Summary:<\/b>\u00a0 While scouting for strays along the rim rocks, Joe finds himself literally stuck between a rock and a hard place. Not far from where his life hangs in the balance, Adam and Hoss find they’re stuck as well\u2026only in another type of predicament. Sort of makes you wonder who’s gonna save whom this time.<\/p>\n
Rated PG \u00a0WC 13,000<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Stuck<\/strong><\/p>\n \u201cGalldanit, Joe, stop that horsin\u2019 \u2018round!\u201d<\/strong> squabbled Hoss, \u201cYa scarin\u2019 the life outta me!\u201d<\/p>\n Little Joe snickered at the scrunched up expression on his older brother\u2019s rotund face.<\/p>\n \u201cAw\u2026I\u2019m just funnin\u2019 with ya,\u201d sang Little Joe as he glanced over his shoulder at the steep edge of the deep, dark crevice he was standing over.<\/p>\n \u201cWell ya dun cried wolf twice already today and it ain\u2019t funny no more. Now move away from the edge of that crevice afore ya really do fall and break ya fool neck,\u201d growled the big man in an angry voice.<\/p>\n Joe Cartwright screwed up his handsome face, turning the young features into a grotesque expression.<\/p>\n \u201cOh\u2026alright, Hoss. I\u2019m sorry for scaring ya,\u201d Joe said apologetically as he turned away from the rim of the narrow fissure where two gigantic slabs of hard, solid rock had split in two, forming the crevice.<\/p>\n Hoss turned his back to his brother and began gathering up his gear. It was the sudden, blood-curdling scream that caused him to drop the articles in his hand and spin around on his heels.<\/p>\n \u201cAGHHH\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n Hoss was just in time to see his younger brother disappear over the edge of the ledge.<\/p>\n \u201cJOE!\u201d bellowed Hoss.<\/p>\n Quickly, he ran to rim and looked down. The crack in the wall of the rocks was so deep and dark that seeing to the bottom was impossible. Hoss\u2019 heart thumped wildly, making his broad chest hurt.<\/p>\n \u201cJOE! JOEEE!\u201d shouted Hoss as he flattened his body against the hard stone ground.<\/p>\n His large, beefy hands lay flat on the rocky surface of the rim as he strained to peer down into the dark crack in the earth\u2019s bowels. His hungry eyes searched desperately for the boy, not yet man.<\/p>\n \u201cJOE! FOR PETE\u2019S SAKE BOY\u2026ANSWER ME!\u201d he cried frantically.<\/p>\n Hoss pushed his heavy form forward, daringly close to the edge trying to see deeper into the division of the aged old stones. He listened for any sounds, praying silently that his beloved brother would call for him.<\/p>\n \u201cJoe\u2026\u201d Hoss muttered softly, fear rising in his heart and soul, gnawing at his gut.<\/p>\n \u201cOhhh\u2026Hoss\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cJOE!\u201d Hoss shouted, breathing a deep, long sigh of relief at hearing the voice, though weak and full of desperation.<\/p>\n \u201cHelp\u2026me\u2026\u201d he heard the younger man cry.<\/p>\n Hoss was keenly aware of the pain in his brother\u2019s voice and knew instantly without having to be told, that the boy was hurting and obviously in great pain.<\/p>\n \u201cJoe\u2026how badly are ya hurt?\u201d<\/p>\n For several long moments, no sounds came from the deep indention. Hoss\u2019 eyes had still not yet found the one in which he hungered to see.<\/p>\n \u201cMy\u2026arm\u2026it\u2019s broke,\u201d Joe cried in a weak voice.<\/p>\n Joe strained to look up, as hungry to see his older brother\u2019s face, as the one lying on the edge of the crevice was to see the younger man\u2019s face.<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m\u2026stuck, Hoss\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cStuck?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYeah\u2026ohh\u2026my legs\u2026and lower half\u2026are stuck between this\u2026slab of\u2026rocks. Ohh\u2026Hoss\u2026\u201d gulped Joe, \u201cI can\u2019t feel\u2026anything\u2026and\u2026I\u2019m afraid of sliding. Hoss\u2026hurry!\u201d<\/p>\n Hoss swallowed hard. He glanced around, troubled that he was alone with no one to help him. He studied the opening of the crack in the earth and realized that there was no way possible that he\u2019d be able to lower himself into the crevice to help free his brother. His massive frame was too wide, he, too heavy.<\/p>\n His thoughts raced wildly. How on earth would he ever free his brother, he thought. They were miles from home\u2026and help. Hoss gulped.<\/p>\n \u201cDon\u2019t move, Joe, ya hear me?\u201d Hoss called.<\/p>\n \u201cAgh..don\u2019t worry\u2026Hoss\u2026I can\u2019t\u2026I can barely breathe\u2026I\u2019m wedged in here tight\u2026\u201d called Joe.<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019ll be right back, Joe\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHOSS! NO\u2026WAIT!\u201d shouted Joe with as much force as he could muster.<\/p>\n His heart beat with fear; his fingers on his right hand clawed at the rocky surface of the rocks that held him prisoner of nature. He felt little of the pain that ran like shock waves up and down the length of his broken, left arm. The young man was paralyzed with fear.<\/p>\n \u201cJoe\u2026ya gotta hold on, I gotta get a rope\u2026I promise, I\u2019ll be right back,\u201d Hoss called down.<\/p>\n He rose to his feet; his blue, anxious eyes never left the dark abyss in which his brother had fallen. Hoss swallowed hard, the scent of fear was thick in his nostrils as he forced himself to turn away, ignoring the piteous cries from deep within the earth\u2019s viscera.<\/p>\n As fast as he could, Hoss grabbed his rope from his saddle and raced back to the rim of the opening. Quickly, he secured one end of the rope about his waste and then dropped to the ground, peering over the edge. The position of the sun had moved slightly and Hoss was afforded his first peek of his brother.<\/p>\n Joe had turned his head upward, looking for Hoss. Hoss almost cried out loud when he saw the pain and fear etched on his brother\u2019s face. Even from the height where he lay, sprawled on the surface, far below where Joe had fallen, the terror in the hazel eyes that stared up at him and the suffering that was evident on the young face was plain to see.<\/p>\n \u201cJoe\u2026\u201d called Hoss, \u201cI\u2019m lowerin\u2019 a rope down to ya\u2026see if\u2019n ya can tie it \u2018round ya waist. I\u2019ll pull ya up,\u201d instructed Hoss.<\/p>\n The rope slipped over the edge and snaked its way downward. From far below, Joe watched, realizing for the first time, the pain that numbed his left arm. He winced softly to himself, swallowing down the rising bile that collected in his mouth.<\/p>\n \u201cHurry\u2026Hoss\u2026I\u2026ain\u2019t feeling none too good,\u201d Joe called from his rock prison.<\/p>\n Hoss watched the rope fall until the end of it dangled just over Joe\u2019s head. He gasped, the dang rope looked, from his angle, to be too short.<\/p>\n \u201cCan ya reach the rope, Joe?\u201d<\/p>\n Joe, hesitant, that he might start to slip further downward, into the narrow opening in the rocks, finally swallowed his fear and slowly stretched his right arm upward. Hoss heard the soft groan that escaped his brother\u2019s lips. From his perch overhead, he watched helplessly as Joe grabbled for the end of the rope. It was torture for the big man to see how his brother strained against the pain he felt while fighting to grasp the rope. It was a cruel joke that Mother Nature played on the boy, and Hoss hated himself for being partner to it.<\/p>\n His fingers could barely touch the dangling end of the rope. Joe strained a bit more and then gasped in horror as he felt his body begin to slide.<\/p>\n \u201cAGH!\u201d he yelled as he used his good hand to grasp at the rock that pressed into his chest.<\/p>\n His fingers clung to the rocks. Joe used his elbow by propping it on the narrow ledge to prevent himself from sinking further down into the hole. Frightened eyes looked upward. High overhead, he could see his brother gazing down into his rocky trap.<\/p>\n \u201cJoe?\u201d<\/p>\n The terrified young man swallowed deeply, frightened to utter a word, let alone move for fear of being swallowed up by the earth.<\/p>\n \u201cJOE! GET THE ROPE!\u201d Hoss shouted.<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2026can\u2019t\u2026Hoss,\u201d whispered Joe.<\/p>\n \u201cWHAT?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2026can\u2019t\u2026\u201d Joe said a little louder.<\/p>\n \u201cWHAT\u2019CHA SAY? I CAN\u2019T HEAR YA, JOE!\u201d<\/p>\n Joe felt the fear gnawing at his insides, or was that tightened feeling the rocks squeezing the very life from him?<\/p>\n \u201cI said\u2026I can\u2019t\u2026I can\u2019t reach the rope, Hoss\u2026\u201d Joe called in a shaky voice. \u201cI\u2026can\u2019t breathe\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n Panic was beginning to set in. Joe felt his body shudder and he suddenly felt chilled. He tried glancing upward, but when he raised his head, everything began to spin. Quickly, Joe shut his eyes tightly, willing away the dizzy feeling in his head.<\/p>\n For several long moments, neither Cartwright uttered a word. Joe was numb with fear. Hoss was at a loss as what to do to save his brother. He knew deep down that the only choice he had was to leave Joe and go in search of help. As he glanced down into the thin slice where Joe clung precariously between the rocks, he could only ask himself if he could go\u2026what if Joe gave up\u2026what if Joe sank further into the crevice, beyond all reach and all hope. What if he went and while he was gone\u2026Joe died? Hoss brushed his hand across his face. He couldn\u2019t just sit there and hope for someone to come by and help him\u2026he had no other choice but to fetch it himself and that meant leaving Joe and going to look for help. Hoss sighed deeply and called out to his brother.<\/p>\n \u201cJoe\u2026listen to me, Punkin, I gotta leave ya\u2026just for a little while. I gotta get help\u2026I can\u2019t get ya outta there all by myself\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNO! GOD NO! HOSS\u2026PLEASE\u2026DON\u201dT LEAVE ME DOWN HERE!\u201d bellowed Joe from far below the earth\u2019s surface.<\/p>\n Hoss felt the sting of tears burn his eyes. His lips pinched together tightly. He knew what he had to do.<\/p>\n \u201cJoe\u2026I\u2019ll come back\u2026ya know that\u2026but I gotta get ya some help\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNO!\u201d sobbed Joe.<\/p>\n The terror had become too much, it overwhelmed the young man;, he lost all sense of reasoning. His chin quivered as tears spilled over the rims of his hazel eyes and ran down the front of his dirt-smudged face, leaving thin white tracks in their wake.<\/p>\n \u201cI gotta, Joe\u2026I\u2019m sorry, Punkin\u2026but I gotta\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n Hoss stood to his feet and untied the rope about his waist, letting it drop to the ground.<\/p>\n \u201cI won\u2019t be long, Joe\u2026I promise\u2026\u201d he called as he turned to go.<\/p>\n He\u2019d only taken a couple of steps when the voice below cried out to him, stopping him in his tracks. Without realizing he was doing so, he clenched his teeth, puckering up his face. Blue eyes stung with tears, giant yet gentle fingers balled tightly forming large, rock-hard fists.<\/p>\n \u201cHOSS\u2026PLEASE\u2026I\u2019M\u2026I\u2019M\u2026SCARED!\u201d<\/p>\n The gentle giant scrunched up his eyes, but he didn\u2019t look back, he knew if he did, he\u2019d not be able to leave the boy whom he loved more than life\u2026but he had too\u2026he had to go. He couldn\u2019t look\u2026he couldn\u2019t bear to see the painful, frightened terror that he knew was showing in his brother\u2019s eyes and in his expression.<\/p>\n \u201cSo am I,\u201d Hoss muttered softly to himself.<\/p>\n Minutes later he was mounted up, racing for home and the help he knew would be there. Silently, to himself, he prayed as the wind brushed dry the tears that had moments ago dampened his face.<\/p>\n \u201cPlease God\u2026not for me\u2026but for Little Joe\u2026don\u2019t let\u2019em fall\u2026please God? Please?\u201d \u201cGiddy-up Chubb,\u201d Hoss ordered his big stallion, kicking the animal in the sides.<\/p>\n Chubb, not used to such rough treatment, skidded sideways a bit and then stretched out full length as he broke into a run. Hoss guided his mount toward home and leaned low over the stead\u2019s broad neck. He pulled his big ten-gallon hat down tight on his head to keep the wind from blowing it off. Mile after mile the horse ran as his master urged him on faster and faster, until at long last the rider pulled back hard on the reins and began slowing the hard breathing animal down to a gentler pace. Chubb had served his owner well and as Hoss drew nearer to home, he knew that Chubby would need cooling down and though Joe\u2019s predicament was foremost in his thoughts, Hoss did not want to risk making his faithful horse sick.<\/p>\n \u201cEasy, big boy,\u201d he said softly as he rode along, letting the big animal set his own pace.<\/p>\n Hoss leaned forward and petted Chubb\u2019s neck. Beneath his fingers he could feel the sticky sweat that had lathered up on his mount\u2019s hide.<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019ll give ya a good rub down, once we get home and get little brother outta that hole in the ground.\u201d<\/p>\n Hearing a noise, Hoss looked up. Suddenly without warning, four riders appeared from the brush and quickly circled the big man, forcing him to pull back on Chubb\u2019s reins and bring the lathered animal to a complete stand still.<\/p>\n Hoss glanced cautiously about him at the guns all pointed toward him. One man, a tall, heavy set man with narrow, mean looking eyes and a whiskered face, urged his own mount forward slightly, breaking the circle that the others had formed around the middle Cartwright son.<\/p>\n \u201cGet ya hands up\u2026and keep\u2019em away from that there gun!\u201d the man ordered.<\/p>\n \u201cWhat\u2019s this all about, Mister?\u201d Hoss beckoned as he slowly did as the man instructed.<\/p>\n \u201cYa name, Cartwright?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWhat if it is?\u201d growled Hoss, impatient to be on his way.<\/p>\n Joe needed him, and these men where causing him undo delay in getting help for his brother.<\/p>\n \u201cI asked ya question, fat boy,\u201d the man in front of Hoss demanded.<\/p>\n Hoss sighed heavily. \u201cYeah, my name\u2019s Cartwright, Hoss Cartwright to be exact, what of it?\u201d<\/p>\n Without warning, Hoss was hit hard over the head from behind where another man had quietly inched forward while Hoss had been pre-occupied talking to the man who was obviously the leader. He slumped forward over Chubb\u2019s neck; all sense of urgency faded from his mind as another man came forward, grabbing his shirt and preventing the gentle giant from falling off his horse.<\/p>\n \u201cTie him to the saddle so\u2019s he won\u2019t fall off\u2026and make it fast, I gotta present for the mighty Ben Cartwright,\u201d sneered the boss man in a chuckle.<\/p>\n \u201cHe ain\u2019t gonna like this, Boss,\u201d Barry, the man who had hit Hoss over the head, said with a shake of his head.<\/p>\n \u201cDo ya think I care what that bastard thinks? He owes me, big time,\u201d Giles snapped, \u201cand I aim on collecting on what\u2019s rightfully mine. If\u2019n he wants this big ape back alive, he\u2019ll pay me the hundred thousand dollars he stole from me\u2026or the boy dies\u2026I ain\u2019t got no qualms about killin\u2019 him. Take him back to the hideout, I\u2019m gonna pay his old man a nice friendly little visit. Now come on, let\u2019s get a move on!\u201d he snapped as he reached down and grabbed Hoss\u2019 hat from the ground where it had fallen.<\/p>\n Giles Womack turned his horse about and headed down the hill toward the Ponderosa ranch house. He\u2019d give Ben a choice, pay up for the grief he had cost him or watch the fat man die, slowly and painfully, Giles snickered softly to himself. It would be fun to watch how the high and mighty Ben Cartwright would react as he watched what he\u2019d do to his boy. It would almost be worth losing the hundred thousand that was stolen from him, Giles reckoned\u2026almost. Joe inhaled deeply, trying to relieve that pressure in his chest. Sweat beads dotted his brow and dripped into his eyes. The break in his left arm had sparked a session of painful spasms that ran from his shoulder to the tips of his fingers. Joe clenched his teeth to keep from crying out. He tipped his head backward, attempting to see up toward the outer edge of the deep crevice, but the sun\u2019s position had moved since his brother had left him in search of help, and Joe could barely see the outline of the crevice. It would be dark soon, the young man thought. That knowledge caused him to shudder at the idea of having to remain stuck between the thick slabs of cold rock for the duration of the night.<\/p>\n Maybe Hoss would be back before much longer, Joe hoped, he\u2019d already been gone a couple of hours, the young man decided, as he looked up again at the fading of day. Joe gulped; it would be dark, very dark in the crevice\u2026and cold\u2026or was that his fear that caused him to shiver?<\/p>\n \u201cPlease, God\u2026make him hurry\u2026\u201d muttered Joe softly to himself.<\/p>\n With nothing else to do but hang between the rocks where his lower body was wedged tightly, Joe closed his eyes. As long as he remained perfectly still, he felt sure he would not slide any deeper. He took short, shallow breaths in order not to inhale so deeply that his chest would become smaller, least he slip further into the crack in the rocks.<\/p>\n \u201cHoss\u2026hurry\u2026I\u2026need you,\u201d Joe whispered with clenched, parched lips. \u201cI\u2019ll get it,\u201d Ben said, causing Adam to raise his head and watch as his father walked quickly to the front door.<\/p>\n Ben pushed back the lock and opened the door. There standing before him was a stranger with a gun pointed right at his middle. Giles Womack shoved the barrel deeply into Ben\u2019s gut and pushed, forcing Ben to take a step back.<\/p>\n \u201cHowdy, Mister Cartwright,\u201d Giles said in a tone that was anything but cordial.<\/p>\n Quickly Adam rose to his feet, sensing rather than seeing that the man posed some sort of danger.<\/p>\n \u201cDon\u2019t ya move, boy,\u201d Giles, who had seen Adam backing up toward the gun case, said as he waved his revolver carelessly about under Ben\u2019s nose.<\/p>\n Adam froze.<\/p>\n \u201cWho are you\u2026and what do you want?\u201d demanded Ben, as he kept a sharp eye on the man and his gun.<\/p>\n \u201cAww\u2026ya tellin\u2019 me ya don\u2019t remember me? That makes me feel bad\u2026\u201d sneered Giles wickedly.<\/p>\n Ben studied the man\u2019s face. Something about the man\u2019s voice and the way he spoke seemed to stir a memory in Ben\u2019s mind.<\/p>\n \u201cDown Carson City way? About five years ago?\u201d Giles attempted to jar the memory lose from the back corners of his host\u2019s mind.<\/p>\n Ben squeezed his brows together trying to recall the event, but nothing came to mind.<\/p>\n \u201cWell, hell man\u2026I\u2019d remember a man if\u2019n I stole a hundred thousand dollars away from him!\u201d snarled Giles.<\/p>\n Ben shook his head, confused and glanced at Adam and then back at the angry stranger.<\/p>\n \u201cI have no clue what you\u2019re talking about!\u201d Ben practically shouted. \u201cI\u2019ve never stolen any thing in my life\u2026let alone a hundred thousand dollars\u2026you must have me confused with someone else or you\u2019re just plain crazy!\u201d<\/p>\n Giles laughed. It was a wicked, threatening sound. He shoved the end of his pistol into Ben\u2019s stomach once again.<\/p>\n \u201cT\u2019weren\u2019t actually cash old man\u2026more like property. I went there to buy Jud Larson\u2019s place and everything that went with it\u2026but ya got there just a few hours ahead of me and bought everything the old man had for sale\u2026including his herd of prime beef, a small herd of some of the finest horses around and all his mine and timber holdins\u2019.\u201d<\/p>\n Realization began to dawn on Ben then and it showed in his expression and in the depths of his eyes.<\/p>\n \u201cI remember\u2026Jud was holding the estate for you\u2026with your promise that you\u2019d be there before noon, or the deal was off. I got there that morning and waited to be sure you showed up\u2026you failed to do so\u2026so he sold everything to me\u2026lock, stock and barrel\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYa stole it from me\u2026that\u2019s what\u2019cha did\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI remember that deal,\u201d said Adam as he came to stand beside his father. \u201cMy father bought that estate in a fair and honest deal\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThat ain\u2019t so\u2026I told old man Larson what kept me\u2026I even sent him a telegram sayin\u2019 I\u2019d be a couple hours late\u2026but he refused to wait\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYou didn\u2019t keep your end of the bargain\u2026Jud had every right to sell to me\u2026\u201d Ben explained.<\/p>\n \u201cLike hell he did!\u201d growled Giles. \u201cI\u2019d been cor-e-spondin\u2019 with\u2019em for nearly six months about that place of his\u2019n\u2026and ya come along in lessen two weeks and stole the entire deal right out from under me! Now I figure ya owe me\u2026either ya gonna give me the place, and all the stock that went with it\u2026or\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cOr what?\u201d Ben dared. \u201cI don\u2019t owe you a thing\u2026as I said\u2026I bought that estate fair and square\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cOr I kill ya kid,\u201d grinned Giles.<\/p>\n Ben stood in shock. Adam inhaled deeply, wondering what in the world the man meant. Hoss and Joe had left that morning, bright and early, headed for the north pasture to drive strays down from the rim rock area.<\/p>\n \u201cWhat did you say?\u201d Ben demanded.<\/p>\n \u201cI said, give me the deeds to the Larson place, or pay up what I could of bought it for, which was a hundred grand\u2026or I kill the boy\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n Ben\u2019s eyes grew dark, but he hid the fear that quickly washed over him. His mind raced. Joe and Hoss were way up at the far end of the north pasture looking for strays. Who was Giles referring to, he silently asked himself.<\/p>\n \u201cThis is the only son here\u2026surely you don\u2019t mean to shoot him down in cold blood,\u201d Ben said in a stressful tone as he glanced over at Adam.<\/p>\n Giles laughed. \u201cNo stupid\u2026I mean the kid who wears this\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n Giles reached into his shirt and pulled out Hoss\u2019 crumpled hat and tossed it down at Ben\u2019s feet. When Ben bent down to retrieve the hat, Giles snickered. Ben quickly snatched the ten-gallon Stetson from the floor and held it lovingly in his hand as he twisted it around by the rim. He swallowed hard. Adam stepped forward and took the hat from his father. He noticed how Ben\u2019s hand shook and when he glanced into his father\u2019s face, he noted the deep, dark angry sparks that seemed to shoot from his eyes.<\/p>\n \u201cWhere\u2026or I should say, how did you get this?\u201d Ben demanded, pointing to the hat that Adam was now holding.<\/p>\n Giles made a smirk. \u201cSimple, I took it\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHow!\u201d growled Adam.<\/p>\n \u201cJust like I said\u2026I took it\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThere\u2019s no way a scrawny runt like you could take this away from my brother\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n Again Giles felt the urge to laugh. \u201cI got it, don\u2019t I?\u201d<\/p>\n Adam and Ben exchanged glances.<\/p>\n \u201cWasn\u2019t so hard\u2026see, my men\u2026oh yeah\u2026I forgot to mention them\u2026they\u2019re holding on to the boy for me\u2026can\u2019t tell ya where\u2026but we stopped him. He was ridin\u2019 hard\u2026headed this way and when we saw him slow his horse down\u2026sure was lathered that big stallion was\u2026well, anyhow\u2026we stopped him. He came along without no trouble\u2026course he\u2019s gonna have a pretty good goose egg on his head\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n Ben\u2019s eyes, if possible grew darker. He bravely stepped closer to his unworthy guest.<\/p>\n \u201cIf you\u2019ve hurt him\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cAw\u2026he\u2019s so big\u2026a bump on the noggin ain\u2019t gonna do him no harm\u2026but if\u2019n ya don\u2019t do like I said\u2026well\u2026he could wind up\u2026dead!\u201d grinned Giles.<\/p>\n Ben took a deep breath and looked Adam\u2019s way. Both were thinking the same thing. Where was Little Joe\u2026and why was Hoss in such a hurry to get home\u2026Giles had said that Chubb was lathered\u2026which could only mean that something must be wrong.<\/p>\n Ben swallowed; his belly began to churn; something must have happened to Joe and Hoss was on his way to get help. Some of the anger that showed in his eyes was lost now, but Adam could see that the rage had been replaced with something else\u2026uneasiness.<\/p>\n \u201cI don\u2019t have a hundred thousand dollars in cash\u2026I don\u2019t keep that kind of money lying around the house, you know,\u201d Ben said as he turned back to Giles. \u201cAnd the deeds to the Larson property are locked in the vault at the bank in Virginia City\u2026and it\u2019s Friday night\u2026the bank won\u2019t open until Monday morning\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n For a fraction of a second, Giles looked as if he were at a loss for words.<\/p>\n \u201cDamn,\u201d he muttered, he hadn\u2019t thought about what day of the week it was or that the bank would possibly be closed. Monday was two whole days away\u2026he and his men couldn\u2019t possibly hang around that long!<\/p>\n And neither could Joe for that matter!! Even the soft groan echoed between the rocks that held the young man prisoner. Joe opened his eyes, but he could see nothing, for it was dark overhead and pitch black within the walls of his confine.<\/p>\n His breathing was forced; each breath he took drained his dwindling strength just a bit more. Joe fought to stay awake, but the lack of oxygen in his starving lungs left him weak and drowsy. He licked his lips, hungering for a drop of water to wet his mouth. His dirty chin quivered but no tears filled his eyes, for his body was slowly beginning to dry up. Joe tried to swallow but his mouth had become so dried that it was nearly impossible. Death lirked in the darkness, watched from the shadows and waited for just the right moment to step out, showing itself and claim its victim. He kept his sharp eye on the two men as he stepped backward toward the dining room to peek around the corner of the wall to see into the kitchen.<\/p>\n \u201cPa\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cShh\u2026we have to find out where Hoss is first\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cShut up!\u201d<\/p>\n Ben pressed his lips tightly. Adam balled up his fists as they swapped looks.<\/p>\n \u201cWe\u2019re just trying to figure a way out of this\u2026without someone getting hurt, or killed,\u201d Ben explained as he motioned for Adam to sit down.<\/p>\n Giles came back from the kitchen door waving his gun in the air.<\/p>\n \u201cCome on\u2026into the kitchen,\u201d he snarled, pointing with his pistol. He looked at Adam with a fierce look. \u201cYa can fix something to eat\u2026make it enough for four men\u2026the fat boy ain\u2019t gotta eat\u2026\u201d instructed Giles.<\/p>\n Adam stepped passed the uninvited intruder, followed by Ben as both marched into the kitchen. Adam sighed deeply but did as instructed. Giles pointed to a chair, indicating that Ben should sit down, which he complied. His thoughts were on his middle and third son. Where were they\u2026what had happened that had sent Hoss riding wildly for home\u2026was Little Joe alright, or was the boy lying hurt somewhere, perhaps dying\u2026or could he already be dead? Ben\u2019s heart was in his throat.<\/p>\n \u201cLook\u2026why don\u2019t we ride into town\u2026I\u2019ll go to the banker\u2019s house, explain the situation to him, perhaps he\u2019ll open the bank and give me the money\u2026or the deeds, which ever you prefer?\u201d suggested Ben.<\/p>\n He dare not mention Little Joe to this crazed man. Best he concentrate on finding out where Hoss was and getting him free\u2026as soon as possible.<\/p>\n \u201cYa think I\u2019m nuts? And I suppose while you\u2019re lookin\u2019 for the banker, this here other son of yours will be hunting for the sheriff. What do you take me for Cartwright\u2026an idiot?\u201d<\/p>\n Adam, his back to the man, rolled his eyes upward. \u201cWouldn\u2019t be far from wrong\u2026\u201d he muttered softly to himself.<\/p>\n \u201cYou say something, smart mouth?\u201d barked Giles turning and glaring at Adam\u2019s back.<\/p>\n Adam twisted his head around to look over his shoulder at the man holding the gun on him. Behind Giles, Ben had risen from his chair. Adam kept talking to the man in front on him, giving Ben time to pick up the heavy pot that lay on the table. Just as Ben raised the pot high over his head, Giles spun around. Seeing that he was about to be bonked, he fired his gun, wounding Ben in the right arm.<\/p>\n Instantly, the pot dropped to the floor with a loud clang. Ben grabbed his arm. Giles grabbed Ben by the shirt and shoved him down into the chair. With Ben incapacitated, Giles raised his arm and whacked Ben across the shoulder with his gun. Ben groaned loudly and slumped over, unconscious, into the floor. As he did so, Adam raced forward in an attempt to help his father, but Giles, turned around, pointed the gun directly at Adam\u2019s heart and pulled back on the trigger.<\/p>\n Adam stopped, frozen to the spot where he stood, looking with horror at his father who lay motionless on the hard wooden floor of the kitchen.<\/p>\n \u201cDon\u2019t make a move\u2026I\u2019d just as soon kill you as that big ox you call brother, or your old man\u2026now get back over there and finish filling that sack\u2026and hurry it up!\u201d ordered Giles.<\/p>\n Ben lay in the floor for several moments before coming too enough that he could pull himself up using the chair. Once he was able to sit back down, he covered his injured arm with his free hand, seeing the blood that dripped from the bullet wound. He gritted his teeth as he watched his son finish with putting food supplies into the sack. When he was through, Adam held the sack out for Giles.<\/p>\n Giles grabbed the sack from Adam\u2019s hand and then looked from Adam, down to Ben, who sat somewhat lopsided in the chair.<\/p>\n \u201cYa got until this time tomorrow to get the money\u2026forget the deeds\u2026me and my gang ain\u2019t hangin\u2019 \u2018round this place. I\u2019ll be back tomorrow night and if\u2019n ya got my hundred thousand, I\u2019ll tell ya where to find ya kid\u2026if\u2019n ya ain\u2019t, I\u2019ll send word to my men\u2026and they\u2019ll kill the big ape. Got that, Cartwright?\u201d Giles stated as he backed toward the door.<\/p>\n \u201cHow do I know you\u2019ll keep your word\u2026what\u2019s stopping you from killing my son anyway, after you\u2019ve gotten the money?\u201d demanded Ben through clenched teeth.<\/p>\n Giles cocked his head to one side and grinned at Ben. \u201cGuess ya just goin\u2019a have\u2019ta trust me, ain\u2019t ya?\u201d he said, and then disappeared out the door.<\/p>\n Instantly, Adam rushed over to his father and knelt down, trying to see the bullet wound.<\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s nothing, son, the bullet only grazed my arm\u2026go after him\u2026follow him, he\u2019s bound to head back to their hideout\u2026see if you can find Hoss\u2026but be careful!\u201d<\/p>\n Adam quickly stood to his feet. \u201cAlright, Pa\u2026but what about you\u2026and Joe?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019ll be fine\u2026and once you free Hoss\u2026he\u2019ll know where Joe is\u2026now hurry son. I\u2019m going to ride into town and see Mr. Humphrey, the banker, and then have a talk with Roy\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cBe careful, Pa,\u201d Adam called as he too disappeared out the door after Giles. Joe opened his eyes and strained to look upward toward the rim of the crevice, hoping to see a familiar face. Disappointment shown in his tormented eyes, though there was not one present to see.<\/p>\n \u201cHurry\u2026Hoss\u2026please,\u201d Joe murmured as his eyes closed once more. \u201cI\u2019m trying\u2026but\u2026I don\u2019t know how much\u2026longer I can\u2026hold on\u2026\u201d \u201cOh, Ben\u2026I know that\u2026but the bank just isn\u2019t equipped to loan out that kind of money\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019ll sign a paper\u2026anything\u2026you know I\u2019m good for the money\u2026I\u2019ll\u2026I\u2019ll give you the Ponderosa for collateral if that\u2019s what you want, Henry\u2026you know that its worth far more than what I\u2019m asking\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cBen\u2026I couldn\u2019t ask you to do that\u2026why, everyone knows what that ranch means to you\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cMy sons mean more, Henry,\u201d Ben said with determination.<\/p>\n The banker sighed heavily. \u201cAlright Ben\u2026lets go down to my office and see what we can work out.\u201d Adam pushed aside the bushes, being careful not to make a sound. The fire the gang had started the night before, was almost burned out. It was light enough now that Adam could plainly see Hoss across the camp. The big man was tied tightly, his long arms stretched around the trunk of a tree that served as a prop for Hoss\u2019 back. Adam noted the bruises that marred the pudgy face and knew without having to be told that his brother had put up quite a fight before being subdued and restrained to the tree.<\/p>\n He\u2019d have to come up with a plan, and quick too, if he were to get Hoss out of there before Giles returned to the ranch and demanded payment\u2026which Adam knew his father would pay if it guaranteed his brother\u2019s return. The loss of that much money would put them in a financial strain, but considering the consequences, Ben would risk anything to save a son.<\/p>\n Adam watched as Giles made his way over to where Hoss was tied. Giles bent down, saying something to his prisoner, but Adam was unable to hear what was being said. He was able to hear Hoss laugh but gasped when he saw Giles backhand Hoss across his face. Giles rose from his squatting position and spun around, making his way back to the dying fire.<\/p>\n \u201cGet me some coffee,\u201d he demanded of his men.<\/p>\n The only man that Adam knew to be in camp and guarding his brother, jumped up, quick to obey the command. He poured a cup full of the hot brew and then handed it to Giles.<\/p>\n \u201cTonight\u2026I will have my revenge. Cartwright will pay me what he owes me\u2026\u201d Giles glanced over at Hoss, whose lip was now showing signs of blood from where he\u2019d been hit. \u201cAnd I will give the high and mighty Cartwright back his son\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYa really gonna send the fat man back?\u201d the coffee pourer said, in awe of the comment.<\/p>\n Giles lowered his cup, which had been halfway to his mouth and stared at the man.<\/p>\n \u201cOf course I am\u2026I don\u2019t break my promises,\u201d he laughed wickedly, \u201conly Cartwright thinks the boy\u2019s gonna be alive\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cBut he ain\u2019t, right?\u201d snickered the other man.<\/p>\n \u201cNope\u2026he\u2019s gonna be deader than\u2026say\u2026where\u2019s Pete and Andy?\u201d Giles demanded spinning around and realizing for the first time that two of his men were missing.<\/p>\n \u201cWe\u2019re right here, boss,\u201d said Pete as he and Andy came pushing through the brush. \u201cAnd look what we found nosing around\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n Hoss glanced up, stunned to see his older brother being manhandled into the clearing. Adam\u2019s head was slumped low over his chest; Giles\u2019 two men stood on either side of Adam, supporting his body as they dragged him into camp.<\/p>\n Giles dropped his tin cup, spilling the contents onto the ground as he rushed over to his men. Grabbing a handful of the raven hair, he yanked the stranger\u2019s head upward and then gasped loudly.<\/p>\n \u201cIts Ben Cartwright\u2019s son\u2026\u201d he laughed, sounding pleased. \u201cWell, well\u2026what do you know\u2026now I have two of his sons to return to him,\u201d Giles gloated. \u201cThis is getting better and better all the time. Tie him up over there,\u201d Giles ordered, cocking his head sideways toward the tree where Hoss was being restrained.<\/p>\n The two men did as ordered, leaving Adam tied on the opposite side of the tree that Hoss was tied to. When finished, Pete and Andy returned to the fire and sat down.<\/p>\n \u201cAdam\u2026psst\u2026Adam?\u201d whispered Hoss as he strained his neck, trying to see over his shoulder. It was no use; his brother was out cold. \u201cAdam should be back by the time we get there. Hopefully he\u2019ll have some news to report. I warned him about taking on Giles and his gang by himself,\u201d Ben added.<\/p>\n \u201cOnce we have this here varmint in our control, he\u2019ll tell us where he\u2019s hiding Hoss\u2026don\u2019t worry, Ben, we\u2019ll get your boy back\u2026both of them,\u201d Roy promised. \u201cMount up men!\u201d<\/p>\n Ben took a deep breath and did the same. The plan that he and the sheriff had conjured up seemed like a good one, at the time, but now Ben was having second thoughts. What if Giles refused to tell them where Hoss was being held prisoner? He\u2019d already said that if the money were not delivered to him, Hoss would surely die\u2026and what about Little Joe, pondered Ben. Where was he\u2026what had happened to him\u2026why hadn\u2019t he come home\u2026was he able\u2026was he hurt, or worse\u2026dead? All these thoughts raced through the older man\u2019s mind, causing his head to start pounding fiercely. Ben rubbed his palm against his temple.<\/p>\n \u201cHead hurtin\u2019, Ben?\u201d Roy asked, noticing his friend\u2019s gesture.<\/p>\n Ben glanced over at Roy and nodded. \u201cYeah\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cMaybe ya should stop over at the doc\u2019s office and have ya head looked at?\u201d Roy suggested as he mounted up, anxious to catch up with his men.<\/p>\n \u201cNo\u2026I\u2019ll be alright, come on, let\u2019s ride,\u201d Ben said, swinging into his saddle. \u201cAdam,\u201d whispered Hoss.<\/p>\n \u201cYeah?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYa alright?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cMy head hurts like hell, but other than that, I\u2019m fine\u2026how about you?\u201d Adam asked.<\/p>\n He turned to see Giles and his gang sitting around the fire, which had been stoked and was now burning again.<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m alright\u2026but listen, Adam\u2026we gotta find some way to get outta this mess\u2026Little Joe\u2019s hurt\u2026bad\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWe figured as much\u2026where is he\u2026how bad\u2019s he hurt?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHe\u2019s over at the rim rock\u2026he slipped, fell into a deep crevice and he\u2019s stuck tight\u2026\u2019tween the rocks. I tried to get\u2019em out, but he\u2019s too deep, the rope was too dang short and I\u2019m too dang fat\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cGood grief,\u201d muttered Adam. \u201cPa and I figured something must have been wrong, Giles mentioned that when he stopped you, your horse was lathered\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYeah,\u201d sighed Hoss, \u201cOle Chubb done run like the devil was after\u2019em. Got any ideay how to get outta here? Joe\u2019s probably given up by now\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n Adam twisted his head around as far as he could so that he could barely see Hoss\u2019 profile.<\/p>\n \u201cNo\u2026don\u2019t worry about that, Joe\u2019s never given up on anything in his life, Hoss, you know that\u2026he won\u2019t quit now either.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cGuess ya right, he sure is a stubborn little cuss\u2026but Adam\u2026he sure was scared\u2026being stuck down there and it gettin\u2019 dark and all\u2026you know how he is. And \u2018sides, I promised not to be gone long\u2026he begged me not to go\u2026\u201d Hoss puckered up his lips recalling how his younger brother had pleaded with him not to leave him alone. \u201cIt\u2019s been hours\u2026he probably thinks I ain\u2019t comin\u2019 back.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNonsense, he knows better,\u201d Adam said, trying to console his brother. \u201cLets see what we can do to get out of here\u2026HEY YOU!\u201d he shouted, drawing Giles and his men\u2019s attention. Ben dismounted and led his horse to the barn. Roy ordered his men to dismount and set about giving them orders as to where to hide and get ready for Giles to return. When Ben had finished with grooming his horse for the night, he went directly to the house. Hop Sing had a small supper prepared and waiting for him.<\/p>\n \u201cI take it Adam hasn\u2019t returned?\u201d he asked his cook.<\/p>\n \u201cNo sir, Mista Cart\u2019lite\u2026no one here all day but Hop Sing.\u201d<\/p>\n Ben tried to push the anxious feeling to the back of his mind and plan ahead for when Giles showed up. He had the money; he prayed that Giles had his son Hoss\u2026and that Adam would return; he was anxious to know what his eldest son had found out.<\/p>\n \u201cYou eat, Boss,\u201d Hop Sing ordered gently, pointing to the table.<\/p>\n \u201cThank you, Hop Sing, but honestly, I\u2019m not very hungry,\u201d Ben said, though he did take a bite of the potatoes on his plate. \u201cI have some thinking to do\u2026\u201d Adam watched as the man came closer.<\/p>\n \u201cHow long you going to leave us like this? I thought you had an appointment with my father?\u201d Adam asked.<\/p>\n Giles turned to the others and grinned and then looked down at Adam.<\/p>\n \u201cI do\u2026but you\u2019re not part of that meetin\u2019, only the big guy there,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n \u201cMy father is going to get suspicious if I\u2019m not back by the time he gets back from town with the money\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cDo you think I care what your father thinks? I don\u2019t\u2026I only want one thing from him\u2026and that\u2019s what he owes me. After I get that\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cBut you won\u2019t get the money, if my father doesn\u2019t get Hoss\u2026and if I\u2019m not back\u2026he just might decide not to let you have it\u2026unless we go along with you\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWhat!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cSure\u2026instead of one hostage, you\u2019ll have two\u2026that\u2019s twice the insurance you need to be guaranteed that Pa will pay you\u2026think about it\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThe man\u2019s right, Giles\u2026Cartwright\u2019s more likely to part with his money, if\u2019n ya promise to give him back both his sons,\u201d Andy offered, while Pete stood back and nodded his head in agreement.<\/p>\n Giles seemed to be thinking about the suggestion. Wouldn\u2019t matter either way, he decided, he aimed on killin\u2019 the fat man any way\u2026he\u2019d just as soon gun down two of Ben Cartwright\u2019s boys as one.<\/p>\n \u201cSure,\u201d he said after giving it some thought. \u201cWe\u2019ll take\u2019em both, old man Cartwright won\u2019t put up much fight, \u2018specially with a couple of gun\u2019s aimed at his kids\u2019 heads\u2026after we get the money\u2026we\u2019ll kill\u2019em both, right in front of the old buzzard\u2026give\u2019em somethin\u2019 to remember us by,\u201d laughed Giles wickedly.<\/p>\n Pete and Andy swapped worried glances, they weren\u2019t big on killin\u2019 a man, or in this case, two, out right for no good reason, but they knew better\u2019n to argue with their leader.<\/p>\n \u201cCome on, get\u2019em untied from that tree and put them on a couple of horses, it\u2019s a long right back to the Ponderosa,\u201d Giles sneered.<\/p>\n As Pete and Andy set about undoing Adam and Hoss\u2019 hands, the two brothers exchanged glances. As Hoss\u2019 hands were freed, he rubbed his large beefy fingers about his wrists to stimulate some circulation. Adam did the same.<\/p>\n \u201cHurry up, get them on a horse and tie their hands again, so\u2019s they won\u2019t get away,\u201d issued Giles.<\/p>\n Before Pete or Andy could make a move, Adam silently nodded his head at Hoss and motioned toward the man nearest to his brother. Hoss understood the unspoken gesture and together, acting as one, both Adam and Hoss charged their two abductors, knocking both to the ground at the same time.<\/p>\n Hoss\u2019 battle with Pete was short lived as he wrestled the smaller man about the ground and delivering one solid punch, rendered the man unconscious. Quickly he grabbed Pete\u2019s gun from the ground where it was tossed and pointed it at Andy who was still wrestling with Adam. The third man went for his gun, but Hoss fired first, killing the man instantly. Giles, hearing the commotion, spun around to find his men incapacitated. As he went for his gun, Hoss fired a warning shot, causing Giles to freeze.<\/p>\n \u201cDrop it\u2026nice and slow like,\u201d he warned the leader of the gang.<\/p>\n Carefully, Giles did as ordered. Andy had given up his fight with Adam and slowly got to his feet. Hoss waved his pistol at the man, signaling for him to join his boss.<\/p>\n \u201cWatch them, Hoss, I\u2019ll get the rope and tie them up\u2026we\u2019ll deliver them to Pa. Then we\u2019ll go rescue Little Joe\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI sure hope it ain\u2019t too late\u2026he\u2019s been hangin\u2019 in that crevice a mighty long time,\u201d Hoss sighed.<\/p>\n Adam made quick work of tying the hands of all three gangsters on their horses. The dead man, he strapped across his own horse and secured the body with a length of rope. He turned and forced a smile for his brother.<\/p>\n \u201cI told you, Hoss\u2026Little Joe\u2019s not a quitter\u2026he might think he can\u2019t hang on\u2026but trust me, he will\u2026\u201dAnd in his heart, he prayed he was right, for both Hoss\u2019 and Little Joe\u2019s sake. \u201cHoss\u2026thank God, you\u2019re alright! Welcome home\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThanks, Pa\u2026what happened to your arm?\u201d Hoss asked.<\/p>\n \u201cOh\u2026it\u2019s nothing, I\u2019ll tell you about it later.\u201d Ben turned to Adam, smiling. \u201cWell, I see you\u2019ve brought company!\u201d he said, nodding toward Giles and his two cronies.<\/p>\n \u201cYep\u2026didn\u2019t take much to out smart them\u2026\u201d snickered Adam.<\/p>\n \u201cROY!\u201d shouted Ben as he turned back to Adam to explain. \u201cHis men are hiding out, everywhere\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n Roy appeared then from the barn. \u201cI see you Cartwright boys are doin\u2019 my job again!\u201d he said with a mock frown.<\/p>\n \u201cYep, sure have, Sheriff,\u201d laughed Hoss. He turned to his father. \u201cPa\u2026we gotta go\u2026Joe\u2019s stuck between two rocks and I promised him hours ago I\u2019d be back as soon as possible\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cStuck, what do you mean? I knew something had happened to him\u2026come on, we best hurry\u2026you can explain it all to me on the way\u2026is he hurt\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cPa\u2026we might need a couple more men\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cTake Jack and Wes with you,\u201d offered Roy, \u201cI can handle these varmints\u2026being as how ya done tied them up and all. Bill, you and Tom ride back into town with me\u2026Ben, ya want me to send Doc Martin out this way?\u201d<\/p>\n Hoss spoke up before giving his father time to answer the question.<\/p>\n \u201cYa better, Roy\u2026Joe\u2019s arm is broken and I don\u2019t know for sure if\u2019n anything else is hurt\u2026come on, we better hurry,\u201d Hoss insisted as he remounted his horse.<\/p>\n Within minutes, Ben, Adam, Hoss and two of Roy\u2019s deputies were riding fast toward the rim rock where Hoss had left his younger brother, many hours before. Deep down inside of him, Hoss feared for his younger brother. His heart cried out in silent fear, was Little Joe still alive, had the boy given up, did Joe believe that his older brother, had for the first time ever, lied to him or failed him? Hoss pushed his mount on faster. He had to know\u2026and he wouldn\u2019t stop until he did.<\/p>\n \u201cGiddy-up Chubb,\u201d Hoss shouted as he leaned low over the big stallion\u2019s neck.<\/p>\n He pushed his hat down deep on his head and used the ends of the reins to slap the stead\u2019s backside. As he had done before, Chubb raced toward the rim rock with Adam, Ben and the two deputies following close behind.<\/p>\n As soon as the Cartwrights reached the site, all three slid from their saddles and raced to the rim of the crevice. Hoss flattened himself on the ground and leaned daringly over the edge.<\/p>\n \u201cLITTLE JOE!\u201d shouted Hoss.<\/p>\n \u201cJOSEPH!\u201d yelled Ben when no response was returned.<\/p>\n \u201cHEY, JOE!\u201d echoed Adam.<\/p>\n Nothing but silence followed the anxious cries. All three men looked from one to the other. Adam scrambled to his feet and began pulling off his vest.<\/p>\n \u201cHoss, get a rope, and a canteen\u2026I\u2019m going down\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n Hoss pulled his massive frame up from the ground and hurried to do his brother\u2019s bidding. As soon as he returned with the rope, Ben helped Adam tie it around his waist.<\/p>\n \u201cYou be careful down there, son\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cDon\u2019t worry, Pa\u2026I intend to just that,\u201d Adam said as he adjusted the rope.<\/p>\n \u201cYou boys help Hoss lower me into the crevice, Pa, can you guide the rope to keep it from getting snagged?\u201d Adam asked.<\/p>\n \u201cSure\u2026\u201d Ben confirmed as Adam began inching his way into the deep crevice.<\/p>\n Ben lay on the ground looking into the earth\u2019s hole and watching as his son sank deeper and deeper into the vastness that had swallowed up his youngest son. It was several moments until Ben heard Adam call up to give him some slack on the rope.<\/p>\n Ben, his eyes never leaving the fissure, motioned for Hoss and the other two men to stop. Hoss handed his end of the rope to one of the other men and hurried to join his father at the edge of the crack in the earth.<\/p>\n \u201cHOW IS HE? IS HE HURT BADLY?\u201d Ben shouted to Adam.<\/p>\n \u201cHOLD ON\u2026\u201d came Adam\u2019s reply.<\/p>\n Joe\u2019s face was ashen, his lips had turned a light shade of blue and he was wavering in and out of consciousness. Adam found a foothold and braced his feet as he leaned his shoulder against the cold rock, attempting to brace his body to stay level with Joe.<\/p>\n \u201cJoe,\u201d Adam said softly as he gently lifted the boy\u2019s head. \u201cHey buddy\u2026can you open your eyes for me?\u201d Adam asked after checking to be sure that the entrapped boy was still alive. He sighed in relief, not realizing he had been holding his breath.<\/p>\n He watched as Joe struggled to do as the voice had asked him to do. Joe\u2019s long lashes fluttered.<\/p>\n \u201cThat\u2019s it\u2026here, swallow some of this,\u201d Adam said as he gently poured a small amount of water into his brother\u2019s mouth.<\/p>\n Joe swallowed the cool liquid and then sputtered. His eyes opened briefly.<\/p>\n \u201cAdam?\u201d murmured Joe as he tried to focus his eyes on the image in front of him.<\/p>\n \u201cYeah, Pal\u2026it\u2019s me\u2026how you doing?\u201d Adam said.<\/p>\n \u201cAw\u2026hurting some\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cDid you think we weren\u2019t coming?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNo\u2026I knew Hoss would get help\u2026but it\u2026sure took\u2026him long enough\u2026\u201d Joe said with a painful smile.<\/p>\n \u201cYeah\u2026well, sorry about that, kid\u2026I\u2019ll tell you all about it later\u2026but first, let\u2019s see about getting you out of this mess.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHE\u2019S TALKING, PA\u2026\u201d Adam called up to his father. \u201cDROP DOWN ANOTHER ROPE!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cPa\u2019s here too?\u201d Joe asked between struggling for a breath.<\/p>\n \u201cPa, Hoss and a couple of other men. Here, lets get this rope around you and see if we can pull you up\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n Quickly, Adam fastened the second rope around Joe\u2019s chest and secured the knot. He studied the tight crack in the slabs of rock where Joe\u2019s body had become wedged. His brother was fitted as snuggly between the rocks as a hand is fitted into a glove. Adam pinched his lips tightly together, getting his brother freed would not be as easy as he had first thought.<\/p>\n \u201cJoe, can you move your lower body, at all?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNo\u2026I can\u2019t feel anything, Adam,\u201d Joe said.<\/p>\n Adam noted the fearful expression on his brother\u2019s face and offered the young man a small smile.<\/p>\n \u201cDon\u2019t worry, Joe, it\u2019s because you\u2019re wedged in there so tightly\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI don\u2019t know, Adam\u2026I\u2019m\u2026stuck pretty good\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n Adam rolled his eyes and patted Joe on the head. \u201cYou always were a glutton for punishment,\u201d he laughed softly.<\/p>\n \u201cLet\u2019s see if we can stick your arm into your shirt, it\u2019ll keep it from moving around so much and hurting you.\u201d Adam opened his brother\u2019s shirt and moved Joe\u2019s broken arm as easily as possible until he had it secured inside the boy\u2019s shirt. Joe tried to stifle his pain filled cries.<\/p>\n \u201cSorry, Pal,\u201d Adam apologized for causing his brother undo pain. \u201cAlright, Joe, get ready\u2026I\u2019m going to tell Hoss to start pulling. When you feel the rope tighten, see if you can wiggle your lower body.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHOSS\u2026START PULLING HIM UP\u2026BUT GO SLOWLY!\u201d<\/p>\n Overhead, Hoss and the two men gently began tugging on the rope. Ben, unable to help because of his own injury, watched anxiously, his eyes darting from his middle son to the two inside the earth\u2019s core. Below, Adam held the slack in the rope until the rope was pulled taunt.<\/p>\n \u201cEASY NOW!\u201d<\/p>\n The rope tightened about Joe\u2019s chest. He felt the first tug on the rope as it strained to pull his body free from its earthen prison. As the rope tightened, Joe\u2019s jaw clenched tightly to keep from crying out. The pressure of the rope on his chest, cut into his flesh. His broken arm blazed with a fiery burning sensation. The lower half of his body refused to dislodge. When the pressure became too much to endure, Joe cried out in pain.<\/p>\n \u201cAUGH!!! Adam\u2026it hurts too much,\u201d he sputtered between gasps of breaths. His words were broken and filled with pain.<\/p>\n Instantly Adam scrambled up a ways calling out to the ones overhead.<\/p>\n \u201cSTOP\u2026HOSS! STOP\u2026YOU\u2019RE RIPPING HIM IN TWO!\u201d<\/p>\n Instantly the rope went slack. Joe drew in a deep breath of air and let it out slowly. His fearful eyes watched his older brother\u2019s face.<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m gonna die in here, aren\u2019t I, Adam?\u201d he whispered.<\/p>\n Adam stare was intense as he studied the situation, not daring to look his brother in the eyes for fear that Joe\u2019s statement might actually be true. Adam swallowed and hid his own fear before finally looking at Joe.<\/p>\n \u201cNonsense,\u201d he said. \u201cWe\u2019ll just have to try something else\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cAdam,\u201d muttered Joe as he watched Adam\u2019s expression.<\/p>\n \u201cYeah, Joe?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m\u2026scare,\u201d Joe whispered in a tiny voice. His troubled eyes glistened with tears, but he held them in check.<\/p>\n The statement forced Adam\u2019s eyes to dart upward where he looked long into the tortured face of his brother. Joe\u2019s fear was evident, even in the dim light that shone softly down from the opening at the top of the crevice.<\/p>\n \u201cSo am I, kid,\u201d Adam said truthfully, for he was scared, scared that his brother might die, and scared that he might have to watch the boy\u2019s death and that this giant scar in the earth\u2019s bowels might very well be his brother\u2019s final resting place; but he couldn\u2019t tell Little Joe that and he wouldn\u2019t let himself believe that it would be so. If it were the last thing he ever did for his brother, he would not let his brother die\u2026at least not alone. Right then and there he vowed that no matter how horrific the situation became, he would not leave his brother. Again, he swallowed.<\/p>\n \u201cI promised you I\u2019d get you outta here\u2026and have I ever lied to you before?\u201d Adam said, forcing himself to smile.<\/p>\n \u201cNo\u2026but\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNo butts, Joe\u2026I made you a promise and I aim on keeping it. Now be quiet and let me think.\u201d<\/p>\n Adam\u2019s eyes brightened some when he heard Joe\u2019s infamous giggle. His smile, this time, was genuine. For several long agonizing minutes, all activity in the deep crevice came to a complete standstill. The silence was insufferable to those who waited above ground and for the young man caught in Mother Nature\u2019s trap.<\/p>\n \u201cWell\u2026\u201d Adam said at last. He looked at his brother with deep concentration.<\/p>\n \u201cWell, what?\u201d Joe said in a muffled voice.<\/p>\n \u201cLooks like I\u2019m just going to have to blast you out of here\u2026\u2026\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWHAT!\u201d Joe shouted in as loud a voice as he could muster. \u201cAre you out of your ever-loving mind!\u201d<\/p>\n Ben, hearing the commotion below, edged closer to the rim and peered over the side.<\/p>\n \u201cWhat\u2019s going on down there?\u201d he growled, sick with worry over how long it was taking to free his son from the trap he\u2019d fallen into.<\/p>\n \u201cNothing, Pa,\u201d Adam called, \u201cI was only explaining to Joe how I was going to have to get him out\u2026and he didn\u2019t much like that idea,\u201d he shouted, turning and grinning at the expression on his younger brother\u2019s handsome face. \u201cDon\u2019t worry, Joe\u2026I won\u2019t blow you up.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWell\u2026hell, that\u2019s a relief,\u201d he muttered. \u201cCome now, Adam\u2026be truthful\u2026how are you going to get me outta here?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cJust like I said, Joe\u2026I\u2019m going to blast this rock with a stick of dynamite and when this slab of rock gives way, I\u2019m going to have Hoss and his buddies pull both of us up at the same time,\u201d Adam explained.<\/p>\n \u201cWhat\u2026you\u2019re nuts\u2026you know that\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cJoe, look, I spent four years in college\u2026I learned all about this sort of thing\u2026it\u2019ll be easy as pie\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cSure it will,\u201d Joe fussed and then fell silent. What could he do\u2026he was totally helpless and at the mercy of his brother.<\/p>\n I\u2019ll be right back\u2026the first thing I need to do is to have Pa and Hoss rig you up a harness\u2026this rope isn\u2019t going to work, it cuts into your skin\u2026HOSS, PULL ME UP!\u201d Adam then shouted.<\/p>\n \u201cWait!\u201d cried Joe as he grabbed for Adam\u2019s arm. \u201cYou\u2026I mean\u2026don\u2019t\u2026\u201d he swallowed hard.<\/p>\n \u201cHOLD UP, HOSS!\u201d<\/p>\n Adam saw the glistening of tears return to the frightened eyes and the fearful expression that crossed his brother\u2019s features. Realizing what his brother was trying to say but couldn\u2019t, he placed his hand on Joe\u2019s shoulder and gently squeezed.<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019ll be right back\u2026I promise,\u201d Adam said in a serious voice. \u201cI just want to explain to the others what\u2019s going to take place\u2026and I need to send one of the men back to the ranch for the explosives\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n Joe chin quivered slightly but he nodded in his head in compliance.<\/p>\n \u201cAlright, big brother\u2026I suppose I\u2019m not in any position to argue\u2026I only hope you know what you\u2019re doing\u2026cause if this doesn\u2019t work\u2026we\u2019re both gonna die, you know that, don\u2019t you?\u201d Joe asked.<\/p>\n \u201cJoe\u2026look at it this way\u2026if it doesn\u2019t work\u2026then at least we\u2019ll be together\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cBut Adam,\u201d Joe said; he was on the verge of tears. \u201cI don\u2019t want you losing your life\u2026just for me\u2026I don\u2019t want Pa grieving over two sons\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cLook Buddy\u2026I\u2019d die for you in a heartbeat\u2026you\u2019ve always known that\u2026and I wouldn\u2019t regret it for a moment. But I don\u2019t aim on dying\u2026not today\u2026and I don\u2019t aim on you dying\u2026but if it happens\u2026then I\u2019ll know in my heart I\u2019ve kept my promise\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cPromise\u2026what promise?\u201d Joe questioned.<\/p>\n \u201cA promise I made a long time ago, Little Joe\u2026to your mother,\u201d Adam explained.<\/p>\n \u201cWhat kind of promise\u2026and why to my mother?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYour mother was dying, Joe\u2026I was with her for a bit, right before she passed. She was worried sick about what might happened to you after she died. She asked me\u2026to help Pa take care of you\u2026so, I promised her I\u2019d always be here for you\u2026and to look after you. I\u2019ve tried to keep that promise all of your life\u2026and mine,\u201d he added. \u201cHasn\u2019t always been easy, you know, you being a trouble magnet and all,\u201d he laughed lightly.<\/p>\n Joe\u2019s tears could no longer be contained. When he blinked, they dripped slowly down the front of his face. He raised his head, placing his hand on his brother\u2019s arm and gently squeezed.<\/p>\n \u201cThanks, Adam\u2026I\u2026I didn\u2019t know\u2026it means\u2026a lot to me\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cShe meant a lot to me, Joe\u2026and so do you\u2026now, enough of the mushy stuff\u2026I got work to do if you want to be home in time for supper\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n Joe laughed softly. \u201cI do\u2026I\u2019m starved.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cAlright then, let\u2019s get to it\u2026HOSS PULL ME UP!\u201d<\/p>\n When Adam reached the surface, his father demanded to know everything about his youngest son. Adam reassured him that Joe would be fine, allowing more confidence to show than what he actually felt. As he set about explaining to the others his plan to free Joe from his entrapment, one man was sent with Hoss, back to the ranch to acquire the needed items.<\/p>\n \u201cAdam,\u201d Ben said in a troubled tone, \u201care you absolutely sure, this is going to work?\u201d<\/p>\n Adam was busy working on a harness that he intended to strap around Joe\u2019s upper body to lessen the pull and the pain he knew Joe would be feeling when the others were instructed to haul the younger man up to the surface. He glanced over at his father sure that Ben could read the doubt he tried so hard to hide from the others.<\/p>\n \u201cNothing is absolute\u2026but I\u2019m expecting it to work,\u201d he explained.<\/p>\n He did expect it to work. He had studied the rock formations and the angles, where to place the blasting powder and just how the rocks should break apart. If everything went according to his calculations, one blast should shift the rock just enough that when he gave the word, Joe and himself could easily be hauled safely out of the deep crevice. Adam explained that to his father, but what he omitted was the possibility that the slab of rock he was hoping to move might shift in the opposite direction and if that happened, both he and Joe would be crushed to death.<\/p>\n \u201cI wouldn\u2019t be honest with you son, if I said I agreed with what you\u2019re about to do,\u201d Ben said in a grim voice. \u201cIf it doesn\u2019t work\u2026well,\u201d he muttered, \u201cI will have lost two sons this day, instead on one\u2026I don\u2019t know if I can risk that, Adam.\u201d<\/p>\n Adam stopped working on the harness to stare at his father. \u201cPa, would you rather I leave Joe down there to die like a trapped animal?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cOh for heaven\u2019s sake, Adam\u2026I wasn\u2019t suggesting you do such a fool thing\u2026but if there\u2019s some other way\u2026a safer way perhaps\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cLike what\u2026I\u2019m certainly opened to suggestions,\u201d Adam stated.<\/p>\n \u201cI don\u2019t know\u2026\u201d Ben said, obviously thinking. \u201cHow about if you chisel away some of the rock\u2026just enough so that Joe could wiggle free\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cPa, I\u2019ve studied everything about the rocks down there\u2026Joe\u2019s managed to get himself wedged in between those slabs of rock so tightly, he can barely breathe. I\u2019m not sure how much longer he can hold on\u2026if we don\u2019t do something drastic\u2026and do it soon, he\u2019s going to suffocate\u2026I can\u2019t stand by and watch that happen to him\u2026nor will I\u2026if it means dying with him, then that\u2019s what I\u2019ll do. But I\u2019ve got to try something to get him free\u2026and chiseling just won\u2019t do it\u2026please,\u201d Adam said softly, \u201cTrust me\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n Ben sighed deeply, resigning himself to the fact that either both sons would be coming back out of the hole together or that both would not. He reached over and gripped his son\u2019s shoulder.<\/p>\n \u201cOf course I do\u2026I understand how you feel, Adam\u2026I can\u2019t let him die without trying something more\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThanks, Pa\u2026for understanding,\u201d smiled Adam. He held the harness up for his father to see. \u201cWhat do you think?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI think it should work nicely.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cGood, I was hoping you\u2019d say that. Now, I have to go back down\u2026I promised Joe I wouldn\u2019t be long\u2026he\u2019s\u2026frightened Pa\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m sure he is\u2026I would be. Good luck, Adam\u2026and God bless you. Tell Joe that\u2026I\u2019ll\u2026well, tell him I\u2019ll see him shortly,\u201d smiled Ben as he watched Adam climb over the rim of the slice in the earth\u2019s surface.<\/p>\n The deputy held on to the end of the rope while Adam lowered himself inside the crevice. The instant that Joe saw his brother spiraling downward, he smiled. Adam noticed how strained the expression was and knew that Joe was suffering though trying hard to hide it.<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019d have brought you something to eat, buddy, but I didn\u2019t want to run the risk of\u2026fattening you up and making it harder to get you out of that crack you\u2019re stuck in,\u201d Adam said in a mockingly cheerful tone.<\/p>\n \u201cI can wait,\u201d Joe said with a grin. \u201cIs that the harness?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYep\u2026lets see how it fits,\u201d Adam said as he uncoiled the rope that was still around Joe\u2019s chest. \u201cDon\u2019t move a muscle,\u201d warned Adam, \u201cI don\u2019t want to run the risk of you slipping any further into that cleft and becoming even more tightly wedged,\u201d Adam said as he began to place the harness around Joe\u2019s upper body.<\/p>\n \u201cDon\u2019t worry about that, I\u2019m too scared to even flinch,\u201d Joe said with a touch of sarcasm.<\/p>\n Adam glanced at Joe and offered him a smile, but avoided responding to the comment.<\/p>\n \u201cHow\u2019s that?\u201d he asked after fitting Joe with the harness.<\/p>\n \u201cMore comfortable than that rope,\u201d Joe said weakly.<\/p>\n \u201cGood, now you stay right there, I\u2019m going up once more to see if Hoss and that deputy Roy sent along, is back with the blasting powder. They\u2019re going to bring a wagon back so that you can lay down on the ride home, once we get out of here,\u201d explained Adam.<\/p>\n \u201cGood,\u201d grinned Joe with a painful expression, \u201cI didn\u2019t sleep too well last night.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHa ha ha,\u201d smirked Adam.<\/p>\n \u201cPA\u2026IS HOSS BACK?\u201d shouted Adam.<\/p>\n \u201cHE\u2019S JUST NOW GETTING HERE\u2026HOLD ON!\u201d responded Ben.<\/p>\n \u201cGOOD!\u201d shouted Adam, grinning at Joe. \u201cI\u2019ll have you outta here in no time, little brother. SEND DOWN THE BLASTING POWDER AND FUSES, LITTLE JOE\u201dS GETTING ANXIOUS TO GET OUT OF HERE!\u201d Again Adam grinned at Little Joe.<\/p>\n \u201cYou think this is funny, don\u2019t you?\u201d Joe said with a painful looking smirk.<\/p>\n \u201cNo, Joe\u2026I don\u2019t find anything funny about this\u2026it\u2019s risky what I\u2019m about to do\u2026not just to you, but to both of us. Do you think I want to die, or that I want to live with the fact that I\u2019ve blown up my own brother?\u201d<\/p>\n Joe hung his head. His expression was remorseful.<\/p>\n \u201cNo\u2026I\u2019m sorry, Adam\u2026it\u2019s just that\u2026well\u2026I\u2019ve already told you once\u2026I\u2019m scared,\u201d muttered Little Joe.<\/p>\n \u201cYou\u2019d be a fool if you weren\u2019t, Joe\u2026\u201d Adam said and then offered a small smile.<\/p>\n Hoss had lowered the blasting supplies carefully down into the crevice where both of his brothers were. Adam grabbed the end of the rope and attached it to the harness he had rigged for Joe and yelled for Hoss to pull up on it until all the slack was taken up. After he had set the blasting powder and fuses in the places he prayed would move the rock that held Joe prisoner, he attached himself to the same rope that was already secured to his brother.<\/p>\n \u201cHOSS, PA\u2026I\u2019M ALMOST READY. WHEN YOU HEAR THE BLAST, COUNT TO THREE AND START PULLING\u2026MAKE IT FAST!\u201d Adam called out to those who waited anxiously overhead.<\/p>\n \u201cALRIGHTY, ADAM\u2026I HEAR YA. JOE\u2026IT WON\u2019T BE LONG NOW!\u201d Hoss shouted into fissure.<\/p>\n Joe glanced at Adam, swallowing hard.<\/p>\n \u201cYou ready?\u201d the older brother asked of the younger.<\/p>\n \u201cI suppose so\u2026Adam\u2026\u201d Joe paused and sighed deeply. \u201cNo matter what happens, I want you to know that\u2026well\u2026I appreciate everything you\u2019ve ever done for me\u2026not just this\u2026but everything. And I know my mother would too\u2026you\u2019ve kept your promise to her\u2026I\u2026I just wanted you to know that,\u201d Joe said as his voice trailed off to a whisper.<\/p>\n Adam smiled warmly, touched by the tender words. His fingers lovingly brushed the dirtied cheek of his younger brother.<\/p>\n \u201cThanks, Joe\u2026that means a lot.\u201d<\/p>\n Adam hurried to finish setting the blasting powder and fuses. Jo\u2019s face had long ago betrayed his weariness and Adam knew that the pain from Joe\u2019s broken arm was almost unbearable for the boy, yet Joe had not complained to him the first time. The boy was brave, even if the kid didn\u2019t know it himself, smiled Adam to himself. When he was finished, he turned back to Joe. Joe had closed his eyes but the expression on his brother\u2019s face, told Adam all he needed to know, he had to hurry, Joe\u2019s strength and resistance was waning fast.<\/p>\n Gently, he touched his brother\u2019s arm. \u201cJoe\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n Joe\u2019s eyes opened quickly. \u201cWhat?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWe\u2019re ready\u2026here, use my jacket to cover your head. HOSS GET READY, I\u2019M SETTING THE FUSES\u2026REMEMBER, COUNT TO THREE AND THEN START PULLING US UP!\u201d<\/p>\n Overhead, Hoss took a deep breath and glanced around at the others. \u201cGet ready fellas,\u201d he said in a solemn tone. The others nodded their heads.<\/p>\n A commotion behind Ben and the others caused them to turn. Getting down from his buggy was Doc Martin. The physician rushed over to Ben and Hoss and knelt down, looking into the hole.<\/p>\n \u201cHoss told me what was going on out here\u2026I thought I\u2019d better ride on out, just in case, he did say Little Joe was hurt,\u201d Paul explained.<\/p>\n \u201cThanks, Paul\u2026best back up, Adam\u2019s about ready to blast that slab of rock apart.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019M LIGHTING THE FUSE\u2026GET BACK!\u201d the warning came from below.<\/p>\n Adam gave one last quick glance at his brother and then struck the match. He quickly held the tiny flame to the end of the wick, moved quickly to the second wick and lit it as well. As he blew the match out, he turned, covering Joe\u2019s body protectively with his own. Behind them, the two brothers could hear the muted sizzle of the fuse as the flame crept closer and closer to the powder.<\/p>\n BOOM!<\/p>\n The blast echoed up to the top of the crevice. Dirt and dust and tiny particles of rocks pelted their bodies as the rubbish spewed through the opening like a small volcano. Ben, Paul and the others covered their heads. Hoss counted to three and then with the others, began tugging on the rope. It seemed like a lifetime for the big man before he felt any resistance on the other end. His heart raced both with fear for his brothers and anticipation of seeing them again.<\/p>\n \u201cDon\u2019t stop,\u201d he ordered the others as he moved one hand over the other, pulling the rope nearer and nearer to the top.<\/p>\n Ben and Paul, who were leaning over the edge waited with baited breath. Ben waved his hand in the air, clearing the soot and dust from barring his view. Minutes later, he saw what his heart had longed to see. The bodies of his two sons came into view.<\/p>\n \u201cHere they come, Hoss\u2026keep pulling on that rope!\u201d Ben shouted as he and Paul helped pull the boys to the surface.<\/p>\n When the air cleared, Ben could see Adam\u2019s face. His son was covered in dirty dark dust, but the smile on his eldest son face was a welcomed relief.<\/p>\n \u201cHi, Pa\u2026\u201d grinned Adam.<\/p>\n \u201cAdam!\u201d cooed Ben affectionately quickly giving his son a welcoming hug.<\/p>\n Hoss rushed over to help his father and doctor finish pulling Joe and Adam to the surface.<\/p>\n \u201cJoe got hit with a rock, he\u2019s unconscious,\u201d Adam advised the doctor as he slipped the rope from around his chest and dusted himself off.<\/p>\n Paul bent over Little Joe\u2019s still form, examining the injured boy.<\/p>\n \u201cGet some water,\u201d he ordered.<\/p>\n A canteen appeared almost at once. The doctor damped his handkerchief and gently wiped Joe\u2019s face. The boy began to stir about; his long lashes fluttered and then to everyone\u2019s relief, the hazel eyes opened.<\/p>\n The first face that Joe saw was the worried one of his father. Instantly, his chin began to quiver. Ben, feeling the same flood of emotions, gently gathered his son into his arms and held him against his pounding heart. His fingers caressed the boy\u2019s face.<\/p>\n \u201cThank God, you\u2019re alright, both of you,\u201d muttered Ben in a thick voice.<\/p>\n He glanced over at his oldest son. \u201cThank you, Adam\u2026thank you\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n Adam, his own emotions on the verge of spilling over, could only nod his head in response. His hand rested on the boy\u2019s shoulder, his eyes turned to look up at Hoss and noted the dampness on his middle brother\u2019s cheek. They all felt the same\u2026the love of each one for the others, the devotion that had, over the course of their lives sprouted and grown to such a rare magnitude that most men never knew what they knew or felt what they felt\u2026it was a rare gift that had been graciously given to them from a higher source. Adam whispered a silent prayer of thankfulness, not just for the safe return of his brother, but for his entire family and what each one of them meant to him. \u201cHoss\u2026I never got a chance to thank you\u2026or to tell you I\u2019m sorry\u2026\u201d Joe said.<\/p>\n Everyone\u2019s eyes turned to the young man sitting on the settee.<\/p>\n \u201cThank me for what? And what do you have to be sorry for?\u201d Hoss asked.<\/p>\n He put aside the bridle he had been working on, laying it on the wide boarded table in the center of the room.<\/p>\n \u201cThanks for coming back\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n Hoss scrunched up his face and grinned at his brother.<\/p>\n \u201cDid ya think I wasn\u2019t?\u201d he asked.<\/p>\n \u201cOf course not\u2026though I was beginning to worry a bit\u2026I thought you might have taken so long because you were mad at me\u2026you know, paying me back for teasing you that day\u2026\u201d Joe explained.<\/p>\n \u201cNaw\u2026I wouldn\u2019t do ya like that, little brother\u2026and I wasn\u2019t mad\u2026just aggravated. But I explained to you why it took me so long to get help\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI know\u2026and I understand\u2026it couldn\u2019t be helped\u2026but just the same\u2026I\u2019m sorry I teased you that day\u2026guess I got paid back,\u201d Joe snickered.<\/p>\n \u201cGuess you did, young man\u2026that should teach you not to cry \u2018wolf\u2019,\u201d his father scolded gently.<\/p>\n \u201cNever again,\u201d laughed Joe. \u201cSay, Adam,\u201d Joe said, turning to his eldest brother, \u201cyou never did tell me how you figured out just where to set off those blasts\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYeah\u2026ya never did, Adam. How did you know?\u201d Hoss inquired.<\/p>\n Adam\u2019s expression took on a strange countenance as he glanced around the room.<\/p>\n \u201cWell?\u201d asked Ben, \u201chow did you know?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYou wouldn\u2019t believe it, if I told you\u2026\u201d Adam stammered and then returned to reading his book.<\/p>\n Joe looked from one to the other.<\/p>\n \u201cTry us,\u201d he dared his brother.<\/p>\n Ben, Hoss and Joe stared hard at Adam, who glanced again across the room at the trio. He swallowed hard; his expression was unreadable as he confessed.<\/p>\n \u201cI guessed.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWHAT!\u201d chorused the trio.<\/p>\n \u201cYou heard me\u2026I guessed,\u201d Adam repeated and then went back to reading.<\/p>\n Ben glanced at Joe, who glanced at Hoss, who in turn glanced at his father. All three, stunned into silence, glanced at Adam, who purposely avoided glancing at his three family members. He didn\u2019t dare\u2026it had been luck, pure and simple.<\/p>\n THE END<\/p>\n July 2005<\/p>\n <\/p>\n
\nHoss scrambled to mount up, willing himself not to listen to his brother\u2019s pleas that rang from the depth of the crevice. Joe\u2019s voice held such sorrow and fear that Hoss was tempted not to go, but deep down inside of himself, he knew that he must, if ever Joe was to be freed from his earthen prison.<\/p>\n
\n\u201cHoss?\u201d<\/p>\n
\nBen rose from his chair to answer the knock at the door. He glanced over at Adam who was deeply engrossed in the book he was reading and who appeared not to have heard the gentle rapping at the door.<\/p>\n
\n\u201cAwww\u2026\u201d he moaned, biting down on his lip.<\/p>\n
\n\u201cWell\u2026either ya find some way to get me the cash\u2026or the deeds, or I order my men to kill ya boy. The decision\u2019s yours,\u201d Giles ordered. \u201cI\u2019ll give ya one hour to think on it\u2026say, ya got any food in this house, I ain\u2019t ate all day,\u201d Giles informed both Cartwrights.<\/p>\n
\nDeep within the dark confines of his rock prison, Little Joe Cartwright sighed a sigh of relief. Dawn was slowly beginning to light the night sky and with the new day, new hope grew in the young man\u2019s heart. The night had been the longest of his life, the darkness the darkest and the most frightening. He had been on the verge of giving up, of succumbing to the fate that Mother Nature had dealt to him. With each hard earned breath, Joe feared it to be his last. The pain in his arm was becoming unbearable and the pressure he felt in his chest was overpowering. But what amazed him as he faded in and out of consciousness were the images of his family that danced before his cloudy eyes and the voices that seemed to come from no where that urged him to hold on. Soft, muted whispers that gave him encouragement along with promises of rescue, if only he\u2019d wait for them\u2026and wait he did.<\/p>\n
\n\u201cLook Mr. Humphrey, I wouldn\u2019t be here this early in the morning if I didn\u2019t need the money\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n
\nAdam slipped quietly from his horse and tied the reins about a low hanging bush. He had ridden for miles behind Giles, following the man, hoping to find his middle brother. As he glanced up at the sky and saw that daybreak was only a matter of time, he couldn\u2019t help but whisper a silent prayer that he\u2019d find Hoss soon; he was losing the cover of darkness. And the deep seeded fear that something had happened to his younger brother was gnawing at his gut. The night, determined Adam, had been like no other he could ever remember. He almost laughed, though it was not really a laughing matter, but when he thought of his two brothers and how they were just going to the north pasture to round up strays and then all the things that had gone wrong the previous night, he couldn\u2019t help himself. Wasn\u2019t it just like Joe and Hoss to have Trouble for a riding companion? It seemed at times that nothing they did ever turned out right, that one way or the other, his two younger brothers always needed rescuing\u2026and here they were again in some sort of predicament and in need of saving.<\/p>\n
\nJoe\u2019s eyes remained closed. His breathing had become so shallow that his lips had begun to turn blue from lack of sufficient oxygen. The grip he\u2019d held for so many long hours had given way to his comatose state. Now, the only thing keeping the boy from falling deeper into the earth\u2019s core was the slab of rocks that seemed destined to squeeze the life from the once vivacious and energetic son of Ben Cartwright. Death, once hiding in the shadows had begun to show itself and crept nearer and nearer to the grime reaper\u2019s newest victim.
\n\u201cAlright, Roy,\u201d Ben agreed at last. \u201cYou bring your men out to the ranch\u2026but remember what I said, you have to stay hidden. If Giles sees you, or learns that you\u2019re anywhere near, he\u2019ll kill Hoss\u2026and in turn, Little Joe will most likely die as well\u2026if he hasn\u2019t already,\u201d Ben said with great sadness as he swallowed hard.<\/p>\n
\nAdam groaned softly, alerting Hoss to the fact that his brother was about to wake up.<\/p>\n
\nBen was more than a little surprised when he got back to the ranch and found that Adam had not yet returned. A new dread filled him with fresh fear. Not only was his youngest son unaccounted for, his middle son was being held against his will at some undisclosed location, but to add to his current woes, Adam, seemed now to have disappeared as well.<\/p>\n
\n\u201cWhat\u2019s all the yellin\u2019 about?\u201d demanded Giles as he neared the tree where his two captives were tied.<\/p>\n
\nBy the time that Adam rode into the yard, all of Roy\u2019s men were in hiding. Ben came from the house the second he heard the sound of horses and stood in shock at the end of the porch as he watched Hoss dismount. As the realization of seeing his son struck him, he grinned from ear to ear and rushed across the yard to greet both Hoss and Adam.<\/p>\n
\nIt was days later before Little Joe was allowed out of bed. He sat in the great room with his family where they had retired after supper. Joe glanced around at each one, proud that he was a part of such an extraordinary family of men.<\/p>\n