{"id":14058,"date":"2003-01-21T21:27:03","date_gmt":"2003-01-22T02:27:03","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=14058"},"modified":"2025-02-27T12:06:58","modified_gmt":"2025-02-27T17:06:58","slug":"more-than-money-by-diana-g","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=14058","title":{"rendered":"More Than Money (by Diana G)"},"content":{"rendered":"

Summary:\u00a0 <\/strong>\u00a0 Adam is determined to protect the payroll, but loses something more precious.<\/p>\n

Rating:\u00a0 T\u00a0 (33,500 words)<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

More than Money<\/strong><\/p>\n

\u201cSo, little brother\u2019s courting, huh?\u201d Adam said, glancing up from his breakfast, his intense brown eyes looking at eighteen-year-old Joe, whose cheeks were reddening at his eldest brother\u2019s mocking tone.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNo,\u201d retorted Joe, \u201cI\u2019m going calling on Victoria Maclaren. That doesn\u2019t mean I\u2019m courting her.\u201d Joe\u2019s hazel eyes sparkled with emerald green tints, as they always did when he was riled.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWell that sounds like courtin\u2019 to me,\u201d Ben Cartwright\u2019s middle son, Hoss, opined grinning.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cMaybe our baby brother doesn\u2019t quite understand what courting a girl involves,\u201d Adam spoke with all the authority of his thirty years, and then he leaned his elbows on the table as he looked at Hoss and winked. He turned to his father, who sat opposite him across the expanse of red and white chequered cloth, at the head of the table. \u201cPa, I think that you may have left a rather large gap in your youngest son\u2019s social education.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben looked round the table at his boys; three sons given to him as a precious legacy from three, very different, wives. Joe\u2019s good looks reflected the fact that laughter lay hidden just below the surface, and girls loved him on sight. Adam was darkly handsome with a quiet demeanor that women found fascinating. Hoss, while not as obviously attractive as his brothers, had charmed his fair share of women, who were beguiled by his gentle, caring nature and honest, simple love. Ben smiled; he was used to the teasing that they would hand out to each other any time one of them showed interest in a girl, and knew it was good hearted. \u201cOh, I think Joseph knows what he\u2019s doing.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam shook his raven-haired head. \u201cI don\u2019t think so. I heard him in the kitchen, asking Hop Sing to prepare a hamper,\u201d Adam explained. \u201cNow, I\u2019ve never heard him ask for a hamper just to go and mend fences. Of course, I could be wrong,\u201d Adam\u2019s tone said that he knew he wasn\u2019t, \u201cbut I think he\u2019s planning a picnic, and that\u2019s no fun unless you\u2019re with someone.\u201d He raised his eyebrows as he glanced at Joe. \u201cSo I assume he\u2019s going with Victoria; and he wants us to believe that he\u2019s not courting her?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThat right, Joe? You plannin\u2019 a picnic?\u201d asked Hoss, \u201cThat\u2019s a mighty serious thing to be doin\u2019 with a gal you got no interest in. The two of you, alone in the forest, who knows what might happen?\u201d Hoss spoke dramatically. \u201cS\u2019pose a bear attacks you?\u201d Hoss was, by a few inches and many muscular pounds, the biggest of the brothers and as strong as a bear himself. So when his voice went up several octaves and he clasped his hands in front of his chest, taking on the role of the threatened girl, Ben had to hide his broad grin behind his napkin. \u201cOh, Joe, help me, help me, the bear\u2019s gonna get me,\u201d Hoss pleaded, his blue eyes opening wide in mock horror.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam joined in, moving to stand protectively beside Hoss and putting a hand on his brother\u2019s strong shoulder as he took Joe\u2019s part in the drama, his voice taking on heroic overtones. \u201cThat\u2019s all right, Ma\u2019am, Joe Cartwright\u2019s here to save ya.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Hoss responded, \u201cBut Joe, it\u2019s so big!\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYes, Ma\u2019am. But no bear\u2019s gonna get ya while I\u2019m with ya. Just stand behind me and you\u2019ll be safe.\u201d Adam was laughing as he resumed his seat. \u201cShe will be safe with you, won\u2019t she?\u201d Adam raised a finger, and an eyebrow, \u201cAh yes, of course she will, you\u2019re not courting her, are you?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe\u2019s face was smiling, but his tone said he was less than pleased. \u201cOK, maybe I am sparkin\u2019 her.\u201d He appealed to his father. \u201cBut I just want to do it without any help from these two.\u201d He jerked his thumb roughly in the direction of his brothers.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam held up his hands in surrender. \u201cHeaven forbid that we should help you. But just remember what you said, when her father comes after you with a shotgun.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYeah,\u201d said Hoss, finishing a mouthful of pancake and nodding in agreement, \u201cwe\u2019ll keep right outta your way and let him blow your head clean off.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam drained his coffee and wiped his mouth on his napkin before putting the cloth beside his plate. \u201cWell, while you\u2019re off enjoying yourself, I have to go into Virginia City.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben became serious as he thought of Adam\u2019s errand in town. \u201cYou\u2019re taking someone with you?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYeah Pa, don\u2019t worry. I\u2019ll be riding in with Chet.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cGood. That\u2019s a lot of money you\u2019ll be carrying.\u201d He looked hard at his eldest son. \u201cBut remember, it\u2019s only money, don\u2019t take any chances.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t worry, I won\u2019t.\u201d Adam rose, going to the sideboard by the front door to pick up his gun belt and hat. He took a step back towards the dining area. \u201cOh, and Joe, watch out for the bears.\u201d He ducked out the door as Joe balled up his napkin and threw it after him.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

Sheriff Coffee was hurrying along the sidewalk in pursuit of his quarry, who was approaching the door of the First Bank of Virginia City. As he neared, Roy Coffee stopped, took a breath, and called out.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAdam! Hey Adam, wait up.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam paused with his hand on the door handle of the Bank, then turned and waited. Roy took in the customary head to foot black clothing and the dark, somber gaze of Ben Cartwright\u2019s eldest son, and wondered what would be his reaction to the bad news he was about to hear.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam held out his hand to the elderly sheriff. \u201cMorning, Roy. What can I do for you?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cMore what I can do for you.\u201d Roy took Adam\u2019s hand and looked at him from under bushy eyebrows. \u201cThat right, you come into town with Chet Mason?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Wondering what interest the sheriff could have in Chet, Adam frowned, but he nodded. \u201cYeah. We\u2019re picking up the payroll this morning.\u201d He gestured over his shoulder. \u201cI was just going to meet him in the Bank.\u201d When they arrived in town, Adam had spoken to the teller to give him time to get the money ready, and he and Chet had each gone on separate errands in the meantime.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWell, I think you\u2019d better come over to Doc Martin\u2019s. Chet\u2019s there.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhy, what happened?\u201d Adam asked, falling in beside Roy as he turned and headed back up the street, towards the doctor\u2019s house at the end of town.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cChet\u2019s been beaten pretty bad. Two fellas found him behind the saloon.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cDid he say who did it?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHe ain\u2019t said much of anything yet.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThat bad, hn?\u201d Adam\u2019s footsteps quickened as he thought of the hand, who was also his friend, falling foul of thugs.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Roy\u2019s normal splay-footed amble turned into something closer to a run as he tried to keep up with the rancher\u2019s longer stride. \u201cCould be. He\u2019s got a broken arm and is cut up pretty bad, but Doc says he\u2019s worried about a head wound that looks serious.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

They reached the doctor\u2019s house, where Adam didn\u2019t knock, instead opening the door and hurrying inside, calling for his friend and physician, Paul Martin. The doctor came out of a side room, putting on his jacket and nodding a welcome as he saw his callers.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cGood morning Adam, sorry to have to get you here like this.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHow is he?\u201d asked Adam, peering over the shoulder of the short, stocky doctor, trying to see into the small room.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHe\u2019s woken up, but is still groggy.\u201d Paul turned to address the sheriff. \u201cHe can\u2019t remember a thing about the attack, he doesn\u2019t know how many there were, and can\u2019t tell us a reason for it.\u201d Paul beckoned to Roy and Adam, indicating to them that they should be quiet. They followed the doctor into the dimly lit room, where the windows had been covered to exclude the bright, morning sunlight.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

When he saw the damage done to Chet, Adam\u2019s face set hard and his eyes narrowed in anger. The burly forty-year-old was bruised about the face, a bandage swathed his head and his right arm was encased in a heavy plaster cast. Adam put a hand on Chet\u2019s uninjured arm and called his name quietly. One eyelid fluttered open, the other being too bruised and swollen to move, then closed again.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHi, Ad\u2019m,\u201d Chet mumbled, \u201csorry \u2018bout this.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam spoke quietly. \u201cDon\u2019t worry, just let the Doc take care of you, and as soon as he says it\u2019s OK, I\u2019ll send someone with the buckboard to bring you back to the ranch.\u201d Adam looked at Paul and raised an enquiring eyebrow.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The doctor scratched his chin in thought before he answered. \u201cGood idea. That head wound isn\u2019t as serious as I thought. The fact that he\u2019s come round so quickly is a good sign, but I don\u2019t think he\u2019s going to want to ride anywhere for a while. I\u2019d still like to keep an eye on him for twenty-four hours, so tomorrow should be fine.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Nodding in understanding, Adam turned again to Chet. \u201cDo as you\u2019re told and you\u2019ll soon be back to normal.\u201d Adam smiled. \u201cThough I\u2019m not sure that\u2019s anything to look forward to.\u201d Chet opened his eye once more and gave a weak grin. Adam patted his shoulder, \u201cI\u2019ll see you soon; don\u2019t worry about a thing.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Roy and Adam left the room when Paul indicated that he thought his patient should rest.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cRoy,\u201d said Adam, trying to contain his anger, \u201chave you any idea who did this?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The sheriff shook his head. \u201cNope. But I sure ain\u2019t happy to have them in my town, I\u2019ll tell you that. Mason\u2019s no weakling, but he looks like he got mown down by a herd of cows. Must\u2019ve taken several of \u2018em to do that to him. Maybe someone saw something, I\u2019ll ask around, see what I can turn up.\u201d The look on Roy\u2019s face said that he did not expect to have much luck, but he was not a man to give up easily. He waved over his shoulder as he made his way back to his office.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam walked away from the doctor\u2019s house thinking about Chet. As far as he knew, the man had no enemies who would go to such extremes, and he had no money on him to steal. Perhaps that was the answer; angered by finding no cash, the thugs had taken it out of Chet\u2019s hide. He was still pondering on the problem as he entered the Bank to be greeted by Billy Freeman, the young cashier, who looked up from counting out several piles of small bills.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHi, Mr. Cartwright, I\u2019ll be ready for you in just a minute. I\u2019m almost finished.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The rustle of bills and the chink of coins brought Adam\u2019s attention to the desk and he frowned; could the payroll money have anything to do with the attack on Chet? Usually the hands were paid in Ponderosa scrip; as good as money in Virginia City, and preventing the need for large sums of cash to be held at the ranch. But at this time of year many of the men would be leaving, no longer needed, and they wanted cash to take with them, their bonuses swelling the amount to be paid out. Was it possible that someone knew when it was due to be collected?<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam made a characteristically swift decision. \u201cI won\u2019t be taking the money today, Billy. Could you hold it for me until tomorrow?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhy sure, if that\u2019s what you want, but I thought\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYeah, so did I,\u201d Adam mused quietly.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Hearing the brief conversation, Ernest Brewster rose from his desk. \u201cIs there a problem, Adam? Because if so, I\u2019m sure that we can sort it out for you.\u201d The Cartwrights were the Bank\u2019s best customers and the manager wanted to forestall any trouble with them.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam shook the well manicured hand that was held out to him. \u201cNo, there\u2019s no problem, but I think it would be better if I come back tomorrow.\u201d Adam saw Brewster\u2019s raised eyebrows, so he explained. \u201cChet Mason came into town with me this morning. You know how my father likes two of us to collect such large sums?\u201d Brewster nodded and Adam continued. \u201cSomebody jumped him and he\u2019s over at the Doc\u2019s right now, with a broken arm and a busted head. I wonder if it\u2019s a coincidence that this happened just when he was supposed to help me take the payroll back to the ranch.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWell,\u201d said Brewster, frowning as he stuck a finger in his vest pocket and fiddled with the gold fob on the end of his watch chain, \u201cit\u2019s no secret that you\u2019re letting the hands go. But do you really think that anyone would go to so much trouble?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam nodded. \u201cThey might, if they thought it was worth it. They see me and Chet in town, going into the bank, and they add two and two and come up with five thousand dollars. Then they decide to lessen the odds a little.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI think you\u2019ve being over cautious, Adam. Your father needs that money\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYes, but not today. And I\u2019m sure that he would rather delay for a day, than lose it all. So if you would just let me have\u2026\u201d Adam paused as he thought of a reasonable amount, \u201c\u2026three hundred to take with me now, I\u2019ll call tomorrow for the rest.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Taking some bills from one of the piles, Billy handed them to Adam, who pushed them into his wallet and left the Bank, collecting his horse, Sport, from the hitching rail outside. He made his way over to Roy Coffee\u2019s office, to tell him of his suspicions, and then, after another visit to the doctor\u2019s house to check on Chet, he was ready to leave.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

He stopped for a moment, observing the ebb and flow of the morning traffic in the busy street and watching the people, wondering if any of those casual passers-by had been responsible for the vicious attack on Chet.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

As he stood, he was absently rubbing Sport\u2019s soft, silky nose. He looked into the trusting golden eyes of the horse that had been a present from his father, on his graduation from college, and his constant partner ever since. Adam had gentled and trained the tall sorrel himself and was proud of the fact that, although he had been broken to the saddle, the horse\u2019s spirit had never been conquered and he held his head high, as though he knew his place as the mount of the eldest son of the owner of the biggest spread in the territory. Sport was reluctant to allow any other on his back, the only exception being Joe, a natural horseman, who had the same understanding for the high spirited creature as his older brother.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWell, boy, guess we\u2019re gonna have to come back tomorrow.\u201d No one had ever heard Adam call his horse by name, and some wondered if the outwardly unsentimental rancher had bothered to give him one, but Adam used \u2018boy\u2019 to indicate a deeper feeling than a given name could, as one might use a nick-name for a friend. He mounted and rode off down the street, tipping his hat to Brewster, who was standing in the doorway of the Bank, a frown on his face as he watched Adam leave.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

What had started as a fine, crisp, fall morning was turning into a warm, dry day as Adam rode back across the Ponderosa. He was keeping an eye out for trouble; if the attack on Chet was a means to get hold of the payroll, then those responsible would be waiting for the opportunity to complete their plan, and Adam had purposely armed himself with a few hundred dollars, hoping they would be satisfied with that. He remembered the damage they had done to Chet, and he thought that he could well suffer the same fate if he had nothing to give them.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

As he traveled further towards his home with no sign of attack, Adam began to doubt his conviction about the threat to the payroll. He realized that he had been tensely waiting for something to happen only when his shoulders started to relax, and he could allow his mind to take in the surrounding pine forest without suspicion. The thickly growing trees that covered a large part of the ranch, and after which it had been named, reminded him that Joe was taking Victoria on a picnic, and would probably also be escorting her to the party to be held the following Saturday on the Ponderosa, to mark the end of the round-up and as a farewell to those who were leaving.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam thought of the young lady he was planning to have on his arm at that party, the beautiful, dark haired Melissa. He had called on her one afternoon, and taken tea with her and her mother, a widow who was confined to a wheelchair as the result of an accident five years before. Despite seeming a little apprehensive herself, no doubt because of her mother\u2019s presence, Melissa had done her best to ensure that Adam felt at ease, and she had jumped to her feet at the first sign that he needed anything; a cup of tea, or more cake. The attention had quite the opposite effect however, and had begun to make Adam edgy. For some reason, Melissa was trying just a bit too hard and he became wary of her. But he had decided to invite the young lady to the party, thinking that taking her away from her mother would show him the real woman behind the nervous fa\u00e7ade. He smiled to himself; if his brothers knew of his interest in the daughter of their new neighbor, he would have had to endure the kind of ribbing that he and Hoss had given Joe that morning. He sighed, they would know soon enough.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The next thing Adam knew, he was lying on the ground looking up at the sky through the branches of a ponderosa pine. His mind went blank for a moment, but before he had time to make sense of what he was seeing, a figure appeared above him, a gun in his hand and a sneer on his face. As Adam tried to focus on the man, he realized that his eyes weren\u2019t working properly; no one had three eyes, or two noses for that matter. He shut his eyes and shook his head, which was a mistake; a stabbing pain shot through his skull causing him to breathe in sharply. Adam slowly opened his eyes again, blinked several times, and was pleased when the face resolved itself into something more normal; one nose, two eyes. Then he registered the curly dark hair beneath a black hat, the slit of an unsmiling mouth in the narrow head, but looming larger than anything, the gun that was aimed at him.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam sat up slowly, remembering the weight that had fallen on his shoulders and had sent him crashing to the ground. The man standing in front of him took a step back, allowing Adam to see two other men. One, younger and fair-haired, was sitting on his horse and holding Sport\u2019s reins, while the third, Mexican judging by his jet black hair, swarthy complexion, and drooping moustache, was going through the saddle bags on Sport\u2019s back.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

After searching both sides, the Mexican looked up and shook his head. \u201cNada.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cOK, where is it?\u201d The question was directed at Adam by the man standing in front of him.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam pushed himself to his feet. \u201cWhere\u2019s what?\u201d he asked innocently, leaning over to brush dust from the knees of his trousers.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t play games with me, mister.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam straightened and paused for a moment. He squinted against the glare of the midday sun that shone in his eyes, and he realized that his hat was lying at the side of the trail. He made to pick it up, but stopped when he heard the sound of the gun\u2019s hammer being cocked.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The man was getting impatient. \u201cWe want your money, so just hand it over, now!\u201d Looking into the man\u2019s dark eyes, Adam shrugged, and moved his hand to reach into his back pocket. \u201cHold it right there.\u201d Adam stopped moving. \u201cGive me your gun, with your left hand.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam handed over his revolver, then continued to reach for his wallet, and held it out. The man took it and looked inside, then his malevolent eyes narrowed. \u201cWhere\u2019s the rest of it?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

A wry grin caught at the corners of Adam\u2019s mouth and he nodded to himself; he had been right. \u201cThat\u2019s all there is. If you\u2019re after the payroll, then I\u2019m afraid you wasted your time attacking Chet. You see, I\u2019m the suspicious kind, and it was just too much of a coincidence that he happened to get beaten up on the very day we were collecting that much cash.\u201d Adam pointed at his wallet. \u201cSo, you can either take what\u2019s there, or go without.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The Mexican stepped forwards. \u201cWe no go without; Brewster promised, it would be today.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The man holding the gun whirled angrily. \u201cShut up, Javier.\u201d He turned back to Adam, who kept his face expressionless, as though he had not heard the damning words.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHey, Glasby,\u201d said the man who was mounted, \u201clet\u2019s take the horse. Gotta be worth something.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam took a step forward. \u201cDon\u2019t\u2026\u201d He stopped, knowing that if they thought he wanted Sport, it would only make them more determined to deprive him of his horse. No, he had to find an argument they would understand. \u201cIf they catch you, what\u2019ll you get for stealing three hundred dollars? A year, maybe two. You take the horse, and you\u2019ll hang.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cBut then they gotta catch us; and this horse wouldn\u2019t be the first.\u201d The young man\u2019s high pitched laughter rang through the forest.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cKenny needs a new mount,\u201d observed Glasby. \u201cHis has had it, might as well help ourselves to this one.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam looked at Kenny\u2019s horse, an appaloosa, whose head was down and whose eyes were dull, and then he saw something that made him determined that these men would not have Sport; Kenny was wearing California spurs. While they were worn by many on the other side of the Sierras, Adam considered them brutal, with their characteristic large, spiked rowel that could tear into a horse\u2019s flanks and bring grudging obedience. Adam could see that the side of Kenny\u2019s horse was marked where he had used the spurs\u2019 persuasion freely, and he was determined that that would not happen to his faithful companion.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Something in Adam\u2019s gaze alerted Glasby. \u201cThis horse special?\u201d he asked curiously.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam forced his shoulders to relax. \u201cNo, just don\u2019t want to lose good stock.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Glasby shook his head slowly. \u201cI think there\u2019s more to it than that. You got lots of horses on that ranch of yours, but you don\u2019t want to part with this one.\u201d Adam remained silent, afraid that if he said any more they would guess how important Sport was to him. \u201cHe ain\u2019t a ranch horse, he\u2019s yours. That\u2019s it ain\u2019t it?\u201d Glasby said with certainty. \u201cOK Kenny, take him.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Kenny dismounted, stood beside Sport, and then he put his foot in the stirrup and pulled himself up into the saddle. Kenny was a little less than six feet tall, and carried spare flesh that made him ungainly and awkward in his movements. In no way did he resemble a natural horseman, and as soon as Sport felt the unfamiliar touch, he reared. Kenny kicked into the horse\u2019s flanks with his spurs, but Sport was unused to the touch of sharp metal in his sides, and he bucked and twisted, trying to rid himself of his tormentor.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Unable to stand by while the man treated his horse in such a way, Adam waited until Kenny\u2019s efforts to control the furious animal brought him near, and then, ignoring the threat from the weapon that was pointed at him, Adam leaped at the struggling rider, grabbing hold of him and dragging him from the saddle. Kenny fell to the ground, but Adam did not release his grip as he pinned the younger man beneath him and hit him square on the chin. Kenny went limp and Adam stood, pushing aside Javier, who was fighting to keep hold of Sport. But before he could catch the reins he felt his arms pinned to his sides, and he looked down to see that he was restrained by a lasso. He raised his hands to lift the loop over his shoulders, ready to confront the other men, but a sharp pull on the rope made him overbalance backwards. Adam got shakily to his knees, his head swimming from hitting the ground, but another pull on the rope had him flat on his back again. He gritted his teeth in anger while he struggled to rise, but Kenny, who had regained his senses but lost his temper, came to stand over him, breathing heavily.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYou attached to that horse?\u201d Kenny sneered. \u201cOK, if attached is what you feel, that\u2019s what you\u2019ll get.\u201d He gestured to Glasby, \u201cHold him,\u201d he instructed, and Glasby pulled on the rope every time Adam tried to rise, tightening the lasso, and ensuring that he could not escape. Kenny cut a short length off the rope that hung from his saddle, and then he and Glasby pinned their victim to the ground. Adam struggled against them, but soon his hands were tied and Kenny was removing the restraining rope from around Adam\u2019s shoulders. Pushing the lasso between his captive\u2019s bound wrists, Kenny passed the loose end through the loop and pulled it tight, effectively attaching Adam to the longer rope. Realizing what was going to happen when the men released him, Adam did not try to get to his feet; he knew he would not be on them for long.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The Mexican had managed to get a tight hold on Sport\u2019s reins, and Kenny went over to the horse and tied the end of the rope to the sorrel\u2019s saddle. He looked round at Glasby, who nodded in agreement.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYou should\u2019a let us have the money,\u201d Kenny said, standing over Adam, \u201cbut you thought you\u2019d be smart.\u201d Kenny shook his head, smiling. \u201cToo bad.\u201d He hit Sport\u2019s rump and shouted at him. The horse, already unsettled by the treatment he had received, took off into the forest at a gallop, dragging Adam behind him.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam\u2019s first thought was that his arms would be pulled from their sockets as the rope tightened, but then he concentrated on staying on his stomach, his head up, peering through eyelids that were almost shut in an attempt to protect his eyes from the dust and dirt that was being thrown up by the hooves of the speeding sorrel. He was not concerned so much with the stones and tree roots that littered the path and buffeted his chest and stomach, as he was with watching the very solid countryside that was rushing past him in the form of trees and rocks.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

As Sport turned to avoid a large boulder, Adam was sent spinning sideways out of control, and he groaned as he crashed into the sturdy trunk of a mature pine; his back taking the full impact of the blow. The pain clouded his mind for a second, but Sport was still running, and Adam quickly forced himself over onto his stomach; he had to keep watching or next time it could be to his head that hit something, and that might prove fatal. Adam was relieved when he saw that the trees were thinning, as the horse headed towards an open meadow covered with lush grass. But then his heart sank as he recognized the area; he knew that at the far side of the meadow was a branch of the Franktown River, shallow, wide, and rock strewn.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Glasby, Kenny and Javier had mounted and were following close behind, shouting and encouraging Sport to run, but they saw him slow as he approached the river. Adam also felt the change in pace and, although breathless from the constant battering of the ground against his ribs, he called to Sport to stop. The sorrel flicked his ears back at the familiar voice and would have halted, but Kenny was close behind, and as he heard Adam call out he pulled his gun and fired a single shot into the air. Sport took off again, into the water. He didn\u2019t run straight across because Glasby on one side, and Kenny on the other, herded him along the river.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

As the bow wave caused by his body threatened to drown him, Adam tried to raise himself up, but the rocks hammered at his chest and eventually he had to turn onto his back to allow himself to breathe. The men following behind, urging Sport on and laughing, watched Adam fighting for air in the water as he was dragged along behind the horse, unable to avoid the stunning blows to his head and body from rocks just below the surface. When they finally realized that the pummeling had rendered Adam unconscious and oblivious to what was happening, they allowed Sport to leave the river, but the rope caught around a bush, and the horse found it impossible to drag the dead weight behind him up the long, steep bank. He stopped, his head jerking nervously up and down, his flanks heaving.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Kenny approached slowly; he didn\u2019t want to spook the horse. He reached out, took hold of the reins, and tied them to his saddle. Then he released the rope from Sport and freed it from between Adam\u2019s hands. He coiled it up and attached it to his saddle, then went back to where Adam lay on his back, his eyes closed and his breathing uneven. Kenny\u2019s mean smile did not light his eyes as he saw the front of the once neat black shirt ripped and showing where the rough ground had torn at its wearer. He turned away, and the three men rode off, taking Sport with them.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

Joe and Victoria had finished their lunch and were sitting close together on a bluff, looking out over the forest as it stretched away into the distance. Victoria was dressed in a short, grey riding skirt and pale red silk shirt that brought out the warm brown hues in her eyes. Joe thought how beautiful she looked and tentatively put his arm round the girl\u2019s shoulder. She did not remove it, but leaned against him and sighed as she gazed at the view, blued by the haze of the sun, where nothing could be seen to move and only the occasional birdsong disturbed the silence.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cOh, Joe, it\u2019s so beautiful here, so peaceful. It\u2019s as though we are alone in the world.\u201d Victoria\u2019s surprisingly deep voice sent a shiver through Joe, who turned his attention away from the far off grandeur to concentrate on the beauty beside him. Slowly, Joe moved his hands to cup her face, and then lowered his head and kissed her gently. She responded, and for a moment they were lost in each other, the forest forgotten; in that instant nothing else existed for them, and they were, indeed, alone.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Suddenly they broke away, as the sound of a shot echoed through the silence. Joe got quickly to his feet, staring again at the forest as though the trees would part and allow him to see what had caused someone to fire. Victoria stood beside him, a hand on his arm.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cJoe, do you think that means trouble?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe frowned as his eyes continued to search the view. The shot sounded close by, but it was impossible to tell exactly where it had come from. \u201cDunno,\u201d he said, \u201cbut that wasn\u2019t someone out hunting.\u201d He had recognized the unmistakable report of a revolver, and no one used a hand gun to go after game.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cDo you think you should go and look?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWell\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cLet\u2019s go.\u201d Victoria did not hesitate, but headed to her horse expecting Joe to follow.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe smiled as he hurriedly stuffed the remains of the picnic into the hamper and fixed it to his saddle. He mounted Cochise and kicked the horse into a gallop in Victoria\u2019s wake, thinking that he had found a woman who would head towards trouble, rather than run away from it. He recalled the conversation he had had with Adam and Hoss at breakfast; Victoria would probably have rescued him <\/em>from the bear!<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

One of the things that attracted Joe to Victoria was her love of horses and riding, and now he was grateful that she had refused the offer of a buggy for their outing. They rode through the forest as fast as they could, but were hampered by the thickly growing trees. It was nearly twenty minutes later that they emerged into an open meadow, where Joe stopped and Victoria halted beside him. Joe was looking at the grass and his eyes narrowed.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhat is it, what can you see?\u201d Victoria asked.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe indicated the ground in front of them and drew an invisible line in the air, until he was pointing ahead at the trees marking the far side of the meadow. Victoria followed with her eyes, seeing the narrow path where the long grass had been flattened.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhat would have done that?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWell, it wasn\u2019t a wagon,\u201d Joe observed as he thought, and he didn\u2019t much like what he was thinking.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

They went slowly in single file, Victoria behind, as they followed the trail across the meadow, until they came to the river. Joe could see marks in the mud where something had been dragged into the water, and also the hoof prints of several horses, which told him they had entered the water, but there were no marks on the opposite bank. Joe looked left and right, wondering which way he should turn. He mentally tossed a coin and turned to his right, upstream, looking for any indication of where the riders had left the water. Joe was beginning to think that he must have turned the wrong way; he had gone over half a mile with no signs. Suddenly he urged Cochise to cross the river and then he kicked the horse into a gallop along the bank. Victoria followed, and saw Joe throw himself down beside the dark shape of a man lying on the ground. She rode up beside him and dismounted, drawing in a worried breath as Joe glanced up and she could see tears shining in his eyes.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cJoe? Who is it?\u201d she asked softly as she knelt beside him.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe looked down again at the pale face and blood streaked body. \u201cIt\u2019s my brother, Adam,\u201d he said quietly.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Her hand at her throat, Victoria asked her next question carefully. \u201cIs he\u2026alive?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe didn\u2019t answer straight away. Adam\u2019s bound hands were stretched over his head and, without moving them, Joe reached out to untie them, loosening the rope, which was blood-stained where it had cut into his brother\u2019s wrists. Joe threw it away angrily and then he carefully felt his way down Adam\u2019s arms and across his shoulders. After he had searched the rest of his brother\u2019s body, he sat back on his heels and breathed a deep sigh of relief. He had found cuts and bruises, but, as far as he could tell, no broken bones, and no bullet wound. Joe looked up, smiling in relief. \u201cYeah, he\u2019s just out cold.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Victoria went to her horse, got the canteen that was hanging from her saddle and, from the hamper on Joe\u2019s saddle, the cloth they had used for their picnic. She held out the green and white chequered material, and when Joe nodded she tore a strip off it and started to bathe Adam\u2019s face. Joe ripped off another strip, and after unbuttoning the torn black shirt, started to clean the cuts and scrapes, which were oozing blood.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Roused by the touch of the cold water, Adam stirred, moaning as he tried to move.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cJust lie still, big brother,\u201d Joe instructed, and Adam willingly lay unmoving as the world intruded painfully into his consciousness.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Eventually he opened his eyes. \u201cJoe\u2026?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYeah, it\u2019s me. What happened? Who did this?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cGot dragged\u2026three men.\u201d After taking several deep breaths, he continued. \u201cWanted the payroll. They attacked Chet in town\u2026so I left the money.\u201d Adam was trying to gather enough strength to rise. \u201cThey jumped me on the way home. When they found I didn\u2019t have the payroll\u2026they took Sport.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe was pleased to see some color return to his brother\u2019s face as he talked. \u201cOK, don\u2019t you move,\u201d Joe told him. \u201cI\u2019m going to get a buckboard to take you back home.\u201d He turned to Victoria. \u201cWill you stay with him, until I get back?\u201d Joe looked round; it was over half an hour since they had heard the shot, and they had seen no one, so it was probably safe for him to leave.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNo!\u201d It was Adam who spoke. \u201cI\u2019m going after them.\u201d He tried to rise, but Joe put a hand on his chest and pushed him back.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019re not goin\u2019 anywhere, not like that.\u201d Joe\u2019s was the voice of reason, but Adam didn\u2019t want to hear it. He pushed the hindering hand aside and groaned as he sat up.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI have to get Sport back.\u201d Adam sat and cradled his bruised ribs, but as he leaned over he could feel the pain in his back where he had struck the tree, and which had not been helped by being pulled over the rocks in the river bed. He sat up straight, pressing a hand into the small of his back and gritting his teeth, then he rolled onto his knees and started to push himself upright.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe knew that he couldn\u2019t stop his determined brother moving. \u201cCome on, I\u2019ll help you,\u201d he said, as he put his hand under Adam\u2019s arm to support him, but once on his feet Adam eased away from the assistance.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m fine, just bruised, nothing broken,\u201d Adam insisted, buttoning what remained of his still damp shirt as he registered Victoria\u2019s presence. He gave a small smile, as he looked from Joe to Victoria. \u201cI hope I didn\u2019t spoil your picnic.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cOh no,\u201d she assured him, \u201cwe were just\u2026\u201d Victoria stopped, embarrassed. \u201cThen we heard a shot.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe looked proudly at the girl. \u201cVictoria insisted we find out what it was about.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWell, thank you for that. But I think Joe had better take you home.\u201d Adam turned to his brother, \u201cI\u2019ll be fine, if I could borrow a horse.\u201d He took a step away, sucking in a breath at the pain that shot down his right leg.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cD\u2019ya think you can ride?\u201d Joe was relieved to see Adam standing unaided, though obviously with some difficulty. When Adam nodded, Joe continued. \u201cThen you ride Victoria\u2019s horse, she can double with me and we\u2019ll all go back to the house.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam wanted to go after the men straight away, but he needed a change of clothes and a new mount, so he agreed reluctantly.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe thought they should go slowly, but his brother rode ahead, forcing Joe to keep up with him. Despite the pain in his back, Adam made himself sit up straight in the saddle; he didn\u2019t want Joe seeing the difficulty he was having. Adam knew that he would have a struggle with his father when he heard what had happened, and if Joe told Pa he was hurt it would only give him more ammunition in the coming argument. He would be more concerned about his son\u2019s condition than the loss of the money and would try to stop him from going after the men. Adam was quietly assessing his injuries, and knew that there was no lasting damage and any pain he had would pass, but could he convince his father of that in time to catch up with Glasby and his men? He had to get Sport away from them before they harmed him.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAdam, be reasonable,\u201d Ben begged his eldest son. \u201cYou\u2019re in no state to go after them.\u201d One look at Adam told Ben that he was trying to hide his discomfort; the skin around his eyes was drawn tight, and he was standing slightly skewed. \u201cI\u2019ve sent Chris into town to tell Roy, and you should let him handle it. That\u2019s his job, not yours.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

In the hour since he and Joe had returned home, Adam had taken a few hurried minutes to explain to Ben what had happened, first to Chet in town and then to himself on the way home, and of Brewster\u2019s involvement. Then he cleaned himself up, changed into fresh clothes, picked up his black, Sunday best hat, with its black band and silver studs identical to the one he had lost, and allowed Hop Sing to clean and bandage his wrists. Now he stood in front of his father, hands pressing down firmly on his hips, his back straight. He wasn\u2019t trying to be defiant, it was the only way he could stand and not give away the fact that he had a constant nagging pain across his back and down his right leg from his butt to his knee. That, and the headache he had, would slow him down, but he couldn\u2019t wait for it to improve.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI admit there\u2019s bits of me that hurt, but nothing serious,\u201d Adam insisted. \u201cAnd while I\u2019m standing here arguing with you, those thieves are getting further away.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cBut it was only three hundred dollars.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam smiled gently. \u201cPa, I remember the days when that sort of money was more than we ever expected to see.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben nodded. \u201cI remember them too, and I thank God that those days are behind us. But even then your life was worth more than any amount of money, and that hasn\u2019t changed.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe was sitting on the sofa with Victoria, watching and waiting patiently for the outcome of the discussion. It was never easy to tell which way an argument like this one would go; it usually ended suddenly, when either his father or brother would unexpectedly give way. But it looked as though that moment was still some way off.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam was becoming impatient, time was wasting and he wanted to be gone. \u201cIt\u2019s not the money I\u2019m going after. They took Sport, and if what I saw of the state of their horses is any clue, I\u2019d rather have shot him there and then than have Kenny ride him.\u201d Adam took a deep breath; he didn\u2019t like pressuring his father, but Ben was giving him no choice. \u201cPa, I\u2019m your son, and I live in your house, and if you forbid me to go, I\u2019ll abide by that.\u201d Adam paused meaningfully. \u201cBut I\u2019ll never forgive you.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben looked hard at his son; he didn\u2019t like being manipulated. His anger rose at Adam\u2019s words, but he could see the determination in the dark eyes, which overrode the discomfort that Adam was trying unsuccessfully to hide. When Ben spoke it was kindly, only concerned for the safety of his child. \u201cWhy don\u2019t you wait for Hoss to get home, you know he\u2019s the best tracker in the family\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

But Adam didn\u2019t want kindness, he wanted action. \u201cI can\u2019t wait that long, it could be hours before he gets back, by which time they\u2019ll be long gone.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben stared at the floor and breathed a long sigh while he made his decision. Having independent, strong willed offspring was rewarding for a parent, but it did not always make for an easy life. He looked up. \u201cVery well, go. But will you do one thing for me?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam tried to relax his shoulders, but it just made his back hurt and he stood tensely. \u201cWhat?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cTake Joe with you.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam glanced across the room at his youngest brother, who was sitting on the sofa with the girl he wasn\u2019t courting. Adam knew that while Sport was uppermost in his mind, his young brother had different priorities. \u201cI don\u2019t know how long this\u2019ll take.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWell brother, the sooner we go the sooner we\u2019ll be back.\u201d Joe got to his feet, smiling to encourage Adam to agree.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAll right then.\u201d Adam turned to the door. \u201cLet\u2019s go,\u201d he said over his shoulder, trying not to limp as he made his escape from Ben\u2019s piercing scrutiny of his condition.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe asked his father to make arrangements for Victoria to get home safely and, after making a detour into the kitchen to collect supplies, he joined Adam in the barn, where his brother was attempting to lift a saddle on to Bella, a big bay mare with an even temperament and steady gait; the sort of ride Adam needed at that moment. Joe gently, but firmly, took the saddle from Adam\u2019s hands and completed the task in one swift movement.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe fastened the cinch under the belly of the mare and, as he straightened, he looked with concern at his brother. \u201cYou sure you should be doing this?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t you start,\u201d Adam said crossly. \u201cI only agreed to you coming to please Pa, but if you\u2019re going to spend all your time telling me I should be at home tucked up in bed, I might change my mind.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cOh yeah? Well don\u2019t worry. If you want to go and kill yourself I won\u2019t stop you. But just remember that it\u2019s me who\u2019s gonna have to tell Pa.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam hung his head, sorry that he had sounded off at Joe, who was only showing a brotherly concern. He looked up and spoke quietly. \u201cJoe, how would you feel if someone stole Cochise? Not just the fact of losing him, but knowing that the person who took him was going to mistreat him?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe studied his adored pinto. He finished tacking him up and led him out of his stall before he replied. \u201cI do understand,\u201d he assured his brother.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam nodded. \u201cThen let\u2019s go.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

As he settled into the saddle, Adam\u2019s tense face reflected the pain from his back and leg, but he gritted his teeth and led the way out of the yard. Joe frowned as he watched, then he followed, shaking his head at his elder brother\u2019s stubbornness.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

When they reached the spot near the river where Joe had found Adam, they stopped. Joe dismounted and Adam leaned on the pommel of his saddle, trying to ease the nagging pain low down in his back, while he watched his brother scouting around on the slope of the bank.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThat way,\u201d said Joe, coming back to stand beside Adam and pointing north.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYou sure? We haven\u2019t got time to go the wrong way.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe caught Cochise\u2019s reins and sighed, then smiled to himself; he had an idea that he would be doing a lot of sighing before their hunt was finished.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYes, brother, I\u2019m sure. \u2018Course you could get down off that horse and go see for yourself.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Not relishing the thought of trying to get back on the tall bay, Adam declined the invitation. He held up a pacifying hand. \u201cNo, I believe you.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

As Joe sprung lightly onto Cochise, he turned to his brother, who was straightening up slowly, the fingers of his right hand digging deep into the back of his thigh as he tried unsuccessfully to find a spot that would ease the pain. \u201cLet\u2019s get one thing straight. You\u2019re gonna have to trust me, unless you wanna do this by yourself, and by the look of you, that ain\u2019t an option.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

A smile caught at the edges of Adam\u2019s mouth. He had spent years teaching Joe how to track, and it looked as though the effort was about to pay off. Until he stopped hurting, he knew Joe was going to have to take the lead in the hunt for the men, and Adam was prepared to let him, as long as they caught up with them. \u201cOf course I trust you, we\u2019ll track them down together,\u201d Adam assured him. \u201cLay on, Macduff, and cursed be him that first cries \u2018Hold, enough\u2019*\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe frowned. \u201cHuh?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t worry about it.\u201d Adam became serious. \u201cNorth you said?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

They rode off, Joe leading the way through the forest as he followed the clear trail left by the men. Occasionally he would dismount and crouch down, looking at the ground, better to see the signs that would tell him which way to go, and he realized that, for some of the way, the men had followed the same path that he and Victoria had taken to find his brother, but in the opposite direction. Joe thought that they could not have missed them by more than a few minutes, but that had allowed them to escape unnoticed.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

From the boundary of the Ponderosa, the trail continued north and west. Adam rode along behind Joe, silently following where his brother led. The pain in his lower back was slowly spreading down into his foot and upwards into his shoulders where it met his headache, and that, combined with the bruising to his ribs and stomach that restricted his breathing, meant that it was taking all his strength just to stay in the saddle.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

When the sun sank behind the mountains and it became dark on the narrow track, making it difficult to follow the signs, Joe turned to tell Adam that they should stop. Alarmed to find that his brother was nowhere is sight, Joe pushed Cochise into a gallop back the way they had come. As he rounded a bend, he was relieved to see Bella ambling along slowly, but was not so pleased to see that Adam had his eyes shut and winced every time he swayed with the movement of the horse. He was not directing the animal, who was wandering at her own pace.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Pulling up beside his brother, Joe called to him. \u201cAdam.\u201d No reaction. Joe put his hand on Adam\u2019s arm. \u201cAdam!\u201d he said louder.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam opened his eyes and he seemed to shake himself. He looked round. \u201cJoe? Why\u2019ve we stopped?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe frowned as he dismounted, went to Bella\u2019s nearside and looked up at his distracted brother. \u201cI think you stopped some time ago.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhere are we?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cJust off the Ponderosa. By the look of things they\u2019re headed towards the mountains west of Virginia City. But it\u2019s too dark to follow them now.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam looked up at the sky. \u201cThere\u2019s still a half-hour of daylight, we should go on.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cLet\u2019s talk about this when you\u2019re on the ground?\u201d Joe suggested, as he took hold of Bella\u2019s bridle and led her and Cochise into the forest, where he could hear the tinkling sound of water. He stopped beside a stream, in a small clearing, and reached up to take hold of Adam\u2019s arm, helping him down. Adam could see the determination in Joe\u2019s face and didn\u2019t resist, but, as his feet touched the ground, he gasped in pain and would have fallen if Joe had not held him.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

As his brother gently lowered him to the ground, Adam looked up. \u201cDon\u2019t say it, not a word. I am not going back.\u201d He smiled to reassure Joe. \u201cBesides, a night\u2019s rest will get this better.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe just shook his head at his brother\u2019s stubbornness and after settling the horses, started to make camp, gathering wood and setting a fire before going to their saddle bags and getting food and utensils. Once he had made some coffee, Joe sat down beside Adam, who was lying stretched out on the ground with his knees bent up and one arm under the small of his back.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

When Adam saw that his brother was offering him a cup, he rolled onto his side and sat up slowly, pulling in a quick breath as a bolt of pain shot down the back of his leg. \u201cThanks,\u201d he said, taking the cup and sipping the hot, strong coffee.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe reached down at his side, and Adam raised his eyebrows as he saw the bottle that Joe held out to him, unmistakably whiskey.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThought this might help, hope Pa won\u2019t mind me borrowing it.\u201d Joe smiled, and when Adam nodded he poured a shot into his coffee.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThanks again, you\u2019re a smart boy.\u201d Joe bristled at the term \u2018boy\u2019, as he always did, and Adam saw the reaction. \u201cSorry Joe, I didn\u2019t mean that like it sounded.\u201d He took a pull at his coffee. \u201cIt\u2019s good.\u201d He smiled appreciatively.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe finished his own drink and went to the fire to prepare supper. Adam eased himself down until he was again stretched out on the soft covering of grass, and watched as Joe filled a pan with beans and chunks of beef, provided by Hop Sing.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

When the meal was ready, Joe helped Adam to sit up and placed Bella\u2019s saddle behind his back, trying to make him comfortable. After he had managed to eat a little, more coffee, generously laced with whiskey, was taking Adam\u2019s mind off the pain, and he relaxed into the warmth of the woolen saddle blanket behind him. \u201cHow far away d\u2019ya think they are?\u201d he asked.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe thought for a moment before answering. He wanted to say that their quarry was too far ahead to catch, but suspected that Adam would just want to go faster, with less rest; or he could try to slow him down by saying that they were close to catching them. Joe decided on the truth.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThey had a good start on us, but the trail\u2019s clear and easy to follow, like they don\u2019t expect anyone to be following.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam nodded thoughtfully. \u201cGood, then there\u2019s a chance.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhat if\u2026\u201d Joe hesitated to voice his thoughts. \u201cWhat if Sport\u2019s hurt, like you think he might be?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cFirst I\u2019ll see how bad he is.\u201d The look that came over Adam\u2019s face sent a shiver down Joe\u2019s spine as his brother continued quietly, but with chilling certainty. \u201cIf I have to shoot him, then they\u2019d better not give me any cause to shoot them as well.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAren\u2019t you the one who always taught me that this sort of thing should be handled by the law? Don\u2019t you think\u2026?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNo, I don\u2019t.\u201d Adam started to turn to face his brother, who lay on the opposite side of the fire, but he stopped immediately; his back muscles cramping as soon as he moved. He settled slowly back against the comfort of his saddle, trying to relax. \u201cJoe, I won\u2019t harm them, that I promise you. At least not intentionally. I do intend that they should face the law. But I won\u2019t promise to take any of them back alive if they resist.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe studied his brother\u2019s features, and Adam could see the unasked question in his eyes – why?<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam wasn\u2019t sure that he could, or wanted to, explain. His feelings ran deep and he would have preferred to keep them to himself. But he knew that his brother was entitled to an explanation; he was asking Joe to put his life on the line for his horse, though he would do everything he could to prevent that situation arising.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

When Adam spoke he looked into the fire, avoiding the young eyes that were observing him closely. \u201cYou know Pa gave Sport to me when I graduated?\u201d He glanced at Joe, who nodded, then he went back to studying the fire. \u201cWell, that meant so much to me. Pa had made a lot of sacrifices to allow me to go to college. He didn\u2019t really have the money to do it; everything was tied up in the ranch. But he worked and scraped to get enough together so that I could go. Then when I came back he gave me the horse, and told me it was a \u2018thank you\u2019 for making it all worthwhile. I had had the benefit of his work and his effort, and he<\/em> was thanking me<\/em>. You can\u2019t know how that felt.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNo, I guess not.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAnd today\u2026the thought that those men would take that gift and abuse it\u2026abuse the love with which it was given\u2026well, I can\u2019t just stand by and let that happen.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cSo you wouldn\u2019t go after them for what they did to you, but for what they might do to Sport?\u201d Joe was curious, wondering at the strength of his brother\u2019s dedication to his horse. It gave him an insight into a part of Adam\u2019s character that he knew existed but which seldom showed itself.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s right.\u201d Adam raised his eyes to his brother. \u201cI can understand what they did, and why; I know that men like that exist. I like to think that Sport has only ever known kindness; even when I was breaking him I never harmed him, never pushed him beyond that point where his spirit was broken. Now he\u2019s in their hands, seeing a different side to human nature, and that same spirit will make him fight them every step of the way.\u201d Adam stared into the fire, his thoughts uneasy. \u201cIt could be his death warrant.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe watched him for a minute. \u201cTry and get some rest, we\u2019ll leave at first light.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

Bacon was cooking over the fire, wafting its delicious aroma round the camp, when Joe shook Adam awake and offered him a cup of coffee. Adam sat up slowly; a night on the ground had made him stiff, and he could feel every bruise and scrape that getting dragged had inflicted, but he was pleased when he found that he felt only a slight twinge from his back.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe held out the whiskey bottle, but Adam shook his head. \u201cIt\u2019s OK, don\u2019t need that.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe smiled, relieved, as he passed over a plate. They ate quickly, and as soon as they were finished, Joe packed up the camp, telling Adam to rest as long as he could. Once all was ready, they mounted and Joe picked up the trail, which was still clear and easy to follow.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Mist shrouded the trees, wisps clinging to the upper branches, hiding the sun and adding to the chill of the early morning as they rode. Although feeling better, Adam allowed Joe to lead; the experience would be good for him. Moving along the narrow track, Joe was keeping his eyes pinned to the signs on the ground; deep hoof prints showing three horses bearing riders, and the lighter marks of one unmounted. As the morning wore on, Adam felt the ache in his back return. The constant, nagging pain extended down his leg, but he tried not to let Joe see his discomfort, he wanted his young brother to concentrate on finding the gang. Adam was looking ahead, desperate for a sight of the men they were after. Suddenly he called to Joe.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cLook, there.\u201d He pointed at a spot up ahead, and they slowed as they approached. Beside the trail was the carcass of a horse, a small hole in the side of its head indicating what had killed it. Adam peered down, and knew instantly, from the pale rump and dark forequarters, that it was the horse which Kenny had been riding. His lips thinned and his jaw set; now Kenny would be riding Sport, or attempting to.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Without waiting for Joe\u2019s lead, Adam turned back to the track and kicked Bella into a canter. They hadn\u2019t heard the shot, which meant that the men were still some way ahead of them.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHey, Adam, slow down,\u201d called Joe, as he caught up with his brother.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam didn\u2019t slacken his pace as he looked round. \u201cNo, we\u2019ve gotta catch them before\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe caught at Bella\u2019s bridle and forced her to a walk. The look that Adam gave Joe would have frightened most men, but Joe could see the pain behind the glare and would not allow his brother to intimidate him.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAdam, be reasonable. How long do you think you can go on at this pace? You want to catch \u2018em, I know that, but then what? Your back\u2019s hurtin\u2019, ain\u2019t it?\u201d Adam didn\u2019t acknowledge Joe\u2019s question. \u201cYou cripple yourself by riding hard, and whether we find them or not will make no difference. If I have to take them on alone, they may still get away; is that what you want?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Adam, be reasonable\u2019<\/em>. The words rang in his head; his father had said the same thing to him. Was he being foolish in going after the men, just because of his horse? He had promised himself that he would not put Joe in danger, but that was exactly what he was doing by letting his emotions rule his thinking.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cSorry, Joe, you\u2019re right.\u201d He pointed ahead. \u201cOK, after you.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe sighed, satisfied that, for the moment, he had managed to control his brother. He smiled to himself; that had to be a first, and probably an equal surprise to both of them.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The trail they were following led them higher into the mountains, along narrow tracks which became increasingly rocky, making it more difficult to follow the signs, until finally they disappeared completely. Joe stopped, peering at the ground, then he looked round at his brother and frowned.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYou OK?\u201d Joe asked.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam kept his features under control and nodded. \u201cKeep going,\u201d he ordered.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThe trail\u2019s gone. We\u2019ll have to follow the track and see if we can pick it up again, I don\u2019t think they would have taken to the forest,\u201d Joe said, as he looked at the close growing trees.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

They rode for an hour, with no sign of the gang. Joe was beginning to think that the trail had gone cold, and was going to suggest to Adam that they should give up the chase, when he saw a small cabin up ahead.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cLet\u2019s ask there, maybe they\u2019ve seen \u2018em, if they came this way,\u201d Joe suggested. Adam just nodded, it was taking all his efforts to overcome the growing agony in his back and leg. He just wanted to find the men, get Sport back, and go home. \u2018Surely not too much to ask?\u2019<\/em> he wondered, gazing up into the deep blue sky.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

They pulled up outside the wooden building, which was no more than a single-room shack. There were pelts and pans hanging on the wall by the door, but the place was clean and in good repair, and appeared to be well kept. Joe glanced round at Adam, then dismounted and went up the two steps that led to the door. He knocked, and was more than startled by the response. The sound of a shot from inside the cabin reverberated around the forest, and a hole appeared in the wood of the door, six inches to the right of where Joe\u2019s head had been before he threw himself down the steps and onto the ground.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cGet away from here, I mean it. I told you, I\u2019ll kill you!\u201d It was a woman\u2019s voice, high pitched and angry.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe raised himself up, and there was silence from the shack as he got to his feet to be joined by Adam, who had dismounted, ready to go to his brother\u2019s assistance.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe glanced round. \u201cWhat d\u2019ya reckon?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWho knows? But maybe\u2026\u201d Adam stopped, contemplating this turn of events. He suspected that he knew what had happened, and who had caused it. \u201cTry again; let her know who we are, if you can.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe nodded, and keeping to one side of the door, he went up the steps again, and called out. \u201cMa\u2019am, it\u2019s just me and my brother. We don\u2019t mean you no harm.\u201d Reaching out, he lifted the latch and pushed the door open, peeking round the doorframe when no shot came. He could see little in the darkness within, but heard the sound of a gun\u2019s hammer falling on an empty chamber. He rushed inside before the weapon could be reloaded.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

As his eyes grew accustomed to the dim light, Joe saw the slim figure of a woman sitting on the floor, her fair hair disheveled, her face showing cuts and bruises where she had been struck, and her dress spattered with blood. A rifle was held in shaking hands pointing at the intruder, and as Joe approached the woman shrank back, only stopping when she was pressed tightly against the wall beside the kitchen range. When she saw Adam appear behind Joe, his black hat and dark hair reminded her of one of those who had attacked her, and she cried out, rising from the floor and striking out angrily at the men before her.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

It took the strength of both brothers to control the woman\u2019s raving, until she collapsed, unconscious. Joe put his arms under her shoulders and knees and carried her to the bed in one corner of the room. He loosened the buttons at the collar of her simple grey dress and pulled the covers over her.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cLooks like she was attacked,\u201d observed Joe gravely, as they stood looking down at her.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAnd I\u2019d bet a silver mine to a short bit** that I know who did it.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe looked up sharply. \u201cYou think\u2026?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWho else? It\u2019s just too much of a coincidence that their trail came this way.\u201d Adam\u2019s face set hard as he thought of the woman, alone, having to face Glasby and his gang.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The brothers exchanged glances and looked around; it was all too easy to imagine what had happened. The cabin was a mess, with sacks of flour and sugar slit open and scattered on the floor along with the contents of the kitchen cupboards, the few books from a row of shelves tossed aside, and broken ornaments and upturned furniture gave the room an appearance that contrasted strongly to the neatness outside.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe could see by Adam\u2019s awkward stance that he was having trouble staying on his feet, and he picked up an overturned bentwood chair and set it beside the bed. Adam didn\u2019t need any encouragement to settle himself on the seat; the struggle with the woman had not helped the pain in his back and leg, which was a constant ache that couldn\u2019t be relieved. It was draining his strength, making it difficult to move one foot in front of the other, and every time he took a step he wanted to scream out against it, to make it stop.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe handed him a pan of water and a cloth, and Adam set about cleaning the woman\u2019s face, bathing the cuts and bruises and pressing the cloth against the gashes to stop them bleeding.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

He was concentrating on his task when his thoughts were dragged back to the room, as he noticed Joe moving round the cabin, tidying up; picking up the books and replacing them on the shelf, collecting the pieces of china into a pile, refilling the cupboards and righting the chairs and table before finally finding a broom, which he used to sweep the rest of the chaos out of the door. Adam smiled at Joe. Their father would have been proud of his young son, who always had to be nagged to tidy his own room at home, with little success.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

As Joe came back from clearing the steps, he turned to Adam. \u201cYou keep an eye on her, while I make us some coffee.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

When Joe returned from the horses with the supplies he needed, he handed Adam the whiskey bottle. Adam dropped his hat on the floor, and a silent smile of appreciation crossed his face as he unstoppered the bottle, took a long swig and settled to watching his charge. When he saw the woman\u2019s eyelids flutter, Adam moved closer and put a gentle smile on his face so that she would not be frightened of him.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

At the sight of the dark-haired man leaning over her, the woman moved to the far side of the bed, holding her hands up to ward off the expected blows. As her eyes slowly took in the figure in front of her, she realized that she had never seen him before; she was sure that she would have remembered the soft brown eyes and strong features.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam spoke quietly. \u201cIt\u2019s all right; I won\u2019t hurt you. We\u2019re here to help you.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Her blue eyes flickered to Joe and then looked back at Adam. \u201cWho\u2026who are you?\u201d she asked, her bruised mouth barely moving and with a quiver in her voice.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m Adam Cartwright,\u201d he gestured towards the kitchen, \u201cand that\u2019s my little brother, Joe. We found you and put you to bed. Can you tell us what happened?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The woman seemed to hesitate for a long time, and Adam thought that she would not reply. But the name of Cartwright was familiar and she made up her mind that these were not the men who had attacked her. \u201cMy name\u2019s Araminta Sinclair. Three men\u2026\u201d she paused, swallowing as she remembered, \u201cthree men came, they wanted money but I wouldn\u2019t tell them where we hid it. They wouldn\u2019t go away, even when they\u2019d searched. They said if they couldn\u2019t have money, they\u2019d have\u2026 But I fought them and I hurt them, then I got the gun\u2026and they left,\u201d she finished, with a distinct tinge of pride.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhen was this? How long ago?\u201d Adam asked gently. The word that came into his mind as he looked down at Araminta was \u2018fragile\u2019; she was small and slight of build, her complexion pale, but she had fought off three men, on her own. Adam shook his head in amazement; it was more than he had done when faced with those same men.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cIt was\u2026an hour ago\u2026maybe two.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam touched her arm, trying to reassure her. \u201cWell\u2026you\u2019re safe now.\u201d He looked round the small room. \u201cDoes anyone live here with you?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cMy husband.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhere is he?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHe went to trade the pelts. He\u2019s a trapper,\u201d she explained.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhen do you expect him back?\u201d Adam was hoping that her husband would return, and he and Joe could continue with their own hunt.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t know exactly\u2026soon.\u201d Exhaustion was overtaking Araminta, and suddenly the effort to speak seemed too much.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The drooping of Araminta\u2019s eyelids told Adam that she needed rest. \u201cYou try and get some sleep.\u201d He pulled the covers over her again. \u201cWe\u2019ll be here to keep an eye on you.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Araminta looked at the man who called himself Adam and thought that there was something about him that you didn\u2019t argue with. She allowed her eyes to close and drifted off to sleep.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam leaned back and tried to relax his muscles, but as soon as he did so the pain in his leg sharpened and he tensed again. It seemed that no matter how he sat it made no difference; the agony went from his back to his toes. He took another pull at the bottle and settled back slowly, waiting each time he moved for the pain to subside, and then leaning back a bit more, until he was able to sit with some measure of comfort.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Meanwhile Joe had lit a fire in the range and put some water on to heat. As soon as the coffee was ready, he poured two cups and went to sit on the side of the bed, handing one to Adam, who quietly told Joe what he had learned. \u201cHer name\u2019s Araminta Sinclair, her husband\u2019s away, don\u2019t know when he\u2019ll be back. If it was Glasby who attacked her, they\u2019re not that far ahead.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhat are we gonna do?\u201d Joe asked.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

That was a question that Adam had been considering. \u201cWell, we can\u2019t leave her here like this. One of us has to stay with her.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe knew there was only one sensible solution. \u201cYou stay then. You cain\u2019t go after Glasby and his gang on your own, not with your back like it is; he\u2019d make mincemeat of you.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam gestured with his head towards the bed. \u201cBut if I stay here, what help am I gonna be to her? We don\u2019t know how badly hurt she is and she needs someone who can look after her. You\u2019ll have to stay here, \u2018til her husband gets back.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAdam,\u201d Joe said forcefully, \u201cI won\u2019t let you\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYes, you will.\u201d Adam\u2019s tone matched his brother\u2019s. \u201cI\u2019ve allowed you to lead this hunt so far, but don\u2019t push me. You\u2019re staying here, I\u2019m going after Sport.\u201d Adam knew that he stood little chance of success, but he would not see this woman, or his brother, sacrificed on the altar of his emotions. \u201cIf I think there\u2019s no chance, I\u2019ll go for Roy.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cBy which time they\u2019ll be long gone.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam shrugged and Joe saw the effect of impending failure in his brother\u2019s eyes; sadness and defeat. Adam leaned down and picked up his hat from the floor, where he had dropped it. As he straightened, he kept his features under control so that Joe would not see the difficulty he had in moving. He stood and headed for the door as quickly as the pain would allow.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe tried again to stop him. \u201cWhat about some food, you haven\u2019t eaten since breakfast?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Impatience getting the better of him, Adam snapped, \u201cThere\u2019s no time for that.\u201d He nodded towards the bed where Araminta lay. \u201cTake care of her as long as she needs you,\u201d he instructed as went out.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe stared after him. \u201cLook out for the bears,\u201d he whispered to the closing door.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

Adam reached Bella and held on to the saddle, dropping his head onto the warm leather. He breathed deeply several times, hoping that the agony would die down into a manageable ache. When he decided that he could wait no longer, he mounted slowly and rode back to the path that he and Joe had been following. He urged Bella into a canter, knowing that he was on the right trail and eager to catch the men. The horse had an easy, even gait, but despite this Adam soon had to pull her to a walk; he was in danger of parting company with his mount as his right leg lost the ability to grip the horse\u2019s flanks. The track climbed up higher into the mountains and then suddenly started to descend steeply into a deep valley and Adam looked around hopefully. This was the perfect place for a hideout; the trees grew thickly, hiding a camp from any casual observation. He went on slowly, his eyes glued to the ground so as not to miss any clue. He smiled to himself as he saw tracks, which showed that several horses had come this way.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

When the hoof prints turned aside into the trees, Adam stopped and dismounted, by kicking his feet from the stirrups and sliding to the ground. He tied Bella\u2019s reins to a low branch so that she could graze, then stood for a moment, stretching his back and grimacing at the sharp pain in his leg. At the back of his mind he was beginning to worry, both about what the pain might mean, and how the reality of it would affect his ability to deal with Glasby and his gang. He had tried to persuade himself that he would be able to handle them, but in his heart he knew that was unlikely.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

As he limped slowly downhill through the trees, Adam became aware of voices ahead. He stopped close behind a large pine, and carefully leaned round it, then moved again into its shelter and rested his back against it, letting a long sigh out through pursed lips; he had found what he was looking for. After remaining there for a few minutes, Adam made his way back up the hill. The dull ache that now encircled his waist, made him feel as though he was carrying a belt of lead and a searing pain shot down his leg every time he put weight on it. When he got back to where Bella was grazing peacefully, he lowered himself slowly to the ground, picturing in his mind what he had seen. Glasby, Kenny and Javier were seated outside a small lean-to made of tarpaulin, which would provide just enough shelter in case of rain; more than would be used for an overnight stop, but obviously not meant to be a permanent camp. Off to one side was a rough corral, where Adam had seen Sport and the horses of Glasby and the Mexican, and also a pack mule.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam realized that he was in no fit state to take on all three of the men, but decided that he would be satisfied if he could just get Sport back. All he had to do was wait for darkness, and he stretched out on the ground in an attempt to ease the pain, which had taken over his body from his waist to his foot, and slowly it started to work. As night fell he knew he should be moving, but just the thought of getting up filled him with dread at the torment it would bring. He wished that Joe was there to help him, and smiled to himself at the thought. There had been many times when he wished his brother was not with him; that young man could get them both into trouble without any apparent effort. But Adam knew that he was also capable of great bravery and was highly intelligent, though he hid that under a fa\u00e7ade of levity that fooled none of his family.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Once it was fully dark, and Adam judged it late enough that the men would have settled for the night, he moved reluctantly, rolling onto his knees and pushing himself upright, sucking in a quick breath as the pain instantly returned.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

He started back down the hill, going slowly and resting often, leaning up against a tree until the growing agony in his back and the dragging pain in his leg subsided and he could continue. He was thankful for his habit of always wearing black for his clothes, from his hat to his boots. With his dark, unshaven face completing his appearance, he was virtually invisible in the moonless night.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

As he neared the camp, he halted and kept silent for several minutes, waiting for any sound from the sleeping men, but there was nothing, all was quiet. Adam skirted the camp and made his way towards the make-shift corral. It looked as though Kenny did not trust his new mount, for Sport was hobbled by a short rope tied between his front legs. Adam made straight for his horse, and as he approached, he could see that he had been right to be concerned. Kenny must have had a struggle to keep Sport under control and, even in the faint starlight, Adam could see there were marks on the flanks of the animal, testament to Sport\u2019s independent spirit.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Sensing a man approach, Sport raised his head and sniffed the air. Something was familiar about this human, but Sport\u2019s recent memory told him that humans were dangerous, and that thought overrode all others. He tried to move away, but the dark shape neared and bent down, and then Sport felt the rope around his front feet slacken and fall away. As the human straightened and put his hand on the horse\u2019s nose, Sport recognized the familiar gesture and whinnied noisily in greeting.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam looked round nervously, and was reaching for Sport\u2019s head collar when he heard shouts from the camp; the men had been roused by the noise and had seen movement among the horses. The cries alarmed Sport, who turned away suddenly. Adam tried to move out of the horse\u2019s way but was hampered by the pain from his back and his slow reacting leg. Sport caught him with a stunning blow and he was knocked off his feet, stifling a moan as he hit the ground hard. He watched with a sinking heart as Sport broke through the flimsy fence and disappeared into the night, followed by the three other animals.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

As Adam climbed unsteadily to his feet, Glasby and Javier came up behind him and held his arms before he could draw his gun.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWell, what have we here?\u201d Kenny\u2019s voice held a spiteful glee as he answered his own question. \u201cThe horse lover!\u201d Kenny looked round and saw that the corral was empty. He turned back furiously and, without warning, hit Adam in the gut, then struck him on the side of the head as he doubled over. Adam\u2019s legs gave way and, as his arms were released, he fell to the ground, groaning as he landed on his back. He felt hands lift him and he struggled against them, trying vainly to break free, but he was also fighting against the disabling pain, and was perversely grateful when another blow to his head sent the world spinning away into blackness.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

Joe kept watch over Araminta, who occasionally cried out quietly in her sleep. He bathed her face, wiping away the sheen of sweat that told of her struggle to overcome her injuries, and Joe could only hope that she had suffered none other than those he could see. If she had any hurt that needed a doctor he would be of little help, and the nearest medical expertise was many miles away, in Virginia City.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe was standing in the open doorway, looking out at the forest and thinking about Adam, when he heard Araminta call to him.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHow\u2026how long?\u201d Her voice held some strength, though reflected the damage to her lips; her words sounding thick and flat.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe went to the bedside and sat down. He smiled gently. \u201cOnly a couple of hours.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Araminta glanced round the room. \u201cThere was someone else here.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe nodded. \u201cYes, my brother, Adam.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhere is he?\u201d She looked into Joe\u2019s gentle eyes. \u201cI remember\u2026he was kind.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHe\u2019s gone.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cOh?\u201d Araminta could see the shadow that passed over Joe\u2019s face, leaving behind a concerned expression. She rested a hand lightly on his arm. \u201cWhat is it?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe glanced out of the door, then back to the woman in the bed. \u201cThe men who attacked you\u2026we think that they were the same ones we were chasing. He\u2019s gone after them.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cOn his own?\u201d Joe nodded, unable to speak as he thought of his brother, and the danger he was going into. \u201cWell, I\u2019m sure that he\u2019ll be all right, don\u2019t worry.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe sat frowning; worry was too small a word for what he felt. His attention came back to his patient. \u201cHow about something to eat?\u201d he asked, but Araminta shook her head. She had a pain in her belly where she had been struck, and it robbed her of her appetite. She told Joe that there was a rabbit in the meat safe and that he should cook it for himself. By the time Joe had prepared and eaten some of it, along with a few carrots and sweet potatoes, and set the rest aside for Araminta when she felt like eating, she was sitting up, one arm thrown across her stomach.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThe cabin\u2026the mess they made\u2026did you\u2026?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYeah.\u201d Joe grinned at her surprise.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThank you.\u201d She was truly grateful not to be able to see the evidence of the whirlwind that had invaded her home.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHow about a hot drink?\u201d Joe suggested.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThat would be nice, thank you,\u201d Araminta agreed.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

After making more coffee, he sat with Araminta, who accepted a cup from him. The warmth of the drink seemed to calm her insides and she smiled a little lopsidedly.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI want to thank you, for helping me,\u201d she said between sips.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYou can stop thanking me, it was my pleasure, Ma\u2019am,\u201d Joe said, as he smiled back. He took the empty cup from her. \u201cNow, time you got some more rest.\u201d He pulled the covers over her as she settled down, then he sat in the chair next to the bed. As darkness fell, Joe found his head nodding and he couldn\u2019t prevent himself from slipping into sleep.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

George Sinclair rode towards home humming to himself as he went, thinking about his wife, and how fortunate they were to live in such a place. He sniffed the pine scented air, and his eyes took in the dark greenness of the forest surmounted by the clear cerulean sky, so different from their Pennsylvania birthplace, where they had both grown up.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

George\u2019s father, after whom he had been named, was a director of H. C. Frick\u2019s Coke Company, which owned and ran a large section of the coal fields around Pittsburgh, and he had expected his son to follow in his footsteps. George had been a sickly child, not expected to survive his first year, but he had grown into a strong healthy man, who stood six feet five and with a muscular frame. The tall, blonde boy had fallen in love with Araminta, the beautiful, diminutive daughter of one of his father\u2019s miners, a widower since Araminta was six months old. When George senior discovered their romance he had forbidden George to see Araminta, considering the liaison to be unsuitable for his son. He threatened to have her father sacked and barred from finding any kind of work in the coal field. For a time they kept their love hidden, afraid for Araminta\u2019s father, but when he was killed in a mine accident they married secretly and ran away; penniless, but together.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

They had moved west, finally settling in a corner of Nevada, where George had found he had a talent as a woodsman; tracking and trapping coming as naturally to him as mining had to his father. Araminta had been content to live in the forest, with only the bare essentials of life, while they saved enough money to find somewhere more suitable to raise a family; and it was a move that was becoming more urgent. Before he left, Araminta had told George that she was expecting their first child, an event that they had both longed for, and George wanted his family to grow up nearer town, away from the loneliness of the forest.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

It was dark as George neared the shack and he slowed, frowning; he could see, in the starlight, a pinto tethered on a long line and standing quietly, but not a horse that he recognized. He dismounted in the shelter of the trees and approached quietly.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Inside the cabin, Joe was dozing, keeping an ear open and ready to go to Araminta should she need him. But even so he did not hear the stealthy approach of the man who entered. He was rudely awakened when someone grabbed the front of his shirt and hauled him to his feet, until he was standing on tip-toe. As his eyes came into focus he could see a man towering over him, but, more importantly, a fist coming towards him. Hurriedly, he ducked his head to one side and the fist whistled past harmlessly.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWait!\u201d Joe cried, holding up his hands as protection, \u201cIt\u2019s not like you think.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Pale blue eyes looked down at Joe from under long, straw colored hair. \u201cOh, isn\u2019t it?\u201d growled a voice that held no suggestion of belief.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The noise had roused Araminta. \u201cGeorge!\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Without releasing his hold, George Sinclair looked at his wife. As he saw clearly the damage to her face, he turned back to Joe and the fist was raised again. His gruff voice asked, \u201cWould you care to explain?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWe found your wife, we didn\u2019t do this! Araminta, Mrs. Sinclair, tell him!\u201d Even though George Sinclair was only one man, Joe knew he was outnumbered. He stood as much chance against the man holding him as he would against his brother Hoss, and that was precisely none.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Araminta pushed herself up on the pillows. \u201cLet him go, now!\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Four years of marriage to Araminta had left its mark, and George instantly released Joe, forgetting about him as he took his wife in his arms and hugged her. Araminta\u2019s slim body was lost in the bear-like embrace of her husband. Joe hurriedly told George that he and Adam had been chasing Glasby and his gang, and their hunt had led them to the cabin. Then Joe gathered his shattered wits and freshened the coffee pot, while George sat down on the bed and listened impatiently and with a growing anger, as Araminta told him of the events that had led to her injuries. Then she explained how Joe and Adam had helped her.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

As Joe listened to the couple talking, he began to get an appreciation of just what it was that Glasby and his men had faced when they tried to take on Araminta. Here was a woman who survived in the wilderness, alone when her husband went to his trap lines, and she was more than capable of dealing with anything that came into her life, including George, who was obviously deeply in love with her, judging by the way he fussed over her until she ordered him to sit down and stay sitting!<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

George turned to Joe. \u201cSo, where\u2019s your brother now?\u201d he wanted to know.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHe went after the men, but he shouldn\u2019t have.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cBut you said they stole the money and his horse. Why shouldn\u2019t he want to go after them?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cBecause he was hurt when they jumped him. He could barely stand when he left.\u201d Joe\u2019s tone conveyed his concern. \u201cHe should\u2019ve let me go, but he said that he wasn\u2019t fit enough to take care of Mrs. Sinclair.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYou may call me Araminta, just because George is here you don\u2019t have to be formal.\u201d Araminta tried to smile with her bruised lips, then became serious. \u201cBut if he wasn\u2019t fit enough to look after me, he certainly wasn\u2019t fit enough to go after those men.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s what I told him, but he\u2019s so hard-headed he wouldn\u2019t listen.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Araminta turned to her husband. \u201cGeorge?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cOf course.\u201d He picked up straight away what was in his wife\u2019s mind and he turned to Joe. \u201cWe\u2019ll go after him. Maybe we can catch up to him before he finds them, or they find him.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cBut what about\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Araminta shook her head decisively. \u201cI\u2019ll be fine. Now, don\u2019t argue, the sooner you go the better.\u201d She had a growing discomfort in her belly and she wanted George to stay with her, but Joe and his brother had helped her, it was only right that George should help them.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe looked through the small window beside the door. \u201dWe\u2019ll have to wait for daylight.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Picking up and loading the rifle that stood by the range, George shook his head. \u201cNo. I know these woods like the back of my hand; I can find the trail in the dark. Besides, it\u2019s a clear night; the stars will give enough light to follow them.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe didn\u2019t argue, and after they had bid farewell to Araminta, both men were on their horses and gone.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

As he came back to his senses, Adam could feel the hardness of a tree behind him, and as he tried to move his arms he found that he could not; his hands were tied round the tree. He was sitting on the ground, at one side of the camp, and in the pale dawn light he could see the three men close to the fire, talking. He could also see the damage that Araminta had inflicted, and despite his situation, he smiled; each man bore either bruises or scratches, or both. He could smell the breakfast they were eating, and remembered that he had not eaten since early the day before, but the pain in his back made him nauseous and he looked away.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Kenny looked sideways at their prisoner, then turned back to Glasby. \u201cWhat are we goin\u2019 to do with him?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cRight now I\u2019m more concerned with how we\u2019re gonna get outta here, with no horses,\u201d Glasby replied pragmatically. \u201dIt\u2019s time to move on, and we cain\u2019t go without the gear, not in this country.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWe need pack mule,\u201d Javier observed. \u201cMaybe we steal.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAnd just where do you think we\u2019re gonna get one? These woods ain\u2019t exactly teeming with opportunities.\u201d Glasby looked at him questioningly. The Mexican shrugged.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Kenny\u2019s face lit up. \u201cI think I know. Get everything packed.\u201d Glasby hesitated, then nodded in understanding.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The three men started to break camp, using the tarpaulin to hold the essential cooking equipment and bedrolls. Adam watched miserably, knowing what Kenny had in mind.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Eventually, Kenny came over to Adam and, after releasing the rope that held him, ordered him to his feet. Adam used the tree behind him to help him stand, walking his hands up the trunk as he rose.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cOver there,\u201d Kenny ordered, pointing towards the centre of the campsite. Adam didn\u2019t move so Kenny grabbed his arm and pulled him away from the tree, which caused Adam to overbalance, and he fell to his knees as pain drove across his back and down his leg. Kenny pulled out his gun and pressed it into Adam\u2019s temple. \u201cEither you get up or I kill you right here,\u201d he stated.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

For a fleeting second Adam considered letting Kenny carry out his threat, the effort of moving seemed too much, but reason took over and he fought his way back to his feet. He found it impossible to put his right heel to the ground but, by walking on his toes and keeping his knee bent, he managed to limp slowly towards the other men.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Glasby dropped the weighty tarpaulin in front of him. \u201cPick it up.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam didn\u2019t move.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Glasby picked up the large, neatly bound parcel and thrust it into Adam\u2019s arms. \u201cYou lost the horses and now you\u2019re gonna carry it.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam let the tarpaulin fall to the ground. \u201cNo,\u201d he said, looking round at the men, knowing that in refusing he was probably asking for a bullet, but in truth he couldn\u2019t carry himself, let alone any extra weight.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYou got one more chance, pick it up.\u201d When Adam didn\u2019t move, Glasby\u2019s face reddened in fury. \u201cYou\u2019re gonna regret this,\u201d he promised, and Adam\u2019s only warning of the fist that was aimed at him from behind was the shifting of Glasby\u2019s eyes. Adam turned and caught Kenny with a blow to the head that sent the man reeling. Desperation urging him to ignore the agony in his back, Adam stood, ready to take on Glasby and Javier, but knowing that any fight would be short. The two advanced on him, separating and approaching from opposite sides. Adam stepped back, but his leg chose that moment to collapse from under him and he fell sideways. They rushed towards him, and Adam\u2019s last conscious thought was that at least Sport was safe. It was enough.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

When Glasby saw that Adam\u2019s eyes were open, he came to kneel beside him where he lay on his side, and spoke kindly. \u201cNow, I ain\u2019t never killed no one who didn\u2019t force me into it. You don\u2019t wanna force me, do you? All we want is that you help us carry a few things. After all, it was you who drove off the horses.\u201d When Adam didn\u2019t move, Glasby stood and poked him with his foot, all pretence at kindness gone. \u201cGet up!\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam slowly rolled onto his back. When he tried to move his legs he stopped immediately, as the muscles in his back cramped, and he squeezed his eyes shut, holding his breath against the pain from his right leg. He waited until the spasm passed then looked at Glasby. \u201cCan\u2019t.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cOh, I think with a little effort you might make it.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNo.\u201d Adam was light-headed and wishing that unconsciousness would take him away from the all encompassing pain, but he remained stubbornly aware.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Kenny and Javier came up beside Adam and, taking his arms, lifted him to his feet. As they released him, it felt as though a white hot branding iron had been driven into his back and he fell to the ground.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Kenny looked puzzled. \u201cWhat\u2019s wrong with him?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

His face screwed up against the pain, Adam answered. \u201cYou crippled your pack horse. Should\u2019na dragged me.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Glasby\u2019s eyes narrowed, and Kenny and Javier tried again to make Adam stand, with the same result.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cLeave him,\u201d Glasby ordered.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cBut\u2026\u201d Kenny objected.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHe\u2019s no use to us like this. Leave him. If he really cain\u2019t walk, then he\u2019ll die here. Not our problem.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Kenny felt rage burn inside him and he kicked Adam. \u201cGet up!\u201d he shouted.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cDo that again and you\u2019re dead,\u201d a quiet voice said behind him. Kenny turned slowly and his mouth dropped open as he saw two men advance towards him. One, small, brown-haired and slim, was followed by a fair-haired giant.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

It was at that moment that Kenny made the biggest, and last, mistake of his life \u2013 he went for his gun.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe didn\u2019t hesitate, he drew and fired in the same instant and Kenny lay, gazing sightlessly up into the morning sky. Glasby and Javier reacted, and amid a flurry of gunfire they lost the battle for their freedom, and their lives.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam lay blinking in wonder, trying to make his sluggish brain take in the events around him. First Joe had appeared from nowhere, to be followed by a man built on the same scale as Hoss. As the shots sounded, they had both thrown themselves to the ground, returning fire with deadly accuracy. Now they stood, each holding a smoking gun as they surveyed the scene.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe ran to where Adam was lying on his back and knelt down beside him. \u201cYou OK?\u201d he asked, as he saw blood on Adam\u2019s face from a cut eyebrow, and bruising on his jaw.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam made no attempt to move, he just shook his head. \u201cNo.\u201d Then he looked round at the bodies lying nearby, and smiled thinly at his brother. \u201cI thought you wanted to take them in to the sheriff.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe shrugged. \u201cThey didn\u2019t seem to want to go.\u201d As George came to stand beside him, Joe made the introductions. \u201cAraminta\u2019s husband,\u201d he explained.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam reached up and shook hands with the big man. \u201cHow\u2019s your wife? You shouldn\u2019t have left her.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cOh, Minty\u2019s fine, and she insisted we come. Seems you made a big impression on her.\u201d George laughed, a deep growl that started in his chest and worked its way into his eyes. He turned to Joe. \u201cYou\u2019d better get your brother out of here and back to the cabin. I\u2019ll take care of them.\u201d He pointed to the dead men.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe nodded and held Adam\u2019s arm, preparing to lift him to his feet, but his brother stopped him. \u201cI don\u2019t think I can ride, can\u2019t even stand right now.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2019ll make a travois,\u201d said George when he heard Adam\u2019s statement, and in no time he had fashioned a litter, from the fallen poles of the corral fence and the tarpaulin, and had covered it in soft pine branches. Meanwhile Joe went back into the forest and brought their horses, including Bella, to the camp.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

After they had fixed the travois to Bella\u2019s saddle, George bent down and lifted Adam as though he was no more that thistle down and laid him on the soft covering, then tied a rope across his chest to stop him slipping.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe looked round the camp site, realizing what was missing. He asked quietly, \u201cWhere\u2019s Sport?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cGone,\u201d Adam answered bitterly from where he was lying. Joe was about to say how sorry he was when Adam shook his head. \u201cNo, I didn\u2019t shoot him. He ran off when I freed him, along with the others. We can\u2019t find him now; there\u2019s too many tracks to follow, no way of telling which are his. And now that he\u2019s loose, he can travel faster than we can follow.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m sorry, after all this.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t be. All I wanted was to get him away from them, and I did that.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe nodded, and after a moment, went to tell George that they would meet him at the cabin.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Meanwhile Adam stared up at the surrounding hills. He spoke softly, but with a deep intensity. \u201cGo safely, boy, you\u2019re free. No one can hurt you now.\u201d A tear formed in the corner of his eye, but he brushed it away before Joe could see it.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Taking Bella\u2019s reins in his hand, Joe mounted Cochise and started slowly back through the forest. He tried to find the smoothest path, but the narrow track did not allow him to avoid all the rocks and holes, and Adam gritted his teeth against the bumping movement. Two hours later, George galloped up beside them.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAll taken care of, and I found this.\u201d He held a bundle of notes out towards Adam, who took it silently and tucked it inside his shirt. \u201cFound this too.\u201d He held up a black gun belt, complete with revolver. \u201cIs it yours?\u201d Adam nodded and George hung it on his own saddle as he continued. \u201cI gave \u2018em as Christian a burial as I could, even though they didn\u2019t deserve it, said a prayer an\u2019 all. Perhaps God\u2019ll forgive them.\u201d The look in George\u2019s eyes said that it would be a long time before he could forgive them for what they had done to his wife.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Lying on the travois, Adam heard George\u2019s words. He thought that, try as he might, he would never forgive them for taking Sport from him, for taking that token of his father\u2019s love.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

When they arrived at the cabin a short time later, all was quiet. George bent down and lifted Adam from the travois in one easy movement. Adam tried not to cry out as he was moved, biting his lip and holding his breath. As George opened the door he nearly dropped Adam when he saw his wife. She was lying in the bed, moaning quietly, her eyes huge in her sweat-stained face.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

George carefully lowered Adam until he was sitting against one wall, then he rushed to Araminta\u2019s side. \u201cWhat is it? What\u2019s wrong?\u201d he whispered, brushing back the stray locks of hair that had fallen across his wife\u2019s face.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI think\u2026hurt\u2026inside,\u201d she managed to say, her voice faint and shaking.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Coming in behind George, Joe heard what Araminta said. He caught Adam\u2019s eye as his brother jerked his head to indicate that he wanted a quiet word.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe crouched down beside him. \u201cWhat?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cShe looks like she needs a doctor.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cBut the nearest is Doc Martin in Virginia City,\u201d Joe stated.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI know.\u201d Adam lowered his head as he thought, then looked up. \u201cGet George over here.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

While Joe and George sat on the floor beside him, Adam explained his hurriedly conceived plan. \u201cJoe, you ride into Virginia City and get Doc Martin out to the Ponderosa. George, you put Araminta on the travois. If we go by the most direct route it\u2019s less than half a day to the house, and it\u2019ll be quicker than taking her into town, or waiting for Joe to get back here with the doc.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cDo you think we should move her?\u201d Joe asked.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam looked across the small room towards the bed, where he could see that Araminta was watching them. \u201cI don\u2019t know, but she sure looks like she needs a doctor, and this\u2019ll be the quickest way to get one.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhat d\u2019you think?\u201d George asked his wife, moving to sit on the bed and holding her hand.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Araminta nodded. \u201cA doctor,\u201d was all she could say.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

It was all the confirmation that Adam needed. He turned to his brother. \u201cGet going.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cBut what about you?\u201d Joe asked.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll ride Bella. She\u2019s a strong horse. She can pull a travois and carry me, at least for the distance we\u2019ve gotta go.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI didn\u2019t mean that. You can\u2019t stand, how\u2019re you gonna ride?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll manage, now go.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe looked uncertainly at Adam and George, but as his eyes lighted on Araminta, he knew he had no choice. \u201cOK, I\u2019ll see you at home.\u201d He left, and they could hear the pounding sound of hooves as Joe pushed Cochise into a gallop away from the cabin.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cTake your wife outside, then come back and help me,\u201d Adam ordered. George nodded, and after he had covered the travois with as many blankets as he could find to cushion Araminta\u2019s journey, he gathered his wife in his arms.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

After several minutes he returned and helped Adam to his feet. Adam leaned against the wall waiting for the pain to subside, then took a tentative step. His right leg buckled and he gasped as he fell against George, who held him until he straightened again.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cJust let me lean on you, \u2018til we get outside.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

George pulled Adam\u2019s arm round his shoulders, and virtually carried him to Bella\u2019s side, then helped him into the saddle.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam looked down at him. \u201cLet\u2019s go.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Glancing uncertainly from his wife to Adam and back, George mounted his own horse. \u201cYou lead, that way I can keep an eye on both of you.\u201d Adam nodded his acknowledgement and kicked Bella.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

As soon as the horse started to move, Adam knew he was going to have a problem staying aboard, but he held on to the pommel of the saddle and gritted his teeth. They had to get Araminta to a doctor, Paul Martin was the only option, and he was going to be at the Ponderosa.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

George rode behind, watching Araminta\u2019s face; she was pale and sweating. He looked skywards and prayed that she would be all right. He pleaded with his God to help her, to give her the strength to overcome whatever it was that was wrong, and in his desperation he bargained another life – his – for hers.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

George was leading the way, holding Bella\u2019s reins because Adam seemed incapable of guiding the horse and had let her wander from the path before George realized that something was wrong. Many times George had stopped to check on Araminta; giving her drinks of water, wiping her brow and speaking words of encouragement to her, but she seemed to be getting weaker. George explained to Adam that they must hurry and he had simply nodded, knowing that minutes might count if Araminta was to survive.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

It was late afternoon when the Ponderosa came into view in the distance. George called out. \u201cIs that your home?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam lifted his head. The journey had been a blur to him and something that he would rather forget. He had guided George, when he asked for directions, but otherwise he had been concentrating solely on getting home in one piece. The agony in his back was accentuated by the after-effects of the blows he had received at the hands of Glasby and his cronies, and now his eyes refused to focus, and nothing around him made any sense; he was fighting to stay conscious against the sharp, searing pain that flowed through him.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam peered into the distance and started to take notice, as he realized that he was nearly home. \u201cYes.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

As they pulled up in the yard, Joe ran out of the house, followed by Ben, Hoss and Sheriff Coffee, but it was Paul Martin who got to the travois first, and one look at the woman lying there was enough to tell him that his services were needed urgently. He directed George and Joe to get her inside and into bed as quickly as possible.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Carefully lifting Araminta into his arms, George carried her towards the house. Joe ran ahead, opening the front door, and he could see the desolate expression on George\u2019s face. As he approached the door Joe told him, \u201cDon\u2019t worry, Doc Martin\u2019s a good man, he\u2019ll help her.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe showed the way upstairs to a bedroom, where he hurriedly pulled back the bed covers and George laid Araminta gently between the crisp white sheets and stood silently, until Paul shooed both him and Joe from the room. \u201cI\u2019ll call you if I need you,\u201d Paul assured him.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Meanwhile, outside in the yard, Hoss was trying to get Adam off his horse while Ben watched anxiously. \u201cC\u2019mon Adam, ya gotta get down,\u201d Hoss encouraged him. When he still got no reaction, he looked at Ben and shrugged, then reached up and took his brother\u2019s arm.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam didn\u2019t want to move, but inside the house was his bed, and blessed rest. He nodded absently and eased his leg over the saddle. Hoss caught him as his foot hit the ground, supporting him and helping him to free his other foot from the stirrup. But Adam did not release his grip on the pommel, his fingers were numb from holding on so tight and Hoss had to pry them loose.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cGet him upstairs,\u201d Ben ordered once Adam was standing clear of the horse.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Hoss put a strong arm round Adam\u2019s waist to support him, but the tight grip made Adam suck in a quick breath, and then, as he took a step, he cried out, leaning heavily against the taller figure of his brother.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI can\u2019t,\u201d Adam moaned.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYes, you can,\u201d Hoss insisted and pulled Adam\u2019s arm round his shoulder.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWait,\u201d Adam ordered, noticing the concerned look on Ben\u2019s face. He reached inside his shirt and handed the bundle of notes to his father. \u201cI got the money back.\u201d There was no triumph in his voice, for he knew that he had failed in the task that he had set himself.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYes, and just look at you. I told you I wasn\u2019t interested in the money, I was more concerned with what else I might lose,\u201d Ben said, not knowing whether to be upset at Adam\u2019s insistence on chasing after the men, or relieved that he and Joe had returned alive.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam pushed away from Hoss and faced his father. \u201cWhat you might lose?\u201d he shouted bitterly. \u201cYou lost nothing!\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s right, I didn\u2019t,\u201d Ben said softly. \u201cI\u2019m sorry, son, I know how you must feel.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam stared long and hard at his father, and saw his own sorrow reflected there in memories that they both shared, of lost wives and mothers.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYeah, I guess you do at that,\u201d Adam admitted slowly.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cGet inside,\u201d Ben ordered gently. \u201cBed is where you belong now.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam nodded, but after a few agonizing steps, it became evident that he wouldn\u2019t make it into the house on his own two feet. Ben and Hoss each drew one of his arms over their shoulders and helped Adam to his room.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

George Sinclair was sitting on the sofa in front of the imposing stone wall of the fireplace in the living room, cradling a glass of brandy in his huge hands and sipping from it occasionally. Joe had already told Roy his story and now the sheriff was questioning George, but as he talked the big man\u2019s glance repeatedly flickered towards the stairs. He was anxious for the doctor to appear, but he also wished that time would stand still, that the doctor would not come down to tell him that he was going to lose his beloved wife.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

When Paul slowly descended the stairs into the living room, George leaped to his feet. \u201cWell?\u201d he whispered.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Paul looked round at Ben, Joe and Roy, then addressed George. \u201cI need to speak to you about Araminta\u2019s condition.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

George understood the look. \u201cI don\u2019t mind if they hear what you have to say. What is it, what\u2019s wrong?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cSit down,\u201d Paul ordered, reaching up to place a hand on George\u2019s shoulder. The big man obeyed; his legs had suddenly gone numb at the serious expression on the doctor\u2019s face. Paul sat in front of him, on the coffee table, looking straight into his eyes to reassure him. \u201cFirstly, let me tell you that Araminta will be all right. She has had a hard time, getting beaten like she was. But she\u2019s strong and healthy otherwise.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

George let a small smile escape his concern. \u201cThen what\u2026?\u201d He knew there was more.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cDid you know that your wife was pregnant?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

George nodded slowly. \u201cYes.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Before he spoke again, Paul put out a hand to steady the big man. \u201cShe\u2026was\u2026pregnant.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYou mean\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Paul nodded. \u201cOne of the blows she received must have been to her abdomen. I\u2019m sorry. She\u2019s lost the baby.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNoooooo!\u201d The brandy glass shattered noisily as it hit the floor. George buried his head in his hands.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cIf it helps any, I can tell you that there is no reason why Araminta should not bear you more children. I\u2019m as certain as I can be that there is no lasting damage. She needs rest and good food to build up her strength again, and then\u2026\u201d Paul stopped; he could see that George wasn\u2019t listening to him.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben left his seat beside the fireplace and came to sit with George on the sofa. \u201cYou can both stay here for as long as it takes. She\u2019ll get all the care she needs, and you need do nothing but be here for her.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The words flowed past the big man, who sat shaking his head. \u201cI should never have left her. If we hadn\u2019t gone after Adam\u2026\u201d George said bitterly.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cIt would have made no difference, the damage was already done,\u201d Paul assured him. \u201cThere was nothing that anyone could do to prevent the outcome of that blow.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

George stared at the doctor, trying to see if he was telling the truth, then satisfied by what he saw he asked, \u201cCan I go and see her?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cOf course, but she\u2019s sleeping right now, try not to disturb her.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

George rose unsteadily and made for the stairs. He stopped on the first step and turned to Roy. \u201cI\u2019m glad we killed them, because if they were still alive\u2026\u201d He did not need to finish the sentence; all the men could see the murderous look in his eyes. George went slowly up the stairs to his wife.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWell, I must go and see Adam,\u201d said Paul. \u201cBen, I think I\u2019m going to need some help. Joe, you too.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam was lying on his back under the covers, still fully clothed except for his boots. Hoss had helped him into bed, and as they tried to undress him, Adam had begged them to stop, it was simply too painful and he didn\u2019t care if he never took his clothes off again. He had lain, unmoving, for the past two hours while Doc Martin tended to Araminta, and the pain in his back and leg had finally subsided into a dull, nagging ache.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHoss,\u201d Adam\u2019s voice surprised his brother, who was daydreaming.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYeah, can I get you something?\u201d Hoss asked, preparing to get up.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNo, thanks. How\u2019s Chet?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cDoc brought him back with him this afternoon. Right now he\u2019s in the bunk house nursing a headache. But he\u2019ll be fine.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s good.\u201d After a pause, Adam asked, \u201cDid Roy get Brewster?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Hoss hesitated. \u201cHe wants to talk to you \u2018bout that.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI expect he does, but what happened?\u201d Adam turned his head to look at his brother, and his eyes narrowed as he realized that Hoss had evaded the question.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Hoss dropped his eyes, knowing that Adam wouldn\u2019t be happy with the result of the Sheriff\u2019s investigations. \u201dHe went over to his house, same night you left, but he\u2019s denied everythin\u2019. And with him bein\u2019 the only one of the gang left, it\u2019s your word against his.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAnd I\u2019ve got no other evidence, except what I heard.\u201d Adam\u2019s lips thinned angrily, and he nodded to himself, knowing that it was not enough to convict the banker.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s about the size of it, but I don\u2019t reckon that folks are goin\u2019 to trust him no more, once the news gets out.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cGuess I\u2019ll have to be satisfied with that.\u201d As he thought about it, Adam realized that there was no alternative and he was thankful that he had a certain reputation for honesty, which might just be enough to stop Brewster playing the same game on someone else. But it would not give justice to those he may have used it on in the past.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam\u2019s thoughts drifted back over the past three days. They had started with him and Hoss joshing Joe about his girl, and had ended in misery. Araminta was hurt, and Adam was sorry about that, but what occupied his mind was a tall sorrel horse that he knew he would never see again, and he also knew that he only had himself to blame. If he had not been so concerned with defeating the thieves\u2019 plan, if he had allowed them to take the payroll, Sport would still be with him. The five thousand dollars was nothing, compared to the value Adam put on the horse and all it meant to him.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Scenes went through Adam\u2019s mind, of him and Sport together; riding the range in all weathers, herding cattle, or roaming through the forest. He found it difficult to picture going into the barn and seeing Sport\u2019s stall empty, and tears pricked in his eyes at the thought, but then a smile twitched at his lips. Sport would be all right; he was free in the mountains somewhere and, thanks to Kenny, knew that not all humans could be trusted.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Footsteps approached the door and Paul entered, followed by Ben. When Joe also appeared, Adam frowned at them. \u201cYou all come to doctor me?\u201d he wondered.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Paul looked serious. \u201cI\u2019m going to need their help.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Distinctly worried by the doctor\u2019s expression, Adam ventured, \u201cI\u2019m not gonna like this, am I?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNo, I don\u2019t suppose you are,\u201d Paul confirmed, \u201cbut I have to check your back, and that means that you\u2019ve got to turn over.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cCan\u2019t you just leave me as I am, I\u2019m fine like this,\u201d Adam suggested miserably, without any real hope.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cSorry, no. We\u2019ll be as quick as we can.\u201d Paul saw that Adam\u2019s shirt and trousers were already unbuttoned and guessed the reason. \u201cWe\u2019ll get you undressed at the same time; get it all over with at once.\u201d He smiled at his patient but Adam did not react, he was preparing himself for the pain he knew was coming. \u201cBen take his legs, Joe, his hips, and Hoss, you hold his shoulders.\u201d Once they were all in position, Paul told them to turn Adam over, being careful to keep him as straight as they could. Though they did it with great care, they could see how it hurt Adam to move and Ben was fighting back tears as he watched his son struggling not to let them see how it affected him.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam\u2019s shirt was simple to remove, but they finally gave up on trying to take off his trousers. Ben took a knife and slit the seams, pulling the cloth out from beneath Adam, who now lay face down, his hands either side of his head clutching at the pillow, trying to control the re-awakened agony. Paul sent Joe and Hoss from the room, then put a hand on Adam\u2019s back, between his shoulders. \u201cIt\u2019s OK; we won\u2019t move you again if you don\u2019t want to. Just try to relax; I need to find out where it hurts.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam groaned. \u201cIt hurts everywhere.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Paul saw the bruising that was spread over Adam\u2019s back and frowned, but he spoke lightly, trying to raise Adam\u2019s spirits. \u201cI think you\u2019ll find it doesn\u2019t, not everywhere.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHow would you know, it\u2019s not your back,\u201d Adam retorted sharply.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI know because I\u2019m a doctor,\u201d Paul said with finality. \u201cNow, I want you to tell me when it hurts most.\u201d He started at the top of Adam\u2019s spine, pushing it with his thumbs, and Adam had to admit that there was no real pain.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

As Paul pushed on the lower bones, Adam\u2019s head jerked up and he cried, \u201cThere!\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Paul nodded knowingly, then asked, \u201cWhat about your legs?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam\u2019s head was back on the pillows, turned towards Paul, and he could see the concerned expression on the doctor\u2019s face. \u201cThe right one, all the way down the back.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Again Paul nodded. \u201cI was afraid of that.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhat is it Paul, what\u2019s wrong with me?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The doctor pulled a chair up beside the top of the bed so that Adam did not have to strain to see him. \u201cWhen they dragged you, did you hit your back on anything? You\u2019ve got a lot of bruising there, but was there one thing that you remember particularly?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam thought of the crashing blows of the rocks in the river, but he knew what Paul meant. \u201cA tree,\u201d he confirmed.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben could contain himself no longer. \u201cPaul, tell us, all of it.\u201d He was staring at the purple and black bruising, more evident now than when Adam had first come home.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The doctor turned to Ben, and saw behind the strong features a parent worried for his child. He knew there was no easy way to lift that worry from the older man\u2019s shoulders. \u201cAdam has obviously damaged his back.\u201d He looked at his patient. \u201cThe pain you feel is called sciatica. The sciatic nerve runs through the spine and controls the muscles in your legs. When you hit your back, it damaged either that nerve or the bones around it. It is something that should get better, with complete rest, and I do mean complete.\u201d He glared at Adam to make him understand the seriousness of what he was saying. \u201cThat\u2019s why I\u2019m not going to give you anything to ease the pain.\u201d Ben was about to protest, but Paul held up his hand. \u201cNo, I mean it, Ben. He has to lie quiet, and while he\u2019s still, Adam will feel little pain. It\u2019s only when he moves that it really hurts.\u201d He looked questioningly at Adam. \u201cThat\u2019s right, isn\u2019t it?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYes, otherwise it\u2019s just a dull ache all the time,\u201d Adam admitted.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cSo, that pain will remind you to keep still,\u201d Paul smiled, \u201cand the lack of it will tell us when you\u2019re ready to get back on your feet.\u201d He stood, and pulled away all but one of the pillows that Adam was lying on. \u201cYou can have one pillow, but no more. I don\u2019t care whether you lie on your stomach or your back, but if you want to turn over you must not do it by yourself, but get Ben and your brothers to help you. Do you understand?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam nodded miserably. \u201cHow long?\u201d he asked.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cFrom what I\u2019ve seen of this sort of injury in the past, I\u2019d say six weeks at least. But really it\u2019s impossible to predict; it depends on just how much damage was done at the time, and how much of the pain you feel is due to your rushing off after those men instead of resting.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam could sense his father\u2019s hand in what Paul was saying, but he let it pass. \u201cSo it could be less?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cIt could be,\u201d Paul agreed reluctantly, he didn\u2019t want to get Adam\u2019s hopes up. \u201cBut it will be longer if you don\u2019t follow my instructions.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben assured Paul. \u201cHe\u2019ll do as he\u2019s told, don\u2019t worry. Is there anything else we can do?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Slipping his arms into the sleeves of his jacket, Paul nodded. \u201cI\u2019m going to have a word with Hop Sing. I know that a liniment of Barberry Root can sometimes help, massaged into the back, and it certainly can\u2019t do any harm. Even the simple act of the massage can help.\u201d He could see Adam\u2019s downcast expression. \u201cDon\u2019t worry, given time you\u2019ll be almost as good as new.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam picked up on the relevant word. \u201cAlmost?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cOnce such damage is done, there is always a weakness there. Any strain can set it off again, even sudden, awkward movements. You\u2019ll soon learn what you can do, and how to prevent it happening. But for now, you\u2019ll just have to be patient.\u201d Leaving Ben bathing the cuts and bruises inflicted by Glasby and his men, Paul bid them farewell, telling Ben to send for him if Adam didn\u2019t improve, but otherwise there was little he could do until Adam was ready to try standing up.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

When they were alone, Adam asked his father about Araminta. Ben explained what had happened to the baby she was carrying, but that she would recover from her other injuries. Suddenly Adam felt that his pain was unimportant compared to what the couple had lost.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m sorry. George should never have left her. If Joe hadn\u2019t wanted to come after me she might have been all right.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben shook his head, \u201cPaul said it would have made no difference. There\u2019s no need for you to feel badly about that.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHe could be wrong.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAdam, the life inside Araminta was already forfeit, but yours was still there to be saved, and I will always be grateful that she had the courage to send George and Joe after you.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cPa, I want to go and see her.\u201d Ben was about to make it very clear that Adam was going nowhere, when his son continued. \u201cI owe her that, please; then I promise I\u2019ll stay here for as long as it takes.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben stood back from the bed. \u201cCertainly you can see her.\u201d Adam\u2019s eyes brightened, he hadn\u2019t expected his father to agree without a fight, then his face fell as Ben said, \u201cIf you can get out of that bed on your own, you can go wherever you like.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNo \u2018but\u2019s. You heard what Paul said. You\u2019re staying right there.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Once Ben had left the room, Adam buried his face and pounded his fist into the pillow with frustration at the unfairness of life, and the heartfelt blasphemy he uttered was lost in its downy softness.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

George spent the rest of the night sitting with Araminta. She stirred several times, but it was nearly dawn before she was properly awake. She smiled wanly as she saw George beside her.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

He leaned closer. \u201cHow are you?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cFine,\u201d she said softly, the medicine that Paul had administered to help her sleep still affecting her. \u201cThere is something I have to tell you.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

George brushed his hand gently over Araminta\u2019s clammy forehead, \u201cHush now, I know, the doctor told me. Minty, I\u2019m sorry, I should never have left you alone. If I had been there they wouldn\u2019t have hurt you, wouldn\u2019t have destroyed that precious gift you were carrying for me.\u201d George\u2019s voice was brimming with tears as he looked at his wife. \u201cOh Minty, I\u2019m so sorry.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Araminta stared at her husband for a second, then held out her arms, imploring him to hold her, to wrap her in his strength. George hugged her close, while she wept into his shoulder and he cried too, as he realized that the life he had bargained away with God had not been his, but that of their unborn child. His mind cried out against the injustice of the world but, as he laid Araminta back on the pillows, he gazed into her bruised but still beautiful face, and he knew that while he might have lost one precious gift, he still had another.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

In his room, Adam lay awake staring up at the ceiling, watching a spider weave a home for itself in one dark corner. He was thinking of George and Araminta, and a knot formed in his stomach as he thought of what Araminta had gone through; what Glasby and his men had done to the couple. He was contemplating the enormity of their loss when there was a soft knock on his door.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cCome in,\u201d Adam invited.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

George put his head round the door. \u201cYou\u2019re awake then?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYeah, can\u2019t sleep.\u201d Adam shifted uncomfortably in the bed. \u201cHow\u2019s Araminta?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cResting.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam looked at George, who paced to and fro at the foot of the bed, wondering how he could express to the man his regret for how things had turned out. After a long two minutes Adam spoke quietly. \u201cI lost Sport, he ran off with the other horses when I loosed his hobble.\u201d George nodded; he knew what had happened but his mind was on Araminta. \u201cPrecious as he was to me, I can get another horse. There will never be one that can replace him, he was a gift from Pa, but there will be others, and I will treasure them for who and what they are.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

George stopped pacing and stared at the dark eyes that were watching him. Then he smiled. \u201cThanks, Adam, I know what you\u2019re saying and you\u2019re right, God willing there will be other children. But we\u2019d waited so long for this one, and then to lose it like this\u2026well, it takes some getting used to.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhat will you do now?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

George\u2019s words were hollow as he answered. \u201cI wanted to buy her a house, somewhere nearer town, where we could bring up the child,\u201d his voice broke, \u201cin safety.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cPa told me he asked you to stay here until Araminta\u2019s better. That\u2019ll give you time to think about what you want to do.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

George went to the window, watching the sun come up over the forest. A new day was starting, a new day without the gift of a child, an empty day. He turned back to Adam, who was watching him silently. \u201cI wanted a child, but why should I want to bring an innocent into a world where such things can happen?\u201d he said bitterly.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam had never had a child, and at that moment he wasn\u2019t sure that he wanted to when he saw how losing one affected this strong man. But then he remembered his father\u2019s delight at the birth of Hoss and later, Joe. \u201cYou can\u2019t condemn the whole world for what happened to Araminta. Suppose her father had felt the same as you do now, suppose he had decided never to have children? She would not have been there for you to marry and share your life with.\u201d Adam raised his eyebrows at George. \u201cThink about it.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

George came to the head of the bed and held out his hand to Adam. \u201cThanks, I will.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cTry to get some rest,\u201d Adam advised, and George nodded and went back to sit with Araminta.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

The next day, Adam lay in bed listening to the preparations for the party; the shifting of furniture and Hop Sing\u2019s increasingly strident invectives to the family to \u2018get out of kitchen!\u2019.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben came upstairs to check on Adam. \u201cYou all right, son, is there anything you need?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cJust your permission to get up.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAdam, I know that you\u2019d rather be downstairs tonight, but use your common sense. You know it wouldn\u2019t do you any good, and it would be irresponsible of me to let you.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam sighed. \u201cYou\u2019re right, but you can\u2019t blame me for asking, can you?\u201d Ben tucked the bed covers in round his son, while Adam watched him indulgently and asked, \u201cIs Chet going to make it to the party?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben ran his hand over the soft surface of the blankets, smoothing out the creases. \u201cYes. Paul says that he\u2019s fine, there\u2019s no lasting damage.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cGood.\u201d Adam picked up his book, \u201cWell, have a good time without me.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Once Ben was out of the room, Adam pulled the blankets loose. He smiled, remembering other times, long ago, when his father would tuck him into the security of warm blankets. It seemed that no matter how old his sons were, Ben still insisted on treating them as children when they were sick.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Hoss and Joe came upstairs to change and make themselves presentable, ready to greet their guests. Before going down again, they came to see Adam, who lowered his book and looked them over. \u201cVery smart, the ladies won\u2019t stand a chance,\u201d he laughed.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cSorry you cain\u2019t be there,\u201d Hoss sympathized.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t worry about it.\u201d Adam indicated the leather bound volume lying on his chest. \u201cI\u2019ve wanted to start this book ever since it arrived last week, and it looks as though this is my chance.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe looked at the cover and snorted. \u201cI don\u2019t know what you see in books. Isn\u2019t real life exciting enough for you?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cBut they give you an insight into the lives of others. You can read about places and situations that you can\u2019t experience any other way.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Hoss nodded. \u201cGuess that\u2019s true, but I tell you, I find I get all the experiences I can deal with right here.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

With his eyebrows raised teasingly, Adam asked, \u201cAnd are you planning on having an experience tonight, perhaps with a certain young lady?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Hoss colored up and shuffled his feet nervously. \u201cMebbe,\u201d was all the information he would give. \u201cI\u2019m goin\u2019 to see if Pa needs a hand with the punch.\u201d Hoss beat a hasty retreat before his brothers could question him further.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe was about to leave as well, when Adam stopped him. \u201cI haven\u2019t had a chance to say thank you for what you did, Joe. I know that you thought that I was some sort of crazy for going after Glasby, but you stuck at it anyway.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWell, what was I supposed to do? You needed someone to look out for you, and besides,\u201d Joe smiled as Adam raised an eyebrow at that statement, \u201cit gave me the chance to show you that Hoss ain\u2019t the only one in this family who can follow a trail.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam held out his hand to his brother. \u201cWhatever the reason, I\u2019m grateful.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe took Adam\u2019s hand and held it. In the face of Adam\u2019s honest gratitude, the emotional young Joe found his eyes filling and he laughed away his reaction. \u201cNow all you gotta do is get better. We need you well again, or do you expect me an\u2019 Hoss to handle all the pretty girls?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNo, I expect the pretty ones to wait for me, but you can keep them occupied in the meantime, so they won\u2019t get bored.\u201d Adam gently pushed Joe away, \u201cNow get, before all those girls decide that you don\u2019t care and turn round and go home.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe turned as he reached the door. \u201cSee you later,\u201d he said, and was gone.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam smiled, and went back to his book.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

As he heard the sound of a surrey driving into the yard, Joe came out of the house. He had greeted every new arrival to the party, waiting to see the one person who would make his evening a happy one. His face broke into a broad grin as he saw that Mr. Maclaren was driving his family towards the house.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe stepped forwards and waved. \u201cHello, Mr. Maclaren,\u201d he said as the surrey pulled up in front of the house. He held out a hand to help Mrs. Maclaren. \u201cGood evening, Ma\u2019am, glad you could come.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cIt was very good of your father to invite us,\u201d said Esme Maclaren, stepping down from the vehicle and looking up at Joe.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe smiled, then turned his attention to Victoria, in the back of the surrey. \u201cGood evening, Victoria.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

She returned his smile. \u201cGood evening, Joe.\u201d Looking round at the Chinese lanterns hung round the yard, Victoria commented, \u201cMy, the house looks pretty.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe looked at her, dressed in dark blue velvet with a fetching white lace trim. He leaned closer so that only she should hear him. \u201cNot as beautiful as you.\u201d Victoria punched him on the arm and walked in front of him, following her parents into the house.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben greeted them warmly as they entered. The furniture had been cleared from the living room, and already the space was filling with people; ranch hands, friends and neighbors, all celebrating the end of another ranching year.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cJoe, help the Maclarens to a glass of punch,\u201d Ben instructed, and Joe led them to a table laden with a choice of drinks. Victoria and Esme chose punch, but Mr. Maclaren opted for sherry. When the musicians began to play, Joe whisked Esme onto the dance floor until the music stopped and he returned her, breathless, to her husband\u2019s side. His duty done, Joe felt free to dance the rest of the evening with Victoria.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Soon all the guests had arrived and the room was full of music and laughter. Hoss was escorting the engaging Alice Metcalfe, and Joe wondered if there was more than friendship there, as he saw how nervous his brother was, and knew it as a sign that he was serious about the girl. Joe tucked away the thought, ready to bring it out again at the opportune moment; he would be able to do his share of ribbing tomorrow at breakfast.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe handed Victoria another glass of punch as she looked round the room and remembered who was missing. \u201cHow\u2019s Adam?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThe Doc won\u2019t let him out of bed. He\u2019s real mad, but Pa\u2019s siding with Paul so he doesn\u2019t stand a chance,\u201d Joe laughed.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cCould we go and see him? He must be feeling very lonely, stuck upstairs all alone on a night like this.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe looked at Victoria, and again had the feeling that she was a special person, concerned for his brother in the midst of a party. \u201cSure, I know he\u2019d be happy to see you again.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

They made their way upstairs and, after knocking, Joe put his head round the door. \u201cVictoria would like to say \u2018hello\u2019. I think she\u2019s feeling sorry for you, big brother.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThen don\u2019t just stand there, come in,\u201d Adam invited, putting his book on the nightstand. He winced at the rising pain the movement caused, but when he turned back to face Joe and Victoria it was with a welcoming smile. Joe came into the room, followed by Victoria who had hold of his hand.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHow are you?\u201d Victoria asked.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cBored, and glad of some company,\u201d Adam declared.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe lowered himself gently onto the bed, careful not to move Adam, and Victoria sat on the chair, spreading the material of her dress around her. Adam could see why Joe was attracted to her, her dark eyes sparkled and her face shone with life. It reminded him of Melissa, whom he should have been escorting tonight. He was thinking that it would be some time before he would see her again, when he realized that Victoria had mentioned Melissa\u2019s name.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m sorry,\u201d said Adam, \u201cwhat did you say?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI said; did you know that Marty O\u2019Shea had invited Melissa Gibson to the party? But I must say she\u2019s been quite short with him.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe nodded. \u201cThat Melissa sure is a good looker.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cOh really,\u201d Victoria gave Joe a hard stare.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNo, not that pretty,\u201d Joe said quickly. He turned to Adam. \u201cI\u2019m surprised that you ain\u2019t been calling on her.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWell, you know how it is, I\u2019ve been busy.\u201d Adam thought that if Melissa was going out with Marty, he would not get the chance to find out whether she would relax away from her mother\u2019s company.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Victoria continued with her interrupted story. \u201cWell Adam, she obviously wanted Marty to bring her here in the hope of seeing you. I heard her tell him that if you were really confined to bed, then there was no point in them staying, and she wanted Marty to take her home. Marty said that he would prefer to stay for the dancing, but Melissa insisted.\u201d Victoria laughed, \u201cThe last I saw of them, Melissa was telling Marty that she never wanted to see him again.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cProbably for the best,\u201d Adam commented absently, thinking about Melissa\u2019s reported behavior and adding that to what he already knew of her. Probably best if he kept away from her as well.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Noticing Adam\u2019s off hand remark, Victoria changed the subject. \u201cJoe tells me that your back was injured when those men attacked you, and that you will have to stay here for some time.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYeah, it\u2019s nothing serious, but Paul insists that I lie still. And he\u2019s got Pa acting as watch dog in case I decide to do something stupid, like breathe.\u201d Adam\u2019s tone was light, but Joe could detect resentment that his father felt it necessary to watch over him so closely.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHow long do you think it will be before you can get up?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cDoc says it\u2019ll be a month at least. Of course, by then I will probably have gone insane from staring at the ceiling, but he won\u2019t relent.\u201d Adam looked at Joe. \u201cIf they don\u2019t let me up soon, I\u2019ll be too weak to work, so you and Hoss will have to do all my chores, even when I\u2019m vertical again.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWell, I do all the work round here anyway,\u201d Joe laughed.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cOh yeah? Since when?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cSince I was so high.\u201d Joe held his hand three feet off the floor. Then he stood and pulled Victoria to her feet. \u201cWe\u2019d better be getting back to the party, before brother here decides that I\u2019m still not too big to get a tanning.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam smiled, despite the news that they had brought about Melissa, he felt cheered by their visit. \u201cJust don\u2019t wear yourself out, remember all that work you\u2019ve got to do.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe stopped at the door and looked back. \u201cYou want anything?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNo, just go and enjoy yourself.\u201d Adam heard their footsteps recede down the hallway until they were lost amongst the sounds of the party; music and laughter. From the nightstand, he picked up the book and, holding it above him with both hands so he could read it, continued from where he had left off.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Half-an-hour later, when he realized that he had read the same sentence three times and still not taken in what it said, he let the volume drop onto his chest. The book was \u2018Oliver Twist\u2019, a tale by Charles Dickens, which told of the adventures of a young orphan in Victorian England. Adam had read the atmospheric descriptions of the London streets and the poor who inhabited them. It was at that point that his mind started to wander, as he thought of the country outside his own home, so different to the confined, dirty and dangerous conditions described in the book. Visions of the pine forest lead him naturally to think of George and Araminta, who had not joined the party downstairs; despite the woman\u2019s improving condition they had not felt like celebrating. Adam\u2019s thoughts turned to how he might be able to help them and, slowly, an idea formed in his mind.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

As the last guest left, Ben climbed the stairs to check on Adam. He found his son staring at the ceiling and had to call his name twice to get his attention.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYou were miles away,\u201d Ben observed as he turned down the top sheet neatly, and tucked the edges of the blankets under the mattress.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYeah,\u201d Adam answered, still distracted by his thoughts.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben sat carefully on the side of the bed. \u201cCare to tell me about it? Is your back hurting?\u201d Ben was concerned that Adam might be worried by his condition.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam looked at his father and smiled to relieve the worry he saw in the ebony eyes. \u201cIt\u2019s not too bad. No, I was thinking about George and Araminta. I don\u2019t like the thought of her being out there alone. They want to start a family, and that\u2019s not really the place for a child; out in the wilderness.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben returned Adam\u2019s smile as he thought of a young, dark haired boy who had traveled with his father all the way from Boston to Nevada. \u201cYou had your share of wilderness, and it doesn\u2019t seem to have done you any harm,\u201d he said quietly.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cBut then we didn\u2019t have much choice, did we?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

There was silence for a minute as the two men remembered shared times on the trail, some good, some bad, some funny, and some tragic; but they had always been together through those times. It was knowing that his father was beside him that had kept Adam going, and for Ben it was the belief that, somewhere, there was a home waiting for him and his growing family that had driven him on.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Eventually Adam spoke. \u201cI may have an alternative for them.\u201d He outlined his plan and received enthusiastic support from his father.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben stood and smoothed out the blankets where he had been sitting. \u201cWell, you can ask them about it in the morning, but for now I think you should try to get some sleep.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cDo you think they will accept?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t know. They are both very independent people, but it makes sense. We\u2019ll see.\u201d Ben shook his head as he opened the door and looked back. Adam again had his book in both hands.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

The following morning, Hop Sing was giving Adam a massage with the liniment that Paul had recommended. Each of the twice daily treatments had to be done while the family was there to help Adam turn over, and when it was finished, to turn back. So every day before eating breakfast, or supper, his father and brothers would come and get him ready for the little Chinaman\u2019s ministrations, and when they had eaten would see him settled back as comfortably as they could.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam found the massage exhausting; any movement caused the pain in his back to return, but he had to admit that, slowly, it seemed to be having an effect.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

After breakfast, when the family had left for their daily chores, Hop Sing returned to help Adam wash, shave, and eat his own breakfast. Despite his temporary handicap, Adam insisted on continuing to shave every day; it allowed him to think that soon he would be on his feet and back to normal, that he wasn\u2019t an invalid. He did not have much of an appetite, and when he had eaten all that he could manage, Adam asked Hop Sing to find George.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

A few minutes later there was a knock on the bedroom door. When it opened, Adam was surprised to see both George and Araminta enter. The young woman was looking pale and drawn beneath the slowly fading bruises, and had dark circles under her eyes which were red from the bitter tears that would come unbidden, whenever she thought of the child she had lost. George insisted that his wife sit down, while he stood behind her. \u201cYou wanted to see me,\u201d George said.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYes. Araminta, how are you?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m well, thank you.\u201d It was a quiet response; in more ways than one, the life seemed to have gone out of the woman.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cGeorge told me about the baby\u2026I\u2019m sorry.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t be.\u201d Araminta took a deep breath, forcing down her tears. \u201cThere was nothing that you could have done.\u201d She brightened a little. \u201cHow are you? I heard about your back; you shouldn\u2019t have gone after those men. But I\u2019m glad you did, otherwise they might have got away.\u201d Her tone hardened as she thought of Glasby and his gang.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll be fine, with a bit of rest. But that\u2019s not what I want to talk to you two about.\u201d Adam looked at George. \u201cHave you made any decisions yet?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Araminta looked round at George, then back to Adam. \u201cWhat do you mean, \u2018decisions\u2019?<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam realized that George had not discussed their options with his wife. \u201cAbout your future plans,\u201d Adam said, trying to make it sound as though his question had been a casual enquiry.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

George glanced with some trepidation at Araminta. All he wanted was to take care of her, and to be able to find somewhere to raise a family in safety. But he had not troubled Minty with his decision; he knew she would resist a move away from the forest. George walked round the bed until he could see Araminta\u2019s face, and her reaction. \u201cI think we should move nearer Virginia City, then I\u2019ll get a job in town. There must be something I can do; I don\u2019t mind what it is.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cBut you hate the town, and we don\u2019t have the money to build a house,\u201d Araminta insisted.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll find it somewhere. I won\u2019t have our children growing up in the wilderness. I know you love it as I do, but I\u2019m more interested in you being safe, and that means being closer to people.\u201d George went round the bed and knelt down in front of his wife and tried to encourage her to agree. \u201cWe don\u2019t have to live right in town, I don\u2019t suppose we could get a house there anyway, but just closer to help.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Before Araminta could voice her disagreement, Adam cleared his throat to get their attention. \u201cI may have a solution.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cOh?\u201d said Araminta.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cReally?\u201d said George.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cUh huh,\u201d said Adam. George and Araminta exchanged puzzled glances and Adam explained. \u201cA few years ago my father bought some land from Russ Macaulay. He wanted it because it rounded out the northern boundary of the ranch. The piece of land he bought had a house on it, which Pa paid for even though he didn\u2019t have any use for it.\u201d Adam smiled. \u201cI think he expected one of us to be married by now, and living in that house, but we\u2019re all still here. It\u2019s closer to town than your place, and it\u2019s big enough to raise a good size family.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam could see that both George and Araminta had guessed what he was going to suggest, so he simply asked, \u201cHow about it?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Araminta held George\u2019s hand and looked hopefully into his eyes. \u201cCould we? Could we afford it?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Before George could ask Adam how much they wanted for the house, he told them the rest of what he had in mind. \u201cWe don\u2019t want any money for the house. Instead we wondered if you would work for us.\u201d Adam raised questioning eyebrows at George.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cDoing what? You don\u2019t need a trapper.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNo, we don\u2019t, but we do need someone who knows the forest and its creatures. We have a couple of herds of deer that roam across the ranch, and we want to encourage them to stay. They keep the undergrowth down, which makes it easier and quicker to cut the trees,\u201d Adam paused and laughed, \u201cand their meat makes a refreshing change from beef. We would also expect you to keep a watch for cougars and stray bears. In exchange you would have a regular income, and the house. In five years, if you work for us for that time, the house would be yours, free and clear, with a parcel of land to go with it.\u201d Adam looked at the couple. \u201cWhat do you think?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

George and Araminta stared at each other for a full minute, not speaking, but instead communicating their shared thoughts silently. Then they turned as one towards Adam. Araminta nodded and George smiled as he answered. \u201cI think that would be fine. How can we ever thank you?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Embarrassed at their grateful glances, Adam shifted in the bed, until the pain in his back reminded him to keep still. \u201cYou don\u2019t have to.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Araminta stood, and leaned over the bed. She looked into the dark eyes, and remembered the first time she had seen them. Then it had been Adam leaning over, and she who was in bed, but now, again, he was helping them. She bent down and kissed him lightly on the cheek.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThank you.\u201d Her voice held such deep sincerity that Adam had to swallow to prevent tears forming in his eyes. Instead, he smiled.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t thank me until you\u2019ve seen it. What I didn\u2019t tell you is that the house will need some work before it is habitable. But any lumber you need you can get from the saw mill, and Joe and Hoss have said they will help you. You should be able to move in by the end of the month.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

While the rest of the family were enjoying supper, Hop Sing massaged Adam\u2019s back, gently but firmly working the Barberry Root liniment into the muscles and easing out the tenderness around his spine. Adam had his eyes closed; he found that despite being confined to bed he never got enough sleep. Every time he dozed off he would waken himself when he moved and set off the ache in his back. The regular motions of the Chinaman\u2019s hands were having a soporific effect on Adam and he was almost asleep, when he noticed that the massaging movements had changed. They were lighter, but insistent, feeling out each muscle and bone in his back, soothing away the pain with gentle pressure.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam opened his eyes and looked round, over his shoulder. He was surprised to see Hop Sing sitting at one side of the bed, his hands on his knees as he leaned forward, obviously watching closely whoever it was that was doing the massage. Adam strained round a little further and saw Araminta leaning over his back. When she became aware of Adam watching her, she stopped.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI hope you don\u2019t mind, I didn\u2019t mean to intrude,\u201d she said nervously. \u201cI was showing Hop Sing a better way to do this.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam smiled. \u201cNo, I don\u2019t mind. I was just thinking how good it felt.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Hop Sing let out a snort. \u201cMissy know about backs. Hop Sing know about healing. Together we make Mister Adam better.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

In answer to Adam\u2019s raised eyebrow, Araminta was happy to explain, but first she made him put his head back on the pillow. \u201cI can\u2019t do this if you insist on watching me; you\u2019re tensing your muscles.\u201d Adam settled down, and Araminta continued. \u201cI used to massage my father, when he came home after a day in the mine. He spent all his working life bent double in those confined spaces, and sometimes could hardly walk when he came home. But after a bath and a good rub, he was fine.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Hop Sing said that he had to go and see to his chores, leaving Araminta to continue. When she had nearly finished, she sat in the chair beside the bed, gently rubbing her hand up and down Adam\u2019s back with soft, soothing movements of her fingers that allowed the muscles to settle after the firmer pressure of the massage.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam looked round and found that she was watching him. Their eyes met for an instant – and alarm bells started ringing in Adam\u2019s head.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Araminta withdrew her hands and rested them in her lap. She smiled, and a small laugh sounded in her throat. \u201cI think I had better be getting downstairs.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam smiled as well. \u201cYes, I think you had.\u201d They exchanged a look of understanding; there was an attraction, one for the other. \u201cWill you come and do that again?\u201d Adam asked.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNext time, bring George with you.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Araminta nodded, still smiling. \u201cIs it me you don\u2019t trust, or yourself?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam laughed. \u201cBoth.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

Three weeks later Paul was standing watching, as Adam hesitantly swung his legs off the bed and set his feet on the floor.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cJust sit there for a minute, don\u2019t rush this. You may feel a bit light headed, that\u2019s to be expected when you\u2019ve been lying down for so long,\u201d Paul warned him.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam nodded, then held out his hand to his father. Ben held Adam\u2019s arm and helped him to his feet, ready to take his weight if standing proved to be too difficult. Adam straightened slowly. He waited while a wave of dizziness washed over him, but then it was gone and he stood firmly. He looked at Paul and Ben.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m fine. There\u2019s no pain at all.\u201d Adam tried turning a little, first to one side, then the other. \u201cGood as new,\u201d he announced happily.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNot quite,\u201d Paul reminded him. \u201cI told you that once such damage is done there is always a risk of it coming back. Don\u2019t be fooled by it not hurting, go carefully and find out what you can and can\u2019t do.\u201d Paul looked at Ben. \u201cDon\u2019t let him rush back to work straight away.\u201d He turned again to Adam, \u201cYour muscles will take time to build themselves up again. If you overdo it now you could end up flat on your back again, and it might be for a lot longer.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cOK, Paul, don\u2019t worry, I understand.\u201d Adam turned to his father. \u201cI\u2019ll see you downstairs.\u201d Ben realized that Adam wanted some time alone, and he ushered Paul from the room.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

With his hand on the door handle, Ben turned back. \u201cDon\u2019t be too long, and if you need help dressing, call me.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam nodded; now he was on his feet again he wouldn\u2019t risk doing any damage to his back. He walked slowly round the room stretching occasionally to test his back, but he felt no discomfort. He silently thanked Araminta for her ministrations. He was certain that she had helped his recovery, and would thank her properly when he was able.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Since that shared moment when she had first tended to him, they had never been alone together, either George or Hop Sing had been with them and Adam was grateful. He could see the love she had for her husband; it shone from her every time she saw him, and Adam felt a twinge of envy. But then he smiled to himself; maybe one day he would find a woman to love him, as Araminta loved George.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

As he sat on the bed and eased on his trousers, his thoughts turned to Melissa; not a woman he could love, but one whose apparent attraction to himself might prove useful on this occasion. George and Araminta had moved into their new home and were going to have a house warming party at the end of the week, and Adam decided that, if he was going to attend, he had to have a partner to take with him. His back was not yet ready to go riding out, or calling on a young lady, but remembering Victoria\u2019s words regarding Melissa\u2019s attitude to him being absent from the party, he thought that if she was no longer seeing Marty, there was every chance that she would accept an invitation to go with him. He felt guilty about using the girl in this way, but at that moment, Araminta\u2019s feelings were more important to him.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Once he was dressed, Adam sat at his desk in one corner of the bedroom and wrote to Melissa, inviting her to be his partner. He explained, without going into detail, that he had been unable to call on her recently due to his incapacity, but that if she would agree to accompany him, he would collect her and take her to the party.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam sealed the envelope, put it in his pocket, and went down to join his family for dinner. Ben wanted to celebrate Adam\u2019s recovery, and ensured it was a lively affair by opening a bottle of his best burgundy to go with the fine steaks that Hop Sing had prepared. He was happy to see all his sons together again, healthy and happy.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

When they had finished their meal, Ben rose from the table and, telling the boys to remain where they were, he went up to his room, returning with a large, rectangular box in his hands, which he placed on the table in front of Adam. \u201cI bought you something I think you might need.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Puzzled, Adam stood and released the string that was holding the box closed. As he peered inside, he laughed loudly, and looked at his father. Then he reached inside and came out holding a new black hat, with black band and silver studs, identical to those he had lost.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI noticed that you came back without yours\u2026again,\u201d Ben explained.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam placed it on his head, it was a perfect fit. \u201cThanks, Pa. I will try to take better care of this one.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWell you\u2019d better,\u201d said Ben resuming his seat. \u201cOtherwise I think I\u2019m going to open a hatter\u2019s shop, just to keep you supplied.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam picked up his wine glass. \u201cBrothers, a toast. To Pa, not only does he provide a roof over our heads, but hats to cover them as well.\u201d Adam paused and added seriously, \u201cIt is all that a son could ask.\u201d He looked uncertainly at his father, who simply smiled back and nodded, recognizing that there was more to the message that Adam wasn\u2019t saying; an apology for the threat he had issued when Ben tried to stop him going after Glasby.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Later that evening, while Ben was sat at his desk working on the tally of the last cut of timber, Adam, Hoss, and Joe sat on the veranda enjoying a lazy glass of brandy before turning in. It was chilly and they all wore coats, but there would not be many more evenings that they could sit there before the winter set in.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe was slumped in his seat, with his feet on another chair and his glass resting on his chest, while Hoss sat with his elbows propped on his knees, twirling his glass between his hands thoughtfully. Adam sat with cushions behind him, helping him to sit up straight in the comfortable chair which invited him to slouch into its wooden embrace. He had tried putting his feet up like Joe, but it pulled on his back muscles and he had lowered them to the ground. He still wore his new hat, reluctant to take it off; not simply because of the warmth it provided, but also because of the circumstances that had led to him needing it. He stared at the glass in his hand, thinking that Pa had replaced one gift with another, given with the same love. He was brought out of his thoughts when Joe spoke to him.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cSay, Adam, who\u2019re you taking to the Sinclairs\u2019 party?\u201d Joe sipped on his drink to hide a grin. If Adam was planning to escort a girl he was keeping it a secret, and if he wasn\u2019t, he would be mad at the assumption that he was. Either way, Joe hoped he would get a rise out of his brother.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWho says I\u2019m taking anyone?\u201d Adam did not shift his eyes from the golden liquid in his glass.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Hoss joined in. \u201cSo are ya goin\u2019 on yer own?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI didn\u2019t say that,\u201d Adam replied, keeping his tone noncommittal.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe pursed his lips, frustrated at the calmness of his eldest brother. \u201cNo, you didn\u2019t. You ain\u2019t said nothing.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cJoe, how many times have I told you that a double negative implies a positive? If I \u2018ain\u2019t said nothing\u2019 as you so eloquently put it, then I must have said something, and you would therefore know whether I am planning to take anyone to the party.\u201d Adam\u2019s smug expression infuriated Joe, who knew that yet again he had lost the battle of words with his brother.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe drained his glass and got to his feet. \u201cWell, some of us have work to do, and have to get up early.\u201d The frustration he was feeling made the words sound more bitter than he had intended. When Joe saw the downcast expression on Adam\u2019s face, he tried to apologies. \u201cAdam, I\u2019m sorry, I know you can\u2019t do any heavy work right now, I don\u2019t expect you to.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam replied slowly without looking up. \u201cNo, I can\u2019t, but\u2026\u201d his voice took on a note of determination, \u201c\u2026soon I\u2019ll be back to normal.\u201d He hoped that was true; he had yet to find out whether there was any lasting damage.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe put his hand on his eldest brother\u2019s shoulder. \u201cI know. But don\u2019t rush it on my account.\u201d He sighed dramatically. \u201cI suppose that Hoss and I can cope without you.\u201d He winked at Hoss, \u201cIn fact, we seem to be managing very well.\u201d Turning back, he asked, \u201cRemind me again what it was that you did around here.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam smiled, he knew his brother was joking and trying to make up for his careless remark. \u201cWell now, let me see, there was the fencing, and the branding and taking charge of the drives and the logging, and of course in all that spare time I had I would look over the odd contract\u2026shall I go on?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe held up both hands as he retreated towards the front door. \u201cNoooooo, please, I give in.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

When Adam was alone with Hoss, he pulled from his pocket the letter he had written to Melissa and held it in his hands. He looked up. \u201cWould you do something for me?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Hoss nodded lazily. \u201cSure.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cTake this to Melissa Gibson.\u201d Adam held out the letter. \u201cIt\u2019s about the Sinclairs\u2019 party.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Hoss raised his eyebrows as he tried not to choke on the mouthful of brandy he had just taken. \u201cMelissa\u2026? You invitin\u2019 her? D\u2019ya think she\u2019ll come?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cShe might. What neither of you know is that I have been to tea with the beautiful Melissa. But then this happened,\u201d Adam put a hand into the small of his back and stretched gently, \u201cand I haven\u2019t seen her since.\u201d He turned to his brother, and Hoss could see a serious look in his eyes. \u201cI need you to persuade her to come with me.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Hoss heard the unusual phrasing of Adam\u2019s statement. \u201cWhat d\u2019ya mean \u2018need\u2019?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI can\u2019t go to the party alone.\u201d Adam caught Hoss\u2019 curious look and explained. \u201cWhen Araminta was here, she and I\u2026well, there was an attraction.\u201d He held up a hand before Hoss could speak. \u201cOh no, she\u2019s too much in love with George, and neither of us was going to do anything about it, but it was there. I need to reassure her that I have no intention of trying to take it any further, and I don\u2019t expect her to either. The best way to do that is to take a girl to the party, and I can\u2019t think of a better way to lay to rest any misgivings that Araminta may have than for her to see me with Melissa.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Hoss was nodding. \u201cYou\u2019re right there, brother. You kept that mighty quiet, about you an\u2019 Melissa.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam drained the last of his brandy and stood as he glanced down at Hoss. \u201cWell, I\u2019m not sure there is any \u2018me and Melissa\u2019. But you didn\u2019t think I was going to give baby brother any ammunition to use against me did you? No, he\u2019ll know soon enough, if she\u2019ll agree to come with me, that is.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Hoss got to his feet and draped an arm over Adam\u2019s shoulders. \u201cDon\u2019t fret none. I\u2019ll use the legendary Hoss Cartwright charm to make sure that you get to go with her.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Hoss\u2019 arm was still resting supportively on Adam as they made their way through the front door.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

Saturday evening found the four Cartwrights ready, willing, and, perhaps with the exception of the eldest son, able to tackle a night out. All wore white dress shirts and black string ties. Ben and Adam had on long, black broadcloth jackets, Adam with black trousers to match while Ben\u2019s were grey and complimented by the addition of a silver silk vest. Joe had chosen his favorite blue suit and Hoss wore his comfortable tan jacket. The big man was nervous enough at the prospect of another date with Alice and he did not want to spend the evening fighting with his clothes, it would take his mind away from the very pleasing prospect of his young lady.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam, having earlier broken the news that he was escorting Melissa to the party, announced that he was leaving to collect her. As he reached the door, Joe rushed up behind him, grinning.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNow brother, remember what the doc said. No strenuous exercise, or sudden movements.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam lifted his new hat from the rack beside the door before he turned and replied with mock patience, \u201cThank you for your advice, I\u2019ll try to remember.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYou sure you\u2019re goin\u2019 to be able to manage her?\u201d asked Hoss, coming to stand beside Joe. \u201cFrom what they say, that Melissa can be a bit of a handful.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam smiled sardonically. \u201cReally? I was hoping for more of an armful.\u201d He opened the door and left before either brother could reply.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben was smiling to himself. Joe and Hoss had somehow never learned that Lake Tahoe would run dry before they could get the better of their brother in any verbal exchange.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWell,\u201d Ben reminded them, \u201cas I understand it, you two are escorting your respective partners and their families to the Sinclairs\u2019, so don\u2019t you think you should be going?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYes\u2026yes, sir,\u201d said Joe hurriedly.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cSure Pa, see you there,\u201d agreed Hoss.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The Sinclairs\u2019 house was festooned outside with every Chinese lantern that could be found on the Ponderosa, and the light illuminated the front yard brightly.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

As Adam drove Melissa towards the house, she exclaimed at the beauty of the sight, removing one of the hands that had been wrapped tightly around Adam\u2019s arm and pointing at the lights. \u201cThey\u2019ve taken a lot of trouble, haven\u2019t they?\u201d She turned and lifted her face to Adam, smiling.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

He looked down at her; beneath her cloak she was dressed in an evening gown of rich peach taffeta with cream lace edging, which set off her dark hair and eyes to perfection. Adam thought that she looked attractive, but her insistence on holding on to him all the time was beginning to wear at his nerves. It was as though she wanted the world to see that she had staked her claim on him, and he was far from certain that he wanted to be claimed by her, and certainly not at this early stage in whatever relationship might develop.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYes, they want everything to be just right. This will be the first time that George and Araminta have met some of their neighbors,\u201d Adam said by way of explanation as he alighted from the buggy. He went round to stand beside Melissa and held out his hand to help her down. She stood uncertainly; she had rather hoped that he would lift her down and that the movement would give her a chance to hold onto his shoulders, perhaps to lean against his muscular body. But his hand stayed held out and she took it resignedly, allowing him to escort her into the house.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Inside, Araminta had done wonders with the decorations. The house was still in need of some work, but she had disguised its shortcomings with lanterns and streamers and, in places where the floor or walls were still in need of some repair, instead of oil lamps for illumination, she had placed candles, and their muted light softened any flaws. The house, though smaller, had a similar design to the Ponderosa ranch house, one large room serving as dining room and parlor. The dining table was pushed against one wall and loaded down with food, provided by Ben as a gift, and prepared by Hop Sing in Araminta\u2019s kitchen. The Chinaman fussed over the presentation, making sure that everything was in place, that there were sufficient plates and cutlery, and as the evening wore on, that no one went hungry.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAdam, how are you?\u201d Araminta approached, but stood a pace away from him. \u201cIt\u2019s good to see you looking so well.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam smiled, thinking how beautiful she looked, in her dark green velvet dress and with her fair hair piled high on her head. \u201cThank you, I\u2019m fine. How are you?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWell, thank you.\u201d Araminta turned as George came to stand beside her. \u201cI was saying how well Adam is looking.\u201d To Adam she sounded nervous, but if George noticed he said nothing, instead welcoming his guests. Adam introduced Melissa, and Araminta seemed to relax.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The room was about half full, with a dozen couples talking and joking or exchanging pleasantries, when Ben arrived, followed by Hoss and Joe with the Metcalfes and Maclarens.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Melissa stuck to Adam\u2019s side, her eyes warning off any female who might think to dance with him. Since that memorable afternoon, when he had taken tea with her and her mother, she had not heard from him. She had hoped that she might see him at the Ponderosa party, but when he did not appear she thought that all her efforts had been for nothing. Then she received his invitation and it had reawakened her plans. She had determined that Adam Cartwright was the man she wanted to marry, not because she loved him, but because his money would enable her to employ a nurse for her mother and free herself from the responsibility of caring for her invalid parent.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The small band took up their instruments, and soon the room was filled with music and laughter. Adam reluctantly agreed to dance, but Melissa was an enthusiastic partner and he found it a strain on his back to keep up with her.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

She pulled him away from the dancing, into a corner. \u201cIs your back troubling you?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNo, it\u2019s not too bad, but I am under strict instructions form Doc Martin not to put any strain on it, and no one who values their life goes against Paul\u2019s instructions.\u201d He saw a look of disbelief on Melissa\u2019s face, and pointed across the room, where Paul Martin was deep in conversation with Ben. \u201cIf he found out, he\u2019d have me taking some of the foulest tasting medicine he could find, and he would be able to come up with a perfectly good reason why I should. I\u2019d rather not antagonize him.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Melissa took his hand, ready to take advantage of the situation. \u201cThen how about some fresh air?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam wasn\u2019t sure that he wanted to go outside with Melissa. As the evening wore on, he had come to realize that he had made a mistake by inviting her to accompany him; she had spent the evening trying to get him alone, and making subtle suggestions of what might happen if they were. Melissa was a beautiful girl, but for Adam beauty wasn\u2019t top of his priorities and he preferred a girl who at least pretended to be hard to get. He tried to divert her. \u201cI\u2019m quite enjoying it here, watching the dancing. Would you like another drink?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Melissa started fanning herself with her hand. \u201cI feel quite faint; I really do need some fresh air.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam sighed. Without being rude to the girl he couldn\u2019t very well refuse. He led her out of the front door and into the yard, where Melissa seemed to make a miraculous recovery and headed towards the barn. Adam followed her slowly; he couldn\u2019t leave her and return inside, much as he might want to. As her escort, he was responsible for her safety.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

When he entered the barn, Melissa was climbing onto a pile of straw bales, which moved precariously.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cGet down from there before you kill yourself,\u201d Adam said angrily.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Melissa looked round and smiled provocatively. \u201cWhy don\u2019t you come and get me?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNo, I\u2019ll just wait down here, until you decide that you\u2019ve had enough of this silly game.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Melissa turned and sat down, her legs dangling over the edge of the bales, eight feet from the ground. \u201cAdam Cartwright, you may be rich and good-looking, but you\u2019re no fun.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t call it fun to go clambering over straw bales in my best suit, and in the middle of a party.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

When she saw that she wasn\u2019t going to be able to manipulate this particular man, Melissa shrugged and began to climb down, but the bales started to shift and she jumped clear of them. Adam reacted instinctively, and caught her in his arms before she hit the ground. They went down together, Melissa on top, as the bales thudded down and rolled around them, miraculously missing them both.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Melissa pushed herself up onto her hands and looked down into Adam\u2019s face, just inches below hers. Without a word she bent her elbows until her lips were on his and kissed him. When he did not respond she drew back, at once ashamed and indignant, and then stood, but Adam did not follow her.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m sorry if I have embarrassed you,\u201d she said angrily, glaring down at him, \u201cI would like you to take me home now.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam lay on the ground surrounded by the fallen bales, his right leg bent and the left one resting on his ankle. As he tried to straighten his leg a pain shot from the back of his hip to his knee and he knew that he had done some damage. He turned his head towards Melissa and a deep frown creased his forehead. \u201cMelissa\u2026I\u2019ve hurt my back, catching you like that. Would you go and find my father for me?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Seeing the predicament he was in and knowing that he blamed her for it, Melissa defended herself in the only way she knew; she turned on her heels and left. A minute later Adam heard the sound of a buggy leaving the yard and knew he would have to find help for himself. He was gathering the resolve to get to his feet, when Hoss appeared in the barn doorway. He rushed over to Adam and, heaving aside the bales, knelt beside him.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI just saw Melissa leaving, what happened?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNothing, or nothing that she wanted to happen. She fell off some straw bales,\u201d Adam gave a lop-sided smile, \u201cand I tried to catch her.\u201d He put out his hand. \u201cHelp me up.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Hoss lifted his brother to his feet, and Adam stood for a moment then took a step. He gasped as the familiar pain returned. He wanted to let rip with a flow of profanities, but when he looked up his father was standing in front of him, a worried frown on his face, and Adam just clenched his teeth and remained silent.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben came to his side. \u201cSon, what happened?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNothing, don\u2019t worry.\u201d Adam took another step, and Ben could see that his son had not been strictly truthful. Adam saw his father watching him and knew he could not fool the older man. \u201cCan someone take me home?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cOf course, I\u2019ll drive you. Can you stand all right?\u201d When Adam nodded Ben continued, \u201cMelissa took your buggy, but I\u2019ll find a rig to take you home, stay here.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam turned to his brother, \u201cHoss would you apologies to George and Araminta for me?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201c\u2019Course, don\u2019t fret, I\u2019ll do it once you\u2019re on your way.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

When Ben returned, Hoss helped him to get Adam into the Maclaren\u2019s surrey. Adam stretched out on the rear seat, bending his knees to accommodate his long legs and draping an arm over his eyes as he fought off the depression of knowing how easily his back could be hurt. He hoped that a night\u2019s rest would see him recovered. Ben tapped the reins on the rumps of the pair of matched greys that were hitched to the vehicle, and Hoss watched them go before he went inside to explain to the Sinclairs.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

They had been traveling for half-an-hour in silence, when Adam called to his father. \u201cPa\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben turned in his seat, concerned. \u201cYes, son, what is it? Is your back getting worse?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNo, don\u2019t worry.\u201d Adam laughed softly. \u201cBut I\u2019ve just remembered something.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben frowned. \u201cWhat?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNow don\u2019t get mad, but you know that new hat you bought me?\u201d Ben nodded. \u201cI left it at the party.\u201d The sound of their laughter echoed through the dark forest.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

Adam was sitting up in bed the following morning, surrounded by pillows to give his back support. He had decided to follow his father\u2019s advice, given more in the form of a command, that he should rest in bed for the day and maybe get up for supper.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

He was reading as he waited for Hop Sing to bring him an overdue mid-morning pot of coffee, so when he heard a knock on his door he called out, \u201cI thought you\u2019d forgotten about me!\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHow could I forget about you,\u201d Araminta said mischievously, putting down on the night stand the tray she was carrying.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The bed covers had slipped down below Adam\u2019s waist, exposing the fact that he wore no night-shirt, and he hurriedly pulled them further up the bed, until they were almost concealing the expanse of his broad, hair covered chest.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

His action made Araminta laugh quietly, as she poured them both a cup of coffee and handed one to him. \u201cReally, I don\u2019t think that you have to be coy with me. I\u2019m the one who had her hands on your back, remember?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam smiled, and then spoke softly. \u201cYeah, I remember. How could I forget those gentle hands?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Araminta sat down and looked at the cup in her hands, avoiding his gaze. \u201cAdam\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAll I\u2019m saying is that I am grateful,\u201d he assured her. Araminta looked up and they stared at each other for a long while until Adam broke the silence. \u201cI\u2019m sorry that my attendance at your party was curtailed.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI was sorry too.\u201d Araminta paused. \u201cWhy did you bring Melissa to the party?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhy shouldn\u2019t I?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cBecause even someone like me, who doesn\u2019t know you that well, could see that you were uncomfortable with her, that\u2019s why.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWas it that obvious? I thought that I was doing a rather good job of hiding it.\u201d Adam laughed.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cPerhaps you wished that you were. So, why did you invite her?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cBecause of you, because of what happened between us.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNothing happened,\u201d Araminta protested, but in her heart she knew that it was only her deep love of George that kept her from wanting Adam.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAnd it never will.\u201d Adam smiled softly and took Araminta\u2019s hand. \u201cNot because I wouldn\u2019t like it to happen, but because I can see what George means to you.\u201d He released her hand and took a sip of coffee before continuing. \u201cI thought that if I took a girl to the party it would reassure you that I wasn\u2019t about to try to come between you. I knew that Melissa wanted me to ask her out, so I did.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThank you.\u201d Araminta sighed, but whether with regret or relief Adam could not tell. \u201cThank you for not following what was in your heart. When that look passed between us, here in your bedroom, I\u2019ll admit that I was afraid. I thought that you might take it as a signal that I was prepared to betray George\u2019s love for another man\u2019s.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAraminta, you don\u2019t have to explain.\u201d His brown eyes caught hers for a moment. \u201cI have never seen two people so completely in love. If anyone tried to come between you they would be squashed like a fly between the pages of a book, and I\u2019d rather not be in that position.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI somehow don\u2019t think you would squash that easily.\u201d She paused, and then turned the conversation to easier topics. \u201cI brought your hat back. You forgot it last night.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThanks. Pa already suspects that I have a vested interest in Harvey Young\u2019s hat business. If I lost another, he\u2019d be convinced of it.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Araminta smiled, and then asked, \u201cHow is your back? Hoss explained what happened; I trust that you have not done more damage.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNo, it\u2019s fine. Pa insists that I rest it today, but I\u2019ll be up and about again this evening. It\u2019s just not strong yet, that\u2019ll take time but luckily winter\u2019s coming, and the work around the ranch eases up so it\u2019ll give me time to get back the full strength. Then when the spring comes I\u2019ll be good as new.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Araminta looked bitter. \u201cGlasby has a lot to answer for.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam put his cup on the night stand and took both of Araminta\u2019s hands in his. \u201cYou\u2019re right, and I\u2019m sorry for what they did to you. But if they hadn\u2019t tried to take the payroll I would never have met you and George, and my life would be the poorer for that. So in a strange way, I am grateful to him.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Araminta brightened at what Adam said. \u201cYou\u2019re right, of course. If it wasn\u2019t for him, we wouldn\u2019t have our house, nor such good friends.\u201d She pulled her hands away and stood. \u201cNow, do you need a massage to help your back?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam raised his eyebrows, surprised that she had suggested such a thing in light of their conversation. Suddenly Araminta burst out laughing, and Adam happily joined in.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

That evening Adam made it downstairs for dinner. A day\u2019s rest had eased the pain in his back, but he took it as a warning that he was not yet fully healed.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

He sat down in his usual place, opposite his father, aware of the close scrutiny of his brothers. He ignored them, as he helped himself to potatoes and vegetables to accompany the chicken already on his plate; he knew it could not be long before they gave in to the temptation to mention what had happened at the party. He was not disappointed.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThey do say that you should be careful what you wish for, you might get it,\u201d said Joe into a pause in the conversation. Ben cleared his throat, trying not to laugh, and Hoss looked puzzled. \u201cAdam said he was hoping for an armful of Melissa, and it looks like that\u2019s exactly what he got,\u201d Joe explained, glancing at his eldest brother.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cSure did,\u201d agreed Hoss turning to Adam. \u201cDidn\u2019t you know better than to try to catch her? Thought you was the one with the brains in this family.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cIt may come as a surprise to you both,\u201d said Adam, looking in turn at Hoss and Joe, \u201cbut I had no intention of catching her.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe looked as though enlightenment had dawned. \u201cAh, so she threw herself at you.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThought you\u2019d be used to that at your age, brother,\u201d said Hoss.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cShe did not throw herself at me,\u201d Adam remembered how Melissa had tried to get him alone and he smiled, \u201cat least, not then.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cSo how come you ended up on the ground? Hoss said you told him you tried to catch her, was that just an excuse for\u2026\u201d Joe looked sideways at his father, and seeing the disapproving look didn\u2019t finish the sentence.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cShe fell down from the stack of bales and I\u2026well I did catch her, but only to stop her from hurting herself.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe shook his head. \u201cI reckon you knew that you\u2019d soon be fit enough to go back to work and just wanted some more time off. Guess a fella could get used to not being on a horse all day.\u201d As soon as he said the words, Joe realized that he had made a mistake; a shadow crossed Adam\u2019s face and he lowered his eyes. Joe looked at Ben, who shook his head slightly indicating that they should leave Adam alone, that the moment would pass.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam looked up. \u201cIf you\u2019ll excuse me, Pa, I\u2019d like to get some fresh air.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe was about to speak, but Ben put out a hand to stop him. \u201cOf course, son.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam rose and went quietly out of the door. He wandered slowly across the yard, lost in thoughts of a big sorrel horse. He had buried his sorrow deep inside, knowing that, with time, it would pass. But Joe\u2019s words had brought it to the surface unexpectedly, and he needed time alone to put it back behind the wall he had created. He soon found himself by the corral, where he leaned over the top rail, bending his knees slightly and allowing his arms to take some of his weight, stretching his back and easing the dull ache that was still present. He heard a sound behind him and turned to see his father approach.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cChecking the new stock?\u201d Ben asked, a small smile on his face that made Adam frown.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Until that moment Adam had not been aware of the horses in the corral. The look on his father\u2019s face made him take notice of the animals that were moving lazily around. The evening light was dim and there were enough horses that it was not possible to see them all clearly, but as they moved Adam could see across the enclosure to the horses on the far side. He sucked in his breath and looked round at his father.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s not\u2026\u201d Adam said quietly, knowing it could not be true.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben shook his head. \u201cNo, it\u2019s not Sport, but have you ever seen a horse that looks so much like him? Joe spotted him in the sales in Sacramento last week and was going to surprise you. He and Hoss paid for him between them.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhy didn\u2019t they tell me?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cBecause they knew you\u2019d want to gentle him yourself, and they also knew that if they told you the horse was here, you\u2019d be on his back before you were ready, and they didn\u2019t want to be responsible for you hurting yourself again. He only arrived today, and they were going to take him over to the Metcalfe\u2019s in the morning, and keep him there until you were ready. Seems your brothers can use their heads sometimes.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam turned away. Tears had started in his eyes at the display of affection from his brothers, and he was trying not to let them fall. But when Ben put an arm round him and pulled him into an embrace, Adam couldn\u2019t stop himself; he buried his face in his father\u2019s strong shoulder and, as his emotions overwhelmed him, he let the tears flow freely, at last able to express his sense of loss in the face of the love that was trying to heal his hurt.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

He gradually brought himself under control and pushed away from Ben, wiping at his eyes with the back of his hand. Ben put a hand on his shoulder. \u201cCome back inside, you look like you could use a drink.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam leaned again on the rail of the corral. \u201cI\u2019ll be in soon; just want to watch that beauty for a minute.\u201d He pointed at the horse, which was still on the far side of the corral.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAll right, don\u2019t be long.\u201d Ben nodded and returned to the house.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam watched the sorrel that was so like Sport. The main difference was that this horse had four white socks, where Sport had only three. Otherwise they were matched for height, and this horse held his head high and proud, reminiscent of the haughty attitude of his lost companion.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam stood for a long time watching the animal intently, and was unaware of footsteps behind him. He felt a nudge on his shoulder and spoke without turning. \u201cAll right, Pa, I said I\u2019ll come inside in a minute.\u201d He received no reply; instead he felt hot breath on his neck. Frowning, Adam turned and his throat tightened at the sight before him. He swung round to look again at the corral, but the big sorrel was still there. Very, very slowly he turned back, not daring to breathe, afraid that he had conjured up the vision he had seen, but it was still there. His mane bedraggled and his coat dull and in need of a good brush to get rid of the dust, Sport still carried his head high. When Adam reached out slowly and put his hand on the familiar silky nose, Sport put his head down and pushed gently against his master\u2019s chest. Adam rested his cheek on the long head, above the horses\u2019 eyes. His tears had all been spent, thinking of his loss, and now all Adam had left was laughter, and he let it well inside him until it burst forth, only stopping when his ribs started to ache. Sport caught his master\u2019s mood and raised his head, letting out a long whinny of joy.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben, who was sitting beside the fireplace reading, heard the noise from outside and frowned. The horses should be quiet and sleepy and he was afraid that one of them might have got loose from the corral, and that Adam would try to catch it. He hurried to the front door and out onto the porch, followed by Hoss and Joe, who were equally concerned and had deserted their game of checkers. The vision that greeted them stopped them in their tracks. Adam was walking towards the barn, followed closely by a tall sorrel horse. Surely, thought Ben, his son had not released the unbroken and untrained stallion from the corral? That would be irresponsible, never a label that could be attached to Adam. Then Ben noticed that there was no head rope on the animal, but he followed Adam as though joined by an invisible thread, never more than a step behind.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

As the pair disappeared into the barn, Ben, Hoss, and Joe hurriedly crossed the yard heading for the corral, and, as Adam had done a few minutes earlier, they saw that the new arrival was still there. The three men exchanged puzzled glances; there was only one explanation, but surely, that was impossible.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben lowered his head in thought, then looked up. \u201cLet\u2019s all go back into the house.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cBut Pa,\u201d Joe said excitedly, \u201cyou saw it, that had to be Sport.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYeah, there cain\u2019t be three<\/em> horses that look like that,\u201d protested Hoss.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben recalled the tears of his reticent son as he let his emotions speak for him. If by some miracle that was Sport, he knew that Adam would want to be alone. \u201cWhether it was or not, I want you to go inside and leave your brother to find out for himself. No doubt he will tell us when he\u2019s ready.\u201d Ben\u2019s steady gaze encouraged his two younger sons to obey him, and they all went into the house, Hoss and Joe casting curious glances over their shoulders.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam had led Sport into his stall and started to brush the russet gold coat, talking all the time, his voice soft as he berated the animal for running off.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhat did you think you were doing, hn? Didn\u2019t you know that I\u2019d come to rescue you? I\u2019m sorry that they took you, I didn\u2019t want them to, but I couldn\u2019t stop them. I did try, you know, but they got the better of me, guess I was careless.\u201d Adam found a matted area of coat and worked the knots out slowly. \u201cIt wasn\u2019t a bed of roses for me either, the way you ran off. Didn\u2019t you realise it was me you were dragging behind you? No, I guess not. Then you just had to go and find that river\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam walked round to the other side of the horse and continued brushing. \u201cTwice you ran. I was beginning to think that you didn\u2019t like me.\u201d Adam stopped brushing and stood very still, then slowly continued to brush. \u201cBut if you hadn\u2019t run, I wouldn\u2019t have been able to help George and Araminta.\u201d He stood in front of the horse, who was now gleaming in the light of the single oil lamp, and looked him in the eye. His gaze was returned steadily. \u201cWell, I guess things usually turn out for the best, hn? Except for the baby, of course, but that wasn\u2019t your fault.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam prepared and hung up a net of hay and filled a pail with water, which he set down in front of Sport. He patted the long neck. \u201cSleep well, boy.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam backed towards the barn door, still hardly believing that the horse had found his way home after so many weeks, but it was the fact that Sport had given up his freedom that really touched Adam. He had always believed, and hoped, that he had treated his mount with respect, from the moment that he had broken him to the saddle, but to have concrete evidence that the horse thought so too was overwhelming. Adam stopped and retraced his steps, until he was once again standing in Sport\u2019s stall, stroking the silky muzzle.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWelcome home, boy, welcome home.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

The New Year had brought heavy falls of snow to the Sierras and the Carson valley, blocking the roads and marooning the ranchers and their hands. But then a warm spell had made the trails passable. Joe and Hoss went into Virginia City, but Adam decided to ride over to the Sinclair house.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Since the party, Adam and Araminta had become close friends. Knowing that the attraction they felt was reciprocated, but also knowing that neither one wanted more, had led them into a Platonic relationship, which they both enjoyed. George was happy to have Adam visit, and if he wondered at Araminta\u2019s joy on seeing him, he never let it affect the welcome that he gave to the rancher. He trusted his wife, and as he had come to know Adam better, George knew that he was a man whose moral code would not allow him to make advances to a married woman.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam was savoring being out of the house and riding through the forest. He drank in the sight of the winter landscape, the snow softening the harsh outlines of the rough ground. Each tree bore a coat of white on its branches and occasionally a soft \u2018plop\u2019 could be heard as melting now fell to the ground. At last, Adam was able to ride with no discomfort; he knew that the quiet winter months were giving him the chance to recover fully, and that, when spring came, he would be able to resume all his duties about the ranch without worrying about his back. He was gradually finding out exactly what he could do, which seemed to be just about anything that he did before.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

He was also looking forward to working with his new horse. He had spent the time of his recovery making friends with the animal, which he had named Beauty, in remembrance of his first thought on seeing him. Not perhaps a fitting name for a stallion, but Adam didn\u2019t care since he would seldom use it. But, for him, there was a wealth of meaning behind the name, and that was what mattered.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

He pulled into the yard, dismounted and approached the front door. Before he could knock, the door was flung open and Araminta greeted him by throwing her arms round his neck. Adam was caught completely off guard by this unusually open show of affection, and was about to push her away when he saw George standing behind her, a grin on his face that threatened to split it in two.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Araminta released Adam and pulled him into the house by his hand. Adam looked at them both. \u201cWhat is going on?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cOh, Adam, isn\u2019t it wonderful, I\u2019m so excited.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cMinty, I don\u2019t\u2026\u201d Adam was at a loss.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

George enlightened him. \u201cMinty is expecting a baby.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam looked from Araminta to George and back again. He smiled broadly. \u201cThat\u2019s wonderful, I\u2019m very happy for you both.\u201d He took George\u2019s hand and shook it warmly. \u201cWhen?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAugust.\u201d Araminta had hold of George\u2019s hand and squeezed it tightly. \u201cWe\u2019re just\u2026just delighted.\u201d She was so delighted she could hardly speak.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam looked serious. \u201cGeorge\u2026Minty\u2026if there\u2019s anything that I can do for you\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t worry, I\u2019m fine.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cBut later, it might be a good idea for you to come to the Ponderosa. Hop Sing\u2019s there, and when he\u2019s not, there\u2019s always someone about, if anything should happen, if you should need the doctor.\u201d Adam looked at George, trying to make him persuade his wife that it would be for the best, and finally, they both agreed.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

After a celebratory cup of tea, Adam was again on Sport and bidding farewell to the Sinclairs. As he rode away he turned, and stopped as he saw George and Araminta, their arms round each other, walking slowly back into the house.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

He leaned forward to stroke Sport\u2019s neck. \u201cAnd they all lived happily ever after,\u201d Adam said, as he glanced up at the clear blue winter sky and smiled. \u201cHow about it? Do You think that You could manage that?\u201d He lowered his gaze once more, and as he urged Sport towards home, a soft warm breeze sighed its acquiescence through the forest.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

*William Shakespeare: Macbeth, Act 5<\/em><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

**Dan De Quille in his book \u2018The Big Bonanza\u2019 describes the \u2018short bit\u2019 as ten cents, as opposed to the \u2018long bit\u2019, worth twelve-and-a-half cents. The short bit was the smallest coin in circulation in Virginia City during the time that the Comstock Lode was being exploited.<\/em><\/p>\n

<\/div>\n

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

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

Summary:\u00a0 \u00a0 Adam is determined to protect the payroll, but loses something more precious.<\/p>\n

Rating:\u00a0 T\u00a0 (33,500 words)<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":10351,"featured_media":10343,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"template-full-width-post.php","format":"standard","meta":{"jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_access":"","_jetpack_dont_email_post_to_subs":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_tier_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paywalled_content":false,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[23],"tags":[14,15,17,16],"class_list":["post-14058","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-drama","tag-adam-cartwright","tag-ben","tag-hoss","tag-joe","wpcat-23-id"],"a3_pvc":{"activated":true,"total_views":1815,"today_views":0},"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/02\/AC-w-rifle.jpg?fit=269%2C328&ssl=1","jetpack_likes_enabled":true,"jetpack-related-posts":[{"id":7582,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=7582","url_meta":{"origin":14058,"position":0},"title":"Doctor’s Orders (by DJK)","author":"DJK","date":"May 9, 2014","format":false,"excerpt":"Summary:\u00a0Ben and Adam face off over the doctor\u2019s orders. Rated:\u00a0K+\u00a0\u00a0 Word count:\u00a0887","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\/adam_11.jpg?fit=796%2C638&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/04\/adam_11.jpg?fit=796%2C638&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/04\/adam_11.jpg?fit=796%2C638&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/04\/adam_11.jpg?fit=796%2C638&ssl=1&resize=700%2C400 2x"},"classes":[]},{"id":7619,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=7619","url_meta":{"origin":14058,"position":1},"title":"Big Ears, Big Fears (by DJK)","author":"DJK","date":"May 9, 2014","format":false,"excerpt":"Summary: Little Joe listens and learns. 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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":2867,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=2867","url_meta":{"origin":14058,"position":3},"title":"Hiding in Fear (by BluewindFarm)","author":"BluewindFarm","date":"August 24, 2013","format":false,"excerpt":"SUMMARY:\u00a0 An unenviable situation finds the brothers in hiding and praying they won't be found.\u00a0 Rating:\u00a0 K \u00a0(640 words)","rel":"","context":"In "Brothers"","block_context":{"text":"Brothers","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?cat=1009"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/04\/Da-brothers-bonanza-16935311-400-264.jpg?fit=400%2C264&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200},"classes":[]},{"id":14359,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=14359","url_meta":{"origin":14058,"position":4},"title":"Ben’s Boy Hoss (by DJK)","author":"DJK","date":"May 17, 2017","format":false,"excerpt":"Summary: \u00a0A collection of seven short vignettes which were written in response to various prompts.\u00a0 Together they paint a picture of Hoss Cartwright, boy and man. 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