Summary:\u00a0 Adam, Hoss and Little Joe find themselves in a life-threatening situation while they are waiting for Ben to come home one evening.
\nRating:\u00a0 G\u00a0 \u00a010,275 words<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
The Intruder<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam took off his jacket and hung it on the peg by the door next to his hat. \u201cThe stock is all bedded down for the night,\u201d he said, turning towards his younger brothers who were sitting in front of the fireplace. Hoss was holding onto the end of a long piece of half-braided leather strips, while Little Joe sat on the edge of the coffee table and concentrated on the other end.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cHow\u2019s it going?\u201d asked Adam, as he walked across the room.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n His youngest brother looked up at him and held up the rather uneven braid for him to see. \u201cReal good Adam,\u201d he said proudly. \u201cI\u2019m nearly halfway finished. I\u2019m gonna make a bridle out of it for my new pony when it\u2019s done.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cWhat pony?\u201d asked Hoss. \u201cYou ain\u2019t got a pony!\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe jutted his jaw out and gave his brother a stubborn look. \u201cPa said I could have a pony when I\u2019m six, so I gotta be ready for when my pony comes,\u201d he declared.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam patted him on the top of his curly hair and winked at Hoss as he did so. \u201cThat\u2019s real good squirt,\u201d he said. Their father had only recently shown their little brother how to braid and Joe had been so taken with the technique ever since that he insisted on doing some nearly every night after supper. At the rate he was going, Adam figured that he\u2019d have the long strips braided in about a week. He glanced over Hoss\u2019 shoulder at the uneven braiding. \u201cLooks real fine,\u201d he added.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hoss smiled at him as he patiently held onto the end of the braid for his little brother. \u201cHold it tighter Hoss!\u201d commanded Little Joe in a bossy tone as the braid sagged. \u201cI can\u2019t do it iffen you don\u2019t!\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hoss obediently held it tighter and Joe put his tongue between his teeth as he concentrated on the braiding again.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cDid you check on Brandy\u2019s leg when you were in the barn?\u201d asked Hoss as Adam sat down and picked up a book. \u201cIs it any worse?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cDoesn\u2019t seem to be,\u201d said Adam, yawning. \u201cI\u2019m sure he\u2019ll be OK.\u201d He looked across at Little Joe who was busy concentrating on his braiding. \u201cTime for bed squirt,\u201d he added, glancing at the grandfather clock near the front door.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe immediately frowned at his older brother. \u201cNot yet,\u201d he protested. \u201cI ain\u2019t finished.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cYou still wouldn\u2019t be finished if you sat there all night,\u201d said Adam. \u201cPut it down and get on up to bed now.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cBut I wanna stay up till Pa gets home,\u201d Joe protested.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cNo,\u201d said Adam firmly. \u201cPa said that he wanted you to be in bed by the time he got home. You don\u2019t want me to have to tell him that you didn\u2019t do as you were told, do you?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cNo,\u201d the little boy admitted.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cWell then, get on up to bed,\u201d repeated Adam. \u201cGet changed into your nightshirt and I\u2019ll be up to check on you in a little while. Go on.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe reluctantly put down the braided leather on the coffee table. \u201cDon\u2019t you do none of it after I go Hoss,\u201d he warmed his brother.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hoss looked quite amused at the comment. \u201cI won\u2019t,\u201d he said. \u201cNight Joe.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cNight,\u201d replied Joe, dragging his feet towards the staircase. \u201cDon\u2019t forget you\u2019re gonna come and check on me,\u201d he reminded Adam, glancing back over his shoulder to look at his brother.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cI won\u2019t,\u201d said Adam, opening his book. \u201cStop stalling and go.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n It took Joe a full three minutes to slowly walk up the stairs, dragging each step in order to spread out his time out of bed for as long as possible. But it was a technique that was studiously ignored by his two older brothers, who were well used to it. Adam kept reading and Hoss simply picked up an apple and began to chew on it as he poked at the fire with one of the fire-tongs.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cHe\u2019s gone,\u201d he said, when Joe finally disappeared around the top of the stairs.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cAbout time,\u201d muttered Adam, not looking up from his book.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hoss picked up the braided leather and looked at it. \u201cHe\u2019s done it all uneven,\u201d he said. \u201cReckon I should straighten it out?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cBetter not,\u201d replied Adam, still not looking up from his book. \u201cHe might notice it in the morning.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hoss nodded and put it down again, then began to hum softly under his breath as he looked around the room. \u201cWhat time will Pa be home?\u201d he asked.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cHe said he wouldn\u2019t be late,\u201d said Adam. \u201cYou\u2019d better go on up to bed too before he gets here though. He wouldn\u2019t want \u2026.\u201d He jumped as a loud knock on the front door startled him. \u201cWho could that be at this hour?\u201d he said. \u201cThere\u2019s no one in the bunk house tonight.\u201d The branding had finished the week before, and all of the itinerant workers had moved onto other properties in the area. The few men who worked full time on the ranch had all gone into town this evening, so Adam knew that they were all alone out here. Even Hop Sing was staying overnight with his cousin in town, so until their father came home from his meeting there was no one for miles around except the three of them.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hoss shrugged. \u201cDon\u2019t know,\u201d he said. \u201cMaybe it\u2019s Pa come back early?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cPa wouldn\u2019t knock,\u201d said Adam, getting up and walking to the front door. He hesitated before drawing his gun out from its holster where it hung next to his jacket, and checking it.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cWhat are you doing that for?\u201d asked Hoss anxiously, also getting up. \u201cIs there trouble, do ya think Adam?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam smiled at him. \u201cNo, of course not,\u201d he said. \u201cYou can never be too careful though.\u201d He opened the door slightly and looked out into the darkness. \u201cWho is it?\u201d he asked.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cSorry to disturb you, young fellar,\u201d said a voice outside. \u201cMy horse slipped a shoe aways back and I\u2019ve had to walk him here. Just wondering if I could get a bed for the night?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam hesitated. He knew his father was always willing to help folks in need, but the man had also instilled in his eldest son the need to always be careful of strangers at the same time. \u201cSure,\u201d he said finally. \u201cYou can sleep in the barn in you like. There\u2019s some blankets out there and you can stable your horse.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cMighty obliged,\u201d said the voice. \u201cThat\u2019s right kind of you. I\u2019ll be able to fix him up in the morning and be on my way.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam began to close the door, but the man held it open with the pressure of his hand. \u201cOne more thing,\u201d he said. \u201cSorry to have to ask, but I ain\u2019t eaten since sunup. Wouldn\u2019t be any chance of a bite to eat, would there?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam hesitated again. \u201cOK,\u201d he said finally. \u201cYou go out to the barn and I\u2019ll get something for you and bring it out.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cMuch obliged,\u201d said the man gratefully and let go of the door. Adam shut it and put his gun back in the holster.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cThere\u2019s some leftover stew in the kitchen Hoss,\u201d he said. \u201cWill you get a plate and bring it here?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cSure,\u201d said Hoss, getting up. \u201cI\u2019ll take it out to him if ya like Adam. Maybe I can take a look at his horse\u2019s foot? It might be all banged up if he lost a shoe.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cYou just get the stew,\u201d said Adam. \u201cI\u2019ll take it out to him.\u201d He waited until Hoss had left the room before taking his gun out of the holster again and checking it for a second time. Even though the man had sounded genuine enough, Adam knew that he should be wary of drifters, especially when he had the responsibility of his two younger brothers to think about. He strapped his holster onto his leg and straightened up just as Hoss came back into the room.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hoss\u2019 eyes widened as he looked at the gun. \u201cWhy are ya wearing that?\u201d he asked. \u201cDon\u2019t ya trust him Adam?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam shrugged, hoping that the gesture showed his brother that there was no need to worry, for Hoss tended to get quite anxious at times when their father wasn\u2019t around. Adam figured that it had something to do with the fact that he\u2019d only had Pa to look after him when he\u2019d been a young\u2019un. \u201cOf course I do,\u201d he said, taking the plate of food. \u201cOnly it\u2019s like I said before, you can never be too careful. You stay here while I take this out to him.\u201d He smiled at Hoss as he opened the door and stepped out onto the front porch. He reached up and took the lighted lantern off the hook near the front door. \u201cClose the door Hoss,\u201d he said. \u201cI\u2019ll be back in a \u2026.\u201d He froze as a tall figure came out of the shadow beside him. \u201cOh,\u201d he said, taking a step back. \u201cHere\u2019s your food mister.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n The man walked towards Adam, his gun pointed directly at him. \u201cJust you walk back into that there house sonny,\u201d he said. \u201cRight quick.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam backed into the house slowly, his eyes never leaving the gun in the man\u2019s hand. \u201cHoss,\u201d he said as he reached the door. \u201cGet away from the door.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hoss let go of the door and backed away, his eyes wide with fright as the man entered the house behind Adam. He swallowed twice as he stared at the gun in the man\u2019s hand. \u201cWhat do you want mister?\u201d he asked, his voice wavering in his fright.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cShut up kid,\u201d said the man, looking around the large room. He glanced back at Adam. \u201cI\u2019ll take that,\u201d he said, taking the plate of food out of the young man\u2019s hand and putting it on the credenza. He gestured at Adam\u2019s holster. \u201cNow the gun,\u201d he said. Adam held his gun out to him and watched as the man tucked it into the waistband of his trousers. \u201cWho else is here?\u201d snarled the man, gesturing with his gun for them to walk towards the fireplace.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hoss opened his mouth to answer, but Adam cut him off. \u201cNo one,\u201d he said quickly. \u201cWe\u2019re all alone.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n The man\u2019s eyes narrowed as he stared at him for a moment, trying to work out if he was telling the truth. \u201cNo one upstairs?\u201d he asked.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cNo,\u201d said Adam quickly. He shook his head slightly at Hoss when the man turned to look at the staircase.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cYou\u2019d better be telling the truth,\u201d snarled the man. \u201cI\u2019ve been watching for a few hours out there and I ain\u2019t seen anyone coming or going, so I reckon you are. Sit down,\u201d he ordered, gesturing with his gun at the sofa.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam sat down and pulled the wide-eyed Hoss with him. \u201cTake whatever it is that you want and go,\u201d he said. \u201cLeave us alone.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n The man picked up the fork that was resting on the plate of food and began to eat hungrily, his gun still pointed at the two of them. \u201cWhat I want ain\u2019t here yet,\u201d he said between mouthfuls. \u201cI can wait but.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam studied him for a moment. \u201cWhat does that mean?\u201d he asked finally.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n The man took another large mouthful and looked around the house again. \u201cThis here is The Ponderosa, ain\u2019t it?\u201d he asked. \u201cYou\u2019re Ben Cartwright\u2019s kin?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cYes,\u201d said Adam, beginning to sense trouble now. If the man knew about their family, then he wasn\u2019t a drifter as he\u2019d first thought. \u201cWhat of it?\u201d he asked.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n The man snorted. \u201cThen I\u2019m in the right place,\u201d he said. \u201cMmm, good stew. You cook this sonny?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cNo,\u201d piped up Hoss. \u201cOur cook Hop Sing did.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n The man took a step forward and looked at him menacingly. \u201cI thought you said that no one else was here?\u201d he demanded. \u201cWhere is this cook?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cHe\u2019s in Virginia City,\u201d said Adam quickly. \u201cI told you that there\u2019s no one here but us.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cHow come you know about our family?\u201d piped up Hoss again, eyeing off the man with distaste.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cNosey kid, ain\u2019t ya?\u201d snarled the man, licking the fork before putting it down on the plate. \u201cLet\u2019s just say that your Pa and I go way back. I known him from a long time ago.\u201d He gestured towards Adam again. \u201cWhen\u2019s your Pa due back from town?\u201d he asked.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cHow do you know that our Pa is in town?\u201d interrupted Hoss.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cYou shut up!\u201d the man shouted. \u201cI\u2019m talking to him!\u201d He looked at Adam again. \u201cWell?\u201d he asked. \u201cWhen\u2019s old man Cartwright coming home?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam swallowed. \u201cHe won\u2019t be back tonight,\u201d he said. \u201cIn fact, he won\u2019t be back for a few days. He\u2019s gone on a business trip.\u201d He dug his nails into Hoss\u2019 arm to silence the boy as he spoke.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n The man\u2019s eyes narrowed again and he stared at Adam for a full minute before speaking. \u201cYou\u2019re a damned liar,\u201d he said finally. \u201cI saw him ride outta here with a few men a couple of hours ago and he weren\u2019t taking no overnight things with him. He pointed the gun at Hoss while continuing to speak to Adam. \u201cNow tell the truth sonny. When\u2019s he coming back?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cWhy do you want to know?\u201d demanded Adam, drawing the terrified Hoss towards him on the sofa. \u201cWhat business is it of yours anyway?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cYou\u2019re a smart mouth, ain\u2019t ya?\u201d snarled the man. He walked across the room and pointed the barrel of his gun directly at Hoss\u2019 head. \u201cWell?\u201d he said, eyeing Adam off.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam swallowed. \u201cLater tonight,\u201d he said in a low voice.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cThat\u2019s better,\u201d said the man. He took the gun away and sat down on their father\u2019s favourite easy chair. \u201cWe\u2019ll just wait for him then, won\u2019t we?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hoss looked across at Adam, tears beginning to well up in his eyes. \u201cAdam?\u201d he said anxiously.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam patted his brother on the arm. \u201cIt\u2019s OK Hoss,\u201d he said, trying to keep his own voice calm.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cSure it is sonny,\u201d said the man, leaning back in the chair and putting the gun on his lap. \u201cWe\u2019ll just have a nice time here while we wait for your Pa.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam smiled reassuringly at Hoss and then faced the man. \u201cI asked you what you wanted with my Pa?\u201d he said again.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n The man studied him for a moment in silence. \u201cYour Pa and me needs to have a talk,\u201d he said finally as he fingered the gun absently. The gesture didn\u2019t go unnoticed by Adam and his blood ran cold at the sight of it. Whatever was in this man\u2019s mind wasn\u2019t good and his thoughts ran at a mile a minute as he considered what would happen when their father did eventually walk through the front doorway.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n He felt the weight of Hoss leaning into him as he sat on the sofa next to him and he prayed that Joe would keep quiet upstairs, for the responsibility of looking after his two younger brothers in the face of such danger weighed heavily on him. He knew that his Pa would want him to protect them at all costs and their safety was paramount in his mind, but he couldn\u2019t help but try and work out a plan to safeguard his Pa at the same time. His eyes unconsciously turned towards the gun-rack.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cYou just keep your mind off them guns,\u201d said the man suddenly, noticing where Adam was looking. \u201cYou wouldn\u2019t want to go and do nothing stupid now, wouldn\u2019t you sonny? Not with the youngster here.\u201d He gestured to the terrified Hoss meaningfully. \u201cJust get your mind off them guns if you know what\u2019s good for you,\u201d he added.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam looked away from the guns, knowing that none of them were loaded anyway. Pa would never allow it with Joe in the house, for the little boy was fascinated with guns and his father didn\u2019t trust him yet not to touch them. There were only three guns that Adam knew of in the house. One was his own, currently tucked into the man\u2019s waistband and so out of reach. The second was hidden in his father\u2019s bedroom upstairs where neither of the two younger boys could reach it. His father had always maintained that it was there for emergencies and only he and Adam knew about it, but it was also well out of reach at the moment. The third one was high up on the top of the shelf in Hop Sing\u2019s kitchen. The cook sometimes used it for scaring foxes away from his chickens, but Adam didn\u2019t even know if it was loaded at the moment and the only ammunition was in his father\u2019s desk drawer right across the other side of the room. Whichever way he looked at it, it seemed that he couldn\u2019t get to a weapon easily.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n He felt Hoss beside him trembling and he put his arms around the boy\u2019s shoulder. \u201cIt\u2019ll be OK Hoss,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cSure it will sonny,\u201d said the man, picking at his teeth. \u201cJust as soon as your Pa gets home \u2026 me and him is gonna leave all of you alone.\u201d He chuckled at his own joke. \u201cIn fact, your Pa is never gonna worry any of you agen.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hoss sat forward on the sofa. \u201cWhy don\u2019t you just get outta here?\u201d he said. \u201cWhen my Pa gets home he\u2019s gonna make you wish you\u2019d never come here!\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n The man snorted. \u201cIt\u2019s gonna be the other way around kid,\u201d he said. \u201cYour old man\u2019s gonna wish he never came home tonight.\u201d He fingered the gun again and Hoss\u2019 eyes widened.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cWhat do you want our Pa for?\u201d he demanded.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cShut him up!\u201d the man said to Adam.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam pulled on Hoss\u2019 sleeve. \u201cQuiet,\u201d he said in a low voice. \u201cYou\u2019re not helping any by carrying on like this Hoss.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hoss gave his brother a pleading look. \u201cBut Adam \u2026\u201d he began.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cYou never came to check on me!\u201d a small voice shouted from the top of the stairs and everyone turned to see Little Joe clumping downstairs in his nightshirt, still wearing his boots. \u201cYou said you were gonna come up and check on me, and you never did!\u201d he said to Adam accusingly, putting his hands on his hips and glaring at his brother.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n The man in the chair leant forward and also glared at Adam. \u201cI thought you said there was no one upstairs?\u201d he spat. \u201cWho the hell is this?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe\u2019s jaw dropped as he turned to notice the man for the first time. \u201cYou said a bad word!\u201d he said, his eyes wide. \u201cHe said a bad word Adam,\u201d he said again, turning to face his brother.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cWell?\u201d said the man. \u201cAnyone else up there that you haven\u2019t told me about?\u201d He pointed the gun at Adam accusingly.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cNo,\u201d said Adam, shortly. \u201cJoe \u2026 come over here.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cAin\u2019t anyone else up there but me mister,\u201d said Joe, ignoring Adam\u2019s instruction and standing his ground as he stared at the man. He took a couple of steps forward and held out his small hand as he remembered his manners. \u201cNice ta meet you. I\u2019m Joe Cartwright.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n The man ignored the small boy and cocked the gun. \u201cIf I find out you\u2019re lying \u2026.\u201d he spat at Adam.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cThere isn\u2019t anyone else in the house,\u201d replied Adam. \u201cThis is only my little brother and I didn\u2019t think he counted.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe bristled at his brother\u2019s words. \u201cI do so<\/em><\/strong> count!\u201d he said indignantly. \u201cI\u2019m a people too!\u201d He looked at the man curiously. \u201cWhat\u2019s ya name mister?\u201d he asked.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cJoe, come over here,\u201d said Adam again.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cGet over there with them two kid,\u201d said the man. \u201cHurry up and do as you\u2019re told!\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe frowned, but walked over to Adam and Hoss without protesting. Adam pulled him towards them and sat him in between them on the sofa. \u201cYou didn\u2019t come up and check on me,\u201d Joe said again. He put one small boot up on Adam\u2019s leg. \u201cI couldn\u2019t get my boots undone. You have to undo them for me.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cLeave them for now squirt,\u201d said Adam in a low voice. \u201cJust sit still.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cBut I can\u2019t wear my boots to bed,\u201d insisted Joe, tapping his foot up and down on Adam\u2019s thigh for emphasis.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cYou\u2019re not going to bed just yet,\u201d said Adam. \u201cSit still.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cI ain\u2019t?\u201d said Joe, grinning at his brother. \u201cOh boy!\u201d He put his foot back on the floor and grinned around at everyone happily.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cNo, you ain\u2019t kid,\u201d snapped the man. \u201cYou\u2019re gonna sit still there if you know what\u2019s good for you!\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cOK,\u201d said Joe, happy to be able to stay up for longer. \u201cAre we gonna play a game now?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cJoe, be quiet,\u201d said Hoss, urgently. \u201cSit still like he told you to.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cHey you!\u201d The man pointed at Hoss. \u201cGet that whiskey bottle for me!\u201d He indicated their father\u2019s whiskey decanter that stood on a small table near his desk. \u201cHurry up,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hoss looked at Adam, who nodded. He stood up and walked over to the table, picked up the decanter and took it over to the man. \u201cNow sit down,\u201d the man snarled as he took the decanter, pulled the stopper out with his teeth and took a swig.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cHey!\u201d shouted Little Joe, indignantly. \u201cThat\u2019s my Pa\u2019s! You\u2019re sposed ta ask if you can have some first!\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cShut that brat up,\u201d snapped the man.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cBe quiet Joe,\u201d said Adam, as Hoss sat down again. Adam picked up the child\u2019s discarded braiding that was on the coffee table. \u201cHere, do some of this.\u201d He handed it to him, hoping that the activity would keep him occupied and stop him from making any further difficult comments.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe took the braid. \u201cYou gotta hold the other end for me,\u201d he said, holding it up.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cHoss, you do it,\u201d instructed Adam and Hoss obediently took hold of the braid as Joe happily began to work on the other end.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n There was silence in the room for a few minutes as Joe and Hoss bent over the braid and Adam and the man eyed each other off.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cSo how long are we gonna have to wait fer your Pa?\u201d snapped the man suddenly. \u201cWhat time\u2019s he gonna be home?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cLate,\u201d said Adam, with a shrug. \u201cMaybe not until the morning.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cNuh uh,\u201d interrupted Joe innocently. \u201cHe\u2019s gonna be home real soon. You said that after I went to bed he would be back.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n The man snorted again. \u201cThanks kid,\u201d he said, grinning nastily at Adam. \u201cAt least someone around here can tell the truth.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cI always tell the truth,\u201d Little Joe assured him earnestly and then thought for a moment. \u201cWell \u2026 nearly,\u201d he said. \u201cI sorta didn\u2019t tell the truth about the time I kicked Hop Sing\u2019s chickens, but Pa didn\u2019t never asked so\u00a0 \u2026\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cWhat the hell is he talking about?\u201d asked the man. \u201cShut him up!\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe\u2019s jaw dropped open again. \u201cYou said that bad word again,\u201d he said, his eyes widening. \u201cHe said that bad word again Adam.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cShh,\u201d said Adam.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cYou wanna see my braid, mister?\u201d asked Joe, holding it up for the man to see. \u201cI\u2019m making a bridle for my pony.\u201d The man ignored him and took another swig from the whiskey bottle. \u201cI ain\u2019t got a pony yet,\u201d prattled on Joe. \u201cBut Pa\u2019s gonna give me one for my birthday and when I get one I\u2019m gonna \u2026.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cCan\u2019t you keep that brat quiet?\u201d snapped the man.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cBe quiet Joe,\u201d said Hoss, giving the man a fearful glance.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cBut I was just saying \u2026..\u201d insisted Joe.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cShh,\u201d said Adam.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe gave both of his brothers a puzzled look, wondering why on earth they seemed so jumpy all of a sudden. \u201cWhy?\u201d he asked.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cBecause you were told to,\u201d snapped the man. \u201cNow shut up!\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe\u2019s eyes widened again. \u201cYou ain\u2019t sposed to talk like that,\u201d he informed him. \u201cIt\u2019s rude.\u201d He stared at the man for a moment. \u201cYou wanna hold my braid mister?\u201d He hopped down from the sofa before Adam or Hoss could stop him and trotted over to where the man was sitting and placed the leather strips on his lap. \u201cSee? You hold it like this and I \u2026.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n The man shoved him away and forced Joe to take a couple of steps backwards. \u201cHey!\u201d said Joe, angrily and kicked him square on the ankle.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n The man reached down to rub his ankle with one hand and tried to grab for Joe with the other, but Adam reached his brother first and pulled him back towards him. \u201cLeave him a alone,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cYou\u2019re a mean man and I don\u2019t like you!\u201d shouted Little Joe, despite Adam trying to keep him quiet. \u201cGo away!\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n The man snarled at them all and then pointed the gun in their direction. \u201cGet up,\u201d he said abruptly.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cWhat are you gonna do?\u201d asked Hoss, trying to keep his voice under control as Adam pulled him to his feet.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n The man ignored the question and jerked his head towards the dining room. \u201cThere a back door around here?\u201d he asked Adam.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cSure is,\u201d piped up Little Joe. \u201cAnd you can\u2019t use it neither!\u201d He poked his tongue out at the man and scowled at him.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n The man ignored Joe as well, all his focus still on Adam. \u201cOut the back door,\u201d he ordered. Adam swallowed, his blood running cold at the thought of what could be in their captor\u2019s mind. \u201cLeave my brothers alone,\u201d he said. \u201cThey \u2026\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cShut up and move!\u201d shouted the man, gesturing with his gun again. \u201cNow!\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam picked up Little Joe, placed him on his hip and held onto Hoss\u2019 arm protectively. \u201cCome on Hoss,\u201d he said in a low voice.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hoss gave Adam a terrified look and brushed away the tears that were beginning to trickle down his cheeks, but he did as he was told and quietly allowed himself to be led across the dining room and out of the back door. \u201cWhy are we going outside in the dark, Adam?\u201d asked Little Joe, but his brother didn\u2019t answer him.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam tensed up as he faced the man, still in the silhouette of the back doorway. \u201cThere\u2019s no need for this,\u201d he said, his voice wavering a little as he pulled Hoss towards him and clung onto Joe tightly. \u201cIf you \u2026\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cI said to shut up!\u201d shouted the man again and stepped out into the darkness. He looked around. \u201cYou got a cellar here?\u201d he snapped.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam nodded and then realised that his captor probably hadn\u2019t seen the gesture in the darkness. \u201cYes,\u201d he said. \u201cOver there.\u201d He pointed to the cellar door, his heart lifting just a little as he realised that perhaps the man had it in mind to merely lock them up instead of doing something more permanent.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cOpen it!\u201d The man pointed the gun at Adam, who put Joe down on the ground and walked over to the cellar. Hoss held onto Little Joe\u2019s hand as Adam pulled the heavy door up.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cGet down there!\u201d the man said. \u201cHurry up!\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hoss\u2019 eyes widened. \u201cW \u2026 Why?\u201d he stammered.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cHoss, bring Joe over here,\u201d instructed Adam. \u201cHurry.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hoss began to pull Little Joe towards Adam, but the little boy had other ideas. \u201cI don\u2019t wanna go down that cellar,\u201d he declared. \u201cIt\u2019s too dark.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cMove, you little brat!\u201d shouted the man, giving him a slight push. Joe didn\u2019t take too kindly to that and kicked out at him, causing him to yelp suddenly in pain and strike out at the child. He hit Joe on the side of the head and the little boy fell to the ground and rolled over a couple of times in the dirt.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cLeave him alone!\u201d shouted Hoss, leaping across at him and pummelling into the man with his fists. \u201cHe\u2019s just a little kid!\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam sprinted over to his two brothers and picked Joe up. \u201cThere wasn\u2019t any need for that,\u201d he said, pulling Hoss away from the man who by now had cocked the gun again and was giving them all dark looks.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cGet down in that cellar or I\u2019ll loose three bullets!\u201d he shouted. \u201cNow!\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Without another word, Adam pulled the protesting Hoss down the few steps into the cellar, while carrying the sobbing Little Joe on his hip. He put his arm around Hoss as the door of the cellar was flung shut above them and they heard the scraping sound of something being dragged on top of it.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cHe\u2019s putting something on the door so\u2019s we can\u2019t open it again,\u201d said Hoss. He bounded up the few steps before Adam could stop him and pushed on the cellar door, but sure enough, he couldn\u2019t budge it. \u201cHelp me Adam,\u201d he said desperately. \u201cWe gotta get out of here.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam put the still-sobbing Joe onto the dirt floor and joined his brother in trying to open the door, but to no avail. \u201cIt won\u2019t open,\u201d he said after a moment or two. \u201cIt\u2019s no use Hoss.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n The two brothers descended the stairs again and Adam picked up Little Joe and tried to soothe him. \u201cIt\u2019s OK now squirt,\u201d he said. \u201cHe\u2019s gone.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cNo \u2026 no he \u2026 ain\u2019t!\u201d declared Little Joe between sobs as he held onto his hurting face. \u201cHe\u2019s still \u2026 up there in \u2026 the house!\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n They were all still as they listened to the footsteps above them in the dining room, for Little Joe was right. The man had obviously gone back into the house.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s dark,\u201d said Hoss in a low voice and Adam drew his brother to his side, remembering just how frightened of the dark Hoss had always been. For a moment they stood in silence, the darkness enveloping them, the only sound being the diminishing sobs of Little Joe as he cuddled into Adam\u2019s shoulder.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cLet\u2019s get some light,\u201d suggested Adam when Joe had finally stopped crying and begun to rub his eyes clear of his tears. \u201cHop Sing always keeps a lantern down here, doesn\u2019t he?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cYeah,\u201d said Hoss. \u201cHe hangs it on a hook near the steps.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam walked over, found the lantern and sat down on the stairs with Joe on his lap. \u201cHere,\u201d he said, handing it to Hoss. \u201cYou light it.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hoss swallowed and began to light the lantern, the activity and the small light that emanated from it when it was lit making him feel a little better. \u201cI don\u2019t like the dark much,\u201d he admitted in a low voice.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cIt won\u2019t hurt you none Hoss,\u201d Joe said, sitting up on Adam\u2019s lap and reaching across to pat Hoss\u2019 arm in a comforting way. \u201cDon\u2019t worry. I\u2019ll look after you.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam smiled at him. \u201cWe\u2019ll all look after each other,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cAdam?\u201d Hoss set the lantern down and gave his brother an anxious look. \u201cWhat\u2019s he gonna to do when Pa gets home? Is he gonna hurt him?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Little Joe swivelled around on Adam\u2019s lap and gave his big brother an incredulous look. \u201cHe ain\u2019t gonna, is he Adam?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam hesitated, not wanting to scare his brothers any further, but not wanting to lie to them either. \u201cHe wants to,\u201d he said. \u201cBut we\u2019re not going to let him, are we?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cSure ain\u2019t!\u201d declared Hoss. \u201cBut how are we gonna stop him Adam? Pa\u2019s gonna be home soon and we\u2019re stuck down here.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019ll sneak out and get a gun and shoot him!\u201d declared Little Joe. \u201cHe ain\u2019t gonna hurt my Pa!\u201d He gave them both a fierce look that in other circumstances would probably have caused both his brothers to dissolve into laughter.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cYou\u2019re not doing anything of the sort,\u201d said Adam. \u201cBesides, there\u2019s no way out of here.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe pulled himself up straight. \u201cI\u2019m little,\u201d he said. \u201cI can sneak out of a hole if I can find one. Then I\u2019ll go in the house and shoot him!\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cThere ain\u2019t no hole down here,\u201d said Hoss miserably. \u201cTalk sense Joe.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam looked down at his little brother on his lap, his eyes lighting up suddenly. \u201cThere just might be,\u201d he said softly. \u201cJoe, sit here with Hoss for a minute.\u201d He pulled the little boy off his lap and stood up.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cWhere are you going Adam?\u201d said Hoss quickly. \u201cDon\u2019t leave us!\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam turned back to his brothers and knelt down in the dirt in front of them. \u201cYou stay here,\u201d he said. \u201cI\u2019m going to look for something, but I\u2019ll be back in a minute.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cWhat are you gonna look for?\u201d asked Hoss, clutching onto Joe beside him to keep the child still.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cI remember when Pa first dug this cellar out,\u201d said Adam. \u201cBefore he started building the house on top. He put in a small hole round the front near the kitchen.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cWhy?\u201d asked Hoss.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cHe thought that it might be useful for dropping supplies down from the buckboard in the front yard,\u201d replied Adam. \u201cBut we never really used it, because when Hop Sing came he just always used the door back here. Pa said it didn\u2019t matter and the hole would do for ventilation instead.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cWhat\u2019s ven \u2026vent \u2026 lashion?\u201d asked Little Joe curiously.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cAir,\u201d replied Adam. \u201cAs I recall, he put a grate on top of it, but maybe we can push that out. Stay here while I look.\u201d He gave Hoss a sympathetic look. \u201cI\u2019m sorry Hoss, but I have to take the lantern, or I might miss it in the dark.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cThat\u2019s OK,\u201d said Hoss bravely. \u201cYou take it and go look Adam.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019ll look after Hoss,\u201d said Little Joe as they watched Adam take the lantern away. \u201cHe\u2019ll be OK with me!\u201d He held onto Hoss\u2019 hand as they sat together on the steps in the dark. \u201cDon\u2019t you worry none Hoss,\u201d he said. \u201cYou\u2019ll be OK.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m fine,\u201d said Hoss, a little embarrassed at being afraid of the dark. \u201cSides, I\u2019m looking after you, not the other way around.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cNuh uh!\u201d declared his little brother. \u201cI\u2019m looking after you Hoss!\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hoss rolled his eyes at the stubbornness of his small brother. \u201cHow can you be looking after me when I\u2019m bigger than you?\u201d he said.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe thought about that for a moment. \u201cWell I just is!\u201d he said at last. \u201cSides \u2026.\u201d He stopped as Adam appeared again with the lantern.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cDid ya find it?\u201d said Hoss anxiously.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam smiled at them as he nodded. \u201cYes,\u201d he said. \u201cCome on.\u201d He picked up Little Joe again and led the way behind some barrels. Hoss followed, holding onto Adam\u2019s shirt so that he didn\u2019t lose his way in the dark. \u201cThere,\u201d said Adam, stopping and pointing upwards. \u201cSee?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hoss and Little Joe looked up and saw a faint glimmer of starlight above them. \u201cIt\u2019s awfully little Adam,\u201d said Hoss, uncertainly. \u201cDo ya reckon we can get out that way?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cNo,\u201d said Adam, glancing at Little Joe in his arms. \u201cBut Joe might be able to. What do you say squirt? Can you try and squeeze through?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cCourse I can!\u201d declared Little Joe.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cYou can\u2019t send him up there to stop that man,\u201d said Hoss. \u201cHe\u2019s only a little kid!\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cI can shoot him!\u201d declared Joe bravely. \u201cYou just see iffen I don\u2019t!\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cYou are not shooting anyone,\u201d said Adam firmly. \u201cNow both of you listen. We\u2019re going to see if Joe can squeeze through there first. If he can, then he\u2019s going to run and get help. OK squirt?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe frowned. \u201cI don\u2019t need to run nowheres,\u201d he said. \u201cI\u2019m gonna shoot that mean man!\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cYou are not going to shoot him!\u201d said Adam, beginning to get frustrated with his small brother. He turned Joe\u2019s head so that their faces were close and his little brother had no choice but to look into his eyes. \u201cNow listen carefully Joe,\u201d he said. \u201cYou want to help Pa, don\u2019t you?<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cYeah!\u201d said Joe emphatically.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cThen you\u2019ve got to do as I say. OK?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cOK.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m going to push you out of that hole and you\u2019re going to very quietly creep around the side of the kitchen until you get to the pine trees at the side of the house.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cOK,\u201d said Joe, his eyes becoming wider with the excitement of what he had to do.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cAnd then you\u2019re going to go behind them until you reach the side of the barn,\u201d continued Adam.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cOK.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cAnd when you reach the shadow of the barn you\u2019re going to run as fast as you can. Pretend that Hoss or I are chasing you. OK?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cOK. Where do I run to?\u201d asked Joe, excitedly.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cDown the trail towards Virginia City,\u201d said Adam.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cHe can\u2019t run that far,\u201d scoffed Hoss. \u201cHe\u2019d never make it to Virginia City!\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cCan so!\u201d declared Joe indignantly. \u201cI can run real fast!\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s too far,\u201d said Hoss.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cNot for me!\u201d declared Joe.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cIs too!\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cIs not!<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cWould you two be quiet!\u201d said Adam crossly. \u201cYou have to run as far as where the trail branches off down towards the Devlin ranch. You remember where that is Little Joe?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cSure I do. Near the big rock,\u201d said Joe.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cYes,\u201d said Adam. \u201cAnd you run and get help from Mr Devlin.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cThat\u2019s too far,\u201d protested Hoss. \u201cHe\u2019ll never make it to the Devlin place.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam looked at him. \u201cIt\u2019s all we can do,\u201d he said. \u201cThe Devlins are the nearest neighbours we got Hoss. There isn\u2019t anyone closer.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cPa will make it home before he gets there,\u201d said Hoss gloomily.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Inwardly, Adam agreed that his brother was right, but at least this way Little Joe would be well and truly clear of danger if the man upstairs took it into his head to come down and get rid of them once he\u2019d dealt with their Pa. He only wished that could send Hoss out of that hole as well and out of danger, but his middle brother was far too large to fit.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cHe won\u2019t get home first,\u201d declared Little Joe. \u201cI\u2019m going run and run and run so fast and I\u2019ll get there before Pa comes. Mr Devlin will come here cause I\u2019m gonna tell him to!\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam bit his lip as he looked at his little brother, considering for a moment how Joe had a tendency to get things muddled up in the telling when he was excited. Lord knows what he\u2019d say to the Devlins once he got to their ranch and he\u2019d most likely cause Mr Devlin to ride up unprotected to The Ponderosa to check things out. Having Pa and his brothers in trouble was enough and they sure didn\u2019t need any neighbours in danger of being killed as well.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Suddenly, he snapped his fingers. \u201cI\u2019ve got an idea,\u201d he said. \u201cStay here!\u201d He put Joe down on his feet again and disappeared into the darkness.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cHey Adam!\u201d shouted Hoss. \u201cCome back! Where are ya going Adam?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m here,\u201d said Adam, stepping back into the light of the lantern again. \u201cI remembered the note pad and pencil that Hop Sing always keeps by the lantern to write down his list of shopping supplies. Hold the lantern up Hoss so that I can see what I\u2019m writing.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cWhat are<\/em> you writing?\u201d asked Hoss.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cA note to Mr Devlin,\u201d said Adam. \u201cJoe can give it to him.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cI wanna see!\u201d said Little Joe, jumping up and down in his excitement. \u201cShow me Adam!\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cQuiet,\u201d said Adam as he continued to write. \u201cWait a minute while I finish it.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe continued to jump up and down while Hoss held the lantern for Adam to see by. \u201cThere,\u201d said Adam after a couple of minutes. \u201cAll done.\u201d He looked down at Little Joe and frowned as he considered the best way to ensure that the note got to where it was supposed to. After a moment he bent down and stuffed it into the little boy\u2019s right boot. \u201cLeave that there,\u201d he instructed the child. \u201cAnd when you get to Mr Devlin\u2019s, you give him that note. OK?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cOK,\u201d replied Joe. \u201cAm I gonna go now?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cIn a minute,\u201d said Adam. \u201cHoss, hold the lantern over here while I try and get that grate out.\u201d He stood up on a barrel as Hoss held the lantern as high as he could. For several minutes Adam pushed and strained on the small grate, loosening it slightly. \u201cIt\u2019s moving,\u201d he called down to his brothers. \u201cBut not much.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cYou want me to try?\u201d suggested Hoss.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cHang on \u2026. There!\u201d Adam smiled down at them as the grate came loose in his hand. \u201cI got it,\u201d he said. \u201cJoe? Come up here.\u201d He held out his arms to his little brother and Joe held his own small arms up and allowed himself to be pulled up into Adam\u2019s. \u201cNow you remember what I told you squirt,\u201d Adam said to the little boy. \u201cRun as fast as you can, you hear?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cYes,\u201d said Joe. \u201cI can do it.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cI know you can,\u201d said Adam. He gave the little boy a quick hug, trying to blot out of his mind that it could well be the last time he might ever see him, and lifted him high up towards the small hole. \u201cTry and reach it,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe reached upwards. \u201cI can\u2019t,\u201d he said, struggling to get higher. \u201cIt\u2019s too high.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam stood his little brother on his shoulders, holding onto his feet to steady him. \u201cCan you reach it now?\u201d he asked.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cYes!\u201d Joe shouted down at him. \u201cI\u2019ll climb through.\u201d He scrambled out of the hole, rolled a couple of feet away from it and then sat up to find himself at the side of the kitchen. He wriggled over to the hole again and peered down into it. \u201cI\u2019m out!\u201d he shouted, excitedly.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cShh!\u201d said Adam, from down below. \u201cBe quiet! Now do as I told you and go. When you get to the side of the barn, you run!\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cOK,\u201d said Joe, and then disappeared.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam climbed down from the barrel and put his arm around Hoss. \u201cDon\u2019t worry Hoss,\u201d he said. \u201cJoe\u2019s a smart kid. He\u2019ll be OK.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hoss nodded and wiped away a couple of tears that overflowed with the sudden emotion of what was happening. \u201cYeah,\u201d he agreed.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cNow,\u201d said Adam, looking around. \u201cI want to find a hiding place for you. Come on, let\u2019s shift some of these barrels to make a space.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hoss\u2019 eyes widened. \u201cA hiding place?\u201d he said, warily. \u201cWhy?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cIn case he comes back down here,\u201d said Adam, trying to sound casual about it. \u201cMaybe he won\u2019t see you in the dark if we hide you away.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hoss stopped and looked at his brother. \u201cDo ya think he\u2019s gonna come back down here and hurt us after Pa gets back?\u201d he said.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam bit his lip. \u201cNo,\u201d he lied. \u201cBut there\u2019s no harm in being prepared, is there? Remember what Pa always says.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hoss nodded as their father\u2019s words came back to him. \u201cAlways be prepared,\u201d he said. \u201cBut \u2026 what about you, Adam?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019ll hide too,\u201d said Adam. \u201cOnly I\u2019ll be over there near the steps, so that if he does come down I can jump him. Maybe I can get his gun away from him in the dark.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cThen I\u2019m gonna hide over there too,\u201d said Hoss. \u201cTwo of us jumping in the dark is better than one.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam ruffled his brother\u2019s hair. \u201cMaybe, but I\u2019d feel better if you were right over here away from the steps,\u201d he said. \u201cI don\u2019t want you to get hurt, brother.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cWell I don\u2019t want you to get hurt neither!\u201d declared Hoss.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cListen Hoss,\u201d said Adam. \u201cPa would want you to be safe. If he were here, he\u2019d tell you to hide where you mightn\u2019t get hurt, wouldn\u2019t he?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cWell \u2026 yeah,\u201d admitted Hoss.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cWell then,\u201d said Adam, as if that settled everything. \u201cLet\u2019s get a space behind these barrels set up. OK?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hoss nodded reluctantly. \u201cOK,\u201d he said finally. \u201cHey Adam? Joe\u2019s not gonna make it to the Devlin\u2019s in time, is he?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam bit his lip. \u201cNo,\u201d he admitted. \u201cBut at least he\u2019s safe now Hoss and that\u2019s the main thing.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cAnd Pa\u2019s gonna come home and get shot by that man,\u201d continued Hoss, the tears beginning to fall from his cheeks so freely now that he didn\u2019t even bother to wipe them away.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cNot if I can help it, he won\u2019t,\u201d said Adam in a firm voice. \u201cI\u2019ve got a plan.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cHoss\u2019 eyes brightened. \u201cYeah?\u201d he said. \u201cWhat?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cOnce you get hidden, we\u2019re going to make as much noise as we can,\u201d explained Adam. \u201cMaybe Pa will hear us when he comes into the front yard and come round the back to see what it is.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cAnd if he don\u2019t?\u201d asked Hoss.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam put his hand on his brother\u2019s shoulder. \u201cThen maybe that man will come down here to shut us up and I\u2019ll get the chance to jump him in the dark and get his gun,\u201d said Adam.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hoss thought for a moment. \u201cSorry to say it Adam,\u201d he said. \u201cBut it don\u2019t sound like too good a plan.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam nodded in agreement. \u201cI know, but it\u2019s all we\u2019ve got,\u201d he said. \u201cNow come on \u2026 let\u2019s get these barrels shifted.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n While his two brothers were having this conversation, Little Joe had managed to do precisely what Adam had instructed him to. He had slipped quietly around the side of the kitchen, behind the pine trees and made it to the barn without any problem. As soon as he reached the shadow of the barn he took one look over his shoulder at the house behind him and then took off on his little legs, running down the trail as fast as he could.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Within minutes, he\u2019d left the house behind him and was breathlessly running down the trail. The little boy had always been fast on his feet and many was the time that his brothers and father had failed to catch up with him when he\u2019d been in trouble for something or other. This talent was being well used now as his small legs carried him down the trail at a fast rate.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n After a few moments, he found himself out of breath and was forced to stop and catch it again. As he stood there in the darkness, he heard a rustling sound by the side of the trail and drew his breath in sharply as a faint shadow emerged. \u201cGo away!\u201d he shouted. \u201cI ain\u2019t scared of you none!\u201d He swallowed, and in spite of his brave words backed away a step or two, breathing a sigh of relief when he realised that the shadow belonged to two small rabbits.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cDon\u2019t you be scared of me fellars,\u201d he said to them. \u201cI ain\u2019t scared of you none.\u201d He turned sharply as a loud hoot from a nearby tree caught him off guard and he looked up anxiously. \u201cI guess that\u2019s just an old owl,\u201d he said, with uncertainty in his voice. \u201cI ain\u2019t scared of it neither!\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Little Joe had always been a child with little fear in him, managing to overcome most obstacles with the supreme confidence that his father and brothers were always there to help him. Yet as he stood there alone in the pitch dark, he suddenly found himself feeling very uneasy. Every shadow seemed to be looming over him and every sound seemed magnified. He felt his skin prickle with the uneasy feeling that came over him and he shivered.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cReckon I\u2019m jest cold without my jacket,\u201d he said to the two rabbits that were looking at him curiously. \u201cI gotta go now. I gotta save my Pa from that mean man.\u201d With one last look at the rabbits he took off again into the darkness as fast as his little legs would carry him.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Meanwhile, Adam and Hoss had managed to clear a hiding space for Hoss. \u201cGet down in there,\u201d instructed Adam. \u201cHere. Take this and bang on the barrel while you\u2019re hidden and start yelling at the top of your voice once I tell you to.\u201d He handed his brother a chunk of wood.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cBe careful Adam,\u201d said Hoss, trying to smile at his brother.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam put a hand on the boy\u2019s shoulder. \u201cAlways,\u201d he said, smiling back at him. \u201cNow get down there behind those barrels and don\u2019t come out \u2026 no matter what \u2026 understand?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hoss nodded and squeezed in behind the barrels with the chunk of wood in his hand. He leant against the rough wood of the barrel and closed his eyes for a moment, praying as hard as he could that they would all be safe \u2026 including his Pa. When he heard Adam\u2019s voice calling out, he began to yell at the top of his voice and bang his piece of wood on the barrel.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n At that precise moment, Ben Cartwright rounded a corner on the trail and peered into the darkness in front of him as his horse jumped slightly. He could have sworn that he\u2019d seen the flicker of something white in the distance and he rubbed his eyes wearily as he patted the neck of his horse. \u201cEasy Buck,\u201d he said. \u201cI think we\u2019re both seeing things.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n He frowned as he saw a flash of something white again and took his gun out of his holster. It was probably a deer, but a man couldn\u2019t be too careful in this country late at night. He urged his horse forward at a walking pace, peering into the darkness.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Suddenly, out of the darkness in front of him came a small white figure and he drew his gun up and cocked it, pointing it at the small white apparition in the darkness. The small figure stopped and looked up at him. \u201cHi Pa!\u201d shouted Little Joe.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben lowered the gun and stared down at his youngest son in disbelief. \u201cJoseph!\u201d he exclaimed. \u201cWhat on earth are you doing out here?\u201d He stared at the boy and noted his filthy appearance. \u201cAnd in your nightshirt!\u201d he added in disbelief.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe grinned up at his father. \u201cIt\u2019s OK Pa,\u201d he said. \u201cI got my boots on!\u201d He lifted up one small leg to show his father.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben blinked a couple of times before leaning down and reaching out for his son. Joe held his hands up and allowed himself to be pulled up onto his father\u2019s horse and seated on the front of the saddle, sitting backwards so that he was facing his father. He put his arms around the man\u2019s neck and gave him a tight hug. \u201cI\u2019m so glad to see you Pa,\u201d he said happily.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben took off his coat and wrapped it around the little boy. \u201cLittle Joe,\u201d he said. \u201cTell me what\u2019s going on. Why are you running around out here in the dark? What\u2019s happened?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cI ran real fast,\u201d said Joe proudly. \u201cAdam told me to.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cWhy?\u201d said Ben again, anxiously. \u201cTell me what\u2019s happened son!\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cI climbed out of the hole,\u201d explained Joe. \u201cAdam held me up so\u2019s I could. I heard a owl, but I wasn\u2019t scared Pa. I saw two rabbits too, but they was scared of me.\u201d He looked up at his father. \u201cAdam said to run real fast, so I did.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cWhy?\u201d repeated Ben, becoming increasingly frustrated with his little boy\u2019s way of not really getting to the point. Obviously there must be a serious situation if the child was running out here in the middle of the night, and his blood ran cold at the thought of what it might be. \u201cConcentrate Little Joe! Tell Pa why you were running! Where were you going?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cTo Mr Devlin,\u201d explained Joe. \u201cAdam said \u2026\u201d He put his hand over his mouth and widened his eyes. \u201cI forgot \u2026. I got a letter what Adam wrote.\u201d He reached into his boot and pulled it out. \u201cIt\u2019s not for you,\u2019 he explained. \u201cBut I reckon that Adam won\u2019t mind if ya read it. The man that\u2019s at our house is real mean Pa,\u201d he added.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben gave his son a horrified look, snatched the note from the child and then urged his horse forward out of the shadow of the pines to look at it under the moonlight. He uttered an involuntary exclamation and then without another word he lifted Little Joe up, seated him the right way around on the saddle and took off at a fast pace towards the ranch house.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n As they neared the Ponderosa barn, Ben pulled his horse to a halt and listened. \u201cWhat\u2019s all that noise?\u201d he asked aloud, to no one in particular.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Little Joe bent his head back and looked at his father upside down from his position in front of him on the saddle. \u201cDunno,\u201d he said. \u201cAdam and Hoss are in the cellar Pa. That mean man made us go down there.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben nodded and dismounted from his horse, leading the animal on foot to the back of the barn and tying it up. He lifted Little Joe down, grabbed his rifle from its holster and crept quietly towards the front yard. He put his finger on his lip to indicate to Little Joe to be quiet and then carried the little boy around the side of the house to the cellar door.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n He placed Little Joe on his feet and pushed the large water barrel off the door, opening in as quietly as he could and noting as he did so that the banging noises from down below immediately stopped.\u00a0 He picked up Joe again and descended the stairs into the cellar quietly, straining his eyes to see in the darkness. \u201cAdam? Hoss?\u201d he said in a low voice. \u201cAre you here? It\u2019s me \u2026. Pa.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam poked his head out from beside the stairs and smiled at his father, his relief evident on his face. \u201cBoy am I glad to see you!\u201d he exclaimed.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben drew his son towards him and gave him a brief hug with his free hand. \u201cWhere\u2019s Hoss?\u201d he asked, urgently.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cHere I am Pa,\u201d said Hoss, flinging himself onto his father and hugging the man around his waist. \u201cI\u2019m so glad to see you Pa!\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cI found him,\u201d said Little Joe, jigging up and down in his father\u2019s arms in his excitement. \u201cI done good, didn\u2019t I Adam?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam reached over and ruffled his little brother\u2019s hair. \u201cYou sure did squirt,\u201d he said fervently. \u201cPa \u2026 there\u2019s a man upstairs who \u2026.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben nodded. \u201cI read your note,\u201d he said shortly. He put Joe down and handed Adam his rifle, taking his own pistol out of his holster as he did so. \u201cHoss,\u201d he said, turning to his middle son. \u201cYou need to stay here with Joe for a little bit longer son,\u201d he said. \u201cTake him back to where you were hiding and stay there until Adam and I get back. Hurry now.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hoss nodded and grabbed Joe\u2019s hand. \u201cPa?\u201d he asked, as his father and brother turned towards the steps. \u201cWhat if you don\u2019t come back?\u201d His face showed the depth of his emotions as he asked the question.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben smiled at him and then placed a hand on his head for a moment. \u201cWe\u2019ll be back,\u201d he said firmly. \u201cNow do as I say son. Take your brother and hide.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hoss nodded again and pulled Joe behind him, disappearing into the darkness of the cellar again.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben motioned to Adam and they quickly walked up the stairs. \u201cCover the front door,\u201d said Ben in a low voice. \u201cI\u2019ll go in the back way.\u201d Adam nodded and turned to go, but before he could take a step Ben touched him on the arm and he looked at his father, a questioning look on his face. \u201cBe careful son,\u201d said Ben.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam nodded and disappeared. Ben waited a minute for him to get into position and then quietly opened the back door and tiptoed inside. He walked slowly along the short hallway that led to the dining room, his gun cocked and ready. As he reached the end of the hall he pressed himself against the wall and slowly peeked out into the large dining room area that led to the living room.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n The man was seated in front of the fireplace, his gun on his lap and his eyes trained towards the front door, no doubt listening and waiting for Ben\u2019s arrival. Ben took and deep breath, pointed his gun and stepped out into the room. \u201cDrop that gun nice and easy,\u201d he said in a loud voice.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n The man leapt from the chair, swung around to face Ben and pointed his gun directly at him. Ben ducked down as a bullet whizzed past his head and hit the wall behind him. He fired his own gun, hitting the man directly in the chest. As he spun to the ground, the front door opened and Adam charged in, his father\u2019s rifle cocked and ready.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s all right son,\u201d shouted Ben as he got up. \u201cIt\u2019s all over now.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n He walked over to Adam and put his arm around his son\u2019s shoulder as they stood and looked down at the man on the floor together. \u201cDo you know him Pa?\u201d asked Adam.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben put out his foot and pushed the man\u2019s body over so that he was facing the ceiling, staring at him for a moment in silence. \u201cGeorge McBride,\u201d he said in a low voice. \u201cI killed his brother last year, remember?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam thought for a moment. \u201cThe rustler?\u201d he asked. \u201cI can\u2019t remember his first name.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cSam,\u201d said Ben. \u201cSam McBride. He and his crew were bound and determined to take as many of our spring herd as they could. I shot Sam when we caught up with them.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cBut you were cleared of any charges,\u201d protested Adam. \u201cThe court ruled it self-defence!\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cYes,\u201d said his father. \u201cBut obviously the court\u2019s ruling wasn\u2019t enough for his brother. He was out to avenge his brother\u2019s death by the sound of it.\u201d He looked down at the body on the floor again. \u201cWhat a senseless waste,\u201d he said. \u201cDamn fool.\u201d He looked at his son and gave his shoulders a squeeze. \u201cBut at least you boys are safe,\u201d he said. \u201cI hate to think of what you must have gone through son.\u201d Adam said nothing, but merely looked at his father as he put down the rifle. \u201cHelp me take his body out to the barn,\u201d said Ben, putting his own gun back into his holster. \u201cI don\u2019t want the boys to see it. You\u2019ll have to come into town with me in the morning Adam. I\u2019m sure that Sheriff Coffee will need a statement from you.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam nodded and helped his father lift up the body. As soon as they\u2019d placed it in the barn, they hurried back to the cellar and Ben lifted the door open. \u201cHoss!\u201d he shouted as he hurried down the steps. \u201cHoss! It\u2019s Pa! You can come out now son!\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Immediately, Hoss and Little Joe ran out of the darkness towards their father. Hoss flung his arms around his father\u2019s waist and Little Joe flung his arms around his father\u2019s legs. \u201cYou\u2019re safe Pa!\u201d Hoss sobbed into the man\u2019s shirt. \u201cI was so worried that you and Adam were gonna be shot!\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben stroked the boy\u2019s hair in a comforting fashion. \u201cIt\u2019s all over now son,\u201d he said soothingly. \u201cEverything\u2019s going to be all right now. Shh \u2026.\u201d He kept one arm around Hoss and bent down to pick up Little Joe with the other. \u201cLet\u2019s go back to the house,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Little Joe caught his breath. \u201cIs that mean man still there?\u201d he asked. \u201cI don\u2019t wanna go up there if he is Pa!\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben smiled at the little boy. \u201cNo son, he\u2019s gone now.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cGood!\u201d declared Joe. \u201cHe was real mean Pa. He smacked me!\u201d He showed his father the side of his face and rubbed it sadly, while Ben gave him a suitably sympathetic look.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hoss looked up at his father. \u201cI\u2019m real glad that you\u2019re safe Pa,\u201d he said. \u201cHe was gonna hurt you.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben shook his head. \u201cWe\u2019re all safe Hoss,\u201d he said, turning to climb the stairs. \u201cIt\u2019s all over now.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n When they reached the living room, Ben sat down on the sofa, Little Joe on his lap, Hoss cuddled in next to him and Adam sitting on the coffee table facing him. He listened carefully as the boys related what had happened and when they\u2019d finished, he sighed deeply. \u201cI thank the Lord that you\u2019re all safe,\u201d he sad fervently. \u201cI\u2019m just sorry that you all had to go through that.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cHe was a horrible man, Pa,\u201d said Hoss.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cHe drank your drink from that bottle, Pa!\u201d said Little Joe. \u201cI told him not to, but he done it anyway.\u201d His eyes widened as he remembered. \u201cAnd he said bad words too, didn\u2019t he Adam?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam nodded. \u201cThe boys were scared,\u201d he said and then added, a little awkwardly. \u201cI guess that we all were.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben smiled at him. \u201cThere\u2019s nothing wrong with being scared,\u201d he said. \u201cBut the important thing is that you all acted very sensibly when you had to.\u201d He hugged Little Joe to him, gave Hoss a squeeze around the shoulders and smiled at Adam. \u201cI\u2019m very proud of all of you,\u201d he said. \u201cVery proud.\u201d He looked at his three boys in the flickering light of the fire and thanked God that he had them all safe once again.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\nThe End<\/span><\/h1>\n