{"id":2282,"date":"2009-09-06T05:06:34","date_gmt":"2009-09-06T09:06:34","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=2282"},"modified":"2026-03-07T19:02:08","modified_gmt":"2026-03-08T00:02:08","slug":"a-sure-thing","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=2282","title":{"rendered":"A Sure Thing (by JoanS)"},"content":{"rendered":"

Summary: \u00a0<\/span>A traveling rodeo comes to town and Joe enters the competition<\/p>\n

Rated:<\/span> K (8,475 words)<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

A Sure Thing<\/strong><\/p>\n

\u201cWhoo-ee!\u201d said Hoss in delight. \u201cTake a look at this Joe!\u201d He pointed to the poster on the wall of the Livery Stable as he shook his head.<\/p>\n

Joe looked. \u201cSo what?\u201d he said casually. \u201cWe\u2019ve had travelling rodeos here before. There ain\u2019t anything special bout that is there? Stand to reason that they were bound to have one again for the Founder\u2019s Day doings.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYeah,\u201d said Hoss. \u201cBut take at look at that. They ain\u2019t never given away money for it before.\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe looked to where his brother was poking his finger. \u201cOne thousand dollars,\u201d he said in awe and then whistled between his teeth. \u201cI see what you mean brother.\u201d He began to read the poster silently. \u201cOne thousand dollars just for sitting on a horse for one minute,\u201d he said. \u201cMust be some kind of horse.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou could do it Joe,\u201d Hoss said confidently. \u201cThere ain\u2019t no one round these parts can sit a bronc like you.\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe tried to look modest and failed. \u201cWell \u2026.maybe,\u201d he said. \u201cStill \u2026 I want to see this horse first before I decide.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThe organisers are down the other end of town,\u201d said Hoss. \u201cHow bout we go and check it out?\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe nodded. \u201cOK,\u201d he said. \u201cLet\u2019s go brother.\u201d He put his arm around Hoss\u2019 shoulder and they walked off together down the street. As they approached the Livery Stable they saw a crowd of people clustered behind it and made their way towards them. \u201cWhat\u2019s going on Bernie?\u201d asked Joe to one of the bystanders.<\/p>\n

The man indicated with his thumb over to where two strangers sat at a table talking to several men. \u201cThey\u2019s the guys organising this here rodeo,\u201d he said. \u201cYou signing up Joe?\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe glanced over to the corral where several horses were standing. \u201cI\u2019m thinking about it,\u201d he said and then turned to Hoss. \u201cLet\u2019s take a look at them horses first brother.\u201d The two Cartwright made their way over to the corral and stood with all the others who were looking at the horses. \u201cWhat do ya think Hoss?\u201d asked Joe after a few minutes.<\/p>\n

Hoss nodded thoughtfully. \u201cThey\u2019re a spirited bunch,\u201d he said. \u201cSpecially that fellar over there.\u201d He indicated a black horse in the corner. \u201cHe looks as if he\u2019d give you a run fer your money brother.\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe drew himself up to his full height. \u201cHe\u2019s nothing I can\u2019t handle,\u201d he said testily.<\/p>\n

\u201cI didn\u2019t say you couldn\u2019t,\u201d said Hoss. \u201cJest that he\u2019s the most spirited of the bunch is all.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019re right there young man,\u201d said one of the organisers, standing up and walking over to them. \u201cI can see you understand horseflesh. Blackie is our special attraction.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYeah?\u201d asked Joe. \u201cWhat\u2019s so special about him?\u201d<\/p>\n

The man gave Joe a withering look. \u201cHe\u2019s a mighty hard horse to ride,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t look so hard to me,\u201d said Joe instantly.<\/p>\n

\u201cYeah Joe,\u201d said one of the men standing by. \u201cYou could ride him no trouble I reckon.\u201d Patted the youngest Cartwright on the back. \u201cIt\u2019d be worth it fer the money they\u2019re offering for him.\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe\u2019s eyes lit up. \u201cMoney?\u201d he said. \u201cHow much?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m so confident of Blackie that we\u2019re offering one thousand dollars for any man who can stay on him for one minute,\u201d said the organiser smugly.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou ain\u2019t serious!\u201d exclaimed Hoss.<\/p>\n

\u201cI most certainly am,\u201d said the man. \u201cSo far no one has seen fit to take us up on it either. You only have to look at the horse to see that he needs an expert rider.\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe and Hoss turned to look at the horse again which was pawing the dirt restlessly in the corner of the corral. \u201cHe does look might feisty,\u201d said Joe thoughtfully. \u201cI guess he\u2019d have to be hard to ride for a thousand dollars.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYeah,\u201d agreed Hoss. \u201cMaybe he\u2019s wilder than he looks Joe. These guys ain\u2019t gonna give away that kind of money fer nothing.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAs I said \u2026 no man has had the guts to sign up for him yet,\u201d said the organiser. He looked Joe up and down. \u201cLet alone a boy.\u201d He stared at Joe meaningfully.<\/p>\n

\u201cI ain\u2019t no boy mister,\u201d said Joe, taking a dislike to the man instantly. \u201cI can ride with the best of em.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHe sure can!\u201d shouted one of the men in the crowd. \u201cJoe Cartwright\u2019s the best rider we got around these parts!\u201d<\/p>\n

The organiser\u2019s eye lit up. \u201cReally?\u201d he said. \u201cWell best rider or not, I guess this boy don\u2019t have the guts to ride Blackie.\u201d He gave Joe a nasty smile. \u201cDon\u2019t you worry about it boy. Sign up for one of the quieter animals if you like. Something you can handle.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll handle the black just fine thanks,\u201d said Joe haughtily. \u201cWhere do I sign up?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOver here.\u201d The man indicated a space at the table. \u201cEntry fee payable in advance and any side bets can be paid over there.\u201d<\/p>\n

Hoss grabbed Joe by the sleeve. \u201cJoe,\u201d he said. \u201cMaybe you\u2019d better not.\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe shook off his brother\u2019s hold and gave him a frustrated look. \u201cDon\u2019t be stupid Hoss,\u201d he said impatiently. \u201cIt\u2019s a sure thing.\u201d He walked over and began to write his name on one of the entry forms.<\/p>\n

++++++++++<\/strong><\/p>\n

\u201cI reckon it\u2019s the easiest money I\u2019ll ever make,\u201d boasted Joe at the supper table that evening. One thousand dollars just for one minute on the back of a bronc.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben frowned. \u201cThat\u2019s an awful lot of money,\u201d he said. \u201cThere must be more to it than that.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWell yeah,\u201d Joe shrugged. \u201cThey\u2019ve got smaller prizes as well. The one thousand dollars is only for riding the black that they have.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI see,\u201d said his father. \u201cAnd why so much for that particular horse? What is so hard about riding him?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNot much that I can see,\u201d replied Joe. \u201cHe\u2019s spirited \u2026 that\u2019s obvious \u2026 and the average rider wouldn\u2019t have a hope of sticking with him I suppose. \u201cI\u2019ll be OK though.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam snorted. \u201cPretty confident words, aren\u2019t they?\u201d he said sarcastically. \u201cWhat makes you think that you\u2019ll stick on him if he\u2019s so spirited?\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe gave his older brother a withering look. \u201cWe all know that I\u2019m a great rider,\u201d he said. \u201cHe\u2019s spirited alright, but no more than I can handle. I\u2019ve ridden harder broncs many times here on the ranch.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cJoseph there is such a thing as modesty young man,\u201d said Ben sternly.<\/p>\n

Joe gave his father a pained look. \u201cI know Pa,\u201d he admitted. \u201cBut I\u2019m only telling the truth. Everyone around here knows that I can sit a bronc real good.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWell good or not, they\u2019re not going to offer one thousand dollars for nothing,\u201d said his father. \u201cI suspect that there\u2019s more to this.\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe shook his head and grinned. \u201cThat\u2019s just it,\u201d he said. \u201cThe two men organising it don\u2019t seem to have much of an idea about horses really. They\u2019re showmen, and the horses are just a way for them to make some money.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd just how are they going to make so much money if they\u2019re willing to give away one thousand dollars just like that?\u201d asked Adam. \u201cThe whole thing sounds very fishy to me.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019re just jealous because you didn\u2019t think of it first,\u201d scoffed Joe. He turned to his father. \u201cI reckon that they\u2019re counting on my ride to bring lots of customers in. They\u2019re charging to see it, so that\u2019s how they\u2019ll make their money. Besides \u2026 they\u2019ll make lots on all the other riders who fall off their mounts … which some are bound to do.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam snorted again. \u201cAnd how can you be so sure that you won\u2019t?\u201d he said.<\/p>\n

Joe ignored the comment and smiled at his father. \u201cHonestly Pa, it\u2019s fine,\u201d he said. \u201cIsn\u2019t it Hoss?\u201d<\/p>\n

Hoss nodded. \u201cI got a real good look at that horse Pa,\u201d he said. \u201cIt\u2019s like Joe says. He\u2019s feisty, but nothing that Joe can\u2019t handle.\u201d He grinned. \u201cI aim ta make a bit on this as well.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOh?\u201d Ben\u2019s eyebrows lifted. \u201cExactly how would you be aiming to make money Hoss?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThey\u2019re taking bets,\u201d said Hoss. He held up his hand to stop his father speaking. \u201cI know what you\u2019re thinking Pa \u2026. but Joe\u2019s a sure thing.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben shook his head. \u201cI can\u2019t say that I like what I\u2019m hearing,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n

\u201cNow don\u2019t you worry Pa,\u201d said Joe, patting his father\u2019s shoulder. \u201cYou can come along and watch if you like. You\u2019ll enjoy it.\u201d He turned to Adam. \u201cYou too Adam,\u201d he added. \u201cYou just might learn a thing or two about riding broncs too.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI know all I need to, thank you very much,\u201d said Adam with a smug expression on his face. \u201cHave you forgotten who taught you? Besides \u2026 I leave for Reno tomorrow and I won\u2019t get back until Saturday night. I\u2019m afraid I\u2019ll have to miss your little performance baby brother.\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe glared at him. \u201cWell you\u2019ll miss a good one,\u201d he said huffily.<\/p>\n

Adam smirked at him. \u201cI\u2019ll try to get over it,\u201d he said, standing up from the table. \u201cGood night all. I have an early start in the morning.\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe gave his brother a dark look as he walked up the stairs. \u201cI\u2019ll show him,\u201d he muttered under his breath.<\/p>\n

\u201cJoe I know you\u2019re a good rider,\u201d said Ben. \u201cJust make sure you\u2019re careful.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t you worry Pa,\u201d said Joe confidently. \u201cI wouldn\u2019t ride anything that I couldn\u2019t handle \u2026. You know that.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo, I don\u2019t know that,\u201d said Ben, standing up as well. \u201cAll I\u2019m asking is that you don\u2019t take any unnecessary risks son, that\u2019s all.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI won\u2019t Pa,\u201d Joe assured his father. He nudged Hoss as their father walked away. \u201cDo you reckon big brother wishes he\u2019d thought of this first?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cMaybe,\u201d said Hoss.<\/p>\n

\u201cWell I\u2019m sick of him putting me down all the time,\u201d said Joe. \u201cI aim to show him and everyone else just how good a rider I am. Adam will be laughing on the other side of his face when I bring home that thousand dollars.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAw \u2026 he don\u2019t mean what he says Joe,\u201d said Hoss. \u201cThat\u2019s just his way \u2026 you know that.\u201d His eyes lit up and he rubbed his hands together. \u201cAnd I\u2019m gonna clean up big time when I collect my bets on you too little brother.\u201d He slapped Joe on the back. \u201cYes siree Joe, we\u2019re both gonna do well outta this.\u201d<\/p>\n

++++++++++<\/strong><\/p>\n

\u201cHow many we got?\u201d Anderson asked as he leant over the top of the stall and patted one of the chestnuts absently.<\/p>\n

Simpson consulted the papers in his hand for a moment. \u201cSixteen,\u201d he said after a moment. \u201cOnly that Cartwright kid has put down for the black though.\u201d He grinned at his partner. \u201cWe\u2019ll make a killing, even if half of them manage to stick on for the allotted time. We\u2019ll get our money back on Blackie as we always do \u2026. Especially with all those side bets you\u2019ve put on him.\u201d<\/p>\n

Anderson shook his head as he continued to pat the horse. \u201cFor once I\u2019m not sure about that Jake,\u201d he said. \u201cI\u2019ve been asking round town as I usually do, and that young Cartwright fellar is a great rider according to everyone I\u2019ve spoken to. He might just be the one ta stick on Blackie for once.\u201d<\/p>\n

Simpson shook his head confidently. \u201cNo one ever has,\u201d he said. \u201cThis Cartwright fellar won\u2019t last the distance, I can promise you.\u201d<\/p>\n

Anderson stopped patting the horse and stared at his partner. \u201cI\u2019m telling you Jake, this one just might. I reckon we should use more on the horse than we usually do.\u201d<\/p>\n

Simpson shrugged his shoulders. \u201cIt\u2019s up to you,\u201d he said. \u201cI won\u2019t object to using extra. All I care about is the money.\u201d<\/p>\n

Anderson grinned at him. \u201cYou and me both,\u201d he said. \u201cLeave it to me Jake. That young Cartwright won\u2019t have a hope in hell after I get through with Blackie. Not even the devil himself could stick on that horse once I get him fired up.\u201d He smiled at the chestnut as he went back to patting him again.<\/p>\n

++++++++++<\/strong><\/p>\n

The crowd gasped as another rider hit the ground and ate dirt. \u201cThat makes four so far,\u201d said Hoss. \u201cThey\u2019re sure making their money on this ain\u2019t they?\u201d He stared over at the two organisers who were busy getting their men organised with the next horse.<\/p>\n

\u201cFour fell off \u2026 but seven have stuck it out too,\u201d Joe reminded him.<\/p>\n

\u201cJoe are ya sure about this?\u201d asked Hoss, eyeing off the black horse in the next corral. \u201cHe sure looks wilder than I remember him from the other day.\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe looked over at the horse which was running up and down the small corral, lifting its forelegs several times and pawing the air in front of it. \u201cHe sure does,\u201d he said. \u201cI don\u2019t remember him being like that.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHe looks downright vicious,\u201d added Hoss, seeing the whites of the horse\u2019s eyes as he rolled them around. \u201cI don\u2019t think you\u2019d better go through with this Joe.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI can\u2019t back out now,\u201d said Joe indignantly. \u201cI\u2019ll be fine Hoss. You\u2019ll see.\u201d He looked around. \u201cWhere\u2019s Pa got to?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHe went down to see Roy Coffee bout something,\u201d replied Hoss. \u201cDon\u2019t worry \u2026 he\u2019ll make it back in time. Joe, there\u2019s no shame in changing ya mind. It ain\u2019t too late ta \u2026.\u201d He stopped as he heard the organiser shouting from the other side of the corral.<\/p>\n

\u201cOur next rider will be Joe Cartwright!\u201d he shouted and everyone cheered.<\/p>\n

Joe grinned at Hoss. \u201cI\u2019m up brother,\u201d he said. \u201cWish me luck.\u201d He hopped over the top of the railing and walked over to the small group of men who were standing in the middle of the corral. Hoss watched as his brother spoke to the men and then climbed up onto the side of the small area where the black horse was being held in readiness for him.<\/p>\n

\u201cSo I made it in time,\u201d said a voice next to Hoss and he turned to see his father standing there.<\/p>\n

\u201cHi Pa,\u201d he said. \u201cYeah \u2026 Joe\u2019s just up now.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben leant on the railing beside Hoss and looked at Joe on the black horse anxiously. \u201cAre you sure Joseph can handle that animal?\u201d he asked in a worried voice.<\/p>\n

Hoss tried not to show his own anxiety. \u201cI think so,\u201d he said. \u201cIt sure looks mighty het up though Pa.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben jerked. \u201cWhat do you mean by het up?\u201d he snapped.<\/p>\n

Hoss scratched his chin thoughtfully. \u201cWell take a look at it,\u201d he said. \u201cSeems much more feisty than he did the other day.\u201d He gave his father a less than confident smile. \u201cJoe\u2019ll be OK thought Pa. You\u2019ll see. There ain\u2019t no horse that can beat him.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben opened his mouth to reply, but at that moment the gate opened and Joe shot out on the black horse, holding on for all he was worth as the animal bucked alarmingly. Ben closed his mouth again, feeling his heart stand still as he watched his son being bouncing about in an alarming fashion on the back of the horse. Hoss stood beside him, his big hands gripping onto the wooden raining and his eyes fixated on his younger brother in the middle of the corral. \u201cHe\u2019ll be fine,\u201d he said in a low voice. \u201cYou\u2019ll see Pa.\u201d<\/p>\n

But Joe wasn\u2019t fine. Suddenly he slipped alarmingly to one side and fell off the saddle as the horse gave a particularly large lunge. He foot remained in the stirrup in spite of his frantic effort to free it and he was dragged several feet along the ground until the black horse reached the other side of the corral and began to rear up and down frantically in his efforts to free himself of the weight of Joe\u2019s body against his side.<\/p>\n

There was a gasp from the crowd and Hoss immediately climbed up onto the wooden railing and vaulted over it, running towards his brother without a second thought. \u201cHoss!\u201d shouted Ben. \u201cBe careful!\u201d He climbed over the fence himself, his one thought to get to his son on the ground before he as badly hurt.<\/p>\n

Before Hoss could reach Joe, however, Ben saw the horse rear up one more time and he heard a sickening thud as the animal\u2019s hooves slammed down onto Joe\u2019s body. His heart stopped for a split second and then restarted as he spurred himself forward, oblivious to the danger that he was racing towards. Out of the corner of his eye he saw Hoss grab hold of the horse\u2019s reins as he tried to bring it to a halt, but all of Ben\u2019s focus was on the body of his youngest son as he lay in the dust in front of him. He skidded to a halt and immediately went on his knees beside Joe, reaching out to free his son\u2019s twisted foot from the heaving stirrup in front of him. As he did so, Hoss wrenched on the reins and pulled the animal away from Joe.<\/p>\n

Ben rolled Joe over and gathered him up into his arms, still oblivious to anything else that was going on around him. \u201cJoseph!\u201d he said desperately. \u201cJoseph!\u201d He hugged his son to his chest, realising that the young man wasn\u2019t responding in any way. For a moment he stayed like that with his son in his arms, all his energy concentrated on willing Joe back to consciousness.<\/p>\n

Suddenly he felt a hand on his shoulder and he looked up to see Hoss staring down at him in disbelief. \u201cPa?\u201d he said. \u201cPa? Is he \u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben shook his head, not wanting to think for a moment that he was holding the lifeless body of his son. \u201cHe\u2019s alive Hoss,\u201d he answered. \u201cHe has to be.\u201d He looked around wildly. \u201cThe horse \u2026\u201d he said.<\/p>\n

Hoss knelt down beside his father and tried to lift Joe\u2019s body away from him. \u201cThey\u2019ve got him,\u201d he muttered. \u201cHe\u2019s cornered over there.\u201d He indicated towards the other side of the corral with his head. \u201cGive him to me Pa. I\u2019ll carry him.\u201d He tried once more to take Joe from his father, but Ben wouldn\u2019t let him go. \u201cPa,\u201d he said urgently. \u201cWe\u2019ve gotta get him to the doctor. Let me take him.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben looked at his son for a moment and then nodded, surrendering Joe to Hoss\u2019 large and safe arms. He stood up beside him, and cleared a passageway for him between the many people who had also now gathered around them, pressing close to se how Joe was. \u201cLet us through,\u201d he said urgently as he pushed his way forward with his arms, Hoss close behind him.<\/p>\n

Finally they were free of the crowd and hastened down the street towards Doctor Paul Martin\u2019s office. Ben burst through the office door, shouting in his anxiety. \u201cPaul! Paul \u2026 are you here?\u201d<\/p>\n

Paul Martin came into the outer office, wiping his hands on a towel. \u201cBen,\u201d he began. \u201cWhat are you \u2026\u201d He stopped as Hoss shouldered his way into the room, Joe still lying limp in his arms. \u201cBring him in here,\u201d he said without further ado, motioning to the inner office. \u201cWhat happened?\u201d he asked as he bent over Joe as Hoss laid him on the examining table.<\/p>\n

\u201cHe fell off a bronc,\u201d said Hoss in a low voice. \u201cHe was dragged for aways and then the horse stomped on him.\u201d<\/p>\n

Paul raised his eyes to meet Hoss\u2019 for a moment and then swivelled back straight away to his patient, but not before both Hoss and Ben had seen the anxiety in his eyes as well. \u201cI see,\u201d he said simply and began to pull Joe\u2019s shirt gently from his torso to expose the deep purple bruises that were already forming on his stomach and chest.<\/p>\n

Ben wrung his hands as he watched the doctor slowly moving Joe\u2019s arms and legs and then probing his stomach area. \u201cHe hasn\u2019t regained consciousness at all,\u201d he said. Paul merely nodded and continued his examination. Suddenly Joe gave a low groan and moved his head from side to side.<\/p>\n

Ben leapt forward immediately. \u201cJoe?\u201d he said, bending over his son. \u201cJoseph? Can you hear me son?\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe\u2019s eyes fluttered open for a moment and he stared up at his father\u2019s face. \u201cPa?\u201d he said softly.<\/p>\n

Ben grasped hold of his son\u2019s limp hand and pressed it to his own chest. \u201cYes Joe. It\u2019s Pa. I\u2019m here with you boy. You\u2019re going to be alright now.\u201d Joe tried to speak, but instead closed his eyes again with another low groan. \u201cDon\u2019t try and speak son,\u201d said Ben. \u201cJust lie still while the doctor takes a look at you.\u201d He looked across Joe\u2019s body at Paul who was still probing the young man\u2019s abdomen. \u201cAt least he\u2019s awake,\u201d Ben said hopefully. \u201cThat\u2019s got to be a good sign, doesn\u2019t it Paul? If he \u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

Suddenly Joe lifted his head and began to cough. Paul picked up a bowl and held it under the young man\u2019s head, looking at him intently. \u201cDo you want to be sick?\u201d he asked.<\/p>\n

Joe looked up at the doctor for a moment and shook his head. \u201cNo,\u201d he said softly. \u201cI \u2026\u201d He began to cough again and Ben felt his heart constrict momentarily as he saw blood trickling from the side of his mouth.<\/p>\n

\u201cPaul?\u201d said Ben in a distressed voice. \u201cHe\u2019s \u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

Suddenly Joe lifted his head and coughed up a mouthful of blood before leaning back again onto the pillow and closing his eyes. \u201cThere\u2019s some sort of internal damage,\u201d said Paul, looking at Ben. \u201cThis blood could be a very bad sign Ben. I\u2019m sorry.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben nodded as he gripped Joe\u2019s hand tightly. Behind him, Hoss looked on in despair as Joe lifted his head once more and coughed up more blood into the bowl. \u201cHoss,\u201d said Ben, over his shoulder. \u201cGet back to the house and let Adam know what\u2019s happened. He should be back there soon.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cBut Pa \u2026\u201d began Hoss, his eyes fixated on his younger brother.<\/p>\n

\u201cHoss!\u201d said Ben.<\/p>\n

Hoss nodded and headed out of the room. \u201cHow is he?\u201d Roy Coffee asked as Hoss made it out onto the sidewalk.<\/p>\n

\u201cNot good Roy,\u201d said Hoss to the sheriff who had been waiting there. \u201cHe \u2026\u201d He fought to control his voice. \u201cThe doc says there\u2019s some internal damage, but I reckon he don\u2019t know what yet. Joe\u2019s coughing up a lot of blood.\u201d<\/p>\n

Roy looked distressed. \u201cI\u2019m sorry to hear it,\u201d he said. \u201cThat was a mighty bad fall he took out there.\u201d<\/p>\n

Hoss nodded, looking up the street towards the corral. \u201cI\u2019m gonna kill those \u2026.\u201d He swallowed and then looked at Roy. \u201cIf anything happens to Joe I\u2019m gonna kill em Roy.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019ll do nothing of the kind,\u201d said Roy sternly. \u201cDon\u2019t make things any worse fer your family than they already are Hoss.\u201d<\/p>\n

Hoss nodded silently as he undid the reins of his horse. \u201cI\u2019m gonna get Adam,\u201d he said, still clenching his jaw. He mounted his horse and rode down the street.<\/p>\n

++++++++++<\/strong><\/p>\n

Adam rode into the front yard just as dusk was falling, surprised to see Hoss\u2019 horse tied up to the hitching rail. He\u2019d thought that his father and brothers would still be in town for the rodeo and had considered going straight there himself to see the end of it, but had decided against it and had opted for a hot bath instead before the others returned. As he dismounted, he wondered why Hoss would be back so soon and was surprised to see his brother running from the house towards him.<\/p>\n

\u201cBack so soon brother?\u201d he said. \u201cI suppose you\u2019re counting all your winnings from Joe\u2019s ride eh? So how did the kid do?\u201d<\/p>\n

Hoss shook his head. \u201cNot good Adam,\u201d he said. \u201cPa sent me back to the house to get ya. Joe\u2019s had a fall and he\u2019s hurt bad.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam\u2019s face immediately registered his anxiety. \u201cWhat?\u201d he said. \u201cHow bad?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s real bad Adam,\u201d said Hoss. \u201cWe took him to Doc Martin\u2019s. Pa\u2019s with him there now.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam mounted up on his horse again. \u201cLet\u2019s ride,\u201d he said. \u201cYou can tell me on the way.\u201d Hoss mounted up as well and the two brothers turned their horses towards Virginia City. \u201cI thought this horse he was riding was a sure thing?\u201d said Adam.<\/p>\n

Hoss nodded as he galloped beside his brother. \u201cWe sure thought so,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n

\u201cWell then what happened?\u201d<\/p>\n

Hoss shot his brother a dark look. \u201cI\u2019m not sure,\u201d he said. \u201cBut I aim ta find out.\u201d<\/p>\n

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

\u201cI mean it weren\u2019t the same horse Adam. Leastways it was the same animal, but he acted real different from when we saw him last time. He was real vicious.\u201d Adam said nothing. \u201cI\u2019m gonna kill em if anything happens ta Joe,\u201d muttered Hoss.<\/p>\n

\u201cLet\u2019s just get in there and see how he is first,\u201d replied his brother. \u201cThen we\u2019ll worry about whoever is responsible for this.\u201d<\/p>\n

++++++++++<\/strong><\/p>\n

Adam and Hoss burst into the doctor\u2019s office. \u201cHow is he?\u201d asked Adam.<\/p>\n

Ben looked up from his position beside the examining table, his face grey with anxiety and stress. \u201cHe\u2019s still haemorrhaging. Paul says there\u2019s some sort of internal damage.\u201d<\/p>\n

There was silence in the room for several seconds. \u201cBut he\u2019ll be alright?\u201d asked Adam finally.<\/p>\n

Paul stepped forward. \u201cBoys, your brother isn\u2019t doing too well,\u201d he said. \u201cWhen the horse stepped on him it obviously ruptured something internally. It\u2019s hard to determine exactly what though.\u201d He bent over as Joe opened his eyes slightly and coughed up a few clots of blood. Adam and Hoss looked on in a horrified fashion as Paul wiped the blood from Joe\u2019s mouth and their father spoke to him calmly.<\/p>\n

Hoss stepped forward. \u201cHe\u2019s gonna be alright Pa,\u201d he said soothingly to his father, putting his hand on Ben\u2019s slumped shoulder. \u201cI jest know he is.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben nodded and put his own hand on top of Hoss\u2019, keeping his eyes fixed on Joe in front of him. \u201cYes,\u201d he said in a low voice.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat can we do Paul?\u201d asked Adam, as Joe began to cough up another mouthful of blood. \u201cThere must be something we can do.\u201d<\/p>\n

Paul merely shook his head and began to wipe Joe\u2019s face again.<\/p>\n

\u201cBoys, it might be best if you were to wait outside,\u201d said Ben.<\/p>\n

\u201cBut \u2026\u201d began Hoss.<\/p>\n

Adam pulled his brother by the arm. \u201cPa\u2019s right,\u201d he said. \u201cCome on Hoss. Joe needs quiet in here.\u201d Hoss reluctantly followed his older brother to the outer office and they both sat down, their bodies slumped as they listened to Joe\u2019s continual coughing in the next room.<\/p>\n

\u201cI jest don\u2019t understand it,\u201d said Hoss eventually. \u201cThat horse \u2026. It weren\u2019t like that the other day when we looked at it.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat do you mean?\u201d asked Adam absently, staring into space as his thoughts centred on his youngest brother in the next room.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt just weren\u2019t like it was today,\u201d insisted Hoss, his face darkening. \u201cI reckon they did something to it.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cLike what?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s what I can\u2019t figure out,\u201d said Hoss mournfully. \u201cBut I aim to! I\u2019m gonna go down there and see em about it.\u201d He stood up. \u201cIt was a sure thing Adam! The way Joe can ride \u2026 it hadta be a sure thing \u2026. and now looks what\u2019s happened.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNothing\u2019s a sure thing,\u201d said Adam. \u201cSit down Hoss. You\u2019re not going to do anyone any good by causing a fuss. Least of all Joe.\u201d He indicated towards the doorway with his head.<\/p>\n

\u201cI ain\u2019t gonna let this be Adam,\u201d declared Hoss. \u201cThey\u2019re gonna pay fer what they\u2019ve done ta Joe!\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam stood up as well. \u201cAlright,\u201d he said. \u201cBut we\u2019re going to do this the right way. We\u2019re going down to see Roy Coffee. Alright?\u201d He gave Hoss a meaningful look.<\/p>\n

Hoss glared at him and then softened his look. \u201cAlright,\u201d he said grudgingly. \u201cWe\u2019ll see Roy first. But if he ain\u2019t gonna do nuthin, then I will!\u201d He stomped out of the office, followed by Adam.<\/p>\n

++++++++++<\/strong><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ve already talked to them,\u201d said Roy, giving Hoss a hard look. \u201cAnd I was there, remember? I saw the whole thing.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWell then you should be arresting em!\u201d shouted Hoss, thumping his fist on the sheriff\u2019s desk.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat for exactly?\u201d asked Roy.<\/p>\n

\u201cMy brother is lying down the street in the doctor\u2019s office \u2026 maybe dying \u2026 and you ask what for?\u201d asked Hoss incredulously. \u201cThey nearly killed him Roy \u2026\u201d his eyes darkened. \u201cThey still might have \u2026 we don\u2019t know yet.\u201d<\/p>\n

Roy shrugged his shoulders at Adam who was standing quietly by. \u201cThey haven\u2019t broken any law to speak of,\u201d he said, looking at Hoss again. \u201cAll they did was put on a show. Joe willingly got on that horse Hoss \u2026 and that\u2019s an end to it.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThey did something to it!\u201d shouted Hoss, banging his fist again. \u201cI swear they done something ta make it act like that!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHoss make sense,\u201d interrupted Roy. \u201cJust what do you mean by that? You said yourself the horse was skittish \u2026. Stands ta reason that they weren\u2019t gonna offer a thousand dollars ta anyone jest for riding a bronc that was easy ta stay on.\u201d<\/p>\n

Hoss shook his head. \u201cThat\u2019s easy ta say when it ain\u2019t your brother lying down there,\u201d he said, hanging his head.<\/p>\n

\u201cRoy is right Hoss,\u201d said Adam, putting his hand on the big man\u2019s arm. \u201cHe can\u2019t do anything unless you have proof that these men fixed the competition.\u201d<\/p>\n

Hoss shook off Adam\u2019s arm. \u201cWell I aim ta get proof then,\u201d he said and stomped out of the office.<\/p>\n

Adam bit his lip. \u201cHe\u2019s probably right you know Roy,\u201d he said. \u201cThere\u2019s no on in this world who\u2019s opinion I trust more about horseflesh than that brother of mine. If Hoss says that the horse was somehow fiddled with then I believe him.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m not saying he\u2019s wrong Adam,\u201d said Roy. \u201cBut without proof \u2026\u201d He shrugged his shoulders again. \u201cGet after him Adam. In the mood that brother of yours is in there\u2019s no telling what he might do.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam nodded. \u201cDon\u2019t you worry Roy,\u201d he said. \u201cI\u2019ll keep an eye on him.\u201d<\/p>\n

Roy sighed and sat at his desk as the door banged behind Adam.<\/p>\n

++++++++++<\/strong><\/p>\n

Adam ran down the street after his brother. \u201cHoss!\u201d he shouted. \u201cWait up! Hoss!\u201d Finally Hoss stood still and waited for his brother to catch up with him.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat?\u201d he snarled as Adam drew up beside him, struggling for breath.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhere are you going?\u201d asked Adam, when he could speak again.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhere do ya think?\u201d said Hoss, staring in front of him. \u201cIf proof is what Roy needs, then it\u2019s proof I\u2019m gonna get him.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOh really?\u201d asked Adam in a sarcastic tone. \u201cAnd just how are you going to do that brother? Beat a confession out of them?\u201d<\/p>\n

Hoss nodded slowly. \u201cIf I have to,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n

\u201cHoss use your brains,\u201d pleaded Adam. \u201cYou\u2019re not going to get anywhere like this.\u201d<\/p>\n

The big man\u2019s eyes suddenly filled with tears and he brushed them away impatiently. \u201cYou weren\u2019t there Adam,\u201d he said in a low voice. \u201cYou didn\u2019t see \u2026 you didn\u2019t see it happen. Joe was \u2026 \u201c he looked at his brother pleadingly. \u201cMy brother is down there maybe dying \u2026. How can ya ask me ta take it easy?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHe\u2019s my brother too Hoss,\u201d said Adam. \u201cI may not have seen it happen, but I sure saw him just the same as you did in that doctor\u2019s office. I know how you feel Hoss.\u201d He grabbed hold of his brother\u2019s sleeve. \u201cI know what you want to do. Don\u2019t you think that I want to beat them to a pulp as well?\u201d Hoss was silent. \u201cBut we\u2019ve got to go about this the right way,\u201d continued Adam. \u201cIf we don\u2019t we\u2019ll only make things worse.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat then?\u201d asked Hoss, looking directly at his brother for the first time. \u201cWhat are we gonna do Adam?\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam stroked his chin. \u201cI\u2019m not sure yet,\u201d he said. \u201cBut the first thing we need to do is think this through carefully. You say that you\u2019ve already met these men?\u201d<\/p>\n

Hoss nodded. \u201cTwice,\u201d he said. \u201cOnce when Joe signed up and then before he took his ride.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThey know you\u2019re his brother then?\u201d<\/p>\n

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

\u201cWell they don\u2019t know that I am,\u201d said Adam. \u201cMaybe if I scout around down there they\u2019ll let something slip? We can only try, don\u2019t you think?\u201d He pushed Hoss slightly away. \u201cGo back and wait with Pa Hoss. I\u2019ll be back soon. Go on \u2026\u201d he added as Hoss hesitated. \u201cPa might need you.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou promise ta come straight back?\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam nodded. \u201cI promise brother,\u201d he said. He watched as Hoss walked slowly back up the street and then squared his shoulders and walked down towards the far-distant corral.<\/p>\n

++++++++++<\/strong><\/p>\n

Adam stood at the back of the tent and listened to the two men abusing each other on the other side of the canvas. He heard the sound of a fist being slammed down on something hard and winced. \u201cHow much did you give him?\u201d he heard one of the men shout.<\/p>\n

\u201cKeep your voice down for heavens sake,\u201d said the other in a milder tone. \u201cSomeone might hear us. I told you I was going to give him more than I normally do.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYes \u2026. But not enough to raise suspicions against us!\u201d the first man shouted in a slightly lower tone. \u201cFor heavens sake! He was nearly foaming at the mouth! You\u2019d better hope that he\u2019s calmed down before anyone comes to check him out!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHe is already,\u201d said the first man. \u201cRelax Jake. No one can pin anything on us. That young Cartwright kid was hurt fair and square as far as anyone is concerned and it was nothing more than an unfortunate accident. All we have to do is show how sorry we are that it happened, collect our money and get out of town.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd if the youngster dies?\u201d<\/p>\n

The was silence for a moment and Adam strained to hear. \u201cSo what if he does?\u201d the first man said in a nonchalant tone. \u201cI\u2019ve told you \u2026. We can\u2019t be charged with anything. He signed up for the competition and took the risk. That\u2019s all there is to it.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t you understand?\u201d shouted the first man. \u201cHis father is a big man around these parts! If anything happens to that youngster he\u2019ll come looking for us.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam heard someone take a few steps. \u201cHe can do what he likes,\u201d the first man said calmly. \u201cBut he can\u2019t pin anything on us. Believe me Jake \u2026. We\u2019ve got nothing to worry about. Now \u2026 let\u2019s get these horses organised. We\u2019re due in Reno on Friday and the sooner we get out of this town the better.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam flattened himself against the side of the canvas tent as he heard the two men walk outside. His fists were clenched and his jaw was set as he waited for them to disappear and then slunk off into the shadows from whence he\u2019d come and disappeared down the street towards the doctor\u2019s office.<\/p>\n

++++++++++<\/strong><\/p>\n

Hoss stared at his brother, his face darkening. \u201cI knew it!\u201d he said in a low voice. \u201cThose low lifes! Jest you wait until I get my hands on them!\u201d He shook his head. \u201cWhat do ya reckon they did to the horse Adam?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m not sure,\u201d said his brother thoughtfully. \u201cBut whatever it was caused Joe\u2019s accident \u2026 that\u2019s for sure.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIt weren\u2019t no accident,\u201d said Hoss.<\/p>\n

\u201cIn the eyes of the law it was,\u201d replied his brother.<\/p>\n

\u201cNot any more though,\u201d said Hoss. \u201cYou heard em say it.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd it\u2019s my word against the two of them,\u201d said Adam. \u201cFace it Hoss. Who\u2019s going to believe someone whose brother is laying a doctor\u2019s surgery hurt when he doesn\u2019t have any witnesses? Everyone will think I\u2019m out for revenge \u2026. and making it up.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll make em say it in public then,\u201d said Hoss, standing up. \u201cI\u2019ll wring their necks until they confess \u2026 jest see if I don\u2019t.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s not the way brother,\u201d said Adam. \u201cCalm down.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t tell me to calm down!\u201d shouted Hoss. \u201cJoe is lying in there dying and you\u2019re telling me to stay calm?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWe don\u2019t know that he\u2019s dying,\u201d said Adam sensibly. \u201cAnd yes \u2026. I\u2019m telling you to be calm. If you want to pin these two for what they\u2019ve done then listen to me Hoss. I promise you we\u2019re going to get them for what they\u2019ve down to Joe \u2026 but first we have to have a plan. Now calm down while I think this through.\u201d<\/p>\n

Hoss sat down heavily next to his brother again and stared at the floor. He\u2019s always put his trust in his older brother and he was able to do it again \u2026. Even with the image of his hurt beloved younger brother so vivid in his mind. \u201cOK Adam,\u201d he said in a calmer tone. \u201cYou just tell me what to do and I\u2019ll do it.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam patted his brother on the back and the two of them sat in silence as they heard Joe coughing up blood again in the next room.<\/p>\n

++++++++++<\/strong><\/p>\n

The man looked up from his papers and smiled at the darkhaired man standing on the other side of the table. \u201cYes sir?\u201d he asked. \u201cAre you wanting to sign up?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI sure am,\u201d said Adam, his eyes giving the man a calculating stare as he plonked down the entry fee. \u201cThat\u2019s if you\u2019ve got anything that will be a challenge.\u201d He gave the horses in the corral a superior look. \u201cTo be perfectly honest, I don\u2019t know if this is worth my time.\u201d<\/p>\n

The man glanced at his partner cagily. \u201cWell sir if you\u2019re that good a rider \u2026\u201d he began.<\/p>\n

\u201cI am,\u201d Adam cut across his smugly.<\/p>\n

The man could hardly control his glee. \u201cWell then sir, you might like to try Blackie over there.\u201d He indicated a horse in a corral by himself. \u201cWe\u2019re offering one thousand dollars to anyone who can stick on him for one minute.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cReally?\u201d Adam feigned interest for the first time. \u201cWhy?\u201d<\/p>\n

The two men looked at each other. \u201cBecause he\u2019s so hard to ride,\u201d said the first one. \u201cStill \u2026. If you\u2019re no up to it \u2026.\u201d He put his hands up as if to ward Adam away. \u201cWe can give you an easy horse Mr \u2026?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cCarter,\u201d said Adam. \u201cAdam Carter.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWell Mr Carter \u2026. We have a few easy horses back here \u2026.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo. The black will be just fine,\u201d interrupted Adam as he bent down as sign the form on the table. \u201cYou taking any bets on this as well?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSure am,\u201d said the second man, stepping forward quickly. \u201cWhat are you wanting to place on yourself Mr?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHow about five thousand dollars?\u201d said Adam, meeting the man\u2019s eye for the first time. He drew his wallet out of his pocket and counted the money out, before putting it on the table.<\/p>\n

For a moment there was silence as the two men looked at each other. \u201cFive thousand dollars?\u201d said the organiser finally, after swallowing.<\/p>\n

\u201cYes,\u201d replied Adam shortly. \u201cCan\u2019t you cover that much?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOf course we can,\u201d said the other man, putting his hand quickly over the pile of money and giving his friend a meaningful glance. \u201cFive thousand dollars it is Mr Carter.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSee you tomorrow then,\u201d said Adam casually and walked away.<\/p>\n

\u201cAre you mad?\u201d shouted Jake, turning on his partner as soon as Adam had left. \u201cFive thousand dollars? We don\u2019t have that sort of money!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWe soon will,\u201d replied Jake, ruffling the wad of money between his fingers in glee. \u201cOnce that guy falls off we\u2019ll not only have this, but we\u2019ll also collect on lots of other bets that I can guarantee will come in once we spread the word that he\u2019s put five thousand on himself.\u201d<\/p>\n

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

Jake put up his hand to silence the other man. \u201cNow don\u2019t you start that again,\u201d he said. \u201cHaven\u2019t \u201cI always fixed it with Blackie before?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019re crazy!\u201d his partner shouted. \u201cAfter what happened to that Cartwright kid just a couple of days ago \u2026. You can\u2019t seriously mean to use the drug on Blackie again? It\u2019ll look too suspicious Jake!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThat was in Virginia City,\u201d said Jake casually. \u201cNo one here in Reno could even of heard of that yet. Besides \u2026. What\u2019s one thing got to do with the other? Trust me partner \u2026 it\u2019ll be fine. That Carter guy won\u2019t know what\u2019s hit him come tomorrow and we\u2019ll be considerably richer than we were before.\u201d<\/p>\n

A few feet away in the small alleyway, Adam\u2019s eyes narrowed and he gave a small grin as he listened to the two men. \u201cWe\u2019ll just see about that,\u201d he whispered softly to himself as they walked away.<\/p>\n

++++++++++<\/strong><\/p>\n

\u201cYour turn Carter,\u201d said Jake confidently as he watched Blackie being brought into the small mounting area. \u201cGood luck,\u201d he added with a smirk.<\/p>\n

\u201cI won\u2019t be needing luck,\u201d replied Adam, raising an eyebrow at the expression on the man\u2019s face. \u201cIt\u2019s all about skill you know.\u201d He strode over and climbed the corral fence, putting his leg over Blackie and sitting down slowly on the animal\u2019s back. \u201cOK,\u201d he said with gritted teeth. \u201cLet him go!\u201d<\/p>\n

Everyone began to cheer as Adam sprang forward on the bucking horse. Jake winked to his partner, rubbing his hands as he thought about all the money they were about to gain, but to his surprise, Adam quickly got the horse under control and within a minute had brought him to a standstill to the delight of the crowd which was going wild with delight as everyone anticipated the money they were about to make.<\/p>\n

Jake swallowed and went pale as Adam drew the black horse to a halt and jumped down, grinning at them both. \u201cWell?\u201d he said. \u201cI believe you owe me quite a bit of money.\u201d<\/p>\n

Jake swallowed again and hesitated. \u201cYes,\u201d he said. \u201cWell, we\u2019ll discuss that a bit later on Mr Carter,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n

Adam shook his head. \u201cI don\u2019t think so,\u201d he said, glancing around at the people who were starting to mill around them. \u201cAs I see it you owe quite a few other people money as well. I thin everyone would appreciate being paid right now.\u201d<\/p>\n

There were murmurs of assent from the crowd and Jake glanced at his partner in dismay. \u201cCertainly,\u201d he said, raising his voice. \u201cWe\u2019ll have everything organised in due course. My partner and I will see to the bets and pay everyone out. We just need to go to our tent and get organised and we\u2019ll be back in due course.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll come with you,\u201d offered Adam, grinning at them both. \u201cYou might need protection if you\u2019re going to be carrying all that money around.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThank you Mr Carter,\u201d said Jake, giving Adam a dark look. \u201cBut we\u2019ll be fine.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI insist,\u201d said Adam. \u201cAfter you gentlemen.\u201d He gestured down the street and the two men had no choice but to walk away with Adam following close behind them. As they approached the tent, Jake gave his partner as meaningful glance and they both stepped quickly into the tent in front of Adam. As Adam made to follow them, Jake put his foot out and tripped him, before his partner took out his gun and banged him on the side of the head. Adam fell heavily to the ground.<\/p>\n

\u201cI thought you said you\u2019d fixed it,\u201d snarled Jake angrily as soon as Adam had lost consciousness.<\/p>\n

\u201cI did!\u201d replied the other man as he began to grab up his possessions.<\/p>\n

\u201cThen how come he was able to stick on Blackie?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHow do I know? Maybe I didn\u2019t make the drug strong enough! That\u2019s not important now \u2026. What\u2019s important is getting out of here before that crowd out there has our hides! Now get moving!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat about him?\u201d Jake gestured to the unconscious man on the floor.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat about him?\u201d we haven\u2019t got time to worry about him now and if we shoot him they\u2019ll come for us. Just leave him and get moving Jake!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI told you we shouldn\u2019t have tried this so soon after that Cartwright kid,\u201d snarled the first man. \u201cNow look what\u2019s happened!\u201d He kicked Adam\u2019s unconscious body viciously and shook his head. \u201cIf I told you once I told you a hundred times \u2026 never drug the horse more than is necessary!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIt was necessary!\u201d said his partner. \u201cBoth that Cartwright kid and this fellar were two good riders. We had no choice the way I look at it. Now get moving before someone gets here.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m afraid you\u2019re too late gentlemen,\u201d said a voice in the corner and both men turned abruptly to see the sheriff moving towards them, his deputy behind him. Both of them had rifles pointed in their direction. \u201cSomeone already got here,\u201d the sheriff added. \u201cIn fact we got here before you did and heard everything you had to say about your little scam.\u201d He gestured to Adam on the ground. \u201cSee if he\u2019s OK Jim.\u201d<\/p>\n

The two men watched appalled as the deputy bent over Adam and turned him over. \u201cHe\u2019s OK,\u201d he said over his shoulder as Adam began to groan and opened his eyes. \u201cJust stunned a bit.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam put his hand to his head and began to sit up slowly, helped by the deputy. \u201cDid you hear it all sheriff,\u201d he asked groggily.<\/p>\n

\u201cI sure did,\u201d replied the sheriff, levelling his rifle at the two men. \u201cI\u2019m arresting you two for fraud and attempted murder \u2026 two counts,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat?\u201d shouted Jake. \u201cYou can\u2019t be serious?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m deathly serious,\u201d replied the sheriff. \u201cAfter what I\u2019ve heard just now and what \u2026\u201d he gestured towards Adam. \u201c \u2026 what I believe happened in Virginia City a few days ago \u2026 I have more than enough reason to arrest you both.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNothing happened in Virginia City!\u201d shouted Jake, glaring at Adam. \u201cYou can\u2019t prove anything!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI certainly can,\u201d said the sheriff. \u201cMy deputy and I are both witnesses to you both admitting to drugging that horse today and two days ago when young Joe Cartwright rode it.\u201d<\/p>\n

Jake was silent. \u201cI\u2019d like to know just how you stuck on that horse mister,\u201d snarled his partner. \u201cThere was no way you should have been able to.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam smirked at him as he stood up. \u201cNo,\u201d he said. \u201cI suppose not. That is if the drug you\u2019d given him had worked of course.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat do you mean by that?\u201d asked Jake.<\/p>\n

Adam shrugged. \u201cI substituted it for plain water,\u201d he said casually.<\/p>\n

\u201cBut how \u2026 how did you know where we kept it? You couldn\u2019t have possibly \u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cA man can find out a lot if he keeps his eyes open,\u201d said Adam. \u201cOnce I was on to you then I merely watched you both closely, that\u2019s all. You weren\u2019t expecting anyone to know what you were about, so neither of you were particularly vigilant.\u201d<\/p>\n

The sheriff gave both men a shove with the barrel of his rifle. \u201cJim, you get the money out and make sure everyone gets back what they bet,\u201d he instructed. \u201cI\u2019ll get these two down to the jail.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam stepped forward. \u201cJust a moment sheriff,\u201d he said. \u201cThere\u2019s just one more thing before you take them.\u201d He drew his fist back and knocked Jake to the floor and then did the same with the second man.<\/p>\n

Jake spat some blood out of his mouth as he glared up at Adam. \u201cWhat was that for?\u201d he shouted angrily.<\/p>\n

\u201cThat was for my brother,\u201d replied Adam, giving both men an evil stare.<\/p>\n

\u201cYour brother?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cCartwright\u2019s the name,\u201d replied Adam, taking great delight in seeing recognition down in their faces. \u201cAdam Cartwright. Joe Cartwright is my brother.\u201d He turned and strode out of the tent.<\/p>\n

++++++++++<\/strong><\/p>\n

\u201cAre you sure?\u201d asked Adam looking at his father anxiously.<\/p>\n

Ben nodded and smiled at his son. \u201cI\u2019m sure,\u201d he said. \u201cHe hasn\u2019t coughed up any blood since yesterday and Paul is quite confident that he\u2019ll be fine. Whatever it was, Joe\u2019s body seems to have over come it.\u201d<\/p>\n

Hoss gave his brother an anxious look over his father\u2019s shoulder. \u201cSounds like you\u2019ve been kinda busy brother,\u201d he said. \u201cGood move ta pound them two at the end too.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou would have enjoyed it,\u201d acknowledged Adam with a grin. \u201cI thought of you as well when they hit the ground Hoss.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cOf course I understand you doing what you did son,\u201d said Ben. \u201cI know how you both felt, but still \u2026 you took an awful risk Adam. You could have been killed.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam shook his head. \u201cI knew what I was doing Pa,\u201d he assured his father.<\/p>\n

Hoss grinned at them both. \u201cTell me again how you pounded em one Adam,\u201d he said. \u201cI sure wish I\u2019d been there to see it.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam returned the grin. \u201cSure felt good,\u201d he said. \u201cBesides \u2026 I had to do it for the kid \u2026 you know?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cReally?\u201d said a voice beside them and they all looked down in surprise at the bed to see Joe staring up at his brother with a slight grin on his face.<\/p>\n

\u201cJoseph!\u201d said his father, bending close to his son. \u201cI thought you were asleep.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI was,\u201d replied Joe. \u201cBut older brother here woke me up with his story of how he defended me.\u201d He gave Adam a slight smile and then shifted wearily on the bed. \u201cSo you had to do it for me, did you?\u201d he said mockingly to his brother. \u201cThat\u2019s nice to know that you think so much of me to take a risk like that.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam raised an eyebrow in a sardonic fashion. \u201cDon\u2019t flatter yourself,\u201d he said casually, fooling none of them with his reply. \u201cI only did it to show you that someone in this family can ride properly, that\u2019s all.\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe\u2019s smile turned into a grin. \u201cYeah sure,\u201d he said. \u201cWell \u2026. Thanks anyway older brother.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam put his hand on his youngest brother\u2019s shoulder and shrugged casually. \u201cThink nothing of it kid,\u201d he said gently. Joe reached up and laid his own hand on top of that of his brother\u2019s and squeezed it gently, before sighing and closing his eyes again.<\/p>\n

The End<\/p>\n

<\/div>\n

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

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

Summary: \u00a0A traveling rodeo comes to town and Joe enters the competition<\/p>\n

Rated: K (8,475 words)<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":12,"featured_media":14546,"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":[2,23,1007,30],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-2282","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-actionadventure","category-drama","category-joe-cartwright","category-prequels","wpcat-2-id","wpcat-23-id","wpcat-1007-id","wpcat-30-id"],"a3_pvc":{"activated":true,"total_views":2237,"today_views":0},"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/03\/saddle-bronc.png?fit=216%2C233&ssl=1","jetpack_likes_enabled":true,"jetpack-related-posts":[{"id":24989,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=24989","url_meta":{"origin":2282,"position":0},"title":"A Little Bit of Heaven – a tribute (by McFair_58)","author":"mcfair_58","date":"November 12, 2019","format":false,"excerpt":"Summary: This was written for Michael Landon's 83rd birthday.\u00a0 He may be gone but he will never be forgotten!\u00a0 Joe and Hoss have a discussion. 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Rating:\u00a0 G\u00a0 16,560 words","rel":"","context":"In "Drama"","block_context":{"text":"Drama","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?cat=23"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Preserving-Their-Legacy.png?fit=732%2C477&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Preserving-Their-Legacy.png?fit=732%2C477&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Preserving-Their-Legacy.png?fit=732%2C477&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Preserving-Their-Legacy.png?fit=732%2C477&ssl=1&resize=700%2C400 2x"},"classes":[]},{"id":45557,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=45557","url_meta":{"origin":2282,"position":3},"title":"The Henry Rifle (by Heidi)","author":"Preserving Their Legacy Author","date":"April 12, 2000","format":false,"excerpt":"Summary: When the rifle Adam bought as a gift for Pa is stolen, Hoss wrangles Joe into helping him find a way to make it all better. Rating:\u00a0 G\u00a0 (Words:\u00a0 6,620)","rel":"","context":"In "Family"","block_context":{"text":"Family","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?cat=1008"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Preserving-Their-Legacy.png?fit=732%2C477&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Preserving-Their-Legacy.png?fit=732%2C477&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Preserving-Their-Legacy.png?fit=732%2C477&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Preserving-Their-Legacy.png?fit=732%2C477&ssl=1&resize=700%2C400 2x"},"classes":[]},{"id":63027,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=63027","url_meta":{"origin":2282,"position":4},"title":"Sticking Together (by JoanS.)","author":"JoanS","date":"June 11, 2005","format":false,"excerpt":"Summary: Hoss and Little Joe stay at a neighbour\u2019s house when Ben is hurt. Rating:\u00a0 G\u00a0 14,000 words","rel":"","context":"In "Drama"","block_context":{"text":"Drama","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?cat=23"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Preserving-Their-Legacy.png?fit=732%2C477&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Preserving-Their-Legacy.png?fit=732%2C477&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Preserving-Their-Legacy.png?fit=732%2C477&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Preserving-Their-Legacy.png?fit=732%2C477&ssl=1&resize=700%2C400 2x"},"classes":[]},{"id":11983,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=11983","url_meta":{"origin":2282,"position":5},"title":"The Inheritance (by ChristyG)","author":"ChristyG","date":"April 27, 2013","format":false,"excerpt":"Summary:\u00a0 After learning the contents of his father's will, Hoss' behavior changes radically. 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