The Wild Ride
The stage jolted over the rough terrain, violently bouncing the passengers inside. One of the passengers, a slender, green-eyed young man of around 18 slammed into the side of the older man sitting next to him. The dark-haired, dark-eyed man sighed heavily. He glanced in sympathy at the younger man, and smiled slightly. “Tough trip, huh, Joe?” he murmured.
Adam and Joe Cartwright had been on the stage for two days now, returning home from a round of contract negotiations and cattle buying. The stagecoach they were traveling on was very old, and seemed to find each rut and pothole in the road and magnify them. The two men were the only passengers on the stage and they were both heartily tired of the trip. They had tried sitting on opposite sides of the stage, but had found that the violent jolting was worse when seated alone. Bumping into each other was preferable to bouncing off the hard walls of the stage itself.
Little Joe Cartwright grinned back at his older brother and ruefully rubbed his sore shoulder. “Sorry, Adam” he responded lightly. “I think every bone in my body hurts. I can’t wait to get home.”
Adam sighed again. “Three more days of this,” he said mournfully. “I don’t think I’m going to make it.”
Another rut in the road sent Adam careening into Little Joe this time. Joe grunted at the impact, and pushed his brother off of his arm. He glanced up at Adam, and the two men started laughing. Some of the journey’s tedium seemed to slip from the pair, and their sense of comradeship deepened.
Adam and Little Joe Cartwright loved each other deeply. Either man would have cheerfully given his life for the other, but their temperaments caused them to mix like oil and water. Adam was solemn, contemplative, and introspective. His outlook on life was tinged by the tragedy of losing three mothers. Little Joe, on the other hand, had grown up as the petted, spoiled baby of a doting family. He was like quicksilver. One minute cheerful, laughing his infectious giggle, the next scowling and lashing out in a fierce anger. His moods flitted in and out at lightening speed. Sometimes it was hard for his family to keep up with them.
Adam had enjoyed this trip with Joe. For once, the brothers hadn’t argued about anything. They had finished all the business chores their father had assigned to them, and had spent a lot of time just talking and enjoying each other’s company. The bone-jarring stagecoach ride couldn’t put a damper on the contentment felt by the two men.
“Hey, Adam.”
Adam was jolted out of his reverie by his younger brother’s questioning look. He sent an inquiring look in his brother’s direction.
“What do you suppose was in that box they loaded on the stage at the last stop?” Joe asked. “They had three men guarding it at the station, but then they didn’t get on the stage with it.” Joe pulled a canteen off the seat next to him, uncapped it and took a drink before passing it on to his older brother.
After a swallow of the tepid water, Adam replied “I don’t know Joe.” He wiped his hand across his mouth, a considering look on his face. “It’s obviously something pretty valuable, but why the guards didn’t stay with it is a mystery. I wondered if they were hoping people wouldn’t think the box was on this stage if the guards weren’t on the stage either. It seems like a risky move to me. If the thing in that box is that valuable then it should have a guard with it.” Adam shook his head.
“I’d sure like to get a look at what’s in the box, wouldn’t you?” Joe asked, a cheeky grin on his face.
“Not on your life, little brother,” Adam replied, grinning back at him. “I just hope that we get home in one piece. I could care less what they have stowed in the baggage of this stage coach.”
Just then the stage hit another rut, and Adam was flung into the side of the coach, then bounced back onto his brother. The two men burst out laughing, thoughts of the mysterious box forgotten.
*************
The stage continued its jolting ride, but exhaustion prevailed and Adam and Joe finally slept. The sound of shots from behind the coach jolted Adam awake. He peered out the window of the stagecoach, and could just make out a band of four men pelting after the stage on horseback, firing wildly as they rode.
Adam drew his own weapon and fired back at the riders. The driver whipped the horses to greater speed, frantically working the reins and shouting at the horses. Joe, hearing Adam’s shot, woke as well, and making a quick appraisal of the situation drew his gun and leaned out of his window. He took aim at the distant riders and began firing. A shot pinged off the coach just by Joe’s head, and he rapidly ducked back into the interior of the coach. Adam pulled his head in at the same time, and took a quick look at his brother. “I think someone knows that box is on this stage, Joe.” Adam said ironically.
Joe just grinned and nodded, then stuck his head out of the window again. He fired off another couple of rounds, but failed to hit anyone. Adam reloaded his gun, and then also took aim at the pursuing men. Suddenly, the driver of the stagecoach cried out in pain as a bullet found him, his body arching backwards, his hands loosening on the reins. He slipped sideways and fell from the moving vehicle, his body hitting the roadway with a sickening thud. The horses feeling the lack of a driver careened around a bend in the trail, the coach weaving from side to side as it was towed along.
“We’ve got to stop the horses,” Joe yelled to Adam. “Cover me!”
Joe pulled himself through the small window, clinging precariously to the frame of the stagecoach while Adam fired at the men behind them. Adam tried to keep an eye on his brother at the same time he was aiming at the men who were chasing them. He sucked in his breath as he saw Joe slip and then clutch frantically at the top of the stage to keep himself from falling. Saying a silent prayer he sent a furious hail of bullets towards their pursuers.
Joe finally managed to reach the roof of the stagecoach. He crawled along the top of the coach and then dropped onto the driver’s seat. He grabbed the reins, and frantically tried to pull the horses to a halt. Calling out to the horses, and sawing on the leather lines, he began to get the animals under control. The stagecoach was still moving too fast as it took the next curve, and almost went over on its side, but Joe hung onto the reins. Finally gaining complete control over the horses, he got the speed of the coach down to a manageable level. He urged the horses to continue forward, but at a safer speed while his brother continued firing his weapon. The four men behind them pulled their winded and spent horses to a halt, and watched in obvious anger and frustration as the stage pulled away from them.
Joe kept the horses moving for several more miles before he finally pulled them to a stop. He sat limply on the seat of the stagecoach, his arms aching from the strain of trying to restrain the team. Adam climbed from the stagecoach and hurried to look up at his little brother. “Are you okay, Joe?” he called anxiously, seeing that his brother wasn’t moving.
Joe drew a shaky breath, wiped his hand over his forehead and called back, “I’m fine, Adam. Just a little shaken up, I think.” He stood up slowly, and climbed down from the driver’s seat. “I think we need to look in that box, Adam. Those men aren’t gonna give up. As soon as their horses are rested, they’ll be coming for us.”
Adam nodded his agreement, and together the brothers lifted the crate from the top of the stage. It was lighter than they had expected, and they eagerly worked to pry the lid from the box. Resting inside the wooden crate was a smaller box. Adam drew the smaller box into his lap, and worked to take the top off of it. Joe gasped as the lid was drawn aside. Nestled on a bed of velvet, gleaming like stars in the nighttime sky, lay a necklace of diamonds. The diamonds were graduated in size, from tiny splinters adjacent to the clasp to a huge center stone. Joe had never seen anything like it. He reached out and reverently touched the shimmering stones, letting out a soft whistle of amazement.
“Well, big brother, I think I see what all the shooting was about.” he breathed.
“Yeah,” Adam responded. He gazed into the distance, scanning the horizon for a sight of their pursuers. It appeared they were safe for the moment. “Joe, we’ve got to get out of here, and fast. You’re right. Those men aren’t going to give up, if this is what they’re after.” Adam carefully replaced the diamonds in their velvet nest, as he spoke. Closing the box tightly he sat back on his heels and pushed his hat back on his head.
“What do you think we should do, Adam?” Joe asked, as he watched Adam with worried eyes. “We’re out in the middle of nowhere. It’s at least a half day’s trip to the next way station, and the nearest town must be at least a two day ride.”
“Let’s unhitch the horses from the stage.” Adam directed. “We’re going to have to ride bareback, but we’ll make better time than if we try to drive that stage ourselves.” He was up and moving as he spoke, rapidly assessing the situation and issuing orders as he walked.
Little Joe followed behind his older brother casting an anxious look at the horizon. He hurried to help unhitch the horses from the stage. As he and Adam gathered together a few of their possessions, including their saddlebags, he couldn’t help but wonder if they were going to ever see their home again. Thinking about his father and brother waiting at home did little to dispel Little Joe’s unease.
Adam grabbed the canteen from the seat of the stagecoach and looped it over his shoulder. He stowed the smaller box containing the necklace in one of the saddle bags and draped the bag over the back of one of the horses. He pulled himself up on the horse, and watched as Joe mounted another. After a brief discussion, they turned the two additional horses loose to run wild. They had all they could handle without trying to lead two more horses. The brothers urged their mounts into a trot and set off down the trail.
********************
Purple twilight was creeping across the sky, sending tendrils of darkness across the land. Little Joe and Adam had been riding without stopping, trying to put as much distance between themselves and the band of outlaws as they could. They had moved at as fast a pace as they had dared, having to cope with riding bareback, and making sure that their mounts did not tire. Now finally, their destination lay in view. A tiny shack, with a rickety front porch, a single window and a door came into view. A faded sign reading “Stage Way Station” was mounted above the doorway and appeared to be hanging by one rusty nail.
Adam pointed to the shack and said in relief, “We’ve finally made it Joe. We’re going to pull up here for the night.”
Little Joe looked at the shack and hesitated. “But, Adam, those men behind us are gonna know we’re in here. Wouldn’t it be better if we made a camp somewhere?” He shook his head doubtfully. “We’re gonna be sitting ducks in here.”
Adam sighed. “I know Joe. But we really don’t have much choice. All we have with us is what we’ve got in these saddlebags. We’re not equipped to set up a camp somewhere. At least the shack will give us some protection. We’re just going to have to keep watch to make sure that those men don’t sneak up on us in the night.” He tied his horse to the hitching post in front of the way station as he spoke, then stretched wearily, feeling his back creak in protest.
After another brief hesitation, Little Joe dismounted and hitched his horse to the rail as well. He walked to the porch of the shack, and peered into the interior of the dark, little building. The interior of the building was as unprepossessing as the exterior. A rickety chair, a table that rocked on wobbly legs, and a single narrow cot graced the room. A tiny fireplace, choked with old ashes and debris stood on one wall. Joe let out a whistle. “It’s not much to look at, but I guess it’ll have to do.” he said tiredly. “I’ll go gather some firewood, Adam, if you want to see to the horses. I’ll try to rustle up some game while I’m at it.” Joe strode off into the night.
Adam began to settle the horses down for the night. They had worked hard all day, and stood wearily at the hitching rail. They seemed grateful for the attention being bestowed on them, and Adam found a brief moment of relaxation as he bedded them down. As he removed the saddle bags from the backs of the horses, he was reminded of the presence of the necklace. He thought briefly, and then quickly removed the necklace from the box. If for some reason those men caught up with them, Adam wanted to make sure that the necklace was safe. He scanned the area, and then his eyes lit up. He had found the perfect hiding place for the valuable jewels.
The sound of a shot echoed through the night, and several minutes later Little Joe returned to the way station with his arms full of firewood, and carrying the carcass of a rabbit. He entered the small building to find that Adam had swept the fireplace clean of the debris that had filled it, and had readied the space for a fire. Joe dropped his load of wood, smiled briefly at his brother, and then took the rabbit outside to skin and dress for cooking. Adam quickly built up a small fire. When Joe brought the rabbit back in, the two men prepared their simple meal, and then sat by the fire to eat.
“Do you think they’re still after us, Adam?” Joe asked softly. His eyes were shadowed, but Adam thought he could see a hint of nervousness in them.
“Probably,” Adam replied. “We’re going to have to take turns keeping watch tonight, Joe. We don’t want any surprises. Those men are killers, and we’re the only things in the way of them getting that necklace. They won’t hesitate to kill us both if that’s what they think they need to do.”
Adam looked with concern at his younger brother. Joe was drooping with exhaustion. His muscles were tense, and his skin seemed pale. “I’ll take the first watch, little brother. You get some rest.”
After a token protest, Little Joe lay down on the narrow cot, and rolled himself into the filthy, ragged blanket that served as its covering. It was a matter of minutes before the sound of his soft, even breathing filled the room. Adam’s eyes softened as he looked at the face of his youngest brother. In sleep Little Joe appeared impossibly young, younger even than his eighteen years. Involuntarily, Adam’s hand went to Joe’s soft head of curls, and he lightly stroked his brother’s head. Little Joe sighed in his sleep, and nestled more deeply into the tattered blanket. Adam carefully withdrew his hand, determined not to wake his brother, and then went to take up a position by the window. It was going to be a long night.
******************
Five hours later, Adam jerked himself upright. He was sitting on the floor near the window, and kept falling into a doze. Shaking his head, he stood and peered out the window. Nothing moved, and all he heard was the sound of the night insects chirping. He hated to wake his brother, but he knew that if he didn’t he would be too exhausted to be of any help in the morning. Moving to Little Joe’s side, he shook his brother’s shoulder. “Joe...wake up, buddy.” he called gently.
Little Joe’s eyes fluttered open, and he blinked owlishly up at Adam. A look of confusion flitted across his face, and then remembrance flooded him and he jerked upright. “Adam, what is it? Are they here?” he whispered urgently.
“No sign of them yet, Joe,” Adam replied. “But I keep falling asleep. I thought I had better wake you up for a turn of guard duty.” He rubbed his hand across his face as he spoke, and then yawned widely.
Little Joe grinned at his brother. “You do look tired, Older Brother.” he smirked. “Why don’t you lie down and take a nap. Let me handle the watch for a while.” He stood up and moved over to the window and looked out over the moonlit scene. “It sure looks quiet out there.” he started, but stopped as he saw that his older brother was already asleep on the bed. Joe took the blanket and smoothed it over his brother’s shoulders. He then took up his position by the window.
Slowly the hours passed, and Joe felt his eyelids growing heavier and heavier. He kept pacing the confines of the small room in an effort to stay awake, stopping each circuit to check for any activity outside the shack. As the rosy streaks of dawn began to show in the sky, he came to an abrupt halt at the window. Something had moved, he was sure of it. Crouching low, and drawing his gun, Joe tried desperately to get a good look out the window without showing himself.
Abruptly the sound of a horse’s hooves could be heard entering the clearing that surrounded the small way station. Joe saw a single rider moving toward the shack. The rider stopped just at the edge of the clearing, and sat looking at the shack. He didn’t move or call out, he just stared silently. The unnatural silence made Joe’s skin crawl. He looked over at the sleeping form of his brother.
“Adam!” he called, his voice sounding shrill to his ears. “Adam, wake up!”
Adam woke abruptly, and rolled to his side. He saw his younger brother crouched by the window, gun drawn, looking out with eyes that were wide with apprehension. He quickly got up from the bed, and moved to Joe’s side. He too peered out at the rider who still sat looking in their direction. Exchanging measured glances with his younger brother he walked to the door of the shack and opened it. Stepping slowly through the entrance, he called out. “Who are you and what do you want?”
The man on the horse moved a pace closer. “The name’s Hagen.” he said in a guttural voice. “I believe you have something I want, and I’m here to get it.” His eyes bored a hole into Adam, as he stood calmly by the open door.
Little Joe, his gun aimed at the man’s chest to cover his brother, flinched a little at the lack of emotion in the man’s voice. Hagen was a man of a type very familiar to both Adam and Little Joe, a cold blooded, calculating criminal. Anyone who had grown up in the west had seen the type, and tried to avoid them. They were not men who took kindly to being crossed.
Adam cleared his throat, and said in a voice as devoid of tone as Hagen’s had been, “All we have are the things in our saddlebags, and none of it belongs to you. Why don’t you move on and leave us in peace?” He carefully kept his hands in plain view, wanting there to be no mistaking his intentions.
Hagen laughed, no warmth in the sound. “I don’t believe that, Mister, and you know it. I want those diamonds, and I want them now. Are you gonna hand them over to me peacefully, or should I just kill you now?” He made a small move towards his gun.
Suddenly a shot rang out from the shack. A bullet plowed into the dirt in front of Hagen’s horse. Hagen slowly raised his hands in the air, and peered at the shack, trying to make out the figure in the window. Adam looked at him calmly, and said quietly, “We have you covered, Mr. Hagen. You need to ride on out of here, now. We don’t have any diamonds, so if you value your life, move out.”
Hagen shot Adam a look of pure fury, but he abruptly wheeled his horse around, a muffled curse on his lips. “I’ll be back, mister, and next time I won’t stop to ask nicely. I’m gonna have those diamonds, and there ain’t nothin’ you can do about it.” With that he rode out of the clearing at a gallop.
Adam sagged against the doorframe in relief, and heard footsteps behind him. He turned as Little Joe joined him at the door, and gripped his brother’s arm firmly. “Good shooting, Little Joe. I’m glad I had you at my back.” Adam put his arm around his brother’s slender shoulders, and turned him gently back into the shack. “Let’s get our things together and get out of here. I don’t want to wait around and see what happens when Hagen comes back with his gang.”
As they packed their few belongings into the saddlebags, Joe’s eyes kept straying towards the door. Adam intercepted one of the anxious glances, and murmured, “It’s going to be okay, Joe. We’re leaving now. We’ll get the horses and get out of here fast. Hopefully we’ll have seen the last of Hagen and his men.”
Joe snorted in derision. “You don’t really believe that, do you, Big Brother? You’ve seen that necklace. Hagen isn’t gonna rest until he has it, and he isn’t gonna worry about killing us to get it. We both know what kind of man he is, and he isn’t the kind to hesitate when it comes to shooting a man who’s holding something Hagen wants.” Joe grabbed his saddlebag and moved towards the door. “Let’s just get out of here, okay, Adam?”
Adam quickly moved to his brother and grabbed his arm. “Little Joe, as long as we’re in this together, watching each other’s backs, we’ll be okay. Don’t let Hagen get under your skin.” Adam chuckled a little. “We’re the Cartwright brothers, remember. Nobody can take us down, if we don’t want them too.”
Joe’s mood lightened a little at the teasing tone in his brother’s voice. If Adam could joke about the situation they were in, maybe it wasn’t as bad as Joe had been imagining. He gave his brother a brief hug and one of his luminous smiles. “Sure, Adam,” he replied. “We’re gonna be just fine.” Together, the two men left the shack.
Little Joe hastily threw his saddlebag over the back of one of the horses, while Adam did the same to the other. They moved to untie their mounts from the hitching rail. A shot rang out, and a bullet flew through the air and hit the hitching post next to Little Joe’s outstretched hand. Joe hastily drew his gun, and ducked back towards the Way Station. Adam, drawing his own gun as he ran, followed his brother. They backed quickly into the little shack, and slammed the flimsy door shut just as a series of shots could be heard. Bullets slammed into the fragile walls of the little building, but none penetrated.
Adam hastened to the little window and peered out. Breaking the glass with the barrel of his gun, he fired a few warning shots in the direction the bullets had come from. He glanced back at Little Joe just in time to see a look of panic cross his brother’s face.
“Adam!” Little Joe’s voice was frantic. “The saddlebags! We left the saddlebags outside.” Joe moved to the door of the cabin, intent on running out to grab the saddlebags from the horses’ backs.
Adam barreled into Little Joe, knocking him away from the door. “No, Joe!” Adam cried. “Leave them! If you go out there, they’ll kill you.” He struggled to hold onto his brother, who was trying to lunge toward the door.
“But Adam, the diamonds!” Joe was almost in tears. His face was pale and strained. “They’ll get our saddlebags and the diamonds, too! Please, Adam, I’ve got to get those bags back in here with us.”
Adam held Little Joe tightly, grasping both shoulders in his own strong hands. “Joe, the necklace isn’t in the saddlebags. I hid it last night while you were out getting the firewood. Hagen’s men will get nothing if they come for those bags!” Adam shook Little Joe gently. “If you go out there, you’ll be dead in seconds. Joe, use your head, for once.”
The panicky look faded from Little Joe’s eyes. A slow smile began to curve on his lips. “You hid the necklace! Adam, that’s brilliant.” Joe quickly moved to the little window, his gun at the ready. “And when they come for the saddlebags, we can cut them down.”
Adam joined Little Joe at the window, also scanning the surrounding area for signs of movement. Another barrage of bullets rained down on the little shack, and both Cartwrights ducked back momentarily. Two men, using the firestorm to cover themselves, moved quickly towards the horses. Seeing their quarry approaching the shack, Adam and Joe both sighted and fired. One of the men fell, clutching his chest, while the other used the bulk of the horse to shield himself. He quickly stripped the saddlebag from one of the horses and melted into the distance, Little Joe and Adam firing at him as he ran.
The Cartwrights looked at each other in dismay. “He’s got one of them,” Adam said soberly. “As soon as they search it and realize that there’s nothing in it, they’ll be back.”
“At least it cost them,” Joe replied. “Maybe they’ll think twice about coming for that second saddlebag if they think more men will be killed.”
Both men grimaced. They knew that with a prize like the diamond necklace at stake, nothing would stop those men from trying to get it. Adam and Joe turned back to the window, anxiously scanning the clearing for signs of movement. It didn’t take long. Another barrage of bullets began, and using the horse to cover himself, one of the outlaws sidled into view. The Cartwrights returned the fire, but didn’t want to risk shooting the horse. The man moved closer and closer to his prize. Making a final lunge, he was able to grasp the saddlebag and strip it from the horse’s back. Adam cursed, and fired desperately toward the man, who was now angling back into the shelter of the trees. Joe looked at Adam in despair as the man disappeared from view.
“What do we do now, Adam?” Joe asked quietly. He wiped the back of his gun hand across his mouth in a nervous gesture.
“Let’s make a run for it, Joe,” Adam replied. “It’s now or never, while they’re busy with that saddlebag.” Adam was already moving for the door as he spoke.
The Cartwrights opened the door of the Way Station and peered out. Seeing nothing, and hearing no movement, Adam motioned Joe to follow him. They quickly made their way to the horses. Adam untied the nearest horse and quickly swung himself up, watching to make sure that Little Joe did the same. The two men kicked the horses into a gallop and rode quickly away from the little shack. A startled shout from behind them indicated that Hagen and his remaining men were going to be in pursuit in just a few moments.
Above the thunder of the horses’ hooves, Adam called to Joe, “Keep your head down, Little Joe. When they come after us, they’re going to be shooting to kill.”
Joe just nodded, but he ducked his head a little lower as he rode. As the horses crested a rise on the trail, the brothers looked back and saw three men pounding along behind them. The horses from the stage coach were big, strong animals used to working hard. But they had been ridden hard the day before, and then bedded down with no food for the night. They couldn’t keep up the pace being demanded of them. Both Cartwrights knew that it was only a matter of minutes before Hagen and his remaining men caught up with them as they felt their horses flagging.
Adam looked up ahead and spied a small grove of trees. He called for Joe to head towards them, and the brothers tried to spur the horses to a faster pace. They reached the stand of trees just as the Hagen gang came into view again. The sound of gunshots filled the air as the outlaws fired at the fleeing Cartwrights. Adam and Joe slid from the horses’ backs, and made a dash for the cover of the trees. Little Joe ducked behind a wide trunk, and immediately began firing towards the approaching riders. Adam selected another tree a few feet away from Joe, and also pulled his gun and started shooting. For a few moments the sound of gunfire was all that could be heard.
As the three riders approached they fanned out and began to circle around the small cluster of trees. Joe and Adam tried to maintain a constant watch on all three men, but it was proving to be a difficult task. The men stayed low in their saddles and kept moving constantly. Never did either Cartwright have a clear shot at any one of them. Suddenly Little Joe realized he was firing an empty gun. As he pulled his trigger he was rewarded only by the feeble click. Adam continued to fire for a few more minutes and then he too was clutching an empty gun. The brothers looked at each other in dismay.
“Adam, what are we gonna do?” Little Joe asked, his voice strangely calm. He quietly holstered his empty gun.
“We’re going to have to give up, Little Joe,” Adam replied gravely. “I’m sorry, Joe. I thought we would have a better chance than this.” He slowly raised his hands in the air as he spoke, and rose from the crouch he had been in.
“Hagen!” Adam called. “We’re coming out! Don’t shoot!”
Little Joe followed his brother’s lead, and stood with his hands up. The Cartwrights stood and watched as the three outlaws approached, Hagen in the lead, a snarl of laughter on his face.
“Well, boys,” the outlaw drawled. “That was a wild ride, but it’s over now. Give us the diamonds, and maybe we won’t kill you.” He chuckled deep in his throat.
Adam’s face hardened. He knew that Hagen and his gang would kill them whether they retrieved the diamonds or not. He knew that he needed to come up with a plan, and quickly, in order to save his life, as well as the life of his little brother. “I told you before, Hagen, we don’t have any diamonds.” Adam spoke in a quiet, confident tone. “All we know is that you attacked our stagecoach, and then came after us again at the Way Station. Maybe you’d like to explain to us what it is that you want, and why you think we have it.”
Anger flared in Hagen’s eyes, and he leapt from his horse, closing the distance between himself in Adam in two strides. Feeling secure in the knowledge that his two henchmen were holding guns on the man standing before him, Hagen reached out and backhanded Adam across the face. Adam staggered under the ferocity of the blow, blood streaming from a cut on his cheek.
Little Joe lunged forward, intent on reaching his brother, when the ominous click of a bullet entering the chamber of a gun was heard. Little Joe paused briefly, but then moved to Adam’s side, and put his hand on Adam’s arm. “Adam, are you all right?” he asked quickly.
“It’s okay, Joe, I’m fine,” Adam said softly. He turned to face their adversary again, positioning himself so that he stood between Little Joe and Hagen. “We don’t have any diamonds, Hagen. Nothing you do, or say is going to change that. If you don’t believe me, go ahead and search me. You won’t find anything.”
Hagen’s eyes narrowed, and a thoughtful expression crossed his brutish face. He made a quick gesture, and his two men dismounted and moved towards the Cartwrights. At another sign from Hagen each man grabbed one of Little Joe’s arms. “Sure, I’ll search you.” Hagen snarled, “But just to make sure you don’t try anything, my men will be holding the kid.”
Adam stiffened, but said nothing. Little Joe didn’t even glance at the men who held him. He smiled briefly at his brother, in an effort to reassure him, but stood quietly. Hagen advanced on Adam, and roughly patted him down. He thoroughly checked every conceivable place that Adam could have secreted the diamonds, with no result. Each passing moment added to his ire, and he finished his search with another swift backhand to Adam’s face. The force of the blow drove Adam to his knees.
“Adam!” cried Joe, and he struggled in the grasp of the men who held him.
“Joe, stop. I’m okay,” Adam gasped, staggering to his feet. “You see, Hagen. I told you, we don’t have any diamonds. Now let us go.”
“I haven’t checked the kid yet.” Hagen replied, and he advanced towards Little Joe.
Hagen’s henchmen dropped Joe’s arms, and turned towards Adam. They grabbed him and held him just as they had held his little brother. Adam was held fast in a grip of iron. He watched helplessly as Hagen moved towards Little Joe.
Little Joe stood still and waited for the big man’s approach. He stoically endured the same thorough search that Adam had suffered. When the results of the search again yielded no diamonds, Hagen cursed. “Where are they?” he exploded, rage apparent in every word. Turning to the slender boy in front of him, he grabbed Little Joe and shook him violently. No longer in control of his emotions, he pummeled Joe with his huge fists. Over and over the fists landed on Little Joe’s body.
Joe tried to ward off the blows as best he could, and even returned a few of the punches, but his efforts only infuriated Hagen more. With a roar, he unleashed his massive fist. It caught Little Joe on the jaw, and he dropped like a stone.
Adam watched in horror as Hagen turned on Little Joe. He struggled frantically against the two men who held his arms pinioned. “Joe!” he cried when his brother fell to the ground. “Damn it, Hagen, stop it!”
Hagen swung back towards Adam leaving Little Joe on the ground in a heap, blood from a myriad of cuts trickling down his face, his eyes closed, already the purple swelling of bruises becoming apparent. “Now," Hagen said, sanity slowly returning to his eyes, “I think you should tell me where you put the diamonds.”
“Go to hell!” Adam spat out through clenched teeth. “Tell these men to let go of me, so that I can help my brother.” He wrenched futilely against the arms that restrained him.
At a nod from Hagen the two men released their hold on Adam, who almost fell to the ground at the sudden freedom. He immediately regained his balance and moved to his brother’s side. Little Joe lay curled on his side, blood trickling down his face from a gash over his left eye. Bruises were rapidly turning purple on his cheekbones, and a split lip oozed yet more blood. Adam gently touched his brother’s face, and a soft moan issued from Joe’s torn lips.
“Joe, can you hear me?” Adam crooned softly. “Wake up, little brother.” He gently stroked Joe’s cheeks, trying to avoid undue pressure on the bruises that splotched the pale cheeks.
Little Joe’s eyes fluttered open, and he blinked up at Adam. A spasm of pain caused Joe to draw a sharp breath, and clutch at his sore ribcage. “A...Adam, it hurts.” Joe whispered.
Rage burned in Adam’s eyes, but he responded quietly. “I know, Joe. Hold on, buddy. We’re going to get out of this, I promise.” He turned back to Hagen. “My brother needs a doctor. You’ve got to let us go, so that I can get him some help.”
Hagen’s only response was a laugh. “You aren’t going anywhere until I get my diamonds.” he sneered. “If you want a doctor for the kid, then give me what I want.” He gave Adam a challenging stare.
Adam met Hagen’s gaze without flinching. “I don’t know how many more times I’m going to have to tell you we don’t have what you want.” he said levelly. “If you let us go now, I won’t report you to the sheriff. You have my word.”
“Your word!” Hagen sneered. “I don’t believe a word you’re saying, Mister.., who are you anyway? And why should your word mean anything to me?”
Joe moaned again, and Adam immediately turned his attention to the younger man. Joe was struggling to sit up, and Adam gently supported his shoulders, and helped guide him into a sitting position. It was obvious that every movement was causing Joe intense pain. Again Adam felt a surge of raw anger, and he fought to force it down.
“I’m Adam Cartwright,” he said to Hagen. “And this is my brother, Joe. You may have heard of my family. If you have you know that the Cartwright name stands for something. I keep my promises.” Adam crouched next to Joe, keeping his hand on Joe’s shoulder as he spoke.
“Cartwright, hmm.” A thoughtful expression crossed Hagen’s face. “I’ve heard the name. You own a big spread near Virginia City. But that still doesn’t get me my diamonds. You and your brother aren’t going anywhere, Mr. Cartwright, until I get what I came for.” Hagen turned to his henchmen. “Tie their hands, and put them up on their horses. We’re going back to that shack.”
Adam started to protest, but a sharp gesture from Hagen stopped him. He stood quietly, and allowed the men to bind his wrists behind his back. It was only when the men brutally yanked Joe’s arms behind his back, wrenching a gasp of pain from him, that Adam let loose a low growl. “You don’t have to tie him, he’s hurt. He won’t be going anywhere.” Adam said urgently, watching the remaining color drain from Joe’s face.
“Hagen says to tie him, so we tie him.” was the only response to Adam’s words.
Little Joe managed a shaky grin, and said “I’m fine, Adam. Don’t worry about me.” His sallow complexion belied his words, but Adam smiled at his little brother’s bravery.
The Cartwrights were pulled to the horses and forced to mount. Little Joe swayed on the horse’s bare back, and Adam looked at him with anguished eyes. “Hold on, little buddy. You can do it.” he urged.
Again, Little Joe gave Adam a ghost of his cocky grin, but said nothing. It was taking every ounce of his self-control to stay on the horse. Hagen’s men mounted their own horses, and pulling the Cartwrights’ mounts behind them, the group started back towards the Way Station.
******************************
Adam sat with his back against the wall of the little shack. Little Joe was nestled beside him, his curly head resting on Adam’s shoulder. Both men still had their hands bound behind their backs, and Adam watched his brother in concern. He could tell that Little Joe had sustained quite a bit of damage to his ribs, and the position of his arms was causing a lot of pain. Joe’s breathing was shallow and ragged; a sheen of sweat covered his forehead.
Adam thought back to the ride returning them to the way station. Every step taken by the horse had sent a jolt of pain through Little Joe’s body. By the time they reached their destination Little Joe was staying on the horse’s back through sheer stubbornness. Hagen’s men had pulled him roughly from the mount when they reached the shack, and Joe had cried out involuntarily.
Adam winced at the memory, and anxiously listened to his brother’s gasps. Little Joe was sleeping now, and Adam hoped that Hagen and his men would leave them alone long enough for Joe to gain some respite from the pain. They appeared to be setting up camp for the night. Adam was in turmoil. He was afraid that if he told Hagen where the diamonds were hidden it would spell instant death for both Cartwrights. But he knew that if he didn’t give in to Hagen’s demand for information then more pain would be forthcoming. Adam wasn’t afraid for himself, but he didn’t think that Little Joe was in any condition to take another beating. Finally, exhausted by the constant turmoil in his mind, Adam joined his brother in sleep.
A booted foot catching him in the side woke Adam with a start. He recoiled in pain and confusion until memory flooded his mind. Blinking sleep from his eyes, he looked up into Hagen’s cold eyes. At Adam’s side, Joe awoke, and a muffled groan slipped from his swollen lips. He quickly bit off the exclamation of pain when he saw Hagen staring at them.
“What do you want, Hagen?” Adam’s voice was cold, his eyes steady.
“Whaddya think I want, Cartwright!” Hagen responded angrily. “I want those diamonds. We’ve torn this place apart, now you’re gonna tell us where you put them.”
Adam gazed at Hagen with consideration. “We don’t have them.” he replied tersely.
Hagen erupted in a roar, and both Adam and Joe flinched back at his anger. Hagen raised his fist as if to strike Adam, but stopped abruptly. He glanced at his cohorts, and a wicked grin spread across his face. “Cartwright says they don’t have the diamonds, boys.” Hagen’s tone was ugly. “I say we find a way to make him talk.”
Hagen’s men broke into guffaws of laughter. “Go ahead, Boss.” said one of the men, a leer spread across his features. “What do ya’ want us to do?”
Hagen moved as if to grasp Adam’s arm, about to pull him from the ground, when he stopped again. He shook his head. “No, not you, Cartwright.” He moved to Little Joe and roughly hauled him to his feet, ignoring Joe’s involuntary cry of pain. “Your brother, here. You tell us what we want to know, or I’ll see to it that your brother dies slow.”
Adam’s heart sank. Deep inside he had known it would come to this. He was going to have to trade information to save his brother. After his initial gasp of pain, Joe stood quietly in Hagen’s grasp. His eyes sought Adam’s and he shook his head. “Don’t do it, Adam.” Joe said quietly, his earlier nerves and anxiety gone now that reality had arrived. “They’re going to kill us anyway, so don’t tell him a thing.”
Hagen brutally slapped Joe’s already bruised face. Joe fell to his knees, but was again hauled upwards by Hagen’s meaty fist. Adam lunged forward at Hagen’s treatment of Joe. “No, don’t!” he cried. “Leave him alone.”
Hagen’s booted foot pushed Adam back against the wall. He kept a firm grip on Little Joe’s arm. “Then talk, Cartwright.” he snarled. “Your brother won’t last long, the shape he’s in already.”
Adam had considered the possibility that things would reach this point, and he carefully gave his answer. “I hid them back where we abandoned the stagecoach.” He looked Hagen in the eye as he spoke, willing the man to believe him.
Hagen gave a bark of disbelieving laughter. “We tore that stagecoach apart, Cartwright. We didn’t find the diamonds.” He casually backhanded Joe across the face again.
Joe felt a fresh cut open on his face, and blood began to drip from his torn cheek. He bit his sore lip to keep from crying out again. Adam blanched, and hastily replied. “I buried them. I can’t describe the place. I’d have to show you. Leave my brother alone, or I won’t tell you any more.”
Hagen smiled grimly. “All right, Cartwright. You’re gonna take us to this place you say you buried the diamonds.” His glare was poisonous. “If you’re lying, you and your brother are gonna wish you had never been born.”
Hagen turned to his henchmen. “Barnes, put the kid on that cot, and tie his feet. Make sure his hands can’t get loose. You’re gonna stay here with him. Jake, you come with me. We’re gonna go get us some diamonds.” Hagen put his face close to Adam’s. “If we don’t find those diamonds, Cartwright, I’m coming back here for your brother. He’ll die ugly.”
Adam watched as Barnes hauled Joe over to the cot and roughly tied his feet together. Joe lay still, his eyes glued to his brother throughout the operation. His face was pale and streaked with blood, but he offered his brother a brief smile and a small wink. “I’ll be okay, Adam.” Joe said quietly. “Do what you have to do and don’t worry about me.”
Adam winked back at Joe, smiled briefly and then was pushed out the door by Hagen and the second man, Jake. They pulled him to the horses, and forced him onto the back of Barnes’ horse. Adam was grateful to be riding a horse with a saddle; he was too tired to cope with bareback riding. As Hagen pulled on the lead rein and the horses started off at a trot, Adam looked back at the little shack. He breathed a silent prayer that he hadn’t seen his brother for the last time.
*********************************
Adam sagged deeper into the saddle. The hours of riding were taking their toll on his already exhausted body. Thoughts whirled in and out of Adam’s mind. He frantically tried to put together a plan to free himself from Hagen’s clutches, but his tired mind wouldn’t allow him to string two coherent thoughts together. He was desperately worried about his little brother. Joe was seriously injured and lying helpless in the hands of one of the outlaws. Adam felt a tremendous pressure to rescue his brother. He knew what it would do to his father to lose a son, especially this most precious youngest son. Adam was determined that he wouldn’t shirk his responsibility. He would bring his brother home to their father.
Adam could only hope that someone had reported the stagecoach overdue and that a posse was out looking for it. He was certain that with a cargo as valuable as the diamonds, the owner would be keeping close tabs on the progress of the coach. Adam knew that the only thing keeping himself and his brother alive was the fact that Hagen wanted those diamonds. He hoped that the wild goose chase he was leading Hagen on would buy himself and Joe some badly needed time. Now if he could just convince Hagen to untie him during the search for the diamonds when they reached the place where they had abandoned the stagecoach. Adam groaned. He felt completely helpless and it galled him.
Hagen’s excited shout broke into Adam’s reverie. He lifted his weary head to see the dark shape of the abandoned stage coach looming before him. The three men rode up to the coach and Hagen and Jake dismounted. Jake yanked Adam down from the saddle and Adam swayed as his legs refused to support him. He leaned back against the horse, and managed to stay upright.
“All right, Cartwright, this is the end of the line,” Hagen snarled. “Where did you hide those diamonds?” He advanced on Adam, until his body was only inches away from the dark-haired man’s.
Adam glared back at Hagen, refusing to be intimidated. “If you want the diamonds then you’re going to have to untie me. I can’t get to where I put them without the use of my hands.” He stood, stubbornly refusing to move, hoping that Hagen would buy his story.
Hagen growled, a low, menacing sound. His eyes narrowed in fury, and he looked as if he were going to strike out at the smaller man standing helpless in front of him. Adam braced himself, trying to get ready for the assault, but abruptly, sanity returned to Hagen’s eyes, and he stopped. He spat, a vile stream of liquid shooting to the ground, but gestured to Jake. “Untie him, but keep your gun on him. We don’t want him getting any funny ideas.”
Jake pulled a knife from his pocket, and rapidly cut through the ropes that had held Adam’s hands behind his back for so long. Adam gasped as the returning circulation sent lances of pain shooting through his hands. He quickly worked his fingers, trying to get the blood flowing as quickly as possible. His arms ached from the strain of the unnatural position, and Adam gently shrugged his shoulders a couple of times, urgently trying to work out the kinks.
“All right, that’s enough, Cartwright!” Hagen’s snarl cut through the air, like the growl of a mountain lion. “Get me those diamonds, now.” He gestured with his gun, and forced Adam away from the horse’s side.
Adam looked around in desperation. Knowing full well that the diamonds were securely hidden back at the way station, he had no idea how to make it look like he was on their trail now. “It looks different now.” He said aloud, trying to buy some time. “I’m not sure where I put them.”
Hagen harshly backhanded him, causing Adam to stumble backwards. “You’d better remember, and be quick about it, Cartwright. I’m getting tired of playing games.”
Adam moved forward his eyes desperately searching the area surrounding the abandoned stagecoach. He saw an outcropping of rocks, and headed in that direction, trying to look more confident that he felt. “I think I left them over here,” he said, as he walked slowly, dragging out each step. “I buried them near those rocks.”
The group moved closer to the outcropping and Adam saw the ground was littered with a wide variety of stones, ranging in size from small pebbles, to fairly large rocks. He paced to the edge of the largest boulder, and knelt, scrabbling in the dirt, pretending he was digging something from the ground. Hagen and Jake moved in close, their mouths hanging open in excitement, greedy thoughts of riches filling their heads.
Adam could see that for the first time Hagen and Jake were off guard, vulnerable to attack. As he pretended to dig, he palmed a sharp stone about the size of his hand. Turning quickly he struck Hagen in the side of the head, immediately turning and launching a kick at Jake’s groin.
Hagen cried out, and fell to his knees, blood streaming from a deep cut near his temple. Jake doubled over in pain. Adam used the opportunity to hit the back of Jake’s head with both hands locked into a powerful sledgehammer. Jake fell as if hit by an axe. One threat eliminated, Adam turned back to Hagen, always the more dangerous of his two opponents.
Hagen was recovering somewhat from the earlier blow, although blood still ran freely from the rapidly swelling lump on his head. He staggered to his feet and launched himself at Adam, a violent glare piercing through Adam’s soul. Adam swiftly sidestepped the onslaught, and stooped to pick up another large rock. Holding the large stone with both hands he waited until Hagen charged again. As the massive man came towards him, Adam lifted the stone and brought it down on Hagen’s head at full force, a ferocious anger adding strength to the blow. Hagen stared at him with bewildered eyes, and then fell face forward into the dirt. He twitched once, and then lay still. Adam swayed, as the adrenalin left his body in a rush. He staggered back against the boulders, his breathing loud in his ears. Head bowed, he struggled to regain control over his body.
************************************
Meanwhile back at the Way Station, Little Joe lay on the cot. His ribs felt as if they were on fire. He could tell by the sharp pains stabbing into his side, that several of them were cracked, if not broken. It was difficult for him to take a deep breath and with his arms bound tightly behind his back, the strain on his ribs was enormous. In spite of the pain racking his body, Little Joe could think of nothing but Adam. He knew that Adam had ridden off with Hagen and his henchman in an effort to keep Joe safe. Joe had seen the insanity in Hagen’s eyes on several occasions during this ordeal and he knew that he might never see his brother again.
Joe tested his bonds, keeping a wary eye on Barnes as he did so. The outlaw was crouched in front of the fire, idly poking at the blaze. In despair, Joe realized that he couldn’t loosen the bonds at all. A sudden wave of dizziness washed over him as his ribs protested the movements. Before he could bite it off, a low moan escaped Joe’s lips. Barnes turned to look at him, and seeing the pallor on Little Joe’s face, walked across the room.
“Hey, Kid, you don’t look so good.” he said blandly, crouching so that he was on eye level with Little Joe. “You better hope that brother of yours gives those diamonds to Hagen, or you’re gonna feel even worse pretty soon.” An almost hopeful expression crossed Barnes’ face.
Little Joe ignored the baiting tone, and licked his dry lips. “Can I have a drink of water.” he asked quietly. It had been many hours since Joe had eaten or had anything to drink. His lips were cracked, and his throat ached when he swallowed. Just the thought of water was torture.
At first Barnes looked like he was going to refuse, but then he rose, grabbed a canteen and walked back to his prisoner. Lifting the canteen to Joe’s lips, he allowed the water to trickle into his mouth. The tepid liquid tasted like champagne to Little Joe. He eagerly swallowed as much water as he could. All too soon, Barnes yanked the canteen away, and dropped it casually onto the floor next to the cot. He walked back to the little fire, and again ignored his captive.
Exhaustion washed over Joe, he fought back a tear that threatened to drop. He would never allow Barnes to see him crying, never! “Oh, Adam,” he thought. “I hope you’re all right”. Little Joe’s eyelids drooped of their own accord, and he drifted into a fitful doze.
*****************************
Hours later, Little Joe jerked awake. He looked around the darkened shack, waiting while his eyes adjusted to the feeble light from the dying fire. He spotted Barnes lying in front of the fireplace, eyes closed, and snoring loudly. At first Joe thought that it was Hagen’s snores that had awakened him. And then he realized that it was another sound entirely. Outside the cabin he heard a horse’s hooves. Little Joe lay still, straining tensely to hear the sounds from outside the cabin. He couldn’t tell how many horses were outside, the sound was too muffled.
The snores from the fireplace stopped abruptly, as the sounds penetrated Barnes’ sleep. He jerked upright, and snatched his gun from its holster. Rolling to his feet he crossed to the small window, and peered out into the darkness. Seeing nothing, he hurried over to Little Joe. “Get up Cartwright,” he snarled, reaching down, and hauling Little Joe to his feet.
Joe swayed, as his legs buckled beneath him. Barnes yanked roughly on his arm, and half dragged, half carried Little Joe with him to the window. He pushed Joe, none too gently against the wall, and stood with his pistol held to Joe’s temple. Joe looked at Barnes’ panic stricken eyes, and asked “What’s out there, Barnes? It must not be Hagen, or you wouldn’t be so jumpy.”
“Shut up, Kid!” Barnes snapped. He locked eyes with Little Joe. “Don’t open your mouth again, or I’ll shut it for you.” he stormed. His eyes tracked back to the window, and he peered outside again.
Little Joe smiled to himself. He felt terrible, his ribs ached, and he couldn’t feel his hands, but he knew that his brother was outside somewhere, and his spirits rose. If Hagen had found the diamonds and killed Adam, he would have ridden up to the shack, and announced his presence. Adam was all right. Little Joe was sure of it.
Barnes, sweat dripping down his face, turned to Little Joe. He grabbed the slender man and jabbed his gun into Little Joe’s side. “If that’s your brother out there, Kid, we’ll be waiting for him.” He said, fear present in his voice.
Barnes dragged Little Joe to the door of the shack, and opened it slowly. Pushing his helpless victim through the portal, he walked outside. “Who’s there!” he shouted.
Nothing moved, and there was no sound, nothing but the chirping of the night insects, and the faint rustle of the wind through the trees. Little Joe strained his ears, hoping to hear something. He could tell Barnes was also struggling to hear something.
At the continued silence, Barnes swore violently. He yanked backwards on Little Joe’s arm, causing him to stumble and fall to his knees. A groan escaped Joe’s lips as the fire reawakened in his ribs. He struggled to rise, but had to rely on Barnes to haul him up. Barnes maintained his rough hold on Joe’s arm, and unceremoniously pulled Little Joe to his feet. Joe swayed, and the color drained from his face. He struggled to stay conscious, knowing that he needed to be alert if he was going to be any help to his brother at all. He moved passively as Barnes pulled him back into the little shack.
Standing in the shadows of the trees, Adam Cartwright watched the outlaw pull his brother back inside the Way Station. A grim look crossed his face. Little Joe didn’t look too good, and the outlaw was obviously taking no chances. Adam had almost fired on the man as he stood outside the shack, but he couldn’t get a clear shot, and he didn’t want to risk Little Joe’s life any further. A wave of exhaustion swept through Adam’s frame, and he leaned against the nearest tree for support. How was he going to get both himself and his brother out of this situation alive?
*****************************
The sun rose above the horizon, sending streaks of palest pink across the sky. The birds waking and calling to their mates filled the air with sound. Adam Cartwright jerked awake and found that he was sitting with his back to the trunk of a tree. He wiped a shaky hand across his eyes, and shook his head slightly. He had slipped into a doze sometime during the long night of watching the shack where his brother was being held prisoner. Adam cursed, and unwound his long frame from the crouch he had been in. He stretched like a cat, and worked the kinks out of his sore muscles. He hoped that Barnes and Little Joe were still in the shack, and that they hadn’t slipped by him in the night. He silently berated himself for his weakness, and his inability to stay awake. If he had endangered Little Joe further because of his lack of self-control...Adam swiftly buried the thought before it had time to form fully in his mind. He convinced himself that Barnes and Joe were still in the shack. He knew that if they had tried to leave in the night he would have woken.
Adam quietly moved over to the little shack, trying to keep his footsteps quiet. He peered in the little window. The sight that met his eyes brought a wave of anger coursing through him. Barnes was asleep on the little cot, huddled under a thin blanket. The fire in the hearth had gone out, and Little Joe was lying on the floor in front of the cold ashes, as if he had tried to soak in whatever warmth he could. His arms were still bound tightly behind his back, and now his feet were tied together as well. Although the window was almost opaque because of an accumulation of grime, Adam could tell that Joe was in bad shape. Violent shivers racked his body periodically, and the pain he was feeling was reflected in the lines etched into his face.
Adam’s first instinct was to rush into the room, grab his brother, and kill Barnes, but he stopped himself. “You’ve got to plan,” he told himself, his teeth clenched. “Damn it, make a plan!” he muttered. Adam’s thoughts seemed chaotic, and unfocused. He cursed again, and made an effort to pull himself together.
He peered back into the room and was dismayed to see Barnes stir on the cot, stretch, and then move to get up. Quickly Adam darted back for the shelter of the trees. He didn’t want to lose the element of surprise. As he crouched low and waited, Adam heard the sounds of movement within the shack.
Barnes voice rang out in the early morning stillness. “I said, wake up, Kid!” followed by the distinct sound of a slap.
Adam’s rage overtook him, and he lunged to his feet, and was halfway across the clearing before he could stop himself. He plowed through the door of the Way Station, and barreled into Barnes, who was trying to pull Little Joe’s prone body from the floor.
Barnes was taken completely by surprise, and looked at the intruder with baffled eyes. “Wha...Cartwright! Where did you come from?” he burst out. A life spent on the edge of the law stood him in good stead, and in an instinctive reaction he yanked his gun from its holster.
Adam saw the movement, and lunged for the gun, grabbing hold of the outlaw’s arm, and trying to force his hand to let go of the weapon. The two men grappled together, rolling around the small room, and knocking into the walls. Adam’s rage giving him a strength he wasn’t sure he had left in him, but Barnes was fighting back with desperation.
As the men struggled over the gun, Little Joe stirred, and opened his eyes. Confusion clouded his mind, his body racked with pain. He tried to focus on the scene before him. In a burst of clarity he realized that his beloved older brother was fighting for his life. Joe tried to rise, but found his movements hampered not only by his physical restraints, but by the illness that plagued his body. “Adam!” he cried out, but the sound was weak, and went unheard by the two combatants.
Meanwhile, Adam found himself being forced backwards by Barnes, both men still clutching at the gun. As Adam’s feet carried him backwards, he tripped over his brother’s body, and fell to the floor at his side. The ominous click of the gun told him that he and his brother were in serious trouble.
Joe also heard the gun being cocked and in a supreme effort he managed to bring himself to his knees, forcing himself in front of his brother just as he heard the roar of the gun. A burning pain seared into Joe’s shoulder, and he fell back in agony. Blackness swept in a tidal wave of oblivion, and Joe lay unmoving on the ground. His last conscious thought was of Adam.
***********************************
Adam watched in horror as his brother fell to the ground, blood running freely from a bullet wound in his shoulder. He turned his attention back to the remaining outlaw, and in a frenzy of rage he launched himself at the man, crushing him back against the wall with the fury of his attack. The gun flew from Barnes’ hand, and skittered across the floor, ending up beneath the rickety cot. Adam’s fists flew in a flurry of punches, and Barnes cried out in pain. It took only a few moments, but Barnes finally slumped to the ground, unconsciousness claiming him.
Adam flew to the side of his injured brother. He gently rolled Joe over, and ripped his shirt away from the wound. He winced as he saw the jagged hole in his brother’s shoulder. Quickly Adam ripped the sleeve from his own shirt, and fashioned a rough bandage which he pressed onto the bullet wound. He searched Barnes’ pockets and came up with a knife which he used to cut the ropes that bound his brother’s hands and feet. It seemed only fitting to Adam to use the same ropes to bind the man who had shot Joe. He quickly tied the outlaw’s hands and feet and then turned his attention back to Little Joe.
As Adam labored over his brother he heard the distinct sound of a large number of horses outside the small shack. Coming quickly to his feet, wary of a new threat to their safety, he looked out the window. A large group of men on horseback was riding into the clearing. A tall, rangy man with a sheriff’s badge pinned to his chest lead the way. Adam smiled wearily, and stepped out to greet the men.
*************************************
The crackling fire lit the room, sending shifting shapes and shadows flitting about the walls. Adam Cartwright stared into the flames, and sighed wearily. He rubbed his hand across his eyes, and listened for the sound of movement in the rooms upstairs. He heard nothing and returned to his reverie. It was good to be home, but Adam’s mind kept returning to the events of the past week. It had been a wild ride, but he and Joe had managed to stay alive, so far. Again Adam listened, hoping to hear the doctor’s footsteps coming down the stairs. Again, nothing.
Adam shuddered as he remembered that long ride with the posse, Joe limply leaning back onto his chest. Joe had never completely regained consciousness after being shot back at the Way Station, leaving Adam to talk to the Sheriff. A grimace crossed Adam’s handsome face as he thought about the three men who had caused all the suffering that he and his brother had undergone. Two of the men were in jail, and Hagen was dead. Adam’s blow with the rock had killed him. The sheriff had been overjoyed when Adam had led him to the spot where he had buried the diamonds. If only Hagen had realized how many times he had stepped over the diamonds. Adam had hidden them by digging a hole next to the doorway of the Way Station, and then covering the little mound of dirt with a large rock. The diamonds had been within Hagen’s reach during his entire sojourn at the little shack.
Adam stood and paced about the great room. He walked among the familiar objects that made this room the heart of the Ponderosa, and didn’t even see them. His entire being was concentrated on that room upstairs, and the young man who lay in it. Adam had brought his brother home, but it remained to be seen whether Joe would survive the trip. Pain pierced his heart as he thought of his valiant little brother, and the sacrifice he had made to keep Adam alive. Tears sparkled at the corners of his eyes, and he again scrubbed at them with the back of his hand. What was taking the doctor so long?
The sound of footsteps made Adam spin around. He watched Doc Martin and his father descend the staircase. As Adam raised his eyes to the two men, he noticed how tired and strained his father looked. It would be a long time before Adam would forget the look on Ben Cartwright’s face when he had seen his youngest son being carried into the family home. “How is he, Doc?” Adam asked, his tone quiet, but the sense of dread he was feeling was evident to everyone in the room.
“Well, Adam, I’m not going to lie to you.” replied the doctor. He put his hand on Adam’s shoulder and gave it a gentle pat. “He’s in bad shape. He’s lost a lot of blood, and the wound is infected. His fever is pretty high at the moment, and his broken ribs are causing him a lot of pain. The good news is that he’s a strong young man, and I think he’s going to pull through. The next 24 hours or so will be critical.” The doctor turned to Ben, gazing at him with sympathetic eyes. “Now, how about that cup of coffee, Ben? And then I know you’ll want to get back upstairs to Little Joe. Adam, you’re next. You don’t look so good. I want to examine you as well.”
Adam shook his head, already moving towards the staircase. “Not now, Doc. I’m going up to sit with Little Joe.”
“Adam, wait.” Ben’s voice was calm, but carried a note of command, and Adam responded instinctively. He stopped and waited at the foot of the stairs, refusing to meet his father’s eyes.
“Adam, this is not your fault. From what I can see, you and Joe both did your best in a very bad situation. You brought your brother home, Adam. Remember that, and stop beating yourself up about this.” Ben put a gentle arm around his oldest son’s shoulders. “Now, go to bed, son. You’re exhausted. I’ll sit with Little Joe.”
“Pa.” Adam stopped, the emotions he was struggling to contain overcoming him. “Pa, I can’t just go to my room and sleep. I promised Little Joe that I would take care of him, and that’s what I’m going to do. He was my responsibility, Pa, and look what happened. If I hadn’t hidden those diamonds, Hagen wouldn’t have beaten Joe like he did. Every decision I made caused us further trouble, and Little Joe was the one who suffered for them. I don’t know if I can forgive myself for that.” He bowed his head, and tried to wipe his eyes surreptitiously.
Ben’s eyes were compassionate, and he gathered his reluctant son into a firm embrace. “I don’t see it that way, Adam.” he murmured. “Look at it from my point of view. You were caught in a situation beyond your control. If you had given up those diamonds right away, you and Little Joe would have been killed immediately. Hagen wasn’t going to let you live! Little Joe understands that, and so do I. You’re beating yourself up about something that isn’t your fault, son!” Ben’s voice became urgent as he willed Adam to understand.
Slowly, Adam’s head rose, and he looked deep into his father’s eyes. Instead of the condemnation he almost expected, he saw love and compassion. A burden slipped from Adam’s shoulders, and he heaved a huge sigh. He gave his father’s arm a squeeze, and said “Thanks, Pa. Thank you for understanding. But if Little Joe dies...” Adam’s eyes clouded once again. “I don’t think I’ll be able to live with that.”
“We’re not going to let him die, Adam” Ben replied, a grim smile on his lips. “We’re going to make sure that Little Joe stays right here with us. Now, go sit with him for a few minutes, if you must, but when Doc Martin and I come upstairs, you are going right to bed.” Ben clapped Adam on the back, and gave him a gentle push in the direction of the stairs. “Go on, son.” he ordered, as if Adam was still five years old.
Adam smiled, and ascended the staircase. He pushed open the door to his brother’s room, and softly walked inside. His eyes tracked to the bed, and his heart leapt in his throat as he looked at the still figure who lay on it. Little Joe looked impossibly young. Where was the brave young man who had thrown himself in front of a bullet to save his brother’s life? Joe’s curly head rested on the pillow, his eyes were closed. He looked small and fragile, his skin translucent. Adam crossed over and sat in the chair next to the bed. He reached out with a gentle hand and smoothed back a lock of the curly hair. “Oh, Joe, hang on,” he whispered. “You’ve got to stay here with us. I need you, little brother.”
Adam suddenly realized that a pair of intense green eyes were looking up at him. A weak smile flickered across Little Joe’s face, and he moved as he tried to reach up to his brother. “Adam,” the words were a sigh. “I thought he was going to kill you. Are you all right?”
Tears formed in Adam’s eyes again, but he let them stay. “I’m fine, Little Brother, because of you. You shouldn’t have done it Little Joe, but I thank you for my life.”
Again that ghost of a smile flickered on the bruised face. “I had to do it, Adam,” Joe said softly. “Who would boss me around if I let someone shoot you.”
Adam laughed, and gently stroked his brother’s head. He could feel the fever burning in his brother, and he quickly turned to the washstand and retrieved a cool, wet cloth. As he placed the cloth on Joe’s head, he let his eyes speak for him. As Joe watched, he could see all the love and emotion that Adam felt welling forth. A contented smile on his face, Little Joe drifted back to sleep.
When Ben Cartwright and Paul Martin returned to the room a few minutes later they found the oldest and youngest Cartwright sons sleeping soundly. One in the bed, and the other in a chair, which had been pulled as close to the bed as possible. Ben’s eyes were moist when he saw that Adam’s hand was firmly held in his brother’s grasp. His sons were home.
*****END*****
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