Summary: \u00a0Third and final story.<\/p>\n
WC 12,000 \u00a0Rating: T<\/p>\n
Boy to Man Series:<\/strong><\/p>\n Boy to Man to Boy<\/a> <\/p>\n \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0To Become a Man<\/strong><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n The stagecoach journey back to Virginia City<\/strong> was not the pleasant trip that Ben had envisaged. He had been so relieved and happy to be taking his youngest son home after the ordeal he had suffered at the hands of Frank Carter and his gang. Ben had steered the conversation away from the events of the last few weeks for most of the journey, but as their destination was nearing its end he knew he could not put off the inevitable any longer. He had to inform Little Joe that Adam would not be returning to the Ponderosa. Adam had been so incensed at the cruelty that Carter had shown towards his youngest brother, he had made a promise to himself that he would not rest until Carter was dead or behind bars, waiting to be hung for the terrible crimes he had committed. There was no way his little brother would live in fear of that man ever again.<\/span><\/p>\n \u201cAnd so Adam has decided to join Ron Shepherd and his men in tracking the gang down,\u201d Ben finished.<\/span><\/p>\n The look of disgust and undisguised anger that appeared on Joe\u2019s face was reflected in his eyes. Ben had forbidden Joe to accompany Ron Shepherd and now he was telling him that Adam had gone in his place.<\/span><\/p>\n \u201cHow come Adam got to go Pa?\u201d Joe said through clenched teeth \u201cOh I know don\u2019t tell me, it\u2019s because Adam\u2019s a grown up, and me, well I\u2019m just a little boy in your eyes aren\u2019t I Pa?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n Ben sighed, there was certainly more than a grain of truth in what Joe was saying, but to say that to a young man on the brink of manhood was just asking for trouble. If Ben had his way Adam would not have gone either, but at thirty years of age, Adam was well beyond being told by his father what he could or could not do.<\/span><\/p>\n \u201cJoe\u201d began Ben soothingly \u201cyou\u2019ve still not fully recovered from the beating you received at the hands of that maniac. What kind of father would I be to let you go chasing after him in your present state?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n \u201cThat\u2019s just an excuse Pa. I\u2019m perfectly well and you know it,\u201d shouted Joe.<\/span><\/p>\n \u201cJoseph\u201d said Ben in a voice that he was straining hard to keep calm but not quite succeeding \u201cI suggest you keep a civil tongue in your head. I\u2019m making allowances for the fact that you\u2019re upset, but I will not have you raise your voice to me. Is that understood?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n Even through his anger Joe knew he had pushed his father too far, and with a deep intake of breath he struggled to contain his emotions and bite back the retort that had threatened to spring from his mouth.<\/span><\/p>\n \u201cIs that clear, Joseph?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n \u201cYes Sir\u201d replied Joe, biting on his lower lip in order to prevent himself from adding to his statement. With an air of defeat he slouched back into his seat and turned to look out of the window, staring outside but seeing nothing. For once the beauty of the rugged landscape was lost on him; the anger and disappointment at not been allowed to go was also compacted by the worry he felt for his older brother\u2019s safety.<\/span><\/p>\n Ben picked up his paper once more and made a pretence of reading, but all the time he was really looking at the young man opposite. Joe was almost eighteen and in many ways a man, but as Ben gazed at his son through hooded eyes all he could see was a little boy. Joe was huddled in the corner of the coach with a look on his face that had amused yet irritated Ben for most of the boy\u2019s life. His pouty mouth and expressive eyes, that always glistened with unshed tears when he was upset, mirrored his feelings for the world to see. Adam had always declared that the look was contrived and displayed to save Joe from an inevitable tanning, but he too was not immune to its power when directed at him.<\/span><\/p>\n Joe sulked the rest of the journey, and Ben in many ways was relieved to have a respite from the boy\u2019s constant chatter. Just over a week ago he was desperately worried about his young son and how his recent ordeal would affect him, but the journey home had just proved to Ben, once again, how resilient his youngest child was at bouncing back from whatever life threw at him.<\/span><\/p>\n By the time they arrived back at the Ponderosa Ben and Joe were glad to be able to get respite from each other\u2019s company. Joe\u2019s temper was still smoldering and Ben\u2019s patience was about to run out. He didn\u2019t want to argue with Joe but the boy was beginning to push the boundary too far; his sulking demeanor and discourteous manner were bordering on insolence and Ben would not allow that from any of his sons no matter how old they were.<\/span><\/p>\n The following day a very tired Hoss finally rode into the yard, and as he dismounted he handed his horse over to one of the ranch hands. Hoss was not one to pass on his responsibilities to another, but on this occasion he was more than willing. His body ached from long hours sitting in the saddle, and the thought of a soak in a hot tub followed by one of Hop Sing\u2019s delicious meals was the only thing that had kept him going for the last leg of his journey. On entering the house he removed his hat and gunbelt and placed them on the credenza before looking round the room with a satisfied air; he was home at last.<\/span><\/p>\n Ben stood up from his chair and made his way over to greet him, \u201cWelcome home son.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n \u201cHi Pa,\u201d he replied. \u201cWhere\u2019s Little Joe?\u201d he added scanning the room for his youngest brother.<\/span><\/p>\n Ben inclined his head towards the stairs and shrugged his shoulders.<\/span><\/p>\n \u201cTaken it bad about Adam going off without him I suppose?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n \u201cAfraid so, I think it\u2019s going to be a rough couple of weeks for all of us.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n \u201cLet\u2019s just hope that\u2019s all it takes,\u201d said Hoss. \u201cFrom what I gather, Frank Carter didn\u2019t leave much of a trail behind him.\u201d Picking up an apple and taking a large bite out of it Hoss set off in search of Hop Sing. He would speak to Joe later, but at this moment in time he needed food for he couldn\u2019t function properly on an empty stomach.<\/span><\/p>\n oooo000000ooooo<\/p>\n Over the next couple of weeks there were several letters from Adam informing them of his progress. There was not much to report; the odd supposed sighting but nothing definite. Adam was careful to avoid mentioning the route that the posse was taking and Little Joe was well aware that this was done on purpose. Adam feared that Joe would try to follow them, probably with good reason.<\/p>\n Beneath the hurt and anger that Joe was feeling there was also a deep worry that something might happen to Adam. He of all people knew the depths to which Frank Carter would go in order to seek revenge on the Cartwright family, and just the thought of Adam falling into the hands of that madman was enough to give him nightmares.<\/span><\/p>\n It was the eve of Joe\u2019s 18th birthday and for once it was a very somber affair. With Adam away from home, Joe was adamant that he did not want a party, and Ben and Hoss were acquiescent. If the family was not together there was little enthusiasm for a celebration.<\/span><\/p>\n That night Joe turned in early as he had done almost every night for the last few weeks. Just as Ben was preparing to retire himself he heard a noise in the yard and so he made his way to the front door, picking his gun up from the credenza before venturing out into the night. His look of anxiety turned to one of joy when he saw the man before him dressed all in black dismounting from his horse.<\/span><\/p>\n \u201cAdam\u201d said Ben rushing out into the yard, \u201cGood to see you son. Here let me take your horse, you look done in.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n Adam tried to protest but Ben wouldn\u2019t hear of it, so he handed the reins to his father and with a tired \u201cThank you\u201d made his way into the house. Ben hurried to take care of Sport, quickly feeding and bedding down the horse, then rushed back indoors to give his eldest son the welcome he deserved.<\/span><\/p>\n Ben walked over to the settee and was a little disappointed, although not surprised, to see his son sprawled out fast asleep. He was still wearing his gun and hat, had at least three days growth on his face and his clothes looked as if they hadn\u2019t been changed in a long time. Deciding to let Adam sleep for as long as he wished, Ben made his way into the kitchen to prepare his son something to eat; Adam certainly looked as if he could do with a good meal.<\/span><\/p>\n The following morning Ben and Hoss were already sat at the breakfast table when Little Joe sleepily made his way down the stairs to join them. Ben gave his youngest son a broad smile.<\/span><\/p>\n \u201cHappy birthday Joe\u201d he said, and handed him a small parcel. Joe unwrapped the gift and found inside a beautiful gold pocket watch. He was delighted but not surprised at the contents. Ben had presented both Adam and Hoss with a similar gift on their eighteenth birthdays.<\/span><\/p>\n \u201cThanks Pa. It\u2019s really beautiful.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n \u201cGlad you like it son\u201d said Ben, and then wagging his finger he added \u201cnow you will have no excuse whatsoever for being late to supper.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n \u201cGuess you didn\u2019t need to buy Hoss a watch to ensure that Pa\u201d smirked Little Joe, looking over at Hoss. Hoss stood up from the table and playfully reached out to grab his younger brother by the neck. Joe ducked down and ran from the outstretched hand and as he did so he bumped straight into the bulk of his eldest brother.<\/span><\/p>\n \u201cWant me to hold him while you pound him Hoss?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n \u201cA-A-Adam, where did you come from?\u201d stuttered Joe.<\/span><\/p>\n \u201cJust got in last night Joe, couldn\u2019t be away from home when my little brother became a man, now could I? Happy birthday\u201d and with that he playfully swatted his youngest sibling across the head.<\/span><\/p>\n Joe\u2019s birthday was complete. He was overjoyed to see his eldest brother and bombarded him with questions as to what had happened since their last meeting. Adam didn\u2019t have much to tell. They had followed the trail of Frank Carter from the time he left San Francisco, but in the passage of time it had gone cold and Adam had decided to return to the Ponderosa for a short while before rejoining Ron and the posse.<\/span><\/p>\n Two days later a rejuvenated Adam received a telegram from Ron Shepherd. He kept the contents from his family until they were seated round the fire that evening. Joe instinctively knew without being told what Adam was about to divulge.<\/span><\/p>\n \u201cWhen you planning on leaving Adam?\u201d asked Joe tentatively.<\/span><\/p>\n Adam looked at his father before replying, \u201cI\u2019ll be going in the morning Little Joe. Ron wants me to meet him in Placerville as soon as possible. There\u2019s been reports of a gang working that region over the last few weeks and we thought we would check it out.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m going with you Adam,\u201d stated Joe firmly.<\/span><\/p>\n \u201cThis isn\u2019t open for debate Little Joe. You\u2019re staying here,\u201d said Adam in a voice that, if Joe closed his eyes, he could mistake for his fathers.<\/span><\/p>\n Joe did not argue. He simply stood up, said goodnight to his family and went to bed.<\/span><\/p>\n The following morning Adam was early to rise and have breakfast. He had half expected to see his youngest brother sitting waiting for him and was surprised to find himself alone. Less than thirty minutes later he was stood in the barn almost ready to leave when he turned to find Joe standing beside him. Cochise was saddled and Joe\u2019s saddlebags bulged with supplies. Just beyond Joe, Hoss stood to one side. Adam looked to him for help but Hoss just shrugged his shoulders. Joe\u2019s mind was made up and Hoss felt powerless to intervene; he just knew that if Joe was going he was going too.<\/span><\/p>\n \u201cI thought I made it very clear last night Little Joe. You are not going with me.\u201d said Adam, fixing his eyes firmly back on the boy in front of him.<\/span><\/p>\n \u201cYou can\u2019t stop me Adam. As you said I\u2019m a man now and I can look after myself.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n Looking at his youngest sibling with an air of superiority Adam\u2019s lips twitched upwards as he said \u201cFrom what I remember little brother, you didn\u2019t make a very good job of it last time.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n That was all it took. The red mist came down and Joe lunged at his brother. Adam almost smiled; his younger sibling had never been a match for him and he had no reason to believe today would be any different. That was his first mistake. He was totally unprepared for the ferocity of Joe\u2019s attack, and the punch that landed squarely on his jaw was not only powerful but right on target. Adam only just managed to stay on his feet long enough to retaliate with a jab at Joe\u2019s head before Hoss decided that things were getting well out of hand, and placed his large bulk between the two warring factions. Grasping his smallest brother by the shoulders in an effort to calm things down, Hoss was rewarded for his troubles by a vicious kick to the shins. Yelling with pain, he released his charge and proceeded to hop round the barn on one foot.<\/span><\/p>\n It didn\u2019t take long before the fracas drew Ben\u2019s attention and his eyebrows knitted together in a frown as he made his way across the yard. No one had to draw him a picture about what was going on; this scenario had played out several times over recent years between his eldest and youngest son. As he entered the barn the scene before him may have made him laugh under different circumstances. Adam was still looking dazed, Joe was psyching himself up for the next round, and Hoss continued to run round in a circle looking very like one of the chickens from the hen house. As Joe\u2019s clenched fist was drawn back in readiness, Ben stepped up behind him and reached forward to grip Joe\u2019s bicep in a vicelike hold. Speaking calmly but firmly Ben\u2019s voice eventually cut through the red mist and Joe struggled momentarily to regain control before allowing his arms to fall to his sides.<\/span><\/p>\n \u201cWell, what\u2019s it about this time?\u201d barked Ben. Joe continued to glare at his elder brother.<\/span><\/p>\n The left side of his face was beginning to sting, but he didn\u2019t feel as if he had enough control over his mouth to reply to Ben at this juncture; he was too afraid of what might come out and he pulled his lower lip between his teeth and tried counting to ten.<\/span><\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m waiting for an answer,\u201d said Ben, looking from one son to another and finally resting his gaze on Adam.<\/span><\/p>\n Glancing at each of his brothers Adam knew that he could expect no help, so with a deep breath he accepted his fate as the sacrificial offering once more.<\/span><\/p>\n \u201cI just told your baby son here that he couldn\u2019t come with me that\u2019s all, and he threw a tantrum like he always does when he doesn\u2019t get his own way,\u201d he said, as he turned back to his father.<\/span><\/p>\n Joe\u2019s nostrils began to flare once more in anger, the sparks almost flying from his eyes; he was prepared to take up where he left off. Hoss, ever ready to protect his little brother, stopped rubbing his shin long enough to jump to his defence.<\/span><\/p>\n \u201cHold it right there Adam, that\u2019s not quite as it happened and you know it. If Joe hadn\u2019t planted you one, I might of being tempted to do it myself!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n \u201cNow isn\u2019t that just like you Hoss,\u201d said Adam turning his sarcasm onto his middle sibling \u201clittle brother can do no wrong. I suppose you kicked your own shin into the bargain.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n Ben was not prepared to let the situation deteriorate.<\/span><\/p>\n \u201cJoseph go to the house, I will be in to discuss your behavior shortly. Hoss get on with your chores.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n Adam sighed, somehow he knew he would be the one to bear the brunt of his father\u2019s wrath. As the other two departed, Ben gave his full attention to the eldest.<\/span><\/p>\n \u201cRight Adam. Would you care to explain just what has been happening here?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n \u201cI already told you Pa, Joe wanted to come with me, I said no and he took a swing at me.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n \u201cAdam, I\u2019ve seen you at work before. You always know exactly what you are doing when you wind up your younger brother. I\u2019m quite sure if you had wanted you could have defused the situation before it began. You have an extensive vocabulary Adam, why don\u2019t you put it into practice now and again.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n \u201cThat\u2019s not fair Pa. It\u2019s about time Joe learned to control that temper of his. You can\u2019t go on babying him all his life.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n Ben had heard this before and wondered, not for the first time, if he did baby Joe too much or was Adam just using it as an excuse for provoking his younger brother?<\/span><\/p>\n \u201cDo you really think I treat Little Joe any differently to you or Hoss?\u201d Ben\u2019s asked. He was hurt at the suggestion and Adam relented.<\/span><\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m sorry Pa, it\u2019s just, well it\u2019s just I can\u2019t bear to think of Little Joe within a hundred miles of that maniac.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n Ben\u2019s face softened, he was well aware that Adam often used sarcasm to hide behind so that he did not have to reveal what he was really feeling.<\/span><\/p>\n \u201cDid you tell your brother that Adam? You know for a very intelligent man you can sometimes be very stupid. Your younger brother is not a child anymore.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n \u201cYeh I noticed\u201d said Adam rubbing his chin.<\/span><\/p>\n \u201cWell maybe its time you started talking with him and not at him Adam.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n Adam pondered his father\u2019s words; in lots of ways he knew he was right. If he had been dealing with Hoss he would have simply told him what was on his mind, but when it came to Joe the relationship became complex. He found it difficult to acknowledge his feelings for fear of getting them thrown back at him, and in many ways he knew that Joe had the same problem in reverse.<\/span><\/p>\n \u201cBoys!\u201d thought Ben shaking his head as he walked away \u201cmaybe it would have been easier bringing up girls, at least they wouldn\u2019t be trying to knock each other\u2019s head off every time you turned your back.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n Ben took a deep breath before entering the house; after dealing with the analytical, thinking member of the family it was now time to deal with his over emotional youngest. Before he took two steps inside the door Joe\u2019s voice rang out,<\/span><\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m still going Pa, there\u2019s nothing you can do to stop me.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n Joe stood there, hands on his hips, in a very Ben like pose, and as Ben looked at him he knew he was right. He could always forbid Joe to leave, and if needs be, he was still physically capable of preventing him from doing so, but where would that get him. Joe would still leave the first chance he got, and after all he had to practice what he preached. He couldn\u2019t ask Adam to treat Joe like an adult if he continued to treat him like a child.<\/span><\/p>\n \u201cOK Joseph\u201d he said with a resigned sigh, \u201cyou\u2019d better call Charlie in here.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n \u201cWhy Charlie Pa, I don\u2019t understand?\u201d replied a puzzled Joe.<\/span><\/p>\n \u201cWell if you and I are to join those brothers of yours in looking for Frank Carter, someone is going to have to make sure this ranch is running smoothly, and the only person I can rely on to do that is Charlie.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n Joe let out a very ungrown-up holler before rushing from the room; he did not want to give his Pa a chance to change his mind.<\/span><\/p>\n oooo000000ooooo<\/p>\n In less that two hours the whole family were ready to depart and Adam and Joe made an effort to put their recent disagreement to one side and at least be civil to one another. They would be using Heness Pass to reach their destination. The journey was likely to take them several days, and it would be especially important to look out for each other when traveling across such rough terrain.<\/p>\n By that evening when they stopped to make camp the brothers were once again in harmonious accord and Ben and Hoss looked at each and smiled; the family unit was together once more.<\/span><\/p>\n As they opened their provisions they were all pleased, but not surprised, to see that Hop Sing had packed them a very appetizing supper, which was a rare treat when they were on the trail. Once they had eaten it didn\u2019t take them long to settle down to sleep. It had been a long day, in more ways than one, and each of them was feeling the effects of the emotional and physical upheaval of the last twelve hours.<\/span><\/p>\n The following day was equally long and uneventful, and as evening drew closer they decided to make camp early next to the river. As they sat looking out over the water watching the sun go down on the horizon, Hoss jokingly wished he had brought his fishing gear with him, \u201cNow what would finish the day off right is a nice big trout or two, with some of Hop Sing\u2019s freshly baked bread. Now wouldn\u2019t that go down a treat?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n \u201cDon\u2019t you think of anything other than your belly Hoss?\u201d said Joe laughingly, stretching his legs out in front of him and lying back looking at the sky.<\/span><\/p>\n \u201cWell little brother with me it\u2019s food, with you it\u2019s girls and with big brother over there it\u2019s books.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n \u201cThat\u2019s a pretty astute observation Hoss,\u201d said Ben joining in the banter.<\/span><\/p>\n \u201cWell I\u2019ll have you know Hoss, that\u2019s where you\u2019re wrong, because I think of food, girls and books but not necessarily in that order,\u201d chipped in Adam with a wink to his Pa.<\/span><\/p>\n \u201cOn that note I think it\u2019s time to turn in boys, sweet dreams, whatever they may be.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n Ben and Hoss moved over to their bedrolls, but Joe hung back. Adam intuitively knew his youngest brother had something on his mind so he also stayed put. Joe continued to look at the water and the silence between them was deafening for several minutes before Joe cleared his throat.<\/span><\/p>\n \u201cAdam I just want to apologies for yesterday. I threw the first punch and I\u2019m sorry.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n \u201cNot half as sorry as I was Little Joe, I\u2019m beginning to regret teaching you to fight,\u201d laughed Adam as he rubbed his jaw. The tension between them was broken and Adam became serious once more, \u201cI\u2019m sorry too Joe, I had no call to say what I did and frankly I think I had that punch coming.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n Looking over at his brother and trying to make out the expression on his face in the dimming light Joe added,<\/span><\/p>\n \u201cI won\u2019t let you down Adam, it\u2019s just, well, I need to see this through. Until Carter\u2019s dead or behind bars I can\u2019t move on with my life. I spend my time scrutinizing every stranger that comes into town and I\u2019m constantly looking over my shoulder, even when riding on the Ponderosa.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n Feeling Joe\u2019s anguish Adam moved closer to him.<\/span><\/p>\n \u201cWe\u2019ll find him Joe, I promise you that. And as for letting me down, I never thought for one moment that you would. This is not about letting me down Joe,\u201d and then he added in almost a whisper, \u201cthis is about keeping you safe.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n Joe looked over at his brother and smiled, it was very rare that Adam let his guard down and revealed his inner feelings. Adam\u2019s need to keep his emotions in check was completely in contrast to Joe\u2019s \u2018heart on the sleeve\u2019 approach to life, but in oh so many other ways they were very very much alike.<\/span><\/p>\n \u201cNow let\u2019s get some shut eye little brother, before Pa comes back and starts ranting.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n oooo000000ooooo<\/p>\n It was almost lunchtime the following day when they finally arrived in Placerville. Joe and Hoss made their way to the livery stable to see to the horses, while Ben and Adam went over to the hotel to arrange rooms and a bath in order to wash off the last couple of days trail dust.<\/p>\n They had only just checked in and gone to their room when there was a knock at the door. Adam opened it to find Ron Shepherd stood in the doorway. The men renewed their acquaintance and when the pleasantries were over Ben asked him what news he had of Frank Carter.<\/span><\/p>\n \u201cI suggest you get freshened up and meet me over at the sheriff\u2019s office in about an hour and I\u2019ll bring you up to date with what I\u2019ve found out,\u201d said Ron, leaving the men to ponder over what developments had taken place.<\/span><\/p>\n Joe was the first to bathe and by the time the others were washed and dressed he had fallen asleep on the bed.<\/span><\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m tempted to leave him there\u201d said Ben \u201cbut somehow I think he\u2019ll never forgive us if we do.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n Hoss had to shake his youngest brother\u2019s shoulder several times before Joe showed signs of awakening. He looked round the room uncomprehending for a few moments before smiling up at his father and saying,<\/span><\/p>\n \u201cMust have dropped off for a second. Boy I feel like I could eat a whole cow I\u2019m so hungry.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n \u201cIs this the right son?\u201d laughed Ben placing a hand on Joe\u2019s forehead to check for a temperature.<\/span><\/p>\n In a jovial mood the family then made their way to the Sheriff\u2019s office to meet Ron.<\/span><\/p>\n The sheriff welcomed the men into his office and Ron made the introductions before telling them of the happenings that had taken place over the last six weeks or so. A number of ranches had been ransacked while the occupants were out working and on several occasions people had been bushwhacked and left for dead.<\/span><\/p>\n Ron and the sheriff believed that the Carter gang was responsible and over the last week they had received information to suggest that the gang were holed up at a derelict farmhouse some way out of town.<\/span><\/p>\n After a quick discussion it was decided that Ron and his posse of five men, together with the Cartwrights would be more than enough to go out after the gang and hopefully apprehend them and bring them to justice.<\/span><\/p>\n It was almost a days ride away so they arranged to set off at first light the following morning. Hopefully, if all went to plan they would surprise the gang as they were bedding down for the night.<\/span><\/p>\n During dinner that evening Joe talked incessantly; his excitement over the events that were about to unfold annoying Adam.<\/span><\/p>\n \u201cThis is not a game Joe; those men are cold blooded killers\u201d Adam snapped at his younger brother.<\/span><\/p>\n Joe stopped in mid sentence, throwing his napkin down on his plate, and looked at Adam with a hurt expression \u201cI don\u2019t think you of all people need to remind me of that Adam.\u201d he replied.<\/span><\/p>\n Realizing his poor choice of words Adam started to say \u201cJoe, look I\u2019m sorry, I didn\u2019t mean\u2026.\u201d but Joe had already stood and left the room.<\/span><\/p>\n Hoss looked at Adam and shook his head<\/span><\/p>\n \u201cTo think you always tell Joe off for opening his mouth without thinking\u201d whereupon Hoss also stood and followed his younger sibling.<\/span><\/p>\n Ben said nothing and Ron felt uncomfortable. The tension of the situation was already beginning to show.<\/span><\/p>\n By the following morning a truce had been called once more and it was a very serious group of men who rode out of town in silence. As they arrived about half a mile from the farmhouse in the early evening, Ron indicated for them all to dismount.<\/span><\/p>\n \u201cOkay this is what I think we should do\u201d he began. \u201cFour of us will head in from the front. I want one man at each side to warn us of anyone else approaching and Ben I would like you and the boys to cover the back if that\u2019s alright with you.\u201d Everyone nodded their agreement.<\/span><\/p>\n \u201cI will give everyone enough time to be in position before we make a move. Good luck.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n It was about twenty minutes later that Ron and his men were finally approaching the farmhouse from the front. There was smoke coming from the chimney and seven horses tethered to the post outside. Did that mean there was only seven of them inside? Ron had been hoping for nine, as that was the reported number of men riding with the gang including Carter.<\/span><\/p>\n Ron whispered to one of his men to move forward and release the horses. Moving with all the stealth of a cat the man crept forward almost on all fours. Even though he moved without a sound the animals were immediately aware of his presence and began to neigh softly and jostle each other for position.<\/span><\/p>\n He speedily cut the ropes tethering them to the post before slapping one of them hard on the rump, which sent them all running in separate directions. As the silence of the night was disturbed, and repercussions were bound to follow, he quickly dived for cover behind the nearest rock. Seconds later the door to the house burst open and several men in a state of undress ran forward with guns blasting. Ron and his men were ready for them and returned fire immediately. Two of the men were shot dead and a third was wounded. The four men still inside decided they were better off staying put and they opened fire from the relative safety of the house.<\/span><\/p>\n As the outlaws were kept busy returning fire against Ron and his men, Ben and his sons made their way towards the back entrance. Adam was first at the house. Indicating to the others to keep back, he kicked open the back door before jumping away from any returning gunfire. Taking up positions nearby, the Cartwrights opened fire. The men inside were now unsure what to do as gunfire reigned down on them from both sides. When one was shot dead and another wounded the two remaining outlaws decided to give themselves up.<\/span><\/p>\n
\nThe Best Days of our Lives
\n<\/a> To Become a Man<\/a><\/p>\n