{"id":13840,"date":"2004-05-27T08:23:12","date_gmt":"2004-05-27T12:23:12","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=13840"},"modified":"2025-02-27T12:09:36","modified_gmt":"2025-02-27T17:09:36","slug":"the-unbearable-choice-by-helenb","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=13840","title":{"rendered":"The Unbearable Choice (by HelenB)"},"content":{"rendered":"

Summary:<\/strong>\u00a0 Adam makes a decision that could cost his brother his life.<\/span><\/p>\n

Rating:\u00a0 T\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 (14,180 words)<\/p>\n

The Unbearable Choice<\/strong><\/p>\n

Adam and Joe Cartwright were on their way home by stage after a business trip to San Francisco. Joe had just turned sixteen and both Adam and their father Ben, thought the trip with Adam would be good for Joe, giving him an opportunity to see another side of what was involved in running the ranch and their other business holdings.<\/p>\n

After successfully completing their business the brothers had stayed on in San Francisco for a weeks vacation and they\u2019d had a great time. The trip home so far had been dry, dusty and bumpy and both were looking forward to the end of their journey. The stage was carrying three other passengers besides the Cartwrights.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Lem Simpkins, a travelling salesman who was sitting across from the Cartwrights fanned himself with his newspaper, trying to cool himself down. Peter Mason sat next to him, he was a young man who was on his way to visit his brother who had recently bought a ranch near Virginia City. Bill Nelson was returning home after completing college, he sat on the other side of the stage beside Joe, who sat beside his brother.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThis heat is just terrible,\u201d Mr Simpkins complained, he was a rotund man of a very foppish nature, unused to western life.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNot much longer to go. We\u2019ll be in Virginia City in a few hours, Mr Simpkins,\u201d Adam said, trying to sound sympathetic.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t think I can tolerate another minute of this,\u201d Mr Simpkins went on.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam avoided looking directly at Joe for fear that they would both burst out laughing if he did, at the last stop Joe had told Adam that he didn\u2019t think he could stand another minute of Mr Simpkins complaints. Out of the corner of his eye Adam saw Joe and Bill elbowing each other. The three young men, Joe, Bill and Peter, had struck up a quick friendship on the stage. Adam was often amazed at Joe\u2019s ability to make friends so quickly and easily, it was something he admired in the boy.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Suddenly the sound of a rifle shot cracked through the air and the stage lurched dangerously before coming to a stop. Adam and Joe had pulled their guns immediately from their holsters at the sound of the shot. Cautiously, Adam slowly started to open the door, only to have to quickly duck back as a bullet just missed him. Automatically he turned to check on Joe. \u201cStay down!\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThrow out your guns and come out of there with your hands up,\u201d yelled someone who was hidden from view in the trees by the side of the road. Shots seemed to fire from every direction. \u201cDo what you\u2019re told. Now!\u201d someone shouted from the other side of the stage.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Glancing at Joe, Adam nodded. There was little else they could do. They were obviously surrounded. Adam, Joe and Peter, who all had guns, threw them out. Slowly Adam opened the door and stepped down, glancing up at the driver he saw the man was slumped in the seat, dead. Adam knew it was lucky that the driver had been able to pull the stage to a stop before he\u2019d died. They had avoided one danger but as he looked around, Adam knew the situation they were now in could be just as dire. Five men stepped out of their hiding places, all wore bandana\u2019s over the lower half of their faces.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhat do you want?\u201d Adam asked.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s none of your business what we want,\u201d one of the men said, \u201cJust do as you\u2019re told and no one will get hurt.\u201d He looked around at the passengers. \u201cNow, I want you to tell me your names and don\u2019t lie. We can check your luggage and if we find out you lied, you\u2019ll be very sorry.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

Ten minutes later the passengers were sitting on the ground. They still didn\u2019t know why the stage had been held up. Bags and passengers had both been searched and everything of value taken. The leader of the gang, Adam had heard one of the other men call him Dan, walked over to the passengers. \u201cWe have three extra horses, so three of you will be coming with us. You,\u201d he pointed at Adam. \u201cyou\u2019ll drive the stage to Virginia City and deliver a message.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam frowned. \u201cWhat\u2019s this about?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI told you,\u201d Dan said, \u201cIt\u2019s none of your business. You\u2019re just the messenger. Now, since we have three horses and one extra person, you get to choose one person to go along with you.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Peter Mason started to turn, suddenly a shot was fired, hitting him in the chest. Peter fell to the ground. \u201cStupid move, boy,\u201d Dan said, \u201cI told you to do as I said. You shouldn\u2019t have tried to go for your gun. Now you know what will happen if you don\u2019t listen to me.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHe wasn\u2019t going for his gun!\u201d Adam shouted, \u201cYou had no reason to do that.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe took a step towards Peter and the man pointed his gun straight at Joe. Without hesitation, Adam stepped in front of his brother. \u201cHe just wants to check on the man you shot. The least you can do is let him do that,\u201d Adam said angrily.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The man waved his gun. \u201cGo ahead.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam knelt down beside Joe who was trying to stem the flow of blood with his bandana and hands. Adam glared at Dan and asked, \u201cIs it all right if I get my bag? We need some shirts or something to stop the bleeding.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Dan looked at one of his men and said, \u201cYou get something.\u201d The man was back in a few minutes, having pulled some clothes out of one of the bags. After they had done what they could, Adam and Joe used some water from a canteen to wash the blood from their hands.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2019ve wasted enough time,\u201d Dan said, he nodded at Peter, \u201che\u2019s not going to be much use to us now,\u201d looking at Adam, he said, \u201cbut I did tell you that you got to choose, so hurry up.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam, still kneeling next to his brother, looked at Joe. In Adam\u2019s heart he knew there was no choice, how could he possibly leave his little brother behind but Joe shook his head.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYou need to take Peter with you,\u201d Joe said quietly.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI can\u2019t leave you. I won\u2019t,\u201d Adam replied firmly.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll be all right,\u201d Joe said, trying to reassure his brother, \u201cPeter will die if you don\u2019t get him to a doctor.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam looked at Dan. \u201cLet the boy go,\u201d he nodded at Joe, \u201cand he can take the wounded man with him. I\u2019ll stay.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNo,\u201d Dan replied, \u201cI\u2019ve told you how it\u2019s going to be. You\u2019re not the one giving orders here. You have two minutes,\u201d he held the gun menacingly pointed at the passengers, \u201cor I\u2019ll make the choice for you and I guarantee you won\u2019t like it.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam looked once more at Joe. \u201cLittle Joe, I can\u2019t\u2026.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYou have to, Adam. You can\u2019t just let him die. Please, Adam!\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam felt as though he were being tortured by the choice he was being forced to make. Swallowing hard, he looked up at Dan, \u201cI\u2019ll take the wounded man with me.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Dan nodded and handed Adam an envelope. \u201cOpen this when you get to town.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhen will you release the others?\u201d Adam asked.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThere are instructions in the letter. Once they are followed, I\u2019ll let everyone go.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Sliding his hand down beside him, Adam squeezed his young brothers hand. \u201cDon\u2019t do anything stupid, Joe. Just do what they tell you,\u201d he looked into Joe\u2019s eyes, \u201cI\u2019ll come back for you. I promise.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Dan waved his gun. \u201cGet going.\u201d With one more squeeze of Joe\u2019s hand, Adam rose. With the help of the other men, they got Peter inside the stage. With one final look at Joe, Adam motioned the team forward.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

Ben and Hoss were waiting at the stage station. They\u2019d ridden into town to meet Adam and Joe. They looked down the street at the sound of shouting. The stage was being driven at great speed. As the stage got nearer and started to slow they both stared in shock at the driver.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAdam!\u201d Ben cried out and rushed forward as the stage was pulled to a stop. \u201cWhat\u2019s happened?\u201d Ben quickly looked Adam over and then looked in the stage. \u201cWhere\u2019s Joseph?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam jumped down. \u201cWe were held up,\u201d at Ben\u2019s look of fear, he quickly said, \u201cJoe\u2019s all right. At least, he was all right when I left.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhere is he, Adam?\u201d Hoss asked urgently.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll explain what I can,\u201d Adam said, \u201cbut first I need a doctor.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Other people started to crowd around, all wanting to know what had happened.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhere is my son!\u201d Aaron Nelson yelled, grabbing Adam\u2019s arm, \u201cIs he all right?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam nodded but before he could answer Robert Mason ran towards them, having just arrived in town. \u201cBen,\u201d he called as he approached, \u201cWhat\u2019s happened?\u201d Seeing his brother being pulled from the stage barely conscious, he rushed forward. Robert helped the men carry his brother to Doctor Martin\u2019s office.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Roy came running, having been alerted to trouble by all the noise. \u201cWhat\u2019s going on here?\u201d he asked.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThe stage was held up,\u201d Adam told him quickly, \u201cI need to talk to you. Now,\u201d Adam said quietly.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Roy nodded and looked around at the crowd. \u201cEveryone just stay calm. I need to talk to Adam and find out what happened and then we can get a posse together.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

Inside the Sheriffs office, Ben immediately turned to Adam, \u201cWhere is Joseph?\u201d Ben asked again, \u201cIs he all right?\u201d It was the only thought in his head.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cExcept for the driver, everyone was all right when I left them, Pa. We were held up just past Wilson\u2019s Bend. Five men. One of them shot Peter Mason, they thought he was going for his gun.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam pulled the letter out of his pocket. \u201cThey told me to open this when I reached town. They said once the instructions in here are followed they\u2019ll release the other passengers.\u201d He handed the note over to Roy.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben\u2019s hands clenched into fists of anger and his knuckles turned white, fear surging through him. \u201cWhat does it say?\u201d Ben asked urgently.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam shook his head. \u201cI don\u2019t know. I didn\u2019t take the time to stop and read it.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The Cartwrights looked at Roy, who had opened the envelope and was reading the note. Roy\u2019s jaw clenched as he read the words. He handed the note to Ben who read the words aloud.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

You will find the passengers minus one at the same place you left them.<\/em><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhat does that mean?\u201d Roy said, \u201cWhy would they go to all this trouble and then let everyone go?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNot everyone,\u201d Ben said, \u201cit sounds like they\u2019ve kept one.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cBut who?\u201d Aaron Nelson said, \u201cand it doesn\u2019t say everyone else is still alive.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t go thinkin\u2019 things like that,\u201d Hoss said quickly, \u201cthey gotta be all right. They just gotta be.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWe have to get out there,\u201d Adam said, \u201cWe need to get organized quickly.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll get a posse together,\u201d Roy said.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben nodded in agreement, \u201cThe boys and I will get some supplies, we don\u2019t know what we are going to find,\u201d Ben tried to keep the negative thoughts from entering his head but he couldn\u2019t help but worry about what might be awaiting them, \u201cWe might have to camp out.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAdam, what did the men look like? Did you recognize any of them?\u201d Roy asked.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNo,\u201d Adam shook his head, \u201cThey had bandana\u2019s across their lower faces and only one man spoke. I didn\u2019t recognize his voice.\u201d Suddenly Adam pounded his fist on the desk and shouted, \u201cWhy did I leave him!\u201d Turning his back on the other men in the room, Adam tried to get his emotions under control.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben went to his son and squeezed Adam\u2019s shoulder. \u201cWe\u2019ll get him back. We have to believe that, Adam. And don\u2019t feel guilty. There was nothing else you could have done.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cOh, Pa,\u201d Adam shook his head sadly and tried to stop the tears from falling, \u201cThat\u2019s just it. You don\u2019t know what I did,\u201d he looked into his fathers eyes, \u201cI chose to leave Joe there.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhat do ya mean?\u201d Hoss asked.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI was told I had to drive the stage into Virginia City, one of the men gave me the note, he didn\u2019t say who it was for, just that there were instructions to follow in it. He said because they didn\u2019t have enough horses with them, I could take one other passenger with me.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Hoss\u2019 eyes narrowed as he looked at his brother and asked, \u201cWhy isn\u2019t Little Joe with you then?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cOh, God,\u201d Adam whispered, the blood draining from his face, looking at his father and brother he almost begged for their understanding, \u201cPeter Mason got shot and I knew he\u2019d die without help.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cSo you left Little Joe,\u201d Hoss spat the words out bitterly, \u201cHow could you have just left him like that?\u201d Hoss\u2019 voice started to rise.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhat would you have done?\u201d Adam asked, \u201cLet someone else die to save Joe?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cIf that was the only choice I had, yes!\u201d Hoss said, without hesitation. \u201cI\u2019d never have left Little Joe like that. He\u2019s just a kid, Adam. You promised you\u2019d look after him.\u201d As the tears came to Hoss\u2019 eyes, he turned away, too angry and upset to continue.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The accusation hit Adam hard. He recalled the conversation between his family, the day he and Joe had left for San Francisco. The family had started to say their goodbyes.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNow, you make sure you stay out of trouble, Joseph,\u201d Ben said, sternly.<\/em><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n

\u201cMe?\u201d Joe replied with a straight face, \u201cYou know me, Pa. I never get in any trouble.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n

Despite<\/em> his effort to stay stern, Ben laughed and tapped Joe on the backside as he said, \u201cGet on that stage before you miss it.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n

Joe\u2019s laughter joined his father\u2019s and he quickly hugged the man. \u201cBye, Pa.\u201d Pulling away he gave Hoss a wave and bounded into the stage.<\/em><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n

Ben tried to tell himself not to worry. This was Joe\u2019s first long journey away from home without his father. Adam shook his father\u2019s hand. \u201cBye, Pa. Hoss.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n

\u201cHave a good trip, son. Adam\u2026\u2026\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n

Adam smiled and cut him off. \u201cDon\u2019t worry, Pa. I\u2019ll look after him. I promise.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The words pounded in Adam\u2019s head, \u2018Don\u2019t worry, Pa. I\u2019ll look after him. I promise. Don\u2019t worry, Pa. I\u2019ll look after him. I promise. Don\u2019t worry, Pa. I\u2019ll look\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2019 Adam felt himself being shaken and blinked, trying to clear his head.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAre you all right?\u201d Ben asked, his hands still on Adam\u2019s shoulders.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam nodded. \u201cYes, sorry. I\u2019m fine. I was just thinking about something.\u201d Looking into his fathers eye\u2019s, he said, \u201cI\u2019m so sorry, Pa. I know he trusted me to look after Joe. I\u2026.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben felt sick with worry about what could be happening to his youngest child but he could see the guilt was weighing so heavily on his eldest and he sought to give what comfort he could. \u201cI know you did what you felt you had to, Adam. It was a terrible situation to be placed in. We have to just concentrate on getting Joe back. We have to all work together,\u201d Ben turned to Hoss, \u201cAll of us.\u201d Hoss nodded slowly.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Trying to get his mind to concentrate, Ben said, \u201cWe need to get out there,\u201d he turned to Roy, \u201cGet someone to hitch some fresh horses to the stage If they are still where the stage was stopped, we\u2019ll need it to bring them back here.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Roy nodded and rushed outside to organize the men and horses. Aaron Nelson went with Roy.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

It didn\u2019t take long for them to get everything organized. The men rode out at a fast pace, the stage following behind. Doctor Paul Martin was still operating on Peter so his brother was staying in town.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Before they reached the spot where the stage had been stopped, the men on horseback were met by two men on foot; Lem Simpkins and Bill Nelson. Pulling his horse to a stop. Aaron Nelson threw himself from the saddle and ran to his son, hugging him quickly, he pulled him back and asked, \u201cAre you all right?\u201d Bill nodded.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The other men had also dismounted and with growing apprehension, Ben asked, \u201cWhere\u2019s Joe?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThey took him with them,\u201d Bill said.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cDid they say where they were taking him?\u201d Adam asked.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Bill shook his head. \u201cNo, they didn\u2019t say. Just after you left, they tied him belly down across a horse. Before they rode off and left us, they gave me this. Said to give it to you.\u201d Bill handed a folded note to Adam. Adam opened it and stared at the words in shock.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAdam,\u201d Ben asked anxiously, \u201cWhat does it say?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam felt like tearing the note into a million pieces, but trying to control his anger, he read aloud the words on the paper.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam Cartwright. You took everything I had from me. I\u2019m going to do the same to you. One at a time until you have nothing and no one left.<\/em><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam handed the paper to his father. Ben read the note once more and then looked questioningly at his eldest son. \u201cIt\u2019s not signed. Do you have any idea who it\u2019s from?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam shook his head. \u201cNo. I don\u2019t know who\u2019s behind this.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThink, Adam,\u201d Hoss said, \u201cLittle Joe\u2019s life could depend on us finding out who has him.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t you think I know that,\u201d Adam snapped, \u201cI just don\u2019t know who it could be.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben crumpled the note and put it in his pocket. \u201cThis isn\u2019t getting us anywhere, he remounted. \u201cLet\u2019s go. We need to try and track them.\u201d Turning to Aaron, he said, \u201cYou four wait here. Charlie should be here soon with the stage.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Aaron nodded. \u201cGood luck, Ben.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

After the men arrived at the site where the stage had been stopped they quickly searched for tracks. They found plenty but a little way away from the area, the tracks split up.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Kneeling on the ground, examining the tracks, Hoss shook his head and stood up. \u201cThey had eight horses and they\u2019ve split up and gone in four different directions. Obviously Joe is with only one man, but which one?\u201d Hoss looked at the tracks in frustration, wishing they could tell him more.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThen we need to split up, too,\u201d Ben said and Hoss nodded in agreement.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWe need to give the horses a break first,\u201d Adam said. Noticing the angry look that Hoss shot Adam, Ben patted his big son\u2019s arm. \u201cHe\u2019s right Hoss. We need the horses. We can\u2019t afford to exhaust them.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHoss\u2026\u201d Adam started.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t, Adam!\u201d Hoss snapped, \u201cDon\u2019t talk to me. I don\u2019t want to hear a word you have to say.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cDo you think I wanted to leave him?” Adam shouted back, fear for his youngest brother getting the better of him.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYou left him!\u201d Hoss snapped angrily, glaring at Adam, \u201cAnything could be happening to him right now. He\u2019s barely more than a child. You\u2019re supposed to protect him.\u201d Adam flinched at Hoss\u2019 words. The words hurt because Adam had already been telling himself the same thing.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben reached out and placed a hand on each son\u2019s arm. \u201cWe\u2019re all upset,\u201d Ben said, looking at both of his sons, \u201cBut arguing like this isn\u2019t going to help us find your brother.\u201d Looking into Adam\u2019s eyes, Ben said, \u201cI don\u2019t blame you, Adam. And I don\u2019t want you blaming yourself.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam could see the honesty behind the words, in his father\u2019s face but he asked, \u201cWould you have made the same decision?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

There was silence for a moment when Ben didn\u2019t reply, then Roy said, \u201cWhat I don\u2019t understand is, if they wanted Joe all along, why did they tell Adam he could choose who went with him? Obviously they weren\u2019t going to let him take Joe.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben nodded thoughtfully. \u201cYou\u2019re right, Roy.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam thought back to how the shooting of Peter Mason had happened and then he understood. \u201cPeter wasn\u2019t going for his gun when he was shot. They said he was but that wasn\u2019t true. Now I know why they shot him.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben nodded as he also realized. \u201cThey wanted you to have to take Peter! They knew you couldn\u2019t leave him there or he\u2019d die.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHe might still die anyway,\u201d Adam said bitterly, \u201cin which case, I left Little Joe behind for nothing.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAdam,\u201d Ben said, quietly, trying to get through to his eldest son, \u201cwe know now that they were never going to let Joe leave with you. It was just part of a sick game someone is playing with you.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThat doesn\u2019t make me feel any better, Pa.\u201d Adam shook his head sadly.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The other men in the posse had been talking and approached Roy and the Cartwrights. One of them said, \u201cThe boys and me have been talking. It looks like there\u2019s rain on the way and the trails are going to be lost. It\u2019s pointless to go on.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cPointless!\u201d Ben spat the word out, the anger in his voice apparent, \u201cIf that were your son out there somewhere would you be saying it was pointless then?\u201d There were murmurs of apology but the men wouldn\u2019t be swayed into staying. Ben rued that the posse had been hastily formed and didn\u2019t contain friends who would have ridden on with them.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

After the other men had left and only Roy remained with the Cartwrights, he said, \u201cWell, there are four trails and four of us so I guess we just pick one each,\u201d the others nodded and mounted up.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Before they rode out, Ben looked at his two sons. \u201cBe careful.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYou too, Pa,\u201d Adam replied, as he turned his horse and rode away.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben turned to Hoss. \u201cWe\u2019ll find him, son. Just hold onto that thought.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI will, Pa,\u201d Hoss replied. Ben and Roy turned their horses and rode in different directions. For a moment, Hoss looked in the direction Adam had ridden and then he motioned his horse forward.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam heard the hoof beats behind him and turned in the saddle, seeing his middle brother riding up, he pulled his horse to a stop and waited. \u201cWhat is it?\u201d he asked as Hoss pulled up beside him.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI didn\u2019t want to leave it with bad feelings between us. I shouldn\u2019t a said the things I did to ya. I\u2019m just so worried about Little Joe.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cSo am I,\u201d Adam replied.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Hoss nodded, \u201cI know ya are. And you did your best to protect Little Joe. I know that. We can\u2019t dwell now on how it happened or why it happened. We can think about that later. Only one thing\u2019s important now. Gettin\u2019 Little Joe back!\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam nodded, glad that Hoss had forgiven him, although he hadn\u2019t yet forgiven himself. \u201cYou\u2019re right.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Hoss held out his hand. \u201cGood luck, Adam.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYou too,\u201d Adam replied as he shook his brothers hand and then both young men separated to begin the search.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

Adam followed the trail as long as he could until darkness set in and then he made camp. He found some shelter, quickly saw to his horse, ate and rolled himself in his bedroll. During the night it rained. Adam was glad he\u2019d been able to find some shelter to keep from getting too wet. He cursed the loss of the tracks he\u2019d been following.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Before dawn the next morning, Adam was up and ready to go on. He thought about what direction he should go now. He knew the tracks had been heading towards the town of Bluffs Creek so he decided he\u2019d keep heading towards there.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Later that day with darkness starting to set in, Adam decided he would make camp. The sky was cloudy and he hoped it wouldn\u2019t rain again. Pulling his horse to a stop, he squinted into the distance and spotted what appeared to be smoke and knew that up ahead someone had made camp. Adam carefully rode a little further and then leaving his horse, he walked the rest of the way, being careful to make as little noise as possible.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Getting as close as he could, Adam lay on his stomach and looked through the trees. In the light given off from the fire, he could see someone walking around. He could see no sign of his brother though. Suddenly Adam saw the man draw back his foot and kick at something out of view behind a fallen tree. Adam stood up and started to make his way to the other side of the camp so he could see what was behind the tree. There was a loud crack and Adam realized he\u2019d stepped on a fallen tree branch.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam froze, hoping the man hadn\u2019t heard the noise. Keeping his eyes on the man, Adam\u2019s hand started to reach for his gun. In that instant, the man reached down and dragged someone to their feet. Adam drew in a sharp breath as he realized it was his young brother.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Holding the boy in front of him, the man yelled, \u201cWhoever\u2019s there come out. Do it or he\u2019s dead!\u201d The man roughly shook Joe and Adam knowing there was nothing else he could do stepped forward.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Once in the better light, Adam saw who it was. When the stage had been held up, he hadn\u2019t seen anyone\u2019s face but he knew the eyes that now looked back at him. Dan! He stared in shock and anger at his young brother. If not for the arm that had a tight grip around him, Joe would have collapsed, his ankles were tied together as were his wrists which were bound in front of him. Bruises marked Joe\u2019s face and Adam didn\u2019t know what was wrong but the boy was clearly very ill.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t know how you found me but your lucks run out,\u201d Dan said, \u201cI\u2019m being paid five thousand dollars to deliver this kid and I was to make sure that you weren\u2019t accidentally killed in the hold up but there\u2019s no way I\u2019m risking my life now. If you force me to, I\u2019ll kill you. Drop your gun.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe groaned as Dan pushed the gun barrel into his side.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cLeave him alone!\u201d Adam shouted, \u201cHe\u2019s just a boy! Let him go,\u201d Adam tried to control his anger, \u201cWherever you are planning on taking him, take me instead. But let him go.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Dan shook his head. \u201cNope. Can\u2019t do that. I was paid to deliver him. Not you. And I only got half the money. I get the other half when he\u2019s delivered.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll pay you more than that to let us go,\u201d Adam said, willing to do or say anything that got the man to release his brother.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Dan seemed to be considering it but then shook his head and tightened his grip on Joe. \u201cYou\u2019d never let me just walk away now,\u201d Joe groaned and raised his head, staring at Adam with glazed, pain filled eyes. \u201cDrop your gun and move away,\u201d Dan called.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam shook his head. \u201cNo,\u201d looking into Joe\u2019s eyes, Adam tried to send him a message that he hoped his young brother would understand. Suddenly Joe made the movement that Adam had been hoping for, twisting away from Dan with all the strength he had left.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

In that instant, before Dan could pull Joe back towards him, Adam drew his gun and fired. When Adam saw Dan fall he thanked God his aim had been true. He hadn\u2019t had time to think at the moment he\u2019d pulled the trigger but now his hands started to shake at the thought of how easily he could have accidentally shot Joe. Pushing those thoughts away, he ran towards his brother. Both men had fallen and Dan lay partially on Joe, roughly Adam shoved him off. Seeing the man was still alive, Adam picked up the gun and threw if off to the side.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Gently touching his brother\u2019s face, Adam said, \u201cJoe. Little Joe, come on. Can you open your eyes for me?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

It seemed to take all Joe\u2019s effort to make his eyes open but finally he did and he stared up into the face looming over him. \u201cAdam,\u201d he said softly, \u201cI knew you\u2019d come back.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam blinked, trying to keep from crying. \u201cI told you I would.\u201d Grabbing his knife Adam quickly freed his brother from the ropes that held him, noticing how deeply the rope had cut into his wrists. Joe groaned at the fresh pain in his hands as the blood rushed back into them. Adam gently massaged them. Searching his brother with his eyes, Adam asked, \u201cLittle Joe, do you hurt anywhere else?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cBelly,\u201d Joe said as he coughed weakly.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam carefully pulled Joe\u2019s shirt up and stared in alarm at the boy\u2019s stomach that was covered in bruises. Adam knew some of the bruises had been made by blows but other damage was the result of travelling slung over a horse for so long. Adam gently touched Joe\u2019s stomach, wishing there was something he could do for the pain. When Joe coughed again, Adam reached for a canteen and gave his brother a drink. He noted the sweat that beaded Joe\u2019s face and the flush that stained it. When Adam placed his hand on Joe\u2019s forehead, Joe felt hot to the touch, yet the young man was shaking with chills.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Pushing the hair back from Joe\u2019s forehead, Adam asked, \u201cDid you get wet last night, buddy?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe nodded and through chattering teeth said, \u201cLay in the rain all night.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam turned furious eyes on Dan. Despite seeing the man was near death, Adam felt no sympathy for him. Turning back to his brother, Adam said, \u201cJoe, I\u2019m just going to lift you up and move you closer to the fire, okay.\u201d Joe gave a slight nod and Adam lifted him carefully, placing him near the fire, Adam wrapped a blanket around him, \u201cI\u2019ll be back in a minute, okay. You just rest.\u201d Adam didn\u2019t get an answer as Joe was already asleep.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Going back to Dan, Adam knelt down. \u201cWhere were you taking Joe?\u201d he asked. When Dan didn\u2019t answer, Adam said, \u201cYou might as well tell me. The information will do you no good.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cGo to hell,\u201d the man said as he drew his last breath.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam stood up and looked down on the man. \u201cIf there\u2019s any justice, that\u2019s just where you are now,\u201d he said, before he hurried back to Joe.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Although Adam hadn\u2019t left his horse very far away, he knew he had to go and get it to bring it to the camp but he wanted to wait until Joe woke up so he wouldn\u2019t wake and find Adam gone.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe sleepily opened his eyes and blinked a couple of times, when his eyes cleared he saw Adam smiling at him. \u201cHow do you feel?\u201d Adam asked.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cBetter,\u201d Joe replied, \u201cIt\u2019s good to be warm again.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam tucked the blanket a bit tighter. \u201cWe\u2019ll head for Bluffs Creek in the morning. Should get there early afternoon. You\u2019ll feel even better sleeping in a bed instead of on the ground.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe nodded and asked, \u201dWhere\u2019s Pa?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWe didn\u2019t know what direction you\u2019d been taken, Joe, so we all split up. I\u2019ll send some wires out when we reach Bluffs Creek and track down Pa and Hoss for you.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAdam,\u201d Joe said hesitatingly, not sure he really wanted the answer to the question he was about to ask, \u201cHow\u2019s Peter?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam didn\u2019t want to worry Joe but he\u2019d always been honest with his brothers so as he continued to stroke Joe\u2019s forehead, he said, \u201cI\u2019m not sure, buddy. Doc Martin was operating on him when we came looking for you.\u201d Joe was relieved that at least there was a chance Peter was still alive.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cJoe, I\u2019m sorry about everything that\u2019s happened.\u201d The guilt of leaving Joe like he had, still weighed heavily on Adam.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYou have nothing to be sorry for, Adam. Honest,\u201d Joe moved his hand from the blankets and grabbed Adam\u2019s, \u201cThere was nothing else you could have done.\u201d Joe started to cough and Adam pulled Joe into a sitting position and held him while he patted his back. When the coughing stopped, Adam said, \u201cWe\u2019ll talk about it later. Right now I have to get some food into you. Do you think you can eat something?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Still resting against Adam, Joe nodded, although he really wasn\u2019t sure if he would be able to keep it down.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI left Sport not far from here so I\u2019ll just go and get him and then get you something to eat, all right? I\u2019ll only be gone a few minutes.\u201d When Joe nodded again, Adam lay him back down, carefully tucking the blankets back around him.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam practically ran to where he\u2019d left Sport, quickly retrieving the animal he returned to camp and set about making something to eat and getting some food and more water into Joe. Joe had obviously had very little of either since he\u2019d been taken.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam supported his brother while Joe ate. He wished he could have gotten Joe to eat a bit more but the boy had started to feel sick and would eat no more.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

After getting Joe settled again, Adam waited until his brother went back to sleep and then searched Dan\u2019s saddle bags to see if there were any clues as to where Dan had been intending to take Joe. Searching the bags, Adam found the clothes Dan had been wearing when he\u2019d held up the stage, that had been why Adam hadn\u2019t recognized him when he\u2019d watched him through the trees, he hadn\u2019t expected the man to change his clothes but obviously when he\u2019d gotten wet in the storm, he had later changed into dry clothes. Adam\u2019s anger rose again at the fact that Joe had been left to wear soaking wet clothes. He thought about when he\u2019d first realized that Joe had been lying behind the fallen tree, he had been well away from any heat the fire would have given off, if Adam hadn\u2019t arrived it would have been another very cold night for Joe.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Tipping the rest of the things out of the saddlebag in anger, Adam saw a piece of paper, picking it up he read it.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

I\u2019ll be waiting at the turnoff to Junction Falls for delivery of the package on Thursday. I\u2019ll be there on Thursday only. Gone by Friday. Make sure you are on time.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Turning, Adam looked across at Joe and quietly said, \u201cAre you the package, buddy?\u201d Putting the note in his pocket, he vowed, \u201cWell, you are one package he\u2019ll never get.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

The next morning, Adam woke early and got the horses saddled, he then tied the body of Dan onto a horse to take it in to the Sheriff at Bluffs Creek. He couldn\u2019t help wishing that the man was alive so that he could know what it felt like to lay belly down over a moving horse for hours. With that done, he washed up and started to cook breakfast, keeping an eye on Joe. Joe had been restless all night, his cough growing worse. Adam feared it was the start of pneumonia. Seeing Joe open his eyes, he quickly scooped some beans into a dish and went over to help him sit up. Once again, Joe didn\u2019t eat much but Adam was pleased he at least had something in his stomach.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

It didn\u2019t take long to get everything organized and the two brothers were on their way to Bluffs Creek.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

Joe was riding in front of Adam. Adam kept an arm looped gently around his young brother to keep him in the saddle, careful of the boy\u2019s extremely tender stomach. Adam was relieved that Joe was able to sleep at least part of the way.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Arriving at Bluffs Creek, Adam looked up and down the street. Wanting to get a doctor to look at Joe, he searched for a doctor\u2019s shingle. The door to the jail opened and the sheriff stepped out, pointing a gun at the Cartwrights. \u201cDrop your gun and get down real slow,\u201d he called.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cLook,\u201d Adam said, \u201cI need to get my brother to a doctor. As soon as I\u2019ve done that, I\u2019ll explain everything.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019ll explain everything first. Now, drop your gun and get down.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam did as the sheriff had asked and then helped Joe down. \u201cI\u2019m Adam Cartwright and this is my brother, Joe. Ask anyone around here. They\u2019ll know us.\u201d The Cartwrights had been through Bluffs Creek many times and were well known in the area but Sheriff Carl Davison was new to the job and had only been in town a couple of months. Being young and new to the job he wanted to prove he couldn\u2019t be intimidated. He\u2019d heard of the Cartwrights and that made him more determined that he wouldn\u2019t be seen to be lenient on them because of who they were.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cInside,\u201d Sheriff Davison pointed at the door. Adam practically carried Joe inside and the two brothers sat side by side in chairs with Joe leaning heavily on Adam.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAt least let him lie down,\u201d Adam said angrily to the sheriff, \u201cSurely you can see just by looking at him how sick he is!\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cTake him back there,\u201d the Sheriff nodded towards the cells. Once Joe was lying down, Adam said, \u201cIt\u2019ll be all right, Joe. You just rest here while I talk to the Sheriff, okay.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam started to stand up from the bed but Joe grabbed his hand. \u201cDon\u2019t leave me.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam felt his heart twist. If only he hadn\u2019t left Joe the first time. Squeezing the hand he held within his own, he said, \u201cI won\u2019t leave you,\u201d he carefully sat back down on the bed. Turning to the sheriff he said, \u201cLock us in here if you feel you have to. The man slung over the horse kidnapped my brother. Send a wire to Virginia City, they\u2019ll confirm it. And get a doctor in here. Do it fast because I swear if you don\u2019t and my brother gets sicker you will have me to answer to.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Beginning to think that he might have made an error in judgement, Sheriff Davison quickly locked the cell door and went to send the telegram. Roy Coffee had returned to Virginia City and when he received the wire he sent a reply straight back that the Cartwright brothers should be released immediately and given every assistance needed. He told Sheriff Davison to tell Adam that he would send wires to all the surrounding towns to locate Ben and Hoss who were still searching and inform them of where Adam and Joe were. Roy had not been in his office when the wire had come so it was about two hours by the time Sheriff Davison had his reply. He\u2019d been waiting at the telegram office for it.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

On receiving the reply, Sheriff Davison quickly went to get the doctor, only to find that he\u2019d missed him. While he\u2019d been waiting for a reply to the telegram Doctor Phillips had been called out to a ranch where a ranch hand had fallen from a hayloft. He was expected to be away for a couple of days.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

Adam looked up when he heard the footsteps and saw the sheriff. An older woman who appeared to be in her late fifties was with him. Sheriff Davison saw immediately that in the time he\u2019d been away, the young man had deteriorated. He\u2019d vomited and Adam was extremely upset that he hadn\u2019t been able to do anything to ease Joe\u2019s pain. \u201cDoctor Phillips has been called away, he\u2019s not expected back for a couple of days,\u201d at the look of fury and dismay on Adam\u2019s face, he rushed on, \u201cI brought Widow Perkins. Her husband was the doctor here. I thought she might be able to do something to help,\u201d he unlocked the door and Widow Perkins went across to the bed.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe tossed restlessly and Adam moved aside to allow the woman closer. \u201cWhat happened?\u201d she asked, looking at Adam. Adam quickly explained what had led up to them being there. The woman lifted Joe\u2019s shirt and examined the bruising and listened to his chest.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2019re going to have to work hard to stop this from turning to pneumonia. The state this child is in, he\u2019d never withstand a bout of that,\u201d at Adam\u2019s nod she continued, \u201cthe problem is made worse by the injuries to his stomach. He\u2019s very tender. It\u2019s possible there may be some internal injuries. We\u2019ll have to watch him carefully for any signs. When he coughs, the pain in his stomach must be terrible. It would be more comfortable for him to lie flat, it would ease the muscles in his stomach but he\u2019s already having difficulty breathing and that\u2019s going to get worse. We are going to have to sit him up.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The woman reached out and patted Adam\u2019s arm. \u201cI may not be a doctor, dear, but I was married to one for almost forty years. I learned a thing or two helping my husband in that time. First things first. Let\u2019s get this young man over to my home. You can both stay with me.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThank you,\u201d Adam said, the relief that he had found someone willing to help him evident in his voice. When Adam bundled Joe up and started to lift him, Sheriff Davison stepped forward intending to help him. \u201cI can manage,\u201d Adam said coldly, as he lifted his brother into his arms.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

At Widow Perkins\u2019 house, Adam worked quickly to get Joe cleaned up and into a warm bed. With that done, he pulled a chair up close to the bed and watched his brother sleep. Joe was sleeping propped up with a couple of pillows behind him. Reaching for a cloth and soaking it in the bowl of water on the nightstand beside the bed, Adam wiped it across Joe\u2019s glistening skin, hoping to prevent the fever from rising.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Turning as he heard a noise behind him, Adam smiled with gratitude when Widow Perkins handed him a cup of coffee. \u201cThank you, Mrs Perkins.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI thought you could use it,\u201d she said as she smiled back, \u201cand call me Sarah Jane.\u201d Going to Joe she put her hand on his forehead, \u201cAbout the same,\u201d she said. Adam nodded in agreement. \u201cYou sit with your brother. Call me if you need me. I\u2019ll just be in the kitchen. I\u2019ll make us something to eat and something soft and easy to swallow for Joe.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThank you so much. I\u2026.\u201d Adam started.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Sarah Jane smiled and shook her head, stopping Adam, \u201cThere\u2019s no need to thank me,\u201d before turning away to go to the kitchen.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

The next morning found Adam and Sarah Jane still at Joe\u2019s side. Both were tired having gotten little sleep during the night as Joe\u2019s condition worsened. Joe struggled to drag each breath into his starving lungs. Sarah Jane had made a corn meal poultice and tried some other remedies her husband had used but nothing was helping so far.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam sat beside his brother, trying to keep him calm which was a hard task when Adam\u2019s own heart beat wildly with fear that each breath drawn was going to be Joe\u2019s last. Once again, Joe started to cough, Adam pulled him forward and supported him until he stopped, then leant him back against the pillows so that Joe was sitting upright. Joe\u2019s hand tightly clutched Adam\u2019s arm and his eye\u2019s were wide with fright. \u201cIt\u2019s all right,\u201d Adam soothed, as he rubbed Joe\u2019s arm, \u201cYou\u2019re all right. That\u2019s it,\u201d Adam smiled gently as Joe started to calm down.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Sarah Jane had been struck by the closeness of the brothers and preyed the youngest would pull through. At the sound of someone knocking on the front door, she looked over at Adam. \u201cI won\u2019t be long,\u201d Adam nodded as Sarah Jane left the room to answer the door. She was back within minutes with Sheriff Davison trailing behind her.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Looking up and seeing the sheriff standing there, Adam glared at the man. \u201cWhat do you want?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The young sheriff twisted his hat nervously in his hands. \u201cI\u2019m very sorry about what happened yesterday. I should have listened to you from the start but I had to make sure I was doing the right thing.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

While they\u2019d been looking after Joe during the night, Adam had told Sarah Jane everything that had happened, including Sheriff Davison\u2019s refusal to allow Adam to take Joe to the doctor before talking to the sheriff. Sarah Jane had been as angry as Adam with the sheriff. It was obvious how ill the boy was. And looking at the sheriff now, she was still angry with him.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhat on earth were you thinking making him lie in that drafty jail cell?\u201d Sarah Jane said.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Sheriff Davison nodded, \u201cI know I made a mistake.\u201d He walked over to Adam, \u201cAll\u2019s I can say is I\u2019m sorry,\u201d he said as he held out his hand.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam nodded. He hadn\u2019t yet forgiven the sheriff but the man did at least appear to be sorry for how he had treated them. Adam reached out and shook the man\u2019s hand.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Pulling a piece of paper out of his pocket and handing it to Adam the sheriff said, \u201cIt\u2019s the telegram I got from Sheriff Coffee yesterday. He wanted you to know he was going to locate your father and brother and let them know about Joe.\u201d He handed over another piece of paper, \u201cAnd this one just arrived.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam read the second message, it was from his father, letting him know he and Hoss would be there as soon as possible. Noting where it was sent from, Adam knew it should take them until the following day to arrive but knowing his family Adam guessed they might make quicker time.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThanks for letting me know,\u201d Adam said.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cDoesn\u2019t look like they caught up with any of the others involved,\u201d Sheriff Davison said.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNo,\u201d Adam agreed, \u201cThey were only the lackeys though. The one that had Joe with him was the one that gave the orders,\u201d Adam paused, taking a deep breath to control his anger, \u201cAnd I want the man he was working for.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHow are you going to find out who it is?\u201d Sheriff Davison asked.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll find him,\u201d Adam said firmly. \u201cI found a note in the dead man\u2019s gear. It told him to take the package to the turnoff to Junction Falls on Thursday. I\u2019m assuming the package is Joe.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThe Junction Falls turnoff,\u201d Sheriff Davison repeated, \u201cThat\u2019s a fair way out of town. I haven\u2019t seen any strangers around town so it\u2019s a fair bet the person you\u2019re after isn\u2019t here. What do you want to do? You have two days until Thursday. We could go out there,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

When Joe groaned weakly, Adam turned back to him and wiped a damp cloth over his face, \u201cI can\u2019t think of anything else right now other than Joe. I can\u2019t leave him like this.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYou don\u2019t have to worry about Joe,\u201d Sarah Jane said, \u201cI can take care of him for you.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI know,\u201d Adam replied, \u201cbut Joe really needs family with him. Just in case\u2026.\u201d Adam broke of but Sarah Jane knew what he was thinking. Adam didn\u2019t want Joe to die with only a stranger with him.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Looking back at the sheriff, Adam said, \u201cTry and keep it quiet that we\u2019re here in town. Hopefully whoever it is who\u2019s behind this won\u2019t find out. My father and other brother will be here by tomorrow. Tonight if I know my family. We can decide what we are going to do then.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe, who had been dozing, woke and started to cough, Adam reached over to help him and Sheriff Davison said, \u201cI better be going. I\u2019ll come back later this afternoon to see how Joe\u2019s doing.\u201d Adam nodded distractedly as the sheriff left.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

Late that night, Sarah Jane was getting some sleep and Adam was sitting with Joe when there was a loud knock on the door. Adam checked Joe was still asleep and got up from his chair to answer it. Adam opened the front door just as Sarah Jane started down the stairs.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHow is he?\u201d Ben asked Adam as soon as the door opened.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHe\u2019s very sick, Pa,\u201d Adam replied, \u201cthrough here,\u201d he said, leading them to the room where Joe lay, tossing restlessly.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cOh, Joe,\u201d Ben said, shocked by the bruising that marked the young man, the sound of his young sons breathing truly frightened him. Sitting down on the edge of the bed, he smoothed the hair back from Joe\u2019s forehead. \u201cIt\u2019s all right, son. We\u2019re all with you now,\u201d like a litany, Ben repeated the words, hoping Joe would understand that his father was with him.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Holding Joe\u2019s hand within his own, Ben turned to Adam, \u201cI\u2019m sorry, son,\u201d Ben looked Adam over, \u201cHow are you?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m fine,\u201d Adam answered his father.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYou look tired,\u201d Ben replied.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cSo do you,\u201d Adam said, \u201cYou made good time.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cRode as hard as we could,\u201d Hoss said, staring down at Joe. \u201cWhere\u2019s the yahoo who did this?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cDead,\u201d Adam said simply, at his father\u2019s questioning look, Adam told them what had happened.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Sarah Jane had left the family alone for a while, when she joined them later, introductions were made and after Adam had told them how much she had helped them, he said, \u201cI couldn\u2019t have managed without Sarah Jane, Pa. She\u2019s been wonderful.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m so grateful for all that you\u2019ve done,\u201d Ben told her.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Sarah Jane smiled, \u201cI appreciate your kind words but my thanks will be when I see this young man well again,\u201d she nodded towards Joe.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

In the early hours of the morning, Joe\u2019s fever broke and his breathing became much easier. Ben had stayed with his youngest son all night, his elder sons had gotten a little sleep, not much though, both of them also too worried to sleep.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben smiled with relief when Joe opened his eyes and he saw they weren\u2019t clouded with the unawareness caused by his fever. \u201cHow do you feel?\u201d Ben asked quietly.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe stared at his father ignoring the question, Joe asked, \u201cWhen did you get here?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cLate last night,\u201d Ben replied as he held a glass to his son\u2019s mouth to allow him to drink and then said, \u201cNow, you haven\u2019t answered my question, young man. How do you feel?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cLike I got run over by a herd of stampeding cattle,\u201d Joe answered softly.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Hoss laughed at the statement. \u201cIt looks like you did, too, short shanks,\u201d he joked.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam straightened up from the chair he\u2019d dozed off in for a few minutes, \u201cWell, when did this happen?\u201d he asked, getting up and moving to Joe\u2019s bedside.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYou waking up,\u201d Adam smiled.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cJust a few minutes ago,\u201d Ben said, he was relived that Joe seemed a bit better but still concerned about his cough. Noticing the boy\u2019s eyes about to close, Ben gently shook him, \u201cNo you don\u2019t. You\u2019re going to eat something before you go back to sleep.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll make him something,\u201d Hoss said.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHow about we both do it,\u201d Sarah Jane said as she came into the room, \u201cit\u2019s good to see you awake, Joe,\u201d she laughed at the look of confusion on his face, \u201cYour father will explain who I am,\u201d she said, realising Joe had been so sick for the last couple of days he didn\u2019t know who had been looking after him.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWe can do it, Sarah Jane,\u201d Ben said, \u201cYou\u2019ve done so much for us.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s no trouble,\u201d Sarah Jane smiled, looking at Hoss she said, \u201cHow about you and I go and cook something up. You must all be hungry.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cSure thing,\u201d Hoss replied as he and Sarah Jane headed for the kitchen.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

In the kitchen while Sarah Jane prepared some scrambled eggs she found herself telling Hoss about her husband. \u201cMy John\u2019s been gone for a year now, there are still times when I get so lonely\u201d sadness tinged her words, \u201cWe were never lucky enough to be blessed with children.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m sorry,\u201d Hoss said, wishing there was something more he could say to comfort the woman.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Sarah Jane wiped away the tears that had started to form and smiled, \u201cIt\u2019s nice to have a family in my home. Even though you\u2019re not my own.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cMa\u2019am,\u201d Hoss said sincerely, \u201cafter what you\u2019ve done for us, you\u2019ll always be an honorary member of our family.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Sarah quickly turned away as the tears brightened her eyes again. She wasn\u2019t sure why she\u2019d taken such an instant liking to the family but she was so glad she\u2019d had the chance to meet them.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

Sheriff Davison came to the house later that morning and was introduced to the rest of the Cartwright family. With Joe asleep and Sarah Jane sitting with him, the rest of the family and Sheriff Davison discussed what they should do.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI think Adam and Hoss should ride out to the Junction Falls Turnoff with me today,\u201d Sheriff Davison said, \u201cTomorrow’s Thursday and according to the note he\u2019ll be gone by Friday so we don\u2019t want to take a chance on missing him if he gets there early.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam nodded in agreement, looking at his father, he said, \u201cWe\u2019ll handle this, Pa. You stay here with Little Joe,\u201d seeing his father was torn between wanting to stay with his youngest but go with his two older sons, Adam continued, \u201cJoe needs you.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben nodded, knowing he couldn\u2019t leave Joe. As his two sons stood up to start making preparations to leave, he warned, \u201cBe careful.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

Later that day, Ben was reading in a chair beside Joe\u2019s bed when he heard the young man start to stir. Joe blinked a couple of times and looked around the room. \u201cWhere are Adam and Hoss?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThey\u2019ll be back soon.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhere are they?\u201d Joe asked again.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Moving from the chair to the edge of the bed, Ben said, \u201cWe think you were supposed to be handed over to someone tomorrow,\u201d Joe looked confused and anxious, and Ben tried to reassure him, \u201cwe don\u2019t know who or why but we will find out Joseph, I promise. Everything will be all right. Adam and Hoss have gone with Sheriff Davison out to the place you were going to be taken to.\u201d Seeing the worried look on the boy\u2019s face, Ben patted his hand. \u201cYou are not to worry,\u201d he said firmly.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cBut, Pa\u2026.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben squeezed Joe\u2019s hand. \u201cShhh, Adam and Hoss will be fine so you just do what you\u2019re told and stop that worrying, all right.\u201d Ben knew that Joe, like himself, was still worried, he ran his hand up and down his son\u2019s arm soothingly. \u201cGo back to sleep.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

Adam and Hoss had thought it best that they go out to the site with only the sheriff, they didn\u2019t know who else they could completely trust in the town. The three men positioned themselves in different places so they could all keep watch in different directions.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

With nightfall not far away Hoss made his way over to his older brother. \u201cNo sign of anyone yet. When do you think he\u2019ll show?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam shook his head. \u201cI don\u2019t know. It\u2019s probable that he won\u2019t get here until tomorrow.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYeah,\u201d Hoss agreed, \u201cWell, we know he intends to be gone by Friday according to that note.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYes\u2026\u2026.\u201d Adam frowned and broke off.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhat?\u201d Hoss looked around, wondering what was wrong. \u201cWhat is it?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cFriday, that\u2019s what Sheriff Davison said,\u201d When Hoss looked at him uncomprehendingly, Adam explained, \u201cI told Sheriff Davison that the note I found said the package was to be brought here. I didn\u2019t show it to him. I told him. But I didn\u2019t mention anything to him about the person leaving by Friday.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cSo?\u201d Hoss still didn\u2019t understand what was wrong.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThis morning when Davison came to the house, he said we didn\u2019t want to take a chance on missing him because he\u2019d be gone by Friday. How did he know that?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Hoss nodded understandingly as he realized what it meant. \u201cAre you sure you didn\u2019t tell him or maybe Sarah Jane and she told him?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam shook his head. \u201cNo,\u201d he said, simply.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAdam!\u201d Hoss clutched his brother\u2019s arm. \u201cIf he\u2019s helped set us up and no ones coming, we left Pa and Joe in town. What if someone goes after them?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam\u2019s eyes darkened and he reached for his gun. \u201cLet\u2019s go.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

Feeling a gun being pressed into his back, Sheriff Davison turned around and found himself face to face with two very angry men. Hoss took Davison\u2019s guns.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhat\u2019s the plan Davison? Make us stay out here on a wild goose chase? How much did you get paid?\u201d Adam snapped.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t know what you\u2019re talking about,\u201d the Sheriff answered, the lick of his lips showing his nervousness.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t ya,\u201d Hoss said, \u201cWell, we know different. You tell us your part in this or I\u2019ll snap you in two.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

When Sheriff Davison didn\u2019t answer, Adam placed his pistols muzzle on the man\u2019s elbow. \u201cTell us and make it fast. We don\u2019t have time to mess around waiting for answers.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYou can\u2019t do this,\u201d the man replied, \u201cI\u2019m a lawman. I\u2019ll see you spend the rest of your life in prison for this.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam cocked the gun, the sound magnified to the young Sheriff\u2019s ears and he swallowed hard. \u201cIt\u2019ll be your elbow first, your knee next if you don\u2019t open your mouth and start talking.\u201d Adam glanced down at the sound of water and stepped back. Seeing the wet patch on Davison\u2019s pants, he said, \u201cSome lawman you are.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cFive thousand!\u201d Davison all but shouted, \u201cI\u2019m being paid five thousand. I had to bring you out here and keep you here as long as I could. That\u2019s all. I swear that\u2019s all I had to do.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

As the sun set, Sarah Jane lit the lamp in the kitchen before starting to prepare the evening meal.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cLet me help you,\u201d Ben said, as he came into the room and sat down.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHow\u2019s Joe?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cMuch better. We had a long talk and he\u2019s sleeping soundly now.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Sarah Jane nodded. \u201cThat\u2019s the best thing for him.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Reaching for a bowl to start shelling the peas, Ben\u2019s hands froze as the door was kicked in and two men entered. Holding their guns on Ben, one of them ordered, \u201cPut your gun on the table. Real slow.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben pulled his gun slowly from its holster and put it down on the table, the man picked it up, put it in his waistband and called, \u201cYou can come in now.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWho are you? What do you want?\u201d Ben asked when the third man entered. He was dressed in old clothes and by the smell of him, needed a bath. He had an unkempt beard.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ignoring the question, the man turned to the two who had entered first and said, \u201cTie them up and gag them.\u201d Ben\u2019s first thought was for Joe, if he was tired up he wouldn\u2019t be able to help his son if Joe needed him. He started to protest and struggle but a blow to his head by the man\u2019s gunbutt ended that. Ben was tired to a chair and gagged. Sarah Jane was terrified and submitted weakly as they also tied and gagged her.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHere,\u201d the third man said, handing the other two men some money. \u201cYou\u2019ve done what I paid you for. I can handle it from here. Get out of town.\u201d The two men took the money and left.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

Slowly Ben opened his eyes, remembering what had happened, he struggled against the ropes that held him. Glancing sideways, he was relieved to see that Sarah Jane appeared unhurt.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWell,\u201d the man said, \u201cbout time you decided to join us again. I haven\u2019t reintroduced myself to you yet. Does the name Luke Summers mean anything to you? Think hard, it should.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben stared at the man as a memory from ten years past stirred in his mind. Suddenly he remembered. Seeing the anger flash in Ben\u2019s eyes and his futile struggle to get free, the man smiled. \u201cTook you a while to remember me, didn\u2019t it. I look a bit different now. Ten years in prison does that to a man. Well, I\u2019m glad you remember me, Cartwright. It\u2019s only right a man gets to know why he\u2019s going to die.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

He turned to Sarah Jane. \u201cDon\u2019t worry, I won\u2019t hurt you. You get to live and you can pass on the message to Adam Cartwright that with two gone, they\u2019ll be one to go. Brother Hoss is next on my list. And then Adam will be just like me. Alone!\u201d The man was getting worked up, his face turning red as he shouted out the words.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Opening his eyes, Joe looked around the room. Knowing his father wouldn\u2019t be far away, he started to close his eyes but they snapped open again at the sound of the raised voice. Joe knew there was trouble and he worried that his father needed help. He struggled to get up and out of bed. As he swung his long john clad legs over the side of the bed, his head swam, closing his eyes for a moment, he slowly stood up, grabbing for the side table as his knees nearly buckled. Joe forced himself to think about what he should do.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Carefully making his way to the wall, he then kept one hand on the wall to help keep him upright as he made his way towards the sound of the raised voice.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The man was still shouting, like a rapid dog, he was lost in his anger. \u201cYou\u2019re son will know what it\u2019s like to lose everything he loves and he\u2019ll know that it\u2019s his fault. He\u2019ll have to live with that guilt until the day I decide to kill him as well. I have twenty five thousand dollars to spend and I\u2019ve only used half of it so far. All of it\u2019s going to be spent on paying Adam back for what he did,\u201d calming down a little, he continued, \u201cThat stupid man I hired went and messed up my plan by getting himself killed. But that doesn\u2019t matter now. My plan’s back on track.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe had made it to the kitchen and stood just outside the doorway. Standing on the other side of the open doorway, the man pointed his gun at Ben and said to Sarah Jane, \u201cDon\u2019t forget to give Adam my message and tell him Luke Summers sends his regards.\u201d Turning back to Ben, he said, \u201cYou first and then I\u2019ll take care of that youngest son of yours.\u201d Ben\u2019s wrists were bleeding as fought with everything in him to free himself.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Stepping through the doorway, Joe really wasn\u2019t sure what he planned on doing next, he only knew he had to stop his father from getting shot. As he came in the doorway, Joe put his hand on a bench top to steady himself and his hand closed around the handle of a sharp knife.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben saw his son standing in the doorway and tried to keep the surprise and anxiety from showing on his face so he wouldn\u2019t give Joe away. Sarah Jane wasn\u2019t as good at schooling her emotions and the look on her face betrayed Joe.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Swinging around, Luke Summers found himself inches from the knife. In his shock he pulled the trigger. A vase shattered in the cupboard behind Joe. In that same instant Joe plunged the knife into the chest of the man in front of him. Both men fell to the floor.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Luke Summers lay dead on the floor, the knife still protruding from his chest but Ben\u2019s eyes were only focused on Joe. He watched with horror the blood than flowed down the side of the boy\u2019s face.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

Adam and Hoss rode into town at a speed that was dangerous at night. Sheriff Davison was with them, his hands were bound to the saddle horn in front of him. As they rode towards Sarah Jane\u2019s house, they heard a shot ring out.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The brothers spurred their horses on and threw themselves from the saddles before either horse had come to a stop. Not knowing what awaited them inside, Adam cautiously pushed the door open. He was greeted by the sight of Ben and Sarah Jane tied to chairs. His relief that his father was all right was short lived. Seeing his father staring at something out of his view, Adam came further into the room and saw Joe lying on the floor, blood covered the left side of his face.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Hoss had made his way quickly to the other doorway and at that moment entered the kitchen. \u201cLittle Joe!\u201d he cried in anguish, stepping over the dead body, he knelt beside his young brother. Adam hurried to his father and quickly cut the bonds that held him. Ben rushed to Joe\u2019s side as he pulled the gag off. Adam quickly freed Sarah Jane.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Going over to his family, Adam put his hand on his father\u2019s back. \u201cAre you all right, Pa?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben nodded. \u201cI\u2019m fine. We need to help Joseph,\u201d Ben\u2019s hand rested on his son\u2019s chest and Ben was comforted by the strong beat of his heart. Hoss was holding a bandana to his brother\u2019s head, his fingers turning red as the blood soaked through, the amount of blood was truly alarming.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cLet\u2019s get him into bed,\u201d Ben said. Ben\u2019s hand replaced that of Hoss\u2019 in trying to staunch the blood flow and Hoss reached under Joe to gently lift him up.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Although he wanted to go with them, as his father and Hoss took Joe from the room, Adam knew there were things he had to do first. Looking once more at the dead man, Adam thought there seemed something familiar about him. Going outside, he found the shot had attracted a crowd. They were looking at the sheriff tied onto his horse and wondering what was going on.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Sheriff Davison started to yell that he wanted Adam arrested and Adam knew it would take some sorting out, he went with the mayor and some of the other townsmen to the jail to explain what had been happening.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

While the men were talking, with Sheriff Davison protesting his innocence, there was a tentative knock on the door. Emma, one of the saloon girls came nervously into the room. She knew her boss kept it a secret who owed him money and that she would no longer have a job there after today, but her conscience wouldn\u2019t allow her to keep silent abut what she\u2019d overheard.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhat is it, Emma?\u201d One of the men asked.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI have some information that might be useful for you,\u201d the young girl replied.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The mayor stood up. \u201cWhat is it? What do you know?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The girl looked nervously around again before answering. \u201cSheriff Davison owes my boss, Mr Elliott, almost three thousand dollars. Mr Elliott had told him he wasn\u2019t going to wait for it much longer. Then two nights ago, Sheriff Davison came to the saloon and said he\u2019d have the money in a couple of days. Mr Elliott said he was sick of waiting and he wanted the money immediately. Sheriff Davison said, surely he could wait a couple of days more. He said he was risking his position as sheriff to get the money.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Sheriff Davison stared at the woman, feeling sick about everything that had happened. He\u2019d had such high hopes when he\u2019d gotten the job as sheriff and had wanted to do a good job but he had a gambling problem and it always seemed to get the better of him.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYou disgust me,\u201d Adam said coldly, looking at Sheriff Davison.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Mayor Josh Timmons, reached over and ripped the badge from the man\u2019s shirt. \u201cYou\u2019re not fit to wear that.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYou don\u2019t understand,\u201d Carl Davison said desperately, \u201cI\u2019m a good sheriff. Please, give me one more chance. Please.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Turning to a couple of men in the room, the Mayor said, \u201cGet him out of my sight,\u201d he nodded at the ex sheriff, \u201clock him up.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

As the man was taken away, Adam shook his head. \u201cWhen he came to see me the day after he locked us up, he was acting so different to the previous day. I thought he was genuinely sorry for how he\u2019d treated us. Truth is, he was probably already feeling guilty for what he was about to do. Or, more likely,\u201d Adam continued cynically, \u201che wanted me to feel like I could trust him so that I wouldn\u2019t be suspicious of him wanting to help us.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAt least we have some of the puzzle solved. I\u2019m sorry this happened in my town, son.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s not your fault, Sir. I\u2019m grateful for your help now. I still don\u2019t know who the dead man is at Sarah Jane\u2019s and I have to get back there to see how my brother is.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll come with you,\u201d Mayor Timmons said, \u201cI\u2019ll get someone to take the body away.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Stepping out of the jail, the mayor suddenly called out as he caught sight of a buggy being driven down the road. \u201cDoc, Doc, wait up,\u201d when the man looked around, the Mayor continued, \u201cThank goodness you\u2019re back. Hurry. You\u2019re needed at the Widow Perkins\u2019.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The doctor shook the reins and hurried to the house. Adam ran there and made it at about the same time. Both men entered the house, Adam quickly explaining about Joe.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cDoctor,\u201d Sarah Jane said with relief when the man entered the bedroom with Adam. Her hands were still shaking from the experience she\u2019d just endured but she was determined to help the Cartwright\u2019s to care for Joe.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

When the blood had been cleaned away, Ben had been relieved to find that Joe hadn\u2019t been struck or even grazed by the bullet, he\u2019d found a fragment of china embedded in Joe\u2019s skin and correctly guessed that Joe had been struck by it when the bullet had shattered the vase. A piece appeared to have just missed Joe\u2019s eye and Ben was grateful for that but they hadn\u2019t been able to rouse the young man yet.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

After a quick examination of Joe\u2019s head, the doctor reached for his bag, \u201cI\u2019ll get the stitches in before I try to wake him, he glanced at Ben, \u201cAnd then I\u2019ll take care of your wrists.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhat?\u201d Ben replied, confused about what the doctor meant. Looking down, he saw the blood on his wrists where the rope had cut into them. His thoughts only on getting free to help Joe, he hadn\u2019t noticed the damage he\u2019d done to himself.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The doctor was just about finished the stitches when Joe started to stir. Ben and Hoss both reached out to hold him still, talking soothingly to reassure him that everything was all right.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe opened his eyes and raised a shaky hand towards his head. Ben gently pulled his hand away and held it. Joe stared at his father and asked, \u201cAre you all right?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben smiled. \u201cI\u2019m fine. Thanks to you.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cEveryone else?\u201d Joe asked weakly, it was a struggle to stay awake.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cEveryone\u2019s fine and we\u2019re all here with you.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The doctor drew back the covers to examine Joe\u2019s chest and stomach. When he was finished he looked up at Ben and smiled reassuringly, \u201cIt looks like he\u2019s been through a lot but given time, he\u2019ll be fine.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Standing in the doorway Mayor Timmons cleared his throat. \u201cI\u2019ve had the body taken away.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cDid he have any identification on him?\u201d Adam asked.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The Mayor shook his head. \u201cNo, nothing.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Too concerned with Joe, Ben hadn\u2019t yet had a chance to tell Adam what they\u2019d discovered. He reached out and put a hand on his eldest sons arm. \u201cAdam, that man was Luke Summers.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The shock registered on Adam\u2019s face and he shook his head. \u201cNo, it can\u2019t be.\u201d But even as the words left his mouth, he knew his father was right. Adam thought about the face that had looked familiar despite the grime that had covered it. The dirt and the beard had disgusted him but as the familiarity of the dead man swam before him, Adam knew his father was right. It was Luke Summers.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWho\u2019s Luke Summers?\u201d Mayor Timmons asked.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben frowned at the memory and said, \u201cTen years ago, two brothers robbed the bank in Virginia City. Luke and Patrick Summers,\u201d he paused and Adam took up the story.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThey were locals. I was friends with them. Not good friends but friends all the same. I don\u2019t know why but one day they decided to rob the Virginia City bank. It was a stupid thing to do. They didn\u2019t wear disguises and everyone knew who they were. Sheriff Coffee came out to the ranch and told us, asked me if I knew where they might hide out. Pa and I went with the posse and I took them to a place I knew of.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhen we caught up with them,\u201d Ben said, \u201cthey tried to shoot their way out,\u201d Ben paused and squeezed Adam\u2019s arm, \u201cPatrick Summers was killed.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cIt was my first time out with a posse,\u201d Adam said, the memory still fresh, \u201cIt was just before I left for college.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhat happened to Luke Summers?\u201d Mayor Timmons asked.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHe went to prison,\u201d Ben replied, \u201cHe got ten years. They never found the money,\u201d he shook his head, \u201cIt\u2019s been so long, I\u2019d forgotten about him.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHe didn\u2019t forget us though,\u201d Adam said quietly<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben nodded in agreement. \u201cNo, he didn\u2019t. He said something about having twenty five thousand dollars to spend and wanting to use it on paying you back for what had happened. That would be the money from the robbery.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHe wanted to kill all of you, just to get back at me,\u201d Adam shook his head with dismay, \u201cI\u2019m so sorry.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAdam,\u201d Adam turned at the sound of his young brothers voice and seeing Joe reaching out towards him, he went over and sat on the bed. Taking Joe\u2019s hand in his.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe had been listening intently to the story his father and oldest brother were telling, and he now looked up into the face leaning over him, \u201cIt\u2019s not your fault, Adam,\u201d Joe said vehemently.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cOh, Joe,\u201d Adam said, his words laced with guilt, \u201cAll of this is my fault. I should never have left you. I\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe cut him off. \u201cI told you too. You did the only thing you could. You didn\u2019t do anything wrong. Not ten years ago and not now. You promised you\u2019d come back for me and you did. You\u2019ve never let me down, Adam. Not ever. They\u2019d have never let you take me with you. They were just trying to make you feel bad about making the choice you did but you have no reason to. Whatever way you look at it, it was the right choice. It all worked out. Peter\u2019s going to be all right. I just know he will be and I\u2019m fine.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Looking at the bruises that still marked Joe and the stiffness with which he moved, Adam knew the boy was far from fine. Adam carefully pulled Joe in to an embrace. \u201cIt was an unbearable choice to make, Little Joe, and if I\u2019d lost you because of it, I could never have forgiven myself.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The doctor had bandaged Ben\u2019s wrists and everyone else had left the room to leave the family alone. Hoss sat down on the other side of the bed and rested a hand on each brother and Ben relished the sight of seeing his three boys together.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

The Cartwright family spent the following week staying with Sarah Jane. A wire arrived from Virginia City informing the family that Peter was doing well and had gone home with his brother. After talking to the saloon owner, Tom Elliott, Mayor Timmons discovered that the saloon owner had known Luke Summers and had told him about the now ex Sheriff owing him a lot of money. Elliott hadn\u2019t known, what Summers had planned to do with that information. The truth was, he hadn\u2019t cared, his only concern had been getting the money owed him. A new Sheriff had been appointed and the town was settling down after the events that had happened there.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe had finally been allowed out of bed and was sitting in the parlor playing cards with his brothers when Sarah Jane went to answer a knock at the door, she returned a few minutes later with the Mayor.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cJosh,\u201d Ben said, \u201cHow are you today?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cFine, thank you, Ben,\u201d Mayor Timmons replied, he\u2019d been a regular visitor to Sarah Jane\u2019s house during the last week. Playing a few chess games with Ben and Joe was constantly finding reasons to get the Mayor and Sarah Jane to spend time together. \u201cYou\u2019re looking well today, Joe. Being out of bed has certainly brightened you up.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m feeling great, thank you, sir. Doc says I can go home in a couple of days.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll miss you all so much,\u201d Sarah Jane said, unable to hide her sadness.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2019ll miss you, too,\u201d Joe replied emphatically, \u201cBut we\u2019ll come and visit,\u201d Joe turned to his father, \u201cWon\u2019t we, Pa.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWe certainly will. You can\u2019t get rid of us that easily, Sarah Jane,\u201d Ben joked and was pleased when Sarah Jane laughed despite her tears.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAnd you have Emma living here now so you\u2019ll have company,\u201d Joe added.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Sarah Jane nodded. \u201cYes, you\u2019re right. She will be nice company for me.\u201d Emma had lost her job at the saloon and with nowhere else to go, the Cartwrights had suggested that Sarah Jane take her in. The arrangement was working out well for both women. Emma had just started a job in a dress shop.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI received another wire today,\u201d Josh said, \u201cI\u2019ve been trying to find out a bit more about Luke Summers.\u201d Everyone waited anxiously to hear what the Mayor had found out. \u201cYou know his parents moved away when he went to prison,\u201d the Cartwrights nodded and he continued, \u201cIt seems they both died a few years ago. They were the only family he had left so I suppose he felt he was all alone now.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHe said he\u2019d lost everything,\u201d Ben replied, \u201cI guess that\u2019s what he meant.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWell, I don\u2019t feel sorry for him, that\u2019s for dang sure,\u201d Hoss said.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI can\u2019t find it in my heart to have any sympathy for him either, Hoss,\u201d Ben said, he looked at his eldest son, knowing Adam still felt responsible for the chain of events. \u201cIt was his decision to rob the bank, his decision to shoot it out with the posse, his decision to use a boy,\u201d Ben\u2019s hand rested on Joe\u2019s arm and he squeezed it gently, \u201cto set in motion a plan that had been festering and growing in his mind for years.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cPa\u2019s right,\u201d Joe said, looking across at his oldest brother, \u201cWe can\u2019t hold ourselves responsible for what other people do. We have no control over that. We just have to do the best we can with our own life and make the decisions we think are right at the time.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam smiled at Joe, relieved that the boy felt the way he did.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHow did you get so wise, kid?\u201d Adam joked.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI had a good teacher,\u201d Joe smiled up at his father and felt the man\u2019s gentle squeeze on his arm again and saw his fathers eyes cloud with emotion.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Feeling emotional herself, Sarah Jane stood up and wiping the tears from her eyes, said, \u201cWell, why don\u2019t I get us some coffee,\u201d she looked at Joe, \u201cand some cake. You still need fattening up.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe smiled as she bustled off, she was spoiling Joe and in truth he was enjoying it, she reminded him of his mother.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

As the Mayor was about to sit down, Joe said, \u201cSarah Jane could probably use some help in the kitchen.\u201d Ben put his hand over his mouth to hide his grin, well aware of what his youngest son was up to. He\u2019d seen the gleam in the boy\u2019s eyes when he\u2019d first discovered that the Mayor was a widower. He was pleased that Joe was starting to feel well enough to start scheming.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The Mayor raised an eyebrow and nodded. \u201cYou\u2019re right, young man. I might just go and do that.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

After Mayor Timmons had left the room, Adam looked at Joe and shook his head, but couldn\u2019t help from smiling. \u201cWill you stop your match making. You\u2019ve never been any good at it. You\u2019re to obvious.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Hearing laughter coming from the kitchen, Ben said, \u201cI wouldn\u2019t be so sure of that, Adam,\u201d Ben smiled across at Joe. \u201cSounds like it\u2019s working out to me, son.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe grinned back, \u201cMe, too. Just leave the romance to me older brother. I know what I\u2019m doing.\u201d His family just stared at him for a moment and then burst into laughter, Joe\u2019s laughter joined theirs.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

A few days later the Cartwrights stood at the stage depot saying goodbye to their new friends. Mayor Timmons shook Ben\u2019s hand. \u201cIt\u2019s been so good getting to know you all,\u201d Josh said, \u201cI hope you come back for a visit soon.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWe will,\u201d Ben said and seeing Josh\u2019s arm linked with Sarah Jane\u2019s, Ben guessed they would be coming back for a wedding soon, \u201cYou make sure you get up to visit us as well.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThat goes for you, too,\u201d Joe said to Emma, \u201cYou\u2019ll be welcome anytime.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Emma impulsively reached out and hugged Joe. \u201cThank you for everything. My life has changed so much for the better now because of you and your family.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

With their goodbyes said, they all spent another ten minutes talking until the stage was ready to leave and the driver called for everyone to board.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam and Hoss were riding home. Ben and Joe were talking the stage. Joe had wanted to hire a horse but the doctor had been firm. It was a stage ride or he stayed in Bluffs Creek for at least another two weeks.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

As Joe was about to board the stage, Sarah Jane hugged him once more. \u201cGood bye, my dear. The circumstances under which I got to know you were certainly not the best but I thank God for bring you into my life. After my husband died, I shut myself off from people, I guess, and I was so lonely. But you showed me there can still be friends and happy times in my life. Thank you.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe returned the hug. \u201cNo,\u201d he replied and kissed her cheek, \u201cThank you.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Walking over to where their horses were tired, Hoss quietly asked his brother, \u201cAdam, I\u2019ve been thinking \u2018bout somethin\u2019,\u201d Adam waited silently for his brother to continue, correctly guessing what it was the big man wanted to ask, \u201cWould you have shot Davison out there at the turnoff?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam turned and watched as their father helped their young brother into the stage and then he replied honestly, \u201cI\u2019d have done anything I had to do to get the information we needed.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Hoss nodded and both men mounted their horses and followed the stage as it pulled away.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe waved until his new friends were out of sight and then leant his head back against the seat and sighed.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAre you all right?\u201d Ben asked anxiously, worried that the trip was too soon for Joe.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m fine,\u201d Joe smiled, \u201cJust thinking. I\u2019ll miss Sarah Jane but it will be so good to get home. It feels like we\u2019ve been away forever.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe laid his head on Ben\u2019s shoulder and felt his father\u2019s arm encircle him. \u201cIt certainly does, son,\u201d Ben agreed, \u201cHome sounds good to me, too.\u201d Ben watched as Joe\u2019s eyes slowly closed and his breathing signalled he was sleeping.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Tightening his arm protectively, Ben felt tears gather in his eyes at the thought that the boy in his arms had almost been taken from him forever. Glancing out the window, Ben watched his two eldest sons for a moment as they rode beside the stage and then looked down at his youngest again. Blinking away the tears, he determined to put thoughts of what might have been behind him and be happy for what was. He was on his way home and most importantly, he had his three sons with him.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The End<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

May 2004
\n<\/span><\/p>\n

<\/div>\n

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

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

Summary:\u00a0 Adam makes a decision that could cost his brother his life.<\/p>\n

Rating:\u00a0 T\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 (14,180 words)<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":10321,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","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":[14,15,17,16],"class_list":["post-13840","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-drama","tag-adam-cartwright","tag-ben","tag-hoss","tag-joe","wpcat-23-id"],"a3_pvc":{"activated":true,"total_views":3194,"today_views":0},"jetpack_featured_media_url":"","jetpack_likes_enabled":true,"jetpack-related-posts":[{"id":12133,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=12133","url_meta":{"origin":13840,"position":0},"title":"Frightened Beyond Reason (by DebbieB)","author":"DebbieB","date":"June 1, 2002","format":false,"excerpt":"DebbieB passed away Christmas 2021. Any reader wishing to read this series should e:mail the Brandsters:\u00a0 Brandsters2020@gmail.com","rel":"","context":"In "Drama"","block_context":{"text":"Drama","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?cat=23"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/11\/2-joe.jpg?fit=237%2C221&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200},"classes":[]},{"id":2988,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=2988","url_meta":{"origin":13840,"position":1},"title":"A Night In San Francisco (by frasrgrl)","author":"frasrgrl","date":"June 24, 2013","format":false,"excerpt":"Summary:\u00a0 \u00a0Adam and Joe are in San Francisco and all Adam wants is one night of culture.\u00a0 Word Count: 502\u00a0\u00a0Rated: T","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\/2014\/04\/jb.jpg?fit=720%2C480&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/04\/jb.jpg?fit=720%2C480&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/04\/jb.jpg?fit=720%2C480&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/04\/jb.jpg?fit=720%2C480&ssl=1&resize=700%2C400 2x"},"classes":[]},{"id":7711,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=7711","url_meta":{"origin":13840,"position":2},"title":"San Francisco Dragons (by DJK)","author":"DJK","date":"May 9, 2014","format":false,"excerpt":"Summary:\u00a0Adam and Hoss take Emily to attend school in San Francisco. \u00a0 Rated:\u00a0T\u00a0 \u00a0Word count:\u00a09908 Emily's Sir Eric Series, links to stories within the series are included.","rel":"","context":"In "Adam \/ Hoss"","block_context":{"text":"Adam \/ Hoss","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?cat=1090"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/11\/Cherry-Tree.jpg?fit=500%2C375&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200},"classes":[]},{"id":14279,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=14279","url_meta":{"origin":13840,"position":3},"title":"Adam and the Imp of Satan #2 – The Imp, Some Demons, and a Few Short Lists (by DJK)","author":"DJK","date":"May 10, 2004","format":false,"excerpt":"Summary: \u00a0Abigail Warner has returned, just in time for the trial. Rating: \u00a0T \u00a0(19,070 words) Adam and the Imp of Satan Series, links to all the stories within the series included.","rel":"","context":"In "Action\/Adventure"","block_context":{"text":"Action\/Adventure","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?cat=2"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/03\/Gold-Mine.png?fit=586%2C426&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/03\/Gold-Mine.png?fit=586%2C426&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/03\/Gold-Mine.png?fit=586%2C426&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x"},"classes":[]},{"id":18230,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=18230","url_meta":{"origin":13840,"position":4},"title":"Gusty Gumption (by PSW)","author":"PSW","date":"August 19, 2018","format":false,"excerpt":"Summary: A little vignette following (at some point later) the events of 'A Dime's Worth of Glory'. Written for the Sept 1 Pinecone challenge and expanded for inclusion here. Prompt: Whisky for my men, beer for my horses (by Scott Emerich\/Toby Keith).\u00a0 Contains phrases from both the song and the\u2026","rel":"","context":"In "Humor"","block_context":{"text":"Humor","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?cat=4"},"img":{"alt_text":"newspaper","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/09\/A8B95BC9-E53D-40E8-BD21-6DC03B08C9BF.jpeg?fit=1178%2C1034&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/09\/A8B95BC9-E53D-40E8-BD21-6DC03B08C9BF.jpeg?fit=1178%2C1034&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/09\/A8B95BC9-E53D-40E8-BD21-6DC03B08C9BF.jpeg?fit=1178%2C1034&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/09\/A8B95BC9-E53D-40E8-BD21-6DC03B08C9BF.jpeg?fit=1178%2C1034&ssl=1&resize=700%2C400 2x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/09\/A8B95BC9-E53D-40E8-BD21-6DC03B08C9BF.jpeg?fit=1178%2C1034&ssl=1&resize=1050%2C600 3x"},"classes":[]},{"id":14374,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=14374","url_meta":{"origin":13840,"position":5},"title":"The Tiger Puzzle (by Robin)","author":"profrobinw","date":"January 1, 2000","format":false,"excerpt":"Summary:\u00a0 The Cartwright brothers come to the aid of sisters; however, will they be able to help the damsels in distress? \u00a0If you know the brothers, you know where this is going -- risque'. Rating: \u00a0T \u00a0(1,135 words)","rel":"","context":"In "Humor"","block_context":{"text":"Humor","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?cat=4"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/06\/ARLE-e1497282889671.png?fit=570%2C416&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/06\/ARLE-e1497282889671.png?fit=570%2C416&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/06\/ARLE-e1497282889671.png?fit=570%2C416&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x"},"classes":[]}],"jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/13840","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/10321"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=13840"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/13840\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=13840"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=13840"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=13840"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}