{"id":12859,"date":"2000-01-06T19:47:33","date_gmt":"2000-01-07T00:47:33","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=12859"},"modified":"2025-02-27T12:04:12","modified_gmt":"2025-02-27T17:04:12","slug":"the-contract-by-gwynne","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=12859","title":{"rendered":"The Contract (by Gwynne)"},"content":{"rendered":"

Summary:\u00a0 <\/strong>Comancheros and a contract with the Army spells trouble for those on the Ponderosa.<\/p>\n

Rating:\u00a0 T\u00a0 (16,650 words)<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The script submitted for The Contract:<\/strong><\/p>\n

The Price of Courage<\/a><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam peered through a screen of brush.\u00a0 His hand dropped instinctively to his Colt then fell away.\u00a0 They were out of range, and his rifle was on his saddle at the bottom of the hill.\u00a0 He was helpless to interfere.<\/p>\n

The ranch house was humble but solid.\u00a0 Made of unpeeled, split logs and roofed with hand cut shakes, it was low and brown and blended into the surrounding hills.\u00a0 It was little different from the barn and corrals that huddled nearby.\u00a0 On a sunny day you would have noticed the bright yellow print of the calico curtains in the oiled-paper windows and seen chickens pecking among the peas and turnips in the garden.\u00a0 Today, flames had broken through the roof, and the owner lay face down and bloody on the narrow porch.<\/p>\n

The grounds teemed with men.\u00a0 Mostly unwashed men of indeterminate origins with shady pasts and sullied souls.\u00a0 One rushed from the burning house, his arms loaded with sacks of food and a rabbit fur blanket.\u00a0 He paused to swoop up the shotgun that had fallen from the limp hand of the man on the porch.\u00a0 He moved away without a second glance.\u00a0 Others rounded up the stock of saddle and draft horses from the corral.\u00a0 One bunched the milk goats and drove them away ahead of him.\u00a0 Still another grabbed the frantic chickens, wrung their necks and stuffed them into a sack.\u00a0 In the distance, a small herd of cattle was being moved rapidly toward the mountains.<\/p>\n

A man of a different cut watched all this activity.\u00a0 Seated on a fine, dark horse with elaborate silver-mounted equipment, he was tall with olive skin and ebony hair.\u00a0 His clothes were well-cut and costly.\u00a0 A silver braided sombrero shaded eyes as cold as a mountain tarn, and a hint of depravity twisted his mouth.\u00a0 An exceptionally heavy riding crop dangled from one wrist.<\/p>\n

A stocky, brown man in serape and gaucho pants rode up beside him.\u00a0 He carried a burning torch in his free hand.\u00a0 An order was quickly given.<\/p>\n

\u201cLuis, fire the other buildings and collect the men.\u00a0 This smoke may draw the cavalry.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSi, Delgatto, as you say.\u201d\u00a0 The burly man cantered away toward the barn.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam Cartwright was a long ride from home near the southeastern edge of the Ponderosa when he spotted the smoke.\u00a0 In no great hurry, he had eased along on a late spring check of boundary markers, stock condition, available water and graze.\u00a0 A young deer, neatly dressed out, was tied across his pack horse\u2019s rump.\u00a0 There would be more than beans and bacon for supper tonight.<\/p>\n

A shadowy twist of greasy smoke from beyond the next ridge had caught his eye and beset his nostrils.\u00a0 What was that family\u2019s name he thought?\u00a0 Highback?\u00a0 No, Hornbeck, Hornbeck, that was it.\u00a0 He had nooned there once or twice and had been pleasantly received.\u00a0 It looked like there might be trouble.<\/p>\n

Too long in the West to rush into any situation without pausing to evaluate it, Adam had dismounted and crept up to the top of the ridge.\u00a0 He looked down upon the Hornbeck homestead from behind a line of brush.\u00a0 His stomach clenched and a chill ran down his spine.\u00a0 Damn!\u00a0 Another savage raid , and he was essentially unarmed!\u00a0 He counted eight men still at the ranch and several more specks disappearing into the distance.\u00a0 He was too late to do any good, and he\u2019d be a fool to kick a hornet\u2019s nest if he didn\u2019t have to.\u00a0 Better for the moment to watch and learn all that he could about the looters.<\/p>\n

The billowing dust of the retreating raiders was fading as Adam rode into the ranch yard.\u00a0 He stepped down and moved quickly to the porch.\u00a0 A swift pull turned over the dead man lying there, and he recognized Hornbeck.\u00a0 He had been shot three times in the chest.<\/p>\n

Adam moved toward the house doorway with some notion of trying to save anything he could.\u00a0 Flaming rafters \u00a0crashed down to fill the air with fire and ash.\u00a0 He backed away and pulled Hornbeck\u2019s body with him to ease him down on a grassy patch near the well.<\/p>\n

He looked up at the sound of hoof beats to find a twenty-man cavalry detachment trotting into the yard.\u00a0 The standard bearer carried the red and white guidon of M Company of the Eighth Cavalry out of Fort Churchill on a nine foot lance.\u00a0 They were led by a captain of middle years and staunch military bearing.\u00a0 The man drew his sidearm and leveled it at Adam.<\/p>\n

\u201cStand away from that man and don\u2019t make a wrong move.\u201d\u00a0 His eyes were piercing and his voice hard.<\/p>\n

Adam stepped back smoothly with his arms held well clear of his revolver.<\/p>\n

\u201cIdentify yourself,\u201d the captain snapped.<\/p>\n

Adam glanced at the hefty Field First Sergeant on the captain\u2019s right.\u00a0 His rusty red hair, weathered skin and sparkling blue eyes identified him as the Irishman he clearly was.\u00a0 Then he smiled and said, \u201cAdam Cartwright of the Ponderosa Ranch. I was out checking on graze and doing some hunting when I saw the smoke.\u00a0 Rode over just in time to see the last of the raiders pulling out.\u00a0 They rode off to the northeast.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cCan you prove all that?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIf necessary.\u00a0\u00a0 But, Sergeant Donovan, there, should be able to vouch for me.\u00a0 Still riding that overgrown buffalo, I see.\u201d\u00a0 He nodded at the tall, rawboned and amazingly stout chestnut mount the sergeant straddled.<\/p>\n

\u201cThat right, Sergeant?\u00a0\u00a0 You know this man?\u201d\u00a0 The captain looked at his second in command.<\/p>\n

\u201cAye, indeed, sir.\u00a0 He\u2019s Ben Cartwright\u2019s oldest, no doubt.\u00a0 There\u2019s many a good remount he\u2019s sold the cavalry, and always at a fair price.\u201d\u00a0 He gave Adam a mock glare. \u201cAnd, I\u2019ll thank you not to speak unkindly of old Ulysses here.\u201d\u00a0 He gave his gawky horse a gentle slap on the neck.\u00a0 \u201cHe\u2019ll keep going when the rest of \u2018um give up and founder.\u201d<\/p>\n

Donovan got a warm grin and a wink from Adam.<\/p>\n

The captain holstered his Colt and dismounted.\u00a0 He marched up to Adam with back erect and shoulders square.\u00a0 Thick hair grizzled with gray peeped from under the edge of his cap.<\/p>\n

\u201cCaptain McElroy, Troop M, Eighth Cavalry,\u201d he introduced himself.\u00a0 \u201cYour pardon, Mr. Cartwright, but there\u2019s been too much of this to take chances.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t blame you a bit.\u00a0 I assume this is some more of Delgatto\u2019s work; it\u2019s the first I\u2019ve seen with my own eyes \u2013 and I\u2019d like to see him hang for it!\u201d\u00a0 Adam\u2019s anger rang in his voice.\u00a0 \u201cThe Hornbecks were decent people.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou knew these people?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHerman Hornbeck brought his family out here right after the war and bought this section of land from my father.\u00a0 He worked hard, but sure didn\u2019t have much money.\u00a0 What did Delgatto want from him anyway?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSupplies, I\u2019d say \u2013 fresh beef, grain, horses.\u00a0 Looks like he stripped the place before he burned it.\u00a0 You mentioned a family?\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam closed his eyes for a moment.\u00a0 Bitterness and pain darkened his features.\u00a0 \u201cA wife and two little girls.\u00a0 They were inside; I saw the bodies just as the roof collapsed.\u00a0 I think \u2026 pray they were already dead.\u00a0 No time to get them out.\u00a0 Expect we\u2019ll find the bones.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThat filthy swine!\u00a0 We\u2019ve got to stop him!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhy don\u2019t you?\u201d Adam asked mildly.<\/p>\n

\u201cPerhaps you\u2019d like to explain just how?\u201d\u00a0 The scathing sarcasm in McElroy\u2019s tone was meant to cut.\u00a0 \u201cI\u2019ve got 68 men, and we\u2019ve all been in this area less than thirty days.\u00a0 Sergeant Donovan\u2019s the only one familiar with the territory, and he\u2019s only on loan to me from Colonel Devin\u2019s staff.\u00a0 Besides, Delgatto\u2019s impossible to track.\u00a0 He knows every trick in the book and a few unwritten ones!\u00a0 If he weren\u2019t a fox, they\u2019d have taken him down on the border instead of driving him up into these endless mountains to prey on settlers and miners.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou could hire some local men as scouts.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cCould I now?\u00a0 We\u2019re chronically short of funds, and the best I can offer is an Indian Scout contract \u2013 sixteen dollars a month and forty cents a day found for your mount.\u00a0 The mines pay a lot better?\u00a0 Do you<\/em> want to volunteer?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI might.\u201d\u00a0 Adam\u2019s answer was flat and dry.<\/p>\n

\u201cAre you serious?\u00a0 You realize that it\u2019s dangerous?\u00a0 If you ever fell into Delgatto\u2019s hands there\u2019d be small chance of getting out alive.\u00a0 It\u2019s a grueling job with no time off until we\u2019ve finished.\u00a0 Why should you risk it?\u201d<\/p>\n

With no intention of trying to explain himself to this stiff and formal officer, Adam simply replied, \u201cLet\u2019s just say I object to the way Delgatto works.\u00a0 Don\u2019t you care for my help?\u00a0 I know the area quite well.\u201d<\/p>\n

McElroy jumped at the offer.\u00a0 \u201cI won\u2019t give you two chances to back out.\u00a0 Ride to Fort Churchill with us and sign your contract.\u00a0 Do you have any military experience?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSome.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cCare to elaborate?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNot particularly.\u00a0 I\u2019d just as soon forget it.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI can use you more effectively if I know.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam knew this was true, but memories of his role in the recent war were painful and still fresh.\u00a0 To trot them all out in front of strangers was impossible.\u00a0 He gave the shortest answer he could.\u00a0 \u201cSubaltern in Kilpatrick\u2019s Cavalry \u201964 through \u201965.\u201d\u00a0 *<\/p>\n

Captain McElroy\u2019s face brightened.\u00a0 \u201cExcellent!\u00a0 Invaluable experience.<\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s one way to look at it.\u201d<\/p>\n

Anxious to get started before Adam regretted his decision, McElroy pressed.\u00a0 \u201cCan you come back with us now?\u00a0 We need to get on Delgatto\u2019s track as soon as possible.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll have to let my family know where I am.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWe can wire Virginia City from the Fort.\u00a0 Get your horse.\u00a0 That venison would make a fine supper for us and the men, if you\u2019re willing?\u201d<\/p>\n

On the Ponderosa food was always shared with anyone who hungered.\u00a0 Adam nodded his agreement and handed the lead rope of his packhorse to a nearby trooper.\u00a0 He checked Sport\u2019s girth and swung easily into the saddle.<\/p>\n

Captain McElroy mounted and turned to Sergeant Donovan, \u201cLeave a burial detail here, Sergeant.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYes, sir.\u201d\u00a0 He beckoned several men to ride forward and explained what was needed.<\/p>\n

Adam pulled his mount in beside McElroy.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou ready?\u201d the Captain asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cAnytime you say.\u201d<\/p>\n

McElroy raised his arm and signaled.\u00a0 \u201cTroop.\u00a0 Forward!\u201d<\/p>\n

They turned and rode away.\u00a0 Dust spurted up behind them.\u00a0 The destroyed homestead was left to the attention of the burial squad and the eternal forces of nature.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The sun had dropped behind the still snow-capped Sierra Nevada.\u00a0 A nighttime chill crept into the air along with the scent of roasting venison in the troop area as Adam stepped into Capt McElroy\u2019s office.\u00a0 The man sat rigidly behind a desk filled with neatly piled papers.<\/p>\n

\u201cHorses stabled to your satisfaction, Mr. Cartwright?\u201d he asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cYes, thank you.\u00a0 Well housed and fed.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI have your contract right here.\u201d\u00a0 McElroy pointed to a long form, front and centered on his desk.\u00a0 \u201cI\u2019ve made it for three months.\u00a0 If you\u2019ll just sign it, we can get right to work.\u201d\u00a0 He held out a freshly sharpened quill and gestured to the ink well.<\/p>\n

Adam exhaled softly.\u00a0 He was willing to help, but did it have to be so formal?\u00a0 \u201cCan\u2019t we dispense with the contract?\u00a0 I offered to help if I can, but I don\u2019t like the idea of being tied up for that long.\u00a0 I\u2019ve other responsibilities.\u00a0 We\u2019ll have to locate Delgatto in the next few weeks, or there won\u2019t be much left of this country to protect.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI am afraid I\u2019ll have to insist on the agreement.\u00a0 The Army wants first call on your services, and, small as the pay is, we don\u2019t ask a man to risk his life for nothing.\u201d<\/p>\n

Their eyes met and held for a long moment, but Adam finally nodded his agreement.\u00a0 He slowly took up the pen, dipped it in the ink and signed.\u00a0 After a brief hesitation he pushed the contract back to the Captain.\u00a0 McElroy pointed to a chair opposite his desk, and Adam sat down.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat have you done so far to stop these raids?\u201d he asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019ve seen it.\u201d\u00a0 McElroy shook his head.\u00a0 \u201cThe column I led today at Hornbeck\u2019s ranch is it.\u00a0 We can\u2019t locate Delgatto\u2019s hideout, so I\u2019ve been trying to keep him off balance by turning up with a small force at first one place and then another.\u00a0 But, he seems to know where I\u2019m going to be almost before I do.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThe theory\u2019s good, but you probably haven\u2019t been able to keep your movements secret.\u00a0 I suppose you had to ask directions around the Post?\u201d<\/p>\n

The Captain nodded yes, and Adam continued.\u00a0 \u201cDelgatto undoubtedly has a spy at the Fort \u2013 one of your wagoneers or woodcutters probably.\u00a0 Word of your route gets back to him in a hurry.\u00a0 We can use this.\u201d<\/p>\n

McElroy\u2019s flashing eyes fastened intently on Adam as he listened with growing interest and respect.<\/p>\n

\u201cFrom now on,\u201d Adam continued, \u201conly you and I will know the column\u2019s next destination.\u00a0 We\u2019ll give them time to feel the pinch.\u00a0 Then I\u2019ll leak a piece of false information and see if I can\u2019t spot Delgatto\u2019s inside man.\u00a0 Maybe he\u2019ll lead me to the camp.\u201d<\/p>\n

The Captain\u2019s head bobbed in agreement.\u00a0 \u201cA good plan; it should work.\u00a0 We\u2019ll try it.\u00a0 And Cartwright \u2013 one other thing\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYes?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI realize you are out of the habit, and between us it makes no difference, but I\u2019d appreciate it, now that you\u2019re under contract to the Army, if you would pay close attention to military courtesy in front of the men.\u00a0 Wait for my orders; reply with \u2018Yes, sir\u2019 \u2013 that sort of thing.\u00a0 I\u2019m sure you understand the necessity.\u201d<\/p>\n

As a former officer, Adam knew this well, and it annoyed him intensely to be given the gratuitous reminder of the correct form.\u00a0 However, he understood the rationale and managed to swallow his displeasure, even if it went down sideways.\u00a0 He arose swiftly, stood very erect and answered stiffly.\u00a0 \u201cCertainly, Captain, I am at your service.\u00a0 If that\u2019s all for tonight \u2026?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYes, of course.\u00a0 The Sergeant will show you to your quarters.\u00a0 Good evening.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cGood evening, sir.\u201d\u00a0 Adam saluted sharply, turned, marched to the door and let himself out.\u00a0 At the bottom of the steps, he relaxed from his brace, looked out at the lights of the post and muttered to himself in a half-amused tone, \u201cThree months at sixteen dollars a month.\u00a0 Pa\u2019s gonna think I\u2019ve lost my mind.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam knew his father well and accurately predicted his reaction.\u00a0 Joe sat on the hearth, warming his backside against the evening chill, while Hoss relaxed with a small brandy.\u00a0 Ben stood in the middle of the room with an open letter in hand.\u00a0 His voice resounded throughout the house.<\/p>\n

\u201cHas Adam taken leave of his wits?\u00a0 First<\/em> he goes out to check graze and get in some hunting, then<\/em> we get a wire that he\u2019s at Fort Churchill and not to worry, and now<\/em> a letter by messenger saying he\u2019s taken a job for three months as an Army Scout and please to send his gear!\u00a0 Three months!<\/em>\u00a0 And it\u2019s not six weeks till roundup.\u00a0 This has<\/em> to be a joke.\u00a0 He doesn\u2019t need a job, and certainly not at what they are paying.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben looked sharply at Hoss and Joe for some explanation.\u00a0 Hoss\u2019 brow crumpled into a worried frown, and he slowly shook his head.\u00a0 Joe grinned and lifted his shoulders in an exaggerated shrug.<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, any ideas?\u201d Ben demanded.\u00a0 \u201cDid he say anything to either of you?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOnly thing he said to me when he left was, \u2018See you in a couple o\u2019 days,\u2019\u201d Hoss told his father.\u00a0 \u201cOh, and think he said something about maybe we\u2019d have venison when he got back.\u201d\u00a0 Always willing to give his brother the benefit of the doubt, Hoss added, \u201cAdam\u2019s nigh always got good reason for what he does \u2013 even if we can\u2019t see it right off.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cDid he tell you anything different, Joe?\u201d Ben demanded.<\/p>\n

\u201cI was down at the corral when he left, Pa.\u00a0 He just lifted a hand and waved.\u201d\u00a0 Unable to resist a good-natured dig, Joe added, \u201cHeck.\u00a0 Anybody as sensible as that big brother of ours has to crack sooner or later.\u00a0 He probably thinks he\u2019s Kit Carson.\u00a0 Expect it\u2019s harmless.\u201d<\/p>\n

Hoss had been thinking along more serious lines.\u00a0 \u201cPa, do you reckon it might have somethin\u2019 to do with this bunch of robbers and horse thieves that\u2019s been raiding hereabouts?\u00a0 I heard the Army was after them, and you know how Adam feels about that sort of no-goods.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben rubbed the side of his face and spoke in a calmer tone.\u00a0 \u201cYou may be right.\u00a0 Although, I never thought Adam\u2019d willingly tie up with a military action again after the war.\u201d\u00a0 He paused.\u00a0 \u201cMaybe some of it is beginning to fade for him at last.\u00a0 I hope so.\u201d<\/p>\n

Hoss nodded his agreement, but Joe was still in a joking mood.\u00a0 \u201cI think we ought to go after him.\u00a0 He\u2019s probably been drinking some of that tarantula juice they brew up at that so-called canteen out there.\u00a0 It\u2019s guaranteed to drive you loco.\u201d<\/p>\n

Both Ben and Hoss shot him discouraging looks, and Joe held up his hands in surrender.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

When you got right down to it, Joe wasn\u2019t that far off.\u00a0 Most western Army posts with no town nearby were infested by a dreadful institution vulgarly called a \u2018hog ranch\u2019 by the troopers.\u00a0 In this case, it was a rough shack set up just outside the fort\u2019s perimeter.\u00a0 It was operated by a less-than-honest gambler that rumor said had been run out of Dodge. It offered fearful whisky, crooked games and a few aging and degenerate whores.<\/p>\n

It was dusk and a number of horses were tied outside the Fort Churchill hog ranch, including Adam\u2019s sorrel.\u00a0 Inside, the bar and tables were crowded with soldiers drinking and playing cards.\u00a0 There was a faro game running, and a dispirited looking soiled dove played the out-of-tune piano while a young corporal tried to lure her away.\u00a0 At one table an impromptu quartet of well-oiled soldiers harmonized:<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cOh, they say some disaster,<\/em><\/p>\n

Befell the paymaster,<\/em><\/p>\n

And we\u2019ll never be paid again \u2013 again,<\/em><\/p>\n

We\u2019ll never be paid again!\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

In a comparatively quiet corner of the saloon, Adam and Sergeant Donovan shared a table.\u00a0 Adam picked up the bottle of dubious whisky that sat between them and looked at it closely.\u00a0 It bore a crudely handmade label proclaiming it \u2018Rare Old Gentleman\u2019s Tipple.\u2019\u00a0 Adam poured a shot into his glass, lifted it to his nose and sniffed cautiously.\u00a0 He set it back on the table with a look of suppressed horror.\u00a0 \u201cThey should call this stuff \u2018Old Horse Blanket.\u2019\u201d<\/p>\n

Sergeant Donovan grinned.\u00a0 \u201cSure now, and it\u2019ll put a fine finish on your insides.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cMore likely to destroy them entirely.\u00a0 I don\u2019t see how they keep the stuff corked.\u201d<\/p>\n

Donovan laughed and then looked at Adam with warmth in his eyes.\u00a0 \u201cAdam, me boy \u2026 ?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHuh?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWould you be after telling an old soldier something, just to put me curiosity bump to rest like?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWell now, Clancy, I might.\u00a0 Just what was it you had in mind?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHow is it that you agreed so easy to take on this scoutin\u2019 job?\u00a0 It certain sure isn\u2019t for the money, at all, or for love of McElroy either \u2013 though he be a good officer and fair with the men.\u00a0 The pair of ye were never cut out on the same bias.\u00a0 I know your Da has much need of you at the ranch.\u00a0 Why, for the love of old St. Pat, are you settin\u2019 yourself up in a fair way to be destroyed if Delgatto ever finds you out?\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam looked down at his hands on the table for a minute, and then looked up to meet the sergeant\u2019s eyes.<\/p>\n

\u201cClancy, you fought in the war?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI did that, and a cruel, bitter thing it was for this grand country.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam nodded.<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, I fought too, and doing just about what Delgatto\u2019s trying here.\u00a0 Sherman used armed, trained cavalry troops to raid a civilian population.\u00a0 Oh, we had a purpose other than greed and blood lust.\u00a0 We didn\u2019t slaughter women and children, but we left plenty of dead men and burning homes with empty pastures and store houses behind us.\u00a0 Maybe it had to be done.\u00a0 Maybe someday the historians will say that it shortened the war and saved lives, but I saw all I could stand and then some.\u00a0 Now, it\u2019s happening all over again \u2013 here on my own home ground, to people I know and care about and with no purpose except the will of a vicious animal.\u00a0 I have to try and stop Delgatto, that is, if I want to go on living with myself.\u201d\u00a0 Adam drew a deep breath and made an effort to lighten his tone.\u00a0 \u201cWill that answer your question, Sarge?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAye.\u00a0 Aye, Adam, that it will.\u00a0 It takes a man to know his own heart and follow it so true.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam bent his head in acknowledgement of the compliment, and after a brief pause, changed the subject.<\/p>\n

\u201cClancy, do you know that man two tables west of us?\u201d<\/p>\n

The table was occupied by a small, weedy half-breed who hastily turned his eyes away when he saw Donovan glance at him.<\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019ll be Lagarto \u2013 new hand working for the wood contractor.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHe\u2019s been watching me from around corners for this past week, and once or twice I\u2019ve caught a glimpse of someone tailing me when I left the Fort.\u00a0 I think he may be the man I\u2019m after.\u00a0 Follow my lead.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam gave the whiskey one more suspicious look, tossed it off grimly, then slammed down the glass with a crash.\u00a0 The sound drew Lagarto\u2019s attention back to their table.\u00a0 He leaned in their direction as Adam spoke loudly with a slight slur to his words.<\/p>\n

\u201cSo I told the Captain he was wrong.\u00a0 No chance of them touching that shipment after it leaves Reno.\u00a0 We can pull the column back there.\u00a0 Right, Donovan?\u201d<\/p>\n

The sergeant nodded in agreement.\u00a0 \u201cNo use hiring a scout if you don\u2019t mind his advice.\u00a0 Guess you convinced him.\u201d\u00a0 Lagarto listened intently as Donovan played his role well.\u00a0 \u201cThem were the Captain\u2019s orders to the letter. \u2018Accompany the silver shipment to Reno,\u2019 he says.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cGlad to hear it,\u201d Adam told him.\u00a0 \u201cNo use pounding our saddles clear across the mountains for nothing, I say.\u00a0 Let\u2019s drink on it.\u201d<\/p>\n

Donovan poured, and Adam managed to force down another drink of the swill.\u00a0 Lagarto rose and slipped quietly toward the door.<\/p>\n

When he was well out of earshot, Adam spoke in a normal tone.\u00a0 \u201cI think we\u2019ve hooked one.\u00a0 I\u2019m gonna ease out after him.\u00a0 You notify the Captain.\u00a0 If this whiskey doesn\u2019t finish me off, I should be back by this time tomorrow.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cRight.\u00a0 Have a care for yourself, lad.<\/p>\n

Adam winked at Donovan as he stood up, tipped his hat onto his head and stepped away from the table. \u00a0There was a hint of eagerness in his stride.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Lagarto holed up in the woodcutter\u2019s shack for the night, but rode out early in the false dawn before the fort began to stir.\u00a0 Stiff and chilled from a night of watching, Adam tossed on Sport\u2019s saddle and followed slowly.<\/p>\n

They moved away from the fort and toward the Carson River.\u00a0 As the day brightened, Adam fell farther back and took advantage of all the cover the terrain provided.\u00a0 Not rushing but making steady progress, Lagarto rode west along the south bank of the river.\u00a0 It was early afternoon when the little spy reached a small stream emptying into the Carson from the mountains to the south.\u00a0 He turned into it and rode upstream through the shallow water.<\/p>\n

The sun caught a broken rock formation running for some distance along the left-hand bank of the creek near its union with the Carson.\u00a0 Mica formations in the fractured rock surface caught the rays of the westering sun and flashed and glittered in a brilliant display.\u00a0 Lagarto rounded a bend in the stream and disappeared from sight.<\/p>\n

Within a few minutes, Adam reached the turn off.\u00a0 He dismounted and examined the faint traces of Lagarto\u2019s passage across the stream.\u00a0 He remounted and followed.\u00a0 As he passed the shining rocks they blazed with reflected light.\u00a0 He turned to survey them for a long moment and muttered, \u201cUnusual formation.\u201d\u00a0 He continued slowly up the creek and paused to look carefully before passing the bend.<\/p>\n

Adam continued to follow the course of the water.\u00a0 He paused before rounding a sharp outcropping of rock that blocked any view of the other side.\u00a0 Ahead he heard voices.\u00a0 A deep rumble asked in Spanish for a password, and Lagarto mumbled something in return that Adam couldn\u2019t quite catch.<\/p>\n

Damn, he thought: a lookout to protect the camp from anyone who might stumble upon it by accident.\u00a0 He\u2019d have to drop back and swing wide into the forest that bordered the far side of the stream and try to work his way around the man.\u00a0 He was going to lose some time.\u00a0 Adam eased his mount back and to the far bank where he vanished into the tangle of trees and vines that quickly hid him from view.<\/p>\n

Half a mile farther up the mountain, past several more bends in the stream and well out of sight of the lookout he had heard, Adam searched both left and right from behind a last pair of tall pines before emerging again from the forest.\u00a0 \u00a0No one was in sight.\u00a0 He thought for a minute and chose to continue following upstream.\u00a0 A camp as large as Delgatto\u2019s would need a reliable water source.<\/p>\n

High above him a man crouched on a rocky outcrop.\u00a0 His serape was dark and smeared with dirt.\u00a0 He blended perfectly into the soil and rough growth on the mountainside behind him.\u00a0 He was invisible to anyone looking up from the creek.\u00a0 He stretched flat, and a brown face with sharp black eyes peered over the rim of the rock.\u00a0 He could see Lagarto well ahead and nearing the camp.\u00a0 Adam, a quarter mile behind, was equally visible to him from his high perch.\u00a0 \u00a0He watched for a minute, then backed away from the edge and stood.\u00a0 He pulled a brightly polished mirror from his pocket and began to flash a signal to the camp.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Delgatto\u2019s camp was located in a sheltered small valley.\u00a0 The only entrance was a steep trail leading up through a short, narrow canyon cut by runoff water on its way to the stream.\u00a0 The earth there was well marked by the many feet of both horses and men who passed through it daily as they came and went.<\/p>\n

The outlaws sheltered in a cluster of rough cabins, tents and lean-tos.\u00a0 However, there were sturdy corrals to hold the horses and rustled cattle.\u00a0 Several cook fires burned, and two or three women tended them.\u00a0 Men lounged in the sun cleaning weapons, playing dice or talking quietly.<\/p>\n

Delgatto and his second in command, Luis, emerged from a cabin built larger and stronger than most and stood looking over the camp.\u00a0 Delgatto frowned and slashed his heavy riding crop impatiently against his leg.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhere is that fool Lagarto?\u00a0 Doesn\u2019t he know he\u2019s to bring word of the column\u2019s movements?\u00a0 Does he think I want to sit in these forsaken mountains forever!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSi, si, jefe; he knows,\u201d Luis told him.\u00a0 \u201cI sent a messenger only yesterday.\u00a0 He will have information for us soon.\u00a0 Then, then we can strike \u2013 like el tigre!\u00a0 Once we have the silver we can be gone from here, no?\u00a0 Perhaps back to Mexico where the days are warm and the women willing?\u201d<\/p>\n

Delgatto looked at him coldly. \u201cPerhaps, but the loot is rich in these mining towns.\u00a0 We \u2026\u201d\u00a0 He stopped short as one of his men ran up, gasping for air.<\/p>\n

\u201cSenor, senor, a signal \u2013 from the lookout \u2013 Lagarto is coming in \u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cBueno, bueno!\u201d\u00a0 There was pleasure in his leader\u2019s voice.<\/p>\n

\u201cBut, senor,\u201d the man hurried on, \u201ca gringo follows him!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cQue?\u201d Delgatto snarled.\u00a0 \u201cThat stupid pig; he leads in a stranger?\u00a0 Come, we must make our new friend welcome.\u201d\u00a0 The threat was clear and immediate.<\/p>\n

Delgatto greeted his returning spy in the large cabin.\u00a0 Though the most substantial building in the camp, it was dirt-floored, damp and shadowy, furnished only with a rough table and a few stools.<\/p>\n

\u201cWelcome, Lagarto, welcome back to our camp.\u00a0 You have been long awaited.\u201d\u00a0 Delgatto\u2019s tone was slick and honeyed.<\/p>\n

The little spy bobbed respectfully to his leader.\u00a0 \u201cGracias, patron.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWill you drink?\u201d\u00a0 Delgatto indicated a clay jug and mugs on the table with the tip of his riding crop.<\/p>\n

\u201cSi, si.\u00a0 A long, thirsty ride from the Fort.\u201d\u00a0 Lagarto quickly poured himself half a mug of tequila and drained it in one long gulp.\u00a0 \u201cAh, bueno.\u00a0 That burns away the dust, no?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd now, perhaps,\u201d Delgatto asked, \u201cyou have news for us?\u201d\u00a0 The leader leaned close; his breath warm against the smaller man\u2019s face.<\/p>\n

\u201cSi, at last patron.\u00a0 Only last night I heard the Sergeant speaking with the new scout.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd this new scout \u2013 what did he say?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThat on the day of the bullion shipment the column would guard it only as far as Reno.\u00a0 The Army guard will turn back there.\u00a0 After that we can take it as the mouse takes the cheese.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYes!\u201d Delgatto snarled. \u201cAnd we would be the rats in the trap!\u00a0 A new scout, eh, lizard, and perhaps he could teach you a few tricks!\u201d<\/p>\n

The little man\u2019s mouth fell open, and he stared blankly at his master.<\/p>\n

\u201cIn here!\u201d<\/p>\n

Delgatto\u2019s shout was answered by sounds of struggle outside the blanket-hung doorway.\u00a0 Adam was forced into the room at gunpoint by two of Delgatto\u2019s men, a third followed. His right cheek bore an ugly cut and already darkening bruise, but his eyes burned with temper, and he hadn\u2019t come easily.\u00a0 The guards jerked him to an abrupt halt before Delgatto.\u00a0 The two men\u2019s eyes met and locked.\u00a0 Each read the measure of the other.<\/p>\n

Delgatto gestured toward Adam and spoke to Lagarto with deceptive gentleness.\u00a0 \u201cIs this the scout of whom you speak?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cMadre de Dios!\u00a0 It is him \u2013 el Senor Cartwright!\u00a0 How did he come to be here?\u201d<\/p>\n

Delgatto allowed his long-held rage to lash out.\u00a0 \u201cFool!\u00a0 He gave you false information, then followed you here.\u00a0 You know what happens to those who betray us.\u201d\u00a0 He gestured for Adam\u2019s guards to take Lagarto.<\/p>\n

\u201cNo, patron!\u00a0 No, I beg you.\u00a0 I am always loyal to you!\u00a0 He must track like a wolf; I don\u2019t know\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThe fool is more to be feared than the traitor.\u201d\u00a0 He jerked his head toward two of the guards.\u00a0 \u201cOutside \u2013 finish him!\u201d\u00a0 Indicating Adam, he told the third guard to keep him covered.<\/p>\n

The man pulled a large and ornately engraved and inlaid pistol from its holster and pointed it firmly at Adam.\u00a0 Adam gave him a brief look of disdain and shifted his gaze back to Delgatto.\u00a0 Lagarto was dragged struggling and whimpering from the hut.<\/p>\n

Delgatto looked long at Adam and perhaps recognized him as an equal.\u00a0 In any case his voice was courteous when he spoke.\u00a0 \u201cSenor Cartwright did he say?\u00a0 An illustrious name in this country, but surely not the<\/em> Ben Cartwright; possibly a son?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAdam Cartwright, Scout, United States Army.\u00a0 And you\u2019ll be Delgatto, leader of this band of cutthroats?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYour servant, senor.\u201d\u00a0 He gave a slight bow.\u00a0 \u201cYou came to view our humble camp.\u00a0 Por favor, allow me to be your escort.\u201d\u00a0 He indicated the doorway with his crop, and the guard prodded Adam toward it.\u00a0 Adam gave ever appearance of being completely at ease when they stepped out into the sunlight.<\/p>\n

A few steps from the command hut, Delgatto paused and spread his arms in a gesture that swept the whole camp spread before them.\u00a0 \u201cImpressive, no?\u00a0 Men, arms, horses, supplies, even that essential of any fighting group \u2013 discipline.\u00a0 But, I almost forgot \u2013 the prize \u2013 captured from an Army supply train in Texas \u2013 observe\u2026\u201d\u00a0 He pointed with his crop to the defile that lead into the camp from the stream, and then farther up and to the left.\u00a0 Adam looked where he indicated.<\/p>\n

Dread dried his mouth, and his heart thudded.\u00a0 Mounted well above the trail with a sweeping coverage was the latest model Gatling gun.\u00a0 A crate of ammunition stood nearby and the two-man crew looked alert and efficient.<\/p>\n

Delgatto\u2019s smile reinforced his chill.\u00a0 \u201cIt is always manned.\u00a0 You see, I have complete command of the approaches.\u00a0 No one enters this camp unless I will it.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam turned to face his captor squarely.\u00a0 \u201cWhich should about bring us to the point of this little farce?\u00a0 You obviously don\u2019t intend to let me ride out of here with this information tucked in my pocket.\u00a0 Why not just turn that gun on me as I came in and be done with it?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAre you so impatient to die?\u00a0 Come, we will talk more on this inside.\u201d<\/p>\n

Delgatto led them back to the command hut and held aside the blanket as his guard pushed Adam inside once more.\u00a0 When their eyes had adjusted to the semi-darkness, Delgatto prodded Adam in the shoulder with his crop and spoke again.<\/p>\n

\u201cNow, Senor Scout, you have learned what you wanted.\u00a0 Perhaps you will oblige me in return?\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam stood silent: waiting, watching.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe column\u2019s movements?\u201d\u00a0 It was a harsh demand.<\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t know them.\u00a0 The Captain keeps his own council.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m not a fool, Cartwright.\u00a0 Before you came, the Army blundered all over this country.\u00a0 Everyone knew where that column was going and when.\u00a0 They hire a scout and suddenly they begin to appear and disappear like shadows.\u00a0 Not even the soldiers know where they will be next.\u201d<\/p>\n

His voice changed from anger to cajolery.\u00a0 \u201cWhat do you owe the Army?\u00a0 Why leave your padre\u2019s rich lands and ride yourself saddle sore for them?\u00a0 For the money?\u00a0 I think not.\u00a0 For adventure then?\u00a0 May be.\u00a0 In any case, I can offer you more of both.\u00a0 I need a good scout who knows this country, who can be depended on.\u00a0 Throw in with me, and you\u2019ll see more gold and higher excitement than you believe possible.\u00a0 Give me the column\u2019s schedule, and we can take the next bullion shipment \u2013 over a million and a half dollars \u2013 a tenth share is yours.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam eyed him coldly.\u00a0 \u201cAnd the alternative?\u201d<\/p>\n

Delgatto answered with violence.\u00a0 \u201cThis!\u201d\u00a0 He lifted his heavy riding crop and slashed the lead-loaded grip against the heavy clay tequila jug on the table beside them.\u00a0 The vessel burst into fragments.\u00a0 Adam managed not to flinch, but his belly tightened.<\/p>\n

Delgatto caressed the whip and spoke in a slow, almost dreamy, tone.\u00a0 \u201cMade for me by an old Mexican craftsman \u2013 flexible, lead-loaded, capable of subduing the most unruly horse.\u00a0 If you force me to use it, you will suffer much the same fate as the jug\u2026 only slowly, ever so slowly.\u00a0 You will talk; never fear, you\u2019ll beg to talk!\u201d\u00a0 His head snapped up, his eyes blazed, \u201cQuickly \u2013 the column?\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam shook his head slowly and firmly.\u00a0 \u201cNo.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhy, what can you hope to gain?\u00a0 You must know what\u2019s coming.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t believe my reasons would have any meaning to you.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cTry me.\u201d<\/p>\n

He gave the outlaw a long, searching look.\u00a0 It hardly seemed worth the bother to answer, but then he shrugged \u2013 why not?\u2019<\/p>\n

“When you hold the lives and property of others in your hand, it ceases to be entirely a personal concern.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat can you possibly care about them \u2013 these others \u2013 now?\u00a0 Make no mistake, the forfeit in this game is your life.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSummum crede nefas animam praeferre puderi.\u00a0 Et propter vitam vivendi perdere causas,\u201d Adam answered quietly with a favorite quote from Juvenal.<\/p>\n

\u201cAh, Latin, no?\u00a0 Wealth provides so many of the little pleasures of life \u2013 including a fine education.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam translated, \u201cCount it the greatest of infamies to prefer life to honor, and to lose, for the sake of living, all that makes life worth having.\u201d\u00a0 It was a flat statement of his belief.<\/p>\n

Temper gripped his adversary.\u00a0 \u201cHonor!\u201d\u00a0 He struck Adam a savage blow across the left temple with the butt of his riding crop.\u00a0 Stunned he staggered back against the table.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe will see how much comfort your honor is to you when your ribs are crushed and each breath is agony!\u201d<\/p>\n

He cut Adam hard in the lower left side over the floating ribs.\u00a0 The blow brought the air out of his lungs in a grunt.\u00a0 He bent inward toward the injured side, and as he did so, Delgatto hit him again with the heavy crop handle across his spine and kidneys.\u00a0 The blow straightened Adam, and he jumped at Delgatto in a rage beyond the pain and locked both hands around his tormentor\u2019s throat.<\/p>\n

The guard shouted, and in the struggle, the table overturned to send cups crashing to the ground.\u00a0 The noise brought Delgatto\u2019s segundo, Luis, hurrying in from outside.\u00a0 Between them they managed to pry Adam loose from their boss and held him, still struggling and infuriated.<\/p>\n

Delgatto straightened and rubbed his bruised throat.\u00a0 He lifted his crop, then paused\u2026<\/p>\n

\u201cOnce more, Cartwright, use your head!\u00a0 Serve me, and you will be well rewarded.\u201d<\/p>\n

Teeth clenched in pain, Adam gave Delgatto the glare of an eagle and slowly, with infinite, deliberate contempt, shook his head, no.\u00a0 The raider slashed down viciously with the crop.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam was unconscious, face down on the dirt floor of the command hut.\u00a0 Luis toed him roughly in the ribs with the sharp point of his snakeskin boot.\u00a0 There was no response from the prone figure.<\/p>\n

\u201cRouse him, Luis,\u201d Delgatto commanded, as he stroked the heavy crop through his hand.\u00a0 It left blood smears.<\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t think it will be possible this time, patron,\u201d his segundo answered even as he scooped a dipper full of water from a nearby bucket and dashed it over Adam\u2019s head.\u00a0 The man on the floor didn\u2019t stir.<\/p>\n

\u201cIs he faking?\u201d<\/p>\n

In response, Luis stooped, drove his hands under Adam at hip and shoulder and, with a heave, turned him over.\u00a0 His face was marred by the black and purple bruise along his left temple and the cut across his right cheekbone was swollen and ugly.\u00a0 A trickle of frothy red blood had run from his mouth.\u00a0 His shirt was torn and stuck to him with partially dried blood.\u00a0 There was no doubt that he was completely unconscious.<\/p>\n

\u201cNo, patron,\u201d Luis answered.\u00a0 \u201cHe is finished.\u00a0 See, already his lungs bleed.\u201d\u00a0 He pointed toward the frothy blood that had bubbled from between Adam\u2019s lips.<\/p>\n

\u201cFool!\u00a0 I would have used him well had he only been reasonable.\u00a0 I need men like this.\u201d\u00a0 Delgatto turned away in irritation.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2019ll tie him up outside so the men can have their sport with him in the morning.\u201d<\/p>\n

The leader of the raiders hesitated.\u00a0 \u201cNo, Luis.\u00a0 Leave him here.\u00a0 He\u2019ll die soon enough.\u00a0 Pico can watch.\u201d\u00a0 He indicated one of the guards.<\/p>\n

Luis objected.\u00a0 \u201cLos hombres \u2013 they will miss their fun with him.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOur people have a very old saying, Luis.\u00a0 \u2018There are no jokes about courage.\u2019\u00a0 Leave him here.\u201d\u00a0 It was clearly an order and not to be disobeyed.\u00a0 Delgatto frowned down at his victim for a long moment and then swung about on his heel and strode out of the cabin.\u00a0 Luis followed in his wake.<\/p>\n

Adam was left alone with only the one guard, Pico.\u00a0 It was chilly in the hut, and the ground was damp, but when Pico jarred his shoulder with a kick, his head only fell limply to the side and fresh blood oozed from his mouth.<\/p>\n

Pico cast a sly glance around and then picked up the fresh bottle of tequila from the table and retired to a stool in the corner with it.\u00a0 He tilted his head back and drank deeply of the fiery liquor.\u00a0\u00a0 A sigh escaped him, and he lifted the bottle for another sip.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The first, faint, silvery precursors of dawn filtered into the dark of the cabin.\u00a0 They picked out the guard hunched in his corner with a blanket draped around him and the empty tequila jug upended at his feet.\u00a0 His chin drooped onto his chest, and his eyes were closed.\u00a0 Soft snores broke the almost total silence.<\/p>\n

Adam\u2019s eyes opened, blinked, closed again briefly and then snapped open.\u00a0 Without moving he looked at everything within his sight.\u00a0 He focused on the sleeping guard and watched him intently for some time.\u00a0 One arm crept across his chest to press tightly against his left side.\u00a0 The other hand began to push against the cold dirt of the floor.\u00a0 By inches he forced himself into a sitting position.\u00a0 The effort brought the need to cough and with it a fresh gush of blood from his lungs.\u00a0 He fought back the sound and wiped a hand across his mouth.\u00a0 For a moment, he looked at the blood on his palm, puzzled, then wiped it away on his pants.<\/p>\n

By inches he eased his way to the table and gripping hard to its edge managed to pull himself semi-erect.\u00a0 The pain of his broken ribs and bruised spine made it impossible to do more than hunch against the agony.\u00a0 A slight stirring drew his gaze to Pico, but the guard snorted a snore and fell back into a deep sleep.<\/p>\n

Driven by a primal need to survive, to escape, Adam forced himself to the doorway, and bracing against the frame, he pushed aside the blanket and looked outside. The camp was still quiet in the first few minutes after sunrise.\u00a0 It seemed no one felt the need to crawl out of warm blankets into the brisk air of morning.\u00a0 Sport stood still saddled and tied with two or three other mounts at a rack near the cabin.\u00a0 No one had bothered to care for his horse.\u00a0 Shivering, limping and with an arm clamped hard across his chest, Adam made his way toward the horses.<\/p>\n

Sport was hungry and very glad to see him.\u00a0 He would have never gotten aboard had the animal not turned willingly into him and stood quietly as he hauled himself up with a grip on the mane.<\/p>\n

Sprawled across his horse\u2019s neck, Adam watched as the night crew of the Gatling gun climbed down and went to wake their replacements.\u00a0 As soon as they were out of sight among the tents and huts, he kneed Sport toward the defile leading out of the camp.\u00a0 They disappeared from sight before the first of the raiders emerged to start the morning cook fires.<\/p>\n

The sun had moved higher into the sky on what promised to be a warm and bright late spring day.\u00a0 The guard on the high cliff above the stream stretched, pulled a bit of jerky from beneath his serape and began to gnaw on it.\u00a0 The faint sound of a hoof striking a rock drew his attention to the creek bed below him.<\/p>\n

The sight of a man in a ragged shirt swaying in the saddle just below him riveted him for a minute, but only for a minute.\u00a0 He threw down his jerky and grabbed his rifle.\u00a0 A snap shot threw up water behind Adam.\u00a0 He roused enough to kick Sport hard and bend low over his neck.\u00a0 The guard continued to pump bullets after the wildly racing pair until they were around a bend and out of range.\u00a0 With a curse, the man threw down his rifle and snatched up the signal mirror to flash the other guard post and the camp with the news of the escape.<\/p>\n

Bearded and rumpled from their hasty awakening, Delgatto, Luis and several of his men threw saddles on their mounts and prepared to give pursuit.<\/p>\n

Delgatto was in a foul mood.\u00a0 \u201cHe\u2019ll try for the fort,\u201d he shouted at Luis.\u00a0 \u201cWe must stop him before he reaches there!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHe\u2019s not fit to ride far,\u201d Luis protested.\u00a0 \u201cMaybe he\u2019ll stop at a miner\u2019s camp or ranch?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo, he knows we\u2019ll check them all.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHis home \u2013 this Ponderosa \u2013 they may have many men there?\u201d<\/p>\n

Delgatto swung into the saddle.\u00a0 \u201cIt\u2019s twenty miles away across the mountains.\u00a0 He\u2019d never last to reach it.\u00a0 No, it has to be the fort!\u201d\u00a0 He lashed his horse into a run and headed to the defile.\u00a0 The others followed.<\/p>\n

Halfway down the mountain, Sport picked his way cautiously along the almost dry streambed.\u00a0 Adam held desperately to the frayed edges of his consciousness.\u00a0 Injured beyond reason or planning, he longed for the safe haven of home.\u00a0 The Army post never entered his mind, but he knew there was another guard ahead.\u00a0 He lifted his head and looked off to the west; a tug on the reins turned the big horse in that direction.\u00a0 \u201cHome, son,\u201d Adam muttered.\u00a0 \u201cHave to get home.\u201d<\/p>\n

Sport scrambled up the bank and disappeared into the forested and ridged land that lay on the direct route to the Ponderosa.<\/p>\n

As the sounds of his passage faded, Delgatto and his men rode their sweating horses recklessly down the stream and on past Adam\u2019s turn off point.\u00a0 When they reached the junction of the small stream and the Carson near the \u2018shining rocks,\u2019 they drew to a halt.\u00a0 Luis examined the ground carefully.<\/p>\n

\u201cHe did not ride this way, jefe.\u00a0 We have lost him.\u201d<\/p>\n

Another man asked, \u201cWhat now?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWe must move the camp,\u201d Luis replied<\/p>\n

\u201cNo,\u201d their leader said.\u00a0 \u201cSo long as he does not reach the soldiers, we will be safe.\u00a0 Post a man to watch and bring word should he make it to the fort.\u201d<\/p>\n

Luis pointed to one of the men and jerked his head toward the far side of the river and the distant fort.\u00a0 The man nodded and rode away.<\/p>\n

\u201cMyself, I think he is dying,\u201d Delgatto told them, \u201csomewhere back there in the mountains.\u00a0 He will die in the saddle and his horse will roam loose.\u00a0 Send the rest of the men to search.\u201d\u00a0 He pulled his horse around and rode back toward the camp. \u00a0Luis shrugged and dispersed the searchers into the surrounding forest.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Sport jogged into the Ponderosa ranch yard with his master draped over his neck, hands locked into his mane.\u00a0 The horse was lathered in sweat and dust and nearly spent.\u00a0 He stopped at the hitching rail and whinnied loudly.<\/p>\n

Soon the house door opened, and Hoss stepped out with a piece of harness in his hands.\u00a0 He called back over his shoulder, \u201cOh, talk up your big ideas to somebody else, short shanks.\u00a0 You couldn\u2019t make money fallin\u2019 down a shaft at eight-fifty a foot.\u201d<\/p>\n

He turned to look where he was going and halted, stunned by the sight that greeted him.\u00a0 He dropped the harness, called out, \u201cJoe! Joe!\u00a0 Come quick!\u201d and started for Adam at a run.<\/p>\n

Just as he reached his brother, Joe burst out of the door.\u00a0 \u201cWhat, Hoss?\u00a0 What is it?\u201d\u00a0 In an instant, he caught sight of Adam and cleared the porch in one jump.\u00a0 He arrived beside Hoss just as the big man was reaching up to Adam.\u00a0 \u201cCareful, Hoss,\u201d Joe whispered.\u00a0 \u201cHe\u2019s hurt; he\u2019s hurt bad.\u201d<\/p>\n

Hoss placed one big hand on Adam\u2019s thigh and held out his other arm.\u00a0 His brother opened sunken eyes to look down into\u00a0 concerned blue ones.\u00a0 \u201cHoss.\u00a0 Be \u2026 be easy.\u201d\u00a0 With the words came bubbles of bright blood.<\/p>\n

\u201cOh, dear God,\u201d Joe said; it was a prayer and not a profanity.<\/p>\n

Hoss began to loosen Adam\u2019s stiffened hands from their grip on the mane.\u00a0 He spoke gently to his brother \u2013 almost as to a child.\u00a0 \u201cDon\u2019t you fret, Adam. \u00a0Ol\u2019 \u00a0Hoss ain\u2019t gonna hurt you none.\u00a0 Just turn aloose now.\u201d<\/p>\n

Suddenly Adam relaxed and with perfect trust and one last effort, rolled off and into Hoss\u2019s waiting arms.\u00a0 He choked back a cry as his brother\u2019s grip tightened around him.<\/p>\n

\u201cGit Pa!\u201d Hoss ordered.\u00a0 \u201cThen find a hand to take care of this horse.\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe bolted for the house as Hoss followed more slowly, carrying Adam with great care.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

At Fort Churchill, Captain McElroy was less than pleased with Adam\u2019s absence.\u00a0 \u201cWell, where is he?\u201d he demanded of Sergeant Donovan, who stood before his desk at parade rest.<\/p>\n

\u201cSir, it\u2019s sure I am that he\u2019ll be reporting soon as ever he can.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHe\u2019d better snap to it.\u00a0 Twenty-four hours gone and not a word!\u00a0 Probably drunk somewhere.\u00a0 Shiftless civilians!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAw, no sir, not on your life!\u00a0 Beggin\u2019 the Captain\u2019s pardon, sir, but Adam Cartwright is a likely lad.\u00a0 You can be dependin\u2019 on him.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHe\u2019s a civilian, and you can depend on them to do just as they please.\u00a0 Gone home for a change of clothes, no doubt.\u00a0 Sergeant, I\u2019ll personally see to it that he completes this scouting mission if it kills him.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

It was night as Hoss and Joe sat cramped on the edge of their seats in the Ponderosa great room.\u00a0 Their eyes went again and again to the stairs.\u00a0 Suddenly a full throated scream from Adam lifted Joe from his chair.\u00a0 He looked wildly at Hoss, who motioned him back down.<\/p>\n

They sat again in heavy silence.\u00a0 Hoss turned a small book over and over in his hands.\u00a0 Joe looked upstairs, bit at a fingernail and finally, dropped his head into his hands.\u00a0 The charged air was split by another scream choked off in mid-cry.\u00a0 Joe was on his feet and headed upstairs.\u00a0 Hoss just managed to catch him by the arm and point back to the couch.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhoa, Joe.\u00a0 You\u2019d only be in the way up there.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIf he yells like that one more time, you\u2019ll be pluckin\u2019 me off the rafters.\u00a0 What are they doing to him, anyhow!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cTryin\u2019 to get them ribs strapped up, I\u2019d judge.\u00a0 Delgatto sure didn\u2019t miss much.\u00a0 His back\u2026. pissin\u2019 blood ,\u201d\u00a0 Hoss shook his head.\u00a0 \u201cIt\u2019s a plumb miracle he got out of there alive.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, do they have to keep on hurting him?\u201d Joe demanded.<\/p>\n

\u201cThere ain\u2019t no easy way to do it.\u00a0 Doc Martin\u2019s gotta know what pains him and what don\u2019t.\u00a0 An\u2019 that bleeding from the lungs \u2013 Adam\u2019s likely to choke on his own blood if they can\u2019t keep him conscious till it stops.\u00a0 Reckon Doc\u2019ll put him to sleep soon as it\u2019s safe.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIt better be soon.\u201d\u00a0 Joe hesitated and then went on, \u201cHoss, we\u2019re not gonna let that butcher get away with this are we?\u00a0 We can\u2019t!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t worry, little brother; there\u2019ll be an accounting for every mark on Adam \u2013 sure as drought in the desert!\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

A steady, dreary, gray rain drenched the Ponderosa.\u00a0 The land might welcome the water, but the monotonous drumming on the roof set the mood as they gathered for breakfast.<\/p>\n

Joe gestured toward the window.\u00a0 \u201cThat looks about like I feel \u2013 completely washed out.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou,\u201d Hoss questioned, \u201chow about Pa?\u00a0 I don\u2019t think he\u2019s closed his eyes in the last three days.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOh, I\u2019ve caught a few catnaps,\u201d their father replied.\u00a0 \u201cIt\u2019s Doc I\u2019m bothered about.\u00a0 He must be exhausted.\u00a0 Hoss, why don\u2019t you go up and see if you can spell him for a while?\u201d<\/p>\n

Hoss was just rising as Doctor Paul Martin walked into the dining room.\u00a0 \u201cNo need,\u201d he told them.\u00a0 \u201cAdam is sleeping.\u00a0 I think we can safely leave him alone long enough for a little breakfast.\u201d\u00a0 He took a seat as Hoss filled a plate and passed it to him.<\/p>\n

\u201cDoctor, I guess you know how grateful we are \u2026,\u201d Ben began, but he was quickly interrupted.<\/p>\n

\u201cIf you were about to thank me or something foolish like that, forget it.\u00a0 After all, Ben, I\u2019ve been looking after these hellions of yours for quite a few years.\u00a0 I want to see Adam pull out of this as badly as you do.\u201d<\/p>\n

The doctor had just put Little Joe\u2019s fears into so many words.<\/p>\n

\u201cDoc!\u00a0 You said he was gonna be all right.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo, Joe.\u00a0 You heard what you wanted to hear.\u00a0 I said he had a good chance.\u00a0 The human animal never ceases to amaze me.\u00a0 I can\u2019t give you a single, sound medical reason why Adam isn\u2019t dead out there somewhere in the mountains \u2013 except that he wanted to live.\u201d\u00a0 The doctor shook his head in wonderment.\u00a0 \u201cDon\u2019t ask me how he even got on a horse, much less rode twenty miles, losing blood the whole way.\u00a0 The will to survive is an incalculable force.\u00a0 If he can make it through another few days without any complications, then, in time, he should heal.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat do you mean by \u2018complications\u2019?\u201d Joe wanted to know.<\/p>\n

\u201cWith a chest injury as serious as your brothers, the greatest danger is always pneumonia.\u00a0 It\u2019s the killer.\u00a0 On top of his other injuries, he could easily be too weak to fight it and win.\u00a0 About all we can do to prevent it is to keep him warm, quiet and as comfortable as possible.\u00a0 I hope that stubborn Cartwright streak of his keeps on working.\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe pushed both hands through his thick mop of hair, and then slammed away from the table to pace across the room.\u00a0 Hoss left his last strip of bacon on his plate and followed him to the front window.\u00a0 \u00a0Joe stood looking blankly out at the rain.\u00a0 \u201cJoe,\u201d Hoss put a consoling hand on his shoulder.\u00a0 \u201cCome on, simmer down and unkink \u2018fore you bust a cinch. \u00a0Ol\u2019 Adam\u2019s tougher \u2018n a she-bear\u2019s hind tit.\u00a0 He\u2019s gonna make it.\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe looked at Hoss, worry and tension still plain in his face.\u00a0 Then he relaxed a little, smiled and nodded.\u00a0 They both continued to look out into the unabated rainfall.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

A short while later, Ben sat staring into the fire.\u00a0 His thoughts were interrupted by a sharp knock on the door.\u00a0 He opened it to find Sergeant Donovan and an Army captain standing there.\u00a0 Three troopers, draped in slickers and dripping rainwater, sat their horses in the yard.\u00a0 They were accompanied by a wagon and driver.<\/p>\n

\u201cMr. Cartwright?\u201d the captain asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cYes, and you must be Captain McElroy.\u00a0 Come in, and have your men step into the bunkhouse and dry off.\u00a0 It\u2019s miserable weather to be outside.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThank you, I will.\u201d\u00a0 The captain turned back to give the orders to his men.\u00a0 Sergeant Donovan followed Ben into the living room.<\/p>\n

\u201cDonovan, good to see you again,\u201d Ben said.<\/p>\n

\u201cAye, and you, sir,\u201d Donovan said as he removed his hat and poncho.\u00a0 \u201cYoung Adam, now, how is he?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cBeaten, tortured.\u00a0 It\u2019s bad, Sergeant.\u201d<\/p>\n

The big Irishman scowled.\u00a0 \u201cBloody devils!\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe and Hoss stepped into the room from the kitchen and nodded to Donovan.<\/p>\n

Captain McElroy came in and closed the door behind him.\u00a0 He shrugged out of his wraps and followed them to the fireplace.\u00a0 \u201cI received your message, Mr. Cartwright, and I\u2019ve come to pick up my scout.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019ve what<\/em>?\u201d\u00a0 Ben couldn\u2019t believe his ears.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2019ve come to get Adam and take him to the dispensary at the Fort.\u00a0 He is<\/em> the Army\u2019s responsibility, you know.\u201d<\/p>\n

Incredulous and angry Ben said, \u201cSurely, you don\u2019t seriously suggest moving him that distance in an open wagon in this downpour.\u00a0 He\u2019s hurt, Captain.\u00a0 He needs medical attention.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd he shall have it, rest assured, sir.\u00a0 The Post Surgeon is a very competent man.\u00a0 Now, if you\u2019ll just take me to him\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo, absolutely not.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSir, be sensible,\u201d McElroy said quietly.\u00a0 \u00a0Your son is under contract to the Army.\u201d\u00a0 You could see Ben begin to swell.\u00a0 \u201cI have every legal right to remove him to the post and to have you forcibly restrained, if necessary.\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe\u2019s expression of disbelief changed to one of anger; his hand dropped to his weapon.<\/p>\n

The captain continued in his cool tone, \u201cHe\u2019ll have the best of care, but it is necessary that he be in our hands.\u201d<\/p>\n

Hoss\u2019 expressive face crumpled in concern.<\/p>\n

\u201cI assure you, Mr. Cartwright, we can protect him, and he has information that we need.\u00a0 I\u2019m sure you see the logic.\u201d<\/p>\n

On the verge of explosion, Ben drew a deep breath, then thought better of it and answered with icy control.\u00a0 \u201cCaptain McElroy, I am forced to admit that you have both logic and the law on your side \u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, I\u2019m pleased you realize \u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHowever,\u201d Ben went right on, \u201cthere is<\/em> just one issue in the argument that you\u2019ve failed to grasp.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat\u2019s that?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2019re not discussing a problem in military tactics from a West Point text book.\u00a0 The case in point is that of my son, my oldest son, who\u2019s hurt so badly that if you carry out your proposed plan you\u2019ll almost surely kill him!\u00a0 I\u2019ll put it to you as plainly as I know how.\u201d\u00a0 Ben\u2019s voice began to rise.\u00a0 \u201cLogic, law and the whole lot of you be damned; the only way you\u2019ll take Adam out of this house will be over my dead body!\u00a0 He glared defiantly at the captain.\u00a0 Hoss and Joe stood solidly behind him in a clear unity of purpose.<\/p>\n

Ben\u2019s shock tactics jolted the spit and polish captain, but the message did get through.\u00a0 After a moment of surprise, his expression softened, and his answer was calm.\u00a0 \u201cMy apologies, Mr. Cartwright; you\u2019re perfectly right, of course.\u00a0 I\u2019m afraid I sometimes forget to take the human element into account.\u00a0 It\u2019s a bad fault.\u00a0 Naturally, I don\u2019t want to endanger your son further, but I must have the intelligence he was willing to risk his life to obtain, and I need a scout.\u00a0 Perhaps you can suggest a solution?\u201d<\/p>\n

Having been suddenly handed the ball, Ben looked a little nonplused.\u00a0 \u201cWell\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cPa,\u201d Hoss broke in.\u00a0 \u201cI know all this country round here good as Adam does, maybe even a little better, an\u2019 Delgatto\u2019s made it a down right personal matter with us now.\u00a0 Why don\u2019t I take Adam\u2019s place and finish out that contract for him?<\/p>\n

\u201cThat sounds fine.\u201d\u00a0 The Captain smiled at the big man.\u00a0 Ben, however, was dubious of risking another son.<\/p>\n

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

\u201cYou know this has to be done, Pa.\u00a0 It ain\u2019t just Adam these buzzards done hurt, but women \u2018n kids on little backwoods holdings, an\u2019 old prospectors alone in the hills.\u00a0 Adam knew they had to be stopped.\u00a0 Since he can\u2019t finish the job, I kinda think he\u2019d like us to do it.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHoss and I\u2019ll both go!\u201d Joe said with considerable heat.\u00a0 \u201cAll I want is to get a gun sight on \u2018em.\u00a0 I\u2019ll give \u2018em hell with the hide off!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNot this time, Joe,\u201d Ben said.<\/p>\n

\u201cYes, Pa!\u00a0 The two of us can cover twice as much ground.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo, Joseph.\u00a0 This business has gotten you tied up in too many knots.\u00a0 The Captain wouldn\u2019t be able to depend on your judgment.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYour father\u2019s right, son,\u201d the captain said.\u00a0 \u201cYou can\u2019t start out after men like these single-handed.\u00a0 You\u2019d only get yourself killed, and lose them for us.\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe gave Ben a look of pleading.\u00a0 \u201cBut, Pa. Adam\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIf you\u2019re so all-fired concerned about Adam, stay home and lend a hand with him.\u00a0 He\u2019s going to need all the care and attention we have to give him for a while.\u201d<\/p>\n

Mollified, Joe nodded his agreement and stepped back.\u00a0 \u201cSure, Pa, sure.\u201d<\/p>\n

Pleased, the captain smiled.\u00a0 \u201cWell, I have my substitute scout.\u00a0 Now, if we may see Adam and get his report?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019 think that will be possible,\u201d Ben said firmly.<\/p>\n

\u201cNot possible!\u00a0 But\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAin\u2019t no call to go botherin\u2019 Adam, Captain,\u201d Hoss added.\u00a0 \u201cShouldn\u2019t take me long to locate them nohow.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI wouldn\u2019t be too sure of that!\u201d the captain snapped.\u00a0 \u201cIt took your brother nearly three weeks, and he only managed by spotting one of their spies and tracking him.\u00a0 You can be sure that won\u2019t work twice.\u00a0 He must tell us what he knows, and it has to be now!\u201d\u00a0 He turned to Ben.<\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t know; I just don\u2019t know.\u00a0 He\u2019s not conscious, Captain.\u00a0 He was in so much pain.\u00a0 Dr. Martin\u2019s had him under sedation for the last thirty-six hours and plans to continue for another few days.\u00a0 If there were some other way\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cBelieve me, sir, I sympathize with your dilemma, but there isn\u2019t any other way.\u00a0 You must be aware of it, too.\u00a0 Everything we need so desperately to know is locked up in your son\u2019s mind.\u00a0 It would take only a few minutes at most\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben thought it over and finally said, \u201cYes, yes, and it was important to Adam.\u00a0 He tried so hard to tell me the camp\u2019s location while we were working on him, but\u2026 \u00a0\u00a0It was so terrible for him just to breathe, let alone speak.\u00a0 Perhaps \u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYes?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m not insensitive to the urgent and critical nature of your mission here, Captain.\u00a0 If Dr. Martin agrees that it can be done at all, we\u2019ll wake Adam and get as much information as he is able to give us.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSplendid, sir!\u00a0 That\u2019s all I ask.\u00a0 You won\u2019t regret it.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI hope not.\u00a0 I certainly hope not!\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe was sitting at Adam\u2019s bedside watching him rouse slowly from his drugged sleep when the door opened and Ben, Hoss and the captain entered, followed by Doc Martin.\u00a0 Several pillows supported Adam in a semi-sitting position to make breathing as easy as possible.\u00a0 His chest was strapped from waist to breastbone, and the marks across his temple and cheek were very dark.\u00a0 Flushed with fever and struggling to breathe, he was restless but not fully awake.<\/p>\n

\u201cHow is it going, Joe?\u201d Ben asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cComin\u2019 around.\u00a0 He\u2019s spoken to me a couple of times and then dozed off again.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s to be expected,\u201d the doctor said, \u201cgiven the extent of his injuries.\u201d\u00a0 He turned to the captain and Hoss.\u00a0 \u201cYou understand this has to be brief.\u00a0 He\u2019s going to be in severe pain, and any upset could have serious consequences.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWe understand that, sir, but he has information that\u2019s vital to the whole territory.\u00a0 He must tell us where to find Delgatto.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll be talking to him, Doc, and I shore don\u2019t aim to hurt Adam no more if I kin help it.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAll right, Hoss, but remember \u2013 he\u2019s probably going to be pretty confused and groggy.\u201d<\/p>\n

Hoss took Joe\u2019s seat beside Adam.\u00a0 Ben and the doctor went to the other side of the bed.\u00a0 Captain McElroy stood close behind Hoss, and Joe leaned in the doorway of the crowded room.<\/p>\n

Hoss bent close to his brother.\u00a0 \u201cAdam, Adam, can you hear me?\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam opened his eyes and they gradually found focus.\u00a0 \u201cHoss?\u2019<\/p>\n

\u201cHow you feelin\u2019?\u00a0 Think you could talk to me for a little while?\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam nodded yes, then paused to take stock.\u00a0 \u201cWhat\u2026 what\u2019s wrong with me, Hoss?\u00a0 I hurt \u2026 hurt all over \u2026 my back\u2026\u201d\u00a0 His sentences were broken into short bits as he stopped to gather the breath to force them out.<\/p>\n

Hoss tried to help his brother clear his mind.\u00a0 \u201cDo you remember being taken by Delgatto, being tortured?\u201d<\/p>\n

His time sense dulled by drugs, Adam had no idea how long it had been since his escape.\u00a0 \u201cYeah.\u00a0 But \u2013 but I got away, came home \u2013 long time ago.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOnly three days.\u00a0 Doc\u2019s kept you asleep most of that time.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhy?\u201d<\/p>\n

Hoss did his best to answer gently, but honestly.\u00a0 He knew that Adam dealt best with things when fully informed, but he didn\u2019t want to distress him either.\u00a0 \u201cYou\u2019re hurt some inside, Adam.\u00a0 Guess you know you got busted ribs, an\u2019 Doc says your lungs, spine n\u2019 kidneys are all bruised \u2013 shaken up, sorta.\u00a0 You just have to be real quiet and rest for a spell \u2018till they can heal up.<\/p>\n

Adam thought this over for a minute, compared it to his own sensations and accepted it quietly. \u201cI see.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cFind out where Delgatto is,\u201d Capt McElroy urged.<\/p>\n

Hoss nodded and turned back to Adam.\u00a0 \u201cI hate to torment you, but I\u2019m gonna try \u2018n find that bunch again for the Captain.\u00a0 Can you tell me where the camp is; how you found \u2018em?\u201d<\/p>\n

Morphine-clouded and fever touched, Adam failed to understand that what was needed was a full intelligence report on his scouting mission.\u00a0 He tried hard to answer Hoss\u2019s direct questions but was unable to make connections and offer information that wasn\u2019t specifically requested.<\/p>\n

\u201cSure.\u00a0 They\u2019re pretty close in really, but well hidden.\u00a0 You follow the Carson upstream from the Fort a few miles until you \u2026\u201d\u00a0 It was too much at once.\u00a0 He started to cough, and it clamped his chest in a vise of pain.\u00a0 Unable to speak he pressed his left side tightly until it eased a little.\u00a0 The thread of what he had been saying was lost.\u00a0 He passed a hand across his eyes and looked up at Hoss.\u00a0 \u201cWhat \u2026 what was I tryin\u2019 to tell you?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAbout where you found Delgatto.\u00a0 You went up the Carson a ways\u2026?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYeah, yeah.\u00a0 Till you find a stream \u2013 the stream by the shining rocks.\u00a0 Follow it southeast up around Rawe Peak\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cStream by the shining rocks?\u201d Hoss questioned.<\/p>\n

As the narcotics in his system faded, Adam became more restless and distracted by pain and flaring fever. \u00a0\u201cYes, and Hoss \u2013 listen, Hoss.\u201d\u00a0 Using his arms, Adam forced himself almost erect in his urgency to get through to his brother.\u00a0 Ben reached out to restrain him, and the doctor stood suddenly.<\/p>\n

\u201cEasy, son, easy.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThe lookouts!\u00a0 Two.\u00a0 One \u2013 one near start \u2013 where you\u2019d expect.\u00a0 Another \u2013 high up \u2013 see both ways.\u00a0 Signal system \u2013 how they caught me.\u00a0 Be \u2013 be careful, Hoss.\u201d\u00a0 Adam was panting and began to cough again.<\/p>\n

Ben took his son in his arms and forced him back onto the pillows, where he collapsed fighting for each breath.<\/p>\n

Dr. Martin spoke up sharply.\u00a0 \u201cI was afraid of this.\u00a0 You\u2019ll have to cut it short.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cJust one or two more questions.\u201d\u00a0 The captain was pleading.\u00a0 \u201cPlease, this is important.\u00a0 Find out their strength?\u201d<\/p>\n

Hoss turned again to Adam.\u00a0 The captain rested his hands on the chair back and leaned close.<\/p>\n

\u201cAdam, try to tell us.\u00a0 How many of them owlhoots are there?\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam\u2019s breathing was steadier and he found an answer.\u00a0 \u201cAbout \u2013 about thirty men, a few women, some hangers on \u2013 maybe forty in all.\u00a0 Hoss, I\u2019m so hot\u2026 thirsty.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou got a little fever; don\u2019t fret; it\u2019ll pass.\u00a0 Do you want water?\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam nodded yes, and Hoss poured a glass from the jug on the table.\u00a0 He lifted Adam enough that he could drink, and he did so eagerly.\u00a0 After a few swallows, Hoss pulled it away.\u00a0 \u201cGo slow, big brother.\u00a0 A little at a time is best.\u201d\u00a0 He eased Adam against the pillows again.<\/p>\n

Captain McElroy found it hard to contain his impatience.\u00a0 \u201cSee if he knows when their next raid is planned and where they will strike.\u201d<\/p>\n

Hoss gave the man a hard look, but asked softly, \u201cDid you find out anything about their plans.\u00a0 Who are they gonna hit next?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThey want silver shipment \u2013 by Overland \u2013 next week\u2026 but \u2018fraid \u2013 \u2018fraid of the column\u2026\u201d\u00a0 He broke off to press both hands to his chest; his head twisted on the pillow.\u00a0 \u201cWon\u2019t strike \u2018till \u2013 \u2018till they can get a new report on the column\u2019s movements\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThat means we\u2019ll have to go in after them.\u00a0 Ask him for a better fix on the camp.\u201d<\/p>\n

Hoss was reluctant to comply with the request, and both Ben and Doc Martin looked deeply concerned.<\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t like it.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cTry.\u00a0 Please.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cTell me once more, Adam.\u00a0 How do you reach the hideout? \u00a0There\u2019s a hundred little cricks and washes run into the Carson from them mountains.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cFollow the water in.\u00a0 You\u2019ll know it by the rocks \u2013 the rocks that shine.\u201d \u00a0\u00a0Adam\u2019s hands clenched in the covers and twisted.\u00a0 \u201cHoss, they play rough; watch yourself.\u201d \u00a0Drained, Adam turned his cheek to the cool linen of the pillow and closed his eyes.<\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s not good enough,\u201d McElroy complained.\u00a0 \u201cHe\u2019s got to give us better directions.\u201d<\/p>\n

Hoss lashed out at him in anger.\u00a0 \u201cAsk him yourself then; I\u2019m through!\u00a0 Hasn\u2019t he done enough?\u00a0 You just hired a scout for your blamed $16.00 a month.\u00a0 You didn\u2019t buy his last breath!\u00a0 Don\u2019t worry.\u00a0 I\u2019ll fill that contract for you.\u00a0 I\u2019ll be able to smell them skunks!<\/p>\n

Adam roused and looked from Hoss to Ben in confusion.\u00a0 \u201cPa, the contract.\u00a0 What does he mean?\u00a0 Does Hoss have to go in my place?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s all right, son.\u00a0 Hoss is doing what he wants to do.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t you worry none, Adam; I\u2019ll be fine.\u201d<\/p>\n

Exhausted by the interrogation, confused by fever and opiates, torn with pain, Adam turned to Ben.\u00a0 \u201cPa.\u00a0 Pa, please.\u00a0 So \u2013 so tired.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben stroked his son\u2019s bruised face.\u00a0 \u201cI know, son.\u00a0 I know.\u201d<\/p>\n

Unwilling to endanger his patient for a moment longer, Dr. Martin spoke decisively.\u00a0 \u201cThis has gone entirely too far!\u00a0 Clear the room, Ben.\u00a0 I\u2019m putting Adam back to sleep immediately.\u201d\u00a0 He picked up his bag and prepared a hypodermic syringe.**<\/p>\n

Ben stood very erect and looked steadily at Captain McElroy.\u00a0 Hoss too faced the officer grimly.\u00a0 The captain moved toward the door, and both men followed.\u00a0 Joe returned to Adam\u2019s side.\u00a0 The doctor administered a shot of morphine, closed his bag and spoke to Joe. \u201cStay with him, Little Joe, and don\u2019t let anything else excite him.\u00a0 He must<\/em> rest.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll see to it, sir.\u00a0 You can depend on that!\u201d<\/p>\n

When they had all left, Joe leaned over Adam and smoothed the covers.\u00a0 Adam opened his eyes, saw Joe and caught at his arm.\u00a0 Cloudy as his mind was, he knew he had missed something important.\u00a0 \u201cJoe!\u00a0 Something \u2013 something Hoss should know.\u00a0 If I could only think \u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t worry, older brother.\u00a0 Hoss will manage real fine.\u00a0 You go to sleep now.\u00a0 You\u2019ll feel better soon.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam was slipping away; his speech slurred.\u00a0 \u201cForgotten \u2013 should know \u2013 Joe\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSleep, Adam.\u00a0 I\u2019ll be right here.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Another day was beginning at Fort Churchill.\u00a0 The bugler, braced at attention near the flagpole, blew work call.\u00a0 Small groups of soldiers and individuals moved across the parade ground. Some went to offices; others headed toward the stables and corral.\u00a0 A prisoner detail under guard began to clean up the area.\u00a0 Hoss came down the steps from the captain\u2019s office, crossed to the hitching rack, untied Chubb, mounted and rode toward the gate.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Mid-morning found him working his way up the Carson, examining the ground closely for tracks.\u00a0 He rode a short distance up several small feeder streams as he searched for some sign of Adam\u2019s \u2018shining rocks.\u2019 By late afternoon, he was thoroughly puzzled.\u00a0 He pulled up in the shade of a tree to rest his mount, pushed back his hat and shook his head.\u00a0 \u201cRocks that shine?\u00a0 What got into Adam, anyhow?\u00a0 Was he plumb out of his head?\u201d\u00a0 Reluctantly he gave up for the day and turned back toward the post.<\/p>\n

That night in the captain\u2019s office, he heard what he had expected.<\/p>\n

\u201cSorry now that you didn\u2019t try for better directions from your brother?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo, sir.\u00a0 I\u2019ll find \u2018em.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cBut when, that\u2019s the question?\u00a0 Time is running out on us.\u00a0 Delgatto can decide to strike again or move camp on any day.\u00a0 We\u2019ve got to locate him!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAdam mentioned Rawe Peak.\u00a0 I\u2019ll start soon as it\u2019s daylight and have a look up that way.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAwful lot of rough country up there, but go ahead and try.\u201d<\/p>\n

Hoss headed for the door.\u00a0 He had his hand on the knob when the captain called, and he turned back.<\/p>\n

\u201cCartwright.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYes, sir?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWatch your step, huh?\u00a0 Scouts are getting mighty hard to come by.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYes, sir, I will.\u201d\u00a0 Hoss gave him a sloppy salute and stepped outside.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Deep in the mountains east of Rawe Peak, Hoss rode along a faint trail.\u00a0 He reached a fork and paused.\u00a0 The left-hand trail led gradually downhill and into heavy woods.\u00a0 The right led up into the mountain, where one of Delgatto\u2019s guards crouched on a pinnacle.\u00a0 As he observed Hoss through his field glasses, he groped for the signal mirror.<\/p>\n

Hoss scratched at his head, looked right once more, shrugged and turned into the left-hand path.\u00a0 As he vanished into the woods, the guard put down the signal mirror and breathed a sigh of relief.<\/p>\n

Hoss returned to the fort late that evening, and the captain met him halfway across the parade ground.\u00a0 It was almost full dark.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m relieved to see you,\u201d he was told.\u00a0 \u201cI was thinking of organizing a patrol to start a search.\u00a0 Have any trouble?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo, sir, nor no luck neither.\u00a0 Had a feelin\u2019 I was close a few times, but you could lose an army up there and not miss \u2018em.\u201d<\/p>\n

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

\u201cI ain\u2019t real sure.\u00a0 Lem\u2019me sleep on it.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOh, your father sent over a rider from the Ponderosa today with a message for you.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAdam, how is he?\u201d Hoss asked anxiously.<\/p>\n

\u201cAbout the same apparently.\u00a0 Said he\u2019s still not too clear in his mind, but he does keep mentioning this stream with the rocks that shine.\u00a0 Does that mean anything at all to you?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo, no it don\u2019t, but it must to Adam.\u201d\u00a0 He thought a minute.\u00a0 \u201cThat settles it.\u00a0 I\u2019ll try workin\u2019 up the Carson once more.\u00a0 Maybe I just missed it before.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI hope you\u2019re right.\u00a0 Get some sleep, and good luck tomorrow.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThanks, I could use some \u2013 of both.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Traveling slowly up the Carson, Hoss came to the stream Adam had followed to the camp.\u00a0 The sky was cloudy and the crystal formation in the rock face did not shine.\u00a0 Unaware that it was the trail he sought, he dismounted and examined the ground closely, as he had at every tributary all morning.\u00a0 He found a rock or two recently turned over.\u00a0 They were damp and the soil-stained side was up.\u00a0 He squinted at the stream as he tried to reach a decision.<\/p>\n

He went back to Chubb, retrieved his canteen and walked back to the stream to fill it.\u00a0 Suddenly the sun broke from behind a cloud.\u00a0 The crystal impregnated rocks flashed fire.\u00a0 Hoss looked up full into the face of \u2018the rocks that shine.\u2019\u00a0 Smiling quietly to himself, he capped his canteen and moved back to his horse.<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, fellow, reckon ole Adam did know what he was sayin\u2019 after all.\u00a0 Think we better take the rest of his advice and watch mighty careful for that lookout.\u201d\u00a0 Hoss mounted and eased his way into the creek.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Sergeant Donovan and Captain McElroy stood at the edge of the parade grounds at mid-morning.\u00a0 The captain\u2019s worry was apparent in his voice.\u00a0 \u201cStill no sign of him, Sergeant?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo, Sir, and the watch reports no movement about the post during last night.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSergeant we can\u2019t lose another of that man\u2019s sons.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo, sir.\u201d\u00a0 Grim determination rang in his tone.<\/p>\n

\u201cMount a ten-man patrol, your best men.\u00a0 We\u2019ll go and have a look.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYes, sir!\u201d\u00a0 Donovan turned to hurry away.<\/p>\n

Just then, Hoss galloped through the gate, pushing his tired horse hard.\u00a0 He spotted the captain, pulled up beside him and slid down.\u00a0 He was jubilant.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe got \u2018em!\u00a0 Found the sidewinders, Captain.\u00a0 Slickest hideout you every saw.\u00a0 Delgatto\u2019s got himself a regular village.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou found the camp?\u201d<\/p>\n

“Shore did, exactly like Adam kept trying to tell us.\u00a0 You ride up a little crick almost to the camp, and that there stream is lined with rocks what got little bits of crystal all through \u2018em.\u00a0 When the sun hits just the right way, they sparkle and shine like a new silver dollar.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHow far from here to the camp?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAbout twelve miles.\u00a0 It\u2019s down in a narrow valley just inside the timber up on Rawe Peak.\u00a0 Only one way in and there\u2019s plenty of lookouts.\u00a0 Had to wait for dark to slip past \u2018em.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThis is fine.\u201d\u00a0 McElroy was obviously delighted.\u00a0 \u201cWell done, Mr. Cartwright.\u00a0 Come with me, I\u2019ll need a full report.\u00a0 And, Sergeant?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYes, sir.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHave the entire troop ready to ride by one o\u2019clock with supplies for twenty-four hours and a full issue of ammunition.\u00a0 And, have someone bring Hoss a meal in my office.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAye, sir, and it\u2019ll be coming right along.\u201d<\/p>\n

As they started toward the office, McElroy gave Hoss a friendly slap on the back and asked, \u201cNow, what about those sentries?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAdam had it right, but I think I got a way all figured out that we can take the first one by surprise going in \u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

At about the same time, Ben, Dr. Martin and Little Joe paused outside Adam\u2019s door.<\/p>\n

\u201cI haven\u2019t given him anything at all this morning, Ben.\u00a0 He should be back with us before too long.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWill he still be in so much pain?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo, no, Ben, he shouldn\u2019t be.\u00a0 It\u2019s been almost a week \u2013 the worst is over.\u00a0 Oh, he\u2019ll be uncomfortable for a while yet, but his lungs are clear, the internal bleeding seems to have checked, and his fever\u2019s down.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIf I know Adam,\u201d Joe chimed in, \u201che\u2019ll want to be out of that bed and after the hombres that did this to him as soon as he figures out he\u2019s still in one piece.\u201d<\/p>\n

Dr. Martin\u2019s response was quick.\u00a0 \u201cYou\u2019d better not let him try it!\u00a0 He must stay quiet for some time yet, or he\u2019ll start the bleeding again, and his ribs are just beginning to knit.\u00a0 Ah, Ben,\u201d the doctor continued, \u201cyou are driving me over to the Widow Barkley\u2019s place aren\u2019t you?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cMaybe I\u2019d better have Joe do it; I want to be here when Adam wakes up.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOh, nonsense, Ben.\u00a0 You need the fresh air!\u00a0 You\u2019ve been with Adam day and night since he rode in here, and we\u2019ll probably be back before he comes around anyhow.\u00a0 You\u2019ll keep a sharp eye on your brother won\u2019t you, Joe?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSure, Doc.\u00a0 Go on, Pa; it\u2019ll do you good.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, all right.\u00a0 Besides, maybe I can talk Mrs. Barkley out of some of those fine strawberry preserves of hers.\u00a0 Adam\u2019s very fond of them.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAren\u2019t we all?\u201d Joe added.<\/p>\n

The two older men headed downstairs, and Joe entered his brother\u2019s room.\u00a0 He looked down at Adam who slept quietly.\u00a0 His chest was still strapped and the bruises on his face were faintly visible.\u00a0 Joe adjusted the covers, settled into a comfortable chair near the bed and picked up his book.<\/p>\n

An hour later little had changed except the feeling in Joe\u2019s belly; a low rumble confirmed his diagnosis of hunger.\u00a0 He looked at the still sleeping figure in the bed, then set his book aside and tiptoed quietly out of the room.\u00a0 He closed the door behind him.<\/p>\n

Presently, Adam stirred a little and sighed.\u00a0 His eyelids fluttered but did not open.\u00a0 Beneath the screen of sooty lashes his eyes began to move rapidly. \u00a0A horrifying scene presented itself.\u00a0 Beyond the last ridge before the defile that leads down into Delgatto\u2019s camp, Hoss and Captain McElroy ride at the head of a column of soldiers.\u00a0 Unseen above them, the two-man gun crew give the Gatling gun a final adjustment and look toward the guard at the high point above the entrance to the defile.\u00a0 He points back over the hill toward the troop and holds up five fingers.\u00a0 The men on the gun nod their readiness and take aim at the trail.<\/p>\n

The column halts for a moment before entering into the narrow runoff leading to the camp.\u00a0 Hoss and the captain look left and right, but they cannot see the well camouflaged gun.\u00a0 McElroy signals the men forward, and they pass between the walls of the runoff.\u00a0 When they are well into the defile and nearing the camp, the two men on the gun grin wickedly at each other, take careful aim and open fire.<\/p>\n

A thunderous staccato fills the air and the column is raked with deadly gunfire.\u00a0 There is total chaos; men and animal scream and thrash.\u00a0 Hoss is ripped from his rearing mount and thrown to the ground by the deadly blows of assailing bullets.<\/p>\n

Adam jerked straight up in bed to gasp, \u201cHoss!\u201d<\/p>\n

He looked around his room in confusion and finally realized it was a dream.\u00a0 Aware now of the ache of broken bones, he groaned and dropped back onto the pillows.\u00a0 Slowly the full significance of the dream reached him, and his face twisted in alarm.\u00a0 He looked about in search of someone \u2013 anyone to tell and discovered he was alone.\u00a0 He was painfully aware that Hoss had gone looking for Delgatto without prior knowledge of the machine gun.\u00a0 He had no idea how long ago it had been or where everyone was, but a sense of urgency drove him.\u00a0 He pushed back the covers and slowly eased out of the bed.<\/p>\n

In the Ponderosa kitchen, Joe whistled contentedly under his breath as he sliced bread and cut meat to make himself a sandwich or two.<\/p>\n

Upstairs Adam had struggled into his pants and leaned against the dresser for support as he worked to get his shirt on over his heavily bandaged chest.\u00a0 The injuries and a week spent drugged and in bed had left him weak and clumsy.<\/p>\n

Joe munched happily on his two inch thick sandwich and drank a glass of milk.<\/p>\n

Adam looked for his gunbelt.\u00a0 He found it hung on a wall peg across the room from where he stood.\u00a0 Each step was an effort as he drove the commands through his bruised spine.\u00a0 Then he had to reach up to lift down the heavy gunbelt.\u00a0 The pull on his chest was almost more than he could stand, but after a couple of tries he lifted it down and began to buckle it on.<\/p>\n

Joe put his plate and glass into the sink and sauntered out of the kitchen.\u00a0 As he passed through the great room, he selected an apple from the bowl and tossed it casually in the air and he went toward the stairs.<\/p>\n

Adam located his boots in the corner by the dresser.\u00a0 He bent slowly over to pick them up and was rewarded with a stab of amazing pain in his left side.\u00a0 He grunted sharply and saw the boots start to fade out of focus.\u00a0 With a terrific effort he straightened and hung onto the dresser with his head low and a cold sweat chilling his body.<\/p>\n

The door swung open, and Joe froze, riveted in his place.\u00a0 \u201cAdam!\u201d\u00a0 The apple hit the floor, and Joe was beside his brother in three quick strides with an arm around him and a shoulder offering support.\u00a0 Adam let Joe take some of his weight.\u00a0 \u201cDizzy,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n

In his anxiety, Joe spoke sharply.\u00a0 \u201cYou crazy fool, what do you think you\u2019re doing?\u00a0 You want to kill yourself!\u201d<\/p>\n

He lowered Adam into the closest chair where he fought to steady his breathing.\u00a0 When is seemed he wasn\u2019t really going to faint, Adam lifted his head and said urgently, \u201cJoe, Hoss, he\u2019ll be killed.\u00a0 The gun; I forget the gun.\u00a0 Gotta get to him.\u201d\u00a0 He tried to rise.<\/p>\n

Joe restrained him.\u00a0 \u201cThe only place you\u2019re going is back to bed.\u00a0 You\u2019re still delirious, Adam.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo, Joe.\u00a0 I\u2019m all right.\u00a0 Believe me!\u00a0 Delgatto has a gun \u2013 a Gatling gun.\u00a0 It covers the only trail into his camp.\u00a0 They can wipe out the whole column.\u00a0 We\u2019ve got to warn them!\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe looked closely at his brother and felt his forehead.<\/p>\n

\u201cJoe!\u00a0 In heaven\u2019s name, you\u2019ve got<\/em> to believe me.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI believe you, Adam.\u00a0 I\u2019ll go as soon as I can get you back into bed.\u00a0 Pa and the Doc will be here shortly; you got to promise me you won\u2019t try to move again \u2018till they come.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou don\u2019t know where the camp is, and the gun\u2019s hidden.\u00a0 I want to go with you.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd I want to keep both<\/em> my brothers alive through this mess.\u00a0 You promise, or nobody goes.\u201d\u00a0 Joe understood the feeling, but knew Adam could never make the ride.<\/p>\n

Still light-headed and wheezing, even Adam knew that Joe was right.\u00a0 He closed his eyes for a moment and then nodded yes.\u00a0 \u201cOkay, I promise.\u00a0 I\u2019d only slow you up anyway.\u00a0 Let me tell you exactly how to find the camp, dodge the guards and spot the gun.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe was spurring hard when he left the ranch.<\/p>\n

At Fort Churchill, Captain McElroy\u2019s troop had cleared the gate and rode toward the Carson at a trot.<\/p>\n

Joe hadn\u2019t reached them by the time Hoss pointed out the shining rocks to the captain as they turned into the creek.\u00a0 The sentry high on the mountainside spotted them as they rounded the bend and wondered why the creek side sentry hadn\u2019t signaled, but he hastily picked up his signal mirror and flashed an urgent message to the gun crew.<\/p>\n

Joe spotted the gleam of the crystals and plunged into the small stream.\u00a0 Water splashed from beneath Cochise\u2019s flying hooves.\u00a0 Urging him recklessly on, Joe passed a bound and gagged man beside the water and soon spotted the end of the column.\u00a0 He made his way past the troopers to Hoss and Captain McElroy at their head.\u00a0 The captain threw up his hand and halted the column.\u00a0 Joe spoke quickly and quietly to Hoss.<\/p>\n

\u201cWell?\u201d McElroy demanded.<\/p>\n

\u201cLittle job that got overlooked,\u201d Hoss told him.\u00a0 Just hold everything right here \u2018till we get back.\u201d\u00a0 The two Cartwrights rode away into the wooded verge of the stream.<\/p>\n

The gun crew waited tensely, eyes fixed on the sentry at the high point.\u00a0 The man there looked puzzled and lifted his shoulders in bewilderment.\u00a0 Joe and Hoss broke from cover on either side of the gun position and, after a short but fierce struggle, overcame the gun crew.\u00a0 They straightened, grinned at each other and solemnly shook hands.<\/p>\n

\u201cFor Adam,\u201d Joe said.<\/p>\n

\u201cFor Adam!\u201d Hoss agreed.<\/p>\n

The lookout scrambled back from his high point, ran to his horse tethered in the woods, slung himself into the saddle and rode away from the camp and his fellows as fast as he could.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam had spent two pain-filled weeks, each slow-counted hour with its full measure of discomfort.\u00a0 Everything was difficult: breathing, sleeping, eating, just existing, and most galling to Adam was his helplessness \u2013 his prolonged need for care and assistance in even the smallest matters.\u00a0 He had borne it well and managed to maintain some sense of proportion and humor, but his body had almost drained its reserves to repair and rebuild, and he felt depressed and quite thin around the edges.<\/p>\n

His father was aware of this and spent time each day with his son in an effort to buoy up his spirits and smooth out his moods.\u00a0 When he entered, Adam was propped up and resting fairly comfortably on his left side and hip.\u00a0 He had a tendency to keep a hand pressed against his left side which still ached and throbbed.\u00a0 Glad to see company, he put down his book and lifted a hand in greeting.<\/p>\n

Ben came over and eased down onto the edge of the bed.\u00a0 \u201cHow\u2019s it going, son?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSlowly, Pa, very slowly,\u201d Adam said with a wry smile.<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, you know Virgil said that, \u2018Every misfortune is subdued by patience.\u2019\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd it has been remarked that, \u2018He preacheth patience that never knew pain.\u2019\u201d<\/p>\n

It was a game between them that neither took too seriously.<\/p>\n

\u201cKnew an old mountain man once who always \u2018lowed as how there warn\u2019t nothin\u2019 like a good spell of the miseries to take a feller\u2019s mind offen his troubles.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam gave a snort between disgust and laughter, and then was doubled over by the adverse response of his sore ribs.<\/p>\n

Ben continued unrelentingly.\u00a0 \u201cSame old coot made his own brand of tonsil varnish out of fermented parsnips.\u00a0 Swore it would cure anything.\u00a0 Never had the nerve to try it myself, but I once saw a drop of it draw a blood blister on a rawhide boot.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam\u2019s arms were pressed tightly around his chest, and his gasps were half laughter and half pain.\u00a0 \u201cNo.\u00a0 Don\u2019t.\u00a0 Stop it, Pa, you\u2019re killing me here.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben paused until Adam could catch his breath, then asked, \u201cHow about it, son?\u00a0 Feel up to seeing a visitor for a few minutes?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019ll depend on who it is.\u00a0 If it were that new singer Joe was telling me they\u2019ve hired at the Crittendon House \u2026?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, you can disabuse your mind of that fancy; it isn\u2019t.\u00a0 And if she\u2019s the young lady I heard Joe and Hoss remarking on, we couldn\u2019t risk running your temperature up like that, anyhow.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam smiled and lifted a shoulder in question.\u00a0 \u201cWho then?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cCaptain McElroy.\u201d<\/p>\n

First surprise and then temper surfaced.\u00a0 \u201cMcElroy!\u00a0 What does he want?\u00a0 I\u2019m not ready for another scouting mission yet.\u00a0 No.\u00a0 I don\u2019t want to see him!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cDo you think that\u2019s quite fair?\u00a0 After all, it\u2019s a good ride over here from the fort, and he has been concerned about you.\u201d<\/p>\n

Too worn down to be his usual reasonable self, Adam shifted with some effort and snapped, \u201cConcerned!\u00a0 Too bad he didn\u2019t think of it sooner.\u00a0 If it weren\u2019t for him, I wouldn\u2019t be laid up here.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cDelgatto didn\u2019t have anything to do with it?\u201d Ben asked mildly.\u00a0 \u201cYou didn\u2019t volunteer for the mission?\u201d<\/p>\n

The point registered.\u00a0 Adam relaxed and smiled, amused at himself.\u00a0 \u201cYou\u2019ve got me there, Pa.\u00a0 I asked for it.\u00a0 But even after he saw what happened to me, he let Hoss take the same chance.\u00a0 That was close.\u00a0 I still get the shakes when I think about it.\u00a0 If I hadn\u2019t come to; if Joe hadn\u2019t made it in time \u2026\u00a0 How does a man justify something like that?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIf you want McElroy\u2019s reasons, why don\u2019t you ask him?\u201d\u00a0 You may not particularly like the man, Adam, but I think he\u2019s entitled to your respect.\u00a0 It\u2019s his breed who are bringing something more than lynch law to the West.\u00a0 The Army\u2019s spread mighty thin out here, and they have a big responsibility: to assist the civilian law enforcement officials, to patrol our borders, to put down outlaw gangs like Delgatto\u2019s and to control the hostile Indians.\u00a0 It amounts to fighting a full-time war every day for little pay and less thanks.\u00a0 The Captain\u2019s got a tough job, but he\u2019s doing it the best way he knows how.\u00a0 It won\u2019t hurt you to hear what he has to say.\u201d<\/p>\n

His father was right; Adam knew that.\u00a0 He bent his head in agreement.\u00a0 Then, using his arms he forced himself up off of the pillows and tried to pull more erect.\u00a0 He was caught halfway by the pain in his ribs and broke off to clutch them with his right hand.\u00a0 He was stuck with his weight on his left arm and unable to move in any direction.\u00a0 Ben slipped his arm behind his son and supported him.<\/p>\n

\u201cHelp me sit up, Pa.\u00a0 I don\u2019t want him to see me like this.\u00a0 I hate<\/em> being so helpless.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIt will pass, son; it\u2019ll pass.\u201d\u00a0 Ben helped Adam to turn and fixed the pillows so that he sat up straight with his head unsupported.\u00a0 Adam was panting a little with the effort.<\/p>\n

\u201cBetter, son?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYeah, thanks, Pa.\u00a0 Send him on in now.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben stepped to the door, opened it and called, \u201cCaptain \u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

McElroy came down the hall and entered through the door that Ben held open.\u00a0 \u201cThank you, Mr. Cartwright.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNot too long,\u201d Ben cautioned.<\/p>\n

The captain nodded, and Ben stepped out and closed the door.\u00a0 The officer hesitated for a moment and then crossed to the bed.\u00a0 \u201cHow \u2013 how are you feeling?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cLike I\u2019d been thrown and sat on \u2013 by a tall horse.\u00a0 You\u2019ll have to forgive me if I don\u2019t stand to attention.\u201d\u00a0 Adam was still feeling a bit prickly.<\/p>\n

\u201cYes.\u00a0 Yes, of course.\u00a0 That\u2019s part of what I came to tell you.\u00a0 You needn\u2019t trouble any more about the contract.\u00a0 We\u2019ll carry you on the sick book as wounded in the line of duty until it expires.\u00a0 From what the doctor tells me, that won\u2019t be too far wrong.\u201d<\/p>\n

This was a surprise to Adam; somehow he had expected that he would have to work out the full time of his contract.\u00a0 \u201cWhy \u2013 ah \u2013 thank you, Captain.\u201d<\/p>\n

The silence held for a minute as the captain looked for a way to begin.\u00a0 Adam tried to help.\u00a0 \u201cYou mentioned there was something else you wanted to tell me?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYes, you and your family are civilians, and I used you all pretty mercilessly \u2013 from the time I found you at that burning ranch until we captured Delgatto, even after you were so badly hurt.\u00a0 The only justification I can offer is that I had to have the information you and your brothers obtained.\u00a0 A commander can\u2019t always afford to think of individuals; sometimes he has to think in terms of the risks necessary to complete a mission.\u00a0 However, I don\u2019t like to risk civilians as I did you and Hoss \u2026 there just wasn\u2019t any alternative.\u00a0 No one else offered to serve as scout, and it would have taken my green troops months to locate the camp.\u00a0 Who knows what harm Delgatto would have done by then?\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam was not unfamiliar with the problems of command.\u00a0 \u201cI volunteered; so did Hoss.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYes, and I want you to know that I consider your conduct during this mission to have been soldierly in every particular.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIs there really such a difference between a soldier and a civilian then?\u201d<\/p>\n

The captain had a quick answer for this.\u00a0 \u201cA soldier accepts personal responsibility for the safety of the society of which he is a member.\u00a0 The civilian does not.\u00a0 The soldier is willing to have his country\u2019s beliefs and ideals proven on his very warm, fragile, living body if necessary.\u00a0 You acted as a soldier in placing the most precious thing you have, your life, between Delgatto and your home, your community.\u00a0 It\u2019s the noblest fate a man can endure.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam was both complimented and impressed.\u00a0 He answered slowly.\u00a0 \u201cYou know, Captain, I think probably I owe you an apology.\u00a0 I misjudged you rather cruelly.<\/p>\n

McElroy shrugged to indicate that it was of no consequence.\u00a0 \u201cYou carried out the mission without regard to your personal feelings; that\u2019s what matters.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cBut, surely any citizen,\u201d Adam said, \u201ceven a civilian, has a responsibility to protect his society from the marauders; to uphold the law and assist its officers.\u00a0 A man can\u2019t just take freedom, and life and livelihood from a land and not be willing to yield it back if required of him.\u00a0 Sweet as life is, can we afford to surrender to the forces of fear and violence in order to preserve it?\u201d\u00a0 Adam looked at the captain with a question in his eyes.\u00a0 The officer nodded his head in agreement.<\/p>\n

\u201cI may have been wrong about civilians,\u201d he said with a wink.\u00a0 \u201cAt least some<\/em> civilians.\u00a0 Will you shake on that?\u201d\u00a0 The captain extended his hand, and Adam took it.\u00a0 The shook, and then the captain stepped back.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019d be proud to have you serve with me again anytime you\u2019re looking for a scouting job.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThanks, but not right away, anyhow,\u201d Adam said with a half-laugh.\u00a0 He was tiring, and his hand drifted unconsciously to his bandaged chest.\u00a0 His head dipped a little toward the pillow.\u00a0 He caught himself and snapped up quickly, but not before the captain saw it.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m tiring you,\u201d he said.\u00a0 \u201cAnd, I had fair warning not to stay too long.\u00a0 I\u2019ll come again if I may?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019d like that; please do.\u00a0 Maybe we can manage to get along a little better than two bobcats in a sack.\u201d<\/p>\n

McElroy grinned.\u00a0 \u201cI think so.\u201d\u00a0 He touched his brow in a quick salute to Adam.<\/p>\n

Adam returned the courtesy, and the captain left.\u00a0 Adam looked after him for a moment and then let his head sink slowly onto the pillows; one hand pressed tightly against his aching side.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Little Joe was at the rear of the ranch house, chopping wood.\u00a0 A stack of cut and dried timber towered on his right.\u00a0 He drove the ax through a section of log and split off a half that was suitable for the fireplace.\u00a0 He tossed it into the large pile on his left, which he had already accumulated that morning.\u00a0 Hot, sweaty and tired he leaned the ax against the remaining timber and wiped his face on his sleeve.\u00a0 He looked with envy at his brother resting peacefully in the warm sunshine.<\/p>\n

Stretched on a blanket covered lounge chair with a couple of pillows for extra comfort, Adam was completely relaxed.\u00a0 There was an open book in his lap, but at the moment, his eyes were closed, and his breathing was slow and steady.\u00a0 He wore pants and a light shirt that was open enough to reveal his chest still bandaged.<\/p>\n

Ben stepped out of the kitchen door carrying a water bucket and dipper.\u00a0 He walked to Joe. \u00a0\u201cEnjoying yourself?\u201d he asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cOh just dandy.\u00a0 I don\u2019t hardly know of anything more refreshing \u2013 \u2018cept maybe being burned at the stake.\u201d\u00a0 Joe took a dipper full of water from the bucket and drank it down in long gulps.\u00a0 Then he put a hand in the middle of his back and straightened with a mock groan.<\/p>\n

\u201cLittle honest work never hurt anyone \u2013 least of all you,\u201d his father said.\u00a0 \u201cWonder if Adam\u2019s thirsty?\u201d\u00a0 They both looked toward the sleeping man.<\/p>\n

\u201cThere\u2019s nothing like havin\u2019 a license to loaf,\u201d Joe said.\u00a0 \u201cThere just has<\/em> to be a law against anybody lookin\u2019 that comfortable \u2013 particularly when I\u2019m working.\u201d\u00a0 Joe scooped up a dipper full of water and held it high.\u00a0 He started to tiptoe toward his brother with the evident intent of pouring it on him.\u00a0 Ben caught his son\u2019s arm and pivoted him around, neatly removing the dipper from his hand.<\/p>\n

\u201cNot so fast, young man!\u00a0 You leave your brother alone \u2013 and that\u2019s an order.\u00a0 You don\u2019t know how good it looks to me to see him stretched out there \u2013 free of pain, eating well, able to be up and around some and with his ribs almost healed.\u00a0 Right now, I don\u2019t much care if he never does another lick of work.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYeah, yeah, I know what you mean, Pa.\u00a0 When he rolled out of that saddle into Hoss\u2019s arms with blood bubbling out of his mouth and his chest soundin\u2019 like a sack of broken glass, I thought we\u2019d lost him for sure.\u00a0 Six weeks like he\u2019s just been through are a pretty stiff price to pay for doing what you see to be your duty as a citizen.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben nodded in agreement.\u00a0 \u201cAnd he\u2019d probably do it all again if he thought it was the only way.\u201d<\/p>\n

They stood silent for a few moments before Ben continued, \u201cSpeaking of payment, Captain McElroy had Adam\u2019s pay voucher delivered a few minutes ago.\u201d\u00a0 He pulled an envelope from his pocket and held it up.<\/p>\n

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

\u201cFifty-eight dollars for the three months, and I guess he\u2019ll have to split it with you and Hoss.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cMan,\u201d he figured in his head for a second.\u00a0 \u201cNineteen dollars and thirty-three cents apiece.\u00a0 We\u2019ll all be rich!\u201d<\/p>\n

His loud, infectious laugh woke Adam.\u00a0 He yawned and looked at them with a smile as they walked toward him waving the pay slip.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

In working on this story, I obtained transcripts of the actual post records from Fort Churchill for that period.\u00a0 Captain J. N. McElroy was the officer actually in command of troop M of the Eighth Cavalry stationed at Fort Churchill.\u00a0 The action itself is fictitious but not unlike ones undertaken by the U.S. Calvary against Comanchero groups in the Texas-Mexican border area.\u00a0 \u00a0<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

*Adam\u2019s Civil War experience refers to my story \u201cWhen the Time Comes<\/a>.\u201d\u00a0 \u00a0<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n

**The hypodermic syringe was invented in 1853.\u00a0 They came into use during the Civil War, although large and crude compared to those of today.\u00a0 \u00a0<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Tags: Adam Cartwright, Angst, army, Ben Cartwright, comancheros, SAS, torture<\/p>\n

<\/div>\n

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

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

Summary:\u00a0 Comancheros and a contract with the Army spells trouble for those on the Ponderosa.<\/p>\n

Rating:\u00a0 T\u00a0 (16,650 words)<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":9737,"featured_media":376,"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":[23],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-12859","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-drama","wpcat-23-id"],"a3_pvc":{"activated":true,"total_views":2016,"today_views":0},"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/02\/coming-soon-4.jpg?fit=320%2C240&ssl=1","jetpack_likes_enabled":true,"jetpack-related-posts":[{"id":14620,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=14620","url_meta":{"origin":12859,"position":0},"title":"Respect (by Patina)","author":"patina","date":"August 5, 2017","format":false,"excerpt":"Summary: \u00a0 Respect--young men want it but have to earn it. 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