{"id":13868,"date":"2010-07-01T10:03:54","date_gmt":"2010-07-01T14:03:54","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=13868"},"modified":"2025-02-27T12:23:44","modified_gmt":"2025-02-27T17:23:44","slug":"the-intruders-by-camera-chic","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=13868","title":{"rendered":"The Intruders (by Camera Chic)"},"content":{"rendered":"

Summary<\/strong>: While Ben is away on a trip, Adam, Hoss, and Little Joe are taken hostage at the ranch.<\/p>\n

Rating: PG for violence\u00a0 (4,710 words)<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The Intruders<\/strong><\/p>\n

Hoss crept stealthily across the yard, a stick held in his upraised hand. He peeked around the wagon. There was no movement from the house. Quickly, he slipped into the barn and stood behind the door. After a few minutes, when he was sure he hadn\u2019t been seen, he poked his head around the door. There was still no movement from the house or yard.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Suddenly a small form slipped out of the shadows, unnoticed, behind him. The figure tiptoed quietly up to him, then quickly jabbed him in the back. \u201cHold it right there! Drop the hatchet!\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Hoss dropped the stick he was holding and slowly turned to face his little brother. \u201cWell. I guess ya got me, Little Joe.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The six year old frowned. \u201cHoss! Indians don\u2019t talk like that! And you\u2019re not s\u2019posed to know who I am!\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cOh, sorry. Um\u2026.You got me white man. I your prisoner now.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Little Joe instantly perked up and threw himself back into the game. \u201cOkay, you ain\u2019t gettin\u2019 away.\u201d He prodded Hoss with the stick. \u201cGo on, into the yard.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Hoss turned and walked out of the barn.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

Hoss turned back. \u201cYeah?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cPretend you knocked the gun out of my hand and captured me.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Hoss sighed. \u201cOkay.\u201d He leaned forward quickly and knocked the stick out of Little Joe\u2019s hand, then grabbed his wrists. \u201cI caught you.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cLemme go, you brute!\u201d Joe kicked Hoss sharply in the shin.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cOw! Little Joe, that hurt!\u201d Hoss let go of Joe\u2019s wrists and rubbed his leg.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cOh, sorry Hoss.\u201d Joe waited a few moments, and then said, \u201cCome on, I didn\u2019t kick you that hard! You just captured me.\u201d Little Joe put his hands out.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Hoss glared for a couple of seconds at him, then reached out and grabbed him again. \u201cOkay, I captured you. Now what?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cUm\u2026\u201d Little Joe surveyed the yard. \u201cTie me to a stake!\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cLittle Joe, I ain\u2019t tyin\u2019 you to no stake.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThe tree, Hoss. Tie me to that tree.\u201d Little Joe pointed at a tree with his chin.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Hoss looked at the tree, then down at Joe. After a few moments he smiled. \u201cI\u2019ll get the rope.\u201d Hoss held Joe with one hand and grabbed a coil of rope with the other. He dragged Little Joe across the yard and pushed him against the tree and then wrapped the rope around him, tying him it. Joe looked perfectly satisfied. \u201cNow what?\u201d Hoss asked.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNow you go get the rest of the Indians. I\u2019m going to have a\u2026dramic escape.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Hoss laughed. \u201cYou mean dramatic escape?\u201d Little Joe glared at him. \u201cOkay, okay, um\u2026me go get rest of braves.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHoss? Hoss?\u201d Adam walked around the side of the barn. \u201cHey, Ho\u2026\u201d He stopped in his tracks when he saw Hoss standing in front of Little Joe tied to the tree. \u201cHoss, what do you think you\u2019re doing?\u201d Adam walked up to them.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Little Joe looked up at him. \u201cHoss is an Indian, and he just caught me, and I\u2019m makin\u2019 a escape.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Hoss looked at up Adam with a pleading look on his face. \u201cHe wanted me to tie him to the stake, Adam.\u201d Hoss reached forward to untie the rope, but stopped when Little Joe let out a scream of protest.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNo! I have to make a dra\u2026matic escape!\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam shook his head. \u201cLittle Joe, I need Hoss\u2019 help\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWell, then go, Hoss. I\u2019ll escape, and then when you get back we\u2019ll keep playing.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Hoss turned. \u201cYou heard him, Adam. Let\u2019s go.\u201d Hoss walked out of the yard. Adam watched him go, and then turned back to Joe.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cLittle Joe, I can\u2019t just leave you tied here\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAd-am!\u201d yelled Little Joe.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam rolled his eyes. He didn\u2019t feel like putting up with Little Joe sulking for the rest of the day, so he replied, \u201cOkay, fine. We\u2019ll just be a little ways behind the barn. Yell if you get sick of being tied to the tree.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Little Joe smiled and nodded, and Adam turned and followed Hoss.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHoss, wait for me.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Hoss turned and waited until Adam caught up, and then they kept walking.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAdam, when\u2019s Pa gonna be home?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cTomorrow. You know that.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Hoss sighed. \u201cYeah, I know. I was just hopin\u2019 I was wrong and he\u2019d be back today like he\u2019d planned.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam smiled. \u201cWhy, would that have made a difference in how many times you had to play Indians?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The twelve year old glared at him, but then laughed. \u201cI don\u2019t mind playin\u2019 with him and all. It\u2019s just been two weeks. I need Pa to send me out to watch the herd or something.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam laughed.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

In front of the house, Little Joe was still tied to the tree. He stared at the woods around him. He knew they were there. Hundreds of them. Watching. Waiting. The chief was probably with them. And he was tied to this stake. Little did they know that in a few minutes he would no longer be their prisoner. They wouldn\u2019t know what had happened. Little Joe pulled against the ropes and frowned. Hoss hadn\u2019t tied them very tightly; this would be too easy. Oh well, he could just pretend they were tighter\u2026<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Little Joe\u2019s eyes widened in surprise as two men slipped out of the trees in front of him. \u201cWho are you?\u201d he asked.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The men looked at him for a few moments, then one of the moved forward and started to untie the knot. \u201cWhat happened to you, little fella?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Little Joe stared in dismay as the rope fell to the ground. \u201cYou ruined the game!\u201d he yelled.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The man quickly moved forward quickly and scooped Joe up, wrapping an arm around his waist and pinning his arms to his sides. He covered Joe\u2019s mouth with his hand. \u201cHush, be quiet now.\u201d Little Joe struggled fiercely and tried to squirm out of his arms, but he was being held too tightly. His thrashing feet weren\u2019t making contact with anything, and soon he stopped struggling. Behind them, three more men came out of the woods.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWell, who do we have here?\u201d one of the men asked.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Little Joe kicked out at nothing again as the man holding him answered. \u201cWe found him over there, tied to a tree.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI see. You wouldn\u2019t happen to be on of Ben Cartwright\u2019s sons, would you?\u201d At Little Joe\u2019s nod, the man answered, \u201cI thought as much. All right kid; let\u2019s go find your father.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHe ain\u2019t home,\u201d Joe said as the man took his hand away from Joe\u2019s mouth.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The leader turned to him. \u201cWhat do you mean, he isn\u2019t home?\u201d The man angrily turned away for a few seconds, then looked back at Joe. \u201cWell, what about your brothers?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhat do you want with-\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cJust answer me,\u201d he snapped.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe was somewhat frightened at the tone of voice the man had used, and so he hesitantly answered, \u201cYeah, they\u2019re back of the barn.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cOkay, call for them.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe stared puzzled for a few seconds, then timidly called out, \u201cAdam, Hoss?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The man frowned. \u201cI\u2019m sure you can do better than that, kid.\u201d He reached out towards Little Joe.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNo, don\u2019t hurt me! Adam! Hoss! Adam, help! Help!\u201d Joe yelled.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s better.\u201d The man raised his gun into the air and fired a few shots.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam and Hoss had started back when they heard Joe\u2019s yells, but then broke into a run as they heard the gunshots. They raced around the side of the barn, fearful for the safety of their little brother. Hoss came around the corner first, followed closely by Adam.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHold it!\u201d one of the men yelled. The men had drawn their guns. Hoss and Adam stopped where they were, a few yards away from the men.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAdam, I\u2019m sorry! They made me yell.\u201d Joe looked near to tears as he struggled in the man\u2019s arms.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cLittle Joe, it\u2019s okay, calm down,\u201d Adam said.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

One of the men, the leader of the group, gestured at the man holding Joe. \u201cLet him go,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The man holding Joe leaned forward and set him on the ground. Little Joe quickly ran forward to Adam and threw himself into his arms. Adam picked up the child and held him, frowning as he felt Joe trembling.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAll right, get inside,\u201d the leader commanded.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam and Hoss turned and walked into the house, followed closely by the five men. Once they were in, two of the men started searching the house.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cOver there.\u201d The leader pushed Hoss towards the settee. Adam followed, still holding Little Joe. The man stood in front of them as they sat down. \u201cAlright, I want some answers.\u201d He pointed at Joe. \u201cThe kid tells me your father\u2019s out of town. When will-\u201c<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The man was cut off as Hop Sing came out of the kitchen, followed by one of the gunmen. Hop Sing was yelling loudly in Chinese. \u201cShut up!\u201d the man yelled.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

After Hop Sing became quiet, the leader asked, \u201cWho are you?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHop Sing. I cook and clean house.\u201d Hop Sing started yelling again, and gesturing angrily at the man behind him.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHey, hey! Enough!\u201d the man yelled. \u201cLook, how about you just go cook something for us? Hank.\u201d One of the men came forward. \u201cHank\u2019ll keep you company.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHop Sing don\u2019t like people watchin\u2019 him when he cooks,\u201d piped up Hoss.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The man looked at him. \u201cToo bad,\u201d he answered. He gestured towards Hank, and then he and Hop Sing went back into the kitchen. The man turned back to the three Cartwrights. \u201cBack to my question. When will your old man be home?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam glanced down at Little Joe\u2019s head before answering. \u201cTomorrow. He\u2019ll be getting in on the late morning stage, and then he should be home around 3.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Hoss looked up at Adam with large questioning eyes, but after a quick frown from Adam, he looked away. The man had turned and was pacing around the room.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhat do you want with our father?\u201d Adam asked. The man turned and looked back at them.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI owe him a favor,\u201d he answered. Adam felt Hoss shudder sitting next to him, and suppressed a shudder of his own. He felt Joe\u2019s hands clench his shirt tighter. The man walked over to them. His whole demeanor had changed. His eyes were now cold and narrowed. His face showed pure hatred as he leaned close to the boys. \u201cYour father destroyed my life. He sent my two sons to the hangman. I warned him not to testify or he would regret it. He didn\u2019t listen to me. Now he\u2019s going to wish he had.\u201d The man reached out and put his hand on Little Joe\u2019s head. Little Joe turned his face into Adam\u2019s shirt as Adam held him tighter. The man half-smiled. \u201cDon\u2019t worry; I\u2019m not going to hurt any of you.\u201d He dropped his hand. \u201cYou\u2019re just kids. You have nothing to do with what your father did to me.\u201d The man turned and then walked away to give orders to his men.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam looked down as Little Joe pressed his head tighter into Adam\u2019s chest. \u201cJoe?\u201d Adam whispered. As the boy looked up Adam could see tears streaming down his face.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAdam, they\u2019re gonna hurt Pa. I\u2019m scared,\u201d Joe whispered.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cShh, Joe. It\u2019ll be okay.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAdam?\u201d Hoss whispered.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhat, Hoss?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Hoss looked around before quietly whispering, \u201cWhat\u2019s Pa gonna do when we don\u2019t meet him in town?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam looked at the men. The leader was still talking to three of the men. He turned back to Hoss. \u201cHopefully know something is wrong,\u201d he whispered.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

~*~-^-~*~<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

It was dark outside. Everyone had finished eating a few hours ago, and one of the men had been posted outside the house. After they had eaten, Adam, Hoss, and Little Joe had been sent upstairs into Adam\u2019s room with a guard posted outside.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHere.\u201d Adam handed Joe one of his shirts to sleep in.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThanks, Adam.\u201d Joe said as he pulled it over his head.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAdam, why do you think they sent us all in here?\u201d Hoss asked.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam shrugged. \u201cI don\u2019t know, Hoss. Probably easier to watch us.\u201d Adam turned to Joe. \u201cYou,\u201d Adam scooped Joe off the bed and set him on the ground. \u201cHad better go wash up. There\u2019s water in that pitcher.\u201d Little Joe started to protest, but then frowned and sighed.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

He turned and walked, grumbling, to the nightstand on the other side of the room.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam turned to Hoss and as soon as Joe was out of earshot, whispered, \u201cWe\u2019re going to take turns staying up tonight. You want the first watch or the second?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Hoss swallowed. \u201cI\u2019ll take the first. But Adam, you don\u2019t suppose they\u2019d do anything\u2026 do you?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam watched as Joe finished splashing water onto his face and started to dry off. \u201cI don\u2019t know. I\u2019d rather not be taken by surprise, though. If something happens run. Try to get away and get help.\u201d Little Joe walked back to the bed, and Adam looked down at him. \u201cCome on, into bed.\u201d He flipped back the covers of his bed and let Joe scramble in. He didn\u2019t want Joe to know how much danger they were in. Or could be in. He had no idea what these men were planning, but if they wanted to kill Ben they might have no problem with killing his sons as well. Joe was just so little. If he knew how serious the situation was, he might panic.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

~*~-^-~*~<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The next morning the boys were herded downstairs by two of the gunmen.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWell, good morning,\u201d the leader said.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam looked at the clock. \u201cMore like afternoon, isn\u2019t it?\u201d he replied.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The man half smiled, then said, \u201cSit.\u201d He pointed to the living room. The three boys walked in and sat down on the settee. One of the men stood over them, guarding them. After awhile, Adam looked at the clock. The stage was supposed to be in around 9. It was now 12:30. Adam looked back at the man standing over them. He was watching them too closely for them to try and make a break. A few minutes passed, and Adam glanced back again. 12:40. The leader of the gunmen walked over. \u201cI see you keep checking the clock. What time did you say your father would be here?\u201d He waited for Adam to answer. When there was no reply, he shrugged. \u201cIt doesn\u2019t matter. We\u2019ll be ready for him.\u201d He turned towards his men. \u201cTie them up.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Three of the men walked forward and yanked the boys from the settee and started dragging them into the dining room. Hoss tried pulling away from the man holding him, but he couldn\u2019t. The man had too firm a grip on his arm. Adam watched him, frowning. Hoss couldn\u2019t get away. Adam probably could; but there was no way he would leave his brothers. They were pushed into chairs at the table, and the men started tying them up. One of the men sat Little Joe in a chair next to Adam. Little Joe started struggling and yelling as the man tried to tie his wrists.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cLittle Joe, stop! Just do as they say! Joe!\u201d Adam frowned as the man finished binding his hands and feet, then moved to help the other man tie his brother to the chair. \u201cJoe, please!\u201d Adam looked at the leader of the men, who had been talking to the last man but now turned towards Little Joe, irritated. He walked forward quickly and grabbed the boy\u2019s arms and picked him up, and then shook him roughly.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cShut up! Now!\u201d he yelled.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

But Little Joe kept struggling. \u201cNo! No, let go!\u201d He started to cry.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cStop it right now unless you want a reason to cry!\u201d The man dropped him back onto the chair and turned to go. Suddenly he stopped, and then slowly turned. Little Joe\u2019s feet were in front of the chair now, but just seconds ago they had made contact with the back of the man\u2019s leg. The man leaned over him and stared down at him. \u201cWhat do you think you were doing?\u201d Joe looked down. The man backhanded him, and then pulled him off the chair and pushed him towards one of the other men. \u201cTake him outside and give him a tanning.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe tried to pull away as he was dragged to the door. He was crying. \u201cNo! I\u2019m sorry! I\u2019m sorry, please don\u2019t hurt me!\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam pulled against the ropes that bound his hands to the chair. \u201cNo, don\u2019t do this! Please!\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The leader of the group stood in front of Adam as the front door shut behind Joe and the man. \u201cHe asked for it,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam felt tears of anger forming in his eyes. \u201cHe\u2019s just a kid! He didn\u2019t know what he was doing!\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The man shrugged and walked away.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam dropped his head. Why hadn\u2019t Joe listened?! This was Adam\u2019s fault. He should have told him that they were in serious danger. He might have been upset, but maybe then this wouldn\u2019t have happened.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

~*~-^-~*~<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Hoss squirmed in the chair again. \u201cAdam?\u201d Adam looked at him. \u201cAdam, it\u2019s been\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam clenched his fists. \u201cI know.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cDo\u2026you don\u2019t think\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The front door opened and Adam and Hoss heard someone come in. The man who had taken Joe outside walked around the corner. Adam heard Hoss gasp at the same time he did. He felt like someone had punched him in the stomach. The man had blood on the front of his shirt and on his face.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cLes! Les!\u201d the man called.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The leader of the men came out of the kitchen. \u201cI told you not to use my na- what happened!\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The man shook his head. \u201cHe got away. I-I don\u2019t know what happened\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam felt a wave of relief wash over him as he suddenly realized the blood on the man\u2019s clothing was his own, and not Little Joe\u2019s.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWell, tell me what you know,\u201d the man named Les said.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWell, I pushed the kid into the barn, and next thing I know, I woke up.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Les groaned angrily. \u201cCome on, we\u2019ve got to catch that kid.\u201d He walked into the kitchen, followed by the man with the bloody nose.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAdam,\u201d Hoss whispered. \u201cThe booby trap; Joe must have set it off.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhat booby trap?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cUm\u2026well, Little Joe and I set a booby trap in the barn. A bag of grain hung on a rope that swings down when someone walks through the door.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

For a split second Adam was irritated as he thought of the irresponsibility of his brothers; but then he stopped himself. He smiled at Hoss. \u201cWell, for once yours and Joe\u2019s crazy ideas worked for the best.\u201d He shook his head. \u201cWay to go, Little Joe,\u201d he whispered.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

~*~-^-~*~<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Little Joe pushed himself up from the ground and kept running, his knee bleeding through his ripped pants. He had never been so scared in his entire life. When the man had taken him out to the barn, he had triggered the booby trap without really thinking. It worked, just like Hoss said it would. Only the man didn\u2019t get up. Joe tried nudging him and hitting him, but he didn\u2019t move. Afraid that he had killed him, Little Joe had started to hide in a pile of hay when the man groaned. Joe had been relieved to know he hadn\u2019t killed him. He had slipped out of the barn and started running. He was going to warn Pa that there were men at home with Adam and Hoss who wanted to hurt him. For a couple of seconds, Joe had thought about going back and trying to help his brothers, but then he realized he would probably be in a lot of trouble if he went back so he had kept running.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Little Joe\u2019s foot caught on another branch, and he tripped and fell again. He slowly sat up, brushing the dirt off of his skinned hands and trying to catch his breath.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

~*~-^-~*~<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben rode quickly, carefully scanning the trees as he went. He was almost to the house now. Just a couple more miles. He knew that there were a good number of men behind him; neighbors and friends he had rounded up in case there was trouble at home. When the boys didn\u2019t meet him in town, he figured either that there was trouble, or someone was ill. Pushing Buck as fast as he dared, he rounded the turn. What he saw stopped him in his tracks. Quickly, he reined in the horse and jumped off. Tossing the reins at a bush, he dropped to his knees in front of his youngest son, who was sitting, gasping, on the ground. \u201cJoseph! What happened? Are you all right?\u201d He wrapped his arms around Little Joe and held him tightly.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe threw his arms around his Pa\u2019s neck. \u201cPa\u2026Pa\u2026it\u2019s you!\u201d he gasped. \u201cMen\u2026want to hurt\u2026you\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben reached behind him and pulled his canteen off his saddle. \u201cHere, drink this.\u201d He held the water to Joe\u2019s mouth.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Little Joe drank thirstily, and then pushed it away. \u201cPa\u2026they want\u2026to hurt you\u2026they\u2019re at the house.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWho, Joe?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe shook his head. \u201cI don\u2019t know. They never said their names.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cJoe, are your brothers all right?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Little Joe nodded. Suddenly the sound of a horse running came from behind Joe. Ben watched as Joe\u2019s expression changed to fear.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben stood up and quickly pushed his son behind him. He pulled out his gun, and stood waiting for the rider to come into sight. A horse pulled up in front of him, and the rider jumped to the ground. It was no one that Ben had ever seen before. \u201cDrop your gun,\u201d yelled Ben.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The man slowly reached down to get his gun, and then suddenly jerked it up with the intent to fire on Ben. There were three gunshots\u2026and then the man fell to the ground. Behind Ben, a handful of men rode up. Roy Coffee jumped off his horse and knelt down next to the fallen man. \u201cDead,\u201d he muttered.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhat happened?\u201d asked Doc Martin.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHe pulled his gun on me,\u201d replied Ben. \u201cI have no idea who he is.\u201d He looked down at Joe, who was clinging to his pants leg. \u201cJoseph?\u201d Little Joe looked up at him. \u201cWas this one of the men?\u201d Little Joe nodded.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHow many are there?\u201d asked Ben.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cFive,\u201d Joe answered, but then he glanced down. \u201cWell\u2026four now.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben immediately felt guilty. His child shouldn\u2019t have had to witness that. He reached down and ran his hand through his son\u2019s curly hair. Joe looked up at him and sadly smiled. \u201cIt\u2019s okay, Pa,\u201d Little Joe whispered. Ben swallowed the lump in his throat, then gathered the men together and started to form a plan.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

~*~-^-~*~<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The front door slowly opened, and two men slipped inside. Quietly, they waited until they were sure no one had heard them. Ben and Roy quickly moved into the dining room where Adam and Hoss were still tied to the chairs.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Hoss\u2019 eyes grew wide when he saw them, and he looked over at Adam. Adam met his gaze and nodded. Ben slipped behind Adam\u2019s chair and quickly cut him loose, while Roy did the same with Hoss. The voices of the intruders could be heard from the kitchen. They were arguing. Ben pulled Adam up, and then ushered him and Hoss to the door. \u201cWait outside,\u201d he whispered.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam frowned and opened his mouth to argue, but then after a glance at Hoss, nodded and slipped outside. After they had gotten a few yards from the house, there was a low whistle from a clump of bushes. Adam grabbed Hoss\u2019 arm, and they quickly dove behind the bushes. Adam suddenly found small arms wrapped around his neck, and he smiled at the familiar embrace. \u201cHey buddy,\u201d he whispered. Adam looked up from Little Joe to find Paul Martin in front of him. Paul waved his hand, and several men slipped from the surrounding bushes towards the house.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Paul looked at Adam and Hoss. \u201cAre you boys all right?\u201d he asked.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam nodded as Hoss replied, \u201cYeah, we\u2019re okay.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Inside the house, the rest of the men had slipped inside and stationed themselves in various parts of the house. Ben looked around to make sure everyone was all set, and then he took a deep breath and took out his gun. \u201cAll right, you four men come out in the open. Now! You\u2019re surrounded!\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Suddenly there was silence in the kitchen, and then a few minutes later four men walked around the corner. They had their hands up. Some of the men who had come with Ben quickly walked forward and took their guns.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

One of the men glared at Ben. \u201cYou\u2026I was going to kill you for what you did to me! I should have killed your sons instead!\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben put his gun back in his holster and took a couple steps forward. \u201cLester Colson\u2026? But\u2026that was three years ago. Your sons committed a crime. I wasn\u2019t going to lie to let them go free!\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Lester angrily tried to pull away from the man who had tied his wrists. \u201cI\u2019ll get you, Cartwright. Someday, I\u2019ll get out of prison, and I\u2019ll get you!\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Roy Coffee snorted. \u201cOh no you won\u2019t. You\u2019re wanted for robbery and murder, aren\u2019t you?\u201d Lester stared angrily at the ground. \u201cYou\u2019ll be lucky to get life imprisonment.\u201d Roy looked up at Ben. \u201cI guess we\u2019ll take them to jail and contact the authorities.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

~*~-^-~*~<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben had invited the men who had come from town to stay for dinner. Some of them declined, needing to get back to their homes and businesses, so just a few men had stayed. After a delicious dinner, they had all moved into the living room and were exchanging tales and stories of the old days.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben got up. \u201cIf you\u2019ll excuse me, I\u2019ll be right back.\u201d The men nodded as Ben went into the kitchen to find Hoss, who had been absent for awhile.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam looked down at his littlest brother, whose eyes were hardly open. He laughed as he bent down and scooped him off the settee. \u201cCome on, buddy, it\u2019s way past your bedtime.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Little Joe started to protest and weakly struggle in Adam\u2019s arms. \u201cI\u2019m not tired, Adam. I\u2019m not!\u201d He started to cry in frustration as Adam carried him away from the party and up the stairs into his room.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam set him down on his bed and started to pull his clothes off, ignoring the tired protests and tears. He grabbed Little Joe\u2019s pajamas out of his drawer, and then helped Joe pull them over his head. \u201cYou had a big day today.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe put his arms through the sleeves and then wiped away the tears with the back of his hand. \u201cI guess. I\u2019m sorry, Adam.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam looked at him, puzzled. \u201cWhy?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe shrugged. \u201cWell, I didn\u2019t do what you told me. You always say to do what you say without asking, if it\u2019s an emergency, and I didn\u2019t.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam shook his head as he pulled back the covers. \u201cI know, but it worked out all right.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe climbed under the covers. \u201cHi, Pa,\u201d he said sleepily.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam turned as Ben came into the room behind them.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWell, you look all ready to go to bed,\u201d Ben said.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe frowned. \u201cI\u2019m not. Adam made me\u2026\u201d He was interrupted by a yawn.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben tucked the covers around him. \u201cWell, Adam\u2019s right.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYou should have seen him, Pa,\u201d Little Joe whispered sleepily. \u201cHe wasn\u2019t scared at all. I wasn\u2019t good; but Adam was brave. He knew what to do.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam leaned over him and brushed the curly hair off of his forehead. \u201cHey buddy, that\u2019s not true. You were very brave, and I\u2019ve never been more proud of you.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Little Joe\u2019s eyes closed as a smile lit his face. \u201cAdam\u2026\u201d He drifted into sleep.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben and Adam watched him for a few minutes, and then Adam looked up at Ben. \u201cThat was the truth, you know.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben smiled and nodded, and then patted Adam on the shoulder. \u201cI know.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The End<\/p>\n

<\/div>\n

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

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

Summary: While Ben is away on a trip, Adam, Hoss, and Little Joe are taken hostage at the ranch.<\/p>\n

Rating: PG for violence\u00a0 (4,710 words)<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":92,"featured_media":1231,"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":[23,30],"tags":[14,15,17,16],"class_list":["post-13868","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-drama","category-prequels","tag-adam-cartwright","tag-ben","tag-hoss","tag-joe","wpcat-23-id","wpcat-30-id"],"a3_pvc":{"activated":true,"total_views":2891,"today_views":0},"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/04\/storm.jpg?fit=615%2C407&ssl=1","jetpack_likes_enabled":true,"jetpack-related-posts":[{"id":6768,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=6768","url_meta":{"origin":13868,"position":0},"title":"A Deadly Day (by rosecartwright)","author":"rosecartwright","date":"November 4, 2013","format":false,"excerpt":"Summary: \u00a0Joe is home sick, but things go downhill for this young Cartwright. \u00a0 Rated:\u00a0K+ (635 words)","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":7580,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=7580","url_meta":{"origin":13868,"position":1},"title":"The Wheelchair (by DJK)","author":"DJK","date":"May 9, 2014","format":false,"excerpt":"Summary:\u00a0Years later Adam\u2019s wheelchair from \u201cThe Triangle\u201d comes out of the attic. Rated:\u00a0K+\u00a0 Word count:\u00a0667 The Wheelchair Series, links to stories within the series are included.","rel":"","context":"In "Adam Cartwright"","block_context":{"text":"Adam Cartwright","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?cat=1005"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/04\/Bird.jpg?fit=323%2C450&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200},"classes":[]},{"id":63574,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=63574","url_meta":{"origin":13868,"position":2},"title":"The Snake (by JoanS.)","author":"JoanS","date":"March 16, 2005","format":false,"excerpt":"Summary:\u00a0 A snake causes chaos in the Cartwright house. Rating\u00a0 G\u00a0 \u00a02,140 words","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\/2023\/03\/Preserving-Their-Legacy.png?fit=732%2C477&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Preserving-Their-Legacy.png?fit=732%2C477&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Preserving-Their-Legacy.png?fit=732%2C477&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Preserving-Their-Legacy.png?fit=732%2C477&ssl=1&resize=700%2C400 2x"},"classes":[]},{"id":14290,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=14290","url_meta":{"origin":13868,"position":3},"title":"Standing Watch (by DJK)","author":"DJK","date":"May 10, 2001","format":false,"excerpt":"Summary: \u00a0He only wanted to protect himself and his family. Rating: \u00a0G \u00a0 \u00a0(2,170 words)","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\/2016\/05\/derringer.jpg?fit=500%2C500&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200},"classes":[]},{"id":10320,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=10320","url_meta":{"origin":13868,"position":4},"title":"Bully for You (by bahj)","author":"bahj","date":"April 8, 2013","format":false,"excerpt":"Summary: It's a race against time, and to the victor goes the spoils . . . er . . . the calf. A WHB for \"The Lawmaker\" \u00a0Rating:\u00a0 K (1,765 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\/2014\/05\/Moon-Blind.jpg?fit=640%2C480&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/05\/Moon-Blind.jpg?fit=640%2C480&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/05\/Moon-Blind.jpg?fit=640%2C480&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x"},"classes":[]},{"id":45693,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=45693","url_meta":{"origin":13868,"position":5},"title":"Avalanche! (by deer)","author":"Preserving Their Legacy Author","date":"April 16, 2011","format":false,"excerpt":"Summary:\u00a0 The brothers are caught in an avalanche;\u00a0 this story is the aftermath. 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