{"id":13180,"date":"2014-07-28T06:16:55","date_gmt":"2014-07-28T10:16:55","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=13180"},"modified":"2025-02-18T19:11:39","modified_gmt":"2025-02-19T00:11:39","slug":"fear-on-the-horizon-by-no1butjoe","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=13180","title":{"rendered":"Fear on the Horizon (by No1ButJoe)"},"content":{"rendered":"

Summary<\/strong>:\u00a0 Joe finds himself in a dangerous situation when the town drunk goes on a rampage, robbing the bank and killing at least two – and taking Joe as a hostage!<\/p>\n

Rating:\u00a0 T\u00a0\u00a0 Word count: 10987<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Fear on the Horizon<\/strong><\/p>\n

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<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

The gunshots could be heard for miles around as a single man stumbled out of the Virginia City Bank, tightly clutching two bags in his hand while keeping a gun trained on whoever remained inside. He almost stumbled at the end of the sidewalk, but quickly regained his balance. A few bystanders looked in his direction and hurried into nearby buildings, closing, locking, and shutting all the doors behind them. The doors to the saloon opened as Joe Cartwright stepped outside, smiling broadly as he shouted something back into the saloon.<\/p>\n

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

Joe visibly stiffened, the smile fading from his lips as he heard a hammer being cocked back. Slowly and cautiously, Joe brought his arms up above his head.<\/p>\n

\u201cDrake, maybe we could talk about this,\u201d Joe tried to reason.<\/p>\n

Drake raised the gun, his hand trembling slightly.<\/p>\n

\u201cNo-No talking,\u201d he ordered. \u201cNow, Cartwright, you\u2019re gonna get me outta here. And if anyone tries to interfere, you get a nice bullet right in the back!\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe swallowed and nodded, turning so his back was to Drake. The gunman prodded Joe along by ribbing him in the back with the barrel of the gun, giving Joe no choice but to start walking. Men peeked out from windows, watching the scene unfold before them. Laughter came from the jail as Adam, Ben, and Hoss stepped outside, Roy Coffee following behind them. Their laughter died out when they saw Joe being walked down the street at gunpoint. Hoss made a move towards them, but Ben held out an arm, preventing him from moving any further.<\/p>\n

\u201cDrake,\u201d Ben called out. \u201cWhat\u2019s all this about?\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe looked over, hopefully, at the sound of his father\u2019s voice, but the painful way Drake had the gun implanted in his back reminded him that there wasn\u2019t a whole lot his family could do.<\/p>\n

\u201cCartwright, you better keep out of this!\u201d Drake shouted a little too loudly. \u201cIf you or anyone else follows me, I\u2019ll kill Joe! I don\u2019t think you want your kid lying dead in the middle of Virginia City, now do ya?\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben\u2019s whole body tensed, his eyes firmly locking on Joe, who was calmly standing there, every so often looking over his shoulder at Drake who was too busy talking to notice. If it wasn\u2019t for the gun pressed against him, Ben was sure Joe would\u2019ve made a move to escape by now.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou hear me, Cartwright?\u201d Drake yelled, angrily. \u201cHe dies if anyone follows!\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben saw Joe stiffen and immediately caught on to what Drake was doing. The longer they stalled, the closer Drake was to pulling the trigger of the gun. Ben motioned to Adam and Hoss, ushering them back into the office.<\/p>\n

\u201cDrake, we\u2019re going back inside,\u201d Ben called out. \u201cAs soon as you\u2019re well away from town, you better let Joe go, or else I\u2019ll personally hunt you down!\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe smiled gratefully at Ben before he was shoved from behind and forced to mount onto his horse. Ben watched with a heavy heart as his son rode out, Drake following closely behind him in case someone tried something. As soon as they were out of sight, Roy spun into motion.<\/p>\n

\u201cBen, gather up some men and we\u2019ll ride after them,\u201d he said, determined. \u201cWe\u2019ll catch \u2018em before they get to the outskirts of town.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cDidn\u2019t you hear what he said, Roy?\u201d Adam asked, stepping back onto the porch. \u201cHe\u2019ll kill Joe if we even try going after them. I don\u2019t know about you, but I\u2019m not endangering my brother\u2019s life like that.\u201d<\/p>\n

Roy turned to Ben, expectantly.<\/p>\n

\u201cI agree with Adam, Roy,\u201d Ben stated. \u201c I\u2019m not balancing Joe\u2019s life in my hand and neither are you! Even if I have to lock you in your own jail to do it!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cBen, I don\u2019t want to put Joe in any danger, you know that, but it\u2019s my job to make sure Drake doesn\u2019t get off scott free,\u201d Roy argued. \u201cI\u2019m sorry but I have to go after him and Joe. I\u2019ll do my best-\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben\u2019s anger took hold as he snapped at his long-time friend.<\/p>\n

\u201cRoy, if you go after them, you\u2019ll signing Joe\u2019s death warrant! Wait at least a couple hours before you head out and just take me, Adam, and Hoss with you. As much as I trust the men here in town, after the banker and teller were murdered, I don\u2019t think they\u2019ll be in a good mood to go after the killer.\u201d<\/p>\n

Roy nodded in understanding.<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, Ben lets go inside and wait,\u201d he suggested. \u201cwe\u2019ll give \u2018em two hours at the most.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben smiled in relief.<\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s all I\u2019m asking, Roy. That\u2019s all I\u2019m asking.\u201d<\/p>\n

________________________________________________________________________<\/p>\n

(Just Outside Of Town)<\/p>\n

\u201cKeep moving, Cartwright,\u201d Drake ordered, sagging in his saddle a little. \u201cWe need to be far enough away from town before I let you go.\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe urged Cochise further along.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhy not just let me go right here?\u201d he asked, keeping his gaze in front of him.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou know the answer to that!\u201d Drake snapped. \u201cAs soon as I let you go, they\u2019ll be hunting me down so fast, I\u2019ll never have enough time to spend all my money!\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe was silent for a moment.<\/p>\n

\u201cToo bad you had to kill two men to get \u2018your money\u2019,\u201d he stated, calmly. \u201cThe honorable thing to do would be to get a job and earn it.\u201d<\/p>\n

Drake snorted.<\/p>\n

\u201cWho do you honestly think would give a guy like me a job?\u201d he questioned, struggling to hold hid head upright.<\/p>\n

Joe stopped Cochise and turned to face him.<\/p>\n

\u201cMy father for one,\u201d he answered. \u201cDrake, if you had told us that you were in trouble, we would\u2019ve offered you a job on the Ponderosa.\u201d<\/p>\n

Drake ignored Joe and motioned with his gun for the younger man to keep going. Joe sighed and turned around in his saddle, kicking Cochise forward gently.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou better just hope your family doesn\u2019t get any ideas about saving you, Cartwright, or they\u2019ll be bringing home a body instead of their family member, \u201c Drake promised.<\/p>\n

Joe sighed and rolled his eyes.<\/p>\n

\u201cI know,\u201d he mumbled, \u201cYou keep repeating it every few minutes.\u201d<\/p>\n

Drake didn\u2019t reply.<\/p>\n

________________________________________________________________________<\/p>\n

(Back In Virginia City)<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat are you saying, Paul?\u201d Ben asked after listening intently to his friend\u2019s prognosis.<\/p>\n

\u201cBen, what I\u2019m saying is that with a man as unstable as Drake Clemmings, who knows what he\u2019s capable of,\u201d Paul Martin replied, seriously. \u201cIf you go after him and Joe, well, I\u2019m not exactly sure what would happen, but it could involve Joe being hurt or worse.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben pondered this for a moment, fully taking in the effect of the words.<\/p>\n

\u201cNow, Paul, are you sure?\u201d Adam asked, curiously. \u201cWhat if Joe does something to make Drake go off on his own and Drake manages to injure Joe? What then?\u201d<\/p>\n

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

\u201cI don\u2019t know, Adam,\u201d the doctor replied. \u201cAll I know is we have a murderer, drunk, and kidnapper on the loose with a loaded gun and a hostage. What happens next is anyone\u2019s guess.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben was still quiet. Adam turned to look at him, an impatient look on his face.<\/p>\n

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

Ben snapped out of his trance at the sound of his oldest son\u2019s voice.<\/p>\n

\u201cPaul\u2019s right, Adam,\u201d he agreed. \u201cWe could cause more harm than good by starting out after them. And injuring Joe is the last thing I want to do.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam ran a hand through his hair in frustration.<\/p>\n

\u201cPa, if we don\u2019t do something, Drake could kill Joe before -\u201d he began, but Ben cut him off.<\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t you think I know that?\u201d Ben interrupted, brief anger flickering across his face. \u201cJoe could be out there right now with a bullet in him and I\u2019m just standing here doing nothing. But it\u2019s better than going after him, having Drake panic, and bringing Joe home injured!\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam didn\u2019t reply as he thought over his father\u2019s words.<\/p>\n

\u201cPa, what if only one of us goes after Joe and Drake?\u201d he asked, thoughtfully. \u201cDrake would surely hear four of us, but one would give that person the advantage in this case.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben thought and nodded in agreement and turned to Hoss.<\/p>\n

\u201cHoss, you follow Joe and Drake, but be careful,\u201d he pleaded. \u201cIf something happens, get back here as fast as you can.\u201d<\/p>\n

The big man nodded and immediately headed out the door. Adam watched before turning back to the men remaining in the room.<\/p>\n

\u201cHow much of a head start do they have?\u201d he asked, worriedly.<\/p>\n

Ben didn\u2019t reply for a few minutes.<\/p>\n

\u201cFour hours,\u201d he replied, not looking up at Adam.<\/p>\n

Adam knew what that meant. There was little hope of Hoss catching up to them now.<\/p>\n

________________________________________________________________________<\/p>\n

(With Joe and Drake, Location Unknown)<\/p>\n

\u201cAll right, Cartwright, stop right here,\u201d Drake ordered.<\/p>\n

His liquor had left his system some hours ago and he was thirsty for another drink. Joe brought Cochise to a halt and waited while Drake dismounted in front of an old shack. Joe looked behind him and swallowed. He couldn\u2019t even see the town anymore.<\/p>\n

\u201cDismount, Cartwright, and get your head out of the clouds,\u201d Drake said, training his gun on him. \u201cI don\u2019t have time for you to daydream.\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe dismounted quickly, not wanting to anger the man even further.<\/p>\n

\u201cThen, why don\u2019t you let me go, Drake?\u201d he asked, hopefully. \u201cWhen I meet up with the posse, I\u2019ll beg them not to come after you. You have my word.\u201d<\/p>\n

The gunman laughed.<\/p>\n

\u201cNow, why would I want to do a fool thing like that when I can just hold you for ransom?\u201d he asked, smirking smugly. \u201cI bet your pa will pay a handsome price for your safe return.\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe\u2019s face paled. He should\u2019ve known it wouldn\u2019t be that simple. Drake walked over to a cupboard and opened it, bringing out a wine bottle, popping the lid, and taking a long swig. Drake motioned for Joe to take a seat, then continued to drink his \u2018prize\u2019. Joe grudgingly sat down, taking in the scene all around him. Dust lined every inch of the shack, from the floor to the ceiling. Joe wrinkled his nose in disgust.<\/p>\n

\u201cNow, then, Cartwright, whatdam I gonna do wit you?\u201d Drake slurred. \u201cMaybe I should just kill you and get it over with.\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe whirled on him, a furious look on his face.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat about the ransom you were going to hold me for?\u201d he demanded.<\/p>\n

Drake chuckled.<\/p>\n

\u201cWho said you hafta be alive when I demand it?\u201d he asked, a smile spreading across his drunken face. \u201cYour pa will pay the ransom, I\u2019ll be free to leave, and your family will never find your body!\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe remained silent as Drake outlined his plan. The youngest Cartwright examined Drake cautiously. The older man was cradling the bottle of wine like a baby , all the while still managing to keep his gun aimed right at Joe.<\/p>\n

\u201cOnce my father realizes what you\u2019ve done, he\u2019ll never stop hunting you down,\u201d Joe vowed.<\/p>\n

Drake turned from his drink and stared at Joe.<\/p>\n

\u201cOh, really?\u201d he asked. \u201cWhat makes you think he won\u2019t be so upset that his youngest son\u2019s dead that he\u2019ll forget all about me?\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe\u2019s face hardened as he answered.<\/p>\n

\u201cBecause my pa will want to see you hang.\u201d<\/p>\n

________________________________________________________________________<\/p>\n

(A Few Miles Outside of Virginia City)<\/p>\n

Hoss Cartwright urged Chubb forward, his face set in a determined scowl as he rushed to catch up to Joe and Drake. Worry for his little brother clouded his mind as he pushed Chubb into a run. He didn\u2019t have anytime to waste if we was going to overtake Joe and his kidnapper.<\/p>\n

________________________________________________________________________<\/p>\n

(Virginia City)<\/p>\n

Ben slammed his hand on Roy\u2019s desk, his impatience getting the better of him.<\/p>\n

\u201cRoy, if I have to wait any longer, I\u2019m liable to burst!\u201d he vowed.<\/p>\n

His friend nodded.<\/p>\n

\u201cI understand, Ben, but you heard what the doc said. If anyone went after them, then Joe would be dead. Sending Hoss was the only way. At least we can\u2019t say we\u2019re not doing anything.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben nodded and calmed himself a little, but suddenly paled and looked around the room before turning back to his friend, fear written across his features.<\/p>\n

\u201cRoy, where\u2019s Adam?\u201d<\/p>\n

________________________________________________________________________<\/p>\n

\u201cHoss!\u201d<\/p>\n

The said person whirled around, surprised to see Adam riding towards him at a fast gallop.<\/p>\n

\u201cAdam, what in tar nation are you doing here?\u201d Hoss demanded, somewhat relieved to see that his brother had followed him. \u201cYou know what Pa and the doc said.\u201d<\/p>\n

His older brother pulled up alongside him and gave him a look.<\/p>\n

\u201cOh, like you wouldn\u2019t have come if it had been me Pa chose,\u201d he said, but smiled.<\/p>\n

Hoss opened his mouth, then closed it again and smiled. Not another word was said as the two brothers urged their horses into motion and galloped off to save their younger brother, hoping beyond hope that they wouldn\u2019t be too late.<\/p>\n

________________________________________________________________________<\/p>\n

(Joe and Drake)<\/p>\n

Joe sighed as he watched Drake place his gun belt on the table, surprised he hadn\u2019t taken it the moment he had stepped onto the street. With his hands tied behind his back hours ago, movement towards the table and gun were impossible. Joe glared at Drake, who was across the room, rummaging through the cabinets for his third bottle that day.<\/p>\n

\u201cNot even your own mother would look at you like this, Drake,\u201d Joe stated, earning himself a slap across the face, which he took.<\/p>\n

\u201cNo one talks about my mother!\u201d Drake ordered, angrily.<\/p>\n

Joe smirked.<\/p>\n

\u201cI wouldn\u2019t bet on that,\u201d he argued.<\/p>\n

For the next few minutes, Joe continued rattling the gunman about his mother, receiving a slap each and every time. As stupid as it seemed, the only thing the younger man was accomplishing was tiring Drake out until he eventually fell asleep, gun cradled gently in one arm, a half empty bottle of wine in the other. Joe\u2019s face was sore, bruises already starting to form on his cheeks and a black eye beginning to take shape. Several of his ribs were sore, most likely bruised also from Drake ramming the butt of his gun into them. For several minutes, Joe had been working on the rope tying his hands together, working feverishly to free himself and escape from his prison, but Drake must not have been too drunk when he did the knots, for they were tight and unbreakable.<\/p>\n

Joe dropped his head and relaxed his body, giving in to the fact that he would never be able to untie himself. Creaking of floorboards announced the arrival of Drake next to Joe\u2019s chair. His breath stank of wine, causing Joe to turn his head away in disgust. Drake leaned over his prisoner, and whispered in Joe\u2019s ear.<\/p>\n

\u201cOne more word out of your mouth, boy, and I\u2019ll see to it your pa and brothers never reach home again.\u201d<\/p>\n

The threat caused Joe to pale considerably and make him go stiff in his chair. If he tried to escape or talk, not only would he possibly be killed, but his family would be in danger as well. That was one chance he just couldn\u2019t afford to take. Drake smiled in satisfaction and proceeded to take another swig of his wine, staggering towards the front door in a haze. Joe didn\u2019t look up as the door opened and closed, he just hung his head in defeat.<\/p>\n

\u201cNot so tough without your family to back you up, are you?\u201d Drake asked, walking back through the door with a bucket of water.<\/p>\n

Joe didn\u2019t reply, refusing to meet his captor\u2019s gaze until a splash of cold water caused him to sputter and cough.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat the heck was that for?!\u201d he demanded.<\/p>\n

Drake grinned.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019ll start freezing long before it becomes dark,\u201d was the only reply.<\/p>\n

At that statement, Joe paled considerably. Drake was not only holding him for ransom, but torture was looking very promising as well. Silently, Joe shivered, praying and hoping someone would find him and take him home.<\/p>\n

________________________________________________________________________<\/p>\n

(Hoss and Adam)<\/p>\n

\u201cAdam, don\u2019tcha think we oughta slow down justa little?\u201d Hoss asked, concerned for the well-being of his horse and his older brother\u2019s state of mind. \u201cThese horses are gonna run themselves to death if we keep this up.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam slowed Sport and turned to face Hoss.<\/p>\n

\u201cI guess you\u2019re right,. You want to make camp here for the night?\u201d he asked, already dismounting.<\/p>\n

Hoss shrugged and followed suit. After settling the horses, the two men set up their bedrolls and started a fire, already feeling the chill in the air as the wind rustled some nearby trees. As soon as they were tucked into their bedrolls, Hoss\u2019 mind began to wander.<\/p>\n

\u201cHey, Adam?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHmm?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cDo you think Joe\u2019s okay with Drake?\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam sat up in his bedroll and looked over at his younger brother.<\/p>\n

\u201cI like to think so, why?\u201d<\/p>\n

Hoss sighed and shrugged.<\/p>\n

\u201cOh, I don\u2019t know,\u201d he replied. \u201cI-I just got this gut feeling, ya know? That something ain\u2019t right.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam remained silent for a moment before responding.<\/p>\n

\u201cI know, Hoss, I\u2019ve had that feeling too, but I didn\u2019t want to say anything.\u201d<\/p>\n

Silence reigned in the camp for a moment or two.<\/p>\n

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

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

\u201cWhat if we don\u2019t find Joe? What then?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t know, Hoss. I just don\u2019t know.\u201d<\/p>\n

________________________________________________________________________<\/p>\n

(Ben and Roy)<\/p>\n

Roy Coffee sighed in defeat. He had tried every way possible to persuade Ben to remain in Virginia City and wait for his boys to return, but his parental instincts had taken over and there was no arguing with a protective father. The sheriff watched silently as his friend walked outside and mounted onto Buck, urging the horse into a full-blown gallop out of town.<\/p>\n

It was several miles outside of town that Ben found his boy\u2019s tracks. His determination growing stronger, he continued on, not intending to stop until all three of them were safely home.<\/p>\n

________________________________________________________________________<\/p>\n

(Joe and Drake)<\/p>\n

Joe shivered violently, his body clammy and cold against the evening chill coming through the open door and window. Drake had gone into a back room, a bedroom most likely, and left Joe to fend for himself against the cold. Facing the door and window, Joe\u2019s face had lost all feeling some time ago due to the wind blowing. The youngest Cartwright tried burying his face close to his chest in order to ward off the wind, and it helped some, but not enough.<\/p>\n

So this is how it ends, Joe thought. Dying of hypothermia before anyone can find me. And my only salvation is a bank robber and murdering drunk asleep in the next room.<\/p>\n

By early the next morning, Joe had a fever and he had a cough that sounded like it was lodged deep in his throat. Drake didn\u2019t pay any attention to his prisoner, just looked for a new wine bottle and went back to sleep. Joe\u2019s mind was in a haze from the fever and his whole body shook with shivers, even though Drake had closed the door and window as soon as he got up that morning. A few minutes later, Joe passed out.<\/p>\n

________________________________________________________________________<\/p>\n

(Hoss and Adam)<\/p>\n

The two brothers had started out at dawn, packing up their belongings and putting out the fire long before the sun had completely risen over the horizon. Sport and Chubb rode side-by-side along the trail, both of their riders silent as they made their way across the country. Neither Adam nor Hoss had to speak their feelings aloud. Both of them had that feeling again. The feeling that something was dreadfully wrong and it just urged them to move faster and cover more ground. After a few hours of silence, Hoss finally spoke.<\/p>\n

\u201cAdam, what do you think will happen when we find him?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m not sure, Hoss, I just hope he\u2019s still alive when we do.\u201d<\/p>\n

That statement shocked Hoss into silence once again. What would happen if they found Joe only to realize they were too late? What if Joe was never found? But Hoss had other important matters and \u2018what if\u2019 questions running through his head.<\/p>\n

Such as, what if they found Joe, hurt, and what would Hoss do to the man responsible?<\/p>\n

________________________________________________________________________<\/p>\n

(Ben)<\/p>\n

Ben never stopped during the night, instead, continuing on in a desperate attempt to catch up with Adam and Hoss. Buck was tired and slightly dehydrated, and Ben felt the same. Resting for a moment, he dismounted and gave his horse some water that he poured onto his hand from his canteen, which Buck gratefully drank. Patting him on the neck, Ben mounted once more and continued on his way, glancing in every which way direction, trying to catch a glimpse of any, or all, of his sons.<\/p>\n

________________________________________________________________________<\/p>\n

(Joe and Drake)<\/p>\n

Slap!<\/em><\/p>\n

\u201cWake up, Cartwright!\u201d Drake shouted, angrily. \u201cI didn\u2019t tell you to go to sleep!\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe\u2019s heavy eyes opened and he stared up at Drake, his fever raging in him as he tried to get his mind to comprehend what was happening.<\/p>\n

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

Another slap sounded throughout the shack as Drake landed another hand on Joe\u2019s face, causing the younger to recoil. Joe\u2019s fever was taking quite a toll on him, otherwise, he would\u2019ve retaliated for certain. Drake spat off to the side in disgust and walked outside. The neigh of horses could be heard as well as hoof beats. Drake had left, taking Cochise with him, leaving a very sick Joe to fend for himself. The only problem? Joe was still tied.<\/p>\n

________________________________________________________________________<\/p>\n

(Hoss and Adam)<\/p>\n

\u201cDadgumit, Adam, we should\u2019ve found \u2018em by now!\u201d Hoss whined.<\/p>\n

Adam didn\u2019t say anything, just brought a finger to his lips. His brother immediately shut up and looked around. Before either of them could move, a familiar horse wandered into the clearing.<\/p>\n

\u201cCochise!\u201d<\/p>\n

Hoss dismounted and rushed over to the animal, examining her thoroughly for any signs of Joe\u2019s dilemma. Cochise neighed softly in greeting and walked into Hoss\u2019 touch. Hoss smiled a little and rubbed the pinto\u2019s neck, warmly.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhere\u2019s Joe, girl?\u201d Hoss asked, gently, already knowing the horse couldn\u2019t answer him.<\/p>\n

Cochise shook her head back and forth. Hoss smiled slightly and patted her, then turned back to Chubb and mounted, Cochise\u2019s reigns still in his hand, hoping Joe would be riding back to the Ponderosa with them soon. Adam spurred Sport into a gallop, shouting over his shoulder to Hoss, \u201cHe can\u2019t be too far away! Lets go!\u201d<\/p>\n

Hoss nodded and rushed to catch up with his older brother.<\/p>\n

________________________________________________________________________<\/p>\n

(Ben)<\/p>\n

\u201cI have to make it,\u201d Ben urged himself on, gritting his teeth together.<\/p>\n

Buck continued to trot, unaware of his master\u2019s urgency. Ben finally stopped Buck and leaned forward, surveying the area around him. The landscape was silent, not an animal in sight, let alone any humans. His worry was slowly becoming fear for the safety of his sons. A loud neigh was suddenly heard, snapping Ben to attention and causing him to send Buck into a full out gallop.<\/p>\n

________________________________________________________________________<\/p>\n

(Joe)<\/p>\n

A groan escaped his chapped lips as he slowly opened his eyes and his gaze roamed over the poorly lit room. It was still cold and Joe shivered violently, already knowing that his fever was still there due to the fact that he was extremely cold. Little light filtered in through the window directly across from him, but it was good enough to see an empty wine bottle broken on the floor, it\u2019s edge glittering in the light. With a sudden burst of energy, Joe rocked back and forth in his chair, until he completely fell over. With quite some effort, he managed to drag himself as well as the chair over to the bottle. Immediately, Joe began working the ropes over the sharp edge, grunting with every effort as he exerted himself trying to get free. After several hours, the ropes broke and he untied the rest of his body from the chair. Too weak to stand, the young man crawled towards the back room where Drake had stayed. Reaching the doorway, Joe rested a moment, his fever catching up to him as he lost all consciousness.<\/p>\n

________________________________________________________________________<\/p>\n

(Adam and Hoss)<\/p>\n

\u201cHoss, do you see what I see?!\u201d Adam shouted, excitedly, pointing a little ways off.<\/p>\n

His younger brother squinted against the sun and finally spotted what Adam was talking about. A small shack stood there, concealed in the woods, almost invisible.<\/p>\n

\u201cReckon whoever lives there might\u2019ve seen Drake and Joe?\u201d Hoss asked, hope filling his entire being.<\/p>\n

Adam looked over at him and sighed.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2019ll find out, Hoss,\u201d he replied, looking back towards the shack. \u201cI just hope it\u2019s good news.\u201d<\/p>\n

The two brothers moved forward, glancing in every which way direction, just in case they missed some sign of their younger brother. Inside the shack was dark and they had to wait a few minutes before their eyes adjusted to the darkness. Adam was the first one to react.<\/p>\n

\u201cJoe!\u201d he shouted, kneeling next to the form of his unconscious brother.<\/p>\n

Tenderly, he rolled Joe over onto his back and patted his cheek gently, trying to rouse him. Hoss moved to their sides and carefully lifted Joe into his arms and set him on the bed. Adam immediately took control again as he worked hurriedly to bring his little brother\u2019s fever down.<\/p>\n

\u201cHoss, I think I saw a well out back. Go see if you can fetch some water!\u201d Adam ordered, rushing to the kitchen to get a cloth.<\/p>\n

Hoss nodded and grabbed a bucket from the back door on his way to the well. Adam anxiously dabbed at the sweat beading Joe\u2019s brow, silently pleading with Hoss to hurry up. A few minutes later, Hoss reappeared in the doorway, the bucket in his hand, empty.<\/p>\n

\u201cHoss, where\u2019s the water?\u201d Adam asked.<\/p>\n

Hoss swallowed hard and looked down at the floor.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe well\u2019s dried up, Adam,\u201d he replied. \u201cThere\u2019s no water within miles of this place.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam nodded in understanding and turned back to Joe, whose eyes were beginning to flutter.<\/p>\n

\u201cA-Adam?\u201d he stammered, surprised at the sudden appearance of the older man.<\/p>\n

\u201cHey, little buddy,\u201d Adam whispered, pushing back Joe\u2019s curls. \u201cJust take it easy. You have quite a fever. Hoss and I are just trying to bring it down enough so you can travel.\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe\u2019s eyes widened considerably at the mention of Hoss and his face took on a look of fear.<\/p>\n

\u201cNo!\u201d he shouted, struggling against his brother\u2019s hands to get out of bed. \u201cNo, you have to get out of here!\u201d<\/p>\n

Hoss gently, yet firmly, held Joe to the bed.<\/p>\n

\u201cNow, Joe, I don\u2019t wanna hurt ya, but if you keep up your shenanigans, I\u2019ll have no choice but to knock ya out.\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe grew silent, fully taking in Hoss\u2019 words, but stopping his motions. Joe looked pleadingly over at Adam.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou have to get out of here,\u201d he said, urgently. \u201cDrake – he\u2019s promised to kill my whole family if I tried to escape. Please, get out of here! I don\u2019t know when he\u2019ll be back!\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam and Hoss exchanged a glance, both wondering if Joe was delirious.<\/p>\n

\u201cNow, now, Joe, is that anyway to treat our guests?\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam and Hoss whirled around to find Drake standing in the door, gun in hand aimed right at them. Drake stood from leaning against the door and entered the room, a smile on his face. The stale smell of wine followed him. Joe\u2019s eyes widened in fear at the sight of his captor.<\/p>\n

\u201cDrake, I didn\u2019t try to escape,\u201d he immediately said. \u201cPlease, let them go.\u201d<\/p>\n

Drake looked over at Joe and laughed.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou really expect me to believe that, do you?\u201d he asked. \u201cIf I let them go, they\u2019d go for the sheriff and I\u2019m not about to let that happen.\u201d<\/p>\n

Drake motioned for Adam and Hoss to go out into the other room, which the two cowboys immediately obeyed.<\/p>\n

\u201cNo!\u201d Joe shouted as Drake closed the door behind them. \u201cNo! Please!\u201d<\/p>\n

Drake smirked in satisfaction at the way his hostage was begging. Quickly, he tied Hoss and Adam and gagged them. Drake aimed his pistol, firing two shots into the wooden floorboards, making it seem as if he had shot the two brothers. A strangled cry came from Joe\u2019s room, proving Drake\u2019s idea and sick joke had succeeded.<\/p>\n

________________________________________________________________________<\/p>\n

(Ben)<\/p>\n

No matter how far away Ben could\u2019ve been, he still would\u2019ve heard the gunshot. His heart constricted in worry and fear for the safety of all three of his sons. Buck started when a second gunshot sounded and almost tossed Ben if he hadn\u2019t been ready.<\/p>\n

\u201cCome on, boy,\u201d Ben urged him ahead, drawing his gun. \u201cWe need to see what\u2019s going on over there. Whatever it is, I just hope the boys aren\u2019t involved in it.\u201d<\/p>\n

________________________________________________________________________<\/p>\n

(The Shack)<\/p>\n

\u201cAdam!\u201d Joe screamed, tears coursing down his cheeks. \u201cHoss!\u201d<\/p>\n

Outside his door, Drake was watching Adam and Hoss, smiling widely at the anguish coming from Joe.<\/p>\n

\u201cNow, if that isn\u2019t music to your ears,\u201d he whispered. \u201cMake a sound, either of you and I won\u2019t hesitate to put a bullet in both of you.\u201d<\/p>\n

That said, he went back into Joe\u2019s room, smiling as he approached the bed. Joe\u2019s tears had stained his pillow as he looked up in hate at the man he believed to have killed his brothers. Drake chuckled.<\/p>\n

\u201cNow, now, Cartwright, I told you what would happen if you tried to escape,\u201d he disciplined. \u201cYou disobeyed me and had to pay the price.\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe\u2019s eyes flashed in anger.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll kill you for this!\u201d he spat out, anger replacing his sorrow. \u201cI promise you that!\u201d<\/p>\n

Drake shook his head in amazement at the younger man\u2019s ability to fight, but stepped out of the room again, turning his attention back to Adam and Hoss.<\/p>\n

\u201cI guess your brother\u2019s stronger than I originally thought,\u201d he admitted, before a smile slowly formed. \u201cBut I\u2019m willing to fix that.\u201d<\/p>\n

Hoss lurched forward against his bonds, but they held strong. Drake laughed at the attempt.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe can\u2019t have you getting away, big man,\u201d he said. \u201cThat would ruin my plans for your brother.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam only glared at the man, his mind spinning in circles and trying to come up with a plan to set himself and Hoss free. Joe needed medical attention and Drake\u2019s plan wasn\u2019t helping matters!<\/p>\n

\u2018Joe, please, hang on<\/em>,\u2019 he silently urged. \u2018We\u2019ll find a way out of this somehow<\/em>.\u2019<\/p>\n

Back in Joe\u2019s room, the youngest Cartwright was having a hard time controlling his emotions. Both of his brothers were dead and he was on his own. Adrenaline coursed through his body and, had he been able to move, he would\u2019ve been after Drake in a heartbeat. Joe\u2019s heart grew heavy as he thought of his father. What in the world was he going to tell him? That\u2019s to say if Joe survived. He shivered at the thought.<\/p>\n

His tears continued their course until sobs escaped from his lips. Both of his brothers gone in a matter of seconds was too much to take in.<\/p>\n

________________________________________________________________________<\/p>\n

(Ben)<\/p>\n

Ben sighed in relief at the sight of a shack up ahead. His relief turned to concern and horror as he spotted Sport and Chubb, as well as Cochise calmly standing outside. Cautiously, Ben dismounted, gripping his pistol firmly. A voice could be heard through the window, chilling Ben to the bone.<\/p>\n

\u201cNow that your brother thinks you\u2019re both dead, torturing him shouldn\u2019t be too hard,\u201d Drake\u2019s voice continued. \u201cAfter I\u2019m through with all of you, I\u2019ll head to Mexico and spend my hard-earned cash.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben\u2019s chest constricted at that announcement. What did Drake mean, Joe thought Adam and Hoss were dead?<\/p>\n

\u201cDid you hear that?\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben ducked out of sight as Drake walked out onto the front porch and looked around, gun at the ready. Ben forced himself to hold his breath as the gunman eyed the yard warily, then turned back inside.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019re lucky, Cartwrights,\u201d he said. \u201cIf anyone had been out there, I would\u2019ve killed you on the spot.\u201d<\/p>\n

________________________________________________________________________<\/p>\n

(Joe\u2019s Room)<\/p>\n

Joe\u2019s whole body shivered under the blankets. His fever had increased sometime within the past few minutes and he was slightly delirious. A window opened to the right of Joe\u2019s bed and a figure silently entered. Joe tried to make out who it was, but his feverish eyes prevented him from seeing clearly. The intruder spotted him almost immediately and hurried to the bedside.<\/p>\n

\u201cJoseph,\u201d came a soft whisper and Joe closed his eyes as he felt a gentle hand push his curls from his face.<\/p>\n

In that very moment, Joe didn\u2019t need his sight to know who the man was.<\/p>\n

\u201cP-Pa,\u201d he whispered softly.<\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s right, son, it\u2019s Pa.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben moved from the bed over to the nightstand where a basin stood. He silently cursed when he saw that it was empty. A noise outside of the door caught his attention and he barely had enough time to hide behind the door before Drake stuck his head in and looked around. Satisfied his prisoner was alone, Drake entered and made his way to Joe\u2019s bed. He got halfway there when the barrel of a pistol was lodged into his back.<\/p>\n

\u201cPut the gun down,\u201d Ben hissed into his ear.<\/p>\n

Drake surprisingly did as he was told and the gun clattered to the floor. Ben jabbed Drake in the back, urging him to move forward. Instead, Drake turned and started trying to wrestle the gun out of Ben\u2019s hands. A few shots went off until a final shot sounded. Drake\u2019s eyes widened in surprise as he slowly sank to the floor. Ben glanced down, spotting the wound immediately and knowing there was nothing he could do to help the man, for he was already dead.<\/p>\n

Snapping out of his daze, Ben turned to Joe, his eyes widening at the sight that greeted him. His youngest son was unconscious, his head turned to the side as the white sheet covering him slowly turned red. Ben raced to the bedside, and gently pulled back the covers to reveal the wound from the stray bullet. Ben grimaced at the sight and turned away, recovering the wound with the sheet and looking around for the water basin. Finding it, he paled when he saw it was empty. Ben took one look at Joe and hurried from the room, a bucket in his hand. Reaching the next room, he stopped when he saw his two oldest sons. Immediately, he undid their bonds and released them from the chairs.<\/p>\n

\u201cHoss, hurry and run out to the well for some water,\u201d Ben ordered, urgently.<\/p>\n

Hoss looked at the floor.<\/p>\n

\u201cThere is no water, Pa,\u201d he replied, softly. \u201cI checked when we first got here. The well\u2019s all dried up. We\u2019d have to go to the nearest town for some water, but that could take hours.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben grit his teeth in frustration.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe don\u2019t have hours,\u201d he stated, mostly to himself. \u201cI don\u2019t think Joe has hours either.\u201d<\/p>\n

Both Adam and Hoss frowned at their father, not fully understanding what he was talking about. Ben looked over at them, a solemn look on his face.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhile I was fighting Drake, a bullet strayed and hit Joe in the side,\u201d he explained. \u201cWe need more than just water. We need a doctor.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam, who had been silent the whole time, moved towards the door almost immediately. Noticing this, Ben followed him out the door, calling his name.<\/p>\n

\u201cAdam, where are you going?\u201d he asked, anxiously.<\/p>\n

Adam mounted Sport, then answered, \u201cYou said Joe needs a doctor, well, I\u2019m going to get him one.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben could only watch as Adam sent Sport into a gallop and disappeared into the woods. Not able to see him anymore, Ben headed back inside, where Hoss was desperately trying to calm a delirious Joe. Ben sat on a chair next to the bed and grasped Joe\u2019s hand within his own.<\/p>\n

\u201cEasy, son, you\u2019re all right,\u201d he whispered. \u201cAdam\u2019s gonna be back with the doc soon enough. Just take it easy.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben\u2019s words seemed to have no effect on the young man. By the time Adam returned with a doctor, Joe\u2019s fever had spiked to a dangerous level. Adam quickly introduced Doctor Daniel Trey, then ushered him into the room Joe was in. Doctor Trey rushed everyone out of the room, then shut the door behind him to start work on his patient. Ben turned to Adam.<\/p>\n

\u201cDid you get any water while you were in town?\u201d he asked, hopefully.<\/p>\n

Adam nodded.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe doc brought some with him on his buggy,\u201d he replied. \u201cI\u2019ll go out and bring it in.\u201d<\/p>\n

Hoss headed out after him, offering to help. Ben sighs as they leave, sinking into a chair and running a hand over his face. Adam and Hoss return with buckets of water and set it on the kitchen table, heading back out to get more. Time drags slowly on after they finish unloading the water. All three Cartwrights are seated at the table, trying to come up with something to talk about until Ben breaks the silence.<\/p>\n

\u201cAdam, what happened here?\u201d he asked, curiously.<\/p>\n

It took a good half hour to explain everything to his father, with Hoss interrupting every now and then. Just as Adam was finishing, Doctor Trey walked through the door, his face pale and exhausted. Ben, Adam, and Hoss all rose to their feet, anxiously waiting for him to speak.<\/p>\n

\u201cI removed the bullet,\u201d he announced, tiredly.<\/p>\n

Ben swallowed hard.<\/p>\n

\u201cDoctor?\u201d he asked. \u201cJoe, is he-\u201d<\/p>\n

Doctor Trey held up a hand, stopping him mid-sentence.<\/p>\n

\u201cJoe\u2019s resting, Mr. Cartwright,\u201d he assured him, \u201cIt\u2019s up to Joe now, but with that fever he has adding to his gunshot wound, the next twenty-four hours are crucial.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben visibly paled and went back to the table to sit down, the doctor\u2019s words fully comprehending the truth of the doctor\u2019s statement. If Joe\u2019s fever didn\u2019t go down by the end of the day, Joe\u2019s chances of surviving were slim to none. Adam watched his father for a moment before turning back to Doctor Trey.<\/p>\n

\u201cCan I see him?\u201d he asked.<\/p>\n

Doctor Trey didn\u2019t reply, just nodded and opened the door wide enough for Adam to pass through, shutting it behind him. If Adam hadn\u2019t known better, he would\u2019ve sworn the figure in the bed was not his little brother. Joe\u2019s face was pale, his breathing labored. The loss of blood from the bullet wound was taking it\u2019s toll on the younger man and it hurt Adam to see him this way. After pulling a chair over by Joe\u2019s side, Adam began talking.<\/p>\n

\u201cHey, Joe. It\u2019s me, Adam. Looks like Drake really did a number on you, huh, Little Brother? I\u2019m only sorry Hoss and I didn\u2019t get here sooner than we did. Maybe we could\u2019ve stopped him.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam paused when he noticed a slight movement of Joe\u2019s hand, but continued once he was certain Joe was still asleep.<\/p>\n

\u201cJoe, if you give up, Drake will win. He\u2019ll have taken everything from you, even though he\u2019s dead. So you have to fight, Joe, if not for me and Hoss, then do it for Pa. He\u2019s worried sick.\u201d<\/p>\n

Silence reigned in the room until Adam stood to his feet to leave. As he turned his back, Joe\u2019s eyes fluttered open, the fever still evident in them.<\/p>\n

\u201cA-Adam,\u201d he whispered, weakly. \u201cNot . . . going . . . . a-anywhere.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam whirled around, only to watch Joe\u2019s eyes close once more as he slipped back into a restless sleep.<\/p>\n

________________________________________________________________________<\/p>\n

(Later That Evening)<\/p>\n

The screams started earlier than anyone expected. It startled Ben awake just after sunset. Recognizing the screams, he headed in to see Joe, only to witness him thrashing back and forth on the bed, his wound already opened again, blood staining the sheets crimson. Quickly, Ben rushed to Joe\u2019s side, anxiously trying to hold him down to prevent him from injuring himself more.<\/p>\n

\u201cJoe, easy, you\u2019re safe, son,\u201d Ben gently spoke.<\/p>\n

At his voice, Joe\u2019s struggling slowly subsided and he lay on the bed, breathing heavily. Doctor Trey, after being wakened by Adam, hurried into the room, dressed Joe\u2019s wound again, and ushered everyone out.<\/p>\n

\u201cHe needs his rest,\u201d he explained. \u201cIf he cries out again, we\u2019ll hear him.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben protested for a few minutes before gradually agreeing and settling back down into a chair. The night passed slowly and not another word was heard from Joe. Early the next morning, when Doctor Trey checked in on him, he came back out with a huge smile on his face.<\/p>\n

\u201cHe\u2019s through the worst of it, Mr. Cartwright,\u201d he announced, putting a hand on the other man\u2019s shoulders. \u201cNow, all he needs is rest and plenty of fluids in him to keep up his strength.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben just looked at the doctor, his eyes asking what he couldn\u2019t speak. Doctor Trey smiled and nodded, stepping away from Joe\u2019s door and allowing Ben access. Without hesitation, Ben went into Joe\u2019s room, Adam and Hoss following close behind him. Joe lay on the bed, breathing evenly than the night before. His face gained some color over the past few hours, which caused Ben to sigh in relief.<\/p>\n

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

Joe\u2019s eyes were open slightly and focused on his father. Ben smiled and pulled a chair next to Joe\u2019s side, clasping his hand in his.<\/p>\n

\u201cHow do you feel, Joe?\u201d he asked, anxiously.<\/p>\n

Joe blinked slowly and finally replied, \u201cI\u2019m tired and weak.\u201d<\/p>\n

Behind them, Adam and Hoss frowned at each other. If Joe was hurting, he usually didn\u2019t admit it, but if he was saying so now, they knew Joe must\u2019ve been through one tough ordeal. Ben smoothed Joe\u2019s curls back out of his eyes.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou gave us all quit a scare, young man,\u201d Ben admonished, but a smile graced his lips, proving that he wasn\u2019t really mad.<\/p>\n

Joe returned the smile with a half of one before spotting Adam and Hoss behind Ben. All of a sudden, everything came back to him. Drake kidnapping him, Drake leaving him for dead, Adam and Hoss finding him, Drake killing-. Joe\u2019s eyes widened and he suddenly cried out in fear. Ben frowned and turned to see his two older sons standing there. Seeing nothing wrong, Ben turned back to Joe.<\/p>\n

\u201cSon, what\u2019s wrong?\u201d he asked, worriedly.<\/p>\n

Joe pointed a weak finger at his two brothers.<\/p>\n

\u201cA-Adam and H-Hoss\u2019 ghosts,\u201d he whispered, feebly. \u201cThey\u2019re standing right there.\u201d<\/p>\n

An understanding dawning occurred to Ben and he smiled a little.<\/p>\n

\u201cJoe, those aren\u2019t ghosts,\u201d he corrected. \u201cIt\u2019s really your brothers. Drake never killed them. It was all a ruse to get you to break.\u201d<\/p>\n

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

\u201cI heard t-the sh-sh-shots,\u201d he argued. \u201cTh-They\u2019re d-dead.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben shook his head adamantly.<\/p>\n

\u201cJoseph, your brothers are right here, alive and well,\u201d he stated. \u201cDrake fired off those shots to make you believe he had shot Adam and Hoss. It isn\u2019t true, Joe. Please, I wouldn\u2019t lie to you about something like this.\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe remained quiet for a moment, fully allowing Ben\u2019s words to register and take root. Adam and Hoss rounded the bed to stand on the other side of him, making sure he could see their faces clearly. After a while, Joe\u2019s tear-filled eyes lifted to meet those of his brothers.<\/p>\n

\u201cY-You\u2019re n-no-not dead?\u201d he stammered.<\/p>\n

Adam smiled and shook his head.<\/p>\n

\u201cNo, Joe, we\u2019re right here,\u201d he assured him. \u201cWe\u2019re all fine, it\u2019s you we\u2019ve been worried about.\u201d<\/p>\n

Hoss nodded in agreement.<\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s right, little buddy,\u201d he said. \u201cWe\u2019re just waiting for you to get better so we can go home and leave this whole mess behind us.\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe smiled through his tears, then looked around.<\/p>\n

\u201cW-Where\u2019s Dr-Drake?\u201d he asked, fearfully.<\/p>\n

Ben paused a moment.<\/p>\n

\u201cHe\u2019s dead, Joe,\u201d he replied. \u201cHe can\u2019t hurt you anymore.\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe nodded and his eyes slowly closed as he fell back into a deep sleep. Ben motioned to Adam and Hoss that they should leave. Once back in the main room, Ben spoke again.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe know Drake robbed the bank in Virginia City, but there\u2019s still a matter of where he hid the money.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cDo you think he hid it somewhere around here, Pa?\u201d Adam asked, curiously.<\/p>\n

Ben nodded.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s possible, but it\u2019s also possible that he left it somewhere on the trail where we couldn\u2019t find it no matter how hard we looked.\u201d<\/p>\n

Hoss had a thoughtful expression on his face as he stared at the floor. His expression changed as he suddenly bolted out the back door. Ben and Adam exchanged glances, then followed him in time to see him look down into the dried-up well.<\/p>\n

\u201cHoss, you better be careful,\u201d Adam called. \u201cYou fall down that well, you might get stuck!\u201d<\/p>\n

Hoss looked up and smiled.<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, someone\u2019s gonna hafta go down there and get the money, now, aren\u2019t they, older brother?\u201d he asked.<\/p>\n

Ben and Adam exchanged glances before rushing to the well and peering in. Sure enough, the bags of money from the bank were stacked neatly again one side of the well, out of the way of the bucket for when it came down.<\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s why I never heard it, Pa,\u201d Hoss explained. \u201cI just let the bucket go and never bothered to look in the well. I didn\u2019t think anything else would be in there besides water.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben clapped Hoss on the back.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat maters is we found it, Hoss,\u201d he said. \u201cNow, we just have to find a way to lift it out of there.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI believe one of us should go down there with a rope and tie the bags on it, then the others can lift them out,\u201d Adam proposed. \u201cAfterwards, the person left in there can be lifted out.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben nodded.<\/p>\n

\u201cSounds like a good idea, but now we have to figure out who\u2019s going to go down there to do the job,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n

Adam looked up at Ben.<\/p>\n

\u201cIf you and Hoss lower me down, I\u2019ll be able to secure the money,\u201d he stated. \u201cAfter that, you two can haul me back up.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben frowned in thought.<\/p>\n

\u201cNo, I think it best if I go, Adam,\u201d he argued.<\/p>\n

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

\u201cPa, you know I\u2019m the lightest out of the three of us,\u201d he reasoned. \u201cIt\u2019ll be easier on you and Hoss if I go down. Please, Pa. We have to at least try.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben was quiet for a minute before nodding his head and allowing Hoss to tie a rope around Adam\u2019s waist. Adam swung his legs over the side and gave Hoss and Ben a nod before he dropped, the line secured around his waist the only thing preventing him from falling to the bottom of the well and to his death. Adam went down slowly, careful of any protruding rocks or bricks. Small branches stood out in some places and he slightly winced as they cut at his hands and face. Finally, he reached the bottom and untied himself. Turning around, he spotted the bags immediately. Without a moment\u2019s hesitation, he tied the bags to the rope and gently tugged, letting Hoss and Ben know the bags were ready to be pulled up. Slowly, inch-by-inch, the bags of money were hoisted out of the well. The rope being pulled by Ben and Hoss was strong, but one flaw made this recovery turn dangerous. A fray in the rope was unraveling, little-by-little each time the bags were moved up more. After a few more minutes, the rope snapped, sending the bags plunging to the bottom of the well, straight on top of Adam.<\/p>\n

\u201cAdam!\u201d Ben shouted down into the well, worry creasing his features. Quickly taking control of the situation, he turned to Hoss. \u201cGo get the horses. I have some more rope tied to my saddle.\u201d<\/p>\n

Hoss didn\u2019t bother arguing and immediately set off. Ben looked back into the well, searching for Adam. At long last, he spotted his eldest son. Adam was lying on his stomach, the bags of money lying on top of him. Ben\u2019s worry increased drastically when he saw Adam wasn\u2019t moving. Hoss returned in record time with the rope and horses. Sport, Chubb, and Buck all stood off to one side of the well as Ben lowered the rope into the well.<\/p>\n

\u201cAdam!\u201d he called, anxiously. \u201cAdam, you have to tie the rope around your waist!\u201d<\/p>\n

Down at the bottom of the well, a weak groan escaped Adam\u2019s lips as he slowly regained consciousness. Trying to move, he cried out in pain as he tried moving his right foot. Ben\u2019s voice rang clearly down to him and he looked up, squinting to see his father.<\/p>\n

\u201cAdam, are you all right?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI-I hurt my leg, Pa!\u201d Adam called back. \u201cI think it\u2019s broken!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI sent a rope down to you,\u201d Ben returned. \u201cSee if you can get it around your waist enough so we can have the horses haul you out of there!\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam quickly did as he was told and yelled up that he was ready. Ben nodded to Hoss, who immediately started leading the horses, slowly pulling up the rope secured to Adam. After another ten excruciating minutes, Adam was hoisted out of the well. Hoss stepped away from their horses and went to Adam\u2019s side, lifting him into his arms and carrying him into the shack. By this time, Joe had woken back up and paled at the sight of Adam being carried by Hoss.<\/p>\n

\u201cAdam! Hoss, what happened?\u201d Joe asked, anxiously.<\/p>\n

Ben calmly explained as Hoss tended to Adam. Feeling his older brother\u2019s leg, Hoss finally just ripped the pant leg, gaining easier access and making it easier for him to pin-point the problem. Adam\u2019s whole body tensed as Hoss examined it. As Hoss finally finished, Ben was just telling a still feverish Joe to get back to sleep. Adam bit his lip to keep from crying out.<\/p>\n

Ben turned to Hoss, an expectant look on his face.<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, Hoss?\u201d he asked.<\/p>\n

His middle son sighed and looked up at him.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s definitely broken, Pa,\u201d he replied. \u201cIt\u2019s gonna be hard to set us being out here without any proper medicine.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben turned to Doctor Trey, but the other man shook his head, already next to Hoss, examining Adam\u2019s leg carefully.<\/p>\n

\u201cI didn\u2019t bring the equipment with me, Mr. Cartwright,\u201d he explained. \u201cIf this leg is going to set right, we\u2019ll have to get him back to town.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cBut, Doctor, is Joe ready to travel?\u201d Ben asked, anxiously.<\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s the part I\u2019m worried about,\u201d he admitted. \u201cWith Joe as weak as he is, I don\u2019t want to take the chance on moving him and causing him further injury.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben nodded in understanding. Doctor Trey thought a moment.<\/p>\n

\u201cThere is one way to get Adam to town, Mr. Cartwright, but you aren\u2019t going to like it,\u201d he announced. \u201cAdam desperately needs to be in town. The only way I can do that is if me and one other person go with him.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben let the idea sink in before he finally shook his head stubbornly.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019re talking about leaving Joe here,\u201d he accused, angrily. \u201cThat\u2019s not going to happen!\u201d<\/p>\n

Doctor Trey held up his hands in defense.<\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s not what I meant,\u201d he argued. \u201cEither you or Hoss stay with Joe, while I take Adam to town, accompanied by one other person.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll stay with Joe,\u201d Hoss immediately volunteered before his father could speak. \u201cNo, Pa, Adam needs you right now. I\u2019ll be fine taking care of Joe right here. We have plenty of water now and Joe\u2019s already settled in so there\u2019s no use in arguing about it.\u201d<\/p>\n

Recognizing the look in his middle son\u2019s face, Ben sighed loudly and nodded.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2019ll leave first thing,\u201d Ben stated. \u201cI\u2019ll support Adam on Buck.\u201d<\/p>\n

The doctor nodded in understanding and set about the task of setting Adam\u2019s leg as best he could before the trip. Ben moved to Joe\u2019s side, placing his hand on top of the younger man\u2019s curly hair.<\/p>\n

\u201cJoe, I promise, I\u2019ll be back,\u201d he assures him. \u201cI just need to get Adam situated and I\u2019ll be back for you.\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe frowned, but realized that Adam was in bad shape and slowly nodded that it was okay. Ben patted him on the head in thanks and stood to his feet.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll get the horses ready, Doctor,\u201d he said. \u201cWe\u2019ll leave as soon as possible.\u201d<\/p>\n

As soon as Ben left, Hoss went to sit by Joe\u2019s bedside. Joe smiled up at him weakly. A cry from Adam caused them to look over at their older brother, worriedly. Doctor Trey was trying his best to bandage Adam\u2019s leg to prevent it from further injury and had accidentally hit against the break. He apologized quickly and carefully continued. Within minutes, Ben walked back inside and announced it was time to go. Hoss nodded and picked Adam up and carried him outside. He waited as Ben mounted Buck, then lifted his older brother to his father.<\/p>\n

\u201cHoss, I\u2019ll be back,\u201d Ben vowed and spurred his horse into a gentle walk.<\/p>\n

Doctor Trey\u2019s buggy followed behind slowly. After watching them until they were out of sight, Hoss returned back inside and to Joe. His little brother was breathing heavily in bed, sweat beading his brow.<\/p>\n

\u201cJoe?\u201d Hoss whispered, feeling his forehead. \u201cOh, short shanks, you have quite a fever.\u201d<\/p>\n

A moan escaped Joe\u2019s lips and his head tossed back and forth on the pillow. Hoss dipped a cloth in the basin of water and quickly dabbed Joe\u2019s forehead with it.<\/p>\n

\u201cEasy, Joe, you\u2019ll be all right,\u201d he soothed.<\/p>\n

Joe calmed somewhat but his breathing was still labored. Hoss sighed in relief and dropped into a chair, running a hand over his face. Anxiously, he looked out the window.<\/p>\n

\u2018Get back soon, Pa<\/em>,\u2019 he pleaded. \u2018I don\u2019t know how much longer Joe can last<\/em>.\u2019<\/p>\n

________________________________________________________________________<\/p>\n

(Ben, Adam, and Doctor Trey)<\/p>\n

\u201cHow much further is the town, Doctor?\u201d Ben asked, already anxious to get back to his younger sons.<\/p>\n

\u201cNot too much further, Mr. Cartwright,\u201d came the reply. \u201cDon\u2019t worry, as soon as we get your son situated at my office, you can ride back to your sons.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben frowned.<\/p>\n

\u201cAren\u2019t you coming with me?\u201d he asked. \u201cJoseph still needs a doctor.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cTo be honest, Mr. Cartwright, there isn\u2019t a whole lot I can do for your son at the moment,\u201d Doctor Trey replied, solemnly. \u201cHis fever was fluctuating so much, I doubt any of my medicines would work.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben jerked his head over to look at his companion.<\/p>\n

\u201cDoctor, what are you saying?\u201d he asked, his face loosing all color.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m saying that if your son\u2019s fever continues at it\u2019s normal pace, I might be able to cure it, but the way it keeps going up and down, it\u2019s just too hard to tell if the medicine is working or not.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAre-Are you saying Joe might-\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAll I\u2019m saying, Mr. Cartwright, is that is a very likely possibility,\u201d Doctor Trey answered before looking ahead again.<\/p>\n

Ben looked back for a brief second and sighed. It was going to be a long trip.<\/p>\n

________________________________________________________________________<\/p>\n

(Hoss and Joe)<\/p>\n

\u201cEasy, little brother,\u201d Hoss said. \u201cPa\u2019ll be here soon, doncha worry.\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe opened his feverish eyes a little and whispered, \u201cH-Hoss? Where\u2019s P-Pa?\u201d<\/p>\n

Hoss sighed at the same question again. A delirious Joe was not fun and it pained him to have to answer the same questions over an over again.<\/p>\n

\u201cPa\u2019ll be back soon, little buddy,\u201d Hoss assured him. \u201cYou just get some sleep now.\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe nodded and closed his feverish eyes slowly, gratefully accepting sleep as it overtook him. Hoss sat down again in his chair and ran a hand over his face in exasperation. He hoped Ben was having better luck than he was. Joe\u2019s mumbling snapped Hoss out of his thoughts and, just as quickly, Joe began thrashing around, his cries echoing around the room like a fly. Hoss placed a gentle hand on Joe\u2019s chest to prevent him from rising off the bed.<\/p>\n

\u201cNo! No, stop! Don\u2019t-don\u2019t shoot! No!\u201d Joe\u2019s cries came one right after the other each becoming more urgent than the first.<\/p>\n

Hoss shook Joe\u2019s shoulders, desperately trying to get him to wake up but having no success. Eventually, Hoss gave up and sat back down in his chair, his body tensing every time Joe cried out. It\u2019s wasn\u2019t much longer before he woke up and sighed in relief at seeing Joe sleeping on the bed, a pained expression on his face.<\/p>\n

\u201cJoe, what is it?\u201d Hoss asked, anxiously.<\/p>\n

Joe\u2019s eyes slowly opened as he replied in a monotone voice.<\/p>\n

\u201cThey\u2019re gone,\u201d he said. \u201cThey\u2019re all gone.\u201d<\/p>\n

Hoss paled slightly. They were back at square one again.<\/p>\n

________________________________________________________________________<\/p>\n

(Ben, Adam, and Doctor Trey)<\/p>\n

\u201cAdam, I need you to just relax on this table,\u201d Doctor Trey ordered.<\/p>\n

Adam did as he was told, wincing as Ben propped his leg up on the table. Doctor Trey immediately started his work, handing Ben a cloth to stick in Adam\u2019s mouth.<\/p>\n

\u201cAdam, I\u2019m not going to lie to you,\u201d he said. \u201cThis is going to hurt.\u201d<\/p>\n

The cloth quickly dropped out of Adam\u2019s mouth as he screamed from the doctor placing his bones back. Mercifully, he passed out, leaving Doctor Trey to work on his leg easier than if he were awake. A few hours passed as Ben sat out in the other room, anxiously waiting for news of Adam\u2019s condition. As he sat, his thoughts drifted to Joe and Hoss.<\/p>\n

Ben swallowed the lump in his throat.<\/p>\n

Joe.<\/p>\n

Was he even still alive? Was Joe still sick? And how long would it take him to get back to the shack in order to find out? Ben sighed and continued in his thoughts until the back door opened and Doctor Trey entered, wiping his hands on a towel and breathing a sigh of relief.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ve managed to re-set the bone, sir, but the healing process is going to take some time,\u201d he announced.<\/p>\n

Ben nodded in understanding and made to enter the backroom when Doctor Trey grabbed his arm.<\/p>\n

\u201cMr. Cartwright, I know you\u2019re in a hurry to get back to your other son, so make your visit brief,\u201d he stated. \u201cThe sooner we get Joe back here, the better.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cBut . . . You said,\u201d Ben started but the doctor cut him off.<\/p>\n

\u201cForget what I said, sir, we need to get that boy in here as soon as possible!\u201d<\/p>\n

________________________________________________________________________<\/p>\n

(Hoss and Joe)<\/p>\n

\u201cCome on, Joe, snap out of it!\u201d Hoss pleaded. \u201cDrake\u2019s dead and we\u2019re all alive, little brother.\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe\u2019s fever had risen in the past few minutes, causing Hoss\u2019 worry to grow. According to Doctor Trey, Joe should\u2019ve been getting better, not worse. Hoss looked over at the bed and blinked in surprise at the sight of Joe looking back at him. The younger man\u2019s eyes were opened wide, fever still evident in them.<\/p>\n

\u201cJoe?\u201d Hoss tried again.<\/p>\n

At Hoss\u2019 voice, Joe bolted out of bed and headed to the door. At first, Hoss was too stunned to move, but he quickly snapped out of and managed to catch up to the escapee before he could reach the front door. Hoss grabbed him and hoisted him into his arms, ignoring his struggles and protests.<\/p>\n

Eventually, Joe stopped struggling and allowed Hoss to place him back in bed. Joe\u2019s cheeks were stained with tears and he turned his head away from Hoss in shame.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhy are you haunting me, Hoss?\u201d came his soft whisper. \u201cWhy?\u201d<\/p>\n

Understanding reached Hoss\u2019 features and he placed a hand on Joe\u2019s shoulder, gently.<\/p>\n

\u201cJoe, I ain\u2019t no ghost,\u201d he stated. \u201cMe, Adam, and Pa are all safe and alive. Drake\u2019s dead and we\u2019re working on finding a way to get you to the nearest town.\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe\u2019s tears gradually resided as he listened to Hoss\u2019 words, daring to believe that they might be true. His eyes wandered around the room.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhere are Adam and Pa?\u201d he asked, frowning.<\/p>\n

Hoss sighed in relief. Joe was starting to make better sense.<\/p>\n

\u201cPa and the doc had to take Adam into town,\u201d he explained. \u201cYou see, when he was trying to get the bags of money out of the well, Adam had the bags fall on top of him and you know how heavy they can be. He busted his leg up so the doc thought it\u2019d be better if they took him to his office.\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe nodded.<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, why didn\u2019t they take me too?\u201d he asked, curiously.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou were burning up with fever so the doc didn\u2019t wanna take a chance on you getting any worse out on the trail,\u201d Hoss answered. \u201cI sure am glad you\u2019re feeling better though, short shanks.\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe smiled at the old nickname and settled his head back against his pillow. Hoss was grinning widely. The worst was over.<\/p>\n

________________________________________________________________________<\/p>\n

(Ben)<\/p>\n

Ben started out as soon as he was assured that Adam would be well taken care of. Doctor Trey had splinted the leg and given Adam medicine for the pain. Ben urged Buck onward, anxiously wanting to get back to his sons. After several hours, the shack came into view and Ben breathed a sigh of relief. Before Buck even came to a halt, Ben was dismounting and rushing inside, anxious to see Joe and Hoss.<\/p>\n

\u201cJoe? Hoss?\u201d he called out.<\/p>\n

\u201cIn here, Pa!\u201d Hoss\u2019 voice came from the bedroom.<\/p>\n

Ben hurried in and breathed a sigh of relief. Joe was sitting up in bed, talking with Hoss, his eyes straying to the door when Ben came in. Hoss\u2019 face widened into a grin as he stood to greet his father. Joe smiled at Ben, reassuring him without words that he was okay.<\/p>\n

\u201cHow do you feel, son?\u201d Ben asked, stepping over to his bedside.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m fine, Pa,\u201d he replied. \u201cA little weak, but I\u2019ll be okay. How\u2019s Adam?\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben gave Hoss a confused look.<\/p>\n

\u201cI told him everything, Pa,\u201d Hoss said, smiling. \u201cHe knows that Drake\u2019s dead and Adam\u2019s in town.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben nodded and turned back to Joe.<\/p>\n

\u201cThat reminds me, Doctor Trey said we could move you to town,\u201d he stated. \u201cHe wants to look you over at his office before we take you home.\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe nodded in understanding and looked over at Hoss.<\/p>\n

\u201cHey, Hoss, could you help me out of bed?\u201d he asked.<\/p>\n

Immediately, his older brother was at his side, offering his support to the youngest Cartwright as the three of them made their way outside and to the horses.<\/p>\n

When they reached town, Doctor Trey treated Joe, announcing that the fever was almost completely gone, but he\u2019d still need rest and plenty of fluids in him to make a full recovery. Ben and Hoss promised to make him obey the instructions.<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd what about Adam, Doctor?\u201d Ben asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cHe\u2019ll be fine, Mr. Cartwright,\u201d Doctor Trey assured him. \u201cHe won\u2019t be able to walk on that leg for another good three weeks, but be sure to have your doctor in Virginia City look at it when you get back there.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben gratefully shook the man\u2019s hand and helped Hoss get Joe and Adam in the borrowed buckboard.<\/p>\n

________________________________________________________________________<\/p>\n

(Back at the Ponderosa, A Couple Weeks Later . . . )<\/p>\n

Screams shook the house late one night, causing Ben to fall out of bed, startled. Quickly, he jumped up and threw on his robe. The cries were coming from Joe\u2019s room. Adam and Hoss met him out in the hall, Adam slightly limping. All three men headed to Joe\u2019s room. Opening the door found Joe tossing and turning in bed, crying out for it to stop. Whatever \u2018it\u2019 was, the older Cartwrights had a pretty good idea. For the past couple of days, Joe had been having nightmares, usually about Drake killing Adam and Hoss. Whenever it came, he could be heard all the way out in the barn. Gradually, Ben found out how to calm his youngest son, so it was usually him who entered Joe\u2019s room.<\/p>\n

But this time was different. Joe\u2019s cries didn\u2019t make it sound like one of his normal nightmares. No, this one seemed worse and that scared them more than anything else.<\/p>\n

\u201cJoe, easy, Joe, it\u2019s me, it\u2019s Pa,\u201d Ben soothed him, gathering him into his arms. \u201cYou\u2019re safe, boy, you\u2019re safe.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam and Hoss stayed by the door, watching the scene before them, but still staying in the room, just in case they were needed. When Joe had nightmares of them being killed, Ben would often have to show Joe his two brothers to convince him they were still alive. Joe calmed slightly at Ben\u2019s voice. Tears rolled down his cheeks as he clung to his father, the memory of the nightmare still fresh in his mind. Ben stroked Joe\u2019s back soothingly as he held him in his arms.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt seemed so real, Pa,\u201d Joe whispered after he had calmed down some.<\/p>\n

\u201cI know, Joe, I know, but it was just a dream,\u201d Ben soothed. \u201cNone of it was real.\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe nodded into Ben\u2019s shoulder. Ben exchanged glances with Adam and Hoss and managed a weak smile. As long as they continued on being there for the youngest member of their family, they could get past this and, hopefully and eventually, get back to the way things were.<\/p>\n

________________________________________________________________________<\/p>\n

Sheriff Roy Coffee and a few of his deputies recovered the money stolen from the bank out of the well and retrieved Drake\u2019s body to bury. Adam\u2019s leg recovered under the watchful eye of Doctor Martin. Joe eventually was able to move past his nightmares and pretty soon he was no longer waking the whole house up at hours of the morning. Even though everything seemed at peace, no one would ever be able to forget that day, no matter how hard they tried.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Disclaimer:<\/u> All publicly recognizable characters and settings are the property of their respective owners. The original characters and plot are the property of the author. No money is being made from this work. No copyright infringement is intended.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Tags:\u00a0 Family,\u00a0Joe \/ Little Joe Cartwright<\/p>\n

<\/div>\n

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

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

Summary:\u00a0 Joe finds himself in a dangerous situation when the town drunk goes on a rampage, robbing the bank and killing at least two – and taking Joe as a hostage!<\/p>\n

Rating:\u00a0 T\u00a0\u00a0 Word count: 10987<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":118,"featured_media":378,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"template-full-width-post.php","format":"standard","meta":{"jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false,"_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":""},"categories":[2,23],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-13180","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-actionadventure","category-drama","wpcat-2-id","wpcat-23-id"],"a3_pvc":{"activated":true,"total_views":2470,"today_views":0},"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/02\/bonanza-1.jpg?fit=193%2C140&ssl=1","jetpack_likes_enabled":true,"jetpack-related-posts":[{"id":13864,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=13864","url_meta":{"origin":13180,"position":0},"title":"The Hostage (by Camera Chic)","author":"Camera Chic","date":"March 1, 2011","format":false,"excerpt":"Summary: Just a very short story about what one brother would do for the other one. Rating:\u00a0 PG for violence (1,650 words)","rel":"","context":"In "Drama"","block_context":{"text":"Drama","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?cat=23"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/05\/Adam-and-Joe-Desert-Justice-2.bmp","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/05\/Adam-and-Joe-Desert-Justice-2.bmp 1x, https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/05\/Adam-and-Joe-Desert-Justice-2.bmp 1.5x, https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/05\/Adam-and-Joe-Desert-Justice-2.bmp 2x"},"classes":[]},{"id":11297,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=11297","url_meta":{"origin":13180,"position":1},"title":"No Shovel Needed (by justafan)","author":"justafan","date":"June 8, 2015","format":false,"excerpt":"Summary:\u00a0 \u00a0Once again, Little Joe finds himself facing the music. Hoss and Adam are amused by the current situation, although Ben thinks it is no laughing matter. \u00a0Sometimes, the Cartwrights can dig a very deep hole without using a shovel. Rating K+\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Number of Words:\u00a0 \u00a01,798","rel":"","context":"In "Chaps and Spurs"","block_context":{"text":"Chaps and Spurs","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?cat=39"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/06\/shovel.jpg?fit=350%2C263&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200},"classes":[]},{"id":16021,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=16021","url_meta":{"origin":13180,"position":2},"title":"We Done Our Share (by BettyHT)","author":"BettyHT","date":"March 5, 2018","format":false,"excerpt":"SUMMARY: \u00a0My entry for the March 2018 poetry challenge -- It's a little discussion among the brothers about loves lost which is spoken in three voices. rating = PG13 \u00a0 \u00a0word count = 282","rel":"","context":"In "Poetry"","block_context":{"text":"Poetry","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?cat=9"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/03\/three-brothers.jpg?fit=300%2C284&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200},"classes":[]},{"id":18367,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=18367","url_meta":{"origin":13180,"position":3},"title":"Only Fifteen (by PSW)","author":"PSW","date":"September 13, 2018","format":false,"excerpt":"Summary: A short WHN for 'He Was Only Seven' -- a moment on the way back home. 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