Rating: T<\/p>\n
Word Count=9190<\/p>\n
Summary:\u00a0<\/span>Adam, Hoss, and Joe are getting the line shacks ready for winter. Everything goes horribly wrong after Adam goes to the pond to take a break. It’s up to Hoss and Joe to get their brother back.<\/span><\/p>\n Disclaimer: I don’t own the Cartwrights or Bonanza. No copyright infringement is intended. Original plot and characters are property of the author. This story is for entertainment and no money was made from it.<\/span><\/p>\n Reviews from the Old Library are on the last page.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Fraternity<\/strong><\/p>\n Adam, Hoss, and Joe were checking the line shacks and making repairs as needed. The shacks, as originally designed by a teenaged Adam, housed the hands close to the herd during the winter to keep predators away from the cattle. Most of the hands liked living in the shacks\u2014four men shared the space, playing poker, repairing gear, and swapping stories. Each building was well-insulated, keeping the men snug during the long, snowy winters.<\/span>
Finishing repairs to the roof, Adam hollered, \u201cLet\u2019s take a break. Why don\u2019t we go to the pond and relax for a while?\u201d<\/span>
\u201cAin\u2019tcha feelin\u2019 well, Adam? Yer tellin\u2019 us to rest up?\u201d<\/span>
Taking off his hat to wipe the inside of the brim, he sarcastically replied, \u201cI can\u2019t make a suggestion every once in a while?\u201d<\/span>
Joe popped his head out of the shack to confirm what he\u2019d heard. \u201cYou\u2019re gonna let us go swimming? Or fishing?\u201d Adam just glowered at his youngest brother. \u201cHoss must be right\u2014you can\u2019t be feeling well. Maybe you should go see Dr. Martin.\u201d Hoss snickered as Joe kept a straight face.<\/span>
Climbing down the ladder, Adam couldn\u2019t believe that his brothers would question the offer of a break, especially since they\u2019d been working steadily, and without complaint, for the past four hours. \u201cIf you two workhorses want to keep toiling away, by all means, go ahead. I\u2019m going to the pond.\u201d<\/span>
Hoss and Joe guffawed when they were sure Adam was out of earshot. \u201cYou\u2019d think he\u2019d be happy with us working,\u201d laughed out Joe.<\/span>
\u201cHe\u2019s just cranky \u2018cause he drew roof fixin\u2019. I guess the sun finally got to him.\u201d<\/span>
\u201cLet\u2019s get this shack finished and then sneak up on him. We can toss him in the pond before he realizes we\u2019re there.\u201d<\/span>
\u201cIt ain\u2019t easy to sneak up on ole Adam. I reckon we\u2019ll have to do some thinkin\u2019 on it.\u201d Hoss dissolved into laughter while Joe giggled in glee. If they planned their sneak attack correctly, Adam would never know what hit him.<\/span>
**<\/span>
Reaching the pond, Adam tied Sport loosely to a tree so the horse could graze in the shade. Going to the pond, he knelt down, cupping the cool water in his hands. The feel of the water on his face and neck was refreshing. Noticing how inviting the shade looked, he stretched out in the tall, soft grass under the tree and covered his eyes with his hat. Nature\u2019s lullaby sang him to sleep.<\/span>
Sport contentedly munched on the lush grass as the light breeze ruffled his mane. Catching the scent of other horses, he pricked his ears and sniffed the wind. He gave a soft snort before testing the wind again\u2014he didn\u2019t know these scents. Another odor was carried on the wind\u2014the pungent smell of cattle. Stamping a hoof, Sport blew the smell from his nose.<\/span>
Stirring briefly, Adam hushed his horse with soothing words. Still tired, his body pulled him back towards slumber.<\/span>
Three men were herding ten steers towards the pond. The lead man, seeing a horse tied to the tree up ahead motioned his companions to stop. He whispered, \u201cYou two stay here.\u201d<\/span>
The ringleader slowly approached the tied horse on foot. Not recognizing this man, Sport nickered and stamped. Adam heard his horse and a smile played upon his lips as he imagined Hoss and Joe working so hard to be quiet. Willing himself to lie perfectly still, he appeared to be sound asleep. There was no point in denying his younger brothers their fun; once they were close enough, he\u2019d turn the tables on them and they\u2019d be in the pond, not him.<\/span>
Hearing the swish of grass against jeans, Adam felt his fingers twitching in anticipation. Just a little closer and his brothers would be in for a surprise. Feeling hands gripping his ankles, he realized he\u2019d better spring his trap before they carried out their plan. Quickly pulling his hat from his face as he sat up, he wasn\u2019t prepared for the fist that connected with his chin, sprawling him back onto the grass.<\/span>
Out of curiosity, the other two men walked up to see what was happening. \u201cWhy\u2019re ya tyin\u2019 his hands together?\u201d asked Dickie.<\/span>
\u201cMight as well have some fun,\u201d replied the ringleader. He then checked over his prey for valuables and pulled a wallet from Adam\u2019s pocket. Quickly pocketing the money, he tossed it aside after noting that nothing else of value was inside. Taking hold of the rope that bound Adam\u2019s hands, he lifted his victim to his feet and began dragging him towards the pond. All Adam could do was stumble along.<\/span>
Reaching the water\u2019s edge, the man pushed Adam onto his belly and then placed a boot on the back of his head. Bubbles burst forth from the water\u2019s surface as Adam struggled to break free. Easing up the pressure, the man allowed Adam to come up for a brief second before dunking him under again.<\/span>
\u201cThat Ernie sure has a mean streak,\u201d said Dave to no one in particular.<\/span>
Dickie had picked up the discarded wallet and was looking it over. A pine tree and two letters\u2014A.C.\u2014were branded on it. Nudging Dave, Dickie showed the markings to his companion.<\/span>
Dave let out a low whistle at seeing the brand and letters and quickly realized that he needed to let Ernie know what a valuable commodity they had.<\/span>
Growing tired of dunking his prey, Ernie removed his boot from Adam\u2019s head and he popped out of the water. Rolling onto his back, he gasped for breath and tried to work at the knots that bound his hands.<\/span>
Dave threw the wallet at Ernie, who took a look at it and tossed it to the ground with a glare. \u201cHe\u2019s one a them Cartwrights,\u201d said Dave. \u201cI bet he\u2019d bring a fair price.\u201d<\/span>
Ernie looked over at Adam with a new appreciation. Swiftly walking over to him, he kicked his prey under the chin. Adam\u2019s eyes rolled up as his head snapped back. \u201cHelp me git him on Dickie\u2019s horse,\u201d he ordered.<\/span>
\u201cWhat\u2019re we gonna do with those steers?\u201d Dickie asked. \u201cAh thought we was gonna sell \u2018em.\u201d<\/span>
\u201cWe got something more valuable than beef on the hoof in this here Cartwright,\u201d Ernie said as he jerked his thumb towards Adam. \u201cAh figure big money\u2019ll be paid fer him. More\u2019n we could git fer these lazy steers.\u201d<\/span>
\u201cAin\u2019t we gonna take the horse?\u201d Dickie asked. If not, he was going to have to ride double with Cartwright.<\/span>
\u201cLeave it. A man kin git hanged fer horse thievin\u2019,\u201d said Ernie. \u201cHelp tie him to Dickie\u2019s horse,\u201d he ordered Dave.<\/span>
Dickie and Dave each hooked a hand between Adam\u2019s arm and body and dragged him towards the horse as ordered. Ernie began searching Sport\u2019s saddlebags for valuables. Not finding anything, Ernie said, \u201cLet\u2019s go find us a place to hole up with our guest.\u201d Adam was slung face-down across Dickie\u2019s saddle, so he had to sit behind the cantle. He hoped they wouldn\u2019t be going too far since it wasn\u2019t a comfortable way to ride.<\/span>
**<\/span>
\u201cAre you about ready for a break?\u201d asked Hoss.<\/span>
\u201cDo you think he\u2019s out there sleepin\u2019?\u201d<\/span>
\u201cI figure he\u2019s out there readin\u2019 one of his books. We\u2019ll have to be real quiet to catch him by surprise.\u201d<\/span>
\u201cIf he\u2019s sleepin\u2019, we should have him in the pond before he knows what\u2019s goin\u2019 on.\u201d Joe giggled since it wasn\u2019t that often they could get one over on their older brother.<\/span>
The two rode in companionable silence, enjoying the warm sun and gentle breeze. Finally seeing Sport up ahead, they dismounted and tied their horses to some bushes.<\/span>
\u201cWhere do you think he is?\u201d whispered Joe.<\/span>
\u201cThat tall grass is hidin\u2019 him if he\u2019s stretched out. You go around that side of the tree and I\u2019ll go around this one. Signal if you see where he is.\u201d<\/span>
Joe grinned in anticipation\u2014if they succeeded he wasn\u2019t going to let Adam forget; he was the one always saying to set up camp in a way that there could be no surprises. This was going to be one big surprise Adam never expected!<\/span>
Approaching the tree as quietly as he could, Hoss saw Sport raise his head and prick his ears. Placing his finger against his lips, Hoss hoped the horse wouldn\u2019t whicker and give him away. A moo caught Hoss\u2019 ear\u2014what were steers doing up here? They weren\u2019t supposed to be moved to this pasture for another two months.<\/span>
Still determined to surprise his older brother, Hoss crept through the tall grass to the tree. Looking towards the pond, he saw Joe moving stealthily through the grass. Peering around the tree, he expected to see Adam lying in the shade; all he saw was his brother\u2019s hat and flattened grass where he must have been sleeping. How did he know they were coming? Hoss looked up into the tree half expecting him to be perched on a branch. A chill run up his spine and he suddenly had an uneasy feeling.<\/span>
Deciding to check out the flattened grass, he came around the tree and pressed his hand to the ground. It was cold, so if Adam had been there, he\u2019d been gone for a while. Standing, he motioned Joe to come over.<\/span>
\u201cWhere do you think he\u2019s hiding? Do you think he\u2019s watching us and laughing?\u201d<\/span>
\u201cI don\u2019t think he\u2019s here, Joe.\u201d<\/span>
\u201cHe has to be. Why would he leave Sport tied here?\u201d<\/span>
Picking up Adam\u2019s hat, Hoss said, \u201cSomethin\u2019 ain\u2019t right. Look around and see if you can find anything.\u201d<\/span>
Searching the area for clues, Joe saw some leather lying in the grass. Picking it up, he drew in a sharp breath. \u201cHoss! Adam\u2019s wallet. It\u2019s empty.\u201d The two exchanged an uneasy glance and began searching again.<\/span>
Hoss quickly noticed the unfamiliar boot prints\u2014one set headed for the pond along with what appeared to be Adam\u2019s prints. Those sets were joined by two more headed away from the pond dragging something. Or someone. Following the prints, he found where three horses had stood. The tracks leading away showed one horse carrying a heavy load. A grim look crossed his face\u2014if Adam had been on that horse, he probably hadn\u2019t been conscious and able to fight back. He told Joe his thoughts about what happened.<\/span>
\u201cWe need to get word to Pa and Roy. If Adam caught them rustling and tried to stop them, he might be shot.\u201d<\/span>
\u201cWe didn\u2019t hear a shot,\u201d reminded Hoss.<\/span>
\u201cThey did something! We\u2019ve gotta find \u2018em! If they think Adam can identify \u2018em as rustlers, who knows what they\u2019ll do. If they\u2019ve hurt him\u2026\u201d Joe\u2019s eyes were now flashing as if lit by lightning.<\/span>
\u201cCalm down, Lil Joe. We gotta think instead of chargin\u2019 after those fellas.\u201d<\/span>
\u201cThe longer we wait, the further away they\u2019re gonna get!\u201d<\/span>
Placing his hands on his brother\u2019s shoulders, Hoss gave a gentle squeeze. \u201cWe\u2019re gonna find him, don\u2019t you doubt it. We gotta get a message to Pa.\u201d<\/span>
Taking a deep breath, Joe asked, \u201cHow?\u201d<\/span>
\u201cLet\u2019s check his saddlebags. Ole Adam usually carries a pencil and a sketchbook.\u201d With another squeeze to Joe\u2019s shoulders, Hoss went over to Sport. Joe joined him in the search for pencil and paper. They didn\u2019t find the sketchbook but they found a pencil.<\/span>
Pulling The Count of Monte Cristo from the saddlebag, Joe shot Hoss a nervous glance before tearing the title page from the binding. \u201cHe\u2019ll forgive me, won\u2019t he?\u201d<\/span>
\u201cSure he will. Adam\u2019ll understand why you did it.\u201d Handing the pencil over to Joe, he said, \u201cYou write somethin\u2019 to Pa. You\u2019re better at that than me.\u201d<\/span>
Joe turned the sheet sideways and wrote in fast, bold strokes. Finishing, he asked, \u201cHow are we gonna get it to Pa?\u201d<\/span>
Pulling his bandana from his pocket, Hoss held out his hand for the note. He folded the piece of paper several times and then knotted one corner of the fabric around it. Placing the knotted corner against the saddle horn, he pulled two of the other corners around it and knotted those; the fourth corner was left free to serve as a distress signal.<\/span>
Finishing, Hoss prepared to give Sport a slap to send him home. \u201cWhat if we need him?\u201d Joe asked worriedly.<\/span>
\u201cWe gotta hope that ain\u2019t the case,\u201d Hoss replied with a slap to the horse\u2019s rump. Sport sprang forward with a whinny, trotted a few yards, then stopped and turned around; he whickered in confusion. Taking off his hat, Joe waved it and yelled, \u201cGet on home!\u201d Again, Sport trotted a few yards and stopped to look back.<\/span>
Realizing they were wasting time, Joe\u2019s temper began to resurface. Running at Sport, he waved his hat and yelled, \u201cGet outta here!\u201d The noise and waving hat spooked the horse and he galloped off for safety.<\/span>
Watching the horse disappear over the horizon, Hoss realized that finding Adam was up to him and Joe. The men who took him had planned to steal cattle but changed their minds. Where were they going? Why did they take Adam? They had his money\u2014wasn\u2019t that enough? Taking a deep breath, he tried to clear his head. All that mattered now was tracking down those thieves and getting Adam back. Swatting at a fly, he held his hand in front of his eyes. Balling up his fist, he thought they\u2019d better not harm his brother in any way. Joe might be the Cartwright known for having a fast temper, but Hoss\u2019 was like black powder\u2014it started slow then burned white hot; just as quickly as it had started to flare, the flame went out. Lord help those who made that temper flare by harming his family.<\/span>
\u201cMount up, Joe. The sooner we find \u2018em the sooner we\u2019ll get Adam.\u201d<\/span>
Swinging up into the saddle, Joe said, \u201cIf he\u2019s hurt, they\u2019re gonna wish they\u2019d never set foot on the Ponderosa.\u201d<\/span>
They rode off following the tracks left by the would-be rustlers. Both were thinking their own thoughts on Adam\u2019s possible condition. Joe knew Hoss could single-handedly tear a man limb-from-limb if pushed hard enough; if Adam was hurt or dying, his older brother\u2019s brute strength and anger would make his as fast and ferocious as a grizzly. Riding in silence, Hoss thought about his younger brother\u2019s temper\u2014it was like a burning pine tree, very hot and bright; since Joe had an excellent quick draw, he might shoot all of Adam\u2019s captors in the blink of an eye. Lost in these thoughts, both wondered if there would be any reason to involve Roy Coffee.<\/span>
**<\/span>
The raft bobbed up and down on the Truckee River as Adam and Ross floated towards the rapids. They thought the hastily constructed raft had been a good idea at the time; they hadn\u2019t thought about what the speed of the river would do it its bindings. The nausea from the violent bobbing of the raft left Adam feeling he would vomit. Before he could gain control of his stomach, the bile came rushing towards his mouth. He was lying down on the raft, emptying his stomach into the roiling water.<\/span>
\u201cHe\u2019s messin\u2019 on my boots!\u201d complained Dickie.<\/span>
\u201cYou kin clean up later. Just make sure he stays there.\u201d<\/span>
Adam groaned and wished he could rinse his mouth. How long had he been slung across this saddle and where was he being taken? There wasn\u2019t much talking going on, so he wasn\u2019t going to get any clues from his captors. The creak of saddle leather and the humming of the man who\u2019d complained were the only sounds to be heard. For once, he\u2019d give his right arm for Joe to tease him about his work ethic.<\/span>
\u201cThat looks like a place we kin hole up,\u201d announced Dave, pointing out the cabin up ahead.<\/span>
\u201cYou go on ahead an\u2019 make sure there ain\u2019t nobody there,\u201d ordered Ernie.<\/span>
\u201cHow\u2019re we gonna keep him quiet \u2018til we git the money?\u201d asked Dickie.<\/span>
\u201cThere\u2019s plenty a ways to do that,\u201d replied Ernie with a wicked grin.<\/span>
\u201cIf he gits hurt, we might not git any money.\u201d<\/span>
Adam realized he was going to be ransomed; at least that meant he\u2019d be treated decently. They\u2019d want to make sure he stayed in good enough health to get their money.<\/span>
\u201cPeople always pay out the money first. A whole lot kin happen after he\u2019s been paid fer.\u201d Adam felt it hard to breathe at hearing that. These men might kill him and go through with the ransom request. Pa would pay the money in good faith, assuming that these men would honor their bargain. He\u2019d have to escape at his first opportunity if he expected to live.<\/span>
He heard the sound of a galloping horse followed by, \u201cAin\u2019t nobody living in that cabin. It\u2019s got real beds and some food stashed in there.\u201d<\/span>
\u201cLet\u2019s go make ourselves comfortable while we wait to get rich,\u201d said Ernie.<\/span>
Arriving at the cabin, Dickie dismounted and said, \u201cDave, come help me with him.\u201d As the two men untied him, Adam tried to think of a way to escape. Feeling the circulation returning to his hands, he wanted to flex them but was dumped on the ground after his legs were untied. Rolling over, he looked up into the muzzle of a pistol.<\/span>
\u201cGet up slow-like,\u201d the man holding the gun said. Adam shakily got to his feet and glared.<\/span>
\u201cTie his hands so he can\u2019t use nothin\u2019 as a weapon.\u201d A man approached with some rope and he felt his left hand being pulled behind his back. Lunging into the man, he flung him into the gun holder and began running. As he sped through the trees, he tried to think of a place to hide. Distracted by his thoughts, he slipped on a patch of damp leaves and fell head first into a rotting log. Putting out his hands to shield his face, he crashed through the rotten timber, hitting the ground hard.<\/span>
A sharp stinging immediately traveled up his right arm and a yelp escaped his mouth. Rough hands jerked him to his feet as he gritted his teeth against the pain.<\/span>
\u201cWhat the hell?\u201d said Dave, looking at the fragmented log.<\/span>
Ernie\u2019s boot came crashing down as he said, \u201cIt\u2019s jest a scorpion.\u201d As his boot crushed the creature into oblivion, he ordered, \u201cGit him up to the cabin.\u201d<\/span>
As he was dragged off, Adam\u2019s mind was filled with a primal feeling of pain. His entire arm felt as if hot coals were being pressed against it.<\/span>
Reaching the cabin, Ernie ordered, \u201cTie him to the bed.\u201d<\/span>
\u201cWhat are we gonna do fer him?\u201d asked Dickie.<\/span>
\u201cDo fer him? All we need is money. We ain\u2019t gotta do nothin\u2019 fer him.\u201d<\/span>
\u201cWhat if he dies?\u201d<\/span>
\u201cAs long as we get the money, it don\u2019t matter.\u201d<\/span>
\u201cWon\u2019t his family be right bothered if he dies?\u201d<\/span>
\u201cI reckon so.\u201d<\/span>
After a short pause, Dickie said, \u201cI\u2019d be right bothered if somethin\u2019 happened to you.\u201d<\/span>
\u201cYer too soft. No wonder yer just a follower.\u201d Ernie then went inside; Dickie wondered how two brothers sired by the same man and born of the same woman could be so different.<\/span>
Going inside, Dickie saw Dave tying the man\u2019s feet to the bed posts. The man was moaning in pain, sweating, and clutching his badly swollen hand. \u201cWhy\u2019re ya tyin\u2019 up his feet? I don\u2019t think he\u2019ll be goin\u2019 nowhere.\u201d<\/span>
\u201cIt\u2019s just a percaution. He cain\u2019t kick at us thisaway.\u201d<\/span>
\u201cGit over here an\u2019 write the note,\u201d Ernie ordered.<\/span>
Dave went to the table, looked around, and asked, \u201cOn what?\u201d<\/span>
All three began rummaging through the cabin to find paper. Dickie found a journal and tore a blank page out. Taking the offered paper, Dave began sharpening the pencil he\u2019d found with his jackknife.<\/span>
\u201cAny message in particular?\u201d Dave asked.<\/span>
Ernie said, \u201cTell his family $5,000 oughtta do it.\u201d<\/span>
\u201cC\u2019mon, we could git more than that fer him,\u201d urged Dave.<\/span>
\u201cWe want his family to send the money, not git a posse together to deliver it,\u201d said Ernie.<\/span>
Dave got busy writing the note. \u201cHow \u2018bout Hell\u2019s Gap for the money swap?\u201d he asked Ernie. \u201cWe could git set up to shoot anyone bringin\u2019 the money an\u2019 they wouldn\u2019t be able to shoot back.\u201d<\/span>
\u201cSounds pretty good,\u201d agreed Ernie. \u201cPut that in the note.\u201d<\/span>
Finishing up with a flourish, Dave cleared his throat and read the note aloud. \u201cWe got us a Cartwright. If ya want him ta live, bring $5,000 to Hell\u2019s Gap at noon in two days\u2019 time. We\u2019ll trade the money fer him.\u201d<\/span>
\u201cShouldn\u2019tcha tell \u2018em not to bring the law?\u201d asked Dickie.<\/span>
\u201cThey ain\u2019t gonna have time to bring the law,\u201d said Dave. \u201cThis here note says two days. That means they\u2019ll have ta git the money an\u2019 ride hard.\u201d<\/span>
\u201cGood thinkin\u2019,\u201d said Ernie. \u201cShore is a good thing I kin rely on ya.\u201d<\/span>
\u201cWho\u2019s gonna take it?\u201d asked Dickie.<\/span>
\u201cSince Dave here knows the brand, I figger he knows where their place is,\u201d said Ernie. \u201cAm I right?\u201d<\/span>
\u201cThat\u2019s right. I kin git there an\u2019 back in a day if I push my horse hard.\u201d<\/span>
\u201cGuess ya\u2019d best git started on yer way,\u201d said Ernie.<\/span>
\u201cWouldja mind if I waited \u2018til mornin\u2019? Ah\u2019d hate to take a wrong turn in the dark an\u2019 not git this note delivered. \u2018Specially since we\u2019re askin\u2019 fer $5,000.\u201d<\/span>
\u201cYou\u2019d best git started,\u201d said Ernie with a glare. \u201cYou kin camp on the way if you\u2019re afraid of gettin\u2019 lost.\u201d<\/span>
Realizing that Ernie was likely to kill him so the money could be split two ways instead of three, Dave folded the note and stuck it in his pocket. \u201cWe\u2019re gonna need somethin\u2019 of his so his family\u2019ll know that we got him.\u201d<\/span>
All three men looked over at Adam, who was now moaning loudly. \u201cWe shoulda kept that wallet,\u201d Dave said to no one in particular.<\/span>
\u201cHow \u2018bout his gunbelt?\u201d asked Dickie.<\/span>
\u201cThat\u2019ll do,\u201d said Ernie. Dave unbuckled the gun belt, shot a glare at Ernie, and left.<\/span>
Dickie noticed how much Adam\u2019s face was twitching. \u201cShouldn\u2019t we do somethin\u2019 fer him?\u201d<\/span>
\u201cI ain\u2019t a doc, but if you wanna nurse him, you go right ahead,\u201d grumbled Ernie. \u201cAs long as yer doin\u2019 woman\u2019s work, cook up some grub.\u201d<\/span>
Torn between trying to make their hostage more comfortable or obeying his brother, Dickie decided to start supper. After searching the cabinets, he soon had salt pork and beans on the stove.<\/span>
**<\/span>
Hoss and Joe had been steadily following the men who had their brother; his captors had made no effort to hide their tracks. With the deep blue of evening shading the sky, they both knew that they\u2019d have to stop for the night. Neither one wanted to stop. They had to catch up to Adam before something happened to him.<\/span>
\u201cThere\u2019s only gonna be a quarter moon,\u201d said Hoss. \u201cWon\u2019t be enough light to see by.\u201d<\/span>
\u201cMaybe we can make some torches. We gotta keep looking.\u201d<\/span>
\u201cTorches\u2019ll make us visible. If they know they\u2019re bein\u2019 followed, they might kill him.\u201d<\/span>
\u201cMaybe they\u2019ve already\u2026\u201d<\/span>
\u201cDon\u2019t say that! He\u2019s still alive! He\u2019s gotta be!\u201d<\/span>
Joe looked away, eyes filled with stinging tears that he refused to release. \u201cAll I\u2019m saying is we need to keep going.\u201d He heard Hoss taking a deep breath. The important thing was to find Adam without giving the men who had him a reason to hurt him.<\/span>
\u201cThey\u2019re gonna have to stop for the night, too, Joe. We can stop and rest a few hours to let them set up camp. They probably don\u2019t think anyone\u2019s followin\u2019 them. We have a better chance of sneaking up on them during the night while they\u2019re not expecting anything. If we can take \u2018em by surprise, there\u2019s less of a chance for Adam to get hurt.\u201d<\/span>
\u201cYou\u2019re right,\u201d he agreed softly.<\/span>
\u201cWe\u2019re gonna find him, Joe. Don\u2019t you doubt that. Let\u2019s get some rest. These tracks have been goin\u2019 due east, so I figure we\u2019ll go that way and find their camp. Get some firewood and I\u2019ll take care of the horses.\u201d<\/span>
Once they had a small fire going, they sat in silence, gnawing on beef jerky. Since they had only planned to surprise Adam at the pond, they didn\u2019t have any food packed in their saddlebags. Hoss hoped that Adam was being given something to eat; Joe hoped that his oldest brother was close enough to a campfire to keep warm.<\/span>
Even though lost in thought, they both heard the snap of twigs followed by a voice calling out, \u201cHalloo there. Mind if I share yer fire?\u201d Joe\u2019s pistol was drawn and cocked in case trouble wanted to camp with them. \u201cCome on in slow,\u201d answered Hoss.<\/span>
Emerging into the light was a man on a bay with one white sock. He dismounted slowly, tied his horse to a shrub, and came to the fire. Squatting, he slowly reached his hands towards the flames. Seeing Joe\u2019s pistol still pointed at him, he said, \u201cYou fellas sure are jumpy. Would ya mind puttin\u2019 that away?\u201d<\/span>
After a look to Hoss, Joe put the pistol in its holster. \u201cWhat brings you out here?\u201d asked Hoss to make conversation.<\/span>
\u201cI\u2019m just headin\u2019 south. Nowhere in particular.\u201d<\/span>
\u201cAfter the Ponderosa, there\u2019s nothin\u2019 but desert,\u201d said Hoss with a look for the stranger.<\/span>
\u201cYeah, I know. I\u2019m shore I\u2019ll run into somethin\u2019 though.\u201d<\/span>
\u201cYou plan on keepin\u2019 your scalp between here and wherever it is you\u2019re goin\u2019? Commancheros don\u2019t care for trespassers.\u201d<\/span>
Putting up his hands and laughing nervously, Dave said, \u201cI ain\u2019t no commanchero if yer worried \u2018bout that. I\u2019m jest seein\u2019 where luck\u2019ll take me.\u201d<\/span>
Just then, Dave\u2019s horse shifted and Joe caught a glimpse of leather slung around the saddle horn. Quickly pulling his gun, he asked menacingly, \u201cWhere did you get the gun belt on your saddle?\u201d His gesture with the pistol made Dave\u2019s Adam\u2019s apple begin to bob.<\/span>
\u201cI swapped some grub fer it. The man who had it said he wouldn\u2019t need it no more. He\u2026\u201d<\/span>
Hoss\u2019 large hand struck Dave\u2019s throat with the force of a threatened rattlesnake. Grabbing up a handful of shirt along with throat, he said, \u201cNo man trades his gun belt for grub. Especially not the man who owns that belt. Where\u2019d ya get it?\u201d<\/span>
Dave\u2019s arms flailed around as his lungs screamed for air. \u201cStop it, Hoss! Don\u2019t kill him!\u201d Keeping his gun on Dave, Joe squeezed his brother\u2019s shoulder and said, \u201cHe\u2019s gotta tell us where Adam is!\u201d<\/span>
Hearing Adam\u2019s name, Hoss\u2019 grip eased up but he didn\u2019t let go. Dave gulped cool air into his desperate lungs. \u201cWhat happened to our brother?\u201d<\/span>
\u201cBr\u2026br\u2026brother?\u201d<\/span>
\u201cIf you\u2019ve killed him\u2026\u201d<\/span>
Placing the pistol\u2019s muzzle to Dave\u2019s temple, Joe asked softly, \u201cWhat did you do to him?\u201d<\/span>
Squeezing his eyes shut, Dave\u2019s mind raced for a way to escape. These two men were likely to kill him even if he told the truth. There was no doubt in his mind that they\u2019d kill him for lying.<\/span>
\u201cWell?\u201d asked Hoss with a shake to his shirt front.<\/span>
\u201cWe didn\u2019t do nothin\u2019 to him! Just took his money!\u201d<\/span>
\u201cHow\u2019d you get his gun belt?\u201d asked Joe with a savage whisper.<\/span>
\u201cWe\u2026we\u2026decided to take him with us when we found out he was a Cartwright. We thought we could trade him fer money. Ernie said we needed somethin\u2019 ta prove it\u2019s him we got.\u201d<\/span>
\u201cSo he ain\u2019t dead?\u201d asked Hoss.<\/span>
\u201cNo! I swear he ain\u2019t!\u201d<\/span>
\u201cWould you like to keep livin\u2019?\u201d asked Joe menacingly.<\/span>
\u201cJoe!\u201d said Hoss trying to keep his brother from doing anything rash. \u201cWhat he means is you can keep livin\u2019 if you take us to where you left him.\u201d<\/span>
Dave\u2019s eyes flitted between the angry faces of his captors. The younger one would probably backshoot him at the first chance while the big one might snap his neck if he thought he was lying. \u201cI\u2026I\u2026I\u2019ll take you there.\u201d<\/span>
\u201cKeep an eye on him,\u201d ordered Hoss as he went to Chubb to get a rope. Returning, he tied Dave\u2019s hands behind his back and led him over to his horse. \u201cGet up there.\u201d Dave turned to give Hoss a look, but the larger man just grabbed his belt and hoisted him onto the saddle. Tying a loop around one ankle, Hoss swung the loose end under the horse\u2019s belly; going to the other side, he tied the loose end around the free ankle. Dave realized there was no way for him to get off of the horse without help if he happened to escape.<\/span>
Coming up to the horses, Joe swung into the saddle. Taking hold of the reins of Dave\u2019s horse, he tied them to his saddle horn. \u201cReady to tell us how to get there?\u201d<\/span>
Dave was silent for a moment and then heard the click of a rifle being cocked for action. Turning, he saw the big man holding the rifle level with the middle of his back. Gulping, he said, \u201cGo east \u2018til I say ta turn north.\u201d<\/span>
\u201cYou will say, won\u2019t you,\u201d said Hoss. Dave knew that wasn\u2019t a question.<\/span>
\u201cI won\u2019t lead ya wrong. You\u2019ll see!\u201d<\/span>
Joe nudged Cooch into a walk and they set out to find Adam. If this man was wrong about his brother\u2019s location, he\u2019d better hope he was bullet proof. Why couldn\u2019t they have just taken Adam\u2019s money and left him at the pond? On the other hand, they might have killed him if they hadn\u2019t realized he was a Cartwright. Why did people think Pa had money lying around to trade at a moment\u2019s notice? Didn\u2019t they know that hands and debts had to be paid and supplies and stock bought? With a snort, he thought if Pa had money lying around loose all of the time, he\u2019d have a hard time avoiding the temptation to use it as a poker stake. Adam was more valuable than money, so any amount Pa had to spend would be worth it.<\/span>
Hoss rode behind Dave, his rifle leveled at the man\u2019s back. He\u2019d never cold-bloodedly backshot anyone, but he\u2019d make an exception for this man. Good thing Roy didn\u2019t know what was happening\u2014if he had to backshoot him, then Joe would be the only witness and he\u2019d say it had to be done. Hopefully, Sport was home now and Pa had sent a hand into town for Roy to organize a posse. By the time they made it to the pond, they\u2019d have Adam back and be on their way home. Adam\u2019s captors better have made their peace with the world before going to sleep\u2014it wasn\u2019t likely that they\u2019d see dawn.<\/span>
\u201cHead north here.\u201d Dave\u2019s order brought Joe and Hoss out of their thoughts.<\/span>
\u201cHow far?\u201d<\/span>
\u201cThere\u2019s a cabin \u2018bout five miles up. That\u2019s where he is.\u201d<\/span>
Joe frowned\u2014this couldn\u2019t be as easy as they thought. Sneaking up on men sleeping around a campfire, unprotected in the open, would have been easier. Now they\u2019d have to find a way to lure the men out so Adam could escape.<\/span>
Finally reaching the edge of a clearing, they could see a glow from the cabin\u2019s window. Dismounting, Joe tied Dave\u2019s horse to a tree and checked the knots that held the man\u2019s hands. With a savage jerk, he tightened a knot that felt loose and ignored the man\u2019s harsh intake of breath.<\/span>
Hoss still sat on Chubb, looking at that glowing window. Adam was probably tied in there with a gun on him to make sure he didn\u2019t try to escape. They needed a plan to get the men out of the cabin so one of them could go in and get their brother.<\/span>
\u201cJoe,\u201d Hoss called softly, \u201cI got an idea.\u201d<\/span>
**<\/span>
Dickie pressed down on Adam\u2019s shoulders as another convulsion started. The heat coming from his body could surely cook a pot of beans. The sheets had been soaked through with sweat but the fever wasn\u2019t going down. Adam\u2019s hand was swollen so big that Dickie was surprised it hadn\u2019t split open. The convulsion finally stopped and Adam panted from the exertion.<\/span>
Dipping the cloth into the cool water in the bucket, Dickie gently mopped the sweat from Cartwright\u2019s face. All Ernie cared about was the ransom; he kept saying it didn\u2019t matter if the hostage died. To Dickie, it did matter\u2014they were promising to give this man back to his Pa after the money had been handed over. If something happened after the hand-over, a judge would surely be nicer knowing they\u2019d given their hostage back to his family unharmed. That little scorpion might cause big problems.<\/span>
Ernie\u2019s snores practically echoed in the cabin. Dickie didn\u2019t mind staying awake\u2014someone had to make sure there was hot coffee on the stove and that their hostage survived. Their mother had always put a pot of coffee on before going to bed; she never knew what time of night their pa would come back from bartending at the saloon. He\u2019d been a good man, a respected member of the town, and a deacon in the church. He taught his sons to read the Bible, showed them how to care for their horses, and expected them to help their ma when asked. Their world had been shattered when a robbery went bad at the saloon and their pa was killed; Ernie had been 10 and now was the man of the house. The church took up a collection for them, but ma didn\u2019t want to depend on other people\u2019s charity. When she died a year later, Ernie said he stole so Dickie wouldn\u2019t have to do without and before long the two young men began roaming far and wide with no goal in particular. Dickie said it was wrong to steal, but Ernie insisted it was all right when someone had plenty to share with those who didn\u2019t, even if they didn\u2019t agree to share it. Ernie always complained that his younger brother was too soft and cared too much about other people. They were the only ones looking out for them\u2014no one else was.<\/span>
A moan from the black-clad man brought Dickie out of his memories. \u201cYer gonna be okay. Jest hang in there.\u201d Hopefully, this man\u2019s family cared enough about him to swap the money for him. Wringing the cloth, he placed it on Cartwright\u2019s forehead.<\/span>
Fighting sleep, Dickie got up and poured himself some coffee. Pacing the cabin, he wondered how they got from rustling a few head of cattle to holding a man for ransom. Hearing a noise on the roof, he looked at the ceiling; it was possibly just some critter trying to avoid getting eaten. Going back to the bed, he looked down at Cartwright\u2019s face\u2014his cheeks, eyelids, and lips were twitching and the swollen hand tried to form a fist. He wished he could do something to make the man stop moaning. The way he cradled that hand across his chest made Dickie feel sorry for him.<\/span>
Dickie\u2019s nose twitched at a strange smell and he sniffed the air. Taking in a deep breath, he looked around with furrowed brows. Going over to the stove, he checked the coffee pot and the oven. Sniffing again, he looked at the fireplace and saw smoke starting to waft into the room. \u201cErnie!\u201d Hearing no response, he shook his brother and frantically called his name.<\/span>
Not happy to be awakened in such a manner, he replied, \u201cWhat?!?\u201d<\/span>
\u201cWe gotta git outta here! There\u2019s smoke!\u201d<\/span>
Sniffing the air, he realized his brother was right. Grabbing up his hat and gun, he said, \u201cLet\u2019s go!\u201d<\/span>
\u201cWhat about Cartwright?\u201d<\/span>
\u201cWhat about him?\u201d<\/span>
\u201cWe can\u2019t leave him here!\u201d<\/span>
\u201cWhy not?\u201d<\/span>
\u201cHis family\u2019s gonna expect him to be okay!\u201d<\/span>
\u201cThat ain\u2019t our problem as long as we git the money. You stay here if you wanna, but I\u2019m gettin\u2019 outta here!\u201d<\/span>
Flinging open the door, Ernie hurried outside to see a small fire and Dave on a horse with a rope around his neck. Who could have done this? This meant Cartwright\u2019s family wasn\u2019t going to get the message now. Taking his holster from his shoulder, he pulled the pistol and warily approached Dave. A deep voice called out, \u201cDrop that gun if you don\u2019t want your friend to die!\u201d<\/span>
Anger began a slow boil in Ernie\u2019s gut and was working its way up to his brain. Dave hadn\u2019t been smart enough to get that note to Cartwright\u2019s family; why did he deserve to live? Either the stranger was going to kill him or he could do it himself. As anger\u2019s steam reached his brain, he leveled the pistol at Dave\u2019s chest.<\/span>
When Ernie went out, Dickie got busy untying Cartwright from the bed. He was so intent on his work he was completely startled by loud, fast footsteps. Looking over, he saw a very angry man in a green jacket pointing a pistol at him. \u201cWhat did you do to him?\u201d<\/span>
\u201cN\u2026nothing!\u201d Seeing the man\u2019s face harden, he added, \u201cI swear!\u201d<\/span>
Motioning with the gun, the man said, \u201cGet away from him.\u201d Dickie put his hands up and slowly side-stepped across the room. Keeping his pistol on his brother\u2019s captor, Joe moved to the bed and sat on the edge. He quickly scanned his brother\u2019s pain-filled face, saw a large, bruised lump along his jaw, and took in the grotesquely swollen hand. \u201cHow did this happen?\u201d<\/span>
Dickie felt his knees shaking under the cold glare from those green eyes. \u201cHe\u2026he\u2026he fell on a scorpion.\u201d<\/span>
Before Joe could ask another question, a shot rang out. Both Dickie and Joe went to the door—Dave was bleeding from a hole in his chest and his horse was rearing in fear, held back by the rope still tied under its belly. Breaking free, the animal ran, leaving Dave swinging from the tree. The sight of Dave hanging from the tree brought bile to Dickie\u2019s throat. Ernie saw that a rope encircling Dave\u2019s chest was tied to the tree limb; the neck rope was tied to the chest rope. Whoever had tied Dave had been bluffing about hanging him.<\/span>
\u201cDrop the gun!\u201d the deep voice boomed out.<\/span>
Ernie shot randomly, hoping to hit whoever was out there. Joe placed the muzzle of his pistol against Dickie\u2019s temple and said, \u201cTell him to stop.\u201d Panicking, he yelled, \u201cStop it, Ernie! I don\u2019t wanna die!!\u201d<\/span>
Spinning around, an enraged Ernie saw his younger brother being threatened. Raising his pistol, he fired. Dickie fell to his knees as Ernie fell face-down. \u201cHe shot me! My own brother!\u201d<\/span>
Hoss stepped out from his hiding place with his rifle still smoking. He\u2019d had to back shoot Ernie\u2014he thought he meant to shoot Joe. Looking at Dave swinging from the tree, a pang of guilt went through him; he hadn\u2019t meant for the man to hang, it\u2019d just been a bluff. He thought the backshot man would toss his gun down rather than kill his partner. And Joe\u2019s man said the backshot man was his brother. Hoss couldn\u2019t believe the man deliberately shot his own brother. Going to the cabin, he squatted down beside Joe, who was checking over his man.<\/span>
\u201cAre you\u2026his\u2026brother\u2026too?\u201d the dying man asked.<\/span>
\u201cYeah.\u201d<\/span>
\u201cLucky to\u2026have\u2026a\u2026brother\u2026.like\u2026\u201d Dickie died before he could finish his thought.<\/span>
Hoss sighed and shook his head. \u201cHow\u2019s Adam?\u201d<\/span>
\u201cHe looks pretty bad.\u201d<\/span>
They went in the cabin and Hoss was shocked by Adam\u2019s swollen hand. Placing a large hand to his brother\u2019s forehead, he winced at the heat coming from the fever. Noticing the drenched bedding and the smell of stale sweat, he said, \u201cGet some water, Joe.\u201d<\/span>
While Joe did that task, Hoss gently touched the bruising along Adam\u2019s jaw. The size of it looked like it might have been from a boot. Looking at his hand, he gently removed it from his chest and winced at the swollen flesh. Looking at the palm, he noticed the bruising around the puncture. \u201cIf this is how you go about gettin\u2019 outta roof repairs, just tell us ya wanna work inside.\u201d His attempt at humor fell flat when he heard his brother whimper from the pain.<\/span>
\u201cI\u2019m sorry this happened to ya. If I\u2019d known that goin\u2019 to the pond would\u2019ve ended up like this, Joe and me wouldn\u2019t\u2019ve let you go alone. Know what? After you left, we came up with a plan to sneak up on you and toss you in. When we got there, we looked for ya but didn\u2019t see you anywhere. I thought you were in a tree laughin\u2019 at us. We came for you as soon as we found your wallet. Me an\u2019 Joe are gonna get you home, don\u2019t you worry.\u201d<\/span>
Joe came in with the water and Hoss unbuttoned the sweat-soaked shirt as Joe wiped their brother\u2019s face and neck with the cool water. Hoss bathed Adam\u2019s chest while Joe gently held the injured hand. \u201cShould we wash this?\u201d he asked.<\/span>
\u201cI don\u2019t wanna add to the pain by touchin\u2019 it more than we have to,\u201d he replied.<\/span>
Finishing up, Hoss said, \u201cI\u2019m gonna fix us somethin\u2019 to eat.\u201d<\/span>
Joe had brought his canteen inside with him and gently lifted Adam\u2019s head to help him drink.<\/span>
There were still beans in the pot on the stove, so Hoss scooped those out onto a couple of plates before looking for more food. Putting some jerky into a pan of water, he made a broth for Adam. He looked through the cabinets and found some potatoes they could eat raw. He took the plate of beans to Joe and said, \u201cEat up an\u2019 we\u2019ll head for home.\u201d Both of them ate in silence. Joe went to the stove and poured some of the jerky broth into a cup and brought it to the bed; he helped Adam take it in.<\/span>
Hoss hastily washed the dishes and cleaned the pot while Joe buttoned Adam\u2019s shirt and carefully made a sling to hold the swollen hand against his chest. Then he went to ready Chubb and Cochise for the trip home. When he came back in, Hoss said, \u201cI\u2019m gonna go bury those three.\u201d<\/span>
\u201cI\u2019ll help you.\u201d<\/span>
\u201cStay here. I don\u2019t plan on buryin\u2019 \u2018em too deep.\u201d<\/span>
Joe paced the cabin hoping Hoss wouldn\u2019t take too long. Pacing towards his brother, he saw Adam\u2019s body begin to tremble and then spasm. He quickly laid his weight against his chest and pressed against his shoulders to keep his upper body against the bed; he placed his hands on either side of his face. \u201cAdam! It\u2019s okay! Lie still!\u201d Joe was about to yell for Hoss when the convulsion stopped; Adam panted for breath and weakly said, \u201cGet off,\u201d before passing out.<\/span>
Getting the damp cloth, Joe said, \u201cYou gave me a scare, Brother. We\u2019re gonna get you home, don\u2019t worry. We should\u2019ve gone to the pond with you instead of teasing you for wanting to have some fun. You could\u2019ve read a book and Hoss and I could\u2019ve fished. Um\u2026about that book in your saddlebag\u2026I had to tear out a page to send Pa a note. I\u2019ll buy you a new one if you want me to.\u201d Adam\u2019s breathing evened out as Joe continued sponging his face.<\/span>
Hoss came back in and said, \u201cLet\u2019s get him on Chubb and head home.\u201d As Hoss carried their brother out, Joe said, \u201cI\u2019ll get those horses when we\u2019ve got him settled.\u201d Between the two of them, they got their brother on the big Morgan and Hoss mounted up behind him.<\/span>
The sun was peeking over the horizon as they headed for home. Hoss steadied Adam against him with a large hand close to his brother\u2019s heart. The morning air was cool, but Adam was still burning from fever. Hoss knew it was going to be a long ride home.<\/span>
They rode in silence except for the creaking saddle leather and the horses\u2019 snorts. Looking over, Joe was surprised to see Hoss putting his hat on Adam. Noticing his brother\u2019s raised eyebrow, Hoss said, \u201cI thought it\u2019d be best to keep the sun off his face.\u201d They\u2019d left the black hat back at the lake since their priority had been getting Adam back. Touching his chest pocket, Joe patted his brother\u2019s wallet for reassurance.<\/span>
Hoss wished he hadn\u2019t had to kill that man, but he thought Joe was likely to get shot. Adam would\u2019ve wanted those men to get a trial and whatever punishment a judge and jury would find appropriate. Those men had been willing to let Adam die so long as they got some money. If it hadn\u2019t been for that man coming into their camp last night, Pa might be getting money together to get Adam back. A muttered, \u201cCold,\u201d caught Hoss\u2019 ear. That was the first thing he\u2019d heard his brother say since they\u2019d found him.<\/span>
Joe still felt numbed by the way those men had died. A brother killing a brother out of anger. Adam had accidentally shot him once and felt tremendous guilt for it. That man\u2014Ernie was it?\u2014hadn\u2019t hesitated when he saw him holding his brother with the gun. What had he expected to gain by shooting his brother? If he\u2019d been the leader, then he probably expected Adam to die and planned to live high on Cartwright money. Looking over, he saw Hoss holding Adam tightly against him. \u201cYou wanna switch soon?\u201d<\/span>
\u201cChubb\u2019s doin\u2019 good, so I\u2019ll keep him a while longer.\u201d<\/span>
\u201cIf we go west, we\u2019ll go by the pond. I put in that note we sent by Sport that we were leaving from there. If Pa\u2019s out looking for us, he\u2019s likely to go there. Besides, we can rest there and let Adam lie in the shade for a while.\u201d<\/span>
Hoss thought on that a bit. Joe had a good point\u2014Pa was likely to start looking for them at the pond. He wondered if he\u2019d have Roy with him. At least the bodies had been buried so the lawman wouldn\u2019t see he\u2019s shot that one man in the back. He was sure the man had meant to shoot Joe and couldn\u2019t risk his younger brother\u2019s life recklessly.<\/span>
Hours passed as the sun rose higher. Neither Hoss nor Joe remembered the ride taking so long. Up in the distance, the pond shimmered in the sunlight.<\/span>
A voice boomed out and both were relieved to hear Pa. Joe waved his hat and yelled back. Three men could soon be seen galloping towards them.<\/span>
Ben, Roy Coffee, and Paul Martin rode up and Ben was surprised to see Hoss holding a slumped Adam. He didn\u2019t see any blood or evidence of wounds, except for the arm in the sling and the ugly lump and bruise under the jaw. \u201cWhat happened?\u201d asked Paul.<\/span>
\u201cScorpion,\u201d said Joe.<\/span>
\u201cLet\u2019s get him down in the shade where I can examine him.\u201d<\/span>
\u201cHis hand\u2019s swollen real bad,\u201d said Hoss. \u201cWouldn\u2019t it be better to get him home?\u201d<\/span>
\u201cLet Paul look him over,\u201d said Ben.<\/span>
Tethering the horses in the shade, Hoss let Pa and Joe get Adam off of Chubb and lain out in the soft grass. Carefully removing the sling, the doctor looked at the swollen hand; Ben winced at the sight. Adam moaned in pain and tried to pull his hand back.<\/span>
\u201cHe\u2019s been runnin\u2019 a fever and had a fit,\u201d said Joe. \u201cIs he gonna be okay?\u201d<\/span>
Ben motioned for Hoss and Roy to step away to talk. \u201cYour note said Adam had been robbed and taken. How did this happen?\u201d<\/span>
Looking at his boots, he replied, \u201cWe were workin\u2019 on one of the line shacks when Adam suggested a break. He ended up comin\u2019 here while Joe an\u2019 me stayed at the shack. When we got here, Sport was here but Adam was gone. We found his hat and wallet and realized he\u2019d been taken. The men who took him were rustlin\u2019 cattle but decided to take him when they realized he was a Cartwright. They planned to ransom him.\u201d<\/span>
\u201cWhere are they?\u201d asked Roy looking at the unfamiliar horses.<\/span>
\u201cOne of \u2018em killed both of his partners. I had to shoot him because he tried to shoot Joe. I buried all of \u2018em before we left.\u201d<\/span>
\u201cYou were lucky to find Adam,\u201d said Ben.<\/span>
\u201cOne of the men was headed for the Ponderosa with a ransom note for you. He came into our camp and we convinced him to take us to Adam.\u201d<\/span>