{"id":14999,"date":"2000-09-14T13:56:30","date_gmt":"2000-09-14T17:56:30","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=14999"},"modified":"2025-02-27T12:04:42","modified_gmt":"2025-02-27T17:04:42","slug":"settling-up-by-starlite","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=14999","title":{"rendered":"Settling Up (by Starlite)"},"content":{"rendered":"

Summary:<\/strong>\u00a0After his brother is injured in a brutal attack, Hoss seeks retribution.<\/p>\n

Rated:<\/strong>\u00a0 PG\u00a0 (8,540 words)<\/p>\n

Settling Up<\/strong><\/p>\n

The strong muscular form of the horseman straightened his long legs in the stirrups before him; he stood briefly in the saddle to survey his surroundings.\u00a0 It had been a long dry hot summer.\u00a0 Reseating his body into the unforgiving leather of the saddle, he stretched to ease the kinks in his tired back.\u00a0 He raised his right hand to the brim of his broad black felt Stetson to take the hat from his head, then drew his arm across his sweat-covered brow.\u00a0 Squinting, the man winced as he glanced upward at the unmerciful sun with the sweltering heat pouring down upon him.\u00a0 With his left hand, he withdrew his handkerchief from his back pocket and attempted to dry the leather band lining of his hat before replacing it securely upon his head. In annoyance he futilely tried to pull his clingy shirt, that was soaked with perspiration, free from his chest.<\/p>\n

Deciding that he’d wasted enough of his time searching for strays along this heat ravaged ridge.\u00a0 Adam Cartwright clucked aloud to his horse, and using his toes, indicated the way home.\u00a0 A loud plaintive bleating of a sad and frightened animal cut through the soundless sky.\u00a0 Giving a disgruntled snort, Adam turned his horse back up the ridge towards the direction of the cry.<\/p>\n

Adam had an uneasy feeling as he rode slowly towards the clearing.\u00a0 Before him, he saw a calf struggling to pull free from something that was wrapped around the small hoof.\u00a0 Scanning the area, Adam warily dismounted to approach the young cow.\u00a0 He felt the hair on the back of his neck stand on end and experienced a deep chill course through his body even though it was still oppressively hot.\u00a0 He sensed that he was being watched.\u00a0 Always on guard, Adam pulled his rifle from its scabbard on the saddle before approaching the young calf.<\/p>\n

“Whatcha got yourself into little one.”\u00a0 Talking aloud to the frightened baby calf, Adam hoped to calm the animal so he could easily free its foot.<\/p>\n

Crouching down Adam laid his rifle down beside him on the dry ground.\u00a0 He was surprised to find a rope snuggly tied to the calf’s foot.\u00a0 Pulling on the rope, he discovered the other end secured to a stake that had been embedded in the ground.\u00a0 Someone was using this calf as live bait in a trap, Adam surmised.\u00a0 Surveying his surroundings once more and finding nothing amiss, he returned his attention to freeing the youngster.<\/p>\n

“Go find your Mama.”\u00a0 Slapping the calf soundly upon its rear, Adam instructed after he’d freed the calf from its bindings.<\/p>\n

Normally he would have rounded the animal up and headed it down the hill with him.\u00a0 But today a gut feeling told him he needed to get out of there, and he needed to get out of there now.\u00a0 Reaching out he retrieved his rifle, before he turned to stand.<\/p>\n

Everything was a blur of activity and noise.\u00a0 He could hear the calf as it scurried off for parts unknown, then he heard a rustling of dry leaves to his right before Sport whinnied in terror drawing back to bolt down the hillside in fright.\u00a0 Glancing over his right shoulder, Adam turned and froze in horror.\u00a0 Looming before him to stand a good two feet over him was the largest brown bear he’d ever seen.<\/p>\n

Stepping back, Adam could feel the adrenaline course through his veins as he swung the rifle towards the towering grizzly.\u00a0 He heard a low growl, followed by the reverberating echo of a gunshot, before a deafening roar of sudden fury and distress accompanied the sharp stinging of pain, when knifelike long claws raked deeply across his upper body causing him to tumble backwards onto the rock strewn sun-baked earth.<\/p>\n

Unable to rise to his feet to escape, Adam rolled over onto his stomach, trying to make his body as small a target as possible.\u00a0 Drawing his knees under his chest, he protected his head with his arms and hands.\u00a0 He gasped in pain enduring the crushing blow of the animal’s weight upon his back and knew the impact had just broken a couple of his ribs.\u00a0 Overwhelmed by the intensifying agony of the blow and his body rapidly succumbing to the numbing shock.\u00a0 Adam allowed his mind and body to surrender to the coming darkness when he felt the sharp teeth tear into the flesh of his left shoulder.<\/p>\n

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

Long fingers with dirt, encrusted under overgrown fingernails, carefully traced the outline of the tracks upon the ground. Rising from his crouched position, the man stood to his full height surveying the vista before him.\u00a0 On a nearby pine, he noticed the sign of bark rubbed bare and on another deep ruts caused by long sharp claws.\u00a0\u00a0 He sensed from long years of experience that his quarry was nearby.\u00a0 Eager for the hunt to be ended, he rapidly descended the embankment following the distinct markings left by a grizzly.<\/p>\n

He stopped his descent and abruptly turned to face the setting sun at the sound of three distinct shots ringing out.\u00a0 Disconcerted as to the source or reason, he resumed his journey.<\/p>\n

Reaching the clearing where he’d left his trap, he slowed his pace to study the unmoving heap lying feet from him.\u00a0 Carefully he approached the inert mass and discovered a man with clothing torn and body bloodied.\u00a0 Sighing in discontent, he scanned the vicinity for his quarry.\u00a0 He figured the attack had been interrupted by the sound of the shots when he found no trace of the object of his search nearby.<\/p>\n

Cradling his buffalo gun across his crossed arms, he approached the fallen man.\u00a0 With a disaffected foot, he raised the battered body with the toes of his soft skinned tan boot.\u00a0 Still breathing, he harrumphed removing his foot allowing the injured man to fall back onto his face.\u00a0 He snorted in response to the sound of a painful groan.<\/p>\n

Disinterested in losing precious time in assisting someone who would die on him anyway, the trapper turned his attention back to his trap with thoughts only of his prey.
\nSeeing that his original bait was noticeably absent, the experienced hunter spat upon the hard dry ground and surveyed his surroundings for the little calf.<\/p>\n

A low moaning once again drew the man’s attention towards the body lying prone upon the once dry earth now soaked red with blood.\u00a0 Recognizing that the large predator now had a taste for human flesh and figuring that the grizzly had only been momentarily interrupted, the trapper retrieved the looped end of the rope.<\/p>\n

Not wanting to chance a miraculous recovery and once again lose the lure to his trap.\u00a0 He bent and rapidly secured the rope around the weakened man’s ankle. Once his task was complete, he located a nice secluded spot to watch and wait for his quarry to return to finish its meal.<\/p>\n

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

Ben Cartwright looked over to his middle son from where he’d been unsuccessfully hunting for strays.\u00a0 It had proven to be a most unfruitful day.\u00a0 With the long dry summer many head of cattle had succumbed to the brutal heat, and those that hadn’t expired from the heat, had become a meal for many large predators, which had come down from the mountains in search of food.\u00a0 He was also very well aware of the bounty a few of the local ranchers had placed upon the head of a grizzly that was terrorizing nearby ranches.<\/p>\n

The Ponderosa patriarch hadn’t supported his neighbors in the placing of a bounty.\u00a0 Ben Cartwright held any man who hunted for money in low regard.\u00a0 To him, these hunters would stop at nothing to achieve their means.\u00a0 Whether they hunted man or beast, he felt that hunters of this nature were motivated more by the thrill of the kill, and the bounty was just an added bonus.\u00a0 In some ways, these hired hunters were far more dangerous than what they hunted.\u00a0 Ben Cartwright had made his feelings on the matter quite known to the Cattleman’s Association, and had expressly forbid any hunting on his land.<\/p>\n

Hoss rode up to his father and shook his head sadly.\u00a0 He too hadn’t any luck in finding any live strays that day.\u00a0 All he’d found were a couple of long dead carcasses, and one calf that looked to have been butchered recently, maybe by some poacher.\u00a0 Pulling his canteen from his saddle horn, he uncorked it and drew in several deep swallows.<\/p>\n

Both men heard the approach of hooves from behind; Ben smiled as Little Joe rode up to greet them.\u00a0 He could tell his youngest was nearly spent.<\/p>\n

“Nothing Pa.”\u00a0 Joe answered his father’s unspoken question.<\/p>\n

“Wonder if Adam’s had any luck in them foothills?”\u00a0 Hoss pondered, indicating the nearby hills with a jerk of his head.<\/p>\n

Almost in answer to his question, Sport appeared on the horizon in a dead run, headed for parts unknown.\u00a0 Quickly reacting, Joe spurred Cochise into a gallop to capture the rider-less runaway horse.\u00a0 He’d just snagged the bridle when a shot rang out across the sweltering sky.<\/p>\n

Hoss saw his father’s face drain of all color at the appearance of Adam’s horse, who was missing its owner.\u00a0 In response, he drew his rifle and fired three shots into the air in the direction that Sport had come from, praying for the expected reply.<\/p>\n

All three solemn men waited patiently for the response, but none was forthcoming.\u00a0 Without a word, they turned their horses and headed for the foothills.<\/p>\n

Tracking the spooked horse’s path was easy for an experienced tracker like Hoss Cartwright.\u00a0 Within the hour he had located the clearing and the body of his older brother.<\/p>\n

Seeing the unmoving form of his eldest son, Ben quickly stepped down from his horse.\u00a0 Swatting the animal out of the way, he ran to his son.\u00a0 Joe had already jumped from his horse, and was kneeling beside his brother with a hand gently resting upon the raven black hair on the back of his brother’s head.\u00a0 Seeing the severity of the wounds, he was afraid to touch or move him further.\u00a0 Grabbing his canteen from the saddle, Hoss rapidly moved to assist his father and brother.<\/p>\n

Reaching his brother, Hoss winced at the sight of the deep wound on Adam’s shoulder.\u00a0 He watched while his father pulled a white handkerchief from his hip pocket to clasp it over the fresh wound, still oozing with blood.<\/p>\n

“Help me turn him over.”\u00a0 Ben instructed moving one hand across his son’s broad back.\u00a0 “Easy.”\u00a0 He commanded to his younger sons when Adam groaned over the jostling.<\/p>\n

Seeing the deep tears crossing his older brother’s body, Hoss spoke to Adam’s unconscious form.\u00a0 “Geeze Adam, looks like you tangled with a grizzly.”<\/p>\n

“I think he did.”\u00a0 Joe confirmed pointing to some tracks in the soft dirt nearby.<\/p>\n

The interchange between his younger sons was totally lost on Ben Cartwright, whose full attention was drawn to his unconscious oldest son and his injuries.\u00a0 Taking charge, he began to give the orders necessary to save his child.<\/p>\n

“Joe, you ride for Doc Martin and meet us back at the house.”<\/p>\n

Little Joe was already on his feet running to do his father’s bidding before the elder Cartwright had finished his command.\u00a0 Tripping, he found his body falling forward to sprawl face down upon the scorched earth.\u00a0 Looking back, he found his foot ensnared in a taut rope.<\/p>\n

Exasperated over his son’s carelessness, Ben was about to reprimand his youngest until he saw the cause of Joe’s misfortune.\u00a0 He was horrified to find his oldest son’s foot bound and tied to a nearby stake, like he was the decoy in a trap.<\/p>\n

Hoss watched as Joe tripped and fell.\u00a0 He’d seen the rope just seconds before his little brother stumbled, but was too late to issue a warning.\u00a0 Rapidly Hoss rose and helped his brother to his feet, checking him for injuries.\u00a0 Finding none, he released his brother’s arm and returned his attention to the rope.\u00a0 In a thunderous fury, Hoss reached down and tore the offending stake from the ground freeing his older brother.<\/p>\n

Eyes wide with alarm and surprise, Joe turned his attention back to his father in shock.\u00a0 He too recognized that someone had used his brother as bait in some type of bizarre trap.\u00a0 Fearful over Hoss’s violence, Joe waited until his father calmly indicated that he was to continue with his journey to town.<\/p>\n

“Hoss, Hoss you have to help me son.\u00a0 We have to get Adam home.”\u00a0 Ben spoke in a calm voice that belied his true emotions.<\/p>\n

Blood pounded in the great man’s ears and his fists clenched in rage.\u00a0 Not hearing his father’s voice, Hoss’s eyes investigated the near underbrush.\u00a0 Whoever it was, he felt would have to be nearby.<\/p>\n

“Hoss, please son.\u00a0 I need you to help me.”\u00a0 Ben again tried to draw Hoss’s attention back to assisting his eldest son.<\/p>\n

Adam groaned and shifted position, trying feebly to push away the pressure upon his wounded shoulder.\u00a0 Weakly, he tried to use his legs to adjust his protesting body away from the searing pain.<\/p>\n

The sound of his brother’s suffering refocused Hoss back to Adam.\u00a0 Kneeling beside his fallen brother, Hoss easily lifted his brother’s limp body into his massive arms.\u00a0 He carried his brother like a small baby over to his horse and gently hefted him into the saddle.\u00a0 Waiting until his father could hold Adam in place, so he could mount behind his brother, Hoss once again searched the area and found nothing.<\/p>\n

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

Rising from his concealed location, long dirty fingers ran through equally filthy stringy shoulder length hair.\u00a0 Stretching to ease the kinks caused by the long length of time in a crouched position, the man gave a small grunt of displeasure.<\/p>\n

He had watched while his new lure was secreted away from his trap.\u00a0 Realizing that his prey wouldn’t return now that his meal had been removed.\u00a0 The seasoned trapper went forward from the underbrush to search for clues.<\/p>\n

Bending down, he retrieved the hastily discarded rope and stake from its resting place on the ground.\u00a0 Looping the rope, he slung the restraint over his shoulder.\u00a0 Moving closer to the underbrush, he spotted small red stains scattered about.\u00a0 Given the direction of the splatters and the height, the veteran hunter noted that the bear must have been injured.<\/p>\n

Glancing about the clearing, he wouldn’t waste anymore time in the nearby vicinity.\u00a0 He instinctively knew that the hurt animal would only head for one place now – home.<\/p>\n

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

Joe watched nervously while Hoss paced the large main room of the Ponderosa ranch house like a caged wild animal.\u00a0 He grew more alarmed with each lap the big man made.<\/p>\n

With hands thrust deep into his front pockets, Hoss blindly strode across the hardwood floor.\u00a0 His thoughts were black and full of rage over the wounding of his brother.\u00a0 He could understand the bear’s attack that was just the animal’s nature.\u00a0 What he couldn’t comprehend was that another human being had used his brother to draw the animal out.<\/p>\n

“Don’t worry Hoss, Adam’s an ornery cuss.\u00a0 He’ll be fine, you just wait and see.”\u00a0 Using Hoss’s favorite phrase for describing their bossy older brother, Joe hoped it would bring Hoss out of his agitated state.\u00a0 His hopes were dashed, when Hoss seemed not to hear him and glared angrily toward the stairs.<\/p>\n

Hours seemed to draw out into days for the youngest Cartwright.\u00a0 Sitting on the settee, he drew his legs up to his body placing his arms around his knees, with only the sound of the ticking of the Grandfather clock and the persistent sound of Hoss’s footfalls to keep him company.\u00a0 Exasperated and about at wits end, he was preparing to shout at his brother to stop the endless pacing when he saw his father and the town doctor appear at the top of the stairs.\u00a0 Not bothering to see if Hoss had noticed their arrival, Joe jumped from the couch and sped to the foot of the stairs.<\/p>\n

“How is he Pa?”\u00a0 Startled by Hoss’s fearful voice, Joe nearly jumped out of his skin.\u00a0 He’d never heard the big man approach to stand beside him.<\/p>\n

“He’s going to be alright.”\u00a0 Ben soothed placing a hand upon his big son’s shoulder and giving a slight squeeze.<\/p>\n

“I’ll stop by tomorrow.”\u00a0 Doc Martin announced, “Night Ben,” the doctor moved from Ben’s side at the bottom of the stairs.\u00a0 “Night boys.”\u00a0 He bid Ben’s younger sons goodnight, then departed the ranch house.<\/p>\n

Ben gave a small knowing smile, watching his sons anxiously turn hopeful faces towards the direction of Adam’s room upstairs.<\/p>\n

“Why don’t you go up and see him.”<\/p>\n

Nodding, Ben gave his permission for Hoss and Joe to visit their brother.\u00a0 Ben watched a broadly grinning Joe as he slapped Hoss’s broad belly excitedly, then raced ahead of his big brother up the stairs.\u00a0 He also watched with deep concerned etched upon his furrowed brow, when Hoss turned slowly to lumber up the wooden walkway.\u00a0 Deep in thought, Ben followed his younger sons up the stairs.<\/p>\n

Hoss entered Adam’s room hesitantly, he was still afraid for his brother’s life.\u00a0 He felt the fear dissipate when he saw the easy rise and fall of his older brother’s heavily bandaged shoulder and chest.\u00a0 His eyes moved upward to study his brother’s face.\u00a0 He felt a resurgence of rage seeing Adam’s wan complexion.\u00a0 His strong big hands clenched and unclenched in unbridled fury when Adam moaned lowly in pain.\u00a0 A new sense of purpose in his being, Hoss pushed past his father and departed his older brother’s bedroom.\u00a0 It was time for some settling up to be done.<\/p>\n

In uncertainty over his big brother’s sudden angry departure, Little Joe looked to his father for guidance.\u00a0 Seeing the stunned and fearful look upon his father’s face, Joe turned back to the restless form of his oldest brother.<\/p>\n

Ben could sense that something was terribly wrong with his middle son.\u00a0 Hoss was normally the easy go lucky one in the family, but when pushed or if one of his family was threatened like Adam was now, he turned into a man even his father didn’t know.\u00a0 Ben turned to go after his child when his attention was drawn back to his oldest one.\u00a0 Adam groaned loudly and futilely bent his right leg trying to use his foot to push his battered body away from his torment.\u00a0 Torn between two sons, who both needed him, Ben’s heart sank as he heard the front door slam.\u00a0 He knew that Hoss would just have to handle this one on his own.<\/p>\n

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

Hoss stalked out of the house into the warm autumn evening.\u00a0 His boots pounded upon the wooden planking to match the beating of his angry heart.\u00a0 Reaching the barn, he tossed down his hastily acquired gun belt, jacket and bedroll.\u00a0 He paused only long enough to light a lantern and locate his mount.\u00a0 Retrieving Chubb’s gear from his sawhorse, Hoss went to work saddling his horse.\u00a0 Once satisfied that the saddle was secure, Hoss bent to retrieve his gun belt and deftly fasten it about his waist letting it easily slide to his hips.\u00a0 Reaching down, he gathered up his bedroll and jacket and approached his waiting gelding.\u00a0 Without preamble, Hoss easily tied the items to the back of the saddle before mounting.\u00a0 Once secure in the broad leather seat, he leaned over and checked the scabbard for the hunting rifle he’d left there.\u00a0 Seeing it was at his ready, Hoss clicked to his horse while pulling the reins to lead the horse from the barn.<\/p>\n

Reaching the yard, Hoss paused looking up to survey the late night sky.\u00a0 Not noticing the grandeur of the stars that twinkled down upon him like diamonds resting on black velvet cloth, nor the deeply etched face of worry that studied him.\u00a0 Hoss’s eyes were only for the clear sky and the brightly shining moon that would help guide his way.\u00a0 Kicking his steed into a loping trot, Hoss departed the Ponderosa grounds, heading back to the site of his brother’s grisly attack.<\/p>\n

Standing by the window of Adam’s room that overlooked the yard below, Ben clutched the lace curtain absently in his hand while observing his middle son’s departure.\u00a0 Feeling older than his years, Ben’s head bowed in silent prayer for his aggrieved son as he watched him ride from the yard.\u00a0 He knew Hoss would have to find his own peace, and that he would have to grant him the freedom to fight his demons if Hoss was ever to return home.\u00a0 Releasing the cloth, Ben allowed it to lazily fall back into place over the windowpane, once more obscuring the night skyline.\u00a0 Turning his back to the window, Ben walked slowly to his firstborn’s bedside to resume his long vigil.<\/p>\n

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

Hoss rode the long distance in silence with only the sound of an occasional hoot owl or chirping of crickets to keep him company.\u00a0 He stopped his mount just short of the foothills, near the same locale that Sport had found them that day.\u00a0 Dismounting, Hoss made camp, he would wait for daylight before heading up into the hills to begin his search.\u00a0 After making a campfire for heat and light, Hoss settled his large frame onto the hard dry earth.\u00a0 Lying down, he tried to rest and found that sleep would not be forthcoming this night.<\/p>\n

At first light, Hoss arose and broke camp by dousing his campfire then re-saddling his horse.\u00a0 Turning, he easily hefted his massive body onto the broad leather saddle, and directed his mount toward the foothills.<\/p>\n

Upon reaching the clearing, where he and his family had discovered his brother the day before, Hoss briefly contemplated his next move before alighting from his horse.\u00a0 Dropping the reins, he began to investigate the location.\u00a0 Carefully, so not to disturb the signs, Hoss kept a studious eye upon the dry ground.\u00a0 He cringed inwardly finding the spot where the arid dirt had eagerly soaked up his brother’s spilt blood.\u00a0 Crouching, he tenderly ran his strong fingers over the area, as though he could somehow reach through to his brother with his gentle touch.<\/p>\n

His eye caught another form, an outline near where his brother had laid prone.\u00a0 It was a footprint clearly pressed into the bloody ground.\u00a0 Looking closer, Hoss knew the print didn’t belong to either of his brothers or father, because it wasn’t from the type of boots that a rancher would wear.\u00a0 This print came from a soft leather sole of a moccasin, like the local Indians wore.<\/p>\n

Finding that someone had been there around the time when his brother was attacked, and that someone had left him to die.\u00a0 Hoss felt his blood begin to boil and strangled an impending frustrated roar.\u00a0 He took several deep breaths before clenching his jaw.\u00a0 He needed to maintain control of his emotions if he intended to discover whoever it was.\u00a0 Shaking his head in disbelief, Hoss went back to task at hand.\u00a0 Sometimes he couldn’t understand man’s inhumanity to man.<\/p>\n

Looking about, Hoss realized something was out of place.\u00a0 The rope and stake that he’d torn from the ground was missing.\u00a0 He’d remembered tearing the offending objects from the ground then discarding them, but now he found them nowhere nearby.\u00a0 He scanned the clearing, and found nothing, he nodded his head in understanding.\u00a0 They’d been reclaimed by their less than illustrious owner.<\/p>\n

Following the pattern of the soft boots, Hoss made his way nearer to the underbrush where he spotted several recently broken branches.\u00a0 He snorted in derision, the feeling he’d had the previous day was correct.\u00a0 They had been watched.\u00a0 He found the trail he was to follow.<\/p>\n

Returning to his horse, Hoss continued to eye each dry branch and leaf closely.\u00a0 He easily discovered the spot where the bear had made his entrance.\u00a0 Glancing down, he saw a small trickle of red splattered on the brown leaves.\u00a0 Recalling the sound of a rifle firing just minutes before his horse appeared, Hoss realized that Adam must have wounded the grizzly.\u00a0 From long experience, Hoss knew an injured animal was the most dangerous of all.<\/p>\n

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

Stopping momentarily, the man stopped to rake his nails across his chest at an irritating itch.\u00a0 The soft tan suede he wore was now covered in layers of dirt and stained with sweat from long days on the trail.\u00a0 He paused to take a slip of water from the oilskin pouch he carried.\u00a0 Returning the small stopper, he slung the strap over his shoulder before resuming his long climb into the mountains.<\/p>\n

His adversary thus far had been quite elusive given its massive size.\u00a0 Now that the footing turned more to rock instead of soft ground, the trailing of the beast was becoming more complex.<\/p>\n

The hunter gave silent condemnation and thanks to the man who had stumbled onto the bear trap.\u00a0 Though the man had ruined his ambush by freeing the calf.\u00a0 He at least had the good graces to wound the animal, thereby leaving a nice simple trail to follow.<\/p>\n

Snorting in bitter amusement, the man cursed silently as the persistent itch returned.\u00a0 Scratching the annoyance, the man squinted upward at the heat that radiated off the early morning sun.<\/p>\n

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

Hoss held tightly onto Chubb’s rein while walking on foot before him.\u00a0 He wanted to keep his eyes focused solely on the trail before him.\u00a0 He easily spotted the soft boot prints while they made their way from the lower foothills, gradually climbing up to the rockier terrain.\u00a0 He noticed that the footprints followed another set of prints, those of a grizzly.\u00a0 A very large wounded grizzly.<\/p>\n

A loud grumbling stopped him momentarily.\u00a0 Looking down, he patted his broad belly.\u00a0 In his hasty departure, he’d neglected to pack provisions.\u00a0 Being a well-experienced woodsman, Hoss in no time easily spotted breakfast.\u00a0 Reaching out, he retrieved a handful of wild berries from a nearby bush and shoved them into his mouth.<\/p>\n

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

The sun now directly overhead, the fatigued man slumped onto a fallen tree.\u00a0 He could’ve sworn that this day was even hotter than the day before.\u00a0 Pulling the strap from about his neck, he brought the provision bag from behind his back to rest upon his hip.<\/p>\n

His lip curled into a sneer of disgust when he looked at the hardtack he found within.\u00a0 Feeling that his stomach needed something more nourishing to maintain this pace, he recalled a small stream he had crossed awhile back.\u00a0 Deciding that fresh fish ought to do the trick, the trapper doubled back.<\/p>\n

Hours later, now feeling revitalized and refreshed from a filling meal of fresh trout.\u00a0 The man resumed his trek.<\/p>\n

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

Hoss could go no further, the oppressive heat combined with a lack of nourishing food and sleep, sapped him of his normally robust energy.\u00a0 Knowing he needed to make camp before sunset, Hoss scanned the horizon for familiar sights.\u00a0 Realizing he wasn’t far from a gentle stream, Hoss mounted his horse and pointed him in the direction of the small creek, praying that it hadn’t run dry.<\/p>\n

Hoss’s prayers were answered when he found the stream gently flowing.\u00a0 Leading his horse to the water to drink its fill, Hoss quickly began to set up camp.<\/p>\n

The eager grumbling of his large stomach urged the cooking fish to quickly finish.\u00a0 Hoss pulled the stick closer to his face and inhaled the intoxicating aroma of the sizzling trout impaled upon a stick.\u00a0 His mouth watered in anticipation, only a couple more minutes.<\/p>\n

Once finished with his meal, Hoss watched the awe-inspiring beauty of the setting sun.\u00a0 Its rays formed golden spires, which jutted out into the soft expanse of pastel muted hues ranging from soft yellow to shades of pale pink, to lavender then to darkening shades of blue.\u00a0 Normally, Hoss would’ve stopped to appreciate the wondrous gift that Mother Nature artistically painted upon the horizon, but tonight he was lost in solemn solitary thoughts concerning the condition of his brother, and the purpose of his pilgrimage.<\/p>\n

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

After eating his fill of fish for that day, the man laid his weary body out onto a bed of pine needles and nibbled on the dried biscuit in his hand.\u00a0 Glancing upwards, he studied the night sky.\u00a0 This journey had been long, and so far unfruitful, but he relished the challenge.<\/p>\n

He’d hunted grizzlies many times in the past, but few had vexed him like this one.\u00a0 This one seemed to possess a rare intelligence.\u00a0 It knew when and where to strike, and unlike most of its kind, it also knew when to retreat.<\/p>\n

Yes, this one was a challenge, but he favored a real challenge.\u00a0 It made the kill all that much more exciting.\u00a0 He found it invigorating to best a real competitor.<\/p>\n

Throwing another small log onto the fire, he rolled over to his side.\u00a0 Tomorrow would be another long and hopefully more fruitful day.<\/p>\n

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

Hoss awoke with the rising sun and grunted while attempting to shade his eyes from its penetrating brightness.\u00a0 Getting to his feet from the hard ground, he stretched and groaned aloud when his stomach alerted him to its presence.<\/p>\n

Deciding that trout would make yet another tasty meal, Hoss planted his ten-gallon hat upon his head then made his way down to the stream.<\/p>\n

Stomach full, horse watered and fed on dry grass.\u00a0 Hoss saddled his horse and broke camp.\u00a0 Mounting, Hoss encouraged his horse to crossover the nearby stream.<\/p>\n

Looking down, Hoss scanned the dry grass for the familiar trail of soft footfalls.\u00a0 Frustrated he wanted to swear out loud, as the trail seemed to end just past the crossing of the stream.<\/p>\n

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

Patience the hunter preached to himself.\u00a0 He could sense his foe was close by.\u00a0 He knew haste would just result in unfortunate consequences that could cost him more than just the loss of his quarry once again.\u00a0 He couldn’t rush things now, so close to the end of the hunt.<\/p>\n

His eyes looked up to scan the sheer mountain cliffs and spotted several promising possible locales for caves, where a bear might just take up winter residence.\u00a0 Knowing he had to proceed with caution and not just rush into the proverbial lion’s den, he sat down on the hard ground to formulate a plan.<\/p>\n

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

Hoss doubled back to the stream for the seventh time that day, he was certain that he was just missing a small clue.\u00a0 Now back on foot, he studied every minute portion of the landscape for a clue that would put him back on track.<\/p>\n

He could feel his mounting frustration interfering with his ability to keep his mind and eyes focused on the task at hand.\u00a0 Deciding he needed to take a break, he retrieved his horse from where it was grazing nearby, and walked back towards the small stream.<\/p>\n

Bending down, he dipped his massive hands into the cool refreshing water and splashed the liquid across his rotund face.\u00a0 Cupping his hands he reached once again into the stream, filling them he moved his hands to the back of his neck allowing the water to cool his neck.<\/p>\n

Pulling his dirty white hat from his head, he wet the inside brim.\u00a0 Resettling the hat back upon its familiar spot, Hoss glanced over at that ground beside him and discovered the start of a new trail with a very familiar print.<\/p>\n

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

The hunter woke happily the next morning.\u00a0 His plan had solidified during his sleep the night before.\u00a0 He now knew how to get the grizzly to come to him, instead of him going into the caves to find the grizzly.<\/p>\n

He knew it was still too early for the animal to go into winter hibernation.\u00a0 With it being injured, it was definitely in need of nourishment.\u00a0 He would need to find a suitable spot as close to its home as possible, then bait another trap.\u00a0 Only this time, he would not leave anything to chance and would wait for his prey to come to him.<\/p>\n

Hefting the heavy rope replete with metal spike over his shoulder, he headed upwards toward the rocky face of the mountain.<\/p>\n

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

Rising early, Hoss redoubled his efforts to make up for the loss of time the day before.\u00a0 He mentally chastised himself for his lack of perception that had cost him so much.\u00a0 Though he knew the man he tracked wouldn’t leave the vicinity until his job was complete, Hoss couldn’t risk the chance of losing him.\u00a0 Not now, not when he could feel that he was so close.<\/p>\n

Stepping down from his horse, Hoss checked the ground near his feet.\u00a0 He would not jeopardize losing the trail again.\u00a0 He was gratified to find the soft footprints lazily following the large animal prints.<\/p>\n

Walking for a couple of hours, Hoss came upon a bed of pine and a small pit that had been used for a campfire.\u00a0 Reaching out, he felt the ashes.\u00a0 He was disheartened to find them long cold.\u00a0 Instinctively knowing he needed to redouble his efforts, Hoss went back and remounted Chubb.<\/p>\n

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

Spending the morning inspecting the mountain region for traces of his prey.\u00a0 The hunter found ample evidence of a clear path the animal had created between its den and the mouth of the clear water stream.\u00a0 Following the trail to the mountain face, the hunter found the perfect place to setup his trap.<\/p>\n

Easily scaling the small boulder, the man wedged his body into the crevice between the rock and the stone face of the mountainside.\u00a0 He carefully positioned his body, so that he was downwind of the current wind patterns.\u00a0 From this vantage point, he had a perfect view and a clear shot of the trap he’d set.\u00a0 Now all he had to do was watch and wait.<\/p>\n

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

Mid-afternoon Hoss stumbled onto another camp, though clearly it too had been discarded, he could tell its use had been more recent.\u00a0 Suspecting it was the camp his object of his search had used the night before; Hoss quickened his pace.<\/p>\n

He was mounting Chubb when he noticed even more fresh tracks than the ones he’d been using.\u00a0 The grizzly had traveled through there recently without its persistent pursuer.<\/p>\n

A new thought entered the large Cartwright’s mind, instead of trailing the hunter while it hunted its’ prey.\u00a0 Why not follow the prey, as it found its’ hunter?<\/p>\n

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

Dusk started to descend across the majestic mountains.\u00a0 The man pulled at his shirtfront moving it closer across his chest.\u00a0 He scratched at the almost constant irritation upon the front of his breast.<\/p>\n

He sniffed the air as a strong breeze picked up, causing dirt, dried pine needles and leaves to swirl nearby.\u00a0 Riding along the wind, he detected the gentle hint of rain and knew he was in for a long wet night.<\/p>\n

Shifting his position for the fourth time in the last hour, he adjusted his frame to settle better into the rock face.\u00a0 He hoped that he bagged this bear before the heavens opened up, to wash him from the face of the earth.<\/p>\n

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

Hoss carefully dismounted his horse and tied the animal to a nearby tree.\u00a0 He patted the animal soothingly and smiled a brief small gap toothed grin in appreciation of his horse’s ability not to spook so close to a natural predator.<\/p>\n

Moments ago, Hoss had spotted a large brown object moving lazily among the pines.\u00a0 Mindful to stay downwind of the animal, Hoss followed the great carnivore on foot.<\/p>\n

Hoss spared only momentary glances to his feet and the ground nearby looking for anything that might snap or alert the lumbering beast to his presence.\u00a0 He froze when he noticed the bear stop and look lazily into the rising wind.\u00a0 Following suit, Hoss realized what the animal had discovered.\u00a0 Looking to the distant horizon, he could see the arrival of an impending storm and knew it would be a gully washer.<\/p>\n

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

The man raised a weary hand to the hole-infested hat that sat atop his head.\u00a0 Giving it a strong pull, he hoped to secure it to the top of his head.<\/p>\n

Glancing off into the distance and then overhead, he estimated the arrival of the storm to occur at any time in the near future.\u00a0 Sniffing at the arm before his face where his rifle rested at the ready, he figured the rain might just do him some good.<\/p>\n

His attention was drawn abruptly back to a nearby grove of pine trees, when he heard a deep growl.<\/p>\n

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

Hoss stopped and watched as the bear neared a small stand of trees.\u00a0 He was awed by the obvious intelligence of the animal, while it seemed to investigate the area before proceeding.\u00a0 He held his breath in anticipation, hoping the forming storm hadn’t alerted the beast to his presence.\u00a0 Closing his eyes, Hoss wiped the sweat that had formed upon his brow when he saw the animal move forward once more, still seemingly oblivious to his follower.<\/p>\n

Hoss had just reached the edge of the trees when a shot rang out somewhere close.\u00a0 Instinctively, he jumped back behind one of the pines then crouched low looking for the source.<\/p>\n

His heart sank a little at the sight of the large bear now lying motionless upon the rocky terrain.\u00a0 As a rancher, Hoss knew that the bear was a threat to his livestock, but as a lover of animals, he regretted the loss of such a magnificent beast.\u00a0 His eyes were alerted to the presence of something new when he saw movement from a nearby boulder.<\/p>\n

Waiting, he watched as a man appeared from behind the large rock and made his way slowly to the still form.\u00a0 Hoss observed the man approaching and studying the bear for signs of life before laying his rifle upon the rocky ground.\u00a0 Hoss noticed as the man drew a long silver bladed hunting knife from its sheath on the man’s belt while he approached the dead grizzly.<\/p>\n

Deciding it was time to make his presence known, Hoss rose from his secluded position. Stepping forward, Hoss drew his gun from its holster.<\/p>\n

“Hold it right there.”<\/p>\n

Stunned, the man turned to the voice that seemed to come from nowhere.\u00a0 His mouth formed a small smirk as he recognized the large framed man from a night almost a week before.\u00a0 He held out his hands in acquiescence, he was certain that he was unknown to the man that faced him.<\/p>\n

Hoss instantly knew he didn’t like the man that now stood before him.\u00a0 Something about him caused the little hairs on the back of his neck to stand on end.\u00a0 His rotted tooth grin did nothing to ease Hoss’s feeling of unease.<\/p>\n

Hoss appraised the man that stood before him.\u00a0 He was a tall man, about his height but not of his stature.\u00a0 The man’s build was leaner much more similar to that of Adam’s but broader at the hip. He wore clothes of soft suede leather similar to those worn by Indians thereabouts, but he was definitely not of Indian descent.\u00a0 His hair was worn long and hung in stringy dirty strands down to his shoulders.\u00a0 The face was narrow and led down to a prominent chin that was covered by a matted filthy beard in desperate need of a trim.\u00a0 The nose was broad and misshapen with the tip jutting unnaturally to the right side, obviously broken at some point in the man’s past. But the eyes were what caught Hoss’s attention the most; they were hard, cold and callous in the color of dull gray steel.<\/p>\n

“You’re trespassing on Cartwright land.”\u00a0 Hoss lauded, wary of his opponent’s next move.<\/p>\n

“Am I?\u00a0 I’m real sorry there fella, I didn’t know.\u00a0 Guess I just got all caught up in the hunt.”\u00a0 The hunter replied, carefully planning his next move.<\/p>\n

He’d been surprised when the big man had appeared from the trees.\u00a0 He suspected that the big man with the tan leather vest and off white ten-gallon hat was trying to steal his kill.\u00a0 He worked too long and too hard to give his bounty to anyone.<\/p>\n

“Yeah, you was so ‘caught up’ you left my brother to die.”\u00a0 Hoss’s eyes narrowed in anger when he spotted the small red stain of dried blood on the toes of the man’s right boot.<\/p>\n

The hunter knew he’d been discovered and realized he needed to do something quickly.\u00a0 His immediate prayers were answered when a flash of lightening danced across the rapidly darkening sky drawing his opponent’s attention.\u00a0 He flung the knife he still possessed in the direction of the big man, then charged forward.<\/p>\n

Hoss was momentarily caught off guard by the bright flash of light; he’d lost all track of the storm.\u00a0 His attention returned at the sound of the ear splitting crack of thunder rolling through the mountains.\u00a0 He barely had time to duck to the right to move away from the blade as it sailed toward his body.\u00a0 He was not quick enough to avoid the onslaught of the other man’s body as he was stuck full force by the weight of the charging man.<\/p>\n

Hoss felt his body fall back and landed hard on the rocky ground.\u00a0 He sensed the air rush from his lungs.\u00a0 Reaching up, he roughly grabbed his enemy’s upper arms and easily tossed the man away.<\/p>\n

Rolling gracefully to his feet like a cat, the hunter circled his new prey.\u00a0 Stealthily, he moved to his right and gauged the big man’s reactions.\u00a0 He was surprised that the big man seemed so lithe upon his feet.\u00a0 Roaring loudly to startle his opponent, he lunged for the man again.<\/p>\n

Hoss was better prepared for the attack the second time and when the man neared; he balled a solid rock hard fist and swung.\u00a0 His clenched hand met strong jaw soundly and the stringy hair seemed to fly as the head jerked backward.\u00a0 Feeling he’d dealt a stunning blow, Hoss was unprepared for the rapid response and found his head snapping back from a rocking punch to his left cheek.\u00a0 Chastising himself for not anticipating such a sudden response, Hoss vowed not to make the same mistake twice.<\/p>\n

Taking the offensive, Hoss charged toward the man as the heavens opened up and the rain began to flow.\u00a0 Hoss delivered an uppercut to the man’s jaw followed by a jab to the ribcage.\u00a0 Hoss stumbled backward when he felt a backhand reach his mid-section.<\/p>\n

Hoss charged forward again, while a clap of thunder accompanied a flash of light when lightening crawled in frightening fingers across the dark evening sky.\u00a0 He felt hands roughly push him aside and fell heavily upon the downed bear.\u00a0 Resting briefly on one knee, Hoss bided his time for the next assault.<\/p>\n

Grinning, the straggly man charged at his opponent who now seemed too slow for his liking.\u00a0 He knew the man had enough strength to win, but he also knew how to fight to always succeed.\u00a0 Anticipating that his foe would rise as he neared, the man shifted his weight at the last minute to his legs and lowered his right shoulder plowing soundly into the broad midsection.\u00a0 He continued his push, driving the big man hard against the jagged boulder he’d used earlier to conceal his presence.<\/p>\n

Hoss gasped in pain and surprise, he felt the air rush from his lungs when his back crashed into the jutting edges of the boulder.\u00a0 He hadn’t foreseen the impending impact.\u00a0 As the blood rushed into his head, his fury returned in full force.\u00a0 He felt strong hands with sharp long nails reach up to encircle his throat.\u00a0 Reaching up, he grabbed the bony wrists trying to dislodge the hands and found he was unable to break the strangling grip.<\/p>\n

Another bolt of lightening jutted across the sky before thunder rumbled through the nearby forest.\u00a0 The bright flash cast eerie light upon the faces of the combatants.\u00a0 Hoss saw the distorted demented face in a smug sneer while he gasped to regain his breath.<\/p>\n

Struggling to push away his attacker, Hoss watched as beads of sweat intermingled with rivulets of rain started to run down his foe’s dirty face.\u00a0 The stringy hair and beard now dripping wet, while another crack of thunder reverberated around them.<\/p>\n

Hoss lowered his hands from the ones clutching at his throat.\u00a0 He knew he would not be able to free himself from the death grip he found there.\u00a0 Using his strong arms, he encircled the other man’s body that leaned against him.\u00a0 Tightly clasping his left wrist with his right hand, he tensed the muscles of his massive arms and squeezed with all his might.<\/p>\n

Stunned the hunter gasped at the sudden crushing blow.\u00a0 Moving his hands from the big man’s throat, he futilely tried to shove the powerful arms away.\u00a0 Another bolt of lightening accentuated the horrible face, this time distorted by pain and fear as it gasped for air.<\/p>\n

Hoss looked up to the heavens and closed his eyes letting the refreshing rain cool his heated brow. Jerking the body that was clutched tightly to his broad barreled chest upwards, he willed his arms to tighten further.\u00a0 Concentrating on his exertions, Hoss took no notice of the tendrils of light dancing upon the dark sky, nor the thunder now moving further into the distance.<\/p>\n

The bright flash of light illuminated the broad square determined face of his foe whose eyes were clenched tight in response to the straining of overworked muscles.\u00a0 Gasping for air and feeling the cracking of bone, the hunter once again returned his hands to his opponent’s face.\u00a0 This time pushing with both palms into the rock solid jaw hoping to regain some advantage.\u00a0 Finding no respite, the man lowered his head and bared his teeth.<\/p>\n

Sensing the man’s awkward adjustment, Hoss minimally opened his eyes.\u00a0 Seeing the horrid face of his enemy nearing his exposed neck, Hoss thrust his own head in a sweeping motion from right to left.<\/p>\n

The crashing blow to his left temple caused the hunter’s head to jerk back, with his eyes rolling into the back of his head.\u00a0 No longer able to provide resistance, his back arched backward, his body limp.<\/p>\n

Hoss gave one final jolt to his enemy’s body, then released the still form to fall motionless upon the now muddy earth.<\/p>\n

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

Sitting on the porch, Adam glanced up from the book he was reading at the sound of an approaching horse.\u00a0 Though looking the worse for wear, Adam easily recognized the rider.\u00a0 Clutching at his injured ribs with his right hand, Adam carefully rose to greet his dearly missed younger brother.<\/p>\n

Ben Cartwright reached into the right pouch of his leather vest and withdrew his pocket watch.\u00a0 Flipping it open, he checked the time and decided that Adam had been outside long enough.\u00a0 Not wanting his son to overdo on his first day out of bed, Ben rose from the desk and made his way to the front door.\u00a0 He was not pleased to find his oldest child slowly walking into the yard after he’d given him firm instructions not to leave the confines of the porch.<\/p>\n

“Just where do you think you’re going?”\u00a0 Ben demanded in a tone that stopped Adam in his tracks.\u00a0 For the first time in a long time, he saw a broad smile that accented the dimples upon the young man’s face.\u00a0 It was a smile Ben wished that Adam used more often, for it was clear indication of absolute joy written upon his firstborn’s face.<\/p>\n

“Hoss is home.”<\/p>\n

Hearing the approach of a horse, Little Joe abandoned his chores and strode into the yard to investigate.\u00a0 He whooped loudly and ran over to greet his older brother.\u00a0 He could hardly contain his excitement waiting for his brother to dismount.\u00a0 As soon as Hoss’s feet were firmly planted upon the ground, Joe practically jumped into the massive arms slapping his big brother soundly upon the back.<\/p>\n

Hoss’s unshaven face flushed with embarrassment from his younger brother’s ostentatious display.\u00a0 He turned to find his father facing him, his ebony eyes peering deep into his own as though they were searching his soul.\u00a0 Nodding, Hoss answered his father’s unspoken question.<\/p>\n

Ben visually took inventory of his son’s bruises before gazing deeply into his son’s crystal blue eyes that now sparkled with unspent tears.\u00a0 Quietly, he drew his middle son to his chest in a warm embrace.\u00a0 All that mattered, was his child was home and he’d found his peace.<\/p>\n

Looking up from his father’s comforting grasp, he saw the slow painful approach of his older brother.\u00a0 Easing his body from his father, Hoss shortened the distance between him and his injured sibling.<\/p>\n

Little Joe started to walk forward to join his brothers when he felt a restraining hand placed upon his forearm.\u00a0 Glancing down, he found his father’s hand gently holding his arm.\u00a0 Raising his pondering hazel green eyes, he saw dark ebony ones dip in the direction of Hoss and Adam.\u00a0 With a slight lift of the eyebrows, Ben indicated to his youngest to give his older sons a moment alone.<\/p>\n

Hoss neared his older brother whose left arm was still firmly strapped to a chest heavily swathed in bandages.\u00a0 He had to fight the urge to grab Adam into his arms and hug him like Joe had done moments ago.\u00a0 He settled instead for reaching out with his heart through a broad toothed gapped smile.<\/p>\n

“Well ain’t you a sight for sore eyes.”<\/p>\n

“Yeah, and they look mighty sore to me.”\u00a0 Adam playfully gibed raising his right hand to poke gently at the bruise adorning Hoss’s left cheek.\u00a0 To Adam his brother looked haggard and tired, somewhat lacking of his normal cherub like innocence.<\/p>\n

Hoss gave a shy smile and shrugged his shoulders in his customary ‘it ain’t nothing’ way.<\/p>\n

“Welcome home, Hoss.”\u00a0 Unable to speak above a whisper as emotions started to choke his throat.\u00a0 Words seemed so inadequate to Adam.\u00a0 He could only imagine the sacrifice his brother had made on his behalf.<\/p>\n

Hoss carefully placed his meaty hand to the back of Adam’s neck and gave a small affectionate squeeze.\u00a0 Gently Hoss pulled Adam close, careful of his injuries, then turning both men headed for the open doorway.<\/p>\n

Watching his brothers depart, Joe looked back to his father and saw tears dancing in the older man’s eyes.\u00a0 Reaching out, he clasped his Pa on the shoulder.<\/p>\n

Glancing down to his son, Ben placed his arm across the young man’s shoulders and gave a small squeeze.\u00a0 Together they followed Adam and Hoss into the massive ranch house.<\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

Tags:<\/strong> \u00a0 Adam Cartwright, Hoss Cartwright, revenge, SAS<\/p>\n

<\/div>\n

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

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

Summary:\u00a0After his brother is injured in a brutal attack, Hoss seeks retribution.<\/p>\n

Rated:\u00a0 PG\u00a0 (8,540 words)<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":10520,"featured_media":14515,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"template-full-width-post.php","format":"standard","meta":{"_jetpack_newsletter_access":"","_jetpack_dont_email_post_to_subs":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_tier_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paywalled_content":false,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":"","jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false},"categories":[23,1006,41],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-14999","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-drama","category-hoss-cartwright","category-hurtcomfort","wpcat-23-id","wpcat-1006-id","wpcat-41-id"],"a3_pvc":{"activated":true,"total_views":2544,"today_views":0},"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/07\/Hoss-in-Well.jpg?fit=725%2C640&ssl=1","jetpack_likes_enabled":true,"jetpack-related-posts":[{"id":12901,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=12901","url_meta":{"origin":14999,"position":0},"title":"The Spanish Bride (by Jenny G)","author":"Gwynne & JennyG","date":"July 10, 2002","format":false,"excerpt":"Summary:\u00a0 Adam takes an unexpected horse buying trip to Mexico.\u00a0 He finds an old friend, a luxurious hacienda, fine horses, a beautiful senorita and more trouble than a man ever wants to see. Rating:\u00a0 PG-13.\u00a0 Implied sex and some violence.\u00a0 (101,150 words)","rel":"","context":"In "Adam Cartwright"","block_context":{"text":"Adam Cartwright","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?cat=1005"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/Ponderosa-ranch-house.jpg?fit=480%2C251&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200},"classes":[]},{"id":2037,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=2037","url_meta":{"origin":14999,"position":1},"title":"Rider Coming! (by Harper)","author":"Harper","date":"June 28, 2009","format":false,"excerpt":"Summary: \u00a0Joe can\u2019t help showing off, carrying the mail for the Pony Express. 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