Summary:\u00a0 Adam and Little Joe are held for ransom.
\nRating:\u00a0 G\u00a0 \u00a08,430 words<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Ransom<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n \u2018That him?\u2019\u00a0 The man leant against the post and studied the young men dressed in black across the street as he came out of the bank.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Yep,\u2019 said his companion and then spat into the gutter. \u2018Looks like today might be the day eh?\u2019\u00a0 He sneered. \u2018I reckon Ben Cartwright ain\u2019t gonna know what hit him when he gets our note.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n The first man glared at him. \u2018Don\u2019t get cocky,\u2019 he snarled. \u2018It ain\u2019t done yet.\u2019\u00a0 He thought for a moment. \u2018I\u2019m still not sure that we shouldn\u2019t go fer the kid though.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Look Mort, we\u2019ve been through this. We said we\u2019d take the first one that we can and that kid\u2019s over in the schoolhouse.\u2019\u00a0 He indicated the building at the bottom of the street with his thumb. \u2018Why wait when we\u2019ve got this one right here fer the picking now?\u2019\u00a0 His eyes narrowed as he added. \u2018Sides, looks like we\u2019ll get two for the price of one.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Mort looked over to where his companion was staring. The young man in black was motioning for a little boy to follow him. \u2018He\u2019s got the brat with him,\u2019 he said thoughtfully. \u2018That could prove to be quite useful.\u00a0 All right then, we\u2019ll go for him.\u2019\u00a0 He shook his head at his companion as he stood straight. \u2018It ain\u2019t gonna be two for the price of one though Clem.\u00a0 I reckon we\u2019ll get our money\u2019s worth if we can grab two of Ben Cartwright\u2019s three sons.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018You got the letter?\u2019 asked Clem as he followed Mort to their horses.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Mort patted his pocket. \u2018In here,\u2019 he said. \u2018Now let\u2019s get up the trail a bit and take our place like we practised.\u00a0 The two men mounted up and turned their horses towards the western side of the street, giving Adam Cartwright an appraising stare as they rode past him.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam didn\u2019t even see the men leave town, as he was too busy trying to get his little brother to mind him. \u2018I told you to come on,\u2019 he said in a frustrated tone. \u2018Hurry up, will you?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Little Joe beamed up at his older brother, oblivious to the tone of his voice. \u2018Are we gonna wait fer Hoss Adam?\u2019 he asked. \u2018Are we riding home with Hoss too?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam shook his head. \u2018No,\u2019 he said as he lifted the little boy onto his horse. \u2018Hoss won\u2019t be out of school for a couple of hours yet. Besides \u2026\u2019 he added as he mounted up and settled his brother on the saddle in front of him. \u2018It\u2019s time we got home.\u2019\u00a0 He turned his horse towards the western side of the street and began to ride slowly away from the bank.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Can I hold the reins Adam?\u2019 pleaded Little Joe. \u2018I can do it good.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018When we get out of town,\u2019 said Adam firmly. \u2018I\u2019m not having a repeat of what happened when we rode in.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Weren\u2019t my fault,\u2019 declared Little Joe indignantly. \u2018Sport got spooked.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Sport got spooked because you kicked him,\u2019 said Adam crossly. \u2018Now stop squirming before I regret taking you off Pa\u2019s hands for the afternoon.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Little Joe looked up at his brother with a puzzled expression on his face. \u2018I weren\u2019t sitting on Pa\u2019s hands,\u2019 he said. \u2018Sometimes you say funny things Adam.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam shook his head slightly. \u2018It means \u2026 oh never mind,\u2019 he said. \u2018Stop squirming!\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018But you said I could hold the reins when we got out of town and we\u2019re out of town now,\u2019 insisted Little Joe. \u2018Please?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam held out the reins to his little brother, keeping one hand on the ends of them.\u00a0 Little Joe sat up proudly in the saddle in front of his brother and hitched them up. \u2018Careful,\u2019 warned Adam.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018I am careful,\u2019 boasted Little Joe. \u2018I can ride real good now.\u00a0 Do ya reckon Pa will get me my pony for my birthday like he said he might Adam?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam raised an eyebrow at his brother\u2019s question, knowing full well that the said pony had already been picked out and was only waiting for the appropriate day to be presented to his new master. \u2018You\u2019ll have to wait and see,\u2019 he said. \u2018Depends on how good you are.\u2019\u00a0 He looked at Little Joe sternly. \u2018Your performance at the church picnic yesterday didn\u2019t do much to help your cause though.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Little Joe frowned. \u2018Weren\u2019t my fault,\u2019 he declared. \u2018Dumb old girls!\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam tried to keep a straight face. \u2018One day you\u2019ll like girls,\u2019 he said smugly.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018No I won\u2019t!\u2019 declared his brother. \u2018I only like ta kick girls!\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Which is precisely why you get into trouble,\u2019 replied Adam. \u2018You\u2019ve got to stop kicking things buddy.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018I\u2019m a good kicker,\u2019 said Little Joe. \u2018I\u2019ve been practising \u2026 wanna see?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018No I don\u2019t.\u00a0 You have to \u2026\u2019 Adam stopped in mid sentence, causing his little brother to look up at him.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018I have to what?\u2019 he asked.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam clutched hold of the reins as two riders approached them from the side of the road.\u00a0 He tipped his hat and then held onto Joe around his waist, causing his little brother to squirm even more than he\u2019d been doing. \u2018Afternoon,\u2019 said Adam.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Afternoon,\u2019 said one of the men and then spat into the road, causing Little Joe\u2019s eyes to widen.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Hey Adam,\u2019 he said. \u2018Did ya see what \u2026\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Be quiet,\u2019 said Adam, not taking his eyes off the men.\u00a0 He hitched up the reins to continue past them when one of the men reached out and held onto them, effectively stopping him. \u2018Can I help you?\u2019 asked Adam, his heart beginning to quicken it\u2019s pace in spite of his brain telling him that there was nothing to worry about.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Hope so,\u2019 said the man who\u2019d grabbed hold of the young man\u2019s reins. \u2018You\u2019d be one of Ben Cartwright\u2019s boys, ain\u2019t that right?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Yes,\u2019 said Adam, clutching hold of Joe even tighter while his little brother tried unsuccessfully to disengage his brother\u2019s grasp on him.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Then you can certainly help us,\u2019 said the second man, pulling out a pistol and pointing it directly at the two Cartwright brothers. Little Joe stopped squirming and stared the man while Adam held his brother still and tried to face the men without flinching.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018What\u2019s all this about?\u2019 he asked finally.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Just hand over that gun of yours sonny,\u2019 said the first man. \u2018Get it from him Clem.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n The man called Clem reached over and took Adam\u2019s gun from his holster.\u00a0 \u2018Hey!\u2019 said Little Joe indignantly. \u2018That\u2019s my brother\u2019s gun!\u00a0 You give that back!\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Shut that brat up,\u2019 snarled Clem. \u2018Now get going sonny.\u2019\u00a0 He motioned with his hand and Adam turned his horse around without a word.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Hey!\u2019 shouted Joe twisting around in the saddle to face his brother. \u2018We\u2019re going the wrong way Adam.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Be quiet,\u2019 said Adam in a low voice. \u2018Just sit still Joe.\u2019\u00a0 He watched the two men out of the corner of his eye and noticed one of them getting down from his horse and placing Adam\u2019s gun on the ground at the side of the trail, with a piece of paper under it.\u00a0 He swallowed again, clutching his little brother to him as he followed the first man, the second quickly catching up behind them.\u00a0 As the three riders disappeared into the brush at the side of the road, Little Joe\u2019s voice could still be heard, objecting to the direction they were taking.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n ==========<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben Cartwright straightened up and dug the pitchfork into the bale of hay beside him as he smiled at the boy riding into the yard. \u2018Have a good day son?\u2019 he asked.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hoss made a face as he dismounted. \u2018Not really,\u2019 he said and then shrugged. \u2018Ain\u2019t no day good when ya gotta go ta school Pa.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben put his hand on the boy\u2019s shoulder. \u2018One day you might look back on your school days and think they weren\u2019t too bad,\u2019 he said with a chuckle.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018I don\u2019t think so Pa,\u2019 said Hoss mournfully as he began to lead his horse into the barn.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben looked across the yard expectantly. \u2018Aren\u2019t your brothers with you?\u2019 he asked.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hoss stopped. \u2018Nope,\u2019 he said. \u2018Didn\u2019t know they was in town.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben frowned. \u2018Adam rode in after lunch to go to the bank for me and took Little Joe with him,\u2019 he said. \u2018They should have been back well before now.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hoss shook his head. \u2018I didn\u2019t see em,\u2019 he said. \u2018Adam probably stayed in town ta do something else Pa.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben tried to smile at his son. \u2018Yes,\u2019 he said. \u2018You\u2019re probably right Hoss.\u00a0 You go and get your chores done now son.\u2019\u00a0 He stared across the yard, willing himself to believe that this could be the case.\u00a0 However, his mind kept telling him that Adam would never have kept his little brother out so late. He picked up his pitchfork again, determined to work while he waited.\u00a0 There was nothing like a bit of hard work to ease anxiety, he knew that from experience.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n ==========<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam looked over at Clem who was sitting cleaning his gun on the other side of the fire. His eyes quickly scanned the small clearing, looking for any information that he could store away to perhaps help him later. \u2018Ain\u2019t no use boy,\u2019 said Mort, sneering at him. \u2018Ain\u2019t about to let you outta our sight, so you may as well get any thoughts of escape outta your mind.\u2019\u00a0 He leant forward and stirred the stew in the pot that hung over the fire.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam didn\u2019t reply, but continued to scan the area in the ever-decreasing light. He looked down when he felt a tug on his sleeve. \u2018Its getting dark Adam,\u2019 said Little Joe anxiously. \u2018Pa\u2019s gonna be awful mad if we\u2019re late fer supper.\u2019\u00a0 Adam nodded and patted the child on the head absently.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Clem chuckled. \u2018Your Pa\u2019s got more ta be mad at than that kid,\u2019 he said in an amused tone.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Little Joe glared at him. \u2018You\u2019re a mean man,\u2019 he said accusingly. \u2018I don\u2019t like you!\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Ya don\u2019t say?\u2019 chuckled Clem. \u2018Ain\u2019t worrying me none.\u2019\u00a0 He put his gun back into his holster and smelt the air. \u2018Stew bout ready Mort?\u2019 he asked. \u2018I\u2019m hungry enough ta eat \u2026 a horse I reckon.\u2019\u00a0 Little Joe\u2019s eyes widened at the man\u2019s words and Clem laughed even louder at the expression on the child\u2019s face. \u2018Ain\u2019t ya never et a horse kid?\u2019 he said. \u2018They\u2019s mighty tasty.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Little Joe looked up at Adam his brother\u2019s reaction to Clem\u2019s words, but Adam merely shook his head slightly at the boy to quiet him.\u00a0 His tactic, however, didn\u2019t work.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018You ain\u2019t never et a horse!\u2019 declared Little Joe indignantly.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Clem leant forward and looked into the child\u2019s face. \u2018No?\u2019 he said nastily. \u2018Well if you don\u2019t shut up then I might kill your brother\u2019s horse and then eat it ta prove that I can.\u00a0 How would ya like that kid?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Little Joe swallowed and leant back against Adam who put his arm protectively around his brother\u2019s shoulder. \u2018Are we gonna go home soon Adam?\u2019 the child asked nervously.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Not yet kid,\u2019 said Mort nastily. \u2018Maybe we\u2019ll never let ya home \u2026 what do ya think about that eh?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Little Joe sat up straight again. \u2018You better let us go home now!\u201d he shouted. \u2018Else my Pa will come looking for us and he\u2019ll pound ya both!\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018You shut that brat up,\u2019 said Clem to Adam. \u2018I\u2019m getting sick of his smart mouth real quick!\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam pulled his brother towards him. \u2018Be quiet Joe,\u2019 he said in a low voice. Little Joe looked up at his brother for a moment and then shut his mouth firmly.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Here,\u2019 said Mort, handing Clem some stew. \u2018It ain\u2019t horse right enough, but it\u2019ll stick to ya ribs the same I reckon.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam swallowed at the smell of the stew, wondering if he and Joe were to be offered any.\u00a0 He hoped so, for even though he\u2019d done without meals many times in his life, Little Joe would need the sustenance. Mort looked over at him watching the stew and dished up two more plates before handing them over. \u2018Here,\u2019 he said. \u2018You ain\u2019t no use to us starving, I guess.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam took the plates gratefully, although he didn\u2019t say a word.\u00a0 He put one on his lap and the other on the ground in front of Little Joe. \u2018Eat your supper,\u2019 he said quietly.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Little Joe stared at the stew and wrinkled up his nose. \u2018I don\u2019t like it,\u2019 he said.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018You haven\u2019t even tasted it yet,\u2019 said Adam between mouthfuls. \u2018Eat it.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018I wanna go home ta supper,\u2019 whined Little Joe. \u2018Hop Sing was cooking fried chicken for tonight.\u00a0 He done told me so this morning.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Shut that brat up!\u2019 shouted Clem.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam drew Joe closer to him and bent down so that his face was next to that of his brother\u2019s. \u2018This is all you\u2019ll get for supper,\u2019 he whispered. \u2018These men aren\u2019t going to like it if you don\u2019t eat it, so be a good boy and have some. OK?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe glanced over at Mort and Clem who were noisily slurping their stew. \u2018OK,\u2019 he said reluctantly.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Good boy,\u2019 said Adam and began to eat his own stew again. By the time he\u2019d finished what was on his plate, Little Joe had eaten about one third of what was on his plate and Adam was satisfied that the child would survive on that for the night.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Picky eater ain\u2019t he?\u2019 snarled Clem as he took the plates back. \u2018What\u2019s the matter kid?\u00a0 Ya want some horse ta eat instead?\u2019\u00a0 He chuckled at his little joke and laughed even harder as Joe glared at him.\u00a0 Adam held onto his little brother and patted him on the head to distract his attention from the man.\u00a0 His own mind was whirling with the possibilities about what could befall himself and his brother. He had a fairly good idea what had been in the note that Mort had left underneath his gun and it didn\u2019t bode well for either of them if they were being held for ransom as he suspected. By himself he might have had some kind of chance of sneaking away, but with Little Joe to watch over at the same time his chances of getting out of this were virtually nil.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam scanned the small clearing again in the hopes of seeing something … anything \u2026 that he might have missed before. \u2018Adam?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n He looked down to see Joe tugging at his sleeve. \u2018Yes?\u2019 he said.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018I gotta go.\u2019\u00a0 Joe had the pained expression on his face that he always got when he needed to use the outhouse and Adam knew from experience that his little brother\u2019s needs had to be met quickly or they would all pay the price for it. He sat up straight, causing Mort and Clem to both glance in his direction.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018You keep still there boy,\u2019 warned Mort.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018It\u2019s my little brother,\u2019 explained Adam. \u2018He has to pee.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Clem laughed. \u2018Ya don\u2019t say?\u2019 he sneered. \u2018So what?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe by this time was holding onto himself and watching Adam with a decidedly pained expression. \u2018I gotta go Adam!\u201d he whispered in a voice that they could all hear. \u2018Now!\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Mort waved his gun towards a rock behind him. \u2018Over there kid,\u2019 he said. \u2018Hurry up!\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Little Joe looked at Adam again, who nodded. \u2018Go on buddy,\u2019 he said. \u2018It\u2019s OK.\u2019\u00a0 The little boy scampered off behind the rock to do his business while everyone waited. He emerged after a few moments straightening up his clothing, went straight over to Adam again and sat down.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018You too,\u2019 said Mort, motioning with his gun. \u2018If ya need ta go, now\u2019s the time sonny.\u00a0 I\u2019ll be watching the kid here in case ya get any notions in that head of yours though.\u2019\u00a0 He grinned nastily.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam didn\u2019t answer, but stood up and began to walk towards the rock.\u00a0 He figured he\u2019d better take advantage of the man\u2019s generosity now, not knowing how long it would last for. Before he\u2019d gone two steps though, Little Joe let out a howl. \u2018Adam!\u2019 he shouted. \u2018Come back! Don\u2019t leave me!\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam turned, steeling himself to be firm as he gazed down at the horrified look that his little brother was giving him. \u2018I\u2019m not going anywhere,\u2019 he said calmly. \u2018Just be quiet and wait for me.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Adam!\u201d shouted Joe again and stood up to run after his brother. \u2018Come back!\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Clem reached out and grabbed the little boy, flinging him onto the ground. \u2018You sit still kid!\u2019 he shouted. \u2018Shut up!\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam turned again. \u2018Leave him alone!\u201d he said. \u2018He\u2019s just a little boy and doesn\u2019t understand.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Ain\u2019t my problem,\u2019 said Clem as he began to pick his teeth with his fingernail and watched the sobbing child on the ground beside him. \u2018Brat!\u2019 he snarled and spat into the dirt.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam hesitated and then quickly walked behind the rock, emerging a minute later to bend down and pick up his little brother.\u00a0 He sat down and placed him on his knee, soothing him as he stroked his curly hair. \u2018Shh,\u2019 he said gently. \u2018I\u2019m back now.\u00a0 It\u2019s all right.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018I thought you was leaving me by myself,\u2019 sniffled Joe into his brother\u2019s shoulder. \u2018I thought you was going home without me.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018I wouldn\u2019t do that,\u2019 said Adam. \u2018I was just going behind the rock like you did buddy.\u00a0 It\u2019s all right now.\u00a0 I won\u2019t leave you with these men by yourself.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe drew back from his brother and looked at him intently in the dim light. \u2018Promise?\u2019 he said.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Promise,\u2019 said Adam with a wink. \u2018As if I would!\u2019\u00a0 He hugged the child closer to him as he stared into the flickering fire beside them.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n ==========<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Eat your fried chicken son,\u2019 said Ben as he strapped on his gun belt and put on his hat.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hoss gave his father an anxious look. \u2018I ain\u2019t hungry Pa.\u00a0 Can\u2019t I come with ya?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben put his hand on his son\u2019s shoulder and patted him. \u2018We\u2019ve been through this Hoss.\u00a0 You\u2019re staying here with Hop Sing in case they come home, remember?\u00a0 I need you to do that for me.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Yeah but supposing they do,\u2019 said Hoss. \u2018What will I do then?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Adam will come and tell me,\u2019 said his father reassuringly. \u2018Tell him I\u2019m going back towards town and searching the trail along the way.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hoss stood up from the table. \u2018Something\u2019s happened to em Pa,\u2019 he said. \u2018I know it has.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben tried to smile at his son, although his own heart told him the same thing. \u2018We don\u2019t know that Hoss,\u2019 he said. \u2018It could be a lot of things that has kept them late.\u2019\u00a0 He turned to the kitchen. \u2018Hop Sing!\u00a0 I\u2019m going now!\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hop Sing came out of the kitchen and gave Hoss a worried look before replying to Ben. \u2018We look after each other here,\u2019 he said meaningfully. \u2018Have supper ready for other sons when you bring home.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Thank you Hop Sing,\u2019 said Ben gratefully. \u2018And try and get this one into bed will you please?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Pa!\u2019 declared Hoss. \u2018You can\u2019t expect me ta go ta bed!\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben pointed a finger at Hoss. \u2018You do as Hop Sing tells you,\u2019 he said. \u2018I know you\u2019re worried but \u2026\u2019 He smiled. \u2018Well try and get some rest on the sofa at least while you wait.\u2019\u00a0 He turned and left the room abruptly, his heart and his brain aching with the worry of what could have happened to his two sons.\u00a0 He mounted up in the dim light, turning the lantern up in his hand as he slowly turned his horse out of the front yard and back towards the trail that led to Virginia City.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n He\u2019d been riding about half an hour, slowly checking each side of the trail along the way when his eyes caught something gleaming in the lantern light on the trail.\u00a0 With fear in his heart, Ben got down from his horse and picked up Adam\u2019s gun, the note underneath it fluttering in the early evening breeze.\u00a0 He tucked the gun into his belt, held the note next to the light of the lantern and began to read.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n ==========<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018I\u2019m cold,\u2019 whined Joe, snuggling closer to Adam. Adam hugged his little brother closer and scrunched over so that he was closer to the fire. He watched Mort and Clem across the other side of the small clearing, their heads huddled together as they whispered. \u2018Adam\u2026 I\u2019m cold,\u2019 said Little Joe again.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Is it OK if I get our coats from the horse?\u2019 asked Adam suddenly.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Mort and Clem looked over at him. \u2018Huh?\u2019 said Clem.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Our coats,\u2019 repeated Adam. \u2018It\u2019s getting chilly.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Clem motioned with his gun. \u2018The brat can get em,\u2019 he said. \u2018You stay where you are.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Joe, go on over to Sport and get our coats,\u2019 said Adam, nudging his little brother. \u2018Go on.\u2019\u00a0 He stood the little boy up on his feet and gave him a slight shove towards the horse.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Little Joe nodded, trotted over obediently to where his brother\u2019s horse was tied and tried to reach up to grab their coats which were strapped onto the back of the saddle. \u2018I can\u2019t reach em,\u2019 he said after a minute. \u2018They\u2019re too high Adam.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam looked at Mort and Clem who simply stared back at him. \u2018Can I help him?\u2019 he asked at last.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Mort stood up and walked over to the horse and grabbed the coats. \u2018Here,\u2019 he said. \u2018Now sit down and shut up kid.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Little Joe picked the coats up from the ground and took them back to Adam who put his straight on and then helped Joe on with his. \u2018That better?\u2019 he asked.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Yep,\u2019 said Joe, snuggling into his brother\u2019s side again. \u2018Adam?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Yes?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Why won\u2019t those men let us go home?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam hesitated, not wanting to cause his little brother undue anxiety, but also knowing that he needed to be honest with the child. \u2018They want to keep us here so that Pa will give them money,\u2019 he said at last.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Clem chuckled as he heard Adam\u2019s words. \u2018You\u2019re darn right we do,\u2019 he said. \u2018I hope your Pa\u2019s got enough ta pay for you both.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe frowned at the man. \u2018My Pa\u2019s got plenty of money!\u2019 he declared.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Clem looked quite amused at the child\u2019s words. \u2018I hope for your sake he does kid,\u2019 he said.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018We got money too!\u2019 said Joe, his eyes getting bigger as a thought occurred to him. \u2018We could give you our money and then we could go home.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam put his hand over his little brother\u2019s mouth, but not before he saw the look in the men\u2019s eyes. \u2018Yeah?\u2019 said Mort, leaning close to the child. \u2018Where\u2019s your money kid?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Adam\u2019s got it \u2026 don\u2019t ya Adam?\u2019 said Little Joe, wriggling free of Adam\u2019s hand. \u2018He got it at the bank today.\u00a0 Show him Adam.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam shushed the boy as Clem and Mort\u2019s eyes lit up even more. \u2018That\u2019s right,\u2019 said Mort thoughtfully.\u00a0 \u2018You was coming out of the bank this afternoon now that I think of it, weren\u2019t you?\u2019 Adam said nothing, but merely stared at the man silently. \u2018Hand it over boy,\u2019 said Mort.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Give it to him Adam,\u2019 piped up Little Joe excitedly. \u2018Then we can go home.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Be quiet!\u2019 hissed Adam.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Little Joe looked hurt. \u2018But I only said that \u2026\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018That\u2019s it kid,\u2019 sniggered Clem. \u2018You tell him to give it to us \u2026 else we might just have to take it, mightn\u2019t we?\u2019\u00a0 He fingered his gun meaningfully and looked directly at Little Joe, who stared back at him, his eyes wide.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam swallowed and then slowly reached into his coat pocket and withdrew a fat wallet. He held it out to Mort who grabbed it and whistled as he opened it to reveal a large wad of bills. \u2018Well lookee here,\u2019 he said. \u2018A little bonus on top of what your Pa\u2019s gonna give us later,\u2019 he said gleefully. \u2018Thanks kid.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Can we go home now?\u2019 asked Little Joe hopefully.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Reckon not,\u2019 said Clem with a grin at Mort. \u2018Seems like we\u2019ll all be spending the night together.\u00a0 Now shut up!\u2019\u00a0 He picked up a bottle of whiskey and pulled the cork out with his teeth before taking a gulp.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Little Joe frowned. \u2018But you gotta let us go!\u201d he declared.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Joe be quiet,\u2019 said Adam, trying to pull his brother towards him. \u2018Sit down.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Little Joe wriggled free of his brother and stood up to face the two men, his little fists clenched and his face a mixture of frustration and fury. \u2018You give us back our money!\u2019 he shouted. \u2018You can\u2019t keep it iffen ya don\u2019t let us go!\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Clem laughed as he took another swig of whiskey. \u2018Kid\u2019s got spunk,\u2019 he said casually to Mort.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018He\u2019s annoying,\u2019 said Mort with a frown. \u2018You shut him up boy if you know what\u2019s good for you both.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam tried to pull Joe towards him again, but Joe stood firm. \u2018You give us back our money!\u2019 he shouted.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Mort reached out and struck the child on the face, making him stagger backwards with the force of the blow. \u2018Shut up!\u2019 he yelled.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam pulled his little brother and clasped him tightly. \u2018Leave him alone,\u2019 he shouted. \u2018He\u2019s only a little boy!\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018He\u2019s a little brat,\u2019 snarled Mort. \u2018Now keep him quiet unless you want me to take him behind those bushes and get rid of him permanent like.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam swallowed and hugged the now-crying child to his chest as he murmured to him. \u2018It\u2019s OK little buddy,\u2019 he said. \u2018It\u2019ll be OK.\u2019\u00a0 He wished with all his might that there were someone to say those words to him as well.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n ==========<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben handed the note to sheriff Roy Coffee and waited while the man read it. \u2018$10 000,\u2019 whistled Roy when he\u2019d finished. \u2018Well whoever they are, they don\u2019t do things by halves, do they?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben banged his fist on the desk. \u2018The amount doesn\u2019t matter!\u2019 he shouted. \u2018The important thing is getting back my boys Roy!\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Now calm down Ben,\u2019 said Roy. \u2018We\u2019ll get your boys back safe and sound.\u00a0 You say you found this \u2026 where?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018On the trail \u2026 about four miles from the house,\u2019 said Ben. \u2018I tried to track the prints from there, but they went straight down to the Truckee River and then disappeared.\u00a0 I had no way of knowing whether they went upstream or downstream.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Roy fingered his chin. \u2018And no chance of tracking them in the dark even if you did,\u2019 he said. \u2018There\u2019s not a lot we can do until morning Ben.\u00a0 I\u2019ll get some men together and we\u2019ll be ready to ride out at first light.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Didn\u2019t you read the note?\u2019 shouted Ben. \u2018They\u2019ll kill my boys if I bring anyone with me \u2026 I can\u2019t risk it Roy!\u2019 He ran his hand through his silver hair in a frustrated gesture. \u2018I have to do this by myself Roy \u2026 can\u2019t you see that?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018What I can see is that you and your boys are likely to get hurt or worse if we do it your way,\u2019 said Roy firmly. \u2018Ben these men are serious by the sound of that note.\u00a0 You can\u2019t just give them the money and expect that that will be that.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018What else can I do?\u2019 asked Ben desperately. \u2018You read it \u2026 I have to be at the old Forthon mine by noon or else they\u2019ll kill Adam and Little Joe. What would you suggest I do?\u00a0 If I don\u2019t turn up by myself they\u2019ll kill the boys for sure.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018And if you don\u2019t, then they\u2019ll probably kill them anyway Ben,\u2019 said Roy firmly. \u2018You know as well as I do that they aren\u2019t going to leave any witnesses behind.\u2019 Ben sat down and put his hands over his face.\u00a0 There was silence for a few moments and then Roy stood up and walked around to the other side of the desk.\u00a0 He put his hand on Ben\u2019s shoulder. \u2018Ben I don\u2019t want to upset you any more than I have to,\u2019 he said in a gentler tone. \u2018But my job is to make sure that we get those boys of yours back alive.\u00a0 I\u2019m sorry, but I had to say what I did.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018I know,\u2019 said Ben in a weary voice. \u2018What do you suggest?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018I\u2019ll get a few men \u2026 six at the most,\u2019 Roy added as he saw the look on Ben\u2019s face. \u2018We\u2019ll stay well back I promise you Ben, until we can see that the boys are safe. They said they\u2019d bring them?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Yes.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Roy nodded. \u2018As soon as you hand over the money we\u2019ll make our move,\u2019 he said. \u2018Ben I\u2019ve been a sheriff for a long time … I know what I\u2019m doing.\u00a0 Now you need to go and wake up Tom and get him to open the bank and get that money together. I\u2019ll go and round up a few men and bring em back here to brief em.\u00a0 We\u2019ll ride out after sunup.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben nodded. \u2018I just can\u2019t understand how they could do this,\u2019 he said. \u2018Two of my boys \u2026 and one of them not much more than a baby.\u2019 Roy put his hand on Ben\u2019s shoulder again and there was silence between them.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n ==========<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam moved his arm slightly to ease the numbness that had settled there and shifted his little brother\u2019s body so that the child was lying on his legs instead of propped up onto his shoulder.\u00a0 Little Joe murmured slightly in his sleep as he moved and Adam traced a line with his finger down the little boy\u2019s face where the red mark still lingered from Mort\u2019s slap.\u00a0 He looked over to where the two men were still sharing their bottle of whisky and chuckling together.\u00a0 He had hoped when they first started drinking that they might have passed out after a while, but it seemed that the alcohol was only making them belligerent instead of sleepy.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Whatcha looking at?\u2019 demanded Clem as he realised that Adam was staring at them.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Nothing,\u2019 said Adam, looking away.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Yes ya were,\u2019 said Clem. \u2018You think you\u2019re high and mighty, don\u2019t ya kid?\u00a0 Ya think you\u2019re too good fer the likes of us, don\u2019t ya?\u2019\u00a0 Adam said nothing, but stared into the fire as he hoped that the man would turn his attention to something else. \u2018Ya think you\u2019re one tough kid, don\u2019t ya?\u2019 sneered Clem.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018No.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Well ya ain\u2019t!\u2019 he shouted. \u2018You and your old man are gonna realise that ya ain\u2019t tough at all.\u00a0 No sir!\u00a0 Old Ben Cartwright is gonna rue the day he heard of Clem and Mort Higgins.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Higgins?\u2019 said Adam in spite of himself.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Yeah \u2026 Higgins!\u00a0 Bring back memories, does it kid?\u00a0 Remember the time your old man sent the two of us ta jail for five years, do ya?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018If I remember correctly you both deserved it,\u2019 said Adam.\u00a0 \u2018You should have got a lot more than five years for robbing that bank.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Well if your old man hadn\u2019t seen us coming out of the alley that day we wouldn\u2019t have even got that,\u2019 said Mort smugly. \u2018I reckon five years in jail is worth the $10 000 he\u2019s gonna pay us tomorrow.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam\u2019s eyes widened. \u2018$10 000?\u2019 he said. \u2018You can\u2019t be serious.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Mort chuckled. \u2018So you don\u2019t think you\u2019re worth $10 000?\u2019 he said. \u2018What about the brat there?\u00a0 He ain\u2019t worth it either, huh?\u2019\u00a0 He indicated Little Joe, sleeping on Adam\u2019s lap and then fingered his gun. \u2018Well if your Pa don\u2019t reckon you are, we\u2019ll have to try and think what to do with you both, won\u2019t we?\u2019 Adam swallowed and was silent. Little Joe stirred again in his sleep and he placed a protective hand on the child\u2019s head. \u2018Maybe we could get rid of you somewhere,\u2019 Mort continued. \u2018There\u2019s bound ta be plenty of clipper ship captains who\u2019d pay for your services on board a ship about to sail from San Francisco, but the brat here \u2026 well that\u2019s another matter.\u2019\u00a0 He fingered his gun again. \u2018Never could stand kids myself.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018You touch my little brother and I\u2019ll kill you,\u2019 said Adam in a low voice.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Clem leant forward. \u2018Well now it seems to me that you ain\u2019t in any fit state to be giving threats like that,\u2019 he said menacingly. \u2018If I were you I\u2019d shut my mouth \u2026 for your sake and the brat\u2019s.\u2019\u00a0 He sat back again and took another swig of the whiskey bottle, looking at Adam over the top of it. \u2018I\u2019m sure looking forward to that high and mighty Ben Cartwright begging us not ta kill you two tomorrow,\u2019 he added nastily. He chuckled at the very thought of it while Adam continued to stare morosely into the fire.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n ==========<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Now remember,\u2019 said Roy firmly. \u2018We\u2019re staying well back until Ben has those boys safe. We\u2019re not making a move while there\u2019s any danger to Adam or the little\u2019un.\u2019\u00a0 He looked over as Ben approached them, a bag in his hand. \u2018You get the money with no trouble Ben?\u2019 he asked.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben shook his head, his expression showing his concern. \u2018They didn\u2019t have that much on hand,\u2019 he said. \u2018I got what I could though \u2026 less than $9 000.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Roy chewed on his moustache. \u2018Well they probably won\u2019t count it,\u2019 he said. \u2018I\u2019m sure it\u2019ll be all right.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018It\u2019ll have to be,\u2019 said Ben, looking up at the sun. \u2018I don\u2019t have time to ride to Carson City to get any more.\u00a0 We\u2019ll just have to pray that they\u2019ll be satisfied with what I could get.\u2019\u00a0 He looked around at the half dozen men who were standing next to their horses. \u2018I sure do appreciate you helping out,\u2019 he said sincerely. \u2018Only \u2026\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018I\u2019ve explained everything Ben,\u2019 interrupted Roy. \u2018You don\u2019t have to worry \u2026 we\u2019ll stay well back until you have the boys safe.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben nodded. \u2018Thank you,\u2019 he said. \u2018The money isn\u2019t important at all \u2026 the only thing that matters is getting those boys back safely.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018We know,\u2019 Roy assured him. \u2018And we won\u2019t do anything to jeopardise that.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Thank you,\u2019 said Ben as he swung up onto his horse. \u2018Let\u2019s ride!\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n ==========<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam stretched in the morning light and felt the child on his lap squirm with the movement.\u00a0 Little Joe opened his eyes and stared up at his brother with a puzzled expression on his face. \u2018What you doing in my room Adam?\u2019 he asked.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Wake up sleepy head,\u2019 said Adam gently.\u00a0 He propped the little boy up and sat him on his lap, watching as Little Joe rubbed his eyes with his knuckles and gave a great yawn.\u00a0 He looked all around before staring back up at his brother again. \u2018We\u2019re with those mean men, ain\u2019t we?\u2019 he asked. \u2018I forgot.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Ya sure are kid,\u2019 said Mort from across the other side of the fire.\u00a0 He threw some dirt onto it and watched as the fire began to die.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Little Joe merely glared at the man and then turned back to Adam again. \u2018Are we going home now?\u2019 he asked.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Soon,\u2019 said Adam absently, stroking the boy\u2019s curls.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Yeah,\u2019 added Clem. \u2018Real soon kid, if ya Pa pays up like we told him to.\u2019 He cocked his gun in Adam\u2019s direction. \u2018Get up,\u2019 he said. \u2018On ya feet sonny.\u2019 Adam stood up slowly, grateful for the chance to stretch his muscles again.\u00a0 He set Little Joe on his feet next to him and patted the boy on the head reassuringly. \u2018On ya horse,\u2019 instructed Clem, with a wave of his gun in that direction. \u2018We\u2019ve got a-ways to go.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Ain\u2019t we having breakfast first?\u2019 whined Little Joe. \u2018I\u2019m hungry!\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Move!\u2019 said Clem and Adam clutched his brother to him as he walked towards the horses.\u00a0 He picked up Little Joe and put him on the front of the saddle before mounting up himself and looking down at Clem and Mort. \u2018Now you just behave yaselves today and we\u2019ll soon be rid of each other,\u2019 said Mort as he mounted up as well. He picked up one of Adam\u2019s reins and began to lead the way, Clem bringing up the rear.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Within an hour or so, they had reached the shoreline of the lake and Mort turned his horse to the west towards the old Forthin mine. \u2018Hey!\u2019 shouted Little Joe indignantly. \u2018We\u2019re going the wrong way!\u00a0 Our home\u2019s down that way!\u2019\u00a0 He waved in the opposite direction where the trail ran around the shoreline towards The Ponderosa ranch house.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Ya don\u2019t say,\u2019 sneered Clem without slackening his pace.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Yeah I do say,\u2019 said Little Joe eagerly, oblivious to the man\u2019s sarcasm. \u2018We can go down that way and see my Pa.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Your Pa\u2019s gonna come and see us sonny,\u2019 said Mort from up in front. \u2018Ain\u2019t no need us going to see him.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Little Joe frowned. \u2018But \u2026\u2019 he began.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Shut that brat up!\u2019 shouted Clem from behind.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam put his hand over little Joe\u2019s mouth and bent down close to him, noticing as he did so the large bruise that was forming on the boy\u2019s cheek where yesterday there had been a red mark. \u2018Be quiet Joe,\u2019 he said. \u2018Pa\u2019s not at home at the moment.\u00a0 We\u2019re going to meet him somewhere else.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe pulled on Adam\u2019s hand and loosened his brother\u2019s grip on his mouth. \u2018Where?\u2019 he asked.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018I\u2019m not sure,\u2019 admitted Adam in a low voice. \u2018But he\u2019ll find us soon.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe looked at both the men. \u2018Why don\u2019t we just ride away Adam?\u2019 he said. \u2018I could kick Sport and he\u2019ll run away fast.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam held up a warning finger. \u2018Don\u2019t you dare,\u2019 he hissed, a vision of what the men would do if they tried it.\u00a0 There was no way that he was going to endanger his little brother\u2019s life any more than he had to and he wasn\u2019t going to give either man the opportunity to take a shot at them both. \u2018You just sit still and wait,\u2019 he said.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Sensible advice,\u2019 said Mort, turning around in the saddle and looking at them. \u2018You listen to ya big brother kid.\u2019\u00a0 He fingered his gun. \u2018Else we might be forced to hand only one of ya over to ya Pa.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam clutched Little Joe to him tightly, ignoring the boy\u2019s indignant cries. \u2018Let me go Adam! I can\u2019t breathe properly if ya hold me so tight!\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam loosened his grip a little. \u2018Sit still!\u2019 he warned his brother as they approached the abandoned mine. \u2018Do as you\u2019re told.\u2019\u00a0 He thought about how clever Mort and Clem were to have chosen this spot.\u00a0 Not only was it situated in a clearing where they could keep an eye on things in all directions, but it was also backed right up to a cliff face and the mine itself would provide them with protection should anything untoward happen.\u00a0 He hoped with all his heart that this was going to be a straightforward exchange \u2026 himself and Joe for the money his father would be bringing \u2026 but in case it wasn\u2019t, he began to immediately scan the area for anything that would help him keep his little brother out of danger should the moment arise.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n They all dismounted and Clem motioned for Adam to go towards the entrance of the mine.\u00a0 He stopped him just outside and told him to sit in the shade of a large rock, Little Joe as usual by his side.\u00a0 Both men then positioned themselves on either side of them, each covering the trail that led to the disused mine while they waited.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam pulled his little brother close to him and turned his face so that they were looking into each other\u2019s eyes. \u2018Joe I want you to listen to me,\u2019 he said.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Little Joe stared at his brother. \u2018OK,\u2019 he said.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018See the mine behind us?\u2019\u00a0 Little Joe nodded. \u2018If there is any trouble I want you to crawl up there and hide inside,\u2019 Adam said. \u2018Do you hear me?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018What kind of trubble?\u2019 asked Little Joe, his eyes wide at the very thought of it.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam hesitated. \u2018If anyone starts shooting,\u2019 he said. \u2018Or if I \u2026 I get hurt and can\u2019t tell you what to do.\u00a0 OK?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Why would you get hurt?\u2019 asked Little Joe anxiously. \u2018Are them mean men gonna hurt you?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam put his hand on the child\u2019s head. \u2018No of course not,\u2019 he reassured the boy. \u2018Only \u2026 when Pa comes there might be a bit of \u2026 well \u2026 things might be a bit confusing for a few minutes,\u2019 he said. \u2018If those men start shooting then I \u2026\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Who are they gonna shoot at?\u2019 asked Little Joe, clutching his brother\u2019s sleeve. \u2018They ain\u2019t gonna shoot at Pa, is they?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018No,\u2019 said Adam. \u2018Pa is going to bring some money to give them and then they\u2019ll let us go,\u2019 he said, wishing that it would be that easy. \u2018But if something goes wrong they might get angry.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018They\u2019re already angry,\u2019 said Little Joe, glancing over at them. \u2018They\u2019re mean angry men.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Just promise me that you\u2019ll crawl up into the mine,\u2019 said Adam. \u2018OK?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Why do I have to crawl?\u2019 asked Little Joe. \u2018Why can\u2019t I run?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018You have to get down near the ground,\u2019 explained Adam, trying to be patient. \u2018If there\u2019s any bullets you\u2019ll be less likely to be hit.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Little Joe was silent for a few moments while he digested this piece of information. \u2018OK,\u2019 he said at last. \u2018But will you crawl up there too?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018If I can,\u2019 said Adam. \u2018Maybe we won\u2019t have to, huh?\u2019\u00a0 He ruffled his little brother\u2019s hair, wanting desperately to wipe the concerned look off the child\u2019s face.\u00a0 He looked towards the trail where his father would ride up shortly, hoping against hope that soon they would all be riding down it again together.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n ==========<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018OK Ben,\u2019 said Roy. \u2018Looks like this is as far as we go. We\u2019ll be behind these trees.\u2019\u00a0 He held out his hand to the other man to shake. \u2018Good luck.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben returned the handshake and nodded. \u2018Thanks,\u2019 he said. \u2018Remember, two shots means come up the trail.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018And if we don\u2019t hear anything after half an hour, then we\u2019re coming anyway,\u2019 Roy reminded him.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben nodded and spurred his horse forward, the moneybag bouncing on the side of his saddle.\u00a0 He rode directly into the clearing near the old mine and squinted in the sunlight as he emerged from the trees. \u2018Stop right there Cartwright,\u2019 said a low voice and Ben turned in the saddle to see a man emerging from the shadow of the large rock to his left. He stopped and was still.\u00a0 \u2018You got the money?\u2019\u00a0 Ben nodded and handed the bag over to him.\u00a0 The man grabbed it and opened it frowning slightly. \u2018Don\u2019t look like it\u2019s all there,\u2019 he snarled. \u2018Where\u2019s the rest of it?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben hesitated before replying. \u2018Where are my sons?\u2019 he asked abruptly. \u2018I want to see them.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n The man pointed his rifle directly at Ben. \u2018I said where\u2019s the rest of the money?\u2019 he asked.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018That was all I could get,\u2019 replied Ben. \u2018There\u2019s close to $9 000 there \u2026 it was all the bank had. Now where are my boys?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n The man glared at him before signalling above his head with a wave.\u00a0 Ben turned to see Adam and Little Joe emerge from behind a rock across the other side of the clearing near the entrance of the mine and he took a step forward. \u2018Hold it Cartwright,\u2019 snarled the man. \u2018I asked ya where the rest of the money was.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018I told you that was all I could get,\u2019 said Ben abruptly without taking his eyes off Adam and Little Joe. \u2018Are you all right?\u2019 he shouted.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam waved at him, one hand firmly grasping the arm of his little brother who was wriggling to get free. \u2018We\u2019re fine Pa,\u2019 he shouted.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Let them go,\u2019 demanded Ben.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n The man shook his head. \u2018I gotta think about this,\u2019 he said. \u2018You hold tight Cartwright while I consult with my partner.\u2019\u00a0 He walked backwards across the clearing towards Adam and Little Joe where Ben noticed a second man emerge from behind the boys.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam was having a difficult time keeping his little brother still, his thoughts focussed on keeping everything calm and giving his father a chance to negotiate with Clem and Mort.\u00a0 As Clem approached them however, Little Joe began to wriggle even more \u2026excited by the sight of his father.\u00a0 \u2018Pa! Pa!\u2019 he shouted. \u2018We\u2019re over here Pa!\u2019\u00a0 Adam held onto him, desperately trying to shush him at the same time.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Clem opened the bag and thrust it under Mort\u2019s nose. \u2018He ain\u2019t got it all,\u2019 he snarled. \u2018Says the bank didn\u2019t have enough.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Mort looked into the bag.\u00a0 \u2018Seems like your Pa don\u2019t think enough of ya to pay it all sonny,\u2019 he said sarcastically to Adam. \u2018Shame bout that, ain\u2019t it?\u2019 Adam stared at the man, trying desperately to keep his emotions in check. \u2018Well what are we gonna do bout it?\u2019 said Mort nastily. \u2018Maybe we\u2019d better keep hold of ya until he comes up with some more, huh?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018You said that you\u2019d let us go when you got the money,\u2019 said Adam tersely.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Yeah!\u2019 shouted Little Joe, still trying to wriggle out of Adam\u2019s grasp. \u2018You said you\u2019d let us go! You\u2019re a mean man!\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Mort motioned with his hand to Clem. \u2018Take the money and get these two back up on their horses,\u2019 he instructed. \u2018We\u2019re taking em with us.\u00a0 I\u2019ll tell Cartwright he owes us more money.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam grabbed the man\u2019s sleeve. \u2018Let my little brother go,\u2019 he pleaded. \u2018You don\u2019t need both of us.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Shut up and get on them horses,\u2019 snarled Mort nastily.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018But he\u2019s only a little boy,\u2019 pleaded Adam. \u2018Let him go and \u2026\u2019 Mort struck the young man on the face and sent him reeling back a step. \u2018I said to shut up!\u2019 the man yelled at him. \u2018Now get on that horse and get that brat up there with you!\u2019 He turned towards Ben again and shouted across the clearing to him. \u2018Nice try Cartwright!\u2019 he yelled. \u2018Now you owe us twice as much! Another<\/p>\n $10 000 by tomorrow sundown or you won\u2019t ever see these two again!\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben\u2019s heart lurched as he took a step forward. \u2018No!\u2019 he shouted. \u2018Let them go!\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Mort chuckled nastily and turned to punch Adam in the stomach so hard that the young man staggered and fell to his knees, pushing Little Joe back away from him as he did so. \u2018See that?\u2019 Mort shouted down to Ben. \u2018Now you back outta here or there\u2019ll only be one of your boys left fer ya to pay for!\u2019\u00a0 He looked down at Adam and chuckled again. \u2018Get on ya feet sonny,\u2019 he said. \u2018Hurry up!\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam looked up at him and began to slowly get to his feet.\u00a0 He was halfway there when he stared at the barrel of the rifle right in front of him and made a grab at it, taking Mort by surprise and toppling the man off his feet as well. Ben saw what was happening and immediately reached for his own gun, but before he could get it, Clem appeared and pointed his rifle at both Adam and Ben. \u2018Drop it!\u2019 he ordered. Adam dropped Mort\u2019s rifle and Ben dropped his gun, both of them staring at Clem in dismay.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Suddenly Clem let out a howl and dropped his rifle onto the ground beside Adam, both hands clutched around his shin and yelling at the top of his voice.\u00a0 Behind him, Little Joe grinned at his brother as Adam seized the rifle. \u2018Told ya I\u2019ve been practicing kicking,\u2019 said the little boy proudly. \u2018It really hurts when ya do it on the ankle.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben bent down and picked up his gun and shot it twice into the air before pointing it at Mort who was still on the ground. Beside him Adam had the rifle pointed at Clem and they were still standing like this when Roy and his companions rode into the clearing a minute later. \u2018We\u2019ll take care of em now Ben,\u2019 said the sheriff firmly as he strode over.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n It was only when he could see that Roy and the others had Clem and Mort firmly under control that Ben turned to Adam and put both arms around his son, hugged him tightly.\u00a0 Little Joe leapt forward and hugged his father around the leg happily. Ben bent down to pick the child up, one son encircled in each arm. \u2018Are you both all right?\u2019 he asked anxiously, looking at them both carefully.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018We\u2019re fine Pa,\u2019 Adam assured him and then turned to look at Little Joe sternly. \u2018I thought I told you to crawl into the mine if anything went wrong?\u2019 he said.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Little Joe returned Adam\u2019s stern look with a non-committal one of his own. \u2018But that man was being mean again,\u2019 he said. \u2018Did ya see me kick him Pa?\u2019 he added proudly to his father. \u2018I did it really hard.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018You certainly did,\u2019 said Ben, unable to keep a straight face in his relief.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018I should have known that you never do as you\u2019re told,\u2019 muttered Adam under his breath.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Now Adam,\u2019 said Ben, hugging his son around the shoulder. \u2018It turned out all for the best, didn\u2019t it?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam\u2019s face broke into a grin. \u2018I suppose so,\u2019 he said.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben hugged both his sons again. \u2018Well I think I need to get you both home,\u2019 he said. \u2018Roy and the others will take these two back to town.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018And the money,\u2019 said Roy, picking up the bag. \u2018I\u2019ll get it back to the bank for you Ben. You get these two home.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018We ain\u2019t had no breakfast yet,\u2019 Little Joe informed his father. \u2018Them mean men wouldn\u2019t give us any.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Well we\u2019ll have to get you some then, won\u2019t we?\u2019 said Ben.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Bet Hoss never done left us any fried chicken from last night\u2019s supper neither,\u2019 added Little Joe sadly.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018I wouldn\u2019t be too sure about that,\u2019 said Ben as they walked towards their horses. \u2018Your brother for once didn\u2019t seem to have too much of an appetite last night.\u00a0 I think there might just be some chicken if you\u2019re lucky.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018All I want is a hot bath and a bed,\u2019 said Adam wearily.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Not me,\u2019 declared Little Joe as his father lifted him up onto his saddle. \u2018I want some chicken \u2026 and a pee,\u2019 he added seriously.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben laughed as he mounted up behind Little Joe and hugged his little boy to his chest. \u2018Well let\u2019s get all of the above for you then,\u2019 he said as he turned his horse around. \u2018Come on boys \u2026. home.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n The End<\/strong><\/p>\n <\/p>\n