Summary:\u00a0 The Cartwright family is trapped by Indians.
\nRating:\u00a0 G\u00a0 \u00a09,410 words<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
The Siege<\/strong><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben shifted in his saddle, rubbed his eyes wearily and then gave his youngest son an annoyed look. \u2018Joseph watch where you\u2019re riding please!\u2019 he snapped.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe gave his father a surprised look and pulled his pinto away from the man\u2019s mount. \u2018Sorry Pa,\u2019 he said. \u2018But I was just taking a look at them mountains over there.\u00a0 Do ya reckon we\u2019ll reach em by nightfall?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018I sure hope so son,\u2019 replied Ben. \u2018I don\u2019t like the idea of camping out here in the open.\u2019\u00a0 He looked around at the flat land that surrounded them.\u00a0 Arizona was different to what they were used to in so many ways and it sure took some getting used to.\u00a0 This trip to sell those horses had certainly brought it home to him just how vast this land out here was and he longed for the pine-covered mountains of home. There was something about this land around here that gave him an uneasy feeling and he wondered just how the people who had chosen this part of the country to settle in put up with it.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n It was an unforgiving land and seemed to have an air of hostility about it.\u00a0 Whether that came from the lack of relief from the flatness or the lack of vegetation, Ben wasn\u2019t sure.\u00a0 It was a lot more wild and untamed than what they were used to though and he knew that he would breathe a lot easier when they finally left it behind.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n He glanced over at his middle son who was riding to his left. Hoss had been unusually quiet during the past few hours \u2026 not that any of them had had much of a chance to speak their mind with Joseph prattling on the way he usually did \u2026 and Ben was becoming a bit concerned about him. \u2018Hoss?\u2019 he said. \u2018Are you all right son?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hoss gave his father a half-hearted smile. \u2018Yeah,\u2019 he said. \u2018Just a bit tired Pa.\u00a0 It\u2019s been a long trip and I\u2019m gonna be glad ta get home I reckon.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben nodded. \u2018I know how you feel,\u2019 he replied. \u2018I\u2019ll be glad too.\u2019\u00a0 He studied his son for a while longer. \u2018Are you sure it\u2019s just that?\u2019 he persisted. \u2018You don\u2019t look one hundred percent.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hoss took a deep breath. \u2018Well ta tell the truth Pa I do kinda feel a bit under the weather.\u00a0 I\u2019ll be okay when we get home though.\u00a0 Don\u2019t worry.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben smiled at him. \u2018It\u2019s my job to worry remember?\u2019\u00a0 He gave Joe another annoyed look. \u2018Joseph \u2026 I said to watch where you\u2019re riding!\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe gave his father another apologetic look. \u2018Sorry Pa,\u2019 he said and straightened his horse again. \u2018But it\u2019s exciting country round here, don\u2019t ya reckon?\u00a0 There\u2019s lots to see.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben shook his head. This youngest son of his found excitement in anything and he envied the boy his enthusiasm, even if it was a little hard to take at times.\u00a0 \u2018Yes son,\u2019 he said. \u2018But just concentrate on where you\u2019re riding please.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe gave his father a grin and trotted ahead to catch up with his older brother Adam who was riding a little ahead of them. \u2018Hey Adam,\u2019 he called. \u2018What\u2019s them mountains called again?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Pinaleno,\u2019 replied Adam gruffly. It had been a long day and he was tired of his younger brother\u2019s constant questions.\u00a0 This was Joe\u2019s first trip down Arizona way and he was obviously interested in finding out as much about the place as he could, but his constant questions and remarks wore very thin with his older brother at times. \u2018I already told you that,\u2019 he said.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018I know,\u2019 replied Joe in a bright voice. \u2018But I forgot.\u00a0 Is that near where the Gila River starts from?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Yes.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe looked around. \u2018It don\u2019t look like they get much rain around here,\u2019 he observed.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018That\u2019s why they call it a desert,\u2019 replied Adam sarcastically.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Yeah I reckon so,\u2019 said Joe, his brother\u2019s sarcasm completely lost on him. \u2018Hey do ya think that we might run across some of them Apache Indians that they have around here?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam lifted his eyebrow. \u2018You\u2019d better pray we don\u2019t,\u2019 he muttered.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe looked surprised. \u2018But I\u2019d like ta see some of em,\u2019 he said. \u2018Not up close like of course \u2026 but you never know, cause we might \u2026\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Don\u2019t even think about it,\u2019 replied his brother. \u2018The Apaches are very different to the Paiutes Joe.\u00a0 They aren\u2019t exactly what you\u2019d call friendly.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Well neither are the Paiutes sometimes,\u2019 replied his brother in a defensive tone.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018The Apaches aren\u2019t friendly any of the time,\u2019 said Adam shortly. \u2018Believe me brother you don\u2019t want to come across any of them, no matter how far away.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe gave his brother a sulky look. \u2018Well I reckon they wouldn\u2019t be that bad,\u2019 he said and looked over his shoulder at Hoss. \u2018Don\u2019t ya reckon Hoss?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hoss looked up wearily. \u2018What?\u2019 he asked.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Them Apaches,\u2019 explained Joe. \u2018They wouldn\u2019t be that bad,\u2019 repeated Joe. \u2018Wouldn\u2019t ya like to see one of em?\u2019\u00a0 Hoss slumped down in the saddle and said nothing. \u2018Hey Hoss \u2026\u2019 persisted Joe. \u2018I asked ya if \u2026\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Joseph leave your brother alone,\u2019 interrupted Ben.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe looked hurt. \u2018Well I was just asking,\u2019 he said. \u2018Hey Pa?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Yes?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018How far do ya reckon it is to them mountains now?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben sighed, longing for some peace and quiet, but knowing that his chances of that with Joseph around were not high. \u2018I\u2019m not sure son,\u2019 he said.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam turned in his saddle and stopped momentarily, allowing his father to catch up with him. \u2018What is it Adam?\u2019 asked Ben in a low voice.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam glanced over his shoulder at Joe who had fallen back in step with Hoss and was busy talking to him. \u2018I\u2019m not sure,\u2019 he replied. \u2018I just have a uneasy feeling.\u2019\u00a0 He stared out over the flat land around them thoughtfully. \u2018Probably just my imagination, but I could have sworn I saw something up there.\u2019\u00a0 He pointed to the distant hills and he and his father stared at them for a few moments before he shook his head \u2018Nothing,\u2019 he said. \u2018I\u2019m just tired and jumpy is all.\u2019\u00a0 He indicated his youngest brother with his thumb who was still chattering away to an unresponsive Hoss. \u2018Pa can\u2019t you shut him up for a while?\u2019 he asked.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben rolled his eyes in sympathy. \u2018He\u2019s just excited,\u2019 he said. \u2018He\u2019s never been down this way before.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam made a face. \u2018Tell me about it,\u2019 he said. \u2018He hasn\u2019t shut up for hours.\u00a0 I\u2019m about ready to gag him soon.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben gave a short laugh. \u2018We\u2019ll be back in Nevada in a few days,\u2019 he said. \u2018He\u2019ll settle down then. He\u2019s just \u2026\u2019 he stopped and stared into the hills again. \u2018Did you see that?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Yes,\u2019 replied Adam. He gave his father an anxious look. \u2018Are you thinking what I\u2019m thinking?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben nodded and glanced over his shoulder at his youngest two sons. \u2018Yes,\u2019 he said. \u2018I think we\u2019d better hurry our pace a bit.\u00a0 That was a definite signal.\u00a0 Someone is up there all right.\u2019\u00a0 He drew in his breath as he spied another spark of light from the hills.\u00a0 It was the Apache way he knew to signal to one another over distances with a piece of glass or metal if they could get hold of some.\u00a0 He had heard stories of men who\u2019d been attacked without knowing that they\u2019d been trailed for days in this way and he had no intention of himself or his sons being one of them.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Come on boys,\u2019 he said over his shoulder in what he hoped was a casual voice. \u2018Let\u2019s pick up the pace a bit.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe grinned at his father, always ready to get moving faster.\u00a0 Hoss gave the man a resigned look and nodded briefly before urging his horse to a faster gait.\u00a0 Ben gave Adam a reassuring look and urged his own horse forward towards the distant mountains.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n ==========<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n Half an hour later, Ben and Adam were convinced that they were being watched, and probably followed as well.\u00a0 There had been several more signals from the distant hills, each from a different position.\u00a0 Ben decided that there were probably quite a few Apaches up there and the thought of it made him decidedly uneasy. \u2018Come on Joe,\u2019 he said impatiently as his youngest son stopped and bent over in the saddle as he began to adjust his cinch. \u2018Leave that for later.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe gave his father a surprised look. \u2018Huh?\u2019 he said. \u2018But you always tell us that if our equipment needs \u2026\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018I know what I always tell you,\u2019 replied his father impatiently. \u2018But this is different.\u00a0 Now get moving!\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hoss looked startled. \u2018What\u2019s going on?\u2019 he asked. \u2018You and Adam have been riding like the devil was on our tails for the last few miles Pa.\u00a0 Can\u2019t we just slow down fer a bit?\u00a0 I\u2019m not feeling too good.\u2019 He mopped his brow with his bandanna as he gave his father a puzzled look.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018I\u2019m sorry son, but we have to get moving,\u2019 replied Ben, staring up into the mountains again.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hoss followed his father\u2019s line of vision. \u2018What\u2019s wrong Pa?\u2019 he asked. \u2018Trouble?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Could be,\u2019 replied his father. \u2018It\u2019s best to keep moving just in case.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018What?\u2019 asked Little Joe excitedly. \u2018Is it some of them Apaches?\u2019\u00a0 He scanned the hills. \u2018Where?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018I said to get moving!\u2019 ordered his father. \u2018Now both of you ride!\u00a0 We need to get to the mountains as soon as possible.\u2019\u00a0 He thumped Hoss\u2019 horse on the rump to move him and gave Joe a stern look as he motioned with his thumb. Both young men rode forward immediately to catch up with Adam, their father close on their tails.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Suddenly Adam turned in the saddle and pointed to the left, his face saying everything that they needed to know.\u00a0 Ben didn\u2019t even have to glance in that direction to tell that their pursuers had come out into the open and he uttered one word before spurring his mount forward in a dead gallop. \u2018Ride!\u2019 he shouted.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n The four Cartwrights all rode as if their lives depended on it \u2026 which indeed they did.\u00a0 Ben glanced over his shoulder a couple of times and saw to his dismay that there were at least twenty Apaches following them and it would be useless to stand and fight.\u00a0 Their only hope lay in reaching the mountains ahead of them and finding a safe place to hole down and defend themselves.\u00a0 He noticed Adam also scanning the slopes as they reached them and knew that his eldest son was thinking the same way that he was.\u00a0 He wasn\u2019t surprised, for it was usually like this.\u00a0 He and Adam didn\u2019t even have to say anything at times to know what the other one was thinking and he knew without a doubt that he could depend on his eldest son to make the right decisions in a crisis.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hoss and Joe followed their older brother without hesitation, years of trust also ingrained into them. They knew that his judgement was sound as was their father\u2019s and they relied on him as they always had to make the decisions that would be best for them all.\u00a0 Ben brought up the rear, not willing to allow any of his boys to have their back to the approaching Indians without him being there to protect them as he always had.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam pointed to a break in the rocks without speaking and all three of Ben\u2019s sons rode upwards with their father following close behind them.\u00a0 The Apaches were gaining ground fast and Ben didn\u2019t know if they would make it in time, and as the thought entered his brain he began to pray soundlessly \u2026 not for himself, but for his three boys whom he loved more than his own life. Look after them Lord, <\/em>he prayed. Help them get to safety.<\/em><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n Within minutes Adam had found what he\u2019d had hoped for \u2026 a natural fortress consisting of a ring of rocks which presented enough cover for them to make a stand.\u00a0 He motioned to his two brothers to follow and dismounted quickly, making sure that his horse was well secured before he sought a position from which he could see the approaching Apaches.\u00a0 By the time Ben had arrived, all three of his sons were hunkered down in position and had begun to fire off their pistols.\u00a0 He secured his horse and took up a position in between Hoss and Joe who were firing in all directions.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Within minutes the Apaches halted and began to turn back. \u2018We beat em back!\u2019 called out Little Joe with a grin. \u2018See that?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Not so fast little brother,\u2019 called back Adam as he re-loaded his pistol. \u2018They won\u2019t be giving up that fast!\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Sure enough, within minutes the Indians had returned and the firing began all over again. Ben counted at least thirty this time and his heart sank as he realised just how outnumbered they were. Around him his sons continued to fire and several Indians fell to the ground before the group retreated once more.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018That\u2019s it for now I think,\u2019 he muttered.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018How do ya know Pa?\u2019 asked Little Joe. \u2018They could come back again.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben shook his head and pointed to the sky where the sun was disappearing over the horizon. \u2018They won\u2019t fight at night,\u2019 he said. \u2018Their gods aren\u2019t as powerful when the sun goes down.\u2019\u00a0 He shook his head as Adam came over to join them. \u2018No \u2026 we\u2019ve got a few hours now to wait.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Why don\u2019t we just ride on Pa?\u2019 asked Hoss. \u2018They won\u2019t see us in the dark.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018They sure will,\u2019 interrupted Adam as he scanned the area quickly. \u2018They may not believe in fighting at night unless they have to, but that doesn\u2019t mean they won\u2019t be watching.\u2019\u00a0 He looked up the mountain behind them. \u2018They\u2019ve probably already surrounded us.\u00a0 There\u2019s no getting out up there.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n There was silence as his words sank in and Little Joe swallowed. \u2018What do we do then?\u2019 he asked, trying to still the tremor in his voice.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam shook his head. \u2018We wait it out,\u2019 he said simply. \u2018We\u2019ve got no other choice.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben rubbed his chin thoughtfully as he looked around in the fading light. \u2018At least we\u2019ve got shelter here,\u2019 he said. \u2018It\u2019s a veritable fortress.\u2019\u00a0 It was true.\u00a0 As well as being surrounded by the rocks which provided them with cover, their view of the area was a very good one.\u00a0 No Indian would be able to come up towards them without being seen and if they tried to descend from above they would be quickly spotted as well.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Looks like we\u2019ll be spending the night,\u2019 he said. \u2018We may as well make ourselves comfortable boys.\u2019\u00a0 He went over to the horses and began to take off their bedrolls and canteens and noticed that Adam immediately joined him to do the same.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018How much water do we have?\u2019 asked Adam softly as he shook his canteen. \u2018Mine is just about empty.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018So is Hoss\u2019,\u2019 replied his father. \u2018Joe\u2019s is half full though and I\u2019ve got nearly a whole canteen.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Won\u2019t last long,\u2019 said Adam in the same soft voice.\u00a0 Ben thought how amazing it was that whenever they were in a problem situation his eldest immediately took over the protective role along with his father.\u00a0 It probably came from years of helping to bring up his younger brothers \u2026 Ben knew that in many ways his eldest son felt just as responsible for the younger two as he himself did.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018No,\u2019 he said shortly. \u2018We\u2019ve got plenty of beans though.\u00a0 At least we won\u2019t go hungry.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Not enough water to cook them in,\u2019 Adam pointed out.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben stopped and considered the situation. \u2018No,\u2019 he admitted. \u2018You\u2019re right of course.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Hey Pa!\u2019\u00a0 Ben turned at the sound of his youngest son\u2019s voice. \u2018Look what I found over here!\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Joseph get down!\u2019 called back Ben crossly as he noticed his son\u2019s curly head bobbing up and down. Did the boy not realise exactly what was going on and how serious it was?<\/em> He walked over to where his son was gesturing wildly to him.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Look!\u2019 said Little Joe excitedly. \u2018Water!\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben looked.\u00a0 The smallest trickle of water was running from between the rocks.\u00a0 So small that it was easily missed and if not for Joe\u2019s young and observant eyes he thought that he could easily have done so. \u2018Good boy!\u2019 he said, slapping the youngster on the back.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe grinned at his father proudly. \u2018It\u2019s hardly enough,\u2019 muttered Hoss as he wiped his face with his bandanna again.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018It\u2019s enough,\u2019 replied Adam. He put one of the canteens underneath the flow and wedged it between a couple of rocks to hold it in position. \u2018It\u2019ll take quite a while, but eventually it\u2019ll fill up,\u2019 he said. \u2018It\u2019ll keep us alive at least.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018We can fill all the canteens for when we leave in the morning,\u2019 said Joe proudly.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben patted his son on the back again.\u00a0 He didn\u2019t have the heart to tell him that they most likely wouldn\u2019t be riding out in the morning. He looked up at the darkening sky and said a silent prayer as he thought about how unlikely it was that they were going to be riding out at all.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n ==========<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Hoss I want you to lie down for a while,\u2019 said his father. \u2018There\u2019s no point in all of us keeping watch and you look like you need some rest.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018I\u2019m all right Pa,\u2019 said Hoss, looking anything but fine.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Do as I say please,\u2019 replied his father. \u2018I\u2019ll take first watch and Adam will relieve me later on.\u00a0 You and Joe get some rest now.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018I can take a watch!\u2019 interrupted Little Joe.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018I know you can,\u2019 said his father. \u2018But later on son.\u00a0 Get some rest now the both of you.\u00a0 You too Adam,\u2019 he said. \u2018I\u2019ll wake you later.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam nodded and went to lie down under cover of the rocks.\u00a0 He knew the sensible thing to do was to share the resources that they had and he didn\u2019t spend time arguing about it.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Okay,\u2019 said Hoss taking his lead from his older brother as he usually did.\u00a0 \u2018Come on Joe.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018But \u2026\u2019 began Little Joe.\u00a0 He stopped as he looked at his father\u2019s expression and followed Hoss with a sigh.\u00a0 Ben shook his head as he leant against the rock and stared out into the darkness.\u00a0 Joe never could do anything without arguing the point and he was certain that the youngster just didn\u2019t understand the seriousness of their situation even now.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n As his eyes scanned the blackness beyond, Ben\u2019s mind wandered backwards over time and he smiled as he thought about all the times he\u2019d had to curb that youngster\u2019s exuberance and attempt to moderate his high spirits. Yet it was those very qualities that made the boy so endearing to so many people.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n He looked over his shoulder at Hoss.\u00a0 His son was obviously not well and Ben hoped that tomorrow would see a change in him for the better.\u00a0 His heart constricted as he realised with a start that it may not make any difference anyway, as their chances of getting out of this were not looking good.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n At least thirty Apaches surrounded them and come what may, tomorrow was going to be very difficult. He agreed with Adam in that there seemed to be no way out of this place.\u00a0 They didn\u2019t have the resources to fight so many and they didn\u2019t have the resources to stay here for long either.\u00a0 Ben glanced over at his three sleeping boys again. Was this how it was all to end? Here on this lonely mountain so far from home? Ben had always thought that he had many years ahead of him on The Ponderosa \u2026 time to settle back and watch his sons mature and perhaps provide him with grandchildren in the future.\u00a0 Was none of that to be?\u00a0 Was the Cartwright name to be forever lost in this solitary place?<\/p>\n <\/p>\n He looked at Adam, sleeping with his hat over his face.\u00a0 Solid and dependable Adam who had always been by his side \u2026 every step of the way from Boston all those years ago.\u00a0 He was a son to be proud of \u2026 intelligent and resourceful with a great aptitude for work and life. Hoss lying next to him \u2026 snoring as usual.\u00a0 There was something special about that middle boy of his.\u00a0 He had such a capacity for love and his gentle nature endeared him to all that he came into contact with.\u00a0 And Joseph, even now tossing in his sleep as he muttered under his breath.\u00a0 Joseph \u2026 his baby son \u2026 his delight.\u00a0 Was his young life to be snuffed out so cruelly in this way?<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben\u2019s heart constricted again and he put his head down for a few moments on the rock in front of him as he prayed. <\/em>\u00a0\u2018Please God,\u2019 he muttered. \u2018Don\u2019t let it all end like this.\u00a0 Please keep my boys safe!\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n ==========<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam turned sharply at the sound of someone behind him and lifted his gun. \u2018It\u2019s only me,\u2019 said his father as he squatted down next to his father and peered into the dawn light. \u2018See anything?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam wiped his hand over his weary eyes. \u2018No,\u2019 he said. \u2018Nothing. They\u2019re out there though. They won\u2019t give up as easily as that.\u2019\u00a0 He looked up at the sky across which streaks of sunlight were appearing. \u2018It\u2019ll start again soon.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben nodded in agreement. \u2018Yes,\u2019 he said and checked his gun before looking over his shoulder to where Little Joe was bent over his brother and wiping Hoss\u2019 face with his neckcloth. \u2018Hoss has a fever,\u2019 he said.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam nodded. \u2018I thought so,\u2019 he said.\u00a0 He looked over at his brothers as well. \u2018Joe has no idea how serious this is, does he?\u2019 he asked.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben shook his head as he stared at his youngest son. \u2018No,\u2019 he replied. \u2018He hasn\u2019t realised. Probably just as well though. You know your brother.\u00a0 Everything is \u2026 well \u2026. an adventure to him.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam gave a rueful smile before wiping his eyes again. \u2018I suppose it\u2019s a good way to be,\u2019 he said. \u2018Especially right about now.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben put his hand on his son\u2019s shoulder. \u2018You and I both know the chances of surviving this Adam,\u2019 he said in a low voice. \u2018While I have the chance I just want to say \u2026\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam gave his father a pleading look. \u2018Pa please don\u2019t,\u2019 he said in a strangled tone. \u2018I don\u2019t think I could handle it right about now.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben nodded, understanding his son\u2019s reluctance to become sentimental at this time.\u00a0 They both had to remain strong for Joe and Hoss and Adam probably would not want to lose control in front of his brothers. Instead of continuing he patted his eldest son on the shoulder and stared off into the distance, his eyes straining for any movement down the hill.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Pa?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben turned to see Little Joe scrunching over towards him. \u2018Yes son?\u2019 he said.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Hoss is worse I think.\u00a0 Shouldn\u2019t one of us ride for help before it gets too light?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018And just where would you suggest we ride to?\u2019 asked Adam in a strained voice.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben tightened his grip on his son\u2019s shoulder and shook his head at him. \u2018Joe, its best if we all stay together,\u2019 he said quietly.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018But Pa,\u2019 replied Little Joe. \u2018I could ride west and \u2026.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018No Joseph,\u2019 said his father sternly. \u2018I said we all stay here!\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Little Joe frowned. \u2018I don\u2019t know why we just don\u2019t all take off,\u2019 he muttered. \u2018There ain\u2019t no Apaches out there now anyhow.\u2019\u00a0 He looked down the hill. \u2018They probably all took off ages ago in the middle of the night.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n At that moment a group of Apache warriors appeared over the horizon and all three Cartwrights straightened up as they tried to get a better look at them. \u2018What were you saying?\u2019 asked Adam sarcastically as he cocked his gun.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Little Joe strained his neck to get a better look and Ben pushed him down again. \u2018Get on over there,\u2019 he said urgently. \u2018You cover us from the back while Adam and I take each side here.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018But they\u2019re down there,\u2019 insisted Little Joe. \u2018Not up the back.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Joseph \u2026 This is no time to argue with me!\u00a0 Get moving!\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Little Joe shrugged his shoulders and moved to the back of the area and took up his position so that he was covering Hoss as well.\u00a0 Within minutes the first of the arrows landed in their small compound and the sound of bullets began to assault the air. With one last glance over his shoulder at Joe and Hoss, Ben\u2019s attention was then completely taken up with trying to fend the approaching Indians off for the next half hour.\u00a0 He knew that Adam was doing the same as he was and only using his bullets when he had a real chance of hitting something, but from behind him he could hear Little Joe firing with great abandon. \u2018Joe!\u2019 he called out after a while. \u2018Keep your firing down to a minimum.\u00a0 We\u2019ve got to conserve our bullets.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Okay Pa!\u2019 called back Little Joe as he lifted his gun and shot an Indian directly in the stomach.\u00a0 The man fell down to the right of their compound amongst the rocks.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n After a while the Apaches retreated back over the hill and Adam put his face down on the rock in front of him and breathed deeply for a few minutes. \u2018Everyone all right?\u2019 asked Ben as he tried to still his own breathing.\u00a0 He could feel his heart nearly bursting out of his chest with the exertion and the strain of the moment.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018I\u2019m fine,\u2019 said Adam beside him.\u00a0 Ben glanced over to Hoss who raised his hand in acknowledgement of his father\u2019s words. \u2018Joseph?\u2019 he said sharply as he scanned the area for his youngest son. \u2018Joseph!\u2019\u00a0 He stood up as he felt the blood draining away from his face and realised that Little Joe was nowhere to be seen. \u2018Joseph!\u2019 he called again, his voice raised with his anxiety.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam stood up beside him and also scanned the area quickly. \u2018Hoss!\u2019 called Ben. \u2018Where is your brother?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hoss pointed to a clump of rocks behind him. \u2018He went up there Pa,\u2019 he said weakly. \u2018I told him not to, but he didn\u2019t listen to me.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben ran over to the rocks, followed closely by Adam.\u00a0 As he approached them he felt his heart begin to beat wildly again and with each step he dreaded what he might find behind them. Suddenly his youngest son\u2019s curly head poked up from behind the largest rock, followed by his grinning face. \u2018What on earth\u2026\u2019 Ben said. \u2018Joseph \u2026 come down from there!\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Little Joe scrambled down from the rocks and smiled at his father. \u2018I\u2019m okay Pa,\u2019 he assured the man.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018What on earth are you playing at?\u2019 demanded Ben angrily. \u2018You could have been killed, exposed up there like that!\u2019\u00a0 He grabbed hold of the youngster\u2019s arm and shook him in his frustration.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018It\u2019s okay Pa,\u2019 Joe assured his father. \u2018I was only getting these.\u2019\u00a0 He held out a handful of arrows and a bow to show his father. \u2018The brave I shot fell up there and I wanted to get them.\u2019\u00a0 He looked at them with shining eyes. \u2018Boy \u2026 I can\u2019t wait to show my friends these real Apache arrows!\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam shook his head and gave his younger brother a disgusted look. \u2018Do you realise what \u2026\u2019 he began to shout.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018I should skin you alive for trying something like that!\u2019 shouted Ben, cutting across his eldest son. \u2018Get back down there and stop your nonsense!\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Little Joe gave his father a hurt look and went to show his treasures to Hoss. \u2018Don\u2019t know what they\u2019re both going on about,\u2019 he said to his brother in a low voice. \u2018I was okay.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018That was a plain dumb thing ta do shortshanks,\u2019 replied Hoss wearily as he took the arrows from his brother and put them on the ground. \u2018Pa\u2019s right\u2026 you coulda been killed.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Yeah but I wasn\u2019t!\u2019 replied Little Joe defensively. \u2018They\u2019d all gone by then anyhow.\u2019\u00a0 Hoss just shook his head and closed his eyes.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Son?\u2019 said his father as he came to kneel next to him. \u2018How are you feeling?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hoss looked up at his father. \u2018Bad Pa,\u2019 he admitted. \u2018I\u2019m feeling worse bout not being able ta help much though.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben patted him on the shoulder. \u2018We\u2019re doing just fine,\u2019 he said reassuringly, but without any conviction in his voice. \u2018You just rest while you can.\u2019\u00a0 He wet the neckcloth that Joe had been using for his brother and wiped it over his face again. \u2018Want a drink?\u2019 he asked.\u00a0 Hoss nodded and Ben took the canteen that was lying beside his son and held it to his lips while he gave him a drink.\u00a0 He shook it slightly before putting the stopper back on it and shook his head as he realised that it was just about empty.\u00a0 He glanced over to the crevasse in the rock where the slight trickle of water was still seeping into the canteen that Adam had left there and hoped that it would be enough.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Pa?\u2019\u00a0 Little Joe\u2019s voice sounded in his ear and he turned towards him.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Yes?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018You want me to get some food ready for us?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben looked strangely at the boy and realised just how lucky the youngster was to be oblivious to the enormity of their situation. \u2018Not right now son,\u2019 he said. \u2018The Apaches will be back as soon as they\u2019ve regrouped themselves.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018I think we got six,\u2019 said Adam from his position overlooking the rocks. \u2018There\u2019s still a lot left though.\u2019 He checked his bullets again.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben walked over and took his rifle from his horse and then Hoss\u2019 as well.\u00a0 He reached into his saddlebag and pulled out the last of his ammunition. \u2018We need to check how much we\u2019ve got left,\u2019 he said. \u2018Adam?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018There\u2019s one box in my saddlebag,\u2019 said Adam as he stood up and walked over to his horse to get it out.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Joe?\u2019 asked Ben as he checked Hoss\u2019 saddlebag as well.\u00a0 There was no answer, so he looked over his shoulder at his youngest son who was checking the canteen. \u2018How much ammunition have you got left Joe?\u2019 he asked.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Only what\u2019s in my rifle and this,\u2019 said Little Joe, patting his holster. \u2018Don\u2019t worry Pa, it\u2019ll be enough.\u2019\u00a0 He took the canteen from the rock and replaced it with an empty one. \u2018This is full now,\u2019 he said delightedly. \u2018You were right Adam.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam nodded and said nothing as he continued to organise his ammunition. He looked up to see Little Joe carrying the canteen over to the horses. \u2018What are you doing with that?\u2019 he asked.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018I\u2019m gonna give em a drink,\u2019 replied Joe. \u2018They ain\u2019t had none since last night.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam strode over and took the canteen from his brother\u2019s hand. \u2018Don\u2019t be stupid!\u2019 he said crossly. \u2018We don\u2019t have enough.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe looked at his older brother crossly. \u2018They\u2019re thirsty,\u2019 he said defensively. \u2018They need to drink!\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018So do we,\u2019 said Adam as he put the stopper back on the canteen. \u2018Don\u2019t you get it?\u00a0 We don\u2019t have enough to keep alive and let the horses drink too.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Little Joe put his hands on his hips as he glared back at his brother. \u2018I don\u2019t care!\u2019 he said crossly. \u2018I\u2019ll give my share to Cochise and the others and if you cared enough you\u2019d do the same for Sport too.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018It\u2019s not a matter of caring,\u2019 replied Adam crossly. \u2018It\u2019s just common sense!\u00a0 For heaven\u2019s sake, why don\u2019t you grow up?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Joe, your brother is right,\u2019 said Ben. \u2018We just don\u2019t have enough son.\u2019\u00a0 His eyes glanced over to Hoss who was moaning quietly. \u2018We\u2019re going to need it.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Little Joe glanced over at his brother as well and then looked back at his father and nodded \u2018I understand,\u2019 he said. \u2018But I still don\u2019t mind giving my share to \u2026\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Grow up!\u2019 repeated Adam crossly. \u2018This isn\u2019t a game you know Joe!\u00a0 They are real Indians out there and you just \u2026\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Adam that\u2019s enough!\u2019 interrupted his father. He walked over and put his hand on Joe\u2019s shoulder. \u2018Why don\u2019t you go back over there and keep watch son?\u2019 he said.\u00a0 Little Joe gave his older brother a dark look before nodding at his father and walking away. \u2018There was no need for that,\u2019 said Ben as he turned to Adam. \u2018He\u2019s just a boy and he\u2019s scared.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam put the canteen down. \u2018I\u2019m sorry,\u2019 he said shortly. \u2018But we\u2019re all scared Pa.\u2019 He bent down and began to wipe Hoss\u2019 face.\u00a0 Ben sighed and bent his head, as he said another silent prayer for them all.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n ==========<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n During the remainder of that day the Apaches came at them at regular intervals.\u00a0 Each time they managed to shoot a few of them, but Ben suspected that there were many more out there still to come.\u00a0 He wondered how much longer they could keep up the effort of fending their enemies off and when darkness finally arrived bringing with it some breathing space, he was eternally grateful that they\u2019d managed to survive the day unharmed.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018You want me to fix some food for us now Pa?\u2019 asked Adam as the sun sank behind the mountains behind them.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben nodded and continued to watch down below. \u2018Thank you,\u2019 he said. \u2018Use the last of the beans in my saddlebag.\u2019\u00a0 His heart sank as he realised that this would be the last of their food.\u00a0 Without it they might survive a few days, but beyond that \u2026. He grimaced as he realised the chances of them dying of starvation were minimal as they probably wouldn\u2019t make it even that far.\u00a0 They had tried their best to conserve what little ammunition they had throughout the day, but the cold fact was that they had very little left at all. Once the last of their bullets were gone, they would be easy prey for the Apaches down below.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Suddenly an arrow whizzed past his shoulder and he turned quickly and pointed his gun in the direction that it had come from, surprised to see the startled face of none other than his youngest son staring back at him in the ever-increasing gloom. \u2018What are you doing?\u2019 he demanded.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018I was just practising,\u2019 explained Little Joe as he swallowed. \u2018I thought \u2026\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018The trouble is that you don\u2019t think!\u2019 interrupted Adam crossly. \u2018Quit playing stupid games, why don\u2019t you?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Little Joe hung his head and stared at the ground. \u2018I\u2019m sorry,\u2019 he said quietly. \u2018I didn\u2019t mean anything by it.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam shook his head and turned back to the fireplace where he was cooking. Joe gave both his brother and father a sorrowful look and walked over to the rocks behind them and took up his position on guard again. After a moment\u2019s hesitation, Ben went over and sat beside him. \u2018Adam doesn\u2019t mean to be angry with you,\u2019 he said after a moment\u2019s silence. \u2018We\u2019re all on edge and that wasn\u2019t the most sensible thing to do, you must admit.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe looked at his father sadly. \u2018I said I was sorry,\u2019 he said. \u2018I just thought that maybe if I could learn to use it I could shoot it when \u2026\u2019 he swallowed, \u2018 \u2026 when our bullets run out.\u2019\u00a0 He looked deeply into his father\u2019s eyes. \u2018We ain\u2019t gonna get out of this, are we Pa?\u2019 he asked.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben took a deep breath and let it out again before answering. \u2018We\u2019re going to try our best son,\u2019 he said gently.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Little Joe shook his head. \u2018But it ain\u2019t gonna be enough, is it?\u2019 he asked.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben bit his lip, not knowing what to say to him.\u00a0 His son looked so young and vulnerable as he stared at him through the darkness and at that moment Ben would have given anything to be able to give the boy an encouraging answer. \u2018I don\u2019t know,\u2019 he said finally.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Little Joe nodded and stared out into the darkness. \u2018Well, at least we\u2019re all together,\u2019 he said in a whisper.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben put his arm around him and gave him a hug, \u2018Yes,\u2019 he said simply. There was silence for a few moments as father and son stared out into the darkness together.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018I know that Adam thinks I\u2019m just a stupid kid,\u2019 said Little Joe finally.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018No he doesn\u2019t,\u2019 said Ben soothingly. \u2018I told you before, he\u2019s just worried that\u2019s all.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Yeah he does Pa,\u2019 said Little Joe. \u2018He always does.\u2019\u00a0 He looked earnestly into his father\u2019s eyes. \u2018But I ain\u2019t playing Pa \u2026 not really.\u00a0 I was just trying to \u2026 well, you know.\u00a0 I don\u2019t know what else ta do \u2026 and \u2026.\u2019\u00a0 He took a deep breath. \u2018There\u2019s no point just sitting here waiting to die, is there?\u2019\u00a0 He searched his father\u2019s face hoping to see some understanding there. \u2018I just thought that I should try anything I could think of.\u00a0 That\u2019s the main reason I got them arrows.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben gave the youngster a smile. \u2018Joe, we all deal with things differently,\u2019 he said. \u2018Your brother Adam \u2026 Hoss \u2026 all of us are different. Adam is \u2026 well he\u2019s very serious about things, you know that.\u00a0 He doesn\u2019t mean anything by it.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe nodded. \u2018I know,\u2019 he said. \u2018But \u2026\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Supper\u2019s ready,\u2019 called Adam from the fireplace.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018You go on over and eat first son,\u2019 said Ben. \u2018I\u2019ll have some when you\u2019ve finished.\u2019 He gave the boy an encouraging pat on the back. \u2018Go on.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe stood up, walked over to the fire and took the plate that Adam held out for him.\u00a0 \u2018Thanks,\u2019 he said as he sat down to eat.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Make the most of it,\u2019 replied his older brother. \u2018It\u2019s the last of what we have.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Little Joe nodded as he ate. \u2018What about Hoss?\u2019 he asked, indicating their sleeping brother with his thumb.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018I\u2019ve saved him some for when he wakes up,\u2019 replied Adam as he began to eat his own. \u2018We all need to keep our strength up for tomorrow.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018How many more Apaches do ya think are out there Adam?\u2019 asked Little Joe.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam shrugged. \u2018Hard to say,\u2019 he said. \u2018We got a few more today, but there\u2019s still a lot of them.\u00a0 I haven\u2019t been able to get a good look to count.\u2019\u00a0 He hesitated as he looked at his younger brother.\u00a0 The fire flickering in front of them cast shadows on the boy\u2019s face and he looked positively eerie in the gloom that surrounded them.\u00a0 \u2018I\u2019m sorry I sounded off like that at you before,\u2019 he said.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe grinned at him. \u2018That\u2019s all right,\u2019 he said. \u2018Pa explained.\u00a0 He said that we\u2019re all worried.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam shot the youngster a sharp look. \u2018I can\u2019t tell you that I think we\u2019re going to get out of this,\u2019 he said.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Little Joe studied the beans on his plate and Adam noticed that his bottom lip was quivering slightly. \u2018I know,\u2019 the youngster said finally in a trembling voice. \u2018I already figured that out.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam cleared his throat, not knowing what to say to his brother.\u00a0 It was strange how for all his eloquence he never knew what to say to people when things got too emotional.\u00a0 He envied his youngest brother\u2019s ability to be so open with his thoughts, but it just didn\u2019t come easily to him. \u2018It\u2019ll be okay,\u2019 he said finally, knowing that they both knew that it wouldn\u2019t be.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe nodded and said nothing.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n ==========<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n That night was one of the longest that Ben had ever known.\u00a0 Try as he would to get some sleep when one or other of the boys was on watch, he couldn\u2019t.\u00a0 All he could think about what the next day might bring and he knew that it was on everyone else\u2019s mind as well.\u00a0 He got up several times during the night to bathe Hoss\u2019 face and noticed that his son seemed to be getting worse.\u00a0 The fever was higher and he wondered if it would ever break. Perhaps the boy would just drift off and never come back to him?\u00a0 His heart constricted as he looked down at the face of this middle son of his.\u00a0 Hoss was always so undemanding, so willing to be the one doing for everyone else \u2026 it was unusual for him to be the one needing his father\u2019s care so much now.\u00a0 Ben thought back to that fateful day when he had cradled this boy\u2019s mother in his arms as she lay dying.\u00a0 He had promised her to look after this son of theirs \u2026 and now look at what he had brought him too.\u00a0 Was Inger\u2019s son to die as she had?\u00a0 Was he to have his life snuffed out of him by the flight of an arrow?\u00a0 Ben prayed that it would never come to that, but in his heart he knew that by that very next night they all might have met their fate in the same way.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Look after him my love,\u2019 he whispered softly as he wiped the young man\u2019s hot face. \u2018Look after all of them.\u2019\u00a0 He stood up and went to sit next to Adam.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018This is right about the time that the cavalry is supposed to arrive and save us,\u2019 said Adam in a bitter voice. \u2018I guess that won\u2019t be happening though.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben tried to smile. \u2018I guess not,\u2019 he admitted. \u2018There\u2019s not much chance of it.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Pa?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Yes son?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018I\u2019ve been thinking about things \u2026 You know \u2026.\u2019\u00a0 Adam searched for the words to express to his father how he felt. \u2018I\u2019ve been so lucky in my life you know Pa.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Lucky son?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Yeah.\u2019\u00a0 Adam looked over at his father and cleared his throat self-consciously. \u2018To have you as a Pa \u2026 I don\u2019t say it very often and I just wanted you to know that.\u2019\u00a0 He smiled and shrugged his shoulders.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben put his arm around his son and was pleased that for once he didn\u2019t shrug him off or even tense up.\u00a0 Instead he leaned in slightly towards his father as if finding comfort in his touch. \u2018I\u2019m the lucky one son,\u2019 Ben said softly. \u2018I\u2019ve been blessed to have you as a son.\u00a0 Hoss and Little Joe too.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018I guess it takes something like this for us to say what\u2019s really in our hearts at times,\u2019 said Adam. \u2018At least \u2026 well for me it does.\u2019\u00a0 He cleared his throat again. \u2018You know what I mean Pa.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben nodded in the darkness. \u2018Yes I know what you mean son,\u2019 he said. \u2018You really don\u2019t have to say it to make me understand.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam nodded. \u2018I hope that Joe and Hoss understand the way I really feel about them,\u2019 he said. \u2018I can\u2019t always say \u2026 well it\u2019s hard to tell them \u2026\u2019\u00a0 He looked at his father. \u2018You know?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben nodded. \u2018I know,\u2019 he said.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam glanced over at Hoss lying on the ground. \u2018He\u2019s not looking too good.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben shook his head. \u2018No.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018We\u2019re not going to have enough ammunition to last one more day you know.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018I know.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n There was silence.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n ==========<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n Another day dawned and brought with it trepidation in the hearts of the Cartwrights. As Ben peered into the dawn light he wondered if this would be last one that he ever saw.\u00a0 He watched as the rays of sunlight lit up the land around him and smiled as he noticed three rays coming through the clouds. It almost looked as if they were coming from heaven itself and he liked to think that they were coming from his three loves who he knew were looking down over himself and their boys.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Suddenly he felt the worry of the last few days leave him with the thought and he turned and smiled at Adam and Joe who were sitting by the fireplace. \u2018Its getting light boys,\u2019 he said. \u2018We\u2019d best get ready.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam nodded and took up his position on the other side of the clearing.\u00a0 Joe tried to smile at his father, but his bottom lip began to tremble and he hung his head instead.\u00a0 Ben strode over and cupped his son\u2019s chin in his hand as he lifted his head and looked into his eyes. \u2018Remember Joseph,\u2019 he said in a strong voice. \u2018We\u2019re all together and that\u2019s what counts. You said so yourself.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Little Joe swallowed and smiled at his father, the tears standing in his eyes as he did so. \u2018I love you Pa,\u2019 he said.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018I love you too son,\u2019 said Ben in a loud voice. \u2018I love all of you.\u2019\u00a0 He looked over at Adam and smiled and then bent down next to Hoss. \u2018Lie still son,\u2019 he said as he stroked his forehead. \u2018Close your eyes and get some rest.\u2019\u00a0 Hoss smiled back at his father, thinking how illogical his words were under the circumstances, yet how like his father it was to say such a thing.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Love ya Pa,\u2019 he mumbled.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben patted him on the shoulder and then took his position up behind the rocks again.\u00a0 Within minutes they could hear the familiar whooping of the Apaches as they advanced upon them and everything became frantic again as the arrows fell around them and the shots rang out.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n It was Adam who first ran out of ammunition.\u00a0 As he lifted his gun and pointed it towards an advancing Apache it clicked on an empty chamber and he gave his father a swift and despairing look.\u00a0 Ben turned sharply and shot at the Indian, hitting him directly in the chest.\u00a0 He fell at his feet and before he had time to think about it another Apache came forward and he was forced to defend himself from the other side.\u00a0 He sensed rather than saw a movement beside him, but didn\u2019t have time to turn as he fired a couple more shots at the advancing Indians.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n At the back on the clearing, Little Joe fired carefully, trying to make every shot count. He also sensed a movement behind him and turned sharply to see that an Apache had come through the rocks and was creeping towards Hoss who lay defenceless on the ground.\u00a0 Before he could move however, Adam launched himself on the Apache and knocked him off his feet. Joe watched as the two men rolled over and over in the dirt, each trying to gain control of the knife that the Indian was holding.\u00a0 He waited, trying to get a clear shot at the Apache but each time he thought he was about to, the man rolled over again and Adam\u2019s body obscured his. Suddenly there was a yell and Adam slumped down onto the ground, the knife sticking out of his shoulder.\u00a0 The Apache straightened up over him, but just as he was about to drive the knife in further, Joe let fire and shot the man.\u00a0 The Indian slumped forward, his body falling on top of Adam\u2019s.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe bounded forward and pushed the Apache away before pulling the knife out of his brother\u2019s shoulder. Adam groaned at the movement and closed his eyes momentarily before opening them again and nodding at his brother. \u2018Thanks buddy,\u2019 he said.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe nodded back at him and then turned again, not having time to say anything else before the next Indian was upon them.\u00a0 Adam picked up the knife, which still showed traces of his own blood, and bent over Hoss as he prepared himself to defend his brother with the only weapon he had left.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe shot once more and the next Indian fell to the ground.\u00a0 Behind him, his father was still firing.\u00a0 As Joe raised his gun again he heard it click into an empty chamber and he lowered it with a sinking feeling in his stomach.\u00a0 He had nothing left now and he knew that the end must be near.\u00a0 Behind him the sound of shots continued as his father continued to fire with the last of his bullets and Joe put his face against the rough rock face in front of him and prayed silently that it would end quickly and without too much pain.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n As if his thoughts had been spoken aloud, the shooting behind him suddenly stopped and he turned to see his father crouched over and working his way towards them.\u00a0 \u2018They\u2019ve stopped again for a while,\u2019 the man said simply and went straight over to Adam to check his shoulder.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam allowed his father to rip his shirt away from the wound and push the cloth that they\u2019d been using for Hoss against it to stop the bleeding. \u2018I\u2019ll be all right Pa,\u2019 he said softly. Ben said nothing, but continued to attend to his son.\u00a0 Beside them, Hoss opened his eyes and stared at them silently.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe scrunched over to his father. \u2018We\u2019re both out of bullets Pa,\u2019 he said. \u2018Have you got any left?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben handed his gun over and motioned for his son to check it. Joe opened the cartridge and took two bullets out and stared at them as they lay on his palm. \u2018Two,\u2019 he said in a low voice. \u2018Just two Pa.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben nodded and said nothing. \u2018They\u2019ll be back in a few minutes,\u2019 he said as he continued to hold the cloth to Adam\u2019s wound. \u2018Take my gun and keep it son.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Little Joe shook his head. \u2018No Pa,\u2019 he said as he reloaded the gun and tried to hand it back to his father. \u2018It\u2019s yours.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben looked at the scared boy in front of him, knowing that the gun held a certain amount of security for him, even though it was just about useless now. \u2018You keep it now Joe,\u2019 he said.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Little Joe swallowed and tried not allow the tears that were standing in his eyes to fall. He nodded and scrunched in closer to his father and brothers as if to find comfort in their presence.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018You\u2019re a good boy Joseph,\u2019 said his father \u2018Always remember that I love you son.\u2019 He patted Hoss on the shoulder and smiled at Adam. \u2018I love you all,\u2019 he said.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n There was silence as the Cartwrights strained their ears for the sound that told them that the Apaches were once again coming.\u00a0 They waited for several minutes and heard nothing, the silence becoming more unbearable the longer it stretched.\u00a0 Ben looked over at the dead Apache lying beside them. \u2018He was a man of importance,\u2019 he said.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam stared at the man also and noticed for the first time the marks on his chest and the elaborate headpiece that he was wearing. \u2018Looks like he might have been their leader,\u2019 he mused. \u2018Maybe they\u2019ll give up without him.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Or maybe they\u2019ll be even more determined to avenge him,\u2019 said Ben.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe reached over and picked up the arrows next to the man. \u2018These might come in handy,\u2019 he said and then added as he saw the look on Adam\u2019s face. \u2018Well its all we\u2019ve got, ain\u2019t it?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018I suppose so,\u2019 Adam acknowledged and winced as a stab of pain went through his shoulder. He put a hand up to it and winced again.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Keep still,\u2019 instructed his father. \u2018You\u2019ll start the bleeding again.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018They\u2019re taking a long time,\u2019 said Little Joe.\u00a0 \u2018What do ya think they\u2019re doing?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Everyone listened to the silence around them. \u2018Seems mighty strange,\u2019 said Ben finally.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Little Joe moved away from the rock. \u2018Well I\u2019m gonna see,\u2019 he said. \u2018I can\u2019t stand this!\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Joseph!\u2019 Ben reached for his son as he moved away from him, but failed to grab him in time. The youngster made for the front of the clearing and crouched behind the rocks as he craned his neck and tried to look around them to see what was happening.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Joseph!\u2019 Ben called again.\u00a0 He felt Adam go limp in his arms and looked down to see that his son had lost consciousness from the pain.\u00a0 He laid him down gently on the ground and began to make his way towards Joe. Suddenly an Indian appeared on the rock above his son and Ben called out to him again frantically. \u2018Joseph! Above you!\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Little Joe looked up and fired at the man, hitting him in the shoulder.\u00a0 The Apache staggered for a moment and then regained his balance.\u00a0 He drew an arrow back on his bow and pointed it at Joe just as the youngster fired the last of his bullets and hit the Indian directly in the chest.\u00a0 The man fell backwards and there was silence.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Well at least I didn\u2019t waste the last two bullets,\u2019 said Little Joe ruefully as he gave the gun one last look and then dropped it to the ground.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben grabbed his son by the shoulders. \u2018Are you alright son?\u2019 he asked.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Little Joe nodded his head just as there was a movement behind them and his eyes widened as he saw another Indian appear over his father\u2019s head.\u00a0 Ben turned just in time to see the man draw an arrow directly at them and his last thought was for his son as he tried to shield the boy with his own body.\u00a0 He waited for the pain of the arrow to pierce through him and everything around him seemed to stand still for a moment.\u00a0 He watched as if detached from the scene as the Apache fell forward at his feet, an arrow sticking into his back.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben looked over and saw Hoss seated in front of the fire, Joe\u2019s collected arrows around him and the bow in his hand. \u2018Told you they would come in handy,\u2019 said Joe from behind his father.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n ==========<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n They waited all that day and into the night, but the Apaches never came back.\u00a0 Whether or not it was because they\u2019d killed their leader or because there simply weren\u2019t enough of them left, the Cartwrights would never know. To tell the truth, none of them really cared \u2026 It was enough that they were gone.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n As the next dawn broke, Ben rose and walked to the front of the clearing to make sure.\u00a0 He knew that he was taking a risk, but there didn\u2019t seem to be any option at this point and he would have walked down the hill and given himself up to the Apaches if it had meant saving his sons.\u00a0 As he stood there looking into the approaching day and noticed that the Apaches were indeed gone, he looked up at the sky and saw again three rays of sunlight appearing through the clouds. \u2018Thank you my loves,\u2019 he whispered. \u2018Thank you for giving me back my boys.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n ==========<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Joseph please watch where you\u2019re riding,\u2019 said Ben as he tried to still his own horse and that of Adam\u2019s beside him.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Sorry Pa,\u2019 replied his son. \u2018You okay Hoss?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hoss gave his brother a small smile. \u2018Better than I was,\u2019 he said. \u2018I\u2019d be even better if you\u2019d stop asking.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe gave his brother a wide grin. \u2018Hey Pa?\u2019 he said excitedly.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Yes?\u2019 replied Ben as he put a hand on Adam\u2019s shoulder in an attempt to straighten his son in the saddle. Adam gave him a small smile and groaned quietly as the pain in his shoulder made him wince yet again.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018We\u2019re there,\u2019 replied Little Joe as he pointed to the small township in front of them.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Thank the Lord,\u2019 said Ben fervently. \u2018We\u2019re there boys! We made it!\u2019\u00a0 He smiled at them all with joy in his heart.\u00a0 Adam nodded slightly as he tried to overcome the pain that was washing through him and Hoss visibly straightened in his saddle.\u00a0 He looked better than he had for days and Ben\u2019s heart rejoiced in the fact that both his sons would now have a doctor\u2019s care.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Sure did!\u2019 agreed Little Joe with another wide grin.\u00a0 He fingered the Apache bow that hung around his back and glanced down at the arrows that stuck out of the end of his saddlebag. \u2018Reckon we\u2019ll be able to get some more ammunition here so we won\u2019t be needing these no more.\u2019\u00a0 He grinned at his father. \u2018I can hardly wait to show em to my friends when we get home.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben shook his head as his youngest son sprang forward on his horse. He picked up Adam\u2019s reins again and led his son\u2019s horse forward towards the small town in front of them.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n The End<\/p>\n