{"id":13951,"date":"2004-12-12T15:04:19","date_gmt":"2004-12-12T20:04:19","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=13951"},"modified":"2025-02-27T12:09:16","modified_gmt":"2025-02-27T17:09:16","slug":"luck-of-the-day-by-susan-g","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=13951","title":{"rendered":"Luck of the Day (by Susan G)"},"content":{"rendered":"

Summary:<\/strong>\u00a0 It’s a bad day to run a bank errand for Pa.<\/p>\n

Rating:\u00a0 T\u00a0\u00a0 (12,650 words)<\/p>\n

Luck of the Draw<\/strong><\/p>\n

If Ben Cartwright had it to do over, he would have never gone to Virginia City with his sons on that June day. The tasks they had to do in town that day were trivial \u2013 nothing that couldn\u2019t have waited until another time. But for reasons Ben couldn\u2019t remember, he had decided that was the day the Cartwrights were going to take care of all the jobs that needed to be handled in Virginia City. Although realistically Ben understood he could never have known what would happen, he cringed every time he thought about that day. What had happened that day was a matter of luck – both bad and good.<\/p>\n

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

\u201cPa, would you please hurry and make up your mind?\u201d said Adam Cartwright in a irritated voice. \u201cI want to finish up and get a beer.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m with Adam,\u201d added Joe Cartwright, his voice sounding as cranky as his brother\u2019s. \u201cWe\u2019ve been loading and toting since we got here. Let\u2019s get it done so we can get a cold beer.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cMaybe we could get that beer now?\u201d suggested Hoss Cartwright in a conciliatory tone. He glanced at his brothers before turning back to his father. \u201cA little break might do us all some good.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Smiling to himself, Ben stood studying the list in his hand. He knew he was dragging out a simple task but he couldn\u2019t help himself. As much as he loved his sons, Ben couldn\u2019t resist making them wait on him occasionally. It was a subtle reminder to his sons about who was in charge of the Ponderosa. He also took it as a token of his sons\u2019 affection and respect for him that they waited for his decision. It was a good feeling and one he didn\u2019t get to enjoy that often.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben glanced at his sons who surrounded him on the sidewalk. Adam was to his right, leaning again a post and looking at ease, but the narrowing of his eyes betrayed his growing irritation. Hoss stood on the street in front of Ben, near a wagon filled with sacks and barrels. His face showed more puzzlement than anything. Joe stood to his father\u2019s left, hands on hips and eyes glowering. Ben almost let his smile escape to his lips. None of his sons were very good at hiding their emotions.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cPa,\u201d said Adam again through almost clenched teeth. \u201cAny you ready yet?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Sighing, Ben nodded. He knew he had stretched out the moment as long as he could. \u201cAll right,\u201d he said looking up. \u201cHere\u2019s what\u2019s left.\u201d He turned to his oldest son. \u201cAdam, you go down and send a telegram to Ferguson, letting him know we\u2019re agreeing to his terms and will buy his horses. Then go over and pick up the mail.\u201d Ben looked at his middle son. \u201cHoss, you go down to the livery stable and tell Sam we\u2019re going to need about 100 horseshoes. We\u2019ll pick them up the next time one of us is in town.\u201d Turning to his youngest son, Ben said, \u201cJoe, you go over to the bank and tell Mr. Wilson to make out a draft $500 to send to Ferguson for those horses.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The faces surrounding Ben immediately broke into smiles, as he knew they would. Adam would spend at least 30 minutes picking up the latest news from the East when he picked up the mail, thought Ben, and Hoss would spend almost as long talking with Sam about his stock. The only one he wasn\u2019t sure about was Joe. The amount of time Joe would spend at the bank depended on whether Sarah Wilson was working today or not.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAnd what are you going to be doing?\u201d Adam asked his father in an amused voice.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Smiling, Ben pushed back his hat. \u201cI\u2019m going to be over at the Silver Dollar having a cold beer.\u201d He grinned at the surprised look on his son\u2019s faces. \u201cAfter all, age does have some privileges.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cPa, I never thought you\u2019d ever admit to being older than us,\u201d said Hoss with a grin.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYou watch your tone, young man,\u201d replied Ben in mock anger. \u201cYou keep that up and I won\u2019t buy that round of beers like I planned.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cJust one?\u201d said Joe, pulling his hat down on his forehead a bit. \u201cAfter all the work we did today, I figure you owe us at least three beers each.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAnd I figure you\u2019d better get going before I change my mind and decide we ought to go straight home,\u201d countered Ben. His tone was serious but his eyes twinkled with amusement.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cPa, you can be down right mean when you want to,\u201d commented Joe with a grin. His father and brothers joined Joe in a hearty laugh.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cGet going, all of you,\u201d ordered Ben with a smile. \u201cI\u2019ll meet you over at the Silver Dollar.\u201d He watched his sons with affection as they scattered in different directions down the street. Then he turned and walked toward the saloon, feeling that he was a lucky man. It was feeling that wouldn\u2019t last.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

Walking into the bank, Joe\u2019s eyes strayed immediately to the teller\u2019s cage to his left. His face showed his disappointment when he saw a thin young man standing behind one set of bars, and a man in his fifties standing behind another. Both tellers were busy \u2013 the young man was counting out bills for a well-dressed woman in her forties and the older teller was filling in a paper for a grizzled man who had the look of a prospector.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Searching the bank with his eyes, Joe looked for Sarah, hoping she may have been busy elsewhere. He knew it was a foolish hope. The bank wasn\u2019t all the big and Sarah worked only as a teller. Nevertheless, Joe looked behind the tellers, toward the large bank vault that stood ajar. Seeing nothing but the two men, Joe turned his head toward the back of the bank where Mr. Wilson sat behind a large desk covered with papers. The chair in front of the desk was empty. With a last look, Joe turned his head to the right. Three wooden chairs stood empty against the wall, waiting for customers. A small credenza, decorated with a tablecloth and a vase of flowers, separated the chairs from the desk at the back of the bank. Joe knew the flowers and tablecloths were Sarah\u2019s work. She was always after her father to make the bank look less austere.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Sighing, Joe walked slowly toward the desk at the back of the bank. He tipped his hat at the woman as she turned to leave, and he noted the prospector was collecting some money and also preparing to leave. Not a day of booming business for the bank, Joe decided.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHello, Joseph,\u201d said Mr. Wilson, smiling at the young man who walked toward him. He had seen Joe stop inside the door and look around. \u201cMy daughter isn\u2019t here today,\u201d he added with amusement.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cSo I see,\u201d said Joe, sitting himself down in the chair in front of the desk. \u201cNothing wrong, I hope.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNo,\u201d replied Wilson. \u201cSarah had some shopping to do, and since Billy and Bert aren\u2019t that busy, I told her to go ahead. I\u2019m surprised you didn\u2019t see her on the street. Of course, she\u2019s probably still inside the dress shop.\u201d Wilson shook his head. \u201cI can\u2019t understand why it takes her so long to pick out one dress.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAll I can say is that it\u2019s worth the time,\u201d said Joe, grinning. \u201cThe dress she wore at the dance last Saturday was really pretty.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m surprised you noticed,\u201d replied Wilson with a twinkle in his eyes. \u201cSeems like every time I looked, you were dancing with a different girl. Since you only danced with Sarah twice, I didn\u2019t think her dress caught your eye.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cOh, I noticed,\u201d said Joe, shifting uncomfortably in his chair. He cleared his throat. \u201cUh, Mr. Wilson, Pa wants a bank draft for $500,\u201d he added, quickly changing the subject.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Still smiling, Wilson reached for a paper from the corner of his desk. \u201cOf course.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The door of the bank banged against the wall as it was pushed open and four men rushed in holding guns. The four people already in the bank turned toward the door, each of their faces showing a look of surprise. The outlaws fanned out in a straight line across the front of the building. One held a shotgun, another a rifle, and the last two had pistols in their hands. All were rough looking men, with unshaven faces and wearing a thin layer of dust and dirt on their clothes. The two holding pistols had saddlebags thrown over their shoulders. The one with the rifle turned and slammed the door shut.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThis is a hold-up,\u201d said one of the men with a pistol unnecessarily. \u201cNow everyone raise their hands and move real slow toward the back wall.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The tellers behind cage raised their hands and walked slowly toward the back of the bank. The younger man looked scared \u2013 his raised hands trembled in the air. The older man\u2019s hands were steadier, but his eyes were wide with fright.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Twisted in his chair toward the front of the bank, Joe sat for a minute, calculating his odds against four armed men. Wilson saw Joe\u2019s eyes narrow. \u201cDo what they say, Joe,\u201d said Wilson in a low voice. He stood up behind his desk and raised his hands.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Reluctantly, Joe raised his hands and pushed the chair back a bit with his legs. He stood slowly, a frown of anger on his face.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHold it!\u201d ordered the man with the rifle, pointing it at Joe. \u201cTake that gun out of your holster and drop it to the floor. And do it real slow.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Reaching down with one hand, Joe put his thumb and forefinger around the butt of his pistol. He pulled the gun slowly from his holster and held it away from his body for a moment so the man with the rifle could see it. Then he dropped the gun to the floor. The pistol hit the floor barrel first, causing the gun to skid across the floor and under the credenza.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAll right,\u201d said the man, gesturing with the rifle. \u201cGet over there with the others.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Walking with his hands in the air, Joe moved toward the other three people who standing against the wall. He watched carefully as the men with the saddle bags moved around the end the teller\u2019s cage. \u201cWatch \u2018em close,\u201d said one of the men as he shifted the saddlebag off his shoulder and into his free hand. \u201cIf any of makes a move, shoot them.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The two men with the pistols pulled open the door of the bank vault. One began filling his saddlebag with cash. But the other man simply stood looking into the vault, a frown on his face. He studied the inside of the vault for several minutes, then whirled around and stalked toward the people with their hands in the air. The man pushed Joe aside and grabbed Wilson\u2019s jacket, pulling the bank manager toward him. \u201cWhere\u2019s the gold?\u201d the outlaw demanded.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhat gold?\u201d asked Wilson in a shaky voice.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYou know what gold,\u201d snarled the robber. \u201cThe shipment of gold coins from the Carson mint. Close to $20,000 worth. They were suppose to be delivered here this morning.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHow did you know that?\u201d asked Wilson in an astonished voice.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNever mind how I know,\u201d answered the man with the gun. \u201cWhere\u2019s the gold?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s not here,\u201d Wilson stated.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019re lying!\u201d shouted the man. He raised the hand holding his gun high. \u201cUnless you want to feel this crack your skull, you\u2019d better tell me where the gold is.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s not here, I swear,\u201d said Wilson in a terrified voice. \u201cI got a telegram this morning saying the shipment was delayed. It\u2019s coming in on the 5:00 stage. The telegram is on my desk if you don\u2019t believe me.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cShow me!\u201d the robber ordered. He pushed Wilson toward the desk. The banker hurried over to his desk and quickly sorted through some papers. He pulled out a telegram slip and turned back toward the man with the pistol. \u201cHere it is,\u201d said Wilson, holding the telegram out. His hand was shaking.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Snatching the paper from Wilson, the robber read it slowly. His lips seemed to move as he looked at the words on the paper.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Standing a few feet away, Joe couldn\u2019t resist a jibe. \u201cWant me to read it for you?\u201d he asked.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The man looked up and pointed his pistol at Joe. \u201cShut your mouth,\u201d he snarled. \u201cOr I\u2019ll shut it for you.\u201d Joe\u2019s eyes narrowed, and his lips pressed together. He had already decided that this wasn\u2019t the smartest gang of bank robbers in the world. Anyone who tried to rob a bank in broad daylight and expected to get away with it hadn\u2019t really thought things through. But at the same time, Joe realized that a lack of intelligence didn\u2019t make the men any less dangerous. If anything, they were more likely to shoot first and think about it later.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The gunman turned to the man who was standing near the vault. \u201cHow much did you get?\u201d he asked.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAbout $8,000,\u201d answered the robber near the vault.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201c$8,000,\u201d said the man with the telegram in his hand. \u201cThat\u2019s a long way from $20,000.\u201d He looked up and stared at a clock hanging high on the back wall.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s almost two,\u201d offered Joe helpfully.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The man whirled toward Joe. \u201cBoy, you\u2019re begging to get shot, ain\u2019t you? I can read a clock. Now shut up.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhat are we going to do, Cal?\u201d asked the man with the shotgun standing near the front of the bank. \u201cWe can\u2019t hang around here for three hours.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m thinking!\u201d shouted Cal. He looked around the bank, as if a solution to his problem could be found among the furniture or on the walls.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cIf I were you, I\u2019d take what I could and get out of here,\u201d suggested Joe. \u201cIt\u2019s only a matter of time until someone walks through that door.\u201d From the corner of his eye, Joe could see Wilson open his mouth in protest and then quickly close it. Both Joe and the banker knew the sooner the robbers were gone, the sooner they all would be safe. Wilson would miss the $8,000 but the gold shipment arriving later that day would easily cover the loss. Eight thousand dollars was a lot of money but it wasn\u2019t worth someone getting killed over.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cCal, let\u2019s do what the kid suggests,\u201d said the man standing near the vault. The saddlebags thrown over his shoulder were bulging. \u201cWe can have a pretty good time on what we have now.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWe can have a better time with that gold,\u201d insisted Cal stubbornly. He turned to the two men standing in the front of the building. \u201cFrank, Wade, you two move away from the door so no one sees you.\u201d The man with the rifle and the one with the shotgun moved to the side of the building. \u201cEd,\u201d said Cal turning back toward the vault. \u201cYou keep an eye on these people. If any of them try anything, shoot them.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhat are you going to do?\u201d asked Ed curiously as he moved toward the end of the teller\u2019s cage.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m going to do some thinking,\u201d replied Cal, with a frown. \u201cI got to figure out away we can get that gold.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cLook, you\u2019re not going to get that gold,\u201d said Joe in what he hoped was a reasonable voice. \u201cWhy don\u2019t you just take what you have and get out of here while you still can. Nobody gets hurt and you get a head start on the posse.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cShut up!\u201d shouted Cal in a rage. He turned his gun and pointed it directly at Joe.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ambling slowly down the sidewalk, Hoss was filled with a sense of disappointment. Sam had been too busy at the livery to do more than make a note of the order for horseshoes and gruffly agree to have them ready in a few days. Hoss had been looking forward to a chatting with Sam, and he felt like he had been denied a promised reward.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

As he walked toward the Silver Dollar, Hoss realized he was nearing the bank. A wry smile twitched on Hoss\u2019 lips as he thought of Joe inside the bank, probably talking with Sarah, maybe even holding hands with her. Joe never seemed to be disappointed, thought Hoss, especially when it came to a pretty gal. Hoss began to picture the look on his little brother\u2019s face if he walked into the bank to \u201chelp\u201d him with the bank draft. He could see the frustration on Joe\u2019s face and hear him squawking like a mad hen. The more he thought about the idea, the wider the grin grew on Hoss\u2019 face.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The sound of laughter distracted Hoss from his thoughts of Joe. He stopped on the sidewalk and looked toward the source of the noise. He could hear some shouts and laughter coming from the Silver Dollar, which was across the street and down a bit. For a minute, Hoss considered his choices. He could go over to the saloon and see what was causing all the fun. Or he could head into the bank and have a little fun himself at his little brother\u2019s expense.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Hoss stared at the saloon for a minute, trying to make up his mind. Then, with a devilish grin on his face, he turned and walked purposely toward the bank.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

Hands in the air, Joe took a step back from the angry Cal. \u201cEasy,\u201d said Joe cautiously. \u201cI was just trying to help.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYou can help by keeping your mouth shut,\u201d snapped Cal. \u201cI don\u2019t need any advice from you.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Nodding, Joe took another step back. He had hoped to nudge Cal and his friends into deciding to leave, but Joe realized he had pushed too hard. Cal obviously had a temper, and Joe was sure it wouldn\u2019t take much to set off the man. He decided discretion was the better part of valor in this case, and resolved to keep any further suggestions to himself.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Everyone in the bank was watching the confrontation between Joe and Cal, including the gunmen near the door. No one realized someone was entering the bank until the door began to open. Hearing the rattle of the door, Cal spun around and aimed his gun.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

It took Joe less than a second to recognize the big man in the tall white hat who was pushing the door open. He heard a click as Cal cocked his pistol. Without a thought, Joe took two steps and launched himself at the robber.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe\u2019s shoulder hit Cal in the side at instant before the gunman pulled the trigger. The force knocked Cal to the ground, but didn\u2019t prevent him from shooting. The sound almost deafened Joe as the bullet exploded from the gun near his ear. But Joe\u2019s tackle spoiled the gunman\u2019s aim. The bullet flew wildly through the air, ending up somewhere in the ceiling.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Startled by the gunshot, Hoss stopped as he came through the door. Almost at once, he felt a gun in his back and heard a voice growl, \u201cGet \u2018em up, big man.\u201d Hoss raised his hands with an almost distracted move. He didn\u2019t feel the pistol being pulled from his holster or hear the door being closed behind him. Hoss\u2019 eyes were fixed on the two men struggling on the floor.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Reaching out his left hand, Joe grabbed Cal\u2019s right wrist, just below the gun. He had some vague notion of knocking the gun from Cal\u2019s hand and then grabbing it, somehow using the weapon against the other men. He threw a punch with his right fist at Cal\u2019s face, landing a blow without much force. The punch angered rather than hurt Cal, and the robber returned the blow. His aim with his fist was as bad as his aim with a gun, and Cal\u2019s punch landed in the middle of Joe\u2019s chest.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Rolling to the side, Joe pulled Cal with him. The two men threw ineffectual punches at each other with one hand while they struggled for the gun with the other. Joe managed to get to his knees and pulled hard on Cal\u2019s right wrist. The gunman brought his leg up and pushed at Joe\u2019s stomach with his own knee. Joe fell backwards, but kept his grip on Cal\u2019s arm, dragging the man toward him. Cal landed on top of Joe.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The sound of a shot and the whiz of a bullet landing near his ear startled Joe. He looked up to see Ed pointing his gun at him. The distraction was all Cal needed to pull his wrist free. Cal raised his gun high and then brought it down swiftly, crashing the pistol into Joe\u2019s head.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe literally saw stars as he was stunned by the blow. He felt a sharp pain in his temple, and then a warm liquid began to trickle into his eye. Joe raised his hands in a feeble attempt to protect himself. His hands were pushed aside.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The second blow crashed into the side of Joe\u2019s head, this time causing only bruising, not breaking the skin. Joe felt the flat metal hit his head, not knowing or caring what part of the gun was causing his pain.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The third blow hit Joe high on the head. The hammer of the pistol caught Joe\u2019s scalp at the hairline, tearing open the skin and causing another stream of blood to run down his face. But Joe didn\u2019t feel the third blow. By the time the gun landed, he was already unconscious.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

Leafing through the envelopes in his hand, Adam was strolling up the street toward the Silver Dollar when he heard the shot. He looked up, turning his head quickly as he tried to figure out from which direction the noise had come. His head snapped toward the bank when he heard the second shot. Adam stuck the envelopes through his belt and began running up the street.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Half a dozen men were running toward the bank from all directions as Adam neared the building. All them skidded to a halt as the blast of a shotgun blew through the bank window. The blast was meant as a warning; the pellets flew harmlessly into the sky. The warning was taken, though. The men in the street rushed to find cover behind buildings and water troughs.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Sitting in the Silver Dollar, Ben never heard the shots. The laughter and shouts from the dozen or so other men in the saloon had drowned them out. Ben was sitting at a table, sipping a beer and grinning as he watched a tipsy cowboy trying to teach one of the girls how to do the Virginia Reel. The cowboy and the girl were laughing almost as hard as the on-lookers as they bumped into each other and the chairs around them.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cIs Sheriff Coffee in here?\u201d shouted a voice from the door. The saloon grew quiet as everyone turned to the man standing by the entrance. \u201cIs the sheriff here?\u201d shouted the man again.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNo,\u201d answered Ben in a loud voice. \u201cWhat\u2019s wrong?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThe bank is being robbed,\u201d said the man. \u201cWe heard some shots.\u201d He turned and rushed out the door.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Pushing back from the table, Ben ran to the door and out on to the street. He hurried toward the bank, his heart in his throat. The only thought in his mind was that he had sent Joe to that bank.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

As Ben neared the bank, he saw a number of men crouched behind buildings and water troughs. All had their guns drawn and pointed toward the bank. Ben saw Adam behind the water trough directly across from the entrance to the bank, and he hurried to join him.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAdam, what\u2019s going on?\u201d asked Ben as he slid next to his son behind the wooden structure.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t know for sure, Pa,\u201d answered Adam. \u201cThere were a couple of shots from inside the bank. Then somebody from the bank fired a shotgun into the street.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cDo you know\u2026who\u2019s inside?\u201d asked Ben fearfully.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Shaking his head, Adam answered, \u201cWe haven\u2019t seen anybody. I saw a couple of shadows near the window but that\u2019s all.\u201d Adam turned toward his father. \u201cI don\u2019t know if Joe is in there or not,\u201d he added softly.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Another body suddenly knelt next to Ben and Adam behind the trough. Both men turned to see the grim face of Roy Coffee looking at them. \u201cI was way up near the stamp mill,\u201d said Roy. \u201cWhat\u2019s happening here?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

As Adam repeated what he had told Ben, Roy\u2019s face grew even more serious. \u201cSo you don\u2019t know how many there are or who might be inside the bank with them,\u201d said Roy as Adam finished.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNo, we don\u2019t,\u201d admitted Adam. \u201cAll we know for sure is that some shots have been fired.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Gripping Roy\u2019s arm, Ben said to his old friend, \u201cI think Joe is in there. I sent him over a little while ago to get a bank draft.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Roy patted Ben\u2019s hand reassuringly. \u201cDon\u2019t worry. I aim to get everyone out of there with no one getting hurt. And that includes your son, Ben.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

The confusion on the street was nothing compared to the chaos inside the bank. As the robbers ran to the front of the building, Hoss and the other hostages ran toward Joe.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Hoss had watched in horror as Cal hit Joe with his gun. He had taken a step forward, ready to charge across the room, when he felt the rifle digging deeper into his back. \u201cDon\u2019t try it,\u201d said a voice behind Hoss. \u201cYou\u2019ll be dead before you take two steps.\u201d Hoss had hesitated, wanting to help Joe but knowing that getting himself killed wouldn\u2019t accomplish anything. When Cal had hit Joe the second time, Hoss tensed his body. The third blow decided him. He would rather be killed than stand by and watch his brother beaten to death.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

As Hoss had started forward, the blast of the shotgun through the bank window froze him as well as everyone else. Cal stopped with his hand poised in the air for another blow. He turned to look toward the front of the building.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhooyee!\u201d cried Wade as he looked out the window, the smoking shotgun still in his hand. \u201cYou should have seen them scatter. Just like chickens running from a coyote!\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Lowering his hand, Cal slipped his gun back into his holster. He looked down at Joe\u2019s now bloody head and smirked. \u201cTaught you, big mouth,\u201d he said. Then he pushed Joe, rolling him a foot or so until Joe ended face down near the credenza.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Scrambling to his feet, Cal rushed to the front of the building with Ed at his heels. The two men passed Hoss who was hurrying toward the back of the building toward Joe. None of the men paid any attention to each other. Each as intent on reaching their objective.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

As Cal and Ed reached the front of the building, they peered cautiously out the window. Frank and Wade also looked toward the street. Wade had broken his shotgun at the barrel and was re-loading the weapon as he looked through the broken glass in front of him. All of the robbers were careful to stay back from the line of fire.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhy\u2019d you shoot?\u201d demanded Cal angrily.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cBecause they was all running toward the bank,\u201d explained Wade. \u201cI figured I\u2019d scare them off before they started sending some bullets in here.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThere sure are a lot of them out there,\u201d commented Frank as he began to count the gun barrels and bodies half-hidden across the street.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhat are we going to do?\u201d asked Ed in a worried voice. \u201cWe try to shoot our way out, we\u2019re dead for sure.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWe ain\u2019t going to shoot our way out,\u201d Cal said disgustedly. \u201cWe have hostages. We just need to figure out how to use them.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

As the bank robbers discussed their next move, Hoss knelt on the floor next to Joe. He had turned Joe on his back as soon as he had reached his brother, frantically feeling for a pulse at Joe\u2019s neck and sighing with relief when he found it. Now Hoss was doing his best to staunch the bleeding from the cuts above Joe\u2019s eye and in his scalp. He pressed the bandanna he had pulled from his pocket against Joe\u2019s head. The cloth was quickly becoming stained with his brother\u2019s blood.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHere, Hoss, put this under his head,\u201d said a voice to Hoss\u2019 right. Hoss looked up and saw Wilson had removed his suit coat and folded it to make a pillow. Gently lifting Joe\u2019s head, Hoss took the folded coat and put it on the floor. Then he lowered Joe\u2019s head to rest on it.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Pressing the cloth against Joe\u2019s head again, Hoss tried to wake Joe. \u201cJoe,\u201d he said in a loud voice. \u201cCan you hear me, boy?\u201d He repeated the phrase twice, but his efforts were in vain. Joe laid still, his eyes closed.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThat man\u2026he had no call to beat Joe like that,\u201d said Billy, the young teller is a trembling voice.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cJoe saved your life,\u201d Wilson said softly to Hoss. \u201cThat fellow Cal was going to shoot you as you walked in. Joe jumped him to stop him.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI figured it was something like that,\u201d replied Hoss. He swallowed hard, and closed his eyes for a minute. When he opened them again, Hoss reached up and patted Joe lightly on the head. \u201cCome on, Joe,\u201d he said insistently. \u201cOpen up your eyes for ol\u2019 Hoss.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAll of you – get away from him,\u201d snarled a voice from across the room. Everyone crowded around Joe turned to look at the voice. Cal stood in the middle of the room, gun in hand. \u201cGet over here and sit on the floor where I can keep an eye on you,\u201d said Cal, gesturing with his gun. \u201cMove!\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Three of the people standing near Joe turned and walked slowly away. They walked to the back of the building and sat on the floor. Only Hoss remained by Joe. He continued to press the cloth against his brother\u2019s face.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou too, big man\u201d ordered Cal. \u201cGet over there with the rest of them.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cMy brother needs help,\u201d replied Hoss, not looking at Cal. \u201cI\u2019m staying here with him.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYour brother, eh?\u201d said Cal, eyeing Hoss speculatively. \u201cThat figures. You got a big mouth, just like him. What\u2019s your name?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cCartwright,\u201d answered Hoss shortly.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cCartwright, like in Ben Cartwright?\u201d asked Cal. \u201cThe guy that owns the Ponderosa?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s right,\u201d replied Hoss. He turned to Cal. \u201cOur Pa is a powerful man. Unless you want a posse the size of an army chasing you for the rest of your life, you\u2019d better get my brother out of here and to a doctor.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ignoring Hoss\u2019 comment, Cal rubbed his chin. \u201cBen Cartwright\u2019s boys,\u201d he said thoughtfully. \u201cThis do make things interesting. Not only do I have hostages, but I have hostages they don\u2019t dare shoot at.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI wouldn\u2019t count on that if I were you,\u201d warned Hoss.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cOh, I think I can,\u201d said Cal. His face grew grim again. \u201cNow, leave the kid alone and get over there with the others.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m staying here,\u201d Hoss replied stubbornly. \u201cI\u2019m not leaving my brother. He\u2019s hurt bad.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI can fix it so there ain\u2019t any need for you to worry about him,\u201d said Cal, cocking the hammer of his gun. \u201cI got me one Cartwright as a hostage. I don\u2019t necessarily need two.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

A look of pure fury crossed Hoss\u2019 face as he stood, putting himself between the gunman and his brother. He took a step forward. Cal lifted his pistol and aimed it at Joe. \u201cI wouldn\u2019t,\u201d said Cal in a threatening voice.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Stopping, Hoss stared at the man in front of him. He saw the cold eyes and the lack of even the smallest bit of compassion on his face. Hoss had no doubt he would shoot him. Hoss was less concerned about that than what would happen to Joe if he were shot. He glanced over his shoulder to his brother laying still and unconscious on the floor. Hoss walked slowly to the back of the bank and sat down with the other hostages.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cGood choice,\u201d sneered Cal, uncocking his gun. \u201cHey, Ed,\u201d Cal called over his shoulder. \u201cCome here and keep an eye on them.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ed had been looking out the window at the front of the bank. Hearing Cal\u2019s call, he pulled his gun out of his holster and walked toward the back of the building. He stopped when he reached Cal.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cKeep an eye on them,\u201d Cal repeated to Ed. \u201cIf any of them gives you trouble, shoot them. All except the big one. If he gives you any trouble, just shoot the kid on the floor.\u201d Cal turned and walked toward the front of the building. As he walked away, Cal tried to ignore the anger burning in the eyes of the big man at the end of the room.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHow long do you think it\u2019s been?\u201d asked Adam as he sat behind the water trough.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t know,\u201d answered Ben. \u201cTwenty, maybe thirty minutes.\u201d He looked around him. Almost twenty men were hidden behind crates and in doorways, all holding rifles tensely and all watching the bank. Roy Coffee had been a busy man in the last twenty minutes, recruiting and positioning men to watch the bank. He had even deputized some men to guard either end of the street, keeping curious onlookers and distraught relatives away from the bank. He had been particularly careful to find Sarah Wilson and made sure several women were sitting with the girl over at the hotel.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHave you seen Hoss?\u201d asked Adam. \u201cHe must have heard what was happening.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cMaybe Roy has him positioned somewhere else,\u201d suggested Ben. He twisted his head, trying to find a familiar shape in the shadows of the men hidden around them.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

As Ben looked around, he saw Roy hurrying to him, crouched low. Ben had always had great confidence in his old friend as a lawman, and Roy\u2019s actions in the last twenty minutes had done nothing to shake that confidence. Ben waited anxiously for Roy to reach them, hoping the sheriff had some news for them.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAnything happening?\u201d asked Roy as he knelt behind the water trough with Ben and Adam.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNo, nothing,\u201d answered Ben.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhat are they waiting for?\u201d asked Adam.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cMaybe they\u2019re waiting for us to make the first move,\u201d replied Roy. \u201cAnd I believe I\u2019m going to accommodate them right now.\u201d Roy stuck his head up and shouted toward the bank. \u201cYou men in the bank! This is the sheriff. Can you hear me?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Several minutes passed in silence. Roy waited patiently but both Adam and Ben watched the bank nervously. Suddenly a voice called from the bank.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI want to talk,\u201d shouted Roy. \u201cI\u2019m going to come to the middle of the street unarmed. I want one of you to do the same. I promise nothing will happen. Are you agreed?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Once again, several minutes passed with no reply. Adam and Ben looked at each other and both could see the tension on the other\u2019s face. Just when Ben felt he could stand the silence no longer, a reply came from the bank.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNo, sheriff, we ain\u2019t fools. I\u2019m coming out, but I\u2019m bringing my gun and one of the hostages. Anybody tries something and there\u2019s going to be a dead Cartwright in the street.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

A feeling of both fear and relief surged through Ben. His fear that Joe was in the bank had been confirmed, but if he was coming out with one of the robbers, Ben was sure his son was unharmed.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAll right,\u201d shouted Roy. He undid his gunbelt and slipped it to the ground.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m going with you, Roy,\u201d said Ben, unbuckling his gunbelt also.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Frowning, Roy looked down at Ben. He started to protest but decided that it would be no use. \u201cYou can come with me, Ben,\u201d agreed Roy. \u201cBut let me do all the talking.\u201d Ben nodded.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Roy stood and walked around the end of the water trough. He walked slowly, making sure the men in the bank could see he was unarmed. Ben got to his feed and followed Roy. Both men stopped in the middle of the street.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWho\u2019s that with you?\u201d shouted a voice from the bank.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cBen Cartwright,\u201d answered Ben. \u201cI just want to make sure my son is all right.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Standing in the middle of the street, Roy and Ben waited. The minutes passed once more, and Ben began to worry his presence might have upset the men in the bank. He also felt very vulnerable, standing out in the open without a gun, but Ben was determined to stay. He had to talk with his son.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

When the door of the bank finally opened, Ben\u2019s eyes grew wide with surprise. He had expected to see Joe walk out the door. Instead, the huge figure of Hoss filled the doorway.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Walking slowly from the bank, Hoss came toward Ben. Cal walked behind Hoss, using his hostage\u2019s bulk as a shield. Cal\u2019s gun was stuck in the middle of Hoss\u2019 back. \u201cThat\u2019s close enough,\u201d said Cal when the pair were about five feet from Ben and Roy. Hoss stopped and waited.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHoss!\u201d said Ben in astonishment. \u201cWhat are you doing in there?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI went looking for Joe,\u201d explained Hoss. \u201cJust my bad luck, I walked into the middle of a bank robbery.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cDid they kill anyone?\u201d asked Roy.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNo, not yet,\u201d replied Hoss. He glanced over his shoulder toward Cal. \u201cThey keep threatening to, but they ain\u2019t killed anyone yet.\u201d Both Roy and Ben let out a sigh of relief as Hoss spoke.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cIs Joe inside?\u201d asked Ben. Hoss nodded. \u201cIs he all right?\u201d asked Ben.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The look of pain and anger that crossed Hoss\u2019 face told Ben the answer before his son replied. \u201cThey pistol-whipped him, Pa,\u201d said Hoss grimly. \u201cHe\u2019s in pretty bad shape.\u201d Ben grew pale and swallowed hard.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAll right, enough of this family chitchat,\u201d said Cal from behind Hoss. \u201cWhat do you want?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019re surrounded,\u201d explained Roy in a calm voice. \u201cNo way for you to get out. I want you to put down your guns and walk out with your hands up.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYeah, sure,\u201d said Cal with a laugh. \u201cWe\u2019ll just walk out that door and right into your jail.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cIf you don\u2019t give yourselves up, I can\u2019t guarantee you\u2019ll come out of this alive,\u201d said Roy. \u201cMy jail is a whole lot better than Boot Hill.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2019ve got a bunch of hostages inside,\u201d replied Cal. \u201cI don\u2019t think you want any of them killed. And that\u2019s what\u2019s going to happen if you start shooting. Ask the big man here. He\u2019ll tell you. We ain\u2019t particular about what we do.\u201d<\/p>\n

Both Ben and Roy looked at Hoss. Hoss nodded briefly.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHere\u2019s what\u2019s going to happen,\u201d said Cal. \u201cYou\u2019re going to bring a wagon around to the front of the bank, all hitched and ready to go. Fill the wagon with some canteens and supplies. At five o\u2019clock, when that stage gets in, you go get the gold shipment from it, and put the gold in the wagon. Then we\u2019ll come out. We\u2019ll bring our \u2018friends\u2019 with us. And we\u2019ll all get into the wagon and ride away. Anybody tries to stop us, there\u2019s going to be a bunch of dead hostages in the street.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll need to think about that,\u201d replied Roy calmly.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYou do that,\u201d said Cal. \u201cBut if that wagon ain\u2019t in front of the bank by five o\u2019clock, we\u2019re going to start shooting. And the first bullets ain\u2019t going to be toward the street.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI understand,\u201d Roy said. His eyes narrowed. \u201cNow you understand me. Hoss says nobody\u2019s been killed. We aim to keep things that way. If we hear any shots, we\u2019ll figure you killed a hostage, and we won\u2019t have any reason to stay put. We\u2019ll come at that bank with twenty guns, and I guarantee you that you\u2019ll end up on Boot Hill\u201d.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Frowning, Ben looked at Roy. He couldn\u2019t believe the sheriff meant what he had said. An all-out gun battle would almost insure all the hostages would be killed.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Roy ignored Ben\u2019s look and continued. \u201cYou understand me?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYeah, I understand you,\u201d replied Cal. \u201cYou just make sure that wagon\u2019s here by five o\u2019clock.\u201d He took a step back and pulled Hoss by the arm.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWait!\u201d shouted Ben quickly. \u201cMy youngest son is hurt. Will you let us get him out of there and to a doctor?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Cocking his head, Cal looked at Ben. \u201cNo, I don\u2019t think so,\u201d said Cal in a pensive voice. \u201cI need the kid to keep the big man here under control. And having two Cartwrights inside just makes me feel a whole lot safer than having just one.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben\u2019s eyes narrowed and his face grew grim. \u201cYou\u2019ve harmed one of my sons already,\u201d said Ben in a voice cold as death itself. \u201cIf you harm the other one, or if my youngest son doesn\u2019t recover, you won\u2019t need to worry about a posse. I\u2019ll come after you myself, and swear I\u2019ll make you regret the day you were born.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cBen\u2026\u201d warned Roy Coffee.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYou understand me?\u201d asked Ben, ignoring the sheriff.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Seeing the look on Ben\u2019s face and hearing his voice, Cal shivered a bit. He had no doubt the gray-haired man meant what he said. Then Cal\u2019s natural bravado took over. \u201cSure,\u201d he said grinning at Ben. \u201cI hear you.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cJust remember what I said,\u201d Ben continued in a flat voice. The lack of emotion in Ben\u2019s voice made it clear that his threat was not an idle one.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI said I heard you,\u201d Cal spat out angrily. He wasn\u2019t about to let the men in the street see any fear. He grabbed Hoss\u2019 arm and spun the big man toward him. Cal turned and began walking back to the bank. He pulled Hoss after him, keeping his gun in Hoss\u2019 stomach and making sure Hoss shielded him. The two walked a few steps toward the bank. Then Hoss stopped. He looked over his shoulder toward the two men standing in the street. \u201cDon\u2019t worry, Pa,\u201d said Hoss. \u201cI\u2019ll look after Joe.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben and Roy stood in the middle of the street, watching until Cal pulled Hoss into the bank and the door was shut behind them. Then they turned and hurried back to the water trough.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam was waiting anxiously for the two men. \u201cWhat did they say?\u201d he demanded. \u201cAnd how did Hoss get in there?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Quickly, Ben told his oldest son what had been said on the street. Adam winced as Ben repeated Hoss\u2019 comment about Joe being pistol whipped. As he finished, his account of the conversation, Ben turned to Roy. \u201cYou didn\u2019t mean what you said about rushing the bank, did you?\u201d asked Ben with concern. \u201cThey\u2019ll kill the hostages for sure if we do.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNo, I didn\u2019t mean it,\u201d Roy reassured his friend. \u201cBut it\u2019s the best way I could think of to try to keep the hostages alive until we figure out what to do.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYou can\u2019t seriously be thinking of giving them a wagon,\u201d said Adam in an alarmed tone. \u201cThey\u2019ll kill the hostages as soon as they figure they\u2019re safe.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI know that, Adam,\u201d agreed Roy. \u201cBut I had to find out what was going on and what they wanted. Now we know. We have until 5:00 to figure out some way of getting Hoss and Joe and the others out of there.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAny ideas?\u201d asked Ben.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Looking glum, Roy shook his head. \u201cNot a one, Ben,\u201d he said sadly.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

Inside the bank, Cal also was reporting on what happened in the street. \u201cWent just like I said it would,\u201d boasted the robber to the other three gang members gathered around him. Hoss stood a few feet away, a look of disgust on his face.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThey\u2019re going to give us the wagon?\u201d said Frank in surprise.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThey will,\u201d replied Cal confidently. \u201cYou wait and see. There\u2019ll be a wagon loaded with supplies and the gold in front of the bank by 5:00.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI still don\u2019t like the idea of a wagon,\u201d complained Ed. \u201cWhy don\u2019t we just get some horses. It\u2019ll be faster that way.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI explained it to you, knucklehead,\u201d replied Cal in exasperation. \u201cOn horses, they could pick us off. With us in the middle of the wagon and them all around us, they won\u2019t be able to get to us.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYeah, but what are we going to do with them once we\u2019re out of town?\u201d asked Ed in whining voice. \u201cAnd how are we going to get to Mexico?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cOnce we get away, we\u2019ll dump the wagon and buy some horses,\u201d answered Cal, his voice reflecting his irritation. \u201cWe\u2019ll have plenty of money. As for them, we\u2019ll dump them too.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAlive?\u201d asked Frank in a laconic voice.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhat do you think?\u201d replied Cal, with an evil smile. He turned to Ed. \u201cGet back there and watch them. I don\u2019t want to take any chances now.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAw, they ain\u2019t going to cause any trouble,\u201d replied Ed. He grinned. \u201cThey\u2019re too scared. And the kid is still out cold.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWell, you watch them anyway,\u201d ordered Cal.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Walking cautiously, Hoss started to the back of the bank.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHey, where you going, big man?\u201d demanded Cal as he saw Hoss moving toward the back.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m going to check on my brother,\u201d replied Hoss, continuing to walk.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYou go sit with them others,\u201d said Cal, gesturing with his gun.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Stopping, Hoss turned to Cal, the anger evident on his face. \u201cI\u2019m checking on my brother,\u201d said Hoss in a stubborn voice. \u201cYou remember what my Pa and the sheriff said out there in the street? Anything happens to him or to anyone else in here, you ain\u2019t going to get out of here alive.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

A shiver ran up Cal\u2019s spine as he remembered the look on Ben\u2019s face. \u201cWell, all right,\u201d he said in a reluctant voice. \u201cCheck on the kid and then go sit down with the others.\u201d Cal lifted his gun. \u201cAnd don\u2019t try anything. I\u2019m willing to take my chances and shoot anyone who gives us trouble.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Nodding his understanding, Hoss hurried over to Joe and knelt next to his brother.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

At first, Hoss thought Joe was laying in the same position as before. But as he bent over his brother, Hoss noticed Joe\u2019s arms seemed to be stretched out further and his legs looked spread a little wider. Hoss hoped he wasn\u2019t imagining things. If Joe had moved even a little bit, it was a good sign.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Gently removing the bloody cloth from the side of Joe\u2019s face, Hoss checked the cuts and bruises. The bleeding had slowed to a trickle. Hoss could see where the blood had dried and matted Joe\u2019s hair. But the skin around the cuts and on the side of Joe\u2019s head was swelling, and Hoss could see the purple and black marks forming through the rusty streams of dried blood. Joe\u2019s face looked pale, and a fine sheen of sweat had formed on the uninjured portion of his face. And Joe\u2019s eyes remained closed.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Deciding the cuts were closing, Hoss threw the bloody cloth aside. He put his hand on the top of Joe\u2019s head and shook his brother gently. \u201cJoe,\u201d said Hoss, trying to keep the worry out of his voice, \u201ccan you hear me, boy? Wake up, Joe. Please, Joe, open your eyes for me.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe laid still, giving no indication he had heard his brother.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Hoss began to stroke Joe\u2019s head, and his pleas began more urgent. He no longer tried to keep the anxiety out of his voice. \u201cJoe, wake up,\u201d said Hoss. \u201cYou got to wake up, Joe. Please, you have to open them eyes.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Once more, it seemed Hoss\u2019 efforts were in vain. Joe continued to lay still, showing no reaction to Hoss\u2019 voice. Hoss continued to stroke Joe\u2019s head and say his brother\u2019s name, hoping that something would get through to him.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Suddenly, Joe\u2019s eyes snapped open. He stared into Hoss\u2019 face for a few seconds, and his lips twitched as if he were trying to smile. Then Joe firmly closed his eyes again.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Startled, Hoss froze for a minute, almost wondering if he had imagined Joe\u2019s eyes opening. But Hoss knew what he saw. He knew his brother was conscious. Joe just didn\u2019t want anyone else to know.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Quickly, Hoss resumed stroking Joe\u2019s head and calling his brother\u2019s name. He tried to keep the urgency in his voice, although it was difficult. Hoss felt more like cheering. But he knew he had to keep up the pretense. Joe wanted everyone to think he was still unconscious. Hoss wasn\u2019t exactly sure why Joe was playing possum, but he wouldn\u2019t give his brother away.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s enough,\u201d said a voice over Hoss\u2019 shoulder. Hoss turned quickly, and saw Ed standing a few feet away. Hoss chewed on his lip, wondering if the robber had seen Joe open his eyes.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYou ain\u2019t gonna wake him up,\u201d continued Ed. \u201cSo get over here with the rest of them, where I can keep an eye on you.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Relieved that the gunman didn\u2019t know Joe was conscious, Hoss did his best to keep up the pretense. He patted Joe on the head lightly. \u201cEverything is going to be all right, Joe,\u201d said Hoss in a soothing voice. He glanced over his shoulder, then added, \u201cYou just do whatever you need to do. I\u2019ll be here to help you.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Hoping Joe understood his meaning, Hoss pulled himself to his feet. He looked at the figure on the floor for a minute, but Joe laid as still and unmoving as before. Hoss slowly walked away from his brother toward the back of the building. As he sat down next to the other three hostages, Hoss looked at the man standing with the gun. Then his gaze turned resolutely toward the figure on the floor.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYou must have some idea of how to get them out of there,\u201d said Ben in an insistent voice to Roy Coffee. Crouched behind the water trough with the sheriff and Adam, Ben\u2019s fists were clenched tightly, reflecting his tension.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWell, we could starve them out, I suppose,\u201d replied Roy in a tentative voice.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s no good,\u201d Ben said, shaking his head. \u201cThat could take a couple of days. The longer they\u2019re in there, the more likely they are to harm the hostages.\u201d A look of distress cross Ben\u2019s face. \u201cBesides, you heard Hoss. Joe\u2019s hurt. I don\u2019t know how bad. He may not have a couple days.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Nodding, Roy looked off for a few minutes. He was trying desperately to come up with a plan but none of the ideas that flickered through his mind seemed practical \u2013 or safe for the hostages. \u201cBen, I just don\u2019t know what to do,\u201d admitted Roy.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhat if we gave them the wagon?\u201d suggested Ben.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYou can\u2019t be serious!\u201d replied Roy in astonishment. \u201cThey\u2019ll kill those hostages, Ben. Soon as they think they\u2019re safe, those bank robbers won\u2019t want to be slowed down. And they won\u2019t want any witnesses.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhat I meant is we make it look like we\u2019re giving them the wagon,\u201d explained Ben. \u201cWe could have a couple of men hidden in the wagon. When those outlaws come out of the bank, the men in the wagon could pick them off.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Roy thought about Ben\u2019s idea for a minute, then shook his head. \u201cI don\u2019t know, Ben,\u201d he said doubtfully. \u201cThat\u2019s pretty tricky. Those bank robbers could spot the men in the wagon. And even if they didn\u2019t, once the shooting starts, there\u2019s no telling who\u2019s liable to get hurt.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWell, then you come up with something!\u201d said Ben angrily. As soon as the words were out, Ben looked down. \u201cI\u2019m sorry, Roy,\u201d he said in a voice full of regret. \u201cI didn\u2019t mean that. It\u2019s just that I\u2019m so worried about Hoss and Joe.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI know, Ben, I know,\u201d Roy said in a soothing voice, indicating he hadn\u2019t taken Ben\u2019s outburst seriously. \u201cI\u2019m as worried about those boys as you are.\u201d Roy put his hand on Ben\u2019s arm. \u201cBut we have to do this right. I don\u2019t want to do anything that make get someone hurt \u2013 especially Hoss and Joe.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhy don\u2019t we smoke them out?\u201d suggested a voice over Ben\u2019s shoulder.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Turning, Ben looked at Adam almost in surprise. His oldest son had been so quiet during the discussion that Ben had almost forgotten he was there. But now, looking at the thoughtful expression on Adam\u2019s face, Ben realized his son had been thinking about a rescue plan all the time. He looked at Adam, interest building on his face. Ben knew thinking was one of the things Adam did best. \u201cWhat do you have in mind, son?\u201d asked Ben.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWe could set fire to some oily rags just outside the front door and windows,\u201d explained Adam. \u201cIt would take very long for that thick smoke to drift into the bank. Those outlaws wouldn\u2019t be able to stand it for very long. They\u2019d have to come out.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cBut they might bring the hostages with them,\u201d said Ben.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI thought of that,\u201d replied Adam. \u201cWe\u2019d have some men waiting by the door. Even if they brought the hostages with them, we could grab the robbers as they left the building. The smoke would give us cover. They\u2019d never see us until we were right on top of them.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cIt could work,\u201d said Roy, nodding his agreement.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhat if they start shooting the hostages before they come out?\u201d Ben pushed at Adam\u2019s idea. He like it, but he wanted to be sure they thought of all the possible consequences.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThey might,\u201d Adam admitted. \u201cBut the smoke would give the hostages at least some cover. Right now, they\u2019re sitting ducks. Those robbers might not be able to see them if the smoke is thick enough.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Nodding, Ben didn\u2019t say anything for a minute. He knew Adam\u2019s idea was the best one proposed yet, but there was still one aspect that bothered him. \u201cWhat about Joe?\u201d Ben finally said in a soft voice. \u201cHoss said he\u2019s hurt. That smoke won\u2019t help him any.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

A pained expression crossed Adam\u2019s face. \u201cI know,\u201d he said. His face cleared as he continued. \u201cBut you and I both know Hoss is doing his best to take care of Joe. If he\u2019s really in bad shape, Hoss has him laying on the floor. The smoke will rise. The air on the floor will be much easier for someone to breathe.\u201d Adam moved closer to his father and the sheriff. \u201cAt least it gives them a chance. Right now, they can\u2019t do anything to help themselves.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

Joe\u2019s hand moved a fraction of an inch, a movement so slight that anyone watching couldn\u2019t be sure he had even moved it at all. At least, that\u2019s what Joe hoped. He waited a minute, listening hard for anything that indicated someone had seen him move. He didn\u2019t dare open his eyes or give any other indication he was awake. His only hope was the element of surprise.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

As he waited and listened, Joe tried to concentrate. His head throbbed, and his thinking was fuzzy. The side of his face hurt like the devil, and he could still feel a small trickle of blood oozing over his closed eyelid. He was trying desperately to stay awake. He kept pushing back the edges of the darkness he could almost feel around his brain, a darkness he knew would engulf him if he gave into it.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

When Joe had first awaken, no one had seemed to hear his soft groans or notice him moving. Everyone had been distracted by something which seemed to be going on outside the bank. Joe had heard the muffled sound of voices shouting at the building. He had opened his eyes only a bit, just enough to see that three of the outlaws where huddled near the front of the building. He had turned his head enough to able to spot the fourth man, standing only a few feet away with a gun in his hand. That\u2019s when Joe decided to let them think he was still unconscious. He had quickly closed his eyes and laid still.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

It had taken Joe a long time to work out what to do next. For one thing, his head hurt so bad that he couldn\u2019t really think. He had concentrated on trying to deal with the pain, as well as keeping the nausea that was churning in his stomach from erupting and giving him away. When he finally cleared his head enough to try to form a plan, Joe had no idea what to do to help himself and the others. A vague idea had come to him finally, but even now, he wasn\u2019t sure exactly how it should work.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Hearing the same creaking of boards and shuffling of feet that he had noted for the last few minutes, Joe moved his hand slightly again.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m tired of sitting around awaiting,\u201d complained a voice from the front of the bank. Joe froze, not daring to move. He listened hard to the voices.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWell, if you want to go outside, go ahead,\u201d another voice answered almost casually. \u201cWe\u2019ll be happy to spend your share of the money.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhy don\u2019t we just take what we have and get out of here,\u201d suggested the same voice.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cBecause I want that gold,\u201d answered the second voice with a tinge of anger. \u201cNow just sit down and shut up.\u201d<\/p>\n

Listening hard, Joe tried to figure out where everyone was. He knew a couple of the men were in the front, and he figured one was still a few feet away from him. He could hear the man shuffling his feet. Joe wondered where Hoss and the others were.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYou boys don\u2019t really think you\u2019re going to get away with this,\u201d called Hoss from the back of the bank. \u201cThe four of us sitting back here ain\u2019t gonna be enough to stop them fellows outside from catching you. You three fellows up there and the one back here ain\u2019t gonna be able to take on this whole town.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe almost smiled but quickly moved to keep his face impassive. Good old Hoss, he thought. He was telling Joe exactly where everyone was. Hoss had no idea what Joe was planning to do, but he was trying to help. The only problem was, Joe really didn\u2019t have a clear idea about what he was going to do either. But he knew he had to try something.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Once more, Joe moved his hand slightly, then stopped again to listen. With each movement, his hand was getting closer to the credenza. And under the credenza was the gun that everyone except Joe seemed to have forgotten about.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

Eight men moved as quietly as possible to the back of the bank. It had taken them quite awhile to get to the bank. They had left their hiding places one at time, just as Roy Coffee had told them to do. They had moved slowly and cautiously, trying not to alert the outlaws that there was any movement on the street. Five of the men had waited patiently at the end of the street, out of view of the bank, for close to ten minutes. Ben, Adam and Roy had finally joined them, their hands full of oily rags. The group had made their way through the back alleys of Virginia City until they had reached the back of the bank.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cRemember what we said,\u201d Roy Coffee told the men in a loud whisper. \u201cNo shooting unless you absolutely have to. Our aim is to get everyone out of there in one piece. Just grab whoever comes through the door. We\u2019ll sort out later who is who.\u201d The men around the sheriff nodded their agreement. Then each of them wrapped a bandanna around their nose and mouth.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Sheriff Coffee waited until all the men were ready, then gave a short nod to Ben. Roy and Ben plus two others grabbed half the rags and moved around to the left side of the bank. Adam took the rest of the rags and the men to the right side of the bank. Both groups crouched low against the side of the building.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben and Adam were in the front of their respective crew of men. The two Cartwrights looked at each other across the wide porch in front of the bank. Then Ben nodded.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Using a match from his shirt pocket, Adam lit the pile of rags in his hands and threw the bunch of cloths onto the porch near the front door of the bank. Ben threw his flaming cloths under the broken front window. In only a few seconds, thick black smoke blanketed the front of the bank and began drifting into the building.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHey! What\u2019s that,\u201d shouted Wade as he saw the smoke billowing up in front of the window. He began to cough as the smoke drifted into the bank through the window. Wade took a few steps back from the window. His coughing increased.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThey\u2019re trying to burn down the building!\u201d yelled Ed in alarm as he rushed from the back of the bank.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNo!\u201d said Cal in a loud voice. He inhaled some smoke and responded with a hacking cough. \u201cThey\u2019re trying to smoke us out,\u201d continued Cal as he struggled to breathe.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThey\u2019re doing a good job of it,\u201d replied Frank. He had a bandanna wrapped around his mouth, but his eyes were red and watery. \u201cThat stuff burns.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cLet\u2019s get out of here,\u201d said Ed in a panicky voice. He began to cough and choke on the smoke.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNo, wait!\u201d cried Cal. He tried to say more but a series of coughs cut him off.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI ain\u2019t waiting,\u201d said Ed. He pulled open the door. \u201cI\u2019m coming out,\u201d he shouted. \u201cDon\u2019t shoot!\u201d He holstered his gun and put his hands in the air. As soon as Ed was outside the door, a pair of hands grabbed him and pulled him aside.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The black smoke seemed to thicken as it continued to pour into the bank. All three outlaws were coughing and gasping for breath. \u201cI\u2019m going too,\u201d said Frank. Without waiting for an answer from his partners, he dropped his rifle and put his hands in the air. As Frank stepped out the door, he also was grabbed and pulled aside.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Wade didn\u2019t bother to say anything. In fact he was coughing so hard, he couldn\u2019t have spoken. He simply dropped his shotgun and put his hands in the air. As he walked through the door, he could hear Cal yelling \u201cDon\u2019t do it!\u201d Wade ignored the shouts. All he wanted was some air to breathe, and if that air was in the Virginia City jail, he would take it. Wade too was grabbed as he walked through the door.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

In a rage, Cal turned and ran toward the back of the bank. He stopped in surprise after about ten steps. Even through the thick smoke, he could tell the hostages were gone.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHow many of your gang are still in there?\u201d Roy Coffee demanded of the outlaws who came out of the bank.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cOne,\u201d gasped Wade. He was on the ground about 10 feet from the bank, sucking in lungs full of clean air. The other two bank robbers were sitting a few feet away. All were surrounded by men with guns pointed at them.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhat about the hostages?\u201d asked Roy.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t know,\u201d said Wade. He took a deep breath. \u201cDidn\u2019t look.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cOne left!\u201d shouted Roy as turned back to the bank. He could see Adam and Ben crouched near the door, guns drawn. The rags were beginning to burn into ashes and the smoke was beginning to thin. Roy rushed back to the bank, keeping low until he was crouched next to Adam. \u201cGive it another minute,\u201d Roy advised in a loud voice.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cOne minute,\u201d agreed Ben grimly, his voice muffled through the cloth around his face. \u201cThen I\u2019m going in and getting my sons.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

As soon as the smoke had begun to drift into the bank, Hoss realized what was happening, that the men outside were trying to smoke the robbers out of the bank. He wasn\u2019t sure how the outlaws would react, but he recognized he and the other men at the back of the bank had to move quickly to take advantage of the confusion.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhat\u2019s happening?\u201d asked Billy in a trembling voice as he saw the smoke.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ignoring the question, Hoss turned to the other three men. \u201cQuick,\u201d he hissed at them. \u201cGet behind the teller\u2019s cage. Keep low and get out of sight.\u201d Wilson nodded his understanding and crawled quickly toward the cage. The other two men followed him.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

As he got to his feet, Hoss looked to the area where Joe had been laying. He was astonished to see it empty. He peered through the smoke, trying to spot his brother. He finally saw the figure curled into a ball near the end of the credenza. Despite the seriousness of the situation, Hoss smiled. That little brother of mine sure knows how to take care of himself, thought Hoss proudly.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Hoss had taken only a step toward Joe when he saw Cal whirling around toward the back of the bank. He could see the outlaw had his gun ready. Hoss hesitated a moment, realizing he needed cover. He spun around and dove toward the end of the teller\u2019s cage.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Hearing the roar of frustration from Cal as the man realized his hostages were gone, Hoss pulled himself into a crouch at the end of the teller\u2019s cage. He watched Cal, ready to spring at the man if he turned in Joe\u2019s direction. Hoss heard some movement behind him, and glanced over his shoulder. He nodded in satisfaction as he saw Wilson leading the other two men to the door of the bank. Then Hoss turned back to watch Cal.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The robber walked toward the back of the bank, gun poised and head swiveling as he looked for his hostages. Hoss saw him turn toward the credenza. Hoss stood and the movement attracted Cal\u2019s attention.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Hoss\u2019 bulk often stood him in good stead, but this time, his size made him slow. He didn\u2019t have the cat-like quickness of his little brother. As Hoss took a step toward Cal, the outlaw turned the gun on him. Hoss froze.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cDamn you, Cartwright!\u201d shouted Cal. \u201cThis is all your fault. You and that Pa of yours. Well, you\u2019re going to pay for it. He\u2019s going to get his precious sons, but he\u2019s going to get them dead.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t be a fool,\u201d said Hoss. \u201cYou pull that trigger and you\u2019ll hang. Going to prison for bank robbery ain\u2019t fun, but it\u2019s a sure sight better than hanging.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cIf they get me, I\u2019m going to hang,\u201d snarled Cal as he cocked his gun. \u201cI\u2019m already wanted for murder. Another one ain\u2019t going to make any difference. You\u2019re going to die, Cartwright. First you, then that big-mouth brother of yours.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Curled in a ball to protect himself from the smoke, Joe heard Cal\u2019s threats. He rolled onto his back, the gun he had grabbed from under the credenza in his hand. As he lifted it to shoot, Joe felt a wave of dizziness. He wasn\u2019t sure if it was the smoke or the crack on the head that caused it, but he didn\u2019t care. The room around Joe began to spin.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Knowing he couldn\u2019t wait for the dizziness to pass, Joe pointed the gun in the general direction Cal and his brother. His vision was blurred and he couldn\u2019t seem to keep the gun steady. Joe decided all he could do was shoot in the general direction of the outlaw. At the very least, the noise would distract the man enough for Hoss to jump him. And if Joe got lucky, he might actually hit the man.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe tightened his finger on the trigger, surprised as how hard it was to pull. His fingers felt weak and useless, and the gun was heavy in his hand. He put both hands around the gun, and tried again to pull the trigger.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cGoodbye, Cartwright. I wish I could say it was fun, but it wasn\u2019t,\u201d said Cal.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

As soon as they heard the shot from inside the bank, Adam and Ben looked at each other, eyes wide with fear. Neither man waited. They both sprang to their feet and ran into the bank.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The smoke inside the building was still thick and, for a minute, neither Cartwright could see a thing. Then they saw something moving toward them through the smoke. Ben and Adam both lifted their guns, preparing to fire.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Suddenly, the smoke seemed to part and the figure came into view. Hoss was walking toward his father and brother, his face and clothes smudged with an oily soot. Hoss had Joe\u2019s right arm wrapped around his neck and his massive hand was wrapped around Joe\u2019s body, just under his brother\u2019s left arm. The side of Joe\u2019s face was covered with dried blood, and the oily soot stained his face and clothes. Hoss was walking slowly, helping his injured brother who was shuffling along on rubbery legs.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHoss! Joe!\u201d cried Ben as he rushed forward to help his sons.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHi Pa,\u201d said Hoss almost cheerfully. \u201cI think Joe could use a little help.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Putting his arms around both his sons as best he could, Ben crushed his body against Hoss and Joe. He needed to feel the warmth of both his sons, to reassure himself that he wasn\u2019t imagining things. The hug lasted only a instant. Then Ben slipped Joe\u2019s left arm around his shoulders.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Looking anxiously at his youngest son, Ben could see the cuts and bruises on the side of Joe\u2019s face. But he could also see his son\u2019s eyes were open, and a shaky grin was spread across Joe\u2019s face. \u201cI didn\u2019t get the bank draft,\u201d said Joe in a thick voice.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cLet\u2019s get you to the doctor,\u201d Ben ordered, shifting his son\u2019s weight on his shoulders.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

As Ben and Hoss started forward, carrying Joe between them, Adam watched them, the relief evident on his face. Then he frowned. \u201cWhere\u2019s the last outlaw?\u201d he asked anxiously, turning to look toward the back of the building.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cDead,\u201d said Hoss as he passed his brother. \u201cJoe shot him squared in the back.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNothing wrong with him that a few days in bed and a week or two of taking it easy won\u2019t cure,\u201d said Doctor Martin as he finished tying the white bandage wrapped around Joe\u2019s head. \u201cMild concussion, cuts and bruises, and some loss of blood is about the extent of it. He\u2019ll have a whale of a headache for a day or two, and maybe some dizziness. But both should pass soon.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Sitting on the examining table in the doctor\u2019s office, Joe waited impatiently for Martin to finish. The soot had been cleaned from his face, but his clothes were stilled stained and smelled of smoke. He couldn\u2019t wait to get out of those clothes. He also couldn\u2019t wait to lay down and take a nap, although he would never admit it. Joe felt tired, and dirty, and a bit dizzy. His head ached, too. He wished the doctor hadn\u2019t been so accurate about how he was going to feel.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cGood thing he\u2019s got a hard head,\u201d said Adam in a dry voice. He was leaning against the wall across from the table, arms folded. His posture made Adam look relaxed, but there was an anxious look about his eyes.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI always said he was hard headed,\u201d agreed Hoss. He was standing next to Adam. His face also had been washed, but his clothes were still covered with soot. The grin on Hoss\u2019 face was proof of his belief in the doctor\u2019s words that Joe would be fine.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Standing next to the doctor, Ben smiled briefly at his son\u2019s jibes. He was relieved by the doctor\u2019s pronouncement that Joe was going to be all right, and he knew that Adam and Hoss\u2019 wry comments were a sign of their relief also. Despite his sense of relief, Ben continued to peer anxiously at Joe. His son looked unnaturally pale, and Ben could see the droop in his eyelids. \u201cShould we take him home?\u201d Ben asked anxiously.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Stepping back from the table, Doctor Martin considered the question before answering. \u201cI\u2019d get Joe a room at the hotel until tomorrow,\u201d advised the doctor. \u201cLet him sleep until morning. Then he can ride home in a wagon.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m all right,\u201d said Joe, but even to his ears, his protest sounded feeble. He closed his eyes for a minute, hoping that the room wouldn\u2019t be spinning quite so much when he opened them again. \u201cI can make it home now,\u201d Joe added as he opened his eyes. He was happy to see the room was no longer dancing around him.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ignoring Joe, Ben turned to Adam. \u201cGet us some rooms at the hotel,\u201d said Ben. Adam nodded and left the room.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cPa, you don\u2019t need\u2026\u201d started Joe.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t need to do anything but get you to bed,\u201d interrupted Ben sternly. Then his face soften. \u201cYou were lucky, Joe, very lucky.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAnd I was lucky you were there, little brother,\u201d added Hoss in a earnest voice. \u201cYou save my life twice.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWell, I couldn\u2019t just let them shoot you,\u201d Joe said with a grin on his face. \u201cI\u2019d get stuck doing all your chores.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019d say you were all lucky,\u201d commented Doctor Martin. He turned to Ben. \u201cSay, did the gold arrive?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYes, it did,\u201d said Ben. \u201cWilson gave it to Roy Coffee to keep until the bank is put back in order. Right now, the gold is sitting in Roy\u2019s safe about five feet from the men who tried to steal it.\u201d Ben shook his head at the irony of the situation.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHey, Joe, did you know Mr. Wilson is going to give you a reward?\u201d asked Hoss. \u201cHe said he owed you something for what you did to try to stop them bank robbers.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHe did?\u201d replied Joe, his face brightening. \u201cHow much?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t know,\u201d said Hoss, with a grin. \u201cBut he did say he was going to let his daughter present it to you.\u201d Hoss gave Joe a sly look. \u201cI hear Sarah is real grateful to you for saving her Pa.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cShe is?\u201d Joe said, his face growing thoughtful. A grin spread across Joe\u2019s face as he pictured Sarah expressing her gratitude. He looked at his father. \u201cYou know what Pa, this really is my lucky day.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Looking at his sons, Ben didn\u2019t answer for a minute. Joe\u2019s head was wrapped by a wide bandage, and the bruises on his face were visible around the edges. Both Hoss\u2019 and Joe\u2019s clothes were badly stained with soot, and neither one of them had managed to get all the oily dirt off their hands. But both were upright and smiling. Both of his sons had been given back to him.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNo, Joseph,\u201d said Ben slowly. \u201cThe luck is all mine. Right now, I feel like the luckiest man on earth.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

<\/div>\n

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

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

Summary:\u00a0 It’s a bad day to run a bank errand for Pa.<\/p>\n

Rating:\u00a0 T\u00a0\u00a0 (12,650 words)<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":10338,"featured_media":9860,"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_feature_clip_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":"","jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false},"categories":[23],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-13951","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-drama","wpcat-23-id"],"a3_pvc":{"activated":true,"total_views":1623,"today_views":0},"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/10\/feature-4.jpg?fit=387%2C387&ssl=1","jetpack_likes_enabled":true,"jetpack-related-posts":[{"id":14457,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=14457","url_meta":{"origin":13951,"position":0},"title":"Short Trip Home (by Arien)","author":"Arien","date":"July 23, 2017","format":false,"excerpt":"Summary: What could possibly happen to the Cartwright boys between home and Virginia City? 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