His Words

By Tina

With many thanks for the great help and tolerance of my friend Starlite.

Prequel

It had been an extremely wet fall. The final weeks work at the logging camp had gone slower than anticipated. Ben Cartwright and his second son, Hoss, had made the trek to the timber camp early that morning.Ben wanted to check on the operation and his eldest son.

Adam was in charge of the logging operation to fill the contract for the latest governmental contract the Ponderosa landed the past summer. Ben knew that Adam, even though he was a still young man, was quite capable of handling the job.But he had become concerned with all the rain that had fallen in the past week and felt a need to check on the operation for himself.

Ben and Hoss rode into the camp and were greeted by Adam's second in command, Dale Johnson. “Mr. Cartwright, Hoss, what brings you out in this weather?”

Ben smiled at the young man, “Oh Dale, I didn’t think I needed a reason to visit my son.”

Dale blushed, he knew that his best friend's father was checking up on things, but didn’t want to let it seem as though he didn’t trust his son. Dale quietly answered, “No, Mr. Cartwright, I reckon you don't need a reason visit.”

Ben chuckled at the younger man's reaction.

Hoss asked, “How ya been doin’ Dale?”

Dale grinned at Hoss, “Pretty good, Hoss. Workin ’ hard tryin ’ to keep that brother of yours in line.”

Hoss smiled a broad gapped tooth smile, before wrinkling his brow, “I reckon you’ve more than earned you pay.”

Dale beamed while he watched the two men dismount.

Ben looked around, “Dale, where’s Adam?”

Dale pointed to an area near the chute that carried the logs to the river. “He’s down at the chute. Adam’s been worried about the stability of it, with all the washing rains we’ve had over the past few days.”

Ben’s heart rate picked up slightly when he looked at the fully loaded chute. Ben knew that could be a very dangerous job, if they were trying to shore up the chute with it loaded down with logs. Quickly he started moving down the hillside followed by Hoss and Dale.

Dale talked as they made their way down the hill, “Adam’s gonna be real surprised to see you, Mr. Cartwright.”

Ben barely heard the man as he spied his son working under the fully loaded log chute.Ben could see that Adam was desperately working on a support of the chute that was leaning at a very precarious angle.Brent Reynolds and several other men were working with Adam, as they tried to brace the rigging holding one leg of the large wooden trough from listing further.

Adam had hired young Reynolds against Ben’s better judgment; he felt the young man was too reckless. Adam saw the young man much like he did his youngest brother, Joe, and thought the boy was worth the extra effort.

As Ben came closer, he heard Adam yelling at Brent to pull tension on the rope, but Brent’s attention was elsewhere.Suddenly, to Ben’s horror, the support snapped.

Horrified Ben cried out, “Adam!”

Tons of freshly cut logs came crashing down on the men as they scattered trying to get out of the way.Dale and Hoss grabbed Ben to restrain him from running toward the descending pile of logs.

Hoss’s warning voice sounded in Ben’s ear, “Wait, Pa.”

Brent’s woolen coat became entangled in the splintering wood. He was being dragged toward the river with the mud and timbers slowly following in the same direction.

Powerlessly, Ben watched while Adam ran to help Brent. No Adam, please don’t do this.

Now Adam was being dragged toward the cliff as he fought to free the young man. Brent was so terrified all he could do was grab a hold of Adam, making it difficult for the other man to work.

Ben watched in horror as his eldest son struggled with the young man. Adam please son, get out of there.

As they slowly moved toward the edge of the cliff, the nightmare suddenly became worse. With a loud Crack the entire chute gave way and the rest of the logs roared down the hillside.

Ben gasped, Oh God no. Shaking the hold that Hoss had on him, he yelled, “Adam, NO!”

Now totally helpless, Ben watched as the logs overtook the two men. The impact was tremendous and the resulting sound, thundered across the mountain.

Ben lost all track of Adam in the melee of timber and mud. As Ben and Hoss ran toward the accident, he heard the sirens sounding on the hill, which brought the work at the camp to a halt and a convergence of men to the accident site.

Arriving at the pile of twisted and broken logs, he frantically called out, “Adam, where are you?Adam! Can you hear me son?Adam!”

Ben desperately searched for his son, while Hoss was busy working with the men moving the scattered logs.

Dale shouted from where he stood near the edge of the cliff, “Mr. Cartwright, Brent’s down over the edge, he’s dead.”

Ben’s heart sank as he moved to the edge of the cliff. Looking down he saw the body of young Brent Reynolds floating amongst the logs in the river. He quickly scanned the river for his firstborn's body. “Where’s Adam?” disheartened, he whispered.

Dale looked up at the devastated man, “I don’t know Mr. Cartwright. Last I saw, Adam was working on trying to free Brent.”

Ben studied the river below him; he became nauseated and broke out in a cold sweat.

Dale looked up at the man who was pale as a ghost.“Here, Mr. Cartwright, sit down.” Dale was stunned by the appearance of the silver-haired man who had seemed to age in front of his very eyes.

Ben looked down at Dale, but didn’t really see him, he was too sick. Had he lost his son?Was Adam down under the logs in the river?Turning back, he looked up at the mess of logs that was once an efficient logging operation. Was his son buried in that pile of rubble above him?Shaky and uncertain, Ben allowed himself to be lowered to the ground.

Dale scanned the area for Hoss.He hollered after finding the large man, “Hoss come quick.It’s your Pa, he’s sick.”

Ben reached out and grasped Dale's forearm, “No Dale, I’ll be alright in a minute.”

Hoss moved quickly to his father’s side and scanned his ashen face. “Pa? What’s wrong, Pa?”Looking into his father’s devastated dark eyes he gently laid his big hand on Ben’s shoulder.

Dale touched Hoss’sarm, then pointed to Brent’s body floating in the river.Hoss swallowed hard and quickly surveyed the river for Adam’s body. Looking back at his father he quietly assured, “Don’t you worry Pa, we’ll find ole Adam. He’ll be alright, I just know it.”

Tears formed in Ben’s eyes, he was touched by the kindness of his son trying to make him feel better. Ben knew the likelihood of Adam surviving was bleak. Suddenly, there was a call from above, Ben recognized the voice belonging to one of the Ponderosa's loggers, Charlie, “Hey, Boss! I found him he’s over here!Adam’s over here!”

Adam had been thrown clear during the impact of the logs hitting the area where he’d been working to free Brent.Ben, Hoss and Dale frantically scrambled to get to the area where Charlie stood.

Adam lay face down in a thicket about twenty feet from the accident site. Reaching Adam, Hoss dropped to his knees and gently began to examine his downed brother. Hoss could see that Adam’s shirt was in shreds and his body was badly bruised from the battering ride down the mountain.

No longer feeling helpless, Ben was able to regain control and looked over at Charlie, “Has anyone gone for Dr. Martin?”

Charlie nodded, “Already taken care of, Mr. Cartwright.”

Ben laid his hand on the older man’s arm, Charlie had worked for Ben since the Cartwrights started in the timber business, and whispered a grateful, “Thank you, Charlie.”

Charlie nodded his acceptance of his boss’s thanks. Charlie Lawson saw the Cartwrights as his family.He'd been around while the boys grew up, and was quite attached to the entire family. Charlie’s eyes couldn’t meet his long time employer’s eyes. “He’s hurt but he’s alive, Mr. Cartwright.”

Hoss eased Adam over onto his back, and tore the rest of the tattered shirt off of his brother to examine his chest.

Ben gasped, seeing the badly bruised body of his son. Leaning over his middle son, he worriedly asked, “How is he, Hoss?”

Hoss glanced up at his father, “ Well Pa, he’s alive, but he shore is banged up a bit. We need to get him somewhere dry.”

At that men jumped forward to help get Adam to the small cabin that was used as an office. Hoss stopped them when the big man reached down and picked up his brother's unconscious form.He looked at the men and gave a small reassuring wink, “Thanks but I got him.” Turning back to his father he instructed, “Let’s go Pa.”

Dr. Paul Martin made the long trek from town to the logging camp, then from the camp to the main house as they moved Adam home.He was amazed that Adam was in as good a shape as he was when he heard the story of how the accident happened.Adam, other than some severe bruising and the loss of consciousness, had neither broken bones nor any internal injuries.

Ben quietly entered his son’s room and studied his sleeping son. Today had been too close for comfort. Briefly he closed his eyes and gave thanks for his son's good fortune, before he slowly turned to leave. He still had to go to the Reynolds ranch to take the body of his longtime neighbor’s son home.As he reached the door he was stopped by Adam’s weak voice.

“ Pa.”

Ben turned back to his now awake son, “Yes Adam, what is it?”

Painfully, Adam slowly sat up. “Pa, I want to go with you to take Brent home.”

Sadly Ben shook his head, “Adam, you need to rest, son. I’ll take care of it.”

Adam threw his legs out onto the floor, with a grunt of pain due to the movement. “Pa, it’s my place.I was running the operation. I was in charge, so I should do this.”

Ben’s heart swelled with pride for the son he had almost single-handedly raised. He moved back to Adam’s side, “Son, I understand…”

Adam wouldn't be deterred as he stubbornly looked up into his father’s eyes. “It’s my place Pa. ”

Recognizing the determined set of his son's jaw, Ben relented. “Ok son, we’ll do it together, but we can’t stay long you need your rest.”

Adam stood uneasily, swaying just a bit before he got his feet under him. Soon, Ben and Adam were on their way to the Reynolds ranch.

John Reynolds met Ben and Adam in the yard with his wife and younger son Josh. Dale had already broken the news to the family earlier that afternoon. Ben felt they should be told while he was dealing with his own son’s injuries.

Ben and Adam sadly approached the family.Ben cleared his throat, “John, I’m so sorry this happened.”

John nodded, “Thank you, Ben.”

Taking off his black hat in respect, Adam hesitantly stepped forward, “John, I tried to save Brent, but...”

John Reynolds glanced over at the battered and bruised face of the eldest Cartwright son, “I know ya’ did Adam.Dale told us what happened and I appreciate what you did. I know you tried and you nearly died tryin’ to save Brent.”

The youngest Reynolds son's bitter voice rang out, “He should be dead! You should’ve died instead of my brother!”

Apologetically, Adam turned to face the angry younger brother. “Josh…”

Josh’s father took a hold of his arm and hissed, “That’s enough son .It weren’t Adam’s fault. Accidents happen and logging is a dangerous business.”

Josh furiously pulled away from his father.“Well the high and mighty Cartwrights didn’t lose anything did they, Pa? Adam Cartwright is alive and well. Ain’t that just amazing how Brent died and Adam lived?”

Adam stepped forward, he could understand the younger man's pain over losing his brother, and the hostility toward the man he felt was responsible, “Josh, I know you're angry, just let me tell you what happened.”

Josh’s rage overwhelmed him.He had to blame someone for the death of his brother and Adam Cartwright was the person Josh saw as the one to blame.All he wanted was to make Adam pay for the death of his beloved brother. Rushing forward, he pounced upon the unsuspecting man and his fists flew wildly into the already injured body of Adam.

Ben and John hastily moved to break the boys up.Ben quickly realized that Adam wasn’t defending the blows to his body and could hear Adam’s grunts of pain. The men struggled with the enraged Josh, who was a strong boy. It took several minutes to pull him off of Adam.

Once Josh was safely restrained by his father, Ben turned his attention his downed son. “Adam, son…”

Adam was breathing hard and blood oozed from the reopened cuts on his face. Adam struggled to rise to his knees and Ben put a supporting hand upon his son shoulder before glaring back at Josh, “What do you think your doing, Josh? This wasn’t Adam’s fault.”

Josh viciously struggled against his father’s grip.“I’ll kill him.Let me go Pa, I’ll kill him.”

John Reynolds held Josh by both upper arms to face him and shook his son, “Stop it, Now! Josh.”Keeping a strong hold on his youngest son he looked down at Ben, “I’m sorry Ben, but I think you should go now.”

Ben nodded before gingerly assisting Adam to his feet. “If there’s anything we can do, John.”

John closed his eyes briefly then nodded once while he continued to hold onto his youngest boy, he then looked over at Adam, “Adam, I’m sorry. I know you tried to help Brent.”

Breathing in short ragged breaths Adam clutched his side in pain. He forced his eyes to focus and stared intently at the elder Reynolds, “I’m really sorry, John.”

Shaky and unsteady on his feet, Adam allowed his father to help him into the wagon. Ben turned to meet the glare in the eyes of young Josh Reynolds and a chill coursed through Ben Cartwright’s body.

On the way home, Ben worried about young Josh’s declaration to kill Adam. Ben truly believed that John Reynolds would get his son under control as soon as the terrible grief wore off. He felt young Josh would come around and the terrible pain he was currently feeling would ease.Little did Ben know that tonight was just the beginning of the nightmare that awaited his family.

His Words

Ben Cartwright rushed down the main street of Virginia City .Sheriff Roy Coffey followed close behind."He's here somewhere, Roy. We've got to find him before Reynolds does."

Joe and Hoss moved quickly out the door of the saloon. Suddenly, they heard their brother’s voice.

"I won't draw against you Josh.I'm sorry about your brother.I'm real sorry, but I won't draw against you."

Adam stood at the end of the alley. Josh stood closest to the saloon his hand twitching. Josh's voice broke when he said, "then you'll die the coward that you already are, Adam."Josh pulled his gun and fired.

Ben and Roy rounded the corner as the bullets tore through Adam's body, violently his body spun around before crashing face down onto the street.

A horrified "No!" escaped Ben's lips when he saw his eldest son's body slam into the dusty ground.With gun drawn, Josh moved toward Adam's downed form.

Roy quickly drew his gun and shouted, "Drop the gun Reynolds!"

Joe and Hoss rushed across the street towards the alley as they heard the shots ring out, and then the groan from their brother when the bullets hit him. They saw their father as he arrived at Adam's fallen form, and moved quickly to his side.

Ben fell to his knees, his heart pounded wildly in his chest. He could see the two horrible wounds on his son's back. Gently but quickly, he reached for Adam’s still form to turn his son over and gather him into his arms. Tears slowly rolled unchecked down the silver-haired man's face. Joe's lip quivered and Hoss fell to his knees on Adam's other side when they saw the terrible damage to their brother's body.

Ben's voice broke as he called to his son, "Adam, son, can you hear me?"

Adam groaned his voice a mere whisper, "Paaa ."

Ben choked back the tears, "I'm here son, Pa's here." Gently he caressed Adam's face."Son, it's alright.We're going to get you help."

Adam's hazel brown eyes opened and looked up at his tearful father's dark brown ones."It'll be alright Pa..."

A sob broke from his throat, because Ben knew his son was more worried about him.Adam weakly lifted his hand toward his father's face.Ben leaned his cheek into his son's open palm.

Adam weakly smiled up at his father and whispered, "Don’t cry Pa. ”

Ben’s forehead dropped down to meet his son’s. He could feel the cold clammy sweat on his firstborn’s forehead. “Oh, Adam.” Ben’s heart was breaking.

Suddenly Adam grimaced, "Paaa, it hurts."

Ben tried hard to answer but his voice was broken, “I know son, hold on. Please hold on.”

Adam looked up at his father and gritted his teeth. It was almost as if Adam was in a hurry, he needed to tell his father something before it was too late. His eyes searched his father’s face, “Pa you’ll be proud.”

Ben tried to quiet his son, “Shhh, Adam... I’m always proud of you, Always.You hear me son?”

Adam swallowed hard, his mouth suddenly very dry, “I didn't draw Pa. ”

Ben’s heart was now completely broken. He knew his words were responsible for his son’s gun still being in his holster. It was his words that had encouraged Adam not to fight with Josh. His words that had lead to this - it was his fault.

Ben choked barely able to speak, “I know son.”

Ben watched while Adam struggled to grab a hold of his shirt. He could tell there was something that Adam desperately wanted his father to know. Ben pulled Adam closer trying to soothe his oldest son. Staring intently into his son’s hazel brown eyes, he listened carefully to what his son was fighting so hard to tell him.

Adam’s voice was terribly weak and pain-filled. “I didn't draw against him.” Adam swallowed and grimaced slightly, "I told... I told him I wouldn't fight him..."

Ben, Hoss, and Joe's eyes turned toward Josh Reynolds, who stood beside Roy in handcuffs. Ben's stare was cold, as cold as the ice on the lake in winter. Roy couldn't ever recall seeing his friend's gaze so hard.

Ben gritted his teeth as he growled, "You just shot him down, didn’t you, Josh? Adam nearly died trying to save your brother! How could you? "

Josh looked down at Ben, “It was easy. He’s a coward.”

Hoss stood up, clinching his fists at his side. "Shut that mouth Josh, or I’ll shut it for ya’.

Hoss was trying hard to maintain control, although he wanted to tear the young man apart. He understood the boy’s feeling for his brother, but Hoss also knew that Adam had tried to save the boy's brother, even at the risk of his own life.

Hoss took a deep breath futilely trying to calm his mounting rage, “How could ya’ do this, Josh?Ya’ just shot him, with him tellin’ ya’ he wouldn't draw against ya’.”

Ben called to his son, “Hoss leave him be.”

Hoss had tears in his blue eyes despite his anger while he looked down at his father." Dadburnit Pa , I heard Adam tell’m." Hoss’s voice was shaky, “I heard ole Adam tellin ’ Josh, he wouldn't draw against him." Hoss turned back to the young man who had viciously attacked his brother, “ya just shot him down in cold blood, didn’t ya, Josh?"

Josh evilly smiled back at the much larger man, “Like a mad dog.”

Roy shook the young man.“Shut your mouth, Reynolds.”

Joe stood up and stepped away from his father's side, his left hand dropping close to his sidearm.Joe looked at his father, then to each of his brothers. Slowly he turned to face Roy .Joe was incensed and his fiery gaze matched in intensity to his father’s in coldness. He spoke in a clipped tone, "Turn him lose Roy , and give him back his gun.Adam might not draw against him but I will."

Roy could see things were now about to get out of hand. "Now looky here, Joe. You stop that kind of talk." Momentarily taking his eyes off the youngest Cartwright, Roy appealed to his father, "Ben, you need to get Adam over to Doc Martin's and you better be talk’n to these boys of yours."

Ben's dark eyes were hard as he stared back at Roy ."You better get him out of here Roy , or I might kill him myself."He moved his steely-eyed glare from Roy to Josh, before he returned his attention back to Adam. His demeanor softened while he quietly talked to his wounded son, "Adam, we're going to move you to Paul's office now." Glancing up at his other two sons, he instructed, "Hoss, help me with Adam." Turning to Joe he said, "Joseph, go ahead and tell Paul we're coming." He watched while Joe slowly moved his eyes to meet his. "Now, Joseph...”

Joe swallowed hard, "Sure, Pa. "

Hoss dropped down to slide his arms gently under his brother, to lift his badly damaged body out of his father’s arms. Adam groaned once then his head fell against his bigger brother’s broad chest. Gingerly, Hoss hugged his brother closer to his large frame. Hoss glanced up to meet his father eyes. "Come on Pa. Let's go."

Ben watched while Hoss carried Adam's limp body out of the alley. Slowly, he turned to Josh, "You better pray Adam doesn't die."

Josh sneered in defiance, "I hope he does die. He deserves to die for what he did.He's nothing but a..."

In the blink of an eye, Ben's fist crashed into the face of the Josh Reynolds. Roy struggled to pull Ben off the boy. "Ben!Ben! Let him go."

Ben heard Roy's voice, looked down and realized his hands were wrapped around the throat of his son's assailant. Ben quickly let go of the throat of the young man who began to gasp for air.

Roy abruptly pulled Ben back, "Ben, have you lost your senses?"

Fresh tears formed in Ben's eyes, "No, Roy." Ben's voice was a whisper, "I've lost my son...”

Shaking his head he looked in Roy 's eyes. "It's my own fault for telling Adam not to fight him.” Ben’s voice broke; “I don't think I can live with that Roy should Adam…” he was unable to complete the thought aloud. He bent down and picked up his hat, then Adam's hat, before slowly walking toward Paul Martin's office.

The hours passed slowly as the three men waited to hear Adam’s fate. Joe sat on the arm of the chair and twirled his gun. Hoss slowly paced the floor. Ben just stared into space. His words constantly came back to haunt him. He'd been the one who told Adam to walk away. He had lectured his eldest about Josh Reynolds, and the fact that the distraught boy was still grieving over the loss of his brother.

Ben recalled the day that Josh's brother had died and how hard Adam had taken it.Adam had always been harder on himself, more so than anyone else could ever be. He also remembered how hard Brent's younger brother took the news, even attacking Adam that very night when they'd come to return the body and offer their condolences.Ruefully, Ben recalled that Adam hadn't defended himself that night either.

Ben had gotten wind of Josh’s drunken bragging about his intentions to kill the high and mighty Adam Cartwright. Ben had talked to Adam several times about Josh’s boasting and implied threats. They'd agreed that it was best for all concerned to avoid Josh, and if possible walk away from a fight. He was the one who had told Adam to walk away from a fight with Josh. How wrong he had been.

The last few weeks, Ben had found reasons to keep Adam close to home. Today, he decided that with the family there it would be safe, but he had no way of knowing that Josh would be in town today. Ben had made a very terrible mistake that would probably cost his son his life.

The door opened and Paul slowly came out of the room. All three men stood in anticipation. Dr. Paul Martin appeared tired, as he looked into the eyes of his long time friend.

Ben’s eyes grew large in response, “How is he, Paul?”

Paul took a deep breath and shook his head sadly. “Ben…”

Ben gasped in horror, “No, Paul, tell me he’s not…” Ben stepped back as if he could escape from the doctor's news.

Paul cleared his throat, “Ben, he’s hanging on. I have to tell you, I don’t think he’ll make it. “

“No,” shaking his head in despair, “No, Paul. Please you… There must be something you can do!” Ben sank into the chair. “Please God, don’t take my son,” he whispered lowering his face into his hands.

Paul knelt next to Ben, “Ben, he was shot in the back and the chest. There’s a lot of damage and Adam’s lost a lot of blood. I’m surprised he’s made it this long.I just don’t think... there’s just so much damage... He can’t make blood fast enough to replace what he’s lost. I’m sorry Ben, I’m so sorry.”

Ben briefly looked at the old family friend before glancing away, his voice harsh with barely controlled anguish, “How long?”

Paul sadly shook his head, “Not long Ben. I don’t think he’ll make it through the night.”

Ben nodded, his voice harsh, “He was shot in the back? Are you sure?”

Hoss and Joe looked at each other. “He was walkin’ away, Joe.” Hoss whispered. “I knew it, I just knew it.” Hoss’s face began to depict the anger rising in his large frame.

Joe touched his brother’s large arm, and quietly answered, “I know, Hoss. I know.”

Paul nodded before reaffirming his assessment. “From the angle of the wounds, I think he was shot in the back first. The impact turned him around and the second round caught him in the chest as he went down.I’m sorry Ben.”

Ben accepted the doctor's evaluation with a slight dip of his head, before his mind wandered back to his last conversation with Adam.

“Son I think it’s just best if you walk away from a fight with young Josh, he’ll come around.It’ll just take time, son.”Ben remembered Adam response, “If you think that’s best Pa. ”

He lowered his head into his hands once more, Why, oh WHY did he tell Adam to walk away?This whole nightmare was his fault. Now, his son would pay the price for his mistake, with his life.

Ben took a deep breath, then asked, “Can I...” before looking at his other sons' faces he changed his request, “Can we see him, Paul?”

Paul smiled, “Sure Ben, of course you can.”

Ben, Hoss, and Joe slowly walked into the room. The sight of Adam staggered them all. He was so pale and his normally olive skin appeared almost transparent. Ben moved wordlessly to his son’s side. Reaching down he caressed Adam’s damp forehead, before moving his hand to rest on Adam's cheek.Ben leaned down and kissed his firstborn’s forehead. His lips lingered as the overwhelming guilt and sadness overtook him.

Ben Cartwright broke down and sobbed. “Adam, oh son. I’m sorry, I’m so sorry.” His tears fell upon his son’s raven hair as he wept.

Tears flowed unashamedly down Adam's brothers' faces while they watched their father. “Hoss what’s he sorry about? What should we do?” Joe whispered.

Hoss just shook his head, “I don’t know, Joe. I just don’t know.”

Adam opened his eyes slightly to look up at his grieving father. “Pa, what’s wrong?”

Ben was shocked to hear his son’s voice. Wiping his tears from his face, he replied, “Adam, son. Oh son, Pa’s just worried about you.”

Adam glanced over at his brothers. “What happened?”

Hoss couldn’t speak.Joe’s voice broke when he responded, ”You’ve been shot Adam.”

Adam uncertain gaze returned to his father's face and he could see Ben’s lip quivering, “Pa?”

Ben caressed Adam’s face, “Yes, son. Joe’s right, you’ve been shot, but Paul’s got you fixed up now Adam.”

Adam knew there was something they weren’t telling him. Peering up into his father’s sad eyes he asked, “Am I going to die, Pa?”

Tears threatening to flow again, Ben bit his lip. He caressed his son arm, then answered, “No, son.”Ben leaned forward and placed his lips on his son’s forehead once more, “No, you’re going to be fine Adam.”Resting his forehead against his son’s he choked, “I love you, son.”

Adam smiled slightly with a small wry grin, “I love you too, Pa. ” Adam's voice was but a whisper, then his eyes closed.

Hoss moved to his father’s side, he was sure he heard his father whispering, “I'm sorry Elizabeth , I’ve made a horrible mistake.” Hoss laid his massive hand on his father’s shoulder and quietly asked, “What should we do, Pa?”

Ben looked up into the face of his second son. “We must pray, Hoss.”

Hoss nodded his head, “Yes sir. I’m prayin ’ with all my might, Pa. ”

Ben laid his hand on top of Hoss’s large hand. “I know you both are son.”

Joe stood at the side of the bed. The anger in him was growing.“Pa, he shot him in the back!”

Ben glared back at his youngest son. He could see Joe’s mounting rage and watched as Joe’s lip trembled. He knew how much his oldest brother meant to Little Joe.He also knew Joe’s fiery temper. “Joe, Roy has Josh locked up.He’s not going anywhere.We’re going to let the law handle this.”

Joe retorted his voice almost a hiss, he was not yet ready to accept his father's decision, “But he shot him in the back.”

Ben took a deep breath, how well he understood what Joe was feeling. “I know that Joseph.Your brother would want the law to handle this.Believe me, I would like nothing better than to handle this myself.But that’s what the law is for and we must trust the law to work. Right now, Joseph, I can’t very well have a vengeful heart and pray to God for you brother’s life, now can I?”

Joe shook his head, “No, Pa. It’s just so hard to take.”

Ben nodded, “I know son, but we have to try.”

Paul stepped into the room.“I need to check him Ben, and Roy wants to speak with you.”

Ben answered over his shoulder to the man who'd just entered the room, “Ok, Paul.”

Ben and his two sons stepped into the outer room. Roy walked over to his long time friend. “Ben, I’m so sorry.”

Ben took a deep breath, “Thank you, Roy .You needed to see me?”

Roy studied Ben.“I’ve charged Josh with attempted murder.If Adam…”

Ben cut him off, “He’s not going to die!”

Roy shook his head, “OK, Ben.” Roy suddenly felt very old before he turned to leave. “Well Ben, I just wanted you and the boys to know where we stand.”

When the lawman reached for the door, Ben called out, “Roy,” the sheriff turned back to his old friend and saw a grateful smile, “Thank you.”

Roy smiled slightly and dipped his head to one side, “Sure, Ben.” Opening the door, he stepped out into the suddenly chilly night.

Doc Martin stepped out of the room. He looked over at Ben, “He’s weaker Ben. I don’t think we have much time left.”

Ben felt as though he had been physically slapped before pleading, “Paul isn’t there anything you can do?”

Paul took a deep breath.“Well, there is a risky procedure they have described in the latest journal.”

Ben jumped at it, “What is it, Paul?”

Paul looked at Ben, “During the war, they have begun to seriously experiment with transfusing blood.They are still working out many problems that have arisen. It’s a dangerous procedure. Many things could go wrong, but…” Paul rubbed his chin while he spoke, “Adam’s injuries are very similar to the injuries discussed in my journal.”

Moving to his desk Paul looked quickly for the desired medical journal. Turning the pages quickly, he soon held the volume out to show Ben the written article. Paul continued, “You see Ben, Adam has lost so much blood his body can’t function properly. Even though we have the bleeding under control, his body is too weak, too compromised. Basically, his system just can’t catch up quick enough. If we could buy some time, give his body some help, he might stand a better chance.”

Ben's dark brows furrowed while he studied his son’s pale form. “What do we have to do, Paul?”

Paul walked over to his friend, and stared down at his rapidly deteriorating patient.“Ben you must understand, the transfusion in itself could kill him.”

Ben look to his friend and family doctor, “Paul, you say he’ll die anyway. We have to try.”

Raising his eyebrows, Doc Martin appraised the man next to him. “Ok, then I think you would be the best choice as a donor, Ben.”

Hoss and Joe immediately objected. “Now wait just a cotton pickin’ minute. Why Pa?” Asked Hoss.“What about me or Joe?”

Paul smiled at Hoss's objection, he knew this family would always protect each other. “Well, Hoss… you, or Joe would be choices except that you all have different mothers, so your blood might not be as good a match for Adam as you father's. I think with Adam’s weakened state we can’t afford any more problems.”

Hoss just nodded his head in acceptance of the doctor's explanation, even though he really didn't understand everything the doctor was saying.

Joe briskly turned away from the doctor to face his father. “What are the risks to Pa?” he asked meeting his father's eyes with apprehension.

Paul moved his hand to rub his chin thoughtfully, “Well, I have to be careful not to take too much blood from your father. There is a risk of infection. I’m just not sure Joe, I’ve never done this before.”

Joe swallowed hard, “Pa, I don’t want you to do this. I don’t want to lose you both.”Joe’s tears began to fill his eyes again.“Please, Pa. ”

Ben walked over and wrapped his strong arms around his youngest son. Quietly he talked to Little Joe, “Joseph, I have to do this.If there is a chance to save your brother's life I have to take it.”

Joe hugged his father.“Pa, what if…”

“Joseph…” Ben lifted Joe’s face and stared into his tearful eyes, “Joe, God will take care of me.We prayed for help and now he has sent it.”

Joe nodded his head, brushing his cheek against his father’s chest, “I know Pa. ”

Ben turned to his middle son, “Hoss do you have anything you would like to say?”

Hoss’s lip trembled as he responded. “Na’ Pa. I reckon you gotta do this. Adam needs blood.I can’t think of any stronger blood for him to have than yours.”

Ben smiled warmly at Hoss.His big good-hearted son always seemed to see the good in life. Turning to his friend, Ben nodded, “Ok Paul, we’re ready.”

Ben stared at the make shift bed next to his son. Paul had placed the needle into his son’s arm. Ben leaned down and touched his son face. “Adam, I love you son.You hang on we’re going to make you better.” He lightly kissed his son’s forehead before turning back to the physician he said, “Ok, I’m ready if you are, Paul.”

Paul shrugged slightly, and pointed to the bed next to Adam. Ben lay down upon the mattress, and rolled his sleeve up. Ben saw the blood filled tube attached to his son's arm. Paul stuck Ben’s arm and attached the tubes together. He watched as the clamps were removed and his life’s blood flowed slowly into his son. Turning his eyes to the heavens Ben prayed.

Two hours had passed since the transfusion. Ben still lay on the bed next to his son, dozing off and on. Hoss and Joe sat quietly at their father and brother's sides. Hoss sat with his massive hand rubbing small circles upon his brother's long fingered one, while Joe stared at his father.

Adam’s weakened voice broke the silence, “Hoss?”

Hoss jumped then quickly answered his brother with a big smile, “Yeah, Adam it’s me. How ya’ feelin’ there buddy?”

Adam returned a feeble smile, “Like I’ve been stomped by a mule.” He looked past Hoss to Joe and then noticed his father in the next bed. Panicked he asked, “What’s wrong with Pa, Hoss? What happened?”

Hoss patted his brother’s arm.“Now don’t worry about Pa. He’s a little weak right now. He gave you some of his blood Adam. It’s kinda drained him a might.”

Adam’s eyes showed his alarm. He had read about the procedure in articles written about the horrors of the war back east. “He gave me his blood!Hoss that’s so dangerous, are you sure he’s ok?”

Ben heard his oldest son’s voice and quickly turned to see his son’s dark brown eyes looking at him with concern. “I’m fine son.”Ben’s eyes turned to the heavens and silently gave thanks.

The next few days went quickly.Adam grew stronger but was far from well, while Ben recovered quickly from his gift of blood.He was happy to see his eldest growing stronger.As he sat by the bed reading to Adam, there was a knock at the door. Ben arose and opened the door. Mr. and Mrs. Reynolds stood with heads bowed at the door.

Mr. Reynolds finally spoke, “Good evening Ben, we just want to stop by and tell you how very sorry we are about what happened to Adam. Josh has always been headstrong… I’m truly sorry it turned out this way.”

Ben looked over at Adam then back to Mr. Reynolds. After taking a deep breath, Ben said, “John, I appreciate you stopping by, I know that this has been hard on you.”

John Reynolds nodded his head, “Josh says he called Adam out… He says he gave Adam a fair chance.”

Ben stepped back in shock, "John, I don’t know what your son told you, but he shot Adam in the back.“

John Reynolds eyes grew large, “Ben that can’t be. Josh said…”

Ben gruffly interrupted the man, “I don’t care what Josh says. Paul confirmed that Adam was shot in the back, then in the chest as he fell. Josh shot him down in cold blood. Adam’s gun was holstered and he was walking away from Josh. He’s going to have to pay for that, John.”

John Reynolds glared at Ben Cartwright, “You can’t be serious Ben. He’s just a young boy.”

Ben stared back, “Oh, I’m very serious. It’s by the sheer grace of God that Adam didn’t die. If Josh goes free he will kill Adam. I will not let that happen, John.”

John stepped toward Ben, “Ben, I won’t let you take both my boys.”

Ben hissed his response, “John, I won’t take him the law will.”

Outraged by the threat of losing his remaining son, John growled, “we’ll see about that Ben!”

Defiantly, Ben stared back at the man, “We will John, and the circuit judge will be here in ten days.Then, the court will decide.”Ben watched the man he had known for years, turn and walk away. Ben closed the door and returned to his son’s side. He had a real uneasy feeling about what had just transpired.

Several days later, Roy Coffey sat at his desk doing paper work. He thought he heard a noise in the back of the office so he went to investigate. As he stepped out onto the street, he was hit over the head and his world went black.

It was the first evening Adam had been at home in almost three weeks. It was nice to smell the aroma of Hop Sing’s cooking and enjoy the comforts of his surroundings; to Ben it finally felt like home once more.He was working on the ranch paperwork at his desk when there was a knock at the door. Ben went to answer the door and was greeted with a gun in his face. Josh Reynolds smiled at the silver-haired man while he backed him into the main room of the house.

Ben demanded, angry by the intrusion of his home, “What are you doing here Josh?”

Josh smiled maliciously, “Oh, I think you know that already old man.”

“You won’t get away with this Josh.” Ben quickly began to panic. He noticed two other men with Josh, and knew them as the Yates brothers. They were hands that worked on John Reynolds' ranch. John had done the unthinkable; he had his son broken out of jail, now once again the lives of Ben’s family were threatened.

Josh stepped forward and smashed his fist into Ben’s face and the older man went down hard on the floor. “Been waitin’ for weeks to do that.”

About that time, the front door opened as Hoss and Joe entered the room. Seeing their father on his hands and knees on the floor, both boys made a move for their guns.But the barrel of the colt being placed against their father's head, before being cocked, stopped them cold.

Josh smiled, “Drop 'em boys.”

Suspiciously, Joe and Hoss slowly dropped their guns to the floor. Eyeing the two younger Cartwrights warily, the Yates brothers gathered the discarded guns.

Josh smiled hatefully, “Now ain’t this something’. The high and mighty Cartwrights are here to do my bidding. Reaching down he grabbed Ben’s hair and pulled his head back hard. “Tell me, what are your son’s lives worth to you old man?”

Ben never hesitated, “Take anything you want. My money, my land…” Looking up at Josh he said, “My life.”

Hoss and Joe gasped in horror hearing their father's offer of his life. Josh grinned, “You hear that boys, your old man is willin ’ to die for you.Now how's that make you all feel? Kinda all warm and fuzzy inside?”

Hoss and Joe stared at their father with his head pull back in a severe strain.“Let him go Josh.”

Josh grinned, “Why I ain’t hurt’n your old man.”

Hoss growled ominously, “I said, turn him lose Josh!”

Indifferent to the imposing figure of the middle Cartwright son, Josh stared back at Hoss. Jerking hard on Ben’s head he hissed, “Open your mouth old man.”

Ben knew what was going to happen. Even though he was unable to see his sons, he felt the need to quickly communicate with them as his life might soon end. “Always remember boys, I love you.” Ben slowly opened his mouth and felt the cold steel of the barrel of the gun slide into his mouth. He closed his eyes. Dear God, don’t let me die this way… not in front of my sons.

Joe grabbed Hoss' arm in disbelief and fear. Hoss paled and stepped back causing Josh to laugh out loud. Looking into Ben’s eyes he jeered, “Hey old man, I think they just might care if I killed you.”

Josh slowly cocked the hammer back. He looked at the Yates brothers and motioned toward Joe and Hoss, “Tie them boys up, good now and gag them.” As he watched Josh shoved the barrel further down Ben’s throat. It was getting difficult to breathe, and Ben began to gag. Josh looked down smiling then removed the gun, and struck Ben across the face.The gun discharged as Josh struck the older man. With the impact to the gun across his face and the concussive force of the gun discharging against Ben’s head his world went black.

Joe and Hoss watched helplessly, as Ben fell in a heap on the floor. They observed the blood as it ran unchecked down their father’s face. The boys were unsure of the true cause of the wound on their father’s head and they stared at their father’s unmoving body.

The struggle erupting upstairs interrupted their vigil of their father’s body. They watched helplessly while the Yates brothers drug Adam from his room and down the stairs.

Adam saw the look on his brothers' faces when he was stopped momentarily in the great room.He scanned his surroundings for his father, and fought to go to him when he saw him lying motionless on the floor.“Pa!”

Josh stepped to his side.“Well, he offered to give his life for you Adam. Sadly, it wasn’t enough.”

Adam strained against his captors. “Josh, you’re a dead man!”

"Ask your brothers, they saw the whole thing. They heard what he said.” Josh smugly responded.

Adam suddenly realized that this vengeful boy that stood before him had killed his father.The faces of his brothers told him that it was true. Adam hung his head in sorrow. All the fight was gone. He no longer cared if he lived or died when they pulled him from the room.

Josh turned to Hoss and Joe.“Well, maybe your old man will come around, and maybe he won’t. Maybe that old Sheriff will think about checking on you, if he ever wakes up” Josh smirked with an evil grin, “either way your brother will be dead. Just like my brother is.”With that said, Josh closed the front door.

Hoss and Joe could hear the horses as they rode away. Hoss looked at Joe and noticed a tear roll down his cheek. Joe had to look away.Both boys could only stare at the still form of their father.

Roy awoke in Paul’s office.His head felt like someone was playing drums inside of it. He slowly was able to focus his eyes. Suddenly, he remembered that he had been investigating a noise at the jail. He sat up and the room spun, but slowly that subsided. Carefully he stood up, and the spinning stopped. He was walking across the room when Paul Martin opened the door.

“Ah Roy , I think you should get back in that bed.”

Roy Coffey looked over to Paul Martin, “Is Josh Reynolds still in jail?”

Paul slowly shook his head, “No, Roy he’s gone.”

Roy turned around searching the room for his belongings, “Where’s my gun, Paul?”

Paul pleaded with the older man, “ Roy , your not up to running a posse.”

Roy whirled angrily at the town doctor, “Paul, I have to get to the Ponderosa. That kid’s plume loco.Why he’s just liable to try for Adam again. I gotta warn Ben!”

Paul thought about it for a moment and knew what the sheriff said was true, “OK, but I’ll go with you.”

Hoss and Joe heard horses entering the yard. Still their father had not moved. There was a knock at the door, then another, both of which went unanswered. Roy was growing more concerned when he received no response. They went to check the barn. All the horses were there except Adam’s mount, Sport. Now Roy was really worried, he and Paul returned to the house. Roy drew his gun and slowly opened the door. Easing into the house, he breathed a sigh of relief when he saw Hoss and Joe were only tied up. Thank God they were alive!

As he and Paul moved to untie them, Roy stopped dead in his tracks when he saw his long time friend crumpled in a heap on the floor. He moved over to Ben while Paul cut Joe and Hoss free. Reaching down, he touched his old friend upon the shoulder.

Ben was cold from lying on the floor. Suddenly, Paul, Joe, and Hoss were also there at his side. Paul slowly turned Ben over, where he found the gash on Ben’s head was still oozing blood. The side of Ben’s head and the area around the gash were blackened from gunpowder, due to the weapon being discharged so close to Ben’s head. Paul shook his head, he could see that the wound was caused by a pistol whipping Ben had received. What worried Paul the most, was the damage that could be done from the concussion of the gun being fire so close to Ben’s head.While Paul was examining Ben, he slowly began to come around.

A groan escaped the injured man's lips, “Adam, Hoss, Joe…”

Hoss answered his father's unfinished question, “we’re right here Pa.”

Ben opened his dark confused eyes and looked into his middle son’s worried eyes. “Adam?”

Joe’s voice broke, “They took him Pa. ”

“Noo…” Ben wailed, closing his eyes in anguish. “No, please no.” After a moment Ben’s eyes reopened, “Boys, I want you to go after your brother.Bring him home.” Ben was quiet a moment. Tears in his eyes, he said, “Dead or alive, you bring your brother home.”

Hoss and Joe answered in unison. “Sure, Pa. We’ll do it.”They started to rise. “Boys if you find him, with the men who did this… bring them in if you can… if not…”

Joe answered, “Yes, Pa?”

Ben looked up at his sons with an unusual coldness to his dark eyes, “Kill them.”

In resolution of his father's orders, Hoss nodded with a quiet calm. “Yes sir, we shore will.”

Roy looked from Ben to the two boys. “I’ll come with you.”

Hoss easily stopped him with one hand. “No Roy , this is Cartwright business.”

Roy opened his mouth to argue and Paul said, “help me get Ben to bed, Roy .”

Hoss briefly turned back to Paul, “Is Pa gonna be alright, Paul?”

Paul nodded with an small understanding smile, “I think so, Hoss. You boys be careful now.”

“We’ll do that Doc, you just take care of our Pa. ”Hoss replied turning for the door.

Opening the door, they heard their father call out to them, “Boys, you take care of yourselves, and tell your brother….”

Hoss and Joe turned back to meet their father’s gaze, “Don’t you worry, Pa. Me and Joe will take care of it.”

Ben nodded to his two youngest sons. Their eyes met in the unspoken fear for the missing member of their family.

Hoss and Joe nodded once. It took them little time to get their things together, saddle their horses, and get on the trail of the men who had terrorized their family.

The boys tracked Sport for several miles, and soon realized that the tracks were leading to the logging camp, which had been closed down for the winter.

Hoss stopped Chubb and looked over at his brother. “Joe, they’ve had enough time… they may already have killed Adam."

Joe sat silently staring down the path. “If they have…”Joe turned to meet his brother’s eyes, “I’ll never stop till I get them Hoss.”

Hoss’s eyes turned to the road ahead. Before moving his mount further down the trail, he responded, “I know what you mean little brother” Kicking Chubb lightly on the side Hoss moved forward. Joe moved forward with his brother, both men deep in thought of the task ahead.

Joe and Hoss quietly came in the back way into the logging camp. They quickly spied the horses tied at the end of the building. As they moved closer, the door opened and Adam was roughly shoved out onto the ground. Joe started to move but Hoss stopped him. “Wait,” he whispered, “wait till they're all out here."

Josh followed Adam out of the house, reaching down he pulled Adam to his feet.Taunting Adam his said, “You should have heard your old man beg for his sons' lives.” Smiling, he continued ,“Well, his life was worth two of them, but not three."

With indifference, Adam just stared at Josh. He refused to answer, which infuriated the younger man. Josh drug Adam toward the water where there was still a section of logs left to be moved.“Look down there, Adam. Tell me, did my brother have time to cry out?”

Blankly staring ahead, Adam continued to ignore the younger man's questions.

Josh got close to Adam.“Your old man thought he’d saved you when he ate my gun. He struggled to breath… Why your two brothers…”

Without warning, Adam reached out and grabbed the younger man roughly, “Don’t talk about my father!”

Josh grinned, and shoved his gun against Adam’s stomach. “Let me go.”

Adam smiled nonchalantly in return, “What are you going to do, Josh? Shoot me?You have to be this close to kill me, because you already failed once.”

Josh grinned back when the Yates brothers pulled Adam off of him. Walking over to Adam, he balled his fists and hit him hard repeatedly in the face, abdomen, and chest as the two brothers held him. Adam soon collapsed.

Josh looked over to the Yates boys. "Get a rope and tie his hands over his head. I want him to die real slow."

Joe was itchin’ to kill these animals. Hoss was waiting till they could get them away from his older brother. They watched while the Yates brothers tied Adam’s hands, then Josh threw the rope over the pulley that he moved across the water before tying if off to the pilings.

Josh smirked, looking down at his hostage, before kicking Adam’s body over the edge.Adam cried out in pain when the rope tied around his hands caught the weight of his falling body.

Hoss declared, “Ok Joe let’s move.”

Joe moved quickly. He took out the first of the Yates brothers and tied him up, while Hoss took out the second. All that was left now was Josh Reynolds.

Josh was slowly lowering Adam down to the logs in the river. Hoss knew if Josh succeeded in his plan, Adam would be crushed or drown. Hoss knew he had to stop Josh.Hoss drew a bead on Josh with his rifle. Looking over at his younger brother he nodded.

Joe understood as soon as Hoss took out Josh he would have to get to the pulley or Adam would be killed.Joe watched as Hoss took careful aim and fired, he watched as Josh fell.

Joe made a leap for the gear. As Joe grabbed the gear, he wrestled to hold it steady. Seeing his younger brother struggling with the gear, Hoss’s hands lent their strength as well. Together they slowly brought their older brother safely back to land.

Adam was unconscious when they laid him on the bank. Hoss checked him over to see if anything was badly injured, while Joe cut the ropes that bound his wrists and supported his head.

Adam slowly awakened and looked up at his brothers' eyes as tears formed in his.

Joe asked, “Adam, are you alright?”

Adam quietly answered, “Joe, I’ll never be alright again.”

Understanding his brother's unspoken words, Hoss tried to reassure his older brother, “ Adam , Pa ’s alive.”

Adam cut his eyes sharply to his larger brother.

“He is Adam. I swear.”

Adam suddenly smiled with relief, “Then why are we wasting time here for, let’s get home.”

Ben sat by the fireplace.The boys had been gone little more than a day, but it felt like it had been a week. His hopes for Adam’s safe return were fading rapidly. Hearing horses coming into the yard, he wanted to go meet them, but he couldn’t make himself move.

The door opened and Hoss and Joe entered, closing the door behind them. Ben’s heart sank.He stood up and met the boys with a hug.“Welcome home boys.”

Hoss asked, “how ya feelin’ Pa?”

He looked at his two sons.“Oh, I’m fine.Did you… Did you find them?”

Hoss nodded, “ Yeah Pa , we found 'em,”

Ben waited growing more impatient with each passing second, “Well, did you get them, Hoss?”

Hoss nodded regretfully, “Yeah, Pa. I… I had to kill ole Josh, but we brought the other two in alive.”

Now Ben knew his son was dead, because Hoss had killed Josh. With tears in his eyes, Ben turned away and asked quietly, “Where’s your brother?”

Hoss smiled cheerfully, “Oh, Doc Martin is bringing him out with him, when he comes to check on you, Pa. ”

Ben turned back to his other sons, “Was Adam dead when you found them?”

Hoss and Joe looked at each other with strange expressions upon their faces. Joe answered, “ No Pa , Josh wanted Adam to die like his brother. He was lowering him down to the logs on a rope… so he could be sure to watch.”

A breath caught in his throat before Ben asked, “Oh, dear God, Adam was crushed?”He watched as Hoss and Joe again looked at each other. “Is that why he’s still in town?”

Hoss was a little confused by his father's question, but answered as best he could, “No, Adam fell when I shot Josh.”

Ben shook his head sadly, “That must be a 40 foot drop. Why is your brother at Paul’s office and not here?Why didn’t you just bring him home?”

Thinking his father would be glad they'd insisted that Adam be examined after all that had happened to him in his already weakened state, Joe offered helpfully, “ Well we just wanted to be sure, Pa.”

Ben whirled on his sons in shock, “Wanted to be sure? You couldn’t tell if your brother was dead or not?”

Hoss wrinkled his brow then smiled, “ No Pa , I… I could tell he was…I was sure he was...” Hoss stopped his reply because he was confused by his father’s strange question.He turned to look at his equally confused brother.

Ben was taken back by his two sons lack of emotion. It was obvious seeing their brother killed in front of their eyes, had been just too much stress on them. They had to be in shock. Why else on Earth would they take their dead brother to Doc Martin's?

About that time, he heard the buggy pull up and stop in the yard. Taking a deep breath, Ben Cartwright tried to ready himself to receive his son’s dead body.

Hoss and Joe were looking at each other, they wondered if their father was still confused from his head injury. To them, he was sure asking some strange questions.

When Ben reached the door, Hoss and Joe suddenly realized they hadn't told their father that Adam was alive.

In unison they spoke, “Uhh, Pa. ”

Ben opened the door before looking back at his two sons. Shaking his head sorrowfully, he put his hat on, and then stepped out onto the porch.

Paul was just getting down out of his buggy as Ben slowly walked toward him.He really didn’t want to do this and his body protested each step.As he reached Paul, Adam stepped around from the other side of the buggy. Momentarily stunned, all Ben could do was stare.

“Adam,” he whispered thankfully.

Grateful to see his father alive, Adam smiled. “Pa, Oh Pa, I thought you were dead.”Adam grabbed his father and hugged they embraced warmly.

Ben cleared his throat, as Hoss and Joe stepped up to their father.

Hoss stuttered, “Um, Pa… we forgot to tell ya…”

Ben interrupted his nervous son, “I see what you forgot to tell me, Hoss.”

Hoss made a face in slight discomfort and embarrassment, “I’m sorry, Pa. ”

Ben smiled with understanding, “It’s ok, Hoss.” Ben gazed intently at his firstborn, “You ok son?”

Adam dipped his head, “Yeah, Pa. I’m fine now.”

Ben inquired, “Good, Paul will you join us for supper?”

Paul grinned happily, “I don’t mind if I do.”

The End

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