{"id":12591,"date":"2016-02-19T15:03:57","date_gmt":"2016-02-19T20:03:57","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=12591"},"modified":"2026-03-11T17:26:29","modified_gmt":"2026-03-11T21:26:29","slug":"carson-city-earthquake","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=12591","title":{"rendered":"Carson City Earthquake (by Lyn Robinson)"},"content":{"rendered":"

Summary<\/strong>:\u00a0 On a horse buying trip the brothers experience, a Carson City Earthquake<\/p>\n

Rating:\u00a0 K\u00a0 (5,600 words)<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Carson City Earthquake<\/strong><\/p>\n

It had been a hard winter and the four Cartwrights had been trapped inside by snow for more than four weeks, struggling out to do the barn chores but not able to leave the house otherwise. As the weather improved finally the brothers headed out to check on the stock while Ben went to town to get the mail and at least a few essential supplies for Hop Sing. For now he could only take a pack horse, not al all sure that the road was clear enough for a wagon.<\/p>\n

All four found the going hard, enough snow to make traveling difficult and the brothers found in places they had to dismount and lead their horses. Hoss uncomplainingly took the lead on the grounds that he broke a better trail. For a while Adam let him but then seeing Hoss stagger slightly, he moved forward to take over and one glance at his brother\u2019s face stopped Hoss arguing. Some ten minutes later they reached a more sheltered area and were able to ride again. They spent a busy day but at least were able to confirm that most of the cattle had survived and headed home well satisfied with their day\u2019s work although very tired.<\/p>\n

Ben had found the road to town just about passable but it would be a few days yet before a wagon would get through. He put a list of stores into Will Cass before heading over to the Bank. There he completed some business but more importantly caught up with the news in town and by the time he had collected the mail and bought the Territorial Enterprise he was ready for a meal. Seeing Dan de Quille wandering up the street Ben caught up his friend and invited Dan to join him. With the weather improving a large influx of would-be miners had already started coming in from California. Some had been there the previous year but been driven out by the bad weather and others were first timers. Dan surprised Ben with his prediction that Virginia City would grow to ten thousand or more by mid-summer. After lunch Ben collected the stores and then headed on home wanting to get there before dark.<\/p>\n

In fact he beat his sons home and had unpacked and was sitting by the fire with the newspaper and coffee when the brothers came in noisily but cheerful. Adam grinned at his father \u201cCattle are far better than we dared hope but the three of us are cold and Hoss at least is starving.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhy don\u2019t you go and get into some dry clothes and I\u2019ll get Hop Sing to make coffee.\u201d He looked at his big son, \u201cI think he has some doughnuts Hoss, if you\u2019re sure it won\u2019t spoil your appetite for supper?\u201d<\/p>\n

Hoss yawned widely but then grinned, \u201cI can guarantee that Pa but you can see how much I need food.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cGo wash up son.\u201d<\/p>\n

Over dinner they swapped news and then settled down to a quiet evening. Adam had snaffled the Territorial Enterprise while his brothers played checkers and Ben settled with a pipe. A few minutes later Adam looked up \u201cPa did you see this announcement about a horse auction down at Carson next Thursday?\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben shook his head, \u201cEarly in the year for an auction.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cCould be the bad weather has left some people short of feed so they are selling early. Could be some bargains.\u201d Adam read out the details of the advert and caught his brothers\u2019 attention from their game.<\/p>\n

Ben studied his pipe hearing the eagerness in his eldest son\u2019s voice \u201cWe did say that we would need some extra mounts this year, but I thought you were going to round up some of the wild horses.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWe would probably still need to do that but if this advert is right could be some good stock at the auction. It\u2019s only a day\u2019s ride down to check it out and we have feed unlike many of the others.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam didn\u2019t push any further knowing that his father would make up his own mind but waited impatiently and seeing his youngest brother about to jump in he shook his head at Joe and Hoss almost simultaneously kicked him. Eventually Ben made up his mind, \u201cCan\u2019t do any harm to check it out as long as we agree on a maximum investment. Alright Adam you ride down on Thursday see what you can pick up.\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe couldn\u2019t be quiet any longer, \u201cCan I go too Pa?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAdam is quite capable of picking out stock and bringing them home on his own. He is the best judge of horseflesh on the ranch.\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe frowned, glaring at his eldest brother muttering \u201cIt ain\u2019t fair he always gets to go.\u201d<\/p>\n

Luckily only Hoss could hear him as Adam spoke up, \u201cPa it would make sense for Joe to come too. He is a good judge of horses, just needs a little more experience and he can\u2019t get that if he doesn\u2019t attend sales.\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe was surprised to hear his eldest brother speak up for him but for once had the sense to keep quiet, hoping his Pa would agree. Ben considered Adam and then twisted slightly to look at the younger boys. They had survived the winter reasonably well, but inevitably stuck in the house close together for weeks on end there had been some friction particularly between the eldest and youngest with Hoss as ever acting peacemaker.<\/p>\n

Ben made up his mind, \u201cAlright Joe you can go with your brother as long as you get back on Thursday and just to ensure you both make it and get home on time, I\u2019m going to send Hoss to keep an eye on you.\u201d<\/p>\n

Hoss looked up with delight at that and Ben settled with his pipe knowing he had made all three of his sons happy.<\/p>\n

Later as they got a snack Joe expressed his surprise at Adam\u2019s support to Hoss but he was taken aback at the reaction. Hoss frowned at him \u201cJoe you ever stop to think!\u201d he shook his head and sighed, \u201cSure Adam tries to stop you sometimes, usually when you got some hair brained scheme that\u2019s gonna get you in trouble or you\u2019re trying to get out of doing your share. But I don\u2019t reckon he\u2019s ever once not supported you if you ask for something sensible, even if on occasion it means he don\u2019t get to do what he wants\u201d<\/p>\n

For once Joe was speechless but as he settled down in bed and thought back over the last couple of years he realized that Hoss had a point.<\/p>\n

That Thursday opened bright and clear, for once Joe was up early without any nagging from his brothers and down at breakfast even before his father. Ben was amused to find his youngest son at table but didn\u2019t say anything and for once his eldest sons coming in from the barn forbore to comment.<\/p>\n

The brothers set off in good time for the Auction which was to be at midday, but Adam wanted to check over the horses on sale before the auction started. As they rode Adam asked his little brother what horses he thought the ranch needed and Hoss sat back amused as Adam cross questioned Joe without Joe noticing, as his little brother waxed lyrical on the stock they could get to start a breeding herd on the ranch. Adam gently brought him down to earth a little by reminding him that they had a limited budget and needed some good cowponies, preferably trained, but as Adam strongly supported the breeding herd in the long term there was complete agreement between the brothers for once.<\/p>\n

As they had reached Carson City in good time Adam bought three beers before they went to check out the stock. It went down well after the long ride and Joe suggested another one but at the expression on Adam\u2019s face he back tracked \u201cGuess we can get one later.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam smiled \u201cI think it\u2019s time we checked out the stock for sale.\u201d He led the way over and let Joe take the lead in looking over the animals. There were some thirty animals for sale and Adam immediately discounted about ten of them. The others were possible but there were three outstanding animals, in particular a bay stallion with very strong lines. He waited until Joe had checked each of them and then beckoned his brothers over to a quiet corner \u201cWell Joe what do you think?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s your decision. \u201c Joe said sulkily and Hoss sighed expecting an argument but Adam just moved closer and gripping Joe\u2019s arm forced him to turn and face him.<\/p>\n

\u201cJoe Pa wanted you to come so you could get experience. If I don\u2019t agree with your choice then I\u2019ll speak up quick enough but I want to hear which ones you would choose and how much you would be willing to bid on them, that\u2019s how you get experience.\u201d<\/p>\n

It was far more than Joe had expected and he looked at his brother in surprise and then grinned broadly \u201cThanks Adam.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019re welcome little brother now let\u2019s have your thoughts.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam was not surprised to hear Joe pick out the same three first choices but he did have to warn Joe that his suggested prices might be optimistic and they had to have some sound cowponies too. \u201cIf you could only have one of the three which would you choose?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThat bay stallion he\u2019s a beauty and we need another breeding stallion.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOkay Joe you can bid on him but if it goes over $400 you stop. Depending on how much we have to pay for him you may be able to get one or other of the mares but probably not both. We need 8 cowponies and they come first, then if we have anything left we\u2019ll got for those mares.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cMe bid?\u201d Joe squeaked<\/p>\n

\u201cExperience little brother, but I\u2019ll be right next to you so you don\u2019t get carried away.\u201d<\/p>\n

Hoss laughed \u201cSeem to remember when I was about ten you got into a lot of trouble at an auction Adam.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam nodded \u201cI was scared Pa was gonna tan my britches even at my advanced age! But he understood just how easy it was to get involved, carried away, nd refuse to give in even when the price was far too high.\u201d<\/p>\n

Hoss added, \u201cThe order suits us. That stallion is up first and the mares at the end.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cGeorge Drake has been selling horses for years he knows how to get people in promptly and keep them until the end. The stallion was bound to be first or last, just lucky for us that he opted to bring it up first. Leastways we\u2019ll know how much we have left to spend.\u201d Adam grinned, \u201cRight little brother, now remember you don\u2019t show too much interest and don\u2019t jump in with the first bid. I can see at least three others who may well bid but I think we have a good chance.\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe took his words to heart and although eager he managed to hide it and when he thought he ought to jump in he looked at his brother, who shook his head slightly. The bidding was desultory and the stallion was about to be knocked down at $220 when Adam nodded and Joe went in at \u00a3225. The erstwhile successful bidder frowned but he kept with Joe for another three rounds until the price reached $255 and then shook his head. Joe hardly dared breathe but his brothers could feel his delight as the stallion was his at a bid well below their agreed maximum. Adam was pleased to see that Joe managed to hide his delight and he settled to watch as Joe went for cowponies. Joe had got three out of the next seven, two of them ones they weren\u2019t interested in but two Adam would have taken but the price was a little high and he was pleased to see Joe pull out.<\/p>\n

The Auctioneer had just had a rather attractive chestnut gelding brought in when suddenly the whole earth seemed to shake. The horse went wild rearing and kicking out and as the world shook men were thrown off their feet. Adam yelled at his brothers to get down and then seeing the wall of the stable collapsing he threw himself over Joe to protect his younger brother. Everything went dark and he knew no more.<\/p>\n

Hoss was slow to react and he was thrown to the ground and for a minute was stunned and winded, only aware of dust all round him and the very ground feeling unstable, Then he became aware that Joe was calling to him and shaking his head he pushed a couple of planks which had landed on him away and lurched to his feet. Everything swayed round him but Hoss wasn\u2019t sure whether that was him or the ground itself. Scared for his brothers he rubbed at his eyes trying to clear them calling out hoarsely \u201cAdam, Joe where are you?\u201d<\/p>\n

Hoss couldn\u2019t work out what had happened, the corral wasn\u2019t there any longer and the stable seemed to have been flattened but for now all he was concerned with was his brothers. Hearing Joe\u2019s voice he slumped to his knees and began frantically pulling at the planks and bricks that he could see. As he saw black cloth, Hoss redoubled his efforts until he had cleared Adam\u2019s head, red blood all too obvious trickling down his brother\u2019s face. Hoss rubbed his hand across his mouth trying to get rid of the grit from his face and then lent forward again only to find the earth suddenly moving again and he lent forward to protect his brother, scared for both of them as he called for Joe.<\/p>\n

Joe had been winded by his brother landing on him and he was still struggling for breath but hearing Hoss as the very ground seemed to move under him, he got a grip on himself. \u201cOkay Hoss. Adam\u2019s on top of me, he ain\u2019t moving, but I can feel him breathing.\u201d<\/p>\n

Hoss knuckled the dirt from his eyes and frantically pulled at the rubble covering Adam, relying on his little brother\u2019s statement that Adam was alive. As he cleared it he could finally see Joe looking up at him and then it didn\u2019t take long for the two working together to clear Joe so that as Hoss eased Adam up Joe could slide out from under.<\/p>\n

Joe scrambled to his feet, coughing as the dust got to him and for a moment he stared round at a scene he didn\u2019t recognize. There were animals rearing and pulling against their ropes while others were hightailing it down the street; people seemed to be aimlessly rushing around in every direction, or gathered in groups round fallen bodies. There was a strange silence broken only by the keening of one woman over by the remains of the store. Joe tried to fit what he could see to the town that he knew well, where he had been standing a few moments earlier but then Hoss brought him back to the immediate problem, \u201cCan you help me get this beam off him?\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe shook his head trying to clear it and moved over to balance rather precariously on some rubble and got to the other end of the beam that Hoss was indicating. Between them they managed to lift it and edge it free from Adam and as they did so Adam moaned as he fought his way back to consciousness. Joe moved clear and went over to the nearby water trough. There was a layer of dust on the surface but the trough still contained water and he wet his neckerchief and came back to gently bathe the blood away from his brother\u2019s forehead. Hoss frowned but Joe forced a grin \u201cOld Granite Head will be fine, just knocked out I think.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam heard that and responded. \u201cLess of the Old.\u201d he complained, \u201cWhat happened?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cEasy big brother you got one big lump there. Jest takes it easy until we\u2019re sure nothing\u2019s broken.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam took Hoss\u2019 advice and slowly tried moving his limbs, breathing was enough to tell him he\u2019d probably got a cracked rib or two but that would heal. Eventually he managed to force his eyes open squinting against the brightness, a severe headache, and double vision enough to warn him to move really slowly but sure nothing was broken. \u201cDid you fall on me Hoss or just a building? I think I have bruises on bruises.\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe grinned, \u201cIt was a building big brother and you fell on me, so you gave me a fair number of bruises too.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam slowly looked round and remembered, \u201cAn earthquake and I wanted to come to Carson City today of all days.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYeah and dragged us with you.\u201d Joe complained.<\/p>\n

Adam managed to glare at him despite his inability to really open his eyes and Joe, wiped the fresh trickle of blood, \u201cOkay we both wanted to come.<\/p>\n

Hoss more practical asked \u201cReckon you can make it to your feet with my help?\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam nodded and then wished he hadn\u2019t as the world swayed round him so he just mumbled \u201cTake it slow.\u201d With both his brothers helping he got to his feet and eased over to a part standing wall, leaning against it as he surveyed the area.<\/p>\n

At the ranch many of the animals had reacted and Ben had come out of the house to see what had disturbed them but he barely felt anything and didn\u2019t realize that there had even been an earthquake. Slowly as nothing more happened the animals settled and Ben went back into his accounts, slightly uneasy but seeing no reason for concern.<\/p>\n

Hoss told Joe to go and check on their horses which they had tied up back in a clump of trees as the livery stable was full. He had taken the stallion over and warned Joe he\u2019d put it a little distance away as Sport had not taken to the intruder, and the cowponies were there too. Hoss added \u201cBring our canteens reckon we could all do with a drink.\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe nodded and hurried over to the trees. He was pleased to find that the animals had settled down and all of them were waiting patiently, cropping the grass, so Joe grabbed the canteens and went back to his brothers. Adam was very grateful for a chance to wash out his mouth and he took a couple of sips but he was feeling nauseous so he pushed the canteen away. Hoss considered him with concern, \u201cNeed to get you to a bed big brother.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam waved at the chaos in front of them, the initial panic was beginning to subside but he was sure there were many people much more in need of help than he was. \u201cI\u2019ll be fine just need to rest for a bit. Maybe you\u2019d better go see how bad it is, who needs help.\u201d<\/p>\n

Hoss looked at Joe but his little brother just shrugged, it might have been phrased as a suggestion but that tone of voice said Adam didn\u2019t want arguments. Joe gripped Adam\u2019s arm, \u201cLet\u2019s get you sitting down so you can\u2019t fall and make it worse and then Hoss and I will check things out okay?\u201d<\/p>\n

Hoss helped ease his brother down and put one of the canteens next to him, \u201cRight now you just stay put and we\u2019ll be back in a few minutes.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNot going anywhere. You just be careful.\u201d<\/p>\n

Hoss stared down doubtfully at Adam but he knew he would only annoy him if he fussed anymore and so with Joe he headed into the main street, determined to check back every few minutes whatever Adam thought.<\/p>\n

Joe suggested that they split up but for the moment Hoss wanted at least one brother where he could see him. The main street was even more chaotic, little groups around injured people and others trying to force their way into one of the saloons and a store. Abe Curry was trying to organize people to help at one of the smaller stores where the front had collapsed trapping people inside and he welcomed Hoss, knowing both his reliability and his strength. Joe and Hoss both helped out and after about twenty minutes they had managed to clear enough of a path, safely propped up, to bring out those trapped inside. Hoss looked around at the mess, everything had descended from the shelves onto the floor causing most of the injuries. Then his attention was attracted to a jar of candies, the top had popped off but the jar was unbroken and he remembered a little group of kids who had been cowering together at the corner of the street. Hoss pulled out a couple of dollars and having emptied some of the candies into a bag he put the money in the jar and put the top on. He couldn\u2019t resist slipping a couple into his own mouth and then he emerged and going over to the kids tried to reassure them, before passing out the candies to share between them.<\/p>\n

Joe had been helping to check over the injured and he straightened up as Hoss joined him. \u201cOne broken leg, a dislocated shoulder, otherwise its cuts and bruises. According to Abe that\u2019s about the same as else where. So far noone seems to have been killed, guess we were lucky.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI was wondering how far this earth movement spread, wonder if the ranch has been hit?\u201d Hoss said.<\/p>\n

Joe stared at him as though he was mad, \u201cWe\u2019ve never had anything like this on the ranch.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t ever remember anything here either Little Joe. First time for everything.\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe shook his head, \u201cNo, the ranch is miles away.\u201d<\/p>\n

Before Hoss could push it there was another request for help and the brothers turned to the heavy work of pulling beams out of the way to release two scared but unhurt saloon girls. Joe was all for stopping to chat but Hoss pulled him away, \u201cTime we checked on Adam, come on.\u201d<\/p>\n

The brothers returned to where they had left their brother but to their surprise there was no sign of him, just the canteen lying on the ground. Hoss stared around as though he expected Adam to appear while Joe yelled for his brother. In fact Adam hadn\u2019t gone very far, just two houses over, but he had heard a child call out and was incapable of sitting still with a child in trouble even if he did feel rotten.<\/p>\n

Adam had been talking to the little girl and elicited the fact that her name was Molly. He also found out that she was six, her leg was trapped and her dolly was broken. Talking to him had calmed the little girl but weakened by the head blow and with very sore ribs Adam was making slow progress in clearing a path to the child. He was relieved to hear Joe\u2019s call and yelled back \u201cOver here.\u201d<\/p>\n

Hoss was the first to reach him and glared at his brother \u201cWhat was it about stay put that you didn\u2019t understand?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI heard a little girl crying.\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe grinned at Hoss, \u201cYou couldn\u2019t expect him to stay put with that provocation! Where is she Adam?\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam called out \u201cMolly can you talk to me.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m scared Adam.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s alright darling; my brothers are here they\u2019ll have you out in no time.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd my dolly?\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe answered \u201cOf course with your dolly, just take it easy.\u201d<\/p>\n

Hoss was considering the rubble and he started to move some of the larger pieces which had defied Adam. Within ten minutes they had cleared enough that they could look through a gap and see the little girl. Adam told her to take off her shoe and that cleared her leg and she was able to pull her shoe out and put it back on. Adam had stopped trying to do any of the physical work but now he intervened. \u201cHoss if you use that beam over there as a lever do you think you could lift that door enough for her to slip out?\u201d<\/p>\n

Hoss considered it and then grinned \u201cSure I can.\u201d He did exactly as Adam suggested but they hit a snag as the little girl was too scared to move. Hoss let the door down again and considered the major job needed to clear enough of the rubble to actually lift the door away. \u201cGuess we do it the long way.\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe shook his head, \u201cIf you can lift it up again I\u2019ll go in and she\u2019ll come out with me, won\u2019t you Molly?\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam was considering some of the rubble further up the building which had moved slightly and was scared that it would come down, perhaps crush the little girl or even worse his brother too. Joe followed his gaze, \u201cWe need to do it now Hoss.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam swallowed hard but he knew Joe had to try, \u201cBe real careful little brother. Okay Hoss lift now. Molly you come with my brother, Joe will look after you.\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe slithered through the gap hesitating for a moment as his belt caught on something but then he was in and the little girl grabbed his arm. Joe eased free and picked up the broken dolly pushing it inside his jacket, \u201cRight Molly out we go.\u201d He eased her down and the little girl crawled out ahead of him with Joe doing what he could to protect her. In fact she got through much more easily than he did, a slight six year old, and Adam had her in his arms by the time Joe got to his feet. Adam was drawn but he smiled at his little brother \u201cWell done Joe. Now you need to finish the job and find her parents.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cMy Pa runs the General Store.\u201d Molly said helpfully and Hoss knelt down next to Adam \u201cYour Pa is Jeb Walker?\u201d<\/p>\n

Molly nodded and Hoss said \u201cI know Jeb he was helping out with the injured, his stores a mess.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhere\u2019s your mother?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cShe went to the dressmaker, but I don\u2019t sit quiet so she left me to play, long as I promised not to go outside.\u201d Molly started to cry \u201cI\u2019ll be in trouble; I wasn\u2019t supposed to leave the room.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam got out a handkerchief and dried her eyes, \u201cI am sure your Pa will understand, you haven\u2019t done anything wrong.\u201d<\/p>\n

Hoss took her hand \u201cCome on Molly let\u2019s go find your folks. Adam do you reckon you can stay put this time?\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam smiled, his head thumping, \u201cI\u2019ll try.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cRight Joe you go get the horses and once I\u2019ve delivered this one I think we\u2019d better get big brother home. You up for it Adam?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYeah sounds good.\u201d<\/p>\n

Jeb had just found his wife and realized that his daughter wasn\u2019t with her when Hoss appeared. His wife had been knocked out and had a blood stained bandage round her head but she ran over seeing Molly and the little girl hugged her Mother. Jeb gave a sigh of relief and came over more slowly. Hoss said \u201cYour house is a complete wreck I\u2019m afraid, but Molly\u2019s major problem is a broken dolly.\u201d<\/p>\n

Molly spoke up, \u201cAdam and his brothers pulled all the stuff away and Joe got me out.\u201d<\/p>\n

Hoss saw Jeb was speechless, \u201cNo real problem Jeb, just needed to clear a path, glad she\u2019s okay. I\u2019ll see you later, need to get Adam home.\u201d<\/p>\n

Hoss managed to raid a sheet to tear up for bandages and when he got back to Adam he tore up the sheeting and strapped up Adam\u2019s ribs, having checked for himself that none appeared to be broken, maybe cracked or maybe just badly bruised. Either way the strapping helped and Adam regained a little colour, although he was still seeing double if he moved at all. Hoss gave him the canteen but Adam only rinsed out his mouth not wanting to start feeling sick again.<\/p>\n

Then Hoss got to his feet impatiently \u201cWhere is that boy, he only had to fetch the horses?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThere\u2019s the four new ones as well as our three. That stallion may be a bit of handful. I\u2019m fine why don\u2019t you go and give him a hand.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cPromise you\u2019ll stay put.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYeah.\u201d<\/p>\n

Hoss was furious when he got to the horses to find six of the horses still there, only Cochise was missing. He organized the new ones on a pair of lead reins and mounting Chub, took Sports reins, keeping him on one side, the cowponies in the middle and the new stallion on his other side, returning to Adam. Hoss\u2019 face didn\u2019t bode well for his little brother when Joe turned up.<\/p>\n

Adam frowned, \u201cWhere\u2019s Joe?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t know but when I get my hands on him…..\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cTake it easy maybe found someone else in trouble.\u201d Adam forced a smile, \u201cExtra half hour to rest won\u2019t do me any harm.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou sure you\u2019re up to riding home? I could try and organize a bed here.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cPeople far worse off than me gonna need what beds are available.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIn fact seems not many serious injuries and noone killed, according to Abe Curry.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s good to hear.\u201d Adam closed his eyes for a minute hoping Joe would hurry up; he just wanted to get home to his own bed.<\/p>\n

It was nearly quarter of an hour later before Joe rode in, triumphant with a string of horses in tow. Adam looked up and tried to make sense of what he was seeing, Joe had the two mares that they had wanted and six cowponies, only one of which was not up to standard. Joe swung down from Cochise, grinning hugely.<\/p>\n

Hoss frowned wondering just how they were going to get all the horses home with Adam hurt. Adam asked \u201cHow did you get them Joe?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI saw them grazing out beyond the trees where we\u2019d left ours. Cochise helped me round them up.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThen you\u2019d better take them back to Mike O\u2019Brien, they all belong to him.\u201d<\/p>\n

Little Joe grinned even wider \u201cI know and I\u2019ve already seen him. He was very annoyed at not being able to sell them at auction so I offered him $100 for them.\u201d<\/p>\n

Hoss burst out laughing at that, \u201cI imagine he told you where to go! He would have been expecting that for each of the mares, let alone the geldings.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHe did, but then he said that I could have the lot for $250 he just wanted to go home, so I paid him and got the bills of sale and they are all ours.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam whistled softly at that, \u201cOne heck of a deal Joe, well done. Pa is gonna be real pleased you\u2019ve got some great stock for less than half the maximum we had to spend.\u201d<\/p>\n

Hoss frowned \u201cYeah sure, but just how are we gonna get all these horses home?\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe looked smug \u201cOh I\u2019ve got a plan.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam squinted at his little brother, \u201cMaybe you ought to tell Hoss before he explodes.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo need to tell him, here it comes.\u201d Joe pointed to his friend Mitch who was approaching them. Mitch had been in town and helping out so seeing him Joe had asked for help in driving the horses back. Mitch came over \u201cYou okay Adam?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYeah but I\u2019ll be glad to get home.\u201d<\/p>\n

The extra pair of hands made all the difference and Joe took the stallion and one string of geldings, while Mitch took the mares and the other string of geldings leaving Hoss to concentrate on supporting his brother as far as he could. At first Adam was determined to control Sport himself but after a while as the ride made his headache worse, he had to stop to be sick and then gave way and let Hoss take Sport\u2019s reins.<\/p>\n

Traveling slowly for Adam\u2019s sake it seemed to take forever to get home and it was well dark before they reached the ranch house.<\/p>\n

Ben had told them to be back promptly and when they still hadn\u2019t appeared by supper time he was getting cross with his sons. He had effectively given them the day off and they had agreed to be home promptly but not lived up to it. Hop Sing tried to suggest that the horses had delayed the brothers but Ben just glared at him and Hop Sing went back to the kitchen to put the food in the warming oven.<\/p>\n

When he heard the horse coming in Ben moved out into the yard to give the brothers a piece of his mind but his mood changed instantly as he saw Hoss bring Sport to a stop and move to support his eldest brother. Questions could wait; he concentrated on helping Adam into the house.<\/p>\n

The other two and Mitch got the horses settled with the help of a couple of the hands and then came in. Adam was resting on the sofa while Ben was looking very bemused. He had just asked what had happened and Adam replied \u201cIt\u2019s a long story Pa but basically just a small earthquake in Carson City.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat has Joseph done now?\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe was struck speechless at the accusation but Adam just smiled \u201cNot this time Pa, This time it was a real Earthquake!\u201d<\/p>\n

The End<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Tags:\u00a0 Adam Cartwright,\u00a0Ben Cartwright,\u00a0earthquake,\u00a0Hoss Cartwright,\u00a0Joe \/ Little Joe Cartwright<\/p>\n

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

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

Summary:\u00a0 On a horse buying trip the brothers experience, a Carson City Earthquake<\/p>\n

Rating:\u00a0 K\u00a0 (5,600 words)<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":63,"featured_media":14045,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"template-full-width-post.php","format":"standard","meta":{"_jetpack_newsletter_access":"","_jetpack_dont_email_post_to_subs":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_tier_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paywalled_content":false,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":"","jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false},"categories":[2],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-12591","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-actionadventure","wpcat-2-id"],"a3_pvc":{"activated":true,"total_views":1946,"today_views":0},"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/04\/ETG-14.jpg?fit=687%2C544&ssl=1","jetpack_likes_enabled":true,"jetpack-related-posts":[{"id":48253,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=48253","url_meta":{"origin":12591,"position":0},"title":"BTR Sourdough Starters #21 – January 2020 (by BZTrailriders)","author":"BZTrailRiders","date":"January 31, 2020","format":false,"excerpt":"Summary: Use the photo from Gabrielle where the four Cartwrights are riding to the mountain as a prompt for the Sourdough story. 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