{"id":14060,"date":"2003-01-21T21:36:42","date_gmt":"2003-01-22T02:36:42","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=14060"},"modified":"2025-02-27T12:06:58","modified_gmt":"2025-02-27T17:06:58","slug":"the-better-man-by-diana-g","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=14060","title":{"rendered":"The Better Man? (by Diana G)"},"content":{"rendered":"

Summary:\u00a0 <\/strong>Adam goes undercover to help capture a group of rustlers.
\n<\/strong><\/p>\n

Rating:\u00a0 T \u00a0 (25,800 words)<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The Better Man?<\/strong><\/p>\n

\u201cGet in there, Cartwright!\u201d the marshal ordered sternly. He held a gun in one hand and placed the other firmly in the centre of Adam\u2019s back, giving a shove to encourage him to enter the jail cell that stood open, waiting for him.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

As he stumbled across the threshold Adam turned, his brown eyes seeming black as anger filled them. \u201cDon\u2019t touch me!\u201d he growled.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Marshal Andrews grinned. \u201cWell, that\u2019s going to be difficult, unless you don\u2019t want me to untie you.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam glared at him, but then stood with his back to the marshal so that his captor could release the rope that bound his hands. Andrews gave a final, meaningful push in Adam\u2019s back that sent him staggering against the far wall, and then he locked the door and turned away.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam crossed the cell in two strides and gripped the bars, his knuckles whitening with fury. \u201cI\u2019m not going back there to hang!\u201d he shouted.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Andrews turned back and leered at his newest prisoner. \u201cThat\u2019s up to the jury, of course. But I know local justice; you\u2019d better start saying your prayers.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam shook the bars and swore silently at the retreating back of the marshal, then turned to glare at the other occupant of the large cell, the only one in the dingy jailhouse. \u201cWhat are you looking at?\u201d he said threateningly to the man sat on one of the cots, which stood two either side of the room.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The man shifted his eyes away, not attempting to answer. Adam took a step towards him, and Albie Cronin felt as though a cloud had covered the sun; the black hair and clothing emphasizing the intense dark stare from his new cellmate.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam studied Cronin for a minute. He wore a brown shirt and grey pants that were crumpled, but seemed clean enough. He was as tall as Adam and, like him, powerfully built with broad shoulders. The strong face under the brown hair was weathered from years spent wandering the country, making it look older than his forty years, but his wide-set eyes were alert and watchful, and right now they were watching Adam as he threw his hat onto the cot and sat down muttering to himself. As he lay back, Adam moved his head to look through the bars of his temporary home and he could see Andrews sitting, bent over the papers that were scattered across the heavy wooden desk. Adam\u2019s eyes wandered to the board behind the marshal\u2019s head, where he spotted a poster in the middle of several others, and saw it bore a likeness of himself. Above the picture were the words, \u2018Wanted: for Murder\u2019, and below, \u2018Adam Cartwright. $2,000 reward: Dead or Alive\u2019. Adam looked back at his fellow prisoner and saw that he too had spied the poster. They exchanged glances, and nods, then Adam closed his eyes and his mind traveled back to the conversation which had brought him to this dismal place.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

Ben Cartwright answered the knock on the door and found Sheriff Roy Coffee standing before him. \u201cCome in, Roy,\u201d he invited, standing aside to allow the sheriff to enter. \u201cWhat brings you out here?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Roy sounded uncomfortable as he answered. \u201cIs Adam here?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben was puzzled at the tone, but replied instantly. \u201cYes, he\u2019s upstairs. Do you want to talk to him?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI want to speak to both of you.\u201d Roy perched on the edge of the settee in front of the fireplace, while Ben went to get Adam, who was in his room. A minute later they both appeared.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHi, Roy,\u201d said Adam, descending the stairs behind his father, \u201cPa says you want to talk to me.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Roy stood and looked at both men. They could tell, by the nervous fingering of his hat, that the sheriff had something difficult to say. Ben offered him a drink to help him relax, and then he and Adam sat, while they waited for Roy to speak.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The sheriff paced up and down behind the settee. \u201cI got a message today from an old friend of mine who\u2019s the marshal in Lake View. He\u2019s got a prisoner locked up in Alturas, some fifty miles south, who\u2019s giving him a bit of a problem.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben and Adam exchanged glances. They knew of Lake View, but neither of them had ever heard of Alturas. They looked back at Roy as he came to sit beside Adam, on the settee.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cIt seems that the ranchers round there have been losing quite a few cattle lately, and this man, Albie Cronin, is involved in it. Andrews knows that he could try and convict Cronin, but that won\u2019t stop the rustling. He wrote to me for help; he wants the whole gang.\u201d He paused again, seeming reluctant to continue.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

From the sheriff\u2019s tone, Adam was beginning to get an idea of what was coming, and decided to come to the aid of his friend. \u201cRoy, do you need our help in some way? You know you only have to ask.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Roy cleared his throat. \u201cYes, I do. Andrews has a suggestion for getting all of them. He\u2019s tried to find their hide-out, but it\u2019s somewhere in a tangle of canyons and they\u2019ve always lost the trail, whenever they have been able to follow them. He wants someone to infiltrate the gang and let him know where they plan to strike. He can be waiting for them and grab the lot.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben looked from Roy to Adam and back again. \u201cGo on,\u201d he said softly. He too, was beginning to see where this was leading.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAndrews asked me if I knew anyone who could do the job. It has to be someone he can trust, someone who knows cattle, and who would be able to take care of himself if there was trouble.\u201d Roy looked at both men, wondering if he had the right to ask for this kind of help from his friends. He took a deep breath. \u201cI thought of Adam.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

There was silence, and the only sound that could be heard was the ticking of the long-case clock by the front door, as all three men considered the implications of those words.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

It was Adam who spoke first. \u201cWhen do you want me?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Roy relaxed slightly; he could tell by that simple question that Adam had agreed to take on the job.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben reacted instantly. \u201cNow, just hold on a minute.\u201d He turned to the sheriff. \u201cRoy, you come here and ask Adam to help you, knowing that there might be trouble. I won\u2019t let him purposely put himself at risk.\u201d Ben shied away from the thought of his irreplaceable eldest son getting hurt, perhaps killed.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHang on a minute Pa.\u201d Adam held up a placating hand as he sat forward and addressed Roy. \u201cThese rustlers are obviously a big problem. How many cattle have they taken?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAndrews says several hundred head so far. They started small, just taking a few here and there, but recently they\u2019ve got more confident and it\u2019s becoming a real threat. There are small ranchers in the area who are in danger of going under because of the losses.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m sorry to hear that,\u201d said Ben, \u201cbut we have our own problems here. I don\u2019t know that I can spare Adam just now.\u201d He was trying to find any reason to keep his son out of this plainly dangerous plan.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cPa, you know as well as I how these things can spread. They may be hitting ranches a long way from here now, but it might not be long before they hit us. If they\u2019ve taken that many cattle they\u2019re going to have to move on soon. This may be the best chance to stop them, and those ranchers need our help.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s what Andrews thought too,\u201d Roy said, nodding. \u201cThis could be the only time for such a plan to work.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhat\u2019s he got in mind?\u201d Adam avoided looking at Ben, aware of his father\u2019s unhappy expression.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHe thought that you could go up there, get yourself arrested, and break out of jail with this Cronin. Hopefully you could attach yourself to the gang, gain their confidence and get the information that Andrews needs.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben interrupted. \u201cJust how is he going to get himself arrested? It has to be for something more than brawling in the saloon.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll send Andrews some posters saying that Adam is wanted down here for murder. That should convince Cronin that Adam would be desperate enough to want to break jail, and not be too worried about a little rustling.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam nodded. \u201cSounds as though it might work.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAdam\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cPa, I appreciate that you\u2019re worried, but I think it\u2019s up to me to decide whether I do it or not. And remember, if they come this way we stand to lose more than most.\u201d Ben looked as though he was going to argue, but Adam turned to Roy. \u201cWhen?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cRight away. I\u2019ll get Nate at the newspaper office to print the posters, we can trust him not to say anything, and I\u2019ll send them to Andrews. You follow in a couple of days. I\u2019ll tell him to keep an eye out for you, so you can meet to finalize the plan, and make any arrangements you need to get the information to him. Then he can arrest you before anyone else gets the same idea.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cRight. I\u2019ll leave day after tomorrow.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Roy stood and held out his hand to Adam, who also got to his feet.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThanks Adam. Take care of yourself.\u201d Roy looked across at Ben who was glaring at him, and he knew that it would be a long time before his old friend forgave him for getting Adam involved.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

Adam was lying on his cot in the first light of day thinking that he would have been more comfortable sleeping on the ground. The mattress was lumpy and smelt of its former occupants. He swung his feet onto the floor as he sat up, and found his cellmate studying him.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Cronin smiled. \u201cMurder, huh?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYeah,\u201d said Adam ruefully, \u201cyou?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThey think they got me for rustling, but they\u2019ll have a hard time proving it. I just happened to be in the wrong place at the wrong time.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cReally?\u201d Adam let a note of disbelief into his voice.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cOK, so I may have helped myself to the odd steer,\u201d Cronin smiled. \u201cWell, maybe more than one or two.\u201d He paused. \u201cWho\u2019d you kill?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cSome drunk from the saloon.\u201d Cronin looked questioningly at Adam, so he continued. \u201cHe accused me of taking his girl. Wouldn\u2019t let it rest and when I went outside he jumped me. I didn\u2019t mean to kill him, but he didn\u2019t leave me much choice.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t make it murder, if he jumped you and you had to kill him.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cIt wouldn\u2019t, if I hadn\u2019t threatened to do just that when we were arguing in the saloon, guess I was mite drunk too. And there was a witness who said that I attacked the man. Might have got away with it but for him, I didn\u2019t know that he was a friend of the drunk and had followed him. \u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cCareless,\u201d observed Cronin.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam shrugged. \u201cSo I took off, but it seems the posters got here before me.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhere\u2019d it happen?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cVirginia City.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Albie raised his eyebrows in surprise; Virginia City was a good way south. \u201cHow long you been on the run?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThree weeks.\u201d Adam had, in fact, taken only a few days to reach Alturas but wanted Cronin to think that he had simply wandered into the town by accident. Adam decided that he had given Cronin enough information for the moment and he stood and approached the bars then turned. \u201cYou should know that I don\u2019t plan to stay here and let them send me back.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhat you got in mind?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cJust follow my lead and we\u2019ll be out of here.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Cronin nodded his acknowledgement, and the next thing he knew Adam grabbed hold of the front of his shirt, pulled him to his feet and landed a blow on his chin. Cronin retaliated with a fist in Adam\u2019s stomach and then they were on the floor struggling with each other. The sheriff came to his feet as he heard the noise of a fight and approached the cell. He turned back to the desk and picked up the keys, then, unlocking the door, he went in and tried to separate the two men, who seemed intent on tearing each other apart. He was taken by surprise as both men turned on him, and he was forced to the ground. Adam hit him square on the chin and the sheriff ceased to be concerned about his prisoners.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam and Cronin looked at each other and smiled; then Adam lifted the sheriff onto one of the cots, picked up his hat and made his way out of the cell and into the office with Cronin following. He searched through the drawers of the desk until he found both their gun belts, complete with weapons.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThat was the easy part, now we have to get out of town,\u201d said Adam. \u201cMy horse is in the livery, how about yours?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNot sure, probably.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cOK, let\u2019s go.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The two men walked out unobserved, and casually made their way across the deserted early morning street towards the livery stable. They quickly found Adam\u2019s dark bay horse, and next to him was Cronin\u2019s buckskin, well fed and watered. Adam had not brought his own horse, Sport, who had been his companion for ten years; he realized that, subconsciously, he was protecting the animal should anything go wrong and he wasn\u2019t able to return home. They soon had the horses ready to go and rode slowly south out of town, attracting no attention from the few citizens who were about at that early hour. Adam was relieved when he saw the way Cronin headed. Andrews suspected that the rustler\u2019s hideout lay in that direction, and it seemed as though he had guessed correctly. Once clear of the town they kicked their mounts into a gallop and were miles away when the sheriff came round and ran for the marshal.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

As soon as they felt that they had put enough distance between the town and themselves to feel safe from pursuit, they pulled the horses into a walk and rode easily, side by side. As they passed the opening to a canyon Cronin halted and turned to Adam.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhat you goin\u2019 to do now?\u201d he asked.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t rightly know.\u201d Adam shook his head as he thought. \u201cIt\u2019s not easy for an outlaw to make an honest living.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI could help you, if you\u2019re not too fussy about the \u2018honest\u2019 bit.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cOh?\u201d Adam held his breath; the whole plan depended on Cronin inviting him to join the rustlers.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYeah. That little bit of rustling?\u201d Cronin saw Adam nod. \u201cWell, it\u2019s more than a little, we got quite a business going here and the law ain\u2019t been able to touch us. I figure that I owe you for getting me out of jail, so how would you like a share in it?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam looked round at the thickly wooded slopes and rocky outcrops that surrounded them, as though trying to decide what to do. He turned back to Cronin, who was waiting expectantly. Adam shrugged. \u201cWell, I must admit that kind of work wasn\u2019t what I had in mind, but I do need some money and fast, so OK, thanks.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Cronin smiled. \u201cThe camp\u2019s not far from here; it\u2019s over some pretty rough country, but that\u2019s what\u2019s stopped the law finding us. Come on.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Cronin turned his horse and started into the canyon. He was right, the ground was strewn with rocks and the almost invisible trail made its way through narrow passages between the towering cliffs. They traveled slowly and stopped to share some coffee that remained in Adam\u2019s saddle bags from his journey north. He also had a small coffee pot and one metal cup, and they sat drinking, sharing the cup.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Cronin was still curious about his new companion; he was obviously a man who could take care of himself and use his head, but he didn\u2019t seem the type to have got mixed up in murder; his speech and the quality of his gun belt, weapon and the equipment for his horse told Cronin that he was no trail bum.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhat were you doin\u2019 in Virginia City, you come from round there?\u201d Cronin passed the cup to Adam who delayed answering while he drank.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

This was the moment that Adam had dreaded. He was going to have to tell Cronin something about himself and had decided to stick as close as he could to the truth; it was always possible that he might come across someone who knew him. Many of the extra hands they hired for the roundups were just passing through, and would move on after the job was finished, scattering around the country. That was one reason why he had used his own name, it would be less suspicious than an alias, and anyone who knew the Ponderosa and the Cartwrights might accept that Adam had run rather than stand trial. He could explain that he didn\u2019t want his family\u2019s name dragged through court, didn\u2019t want his father to see him hang.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam nodded. \u201cMy family owns a ranch there. We raise cattle and have a good timber business, as well as some mining.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cBig place then.\u201d He accepted the cup back from Adam. \u201cHow many head you got?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam smiled, waiting for Cronin\u2019s reaction. \u201cAbout ten thousand at the last count.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cTen\u2026\u201d there was a distinct pause, \u201c\u2026thousand!\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cGive or take.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAnd you left all that!\u201d Cronin shook his head in wonder. \u201cWhy?\u201d He refilled the cup and handed it to Adam.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhy?\u201d Adam repeated, and Cronin nodded. \u201cGuess after what happened I didn\u2019t have much choice. I could have stayed, could have relied on the reputation I have,\u201d Adam paused, \u201chad, for being honest and law abiding, but you don\u2019t build the kind of place we have and not make enemies. There are people in town who would willingly have seen me hang, and a few of them on a jury\u2026\u201d Adam shrugged. \u201cEveryone in the saloon heard me threaten the man, and with the witness\u2026well, I didn\u2019t stand a chance. Pa always brought us up to respect the law, and it would have just about broken his heart to know a son of his had been hanged.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Cronin took back the cup. \u201cBut he must be a rich man, he could have bought you outta that kind of trouble, you know, paid off the sheriff, and that witness you say saw you.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam shook his head. \u201cHe wouldn\u2019t do that. I wouldn\u2019t expect him to; he respects the law.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cMust be tough, having a Pa who wouldn\u2019t help his own son out of a noose.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam refused another drink. \u201cYeah, must be.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

He sat for a moment with thoughts of his family going through his head, until Cronin announced, \u201cTime to go.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

After an hour, Cronin held up his hand and stopped. They had passed through a narrow passage, at the end of which was a broad expanse of wood and grassland that fell away to a river flowing slowly by a sheer cliff, which led off to an equally narrow exit at the far end of the canyon, a mile away. Beside the river grazed a herd of cattle that Adam reckoned numbered nearly a hundred head.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cGive me your gun,\u201d Cronin ordered. Adam raised his eyebrows and Cronin explained. \u201cIf they see you riding in here armed, they\u2019re likely to shoot first and ask questions later. We don\u2019t take to strangers.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam handed over his weapon and followed Cronin through the woods, where the broad-leaved trees shaded the ground, keeping the undergrowth to a minimum and making the going easy. After about half-a-mile they came upon a clearing, where two men were sitting round a large fire. They looked up as they heard riders, and stood when they saw who approached. Adam estimated that the taller, mousy-haired man was near his own thirty-one years, the other was a little younger, with a mop of curly red hair. They waited as Adam and Cronin dismounted and walked towards them. Adam hung back, not sure of his welcome and wanting to give Albie the chance to greet his cronies.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The tall man had a broad grin on his aquiline face. \u201cHey, Albie,\u201d he called, \u201cso you finally decided to come back, eh?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Cronin went to the man and slapped him happily on the back of the brown vest that he wore over his pale grey shirt. \u201cLou! It\u2019s good to see you.\u201d He turned to the younger man who was also smiling broadly. \u201cWell, Red, I see that you\u2019re still here.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Red shook Albie\u2019s hand, his pale eyes lighting with pleasure to have back the man he regarded as their leader. \u201cWhere else would I be? We were worried, thought you were a gonner for sure. What happened?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThe marshal caught me selling those cows. Had me in jail in Alturas.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHow\u2019d you get away?\u201d Lou wanted to know.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Cronin turned to Adam and motioned him to come over. \u201cThe marshal had us both locked up, but my friend here got us out.\u201d He looked back at his fellow rustlers. \u201cI\u2019d like you to meet Adam Cartwright. Adam meet Lou,\u201d he said indicating the taller man, \u201cand Leon, known to all as Red.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam shook hands with the men, who looked at him warily. Adam\u2019s black clothing and steadfast gaze gave them an impression of restrained strength in this man, and a hint of danger.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t worry, he\u2019s OK,\u201d said Cronin handing back the gun to Adam who slipped it easily into its holster.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cSo you got Albie outta jail? How\u2019d you do that?\u201d Lou asked, curiosity tingeing his distrust.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI hit him.\u201d Adam smiled at their reaction.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Cronin felt his jaw and grimaced. \u201cYeah, and I owe you one for that,\u201d he laughed. \u201cHow about something to eat?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Red set about providing coffee and beans for the newcomers while they questioned Adam about his being in jail and where he had come from. Adam was glad that, apart from the murder, everything he had told Cronin was the truth and they couldn\u2019t catch him out with their questions, which were fired at him in quick succession. After a few minutes Cronin stopped them.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s enough, like I said, he\u2019s OK, and he knows cows, he\u2019ll be a real asset.\u201d Cronin looked round realizing that someone was missing. \u201cWhere\u2019s Lucky?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Lou answered him. \u201cHe went south ten days ago, to scout out the prospects there. He should be back anytime.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhat about the beef in the valley? You\u2019ve gathered quite a herd since I left; have you found somewhere to sell them?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYeah,\u201d answered Red excitedly. \u201cWe got a buyer waiting, but we need to start moving them tomorrow. Sure am glad you\u2019re back to help us.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Albie put his hand on Adam\u2019s shoulder. \u201cWell friend, tomorrow you\u2019ll earn your first cut.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam saw Red and Lou look at him, and their eyes narrowed as they heard Albie\u2019s statement.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWell, that doesn\u2019t seem altogether right,\u201d Adam said, \u201cyou took the risks to get the cows, I don\u2019t expect to get a cut of that. Just pay me for driving them to wherever it is we\u2019re taking them.\u201d Adam sensed the two men relax and saw Red smile. \u201cBut I expect to take my share of the next deal.\u201d Red and Albie laughed, but Lou\u2019s expression didn\u2019t change. They sat together, chatting and drinking coffee until Adam asked, \u201cHave you any plans for the next raid?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

They stopped talking and looked at him. Lou put down his cup and eyed him suspiciously. \u201cWhy d\u2019you want to know?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cJust curious.\u201d Adam realized that he had made a mistake, Lou was not the trusting kind and any hint that all was not as it seemed would alert him. Adam shrugged carelessly. \u201cDon\u2019t tell me, if you\u2019d rather not.\u201d He took a sip of his drink. \u201cI know you\u2019ve got no reason to trust me, I don\u2019t blame you, but Albie knows that I have nothing to lose and everything to gain by being here.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s as may be,\u201d said Lou, \u201cbut we don\u2019t know you. I\u2019d rather we kept that to ourselves for now. You just come along with us and we\u2019ll see what happens after that.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam swore silently to himself. It looked as though he might actually have to steal some cattle before they would trust him with the information that he needed. \u201cFair enough. Mind if I take a look at the cattle down by the river?\u201d He got to his feet.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhy d\u2019you want to do that?\u201d Red asked suspiciously, also standing.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cBecause I know cows.\u201d Adam looked at the men, who were watching him curiously. \u201cI can give you a good idea of what they\u2019re worth. Make sure that you get a fair price.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWe know what they\u2019re worth,\u201d Red insisted.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam stood closer to the young man, piercing him with his gaze. \u201cWhen was the last time you sold a cow honestly?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Seeing the look, Red was suddenly sorry that he had questioned Adam\u2019s move. \u201cWhat difference does that make?\u201d he asked, but more quietly.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cBecause, if you\u2019re only selling stolen beef, you\u2019ll have no idea of their true value.\u201d Adam\u2019s tone carried infinite patience. \u201cThe market price changes all the time, and right now it\u2019s high. Even your cattle will be worth more than they were two months ago, if they\u2019re in good condition.\u201d Adam paused, but no one seemed inclined to stop him, so he turned and started to walk down through the trees, towards the grazing herd. As he stood looking at the cows he heard footsteps and Albie came to stand beside him.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t mind them,\u201d Albie said, also watching the cattle, \u201cit\u2019ll take a while before they\u2019ll trust you. Just keep your nose clean and they\u2019ll soon get used to you.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m not worried about them, they can accept me or not as they like. I\u2019ve got nothing to lose either way.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Albie put his hand on Adam\u2019s shoulder and turned him until they were facing each other. \u201cOh yes you have, my friend. If they think they can\u2019t trust you, you won\u2019t leave here alive.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

Early the following day they roused the herd and started to drive them out through the narrow exit to the canyon. Adam had volunteered to ride drag, the least favorite spot on a drive, and his offer had been happily accepted. Bringing up the rear, behind the cattle, meant a day swallowing clouds of dust, but on this occasion it also allowed Adam to observe the other men, and it quickly became apparent that they had learned their driving skill \u2018on the hoof\u2019.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam was thinking that he would speak to Albie during the midday break, when movement among the small herd caught his eye. His instincts immediately took over; many were the times those same instincts had saved him and his men. He kicked his horse into a gallop and headed towards Red, down the right side of the heaving mass of golden hides, shouting at him to get out of the way. Red was startled, he had been dreaming, not really paying attention, just urging the cows to move on. Adam grabbed the reins of Red\u2019s horse and dragged it to one side as the herd started running and thundered past. Adam took off after them and, urging his horse dangerously close to the long, pointed horns, started to turn the herd. Lou and Albie were caught unawares, as Red had been, but soon realized what was happening and began to help stop the stampede.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

As quickly as it started, it was over. One moment the air was filled with dust and the thunder of hooves, but now, as the dust was carried away by the breeze, the comparative silence was deafening.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Red had ridden up to where Albie and Lou were sitting on their horses, looking in amazement at the cattle quietly milling about, when Adam came back to join them. \u201cAlbie, I need to talk to you,\u201d he announced, and turned his horse away without waiting to see if Albie would follow.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Albie came up alongside him and looked down. \u201cYou\u2019re bleeding.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhat?\u201d Adam glanced down at his left leg and noticed that his pants were torn just below the knee, and a trickle of blood was making its way down his calf and into his boot. \u201cIt\u2019s nothing, don\u2019t worry about it.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cLet me look,\u201d Albie ordered and they both dismounted. Adam sat on the ground while Albie got his canteen and a kerchief, and after pushing the bottom of Adam\u2019s trouser leg up to his knee, bathed the wound from one of the sharp horns.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cLou and Red aren\u2019t drovers by training, are they?\u201d Adam ventured as he leaned back on his hands and watched Albie work.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Albie smiled ruefully. \u201cNo, nor am I. We got into it kinda by accident. We used to rob the odd stage and then tried a couple of banks, but it seemed safer to be herding steers than getting shot at by bank guards.\u201d Albie paused in his ministrations and looked up at Adam. \u201cWhy do you ask?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ve been watching them, they push the cows when they don\u2019t need it, and the way they ride too close to the animals, it\u2019s making them skittish. You can\u2019t rush cows; they have two speeds, walking\u2026and stampeding.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2019ve never moved this many cattle at one time before,\u201d Albie explained. \u201cSo, you wanna tell them?\u201d Albie jerked his head towards Red and Lou.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNo, I think they\u2019d take it better from you.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cOK, but I\u2019ll tell them they\u2019re your instructions. Let them see that you\u2019re only wanting to help.\u201d Albie tied the kerchief tightly and slapped Adam on the shoulder. \u201cI think that\u2019ll fix it.\u201d He held out his hand. \u201cThanks, Adam, for stopping them.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam pulled himself up by the offered hand, nodded and remounted, then they rode back to join Red and Lou, who had started a fire and were making coffee. Albie spoke to them while Adam sat off to one side, letting them talk about his suggestions in private, knowing that Lou, at least, would not take kindly to being told what to do.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Lou threw away the remains of his coffee and came over to Adam. \u201cAlbie tells us you say we been doing it wrong.\u201d He stood in front of Adam, looking down his beak of a nose.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam looked steadily back at him. \u201cNo, I suggested that you could do it better.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAnd you\u2019d know would you?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam decided it was time for him to let Lou know that he could not be intimidated. He rose and, casually leaning on one hip, crossed his arms over his chest. \u201cWhen was the last time you drove a thousand cows two hundred miles?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI do it all the time, and I can\u2019t afford to lose any of them.\u201d Adam\u2019s eyes clouded for a second as he looked into the distance and remembered his home. \u201cOr I used to.\u201d He looked back at Lou and said firmly, \u201cYou\u2019re pushing them too hard, driving them as you are, that\u2019s what started the stampede. You carry on like that and you\u2019re going to lose some. How much is that worth to you? How much are you willing to throw away because you don\u2019t want me telling you how to do the job properly?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Lou became defensive. \u201cWe might lose some, just one of those things.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam shook his head. \u201cDo it my way and we won\u2019t lose any. If we do, you can take their price out of what you\u2019ll pay me.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Lou thought about it, looking at Adam with a grudging respect for the man who was willing to put a price on his expertise. \u201cYou got a deal. I suppose you\u2019ll want one of us to ride drag?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNo, I can keep an eye on you from behind. But if I tell you to do something I expect you to do it without arguing. I won\u2019t have time to explain.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Albie and Red wandered over and Lou turned to them. \u201cCartwright says that if we do it his way, he\u2019ll pay for any we lose.\u201d The three men exchanged glances and nodded their agreement.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Red approached Adam and held out his hand. \u201cThanks for getting me outta there.\u201d He pointed at Adam\u2019s leg. \u201cSorry about that.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t worry, it happens.\u201d Adam dismissed the injury, he\u2019d had far worse as the result of a stampede, and slyly thought that it wouldn\u2019t do any harm for them to see that he was willing to risk getting hurt to protect the stolen cattle. He saw Lou looking at him and returned the gaze steadily. He knew that the tall man would take more convincing.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

They mounted, roused the herd and moved out slowly. Occasionally Adam would leave his position to issue instructions, but then would return to the back of the herd. When they stopped for the night, Adam told them that they would have to take turns keeping watch over the cattle.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhy? We never bothered before,\u201d asked Red. He was a man who liked his sleep, and being up in the middle of the night didn\u2019t appeal to him.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAlbie tells me that you\u2019ve never moved this many cows before. They\u2019ll wander, looking for grazing, and we\u2019ll have to round them up again in the morning, if we can find them all.\u201d Adam glanced at the three men, sensing tension in two of them, and tried to lighten their mood. He smiled. \u201cAnd you wouldn\u2019t want anyone stealing them, now would you?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHe\u2019s got a point there.\u201d Albie laughed, and Adam looked at the men round him, knowing they were beginning to see that agreement would save them time and money.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cOK. But Cartwright don\u2019t stand watch,\u201d said Lou, still distrustful of the newcomer.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Albie raised his eyebrows. \u201cWhy?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cBecause I want him where we can keep an eye on him, that\u2019s why.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam was sorry that he wouldn\u2019t get a chance to demonstrate that they had no reason not to trust him, but he could see Lou\u2019s point. \u201cSuits me. I\u2019ll make breakfast instead, how\u2019s that?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Red was delighted; it was usually his job, which he disliked as it meant being up before everyone else. They sorted out the various watches and settled down for the night. Adam slept fitfully, and was up before daylight in order to have the food ready as promised.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

They set off again, and, following Adam\u2019s instructions, the herd moved easily and quietly. That night, when they stopped, Lou again insisted that Adam stay in camp, though he said it with less animosity. By the middle of the following morning, they were moving slowly along a deep grassy valley, approaching a small group of men who appeared to be waiting for them. Albie called a halt, rode over to them, and the men followed him back to the herd.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam turned his head away as he realized that the leader of the group was Frank Warner, a man that he had had dealings with in the past.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Warner was looking at Adam curiously and rode over to him. \u201cAin\u2019t you Adam Cartwright?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam realized that it would do no good to pretend that he didn\u2019t know Warner, so he faced him and nodded.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhat\u2019re you doin\u2019 here?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cBringing you stolen cattle, apparently.\u201d Adam recalled his dislike of the man, who was always out to make a quick buck, and had tried in the past to get the better of Adam, by fair means or foul, in the deals they had done.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Warner turned to Albie. \u201cD\u2019you know who you got here?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYes, we know.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Lou watched the exchange with interest and eased his horse closer, if this man knew something about Cartwright Lou wanted to hear it.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Warner frowned; why was the respected son of one of the richest ranchers in the west riding with rustlers? He was worried that something was very far wrong and motioned to Albie that he wanted to talk to him. They rode a little way off and Warner voiced his concern. \u201cWhy\u2019s he here? He\u2019s got no need to be rustling cattle. He\u2019s got enough of his own; he don\u2019t have to steal them. Albie, I don\u2019t like it.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t worry, he\u2019s OK. He\u2019s on the run from the sheriff in Virginia City.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhat! The Adam Cartwright I know would never break the law.\u201d Warner remembered his dealings with Cartwright, who was never open to inducements or shady deals. He glanced back to where Adam was sitting quietly on his horse apparently unconcerned, but whose heart was beating faster as he wondered what was being said.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Albie came to Adam\u2019s defense. \u201cHe killed someone and had to take off; there was a witness that said it was murder. I was in jail in Alturas when the marshal brought him in and was ready to send him back, but we broke out together and he\u2019s been with us for a few days.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWell, if you\u2019re satisfied\u2026\u201d Warner said uncertainly. \u201cBut I suggest that you keep an eye on him.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t worry, we will, at least until we\u2019re more sure of him. But he\u2019s been a big help in getting these cattle to you, done you a favor.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Warner was still not convinced. \u201cOK, but don\u2019t say I didn\u2019t warn you.\u201d He reached into his saddle bags and passed a package to Albie. \u201cWe\u2019ll take them from here.\u201d He looked again at Adam. \u201cJust be careful Albie, that\u2019s all I\u2019ll say.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

They rode back to the waiting men. \u201cAll right,\u201d Albie held up the small package, \u201clet\u2019s go.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

As the men took their places round the herd and started to drive them on, the rustlers turned in the opposite direction and headed home. Lou pulled up next to Albie. \u201cWhat\u2019d he say?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThat we aught to keep an eye on Adam.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Lou looked ahead to where Adam rode close behind Red. \u201cI intend to do just that.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Albie shrugged, if Adam was not what he claimed to be he was outnumbered three to one, and providing he was never out of sight, there was nothing he could do. But Albie trusted him; Adam had already proved his worth in getting the cattle here safely, and he\u2019d had no call to do that if he was working against them.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Albie rode up to Adam who looked enquiringly at him. \u201cFrank warned me to keep an eye on you,\u201d Albie said smiling.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cDid he?\u201d Adam smiled in return, and then he looked serious. \u201cI\u2019ve sold cattle to him in the past, so he only knows me as I used to be.\u201d Albie saw sadness in his friend\u2019s eyes.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Albie put his hand on Adam\u2019s arm to stop him, letting Lou overtake them. \u201cAdam, I know this is hard for you, but you can\u2019t go home. There\u2019s nothing there for you except a hangman\u2019s rope.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI know. Let\u2019s get back.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

They caught up with Lou and Red and returned the way they had come. Adam was making a mental note to tell Andrews what he had seen, and as he thought of the marshal he began to wonder when he would be able to get him the information he wanted. They had arranged that Andrews would be waiting every evening at a spot a few miles from Alturas, and a deputy marshal would camp further south. They hoped that one of them would be near enough to the rustler\u2019s camp for Adam to contact them, but it looked like they would have a long wait.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The gang made good time on their return journey, but it was after nightfall when they reached their encampment, and Red set about lighting a fire and putting water on to heat, then he made a quick meal and they all sat round the fire eating and talking. Albie picked up the parcel lying at his feet and started to count out three piles of money. Adam estimated that there was about $700; split three ways that was a good return for the work they had done in acquiring the cattle. Albie took some bills from each pile and handed them to Adam, who put the small bundle in his pocket.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Albie watched the move, curiously. \u201cDon\u2019t you want to count it?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam smiled. \u201cWhy? Would you give me any more if I said it wasn\u2019t enough? And would you expect me to say it was too much?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Albie laughed, admiring the logic. \u201cNo.\u201d He finished his meal and stood, indicating to Lou that he should join him. They walked a little way into the forest together, until Albie stopped and sat on a fallen tree trunk, his face illuminated only by the flames from the distant fire.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHave you made any plans for the next raid?\u201d he asked.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Lou nodded. \u201cYeah, there\u2019s a ranch about fifteen miles east of here, in the foothills of the Warner Mountains. They let the cattle roam free in the hills and they don\u2019t have too many hands to look after them. Should be easy pickings.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHow many do you figure we\u2019ll get?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cDepends on how scattered they are, but about fifty head, if we\u2019re lucky.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cSounds good, we\u2019ll start out tomorrow,\u201d Albie decided.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Lou walked a step or two away, then turned. \u201cYou taking Cartwright?\u201d He couldn\u2019t get out of his head the coincidence of Albie and Adam being in the jail of the small town at the same time. It was a place that usually only housed the overnight drunks from the saloon, yet suddenly it held a rustler and a murderer.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYeah, why not?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Lou looked uncertainly at Albie; he had always trusted the man, and his judgment. They had made a sizeable amount of money since they had joined together, but he thought that Albie had been blinded to the risk Cartwright represented, because he had helped him to get out of jail. \u201cI don\u2019t trust him.\u201d Albie raised his eyebrows in question and Lou continued. \u201cWhy would a man like that be hitching up with us?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHe explained about that, the murder and having to leave.\u201d Albie put his hand on Lou\u2019s shoulder to reassure him. \u201cDon\u2019t worry, we\u2019ll keep an eye on him, and if he steps out of line I\u2019ll take care of him.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Lou was unconvinced. \u201cYou\u2019re sure you\u2019ll be able to?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Albie pondered the question. \u201cWhat do you mean?\u201d he asked, his eyes narrowing.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI mean, I ain\u2019t never seen you so taken with someone quite so quick. Are you sure that, if the time comes, you won\u2019t turn soft?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cTrust me. If he turns against us, I\u2019ll be the first one to want him dead.\u201d Albie didn\u2019t take to people easily, he had a naturally mistrusting nature, but Adam had struck some chord deep in him, which Albie couldn\u2019t explain. He had never met anyone quite like the outlawed rancher, a decent man forced into a life of crime, but who still looked life in the face with a quiet strength that Albie admired. He thought that if Cartwright turned out to be anything other than what he claimed, Albie would not only want to kill him for turning against the gang, but also for making a fool of him and his feelings.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Lou nodded as he saw the purposeful look in Albie\u2019s eyes. He had spoken of his fears and was satisfied that Albie was still the man he knew, that he had not been blinded by the favor Cartwright had done him. \u201cOK. We go tomorrow.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

They walked back to the camp, where Red was listening wide-eyed to the stories Adam was relating to him about drives that he had led. Albie cleared his throat to get their attention. \u201cTomorrow we\u2019re going after more cattle.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Red looked excited. \u201cSo soon?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam immediately asked, \u201cWhere?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Lou looked at him narrowly. \u201cWhy d\u2019you want to know? You just gotta follow us; we know where we\u2019re going.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam held up his hands. \u201cSorry, just naturally curious. Like you say, I\u2019ll just go where you go.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Lou continued to study Adam closely. There was something about this man that didn\u2019t sit right, and to Lou it was like an itch he couldn\u2019t scratch.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Red was only interested in their next expedition. \u201cHow many, Albie?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cLou reckons fifty.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Red rubbed his hands together as he estimated how much money he would get. \u201cGreat.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam knew that he had to play his part to the full. \u201cHow much is my cut?\u201d Again he saw Lou looking at him. \u201cI\u2019m not here for the fun of it, just for the money, same as you.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Albie turned to Adam to explain. \u201cAnyone who takes part in the raid gets an equal cut. Four of us, your cut\u2019s a quarter of the take once they\u2019re sold.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHow do you find a buyer?\u201d Adam wondered.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Lou answered him. \u201cWe find them, that\u2019s all you need to know.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam got slowly to his feet. \u201cI\u2019m going to turn in.\u201d He made his way to his bedroll and lay down, turning away from the three men who were still sitting by the fire. As he lay there he thought about the gang; he knew that Albie trusted him and Red seemed to take his lead from Albie. Lou was a different matter; Adam realized that he would have to be careful round him, not give him any reason for suspicion or he would wake up with a bullet in his back. His thoughts went to the many times that he and his family had battled rustlers, and what it meant to lose cattle to them. He felt sorry for the ranch they were about to raid, and the part he would play, but knew that he would have to go through with it. He told himself that the ranch would be raided whether he was there or not, and his only comfort was the thought that, in the end, it might lead to stopping the activities of the gang.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

They sat on their horses looking down on the pale brown cattle scattered over the grassy hillside. Lou was right, there were about fifty beasts grazing peacefully.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThey\u2019re scattered all over,\u201d observed Red miserably.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYeah, well, let\u2019s go get \u2018em.\u201d Lou started off quickly, but Adam rode after him and, grabbing the reins of his horse, stopped him. Lou pulled his gun and pointed it at Adam. \u201cWhat d\u2019you think you\u2019re doing?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam released the reins and sat, wrists crossed, leaning on the pommel of his saddle apparently unconcerned by the weapon that was aimed unwaveringly at his chest. \u201cYou go racing down there and you\u2019ll scatter them even further. If we go down quiet and slow they won\u2019t move and we can round them up easily.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

By this time Albie and Red had joined them. \u201cDo as he says,\u201d Albie instructed. Lou looked murderous and turned his horse towards the herd, but he rode slowly and the others followed.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

They worked their way round the cattle, who raised their heads curiously but started to walk quietly away as the men urged them towards the slope, until they had the cows assembled, and had just started to drive them over the brow of the hill when a figure appeared a little way off.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHey!\u201d the man shouted, \u201cwhat\u2019s goin\u2019 on?!\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

All four looked round, but it was Lou that spoke. \u201cKill him, Cartwright,\u201d he ordered, \u201cwe don\u2019t need no witnesses.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam looked round at Albie, hoping that he would contradict Lou, but Albie nodded reluctantly, \u201cKill him.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam drew his rifle from its scabbard and aimed at the man, who had realized his mistake in drawing their attention to him and had turned, preparing to make a swift exit to safety. Adam sent a silent message, apologizing for what he was about to do, and fired. The man threw up his arms and toppled from his horse, lying still on the ground.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Lou was about to go and see if the man was dead when Adam stopped him. \u201cDon\u2019t worry, he\u2019s dead.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Lou looked round, and was going to go and check on the man anyway, when Adam spoke again. \u201cPick a target.\u201d Adam had the butt of the rifle resting lightly on his thigh, and his eyes challenged Lou.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

\u201cPick a target, anywhere,\u201d Adam repeated.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Lou searched round, then pointed. \u201cOK, see that oak?\u201d Adam nodded; the tree was about seventy yards away, the same distance that the rider had been. \u201cThe sapling beside it,\u201d Lou suggested.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam raised his rifle, settled it into his shoulder, took careful aim and fired. The sapling quivered and the top five feet separated from the thin trunk and fell to the ground.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWheweee!\u201d exclaimed Red.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam replaced his weapon and turned his horse away, heading back to the herd. Lou stared after him.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cSatisfied?\u201d asked Albie.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNo,\u201d Lou replied, but followed Adam, who was starting to move the cattle.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam appeared to be occupied by the movement of the cows, but he was thinking about the cowhand. It made him feel sick to his stomach that he had shot the man, who would have a painful shoulder for a while, but the alternative was the shallow grave Adam would have found himself in for eternity.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Lou\u2019s attitude to Adam eased slightly, even to the extent of taking his place at the rear of the small herd as they drove them back towards their hiding place, but he still watched him warily.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

They did not make it back before nightfall and stopped on the trail. Albie suggested to Lou that Adam be allowed to take a turn guarding the herd. He felt that Adam had earned the right to be trusted, and it would relieve Red of the duty, allowing him to resume his role as cook. Lou reluctantly agreed, knowing that he could not explain to Albie his unease. Adam took the watch from midnight to three o\u2019clock, and was glad of the time alone, it let him relax, knowing that he was free from the scrutiny of the rest of the gang. In the darkness, lit only by the myriad stars overhead, he could allow his mind to wander. He thought of his home and family. He knew how worried his father was, and wished there was someway to get a message to him, but it was impossible. He reviewed what had happened so far; he had, he believed, gained the confidence of the other men, though at the cost of shooting the cowhand, but he was no nearer to finding out the information the marshal wanted; Andrews would have to settle for raiding the secluded hide-out. Getting any information to him was going to be difficult; how was he going to explain wanting to leave for a few hours? The only time he would be able to get away was while he was on watch, and would then have to leave a note for Andrews to find when he went there the following evening. Adam reckoned that, if he hurried, he could make it there and back without his absence being noticed, provided that no one came looking for him while he was gone. As a plan it would have to do, unless something else presented itself.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

When Lou came to relieve him the moon had risen and cast a cold light over the sleepy herd. They exchanged few words, and Adam went back to his bedroll to grab a couple of hours sleep. They completed their journey the following day, arriving back by late afternoon. Red settled to making an early supper and they sat round talking desultorily.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

As Albie moved to sit beside him, Adam indicated the cattle. \u201cWhen are we selling this lot?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNot yet. Got a buyer, but he wants more than we got here. When Lucky gets back I hope he will have found other places to raid. The pickings round here are getting thin, this was the last of any number. We\u2019ll have to move on soon.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam tried not to show his concern. He had used his position as the acknowledged expert to suggest that they should keep a watch on the cows for the first night in the canyon, while they got used to their new surroundings, hoping it would give him an opportunity to get a message to Andrews. Now he knew that it might be his only chance, before the gang left. \u201cWhere will you go?\u201d he asked.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThat depends on Lucky and what he finds. Do you care where we go? You\u2019ll have to come with us, you know, or Lou will want to know why.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam shrugged. \u201cDidn\u2019t know that you\u2019d want me. I know Lou doesn\u2019t trust me, and that might cause trouble for you.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t worry, he\u2019ll come round. He was impressed with what you did to that hand yesterday, even though he wouldn\u2019t say so. I think that convinced him you\u2019re OK.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam quietly breathed a sigh of relief, but felt desperately guilty that the hand had paid the price for his safety. \u201cWell, I\u2019ll tell you, I hoped it would. That\u2019s the first time I\u2019ve actually shot a man in cold blood.\u201d Adam rested his elbows on his knees and looked down at his hands, thinking about what they had done, then he looked again at Albie and gave him a thin smile. \u201cBut then they can only hang you once.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cDo you regret what you did? I mean murdering the drunk.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam took a breath; how would he have felt if it had really happened? \u201cI regret letting my temper get the better of me, but more than that I regret what it led to. Leaving my family, and the hurt it caused my father.\u201d He said the last with feeling, regretting the look he saw in Ben\u2019s eyes when he had agreed to help Roy and Andrews.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201dWell, if you stay with us, you can make enough money to let you start again somewhere. Maybe your family would help, you told me how close you are to them.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam shook his head. \u201cThis is my problem; I have to deal with it alone.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cDo they know where you are?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNo, I\u2019ll let them know, when the time is right.\u201d Adam became aware that he was having a strange parallel conversation. The answers that he was giving Albie would be the same if the man was questioning him about Andrews and his plan. Adam decided to bring it to an end, just in case he gave away too much. \u201cI\u2019m going to have some more coffee, then turn in. These night watches play havoc with your sleep.\u201d He stood and hesitated for a moment, wondering how Albie would react to what he was going to say. \u201cAlbie, will you promise me something?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Albie stood beside his friend and frowned. \u201cWhat is it?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cIf we go south, will you promise me that you won\u2019t take any of Pa\u2019s cattle?\u201d It was Albie\u2019s turn to hesitate, so Adam continued. \u201cMy family will defend that herd with their lives.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI see,\u201d Albie pursed his lips and nodded. \u201cIn that case, tempting as it may be to find so many cattle in one place, I think I can make the others agree that they\u2019d be better off leaving them alone.\u201d He put his hand on Adam\u2019s arm. \u201cDon\u2019t worry, I can persuade them.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThanks, \u2018night Albie.\u201d Adam was relieved, if he failed to contact Andrews, at least he knew that his Pa and brothers would be safe from facing the gang, himself among them, and he would not be put in the position of facing the guns of his family. He knew it was selfish, to send the rustlers after the cattle of others while protecting his family, but felt it was a small enough return to ask when balanced against the risk he was taking.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam slept for a few hours then lay awake waiting for the moment when he could relieve Albie, who was guarding the herd. He pulled his watch from his pocket and turned towards the fire. It told him it was approaching eleven o\u2019clock and he rose and saddled his horse, then rode quietly down towards the river. The extra time should be just enough for him to get to the meeting place and back again. He greeted Albie and told him that he could go back to camp.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cIs it twelve already?\u201d Albie was surprised.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNo, but I couldn\u2019t sleep. Might as well take over now.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Albie agreed and, as soon as he was out of sight, Adam headed towards the entrance to the canyon and on through the rocky terrain that would lead him to the spot where he would be able to leave a message for Andrews. He had written the note while there was still daylight and had it safely tucked into his pocket. There was barely enough light for him to see the trail, but his mount was sure footed and found his way deftly over the stony ground. Once Adam stopped, unsure of the way, but after he had scouted round he again found the trail and continued. He arrived at the meeting place, a twisted tree growing out of three rocks, and placed the note where Andrews would be sure to see it. He prayed that no one else would find it and take it, but there was nothing he could do about that. He wished that he could return to town with the information, but knew that if he was found to be missing they would get suspicious and move on before the marshal could get to them.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

He pulled his watch from his pocket and was worried when he saw that it was nearly one o\u2019clock. He would have to hurry if he was to be back with the herd when Lou came to relieve him. He pushed the horse faster, grateful for the light from the risen moon, but all the time fearful that the animal would stumble and injure itself. When he approached the entrance again he checked the time, it was already three o\u2019clock. He cursed but carried on. As he neared the herd he could see Lou looking for him.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Lou spotted him coming out of the trees, and rode over. \u201cI thought you weren\u2019t here,\u201d he said, with more than a hint of suspicion.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam smiled ruefully. \u201cHad to take to the woods for a minute, must be the cold.\u201d Adam pulled his hat lower over his eyes so that the man would not see the sheen of sweat on his forehead that would give the lie to his words.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYeah, must be.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam turned his horse towards the camp as he waved goodnight. He settled back under his blanket, his heart beating hard in his chest, but it seemed as though he had got away with his truancy.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam was surprised when Red had to wake him for breakfast. He thought that he would not be able to sleep but had apparently done so, and deeply. He stood and stretched to get the kinks out of his back, then helped himself to breakfast. When he had finished eating, he went down to the stream to shave and saw Lou come into camp with two other men, one about fifty and a younger man. Adam looked round at them, catching the eye of the older of the two, and then turned back to the stream thinking that Lucky must have returned, with a friend.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Lou introduced the younger man to Albie and Red. His name was Carl, an old friend and fellow outlaw of Lucky\u2019s; they had run together with a gang in California. Lucky had met him on the trail south and Carl had agreed to join up with him again.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Lucky pointed towards the stream. \u201cWho\u2019s that?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cName\u2019s Adam Cartwright,\u201d answered Lou.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Carl turned to Albie, frowning. \u201cFrom Virginia City?\u201d He saw Albie nod and asked slowly, \u201cWhat\u2019s he<\/u> doin\u2019 here?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhy? You know him?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cOf him. Everyone south of here who has anything to do with cattle, knows about Adam Cartwright. Why\u2019s he here?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Albie explained. \u201cHe broke outta jail with me, been riding with us for a few days.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHe was in jail?!\u201d Carl was incredulous. \u201cWhy?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHe killed someone down in Virginia City, and when he rode into Alturas the marshal arrested him.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Carl took several paces towards the stream and then turned back. \u201cWhen was this, the murder?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Albie shrugged, thinking of the conversation he\u2019d had with Adam in the jail. \u201cMust be a month ago, I guess.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Carl walked back to them. \u201cI was in Virginia City just three weeks ago and Cartwright hadn\u2019t murdered anyone. It would have been the talk of the town if he had.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Lou turned sharply towards Adam. \u201cI knew it!\u201d he exclaimed. \u201cI knew there was something I didn\u2019t trust about that man.\u201d He turned back. \u201cAlbie, you been had.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Albie looked towards Adam and nodded slowly, regretfully. \u201cLeave this to me. Just be ready when he comes back.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

They sat round the fire, not speaking, until Adam wandered back unsuspectingly. He dropped his shaving gear on his bedroll and as he did so he became conscious of the silence. He turned to the men gathered round the fire. Something inside him alerted him to danger and he stood still, waiting, as Albie came over to him.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAdam, I\u2019d like you to meet our latest recruit.\u201d He beckoned Adam, who went slowly behind Albie to stand in front of the two men. Red and Lou got up quietly and stood a little way behind Adam, who was looking at the new arrivals as they rose to meet him. Albie pointed to the older man. \u201cThis is Lucky, I told you about him.\u201d Adam nodded a greeting, then turned his eyes to the younger man. Albie continued, \u201cAnd this is his friend, Carl.\u201d Again Adam nodded. \u201cCarl\u2019s just come up from Virginia City.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The words went through Adam\u2019s brain like a knife. His body went numb as his mind raced, how was he going to talk himself out of this one?<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cCarl says you ain\u2019t murdered no one. Would you care to explain?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam looked at Carl, then back to Albie. \u201cPerhaps he was there before it happened,\u201d he offered.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Albie shook his head then looked over Adam\u2019s shoulder and nodded. Adam knew he was in trouble and turned and charged at Red, hoping to get past the smaller of the two men, but Lou saw the move and intercepted him before Adam could break through what had become a tight circle of enemies. With help from Carl, Lou and Red forced Adam to the ground where they managed to get his arms pinned behind him, then they hauled him to his feet and back to stand in front of Albie. Adam struggled uselessly for a moment against the strength of the two men, then stood upright, and waited.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Albie sounded sad as he said, \u201cCarl was there three weeks ago.\u201d Adam looked up into Albie\u2019s eyes, and knew he was dead. Albie took a step forwards, then drew back his fist and smashed it into Adam\u2019s face. \u201cThat\u2019s the one I owe you,\u201d he said, then hit him again. \u201cThat one was just for me.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam forced his knees to straighten and spat blood. \u201cAlbie\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Again the fist landed squarely in Adam\u2019s face, and then a blow to his stomach made him double over. Albie grabbed a handful of black hair with his left hand and forced Adam\u2019s head up, then hit him again. Adam\u2019s knees buckled and he was only prevented from falling by Lou and Red holding him up. Albie continued to take out his anger on Adam, hitting him as and where he pleased, until it seemed that he had calmed down. Through the grey mist that was his mind, Adam felt a hand grab his hair, and his head was lifted until he was looking at Albie through half-open, unfocusing eyes.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cIf I was a forgiving man I would give you a quick, clean death for getting me out of that jail. It\u2019s just your bad luck that \u2018forgiving\u2019 ain\u2019t a word I\u2019m familiar with.\u201d He looked at Red and Lou. \u201cTie him up, and make sure it\u2019s good and tight.\u201d Anger was still in him, but he would let it go cold before he dealt with Adam again.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

They dragged Adam over to the side of the camp and dropped him on the ground in front of a tree, where he lay face down breathing hard, unable to rise, unable to get away. Red got a rope and then he and Lou pulled both of Adam\u2019s arms round one side of the tree and his feet round the other and hog-tied him roughly round the sturdy trunk. They pulled the ropes tight and Adam could feel them bite into his wrists. After they had finished, Lou and Red stood over him and then Lou landed a boot heavily in Adam\u2019s chest. He groaned as he felt the pain of breaking ribs, then he was dimly aware of Red preparing to repeat Lou\u2019s action. With his hands and feet tied round the tree behind him he was unable to defend his body and the kick landed in his stomach. He groaned again and, mercifully, passed out.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Lou and Red stood looking at him for a second, then seeing that he was unconscious, and they wouldn\u2019t get any satisfaction from kicking him again, they went back to join Albie.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The world intruded slowly into Adam\u2019s consciousness, and he heartily wished that it hadn\u2019t. He tried to let himself slip back peacefully into the blackness that took away his pain, but it closed its doors as he reached out for it. When Adam attempted to shift his position, to ease the ache in his shoulders, it felt as though a knife had been driven into his ribs, and he found that he couldn\u2019t move his arms, which were pulled behind him at an unnatural angle. Then he tried to move his legs, but his feet pulled at his wrists and only made the pain worse. He remembered what had happened, and why, and he shivered involuntarily, knowing that whatever he felt now was as nothing compared to what Albie had in store for him.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam raised his head slowly and looked round. He saw the men gathered by the fire, talking and drinking coffee, and the normality of the scene bit into him, knowing that they were just waiting for him to awaken so they could continue what Albie had started. He let his head sink gently back, but Lou had seen the movement and nudged Albie, nodding in Adam\u2019s direction. Albie sat still for a minute, then slowly put down his cup and walked over to Adam. He stood, looking down at his prisoner and shook his head sadly; he had thought of this man as his friend but Adam had betrayed his trust, and that Albie couldn\u2019t forgive.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Albie sank down on his haunches and saw the damage he had already done; Adam\u2019s face was bloody, his lip was split, and his breath was shallow and irregular, no doubt as a result of Lou and Red\u2019s parting gifts.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI suppose that you had some plan cooked up with the marshal?\u201d Albie recalled Adam\u2019s interest in where the next raid would take place. \u201cWere you going to tell him the next ranch we\u2019d hit?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam didn\u2019t answer, but amidst the battle to control the pain in his head and ribs it registered that Albie hadn\u2019t guessed about his trip to leave a message for Andrews; since Adam didn\u2019t know where the next raid would be, Albie must think that he had no message to pass on.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Despite Adam\u2019s silence, Albie could see that he had got it right. \u201cWhy?\u201d he asked, but Adam just stared at him. \u201cYou ain\u2019t no law man, why did you do it?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam took a short, painful breath, trying to find his voice. \u201cUntie me and I\u2019ll tell you,\u201d he croaked.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Albie thought about it and then went behind the tree and, without loosening the bonds round Adam\u2019s hands or feet, released the rope that held them together. He came back and lifted Adam roughly so that he was sitting with his back against the trunk, and Adam groaned as he moved.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAll right, tell me.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cPa\u2019s herd,\u201d Adam said simply, observing Albie curiously, knowing that he was looking at the man who was going to kill him.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhat d\u2019you mean?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cCan I have a drink?\u201d Adam was having trouble talking, his throat was dry and his head was swimming.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Albie shook his head. \u201cNo, you\u2019ll get nothing else from me, so don\u2019t expect it.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam nodded slowly in understanding; this man had given him his trust and would not now give him so much as a sip of water. Albie saw the movement and wondered how Adam could be so accepting of what was happening to him.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhat do you mean?\u201d Albie repeated.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cTen thousand head. Lot of hard work\u2026\u201d Adam\u2019s words were slurred; his split lip and swollen jaw were making it difficult to talk.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cSo you weren\u2019t lying about that.\u201d Adam shook his head carefully, trying not to aggravate the ache that was centered behind his eyes. Albie continued, \u201cBut we didn\u2019t take any of your cows. Your place is more \u2018n a hundred miles from here.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cDoesn\u2019t matter. Small ranchers would go under\u2026because you took their cows. If someone had taken our first herd\u2026we wouldn\u2019t have what he have now.\u201d Adam stopped, trying to think, to make the man see what he had done. \u201cI\u2026we worked hard to build that herd. You would destroy that\u2026take other men\u2019s work\u2026their lives.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAnd you were willing to give your life to stop us? Not for yourself, but for men you don\u2019t even know?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam tried to smile, but his mouth wasn\u2019t working properly. \u201cI hoped it wouldn\u2019t come to that.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cBut you knew the risk you were taking; you must have known that if we found out what you were doing we\u2019d kill you.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYes.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Albie considered what Adam had said, then a thought struck him. \u201cWhat about the man you killed? What about his life and work, that didn\u2019t seem to mean much to you.\u201d He thought that he had found a flaw in the other man\u2019s thinking.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI didn\u2019t kill him.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cBut I saw you, and you told Lou\u2026\u201d Albie couldn\u2019t believe it.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI shot him in the shoulder. He\u2019ll have a hard time moving it\u2026but he\u2019ll recover.\u201d Adam thought to himself that he hoped he was right in what he said, though he would never know.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhat if Lou had gone over to find out?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThen I\u2019d have been dead\u2026sooner.\u201d Adam was beginning to wonder if it wouldn\u2019t have been simpler, quicker, to let Lou kill him then, instead of waiting for Albie to do it now. He dismissed the thought, he had been able to get a message to Andrews and hopefully his death would not go unpunished.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Albie was desperately fighting against the feelings of friendship that he couldn\u2019t ignore. He tried to make his voice harsh and bitter. \u201cI suppose that you think you\u2019re a better man than me,\u201d he sneered, \u201cjust because I make a living from stealing, and you\u2019re an honest rancher.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam closed his eyes, then he looked at Albie and drew a short breath, trying to think straight. \u201cNo, not better\u2026just different.\u201d Adam smiled crookedly, \u201cPerhaps you would have done\u2026the same\u2026given the same chances.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Albie shook his head in wonder at what he had heard, then looked hard at Adam, seeing again the man he had trusted and he realized what it was that had drawn him to the dark stranger. There was a quiet strength behind the steady gaze, and a certainty and sureness in himself that challenged the world to beat him if it could. Even hurting as he must be, Adam gave the impression that he wasn\u2019t defeated.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Suddenly Albie rose and walked back to the other men, seated round the fire. Lou looked up and saw him standing, staring into the flames.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhat\u2019s the matter?\u201d Lou asked, rising to stand with him.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI need to talk to you, come on.\u201d Albie started off into the woods and Lou followed, a frown on his face. When Albie stopped and faced him, Lou could see the sorrow in the man\u2019s eyes.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYou were right, I can\u2019t kill him.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Lou stared in amazement. He had known Albie for four years, and in all that time he had never once backed down from a difficult situation. They had been shot at and hunted and taken risks that lesser men would have shied away from. Now he was admitting to not being able to kill a man who had betrayed him.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAre you saying that we should let him go!\u201d Lou would have shouted, but kept his voice low. He wasn\u2019t angry, just puzzled.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Albie shook his head. \u201cNo, but I can\u2019t do it. It\u2019s up to you, and Red. You\u2019ll have to kill him, if that\u2019s what you want.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Lou thought about it for a moment. Did he want Cartwright dead? The answer came to him quickly. Yes, without doubt. \u201cAll right, but I promise you I\u2019m not going to make it easy for him. When they find his body they\u2019ll know what happens to people who cross us, who try to make fools out of us.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s up to you, but I want no part of it.\u201d Albie sat on a tree stump and stared out into the valley, trying to come to terms with feelings that he didn\u2019t know he possessed. Friendship and respect and, he had to admit, admiration. Lou would never understand, and he wasn\u2019t going to try to explain it to him.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

But Lou understood all too well as he stood looking at his friend, then he turned and walked away. He determined that Cartwright would suffer for what he had done by betraying them, but more than that, for the feelings he had brought out in Albie. Lou wouldn\u2019t have admitted it, but he was jealous, he knew that Albie would never feel that way about him.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

When Lou arrived back in camp and saw Adam sitting watching him, he went over and hog-tied him round the tree again. Adam moaned as he was moved, but it just seemed to make Lou more determined to see him suffer, as he pulled the rope shorter, tying Adam\u2019s wrists to his ankles, until Adam felt that his shoulder joints would separate with the pull on his arms.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAlbie says he can\u2019t kill you.\u201d Lou smiled thinly, and as he saw a spark of hope in Adam\u2019s eyes he added maliciously, \u201cbut I can, and you\u2019re going to beg me to let you die before I\u2019m finished.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Lou went over to Adam\u2019s bedroll, bent down, and picked up the rifle. As he straightened Red came up to him.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhat\u2019s going on? Where\u2019s Albie?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHe\u2019s left it to us to take care of Cartwright,\u201d Lou said harshly.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cOK, but why?\u201d Red was happy to deal with the man who would threaten his easy earnings, but didn\u2019t understand.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t matter.\u201d Lou stopped and faced the younger man. \u201cBut let me tell you something that may save your life one day. Don\u2019t ever get too close to anyone; don\u2019t ever rely on anyone except yourself.\u201d Lou walked off and Red followed, frowning.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

They went together to where Adam lay on his right side and, without a word, Lou went to the back of the tree, raised the butt of the rifle and brought it crashing down on Adam\u2019s left arm. The suddenness of the attack caught Adam by surprise and he screamed and threw back his head, as he felt the bones breaking and his shoulder dislocate with the added pressure, then as Red kicked him in the stomach, he automatically tried to curl up to protect himself. The pull on his arms increased and he gritted his teeth against the pain, trying not to give them the satisfaction of seeing what they were doing to him. Gradually the world faded, blackness opened her doors to him, and he entered gratefully.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Albie was still sitting, gazing at the quiet view before him, when he heard the scream and knew that Lou was making good on his promise. He stood and walked further away from the camp, trying to escape from what was happening, but he couldn\u2019t escape from his thoughts, and they were uneasy. He had never felt like this before, and while he was unsettled by his feelings, he was also surprised that he could have them. He knew that they were what had been missing from his life, a life spent taking not giving, hurting not helping. He continued walking until he was beside the river, and he sat and watched the slow progress of the water as it ran past the meadow. His mind wandered but always came back to Adam, whose intrusion into his life had made him look at himself. Given the same opportunities could he have been like the man he had called \u2018friend\u2019? Would he have had the strength to do what Adam had done, not for himself but for those who were suffering at the hands of him and his gang? Albie shook his head slowly, he would never know, and it was too late for \u2018what ifs\u2019 and \u2018maybes\u2019. He had carved out this life for himself and it was too late to change.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

For Adam the hours passed slowly, though judging by the progress of the sun across the sky, the day was flying past. The time he spent awake dragged by, every minute seeming an hour long, but when he slipped into unconsciousness no time seemed to pass before he was awake again. One second he could see Red or Lou standing over him, and the next second he saw them there again, never seeming to rest from their assaults. Occasionally Lucky or Carl would come over to Adam and strike out at him, the older man being particularly inventive with his blows, and always Lou was there, watching and smiling.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

It was getting dark, and the last traces of the daylight illuminated Adam\u2019s grey, sweating face as he lay on his side, facing the sunset. Lou and Red had taken it in turns to lash out at Adam with feet and fists, sometimes forcing him to stand so they could knock him down again, and every movement that resulted from their aggression sent the pain radiating out into the rest of his being. He could feel an inferno burning its way through his guts from the kicks that Red had administered; the man had little imagination, but heavy boots, and used them to good effect on every part of Adam\u2019s body. At times when he was aware enough to worry about the damage that had been done, he dismissed it; he wasn\u2019t going to live long enough for that to kill him.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam existed in a twilight world that had nothing to do with the approaching night. His brain was slowly dividing itself in two, the crescendo of pain in his body was driving it into self-preservation and his sub-conscious mind had taken control, refusing to let his muscles move when even the slightest shifting of his position would enflame every nerve, and it took refuge in stillness. But his conscious mind, if something so fog-bound could be called conscious, told him he needed to move to ease some of the hurt he felt. The conflict started him shaking, sending torrents of agony through him, until he knew that he would only find relief in the appeasing arms of death.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

He turned his sluggish thoughts to his family; his father would never forgive him for getting involved, and Ben\u2019s friendship with Roy Coffee might not survive his son\u2019s death. Adam was sorry for that; the two men had known each other for many years and Roy shouldn\u2019t have to bear the blame for asking the family for help. Adam wished that he could talk to his father once more before he died, to tell him all the things that he had kept to himself; the gratitude for Ben\u2019s years of care, the love he had for his lone parent, and for his brothers. He could only pray that, somehow, his Pa knew.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

He became aware of someone standing over him, and he almost cried out when he saw that it was Lou, but he gritted his teeth and was silent, waiting. Lou went behind the tree and released Adam\u2019s hands from his feet, and then untied them. Adam tried to fight against him, but it was futile, he lacked the strength he needed and every pain-filled movement threatened to send his mind spinning out of control and ever closer to hopelessness. Lou backhanded him across the face and Adam\u2019s chin sank onto his chest. He felt Lou pull him upright until he was sitting in front of the tree, then his hands were secured at the back of the trunk. Adam tried not to make any sound, but a groan was forced from him and he could only wait for what was to come. Lou crouched down in front of his prisoner, and Adam watched as he slowly drew his gun from its holster and pointed it at him. He closed his eyes, he knew he was going to die and was grateful his suffering was coming to an end, knowing that he couldn\u2019t escape the fate that they had planned for him. He opened his eyes again when he felt the barrel of the gun pressed into the deep crease between brows drawn tight with pain. Adam looked into Lou\u2019s cold eyes; he would watch the man who was going to kill him, watch as he took away his life, to see if there was any remorse, any soul.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cSay goodbye, Cartwright.\u201d Lou smiled as he held the gun to his victim\u2019s head.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

As though in slow motion Adam saw Lou pull back the hammer and his finger tighten on the trigger. He saw the hammer move, and fall on the chamber that contained the bullet that would rip through his brain, then he heard the dull click that followed, a noise he should not have been able to register. Bile rose in his throat and he sobbed, once, as his breath caught and he realized that Lou had been playing with him.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cOh no, not yet,\u201d Lou spoke as though he had done Adam a favor. Anger filled Adam\u2019s mind and he growled in fury, but Lou smiled. \u201cMaybe next time,\u201d he said, making no promises. Then he patted Adam\u2019s bruised and bloody cheek, \u201cMaybe.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam was left alone, shaking with wretchedness and rage in equal measure, until oblivion brought him release.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

When Adam woke again he thought it must be late in the night, there was no sound from the men lying close to the warmth of the fire, a warmth he could not feel and the cold sent shivers through him that did nothing to warm him, only aggravating the pains in his arm and shoulder, his ribs and guts; in his entire being. His mind wandered and he pictured his home, and knew he would never see it again. Then the pain in his body forced itself through his thoughts and he tried to escape it, but it was insistent, from his head to his feet he could feel only the agony of the frequent blows that had landed with a force driven by hatred. He knew he was going to die and now it couldn\u2019t come too soon, he felt insanity creeping over him as he lost control of his body, and he prayed to his father\u2019s God for release. He had tried to be a good, caring person throughout his life; didn\u2019t he deserve the pity of the Lord? \u2018Please let me die,\u2019 he prayed, \u2018don\u2019t let them hurt me any more, let me at least die like a man\u2019. But his prayers went unanswered, he continued to live, continued to feel the agony of his injuries, and he cursed the unfeeling God who would let him suffer.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The silence around him deepened and he changed his prayer, pleading that the next time Lou threatened to shoot him the gun would be loaded. He wanted to die before he broke down and begged Lou to kill him; he didn\u2019t want to give the man the satisfaction of seeing him beaten. Then he slowly realized that all was not as quiet as he had supposed. He heard a rustle of cloth and someone was beside him.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam tried to gather his fast diminishing resolve, to prepare himself for more blows, when a voice very close said, \u201cBite on this, don\u2019t make a sound or we\u2019re both dead.\u201d Adam felt material forced into his mouth and, as he bit down on it, his breath hissed through his teeth, his nose being blocked with blood. The ropes round his wrists and ankles were loosened, but he almost wished they hadn\u2019t been, as the movement sent waves of pain coursing through him. He bit harder into the material as his rescuer pulled him away from the tree; he felt the bones of his arm grate together, and he held his breath against the agony in his chest. As the man started to lift him, the pain in his stomach forced Adam to double over, and he sank back to the ground. He had tried to take his weight on his legs but it felt as though a spear had pierced his right knee.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cDrink this,\u201d the voice said, and Adam felt water in his mouth and swallowed thirstily. \u201cNow, you gotta stand,\u201d the voice admonished him, and Adam fought to get his feet under himself, to get his legs to support him. Gradually his conscious mind took control and he was able to stand shakily, his right arm wrapped round his middle, his breath shallow and irregular, and sweat streaming down a face ashen beneath the bloody cuts and bruises. He looked round to discover who it was that had freed him; he couldn\u2019t see properly through eyes almost swollen shut, but he could make out the unmistakable shape of Albie.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhy?\u201d Adam whispered.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t matter. Just go, I can\u2019t do any more for you.\u201d Albie would have pushed him on his way, but knew that Adam would only end up back on the ground. He walked away, leaving Adam staring after him.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam turned slowly and the world turned with him, not stopping when he stopped but continuing to revolve around him. He swayed and waited until his head cleared a little, then staggered slowly away from the camp and his tormentors. His whole body hurt; he couldn\u2019t stand straight and his left arm hung uselessly at his side while his right was wrapped tightly round his body, trying to quiet the fire within and he had to force his legs to move. It was too dark among the trees to see clearly, and he stumbled and fell as his foot caught on a protruding root. He clamped his mouth shut to prevent himself from crying out, then he lay on the ground breathing hard, trying to remain conscious. He knew he couldn\u2019t stay there, he had to get up, but the ground was soft and inviting. Slowly he rolled onto his knees, and sucked in his breath as pain shot through his right leg. He forced himself to his feet, his head swimming, and took a careful step. The pain came again but Adam ignored it and staggered onwards. He stopped often to lean against a tree for support, doubled over and breathing rapidly, gathering the strength to continue; his only thought was to keep going, to put as much distance between himself and Lou as he could before daylight.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

With the first light of dawn he saw that he had barely made it out of the canyon and he sank onto his left knee, lacking the energy to go further; it had taken him over three hours to cover half a mile. He wanted to get away but his body was shouting at him to stop, to lay down and rest, and he gave in to the temptation. As he lay on the ground he heard a voice and turned his head towards it.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cCome on Adam, you\u2019re the one who\u2019s always telling me to stand on my own two feet,\u201d he heard his youngest brother say. Joe was standing with his hands on his slim hips, looking down sternly. \u201cNow you gotta do just that.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe moved aside and Adam saw the towering bulk of his younger brother, Hoss. \u201cHey, big brother, what you doin\u2019 there? Won\u2019t get the job done lyin\u2019 down; you gotta get on with what you have to do.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Hoss stood back, and Adam saw his father looking down at him, and smiling. Adam tried to speak but no words would come. \u201cI know, son, I know.\u201d Ben held out his hand and Adam took it and pulled himself to his feet. When he was upright enough to look round, a tear escaped his eyes as he realized that he was alone. He nearly collapsed with the disappointment of knowing that he had been imagining his family beside him, but then he thought of Albie, and what he had risked to free him, and started to limp slowly away.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam was oblivious to everything about him; he was bent over, watching his boots as they moved, urging one foot to step in front of the other, but every footfall sent shafts of pain through him; he didn\u2019t realize that his kneecap had been cracked by one of Red\u2019s carelessly aimed boots, it was just another pain amid the many that assaulted him, but finally it gave way and he fell to the ground and lay looking up at the pale, early morning sky. He imagined himself at home lying in his bed, surrounded by his family, safe in their protective love, then he became aware of his true surroundings and he got mad at himself; why was he lying there when he had so far to go, and it couldn\u2019t be long before they came looking for him. Again he struggled to his feet and forced himself to move. He staggered on, not knowing or caring where he was going, his only thought was to get away as far as possible from the gang, and retribution.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Through the mist that filled his mind he became aware of noises behind him, and swayed as he stopped and turned. He could vaguely make out the shapes of horses coming nearer, but his bruised eyes were not focused and he could see no details of the riders, though he knew they had come from the direction of the encampment; it had to be Lou and the others. He tried to run, but his knee gave way and he sprawled on the ground, crying out against the agony in his body. He rolled onto his back and his heart beat hard in his chest as he saw Lou above him, leaning on the pommel of his saddle, relaxed and smiling.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYou did quite well, considering,\u201d Lou sneered, drawing his gun and aiming it purposefully in Adam\u2019s direction. \u201cDon\u2019t know how you managed to get free,\u201d he said, though he had a very good idea and would confront Albie later. \u201cIt\u2019s a pity it was all for nothing.\u201d He dismounted and stood over Adam, who closed his eyes, praying with an intensity born of despair that the gun was loaded; he didn\u2019t have the strength to go on, and desperately didn\u2019t want to go back.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

As Lou prepared to fire, a shot rang out and he swayed as he took a step backwards, then looked down at his shirt. A red stain was spreading over the front of the grey material, and he slowly sank to his knees, then fell on his face beside Adam, and lay still. The other riders, Red, Lucky, Carl, and a reluctant Albie a short distance behind, were about to turn and run for cover when they were surrounded by men with guns drawn.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam had his eyes closed as he heard the gunshot, and he turned cold inside when he felt no bullet enter his body and he knew that Lou was not yet ready to kill him. He rolled over and started to crawl away; praying that the man would stop him with a well aimed shot.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

One rider separated himself from the group covering the rustlers and, throwing himself from his horse, went to kneel beside Adam, who had the fingers of his right hand buried in the dirt as he tried to pull himself over the stony ground, his muscles shaking with the effort. Adam felt hands touch him, and he fought weakly against them as he turned onto his back, moaning as he did so, and looked into eyes that he never thought to see again.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cJoe?\u201d he whispered in disbelief. How could his brother be there? Adam knew then that reality had finally left him as insanity crept closer and his mind again conjured up this vision.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

A soft, tear-filled voice answered him. \u201cYes, it\u2019s me, I\u2019m here.\u201d Joe sat back on his heels, staring in disbelief at his barely recognizable brother. \u201cDear God, what have they done?!\u201d he whispered.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Dear God?\u2019 thought Adam, no! It was an unfeeling, uncaring and vengeful God who would not give him death, but would torment him with this image of his brother by his side.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam closed his eyes, then opened them again and the apparition was still there. \u201cJoe,\u201d he said on a sigh, and sank into unconsciousness in his brother\u2019s arms.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

Adam awoke to a feeling of warmth and softness, and lay for a minute thinking that he would soon have to get up; he had a lot of work to do today. Then he tried to rise, but the agony that flowed through him made him groan and lay back on the pillows. Every part of him hurt, from his feet to his head was a dull mass of pain. His mind went over what he had been doing the day before; mending fences, and then checking on the men at the logging camp. Had he been in an accident there? His headache centered around a pain between his eyes and suddenly he had a vision of Lou pressing a gun into his forehead. With that thought his memory returned, and he groaned again, a chill filling his body as he thought that his suffering was not yet over.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

He felt someone holding his hand but couldn\u2019t open his eyes, afraid of what he might see; Lou or Red waiting for him to awaken so that they could continue to torment him. He became aware that the hand holding his was stroking it gently and someone was speaking in low tones, words of encouragement, not hatred. He cracked his eyes open and then they widened as he saw his brother sitting beside him.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe smiled. \u201cWell, it\u2019s about time.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam opened his mouth to speak, but no words came. Joe leaned over and held a glass to Adam\u2019s parched lips, and he swallowed gratefully. Adam tried again to speak, but too many questions were going round in his head and he couldn\u2019t pin one down long enough to ask it.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s all right, I\u2019m here, and Pa\u2019s on his way.\u201d Joe looked round at the elderly doctor who was hovering in the background, a glass of pale brown liquid in his hand. The doctor eased Joe aside and lifted Adam\u2019s head.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cDrink this, it\u2019ll help you sleep.\u201d He tipped the glass so that Adam could drink, then lowered him gently back onto the pillows. Adam sighed and closed his eyes, and they saw his breathing become slow and regular.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe turned to the doctor. \u201cHow is he?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWell enough, considering, but it will be some time before he can be moved. I think I\u2019ve stopped the bleeding in his stomach but I don\u2019t want him to move until it has had a real chance to start healing. He must rest, and that will help the other injuries as well.\u201d The doctor put his hand on Joe\u2019s arm to reassure him. \u201cBut he\u2019s a very lucky man; if you hadn\u2019t found him when you did he\u2019d be dead. Now why don\u2019t you go and get some rest yourself? He won\u2019t wake for several hours after that sleeping draught I gave him.\u201d The doctor was becoming concerned at the pale features of the young man, who had seldom left his brother\u2019s side during the four days since they had brought him in, close to dying from the injuries that had been inflicted on him.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe nodded, went to the door and, as he put his hand on the handle, he turned to take a last loving look at his brother. \u201cI\u2019ll be back,\u201d he promised, and went to find his room in the hotel.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe walked out into the early afternoon sunshine but its heat did little to warm him, he was tired and worried. He wished his father would get there and take over some of the responsibility for his brother. Joe walked wearily into the hotel and up the stairs to his room, where he sat on the bed that he had paid for, but which had remained unused until now. He pulled off his boots, dropping each one noisily on the floor, and then he lay back, thinking that he would get undressed in a minute, but when he opened his eyes again it was dark and he knew he had been asleep. He rose hastily and after a quick, refreshing wash, he changed his clothes and prepared to return to the doctor\u2019s house. As he left his room he heard a familiar voice coming from the lobby of the hotel and ran down the stairs to be greeted by ebony eyes filled with worry.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cPa!\u201d Joe shouted, about to throw his arms round his father, but then he saw the haggard features beneath the grey hair, and instead gripped Ben\u2019s shoulders. \u201cPa, are you all right?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben turned and smiled faintly. \u201cJoe! Yes, I\u2019m fine, just tired.\u201d The two men embraced for a second, and then Ben held Joe and pushed him away gently. \u201cWhere\u2019s your brother?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cOver at the doc\u2019s. I was just on my way there.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHow is he? Is he\u2026?\u201d Ben couldn\u2019t hide his concern from Joe.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHe\u2019s alive. He woke up this afternoon for the first time, but only for a few minutes. Doc Matthews wants him to sleep as much as possible and is keeping him sedated.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben nodded in nervous understanding. It had been four days since Adam was found, four fear-filled days since Joe had sent the telegraph message calling his father to come. For Ben they had been days of hard riding and constant worry, wondering whether Adam would still be alive when he arrived.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI want to see him,\u201d said Ben and turned towards the door, but Joe put a hand on his arm to stop him.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhy don\u2019t you leave your things in your room and wash up first?\u201d Joe smiled kindly. \u201cIf Adam sees you looking like that, he\u2019ll know just how bad off he really is.\u201d He could see the terrible toll that the journey had taken, and Joe was now as concerned for his father as he was for Adam. Ben nodded, and they went together up the stairs to the room next to Joe\u2019s and, while his father washed and changed, Joe told him all he could about finding Adam and bringing him back to town. Then they crossed the street to the doctor\u2019s house, and Joe went in without knocking, as had become his habit during the past days.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Doctor Matthews was seated behind his desk and rose as Joe entered with an older man.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cDoc, this is my father, Ben Cartwright.\u201d Joe turned to Ben. \u201cPa, Doc Matthews has done a real good job of looking after Adam.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben held his hand out to the short, elderly, balding man peering at him over the top of spectacles perched precariously on the end of his nose. \u201cDoctor, I\u2019m very grateful to you.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Matthews took the offered hand, looking grave as he spoke. \u201cYour son is very fortunate. By rights he should have died long before they got him back here, but with God\u2019s help he stayed alive long enough for me to be able to treat him,\u201d he looked at Joe, \u201cand this young man has not left his side since. If you can get him to rest you would be doing him a service.\u201d The doctor directed his words to Joe as he said, \u201cWhy don\u2019t you go and sit with your brother for a minute, I would like to speak to your father.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe hesitated, wondering what the doc might want to say, but then he nodded and entered the room where Adam lay.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben turned curious eyes to the doctor. \u201cWhat is it?\u201d he asked worriedly.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cSir, I just wanted to say that it is a pleasure to meet the father of these two fine young men. The marshal explained to me what your elder son was doing, why he got hurt, and I have seen that brother of his wear himself to a shadow to stay beside him. He\u2019s talked endlessly to Adam, even though he was unconscious, encouraging him to get well. Occasionally Adam has stirred, though until this afternoon he had not opened his eyes, and I\u2019m certain that Joe\u2019s presence has helped in his survival. You should be proud of both of them.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben remembered how he had resisted, for a whole week, Joe\u2019s suggestion that he should follow his brother, wanting to help him if he could, but more, Ben suspected, because he knew how worried his father was about him. Now he thanked God for Joe\u2019s insistence.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

A lump formed in Ben\u2019s throat as he replied simply, \u201cI am.\u201d Then he thought of Hoss, who had offered to stay home so his father could leave, though he had desperately wanted to come to be with his family, to support them. \u201cI have another fine son at home.\u201d He held back tears as he added, \u201cAnd I\u2019m proud of all of them.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The doctor studied Ben and watched his reaction to his words. He smiled, \u201cNow, I expect, you would like to see Adam.\u201d The doctor showed Ben into the small room where Joe was again sitting close to his brother\u2019s side. Joe looked up, anxious to know what the doctor had been saying, but Ben stood and glanced from one son to the other. He thought, as he saw them together, that a man would count himself fortunate to have one such offspring, but to have three\u2026he was truly blessed.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben neared the bed and looked down. Joe heard the sharp intake of breath as his father saw for the first time the cuts and bruising that even a five-day\u2019s growth of beard could not hide, and the bandages that swathed the parts of Adam\u2019s body that could be seen above the covers. Ben knelt beside the bed and said a silent prayer of thanks to the God that had protected his son and brought him back alive. Then he put out his hand, gently stroking Adam\u2019s hair as he spoke quietly.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s all right, son, Pa\u2019s here, and you\u2019re going to get well. You just have to rest and then we can take you home.\u201d Ben\u2019s heart was breaking, Joe had said little in his wire, only that Adam was badly injured and that he should come quickly. Now, seeing the reality of the cold words on the paper, Ben was shocked. He turned to the doctor. \u201cHow bad\u2026?\u201d He swallowed and started again. \u201cHow bad are his injuries? What happened?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAs to what happened, only Adam can tell us that.\u201d Matthews paused, wondering if Adam would want to relive the events that had led him to need the doctor\u2019s services. \u201cI had to operate to stop some internal bleeding, and that is the most serious injury he suffered and still threatens his survival. He also has a broken arm, which I set, and had a dislocated shoulder, which I have corrected. His right knee is damaged and I have immobilized the leg with bandages until the swelling goes down. I am afraid that he will have some trouble walking on it for a few weeks, but it should heal normally. I have also strapped up his broken ribs, and his wrists are heavily bandaged to cover some deep cuts and bruising which I would say were caused by being tied tightly.\u201d The doctor didn\u2019t add that he thought they were also worsened by Adam struggling against his bonds; he could see the hurt in Ben\u2019s eyes deepen as he enumerated the injuries to his son, and he wouldn\u2019t add to it. He had tried to speak without emotion of the treatment he had given, but then his voice gave him away as it filled with anger. \u201cApart from that he suffered a beating, the likes of which I hope never to see again.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

There was silence in the room as Ben took in the information; a rage was mounting inside him as he looked down at Adam and his eyes traveled over the blanket covered form of his son, following the doctor\u2019s words.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

At that moment Adam stirred and opened his eyes slowly. He had woken as Joe came into the room, and had lain, not listening to the distant voices, but remembering. As his thoughts became more coherent he recalled what he had done, and where before he had felt a fire consuming him from the inside, he now felt an icy hand grip his heart. He heard his father speaking, wondering if he was imagining it; then he saw that Ben was beside him and forced himself to face his father.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben looked into his son\u2019s eyes and for a moment words would not come, then he said softly, \u201cHello, son.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Seeing the love that radiated from his father\u2019s features was too much for Adam and he turned his head away. Ben had to strain to catch his whispered words. \u201cI\u2019m sorry, Pa, I\u2019m so sorry\u2026forgive me.\u201d A tear crept from the corner of Adam\u2019s eye.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben stroked the black hair again. \u201cHush now, of course I forgive you. But you have done nothing that I need to forgive. You only did what you felt you had to do.\u201d Ben thought to himself that while he would forgive his son anything, he would never forgive Roy for getting him involved.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam closed his eyes, shutting out his father\u2019s words and trying to fight the pain he felt both in his body and his mind.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Doctor Mathews spoke quietly, \u201cI think that you should both leave him to rest. Let him sleep the night out, and come back in the morning.\u201d He could see the reluctance in two pairs of eyes. \u201cIf he wakes again I\u2019m going to give him something that will make him sleep. He must remain still if he\u2019s not to start bleeding inside again. Tomorrow I will let him stay awake for a little longer, but until then he\u2019s not going to know you\u2019re here.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben and Joe could see the sense in what they were being told, but still hesitated, until the doctor went to the door and held it open for them. They both stood and, with backward glances, left.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe was the first one to reappear in the morning. He had left his exhausted father sleeping and, not bothering with breakfast, had walked swiftly over to the doctor\u2019s house. He had a need to be with his brother; he felt that if he left Adam alone for too long he might slip away from them.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHow is he?\u201d Joe asked quietly as he entered. The doctor looked as though he hadn\u2019t slept and Joe felt a twinge of guilt for having had the first good night\u2019s sleep since he had arrived in Alturas.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAwake, but resting. Adam seems able to understand that he mustn\u2019t move. He\u2019s still very weak, but given time\u2026\u201d The doctor stood and came to stand in front of Joe, who saw an unsettling look in the physician\u2019s eyes.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhat is it?\u201d asked Joe, \u201cwhat\u2019s wrong?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNothing physically, apart from his obvious injuries, but he seems detached, depressed even. It could just be as a result of being hurt, but I think there is more to it.\u201d He put his hand on Joe\u2019s shoulder. \u201cPerhaps you or your father can find out what\u2019s troubling him.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe nodded uncertainly and opened the door to the room where his brother lay with his head turned, staring out of the window. He went round the bed so that Adam wouldn\u2019t have to move to see him.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHi, brother, good to see you awake.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam didn\u2019t look at him, didn\u2019t even blink.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cDoc says you\u2019re going to be OK.\u201d Joe tried again to get his brother\u2019s attention and put his hand on Adam\u2019s arm. \u201cPa\u2019s sleeping right now, but he\u2019ll be back as soon as he\u2019s awake.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam closed his eyes; the last person he wanted to see was his father.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAdam, what\u2019s wrong. You\u2019re alive and mending, everything\u2019s going to be OK.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam moved his head, and Joe could see the suspicion of a tear in his eyes. \u201cAlive?\u201d he whispered, again staring out of the window. \u201cBut I wanted\u2026\u201d He couldn\u2019t say the words.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhat did you want? Adam look at me.\u201d Adam slid his eyes sideways and glanced at Joe, who asked again, \u201cWhat did you want?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

When Adam spoke it was with such desolation in his voice that Joe recoiled. \u201cDoesn\u2019t matter, He wouldn\u2019t give it to me. He was right and I was wrong.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWho was right? Adam, what are you talking about?\u201d Joe asked softly, his young face seeming to age as it reflected the need to help his brother.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam tried to turn away, but the pain stopped him moving. \u201cLeave me alone,\u201d he said between clenched teeth and closed his eyes to get away from the expression of love that he saw in Joe\u2019s face. He didn\u2019t deserve that love; he had been willing, no, pleading, to leave this life, to leave those who loved him, and he knew he didn\u2019t deserve his family and the feelings they had for him.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe sat and watched as Adam pretended to sleep. He could see by the rough, uneven breaths that he was, in fact, wide awake. \u201cWould you like me to leave so you can really go to sleep?\u201d He smiled gently as Adam opened his eyes, nodded, and then closed them again.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe left quietly, and after exchanging a few worried words with the doctor went to find Ben, who was up and dressing when Joe knocked quietly.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cCome in.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

As Joe entered, Ben could tell that something was wrong. \u201cWhat is it?\u201d he asked crossing the room, his heart beating faster. \u201cIs it Adam?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYes,\u201d Joe said, not thinking of the effect it would have on his father. Ben immediately picked up his hat and was nearly out of the door before Joe stopped him. \u201cPa, don\u2019t worry, he\u2019s OK.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben turned. \u201cThen what exactly do you mean?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHe\u2019s all right, but\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cJoseph!\u201d Ben was becoming exasperated at the lack of information.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s just\u2026I mean he\u2019s\u2026\u201d Joe searched for the words to explain.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben dropped his hat on the bed and looked at his youngest son. \u201cTake your time, and tell me what\u2019s wrong.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t know, that\u2019s just it. He was awake but\u2026Pa something\u2019s happened to him.\u201d He saw his father staring at him. \u201cI don\u2019t mean his injuries, there\u2019s something else, but he won\u2019t tell me. He said \u2018He wouldn\u2019t give it to me\u2019. Then, \u2018He was right and I was wrong\u2019. When I asked him what he meant, who he was talking about, he just pretended to go to sleep, wouldn\u2019t talk about it.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben frowned and decided that he had to go and see Adam, find out what this was all about. He again picked up his hat, and Joe followed him out of the room, but before descending the stairs Ben stopped and put a hand on his son\u2019s shoulder.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNo, Joe, I want to talk to Adam, and I think I\u2019d better do it alone. I might be able to get him to tell me.\u201d Joe nodded sadly and watched as his father left hurriedly.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The doctor could tell from Ben\u2019s worried expression that Joe had told him about Adam\u2019s mood.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cIt may be simply the result of the sedative I have been giving him,\u201d said Doc Matthews, \u201cbut I don\u2019t think so. It seems much deeper than that. I tell you, Mr. Cartwright, I\u2019m concerned. It might just be enough to prevent him recovering. He needs to direct all his efforts towards getting better.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWell, I\u2019ll try to get to the bottom of it. But there is something you should know about my son, if he doesn\u2019t want to talk, nothing will make him. He tends to keep thing bottled up inside until he feels he can handle them.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s all very well, but on this occasion it could kill him.\u201d Matthews saw the fear in Ben\u2019s eyes. \u201cI\u2019m sorry to put it so bluntly, but you have to know the possible consequences.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben nodded, \u201cYes, of course. Thank you for your honesty.\u201d Ben entered Adam\u2019s room quietly, and saw that his son was awake, but a fine sheen of sweat covered his pale face. He went to the washstand and wetted a cloth, then approached the bed. When Adam caught sight of his father he closed his eyes while Ben wiped his face and returned the cloth to the stand before turning to speak.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAdam.\u201d There was no response. \u201cAdam, look at me,\u201d Ben ordered, but Adam turned his head away from his father. \u201cAdam I\u2019m not leaving here until you look at me. You can\u2019t ignore me for ever.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam heard the determination in Ben\u2019s voice, and knew his father was just as stubborn as he was; Adam didn\u2019t feel strong enough to resist, so there was only one possible ending to such a stand-off. He opened his eyes and looked at his father. Ben breathed a sigh of relief; he had won the first round.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNow, tell me what\u2019s wrong.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam\u2019s quiet voice answered him and Ben knew he was far from winning the fight. \u201cYou only said I had to look at you. And I don\u2019t need you to look at me.\u201d Adam squeezed his eyes tight shut, then opened them again. \u201cYou\u2019ll never want to look at me again.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben was shocked by the words, which he simply didn\u2019t understand. He sat on the edge of the bed and held his son\u2019s cold hand. Adam tried to pull away but lacked the strength to do so when Ben tightened his grip.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cSon, what\u2019s wrong?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Before Adam had the opportunity to reply, the door opened and Marshal Andrews came into the room. When he saw the two men he sensed that he had intruded, but he had to speak to Adam.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

He introduced himself to Ben then turned to Adam, and Ben saw that the hopeless look in Adam\u2019s eyes lifted slightly.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAdam, how are you? The doc seems satisfied with your progress, said it was OK to speak to you.\u201d This wasn\u2019t strictly true, since Mathews had tried to stop the marshal from entering, but Andrews wasn\u2019t a man you could stop that easily.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cMarshal,\u201d Adam greeted him quietly, but he sounded distracted. \u201cI\u2019m all right.\u201d Adam tried to shift in the bed to ease the stiffening in his joints, but stopped immediately as pains from various parts of his body screamed at him.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI wanted to tell you that the circuit judge is going to be here in five days. I really need to talk to you about what happened. We have to get together a case against Cronin and the other three for what they did to you, and we need your testimony against them for the rustling as well.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam nodded; he really didn\u2019t want to think about it. The marshal\u2019s words slowly sank in and Adam thought there was something wrong.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThree?\u201d he queried.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYeah. Red Parfitt, Lucky Cunningham, and Carl Saunders,\u201d the marshal explained.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam worked it out, there was someone missing, then his heart sank; Lou had escaped. The one person Adam wanted to face justice had got away. \u201cWhat about Lou?\u201d he asked dejectedly.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThe other member of the gang?\u201d Andrews asked, and Adam nodded. \u201cHe\u2019s dead. Your brother shot him, to stop him from killing you.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cJoe\u2026shot him?\u201d This time it was Andrews\u2019 turn to nod. The poetic symmetry of the situation overwhelmed Adam; Lou had intended to kill one brother, only to be slain by another. He started laughing quietly, and then found he couldn\u2019t stop, even when his injuries reminded him of their presence. Ben became concerned and called the doctor, who came in and immediately poured some sedative into a glass and made Adam drink it. Slowly the laughter faded as Adam slipped into a light sleep.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWell,\u201d said Andrews, \u201cI\u2019m glad he can laugh about it.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The doctor looked at him to see if he was serious. \u201cThat wasn\u2019t laughter; that was hysteria. Marshal, I should warn you that Adam may not be in a fit state to testify. I believe that this experience has unbalanced him somewhat.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben shied away from the words, but knew that Matthews was right. There was something very far wrong, and unless they could find out what it was, Adam might never fully recover.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The doctor ushered them both from the room, and Andrews faced Ben as they left the house.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cMr. Cartwright, I want to thank you for letting your son help us as he did, and I\u2019m sorry it turned out like this.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben bit back the sharp retort he was going to make; he was saving that for Roy Coffee. \u201cIt was my son\u2019s decision to help you. I wasn\u2019t happy when the sheriff asked for his help, but Adam wouldn\u2019t listen to me. I was afraid of something like this, and being proved right has no comfort at this moment.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cOf course, I\u2019m sorry.\u201d Andrews turned away, seeing the sadness in Ben\u2019s eyes and knowing that he had been partly to blame for it. \u201cI\u2019ll come back and talk to him again in a couple of days.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben simply nodded as the marshal walked off down the street, then he went to the hotel. He wanted to see Joe, needing the comfort of having one of his sons close, when the other seemed so distant. He went to Joe\u2019s room and found him lying on his bed, reading.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHi, Pa,\u201d Joe rose to greet his father, \u201chow\u2019s Adam?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben didn\u2019t reply, but went instead to look out of the window at the street below; just another small town, like so many others that he had been in. But was this to be the place that he would always remember for taking his son from him? Even if Adam lived, would he ever be the man that had left home less than a month ago? Ben determined that he would make Adam tell him what was wrong. That was the first step to his recovery, then he could be helped.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben turned back into the room. \u201cHe\u2019s resting; the doc gave him something to make him sleep.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI thought that he wasn\u2019t going to give him any more?\u201d Joe was concerned.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAdam was talking to Andrews when he\u2026well, he needed to sleep.\u201d Ben couldn\u2019t bring himself to describe those moments when Adam had lost control. \u201cJoe, somehow we have to get Adam to tell us what happened.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe thought for a moment, then snapped his fingers and pointed at his father. \u201cI know; if the Doc agrees, why don\u2019t we get him drunk?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhat?!\u201d Ben was horrified at the thought.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNot really drunk drunk; just get him to have a shot or two. You know that\u2019s the only time you\u2019ll find Adam opening up, like late in the evening, when you\u2019ve been working hard, and you two sit with a drink and discuss life and\u2026things.\u201d Ben raised his eyebrows as he realized that there had been other ears listening to those mellow moments he had treasured with his eldest son. Joe looked sheepish as he knew he had given himself away. \u201cOK, I\u2019m sorry Pa, but I love to hear the two of you talk, not about the ranch, but other things. You never do it when Hoss and I are about, and you talk about the old days, traveling and such.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben nodded. \u201cIt might work, we\u2019ll talk to Matthews, see what he thinks.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

They hurried across to the doctor\u2019s house, but when they went in he told them that Adam was still sleeping. Nevertheless, they asked him for his permission to try their scheme.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cIf you think that it will work, I can\u2019t see any harm in it. But no gut-rot whiskey. If you can get it, I would suggest brandy, and the best you can find. Tell Sam, in the saloon, that it\u2019s for me.\u201d The doctor saw Ben nod his agreement. \u201cBut keep an eye on him, don\u2019t give him too much, he may forget my instructions. Alcohol has a habit of dulling the senses, which I believe is what you hope will happen, but it may make him impervious to his pain, which is the only thing that is preventing him from moving at the moment.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cVery well,\u201d said Ben, \u201cwe\u2019ll go and find some brandy, and some lunch, then come back.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

They went into the saloon where they found both the items they were seeking, and when they returned Matthews told them that Adam was awake and, with their plan in mind, he had got him sitting up a little so he could drink, but again impressed on them that he shouldn\u2019t be allowed to move. Ben and Joe went in and found Adam with his eyes open, but no more responsive than when Ben had seen him earlier. As Ben looked at his son\u2019s face he remembered the doctor telling him that Adam\u2019s mood could kill him; his eyes were dull and lifeless, and the shadows under them were deeper, if that was possible, as though he wasn\u2019t trying to get well. Suddenly Ben was terrified that he would lose his son, and his determination to help him became like a hard knot in his stomach.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHello, son,\u201d Ben said brightly, trying to seem unconcerned, \u201chow are you feeling?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam didn\u2019t answer, he was lost in his thoughts, which told him he was a failure; he didn\u2019t deserve his family, though he wanted them now more than ever. He guiltily remembered that he had wanted to die, to desert his family, and now he aught to want to live, but the knowledge of what he had done was too painful. He would leave it in the hands of God, who had not let him die when he wanted to, so let Him make the decision now.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe approached the bed side. \u201cI thought you\u2019d like a drink, brought a bottle.\u201d Joe put down the glasses they had persuaded the barman to lend them, and poured out three measures. He handed one to his father and held one out to Adam. Joe leaned closer so that only Adam should hear him. \u201cThought it might help,\u201d he cocked his head towards Ben, \u201cyou know, when you have to deal with Pa.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe was delighted as his brother looked straight at him, blinked slowly, then nodded and held out his hand for the glass, where he hoped to find forgetfulness. Adam sipped at the brandy and shut his eyes gratefully as he felt the liquor burn its way down his throat. He welcomed the warmth that spread through him; he had felt cold inside since he first woke, and it brought back memories of the forest and the chill he had endured. He was aware that Ben and Joe were talking but he took no interest in their conversation, and they seemed content with his silence.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam drained the glass then held it out for more. Joe reached for the bottle and refilled the glass, which Adam held to his chest, nursing it before relishing the warmth once again. He became aware that Ben was addressing him.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cDo you remember?\u201d Ben asked again.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhat?\u201d Adam had to drag his thoughts back from the darkness.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI asked if you remember when the wheel came off old man Dickson\u2019s wagon, and he was preparing some complicated lifting gear, when Hoss came along and lifted the wagon up all by himself and you put the wheel back on. Thought Dickson was going to have a seizure, he was so surprised. Guess he\u2019d never seen anyone do that before. Remember?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam nodded absently. \u201cYeah, I remember.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe brought back another memory. \u201cAnd the time that you had to rescue me from the lake, when the boat that me and Hoss built sank. You were mad, but you showed us how to build a proper boat, and we used to go fishing in it. That was great, wasn\u2019t it?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYeah, great.\u201d Adam looked at his brother, glad he hadn\u2019t drowned.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Five words, Ben thought, just five words, but the first that Adam had uttered that hadn\u2019t been filled with despair. It was a beginning.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam had drained his glass again and Joe saw his father nod when Adam held it out for a refill.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam took a sip then spoke quietly. \u201cI remember\u2026Joe, in the snow.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe looked startled but picked up on Adam\u2019s thoughts. \u201cYou always manage to get me with the first snowball. I thought last year I\u2019d fooled you.\u201d Joe turned to Ben, to explain. \u201cI was hiding outside the front door, on the veranda, waiting for Adam to come out, and you know what? He crept up behind me. I\u2019ll never know how he got out of the house; I\u2019d got Hoss to make sure that he came out the front door.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI bribed him,\u201d Adam said, his words a little slurred from the brandy, \u201cwith Hop Sing\u2019s apple pie.\u201d Then he laughed, a real, genuine laugh of remembered happiness. Then, as thoughts of his home filled his mind, Adam felt tears in his eyes.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben went to the side of the bed and put his hand on Adam\u2019s arm and rubbed it gently. This was the moment; he had to get Adam to talk. \u201cIt\u2019s all right, son, tell me.\u201d The hand went to Adam\u2019s shoulder and squeezed it in encouragement.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

As Adam looked into his father\u2019s eyes he was overwhelmed with the love he saw there, and it broke his fragile control. \u201cI\u2019m sorry Pa,\u201d his throat was tight with unshed tears. \u201cI didn\u2019t mean to, but they would have made me beg, and I wouldn\u2019t do that, not even for you.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cTell me. All of it,\u201d Ben whispered, not moving as he willed his son to talk.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam felt the strong, reassuring presence of his father, and reached out his hand to Joe who came and held it tightly as he sat down on the covers. With his family near him, Adam let it all pour out.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

He spoke softly, brokenly. \u201cThey said they\u2019d kill me, but not quickly, and after they\u2019d\u2026they\u2019d\u2026all day\u2026and then Lou had the gun\u2026to my head\u2026that\u2019s when I knew\u2026I wanted to die.\u201d Adam stopped and closed his eyes for a moment, trying to fight against the emotions that were brought back with the memories. \u201cI hurt so bad\u2026I knew I was going to die\u2026I wanted it to be over.\u201d Adam stopped again, and then took a deep breath that shook his body. \u201cI prayed for death\u2026I cursed God when he wouldn\u2019t give it to me.\u201d He shook his head trying to clear the memories from his mind. Joe poured him another drink, but Adam\u2019s hand was shaking so badly that Joe had to take the glass and hold it to his brother\u2019s lips so that he could drink. Adam could keep back the tears no longer as he continued his painful confession, his voice shaking as much as his hand. \u201cI would have left you so easily at that moment. I didn\u2019t think what it would do to you\u2026I was only thinking of myself. But it would have hurt you so badly. Then I woke up\u2026and realized that I was alive\u2026and I knew God was right, but I\u2019d cursed him, I would have given up this life, and you. I would have put you through all that\u2026because\u2026because I didn\u2019t want to hurt any more.\u201d Adam turned his head to look at his father, then looked away, ashamed. \u201cPa, I\u2019m sorry, how can you ever forgive me?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben put an arm round the shoulder of his troubled son, and with his other hand gently lifted Adam\u2019s chin until their eyes met.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cSon, it doesn\u2019t matter, nothing matters but you being here, alive and getting well.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam swallowed hard, trying to stop his tears. \u201cBut how could I have done that? How could I want to die, when I know that you love me? How could I do that to you? How could I be so selfish?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYou didn\u2019t do it,\u201d Ben assured him. \u201cWhat those monsters did to you drove you to it. It wasn\u2019t you asking God for death, it was desperation.\u201d Ben paused, seeing Adam lower his eyes and knowing that he wasn\u2019t convinced. \u201cAdam, listen to me.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam looked up and blinked very slowly. Ben could tell that he was, indeed, drunk, and hoped that Adam was capable of taking in what he was going to say. \u201cNothing in this world could make you want to leave us like that. Nothing normal, but this was not normal, it was something that no one should have to go through. But you did, and you survived, somehow. Adam, seeing you in such distress now hurts me far more than your praying for death. I forgive you, with all my heart. How could I do anything else, when you managed to get away from them despite what they did and the way you were feeling. How you managed to walk as far as you did I will never know, but you gave Andrews the chance to get to you before it was too late, and you have my eternal thanks for doing it. You say that God didn\u2019t answer your prayers, but having you here, alive, means that he answered mine, and who are we to question the choice He made?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Tears were threatening in Ben\u2019s eyes, and Joe\u2019s, and there was silence for a minute, until Adam said gratefully, \u201cThank you, Pa.\u201d Then he remembered praying that he could tell his father how much he was loved, and it seemed that God had, indeed, answered that prayer. Adam whispered, \u201cI love you,\u201d and slipped quietly into sleep.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben stood staring silently at Adam, then he turned to Joe and saw the tears that stained his face, as Joe saw his, and they stood and embraced, each hoping that Adam\u2019s fears had been laid to rest by his confession, each trying to forget the pain in his words and the terrible picture they painted. Ben also saw his own anger reflected in his youngest son\u2019s face, anger that would have sent them after the men who had done this, had they not been safely locked up in jail. They sat with Adam for hours, but he did not stir and Ben became afraid that they had made a terrible mistake in getting him to talk, that the effort had been too much and he might not waken again.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The doctor came in quietly from time to time, and on each occasion he tried to assure them that Adam was fine, but Joe could see that his father was not convinced. The doctor returned and checked his patient again, then beckoned Ben to the far side of the room, and spoke softly, barely above a whisper.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cMr. Cartwright, your son is awake.\u201d Ben looked surprised, but did not interrupt. \u201cDid you find out what was wrong?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYes.\u201d The doctor raised his eyebrows in question. \u201cHe told me about wanting to die. He felt guilty that he had done so, but I assured him that it was understandable in the circumstances, and I think he believed me.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Matthews pondered for a minute. \u201cGood. I have to say he looks better. Just give him time now. Don\u2019t force him to open his eyes; he will do so when he is ready.\u201d Matthews glanced over to the bed and put his hand on Ben\u2019s arm and smiled. \u201cPlease, try not to worry; I\u2019m certain that the worst in passed.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben thanked the doctor and returned to sit beside the bed, where Adam lay still, his eyes closed.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam could hear movement in the room, and thought that Ben and Joe were probably there, but he was going over in his mind the things he remembered being said. That his father did not blame him for what he had done, that he felt only gratitude for having his son back, and Adam tried to make himself believe it. He forced his mind to accept the forgiveness that Ben had shown him, and gradually it began to work. While Adam would always keep his problems bottled up, once they were dealt with he let them go, not dwelling on them when he knew he had found a solution, and he slowly accepted that his father had found that solution for him, in absolution. The weight that had been resting on his soul lifted slowly, and he felt only the love that he received from his family.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben held his breath as Adam\u2019s eyes fluttered open, and he looked straight at his father. Their gaze locked and neither spoke, then Ben moved to sit on the side of the bed and reached out for Adam\u2019s hand, stroking it gently, willing his son to talk to him.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cCan I have a drink?\u201d Adam asked slowly, and Joe went uncertainly to the brandy bottle. Adam saw him and groaned, taking his hand from Ben\u2019s and rubbing his forehead. \u201cNo, not that, never again.\u201d Joe handed him a glass of water and Adam sipped it slowly. Ben took the glass from him and Adam smiled and spoke slowly, but his tone was light. \u201cWhat did you think you were doing? Brandy for a man in my condition! Really!\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben\u2019s eyes filled as he heard Adam joking and saw the smile that lit his face. His son had returned<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben, Adam and Joe were sitting in the Judge\u2019s rooms, facing the imposing, dark-haired, middle aged man behind the dark mahogany desk. Adam\u2019s freshly shaved face was looking pale, the bruising still evident, and Ben watched him anxiously, but his son sat straight in his seat waiting for the Judge\u2019s verdict.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m glad that we could clear this up before tomorrow,\u201d the Judge said, his deep voice resounding round the room. \u201cIt will only cloud the issue if it is brought up then.\u201d The trial had been short and swift; the Judge had an immediate grasp of the facts and wasted no time on incidentals. He could see the accused was tiring rapidly. \u201cMr. Cartwright, are you able to stand while I deliver my verdict?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam nodded and Ben helped him to his feet and supported him. Marshal Andrews sat on the other side, waiting anxiously. What the Judge decided now would affect Adam\u2019s credibility as a witness in the trial of the rustlers.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAdam Cartwright, you are charged with rustling and attempted murder. By your own admission, you shot Mr. Hansen in cold blood and with no provocation, when you were assisting in the stealing of his cattle.\u201d The Judge indicated the other person in the room, a man in his forties, fair haired and weather-beaten, with his arm in a sling. \u201cIs that correct?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam nodded. \u201cYes.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhile it is accepted that you were acting as an agent of Marshal Andrews, it must also be pointed out that you were not a sworn deputy and therefore have no protection under the law for your actions, and I have no choice but to find you guilty and to pass sentence.\u201d Ben felt his son tense as he stood beside him. The Judge looked straight at Adam. \u201cI sentence you to one day\u2019s imprisonment.\u201d Adam leaned heavily against his father, his relief evident. \u201cAs the jail at present holds the men against whom you will testify tomorrow, I do not deem it sensible for you to be imprisoned there. You will return to the doctor\u2019s house and remain there until you are called to attend my court tomorrow. After which you will be free to leave. Do you understand the sentence?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam cleared his throat. \u201cYes, your honor, I do.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cVery well. Good day to you.\u201d The Judge rose and left the room as Ben helped Adam sink slowly into his chair. Adam put his right elbow on the arm of the chair and rested his head on his hand; his other arm was in a sling to support both his broken limb and his shoulder. He was trying not to pass out with relief that the Judge, who had seemed so stern and unforgiving, had opened his heart and his reason to him, when he became aware that someone was standing in front of him, and he looked up.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Jacob Hansen was staring at Adam, studying him. Adam found it difficult to look at the man he had shot, he had never thought he would see him again after that day, and wondered what he would say.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cMr. Cartwright,\u201d Hansen\u2019s voice was tinged with the lilt of his Swedish origins, \u201cI have never been shot before, and I must say it was an extremely unpleasant experience.\u201d Adam tried to interrupt him, to apologies, but Hansen held up his hand. \u201cPlease, let me finish. The marshal told me why you did it, and I want to thank you. I know now that if you had not done so, not only would I have lost all my cattle, a lifetime\u2019s work, but I would probably be dead.\u201d He held out his hand to Adam who shook it, somewhat stunned. Hansen said his goodbyes to Ben, Joe and the marshal and was gone before Adam had recovered enough to speak.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The marshal put his hand under Adam\u2019s arm. \u201cCome on, I have to take you to the doctor\u2019s.\u201d He smiled as he helped Adam to his feet. \u201cYou\u2019re supposed to be my prisoner; for real this time.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam smiled back and they all walked slowly to the doctor\u2019s house. Adam was leaning heavily on the walking stick that Matthews had lent him; every step he took sent a pain through his right leg and when he eventually made it back to the room which was to be his prison for a day, Adam lay down gratefully on the bed. The short trip had been a trial in more ways than one; walking, and then sitting, and standing, had started his stomach aching, and other injuries which he had forgotten about had made their presence felt.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Marshal Andrews sat by the bed as Ben and Joe settled themselves on either side of it.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben looked at Adam sternly. \u201cSo, my son is a criminal.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cPa\u2026!\u201d Adam protested.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben laughed. \u201cI\u2019m sure that the family name can stand it, just this once. But try not to make a habit of it.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam turned to the marshal. \u201cAre you ready for tomorrow?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI am if you are. Are you going to be all right?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNothing will keep me from that courtroom, don\u2019t worry,\u201d Adam assured him.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWell, with Judge Vernon in charge, I don\u2019t imagine it will take too long.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The door opened and Doc Mathews was standing there looking determined. \u201cRight, out, all of you.\u201d The Marshal was about to object but the doctor held up his hand. \u201cIf you want him in court tomorrow he must rest. Otherwise I give no guarantees.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Andrews stood and looked at Adam. \u201cTill tomorrow then.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam asked that his father should stay for a few minutes and the marshal left, with Joe following. When they were alone Adam turned to Ben. \u201cHave you spoken to Roy?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNo.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cPa, it wasn\u2019t his fault, you know that. If you want to be mad at anyone, be mad at me for agreeing to help him.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHe didn\u2019t have to ask you, he must have known, or at least hoped, that you would agree, even when he knew how dangerous this sort of plan could be.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam could see that his father was still angry as he paced the floor at the foot of the bed. \u201cSit down, will you; I can\u2019t talk to you if you won\u2019t keep still.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben stood uncertainly for a minute then settled himself on the end of the bed. \u201cOK,\u201d he said, \u201cI\u2019m keeping still.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019re right,\u201d Adam continued, \u201cRoy knew what he was asking, but who else could he approach, if not his friends? Who else could he trust? Not a stranger certainly, perhaps you think that he should have asked someone that he didn\u2019t like, so he wouldn\u2019t be upset if anything happened to them.\u201d Adam raised his eyebrows at his father, knowing the answer.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNo, of course not, but\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThere\u2019s no \u2018but\u2019, Pa. We want to see our part of the world grow into a civilized society, and having the law, and a strong law at that, is one way to make that happen. You brought me and Hoss to the wilds of Nevada when there was very little law, and decided that it was where you wanted to build your life and raise your family. People like Roy Coffee, and Marshal Andrews, have made it a safer place by facing every day the kind of risk I took. If they ask us, just once, to help them, don\u2019t you think they deserve that help? You can\u2019t leave it all to them.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben sat silently, considering his son\u2019s words. \u201cYou don\u2019t understand,\u201d he said softly, \u201cyou haven\u2019t got children.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNo, but I have got brothers. Suppose that Albie and his gang had come south and started taking our cattle, and suppose that Joe or Hoss was killed trying to stop them? Would you still think that I shouldn\u2019t have done it?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s not fair\u2026\u201d Ben protested.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cIsn\u2019t it? What if it was someone else\u2019s child, or husband or father that was killed? Would you have been able to say \u2018at least it wasn\u2019t my son\u2019?\u201d Adam stared at Ben, and could see that he was beginning to give in.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben still tried to argue his point. \u201cWhen you have children, you will feel the same, trying to protect them at all costs. I just didn\u2019t want you to get hurt, and seeing you like this\u2026well it shows that I was right.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWon\u2019t you allow that I was just protecting Hoss and Joe, and you? Won\u2019t you grant me the same feelings that you say are your reason for being upset at Roy?\u201d Adam smiled at his father, and Ben reluctantly smiled in return.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m not really upset with him, I was mad at you as much as anything. But you\u2019re right, you had no choice, and I\u2019m proud of you for thinking of others, not yourself. But allow me to be a parent with all that means. I will worry about you until the day I die, you will always be my child, and if you do something like this again, then despite your age, I will take you over my knee and give you a tanning that you will remember for the rest of your life.\u201d The two men looked at each other, each considering what it meant to be a parent, and a child. \u201cNow you must do as the doctor says, and rest. You\u2019ve got a hard day tomorrow.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben patted Adam\u2019s arm, then suddenly bent forward, kissed his son\u2019s forehead, and was gone before Adam could react. Adam lay still, stunned by the gesture, not by the love behind it but by the simple demonstration of that love, which he and his father seldom shared openly. He remembered thinking that he hoped his Pa knew how much he was loved, but it seemed as though Ben had a need to let his son know as well.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

Adam made his way slowly into the small, dark room that served as a public court in the town of Alturas. It appeared that the whole town wanted to be there for the trial of these notorious rustlers who had preyed on their territory; people were standing along the walls and crowding in the doorway. Adam felt eyes following him as he entered, leaning heavily on the walking stick, his father beside him ready to offer his arm, and with Joe close behind. They sat in seats near the front of the court which were left empty for them, and Joe looked round curiously. He leaned towards Adam.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cGood turn out,\u201d he observed.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYeah.\u201d Adam wasn\u2019t interested, he was only thinking of what was going to happen, that he would have to relive those hours of torment in the camp, and what it would do to his father when he heard the details. Adam nudged Ben\u2019s arm to get his attention.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWill you do something for me?\u201d Adam asked quietly as his father turned towards him.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cOf course, what is it?\u201d Ben was concerned when he noticed the tension in his son\u2019s shoulders and the muscle working in his jaw.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI want you to take Joe out of here, and stay out yourself, until this is finished.\u201d Adam was staring straight ahead, not wanting to show his father the haunted look he knew would be in his eyes.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNo!\u201d Ben said, shocked.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cPa, I can\u2019t do this if you\u2019re here.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

\u201cPa, please. Go.\u201d Adam turned to Ben, who could see the pain behind the determination. \u201cAndrews is right, it won\u2019t take long. Go to the hotel and wait for me. Please.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben was going to argue further, but remembered Adam saying that he wouldn\u2019t beg Lou to kill him, and he wouldn\u2019t make his son beg now. He nodded, and taking Joe\u2019s arm pulled him to his feet and guided him from the court.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Once outside, Joe turned to his father angrily. \u201cWhat was that all about, why aren\u2019t we staying? Adam needs us; you can\u2019t just walk out on him.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben ushered Joe ahead of him towards the hotel, where he entered the restaurant and ordered coffee for them both, then answered the agitated young man facing him. \u201cAdam doesn\u2019t need us there.\u201d Joe tried to protest, so Ben explained. \u201cHe doesn\u2019t want me to hear what happened, and he doesn\u2019t want you to know either. He\u2019s only trying to protect us. Don\u2019t you think I want to be with him? But he\u2019s right, he can\u2019t do it with us there, can\u2019t tell the whole story. So we\u2019ll wait here.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The two men sat silently. Ben believed that the reality of what must have happened couldn\u2019t be any worse than the pictures in his mind, and his jaw set as he thought of the men who had come so close to killing his son, his beloved eldest boy. He looked across the table at his treasured youngest and saw his emotions reflected in the green eyes that faced him. Suddenly Ben was frightened. If those men somehow got off, escaped the justice that was waiting for them, he wasn\u2019t sure that he would be able to stop Joe from going after them and wasn\u2019t certain that he, himself, wouldn\u2019t be right behind him.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The table Ben had chosen in the restaurant gave them a clear view of the street and the courtroom entrance. He watched as Marshal Andrews, the sheriff, and a deputy, escorted the prisoners from the jail, across the dusty street, to the court. He recognized them from Adam\u2019s descriptions. Cronin led the men and Ben studied him closely. Adam had told them that it was Cronin who had helped him to escape and Ben wondered why he had done such a thing. Behind was the shorter figure of Lucky Cunningham, and then two younger men, the red hair of Parfitt, with Saunders bringing up the rear. Ben\u2019s eyes narrowed as he thought of what they had done, and he looked away trying, and failing, to control his feelings.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The girl who looked after the restaurant came over to fill their cups, and Ben asked her to leave the pot. While Andrews had predicted that the trial would not take long, Ben knew that these things never went as quickly as they should, it could be a long time before it was over. His thoughts went to Adam, who should have been resting in bed, but was sitting in the court, going through who knew what, in order to convict the gang.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe was restless and paced the floor, occasionally stopping by the window to look out at the silent street.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHow long is this going to take?\u201d Joe asked his father. Ben just shrugged, and Joe continued. \u201cThis isn\u2019t right, we should be there.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cJoe, sit down. You\u2019re not going to make it go any faster by pacing. Adam wanted us to wait here, and that\u2019s what we\u2019re going to do.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe sat for a minute, but was soon on his feet again, and Ben watched as he prowled round the room, always returning to the window to watch.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The time dragged past, measured by the slow ticking of the clock over the door. Nearly two hours later both men were seated, with a fresh pot of coffee in front of them. The girl was sat at another table, she wouldn\u2019t have any more customers until the trial was over, and then there would be a rush as everyone came in at once.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Suddenly all three were on their feet, brought upright by the sound of a shot. Ben and Joe were running through the door of the restaurant when the sound of a second shot stopped them for a moment, then they ran faster, across the street, pushing through the mass of people trying to get away from the gunfire in the courtroom. Ben stood in the doorway looking for Adam among the melee inside. As the room cleared he saw the marshal bending over someone, and Ben\u2019s heart stopped as he saw that it was Adam, stretched out face down on the floor, the man Ben had identified as Cronin lying beside him. Off to one side was another prostrate form, which Ben merely glanced at as he knelt at the side of his son.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe stood, looking from one fallen man to another, trying to make sense of what he was seeing. His eyes came to rest on his brother and father, and as he felt for the gun belt he had left in his hotel room he cursed, but straightened and glanced watchfully round, ready to protect his family from any threat.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben and Andrews gently turned Adam onto his back as Ben felt all over his son\u2019s body but could find no bullet wound; he searched again but found nothing. Ben watched as Adam slowly opened his eyes. \u201cStay still son, the doctor\u2019s on his way.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam\u2019s face screwed up with pain, but he assured his father breathlessly, \u201cI\u2019m OK Pa\u2026it wasn\u2019t me that got shot.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben looked up into the eyes of the marshal. \u201cWhat happened?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Andrews glanced at the motionless figures lying on the courtroom floor. \u201cThe judge had just passed sentence, when Parfitt grabbed Adam and hauled him to his feet, hitting him. Adam tried to fight him off, but Parfitt was crazy, screaming that he was going to finish what they had started. Then he grabbed the sheriff\u2019s gun, but Cronin pushed Adam to the floor as Parfitt fired. He took the bullet meant for your son.\u201d Andrews shook his head in disbelief. \u201cI had to kill Parfitt to stop him. Guess he couldn\u2019t face fifteen years in prison.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam had listened to the marshal\u2019s explanation of events of which he had only a dim awareness, then turned his head and saw Albie lying nearby. He rolled over and pulled himself across the short distance between them, until he was beside the man who had saved him.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Albie\u2019s eyes were open but his breath came in short gasps, and a red stain was beginning to seep out from under his body.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAlbie, why?\u201d Adam asked softly.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI could have\u2026been you,\u201d Albie said haltingly, and coughed painfully. \u201cI had to know\u2026if I could have done\u2026what you did.\u201d He smiled up into Adam\u2019s concerned eyes. \u201cGuess the answer\u2026was \u2018yes\u2019.\u201d Albie coughed once more, and then breathed out for the last time.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam hung his head, then lay on his back and closed his eyes, fighting the fire that had returned to his stomach. Twice the man had saved his life, this time by giving his own. His mind wandered back to Albie asking him if he thought he was the better man, and for Adam the answer was given. He slipped slowly, inexorably, towards unconsciousness and they lay side by side; rancher and rustler, accused and accuser, saved and savior.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

<\/div>\n

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

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

Summary:\u00a0 Adam goes undercover to help capture a group of rustlers.<\/p>\n

Rating:\u00a0 T \u00a0 (25,800 words)<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":10351,"featured_media":9811,"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],"class_list":["post-14060","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-drama","tag-adam-cartwright","wpcat-23-id"],"a3_pvc":{"activated":true,"total_views":1436,"today_views":0},"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/10\/the-fugitive.jpg?fit=516%2C514&ssl=1","jetpack_likes_enabled":true,"jetpack-related-posts":[{"id":62702,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=62702","url_meta":{"origin":14060,"position":0},"title":"Who Would Miss Me (by BettyHT)","author":"BettyHT","date":"March 4, 2026","format":false,"excerpt":"Summary: Adam left home to pursue a dream but it didn't work out. Returning wasn't an option so he chose a different course that eventually brought him home during a crisis. Adam and Candy are the most prominently featured characters. 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Rating:\u00a0 T\u00a0 (9,800 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\/Badge-Without-Honor.png?fit=726%2C442&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/05\/Badge-Without-Honor.png?fit=726%2C442&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/05\/Badge-Without-Honor.png?fit=726%2C442&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/05\/Badge-Without-Honor.png?fit=726%2C442&ssl=1&resize=700%2C400 2x"},"classes":[]},{"id":47273,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=47273","url_meta":{"origin":14060,"position":4},"title":"Die Upon a Kiss (by Shaan Lien)","author":"Preserving Their Legacy Author","date":"January 1, 2002","format":false,"excerpt":"Story Summary: A friend from Adam\u2019s past emerges with a common foe on her tail and though the attempt is made, Adam is unable to save her and fall victim to his own grief that Ben must now save him from. 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