{"id":4185,"date":"2002-12-11T15:36:43","date_gmt":"2002-12-11T20:36:43","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=4185"},"modified":"2026-07-29T14:04:35","modified_gmt":"2026-07-29T18:04:35","slug":"the-stuff-of-nightmares","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=4185","title":{"rendered":"The Stuff of Nightmares (by Rona)"},"content":{"rendered":"

Summary:\u00a0 <\/strong>After a quarrel, Adam and Joe are sent off separately to do chores. But they become embroiled in a situation which sets brother against brother, and makes each one doubt if the other still loves him.<\/p>\n

Rating T\u00a0 (12,950)<\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

The Stuff of Nightmares<\/strong><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Panting, exhausted, the young man wiped the sweat from his brow with an already sodden sleeve. He ran on, too terrified to stop. His world had turned upside down, and he didn\u2019t know how to deal with it. In the darkness of the trees, he tripped over an unseen root and crashed to the ground. Panic forced him to his feet, although he was so winded he could barely drag enough oxygen into his air-starved lungs. He threw a glance over his shoulder, looking for his pursuers, and ran headlong into one of them.<\/p>\n

Crashing to the ground one more, Joe looked up at the dim figure standing above him. There was no mistaking who it was, even in the poor light. It was his brother Adam. Fear coursed through Joe, and he began to scrabble backwards, trying to get away. It was hopeless, he knew, but he had to try. Effortlessly, Adam reached down and grabbed Joe\u2019s collar and yanked the younger man to his feet.<\/p>\n

\u201cGoing somewhere?\u201d he asked, coldly.<\/p>\n

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

\u201cDon\u2019t shout at me!\u201d Adam bellowed at Joe.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou started it!\u201d Joe shouted back. \u201cIf you\u2019d listened to me, instead of going off at the deep end again, we wouldn\u2019t be having this argument!\u201d The brothers glared at each other, standing practically nose-to-nose in the barn doorway. \u201cThe job was done long ago, as I tried to tell you before you started yelling!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou think you\u2019re so smart, don\u2019t you?\u201d Adam asked, venomously. \u201cWell, you\u2019re not! If I didn\u2019t have to keep checking on your work, this would never have happened.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOh give it a rest, brother,\u201d Joe shot back. \u201cNobody ever asked you to check on my work! You just can\u2019t accept that I\u2019m a man grown, capable of dealing with the work I do, can you? You\u2019d far rather I was still stupid Little Joe, who you could boss about.\u201d Joe shook his chestnut curls. \u201cWell, I\u2019m not, and I haven\u2019t been for a long time. Accept it, brother! I\u2019m an adult, whether you like it or not!\u201d He turned on his heel and stalked towards the house.<\/p>\n

Equally angry, and embarrassed, too, Adam reached out and caught Joe\u2019s arm. \u201cDon\u2019t walk away from me!\u201d he warned. \u201cI\u2019m not finished with you yet!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou might not be finished, but I sure am!\u201d retorted Joe, and yanked his arm free of his brother\u2019s bruising grasp.<\/p>\n

It was the last straw, and Adam swung at Joe. The blow caught the younger man by surprise, and he tumbled to the ground. But he didn\u2019t stay there. His temper really up, Joe launched himself at Adam\u2019s legs while still only half way to his feet, and knocked Adam on his rump with a satisfying thud. They rolled over and over, pummelling each other with a verve unbecoming to brothers who were normally so close.<\/p>\n

There was no telling where the fight might have ended had their father not ridden into the yard. With an exclamation of horror and anger, he jumped down from his horse and separated the two men. It took him several moments to get them to stop, and when he did finally have them parted, he stood looking in disgust and anger at them both. \u201cWhat\u2019s the meaning of this?\u201d he asked, ominously.<\/p>\n

Neither said a word. Adam continued to glare, tight-lipped, at Joe, who hung his head, a sure sign that he was distressed and guilty. Ben, with a hand still on each son\u2019s arm, gave them both a shake. \u201cAnswer me!\u201d he demanded. \u201cAdam?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWe had an argument,\u201d Adam said, sullenly.<\/p>\n

\u201cAn argument?\u201d Joe cried, his head coming up. \u201cHe yelled at me for not going out after the strays. I tried to tell him that I\u2019d been out already, and he began yelling at me for being irresponsible! So I yelled back, and then, when I tried to leave, he hit me!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIs this true?\u201d Ben asked, looking at Adam.<\/p>\n

\u201cYes, its true,\u201d Adam said, shortly. He was still glaring at Joe, oblivious to the damage he\u2019d caused his younger brother. Joe\u2019s eye was swelling, and there was a bad cut over it. Blood was trickling down his face. Adam wasn\u2019t unmarked either. He had a livid scratch running down one cheek, and his bottom lip was split and bleeding.<\/p>\n

\u201cGet inside, both of you, and get cleaned up,\u201d Ben ordered, his disgust apparent. \u201cI want to talk to you both!\u201d<\/p>\n

Silently, and ignoring each other, Joe and Adam went across to the house and went inside. Ben watched them go, a frown on his face. Adam and Joe had always fought, or so it seemed. Reflecting on it as he put his horse away, Ben realised that the bickering had started as Joe reached adulthood. Adam had seemed to find it difficult to allow Joe to grow up. As a parent, Ben fully understood his oldest son\u2019s difficulties in that area, but he had managed to let go of the boys as they became men, and Adam would have to do the same. It seemed to Ben that the more maturity Joe gained, the more Adam treated him like a child. Joe had recently had a major disappointment in his love life, and it almost seemed to Ben that Adam was gloating about it. Sighing, he shook his head, and went to the house.<\/p>\n

Neither son was in the great room, but Ben waited patiently, and after a short time, they both appeared. They had changed their ripped clothing, and had washed the blood from their faces. But there was no doubt that they had been fighting. The cut above Joe\u2019s eye still bled sluggishly.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m sorry we were fighting, Pa,\u201d Joe said, contritely, and Ben was sure he was sorry. That was Joe\u2019s way \u2013 lose his temper, have a major fit, and then apologise. He generally meant it, too, Ben reflected. Joe rarely offered an apology he didn\u2019t mean. He watched as Joe turned to Adam. \u201cI\u2019m sorry, Adam. I shouldn\u2019t have gone off like that, and I shouldn\u2019t have hit you.\u201d Joe was sorry. He hated to be at odds with his family.<\/p>\n

Expectantly, Ben turned to Adam, waiting for his eldest\u2019s cool, calm, rational apology. It didn\u2019t come. \u201cSorry,\u201d he said, shortly, and it was plain to all that he didn\u2019t mean it. As Ben gaped in disbelief at Adam, he saw Joe taking a hold on his temper.<\/p>\n

\u201cAdam?\u201d he said, anger still in his voice.<\/p>\n

\u201cI said sorry, what more do you want?\u201d Adam demanded, his anger still apparent in his voice.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou obviously aren\u2019t sorry,\u201d Ben said. \u201cWhat is going on here?\u201d<\/p>\n

For a long moment, Adam glared darkly at Ben. Joe stood smouldering by his father\u2019s side. \u201cI guess I\u2019m not sorry,\u201d Adam grunted. \u201cI\u2019ll be in my room.\u201d He stalked off upstairs and a moment later, the door slammed. Joe looked at Ben, and wisely decided not to say anything. He sat down on the settee, and gingerly felt his face.<\/p>\n

Completely floored by Adam\u2019s uncharacteristic anger, Ben didn\u2019t know what to do. He finally decided to let Adam work it out for himself, and looked back at Joe. Joe now had his head back against the settee, and had his eyes closed. A smear of blood showed where he had tried to wipe it away. Ben, looking at the cut, decided that one son, at least, deserved a little TLC. He went to get some water and a bandage.<\/p>\n

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

Supper was eaten in a stony silence. Joe\u2019s eye was dark with bruising, emphasised all the more by the white bandage Ben had placed over the cut. Adam\u2019s cheek still showed the scratch, although its path was marked now by the bruising that had come out around it. His split lip was obviously bothering him as he ate. Hoss eyed both brothers, but wisely decided to keep out of it. He put away the usual piles of food, while Adam ate stolidly, and Joe picked at his meal. Ben glowered darkly throughout.<\/p>\n

After supper was over, they gathered in front of the fire as usual, with Hoss setting out the checkers board as a matter of course. Joe perched himself on the edge of the table \u2013 his favourite spot \u2013 and they began to play. Adam sat in the blue velvet chair and gazed broodingly into the fire. Ben picked up the paper and read it with intense concentration.<\/p>\n

However much they tried to act as though this was a normal evening, the atmosphere was laden with bad feeling. Joe was the first to disappear to bed. His puzzled looks at his oldest brother clearly told everyone that he didn\u2019t understand why Adam was still so angry. Discord amongst the family always hit Joe the hardest.<\/p>\n

Next to go was Hoss. He decided to give Adam and Ben the chance to talk alone, and perhaps this whole nasty scene would be forgotten by morning. However, Hoss wasn\u2019t well away before Adam bid his father a short goodnight and headed upstairs with great speed.<\/p>\n

Left alone, Ben put down the paper and brooded in peace. He wasn\u2019t sure how much more of this he could take, and he wondered what to do about it. Finally, he decided that it might be best to separate them. With a decision finally taken, he rose, and went wearily to bed.<\/p>\n

The next morning, Ben collared Adam and Joe before they had the chance to leave the house. \u201cI want to talk to you two,\u201d he said, and appointed to the fireplace. Obediently, the brothers went and stood where they had been told. Joe was still throwing Adam pleading looks, which the older Cartwright seemed oblivious to.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ve had enough of you two,\u201d Ben started. \u201cIt\u2019s about time you made an effort to get along. Adam, that means that you accept the fact that Joe is an adult, and can do his work without any of us looking over his shoulder all the time. Joe, you have to accept that its difficult to always remember that you are a grown up. Meantime, until you\u2019ve got over your fit of anger, you can both go ride fence \u2013 alone \u2013 and when you come back, I expect that you\u2019ll be able to treat each other like human beings and brothers. Is that clear?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYes, sir,\u201d they chorused. Joe\u2019s head was down again, and it was clear that he felt very bad about the fight. Adam stood with his head up, but a betraying flush crept up his neck.<\/p>\n

\u201cAdam, you take the fence on the north range, and Joe, you go east. Go and get the supplies you\u2019ll need, and remember, I expect this childish argument to be sorted when you get back.\u201d Ben turned on his heel and walked over to his desk.<\/p>\n

Casting Adam another look, Joe went to collect his supplies and bedroll. He hoped Adam would say something, but his brother maintained a cold silence as they packed up and saddled their horses. Joe could hardly bear the atmosphere any longer. He felt as though he was being suffocated. \u201cAdam,\u201d he began, determined to make one last effort to sort this out, before they were apart for a couple of days.<\/p>\n

Acting as though he hadn\u2019t heard, Adam mounted Malibu, the black horse he had been riding for several days because Sport was lame, and rode away without a word. Joe watched him go, tears gathering in his eyes. Impatiently, he blinked them away. Well, he had done what he could to mend the breach. The rest was up to Adam. Joe mounted Cochise, and rode out, but his heart was sore.<\/p>\n

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

Malibu was a completely different type of horse from Sport, and Adam had to pay attention to where he was going for the first few hours, until the horse finally relaxed and stopped dancing sideways on his toes. Sport had taken a bad step and twisted his fetlock, which had blown up very quickly. Adam hated to be without his long-term mount, although Malibu was a good horse. In his own way, Malibu was as flashy as Sport. Sport was sorrel with white legs \u2013 usually considered unlucky by horsemen \u2013 and Malibu was solid black, with a broad white blaze. Sport was big and rangy and could run all day. Malibu was better bred, with more nervous energy. It took time to get accustomed to the changes.<\/p>\n

Concentrating on his horse allowed Adam to avoid thinking about he and Joe. But when he broke for lunch, he had little choice but to think about his youngest brother. It was true, he realised. He did resent the fact that Joe had grown up, and was no longer willing to play the impressionable little brother to fuel Adam\u2019s sense of superiority. Funny, he hadn\u2019t minded when Hoss grew up. It had given him a companion of nearly his own age. He wondered if it was just the age gap that made it so difficult to remember that Joe was now an adult. Maybe it was because Joe could revert to childhood when it suited him. Or perhaps because, when he was hurt, he still looked a vulnerable 16. Adam didn\u2019t know. All he did know was that he was wrong, and would have to make up his mind to apologise to Joe, and Pa, and start to treat Joe differently.<\/p>\n

Humble pie was a bitter dish for anyone, but especially for Adam, who tended to think he knew better than both of his brothers. Hoss didn\u2019t mind. He went along cheerfully with whatever Adam suggested. But Joe was different. Joe always needed to do his own thing. It went against the grain to apologise to him, but Adam knew he had to do it. With a deep sigh, Adam got to his feet, and remounted. Perhaps a couple of days thinking about it would make the actual task easier, he thought.<\/p>\n

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

Pitching camp for the night, Joe set about cooking some supper. He wasn\u2019t really hungry; his appetite was always the first thing to suffer when he was troubled. But he made some bacon and beans, and even managed to eat some of it. \u201cYou know, Cooch,\u201d he said, \u201cAdam really needs a kick in the pants.\u201d The pinto snorted agreeably. \u201cBut Pa did that, and I know him well enough to know that he finds it hard to say sorry. I know I already done it once, but you know what, Cooch? We\u2019re gonna hunt down brother Adam in the morning and talk about this. Does that sound like a plan?\u201d This time, Cochise shook his mane and whinnied. Joe laughed, feeling better. \u201cAll right! It\u2019s a plan!\u201d<\/p>\n

Rolling himself in his bedroll, Joe fell asleep in seconds.<\/p>\n

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

The gun clicked right beside Adam\u2019s ear, and he woke with a jerk. It took a moment for his eyes to adjust to the dimness. When they did, he saw 4 men standing over him. \u201cWho are you?\u201d one asked. \u201cAnd what are you doing here?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m riding fence,\u201d Adam said, warily, not mentioning his name. \u201cWho are you?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI ask the questions, buddy,\u201d the other returned. \u201cDo you work for the Cartwrights?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYes,\u201d Adam replied. He looked at the men, and saw they were well armed.<\/p>\n

\u201cI asked your name,\u201d the man reminded him.<\/p>\n

\u201cAdam, Adam Johnstone,\u201d Adam answered, using the first name that came into his head.<\/p>\n

There was a pause, then the man put the hammer back on the gun and slid it back into his holster. Adam relaxed fractionally. \u201cThat\u2019s the same first name as the oldest Cartwright,\u201d said another man. \u201cAnd he looks a bit like him.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t remind me,\u201d Adam said.<\/p>\n

He all but saw the other man\u2019s ears prick up at that. \u201cYou don\u2019t care much for Adam Cartwright then?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo,\u201d Adam returned. \u201cWhat\u2019s it to you?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cMy name\u2019s Carling,\u201d the man said, squatting down by the fire. \u201cHow long you worked for the Cartwrights, Johnstone?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cToo long,\u201d Adam replied, sourly. \u201cA couple of years, I guess.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat\u2019s your beef with them?\u201d Carling asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m out riding fence, while they\u2019re all tucked up warm. They\u2019re too fancy to do work like this,\u201d he muttered. Somehow, he had to find out what these men wanted, and then get away from them. But it wasn\u2019t going to be easy. He held his gaze steady on Carling. \u201cWhy?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI have a proposition for you,\u201d Carling said. \u201cSit down, boys, I think we\u2019ve found our man.\u201d<\/p>\n

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

As the tale unfolded, Adam fought to keep his anger from showing. Carling and his men were rustlers, and were bent on taking a large chunk of the Ponderosa herd. They had some cowboys waiting for them about 10 miles back in a box canyon. They planned to keep the cattle there, and when the heat had died down, to drive them to market somewhere.\u00a0 They had been on the lookout for a disgruntled ranch hand, and thought they had found one in Adam. Adam wondered how on earth he was going to get away to alert his father. Meantime, he played along, harping on about his resemblance to the \u2018real\u2019 Adam, and generally creating the persona of a discontented man.<\/p>\n

Finally, they settled down to sleep, but one man remained on guard, and he kept an eagle eye on Adam. Grinding his teeth in frustration, Adam tried to sleep, but he was too tense to drop off. When dawn finally lit the eastern sky with rosy fingers, his eyes were grainy and his lids heavy.<\/p>\n

They ate breakfast from Adam\u2019s meagre supplies, and questioned him thoroughly about ranch procedure, and finally produced some paper for him to draw a map on. Carefully, Adam drew in several errors, hoping that this might make the men more vulnerable when they began their attempt to steal the cattle. He didn\u2019t know if it would, but anything was worth a try at that point.<\/p>\n

\u201cAll right, we\u2019ll go for it tomorrow night,\u201d Carling declared. \u201cThere won\u2019t be a moon.\u201d He stopped, and his head went up. \u201cWhat\u2019s that?\u201d he whispered.<\/p>\n

The men all went for their guns. Adam could clearly hear a horse coming. A spike of fear shot through his belly, and he knew without a shadow of a doubt that it was Joe. Paralysed with fear, he stood there, unable to think.\u00a0 And then his nightmare came true, and Joe rode into view.<\/p>\n

He had no chance. Four guns were centred on him, and he drew rein slowly, raising his hands. His eyes flickered over the men, and opened wide at sight of Adam. \u201cAdam?\u201d he said, and there was concern as well as puzzlement in his tone. He couldn\u2019t figure out what he was seeing.<\/p>\n

\u201cJust dismount real slow, kid,\u201d Carling advised him. He glanced at Adam. \u201cThat\u2019s the youngest Cartwright kid, isn\u2019t it? I was told he rode a pinto.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYeah, it is,\u201d Adam agreed. He wondered if his voice sounded as strange to the men as it did to him. His lips felt frozen. His eyes were glued to Joe, hoping that his brother wouldn\u2019t say anything to blow his cover. If he did, they would both die.<\/p>\n

\u201cAdam?\u201d Joe said, again. There was accusation in his tone now, and although it cut Adam to the core, he was relieved. It would stop the men from suspecting anything. \u201cWhat is this?\u201d He stepped down from his horse.<\/p>\n

Crossing the gap between them in one step, Carling backhanded Joe across the mouth. \u201cJust shut up, kid! Cassidy, tie him up!\u201d He relieved Joe of his gun.<\/p>\n

Those green eyes widened, and shot another look at Adam. Joe\u2019s mouth was bleeding, and set in that stubborn way that Adam knew so well. Adam fractionally shook his head, hoping Joe would get the message. It seemed he did, for he stood fairly still as Cassidy tied him up and threw him down under a tree. \u201cWhat are you going to do to him?\u201d Adam asked, dispassionately.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2019ll probably kill him in the end,\u201d Carling replied, casually, \u201cbut he might come in handy as a hostage if something goes wrong.\u201d He smiled at Adam. \u201cCome and give us a hand with our gear,\u201d he said. \u201cCassidy, you stay here and keep an eye on the kid.\u201d<\/p>\n

As he rose, Adam couldn\u2019t resist glancing at Joe again. Joe was glaring at him, his chin set. He looked furious to the casual observer, but Adam could read the pain and confusion in those green eyes. There was nothing he could do or say, so he simply looked away. Briefly, he closed his eyes. How was he going to get them out of this mess alive?<\/p>\n

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

Riding to the north fence line that morning, Joe had felt better than he had since the quarrel. Even his broken heart was starting to mend. He was totally unprepared to ride into the scene that he had. Adam was stony faced, obviously in cahoots with those men, whoever they were. Joe had half expected Adam to step forward with a smooth explanation, and perhaps poke some fun at his younger brother, but he had said next to nothing, and the men he was with didn\u2019t seem to realise that he was a Cartwright, too. Joe caught the look Adam sent him, and kept his mouth shut, but he was confused, and apprehensive. What was going on? Why was Adam treating him like a total stranger? Surely their breach didn\u2019t go that far? Surely Adam didn\u2019t mean to let these men kill him? They were still brothers! Weren\u2019t they?<\/p>\n

Fear was shortening Joe\u2019s breath as he began to become a bit panicky. He struggled against his bonds, but Cassidy knew what he was doing, and they didn\u2019t budge. Joe had been in many tight situations before, but never one quite like this. Never one where a member of his own family was part of the gang holding him hostage. He was still wrestling with his bonds when Adam and the others returned. Adam looked to Joe as soon as he appeared. Joe tried to read that dark brown gaze, but he\u2019d never had much luck reading Adam\u2019s eyes, for Adam was too self contained to let his emotions show.<\/p>\n

As the day wore on, Joe continued to try out his bonds, but all he did was rub his wrists raw. However, he noticed that Adam was being watched nearly as closely as he was, and the clues began to fall into place for Joe. However Adam had become entangled with this gang, they didn\u2019t know who he was. Listening to the conversations around him, Joe picked up enough information to realise what they intended to do.<\/p>\n

Darkness fell, and the men cooked some beans for supper. Adam crossed to Joe with a plate, sat down next to him, and began to feed him. \u201cDon\u2019t say anything,\u201d he cautioned in an undertone. \u201cThey don\u2019t know who I am. They think I\u2019m a hand with a grudge against us.\u201d He spooned some more into Joe\u2019s mouth. \u201cI\u2019ve got to pretend I don\u2019t know you, but I\u2019ll try and get you out of here.\u201d<\/p>\n

Evading the next spoonful, Joe turned his head away. \u201cI thought you hated me,\u201d he whispered.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat are you whispering about, boy?\u201d Carling yelled.<\/p>\n

Looking over, Joe said, \u201cI was asking him what he was doing with a rat like you!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cEat it!\u201d Adam said, loudly. \u201cI got better things to do than feed you, kid!\u201d He shoved the spoon at Joe again, who took it. \u201cI\u2019ll try and help you,\u201d he muttered. \u201cJust relax.\u201d He offered more beans, but Joe turned his head away again. Adam frowned, but didn\u2019t force the issue. \u201cSuit yourself,\u201d he sneered, and got up and walked away. Joe kept his head turned away, feeling the beans lie heavy in his stomach. He and Adam were both trapped, but for all Adam\u2019s words about trying to help Joe, he hadn\u2019t said the one thing Joe needed to hear. He hadn\u2019t said he didn\u2019t hate Joe.<\/p>\n

\u201cProblems, Johnstone?\u201d Carling said. \u201cIs the kid being snotty? Beans ain\u2019t good enough for him, huh?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou got it, Mr Carling,\u201d responded Adam, with forced jocularity. \u201cHeard tell he\u2019s real fussy about his food.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m fussy about my company, too,\u201d Joe said, before he could help himself. Adam stiffened, and Carling laughed.<\/p>\n

\u201cGo on, Johnstone, now\u2019s your chance,\u201d Carling urged. \u201cNobody here\u2019s going to complain too loudly if you teach the kid a lesson.\u201d<\/p>\n

Still, Adam stood there frozen. He had to do something, but could he bring himself to hit his brother? The thought jolted through him, for the previous day, he had done just that. Joe, guessing what was going through his brother\u2019s mind, spoke up again. \u201cHe\u2019s just a coward,\u201d he sneered. \u201cHe hasn\u2019t got the guts to do it!\u201d<\/p>\n

Swinging round, Adam yanked the younger man to his feet by the collar. \u201cYou\u2019ve got a big mouth,\u201d he snarled. He cocked his fist, and whispered, \u201csorry,\u201d just as his first punch connected with Joe\u2019s face.<\/p>\n

It was the hardest thing he had ever done; yet he soon felt anger burning in him again. If Joe hadn\u2019t been so eager to make up their quarrel, if he\u2019d just been content to let Adam brood in peace, he wouldn\u2019t have been in danger, and Adam wouldn\u2019t have been forced to beat him up. Joe was helpless with his hands and feet tied, and it took Adam only a few blows to put his brother down. Where possible, Adam had pulled his punches as much as he could, but his anger broke through more often than he would\u2019ve liked. Joe was bleeding and dazed when Adam let him drop back to the ground. He stood over Joe for a few moments, seeing the damage his fists had done, and feeling about 6 inches high. A low moan reached his ears, and he turned away, sickened.<\/p>\n

Laughing, Carling stood up and clapped Adam on the shoulder. \u201cBet you\u2019ve wanted to do that for a long time, haven\u2019t you?\u201d he asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cA long time,\u201d Adam responded, avoiding looking at Joe. He went and sat down on his bedroll.<\/p>\n

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

The fire had died down, and the man on guard duty had fallen asleep. Adam eased from his bedroll and tiptoed over to Joe. The younger man was asleep, and the bruises on his face weren\u2019t as visible in the dim light. Adam put his hand over Joe\u2019s mouth and shook him. Joe panicked awake, but his cry was muffled against Adam\u2019s hand. After a moment, he recognised his brother, and relaxed slightly. Swiftly, Adam cut through the ropes binding Joe, and handed him the knife. \u201cGet out of here,\u201d he breathed against Joe\u2019s ear. \u201cGet help.\u201d<\/p>\n

Wincing slightly as he rubbed his wrists, Joe whispered, \u201cWhat about you?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNever mind me. Just go. I\u2019ll try and slow them down, but no promises! Go!\u201d He dragged Joe to his feet and gave him a shove. Tucking the knife into his belt, and giving Adam a last look, Joe ran off. Adam slipped back beneath his covers, and tried to relax.<\/p>\n

He had barely put his head down when the guard woke with a snort, and looked round. It took him a moment to comprehend the cut ropes lying where their prisoner had been. \u201cCarling! He\u2019s gone. The kid\u2019s gone!\u201d<\/p>\n

The whole camp sat up, and rubbed at sleepy eyes. Adam did the same, looking round as though expecting to see Joe where he had been lying when Adam went to sleep. Carling shot him a suspicious look, but Adam was frowning. \u201cWe\u2019ve got to get him back,\u201d he said. \u201cHe knows who I am!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t worry,\u201d Carling said grimly. \u201cHe\u2019s seen our faces, too, and I\u2019m in no hurry to meet the local sheriff. We\u2019ve got to find him!\u201d He gestured to Adam. \u201cYou stay with me!\u201d<\/p>\n

And so the hunt began. Joe had less than a minute\u2019s head start, and Adam feared that it wouldn\u2019t be enough. His trail was easy enough to follow, too easy for Adam to mislead them. They did tracked along it quickly. Adam\u2019s heart was in his mouth. What chance did Joe have against all of them? There was a shout from ahead, and dimly, Adam saw one of the men go down. Joe had managed to get the drop on him. He glanced round, saw Adam with the others closing in on him and made a run for it again. It was bad enough being chased, but somehow worse knowing that Adam was part of the group pursuing him. Joe forced his legs to move faster.<\/p>\n

But he was too late. As he ran into the open again, a rope sang through the air and dropped squarely over his shoulders and jerked him off his feet. By the time Joe was fighting free of the rope, Cassidy and another man had arrived, and Joe went down under their onslaught. Another few seconds passed until Carling and Adam got there, and looked down on the helpless captive. Cassidy was binding him firmly with the lariat. \u201cHe won\u2019t be able to tell on you now, Johnstone,\u201d Cassidy growled.<\/p>\n

\u201cGood,\u201d Adam grunted. He watched as Carling kicked Joe viciously in the side. Joe shot him a glance, but Adam couldn\u2019t meet his eyes. Joe\u2019s heart grew cold within him. Adam was doing nothing to help him. Had their quarrel gone so deep?<\/p>\n

\u201cHow did he get away?\u201d Carling demanded.\u00a0 He reached down and roughly searched Joe, finding the knife tucked into his belt. \u201cDidn\u2019t you search him before you tied him up?\u201d he asked Cassidy.<\/p>\n

\u201cI didn\u2019t think of it any more than you did,\u201d Cassidy replied, shrugging off Carling\u2019s hand. \u201cYou took his gun off him, what more did you want?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cLet\u2019s get him back to camp,\u201d Carling said, and gestured to Adam to pick Joe up. There was a bad gash along Joe\u2019s cheekbone, and Adam hoped that he didn\u2019t have any broken bones. He slung Joe over his shoulder, and they headed back to camp.<\/p>\n

By the time they got there, Joe was groaning with every step. Adam dropped him, and walked away, unable to look at the hurt in his younger brother\u2019s eyes. Carling knelt by Joe and looked him over. \u201cWhere was the knife?\u201d he asked, conversationally.<\/p>\n

\u201cDoes it matter?\u201d Joe answered. \u201cDid you think I was just going to sit here?\u201d<\/p>\n

Hefting the knife, Carling looked closely at it. \u201cA.C.,\u201d he murmured. \u201cThese aren\u2019t your initials. Whose are they?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIt belongs to my brother Adam,\u201d Joe replied. \u201cI borrowed it.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou borrowed it,\u201d echoed Carling. \u201cFrom what your friend here was telling me about brother Adam, he won\u2019t take too kindly to your having borrowed his knife, will he?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat\u2019s it to you?\u201d the young man said, bitterly. \u201cWhen you meet Adam, you\u2019ll find he won\u2019t have taken too kindly to you \u2018borrowing\u2019 his brother!\u201d He threw an angry glance at Adam, who turned his head away.<\/p>\n

\u201cI heard different,\u201d Adam mumbled. \u201cI heard he ain\u2019t always too keen on you.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cMy brother Hoss ain\u2019t too keen on people who hurt me. I\u2019d watch out!\u201d Joe swallowed sharply against the hurt.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou got spunk, boy,\u201d Carling laughed. He rose and looked round at his men. \u201cLet\u2019s get some sleep. The next man who falls asleep on watch is dead.\u201d There was no doubting that he meant it.<\/p>\n

Lying down on his bedroll, Adam wondered once again how on earth they were going to get out of this. They would be watching Joe even more carefully now. Eventually exhaustion closed his eyes, and he slept.<\/p>\n

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

It was a long, cold, painful night for Joe. His body ached where he had been slung over Adam\u2019s shoulder, and his face throbbed. The ropes chafed his flesh more than ever, and they were tied more tightly than before. Even knowing that Adam was close by was no comfort to Joe. Adam\u2019s motives were a mystery to Joe.\u00a0 His cover as a ranch hand gone bad was too convincing. Joe knew Adam really did have mixed feelings about the ranch. He wondered if Adam had mixed feelings about him, too. Although he was aware that Adam had pulled some of his punches, the anger behind the blows was unmistakeable. The cold looks had no warm glint behind them. For all Adam had set him free, Joe wasn\u2019t sure that he would get any more help from his sibling. He wondered where their relationship had gone wrong, and what, if anything, he could do to mend it.<\/p>\n

Looking over at the men sleeping by the fire, Joe wished that he had his bedroll, which was tied onto the back of his saddle. It was cold where he was lying. Wriggling round, Joe noticed the man on watch turning his gun in his direction. For several long moments, their gazes clashed, then the man looked away. Joe looked over at Adam again. Disbelief and hurt coursed through Joe, for Adam was asleep! Joe dragged his gaze away from his older brother. How could he sleep when their lives were in danger? Joe bit his lip. Anger flared up inside him again. Everything was so damned easy for Adam. He\u2019d got himself into the gang, and would be all right, so why should he bother about his pesky little brother?\u00a0 But Joe\u2019s sense of fairness wouldn\u2019t allow that thought to continue. Adam had tried to get him safely away, even if he hadn\u2019t seemed to care that Joe didn\u2019t make it. It was all too confusing.<\/p>\n

Worn out by his emotions, Joe fell into a restless doze, and dreamed endlessly of Adam chasing him through the dark.<\/p>\n

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

The sun had been up for a while when Carling brought Joe some food. He untied the young man briefly, as he had the evening before, to allow Joe to relieve himself. He kept his gun trained on Joe the whole time. He beckoned to Cassidy to come and tie Joe up again, and Joe backed away. He didn\u2019t know if he could face being bound again.<\/p>\n

A nasty smile crossed Carling\u2019s face, and he followed Joe step for step. Joe kept going, one step at a time, knowing that he couldn\u2019t get away, but unwilling to submit.\u00a0 He knew he was being toyed with, but he couldn\u2019t stop himself. He kept his gaze trained on Carling\u2019s gun. Suddenly, he bumped into something, and turned his head. It didn\u2019t come as a surprise to find it was Adam.<\/p>\n

\u201cGoing somewhere?\u201d Adam asked, coldly. The tone dragged a shiver down Joe\u2019s spine, because it was the exact tone Adam used whenever he caught Joe in some youthful transgression. Adam\u2019s eyes were empty of even the tiniest bit of warmth. Joe caught his breath, and instinctively shoved Adam out of his way, making a dive to his right, and freedom.<\/p>\n

With an angry roar, Adam threw himself on Joe, tackling him about the knees, and bringing him crashing to the ground. Joe fought back frantically, now so desperate to escape that he didn\u2019t care who he hurt in the process. Adam was taller and heavier than Joe, but Joe had panic to lend him strength. He snapped a kick at Adam, who barely managed to evade it.<\/p>\n

That allowed Joe a momentary break, and he again scrabbled to his feet, but Adam recovered quickly, and brought him down once more. Carling and his men were watching the fight with great interest. Adam finally managed to pin Joe down, and sat astride his chest. Furiously angry, for he had been trying to save Joe from Carling, Adam clipped his brother several times on the chin. Joe tried to fend Adam off, but Adam\u2019s weight was telling, and it wasn\u2019t long before Joe sagged unconscious.<\/p>\n

Pushing himself away from the unconscious figure on the ground, Adam wiped away a trickle of blood from his mouth, and looked at the other men. Carling was openly laughing, and Adam felt a spasm of unease. \u201cYou really don\u2019t like that kid, do you?\u201d Carling said, and slapped Adam on the shoulder.<\/p>\n

\u201cLess and less,\u201d Adam said, and staggered away to get a drink. He watched dispassionately as Cassidy efficiently tied Joe up. Joe hadn\u2019t stirred, and Adam fought down a surge of guilt. He blew on his knuckles before realising what he was doing, and looked down on the raw skin. His knuckles were red and scraped, and Adam felt sick. He had hit Joe harder and more often than he\u2019d intended. He closed his eyes for a moment. How was he going to get them out of this before his relationship with his brother was completely destroyed?<\/p>\n

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

\u201cI done left a note, Pa,\u201d Hoss said, coming out of the house and closing the door behind him. He took Chubb\u2019s rein from the hitching post and mounted. \u201cI dunno how pleased Adam and Little Joe\u2019ll be when they get back, and find they\u2019ve to come out to the range again.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, I don\u2019t really care how they feel,\u201d Ben said. He turned Buck and they headed out of the yard. \u201cWith the hands taking ill like this, we need every eye we can get.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cPaul reckons its flu,\u201d Hoss commented, as though Ben didn\u2019t already know. \u201cHope it don\u2019t take too many of them.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cMe, too,\u201d Ben agreed. \u201cWe\u2019re short-handed as it is. I just hope Adam and Joe don\u2019t get back too late tonight.\u201d He shifted his shoulders. \u201cWe\u2019ll get the herd brought as close to the house as we can until this crisis is over.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cDadburnit,\u201d Hoss muttered. \u201cAin\u2019t this jist the wrong time for a flu outbreak!\u201d<\/p>\n

They urged their mounts into an easy, ground-covering lope.<\/p>\n

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

How long he\u2019d lain unconscious, Joe was never to know. But when he did rouse, he felt terrible, and it wasn\u2019t just because of the beating he\u2019d received. As Joe was wont to point out to anyone who\u2019d listen, he\u2019d beaten up before. No, it was the source of the beating that hurt him most. Adam had been like a man demented. Joe had seen fury in his brother\u2019s eyes often enough to recognise it when he saw it, but he couldn\u2019t remember ever seeing Adam so angry before. It scared him. He had never before felt this kind of distance between them.<\/p>\n

At noon, the men made a meal and sat and ate it. Joe was offered nothing, not even water. By now, he lay in the full glare of the sunlight, and before long his head was throbbing mercilessly. He closed his eyes and drifted. Adam hadn\u2019t so much as glanced in his direction since it happened. Joe didn\u2019t realise that it was because Adam was too ashamed to look at him. He was too miserable to care.<\/p>\n

A short while before the sun began to set, Carling came across to where Joe lay, and sliced through the rope binding his feet. \u201cGet up!\u201d he ordered.<\/p>\n

The first movement awakened all Joe\u2019s aches and pains, and he couldn\u2019t repress a groan as he flopped back down. His bruises had stiffened, and the effort of getting up was too much for him, especially with his hands still bound behind his back. Joe closed his eyes. Carling kicked him viciously in the ribs. \u201cI said, get up!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cGet lost!\u201d Joe gasped. He was curled up, trying to breathe through the new pain thumping through his side. Carling kicked him in the kidneys. Joe\u2019s back arched as the agony blossomed. He couldn\u2019t stop another groan getting past his teeth.<\/p>\n

\u201cGet up!\u201d Carling ordered, and yanked Joe to his feet. He grinned at the young man. \u201cSomething wrong, boy?\u201d<\/p>\n

Lifting his head, Joe caught a glimpse of Adam over Carling\u2019s shoulder. \u201cNot with me,\u201d he said, quietly.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou got a big mouth boy,\u201d Carling snarled. He cocked his fist. Joe met his gaze.<\/p>\n

\u201cOne day, it might get me into trouble,\u201d Joe responded. He could feel the sweat on his upper lip, but he continued to hold his head up high.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt already has,\u201d Carling murmured. He dragged Joe over to Cochise, and drew his gun. Cocking it, he placed the barrel against Joe\u2019s head. \u201cOne move, and its all over,\u201d he warned. Joe stood motionless as Cassidy untied his hands, and retied them in front of him. His wrists were raw and bleeding, and he bit his lip as the rough hemp was tightened round them again.<\/p>\n

Stepping back, Carling set the hammer again. \u201cGet on,\u201d he ordered, and Joe, having no choice, swung himself on board. His reins were already tied to the horn of Carling\u2019s saddle. The other men mounted up and they rode out.<\/p>\n

After about an hour later, they drew rein in a draw of trees. The men drew bandannas up over their faces, and Carling drew Cochise close to his own mount. Reaching over, he forced a gag into Joe\u2019s mouth. \u201cJust so your big mouth won\u2019t give us away!\u201d he laughed.<\/p>\n

\u201cCarling, the herd sounds restless,\u201d one of the men said.<\/p>\n

Sure enough, now that their attention had been brought to it, they could all hear the herd mooing and trampling about. Joe resisted looking at Adam, as he had throughout the ride. It wasn\u2019t too hard. He was too sore to turn round, and he certainly didn\u2019t want to look at the cause of his discomfort. All the way, he\u2019d been able to feel Adam\u2019s eyes burning into his back. Joe shifted uneasily, and Carling\u2019s eyes snapped to him at once. \u201cOne move!\u201d he warned. Joe held his gaze until he turned away.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2019d better move, then,\u201d Carling said. \u201cWe don\u2019t want them to start a panic before we get the chance to rustle \u2018em!\u201d<\/p>\n

They moved out. Cochise was snubbed so close to Carling\u2019s mount that Joe\u2019s leg rubbed against its side. It was a pity, Joe reflected, that he couldn\u2019t move his leg enough to give the horse a good kick!<\/p>\n

The sun was down, but there was still enough light to see, and Joe immediately recognised 2 of the riders. A jolt of fear rushed through his stomach, and he knew that he had to do something to warn Pa and Hoss before anything happened. Completely forgetting about Adam, Joe shot a glance at Carling, and knew that he had to act at once.<\/p>\n

Reaching up with his bound hands, Joe ripped the gag from his mouth and bellowed, \u201cRustlers!\u201d as loudly as he could. In the same instant, he threw himself from his horse.<\/p>\n

Turning, Ben saw the group of 6 men coming from the trees, and he immediately recognised Cochise. The voice had been Joe\u2019s and he saw a figure dive from the pinto\u2019s back. \u201cCome on, men!\u201d he shouted, and the hands drew their guns and began to shoot.<\/p>\n

The group scattered, and Ben saw the person next to Joe leap over Cochise and chase after Joe. He cursed under his breath, but there was nothing he could do for Joe right now. They had to drive the rustlers off, and get the herd back under control again. His heart in his mouth, Ben fired again.<\/p>\n

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

Rolling desperately away from Cochise, Joe forced himself to his feet, and ran back into the trees, hoping to lose any pursuit. From behind, he could hear someone crashing through the undergrowth after him. Joe swiped his arm over his face, soaking up the sweat on his upper lip. The light was dying fast, and amongst the trees, it was very uncertain. Joe kept running, his breath coming in painful gasps.<\/p>\n

\u201cCartwright, you get back here!\u201d Carling shouted, and Joe increased his pace. A bullet whistled past his ear and thudded into a tree ahead of him. Ducking, Joe lost his balance, and almost fell. He knew that if he went down, he\u2019d be lost. \u201cJohnstone! He\u2019s coming your way! Get him!\u201d<\/p>\n

Another bullet whined by, and Joe knew that his luck wouldn\u2019t hold forever. He was tiring rapidly, his earlier injuries taking their toll. The footing under the trees was unstable and Joe slipped and slid constantly. He didn\u2019t know how much longer he could go on. There was still sporadic gunfire from behind him, and he could only pray that Ben and Hoss were safe and unharmed.<\/p>\n

Panting and exhausted, Joe wiped the sweat from his face again. His sleeve was sodden. He ran on, too terrified to stop. He briefly wondered where Adam was, but he was so tired now, that he needed all his concentration to put on foot past the other. In the darkness under the trees, Joe didn\u2019t see the exposed tree root, and tripped over it, crashing headlong to the ground. Panic had him on his feet, although he was so winded he could barely drag enough oxygen into his air-starved lungs. He threw a glance over his shoulder, looking for his pursuers, and ran headlong into one of them.<\/p>\n

Crashing to the ground once more, Joe looked up at the dim figure standing over him. There was no mistaking his brother Adam. Fear coursed through Joe, and he began to scrabble backwards, trying desperately to get away. Effortlessly, Adam reached down and grabbed Joe\u2019s collar.<\/p>\n

\u201cGoing somewhere?\u201d he asked, coldly.<\/p>\n

With a cry of revulsion, Joe used his bound hands as a club and hit Adam on the side of the head. Startled and stunned, Adam lost his grip of Joe, and reeled away. Joe almost fell again, but used the nearest tree to catch his balance, and staggered away. There was another shot, and Joe felt a searing pain in his thigh. His right leg suddenly seemed to have no strength. Even as Joe twisted, and fell, another bullet traced its path along the side of his head.<\/p>\n

It seemed to Joe that the world was very far away. He lay face down on the forest floor, and listened as his older brother discussed him with the man who was holding him hostage. \u201cHe\u2019s pretty badly injured,\u201d Adam was saying, coldly. \u201cLeave him here. We must get away.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI think we\u2019ll take him along,\u201d Carling said. \u201cDon\u2019t you think so, Cassidy? Very useful hostage, the youngest Cartwright boy.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHe\u2019ll slow us down,\u201d protested Adam.<\/p>\n

\u201cBut if we have him,\u201d Carling went on, \u201cyou\u2019ll have to do what we say, since he is your little brother, isn\u2019t he, Adam Cartwright?\u201d Joe cried out as Carling jerked him to his feet.<\/p>\n

Forcing open his eyes, Joe saw that Adam had his hands raised. Cassidy was pointing a gun at him. He swallowed. Whatever had happened, Adam was still his brother. \u201cForget me,\u201d he mumbled. \u201cRun!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cShut up!\u201d Carling yelled, and he shook Joe. Pain exploded through his body, and he fell into the welcoming darkness.<\/p>\n

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

\u201cThe shout came from up there, Pa,\u201d Hoss said. He and Ben were making their way through the woods on foot, tracking the shots. The herd was once more back under control, and the men were taking it on towards the house. Ben and Hoss were tracking Little Joe. Both feared they would find him dead.<\/p>\n

It was now completely dark. Ben came to an uneasy halt, putting his hand out to stop Hoss. Puzzled, Hoss looked across at his father. \u201cWhat is it?\u201d he whispered.<\/p>\n

Shaking his head, Ben stood listening. There was total silence; no birds called, nothing rustled in the undergrowth. It was as though the woods were waiting. Ben was very uneasy. He took hold of Hoss\u2019 sleeve, and dragged him into meagre shelter behind some low brush. He couldn\u2019t see anything, but his instinct told him that there was someone out there.<\/p>\n

A bullet sang over their heads, and Ben fired back at the muzzle flash. \u201cHold your fire, Cartwright,\u201d a voice shouted. \u201cUnless you want your sons back in small pieces!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWho are you?\u201d Ben called back, exchanging a glance with Hoss. \u201cHow do I know you\u2019ve got my sons?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cPa?\u201d came Adam\u2019s voice. \u201cIts true, they\u2019ve got Joe and me. Joe\u2019s injured\u2026.\u201d His voice trailed off.<\/p>\n

\u201cAdam?\u201d Ben called. He risked a glance over the top of the bush. His eyes had grown accustomed to the dark, for he could see a little more clearly now. Up ahead was a rock formation, and that was where the men were holed up.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m afraid Adam ain\u2019t gonna say any more right now, Cartwright!\u201d There was laughter in the voice.<\/p>\n

\u201cLet me talk to Joe,\u201d Ben demanded.<\/p>\n

\u201cCan\u2019t do that,\u201d came the mocking reply. \u201cHe\u2019s not feelin\u2019 very chatty right now.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat do you want?\u201d Ben asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cI was gonna steal some of them cows of yours, but I guess money would do just as well. I reckon $15,000 for each of your boys sounds fair.\u201d<\/p>\n

Sinking back on his heels, Ben gazed sightlessly at Hoss. \u201cWhat cha gonna do, Pa?\u201d Hoss asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t have that kind of money at the house,\u201d Ben shouted. \u201cMy other son will have to go into town for it. That\u2019ll take time.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cBetter not take too much time,\u201d the voice answered. \u201cOr your littlest boy won\u2019t be around for you to worry about.\u201d<\/p>\n

Swallowing against his fear, Ben put his hand on Hoss\u2019 arm. \u201cHoss, go back down the hill, and send one of the men to town for the sheriff and the doctor. Then double back, and work your way around to the other side of that bluff. They won\u2019t expect you back for a while, so I hope they won\u2019t be looking out for you.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cRight, Pa,\u201d Hoss agreed. \u201cYou be careful, you hear?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou, too, son,\u201d Ben said. He looked over the brush again. \u201cHoss is leaving now.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cTell him to hurry, then,\u201d the voice responded.<\/p>\n

There was no need, Hoss was already hurrying back in the direction of the herd, leaving Ben sitting alone, worrying about all his sons.<\/p>\n

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

Sitting with his back against the rock, Adam tenderly cradled Joe\u2019s head on his lap. He had ripped both sleeves from his shirt, and had tied one round the wound on Joe\u2019s thigh, and was stanching the blood from Joe\u2019s head injury with the other. Cassidy had his rifle trained on them both, and Carling had his pistol drawn ready for use. Yet, they hadn\u2019t let Adam untie Joe. If they\u2019d had some handy rope, Adam knew they would have tied him up, too. Perhaps that gave them a slight chance, but Adam didn\u2019t know how they were going to get out of this one. Even when Hoss brought the money, they wouldn\u2019t be allowed to live, for they had seen the gang\u2019s faces. Joe groaned, and Adam soothed him. If help didn\u2019t come soon, Joe might die.<\/p>\n

\u201cHow long do you figure its gonna take that other Cartwright to get to town and back with the money?\u201d Carling asked Cassidy. He holstered his gun.<\/p>\n

\u201cA couple of hours, at the least,\u201d Cassidy returned. He let the rifle drop slightly. \u201cIt\u2019s a fair way into Virginia City.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s what I thought,\u201d Carling agreed, he turned his back to peer through the darkness. \u201cGuess we\u2019ll just have to sit here and wait it out. Guess the others are dead?\u201d He didn\u2019t sound concerned.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cGuess so,\u201d muttered Cassidy. He didn\u2019t sound concerned, either. \u201cYou don\u2019t think they\u2019ll try anything, do you?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThe old man?\u201d scoffed Carling. \u201cNah, we\u2019ve got his precious sons here. You know what we heard about them. How Cartwright would do anything for the lives of his boys!\u201d He laughed. \u201cSoft, that\u2019s what he is.\u201d<\/p>\n

Stifling a snort, Adam began to ease his big coat off his shoulders. Joe was shivering. There was an ominous click, as Cassidy cocked his rifle. \u201cWhatever you\u2019re doing, do it real slow,\u201d he warned. Adam gave him a disgusted look.<\/p>\n

\u201cMy brother\u2019s cold,\u201d he said. \u201cWhat did you think?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI wouldn\u2019t put anything past you, Adam,\u201d Carling sneered. \u201cAfter all, you thought you had us fooled, didn\u2019t you?\u201d He walked over to Adam and looked down at him. \u201cBut I reckon you ain\u2019t such a wonderful brother. After all, you took a good chunk out of the kid\u2019s hide a couple of times. Real brotherly love that, ain\u2019t it, Cassidy?\u201d<\/p>\n

Reminded, Adam felt a surge of hatred rise in his throat. Moving deliberately, he laid the coat over Joe. He glared at Carling. \u201cI didn\u2019t like doing it. Leave him alone. Haven\u2019t you done enough to him?\u201d\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOoh, big man, I\u2019m real scared,\u201d Carling gloated. \u201cI wasn\u2019t the one who knocked my kid brother about.\u201d<\/p>\n

The voices roused Joe, and he squinted through the pain in his head to see who was talking. \u201cScum,\u201d Joe said. He was looking right at Carling when he said it. \u201cCowardly scum.\u201d<\/p>\n

In one stride, Carling was by his prisoners, and he grabbed Joe, laughing as the youth couldn\u2019t contain a cry of pain. \u201cScum, am I? It was your brother who beat you so badly, boy! Just you remember that. He tried to get us to leave you here to die. That\u2019s right! Him! Your precious brother. He didn\u2019t seem to mind us borrowing you, as you put it.\u201d Laughing at Joe\u2019s stunned expression, he dropped the young man again. Adam barely managed to catch him.<\/p>\n

Settling Joe on the cold ground, Adam looked up from where he crouched. He looked dangerous. \u201cJoe\u2019s right,\u201d he said. \u201cYou are scum! Picking on an injured man! You disgust me.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhenever you\u2019re ready,\u201d Carling hissed. \u201cI can take you, Cartwright!\u201d<\/p>\n

It was all the invitation Adam needed. He launched himself at the outlaw, hit him around the waist, and they tumbled to the ground. Cassidy hastily got out of their way, and went to stand close by Joe, the rifle pointing loosely in the injured man\u2019s direction. Joe was oblivious to his danger, as he was once again unconscious.<\/p>\n

Back and forth they battled, punching each other furiously, but neither one able to get the upper hand. Cassidy watched, enjoying seeing Carling taking a beating for once. Finally, Adam began to get the upper hand. He barely noticed the punches Carling threw at him. He was taking his guilt out on Carling. He threw one last punch, and Carling went down, too winded to move.<\/p>\n

At once, Cassidy straightened up, bringing the barrel of his rifle up. \u201cHold it, Cartwright,\u201d he ordered. \u201cStay right where you are!\u201d<\/p>\n

Straightening with difficulty, Adam wiped his face. He looked at Joe, lying so close to Cassidy, and knew that he didn\u2019t have a chance of getting to the outlaw before he could fire at Joe. He dragged his hand over his mouth. \u201cDon\u2019t do anything rash,\u201d Adam warned.<\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t think you\u2019re in any position to give orders around here,\u201d Cassidy said. He pointed the gun down at Joe. \u201cUnless it was all a pose, and you really do hate your brother? I could easily get rid of him for you. What do you say, Cartwright?\u201d<\/p>\n

From behind Cassidy, Adam saw a flicker of movement, but he didn\u2019t dare take his gaze from the outlaw, in case he killed Joe. \u201cI don\u2019t hate him,\u201d Adam insisted. As he spoke, Hoss came charging out of the night, and hit Cassidy between the shoulders and knocked him flat. The rifle went off and Adam flinched. \u201cJoe!\u201d he cried, and threw himself at his prostrate brother.<\/p>\n

It took him several moments to convince himself that Joe hadn\u2019t been hit. As Hoss hollered to Ben that he had them under control, Adam sagged down beside Joe, weak with relief. Suddenly, all his bruises began to throb, and he had to blink hard to get rid of the tears that welled in his eyes. \u201cYou\u2019re gonna be all right, Joe,\u201d he whispered. \u201cI promise.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAdam!\u201d Ben was kneeling by Adam, his arm round his shoulders. \u201cAre you all right, son?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYes,\u201d Adam muttered, and looked away from Ben. He couldn\u2019t bring himself to look his father in the eye, given what he had done to Joe. \u201cJoe\u2019s hurt bad, Pa.\u201d<\/p>\n

Giving Adam a searching look, Ben turned his attention to Joe. He saw at once that he needed the doctor, and he began to marshal his thoughts together to plan getting them home, and the outlaws to justice.<\/p>\n

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

\u201cNo, Adam!\u201d Joe screamed. He writhed on the bed, trying to break free of his father\u2019s firm grasp. \u201cNO!\u201d He flopped down, panting. His eyes opened, but there was no recognition in those fevered green depths. \u201cAdam, please, why?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cEasy, Joe,\u201d Ben soothed. \u201cTake it easy. Adam is safe, I promise.\u201d He took the wet cloth from Hoss and wiped Joe\u2019s head. It had been an anxious few days for Ben. Joe had been running a slight fever by the time they got back to the ranch, and then he had succumbed to the flu outbreak that had hit the Ponderosa. His temperature soared upwards, and he was a very sick young man. He seemed to suffer from constant nightmares featuring Adam. Ben had no idea why, because Adam, too, had come down with the flu and had lost his voice completely. Hoss was virtually running the Ponderosa single-handed.<\/p>\n

\u201cGosh, Pa,\u201d Hoss said, his voice weary, \u201cI\u2019d sure like to know what them varmints did to Adam and Little Joe. Joe\u2019s mighty upset, whatever it was.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI know,\u201d Ben agreed. \u201cI wish I knew what Joe was seeing. If only we could get his temperature to come down, and he could rest.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cDoc Martin should be here soon,\u201d Hoss said. \u201cI\u2019ll go an\u2019 check on Adam.\u201d<\/p>\n

Easing open the door to his older brother\u2019s room, Hoss saw at once that Adam was awake. But he looked sombre, as he had looked ever since they got home. Like Joe, Adam had become sick almost at once, and the family hadn\u2019t had the chance to ask him what had happened to them. Roy Coffee had the men locked up, and had enough to send them to prison for kidnapping and rustling, without any testimony from either Cartwright son. Whatever had happened to them, Hoss knew it was eating Adam up inside.<\/p>\n

\u201cHow you feelin\u2019?\u201d he asked.<\/p>\n

Shrugging wearily, Adam opened his mouth, but not even a squeak came out. He moved listlessly to a new position, his gaze drawn away from Hoss to the window. Hoss sat down beside him, and felt his forehead. Impatiently, Adam shrugged him off, and gave him a hard look.\u00a0 \u201cDadburnit, Adam,\u201d Hoss grumbled, \u201cI\u2019m just seeing if the fever\u2019s gone.\u201d He shook his head. \u201cIf\u2019n you ain\u2019t a worse patient than Little Joe!\u201d<\/p>\n

Indignantly, Adam glared at his brother. It was almost the first spark of life that Hoss had seen since he came home. After a moment, he jerked his head in the direction of Joe\u2019s room, and raised an eyebrow. \u201cHe\u2019s jist the same,\u201d Hoss admitted. \u201cHe keeps shouting about ya, Adam. Whatever happened to you fellows must\u2019ve bin real bad.\u201d<\/p>\n

Just for an instant, Adam\u2019s brown eyes were filled with hurt, then he turned his head away again, closing Hoss out. Adam always bottled things up, and tried to deal with them alone, but it didn\u2019t always work. Hoss knew that if he didn\u2019t get to the bottom of this soon, Adam would become too withdrawn to share it with them. But, with Adam unable to speak, there was nothing he could do. After sitting there for a while, Hoss realised that Adam had gone to sleep, and he let himself silently out.<\/p>\n

As he drew closer to Joe\u2019s room, he could hear his brother\u2019s voice, light and breathless. \u201cAdam, don\u2019t hit me! Please! Oh, Adam, let me go! Don\u2019t let them! Please!\u201d As Hoss entered the room, Joe suddenly sat up. \u201cADAM!\u201d he screamed. His eyes were wide open, and he gazed at Hoss as he gasped for breath.<\/p>\n

\u201cJoe! Easy, son, easy,\u201d soothed Ben, laying him gently back down. He stroked Joe\u2019s head, being careful to avoid the bandage. The bullet crease on his head wasn\u2019t serious, but it was painful. Paul had operated to remove the bullet from his thigh. If it hadn\u2019t been for the flu, Joe would be in reasonable shape, considering his ordeal.<\/p>\n

For the moment, Joe was lucid. \u201cPa,\u201d he panted, grabbing his parent\u2019s shirt. \u201cIs Adam all right? He isn\u2019t dead, is he?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHe\u2019s all right,\u201d Ben assured him. \u201cHe\u2019s got the flu, same as you, son. But he\u2019s on the mend.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHe didn\u2019t mean it, did he?\u201d Joe went on, still panting heavily. Ben gently blotted the sweat from his face. \u201cI don\u2019t know, but the dreams\u2026 Oh, Pa, the dreams!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHe didn\u2019t mean what, Joe?\u201d Ben asked, puzzled, but Joe was already too tired to talk any more, and his eyes were closing. Ben gently wiped his bruised, gashed face once more with cool water. His fingertips were wrinkled and white from their long contact with water, but Ben didn\u2019t even notice any more. All his being was concentrated on helping his sons get well.<\/p>\n

It was nearing midnight when Joe\u2019s temperature spiked again, violently, and then the fever suddenly broke in a drenching sweat. For a brief moment, Joe\u2019s eyes opened, then he fell in the first deep sleep he\u2019d had in days. He didn\u2019t move as Hoss lifted him from the bed to allow Ben to change the soaking sheets. \u201cGo to bed, Pa,\u201d Hoss said, kindly. \u201cI\u2019ll sit with him. Seems to me he\u2019s on the mend.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI think I will,\u201d agreed Ben, and Hoss truly knew that Joe was recovering.<\/p>\n

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

It came as no surprise when Ben Cartwright succumbed to the flu outbreak. He had had very little sleep over the past few days, and his resistance was lowered. Hoss left the nursing to Hop Sing\u2019s capable hands as he carried on the outdoor tasks. Adam\u2019s voice was creeping back slowly, but he was still too shaky to get up for more than a few minutes at a time. Joe was confined to bed because of his leg injury, but he wasn\u2019t showing any signs of wanting to get up. In fact, he was showing distinct signs of wanting to retreat from the world completely. The little Chinese cook didn\u2019t know when he\u2019d last seen the boy so depressed.<\/p>\n

Several more days passed before Adam was able to traverse the stairs. He walked past Joe\u2019s room without even looking at the door, and Hoss, who happened to see him, grew more worried than ever. Joe had been very ill, and wasn\u2019t totally out of the woods yet. The brothers hadn\u2019t seen each other since the day they were rescued from the woods, but Adam made no effort to open the door and go in.<\/p>\n

Walking slowly out to the barn, Hoss realised that I was up to him to try and bring his brothers together. Ben was sick, and Hop Sing was too busy. The only problem was, Hoss couldn\u2019t figure out how to bring them together. He didn\u2019t know what had gone wrong between them. All day, he thought about it, as he supervised the men, checked on the herd, and did the house chores.<\/p>\n

After supper, which he ate on a tray with his father, Hoss went through to sit with Joe. The worst of the gashes on Joe\u2019s face were healing up, and the bruising had died back to a dirty yellow. The bandage was off Joe\u2019s head, and he had told Hoss that morning that his persistent headache had finally gone. All in all, Joe looked better than he had.<\/p>\n

\u201cHey, Joe,\u201d Hoss began, uncomfortably. \u201cWhat happened to ya? You done said some things about Adam when you weren\u2019t well.\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe looked away from Hoss, but not before his brother had seen the sudden tears welling in his eyes. \u201cHey, Punkin\u2019, it ain\u2019t that bad, is it?\u201d Hoss instinctively took Joe\u2019s hand.<\/p>\n

\u201cI can\u2019t,\u201d Joe whispered. He looked utterly wretched. \u201cI can\u2019t tell you, Hoss.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cCan you tell me?\u201d came Ben\u2019s voice from the doorway. He was dressed in his robe, and looked worn out, but he had felt well enough to visit Joe, until he was about half way along the hall. By then, it was as easy to go to Joe\u2019s room, as it was to go back to his own. Hoss jumped to his feet, and helped Ben into a seat. \u201cJoe, we want to help you, son, but you need to tell us what happened.\u201d<\/p>\n

The sight of his father\u2019s white face made Joe hesitate a moment longer, but the need to tell someone was overwhelming, and the words began to pour out in a torrent, tumbling over each other in his rush to get it all in the open. Adam with the men, the beating, his short-lived escape, the next morning, and Adam hunting him through the wood. And, finally, the nightmares, where Adam was somewhere in the darkness, hunting for him. And every time, he caught Joe. By the end of the recital, Joe was shaking, but Ben kept his grip tight on Joe\u2019s hand. \u201cWhy, Pa?\u201d Joe cried, anguished. \u201cWhy did he act like that?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t know,\u201d Ben replied, his heart heavy. \u201cHe must have had a reason. Joe, I can\u2019t believe Adam meant to hurt you. But the only person who can tell you what you need to know is Adam. Hoss, ask your brother to come up here, so we can talk to him, please.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSure, Pa,\u201d Hoss agreed, rather shaken himself. He turned and left.<\/p>\n

From the door of his room, Adam saw Hoss go downstairs. He grabbed his jacket, and left by the back stairs, before Hoss had the chance to find him. He had come upstairs with the intention of going back to bed, and had heard Joe\u2019s story. Frozen with horror, he had listened to every damning word, and only when Hoss began to move did Adam realise that he could no longer stay.<\/p>\n

It took him longer than usual to saddle Sport, and he feared every moment that he would be discovered. He knew his family could never forgive him for the way he had treated Joe. However, Adam finally was prepared, and he left the yard without a backward glance.<\/p>\n

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

A thorough search of the house didn\u2019t reveal Adam, and finally they saw Sport was gone. By then, it was dark, and there was no point in trying to track Adam. Ben was still sitting tiredly by Joe\u2019s bed when Hoss returned, but Joe was asleep. Hoss was too tired and confused to keep his voice down. \u201cAdam\u2019s gone,\u201d he said, bluntly. \u201cTook his horse and left.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t understand,\u201d Ben said. \u201cI believe Joe, of course, but it doesn\u2019t sound like Adam. He wouldn\u2019t hurt Joe.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cPa, Adam and Joe ain\u2019t been gettin\u2019 along too well lately,\u201d Hoss said. \u201cAdam, he was real sore at Joe afore they left. But I think he was so busy foolin\u2019 them guys, he never thought about what Joe was thinkin\u2019.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThe only person who can tell us is Adam,\u201d Ben replied, his heart sore. \u201cWell, Joe\u2019s asleep, and I think we should get some sleep, too. Tomorrow, we must look for your brother.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNot you, Pa,\u201d Hoss said, definitely. \u201cYou ain\u2019t well enough yet, and don\u2019t tell me you are! I\u2019ll find Adam. Let\u2019s get you to bed.\u201d<\/p>\n

Together, they left. Joe\u2019s eyes opened. Hoss\u2019 voice had wakened him, and he lay thinking about what they had said. He knew that Adam had still been sore at him when they left, and he hadn\u2019t had a chance to work things out properly before they were in the midst of a crisis. Joe knew that he could speculate about Adam\u2019s reason until hell froze over. The only person who could tell him those reasons was Adam himself. He had to see Adam!<\/p>\n

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

The watery dawn light promised rain that day, but Adam was indifferent to the weather signs. He hadn\u2019t brought any supplies with him, but he wasn\u2019t really hungry. He stopped to let Sport rest, and drank from his canteen. The water tasted flat. Adam didn\u2019t care.<\/p>\n

His sleepless night caught up with him, and Adam fell asleep. He still wasn\u2019t completely recovered form his bout of flu, and didn\u2019t hear the approaching horse until Sport let out a whinney of recognition. Adam startled awake, and fumbled for his gun. When he looked at the approaching horse, his gut lurched with fear, for it was Cochise.<\/p>\n

Standing warily, Adam holstered his gun, and took a couple of steps to meet Joe. There was blood on his brother\u2019s pants leg, and he was green and sweating, but there was a look of total determination on Joe\u2019s face. \u201cAdam. I must talk to you.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cGo home, Joe,\u201d Adam said, roughly.<\/p>\n

\u201cIf I\u2019ve come all this way to talk to you, brother, you can at least tell me what I want to know,\u201d Joe said, his tone stern. \u201cHelp me down.\u201d<\/p>\n

With bad grace, Adam helped Joe from the horse, shocked by how much his brother was trembling. \u201cHere.\u201d Adam thrust the canteen at him, and Joe drank thirstily.<\/p>\n

\u201cThanks.\u201d Joe lay back for an instant. \u201cTell me why, Adam. Please. There must be a reason. Just tell me.\u201d<\/p>\n

For an unreasoning moment, Adam hated Joe for forcing him to tell all. But then he realised that he wouldn\u2019t have felt like that if he didn\u2019t have a deep need to clear his conscience. \u201cI was angry at you, Joe,\u201d he began, slowly. \u201cAnd Pa was right. I was angry because you were grown up, and doing your own thing, without asking my opinion all the time. I wanted you to stay a child, so you\u2019d look up to me.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ve always admired you, Adam,\u201d Joe said. \u201cAlways.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI had decided that I was wrong, Joe. I was going to come looking for you that morning to apologise. But those men came, and I thought my best chance was to pretend to be a ranch hand. And then you came.\u201d Adam swallowed and looked away. \u201cI didn\u2019t know what to do. They knew who you were, and I didn\u2019t want them to hurt you.\u201d He looked down. \u201cI helped you get away, but I couldn\u2019t put them off your trail, it was too obvious. And I was angry when I hit you. I felt that if you hadn\u2019t been so quick to come looking for me, you wouldn\u2019t have been in danger. I was angry that because of me, you might be killed. So I took my anger at me out on you, which wasn\u2019t fair.\u201d<\/p>\n

Risking a glance up, he saw Joe was gazing fixedly at him. \u201cIt\u2019s a poor excuse, I know,\u201d he went on, harshly. \u201cBut it\u2019s the truth. Joe I wanted to help you, but I couldn\u2019t. Please believe me.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat about in the woods?\u201d Joe asked. \u201cYou caught me then, and handed me over.\u201d<\/p>\n

Dully, he replied, \u201cCassidy was at my back with a rifle in his hands, pointing at me. What was I supposed to do? He was so close to me, that if he\u2019d shot at me, the bullet would have gone through me into you! I didn\u2019t want to hurt you!\u201d<\/p>\n

There was silence. Thinking back to that desperate flight through the woods, Joe realised that he had seen, dimly, behind Adam another figure. At the time, he had been so horrified at Adam\u2019s attitude, that he had forgotten the other person. Suddenly, it all fell into place. Adam wanting to leave him behind in the wood suddenly made perfect sense. Adam knew that if he was left, he\u2019d be found and safe. Only Adam himself would be in danger. And Joe could understand Adam\u2019s anger at Joe being taken hostage. He\u2019d felt similar moments himself in the past, when one or other of his cherished brothers had been in danger because of something he\u2019d done.<\/p>\n

\u201cI thought you hated me,\u201d Joe said, softly, wonderingly. \u201cYou didn\u2019t say you didn\u2019t.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI didn\u2019t get the chance,\u201d Adam replied. \u201cBut I don\u2019t hate you, Joe. Sure, we get along like cat and dog most of the time, but Lord knows, I couldn\u2019t hate you!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m so sorry I thought badly of you,\u201d Joe said. \u201cCan you forgive me?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI think I have to ask the same question,\u201d Adam responded. \u201cCan you forgive me for hitting you like that? I didn\u2019t mean to give you nightmares.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOf course, I forgive you,\u201d replied Joe, and there were tears in his voice, as well as in his eyes. \u201cDo you forgive me?\u201d<\/p>\n

As an answer, Adam took Joe roughly in his arms, and the two men embraced. There was healing in the touch for them both. After that, there was no need to say anything, and they just sat and smiled at one another. But Adam was back in full \u2018older brother\u2019 mode, and he soon noticed that Joe looked dreadful. \u201cI think we\u2019d better get you home, buddy,\u201d he said, concern in his voice. \u201cYou don\u2019t look too good.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t feel too good, either,\u201d admitted Joe wryly.<\/p>\n

Rising, Adam went to bring Cochise over, but one look at Joe\u2019s leg told him his brother wouldn\u2019t be riding anywhere for a while. Kneeling, Adam split Joe\u2019s pants leg, and saw the blood seeping steadily from the wound. \u201cYou\u2019ve broken the stitches,\u201d he said. \u201cI\u2019ll have to go back and get the wagon.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t leave me,\u201d Joe pleaded. \u201cStay with me for a while.\u201d<\/p>\n

Irresolutely, Adam knelt there, not knowing what to do.\u00a0 The first drops of rain began to fall. Then a sound penetrated his mind, and he looked round, disbelieving. But it was true. Coming along the road was the very vehicle he needed, and Hoss and Ben were on the seat. \u201cPa!\u201d he shouted, waving. \u201cUp here!\u201d<\/p>\n

Moments later, Ben was kneeling beside his sons. \u201cJoseph, I ought to skin you alive!\u201d he said, sternly. \u201cYou\u2019ve given me a dreadful scare! And you, Adam! Let\u2019s get you into the wagon, and get home.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m sorry, Pa,\u201d said Joe, contritely. \u201cBut I had to find Adam.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t talk now, son,\u201d Ben said. \u201cLet\u2019s concentrate on getting you home.\u201d<\/p>\n

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

Later, after Paul Martin had once again been summoned, the whole family gathered by Joe\u2019s bedside. Ben looked tired, and should have been in bed himself, still being weak from the flu. But they had to find out what had happened between Adam and Joe.<\/p>\n

They told the story in turn, and both Ben and Hoss could see why Adam had run away, and could also see why Joe had thought his brother hated him enough to mistreat him. After the story was over, Ben scolded both his boys gently for not trusting each other, then took them both into a healing hug. \u201cYou get some sleep, young man,\u201d Ben told Joe. \u201cAnd don\u2019t set foot out of that bed until the doctor says you can!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI had to go after Adam, Pa,\u201d Joe protested. \u201cI couldn\u2019t let him ride away until I had everything straightened out in my head. I would never have got rid of the nightmares otherwise.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI suppose not,\u201d Ben agreed. He bid Joe goodnight, and ushered his other two sons out of the room. \u201cGo to bed, you two,\u201d he said, gently. \u201cLet\u2019s start afresh tomorrow.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNight, Pa,\u201d they mumbled.<\/p>\n

Pausing in the doorway of his room, Adam looked at Ben and his dark eyes were thoughtful. \u201cBeing chased through the dark by someone you love,\u201d he said, slowly. \u201cIt\u2019s the stuff of nightmares, isn\u2019t it, Pa?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYes,\u201d Ben replied, sombrely. \u201cBut nightmares can be overcome by love. Remember that, son.\u201d<\/p>\n

Like a revelation, Adam realised that Joe wasn\u2019t the only one to have had nightmares. He looked at Ben, and saw that his father was thinking the same thing. \u201cI had my nightmares awake,\u201d Adam said. \u201cJoe had his asleep, but they were nightmares all the same. Is that why he felt he had to come after me?\u201d<\/p>\n

Sighing, Ben made a face. \u201cI doubt if Joe realised that you were having waking nightmares,\u201d he said. \u201cBut Joe knew you were going through hell, too, and he loves you too much to let you go away and deal with that hell alone.\u201d<\/p>\n

Swallowing down the lump that had suddenly risen in his throat, Adam turned away and walked back down the hall. He opened the door of Joe\u2019s room, and went in. Ben heard Joe\u2019s sleepy voice, and then there were sobs echoing down the hall. After a time, he heard Adam\u2019s voice, the words too soft for him to catch, but the meaning unmistakable. They were words of thanks, and words of love.<\/p>\n

Smiling, Ben went quietly down the hall to his room, and went to bed, secure in the knowledge that when he wakened, all three of his sons would be there, true brothers all.<\/p>\n

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

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

Summary:\u00a0 After a quarrel, Adam and Joe are sent off separately to do chores. But they become embroiled in a situation which sets brother against brother, and makes each one doubt if the other still loves him.<\/p>\n

Rating T\u00a0 (12,950)<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":45,"featured_media":10704,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"template-full-width-post.php","format":"standard","meta":{"_jetpack_newsletter_access":"","_jetpack_dont_email_post_to_subs":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_tier_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paywalled_content":false,"_jetpack_feature_clip_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":"","jetpack_publicize_message":"","jetpack_publicize_feature_enabled":true,"jetpack_social_post_already_shared":false,"jetpack_social_options":{"image_generator_settings":{"template":"highway","default_image_id":0,"font":"","enabled":false},"version":2},"jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false,"_members_access_role":[],"_members_access_error":""},"categories":[1091,23,41],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-4185","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-adam-joe","category-drama","category-hurtcomfort","wpcat-1091-id","wpcat-23-id","wpcat-41-id"],"jetpack_publicize_connections":[],"jetpack_likes_enabled":true,"jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/03\/HP8b.jpg?fit=636%2C520&ssl=1","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4185","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/45"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=4185"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4185\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/10704"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=4185"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=4185"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=4185"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}