{"id":5925,"date":"2003-11-19T11:47:30","date_gmt":"2003-11-19T16:47:30","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=5925"},"modified":"2025-02-27T12:07:37","modified_gmt":"2025-02-27T17:07:37","slug":"brothers-3","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=5925","title":{"rendered":"Brothers (by Rona)"},"content":{"rendered":"

Summary:\u00a0 <\/strong>While searching for a missing ranch hand in the snow, Joe and Adam learn what it really means to have a brother to rely on.<\/p>\n

Rated:\u00a0 T \u00a0\u00a0<\/strong>(8,250 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

Brothers\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

Twilight was falling with a purple, frozen hush. The brutal frost had not lifted all day and the temperature was plummeting as darkness softly coated the land. Ice crystals twinkled in the light from the porch and the inhabitants of the house huddled around the blazing fire in the large stone fireplace, grateful that their chores for the day were done and they did not have to stir outside again.<\/p>\n

The knock on the door caught them all by surprise, and Joe muttered, \u201cI\u2019m not answering it,\u201d in a mutinous tone. However, when the others all looked at him, Joe heaved a sigh and went over, already anticipating the cold blast of air.<\/p>\n

He wasn\u2019t disappointed. The frigid air rushed in, seeping through the thin material of the shirt Joe was wearing and making him shiver in response. \u201cCharlie!\u201d he exclaimed, surprised. \u201cWhat\u2019s wrong? Come in.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThanks, Joe,\u201d the foreman replied and came into the house. His nose was red from the cold and his blue eyes were bloodshot and worried. \u201cMr Cartwright,\u201d Charlie nodded politely. \u201cAdam. Hoss.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat\u2019s wrong, Charlie?\u201d Ben Cartwright asked. He rose and went over.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s Matt Clark,\u201d Charlie replied. \u201cHe went out to check the herd earlier an\u2019 he ain\u2019t come back.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHow long has he been gone?\u201d Ben asked. He exchanged a worried glance with Adam, who had come over.<\/p>\n

\u201cSince afore noon,\u201d Charlie told him. \u201cI kept thinkin\u2019 he\u2019d appear, then I got caught up with that mare that was threatenin\u2019 to miscarry an\u2019 I never realised he weren\u2019t back. I\u2019m real sorry, Mr Cartwright.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, there\u2019s nothing we can do now,\u201d Ben replied. \u201cIt\u2019s dark. We\u2019ll get out looking for Matt first thing in the morning. Charlie, this is not your fault. Matt knows what to do; we\u2019ll probably find him holed up in a line shack somewhere.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI hope so, sir,\u201d Charlie sighed. \u201cGood night.\u201d He let himself out, but all the Cartwrights could see that Charlie still thought that he was responsible for Matt being missing.<\/p>\n

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

By first light, the Cartwrights were ready to begin looking for Matt Clark. Matt had worked for the family since the spring and was a good, reliable man. He was young, somewhere between Hoss and Joe in age, and didn\u2019t say much about his background. But he was a good worker and excellent with the livestock and Ben offered him a permanent position at the end of the summer. Matt had accepted with alacrity.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2019ll go out in pairs,\u201d Ben told the men. \u201cKeep together; we don\u2019t want anyone else going missing.\u201d He began to tell each pair where they would be looking. \u201cAdam, you and Joe go and look over by Willow Crest,\u201d Ben ordered. \u201cHoss, you\u2019ll come with me.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cLet\u2019s go,\u201d Joe suggested and Adam nodded. The snow was too deep for the horses, so each man had to use snowshoes. Although they were fun for a short time, walking in snowshoes was a tiring business. Everyone would be exhausted by the end of the day.<\/p>\n

With this thought in mind, Adam took the lead, setting a pace that wouldn\u2019t leave them exhausted too soon. Joe began with enthusiasm, but he soon cooled down enough to walk with Adam.\u00a0 Adam was pleased to see Joe in brighter spirits; he had been quite subdued the previous night. Although he and Matt were not especial friends, Joe liked the young cowboy and was worried about him.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2019d better check out the line shack,\u201d Joe panted, as they stopped to rest as they neared Willow Crest. \u201cMatt might have headed for there.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWe will,\u201d agreed Adam, who was also feeling winded. \u201cHave you seen any tracks?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo,\u201d Joe replied. \u201cHave you?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo,\u201d Adam sighed. \u201cAnd it didn\u2019t snow last night.\u201d The brothers exchanged worried looks. They had built up a lot of body heat while walking, but even for the few moments they had been standing, the cold was creeping into their bodies. If Matt had not made shelter last night, he was already dead. It was a stark thought, and not one either brother was willing to entertain. \u201cLet\u2019s go.\u201d They began walking again.<\/p>\n

The track leading up to the line shack was clearly composed of unstable snow. Adam put his hand out to stop Joe. \u201cLet me go first,\u201d he insisted.<\/p>\n

\u201cAdam!\u201d Joe protested. \u201cI\u2019m not a little kid any more. I know how to be careful going up a snow slope.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI know you do,\u201d Adam agreed. \u201cBut humour me, little brother and let me go first.\u201d<\/p>\n

Sighing with exasperation, Joe stepped back. \u201cAll right,\u201d he capitulated. \u201cGo first. Sheesh! Some people never let you grow up.\u201d But his grumbling wasn\u2019t serious, and Adam knew that.<\/p>\n

Smiling, he began to make his way carefully up the slope. Joe waited a moment or two, then followed. He hadn\u2019t taken more than two steps when Adam suddenly let out a cry as the whole slope began to move under his feet. For an instant, they both froze, then events overtook them as the snow collapsed in a mini-avalanche.<\/p>\n

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

\u201cHard goin\u2019, ain\u2019t it, Pa?\u201d Hoss asked, as they paused to catch their breath.<\/p>\n

\u201cSure is,\u201d Ben agreed. He shaded his eyes and peered into the distance. Nothing moved in the frozen landscape. He glanced at Hoss. \u201cI hope we find him.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cMe, too,\u201d Hoss nodded. \u201cPoor Matt.\u201d He drew in a deep breath.<\/p>\n

\u201cListen!\u201d Ben exclaimed. From the distance came the sound of something falling. \u201cAvalanche!\u201d<\/p>\n

For a breathless moment, they stood huddled together, but the sound stopped and they relaxed. \u201cIt ain\u2019t a big one, that\u2019s fer sure,\u201d Hoss commented, relieved. \u201cJist a little snow slidin\u2019 around. Nothin\u2019 to worry about.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, let\u2019s hope not,\u201d Ben agreed. \u201cCome on.\u201d They set off once more.<\/p>\n

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

The avalanche was a kaleidoscope of spinning sensations for Joe as he was swept down the hill. He coughed and choked as snow went into his mouth and up his nose, but he didn\u2019t lose consciousness until he hit the bottom. Something heavy collided with him, and Joe spun away into darkness. He didn\u2019t know how long he was out, but when he opened his eyes, he was completely buried in snow.<\/p>\n

For a terrifying moment, Joe couldn\u2019t remember what to do. But then his mind kicked into gear, and he began to fight his way to what he hoped was the surface, before the snow could set hard round about him. Joe knew only too well that people died in avalanches because they could not dig their way out of the snow.<\/p>\n

At last, Joe broke through, and dragged his aching body from the hole. He sprawled on top of the snow and lay there until he had caught his breath. It was only then that he became aware of the pain from various places, but he pushed it aside. Where was Adam?<\/p>\n

\u201cAdam?\u201d he called. He looked around frantically. He didn\u2019t know how long it had taken him to dig his way out, or how long he had been unconscious before that. And then a thought occurred to him. What had hit him and knocked him out? Could it have been Adam?<\/p>\n

With that thought in mind, Joe began to dig. His snowshoes were long gone, or he might have used them to help, but since they were nowhere to be seen, Joe simply used his hands. His fingers were soon bleeding as his gloves ripped on the stones and other debris he encountered, but he didn\u2019t stop. He simply didn\u2019t notice. All his attention was focused on finding Adam.<\/p>\n

Later Joe could not have said how long he dug, but suddenly, he uncovered a boot! For an instant, Joe simply stared at the boot, unable to believe that he had finally found his brother. Then he started digging again with renewed vigour and in a short time, he had uncovered Adam.<\/p>\n

The older son was unconscious, but he was alive. Joe blinked back tears of relief, knowing that his task wasn\u2019t over yet. He felt Adam\u2019s limbs carefully and realised that his brother had a broken leg. There was a lump on his head, although the skin wasn\u2019t broken. Joe wasn\u2019t too sure about Adam\u2019s ribs, so he decided to act as though they were hurt, too. It was safer.<\/p>\n

Working quickly, afraid that Adam would regain consciousness before he had done it, Joe hauled off Adam\u2019s boot. He didn\u2019t want the leg to swell any further with the boot still on; Adam didn\u2019t want to lose his leg! Nor would he attempt to set the bone; he didn\u2019t know enough about it. Joe stripped off his coat and shirt, slid the coat back on and proceeded to rip his shirt into strips. That done, he found a couple of branches and made a make-shift splint for the leg. Only then did he sit back and take stock of his own predicament.<\/p>\n

Joe\u2019s hands were raw, bleeding and cold. His right wrist was swollen and sore and his head throbbed relentlessly. Probing carefully, Joe winced in pain and drew away fingers covered in fresh blood. Both Joe\u2019s legs ached, but he thought that was just from the general battering. His ribs hurt, too. But the most worrying thing for both himself and Adam was that they were soaking wet.<\/p>\n

Shivering, Joe knew that if they didn\u2019t get to shelter soon, they would both die from exposure. Their injuries wouldn\u2019t have time to become a problem to them. Struggling to his feet, Joe resolved that he would get Adam to the line shack, come what may.<\/p>\n

As he struggled up the banking with his oldest brother slung over his shoulders, Joe wondered how he was going to get help. Normally, he would fire three shots, and whoever was closest would come to help. But with the snow unstable, shooting was out of the question.<\/p>\n

It was about then that Adam began to come round, and Joe almost lost his footing as Adam started thrashing about, trying to move away from his uncomfortable position and the pain in his leg. Joe muttered something, but he didn\u2019t have enough breath to walk and talk. \u201cEasy!\u201d he puffed, as Adam made another attempt to get down.<\/p>\n

\u201cJoe?\u201d Adam queried, as he began to make sense of his position. \u201cWhat happened?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAva…lanche,\u201d Joe answered, hoping that Adam would not want to have a conversation right then! He desperately needed to stop and rest, but feared that if he did, he wouldn\u2019t be able to get going again. Every part of his body protested the strain he was putting it under.<\/p>\n

\u201cStop!\u201d Adam insisted, but Joe ignored him. His goal was finally in sight; the line shack lay about half a mile away. Joe gritted his teeth and forced his feet to move.<\/p>\n

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

Snow began to sift downwards so gently that Joe didn\u2019t notice it at first. But then the wind whipped up and Joe got a mouthful of pellet snow. He stumbled and almost fell as the wind buffeted him. Adam cried out in pain, but Joe didn\u2019t have enough breath to talk to him. They were almost at the line shack and it wasn\u2019t a moment too soon from Joe\u2019s perspective.<\/p>\n

It was a regular blizzard by the time they reached the shack and Joe fumbled with the handle with his frozen hands. The door yielded and Joe stumbled in, kicking the door shut behind him. He had one goal in mind \u2013 the cot. He could barely see for the ice on his eyelashes as he deposited Adam as gently as he could on the cot and dropped, exhausted, to the floor.<\/p>\n

It was only as his breathing returned to normal that Joe realised all was not as it should be in the shack. For a start, it was warm. Joe rubbed at his eyes with frozen hands and peered blearily around. He froze in shock as he realised that he and Adam were not alone. Matt was sitting in a rickety chair by the table and across from him sat another man who was pointing his gun at Joe.<\/p>\n

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

\u201cThat blizzard sure came outa nowhere,\u201d Hoss panted, as he and Ben made their way back to the ranch. They had waited out the snow in a thicket of trees, hoping that it wasn\u2019t set in for the night. After about half an hour, the snow had eased, then stopped altogether. Relieved, they had headed for home. There was no point in searching any further. They had found no tracks, and after the new snow had fallen, there were no tracks left for them to find.<\/p>\n

\u201cI wonder how the others got on,\u201d Ben murmured. \u201cI sure hope they found him safe and sound.\u201d<\/p>\n

It was really too cold to talk. Ben could feel tiredness creeping up his limbs, making his legs feel leaden. Even through his heavy clothing, he felt cold. So it was with a distinct sense of relief that Ben saw the lights of the house in the distance.<\/p>\n

Although he wanted nothing more than to go inside the house, change his clothes and sit down, Ben made himself go to the bunkhouse first. He quickly looked over the assembled men, and saw that Matt was still missing. Unless\u2026<\/p>\n

\u201cIs everyone back?\u201d Ben asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cAdam an\u2019 Joe ain\u2019t back yet,\u201d Charlie replied. \u201cAn\u2019 we ain\u2019t found Matt, either.\u201d The guilt was clear in his voice.<\/p>\n

Concern spiked through Ben\u2019s gut, but he schooled his face to neutrality. \u201cThen perhaps they have found Matt,\u201d he suggested. \u201cWe\u2019ve done all we can for now. Thanks, everyone.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhere d\u2019ya think Adam an\u2019 Joe are?\u201d Hoss asked, as they completed their journey across the yard.<\/p>\n

\u201cOn their way home, I hope, with Matt,\u201d Ben answered. He glanced up, but the stars were obscured by the clouds drifting by on a strengthening wind.<\/p>\n

\u201cLet\u2019s hope so,\u201d Hoss agreed, but the heaviness of his tone told Ben that his son\u2019s concern was as great as his own.<\/p>\n

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

Their concern only grew deeper as the twilight stretched into darkness and the blizzard returned in force. Clearly, something had happened to Adam and Joe, even if it was that they had found Matt injured and had been unwilling to take him out into the falling snow. Ben hoped it was just that, but he couldn\u2019t help but remember hearing the avalanche. Had his sons somehow been caught up in that?<\/p>\n

\u201cWe ought ta go ta bed,\u201d Hoss suggested, after they had choked down their supper. \u201cLooks like we\u2019ll be out agin tomorra.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYes, it does,\u201d agreed Ben.<\/p>\n

\u201cPa,\u201d Hoss said, insistently, and Ben looked at him. \u201cIt ain\u2019t your fault that Joe an\u2019 Adam ain\u2019t come back. I\u2019m sure they\u2019re snug in that there line shack at Willow Crest, with Matt, waitin\u2019 for daylight.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben was touched, for he knew that Hoss\u2019 concern was as deep as his own, yet his middle son was offering him comfort and hope. Rising, Ben went over and put his arm round Hoss\u2019 shoulders. \u201cI\u2019m sure you\u2019re right, son,\u201d he replied. \u201cAnd thank you for reminding me that there\u2019s always hope.\u201d<\/p>\n

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

\u201cWho are you?\u201d Joe blurted, gazing at the man. Behind him, on the cot, Adam groaned.<\/p>\n

Ignoring the question, the man glanced at Matt. \u201cWere you expectin\u2019 them, Matt?\u201d he asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cNo, honest,\u201d Matt replied, looking scared.<\/p>\n

\u201cMatt? What is this?\u201d Joe demanded, suddenly feeling angry. He was soaking wet, hurt and exhausted and suddenly a stranger was holding a gun on him in one of his father\u2019s line shacks. Joe\u2019s grip on his temper was gone.<\/p>\n

\u201cShut up, kid!\u201d the man ordered. He rose to his feet and walked a few steps closer. \u201cYou\u2019re the Cartwrights, ain\u2019t ya?\u201d Joe kept his mouth shut, glaring at the man. He smiled. \u201cDon\u2019t matter to me, kid. I know who you are. He\u2019s Adam an\u2019 you\u2019re Joe. I\u2019m Matt\u2019s brother, Saul.\u201d<\/p>\n

Shooting a glance at Matt, Joe saw that Saul was telling the truth. \u201cWhat do you want?\u201d he asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m here to see my kid brother,\u201d Saul replied. \u201cWhat did you think?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t know,\u201d Joe admitted. \u201cBut I didn\u2019t really think it was a family visit, seeing as how you\u2019re holding a gun on Matt\u2019s employers.\u201d<\/p>\n

From behind him, Joe heard Adam\u2019s indrawn breath, but he didn\u2019t take his eyes off their captor. Saul laughed. \u201cYou have got spunk!\u201d he said, admiringly. \u201cBut it won\u2019t do you any good, kid. You\u2019re not going to muck up my plans.\u201d He gestured with his gun. \u201cGet up.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t think I can,\u201d Joe replied, truthfully, for his limbs seemed to have gone to sleep. He tried to push himself up, but his right wrist buckled beneath his weight and his legs trembled. Carrying Adam through the snow had exhausted Joe\u2019s strength. He was as weak as a newborn kitten.<\/p>\n

\u201cGet him, Matt,\u201d Saul ordered and Matt rose. Joe couldn\u2019t contain a gasp, as Matt\u2019s hands were bound in front of him. He walked slowly over to Joe and pulled the younger man to his feet. Joe had to catch the other\u2019s arm for support as his cold, stiff muscles protested at moving. \u201cMake him sit in the chair,\u201d Saul went on. He watched as Joe limped over.<\/p>\n

\u201cLeave him alone,\u201d Adam croaked. He had been watching the scene unfold, hoping against hope that Joe wouldn\u2019t say anything that would get them killed. So far, they had been lucky, but Adam was afraid of what Saul would do to Joe.<\/p>\n

\u201cShut up!\u201d Saul barked. \u201cI don\u2019t have to pull this trigger to kill you both, you know. All I have to do is open that door and throw you out!\u201d<\/p>\n

Pulling his arm free from Matt\u2019s supporting grasp, Joe swung round, his aching limbs forgotten at this new threat to his brother. He flashed a quick look at Adam, and saw how pale the older son was. Adam was not fit to be moved at that moment. He needed to be warm and dry and have his broken leg set.<\/p>\n

Straightening as best he could, Joe warned, \u201cLeave him alone.\u201d<\/p>\n

For a moment, Saul just looked at Joe, then a grin spread over his face. \u201cYou don\u2019t even hear yourselves, do you?\u201d he asked. \u201cYou just repeated him exactly. Pathetic!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI meant what I said,\u201d Joe told him, his tone quiet and even. \u201cI don\u2019t care what you do to me, but leave Adam alone.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cJoe!\u201d Adam protested in a breathy whisper, but Joe spared his brother no more than a glance.<\/p>\n

\u201cI mean it!\u201d he reiterated. Saul grinned. It wasn\u2019t a pleasant grin. Joe refused to be daunted by it. He raised his chin.<\/p>\n

\u201cAll right,\u201d Saul agreed, slowly. \u201cWe\u2019ll see how much you care, Joe.\u201d<\/p>\n

A pang of fear shot through Joe\u2019s gut, but he kept his gaze level and his face impassive. He wondered what he was going to face, but he didn\u2019t regret his words. He would take whatever Saul gave him, as long as it kept Adam safe.<\/p>\n

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

Levering himself onto his elbows, Adam looked in horror at the scene before him. He wasn\u2019t too sure how Joe came to be carrying him through the snow, but he did know that his youngest brother was at the end of his endurance. Joe was soaking, his hair dripping onto the already sodden collar of his coat, for his hat had been lost in the avalanche. There was a gash on Joe\u2019s head, although Adam didn\u2019t realise that it had been caused by a glancing blow from his snowshoes as he was swept past his brother, and Joe\u2019s eyelids were bleeding slightly where the pellet snow had scoured the skin. His fingers were raw, swollen and bloodstained.<\/p>\n

And yet here was Joe, standing tall and proud before this stranger who had taken them prisoner. \u201cNo, Joe!\u201d he protested. Adam tried to get up, his protective instincts fired, but his broken leg twinged violently and he flopped back down on the cot, fighting to control the pain.<\/p>\n

Joe\u2019s eyes flickered towards Adam, and Saul chose that moment to attack. He lunged at Joe and drove the other man to the floor, punching viciously. Joe, caught off guard, fought back as best he could, but his right hand wouldn\u2019t curl into a fist and he was soon taking the worst of it. Exhaustion took its toll and it wasn\u2019t long before Joe was lying, unmoving, on the floor.<\/p>\n

Climbing to his feet, panting slightly, Saul glanced at his brother. \u201cSit down, Matt,\u201d he ordered and Matt did as he was told.<\/p>\n

After another look at Joe, Saul crossed over to where Adam lay. \u201cGuess you won\u2019t be going anywhere for a while,\u201d he remarked, gesturing to the splinted leg. \u201cBut I\u2019m not taking any chances.\u201d Saul reached under the bed and drew out a battered pair of saddlebags and from one of them withdrew some rope.<\/p>\n

Dragging his gaze away from his unconscious brother, Adam glared at Saul. \u201cSo what are you doing here?\u201d he asked, hoping that if he somehow kept Saul busy enough, Joe would regain consciousness and might over power Saul.<\/p>\n

\u201cI was planning on doing a little business in the surrounding area,\u201d Saul replied. He began to tie Adam\u2019s wrists to the bed frame.<\/p>\n

\u201cWith that?\u201d Adam asked, sarcastically, nodding towards the gun on Saul\u2019s hip. He wished at once that he hadn\u2019t nodded, as his head began to throb even harder.<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, of course with that,\u201d Saul retorted. \u201cWhat, did you think I was an honest business man?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHardly,\u201d Adam answered. He tried to bite back a wince of pain as Saul tightened the ropes more than necessary, but too many bits of him were sore, and Adam couldn\u2019t hide it. \u201cSo why have you tied up Matt if he\u2019s your brother?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOh, Cartwright, you are naive,\u201d Saul muttered. He straightened up and looked satisfied with his work. \u201cMatt\u2019s an honest man,\u201d he explained, with exaggerated patience. \u201cHe\u2019d have told someone that I was here.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI didn\u2019t know he was coming, Mr Adam,\u201d Matt interrupted, his voice anxious. \u201cI didn\u2019t, really.\u201d<\/p>\n

Turning away, Saul grabbed the unconscious Joe by the coat and dragged him over to the foot of the cot. \u201cMatt\u2019s embarrassed by me, Cartwright,\u201d Saul went on. He began to tie Joe\u2019s hands roughly to the frame of the bed. \u201cI\u2019m a wanted outlaw, you see. So Matt started telling everyone that all his family were dead. Is that the story he gave you?\u201d He glanced at Adam, delighted to see the outrage on his face as Saul continued to tie Joe up.<\/p>\n

\u201cI didn\u2019t ask for a story,\u201d Adam replied. \u201cPlease, don\u2019t tie Joe like that.\u201d The last words slipped out without him knowing they were coming.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhy not?\u201d Saul asked. \u201cDon\u2019t you think he\u2019ll be comfortable?\u201d He laughed as he walked away, having tied Joe\u2019s ankles to the back of his thighs. He seated himself in the chair closest to the stove. \u201cI\u2019ll be attending to some business tomorrow if the weather\u2019s good enough. I\u2019m afraid, though, that I won\u2019t be taking you gentlemen along, or setting you free. No, you\u2019ll just have to take your chances with the cold. If that doesn\u2019t kill you, the lack of food and water will.\u201d<\/p>\n

Glaring at him, Adam said nothing. But he knew that the next day, Ben and Hoss would come looking for them. Somehow, before then, he had to think of a way to get both himself and Joe out of this mess. At that moment, Joe groaned as consciousness returned, and Adam dragged his eyes away from their captor to concentrate on his brother.<\/p>\n

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

It was impossible to talk with Saul there in the tiny shack with them. Joe began to shiver as the cold seeped into his body through the floor. His legs were cramping fiercely and he hurt all over. Saul had not noticed Joe\u2019s injured hands and wrist, and probably wouldn\u2019t have cared even if he had noticed. The ropes were cruelly tight, biting into the swollen flesh of Joe\u2019s wrist. He clenched his teeth together to stop them chattering.<\/p>\n

\u201cJoe?\u201d Adam murmured. Saul looked up from where he was tying his brother to the chair. But when he saw the concern in Adam\u2019s eyes, he just grinned and ignored them. \u201cJoe, are you all right?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYes,\u201d Joe replied, biting the word short so that the tone of his voice didn\u2019t give him away. He swallowed. \u201cHow are you? How\u2019s the leg?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI can feel it,\u201d Adam admitted. \u201cJoe\u2026\u201d He stopped, not sure how to tell Joe what was worrying him without telling Saul that help would come in the morning. Assuming they survived the night, of course. Not able to see a way, he resorted to asking what had happened. \u201cYou carried me here, didn\u2019t you?\u201d he asked, his tone almost accusatory.<\/p>\n

\u201cDid you think I would leave you there?\u201d Joe returned. \u201cDid you really think I would leave you there, maybe dying?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo, of course not!\u201d Adam denied. \u201cBut Joe, how far was it? And you\u2019re hurt. Your hands and your head\u2026 Joe, please tell me the truth. Are you really all right?\u201d<\/p>\n

Another shiver swept over Joe and he almost bit his tongue trying to stop his teeth chattering again. \u201cThere\u2019s nothing that a warm bed and a good night\u2019s sleep won\u2019t cure,\u201d Joe lied. \u201cBut never mind me. Adam, can you feel your foot? I had to take your boot off. I hope you haven\u2019t got frostbite.\u201d<\/p>\n

Warily, Adam wriggled his toes and almost cried aloud at the pain that shot through his leg. \u201cYes, I can feel it.\u201d He craned his neck to look at the splint. \u201cWhat did you use for bandages?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cMy shirt,\u201d Joe answered. He was exhausted and wanted nothing more than to sleep.<\/p>\n

\u201cShut up, you two!\u201d Saul ordered, coming over and giving Joe a kick. \u201cHonestly, you soppy brothers! So concerned about each other. What an act! Well, you can save yourself the bother of doing it for me. I know what brothers are like. Hell, look at me and Matt. He\u2019s afraid of me, you know. You afraid of your big brother, Joe?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo, I\u2019m not,\u201d Joe asserted, firmly. He didn\u2019t bother twisting his head around to look at Saul. The effort seemed too much for him.<\/p>\n

\u201cYeah, sure,\u201d Saul scoffed. \u201cI believe you, kid.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhy should he be afraid of me?\u201d Adam countered. \u201cHe carried me here, after all. Would he have done that if he was afraid of me? I would never have caught up with him, now would I?\u201d He glanced meaningfully down at his leg.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou lost your chance there, kid,\u201d Saul remarked.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhy did you bring him here, Matt?\u201d Adam asked, wanting to take the attention away from Joe.<\/p>\n

\u201cI didn\u2019t,\u201d Matt mumbled, flushing. \u201cI met Saul on my way back from checking the herd and he brought me here.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ve been holed up here for about a week,\u201d Saul enlarged. \u201cI knew Matt was in this area somewhere. Imagine my joy when I saw him here.\u201d Sarcasm positively dripped from his tone.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhy did you want to see him?\u201d Despite himself, Adam was intrigued. \u201cIt doesn\u2019t sound as if you\u2019re very fond of him.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOh, I\u2019m not,\u201d Saul admitted blithely. \u201cBut he\u2019ll be a handy scapegoat.\u201d He gave Adam a brilliant smile before going back over to feed some wood into the stove.<\/p>\n

It was dark outside now, Adam noticed, looking at the window. He shivered. He could hear the snow scouring against the sides of the building. Although the shack was warm compared with outside, it was still cold and coldest of all where Joe and Adam were. Looking at Joe shivering, Adam wondered if either of them would survive the night.<\/p>\n

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

Saul\u2019s snores were completing with the howling of the wind outside. \u201cJoe!\u201d Adam whispered. \u201cJoe, are you asleep?\u201d He craned his neck to see his brother, wincing as a cramp shot through his back. \u201cJoe!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat?\u201d Joe replied, on a sigh.<\/p>\n

\u201cCan you get free?\u201d Adam had been fighting with his own bonds, but hadn\u2019t been able to loosen them at all.<\/p>\n

\u201cNo,\u201d Joe answered, dispiritedly. \u201cCan you?\u201d He accidentally bit his tongue as his teeth suddenly chattered. Joe was bitterly cold and his clothes were still damp from the avalanche, as there wasn\u2019t enough heat in the shack to help them dry out, especially lying on the floor.<\/p>\n

\u201cNo,\u201d sighed Adam. \u201cJoe, listen. Pa and Hoss will come looking for us in the morning. We\u2019ve got to try and make Saul untie you, somehow, so you\u2019re ready to help them.\u201d<\/p>\n

Moving slightly so that his aching head was resting on his arm, Joe peered into the darkness, trying to think. He was tired and in pain, and he couldn\u2019t think of a single reason why Saul would agree to untie him. He wondered if they could rely on Matt to help them out. While Saul was awake, Matt had had marginally more freedom than they had. \u201cWhat do you suggest?\u201d he asked, finally.<\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t know,\u201d Adam replied. He couldn\u2019t think of anything except the pain in his leg, which was growing worse. He knew that both he and Joe needed medical attention at once.\u00a0 \u201cJoe, are you all right? What happened to your hands? How did they get like that?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI guess it happened while I was digging you out,\u201d Joe finally told him. He couldn\u2019t think of a plausible lie right then.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ve got a lot to thank you for,\u201d Adam responded after a moment. \u201cIf it wasn\u2019t for you, I\u2019d be dead. Thank you.\u201d<\/p>\n

There was silence. Joe wanted to say something, but he didn\u2019t know what to say. He wanted to sleep, but whenever he closed his eyes, all he could see was the avalanche and Adam lying there. Tears suddenly filled his eyes, and he blinked furiously to clear them away, even though no one could see him in the dark. In the morning, his father and brother would come looking for them and somehow, Joe had to make sure that he was able to stop Saul from hurting them. It was a tall order, and one that Joe wasn\u2019t sure he could fill.<\/p>\n

Assuming that Joe was asleep, Adam whispered, \u201cWe\u2019ll think of something,\u201d and allowed sleep to claim him, taking his mind off the pain and the cold.<\/p>\n

On the floor, Joe lay awake, growing colder and more frightened every minute. He wasn\u2019t worried for himself as much as he feared for his family. When dawn broke, he hadn\u2019t slept a wink.<\/p>\n

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

\u201cYou don\u2019t need to come with us,\u201d Ben reiterated as the four men set out that morning.<\/p>\n

\u201cI know that, Mr Cartwright,\u201d Charlie replied, \u201cbut I sent Matt out to check the herd and I\u2019d like to know he\u2019s all right. \u2018Sides, Dave an\u2019 me ain\u2019t got anythin\u2019 else to do today.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s right,\u201d grunted Dave the assistant foreman.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe sure appreciate it, boys,\u201d Hoss told them. \u201cI reckon Joe an\u2019 Adam holed up in the Willow Crest line shack with Matt when that snow started.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSounds about right,\u201d agreed Charlie. Ben wondered how often Hoss had posited that theory since they had arrived home the previous afternoon and found Joe and Adam missing. He knew how worried Hoss was.<\/p>\n

They set off, carrying food, canteens of water and a couple of blankets. The sky was a beautiful cerulean blue above them and the sun shone brightly, but the temperature was still well below freezing. Ben cast an anxious glance at the mountains, but there were no clouds lingering there that caused him to think that there might be more snow. But he knew how quickly that could all change.<\/p>\n

They walked on steadily, none of them talking. After a couple of hours, they were close to the line shack. Ben estimated that it was no more than half a mile away. And it was then that they found traces of the avalanche. Ben\u2019s heart almost stopped as he spotted a snowshoe lying on the snow a little way down the slope.<\/p>\n

The scramble down the slope wasn\u2019t as fast as Ben would have liked, but since they didn\u2019t know what they would find at the bottom, they exercised as much care as they could.<\/p>\n

\u201cThis ain\u2019t fresh,\u201d Hoss reported, heavily. \u201cThis was done yesterday.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cLook!\u201d Ben breathed and pointed to a hole in the snow. He bent forward and hooked his trophy out; it was Joe\u2019s hat. It was battered and dirty, but basically intact.<\/p>\n

\u201cHere\u2019s where the other one came down,\u201d Charlie called and Ben headed over to see where debris and snow had obviously been moved by someone digging someone else out.<\/p>\n

\u201cHere\u2019s Adam\u2019s boot,\u201d Dave muttered and they all gathered round, looking at it as though the inanimate object could tell them what happened.<\/p>\n

\u201cBut where are Adam and Joe?\u201d Ben asked, at last. He shivered.<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, obviously they ain\u2019t here,\u201d Hoss observed. It didn\u2019t occur to him that he was stating the obvious; he was simply thinking aloud. \u201cAn\u2019 the nearest shelter is the line shack.\u201d He glanced around and shortly found Joe\u2019s trail. It vanished into fresh show a little further along, but it was clear enough by then where he had been headed.<\/p>\n

\u201cHe\u2019s not very steady on his feet, whoever it is,\u201d commented Dave.<\/p>\n

\u201cMust be Joe,\u201d Hoss remarked. \u201cAdam\u2019s only got one boot on an\u2019 this fellar is shod on both feet.\u201d He glanced at Ben significantly. \u201cThem tracks is pretty deep. I reckon Joe\u2019s a-carryin\u2019 Adam.\u201d<\/p>\n

After a moment of overwhelming relief, Ben felt a renewed pang of anxiety. If Joe was carrying Adam, then his oldest son was too badly hurt to walk. Ben clutched Joe\u2019s hat harder, as if it was a talisman. \u201cLet\u2019s go,\u201d he proposed and picked the pace up a bit.<\/p>\n

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

\u201cYou\u2019ve got to untie his legs!\u201d Adam shouted. \u201cCan\u2019t you see he\u2019s in pain?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cDamn you, shut up, Cartwright!\u201d Saul shouted back, drawing his gun. \u201cI\u2019ll put a bullet in him and that\u2019ll sort his pain!\u201d He pointed the gun at Joe, who lay in a stupor on the floor.<\/p>\n

\u201cSaul, no!\u201d Matt cried and lunged at his brother, knocking him back a few steps. \u201cYou can\u2019t, Saul! Please! Joe ain\u2019t done anything to you!\u201d<\/p>\n

Snarling, Saul shoved Matt to the floor. \u201cI\u2019ll do what I please!\u201d Saul growled, but he holstered his gun. \u201cI thought you said you could take it, Cartwright.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cJoe hasn\u2019t said he can\u2019t take it,\u201d Adam replied, his heart thudding painfully in his chest. \u201cI\u2019m<\/em>\u00a0saying he can\u2019t take any more. Please!\u201d<\/p>\n

Throwing his hands in the air, Saul stalked over to the other side of the cabin and warmed his hands at the stove. Matt took the chance to slide across the floor and fumbled with the knots tying Joe\u2019s legs. After a few moments, Saul turned round, saw what his brother was doing, and gave an exasperated sigh. \u201cI really hate you, Matt,\u201d he muttered. \u201cDo you know that?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019ve always made it quite clear,\u201d Matt shot back. Adam looked surprised. He had seen that Matt was scared of Saul and didn\u2019t altogether blame the younger man. \u201cRight from when I was old enough to understand, you made it plain you hated me. That\u2019s why you\u2019ve come back to pin this bank robbery on me, isn\u2019t it?\u201d He sounded bitter, and Adam couldn\u2019t blame him.<\/p>\n

\u201cOh well, you\u2019re not as dim as you look,\u201d Saul remarked. \u201cI do intend to point the sheriff in your direction, Matt. And speaking of bank robbery, I\u2019d better get going.\u201d He watched as his brother continued to try and loosen the ropes on Joe\u2019s legs and finally gave in. \u201cThis is why I hate you,\u201d he muttered, slicing through the ropes with a knife. \u201cBecause I find myself doing things for you, even when I really don\u2019t want to.\u201d<\/p>\n

Unexpectedly, Adam felt a pang of sympathy for Saul. He knew how it felt to find yourself doing or saying things that you didn\u2019t want to because of a younger brother. But there the sympathy faltered. Adam did things for Joe out of love; what motivated Saul? Habit? Expectation? He, Joe and Hoss were brothers; that was all that mattered. It didn\u2019t matter to any of them that they were only half-brothers because they didn\u2019t think of themselves like that. In a way, Inger had been as much Adam\u2019s mother as she had been Hoss\u2019, and Marie had mothered all three boys like they were her own. He didn\u2019t know about Matt and Saul\u2019s home circumstances, but he wondered if Matt\u2019s mother had been Saul\u2019s mother, too, or if the woman had just not been able to see past her new baby. Was jealousy at the root of the problem between Saul and Matt?<\/p>\n

But the whys and the wherefores of the problem would have to take a back seat, for Adam was more concerned about Joe, who was barely conscious, and the thought that Ben and Hoss must be nearing the shack. The morning had slipped away as Saul slept late, then made himself some breakfast and then tormented Matt some more. With every minute that passed, Ben and Hoss were more likely to appear, and there could be trouble.<\/p>\n

Again, Adam fought against his bonds. He didn\u2019t feel at all well either; his leg was swelling against the supporting splint and the pain was affecting his thinking. When Saul had turned on Joe, Adam couldn\u2019t bear it any longer and so the shouting had begun. Joe had at least gained some relief for the moment, but he was still tied up and Adam couldn\u2019t break free of his bonds.<\/p>\n

\u201cSit down, Matt,\u201d Saul ordered, his tone suddenly deadly. \u201cI can\u2019t go away and leave you wondering around loose, now can I?\u201d<\/p>\n

Matt paled. \u201cSaul, please don\u2019t,\u201d he begged. He backed away, holding his bound hands out in front of him in supplication, Adam thought.<\/p>\n

\u201cI said, sit down!\u201d Saul\u2019s voice cracked like a whip and Joe flinched, rousing from the stupor that he had sunk into.<\/p>\n

Suddenly, Adam could hear footsteps crunching in the snow outside. He didn\u2019t know if Saul had heard or not, for Matt was stuttering something else that Adam didn\u2019t catch. He raised himself as far as he could and looked at Joe. It was clear that Joe had heard the sounds too. His fevered gaze met Adam\u2019s and a look of determination swept across his battered face. Adam could do nothing to hamper Saul, but Joe could. He rolled onto his back.<\/p>\n

Just at that moment, Ben shouted, \u201cAdam! Joe!\u201d<\/p>\n

Eyes wide, Saul reached for his gun.<\/p>\n

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

\u201cPa, be careful!\u201d Adam bellowed, at the same time as Joe kicked frantically at Saul. His legs were cramping horrendously from being tied so tightly all night, but Joe was determined not to let that stop him saving his father.<\/p>\n

Caught by surprise, Saul tumbled to the floor, but he kept his grip on his gun and turned round to smash it down on Joe\u2019s head. Seeing the danger his young boss was in, Matt threw himself at Saul and wrestled with him for the gun. It went off and Matt slumped to the floor.<\/p>\n

\u201cMatt!\u201d Joe cried in dismay and kicked at Saul again.<\/p>\n

The door of the cabin flew open and Ben and Hoss came in with guns drawn. They saw Adam tied to the cot, with Matt slumped on the floor. Joe was on the floor, his hands tied to the leg of the cot, fighting with a stranger. Even as Hoss took aim and ordered, \u201cHold it!\u201d the gun went off again and Joe slumped down.<\/p>\n

There was no time for hesitation. The stranger had just shot his brother and was turning to meet this new threat. Hoss pulled the trigger. The bullet struck the stranger in the chest and he fell back on top of Joe.<\/p>\n

\u201cCharlie, quick,\u201d Hoss urged and watched as the foreman took charge of the injured stranger, pulling him roughly off Joe, as Ben knelt beside his youngest son. As soon as Charlie had Saul in charge, Hoss hurried to Adam\u2019s side, seeing that Dave was kneeling by Matt.<\/p>\n

\u201cHe\u2019ll live,\u201d Charlie reported in disappointed tones.<\/p>\n

\u201cSo will Matt,\u201d Dave added, his tone relieved. He set about freeing the young cowboy.<\/p>\n

\u201cHow\u2019re you, Adam?\u201d Hoss asked, as he cut the ropes tying Adam to the bed. \u201cBusted leg, huh?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYeah,\u201d Adam responded in a distracted tone. He pushed himself into a sitting position and looked anxiously at Joe. \u201cHow is he, Pa?\u201d he asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t think the wound\u2019s too serious,\u201d Ben answered, \u201cbut he\u2019s burning up with fever and his body\u2019s really cold to the touch. We\u2019ve got to get him home.\u201d Sitting back on his heels, Ben looked at Adam\u2019s broken leg. \u201cAnd you.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cPa?\u201d Ben turned at the sound of Joe\u2019s voice and smoothed the curls back off his forehead. Joe\u2019s eyes were open. \u201cIs Adam all right?\u201d he asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cHe\u2019s fine,\u201d Ben assured him.<\/p>\n

\u201cBrothers!\u201d scoffed Saul. \u201cYou really make me sick!\u201d<\/p>\n

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

It had taken quite a bit of figuring out to get everyone back to the ranch. It was clear that Adam and Joe couldn\u2019t walk. Matt had a flesh wound to his arm, and insisted that he was okay to walk back. So he, Charlie, Dave and Saul set off for the ranch, leaving Ben and Hoss to care for Joe and Adam until the others could get back with some sort of sledge.<\/p>\n

While Adam sipped at some water, Hoss loosened the bindings on the splint. \u201cAin\u2019t this Joe\u2019s shirt?\u201d he asked, fingering the familiar fabric.<\/p>\n

\u201cSo he tells me,\u201d Adam replied, ruefully. \u201cI don\u2019t remember that bit.\u201d He looked over at Joe. \u201cJoe carried me here, you know. The snow collapsed underneath me and we were swept down the hill. When I woke up, Joe was carrying me.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWe saw the place,\u201d Hoss explained. \u201cAn\u2019 I brought yer boot. I found it in the snow.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhen we got here, we found that Saul and Matt were here before us,\u201d Adam explained and told them the story. Ben and Hoss listened in silence. Ben had Joe sitting in the chair beside the stove and he was wrapped in two blankets. Adam had the blanket from the cot, plus the other blanket that Ben had brought with him, originally intended for Matt. When he had finished, Adam drank deeply again and took a tentative bite of the sandwich Hoss offered him. \u201cHow\u2019s Joe?\u201d he asked, around a mouthful.<\/p>\n

\u201cNot so good,\u201d Ben replied, in an undertone. Joe was dozing, but his sleep wasn\u2019t restful. He had turned his nose up at food, although he had drunk eagerly. The bullet wound to Joe\u2019s side had bled persistently, but Ben was most worried about his hands. His fingers were swollen and red, clearly infected. Joe\u2019s clothes were still damp and he had been very cold to the touch, although his temperature was on the climb now. \u201cI hope they send for the doctor,\u201d he added, touching Joe\u2019s head once more to gauge his fever.<\/p>\n

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

It seemed to take forever before the rescue party arrived, but it was only a few hours. More than long enough for Ben. Joe had drifted in and out of consciousness, and Adam had managed to get some more sleep. But at last they were bundled onto sledges and pulled home. It was dark when they arrived and more willing hands helped carry the injured brothers into the house, where Dr Paul Martin had been waiting anxiously for some time.<\/p>\n

Deciding which brother needed help the most was hard, but Paul knew that Adam\u2019s leg had been unset for 24 hours and he opted to do that first. Adam succumbed quietly to the ether and Hoss helped the doctor remove Adam\u2019s filthy pants before he held Adam down while the limb was set. Once Paul was satisfied and the leg was put in plaster, Hoss set about cleaning his brother up while Paul went across the hall to see to Joe.<\/p>\n

Ben had not been idle while waiting for Paul. He had gently helped Joe out of his clothes and given him a wash. He had been relieved not to find any further injuries, although Joe\u2019s legs were covered with bruises.<\/p>\n

\u201cNo stitches needed on this flesh wound,\u201d Paul announced, bandaging up Joe\u2019s side. He had given Joe some quinine to reduce his fever and something for the pain and Joe was watching him suspiciously through half-closed eyes. \u201cNor on your head, Joe.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cMakes a change,\u201d Joe muttered. Paul laughed while Ben \u2018tutted\u2019.<\/p>\n

\u201cBut your hands are a different matter,\u201d Paul went on, sobering. \u201cI\u2019m going to clean them up, Joe and its going to hurt, despite the morphine. I\u2019m sorry. I\u2019ll be as gentle as I can, but I\u2019ve got to get all the dirt out of them. What on earth did you do to get them in this state?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI dug Adam out of the avalanche,\u201d Joe replied. The painkiller had loosened his tongue. \u201cI couldn\u2019t find anything to dig with, so I just used my hands.\u201d His eyes drifted closed for a moment. \u201cDespite what Saul said, Adam\u2019s my brother, it wasn\u2019t an act and I couldn\u2019t leave him there.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOf course you couldn\u2019t,\u201d Ben agreed, although he was shaken by the news. He wasn\u2019t quite sure what Joe meant about \u2018an act\u2019, but now was not the time to ask. He leant in close as Paul began to clean up Joe\u2019s hands with alcohol. He soothed Joe automatically, but his mind lingered on the fact that Joe had literally dug his brother out of an avalanche with his bare hands.<\/p>\n

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

Joe developed a hacking cough and cold during the night. The quinine soon brought his temperature under control and he swore that he felt a lot better after a good night\u2019s sleep. Knowing Joe\u2019s propensity for lying about his health, Ben took that with a pinch of salt. However, Joe did look more rested, although he still looked like death warmed up.<\/p>\n

After a good night\u2019s sleep, Adam was looking better and he was soon up and hopping around on crutches. Roy Coffee, the sheriff, came out from town to tell them that there was a reward being offered for Saul Clark, who was wanted almost all across America. Saul was going to prison for a very long time. Matt was understandably subdued at the news, but he was relieved, too. He had lived in fear of Saul all of his life.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe only blessing is, our parents aren\u2019t around to be hurt by this,\u201d he told Ben soberly. \u201cThey died a few years back. Ma would\u2019ve hated knowing that Saul had turned out bad.\u201d The young cowboy had recovered well from his gunshot injury. \u201cHow\u2019s Joe?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHe\u2019s on the mend at last,\u201d Ben replied.<\/p>\n

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

It was a relief. Joe was complaining furiously because he couldn\u2019t use either of his hands and was finding the loss of his privacy hard to deal with. But the complaining signalled to Ben and the others that Joe was recovering.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat did you mean about it all being an act?\u201d Ben asked, on Joe\u2019s first afternoon downstairs. At Joe\u2019s puzzled look he explained, \u201cWhen Paul was examining you, the night you came home, you said something about it all being an act. Something about what Saul had said?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOh, that.\u201d Joe\u2019s frown cleared. \u201cSaul kept insisting that we were just putting on an act about caring for each other. He hates Matt, you know. He told us so.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI had the impression that he was very jealous of Matt,\u201d Adam chimed in. \u201cBut he couldn\u2019t help doing things for him, although he couldn\u2019t figure out why.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI see,\u201d Ben nodded, thoughtfully. \u201cWell, who\u2019s to say why people feel like that? I guess I\u2019m just lucky that I have three sons who know that they are brothers.\u201d<\/p>\n

As he spoke, Hoss came into the room, stamping snow off his boots. \u201cI wish my dadblamed brothers didn\u2019t keep gettin\u2019 theirselves in such messes,\u201d he grumbled. \u201cAn\u2019 then I wouldn\u2019t be stuck doin\u2019 their chores!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cTell you what, Hoss,\u201d Joe piped up, \u201cnext time, you get yourself in a mess with Adam, and you can carry him.\u201d He pretended to grimace and clutched at his back. \u201cAdam, have you ever thought of going on a diet? I thought I was carrying Hoss, here!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhy you\u2026\u201d Adam snatched up a crutch and aimed it at Joe, but he couldn\u2019t resist the twinkling green eyes sparkling at him. Joe\u2019s eyes had been dulled with fever for too many days, and seeing him on the road to recovery, even if his hands were still bandaged, was a joy for them all.<\/p>\n

\u201cJust wait till I\u2019m on my feet again,\u201d he threatened. \u201cThen you\u2019ll learn about brothers, brother!\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The End<\/p>\n

<\/div>\n

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

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

Summary:\u00a0 While searching for a missing ranch hand in the snow, Joe and Adam learn what it really means to have a brother to rely on.<\/p>\n

Rated:\u00a0 T \u00a0\u00a0(8,250 words)<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":45,"featured_media":7847,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"template-full-width-post.php","format":"standard","meta":{"jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_access":"","_jetpack_dont_email_post_to_subs":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_tier_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paywalled_content":false,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[23,41],"tags":[14,15,17,16],"class_list":["post-5925","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-drama","category-hurtcomfort","tag-adam-cartwright","tag-ben","tag-hoss","tag-joe","wpcat-23-id","wpcat-41-id"],"a3_pvc":{"activated":true,"total_views":2768,"today_views":0},"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/05\/cowboy-snow1.jpg?fit=488%2C368&ssl=1","jetpack_likes_enabled":true,"jetpack-related-posts":[{"id":13179,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=13179","url_meta":{"origin":5925,"position":0},"title":"Half Brothers (by No1ButJoe)","author":"No1butjoe","date":"July 28, 2014","format":false,"excerpt":"Summary:\u00a0 Joe asks Adam the meaning of the words \u201chalf brother\u201d. 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