{"id":3660,"date":"2010-01-08T12:09:40","date_gmt":"2010-01-08T17:09:40","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=3660"},"modified":"2025-02-27T12:22:10","modified_gmt":"2025-02-27T17:22:10","slug":"survival","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=3660","title":{"rendered":"Survival (by Barbara)"},"content":{"rendered":"

Summary: \u00a0<\/span>Adam learns the hard way to stay on the beaten path when he is the unfortunate victim of foolish child’s play.<\/p>\n

Rated:\u00a0 T (6,650 words)<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Survival<\/strong><\/p>\n

PART ONE
\nWhen he opened his eyes, all he could see was the ominous circling of flying scavengers above. It made him dizzy. They were silhouetted against the brilliant sun of morning. The birds screeched impatiently as if they were tired of waiting for their pray to die.<\/p>\n

At first, he only felt numbness, but then it started again. The pain that pushed him beyond consciousness and into a well of darkness had returned with a vengeance. It was almost too much to bear. He clenched his jaw and closed his eyes tightly to try and overcome it but it was no use. He was trapped\u2026 literally.<\/p>\n

He took several short breaths through his gritted teeth in order to work up enough guts to sit up. He had to. If he didn\u2019t he may as well perish and let the animals have their due. With all his will and remaining strength, he threw his arms forward only managing to prop himself on his elbows. His sudden thrust sent sparks of fire up his leg and he let out a primal growl. It was loud enough to disturb the vultures but not enough to scare them off.<\/p>\n

When the stars that danced in front of his fluttering eyes subsided, Adam could see it. It was true. At first he thought it maybe a cruel nightmare, but no\u2026 his ankle was, in fact, clamped by the jaws of a bear trap. Its sharp teeth had punctured the leather of his boot and were imbedded in his flesh. He was certain his shinbone was broken in two. The slightest movement caused blinding agony. The sight of the gory mess almost made Adam ill. But, he had to somehow release his foot or he would indeed die.<\/p>\n

The previous day, Adam rode off the trail on his way home from Carson City. He often sought alternative routes while traveling, preferring a change of scenery to a timely return home. It was a habit his father tried to dissuade him from. But, independent Adam would scoff Ben\u2019s warnings with a dismissive \u201cOh Pa. Stop being such a mother hen. You worry too much.\u201d<\/p>\n

So, while off the beaten path and without anyone knowing his whereabouts, he dismounted Sport to check for a stone in his hoof and he stepped right into the steel snare. The sudden snap made his knees buckle and he was thrown off balance and tumbling into a deep gully. Now, he lay with his head steeply below his feet. He barely had enough strength left to breath let alone pull himself up the hill to reach his injured ankle.<\/p>\n

When it happened he struggled to turn himself around but the trap was chained to a tree. He only added to the pressure by trying to change his position and actually made his predicament worse. So, upside down he remained \u2013 snagged by his right foot.<\/p>\n

His horse stood loyally by. Not twenty feet away. Sport grazed lazily as if his partner had dismounted to mend a fence or fill a canteen with water. Water. The precious stuff was out of reach, hanging off his saddle in its container \u2013 so close, yet so far away. Adam tried to moisten his cracked lips, but his mouth was drier than desert sand. And, his throat felt as if it was coated with gravel from hours of calling for help. He feared he would simply dehydrate before he bled to death. That might be more merciful.<\/p>\n

Adam fell back again in frustration and fatigue \u2013 his entire body racked with pain. He swore to himself, if he ever got out of this he would hunt down who ever placed the deadly thing there in the first place. Beneath his suffering, he seethed with anger. At the same time, Adam could feel his cognizant thought quickly evaporating. He was aware of becoming weaker and weaker and drifting into a world of madness. His heart accelerated with dread.<\/p>\n

With one last effort to save himself, Adam reached for rocks to throw at Sport. If he could spook his horse, he\u2019d head for home and his family would come looking for him. But, the stones were not enough to move the gelding. Finally, Adam reached for his gun. He pulled it out of its holster and pointed it toward the birds above. He emptied the magazine, one after the other in a rapid, noisy mass of gunfire. That did it. Sport, turn-tailed and galloped off toward home.<\/p>\n

\u201cGood boy.\u201d<\/p>\n

Was all Adam had the strength to utter. Again he gazed up at his tormentors. Despite the spray of bullets, they hovered still in the bluest sky Adam had ever seen.<\/p>\n

PART TWO<\/p>\n

\u201cYou know Joe\u2026\u201d Hoss grumbled, \u201cJust once I\u2019d like you to pull the winch. I\u2019m gitting real tired of doing all the work around here.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNext time Hoss. Next time.\u201d Little Joe patronized.<\/p>\n

The men were loading hay into the loft of the barn. The job was a frequent chore. If there was one-thing horses were good at, it was eating\u2026a lot. But, they deserved every morsel. Without Buck, Chubby, Sport and Cochise, among others, the ranch would simply fall apart. The Cartwright\u2019s knew that healthy, strong horses were the key to a successful cattle business. And, that meant hauling hay every few weeks.<\/p>\n

\u201cAre you still trying to get Joe on that winch Hoss?\u201d Ben inquired as he approached his sons, leaving his paper work back in the house for a breath of fresh air.<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, it\u2019s about time Joe or Adam took their turn. How come I always got to do the heavy liftin\u2019?\u201d Hoss protested as sweat trickled down his forehead and off the end of his nose. \u201cIt just ain\u2019t fair Pa.\u201d He panted.<\/p>\n

Ben looked at his boy unsympathetically.<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, besides the stock, you\u2019re the strongest thing we got around here Hoss.\u201d Joe mocked, then tittered like a demented squirrel.<\/p>\n

\u201cListen big shorty.\u201d Hoss pointed. \u201cYou\u2019re real lucky you\u2019re up there and I\u2019m down here or I\u2019d show you just how strong I can be.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019d have to catch me first.\u201d Joe challenged with a fiendish grin.<\/p>\n

From life long experience, Hoss knew Joe was as slippery as a greased pig and faster than a fox-chased jackrabbit. It was true he was hard to catch. But, at the moment he entertained the thought of climbing the ladder into the loft and boxing his little brother\u2019s ears. But, in the past, Joe would simply slither down the hoist rope and scamper out of sight until Hoss cooled somewhat. Disgruntled, the big man continued pulling \u2013 hand over hand.<\/p>\n

\u201cHave you seen any sign of Adam?\u201d Ben asked ignoring his sons\u2019 banter. \u201cHe said he\u2019d be back from Carson City yesterday.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHe\u2019ll \u2013 probably \u2013 show \u2013 up \u2013 the second \u2013 this load \u2013 is done.\u201d Hoss puffed.<\/p>\n

\u201cOh? Has he been taking procrastination lessons from Joseph?\u201d Ben jabbed.<\/p>\n

\u201cPa!\u201d Joe objected. \u201cI do not procrastinate\u2026 I just like to plan things so I can do the best job possible. Yeah, that\u2019s it.\u201d Joe said as if trying to convince himself of his own theory.<\/p>\n

\u201cSure you do son. Sure you do.\u201d Ben chuckled.<\/p>\n

Interrupted by the frantic sound of hooves, the men stopped to see what or who was stampeding toward them. Sport sped into the courtyard coming to an abrupt halt in front of the hay wagon. Both Ben and Hoss approached him cautiously.<\/p>\n

\u201cEasy boy. Easy.\u201d Hoss said as he gently took Sport\u2019s reins and patted his neck to calm him.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat do you suppose happened Pa?\u201d Joe said as he lowered himself down the rope to the ground.<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, I don\u2019t know Joe.\u201d Ben answered with concern, looking over the horse for clues.<\/p>\n

\u201cHe\u2019s been running a while. He\u2019s pretty foamed up.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYes\u2026 well, let\u2019s go look for him.\u201d Ben sighed. \u201cMost likely he\u2019s just fallen off.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cFallen off? Adam don\u2019t fall off his horse Pa.\u201d Hoss stated. \u201cAs a matter of fact, I c\u2019aint remember one time he\u2019s come off yet.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, maybe he\u2019s finally joined the club.\u201d Ben offered dryly.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat club is that Pa?\u201d Joe inquired.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe one we all belong to son\u2026 the \u2018hello ground club\u2019.\u201d He chortled. \u201cThese things happen. There\u2019s a first time for everything. He\u2019s probably just up the road walking home.\u201d Ben tried to sound positive. \u201cBut, let\u2019s be sure, shall we?\u201d<\/p>\n

The threesome entered the barn seemingly upbeat. But, they all knew this was extremely unusual and something was terribly wrong. Adam was an accomplished and careful rider. Hoss was right, Adam had never come off his horse due to lack of equestrian skills.<\/p>\n

Even as a boy, Adam never once experienced the rude awakening of falling off his horse. Unlike his younger siblings, Little Joe and Hoss used their mounts more as toys than transportation or as means to accomplish their chores. They would try to outdo each other with tricks and daring leaps and bounds. They once even tried jousting, a pastime their father soon put a stop to.<\/p>\n

Adam would have none of the tomfoolery though, honing his skills every chance he got. He\u2019d practice opening and closing gates, roping, cutting and reining. Even now, when Sport inevitably spooked and bolted, Adam stayed aboard reinforcing his notorious stickability. The only member of the clan that came close to Adam\u2019s comfort on horseback was Joe. He preferred the school of hard knocks to gain experience while Adam prided himself on practice and technique.<\/p>\n

Hoss removed Adam\u2019s saddle from Sport\u2019s back and placed him in his stall. He took care with Adam\u2019s tack and set it carefully on its stand and covered it with the blanket as Adam always did. Then he threw the gelding a few flakes of hay and a scoop of grain. The threesome then saddled their horses, mounted up and followed Sport\u2019s tracks. Hopefully, they would lead to Adam and solve the mystery of his apparent first fall.
\nPART THREE<\/p>\n

\u201cI think we got somethin\u2019?\u201d Came an excited, young voice from the dense forest.<\/p>\n

Brother\u2019s Brad and Kurt and their best friend Seth, traipsed between the massive tree trunks to where they had set the trap they\u2019d found in an abandoned hunting shack. The threesome were constant companions as their folks had neighboring farms several miles from the Carson City limits. Brad was the leader at aged twelve. Seth had just turned eleven and young Kurt was ten. They had high hopes of capturing something. An actual bear would be the ultimate prize.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe did get somethin\u2019!\u201d Seth yelled as he pointed at the circling birds.<\/p>\n

The boys began to run toward their prize. But, when they came to the edge of the gully they stopped in their tracks so abruptly they almost fell into the trench themselves. That was when they saw Adam lying unconscious below them. They also saw the blood that still oozed like molasses from his ensnared leg.<\/p>\n

\u201cGosh.\u201d Kurt whispered.<\/p>\n

The boys stared at their unfortunate prey \u2013 their eyes wide and their mouths agape.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2019re in trouble.\u201d He gasped \u2013 his heart beating in his throat. \u201cLet\u2019s get out of here!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo wait. We can\u2019t just leave him here.\u201d Seth declared. \u201cWe gotta go for help.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cMy Pa\u2019s gonna tan my hide when he finds out about this.\u201d Brad muttered fearfully.<\/p>\n

Kurt began to fret and whimper. But, he received no comfort from his comrades. The boys stood frozen, all of them wondering what to do. The vultures continued their impatient squawks. Their calls shattered the speechless silence of the boys. Several moments passed before Seth finally piped up.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat should we do Brad?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2019ll have to take care of him.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHow are we going to do that?\u201d Seth asked skeptically.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2019ll take him to that line shack where we found the trap and tend to him. His leg can\u2019t be that bad.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cCan\u2019t be that bad?\u201d Kurt interjected through his tears. \u201cHe looks dead!\u201d<\/p>\n

That thought had not actually entered any of the boy\u2019s minds as yet. But, it was sure in there now.<\/p>\n

\u201cDo you think he\u2019s dead?\u201d Kurt reiterated with a sniff, as he peered down the slope.<\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t know.\u201d Brad replied nervously.<\/p>\n

\u201cWell\u2026somebody better go check.\u201d Seth demanded.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou go Brad.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhy me?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIt was your idea to set the dang thing in the first place.\u201d Seth affirmed.<\/p>\n

\u201cOkay, okay\u2026 I\u2019ll go.\u201d<\/p>\n

Clutching each other\u2019s clothing for support, Kurt and Seth released Brad to allow him to check on Adam. Gingerly, Brad shimmied into the gully. When he got to Adam, he seemed fearful of touching what might be a corpse.<\/p>\n

\u201cCheck his pulse.\u201d Seth yelled from above.<\/p>\n

Brad tentatively took Adam\u2019s wrist and felt for a beat. At first his heart sank because he couldn\u2019t detect any sign of life. But, he persisted and moved his fingers in several positions until he found what he was looking for.<\/p>\n

\u201cHE\u2019S ALIVE!\u201d Brad shouted up to his friends. \u201cCome on down here and help me.\u201d<\/p>\n

Seth and Kurt looked at one another for reassurance. Neither gave much confidence. They both sighed and without a word of refusal descended to where Adam lay. It took all of them to pry open the trap and discard it. When they finally did, Adam groaned with discomfort. Too incapacitated to realize what was happening or to put up a fight, his delirious moans were the only protests he could muster.<\/p>\n

\u201cHow are we going to get him out of here?\u201d Kurt asked looking up the steep hill.<\/p>\n

\u201cMe and Seth will take his shoulders and you take his feet.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cBut, his legs are covered in blood.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cKURT! Just take his feet.\u201d Brad scolded his little brother with exasperation.<\/p>\n

Adam may as well have been a downed tree as it took great effort for the boys to drag him up and out of the gully. Out of breath, they finally made it to the top and laid their victim out flat \u2013 his body seemingly lifeless. Adam\u2019s face was the color of sun-bleached slate. His skin was wet with perspiration and smeared with grim. His breathing was labored through his dry, parted lips. The boys stood over him staring at their catch helplessly.<\/p>\n

\u201cNow what?\u201d Kurt said with a shrug.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m going to get help.\u201d Seth announced boldly despite Brad\u2019s orders to the contrary.<\/p>\n

\u201cNO!\u201d Brad insisted. \u201cWe can take care of him. He\u2019ll be all right. Look. The bleeding has stopped already. If you tell anyone about this, my Pa will find out and me and Kurt will be done for.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t know.\u201d Seth said unsure.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019ll just be a couple of days and he will be as good as new. You\u2019ll see.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI guess you\u2019re right.\u201d Seth said still sounding unconvinced.<\/p>\n

\u201cNow, let\u2019s build him a stretcher and then we can take him to the shack. It\u2019s not that far.\u201d
\n++++++++++
\nBy, midday they had pulled Adam to the tiny lodge. They placed him on the dirt floor and covered him with a ragged blanket that had been left behind by an unknown hunter. Brad, Kurt and Seth again stood over Adam wondering what to do next.<\/p>\n

\u201cMaybe we should get him some water.\u201d Seth suggested.<\/p>\n

\u201cGo get some Kurt.\u201d Brad ordered. \u201cThere\u2019s a stream out back.\u201d<\/p>\n

Without protest, Kurt scampered out of the shed.<\/p>\n

\u201cShould we try and take off his boot?\u201d Seth asked through a wince.<\/p>\n

\u201cI guess we should.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHere\u2019s my knife.\u201d Seth offered.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s your knife. You cut his boot.\u201d Brad insisted.<\/p>\n

\u201cOkay, alright.\u201d<\/p>\n

All the while, Adam remained oblivious to his surroundings and his rescuers. The loss of blood and his tumble engulfed him in a web of fever and torturous hallucinations. His only sign of consciousness were sporadic jerks and incoherent whimpers.<\/p>\n

The boys knelt at Adam\u2019s feet and gingerly pulled up his pant leg. But, the stickiness of dried blood made it difficult. So, they cut the material instead. As they worked, Adam began to protest and he started to growl as if he were a wild animal. It scared them. But, Seth and Brad continued their naive surgery. Finally, they had Adam\u2019s boot exposed. It looked like the leather was the only thing holding his leg together and the boys stared at one another.<\/p>\n

\u201cThis looks bad Brad.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s not that bad.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t think I should do anymore. He needs a doctor.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHow many times do I gotta tell ya. No one can know what we did. We\u2019ll go to jail.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo we won\u2019t.\u201d Seth scoffed.<\/p>\n

\u201cWill too. Lots of men have gone to the gallows for less than this. Do you want to go to the gallows?\u201d<\/p>\n

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

\u201cThen let\u2019s get his boot off.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2026 I can\u2019t do it.\u201d Seth sounded like he was going to faint.<\/p>\n

\u201cAh\u2026 give me the gall darn thing.\u201d Brad said with disgust.<\/p>\n

After a moment to prepare and a deliberate deep breath, Brad took the top of Adam\u2019s boot and held it firmly between his thumb and forefinger. He placed the blade inside the boot and started to saw into the leather. The jostling of his leg was too much for Adam to bear. He roared from the pain and jolted upright sending the boys back onto their rumps. They looked at Adam as if he\u2019d risen from the grave. Kurt stood in the door. He held his hat upside down. It was filled with water but he dropped it when Adam came to life. Kurt screamed with terror.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s okay mister. We\u2019ll take care of you.\u201d Brad tried to console Adam, placing both hands on Adam\u2019s shoulders. \u201cWe gotta get your boot off.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNO DON\u2019T!\u201d Adam was aware enough to reply. \u201cDon\u2019t.\u201d He cried.<\/p>\n

\u201cBut, we gotta clean the wound.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cJoe.\u201d Adam murmured. \u201cGo get Pa.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cJoe?\u201d Seth asked. \u201cWho\u2019s Joe?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cGet Pa.\u201d Adam repeated through his haze of misery.<\/p>\n

\u201cI can\u2019t mister.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cJOE\u2026 GO GET PA!\u201d Adam bellowed insistently through gritted teeth.<\/p>\n

Adam reached out and grabbed Brad by the front of his shirt. Terror lit the boy\u2019s face and he tried to pull away from Adam\u2019s desperate grasp. But, Adam couldn\u2019t hold on. With a grimace, he struggled to stay conscious but once again relapsed into a deep chasm of darkness. As Adam returned to the void, the boys continued their work.
\nPART FOUR
\nSport\u2019s tracks began to fade several hours into the Cartwright\u2019s search for Adam. It became obvious to Ben, Hoss and Little Joe that the horse had run wild for a day or so before he finally found his way back to the Ponderosa. His hoof prints virtually dried up and there was no sign of Adam at all. The threesome stopped to discuss their next move.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhere should we look now Pa?\u201d Joe asked, as Cochise reared with anticipation.<\/p>\n

\u201cCarson City.\u201d He replied sternly, and then sniffed with ire. \u201cDarn fool boy. Stay on the main roads I said. How many times did I tell him to stay on the main roads?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cTake it easy Pa. You know Adam. You c\u2019aint tell him nothin\u2019. He\u2019s gonna do what he\u2019s gonna do. We\u2019ll find him.\u201d Hoss reasoned as he leaned both hands on the horn of his saddle. \u201cLet\u2019s head on to Carson City and back track from there. Even if we don\u2019t find him on the road, there might be somebody who mighta seen\u2019em.\u201d<\/p>\n

Without another word, they took their usual route to Carson City. They trotted slowly, keeping their eyes peeled and periodically calling Adam\u2019s name. With every moment that passed, Ben became more and more concerned. His gut felt like it was in the grips of a tourniquet and with each step it turned tighter and tighter. By mid afternoon they\u2019d reached the edge of the forest and the trail that joined with the main road to town. At that point, the men split up to cover as much ground as possible.<\/p>\n

They could hear each other in the distance, periodically calling for their lost brother. Hoss rode along the top of the gully where Adam met his fate three days ago. But, the evidence of his unfortunate mishap was hidden below. His blood, the trap and his hat all lay waiting to be discovered. But, all the clues were simply invisible to Hoss who rode right on by. There was no sign of Adam\u2019s rescue by the boys either. Savvy Brad, terrified of being caught, had erased their tracks with a leafy branch and they disappeared into the deep forest.<\/p>\n

As twilight fell over the foothills of the Sierra Nevada Mountains, Ben, Hoss and Little Joe joined up at the mouth of the road that led into Carson City. They jogged into town to continue their investigation with foreboding. They knew Adam was to deliver a stallion to Pete Visser and that was the Cartwright\u2019s first stop.
\n+++++++
\nBrad, Seth and Kurt did there very best to help Adam. As a matter of fact, they did an expert job of cleaning the wound and stopping the bleeding. After splinting Adam\u2019s leg, they tightly wrapped it with Seth\u2019s shirt. How he was going to explain to his parents why he had arrived home without his clothes he had yet to figure. They spilled as much water as they could down Adam\u2019s throat, and made him as comfortable as possible before they returned home for supper. They simply had no choice but to leave their patient alone to fend for himself until morning. The boys planned to check on Adam then. If they stayed with him, their fathers would undoubtedly come looking for them and they would find out their terrible secret.<\/p>\n

The night was blacker than India ink. It seemed to blanket the tiny shed where Adam lay drowning in tormented nightmares. They sent him into a disturbing world of abstractions. At first he stood on a ledge that stuck out from the side of a steep cliff like a mantle. He could see his father\u2019s hand reaching down to him. His fingers were stretched as far apart as they possibly could. The tension they held looked painful and they shook with frustration and terror.<\/p>\n

\u201cTAKE MY HAND SON!\u201d Ben shouted frantically. \u201cYOU CAN DO IT\u2026 TAKE MY HAND.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam strained to grab it but his father was simply out of reach. Then, suddenly he lost his footing and fell back. He flailed wilding to regain his balance but couldn\u2019t. But, his terrifying fall miraculously turned pleasant and he felt as if he was floating in mid air. He soared through clouds so gleaming white they hurt his eyes. The land below was emerald green and he could see his brothers watching him \u2013 their eyes squinted tightly against the brilliant sunshine. They waved at Adam, as he swooped over them like a hawk. But, the thrilling feeling of flight ended abruptly into a vacuum of nothingness. It seemed to last an eternity. Then Adam transcended his very being and he peered down at his own body, as if he were suspended in the rafters of the shed. From there he watched himself struggle to overcome the very nightmare that held him captive.<\/p>\n

An owl screeched \u2013 its haunting sound jolted Adam back to reality. He was disoriented and obliviously called out for his father. His body was soaked in sweat, but the midnight air sent a chill down his back and he shivered uncontrollably. Amazingly, the excruciating pain in his lower leg was replaced with a warm soreness \u2013 like an old bruise. It calmed him somewhat. But, even though the boys had managed to get Adam to drink, his thirst was overwhelming. He had to somehow find water.<\/p>\n

Trying to adjust his eyes to the limited light, Adam sat up. He placed his hands out flat behind him. The room spun like an eddy and he waited patiently for it to stop. He shook his head to try and stabilize. Sparks of light popped in front of his eyes, momentarily blinding him. Several moments passed before Adam leaned over to touch his leg. Only then did he discover the splint and dressing. Its presence was puzzling.<\/p>\n

He rolled onto his hip and began the laborious task of getting to his feet. With great effort he was successful. Adam placed all his weight on his left leg and bent the knee of his injured leg fearful of touching his foot to the floor. He knew if he did, the agony would start again. He barely had the strength to stand and held onto the wall brace for support.<\/p>\n

\u201cHello?\u201d He called. \u201cIs\u2026 is anyone there?\u201d<\/p>\n

Only the owl answered. He then realized he was in some sort of hunter\u2019s cabin. How he got there was a mystery. He could just barely make out the door as a smoky gray rectangle and he hobbled toward it. Adam opened the door and hopped outside \u2013 his overpowering thirst forcing him onward. Again, he strained to make out his surroundings. He could hear the trickle of a stream behind him. Using the side of the small building as support, he felt his way down the path to the water. When he reached its edge he gingerly dropped to his knees and leaned forward. He placed his entire head beneath the surface of the water. The gentle current bubbled around his ears. But, Adam\u2019s desperate attempt to revitalize his senses failed.<\/p>\n

Cold and still dazed from his trauma, he began to limp up stream. Adam had no idea where he was or which way to go. He inched his way along the bank, periodically stumbling into the water. The auburn light of dawn seeped over the landscape like syrup on pancakes. Adam wondered aimlessly deeper and deeper into the woods \u2013 his search for survival his only unwitting goal.<\/p>\n

PART FIVE<\/p>\n

\u201cHE\u2019S GONE!\u201d Seth gasped as he peered through the open cabin door.<\/p>\n

Kurt and Brad pushed Seth aside and stepped into the shed. Brad picked up the ragged blanket.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhere do you figure he went?\u201d He asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cLook.\u201d Seth pointed. \u201cFootprints. They lead down to the creek.\u201d<\/p>\n

The boys scrambled to the water hoping they\u2019d find the man they\u2019d aided the day before. But, there was no sign of Adam anywhere. They followed the stuttered steps he\u2019d left behind but they disappeared into the stream. Adam had simply vanished.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat do we do now?\u201d Kurt inquired from atop a rock that poked out of the middle of the stream.<\/p>\n

\u201cI guess we go home.\u201d Brad said.<\/p>\n

\u201cGo home? That man was in no shape to be wondering around out here. He could die!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, there\u2019s nothing we can do about it if we can\u2019t find him Seth.\u201d Brad shrugged as if he was glad it was no longer his problem.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2019ve got to look harder.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI wanna go home.\u201d Kurt whimpered. \u201cI\u2019m scared.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019re always scared.\u201d Brad chastised.<\/p>\n

\u201cAm not.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAre too.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cCut it out.\u201d Seth ordered. \u201cWe\u2019ve got find that man or we really will be in trouble.\u201d<\/p>\n

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

\u201cIf he dies, we\u2019re murderers and we really will go to the gallows.\u201d<\/p>\n

Brad and Kurt looked terrified. They both stood silently trying to absorb what Seth had just said. A hawk screeched overhead distracting the boys momentarily.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m going into town and tell the sheriff.\u201d Seth announced boldly.<\/p>\n

\u201cNO!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou can\u2019t stop me this time Brad. It\u2019s what we should have done yesterday.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI said no.\u201d Brad insisted.<\/p>\n

But, Seth had already turned toward Carson City and began to jog through the trees fully intending on getting help. Brad ran after him and tackled Seth to the ground. They landed with a thud. The boys began to tousle and fight \u2013 Seth desperately trying to escape Brad\u2019s grasp and Brad preventing Seth from going any further. Kurt caught up to them and stood over them.<\/p>\n

\u201cSTOP IT!\u201d He shouted. \u201cSTOP IT BRAD!\u201d<\/p>\n

Kurt was small but deceptively strong and he lunged on top of his brother successfully prying him off Seth. Out of breath, the boys got to their feet and stared daggers at one another as they puffed. Kurt continued to hold on to his brother until he was sure he was calm. He then stood between them.<\/p>\n

\u201cSeth\u2019s right Brad. We\u2019ve got to tell somebody. We\u2019ve got to get help.\u201d He implored. \u201cI couldn\u2019t sleep a wink last night and if that man dies because of what we did, I\u2019ll never sleep again. We\u2019ve got to do what\u2019s right no matter what Pa might do.\u201d<\/p>\n

Still heaving from their scuffle, the boys continued to leer as they waited for Brad to come to his senses. When he finally did, the three comrades reluctantly ran the several miles to town.
\n++++++<\/p>\n

The previous evening Ben, Hoss and Little Joe tracked down Pete Visser. He told them that he and Adam shared dinner three nights ago. They had a pleasant evening and nothing seemed out of the ordinary. He told them Adam was in good spirits and intended on riding home the next morning. As a matter of fact, he saw Adam do just that. All Pete could tell them was that Adam rode out of town the same way he came in \u2013 right down main street toward home. Absolutely nothing seemed amiss.<\/p>\n

So, the men could do nothing but wait until morning to pick up their search. But, before they set out, they planned to stop by the sheriff\u2019s office just in case he\u2019d heard of anything strange. The threesome booked two rooms in the local hotel, one for Ben and one for Hoss and Joe to share. All tried to get some sleep. But, that proved to be a tall order, as each one of them churned with worry over the lost Cartwright.<\/p>\n

Ben laid flat on his back in the middle of the bed in the darkened hotel room. He stared out the window. It was illuminated by the beams of a harvest moon and it looked like a slab of butter. Ben closed his eyes but could not sleep as his eldest son\u2019s face appeared in his head. He could see Adam as a small child, holding baby Hoss. Then he pictured a teenaged Adam teaching toddler Joe how to swim. He was such a mature and helpful boy. But, his pleasant thoughts turned daunting when he saw Adam trapped in a dense forest. The image shook Ben to the core and he popped open his eyes suddenly and he sat up. He leaned over to turn up the lamp. He rose from his bed and spent the rest of the night pacing the floor.<\/p>\n

Joe and Hoss too, tossed and turned. Each was tormented by Adam\u2019s mysterious absence. It was three o\u2019clock in the morning and both were still wide-awake.<\/p>\n

\u201cHey Joe?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cUm.\u201d<\/p>\n

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

\u201cYep.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI got a bad feelin\u2019 bout this.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYeah, me too.\u201d Joe responded sadly as he flipped onto his side to look at his brother.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat do you suppose happened to that brother of ours?\u201d Hoss loudly whispered.
\n\u201cI don\u2019t know. But, I do know one thing though.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOh? What\u2019s that?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2019ve got to find him\u2026 alive\u2026 or dead.\u201d<\/p>\n

Hoss swallowed hard. He was terrified of the ladder. He knew exactly what Joe was getting at. Hoss knew that their father would not rest until Adam was recovered either way. He just prayed that his brother was all right \u2013 that there was a logical explanation for Adam\u2019s disappearance. His faith was strong, but it was difficult to remain hopeful.<\/p>\n

At long last the sun finally crept between the buildings of Carson City like water over a dry riverbed. The roosters crowed but the Cartwrights did not need a wake-up call. They dressed and made their way down the stairs into the lobby. They exchanged no words, knowing the task at hand. They exited the hotel just as light spilled over the foothills.<\/p>\n

As they stepped outside onto the porch they noticed three boys running passed them headed for the sheriff\u2019s office. There were very few people on the streets as yet and the boy\u2019s frantic rush did not go unnoticed. Ben, Hoss and Joe followed the boys up the street and entered the office just as Seth, Brad and Kurt were about to tell their story. They took a moment to catch their collective breaths. But, the sheriff pushed them aside to service the Cartwrights instead.<\/p>\n

\u201cCan I help you?\u201d He asked with a friendly tone.<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, I certainly hope you can.\u201d Ben replied with a forced smile \u2013 his concern difficult to overcome.<\/p>\n

\u201cI hope I can too. What\u2019s the trouble?\u201d<\/p>\n

Seth interrupted the conversation. \u201cSheriff Thomas? We got somethin\u2019 we need to tell ya.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cMind your manners boy. I\u2019ll be with you just as soon as I\u2019ve helped these fellas.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cBut, it\u2019s real important.\u201d Seth persisted.<\/p>\n

\u201cI said wait a moment.\u201d The sheriff scolded.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat is it young feller?\u201d Hoss said. \u201cWhat\u2019s got you so riled up?\u201d<\/p>\n

Hoss had a hunch that the boy had information about Adam. His perceptiveness had always been second to none and both Ben and Joe took note of it. They always paid close attention whenever Hoss\u2019 intuition kicked in. The big man knelt down to meet Seth eye-to-eye and placed his massive hands on the boy\u2019s shoulders. Still out of breath Brad and Kurt stayed quiet and looked on apprehensively.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s okay boy. Nobody\u2019s gonna be mad attcha. Have you seen a man dressed all in black, with dark hair? Kind of a handsome feller\u2026 like me?\u201d Hoss\u2019 gentle smile and light demeanor seemed to calm Seth.<\/p>\n

\u201cYes.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben\u2019s heart almost leaped out of his chest with Seth\u2019s affirmation and he too knelt in front of the boy.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhere? Where did you see him?\u201d He asked urgently.<\/p>\n

\u201cHe\u2019s hurt. We\u2026\u201d Seth began to cry.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou what?\u201d Hoss probed. \u201cCalm down now and tell us what happened.\u201d<\/p>\n

Seth bravely collected himself and took a deep breath.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe found an old bear trap in an abandoned hunting shack and we decided to set it. And well, the man got caught in it instead.\u201d Seth whimpered. \u201cWe were scared to tell anybody what we\u2019d done so we took him back to the shack and tended to him. His leg was broken and cut real bad. I wanted to go for help, but Brad was afraid his father would find out and then he\u2019d get a whippin\u2019.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIs he still there?\u201d Joe asked from the sidelines.<\/p>\n

\u201cNo. When we went to check on him this morning he was gone. But, he couldn\u2019t have gotten far.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cTake us to where you last saw him.\u201d Ben ordered \u2013 his booming voice sending registered fear into the three boys. \u201cIt\u2019s alright. Don\u2019t be afraid. Just help us find my son.\u201d<\/p>\n

With the sheriff and his deputy in tow, they galloped out of town just as it began to bustle with life. Each Cartwright had one of the boys atop their steeds with Seth at the helm leading the way.<\/p>\n

++++++++
\nWhen he opened his eyes, all he could see was the ominous circling of flying scavengers above. It made him dizzy. They were silhouetted against the brilliant sun of morning. The birds screeched impatiently as if they were tired of waiting for their pray to die.<\/p>\n

Adam\u2019s head spun with fever and fatigue. At first he thought he may have reached heaven and he prepared to meet his maker. Was this eden? The air was cool and there was the sound of water and a pine scented breeze rustled the leaves of the trees so gently, it was musical. But, when he finally realized he was actually still alive, he found himself lying on his back on the bank of the stream. His injured leg bobbed in the water like a cork fishing float. The frigid mountain fed creek soothed his wound and numbed his broken bone. With his ever-evaporating strength, he dragged himself to a large tree and leaned against it. Adam leered up at the birds whose mocking screeches filled Adam with fury. Then with every fiber of his being he chastised them with a loud, ferocious bellow.<\/p>\n

\u201cYOU\u2019VE GOT A LONG WAIT YOU CANTACEROUS BUZZARDS!\u201d<\/p>\n

His own voice sent pain ricocheting through his brain but despite his discomfort he had more to say.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019M NOT DEAD YET! I\u2019M NOT DEAD YET!\u201d<\/p>\n

Then came a haunting silence and Adam thought it was the end \u2013 that he was about to die. He could here his name being called. It wafted through the trees like campfire smoke. His final memory was the sound of his father\u2019s voice. It got stronger and stronger until finally it seemed to be right over his head. And, just before Adam drifted away he looked up to see his father kneeling over him. \u201cPa?\u201d was the last thing he said.<\/p>\n

EPILOGUE<\/p>\n

\u201cCan we come in?\u201d Seth asked tentatively as he peered through the hotel room door.<\/p>\n

\u201cYes. Come on in boys.\u201d Ben replied quietly.<\/p>\n

The three boys, not unlike Adam, Hoss and Little Joe as youths, slowly walked across the room to where Adam lay. The floor creaked as they went. Still weak but on his way to recovery, Adam lazily turned his head toward them. The fresh cotton sheets crinkled crisply under his head. They stood sheepishly in a line from the head of the bed to its foot. Ben sat on the other side keeping his son company and periodically reading to him. It helped pass the long days of recuperation.<\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t worry boys. I\u2019m not mad at you.\u201d Adam said weakly. \u201cSetting a bear trap wasn\u2019t exactly the smartest thing to do, but it was an accident. And, I\u2019m going to be fine.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2019re so sorry Adam.\u201d The boys mumbled. \u201cWe didn\u2019t mean to hurt anyone.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI know. It\u2019s okay. As a matter of fact you boys did a good job on my leg. The doc even said so. You probably saved my life.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2026 we did?\u201d Kurt replied, finally making eye contact with Adam.<\/p>\n

\u201cYes. That\u2019s what the doc said. Right Pa?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s right. You boys did a fine job. And, in the end you did the right thing in telling us what happened. Sometimes it\u2019s hard to admit when you\u2019ve made a mistake but it\u2019s always best to be truthful.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019re so right Mr. Cartwright.\u201d Kurt grinned. \u201cWe sure have learned our lesson. I slept real good last night knowing Adam was going to be alright.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSo did I son, so did I.\u201d Ben confessed.<\/p>\n

\u201cHow did you father\u2019s take the news of your little escapade?\u201d Adam wondered.<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, let\u2019s just say there\u2019s a reason why we\u2019re all standing here instead of sitting.\u201d Brad said as he rubbed his backside gently.<\/p>\n

\u201cOh.\u201d Adam responded with a curled grin and raised eyebrows.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou boys run along now. Let Adam get his rest.\u201d Ben offered.<\/p>\n

\u201cYes sir.\u201d<\/p>\n

The three boys turned and quietly left the room.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhy don\u2019t you go and get some lunch Pa. I\u2019m feeling pretty tired.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYes. You go to sleep and I\u2019ll bring you some soup.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019d like that.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben too, crossed the room to the door.<\/p>\n

\u201cPa?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYes son?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll be taking the main roads from now on.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAdam.\u201d Ben replied squarely. \u201cYou take whatever road gets you home safely.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam smiled contently and watched his father leave the room and close the door behind him. He closed his eyes, and this time a feeling of peace overwhelmed him. Within moments Adam was sound asleep. Only this time, his slumber was comforting and healing. Adam had survived his ordeal. He would recover and once again ride the trails of his American outback.<\/p>\n

THE END<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

<\/div>\n

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

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

Summary: \u00a0Adam learns the hard way to stay on the beaten path when he is the unfortunate victim of foolish child’s play.<\/p>\n

Rated:\u00a0 T (6,650 words)<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":113,"featured_media":12467,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"template-full-width-post.php","format":"standard","meta":{"_jetpack_newsletter_access":"","_jetpack_dont_email_post_to_subs":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_tier_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paywalled_content":false,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":"","jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false},"categories":[23],"tags":[14],"class_list":["post-3660","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-drama","tag-adam-cartwright","wpcat-23-id"],"a3_pvc":{"activated":true,"total_views":1846,"today_views":1},"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/01\/vlcsnap-2015-12-13-01h31m26s85.png?fit=768%2C576&ssl=1","jetpack_likes_enabled":true,"jetpack-related-posts":[{"id":5505,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=5505","url_meta":{"origin":3660,"position":0},"title":"Goodbyes (by EPM)","author":"EPM","date":"April 23, 2005","format":false,"excerpt":"Summary:\u00a0Joe teaches Adam to look at things in a different way. 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