Summary:\u00a0 A wolf hunt leads to more than one nightmare for two brothers.
\nRating:\u00a0 T\u00a0 (5,475 words)<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
The Brandsters acknowledge that the authors are the owners of their stories<\/em>.\u00a0 Should an author included in this project reach out to us and indicate they do not wish their work to be archived in the Bonanza Brand Fanfiction Library, we will remove their stories.\u00a0 At the same time, should an author contact us to continue to have their stories archived, we would also be happy to update their contact information.<\/p>\n TO THE EDGE AND BACK<\/strong><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n CHAPTER ONE<\/strong><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/strong>With a groan, Joe Cartwright turned over.\u00a0\u00a0 Heavy, wet snowflakes pelted his bruised face and his eyes opened.\u00a0 Every muscle screamed as he raised himself to a sitting position.\u00a0 Once Joe determined there were no broken bones or major injuries, he set his mind to recalling what had happened.\u00a0 Gazing around, his world began to come into focus, and it terrified him.<\/p>\n He and his brother had been tracking a lobo wolf that had been picking off some of their cattle.\u00a0 They were riding along the Cold Creek ridge when a tree branch snapped under the weight of the wet snow.\u00a0 The noise and sudden commotion caused the horses to shy and throw their riders.\u00a0\u00a0 Bouncing painfully down the rocky walls of the ravine was the last thing Little Joe remembered. That, and his brother crashing after him.\u00a0 \u201cAdam!\u00a0 Adam, where are you?\u201d\u00a0 The fear and pain that had been welling up inside of him escaped with each frantic cry.\u00a0 \u201cAdam, answer me!\u00a0 Are you all right?\u00a0 Adam!\u201d\u00a0 There came no reply.<\/p>\n Joe scrambled over the sharp and icy boulders in a desperate search.\u00a0 \u201cOh please God, let me find him.\u00a0 I can\u2019t fail Adam this time,\u201d he prayed.\u00a0 With an eye towards the darkening sky, Joe feared his torn and wet clothing would be little protection against the cold night, but he knew Adam would stand no chance at all if he could not locate him. \u201cI won\u2019t fail you this time older brother,\u201d Joe vowed as he continued his search.<\/p>\n The snow squall passed, but icy winds continued to scream through the gorge.\u00a0 Joe was exhausted and \u00a0shivered uncontrollably.\u00a0\u00a0 He begged God once more for help,\u201dKeep me going until I can find him, that\u2019s all I ask.\u201d\u00a0\u00a0 Even as Little Joe struggled to keep his balance on the slippery rocks, a sudden gust of arctic wind caused him to misstep. He slipped even farther into the ravine crashing to a halt on a narrow ledge.\u00a0 Once he could breathe again, Joe looked around.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 In the shadows, he glimpsed the motionless form of his brother.\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cAdam? Can you hear me?\u00a0 It\u2019s Joe.\u00a0 We\u2019re going to be all right now.\u00a0 We are in this together.\u201d<\/p>\n Joe was relieved to see that the boulders surrounding Adam had acted as a shield against the brunt of the snow\u00a0 and wind.\u00a0 The youngest Cartwright watched over his unconscious brother, and did what little he could to comfort him.\u00a0 With no food, water, or blankets, the best Joe could do was share the warmth of his own body; he had never felt so useless or helpless in his life.\u00a0\u00a0 Despite his best efforts to stay awake, Joe\u2019s fatigue and pain overtook him and he fell into a fitful sleep.\u00a0\u00a0 And the dream that haunted Joe since childhood came back with a vengeance.<\/p>\n \u00a0 \u201cHey Adam, wait for me!\u00a0 You and Hoss always take off without me.\u00a0 I want to play on the frozen water with you! I won\u2019t be any trouble.\u00a0 Hoss is going to be late anyway.\u00a0 Pa says he has to finish his chores before he can go anywhere.\u00a0 Come on\u2026wait for me,\u201d whined a dark haired boy of seven, as he trudged through knee-deep snow to catch up with his older brother.<\/em><\/p>\n \u201cAw Joe, go on home.\u00a0 I\u2019m not going to the pond to play.\u00a0 Pa wants me to cut some ice.\u00a0 Just send Hoss along with another sled when he gets finished,\u201d Adam directed.\u00a0 \u201cGo on, I don\u2019t have time to play little kid games now. Scoot!\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n A dejected Little Joe stood watching as his big brother rode away.\u00a0 \u201cI\u2019m not a baby.\u00a0 I\u2019ll show Adam I am big enough to help him,\u201d he pouted.\u00a0 Joe followed Adam down to the frozen pond. He watched from the woods as Adam carefully walked out on the ice. Joe was filled with admiration as Adam skillfully sawed out piece after piece of clear ice.\u00a0 \u201cCome summer, it sure would taste good in some of Hop Sing\u2019s lemonade,\u201d the younger Cartwright thought wistfully… The sharp crack of breaking ice woke the young Cartwright from his summertime daydream.\u00a0 Looking back out on the pond, Joe could no longer see his big brother!\u00a0 \u201cWhere\u2019d you go Adam?\u00a0 You said you didn\u2019t have time for no games.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n Adam sputtered to the surface and grabbed wildly at its icy edges.\u00a0 \u201cJoe!\u00a0 Get my rope! \u00a0\u00a0Just like we practiced. Throw the loop towards me and tie the end off on Sport\u2019s saddle horn.\u00a0 I really need you to do this buddy.\u00a0 Climb on up in the saddle.\u00a0 You can do it!\u00a0 Joe!\u201d Adam managed to get out through chattering teeth.<\/em><\/p>\n Joe stood frozen.\u00a0 He stared in horror as his brother disappeared again under the water\u2019s surface.<\/em><\/p>\n \u201cI\u2026I\u2026I can\u2019t Adam, I need to get Hoss or Pa.\u00a0 They are bigger, they can help you.\u00a0 I\u2019ll be right back I promise.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n \u201cJoe!! Don\u2019t leave, I need your help.\u00a0 Don\u2019t leave me!\u00a0 JOE!!\u201d\u00a0 Adam cried in desperation as he sank beneath the pond\u2019s icy surface.<\/em><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/strong>\u00a0Waking up in a cold sweat, Joe made a solemn promise to his unconscious brother to get them to safety.<\/p>\n \u201cThis time, older brother, I won\u2019t let you down.\u201d<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n CHAPTER TWO<\/strong><\/p>\n The sun rose to reveal a clear, blue, Nevada sky.\u00a0 Adam had survived the night, but he had not regained consciousness.\u00a0 In the bright sun light, Joe could see the extent of Adam\u2019s injuries.\u00a0 An ugly lump protruded near Adam\u2019s temple and there was a deep gash just above his left eye.\u00a0 With a bit of snow, Joe cleaned his brother\u2019s dirty and bruised face.\u00a0 \u00a0Casting a concerned look over Adam\u2019s still body, he discovered yet another injury, Adam\u2019s right knee was swollen twice its normal size.<\/p>\n With this discovery, another terror seized Joe.\u00a0 How could he<\/strong> ever get the two of them out of this gorge?\u00a0 He knew it would be nearly impossible for him to carry Adam out, but what else could he do.\u00a0 Lost in thought, he almost missed the low moan as Adam\u2019s eyes fluttered and opened.\u00a0 \u201cThank God, you\u2019re back!\u00a0 I thought we had lost you, older brother. Don\u2019t try to move,\u201d Joe said quietly.\u00a0 The best response Adam could offer was another moan. The injured man\u2019s eyes swept the ledge in panic.\u00a0 He tried to sit up, but the pain that wracked his body was too great and he fell back.\u00a0\u00a0 Adam was dimly aware of Joe\u2019s voice and tried to focus on it, but too much pain filled his world and the comfortable darkness began to settle back over him.<\/p>\n \u201cNo Adam, you can\u2019t go back to sleep! You might never come back.\u00a0 Fight it!\u201d\u00a0 Joe choked out. \u201cI need you here with me! I need you to tell me what to do.\u201d\u00a0\u00a0 He wanted to shake his brother, anything to keep Adam from lapsing unconscious.\u00a0 Running from the shelter of the rocks, Joe scooped up another handful of snow.\u00a0 He rubbed more on Adam\u2019s face and forced some into his mouth.<\/p>\n The melting snow felt good as it trickled down Adam\u2019s parched throat.\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cMore,\u201d he rasped through dry and cracked lips.\u00a0 Joe gently held his brother\u2019s head and fed him a few mouthfuls of the only sustenance available.<\/p>\n \u201cAdam, I want you to try to listen to me,\u201d Joe began patiently.\u00a0 \u201cWe are in a mess of trouble.\u00a0 Do you remember any of what happened?\u00a0 You banged your head really good bouncing down the ravine, so that killer headache you are enjoying\u00a0 is a probably a concussion. Anybody but a New England granite head would be dead.\u00a0 You also managed to mess your knee up nicely. Quite frankly older brother, I don\u2019t know how to get us out of this mess.\u00a0 Any ideas? Joe looked down to find Adam asleep.\u00a0 \u201cADAM!\u00a0 Look at me.\u00a0 I know you\u2019re hurting, but you have to stay awake.\u201d\u00a0 Adam\u2019s eyes opened a slit. \u201cGood. Now listen, the way I see it, neither one of us can survive another night down here. I am near froze to the core.\u00a0 My clothes are soaked and there\u2019s not one spot on me that isn\u2019t bruised, \u00a0scraped, scratched or bleeding.\u00a0\u00a0 We have to get out of here before nightfall.\u201d\u00a0 Then, doubtfully Joe added.\u00a0 Do you think you could manage?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYeah, don\u2019t worry about me. I\u2019ll be fine after I get something to eat and warm up.\u00a0 When did the fire go out?\u201d \u00a0Adam asked.<\/p>\n \u201cWell, older brother, that\u2019s another problem.\u00a0 We don\u2019t have any food or means to start a fire.\u00a0 It\u2019s all with the horses and who knows where they are.\u00a0 Believe me if we had matches there\u2019d be a huge fire blazing by now!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cLook in my vest pocket, Joe, there ought to be some in there.\u00a0 Or did you already look?\u201d<\/p>\n With a sheepish look, Joe reached into the vest pocket and pulled out a small tin of matches. \u201cOh. Look.\u00a0 I\u2019ll have that fire glowing in no time older brother.\u00a0 We\u2019re in great shape now.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNever mind, just give me a minute to get up.\u201d\u00a0 Adam said pushing himself to a sitting position.\u00a0 His world swam and nausea overtook him.\u00a0 Joe tenderly laid his brother back down and covered him with his own jacket.\u00a0 \u201cI guess maybe I hurt more than I wanted to let on,\u201d Adam said quietly.<\/p>\n \u201cShhh.\u00a0 Don\u2019t worry about anything.\u00a0 This time, let me take care of you.\u00a0 We\u2019re going to be fine, I promise.\u00a0 Now you just rest and leave everything to me,\u201d Joe declared as he searched for some dry twigs and leaves for the fire.<\/p>\n \u201cI guess this time I\u2019ll have to, little brother.\u00a0 You know you\u2019ll have to climb out of here and go for help don\u2019t you.\u00a0\u00a0 You can\u2019t be feeling too great either, so that\u2019s not going to be easy. Remember to move slowly and watch where you put your feet and\u2026.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cIs this how you relax?\u201d\u00a0 laughed Joe as he struck a match.<\/p>\n \u201cUmm,\u201d it was Adam\u2019s turn to look sheepish. \u201cOld habits die hard you know.\u00a0 But you really can\u2019t be feeling all that good.\u00a0 You look pretty beat up.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m fine, Adam.\u00a0 You\u2019re right though.\u00a0 I am gonna have the devil\u2019s own climb out of here.\u00a0 Will you be all right while I\u2019m gone? I hate the thought of just leaving you here… I could never forgive myself if something\u2026\u201d This was all the incentive Joe needed.\u00a0 After surveying the ravine, he chose his route.\u00a0 Ironically, the easiest way out was they way he had skidded down the day before.\u00a0 Slowly and carefully, he began his ascent.\u00a0 The rock wall shimmered as the sun\u2019s rays bounced off the snow and ice.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0Before long, the skin on Joe\u2019s fingers and knees was shredded.\u00a0 Blood marked each painful handhold, but his promise to Adam would not allow him to slow down or rest.\u00a0 As he reached the lip of the ravine, his last ounce of strength gave way.\u00a0 His heart and soul begged him to go on, but his body could not respond.<\/p>\n CHAPTER THREE<\/strong><\/p>\n \u201cWell, what do we have here Jeb?\u201d \u00a0Joe was only vaguely aware of the stranger\u2019s smooth, mellow voice.\u00a0 .\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cJeb, help me get this young fella into the buckboard. I believe he\u2019s done passed out.\u00a0 I\u2019ll cover him with this tarp, but give me your blanket too; he\u2019s about froze to death.\u00a0 Be quick about it, hear?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThere young fella, you just relax and get warm.\u00a0 My nephew and I will have you fixed up in no time.\u00a0 It\u2019s a good thing we took this trail on our way back from town.\u00a0 We don\u2019t usually go this way.\u201d<\/p>\n The bouncing of the buckboard over the rock hard ground finally brought Joe back from his reoccurring nightmare. \u00a0His body ached from the cold and bruises, but he sat up and looked around.\u00a0 \u201cMister!\u00a0 How long have I been out?\u00a0 Where are we?\u00a0 STOP!\u201d<\/p>\n The driver of the wagon turned calmly to Joe, \u201cWell, young fella\u2026 glad to see your back with us and so talkative too! \u00a0Wasn\u2019t too sure you\u2019d make it.\u00a0 You\u2018ve been mumbling out of your mind for nearly an hour.\u00a0 Oh well, it doesn\u2019t matter now.\u00a0 Some warm, dry clothes and food will have you back to rights in no time.\u201d<\/p>\n Joe was frantic. \u201cI\u2019ve been out an hour?\u00a0 Turn the wagon around!\u00a0 My brother is back in that ravine and he\u2019s hurt bad, I need your help to get him out!\u201d \u00a0His head pounded in echo to the wild thumping of his heart.<\/p>\n \u201cClam down young un. You\u2019re in no great shape your self.\u00a0 I don\u2019t want you passin\u2019 out again.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cJeb, did you see anybody else by that ravine?\u00a0 No?\u00a0 I didn\u2019t either, but maybe I ought to see what this fella is carrying on about.\u00a0 I\u2019m gonna turn around, but you head back to the cabin and fetch that good long rope that\u2019s hanging in the barn, the block and tackle, and the belly band.\u00a0 We might could use it as a harness if need be.\u00a0 Catch up with us as soon as you can.\u00a0 Better bring some bandages, food and water too.\u00a0 Never can tell.\u201d\u00a0 \u00a0Turning back to his passenger, the driver inquired, \u201cNow, can you tell me who you are?\u201d<\/p>\n Joe sank back in relief as Jeb galloped past on his way to the cabin. \u201dMy name is Joe Cartwright.\u00a0 I was out hunting with my older brother. Our horses got spooked and threw us both down into that ravine where you found me.\u00a0 That was late yesterday.\u00a0 Adam\u2019s head injury kept him out cold until this morning. He also busted up his knee so he couldn\u2019t climb out.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cCartwright eh?\u00a0 Well you ain\u2019t on Ponderosa land, but you ain\u2019t too far from it neither. \u00a0\u00a0Just settle back under those covers and rest yourself.\u00a0 Here, have a swig from my canteen.\u201d<\/p>\n Joe uncorked the canteen,\u00a0 threw down a big swallow, and came up sputtering. \u201cThat\u2019s\u2026 that\u2019s not water!\u00a0 You could have warned me,\u201d but the burn in his throat felt wonderful and he helped himself to another drink.\u00a0 The dark haired young man settled back down and slept.<\/p>\n \u201cHere we are.\u201d\u00a0\u00a0 The old man reined his horses to a stop beside the ravine.\u00a0 Joe, with his blanket pulled tightly around him, climbed out of the wagon and peered over the edge.<\/p>\n \u201cAdam! We\u2019ll have you out in no time older brother.\u00a0 Just like I promised,\u201d he called.<\/p>\n \u201cYou sure he\u2019s down there?\u201d asked the old man.\u00a0 \u201cLooks mighty empty to me.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n CHAPTER FOUR<\/strong><\/p>\n Hoss hung up Chubb\u2019s bridle and closed the barn door.\u00a0 As he walked towards the house, he was surprised to hear approaching hoof beats.\u00a0 \u201cPa, get out here!\u201d he directed.\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cCochise and Sport just come racing in here like their tails was on fire.\u00a0 Look, they still have all of Little Joe and Adam\u2019s gear tied on.\u201d<\/p>\n The worried look on Hoss\u2019s face found its reflection in Ben\u2019s.\u00a0 \u201cAny\u2026blood?\u201d Ben winced.\u00a0 Not waiting for an answer, he examined each animal thoroughly for clues to his sons\u2019 disappearance.\u00a0 No signs of foul play were evident, but nothing else was either.\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cThey wouldn\u2019t just leave their horses untied to wander off.\u00a0 Not with all their gear!\u00a0 Weren\u2019t they supposed to be checking some of the line shacks for winter supplies?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYes, Pa, but I\u2019m afraid they was more interested in tracking that wolf than riding the line.\u00a0 They may have gotten side tracked,\u201d Hoss admitted.\u00a0 He continued to check over the pinto and the bay.\u00a0 \u201cTake a look.\u00a0 This stuff ain\u2019t been unpacked since they left here early yesterday.\u00a0 Adam\u2019s rifle is still here.\u00a0 Both their canteens are here too.\u00a0 Pa, we\u2019ve got to go lookin\u2019 for them.\u00a0 Something\u2019s awful wrong.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI don\u2019t even know where to begin! I know where they were supposed to be, but apparently they had other ideas…\u201d Ben began.<\/p>\n \u201cNow Pa,\u201d Hoss cut in, \u201clet\u2019s find them first, get them home, then you can holler at them.\u00a0 I\u2019ll get our horses saddled.\u00a0\u00a0 I think I heard them talkin\u2019 about taking the trail that goes along Cold Creek Ravine.\u00a0 It\u2019s a place to start anyway.\u201d<\/p>\n Ben concentrated on getting his horse and supplies ready for the search, but Hoss had no trouble reading the worry behind his father\u2019s stern face.\u00a0 \u201cPa, I\u2019m sure we\u2019ll find them OK.\u00a0 Joe is too ornery and Adam is just too\u2026 too Adam for them to be in much trouble.\u00a0 Together they can handle just about anything, provided they don\u2019t kill each other first.\u00a0\u00a0 We\u2019ll probably find them all warm and toasty, holed up in a \u00a0line shack arguing over some girl.\u00a0 Don\u2019t you worry none.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n CHAPTER FIVE<\/p>\n It took nearly two hours for Ben and Hoss to work their way up to the Cold Creek ridge.\u00a0 Another light dusting of snow covered the riders and any previous tracks.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cHoss, look, is that a cabin up ahead?\u00a0 I had heard there were some people up here. \u201c<\/p>\n \u201cLooks like it to me.\u00a0 I\u2019ll ride ahead and check it out,\u201d Hoss volunteered.\u00a0 In truth, he was anxious to get away from his father\u2019s foul mood.\u00a0 The nasty weather and Ben\u2019s concern for Adam and Little Joe had not made for a pleasant ride.\u00a0 \u201cDadburnit!\u201d Hoss muttered in frustration.\u00a0 \u201cIf I find those two in this shack all warm and happy they are gonna wish they\u2019d never seen any dadblamed wolf. \u201c<\/p>\n \u201cHELLO THE HOUSE!\u201d Hoss called out.\u00a0 \u201cAnybody home?\u201d\u00a0 He looked around for signs of anyone having been there lately.\u00a0 He tied up Chubb and went up to the door.\u00a0 “Hello?\u00a0 Joe, Adam, you in there?\u201d\u00a0 The sound of an approaching rider caught his attention.<\/p>\n The rider reined his horse to a stop.\u00a0 \u201cHey, what bring\u2019s you way up here in this weather? \u201c<\/p>\n \u201cMy name is Hoss Cartwright.\u00a0 My Pa and I are up here looking for my two brothers.\u00a0 Their horses came in early this morning without them.\u00a0 You didn\u2019t have any unexpected visitors last night did you?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cCan\u2019t say, my uncle and I were in town last night.\u00a0 On our way back we nearly ran over a young man layin by the trail about seven miles back.\u00a0 He was pretty banged up and near froze to death. My uncle\u2019s back up the trail stayin with him.\u00a0 Reckon that could be one of the men you\u2019re looking for? \u201c<\/p>\n \u201cYou say there was just one fella?\u201d \u00a0Hoss asked crestfallen.\u00a0 \u201cAny idea what he was doing out there?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNa, I don\u2019t know anything about him.\u00a0 Like I said, he was about passed out by the side of the trail.\u00a0 Couldn\u2019t tell much except that he was in pretty bad shape.\u00a0 You know though, when he come to, he did say his brother was hurt down in that ravine.\u00a0\u00a0 That\u2019s why my uncle sent me back here, for bandages and stuff. I can take you back with me if you\u2019d like and we could sure use an extra hand.\u201d<\/p>\n Hoss was back on Chubb in an instant.\u00a0 \u201cHere\u2019s my Pa now.\u00a0 Let\u2019s ride.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cAny news, son?\u201d asked a bone- tired weary Ben.<\/p>\n \u201cCould be.\u00a0 This fella\u2019s on his way back to the ravine.\u00a0 He and his uncle found an injured man.\u00a0 It has to be Joe or Adam.\u00a0\u00a0 He didn\u2019t know the fella\u2019s name, just that the man was wore out and banged up pretty bad.\u00a0 Even if it\u2019s not Joe or Adam, they could use some help.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n CHAPTER 6<\/strong><\/p>\n \u201c<\/strong>Just how far is your cabin, Mister?\u00a0 Jeb\u2019s been gone for a mighty long time.\u00a0 I can\u2019t just sit here, my brother needs me!\u201d\u00a0 \u00a0Joe paced the rim of the ravine, the anxiety clearly visible in his green eyes.<\/p>\n \u201cSettle down Joe.\u00a0 By the way, the name is Dougall, Thorn Dougall.\u00a0 Anyway, Jeb will be back when he is back.\u00a0 Frettin\u2019s not gonna help you or your brother.\u00a0 Give him another holler.\u00a0 See if he\u2019ll answer you this time.\u201d<\/p>\n Not seeing much sense in this effort, Joe was about to make a sarcastic reply when he thought he heard something.\u00a0 He strained every muscle and listened again.\u00a0 From far down in the ravine, a raspy voice was barely audible, \u201cIs anyone up there?\u201d<\/p>\n Joe breathed a sigh of relief, but before he could get out a reply, Thorn sang out, \u201cSure is!\u00a0 We\u2019ll have you out in no time.\u00a0 Just sit tight and be patient.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cFriend, in that I have no choice.\u00a0 What about my brother? Did you find him?\u00a0 Is Joe all right?\u201d\u00a0 This brief \u00a0but exhausting conversation was more than Adam\u2019s pounding head and searing knee could tolerate.\u00a0 He sank back into his dark oblivion.<\/p>\n \u201cADAM!\u00a0 It\u2019s Joe.\u00a0 Just be patient a little while longer.\u00a0 I won\u2019t fail you this time.\u00a0 Adam?\u00a0 ADAM!!\u201d\u00a0 Joe\u2019s own head felt ready to explode.\u00a0 That hated feeling of helplessness had begun to wash over him, and his world began to spin.<\/p>\n \u201cSit down Joe.\u00a0 Take some deep breaths.\u00a0 I can\u2019t help get your brother out if I have to be worryin about you.<\/p>\n Just get back in the wagon and rest.\u00a0 I\u2019ll let you know the minute I see Jeb coming,\u201d directed Mr. Dougall.\u00a0 As Joe stumbled back to the wagon he could have sworn he heard Thorn mutter something about Cartwrights and army mules.\u00a0 Once back in the buckboard, Joe was asleep in a matter of minutes and the dream descended once again.<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2026I\u2026I can\u2019t Adam, I need to get Hoss or Pa.\u00a0 They are bigger.\u00a0 They can help you.\u00a0 I\u2019ll be right back I promise.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n \u201cJoe!! Don\u2019t leave, I need your help.\u00a0 Don\u2019t leave me!\u00a0 JOE!<\/em><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n CHAPTER 7<\/strong><\/p>\n Adam slowly regained consciousness and moaned in disgust.\u00a0 He hated not being in control.\u00a0 His younger brothers often accused him of wanting to rule the whole civilized world.\u00a0 Right now he would be happy with just ruling his own head.\u00a0\u00a0 The exploding pain in his head would not cease no matter how hard he tried to will it away.\u00a0 If that wasn\u2019t enough, he could not even stand on his own.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Adam snorted as he remembered the stranger\u2019s admonishment to be patient.\u00a0\u00a0 Patience was not something he had in unlimited supply, and his reserve was waning fast. This was not the way things were supposed to be.\u00a0 What in the world, was he doing in a mess like this?<\/p>\n In an effort to distract himself, Adam tried to recall the events of the past 24 hours.\u00a0 He remembered riding with Joe as they tracked that misbegotten wolf.\u00a0 Joe was worried about the weather and wanted to head for the line shack, but he had goaded his little brother in to continuing the hunt.\u00a0 \u201cWe have plenty of time before that storm could hit, it will probably miss us anyway.\u00a0 Look, these tracks are still fresh.\u00a0 He couldn\u2019t be too far ahead.\u00a0 I know we can get him if you don\u2019t quit on me now.\u00a0 Or can\u2019t you take a little cold weather, little<\/u> brother?\u201d\u00a0 \u00a0Those words came back to haunt him as he fingered Joe\u2019s tattered green corduroy jacket \u00a0and pulled it more tightly around his broad shoulders.<\/p>\n .\u00a0\u00a0 Guilt blew through him like a shotgun blast as he remembered his promise to Marie.\u00a0 \u201cMarie, I am so sorry for deliberately putting Joe in danger.\u00a0 Give him the strength to forgive me,\u201d Adam sighed. The mess they were in was his fault.\u00a0 Adam reckoned his injuries were the price he had to pay for his stubbornness, but Little Joe had paid a high price too.<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n CHAPTER 8<\/strong><\/p>\n \u201c<\/strong>Hey Joe, wake up.\u00a0 Someone\u2019s coming, must be Jeb.\u00a0 Looks like he brought help too!\u00a0 Joe! Wake up,\u201d Thorn gently shook Joe in an effort to rouse him from his troubled rest. \u00a0\u00a0Joe was slow to release his hold on the ever-present nightmare.<\/p>\n \u201cAdam!\u00a0 Adam I\u2019m sorry!\u201d Joe cried in a husky voice.<\/p>\n \u201cShh, \u00a0young fella, it\u2019s going to be fine.\u00a0 We\u2019ll take care of Adam.\u00a0 Look, Jeb\u2019s brought some other men with him.\u201d<\/p>\n Joe rubbed his throbbing temples as he willed himself to sit up.\u00a0 Following Thorn\u2019s gaze to the south, he saw the familiar silhouettes of Ben and Hoss gallop toward him.\u00a0\u00a0 He clambered out of the buckboard and tried to intercept the riders, but his aching muscles would not allow for any swift movements.<\/p>\n \u201cHey Shortshanks, you look awful, but you never looked better to me,\u201d Hoss exclaimed with his customary good nature.<\/p>\n \u201cYou look pretty good to me, brother,\u201d Joe answered with a crack in his voice.\u00a0 \u201cPa, Adam\u2019s hurt.\u00a0 I had to leave him down there while I went for help.\u00a0 I\u2019m sorry,\u201d Joe gave in to his tears as he hugged his father.<\/p>\n Ben clung to his son and tried consoling him, \u201cJoseph, you did what had to be done.\u00a0 We\u2019ll take over from here.\u00a0 You need to go back to the wagon and rest.\u201d<\/p>\n Joe just stood there.\u00a0 It was his responsibility to get Adam out of that ravine and no one else\u2019s. \u201cNo. Pa, I can\u2019t do that.\u00a0 I have to try to get Adam out.\u00a0 I have to try.\u201d<\/p>\n Ben started to protest, but recognizing the steely look in his youngest son\u2019s face, and thought better of it. \u201cI\u2019ll tie the rope off on the buckboard.\u00a0 You and Hoss go after your brother. Jeb do you think you could give Hoss a hand on the rope?\u201d<\/p>\n Joe lowered himself carefully over the edge of the ravine.\u00a0 He was getting to know this rocky wall a little better than he had ever wanted.\u00a0 The rope burned into his ungloved hands as he inched his way towards the ledge where his oldest brother lay injured.\u00a0 \u201cGuess who, big brother?\u201d Joe kidded upon seeing Adam alert. \u201cI bet you thought I\u2019d never get back!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cOh?\u00a0 Have you been gone?\u00a0 Now that you mention it though, It has been delightfully quiet around here the last several hours ,\u201d Adam said with a wink.\u00a0 \u201cAnd look, you even brought some friends.\u201d\u00a0 Adam hoped his joking would put Joe at ease.<\/p>\n Joe looked up to see Hoss and Jeb scrambling down the rope after him.\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cI better move, \u00a0it doesn\u2019t look like Hoss\u2019 brakes are working too well.\u201d<\/p>\n Once on the ledge Hoss yelled up to his father, \u201cMade it!\u00a0\u00a0 Joe and Adam are down here joshin me, so they must not be too bad off.\u00a0 We\u2019ll\u00a0 be up in no time, don\u2019t fret\u00a0 Pa, get that block and tackle ready to go.\u201d\u00a0 Ben looped the rope around the sturdiest tree he could find and threw the other end down towards his sons.<\/p>\n \u201cOkay, brothers, let\u2019s get you out of here.\u00a0 Joe, I\u2019m gonna need your help to guide Adam, once we get him strapped to this board.\u00a0 Jeb and I\u2019ll pull, but you will have to keep the sled moving.\u00a0 Adam, your job is hold on tight and let us do the work.\u00a0 Everybody ready?\u201d\u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0Hoss and Jeb climbed back up a ways and grabbed the loose end of the rope.<\/p>\n With a jolt that registered plainly on Adam\u2019s face, the sled began to move.\u00a0 Joe did his best to guide the makeshift stretcher around the rough spots, but his success was limited.\u00a0 A fact that was painfully clear to Adam,<\/p>\n \u201cJoe, is this your revenge?\u00a0 Making sure that I bounce over every <\/strong>tree root and rock.\u201d Adam teased quietly.<\/p>\n \u201cUh Huh, I reckon one good jolt for every time you tried to boss me around sounds about right.\u00a0 Let\u2019s see, only about eighteen years worth left to go.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYou boys are real funny down there, but this hill is as steep as a mule\u2019s face, and we could use more help at your end,\u201d reprimanded Hoss.<\/p>\n Without notice an ominous crack split the air.\u00a0\u00a0 Hoss and Jeb found themselves holding a very short end of rope, as Adam and Little Joe found themselves careening back down the ravine they had nearly escaped.\u00a0 While everyone watched in silent horror, Joe had the wherewithal to grab Adam\u2019s outstretched hand as he skid past.\u00a0 The extra drag slowed the men\u2019s descent and allowed Joe to snag a tree stump with his other arm.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Something in his shoulder popped and the pain was blinding, but Joe would not release his hold on Adam.\u00a0 He closed his eyes and begged for God\u2019s help.<\/p>\n \u201cJoe! Joe ! Thank God for those quick reflexes, you saved both our hides,\u201d but \u00a0seeing Joe\u2019s face contort in agony, Adam demanded ,\u201dJoe, what happened?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNothin\u201d, I\u2019m fine,\u201d Joe said through clenched teeth.\u00a0 \u201cHang on Adam, let me pull you over here.\u00a0 At least we won\u2019t slip any more, \u201c and with his good arm Joe hauled his brother to safety.<\/p>\n Ben witnessed Joe\u2019s actions and cried from the ravine\u2019s edge, \u201c My God! Joe! Adam!\u00a0 Are you okay?\u201d<\/p>\n Adam tried to clear his head, long enough to get out a response. \u201cYeah, but I think Joe did something to his shoulder.\u00a0 Pa get us out of here,\u201d came Adam\u2019s weary plea.<\/p>\n \u201cJust hang on boys.\u00a0 Hoss and Jeb just about have things ready to go again.\u00a0 The calm voice belied the fact that Ben was nearly at his wits end.\u00a0 The thought of losing any of his boys was worse than confronting his own demise, but to lose all three in one freak accident was devilish torture.\u00a0 If God willed such a tragedy, he knew he would not have the strength to go on.<\/p>\n Sensing Ben was near his breaking point, Thorn urged him back to the wagon for a swig from his special canteen.\u00a0 \u201cIt\u2019s medicinal, and you look like you could use a wee bit of medicine right about now.\u00a0 Your boys will be back on solid ground in no time.\u00a0 My Jeb is strong as an ox, just like your boy.\u00a0 They\u2019ll get them up this time, you can count on it. \u201c<\/p>\n Ben,\u00a0 like Little Joe, savored the burn as it trickled down his throat.\u00a0 He was grateful to have Thorn and his canteen around, \u201cThanks, Thorn.\u00a0 I guess my concern is more than a little obvious.\u00a0 Those boys are my life, plain and simple.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNo need to explain, Ben. \u00a0After my wife died, I found myself at loose ends. \u00a0\u00a0When my brother sent Jeb out here last year, it gave me a whole new reason to live.\u00a0 Jeb sort of gave me roots again.\u00a0 It\u2019s been good for him too, I think.\u00a0 We need each other.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYeah, you do understand,\u201d Ben said quietly.\u00a0 He walked back towards the ravine\u2019s edge just in time to see Hoss and Jeb pull his oldest son to safety.\u00a0 Adam was black and blue from head to toe, but he was alive.\u00a0 Ben helped Adam to the buckboard and hugged the dazed young man until he was yelping for air.<\/p>\n \u201cHey! What about me?\u201d demanded an exhausted and battered Little Joe with that gleam in his eye.\u00a0 Hoss was at his little brother\u2019s side in a heartbeat.\u00a0 \u201cOoh.\u00a0 Careful there older brother, one of your bear hugs would just about do me in.\u201d\u00a0 \u00a0Hoss gently scooped Joe up in his strong arms and deposited him next to Adam in the wagon.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n CHAPTER 9<\/strong><\/p>\n The two weary brothers were bundled up, fed and taken to the Dougall cabin for the night.\u00a0 After the worst of their injuries were attended to, they found themselves packed off to bed for a well-deserved rest.\u00a0\u00a0 Ben and Thorn passed the night reminiscing over times and loves since gone.\u00a0 Hoss and Jeb formed a fast friendship over endless checker games and stories of their own.<\/p>\n The house had just gone dark when Joe\u2019s dream caught up with him once more.\u00a0 \u00a0He tossed and turned replaying the painful scene in his mind. \u00a0\u00a0As the terrifying scene played out, Joe saw the familiar seven-year-old stare in horror as his older brother slipped beneath the ice.\u00a0 He heard the older boy cry out to his little brother for help. \u00a0\u00a0It was all happening again!\u00a0 However, this time there was a difference.\u00a0 This time the little boy climbed with confidence onto the back of his brother\u2019s horse.\u00a0 With all of his little- boy- might, he threw the rope towards his brother\u2019s outstretched hands. \u00a0\u00a0After securing the rope to the saddle horn, Joe urged the horse forward and pulled the older boy to safety.<\/p>\n Joe woke with a start.\u00a0 He looked towards Adam lying in the next bed, and let loose a grin rivaled by none.\u00a0 Joe knew that nightmare would never haunt him again.<\/p>\n The End<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Summary:\u00a0 A wolf hunt leads to more than one nightmare for two brothers.
\n
\n\u201cJoe, now you listen,\u201d each word brought a new wave of pain crashing through Adam\u2019s head. \u201cI know how you feel, but we have no other choice.\u00a0 Unless Sport or Cochise found the way home, no one will even be missing us for another two days. Even then, we aren\u2019t exactly where we were supposed to be.\u00a0 Anyway, we can\u2019t just sit down here and wait to be found.\u00a0 I\u2019ll be fine. \u00a0Joe, buddy, you\u2019re it, you have to find help.\u201d \u00a0This final plea was too much and Adam once again fell unconscious.<\/p>\n
\nRating:\u00a0 T\u00a0 (5,475 words)<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":12436,"featured_media":375,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_jetpack_newsletter_access":"","_jetpack_dont_email_post_to_subs":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_tier_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paywalled_content":false,"_jetpack_feature_clip_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":"","jetpack_publicize_message":"","jetpack_publicize_feature_enabled":true,"jetpack_social_post_already_shared":true,"jetpack_social_options":{"image_generator_settings":{"template":"highway","default_image_id":0,"font":"","enabled":false},"version":2},"jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false,"_members_access_role":[],"_members_access_error":""},"categories":[1091,23],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-69974","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-adam-joe","category-drama","wpcat-1091-id","wpcat-23-id"],"jetpack_publicize_connections":[],"jetpack_likes_enabled":true,"jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/04\/coming-soon-5.jpg?fit=768%2C576&ssl=1","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/69974","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/12436"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=69974"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/69974\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":69975,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/69974\/revisions\/69975"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/375"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=69974"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=69974"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=69974"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}