued watching through the little crack in the boards.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cGet ahold of his shackles and pull him out!\u201d shouted the second guard to his helper.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam could see the helper bending down and knew that he had grasped the prisoner\u2019s chains. He could see the sick man being dragged from his stall and saw that the man, like himself had been stripped of all his clothes but his long johns. The pitiful moaning sounds that the man made tugged on Adam\u2019s heart. He knew that being sick, especially on a swaying ship could only add to the man\u2019s discomfort.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cGod, he stinks,\u201d groaned the guard, \u201chelp me get him to his feet.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam could see the two men trying to pull the man up, but the man was either so weak or unconscious that he was unable to stand on his own. Adam could not see the man\u2019s face, but gathered from his size, that the man was young. The thought brought to mind, his youngest brother Joe, and Adam briefly wondered about the boy\u2019s safety.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThe guy\u2019s so sick, he can\u2019t even stand on his own two feet, Hoss,\u201d Adam whispered. \u201cOh my God!\u201d he suddenly muttered.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhat?\u201d Hoss muttered. He too, had pressed his face against the boards of his stall but could not see a thing.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThey\u2019re hanging him up by his wrist chains and stripping him,\u201d whispered Adam, watching and rapidly getting angry at the heartless treatment of the sick man. Still, Adam could not see the man\u2019s face or his features. What did catch his attention, was the mass of thick dark curls.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cGet some water, we need to douse this kid to get the stench off him,\u201d ordered the guard.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

His helper momentarily disappeared, returning with two buckets of water. He poured the first bucket over the man\u2019s head and then laughed when the boy began sputtering and then trying to jerk free.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam watched in horror as the man twisted his body, his hands held prisoner high over his head by the chains that had been looped around a hook, hauling the man upward until only his toes touched the floor. The second bucket of water was poured over his head and Adam was forced to turn away when he heard the piteous whining sounds that the man made.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNo\u2026please\u2026no more\u2026its cold,\u201d whimpered the man.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cToo bad, kid, that\u2019s what ya get for puking all over ya self,\u201d laughed the guard. \u201cGet more water, Moe, the kid needs a good dousing,\u201d he laughed.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam\u2019s eye found the peephole once more and watched as the third and then forth bucket of water was tossed at the man. Adam could now see the shivering body and the moans continued to reach his ears.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThey tryin\u2019 to kill that fella?\u201d Hoss whispered.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cFreeze him to death I think\u2026hey, listen, I can see someone\u2026it\u2019s the Captain\u2026shh,\u201d Adam said.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWell, well, well, what have we here?\u201d Harriman asked, inspecting the boy who hung naked for all eyes to see.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Harriman had changed from his business suite to his Captain\u2019s uniform and though Adam had taken an instant dislike to the man, he could not help but admire the striking figure that the Captain imposed.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Capt. Harriman carried a walking stick in his right hand, and tapped it loudly on the floor as he walked in circles, surveying his subject.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI will forgive you, this\u2026this mess\u2026being as how those idiots forced you into getting drunk,\u201d the Captain stated, his voice commanding in tone. \u201cBut from now on, you will refrain from puking all over my ship, do you understand?\u201d he demanded of the young man.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Harriman stood directly in front of the swinging man, who could barely hold his head up to look at the captain.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhat\u2019s your name, boy?\u201d Capt. Harriman inquired.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The man refused to answer, as the captain walked slowly around to the man\u2019s backside, where he could not be seen. \u201cI asked you a question,\u201d Harriman growled.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cGo to hell,\u201d whispered the young man.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam inhaled deeply, shocked at the young man\u2019s daring attitude.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Harriman laughed loudly, \u201cMy, my, you do have gall, young man. But I will soon break your bad habits\u2026you see I am in command here. You will, at all times, do exactly as I say or\u2026you will suffer the consequences. Do I make myself clear?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Harriman paused, giving the boy time to answer. When no response was forthcoming, Adam groaned inwardly as he witnessed the captain rear back his hand and with the end of his walking stick, strike the young man across his lower back.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The boy screamed out in pain, his body jerked and quivered, spinning around to where Adam could plainly see the tortured look that had imprinted itself onto the boy\u2019s face. Adam\u2019s heart skipped a beat; his air expelled from his lungs and Hoss could barely hear his older brother muttering softly.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cOh, dear God, no\u2026not Joe!\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThat is only a sample of what\u2019s to come, boy\u2026now, let\u2019s be polite and try again, what is your name?\u201d smiled Capt. Harriman, turning Joe\u2019s body so that he could see his victim\u2019s face.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYOUR NAME!\u201d he demanded loudly.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAnswer him, Joe\u2026tell him your name\u2026please,\u201d whispered Adam to himself.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAdam\u2026\u201d Hoss said softly.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cGo to hell, you bastard,\u201d Joe said, spitting in Harriman\u2019s face.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Harriman calmly took his handkerchief from his pocket and wiped the spittle from his brow and then stuffed the cloth back into his pocket. He said nothing as he took a step backward and faced Joe.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYou are stubborn aren\u2019t you? But you can\u2019t win against me. I will break you, one way or the other.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Without warning, Harriman doubled up his fist and plowed it deeply into Joe\u2019s stomach. Joe\u2019s body swayed to the right and before he could even react, Harriman hit him again, this time in the right side, just below the ribcage. Joe screamed as the pain pierced his body.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Harriman grabbed Joe\u2019s hair that was still wet and forced his head backwards, \u201cYour name?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cJoe\u2026Joe Cart\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t care about your last name, Joe will do just fine,\u201d growled the captain, releasing the boy\u2019s hair. \u201cFrom now on, your name will be\u2026Thomas\u2026say it, \u2018my name is Thomas\u2019,\u201d Harriman ordered.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe\u2019s eyes had filled with unshed tears and he glared at the man in front of him. His Ma and Pa had named him Joe and nothing this man could ever do to him, would force him to say otherwise.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cJoe\u2026my name\u2019s JOE!\u201d shouted Joe with every ounce of strength he could muster.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhy you little\u2026\u201d growled Harriman.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam dropped his head and moaned\u2026he could not believe his little brother\u2019s audacity.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The crack of the whip snapped Adam to attention. He peeked through the slit, cringing as he stared in horror at the blood that dripped from his younger brother\u2019s back. Harriman had issued five lashes and five-heart wrenching screams seared themselves forever in Adam\u2019s memory.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNO!\u201d bellowed Adam standing to his feet and pounding on the thick oak door.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Harriman held his hand up, signaling for Moe, who had held the whip, to cease his punishment. Harriman glanced around at the men, Moe, Hank, and the guard and then moved to the stall where Adam could be heard pounding on the wood.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cOpen this door,\u201d he demanded of Hank.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Hank quickly did as instructed and unlocked the door. Adam was facing the men as the door was pulled opened and the hatred that covered his face, and darkened his deep hazel eyes to appear ebony, glared at the man in charge.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAnd you are?\u201d demanded Harriman.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAdam,\u201d Adam answered, his eyes searching his brother\u2019s face.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe\u2019s body swung gently with the lolling of the ship, and it was evident to all that the boy had passed out. Adam\u2019s breathing was labored; his brow beaded with tiny droplets of sweat and it took every ounce of will power he could draw to keep from throwing his body at the arrogant man standing before him.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWell, Adam\u2026did you have something to say?\u201d gloated Harriman. \u201cPerhaps you don\u2019t agree with my methods of punishment?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam quickly took in the situation, knowing he was out numbered and could do nothing at present to help his brother.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNo sir,\u201d he stated flatly as he glanced at the swaying form of his youngest brother.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cDo you happen to know the kid?\u201d Harriman questioned, seeing the way in which Adam watched the boy.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam hesitated for only a fraction of a second. \u201cNo sir, I was just thinking, what a waste, to\u2026to mar such a handsome body,\u201d Adam muttered, stalling for time.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Harriman glanced over his shoulder and then peered down at Adam. \u201cYou could be right. Don\u2019t want to scare the ladies,\u201d Harriman said, more to himself than to the group of men. He glanced back at Adam, and smiled.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYou and the kid there, I have great plans for you,\u201d Harriman snickered. \u201cYou look as if you would know what to do. I think I\u2019ll put you in charge of the boy, it will be your duty to teach him how to\u2026well you know\u2026satisfy the ladies. I doubt that the boy has ever\u2026been with a woman\u2026if you get my meaning,\u201d Harriman leered.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Harriman took a couple of steps away and then turned back to Adam. \u201cYour name will be Josh from now on, don\u2019t forget that. And the boy, he will be Thomas\u2026teach him to use it, or I will hold you responsible.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam could do nothing but stare at the man. It would do no good to argue with the captain, for now Adam could only bide his time and wait. Hopefully he had been able to put an end to his brother\u2019s cruel treatment.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam cleared his throat. \u201cSir,\u201d he said, speaking to Harriman. \u201cIf you will allow me, I will tend to the boy\u2019s\u2026hmm\u2026wounds,\u201d offered Adam, trying not to let the longing show in his expression.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Harriman watched the dark eyed man closely but though he tried, he could not see what possibly lay behind the intentions of the raven hair man.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cDo as you wish. But remember I hold you responsible for his care and his actions. You had better be able to teach him some manners\u2026and his new name. You have until we reach my plantation, if you have failed by that time, you will suffer unmercifully.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Harriman turned to leave but stopped and retraced his steps. He turned to Hank, \u201cgive the man what he needs, see that he and the boy here are well fed. I want them in top shape by the time we reach Golden Isle.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Harriman turned again but this time, Adam stopped him. \u201cCapt., sir\u2026what about that man in there?\u201d Adam asked and pointed to the stall where his middle brother was held behind locked doors.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhat about him?\u201d growled Harriman.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cShouldn\u2019t you give him a new name as well?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Harriman seemed to be thinking on the idea. \u201cI suppose, open the door, let me have a look at him,\u201d ordered Harriman.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Hank quickly unlocked Hoss\u2019 door and allowed him to come out into the light of the lantern. Hoss\u2019 chains rattled when he moved, forcing Hank to take a step backward.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHmm\u2026big,\u201d the captain whispered. \u201cCome out into the light,\u201d he ordered Hoss, who complied, willingly as he was anxious to see what had been done to his youngest brother.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Hoss quickly took in the scene, Adam standing at attention, chains hanging from his wrists, Joe dangling from the rafters by his arms, blood dripping slowly down his back from his broken flesh. Anger dulled the usual glow of his sky blue eyes, but he held his thoughts to himself, seething deep within.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cVictor\u2026that\u2019s your name for now,\u201d Harriman told Hoss.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

He turned to Adam while keeping a wary eye on Hoss whom stood slightly to the side of him. \u201cHank will provide you with anything that you need to help the boy. I will allow the three of you the freedom of this area, but mark my word, should you cause one ounce of trouble, it\u2019s back into the stalls you go. It\u2019s a long way to my plantation, but I won\u2019t hesitate to keep you locked away like animals should any of you choose to defy me. Do I make myself clear?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam glanced over at Hoss and then back to the captain. \u201cWe understand,\u201d he said clearly, leaving no doubt that the captain had heard him.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI just have one more question,\u201d Adam dared to ask. \u201cHow long do we have before reaching this plantation? I mean, obviously, we will need sun light and fresh air, to keep us healthy,\u201d Adam quickly explained, determining right then and there, that the first chance that he had, he would take his brothers and together they would abandon ship. But first he needed to go above, to see what they might be up against.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll allow you one hour in the morning, one hour in the evening, providing of course that the weather permits, and the boy there minds his P\u2019s and Q\u2019s,\u201d stated the captain, glancing over at Hoss. \u201cYou Victor, will help to man the ship, it would be a waste not to use that strength you processes.\u201d Harriman watched the faces of his prisoners for a moment and then turned his back to them and walked up the stairs.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Hank and the other guards followed behind Capt. Harriman. At the top of the stairs, Hank stopped and turned to Adam.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll bring you back the first aide supplies and something for the boy\u2019s pain.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThank you, Hank,\u201d Adam said.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

As soon as the door closed, Adam motioned to Hoss. \u201cCome on, let\u2019s get him down from there.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Hoss gathered Joe\u2019s sagging body into his arms and held his brother\u2019s weight off the chains as Adam worked to free Joe from the hook. As Joe\u2019s arms were loosened, Hoss gently guided Joe\u2019s body to the floor. Adam rushed into the stall where Joe had been held and grabbed the blanket. Together, he and Hoss moved Joe into Adam\u2019s cubicle and laid him face down on one blanket while covering his shivering body with another.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t look too good,\u201d murmured Hoss as he inspected the torn flesh. \u201cI wish that Hank fella would hurry up with the supplies.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Just then the door opened and Hank, followed by Moe entered the hull and made their way to Adam\u2019s side.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThis is all I could get, just ointment and bandages,\u201d Hank said, handing them to Hoss. \u201cI got you this here blanket, I thought after that bath he had, the kid might be cold, and I found these old pants in the cabin boy\u2019s trunk. They looked like they might fit the lad,\u201d Hank said and then handed them to Adam.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThanks,\u201d Adam said and then turned his attention to Joe who had started to moan softly.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ve found a smidgen of whiskey in my bunk, thought he might need it for the pain. Ain\u2019t much, but maybe it will help.\u201d Hank handed the bottle to Adam and then nodded his head.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYou fellas try to get some rest. Don\u2019t let the Captain\u2019s generosity fool you, the man\u2019s a cad, for sure. Just cause he paid a bundle of money for ya, don\u2019t mean he won\u2019t kill ya if ya try to cross\u2019em. Seen him do it afore, makes no never mind to him, it don\u2019t. Ya boys look like nice boys, heed the advice, don\u2019t piss him off. Ya rest easy now, I\u2019ll see ya in the morning,\u201d Hank back away from the threesome, leaving Adam and Hoss to tend to the younger boy\u2019s wounds.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Hoss was busy cleaning Joe\u2019s wounds with the water that had been given to them earlier and Joe had begun thrashing about, trying to free his aching body from the hands that touched him.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYa take it easy now, punkin, I gotta clean these here welts,\u201d soothed Hoss as he dabbed at each of the lash marks.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cOhh\u2026hurts,\u201d mumbled Joe, totally unaware that both of his brothers had gathered around him and were tenderly caring for him.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s about all I can do for now,\u201d Hoss told Adam when he had finished cleaning Joe\u2019s wounds and applying the ointment to them.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHe\u2019s still shivering, help me wrap him in these blankets,\u201d Adam said as he began to place the blankets around his brother in an effort to warm him. \u201cIf he doesn\u2019t catch pneumonia, he\u2019ll be lucky,\u201d grumbled Adam.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Hoss looked up at his older brother with a look of despair on his face. \u201cWhat are we goin\u2019 to do, Adam? I mean, we\u2019re really in a bad fix this time, ain\u2019t we?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam sat down on his backside next to Joe, tenderly fingering the fine dark curls with his long slender fingers, and studied Hoss\u2019 expression. He nodded his head in agreement.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2019re going to get off this ship, one way or another, I promise you that much, Hoss. But our first priority is Joe, we\u2019ve got to make sure he\u2019s well before we try anything, and, we cannot allow the Captain to find out that we\u2019re brothers. I feel sure that if he were to know, he\u2019d use that against us, and I don\u2019t want to see that happen, it would make escaping harder,\u201d Adam explained.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI understand, but Adam, it\u2019s a mighty big ocean out there, I seen it myself\u2026how do you plan\u2026\u201d began Hoss but was interrupted by Adam.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t know, Hoss\u2026I don\u2019t know.\u201d Adam was tired, his mind was tired and all he wanted to do right now was sleep, not think.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m sorry, Adam\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNo, don\u2019t be Hoss, I\u2019m as concerned as you are.\u201d Adam reached across Joe and placed a reassuring hand on Hoss\u2019 shoulder, giving it a squeeze. \u201cLet\u2019s just try to get some sleep and later, when you go above you can keep your eyes opened, check things out, like the life boats\u2026we\u2019ll decide something later, right now all I want to do is get some rest.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Hoss sighed deeply and smiled at his brother. \u201cAlright Adam, whatever ya say. Maybe with any luck, Pa has a search party out lookin\u2019 for us.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cCould be, I hope so, I don\u2019t relish the idea of spending my summer on some hot, humid island, making love to an assortment of women\u201d muttered Adam as he made himself comfortable next to Joe.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Hoss couldn\u2019t help but snicker. \u201cWhen you say it like that, it don\u2019t sound so bad,\u201d he grinned.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam raised his head up and looked at Hoss. In spite of himself, he felt the tugging of his lips turning into a tiny smile. \u201cAt any other time, it might not be, but I\u2019d rather pick and choose the woman whom I would like to make love to. And as for this bear cub here of Pa\u2019s, well, he might like the idea, but I doubt that he\u2019d enjoy being forced to\u2026perform\u2026especially under such circumstances.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYa reckon he\u2019s ever\u2026well\u2026ya know?\u201d whispered Hoss softly.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam folded his arms under his head and laid back down, turning so that he could still see Hoss who had remained sitting up and who was watching their younger brother sleep.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHe\u2019d like for us to think so, but in truth, I don\u2019t believe he ever has, at least I hope he hasn\u2019t,\u201d smiled Adam. \u201cLook at him Hoss, he\u2019s still just a little boy.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYeah, he sure \u2018nough looks like one. Them ladies that the Captain was talkin\u2019 about\u2019s, liable to scare the boy to death,\u201d Hoss surmised.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cLet\u2019s just hope it doesn\u2019t get that far, I\u2019d hate to see that happen. I\u2019d like to keep him innocent just as long as possible,\u201d Adam whispered. \u201cHoss, you better get some rest, Joe\u2019s going to need us when he wakes up.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cSure thing, night,\u201d Hoss whispered and moved just enough that he could lay down as well.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

**************************<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t care what you say!\u201d shouted Ben. \u201cMy boys have been shanghaied! They should have been back to our hotel hours ago! It\u2019s been nearly twenty-four hours,\u201d Ben continued to shout at the police chief to whom he was trying to make understand that he had three, not just one, but three missing sons.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cMr. Cartwright, please, I understand your concerns, but as you said just minutes before, they aren\u2019t boys, but grown men. I think that perhaps you are over reacting\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cOVER REACTING!\u201d roared Ben in a loud voice. He pounded his fist down on the desk in front of him. \u201cLet me tell you this\u2026my sons are missing, not out fooling around at some house of ill-repute as you suggested. My God man, they have a seventeen-year old boy with them! My two older sons have more sense than to take their younger brother to a place like that! Now, what are you going to do to help me find my sons!\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben Cartwright was livid; he made no pretense at showing his anger. He was worried but mostly he was scared for the welfare of his three sons. They were his life, and without them, Ben had nothing, nothing at all, even the fortune that he had massed over the years meant nothing to him without his boys to share it with.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAlright Mr. Carwright, I\u2019ll have some of my men go down to the wharf and snoop around, but I can\u2019t promise you a thing. It happens everyday, men get waylaid, tossed on a ship and before anyone is the wiser, they\u2019re gone. Sometimes, they find their way back home, other times they\u2026well\u2026you\u2019ve sailed before, you know what happens. They take to the life at sea and never return. Unfortunately, some men are captured and sold as slaves, and are never heard from again,\u201d explained the police chief.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m well aware of that, I have three times as much to loose as the next man. Tell me something\u2026when a man is taken as captive to be sold as a slave, where do they usually take them?\u201d Ben demanded to know, a new fear rising in his heart.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cDifferent places, Mr. Cartwright, mostly south, down in the islands. There\u2019s plenty of places that have cotton plantations or vanilla plantations that use stolen men to work them for the rich owners, much like many plantation owners here in our own southern states. Some of those rich owners are more than just cotton or vanilla farmers, Mr. Cartwright.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t understand, what do you mean?\u201d Ben asked.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cBreeding slaves and selling off the babies in the underground market. It\u2019s a moneymaking operation, one that\u2019s making a lot of wicked men rich. A handsome baby could bring as much as ten thousand dollars on the market, a girl baby, especially a blue-eyed one can bring as much as twelve thousand if that baby is sold in the Asian countries. You see, they are very rare in those places and if one can be bought, well\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s awful,\u201d muttered Ben. He straightened his back and took a deep breath. \u201cPlease, I\u2019d like to go along with your men, that is if you don\u2019t mind.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Fear had wrapped itself about his heart. He feared for all of his sons, but Little Joe was foremost in his mind. Adam and Hoss were older, bigger and more capable of taking care of themselves, but Joe\u2026well\u2026Joe was younger, smaller and less experienced than his brothers, and\u2026Joe was his baby.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cPlease God, take care of my boys\u2026look out for them and please\u2026bring them back to me,\u201d whispered Ben silently.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cMr. Cartwright, you are more than welcomed to join my men. Maybe, just maybe mind you, your sons are all together. From these pictures that you\u2019ve shown me, my guess would be that they have been captured and put on a ship sailing for the south Pacific. I wouldn\u2019t be surprised if they weren\u2019t used for studs\u2026they are fine looking young men.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The chief handed Ben back his tiny photographs and Ben held them in his hand, staring at the faces that smiled back at him. He felt the fluttering of his heart, the sudden swelling in his throat and he was forced to swallow several times as the realization struck him that it could take him months, possibly even a year or more to find his three boys and bring them back home, if then, should he get lucky. It was with a heavy heart that Ben thanked the police chief for his help and followed the two officers out of the building.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

**************************<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cOhhh\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam was awakened from his sleep by the soft sounds of his brother\u2019s moaning. Quickly he pulled back the cover to check on the boy. Joe\u2019s brow was dotted with tiny sweat beads and instantly Adam pressed the back of his hand to Joe\u2019s forehead and let out a long sigh of relief when he found no fever.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYou just getting hot under those blankets, Joe?\u201d whispered Adam, glancing over at Hoss and seeing that his other brother was still sleeping.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAdam?\u201d Joe muttered weakly, his eyes searching for the familiar voice.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYeah, it\u2019s me, buddy,\u201d Adam whispered.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe tried to raise himself up but groaned and let his body sink back down on the straw. \u201cWhere are we? How\u2019d ya find me?\u201d he muttered, finding Adam in the dimly lit cubicle.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2019re on a ship Joe, heading for some island somewhere only God knows about. How are you feeling?\u201d Adam asked, raising the blanket up and checking the lash marks on Joe\u2019s back.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cSore\u2026Adam, how\u2019d we get here? The last thing I remember was those two guys trying to get me drunk.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThey succeeded, you\u2019ve been awfully sick buddy, and then you mouthed off to the big man and he had you whipped.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe tried to move and moaned again. \u201cGuess that\u2019s why my back feels like it\u2019s on fire?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cProbably, but it isn\u2019t too bad. Listen Joe\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAdam, what\u2019s that noise?\u201d Joe butted in to ask, all the while trying to find where the strange noise was coming from.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s Hoss, he\u2019s snoring,\u201d Adam explained.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHoss? He\u2019s here too? Adam\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s okay Joe, or it\u2019s going to be, once we get off this ship. Listen little buddy, we\u2019ve got a lot to talk about. You up to it?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cSure\u2026Adam?\u201d Joe asked hesitantly.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhat Joe?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhat about Pa, he ain\u2019t here is he?\u201d Joe wanted to know as he pushed himself up into a sitting position.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam shook his head, placing his hand on his little brother\u2019s shoulder after seeing the fear that had suddenly clouded Joe\u2019s hazel eyes.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNo, just you, me and Hoss, but Joe\u2026we\u2019re in for a lot of trouble, unless we stick together and you do as you\u2019re suppose to do. It\u2019s not going to be easy, in fact, it\u2019s going to be really hard, especially for you I\u2019m afraid.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhy Adam, what are they going to do with me\u2026with us?\u201d Joe asked anxiously.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThey\u2019re going to use you and I as\u2026as\u2026\u201d Adam faltered, he hadn\u2019t realized until that moment, just how hard it would be to explain to his seventeen-year old brother what was to be expected of them.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAdam\u2026come on, tell me\u2026please!\u201d squeaked Joe, studying his older brother\u2019s face. \u201cWhat are they going to do with us?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cUse you and I to\u2026make babies\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWHAT!\u201d Joe shouted.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cShh\u2026keep your voice down, Joe, we don\u2019t want them to hear us and come down here. Now listen up\u2026here\u2019s what\u2019s going on.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam spent the next hour explaining to Joe what had happened and what was going to happen. He went into detail about how they could never let Captain Harriman know that they were brothers and why, least the man use it against them somehow. Adam reminded Joe about the changing of their names, explained to his brother that he wasn\u2019t sure why their names had been changed unless it was because tracing them would be harder, should someone be trying to find them. He impressed the importance that Joe accept the fact that from now on, his name would be Thomas, Adam would be Josh and Hoss would now be known as Victor.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe didn\u2019t much like the idea, but understood the results should he fail to comply with the captain\u2019s wishes. He had already had a small taste of the man\u2019s whip and certainly did not wish for another, so he promised Adam that he would do everything that Adam expected him to do, even obey their new master\u2019s orders.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

It was when Adam began explaining that once they reached their destination, both of them would be expected to breed with the man\u2019s slave women, in order to produce offspring healthy enough to be sold on the black market.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cBut Adam\u2026I\u2026I\u2026\u201d Joe gulped and hung his head, fighting back his tears. \u201cI ain\u2019t never\u2026you know\u2026\u201d Joe glanced up at his brother, one lone tear escaping from his eyes and rolling slowly down his cheek. Joe quickly brushed it away.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhat if I\u2026can\u2019t? I mean\u2026I don\u2019t wanna be a father\u2026and if I was to be\u2026I wouldn\u2019t want my child\u2026sold like some animal,\u201d stammered Joe.
\n\u201cNeither do I Joe, that\u2019s why you have to listen to me. There are ways\u2026to keep from getting a woman\u2026with child,\u201d Adam said, suddenly feeling very awkward at having to explain certain things to his kid brother. It should have been their father doing this, and certainly under different circumstances.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe groaned and pushed himself to his feet, wobbling slightly as he leaned against the wall. He looked at Adam, confusion on his face.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYou ain\u2019t saying that I have to do that, are you?\u201d Joe said suddenly, seeing the dark look on his brother\u2019s face.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cJoe\u2026\u201d Adam gulped, how could he be a part of destroying his brother\u2019s innocence? \u201cI, I hope it doesn\u2019t come down to that, but we need to be prepared.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe stomped his foot, turning his back on his brother as the fear washed over him. \u201cI don\u2019t want to be prepared.\u201d He spun back around, tears filling his eyes. \u201cWhen I\u2026do it for the very first time\u2026I want it to be with someone I choose\u2026someone I love\u2026not some\u2026some\u2026filthy slave girl!\u201d Joe screamed in frustration.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam quickly jumped to his feet and stepped across Hoss who seemed to be sleeping through the whole conversation. Adam placed both hands on Joe\u2019s shoulders and with the same tender touch that their father would have used, pulled Joe into his arms and embraced him.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cTake it easy, little buddy,\u201d soothed Adam. \u201cI know your scared Joe, but you have to calm down, please.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe had allowed his brother to embrace him but now pulled back and stared teary-eyed up at Adam. \u201cI\u2019m not scared\u2026not really\u2026but I am mad. How can they make me do that? I mean\u2026what if I\u2026can\u2019t?\u201d stammered Joe.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam moved his hand to the back of Joe\u2019s head and gently forced it down on his shoulder. \u201cI don\u2019t know Joe, I wish I did. Lets just hope that it doesn\u2019t come to that. Now, sit down Joe, we really need to talk,\u201d Adam said gently and allowed his arms to drop free as he pointed to the floor.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe wiped the tears from his face and did as Adam had asked. Hoss had begun to wake and soon the three sat, backs propped against the walls of the cubicles discussing what they should be doing in order to survive their ordeal.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

**************************<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The days passed without any word or clue as to the whereabouts of Ben\u2019s three sons. He had sent telegrams to Roy Coffee in Virginia City explaining what had happened. Ben put Roy in charge of hiring a good man to look after the ranch and Roy had sent a return telegram promising to look after things for him until his return, or until such time as he could find a man to take charge.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The days slowly turned into weeks and before Ben had realized what had happened, the weeks had slipped into months. Three months later, a heartbroken and devastated man climbed into the stage bound for Virginia City. Life had passed slowly, all leads had been exhausted and still there had been no clue found that would promise Ben that he would one day see his sons.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The journey home was long, the days now turning into early fall, had grown short. The air was cool and at night crisp. Sleeping for Ben had become a thing of the past, something that he rarely found possible to do. He walked about as if in a stupor, the dull aching pain he felt at the loss of his family slowly began taking its toll on the patriarch of the Ponderosa.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

When the staged stopped for the final time, amid a crowd of people who had gathered at the depot in Ben\u2019s hometown, it was with a heavy heart, that Ben greeted his friends.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Roy stepped forward, followed by Paul Martin, to greet Ben. They were appalled at Ben\u2019s appearance. His complexion had discolored, gone from his deep-set chocolate eyes was the sparkle that had always before, been present. Ben had lost weight, his gray hair had gathered more of the intense color and overall, Ben looked ready to drop.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cBen?\u201d Roy said, extending his hand out to his long time friend to offer him help from exiting the coach.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben readily took the proffered hand and managed to give a small smile to his friend.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThanks, Roy,\u201d he said, his voice sounding old and tired.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cPaul,\u201d Ben said, turning to give a smile to the family physician as well.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWelcome home, Ben,\u201d Paul said. \u201cWhy don\u2019t we go over to the caf\u00e9 and have a cup of coffee before you go out to the ranch?\u201d he suggested.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHmm\u2026coffee, that sounds good. Thanks,\u201d Ben answered with no emotion in his voice as he turned to check on his baggage and seeing that Hop Sing had just arrived in the buggy and was putting his bags in the back, Ben slowly followed Paul and Roy to the caf\u00e9.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI won\u2019t be long Hop Sing,\u201d called Ben, gently squeezing his faithful servant\u2019s shoulder.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNo need to hurry, Hop Sing waited long time to see ole friend, he wait a little longer, boss,\u201d Hop Sing bowed to Ben.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThank you, Hop Sing,\u201d Ben said, seeing the accumulation of unshed tears that had suddenly filled the almond shaped eyes.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben knew that for the many weeks that he had been absent from the Ponderosa, Hop Sing had remained faithful, keeping things running as smoothly as he could under the circumstances. Ben was also aware of the amount of grieving that his servant had endured when word had been sent to him that Adam, Hoss and Little Joe were missing and would not likely ever be found. Ben watched sadly, as Hop Sing finished putting his things into the buggy and thought just how empty his home would feel, once he returned. Secretly, Ben wished that he could just forget it, never go home, never again step foot into the home where he had spent a lifetime raising his sons to manhood. He felt the sting of tears, and had it not been for the doctor taking his arm, Ben might have broken down right there in the middle of the street, in front of everyone.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAre you coming, Ben?\u201d Paul said, taking his friend\u2019s arm after seeing the unexpected well of tears that had gathered in the heart broken man\u2019s eyes.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben shook his head to free his brain of the memories and nodded his head. Life would go on, he determined sadly, but would it be worth it, he thought.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Once inside the tiny caf\u00e9, Roy ordered coffee for the three of them. When the waitress turned away, he focused his attention on Ben.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI hired a man a month after you wired me, Ben. He\u2019s been doing a fine job looking after the ranch. He surprised me, at first I didn\u2019t think he knew anything about ranching, but he soon proved me wrong. I allowed him to stay in the house; I hope that\u2019s okay. He had his wife and young son with him, I didn\u2019t think you\u2019d mind,\u201d Roy explained, sipping the coffee that had just been placed in front of him. \u201cThe bunk house was no place for a man with a family.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s fine, Roy, whatever you thought best is fine with me,\u201d answered Ben. \u201cWhat did you say his name was?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI didn\u2019t, but it\u2019s Charles Basile. He\u2019s from back east somewhere, said his father owned a big farm somewhere in Pennsylvania or thereabouts. Seems to know horses and cattle pretty good, I did as you suggested and let all the timber and mine contracts lapse. All he\u2019s done is look out after the stock, the house and the haying. Done a good job, Ben, I think you\u2019ll be satisfied,\u201d finished Roy.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cBen, what\u2019s happening in San Francisco? Are the police still searching for the boys?\u201d questioned Paul.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben nodded his head and looked sadly at his friends. \u201cYes, but the trail\u2019s so cold now, Chief Emerson told me before I left that it would be next to impossible to find them now, so much time has gone by without any word or clue or anything.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYou aren\u2019t giving up, are you?\u201d Paul dared to ask.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben turned dark angry eyes on his friend, seemingly to come to life as he glared at Paul. \u201cNeed you ask me a thing like that?\u201d he demanded.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m sorry Ben,\u201d said Paul softly, \u201cI just needed to know if the fire was still burning,\u201d he smiled gently.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s burning, it won\u2019t ever die, until I find out about my boys, one way or the other. I\u2019m hoping, no praying that they are all okay and God willing, together and safe. I think Hoss and Adam could manage on their own, but Joe\u2026I\u2019m afraid for him\u2026for what might happen to him\u2026and worse, what someone might do to him,\u201d Ben said sadly, the current burning fire that had moments ago shown in his eyes, dwindling down to an ember.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI hope you\u2019re right Ben. I pray so, and so does everyone else in town. We\u2019ve all been praying for you and for the boys. I know, someday, somehow, they\u2019ll be back Ben, and when they do come home, Adam and Hoss will have your youngest with them,\u201d assured Paul.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The tears managed to slip over the rims of the dark sad eyes but Ben made no move to wipe them away. They had been a long time in coming and now that Ben was home, in the presence of his two best friends, he found no need to hide his heartache. They felt it with him, of that Ben was confident.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThank you,\u201d he whispered.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

**************************<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cRemember Joe, don\u2019t try anything. We\u2019re all too weak; we\u2019ve lost a lot of strength, being idle all these weeks. Let\u2019s take it slow, bide our time like we talked about, and once we get to that plantation, we can plan our escape, agreed?\u201d Adam said as the three of them waited together for Hank to come down into the hull and put the chains on them.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI know Adam, how many more times to do I have to promise you?\u201d growled Joe, fidgeting with his fingers. \u201cI\u2019m not going to start any trouble.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam let out a long sigh and glanced at Hoss. Hoss was standing behind his younger brother and looked across Joe\u2019s shoulder at Adam. He pinched his lips together and scrunched up his face. It had been a long tiring night, ever since Hank had come down into the hull and told them that they would be reaching their destination by the next afternoon. Joe had worried them nearly to death, pacing the circumference of the hull.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam had told Joe several times to calm down and to sit down, but Joe was too keyed up to do as his brother asked. Finally, in the early morning hours, Joe had fallen to sleep, his head resting in his oldest brother\u2019s lap. The fact that Adam had hummed Joe\u2019s favorite French lullaby and tenderly fingered the long dark curls, might have been the touch needed to calm the young boy.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

When the door at the top of the stairwell opened, and the rattling of chains reached his ears, Joe\u2019s body suddenly became rigid and when he took a step backwards, it was into the arms of his middle brother. Hoss quickly placed both of his massive hands gently onto Joe\u2019s trembling shoulders.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cTake it easy, Punkin,\u201d whispered Hoss.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cBoys,\u201d Hank said. \u201cI hate to do this to ya, but the captain says all slaves have to have on their chains. So\u2019s lets do this the easy way,\u201d he commented and then looked at Joe, whom he believed would put up a fight. It wouldn\u2019t be the first time since taking the boy on board ship, and Hank figured it wouldn\u2019t be the last time either.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThomas, you first,\u201d ordered Hank as he nodded his head at the guards who started toward Joe with his chains.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Hoss felt Joe\u2019s body begin to tremble. Joe moved to turn around but Hoss\u2019 large frame blocked his path. Joe somehow managed to wrench free of his brother\u2019s grasp and then bolt for the door.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cGet that man!\u201d shouted Hank, angry that Joe had tried to give him the slip. Two guards dashed after the fleeing boy and by the time that Joe had reached the stairs, the guards had tackled Joe and wrestled him to the floor.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam and Hoss moved as one toward their brother but were stopped suddenly when two more guards raised their rifles and pointed them at the brothers. Adam reached out and grabbed Hoss\u2019 arm preventing him from taking another step as both watched the scuffle that was taking place on the floor.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

It took only minutes for the two guards to have Joe\u2019s chains in place. One man grabbed Joe roughly by the upper arm and yanked him to his feet, shoving him over next to Adam.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe\u2019s mouth was bleeding and there was a small cut above one eye that was causing some swelling to form. He chanced a quick glance up at his brothers and then looked away.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThe captain ain\u2019t gonna like what ya done, son. I\u2019ve tried for weeks now, to warn ya about him but ya still just too bull headed to listen. I don\u2019t like being forced to cause a man any pain, but it\u2019s my job, if I don\u2019t do it, I get in trouble\u2026and trust me, I don\u2019t want no trouble from the captain,\u201d Hank explained.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cPut him in his stall and get the chains on these other two, and then get them above board,\u201d instructed Hank.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhat are ya goin\u2019 to do to\u2019em?\u201d Hoss asked, standing still while the guards attached the cuffs to his wrists and then shackled his ankles. Hoss glanced at Adam; the worry that he felt was reflected back to him in his brother\u2019s dark eyes.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t rightly know, Victor. Now that we\u2019ve arrived at his plantation, he might put him in the pit without food or water for a couple of days. Ain\u2019t likely the boy would get whipped, not now, since he wants the boy in good shape for breeding. But then with Harriman, who\u2019s to know?\u201d answered Hank.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhat\u2019s the pit?\u201d Adam inquired, wishing he could take his brothers out of there before either of them suffered more at the hands of the man who claimed to own them.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

One of the guards laughed. \u201cYa don\u2019t wanna be put in the pit,\u201d he sneered.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhy not?\u201d Hoss dared.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cCause, it\u2019s a hole in the ground, about ten, maybe twelve feet deep, no way out. They put a tin cover over the top, draws the sun and as hot as it gets on these islands, the pit gets hot enough to cook a man alive. Seen it happen before,\u201d the guard laughed again.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cSaw one man, stayed three days, when they pulled him out, he was so burnt, his skin fell right off his body. Ugliest sight I ever seen, scared all them slave women to death. Finally the captain had the man kilt, tweren\u2019t no good to him after that.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cCome on, get a move on, time to go ashore.\u201d The guards stepped behind Hoss and Adam and shoved both Cartwrights, making them move toward the stairs.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHoss! Adam!\u201d shouted Joe from his cubicle.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cKeep moving, Victor, don\u2019t go getting\u2019 no ideay, ya can\u2019t help the boy now,\u201d ordered Hank. \u201cYou too, Josh, move.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

At the top of the narrow stairs, Adam stopped and glanced back over his shoulder. His heart was pounding, steadily keeping time with the constant pounding on the thick oak door that separated him from his little brother. The guard drove the end of his rifle into the middle of Adam\u2019s back forcing him to continue.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The sun shone brightly for so late in the afternoon. The air was thick with humidity and at first breathing was difficult. Adam glanced around at Hoss and saw that his brother was doing exactly as he, taking in all the activity around them. The dock could be seen off in the distance, down below the ship, several smaller boats were already filling up with goods and men were rowing others toward the shore.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam and Hoss was hurried along, taking their steps cautiously as the chains kept them from taking normal steps. They were ushered over to the side of the ship and ordered into one of the smaller boats, surrounded by four big men, all carrying rifles.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cJosh, Victor,\u201d a voice called from behind them.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Both Adam and Hoss stopped and turned. Hoss glanced anxiously at his brother. Captain Harriman stood before them, a slight smile on his face. He had changed from his captain\u2019s uniform into everyday clothes that were common for wealthy plantation owners.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

He waved his hand about in the air. \u201cThis is my home, Golden Isle. Everything you see in that direction, and that direction and everything that lies beyond those hills, I own.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

His smile brightened, \u201cWhat do you think of it?\u201d he questioned, scanning the scenery.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam followed his gaze and then turned back to face his new master. He cleared his throat. \u201cUnder any other circumstances, I would think it most beautiful,\u201d he stated sharply.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Harriman eyed the oldest Cartwright, a stern expression on his face. \u201cYou will learn to love it here, many have,\u201d he jeered at Adam.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Harriman turned to one of the guards. \u201cTake them to their quarters and see that they are fed and made comfortable.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYessir,\u201d replied the guard. \u201cWhat about the boy? Ya want one of my men to take care of him for ya?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam and Hoss exchanged worried looks and Adam dared to speak up on his brother\u2019s behalf.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cSir, if you don\u2019t mind my saying so, the boy was only frightened. I gathered over the last few months that he had never been away from home and he just got a little spooked.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Harriman glared at Adam. \u201cAre you trying to take up for the boy? I warned you about his behavior, perhaps its you I should punish instead of him.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHe\u2019s just a kid, a frightened kid that doesn\u2019t know what\u2019s going to happen, that\u2019s all I was meaning\u2026sir,\u201d Adam added with displeasure.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

He hated the man in front of him, hated him for what he and his brothers had been made to suffer, for the worry that his father must be going through and Adam hated Harriman for all the things that he had planned for each of them. He was waiting, patiently for a time when he could take his brothers and escape, go home, back to the Ponderosa where they belonged. \u2018My day will come, you bastard,\u2019 Adam\u2019s heart sang.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI hope you don\u2019t think I\u2019m so foolish as not to know that?\u201d growled Harriman.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNo, sir\u2026I didn\u2019t mean to imply that you were, only that the boy was scared\u2026of the chains and the not knowing, that\u2019s all,\u201d Adam hurried to say.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cGet in the boat Josh, I will think about what you\u2019ve told me before I punish the boy. Do as you are instructed, both of you, and no harm will come to either of you. Disobey my orders and you will pay, I have methods\u2026many of them, and I will not hesitate to use them.\u201d Harriman started to turn away but stopped.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWelcome to Golden Isle, gentlemen.\u201d He tipped his hat and with the clicking of his cane, strolled down the deck to inspect other matters.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cGet movin\u2019,\u201d ordered the guard and then paused as Adam followed Hoss down to the waiting boat.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

**************************<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Alone in his dark dreary stall, Joe was fighting back the tears. He had tried to remain calm, as Hoss had hinted, but when the man carrying the heavy cruel chains approached him, Joe\u2019s misgivings had over ruled his common sense. Now he would pay for his foolishness and Joe was not looking forward to what Harriman might do to him.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

He stood silent; his head resting on his arms that leaned against the thick oak boards. \u2018Please God, let Pa find us soon, I\u2019m not sure how much longer I can hold on,\u2019 wept Joe as his tears rolled quietly down his face. Joe remained as he was for several minutes trying to calm himself. It was the turning of the key in the lock on the door of his cubicle that broke through his reverie. His head shot upward as he took a step back, stumbling over his chains and nearly falling to the ground.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Suddenly, arms were reaching out at him, grabbing his arms and yanking him upright. They jerked him out of the cubicle and spun him about to face the angered man in front of him. He gazed into the dark eyes of a man he had never seen before.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWho are you?\u201d Joe dared to ask.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

He was answered by the sudden stinging of the man\u2019s hand as it struck him across his face.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cDare not speak to me, unless I give you permission!\u201d demanded the man, standing inches from Joe\u2019s face.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe gulped and then swallowed. He could feel the fire that burned his face and though he wanted nothing better than to tell this man where to go, he thought better of it, remembering that Adam had asked him to tread lightly.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe nodded his head, meeting the man\u2019s glare with one of his own. Again the hand reached out and slapped the opposite side of his face, bringing instant fire-like burning to his cheek.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cDo not ever look me in the face when I am talking to you. When you confront your master or me, you will drop your head and lower your eyes. You are unfit, lower than an animal and are forbidden to look Mister Harriman or me in the face. Do I make myself clear? It is the number one rule from now on. Only certain slaves are given that right and you are not one of them. Understand?\u201d growled the man.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Again Joe nodded his head in understanding and instantly did as commanded, least he be struck again.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cGood, you learn fast, that is to your advantage. My name is Clyde Wells, Mister Wells, sir, to you. Let me hear you say it,\u201d ordered Wells.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cMister Wells,\u201d muttered Joe and then fell backwards when he felt the burning hand strike his face.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cSir! Mister Wells, sir.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe chanced a quick glance upward and then immediately looked down. Joe was dying on the inside, this monster was making him say and do things that he would never do back home. Oh, his pa had taught him to be polite but he\u2019d never had a lesson on how to be a man with no more value than a dog. He felt like crying, he\u2019d done lots of that over the last three months, but only Adam and Hoss had seen him, and he was determined to keep it that way.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYou have been given to me,\u201d Wells, laughed when Joe\u2019s head popped up and he could see the shock in the hazel eyes and the sudden fear that washed over the young boy. \u201cFor the time being,\u201d he added. \u201cI\u2019m to teach you some manners, Mister Harriman says you are too impetuous and I should take it out of you\u2026anyway I can. He wants ya to behave, so the little ladies will like ya.\u201d Wells burst out laughing.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t look so shocked, surely ya know why you\u2019re here?\u201d he snickered. \u201cI thought so,\u201d he laughed. \u201cWell, come on kid, I\u2019ve been ordered to take ya to the pit, ya ain\u2019t gonna like that none, but that\u2019s what the master ordered for ya, cause ya tried to run off, now ya gotta pay. And after a couple\u2019la days in the hole, ya won\u2019t wanna run too far, cause it\u2019s hot\u2026hotter\u2019n hell where I gotta put ya.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Wells motioned for the guard and the guard grabbed Joe by the upper arm and began pulling him along with him. Joe was having trouble keeping up, the shackles around his ankles allowing him to take only short steps. Once he stumbled and was hauled roughly to his feet. Behind him he could hear Wells laughing at him and it angered Joe to the point that he turned and glanced over his shoulder.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhat are you laughing at?\u201d he snapped at Wells.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHold up guard,\u201d barked Wells, waking around in front of the guard and stopping directly facing Joe.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe was ready, he knew Wells was going to slap him and he had prepared himself. What he had failed to prepare for, was the lightening fast fist that buried itself deeply into the middle of his stomach. Joe doubled up, groaning as he folded his arms across his mid-section.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Wells grabbed Joe by his hair and yanked him upright. \u201cBetter learn to keep your thoughts to yourself. That just earned you another day in the pit.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Wells released his hold on Joe\u2019s curls and nodded his head at the guard, who was smiling broadly. \u201cGet a move on, kid, unless you want more,\u201d he ordered.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

It took several minutes for Joe and the guard, followed by Wells, to reach the top deck of the ship. The bright sunlight all but blinded Joe and he was forced to move his hands up to shield his eyes from the sharp rays. Several more minutes past and Joe was finally seated in one of the small boats, along side the guard and Wells whom sat facing him. A man at the front of the little boat, and one in the back, each manning the oars that guided the vessel through the choppy waters to the shore and the large deck where other small boats were anchored.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe\u2019s eyes scanned his surroundings, hoping to catch a glimpse of his brothers, but they were no where to be seen. Wells watched the boy intently, following Joe\u2019s eyes and wandering what or whom it was that the boy was secretly hoping to see.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cLookin\u2019 for someone?\u201d Wells asked.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe kept his head lowered and refused to allow himself the displeasure of looking into the despicable man\u2019s face.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cJust those two men who were with me, that\u2019s all\u2026Mr. Wells\u2026sir,\u201d Joe muttered, hating himself more for feeling as he did.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cJosh and Victor? Oh, you needn\u2019t worry about them. Mister Harriman likes those two. He\u2019s sent them on over to the main plantation\u2026but you\u2026well, I have to take ya down near the quarters. That\u2019s where the pits are\u2026\u201d Wells began to laugh.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe\u2019s nerves were frayed. When he looked down at his hands, they were trembling. He peeked from beneath his thick lashes, at the man in front of him and saw that Wells and the guard was looking at something off the horizon. Joe glanced into the water; it was a deep blue color and crystal clear. The thought entered his mind that he could easily slip over the edge of the boat to escape, but could he swim, with his legs shackled, he pondered.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t even think about it,\u201d Wells said.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe\u2019s eyes flashed dark, hating that the man had seen him looking and had known his very thoughts.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAin\u2019t nothing down there but corals and the reef. They\u2019ll cut you to ribbons if\u2019n ya were to jump in. And, the sharks, don\u2019t forget about them, look, there\u2019s one over there!\u201d laughed Wells.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe turned in the direction that Wells had pointed and sure enough, Joe could make out the pointed tip of the shark\u2019s dorsal fin. Joe cringed; he remembered reading about sharks in the books that his father had back home. And he recalled the tales that his father had told him of seeing the sharks himself when he had been a sailor and of the horrible ways that a shark could rip a man\u2019s body into pieces. Joe looked away, hiding the tears that threatened to spill over, Pa\u2026he thought, his heart heavy with longing, will I ever see you again?<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

**************************<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cMr. Basile,\u201d began Ben.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNo, please Mr. Cartwright, just call me Charles, or Chuck, if you will,\u201d Charles asked.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAlright, Charles, but you must call me Ben,\u201d said Ben, lowering himself into his favorite red leather chair.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cOkay Mr\u2026.ere, Ben. As you can see, I\u2019ve managed to keep a good count on the cattle. I sent four men, just yesterday up to your north pasture to round up the strays there and have the men bring them back down to the pasture here. I also have everything just about ready for the cattle drive, still some branding to do, but other than\u2026Ben? Mr. Cartwright\u2026sir, are you okay?\u201d Charles stopped chatting and placed a hand on Ben\u2019s shoulder.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

His boss was staring into the fire, his eyes had a far distant look about them and it was obvious to Charles, that Ben had lost interest in the report he had been giving.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cBen!\u201d Chuck said, squeezing the shoulder.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHuh? Oh, I\u2019m sorry Charles\u2026ere\u2026Chuck, I was\u2026well\u2026\u201d stammered Ben.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Chuck sat down on the edge of the wide boarded table, facing Ben. \u201cI understand, sir. I should have had more sense than to dump all of this in your lap even before you\u2019ve had time to unpack.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNo, it\u2019s not your fault. Roy told me what a fine job you\u2019ve been doing for me. I really do appreciate it.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben stood to his feet, his fingertips stuffed into his pockets as he moved to stand before the fire. He turned around, facing the man before him, his face a mixture of emotions.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cKeep doing whatever it is you\u2019ve been doing, Chuck. Most of the men around here have worked for me for years, as long as you treat them decently, they\u2019ll follow orders, you don\u2019t need me to tell you how to handle things, you\u2019ve proven that.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben slowly made his way to the stairs. \u201cI think I\u2019ll turn in, good night.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Chuck stood silently watching Ben as he ascended the stairs. Sarah Basile came from the kitchen, to stand next to her husband. Her white apron was spotted with flour where she had been helping Hop Sing in the kitchen. Carefully she sat the small tray of sandwiches and coffee on the table and then glanced sadly up at her husband.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHe\u2019s so heartbroken, Chuck. He\u2019s such a nice man too and has lost so very, very much. People in town have talked about him, some of the ladies told me about his three sons and how much he loved each of them,\u201d Sarah smiled. \u201cThey\u2019ve even told me about how some of the ladies have tried to snare a Cartwright son for a husband for their daughters. Word is that they are fine looking boys\u2026Chuck, have you heard one word that I\u2019ve said?\u201d grumbled Sarah, placing her hands on her hips and frowning.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI heard ya, my dear,\u201d Chuck said, giving his wife his full attention. \u201cThree sons, you say?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYes, oh Chuck, you knew that! Remember, I told you when we first came here. Mr. Cartwright and his sons were in California, San Francisco I do believe, and then one night, while Ben was at a meeting, his three sons all disappeared, never to be heard from since. Don\u2019t you remember, we talked about it?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Chuck forced a smile for his wife and gently pulled her into his arms. Sarah pressed her head against her husband\u2019s chest, unaware that his eyes had turned to stare at the empty staircase.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYou seemed so\u2026distant, darling, since Mr. Cartwright came home. Is there anything wrong?\u201d Sarah asked, her voice soft and inquiring.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Chuck eyed his wife and smiled broadly. \u201cNo dear, there\u2019s nothing wrong\u2026in fact, everything is just dandy.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

**************************<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe struggled against the three pairs of hands that tried to force him down into the dark rank pit. He dug his heels into the dirt and stiffened his legs, pushing against the man behind him. His chained wrists prevented him from using his hands and it was only when one guard dropped to his knees and grabbed the chain around Joe\u2019s ankles, did Joe lose his footing and toppled down into the twelve foot deep hole.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

His body hammered against the hard dirt walls as Joe fell and finally landed with a thud at the bottom. The guards above peered down into the pit, their laugher ran in the boy\u2019s ears and then, all was silent and dark. Only the scrapping of the hard tin against the equally hard ground could be heard. Joe felt his heart begin to beat rapidly in fear, sweat beaded on his brow, his breathing was labored and only through sheer determination was the young boy able to refrain from crying out.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

His intense fear of the dark drove him into the furthermost corner of the dark pit, his body quivered as Joe looked upward, hoping to catch even a sliver of light from the tin covering, but there was nothing other than total darkness.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cOh God\u2026please,\u201d cried Joe. \u201cPlease help me,\u201d he said and curled his body into a tight ball on the hard ground beneath him.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

At noon on the third day, slaves were assembled around the pit. Adam and Hoss had been made to join the group and stood side by side, silently. Hoss chanced a quick glance at his older brother and could see the fine lines that had embossed themselves into his brother\u2019s brow. Hoss knew the look; he could feel the anger emitting from every pore in Adam\u2019s body, as the older Cartwright stood stark still, never allowing his intense dark eyes to leave the opening of the deep pit. Only when the master began speaking, did Adam divert his eyes from where he had just learned, his youngest brother had spent the last two and a half days, buried alive and deprived of food and water.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI want all of you to see what happens when one of you choose to disobey my orders,\u201d Harriman called out in a loud voice.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Around him, his slaves stood, huddle together like frightened children. Many wore chains, all had looks about them that spoke of misery and defeat, broken men who had been overworked and under fed. Women with crying, dirty babies hanging from their hips, young women heavy with child, no more than children themselves, all with heads hung low, heart-wrenching to watch as the young man was hauled up from his earthly prison and forced to stand, half dressed before the gapping crowd.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cLOOK!\u201d demanded Harriman in a loud voice. \u201cI paid a fortune for this young man, carried him half way around the world, but understand me\u2026my word is LAW! Even the most expense slave on Golden Isle will obey me, or pay the price for disobedience! I have spoken, now each of you can see first hand what will happen. I order all of you to walk passed this boy and see the suffering, feel his inflamed flesh where the heat has cooked him, and know\u2026understand\u2026and believe\u2026this could have been you!\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Hoss heard the guttural sound that escaped from Adam\u2019s throat and quickly turned to look at his brother. \u201cAdam, no,\u201d whispered Hoss, afraid to speak any louder for fear of being heard by one of the overseers. \u201cYou\u2019ll only make matters worse, wait Adam, wait,\u201d urged Hoss.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam\u2019s eyes never moved from the horrific scene in front of him. Had Hoss not been watching his brother\u2019s face, he might not have realized that Adam had even spoken.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll kill the bastard for what he\u2019s done to, Joe.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Hoss forced himself to look at his youngest brother. Joe was covered in dirt and grime, his face was near black from the damp soil at the bottom of the pit. The fact that it had started to rain the night Joe had been forced into the hole and rain had seeped into the ground only intensified his dirty complexion. By the next morning, the temperature had reached an all time high, it had been hot and muggy for the last three days. Joe\u2019s skin was scorching and Adam knew that Joe was nearing death from lack of fluids and that even now, it could take days to restore to his weakened body, what nature had sapped from it.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

When Adam drew near, it was all he could do to keep from reaching out and taking the boy into his arms. The piteous moaning and the sight of Joe\u2019s tears, the chapped and cracked lips and the broken fingernails where Joe had clawed at the earth in an attempt to escape, tore the soul from Adam Cartwright.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam felt his body begin to tremble. Joe\u2019s eyes were barely opened and his lips moved in unspoken words. But when Adam stopped in front of his brother, he heard one word, one word that shattered his heart and yet strengthened his reserve to make good his promise to take his brothers home, \u2018Papa\u2019.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Hoss could not keep the tears from forming in his eyes as he assessed his younger brother\u2019s injuries. His eyes scanned the boy\u2019s face and then Hoss turned and glared at the two guards that held Joe upright. He started to move toward the pair, but stopped when Adam grabbed his arm and shook his head.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cLater,\u201d whispered Adam as he tugged on Hoss\u2019 arm and made him move passed.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Hoss reluctantly began moving slowly away from Joe. \u201cHang on, Punkin,\u201d his voice barely above a whisper.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The guards were watching two young women as they passed. The girls not any older than fifteen were dressed is sack clothe and held their eyes downward, frightened to even look up and look into the face of the once dashing young man who now stood, broken and defeated.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Once the slaves had made their trek around the circle, they were ordered back to work and went willingly, wishing to be as far from the scene as possible.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cTake the boy to shack four and then fetch the doctor, Master wants that boy on his feet and ready to perform by tomorrow night!\u201d issued Wells.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Wells lifted Joe\u2019s chin and then shook his head. \u201cI hope you\u2019ve learned something Thomas. It would be a waste of good breeding, should the master see fit to destroy you.\u201d Wells let his hand drop to his side and then tossed his head, indicating that the guards were to remove their prisoner to shack four.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYou there, Josh,\u201d Wells called, stopping Adam. \u201cThe master wants you to tend the boy, see that he\u2019s cleaned up and fed, and presentable. Mr. Harriman will be around later this evening to check on the boy,\u201d Wells explained to Adam. \u201cNow, get back to your shack, and see that things are done correctly. The master said you are not to work tonight, just stay with the boy.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYes sir,\u201d muttered Adam and then when Wells had moved away, Adam turned and cast a small smile at Hoss. \u201cSee you later,\u201d he muttered softly.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cTake care of \u2018em.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cGet movin\u2019 ya big ox,\u201d growled one of the overseers who was walking with a group of men back to their work stations as he prodded Hoss with the end of his rifle. Hoss turned and glared at the man, fighting back the urge to break the man\u2019s scrawny neck.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam reached his shack minutes before the two guards burst through the door, dragging Joe along with them. He stood off to the side as ordered and waited until the men had dropped his brother carelessly onto the spare cot in the far corner.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

As soon as they shut the door, Adam rushed to his brother\u2019s side and kneeled down next to the cot. His hand quickly went to Joe\u2019s brow, and he breathed a sigh of relief. Joe\u2019s brow was hot, but from the looks of his tarnished flesh, it was more heat than fever.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cJoe, can you hear me, buddy?\u201d Adam said softly as he begun to strip away the remnants of tattered clothing that still clung to Joe\u2019s body.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe said nothing, only lay silent, lost in a world where pain and suffering ceased to be. His eyes had opened, but he didn\u2019t even bother to search for the face behind the voice.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Quickly Adam removed the soiled clothing and then covered Joe with a light blanket. He poured fresh water into the basin and grabbed what rags he could find and began bathing the fiery flesh. Joe began to moan as the cloth moved from his face and neck to his arms and upper torso. By the time that Adam had finished with bathing his brother, Joe was whimpering loudly and thrashing about on the bed.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cTake it easy, little bro\u2026buddy,\u201d Adam glanced over his shoulder fearing, in his mind, that he had nearly exposed their secret. \u201cHere Joe, try to drink something,\u201d Adam said and placed the rim of a tin cup to Joe\u2019s parched lips. \u201cCome on, take a drink\u2026.that\u2019s it, Joe, drink a little more.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

As Adam placed the cup on the table, the door opened unexpectedly. Adam whirled around, surprised by the intrusion. When he saw Mr. Harriman and a tall dark Negro man standing in the doorway, Adam rose to his feet and faced the pair.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cSir?\u201d Adam said humbly, playing his part as an obedient servant and slave.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cJosh, how\u2019s the boy?\u201d Harriman asked stepping up to the cot and yanking back the thin blanket to see for himself. \u201cHmm\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHe\u2019s pretty well covered in blisters, sir. The heat scorched his flesh\u2026it might take more than a couple of days for him to be well enough to\u2026perform\u2026sir,\u201d Adam stated, stepping back to give the master more room. \u201cHe\u2019s in quite a lot of pain, sir.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI can see that\u2026oh, this is Isaiah, he\u2019s the doctor,\u201d Harriman declared, moving so that the black man could make a diagnosis of his own.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Isaiah pulled a rickety old chair up to the cot and with tenderness that surprised Adam, gently ran his fingers about Joe\u2019s body, stopping occasionally to inspect broken blisters.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ve leave the doctor with you, Isaiah, I want that boy on his feet in two days, no less,\u201d instructed Harriman.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYessir, Master,\u201d Isaiah chanted, \u201cI\u2019ll have him up and about soon \u2018nough.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cJosh, you stay with the boy,\u201d ordered Harriman as he shut the door behind him, leaving Adam and the doctor alone with Joe.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Isaiah reached into his small valise and pulled out a miniature bottle. Using just his fingers, he dabbed small amounts onto his fingertips and gently rubbed the liquid onto the open sores.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe grunted and tried to move away from the probing fingers. \u201cHelp me hold\u2019em down,\u201d Isaiah said in a calm voice. \u201cThis here stuff burns like fire, but I promise ya, come mornin\u2019 time, these here blisters will be better.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam quickly grabbed Joe\u2019s fraying arms and held them on the pillow above Joe\u2019s head. \u201cShh\u2026it will be over soon, Joe, try to hold still,\u201d he whispered in Joe\u2019s ear.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cOhh\u2026it\u2026burns\u2026\u201d wept Joe.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019ll feel better soon \u2018nough mister,\u201d Isaiah said, working his way downward where the worst of the blisters on Joe\u2019s upper torso had already busted and had began to bleed.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHe needs lots of steamy broth, I\u2019ll have my misses make ya some and bring it over to ya. Make sure he eats all of it, Lizzie has a secret formula.\u201d Isaiah turned to look at Adam.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYa new here, ain\u2019t ya?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam glanced from Joe\u2019s face to the doctor\u2019s. \u201cGuess it shows, heh?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYeah, I can see the hate brewin\u2019 in ya eyes. Ya guard that look, mister, cause if the master sees it, he\u2019ll ship ya outta here\u2026and from the way I seen ya lookin\u2019 at this here boy\u2026I don\u2019t think ya want that to happen. Am I right?\u201d Isaiah continued to work on Joe as he talked to Adam.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019re right, I\u2019ve kinda gotten attached to the kid.\u201d Adam studied the black man\u2019s face and wondered at the man\u2019s ability to observe so closely.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t worry none, Adam isn\u2019t it?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cJosh,\u201d Adam corrected, not quite sure whether the man was playing a game with him or was on the up and up.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAdam suits you better, same as Joe suits the boy,\u201d Isaiah said and then turned to look at the surprised look on Adam\u2019s face. \u201cYa is brothers too, ya and the boy and that big man, ya all three brothers.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam grabbed the man by the arm and jerked him to his feet. \u201cJust what are you up to? What\u2019s your game?\u201d he stormed, suddenly fearful for what might happen if the master got wind of their secret.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Isaiah brushed Adam\u2019s hand off and sat back down. \u201cAin\u2019t no game Adam. I don\u2019t play like that\u2026but I do make it my business to know everything about this here plantation,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

When he had finished caring for Joe and giving Joe a stiff drink from the whiskey bottle that he had stashed in his black case, he faced Adam. \u201cI know where ya come from, I know why ya here, I know yous brothers. Ya don\u2019t gotta worry about me, I ain\u2019t tellin\u2019 a soul Mister Adam. Ya see, I\u2019m tellin\u2019 ya this cause I trust ya, I was told to trust ya\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam plopped down in the other chair and scratched his head. \u201cI don\u2019t understand, how do you know all of this? You are a slave, just like Joe and I and everyone else on this God forsaken island aren\u2019t you?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Isaiah laughed for the first time. \u201cIn the master\u2019s eyes, I\u2019s a slave.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhat do you mean, and what did you mean when you said that you were told we could be trusted?\u201d Adam was confused, not sure if this man who had seemed to work a small miracle on his brother, was sane or not.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m really not a slave\u2026oh Harriman bought me\u2026at a fake auction. He was told that I was a doctor, of sorts and since Harriman felt it would be in his best interest to have a doctor working for him, he bought me.\u201d Isaiah laughed again, dropping the twang from his accent. \u201cI suppose since he breeds and sales human babies, he thought he\u2019d come out ahead by having someone other than an untrained mid-wife tend his women.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWho are you? It\u2019s an act, isn\u2019t it, this whole doctor story?\u201d The man certainly had Adam\u2019s attention. His hope had began to dwindle, but now, with this new information, he and his brothers just might stand a chance to get away.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYes, it\u2019s an act\u2026but the doctor part\u2026that\u2019s for real. I am a bonified doctor. I was educated in France, one of the few places in the world that would allow a black man, such as myself, to enroll in their colleges.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWait a minute, how\u2019d you get here, messed up with the likes of a man such as Harriman?\u201d questioned Adam, glancing at Joe who had begun to moan once again.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam placed his hand on Joe\u2019s arm and began to rub gently. \u201cTake it easy, Joe, you\u2019re going to be fine, the doctor\u2019s going to see to that,\u201d soothed Adam.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam turned again to Isaiah, \u201cWell?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m working for the French government. It\u2019s very complicated Adam, you see, in the United States, I am a free man. Unfortunately, I have family in the south who are not so lucky, my parents for example, are slaves,\u201d explained Isaiah.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI showed an interest in doctoring at a very young age. The gentleman that owned me, Anderson Tidwell, who by the way, was a fair, decent and compassionate man, promised me that if I would work for him for five years, he would send me to college and give me my freedom. I did, and so did he.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cBut that doesn\u2019t explain how you got here, as a slave?\u201d Adam said.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThis part\u2019s not complicated really,\u201d smiled Isaiah. \u201cYou see, when I was in France, I became acquainted with a man who had interests in the south Pacific islands, namely this island, which is not really called Golden Isle, it\u2019s Tahiti.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ve heard of it, I\u2019ve read publications about how some men are using the islands in the Pacific to do, exactly what we were brought here to do,\u201d Adam explained. \u201cSeems like the rich plantation owners use the guise of being cotton and vanilla growers to cover up their illegal trade of white slavery.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s right Adam, you\u2019ve hit the nail on the head. And William Harriman is one of those men. His operation is one of the biggest ever and the French government has been trying for years to shut him down. That\u2019s why I\u2019m here, not only am I helping the government of France, but at least I can help these poor women, most of who are only young girls, when they give birth to their babies. So many have died, Harriman starts breeding these young girls when they turn thirteen, by the time they are twenty years old, some of them have given birth to as many as five and six children. Most of them died from lack of proper medical care, infection, diseases, lack of clean, properly prepared food and water, the totals just since I\u2019ve been here have been astronomical, Adam. It\u2019s horrific and I\u2019m so sorry that you and your brothers have fallen into that wicked man\u2019s clutches,\u201d Isaiah said, standing to his feet and putting his things away.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam stood as well, \u201cThank you Isaiah, I feel better just knowing that my brothers and I have a friend on our side.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Isaiah faced Adam, a serious look on his face. \u201cAdam, you must never, ever let Harriman know that you are brothers, or that I am anything other than what he believes me to be. There are many people here, right this minute that work with me, I cannot tell you who they are, but I ask that you and your brothers trust me, Hank assured me that you were trustworthy, so I have to trust you, I hope you can trust me as well.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHank? Do you mean\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYes, Hank Sorrows, your guard on the ship. I know he came across as a loyal friend to Harriman, but in truth he is on our side, that\u2019s how I was able to find out so much about you,\u201d grinned the big man.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cIsaiah, if all that is true, is there any way that my father could be notified, I mean, he must have been worried sick about the three of us and\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Isaiah shook his head and placed his large hand on Adam\u2019s shoulder. \u201cI\u2019m sorry Adam, but that\u2019s impossible. If your father was to have so much as a clue as to what is happening here, it could endanger hundreds of people. You have to understand, this plan has been in the making for nearly five years and we are this far from shutting it down, not only Harriman but others just like him, on all the south Pacific islands that deal in this type of business. I\u2019m sorry Adam but your father will have to wait. I promise you, it won\u2019t be long but you will just have to go along with whatever Harriman expects you to do. But Adam, about the women\u2026don\u2019t\u2026let them know, they would run straight to their master and tell everything\u2026they are terrified of the bastard, they know he would kill them, and you as well, or the boy. Don\u2019t tell him either Adam, he\u2019s got a temper, he\u2019s impulsive and he just might let something slip if you were to include him in our little secret.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam walked to the door with Isaiah and opened the door, peering out into the darkness to be sure they were still alone.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThank you Isaiah, your secret is safe with me\u2026and thanks for taking care of\u2026Thomas,\u201d smiled Adam, shaking the other man\u2019s hand.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll keep you abreast of things, be careful Adam, watch your back and make sure that the boy behaves himself.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI will, you be careful as well.\u201d Adam bid the man good night and shut the door. When he returned to the bedside, Joe was just beginning to wake up.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m here little buddy. How are you feeling?\u201d Adam said, sitting in the old chair and taking Joe\u2019s hand into his own.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cMy body\u2026it feels like it\u2019s on fire\u2026\u201d murmured Joe. \u201cAdam\u2026who was that black man?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThat was Isaiah\u2026he\u2019s the doctor, Joe,\u201d whispered Adam.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cDoctor? What kind of doctor\u2026he\u2019s not a voodoo doctor is he?\u201d Joe moaned. \u201cCause if he is\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNo silly, he\u2019s a real doctor\u2026but a slave, just like you and I\u2026but a doctor\u2026of sorts,\u201d Adam explained.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

He had no real intention of explaining to Joe that Isaiah was in truth, a licensed medical doctor who just happened to be working undercover for the French government and who, in all probability would be their only chance to get off the island.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cOh,\u201d Joe responded. \u201cAdam\u2026where\u2019s Hoss\u2026is he alright?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHe\u2019s fine, Joe. Harriman has him out working,\u201d Adam told his brother.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

He hated the fact that his middle brother was sent to the fields to work the cotton. It was probably a hundred or more degrees outside and with the humidity, and Hoss\u2019 enormous size, Adam feared that his brother might suffer a heat stroke, but he couldn\u2019t tell that to Joe. Joe had enough to worry about, he had to be on his feet by the following night and then, unknown to the boy, he would be expected to\u2026Adam shook his head, he didn\u2019t even feel up to thinking about what Joe was expected to do. He had been forced to visit one of the breeding huts himself and he hadn\u2019t liked the idea any better than he thought Joe would. He had been lucky though, the young woman whom he was expected to breed with, had fallen sick and had been dragged from the hut by two guards. The second woman who was brought to him had been much younger, no more than fifteen or sixteen and when he had approached her, she had become hysterical and began crying and screaming. When the guards had burst into the hut and taken her away as well, Harriman had entered and demanded an explanation from him. When Adam had finished explaining, and had added the fact that it would be impossible for him to\u2026perform\u2026under all the stress that the two woman had bestowed upon him, Adam had been excused and sent back to his own shack.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYou try to rest, Joe, everything will work out, in time,\u201d soothed Adam, giving Joe a smile.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe relaxed a little but as Adam stood to his feet, Joe reached out and grabbed his brother\u2019s arm. Adam noted the pool of tears that shone in the hazel eyes and he sat back down, once more taking Joe\u2019s hand in his, for he felt Joe\u2019s fear.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhat is it Joe?\u201d Adam asked softly.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe made a sniffling sound and then looked into Adam\u2019s eyes.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAre we ever going to get outta here, Adam? Honestly\u2026please, don\u2019t lie to me, cause I want to go home, I want to see\u2026Pa,\u201d begged Joe, fighting back the tears.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYes little brother, I promise you, I\u2019ll get you out of here and I promise you Joe, I\u2019ll take you home, if I have to swim this ocean with you on my back\u2026I\u2019ll get you home,\u201d smiled Adam. \u201cI don\u2019t know when Joe\u2026there are certain things, things I can\u2019t tell you\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhat things\u2026why can\u2019t you tell me?\u201d quizzed Joe, suddenly more alert to what Adam was telling him, or not telling him.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cIt doesn\u2019t matter Joe, it\u2019s best that you don\u2019t know\u2026for your own safety\u2026but you have to trust me\u2026you do, don\u2019t you?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYou know I do, Adam. I trust you with my life\u2026you\u2019ve never lied to me, and\u2026I\u2019ve never doubted you. I know you will do what you promise\u2026\u201d Joe returned his head to the old pillow and closed his eyes. \u201cI\u2019m tired Adam\u2026so tired\u2026I just want to sleep.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam smiled, though Joe\u2019s eyes were closed and he missed the comforting gesture. \u201cYou go to sleep then Joe, when you wake up, I\u2019ll have you something to eat.\u201d Adam pulled the old blanket up around his brother and tucked it in. Without realizing what he was doing, he leaned down and placed a kiss on his brother\u2019s brow. \u201cNight little buddy,\u201d he whispered as a sudden rush of feeling very paternal washed over him.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe mumbled something that Adam could not understand. He sat for several minutes, watching the expressions on his younger brother\u2019s face and silently he prayed that God would keep his brother safe until such time as he could take the boy home.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

**************************<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben had been sitting behind his desk for the last couple of hours studying his paper work. His mind had been crowded with thoughts of his sons, their futures, his future, his life and what route would he follow now, now that his sons were gone. Ben leaned his face into the palms of his hands, his elbows resting side by side on the desktop, and fought the urge to scream. God, how he missed his boys. It had been five months, five long and dismaying months of not knowing what had happened to them or how they were, if they were still alive or even together. Ben wiped his opened hands down his face, clearing his thoughts, and the mist that had filled his eyes.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The front door opened and Ben straightened himself in his chair. \u201cChuck?\u201d Ben called out, picking up his pencil.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Chuck, who was slowly making his way around the corner wall, stopped and turned toward Ben\u2019s office. \u201cDid you want me, Ben?\u201d answered Chuck as he immediately responded to Ben\u2019s summons.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYes, please. I\u2019d like to have a word with you, if you have time?\u201d Ben inquired and then pointed to the chair on the opposite side of the desk.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYes sir, I was just going to check on Sarah and Billy.\u201d Chuck snickered, \u201cEver since she told me she was expecting another baby, well, I don\u2019t seem to be able to stop worrying about her. I\u2019m sure you know how I must feel,\u201d smiled Chuck.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben dropped his head; a rush of memories came washing over him and he had to swallow several times to rid his throat of the thickness that threatened to choke him.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

He raised his head, his heartache hidden behind his smile. \u201cYes, I do know how you feel.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Chuck saw the sad expression in the eyes of his employer and suddenly realized that he had stirred up the man\u2019s recent hurt, once again. \u201cI\u2019m sorry Ben, I wasn\u2019t thinking,\u201d he apologized.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s alright, Chuck\u2026but that\u2019s part of what I want to speak to you about. Please, would you like a cup of coffee, or a brandy?\u201d Ben asked as he poured himself a brandy.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNo thank you, Ben.\u201d Chuck made himself comfortable, curious as to what was so important that Ben had summoned him in the middle of a workday, to discuss business with him.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben gulped the brandy and returned the tiny goblet to the tray. He leaned back in his chair and eyed the man across from him. He had hashed and rehashed the idea that he was about to present to the man across from him. He had spent hours figuring and re-figuring his assets, he had talked with his lawyer and his banker and had come to the conclusion that he was capable of doing what he was about to impose. He had, over the last several years of his life accumulated a small fortune, he had adequate funds, business dealings, mine operations, and timber contracts in the making that would keep him well funded for years to come. So, when the idea came to him to sell his beloved Ponderosa and go in search of his three sons, he had given it great thought and decided that without his boys, home as he had once known it mattered nothing to him. He would offer the ranch, the grazing lands, his fertile pastures, and certain water rights to Chuck Basile. Wasn\u2019t that the reason the man had brought his family west, to acquire land and start a ranch of his own? Then he need look no longer, the Ponderosa was about to be his.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cBen?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben snapped to attention. \u201cI\u2019m sorry Chuck, now, about what I want to talk to you about. You came west to buy land, to start a ranch and become a rancher, isn\u2019t that correct?\u201d Ben asked.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhy, yessir, that\u2019s correct,\u201d Chuck answered, seemingly taken back by the unexpected question.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHow would you like to own your very own spread, today?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cToday? I don\u2019t understand\u2026I mean\u2026\u201d stammered Chuck.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThe Ponderosa\u2026you\u2019ve done wonders with this place\u2026and I want to sell it\u2026to you and your wife,\u201d Ben stopped for the words seem to stick in his mouth. \u201cYou need a good place to raise your son and the new baby\u2026what better place than right here, on this ranch?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cBut Ben\u2026you\u2026you love this place. You\u2019ve worked hard to make it what it is today\u2026why\u2026I mean, do you wish to sale it now?\u201d Chuck could not believe his ears and when Sarah joined them, she had the same puzzled look on her face that Chuck wore, for she had heard the offer that Ben had just made to her husband.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben stood to his feet, turning his back to the couple and leaned one hand against the wall. He gazed at the big map of the Ponderosa that was framed and hanging on the wall behind his desk. He sighed, remembering the glow in Adam\u2019s eyes the night that his son had presented him with the drawing and how proud Adam had been when he had given it to his father. Ben took a deep breath and turned.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cIt isn\u2019t home anymore\u2026its become more like a\u2026prison to me\u2026without my sons.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben\u2019s eyes welled with tears and he turned once more to the wall and gazed out the window.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI have to find my sons\u2026I have to find out what has happened to them and if they are\u2026still alive.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben faced Chuck and Sarah again, his face grim, his voice thick with emotion when he spoke.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI need money to do that, to travel, to sail to every God forsaken island in the Pacific if need be, until I find my boys! Surely you understand that? Think about it, what if it was your son that had been taken, or your new baby\u2026how would you feel? What would you do to find them, how much would you spend and how far would you go? I will go to the end of the earth and spend every last dollar I have, I would sell my soul to the devil if that\u2019s what it takes to get my boys back!\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben had to stop, his heart was pounding in his chest and he was gasping for breath. When he regained control of himself he smiled at the startled couple in front of him.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m sorry Chuck, Sarah, I didn\u2019t mean to get so carried away. But without my sons, I\u2019m nothing, I have no desire to live or to go on, or to run this ranch. Why should I? In the end, it will all go to someone else anyway, and the two of you might as well have it. I want you too; you both have saved me from sinking so far into despair that it\u2019s the only way I know to thank you, to help you. It will be helping me, not just the two of you\u2026please, won\u2019t you give it some thought and let me know?\u201d Ben\u2019s voice had sounded as if he were begging the couple to take his home, his life\u2019s work, his blood.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Chuck stood and slipped his arm about his wife. \u201cBen, Sarah and I will talk it over. Naturally, we would love to own a spread such as this, but\u2026we have to think about it, it would be a major undertaking.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI understand, thank you. If you don\u2019t mind, I think I\u2019ll take a little ride. I\u2019ll see you folks at supper.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben nodded his head and forced himself to walk calmly to the door, don his hat and tie on his gun and holster. When he reached the stable, and his horse, he leaned heavily against the big stallion and allowed his pent-up emotions to be freed. For several moments, Ben wept.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Inside, Sarah lowered her body into the chair in which her husband had been sitting. For several moments, she stared off into space and then turned, looking up at Chuck. Chuck was brushing his hand across his face and had stopped pacing and now stood in front of his wife.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Sarah was the first to speak. Slowly she stood to her feet and with her opened hand, gently caressed her husband\u2019s cheek.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cChuck\u2026he\u2019s lost so much already\u2026you have to tell him\u2026you have to help him,\u201d she sobbed. \u201cPlease Chuck\u2026it\u2019s the only way that we can ever be happy, the only way that we can honestly start a new life\u2026Chuck, we have Billy to think about now\u2026and the new baby. Did you hear what he said, darling? What if it had been our children instead of his\u2026how far would you go to get our child back?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Chuck grabbed his wife and folded her into his embrace, struggling with his fear of what he had done and what might happen to him if he were to tell Ben Cartwright the truth. What would Ben say\u2026or worse, what would Ben do to him when Ben found out that he had played a major part in the disappearance of his three sons. How could he tell the grieving man who was ready to sell his soul in order to get his sons back, that his real name was Sal Mareno and that he had worked for William J. Harriman? Ben Cartwright would break every bone in his body, or worse kill him, what would happen to his little family then, should he die trying to be noble? No, he would have to give it more thought.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cSarah, I don\u2019t know\u2026this would be our big break, to have everything you ever wanted, a big ranch, a family, a good name. I don\u2019t know if I can give up that dream\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Sarah pulled away from her husband, shocked at his words.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cDreams\u2026 good name? How can you think of living under false pretenses like that? How can you call it a dream when it involves so many innocent people\u2026Chuck, it\u2019s a nightmare\u2026for Ben Cartwright, its his life and his death\u2026no Chuck, either you tell him the truth, or I will. I will take Billy and leave and you will never see this new baby, never Chuck\u2026do you understand?\u201d shouted Sarah<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll not be a party to your schemes, I\u2019m not afraid of William Harriman, not any more\u2026Chuck, Ben\u2019s a good decent man, tell him how William threatened us, how he swore to steal our son and sell him on the black market\u2026tell him my darling\u2026please. Ben will understand; he\u2019ll forgive you and he will help us, if you help him find his sons. Oh Chuck, his sons\u2026his sons\u2026it could have been little Billy instead of Little Joe\u2026please, do it\u2026if not for me\u2026for Billy\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Sarah covered her face with her hands and lowered her trembling body into the chair and wept. Chuck fell to his knees in front of his wife and gathered her into his arms, clinging tightly to her shaking body.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cShh\u2026I can\u2019t fight you Sarah, you have always been my strength. I\u2019ll tell him, I\u2019ll show him if I have too, where to find his sons\u2026but I\u2019ll do it for us, not just for you or just for Billy, but for us, cause we\u2019re family. I love you, Sarah, no matter what happens, remember that, I love you.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cOh Chuck go after him, please don\u2019t wait. He\u2019s hurting, he\u2019s grieving and he needs to know, now\u2026please,\u201d encouraged Sarah.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cBut I don\u2019t know where\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Sarah smiled and cupped her husband\u2019s face in her hands. \u201cTo the lake, his late wife is buried there and he goes there everyday about this same time. Hurry dear, please?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Chuck stood to his feet clasping Sarah\u2019s hands within his and forcing her to her feet as well. \u201cYou are so wonderful, my dear\u2026you are determined to make an honest man out of me, aren\u2019t you?\u201d He kissed Sarah deeply on the mouth and then turned.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll be back as soon as I can. I love you Sarah!\u201d he called as he slipped out the door.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

**************************<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAlright Thomas, on your feet,\u201d shouted the guard as he burst into the shack.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam, Hoss and Joe were seated at the table enjoying the special broth that Isaiah\u2019s wife Lizzie, had prepared for them. The opening of the door and the way, in which it banged against the wall when the guards had entered unannounced, startled them.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The first guard, followed by a second crowded into the room and each grabbed Joe\u2019s arms and hauled him to his feet. Adam and Hoss stood to their feet as well, but were backed against the wall by the third guard who pointed his rifle barrel at them.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cTime for you to go to work, kid,\u201d laughed the first guard.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe\u2019s eyes widened in fear and he sought Adam\u2019s face. Adam could plainly see the terror that showed in his younger brother\u2019s expression.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWork? What do you mean?\u201d Joe stammered, trying to still his trembling.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The three guards laughed and swapped knowing looks. \u201cHe means, it\u2019s time for you to earn your keep\u2026you know\u2026make babies. You are able to\u2026well\u2026you know\u2026get it up?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

All three burst out in another round of boisterous laughter. \u201cDon\u2019t look so scared kid, just do what comes naturally, it ain\u2019t so bad\u2026is it Josh? You haven\u2019t seemed to mind spending your evenings\u2019 with the ladies, now have ya?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe\u2019s eyes sought Adam\u2019s and he stared in shock at his brother. \u201cAdam?\u201d stammered Joe, but was unable to finish his sentence because the guards had all but dragged him from the shack and was already leading him toward the slave quarters where he knew the tiny breeding huts were standing in a row on the lower edge of the quarters.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe tried to jerk free of the restraining hands, but the guards were strong and it was impossible to free himself from the vise like hold that they held on his arms.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cTake it easy kid, stop fightin\u2019 us,\u201d growled one guard.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe soon found himself standing in front of one small hut. Harriman was there, waiting for him and the despicable man wore an infuriating smile on his face.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cGood evening, Thomas. I\u2019m glad to see that you are up and about, at last.\u201d Harriman took a step closer to Joe. In one hand he held his walking stick, with his free hand he grabbed Joe\u2019s chin and tilted his head upward.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYou know what you are to do. You have two hours to do your\u2026thing. After that time, I will send in a woman to check the girl, if you haven\u2019t copulated this union, someone will pay dearly. It\u2019s all up to you, do you understand?\u201d growled Harriman.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAnd what if\u2026if\u2026I can\u2019t?\u201d stammered Joe, afraid to look the man in the eye.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cIs there any reason why you can\u2019t?\u201d Harriman asked, his voice growing deep and demanding as he pinched Joe\u2019s chin tighter with his strong fingers.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe could not open his mouth, Harriman\u2019s fingers were forcing his cheeks together and all Joe could do was to shake his head no.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cGood,\u201d Harriman\u2019s fingers released Joe\u2019s face. \u201cThen\u2026enjoy your work\u2026I\u2019m sure that you will sire a mighty fine offspring. You and that other man, Josh, will make me thousands of dollars with your issues. Let him in,\u201d he told the guards. \u201cShe\u2019s been bathed and made ready for you,\u201d he said to Joe as he stepped aside and allowed the guard to unlock the door.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThomas\u2026she is a virgin. I\u2019ve saved her just for you; she\u2019s a beautiful, young Tahitian girl, who is half-white. With her beauty and your looks, the infant you sire should be beautiful and bring me several hundred dollars.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Harriman turned as if to leave but spun back around, speaking to the guard. \u201cTwo hours, and then take him back to his shack. I will wait in my office for a full report, be sure that LeeAnn inspects the girl thoroughly.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYessir,\u201d smiled the guard, as he shoved Joe into the dimly lit hut.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe stood for several minutes, giving his eyes time to adjust to the lighting. He trembled, he was beyond being scared and it took all his will power to keep from crying. How in the world had Adam managed, was it true what the guard had implied? Had Adam really been doing\u2026this\u2026is this where his brother had been disappearing to each night? Dear God, cried Joe\u2019s heart.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe took a step into the center of the round hut. A strange noise could be heard coming from the other side and he listened, trying to decide what the sound was.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

As he inched forward, his eyes becoming more accustomed to the lighting, Joe could make out the small cot across the room. Slowly he inched toward it, the sound becoming more distinct. Someone was crying, it was the girl.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAre you alright?\u201d Joe whispered.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The crying became louder and when Joe finally stood beside the cot, he stared in shock at the sight that reached his eyes. Quickly he spun around, afraid to look at the young girl who had been stripped of her clothing and tied, spread eagle to the four corners of the little bed.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cPlease\u2026please, don\u2019t hurt me,\u201d she cried. \u201cI\u2019m frightened\u2026please, don\u2019t touch me,\u201d begged the girl.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cShh\u2026don\u2019t cry\u2026please\u2026I\u2019m not going to hurt you\u2026I\u2019m\u2026I\u2019m not going to\u2026even touch you,\u201d whispered Joe.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The girl sniffled her nose; \u201cyou\u2019re not?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe walked off and then turned and came back, turning his back to the girl. \u201cYou\u2026don\u2019t want\u2026me to\u2026do you?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNO! I\u2019ve never\u2026I mean\u2026I\u2019m\u2026Oh!\u201d she began to cry again.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe glanced over his shoulder, catching a glimpse of the girl\u2019s face and then quickly turning away. His heart was pounding in his chest, the girl was beautiful, and Joe\u2019s thoughts began racing through his mind, he had not expected the girl to be so lovely or to smell so\u2026so tantalizing. His senses began to soar and his body began to betray him.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

He turned around, taking in the sight of the naked girl and then when she looked up at him and their eyes met, Joe felt his face begin to redden with embarrassment and he quickly turned away.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m sorry, I didn\u2019t mean to\u2026\u201d stammered Joe.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cPlease go away\u2026leave me alone,\u201d she told Joe through her tears.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe said nothing but did as requested and moved to the darkest rim of the hut and sat down. He drew his knees up to his chest and placed his arms crosswise over the tops. He then buried his face and fought against the tears that had filled his eyes. He had never seen a nude woman before and he hadn\u2019t expected the slave girl to be so appealing, he hadn\u2019t counted on the fact that he might actually\u2026want to\u2026to\u2026<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The girl cried softly, her whimpering reaching Joe\u2019s ears and touching his heart. For as frightened as he felt, he could only wonder about how terrified the girl must feel. To be stripped of her clothing and then tied naked to the bed, having to wait in fear of whomever her wicked master forced on her, was more fear than Joe could comprehend. Joe raised his head slightly and stared through the darkness to where the girl lay, she could not have been more than fourteen or fifteen at the most. Joe shivered; William Harriman was a cad, for sure.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

At the end of two hours, Joe heard the lock turn in the key and then the glow of the moon filled the little hut. Joe remained motionless, unable to will his body to rise, afraid to look into the eyes of the guards as they entered, each casting inquisitive eyes around the room, each hoping to catch a glimpse of the naked girl for whom Joe had been sent to service. Behind the guards, a tall slender woman followed and paused while the guards dragged Joe to his feet and then led him away and back to his shack that he shared with his brothers.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Hoss was by himself when the door was shoved opened and Little Joe was ushered inside. He stood silently while the guards glanced around the room and then up at Hoss. One guard smiled at Hoss.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cJosh workin\u2019?\u201d he snickered.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe turned around and eyed the man, wishing that he could punch the dude on the end of his bearded chin.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

When neither Hoss nor Joe said anything, the two guards turned and left the brothers to themselves. Hoss waited, expecting Joe to say something, but Joe just moved to his cot and laid down on his stomach, covering his head with his arms. Hoss watched sickened by the sight and more so when he heard his brother begin to weep. Quickly he crossed the room to Joe\u2019s side and sat on the edge of the narrow cot. Hoss gently began rubbing Joe\u2019s back, an action that had always comforted the boy when he was distressed.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cJoe, come on Punkin, don\u2019t cry\u2026it\u2019s going to be okay\u2026\u201d whispered Hoss.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe shook his head.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cSure it will, it cain\u2019t be that bad. Looky, we\u2019re together, aren\u2019t we? We still have each other\u2026and\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe rolled over and sat up, wiping his eyes. \u201cHoss, she was\u2026so\u2026so beautiful. She was\u2026crying\u2026and I couldn\u2019t\u2026I couldn\u2019t\u2026touch her\u2026I\u2026I\u2026was scared.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe surprised his brother by wrapping himself around his massive form. Hoss choked back his tears and then embraced the weeping boy, holding him tightly.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhat kind of a monster is that man? He forces young girls to have babies and then he sells the babies\u2026Hoss\u2026I hate him\u2026I hate him\u2026\u201d cried Joe. \u201cI wanna go home\u2026Hoss\u2026please\u2026I want Pa\u2026I\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The banging of the door interrupted Joe. Both brothers turned in shock and when Hoss saw the furious, dark glow to Harriman\u2019s eyes; he stood, placing his body between the wicked man and his little brother.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cGet out of my way you big ox, I\u2019ve come for the boy!\u201d shouted Harriman as he took a step nearer.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Hoss moved slightly, meeting the other man\u2019s angry glare. \u201cWhat\u2019s he done?\u201d Hoss demanded, surprising the man in front of him with his audacity.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s more what he hasn\u2019t done, now get out of my way before I have you beaten!\u201d Harriman demanded and attempted to shove Hoss aside.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Hoss didn\u2019t budge but used his arm and pushed Harriman backwards. The four guards who were with Harriman sprung into action and flung themselves at Hoss. It was a short struggle; one man clubbed Hoss on the back of the head with his rifle butt and rendered Hoss unconscious. Joe had jumped from the cot and made an attempt to reach his brother, but strong arms grabbed him and forced him through the opened door.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cChain the big man and take him to the pit. Several days in the hole will take the fight out of him!\u201d ordered Harriman as he turned to follow after the two men who were holding Joe and waiting for their boss outside in the moonlight.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNO! \u201c shouted Joe as he watched Hoss being dragged from the shack. \u201cNO! PLEASE\u2026DON\u2019T HURT HIM!\u201d screamed Joe, struggling.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Harriman, his scowl dark, slapped Joe hard across his face. Tiny droplets of blood began to ooze from his split lip. Harriman grabbed Joe\u2019s chin, his fingers pinching unmercifully against his tender flesh.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI told you that should you fail to join yourself with the girl, someone would pay. Now I must show you what happens when you do not obey my orders.\u201d He released Joe\u2019s face and nodded to the guards. \u201cTake him to the whipping post and tie him up. I want him to see first hand what happens when he does not do as I say.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe felt his stomach begin to churn and his heart began pounding rapidly. He could barely walk upright; his legs felt like jelly, he was terrified.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The guards stopped. It was dark with only the soft glow of the moonlight giving light to the small gathering of slaves that had been forced from their beds to watch the punishment that was about to take place. Joe\u2019s arms were forced behind him and tied tightly with strips of rawhide. His head was forced back against the post and held until one man wrapped a long strip of rawhide around his brow and making it so that he could not move his head. Lastly, his ankles were tied tightly to the post. Joe was unable to move or twist his body in any manner.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

From the corner of his eye, Joe caught a movement off to the side. When the movement came into view, he stared in shock. Being dragged by four men, was Adam, who struggled against the hands that forced him to move unwillingly along with them.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNO!\u201d shouted Joe as he watched in horror as the men chained Adam to the whipping post and then laughing, ripped his shirt from his back, exposing his bare flesh.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNO\u2026NO\u2026PLEASE!\u201d shouted Joe.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Harriman turned angry eyes at Joe. \u201cI promised you Thomas, someone would pay. Now you watch\u2026see what you have done for not following instructions? All you had to do was to\u2026enjoy yourself\u2026but no\u2026you chose to defy me. Now you will live with the fact that this man\u2026who was your friend will bear the scars of your defiance.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Harriman nodded his head at Wells to begin. Wells\u2019 eyes found Joe\u2019s and he smiled at the boy.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

In a movement was so fast, that it could hardly be seen, the whip snapped and cracked. Joe tried to turn his head as the split end of the whip ripped at his brother\u2019s back, but his head was tied too tightly. He closed his eyes, but felt a sharp jab to his side each time that he tried.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWatch!\u201d ordered Harriman, \u201cor I will have him killed.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe had no other recourse but to watch. Again and again, the whip tore at Adam\u2019s back. His screams reached Joe\u2019s ears and with each snap of the whip, Joe\u2019s heart shattered.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNo\u2026no\u2026please\u2026stop\u2026ADAM\u2026ADAM\u2026I\u2019m so sorry\u2026\u201d wept Joe, unable to hold back his tears. They rolled freely down his face, stopping momentarily at his chin before dripping onto his shirt.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cADAM! ADAM! PLEASE\u2026FORGIVE ME!\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe\u2019s voice had given out on him and his breathing had become labored but he forced himself to look up at Harriman.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cMaster\u2026sir,\u201d he whispered, catching Harriman\u2019s attention. William turned to study the boy. Joe\u2019s eyes were lowered, his tone submissive, William smiled, he had finally broken the boy.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhat is it Thomas?\u201d he said.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cPlease\u2026sir\u2026make him stop\u2026I\u2019ll do\u2026anything\u2026anything\u2026sir. Please, just don\u2019t hurt him anymore.\u201d Joe\u2019s lip quivered and he chanced a look into the man\u2019s eyes. Joe\u2019s eyes were filled with tears, but he didn\u2019t care, he\u2019d do anything to stop the brutality of the attack on his brother\u2019s life.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAnything, Thomas?\u201d sneered Harriman.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAnything\u2026sir\u2026just make them stop\u2026please sir,\u201d begged Joe imploringly.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Harriman spun around on his heels, \u201cWELLS! ENOUGH!\u201d he shouted. \u201cTake the man to his shack and see that the doctor tends to his wounds.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Harriman watched Joe\u2019s expressions as the guards unchained his brother and dragged him away. He saw the horror in the watery eyes as he eyed the blood that dripped from Adam\u2019s back and the way the boy\u2019s lip trembled when the sounds of Adam\u2019s moaning reached his ears. Harriman smiled, he had made his point, from the look on the boy\u2019s face, he knew that the boy, Thomas, would now be his to control.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cLeave the boy here until morning, he will have plenty of time to think about the suffering that he has caused another man.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Harriman smiled at Joe and turned, following the others and leaving Joe alone in the darkness to judge himself for all but killing his brother.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

At that moment, Joe hated himself, he wished himself dead for the pain he had caused his brother. Adam might die, and it would be his fault, or, Adam would live with the horrific pain and scars and might never be able to forgive his youngest brother. Joe bit his bottom lip, tasting the blood that flowed into his mouth as he wept.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m sorry Adam, so sorry\u2026please\u2026PA! PA!\u201d sobbed Joe hysterically until at last he gave up screaming and succumbed to the darkened world that sought to claim him.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

************<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Chuck dismounted and tied his horse\u2019s reins around a branch. Buck was already tethered and the stallion snorted softly at Chuck\u2019s roan. It was beautiful here, at the lake on the small rise overlooking the crystal blue waters. It was peaceful and Chuck could sense a feeling of serenity and understood why it was that Ben came here to this special place to find peace for his troubled soul and broken heart. Chuck walked softly along the narrow path until he came to the opening where he found Ben kneeling on the ground next to his wife\u2019s grave. For several moments he watched, listened as Ben prayed softly and then felt the tug on his heart strings when Ben told his wife that he felt as if he was dying on the inside, so stricken he was without his sons. Chuck understood the love that Ben felt in his heart, for his own heart held the same love for his own son, Billy.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cBen?\u201d Chuck called softly, hating to disturb the man\u2019s quiet time but knowing that Sarah would expect him to keep his promise he had made to her.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben\u2019s head raised up, searching for the direction of the sound. Chuck stepped into the clearing, making his presence known to his boss.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI hate to intrude, but I desperately need to talk to you\u2026it\u2019s very important,\u201d Chuck said as he moved nearer.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben stood to his feet and stepped over Marie\u2019s grave until he stood facing Chuck. \u201cIt\u2019s alright Chuck, I was just fixing to leave. Is anything wrong?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWell\u2026yes and no\u2026I don\u2019t hardly know where to begin\u2026\u201d stammered Chuck, suddenly unsure of his decision to admit what he had done.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben moved to a rock and sat down, motioning for Chuck to do the same. \u201cWhy don\u2019t you start at the beginning? Does it have to do with what we talked about earlier?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNo Ben\u2026it\u2019s about\u2026your sons,\u201d Chuck blurted out and then stood, moving a short distance from Ben. He turned around to face his boss.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI know what happened to them.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWHAT? MY SONS\u2026HOW?\u201d shouted Ben, getting to his feet.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cBen, please calm down\u2026let me explain\u2026and when I\u2019m finished, you can do whatever you deem necessary\u2026but I have to tell you\u2026\u201d Chuck rushed on to say.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cTell me what? What do you know about my boys?\u201d snarled Ben, suddenly feeling more alive than he had in the past five months.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cSit down Ben, this is going to take some time,\u201d Chuck leaned back against a huge boulder and waited until Ben had sat back down.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cGet on with it\u2026are they alive\u2026where are they?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYes Ben, they are alive, or at least they were when I last saw them\u2026and they are in Tahiti, it\u2019s an island in the\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI know what it is and where it is\u2026tell me about my sons! How did they get there and why? How do you know about them!\u201d Ben demanded.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI worked for the man who bought them and\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben stood up and glared at Chuck, \u201cBought them? My God, what in heavens name are you saying?\u201d he shouted.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cBen\u2026the man who bought them, William Harriman, is a cotton grower, he has a plantation on the island\u2026only that\u2019s just a cover\u2026what he really deals in is white slavery. He buys healthy, strong young men and makes them\u2026breed with his slave women. Then he sells the babies on the black market to other buyers in different countries\u2026that\u2019s why he took your sons\u2026to use as studs for\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben grabbed the startled man but the collar and jerked him up. \u201cHow do you know all of this?\u201d he stormed.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Chuck gulped, he had exposed himself this far he might as well admit it all. \u201cI was the one who singled out your boys, and then had my men kidnap them. I sold them to Harriman myself\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Chuck never got to finish his sentence, for Ben\u2019s fist, pounded into the man\u2019s face, shattering his nose, and splitting opened the man\u2019s lower lip. Chuck fell face down into the dirt, moaning. Ben grabbed him by the shirt and hauled him to his feet. Again Ben\u2019s fist plowed into the man, this time striking him in his midsection and doubling Chuck in two. As Ben reared back for the third time, Chuck held his hand up, stopping the blow.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI can help you find them, Ben\u2026please\u2026listen to me\u2026\u201d muttered Chuck.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben stopped his fist from driving into the man\u2019s face. He clung to Chuck\u2019s shirt, glaring. \u201cYou know where they are, for sure?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYessir, unless Harriman\u2019s sold them, which isn\u2019t likely. He was quite taken with the boy and your oldest, Adam. He planned on those two making him a bundle of money when they sired a child. Please, let me explain why I had to do what I did, maybe then you will understand and let me help you get them back,\u201d Chuck pleaded.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben released his hold on the man\u2019s shirt and allowed his arms to drop down to his sides. He turned away slowly, shaking his head in disgust and then faced Chuck.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI can\u2019t believe I almost sold my home to the very man that stole my children. How were you going to pay for the Ponderosa? With money that you made by selling my sons?\u201d growled Ben, barely able to refrain from killing the man.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Chuck hung his head. \u201cI\u2019m sorry Ben. But when I took this job, I had absolutely no way of knowing that those three were your sons. Do you think that I would be foolish enough to go to work for the man whose sons I had just had shanghaied? I was forced into doing it Ben, honestly I was. You see Harriman threatened to take my wife and son. He said if I didn\u2019t do as he said, he would make her a slave, breed her like he does the women on his plantation and he swore that he would sell my son and I\u2019d never see him again.\u201d Chuck took a deep breath, relieved to see that Ben had calmed down enough that he was listening to him.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cGo on,\u201d urged Ben.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWell, you said it yourself Ben, how far would you go to get your family back? About as far as I went to keep my family from falling into the hands of that miserable man!\u201d Chuck shook his head and then looked deeply into Ben\u2019s eyes.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m so sorry Ben\u2026all I can do now to show you how sorry I truly am, is to help you get them back. I\u2026we could go to San Francisco, I have connections. It wouldn\u2019t take anything for me to get us a ship and a crew that would help us. We could sail to Tahiti and bring your sons home.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben\u2019s anger was dissipating though he still wanted to beat the man within an inch of his life for what he had done. Ben rubbed his hand over his face, trying to calm himself. He raised angry eyes and looked into the other man\u2019s face.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhy should I trust you? Give me one good reason why I shouldn\u2019t kill you right now?\u201d growled Ben.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Chuck gulped, he couldn\u2019t blame the man for hating him, but he had to convince Ben that he could help him. Chuck swallowed and moved closer to Ben.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t blame you for wanting to kill me, honestly I don\u2019t. I told you the reasons why I did what I felt I had to do. I\u2019m sorry Ben, from the bottom of my heart, I\u2019m truly sorry. All I can say is that I\u2019ve been so damn selfish, thinking of no one other than my family and myself. I\u2019ve given no thought to what I was doing to other families, or how I was hurting them, and destroying other people\u2019s lives. I\u2019m so ashamed. Ben, please, I know you can never forgive me, and I don\u2019t blame you one bit, but let me try to make it up to you, let me go to San Francisco, hire a ship and crew, I have friends Ben, and they will be willing to help us. Won\u2019t you please, for your sons and mine?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben glanced away, seeing Marie\u2019s grave before him and it was as if she were speaking to him from afar, telling him to forgive and allow the man to help him find their sons, to bring them home, before it was too late. Ben took a deep breath and let it out slowly. He turned again to face Chuck.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWe will go to San Francisco, together, and we will hire a ship, and a crew and we will find my sons. But understand me if anything has happened to one, two or all three of them I will rip you apart with my own two hands. Now, lets get going, I want my boys home by Christmas and that only gives us a few weeks.\u201d Ben walked away, gathered Buck\u2019s reins and mounted up. He paused and looked over at Chuck who had not moved.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWell, are you coming, or are you going to just stand there?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Chuck made a weak smile and nodded his head. \u201cI\u2019m coming\u2026and Ben\u2026thanks for giving me a chance to\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cForget it, it isn\u2019t for you, it\u2019s for Sarah and Billy, and Adam, Hoss and Little Joe,\u201d Ben remarked and then kicked Buck\u2019s sides. \u201cLet\u2019s ride,\u201d he called over his shoulder to Chuck.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

************<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

It was well into the morning by the time that Wells and Harriman decided to release Joe from the whipping post. Harriman stood in front of Joe, watching as Wells untied the boy and then had to catch Joe in his arms as Joe\u2019s body sagged against him.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cStand up, Thomas!\u201d ordered Harriman, jabbing lightly at Joe with the end of his walking stick.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe pulled away from Wells and forced himself to stand upright on his own, though he swayed slightly. The weary boy kept his head down, his eyes lowered, knowing that as a slave, this was what his master expected him to do. The fight had left him, he despised the two men in front of him, but he could never let them see the hatred that shone in his eyes. Yet, he had no more desire to try to fight against them, Harriman had proved his point to him by beating Adam nearly to death, and Joe reasoned that it had all been his fault that Adam had been made to suffer.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThomas, you will go back to your shack. I trust that you will not dally along the way and once there, I want you to remain there until I send for you. Josh is there as well; the doctor has treated his wounds but he is still suffering. It will be your job to tend to him until such time that he is able to be on his feet, that is the least you can do, being as how it was your misconduct that has caused his suffering. I have explained to Josh, the reason why he was whipped, because I had put him in charge of teaching you proper conduct and since you failed to learn your lessons, Josh had to pay. He blames you for his pain; he hates you\u2026and justly so. Go, and see to it that Josh is well treated, for should you not do as I instruct you and he is not better in two days, you will be the one chained to the whipping post.\u00a0\u00a0 Josh will be given the pleasure of using the whip on your back. I\u2019m sure he would love nothing better than to get back at you. Now get out of my sight!\u201d instructed Harriman.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe gulped, fighting back his tears\u2026Adam hated him. \u201cYessir, Master, sir,\u201d murmured Joe as he walked slowly away, his head still bowed low over his chest.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Harriman smiled; he had the boy right where he wanted him. He had convinced Thomas that Josh actually hated him, he had seen the well of tears that boiled beneath the lowered lashes and it proved to him that he had broken the boy\u2019s spirit. Harriman snickered, a slave has no room in his soul for a heart, a heart could get him hurt, and Thomas was just finding that out. He had plans for the boy; Thomas had promised to do anything if he would only stop hurting his friend, and Harriman had every intention of making the boy keep his promise, for now Harriman knew the boy\u2019s weakness.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Harriman turned to Wells, smiling. \u201cLet\u2019s go check on Victor and see how he\u2019s doing down in the pit. What a waste of good muscle\u2026I needed him over in the cotton fields this morning, instead he\u2019s in the baking oven,\u201d growled Harriman.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cDid ya see the way that that ox stepped between you and that kid? I\u2019m surprised how Josh and Victor always seem to want to protect that boy. Ya sure they didn\u2019t know each other before ya bought them?\u201d inquired Wells.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNaw, Sal found them on the wharf, they weren\u2019t even together but they were all watching a street brawl. That\u2019s how we got the kid, I saw him the day before standing on the dock with an older man, figured it to be his father. Rich looking they were too, good quality and since I\u2019ve been looking for a quality boy to service the younger girls, I couldn\u2019t let him get away. He will produce some good looking offspring, if I can ever get him started,\u201d Harriman said as he walked along with Wells in the direction of the pits.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Wells snickered, \u201cMaybe we should let LeeAnn spend time with the boy. She\u2019d teach him real quick like.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Harriman stopped in his tracks and turned around to gaze at Wells. \u201cThat\u2019s not such a bad idea. She\u2019s taught her share, that\u2019s for sure and she\u2019s just what the boy might need. She\u2019d woo him in such a way, he wouldn\u2019t be able to resist, I\u2019ve seen her work\u2026and besides, she likes the young boys\u2026likes to train them to please her girls. I\u2019ll have to give that some thought Wells. Now pull that tin off and lets see how the big man is doing.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

************<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe went straight to his shack; his heart was pounding, as was his head. The rawhide that had been tied around his brow and with the time that he had been made to stand not only made his head hurt, but his entire body as well. His steps were slow and sluggish; it was all the weary, despondent boy could do to put one foot in front of the other. When he neared the shack, he paused and for the first time, raised his head, staring at the door. Just on the opposite side lay his brother, the one who hated him, the one who held him responsible for all his pain and suffering. Joe\u2019s head dropped, his eyes filled with tears and he suddenly wished that it had been him tied to the whipping post, not Adam, not his oldest brother whom he had always respected and admired.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe took a deep breath and pushed opened the door. Even before he had stepped through the doorway, he could hear the soft moaning coming from the far corner, where he knew Adam\u2019s cot was placed. The sounds tore at his heart and Joe almost turned and fled.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cJo\u2026e?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe stopped, hearing his name called. He took another step closer, unsure.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cBud\u2026dy\u2026is that\u2026you?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAdam?\u201d Joe rushed to the cot and fell to his knees, his hands gently taking his brother\u2019s into his. \u201cAdam\u2026\u201d Joe sobbed. \u201cAdam\u2026I\u2019m sorry\u2026I didn\u2019t know it was goin\u2019 to be you\u2026that got\u2026punished\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam was lying face down on the cot, a thin blanket covered his bare back and when Joe lifted the cover, the air instantly expelled from his lungs, shocked at the condition of his brother\u2019s flesh.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cOh Lord\u2026Adam,\u201d Joe sobbed.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

He quickly let the blanket drop back down and turned, grabbing water and searching for a clean cloth. As he rummaged through the cabinet, the door opened, Joe eyes widened at the sight of the black man standing in the door.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWho are you?\u201d Joe asked, getting to his feet and placing himself between the man and his brother.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m the doctor\u2026you must Joe?\u201d Isaiah said softly and closed the door.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cDoctor?\u201d stammered Joe, glancing down at Adam and then back at Isaiah.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYes,\u201d smiled Isaiah, \u201cI\u2019m the one who tended to you, don\u2019t you remember?\u201d Isaiah stepped around Joe and pulled a chair up to the cot. He glanced back over his shoulder at Joe who had not moved and then turned his attention to Adam.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHow are you feeling Adam?\u201d Isaiah asked softly.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHurts\u2026\u201dAdam moaned.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe stood behind the doctor, watching as Isaiah began cleaning the wounds with disinfectant. Joe\u2019s eyes watched Adam\u2019s face and as the fine lines tightened on his brother\u2019s brow, Joe was forced to look away. The pain he read on his brother\u2019s face ripped at his conscience and he felt as if he could die right there, on the spot. When he could stand no more, he turned and walked to the far corner and sat down, burying his face in his hands.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam raised his head slightly, seeing Joe in the corner. The boy looked broken, and in spite of his own wounds, Adam forced himself up into a sitting position. He swung his long legs around until he was sitting on the edge of the cot. The pain in his back caused him to stiffen but he gritted his teeth to the agony.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cJoe,\u201d Adam called.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Isaiah moved so that Adam could better see his brother as he returned his medication to his little valise.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

From his corner, Joe glanced up seeing Adam sitting on the side of the bed. Adam was motioning for him to come to him. Joe, at loss for words, shook his head no.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cPlease\u2026Joe\u2026come here,\u201d Adam said weakly.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe, feeling guilty about what had happened to his brother, wished he was anywhere but where he was, yet he felt that he owed his brother something. Slowly Joe rose and crossed the room. Isaiah backed away, sensing that the two brothers needed to be alone, he slipped unnoticed out the door.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cSit\u2026down Joe,\u201d Adam whispered and pointed to the chair nearest the cot.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe did as he was instructed; his head lowered making it impossible for Adam to see his brother\u2019s face. Gently, Adam laid one hand on the boy\u2019s knee. Beneath his opened palm, Adam could feel the tremors that surged through Joe\u2019s body.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cLook at me\u2026please,\u201d muttered Adam.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe hesitated.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cJoe\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

At last, Joe raised his head, just enough that he met Adam\u2019s dark, pain filled eyes. His heart thumped loudly and he was forced to swallow several times to wash down the foul tasting bile that had suddenly boiled up into his mouth. The minute his eyes met Adam\u2019s, Joe\u2019s eyes filled with tears, his chin began to quiver and when he blinked, the tiny beads of water rolled slowly down his face.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t\u2026cry\u2026please Joe,\u201d Adam whispered.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe dropped his head, unable to refrain from covering his face. \u201cI\u2019m sorry Adam, I didn\u2019t know it would be you,\u201d he gulped. Joe\u2019s head came up; his whole body shook as he finally stared into his brother\u2019s face.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s okay little buddy\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNo, no it\u2019s not okay Adam\u2026it\u2019s my fault\u2026\u201d sobbed Joe.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNo, Joe, listen to me,\u201d Adam said, gently squeezing his brother\u2019s knee. \u201cLook at me, Joe,\u201d ordered Adam.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe forced himself to look again into Adam\u2019s face, seeing the pain in the eyes that tried so hard to mask it.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cJoe, you had no way of knowing\u2026but I did\u2026I knew what would happen if you didn\u2019t\u2026do what that bastard was expecting you to do. Joe, he told me about the girl\u2026how they\u2026prepared her for you\u2026and I think Harriman believed that you would \u2026you know. He wasn\u2019t prepared for the idea that you might not really\u2026service the girl.\u201d Adam explained.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYou knew\u2026you knew that they striped her and had her tied to the bed? How, I mean, why did they tell you? I don\u2019t understand,\u201d said Joe, wiping his tears from his face with the backs of his hands.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHe\u2019s sick Joe\u2026that\u2019s the only way I know how to describe him\u2026sick. He forces young men to have relations with young women, hoping that they will a baby, and then he rips the baby from it\u2019s mother\u2019s arms the minute it is born and then sells the child just as if it was a side of beef\u2026he\u2019s demented, Joe,\u201d explained Adam.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHe said\u2026you hated me\u2026that I was the reason that you got\u2026whipped, Adam,\u201d Joe dropped his head. \u201cI couldn\u2019t do it\u2026when I saw her\u2026tied to the bed\u2026all I could think about was\u2026this is rape\u2026and I couldn\u2019t do it Adam.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe\u2019s chin had begun to quiver again as he raised his head slightly and glanced at his brother. \u201cHe tossed Hoss into the pit\u2026and that was my fault too, Harriman said so\u2026and he said\u2026that you\u2026hmm\u2026 Adam\u2026please don\u2019t hate\u2026\u201d sobbed Joe.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam cupped his hand to the back of Joe\u2019s head and drew it down toward him until Joe\u2019s head rested against his. Joe had slid from the chair and was squatted on the floor, between Adam\u2019s legs, leaning his body against his brother\u2019s.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t be silly little buddy\u2026I don\u2019t hate you, and neither does Hoss. It isn\u2019t your fault, regardless of what Harriman tells you. And Joe,\u201d Adam gently tugged on his brother\u2019s hair until he had Joe eye level with himself. \u201cDon\u2019t believe anything that man tells you. I promise you, if he has to beat me everyday, I don\u2019t want you to ever feel like you have to rape a young girl to save my hide. Do I make myself clear?\u201d Adam forced a smile as Joe nodded his head.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAlright Adam, but I promised him I\u2019d do anything if he would stop whipping you,\u201d Joe said softly. \u201cThere\u2019s no telling what he will force me into next time,\u201d whispered Joe, resting against Adam, who had his arms around his brother.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t worry about it little buddy, with any luck, maybe there won\u2019t be a next time.\u201d Adam leaned back and tried to straighten his sore back. \u201cHow about rubbing some of that salve that Isaiah left for me, on my back?\u201d he asked as he lay down on his stomach. \u201cIt hurts like hell when you first put it on, but then it seems to take away most of the discomfort.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

************<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cPut the tin back on, he ain\u2019t cooked enough yet. He\u2019s still got too much fight in him, another couple of days in that hot ground, and he\u2019ll calm down. If he don\u2019t, we\u2019ll just take the whip to his back, that always works,\u201d sneered Harriman.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Wells pulled the large piece of tin back into place, sealing all light from the dark pit where Hoss was held prisoner. Hoss wiped the sweat from his brow and sat back down, there was nothing else to do, but wait. Hoss\u2019 only thoughts were on his brothers and what that crazed man might do to them. He knew Harriman had been angry with Joe and had his man haul Joe from their shack, and he knew it had something to do with what Harriman had tried to force the boy into doing. Apparently, Joe either didn\u2019t do what Harriman wanted, or didn\u2019t do it right. At any rate, someone was in for some trouble, reckoned Hoss, and deep down, he knew his brothers had something to do with it. Hoss leaned his head back against the dirt wall and closed his eyes though sleep was a long time in coming, but eventually he did sleep.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

************<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The ship rocked from side to side as the waves lapped against the sides of the sailing vessel. Ben gripped the railing as he fought to keep his footing. The brewing storm and high winds had come upon them suddenly and was now tossing the boat around in the rough waters. It had been years since Ben had sailed the open seas, and had it not been for the urgency of his voyage, he might have enjoyed being at the helm of a ship once again.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAre you doing alright, Mr. Cartwright?\u201d Hank asked as he fought against the wind to stand next to Ben.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYes, I\u2019m fine, thank you, Hank. It\u2019s been many years since I\u2019ve sailed in weather like this; I\u2019d almost forgotten how treacherous the waters could be in a storm with gale winds such as these,\u201d Ben shouted loudly so that his words could be heard above the roar of the wind.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cIt does take some getting used too, though I doubt if I will ever be able to myself. I\u2019ve been told you were an excellent sailor,\u201d Hank explained. \u201cSal, or Chuck as you know him, told me about you and your sons. I\u2019m sorry Mr. Cartwright, about what happened to them. I\u2019m just glad I was on board when they were captured and brought on ship.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYes, so am I. I thank you for all that you did for them.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI just tried to keep them comfortable and seen to it that they had adequate food and water. The boy was a bit rambunctious, but your oldest son took charge of that. I\u2019d say, with any luck, and if this weather clears, we will put to shore late tomorrow afternoon. God willing, by the next morning, William Harriman and his slavery trade will come to an end. We\u2019ve worked for five years to put a stop to his black market baby sells and his breeding of slaves for that purpose. The French government wants him in their hands, and I aim to see that they get him. The man\u2019s a monster Mr. Cartwright, he\u2019s callous and cold hearted. Why, he\u2019d sale his grandmother if he thought he could make a dollar on her.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

A gust of wind swished down upon the two men, nearly knocking both to the deck of the ship. Ben grabbed Hank\u2019s arm to keep him from toppling over.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWe best get below before we get washed overboard,\u201d shouted Ben, pulling the other man along with him. \u201cI want to be in one piece when I find my sons,\u201d he called over his shoulder.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAnd I want to be in one piece when Harriman realizes that his little gravy train is all over,\u201d laughed Hank. \u201cLet\u2019s see if Chuck has any coffee left and let these sailors sail this ship!\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

************<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam and Joe stood side by side as Wells pulled the tin from the top of the pit. Harriman stood on the opposite side of the opening, watching the pair to catch their reaction to the condition of their friend Victor, once he was hauled up from the deep hole.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The storm from the night before had finally ended, leaving the island shrouded in a cloud of dense fog that lingered from the early morning. The air was thick and damp, and the day promised to be another scorcher, with temperatures rising well past one hundred.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam brushed the tiny beads of sweat from his brow and glanced down at Joe. The boy\u2019s face was covered in a sheen of perspiration as well. Adam watched the way that Joe held his head down, his eyes downcast as well and though they were not touching, Adam could feel the tremors that caused Joe\u2019s body to quiver. Anger and hate coursed their way through Adam\u2019s veins.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe had suffered the most at the hands of Harriman. Harriman had tried to force Joe into doing something that Joe had believed to be wrong. And when the boy failed to comply with the wicked man\u2019s wishes, Harriman had Adam whipped. Joe had been told repeated until he had been convinced that it had been his fault entirely, making Joe to feel guilty and ashamed for his brother\u2019s suffering. Hoss had been tossed into the pit for trying to protect his younger brother, and that too had been blamed on Joe.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Two days later, when Adam was well enough that he could be up and about, Joe had been sent to the breeding hut once again, only this time, Joe was to be the one seduced, by an older, more experienced woman.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam wasn\u2019t sure what had transpired those two nights that Joe was locked away with the woman, only that when he was returned to their shack, Joe was solemn and withdrawn. When Adam had tried to draw the boy out, Joe seemed to only slip further into his shell where he spoke not a word. He had all but stopped eating, and late at night, Adam had been awakened by the sounds of Joe\u2019s weeping. He had tried to comfort the boy, to hold him in his arms as their father might have done, but Joe would have none of it. The boy had recoiled when Adam gently touched his shoulder, he had moved to the corner of the hut and sat silently for hours or until he was so worn out that he had crawled into his cot and rolled his body into a tight ball. When he had screamed out in his sleep, begging that his father help him and take him away, to take him home, Adam had somehow managed to get Joe, in his befuddled mind, to allow him to hold his trembling body. Far into the next day, Adam had remained by his brother\u2019s side, trying desperately to keep Joe from digging himself deeper into his casement. It had slowly begun to work, until Wells and Harriman had burst though the door and had them both physically removed from their quarters in order that they bare witness to Hoss\u2019 unearthing. Now it looked as if those hours had been for nothing, Joe hardly knew he was in the world. He moved as if in a stupor, speaking when he was expected to and doing as he was instructed.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam glanced again at Joe, his heart breaking at the sight of his once vibrant, impetuous young brother who now stood, a shattered image of his former self. Silently, Adam vowed to get back at the man who had changed his brother into someone hardly recognizable as Joe Cartwright.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWell, well, well, lookit this,\u201d Wells sneered, as the two guards pulled Hoss from the darkened pit to the surface where they allowed his heavy body to crumble at Joe\u2019s feet.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Wells stepped over Hoss\u2019 body to stand in front of Joe. \u201cHey!\u201d Wells shouted at Joe, \u201cLookit me when I speak to you!\u201d he growled.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

When Joe failed to acknowledge the man before him, Wells grabbed Joe\u2019s quivering chin and yanked Joe\u2019s head up.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cTake a look at this man\u2026see what you\u2019ve caused him?\u201d growled Wells, pointing with his free hand at Hoss who now was beginning to come around and who had started moaning softly.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Harriman circled the pit and stopped beside Wells, who still grasped Joe\u2019s chin between his fingers. \u201cYou see, Thomas, this is all your fault, for not doing as you were told. Victor has suffered, he\u2019s been starved and denied water\u2026all because you refused to do what you were suppose to do.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Harriman\u2019s voice was soft and low and the tone sounded as if soothing but yet deadly when aimed at the right person. Joe\u2019s eyes welled with tears as he peered at his brother. Hoss was dirty, a three day growth of hair sprouted from his chin, and he was weak from lack of proper nourishment. When he opened his eyes, the first face that Hoss recognized, was his youngest brother\u2019s face, for Harriman had forced Joe down on his knees, grasping him by the back of the neck and required him to face Hoss. Harriman moved his hand from Joe\u2019s neck and entwined his long fingers into the boy\u2019s thick curls, pulling Joe\u2019s face downward, until it nearly touched Hoss\u2019.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cSee the pain in his eyes, Thomas. Hear the sound of his moaning and the rumble of his stomach? You, Thomas\u2026you have caused this man\u2019s misery\u2026it\u2019s your fault that he\u2019s\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhy don\u2019t you leave the boy alone?\u201d yelled Adam, taking a step toward Harriman.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Two guards who each made a grab at his arms stopped Adam. Harriman released Joe and stood to his feet, spinning around and glaring at Adam.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhy you\u2026\u201d Harriman muttered and in that instance, drove the end of his walking stick deeply into Adam\u2019s stomach.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cOHH\u2026\u201d Adam groaned, doubling up with his hands across his mid-section as the two guards dropped their hands.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Harriman grabbed a fistful of raven hair and yanked Adam upright; Adam reacted by driving a powerful fist of his own, into Harriman\u2019s face. Harriman, taken off guard, staggered backwards, stumbling over Hoss who was just getting to his feet. Hoss saw the man and remained on his hands and knees just a second longer than necessary, giving Harriman the time needed to topple over him and into the pit behind them.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe, who had said nothing, or had yet moved, suddenly came to life as he drove the weight of his body into Wells, knocking the unexpecting man, to the ground. Hoss pulled his massive frame from the ground and with a less than normal powerful fist was able to punch the nearest guard, sending him sprawling into the dirt. Wells jumped to his feet and grabbed for Joe, who had turned to watch behind him.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cJOE! LOOK OUT!\u201d shouted Adam as he shoved Joe out of the way and locked arms with Wells.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The two fought for several moments, each man struggling to subdue the other. Adam, his strength not yet up to par, fought with every once he could muster, driven by hate and anger, soon overpowered his opponent.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Hoss had slugged the guard when he had gotten to his feet and advanced on the bigger man. He now lay unconscious on the ground, next to Wells. Joe was fighting a battle of his own. A second guard had suddenly turned and had tried to bring order to the chaos by tackling Joe. The two were rolling around on the sandy ground, each delivering powerful blows to the other man\u2019s face and body. Joe, weakened by months of inactivity and deprived of Hop Sing\u2019s good cooking, was tiring fast and feared that the man might over take him. He needn\u2019t worried, for both brothers grabbed the guard by the arms and pulled him off Joe. Adam threw the first punch, spinning the man around on his toes, only to be clobbered by Hoss\u2019 powerful fist. The guard dropped to the ground like a fly and Hoss heaved his body into the pit with Harriman, and then rolled the first guard in on top of the other two men. Wells lay unconscious a short distance from the pit.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam grabbed Hoss\u2019 arm, steadying the swaying man. \u201cAre you alright, big brother?\u201d smiled Adam.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYeah, I think so\u2026just hungry\u2026that\u2019s all,\u201d Hoss grinned as he wiped the tiny droplet of blood from is mouth with the bank of his hand.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019ll just have to stay hungry for now,\u201d smiled Adam as he looked all about them to see whether or not others had noticed their little brawl. \u201cJoe, you okay, buddy?\u201d he asked when he was sure that they had not been seen.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe nodded his head, glancing over in Hoss\u2019 direction. \u201cHoss\u2026I\u2019m\u2026sorry\u2026I didn\u2019t\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Hoss smiled at his brother and placed a hand on the boy\u2019s shoulder. \u201cForget it short shanks, let\u2019s just get out of here,\u201d he said as he pulled Joe into a quick embrace.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYa got any ideas, Adam?\u201d questioned Hoss.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThis way, let\u2019s hurry before this fog clears. We can get to the other side of the island, there should be a boat ready to sail.\u201d Adam motioned for his brothers to follow and soon the three disappeared behind the blanket of mist that served as a camouflage to protect them from being seen by inquisitive eyes.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

They had only run a short distance when Isaiah appeared from the thick growth of underbrush. Adam and his brothers stopped, startled by the appearance of another man.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cIsaiah,\u201d breathed Adam, \u201cwhat in blazes are you doing here?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI saw what happened at the pit, come with me, you have to hurry before Wells wakes up and sends his men after you. Follow me,\u201d Isaiah said as he turned to lead the way.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhere are we going?\u201d Adam inquired, glancing over his shoulder at his brothers to be sure that they were following.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThe ship I told you about is ready, it\u2019s hidden in the lagoon. No one knows about it except only a choice few. I\u2019ve had it ready for you for a couple of days now. I hope you know something about sailing and navigation,\u201d Isaiah said.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNo, but what I don\u2019t know, I\u2019ll learn real fast, besides, I have two capable helpers,\u201d he called.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cGood, you\u2019re going to need all the help you can get\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam reached out and grabbed the doctor\u2019s shoulder, forcing the man to stop in his tracks. \u201cWait a minute, Isaiah, what are you saying? Surely you aren\u2019t meaning that just the three of us are leaving this island, alone?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s exactly what I do mean, now come on\u2026.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNo, not until you explain to me what is going on!\u201d demanded Adam, his hands placed firmly on his hips.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe and Hoss had stopped behind Adam and Joe was helping Hoss to sit down so that he could catch his breath.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYou okay, Hoss?\u201d Joe asked softly.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Hoss looked up and smiled, placing his hand on his brother\u2019s shoulder. \u201cYeah, I\u2019m just light headed, that\u2019s all. I need something to eat\u2026and,\u201d he grinned at Joe, \u201cI could use a nice cold beer about now.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe nodded his head and sat down next to Hoss. He pulled at a blade of grass, fingering it gently and then glanced at Hoss. \u201cI\u2019m sorry Hoss, it was my fault that they tossed ya in that pit,\u201d Joe said softly.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Hoss\u2019 head pivoted around toward Joe. \u201cNow ya hush that talk Short Shanks, ain\u2019t nobody\u2019s fault, leastwise, not yours. It\u2019s that man, he\u2019s nuts Joe, that\u2019s all there is too it, that man\u2019s a lunatic.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI know that Hoss, but if I had\u2026.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHad what, raped that girl? You hush ya mouth, Joe, ya did what was right and ya know it\u2026and so do I and so does Adam.\u201d Hoss rumpled the top of Joe\u2019s head, mussing the dark curls.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe seemed surprised and his eyes widened as he looked up at Hoss.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

Hoss smiled, \u201cI ain\u2019t as dumb as I look, praise the Lord,\u201d smiled Hoss. \u201cYeah Joe, I knew what ya was expected to do, Adam told me, after you left and he came back. Then they came and took him to do his thing; I figured it out when you came back. I mean\u2026I could tell ya didn\u2019t do nothin\u2019 to that little gal. Then when them fellas came for ya, I saw the look on Harriman\u2019s face\u2026and I knew we was all in for it, but it didn\u2019t matter, I just wanted to try to protect ya. I figured I\u2019d get a beatin\u2019 or somethin\u2019.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe offered a tiny smile to his brother, the first in a very long time. \u201cThanks Hoss,\u201d he whispered.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cLet\u2019s go Hoss, Joe, on your feet,\u201d Adam called when he had finished listening to Isaiah.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhere are we going?\u201d Joe asked as he fell into step behind Adam.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cIsaiah has a boat waiting for us, we\u2019re going to get in it and sail off into the sunset, or so it seems. I\u2019ll explain it to you in a little while, when we get there,\u201d called Adam over his shoulder.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

************<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The ship dropped anchor off shore from the island. Ben stood at the helm and watched as the crew began lowering the small boats off the side of the ship. He was anxious to go ashore, anxious to find his sons and more than anxious to take them home.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cIf our luck holds out Ben, they won\u2019t see us until my men have had time to reach the island. Most of Harriman\u2019s operation takes place on the other side of the island, around this point. He rarely comes to this side, the terrain isn\u2019t suitable for anything other than wild life,\u201d Hank explained, pointing off into the distance. \u201cWe will go ashore over there, in the lagoon and then sneak through the jungle to Harriman\u2019s compound, that\u2019s where he keeps his slaves.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI see,\u201d Ben said.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2019ll have to move fast and try to take him and his guards by surprise,\u201d Hank continued. \u201cHe has about twenty men that serve as guards, there\u2019s a couple more who stay up at the house with him, body guards sort of.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHow many slaves does the man have?\u201d Ben inquired.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cProbably about fifty men that work the cotton, and nearly that many women, in various tasks. He keeps the young girls away from the older women, that way he can control them. He never lets them out much, they aren\u2019t even allowed to do their own cooking, makes the older women do it for them and then the guards carry the meals to the girls. That way, they become totally dependent on Harriman and usually end up doing anything for him that the man orders. They\u2019d even kill for him if he asked them, I\u2019ve seen it before, because they know if they didn\u2019t, he would kill them.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cSo, its kill or be killed?\u201d Ben surmised.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s about it, Ben,\u201d Hank answered. \u201cCome on, they\u2019re getting our boat ready.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

************<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Wells had regained consciousness and after going for help, he stood back, waiting while Harriman and the two guards were pulled from the pit. Harriman, dazed, crawled over the opening and muttering obscenities pulled himself to his feet. Wells hurried to his boss\u2019 side, helping the man.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAre you alright, sir?\u201d Wells asked, dusting the front of William\u2019s jacket with his hands.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Harriman knocked Wells\u2019 hands away. \u201cYes, you idiot, just get your filthy hands off me!\u201d Harriman looked around as if expecting to find Adam, Hoss and Joe still standing there. His eyes were dark when he turned back to Wells.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhere are they?\u201d he shouted. \u201cSurely you didn\u2019t let them escape!\u201d he roared.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Wells dropped his head, suddenly afraid of the man who towered over him. \u201cThey did run off, sir, but don\u2019t worry, they can\u2019t go far, we\u2019ll find them. I\u2019ve already sent the men and dogs to track them down,\u201d Wells explained.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Harriman puffed out his chest, the dark anger seething from him. \u201cGood, I want those boys brought back to me so I can punish them.\u201d Harriman turned and glared at Wells. \u201cThey are brothers! Did you hear me? Brothers!\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhat? Are you sure?\u201d Wells questioned, shocked at the new information.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cOf course I\u2019m sure, I heard the one named Adam\u2026ere\u2026Josh, call Victor, big brother! Don\u2019t you see, that\u2019s why they have been so protective of the boy\u2026he\u2019s their younger brother! Oh\u2026just you wait, once the guards get them back here\u2026those three will pay dearly!\u201d Harriman began to laugh wickedly, sending cold chills down the spine of his right hand man, Wells.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

************<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam and his brothers had finally made it to the lagoon. It was as Isaiah had promised; a small boat had been unveiled for their use. It had been stocked with supplies and enough water to last the three of them for several days. Several men where still preparing the boat for launching as Adam waited with Isaiah. Joe and Hoss had been given water and something to fill their empty stomachs while they waited until the boat was ready.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAdam, when you get out, passed that reef, you sail due north. There is to be a ship headed in this direction in a couple of days, with any luck and good weather, you should be able to find it. I\u2019ve received word that Hank Sorrows and a whole ship full of men, are approaching the island, ready to do battle with Harriman if need be. Another ship is coming from France and the two should be here any day,\u201d Isaiah was explaining.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWait a minute, Isaiah, then why should my brothers and I sail off and take a chance of missing those ships?\u00a0\u00a0 It could happen, and if we did, we\u2019d be lost at sea. I don\u2019t think I want to take that gamble with the lives of my brothers. Look at them Isaiah, Hoss is so weak now he can barely stand, and Joe\u2026he\u2019s drained, both physically and emotionally,\u201d Adam stated, watching his two brothers as they slowly ate their meal.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cBut Adam, if you remain on the island, Harriman will find you, he always does, and this time he won\u2019t stop at whipping you, or tossing Hoss into the pit. He\u2019ll kill the boy, just to get even with you. He needs you for breeding and he needs Hoss to work for him, but the boy? No, he hasn\u2019t worked out like Harriman had hoped; he\u2019s a wasted commodity in Harriman\u2019s thinking; he\u2019ll torture the boy until Joe dies and he\u2019ll make you and Hoss watch while he does it. Is that what you want to see happen?\u201d Isaiah demanded in a none to friendly tone.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam studied the man\u2019s face and then turned to study his two brothers. He watched for several moments, weighing his options before deciding. The small boat was ready now and waiting, all they had to do was climb in and sail away, or they could remain on the island and take a chance that the two ships would reach them before Harriman had a chance to find them.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam pinched the bridge of his nose between his two fingers and pressed his eyes tightly shut. \u2018Dear God, what should I do?\u2019 he whispered, looking up and seeing both of his brother\u2019s watching him. Adam allowed his hand to fall to his side and walked over to where Joe and Hoss stood together.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cTell me something,\u201d he began, \u201cgiven a choice, what would you choose to do? Sail away, with the chance of being lost at sea, maybe dying out there in the middle of an ocean, or remain here, on the island and take a chance of being captured by Harriman?\u201d he asked the pair.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Hoss and Joe swapped looks with one another. Hoss gulped and then faced Adam.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI ain\u2019t much of a seaman, big brother, ya ought to know that by now,\u201d he said lightly. \u201cBut I ain\u2019t never been afraid of a good fight, what about you Joe?\u201d he asked, turning in order to watch Joe\u2019s expressions.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe hesitated, giving thought to his choices. \u201cI\u2019ll do whatever you decide Adam, you\u2019re the boss,\u201d he smiled weakly. \u201cLeast ways, that\u2019s what you\u2019re always telling me,\u201d he smiled broadly.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam couldn\u2019t help but smile in return. He cupped the back of his little brother\u2019s neck and pulled Joe into an embrace, glad to see the Cartwright spirit hadn\u2019t died completely.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s the Cartwright spirit, kid. For a while, I thought you had lost it.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe pulled back, a look of shock on his face as he studied Adam\u2019s to see if his brother had been serious. He had been.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe swallowed, thinning the thick feeling in his throat. \u201cI wanna go home, Adam\u2026I\u2019ve never hidden that notion, but I ain\u2019t leaving here without you and Hoss, if you\u2019re thinking of putting me in that boat and pushing me out to sea, forget it. I\u2019m staying here and fighting\u2026if we die, then we\u2019ll die together\u2026\u201d Joe stopped in mid sentence, dropping his head.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam heard the soft sniffling sounds that threatened to break free and knowing how emotionally drained the boy was, he quickly pulled Joe back into his arms.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cJoe, I promised you months ago that when we left this island, we\u2019d leave it together, I haven\u2019t fulfilled that promise as of yet, but I will, I guarantee it.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI know Adam\u2026we\u2019ll stay together, until the end\u2026no matter what happens,\u201d whispered Joe. \u201cYou know what Pa always says, \u2018one for four, four for one\u2019, well this time, it\u2019s just the three of us\u2026but we\u2019re Ben Cartwright\u2019s sons, and we\u2019re all three of one man\u2019s blood. They might beat us in a fight Adam, but they\u2019ll have known we\u2019ve been here!\u201d smiled Joe.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam hugged Joe tightly; Hoss slapped him gently on the back. When Adam looked over at Isaiah, he was smiling. \u201cGuess that settles it doc, we\u2019re staying, all three of us!\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Isaiah placed a firm grip on Adam\u2019s shoulder, his expression was grim, but he couldn\u2019t help but to admire the steadfast quality of loyalty between the three brothers.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t think that\u2019s reasonable, but I won\u2019t waste time trying to convince you to do otherwise. But one thing is certain, you need to get out of here; there is a cave just on the other side of that ridge. You must take your brothers there and wait for me.\u00a0\u00a0 I will come later with my men, you keep your brothers out of sight Adam,\u201d Isaiah paused and glanced around at Joe and Hoss.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cEspecially the boy, Harriman is determined to break him, one way or the other, and he will do it Adam, if he catches the boy. I\u2019ve seen his methods, and they aren\u2019t good.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam followed Isaiah\u2019s gaze and watched Joe and Hoss who had both sat down, their backs pressed against the huge stone. Joe was almost asleep, his head was leaning on Hoss\u2019 shoulder and Hoss had his head propped against the cold rock, his eyes were shut and Adam could tell that he had fallen to sleep.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAlright, Isaiah, give them an hour to rest up and then I\u2019ll wake them and we\u2019ll go to that cave and wait for you,\u201d Adam agreed.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAs you wish, Adam, but do not dally too long, Harriman and his men won\u2019t waste any time in trying to find you. I need to go now; I have to get back to my station before I am missed as well. Be careful and I\u2019ll see you in a day or so, hopefully that ship will arrive soon,\u201d said Isaiah as he gathered the few men who had been with him.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Minute\u2019s later Isaiah and his followers disappeared into the thick growth and were gone. Adam made his way to his brothers and sat down opposite them. He could see the weariness that showed on both of his brother\u2019s faces and knew that what they needed more than an hour rest was a good meal and a couple of cold beers. He smiled to himself, remembering the last days that they had spent with their father in San Francisco and what fun they had had. Suddenly Adam\u2019s smile was gone. Their father, he thought, dear God, what the man must have been going through the last several months, what with the worry and the not knowing. Ben must have been half out of his mind by now.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam\u2019s heart skipped a beat, for as many times as he had talked of leaving home, of sailing the high seas, now that he had been gone, all he could think about was home, his father and the wonder of the Ponderosa. He glanced again at his brothers, secretly vowing to return them to the only world that either of them knew. They looked so misplaced here, on this remote island; they had been subjected to some of the most inhuman and barbaric treatment Adam had ever heard of being inflicted on another human being. His heart ached for each of them as he studied both faces. Hoss was so strong, not just physically but mentally as well. He could endure much more than their younger brother, but looking at Joe, Adam knew that the boy had almost reached his limit, both emotionally and physically. The lad was drained, exhausted and it showed on every fine line of his features. It sounded in his voice as well, but mostly, you could see the hope fading in his emerald eyes and Adam knew that if something didn\u2019t happen soon to get them off the island, Joe, as he had once been, would be lost to all of them forever.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam closed his eyes, not meaning to fall asleep. It was the sounds of the baying hounds that jarred him from his nap. Quickly, he jumped to his feet and listening to the distinctive call of the dogs, Adam woke his brothers.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHoss, wake up, hurry\u2026Joe, get up, boy, Harriman and his men are getting closer,\u201d Adam whispered as he shook both boys. \u201cCome on! Wake up, we\u2019ve got to get out of here!\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Hoss snapped to attention, Joe moaned and pushed Adam\u2019s hand free of his shoulder. \u201cLeave me alone,\u201d Joe muttered.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Hoss glanced over at Joe and gently jabbed him with his elbow. \u201cListen, Short Shanks, it\u2019s the dogs, come on, get up.\u201d Hoss stood to his feet and pulled Joe up from the ground.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe opened his eyes, stared at Hoss and then disorientated, tried to pull away. Hoss held firmly to the slender shoulders and gave Joe a gently shake.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cListen here Little Joe, we gotta run\u2026ya hear me?\u201d growled Hoss.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cLet\u2019s go, they\u2019re gaining on us!\u201d snapped Adam.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Hoss and Adam started running, each holding on to Joe and practically having to drag him along with them. It took several minutes for Joe to fully realize what was happening around them, but at last he was able to run with his brothers on his own.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam was now leading the way through the thick brush, Hoss was close on his heels and Joe was following behind Hoss. The underground was so dense, that it hampered their way in many places, but Adam pushed onward, determined to get his brothers to safety.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThere\u2019s a cave on the other side of the rise,\u201d called Adam over his shoulder to Hoss. \u201cWe can follow this creek bed, it\u2019s not too deep, and the dogs won\u2019t be able to pick up our scent in the water.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

From behind them, they could hear the dogs barking and yapping and as Adam broke through the dense forest into a small clearing, he stopped, gasping for breath. Hoss almost stumbled into his older brother as he stopped as well. He bent over, resting his hands on his knees as he gulped for air to force into his heaving lungs.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam pressed his hands to the small of his back and stretched, glancing around the little clearing. Suddenly he seemed to snap to attention. He reached out, grabbed Hoss\u2019 arm, a look of fear in his dark eyes.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHoss,\u201d he said in a near whisper, drawing Hoss\u2019 immediate attention. \u201cWhere\u2019s Joe?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhat?\u201d Hoss said, surprised as he spun around to look behind him. \u201cHe was right behind me!\u201d Hoss took a few steps back in the direction where they had broken out of the brush. \u201cJOE!\u201d he called in a loud whisper and then turned frightened eyes at Adam.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHoss, no,\u201d Adam clamped his hand back down on Hoss\u2019 arm, \u201clisten to those dogs, they\u2019re getting closer. Come on, we have to get out of here,\u201d said Adam, tugging at Hoss.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAdam, hold up, what about Joe?\u201d Hoss snapped.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t know Hoss, maybe he headed off in another direction, we\u2019ll back track later, when we\u2019ve given those dogs the slip, now come on,\u201d Adam ordered. \u201cWe\u2019ll be no use to that boy if they manage to catch the two of us.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI reckon ya right, but I don\u2019t like it none, goin\u2019 off without\u2019em,\u201d mumbled Hoss who had slowly begun to follow his older brother into the shallow creek.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

As they hurried on, Hoss cast anxious eyes over his shoulder in hopes of seeing his younger brother. The only thing that met his eyes was the emptiness of the tiny clearing where they had stopped to catch their breaths.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

************<\/p>\n

\u201cPut the chains on him!\u201d growled Wells, laughing as he kicked at the boy sprawled on the ground at his feet.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe tried to fight off the hands that grabbed at his body, forcing him into submission and holding him tightly pressed to the hard ground while snapping the chains about his wrists and ankles.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cLet me go,\u201d growled Joe as he wrenched free one arm and punched one man on his chin.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cOuch!\u201d wailed the guard as he delivered a solid blow to Joe\u2019s stomach and before Joe could react, belted him a second time, laughing when Joe\u2019s eyes filled with tears.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe groaned and doubled his body up, giving the men time to lock the chains about his body. When they had finished, two men hauled Joe to his feet, holding tightly to his upper arms and preventing him from getting free.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Wells stood before Joe, a sneer of a smile on his face. \u201cThe boss will certainly be glad to have you back, he has something special in store for you.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cGo to hell, you bastard,\u201d muttered Joe, struggling against the hands that held him.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Wells only laughed in Joe\u2019s face. \u201cHell? That\u2019s were you\u2019re going, boy\u2026straight to hell.\u201d He turned to the guards, \u201cYou two, take the boy back to the compound, no, wait\u2026take him directly to Harriman, he\u2019s up at the big house, waiting.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

He smiled again at Joe, \u201cIt\u2019s been fun, Thomas, but after today, I won\u2019t be seeing you again, not when Harriman finishes with you. Take him away,\u201d shouted Wells.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The guards pulled on Joe as he fought against them. As the guards dragged him away, Joe turned and tried to look over his shoulder.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll see you in hell!\u201d he shouted at Wells who led the remainder of his men and his dogs into the small clearing where he had last seen the boy\u2019s brothers entering.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cRUN ADAM, RUN HOSS!\u201d Joe shouted, hoping that his brothers might be able to still hear his warning.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

One guard dropped his hold on Joe\u2019s arm and taking the boy by surprise, doubled up his fist and slugged Joe on the chin, dropping the boy onto the ground, unconscious. \u201cThat should shut him up for awhile,\u201d the man jeered.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHoss, hold up a second. Did you hear that? It sounded like Joe calling out?\u201d Adam said as he paused briefly.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYeah, I hear\u2019em. From the sounds of those dogs, I\u2019d say them men caught up with Joe,\u201d Hoss answered worriedly.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam cast worried eyes at his brother. \u201cCome on Hoss, we can\u2019t help him now. We\u2019ll try to make our way back to the compound after dark. I think those dogs lost our trail.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Hoss pinched his lips tightly together and dropped his head. Without raising it, he cut his eyes back, to where he knew his little brother was in trouble.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI hope he can hold out long enough, Adam. He sure was beat.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam placed a hand on Hoss\u2019 massive shoulder and squeezed gently. \u201cWe\u2019ll get him back, I promised him I\u2019d take him home. I have every intention of keeping that promise, Hoss. Let\u2019s go, we have to find that cave, Isaiah said it was stocked with plenty of food and guns, we\u2019re going to need both if we plan on saving that rapscallion\u2019s ornery hide,\u201d he said with a forced smile.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Hoss glanced up at Adam and forced a smile himself. He chuckled lightly. \u201cIt never stops, does it? I mean, Joe, he\u2019s forever needin\u2019 us to bail him out of somethin\u2019!\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYeah, but just think how dull our lives would have been without him,\u201d Adam teased. \u201cCome on Hoss, let\u2019s get a move on, we can\u2019t get off this damn island until we have Joe.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYeah, and we can\u2019t go home without him, Pa wouldn\u2019t think twice about tannin\u2019 our butts if\u2019n we did,\u201d Hoss teased back. \u201cLead the way, big brother.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

************<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhat is that?\u201d Ben asked, stopping to listen.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The man next to him stopped as well. \u201cSounds like the hounds, some slave must have tried to escape,\u201d Hank explained. \u201cWe best hurry, there\u2019s a cave on the other side of that ridge. Isaiah keeps it well stocked with supplies, he\u2019s the plantation doctor I told you about. He\u2019s our contact, here on the island.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Hank continued to lead the way, followed by Ben, then Chuck who had insisted on coming along and then the small group of men, hired by Chuck and commanded by Hank.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cIt shouldn\u2019t take us more than a couple of hours to reach the cave. We can rest up there, gather what supplies we need from the cave and then move out after dark to the main house. That\u2019s where Harriman stays. He has some slaves there to serve him, but most of the others are kept in the quarters. If we can over power Harriman, the others won\u2019t give us much trouble,\u201d explained Hank as they made their way slowly through the forest.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

************<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam and Hoss climbed the last ridge, worn out but pleased that they had managed to elude the hounds. The baying sounds were far off now, seemingly to be heading in the opposite direction from the brother\u2019s hideout.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhew, that was some climb,\u201d groaned Hoss as he lowered his body onto a rock to rest.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cOver here Hoss, here\u2019s the entrance to the cave.\u201d Adam turned to his brother. \u201cCan you manage? It\u2019s only a few more yards,\u201d Adam smiled.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI reckon I can, but ya think we could find somethin\u2019 to eat? I\u2019m mighty hungry after all that runnin\u2019, I just ain\u2019t cut out to gallop like ole Chubb is,\u201d laughed Hoss lightly as he pulled himself to his feet and walked the last few feet to the cave entrance.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cLook, Isaiah wasn\u2019t fooling when he said we\u2019d have everything we need right here,\u201d exclaimed Adam waving his arm around at all the boxes stacked up.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThis one\u2019s marked smoked meats, let\u2019s open it and see what there is to eat. I need some refuelin\u2019 afore we take off back down that hill!\u201d moaned Hoss, already pulling the tight fixing lid from the top of the crate.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The boys had just about finished with their meal when the sound of voices reached their ears. Adam put his finger up to his mouth, signaling for Hoss to remain quiet. He waved his hand behind him, moving to hide behind the stacked boxes and motioning for Hoss to do the same. With a swiftness that spoke nothing of the man\u2019s size, Hoss followed Adam until they were well hidden in the dark shadows of the cave, behind the crates. Adam handed Hoss a rifle and a box of shells that he had discovered, along with several more, in one of the crates.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cShh\u2026\u201d whispered Adam.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHere we are,\u201d Hank said, stopping just inside the entrance to the cave. Hank glanced around, puzzled. \u201cLooks like someone\u2019s been here recently,\u201d he muttered, suddenly cautious.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWho?\u201d the brothers heard a man ask.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Hank shook his head, \u201cdon\u2019t rightly know,\u201d whispering as he peered around.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Chuck squatted down to the fire. \u201cFire\u2019s cold, whomever it was, used a cold camp. Look, they’ve broken into one of the food crates.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThere doesn\u2019t seem to be anyone around now,\u201d a voice said.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Hoss glanced at Adam who was looking at him. Both pairs of eyes were asking the same question. The voice sounded familiar, it sounded like\u2026.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAm I hearin\u2019 things?\u201d whispered Hoss. \u201cOr is that Pa\u2019s voice?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam raised his thick brows and shrugged his shoulders.\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cI\u2019ll take a peek, but you stay here, just in case.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Hoss nodded his head and watched as Adam slipped silently from behind the stack of crates. He listened intently to the sounds of his brother creeping along the ground, slowly making his way to the front of the cave.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam peered from between the boxes. He rubbed his eyes, for he wasn\u2019t sure that what he was seeing and hearing were actually true or a vision of his deep seeded desires. He took a deep breath, smiled broadly and then stepped into the light.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWell aren\u2019t you a sight for sore eyes,\u201d he said calmly, showing none of the excitement that caused his body to tremble.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The three men in the cave snapped to attention. Three guns were pointed at Adam, all cocked and ready to fire if the intruder made any sudden or unexpected moves.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam laughed, \u201cSurely you aren\u2019t going to shoot me, are you Pa?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben\u2019s eyes widened in shocked surprise as recognition set in. He lowered his pistol, replacing it back into its holster. \u201cAdam?\u201d he murmured.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam\u2019s eyes suddenly misted, his chin began to quiver as he stepped into the opened arms of his father. \u201cPa\u2026oh Pa,\u201d cried Adam, a sudden need to release his pent-up emotions as he all but fell against his father.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben\u2019s arms embraced his weeping son, his hand pressed gently against the back of Adam\u2019s neck as he held his son in his arms for the first time in nearly a year.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAdam, Adam,\u201d Ben repeated his son\u2019s name over and over until at last Adam regained control of himself.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

He pulled back from his father\u2019s arms, smiling as he brushed away the remainder of his tears. \u201cIt\u2019s good to see you, Pa,\u201d he stammered.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s good to see you, son,\u201d Ben said in a soft voice.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

From the shadows, a voice loomed. \u201cDon\u2019t neither of you move, I\u2019ve got ya a gun pointed right at ya.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam spun around, remembering Hoss whom he had ordered to stay hidden. \u201cHoss, its okay, it is Pa,\u201d laughed Adam.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Hoss moved out of the shadows, grinning from ear to ear. \u201cHowdy, Pa\u2026what took ya so long?\u201d he laughed.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHoss,\u201d smiled Ben, closing the distance between them. \u201cPut down that gun, these two men are here to help us.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThey\u2019s the ones what forced us here in the first place, Pa,\u201d Hoss said, refusing to lower his rifle.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI know that, but I\u2019ll have to explain it to you later, but I assure you, they are on our side. Now put that thing down and give me a hug!\u201d laughed Ben.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Hoss did as his father ordered and lowered the rifle. Ben\u2019s arms reached around his son\u2019s massive frame as Hoss returned the much longed for hug.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s good to see you, son,\u201d smiled Ben, giving Hoss the once over with his eyes.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

It was plain to see that his sons had suffered since being on the island, but to what extent, Ben was unsure. That information would have to come later, his main concern was that he had his family back\u2026well, almost.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAdam,\u201d said Ben, turning to face his eldest son. \u201cIs Joe with you?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben saw the instant fire that sprang to his son\u2019s eyes. He turned to Hoss and saw the same hatred in the blue eyes that had always before held nothing but love and tenderness in their deep blue depths.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAdam\u2026what\u2019 wrong? Where\u2019s my baby?\u201d Ben said, his voice beginning to quiver with fear.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHarriman\u2019s men have him. I\u2019m not sure where they\u2019re taking him, but I can promise you, if that monster gets his hands on Joe, he\u2019ll kill him. He\u2019s been looking for a good enough reason to torture the boy,\u201d explained Adam, hiding none of the repugnance that he felt towards the man, from his father.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThen we\u2019d better find the boy before that happens,\u201d Ben stated, turning to Hank and Chuck. \u201cDo either of you have any notions where they might have taken my son?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Chuck stepped forward, casting wary eyes at Ben\u2019s two older sons.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cMy guess would be the main house. I was there once, in the very beginning. Harriman had some sort of room set up, in the attic. It was a torture chamber. I don\u2019t know for sure where he got all that stuff, but some of it looks as if it came out of medieval times, you know, like those pictures you seen in books about knights and evil kings, those types of torture devices.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cDear God,\u201d muttered Ben, his color draining from his tired face. \u201cI haven\u2019t travel thousands of miles and waited months to see my sons, just to find one of them dead. Let\u2019s get moving, we have to find Little Joe before it\u2019s too late.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

************<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The double doors opened, Harriman stood to the side to allow the two guards to enter. When they released their hold on the boy, Joe dropped to the hard tiled floor, banging his head against the solid stones.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cGood, at least you\u2019ve found one of them.\u201d Harriman kicked gently at Joe\u2019s body. \u201cAnd this is the one I wanted the most.\u201d When the man laughed, it was wicked, sending cold shivers down the flesh of each guard.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cPick him up and take him to the attic,\u201d Harriman ordered.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The two guards did as instructed each grabbing Joe by the upper arms and hauling him to his feet once more. They made their way to the winding staircase, forcing Joe along as they climbed the many stairs leading to the uppermost rooms of the big house. At the top of the long staircase, they stepped aside, allowing Harriman space to unlock the door.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Harriman entered first, turning to light a lamp hanging on the wall by the door. The guards pulled Joe inside the dark room, the last guard, kicking the door shut behind him. The man glanced around him, shivering at the horrible contraptions that filled the space in the room. There were no windows in the attic, making the dark shadows loom out at them from the glow of the lamp. The room felt hot and stuffy, and each guard automatically brushed at their brow to wipe away the beading drops of perspiration.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Harriman followed the man\u2019s gaze, please to see that just the sight of his torture toys caused the bravest man to become frightened. He would have his fun, with the boy and then, should the boy\u2019s brothers be returned to him, he would force both to watch as he slowly killed their younger brother. Harriman laughed, watching Joe as he fought to return to the real world.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cRemove the chains and strap him down on that table,\u201d ordered Harriman. \u201cI think I will start by stretching the kinks from his body.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Both guards glanced at the table in question and then at each other. One guard gulped but began unlocking the chains from around Joe\u2019s wrists while the other guard unlocked the shackles around Joe\u2019s legs. When Joe was free of his restraints, he began struggling against the strong hands that still held his body.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cLet go of me,\u201d groaned Joe.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Harriman jabbed his walking stick into Joe\u2019s stomach, calling a halt to the boy\u2019s struggle.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHurry up, get him on that table,\u201d shouted Harriman.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The men hauled Joe onto the table, forcing him down on his back. One man held Joe\u2019s wrists over his head while the other man fastened and buckled the leather straps. Harriman had stepped between Joe\u2019s outstretched legs, holding his own hands down on Joe\u2019s ankles, preventing him from moving, and kicking his legs as he waited until the guards could buckle those straps as well. Once finished, Harriman stepped back, smiling down into Joe\u2019s face.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe was heaving, as he struggled to force air into his lungs. The look of sheer terror was coating his face and miniature tears blinded his vision as he fought to conceal his rising panic from the monster that towered over him.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYou are mine now, not even those two bumbling fools that claim to be your brothers can save you now,\u201d jeered Harriman.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Harriman moved; Joe\u2019s eyes sought to follow the man, but he had lost sight of his tormentor. Suddenly the table seemed to lurch forward. Joe felt his arms being pulled, stretched tighter over his head as that end of the table slowly began to widen. Joe twisted his head, trying to see what was making the table to move. He groaned as the pain in his arms and shoulders began to intensify.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The bottom of the table moved as well, and Joe felt the pain in his hips as the table inched outward, lengthening the foot of the table and slowly pulling his opened legs away from his body. Joe fought the urge to scream. Tears slipped from the corners of his eyes. His limbs, both arms and legs were being agonizingly disjoined from his body.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe screamed; both shoulders had popped and separated. From side to side, Joe tossed his head, the pain increasing as he felt his legs begin to separate. Just as quickly as it had begun, it stopped. The table ceased to move. Joe was left huffing and puffing, trying desperately to fill his lungs with air. His pain filled cries only caused his master to laugh out loud.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI have managed to make you at least two inches taller,\u201d he lamented. \u201cGET OUT!\u201d he suddenly screamed at the two guards that had remained in the attic to watch what Harriman was planning for his slave boy.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

They quickly spun around on their heels and headed for the door. When they were gone, Harriman pulled a tiny key from his vest pocket and locked the door. He turned slowly and crossed the room where Joe still lay, stretched to his limits on the moving table.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Harriman studied the boy\u2019s face. He could see the hate in the hazel eyes that had filled with tears.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYou disappoint me, Thomas,\u201d Harriman smirked. \u201cI expected great things from you, I expected you to make me a fortune with the offspring that you could have fathered. But you\u2019re nothing; you\u2019re not even a man. You didn\u2019t even know how to\u2026mate with a beautiful young girl. That\u2019s too bad, Thomas, you could have lived the good life here on Golden Isle. You could have had any girl, or woman of your choosing, but you even refused to be taught by the best.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Harriman saw Joe turn his way and study his face. He laughed.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYes, I mean LeeAnn. She\u2019s the best breeding whore that I own. She has taught nearly every man on the island, something of how to satisfy a woman. But with you\u2026she wouldn\u2019t even touch you\u2026she said you reminded her of her first born. Did she tell you that she had her first child at the age of fifteen, and that it was a boy she named Joseph? Did she tell you how I let her keep the boy until he was five and then sold him to a man from Cuba who wanted to raise him to be a breeder for his young girls?\u201d Harriman tossed his head back, laughing at the hateful look on Joe\u2019s face.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cShe\u2019s dead, you know,\u201d he whispered. \u201cI used her\u2026for my own satisfaction, after she refused to teach you the art\u2026I spent several hours with her, enjoying her immensely, I might add. And then I brought her up here and put her on this table. It was such a shame, watching her arms and legs being ripped from her body. You know even after she lost use of both arms and both legs, she lay for a whole day on that same table, before she died.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe clamped his eyes tightly shut, recalling to memory the beautiful woman who had showed him such kindness and tenderness those two nights when she should have been following Harriman\u2019s cruel orders. He remembered LeeAnn telling him about her son, Joseph, and how she had nearly died giving birth to him. Joe saw again the love that had shone in her eyes when LeeAnn had described her heartbreak when Harriman had came one night while she was \u2018working\u2019 and had taken her son from his bed and sold him that every night. When she had returned in the morning, her son was gone and that was the last that LeeAnn had ever heard of him again.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The table jerked beneath him and Joe groaned, his arms pulled tight, his legs seemed to separate from his body, he screamed and then the world around him went black.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

************<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Hank jerked his arm out, stopping the men from entering the house behind him. \u201cListen, did you hear that?\u201d he whispered.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cSounded like my baby brother screaming,\u201d Hoss said as he brushed away the man\u2019s arm and pushed his way into the house.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cJOE!\u201d he shouted, ignoring Hank\u2019s warning to remain silent.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben grabbed Hoss by the arm, \u201cHoss, be still. If that\u2019s Joe, we don\u2019t want to alert anyone to our presence.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Hoss pinched his lips tightly together, and nodded his head, \u201cIt\u2019s coming from upstairs,\u201d he said, lowering his voice.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHoss, why don\u2019t you go back outside and help Adam and the men with rounding up those other guards. Hank, Chuck and I will find Joe and I promise you son, that Harriman fellow will pay for what he\u2019s done to Joe,\u201d Ben assured his son.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAlright Pa, I\u2019ll do what ya say, but mind ya, if he\u2019s laid another hand on the boy, I\u2019ll rip him apart with my bare hands,\u201d affirmed Hoss, turning and going back out the door in search of Adam.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben nodded his head; it seemed as if he wasn\u2019t the only Cartwright that planned on making Harriman pay for what he had done to his family.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cCome on,\u201d Ben said, taking the lead, his pistol held in his hand, cocked and ready to fire should the occasion call for it to be.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

************<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWake up, you little fool,\u201d growled Harriman, slapping both sides of Joe\u2019s already battered face in an attempt to wake the boy.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYa ain\u2019t gonna die on me this easy,\u201d he said and grabbed a pitcher of water and tossed it into the unconscious boy\u2019s face.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

He watched as Joe tried to return to the real world. Harriman was determined that he would not be denied his fulfillment of torturing the boy, whom he had begun to hate and resent for not bending to his wishes. Never before had he seen such willpower in one so young, and he yearned to destroy that valor in the boy.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe began sputtering, shaking his head to sling the water out of his face. He groaned and tried to move his body. It was still strapped to the moving table, which had stopped for the time being.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s more like it, now you stay awake, Thomas, I want to see the pain in your eyes, and I want to hear you cry out. I want you to beg me to stop or to kill you. Do you understand?\u201d he nearly screamed at Joe.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe\u2019s eyes had focused on the face of the man who stood over him.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThen you might as well kill me now, and do it quickly, cause I won\u2019t beg you for anything. I\u2019ll die first, before giving you that satisfaction, so get on with it!\u201d Joe declared, his voice stronger than even he could have imaged it to be.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThen die, you will, but on my terms. Slowly and very, very painful,\u201d retorted Harriman, his eyes growing dark with indignation, mixed with malice.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Harriman stepped up to the lever and pushed against it. The table began stretching longer, taking Joe\u2019s arms and legs to their limit. Joe\u2019s screams pierced the stillness of the house reaching the ears of his father and the men whom where quietly making their way to the attic.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben and his companions paused momentarily and then together they dashed up the long winding stairs. Ben took them two at a time, the cries penetrating his heart as the agonizing shrieks filled the house.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben reached the attic first and without hesitation, threw his body against the door. The tiny door shattered, and broke into pieces as Ben stumbled his way through. Caught off guard by the breaking of the door, Harriman spun around, staring into the ebony eyes of the intruder. The startled man failed to see Hank and Chuck behind Ben; his eyes fixed only the face of the enraged man.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben\u2019s eyes quickly took one glance at the sight before him and then turned his fury to the man standing over his shrieking son. Ben dove at the man, catching him unprepared and they toppled to the floor. Ben grabbed the man by the front of the shirt and drove his folded fist into Harriman\u2019s face, shattering the man\u2019s nose. Blood spurted outward, covering both the man himself and his attacker. Again and again, Ben drove his fist into the man who struggled fruitlessly beneath the pounding fist.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Hank and Chuck had rushed to the table. Chuck grabbed the lever and shut off the moving table while Hank hurried to remove the straps from the table\u2019s victim and save the boy from certain doom.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe had stopped screaming; his arms dangled lifelessly down to his sides, tears of pain and relief flooded his eyes and spilled over, rolling down his cheeks. Chuck turned back to the fight that was taking place on the floor and grabbed Ben from behind, trying to pull Ben from Harriman.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cBen\u2026Ben\u2026\u201d shouted Chuck. \u201cIt\u2019s over pal, we found Joe\u2026Ben.\u201d Chuck pulled again at Ben\u2019s arms. \u201cHe needs you Ben\u2026stop\u2026your son needs you!\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Hank moved to give Chuck a hand and together they were able to pull Ben up, giving Harriman time to scoot away from the man who seemed possessed with enough determination to kill.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben brushed away the hands of his friends, and glared down at Harriman. \u201cI\u2019ll see you hang for this, you bastard,\u201d he muttered, wiping the blood from his face.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cPa\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The piteous plead tore at Ben\u2019s heart as he turned and saw Joe watching him from the table, unable to move.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cJoseph\u2026\u201d cried Ben, rushing to his son\u2019s side and gathering the boy\u2019s broken body into his arms.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben crushed Joe to his breast; his fingers entangled themselves with the long dark curls. Ben\u2019s lips pressed to the top of his son\u2019s head, kissing it several times as he listened to the sounds of his son weeping. The relieved father fought to control his own urge to cry, fighting back the tears that welled in his eyes.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cPapa,\u201d murmured Joe weakly, trying to raise his head so that he could see into the chocolate eyes that had always brought him such comfort. \u201cIs it really you?\u201d sobbed Joe, \u201cor am I dreaming\u2026again?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNo Precious, you\u2019re not dreaming, I\u2019m really here and I\u2019m going to take you home,\u201d whispered Ben, kissing Joe\u2019s curls for the hundredth time and holding him close.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAdam\u2026Hoss\u2026\u201d groaned Joe, pressing his face further into his father\u2019s comforting embrace.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2019re here buddy,\u201d Adam called as he and Hoss came though the door.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cTake Harriman downstairs, our men have the others all lined up in a row\u2026wearing their own chains,\u201d Adam ordered Hank and Chuck.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Hank and Chuck smiled at Adam and then Ben. Hank grabbed Harriman\u2019s arm and hauled him to his feet. \u201cCome on, let\u2019s allow you to find out how it feels to wear chains,\u201d sneered Hank as he led the beaten man out.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben turned his attention back to his sons. \u201cAdam, Hoss, are you both okay?\u201d he asked.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2019re fine, Pa. Let\u2019s get little brother to one of the downstairs bedrooms. I don\u2019t think Harriman will have any more use for this big mansion of his,\u201d Adam declared.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNo\u2026no\u2026please\u2026I wanna go home,\u201d pleaded Joe, looking soulfully into his father\u2019s eyes.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben brushed back the damp curls from Joe\u2019s brow and supported the boy\u2019s body weight against his own weight.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cShh\u2026Joe, not now\u2026later, when you\u2019ve regained your strength,\u201d soothed Ben. \u201cI promise son, we\u2019ll go just as soon as you are able.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cBut\u2026I\u2019m fine\u2026really,\u201d muttered Joe, clenching his teeth tightly to keep from crying out as Adam and Hoss helped Ben move him off the table.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Hoss glanced down at Joe\u2019s face and saw the tiny beads of water that slipped from the corners of Joe\u2019s eyes.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cSure ya are Short Shanks\u2026sure ya are,\u201d he said softly.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI promised you, I\u2019d take you home little buddy, and we will too, only this time, we\u2019ll take Pa with us,\u201d smiled Adam as he gently helped Hoss move Joe down the winding stairs. \u201cRight now, Isaiah, the doctor needs to take a look at you.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAw\u2026please\u2026not a doctor,\u201d Joe groaned, causing his family to swap knowing smiles.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

************<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe had been placed in one of the upstairs rooms. His bed was huge in comparison to the one he slept in at home; it was comfortable and seemed to help in easing the pain in both of his shoulders, which the kind doctor had snapped back into place. Joe\u2019s legs ached, and they tended to cramp, but several days later, Joe was once more on the mend and feeling much like his old self.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben never left his son\u2019s side. During those long hours, Ben explained to Joe all that had happened while he had been confined to the bed. The ship from France had arrived and was anchored off shore. The officials had come onto the island and had rounded up Harriman, Wells, and all their men and had tossed them into the hull of their ship, ready to transport them all back to France. Once there, the men would stand trial for different offensives, including murder, rape, kidnapping, assault, false imprisonment among the long list.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The slaves had been freed and had been guaranteed safe passage to either France or the United States. Many chose to sail to France, where they had families, but most all those born and raised on the island, opted to remain there and begin life anew. Only a select few chose the States to begin their new lives.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben and Joe also talked about what had happened to the boy during his stay on the island. It was an emotional time for Joe, reliving his nightmare, which often at night came back to haunt his sleep. When he would awaken, screaming and crying, Ben was always there, to hold and comfort his son, which served to strengthen their relationship. Ben shared with his son his own fears that beleaguered him during the time that he had been separated from his sons. Together, father and son began to heal and though Ben knew it would take months before any of them could sit down together and talk freely about their nightmarish experience, Ben knew that the four of them were well on their way of getting to that point.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWe are men, each of us, all of one man\u2019s blood,\u201d Ben had told his sons. \u201cTogether, we will overcome the adversary\u2026good will prevail over evil.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben had insisted that Joe remain in bed until his shoulders had healed enough that he could use his arms more freely. Having been dislocated and then having been set and with his arms carefully bounded to prevent sudden movement, it was impossible for Joe to even feed himself. Ben had appointed himself his son\u2019s guardian plus his nurse. Ben helped Joe with all physical needs, grooming and of course fed him his meals. At first, it embarrassed Joe, to be tended to like a baby, but with his father\u2019s calming presence, Joe gave in to the pampering and before long, even enjoyed all the extra attention that he received from not only his father, but his older brothers as well.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Their meals were brought up to them at each mealtime on silver trays laden with scrumptious servings of some of the best food that either father or son had ever had the pleasure of eating.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

A light tapping at the door alerted Ben that it was once again time to eat. He smiled at Joe, who straightened himself up in the bed, the best he could without the use of his arms to help him. Ben opened the door and stood aside to allow the young girl to push the serving cart into the room. She glanced up at Ben and smiled. When she looked Joe\u2019s way, her eyes were downcast and she blushed slightly. Something about the girl caught Joe\u2019s attention as he watched her prepare the plates.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cExcuse me,\u201d he said as the girl set his tray across his lap.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The young girl looked up and met Joe\u2019s eyes. She was beautiful thought Joe to himself and suddenly felt his own face redden as his eyes roamed over her body, which with the heat and humidity on the island, was scantly covered.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben, standing to the side, witnessing his son\u2019s behavior, cleared his throat.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cOh, I\u2019m sorry,\u201d Joe was saying to the girl, \u201cbut haven\u2019t I seen you somewhere before?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The girl dropped her head and covered her mouth with her hand. \u201cI think we met once,\u201d she stammered and then faltered<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhen?\u201d asked Joe, studying the girl\u2019s beautiful features.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t you remember?\u201d she whispered. \u201cIt was one night, many weeks ago\u2026in the breeding tent\u2026\u201d The girl glanced up at Joe, \u201cyou promised me that you wouldn\u2019t hurt me,\u201d she said shyly, casting her eyes over her shoulder at Ben and then back at Joe.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ve always wanted to\u2026thank you for that,\u201d she whispered.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

For a moment, Joe was at a loss for words, he remembered now, the beautiful young girl who had been stripped naked and tied to the bed, him expected to join himself with her. His insolence that night had caused Adam\u2019s whipping and Hoss to be imprisoned in the pit for three days, his body baking in the heat.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe lowered his head, gulping. \u201cI hope that monster didn\u2019t hurt you for me not\u2026not\u2026you know,\u201d stammered Joe, unaware that his father had slipped silently from the room, leaving the young couple to talk privately.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNo\u2026he locked me away in a room for almost a month. I didn\u2019t have contact with anyone other than the woman who brought me my meals. By the time that Master\u2026ere\u2026I mean that horrible man let me out\u2026you and your brothers had already been punished. I never knew what happened to you, that is, until Harriman and his men were taken off the island and we were all told that we were free to go.\u201d The young girl took a deep breath and moved closer to the bed.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI could have sailed with the others, but I was inside when your brothers and father found you. I saw them when they were carrying you out of the attic. I had been hiding under the stairs when Harriman brought you in\u2026\u201d She paused again, her eyes shining brightly with unshed tears.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe could only watch in wonder as the girl moved closer. \u201cI heard you screaming\u2026I knew what he was doing to you\u2026I started to run away\u2026I was scared of him. But then I heard those men come in, your father and brother. I knew then that you\u2019d be alright so I waited. I wanted to do something for you\u2026to pay you back for being so nice to me that night in the hut.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYou took a big chance\u2026Harriman would have killed you if he had found you,\u201d Joe said in a low voice.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI didn\u2019t care\u2026he\u2019d already taken the last thing I cared anything about,\u201d she explained.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhat was that?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cMy mother\u2026LeeAnn,\u201d whispered the girl, fight back her tears.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe\u2019s eyes widened in wonder. \u201cLeeAnn was your mother?\u201d stammered Joe.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The girl nodded her head, freeing her tears and allowing them to stream unchecked down her face. \u201cYes\u2026I loved her\u2026she was all I had\u2026and he killed her,\u201d the girl cried.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI sorry, so sorry,\u201d whispered Joe, not sure how to comfort the girl.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

She stopped and raised her head up. \u201cThat devil was\u2026my father.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWHAT?\u201d declared Joe, bringing his father quickly back into the room from the hall where he had been listening.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYes\u2026my mother told me right before she died. I have a brother too, his name is Joe, like yours, but Harriman sold him years ago when he was little. It nearly killed my mama that\u2019s why when he sent mama to you she couldn\u2019t do what he demanded. She said you reminded her of her little boy.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhat\u2019s your name, child?\u201d Ben asked, placing his hands gently on the girl\u2019s shoulders and turning her around to face him.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The girl looked up at Ben, wiping her tears from her face. \u201cLinda, but mama always called me Lindy\u2026she liked that better.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben smiled, \u201cWell then Lindy, how would you like to leave this island, when we go? I happen to know a special man and woman who would love to have a daughter. They have a little boy, Billy, and his mother is expecting a baby, very soon. What do say, would you like a family of your own?\u201d smiled Ben.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Unknown to anyone other than himself and Chuck Basile, the two men had made arrangements to take the young girl with them, if she agreed. Chuck and his wife Sarah had had a daughter once, but the child had died around the age of five. Sarah had been crushed and had since always wished for a daughter, not taking anything from having Billy, but as Sarah had stated, there\u2019s just something about having a little girl in the house, to wrap her father around her little finger. Well, Lindy wasn\u2019t a little girl, but she had somehow managed to wrap not only Chuck, but Ben as well around both little fingers.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Lindy smiled, glanced at Joe and then wrapped her arms around Ben\u2019s middle. \u201cOh yes, please, take me with you, please\u2026please\u2026please,\u201d she squealed.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben and Joe laughed, \u201cCalm down my dear, I promise, when we sail, you will be going with us!\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAnd my pa never breaks his promise,\u201d smiled Joe, glancing up at Ben and seeing the happy expression on his face.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

It was plain for Ben to see that with a promise of a new home and a new family to love and care for her, plus the new friends she had made in the Cartwrights, Lindy was more than happy to leave behind her, a questionable past.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

************<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

It was a month later before the Cartwrights boarded their ship ready to sail home. Hoss and Adam helped Joe up the gangplank as Ben escorted Lindy. Hank and Chuck were already boarded and waiting for them on deck.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Chuck greeted the family of men, a broad smile on his face as he took Lindy\u2019s hand and helped her with her things. \u201cI\u2019m glad that you\u2019ve agreed to be my daughter,\u201d smiled Chuck.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI hope your wife approves of me,\u201d Lindy said shyly.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cOh, don\u2019t worry, she\u2019ll love you,\u201d laughed Chuck reassuringly.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAnd if she don\u2019t, you can come live with us, on the Ponderosa, can\u2019t she, Pa?\u201d Joe laughed.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben raised his eyebrows and glanced at his older sons. They snickered; everyone knew just how close a friendship had developed between the two young people.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWell, Pa, can\u2019t she?\u201d Joe pushed.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI think she\u2019ll be happy with the Basile\u2019s, son, Sarah is a wonderful woman, and she\u2019ll love having a daughter like Lindy,\u201d Ben hurried to say.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNow, young man, lets get you settled in your cabin,\u201d Ben added quickly to avoid any further discussion of having the beautiful young woman living in the same household with four bachelors.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThe sooner this ship sails, the sooner we can get home, and, I might add, if the good Lord\u2019s willing, we just might make San Francisco by Christmas,\u201d smiled Ben as he settled Joe into his bunk.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cChristmas\u2026that means snow\u2026and lots of cold weather. Oh Pa, I hope we do make it home by then, I\u2019ve had about enough of this hot weather. We can make a snowman\u2026like when I was a kid, remember?\u201d smiled Joe.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI remember son,\u201d said Ben softly, turning so that Joe could not see the sudden pool of tears that temporarily blinded his vision. Yes, he remembered, lots of passed Christmases and lots of snowmen, and a certain, green eyed, curly headed little boy who had always brought so much happiness and joy, not only to his home but to his heart as well.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

When Ben glanced back at his son, Joe had fallen to sleep. The first really sound sleep since being found. Ben crossed the cabin and knelt down, pulling the blanket up around Joe\u2019s shoulders. For several moments he stood over his son smiling, until at last he leaned down, placing a kiss on Joe\u2019s brow.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

They wouldn\u2019t make home to the Ponderosa by Christmas day, of that, Ben was almost positive, but regardless of where they were, they would celebrate the day. He had his presents, his treasures. They were his sons\u2026and no matter where they might be, come Christmas morning, they would be together at long last and as far as Ben Cartwright was concerned, that was good enough for him.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

May2003<\/strong><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Summary: \u00a0Ben’s three sons have vanished, but where could they be?\u00a0 Months of worry and fear leave him devastated over his loss.\u00a0 When Ben offers the Ponderosa for sale, a reformed criminal comes to Ben’s aide and together they set sail on the high seas in search of Ben’s most cherished of life’s gifts, his three sons.<\/p>\n

Rated: \u00a0R\u00a0 Subject matter hints at sexual content, contains cruel and inhumane treatment to certain individuals and deals with white slavery.\u00a0 May not be suited for all readers…proceed accordingly. \u00a0By clicking into the story, you are adhering to the warning that has been posted.<\/p>\n

(42,600 words)<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":9052,"featured_media":9859,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"template-full-width-post.php","format":"standard","meta":{"_jetpack_newsletter_access":"","_jetpack_dont_email_post_to_subs":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_tier_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paywalled_content":false,"_jetpack_feature_clip_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":"","jetpack_publicize_message":"","jetpack_publicize_feature_enabled":true,"jetpack_social_post_already_shared":false,"jetpack_social_options":{"image_generator_settings":{"template":"highway","default_image_id":0,"font":"","enabled":false},"version":2},"jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false,"_members_access_role":[],"_members_access_error":""},"categories":[23,1008,690],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-12257","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-drama","category-family","category-ma-rated","wpcat-23-id","wpcat-1008-id","wpcat-690-id"],"jetpack_publicize_connections":[],"jetpack_likes_enabled":true,"jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/10\/feature-2.jpg?fit=338%2C338&ssl=1","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/12257","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=12257"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/12257\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/9859"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=12257"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=12257"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=12257"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}