Adventure in Mexico
by
Janice Sagraves

Apologies for any mistakes I may have made with the Spanish language. I was using an old Spanish dictionary and going on what little knowledge of have of this beautiful language.

ONE

Adam Cartwright and his younger brother Joe had been over a week on the trail by the time they’d crossed into Mexico. Then it had taken them another two days to finally reach the Rancho Alvera, but they’d made it. It didn’t usually take so long but dodging Apaches and bandits and taking detours to do both did tend to slow one’s progress.

Ben had sent his eldest to the ranch of his old friend to see about purchasing one of Don Carlos’ prize stallions for breeding purposes. They were known for their stamina and Ben had wanted to improve the Ponderosa stock for some time, and Don Carlos had some of the finest horses in Mexico and the United States and Territories combined.

It had been Adam’s idea to take his nineteen-year-old brother with him. Joe was showing a real eye for judging horseflesh, and Adam thought the experience would be good for him.

Adam and Joe stood on either side of Don Carlos – a stocky, robust man of about the same age as Ben – just inside the corral as the first horse was brought out for their inspection. Like all of Alvera’s animals, he was a strong boned, heavily muscled, compact creature with a sturdy back and legs, but in spite of this they were also known for their fleetness. Crossbred between native wild horses and Arabians, for five generations of Alvera’s they were the national pride of Mexico.

“Go ahead, Joe,” Adam said as he extended his hand toward the buckskin. “This is what I brought you along for.”

Excitement lit Joe’s face like a torch. With a glance at his brother he dashed to the horse. He’d show Adam that his confidence was justified. His enthusiasm thought to run away with him, but he fought it down. He ran his hand along the withers, over the chest, then down the front legs. The back was strong as were the rear legs. “A fine animal,” Joe said as he patted him on the neck. “But he’s a little shallow in the chest.”

The horse was led away. Two more were brought out but neither of them seemed to please Joe either. Don Carlos leaned close to Adam. “Are you sure about this, Adam?” he whispered. “Those are three of my finest stallions and he is so young.”

“He knows what he’s doing. Just watch.”

Then the fourth horse was brought out and Joe’s green eyes glittered like many-faceted emeralds. He was a little larger than the others and his legs a little longer. The blood bay had four white socks and a star on his forehead. His eyes were sharp and alert and his ears constantly moved to catch every sound. Joe stepped to him and did his inspection, running his hand along nearly every inch of the animal. When he’d finished he gave him a pat and turned to his brother. “This is the one, Adam,” he said with a grin.

Don Carlos looked properly impressed. “An excellent choice,” he said with a nod. “That is Red Star, the best of the best. Your little brother does indeed have a good eye.”

“I know,” Adam said with an air of pride.

Per Don Carlos’ instructions the horse was taken to be made ready for its journey to its new home. Joe hurried back to his brother and their silver-haired host.

“So what do you think of my choice, brother?”

“I think Pa’s gonna be very pleased. He’s a strong, handsome animal, and I trust your judgment.”

“After you passed on the first three I was not so sure of your ability,” Don Carlos said with a knowing glance to Adam, “but I see now that you are an excellent judge of horses. Red Star is my best, and he will sire many exceptional foals. Now,” and he clapped his hands on the backs of the brothers, “it has been a long, hot morning, and I suggest that we return to the casa where it is cooler for a light meal and a pitcher of sangria. We will drink to the success of what will become the finest breed of horses in your Nevada Territory.”

“That’s a wonderful idea, Don Carlos,” Adam said as he caught the light dancing in his little brother’s eyes. “And it’ll give us a chance to catch-up.”

Joe wasn’t exactly enthusiastic about chitchat and visiting, but the thought of food and something cool to drink, especially something alcoholic, did appeal to him.

After about an hour Joe talked his brother into taking a tour of Rancho Alvera, and Don Carlos had encouraged it. It had been close to a year since they’d been down this way, and Joe was taken in by the thought of exotic Mexico with its flashing-eyed senoritas and tequila and beautiful horses, in that order. Later, however, when he decided to take in the nightlife of Rosita – the small town bordering the rim of this great rancho – he didn’t want Adam tagging along.

As they were leaving the stable where the mares and new foals were kept, a slim vaquero passed them but he didn’t catch their attention. They, on the other hand, definitely caught his, and he stopped and watched them and a spark of recognition lit in his ebony eyes. “Ah, amigos!” he said as his arms went wide, and he rushed toward them. “Adam and José Cartwright!”

As he drew closer their puzzlement turned to pleasure as they saw that they knew him.

“Juan Caliente,” Adam said as the young man threw his arms around him, hugging and slapping him on the back.

“José,” he said enthusiastically and did the same with Joe. “You are the last two I expected to see here. It has been three years since we first met and almost one since we have seen each other. You are both looking good, and how is you father and brother?

“They’re doing just fine, and your family?” Adam asked.

“They are fine as well.”

“What’re you doing here?” Adam asked as he looked around him.

“For seven months now I have been working for Don Carlos,” Juan said proudly and puffed out his chest. “I have made many friends here, and, as I promised your father, I have worked hard and stayed on the right side of the law.”

“He’ll be glad to hear that,” Adam said. “We’re down here to buy one of Don Carlos’ stallions for stud. Pa wants to improve the stock on the Ponderosa, and he sent us to get the best.”

“Well, you cannot go wrong with one of Don Carlos’ horses.” Then the light of a brilliant thought came over the young man’s face. “I have the most excelente idea,” he said as he pushed his small-brimmed sombrero back, releasing a tangle of black curls. “We will go into Rosita tonight, and I will show my two amigos a mucho good time. It is not so often that I get to see them. And we will drink tequila and dance with the pretty senoritas, ay, José,” and he gave Joe a slap on the arm and a wink.

“I don’t think either one of us should…,” Adam started with a frown.

“Ah, come on, Adam,” Joe said as he took his brother’s arm. “How many times do we get to Mexico?” He gestured to Juan. “And here’s a good friend that we haven’t seen in a long time who wants to show us the sights.”

“Joe, we’ve seen the sights.”

“You know what I mean.”

Adam’s dark hazel eyes looked from one to the other then seemingly inward as he thought it over. Juan and Joe watched him, exchanging hopeful glances.

“All right,” he was interrupted by a gleeful yelp from Juan. “You two go ahead. I think I’ll just…”

“Ah, no, amigo,” Juan said as he rested a hand on Adam’s shoulder. “It will not be the same if you do not come.”

“Well, Juan if he doesn’t want…”

“No, José,” Juan said with a serious scowl, “your brother needs a good time just as any man does. He works hard and being older he needs it more maybe than we do.” He gave Joe a wicked smirk and furtive glance.

“Older is it?” Adam said with an eyebrow raised. “I’ll show you two children who’s old.”

“Fantástico! We will meet at the front puerta cochera when the sun is just setting, and then I will show you a time that you will never forget.”

Joe was more than a little crestfallen.

TWO

As promised Adam and Joe met Juan at the front gateway and headed out for a night on the town. Rosita – named for the founder’s mistress, and not his wife – was a small, sleepy hamlet of no more than ninety or so residents. Its population did, however, inflate during fiesta and any time when the vaqueros from Rancho Alvera came in. It’s cantinas, and there were as many as there were other businesses, were always lively after the sun went down. After pushing cattle and breaking horses and the mundane jobs of a working ranch, the men needed recreation when they could get it.

Juan and the brothers were just riding into town as the music and laughter were filling the streets. Adam and Joe were on Sport and Cochise and Juan was on a sprightly little zebra dun named Magia.

“You know, when you stole that horse from us, I sure thought Pa was gonna have you locked up for it,” Joe said as he leaned forward to see past his brother.

“So did I, amigo. But even if he had I could not help myself. When I saw him it was like magic,” Juan said as he patted his horse on the neck, “and I knew I had to have him.”

“And your being seventeen didn’t help,” Adam said with a crooked grin.

“Si. I had always wanted a horse such as this and even though I knew it was wrong I knew that I had to have him so I simply took him.”

“That’s why Pa didn’t have you locked up,” Adam said. “Because you knew it was wrong and wasn’t ashamed to admit it. He saw what you could be if given a chance, so he decided to give it to you.”

“And for that I will always be grateful, and for letting me keep my Magia,” he said and gave the horse another pat. “I will never forget his words to me the day they let me out.” He stuck his chest out and drew his face into a fierce scowl and made his voice as deep as he could get it. “You are going free only because I believed you when you said you knew you were wrong. This will give you the chance to make a right from that wrong by living your life to the best you can. Work hard and stay on the right side of the law. But if I find out that you are stealing again…”

“And we both know what would’ve happened then,” Joe said with a laugh.

“Si and that is why I never stole again, except for maybe a kiss now and then,” he said and let go with a hearty laugh.

They reined up in front of El Gato Blanco, The White Cat, one of the classier cantinas in town and a favorite of many of the Alvera vaqueros. Guitar music drifted out through the open doorway as they dismounted and tied up. Once inside they were assailed by the intermingled scents of stale perfume, smoke and liquor.

It was cheerful and festive and brightly colored serapes and blankets adorned the painted adobe walls. A large many-candled chandelier hung from the middle of the ceiling and lit everything.

Joe’s eyes danced as they roved about the room filled with people and life. Since he’d started accompanying his brothers to the saloons in Virginia City, he’d found that he liked it. His heart beat with excitement as he looked about him. He had no doubts that this was going to be an evening he would long remember as one of the most enjoyable he’d ever had, if Adam didn’t interfere. Stepping next to his brother his gaze came around and landed right on the most beautiful woman he’d ever seen. Her graceful, shapely legs stuck out beneath ruffle after ruffle of fiery red and a froth of raven ringlets graced the top of her head. Exotic dark eyes beneath fans of dense lashes caught with his and his pulse quickened. He whistled through his teeth. “Would you look at what I see?”

“Ay yi yi,” Juan said as he shook his hand in front of him.

“Do you know who she is?” Joe asked.

“No, I have never seen her before. That one I would remember.”

“Well, it’s obvious that she’s seen us,” Adam said as he tipped his hat to her, and she nodded.

“Us, older brother? She’s looking right at me.” Joe straightened his blue jacket and set his hat just so. “I think I’ll go introduce myself.”

“I will do it,” Juan said as he put a hand against his friend’s chest and stopped him. “She might not be comfortable around Americanos.”

“She looks pretty comfortable to me,” Adam said as that eyebrow went up.

Joe’s mouth set as Juan walked off toward her making his way through the throng and tables. They watched as he slid his sombrero from his head and leaned casually against the bar near where she was sitting, a drink in her elegant hand. Above the music and the jumble of voices they couldn’t hear them as they chatted, but her eyes never strayed from the brothers.

Finally, Juan returned, his face a bit longer than when he’d gone over to her.

“Well?” Joe said eagerly. “What did she say?”

“She wants to meet… Adam.”

Joe looked incredulous as his mouth fell open. “How do you know she didn’t mean me?”

“Because she said the black-haired Americano with the flashing eyes. That is how I know.”

Adam gave Joe a knowing smirk and a cuff on the arm. “See you later, little brother. I’m sure you can find something to do,” then he started toward the lady.

“My eyes flash too,” Joe said loudly after him.

Adam removed his hat and placed it on the bar. Before uttering a word he took her free hand and graciously kissed it. Then his hazel eyes raised and looked deep into hers. “Buenos tarde, Señorita. De donde bueno no?”

Her eyes glittered seductively in the light from the chandelier. “Lejano.”

This one was going to play it cagey. He’d just asked where she was from, and all she would say was ‘Faraway’. He gave her his best smile, and his heart rate sped up. Her presence was intoxicating, and her perfume was going to his head. He snagged an unoccupied chair and pulled over by her then sat down and proceeded to order a drink.

“I think I’m gonna be sick,” Joe said to Juan as they stood and watched the master at work. “Why do they always seem to go for him?”

“You must admit, José, that you brother is a very handsome man and when he is around the rest of us do not stand a chance. Except, maybe with the blind ones and most especially not with one like that.” Pain seemed to streak across his face, and he groaned. “It does not matter,” he said as he brightened quickly, “we are here to have a good time, and we should not let anything spoil it.” He slapped Joe on the back. “There are plenty of girls in Rosita and many are here right now.”

“Not like that one,” Joe said despondently, his eyes staying on the woman.

“A girl is a girl, ay? So let us see if we can find one. Cheer up, amigo.” He gave Joe another slap. “The night is young yet, and we are just getting started.”

THREE

Joe still hadn’t found his girl, and Juan had left him when he’d spied some compadres. They had only been there about twenty minutes or so, but as is common with a teenager, he was impatient. Then it dawned on him that he’d been so busy looking for female companionship that he hadn’t had anything to drink. He was letting a perfectly good opportunity go to waste and that just wouldn’t do. So, bucking himself up, he went in search of tequila.

Juan was pouring his third drink when one of the men he’d been with earlier motioned him over. It wasn’t hard to see that whatever he had on his mind was urgent so he went as beckoned. “Que pasa, amigo?” The man leaned close to him and whispered into his ear. Juan followed his gesture toward the door, and his blood instantly pooled in his boots. “Gracias, compadre,” he said as he gave the man a thump on the arm. He started off into the patrons; he had to find José and the sooner the better.

Joe was working on his first serious shot of tequila and flirting with a pretty little thing across the room. He fully intended on making her acquaintance, but before he took more than two steps he found himself snared from behind. He’d been gunned down again and it put him in a dour frame of mind, but as he turned Juan’s expression changed his attitude. “Juan, what is it?”

“We must get Adam out of here.”

“Out of here? Why?” Joe’s eyes darted to his brother, and his lip curled. “He’s just starting to get someplace.”

“He will get someplace. The cemetery, I think.”

“What’re you talkin’ about?” Joe asked as his soft brows knit together.

“Do you see that big hombre that just came in?” Juan said as he pointed back toward the main door.

As Joe saw the man he gulped and looked sick as a dog. He was as big as Hoss, and his mammoth hands were bunched into hard wads, and his fierce, onyx eyes slowly scanned about him. There were two other men with him but Joe gave them little notice. “Yeah, I see ‘im. How could I miss ‘im?”

“Well, it would appear that the señorita is not a señorita, but a señora. She is his wife, and he is looking for her and to bust up any man that happens to be with her.”

“Uh-oh.”

“Si, uh-oh.”

“So what do we do now?” Joe said as he took his hat off and ruffled his unruly hair.

“I am thinking.”

“Well, you’d better think fast,” Joe said as he swallowed the knot in his throat, “because he’s comin’ this way.” He followed the direction of the man’s gaze, and his breath caught. “He’s seen ‘em, but I don’t think they’ve seen him.”

“Un momento.”

“We may not have a minute.”

Joe watched – with a cursory glance back at his brother – as Juan made his way to the other side of the room. His friend went to a rather round faced fellow, gesturing and talking. Joe couldn’t help but wonder what was being said, but didn’t have time to worry about it. Then the man’s eyes turned sharp, and he gave Juan a friendly pat on the arm. The man walked with purpose to a group of men by a table and tapped one that was thin and homely on the shoulder. Then round face said a few words and planted his fist squarely against homely’s jaw, and the fight was on.

“Now let us make haste,” Juan said as he ran back to Joe, just barely ducking a flying bottle.

As they turned a surprise clout to the mouth knocked Juan flat. Without giving it any thought Joe returned the favor to the assailant then helped his friend to his feet. Again they started to get to Adam, but he and the lady weren’t where they had been. Two pair of frantic young eyes looked earnestly as they stood back-to-back in the middle of the melee, more for protection than anything.

“There they are!” Joe shouted above the clamor as he pointed to the back.

The woman was standing by a rear door, and Adam was defending a lady’s honor as well as himself. Joe and Juan headed for them, but from nowhere a body plowed into the young vaquero, and they both crashed through a table as its legs splintered. It was round face, a thin trickle of blood running from the corner of his mouth. Joe helped them both up and the other man melded back into the fray.

This time they made it to the bar where Juan picked up a bottle of mescal and took a good slug. A man grabbed Joe and was about to hit him when glass shattered over his head, and he hit the floor. As Joe spun around he found himself looking into the chest of one disgruntled husband. His emerald eyes slowly rose and the face he looked into wasn’t the jolliest he’d ever seen. With a timid grin he excused himself and stepped around him, and he could feel the man’s glare drilling into his back.

By the time he got to his brother, Juan was in the process of dragging him out of there. Getting on the other side of him, he and Juan managed to get him out of this hornet’s nest, but Adam was fighting them. Once outside and safe from any potential bodily injury Adam slapped their hands away from him. “Would you two just let go.”

They stepped back and pulled their hands free.

“Now would you mind telling me what you thought you were doing?”

“Trying to keep you from getting your neck broke, older brother.”

“What are you talking about?”

“That,” Joe said as his eyes and finger darted toward the doorway.

Adam looked around and thought he was looking at Hoss’ counterpart across the border. “Who is that?”

“Her husband!” and Joe started tugging him back.

“Husband? I didn’t know she was married.”

“He does,” Juan said and began pulling from the other side.

Discretion being the better part of valor Adam decided that retreat was the best option, at least for now. Getting himself beaten to a pulp wouldn’t help anything, and he didn’t think he would be allowed the chance to explain.

As the big man and his companions ran at them two brothers and an Alvera vaquero broke and took off up the street. There wasn’t time to get to the horses and ride out without being jerked from the saddle and seriously pulverized.

Adam’s long legs could have easily outdistanced his compatriots, but he felt it his duty to lag back to protect his brother and a friend. He looked quickly behind him and didn’t care for his view; the three men were gaining on them. If he didn’t know Hoss as well as he did he wouldn’t understand how such a large man could move so fast, and anger driven as he was made it worse.

Joe and Juan were slightly ahead of him as they turned a corner and started down an alley. He took another rapid glimpse behind him and saw that for the time being they had shaken their pursuers, but when he looked back around he was alone. He gulped hard but he didn’t have time to dwell on it. As he passed a dark doorway he found himself precipitously jerked inside and a hand placed over his mouth.

“It’s me, brother,” came softly.

Adam slapped the hand away. “Joe,” he grumbled into the gloom.

The sound of rapid footfalls froze them where they were and any further words in their throats. They watched as the three men ran past and then it went quiet.

“Ah, this is ridiculous,” Adam griped. “I’m half a mind to go out there and talk to ‘im.”

“What, and get yourself killed? What’d Pa say if I came home with you across your saddle?”

“Well, one thing is for sure,” Juan said, “we cannot stay here all night. Maybe, José, you should look and see if they are gone.”

“Why don’t you do it?” Joe shot back.

“Well, somebody do it,” Adam said severely.

“Oh, all right.” Joe tentatively stuck his head out. He looked first to the right, and to his relief it was clear, but when he looked left his heart nearly came out his mouth. Livid onyx eyes latched onto wild green ones and Joe knew without doubt he was caught. He groaned and took off back out toward the street with Adam and Juan at his heels.

This time they had enough of a head start that they decided to make a try for the horses. With a quick jerk Adam and Joe had their reins loose, but Juan’s knotted and thoroughly refused to come undone. He began to curse under his breath as he continued prying at them.

“What’s the problem?” Adam asked as he swung into the saddle and caught sight of the rapidly approaching trio.

“Ah, my reins have knotted, and I cannot get them loose.”

“Well, cut ‘em and let’s get outta here,” Adam ordered.

Juan took a large knife from his right boot and with a swift slice they were free. He stuck the blade back, and he and Joe vaulted onto their horses.

As Sport wheeled one of the men made it to Adam and thought to pull him down, but a well placed boot against his chest sent him sprawling. The big chestnut was kicked into a gallop along with a wiry paint and a sprightly zebra dun. As they headed out of town in the general direction of Rancho Alvera, Juan gave a loud whoop and they left a vengeful husband and his two friends behind in a cloud of dust.

FOUR

The sun cleared the horizon as always in preparation for the day, and early on it promised to be another scorcher. Ripples of heat seemed to emanate from the ground to catch every living thing between it and the fiery ball that hung in the clear, cloudless sky.

The expansive hacienda of Rancho Alvera was an oasis of trees and fountains and cool silk sheets. A walled courtyard surrounded the red tile-roofed house and afforded security as well as peace and privacy. The food and hospitality were second to none and anyone who had ever spent time there knew it well. Don Carlos and his wife Doña Inez were never blessed with children of their own so whenever the Cartwright sons came they lavished every comfort on them. Their wants and needs never went unfulfilled and only the finest was brought out for their infrequent visits.

Adam stood on the veranda outside his bedroom with a cup of hot chocolate. He’d never been much for the drink, until he’d tasted the way it was done in Mexico and found it very much to his liking. There were many variations, and he always made a point of having some when he found himself south of the border. Conhata – the Alvera’s cook – spiced it with cinnamon, nutmeg and a touch of coffee, and he savored every luscious drop.

As he looked out across the shaded court a light rapping came at his door. “Come in,” he said and took a sip from the delicate china cup.

“Good morning, brother,” Joe said brightly as he passed through the open French doors and came to stand next him.
“Did you have a good night?”

“Once I got out of Rosita, I did.” He took another sip, and his eyes stayed locked ahead.

“Oh, that,” Joe said abashedly. “That wasn’t my fault or Juan’s. We had no idea she was married.”

“We won’t talk about it now; I don’t want to spoil this perfect morning. But when I get you and Juan together,” and then the snapping hazel eyes came around.

Things had suddenly gotten very hot, and Joe tugged at his shirt collar. He knew that look in his brother’s eyes, and he knew that it boded ill for whoever was on the business end of it. At least, however, he wasn’t in this by himself.

“Well, I’ll leave you alone with your chocolate.”

“Didn’t you want to ask me something?”

“Yeah, but it can wait,” Joe said and graciously and in self-defense, backed out and left.

One corner of Adam’s finely sculpted mouth turned, and he took another sip. If Joe thought he was off the hook, he was sadly mistaken, and the same went for Juan. He hadn’t really wanted to go to town in the first place, but he’d let Juan talk him into it. The whole sordid mess hadn’t, as Joe had put it, been their fault, but he knew there was something they weren’t telling him, and he intended to find out what it was. Even if he had to put them over his knee one at a time and spank it out of them.

His grin deepened, and he polished off his chocolate. Pa had said that they could stay for a few days after business had been transacted and enjoy themselves. Adam fully intended to, if those two rascals would let him.

*******

After he’d finished his chocolate and spent a most pleasant half hour chatting with Señora Alvera, Adam set off in search of his miscreant brother and his cohort. They had some explaining to do, and if he knew them they weren’t any too eager to do it. He wasn’t certain of what they were guilty of, but judging from the way they had been behaving since last night, he knew it was something.

As he approached the stable he heard their voices, low and unintelligible. Now was as good a time as any, and he pretty much had them cornered.

“Good morning, boys,” Adam said brightly as he stepped inside. “Planning anymore trips into town?

“Buenos días, Adam,” Juan said then turned to go.

“Oh, no you don’t,” Adam said and motioned him back. “You two have some explaining to do. I’m not exactly sure about what, but I can read it all over your faces. Now it’s time to own up to it, whatever it is, so out with it.”

Joe and Juan looked at each other, but neither one was willing to go first.

“I’m waiting,” Adam said as he crossed his arms over his chest.

Juan muttered something and gave Joe a brusque nudge.

“We had to get you outta there any way we could,” Joe said defensively.

Comprehension dawned in Adam as his hands went to his hips. “You started that fight.”

Joe was quick to point his finger at Juan. “He did.”

“Gracias, amigo,” Juan said with a sneer.

“And just how, if I dare to ask, did you do that?”

Juan seemed to be looking for an avenue of escape, until he realized he was trapped. “Well, I told this hombre that this other said that he looked like… un puerco.”

“A pig?” Adam said as the telltale eyebrow rose. “You told some poor unsuspecting fella that some other poor unsuspecting fella said he looked like a pig?” He cocked himself back on one foot and eyed them straight. “I can see where that could cause a fight, yes.” He pushed his hat back and shook his head. “You know, it amazes me that you two are still alive. You’d just better hope they don’t get together in friendly conversation and don’t see you after they do.” Then he turned and started out, still shaking his head.

Joe and Juan looked at each other then ran out after him. “Adam!”

Adam’s long legs continued to carry him back toward the house with them in hot pursuit. He’d found out what he wanted to know, and he was, hopefully, finished with them for the rest of the day. He knew that wasn’t to be, however, when they buttonholed him near one of the corrals. His mouth drew into its characteristic pucker, and he eyed them warily. “Now what?”

“You’re not still mad at us, are you?” Joe asked with expectation glittering in his green eyes.

“I never was. I knew you two were hiding something, I wanted to find out what it was, and I did.”

“And that is it?” Juan asked dubiously.

“That’s it. Now I’m going back to the house where it’s cooler.” He started on but didn’t get very far. “What now?”

“It’s not anything really. Juan is goin’ out to check on some cows,” Joe said with an eager glance back at his friend. “I’m goin’ with him, and we thought you might like to come too.”

“Now why would I want to do that? More to the point, why would you want me to? You didn’t want me along last night, but now you do. Why?”

Adam watched them closely as they glanced quickly at each other.

“There is no reason,” Juan said with a shrug, “other than we thought it would be a good way for us to simply be together and get reacquainted.”

Adam knew he didn’t believe this. “The rest of it or I stay firmly rooted right here all day.”

Juan looked to Joe as if asking for help.

“It’s your turn,” Joe said with a syrupy smile.

“Gracias, amigo,” Juan said with the return of his sneer, but it vaporized the second he turned back to Adam. “Well, you see we have been having trouble with the cattle being stolen.”

“Rustled,” Adam added wryly.

“Si rustled. So we have been hiding them around the rancho. A herd here, another there and so far it has worked. Every day some of us ride out to see how they are doing and to move them. Today I am to go out to the valley on the west range. There is a small herd there of no more than thirty. I was going to ask Manuel and Fausto to come with me, but Joe said that you and he could come.”

“Oh, he did, did he?” Adam said and took sadistic delight in watching his little brother squirm under his direct gaze. “Well, the answer is ‘no’. I didn’t come to Mexico to drive cattle. Pa said we could take some time to relax after the horse was bought and that is what I fully intend to do.” He wormed himself away from them and resumed his walk back toward the house.

“Oh, come on, Adam. This is a friend asking for our help.”

“No, little brother, this is you volunteering our help,” Adam said firmly as he whirled on them. “I know you. You’re hoping for some more adventure.” He started shaking his head emphatically. “The answer is still ‘no’.” As he turned, though, he found himself face-to-face with Juan.

“It is not so very far and it is but a short ride.”

“That’s what I wanted to talk to you about earlier. And besides, I’ve already got Sport saddled,” Joe said with a wince.

Adam’s head dropped, and his arms went limp at his sides. He knew he didn’t want to do this, and he also knew what it would be if he didn’t. Joe would sulk and on the way home he wouldn’t be able to get two cents worth of words out of his little brother, and if anything happened he’d never forgive himself. Pa did say to watch after Joe. “All right,” he mumbled.

“What?” Joe asked with a fervent glance at Juan.

Adam’s head came up and it wasn’t difficult to miss his less than enthusiastic expression. “I said, all right.”

“Now that’s the way to be,” Joe said as he gave his brother a slap on the back. “It won’t be so bad.”

“We’re gonna be in the saddle, in the sun, driving a herd of mangy beeves. Yeah, it’s gonna be wonderful, just like home.”

Relax? Who was kidding whom? Pa should have known better. Then Adam remembered the look on his father’s face as they were leaving. He did know better.

FIVE

The sun was going down the other side of six o’clock as they had ridden out and it was hot as a restaurant kitchen in July. Feathery white clouds had begun drifting through the sky and the wind – scant as it was – was like a dragon’s breath. The horses ambled along at an unhurried pace and extra canteens sloshed from the horns of their saddles.

“Elena was my girl, that is, until she met Ricardo,” Juan said as Magia plodded on. “She said that I was too much of a niño, but she did not think that until she met him.”

Adam wasn’t being much of a conversationalist. His eyes strayed up to a large bird overhead, and he found himself fantasizing about having wings.

“That’s the problem with having an older and more charming brother,” Joe said with a devious smirk.

A wicked light flicked into Juan’s dark eyes as they darted toward Adam. “Of this you should know.”

This let the wind out of Joe’s sails, and his mouth drew in. “Very funny.”

“I thought so,” Adam said as he gave Sport his knees and came up next to Cochise. “And so very true.” He shifted his butt in the saddle. “How much longer until we get to where the cattle are?”

“Not long.” Juan shielded his eyes with his hand and looked toward the sun. “We left almost as hour ago and it should not take much longer than that to reach them.”

“Good. The sooner we get this done, the sooner I can be sitting under a tree in the courtyard with a glass of sangria,” Adam said as he tugged his hat down in front.

“Ah, si,” Juan said wistfully. “And tonight I will go to see Lupe.”

Joe’s forehead wrinkled. “What about Elena? Aren’t you gonna try to get ‘er back from Ricardo?”

“If she dun want me then I dun want her, and my brother is welcome to her. In time, he will see what my eyes have been opened to.”

“And what’s that?” Joe asked.

“That as soon as someone she thinks is better comes along she will do the same to him that she did to me.”

“Don’t you think maybe you should warn ‘im?”

“Would you?”

“He’d better,” Adam said as his eyes set on his brother.

Joe looked at him and could see right off that he was deadly serious. What Juan had taken as a joke he knew was anything but. Living with Adam Stoddard Cartwright for nineteen years had taught him many things, and he was still learning, usually the hard way.

They rode on for another twenty minutes or so, and Adam continued with his version of ‘Are we there yet?’ They finally came onto a road edged on either side by trees that led directly to where the cattle had been secreted away. This took another fifteen minutes and Adam persistently reminded them of his impatience to reach their destination. As they entered the dell the sound of water running over rocks greeted them as well as men’s voices. They reined in at the sight of nine men rounding up the cattle, and no one had to tell them who they were or what they were doing.

“I thought you said they didn’t know the cows were here,” Joe whispered.

“They must have stumbled on these because they are well hidden.”

“Apparently not well hidden enough. Now let’s get outta here before they see us,” Adam said as he started to bring his horse around.

But the suggestion didn’t come soon enough as one of the rustlers at the rim of the herd spotted them and gave the alarm. As one, the bandits started after them.

“Vamos!” Juan shouted as he turned Magia.

Joe took off with Juan directly behind him, and Adam bringing up the rear and they reentered the road. Riding single file as they were it would be more difficult to hit them all, and Adam presented the best target. The bandits were quickly closing the distance with their quarry as they entered the shady lane.

Almost immediately Adam began riding in a zigzag pattern and putting space between him and Juan. The big chestnut took each turn easily as his rider leaned into it, and each time Adam cut it closer and closer to the trees. He was buying time for Joe and Juan as his wild maneuvering held their chasers back.

Joe and Juan kept looking behind them, and their eyes communicated to each other what the oldest Cartwright was up to. They knew what they were to do at the appropriate time, and words were unnecessary.

A bullet whistled past Adam’s ear and woke him up to the fact that it was time to stop playing with these men. They meant business, and he hadn’t come to Mexico simply to bleed to death in the sun. He zigged Sport to the right then sharply cut to the left and disappeared into the trees.

Before they knew what was happening the crazy American burst out in front of them, cutting directly across their path. They tugged back on their horse’s heads to avoid hitting him. One animal went down, its rider hitting the ground with a thud, two were unhorsed as their mounts reared, three more nearly collided, and the remaining three only barely escaped without mishap. “Loco gringo!” one shouted.

Adam had done his job well; for by the time they collected themselves enough to take notice their prey was nowhere to be seen.

Adam could hear them as he rode away calling him every dirty name they could think of, and it made him grin. He looked behind him – reveling in his success – as Sport bolted on through the grove of trees. However, he turned back just as the branch of one caught him across the chest, and he was wrenched from the saddle. He hit the ground so hard that the air was driven from his lungs, and pain saturated him from hair to toenails. His head struck and his vision grayed and blurred and numbness crept over him like low-lying fog.

He couldn’t be sure how long he laid there when he became dimly aware of being raised in a strong yet gentle grip. Slowly, his heavy lids rose, and he found himself looking into a pair of anxious emerald eyes. “Sorry, Joe,” he said hoarsely then oblivion overtook him as the lights went out.

As Joe Cartwright held his unconscious brother his pistol cleared its holster, while Juan Caliente stood over them with his rifle. They stayed perfectly still and their gaze never left the direction of the road. The voices of the bandits carried in the clear, stagnant air and two pair of ears were tuned in to them.

Joe’s heart leapt as one suggested that they should go after them, but another thought they should just go back for the cattle. He looked at Juan who simply shook his head as they listened. The one – who he guessed to be the leader – put his foot down and said they would go back for the herd. Those three weren’t worth the trouble, and they would have the cattle well gone before anyone could get there. Then the thump of hooves faded into the distance, and his pulse slowed.

Juan crouched in front of Joe, Adam between them. “Does he seem to be hurt bad?”

“I don’t know,” Joe said as he returned the gun to its place. “But we can’t go all the way back to the ranch with him like this. It’d be too easy for ‘em to catch up with us.”

Juan looked around at the countryside. “There is a house not so far from here. We sometimes go there when we have been out long on the range. It would be a good place to take him and stay the night if we must.”

“All right, I’ll ride with him.”

Juan gave him a reassuring grin and a slap on the shoulder then went and got Sport. Working together they got Adam into the saddle, and it wasn’t easy because he outweighed both of them, and now he was deadweight. Then Joe got up behind him and put a securing arm around his brother’s waist. Juan climbed aboard Magia and came alongside leading Cochise.

Juan took more of a lead as Joe followed. They had to make the house before night fell and get Adam settled down. Neither knew how badly injured he was, and they didn’t want to subject him to any hard riding. And maybe, hopefully, when they didn’t return Don Carlos would send someone looking for them. Even if he did, though, it probably wouldn’t be until morning. No, for the rest of today and through tonight they were on their own.

*******

The sky was turning dusky by the time they reached the little house set in the middle of a flat area with a few half dead trees around it. It was more of a shack really, but it would do. Nightfall probably wouldn’t be for another hour yet, but with Adam unconscious they didn’t want to get caught after dark. It was just entering the phase of the new moon so it promised to be black as the inside of a cow.

With grunts, puffs and a few Spanish cuss words they managed to get Adam down from the horse and inside. Since it didn’t have any beds the vaqueros always brought in their bedrolls, and that’s what Joe and Juan did. Once they got Adam taken care of Juan went to see to the horses while Joe checked out his brother and set up light housekeeping. Delving into their saddlebags he found jerky, flour tortillas, a scrap of white cloth and little else since they hadn’t planned on being out this long.

The little rag he wet with water from a canteen and wiped the blood from the side of his brother’s head. There wasn’t much but it was enough to send anxious darts through Joe. Anytime something happened to a member of his family it was always the same.

By the time Juan came back in and announced that the horses were fed, watered and hidden in the lean-to out back Joe had Adam taken care of and supper ready. “Jerky?” he asked as he held a strip of the sun dried meat out to him.

“Gracias,” Juan said as he took it and perched himself on a window ledge.

“I hate makin’ a cold camp,” Joe said as he bit the side out of a tortilla.

“Si, but we cannot build a fire. Being bandidos does not make them stupid. Not so bright maybe, but not stupid. They would see the smoke and put one and two together and come up with us.” He tore off a bite of the jerky with his teeth. “How is he?” he asked with a nod to Adam.

“He hasn’t moved. I haven’t found any blood except for the small cut on the side of his head and a pretty good sized knot. Nothing seems to be broke or outta place, he just won’t wake up.”

“Well, he did hit the ground pretty hard,” he said as he continued to chew. “I have ridden into a tree like that a few times and, ay chihuahua, you see all the stars in the heavens. An amigo of mine was killed that way.”

Joe’s green eyes shot right to him.

“Of course, if the canyon had not been there for him to fall into he would have been all right,” Juan went on matter-of-factly, unaware of the stern scrutiny he was under.

Joe turned back to his brother as he took a drink from one of the canteens. They were in a real mess: there were bandits around, no one knew where they were, and one of them was hurt. For once he wished he’d listened to Adam. It was going to be a long night, and – since they couldn’t build a fire – a cold one. But right now his main concern was Adam. Joe reached out and touched him simply for the reassurance that he was still alive, and let go with a sigh of relief. If they got through tonight they would head back to Rancho Alvera in the morning, unless Adam was unable to ride. That being the case Juan could go for help while he stayed behind and hoped that he made it through and returned quickly.

SIX

The sky was just beginning to turn coral and aqua with patches of mauve when Juan went to see about the horses and if anyone else was in the area. Morning birds were singing a merry song but it was wasted on the three young men.

The shack was still chilly as Joe scrounged around in the saddle bags for breakfast, such as it was. His glance went to his brother – who hadn’t moved all night long – while he laid out more jerky and tortillas. His thoughts went to his father and other brother back home on the Ponderosa, and he was glad they didn’t know what was going on in Mexico. Pa tended to be a bit of a worrier when it came to his sons, and this would drive him crazy knowing he couldn’t do anything about it.

A soft, deep moan made Joe look around, and his heart raced as he saw that Adam was beginning to stir. He was instantly at his brother’s side and hovering over him like their father would.

Adam felt like his head would split as he gradually became aware of his senses more than a sense of where he was. A warm voice was saying something that sounded like his name, but he couldn’t be sure. Slowly raising his eyelids the light attacked him and plunged his eyes into the pain his head was experiencing and a low groan left him.

“Good morning,” Joe said as he looked into his brother’s strained face.

“So you say.” He blinked in an effort to clear the fuzz.

Joe held up a hand and extended two fingers. “How many?”

“Ah, Joe,” Adam said as his expression contorted.

“How many?”

“Two.” A single eye squinted together. “One on each hand.”

Fear dashed across Joe’s face until he realized that Adam was making a joke and not a very funny one at that. “Do you remember what happened?” he asked as he helped his brother to sit up. He knew that Adam was in pain, he didn’t have to be told, he could see it for himself.

“A tree ran into me.”

“Yeah, well, maybe next time it’ll watch where it’s goin’.”

“Maybe it will.” He looked around him as he rubbed his right temple. “Where are we…, and where’s Juan?”

“We’re in a shack not far from the road and Juan’s outside checking on the horses.” Joe reached back and snagged a piece of jerky and offered to him. “Here. I know you haven’t had anything to eat since yesterday.”

Adam’s top lip curled as he took the strip from his little brother’s fingers. “I’d give my eyeteeth for some of Conhata’s hot chocolate.”

“And I wish I had a cup of boiling coffee, but…”

“I know, I know. If wishes were horses, beggars would ride.”

Just then the door opened and Juan blustered in. “Ahh, you are back with us.” He pushed his sombrero back and it caught by the chin thong and hung down his back. “The horses are all right and there dun seem to be anyone around but us and the birds,” he said as he riffled his fingers in his thick, curly black hair. “I am hungry as un lobo and I could eat a whole flock of sheep,” he took a piece of jerky and looked at it disparagingly, “but alas I must settle for this.” He tore off a bite with his teeth.

Adam did the same and was surprised at how good it tasted, but then going for almost a day without food had that effect on a man. He took a swig of water and it washed away some of the ache. “As soon as we eat this stuff we need to get started.”

“Back to the ranch?” Joe asked hopefully, his eyes narrowing.

“Not yet,” Adam said with a sharp glance, then gingerly got to his feet and swayed a little. “I want to see Sport.” Tearing a bite from the leathery strip he went out.

Joe just watched after him, his brow drawing down.

“Que pasa?”

“They’ve done it now.”

“Who has done what?”

“Those bandits’ve made Adam mad.”

Juan’s jaw dropped, and he put a hand to his forehead. “Ay yi yi yi yi yi yi.”

*******

About an hour later they were heading along the road away from Rancho Alvera and back toward where the cattle had been. Adam kept his eyes to the ground and Joe and Juan followed dutifully behind him. They were on the trail of the ones that had ridden them down and been the reason Adam had gotten hurt.

Joe had known all along that his brother wouldn’t let that pass lightly. He and Hoss had learned a long time ago to be wary when they crossed him. Sometimes it was too good to ignore, and he’d always paid the price for it. Adam was not a vindictive man, but he didn’t like it when those – especially his brother’s – did him foul. And while it was one thing to go against him or make him do what he decidedly didn’t want to or play a joke on him, it was something else altogether to try to kill him. The bandits had dared to incur the wrath of Adam Cartwright, and now they were going to pay for their audacity.

When they reached the valley the herd – as expected – was gone, and there were tracks everywhere. The rustlers hadn’t tried to hide them; there was really no need to. Yes, they had been seen but it had only been two boys and a man, and two of them Gringos. But had they known anything about the older one, they would have most definitely been concerned.

Adam got down and crouched at a spot that led through some rocks and out past the stream. He brushed his fingers over the impressions left by thirty head of cattle and nine horses. Looking out in the direction they had gone he knew that the cows would slow them down, giving ample time to catch up with them. He glanced at the sky and felt the gradually receding throb behind his eyes. He should have listened to Joe and Juan when they had tried to talk him into going back, but that he just couldn’t do. These men had transgressed against him and could have hurt or killed any one or all of them and that couldn’t go unchallenged. As he stood he looked out beyond where they were then took a deep breath and got mounted.

Even though they had quite a head start, Adam was confident that they hadn’t sold the cattle yet and maybe hadn’t even reached their destination. They were easy to track, and a herd of that size left plenty of sign.

Around noon they stopped for a rest break of no more than five minutes. Water and food were consumed and bushes and rocks became makeshift privies. Then they were on their way again. Few words were exchanged and softly when they were.

Joe rode alongside Juan while Adam continued to stay out front.

“It is not too late to turn back,” Juan whispered as he leaned closer to Joe.

“It was too late before we left the shack. They may’ve made a mistake when they took those cows, but the biggest one was when they tried to ride us down. Now Adam won’t rest until something’s done about it.”

Adam turned in the saddle and motioned them to stop then he turned Sport and came back to them.

“I hear something up ahead. I’m gonna check it out, so you two stay here, and keep your eyes open,” Adam said then headed away from them at a light lope.

“I hear nothing,” Juan said as his face pulled with puzzlement.

“You weren’t practically raised by the Paiutes either. I sometimes think he could hear a lizard crawling over a rock three miles away. Now we’d better be quiet.”

Five minutes turned to ten which went to fifteen but felt more like an eternity when they saw Adam coming back toward them.

“It’s them, all right,” Adam said lowly as he reined in next to Joe. “And the herd’s with ‘em. An offhanded guess is that they’re gonna probably drive ‘em to wherever and could even be waiting for somebody.”

“All right, brother, how do you wantta do this?”

“Just come with me.”

Joe and Juan came up on either side of him and they rode off, but in a manner so as not to call attention to themselves.

SEVEN

As they came up onto a rocky outcrop Joe wondered why Adam didn’t seem worried about being seen by a sentry, but he didn’t wonder long. Lying on his stomach, hands tied behind his back and gagged, was an unconscious man. Joe recognized him as one of the rustlers and knew that – to the bandit’s detriment – his brother had seen him first.

They snaked along on their bellies until they could just peer over the ledge down into the small canyon. The band of eight men was cooking coffee over an undersized fire. They were laughing and chattering and didn’t appear to have a care. With a quick jerk of Adam’s hand the three of them backed off and returned to where they had left the horses.

“So, now whada we do?” Joe asked. “There’s still eight of ‘em.”

“I have an idea how to whittle that down a little more,” Adam said as his eyes roved about them. “And we’re gonna need a long rope.”

Joe and Juan looked at each other with the sheerest curiosity. They weren’t going to ask what was cooking in that fertile brain; he would tell them when the time came. They also knew that whatever it was those on the business end of it were in trouble.

It didn’t take long to get everything set up and ready to put Adam’s plan into action. He climbed onto Sport and started along the path that led into the canyon. What he was doing was risky at best, and he didn’t even know if it would work, but there was only one way to find out.

The big chestnut clipped along at a fair pace and Adam’s pulse raced as he drew closer to where the rustlers were. He wasn’t trying to be quiet and guessed they would hear him long before they saw him. He could only hope that they didn’t stop too long to think about why the guard didn’t warn them. A deep breath filled his lungs, and he rode into their sight.

The men were on their feet the minute they saw him. He wheeled and took back out before they had a chance to get off a shot. Sport ran as if a pack of wolves were after him, his red mane and tail flirting with the wind. Adam glanced behind him and saw that three were hot after him. He continued on at breakneck speed down the path and soon came to two large trees on either side. Horse and rider shot between them without breaking stride. The hoof beats of the pursuers were growing louder when suddenly a rope snapped up from the ground, blocking their way. The light on the outer fringes of the canyon was hazy at best and in the heat of the chase the three rode right into it. They were jerked from their saddles and hit the hard packed earth with a thud as their mounts kept going. The air was knocked out of them, and they were addled. By the time they collected some of their wits they found themselves staring down the barrels of three threatening rifles. Without being told to their hands went up and one cursed under his breath.

The rest of the band – now cut down to five – was getting ready to head out with the herd. As they were about to mount up a deep baritone echoed around them in Spanish, telling them to surrender that they were surrounded. They obviously had no intention of doing so as rifles cleared scabbards. A shot rang out and one of the men’s sombreros’s left his head, and they were warned again. This time they had no problem with following orders and the weapons were dropped and hands were raised.

Don Carlos Alvera rode at the head of a small group of his vaqueros. His two guests and one of his men had ridden out the previous day to see to a herd of thirty on the west range and hadn’t returned. The fact that they were having trouble with cattle thieves didn’t make him rest any easier. And the thought of having to tell Ben Cartwright that something had happened to his oldest and youngest sons was not something he relished the thought of doing. Inez had been on the verge of tears and clutching her rosary beads when he left.

They had been riding since first light and had found evidence of some of the goings-on. Someone had obviously spent some time – probably the night – at one of the little houses he’d had built for when his men had long days. He also found blood on a piece of cloth there and this had unnerved him even further.

They were heading away from that direction when one of his men got his attention and they stopped. What met his dark eyes sent waves of relief coursing through him, but was certainly no surprise. Knowing the Cartwright sons as well as he did – most particularly the oldest – this was nothing less than he would expect.

Coming toward them were Adam and Joe Cartwright, his missing vaquero and a ragtag band of rough looking hombres, four of which were the worse for wear. Their hands were tied to their saddle horns and they were surrounded by three poised rifles. One corner of his mouth turned, and he had to fight the impulse to laugh out loud.

As the group came to a stop Adam rode forward to talk to him, and reined up in front of the coal black horse Don Carlos was riding.

“Good morning, Don Carlos.”

“Adam.” Don Carlos’ eyes darted to each of the men being held under guard. “It looks like you have been busy.”

“We have,” Adam said as he glanced behind him. “And I’ll tell you all about it on the way, but right now I want to get back to some gracious hospitality and Conchata’s hot chocolate.”

“You shall have both, and I am afraid that Inez will be much like a mother hen. She has been very worried about you and your brother. You know how women can be.”

“Well, after this I look forward to a little motherly coddling.”

Don Carlos laughed then commandingly ordered some of his men to take over for Joe and Juan. The group formed up for the ride back, putting the bandits near the center and surrounding them. Adam and Joe rode up front with Don Carlos while Juan rejoined his compadres, telling the tale of his adventures in hunting bandidos.

*******

“Ah, come on, Adam, it’ll be fun,” Joe pleaded.

“As opposed to what?” Adam asked as he sat beneath a shady tree in the courtyard sipping some hot chocolate.

“What we’ve been through today and yesterday. We need to relax.”

“I’m doing just that. Going into town, getting drunk, getting into a fight and being chased through the streets isn’t my idea of relaxation. And anyway, I thought you didn’t want me along when you had a ‘good time’. What happened?”

“Adam, I’m hurt,” Joe said as he put a hand to his chest and looked wounded. He sat down in the chair next to him and leaned closer. “You’re my brother, and I like to see you have fun, something you don’t do a whole lot.”

“Our definitions of fun are different, and this is enough excitement for me. Now you and Juan go on and have a good time. I’m fine right where I’m at.” He took another sip.

“But Adam.”

“Joe, I said no, and this time no one’s gonna talk me out of it.”

Joe’s mouth drew down and the light of defeat fell over his young face. Adam guessed that secretly his little brother looked forward to another wild night and having his elder sibling along might guarantee it. But after riding into a tree, being out like a light and playing tag with a band of rustlers Adam was content to just sit back in the quiet and solitude of this grande casa and its surrounding courtyard.

As Joe got up and started dragging himself dejectedly out, Adam’s wheels began to turn. Taking another sip his father’s parting words came back at him, “Watch after Little Joe.” His brow furrowed, and his mouth pulled into a pucker, and he lost interest in his chocolate. “Joe.”

*******

It was becoming quite darkish as Adam, Joe and Juan rode leisurely into Rosita. They had decided, or rather the two younger ones had decided to go back to El Gato Blanco, much to Adam’s dissatisfaction. He let them alone though and hoped fervently that this night would go more smoothly.

They had just dismounted and tied up when Adam heard a pistol click then felt the end of the barrel pressed against his back. His hands went up, and his own gun was removed from its holster. As he looked across to his brother and friend he saw that the same was happening to them, and he recognized the tall, gangly man standing behind them.

“Que pasa, mi amigo?” Adam asked without looking behind him.

“Silencio,” the husky man growled and poked harder.

In Spanish, they were told to walk down the street until they were told to stop. Being unarmed as they were it wasn’t hard to comply. Adam was kept separated from Joe and Juan as they went until they came to a small adobe house under a large tree near the end of town. The tall man went to the front door and knocked and in a few minutes the disgruntled husband from the other night came out and looked toward them.

“Uh-oh,” Joe said.

“Silencio,” the other man snarled and gave him a shove.

“You don’t have to push ‘im,” Adam said and made an aggressive move toward him but the gun pointed at him changed his mind.

The big man lumbered over to them – his friend coming along behind – and looked down at Adam. His upper lip raised in derision and loathing registered in his dark, menacing eyes.

Joe and Juan watched helplessly as this bear of a man compelled Adam to go with him.

“Adam,” Joe said, and his voice cracked.

“It’s all right, Joe,” Adam said soothingly. “It’ll be all right.”

They soon disappeared around the side of the house, and the guns trained on them made sure Joe and Juan could do nothing to stop it.

“Why did I talk ‘im into coming back to this lousy town?”

“Take it easy, José.”

“Take it easy? That’s my brother. Juan, we’ve got to do something. That walking mountain’ll kill ‘im.”

“What would you suggest?”

“I wish Hoss was here.”

“That is not what I had in mind.”

“Silencio.”

Joe whirled on the man as his hands wadded. “You shut up.”

It seemed like an eternity when Adam and the husband came back around the side of the house. They were laughing and talking and the big man had his arm across Adam’s shoulders as if they were the best of friends. Joe’s chin fell and – if possible – Juan’s fell even more so as they exchanged puzzled looks. As they came back to them Adam shook the man’s hand. The confiscated pistols were returned to their rightful owners then the three men went on into town.

“That Hector really is a nice fella when you get to know ‘im,” Adam said with a smile as he watched them go.

“Hector?” Joe said as anger crept into his words. “Here I thought he was gonna kill you, and you’re callin’ ‘im by his first name? What did you two talk about?”

“Mainly about his wife and her promiscuity.”

“Her what?” Juan asked and his face pinched.

“She likes the men.”

“Oh.”

“I’ll tell you all about it on the way home tomorrow.” He gave Joe a smack. “I’ve had enough relaxation to last me for a lifetime, and I want to get back to the Ponderosa,” Adam said as he got between then and put his arms over their shoulders. “Now let’s go on back to the cantina and have one drink before we go back to the ranch, and don’t argue with me. We need to get an early start in the morning.”

“But what about me?” Juan protested. “I will not be going with you.”

“Oh, that’s right. Well, I explained that I didn’t know she was married,” Adam began as they started on up the street, “and if I had I certainly would’ve left her alone.”

“And that did it?” Joe asked.

“Not quite, he was still ready to pound me into the ground like a fence post. But then I told ‘im that I understood how hard it was for a man to be married to a good-looking woman. That he had to be on the watch all the time and it put a strain on ‘im. Then I let ‘im know that he didn’t have to worry about me anymore. I also told ‘im that if he lived through this marriage I’d like for us to be friends. A man married to a woman as beautiful as Alejandra needed all the friends he could get.”

“And that did it?” Juan asked inquisitively.

“And that did it.” Adam said with a grin. “Now let’s go have that drink. It’s no tellin’ when we’ll get back here.”

THE END

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