{"id":3153,"date":"2005-06-10T23:47:21","date_gmt":"2005-06-11T03:47:21","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=3153"},"modified":"2025-02-27T12:10:45","modified_gmt":"2025-02-27T17:10:45","slug":"touch-not-the-cat","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=3153","title":{"rendered":"Touch Not the Cat (by Rona)"},"content":{"rendered":"

Summary:\u00a0 <\/strong>WHN to Bullet for a Bride. The mountain lion that caused all the trouble is still on the loose and the Cartwright brothers go to hunt it down.<\/p>\n

Rated:\u00a0 T \u00a0 (8,395 words)<\/p>\n

Disclaimer:\u00a0All publicly recognizable characters and settings are the property of their respective owners. The original characters and plot are the property of the author. No money is being made from this work. No copyright infringement is intended.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Touch Not the Cat\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

It was irrational; Ben Cartwright knew that. However, it didn\u2019t stop him thinking that the last thing on earth he wanted his sons to do was go and hunt this big cat. But the circumstances surrounding the need to hunt down this animal were such that Ben was reluctant to let his sons out of his sight, however needful it might be for them to go.<\/p>\n

As Joe hopped lightly into his saddle, his feet never so much as touching a stirrup, Ben couldn\u2019t help himself. \u201cBe careful, son,\u201d he cautioned.<\/p>\n

\u201cI will, Pa,\u201d Joe responded. \u201cDon\u2019t worry.\u201d<\/p>\n

Smiling slightly, and keeping to himself the thought that parents worried all the time, even when their sons were grown up, Ben stepped back. The need to track down this cat had become urgent, literally overnight. That morning, they had found the cat\u2019s tracks in the corral by the house. The beast was becoming bolder and it was purely chance that had left the corral empty the previous night.<\/p>\n

The cat had been plaguing them for weeks. Adam and Joe had been out hunting it when Joe\u2019s bullet had ricocheted and blinded a young woman. As Tessa had recuperated, Joe had decided that he had to marry her, convincing himself that he was genuinely in love with her. He was unwilling to admit the relief he felt when they discovered that Tessa had regained her sight and he didn\u2019t have to marry her after all.<\/p>\n

In the aftermath of the revelation and the departure of the unwanted guests, the cat had largely been forgotten. However, the previous night had been a brutal reminder and they had simply been lucky that none of their horses had been in the corral. They had to do something about that cat.<\/p>\n

Watching as his sons rode out of sight, Ben tried to quell the uneasiness he felt.<\/p>\n

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

It was a long day for the Cartwright brothers. They followed the tracks, criss-crossing back and forth across the near ranges by the ranch house. The tracks were not fresh, but they didn\u2019t dare abandon them for fear they would lose them altogether. By the time dusk started to fall, they were less than 10 miles from home.<\/p>\n

It didn\u2019t take them long to set up camp, each brother taking on certain chores from habit. Joe settled the horses fairly close to camp, not wanting to take a chance on the lion fancying prime Ponderosa riding stock as its next meal. Adam went to fetch more water and Hoss built a fire. When Adam came back, he spread out the bedrolls by the saddles Joe had set near the fire. Hoss was cooking.<\/p>\n

The meal was simple, filling and hot. The boys didn\u2019t need any more than that. Replete, and now tired, they lounged back against the saddles and watched the stars come out. The night was going to be very cold, and Hoss rose to throw some wood on the fire. \u201cHow long\u2019re we gonna keep this up?\u201d he asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cHoss, we\u2019ve only just started the hunt,\u201d Adam pointed out. \u201cAre you tired of it already?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo, it\u2019s just\u2026\u201d Hoss began, but Joe interrupted.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2019ll keep it up until that cat is dead,\u201d he declared flatly.<\/p>\n

Uneasily, his two older siblings exchanged a glance and then looked at Joe. \u201cWe might not get the cat,\u201d Adam ventured.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m not going back without killing it,\u201d Joe stated firmly. \u201cIts cost me too much already.\u201d<\/p>\n

That much was true. When they had first encountered the cat, Joe\u2019s bullet had blinded a young girl. She had then regained her sight but, at her father\u2019s urging, hadn\u2019t said anything to the Cartwrights. Chance had allowed Ben to see the young woman primping at the mirror and he had realized that she could see. Concerned by Joe\u2019s bride\u2019s capriciousness, he had sought Joe out and told him the truth. Joe had been devastated that Tessa was lying to him and had broken his hand taking out his grief and anger on a post. While Joe was at the doctor, Tessa, who had guessed that Joe knew, had run away.<\/p>\n

Everyone searched for her, but it was the next day before she was found by Joe. And it was then he had had another close encounter with the cat \u2013 this time, it had clawed Joe before running off. Joe had had a lucky escape.<\/p>\n

Concerned, Adam put a hand briefly on his youngest brother\u2019s arm. \u201cJoe, if we don\u2019t get the cat now, we\u2019ll get it in the spring,\u201d Adam reminded him. \u201cWe\u2019re not going to put our own safety at risk over this.\u201d<\/p>\n

For a moment, his brother\u2019s green eyes were shadowed by something that made Adam feel very uneasy. Joe sometimes had a darkness about him that made him seem very dangerous. And then, in a heart beat, the shadow was gone and Joe just looked very tired. \u201cYou\u2019re right, Adam,\u201d he agreed. \u201cIt\u2019s not worth putting ourselves at risk for it.\u201d He sighed. \u201cI just want to see the back of it, you know? Put an end to everything.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI know, little brother,\u201d Adam replied, patting Joe\u2019s arm in unconscious imitation of Ben\u2019s habit. \u201cI know.\u201d<\/p>\n

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

The sky was cloudy and grey the next morning and Hoss, sniffing the air in much the same manner as the horses, announced that rain was on the way. This was something of a blow, as only dry weather would keep the tracks that they were following intact. With no time to spare, they ate a cold breakfast and set off as quickly as they could.<\/p>\n

As ever, Hoss led the way, peering down at the ground in concentration while Adam and Joe scanned the surrounding landscape on the chance that they might spot the cat on one of the high ledges. They saw nothing. The clouds continued to gather over the mountains and the tracks continued to lead them ever higher.<\/p>\n

The noon break was short and Joe looked at the jerky in disgust. \u201cEat it, young\u2019un,\u201d Hoss ordered. \u201cIts all yer gonna git till this evenin\u2019.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat\u2019s eating you, Joe?\u201d Adam asked. He tore off a mouthful of jerky with his teeth. He hated the stuff almost as much as Joe did. \u201cYou\u2019ve been in a perfectly foul mood all day. I don\u2019t think you\u2019ve said two words. Are you feeling all right?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m fine,\u201d Joe grumbled. \u201cThere\u2019s nothing wrong.\u201d He kept his eyes down so that Adam couldn\u2019t read his expression. Joe wasn\u2019t telling the truth. Something was wrong \u2013 he just didn\u2019t know what it was. He was just uneasy, out of sorts.<\/p>\n

\u201cJoe, if\u2019n ya ain\u2019t feelin\u2019 well, ya gotta tell us,\u201d Hoss implored his brother earnestly. \u201cAin\u2019t nobody gonna say nuthin\u2019 about it.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m all right,\u201d Joe insisted and made an effort to wipe the frown off his face. \u201cCome on, let\u2019s go.\u201d He shoved the last of the jerky into his mouth and walked over to his horse.<\/p>\n

Shrugging, Adam and Hoss followed. Both silently vowed to keep a close eye on Joe.<\/p>\n

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

At the end of another fruitless day, they set up camp in much the same way as they had the night before. Joe didn\u2019t know if he was imagining things or not, but the horses seemed restless and unsettled. Given that that was his frame of mind, too, Joe wasn\u2019t sure if he was infecting the sensitive animals or not. He glanced around, but there was little to see in the growing darkness.<\/p>\n

They were camped under a rocky overhang, which gave them meager shelter from the rain that still threatened but hadn\u2019t yet fallen seriously. Hoss had lit a couple of small fires, one of them right against the wall of rock and the heat reflected nicely back at the chilled men. They ate the bacon and beans that Hoss cooked as though none of them had seen food for months and savored the aromatic coffee that followed it. Warm inside and out \u2013 for the time being \u2013 they snuggled down tiredly into their blankets.<\/p>\n

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

None of them had any idea what time it was when the world erupted into chaos. All they knew was that it was still dark, the fires burned down to glowing embers, shedding little light. Rain was pouring steadily down and the horses were screaming.<\/p>\n

Leaping to his feet, still more awake than asleep, Joe grabbed his rifle and raced towards the horse line. He had once again kept the horses fairly close to the fires, in the hopes that they would be safer there. But apparently they weren\u2019t and Joe did not want anything happening to the horses when they were so far from home.<\/p>\n

It didn\u2019t occur to him that it was foolish to run, barefoot, at a line of panicky horses that most likely were being worried by a mountain lion. Joe hadn\u2019t had time to think at all \u2013 he simply acted. He ran to the horses and found them milling around anxiously, neighing and stamping, pulling sharply at the ropes that kept them tethered.<\/p>\n

The lion was there \u2013 there was no question about that. The hot rank smell of the beast hit Joe as he neared and he squinted in the darkness to try and see where it was. A dark shadow moved near the horses and Joe fired.<\/p>\n

The lion was doomed that night. Its reign of terror over the livestock of the ranch was over as three shots rang out practically simultaneously. The beast jerked and tumbled head over heels before collapsing to the ground, unmoving.<\/p>\n

But the danger was not over. The horses, despite being used to gunfire, spooked. The ultra-dependable Chubb snapped his tether and fled, brushing past Adam and knocking him into the smoldering embers of the fire. Hoss made a grab for Adam, burning his hands in the process as he hauled his brother away from the fire.<\/p>\n

Unaware of his own injuries, Hoss snatched up a canteen and poured the contents over his brother. \u201cAdam, are ya all right?\u201d Hoss cried.<\/p>\n

\u201cYes,\u201d Adam panted. \u201cI\u2019m all right.\u201d He knew he had been very lucky. He had landed on his back, but the only part of him that had been on the embers had been his butt, which was still encased in his heavy denim jeans. Although he was sore, he had not sustained any serious burns. \u201cWhat about you?\u201d Adam hunted around for the lantern and finally managed to light it. \u201cHoss, you\u2019re burned.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIt ain\u2019t bad,\u201d Hoss denied. He couldn\u2019t keep the pain out of his voice. Adam knew from past experience that even minor burns were very sore and he reached for the other canteen.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2019ll need more water, Joe,\u201d he stated calmly, as he began to pour water over Hoss\u2019 hands. There was no response. \u201cJoe?\u201d Adam repeated, looking around. \u201cJoe!\u201d<\/p>\n

The lantern had allowed Adam to see Hoss\u2019 hands, but it effectively blinded him to everything more than a few feet away. Joe and the horses had vanished into the darkness.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m here,\u201d said a low voice, laden with pain.<\/p>\n

The older brothers looked at each other and then Adam rose carefully to his feet. Lifting the lantern, he walked towards the voice, with Hoss at his heels. And they found Joe at the remnants of the horse line, lying on the ground. Of the horses, there was no sign at all.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat happened to you?\u201d Adam asked, dropping to his knees by his youngest brother. \u201cWhere are the horses?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThe horses are gone,\u201d Joe replied. He bit his lip, clearly in pain. \u201cChubb snapped his tether. Sport kicked Cochise and Cooch stood on me.\u201d He tried to relieve the pain by moving, but it didn\u2019t work. \u201cThey all high-tailed out of here.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhere did Cochise get you, Joe?\u201d Adam asked, trying to keep the worry out of his voice. They were in big trouble now.<\/p>\n

\u201cMy foot and leg,\u201d Joe answered. He lay back on his elbows and watched his brother\u2019s face with morbid interest as Adam pulled back Joe\u2019s pants\u2019 leg.<\/p>\n

Joe\u2019s right foot was bleeding slightly where the sharp edge of Cochise\u2019s hoof had cut the flesh. But the skin was visibly darkening and swelling even as they looked at it. The foot was definitely broken and badly broken. Adam\u2019s heart sank even more. With his heart in his mouth, he drew the pants\u2019 leg back even further and surveyed the bruised, misshapen ankle that also seemed to be broken.<\/p>\n

Wordlessly, Adam sat back, wincing as his sore butt contacted his heels. They were in even deeper trouble than he had first thought\u2026<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

The night passed \u2013 well, it passed. Joe dozed intermittently, the pain robbing him of much-needed rest. Hoss also was restless, not accustomed to pain as his bedfellow. The only one who got more than a few minutes of solid rest was Adam and even he spent a lot of the night awake, worrying. His own discomfort was mild compared to what his brothers were suffering and he didn\u2019t like to complain. That made him no less sore, however; he was able to push the pain aside with wondering how on earth they were going to get home.<\/p>\n

As dawn broken, Adam rose and went to fetch more water. The stiff carcass of the lion seemed to be leering at him as he hobbled past and Adam remembered Joe\u2019s seemingly inexplicable desire to see the animal dead. Now, it didn\u2019t seem at all unreasonable or over the top. One way or another that animal had caused the family a whole lot of grief.<\/p>\n

Breakfast was forced down somehow. Joe had little appetite, his face pale and his eyes ringed with dark circles. Hoss struggled to feed himself, but his pride wouldn\u2019t allow him to ask for the help his brothers would willingly have given him. Adam leaned against the rock wall, far too uncomfortable to sit.<\/p>\n

Once they had all eaten, the doctoring began. Hop Sing always put a couple of bandages into a saddlebag, just in case of accidents, but they weren\u2019t going to go far between the three of them. Adam took his spare shirt and tore it into strips, winding them carefully around Hoss\u2019 hands. The big man\u2019s palms were blistered and red, but Adam knew that they could have been so much worse. It seemed likely, from what little Adam knew of burns, that they would heal without leaving a scar, as long as they were looked after and didn\u2019t get infected.<\/p>\n

For himself, it took a bit of persuading on Hoss\u2019 part to get Adam to drop his pants, but it seemed that Adam had got away lightly for someone who had landed seat down on a fire. His skin was red and tender, like a bad sunburn, but there were no blisters and quite likely within a few days, he would never know anything had happened.<\/p>\n

On the other hand, Joe\u2019s foot and ankle were a mess. They had swollen dramatically during the night and the bruising was spectacular. Adam knew he had to get a splint on to keep the bones as still as possible, but he was not going to make any attempt to set the injuries. He wasn\u2019t a doctor and he didn\u2019t want Joe ending up crippled by some blunder he might make. \u201cI\u2019ve got to splint this, Joe,\u201d he warned.<\/p>\n

\u201cGo ahead,\u201d Joe replied. He knew it was going to hurt \u2013 more than hurt \u2013 but he knew it had to be done. He braced himself as best he could for the pain, but at the first gentle touch, he screamed and blacked out. Shaken, Adam continued his work, berating himself because he had caused Joe such pain, and yet knowing that there was nothing he could have done differently.<\/p>\n

While they waited for Joe to regain consciousness, Hoss looked at Adam. The older man was pale and worried looking. \u201cAdam, what\u2019re we gonna do?\u201d he asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t know,\u201d Adam admitted, sighing heavily. \u201cI guess I\u2019d better go for help and leave you and Joe here.\u201d He looked up into the distance, as though looking for something. Subconsciously he was \u2013 he was looking for their horses. \u201cI\u2019d hoped that the horses might have come back last night and then we\u2019d have a way to get home.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHow long d\u2019ya think it\u2019ll take ya ta git home?\u201d Hoss asked, his tone carefully neutral, but Adam heard the worry underlying the query.<\/p>\n

\u201cToo long,\u201d Adam responded. He checked Joe again, glad to see that his youngest brother was moving his head slightly, a sure sign that he was regaining consciousness again. \u201cWe really can\u2019t leave Joe\u2019s foot for long, or he won\u2019t ever get the use of it back.\u201d Adam made eye contact with his middle brother for the first time. \u201cAnd you can\u2019t really look after him or yourself, can you? You can\u2019t carry and Joe can\u2019t walk. Leaving you alone would be a recipe for disaster.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSo what\u2026 do you\u2026 suggest?\u201d queried a gravelly voice. Joe forced himself onto his elbows, ignoring the way his head swam for a moment.<\/p>\n

Silence was his answer as Adam once more studied the distance. There was rain on the way \u2013 heavier rain than they had so far faced. It would make traveling difficult and life more uncomfortable for those left behind with no shelter. Adam didn\u2019t know whether he ought to suggest the idea that was in his mind or not. He wasn\u2019t sure that it wasn\u2019t pure madness, brought on by a night of worry and sleeplessness.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou two go without me,\u201d Joe proposed. It had taken all his strength to keep his voice steady as he spoke, for he knew the difficulties, loneliness and pain that lay in front of him.<\/p>\n

\u201cNo!\u201d Hoss\u2019 vehemence was echoed by Adam\u2019s just a split second behind him. \u201cWe ain\u2019t leavin\u2019 ya, Shortshanks, so jist git that idea out o\u2019 yer head!\u201d<\/p>\n

That was what Joe had feared they would say and he marshaled his arguments. \u201cBut, Hoss\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cBut nothing,\u201d Adam interrupted swiftly. \u201cWe\u2019re not leaving you alone, Joe and that\u2019s the end of it. We\u2019re all going to get out of here. Its not going to be easy, but we either all go or we all stay.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat cha got in mind?\u201d Hoss asked and Joe blinked back tears, relieved beyond anything he could admit that he would not be left alone and injured.<\/p>\n

\u201cThis,\u201d Adam replied, and set out his idea.<\/p>\n

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

It took the rest of the morning before they were ready to move on. Adam had had to do the most of the work, cutting down a couple of straight branches and hauling them back to the campsite. It was then that he realized that this was going to be much harder than he had anticipated, but he said nothing to his brothers about his sudden misgivings.<\/p>\n

Back at camp, Joe helped Adam lace their lassos together to create a travois. Initially, he had been against the idea, for they didn\u2019t have horses to pull it, but Adam assured him that both he and Hoss would take turns. Hoss was quite enthusiastic about the idea, feeling that he was contributing nothing to their rescue. He didn\u2019t want to admit how sore his hands were and he had no real idea how much pulling the travois was going to sap his strength. Adam, who was beginning to have an idea, didn\u2019t say anything.<\/p>\n

Finally, the travois was made, along with a rope harness. Knowing how rope could cut through flesh, Adam padded the ropes with their spare clothing and placed their saddle blankets over the ropes for Joe. One set of saddlebags with food was given to the youngest Cartwright to keep an eye on, and the canteens were tied to the poles. Then Adam pulled their saddles close against the rock wall of their campsite to give them what little protection he could and Hoss put out the fires.<\/p>\n

\u201cI think we\u2019re ready,\u201d Adam announced, unable to find another thing to do to postpone what was now inevitable.<\/p>\n

Wincing, Hoss picked up the harness and fitted it over his shoulders. Adam went over to help him settle the material comfortably and patted his brother\u2019s shoulder. \u201cIf you\u2019re doing the pulling, we go at your pace,\u201d Adam instructed him. \u201cDon\u2019t think you have to hurry on our account.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI won\u2019t,\u201d Hoss promised, but Adam somehow doubted his middle brother would keep that promise. He knew Hoss wanted to get Joe home as soon as possible and although Adam wanted that, too, he didn\u2019t want it to be at the cost of Hoss\u2019 health or strength. If Hoss went down, Adam could not hope to rescue both of them.<\/p>\n

\u201cLet\u2019s get you on board, Joe,\u201d he said, bending down to help his brother to his feet. He winced as the sore skin on his backside stretched to accommodate the movement.<\/p>\n

Joe tried to ask Adam if he was all right, but the pain of moving was too much for him and it took all he had to simply hop the couple of feet to the travois without passing out. He flopped down gratefully and bit back a scream of pain as Adam lifted his injured limb onto the netting. Dimly, he was aware of Adam saying something, but he had no idea what it was. By the time his grip on consciousness improved, they were underway.<\/p>\n

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

There was no doubt it was hard going. Hoss had to stop far more frequently than he anticipated and Joe was heavier to pull than he expected for someone so slender. Adam tried several times to take over from Hoss, but the big man wouldn\u2019t hear of it. \u201cI can manage,\u201d he declared each time.<\/p>\n

Subsiding for the moment, Adam resolved to keep a close eye on Hoss and to stop for a proper rest in a little while. They could probably all do with something to eat, although when he looked down at Joe, his brother\u2019s set, white face told him Joe most likely wouldn\u2019t want anything. A travois was not the most comfortable of contraptions to ride upon, for every bump in the ground was magnified. It was not an ideal solution, but Adam hadn\u2019t \u2013 and still couldn\u2019t \u2013 come up with another idea. \u201cHow\u2019re you doing, Joe?\u201d he asked, softly.<\/p>\n

Looking up at Adam, Joe sought for a smile to reassure his brother. \u201cI\u2019m okay,\u201d he replied, but he sounded anything but convincing. \u201cDon\u2019t worry about\u2026 me.\u201d<\/p>\n

Smiling back, Adam chided, \u201cI always worry about you, Joe. All those women chasing you\u2026\u201d He allowed the smile to broaden to a grin and was relieved to see Joe\u2019s smile brighten, too.<\/p>\n

\u201cHow far have we come?\u201d Joe asked, fatigue coloring his voice. It seemed to him that they had been traveling forever and the pain was wearing him down. He didn\u2019t want to complain \u2013 his brothers were doing everything they could for him and they were hurt too \u2013 but the constant movement was getting on top of him. Joe didn\u2019t know how long he could keep going.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m not sure,\u201d Adam lied. \u201cWe\u2019ll be stopping for something to eat soon. Are you hungry?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNot really,\u201d Joe admitted. \u201cI\u2019m just tired.\u201d He forced a smile. \u201cI\u2019m all right, Adam, really.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSure you are,\u201d Adam responded, hearing an odd sense of d\u00e9j\u00e0 vu in their words \u2013 an echo from another time when Joe and been hurt and Adam had looked after him. He shook off the chill that ran down his back bone and rejoined Hoss. \u201cWe need to find somewhere to stop. Joe needs a rest.\u201d He didn\u2019t add that Hoss needed to rest, too.<\/p>\n

About 10 minutes later, Hoss found a spot shaded by a large tree and they put the travois down there. The rain had been falling in earnest for the last few minutes and they were all wet. Adam knew it was pointless to try and light a fire and that they would just have to eat jerky and drink water for their noon meal. He rummaged in the saddlebags, but by the time he had found the food, Joe was already asleep. Adam decided to leave him.<\/p>\n

He and Hoss ate in silence. What was there to say, after all? How long would it take them to get home? How was Joe really holding up? Were they wise to be attempting this, or would they have been better off waiting at their campsite to be found?<\/p>\n

A cold wind swept in under the trees and the men shivered in their wet clothing. \u201cWe\u2019d better go on,\u201d Adam suggested, although Hoss looked like he could join Joe in a nap. \u201cIt\u2019s my turn to pull.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI ain\u2019t tired!\u201d Hoss protested, untruthfully.<\/p>\n

\u201cYes you are!\u201d Adam retorted. \u201cAnd even if you weren\u2019t, it\u2019s my turn to pull.\u201d He rose to his feet, once more wishing that he could sit somewhere other than on his backside. Lying on his belly only worked when he wasn\u2019t actually eating.<\/p>\n

Adjusting the harness around his shoulders, Adam set off as gently as possible, but Joe was jolted from his sleep, a cry escaping his control. Hoss soothed him, urging him to go back to sleep, but although Joe closed his eyes, sleep eluded him. He drifted in and out of a twilight state that sometimes allowed him to escape the pain for a moment or two, but it was an elusive place and each new bump and jolt brought him back to hellish reality. By the time Adam was forced to stop to rest, Joe was at the end of his tether.<\/p>\n

\u201cHow ya doin\u2019, Shortshanks?\u201d Hoss asked tenderly, leaning over Joe to give him some water. He was instantly concerned, for his younger brother was so pale, he was practically transparent. \u201cSore, huh?\u201d he fumbled with the canteen, spilling some on Joe, but by then, they were all so wet, Joe barely noticed.<\/p>\n

\u201cSore,\u201d he mumbled in agreement. Now they weren\u2019t moving, he was regaining some of his control, but he didn\u2019t know how he could bear it when they started walking again. Something in his tone must have conveyed his feelings to Hoss, for the older man looked away, anguish on his face.<\/p>\n

\u201cSure wish I could do somethin\u2019 fer ya, Joe,\u201d he admitted, as though the situation was his fault. \u201cI\u2019d carry ya if\u2019n I could, ya know that.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m\u2026 all right,\u201d Joe insisted. He was breathing heavily, fighting back the pain and nausea. \u201cDon\u2019t worry\u2026 about me.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYa jist take it easy,\u201d Hoss soothed, feeling the utter inadequacy of his words, knowing that there was nothing they could do for Joe.<\/p>\n

\u201cSure,\u201d Joe sighed. He closed his eyes so that he didn\u2019t have to see the worry on Hoss\u2019 face.<\/p>\n

Silently, regretting his decision, Adam braced himself and started pulling once more.<\/p>\n

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

Exhaustion stopped them eventually. Adam didn\u2019t know how far they had come \u2013 not far enough, he was sure. He couldn\u2019t force his tired brain to make the rough calculations to tell him how much nearer home they were. What did it matter? He doubted if any of them could go on the next day. Joe had been unconscious for some time, the pain finally beating him down. Adam\u2019s backside was extraordinarily uncomfortable \u2013 he hadn\u2019t realized that the muscles used to pull something went down through his butt. Hoss was worn out by his distress at not being able to do more.<\/p>\n

Eventually, a camp was set up, a big fire roaring at the front of the shallow cave they were resting in. They were all soaked to the skin and spare clothes were not to be had. Adam wished he had thought of the dangers of exposure, but the fact he hadn\u2019t told him how much his injury had affected him.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou should eat, Joe,\u201d Hoss coaxed, holding the plate of bacon close enough that the scent tantalized his younger brother\u2019s nostrils.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m not hungry,\u201d Joe mumbled, turning his face away. He was still pale, but there was growing color in his cheeks, but Adam didn\u2019t like the looks of it. It wasn\u2019t healthy color \u2013 it was fever. Pain and exposure was taking its toll on the younger man.<\/p>\n

After Joe fell into a restless sleep, Hoss crept closer to where Adam was lying on his stomach trying to relax. \u201cAdam, we ain\u2019t gonna git home, are we?\u201d he asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t know,\u201d Adam replied, untruthfully. He closed his eyes, hoping Hoss would take the hint, but he didn\u2019t.<\/p>\n

\u201cCome mornin\u2019, I\u2019m gonna set off fer home,\u201d he announced. \u201cI think ya oughta stay here with Joe. He\u2019s in a bad way, ain\u2019t he?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t want to make him go on,\u201d Adam admitted, \u201cbut I don\u2019t think he should stay here, either.\u201d He dropped his head into his hands. \u201cHoss, I\u2019ve made a mess of this. I think I made the wrong decision in moving Joe.\u201d<\/p>\n

It wasn\u2019t often that Hoss saw his self-assured older brother so uncertain. He reached out to pat his brother\u2019s shoulder and stopped short, looking at his bandaged hand. \u201cAdam, ya done what ya thought were best,\u201d Hoss comforted him. \u201cMaybe Joe\u2019ll be better in the mornin\u2019.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cBut what if he\u2019s not?\u201d Adam demanded. \u201cI\u2019ve done the wrong thing!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYa don\u2019 know that!\u201d Hoss snapped. \u201cAdam, ya done the best fer us that ya could,\u201d he went on more gently. \u201cTomorra, Pa might find us. Someone might go by \u2013 ya jist don\u2019 know.\u201d He rested his hand carefully on Adam\u2019s shoulder, taking care not to wince aloud. \u201cYa git some sleep an\u2019 things\u2019ll look better come mornin\u2019.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI hope so,\u201d Adam replied despairingly. \u201cI hope so.\u201d<\/p>\n

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

By morning, Joe was coughing relentlessly. The rain had veered around to come at them from a different direction and their small shelter was sheltering them no longer. Water dripped from the rocks and the fire was soon extinguished. Adam and Hoss did their best to protect Joe from the worst of the rain, but it was a hopeless task and they were soon all chilled and wet.<\/p>\n

As dawn broke over a sullen, dripping landscape, Adam realized that his decision had been made for him by the weather. They could not leave Joe in that cold, wet place; the sooner he was home the better for him. None of them could stay there \u2013 the exposure would kill them.<\/p>\n

It was much harder for them to get going. They were all exhausted and cold and moving around sapped their energy and they didn\u2019t have much energy to spare. Adam took first turn at pulling the travois. He didn\u2019t think Hoss\u2019 hands looked very good when he had examined them that morning and he didn\u2019t want to tax his brother too much. Admittedly, Hoss was a big strong man and a bit of infection shouldn\u2019t do him much harm under normal circumstances. But circumstances weren\u2019t normal and Adam didn\u2019t want to make Hoss ill.<\/p>\n

\u201cJust go without me,\u201d Joe objected, as Adam eased him onto the travois. The last thing Joe wanted to do was go anywhere. He just wanted to slide into oblivion, where he couldn\u2019t feel the pain from his foot and where the cough didn\u2019t bother him.<\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t think so, buddy,\u201d Adam panted. He resisted rubbing his butt; he thought it was probably sorer than it had been the day before and wondered if it was strain or a mild infection setting in. Either way, he didn\u2019t mention it. They had enough problems.<\/p>\n

The only plus of the journey was that the ground was softer, making it less bumpy for Joe. On the down side, the mud tended to accumulate around the bottom of the travois poles and they had to stop frequently to clear it away. The delays added to the stresses and strains of the day in general.<\/p>\n

Stopping to swap places with Hoss at last, Adam took a good look around as he gulped some water from the canteen. He was suddenly feeling more cheerful, for he was sure he knew a shortcut home from where they were. \u201cHave some water, Joe,\u201d he coaxed, kneeling by his brother\u2019s side.<\/p>\n

Sighing heavily, Joe sipped a couple of times and then turned his head away to cough. Worried, Adam put his hand on Joe\u2019s forehead and felt the heat emanating from him. Joe batted the hand away in irritation. \u201cI\u2019m fine,\u201d he protested and coughed hoarsely.<\/p>\n

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

Joe looked up at Adam and the older man saw at once that Joe knew how badly off he was. He didn\u2019t say any more.<\/p>\n

Rising, Adam went up beside Hoss. \u201cIf we go over that way, won\u2019t we meet the track that leads right to the house?\u201d he asked, pointing.<\/p>\n

Looking around, Hoss nodded enthusiastically. \u201cI reckon so,\u201d he agreed. \u201cWe\u2019re closer ta home than I figgered.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThink we can get home in time for supper?\u201d Adam joked.<\/p>\n

\u201cYa bet!\u201d Hoss declared and Adam laughed, surprised that he could do so. But he felt better somehow, more hopeful. Help was closer than they had realized. \u201cLet\u2019s go!\u201d Hoss set off at a brisker pace than he had managed in the last two days. Adam followed, no longer feeling totally exhausted.<\/p>\n

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

It was nearly dark by the time they stumbled into the yard. It had been raining all afternoon and none of them could remember ever being this wet or cold before. But the anticipated warm welcome was not forthcoming. In fact, the house was dark and when they went in, the fire in the hearth was almost out.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhere is everyone?!\u201d Adam cried out. He had been looking forward to relinquishing his burden and letting his father take over so that he could sink into a long, deep sleep. But Ben was not there and there was no one to take charge. Adam felt so bereft, he could almost have cried.<\/p>\n

Equally exhausted and equally disappointed, Hoss just stood, his shoulders slumped. \u201cI dunno,\u201d he replied. \u201cThink they\u2019s out lookin\u2019 fer us?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOf course they are!\u201d Adam agreed almost angrily. \u201cWhy didn\u2019t I think of that?\u201d He looked around. \u201cLet\u2019s get Joe upstairs and then we can see what\u2019s to be done.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cJust leave me here,\u201d Joe objected. He was lying on the sofa, something that he usually hated, as it had not been designed for a man to lie on it. But the thought of moving yet again was enough to make him want to scream. He didn\u2019t know how he had managed to get home without losing control and he didn\u2019t want to lose it now they had reached their goal. That seemed the height of ingratitude.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019ll be more comfortable in bed,\u201d Adam replied briskly. \u201cAnd we\u2019ll be able to get that foot up properly.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat difference will it make?\u201d Joe asked wretchedly. \u201cWe both know it\u2019s been too long. I\u2019ll never walk properly on it again.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019 say that!\u201d Hoss protested, sounding frightened. That was the first time anyone had put that particular fear into words and yet Joe had said it in so matter-of-fact a manner that it chilled his brother. \u201cYer foot\u2019s gonna be jist fine.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou don\u2019t need to try and fool me, Hoss,\u201d Joe told him kindly. \u201cI know the truth.\u201d His voice sounded hoarse and he coughed wetly at the end of his sentence.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019re still going upstairs,\u201d Adam responded in his \u2018no nonsense\u2019 voice, hoping the gruffness would cover his fear. \u201cAnd your foot will be fine.\u201d<\/p>\n

The heavy sigh and the cough that followed told Adam that Joe didn\u2019t have the energy to fight him. Together, he and Hoss maneuvered Joe off the sofa and he hopped slowly and painfully up the stairs between his brothers. He was long past the end of his endurance by the time they reached his room and Adam stripping off Joe\u2019s wet clothes was the last straw. As Adam started cutting up Joe\u2019s pants leg, he slid away into darkness.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2019ve gotta get help,\u201d Adam muttered, intent on finishing his task. \u201cBut how?\u201d He tenderly tucked Joe into bed, lifting the swollen and discolored leg onto a cushioning pillow.<\/p>\n

\u201cI dunno,\u201d Hoss admitted and they both stopped and stood there, neither looking at the other, unable to make any kind of decision.<\/p>\n

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

\u201cWe\u2019ll start again at first light,\u201d Ben muttered to his foreman. \u201cWe\u2019ll have to spread out a bit more. This rain has really made things difficult.\u201d<\/p>\n

That was an understatement, Charlie reflected, but he didn\u2019t say it out loud. They had no idea where the boys had ended up \u2013 they only knew there had been trouble of some sort because the horses had meandered into the yard that morning. They were all skittish and none of them had a scrap of tack on apart from a halter. Cochise and Sport had their tethers still dangling, but Chubb\u2019s had broken off short. Ben had immediately ordered the men to saddle up, and they had spent all the remaining daylight hours searching, but there had been no trace of the boys.<\/p>\n

\u201cSons be fine,\u201d asserted Hop Sing, who had also ridden out to search. Ben hadn\u2019t really been aware that his diminutive cook could ride, but he was grateful for the man\u2019s stalwart support and endless optimism. It was a quality that Ben was finding to be in extremely short supply in himself.<\/p>\n

\u201cOf course,\u201d he agreed, wondering again at the uneasy feeling he had had when the boys had left home. Had it really been a premonition of some kind? Or did he just think so because his sons were in trouble?<\/p>\n

\u201cBoss!\u201d Charlie\u2019s voice was excited and Ben glanced at him, surprised that the man could have found some extra energy. \u201cThere\u2019s lights on in the house!\u201d he exclaimed, pointing.<\/p>\n

Sure enough, there was a light showing at the office alcove and Joe\u2019s bedroom window. Ben glanced at Hop Sing, who shook his head, indicating that he had not left a light burning. \u201cWho\u2026?\u201d Ben started, but he was spurring Buck to a faster pace, knowing that it could be no one but his sons.<\/p>\n

Abandoning his horse without a backward glance, Ben hurried into the house, glancing blankly at the travois lying on the floor without registering it. \u201cAdam? Hoss? Joe?\u201d he called.<\/p>\n

\u201cHere,\u201d came the faint reply from upstairs.<\/p>\n

Hurrying up the steps, Ben could feel a big grin breaking out. They were home! He practically ran into Joe\u2019s room, but there his delighted enthusiasm ran out as the harsh reality hit him. \u201cWhat\u2026?\u201d he gasped.<\/p>\n

Joe was lying in bed, his eyes closed. His face was pale, dark circles under his eyes and hectic patches of fever flushing his cheeks. His right foot was cradled on a pillow, with the covers pulled back and the foot was swollen, bruised and deformed.<\/p>\n

Raising his horrified eyes from Joe\u2019s foot, Ben realized at once that his other two sons were little better off than Joe. They were both wrapped in dressing gowns and looked equally as exhausted as their younger brother. Hoss had his hands covered by what looked like a torn shirt and Adam was leaning against the wall \u2013 a not unusual position for the oldest son, but he looked uncomfortable.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat happened?\u201d Ben demanded. He hurried over to put a hand first on Hoss\u2019 shoulder, then Adam\u2019s before bending over his youngest son and brushing the unruly curls back from his forehead. He flinched at the heat coming from Joe.<\/p>\n

Slowly, stumbling over his words, Adam told Ben what had happened. Ben listened carefully, not interrupting, his eyes often drawn to one son or another as the story unfolded. As Adam reluctantly recounted their injuries, he found himself still embarrassed by his own and did his best to brush over it. However, Hoss was having none of that. He quickly broke in and told Ben what had happened to Adam. Ben was horrified.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou need the doctor, all of you,\u201d he declared.<\/p>\n

\u201cDoctor coming,\u201d Hop Sing assured him. He had made hot chocolate, hoping that it would lull the sons to sleep until the doctor came. Joe was drifting in and out of sleep, stirring enough to give Ben a weak smile of welcome, but not participating in the conversation at all. \u201cHop Sing send.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThank you, Hop Sing,\u201d Ben replied. The genuineness of his tone was not missed by the Oriental and he nodded.<\/p>\n

\u201cSons need bed,\u201d he prodded gently.<\/p>\n

\u201cNow you\u2019re here, I could sleep for a week,\u201d Adam admitted, not realizing how much he had given away with those words. Ben smiled.<\/p>\n

\u201cThen go right ahead,\u201d he invited. \u201cI won\u2019t waken you.\u201d He patted his oldest son on the shoulder. \u201cThank you,\u201d he murmured.<\/p>\n

Adam understood him. He glanced at Hoss, then Joe. \u201cYou\u2019re welcome,\u201d he replied.<\/p>\n

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

Left alone with Joe, Ben could not keep his eyes from the grossly misshapen foot. Would Joe ever regain full use of it again? It seemed impossible. 48 hours had passed since it happened. Was it already too late to do anything about it? Ben wished he knew more.<\/p>\n

Eventually, Dr Paul Martin arrived. Ben had eaten something and spooned some of Hop Sing\u2019s broth into Joe, although his son had not eaten more than a few mouthfuls. Joe was asleep again, but his sleep was restless. Ben hoped that the doctor would be able to do something to help his son.<\/p>\n

\u201cI came as soon as I could, Ben,\u201d Paul apologized as he entered the room. \u201cHow is Joe?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNot good,\u201d Ben replied. He watched as Paul took his son\u2019s pulse and then got out his stethoscope and listened to his lungs. Joe slept through it.<\/p>\n

\u201cHe\u2019s got a good going cold,\u201d Paul remarked as he straightened up. \u201cNo sign of pneumonia, thank goodness, but I\u2019ll keep an eye on that.\u201d He stuffed his stethoscope back into his Gladstone back and turned his attention to Joe\u2019s foot.<\/p>\n

Anxiety shortened Ben\u2019s breath as Paul examined the ankle and foot closely. Joe was awake, and Ben held his hand, knowing that even the doctor\u2019s feather-light touch was excruciatingly painful. The little color there had been in Joe\u2019s face leached away, but Ben noticed that his son\u2019s fever was down. He smiled encouragingly as Joe bit his lip.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt hurts, Pa,\u201d he whispered.<\/p>\n

\u201cI know, son,\u201d Ben replied.<\/p>\n

\u201cI bet it does, Joe,\u201d Paul agreed. \u201cI\u2019m going to give you something for the pain before I set your ankle.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m gonna have a bad limp, aren\u2019t I, doc?\u201d Joe asked. \u201cJust tell me straight.\u201d<\/p>\n

Frowning, Paul said, \u201cWho told you that?\u201d<\/p>\n

Pushing himself onto his elbows, Joe looked down the length of his nude body and stared at the offending foot. \u201cNobody had to tell me,\u201d he rasped. \u201cI just used my eyes. It\u2019s been two days since this happened. Look at it!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSince when did you become a doctor, Joe Cartwright?\u201d Paul demanded. \u201cYes, your foot is swollen and it\u2019s going to take some time for the swelling to come down, but once it\u2019s set, you\u2019ll start to see an improvement.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t try to kid me, doc!\u201d Joe cried. \u201cI\u2019m gonna be lame, aren\u2019t I? Please \u2013 just tell me the truth.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben was close enough to see the tears clinging to Joe\u2019s lashes. He put a comforting hand on Joe\u2019s arm, but the young man barely noticed, so over-wrought was he.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019ll have a limp initially once you\u2019re back on your feet,\u201d Paul conceded. \u201cBut I don\u2019t expect it to last long.\u201d He knew how stubborn Joe could be and he leaned forward earnestly. \u201cJoe, believe me; you will walk again, no matter how bad it looks right now.\u201d<\/p>\n

Exhausted, Joe slumped back down and furiously blinked back the tears. He was still convinced that he would be left permanently lame and he was perilously close to losing control.<\/p>\n

A sharp pinprick in his thigh brought Joe back to reality. \u201cWhat?\u201d he gasped, but almost immediately, he could feel sleep sweeping over him in long, warm waves.<\/p>\n

\u201cJust rest, Joe,\u201d Paul advised, as the morphine took the young man. \u201cIt\u2019ll be much better when you wake.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cPaul \u2013 will it be better?\u201d Ben asked, hesitantly, when he was sure Joe could no longer hear him.<\/p>\n

Smiling, Paul patted Ben\u2019s arm. \u201cI promise,\u201d he replied.<\/p>\n

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

By the time Joe woke again the next morning, both Adam and Hoss had been treated, too. Adam was right about his injury. It was no worse than a sunburn and in all honestly, his pride hurt more that day than the burn did. His muscles were all sore and aching from dragging the travois and he was more than glad to stay in bed and rest up. He slept on and off, secure in the knowledge that Ben and Paul were there to take care of Joe and Hoss.<\/p>\n

Hoss\u2019 hands were more badly injured than Adam\u2019s rear end, but they could have been much worse. Adam had done the right thing in pouring water over then, stopping any burning and then wrapping them to keep the dirt out. Hoss\u2019 hands were already healing and Paul simply put on clean bandages, urging the big man to keep his hands clean and dry until the blisters had healed. Hoss was also glad to stay in bed and catch up on his rest. The ordeal had taken more of a toll on the older brothers than they had realized.<\/p>\n

On wakening, Joe had not immediately realized that his foot was less sore. He drifted pleasantly on the wings of the morphine he had received a couple of times during the night and it was only when he heard his father\u2019s voice that he roused himself enough to open his eyes.<\/p>\n

\u201cSo you\u2019re awake at last,\u201d Ben scolded teasingly. \u201cI thought you were going to sleep all day.\u201d He tousled Joe\u2019s hair. \u201cHow do you feel?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cA bit better,\u201d Joe replied. His head still felt as though it was stuffed with cotton and his nose was blocked. He struggled to sit up a bit and felt a twinge of pain from his foot. Lifting his head, he looked down.<\/p>\n

The toes that he could see poking out of the top of the splints and bandages were still bruised and swollen, but they had a reassuring underlying pink tone to them. Although it was clear the ankle and foot were still swollen, they appeared to be in a better position and the pain was less. \u201cMy foot\u2026\u201d Joe started.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s been set, a few stitches were put in and Paul thinks that if you keep it up, you might be able to get a cast on it next week sometime,\u201d Ben replied. \u201cThe breaks were not as bad as they appeared and he is predicting a full recovery.\u201d<\/p>\n

The good news shredded Joe\u2019s control in a way that the difficulties of the previous couple of days hadn\u2019t quite managed. He slumped down on the bed and tears leaked from his eyes, despite his attempts to prevent them. The relief was so overwhelming that Joe felt quite wrung out. He opened his eyes to look into Ben\u2019s face, not in the least surprised to find himself in his father\u2019s arms, cradled against his chest, safe and secure, like he had always been.<\/p>\n

\u201cThanks, Pa,\u201d he whispered, wiping his eyes with the back of his hand.<\/p>\n

\u201cAny time, son,\u201d Ben replied.<\/p>\n

\u201cHow\u2019re Adam and Hoss?\u201d Joe asked. He didn\u2019t think he could move even if he wanted to. He couldn\u2019t remember the last time he had felt so relaxed and comfortable.<\/p>\n

\u201cThey\u2019re fine,\u201d Ben assured him. \u201cTired, a bit sore, but okay.\u201d Ben smiled at him. \u201cHow are you feeling?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cApart from this cold? Much better.\u201d Joe made a moue. \u201cI feel a complete fool for sounding off at Doc Martin like that last night.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s understandable. You really weren\u2019t well last night.\u201d Ben made a face. \u201cI thought you were coming down with pneumonia.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo thanks,\u201d Joe smiled. \u201cA cold is bad enough.\u201d Reluctantly, he moved out of Ben\u2019s embrace, because his back was cramping. \u201cSo, did Adam show Doc Martin his butt?\u201d He sniggered.<\/p>\n

Trying to keep a straight face, Ben replied, \u201cBut of course\u2026\u201d He couldn\u2019t keep it up and a smile broke out. \u201cWe shouldn\u2019t laugh,\u201d he admonished Joe.<\/p>\n

\u201cI know,\u201d Joe chortled. He laughed and started to cough. \u201cI won\u2019t laugh when I see him Pa; promise.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t believe a word of it!\u201d Ben scoffed. He knew that somehow, Joe would manage to poke a little fun at his oldest brother\u2019s misfortune, but in the nicest possible way.<\/p>\n

Sobering suddenly, Ben realized that his sons were going to be all right. Despite the dire circumstances they had found themselves in, they had worked together to get home and he knew \u2013 just knew \u2013 that they were all going to be all right.<\/p>\n

Sensing the change in mood, Joe put his hand on Ben\u2019s arm. Ben retrieved his thoughts and smiled down at Joe. Something in Ben\u2019s dark eyes told Joe that his father wasn\u2019t sad and his own, heart-stopping smile lit his face. Ben reached over and cupped a hand round Joe\u2019s cheek.<\/p>\n

It was a timeless moment, one shared only between Joe and Ben, but somehow not excluding Adam and Hoss. It re-affirmed their ties as a family, their joy that they were together again and relief that they had survived a dangerous time.<\/p>\n

At last, they moved apart. Joe spoke quietly. \u201cIts over at last, Pa,\u201d he declared.<\/p>\n

Nodding, Ben thought of all he had been told about the hunt. The lion was dead, but his sons were all alive and whole.<\/p>\n

\u201cYes,\u201d he agreed. \u201cIt\u2019s over at last.\u201d<\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

<\/div>\n

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

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

Summary:\u00a0 WHN to Bullet for a Bride. The mountain lion that caused all the trouble is still on the loose and the Cartwright brothers go to hunt it down.<\/p>\n

Rated:\u00a0 T \u00a0 (8,395 words)<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":45,"featured_media":8754,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"template-full-width-post.php","format":"standard","meta":{"jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false,"_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":""},"categories":[23,13],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-3153","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-drama","category-whn","wpcat-23-id","wpcat-13-id"],"a3_pvc":{"activated":true,"total_views":1467,"today_views":0},"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/04\/CougarKill.jpg?fit=259%2C194&ssl=1","jetpack_likes_enabled":true,"jetpack-related-posts":[{"id":5278,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=5278","url_meta":{"origin":3153,"position":0},"title":"The Squirrel Incident (by Born in the USA)","author":"Born in The USA","date":"April 30, 2014","format":false,"excerpt":"Summary: \u00a0With Hoss and Joe away, Adam has to take care of his brother's chores. And gets a little 'surprise' along the way. Rated:\u00a0K+ (640 words)","rel":"","context":"In "Chaps and Spurs"","block_context":{"text":"Chaps and Spurs","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?cat=39"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"","width":0,"height":0},"classes":[]},{"id":5392,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=5392","url_meta":{"origin":3153,"position":1},"title":"The Ballad of Ben Cartwright (by ansinico)","author":"ansinico","date":"May 1, 2014","format":false,"excerpt":"Summary: \u00a0l have put my own words to the\u00a0air of an Irish drinking song, \u00a0'The Wild Rover' also called 'No Nay Never' \u00a0l hope you like it. Rated: K \u00a0(500)","rel":"","context":"In "Poetry"","block_context":{"text":"Poetry","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?cat=9"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/06\/Ben-1.jpg?fit=234%2C234&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200},"classes":[]},{"id":6603,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=6603","url_meta":{"origin":3153,"position":2},"title":"A Special Blessing (by mamse5)","author":"mamse5","date":"December 4, 2010","format":false,"excerpt":"Summary:\u00a0Ben's awakens on Christmas morning, but what happened to his boys? 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