{"id":3340,"date":"2000-04-25T12:38:11","date_gmt":"2000-04-25T16:38:11","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=3340"},"modified":"2025-02-27T12:04:45","modified_gmt":"2025-02-27T17:04:45","slug":"he-just-wanted-to-help","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=3340","title":{"rendered":"He Just Wanted To Help (by Lima)"},"content":{"rendered":"

Summary:\u00a0 Ben is away on business, leaving 22-year-old Adam in charge of the ranch and his brothers.\u00a0 However, a bank robbery in Carson City and Little Joe\u2019s stubborn insistence on helping is more than enough trouble for him. After Adam forbids Joe from helping, the 10-year-old decides to take matters into his own hands and ends up in the hands of the robbers.\u00a0 Now the only chance Adam has of seeing his youngest brother again is to track down the robbers, and hope he finds them in time.
\n<\/span><\/p>\n

Rated: K+ (35,170 words)<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0He Just Wanted To Help<\/strong><\/p>\n

This is my first Bonanza story. I posted it on BonanzaWorld, but after the site crashed I decided to repost it here. On BonanzaWorld, it was written under the name Scribbles, but on this site I’ve decided to go with my Forum name, Lima.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

***<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cJoe?\u201d Adam yelled.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

He paused for a response, but when none came he pulled on his boots and stormed out the front door. It was ten o\u2019clock, far past Little Joe\u2019s bedtime, and the troublesome child was missing again. Adam paused outside the barn, where he always looked first whenever Joe disappeared, and took a deep breath to force his annoyance from his face. Slowly, so as not to disturb the animals inside, Adam stepped into the barn.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The silhouette of his youngest brother could just be seen beside the shadow of his pony. Joe\u2019s little boy hands reached up and tugged at the reins, as if he were about to mount.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cJoe, what are\u2026?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe jumped at the sound of Adam\u2019s voice, spinning around to face his oldest brother. \u201cNothin\u2019.\u201d he said quickly, yanking the reins behind his back and making the pony neigh in surprise.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam sighed, crossing the space between him and his brother. It had been three days since Pa had left for Sacramento, leaving the twenty-two year old Adam to take care of things. This wasn\u2019t the first time he had stepped in when Ben had to leave, but this was the longest amount of time Adam had ever had to be in charge. Joe was rebelling, which was nothing new, but Adam was finding it harder and harder to keep his patience with his ten year old brother.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cCome on now,\u201d Adam said, keeping his voice light. \u201cYou can tell me.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe looked skeptical, his green eyes narrowed cautiously. \u201cYou\u2019ll get mad.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cMaybe.\u201d Adam admitted. \u201cBut maybe I won\u2019t. Maybe I\u2019ll be happy.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The ten year old paused, looking anywhere but Adam\u2019s face, fiddling with the reins. \u201cI just wanted to help, honest.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHelp what?\u201d Adam pressed, though he was pretty sure he knew.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe glanced up, and Adam almost laughed at the look he read in his brother\u2019s face. It was the look of a child who knows more than the adults think he does. A look that said clearly I know you know, and I know you just want me to say it.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHelp catch the robbers.\u201d he finally answered, a slightly annoyed edge in his voice. \u201cYou and Hoss were out all day, and Hoss isn\u2019t that much older than me.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYou helped us look.\u201d Adam said.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI rode with Hoss.\u201d his brother corrected. \u201cIt\u2019s not the same. I want to help look! It doesn\u2019t do any good to ride with Hoss, he\u2019s a better tracker than anyone else. I won\u2019t find anything that he doesn\u2019t already see.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Well, he\u2019s right there. Adam thought. \u201cThen you can ride with me.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYou can track too.\u201d Joe frowned. \u201cAnd so can the Sheriff. And so can I! I found that fox, didn\u2019t I? I tracked it!\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cSure you did.\u201d Adam said soothingly, deciding not to bring up the fact that the fox had been shot and had left a very obvious trail of scarlet through a field of untouched snow. \u201cI know you can track, it\u2019s just that\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The boy\u2019s chin rose, his green eyes hard, as if knowing what Adam was thinking and daring him to say it. When he didn\u2019t, Joe said it for him. \u201cJust that I\u2019m too little.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam inhaled, trying to buy time to think of some other way to word it. He couldn\u2019t. \u201cIt\u2019s only for your own safety. You know that, don\u2019t you? I couldn\u2019t do anything when I was your age either, and neither could Hoss. But we can now. It made us mad, too, but there was nothing we could do but wait. Don\u2019t worry; in no time at all you\u2019ll be riding off all alone, and no one will tell you you\u2019re too little.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Hoping fervently that his answer would pacify his little brother, Adam patted Joe\u2019s shoulder and steered him toward the barn door. \u201cAnd see? You got to stay up later than Hoss. He\u2019s already in bed!\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI didn\u2019t get to stay up later, I just did.\u201d Joe pointed out sullenly, allowing himself to be directed out the door. He\u2019d already defied Adam\u2019s authority by staying up and sneaking out (even if Adam did find him), and bed didn\u2019t seem like such a terrible sentence. Besides, there was always tomorrow. Maybe he could talk Hoss into helping him.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam could practically hear the wheels in his youngest brother\u2019s head turning, but he stayed silent. It was just the way that Joe was, and he really didn\u2019t mean any harm by it. Besides, there was always tomorrow. Maybe he could talk Hoss into helping him.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cGood night, Joe.\u201d Adam said, pushing him gently into his room. \u201cDon\u2019t forget to clean up before you get into bed.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI know.\u201d Joe tried to sound irritated while stifling a yawn. \u201cG\u2019night.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

With a sigh, Adam shut his brother\u2019s door and prayed that Pa would be home soon.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

*<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cY\u2019sure y\u2019ain\u2019t seen Joe this mornin\u2019?\u201d Hoss pressed, fork frozen between his plate and his mouth.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI already said I havn\u2019t.\u201d Adam said. He paced in front of the fireplace, hands ever moving from his head to his hips to his chin in a worried circle.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWell he can\u2019t\u2019ve gone far.\u201d Hoss said, dropping his fork and standing up. \u201cIt\u2019s barely even light out!\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam didn\u2019t say anything, just continued his fretting. Hoss\u2019 brows knit together as he read the concern in his older brother\u2019s face. \u201cD\u2019you know where he went?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam stopped pacing. His back was toward Hoss, hand raised to cover his mouth thoughtfully. Hoss could see the muscles on his back tense for a moment before he said, \u201cHe told me last night that he wanted to help find the robbers.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThe robbers?\u201d Hoss repeated blankly. \u201cBut he was lookin\u2019 with us yesterday.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHe wanted to go by himself.\u201d Adam said, shaking his head, still facing the fireplace. \u201cHe said he could track too, and he wasn\u2019t doing any good following you.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cBuchyou don\u2019t think he\u2026\u201d Hoss let the words trail off, afraid of the answer.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam suddenly whipped around, slamming his hands on the table. \u201cThat boy\u2019s gonna get himself in a world of trouble!\u201d He pushed himself off toward the door, grabbing up his gun belt as he crossed the room. Hoss struggled to find a word for the motion; it was halfway between a glide and a stomp, angry but graceful at the same time. Only Adam could pull off a walk like that. \u201cCome on, Hoss, we\u2019re gonna-\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cMr. Adam not leave yet!\u201d cried a slightly out of breath voice from the kitchen. Hop Sing burst into the room a second later, holding a dripping plate and a towel. \u201cMr. Adam no can leave yet, must wait for Littal Joe.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWait for Joe,\u201d Adam repeated, hands frozen in the task of adjusting his belt. \u201cWe\u2019re looking for Joe.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHop Sing send Littal Joe to get him good wood for fire, not lealize how low woodpile was. Littal Joe say not let blothers leave without him.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Hoss sat down, looking bewildered. \u201cAin\u2019t that just like Little Joe. Git us all worried \u2018n he\u2019s just off doin\u2019 sumthin\u2019 fer Hop Sing.\u201d He let out a laugh that shook the table and picked up his fork, waving it at Adam. \u201cYou sit down\u2019n eat afore yer mouth drops to the floor.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam clamped his jaw shut, not realizing it had been open. \u201cThen\u2026 he\u2019s just outside?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Hop Sing rubbed the corner of the towel over the plate. \u201cJust get wood for Hop Sing. Not be long.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

As if on cue, Joe pushed through the door with an armful of sticks, nearly hitting Adam as he entered. \u201cSorry-\u201d he fought for his balance for a moment before heading for the kitchen. \u201cWhere d\u2019you want these?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cJust in kitchen fine,\u201d Hop Sing said. \u201cOn pile by stove, Hop Sing move later. Just need wood for start fire.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHere,\u201d Adam said, reaching down and taking a few of the larger sticks from his brother\u2019s arms. \u201cYou go eat, I\u2019ll get these.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe allowed him to take the wood and brushed some bits of bark from his shirt. His green eyes glanced from his eldest brother to the door, noting how close the two had been to each other. \u201cYou weren\u2019t gonna leave without me, were you?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWell now, Little Joe, we couldn\u2019t hardly leave without our best tracker, could we?\u201d Hoss said, waving him over to him. \u201cC\u2019mon\u2019n have breakfast, \u2018n we\u2019ll set out just as soon as we\u2019re done.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

With one last glance at Adam, Joe made his way over to the table and sat beside Hoss, looking slightly suspicious. Adam looked away guiltily, shifting the wood in his arms as he walked to the kitchen. What had happened? It wasn\u2019t like him to jump to conclusions like he did. Joe was only trying to help, after all, and Adam hadn\u2019t even given him the benefit of the doubt. He set the sticks down by the stove as Hop Sing had instructed and exited the kitchen, sitting himself down across from Joe and loading his plate with eggs and ham.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYou hungry this morning, Joe?\u201d he asked lightly, trying to make up for his outburst.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe shrugged, stabbing a chunk of meat and twirling it about the plate. Adam resisted the urge to frown. He opened his mouth to ask what was wrong, but Hoss beat him to it.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cY\u2019ain\u2019t gonna be able to find much if y\u2019don\u2019t eatcher breakfast.\u201d he said through a mouthful of egg. \u201cWe\u2019ll need all the help we c\u2019n get today.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe glanced at Hoss and raised the fork to his mouth. \u201cSorry.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cY\u2019ain\u2019t gotta \u2018plolgize for it, Little Joe.\u201d Hoss said, clapping his brother on the shoulder. \u201cI was just sayin\u2019, is all.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Hoss met Adam\u2019s eyes as they darted between his brothers, and read the confusion in them. Adam was trying so hard to fill Pa\u2019s shoes that he forgot how to act like a brother. Hoss smiled slightly and glanced at Joe. Sometimes brothers had to be leaders, but sometimes they were co-conspirators.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAdam, you done?\u201d he asked, eyeing the other\u2019s barely-touched food.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam looked up in surprise. \u201cI\u2026 yeah, I guess I am.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhy don\u2019t ya git th\u2019 horses ready.\u201d Hoss offered. \u201cJoe\u2019n I\u2019ll be out soon.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam knew a hint when he heard one, and he could take it, too. With a nod at Little Joe, he stood and left, grabbing his hat as he went.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Hoss turned to his remaining brother and sighed. \u201cAlright, Little Joe. \u2018S no use tryin\u2019 t\u2019act like there\u2019s nuthin\u2019 wrong now, so just tell me what\u2019s\u2019a matter an\u2019 I\u2019ll see if I can\u2019t help.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe met Hoss\u2019 gaze brazenly. \u201cNothing\u2019s the matter.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cC\u2019mon, Joe, it ain\u2019t right fer two men to chase each other round with words. Jus\u2019 tell me now an\u2019 save us some time.\u201d When Joe stayed silent, Hoss added, \u201cThe more time we waste here\u2019s less time we\u2019ll have out there.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe bit his lip, glancing away. \u201cIt\u2019s just that Adam doesn\u2019t think I can track.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Hoss, of course, already knew this, but he feigned surprise. \u201cBut o\u2019course you can track!\u201d he cried. \u201cRemember that ol\u2019 fox y\u2019found last winter?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI told him that, but he said I\u2019m too little to go off alone.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cLittle Joe,\u201d Hoss said, waiting for him to meet his gaze before continuing. \u201cIt ain\u2019t that yer too little. The only reason Adam don\u2019t want you goin\u2019 off alone is that he\u2019s scared.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cScared?\u201d Joe repeated doubtfully. \u201cOf what?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHe\u2019s scared somethin\u2019 might happen to you when you did find the robbers.\u201d Hoss said. \u201cAdam\u2019s got a lot to think about now, an\u2019 the last thing he needs is his fav\u2019rit brother goin\u2019 off and findin\u2019 the robbers \u2018fore he can.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019re his favorite brother.\u201d Joe said, glancing away. \u201cYou listen to him.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNah,\u201d Hoss smiled. \u201cThat don\u2019t mean nuthin\u2019. You\u2019re his little brother-\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cSo are you.\u201d Joe pointed out.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Hoss laughed, but when Joe kept his eyes downcast he sobered slightly. \u201cWell, with three brothers like us, I reckon we\u2019re all fav\u2019rits. The point is, Adam\u2019s tryin\u2019 his best to be someone people\u2019ll look up to, like Pa. But he can\u2019t do that right when he\u2019s worryin\u2019 over his little brothers wand\u2019rin\u2019 round with murderers on the loose.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHe lets you do it.\u201d the boy said sullenly.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cBut he don\u2019t like to.\u201d Hoss went on. \u201cHe hates it ev\u2019ry time I ride away from him. I don\u2019t think he can let you go off alone, not when he knows he wouldn\u2019t be able to protectcha. That\u2019s just the way Adam is.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe sat silently, pondering the words his brother gave him. They did make sense; Joe had already noticed how hard Adam seemed to be trying at everything he did lately, and it made him feel better to think that it was Adam\u2019s personality that prevented him from searching alone, not his age.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Still, that would mean that he would feel bad about messing with Adam from now on, and Joe<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

wasn\u2019t sure he wanted that.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThen you\u2019re telling me to be good and listen to him?\u201d he said finally.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI ain\u2019t. I\u2019m just sayin\u2019 why you can\u2019t go off alone.\u201d Hoss laughed. \u201cBrothers are suppose to bug each other. Just not me, right Little Joe?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cRight.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cGood. Y\u2019awna ride with me \u2018r Adam then?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

You, Joe wanted to say, but he held back. It would be more fun to ride with Hoss, but already he felt sorry for his plans to undermine Adam\u2019s authority. Maybe he should ride with him and make up for it. \u201cI\u2019ll go with Adam.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Hoss hid a smile and turned back to his plate, shoveling the last few bites of egg into his mouth and brushing the napkin across his lips. \u201cC\u2019mon, then.\u201d He said, pushing his chair back and standing up. \u201cAdam\u2019ll be \u2018bout ready with the horses now. Y\u2019done, Joe?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The youngest Cartwright copied his brother, adding a stretch to his movements before heading for the door. \u201cYou think we\u2019ll be back for lunch?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201c\u2019Course we will, boy.\u201d Hoss said, plopping his hat over his forehead so it shadowed his eyes when he yanked open the door. \u201cAin\u2019t no one gonna stand between me\u2019n my lunch.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Hoss was rewarded by Joe\u2019s giggles, and felt a huge smile tug into his face. He reached back toward the boy and laid one already large hand on his shoulders, readjusting his hat with the other. \u201cAdam!\u201d he called, steering Little Joe toward the barn. Their eldest brother stood beside his own horse, holding the reins of Hoss\u2019 steed and Joe\u2019s pony in his hand. His dark eyes looked guarded, Hoss noticed, but they softened slightly when they took in Joe\u2019s improved mood. An almost tentative smile touched his lips, and he held out the reins to Joe\u2019s pony as they approached.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYou all ready for the search?\u201d he asked, offering a smile as Joe took the reins from him.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The boy nodded. \u201cCan I ride with you?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam only barely masked his surprise, flicking an amazed glance at Hoss, who was beaming over Joe\u2019s shoulder. \u201cOf course you can, Buddy. Hoss can go with the Sheriff.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe nodded again and mounted his pony with the ease of a practiced adult, and Hoss felt his smile grow even wider. It was obvious the boy had a gift with horses, keeping them calm even was he was too young to ride them. Just wait till he\u2019s Adam\u2019s age, Hoss found himself thinking proudly. He\u2019ll be the best bronc-buster in Nevada.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYou ready, Hoss?\u201d Joe asked, tying to mimic Adam\u2019s pose as the older Cartwright leaned on<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

the pommel of his saddle.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYeah, Joe,\u201d Hoss said, pulling himself up into his own saddle. \u201cI reckon I am.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

*<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cLet\u2019s review the facts.\u201d Adam suggested, glancing across the room to where the Sheriff leaned against his desk.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWe ain\u2019t got much.\u201d he said darkly, eyes darting across the map that laid before him. \u201cJust that the robbers hit Carson City bank three days ago and cut southwest onto the Ponderosa. We ain\u2019t been able to find track of \u2018em since.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cMaybe they aren\u2019t on the Ponderosa.\u201d offered the deputy, Dan Tullis. \u201cI mean, we been searchin’ there two days and still ain\u2019t seen \u2018em. How could they be there?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThe Ponderosa is huge.\u201d the Sheriff cut in, as if he were disappointed his deputy had made such an impossible comment. \u201cThere are dozens of places we havn\u2019t searched yet.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Silence followed his words, while each man tried to think of something no one else had yet. Hoss glanced at the map, keeping one eye on the paper and one on Little Joe. His brother was bored, but was trying not to bring attention to it. He squirmed at Adam\u2019s side, shifting his weight and darting glances across the room.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cMaybe,\u201d Hoss said suddenly. All eyes turned on him, and he fought to keep from looking away. Being sixteen, Hoss knew he was at the age when he was allowed to sit in on adult conversations, so long as he did not contribute to them. He wondered briefly if he would get in trouble for speaking out, and he swallowed, feeling uncomfortable under the weight of their expectant silence. Adam, however, nodded encouragingly, and Hoss resisted the urge to clear his throat before continuing. \u201cMaybe Mr. Tullis is right.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWe havn\u2019t searched everywhere yet.\u201d the Sheriff repeated. \u201cThere are places we don\u2019t even know of that could be hiding the robbers right now.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI know that,\u201d Hoss went on, trying not to feel discouraged about the interruption. \u201cBut if even Adam an\u2019 I don\u2019t know \u2018em, how\u2019d the robbers?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The Sheriff was silent, and Hoss saw Adam nodding thoughtfully out of the corner of his eye. He went on, \u201cIf I robbed a bank, I\u2019d wanna make sure I had a safe place t\u2019go afterward.\u201d He paused, waiting for someone to challenge his statement, but none did. \u201cAn\u2019 if I had a safe place in mind, I\u2019d wanna make sure no one would find it.\u201d Again he paused, and again no one spoke. \u201cSo if the robbers were hidin\u2019 somewhere on the Ponderosa, it\u2019d make sense that they\u2019d been there before. An\u2019 since we ain\u2019t seen no strangers ridin\u2019 across our land\u2026\u201d Adam shook his head in confirmation when Hoss glanced at him for support. \u201cThen maybe they ain\u2019t on our land.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cTheir tracks lead to the Ponderosa.\u201d the Sheriff said.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cMaybe they backtracked.\u201d Adam offered. \u201cIt was dark when you went out searching; maybe you missed something.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Dan Tullis dipped his head thoughtfully. \u201c\u2019S possible\u2026 we was in a hurry.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThen where did they go?\u201d the Sheriff asked stiffly.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI think we should recheck the area around Carson City, right at the edge of the Ponderosa.\u201d Adam said, glancing proudly at Hoss.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWe could split up.\u201d Tullis offered.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The Sheriff glared down at the map, irritation clear on his face. \u201cThose thieves couldn\u2019ta chose a better time to hit the bank, what with Ben gone and Doc Kensington ready to leave, and that accident at the mine\u2026 we ain\u2019t hardly got nobody to search.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYou have us.\u201d Adam pointed out fiercely. \u201cWe\u2019ll be enough.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe paused his fidgeting to glance up at his oldest brother, a faint smile on his face. The Sheriff met Adam\u2019s eyes, suddenly looking old and weary. \u201cI hope so, Adam.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

A brief silence followed his words, in which Joe resumed his squirming, before Hoss cleared his throat and asked, \u201cMr. Tullis, d\u2019you mind if I ride with you?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNot at all, Hoss.\u201d the deputy smiled, crossing the room and grabbing his hat off of a hook by the door. \u201cLittle Joe, too?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNah, he\u2019s ridin\u2019 with Adam this time.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe looked up when he heard his name, his face eager. \u201cDon\u2019t worry, Mr. Tullis. We\u2019ll find the robbers.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Tullis\u2019 tanned face broke into a grin, and he reached down and ruffled the boy\u2019s curls with a calloused hand. \u201cI\u2019ve no doubt about that, lad. None whatsoever.\u201d He smiled over his head at Adam. \u201cWe\u2019ll check around Carson City, like y\u2019said.\u201d With a nod back at the Sheriff, he left the cramped office and disappeared into the streets with Hoss behind him.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The Sheriff pushed himself up off of the desk and prodded the map. \u201cI\u2019ll look here, along the eastern boarders of the Ponderosa. We may\u2019ve missed something in the cliffs.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam nodded, transferring his hat from his hands to his head. \u201cI\u2019ll take Joe southwest. I told Hoss we\u2019d meet back at the ranch for lunch; you\u2019re welcome as well.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThank you, Adam.\u201d the Sheriff smiled, then waved his hand at the door. \u201cYou go on, I\u2019ll be out in a bit.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam dipped his head and tugged at Joe\u2019s shoulder, and the two of them made their exit.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhat\u2019re we gonna do when we catch \u2018em?\u201d Joe exploded as soon as they got outside.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2019re gonna go for backup.\u201d Adam responded, glancing down at his brother.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe\u2019s face fell. \u201cWhat if they get away while we\u2019re gone?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s just a chance we\u2019ll have to take. The two of us can\u2019t arrest them ourselves.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhy not?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhy not?\u201d Adam repeated, amused. \u201cBecause we\u2019ll probably be outnumbered. These are murderers, Joe, thieves! We couldn\u2019t hold a candle to them.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe pouted, glancing away sullenly. \u201cHoss and I could take \u2018em.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam bit his lip, forcing back the retort that was clawing at his tongue. Hoss had already had to repair their relationship today; it would be best not to break the ice he was standing on. He watched Joe swing up onto his pony as he mounted his own and glanced up the road.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Please, he found himself praying. Please don\u2019t let us find them.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

*<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYou bling too many people, not tell Hop Sing.\u201d Hop Sing grumbled, waving his ladle threateningly at Adam. \u201cNot prepared for so many guests.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam shifted away from the irate cook, his eyes sweeping the room and touching each face gathered at the table. \u201cWell how was I supposed to know that Hoss would meet up with Doc Kensington?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Hop Sing glared, not accepting the excuse. \u201cNow supper not be done on time, Hop Sing have to clean up this mess! Should make Mr. Adam help!\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cCome on, Hop Sing, I wasn\u2019t responsible for all of this.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cMr. Adam in charge!\u201d Hop Sing said, jabbing the ladle into Adam\u2019s chest. \u201cThings not his fault must be his lesponsibility.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam was silent, staring into dark eyes that held wisdom he hadn\u2019t noticed before. Hop Sing paused to let the words sink in before whacking the eldest Cartwright once more over his heart and stomping back to the kitchen.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHe let you escape!\u201d Hoss cried from the table. \u201cHurry up\u2019n siddown \u2018fore he comes back!\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam followed his brother\u2019s advice, taking a seat between Hoss and Doc Kensington. The doctor had been in Carson City a little over two years, but in that short time he and Adam had formed a close friendship, despite the fact that Kensington was almost as old as Ben. Adam loved the man like an uncle, and had been extremely saddened by the news that he was leaving town. Kensington had received word about a week before that his pregnant sister was having difficulties and that his mother had moved in with them after his father succumbed to pneumonia. He had planned on setting out to Stephens Flats, where his sister and her husband lived, the day before, but had decided instead to stay in Carson City to help search for the robbers.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Hoss and Tullis had picked him up on their way out of town, and the three of them searched the land around Carson City without success. Adam and Joe were equally fruitless, and the Sheriff had yet to return.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Kensington leaned back from the table, sighing contentedly. \u201cI haven\u2019t eaten a finer meal in all of Nevada.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Hoss let out a deep chuckle, waving his fork at the kitchen. \u201cYeah, old Hop Sing sure do know his cookin\u2019.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam glanced at the grandfather clock that guarded the wall across from him, frowning. \u201cI told the Sheriff we were meeting for lunch\u2026 he should\u2019ve been here by now.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m sure he just lost track of time.\u201d Kensington said soothingly. \u201cYou said he was skirting the edge of the Ponderosa? That\u2019s a lot of land to cover; he probably got caught up in the search and forgot about lunch.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t know,\u201d Hoss murmured doubtfully. \u201cAny man who can fergit lunch has sumthin\u2019 wrong with \u2018im.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cJust because you never could,\u201d Joe said playfully, poking his fork at Hoss\u2019 ribs.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam started to stand. \u201cI don\u2019t know\u2026 maybe we should-\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The door crashed open, cutting off the rest of Adam\u2019s sentence. The Sheriff burst into the room, out of breath and panting, but waving franticly behind him. \u201cGet your horses, quick! I found \u2018em, over by the bluffs just west of here! You were right, Hoss; they doubled back and left the Ponderosa.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHow many?\u201d Adam asked, already bolting for the door. Chairs scraped against the floor as the others followed.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cSix.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2019re outnumbered.\u201d Hoss said.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNo we\u2019re not!\u201d Joe cried. \u201cSix of us and six of them!\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam froze in the doorway, causing Hoss to run into him and to nearly knock him over. \u201cJoe,\u201d he said, exasperated. \u201cYou have to stay here.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019ll be outnumbered!\u201d the boy pressed. \u201cI can help!\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cStay here.\u201d Adam repeated.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cJust let me-\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cJoseph Cartwright,\u201d Adam thundered. \u201cStay here.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The fire in Joe\u2019s eyes grew hard. \u201cYou ain\u2019t Pa!\u201d he yelled. \u201cYou can\u2019t tell me what to do!\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cPa left me in charge, and I say you can\u2019t go!\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWell I\u2019m not listening to you!\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAdam,\u201d the Sheriff growled. \u201cWe have to go!\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam\u2019s eyes tore between the door and his youngest brother. \u201cYou stay here. Take one step outside, and you\u2019ll be sorry for it.\u201d Glaring to emphasize the order, Adam turned, snatched up his rifle from beside the door, and hurried outside.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe ran after him, but Hoss caught him as he passed. \u201cNot this time, Little Joe.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s not fair!\u201d the boy cried, furious tears gleaming in his eyes.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI know it ain\u2019t, but that\u2019s the way it is.\u201d Hoss said. \u201cListen to \u2018im fer now; you c\u2019n yell at \u2018im when we git back.\u201d Hoss pushed Joe firmly back into the house, then spun around and ran for his horse and set off after the others, who were already streaking away.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Little Joe stood motionless in the doorway, his eyes burning with the tears he held back and his hands pinned at his sides in frustration. Why wouldn\u2019t they let him help? That was all he wanted, but Adam wouldn\u2019t let him do anything. If only he were bigger!<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Letting out a frustrated yell, Joe sank to his knees and stared at the dots that were his brothers and the other men. He counted them, shooting his anger at the one he imagined was Adam.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe stopped suddenly. One, two, three, four\u2026 one was missing. He counted again, but he still could only see the four. He scanned the horizon, suddenly feeling a stab of worry. Would they be able to face the six robbers with only four men? Something flashed in the sunlight off to his left; one lone rider was speeding away from the others, toward Carson City.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

After a split second of hesitation, Joe sprinted for the barn, climbed onto his pony, and rode off in pursuit of the solitary man.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

*<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe\u2019s eyes scanned the street, trying to decide if he could recognize the horse he\u2019d been following. He\u2019d been too far away to identify things like color or size, but he checked every horse he passed for signs that they\u2019d been running hard. The thing was, almost every mount he saw showed some sign of fatigue.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

With a frustrated groan, Joe steered his pony toward a saloon and dismounted, his mind switching to plan B. The thought had occurred to him that maybe the man he\u2019d been chasing had merely gone back for help, and the best place to look for men who\u2019d be willing to fight was a saloon. And if his quarry hadn\u2019t gone for help, then at least Joe could send some before he found the dirty skunk who\u2019d abandoned his brothers.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

After a short pause to gather his thoughts, Joe pushed through the swinging doors of the saloon and into the dark room beyond. The noise was not nearly as bad as he\u2019d suspected, though it didn\u2019t occur to Joe to think that most of the men of Carson City would be out working in the middle of the day. It didn\u2019t matter though; there were four men milling about the bar, and Joe only needed two to make his brothers\u2019 posse even with the robbers\u2019.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHey!\u201d Joe called boldly, discarding the polite phrases that his father had taught him to use with anyone older than him. The men looked at him in surprise, and one opened his mouth, but Joe plowed on before he had a chance to speak. \u201cMy brothers need help, and you\u2019re not doing anything special anyway.\u201d He could almost feel his inner Adam wincing, but his inner Hoss argued that this wasn\u2019t a time to dance around with words.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWe ain\u2019t fer hire, kid.\u201d growled one of the men.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s not a job.\u201d Joe said quickly, feeling the words spill out before he really thought of what he was saying. \u201cThe sheriff found the robbers who hit the bank a few days ago, and there\u2019s six of them and my brothers and the sheriff and deputy went, and they\u2019re outnumbered, and unless someone helps they might not-\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhere are they?\u201d a man who stood at the corner of the bar interrupted.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWest of the Ponderosa, in the bluffs.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019re a Cartwright!\u201d exclaimed one of the men, who had jumped up at the mention of the Ponderosa. \u201cSure, that little \u2018un\u2026 Jack \u2018er sumthun\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cJoe.\u201d he corrected automatically.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cRight, that\u2019s it. I was a hand fer a while, \u2018fore one o\u2019 the cattles stepped on-\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

One of the other men interrupted. \u201cThis ain\u2019t a time for that, Charlie. I say if the Cartwrights is in trouble, we can help. They always been good fer the town\u2026 Can you lead us, Charlie?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cSure, I had to chase strays in them bluffs once.\u201d Charlie said, turning back to Little Joe. \u201cJust west o\u2019 the ranch?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYes.\u201d Joe answered excitedly. \u201cThen you\u2019ll help?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Charlie grinned at the boy. \u201cSure will, lad. You leave it to us.\u201d He waved back at the other men and lead the way past Joe and into the street, onto their horses, and off toward the Ponderosa.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe stared after them. Please let them make it in time… He glanced back at the bartender and gave a short wave before heading outside and returning to his initial quest. He had to find the man who\u2019d left his brothers, and hoped that whoever it was had a good reason for doing it.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

For the first time, Joe noticed that there was a horse standing outside of Doc Kensington\u2019s office. It\u2019s a patient. he told himself. Doc\u2019s with Adam and Hoss. He wouldn\u2019t come back to town… But despite his weak arguments, Joe crept up to the window and crouched beneath it to listen.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

*<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The room was dim and quiet, and sparsely furnished. Twelve beds were shoved up against the walls, six on the left and six on the right, and an old desk stood between the rows at the far wall. Ten of those beds were occupied by broken men, the result of a collapsed mine a few days before. Only the farthest two beds on the left side were empty.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

A boot scuffed against the porch, and the sound of two arguing men drifted into the dark room. The door burst open a moment later, and Doc Kensington rushed into the darkness, followed by his assistant, Paul Duriff.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHow could he have found them?\u201d Kensington was hissing, tearing across the room and snatching up a bag from where it lay near his desk.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI was watchin\u2019 \u2018em from a ways away, like you told me.\u201d Duriff said. \u201cJohnny fell asleep. He let the Sheriff walk right up to \u2018em.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAnd none of them noticed.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHe was quiet.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s your excuse?\u201d Kensington fought to keep his voice low, throwing things into his bag. \u201cWe could all be hanged, and your excuse is that he was quiet!\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhat\u2019re we gonna do?\u201d Duriff murmured.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cDo.\u201d The doctor repeated slowly. \u201cI told Adam I was riding to town for backup.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cBut that\u2019d leave only four of them aginst ours.\u201d Duriff said. \u201cWhy\u2019d they let you go?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThey didn\u2019t.\u201d Kensington said. \u201cI just left. You told the men not to kill any of them, right?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYeah, I told \u2018m, but it don\u2019t make no sense to me.\u201d Duriff complained. \u201cHow we suppose to fight \u2018em off if we can\u2019t shoot?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m a doctor, Paul, it\u2019s my duty to preserve life.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThen you picked the wrong job.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Kensington glared at him. \u201cI\u2019ll tell Adam my sister sent news that she needs me immediately. He\u2019ll believe me.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhat about the others?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhat about them?\u201d Kensington huffed. \u201cThey can stay in jail for us. We never used our names around them, and always met them in the dark. It\u2019ll take them a while to finally figure out who we are, and we\u2019ll be half way to Texas by then.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI thought we were goin\u2019 to Stephens Flats?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThat was just a story, Paul. I don\u2019t have a sister.\u201d Kensington glanced across the faces of the men he had cared for, frowning. \u201cGo get Mrs. McKerron, tell her we have to leave and ask if she\u2019ll care for the men.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Though he looked like he wanted to say something, Duriff went to the door wordlessly and stepped out. He shut the door behind him, the clomped off the porch and into the street. A flash of movement caught his eye, and he turned his head just in time to see a mop of curly hair disappear over the railing.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Duriff froze. Cartwright, his mind hissed, and before he knew it he was sprinting after the boy. Joe was quick, but his legs were far too short to outrun a grown man for long, and in a matter of minutes Duriff had him cornered against the wall of a store.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYou won\u2019t get away with this!\u201d Joe yelled, green eyes defiant and voice shaking with something between anger and fear. He wasn\u2019t stupid; he knew he couldn\u2019t stand up to the man before him and escape unscathed. But Joe Cartwright would never be one to back down from a fight, even one he knew he couldn\u2019t win.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Duriff lunged at the boy, latching a strong hand around his arm as he darted past. \u201cHold still!\u201d he commanded, jerking Joe back almost off his feet.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe spit on his boots and clawed at his hand, opening his mouth to shout. \u201cDon\u2019t-\u201d Duriff growled, clamping his free palm over his mouth. Flashes of memory leaped into Joe\u2019s mind; times when Adam or Hoss had done the same thing, though not nearly as roughly. Joe did what he\u2019d done then; he thrust his tongue out and licked the man\u2019s hand. Duriff shifted his arm in disgust, and Joe took advantage of the extra room and bit down hard on the man\u2019s finger.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Duriff let out a muffled shout and eased his hold enough that Joe could wriggle free. He ducked under Duriff\u2019s flailing arms and kicked him hard in the shin before shooting off past him toward the street.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

With a furious growl, Duriff spun toward the boy and clamped his fingers on a handful of hair. Joe cried out in surprise and tried to pull himself free, but Duriff yanked him back and slapped him across the face.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe froze, eyes wide, as if he couldn\u2019t believe he\u2019d been hit. An angry red blotch stung on his cheek, and his eye watered where Duriff\u2019s hand had grazed it. Duriff raised his palm again, growling, \u201cYou make one more move, boy, and I\u2019ll use my fist next time.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Something that felt like fear rose up in Joe\u2019s chest, making it feel clogged and heavy. Something<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

that could have been tears stung his eyes, and made his throat feel tight. And something else, far in the back of his mind, watched his reaction and felt ashamed by it.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe latched onto the feeling of shame like a drowning man a rope. Hoss or Adam wouldn\u2019t cry in a situation like this. They\u2019d fight back, and keep fighting, whether they\u2019d been hit or not. Those thoughts forced the tears from his eyes and the tightness from his chest, making him suck in a huge breath of air and open his mouth to yell.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Duriff\u2019s hand struck faster than Joe had anticipated, sending him reeling against the wall where he felt something hard slam into his skull. He fell at Duriff\u2019s feet, blinking back the urge to cry, but feeling tears come anyway.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

As darkness pressed at the corners of his vision, Joe watched Duriff bend down and pick him up, almost gently, and wondered if Adam would be mad at him for leaving the ranch.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cStupid kid.\u201d Duriff murmured, struggling to find a comfortable way to hold the boy without having to cradle him. One arm drooped limply from his hold, the fingers half-curling against the fabric of Duriff\u2019s sleeve. The assistant pulled a distasteful face, before shifting the boy again and making his way carefully toward Kensington\u2019s office.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The doctor looked up as Duriff entered, his expression morphing from impassive to confused to furious. \u201cThat\u2019s not-\u201d He crossed the room in seconds, hissing, \u201cWhat did you do?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI didn\u2019t do nuthin\u2019, Doc.\u201d Duriff growled, holding out the still form of Joe as far as he could without dropping him. \u201cWhere can I\u2026?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHere, put him here.\u201d Kensington said, leading the way to the back of the room and yanking the blanket off of an empty bed. \u201cWhat happened?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Duriff laid his burden on the bed, stepping back to let Kensington closer to him. \u201cThe kid was snoopin\u2019, Doc. I caught him outside the office.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Kensington paled slightly. \u201cDid he hear?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Duriff nodded. \u201cI had to stop him, didn\u2019t I?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHow did this happen?\u201d the doctor asked, running his fingers carefully through Joe\u2019s hair, checking for blood.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI hit him.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYou what?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHe was gonna shout! I had to stop him somehow, and when I hit him he hit the wall.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Kensington shook his head and stood, hands on hips. \u201cAt least you\u2019ve managed not to kill him.\u201d He pulled one hand to his forehead, rubbing at a sudden headache. \u201cBut now we have to figure out what to do with him\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cDo with him?\u201d Duriff repeated incredulously. \u201cWe have to kill him, don\u2019t we? He\u2019ll tell!\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWe can\u2019t kill him, you idiot.\u201d Kensington hissed, as if he were questioning the other\u2019s sanity. \u201cWe do that, and Adam will have every lawman in Nevada after us. No, we\u2019ll have to take him with us.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWon\u2019t Adam follow?\u201d Duriff asked darkly.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHe won\u2019t, not yet.\u201d Kensington glanced down at the unconscious Joe. \u201cHe won\u2019t have reason to suspect us. We\u2019ll go to Stephens Flats like I told Adam we would, leave Little Joe there, and move on to Texas. Adam will be more interested in getting his little brother back safe than chasing after us. And once he has Joe back, we\u2019ll be too far away for him to do anything about it.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Duriff crossed his arms. \u201cI don\u2019t like it, Doc. That kid\u2019s gonna get on my nerves.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019ll just have to deal with it.\u201d Kensington said. \u201cNow go tell Mrs. McKarron about taking care of the men, and pick up some supplies. Let me know when Adam comes back to town, I\u2019ll tell him about my sister and that we have to leave immediately. Find Little Joe\u2019s pony, too, and put it in the stable so no one sees it. And make sure you tell me before Adam gets here; we don\u2019t want him to find Joe. Now go!\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Casting one last dissatisfied glare over his shoulder, Duriff obeyed.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

*<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Hoss urged his horse faster, trying to catch up to the men in front of him. Several minutes ago, Doc Kensington had turned his horse around and headed back the way they\u2019d just come, angling east. The only reason Hoss could come up with to explain the doctor\u2019s leaving was that he was going back for help, but it still didn\u2019t make much sense to him. Five was better than four (three technically, since Hoss knew Adam wouldn\u2019t let him ride with the sheriff and deputy when they found the robbers).<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAdam!\u201d he called, pulling his horse up close enough to be heard. Adam turned his head back<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

slightly, so that his left ear was angled toward his brother. \u201cWhere\u2019s the doc goin\u2019?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHelp.\u201d Adam shouted back, and the wind tore any feeling Hoss might have read in the words out of his voice. He contented himself to ride on in silence, but his thoughts remained troubled.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

What seemed like hours later, Hoss slowed his horse to a stop beside Adam\u2019s and the Sheriff\u2019s. Tullis had dismounted and was kneeling at the foot of a large, rocky outcrop that jutted up from the face of the earth and towered above the surrounding pines. \u201cHorse tracks here,\u201d Tullis reported, lifting himself off his knees.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cSix of them?\u201d Adam asked.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cCould be,\u201d the deputy answered, wiping off his hands on his pants. \u201cCan\u2019t be sure, but there\u2019s at least four.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The Sheriff cursed in a low voice. \u201cThey must have noticed me and left.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Tullis allowed a wry smile to cross his face. \u201cDon\u2019t worry, they left a trail a blind man could follow.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam leaned forward in his saddle, trying to see past the deputy. \u201cWhich way?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNortheast.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Hoss raised his eyebrows. \u201cThat\u2019s back toward Carson City.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cC\u2019mon then,\u201d the Sheriff said, tugging on his reins. \u201cThat\u2019s only making our job easier; we\u2019ll have less road to travel once we capture them.\u201d He waited until Tullis climbed into his saddle before setting off at a brisk canter in the direction of the tracks.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHoss,\u201d Adam said in a low voice, and Hoss dropped back from where he\u2019d been at Tullis\u2019 right to ride beside his brother.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Hoss studied Adam\u2019s face for a moment before nodding. \u201cDon\u2019t worry, Adam, I\u2019ll stay back when we find them robbers.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam\u2019s eyes softened, and his worried expression relaxed to a thankful one. \u201cThanks, Hoss.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Hoss held up his hand, tilting his head and frowning. \u201cI don\u2019t like it,\u201d he said matter-of-factly. \u201cBut I know you won\u2019t concentrate proper if yer worryin\u2019 \u2018bout me. But I ain\u2019t gotta jus\u2019 sit\u2019n do nuthin\u2019, do I? I can cover you from a distance.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYou can.\u201d Adam consented. \u201cYou can even use my rifle.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t you need it?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI have my pistol. It\u2019ll be alright.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201c\u2026if you\u2019re sure.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam sighed. \u201cThank you, Hoss.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cFer what?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cUnderstanding, listening, not arguing, offering calm suggestions, not yelling at me, not-\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cY\u2019mean not bein\u2019 Little Joe.\u201d Hoss interrupted.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWell\u2026 yeah.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Hoss\u2019 brow furrowed thoughtfully. \u201cHe don\u2019t try to be that way,\u201d he said slowly. \u201cIt\u2019s hard fer him, growin\u2019 up with two big brothers who get to ride around whenever they want when he can\u2019t.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam cast him a slightly surprised look. \u201cHe said this?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWell, I reckon he didn\u2019t really have to.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cMy brother the psychiatrist.\u201d Adam smiled fondly.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThe what?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cPsychiatrist. That\u2019s someone who studies the effects of someone\u2019s mind on their actions.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Hoss smiled slightly. \u201cNaw, I ain\u2019t no doctor person, I jus\u2019 sorta know what Little Joe\u2019s goin\u2019 through. Him bein\u2019 the littlest an\u2019 surrounded with big\u2019uns who always tell him he can\u2019t do nuthin\u2019 to help\u2026 That\u2019s really all he wants, to help.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam looked away guiltilly. \u201cWell, there\u2019s not much we can do about that. He\u2019s just going to have to realize that there are some things he can\u2019t do yet.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI know, but\u2026 well, we just gotta be patient with him, is all.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam smiled back at his brother. \u201cAnd people think I\u2019m the smart one.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Hoss looked away, embarrassed.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

They rode on in silence, Hoss\u2019 thoughts on the robbers and Adam\u2019s on Little Joe. Hoss is right, Adam admitted to himself. Little Joe does have a lot to live up to, being a Cartwright, and then being as small as he is\u2026 no wonder he\u2019s always trying to prove himself. I\u2019ll have a talk with him when we get back. Hoss was much better at that kind of thing, talking about feelings and such, but it wouldn\u2019t fix things between the youngest and eldest brothers if the middle one had to settle<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

all of their conflicts. No, Adam would just have to do this on his own.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAdam.\u201d the Sheriff hissed, and Adam looked up in surprise. Tullis had stopped about twenty feet ahead of them, and twisted around in his saddle to hold a finger to his lips. Adam nodded, silently agreeing not to talk, and Tullis pointed to a small forest-like gathering of pines. A cloud of dust was just beginning to settle before it.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam glanced sharply at Hoss, who was already looking at him. He carefully handed over his rifle, then a box of ammunition, and pointed to a clump of bushes and rocks that would give Hoss enough cover to shoot safely from. Hoss nodded, his blue eyes looking far too serious for a sixteen year old. Adam mimicked the motion and looked back to the Sheriff. \u201cReady?\u201d he mouthed.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The Sheriff nodded and looked at Hoss, then motioned him off. Hoss dismounted and lead his horse slowly over to the rocks Adam had pointed out, dropped the reins into a bush, and crouched down behind his cover. He loaded the gun and propped the barrel up on the rock, then waved back at Adam.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam nodded at the Sheriff, who snapped his fingers at Tullis and pointed off to the right of where the red dust was becoming less visible. The deputy saluted and set off at a slow canter, face trained on his point of destination. Adam pointed left, and the Sheriff nodded solemnly.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

This is it. With one last glance at the Sheriff, Adam lead his horse toward the left of their quarry, so that he was a little past where Tullis was positioned. The Sheriff nodded encouragingly at him, and waved at Tullis to go further, so they could surround the wood.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Tullis looked at the Sheriff, the Sheriff looked at Adam, and Adam looked at Hoss. Hoss glanced his way quickly before turning his attention on the pines, nodding at Adam. He was ready.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThrow out your guns and surrender!\u201d the Sheriff yelled in an impressive voice. The sudden noise made Adam start, even though he\u2019d been expecting it. \u201cYou\u2019re surrounded!\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

His announcement was met with gunfire, three shots over their heads. \u201cWe c\u2019n see ya, Sheriff!\u201d a man shouted. \u201cYer outnumbered!\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam glanced at Tullis, who had pointed his rifle into the trees. \u201cDon\u2019t matter none.\u201d the deputy called. \u201cIf you come out now, we\u2019ll guarantee you all a fair trial.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cA fair trial won\u2019t help us none.\u201d a different man growled.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The Sheriff glared into the wood, but kept his voice calm. \u201cCome out peaceful-like now, an\u2019 no one\u2019ll get hurt.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Another shot shattered the air, and Adam fought against the urge to dismount, find cover, and shoot back. So far the shots had only been warnings, but eventually a bullet would stray too low, and Adam didn\u2019t want to test how long that would take. He gripped his pistol tightly, ready to use it when he needed to.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThis is your last chance.\u201d he said, making his voice louder and more authorative than normal. Hoss called it his Pa Voice, and though it couldn\u2019t hold a candle to Ben Cartwright\u2019s unique vocals, it usually sounded close enough to make people pause and listen.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Silence. Adam waited, resisting the urge to glance at the Sheriff, his finger hovering just off the trigger of his gun. If this didn\u2019t work\u2026<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Tullis cleared his throat and tossed his head toward the woods, and the Sheriff nodded. Adam glanced back and met Hoss\u2019 eyes, nodded in what he hoped was a reassuring way, and faced the clump of trees again.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

A gunshot split the silence, digging into the ground not a foot from Adam and throwing up a cloud of dust. His horse reared and screamed, and Adam felt his pistol fly from his grasp as he snapped both hands to the pommel of his saddle, fighting for balance. The frightened mount stomped its forelegs into the dirt and reared again. Another shot buried itself at the horse\u2019s hooves, and Adam felt himself slipping as his steed shied away from the spot.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam fell heavily, his breath whooshing out upon impact with the hard ground. He rolled out of the path of his panicked horse, gasping for air, feeling as if his chest was on fire. The sound of more gunshots sounded dull to his ears, distant and low. Someone was shouting something, but Adam was concentrating too hard on trying to make his lungs work again to understand what whoever it was was saying.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Finally, he glanced up, coughing against the dirt his fall had kicked up. His horse had bolted, leaving a cloud of dust like a banner behind it. The Sheriff and Tullis had taken shelter behind some conveniently-spaced boulders, and were shooting into the trees. Hoss was calling his name, pausing every other breath to fire at the woods.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam coughed again, raised himself to his knees, and crawled forward to where his gun had landed. \u201cI\u2019m ok!\u201d he shouted, knowing that his voice would get lost in the thunderous sounds of their fighting, but wanting to comfort Hoss anyway. He needed cover. The closest thing to him was a clump of dry shrubbery scattered around a rock that would reach his waist if he stood up.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Wincing against the protests of his ribs, Adam crawled over to his selected haven and crouched behind it. Shots were still ringing out near him, but most of them were focused on Tullis, the Sheriff, and Hoss. Adam propped his pistol up on the rock and fired without aiming into the trees. This won\u2019t get us anywhere. he thought bitterly. The only thing it would accomplish would be to waste bullets and give him a headache.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Suddenly, the bullets aimed at them stopped. Tullis and the Sheriff glanced at each other, and Hoss, who had been reloading, peeked above the rock he was crouched behind in confusion.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cMr. Cartwright?\u201d called a voice from the woods.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam stared at the trees in surprise before throwing an astonished look at the Sheriff. \u201cYeah.\u201d he yelled back.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cIs any of you hurt?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Again, Adam looked to the Sheriff, who shook his head and shrugged. \u201cNo.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t worry none, Mr. Cartwright.\u201d a different man shouted. \u201cWe came from Carson City to help. We\u2019ve got these fellas here all ready to come back to town with us.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Tullis glanced at the Sheriff, a grin on his face. \u201cReinforcements!\u201d he laughed. The deputy shouldered his rifle and stepped out from his cover, followed by the Sheriff. Hoss stood, looking uncertainly over at Adam, who nodded.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Hoss dropped his rifle and rushed over to his brother, throwing an apologetic glance at the place his horse had disappeared over the horizon. \u201cYou ok?\u201d he asked, kneeling by Adam, who still crouched where he was.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m fine.\u201d Adam smiled, leaning back and sitting more comfortably on his heels. The burning in his chest was already subsiding to a dull ache, but he still felt sore. Hoss raised a skeptical eyebrow and grabbed his brother\u2019s elbow, helping him gently to his feet. \u201cThanks,\u201d Adam said, fighting a grimace. His eyes skipped to the Sheriff, who was making his way over toward them, smiling broadly.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cLooks like Doc Kensington did send help.\u201d Hoss said, his eyes on the woods. \u201cBut then why didn\u2019t he come back with \u2018em?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t know.\u201d Adam admitted, stepping away from Hoss\u2019 steadying hand.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cTullis\u2019s already over in the wood.\u201d the Sheriff said as he approached. \u201cCome on, Adam. The sooner we get those ruffians into jail, the sooner you can get back to the ranch and explain things to Little Joe.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam winced. \u201cI think I\u2019d rather fight the robbers again.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The Sheriff laughed and clapped Adam on the back (which made him wince again), and walked off toward the trees. Adam nodded to Hoss and followed the Sheriff, careful to walk slowly so he wouldn\u2019t have to limp. Hoss hovered at his elbow, casting anxious glances at him every few steps.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYou gonna leave my gun behind that rock?\u201d Adam asked, smiling so Hoss wouldn\u2019t take it as an accusation.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNo, I was just\u2026\u201d Hoss glanced at the place he\u2019d taken shelter, then back at Adam.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI can make it to the woods alright.\u201d he smiled. \u201cGo get your horse.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Hoss looked uncertain, but he obeyed anyway.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam ducked under a low branch and stepped into the shade of the woods, taking in the scene before him wordlessly. The six robbers stood stiffly with their hands folded atop their heads, guns at their feet. Three other men were pointing rifles at the backs of the thieves, while a fourth stood a few yards away, holding the reins of the outlaws\u2019 horses. Tullis had added his gun to the ones pointed at their quarry, while the Sheriff was making his way over to the man with the horses.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHowdy, Mr. Cartwright.\u201d said one of the men, tipping his hat with one hand and grinning like he\u2019d just done something incredibly important. Which, Adam thought to himself, he had.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNice timing.\u201d Adam said, leaning casually against a tree. He folded his arms, making himself look relaxed as he mentally surveyed the damage he\u2019d taken. As far as he could tell, he\u2019d been lucky enough to only suffer bruises.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The sound of hoof beats portended Hoss\u2019 arrival, and he broke through the dense cover of pines and dismounted. He stepped over to Adam and held out his hat, which Adam hadn\u2019t realized he\u2019d lost. He accepted it back with a nod and returned his attention to their rescuers.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHow did you\u2026?\u201d he asked slowly.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The man who\u2019d greeted him smiled. \u201cWeren\u2019t too hard. We just rode up behind these fellers while you were all shootin\u2019 away and distracting them.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAnd forced them to surrender.\u201d Tullis finished lightly.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The man grinned wider and laughed. Hoss squinted at him, his mouth opened slightly and his eyebrows drawn together. \u201cDon\u2019t I know you, mister?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam frowned a moment before the image clicked. \u201cCharlie!\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Charlie punched the man next to him lightly on the arm, laughing. \u201cThere now, I told yeh that they\u2019d remember me!\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The man grinned back at him. \u201cYou musta made some impression on \u2018em then, but that don\u2019t mean it was a good one.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam felt a smile tugging at his lips. They\u2019d done it. Kensington had sent them reinforcements, allowing them to capture the robbers without any casualties. Now all they had to do was return the money they\u2019d stolen, and all would be right again.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Tullis\u2019 train of thought had apparently been parallel to Adam\u2019s. \u201cWhere\u2019s the money?\u201d he growled, shoving the barrel of his gun intimidatingly into a robber\u2019s face.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI ain\u2019t got it,\u201d the man sputtered, wide eyes darting to his comrades. \u201cWe ain\u2019t got it with us.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThen where is it?\u201d Adam asked firmly.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThe man in gray,\u201d the thief said quickly. \u201cHe took it.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Tullis glanced at the Sheriff, who scowled. \u201cWho?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThe man in gray.\u201d the man repeated.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYes, but who is the man in gray?\u201d Adam pressed.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The captured men exchanged glances for a moment before Tullis brought their attention back to the guns pointed at them by cocking the hammer of his own. \u201cWe don\u2019t know who he is.\u201d one of the robbers rushed. \u201cHe wore a gray waistcoat whenever he met with us.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The Sheriff glared at the men, who drew back from his gaze nervously. \u201cIf you tell us all you know about this man in gray, it\u2019ll alleviate your punishment.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cIt ain\u2019t much.\u201d one of the men said. \u201cHe only met us at night to tell us the plans. Never got<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

much of a look at him.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201c\u2019Sept he always wore a gray coat, every time.\u201d another man offered.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAn\u2019 that other feller was always followin\u2019 him.\u201d said a different one. \u201cNever paid much attention to him. He sorta hung in the back, like he was checkin\u2019 fer people followin\u2019 us.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhere are these men now?\u201d Adam asked.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cDunno.\u201d the first man said, eyeing Tullis\u2019 gun warily. \u201cThey was suppose to meet us t\u2019morrow.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Scowling, the Sheriff gestured toward the captive men\u2019s mounts. \u201cClimb up, boys. Tullis, you lead \u2018em with three o\u2019 these gentlemen,\u201d he nodded to their rescuers, \u201cand the rest of us will follow behind. With our guns.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

*<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

They made a quick pit stop at the house to get Adam, who had doubled up with Hoss, a horse. The Sheriff, Tullis, Hoss, Charlie, and his friends (who had introduced themselves as Andy Harris, Matthew Carroll, and Jim Wilson) guarded their captives while Adam hurried to the barn. He half-expected to find Joe there, sulking in the hay with a book, but the barn was devoid of anything but horses.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam\u2019s horse hadn\u2019t returned yet, so he saddled a bay named Chaucer and lead him out into the yard. He threw a glance at the house, waiting for Joe to run out and demand to come along. But everything was still and silent, as if the ranch was holding its breath. Chaucer flicked his ears impatiently and tossed his head, and Adam tore his gaze from the front door and climbed into the saddle.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cReady?\u201d the Sheriff asked.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYes.\u201d Adam nudged Chaucer into line behind Hoss, resisting the urge to look back at the house.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cShould we bring Joe with?\u201d Hoss asked, speaking the words that had just run through Adam\u2019s mind. \u201cI could bring \u2018im. We\u2019d catch up.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam shook his head. \u201cNo\u2026 if he wanted to come, he\u2019d have been out here. Let\u2019s give him time to sulk.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cMaybe he didn\u2019t hear us come in.\u201d Hoss suggested.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNot hear a dozen horses ride in?\u201d Adam smiled. \u201cJoe may not be able to listen, but he\u2019s not deaf.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cIf he\u2019s helpin\u2019 Hop Sing again\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHoss.\u201d Adam waited until his brother swiveled in his saddle so he could look at him. \u201cI know you mean good. I don\u2019t want to leave Joe behind either. But we\u2019ve got to let him be for a while, or he won\u2019t listen when I explain things later.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Hoss sighed and nodded. \u201cI know. But leavin\u2019 Joe alone when he\u2019s mad ain\u2019t a smart thing to do.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHe\u2019s not alone.\u201d Adam reminded him. \u201cHop Sing is there.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

If Hoss noticed the thin note of uncertainty in his voice, he didn\u2019t mention it. Adam knew Hop Sing couldn\u2019t be expected to watch Joe all day, not when he had other work to do. His only hope that his youngest brother would stay out of trouble was that their cook had managed to ensnare him in chores. And there were only so many chores he could do.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam\u2019s thoughts morphed from worrying about Joe to making a checklist of work that needed to be finished yet today, to a business transaction he\u2019d been looking at, to wondering when Pa would get home, and then back to Joe in and endless cycle of exhausting questions without answers. He rubbed at his temples, letting Chaucer pick his own way across the well-traveled road. He chatted a bit with Matthew Carroll and ended up hiring him as a hand for an upcoming cattle drive, but for the most part he kept to himself and his dizzying thoughts.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

It seemed to take much longer than he ever remembered to get to Carson City, but when they did finally catch sight of the town, Adam felt himself relax. They\u2019d done it. Now he could get back to ranch work, which required no guessing, no worrying, no headaches.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

But there was one thing he needed to do yet. \u201cHoss!\u201d he called. His brother turned. \u201cYou go along with the Sheriff,\u201d Adam said, nudging Chaucer up beside Hoss\u2019 horse. \u201cI\u2019m going to check on Doc Kensington.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAlright.\u201d Hoss nodded.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWait for me at the sheriff\u2019s office.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Hoss nodded again, and Adam kicked Chaucer into a gallop aimed for the front of their procession. The Sheriff turned when he heard Adam coming. \u201cWhat is it?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019d like to go speak with Kensington,\u201d Adam said. \u201cHoss will go with you to the jail.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s fine.\u201d the Sheriff smiled. \u201cI think we can manage without you.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThanks.\u201d Adam said. He dipped his head and took his leave, kicking Chaucer into an even gallop that took them to Kensington\u2019s office in minutes.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam dismounted and patted Chaucer\u2019s neck, murmuring praise into the horse\u2019s mane. Chaucer was fairly new at being ridden for long distances, but Adam had had his eye on the bay for a while now. He was a good horse.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

With one more pat on the thick, muscled neck, Adam wrapped the reins loosely around the hitching post and marched up the steps to his friend\u2019s office.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHullo, Adam.\u201d said a cheerful voice behind him. Adam turned in surprise and recognized Kensington\u2019s assistant\u2026 what was his name\u2026?<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHi\u2026Paul.\u201d he answered when he remembered, returning the other\u2019s smile. \u201cIs Kensington in?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWell, he\u2019s in, but I don\u2019t suppose he\u2019ll be seein\u2019 nobody soon, if that\u2019s what y\u2019mean.\u201d Paul said with a disarming smile. \u201cHe\u2019s sorta got his hands full with the mine accident and all.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam nodded sympathetically. \u201cI suppose he has. But I need to see him.\u201d He took a step toward the door, but Paul bounded up the stairs and intercepted him.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll go in and check on him. You wait right here.\u201d And he disappeared into the office.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam started at the door, frowning. Paul Duriff\u2026 Adam didn\u2019t know the man by more than reputation, and even that was stretching his knowledge of him. He\u2019d heard the name tossed back and forth in one of the saloons, but hadn\u2019t taken much notice of it. Not even Kensington talked about him much. In fact, now that he thought about it, Adam was sure that the doctor hadn\u2019t had an assistant a month ago\u2026<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Stop that. Adam told himself irritably. A man shouldn\u2019t be suspicious toward a friend, especially over such an insignificant thing. So what if he hadn\u2019t heard much about Paul Duriff? There were plenty of men in Carson City he didn\u2019t know. It was this whole business with Joe that had gotten him into such a thoughtful mood. He was just looking for things to be wrong now, to distract him from his trouble with his little brother. That made much more sense.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Trying to ignore the nagging feeling in the back of his mind, Adam folded his arms and started to whistle. He hadn\u2019t whistled in a while, not since Joe asked him to about a week and a half ago\u2026 Adam sighed. If only Joe wouldn\u2019t be so difficult. But he was young yet, Adam told himself. He\u2019d grow out if it.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The door opened slowly, and Paul stepped out and smiled. \u201cLucky for you, the Doc just finished up with one of the patients and said he\u2019d see you.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThanks.\u201d Adam said, nodding. Paul stepped back, holding the door open with one hand while Adam passed through it.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Every curtain had been drawn over the windows, blocking out the sun and leaving opaque shadows on the floor. Six beds were pushed against either wall, just ominous shapes in the darkness. Kensington stood over the nearest bed, shaking his head.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThis man\u2019s fever isn\u2019t going down,\u201d he whispered.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam waited until Kensington had stepped away from the bed to speak. \u201cWe found them.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Kensington looked up sharply. \u201cWas anyone hurt?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNo,\u201d Adam said. \u201cThanks to the men you sent.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYes, well\u2026\u201d Kensington smiled, his teeth flashing in the darkness. \u201cI couldn\u2019t let you go on outnumbered.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam nodded. \u201cThey say there are two other men.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWho do?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThe robbers. They say a man in a gray waistcoat organized the whole thing, and another tagged along behind him.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cCould they describe this\u2026 man in gray?\u201d Kensington asked.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNo. They said he only met them in the dark.\u201d Adam frowned, looking at the drawn curtains.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Kensington noticed. \u201cThe men get headaches from the light.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cOf course.\u201d Adam said. \u201cAnyway, I\u2026 just wanted to thank you for sending those men.\u201d He turned back toward the doorway, dipping his head to Paul as he went.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWait, Adam,\u201d Kensington stepped closer to him, looking troubled. \u201cMy sister sent word to me today\u2026 that\u2019s why I didn\u2019t return with the men I sent. She needs me as soon as possible.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cOh\u2026\u201d Adam said, startled. \u201cI\u2019m sorry.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m leaving tonight. Right after we\u2019re done here, actually.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam stared through the darkness at his friend. \u201cBut what about the miners?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cMrs. McKerron is going to care for them until the new doctor comes to town.\u201d Kensington said. \u201cI\u2019ve already sent him a wire explaining everything.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam nodded distractedly. \u201cI wish you could have left under better circumstances.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Kensington smiled, the skin around his mouth wrinkling in the shadows and making him look tired. \u201cSo do I, Adam.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Silence enveloped the room, wrapping around and weighing down on them like a stiff, hot blanket. Adam looked at the drawn curtains again and wished they were lighter, so that some sunshine would break through. He cleared his throat uncomfortably. \u201cWell\u2026 Joe\u2019s still at the house, and I haven\u2019t explained to him yet…\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Kensington smiled and held out his palm. \u201cI understand, Adam. I\u2019ll send you a wire when I get<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

to Stephens Flats.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam shook his outstretched hand, gripping it firmly and smiling when Kensington winced. \u201cGoodbye.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cGoodbye, Adam.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam stepped back and turned, taking swift, purposeful strides toward the door. His stomach rolled, and he could feel sweat beading on his brow beneath the rim of his hat. The distant pounding of a headache was creeping into his temples. Pull yourself together. he told himself irritably. You\u2019ve said goodbye to friends before. This is nothing to get upset about.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

But he did feel upset. A sinking feeling in the pit of his stomach told him something was not right. Adam grabbed the door handle, trying to shake the unease aside before he stepped out into the street.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

He froze. Had he really heard that? The voice had been so soft\u2026 Adam glanced over his shoulder at Kensington. \u201cYes?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNo, that wasn\u2019t\u2026\u201d Kensington jerked his head at Paul. \u201cI think one of the men is waking up. Will you go check on him?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

The voice was still no more than a whisper, but it sent shivers down Adam\u2019s spine. Kensington stepped up beside him and opened the door, making Adam blink against the sudden light. \u201cOne man\u2019s friend was killed in the collapse. His name was Adam. I\u2019m afraid he hasn\u2019t quite gotten over the shock.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam nodded mutely, wondering why his mouth felt so dry. \u201cIs there anything I can do?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNo, no, Paul can handle it.\u201d Kensington set his hand on Adam\u2019s shoulder and smiled gently. \u201cBesides, you need to get back to Little Joe.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYeah\u2026\u201d Adam returned the smile, still feeling inexplicably unsettled. \u201cGoodbye.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Kensington stood in the doorway until Adam climbed into his saddle before wheeling around and slamming the door.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

*<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe could vaguely distinguish voices from the rushing sound in his ears, but they sounded too distant to make out any words. They were deep, adult voices, voices he was suppose to listen to and obey. But it wasn\u2019t Pa or Adam. Then again, it wouldn\u2019t be Pa, would it? He was in<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Sacramento. Maybe it was the Sheriff and Mr. Tullis.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

No, that wasn\u2019t right either. One of the voices kept rising in anger. Joe felt himself sliding from his dreams, and the further he got from sleep, the more his head started to hurt. He pinched his eyes shut, then made himself relax.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

In every book Adam had ever read to him, the main character never remembered what happened. If he was bushwhacked or ambushed or captured, he never knew where he was or why he was there when he woke up. But Joe knew exactly where he was. He remembered everything.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe made himself lay still, even though his head felt as if it were being ripped in half. Though he didn\u2019t remember arriving there, he figured he must be at Doc Kensington\u2019s place. He was lying on his stomach, and the sheets beneath him smelled sour-sweet, as if sickness had passed from the patient to last use that bed into it. He could recognize the voices now, too, though he still couldn\u2019t quite make himself focus on them.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHe\u2019s here.\u201d Duriff was saying. He sounded nervous.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cDid they find them?\u201d Kensington asked, his voice hushed. Joe wrinkled his nose against sheets and tried not to cough.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYeah. And some other men showed up to help.\u201d Duriff growled.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe smiled. The men he\u2019d sent had made it in time.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWho\u2026?\u201d Kensington whispered.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t know.\u201d A low thunk followed his words, probably from Duriff slamming his fist against Kensington\u2019s desk, Joe thought. \u201cBut I\u2019d bet my right hand that Cartwright brat had something to do with it.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

A long pause sank into the room, broken only by the sound of footsteps as Kensington paced. \u201cHe\u2019ll think I sent them.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWell don\u2019t tell him otherwise.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI know that.\u201d Another pause. \u201cBring him in. Paul, wait\u2014Draw the curtains. Make it totally dark. We don\u2019t want to risk him seeing Joe.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe frowned into the sheet. Who couldn\u2019t see him? His head throbbed again, and he felt blackness reaching into the corners of his vision. He should stay awake, make sure whoever wasn\u2019t suppose to see him knew he was there\u2026 He had to tell someone about Kensington and his plans\u2026 He should get up\u2026<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

He was only vaguely aware of someone stomping over to him and yanking a blanket up over his head so he was completely covered. More voices danced at the edge of his hearing, but he<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

couldn\u2019t bring himself to focus on them. He was slipping again, falling in slow-motion into the darkness.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe started awake, wincing as his head pounded in protest. He could hear voices again, soft ones. Kensington was talking. How much time had passed? Was whoever-it-was still there?<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI understand, Adam. I\u2019ll send you a wire when I get to Stephens Flats.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam was there. He was safe! Adam would save him, would take him home and make the pounding in his head stop. He would take Kensington and Duriff away to jail, with the rest of the robbers, where they belonged.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe opened his eyes, but his face was turned away from the doorway. He started to roll over, but the sound of footsteps made him stop. This is it. Joe thought. Adam\u2019s coming to get me now.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cGoodbye.\u201d Adam said.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cGoodbye, Adam.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

No! Joe screamed, but nothing came out. His mouth felt like cotton, his lips dry and cracked. Adam was leaving. He was leaving without him.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAdam.\u201d he croaked, struggling to lift himself up. His arms were shaking. Why was that?<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYes?\u201d Adam said. He sounded uncertain.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNo, that wasn\u2019t\u2026\u201d Kensington\u2019s voice was rushed. \u201cI think one of the men is waking up. Will you go check on him?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Heavy footsteps clunked across the floor. Joe tossed his head toward the door and struggled to his elbows. \u201cAdam!\u201d he rasped desperately. Just look! he begged. Just look at me before Duriff gets here!<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Duriff bent over Joe, blocking his sight of the door. He murmured soothing words one might tell a sick man, but his face was hard and unforgiving. Joe pulled back against the bed, trying to peer around him and keep Adam in his vision. Duriff glared down at him and silently drew a gleaming knife.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe froze, eyes locked on the blade. Duriff pressed it almost gently against the boy\u2019s neck, angling it so the sharpest part of the knife pinched his skin. Joe tilted his head back, knowing he couldn\u2019t escape the cool metal but trying anyway.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cShut up.\u201d Duriff hissed, the words scraping over Joe\u2019s ears like the itchy fallen leaves that pricked his skin in October.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe nodded. The movement made the knife shift against his neck, but it didn\u2019t draw blood. Duriff kept it there a moment longer before withdrawing.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The voices had stopped. Joe stared through the darkness, his heart thudding like the frenzied hoof beats of a wild horse who knows its about to be captured. Adam had turned away, and Joe looked just in time to see his dark silhouette swallowed by the shadows as the door swung shut behind him.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Kensington sighed and leaned back against the wall, as if his conversation with Adam had exhausted him. Duriff cursed and sat at the edge of the unoccupied bed beside Joe.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cIf you\u2019d just\u2019ve let me get rid of that darn kid.\u201d he growled mutinously.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Kensington pushed himself away from the wall and stalked over to Joe. \u201cYou\u2019re lucky, boy.\u201d he said, glancing back at Duriff. \u201cIf you\u2019d have given us away, Paul here would have had to dispose of both you and Adam.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe felt his eyes grow wide, and fought to control his reaction. He sat up defiantly. \u201cHe couldn\u2019t have. Adam would\u2019ve beat him.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cSnot-nosed little-\u201d Duriff hissed, but Kensington interrupted.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cMaybe. But he wouldn\u2019t have beaten the two of us.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cTwo against two.\u201d Joe pointed out brazenly.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Duriff scoffed. \u201cBarely one and a half.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe shot to his feet. \u201cYou just-\u201d Blinding light flashed behind his eyes, and dark spots danced across his vision. He leaned unsteadily to one side before dropping himself onto the bed. His vision cleared slowly, the black clouds that hovered over his eyes fading from gray to a pale, filmy white. Kensington had dropped to his knees before him with his palm up against Joe\u2019s forehead to hold back the thick curls, peering into his eyes. Joe pulled back, frowning.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYou can\u2019t move so fast.\u201d Kensington said monotonously, climbing to his feet.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe just barely resisted the urge to stick out his tongue and jump up again, deciding against it only because of the smug look that had just flashed over Duriff\u2019s face. Kensington glided across the floor, picking up bags and tossing them to his assistant. \u201cCome on. We need to get out of here. Bring him.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Duriff glared at Joe and stood, shifting the bag to his left hand and grabbing Joe\u2019s elbow with his right. He yanked him to his feet and held him there as the black dots raced before his eyes again. They faded quicker this time, and as soon as they did Joe jerked his arm free of the man\u2019s grasp and glared up at him.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cLet\u2019s go.\u201d Kensington said impatiently. \u201cJoe, you come with me. We\u2019re going to walk to the stable, get our horses, and ride out together, side by side. Paul will be right behind us, so if you make one wrong move\u2026\u201d He let the threat hang unspoken and stared through the darkness to make sure it had left an impression on the young Cartwright.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

It hadn\u2019t.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhat? He\u2019ll hit me again?\u201d Joe backed away from Duriff, just in case he did follow through<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

with the threat. \u201cAll I have to do is shout, and the whole town will come and stop you.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYou think you\u2019re that important, brat?\u201d Duriff snarled. \u201cYou think everyone will stop what they\u2019re doing for you?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe narrowed his eyes at the man and sucked in a deep breath.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cLittle Joe, you misunderstood me.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe\u2019s breath whooshed out in surprise at Kensington\u2019s quiet statement. \u201cMisunderstood?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cOf course.\u201d The doctor stood over his desk, rearranging the objects there as if he hadn\u2019t a worry in the world. \u201cYou assumed I was threatening you.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

For a moment, Joe still didn\u2019t understand. Then cold comprehension struck him, making him feel more unbalanced than when he\u2019d first stood up. He saw Duriff grin out of the corner of his eye, and felt harsh fury rise up in his chest. He\u2019d never been this mad before, not even when Hoss had told on him for riding Pa\u2019s horse. The rage paralyzed him, and then was gone, leaving only hollow fear in its place.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYou wouldn\u2019t\u2026\u201d was all he could manage to whisper.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI wouldn\u2019t.\u201d Kensington agreed. \u201cAs long as you do what you\u2019re told and don\u2019t disrupt my plans, I wouldn\u2019t. But if you take one step out of line,\u201d he glanced meaningfully at Duriff. \u201cI\u2019m sure Paul wouldn\u2019t mind taking a detour to meet one of your brothers as they ride back home.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe stood stiffly, wishing the floor would burst open and swallow them all. This wasn\u2019t suppose to happen, not like this. He\u2019d envisioned himself finding the robbers countless times, but it never occurred like this. He would be surrounded by the bad guys, they would fight, but he would win, always. He might get a little hurt, but the wounds of his foes would far outweigh his own. And he would always be able to go back home and bask in his family\u2019s warm gratitude, knowing that he had done the right thing.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Now, Joe felt the stinging behind his eyes that meant he was about to cry. His chest felt tight and his throat thick with threatened sobs. He\u2019d gotten himself into trouble, again, only now there was no one to get him out.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll do it.\u201d he said, his voice low and harsh. \u201cWhatever you want, I\u2019ll do it.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

*<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHmm?\u201d Adam turned and fixed Hoss with a distracted glance.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI asked if you knew what Hop Sing\u2019s makin\u2019 fer supper tonight.\u201d Hoss repeated, frowning.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cSorry, Hoss. No, I don\u2019t know.\u201d Adam dipped his head to blot out the sun with the brim of his hat and peered out across the land. He\u2019d zoned out again, going over the conversation he\u2019d have with Joe as soon as they returned home. Hoss heaved an exaggerated sigh and fell into a comfortable silence, letting Adam\u2019s thoughts revert back to his imaginary discussion with his youngest brother.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Only now he couldn\u2019t concentrate. His contemplations slipped from the tight net he\u2019d tried to corral them into, bursting out into the afternoon sun and wandering unchecked off over the horizon. He disliked the afternoon for that reason. The morning always flew past and was gone before he had a chance to notice it, but the afternoon stretched on forever. In the lazy hours after lunch, on his days off or when he had little to do besides sit outside and stare at the clouds, the afternoons never ended. It was then that his mind wandered, having nothing else to occupy itself with, and scattered out to wrap itself about ideas that he would otherwise have no time to worry about. It was in the afternoons, when he had hours to waste before he would have to reel his mind in again and set it on important affairs, that he realized just how confusing life was. There was nothing to do in the afternoon but think, and if he did it too often, he came away feeling depressed and withdrawn. If life was more like a morning, quick and sweet and time-consuming, Adam had a feeling that he would have less headaches.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe was like a morning, he found himself thinking. Bright and full of promise, standing fearlessly before the oncoming day, daring it to come at him. Hoss was like the evening, calmly waiting for the world to slow down and notice it. It seemed like such a small space between afternoon and night, but it was there, content to just observe, like Hoss was.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam shook his head and allowed a quick smile to tug at his lips. He often felt poetic in the afternoon, when all he had to do was think. Many a poem had come as a result of his thoughtful moods in the endless hours between lunch and supper, though he\u2019d never compared his brothers to times of day before. He\u2019d have to remember to write that down when he got home.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

When he got home. They\u2019d be there soon, he noted, looking up at the sky. It was just beginning to fade from careless light blue to gray, tinted with the pale pink of sunset. He hadn\u2019t realized how late it had gotten, or how sore he suddenly felt at having been in the saddle most of the day. He stretched, wincing as his ribs reminded him of the fall he\u2019d taken.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYou alright?\u201d Hoss asked, noticing his movement.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cSure, I\u2019m fine.\u201d Adam smiled. \u201cJust a bit sore.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cMe, too.\u201d Hoss said. He copied his brother\u2019s actions, leaning back in the saddle and twisting to crack his back. \u201c\u2019N I\u2019m hungry, too.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam laughed. \u201cI\u2019m sure Hop Sing will have something good whipped up for us when we get back.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI hope so.\u201d Hoss sighed and pushed the brim of his hat back so he could see more of the sky. \u201cIt\u2019s gettin\u2019 late.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam blinked into the sun and smiled as he caught sight of the little dark blob that was the ranch house. He threw a quick glance at Hoss and grinned. \u201cRace you home.\u201d he said impulsively.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Hoss looked at him in surprise. \u201cY\u2019sure yer up to it?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

A slight twinge in his ribs told him he wasn\u2019t, but Adam didn\u2019t care. He was sick of all of the responsibility that he\u2019d shouldered lately. He wanted to do something spontaneous and childish, just for the fun of it. \u201cRace you home!\u201d he said again, kicking Chaucer into a gallop. He shot away from Hoss, grabbing his hat with one hand as the wind snatched the brim and threw it up. He heard Hoss shout something after him and spur his own horse forward.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam smiled, even though each step Chaucer took jarred his ribs painfully. The dark feeling that had gripped him in Kensington\u2019s office was gone, chased away by the quiet breaths and the loud pounding hoof beats of the horses. He felt optimistic, and for the first time that day didn\u2019t worry about what to say to Joe. He would fix it. Maybe tomorrow he could even take Hoss and Joe fishing. They didn\u2019t really have that much work to do, and a nice diversion might be enough for Joe to accept his brother\u2019s apology for leaving him behind.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

As they approached the yard, Adam pulled up gently on the reins and let Hoss canter past him, reaching the house first. Hoss dismounted and threw a glare at him. \u201cYou did that on purpose! You were winning.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam lowered himself gingerly from the saddle, smiling. \u201cBut I had a head start. I was just compensating for that.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Hoss\u2019 stern look melted, but he tried to appear grumpy anyway. \u201cIt ain\u2019t fair.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAh, but it is, little brother.\u201d Adam patted Chaucer\u2019s neck approvingly and lead him toward the barn. \u201cYou won, fair and square.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Hoss followed him. \u201cWhat do I win?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYou win\u2026\u201d Adam looked around the barn as he lead Chaucer to his stall, wondering what his brother\u2019s prize could be. \u201cYou win a-\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam broke off abruptly and froze, so suddenly that Hoss walked into him and Chaucer snorted in surprise. \u201cAdam?\u201d Hoss asked, concern lacing his words. \u201cAdam, what\u2019s wrong?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Chaucer\u2019s reins dropped from Adam\u2019s hand. \u201cAdam?\u201d Hoss repeated, his voice sharp and outlined with fear.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHe\u2019s gone.\u201d Adam whispered.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWho is?\u201d Hoss stepped around him, peering into the shadows. The fading light drifted in from the window, casting abstract highlights on the leftover pieces of hay that covered the floor. It took Hoss\u2019 mind, semi-panicked with its worry for Adam, a moment to register the sight. \u201cOh.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The stall belonging Joe\u2019s pony was empty.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHoss.\u201d Adam said sharply. He spun around so quickly that Chaucer shied away, snorting nervously. \u201cCheck in the house. I\u2019ll take a quick look around.\u201d He climbed up onto Chaucer while he spoke and kicked the horse forward, his body automatically swaying with the horse as it leaped out into the yard. \u201cDon\u2019t leave.\u201d he added over his shoulder.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Chaucer broke out into the evening, his hoofs landing lightly on the ground and kicking away in the same heartbeat. The sun was sinking behind a line of trees to the west, bathing the sky in an airy red, like a pale watercolor wash. Adam scanned the ground for any sign of Joe\u2019s passage, slowing Chaucer to a trot.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

How long had Joe been gone? Had he followed them to Carson City when they had stopped to get Chaucer? Or had he left before that? A dull pounding behind his eyes made Adam want to squeeze them shut, but he forced himself to keep them open. The gnawing feeling was back. Something was wrong.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cJoe!\u201d Adam yelled. He paused, waiting for a reply, but there was none. \u201cJoe!\u201d The silence mocked him, throwing his voice out into the air and letting it hang there without a response. Adam cupped his hands around his mouth and shouted again. \u201cJoe!\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The scuff of a horse\u2019s step sounded off to his right, and Adam tugged at the reins to stop. \u201cJoe!\u201d he said, relieved. \u201cWhy didn\u2019t you answer-\u201d The words died on his lips, cut off by the sight of the horse that approached him.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

It was his. The one that had thrown him when they\u2019d found the robbers. It nickered almost apologetically, but Adam wasn\u2019t sure if it was sorry for throwing him or for not being Joe. He glanced around, as if Joe would suddenly ride up out of the sunset, but the world was still. Adam sighed and dismounted, taking the reins of his other horse gently and leading him back to Chaucer. \u201cHe\u2019s not here.\u201d Adam said dejectedly. \u201cI shouldn\u2019t have left him alone. Heaven only knows where that boy\u2019s gone now.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Slowly, his movements painful and defeated, Adam climbed back into Chaucer\u2019s saddle and continued his search.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

*<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Everything had gone according to plan. At least, according to Kensington\u2019s plan. Joe was still working on his.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Kensington had modified his original course of action, taking Joe\u2019s apparent lack of fear for himself into consideration. As soon as the boy had agreed to obey, Kensington sent him and Duriff to the stable to ready their horses. The doctor then spent almost half an hour hovering over the wounded men in his charge, changing bandages here, dampening fevered brows there. He kept himself busy until Mrs. McKarron arrived and gave her a brief overview of the conditions of the miners, relinquishing their care to her. Then, with a few more empty<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

words of thanks, he grabbed up a black frock coat from a hook by the door, set his hat on his head, and left.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Duriff had already loaded their supplies onto Joe\u2019s pony by the time Kensington joined them. The doctor set Joe into his own saddle and mounted after him, so that Joe\u2019s back pressed against his chest, and wrapped the dark coat around the both of them. The effect wasn\u2019t perfect, but Joe was small enough and the coat was large enough to conceal most of his body. That, combined with the darkening sky and the fact that almost everyone had retired to their homes, made it reasonably unlikely that anybody would spare more than a passing glance in their direction.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Kensington had lead the way from town, after paying the stable hand, with Duriff following behind and leading Joe\u2019s pony like a packhorse. Joe considered shouting, but Duriff had made it quite clear when they were in the stable that if Joe so much as opened his mouth, he would ride off toward the Ponderosa, shooting at anything that moved.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

They departed town without event and, after putting about seven miles\u2019 distance between themselves and Carson City, chose a peacefully secluded place among some trees to camp. The horses were tethered to a patch of bushes nearby, standing comfortably and nibbling idly at the leaves. Kensington was lying on his side near the small fire they\u2019d built, a plain gray blanket pulled up to his chin. Duriff leaned against tree a few yards away, his hat tipped low over his eyes, feigning sleep. Every now and again he would glance out, making sure Joe was still, or starting at a noise somewhere in the darkness.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe also leaned against a tree, but he made no attempt to hide his wakefulness. His hands were bound behind his back, secured by a short length of rope and tied to the tree. Just a precaution, Kensington had said, to ensure that Joe would remain safely in their care.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The boy had given up straining against the rope some time ago, and was now working on loosening his hands from the tight bindings. So far, all he\u2019d gotten for his efforts were blisters and frustration, but the thought of giving up never even entered his mind. Still, the lack of effectiveness in his actions was disheartening, and the glances that Duriff threw him every couple of minutes were starting to get on his nerves.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The fire cast a soft golden glow across the clearing, wrapping the still forms of Duriff and Kensington in warm blankets of light. Joe pulled back against the trunk of the tree, biting his lip hard to ward off the pricks of moisture that threatened behind his eyes. Back at home, the fire would be lit, too. Adam and Hoss would be sitting on the settee, Hoss commenting on the good food and Adam watching with amusement, the barest hint of a smile in his eyes. If Joe were there, maybe he would ask Adam to read him a book. Adam would act annoyed, say he was too busy, or he didn\u2019t feel like it, but Joe would keep asking, and Adam would give in. Hoss would move over so Joe could squeeze between them, and Adam would stretch out to take up as much room as possible. The fire would light up his face, sitting on his eyelashes as he lowered his eyes to read the book in his lap. Joe would lean against Hoss, and Hoss would pretend to fall asleep and snore to interrupt Adam\u2019s smooth narrative. If Adam really liked the book, he would read page after page, chapter after chapter, his voice mingling with the snapping of the fire and Hoss\u2019 soft rhythmic breathing when he really did fall asleep. But Joe would stay up all night if he could, just listening to his big brother\u2019s voice soothing the world away.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

He would give anything to be back home, with Adam and Hoss right next to him. He ducked his head as he felt tears clawing up his throat, squeezing out his eyes, rolling down his face. He thought he heard Duriff snort, but he couldn\u2019t be sure, and right now he really didn\u2019t care. This wasn\u2019t how it was suppose to happen! Why hadn\u2019t Adam heard him back in Carson City? Why didn\u2019t he realize that he was missing? Why didn\u2019t he come save him?<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe was folded almost double, pressing his face into his knee, trying to stop the tears. I can\u2019t even wipe my face, because of this stupid rope. He hated the rope, and he hated Kensington for putting it on him, and he hated Duriff for always glancing over at him, and he hated Adam for not coming to find him.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Slowly, Joe\u2019s quiet sobs subsided, and he carefully eased himself onto his side. It was useless to cry. That\u2019s not what Adam or Hoss would do. Adam would wait, would plan, would bide his time until the chance for escape showed itself. I\u2019ll be like Adam. he told himself.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

He started to plan elaborate means of escape, but his eyes drooped closed, and he fell into a deep, exhausted sleep.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

*<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam… Everything was cold and dark, like the first rain in spring, pelting his skin. Adam! The voice was the rain, and the raindrops were needles, piercing him and leaving tiny red welts on his arms.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhere are you?\u201d he called. His words were gone, swallowed up by the cold. Not even an echo.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam. The voice was a whisper barely tapping against his ears, but Adam spun to face it. Nothing\u2026 he turned again. Nothing. Black. Cold.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam!<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m coming!\u201d The voice was warm, but he was numb. He started running, blindly racing forward into the dark. He couldn\u2019t see anything. Couldn\u2019t feel anything. All he knew was the voice, begging for help with his name. \u201cI\u2019m coming!\u201d he promised, shouting until his throat was raw. But he couldn\u2019t even feel that. The whispers stabbed his ears above his yells, pleading.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

Adam shot to his feet, his hand racing to where he usually wore his gun. His fingers grasped convulsively at air for a moment before he remembered where he was. Home.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Hoss stood in front of him, off-balance, like he\u2019d jumped back and hadn\u2019t landed right. \u201cAdam?\u201d he said again, his face twisting with concern.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cSorry.\u201d Adam said, forcing his voice to sound less breathless. Why was he so breathless? He sank slowly, back to the settee where he\u2019d fallen asleep only a few hours ago. He hadn\u2019t meant to, but after riding all day and then searching most of the night for Joe, he supposed he couldn\u2019t really blame himself.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

But he did.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAdam, maybe you shouldn\u2019t go lookin\u2019 yet.\u201d Hoss suggested carefully.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam tried an unconcerned smile, but even he could tell it wasn\u2019t working. \u201cI\u2019m fine. I was just\u2026 dreaming.\u201d It felt strange to say the word \u201cdreaming\u201d, like he\u2019d been standing out in the cold too long and his lips had gone numb. He didn\u2019t usually remember his dreams, and when he did, he never took much notice of them. But this one had been different. His chest still felt hollow and cold, his ears still rang with the whispered pleas of the voice.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Hoss shifted his weight to even himself out and shoved his hands into his pockets. \u201cI shouldn\u2019t\u2019ve woke yeh.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI would have been much more irritated if you\u2019d have let me sleep.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cStill\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam stood and glanced out the window. The first streaks of light were piercing the sky, promising the arrival of dawn, like a wire sent to assure the coming of a late stage. He really shouldn\u2019t have fallen asleep. Suppressing a sigh of annoyance at himself, Adam glanced at the grandfather clock behind Hoss and headed for the door.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAdam,\u201d The name was firm when Hoss said it, but it trailed off in a sort of question when Adam turned to face him. \u201cAin\u2019tcha gonna eat?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNo time.\u201d Adam said, already twisting to face the door again. If Joe was out there because he\u2019d run away, he wouldn\u2019t be out moving before the sun came up. This was his chance to find him. If Joe wasn\u2019t running away\u2026 well, Adam didn\u2019t want to think about that yet.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYeh gotta have somethin\u2019.\u201d Hoss said.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam glanced at his brother\u2019s worried face over his shoulder and sighed. What am I doing? he thought resignedly. Choosing one brother\u2019s wellness over the other\u2019s. It wasn\u2019t the same kind of wellness, he knew, but Hoss was troubled here, now, and Joe… Joe could be waiting for him, out in the wilderness. Maybe he was hurt. Maybe he wasn\u2019t. Either way, Adam needed to make up his mind between explaining things to Hoss and searching for Joe, and he hated it.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHoss,\u201d he said, in the carefully calm voice he usually reserved for his youngest brother. \u201cI need to go now. If Joe is out there\u2026 I have to find him, Hoss.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Hoss cocked his head a little, his eyebrows furrowed. \u201cYou don\u2019t\u2026 think it\u2019s your fault,\u201d It was said slowly, but more puzzled than questioning, as if he could see the guilt Adam felt and couldn\u2019t understand why.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam stiffened. \u201cAdam, it\u2019s as much my fault as yers.\u201d Hoss went on. \u201cY\u2019did what had t\u2019be done when we left him. T\u2019weren\u2019t no one\u2019s fault.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYou don\u2019t understand.\u201d Adam murmured, glancing away. This was not a conversation he wanted to have with his younger brother.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI just think that-\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll be home by lunch.\u201d Adam interrupted. \u201cDo your chores, alright? And for God\u2019s sake, stay here.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Though he looked like he wanted to say more, Hoss nodded. Adam stood motionless a moment longer, wondering if he should say something to make up for his sharpness, but he couldn\u2019t think of anything to say. He snatched up his hat and gun belt, keeping his eyes carefully angled anywhere but toward Hoss. In part, he was afraid of the confusion and hurt he might find in his face if he looked back. He knew he shouldn\u2019t have been so short, that he should have tried to explain, but there was no time. A ten-year-old wandering around by himself was not the kind of thing Adam could leave alone, especially when that ten-year-old had as much of a knack for trouble as Little Joe did.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

He left without saying a word and made his way out to the barn to saddle the horse that had thrown him the day before.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam spent the rest of the morning riding across the sprawling lands of the Ponderosa. He checked the places most likely for Little Joe to have gone, then the places that might be appealing to a ten-year-old runaway. No Joe. He checked every fishing pond and camping spot he\u2019d ever taken Joe to, and several he hadn\u2019t, but he still could find no trace of the boy. He dismounted periodically throughout his search, kneeling in the dry dirt or soft mud and searching for tracks, but he never found any.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Only when the sun had risen to its highest point did Adam admit a temporary defeat. He headed back home dejected and frustrated, mentally reviewing places he needed to search yet. Short of combing the mountains, the only places he had yet to look were Virginia City and Carson City. After lunch, he told himself. After lunch, he\u2019d ride into Carson City, and see if Joe had followed them there the day before. Maybe Adam and Hoss had just missed him in their haste to get back to the Ponderosa. Maybe Joe had chosen to stay in town overnight, rather than ride home alone in the dark. Maybe he was waiting in the hotel for Adam to come get him.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

It was wishful thinking, he knew, but Adam let the calming thoughts sooth away his panic as he urged his horse into a quicker trot. He had been angling back toward the ranch for the better part of the last hour, and he figured he\u2019d be home in just over twenty minutes. Then he could eat a quick lunch, to pacify Hoss, and be on his way again in less than an hour. That way, he\u2019d have time to thoroughly search Carson City and be home before dark.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Already he felt calmer. Working without a plan meant chaos, uncertainty, and left room for worry and doubt. But if one had a plan, nothing was lost in shadows, everything was plain and simple. He didn\u2019t have to be afraid for Joe, because he had a plan to find him. His fear evaporated slightly, exposing the thin layer of irritation beneath it. If Joe wasn\u2019t in danger, then all this worrying Adam had been doing would be for nothing.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

When I find him… Adam thought threateningly. It was easier to feel angry than scared.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

His horse, Juniper, flicked his ears as Adam nudged him into a soft gallop. He\u2019d opted against riding Chaucer again, partly to show Juniper that he could still be ridden, and partly to rest the horse who\u2019d served him so well the day before. He wanted to keep Chaucer fresh so he could be ridden the next day, if he didn\u2019t find Joe in Carson City.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

By the time Adam rode up to the house, his stomach was clenching emptily and his ribs throbbed out an angry reminder of the bruises they\u2019d received and the lack of care that had been shown them. He didn\u2019t relish the thought of climbing back into the saddle, but Joe had to be found, and Adam had no intention of resting for more than a the time it took to eat a quick meal.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAdam.\u201d Hoss greeted as the eldest Cartwright stomped into the house. He was hovering near the table, which had already been set, his hands in his pockets.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI didn\u2019t find him.\u201d Adam said, noting Hoss\u2019 glance at the door.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI c\u2019n see that much.\u201d Hoss frowned, sounding insulted.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam draped his hat over its hook and made his way over to the table gingerly. \u201cYou didn\u2019t have to wait for me.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Hoss shrugged and pulled out a chair for himself, but waited before Adam was seated to take his place at the table. \u201c\u2019S no fun eatin\u2019 alone.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThat statement from you surprises me, little brother.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

For a moment, Hoss looked confused, as if he wasn\u2019t sure whether Adam was teasing or just in a bad mood. Adam smiled to banish the uncertainty, and Hoss laughed back. \u201cGood thing y\u2019made it back when y\u2019did, \u2018r there\u2019d\u2019a been nothin\u2019 left. I\u2019d only wait so long for yeh.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWell that\u2019s not entirely proper.\u201d Adam said, spooning a pile of mashed potatoes onto his plate. Now that the food was before him, his stomach felt calmer, as if the mere thought of eating could fill him up. He took a bite and turned his eyes to Hoss. \u201cAnything while I was gone?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNah.\u201d Hoss took a bite of green beans before continuing. \u201cJust did my chores, like y\u2019said.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThank you.\u201d They ate in silence for a while, and with every bite Adam took he grew more restless. He was about to excuse himself when Hoss spoke up.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhere\u2019re y\u2019goin\u2019 now?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam paused before answering. \u201cCarson City.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYou think he followed us there?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cMaybe.\u201d Adam stood and crossed the room, snatching up his hat as he closed his fingers over the door handle. \u201cBut I haven\u2019t searched there yet, so it\u2019s my best bet at the moment.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Hoss stood, disregarding the food still on his plate. \u201cI\u2019ll go.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNo, you-\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWe can split up then.\u201d Hoss insisted. \u201cCover more ground.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhat if Joe comes back here?\u201d Adam asked, his words blunt and distinctly unquestioning. \u201cHe\u2019d find no one here, and maybe think we\u2019re still out with the robbers. Then he\u2019d just leave again.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Hoss opened and closed his mouth three times, searching for an argument. \u201cJust stay here.\u201d Adam repeated. \u201cI\u2019ll be home before supper.\u201d He opened the door and strode out, but Hoss\u2019 voice stopped him before he could close it.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAdam.\u201d he said. \u201cGood luck.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam faced his brother and nodded mutely before shutting the door.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

*<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe was cold. The night itself hadn\u2019t been too bad, but as dawn broke and the gray haze of morning started to wrap itself around him, he felt cold. His neck was stiff too, and his shoulders felt like a piece of rope stretched too tightly between two trees. Joe struggled to his knees, using the tree he\u2019d been leaning against the night before to keep him upright.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Kensington and Duriff were already up, the first pouring a cup of coffee while the other broke camp. Joe glared at Kensington until the man looked up. \u201cUntie me.\u201d he demanded, amazed at how level his voice sounded.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The doctor smiled, the kind that crinkled at the corners of his mouth and left his eyes untouched. \u201cManners, Little Joe.\u201d He stood and walked over to him, the not-quite smile still hovering on his lips. He knelt behind Joe, where he could access the rope best. His fingers, made nimble by years in the medical practice, quickly found the points they were looking for and loosened the bindings on Joe\u2019s hands.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe gingerly moved his arms back to their normal position, wincing as blood began to flow back into the cramped muscles. He rubbed his wrists carefully, scowling up at Kensington.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWell you couldn\u2019t expect me to leave you free.\u201d Kensington said monotonously, as if he didn\u2019t care one way or the other. \u201cYou obviously don\u2019t know what\u2019s good for you, and that will get you into trouble.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam had said that, too, once or twice, when he was mad at Joe. Joe frowned and looked away.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI know you won\u2019t believe me when I say this,\u201d Kensington added, lowering his voice. \u201cBut it was for your own protection. Duriff hates children in general, and you have managed somehow to get under his skin. He\u2019d not think twice of shooting you down should you ever try to run away. Remember that.\u201d With that, Kensington stood and sauntered off to the fire.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe stared after him. What had he done to incur Duriff\u2019s wrath? Grown-ups just didn\u2019t make any sense.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cIf you want to eat,\u201d Kensington called from beside the fire. \u201cyou\u2019d best come now.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

As if it had been waiting for Kensington\u2019s announcement, Joe\u2019s stomach growled. He wrapped an arm around it, feeling betrayed by the noise. Of course he was hungry, but he didn\u2019t want to eat anything given to him by these\u2026 skunks! Hoss had taught him a few plants which were safe to eat, and he knew how to hunt. Maybe he\u2019d go out and shoot a deer. That\u2019d show Kensington and Duriff just how dangerous Joe could be!<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

But he didn\u2019t have a gun, and he didn\u2019t know how to shoot an arrow. Hoss had shown him how to set rabbit traps, but Joe doubted he\u2019d have time to catch anything before they moved out. He\u2019d just have to make do with whatever he could find.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Kensington watched Joe curiously. Of course the boy must be hungry, but he was just sitting and staring down at his wrists, as if they would feed him. Kensington had minimal experience with children, but he was fairly certain that this was merely a hollow show of stubbornness. Joe would come to eat soon, he was sure.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

He was wrong. Joe sat by the tree while Kensington and Duriff ate a quick breakfast of beans, bacon, and coffee, and never even looked their way. He was determined to have as little to do with the two as possible, even if it meant going hungry.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

When they had finished their meal, Duriff repacked the supplies so they were carried evenly between the three mounts. Joe would be allowed to ride his pony, but he would be lead by Kensington and followed closely by Duriff, and if necessary, Duriff\u2019s gun.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cMount up, kid.\u201d Duriff growled, pinching Joe\u2019s shoulder and pushing him toward his pony. \u201cAnd keep up the pace.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe scowled at the man and climbed easily into the saddle. His pony flicked black-tipped ears<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

as Joe adjusted himself. He was a handsome pony, lean and tough, even though he was a tad undersized. Joe didn\u2019t mind. He remembered the first day Pa had brought him home, a birthday present, so Joe could ride him into town with Pa and Adam and Hoss. He was a dark, muddy brown, with three black socks and black tipped ears and nose. Adam had made a comment about his size, and how he would fit Little Joe perfectly. Hoss said it looked like he\u2019d been playing in a mud puddle, so that\u2019s what Joe had named him. Puddle.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Kensington, already mounted on his regal gray horse, started them off at an easy pace, Joe\u2019s reins held securely in his hand. Duriff sat atop a mouse-colored mustang, his rifle cradled almost carelessly in his right arm. They made their way back to the main road (\u201cBecause we\u2019ve got nothing to hide,\u201d Kensington said), and headed off along the dusty trail as the sun took its first stretch over the horizon.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

By the time Kensington called for a break at noon, Joe was both bored out of his mind and hungrier than he\u2019d ever been before (at least, he couldn\u2019t remember ever being hungrier, but he couldn\u2019t really be sure). He jumped down from Puddle\u2019s back almost before the pony had stopped moving and stretched, moving his stiff shoulders carefully. Duriff barked out an order not to move, but Joe was already scouting their surroundings for something he could eat.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

They\u2019d stopped just off the road, near a couple of dry bushes that would serve only to drop the horses\u2019 reins on. There were no trees to break the flat surface of the skyline, except for the ones they\u2019d already passed. Joe frowned in disappointment; there was nothing he could scavenge here.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYou, boy!\u201d Duriff snapped, grabbing Joe\u2019s shoulder and spinning him around to face him. \u201cI told you not to move!\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI wasn\u2019t going anywhere.\u201d Joe protested, ducking out of the man\u2019s grasp. \u201cI\u2019m still here, aren\u2019t I?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cLeave him, Paul.\u201d Kensington said lightly. \u201cYou can always shoot him down if he makes a run for it. He\u2019s got no cover.\u201d It was said nonchalantly, as if he couldn\u2019t care less whether Joe made an attempt to escape or not. The idea was tempting, but even Joe could see it would be stupid to try and run across open the plains with Duriff itching to draw his gun.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Duriff glared at him once more and stomped back to the horses, digging through the packs to get ready for lunch. Joe frowned at the man\u2019s back and looked around, as if something edible would spring up from where he\u2019d not searched thoroughly. There was nothing.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Kensington crouched down a few yards from him and started to build a fire. \u201cLittle Joe,\u201d he called, \u201cwill you come help with this?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe stared at him incredulously. Was he serious? Kensington smiled invitingly, but Joe turned away and resumed his hopeless search. \u201cJoe?\u201d he said again. Joe ignored him.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Kensington sighed and stood. \u201cNow, Little Joe, I realize how, in your mind, Paul and I are<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

enemies to you. I realize that you would naturally feel uncooperative. But you brought this on yourself by eavesdropping.\u201d Joe spun on him angrily, and Kensington held up his hands calmly. \u201cYou knew what you were doing. If you\u2019d have been more law-abiding, you\u2019d be home at your ranch now.\u201d Joe turned away again, trying to ignore the words. They were spoken calmly, which only made them sting worse. \u201cTry to be civil now, Little Joe.\u201d Kensington went on. \u201cAnd you\u2019ll get yourself into less trouble.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ignore him. That\u2019s what Hoss always said when the other boys would make fun of him. It\u2019s no good getting angry.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Just thinking of Hoss saying those words made him feel calmer. He tilted his chin up and sat down, folding his arms and shutting his mouth. Kensington smiled a little, an amused but humorless smile, and turned his attention back to the fire. \u201cIf you\u2019re not going to help, you won\u2019t eat.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe just looked away pointedly. Duriff grumbled something about useless kids and set to work getting the meal ready while Kensington studied the boy they\u2019d ended up with. He\u2019d known Little Joe was stubborn, but would he really be stubborn enough to starve himself, simply out of spite? Kensington wanted to think that he\u2019d eat eventually, but he wasn\u2019t sure. If he\u2019d learned anything from his friendship with Adam, it was that when the Cartwrights found themselves some idea and latched onto it, not much could happen to break their hold. He just hoped Joe would come to his senses before they reached Stephens Flats, for his own sake.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe, however, had no intention of coming to his senses. He watched Duriff prepare the food silently, sitting cross-legged and cross-armed. The thought of breaking his stubborn and fruitless fast never even occurred to him. He simply accepted that he would go hungry as a fact, and neither questioned nor resented it. It merely was.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Kensington continued to watch him throughout the meal, but Joe never said or did anything. When they were done, Duriff kicked dirt over the fire and repacked their supplies, and Joe stood up, glaring, and walked over to Puddle. He mounted and sat still, ready to leave. Kensington frowned; this cooperation worried him. The boy was planning something.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Duriff climbed into his saddle, wearing his usual grim expression, and glanced over Joe\u2019s head at Kensington. \u201cWe going to stop before nightfall?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNo.\u201d Kensington answered, settling into his own saddle. \u201cWe\u2019ll make camp at sundown.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe patted Puddle\u2019s neck absently. He liked riding, but spending that long in the saddle was not only uncomfortable, but boring. The longest rides he\u2019d ever had to make were with Adam or Hoss or Pa, but they never bored him. Pa would tell him stories about when he was a sailor, Adam would recite poetry or tell him of Greek warriors, Hoss would tell jokes and point out landmarks and any stories behind them. But riding with Duriff and Kensington\u2026 he\u2019d tried to occupy his time by planning an escape, but with every minute that passed his plans became less and less realistic.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Heaving a sigh, Joe looked up. Pa had told him once that the sky over the West reminded him of the sky over the sea, stretching on forever until it reached the horizon line in the distance. He\u2019d said that a man could feel mighty lonely under such a sky, unless he had his family with him. Then the sky was a blanket, and as long as he had his family, he was alright.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Pa\u2019s right. Joe thought glumly. He never thought he\u2019d miss his brothers this much, and he hadn\u2019t even been away that long. But what he wouldn\u2019t give to have Adam and Hoss with him right now.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Be patient. his inner Adam whispered. Wait and listen. Come up with a plan. Think it through, work out a strategy, and then act.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Think it through, and then act. Wait and listen. The listening part was easy, it was the waiting that bored him. Try as he might, Joe couldn\u2019t come up with a plan. He started up at the pale wisps of clouds, like white horse tails feathered across the sky. Hoss had told him something about horse-tail clouds before. They meant rain. Rain meant that whatever tracks they had made when they camped or broke for a meal would be washed away.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Closing his eyes tightly against the white wisps, Joe prayed that the sky would remain cloudless and the rain would pass around them.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

*<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Several hours had passed by the time Adam made it to Carson City. A quick scan of the main street told him that Joe\u2019s pony wasn\u2019t there, so he dismounted outside of the livery stable and checked the stalls. When he\u2019d thoroughly examined every horse, he went to the hotel and asked if Joe had passed by. He hadn\u2019t, so he Adam spent the next twenty minutes brushing through every store on the main street, asking anyone he met if they\u2019d seen him.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam\u2019s head hurt, his ribs hurt, his back hurt, and his hope that Joe had just wandered off somewhere was dimming, slowly being replaced by a panic so overpowering he could hardly force himself to keep searching in town. Ben Cartwright was a wealthy man; many a desperate person had been driven to drastic actions for less than what they could get from holding a Cartwright ransom. Adam didn\u2019t like to think about that, but he had to admit that it was a possibility.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

He passed a saloon and, after a short bout of indecisiveness, pushed his way through the swinging doors and made his way to the counter. He doubted if Joe was in there, but it was possible that someone inside may have seen him.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201c\u2019Lo, Adam.\u201d called the bartender. Adam gave a short wave and leaned against the counter. \u201cWhat\u2019ll it be?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNothing.\u201d Adam said, scanning the room quickly. The saloon was comfortably filled with dusty cowpokes and a few miners, playing cards or laughing and each other over their drinks.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

He hadn\u2019t expected to see Joe, but still he felt a stab of disappointment as he finished his quick search. He was out of plans. Where would he look now?<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNothin\u2019.\u201d the barkeep repeated. He was a friendly man named Todd Welcher, who, Adam believed, kept his saloon out of genuine enjoyment of the job.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNo.\u201d Adam sighed. There were three other men at the bar with him, two on his left and one on his right. The one on the right was a big man, broad-shouldered and almost thin, but encased in a layer of muscle that made him look easy to underestimate. He was laughing raucously with a thinner man who leaned on a chair nearby, his head tilted back to expose a thick, tangled beard. Adam looked away; beards like that rarely embellished well-to-do men. \u201cListen, Todd, have you seen-\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

A heavy push to his shoulder made him choke off his words. The bearded man\u2019s harsh laughter rose up again, and Adam turned slowly to face him. The thinner man stood where he\u2019d landed after bouncing off of Adam\u2019s shoulder, rubbing his arm and glaring at the one who\u2019d pushed him. Adam held the big man\u2019s gaze, feeling only annoyance that his search had been interrupted.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYou gonna apologize?\u201d the big man grunted finally.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam kept his face neutral. \u201cFor what?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cBeing in the way.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYou hit me!\u201d Adam growled, then reproached himself silently for raising to the bait.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The bearded man leaned closer. \u201cWell, kid?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam felt irritation well up inside of him. This man was obstructing his search, was making him delay in finding Joe. \u201cI don\u2019t have time for you.\u201d he said, surprised at how low his voice sounded. He sounded mad. He felt mad.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The bearded man was not impressed. \u201cListen, kid. I been bustin\u2019 heads in barrooms since before you was cuttin\u2019 yerself shaving.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Why was he still standing here? This wasn\u2019t worth his time or effort. Adam turned back to the bar and started to ask Todd to keep an eye out for Joe, but the big man grabbed his shoulder and spun him around.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI was talking to you.\u201d he growled.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam pushed his hand away irritably. \u201cI\u2019m busy.\u201d he said simply. The man was drunk, that much was obvious, and looking for a fight. One which Adam didn\u2019t feel like participating in.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The bearded man made a mock-sympathetic face. \u201cThat\u2019s right, you\u2019re looking for your brother.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

I heard you askin\u2019 around earlier. Where\u2019d he go?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cIf I knew that, I wouldn\u2019t be looking for him.\u201d Adam said coolly. \u201cWhich I should really get back to doing. If you\u2019ll excuse me,\u201d He started to turn, but again the man pulled him back.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI had a brother once,\u201d he continued, holding Adam\u2019s shoulder tightly. \u201cHe ran off and got hisself killed by Injuns. Think that\u2019s what happened to yours?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

And suddenly his patience was gone. Faster than even he thought possible, Adam spun and slammed his fist into the man\u2019s jaw so hard the knuckles split. The man fell like a cut tree, glancing off a chair as he went down and reducing it to splinters.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam resisted the urge to rub his bleeding knuckle and glared around the room. \u201cAnyone else?\u201d His words were low and dangerous, almost more like an eager promise than the indifferent warning he\u2019d meant them to be.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The saloon was deathly still for a moment as the men stared between this lean young man and their unconscious friend. Then four men were suddenly on their feet, sending their chairs crashing to the ground as they lunged at him. Adam had time only to step back from the counter so the stools wouldn\u2019t be in his way before they were upon him.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

One reached clumsily for his wrist, but Adam knocked the hand away and pushed the man off-balance. He ducked another\u2019s swing and hit him hard in the stomach, then in the chin. The man fell back, surprised, and the other two rushed forward in his place. Adam tried to sidestep one, but the other landed a punch to his ribs that nearly dropped him to his knees. One of the men grabbed his right arm and wrenched it behind his back while another aimed blow after blow at his face. Adam closed his eyes against the pain and struggled against the grip that held him still, trying to duck under the punches and fight back with his free arm.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

And then the pressure on his arm was gone, and Adam sagged to his knees. His head felt light, and his ribs screamed their pain at him, but he surged to his feet and stood unsteadily, but ready.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The fight now involved what looked like half of the occupants of the saloon. Everywhere there were men flying over tables and rolling across the floor. The four men who\u2019d been fighting him were now engaged in combat with Charlie, Andy Harris, Matthew Carroll, and Jim Wilson.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

After taking a moment to catch his breath, Adam threw himself back into the fray, tackling a man who\u2019d knocked Jim off his feet. The man yelled something Adam couldn\u2019t understand and started to get up, but the sound of a gunshot made him stop.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The whole room froze, turning sheepishly to the door where the Sheriff stood, holding his pistol up threateningly. \u201cKnock it off or get out.\u201d he growled, glaring around the room. His eyes flickered with surprise as they passed over Adam, but neither of them spoke. After a moment, when the Sheriff had decided the threat of more fighting had passed, he shoved his gun back into its holster and walked over to Todd.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam leaned against the counter, holding his ribs. Charlie dropped to the stool next to him, smiling through a cut lip. \u201cY\u2019know, Adam? I\u2019m gettin\u2019 sick of havin\u2019 to save you.\u201d he said with a grin that suggested he didn\u2019t mind at all.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWell I\u2019m not.\u201d Adam said, offering his hand first to Charlie, then to Jim, Andy, and Matt. \u201cAnd this time Kensington didn\u2019t even have to send you.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Charlie frowned. \u201cKensington?\u201d he repeated blankly.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam felt his eyebrows draw together. \u201cKensington sent you as reinforcements.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cKensington didn\u2019t send us.\u201d Charlie said. \u201cIt was that little brother of yours. Jack\u2026?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cJoe.\u201d Andy corrected.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s right, Joe.\u201d Charlie nodded. \u201cHe found us in the bar and said his brothers were outnumbered against some robbers or sumthin\u2019, and since we weren\u2019t doing anything anyway we should go out an\u2019 help. Wasn\u2019t that the way he put it? Hey, Adam, you ok?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

He wasn\u2019t ok, and felt like he\u2019d never been ok, and never would again. If Joe had sent Charlie and the others, why did Kensington say he\u2019d done it? Why would he lie?<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Unless. There was always an unless, though Adam didn\u2019t want to face it. Why had Joe disappeared without leaving any tracks? Because he hadn\u2019t just wandered away, like Adam had wanted to believe. He couldn\u2019t have, not without someone else to guide him.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam sagged against the counter, feeling more pain than at any point during the fight. The voice in Kensington\u2019s office. It had been Joe. He was sure of it now; it had been Little Joe, calling out to him. And he\u2019d left. Without even realizing it, he\u2019d left his youngest brother. He\u2019d abandoned him.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAdam? Adam!\u201d Charlie was supporting him, keeping him from slipping to the floor. He waved toward Matt. \u201cGet the doctor.\u201d he commanded sharply.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Doctor\u2026 \u201cNo,\u201d Adam pushed away, feeling a slow, cold anger give him strength. This wasn\u2019t the quick flash of emotion he\u2019d felt during the fight; this was different somehow, deeper, more dangerous. It was fury, cold and hard, the closest thing to hatred he\u2019d ever felt. Kensington, the man he\u2019d trusted and looked up to, had betrayed him. If Little Joe was hurt\u2026<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAdam?\u201d Charlie asked cautiously. Adam tried to force the feeling down from where it had lodged in his throat, but it settled instead in his chest and made it hard to breathe.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThanks for helping.\u201d Adam said shortly. Charlie still looked concerned, but Adam pushed away and strode for the door, into the street. It was not yet evening, but the sky was already dark in the distance, promising the coming of a storm.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Hoss had to know where he was going, but Adam didn\u2019t want to spend what precious hours he had by riding back to the Ponderosa. Pa should know, too. A sharp stab of guilt pierced through him, momentarily clouding the anger. Part of him didn\u2019t want to send the wire to Sacramento, didn\u2019t want to admit that he\u2019d let such a terrible thing happen to Joe. He should have been able to stop it. Why hadn\u2019t he recognized the signs earlier?<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

Adam turned sharply, glad that he\u2019d been able to stop the burning in his eyes from becoming any more than that. The Sheriff was walking toward him, looking calm and assured. \u201cCharlie told me what happened.\u201d he said. \u201cYou won\u2019t be held responsible for any damage.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThanks.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAdam.\u201d The Sheriff stepped closer. \u201cWhat\u2019s this about Kensington?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam looked away, feeling the fury rise up again. \u201cHe took Joe.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The Sheriff looked at him curiously. \u201cJust like that?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHe did it.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYou got any proof?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI heard Joe in his office. Only I didn\u2019t do anything about it.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHmm.\u201d The Sheriff was silent for a moment, rubbing his chin thoughtfully. \u201cYou think he had anything to do with the robbery?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam hadn\u2019t thought of that, but now that the subject was brought up, it made sense. If Joe had seen or overheard something, it would provide motive for his capture.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYou know where they\u2019re going?\u201d the Sheriff asked.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam nodded shortly. \u201cStephens Flats.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019re goin\u2019 after them.\u201d It wasn\u2019t a question, which Adam appreciated. It was an observation, one that the Sheriff noted and accepted without complaint. \u201cRight then. I\u2019ll send Tullis out to the Ponderosa to tell Hoss. You go an\u2019 send your pa a wire, and I\u2019ll get my gear. I\u2019ll meet you back at my office when you\u2019re ready.\u201d This too was a statement, one that left no room for argument, that expected to be obeyed. Adam nodded.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The Sheriff turned and walked toward his office, and Adam took a moment to compose himself before heading off to send his wire.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Far off in the distance, thunder rumbled, rolling out across the plains and settling over the town. The air was thick, anticipating the storm that crept nearer, like a mountain cat stalking its prey. Adam turned his face toward the sky, feeling the cool, burning fury the had settled in his chest.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cKensington.\u201d he said to the sky. \u201cWherever you go, I\u2019ll follow. Wherever you run, I\u2019ll chase you. And if you\u2019ve hurt Little Joe, I swear, Kensington, I\u2019ll kill you.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

*<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

At first, the low murmurs of thunder sounded like Joe\u2019s growling stomach, so he didn\u2019t take much notice of them. The sky had been growing steadily darker over the past hour, though it was not quite time for evening to lay its claim over the afternoon. A heavy wind pranced across them, tossing the horses\u2019 manes up and pulling their tails into long, streaming banners. Joe watched the coarse hair swirl about the legs of Kensington\u2019s gray, picking out patterns in the twists and twirls.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

His boredom was matched only by his hunger. It gnawed at him, making his stomach ache and his head pound. He winced at every hard step Puddle took, wishing again and again that he could find something to eat. It just wasn\u2019t fair. He shouldn\u2019t even be here; he should be back at home, playing games with Hoss and eating as much as he wanted.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The wind threw a fistful of dust up from trail, and it danced at Joe\u2019s shoulder before catching the next blast of air and drifting away. He watched it go, wondering if dirt was edible.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Make a plan, his inner Adam reminded softly. You need to have a plan.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe scowled into the wind. Maybe he didn\u2019t want a plan. This was all Adam\u2019s fault anyway. If he had just let him come along, none of this would have happened. Why should Joe have to do anything? He was just a kid, after all, as so many people kept reminding him. Adam should have to come find him. Joe would just wait.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

But he couldn\u2019t wait. He was hungry, and unless he did something soon\u2026 well, he wasn\u2019t sure what would happen, but he knew it wouldn\u2019t be anything good. No, his inner Adam was right. He needed a plan.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

His first thoughts were still of food, rather than escape. They needed to go somewhere he could eat. He just didn\u2019t know where. Hoss had shown him various nuts and berries that were edible, but he didn\u2019t see any of those nearby. Even if he could hunt (he could hunt, he knew, though he\u2019d never actually done it before. It was only that he had no weapon), he hadn\u2019t seen any sign of game. Where else could he find food?<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The answer was at the same time simple and horribly difficult. Town. Joe would simply have to find a way to get them to town. Which town, he didn\u2019t know, but there had to be one somewhere near them. But where?<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

So he would have to get Kensington to lead them. This was the hard part. Kensington had said<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

earlier that towns were to be avoided as much as possible so nobody could recognize Joe, in case Adam was already looking for him.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cPaul.\u201d Kensington said, twisting in his saddle and slowing his mount to a stop. Puddle trotted up and stopped a few feet behind the gray, flicking his ears docilely. \u201cYou see that clump of rocks up there?\u201d Duriff grunted that he did, and Kensington went on. \u201cGo scout it out; see if it will make a suitable camp.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Duriff tugged at his mustang\u2019s reins and skillfully steered him around Joe and Kensington before spurring him up the road. Joe curled his fingers around some of the hair in Puddle\u2019s mane, wondering if it was possible to die of boredom.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cLittle Joe,\u201d Kensington said. He frowned when the boy lifted his head; he looked like he was about to fall from his saddle. Would he really be stubborn enough to keep starving himself? What was the point? \u201cJoe, would you like something to eat?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Suddenly, Joe\u2019s back was strait and his eyes full of fire. \u201cI\u2019m not hungry.\u201d he said tightly. Kensington shrugged and looked away, though he would have liked to observe the boy further. An interesting family, those Cartwrights. One thing he knew for certain, though; no matter what Joe said, he needed to eat.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe knew this as well. As soon as Kensington turned back, Joe had slumped in his saddle and whispered weary words into Puddle\u2019s ear. He had to find something to eat.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Why? There was food right there, right in front of him, in Kensington\u2019s saddlebags. Or was it in Duriff\u2019s? Or his own?<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

A sudden flare of hope flashed up in Joe\u2019s mind. There was food, right within his reach! He paused momentarily, frowning. Taking food from the saddlebag wasn\u2019t really any different from eating with Kensington and Duriff. But he wasn\u2019t eating it with them, he was taking it from them. That, along with his growling stomach, made him decide it was alright.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Kensington was resting on the pommel of his saddle, staring off in the direction Duriff had gone. Joe watched him for a moment to make sure he wouldn\u2019t turn around before twisting carefully and looking behind him. There were two bags slung behind his saddle, one on top of the other. Joe reached carefully into the left pocket of the top one, his fingers searching through the objects inside for something that felt edible. His movements shifted something that might have been a tin plate; it let out a metallic clang that made Joe jump. He glanced quickly over his shoulder, but Kensington appeared not to have heard.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Finally, his groping fingers closed around a small bunch of something wrapped in thin cloth. He pulled it out, hoping it would be what he thought it was\u2026 he leaned back into his saddle and carefully unwrapped it.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Laying in his palm was a bundle of healthy-sized jerked beef. He barely suppressed a shout of success and grabbed one of the pieces, ripping off about half of it and chewing it rapidly, almost frantically. He had finished the first piece and was about take another when a cloud of dust before them told him Duriff was returning. Quickly, he wrapped the beef back into their strip of cloth and shoved it into his boot. It almost didn\u2019t fit, but his boots had always been a bit too big anyway, and after a moment of pushing and maneuvering he managed to make it stay.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Duriff\u2019s horse trotted up to them, snorting a friendly hello to the gray and the pony. \u201cIt\u2019ll do for camp.\u201d Duriff said, glancing up at the sky. \u201cThere\u2019s a sort of lean-to cave that\u2019ll give us shelter from the rain.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe felt his high spirits dip a little. He\u2019d suspected rain, but hearing Duriff confirm it made his hope for rescue drop that much more. Still, he had food now, and that was something.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Kensington nodded. \u201cGood.\u201d was all he said, and he waved Duriff aside as he grabbed up his reins. He urged his gray into a quick trot, and Puddle stepped forward with a snort that sounded like a complaint. Joe swayed with the movement, ever conscious of the small bulk in his boot. His senses seemed to be focused on its every movement. Every time his leg shifted, he worried it would fall out, though he resisted the urge to reach down or look. The piece of jerky he\u2019d eaten had only fueled his hunger, and he didn\u2019t want to risk losing what was left.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

A low roll of thunder mumbled across the sky, then flared up as if it had been crouched over them the whole time, waiting for a chance to be heard. Puddle flinched at the noise, and Joe with him, though he tried to hide the movement. He whispered encouragement to his pony, partly to calm his mount and partly to calm himself. He\u2019d never really been afraid of storms, but waiting under a sky turned dark before its time had unnerved him.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

It didn\u2019t take them long to reach the rocks Duriff had explored. They were large, gray and strong, like the back of Kensington\u2019s horse, Joe thought. One was almost flat, and leaned up against the side of another to form a crude tent-like shelter with no back or front. Rain had started to spatter unevenly from the purple clouds, and the wind blew the tiny drops of cold water into his face. He ducked his head and squeezed his eyes shut.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Duriff leaped from his horse almost before it had stopped and began to unload it. Kensington did the same and shouted for Joe to get inside. Joe was already climbing from his own saddle, but at the command he froze. Duriff\u2019s back was turned. Did he dare attempt escape?<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

As if knowing his thoughts, Kensington started out into the rain again. Thunder growled over their heads, and the wind hissed fiercely, but Joe still hadn\u2019t moved from his spot, half in and half out of his saddle, one foot suspended mid-air and the other in the stirrup.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cJoe!\u201d Kensington called again. Duriff half-turned, and Joe blinked as rain pelted his eyes. Suddenly, a streak of lightning ripped across the sky, and Kensington halted his advance and even stepped back, his face turned up to it.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe took his chance. He swung back into the saddle and tugged sharply on the reins, making<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Puddle pull back and twist about in confusion. Joe shouted and jabbed his heels into the frightened pony\u2019s sides, but Puddle only neighed and lunged into a quick trot. \u201cRun, Puddle!\u201d Joe begged, his voice carried away by the rumbling thunder and the shrieking wind.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

A bullet tore through the air and kicked up a furrow of mud, and Puddle took to his hooves with a startled neigh. Joe bent as low as he could over his pony\u2019s neck, urging him on with both words and heels. He could barely hear the sound of more shots over the cries of the storm, but he didn\u2019t look back to see if he was being pursued.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

They were running, streaks of desperate figures pushing through the wind and rain. Joe had the courage to glance back once, but it was too dark to see anything. He clutched Puddle\u2019s reins tightly and spurred him on.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

A flash of lighting split the dark clouds, and Joe saw a ghostly gray blur behind him. Kensington was following.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

One moment they were running, and then they were down. Puddle\u2019s hoof had slipped in the mud and the gallant pony had fallen, rolling to his side, eyes wide with terror. Joe had had time only to swing his legs out of the stirrups before Puddle lunged to his feet, leaving Joe lay in the mud.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

He wasn\u2019t hurt. At least, he didn\u2019t think he was hurt, and the first thing he did was check that his jerked beef hadn\u2019t fallen from his boot (which it hadn\u2019t). Puddle had disappeared.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Suddenly, Joe heard Kensington\u2019s horse scream, and then something crashed into the ground near him. The horse screamed again, and Joe fought the urge to pull his hands over his ears to shut out the noise. Lightning illuminated the sky for a brief moment, and Joe looked away from the scene before him.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Kensington\u2019s gray was down, its foreleg broken badly and twisted at a strange angle, screaming and trying to get up. Kensington had either rolled or been thrown to safety, and was getting to his feet just as the lightning flashed. Joe knew what was coming next. He tried to get to his feet and run, but he slipped and fell hard on his knee. He could hear Kensington shouting for Duriff. And then, above the thunder, was the sound of a shot, and the screams of the horse stopped.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe scrambled desperately to his feet. Duriff would kill him, was going to kill him, was going to shoot him just like he\u2019d shot the horse. He lunged forward, but a hand grabbed his arm and yanked him back off his feet. Joe screamed into the wind, but the thunder laughed at him, stomped out his voice. He fought, but there were more hands on him now, forcing him back.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAdam!\u201d Joe yelled. His arm was jerked back and one of the arms wrapped around his waist, lifting him up. He kicked and squirmed, but even he knew it was helpless. He\u2019d been caught again. \u201cADAM!\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

He was crying now, great hot tears that mixed with the rain and streaked muddy rivers down his cheeks. He struggled, but the arms were too strong, the hands had too good a grip on him.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Slowly, he was dragged back to their stone tent and thrown to the floor.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe started to his feet, but Duriff drew his gun and leveled it at him. \u201cStupid brat!\u201d he shouted. His finger jerked at the trigger, but Kensington pushed his arm away.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYou can\u2019t kill him!\u201d the doctor yelled. Thunder roared over them, and Joe wondered why it seemed louder under the stone that outside. Kensington shouted something else, but it was lost in the groan of the storm.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThen you watch him!\u201d Duriff yelled, kicking dust at Joe. \u201cI\u2019m sick of this kid!\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

They shouted some more, but Joe had stopped listening. How had he failed? He\u2019d been given the perfect opportunity to escape, so how had it gone so wrong? His thoughts flashed to Puddle; he hoped his pony would find shelter from the rain. But now he was alone, with nothing familiar to comfort him.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe pulled his knees to his chest and wrapped his arms around them, suddenly feeling cold. How could he have failed? He wasn\u2019t likely to get another chance to escape. What now?<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAdam.\u201d he whispered. Tears welled up in his eyes again. \u201cAdam\u2026 I\u2019m sorry, Adam. I\u2019m sorry. I didn\u2019t mean to.\u201d The rain was splattering onto the floor near him. Could he sneak out that way?<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Kensington dropped to his knees and grabbed his hands. \u201cThat was a stupid thing to do, Joe.\u201d He tied them securely together, but left them in the front this time instead of wrenching them behind his back. \u201cYou\u2019ll be sorry for it.\u201d he added, almost apologetically. And then he stood up and was gone.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe didn\u2019t care. He was sorry now, sorry for everything. He shifted, trying to find a more comfortable position, and his bound hands brushed against his boot. His jerky!<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

So not all had been lost. Joe reached for the cloth and unwrapped it carefully, letting it lay on the stone floor and picking up a piece. It tasted dirty, and was a little wet, but Joe didn\u2019t care. It was his small victory, the only one he had. He ate another piece, listening to the storm, and hoped that Puddle would be okay.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

*<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam woke with a start. He bolted upright, but doubled over a moment later, his hand flying to his ribs. They throbbed angrily, sending stabs of pain that mingled with the dull ache of his head. He groaned and peeled his hand away, and slowly started to rub his temples.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYou gonna live?\u201d the Sheriff asked, amusement and concern fighting for control over his voice. Adam pinched his eyes shut against the sun, which burned behind the Sheriff\u2019s head as he kicked dirt over their fire.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cSure.\u201d Adam answered. His lip was split, and he tasted blood when he spoke. His left cheek<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

had swollen so much that he had to squint out of that eye, and his knuckles were bruised and cut. He looked up again, wincing. \u201cWhy\u2019d you let me sleep? We were suppose to leave before dawn.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The Sheriff glanced at him before moving on to saddle his horse. \u201cSo you could fall out of your saddle?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam rolled gingerly to his knees and started to fold the blankets he\u2019d been laying on. \u201cSo we can get a good start.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2019ll get a good start whether we leave at dawn or an hour after.\u201d the Sheriff said. \u201cAnd you need the extra rest.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAn hour won\u2019t do much for me.\u201d Adam grunted, threw his bedroll over one shoulder, and stood slowly. His muscles trembled slightly, but he clenched his teeth and stepped up to his horse.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019d be surprised.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam glanced over Juniper\u2019s back at him, but the Sheriff was busy with the saddle. The morning was cool, and the ground still spongy from the storm the night before. Adam heaved his own saddle up on Juniper\u2019s back and started to strap it on, his mind stretching out against the slowness of sleep into alertness.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Though the Sheriff had tried to get Adam to see the doctor before leaving Carson City, he had refused. Painful though his injuries were, they weren\u2019t serious. Adam had sent his telegram, a short note that seemed formal and distant when he reread it. Still, the tone of the message didn\u2019t matter, only that Pa get it and come back as soon as he could.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Why? Adam, though he told himself he\u2019d grown out of his youthful perceptions, still viewed his pa as a kind of superhero, one who could improve a situation simply with his presence. But what could Pa really do that Adam wasn\u2019t already doing now? Search for Joe, yes, and two parties were better than one, but it would take Pa a long time to return to Virginia City, and then he would go on to the Ponderosa before Carson City. Adam couldn\u2019t just wait for him, he had to search now.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

How had Joe handled the storm? Adam had always liked storms, always enjoyed sitting on the porch and watching the lightning dance to the beat of the rain and the crash of the thunder. Storms were poetry, and each had a different rhythm with its words.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

But Joe had never seen them that way. He wasn\u2019t afraid of them, but they made him wary and cautious, and sometimes even nervous. Still, maybe that was best. If a storm could make Joe slow down and think, then Adam would pray for rain every night until he found him.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYou ready?\u201d the Sheriff asked. Adam looked up; the man was already in his saddle, his head raised and chin tilted slightly as he searched the road ahead.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam climbed into his saddle, ignoring the flare of pain from his ribs, and flicked the reins. Juniper started forward eagerly, ready to move, to chase the dew from his coat. Already the morning was starting to warm, and the chill of the rain was fading into the sunlight.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

They rode silently, eyes scanning the ground for tracks. The storm had wiped away anything that had been there, but a hoof pressed into the early mud would leave tracks that a blind man could follow. Adam just hoped Kensington wouldn\u2019t think of this. He hoped that the doctor would want to keep moving and start early, to put as much distance between himself and Carson City as possible.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

And if he did? Would Adam be able to catch up? Of course he would; he was going to find Joe today. Failure was not an option.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

At noon they paused for a quick lunch, and were back in their saddles within half an hour. Adam had to shift his weight from side to side, ever changing his position, striving for the least painful pose he could obtain. It was a fruitless search; with every hour that passed his muscles became more stiff, his injuries throbbed more diligently. The only thing he could think to do was to increase their pace. It made him feel as if they were getting closer to their quarry, and made it that much easier to ignore his pain.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWait,\u201d the Sheriff said suddenly. Adam looked up, pulling back gently on the reins, and followed the Sheriff\u2019s gaze. Up in the rode before them was the silhouette of a horse, without a rider, plodding along slowly with its head down.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Cautiously, Adam started Juniper forward. The horse ahead of them lifted its head and neighed, and Juniper answered with a friendly snort. Adam let him trot forward, squinting past the sunlight to make out the details of the horse. It looked black\u2026 no, dark brown, and small. A pony? As soon as the word flashed through his mind he knew what he was looking at.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Puddle.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cCome on,\u201d Adam said, kicking Juniper into a swift jog. He heard the Sheriff follow, and said over his shoulder, \u201cIt\u2019s Joe\u2019s pony.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The Sheriff didn\u2019t answer, but quickened his pace. Juniper trotted to a stop beside the pony, who had stopped to wait for them, his left foreleg raised carefully. Adam dismounted and bent to look at it. A rock had gotten stuck in the hoof, but it didn\u2019t take long to pluck it out and Puddle seemed no worse for the wear.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam patted the pony absently while he checked the saddle. There was food in the saddlebags, and blankets and pots and coffee, which only told him that Joe had less provisions now that Puddle had gone. But why had Puddle gone? There was no blood on the saddle, no torn fabric or anything to indicate a fight. Had the pony simply wandered away? That seemed unlikely; Puddle was content to follow whichever horse led it, and not usually willing to run off alone. Had he been spooked by the storm?<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

After chasing ideas that Adam had no way of proving, he decided it didn\u2019t really matter. He mounted Juniper again after securing Puddle to a lead rope, and looked back at the Sheriff. \u201cThey could be close.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The Sheriff nodded. \u201cOr they could be far. That pony coulda been wandrin\u2019 \u2018round fer days.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cMaybe.\u201d Adam nudged Juniper into motion. \u201cBut he doesn\u2019t look like he\u2019s been loose that long.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The Sheriff shrugged. \u201c \u2019Least we know we\u2019re on the right trail.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam nodded. They were on the right trail alright. And without the provisions Puddle had been carrying, Kensington may have been forced to restock, which meant he would have to go through a town. If they could catch him then\u2026 It meant they had to be fast, so Adam urged Juniper into a jog. The Sheriff did the same behind him, following his thoughts.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t worry, Joe.\u201d he murmured, his voice drowned out by the thudding of hooves. \u201cI\u2019ll find you. I\u2019m coming.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

*<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Something brushed against Joe\u2019s cheek. He rolled over, mumbling to be left alone, but the whatever-it-was kept its persistent whispering over his skin. He wasn\u2019t quite awake yet, just hovering somewhere between sleep and alertness, floating in the limbo that belonged to neither the world of reality nor the world of dreams.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

He could hear a voice singing softly, but couldn\u2019t make out the words. He didn\u2019t want to anyway; he was content to just lie and listen. His left cheek was pressed against something cool and smooth\u2026 the singing faded slightly into the back of his mind as he focused on the fluttering against his skin. When he was young, his mother would lie near him while he slept, her cheek pressed against his. She would blink, so her eyelashes stroked his skin, like the whispers of summer breezes. Butterfly kisses, she called them.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Her voice had gone now, leaving only an echo in his mind. Why had she stopped singing? He wasn\u2019t asleep yet. Joe reached for her hand, but his movement was slow. Both of his hands were moving\u2026 they were tied together. He brought both hands to his face and brushed away the tingling sensation, but it tickled his fingers. He opened his eyes.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

A tiny black spider raced across his pinky, then scuttled over his palm and up his thumb. Joe stared at it for a moment before it sped down his arm and onto the floor to disappear into the shadows.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe\u2019s mind still felt sluggish from sleep, but he remembered now where he was. The stone floor was cold and damp beneath him, and when he looked outside it was still dark. The rain had stopped, but he could hear drops splintering across the ground from outside. He rolled carefully to his elbows and propped himself up.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Both Kensington and Duriff were already up, murmuring in hushed tones that he had to strain to hear.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWe can\u2019t go to town.\u201d Duriff was hissing. \u201cAnybody within a hundred miles of Virginia City would recognize the Cartwright brat.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2019ve no choice.\u201d Kensington whispered. \u201cWe havn\u2019t enough supplies, now with Joe\u2019s pony gone.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYour horse was carryin\u2019 food, too.\u201d Duriff growled.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThe little that my horse carried was ruined by the mud.\u201d Kensington paused, and Joe lowered himself slowly so he was lying down again. \u201cWe need more supplies.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Duriff spat at the floor. \u201cThen I\u2019ll go. You and the kid stay out here.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cPaul,\u201d Kensington said, his voice low. \u201cDo you really think I trust you that much? That which makes you valuable also makes you dangerous. If you can kill your own wife and child, I hardly think you\u2019ll have any qualms about leaving me.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe sucked in a breath. Duriff had had a wife and child?<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThen you go.\u201d Duriff said.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAnd leave Little Joe in your care? You\u2019d either kill him or leave him, and I can afford neither.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhat\u2019s he to you?\u201d Duriff countered. \u201cWhy does it matter if he dies?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI told you already. As it is now, we may have a chance of getting away, if we leave Little Joe in Stephens Flats. Adam\u2019s mind will be on the safe return of his brother, not on the capture of us. If we harm him in any way, we\u2019ll never make it out of Nevada.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Duriff was silent for a moment. \u201cThen leave him. Let Adam find him on the road. Then Cartwright\u2019ll have no leads when he decides to chase us.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cToo risky.\u201d Kensington said. \u201cThere are Indians here, Paul, and bandits. Besides, we don\u2019t know how far behind us Adam is. For all we know, he may not even be chasing us yet. Joe could easily die before Adam even picks up our trail.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

They were both quiet then, and Joe frowned into the darkness, going over what he\u2019d learned. They were going to town, unless Kensington could think of a better idea. They planned to leave him there and go on to\u2026 where had they said? Back in Carson City, in the doctor\u2019s office\u2026 Texas. They said they\u2019d be half way to Texas by the time anyone realized what was happening. Joe stared at the two. He couldn\u2019t let them get away with what they\u2019d done. Now he needed a plan more than ever.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThe money.\u201d Duriff said suddenly. \u201cYou get it from your horse?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYes, Paul, I\u2019ve already taken it from the saddle bags.\u201d Kensington paused, then added, \u201cAnd I shall keep it on my person at all times.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Duriff didn\u2019t say anything, but after a while he stood up and stomped over to Joe. \u201cWake up, brat.\u201d he growled, nudging his side with the toe of his boot. Joe curled away from the contact and looked up.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m up.\u201d he said, making his voice groggy. He rubbed his bound hands over his eyes and yawned, then sat up. \u201cUntie me.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Duriff just snorted and walked to where his horse was picketed. \u201cWe should leave now.\u201d he said. \u201cIt\u2019ll take us longer on foot.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Kensington stood and stretched, then made his way over to Joe and knelt by him. \u201cYou\u2019ve annoyed him.\u201d the doctor said calmly. \u201cPaul hates to walk.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThen he can ride.\u201d Joe said, holding out his hands for his bonds to be cut. \u201cYou and me can walk.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m an old man, Little Joe.\u201d Kensington said while he worked to loosen the rope on Joe\u2019s wrists. They fell away a moment later and the doctor climbed to his feet. \u201cI can\u2019t go walking any long distance.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cLuckily for you,\u201d Duriff growled. \u201cThere\u2019s a town nearby. \u2018S called Junction.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Kensington nodded. \u201cLet\u2019s go then.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe hauled himself to his feet. Streaks of gray light were pushing through the darkness, playing with the shadows and pushing them gradually from sight. Duriff had saddled his horse, and stood waiting beside it while Kensington and Joe approached. Kensington mounted. \u201cJoe,\u201d he said. \u201cI want you to walk on my right. Duriff will be on the left.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe stayed where he was, on the left side of the horse. Duriff took a menacing step toward him, but Kensington waved him aside. \u201cLeave him be, Paul.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYou let a kid get away with something and he\u2019ll just keep on pushin\u2019.\u201d Duriff growled. \u201cThen there\u2019s no tellin\u2019 him no. He thinks he can do whatever he wants.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019re here to ensure against that.\u201d Kensington said absently. \u201cLet\u2019s go.\u201d He snapped the reins, and Duriff\u2019s mustang started forward at an easy pace, out from under their stone tent and into the road.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe walked, not because he wanted to be cooperative, but because it gave him a chance to think. The jerked beef he\u2019d eaten the night before had taken the edge off his hunger, but hadn\u2019t quite filled his stomach. He\u2019d shoved the bit of cloth back into his boot, and it rubbed against his leg with every step he took, a soft reminder of his success. He was thirsty now, too, but the storm had left puddles and basins of water in the rocks, which he was confident he could drink from without objections by his captors.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

His captors. What to do about his captors? He supposed it was best to simply ignore them as much as possible, as he had been doing, so they didn\u2019t suspect him of planning anything. Of course, first he had to plan something. He tried listening for his inner Adam, but the voice was silent. He was on his own.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

At first, the walking was easy. It was a slow, mindless task that he could do without diverting too much of his energy from planning. Duriff\u2019s horse stepped rhythmically at his side, his hoofs beating out a dull cadence for Joe to follow. He even preferred the movement over the hours of sitting in Puddle\u2019s saddle.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

But after a while the enjoyment faded, and his feet began to ache with each step he took. The cloth in his boot was no longer a comforting reminder; it rubbed against his skin and made it itch. He wished he could move it, but he didn\u2019t want Kensington or Duriff to know of his defiance.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Slowly, an idea took shape in Joe\u2019s mind. To get rid of the cloth would serve two purposes: not only would it relieve the discomfort from his boot, it would give Adam a sign to follow. Joe glanced at Kensington, who\u2019s eyes were fixed on the road ahead. Could he\u2026?<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

As if going to itch his leg, Joe reached down and plucked the cloth from his boot, feeding it up his sleeve to hide it. He looked up, but Kensington either hadn\u2019t noticed, or didn\u2019t care. Joe waited until they\u2019d walked another few yards before dropping the cloth. He didn\u2019t look back, but he could imagine it falling to the dust, resting on the dirt, waiting for Adam to find it.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

They walked the rest of the morning without rest and stopped at noon, turning off the road and building a small fire for cooking. The sulking rocks had gradually vanished, leaving only flat plains and spiky shrubs to break the line of the horizon.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe sat a few yards from the fire, pulling off his boots and rubbing his feet. He wasn\u2019t hungry anymore; the jabs of discomfort from his stomach had swelled to a dull, swirling ache, like the stomach aches he sometimes got when he was sick. Hop Sing would usually make some awful-tasting tea for him to drink, and stand over him to make sure he drank it all. Dlink ev\u2019ly last drop, or Littal Joe not get better! Sometimes, if he was lucky, Hoss would slip some sugar or honey into his cup to make the tea bearable. Then he would sit on the big blue chair with Pa, while Adam and Hoss sprawled across the settee, and listen to the voices of his brothers as they reported the happenings of the day.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

He sighed. The tea was horrible, but it usually did make him feel better. He wished he had some now.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Kensington watched Joe from the corner of his eye. The boy was still not eating, not talking<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

more than what was necessary, and not doing anything to call attention to himself. He was very good at blending into the background; when Kensington wasn\u2019t directly thinking about him, he often forgot he was there. It made him suspicious. He\u2019d met Little Joe a few times before, with Adam or Ben in town, and not once had he been this quiet. He had proved the night before that he wasn\u2019t cooperating out of fear, so the only other option was that the boy was planning something. Kensington shook his head. He was only nine or ten; how well could he possibly plan?<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

That argument didn\u2019t comfort him much. He knew from experience that the Cartwrights were not a family to underestimate.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

After a quick meal (which Joe took no part of) and a short rest, Duriff re-packed what was left of their supplies and kicked dirt over the fire. Joe stood slowly, trying to savor the last few moments of not walking before they set off. Kensington climbed into the saddle and looked down.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cLittle Joe, you\u2019ve done a lot of walking today.\u201d the doctor said. \u201cMaybe you\u2019d like to ride for a while?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe glared up at him and stepped out into the road. Kensington shrugged and flicked the reins, starting the mustang forward, while Duriff sulked into motion on his other side.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

What now? Joe wondered. His \u201cplan\u201d consisted only of getting to town, not what to do once they arrived. He would have to tell somebody the truth about Kensington and Duriff, but he doubted they\u2019d let him out of their view for a second, let alone what it would take to explain everything to someone. An unconscious sigh slipped from Joe\u2019s lips. He didn\u2019t want to plan, he wanted to sleep, and he had several hours to wait before he could do that.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

They walked on in silence, and though Joe felt like his feet were being ground up into his knees, he never asked for a break. Kensington stopped them a few times for several minutes worth of rest, but it never felt like enough.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The sun was wearily crawling toward the horizon, eager to fall beneath the blankets of the earth for the night. Joe watched it, marveling at how fast it was sinking, how the clouds turned orange with its passage. The air grew cooler, the sky darker, and here and there Joe could see tiny pinpricks of stars bidding the sun goodnight.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThere.\u201d Duriff said. Joe turned from the sunset and looked to where Duriff was pointing. For a moment he didn\u2019t see anything, but slowly the shadows of buildings began to stand out from the horizon. \u201cJunction.\u201d said Duriff. \u201cWe\u2019ll be there by full dark.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

*<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cDefinitely a broken leg.\u201d Adam said in a low voice. \u201cIt must have slipped in the mud.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWas it shot?\u201d the Sheriff asked, standing in his stirrups to get a better look.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam nodded. \u201cIn the head. Probably the best thing to do.\u201d He climbed to his feet from where he\u2019d been kneeling on the side of the road, next to the body of Kensington\u2019s gray horse. The break in the leg was bad, and shooting it would have been the most humane thing to do, but he couldn\u2019t help feeling sorry about it. The horse was a beautiful one, well-built and strong-looking. It was too much of a waste for Adam to take without feeling regret, even if it was Kensington\u2019s horse.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cLast night?\u201d the Sheriff asked.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019d say so.\u201d Adam answered. \u201cThey probably camped near those rocks,\u201d he added, pointing to the sharp outline of rocks against the sky. Two of them slanted together, making a natural shelter that Adam was sure Kensington wouldn\u2019t pass up.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cSeems we\u2019re catchin\u2019 up.\u201d the Sheriff commented as Adam walked back to his horse and climbed into the saddle. Adam didn\u2019t answer and didn\u2019t move. He scanned the road around and before them, re-reading the tracks he\u2019d already looked at with puzzlement. The Sheriff moved his horse up beside Adam\u2019s. \u201cSomethin\u2019 wrong?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNot exactly.\u201d Adam answered absently. \u201cIt\u2019s just\u2026 why is Kensington\u2019s horse facing that way, back the way we\u2019ve come?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The Sheriff shrugged. \u201cMaybe he was chasin\u2019 yer pony when his horse slipped.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cMaybe\u2026\u201d That did makes sense. Adam snapped the reins and urged both Juniper and Puddle forward. \u201cOne thing\u2019s for sure though: they won\u2019t make very good time with only one horse. They\u2019ll probably try to get another.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNearest town is Junction.\u201d the Sheriff said. \u201cIf we hurry, we may catch \u2018em as they leave.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam nodded. They didn\u2019t even bother inspecting the rocks; it was obvious that someone had camped there recently, and the tracks leaving were of one horse and two people walking, a man and a child. Adam felt the cold anger swirl in his chest again at the thought of Kensington making Joe walk all the way to Junction. When I catch him\u2026<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

They jogged the horses, slowing them to a walk every half an hour or so and then jogging them again. Puddle kept pace, as if sensing the urgency of their mission. Maybe he missed Little Joe, too.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cLook.\u201d Adam said suddenly. A scrap of white was laying in the road up ahead, standing out against the monotonous browns and tans of the trail. He stopped a few feet from it and dismounted, crossed the last few steps, and picked it up.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhat is it?\u201d the Sheriff asked.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam held it up. \u201cSome type of cloth.\u201d he said. It was dusty, with mud stains splattered across the edges. He handed it to the Sheriff, who turned it over carefully.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cDid you see these?\u201d he asked, passing it back to Adam. \u201cTop left corner\u2026 initials. P.D.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cP.D.?\u201d Adam repeated blankly. He didn\u2019t know anyone with those initials. Certainly not Kensington, but what about his assistant? What was his name\u2026 \u201cDuriff. Kensington\u2019s assistant. Paul Duriff.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam shoved the bit of cloth into his pocket and climbed back into the saddle. \u201cThey\u2019re definitely headed for Junction.\u201d he said. \u201cI think we can catch them.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNot if we keep stoppin\u2019, we won\u2019t.\u201d the Sheriff said. \u201cWe\u2019re close though\u2026 couple of hours an\u2019 we outta be there.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam looked up at the sky. The sunlight was just beginning to fade, though it wasn\u2019t quite getting dark yet. \u201cWe need to be there tonight.\u201d he said.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2019ll have to go in the dark.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cFine. Just as long as we get to Junction tonight. Kensington won\u2019t waste time getting a new horse.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The Sheriff nodded. \u201cYou ready yerself, Adam. Just don\u2019t get no notions of revenge. I want you to stay within the law, go it?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cSure.\u201d Adam answered. Just as long as Joe wasn\u2019t harmed. If he was hurt in any way\u2026<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAdam? I want your promise now.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam paused. Part of him wanted to answer that he would stay within the law, but he could feel a fury inside of him that he\u2019d never felt before. Would he be able to resist it? \u201cI\u2019ll do what needs to be done.\u201d he answered finally. \u201cI just want Joe back. If we can do that without killing Kensington, fine. But if it comes to violence, Sheriff, I won\u2019t hesitate.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI ain\u2019t askin\u2019 you to.\u201d the Sheriff said. \u201cI just don\u2019t want you goin\u2019 off half-cocked. I know that ain\u2019t exactly yer way, Adam, but conciderin\u2019 the stress yer under, it\u2019s possible.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam didn\u2019t answer, and the Sheriff didn\u2019t press the matter. In all honesty, Adam didn\u2019t know what he\u2019d do when they caught up with Kensington. What he did know was that if Joe had been harmed, somebody was going to pay.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

*<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe dropped to the floor of the hotel, leaning against the wall and heaving an exhausted sigh. He ached all over, from his feet to his knees to his back. He was hungry again, too, but right now all<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

he wanted to do was sleep.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

They had arrived in Junction just before the sun set completely. Duriff immediately left to buy two more horses and to stable his mustang while Kensington took Joe to the hotel. He bought a room under the name \u201cJim Yarrow\u201d and brought Joe upstairs. \u201cGet some sleep.\u201d he\u2019d said, dropping the saddlebags he\u2019d taken from the horse onto a table in the corner of the room. \u201cTomorrow will be another long day.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe pulled off his boots and yawned, trying to make it seem like he was too tired to try anything. In reality, he almost was, but he wasn\u2019t about to let a little thing like sleep deprivation stop him. Kensington stood near the window, looking out into the darkened streets, watching for Duriff.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

If he was going to do something, it had to be soon. The best time to act would probably be as they were leaving town… there would be people about, enough to hear him if he shouted, to do something if he cried for help. But he would have to make sure he was far enough from Duriff to do anything. If Duriff had already killed his own wife and son, Joe was certain the man would have no qualms about hurting him.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

That thought brought up another question that had been hovering in his mind: why had Duriff killed his family? Joe glanced at the door, then back to the motionless Kensington. Could he ask him? He had been eavesdropping when he\u2019d learned about Duriff\u2019s wife and child, and didn\u2019t want Kensington to know he\u2019d overheard their conversation. But if he worded it right, maybe Kensington would tell him anyway. \u201cDoctor?\u201d he asked stiffly.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Kensington half-turned, surprised that the boy was addressing him. \u201cYes, Joe?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhy does Duriff hate me so much?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The doctor\u2019s eyes flicked back to the window, but he didn\u2019t turn to face it. \u201cWell, I expect it\u2019s because you remind him of his son.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHe had a son?\u201d Joe asked innocently. He tried not to sound too interested.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYes.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhat was his name?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cJohn.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe paused, trying to appear as if he was only asking out of boredom. \u201cWhy would he hate me if I remind him of his son?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Kensington glanced back at him, almost apologetically. \u201cHe and his son did not get along well.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cOh.\u201d Joe said. He waited again for a brief silence to fill the room before continuing. \u201cWhere is he now?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cDead.\u201d Kensington said bluntly.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cOh. How?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cA fire.\u201d Kensington answered. \u201cPaul\u2019s house caught on fire while he was away. Both his son and his wife were killed.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll bet he was sad,\u201d Joe commented. \u201cthat he was away and couldn\u2019t help.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Kensington didn\u2019t answer, but Joe already knew why. Duriff hadn\u2019t been sad; he\u2019d set the fire.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHere he comes.\u201d Kensington warned.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe glanced at the door. \u201cHow old was he? His son, I mean.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The doctor continued to stare out the window as if he hadn\u2019t heard, and Joe thought he wouldn\u2019t answer. But then he said, \u201cEleven.\u201d, and turned just before the door creaked open to admit Duriff into the room.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAll clear.\u201d Duriff said in his low, harsh voice. \u201cI bought the horses, too.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cGood.\u201d Kensington said, then looked down to where Joe was sitting beside near the door. \u201cI suppose you\u2019ll refuse to sleep in the bed.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe turned his head away and crossed his arms. A slight smile tugged one corner of Kensington\u2019s mouth up, but he pushed it down again and tossed his head toward the window. \u201cPaul, take first watch. Wake me up in a few hours.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Kensington lied down on the bed, turned to his side, and was still. Joe scooted back so he was leaning against a wall and watched Duriff. He only had to wait until Duriff\u2019s attention was captured by something outside, and then he could slip out the door and be halfway down the hall before anyone knew what was happening. He started to ease closer to the door, all the while keeping his eyes on the man by the window.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cOh, Paul.\u201d Kensington said suddenly, propping himself up on his elbows. \u201cMake sure to tie Joe up.\u201d Then he rolled over and was still again.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe glared at the bed. Maybe he could make a run for it while Duriff was looking for rope\u2026? As if hearing his thoughts, Duriff\u2019s hand dropped to his pistol, flicking off the strap that held it down. Joe froze, mentally throwing every bad word he\u2019d ever been told not to say at the man. Duriff pulled some rope from the saddlebags Kensington had dropped on the table and crossed the floor silently. He knelt beside Joe and pulled his arms roughly behind his back, binding them tightly. Joe wondered if he could spit at him while he was getting up, but decided it would only get him into more trouble. Duriff stood and went back to his window.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe muffled a sigh and turned his head for a more comfortable position. He would have to wait until Duriff was very distracted if he expected to get away now. His eyes burned, begging for the sleep that Joe was determined to deny them. He wouldn\u2019t have to wait long, just enough for Duriff to get careless\u2026<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

When Duriff glanced back at him a few minutes later, Joe was already asleep.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

*<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

It was well past midnight when Adam and the Sheriff rode into Junction. Adam was exhausted; his body felt as if it would fall apart if he spent one more minute in the saddle. His ribs sent stabs of protest at every move he made, and his head pounded in time with his horse\u2019s steps. He could barely keep his eyes forced open, and the dry wind that blew across the streets only made it worse. But as the weary horses plodded into the town, Adam felt the slow, cold fire flare up inside of him, like glowing coals feeling the breath of a breeze. Kensington was here somewhere, and with him, Joe.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The streets were dark and empty, which was only to be expected at such an hour. Adam drew up in front of what looked like a hotel (he couldn\u2019t be sure, in the darkness, but the architecture of the building looked similar to that of most other hotels), and dismounted. He patted Juniper on the neck and rubbed Puddle\u2019s nose, something he\u2019d seen Joe do when he was pleased with the pony\u2019s actions. He looked at the Sheriff, who had rode in behind and was wrapping the reins of his horse around the hitching post.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYou ready?\u201d the Sheriff asked, noting the way Adam leaned slightly to one side in an effort to relieve some of the pressure from his ribs.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam only nodded, not trusting himself to speak. This was it. Kensington was in there\u2026 he had to be. Silently, Adam made his way up the steps and eased open the door.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The hotel was still and quiet, and dark. Adam left the door open for the Sheriff and walked to the black shadow that was the reception desk. He smoothed his fingers over it until his skin brushed against cool, round metal, and dropped his palm onto it. It sent out one loud, silence-shattering ding that made Adam wince, but he repeated the action three more times before pausing to listen.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhat, what?\u201d a sleep-muffled voice murmured. A low thud and a whispered curse followed the words, and then a lamp flared up on the corner of the desk. Adam pulled back from the sudden light, his head pounding. When he finally looked back, a thin, half-asleep man stood behind the desk, resting his chin in one hand and waiting for Adam to say something.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYou have guests here tonight?\u201d Adam began.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cSure, sure, but still room for you.\u201d the man said. \u201cYou want a room with or without a lock?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t want a room, I\u2019m looking for someone.\u201d Adam said. \u201cA man named Kensington.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The man yawned and started flipping through a red-covered book with the word Guests printed in gold letters across the front. \u201cNo, no Kensington. Just a Blake, a Benson, and a Yarrow.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam\u2019s face fell. Kensington wasn\u2019t here? For a moment, his mind was blank to anything but crushing disappointment, but slowly a thread of thought pushed its way through the cloud of hopelessness. \u201cHe could be using a different name\u2026\u201d he said slowly, as the thought came to him. \u201cWhat did these men look like?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cBlake is a lady\u2026 a miss Henrietta Blake. The Mr. Benson was with her. Her uncle. And Yarrow\u2026 Tim Yarrow… Pardon, Jim Yarrow. An older gentleman.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhat was Yarrow wearing?\u201d Adam pressed.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWell, I didn\u2019t really pay that much attention.\u201d admitted the man. \u201cThough I did notice the man\u2019s rather finely made gray waistcoat.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s him!\u201d Adam leaned forward, both palms on the desk. \u201cAnd who was with him? A man and a boy?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYes, yes.\u201d the man said.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhich room? What number?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The man glanced between Adam and the Sheriff. \u201cLook now, I don\u2019t want any trouble.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The Sheriff flashed his badge into the light. \u201cThe only trouble there\u2019ll be is if you don\u2019t tell him what he needs to know.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The man\u2019s eyes touched Adam\u2019s briefly before looking down at the book again. \u201cRoom number 3.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam was gone before he had finished talking. The Sheriff tipped his hat quickly before following the oldest Cartwright boy up the stairs. Adam took them two at a time, barely even feeling the pain of his injuries. Joe was up there, in room 3. Joe was right there, just a few steps away\u2026<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cKensington!\u201d Adam snarled, throwing open the door to the room and pulling out his gun in the same instant. The room was dark, but he could make out a mound on the bed. Kensington?<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam stepped into the room. A slight breeze stirred the air\u2026 the window was open. Slowly, Adam moved to the table at the side of the bed and lit the lamp that was there, keeping his gun trained on the lump of shadows on the bed.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The Sheriff burst into the room seconds after the lamp sent light flooding across the walls. Adam stood over the bed, stiffly, staring down at the twisted blankets. \u201cAdam?\u201d the Sheriff called carefully. Adam looked over his shoulder.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNobody\u2019s here.\u201d he said. His eyes were downcast, his shoulders drawn in with defeat. \u201cThey\u2019re gone.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAdam,\u201d the Sheriff repeat slowly, stepping closer.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam\u2019s head snapped up, and the fire flared up in his eyes. \u201cThe stable.\u201d he said, swearing softly. \u201cThey went out the window. We should have been watching the stable!\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The Sheriff repressed a sigh of relief. For a moment there, it almost seemed as if Adam had given up, and that scared him. But of course he hadn\u2019t given up; he was a Cartwright after all.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThe stable.\u201d Adam repeated.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYou go.\u201d the Sheriff said. \u201cI\u2019ll cut them off at the other end of the street.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam gave a short nod, and then he was leaping down the stairs again. Get ready, Kensington. I\u2019m coming.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

*<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Duriff had just glanced back to the window after checking on Joe when his eyes picked up movement outside. He leaned back instinctively, though he doubted he\u2019d be visible from the darkened streets. There were three shadowy figures below, horses, by the looks of them. One didn\u2019t have a rider. They walked to the hitching post at the front of the hotel, directly below him. He watched them, carefully making sure that both riders dismounted and went inside before turning quickly from the window.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWake up.\u201d Duriff hissed to Kensington, placing a leathery hand on the other\u2019s shoulder. The doctor rolled over stiffly, waiting for his assistant to explain the reason for waking him. \u201cTwo riders just came in.\u201d Duriff whispered. \u201cOne of \u2018m fits Adam\u2019s build. They\u2019re here in the hotel.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Kensington moved silently from the bed and gathered up the saddlebags. \u201cGet Little Joe.\u201d he ordered quietly. \u201cThey both went inside?\u201d At Duriff\u2019s nod, he continued, \u201cWe\u2019ll go out the window.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Duriff crossed the floor noiselessly and grabbed Joe\u2019s arm, pulling the boy to his feet. His other hand wrapped tightly across his mouth, choking off the shout of alarm that was rising in his throat. \u201cDon\u2019t make a noise,\u201d Duriff hissed, bringing his face down close to Joe\u2019s. \u201cWe\u2019re leaving.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

He thrust Joe toward the window, which Kensington had already opened. Joe stumbled, but managed to keep his feet. What was happening? Why were they moving now? He glanced out the window past Kensington\u2019s black silhouette\u2026 it was still dark. Joe\u2019s sleep-muddled mind struggled for control over his thoughts, but nothing seemed to make sense. Thoughts and ideas were pushed back by the answerless questions that circled about his mind. What\u2019s going on?<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cPaul, you go first.\u201d Kensington said, moving back from the window. Duriff stalked across the room, his movements smooth and deathly silent, like a prowling mountain cat. He climbed out of the window and dropped noiselessly on the roof beneath him, which was only four or five feet lower than their room. He crouched, perfectly still, listening to the muffled voices in the room below. After a moment, he turned and waved to Kensington.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAlright, Joe, you\u2019re next.\u201d Kensington said, bending slightly and lifting Joe to the windowsill.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhat\u2019s happening?\u201d Joe asked through a yawn.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNothing. Go to Duriff.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Duriff? Joe thought. He was the last person Joe wanted to go to. Why should he?<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cCome on, brat.\u201d Duriff growled. Joe glanced over his shoulder just in time to see a dark hand reach out for him, and then he felt himself being pulled back out of the window. He opened his mouth to cry out, but again Duriff covered it with his hand. He set the boy down on the roof beside him, careful to make no noise. \u201cFollow us down.\u201d he whispered to Kensington. \u201cBut first\u2026\u201d Still pressing his hand over Joe\u2019s mouth, he dug into his pocket and pulled out a once-white handkerchief. \u201cI don\u2019t trust you more\u2019n I\u2019d trust a rattler.\u201d he said, his voice low and dangerous. He pulled his hand away, and Joe opened his mouth to yell. But Duriff was faster; he jammed the cloth into Joe\u2019s mouth and tied it tightly behind his head. Joe pulled away and tried to shout, but the handkerchief muffled his voice so it was no more than a groan.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

A slow, wicked smile crept over Duriff\u2019s mouth. \u201cNow just try and make noise.\u201d he growled.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe drew back against the wall, his boots scrabbling across the roof and making dull scuffing sounds. The shadows here weren\u2019t deep enough, he couldn\u2019t escape Duriff\u2019s gaze. Cold, blind fear rose up in Joe\u2019s chest, and not one thought could push it down.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam. Where was Adam?<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cPaul.\u201d Kensington hissed from the window. \u201cGo!\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Duriff glanced up and turned, sliding to the edge of the roof. He leaned over it carefully, pivoting his body so he was facing the building. His hands gripped the edge of the roof securely, and, slowly, he lowered himself until only his upper chest was still in sight. Then he let go, dropping silently to the street below and rolling into the shadows. He paused, listening, before he called softly, \u201cClear.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Kensington climbed stiffly from the window and crouched beside Joe, who was still pressed against the wall. He didn\u2019t want to jump like Duriff had. He wasn\u2019t exactly afraid of heights; it was the descent back to earth that scared him. In the spring or summer, he and Hoss would go out and find the highest tree they could, and Joe would try to climb it. He would scale the tall, proud branches, feeling the pull of his muscles as he reached for the limbs above his head, stretched for the footholds beneath. Hoss would stand below, craning his head back and<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

shouting encouragement as Joe climbed higher and higher, until the branches became too brittle to hold his weight. He would find a comfortable spot where a branch met the trunk of the tree and made a sort of saddle, and he would sit and peer out through the leaves or needles at the surrounding countryside. High up as he was, he was never afraid. Then Hoss would shout at him to come down, and he would carefully lower himself branch-by-branch, taking his time and meticulously selecting footholds.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

This wasn\u2019t like that, though. Now, he wouldn\u2019t be able to carefully control his descent. He would be abandoning his body to gravity, with nothing to stop him from crashing into the dirt but Duriff. Joe preferred the dirt.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cJoe,\u201d Kensington said, putting a hand on his shoulder. \u201cYou need to jump. Paul will catch you.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe shook his head fervently, moaning through his gag. Kensington threw a quick glance over his shoulder. \u201cJump, Joe, or I will throw you.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

No! Joe wanted to scream, but the cloth in his mouth cut the sound to a mumble. Helpless, terrified tears sprang into his eyes. He didn\u2019t want to jump. He couldn\u2019t jump.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Kensington\u2019s eyes softened slightly, but then there was a low thump through the wall behind them and the doctor looked away. \u201cThat\u2019s them.\u201d he whispered to himself. \u201cThey\u2019re coming.\u201d He turned back to Joe and grabbed one arm, pulling him sharply to the edge of the roof. \u201cCatch him, Paul.\u201d he called quietly. Then he put his hand on Joe\u2019s shoulder and pushed.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe had the sensation of his stomach falling away, and the cold night air ripped across his body and snatched his breath away. He squeezed his eyes shut as the horrible weightless feeling of descent gripped him.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The fall was short, and Duriff reached up and caught him with both hands beneath his arms. He swung the boy silently to the ground and let him go, where Joe sank to his knees, trembling.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Kensington dropped heavily to the street, the saddlebags gripped tightly in his hands, and waited motionlessly for a moment. Then he whispered, \u201cPaul, the horses.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Duriff was already moving toward the stable. Kensington reached down and lifted Joe to his feet, then patted him forward gently. Joe stumbled unsteadily into motion, his thoughts rushing in confused circles of fear and weariness. Why couldn\u2019t he just sleep?<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

By the time Kensington and Joe made it to the stables, Duriff had already started to saddle his mustang. Kensington threw his saddle on the strawberry roan Duriff had bought for him, his nimble fingers fastening the straps almost quicker than Duriff, who was by far the more experienced horseman. His assistant finished first, and ran to get the saddlebags while Kensington began to saddle Joe\u2019s new horse, a little black gelding.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The two worked quickly and silently. When he\u2019d finished with the black, Kensington picked Joe up and set him swiftly in the saddle, then mounted his roan. Duriff grabbed the reins of his mustang and walked it carefully to the door of the stables, opening it slightly. He paused in the doorway, watching for movement, listening for voices, but when there was none he lead the way into the streets.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Kensington had taken the reins of Joe\u2019s horse and lead him like a packhorse, like he\u2019d done with Puddle. They left the stables with soft, slow steps, walking down the side of the street opposite of the hotel. The sky was pitch black, deep and cool, and the wind sighed through the streets and muffled the sound of the horses\u2019 steps.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe had stopped shaking, and his head was finally beginning to clear itself of sleep. He couldn\u2019t let them leave like this, silently, in the middle of the night. Somebody needed to know what was happening. But what could he do? He was gagged, his hands were tied\u2026 he was helpless.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

For a moment, the crushing fear that had gripped him on the roof returned, and Joe sank into the saddle in defeat. It was useless. He would never be free. He\u2019d be lead like a packhorse all across the country, until Duriff decided he didn\u2019t want to deal with him anymore. Then, with or without Kensington\u2019s knowledge, Duriff would kill him.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

At that thought, Joe sat up strait. Yes, Duriff would try to kill him, but Joe wasn\u2019t going to make it easy for him. He glanced across the streets, his eyes picking through the shadows and searching for a place to hide. Not in a house, Duriff might hurt the people inside. A store? No, stores were too small, and didn\u2019t have enough places to hide. The stable, then. If he got there fast enough, he could hide in the hay, or in the loft\u2026 and when they searched for him, he could run back to the hotel.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

His mind was made up, and now all he had to do was act. Moving quickly, before he could have a chance to change his mind, Joe swung one leg out of the stirrup, across the saddle, and jumped to the ground. Then, as if a pack of wolves was chasing him, he ran.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cPaul!\u201d Kensington hissed, turning in the saddle and watching Joe slip through the shadows. Duriff jerked sharply on his horse\u2019s reins, and it let out a surprised neigh that shattered the silence. He swore and kicked the mustang into a gallop, and tore down the street after Joe. The sound of running feet broke through the night, and Kensington let go of the black\u2019s reins and kicked his roan forward.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

A gunshot spit the air behind him, and Joe stumbled into a sprint. Duriff was shooting at him? He could hear the mustang\u2019s hooves beating the ground behind him, pounding into the earth like war drums. It was hard to run with his hands behind his back, and he couldn\u2019t breathe in enough air through the gag. All he could do was keep running.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe could hear shouted voices in the street behind him, but he couldn\u2019t tell if they belonged to the citizens of Junction, or Duriff, or Kensington. Keep running!<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

He made it to the stables, dove through the door, and kept running. There wouldn\u2019t be enough<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

time to hide, but if he could reach the other end of the stable, get through the back door, maybe he\u2019d have a chance of running to the hotel before Duriff could-<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The door he was running to tore open, and Duriff stood barring the way, his gun aimed unwaveringly at Joe.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

*<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The horse\u2019s neigh cut through the night, and Adam whipped his head around to find its source. It was in the street ahead of him, but it was still to dark to see anything. For a moment he stood indecisively in the doorway of the hotel, looking out into the shadows. The Sheriff was still behind him, inside, waiting to be let out. Adam leaped into motion.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll cut them off!\u201d he called over his shoulder, running into the shadows. He pulled out his pistol and fired a warning shot into the air, cutting behind a dark building and slowing to a silent jog, keeping in the darkest shadows. He had no doubt that the horse had belonged to either Kensington or his assistant. They were leaving Junction in the middle of the night for one reason: because they knew he and the Sheriff were there. One of their horses had neighed, giving away their position, and their first idea would be to run.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam calculated mentally while he ran, trying to guess where to come out into the street to cut off their escape. A few more buildings\u2026 But he couldn\u2019t just run out in front of them and expect them to stop\u2026 Adam glanced up at a building about a hundred yards before him. It had a low, slanted roof that sloped over the street, leaving a 15 foot drop between it and the ground. Adam sprinted toward it and climbed onto a barrel that was placed near the wall, then jumped the last few feet and pulled himself up.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

He crouched there for a moment, catching his breath and trying to ignore the throbs of his yet unhealed injuries. Then, carefully, he crept to the edge of the roof and looked out into the street.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

For a moment there was silence, and Adam wondered if he\u2019d misjudged the horses\u2019 speed and missed them. But then the sound of pounded hooves reached his waiting ears, and a dark silhouette shot from the shadows below him.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

He didn\u2019t hesitate. In almost the same instant that he saw the shape he threw himself out into the darkness, his arms stretched out, cutting through the air like a knife. He closed his eyes against the wind that ripped at him, that stole his breath away even as he tried to breathe it.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam had underestimated the leap, and almost missed the horse as it ran past. But his reaching arms caught the rider on his shoulder, spinning him and knocking him from the saddle as Adam\u2019s momentum drove him past.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam landed hard, rolled once, and lay still, his body screaming at the abuse it had taken. Beside him he could hear the sharp whoosh of air as the rider\u2019s breath was driven from his chest, and the frantic gasps as he struggled to regain it. Slowly, painfully, Adam rolled over, forcing himself to his hands and knees and glaring through the darkness at the rider next to him.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

It was Kensington.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYou.\u201d Adam said, in a voice that sounded too calm to have come from him. His pain was gone now; all he could feel was the cold, furious rage boiling up in his chest. It choked him, blinded him, made him shake with fury. Here was the man who had dared to take his little brother, who had caused him so much anguish and worry over the last few days, who had betrayed him and the entire population of Carson City for a few hundred dollars worth of trouble.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam had been angry before, but he\u2019d never come this close to absolute rage. Kensington was just a few feet away, laying in the street, panting for breath. How easy it would be to reach over and choke what was left out of him. He hated him. He wanted to kill him.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

As if moving of their own volition, Adam\u2019s hands reached out and grabbed Kensington\u2019s collar. He hauled the gasping man to his knees, pulling him close so he could see the whites of his eyes, his knuckles tightening on the fabric of his shirt. One jerk could break his neck. One twist\u2026 Adam stared at the man who had been his friend, at the eyes that didn\u2019t plead or beg. His hands were white and shaking\u2026 do it now! Kensington had earned it; it was justice; he deserved death. Do it now!<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

He dropped him. Kensington rolled unsteadily to his knees, gulping in greedy gasps of air, staring dumbly at the young man before him. \u201cWhy?\u201d he rasped, choking on the word.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam leveled a look of disgust at the doctor. \u201cBecause I am not like you.\u201d he said, and climbed to his feet.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAdam!\u201d the Sheriff called, running up the street behind them. A few townspeople were peeking out of their doorways, leaning curiously out into the darkness, whispering questions to one another.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhere\u2019s Joe?\u201d Adam demanded.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The Sheriff jogged to a stop beside him. \u201cWasn\u2019t he with Kensington?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHe ran\u2026\u201d Kensington wheezed, throwing out a feeble arm to point back at the stable. \u201cDuriff went after him. I panicked… tried to get away… Duriff, he\u2019ll kill Joe if he catches him.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Panic clawed up Adam\u2019s throat, and for a moment he stood rooted to the ground, too afraid to move. Then he turned, drew his gun, and sprinted into the darkness.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

*<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe froze, breathing hard, his eyes glued to the dim light reflected from the gun. He started to turn, but Duriff cocked the hammer of his pistol and growled, \u201cStop.\u201d Joe obeyed and stood stiffly, wide-eyed, his chest heaving. If only he could reach up and pull down the gag\u2026 but even if he could, he dared not move.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYou thought you were clever.\u201d Duriff said in a low, dangerous voice. He took a step closer and slowly closed the door he\u2019d come through, keeping the barrel of his gun pointed at Joe. \u201cBut the town will be up and looking soon. They\u2019ll find Kensington, and that will be all the distraction I need to end this here. Then when they\u2019re checking over your body, wondering whose little boy you were, I\u2019ll have slipped away with no one the wiser.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe would have liked to argue, but both the gag and his fear prevented it. He took a short shuffle backwards, and when Duriff didn\u2019t object, another.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Duriff stepped toward him, his face hidden in deep, black shadow. \u201cYou knew this was coming, didn\u2019t you? From the first we met-\u201d he took another step- \u201cWe both knew I would have to kill you. Like I had to kill John.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

John? Swirls of confusion danced in his mind for a moment until they brought forth a strain of memory. John was Duriff\u2019s son. The son he\u2019d killed.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Again Joe tried to talk, and again the gag muffled his attempt. He moved when Duriff moved, matching step for step his advance with a retreat. Duriff didn\u2019t seem to mind; he crept forward like a cougar with cornered prey, that has only to wait for its time to kill.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Suddenly, Joe\u2019s foot caught on something, and he fell back onto the wooden floor with a heavy thud. His head rapped sharply against the ground, and for a moment everything was black, but slowly shapes began to fade back into his vision.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The first thing he saw was Duriff. The man had crossed the distance between them and stood confidently, looking down at Joe with contempt and hate. \u201cYou\u2019ve disobeyed me for the last time, John.\u201d he said, shifting his arm. He paused, took aim, leveled the gun toward Joe, and smiled.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The gun went off.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe cried out through the gag, curling instinctively into a ball. He waited for the pain to stab into him, but all he could feel was the sharp pounding from where his head had struck the floor. Where had he been shot? Had Duriff missed? Slowly, Joe peered through the darkness to where Duriff had been.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

He was sprawled on the ground where he had stood, one hand pawing helplessly at the rose of blood that bloomed on his chest. His eyes stared unseeingly at it before he turned and reached out a bloody hand to Joe. \u201cJohn-\u201d he croaked, stretching blindly into the darkness. Then his hand dropped, his head sagged, and his eyes glazed over in death.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe lied where he\u2019d fallen, staring at the dead man with a mixture of terror and pity. He was dead. Duriff was dead. It was over.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Who had shot him? Joe rolled to his knees, his bound hands pushing against the floor to<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

boost him up, and looked behind him. Dawn was just beginning to pull up the shadows, leaving a watery gray bleeding out beneath them. In the door of the stables, silhouetted against the pale light of approaching morning, stood the figure of a tall man, gun still raised and smoke still trailing wispy fingers into the air. He didn\u2019t move, didn\u2019t talk, just stood statuesquely in the doorway and looked within.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe drew back against the floor. Kensington? Or someone else, from the town perhaps? Had someone heard Duriff\u2019s voice and come to investigate? Joe pulled himself up on his elbows, ready to roll into the shadows at the slightest indication of danger.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The figure in the doorway took a tentative step into the barn, his gun lowering. \u201cJoe?\u201d His voice was quiet, and the name came hesitantly. \u201cJoe?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe peered through the darkness. Who would know his name? And then suddenly recognition broke over him like a gust of wind, sweeping his fear away. It was Adam! Adam had found him!<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAdam!\u201d Joe wailed through the gag. He pushed himself to his feet and lunged across the floor, almost tripping himself twice. The silhouette in the door stepped forward and fell to his knees, catching Joe as he pitched forward again.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAre you alright?\u201d Adam asked, his voice sounding as close to panic as Joe had ever heard. The boy nodded furiously, talking through the gag. \u201cWait, Joe,\u201d He slipped his thumbs under the gag and pulled it gently away from Joe\u2019s mouth.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI knew you\u2019d come!\u201d Joe cried. \u201cI told them, but they said you probably hadn\u2019t figured it out yet. But I knew you\u2019d find me! Did you find the cloth? I dropped it so you could find me! Did you get Kensington yet?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYes, yes, we found it, we caught him,\u201d Adam said, trying to keep up with Joe\u2019s babbling. \u201cHang on a second while I untie your hands.\u201d Joe kept talking while Adam carefully turned Joe around and pulled at the rope around Joe\u2019s wrists until it fell away. The minute he was free, Joe launched himself back at Adam, still asking questions and not waiting for answers.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam pulled the small dusty body close, folding his arms around the thin shoulders. His ribs throbbed angrily, but the feeling was distant and fuzzy compared to the relief that had come over him. Joe was safe\u2026 Joe was safe\u2026 For all his reading and studying, he couldn\u2019t bring one word to mind that would describe the joy he felt. The anger that had crouched within him was gone, crushed by the skinny arms of his little brother.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m sorry.\u201d Adam said when Joe paused his rambling to take a breath. \u201cI\u2019m sorry I took so long. I\u2019m sorry for leaving you behind.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe pulled back and looked down. \u201cI shouldn\u2019t\u2019ve left. I was mad at you when you left to get the robbers, but when I saw Doctor Kensington riding away, I followed him. I thought he was<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

abandoning you and Hoss.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHe was.\u201d Adam admitted. \u201cAnd you did a very good thing, sending Charlie and his friends out to help us. But next time,\u201d Joe looked up sheepishly, and Adam smiled. \u201cSend a ranch hand to do it.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

A slow smile spread across Joe\u2019s face. \u201cThen you\u2019re not mad?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cMad?\u201d Was he? Should he be? Adam looked down into the hopeful, worried eyes of his brother and decided that if he had been, he could no longer be now. He shook his head. \u201cNo, I\u2019m not mad.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe grinned. \u201cAnd you caught Kensington? Did you find the money? How much did they take?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam glanced over his shoulder, into the streets. \u201cI don\u2019t know. The Sheriff is with him now.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThe Sheriff came?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYup.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cOh.\u201d Joe stood up, his eyes wide. \u201cCan we go see? Duriff and Kensington talked like the money was in their bags.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam climbed slowly to his feet, careful not to let Joe see his pain. \u201cI\u2019m sure the Sheriff\u2019s already found it.\u201d he said. \u201cBut let\u2019s go let him know that you\u2019re ok.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe nodded, then looked up at his brother. \u201cAdam\u2026 I\u2019m really hungry.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

A short chuckle burst from Adam\u2019s mouth, cut off by a barely-masked wince of pain as his ribs were jarred but the sudden intake of breath. Adam coughed to hide the sound and pointed into the streets. \u201cThere\u2019s the Sheriff,\u201d he said. \u201cLet\u2019s go talk to him first, and then we\u2019ll get some breakfast.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The sun had slowly begun to creep over the horizon, and the streets were becoming steadily lighter. People had trickled out onto their front porches, and a few of them had started into the streets. The Sheriff stood by the hotel, searching Kensington\u2019s saddlebags while the doctor stood nearby, watching. The lawman looked up as Adam and Joe approached.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cLittle Joe!\u201d the Sheriff cried, a smile lighting up his stern face. \u201cYou alright, boy?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe nodded, his eyes on Kensington. Adam noticed and steered him toward the hotel. \u201cYou know what, Joe, I\u2019m pretty hungry, too. Let\u2019s get something to eat. Did you find the money, Sheriff?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The Sheriff held up the saddlebag he\u2019d been digging through. \u201cIt\u2019s all here.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam nodded. Everything had worked out, then; Joe was safe, the money had been recovered, and they could all go home and forget the whole thing.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Kensington\u2019s eyes flickered between Adam and the stables. \u201cPaul?\u201d he asked.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam paused and met Kensington\u2019s gaze. \u201cDead.\u201d he answered shortly.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe squirmed under Adam\u2019s hand, so he nodded curtly to the Sheriff and turned to the hotel. \u201cWe\u2019ll be getting breakfast, Sheriff.\u201d Adam said over his shoulder.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The Sheriff started to answer, but a man burst out of one of the buildings nearby and started toward him, his steps purposeful and strong. \u201cWhat in the name of Sam Hill is goin\u2019 on here?\u201d he cried, coming to a stop before the Sheriff.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m the sheriff of Carson City,\u201d he explained. \u201cWe been tracking this man and another for a few days now. The other\u2019s in the stables.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The other man looked from him to Kensington. \u201cI think you\u2019d better come and tell me the whole story,\u201d he said. \u201cI\u2019m the sheriff of Junction.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The Sheriff nodded and waved Adam into the hotel. \u201cI\u2019ll join you when I\u2019m finished.\u201d he said, and turned to follow the sheriff of Junction to his office, leading Kensington firmly beside him.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWell,\u201d Adam said, looking down at Joe. \u201cYou ready for that breakfast?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe nodded enthusiastically, but movement in the corner of his eye made him turn his head. Two riders were coming up at a dead gallop, and only barely slowed in time to stop before the stables. Joe\u2019s face lit up. \u201cPa!\u201d he yelled. \u201cHoss!\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam turned in surprise. What were they doing here? Not that he wasn\u2019t happy to see them, but Pa was suppose to be in Sacramento, and Hoss was suppose to be at home. Joe tugged at Adam\u2019s hand and ran into the streets to meet them.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben had dismounted almost before his horse stopped moving, and fell to his knees as Joe ran to him, wrapping the boy in a massive hug and then holding him at arms-length to check him over. \u201cYou\u2019re not hurt, are you?\u201d he asked. When Joe shook his head, Ben heaved a sigh of relief and looked over his head at Adam, who hadn\u2019t moved.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Hoss dropped down next to them and put a hand on Joe\u2019s shoulder. \u201cYou sure gave us a scare, little brother.\u201d he said, the broad, relieved smile on his face taking the reproach out of the words. Joe leaned out of Ben\u2019s hands and looked up at his brother.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYou just wait till I tell you what happened!\u201d he cried, and launched into a narrative of his adventures. Ben stood up, smiling at the two.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cGet out of the middle of the street,\u201d he said, feeling too relieved to be stern. Hoss laughed and swooped Joe up into his arms and carried him to the hotel. Ben followed behind them, but stopped outside and stood by Adam.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam had wanted to join his brothers and father in the street, but something held him back. Was it fear? Shame? The knowledge that none of them would be here if it hadn\u2019t been for him? That Joe wouldn\u2019t have suffered the things he had if not for his actions?<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHow did you know we were here?\u201d Adam asked after a short pause. \u201cMy wire couldn\u2019t have reached you that fast.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWire?\u201d Ben repeated. \u201cNo, I finished my business early and was already on my way home. Hoss told me what happened. We didn\u2019t want to waste time following a trail that was already several days old, so we decided just to ride to the nearest town in the direction you were going and see if you\u2019d been through it yet.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYou didn\u2019t seem worried, Pa.\u201d Adam observed. \u201cRelieved, but not worried.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben clapped a heavy, comforting hand on his oldest son\u2019s shoulder. \u201cNo, Adam, I wasn\u2019t worried. Believe me, I was worried when I found out what had happened, but when Hoss told me you\u2019d gone after them and had left several days earlier\u2026 well, I knew you\u2019d catch up to them.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam stood silently, wondering how he could reply. \u201cBut\u2026 it was my fault that Joe left in the first place.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNot the way Hoss tells it.\u201d Ben said, smiling. \u201cSon, you\u2019ve done well. I\u2019m proud of you.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

All at once, the days of travel and worry and injuries seemed to catch up to him, and Adam sagged against the wall of the hotel. Instantly, Ben\u2019s face was clouded with concern, and he reached out to steady him. \u201cI\u2019m ok, Pa.\u201d Adam said, his voice tired but firm.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cMaybe we\u2019ll stay here for a few days.\u201d Ben suggested.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNo.\u201d Adam said, pulling himself up strait. \u201cI want to go home. And I\u2019m sure Little Joe does, too.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben nodded slowly. \u201cAlright. Then let\u2019s get inside and get some breakfast, if Hoss hasn\u2019t eaten everything already.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam smiled and allowed his father to lead him into the hotel, and all at once the feelings of fear and shame melted away under Ben\u2019s warm hand. For a moment, he felt like a child again, and Ben was the giant tower of comfort he\u2019d always been. They walked into the hotel, to where Hoss and Joe were talking at a table by the window. He watched them and decided that it wouldn\u2019t matter if they left Junction today or not. Wherever the four of them were together was home enough for him.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

Ben is away on business, leaving 22-year-old Adam in charge of the ranch and his brothers. However, a bank robbery in Carson City and Little Joe\u2019s stubborn insistence on helping is more than enough trouble for him. After Adam forbids Joe from helping, the 10-year-old decides to take matters into his own hands and ends up in the hands of the robbers. Now the only chance Adam has of seeing his youngest brother again is to track down the robbers, and hope he finds them in time.<\/p>\n

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