{"id":5030,"date":"2002-11-17T22:18:22","date_gmt":"2002-11-18T03:18:22","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=5030"},"modified":"2026-07-31T08:48:00","modified_gmt":"2026-07-31T12:48:00","slug":"little-boy-lost-2","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=5030","title":{"rendered":"Little Boy Lost (by Rona)"},"content":{"rendered":"

Summary:\u00a0 <\/strong>Joe and Adam are held hostage on the ranch. But something doesn’t add up. Who is behind it, and can they escape before one or other of them is killed?<\/p>\n

Rated:\u00a0 T \u00a0(12,210 words)<\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

Little Boy Lost<\/strong><\/p>\n

The door opened as Adam Cartwright reached the bend in the stairs. He looked at it blankly for a moment, as he didn\u2019t expect his brother Joe back so early. He gaped in astonishment as Joe himself came into view, supported by two men. But this was a vastly different Joe to the cheerful, carefree one that had ridden out earlier that morning. Adam barely had time to register it before Joe groaned, \u201cAdam, watch out!\u201d<\/p>\n

At those cryptic words, Adam bounded down the last few steps and hurried across the room. The men came into the house, and shut the door behind them, closing out the wet, windy day. \u201cJoe, what happened to you?\u201d Adam asked, still trying to make sense of this.<\/p>\n

The men holding Joe shoved him viciously at Adam, who tried to catch him, but missed. Joe tumbled to the floor, and Adam knelt by his side, gently turning him over. \u201cJoe,\u201d he breathed. His younger brother had a gash along his right cheekbone, which bled sluggishly, and another along his hairline, where he had obviously been struck by something. His right eye was lumpy and swelling, and his lower lip was badly split. Blood streamed from his nose. He seemed dazed. \u201cWhat happened?\u201d Adam demanded, turning to the men. He felt a flash of shock as he saw the guns aimed at him.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe happened,\u201d said one of the men. \u201cWe\u2019ve been waiting for our chance, and its here now. We\u2019re here to take our wages out of your sorry hide!\u201d<\/p>\n

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

Kneeling by Joe\u2019s side, Adam gazed at the men. They had been hired a couple of months back to help with the autumn roundup. Neither had been a great worker, but they had done what was required of them, and when the round up was finished, they had taken their wages and left. Adam tried to recall their names, and finally came up with them. Thorne and Wilder. He had seen them hanging around Virginia City a few times, but hadn\u2019t paid much heed to them. Something niggled at the back of his memory, but he couldn\u2019t remember what it was.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou got your wages when you left,\u201d Adam said, trying to keep calm. He put his hand on Joe\u2019s shoulder, feeling the boy\u2019s jacket wet through, and the shivers that weren\u2019t caused just by the rain. \u201cWhat do you want?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cCall those wages?\u201d scoffed Thorne. \u201cWe don\u2019t. Heard tell the Ponderosa was a rich ranch. Wages were supposed to be good.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou got standard pay,\u201d Adam said. \u201c$30 a month, plus food.\u201d He was beginning to feel very angry, and made a move to stand up. He aborted it the instant both guns were cocked.<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, it ain\u2019t enough,\u201d Wilder added. \u201cNot enough to be told what to do by a group of snotty rich boys.\u201d<\/p>\n

Looking down at Joe again to hide his anger, Adam thought frantically. Somehow, they had to get themselves out of this. Ben and Hoss were in Placerville, and Hop Sing was off visiting one of his myriad cousins in Sacramento. No one was due out to the house until they got home, and Adam had no idea when that would be. Charlie, the foreman, had everyone organised for the next few days, and was unlikely to appear unless there was trouble.<\/p>\n

\u201cSo you took out your anger on a boy,\u201d he said, coldly, keeping his hand on Joe\u2019s shoulder, to still any protest. \u201cHow brave!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHe\u2019s man enough to give us orders,\u201d Wilder retorted. \u201cSo he\u2019s man enough to take what we dish out.\u201d<\/p>\n

A groan of pain escaped from Joe\u2019s lips. Adam patted him gently, offering him comfort and strength. Joe\u2019s dazed green eyes were fastened on Adam\u2019s face, trying to tell him something, but Adam couldn\u2019t read the message. He essayed a small smile, but it didn\u2019t feel convincing, and Joe didn\u2019t look reassured.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat do you want?\u201d Adam asked, knowing he had to find out. Then, he could start planning.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe want to kill you, in time,\u201d said Thorne, casually. \u201cBut before then, you can go to the bank with me and draw out a large sum of money. Cooperate, and we\u2019ll kill you quick. Cause trouble, and you\u2019ll die a slow death.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

It was far too late that day for them to go to the bank, Adam knew. They would somehow have to survive the night without angering their captors, and Adam would have to alert someone in town that they needed help, before Thorne and Wilder killed them. He schooled his face to neutrality, to hide his thoughts. \u201cLet me tend to Joe,\u201d he said, roughly.<\/p>\n

\u201cNo, I don\u2019t think so,\u201d Wilder said. There was laughter in his voice. He holstered his gun, and went outside. Adam watched, eyeing the distance to Throne, and judging that Thorne would have plenty of time to shoot him before he could reach him. Wilder came back in, closing the door firmly against the wind. He threw something on the floor beside Adam. It was a coil of rope. \u201cTie him up,\u201d he ordered, gesturing to Joe.<\/p>\n

Adam straightened. He gazed back at Wilder disbelievingly. The other man laughed. \u201cDo what I say, and you\u2019d better make a good job of it!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo,\u201d Adam said.<\/p>\n

Wilder\u2019s gun went off and the bullet buried itself in the floor by Joe\u2019s leg. The injured youth flinched. \u201cNext time, I won\u2019t miss,\u201d he promised. \u201cNow, get him tied up.\u201d<\/p>\n

Shaken, Adam lifted the rope and pulled Joe\u2019s hands together. \u201cI\u2019m sorry, Joe,\u201d he said, softly.<\/p>\n

\u201cI know,\u201d Joe replied, resolutely. \u201cJust do it, Adam.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNot like that,\u201d Thorne protested. \u201cBehind his back. And make sure you tie his feet, too!\u201d<\/p>\n

As Adam hesitated, Wilder shot out his leg and gave Joe a solid kick in the side that flipped him over. In a swift movement, Wilder had his cocked gun pressed against Joe\u2019s head. \u201cHere\u2019s your choice,\u201d he said, softly. The menace in his voice was unmistakable. Swallowing hard, Adam tied Joe\u2019s hands behind his back.<\/p>\n

When he was finished, Wilder checked the bonds, then dragged Joe across to the settee, and threw him onto it, face down. Adam ground his teeth in frustration. His temper was building. \u201cLie down,\u201d ordered Thorne, and it wasn\u2019t long before Adam was bound hand and foot, just like Joe. He was thrown into the red leather chair, and then Thorne and Wilder disappeared into the kitchen.<\/p>\n

\u201cJoe,\u201d Adam said, softly. \u201cAre you all right?\u201d<\/p>\n

Slowly, Joe turned his head to look at Adam. His face was caked in dried blood. He looked dreadful. \u201cI\u2019m all right,\u201d he muttered. \u201cAre you?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m fine,\u201d Adam assured him, and once more tried a smile. It came out a bit better than the last one. \u201cWhat happened, Joe?\u201d<\/p>\n

With a deep sigh, Joe squirmed a bit to try and get more comfortable. \u201cI was heading into town for the mail,\u201d he began. Adam knew that; he\u2019d charged Joe with that task in the morning. \u201cI was riding almost off the ranch, when they jumped me from that big oak tree by the road. I fought them as best I could, but one of them clubbed me with his gun, and I blacked out.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cDid they beat you up then?\u201d Adam wanted to know. He struggled against his bonds, but they held firm.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhen I came round,\u201d Joe said, \u201c they wanted me to tell them where Pa was. I wouldn\u2019t. They wanted to me to tell them if we had money in the house, but I wouldn\u2019t. It was then they beat me up.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOh, Joe,\u201d Adam said, sympathetically. \u201cAre you hurt anywhere else?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cMy ribs,\u201d Joe answered, reluctantly. He found it difficult to speak round the split lip. His whole body ached from his cramped position. \u201cAdam, what are we going to do?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t know,\u201d Adam responded. \u201cAt the moment, try not to annoy them. They want me to go into town tomorrow and get money out of the bank for them. So they can\u2019t take the chance of hitting me anywhere obvious. Unfortunately, that means they\u2019ll pick on you. Don\u2019t say anything, Joe, please. I\u2019ll do what they want, to keep you safe.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t worry about me,\u201d Joe said, typically. \u201cDo what you have to, Adam. I\u2019ll be all right.\u201d He lifted his eyes and looked straight at his brother. \u201cIf you can get away to get help, do it! We don\u2019t want Pa walking in on this.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo,\u201d Adam agreed. \u201cWe don\u2019t.\u201d He looked away, unable to say the rest of his thought to Joe, and not wanting his younger brother to divine his thoughts, as he sometimes did. He didn\u2019t want Pa walking in and finding two dead bodies, either. Lifting his gaze again, Adam saw that Joe had heard the unspoken thought anyway. His green eyes were dark with worry and fear.<\/p>\n

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

\u201cDadburnit, Pa, why are you in such an all-fire hurry to get home?\u201d Hoss asked, rubbing his back as he and Ben rode home. \u201cI thought sure we was stayin\u2019 at least another day.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThere wasn\u2019t any point in staying,\u201d Ben said. \u201cThat deal fell through, and I only intended to stay overnight, because I thought we would be celebrating with a big meal at the hotel for Mr Devon.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSure would\u2019ve helped out if\u2019n we\u2019d got that lumber contract, wouldn\u2019t it?\u201d Hoss asked, gloomily.<\/p>\n

\u201cThere would have been some extra money around come winter,\u201d Ben said, philosophically. \u201cBut we\u2019re all right without it, son. We got a great price for the herd, and I have the mining contracts to fulfil, and we have the mines, too. We won\u2019t starve.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAw, Pa, I know we won\u2019t starve,\u201d Hoss said, uncomfortably. \u201cWe ain\u2019t never starved since we come here. But it\u2019s a shame we didn\u2019t get that contract.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s life,\u201d Ben remarked, although he was disappointed, too. To change the subject, he said, \u201cI wonder how your brothers are getting along without us.\u201d<\/p>\n

A smile split Hoss\u2019s face as he imagined the rows that could be going on at home. \u201cThey\u2019re probably accusin\u2019 one another of trying out poison,\u201d he remarked, gleefully forgetting that when he got home, Hop Sing likely would still be away, and he would be eating either Joe or Adam\u2019s cooking. \u201cI almost wish I was there!\u201d<\/p>\n

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

The afternoon wore on. Sometime after dark fell, the Cartwrights were untied and given some food. Joe winced his way through a few mouthfuls before turning his nose up at it. Adam ate what he was offered, since he wasn\u2019t sure when, or even if, they would get another meal. He was rather surprised that they were being offered food, but he guessed that the men didn\u2019t want him passing out on the ride into town the next day.<\/p>\n

As Thorne retied Joe\u2019s hands \u2013 in front of him, Adam noticed \u2013 the outlaw said, \u201cWhen\u2019s your pa gonna be home from Placerville?\u201d<\/p>\n

Immediately, Joe shot Adam a look. Ben\u2019s trip wasn\u2019t common knowledge in town. How did Thorne know where he had gone? \u201cHurry up and answer,\u201d Thorne growled. Joe looked back at him, still silent, and Thorne sent his fist into Joe\u2019s stomach, curling the youth over in pain.<\/p>\n

\u201cLeave him alone!\u201d Adam snapped, rising from the table. He froze as Wilder\u2019s gun came to rest on the back of his neck.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhen will your Pa be back?\u201d Wilder growled.<\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t know,\u201d Adam answered, angrily. \u201cMaybe tomorrow, or the next day. He didn\u2019t say.\u201d He longed to go to Joe and comfort him, but he feared the consequences if he did. Not for him, but for Joe. Enough had happened to him that day already.<\/p>\n

Exchanging glances with Wilder, Thorne dragged Joe back to the settee, and tied his feet once more. He cuffed Joe round the head and laughed. Adam\u2019s muscles tightened, but he held himself in check. Then Thorne came and bound Adam\u2019s hands again. Like Joe, this time, Adam\u2019s hands were tied in front of him. He couldn\u2019t understand why their captors were suddenly being so generous.<\/p>\n

As evening fell, Throne settled off to sleep, leaving Wilder on guard. Adam watched him, hoping that he might fall asleep, too, but he didn\u2019t. Joe\u2019s eyes closed, and he dozed uncomfortably, waking whenever he tried to move. It was obvious to Adam that Joe was in quite a bit of pain, although he wouldn\u2019t have admitted it on the rack. Adam did his best to sleep, too, but his uncomfortable position, and the racing of his mind effectively robbed him of rest.<\/p>\n

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

Pulling his horse up, Ben wondered if he and Hoss should stop for the night, or push on. They could be home within a couple of hours. However, as he allowed Buck to drink from the stream, Ben realised he was dog-tired. Yes, they were on Ponderosa land, but he wanted to rest. \u201cLet\u2019s make camp,\u201d he suggested. \u201cWe can get an early start in the morning, and be home before Adam and Joe get going.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAll right,\u201d Hoss said, and started to unsaddle his horse. It was only then that Ben realised that Hoss had been uncharacteristically quiet for a while.<\/p>\n

\u201cAre you all right, Hoss?\u201d he asked, frowning. Hoss wasn\u2019t as voluble as Joe, but he certainly wasn\u2019t normally as taciturn as he had been all afternoon. \u201cYou\u2019re very quiet.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI bin thinkin\u2019, Pa,\u201d Hoss returned. He dropped his saddle, and turned to face Ben. \u201cThat feller, Devon. The one who was offering the contract. I think I\u2019ve seen him afore.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOh?\u201d Ben said, unsure what to make of this statement. \u201cWhere have you seen him?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI dunno,\u201d Hoss admitted. \u201cI can\u2019t recollect. But I know it weren\u2019t in Placerville, \u2018cos I haven\u2019t been there in a coon\u2019s age. And I know I ain\u2019t talked to him afore, but I seem to remember his face from somewheres.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, I can\u2019t help you there, son,\u201d Ben said. \u201cBut if you remember, tell me.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSure will, Pa,\u201d Hoss agreed. He carried on setting up camp, but his movements were slower than usual and his mind clearly wasn\u2019t on what he was doing. Ben watched him for a few minutes, before turning to his own tasks.<\/p>\n

Later, as they sat by the fire, drinking the last of the coffee, Hoss suddenly said, \u201cI got it!\u201d He put his cup down and turned to Ben excitedly. \u201cI remember where I seed him before! It was in the Silver Dollar! He was talkin\u2019 to them fellers we hired for the round up. What were their names?\u201d He looked round for inspiration, and snapped his fingers. \u201cThorne and Wilder! He was talkin\u2019 to them.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThorne and Wilder?\u201d Ben repeated. He frowned as he sought to attach faces to the names. He finally conjured up the faces. \u201cAre you sure, Hoss? When was this?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cJust the other day,\u201d Hoss insisted. \u201cCould be the day afore we left. I went in for the mail an\u2019 supplies, an\u2019 stopped in for a beer. I seed them sittin\u2019 there, but I never thought no more of it. They wasn\u2019t great workers. They was always bellyachin\u2019 about their wages. I wasn\u2019t about to go sit with \u2018em.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHow odd,\u201d Ben said. \u201cHe didn\u2019t mention he\u2019d been in Virginia City at all.\u201d He thought round and about it for a few minutes more, but there was no law saying a man couldn\u2019t talk to a couple of cowboys in a saloon. However, something about the situation made Ben feel uneasy, although he didn\u2019t know what. \u201cWell, there you are\u201d he said, not knowing what he meant by the comment, but feeling he ought to say something. \u201cLet\u2019s get some sleep, and we\u2019ll be home early tomorrow.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNight, Pa,\u201d Hoss said, and curled himself into his bedroll. He closed his eyes and drifted off to sleep.<\/p>\n

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

Waking once more from an uneasy doze, Joe glanced across at Adam. The dark gaze met his, as Joe had known it would. He didn\u2019t think Adam had slept at all that night. Joe shifted uncomfortably, and looked to see if Thorne was awake. He was, and watching Joe with unnerving intensity. Joe forced himself to meet Thorne\u2019s eyes before he looked away.<\/p>\n

In truth, Joe had been uncomfortable with Thorne ever since he had met him. From the very first, Thorne had made it obvious that he didn\u2019t appreciate taking orders from a kid. There hadn\u2019t been any of the outright rebellion, which had caused many a fight in the past. It was much more insidious than that. Thorne had tried to undermine Joe\u2019s authority with untrue tales. Most of the men were long-time workers for the family, and shrugged off Thorne\u2019s lies. But some of the new men believed them, and Joe frequently found himself being watched and whispered about.<\/p>\n

Now, Joe wondered if Thorne had been out to get him from the very start. Had Throne and Wilder been planning something like this even then? It wasn\u2019t the first time, and doubtless wouldn\u2019t be the last time, that someone had decided to rob the Ponderosa, and use a Cartwright to ensure their plan went through. So far, they had been lucky, and nobody had managed to escape with any money, and none of them had been killed. But how long would their luck hold? Joe caught his lip between his teeth as an unwise move caused stabbing pains from his ribs. He had told Adam earlier he could take whatever came his way, just so Adam could escape and get help, but at 3 am, he wasn\u2019t so sure.<\/p>\n

Feeling Adam\u2019s eyes on him, Joe looked over and made an effort to smile. Adam gave him an answering smile, and Joe felt reassured. Between them, he and Adam would somehow make sure they escaped. They would each watch out for the other, as they had always done. Well, Joe corrected himself, not quite always. Adam had been watching out for him all his life, and he had only really been watching out for Adam for the last few years.<\/p>\n

Settling back as best he could, Joe thought about his relationship with his family. He got on remarkably well with his brothers, compared to some of his friends. He and Hoss were friends as well as brothers, and Hoss could usually be replied upon to follow along with Joe\u2019s crazier plans. His relationship with Adam was more complex, which, he supposed, was natural, since Adam was a more complex person than Hoss. They fought a lot, and the fights had sometimes come to blows. Joe wasn\u2019t entirely sure why this was, as he loved and admired Adam. Perhaps it was because he had his own innate need to lead sometimes, not just follow. Joe didn\u2019t know. All he did know was that he would lay down his life for Adam any time it was required.<\/p>\n

Watching Joe, Adam wondered what he was thinking about. His eyes drifted irresistibly to the man on watch. He felt a profound sense of unease under the man\u2019s gaze. With an effort, he moved his eyes away. Gazing into the fire, Adam found himself pondering on this whole situation. There was more going on here than met the eye. Thorne and Wilder, although admirably suited to manhandling and abuse, didn\u2019t appear to be the driving force behind this operation. Adam didn\u2019t know who was, but it was somebody that knew that Ben and Hoss were going to be away from the ranch. His mind flickered over the possibilities, and dismissed them all, one by one. Roy Coffee \u2013 well, that was the most unlikely thing he\u2019d ever thought of! Roy and Ben were old, old friends. Mr Wilson, the banker? No, likewise, he and Ben were old friends. Who else had known? Charlie, the foreman? Well, he was hardly likely to try and take Ben for money. No, it was more likely the world would stop turning first. One other person occurred to him, and Adam caught his breath. From the settee, Joe shot a worried glance at him, and he smiled slightly and shook his head.<\/p>\n

However, the thought stayed with him, and Adam realised that he might have hit on the answer, although it didn\u2019t make sense. The only other person who knew Ben would be away was the man he was meeting in Placerville – Devon! He thought round and about it some more, but even though it seemed incredibly improbable, it was the only answer. Adam knew nothing about the man Ben was to meet, apart from his name, so he couldn\u2019t really speculate about what was behind this. But he felt he had one small clue, and so perhaps he would be able to think of a way out of this mess.<\/p>\n

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

It began to rain shortly after 4 am. Ben, wakened by the huge drops splashing on his face, rolled over, but he knew there was no chance of him getting back to sleep in this downpour. He got up, and poked at the fire, but it just spat at him, reluctant to break into a blaze again. Disgusted, Ben let it be. Hoss was awake, too, and they decided to get on their way. The light was growing, and they were on familiar ground.<\/p>\n

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

By the time it was fully light outside, Thorne and Wilder had made themselves some coffee, and were eating. Adam\u2019s stomach rumbled and he tried not to sniff the appetising aroma of the coffee. He felt exhausted, and he raised his hands to rub at the bristles on his chin. They surely must free him to allow him to tidy up before going into town? He looked at Joe, who was resting his head on the arm of the settee. Joe looked terrible. His face was still covered in dried blood, and the bruising was reaching its most colourful stage. He still tried for a smile when he saw Adam looking at him.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat time do you think you should leave?\u201d Wilder asked Throne.<\/p>\n

\u201cBank don\u2019t open till 9,\u201d Thorne replied. \u201cWe\u2019ll probably leave here about 8. There ain\u2019t no rush. Its only 6 now.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cGuess we\u2019d better let him shave, huh?\u201d commented Wilder. \u201cI ain\u2019t never seen him look untidy.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019d like to put a razor to his throat,\u201d Thorne agreed, harshly. He laughed, and Adam forced himself to control a shudder that wanted to run down his spine. Thorne walked across and stood between the brothers, looking at them closely. \u201cEspecially this one,\u201d he said, and dragged Joe up by his collar.<\/p>\n

Stiffening, Adam implored Joe with his eyes not to do anything rash. Joe, however, wasn\u2019t looking at Adam. His eyes were fixed to the man looming over him. Joe had had enough bad treatment from him the previous day to expect the worst, and he tightened his muscles against the pain. Instead, Thorne ran his hand down Joe\u2019s face, almost in a caress. \u201cHe\u2019s a pretty boy, ain\u2019t he?\u201d he commented.<\/p>\n

\u201cSure is,\u201d Wilder agreed, cheerfully. \u201cBet he won\u2019t be so pretty when we\u2019re finished with him.\u201d<\/p>\n

Turning his head, Thorne enjoyed the look on Adam\u2019s face, as he continued to run his thumb down Joe\u2019s cheek. \u201cThe ladies go wild for him,\u201d he said. \u201cMust be his pretty face.\u201d Still the thumb stroked Joe\u2019s cheek. Adam was tense, and Joe looked as though he would like to faint. Beads of sweat popped into being on his forehead. He shot a fearful glance at Adam.<\/p>\n

Almost as though that was the cue he had been waiting for, Thorne lifted his hand and crashed it across Joe\u2019s face in a vicious backhand. Adam saw fresh blood spurt from his brother\u2019s nose and mouth, and made an impotent move. He froze at once as Thorne\u2019s hand closed on Joe\u2019s throat. Joe\u2019s eyes grew wide, and he looked at Adam once more before resolutely closing them.<\/p>\n

Unable to take his eyes from his youngest brother, Adam knew why Joe had closed his eyes. If his eyes were shut, he couldn\u2019t look pleadingly at Adam, nor could he see his brother suffering as he was tortured. Adam was paralysed by fear. He didn\u2019t know if he should plead or be silent.<\/p>\n

\u201cPlease, don\u2019t hurt him,\u201d he said, unable to stay silent. \u201cI won\u2019t go with you to the bank if you hurt him.\u201d<\/p>\n

For a minute, Adam thought he had signed both their death warrants with that statement. A moan escaped Joe, as Thorne\u2019s knuckles grew white. Then, with an abrupt movement, he dropped Joe, and the youth slumped to the floor. Heedless of their captors, Adam threw himself down beside Joe, lifting and supporting his head, while he checked to make sure Joe was still breathing.<\/p>\n

Fathomless green eyes flickered open, as Joe gasped for breath. His bound hands came up to grasp Adam\u2019s arm, and Adam welcomed the pressure, as Joe fought to steady his breathing. \u201cEasy, Joe,\u201d he murmured. \u201cTake it easy.\u201d<\/p>\n

A few minutes passed before Joe\u2019s breathing was back to normal. Adam could see bruises rising on his brother\u2019s throat already, and he thought how easily that golden skin was marked. He shied away from the thought that Joe could have died there in front of him. It hadn\u2019t happened, and somehow, Adam had to make sure that it never happened.<\/p>\n

\u201cAdam,\u201d Joe whispered, hoarsely. Adam looked at him, and gently brushed the hair back from his forehead. He fumbled with the neckerchief at his own throat, and used it to wipe the blood from Joe\u2019s face. He resisted glaring at Thorne and Wilder, who were laughing themselves sick at Thorne\u2019s actions.<\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t try to talk, Joe,\u201d Adam said. \u201cJust nod. Are you all right?\u201d<\/p>\n

He was relieved when Joe nodded. The bleeding was stopped, and Adam dropped the blood stained cloth to the floor. He helped Joe to sit up, and saw for himself that his younger brother didn\u2019t have any trouble breathing. Joe winced every time he swallowed, but there was nothing Adam could do for him. Joe looked at Adam, his expressive eyes thanking his brother for the timely rescue, and showing his concern.<\/p>\n

\u201cTake it easy, Joe,\u201d Adam said, quietly. He glanced at the men holding them, as Wilder came nearer.<\/p>\n

\u201cAll right, Cartwright, its time to get you cleaned up. I\u2019ll untie you, but one false move, and he\u2019d a dead man.\u201d Thorne moved in round the other side of the settee, and hauled Joe back onto it, and took his gun from his holster. With deliberate cruelty, he cocked the gun and pressed it against Joe\u2019s temple. Adam could see the skin whitening under the pressure from the barrel. Joe\u2019s eyes flickered to Adam, and he swallowed painfully. Both knew that Thorne could pull the trigger without any provocation.<\/p>\n

\u201cThere won\u2019t be any trouble,\u201d Adam said.<\/p>\n

With Wilder watching him closely, Adam was allowed to wash, shave and put on clean clothes. He returned to the great room in trepidation, although there hadn\u2019t been the sound of a shot. However, Thorne didn\u2019t appear to have done anything to Joe, even though he was still sitting with the barrel of his gun pressed to the youth\u2019s head. With obvious disappointment, he put the gun away. Joe looked frazzled.<\/p>\n

Ignoring their captors, Adam sat down beside his brother and gave him a quick hug. \u201cIt\u2019ll be all right, Joe,\u201d he promised. \u201cJust keep your wits about you.\u201d He flicked a glance at Wilder, who was staying behind, and Joe nodded imperceptibly.<\/p>\n

\u201cBe careful,\u201d he whispered. His voice was scratchy and sore.<\/p>\n

Adam gently touched his cheek. \u201cI will be,\u201d he said, and rose before Thorne decided to take another chunk out of Joe. \u201cI\u2019m ready,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n

As he opened the door and stepped out onto the porch, Adam clearly heard the sound of approaching hooves. With sudden intuition, he knew it was Ben and Hoss, and he feared that his father and brother would be hurt. Taking a huge risk, he threw himself at Thorne before the man realised what he was hearing.<\/p>\n

Startled, Thorne pulled the trigger, but his shot went wild. Ben and Hoss hauled their horses to a stop, and jumped off, racing behind the wagon to take cover. Inside the house, Joe heard the shot, and took advantage of Wilder\u2019s confusion, and jumped on him.<\/p>\n

On the porch, Adam wrestled desperately for control of the gun. His hands were slick with sweat, and Thorne was able to tear his hand from Adam\u2019s grip. He brought the gun down and it went off, once then again. Adam flinched, but grabbed the hand, and forced it away from him again. It seemed to be easier for him this time. Seeing this, Ben and Hoss raced forward, and Hoss grabbed the gun in his huge hand, and yanked it away.<\/p>\n

\u201cAdam, are you all right?\u201d Ben asked, pulling his oldest son off the man.<\/p>\n

\u201cJoe\u2019s in the house, hurt, and another man with him,\u201d Adam gasped. \u201cHe\u2019s tied up. Hurry.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben didn\u2019t need to hear another word; he flew into the house, and saw Joe lying on the floor, as Wilder kicked him viciously in the stomach. Wilder\u2019s gun was lying on the floor by the table. \u201cHold it!\u201d Ben ordered, and Wilder turned, his hand going for the gun he no longer had. Realising, he slowly put his hands up.<\/p>\n

\u201cJoe, are you all right?\u201d he asked, and got a groan as an answer. Ben kept his gun and his attention on Wilder. He had to get this man neutralised somehow. He heard footsteps from behind, and recognised them as Hoss\u2019. \u201cHoss?\u201d he said.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe other one\u2019s dead, Pa,\u201d Hoss said, coming into sight. \u201cAdam\u2019s bin shot in the thigh, but he\u2019ll be okay. It\u2019s just a flesh wound.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cGet this one to the sheriff,\u201d Ben said, \u201cand get the doctor out here, fast.\u201d He kept the gun steady until Hoss had Wilder under control, then he shoved the gun back into his holster and ran to kneel by Joe. \u201cJoe!\u201d he said, urgently.<\/p>\n

\u201cPa?\u201d Joe croaked. He tried a smile, but it was too painful for him.<\/p>\n

\u201cMy God!\u201d Ben breathed, as he took in his son\u2019s condition for the first time. Gently, he helped Joe sit up, and untied him. \u201cI\u2019m going to put you on the settee, Joe,\u201d he said, sliding an arm under Joe\u2019s legs to lift him.<\/p>\n

As soon as Joe was lying there, Ben patted his arm. \u201cI\u2019ll be right back,\u201d he said, and hurried out to help Adam. Hoss had helped Adam into one of the porch seats, and Ben slung an arm over his shoulder, and supported Adam as he limped painfully into the house.<\/p>\n

\u201cHow\u2019s Joe?\u201d he gasped.<\/p>\n

\u201cI think he\u2019ll be all right,\u201d Ben panted, and directed Adam to the blue chair. From there, Adam could see Joe, and was relieved to see that his brother didn\u2019t look much worse.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat happened here?\u201d Ben asked, slitting Adam\u2019s pants leg to examine the injury.<\/p>\n

Talking quietly, Adam related the story. Ben was understandably horrified. He frowned as Adam mentioned his suspicion of Devon. He wondered why Devon would have set up this type of thing, when he had been asking the Ponderosa to bid on a contract. It didn\u2019t make any sense. However, he didn\u2019t have time to think about it, because both his sons needed attention.<\/p>\n

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

\u201cAdam\u2019s leg should heal without complications,\u201d Paul Martin said, as he drank his coffee. \u201cJoe will be all right, too, once those ribs heal up. There are no signs of internal bleeding, which is a mercy. There doesn\u2019t appear to be any damage to his vocal chords, either. Just bruising.\u201d Paul shook his head. \u201cThey were lucky.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThey were indeed,\u201d Ben agreed. He had already thanked the Almighty for His timely assistance, allowing he and Hoss to arrive home in time to help out.<\/p>\n

Later, after Paul was gone, Ben went back upstairs to see his sons. Adam was deeply asleep, which didn\u2019t come as a surprise, given that he\u2019d had next to no sleep the night before. Ben felt his forehead gently, but there was no sign of fever. Adam didn\u2019t move under his hand. Ben allowed himself to stroke his oldest son\u2019s hair, a gesture that Adam would have rejected if he\u2019d been awake.<\/p>\n

Leaving Adam, he went into Joe\u2019s room. Joe, too, was asleep, and Ben stood for a minute, cataloguing his son\u2019s injuries. The bruised, gashed face, the split lips, the finger marks on his throat, and finally, the bandages on his ribs. Then there were the rope burns that both sons had suffered. Ben sat down beside Joe\u2019s bed, and stroked his hair, as he had done to Adam. It was a gesture that both signified his love, and gave comfort, and not just to Joe. Ben drew comfort from it, too.<\/p>\n

He must have fallen sleep there, for he woke with a start, and looked round, disoriented. A lamp burned low on the dresser, casting a warm glow through the room. Ben blinked, for it hadn\u2019t been there when he came in. He rubbed his eyes, and realised that Hoss must have brought the lamp in.<\/p>\n

\u201cPa?\u201d whispered a voice, and Ben knew what had drawn him from his sleep.<\/p>\n

\u201cHow do you feel?\u201d he asked, leaning forward to stroke Joe\u2019s head. The boy\u2019s head was warm to the touch, but no more so than normal.<\/p>\n

\u201cSore,\u201d Joe admitted. His voice was still hoarse, and it hurt him to talk. \u201cHow\u2019s Adam?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHe\u2019ll be all right,\u201d Ben assured him. \u201cHe\u2019s asleep right now.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat about those men?\u201d Joe asked. He coughed slightly, and winced. Ben got some water, and helped Joe to drink. The cool water was like balm to Joe\u2019s tortured throat. It seemed to him that he could still feel Thorne\u2019s hand on his neck, squeezing, as he gasped for breath, and the world turned black around him. With a start, he shook free of the waking nightmare, and realised that Ben was looking at him with concern. He shivered, feeling cold sweat slick on his skin.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat is it?\u201d Ben asked. \u201cMemories?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cMmm,\u201d Joe agreed, nodding. His hand strayed unconsciously to his throat, where he gingerly felt the sore flesh. Ben instantly knew what Joe was remembering. \u201cThe men?\u201d he prompted his father.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe one who was with Adam, Thorne, he died,\u201d Ben said, and saw a fleeting flash of satisfaction in Joe\u2019s eyes. \u201cWilder is in Roy\u2019s jail. I\u2019m going in to talk to him tomorrow, to see who was behind this.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat do you mean?\u201d Joe asked. He hadn\u2019t thought about the situation too closely, as he was mostly trying to deal with his hurts, and think of a way to escape. Now he waited to be told, as thinking was almost too much effort.<\/p>\n

Quickly, Ben summarised the thoughts he and Adam had had about who was behind this attack. The other unanswered question was why? Joe listened in silence, blinking and nodding to show that he understood. \u201cAdam thinks it\u2019s the man you met?\u201d he whispered, before Ben had finished.<\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s right,\u201d Ben said. Joe hadn\u2019t been the world\u2019s best scholar, mostly because he was too restless to sit still for that long, but he wasn\u2019t stupid. Ben had guessed that he would work it out. \u201cBut we don\u2019t know why.\u201d He smiled as Joe tried to hide a huge yawn. \u201cGo back to sleep, son,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n

\u201cG\u2019night, Pa,\u201d Joe said, and turned his head, his eyes drifting shut of their own volition.<\/p>\n

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

Gazing through the bars of the jail cell, Ben felt Hoss tense beside him. Wilder slumped on the cot, ignoring his visitors. \u201cIf you cooperate, it\u2019ll go easier with you,\u201d Roy said, coaxingly.<\/p>\n

\u201cIf I cooperate, I\u2019ll die,\u201d Wilder returned. \u201cBut I won\u2019t be hanged for this. A couple of years in prison, and then I\u2019ll be out.\u201d He smiled. \u201cNo, I\u2019ll just keep my mouth shut.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cCan\u2019t do no more,\u201d Roy said to Ben. \u201cI can\u2019t force him to tell us.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI would,\u201d Hoss said, quietly, and Roy frowned. He knew that it took a lot to rile Hoss, but the callous, sadistic abuse that Joe and Adam had suffered had really wound the big man up. He looked ready to tear Wilder limb from limb, and he was probably capable of doing so.<\/p>\n

\u201cHoss,\u201d Ben said; no more than that, but Hoss subsided. His fists were still clenched, and he still looked angry, but he backed away from the cell. \u201cThanks for letting us do this, Roy,\u201d Ben went on. \u201cDid you have any luck finding out about Devon\u2019s background?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNothin\u2019s come back yet, Ben,\u201d Roy said. \u201cI\u2019ll let you know when it does. But, as I told you earlier, the sheriff over in Placerville says that Devon ain\u2019t in the hotel any more.\u201d<\/p>\n

Still talking, Ben and Roy moved into the office part of the jail. Hoss turned for one last look at the man who had hurt his brothers, and saw a look of surprise and worry cross Wilder\u2019s face. The moment, Wilder realised Hoss had seen it, he schooled his face into neutrality, but it was too late.<\/p>\n

Moving quickly, Hoss told Ben and Roy what he had seen. Immediately, Roy went back to the cell. \u201cSo the fact that we know about Devon worries you, huh, son?\u201d asked Roy.<\/p>\n

\u201cNo,\u201d Wilder said, but there was nothing convincing about the word. \u201cI don\u2019t know what you mean.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhen I find Devon,\u201d Ben said, \u201cI\u2019m going to be doing a lot of talking. And your name is going to come up. And I won\u2019t be telling him that you kept quiet. I\u2019m going to say that you told me everything.\u201d Saying that was a chance Ben felt he had to take. It was tantamount to threatening the prisoner, and Ben hoped Roy wouldn\u2019t jump in. However, Roy guessed what Ben was doing, and kept quiet.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou can\u2019t do that!\u201d Wilder protested, leaping to his feet, his pose of nonchalance gone. \u201cHe\u2019ll kill me!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s not my problem,\u201d Ben returned, and coolly turned away.<\/p>\n

\u201cWait!\u201d Wilder cried, and Ben stopped, his back still turned.<\/p>\n

\u201cWell?\u201d he said, coldly.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe were to meet Devon in San Francisco. He\u2019s staying at the Palace hotel there. We were to take the money to him, and we\u2019d get paid off.\u201d Ben slowly turned. \u201cHe wanted the money from you, and we were to kill your sons. He didn\u2019t care how we did it, he just wanted them dead.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhy?\u201d Ben asked, and the anger in his voice cracked like a whip.<\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t know!\u201d Wilder said. \u201cHonest, I don\u2019t! He just hired us, and said he\u2019d give us $5000 each for doing the job.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd how much money did he want?\u201d Ben asked. \u201c$50,000? $100,000? How much?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201c$50,000,\u201d Wilder said, slumping down.<\/p>\n

They questioned Wilder further, but he didn\u2019t know anything else. Going back into the office, Roy closed the door to the cells behind them. \u201cI guess that answers one question,\u201d he said, ruminatively.<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd throws up a dozen more,\u201d Ben said, wryly. \u201cThanks, Roy. Perhaps you could wire San Francisco, and let them know we\u2019ll be coming? I don\u2019t want Devon alerted, though. Could you do that?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAll right, Ben,\u201d Roy agreed, though they could hear the trace of doubt in his voice about the wisdom of the action. \u201cJust make sure you stick to the law.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t worry, I will,\u201d Ben promised.<\/p>\n

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

They rode home to the ranch quickly. Ben wanted to get off to San Francisco as soon as possible, but first he had to persuade Adam and Joe that they weren\u2019t well enough to go. As he had expected, they protested loudly. \u201cPa, you can\u2019t just go off there!\u201d Adam said. \u201cYou don\u2019t know why Devon was doing this. Let the law handle him.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI want to come with you,\u201d Joe said, quietly.<\/p>\n

\u201cNeither of you are coming,\u201d Ben said. \u201cYou aren\u2019t fit enough for a ride like this. Hoss and I will be careful, but we need to find out what\u2019s going on. And really, the law doesn\u2019t have a lot to go on. Devon is a respected business man, and Wilder is a proven thug.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI think this is a bad idea,\u201d Adam said, but he completely understood Ben\u2019s desire to go and face the man. He would have liked to go, too. He wanted to see the man who had ordered the torture of himself and Joe. He shook his head, feeling frustrated that he was confined to the house, and going about on a stick. \u201cWhen are you leaving?\u201d he asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cIn the morning,\u201d Ben replied. \u201cWe\u2019ll get some rest, and pick up some supplies to take with us. We\u2019ll be home as soon as we can.\u201d<\/p>\n

There were hoof beats in the yard, and Hoss got up to see who it was. Clem, the deputy, was just getting off his horse. \u201cHoss,\u201d he said. \u201cRoy asked me to come past with this telegram. It arrived shortly after you left. He thought you should see it.\u201d<\/p>\n

Taking the proffered piece of paper, joss led Clem indoors, and handed it over to Ben. Clem greeted Adam and Joe and asked how they were. The answers he got were short, as they were both interested in what the telegram said.<\/p>\n

\u201cIts about Devon,\u201d Ben said. \u201cRoy was trying to find out about his background. Here it is.\u201d He fell silent again, his face troubled.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat does it say, Pa?\u201d Joe asked. His throat was still sore, but this was the first day he had felt an improvement in it.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt says he\u2019s well known for his mining operations in California. However, there is no information about his background at all. Like so many others, he arrived in California a short time ago, with money to spare, and bought a mine. Nobody knows where he\u2019s from, or how he came by his money.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNot very helpful,\u201d Adam commented. \u201cPa, please, change your mind, and leave it to the law.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWe can\u2019t do that, Adam,\u201d Hoss said. He looked at his brothers. \u201cWe gotta find out why he did this to ya. Can\u2019t you see? I can\u2019t just let him walk away without payin\u2019 for this.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHoss,\u201d Adam said, frowning, but Hoss interrupted him.<\/p>\n

\u201cNo, Adam. We all look out for each other, and I can\u2019t let someone like this walk around free. He was gonna kill you both, and anyone who hurts my brothers has to pay.\u201d He clenched his fists. \u201cI ain\u2019t gonna do anythin\u2019 that\u2019s agin the law, but I gotta catch him, afore he does this to someone else.\u201d<\/p>\n

Swallowing, Joe ducked his head. Adam looked away from Hoss, and Ben silently put his hand on Hoss\u2019 shoulder. Joe could remember each time Hoss had calmly stated his intentions to rip apart anyone that hurt his little brother, like the escaped army prisoners at Netta\u2019s ranch, and Vince Dagen, when they had been held hostage by Dagen and his gang of bank robbers. There were many more occasions. Those were just the ones that sprang to mind. It was funny, he reflected, he hadn\u2019t realised that Hoss felt that way about Adam, too. He tended to think of Adam as invulnerable, but remembered that he had wanted to look out for Adam just a few days before, when they were both in danger.<\/p>\n

Gazing into the fire, Adam blinked back the tears that wanted to form in his eyes. He knew that they all looked out for one another. It was so basic, it didn\u2019t need said. And he knew how Hoss felt. He wanted to find the man who had been at the back of the plot to hurt, and eventually kill Joe. He was moved that Hoss wanted to bring the man to justice. \u201cYou\u2019re right,\u201d he said, huskily. \u201cGo to San Francisco, and find him. But please, be careful, both of you!\u201d<\/p>\n

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

Ben and Hoss left early the next morning, admonishing Adam and Joe to take things easy, and take care of each other. It was a grey day, with looming clouds that promised rain before the day was out, and Ben felt a bit depressed. He had been racking his brains to think of a reason why Devon would be trying to kill his sons. He had never met the man before the day that he bid on the contract.<\/p>\n

They rode steadily west, and the rain held off. When they stopped for the night, they had covered a lot of ground. Next morning, they were up early, and riding on. \u201cI think we should stop at the next town and get some more supplies,\u201d Ben said. They had taken some from the ranch, but with Hop Sing still away, they hadn\u2019t wanted to empty the kitchen too much.<\/p>\n

\u201cAll right, Pa,\u201d Hoss agreed. He headed his horse towards the small town of Watson\u2019s Crossing.<\/p>\n

The general store was easy to find, and Hoss went in to buy supplies, while Ben wired the ranch, letting Adam and Joe know where they were. He had hardly left the tiny telegraph office when the operator came out after him. \u201cMr Cartwright, sir! Wait!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat is it?\u201d Ben asked, perplexed.<\/p>\n

\u201cGot a wire here for you from the sheriff of Virginia City. Asked me to pass it on if you should stop here.\u201d The clerk handed over the wire, and left.<\/p>\n

Scanning the words, Ben could feel the colour draining from his face. He read the words again.<\/p>\n

TO BEN CARTWRIGHT STOP<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

DEVON IS NOT IN S.F.ANY LONGER STOP<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

LAST SEEN HEADING EAST STOP<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

SUGGEST YOU RETURN HOME AT ONCE STOP<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

ROY COFFEE STOP<\/p>\n

\u201cHoss!\u201d Ben called, barging into the store. \u201cHoss, we\u2019ve got to go home at once. Never mind the supplies.\u201d<\/p>\n

Frowning at Ben, Hoss nevertheless picked up the goods he had just bought, and hurried outside with Ben. \u201cPa, what\u2019s wrong? Nothing\u2019s happened to Adam or Joe, has it?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cLook!\u201d Ben gave him the wire, and began to stuff the food into their saddlebags as Hoss read it. \u201cSomehow, Devon found out that we caught Wilder and Thorne.\u201d<\/p>\n

They mounted up and rode out at a gallop.<\/p>\n

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

\u201cJoe, for pity\u2019s sake, will you stop pacing?\u201d Adam demanded, irritably, as Joe levered himself awkwardly from the settee, and headed towards the door.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m not pacing,\u201d Joe retorted. \u201cI\u2019m going out to the barn.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cTo do what, exactly?\u201d asked Adam, sarcastically. \u201cChop wood? Put up some hay?\u201d<\/p>\n

Glaring at his older brother, Joe said, \u201cI\u2019m going to see my horse and get some fresh air. What\u2019s the big deal?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThe big deal is, you\u2019re supposed to be resting. Now, will you please sit down and do just that?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m going outside,\u201d Joe said, stubbornly. \u201cWhat\u2019s going to happen?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cKnowing you,\u201d Adam said, snidely,\u00a0 \u201calmost anything!\u201d<\/p>\n

Wordlessly, Joe crossed to the door, and slammed it as he left. Adam grimaced. He hadn\u2019t meant to annoy Joe, but his younger brother\u2019s restlessness was making him restless, too. For a moment, Adam thought of going after Joe, but walking was still a trial to him, despite his stick, and he opted to stay put. He could put things right with Joe later, and maybe the fresh air would help soothe the younger man\u2019s fidgets.<\/p>\n

Outside, Joe walked over to the corral, where Cochise seemed pleased to see him. Joe patted the mole-soft nose, and rubbed the silken ears, but what he really wanted was to mount up and go for a gallop. However, Joe knew he wasn\u2019t up to it, so he tried to content himself in giving his horse some attention.<\/p>\n

It was the afternoon of the second day since Ben and Hoss had gone, and Joe missed them both sorely. He had wanted to go with them, and find out what was behind the attack. It seemed very strange. He and Adam had discussed this the previous evening, but neither had been able to come up with an answer.<\/p>\n

A horse rode into the yard, and Joe turned to greet the rider. He was surprised to recognise Jack Bonner, one of Virginia City\u2019s more shiftless residents, who, on occasion, had put in a day\u2019s work on the ranch. He couldn\u2019t imagine what Jack wanted, as they weren\u2019t taking on casual workers right then, and Jack knew that.<\/p>\n

\u201cJack,\u201d he said, by way of greeting. \u201cWhat can I do for you?\u201d<\/p>\n

Sliding from the back of his horse, Bonner gave Joe a weak smile. \u201cGot a message for you, Joe,\u201d he said, and began to pat his pockets, as though looking for a piece of paper.<\/p>\n

\u201cA message?\u201d Joe said, walking over. \u201cWho for?\u201d<\/p>\n

As Joe neared, Bonner\u2019s face cleared, as though he had found what he was searching for. As indeed he had, but it wasn\u2019t a piece of paper. It was a knife. Joe took a step back, but froze as Bonner brought the knife up in a manner that suggested that he had plenty of experience in using it.<\/p>\n

\u201cOh, this message is for you and your brothers and your Pa,\u201d Bonner said. \u201cI came to give it to you personally.\u201d He made a slash at Joe, who instinctively put his hands up to defend himself. The knife sliced across his right palm.<\/p>\n

Backing away, cradling his injured hand, Joe tried to keep out of Bonner\u2019s way. \u201cWhy are you doing this?\u201d he gasped. He barely avoided a slash at his face.<\/p>\n

\u201cI been paid real good for it,\u201d Bonner said, clearly gloating. \u201cAll I had to do was send a wire.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019re working for Devon,\u201d Joe realised, and stumbled slightly. This time, the knife slid down his right arm as he tried to get away. \u201cAdam!\u201d Joe yelled, knowing he had to warn his brother. \u201cAdam!\u201d<\/p>\n

Inside, Adam heaved a big sigh, as Joe\u2019s shouts reached him. \u201cNow what?\u201d he grumbled, putting his book aside, and reaching for his stick. He levered himself to his feet, and began to limp across the floor. As he reached the credenza by the door, Joe let out a scream.<\/p>\n

Yanking open the door, Adam wished he had paused to pick up his gun, for Joe lay crumpled by the horse trough, Jack Bonner standing over him, grinning widely. Adam had no idea what Bonner had just done to Joe, but he knew it was bad.<\/p>\n

It was too late to turn back for his gun. Bonner had spotted Adam and was running across the yard at him. Adam knew he didn\u2019t have a chance to reach his gun, and he prepared himself to meet his attacker. Bonner leapt at him, and Adam went down under the other man\u2019s weight. He swung his stick up, and cracked Bonner mightily across the back.<\/p>\n

They wrestled back and forth, rolling over and over, each trying to gain the advantage. Adam was furiously angry, and that lent him strength, but his injury told against him, and he was beginning to lose the fight when he vaguely heard the thunder of horses galloping into the yard. Next instant, Bonner was hauled off him, and Adam dragged in a huge breath, wiping the sweat from his eyes with a shaking hand.<\/p>\n

A familiar face peered down at him, and offered him a hand. It was Clem Foster. \u201cAre you all right, Adam?\u201d he asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cNever mind me. What about Joe?\u201d he gasped, accepting the assistance.<\/p>\n

Once upright, Adam gaped in surprise at all the men in the yard. Roy Coffee was there, kneeling by Joe, and Bonner was being handcuffed by one of the other men. Adam had no idea what was going on, or why Roy and his men were there, but right now he didn\u2019t care. His only concern was Joe. Leaning heavily on Clem, he limped over to collapse beside Joe.<\/p>\n

A knife was buried in Joe\u2019s shoulder, and he was bleeding from numerous other cuts on his arms, hands, belly and chest. \u201cJoe!\u201d Adam exclaimed, in horror. He looked at Roy. \u201cWhat\u2019s going on?\u201d<\/p>\n

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

The ranch house came into view, and Ben and Hoss clattered into the yard. They had pushed their horses to make it home, and darkness had fallen a short time ago. The yard was full of horses, and Ben wondered why. His heart rose to his throat, as he recognised Paul Martin\u2019s buggy. An armed deputy identified himself, and one of the hands came to take their horses.<\/p>\n

Together, he and Hoss ran to the house. Flinging open the door, part of his concern was eased when he saw Adam sitting in the chair. Adam looked exhausted, grey and drawn, and he had several nasty bruises on his face. He opened his eyes, and looked relieved when Ben and Hoss came in. That was enough to make Ben worry more. \u201cAdam, what\u2019s wrong?\u201d Ben asked, crossing to his side.<\/p>\n

\u201cIts Joe,\u201d Adam said, bleakly. \u201cHe\u2019s been stabbed.\u201d<\/p>\n

Clutching the chair back, Ben\u2019s dark eyes were wide with horror. He looked upstairs, and after touching Adam\u2019s arm gently, he headed up. Hoss crouched by Adam. \u201cAre you all right?\u201d he asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m okay,\u201d Adam assured him. \u201cJust some bruises.\u201d This wasn\u2019t quite true, as Adam had burst some of the stitches on his leg, and had had to have them done again. However, he felt that Ben and Hoss had enough to worry about.<\/p>\n

Upstairs, Ben went into Joe\u2019s room, to find Roy Coffee there, holding Joe down, as Paul put some stitches in his shoulder. Clinging to the door, Ben could hardly believe what he saw. Joe\u2019s golden skin was ashen, and stained with blood. There were lines of stitches in a few places across his chest and abdomen, and the gash in his shoulder was clearly very deep. Joe\u2019s eyes were closed, but judging by the tautness of his muscles, he was awake and aware.<\/p>\n

He must have made some sound, as all the eyes in the room turned to him. Ben saw relief flare in Joe\u2019s pain-filled green eyes. He lifted one bandaged hand, and Ben reacted to that silent entreaty at once. He crossed over to Joe\u2019s bed, and leant over to stroke his son\u2019s sweat-dampened curls. \u201cI\u2019m here, Joe,\u201d he said, softly.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m glad to see you got my message,\u201d Roy said. \u201cWe have men out looking for Devon right now. I\u2019ll tell you all about it later,\u201d he added, knowing that Ben wouldn\u2019t hear anything until he knew how Joe was going to be.<\/p>\n

\u201cJoe has been stabbed,\u201d Paul said. \u201cThe cut on his shoulder is the worst, but I\u2019ve had to take stitches in all of them, Ben. Joe had been lucky. The bandages on his ribs saved him from fatal injury. The knife didn\u2019t penetrate far enough to damage any organs.\u201d Paul indicated the slashes over Joe\u2019s stomach, which, though deep enough to require stitches, had been minor compared to what might have been.<\/p>\n

Pretty soon, Paul had Joe\u2019s shoulder stitched up, and he began the tedious job of bandaging all the cuts. Both of Joe\u2019s palms were cut to ribbons, and Paul said that he often saw injuries like those when people were defending themselves against knives. It didn\u2019t take Paul long to get Joe cocooned in bandages, and then he gave him something for the pain.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2019ll wait downstairs,\u201d Roy said, as he and Paul left. Ben grunted.<\/p>\n

\u201cPa,\u201d Joe said, the first word he had spoken since Ben arrived.<\/p>\n

\u201cEasy, son,\u201d Ben soothed. \u201cYou\u2019re going to be fine.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cGlad you\u2019re back,\u201d Joe said, sleepily. The morphine was working now. \u201cAdam\u2019s a rotten nurse.\u201d A small smile curved his lips, and he slipped gently into a drugged sleep.<\/p>\n

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

Downstairs, Ben found Roy and Paul drinking coffee, and he took a cup for himself. \u201cI got a wire that Devon had left San Francisco,\u201d Roy began. \u201cI sent that wire on to you, since he\u2019d been spotted heading east. I didn\u2019t know if he was coming back here or not, but I thought it would be better for you to come home.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI appreciate it,\u201d Ben said.<\/p>\n

Shrugging that off, Roy went on. \u201cWe set off out here to tell Adam and Joe, so they would know what was going on. I thought I\u2019d leave a deputy or two here till you got back. When we got here, Adam and Jack Bonner were fighting, and Joe was bleeding by the trough.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWe got some of the story out of Joe,\u201d Adam said, taking up the tale. \u201cBonner said he had a message for us, and pretended he\u2019d lost the paper. Joe went over, and Bonner pulled a knife. Admitted that he was working for Devon, and had wired him, saying that Thorne and Wilder had failed. Bonner was to finish the job.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t understand why Devon is doing this,\u201d Ben said.<\/p>\n

\u201cNeither do we \u2013 yet,\u201d Roy said. \u201cBut all the sheriffs round here are watching out for him. Clem is back in town. I\u2019m going to leave a man here, Ben, just in case. Perhaps we\u2019ll know where Devon is come morning.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThank you, Roy,\u201d Ben said. He was exhausted.<\/p>\n

\u201cKeep Joe in bed for several days, Ben,\u201d Paul said, as he rose to leave. \u201cHe lost quite a bit of blood. Give him fluids, and soft food for the first day or so, and he should be well enough to get up in about a week.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThanks, Paul,\u201d Ben said, and saw them out. \u201cLet\u2019s get you to bed,\u201d he said to Adam, but his oldest son shook his head.<\/p>\n

\u201cI can manage, Pa. Thanks. Why don\u2019t you get some rest?\u201d Adam got stiffly to his feet.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll sit with Joe for a while,\u201d Ben said, as they knew he would. \u201cGood night, boys.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNight, Pa,\u201d they said, and went to bed.<\/p>\n

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

Morning arrived with torrential rains. Ben peered blearily out, before deciding that he would spend the day at home. He had fallen asleep by Joe\u2019s bedside, but his son hadn\u2019t stirred all night. When Ben woke that morning, he felt Joe\u2019s forehead for fever, but there wasn\u2019t any. Relieved, he had slipped quietly out of the room, and gone to wash and change his clothes. Hoss was next up, followed shortly by Adam, and then Ben went to check on Joe and found he was awake.<\/p>\n

They were eating breakfast when they heard hooves outside. A moment later, there was a knock on the door, and it opened to reveal Hiram Wood, Ben\u2019s lawyer. He shook off the rain, and accepted a cup of coffee to warm up. \u201cWhat brings you out here on such a foul day, Hiram?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSomeone is making a claim against the Ponderosa, Ben,\u201d Hiram said. \u201cThey\u2019ve filed against your title to\u2026\u201d he felt in his pocket for a piece of paper, and told Ben the plot under threat. \u201cI don\u2019t believe there\u2019ll be a problem proving your claim, Ben,\u201d Hiram went on, as his client sat there, wondering what else could go wrong. \u201cThe land is worked regularly, and your boundaries are clearly marked, and there is a fence line there. But we must go through the motions.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWho is doing this?\u201d Ben asked.<\/p>\n

Consulting his paper again, Hiram said, \u201cJohn Devon.\u201d<\/p>\n

There was a collective gasp from round the table. Hiram looked at them. \u201cI take it you know Mr Devon?\u201d he asked.<\/p>\n

Quickly, Ben told him the story, and Hiram frowned. \u201cThe fact that he\u2019s wanted for questioning will go against him, should the unthinkable happen, and he takes this ridiculous idea to court,\u201d Hiram said. \u201cDo you know why he has such a grudge against you?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo,\u201d Ben answered, feelingly. \u201cI wish I did. Then perhaps my youngest son wouldn\u2019t be lying upstairs, badly injured.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll go back to town and start dealing with this,\u201d Hiram said, and took his leave. Ben saw him out, then sat down wearily in front of the fire. His muscles were stiff, after the long ride, and the past night. He closed his eyes, and visualised Devon, trying to think if he\u2019d seen him anywhere before. He was convinced that he hadn\u2019t.<\/p>\n

Later that morning, Ben was upstairs with Joe when he heard hooves in the yard again. A strange man, his face obscured by the wide-brimmed hat he was wearing, was dismounting from a flashy grey gelding. The deputy was talking to him. Not really interested in who the stranger was, Ben went back to sit by Joe. Joe was sitting up, and tackling some scrambled eggs that Ben had prepared. They all hoped Hop Sing would get home soon, for Ben\u2019s cooking was elementary to say the least.<\/p>\n

There was a sudden clamour from downstairs, and Joe and Ben looked at one another. \u201cWhat on earth?\u201d Ben said, and rose.<\/p>\n

\u201cBe careful,\u201d Joe said, fear in his voice. Ben paused to give his son a reassuring smile, when they heard footsteps in the hall, and the door flew open to reveal the stranger from outside. He was pointing a gun at Ben.<\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t move!\u201d he warned.<\/p>\n

\u201cDevon!\u201d Ben said, and Joe shivered. This was the man who was behind all the grief they had been suffering. \u201cWhat have you done to my sons?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThey\u2019re alive \u2013 for now,\u201d Devon said. \u201cI knocked them out.\u201d He smiled, but it seemed to Joe that it was the kind of smile a snake might have, if they could smile. \u201cSit down, Cartwright.\u201d<\/p>\n

Slowly, Ben did as he was told, keeping a close eye on Devon\u2019s every move. \u201cWhy are you doing this?\u201d Ben asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cI knew you wouldn\u2019t recognise me,\u201d Devon said, in a smug tone. \u201cI knew it! Would it come as a great surprise to find out that my name isn\u2019t John Devon?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo,\u201d Ben answered. \u201cWhat is it?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cMy father was your friend when you first arrived out here, Cartwright,\u201d Devon said. \u201cHis name was Bill Hardy. You killed him! Thanks to you, I was brought up in an orphanage, instead of on a place like this. So I\u2019ve come to get what I\u2019m owed by you.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019re Bill\u2019s son?\u201d Ben gasped. \u201cOh, Johnny, I looked for you for years!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t give me that!\u201d Devon exclaimed. Keeping his gun pointed at Ben, he sidled round nearer to Joe. \u201cI\u2019ve heard it all before!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIts true,\u201d Ben protested. \u201cI knew you only had your father and his sister, but after Bill died, your sister said you had run away, and I hunted for you.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSure,\u201d Devon agreed. \u201cSure. Like you really wanted another man\u2019s kid on your place.\u201d He looked at Joe. \u201cBut you married again, didn\u2019t you? Bet your new wife persuaded you to stop looking.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cMy mother would never have done that!\u201d Joe protested. He shrank back on the pillows as Devon turned the gun on him.<\/p>\n

\u201cOh yeah?\u201d Devon scoffed. \u201cBet she never even heard my name!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cJohnny, I looked for you for 5 years,\u201d Ben said. \u201cAfter that, I had nowhere else to look. I thought you might be dead, too. There was no way to tell. But Joe is right. His mother didn\u2019t stop me looking for you. She encouraged me.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou got what would\u2019ve been mine, sonny,\u201d Devon said to Joe. He was almost puce in the face with anger. Joe shot a glance at Ben.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhy didn\u2019t you just come to me, Johnny, and tell me who you were?\u201d Ben asked, sorrowfully.<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd you\u2019d have welcomed me with open arms, huh?\u201d scoffed Devon. He reached out and pushed Joe\u2019s chin up with the barrel of his gun. \u201cTreated me like your own son, would you?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThis isn\u2019t the way to find out,\u201d Ben said. \u201cWhen your dad died in that accident, I wanted you to come here to live, so I could try and make up for his death. But your aunt told me you had run away. I hunted everywhere I knew to look, and never found you. If I had, you would have been like my own son.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAn accident!\u201d Devon said, scornfully. \u201cYou killed my dad.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIt was a wagon accident,\u201d Ben said, \u201cand there was no one else involved. We don\u2019t know exactly what happened, but the wagon was found at the bottom of a gully.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIt must have been you!\u201d Devon cried. He still had the barrel of the gun pressing into Joe\u2019s chin. \u201cYou wanted his land. You own it now!\u201d<\/p>\n

Understanding dawned in Ben\u2019s brain. \u201cI own the land now,\u201d he agreed. \u201cBut I only had the chance to buy it ten years ago.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHe\u2019s telling the truth,\u201d Joe interjected. Devon turned to look at him.<\/p>\n

\u201cMy men did you good, didn\u2019t they?\u201d he gloated. \u201cI wish I could\u2019ve seen them doing it. But never mind, I\u2019m going to see you die.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cJohnny,\u201d Ben said, sharply. \u201cIts not too late to walk away from this. No one has died. But if you kill us, then you\u2019ll be hunted down.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWalk away?\u201d Devon shrieked. \u201cNo way! I\u2019m going to kill your sons, and then I\u2019m going to kill you, old man!\u201d He was panting with rage now. \u201cI\u2019m not some little boy lost you can talk round with your kind words and money. I don\u2019t care if I hang! As long as I can pay you back!\u201d He leaned closer to Joe, and deliberately dug his fingers into Joe\u2019s shoulder wound. \u201cHow does that feel, boy?\u201d he asked.<\/p>\n

Writhing in pain, Joe struck at his attacker. The gun slid out from under his chin as Devon staggered slightly. But he still had hold of Joe\u2019 shoulder, and he swung the gun round to crash against the youth\u2019s face. Blood sprang into being along Joe\u2019s cheekbone, and poured down his face. Joe sagged unconscious.<\/p>\n

Leaping to his feet, Ben was pushed aside by a figure charging through the door. He crashed to the ground, realising dimly that it was Hoss who had come in. Through a haze, Ben saw Devon whip the gun up to fire at point blank range. Against his will, Ben\u2019s eyes closed. He couldn\u2019t watch his son die, trying to save his life. There was an almighty explosion, and the room seemed to shake. Ben\u2019s eyes flew open, as he gazed in relieved disbelief at the figure before him. Devon lay on the foot of the bed, clearly dead.<\/p>\n

\u201cHoss,\u201d Ben whispered, and his son turned to him.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m all right, Pa,\u201d Hoss said, shakily. He had a wound on his head, oozing blood still. \u201cAdam is, too.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat happened?\u201d Ben asked, looking at the body of his dead friend\u2019s son.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe gun blew up,\u201d Hoss said, slowly. \u201cHe used it on Adam an\u2019 me. Guns do that, if they\u2019re thumped around a lot.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHe hit Joe with it, too,\u201d Ben said, hurrying to the bed. He wondered why he was surprised. He knew that if you threw a gun, or used it as a club, it could explode. Devon had paid the price for misusing his weapon. He bent over Joe, seeing the gash on his cheek, and his son\u2019s blood everywhere.<\/p>\n

\u201cHoss, get rid of the body,\u201d he said. He snatched up a cloth, and held it to Joe\u2019s cheek, staunching the bleeding.<\/p>\n

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

The row of stitches along Joe\u2019s cheek couldn\u2019t have been finer if a lady had put them in a sampler, Ben thought. Paul had done a wonderful job. The gash had been deep enough to allow the bone to show, and for a time, they feared Joe\u2019s cheekbone was broken. However, Paul had assured them it was intact, and had stitched Joe\u2019s face before the swelling had become too bad.<\/p>\n

All three Cartwright boys were concussed. The deputy was, too. He was moved back to town, and Paul was delighted to notice that Hop Sing had returned from his break, just in time to help with the nursing. The whole story was told again and again, it seemed to Ben, who was desperately tired from the tension and emotions of finding, and losing, his friend\u2019s son. Finally, the body was removed for burial, and they were able to mark case closed, apart from the trial of Wilder and Bonner.<\/p>\n

At last the house was still and quiet, as it usually was. Ben locked the door, and slowly climbed the stairs. He had looked long and hard for Johnny, and when he found him, he hadn\u2019t known him. Ben remembered the child he had been, the little boy lost air that he wore. Ben wondered if Johnny had realised where the phrase that he had used had come from, for Ben had often said that to him, jokingly. Johnny had thought it funny, as he knew where he came from and wasn\u2019t lost.<\/p>\n

Sighing, for regrets couldn\u2019t bring him back to life, Ben opened Adam\u2019s door and peered in. His oldest son was sound asleep. He had suffered a head injury, but his biggest problem had been that he wasn\u2019t able to rush upstairs and protect Joe and Ben. But Adam was logical, and once the emotions of the day had died down, he would see that he bore no blame for what happened.<\/p>\n

Further down the hall, Ben had no real need to see if Hoss was asleep, for he could hear his son snoring quite plainly. However, he couldn\u2019t help himself. It was a nightly ritual.\u00a0 He opened the door, and looked in. Hoss was flat on his back, as usual, and had his arms flung out, using the whole bed. Ben smiled. He thought how wonderful Hoss had been that evening, answering questions, and helping Ben in myriad, unasked ways, despite his own injury. There was a great deal of strength in Hoss, and they did tend to take him for granted. Ben made a mental note to thank Hoss just for being himself.<\/p>\n

The third door was always the last one Ben opened. Joe was twisting restlessly on the bed, and when the glimmer of light came into the room, he turned, and showed Ben that he was awake again. Paul hadn\u2019t given Joe much for pain, as he was quite concussed. Now, Joe was awake and sore, unable to get comfortable. Ben went in.<\/p>\n

\u201cLet me sort your bed, Joe,\u201d Ben said. \u201cYou\u2019ll rest better if I straighten the sheets for you.\u201d He assisted Joe to sit up, and gently eased him out of bed. Joe\u2019s head swam desperately, but he made it to the chair, and conquered his nausea. Tiredly, he watched Ben tidy up the rumpled sheets and blankets, turning and plumping the pillows.<\/p>\n

Back in the cooled down bed, Joe looked worriedly at Ben. \u201cYou look tired,\u201d he said. \u201cPa, he didn\u2019t hurt you, did he?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo, Joe, he didn\u2019t hurt me. Not physically.\u201d Ben perched on the edge of the bed, and stroked Joe\u2019s curls.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou would\u2019ve looked after him when his pa died, wouldn\u2019t you?\u201d Joe asked, and Ben marvelled that, after all that had happened, Joe\u2019s question was devoid of accusation or bitterness. He simply wanted to know.<\/p>\n

\u201cYes,\u201d Ben answered, simply. \u201cI would.\u201d<\/p>\n

Thoughtfully, Joe said, \u201cDo you think he would\u2019ve turned out all right if you had taken him in?\u201d<\/p>\n

Taken aback, Ben said, \u201cI don\u2019t know, Joe. He might. There wouldn\u2019t have been the bitterness in him, I suppose. But I don\u2019t know.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2019re so lucky,\u201d Joe said. He was feeling sleepy now that he was comfortable. \u201cI know we lost Mama, and Adam and Hoss lost their mothers, but we at least had each other, and there\u2019s been enough love to go round.\u201d<\/p>\n

Blinking back tears, Ben agreed. \u201cYes, there\u2018s been enough love to go round, hasn\u2019t there? That\u2019s all that matters in the long run, isn\u2019t it?\u201d He stroked Joe\u2019s head once more, wondering how Paul could be so sure that the gash on Joe\u2019s cheek wouldn\u2019t leave a scar. \u201cYou sleep now. It\u2019s been a long few days. You have a lot of getting better to do.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cGood night, Pa,\u201d Joe responded, his voice slow and sleepy. \u201cI love you.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI love you all,\u201d Ben responded. He swallowed the lump in his throat and went to his room. There, he got down on his knees, and thanked God for the miraculous reprieve they had been granted that night. He prayed that Johnny would find some peace, after his troubled life.<\/p>\n

Lying in bed, Ben reflected on the trials and tribulations of bringing up children. It was never easy, but the joys always out-weighed the sorrows. He wondered what it would have been like to have had four sons. As sleep swept over him, he doubted if he would ever have the chance to find out.<\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

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Summary:\u00a0 Joe and Adam are held hostage on the ranch. But something doesn’t add up. Who is behind it, and can they escape before one or other of them is killed?<\/p>\n

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