"A Father’s Revenge"

By: Kelli and Karen

patch_newsie@hotmail.com and faye_dreaming@yahoo.com

Ben looked across to where his youngest son sat and the look in those green eyes showed just how scared the boy was. Letting his eyes move just a few feet away, he could see Mitch Devlin had that same worried expression on his face. How he wanted to say something to the two boys and to reassure them.

Over to Ben’s right, he let his eyes lock with his oldest. He looked so pale. How Ben wished he was sitting beside him tending to that bullet wound in his son’s shoulder. This mine was no place for Adam to be. He was beyond worried that infection has started to set in. Adam’s eyes were full of pain and he knew that his son was trying to hide it from him, but he knew his son and he knew his son was in great pain.

He heard someone come in and turned his head to see one of their abductors entering with what looked like explosives in his hand. Had the gag not been in his mouth, he would have asked the question to which he already knew the answer. Oh, it wasn’t any use to ask what they were doing, he knew they planed to kill them. He tried over and over again to get his hands and feet free of the ropes that bound them and found that they were just too tight.

His mind wandered to his middle son, Hoss. He hoped that he was safe. He didn’t want them all to be trapped here in this old mine. Scanning the area, he could visualize the families sitting in the court room and he could envision the men on the jury of which he had been a member. How could things go wrong?

Week Earlier…

"What are you saying?" Scott Chambers asked as he looked at each of his fellow jury members.

"There isn’t enough proof to find Ezra guilty," Ben said, shaking his head. "I’m not going to let that boy hang without knowing for sure he killed Mills."

Charlie Devlin nodded as he spoke up, "Ben’s right."

"I can’t believe you…you heard what Kathy Mills said," Scott shouted.

"Yes," Devlin said, as he started pacing the floor. "She said that she heard Ezra threatened her husband, but that doesn’t mean that he did kill Hank."

"I say we vote," Ben said, looking around the room.

Earlier That Afternoon, Present Day…

Hoss waited for his family to return. He knew that his father went in search of his brothers and he was worried. They were two hours overdue before Ben went looking for Joe and Adam. Hoss had wanted to go with him, but his father insisted he stay at home, just in case anything happened. They had heard about two of the jury member’s being gunned down and Ben wasn’t about to let that happened to his sons or the one that he knew was safe. The other two he would find and bring home.

Hoss looked over to the kitchen when Hop Sing entered, "Supper ready."

"I’m not hungry just yet…I’ll wait for the rest of’m to get back."

Hop Sing nodded, as there was the sound of horses entering the yard.

Looking out the window Hoss could see John Mills, the man everyone suspected of being the mastermind behind the mysterious murders of the two men. Looking at the cook, he knew they had to get out of there. He counted seven men outside and Hoss’ first worry was for his friend. Turning toward the kitchen, they hurried down into the cellar. Hoss pulled the rug back over the trapdoor, before he closed it, in hopes that the intruders wouldn’t see it.

"What we hide for?" Hop Sing asked in a whisper.

"Those are the men Pa thinks, killed Chester’s and Williams…besides I want to follow them when they leave from here," Hoss told his friend.

"Too dangerous…need wait for father and older brother."

"You can go into town and get Sheriff Coffee," Hoss said, as he listened to the men above them and he vividly remembered what had happened the day of the trial…

Day of Trial

"Have the members of the jury come up with a verdict?" asked the judge.

Charlie nodded as he stood, "Yes, we have."

The room filled with surprised gasps when the verdict of ‘not guilty,’ was announced. The look of relief, which washed over Ezra Bonds, could be seen a mile away.

Behind him, John Mills jumped to his feet, "No…you can’t…he’s guilty," he shouted.

All eyes turned to Mills as he continued to rant his angry words, "You’ll be sorry for this…you’ll be sorry." Those were the last words he shouted before leaving the room.

Day after Trial, Week Earlier, Ponderosa Ranch

"I don’t know how to thank you," Ezra Bonds smiled.

"You don’t have to thank me," Ben assured the young man. "We needed the help and you needed the job…it’s that simple."

"Well, thanks just the same," Ezra reached out his hand to shake his new boss’ hand. "I was beginning to think no one would hire me."

"Head on to the bunk house and get settled in and Adam will let you know what to do tomorrow."

"Yes, Sir," the young man smiled once more before heading for the bunk house.

Later that night, as the four Cartwright’s sat at the table, Adam looked across at his father, "I think you’re just borrowing trouble Pa."

"Adam, there was no proof that he killed anyone and by the look of it no one else was going to give the man a job."

Adam wiped his mouth then put his napkin back down. "Then he should move on."

Ben shook his head, "You know him Adam. He was raised around here and has nowhere else to go."

Sighing, Adam had to agree with is father, "I know that, it’s just… well…"

"You’re thinking about Mills’ threats at the trial," Ben finished his son’s sentence.

"Yeah."

Ben gave his son a quick smile and then nodded. "That hasn’t stopped us before. Everything will work out."

"You’re right."

Present Day

"Boss, he has to be here somewhere, his horse is still in the barn" Toby said, entering the kitchen.

"Then where is he?" Mills shouted, slowly turning around. "I want him found and I want him found now!" 

"He ain’t here," Mike called from the door. "Me and the boys have looked everywhere." 

"FIND HIM!" Mills bellowed, knocking Hop Sing’s dinner off the table in his fit of rage.

Toby and Mike watched a bowl spin around on the floor before falling on its side, gravy spilling out and on to the floor.

"What are you looking at? GET!" Mills yelled. 

Toby and Mike took one look at Mills’ face and ran.  

"I ask them to do one job, just one….." he mumbled, running his hands through his hair in frustration. This was all supposed to be so simple. Why did that Ben Cartwright and his no good friends have to speak up? He was supposed to be the one in charge in this town. Not them! Well, everything would work out just fine as soon as he eliminated all of them from this town. As he helped himself to a roll he whispered to himself, "Won’t be long."  

"I think they are gone," Hoss whispered to Hop Sing.

"You wait. Be sure." Hop Sing replied looking Hoss in the eyes, "You can’t help if you captured. Wait." 

Hoss nodded. "Sure wish we had grabbed some of that food before we got down here. I’m hungry."

Hop Sing nodded, when was this boy not hungry? "We in cellar, no? Find food." 

Hoss rummaged around till he found a few apples. The two ate in silence. Hoss was remembering other times he had hid in the cellar. The time he foolishly thought he could hide from Pa only to be roughly yanked out not two minutes later and then the times Adam would take him down here to show him some hidden treasure or to share a secret. Of course, there were the many times he and Joe would hide down here praying Adam wouldn’t think to look here in their game of hide and seek. Then there was the night after Marie’s death and he had found Adam sitting down here in the dark, mourning in his own quiet way. Soon, Joe also found them and the three had sat in silence and understanding, mourning their loss. Hoss laid his head in his hands. He had to find his family! 

Hop Sing was also remembering the many times he had come to this cellar to shoo out small children trying to snatch a snack or when he needed some quiet or when he and the boys would stock it for winter always ending the day with a laugh. Ben had given him a home here and made him part of the family and for that Hop Sing would risk his life to bring them all safely home. 

"I will come with you," Hop Sing suddenly announced. 

"What? No, Hop Sing. You must get Sheriff Coffee and some men," Hoss replied, shaking his head.

"I come!" Hop Sing replied firmly. Hoss began to shake his head again. 

"Do not shake head at me. I come," he replied, standing up. "We go." 

Hoss sighed and stood up as well. "I don’t think that is a good idea." He slowly opened the door. He peeked around it and then slid out. He took two steps when he felt something press against his back. 

"Going somewhere, Cartwright?" a voice called from behind him. 

Mine, Present day

Little Joe shifted his eyes to the side and looked at Mitch. His friend had closed his eyes and it appeared that he was praying. It would take a miracle to get them out of this, he thought, trying once again to pull his wrist free. He stole a glance at his older brother. Adam didn’t look too good. Blood was seeping down his arm making a dark circle on his shirt. Adam looked Joe in the eyes and tried to not show his pain, he nodded his head slowly and lifted his eyebrow. Joe smiled a little. He was surprised Adam even remembered that gesture. When Joe was younger, the idea of sitting quietly in church did not appeal to him, but neither did his father’s displeasure afterwards. So, Adam had come up with a secret plan. If Joe was good during church, Adam would read him a special story that night and allow him to bunk with him. If Joe was getting out of line during church Adam would nod his head and raise his eyebrow. Joe would immediately straighten up. This went on for several years till Adam had gone off to college. Joe had taught it to Hoss and the boys had used it as their ‘secret signal’ to talk later, but it had been years since any of them had used it. Little Joe looked at his father. Ben was looking at Adam with concern. Joe tried once again to yank his wrist free, but to no avail. He closed his eyes and prayed that Hoss was safe out there and would be coming soon.

Same Time, Ponderosa Ranch

John Mills turned to look at three of his men, "You boys know what farm I want you to go to next?" Turning to Mike he said, "Go check on Hank and the prisoners. Make sure he doesn’t need any help."

Hoss firmly faced Mills. "Where’s my family?"

"You don’t have to worry about that, you’ll see them soon enough," Mills spewed venomously. Turning to Toby he ordered, "Get the horses. We’re about to set out."

"Sure thing Boss," Toby said, as he finished getting a few supplies from the kitchen and putting them in a sack.

It didn’t take long for Chubb to be saddled up, brought to the front of the house and tied to the hitching post. "Ready," Toby said as he peeked into the house.

"Bout time," Mills hissed. "You stay behind and take care of the Chinaman…"

"Just wait a minute," Hoss said, jumping to his feet. He didn’t care if his hands were bound behind his back. He was still ready to fight for his friend and trusted cook. "You ain’t gonna do nothing to Hop Sing."

Pointing his gun at Hoss, Mill’s pulled the trigger; the bullet hit the ground beside the man’s right foot. "I’m in charge here and you ain’t gonna tell me what to do. Now, you just head out that door…Now!"

Hoss didn’t move instead he looked over to Hop Sing.

Knowing that Hoss wasn’t going to budge, Hop Sing smiled at the young man he cared about very much, "You go to family. Hop Sing will be alright."

"I can’t…"

"No, family needs you more right now. Hop Sing will be alright," he said and waited for a moment before adding, "You will listen to what I tell you. Hop Sing will be alright."

Nodding Hoss headed for the door, stopping for just a second to give Hop Sing a smile before leaving. Hoping that Hop Sing’s words where right. He didn’t want to leave, but there really wasn’t anything that he could do with his hands bound as they were.

Toby waited until he heard the sound of horses’ hooves leaving the yard before he turned to Hop Sing, "Well you were the brave one a few minutes ago, let’s see how brave you are before you die."

"Hop Sing not afraid to die."

"We’ll see." Toby laughed. Hearing a noise behind him, Toby whirled around.

"Drop the gun," Charlie Devlin shouted. Toby started to pull on the trigger but Charlie was quicker and fired first. Charlie waited a moment before he headed over to where the man was sprawled on the floor, just inches away from Hop Sing.

"He’s dead," Charlie said, looking up at Hop Sing, "How are you Hop Sing?"

"Hop Sing fine, but bad man take Mista Hoss."

"Roy went after Mills. There are more men headed this way. Will Johnson is in town getting up a posse. They were supposed to leave right after us…so they should be here soon," Devlin explained as he untied the cook’s hands.

"Hop Sing, go with you to find honorable family."

They turned as they heard the sound of galloping hooves entering the yard. They headed for the door just in time to see Roy and Hoss alight from their mounts.

"You get Mills?" Charlie asked. He voice took on a pleading sound. He was real worried about his son and his friends.

Mills released the reins as Chubb stumbled," Roy explained. "Hoss fell out his saddle and I stopped to see if the boy was alright. I thought it best to come back here and wait for that posse. Mills can’t get that far."

Little Later, Mine

Mills jumped off his horse and headed toward his men. "Set the explosives. There will be a posse heading this way in a little while. Roy Coffee showed up as I was leaving."

Joe heard the words explosives and felt a shiver run down his spine. He watched as Mills and his men set charges of dynamite in the entrance of the mine. He had just freed his hands from the rope restraints that bound them. He was about to say something to his father when all the men left. Mills was the only man left and he sadistically knelt down beside Ben.

"Get ready to die, Cartwright," the man yelled at Ben.

"Let, my sons and Mitch go. It’s me that you want," Ben pleaded.

"My son is dead and because you and the rest of the jury set his murderer free, you are going to die…your sons are going to die…your son’s friend is going to die. You are all going to die…die…die." His voice wickedly reverberated through the winding shafts of the mine."

With those last words Mills headed out of the barn.

Just then, Joe pulled his hands from behind his back. "Pa, I got my hands free. We have to get out of here."

"Quick Joe, untie my hands," he said, as he watched Joe finish untying his feet.

Joe nodded as he set to do what his father had asked. He untied his father and then he ran over to Mitch and did the same. Ben went to Adam to do the same. As soon as he was free, he looked at his son.

"They’ll have the entrance covered. We need to head deeper into the mine. We can go out the emergency exit in the back."

Joe and Mitch started running ahead and Ben followed them, helping Adam, who was desperately struggling to remain conscious. They had gotten half way to the emergency exit, when they heard the explosion and felt the pieces of rubble as it started to fall around them.

"RUN!" Mitch yelled, shoving Joe forward, but it was too late. The cave began to fall in all around them. Ben shoved Adam down and fell on top of him. Adam groaned slightly and then everything went black. The boys fell to the ground as the rock came crashing down on them.

Outside the Mine

Hoss and the others made it to the cave in time to see the explosion.

"NOOO!" Hoss yelled, running towards the cave.

Charlie was right behind him, yelling his boy’s name, "MITCH…"

"Hoss get back!" Roy yelled, running after the boy.

"My family is in there, Roy! Let me go!" Hoss yelled, shoving the older man away. He and Charlie began to dig through the rubble screaming their loved ones’ names.

"Come on boys, forget Mills. Start digging." Roy ordered as he to joined them.

Inside the Mine

"Mitch? You alright?" Joe asked, trying to sit up. Pain shot through his left leg, causing him to yell out.

"Joseph?" Ben asked, his voice coming barely above a whisper. "Where are you son?"

"I’m fine, Pa. We are right in front of you," Joe replied, waiting for his eyes to adjust, "But, Mitch aint moving."

"Adam, either." Pa replied, trying to sit up as well. He rolled Adam over. Adam groaned loudly. Ben laid him down carefully then slid over to Joe. Together they removed some of the rubble off of Mitch. He had an ugly gash on his forehead that was bleeding profusely. Ben tore off some of his shirt and they worked together to wrap his head.

"We gotta get out of here, Pa." Joe said, when they were finished.

"Hoss is out there, son. I know he is. He’ll find us." Ben replied, nodding his head slightly. "He’ll find us."

Joe wasn’t so sure, but what would be the point in arguing. They had no other option at the moment.

Outside the Mine

Hoss was digging like a mad man, the whole time screaming his brothers’ names. This was all his fault. If he had just waited a little longer. He wouldn’t have gotten caught! Why couldn’t he wait!

Hop Sing stopped digging and looked over at Hoss. He knew the boy was blaming himself. He made his way towards him and sat down beside him, taking his hands in his.

"Stop," he ordered.

"I can’t, Hop Sing. Let go. I have to keep digging," Hoss yelled, jerking his hands free. Hop Sing took his hands in his once again.

"Stop." He ordered again.

"HOP SING! YOU KNOW I CAN’T!" he yelled, shoving the man away.

"Stop. Fault not yours." Hop Sing replied, once more patiently taking his hands.

Hoss looked at him, his eyes filling with tears. "Yes, it is," He whispered.

"No, it is not," Hop Sing said, looking him in the eyes.

"Yes, it is! I should have waited. If I had just waited and then if I had not came back to the house…"

"You are God, now?" Hop Sing interrupted.

"What?" Hoss asked, looking at the small man. Confusion was clearly printed on his face.

"You God? No! You not stop this from happening. You can not help father if you blame self." He replied. "Stop."

Hoss turned away and began digging again. Hop Sing joined him and the two dug in silence. After a few minutes Hoss turned to Hop Sing and nodded. Hop Sing smiled and the two began to dig again.

Inside the Mine……

"Joseph?" Ben asked, turning towards him, "How’s your leg?"

"I’m fine Pa," Joe replied, ignoring the pain. "It’s Adam and Mitch I’m worried about."

"We’ll be fine." Ben replied, squeezing Joe’s shoulder. Joe nodded and leaned his head against his Pa. "I hope so."

Ben could sense the worry in his son’s voice and thought for a minute. "Joe, I’ve got to head for the emergency exit. It isn’t that far from here. We need to get Adam and Mitch out of here soon."

Joe moved away from his father, "But what if something happens to you?"

"Nothing will happen, Son," Ben assured him. "It will be quicker for me to go and you can watch after both Adam and Mitch until I get back."

Joe nodded, "Alright," he agreed, "But please be careful."

"I will," Ben said, getting to his feet. "I’ll be back as soon as I can. You take care of things here until I return." With those final words he headed farther into the mine looking for the exit he had remembered from years before.

Joe felt around him. It was so dark inside the mine and he was beyond scared. He felt his way over to Adam and checked on him and was relieved when he heard his brother moan. "Adam," he called out, tapping lightly on his brother’s face.

When there was no response he called his brother again, this time he pleaded with his brother. "Come on, Adam…please wake up. You havta."

"Mmmm," Adam groaned. "J…Joe?"

"Oh Adam," the younger boy gently placed his head on his brother’s chest. Joe was crying…tears of relief…tears of joy. "Thank goodness you’re awake."

"Wh…what happened?"

"The explosion caused debris to fall all around us and you and Mitch were unconscious and Mitch still is and…" He paused to catch his breath. "Adam, are you hurt bad?"

"Just a… little."

"I best go check on Mitch," Joe said, pulling himself away from his brother. Slowly, he felt his way back to his best friend. He soon found Mitch’s face and started to tap it lightly just as he had done with Adam. Joe hoped that his luck would hold out and that he’d have both Adam and Mitch awake. But it wasn’t meant to be. After several tries to get his friend’s attention, he turned his attention back to his brother.

"He’s still out," Joe said, making his way back to his brother. "How are you doing?"

He started to panic when he got no response so he shook Adam. "Please stay with me."

"I’m awake," Adam said reaching his hand out and finding his brother’s face. He gently ran his fingers through Joe’s hair. "Every…thing will…be alright."

Wiping the tears from his eyes, Joe asked, "Promise?"

"Yes…you are doing…a good…job."

Farther Inside the Mine

Ben was relieved when he finally found what he was looking for. He looked at the light shining down at him and he sighed when he looked at the old ladder. It didn’t look like it could hold much weight. Taking in a deep breath he started to climb.

Outside Mine

Ezra Bonds got down from his mount and headed over to the men that were working. He moved over to where Charlie, Hoss and Hop Sing were digging. "I heard what happened and want to help."

Charlie nodded. Hoss didn’t stop digging, but acknowledged Ezra’s offer, "Glad to have you."

Ezra was about to get to work when he saw something from the corner of his eye. "Boss?" he whispered.

"Yeah," Hoss said looking over his shoulder. "Are you here to work or jaw?"

The young man pointed to where he saw Ben staggering toward them. "Your father isn’t in the mine…"

Hoss got to his feet and looked to where Ezra was pointing. "Pa," he called out, running to the oldest Cartwright.

Charlie was right on the young man’s heels as they reached Ben. "Where are Mitch, Joe and Adam?" Charlie asked. "How did you get out of the mine?"

"Ben smiled up his friend, "A mile back in an emergency entrance to the mine. We have to get back to them. Mitch and Adam need help fast. Joe is with them and his leg is broken," Ben explained. "We need rope."

"Got it," Roy said, coming toward them with rope.

"There isn’t any light down there, so we have to be careful unless any of you bought along a lantern," Ben said, as he turned to his old friends.

Ezra cleared his throat, "There are some coming. One of the men went back for some. We figured that light would be needed once they got the mine opened up enough to find you."

Ben and Charlie were almost at the mine’s entrance when Ken, one of the ranch hands, arrived with the lanterns. It wasn’t long before they were climbing down into the mine and were headed toward their loved ones.

Joe had been constantly shuffling between Adam and Mitch and his leg was throbbing. He was leaning against the wall, hoping the agonizing pain would stop. A flickering light caught his attention. "Pa?" he called out.

Ben moved even faster when he heard his son’s voice, "I’m here, Joseph," he said, kneeling beside his son. He looked over his shoulder, seeing that Charlie was kneeling beside Mitch.

Turning his attention from his youngest to his oldest he saw that Adam’s pained filled eyes were looking back at his. "How are you son?"

"Been…better."

Behind Ben, he could he Charlie calling to his son, "Come on son… wake up." He waited until he heard his son moan before he stood and leaned back down to pick his son up into his arms. "I’m heading back Ben."

Ben nodded. "Give me a minute to get Adam to his feet."

Charlie nodded.

Looking at Joe, Ben forced himself to smile. He wished that he could bring both of his sons out together. "I’ll be back for you in just a minute."

"Get them out of here first," Joe uttered with a smile. "I’ll be here when you get Adam and Mitch to safety."

Joe watched as they went out of sight bringing darkness back. He closed his eyes and waited. It didn’t take time for his father to be back and he was soon out of the mine and into fresh air.

Later, Ponderosa Ranch House

Paul came out of the guest room and into the living room. "How’s Mitch?" Hoss asked, looking up from the hearth.

"He’s had quite a knock to the head, but as long as he stays still, he’ll be all right given time.

Charlie walked out as those words were spoken, "The Missus is wanting to take Mitch home. Do you think it’s all right?"

"It’s best if he stays here for a day or so," Paul said, as he headed for the stairs. "He really shouldn’t be moved too much at the moment."

Hoss smiled, "He’s welcome to stay here as long as needs be."

"Thanks," Charlie said turning his attention to Doc Martin. "How are Adam and Joe?"

Paul stopped as he headed for the stairs, "I’ve already seen to Adam’s shoulder and he should be just fine after a while, but he’s got quite an infection. He also had a mild concussion."

"And Joe?" Hoss questioned.

"I’m heading up there, right now, to set his leg and put it in plaster. He has to stay off his foot…he has to stay in bed a few days, then he’ll be using crutches for a while."

Paul waited no longer and headed up the stairs to Joe’s room.

Five Day’s Later

Ben opened the door to see Roy Coffee standing there. "Roy, come on in."

"I wish I came with good news, but…"

You couldn’t fine Mills," Ben finished the sentence for his friend. "Are you giving up the search?"

"There’s neither hide nor hair of them varmints anywhere," Roy sighed. "The posse’s getting smaller and smaller and I can’t keep bringing the men out, but I will make sure the descriptions get sent to every town here abouts."

"I appreciate what you and the posse have done. Is Hoss on his way back to the Ranch?" Ben asked. His son had been out ridding with the posse.

"He should be here any moment. He stopped a few miles back to talk to Ezra Bonds."

Ben nodded. Ezra had been out to see him an hour ago. "He’s heading down to Texas. He’s got an old friend of his down there that owns a ranch and wants him to come down to work with him."

"I sure hope it works out for him," Roy said as he heard Hoss come into the yard. "I best head back to town. Maybe we’ve seen the last of Mills."

"I hope you’re right," Hoss was heard saying as he headed toward the sheriff and his father. "That is on this side of a prison. I want him to pay for what he done to everyone."

The three men talked for a few more minutes never expecting they were being watched. Mills got on his horse and turned his mount. Patting the horse’s neck he whispered, "Let’s see what Texas looks like."

The End

RETURN TO LIBRARY