{"id":19288,"date":"2019-01-02T22:07:21","date_gmt":"2019-01-03T03:07:21","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=19288"},"modified":"2025-09-25T15:39:45","modified_gmt":"2025-09-25T19:39:45","slug":"when-the-hate-is-gone-by-ac1830","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=19288","title":{"rendered":"When the Hate is Gone (by AC1830)"},"content":{"rendered":"

Summary – Written for the 2018 Bonano Challenge on Bonanza Brand. A Missing scene for The Stranger – When Ben rides off with Charles Leduque, heading to New Orleans, how do his sons react after being told not to follow or rescue their father? \u00a0They are Cartwrights after all.<\/span><\/p>\n

Rating = K+, Word count = 5306<\/p>\n

When the Hate is Gone<\/b><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

Little Joe Cartwright paced around the confines of his cell. \u00a0What a nightmare the last few days had been. A stranger from New Orleans shows up in Virginia City and all their lives get turned upside down. \u00a0His Pa was getting ready to run for Governor as soon as Nevada Territory became a state, but then he backed out because that stranger, a Police Inspector from New Orleans, brought a warrant for Pa\u2019s arrest for a twenty-year-old murder charge. \u00a0Joe sat for a moment on the cot to think about that and ran his hands through his wavy hair. To make matters worse, the Inspector, Charles Leduque, claimed parts of the story also involved Joe\u2019s mother, and that\u2019s why Little Joe was sitting in jail now. He had gone to get Leduque to back down on his charges against his pa and innuendos against his mother. When Joe grabbed Leduque\u2019s shirt, the Inspector\u2019s deputy pulled a gun, making Joe shoot him in self-defense, only Leduque claimed Joe murdered the man. <\/span><\/p>\n

When Pa came to see Joe in the cell, he said Leduque had agreed to drop the charges. Joe\u2019s insides had gone cold when Pa explained why, that he was returning to New Orleans with Leduque. Pa had that look that brooked no argument but what could Little Joe do anyway trapped as he was on the other side of the bars. He helplessly watched as his father spoke in a strained whisper to the Sheriff before leaving the office. Since that visit there had been other sounds in the office area so he froze and listened, frustrated that the door was closed. \u00a0\u00a0He thought he heard Adam\u2019s voice, rushed and worried. But no one came to see him. At the very least he wished Sheriff Brady would come in and tell him what\u2019s going on. Worry filled his thoughts as he imagined all the horrible things Charles Leduque could do to his father. The man was a liar and despicable beyond measure and the thought that he wanted to arrest his father for murder made Joe\u2019s blood boil. <\/span><\/p>\n

Joe grabbed the cell bars and glared at the closed door, willing it to open. Pa told him Leduque would come and tell the truth, the truth that Joe shot the deputy in self-defense. \u00a0That was quite a while ago, just before Pa said he was returning to New Orleans with Leduque. Now Joe was willing the Sheriff, or anyone, to come in and set him free. When that happened he\u2019d be on his horse so fast even his brothers couldn\u2019t catch him. \u00a0His only goal was to save his father and see that Leduque got what he deserved. Joe rattle the cell door in frustration…would someone ever come and let him out?<\/span><\/p>\n

On the boardwalk outside the jail, Ben reminded Adam and Hoss not to follow him or try to rescue him, then told them he\u2019d be home soon enough. \u00a0When Ben handed his gun belt to Adam, that\u2019s when Adam knew he had to do something to help his father. As his father and the Inspector left town, Adam pushed away from the post he\u2019d been leaning against and wandered into the street, staring after them until they disappeared around a corner. \u00a0Hoss joined him and waited. Adam straightened his muscular frame, looked Hoss in the eye then made tracks back to the jail. <\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWait here Hoss. I\u2019ll just be a minute.\u201d \u00a0Adam disappeared inside, and almost immediately returned, without their little brother. \u00a0He faced in the direction of a saloon and stepped off the boardwalk. Hoss jogged a bit to catch up with his brother\u2019s determined strides. \u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAdam, why didn\u2019t you get Joe out? Pa said he could be released. \u00a0Why are we goin\u2019 to the saloon?\u201d <\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNot now Hoss,\u201d came the terse reply through tightened lips.<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam pushed through the swing doors, picked up a couple of beers and headed to a lone table in the back of the saloon. \u00a0He sat with his back to the wall and Hoss did the same. That way they could make sure no one could wander over and overhear their conversation. <\/span><\/p>\n

After a few sips of beer, Hoss put his mug down, impatient to hear his brother\u2019s thoughts. \u201cYa know Adam, despite the heat outside I\u2019m feeling mighty cold in here. \u00a0You ain\u2019t thinkin\u2019 of goin\u2019 after Pa are ya after what he said?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam sipped his beer a bit longer before finally shifting his distant gaze to his brother. \u201cSorry brother.\u201d Adam shifted in his chair to lean on the table, still gripping his mug. \u00a0\u201cIt\u2019s not just the air that feels frosty, my gut\u2019s making me feel down right frigid. I don\u2019t trust Leduque any more than you or Joe do. I\u2019m trying to figure out a way to rescue Pa without him knowing we\u2019re involved.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYeah, I know what ya mean. \u00a0My scalp\u2019s been itching somethin\u2019 fierce since Pa left.\u201d Hoss absentmindedly reached up to scratch his head under his hat. \u201cYou got a plan?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI think so but I need to think it through some more. And before you ask again, I asked the Sheriff to hold Joe a bit longer. I want to have everything in place before he\u2019s released.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cReckon that\u2019s best. Once Little Joe gets his gun belt back and hits the street, we won\u2019t be able ta catch him.\u201d <\/span><\/p>\n

Adam couldn\u2019t stop the smirk that slid across his face at Hoss\u2019 accurate assessment of their younger brother. Joe had been a time bomb ever since he\u2019d heard Leduque\u2019s story. As Adam settled back in his chair once more and lost himself to his beer and his thoughts, Hoss pulled out a deck of cards to occupy himself. \u00a0An hour later the brothers headed back to the jail to \u201cspring\u201d their youngest brother. <\/span><\/p>\n

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

Sheriff Brady jumped when the door opened admitting the two Cartwright brothers. Little Joe had finally quieted down and Brady settled at his desk to finish some paperwork. He\u2019d been focused on new wanted posters and didn\u2019t hear the heavy footfalls coming up the steps outside the jail. \u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Bending over to grab some leaflets that had drifted to the floor, Brady looked up and frowned at the brothers. \u00a0\u201cYou sure took your time getting back Adam. Little Joe\u2019s been pesterin\u2019 me somethin\u2019 fierce to let him out. I had to close the door to get some peace and that made him madder than a wounded mountain lion. He must have given up about half hour ago.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cSorry for the delay, Sheriff. But we\u2019re here now and we\u2019ll take him off your hands.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Brady grabbed the keys off the hook as he headed for the cell, a bit too enthusiastically, Hoss thought. \u00a0\u201cHey Little Joe, your brothers are here.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe sprang off the cot and toward the cell door in one leap. \u00a0\u201cIt\u2019s about time you two got back. What took so long to get me out?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

As soon as the door was unlocked, Joe pushed through it, rushing for the outer office. \u00a0He impatiently waited for Brady to hand him his pistol rig, then shot out the door without so much as a \u201cthank you\u201d. \u00a0Hoss and Adam exchanged knowing looks, then hastily followed him out, Adam stopping briefly to thank Sheriff Brady for holding his brother for nearly two hours. <\/span><\/p>\n

Outside, Joe was already laying into Hoss. \u201cWhere\u2019s my horse? \u00a0What took you two so darn long to get me out. We\u2019ve got to get going if we\u2019re going to catch up to Pa.\u201d \u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam blocked Joe\u2019s path down the steps. \u00a0\u201cWe\u2019ll go but first we need to talk.\u201d He held up his hand to quiet his brother. \u201cNot here, but once we\u2019re out of town, we\u2019ll stop and I\u2019ll tell you the plan.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe\u2019s fists flew to his hips and his nostrils flared. \u201cWhat plan? \u00a0We need to go now, Adam, so we can still track them!\u201d <\/span><\/p>\n

Hoss grabbed Joe\u2019s arm and brought him around until they were practically nose to nose. \u00a0\u201cLittle brother, you best be quiet and listen to your elders or you\u2019ll find yourself right back there in that jail cell. \u00a0An\u2019 I\u2019ve a feeling the Sheriff won\u2019t be any more happy to see you than you will be ta see him. Now you gonna do it our way or do we take a short walk thataway?\u201d \u00a0Hoss thumbed over his shoulder at the Sheriff\u2019s office behind him. <\/span><\/p>\n

Joe had the good sense to know when he was beat, so he shrugged his arm loose and headed to the livery. \u00a0\u201cFine I\u2019ll do it your way, for now at least.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam shrugged at Hoss. \u201cWell, one battle at a time.\u201d He stepped off the platform and followed Joe toward the livery. \u00a0Hoss brought up the rear. <\/span><\/p>\n

xxXxx<\/span><\/p>\n

Three hours after Ben rode out toward the eastern desert with Charles Leduque, three other horsemen headed in a slightly different direction. After riding for a while they crossed the tracks of three horses heading east. \u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cLet\u2019s go. If we hurry we could catch them by nightfall.\u201d \u00a0Joe reined Cochise in the direction of the tracks.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNo Joe.\u201d \u00a0Adam reached for his brother\u2019s arm to hold him back. <\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhat do ya mean \u2018no\u2019? \u00a0Listen Adam, I\u2019ve had it with you and your plan. \u00a0Pa\u2019s out there with a madman and you keep sayin\u2019 we\u2019re gonna go after him but then we don\u2019t. \u00a0I don\u2019t care anymore what you say. I\u2019m going to go find Pa.\u201d Joe started to kick his horse into a run but hadn\u2019t realized Hoss was now blocking his path. <\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cListen Joe. \u00a0We can\u2019t just go running up on them. \u00a0We know Leduque can\u2019t be trusted to get Pa to New Orleans but we also don\u2019t know what he\u2019s capable of doing to Pa.\u201d \u00a0Adam sighed and looked at the sinking sun. \u201cLook, it\u2019s going to be dark in a few hours. I want us to ride over those hills. \u00a0We\u2019ll parallel Pa and Leduque\u2019s track but keep out of sight. If we don\u2019t catch up to them by nightfall, it should be by the next morning.\u201d <\/span><\/p>\n

Joe wasn\u2019t having any of it. \u00a0\u201cYou\u2019re so damned sure of yourself aren\u2019t you Adam. What are we going to do, shadow them all the way to New Orleans? \u00a0Yeah, that\u2019s real smart.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cJoe\u2026\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNo Hoss. \u00a0I\u2019m done with this. \u00a0While we\u2019re sitting here discussing our plans, Pa\u2019s getting farther away and we\u2019ll lose the tracks soon. \u00a0Outta my way Hoss. You two may want to play it safe but I\u2019m not planning to shadow them and then find my Pa lying on the ground dead cause you two couldn\u2019t get your courage up to rescue Pa straight out.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam and Hoss both grabbed at Cochise\u2019s reins and held him steady. \u00a0\u201cJoe please, there are some things you don\u2019t know that Pa told us while you were locked up. \u00a0Give me time tonight to explain everything, then I\u2019ll agree to let you decide what to do. Fair enough?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe lost his fight when he heard Adam\u2019s words. \u00a0\u201cWhat things, Adam? What\u2019s going on?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cCome on Joe, we gotta get movin\u2019. \u00a0We\u2019ll explain it all tonight when we camp.\u201d \u00a0Hoss tugged on Cochise\u2019s reins to redirect the horse. \u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOkay, okay. \u00a0I can guide my own horse if you don\u2019t mind.\u201d \u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Hoss dropped the lead rein and moved ahead to ride with Adam. \u00a0Together the brothers headed toward the hills, finally making camp a few hours later. \u00a0\u00a0After dinner, Adam and Hoss explained to Joe the deal their Pa had made with Inspector Leduque. \u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cSo you see, Joe, in order to get Leduque to clear you of murder, Pa gave his word that he would return to New Orleans with Leduque, unarmed, alone, and he promised not to escape. That\u2019s why we can\u2019t just chase after them, why Pa told us to not follow him or try to rescue him.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

The only sounds to be heard once Adam stopped speaking were the crackling campfire and an occasional coyote howl. \u00a0Joe fidgeted with his coffee cup as he studied the logs of the fire. His breathing became more rapid and he finally tossed his coffee into the fire and dropped the cup. \u00a0Bolting off the log he headed for Cochise. <\/span><\/p>\n

Hoss started to stand, but Adam stopped him. \u00a0\u201cHe needs to sort through this on his own, just like we had to do. \u00a0We\u2019ll stay close. He\u2019ll come around by morning.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Hoss moved off to get his bedroll ready. \u00a0He dropped down on it, choosing a position that would let him keep an eye on Joe over at the horses. \u00a0Adam checked the fire before stretching out on his own bedroll. Neither brother slept until Joe wandered back to camp. After that the night became still, expect for the occasional nickering of the horses and Hoss\u2019 snores. \u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The next day the brothers rode along through the hills silently, each lost in their thoughts or prayers for their father. \u00a0Each one also kept alert for any sign of their father. <\/span><\/p>\n

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

After a long and uneventful day in the saddle, Adam, Joe and Hoss rode up a hill in search of a place to settle for their second night on the trail. As soon as they crested the hill they saw a band of renegade Indians camped in the hollow below. \u00a0Hoss was the first one to spot the group hidden well under a large copse of trees. The brothers discussed a plan to bypass them but Joe noticed a familiar horse among the others. <\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHoss, Adam! \u00a0Is that Buck over by the stream? Do you think Pa\u2019s down there too? I don\u2019t see him.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll be danged, is sure looks like Pa\u2019s horse. \u00a0Adam, what\u2019re we gonna do? We sure don\u2019t wanna tangle with no band of renegades, but if Pa\u2019s down there….\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam pushed his hat back and studied the situation below them and the sky above them. \u00a0\u201cIt\u2019ll be dark soon. We need to make a temporary camp so we can eat and rest the horses. After dark we\u2019ll ride closer to the renegade camp. Joe and I will sneak in and see if it is Pa\u2019s horse and whether he\u2019s with them.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Hoss wanted to go too but he knew his brothers were better at sneaking about than he was. \u00a0In agreement, the three found a place to make a cold camp until they could take care of the renegades. They didn\u2019t want to take the chance of a campfire alerting the Indians prematurely to their presence. <\/span><\/p>\n

After eating a cold meal and feeding the horses, the brothers packed up the camp. \u00a0They had altered their plan agreeing it would be better for all three to ride closer to the camp. \u00a0That way they could get Buck and the other two horses, and Ben and Leduque if they were being held prisoner, and get away more quickly. <\/span><\/p>\n

While Hoss and Adam packed up, Joe offered to check the horses to make sure they were ready to ride. A split second too late, Adam realized that was a mistake. \u00a0He and Hoss heard the pounding of hooves heading toward the renegade camp. They crouched down on the crest of a hill and could only watch in horror as the Indians discovered their intruder. Joe was yanked off his horse and dragged to the center of camp as Cochise was tied with the rest of the horses. \u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam rolled onto his back and rubbed his face trying to get his breathing under control. \u00a0Hoss settled beside him, resting his large hand on his brother\u2019s shoulder.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI got an idea, Adam, when you\u2019re ready to listen.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

It took a few more minutes for Adam to collect himself and hear Hoss\u2019 plan.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cBefore the sun set I could see a grotto not too far from where they\u2019re keepin\u2019 the horses. \u00a0We could get there and hide our horses. From that point I think we\u2019ll be able to figure a way into the camp to get Joe, an\u2019 if that is Pa\u2019s horse, him and Buck too.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam pursed his lips as he thought about the plan. \u00a0\u201cOkay. I know the area you\u2019re talking about. We\u2019ll try it, but let\u2019s make sure all our guns are fully loaded and ready. \u00a0I\u2019m sure all hell\u2019s going to break loose when we go in to get Joe.\u201d <\/span><\/p>\n

Hoss gave a grim look as he and Adam stood. \u00a0As quiet as a pair of pumas, the brothers made their way over to the grotto and settled in. On the way they had confirmed Buck was there but they saw no evidence that Ben or Leduque were in the camp. They only saw Joe, trussed up tight and lying on his side under a lean-to. The renegades were enjoying their plunder for that day. \u00a0Having found some whiskey in one of the saddle bags, they passed it around. Every so often one of them would swagger over to Joe, kick him or threaten him with a knife while the others laughed. To Adam and Hoss it looked like it would be a while longer before they had the chance to get Joe out.<\/span><\/p>\n

Two hours later snores filled the cool night air, the kind of snores that hinted at alcohol-induced sleep. Adam slipped out of his tan jacket before he and Hoss approached the camp. His all black clothes would allow him to blend with the shadows when he entered the camp to rescue Joe. \u00a0Hoss quickly dispatched the guard and Adam counted only three more in the camp. Hearing odd sounds in the night, Joe shifted his aching body and saw two familiar silhouettes. Adam slipped in and cut the rough hemp ropes around Joe\u2019s wrists and ankles. He mouthed the word \u201cPa\u201d and Joe shook his head. Signaling silence, he motioned for Joe to follow him. <\/span><\/p>\n

Hoss had headed back to Buck and managed to get him saddled by the time Adam and Joe exited the camp. \u00a0He\u2019d hoped to get the other two horses too but one of the Indians had awakened and discovered the prisoner was missing. \u00a0With a loud yell he awoke his companions. <\/span><\/p>\n

Hoss quickly mounted Buck while Adam and Joe ran toward their own horses. \u00a0Swinging into the saddle, Joe leaned over to grab Chubb\u2019s reins and together the three riders and four horses flew across the dark desert. \u00a0They bent low over their mounts hoping to avoid the bullets whizzing by them as the renegades gave chase. When only the pounding of their own horses\u2019 hooves and hard breathing could be heard the brothers slowed their pace. \u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Stopping after a few more miles they listened, and heard only the night sounds of the desert. \u00a0With the light of the moon they found passage up into the hills which would hide their tracks. After another hour they found a cave and settled there for a few hours of sleep. No one spoke but Joe knew he was in big trouble with his brothers. He also knew that survival was paramount and any discussion of what he\u2019d done would be put off until they were safely away from the renegades. Like his brothers he settled down to sleep. \u00a0The next day would arrive soon enough and then they could talk about what happened and adjust their plans. As Joe drifted off to sleep, he prayed his father was safe somewhere. <\/span><\/p>\n

xxXxx<\/span><\/p>\n

The next morning, Joe was the last one to awaken. \u00a0He heard quiet voices outside and could tell his brothers were agitated. \u00a0As he stretched he discovered he hurt all over from the rough treatment by the renegades. \u00a0Thankfully none of the aches and pains were any worse than being in a fight. What hurt the most were his wrists where the hemp ropes had dug into his skin. Joe managed to make it to the entrance in time to see Adam jerk away from Hoss, nestling his arm to his side. \u00a0He saw Joe and straightened up immediately. His cold expression told Joe to keep his thoughts to himself. Hoss scowled at Adam, then began to prepare breakfast while Adam moved off to check on the horses. Joe squatted down by the fire to get warm.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI really blew it last night. \u00a0I\u2019m sorry Hoss.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYeah ya did little brother. It weren\u2019t the brightest idea you\u2019ve had. \u00a0Coulda gotten us all killed.\u201d He threw a quick glance toward Adam.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYeah. \u00a0I was just so desperate to see if Pa was there. I guess I didn\u2019t think about there being a guard.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNo you didn\u2019t, Joe, and that was one of many mistakes you made last night.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe jumped as Adam approached and withered under his glare. <\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIf we\u2019re going to find Pa, we need to work together. No more going off on your own. Got it?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYeah. I really am sorry Adam.\u201d Joe accepted some coffee from Hoss. \u00a0\u201cUm, thanks fellas for gettin\u2019 me outta there.\u201d <\/span><\/p>\n

Hoss snorted and Adam smirked. \u00a0\u201cYou can be kind of dumb now and again but you\u2019re still our brother.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe tried to smile at the teasing but failed when Adam grimaced as he sat down. \u00a0He was about to say something but Hoss cut him off. \u201cShortshanks, ya need some salve for your wrists. Best be getting those raw places patched up before they get infected.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThanks Hoss, how about after breakfast. \u00a0I\u2019m pretty hungry right now.\u201d <\/span><\/p>\n

The brothers ate in silence then Hoss finally put into words what they all were thinking. <\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t like it much that Pa and that Leduque fella weren\u2019t with them renegades. \u00a0It means they\u2019re out there somewhere on foot. I think we oughta get closer to the trail they\u2019d be takin\u2019 an\u2019 see if we can find \u2018em.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam took a slow breath and let it out. \u00a0\u201cJoe what do you say?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Surprised to be asked for his opinion, Joe was careful not to waste it. \u201cI know the desert is unforgiving Adam. Pa\u2019s got to need help. \u00a0I agree with Hoss.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam took one more swig of coffee. \u00a0\u201cAlright, we\u2019ll head south over those hills. \u00a0There should be a stream we can follow until we pick up the stage road.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAdam if there\u2019s a stage road, then wouldn\u2019t that mean there\u2019s a–\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWay station. Yeah Hoss, if I\u2019m right it\u2019s about five or ten miles from here.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWell, what are we waiting for? \u00a0Let\u2019s get moving.\u201d Joe\u2019s renewed strength was contagious. Although Adam\u2019s movements were stiff he managed to clean up the camp while Hoss tended to Joe\u2019s wrists. Afterwards they mounted up and headed toward the way station, keeping sharp eyes trained for any sign of their Pa. \u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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

As the sun cleared the horizon, the stage driver slapped the reins to get the horses moving. \u00a0Ben stood for a moment in front of the station house watching the eastbound stage disappear in a cloud of dust. He and Leduque had spent the previous evening recovering from their trek through the desert after renegades had stolen their horses and supplies. \u00a0That ordeal had brought a confession from Leduque and a peace between the men. <\/span><\/p>\n

After the dust drifted back to the ground, Ben took a deep, cleansing breath. \u00a0He was relieved to have it all behind him, knowing Leduque had faked the charges to fulfill his own vendetta. \u00a0Ben felt Leduque was heading home with a new outlook on his life as well. At least he hoped so after they\u2019d spent time talking the evening before. \u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Smelling coffee and bacon, Ben headed back to the house for a bit more to eat. \u00a0He was now waiting on a westbound stage but had another day to go before it arrived. He had just stepped across the threshold when he heard horses coming. \u00a0As he turned to look, the station master appeared with his shotgun ready. <\/span><\/p>\n

Ben cocked an eyebrow at him. \u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou cain\u2019t be too careful, Mister Cartwright.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

As the horses rounded a bend in the road, Ben grinned for a moment, recognizing the riders, but quickly turned it to a scowl as they approached. \u00a0Before he could move the station master pushed forward lifting his shotgun. <\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHo there. \u00a0What\u2019s your business fellas?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Ben stepped up beside the man and gently pushed the gun barrel toward the ground. \u00a0\u201cIt\u2019s alright, these men are my sons. Although for the life of me I don\u2019t know why they\u2019re here.\u201d \u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

As the brothers dismounted, thrilled to find their father well and standing in front of them, Ben crossed his arms and stared them down. \u00a0\u201cYou three mind explaining yourselves?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe and Hoss looked at each other then at Adam. Suddenly all three found their dusty boots very interesting. \u00a0Keeping his right arm are still, Adam reached up to scratch his neck with the other until he finally looked his father in the eye. \u201cWe came looking for you, Pa. I know what you said but\u2026\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cBut you didn\u2019t trust Leduque any further than you could see him, is that it?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Hoss shuffle his feet. \u201cWell, yeah, guess you could put it that way, Pa.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAnd what about you Joseph? \u00a0Oh never mind, I already know the answer. So let\u2019s just say that I\u2019m\u2026\u201d he paused for effect, letting his sons sweat a little, \u201cmighty glad to see you three.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Grins broke out all around and the handshaking and backslapping started up. \u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

As they stepped apart Joe finally got his say, \u201cYou really shouldn\u2019t be so surprised to see us, Pa. \u00a0We\u2019re Cartwrights after all. What else would we do?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

That brought a round of laughter as Ben introduced his sons to the station manager.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWell, since you three know Mister Cartwright, you might as well come on in an\u2019 get some food. I still got a bit of bacon an\u2019 eggs left.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

With a shout of glee, Hoss led his brothers toward the barn to see to the horses.Their bedraggled condition spoke volumes to Ben. His sharp eyes immediately noticed Joe\u2019s bandaged wrists and Adam\u2019 stiff walk. Concerned about what had happened to his sons, Ben returned to the house to help get the food ready for them. He decided to withhold his questions until his sons had eaten. \u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

After the boys had eaten their fill, the station manager made himself scarce. \u00a0He figured his guests had quite a bit of talking to do. And he was correct.<\/span><\/p>\n

As they made themselves comfortable around the fireplace, Ben couldn\u2019t wait any longer. \u00a0He quickly addressed two of his son\u2019s apparent injuries. <\/span><\/p>\n

Seeing that Adam and Joe were reluctant to say anything Hoss spoke up. \u00a0\u201cYou see Pa, we was going pretty good till we came across some renegades and saw they had Buck. \u00a0We worked out a plan–\u201d <\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cBut I messed everything up.\u201d Joe interrupted, taking responsibility for his actions which ultimately led to some injuries. \u00a0\u201cI was frustrated that Adam wasn\u2019t going straight after you but had us meandering all over the place. Then I was worried the renegades had you so I snuck off and, well, got myself captured.\u201d \u00a0He held up his wrists. \u201cThat\u2019s why I got these rope burns when they tied my hands.\u201d <\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cSo I assume the rescue went as planned?\u201d \u00a0Ben probed as Adam remained silent and staring at the fire. <\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cFor the most part, Pa. Them renegades had been drinkin\u2019 so we figured they\u2019d sleep through our being in camp. But then one of \u2018em woke up an\u2019 saw Joe missin\u2019. \u00a0That set \u2018em off. I\u2019d just gotten Buck saddled so I rode him as Joe and Adam ran for their horses and grabbed Chubb\u2019s reins. We hightailed it outta there as they started shootin\u2019.\u201d Hoss let his voice trail off and Ben didn\u2019t miss the flick of his son\u2019s blue eyes toward his older brother.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cYou might as well tell them.\u201d \u00a0Hoss gave a look of encouragement and sympathy to his brother. <\/span><\/p>\n

Adam straightened up from his hunched position. \u201cIt\u2019s just a graze. \u00a0We were all riding low over our horses but one of the bullets grazed my back. Well my side actually.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Ben was at Adam\u2019s side at once. \u00a0Joe moved to the other side. \u201cI thought something was wrong in the cave, Adam. Why didn\u2019t you or Hoss tell me?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Hoss got Joe\u2019s attention and shook his head. \u00a0\u201cI checked it an\u2019 it weren\u2019t too bad, like he said. Put some salve on it.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Ben had raised Adam\u2019s shirt to inspect the wound. An angry red line carved its way up Adam\u2019s back from his waist to his right shoulder. \u201cDear God. \u00a0If you had been sitting up…\u201d He couldn\u2019t even think it.<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam winced as Ben lightly touch the long wound. \u201cIt didn\u2019t go deep but, son, it looks like it\u2019s trying to get infected. \u00a0You need to lie down and let me clean it out.\u201d Recalling Hoss\u2019 comment to Joe he added, \u201cHoss don\u2019t fret. If you hadn\u2019t taken care of it when you did, it\u2019d be much worse now.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam acquiesced to lying on the bed in the back room. The cleaning process wasn\u2019t pleasant for anyone but afterward Adam said it felt better and he agreed to rest until they left the next morning. <\/span><\/p>\n

Ben left his sons resting while he headed to the barn to check on Buck. \u00a0After lunch everyone felt better so Ben told his sons what had happened with Leduque. <\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAfter losing our horses to the renegades, I realized we were about a day\u2019s walk from this way station. We found small springs along the way but still the heat and exhaustion took its toll on LeDuque. After he passed out, I dragged him here. \u00a0That\u2019s when he finally admitted that the arrest warrant was false. His plan from the beginning was to kill me. He blamed me for the gunshot wound he\u2019d received while investigating the murder I was cleared of, how it had ruined his life and career. He tore up the warrant, and told me he couldn\u2019t kill without hate, and that the hate was gone.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe had been studying his hands while listening to his father\u2019s story. At the last words his head shot up. \u00a0\u201cBut Pa, how could his hate go away so quickly. I mean he carried that grudge for twenty years.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Ben studied his young son\u2019s face, seeing something there besides just an inquiring thought, a darkness to his son\u2019s eyes that worried him. \u201cHe\u2019d lost his hatred for me when I refused to let him die in the desert. \u00a0I\u2019d saved his life. He found he couldn\u2019t keep the hate after that.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe\u2019s head drifted back down. <\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cJoseph? Is there something else I should know?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNo Pa. \u00a0Not really. It\u2019s just that when this trip started, actually when Leduque came to Virginia City, all I wanted to do was to shut him up, to make him go away. \u00a0I was angry at him for trying to hurt you and what he implied about my mother.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Ben glanced at Adam and Hoss, who remained stone-faced. Joe continued, \u201cWith all we went through trying to find you, I figured out some things. That there were other things more important than all those things Leduque said. \u00a0By the time Adam had rescued me from the renegades, I\u2019d figured out that working with my brothers would get me closer to you than if I went off by myself.\u201d He turned his green eyes to meet his father\u2019s, his voice grew quiet. \u00a0\u201cAnd I figured out my anger at Leduque wouldn\u2019t save you. Adam and Hoss helped me realize it might even cost you your life.\u201d <\/span><\/p>\n

Ben reached over to squeeze Joe\u2019s arm, sharing a reaffirming smile with each son. As they settled into a comfortable silence, enjoying each other\u2019s company, Ben was still smiling. He found himself very glad they had disobeyed him, very glad indeed.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

Tags:<\/strong> Adam Cartwright, Hoss Cartwright, Joe \/ Little Joe Cartwright<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Summary – Written for the 2018 Bonano Challenge on Bonanza Brand. A Missing scene for The Stranger – When Ben rides off with Charles Leduque, heading to New Orleans, how do his sons react after being told not to follow or rescue their father? \u00a0They are Cartwrights after all.<\/p>\n

Rating = K, Word count = 5306<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":8333,"featured_media":19289,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"template-full-width-post.php","format":"standard","meta":{"_jetpack_newsletter_access":"","_jetpack_dont_email_post_to_subs":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_tier_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paywalled_content":false,"_jetpack_feature_clip_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":"","jetpack_publicize_message":"","jetpack_publicize_feature_enabled":true,"jetpack_social_post_already_shared":true,"jetpack_social_options":{"image_generator_settings":{"template":"highway","default_image_id":0,"font":"","enabled":false},"version":2},"jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false,"_members_access_role":[],"_members_access_error":""},"categories":[2,61,40],"tags":[332],"class_list":["post-19288","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-actionadventure","category-missing-scene","category-challenges","tag-b-c","wpcat-2-id","wpcat-61-id","wpcat-40-id"],"jetpack_publicize_connections":[],"jetpack_likes_enabled":true,"jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/01\/Adam-and-Ben-The-Stranger.png?fit=275%2C344&ssl=1","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/19288","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/8333"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=19288"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/19288\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/19289"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=19288"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=19288"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=19288"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}