{"id":18283,"date":"2018-09-08T09:39:49","date_gmt":"2018-09-08T13:39:49","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=18283"},"modified":"2025-09-25T15:40:11","modified_gmt":"2025-09-25T19:40:11","slug":"a-cold-day-in-hell-mcfair_58","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=18283","title":{"rendered":"A Cold Day in Hell (by McFair_58)"},"content":{"rendered":"

Summary<\/strong>:\u00a0 Created for a challenge to write a story set in the hottest time of year, summer. Twenty-one year old Hoss Cartwright has a problem. Older brother Adam just took off into the desert without a word and Little Joe wants to follow him. Pa will have his hide, he knows. But it’s awful hard to say ‘no’ to Little Joe…<\/p>\n

Rated PG<\/p>\n

Word count 21,317<\/p>\n

A Cold Day in Hell<\/strong><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

ONE<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYou really<\/em> think these are Adam\u2019s tracks?\u201d<\/p>\n

After a quick glance at the burning sky overhead and a swipe of a white sleeve over his forehead to clear it of sweat, Hoss Cartwright used two fingers to trace the outline of a boot barely visible in the shifting sand.<\/p>\n

\u201cYep.\u00a0 I\u2019d know them anywhere.\u201d<\/p>\n

A slender shadow eclipsed the prints, bringing with it a whisper of relief from the heat.\u00a0 \u201cHow?\u201d<\/p>\n

The big man indicated the heel of the boot.\u00a0 \u201cSee that?\u201d<\/p>\n

The young man who had cast the shadow crouched beside him.\u00a0 \u201cYeah.\u00a0 So what?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThem ain\u2019t no ordinary cowboy\u2019s footwear.\u00a0 That there heel is too dang narrow,\u201d Hoss replied.\u00a0 \u201cDon\u2019t you remember them fancy boots older brother bought last time he was in San Francisco?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYeah.\u00a0 It\u2019s a wonder he doesn\u2019t tip over.\u201d\u00a0 There was a pause and then his fourteen-year-old brother added, \u201cThen again, it\u2019d be hard for that Yankee blockhead to tip since he spends most of his days with a poker up his \u2013 \u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cJoseph!\u201d the big man sighed.\u00a0 \u201cYou mind your manners.\u201d<\/p>\n

Little Joe ran a hand through his sweat-soaked curls and sniffed as he climbed to his feet.\u00a0 \u201cWhy?\u00a0 Pa ain\u2019t here.\u201d<\/p>\n

Hoss Cartwright followed slowly.\u00a0 At twenty-one he was feeling the strain of the heat and the anxious ride from Virginia City, unlike the little jack rabbit he turned to face who was grinnin\u2019 like a possum eatin\u2019 a yellow jacket.\u00a0 The big man counted to five and then, leanin\u2019 in and lowerin\u2019 his voice, did a fair imitation of their pa when he got up on the wrong side of the bed.<\/p>\n

\u201cOh?\u00a0 Ain\u2019t he?\u201d<\/p>\n

Little Joe\u2019s smile faded.\u00a0 He even turned and looked around.<\/p>\n

\u201cJoshin\u2019 Adam is one thing, Little Joe, and I know sometimes \u2013 well \u2013 maybe most<\/em> times older brother deserves what he gets.\u00a0 But I ain\u2019t gonna stand here and have you disrespect your elders.\u201d\u00a0 Hoss pursed his lips and scowled \u2013 for two heartbeats.\u00a0 Then he pushed a finger into his brother\u2019s bony chest.\u00a0 \u201cAnd don\u2019t you go forgettin\u2019 that includes me too!\u201d<\/p>\n

For a second Little Joe\u2019s emerald green eyes blazed.\u00a0 Then that pert little nose of his wrinkled and he cackled, \u201cAdam?\u00a0 My \u2018elder\u2019?\u00a0 Seems to me it\u2019s older brother who\u2019s acting like a kid.\u00a0 Who rides off into the desert without tellin\u2019 anyone why?\u201d<\/p>\n

Hoss tipped his hat back and cleared the sweat away again before speaking.\u00a0 For once, Little Joe was right.\u00a0 \u201cIt sure don\u2019t make no sense, \u2018specially when it comes to our big brother.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSo, what do we do?\u201d Joe asked as he turned to stare at the endless vista of sand spread out before them.<\/p>\n

Now that, as Adam would have put it, was a conundrum.\u00a0 He could sense Little Joe\u2019s excitement, overridin\u2019 the boy\u2019s fear.\u00a0 Joe wanted to take off after Adam in spite of the danger.\u00a0 The trouble was, Pa didn\u2019t let little brother go into the desert much \u2013 and never without him.\u00a0 Pa was afeared, and rightly so, that if something happened the boy didn\u2019t have no fat to live off of.<\/p>\n

\u201cHoss?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSorry, Joe.\u00a0 I was thinkin\u2019.\u201d<\/p>\n

The little squirt giggled. \u00a0\u201cGood thing!\u00a0 Somebody\u2019s got to do it. \u00a0Looks like older brother forgot to put on his thinkin\u2019 cap today.\u201d<\/p>\n

That\u2019s what bothered him.\u00a0 It just wasn\u2019t like Adam to do somethin\u2019 so, well, impulsive<\/em>.\u00a0 Older brother didn\u2019t run a comb through his hair without thinkin\u2019 about just the right spot to start and stop so those black waves of his would be lined up straight as a column of bluecoats.<\/p>\n

\u201cDid he say anything when he lit out?\u201d Joe asked.<\/p>\n

Hoss sighed.\u00a0 They\u2019d gone to the settlement to pick up supplies.\u00a0 For some reason Pa\u2019d decided this summer was the one to make sure every building on the Ponderosa was up to snuff before winter came.\u00a0 It didn\u2019t seem to matter how many shingles, planks, and nails they picked up, they was always runnin\u2019 out.\u00a0 This summer was provin\u2019 hot enough to wither a fence post, and him and his brothers had been plenty happy to take Pa up on his invitation to go to town.\u00a0 If the truth be known, he kind of suspected Pa was givin\u2019 them all a break.\u00a0 They\u2019d busted their butts the last few days and was ahead of schedule.\u00a0 When Pa\u2019d first mentioned it, him and Adam had exchanged glances, their lips smackin\u2019 as they thought of that first long tall glass of cold beer.\u00a0 They both knowed Joe\u2019d be wantin\u2019 one too and when they talked about it a little later, they\u2019d decided maybe he was old enough at fourteen to join them.\u00a0 Pa\u2019d skin them, of course, if he found out.<\/p>\n

But then, that\u2019s what brothers were for.<\/p>\n

Due to the heat, they was all draggin\u2019.\u00a0 About mid-way there, Adam\u2019d leaned over and nudged him, rollin\u2019 his eyes over toward Joe.\u00a0 He\u2019d looked and found their little brother swayin\u2019 in the saddle, plumb tuckered out.\u00a0 Older brother\u2019d winked and smiled and then reined in the horses, pullin\u2019 the supply wagon to\u00a0 a stop.\u00a0 He\u2019d done the same to his big black and Joe\u2019s horse, Cadfan, stopped too.\u00a0 Little brother jerked awake and looked at the pair of them like they was half or maybe all <\/em>crazy.<\/p>\n

Adam ignored him.\u00a0 He climbed out of the wagon and then stood beside it, pressin\u2019 a hand to his achin\u2019 back.\u00a0 \u201cIt\u2019s time to rest these old bones for a bit,\u201d he said as he reached for his canteen.<\/p>\n

\u201cRest all you want, Adam, but remember,\u201d Joe added with wink as he easily swung off his horse, \u201cif you reach down and find your clothes are cold, you\u2019ve overslept!\u201d<\/p>\n

There was a sharp reply on the tip of older brother\u2019s tongue, he could tell, but Adam bit it back.\u00a0 \u2018I\u2019m going to fill the canteens,\u201d he said as he reached for the others.\u00a0 \u201cHoss, you see to the horses.\u00a0 Little Joe, I want you to check the wagon bed.\u00a0 Make sure all the supplies are secure.\u2019<\/p>\n

\u201cSecure?\u00a0 Just how do you think they\u2019d be anything but <\/em>secure?\u2019 Joe protested.\u00a0 \u2018You two\u2019ve been travelin\u2019 about as fast as a pair of old ladies on their way to a church social.\u2019<\/p>\n

\u2018No lip, Joe.\u00a0 Just do as I say,\u2019 Adam growled.<\/p>\n

Little Joe didn\u2019t give older brother no lip, but the boy grumbled all the time he was climbin\u2019 into the wagon bed about old men and stupid chores and hot, dusty days.\u00a0 \u00a0Of course, once little brother found that pile of empty sacks in the wagon bed, he stopped grumblin\u2019.\u00a0 Joe glanced after Adam and then laid right down on top of them.<\/p>\n

Hoss chuckled.\u00a0 He\u2019d grinned like a possum eatin\u2019 cactus when Little Joe woke up.\u00a0 The boy was fit to be tied once he realized he\u2019d slept all the way to Virginia City!<\/p>\n

Once in town, they\u2019d done their duty by their pa and the Ponderosa, pickin\u2019 up the mail and gettin\u2019 the supplies loaded and so on, and then they\u2019d headed for the saloon.\u00a0 Little Joe was set to bust his buttons, he was so puffed up with thinkin\u2019 he was all growed up and gonna have his first beer.\u00a0 While he ushered the little scamp to a table \u2013 past a gaggle of grinnin\u2019 saloon gals near old enough to be Little Joe\u2019s ma, who were eyeing him like a fresh cut of beef \u2013 Adam went to the counter.\u00a0 He watched as older brother spoke to the barkeep and saw him cross the man\u2019s palm with a coin so\u2019s he\u2019d keep his mouth shut.<\/p>\n

There were times when bein\u2019 an older brother was a real pain.\u00a0 And then there were times when it was just about the best thing in the world.\u00a0 Joe drinkin\u2019 his first beer was both.\u00a0 He got to watch his baby brother shine for a minute, thinkin\u2019 he was all growed up, and then spent the next twenty minutes cleanin\u2019 Little Joe up after he turned ten shades of green and lost not only the beer but his lunch and maybe some of his breakfast too.<\/p>\n

To save the poor kid from bein\u2019 embarrassed they\u2019d let him rush outside before he puked.\u00a0 He and Adam left him to his own self for a few minutes, takin\u2019 time to finish their beers before chasin\u2019 him down.\u00a0 Adam guessed Joe would head for the alley and he was right.\u00a0 Funny thing was, Joe weren\u2019t alone when they found him.\u00a0 One of their newer hands \u2013 a man by the name of Lark Miller \u2013 was in the alley bendin\u2019 over their brother.\u00a0 Lark rose when he saw them and walked their way.\u00a0 As he passed, he tipped his hat and winked as if to say, \u2018Ain\u2019t nothin\u2019 worth worryin\u2019 about\u2019.\u00a0 Then, without a word, he pushed past them and went into the street.\u00a0 Weren\u2019t no more than two minutes later Roy Coffee appeared at the end of the alley and asked after Little Joe.\u00a0 The little scamp had been pale when they found him, but he went white as a windin\u2019 sheet when he saw the lawman, afeared Deputy Roy would tell their pa about him drinkin\u2019.\u00a0 Older brother looked down at Joe and smiled that funny little smile of his, and then went over and took Roy by the arm and walked him around the corner.<\/p>\n

That was the last they\u2019d seen of him.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou better hope your face don\u2019t freeze that way,\u201d Little Joe said.<\/p>\n

Hoss blinked.\u00a0 \u201cWhat?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cLike this.\u201d\u00a0 Joe formed his face into a monstrous frown.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou quit bein\u2019 silly.\u00a0 This ain\u2019t no time for tom-foolery.\u00a0 You was there, Little Joe.\u00a0 Adam didn\u2019t say nothin\u2019.\u00a0 He just walked off with Roy and didn\u2019t come back.\u201d<\/p>\n

The frown disappeared.\u00a0 Joe started gnawin\u2019 his lip.\u00a0 \u201cDo you think he was…mad at me?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cFor gettin\u2019 sick?\u00a0 Nah.\u201d\u00a0 The big man chuckled.\u00a0 \u201cNow, for pukin\u2019 all over them expensive San Francisco boots of his?\u00a0 Well, that might be another matter.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSomebody had to rough up those old boots so they\u2019d be worth wearin\u2019,\u201d Joe replied with a wink as his gaze returned to the desert.\u00a0 The boy sobered quickly.\u00a0 \u201cHoss, do you think Adam\u2019s in trouble?\u201d<\/p>\n

It was plain as the nose on his face.<\/p>\n

Little Joe was scared.<\/p>\n

That was okay.\u00a0 So was he.\u00a0 Not so much about Adam, as about the choice he had to make \u2013 go home and leave older brother alone to face, well, whatever he was facing, or take Little Joe into the desert and go lookin\u2019 for him.<\/p>\n

Into the desert and danger.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat\u2019d Roy say when you talked to him?\u201d Joe asked, like he hadn\u2019t asked it ten times before.<\/p>\n

\u201cI done told you, Little Joe.\u00a0 He said Adam asked him not to say nothin\u2019 to Pa about what he\u2019d just see\u2019d.\u00a0 Deputy Roy weren\u2019t too happy about you drinkin\u2019 beer, but he said \u2018boys would be boys\u2019 and he agreed.\u201d<\/p>\n

During the twenty minutes or so they\u2019d waited for older brother to show, he\u2019d cleaned Joe up, rinsin\u2019 little brother\u2019s shirt and face with water from the trough.\u00a0 Then, they went to find Adam.\u00a0 Instead they found Deputy Roy standin\u2019 in front of the mercantile by their supply wagon.\u00a0 Roy\u2019d asked the store-keep and he told him that Adam had been there.\u00a0 He\u2019d gathered up a few things before heading for the livery, and then took off lickety-split without so much as a by-your-leave.\u00a0 Hoss\u2019 gaze went to his little brother who was shiftin\u2019 nervous-like from one foot to the other.\u00a0 He\u2019d studied on the problem for a few minutes and considered leavin\u2019 Little Joe behind with Deputy Roy where he\u2019d be safe.\u00a0 Trouble was, one look at Joe\u2019s face told him the boy wouldn\u2019t stay put lessen he was hog-tied and hamstrung, and the idea of Joe followin\u2019 him into the desert was scarier than the idea of Joe bein\u2019 with him.\u00a0 So they\u2019d taken off together.<\/p>\n

And now here they was \u2013 a half-mile into the hottest place on earth with night comin\u2019 on, with only the supplies they could stuff in their saddlebags, a quartet of canteens, and the clothes on their backs \u2013 flyin\u2019 on a wing and a prayer.<\/p>\n

Little Joe was practically dancin\u2019 on the dune.\u00a0 \u201cSomething\u2019s wrong, Hoss.\u00a0 I know it.\u00a0 Adam… Adam needs us.\u00a0 We gotta<\/em> go after him.\u201d<\/p>\n

He knew it too and he was all right with that.\u00a0 What he wasn\u2019t \u2018all right\u2019 with was leadin\u2019 his baby brother into whatever that \u2018something\u2019 was.<\/p>\n

\u201cI promise I\u2019ll do whatever you say,\u201d Joe said as if readin\u2019 his mind.\u00a0 Them big eyes of his were shinin\u2019 like emeralds in the fadin\u2019 light.\u00a0 \u201cYou can trust me, Hoss. \u00a0Please<\/em>.\u201d<\/p>\n

For all Adam and Little Joe acted like they\u2019d as soon kill each other as claim one another as kin, there was a deep bond there \u2013 deeper in some ways, maybe, than the one he had with his little brother.\u00a0 Him and Joe, they was best friends.\u00a0 Joe and Adam?\u00a0 Well, for a time, Adam had been Little Joe\u2019s rock.\u00a0 After Ma died, when Pa, well, when Pa just plain lost it, older brother made sure he was always there for the little tyke, so that Joe knew he had somethin\u2019 and someone to hold onto. \u00a0The big man shook his head.\u00a0 Their pa taught them that there was a reason for everythin\u2019 and God knew what it was, but it sure seemed to him that it was pure bad luck that Mama died so close to the time Adam had to go away to college.\u00a0 Pa\u2019d come back by then, but Adam leavin\u2019 had done somethin\u2019 to Little Joe that none of them liked to admit.<\/p>\n

The boy was plain scared of bein\u2019 left behind.<\/p>\n

Reluctantly, Hoss nodded.\u00a0 He reached out and took his brother by the arm.\u00a0 \u201cI want a promise, Little Joe.\u00a0 I know you don\u2019t break your promises.\u00a0 Before we go any farther into the desert, you gotta promise me you won\u2019t run off on your own for any<\/em> reason.\u00a0 You stick by my side like glue, you hear?\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe nodded.<\/p>\n

\u201cThat ain\u2019t good enough.\u201d\u00a0 Hoss leaned down so his eyes were on a level with his stubborn little brother\u2019s.\u00a0 \u201cYou look me in the eye and you give me your word you won\u2019t go runnin\u2019 off or doin\u2019 anythin\u2019 stupid.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI ain\u2019t stupid,\u201d Joe growled.<\/p>\n

\u201cProve it.\u201d\u00a0 He held his brother\u2019s gaze.\u00a0 \u201cProve you\u2019re a man who gives a man\u2019s word.\u201d<\/p>\n

Little Joe straightened up a bit at that. \u00a0Dang! If he didn\u2019t look cute.<\/p>\n

\u201cI promise, Hoss,\u201d Joe said, and then added quietly. \u00a0\u201cI promise on Mama\u2019s grave.\u201d<\/p>\n

That was as good as it got.<\/p>\n

\u201cAll right then.\u00a0 You check Cadfan\u2019s cinch and I\u2019ll check Chubb\u2019s.\u201d\u00a0 Hoss eyed the sinking sun.\u00a0 \u201cIt\u2019s been a long day and there ain\u2019t a lot left of it.\u00a0 You tell me when you get tired and we\u2019ll stop.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHoss, I can ride….\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI know you can.\u00a0 But we don\u2019t know what tomorrow\u2019s gonna hold, and you bein\u2019 tired and bitin\u2019 my head off\u00a0 ain\u2019t somethin\u2019 I need to worry about.\u201d\u00a0 The big man sighed.\u00a0 \u201cI\u2019m gonna get enough of that when I get home and Pa finds out I let you talk me into goin\u2019 into the desert.\u201d<\/p>\n

As his brother went to mount his horse, Hoss turned his face toward the vast expanse of sand and scrub that lay before them.\u00a0 The only thing drivin\u2019 him to venture out into it was the fact that older brother had taken off across it without givin\u2019 them a reason why.\u00a0 He had to believe that Adam knew he would follow him.\u00a0 He\u2019d leave a sign as soon as he could; somethin\u2019 to tell him where he was goin\u2019.\u00a0 He was sure of it.<\/p>\n

Well, mostly sure.<\/p>\n

As Hoss continued to stare at the barren land, somethin\u2019 one of Pa\u2019s old wranglers had said came back to him.\u00a0 He\u2019d been just about Joe\u2019s age and was lookin\u2019 at crossin\u2019 the desert for the first time.<\/p>\n

\u2018A cactus don\u2019t live in the desert because it likes the desert, boy.\u00a0 It lives there because the desert hasn\u2019t killed it yet.\u2019<\/em><\/p>\n

Cadfan pulled up alongside him.\u00a0 \u201cI\u2019m ready, Hoss,\u201d Joe announced.\u00a0 \u201cLet\u2019s go find Adam.\u201d<\/p>\n

Little brother sure enough was ready.<\/p>\n

He didn\u2019t know if he was.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

TWO<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

He knew it would have been right smart to travel through the night, but seein\u2019 as the full moon had decided to pull up its covers, at the moment there was just no way to do it.\u00a0 Finding tracks in the desert \u2013 where the wind shifted sand and sidewinders swept it like a broom \u2013 was near impossible enough without tryin\u2019 to do it in the dark.\u00a0 Joe was all for pressin\u2019 on, but he\u2019d finally convinced him it was more likely they\u2019d miss Adam as find him if they did.\u00a0 One second little brother had been all piss and vinegar \u2013 his hands forming fists and his chin jutting out like a butte \u2013 and the next he\u2019d near dropped in place and fallen asleep, plain worn out by all of it.\u00a0 As he stirred the ashes of their small campfire and tossed a few sticks onto it, Hoss glanced at the sky, noting dawn was still an hour or two away.\u00a0 Catchin\u2019 sight of baby brother\u2019s bare shoulders, he put the stick down and reached over and pulled Joe\u2019s blanket up, tuckin\u2019 it under his chin to keep him from shiverin\u2019.\u00a0 Though he\u2019d lived all his days in this land, it never ceased to amaze him that the temperature in the desert could sky rocket to over one hundred durin\u2019 the day and still come close to freezin\u2019 at night.\u00a0 Somehow, it just didn\u2019t seem right.\u00a0 Pa\u2019d told him once that the desert was like a fickle woman.\u00a0 She\u2019d as soon slap as kiss you.<\/p>\n

Or as soon kill as slap.<\/p>\n

The big man rested his hand on his little brother\u2019s hip.\u00a0 He\u2019d made Joe lay down right close to him so\u2019s he could keep watch.\u00a0 He didn\u2019t know what he was gonna do when the boy woke up and needed to do what was necessary.<\/p>\n

Joe\u2019d have a right fit if he insisted on goin\u2019 with him.<\/p>\n

Suddenly uneasy, Hoss rose to his feet.\u00a0 Staying close, but moving a short ways away, he rested one booted foot on a flat boulder and looked off into the desert.\u00a0 It could be beautiful at night with blue dunes that cast deep purple shadows and a black sky above studded with white diamond-hard stars.\u00a0 The trouble lay in what those shadows masked \u2013 rattlers, scorpions, feral horses and the like, as well as predators.<\/p>\n

Both four and two footed.<\/p>\n

Digging his cold fingers deep into his pockets, Hoss considered again what Adam could have been thinkin\u2019 when he took off.\u00a0 He had to believe that older brother had done it without tellin\u2019 them \u2018cause he didn\u2019t want them along.\u00a0 And yet, at the same time, Adam had to know one or both of them would follow.\u00a0 He couldn\u2019t believe they\u2019d just up and go back to the ranch and leave him alone to face whatever it was.<\/p>\n

After all, they was brothers.<\/p>\n

With a sigh, the big man turned so he was facing his little brother and sat down.\u00a0 As he did, the clouds parted just a bit and several beams of moonlight struck the area of scrub and gorse they had chosen for their camp.\u00a0 He\u2019d been here before when he and big brother had made runs for their pa.\u00a0 It was why he\u2019d picked it, knowing the scattered rocks offered about the best shelter for the next five miles.\u00a0 As the pale light walked the land, it passed over somethin\u2019 funny.\u00a0 He couldn\u2019t tell what it was, but it sure didn\u2019t look like a rock or a clump of gorse.\u00a0 With an eye to not wakin\u2019 his sleeping brother, Hoss rose and moved with a grace that belied his giant-like frame.\u00a0 You couldn\u2019t rightly tiptoe in a cowboy\u2019s boots, but he did his best, and managed to pass by the little squirt without him stirrin\u2019.\u00a0 Kneeling, he reached out and touched what turned out to be a leather vest.\u00a0 It had a big rock weighing it down.\u00a0 Perplexed, he took it with him as he stood and was surprised to see a piece of paper flutter to the ground. \u00a0Hoss stared at it for a moment before bending to retrieve it.\u00a0 Hastily, he opened it, but the moon chose just that moment to slip back under its covers and once again, the desert was plunged into near complete darkness.<\/p>\n

There wouldn\u2019t be any readin\u2019 tonight.<\/p>\n

As he stood there puzzlin\u2019 about whether or not the note and vest was connected to Adam, Little Joe shifted and moaned.\u00a0 Weren\u2019t more than ten heartbeats later the boy was shoutin\u2019 to wake the dead.\u00a0 Without thinking, he placed the note in his shirt pocket and hurried over to his brother.\u00a0 Little Joe was yellin\u2019 Adam\u2019s name and cryin\u2019 like he\u2019d lost his best friend.\u00a0 Dropping to the sand beside him, the big man reached out and touched his shoulder.<\/p>\n

\u201cJoe!\u00a0 Little Joe!\u00a0 Wake up!\u201d he ordered, his voice a sharp whisper.\u00a0 \u201cYou gotta stop yellin\u2019.\u00a0 It ain\u2019t safe.\u201d<\/p>\n

Combative.\u00a0 That\u2019s what Adam called the boy when he was wakin\u2019 up.\u00a0 Joe made a fist and struck out at him like his life depended on it.\u00a0 Hoss caught it in his fingers and held on tight.<\/p>\n

\u201cLittle Joe!\u00a0 It\u2019s old Hoss,\u201d he said, placing his other hand on the boy\u2019s face.\u00a0 \u201c Come on, punkin, wake up for me!\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe either didn\u2019t hear him or didn\u2019t believe him.\u00a0 His brother continued to struggle and shout.\u00a0 The big man hesitated to clamp a hand over the boy\u2019s mouth for fear he would fight harder, but he sure wasn\u2019t comfortable with the fact that Little Joe was lettin\u2019 just about every predator in the desert know right where they was.<\/p>\n

\u201cNooooo,\u201d Joe wailed in that way men did when they was asleep, soundin\u2019 like one of them banshees wailin\u2019.\u00a0 \u201cNooooo!\u00a0 Adam, no!\u00a0\u00a0 I\u2019m…. don\u2019t let him shoot…no….Adam….<\/p>\n

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

Joe sat bolt upright, near scarin\u2019 the livin\u2019 daylights out of him.\u00a0 The boy was breathin\u2019 hard and them great big green eyes of his were wide open.\u00a0 Hoss wasn\u2019t sure if he was awake or not.<\/p>\n

\u201cLittle Joe?\u00a0 You okay?\u201d<\/p>\n

For a moment Joe didn\u2019t respond.\u00a0 Then he turned his head and looked at him as if he had never seen him before.\u00a0 After drawin\u2019 another breath, the boy asked, his voice shaky, \u201cH…Hoss?\u201d<\/p>\n

He cupped his brother\u2019s tear-streaked chin in his hand.\u00a0 \u201cYeah, punkin, it\u2019s me.\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe\u2019s hand shot out and caught his shirt, twisting it tightly in his grip.\u00a0 \u201cOh, God, Hoss….\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat is it, Joe?\u00a0 Tell me.\u201d<\/p>\n

His brother swallowed hard as he suddenly became aware of his surroundings.\u00a0 \u201cWe\u2019re not in the settlement?\u201d he asked, his voice robbed of strength.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe left there.\u00a0 Don\u2019t you remember?\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe blinked.\u00a0 He drew a deep breath and nodded.\u00a0 \u201cTo follow Adam.\u00a0 Right.\u201d\u00a0 A shiver ran the length of his slight body.\u00a0 \u201cRight.\u00a0 Did we…did we find him?\u201d<\/p>\n

Hoss ran a hand through his brother\u2019s sodden curls.\u00a0 \u201cNo, we ain\u2019t found him.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cBut I thought….\u201d\u00a0 Little Joe shuddered and then looked around.\u00a0 For a moment he was confused.\u00a0 Then he said, \u201cI was dreaming.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIt sure weren\u2019t a nice one,\u201d Hoss admitted.<\/p>\n

His brother\u2019s grin was shaky.\u00a0 \u201cSorry.\u00a0 Sorry if I scared you.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou didn\u2019t scare me,\u201d he lied.\u00a0 \u201cWhat was it you was dreamin\u2019 about?\u201d<\/p>\n

Little Joe\u2019s long lashes brushed against his wet cheeks.\u00a0 \u201cI can\u2019t…remember much.\u00a0 There was a man.\u00a0 He was with Adam.\u00a0 He was gonna…hurt him.\u00a0 I tried to help him.\u00a0 Honest, Hoss, I did!\u00a0 But I couldn\u2019t.\u00a0 I couldn\u2019t get there fast enough!\u00a0 There was somethin\u2019 wrong with my legs.\u00a0 Somethin\u2019….\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe was visibly shaking.\u00a0 Hoss circled his shoulders with one arm.\u00a0 \u201cYou just calm down, little brother.\u00a0 It was just a dream . There ain\u2019t nothin\u2019 to them.\u201d \u00a0Hoss paused and then grinned.\u00a0 \u201cIt was probably just them beans you whipped up for supper.\u201d<\/p>\n

His brother looked funny.\u00a0 \u201cI do feel a little nauseous.\u201d\u00a0 While he watched, Joe reached up and touched his right arm near the elbow.\u00a0 \u201cIt\u2019s weird, you know?\u201d<\/p>\n

Hoss was frowning.\u00a0 \u201cWhat\u2019s weird?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIn my dream, that guy who was tryin\u2019 to hurt Adam shot me.\u00a0 Right here.\u201d\u00a0 He pressed the flesh with his fingers.\u00a0 \u201cIt hurts like he did.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cLet me see your arm.\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe frowned at him but did as he was told.\u00a0 The trouble was, it was so goldarned dark the boy might as well of refused.\u00a0 He couldn\u2019t see anything.<\/p>\n

\u201cMaybe you hit it when you was thrashin\u2019 around.\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe winced.\u00a0 \u201cI was thrashing?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou ever seen your covers in the mornin\u2019?\u201d<\/p>\n

His brother snorted.\u00a0 \u201cHeck no.\u00a0 They\u2019re always on the floor and I\u2019m on the bed.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cBuck naked half the time,\u201d Hoss grinned.\u00a0 \u201cAnd pretty as a baby jaybird.\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe\u2019s saddlebag didn\u2019t hurt much when it hit him in the chest.<\/p>\n

Catching his blanket up off the ground, Joe rolled in it and turned the other way.\u00a0 \u201cYeah, well, it ain\u2019t easy bein\u2019 the only pretty Cartwright.\u00a0 So stop disturbin\u2019 my beauty rest.\u00a0 Okay?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s hard work bein\u2019 handsome, ain\u2019t it?\u201d the big man asked, hiding his smile.<\/p>\n

\u201cMm..hmm.\u00a0 Told Pa…I\u2019m the hardest…working…Cartwright….\u201d<\/p>\n

A minute later Little Joe\u2019s breathing evened out and he knew he was asleep.\u00a0 Hoss turned his face to the east and noted the light was rising.\u00a0 He knew he had to get an hour or so\u2019s sleep himself, so he picked up the other blanket they\u2019d grabbed from the supply wagon and curled up in it.<\/p>\n

Two minutes later he was snoring.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Several miles away, a bone-weary Adam Cartwright paused to take a sip of water from the canteen he had hastily filled before grabbing what supplies would fit in his saddlebag from their supply wagon and taking off.\u00a0 He knew it was foolish, heading into the desert alone and mostly unprepared.<\/p>\n

Adam spit out a bit of the water and then ran the back of his sleeve over his lips.<\/p>\n

No.\u00a0 Not foolish.<\/p>\n

Stupid.<\/p>\n

It was something his brother Joe would have done if not reined in by his older, wiser brothers.\u00a0 Little Joe wore not only his heart on his sleeve but just about every other emotion he felt, and there were times when he wondered if the kid had a brain.\u00a0 At fourteen Joe was, to put it plain and simple, a royal pain.\u00a0 As Adam capped the canteen and laced it back over his saddle horn, he grimaced, suddenly seeing himself at Joe\u2019s age \u2013 brash, angry, self-serving and self-centered. \u00a0Marie stood before him.\u00a0 She was trembling \u2013 not with fear, but from his words.\u00a0 He\u2019d been hateful to her those first few months.\u00a0 Truly <\/em>hateful. \u00a0With a snort, he placed his foot in the stirrup and mounted.\u00a0 Joe might have a mouth on him and every now and then use it to hurt one of them on purpose, but for the most part his brother\u2019s rage was directed inward where his own demons lay.<\/p>\n

If anything ever happened to that \u2018royal pain\u2019 he didn\u2019t know what he would do.<\/p>\n

Which was why he had ridden into the desert without making adequate preparations.<\/p>\n

His lips pursed, Adam took up the reins and stared into the distance, calculating how much farther he had to go.\u00a0 He\u2019d been a fool to ignore what he knew.\u00a0 Still, how seriously did you take an off-hand remark made when \u2013 weary and exhausted \u2013 you had just climbed down off of the back of a bronco you\u2019d busted?\u00a0 Closing his eyes, he relived the scene yet<\/em> again.\u00a0 There was Little Joe, sitting on the top rail of the fence, whooping and hollering his support for the rider.\u00a0 Hoss hadn\u2019t been there that day \u2013 he\u2019d been busy elsewhere \u2013 and so it was one of the newer hands who stood closest to his brother.\u00a0 As he walked by, Joe leapt down from the rail to greet him and stumbled into the man, knocking him into the fence.\u00a0 The color rose in Joe\u2019s cheeks instantly as he stuttered an apology.\u00a0\u00a0 At first, it seemed the hand accepted it readily enough.\u00a0 Adam could recall the man\u2019s gaze flicking to him and then back to Joe.\u00a0 Then he said \u2013<\/p>\n

\u2018Seems to me, boy, someone needs to teach you a thing or two,\u2019 and then, with a grin, added \u2013 \u2018Who knows?\u00a0 It might just be me.\u00a0 I bet I could find a use for you.\u2019<\/p>\n

He loved words.\u00a0 Words had power.\u00a0 Unfortunately, they also had various shades of meaning.<\/p>\n

Today, after speaking to Roy, he\u2019d come to realize what Lark Miller\u2019s meant.<\/p>\n

At first, he\u2019d intended to go back and talk to Hoss \u2013 to get middle brother to make up some excuse to take Little Joe home.\u00a0 But then he\u2019d spotted Miller seated on his black gelding near the supply wagon, almost like he was waiting for him.\u00a0 Lark\u2019s lips had curled in a sneer as he reached up to tip his hat. \u00a0With a wink, the blond man mouthed five words.<\/p>\n

\u2018Curious?\u00a0 Follow me to Gable.\u2019 <\/em><\/p>\n

Curious?\u00a0 No.<\/p>\n

Scared to death?\u00a0 Positively.<\/p>\n

He\u2019d had no choice but to follow.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Hoss glanced at the toe of his boot where it was dancin\u2019 a jig on the sand.\u00a0 He\u2019d considered countin\u2019 the amount of times he\u2019d been doin\u2019 that same dance since Little Joe had done been born, but decided to forget it.<\/p>\n

Weren\u2019t enough fingers in all of the Nevada Territory, he supposed, to do it.<\/p>\n

He and Joe was breakin\u2019 camp.\u00a0 The sun was crestin\u2019 on the horizon and they\u2019d both done slept themselves out.\u00a0 Joe was already up and movin\u2019 by the time he\u2019d opened his eyes.\u00a0 The boy was restless, but then that was nothin\u2019 new.\u00a0 Still, somehow his brother was \u2013 off.\u00a0 Seemed Little Joe couldn\u2019t keep his mind on one thing long enough to remember it needed finishin\u2019.\u00a0 Joe\u2019d kicked some dirt on the fire but didn\u2019t put it out.\u00a0 He\u2019d thrown his saddle blanket over Cadfan\u2019s back, but left the saddle layin\u2019 on the sand.\u00a0 And now he was headin\u2019 down to the water hole with nothin\u2019 in his hands.<\/p>\n

\u201cJoe!\u00a0 Little Joe!\u201d the big man shouted. \u201cWhere do you think you\u2019re goin\u2019 boy?\u201d<\/p>\n

At first it seemed his brother didn\u2019t hear him.\u00a0 Finally Joe halted, but didn\u2019t turn back.\u00a0 \u201cWhat do you think I\u2019m doin\u2019, you big ox?\u00a0 Gettin\u2019 water!\u201d<\/p>\n

Hoss stooped and picked up their canteens and held them out.\u00a0 \u201cWithout these?\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe pivoted on his heel.\u00a0 He wrinkled his nose, indicatin\u2019 he knew he\u2019d been caught out, and then snarled,\u00a0 \u201cI got hands.\u00a0 I can drink out of them!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, I ain\u2019t drinkin\u2019 out of your hands, little brother.\u00a0 I seen \u2018em last night and they\u2019re as dirty as a flop-earred hound.\u00a0 You come here and get these.\u201d<\/p>\n

Sullenly, head down and shuffling his boots in the sand, baby brother made his way back to the camp.\u00a0 Without looking up, Joe grabbed the canteens and turned to go.\u00a0 Before he could, Hoss reached out and caught him by the shoulder.<\/p>\n

\u201cBoy, you look me in the eye.\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe\u2019s muscles were tense.\u00a0\u00a0 The boy felt kinda like a coiled spring, ready to pop.\u00a0 \u201cLet me go,\u201d he snarled.<\/p>\n

Now, he knew his little brother.\u00a0 There was a few things made him madder\u2019n a rained on rooster.\u00a0 Wakin\u2019 up was one of them.\u00a0 Adam or him treatin\u2019 him like a kid was another.\u00a0 But there was another reason, one he was hopin\u2019 didn\u2019t fill the bill this time.<\/p>\n

Joe was right surly when he was ailin\u2019.<\/p>\n

His big fingers plowed through his brother\u2019s shirt to his flesh.\u00a0 Hoss shook his head at what he found.\u00a0 The boy was skinny as a bed slat turned sideways.<\/p>\n

He was also shakin\u2019.<\/p>\n

\u201cJoe?\u201d<\/p>\n

His brother sighed and then looked up.\u00a0 Tears streamed down Joe\u2019s face, mixed with sand and sweat.\u00a0 He swallowed hard and then lifted a finger to wipe drool from his lip.<\/p>\n

\u201cHoss…I don\u2019t feel so good.\u201d<\/p>\n

The big man sucked in a sharp breath.\u00a0 The minister in Virginia City liked to talk about disasters of Biblical proportions.\u00a0 At that moment, he knew he was facin\u2019 one.<\/p>\n

Little Joe just done admitted he was sick.<\/p>\n

Hoss moved his hand to the boy\u2019s forehead and frowned when he didn\u2019t feel any heat radiating from him. \u00a0Weren\u2019t no fever, so what…?<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat\u2019d you do, Joe?\u00a0 How\u2019s come you\u2019re feelin\u2019 bad?\u201d<\/p>\n

His brother batted his hand away and snapped, \u201cWhat do you think, I went out in the middle of the night and ate somethin\u2019 I shouldn\u2019t have?\u00a0 Or, maybe, drank some poisoned water on purpose!\u201d\u00a0 His brother swallowed again, going\u2019 almost as green as he\u2019d been after that beer.\u00a0 A sort of terror entered his eyes.\u00a0 \u201cHoss….?\u201d<\/p>\n

A second later they was both down on their knees and he was holdin\u2019 Joe while he retched up everthin\u2019 but his guts. \u00a0By the time he was done, the boy was shiverin\u2019 from head to toe; clutchin\u2019 his stomach and moanin\u2019.<\/p>\n

If trouble didn\u2019t follow Little Joe like a hound dog on a fresh scent.<\/p>\n

Hoss reached out and covered one of his brother\u2019s small hands with a big one of his own.\u00a0 \u201cI\u2019m sorry, Joe. I didn\u2019t know you was ailin\u2019 so.\u00a0 You got any idea what\u2019s goin\u2019 on?\u201d<\/p>\n

His brother bit his lip and shook his head.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat\u2019s hurtin\u2019?\u201d<\/p>\n

Little Joe drew in a breath. \u00a0\u201c…got cramps. They\u2019re…bad.\u201d\u00a0 He let the breath out in little puffs and then drew in another and held it.\u00a0 Turning his face into the sand, his brother wheezed, \u201cFeels like I\u2019m…gonna…die.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cTake it easy, Joe.\u00a0 You ain\u2019t gonna die.\u201d \u00a0Hoss was using his tender voice.\u00a0 The one he reserved for frightened animals \u2013 and little boys.\u00a0 \u201cCan you tell old Hoss where the cramps is?\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe swallowed \u2013 harder this time \u2013 and blinked, almost like rain was runnin\u2019 in his eyes.\u00a0 \u201cStomach,\u201d he gasped. \u201cBack…chest.\u201d<\/p>\n

Good Lord!\u00a0 That didn\u2019t leave much.<\/p>\n

Flummoxed, Hoss shifted his hat back and let out a low whistle. \u00a0\u201cListen here, Joe.\u00a0 I\u2019m gonna get in back of you so\u2019s I can hold you.\u00a0 Is that all right?\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe was bitin\u2019 his lip so hard now it was bleedin\u2019, but he managed to nod.<\/p>\n

Careful, like he was handlin\u2019 one of Marie\u2019s china geegaws, the big man lifted his little brother and slipped in underneath him.\u00a0 He rested Joe\u2019s back against his arm and cradled the boy\u2019s head to his chest.\u00a0 Little Joe moaned again and shuddered.\u00a0 Then he sighed.<\/p>\n

\u201cTh…thanks, Hoss. That…feels…good.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou just rest, Joe, while\u2019s I think of somethin\u2019 to do.\u201d<\/p>\n

One of Joe\u2019s hands found his shirt and gripped it.\u00a0 \u201cHoss…I want…Pa….\u201d<\/p>\n

He placed a hand on his brother\u2019s curls.\u00a0 \u201cI know you do,\u201d he said kindly.<\/p>\n

He did too.<\/p>\n

\u201cDo you think you can go back to sleep?\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe grunted.\u00a0 \u201cWhen I close my..eyes…everything\u2019s goin\u2019 round.\u201d<\/p>\n

Hoss chuckled softly.\u00a0 \u201cI got hold of you, Joe.\u00a0 You ain\u2019t gonna fly off nowhere.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201c…okay…I\u2019ll try….\u201d<\/p>\n

It took a few minutes, but finally his little brother\u2019s breathin\u2019 evened out, indicatin\u2019 Joe was asleep.\u00a0 This close he could hear the rattle in that breathin\u2019, almost like Joe\u2019d got croup or pneumonia.\u00a0 For the life of him he couldn\u2019t think what could of caused it overnight.\u00a0 Little Joe might look like he didn\u2019t have enough wind to blow out a candle, but he was a tough kid.\u00a0 Maybe tougher than him or Adam.\u00a0 The boy\u2019s life had started with a fight and he\u2019d been fightin\u2019 ever since in one way or another.\u00a0 As he sat there, Hoss ticked off the symptoms he could count.\u00a0 Joe was wheezin\u2019 and swallowin\u2019 hard like his throat was swelled.\u00a0 He\u2019d lost his supper and admitted to cramps, not only in his stomach, but his back and chest as well.\u00a0 If he didn\u2019t know better, he\u2019d have thought the boy\u2019d been snake bit.\u00a0 But he did<\/em> know better.\u00a0 Weren\u2019t nothin\u2019 like that had happened.<\/p>\n

Weren\u2019t….<\/p>\n

Suddenly he saw Joe, lookin\u2019 all pale and puny, holdin\u2019 onto his arm and saying, \u2018In my dream, that guy who was tryin\u2019 to hurt Adam shot me.\u00a0 Right here.\u00a0 It hurts like he did.\u2019<\/em><\/p>\n

Hoss dropped his hand to his brother\u2019s arm.\u00a0 He noticed the boy was tremblin\u2019 as he worked the blue fabric back to reveal first Little Joe\u2019s wrist and then his upper arm.\u00a0 Streaks of red, like marblin\u2019 in a cut of beef, ran along his brother\u2019s flesh, radiatin\u2019 out from two tiny little scratches no more than an eighth inch long, spaced about a quarter inch apart.\u00a0 The flesh around the marks was turnin\u2019 black.<\/p>\n

Dyin\u2019.<\/p>\n

Hoss sucked air between his teeth and cursed.<\/p>\n

Spider bite!<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

THREE<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam halted.\u00a0 He dismounted and led his mount into the only bit of shade for miles \u2013 a slim ribbon of shadow cast by a boulder thrust up from the desert floor like a fist.\u00a0 He knew the area and knew that Lark was indeed leading him toward the old Gable mine which, at one time, his pa had owned.\u00a0 It was one of those mines that had promised at first to be lucrative, but had soon petered out and been abandoned.\u00a0 There would be no one there but him, Lark, and the ghosts of the men whose lives it had claimed.\u00a0 There had been several cave-ins before it closed, and a half-dozen men had lost their lives in the last one.\u00a0 He and his father had been there.\u00a0 The mine\u2019s foreman had insisted they come and take a look at Gable to see if it could be made safe.\u00a0 A quick inspection had shown him any such effort would prove futile.\u00a0 They\u2019d been discussing it when a loud sound had rumbled up out of the cave mouth, followed by a rush of air and dust \u2013 and then the alarm sounded.\u00a0 When the dust cleared a group of them had gone down into the cave, traveling as far as they could in search of survivors.\u00a0 The solid rock wall they met told them, if anyone was<\/em> alive, they were trapped inside.<\/p>\n

Trapped in a living tomb.<\/p>\n

Removing his canteen from the saddle horn, Adam filled his hand with water and let Sport drink his fill.\u00a0 Then he poured a little more for himself \u2013 even sparing a few drops for his neck as his ran his hand along the inside of his collar, dislodging sweat and sand.\u00a0 As he capped the canteen, the black-haired man leaned back and looked at the sky.\u00a0 It was high noon in the desert.<\/p>\n

The heat was proving as deadly an opponent as any gunslinger.<\/p>\n

Squinting, Adam looked back the way he\u2019d come and breathed a sigh of relief that there was no sign of his brothers on the horizon.\u00a0 He\u2019d left the note for Hoss in plain sight \u2013 and in a place where they had done so before.\u00a0 He knew his brother was worried about him, but when it came down to it, he was a man and could look out for himself.\u00a0 Middle brother knew that. \u00a0If Hoss believed that Little Joe was in danger, he was sure he would hightail it for home.<\/p>\n

Well, almost sure.<\/p>\n

Pretty sure.<\/p>\n

Adam blew out a breath as he leaned his head back against the stone.\u00a0 The thing was, he had no idea what trouble Joe might be in. \u00a0He\u2019d been racking his brain all morning, trying to remember any encounters between Lark Miller and his little brother.\u00a0 There wasn\u2019t much and yet, when he thought about it, he\u2019d realized that Lark had been, well, tailing Little Joe.\u00a0 It wasn\u2019t so much that they\u2019d had any interaction, as that Lark always seemed to be wherever Joe was.\u00a0 He had to admit it had bothered him when they came around the corner of the saloon and found Lark leaning over Joe.\u00a0 At first, only because the cowhand had beat them to it.\u00a0 If anyone was going to rescue their little brother from his first glass of beer, it should be them.\u00a0 But then, as Lark pushed past, there\u2019d been…something.\u00a0 A twist to his lips.\u00a0 A look out of his eye.\u00a0 The language of his body.<\/p>\n

He was pretty sure if they had arrived one minute later, Joe would have been gone.<\/p>\n

And so, when Lark had mouthed those words \u2013 Curious?\u00a0 Follow me<\/em> to Gable<\/em> \u2013 he\u2019d felt he had to.\u00a0 He was afraid to let the man go.\u00a0 Afraid, if he did, that somehow \u2013 at a time they least expected it \u2013 Lark would do something to Joe.\u00a0 Just what he wasn\u2019t sure.\u00a0 Kidnap him?\u00a0 Hold him for ransom?<\/p>\n

Or maybe kill him.<\/p>\n

Adam shuddered, both with fear and fatigue.\u00a0 Sport snorted and he patted his horse on the nose.\u00a0 \u201cI know, boy.\u00a0 I won\u2019t do anyone any good if I fall out of the saddle.\u201d<\/p>\n

As his mount pawed the ground, Adam lifted his sidearm from its holster and made sure it was loaded.\u00a0 Then he sat down in the shade and propped his back against the fist-shaped stone.\u00a0 He placed the pistol within easy reach and then lowered his hat over his eyes.\u00a0 And then, with a whispered prayer that all would turn out right, allowed his eyes to close and fell asleep.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Hoss furrowed his brow, tryin\u2019 to remember what his pa had taught him about spider bites.\u00a0 There weren\u2019t too many predators in the desert wouldn\u2019t run the other way when they seen you.\u00a0 The only time most fought back was when they felt they was in danger.\u00a0 It was just their bad luck that Little Joe\u2019d pitched his bed on a Black Widder\u2019s web.\u00a0 He\u2019d only seen the bite one time before, but it was easy enough to recognize.\u00a0 Joe had a nice hole now where those little marks had been.\u00a0 It looked like a round circle of plum jelly. \u00a0Joe\u2019s arm was on fire and he was startin\u2019 to feel hot.\u00a0 \u2018Course, it was hard to tell whether that was from the bite or from the intense heat risin\u2019 in a wave from the desert floor.<\/p>\n

From what he knew, most times spider bites just made folks sick.\u00a0 The trouble was, they made some folks sicker than others.\u00a0 They was hardest on them what had other problems to begin with, but they was mighty hard on young\u2019uns and people who had what the doc called a \u2018delicate constitution\u2019 too.<\/p>\n

Like Mama.<\/p>\n

He still remembered the day Mama came in the door, lettin\u2019 loose a long line of French, with Hop Sing followin\u2019 in her wake, yellin\u2019 in Chinese.\u00a0 Pa\u2019d been sittin\u2019 in his chair, readin\u2019.\u00a0 He put his paper down and walked over to them and caught Mama by the arm and asked her what was wrong.\u00a0 She told him she was fine and that made Hop Sing start yellin\u2019 again.\u00a0 It took Pa a couple of minutes to figure out that they\u2019d been in the garden \u2013 Hop Sing workin\u2019 the herbs and Mama cuttin\u2019 flowers \u2013 when she\u2019d cried out and swatted somethin\u2019 off her arm.\u00a0 She was tryin\u2019 to hide it, but Pa\u2019d pushed her sleeve up and seen the bite.\u00a0 It weren\u2019t near as angry as what Joe had now, as he remembered, but it sure enough got mad as a wet rattler as the night went on.\u00a0 Mama\u2019s arm swoll up, and then her face, and then she started havin\u2019 trouble breathin\u2019.\u00a0 When mornin\u2019 came, Pa sent for Doc Martin, afraid for her life.\u00a0 Seemed Mama was somethin\u2019 called \u2018sensitive\u2019 to that there spider\u2019s venom.\u00a0 He remembered standin\u2019 at the door with Adam, watchin\u2019 the Doc shake his head and hearin\u2019 him say that if things didn\u2019t get better, he\u2019d have to open Mama\u2019s windpipe.\u00a0 Pa was sure upset.\u00a0 When the Doc went downstairs to get his tools out of his buggy, Hop Sing stepped into the room and said somethin\u2019 to Pa.\u00a0 He and Adam had watched their father think it through and then nod his head.\u00a0 Doc Martin wasn\u2019t too happy when Pa said he wanted to try Hop Sing\u2019s medicine first.\u00a0 It was somethin\u2019 the Chinese knew about, and danged if it didn\u2019t make the swellin\u2019 go down and sure enough, Mama could breathe.<\/p>\n

Hoss looked down at his brother.\u00a0 Joe\u2019s eyelids were swollen. \u00a0So was his face.\u00a0 His breath was comin\u2019 hard.<\/p>\n

He sure wished he had Hop Sing with him now.<\/p>\n

Just about the time that thought crossed his mind, Little Joe started and his eyes flew open.\u00a0 \u201cAdam!\u201d he called out.<\/p>\n

The big man moved his hand to his brother\u2019s forehead.\u00a0 It was hot.\u00a0 \u201cAdam\u2019s okay, punkin.\u00a0 You worry about yourself.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo,\u201d Joe batted at his hand. \u201cHave to…help…Adam….\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cJoe, you ain\u2019t in no fit shape to ride.\u201d<\/p>\n

His little brother blinked.\u00a0 He ran his tongue over his lips and then asked, \u201cWater?\u201d<\/p>\n

Hoss reached for the canteen.\u00a0 \u201cSure, little brother.\u00a0 You drink what you want.\u00a0 Only slow.\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe nodded.\u00a0 His hands were shakin\u2019, but he managed to take hold of the canteen.\u00a0 After a sip, he lowered it to his lap and looked up.<\/p>\n

\u201cHoss, what\u2019s…wrong with me?\u201d<\/p>\n

A sick kitten would have looked plumb robust next to his little brother right now.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou remember gettin\u2019 shot in that dream of yours?\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe frowned.\u00a0 Then he nodded.\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cYeah….\u201d<\/p>\n

Hoss reached out and gently lifted his brother\u2019s arm.\u00a0 He heard Joe gasp when he saw it.\u00a0 The hole full of jelly was larger.\u00a0 There were red streaks around it now, crawlin\u2019 up his arm.\u00a0\u00a0 Tears ran from his brother\u2019s eyes as he asked, \u201cWhat is it?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSpider bite, Joe.\u00a0 Probably a Black Widder.\u00a0 You must of pitched your blanket on her nest.\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe swallowed hard.\u00a0 His words were pushed out of a swollen throat.\u00a0 \u201cHow come…how come I feel so bad?\u00a0 Pa said…spiders can\u2019t kill you.\u201d<\/p>\n

He remembered Marie.\u00a0 How close it had been. \u00a0\u201cMost folks just get a little sick,\u201d he agreed.<\/p>\n

Joe\u2019s green eyes were wide.\u00a0 \u201cMost?\u00a0 Not all?\u201d<\/p>\n

Hoss avoided lookin\u2019 into them.\u00a0 He rose to his feet instead.\u00a0 \u201cWe need to get you home, little brother.\u201d<\/p>\n

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

He looked down at him.\u00a0 \u201cWhy not?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAdam.\u201d\u00a0 Joe was breathing rapidly. \u201cAdam…needs us.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNow, Joe, you cain\u2019t know that for sure \u2013\u201d<\/p>\n

His brother\u2019s fingers feebly clawed at the leg of his pants.\u00a0 \u201cI do.\u00a0 I…know for sure.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHow?\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe hesitated.\u00a0 \u201cI just do,\u201d he said, his voice quiet as a discarded feather duster.\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cWhy else…would he have ridden…off without us?\u201d<\/p>\n

The sun was beatin\u2019 down on his head, fryin\u2019 his brains.\u00a0 It was hard to think. \u00a0It was plain as the nose on his face that Adam was ridin\u2019 into some kind of trouble, but he had to think of Joe.<\/p>\n

Little Joe needed a doctor.<\/p>\n

\u201cAdam can take care of hisself,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n

\u201cHoss….\u201d\u00a0 He looked down.\u00a0 Joe was pale as Hop Sing\u2019s dough and about as limp as uncut noodles hangin\u2019 over a ladder-back chair.\u00a0 \u201cI don\u2019t…I don\u2019t think I can…make it to the settlement.\u201d<\/p>\n

The big man knelt.\u00a0 \u201cSure you can,\u201d he said as he reached out and took his brother by the arm.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s so…hot.\u201d\u00a0 Joe\u2019s swollen face lifted toward the sky.\u00a0 \u201cAin\u2019t the old…Gable mine closer?\u00a0 Maybe there\u2019d be…supplies….\u201d<\/p>\n

He hadn\u2019t thought of that.\u00a0 There might just be somethin\u2019 left in the shacks that he could use to wash out the wound and bind it.\u00a0 Plus, he could get the boy out of the sun.<\/p>\n

Still, it meant takin\u2019 Joe farther into the desert.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s closer than Eagle..Station, ain\u2019t…it?\u201d<\/p>\n

He nodded.<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd I bet…Adam\u2019s there.\u201d<\/p>\n

Hoss frowned.\u00a0 \u201cNow why would you think that, little brother?\u00a0 We don\u2019t have no way of knowin\u2019 where older brother went.\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe was fadin\u2019.\u00a0 His eyes were openin\u2019 and shuttin\u2019 slowly, flutterin\u2019 like a butterfly in a hard wind.\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cI saw it…in…my dream….\u201d<\/p>\n

He sure was feather-light, that little brother of his.\u00a0 He barely felt it as Joe collapsed against him.<\/p>\n

As the sun moved past its zenith and started its slide down the sky toward night, Hoss sat there, holding his ailing brother.\u00a0 He had a hard decision to make.\u00a0 They was about three miles away from the mine and\u00a0 a good eight out of Eagle Station.\u00a0 He could have Joe sheltered and maybe find somethin\u2019 to treat him with before dark if they made for Gable.\u00a0 They\u2019d have to spend another night out in the open if they headed back to the settlement, and he wasn\u2019t sure Joe was gonna make it that far.\u00a0 Another plus for Gable was the fact that they might run into Adam and Adam would know what to do.\u00a0 Joe seemed sure older brother was there.<\/p>\n

He wasn\u2019t sure about anythin\u2019 anymore.<\/p>\n

Shifting, Hoss laid his little brother down and went to Joe\u2019s horse.\u00a0 He stood for a moment rubbin\u2019 Cadfan\u2019s velvety nose and then he pulled the saddle off his back.\u00a0 Next he removed the blanket.\u00a0 Then he filled his hat and let the horse drink his fill.\u00a0 After Cadfan was full, the big man capped the canteen, laid it aside, and then turned back and took the horse\u2019s head between his hands.<\/p>\n

\u201cCadfan,\u201d he said softly, \u201cI\u2019m sendin\u2019 you for Pa.\u00a0 You got your belly full of water.\u00a0 You take it easy, but don\u2019t take too long gettin\u2019 there, cause Little Joe needs help.\u00a0 You know the way home.\u00a0 Don\u2019t you go takin\u2019 any chances, cause I\u2019m countin\u2019 on you \u2013 Joe\u2019s<\/em> countin\u2019 on you.\u201d As he paused, Hoss had a sudden thought.\u00a0 He remembered the paper he\u2019d picked up in the desert.\u00a0 He could use it to write a note to Pa, tellin\u2019 him where they was and why they was there.\u00a0 As he removed it from his pocket, he turned it over.\u00a0 He could see words written in Adam\u2019s distinctive handwriting, but they had faded from sweat.\u00a0 Weren\u2019t nothin\u2019 legible anymore other than his name and little brother\u2019s.\u00a0 Walkin\u2019 over to Chubb, he scrounged in his saddlebag for a pencil and hastily scribbled a note to their father on the other side, tellin\u2019 him Joe was sick and he needed to come to Gable\u2019s with the Doc.<\/p>\n

He guessed that meant he\u2019d made his choice.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam woke with a start and realized he had slept longer than he intended.\u00a0 The sun was close to the horizon and night was fast approaching. The slender ribbon of darkness he\u2019d occupied earlier that day had become wider ocean, encompassing not only him but his mount.\u00a0 Rising stiffly, the black-haired man dusted off the seat of his pants and went to his horse. Once there, he opened his saddlebag and drew some jerky from it. \u00a0As he chewed the leather-like meat, he added a bit of water from his canteen to soften it and engage his swallowing reflex, which allowed him to work it down his parched throat and into his belly.\u00a0 After repeating the procedure two more times, he went to relieve himself and then turned to Sport.\u00a0 Caring for his horse took a few minutes.<\/p>\n

Then, he headed for the Gable mine.<\/p>\n

As he rode, Adam once again went over what he could remember about Lark Miller.\u00a0 The man had come to them a few months back to work the spring cattle drive.\u00a0 He had a few references, but the truth was at that time Pa might not have even asked.\u00a0 They were five hands down and would have taken just about anyone so long as they could sit a horse and rope a steer.\u00a0 Lark was a tall man; near as tall as Hoss.\u00a0 Unlike middle brother, he was \u2018slender\u2019 tall \u2013 more like a pine than a cottonwood \u2013 and had hair and eyelashes the color of a pine tree\u2019s wood.\u00a0 The light eyelashes, coupled with the fact that his skin didn\u2019t tan but burned, had been rather startling the first time he saw him.\u00a0 Add to that a pair of cool blue eyes, pale as Banquo\u2019s ghost, and you had a most unusual, impossible to miss man.<\/p>\n

That was how he had spotted him so easily in town.<\/p>\n

Lark had done his job well during the cattle drive, which had led to him being hired on as a regular hand afterwards.\u00a0 He hadn\u2019t thought much about it at the time, but since Lark\u2019s talents seem to lay more with horses than timber or steers, he\u2019d spent a lot of time around the yard and the corrals \u2013 both of which were places where Little Joe also spent a lot of time.\u00a0 So far as he knew Joe had never mentioned him, so Lark must not have done anything untoward.\u00a0 Adam\u2019s lips quirked with an affectionate smile.<\/p>\n

At least nothing overt enough for his \u2018I\u2019m man enough to handle it\u2019 fourteen-year-old brother to \u00a0report.<\/p>\n

Still, now that he considered it, it seemed that Lark had been…well…lingering around Joe.\u00a0 Maybe watching him.\u00a0 His mind turned over the last words he and the ranch hand had exchanged that day at the corral.\u00a0 \u2018Seems to me, boy, someone needs to teach you a thing or two.\u00a0 Who knows?\u00a0 Might just be me. \u00a0I bet I could find a use for you.\u2019\u00a0 <\/em>Adam drew in a breath as he helped Sport avoid a low-lying and hard to see bed of cacti.<\/p>\n

There was an encyclopedia of possibilities in those words.<\/p>\n

He\u2019d known cowhands before that were attracted to his baby brother.\u00a0 Joe was a handsome kid, just coming into manhood, who tended to be on sensitive side and was \u2013 to put it bluntly \u2013 pretty as a girl.\u00a0 The threat this posed was bad enough, but there were other ways in which boys such as Joe could be \u2018used\u2019.\u00a0 \u00a0He\u2019d seen it in San Francisco and the other big cities he and Pa visited in order to do business.\u00a0 Kids no older than Joe, hanging on street corners, waiting for someone to come along and give them a few dollars for the \u2018service\u2019 they would provide.\u00a0 These kids saw no other way. \u00a0It was a choice they made to survive.\u00a0 The sad thing was, the kids themselves pocketed very little of the money they sold themselves for. \u00a0Most all of it went to the men who owned them.<\/p>\n

Adam shuddered as he imagined Joe on one of those corners.<\/p>\n

Puffing a breath out, Adam shook the image away.\u00a0 It was possible Lark was planning nothing more than a simple kidnap and ransom demand.\u00a0 Pa was wealthy and everyone knew it, and no one was more vulnerable to that kind of thing than Little Joe.\u00a0 But if kidnapping Joe was the motive, why warn him?\u00a0 Why bait him into following and riding out into the desert?<\/p>\n

Adam pulled Sport up so abruptly the horse protested.<\/p>\n

God!\u00a0 He was a fool.<\/p>\n

Lark Miller wasn\u2019t at the Gable mine.<\/p>\n

He was on his way to Little Joe.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Less than an hour into their ride to the Gable mine, Hoss was doubtin\u2019 his choice.\u00a0 He was holdin\u2019 Little Joe in front of him and the boy was near dead weight.\u00a0 Every so often the kid would open his eyes and give him a weak smile and offer some word of support \u2013 right before them emerald-green of his eyes closed again and his head lolled back against his chest and he went out like a light on a stormy night.\u00a0 \u2018Course it made him happier when Joe went out.\u00a0 Otherwise little brother was shiverin\u2019 from head to toe and groanin\u2019 \u2018cause of the pain.\u00a0 The poor kid\u2019s eyelids was near swollen shut and his face looked like it used to, back when he had baby fat.\u00a0 There were tears streakin\u2019 those chubby cheeks.<\/p>\n

At least he hadn\u2019t puked in a while.<\/p>\n

As they rode on, the big man kept tellin\u2019 himself that people didn\u2019t die from spider bites.\u00a0 But then, into his ear would come Doc Martin\u2019s words from all those years ago.\u00a0 \u2018Ben,\u2019 <\/em>he\u2019d told his Pa, \u2018it\u2019s come and go.\u00a0 If the reaction Marie is having causes her windpipe to swell shut so much she can\u2019t breathe….\u2019<\/em><\/p>\n

Hoss shook the silent form in front of him as he leaned over and spoke into his brother\u2019s ear.\u00a0 \u2018You keep breathin\u2019, Little Joe.\u00a0 You hear me, boy!\u00a0 Breathe.\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe shifted in his arms.\u00a0 His eyes opened again and he looked at him.\u00a0 There was a whole world of hurt and fear in them eyes.\u00a0 His brother\u2019s hand caught his where it rested on his chest.\u00a0 Dang it, if Joe didn\u2019t have tiny hands!\u00a0 Little Joe squeezed his fingers as he spoke, his voice thin as a reed.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m…tryin\u2019, Hoss.\u00a0 Promise….\u201d<\/p>\n

Hoss felt about as helpless as a steer in quicksand.<\/p>\n

He weren\u2019t normally one to play the \u2018what if\u2019 game, but that didn\u2019t stop the words knockin\u2019 around in his head.\u00a0 What if <\/em>they hadn\u2019t gone to town?\u00a0 What if<\/em> Joe hadn\u2019t had that beer or got sick?\u00a0 What if<\/em> whatever thing that was so dang important hadn\u2019t called older brother into the desert, and what if<\/em> he had a brain in his head and had not given in to Little Joe and followed?<\/p>\n

What if<\/em> a blond man hadn\u2019t ridden out of the shadows layin\u2019 close to a outcrop of rock and parked himself right in their path with his gun drawn?<\/p>\n

Yeah, Hoss thought as he drew his ailin\u2019 brother closer to his massive chest and eyed the stranger.<\/p>\n

What if?<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

FOUR<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

It was a good thing the moon was high and the clouds of the evening before had failed to reappear.\u00a0 The night had fallen, but he couldn\u2019t stop.\u00a0 Of course, traveling at night saved a man the baking heat of the day, but it put at risk both his life and his faithful horse\u2019s.\u00a0 There were so many pitfalls that the darkness might conceal and, on top of that, it was cold as a card sharp\u2019s smile.\u00a0 Adam shifted in the saddle and drew his jacket closer about his throat to stave off the chill of the desert night.\u00a0 Thank goodness he\u2019d tied it to his saddle that morning!\u00a0 Jolted by the thought, he suddenly reined Sport in.\u00a0 His mount turned and looked at him and then blew air through his nose as if to say \u2018about time!\u2019.\u00a0 The black-haired man patted his friend\u2019s neck as he allowed himself a moment of panic.\u00a0 In his mind\u2019s eyes he could see his brothers\u2019 laughing at him that morning, calling him an \u2018old worry-wart\u2019 for taking a jacket along on a blistering hot day.<\/p>\n

Neither Hoss or Joe had a jacket.<\/p>\n

Making a kissing noise, he started Sport moving again, much to his mount\u2019s displeasure.\u00a0 He had to remember, Hoss was with Little Joe.\u00a0 The two of them would be home by now.\u00a0 There was no way middle brother would bring that little scamp farther into the desert after reading his note.\u00a0 It was far too dangerous and, on top of that, Hoss would know Pa would kill them both if anything happened to Joe.<\/p>\n

Adam pursed his lips and blew air out of his <\/em>nose in imitation of his mount.\u00a0 Who was he kidding?\u00a0 This was Joe<\/em> he was talking about.\u00a0 His little brother could charm the skin off a snake.\u00a0 Hoss would be putty in his hands.<\/p>\n

But would Joe have wanted<\/em> to follow?<\/p>\n

As Sport hesitated and then picked his way around an unseen object embedded in the sand, Adam considered the question.\u00a0 The answer hinged on one thing \u2013 whether or not his youngest brother perceived he was in danger.\u00a0 Little Joe might be exasperating and annoying, even infuriating at times, but there was one thing he was even more.<\/p>\n

Loyal.<\/p>\n

Casting his mind back, Adam thought about what he could have done differently \u2013 and realized there was nothing.\u00a0 If he had let Lark Miller get away, the man could have come back at any time.\u00a0 There was no way they could keep a watch on Little Joe twenty-four hours a day \u2013 even if he would have let them \u2013 and he was sure the blond man\u2019s intentions where his brother was concerned were far from noble.\u00a0 There was just something about the image of Lark in town, mouthing those words, that set his hackles up.\u00a0 His little brother was tough.\u00a0 He was Ben Cartwright\u2019s son, after all.\u00a0 If Lark tried something, Joe would take him on.\u00a0 Sadly, there was no way baby brother could win.\u00a0 He and Hoss had been horsing around just the other day and they\u2019d hung Joe up like a steer to see what he weighed. \u00a0The kid barely topped eighty pounds.<\/p>\n

Little Joe was their Achilles heel and everyone in these parts knew it.<\/p>\n

Lark Miller knew it.<\/p>\n

Kneeing Sport, Adam urged his weary mount to move faster.\u00a0 The chestnut gelding blew out his frustration and shook his head, but picked the pace up just a bit.\u00a0 They were about halfway between the settlement and the point where he had turned back.\u00a0 It was probably around three in the morning.\u00a0 Pa was most likely still up and pacing in front of the fire, beside himself with worry.\u00a0 Or, maybe not.\u00a0 Maybe Pa had gone to bed.\u00a0 After all, his father counted on the fact that he was with Hoss and Little Joe.\u00a0 Pa knew he wouldn\u2019t let anything happen to either of them.<\/p>\n

Right.<\/p>\n

Unexpectedly, Sport shied and took a few steps back, nearly throwing him off balance.\u00a0 After calming the animal, Adam narrowed his eyes\u00a0 and took in their surroundings, looking for anything out of place.\u00a0 It took a minute with the light as vague as a silver mist at morning, but then he saw it.<\/p>\n

\u201cDamn!\u201d he exclaimed as he sucked air in-between his teeth.<\/p>\n

It was a body.<\/p>\n

Warily, careful not to spook his horse, Adam reined the animal in and dismounted.\u00a0 With his heart pounding as fast as the hooves of a stampeded herd, he crossed the short distance to the downed man and knelt by his side.\u00a0 The moon\u2019s light was eclipsed for a moment, casting the man\u2019s face into shadow.\u00a0 He was a big man.\u00a0 Very big.<\/p>\n

And terribly familiar.<\/p>\n

Adam drew in a breath and held it as he placed his hand on Hoss\u2019 back and waited.\u00a0 The breath came out with a prayer of thanks when he felt his brother\u2019s chest rise and fall.\u00a0 Hoss was alive.<\/p>\n

But where was Little Joe?<\/p>\n

Adam rose and turned in a frantic circle, his eyes searching for Joe\u2019s slender form similarly laid out on the sand.\u00a0 As he did, Hoss groaned.\u00a0 The black-haired man turned back to find the big man using his elbow to lever himself up into a seated position.\u00a0 Middle brother\u2019s hand reached up toward the back of his head.\u00a0 Hoss moaned again and then, realized he wasn\u2019t alone.\u00a0 His fingers began to claw the sand.\u00a0 Probably looking for his gun.<\/p>\n

Or Joe.<\/p>\n

\u201cHoss,\u201d he said simply.\u00a0 \u201cIt\u2019s me.\u00a0 Adam.\u201d<\/p>\n

He watched his brother tense and then the big man\u2019s shoulders slumped.\u00a0 \u201cAdam?\u201d he said, his voice a whisper on the sand.\u00a0 \u201cAdam, a man….\u00a0 He…took Little Joe.\u201d<\/p>\n

He.<\/p>\n

Slightly light-headed, Adam dropped to his knees beside the wounded man. \u00a0Even in the moonlight he could see the dark streak running from Hoss\u2019 forehead, down onto his shirt.\u00a0 The moonlight painted the trail it left black, but he knew it was crimson red.<\/p>\n

\u201cHow bad are you hurt?\u201d<\/p>\n

Hoss grunted.\u00a0 \u201cI ain\u2019t hurt and I don\u2019t need no lookin\u2019 after.\u00a0 You get out of here and get after Little Joe.\u00a0 I\u2019ll come…soon as I can.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam looked around.\u00a0 There were no horses in sight other than his own.\u00a0 \u201cOn foot?\u201d<\/p>\n

The look Hoss gave him told him he would walk to Hell and back to find their missing brother.\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cHe done took the horse too.\u201d\u00a0 Hoss attempted to stand up, but fell back to the sand winded.\u00a0 \u201cLook, Adam, I ain\u2019t important.\u00a0 Little Joe is.\u00a0 You gotta find him and find him fast!\u00a0 He\u2019s…sick.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam frowned.\u00a0 God.\u00a0 No.<\/p>\n

Not something else.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat\u2019s wrong?\u201d\u00a0 He rephrased it.\u00a0 \u201cWhat happened to Joe?\u00a0 Besides this man, I mean?\u201d<\/p>\n

Hoss seemed to shudder.\u00a0 \u201cHe was spider bit, Adam.\u00a0 Maybe a Black Widder.\u00a0 It\u2019s bad.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam\u2019s hand went involuntarily to his throat.\u00a0 \u201cLike Marie?\u201d<\/p>\n

Middle brother nodded.\u00a0 \u201cMaybe worse.\u00a0 His eyes is near swollen shut.\u00a0 I ain\u2019t sure if he can even see.\u201d\u00a0 The big man\u2019s eyes sought his and held his gaze.\u00a0 \u201cAdam, he was havin\u2019 a lot of trouble breathin\u2019.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd Lark still took him?\u201d\u00a0 He was aghast.<\/p>\n

Hoss scowled.\u00a0 \u201cLark Miller?\u201d\u00a0 He thought a moment.\u00a0 \u201cSo that\u2019s who it was. \u00a0I only see\u2019d him for a second.\u00a0 I could tell he was big and blond, but didn\u2019t see nothin\u2019 else before he hit me.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam reached out to check the head wound.\u00a0 \u201cPistol?\u201d he asked, grimacing.<\/p>\n

\u201cYeah, but I\u2019m all right.\u00a0 Look Adam, you gotta go!\u00a0\u00a0 I heard Lark tell Joe they was headin\u2019 for the Gable mine.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam rocked back on his heels.\u00a0 The Gable mine \u2013 again.\u00a0 What was it with that place?<\/p>\n

Reaching up, he pinched the bridge of his nose and sighed.\u00a0 It just didn\u2019t make sense.\u00a0 \u201cHoss, if that\u2019s where Miller was headed, I should have seen him.\u00a0 I just came from that direction.\u201d\u00a0 He paused and then, had to ask, \u201cWhy did you disregard the note I left?\u201d<\/p>\n

For a moment middle brother looks nonplused.\u00a0 Then his eyes lit with understanding and he sighed.\u00a0 \u201cJoe got bit just after I found it.\u00a0 By the time I remembered and got to readin\u2019 it, it was sweat-soaked and there weren\u2019t nothin\u2019 to<\/em> read.\u00a0 What\u2019d it say?\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam rose to his feet and looked in the direction Lark Miller had taken their baby brother.\u00a0 There was something going on here he didn\u2019t understand \u2013 a lot <\/em>going on he didn\u2019t understand.\u00a0 Unfortunately, the only way he was going to find out what he needed to know was to leave Hoss alone…at night…in the desert…and go after Little Joe.<\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t you worry none about me,\u201d his brother said, knowing him too well.\u00a0 \u201cLittle Joe needs you.\u201d\u00a0 Hoss rose shakily to his feet.\u00a0 He refused a hand to help him.\u00a0 After a moment\u2019s hesitation, he added in a voice quiet as the night.\u00a0 \u201cHe could be dyin\u2019, Adam.\u201d<\/p>\n

As a fist of fear closed around his heart, the black-haired man asked, \u201cDid Miller actually take off in the direction of the mine?\u201d<\/p>\n

Hoss nodded.\u00a0 \u201cI come around for a minute and saw him ridin\u2019 that way for I went out.\u201d<\/p>\n

And there was the rub.\u00a0 Had Lark let Hoss see where he was going so they would follow, or so they would be misdirected?\u00a0 From what Hoss said about Joe\u2019s condition, every minute counted.<\/p>\n

What if he made the wrong choice?<\/p>\n

\u201cYou know what Pa would do,\u201d Hoss said quietly.<\/p>\n

Yes, he did.\u00a0 His father would pray and then take action.\u00a0 He was a believer, but his faith was, well, more pragmatic than Pa\u2019s.\u00a0 In his life he\u2019d watched his father offer up prayers and seen them both answered and denied. \u00a0To him it seemed God did what He wanted to do no matter what a man might desire.<\/p>\n

He was God, after all.<\/p>\n

A heartbeat later, he nodded.\u00a0 \u201cFaith and works,\u201d he said gently, laying a hand on his brother\u2019s shoulder.\u00a0 \u201cYou stay here and pray while I take action.\u201d\u00a0 A little smile made his mouth quirk.\u00a0 \u201cThat way we\u2019ll have all fronts covered.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI cain\u2019t stay put, Adam.\u00a0 You know that.\u00a0 Little Joe….\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYes, you can and you will!<\/em>\u00a0 I don\u2019t want to have to worry about two brothers.\u201d\u00a0 His tight smile broadened just a bit before dying.\u00a0 \u201cKeeping up with Little Joe is more than enough.\u201d\u00a0 Adam took a step toward his mount and then turned back, curious.\u00a0 \u201cWhat happened to the horses?\u201d<\/p>\n

Hoss shrugged.\u00a0 \u201cI sent Cadfan home and Lark Miller took Chubby.\u201d<\/p>\n

So their father would know something was wrong.\u00a0 He might even be coming to their rescue right now.<\/p>\n

Maybe Hoss had already<\/em> been praying.<\/p>\n

Moving to Sport, the black-haired man reached into his saddlebag and removed some food, one of several small bags, and a roll of bandages.\u00a0 As he handed the supplies to his brother, he said, \u201cHere.\u00a0 Set your camp up again.\u00a0 Joe is going to need looking after when I bring him back.\u201d<\/p>\n

Hoss\u2019 face was filled with wonder as he opened the bag and sniffed its contents.\u00a0 \u201cHow\u2019d you come by some of Hop Sing\u2019s herbs?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cJust being an old \u2018worry-wart.\u201d\u00a0 At Hoss\u2019 contrite look, he added, \u201cI\u2019ve learned to always carry some with me for treating infection and in case of snake bite.\u201d\u00a0 He grinned.\u00a0 \u201cAfter all, I usually have Little Joe with me.\u201d<\/p>\n

The two brothers shared an apprehensive laugh.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou go now, Adam.\u00a0 I\u2019ll be fine.\u00a0 You go find Little Joe.\u201d\u00a0 Hoss blinked back tears.\u00a0 \u201cIf anythin\u2019 happens to that little ornery cuss….\u201d<\/p>\n

He squeezed his brother\u2019s massive shoulder.\u00a0 \u201cI will.\u00a0 And you see to that cut.\u201d\u00a0 He nodded toward his head.\u00a0 \u201cIt\u2019s still bleeding.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSure enough, Adam.\u201d<\/p>\n

The black-haired man went to his horse and mounted.\u00a0 From the saddle, he looked down.\u00a0 \u201cAnd Hoss?<\/p>\n

\u201cYeah?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019d better include me in those prayers too.\u00a0 I have a gut feeling I\u2019m going to need all the help I can get.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

When Joe woke, he expected it to be on a bed of sand with Hoss bending over him.\u00a0 Instead, after a moment\u2019s disorientation, he realized he was inside a building.\u00a0 There was no light other than what fell through one small curtained window above where he lay, and it did little to illuminate anything.\u00a0 Still, from the supplies and tools laying around, it looked like he was in a line shack or some other such place. \u00a0He lay there for a moment trying to remember what had happened.\u00a0 When he couldn\u2019t \u2013 Joe being Joe \u2013 he decided he would just get up and find out.\u00a0 He\u2019d managed to raise up on one elbow before an intense wave of pain slammed him back down onto the thin mattress. He tried not to, but he let out a groan.<\/p>\n

A second later he heard the sound of chair legs scraping across the floor.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou just lay right where you are, boy.\u00a0 You ain\u2019t goin\u2019 nowhere.\u00a0 Leastwise, not until that uppity big brother of yours gets here.\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe licked his lips and then realized they felt funny.\u00a0 His face felt funny too.\u00a0 Numb, like someone had punched it.\u00a0 In fact his whole body felt like it had been pummeled.<\/p>\n

Had he been in a fight?<\/p>\n

Without warning, the man who had spoken grabbed his head and roughly forced his mouth open.\u00a0 \u201cBright as a berry patch,\u201d he said as he let go and Joe\u2019s teeth snapped shut.\u00a0 The man gripped his wrist next \u2013 hard.\u00a0 \u201cHeart\u2019s hammerin\u2019.\u201d\u00a0 As he released him, he said \u2013 almost as if it was Joe\u2019s fault \u2013 \u201cNow don\u2019t you go dyin\u2019 on me \u2018fore I can kill you.\u201d<\/p>\n

What?<\/p>\n

Joe blinked and pried his eyes open. \u00a0They were swollen too and crusted.\u00a0 \u201cWhy..?\u201d\u00a0 He coughed, swallowed over what felt like a mountain, and tried again. \u00a0\u201cWhy…do you want to …kill me?\u201d<\/p>\n

The man patted his head.\u00a0 Almost like Hoss did.\u00a0 \u201cAin\u2019t nothin\u2019 to do with you, son.\u00a0 You\u2019re just a means to an end.\u201d<\/p>\n

Little Joe closed his puffed up eyes and leaned back, worn out.\u00a0 Well, physically worn out.\u00a0 He still had energy for thinkin\u2019.\u00a0 He had to do something to get away.\u00a0 He wasn\u2019t sure if the man meant Hoss or Adam, but either way he was not going to just lay there and be bait in a trap for either of his brothers.\u00a0 The minute the man moved away, he was gonna…<\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t you go gettin\u2019 no fancy notions.\u00a0 I know you, boy.\u00a0 You ain\u2019t to be trusted.\u00a0 Lightnin\u2019 hangs fire next to you.\u201d\u00a0 The fingers brushed his wrist and it was only then that Joe realized he was tied to the bed frame \u2013 both his hands and<\/em> feet.<\/p>\n

Instantly angry, he began to struggle. \u00a0\u201cYou let…me go!\u201d<\/p>\n

The man\u2019s grip intensified, his fingers pressing into his flesh and bruising it.\u00a0 \u201cYou tell that to that high-and-mighty brother of yours!\u201d he hissed.\u00a0 \u201cYou tell him<\/em> why you\u2019re dyin\u2019.\u00a0 \u2018Cause he<\/em> wouldn\u2019t let go all them years ago, on account of he thought he was God!\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe quieted before the man\u2019s rage and with the sudden knowledge of who it was that held him.<\/p>\n

Lark Miller.<\/p>\n

He\u2019d noticed in the last month or so since Miller had been hired that everywhere Adam went, Lark was there too.\u00a0 He\u2019d catch the hand watchin\u2019 his older brother, chewin\u2019 on a piece of straw; those cold blue eyes of his narrowed and his mouth a thin line.\u00a0 The pale blond man made him feel uncomfortable.\u00a0 But even more than that, he\u2019d sensed something about him.\u00a0 Lark Miller hated his oldest brother.\u00a0 He\u2019d wanted to go to Pa about it, but he knew Pa wouldn\u2019t listen.\u00a0 Neither would Hoss or Adam.\u00a0 After all, he was just a kid.<\/p>\n

What did he know?<\/p>\n

Joe drew in a breath and heard it rattle in his chest.\u00a0 Gathering what strength he had, he put it into a question.\u00a0 \u201cWhat\u2019d Adam…ever do to you?\u201d<\/p>\n

Lark was moving through the room.\u00a0 He stopped and then a second later, there was a scratching noise.\u00a0 A moment later a pale light began to fill the room.\u00a0 The man caught the lamp he\u2019d lit up from a table and came to stand over him.\u00a0 In the lamp\u2019s glow, Miller\u2019s face leered like a demon\u2019s \u2013 savage, sick, and twisted with hate.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt ain\u2019t what he did, kid.\u00a0 It\u2019s what the almighty Adam Cartwright didn\u2019t<\/em> do.\u201d\u00a0 For a moment something flickered in the blond man\u2019s eyes \u2013 past the evil that claimed them.<\/p>\n

It might have been pity.<\/p>\n

Joe\u2019s gaze went to Lark\u2019s other hand.\u00a0 In it was a metal can with a spout.\u00a0 A thick, clear liquid dripped from it.\u00a0 He knew the smell.<\/p>\n

It was oil.<\/p>\n

Lark sneered.\u00a0 \u201cI remember me, back then, the hands called Adam Cartwright your \u2018Pa\u2019, since your own was a yellow-bellied coward what had run away from home and kin.\u00a0 Well, boy, the sins of the father done caught up with you.\u201d<\/p>\n

And with that, Lark turned and walked out of the shack, trailing the thick clear liquid across the floor behind him.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

FIVE<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam dismounted at the edge of the Gable mine.\u00a0 Before him lay the yard, the manager\u2019s shack,\u00a0 and a few other dilapidated buildings. \u00a0He led his horse forward by hand and tethered him behind a brace of trees.\u00a0 Then, gun in hand, he moved forward until he crouched behind an empty water trough.\u00a0 Curiously, there was a light in the shack and he could see someone moving about.\u00a0 The figure was too tall for Joe, so it had to be Lark Miller.<\/p>\n

Most likely was Lark Miller.<\/p>\n

He couldn\u2019t know for certain that this was where Miller had brought his brother.\u00a0 The man might have deliberately misdirected Hoss.\u00a0 This might be some crony of the villain\u2019s, or even an innocent squatter.\u00a0 Lark and Joe \u2013 if his baby brother was still breathing \u2013 could be halfway to Reno by now.<\/p>\n

Adam closed his eyes.\u00a0 His father\u2019s voice boomed in his head.<\/p>\n

\u2018Son, don\u2019t borrow trouble. Each day has enough of its own.\u2019<\/em><\/p>\n

Don\u2019t…borrow…trouble.<\/p>\n

After watching for several minutes, Adam left the security of the trough behind. \u00a0Clinging to the \u00a0shadows that lined a small barn, he moved closer to the shack.\u00a0 As he passed the barn, he heard a horse snort and pound the earth with its hoof.\u00a0 Now, a city slicker might have called him crazy, but he was pretty sure he knew that snort.\u00a0 Rising up a bit, Adam peered through a filthy broken window to find a big black looking right at him.<\/p>\n

It was Chubb.<\/p>\n

Adam sucked in air.\u00a0 Little Joe was<\/em> here.<\/p>\n

Hopefully alive.<\/p>\n

\u201cAdam Cartwright!\u00a0 I know you\u2019re out there!\u00a0 I can smell <\/em>you!\u201d<\/p>\n

The black-haired man stiffened.\u00a0 Chubb\u2019s snort must have given him away.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou step into the light right now, Cartwright.\u00a0 Otherwise your little brother\u2019s gonna lose somethin\u2019 you can\u2019t replace!\u201d\u00a0 There was a pause.\u00a0 \u201cCome out with your hands up and drop your gun where I can see it!\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam closed his eyes.<\/p>\n

Joe was alive.<\/em><\/p>\n

After whispering a brief prayer of thanks, he opened them and called back, \u201cLark?\u00a0 What is this?\u00a0 Why are you doing this?\u201d<\/p>\n

There was a short pause.\u00a0 Then, \u201cI got me a knife, Cartwright.\u00a0 If you ain\u2019t out in the light in ten seconds, you\u2019re gonna get a trophy, maybe a finger or toe, maybe something more important.\u00a0 In twenty, nineteen, eighteen….\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAll right!\u201d he shouted as he did what he was told, dropping his sidearm and moving into the growing light.\u00a0 \u201cHere!\u00a0 I\u2019m here!\u00a0 Leave Little Joe alone.\u201d<\/p>\n

There was a pause \u2013 an interminable pause \u2013 and then the door of the shack slowly opened inward. \u00a0A moment later a tall man with pale blond hair stepped out.<\/p>\n

\u201cHow the mighty have fallen,\u201d Lark snorted.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhere\u2019s my brother?\u201d Adam demanded.\u00a0 \u201cLet me see him.\u201d<\/p>\n

The blond man glanced into the shack and then turned to face him, his eyes lit with a cruel smile.\u00a0 \u201cI\u2019m afraid Little Joe is all tied up right now.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIs he…\u201d\u00a0 Adam swallowed over his fear.\u00a0 \u201cIs he all right?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cStupid kid sat his ass down on a spider.\u201d\u00a0 He scoffed.\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cHe ain\u2019t lookin\u2019 too good.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cLet me see him!\u201d<\/p>\n

Lark stepped off the porch, oil lamp in hand. \u00a0It was growing light and he briefly wondered briefly why he carried it.<\/p>\n

\u201cNo,\u201d his brother\u2019s kidnapper said.<\/p>\n

Both Joe and Pa were known for their short tempers.\u00a0 It took next to nothing to ignite them.\u00a0 The truth was, he was no different. \u00a0His candle just had a longer wick.<\/p>\n

\u201cLark, listen,\u201d he said, containing his temper.\u00a0 \u201cJoe is sick.\u00a0 You must know that!\u00a0 Stop playing games and let me see him.\u00a0 I need to help my brother!\u201d<\/p>\n

The tall blond man stared at him.\u00a0 \u201cAin\u2019t nothin gonna help that kid.\u00a0 He\u2019s gonna die \u2013 and you\u2019re gonna watch.\u00a0 Just like I had to.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam\u2019s head was spinning.\u00a0 How stupid could he have been?\u00a0 He\u2019d thought Lark wanted Joe for Joe, but now he was beginning to wonder if he had been blinded by his love for his baby brother.<\/p>\n

Could it be Lark\u2019s target had been him<\/em> all along?<\/p>\n

The black-haired man licked his lips.\u00a0 He ran a sleeve over his face to wipe the sweat from his eyes.\u00a0 \u201cLike you<\/em> had to?\u201d he echoed.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou don\u2019t remember me, do you, Cartwright?\u00a0 I don\u2019t know why I\u2019m surprised.\u00a0 Me and my brother weren\u2019t worth spit in your eyes before.\u201d<\/p>\n

Lark and his brother?\u00a0 Adam wracked his brain.\u00a0 It was clear now that \u2018Lark Miller\u2019 was an alias.\u00a0 Adam looked at the man \u2013 thought about how he walked and talked \u2013 but there was nothing.<\/p>\n

Who was he?<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m…sorry,\u201d he stammered.<\/p>\n

\u201cSorry.\u00a0 Yeah, sorry.\u00a0 Like you were \u2018sorry\u2019 when you said that mine wasn\u2019t safe.\u00a0 When you kept me from goin\u2019 in \u2018cause it didn\u2019t meet your specifications<\/em>.\u00a0 Like you were \u2018sorry\u2019 when they pulled my little brother\u2019s bones out of the rubble a year later when they finally broke through.\u00a0 He was right behind the wall, Cartwright!\u00a0 You could have saved him!\u201d\u00a0 The man was seething.\u00a0 \u201cI had to stand by while my brother died a living death, and you sure as hell<\/em> are gonna do the same!\u201d<\/p>\n

His mind was awhirl. What was the man talking about?\u00a0 What mine?\u00a0 What collapse?\u00a0 What….<\/p>\n

And then enlightenment \u2013 like the devastating cave-in he had witnessed all those years ago \u2013 exploded before his eyes.<\/p>\n

\u201cLevings McNaughton,\u201d he breathed.<\/p>\n

The blond man sneered.<\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s right stupid of you, Cartwright,\u201d he said.\u00a0 \u201cA man ain\u2019t supposed to know the name of his executioner.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Of all the reckless, irresponsible, and idiotic<\/em> things!<\/p>\n

What could Adam have been thinking?<\/p>\n

Ben Cartwright was a furious man.\u00a0 He rode like a demon into the desert dawn, pressing his mount for more speed and distance than was reasonable.\u00a0 He\u2019d been sitting at home, attempting to keep his mind on the newspaper, while Hop Sing bustled around the great room muttering under his breath, straightening things that didn\u2019t need straightened. \u00a0The man from China would dust something, stop, sigh \u2013 look at the door as if expecting it to open \u2013 and then dust the same space again.\u00a0 Hop Sing was worried.<\/p>\n

So was he.<\/p>\n

Of course, he\u2019d told himself all evening to stop<\/em> worrying.\u00a0 Adam was with his brothers \u2013 Adam, his rock.\u00a0 The eldest son who had a good head on his shoulders and who would see to it that his younger brothers did as they were told so they could get home at a reasonable hour.<\/p>\n

Adam who, this time, had failed him.<\/p>\n

He\u2019d just folded his paper with a snap and was ready to do the same thing to Hop Sing when they heard hooves pounding into the yard.\u00a0 Two horses, by the sound of it.<\/p>\n

No wagon.<\/p>\n

He and his cook had exchanged a look and then rushed for the door, nearly colliding as they got there.\u00a0 Hop Sing quickly retreated and let him open it.\u00a0 He\u2019d almost wished he hadn\u2019t.\u00a0 As he\u2019d surmised there was no\u00a0 wagon.\u00a0 There was no Chubb.\u00a0 No Hoss.\u00a0 No Little Joe or<\/em> Adam.<\/p>\n

Only a ranch hand leading Joe\u2019s horse, Cadfan.<\/p>\n

The day was drawing to a close, but there had been enough light to see that the horse\u2019s sides glistened with sweat.\u00a0 Her hooves were covered in sand.\u00a0 By God\u2019s grace, there was no blood on Cadfan or on Little Joe\u2019s saddle, but that was about the only dispensation Providence allowed him.\u00a0 Before he could ask, the ranch hand \u2013 Jim Wheats \u2013 reached into his pocket and pulled out a crumpled piece of paper.\u00a0 The note was written in Hoss\u2019 hand.<\/p>\n

\u2018Pa.\u00a0 Adam took off.\u00a0 Joe and I was worried so we followed him.\u00a0 Joe got spider bit and he\u2019s real sick.\u00a0 We\u2019re heading for Gable\u2019s.\u00a0 Bring Doc Martin and come quick.\u2019\u00a0 <\/em><\/p>\n

Bring Doc Martin and come quick.<\/p>\n

Gable\u2019s was at least ten miles into the desert, maybe more.\u00a0 The boys had been dressed and prepared for a day in town. \u00a0He doubted if they had their jackets with them.<\/p>\n

What was Adam thinking?<\/p>\n

Reluctantly, Ben slowed his horse to a walk to let the animal cool down for a moment.\u00a0 As he did, he glanced over his shoulder.\u00a0 Doc Martin had been in bed when he arrived in the settlement.\u00a0 He\u2019d pounded on the older man\u2019s door, waking his friend and half of the neighborhood.\u00a0 The physician wasn\u2019t used to traveling in the desert at night, even with the moon so bright it looked like a night on a San Francisco boardwalk.\u00a0 He\u2019d had to dress and then rent a horse since his buggy with its rail-thin wheels would be practically useless.\u00a0 Paul wasn\u2019t used to riding either.<\/p>\n

He hoped, now that the light was up, that the physician wasn\u2019t too<\/em> far behind.<\/p>\n

As he nudged Buck and began to move forward, Ben couldn\u2019t keep his mind from turning back to the time Marie had been bitten by a spider.\u00a0 His beautiful wife had been enamored of an array of wildflowers growing between two boulders in the house garden and, as a woman from the Crescent city, quite unaware of the dangers that lurked therein.\u00a0 At first he hadn\u2019t thought much about it.\u00a0 Marie said she was fine.\u00a0 But later that night, after she put Little Joe to bed, she\u2019d begun to feel sick and had quickly developed a rash \u2013 and then, her throat began to swell.<\/p>\n

Paul was sure they would lose her then.<\/p>\n

After Marie came through, Paul had felt it important to remind him that Joseph might have inherited his mother\u2019s sensitivity to spider venom.\u00a0 They\u2019d played that scene out a number of times, whenever the boy had been bitten.\u00a0 Most often, Little Joe had grumbled and grouched his way through a few days of feeling bad and was up and on his feet before Paul gave the A-Okay.<\/p>\n

But, there had been that one time.<\/p>\n

The spider bite had become infected and Joe\u2019s fever soared.\u00a0 Between Doc Martin\u2019s medicine and Hop Sing\u2019s herbs, things were put to right.<\/p>\n

He hoped everything was all right now.<\/p>\n

Pressing harder, the older man urged his mount to canter and then to run.\u00a0 They were old friends and Buck did as he asked, but he knew the horse could only hold out so long.\u00a0 The temperature was rising with the sun and Gables was still several miles away. \u00a0With each hoof-beat that struck the desert floor, Ben grew more alarmed, as if \u2013 somehow \u2013 he knew every minute, each second was precious.<\/p>\n

As precious as the life of one of his boys.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

He\u2019d been twenty-three when it happened.\u00a0 Hoss had been seventeen, and Joe, almost eleven.\u00a0 He\u2019d just returned from college and been eager to take up his role as his father\u2019s right hand man.\u00a0 Since he\u2019d just graduated with a degree in engineering and architecture, he had looked forward the most to helping with the Ponderosa\u2019s nascent mining operations.\u00a0 Pa\u2019s focus had been mostly cattle and timber when he left, but since then his father had done as he suggested in his letters and diversified their interests, venturing out into mining as well.<\/p>\n

The thousand acres of Heaven his father owned were as bountiful as Eden under the soil as well as on top.<\/p>\n

He\u2019d arrived home one day after busting broncos to find his father in a heated discussion with another man.\u00a0 He\u2019d barely hung his hat on the peg and dropped his gun on the credenza before Pa called him over.\u00a0 The sounds he heard drifting from the kitchen told him Hop Sing had Little Joe busy cutting and chopping.\u00a0 It was more than amusing to hear the two of them arguing in Cantonese.\u00a0 He didn\u2019t know where Hoss was but figured his giant of a teenage brother was out in the barn somewhere.<\/p>\n

When he arrived at the desk he saw Pa had a map of one of the older mines they owned opened on the desk.\u00a0 It was been worked before and closed down when the owner was stricken with apoplexy and ended up in a wheel chair.\u00a0 Pa originally bought it as much to help the man out as for the silver it might yield.\u00a0 He\u2019d only gotten around to hiring a crew and opening it up in the last few months.\u00a0 Drawing up a chair, Pa sat down and listened.\u00a0 The angry man was the mine\u2019s foreman and he was insisting that the mine wasn\u2019t safe to work.\u00a0 Pa argued that he\u2019d had it looked at and been told it was.\u00a0 Back in those days, Pa had as quick a temper as Little Joe and the two strong-willed men were sharpening their horns like a pair of randy mountain goats ready to go at it.<\/p>\n

As he arrived, Pa introduced him to the foreman.\u00a0 Then he boasted how his oldest some had just graduated from college with a degree in engineering and knew all about mines. Adam would take a look, Pa said.<\/p>\n

He remembered swallowing over his surprise.<\/p>\n

All<\/em> about mines?<\/p>\n

He\u2019d bluffed his way through, of course, not wanting to let his father down.\u00a0 He knew enough about beams and the pressure on them to take a look at the shorings and figure out if they posed a threat. \u00a0Pa\u2019d smiled at him when he agreed, like he\u2019d just lifted the weight of the world off his shoulders.<\/p>\n

Of course, that placed it squarely it on his.<\/p>\n

He couldn\u2019t<\/em> be wrong.<\/p>\n

The trip to the mine had been fairly pleasant.\u00a0 The mine\u2019s foreman, name of Gavin, was friendly enough once he knew they\u2019d paid attention to what he said.\u00a0 As they rode, he explained what he\u2019d seen and, from the sound of it, he had a right to be concerned.<\/p>\n

They arrived near the end of the first shift.\u00a0 He remembered as he dismounted that he\u2019d seen a few men rising out of the mine, like a phoenix from the ashes, covered in dust and debris.\u00a0 It was immediately clear that the timbers holding up the tunnels were shedding rock and dirt.\u00a0 That was what had alerted Gavin in the first place.\u00a0 Together, he and his father went in.\u00a0 After a cursory inspection, he\u2019d decided the beams were holding well enough that they could bring in a more experienced engineer to make the final call.<\/p>\n

It had been a fatal mistake.<\/p>\n

He and Pa, along with Gavin, had no sooner sat down in the mine office to talk when the alarm went off and the ground rolled under their feet.\u00a0 Before they had cleared the door, fire belched up out of the mine, vomiting ash and debris and littering the yard.\u00a0 Most of the miners were running from it toward safety, but there was one man \u2013 a tall, ash and soot covered man \u2013 who was running toward<\/em> the entrance.\u00a0 Coming to a quick decision, he bolted forward and leapt, catching the man about his knees and dragging him to the ground.\u00a0 The miner fought him like a maniac, hammering his chest and face with blows, all the while shouting curses and blaming him for what had happened.\u00a0 No more than twenty seconds after he caught hold of him, there was a second explosion and the front of the mine collapsed, sealing in the remainder of the men who had worked the first shift.<\/p>\n

Including, apparently, Levings McNaughton\u2019s little brother.<\/p>\n

Adam\u2019s jaw tightened.\u00a0\u00a0 His gaze went to Levings\u2019 and then rose to meet the man\u2019s hatred head on.<\/p>\n

\u201cKill me,\u201d he said.\u00a0 \u201cIt\u2019s what you want.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo, it ain\u2019t.\u201d\u00a0 Levings didn\u2019t yell this time.\u00a0 The quiet even tone he employed was far more terrifying.\u00a0 \u201cI want to make you suffer like I suffered that day \u2013 like I been sufferin\u2019 for three years.\u00a0 Like I\u2019ll suffer the rest of my life!<\/em>\u00a0 You took somethin\u2019 from me, Cartwright.\u201d\u00a0 Leving\u2019s lips curled in a sneer.\u00a0 \u201cNow I aim to take somethin\u2019 from you.\u201d<\/p>\n

As he watched, McNaughton lifted his free hand.\u00a0 When he recognized what it held, the sight caused him to tremble.\u00a0 He hadn\u2019t noticed it before, but now he did \u2013 a thin black line of death running from where Levings stood back to the place where his baby brother was being held.<\/p>\n

Levings held his gaze as he pulled the glass chimney off the lamp he\u2019d brought with him.<\/p>\n

\u201cOops!\u201d he said as he let it fall and then added as the oil trail caught fire, \u201cWelcome to hell, Adam Cartwright.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

He\u2019d fallen asleep, but the sound of voices had pulled Joe back to the surface of his predicament.\u00a0 He felt horrible.\u00a0 He could hardly swallow and was both hot and cold, burning up and shiverin\u2019 at the same time, so he knew he had a fever.\u00a0 Even so, he wasn\u2019t about to take whatever that crazy McNaughton meant to dish out layin\u2019 down!\u00a0 Sucking in a breath and holding it against the pain, Joe lifted up his shoulders and then his hips and scooted back as far as he could until he was almost sitting up.\u00a0 It hurt like hell to do it, but at least he wouldn\u2019t die in his sleep should the worst happen!\u00a0 His eyesight was murky at best with his eyes swollen and all crusted over.\u00a0 Now that the lamp was gone, he could hardly see anything \u2013 except the bed he was lying on.\u00a0 There was a window just above the bed and the dawning light streamed through it.\u00a0 The glimpse of the desert beyond made his eyes tear. \u00a0He remembered seeing Hoss fall and the cry of pain his brother had let out when Lark Miller grabbed him and threw him over his saddle and rode away.<\/p>\n

Hoss needn\u2019t have worried.\u00a0 He\u2019d passed out quick enough.<\/p>\n

The silvery moonlight let Joe see that the top sheet had been pulled out near the end of the bed and a part of it had been roughly torn away.\u00a0 By squinting, he could just make out his hands and feet.\u00a0 The same cloth bound him to the bed.\u00a0 Lark must have used it to make the strips that held him.\u00a0 Using the heel of his boot, Joe pushed at the dirty white fabric and was satisfied to hear it rip.\u00a0 Pa\u2019d decided, after the accident, to abandon Gable\u2019s mine. That had been a good while back when he was a kid.\u00a0 No one other than a squatter or someone desperate to escape the desert sun should have lived here in all that time. With the hot days and colder nights, cloth was likely to grow thin as a shadow with holes in it.<\/p>\n

Maybe, just maybe, he could tear it and escape.<\/p>\n

Glancing up was hard.\u00a0 It made his head hurt and his eyes water, but Joe did it with determination and fastened his gaze on his wrist.\u00a0 Putting every ounce of spit and fire he had left into it, he began to wriggle and pull, and when that didn\u2019t work, he cussed and prayed.\u00a0 Just about the time he was beyond any of it, Joe heard a shredding sound and he was free.<\/p>\n

Well, one<\/em> hand was free.<\/p>\n

Encouraged, using his free hand, he began to work on the second tie.\u00a0 The sound of two voices outside \u2013 raised in pitch and mad enough to kick a hog barefoot \u2013 stopped him less than a minute later.\u00a0 One was Lark\u2019s.\u00a0 The other, well, he couldn\u2019t tell.\u00a0 His hearing was about as muddled as his sight.\u00a0 He thought \u2013 he hoped<\/em> \u2013 that it was Hoss or Adam, or maybe even his Pa.\u00a0\u00a0 He didn\u2019t want any of them to be in danger, but he sure could use some help.<\/p>\n

Joe wiggled and pulled for another minute or so.\u00a0 He almost let out a \u2018Yippee!\u2019 when the second hand came free, but remembered in time that it probably wasn\u2019t a smart thing to do.<\/p>\n

For another whole minute he sat there, drawing deep breaths and listening to the men outside, before he attempted to free his feet.\u00a0 His stomach hurt from layin\u2019 over the saddle, and takin\u2019 a normal breath came just as hard as stayin\u2019 awake through one of Miss Jones\u2019 lectures.\u00a0 As he sat there in silence, breathing hard, one of the voices penetrated the fog he found himself in.<\/p>\n

\u2018That\u2019s right stupid of you, Cartwright.\u00a0 A man ain\u2019t supposed to know the name of his executioner.\u2019<\/em><\/p>\n

Joe blinked back tears.<\/p>\n

A member of his family was in trouble!<\/p>\n

Ignoring the pain, Joe doubled over and reached for his ankles.\u00a0 His head was swimming by the time they were free, but the strips came away easier, since he had both hands to use.\u00a0 Once free, the curly-haired boy pivoted on the bed, placed his feet on the floor, and stood up \u2013 only to fall right back onto his butt.\u00a0 Joe sat there with his fingers formed into fists, riding the wave of pain, before he tried again.\u00a0 This time he dropped to his hands and knees and crawled toward the door.<\/p>\n

He\u2019d almost reached it when there was a funny sound \u2013 a rushing noise like a sudden wind and then a \u2018whoosh!\u2019\u00a0 Almost instantly his skin began to burn and he had to back off.\u00a0 Outside the window he could see flames rising.\u00a0 Above them he caught a glimpse of his brother Adam.\u00a0 Older brother was struggling with Lark Miller while screaming his name over and over.\u00a0 Adam was fighting for all he was worth to reach him. Joe\u2019s eyes went back to the flames.<\/p>\n

He couldn\u2019t.\u00a0 Not in time.<\/p>\n

He had to save himself.<\/p>\n

Catching hold of the table to steady himself, Joe turned frantically from one side of the shack to the other.\u00a0 There had to be something \u2013 some way!\u00a0 Then, when he saw it, he felt like an idiot.<\/p>\n

The window above the bed!<\/p>\n

Moving as fast as his feet would take him, the fourteen-year-old went back to the bed and climbed on it and reached for the window \u2013<\/p>\n

Only to find it nailed shut.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

SIX<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben heard it before he saw it \u2013 an explosion of sorts and then orange flames rising up into the sky to become one with the pale fire of the morning.\u00a0 It was just about where he guessed the Gable mine to be.\u00a0 If he hadn\u2019t known better, he would have wondered at the silence, at the lack of the alarm sounding to alert the men to a collapse.\u00a0 But the Gable mine was a working mine no longer. \u00a0He had closed it down years before.\u00a0 In fact, no one should be there unless it was some poor lost soul who had taken up residence in one of the vacant buildings.\u00a0 As his horse brought him closer to the mine, the fear that had ridden with him from Eagle Station outpaced him.<\/p>\n

If Adam and Little Joe were there….<\/p>\n

Hoss had put a name to the terror this night held.\u00a0 Lark Miller. A man he\u2019d hired on and shook hands with, but paid little attention to.\u00a0 Miller was just another cowboy who stayed on after a drive, and just as likely to drift away without a word when the mood took him.\u00a0 He\u2019d seen dozens of them in the time it took to build the Ponderosa. \u00a0Now, from what Hoss had told him, this particular drifter had some sinister motive for taking the job, one that involved not only Little Joe, but Adam.\u00a0 The rancher cast his mind back, trying to remember if the man had done anything unseemly \u2013 anything that might have pointed him out as something other than what he claimed to be.<\/p>\n

He could think of nothing.<\/p>\n

Lark Miller seemed affable enough. \u00a0Tough and gruff like most cowboys, he remained a bit of a loner, but not so much that the other men worried about it. \u00a0He was an excellent horseman and had appeared to fit in.\u00a0 His talents lay with the horses. \u00a0Of course, that had put Miller within Adam\u2019s scope and Joe was often at the corral.\u00a0 Had the man been watching his sons all along, making plans?<\/p>\n

Ben\u2019s gaze returned to the orange glow on the horizon. The closer Buck brought him, the larger the fire became.\u00a0 He could feel the heat of it as he rode, pushing aside the cool morning air.\u00a0 As they approached, his mount grew uneasy.\u00a0 The buckskin snorted and reared, stamping his feet, and then turned in a tight circle.<\/p>\n

He had no time.\u00a0 He was close enough.<\/p>\n

Without a thought, Ben leapt from the saddle and began to run.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cGod!\u00a0 No!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cGod….\u201d<\/p>\n

His energy spent, his heart in ruin, Adam fell to his knees.\u00a0 He fought back the urge to retch and denied his tears, but they came anyway, bringing insane joy to the man who stood watching him.<\/p>\n

The man who had just killed his baby brother.<\/p>\n

The shack was ablaze.<\/p>\n

Lark Miller…no…Levings McNaughton stood before him, with his head thrown back, laughing.\u00a0 No.\u00a0 Laughing was what…Little Joe did.\u00a0 This man\u2019s laugh was an insane cackle, such as a witch made while dancing around a hellish fire.<\/p>\n

Adam\u2019s jaw grew tight.<\/p>\n

Hell\u2019s fires would be to good for him!<\/p>\n

Striking the tears from his cheeks, Adam rose slowly to his feet.\u00a0 His gun lay a few feet away where he had dropped it when Levings ordered him out of the shadows.\u00a0 For a moment he couldn\u2019t move \u2013 not because he feared Levings, or because he knew what he was about to do was wrong \u2013 but because his gaze had fallen on the shack. \u00a0Sickened, he watched the roof cave and fall in. Voracious flames leapt high into the night sky as they greedily consumed the rotten wood. \u00a0It was as if they were reaching for the stars.<\/p>\n

His baby brother\u2019s spirit was reaching for those stars too.<\/p>\n

Little Joe was dead.<\/p>\n

A shudder ran through him, nearly unmanning him. \u00a0It took everything that was left in him to take the first step and then the second \u2013 everything <\/em>he had to tear his eyes away from his young brother\u2019s funeral pyre.\u00a0 But he did it.\u00a0 He took a third step and then he ran.\u00a0 As he neared the barn, Adam dropped and rolled and came up holding the gun.\u00a0 Levings had turned to watch him.\u00a0 The blond man stood there, backlit by the flames.<\/p>\n

He just…stood there.<\/p>\n

\u201cGo ahead, Cartwright,\u201d he said, as tears ran down his cheeks.\u00a0 \u201cGo ahead and kill me.\u201d<\/p>\n

That was what he had been about to do \u2013 with premeditation, cold-blooded, taking the law into his own hands.\u00a0 Now, he hesitated.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou want me to.\u201d\u00a0 It wasn\u2019t a question.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou shoot me down or I hang.\u00a0 Makes no difference to me.\u201d\u00a0 The blond man shrugged.\u00a0 \u201cMight to you, I guess.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIt does to me.\u00a0 Son, put the gun down.\u201d<\/p>\n

The voice was both a bullet and a balm.<\/p>\n

He turned toward it.\u00a0 \u201cPa….?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYes, son.\u00a0 It\u2019s me,\u201d his father said as he appeared out of the shadows that lined the yard.\u00a0 \u201cPut your gun down.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam remained as he was, his hand shaking.\u00a0 He considered carefully what he had been ready to do.\u00a0 Levings was right.\u00a0 Even if he ran, the wrath of Benjamin Cartwright would not let him live.\u00a0 Pa would hunt him down, bring him to justice…<\/p>\n

Justice.\u00a0 It was a bad taste in his mouth.<\/p>\n

\u201cPa, I can\u2019t.\u00a0 He….\u201d\u00a0 Adam swallowed hard.\u00a0 Could he say it? Could he be the one to do…that <\/em>to his father?\u00a0 He sucked in air as he blinked back tears.\u00a0 \u201cPa, Joe…. He was in….\u201d\u00a0 The sound of his own voice startled him.\u00a0 It was breathless, lost.<\/p>\n

No.<\/p>\n

He wasn\u2019t lost.\u00a0 He knew what he had to do.<\/p>\n

A second later his father was beside him.\u00a0 Pa placed a hand on his shoulder and then stepped in front of him, putting his large frame between Levings and his blind fury.\u00a0 Pa\u2019s dark eyes blazed with both compassion and pain.<\/p>\n

\u201cAdam, you are not a murderer.\u201d<\/p>\n

His teeth clenched.\u00a0 He could barely spit it out.\u00a0 \u201cI may not be, but he<\/em> is!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIf you take justice into your own hands, you will<\/em> be.\u201d\u00a0 His father\u2019s voice was impossibly calm.\u00a0 \u201cSon, do you think Little Joe would want you to throw your life away?\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam\u2019s eyes were locked on Levings.\u00a0 The man hadn\u2019t moved.\u00a0 He just stood there, like a casual observer.<\/p>\n

It infuriated him.<\/p>\n

As his finger closed on the trigger, his father reached out to take hold of his gun hand.\u00a0 \u201cAdam, I don\u2019t know what drove this man to do what…he did.\u00a0 But he will have won two times over if you do this.\u201d<\/p>\n

The black-haired man blinked.\u00a0 He met his father\u2019s even stare and then looked down.\u00a0 \u201cIt was…me, Pa. \u00a0I\u2019m what drove him to it.\u00a0 I let his….\u201d\u00a0 He drew in a shuddering breath.\u00a0 \u201cI killed his little brother that day at the mine.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHis little brother?\u201d\u00a0 His father pivoted and then gasped.\u00a0 \u201cLevings?\u00a0 No!\u201d<\/p>\n

His eyes were clouded with tears. \u00a0Adam swept them away with a filthy sleeve so he could look.\u00a0 It took a moment for his mind to accept what it was seeing.<\/p>\n

Levings McNaughton was walking straight into the fire.<\/p>\n

His father started for him.\u00a0 That was Pa all over. The man had just killed his baby and he was going to risk his own life to save him.\u00a0 Adam looked at the gun and then dropped it.\u00a0 A second later he was running.\u00a0 His father was going to hate him, he knew it.\u00a0 He did it anyhow. \u00a0He tackled his pa and took him to the ground with him.<\/p>\n

By the time they looked up, Levings was immersed in flame.<\/p>\n

For several minutes, the two of them just sat there, numb beyond shock and belief.\u00a0 Before them the funeral pyre\u2019s flames licked high into the night sky, sending his irascible, irritating, devil-may-care brother off like the hero he was.\u00a0 Neither of them stirred until they heard the sound of horse\u2019s hooves striking the desert floor.<\/p>\n

\u201cThat will be Paul,\u201d his father said.\u00a0 \u201cI don\u2019t know…how I\u2019m going to tell him.\u00a0 Paul loves that…boy….\u201d<\/p>\n

Pa\u2019s words were soft as the cool breeze that had resurfaced.\u00a0 He watched as his father turned and looked at the ruins.<\/p>\n

Then, he shattered.<\/p>\n

When Paul came on them several minutes later they were holding onto each other and sobbing.<\/p>\n

\u201cBen, I came on Hoss in the desert.\u00a0 He sent word that he\u2019s all right and will be waiting.\u201d\u00a0 The older man lost his voice when he saw them; saw the fire.\u00a0 \u201cDear Lord!\u201d he cried out, finding it at last.\u00a0 \u201cWhat happened here?\u00a0 Where\u2019s Little Joe?\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam caught the doctor\u2019s eye and shook his head.<\/p>\n

\u201cJoe…Joe didn\u2019t make it out.\u201d<\/p>\n

Paul, of course, had brought Joe into the world.\u00a0 He had a lot invested in that boy.\u00a0 He loved him.\u00a0 Plain and simple.\u00a0 For a moment the physician was too stunned to say anything.\u00a0 Finally, he managed to cough up, \u201cAre you sure?\u201d<\/p>\n

His father\u2019s hand braced him as he instead replied.\u00a0 \u201cA man \u2013 he worked for us \u2013 he took Little Joe.\u00a0 Joseph was…in the shack.\u201d<\/p>\n

Paul\u2019s gaze went to the ruin.\u00a0 He shook his head slowly.\u00a0 Then, after touching Pa\u2019s shoulder, he walked toward the haphazard collection of blackened beams as if mesmerized.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat….\u201d\u00a0 His father drew in a gulp of air.\u00a0 \u201cHow…how can we go on?\u00a0 Your brother \u2013\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cBen!\u201d<\/p>\n

It was Paul.\u00a0 Both he and his father turned toward the shack, but it seemed the older man had disappeared. \u00a0Then he found him.\u00a0 Paul was crouching near the remnants of a small tool shed that had been blackened on the side facing the fire.\u00a0 He was absurdly riffling through a stack of debris.<\/p>\n

When they didn\u2019t move, Paul looked right at them.\u00a0 \u201cBen, get over here!\u00a0 It\u2019s Little Joe!\u201d<\/p>\n

One of his favorite writers had once said, \u2018Hope is the thing with feathers that perches in the soul and sings the tunes without words and never stops at all.\u2019<\/em><\/p>\n

Pa\u2019s fingers gripped his shoulder.\u00a0 He felt it to.<\/p>\n

Hope.<\/p>\n

Still, Paul hadn\u2019t said whether Joe was alive.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Shaky feet took Ben to his old friend\u2019s side.\u00a0 The light was rising. The new day was at hand.\u00a0 Still, the sun\u2019s beams did little to illuminate the patch of sandy ground his youngest son occupied.\u00a0 Paul was in the way.\u00a0 His old friend\u2019s shadow all but swallowed Joe.\u00a0 All that was visible of his boy was one pale arm thrust out to the side.\u00a0 The rancher\u2019s gaze fixed on it for a moment, noticing the chafed wrists; the red rings written in his baby\u2019s blood.\u00a0 He\u2019d been brave before.\u00a0 He\u2019d had to stop Adam from making a mistake that would ruin his life.\u00a0 Even as he feared he\u2019d lost his youngest, he\u2019d continued to fight to save his older brother.<\/p>\n

The fight was out of him now.<\/p>\n

Falling to his knees, Ben reached out to touch the boy\u2019s pallid arm.\u00a0 It was bloodied and slightly singed.\u00a0 Ash and soot covered it more than the tattered cloth that remained.\u00a0 Paul was saying something to Little Joe.\u00a0 He couldn\u2019t hear it.\u00a0 All he could hear was the blood rushing through his veins; the pounding of fear in his heart.\u00a0 Joseph hadn\u2019t moved.\u00a0 Joseph, his blithe, beautiful boy, bouncing boy hadn\u2019t moved at all.\u00a0 Joseph was….<\/p>\n

\u201cHe\u2019s alive, Ben. \u00a0Do you hear me!\u201d<\/p>\n

Paul\u2019s shout awakened him like a prince\u2019s kiss.\u00a0 \u201cAlive…?\u201d<\/p>\n

Someone was beside him.\u00a0 A hand clasped his shoulder.\u00a0 Then he heard Adam speak.\u00a0 One word. One word with a thousand questions in it.<\/p>\n

\u201cPaul?\u201d<\/p>\n

The physician straightened up and shook his head.\u00a0 \u201cI don\u2019t know how he did it, but he did it, Ben.\u00a0 Little Joe\u2019s escaped being burnt for the most part…\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam voiced the question before he could.\u00a0 \u201cBut?\u201d<\/p>\n

Paul sighed.\u00a0 \u201cBut, he\u2019s one sick boy.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben couldn\u2019t tear his eyes off his son.\u00a0 It felt ridiculous to ask, after all Joe was his<\/em> boy, but he did.\u00a0 \u201cIs it all right if I…hold him?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cGently, old friend.\u201d\u00a0 Paul said as he moved to help him, carefully lifting Joe so he could slip in under him.\u00a0 Then the physician rose and turned to Adam.\u00a0 \u201cLet\u2019s you and me see if we can find somewhere clean and safe to take your brother.\u00a0 Little Joe\u2019s in need of care and I don\u2019t want to do it out here and risk the chance of further infection.\u201d<\/p>\n

It took Adam a moment.\u00a0 His oldest looked up at Paul and then at his brother.\u00a0 Leaning in, Adam drew close.\u00a0 As tears slipped from his hazel eyes, he caught his brother\u2019s hand and squeezed it.\u00a0 Then he rose to his feet and followed Paul.<\/p>\n

Joe never moved.<\/p>\n

As he sat there, holding Little Joe and waiting for Paul\u2019s return, Ben noticed his son\u2019s hands.\u00a0 He reached down and caught hold of the left one and sucked in air when he saw how the skin was torn and bleeding, both on the top and bottom.\u00a0 Joseph\u2019s nails were broken; blood and dirt were caked beneath them.\u00a0 It looked like the boy had clawed his way out.\u00a0 At that thought, the older man\u2019s gaze returned to the burnt-out shack.\u00a0 No doubt its boards had become brittle with age.<\/p>\n

Thank God!<\/p>\n

Ben shivered as he imagined his young son trapped in the shack, desperately seeking a way out.\u00a0 From what Adam told him, Levings had set the shack ablaze from the front, lighting a trail of oil that led to the porch, which he must have soaked thoroughly beforehand.\u00a0 Joe would have been forced back by the flames and billowing smoke.\u00a0 He\u2019d taught his boys to keep close to the ground.\u00a0 He could see Joseph dropping to all fours, crawling along the floor, seeking a loose board in the wall.<\/p>\n

The image took his breath away.<\/p>\n

It returned when he felt the tentative touch of fingers on his chin.<\/p>\n

\u201c…Pa….\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben caught his young son\u2019s fingers in his own.\u00a0 They were cold and Joseph was shivering.\u00a0 Drawing him closer, he opened the sides of his jacket, using it both to warm and shield the boy from the rising sun.\u00a0 It pained him to look at him.\u00a0 Beyond the ash and soot, past the crimson cheeks and neck that looked like the boy had been left to bake in the sun, Joe\u2019s face was swollen. It was a struggle just to open his eyes.<\/p>\n

\u201cShh.\u00a0 Joseph, don\u2019t fight it.\u00a0 I\u2019m here now.\u00a0 You\u2019re safe and you need rest.\u201d<\/p>\n

Little Joe scowled.\u00a0 He shifted, almost as if he would get up. \u00a0\u201cAdam…have to help…Adam.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAdam\u2019s fine, son,\u00a0 He\u2019s okay.\u00a0 You\u2019re the one we need to \u2013 \u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo!\u201d\u00a0 His son\u2019s voice was weak but insistent.\u00a0 \u201cGonna…hurt him….\u201d<\/p>\n

He\u2019d opened his mouth to say something more, but closed it as a shadow eclipsed them both.\u00a0 A second later Adam knelt before them.\u00a0 He reached out to place a hand on his brother\u2019s curly head.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m here, Joe.\u00a0 I\u2019m all right.\u00a0 You worry about yourself.\u201d<\/p>\n

It seemed agony, but the boy shifted his head so he could look at his brother.\u00a0 There was a pause and then Little Joe said, \u201cYou look…funny.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam glanced at him and then laughed. \u201cWell, that makes two of us.\u201d<\/p>\n

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

\u201cYes, buddy?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou…didn\u2019t kill…him?\u00a0 Did you?\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe must have seen something before he collapsed.\u00a0 Perhaps his brother pointing the gun at Levings.<\/p>\n

\u201cNo, buddy, I wanted to, but I didn\u2019t.\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe closed his eyes and for a moment.\u00a0 They both thought he had fallen asleep or unconscious.\u00a0 Then his eyes shot open.<\/p>\n

\u201cHoss!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHoss is fine, Joe.\u00a0 Paul checked on him on his way here,\u201d Ben answered.\u00a0 \u201cHe\u2019ll be wanting to see you. \u00a0One of us will ride out to fetch him.\u201d<\/p>\n

The outburst seemed to have tired the boy out.\u00a0 Tears ran down his cheeks, mingling with the ash and soot.<\/p>\n

\u201cBen.\u00a0 We need to get Joe inside.\u00a0 I found a fairly clean sheet and cobbled together a kind of bed,\u201d Paul Martin said as he appeared.\u00a0 \u201cFortunately, I found some medical supplies as well.\u00a0 They\u2019re old, but there\u2019s salve and pain powders. \u00a0Along with what I brought in my bag, they should prove enough to get us through until we can get this young man stabilized and home.\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe had been listening.\u00a0 He rolled his eyes over as a shade of the familiar grin they all knew and loved touched his lips.<\/p>\n

\u201cHey, Doc.\u201d<\/p>\n

Paul crouched beside them.\u00a0 \u201cHey, yourself, young man.\u00a0 Now what do you mean getting me out of my nice comfortable bed to come all the way out here to treat you?\u201d<\/p>\n

The boy was fading.\u00a0 \u201c…day in…\u201d he mumbled.<\/p>\n

He and Paul exchanged a glance.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat was that, Joseph?\u201d he asked his son.<\/p>\n

Little Joe\u2019s hand snaked up toward his chin, gripping his shirt collar and holding onto it for all he was worth\u00a0 \u201c…told Doc…last time I…saw him…it\u2019d be a cold day in Hell before he…worked me over again….\u201d<\/p>\n

Leave it to Little Joe to have the last word.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Epilogue<\/p>\n

Ben sat watching his sons, an amused look hidden behind the hand he leaned against his chin.\u00a0 Today was the first day Paul had let Little Joe out of his bed and you would have thought the boy was a prince come to call. \u00a0Hoss had carried Joe downstairs.\u00a0 In spite of his protests, the boy was still too weak to take them on his own.\u00a0 Adam had been waiting with a blanket that he tucked around his brother with military precision, making sure there was no opening for the cold air to work its way into.\u00a0 Summer was gone at last with its scathing heat and hot, arid winds.\u00a0 It was October now and, though the changing leaves with their fiery oranges and golds were a painful reminder of what had almost happened, he welcomed them.\u00a0 Little Joe would soon turn fifteen.<\/p>\n

Little Joe was still with them.<\/p>\n

It had been a hard ride for the boy.\u00a0 Infection had proven inevitable.\u00a0 Joe had struggled with not one but two<\/em> strong fevers that seemed bound and determined to take him where Levings McNaughton had intended.\u00a0 But Joseph was tough as the land that birthed him.\u00a0 He had been a fighter from the very beginning and he fought this as well, overcoming not only the infections that came from getting dirt and sand into his wounds, but the one that had come as a result of the spider bite.\u00a0 It was a funny thing, spider bites.\u00a0 He, Hoss, and Adam had had plenty of them, and with little ill effect.\u00a0 But Joseph was like his dear, beautiful, mother.\u00a0 Marie had reminded him of a piece of fine porcelain.\u00a0 She\u2019d been put through the fire \u2013 at temperatures that would have destroyed many a man or woman \u2013 and had emerged a strong and capable woman.\u00a0 But porcelain had another property.\u00a0 Strike it too hard and it shattered.<\/p>\n

He\u2019d have to watch out for Joseph \u2013 without the boy knowing he was doing it, of course.\u00a0 Joe was like his mother in another way.<\/p>\n

His temper was just about as hot as the fire in that kiln!<\/p>\n

Shifting forward, the rancher closed the newspaper he\u2019d been reading and laid it on the table before the fire.\u00a0 As he made to get up, Adam raised a finger to his lips and inclined his head toward his brother.\u00a0 Little Joe was sound asleep.<\/p>\n

Good.\u00a0 The boy needed that.\u00a0 He needed to heal.<\/p>\n

Glancing around, he looked for Hoss, but failed to find him.\u00a0 Adam seemed to sense what he was about and said, \u201cI think he went to the barn.\u201d<\/p>\n

They exchanged looks.\u00a0 No words were needed.<\/p>\n

Hoss was spending an inordinate amount of time in the barn.<\/p>\n

Joseph was well on the way to being healed.\u00a0 His giant of a brother was still in pain. Over the last few days it hadn\u2019t been Little Joe who had awakened them with nightmares, but his twenty-one-year old brother.\u00a0 Hoss could not escape what he had not witnessed with his own eyes.\u00a0 For him, Little Joe was still in that shack, being burnt alive.<\/p>\n

\u201cDo you want me to talk to him, Pa?\u201d Adam asked softly as he came to his side.<\/p>\n

\u201cNo, I\u2019ll \u2013\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cMistah Adam, Mistah Ben stay put.\u00a0 Hop Sing go talk to number two son.\u00a0 Sometimes father, brother, too close.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben noted Adam\u2019s look.<\/p>\n

Somehow he had a feeling number one son had already had<\/em> his talking to.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cMistah Hoss need not let yesterday use too much of today.\u00a0 You wallow like pig, you end up dirty.\u201d<\/p>\n

Hoss turned sharply, nearly tossin\u2019 the brush he\u2019d been curryin\u2019 Cadfan\u2019s coat with.\u00a0 He blew out a slow breath to steady himself.\u00a0 \u201cHop Sing, you oughta know better than to sneak up on a man like that!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHop Sing no sneak!\u201d the man from China replied indignantly.\u00a0 \u201cHe open door and walk in.\u00a0 It number two son who not in room.\u00a0 He let birds of sadness make nest in his hair.\u201d<\/p>\n

The big man went back to curryin\u2019 the horse.\u00a0 It was somethin\u2019 he could do for Joe.\u00a0 He felt like he\u2019d danged failed his little brother in just about everythin\u2019 else!<\/p>\n

\u201cAin\u2019t you got somethin\u2019 to cook?\u201d he snarled.<\/p>\n

\u201cWorking on recipe right now,\u201d Hop Sing replied.\u00a0 \u201cNeed three ingredients.\u00a0 Only have two.\u00a0 One refuse to be with others.\u201d<\/p>\n

Hoss scowled.\u00a0 \u201cI ain\u2019t refusin\u2019 to be with my brothers.\u00a0 I\u2019m just…busy.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cMistah Hoss been busy every day, every night since Little Joe\u2019s fever break.\u00a0 Boy ask for him and he not there.\u00a0 Birds of sadness nest in Little Joe\u2019s curls as well.\u201d<\/p>\n

Hoss looked at the little man over his shoulder.\u00a0 \u201cPa said Joe\u2019s gettin\u2019 along fine.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cBrother\u2019s body heels.\u00a0 But here,\u201d he touched his heart, \u2018he sick.\u201d<\/p>\n

He turned toward the other man.\u00a0 Had their Pa not told him the truth?\u00a0 \u201cHow is Joe sick?\u00a0 You tell me!\u201d<\/p>\n

The man from China walked to the end of the stall.\u00a0 They had a rogue hen who liked to lay her eggs in the corner of Chubby\u2019s. \u00a0Hop Sing picked one out of the nest.\u00a0 Crossing back to his side, he held it out to him.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat\u2019s that got to do with Joe?\u201d he asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cEgg have three parts.\u00a0 Hard outer shell to protect.\u00a0 Yolk for strength.\u00a0 White holds both together.\u201d<\/p>\n

He caught himself before he could scratch his head.\u00a0 \u201cSo?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cLike brothers.\u00a0 Mistah Adam strong.\u00a0 He protect younger brothers.\u00a0 Little Joe, he full of life; nourishes us all.\u00a0 And Mistah Hoss,\u201d Hop Sing paused. \u00a0\u201cMistah Hoss hold all Cartwrights together.\u201d Without warning, the little man turned his hand over and dropped the egg.\u00a0 The shell shattered on the barn floor and the white and yolk separated.\u00a0 Their cook waited until he met his gaze and then, without a word, turned and left the barn.<\/p>\n

Hoss stared after him a moment and then he snorted.<\/p>\n

Point taken.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

It was a warm summer\u2019s day, not hot, but warm enough for swimmin\u2019 and maybe a little spoonin\u2019.\u00a0 Joe was sittin\u2019 under a willow tree with his best girl.\u00a0 The long trails of leaves dangling down from the bows pretty much hid them from view.\u00a0 Her name was Kathy and she\u2019d come to Miss Jones\u2019 school late in the year.\u00a0 Sittin\u2019 and watchin\u2019 her toss her red hair was about the only thing that held his attention.\u00a0 He\u2019d told her once that she\u2019d saved him a trip to the woodshed more than once \u2018cause Miss Jones thought he was lookin\u2019 at and listenin\u2019 to her.<\/p>\n

Kathy sat in front of him.<\/p>\n

He was leanin\u2019 back against the willow\u2019s trunk, as pleased as a little heifer with a new fence post.\u00a0 Kathy shifted.\u00a0 She whispered something in his ear and then went to do what nature called her to do.\u00a0 He would never think of followin\u2019 her, though he was mighty curious what girls had under all them petticoats of theirs.\u00a0 Of course, Pa would skin him alive if he did anything \u2018ungentlemanly\u2019.<\/p>\n

Joe lay there for a few minutes, lazily dreamin\u2019 about what life might be with Kathy at his side for all of it.\u00a0 Then, suddenly, he realized too much time had passed.\u00a0 He stood up, dusted off his dungarees, and ducked under the bower of leaves.\u00a0 Standing with his hands on his hips, he turned in a tight circle.\u00a0 Now just where would a girl go to do her business?\u00a0 Somewhere private.\u00a0 Out of sight.<\/p>\n

Maybe like behind that clump of rocks and trees about a hundred feet away?<\/p>\n

Walking slowly, Joe whistled as he approached, hoping to warn her.\u00a0 As he drew near, he thought he heard her call his name.\u00a0 Then, there was nothing \u2013 nothing but the sound of shoes scufflin\u2019 on the ground and one little whimper that let him know there was trouble.<\/p>\n

Pa didn\u2019t let him carry a sidearm, but he had a rifle.\u00a0 It was back in the buggy he\u2019d used to bring Kathy out to the lake.\u00a0 As he turned, ready to run for it, something made him stop.\u00a0 Whirling, Joe saw two figures emerge from behind the boulders and trees.\u00a0 One was Kathy. \u00a0The other was a giant of a man with short-cropped pale hair, near-white eyebrows, and blue eyes cold as a witch\u2019s caress.\u00a0 The sight made his blood curdle.\u00a0 Something, Joe didn\u2019t know what, happened and suddenly he couldn\u2019t breath.\u00a0 He couldn\u2019t see either. \u00a0It was like someone had tied a thick wet bandana around his head, cuttin\u2019 off his sight.\u00a0 Then he felt hands \u2013 they weren\u2019t Kathy\u2019s \u2013 take hold of his hands and feet and start to bind them, pulling the ragged strips so tight it cut off any feeling, any hope \u2013<\/p>\n

Any life.<\/p>\n

Joe sat straight up and let out a scream loud enough to wake the dead.<\/p>\n

Instantly, a pair of strong hands caught him.\u00a0 As one hand held him tightly, the other wrapped protectively around his chest.<\/p>\n

\u201cHush, Little Joe. \u00a0You\u2019re fine.\u00a0 No one can hurt you, boy.\u00a0 No one ever will again.\u201d<\/p>\n

He\u2019d expected his father.\u00a0 Unbelievably, it was Hoss.<\/p>\n

Hoss whom he hadn\u2019t seen for more than a few hours in the week since he\u2019d started to get well.<\/p>\n

Rearing back on the settee, Joe looked at his brother, only half-believing he was there.\u00a0 He reached up a hand and touched the beefy face.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019re…real.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAbout as real as they come, little brother.\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe sank back into his brother\u2019s strength.\u00a0 \u201cWhere\u2019ve you been?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOh, I been busy.\u201d\u00a0 Joe watched a parade of emotions pass on his brother\u2019s face.\u00a0 \u201cNo.\u00a0 I ain\u2019t gonna lie.\u00a0 I have<\/em> been avoidin\u2019 you, boy.\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe sucked in air.\u00a0 He knew it!\u00a0 Hoss was mad at him for gettin\u2019 spider bit and sick.\u00a0 \u201cHoss, I\u2019m sorry.\u00a0 I shouldn\u2019t have \u2013\u201d<\/p>\n

Big brother was shaking his head.\u00a0 \u201cIt\u2019s me who\u2019s sorry, Joe.\u00a0 I….\u201d\u00a0 He paused to clear his throat of the emotion that choked it.\u00a0 \u201cI nearly got you killed out there.\u201d<\/p>\n

The curly-headed youth scowled.\u00a0 \u201cYou?\u00a0 Get me<\/em> killed?\u00a0 I\u2019m the dumb one who went and sat on a spider!\u201d<\/p>\n

Hoss released his brother, careful to make sure he was propped on the arm of the settee where he\u2019d been sleepin\u2019 before lettin\u2019 go.\u00a0 \u201cI never should have taken you out into the desert, Little Joe.\u201d\u00a0 Pa had done let him know what he thought about that particular choice.\u00a0 \u201cIt\u2019s too dangerous.\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe\u2019s lips twitched.\u00a0 \u201cAnd I suppose workin\u2019 with horses and ridin\u2019 drag in a cattle drive is safe as escortin\u2019 Miss Jones to a cotillion?\u201d<\/p>\n

Hoss chuckled but sobered quick enough.\u00a0 \u201cI should of brought you home and then gone after Adam.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI would have followed you.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNot if I turned you over to Pa.\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe was shaking his head.\u00a0 \u201cStill would have.\u00a0 Pa has to sleep sometime.\u201d\u00a0 He shifted his body carefully and leaned forward to place a hand on his brother\u2019s arm.\u00a0 \u201cLook, Adam needed us.\u00a0 In the end it was him Levings McNaughton wanted to hurt, not me.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo.\u00a0 He just wanted to kill<\/em> you,\u201d Hoss said softly.<\/p>\n

\u201cYeah, well, he didn\u2019t,\u201d he said as his eyes began to close and he slid down toward the pillow. \u00a0Just before sleep claimed him, Joe realized his brother hadn\u2019t replied.\u00a0 Opening one eye he looked.\u00a0 Yep, Hoss was still there, staring at him.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat else do you want, you big galoot?\u201d Joe asked, his own voice breathy with fatigue.\u00a0 His lungs were better, but they still weren\u2019t clear.\u00a0 \u201cI need my beauty sleep.\u201d<\/p>\n

Hoss remained silent a moment. Then he grinned.\u00a0 \u201cWell, we can\u2019t go disturbin\u2019 that, now can we?\u00a0 I mean, it\u2019s the ugly ones who need it the most.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHey!\u201d Joe protested, coming awake.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat\u2019s the matter, sleeping beauty, can\u2019t take the truth?\u201d Adam asked with a wry grin as he descended the stair with their father at his heels.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt ain\u2019t fair, Pa!\u00a0 They\u2019re gangin\u2019 up on me!\u201d Joe whined.<\/p>\n

\u201c \u2018Isn\u2019t\u2019, Joseph,\u201d their father sighed as he moved toward the settee.\u00a0 \u201cI won\u2019t have the people of Eagle Station thinking my boys were raised in a barn.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cBut we were, Pa,\u201d Hoss protested.\u00a0 \u201cAt least, a good part of the time.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou two may have been.\u00a0 I, for one, was reared in the elegance and refinery of Marie\u2019s sterling silver and china palace.\u201d<\/p>\n

The mention of his mother made Joe frown.<\/p>\n

Adam saw it.\u00a0 \u201cSorry, little brother, I didn\u2019t mean to \u2013\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s okay, Adam,\u201d he said, meaning it.\u00a0 \u201cIf I don\u2019t talk about her, well, it\u2019s like mama never existed.\u201d<\/p>\n

His father sat down on the table beside him and reached out a hand \u2013 first to check his temperature, and second, to ruffle his curls.\u00a0 \u201cThere will never be any doubt that your mother existed, Joseph.\u00a0 She\u2019s here with me every day in you.\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe nodded but remained sober.\u00a0 \u201cPa, I…well…I kind of feel sorry for Mr. McNaughton.\u201d<\/p>\n

There was a collective gasp.\u00a0 \u201cHow, Joseph?\u00a0 After what that man tried to do to you.\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe looked at his family surrounding him. \u00a0He knew they loved him and would do anything for him.\u00a0 He couldn\u2019t imagine life without his brothers.<\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t know.\u00a0 I guess \u2018cause he lost his little brother.\u00a0 I don\u2019t know what I\u2019d do if I lost one of mine.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, I know what you would not<\/em> do.\u00a0 You most certainly would not kidnap a young boy and hold him hostage against the man who had hurt your brother, or threaten to kill him.\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe\u2019s lips were pursed.\u00a0 He nodded, but deep down inside he wondered what would happen when that day came \u2013 when it was him<\/em> who had to defend Adam or Hoss instead of the other way around, even if it meant taking a life.<\/p>\n

\u201cJoseph?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYes, sir.\u00a0 I mean, no, sir.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThankfully this time none of us had to make that choice, between defending our own and the law.\u00a0 Levings McNaughton died by his own hand and God will be his judge.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cMistah Cartwright, numbers one, two, and three sons, come to table.\u00a0 Supper ready.\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe blinked.\u00a0 He wanted to eat with his family \u2013 it had been about a week since he had \u2013 but he was awful tired.<\/p>\n

\u201cI think I\u2019ll just stay here, Pa,\u201d he said, his voice soft.<\/p>\n

A glance, unseen by Joe, passed between the older men in the room.\u00a0 A moment later his father turned toward the dining room and called out, \u201cHop Sing, I think in honor of Joe\u2019s first night downstairs, we\u2019ll eat in the great room.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYes, sir, Mistah Cartwright.\u00a0 I bring plates to you.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThank you, Hop Sing.\u201d<\/p>\n

Though he was tired, Joe inched up a bit and looked at their cook.\u00a0 \u201cHey, Hop Sing!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYes, Little Joe?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat\u2019d you fix?\u201d<\/p>\n

The man from China answered him, but was looking from Adam to Hoss.<\/p>\n

\u201cEggs and humble pie.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Tags:\u00a0 Adam Cartwright,\u00a0Ben Cartwright,\u00a0desert,\u00a0ESA,\u00a0ESH,\u00a0Grief,\u00a0Hoss Cartwright,\u00a0Joe \/ Little Joe Cartwright,\u00a0JPM,\u00a0kidnap<\/p>\n

<\/div>\n

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

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

Summary: Twenty-one year old Hoss Cartwright has a problem. Older brother Adam just took off into the desert without a word and Little Joe wants to follow him. Pa will have his hide, he knows. But it’s awful hard to say ‘no’ to Little Joe…<\/p>\n

Rated PG<\/p>\n

Word count 21,317<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":10058,"featured_media":30506,"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":[2,23,30,40],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-18283","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-actionadventure","category-drama","category-prequels","category-challenges","wpcat-2-id","wpcat-23-id","wpcat-30-id","wpcat-40-id"],"a3_pvc":{"activated":true,"total_views":4637,"today_views":0},"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/09\/Little-Bigger-Little-Joe-scaled.jpg?fit=1947%2C2560&ssl=1","jetpack_likes_enabled":true,"jetpack-related-posts":[{"id":15348,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=15348","url_meta":{"origin":18283,"position":0},"title":"Joe Cartwright – Magician! (by Questfan)","author":"Questfan","date":"October 26, 2017","format":false,"excerpt":"SUMMARY: A Bonanza story celebrating that fun side of Michael in his role as Joe Cartwright. Make it scary, funny, or dramatic . . . or all three! Rating: K Word Count: 660","rel":"","context":"In "Humor"","block_context":{"text":"Humor","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?cat=4"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/1C673A90-35E7-41AC-8BB3-F8707550AF36.jpeg?fit=700%2C525&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/1C673A90-35E7-41AC-8BB3-F8707550AF36.jpeg?fit=700%2C525&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/1C673A90-35E7-41AC-8BB3-F8707550AF36.jpeg?fit=700%2C525&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/1C673A90-35E7-41AC-8BB3-F8707550AF36.jpeg?fit=700%2C525&ssl=1&resize=700%2C400 2x"},"classes":[]},{"id":2981,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=2981","url_meta":{"origin":18283,"position":1},"title":"Brothers and Mud (by frasrgrl)","author":"frasrgrl","date":"April 24, 2013","format":false,"excerpt":"Summary:\u00a0 \u00a0This is my entry for April's 2013 Chaps & Spurs\/Pinecone Trifecta.A WHIB for Springtime. Have you ever wondered what happened between the brothers making a \"Joe sandwich\" and the mud fight? Well, here's my answer to it. Word Count: 708\u00a0\u00a0Rated: K","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\/springtime6.jpg?fit=768%2C576&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/04\/springtime6.jpg?fit=768%2C576&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/04\/springtime6.jpg?fit=768%2C576&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/04\/springtime6.jpg?fit=768%2C576&ssl=1&resize=700%2C400 2x"},"classes":[]},{"id":14401,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=14401","url_meta":{"origin":18283,"position":2},"title":"Surprise! (by AC1830)","author":"AC1830","date":"June 18, 2017","format":false,"excerpt":"Summary: \u00a0Young Hoss and Joe have decided that Ben deserves a day off so they plan a special day with him, but Ben soon discovers it's more special than anyone anticipated. Rating K \u00a0Word Count 678","rel":"","context":"In "Prequel"","block_context":{"text":"Prequel","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?cat=30"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/06\/Pondarosa-House-3.jpg?fit=564%2C401&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/06\/Pondarosa-House-3.jpg?fit=564%2C401&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/06\/Pondarosa-House-3.jpg?fit=564%2C401&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x"},"classes":[]},{"id":10417,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=10417","url_meta":{"origin":18283,"position":3},"title":"The Contest (by bahj)","author":"bahj","date":"January 7, 2012","format":false,"excerpt":"Summary: Hoss finds out you can be a winner in more ways than one. Rated: Family Friendly \/ Word count: 1085","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\/12\/serious-Hoss.jpg?fit=269%2C298&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200},"classes":[]},{"id":9477,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=9477","url_meta":{"origin":18283,"position":4},"title":"He Would Have (by DJK)","author":"DJK","date":"July 27, 2014","format":false,"excerpt":"Summary:\u00a0 A short WHN for Hoss's loss of\u00a0Margie.\u00a0\u00a0 Rating: K+\u00a0 Word Count: 694","rel":"","context":"In "Brothers"","block_context":{"text":"Brothers","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?cat=1009"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/10\/The-Tall-Stranger.jpg?fit=768%2C576&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/10\/The-Tall-Stranger.jpg?fit=768%2C576&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/10\/The-Tall-Stranger.jpg?fit=768%2C576&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/10\/The-Tall-Stranger.jpg?fit=768%2C576&ssl=1&resize=700%2C400 2x"},"classes":[]},{"id":2926,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=2926","url_meta":{"origin":18283,"position":5},"title":"Not A Normal Day (by frasrgrl)","author":"frasrgrl","date":"August 24, 2013","format":false,"excerpt":"Summary:\u00a0 \u00a0Not a typical day on the Ponderosa.\u00a0 Word Count: \u00a01,795\u00a0 \u00a0Rated: K","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\/04\/normal_pm_79.jpg?fit=400%2C271&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200},"classes":[]}],"jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/18283","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\/10058"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=18283"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/18283\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/30506"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=18283"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=18283"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=18283"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}