{"id":17299,"date":"2018-05-27T14:39:06","date_gmt":"2018-05-27T18:39:06","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=17299"},"modified":"2025-09-25T15:40:28","modified_gmt":"2025-09-25T19:40:28","slug":"somethin-worth-fightin-for-by-ac1830","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=17299","title":{"rendered":"Somethin’ Worth Fightin’ For (by AC1830)"},"content":{"rendered":"

Summary: <\/span>Written for the 2018 Missing Man Challenge \u2013 Add Adam into an episode after Season 6 as if he has always been there. I chose The Fighters, Season 7, Episode 30.<\/span><\/p>\n

Rating – T, Word Count – 4662<\/p>\n

Somethin\u2019 Worth Fightin\u2019 For<\/b><\/p>\n

Chapter 1<\/b><\/p>\n

\u201cWhat have I done Joe?\u201d \u00a0Hoss could barely speak as he stared at the unconscious fighter.<\/span><\/p>\n

~~~~~<\/span><\/p>\n

It had begun as a normal day with Adam, Joe and Hoss Cartwright looking forward to some time together. \u00a0The brothers had the day off and after Adam\u2019s business meeting in town they were going to spend the afternoon having lunch and sharing beers. \u00a0While waiting on their older brother who was at the Cattlemen\u2019s Association, Joe and Hoss decided to take in a boxing exhibition that had come to town. Hoss wasn\u2019t really sure how it all happened but after the first fight between veteran heavyweight boxer Hank Kelly, known as the Killarney Killer, and newcomer Charlie Powers, the manager called for volunteers to go a few rounds with one of the champions. \u00a0The next thing he knew, Hoss was in the ring trying to go four rounds with Hank Kelly. In the second round, Hoss was barely able to stand as Kelly continued to pound him, striking blow after blow to his face. With the deafening cheers from the crowd and Kelly\u2019s constant punches, Hoss felt something rise up inside him. He pulled his right arm back and let it fly into Kelly\u2019s head as hard as he could. Kelly\u2019s head snapped back and he crumpled to the mat. <\/span><\/p>\n

Hoss returned to his corner of the ring and Joe dabbed at his cuts with a cool wet cloth. After a few moments Joe and Hoss knew something was wrong. \u00a0That was when Charlie Powers proclaimed that Kelly was \u201cnot just out, he\u2019s almost dead.\u201d The life drained out of Hoss with those words. He could barely speak. \u201cWhat have I done Joe?\u201d <\/span><\/p>\n

Down the street, Adam left the Cattlemen’s Association office, pleased with how the meeting had gone. \u00a0He slipped his hat on his head and took a deep breath. It was going to be a good afternoon spent with his brothers. He leisurely strolled to the hotel a couple of blocks away. Rounding the corner he was surprised to see so many people standing around the hotel entrance. As he walked up he saw Joe slowly exit the lobby and move toward Hoss who was leaning on the railing. \u00a0Concern took over as Adam sensed that something bad had happened. Working his way through the crowd he stopped to listen when he heard Joe speak to Hoss, \u201cHe hasn\u2019t regained consciousness yet.\u201d At that moment, Hoss turned to speak to a woman coming down the steps. <\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cMa\u2019am, I…I just wanna tell ya that I\u2019m sorry. I\u2019m\u2026.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cSorry. Sorry! My husband\u2019s lying up there dying, and you\u2019re sorry. \u00a0You\u2019re nothing but an animal.\u201d Adam tried to get closer to Hoss. Feeling the sting of her words Joe came down the steps and placed his hand on Hoss\u2019 neck, giving it a squeeze. He caught sight of Adam in the crowd then spoke quietly to Hoss, \u201cCome on, let\u2019s go.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Meeting his brothers in the street Adam was finally able to voice his questions. \u201cWhat happened? \u00a0Hoss are you alright?\u201d He studied the cuts and bruises on Hoss\u2019 face. <\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWe need to leave Adam. \u00a0I\u2019ll fill you in on the way home.\u201d \u00a0Joe led Hoss down the street toward the livery. <\/span><\/p>\n

Frustrated with having to wait, Adam agreed as he followed his brothers. \u00a0His only thoughts now were of Hoss and how this peaceful day had turned so bad. <\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Chapter 2<\/b><\/p>\n

The atmosphere at home was heavy with tension and sorrow. \u00a0Ben paced in front of the settee. Joe sat in Ben\u2019s red chair, chewing on his thumbnail. Hoss had settled onto the low table facing the blue chair, clearly uneasy. \u00a0Adam reclined in his blue chair, his right elbow on the chair arm and a long finger resting against his lips. <\/span><\/p>\n

Silence prevailed as Ben worked to overcome his anger over the situation. After seeing the pain in Hoss\u2019 eyes he knew he was filled with guilt and sorrow over Hank Kelly\u2019s injuries. As Ben paced he searched for comforting words to offer to Hoss. \u201cKelly\u2019s a professional fighter and knows the risks. And besides you didn\u2019t set out to hurt him.\u201d <\/span><\/p>\n

Joe offered his support, \u201cPa\u2019s right Hoss.\u201d <\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHe\u2019s partially right. \u00a0Of course it\u2019s a fact that Hank Kelly is a professional fighter. But when he hit me an\u2019 kept hittin\u2019 me I lost my temper. When I came up after him, I came up to kill him. I wanted to kill him. I hit him as hard as I could. And that ain\u2019t right.\u201d \u00a0Ben wanted to speak but couldn\u2019t find the words. Joe dropped his head, his own guilt over encouraging Hoss to fight eating at him. Adam shifted his hand to speak but Hoss cut him off, \u201cMaybe I am just an animal, like Miz Kelly said.\u201d <\/span><\/p>\n

Ben stepped over to Hoss and rested his hand on his son\u2019s shoulder, \u201cHoss, Missus Kelly was very upset, naturally, but don\u2019t let what she said upset you.\u201d \u00a0Getting no response, Ben suggested Hoss go on to bed, to get some rest. <\/span><\/p>\n

As Hoss slowly climbed the stairs, Joe rose from his chair to stand by his father. \u201cThis whole thing started over a silly two hundred dollar bet.\u201d \u00a0His eyes betraying the guilt he was feeling. Ben sunk his hands deep into his pockets and sighed. He glanced over at Adam who had remained strangely silent through all this. Adam had stretched his legs out and had his fingers steepled in front of him. He stared at the fire then lifted his eyes to share a helpless look with his father. <\/span><\/p>\n

~~~~~~<\/span><\/p>\n

Hoss tossed and turned most of the night unable to get everyone\u2019s words out of his head. \u00a0His mind kept replaying the fight and his punch that nearly killed Kelly. Giving up on sleep, Hoss threw on some clothes and grabbed a quilt on the way out of his room. \u00a0Outside the cool night air helped to clear his head but the images still wouldn\u2019t go away. He rested his tired body on the corner of the table and pulled the quilt around his shoulders. \u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

In the background, Hoss heard the front door open and close but didn\u2019t care. \u00a0Light footsteps moved closer. Joe, not wanting to startle his brother, claimed he couldn\u2019t sleep. \u00a0Unable to bare Hoss\u2019 silence or his own guilt, Joe spoke again, \u201cI\u2019m sorry.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cFor what? You had nothin\u2019 ta do with it Joe.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI was the one that push you in there. \u00a0I thought it was all just a big joke.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAh, baloney. Look if I didn\u2019t wanna go in the ring, I\u2019d a not gone in. Dadburnit! \u00a0Wasn\u2019t nothin\u2019 you or them two yahoos coulda done to push me in that ring. I wanted to go in there. See that\u2019s the problem Joe, I wanted to get in there.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe didn\u2019t believe that of Hoss. \u00a0He knew he and their friends were pushing Hoss all the way into the ring, and for what, a measly two hundred dollars. \u00a0Hearing Hoss\u2019 comment about it being his choice, Joe gave up trying to convince him otherwise. \u201cWhy don\u2019t we not talk about it.\u201d <\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNo that ain\u2019t gonna do no good. I need to talk about it. \u00a0I been thinkin\u2019 about it all night. That ain\u2019t done no good.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

During the lull of the conversation, another figure appeared in the shadows on the porch, having approached as silently as a cat. Adam waited to hear the rest of the story. <\/span><\/p>\n

Hoss continued, \u201cLet me tell ya somethin\u2019. \u00a0I learned somethin\u2019 Joe. I learned somethin\u2019 about myself. Somethin\u2019 I don\u2019t like. I reckon every man\u2019s got it in him. \u00a0It\u2019s some kinda instinct, somethin\u2019 he\u2019s got down deep inside him, that\u2019ll make him do things he don\u2019t ordinarily do, except when he\u2019s scared. See that\u2019s what I don\u2019t like. \u00a0I got in that ring with Kelly, and dadburnit he hurt me. Kept bouncin\u2019 his fists off of me, and it hurt! An\u2019 he scared me, he scared me. That\u2019s the thing, see. He scared me bad enough it brung up that thing from down deep somewhere that it made me wanna tear him up. Tear him to pieces, kill him. Kill him.\u201d \u00a0Hoss let out a deep sigh. \u201cDo you understand what I\u2019m saying Joe. You know what I mean?\u201d <\/span><\/p>\n

Hoss\u2019 words bothered Joe. He\u2019d never seen his big strong brother so rattled like this. Unsure how to respond Joe said the only thing he could, \u201cI think I do understand.\u201d <\/span><\/p>\n

Hidden in the shadows of the porch, Adam stood frozen. \u00a0Hoss\u2019 words had triggered a chill in him. He worried for his brother\u2019s pain but also he sensed a fear that he could understand. Joe may not have comprehended what Hoss was speaking of but Adam did, and he didn\u2019t like the memories that came along with that comprehension. \u00a0He returned to his room as silently as he\u2019d come, but now he needed to sort out his own dark thoughts so he could find a way to help Hoss. <\/span><\/p>\n

~~~~~<\/span><\/p>\n

Having not slept that night Adam and Joe sat at the dining room table as the sun broke over the horizon. Both had checked on Hoss and knew he was gone. They sipped their coffee, lost in their own thoughts. Joe broke the silence.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAdam, I think you should know, I talked with Hoss last night. \u00a0He…he said some things that, well, frankly scared me.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI know Joe, I heard him.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou heard…how?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

A faint smile crept out. \u00a0\u201cI heard you both go downstairs, so I followed. \u00a0Hoss was talking so I stood in the shadows and listened.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

The brothers sipped more of their coffee. <\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhat can we do? \u00a0I really don\u2019t understand that instinct thing he\u2019s talking about, do you?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe looked to Adam and noticed he was staring into the air. Joe was about to repeat his question when Adam finally responded in a voice Joe strained to hear, \u201cYeah I do.\u201d \u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

As soon as he spoke, Adam set his cup down and rose from the table. He locked eyes with Joe. \u00a0\u201cListen, don\u2019t worry. I\u2019ll talk to Hoss. Tell Pa I\u2019ll be back later.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cBut where\u2026?\u201d \u00a0The door closed before Joe\u2019s question was finished. \u00a0He stared at his coffee and pushed the cup away. Running his hands through his hair he turned to stare out the window at the lake and mountains beyond. \u00a0\u201cHelp him, God, please?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Chapter 3<\/b><\/p>\n

Chub stoically carried his master over the rocky terrain toward Lake Tahoe. \u00a0Hoss\u2019 sullen mood kept him from his usual banter with his horse, or from enjoying the scenery. \u00a0At the lake he meandered around aimlessly before settling his large frame against one of the boulders on the beach. \u00a0As he stared out over the lake, trying to find peace for his soul, he heard footsteps crunching across the sand. <\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cGo \u2018way, Adam.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam lowered himself down onto a flat boulder and began searching through the small rocks at his feet as if looking for the perfect one. <\/span><\/p>\n

Having found one he hefted it in his hand then flung it into the lake, watching it skip three times before sinking. Reaching for another stone he glanced up at Hoss who was still studying the distant mountains.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI was on the porch last night, Hoss. I heard what you said to Joe.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cFine.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThat feeling you said you felt, that made you hit Kelly so hard. \u00a0That\u2019s called self-preservation. Hoss you were protecting yourself. I understood what you were talking about. I\u2019ve felt it myself and it\u2019s ugly, but…it saved my life.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

That got Hoss\u2019 attention. Adam pursed his lips, stood up and sent another stone sailing across the watery surface. He glanced over his shoulder making eye contact with his brother. \u00a0Hoss was concentrating hard on something, then Adam saw him make the connection. <\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAdam, you don\u2019t have to\u2026.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYes I do, Hoss.\u201d \u00a0Adam moved to where Hoss leaned on the boulder and stood beside him. <\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAfter the first few days with Kane, I was already fighting for my life but I thought I could win just by keeping my head low and waiting for a chance to escape. \u00a0As time wore on, it began to sink in that I was trapped, that I\u2019d never get away from him.\u201d <\/span><\/p>\n

Hoss started to object but Adam held up his hand to silence any protests. \u00a0\u201cBy that point I was starved, dehydrated, sleep-deprived, and exhausted. I\u2019d also heard the gunshots. \u00a0I knew somebody was looking for me. When Kane pulled out that bag of food he\u2019d stashed and laid down the rifle as a challenge, it was kill or be killed. \u00a0It only took a few seconds for that \u2018animal\u2019 inside me to rise up. I smashed the gun first then went for Kane.\u201d Adam paused to slow his racing heart as he relived those long buried memories. \u00a0\u201cI had one thing on my mind when I attacked him.\u201d He balled up his fists. \u201cTo kill him. To end the torment he was causing me.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Hoss\u2019 whisper brought Adam back to the present, \u00a0\u201cBut ya didn\u2019t.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam slowed his breathing and relaxed his fists. \u00a0\u201cNo Hoss, no I didn\u2019t. I had two voices in my head when I stopped choking him. \u00a0One was Kane\u2019s saying that he\u2019d win if I killed him. The other\u2026.I don\u2019t really know what it was, maybe Pa\u2019s teachings all my life, but it just kept telling me I\u2019d already won. It seemed to say that I had something in me that Kane would never have.\u201d \u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Hoss moved away from Adam to think about what he\u2019d said. \u00a0After a few minutes, he glanced back at his older brother frowning. <\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAdam, I know that was hard for ya then and hard now to tell it, but it ain\u2019t the same thing. \u00a0Kane did things to ya that were wrong, but Hank did nothing that was wrong. It was all me. I was the one who was wrong by hittin\u2019 him too hard and wantin\u2019 ta do it.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam reached for Hoss\u2019 arm as he turned to leave. \u201cNo Hoss, you got in over your head and felt trapped. You were just protecting yourself, that\u2019s all.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Hoss pulled away shaking his head. \u00a0Silently he mounted up and rode away, giving one last glance at Adam. \u00a0Deeply discouraged, Adam kicked at the sand, picked up a rock and threw it hard into the water. After watching the circles it created dissipate, he left for home. <\/span><\/p>\n

When Adam arrived home Ben told him about a visit from Ross Dugan, the boxing agent, and how he was trying to get Hoss to fight Charlie Powers. Adam\u2019s frown briefly turned to a smirk as he imagined his father tossing Dugan out of the house. \u00a0Seeing that Hoss was not home Adam surmised he\u2019d gone into town to see how Hank Kelly was doing. Frustrated at not being able to convince Hoss to let go of his guilt, Adam got busy with his ranch duties. As he worked, his father\u2019s comments about Dugan\u2019s last words kept haunting him: \u00a0there\u2019s more ways than one to make your son fight.<\/span><\/p>\n

Hoss arrived home in time for dinner and told the family that Hank was going to recover but he could never fight again. \u00a0Looking at Adam for a moment, he also said that Hank held no grudge against him for hitting him so hard. Everyone smiled in relief at that and Adam noticed Hoss seemed more relaxed as well. \u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThere\u2019s also some other things he told me. \u00a0He and Missus Kelly were using Hank\u2019s fightin\u2019 money to save for a chicken farm. \u00a0Hank says Dugan\u2019ll pay the doctor bills but he\u2019s worried about how they\u2019re going to get the rest of the money. He said Dugan\u2019s holdin\u2019 five hundred dollars till he finishes the fighting exhibition, which ends in San Francisco. I offered to help but said he won\u2019t take no money he didn\u2019t earn.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

After dinner Ruby Kelly arrived, wanting to speak to Hoss and his family. She told them that Dugan refused to pay their bills and that Dugan told her to get Hoss to fight or they won\u2019t get a penny for their farm. \u00a0Ben felt for her and Hank, seeing the impossible situation they were in and offered to give them their five hundred dollars and to pay Hank\u2019s medical bills.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI can\u2019t take charity Mister Cartwright, for Hank or for myself.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Hoss leaned forward, \u201cBut it\u2019s not charity. \u00a0You see Miz Kelly, I feel responsible for Hank an\u2019 I\u2019d like to do somethin\u2019 to make it up to you. I\u2019ll do anythin\u2019 in the world for you, anything. Give ya anythin\u2019 I got. I\u2019ll work\u2026.But I ain\u2019t gonna fight again, ever.\u201d \u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe shuddered to hear Hoss say that about not fighting again. He glanced over at Adam who slowly shook his head. \u00a0\u00a0Missus Kelly was saddened by Hoss\u2019 refusal to fight, feeling there was no way out for her and Hank. <\/span><\/p>\n

Standing to leave she tried to look kindly at Hoss. \u201cI didn\u2019t think you would. \u00a0I can\u2019t say I blame you. I was unfair to you. I only ask you to forgive me.\u201d <\/span><\/p>\n

Before she left, Ben offered one last time to pay the medical bills. She quietly accepted his kind offer, agreeing that Hank need never know. <\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Chapter 4<\/b><\/p>\n

The next day, Joe and Hoss rode into town. \u00a0Hoss headed to Doc Martin\u2019s to pay Hank\u2019s medical bills, then to order some tools for Ben. \u00a0Joe suggested they meet at the Silver Dollar for beers before they head home. <\/span><\/p>\n

As soon as Joe entered the saloon, his two friends started talking about Hoss fighting Charlie Powers. \u00a0They said it was all over town and everyone was getting in on the action, some betting Hoss would win and others wondering if he was scared to fight. <\/span><\/p>\n

Joe grew angry at that last suggestion and said none of it was anyone\u2019s business. \u00a0Hoss wasn\u2019t going to fight anybody. <\/span><\/p>\n

One of the men replied back, \u201cCharlie Powers is going around town sayin\u2019 he\u2019s gonna bust Hoss right in two.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe responded, \u201cCharlie Powers\u2019 got a big mouth.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Hoss left Doc Martin\u2019s office heading to the saloon. Out in the middle of the street Powers and Dugan blocked Hoss\u2019 path. Charlie asked for a match and Hoss refused, saying he wasn\u2019t ever fighting again. Dugan called him yellow, causing the crowd to vocalize their agreement. \u00a0It seemed everyone wanted to see this fight. <\/span><\/p>\n

Someone ran into the saloon, yelling, \u201cCharlie Powers got Hoss Cartwright cornered in the street! He\u2019s tryin\u2019 ta push a fight.\u201d \u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe ran to the street in time to see Powers slap Hoss. Hoss was ready to tear Powers apart until \u00a0he saw Joe\u2019s tense expression. Squelching his rage Hoss turned away from Powers.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cJoe you ready to go home?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNo Hoss, I\u2019ve got some things to take care of in town.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Hoss glared at Powers once more then walked to his horse amid taunts and insults from Powers. <\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cGo on home Little Hoss Cartwright. We don\u2019t want you to get hurt.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

The crowd laughed which encouraged Powers even more. \u00a0\u201cFor a big man your all air Cartwright!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

After Hoss rode away, Joe stormed over to Powers. \u00a0\u201cYou think my brother\u2019s yellow mister?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI think all you Cartwrights are yella.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Fury filled Joe and he threw a left punch at Powers not realizing what he was getting into.<\/span><\/p>\n

~~~~~<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam sat behind Ben\u2019s desk. \u00a0He\u2019d been checking the books when Hoss walked into the house. \u00a0Finding Adam at the desk Hoss ambled over and stood silently until Adam put his pen down and looked at his brother.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhat\u2019s on your mind?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

After Hoss repeated what had happened in town, Adam leaned across the desk and spoke quietly, \u201cYou turned and walked away from it, huh?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYep, walked off.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThat took courage.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThe hardest dadburn thing I ever had to do in my life.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cJust the same, I\u2019m glad you did it.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYeah, if you\u2019d seen the expression on Little Joe\u2019s face though. I feel like I let him down.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWell, you know Joe, how impulsive he is. \u00a0When he\u2019s had a chance to think about it he\u2019ll be proud of you for doing it.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI hope so.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam rose from the desk. \u201cSay, I was going up to the north pasture, wanna keep me company?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cSure, why not.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

As they rounded the corner to the door, it opened and Joe practically fell into the room. <\/span><\/p>\n

Adam barely caught him. \u201cJoe! Hoss give me a hand. Hop Sing! Pa! Bring some hot water, soap and bandages!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Ben came out of the kitchen and seeing Joe being lowered onto the settee, ran to him. \u201cWhat happened?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Hop Sing arrived with the medical supplies and Adam began to clean Joe\u2019s face while Ben pressed Joe for answers.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI made a big mistake. I swung at Charlie Powers. He was making wisecracks at Hoss and I lost my temper. Boy did he work me over.\u201d \u00a0Joe grimaced as he tried to get more comfortable. \u201cBoy that guy hits like a bull.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Hoss\u2019 face grew dark with rage. \u201cCharlie Powers huh?\u201d \u00a0He stormed to the credenza, gathered his gun and fled the house. <\/span><\/p>\n

Hearing the door slam, Ben looked up from pouring some brandy for Joe. \u00a0\u201cHoss!\u201d <\/span><\/p>\n

Adam handed the cloth to Hop Sing. \u201cDon\u2019t worry Pa. I\u2019ll go after him.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

A moment later and the door slammed again. \u00a0Ben and Hop Sing put their focus on Joe\u2019s injuries – cuts and bruises on his face, a swollen eye and damaged ribs. <\/span><\/p>\n

In the Silver Dollar, Charlie Powers and Ross Dugan were bragging and celebrating, buying drinks for everyone one. The party was interrupted when someone ran in shouting, \u201cHoss Cartwright\u2019s in town and he\u2019s headin\u2019 this way. Lookin\u2019 for Charlie Powers.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam caught up with Hoss just before he entered the saloon.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHoss, stop and think about this. \u00a0Powers is an idiot but he\u2019s also a professional fighter.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Hoss glared at his older brother. \u00a0\u201cI done all the thinkin\u2019 I\u2019m gonna do. \u00a0Little Joe stood up for me and look where it got him. You tellin\u2019 me you wouldn\u2019t go after him? \u00a0It\u2019s me Powers wants to fight and I\u2019ll make sure it\u2019s one he won\u2019t forget. Now stay outta my way, Adam.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam watched Hoss enter the saloon. \u00a0He stood near the doors listening and waiting. \u00a0Once the fight began all he could do was watch. Despite his worry over how bad it could be, he was proud of both his brothers and would do what needed to be done to help both of them. \u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Hoss pushed the swing doors to the saloon open and quickly located Powers. Marching over to him and Dugan he straightened his hat and began to speak, \u201cI came here for two reasons. \u00a0Number one is Kelly\u2019s five hundred dollars.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Dugan began to protest but Powers told him to give Hoss the money. \u00a0Hoss laid it on the bar as payment for the first fight, reminding them the odds were five to one. \u00a0Powers took Dugan\u2019s wallet to cover the bet.<\/span><\/p>\n

Powers looked down his nose at Hoss and asked, \u201cWhat\u2019s the other reason?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cA little gift from my little brother.\u201d \u00a0Hoss slammed his fist into Power\u2019s face knocking the fighter across a table and onto the floor. \u00a0Powers got up and accepted the challenge by slamming his fist into Hoss. The brawl continued around the bar as a man ran out into the street screaming, \u201cWoo-hoo, it\u2019s happenin\u2019, it\u2019s happenin\u2019! Charlie Powers and Hoss Cartwright are tanglin\u2019 in the Silver Dollar.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam stepped away from the doors as Hoss sailed through landing head first in the dirt. \u00a0He heard Powers exclaim, \u201cI\u2019m going to cut ya to ribbons.\u201d <\/span><\/p>\n

Hank and Ruby heard the shouting and ran out to watch the fight. Taking a beating, Hoss fell at Hank\u2019s feet. Hank knelt down to help Hoss. <\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI hate to tell ya this Hank,\u201d he gasped for air, \u201cyour five hundred dollars is ridin\u2019 on me.\u201d <\/span><\/p>\n

Adam knelt beside Hank and helped him raise Hoss up. Hank gave Hoss some advice, \u201cNow we can whip him Hoss. \u00a0He\u2019s got a weak spot in the jaw. He can\u2019t take it there.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Hank and Adam shared looks and together rolled Hoss to his feet. The fight continued and slowly moved down the street with Powers maintaining the upper hand. \u00a0Hoss leaned against a horse trough to catch his breath. Powers swung but missed and Hoss came back with a powerful hit to Powers\u2019 jaw, knocking him to the ground.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cLet me give you a hand Mister Powers.\u201d \u00a0Hoss hoisted him up and hit him again, knocking him into the horse trough. As a dazed Powers climbed out of the trough, Dugan fussed at him \u201cSo he\u2019s full o\u2019 air is he?\u201d \u00a0Powers shrugged Dugan off and let him fall into the trough. <\/span><\/p>\n

After a couple more punches Powers was out cold. \u00a0Hoss dunked his head into the water to cool off then staggered over to the barkeeper. \u201cSam, you…still got…that money?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI sure do Hoss, right here. Five hundred dollars and at five to one that\u2019s twenty-five hundred dollars.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

The crowd cheered and clapped, congratulating Hoss. <\/span><\/p>\n

Hoss made his way over to the Kellys, still trying to catch his breath. He offered the money to Hank.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOh no Hoss, \u00a0we can\u2019t be takin\u2019 this. You won it.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Hoss waved Hank off and put the wallet in Hank\u2019s hand. \u201cHank, you\u2026.won it. It\u2019s\u2026.your money…. \u00a0It\u2019s the five\u2026.hundred you had\u2026.ridin\u2019 on me. It\u2019s just\u2026.grow\u2019d a little, that\u2019s all.\u201d <\/span><\/p>\n

Ruby smiled with tears in her eyes. \u00a0Hank stood quiet letting it all sink in. Hoss shared a smile with Adam. \u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

~~~~~~<\/span><\/p>\n

A couple of weeks later the Cartwrights met the Kellys at the stage in Virginia City. Ruby said goodbye to Ben, Joe and Adam, then turned to Hoss with warmth in her eyes. <\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHoss, what can I say to thank you?\u201d She leaned in to kiss him on the cheek.. <\/span><\/p>\n

Hoss grinned and blushed. \u201cMa’am, you just made my whole day right then.\u201d <\/span><\/p>\n

Hank stepped up to Ben and Joe. \u00a0\u201cBen you\u2019ve got a wonderful son. And you\u2019re quite a man yourself, Joe, but stay in the middleweight division. \u00a0You\u2019re a champ there.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll take your advice.\u201d Joe laughed. <\/span><\/p>\n

Hank faced Hoss with a serious look. \u201cAn\u2019 you, you big lug, if ya ever get the notion you\u2019d like ta be th\u2019 heavyweight champion of th\u2019 world\u2026\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Ruby spoke up pulling Hank toward the coach, \u201cYou\u2019re in the chicken-raisin\u2019 business from now on Mister Kelly.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Hoss and Hank shared a good laugh. \u00a0Hoss watched as the stage pulled out. \u00a0What had begun as an almost deadly incident, ended with two new friends and Hoss somehow being named the Champion of Virginia City. \u00a0He wished Hank and Ruby well in their new life and basked in the glow of being a town hero as well. <\/span><\/p>\n

Still smiling Hoss sensed his father standing behind him, but wasn\u2019t expecting the words he heard.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWell Champ, let\u2019s get along home. We have some post holes you might try to flex your muscles on.\u201d <\/span><\/p>\n

Hoss lost his grin and wrinkled up his nose.<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe put a hand on Hoss\u2019 shoulder. \u201cYeah and since you\u2019re so big and strong I think I just might sit there and watch you. You\u2019re my idol.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Hoss grimaced and touched a bruise on his forehead. Adam strolled over with his arms crossed over his chest and leaned toward Hoss conspiratorially. <\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll help you with those post holes, Champ.\u201d \u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Hoss threw a look at Adam and saw his brother\u2019s cheeky grin. \u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Hoss chuckled and together they walked down the street. He stuck his thumbs into his vest and with a bit of a swagger he thought it wasn\u2019t too bad to be a Champion, as long as it was for \u00a0somethin\u2019 worth fightin\u2019 for. <\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Tags:\u00a0 Adam Cartwright,\u00a0Hoss Cartwright,\u00a0Joe \/ Little Joe Cartwright<\/p>\n

<\/div>\n

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

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

Summary: Written for the 2018 Missing Man Challenge \u2013 Add Adam into an episode after Season 6 as if he has always been there. I chose The Fighters, Season 7, Episode 30.<\/p>\n

Rating – T, Word Count – 4662\u00a0<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":8333,"featured_media":376,"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_feature_clip_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":"","jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false},"categories":[2,23,40],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-17299","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-actionadventure","category-drama","category-challenges","wpcat-2-id","wpcat-23-id","wpcat-40-id"],"a3_pvc":{"activated":true,"total_views":2672,"today_views":0},"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/02\/coming-soon-4.jpg?fit=320%2C240&ssl=1","jetpack_likes_enabled":true,"jetpack-related-posts":[{"id":18230,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=18230","url_meta":{"origin":17299,"position":0},"title":"Gusty Gumption (by PSW)","author":"PSW","date":"August 19, 2018","format":false,"excerpt":"Summary: A little vignette following (at some point later) the events of 'A Dime's Worth of Glory'. Written for the Sept 1 Pinecone challenge and expanded for inclusion here. Prompt: Whisky for my men, beer for my horses (by Scott Emerich\/Toby Keith).\u00a0 Contains phrases from both the song and the\u2026","rel":"","context":"In "Humor"","block_context":{"text":"Humor","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?cat=4"},"img":{"alt_text":"newspaper","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/09\/A8B95BC9-E53D-40E8-BD21-6DC03B08C9BF.jpeg?fit=1178%2C1034&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/09\/A8B95BC9-E53D-40E8-BD21-6DC03B08C9BF.jpeg?fit=1178%2C1034&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/09\/A8B95BC9-E53D-40E8-BD21-6DC03B08C9BF.jpeg?fit=1178%2C1034&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/09\/A8B95BC9-E53D-40E8-BD21-6DC03B08C9BF.jpeg?fit=1178%2C1034&ssl=1&resize=700%2C400 2x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/09\/A8B95BC9-E53D-40E8-BD21-6DC03B08C9BF.jpeg?fit=1178%2C1034&ssl=1&resize=1050%2C600 3x"},"classes":[]},{"id":3989,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=3989","url_meta":{"origin":17299,"position":1},"title":"Hoss, North and South (by Writing Woman)","author":"Writing Woman","date":"April 27, 2014","format":false,"excerpt":"Summary: \u00a0While on a cattle drive headed east, Hoss becomes involved in the war between the North and South. \u00a0 Rated:\u00a0K \u00a0WC \u00a0625","rel":"","context":"In "Chaps and Spurs"","block_context":{"text":"Chaps and Spurs","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?cat=39"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"","width":0,"height":0},"classes":[]},{"id":6768,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=6768","url_meta":{"origin":17299,"position":2},"title":"A Deadly Day (by rosecartwright)","author":"rosecartwright","date":"November 4, 2013","format":false,"excerpt":"Summary: \u00a0Joe is home sick, but things go downhill for this young Cartwright. \u00a0 Rated:\u00a0K+ (635 words)","rel":"","context":"In "Drama"","block_context":{"text":"Drama","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?cat=23"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/11\/2-joe.jpg?fit=237%2C221&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200},"classes":[]},{"id":22994,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=22994","url_meta":{"origin":17299,"position":3},"title":"Jeremiah (by Hart4Ben)","author":"Hart4Ben","date":"June 26, 2019","format":false,"excerpt":"Summary: Hoss has an unusual gift for Little Joe. A prequel challenge piece. Rating: K WC: 510","rel":"","context":"In "Hoss \/ Joe"","block_context":{"text":"Hoss \/ Joe","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?cat=1092"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/06\/bullfrog-2.jpg?fit=694%2C451&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/06\/bullfrog-2.jpg?fit=694%2C451&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/06\/bullfrog-2.jpg?fit=694%2C451&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x"},"classes":[]},{"id":1740,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=1740","url_meta":{"origin":17299,"position":4},"title":"The Letter (by BluewindFarm)","author":"BluewindFarm","date":"April 20, 2014","format":false,"excerpt":"Summary:\u00a0 Hoss has a very important message to impart.\u00a0 A missing scene from The Stillness Within.\u00a0 Rating:\u00a0 K (775 words)","rel":"","context":"In "Chaps and Spurs"","block_context":{"text":"Chaps and Spurs","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?cat=39"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/04\/Hossb.jpg?fit=444%2C339&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200},"classes":[]},{"id":12911,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=12911","url_meta":{"origin":17299,"position":5},"title":"The Stranger – A Missing Scene (by Jenny G)","author":"Gwynne & JennyG","date":"January 11, 2003","format":false,"excerpt":"Summary:\u00a0 What followed when Roy released Little Joe from jail. Rating:\u00a0 K+ (1,130 words)","rel":"","context":"In "Drama"","block_context":{"text":"Drama","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?cat=23"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/05\/Adam-and-Joe-Desert-Justice-2.bmp","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/05\/Adam-and-Joe-Desert-Justice-2.bmp 1x, https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/05\/Adam-and-Joe-Desert-Justice-2.bmp 1.5x, https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/05\/Adam-and-Joe-Desert-Justice-2.bmp 2x"},"classes":[]}],"jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/17299","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/8333"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=17299"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/17299\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/376"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=17299"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=17299"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=17299"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}