Robbery and Assault by Lyn Robinson

Adam slowly moved on with the drive and at the house Anne had finally accepted that her father was gone and no amount of bawling would bring him, so she was much easier to control, much to everyone’s relief. Hoss seemed to get on best with her and with his mind reasonably at ease about his older brother he was his usual placid self. For a while at least he was free of nightmares, Sue was obviously blooming and so confident that everything would be fine, that combined with the tiny scrap of humanity who slept trustingly in his arms every night, surviving against the odds, so that Hoss couldn’t doubt that God was still looking after his family.

On the other hand Joe was tormented by nightmares and all too many memories of the long terrifying hours as he realised he was losing Marie. Any time he hadn’t anything to do he would sink into brooding, looking almost as bad as he had in the days immediately after Marie’s death and only Nita could cajole him out of the black moods. Ben and Hoss and even Carole had tried to make him talk about what was worrying him without success. There was still a long time before Nita was due and Ben was seriously worried about his youngest son. Ben understood how he felt, noone better, but there was no way he could force Joe to talk. He let Joe bury himself in work but the lack of sleep was beginning to tell and noone was surprised when Joe came out with a stinking cold. Joe could only imagine that he’d picked it up in town, but already run down and overtired it hit him hard and by evening he was coughing, both eyes and nose streaming and he was running a temperature. It did at least give Ben a cast iron reason to stop him staying up with Anne; it wasn’t fair on the baby. Ben told Nita to take her husband home and passed over the tablets Doc had left for Adam, suggesting one might do Joe some good.

Joe didn’t waste time arguing, all he really wanted was to snuggle down in a nice warm bed and anyway he’d virtually lost his voice, with a very sore throat. Nita bullied him into bed and brought up a light meal. Joe forced it down and meekly took a tablet. Nita sat by him as he slept and when he tossed and called out in fear for her as they nightmare returned, she was able to hold him still and talking to him calmed him down. In the end she slipped in next to him but didn’t get much sleep as his nightmare continually recurred and very feverish, Joe was soaked in sweat. There was little that Nita could do and despite her protests Joe wouldn’t hear of staying in bed the next morning. He had to go into town, collect some money for the hands. Nita told him he was mad, he was nowhere near fit enough to go to town, he’d make himself seriously ill but Joe just didn’t listen, equally as obstinate as his eldest brother. Eventually Nita dropped the subject, letting him go over to Adam’s house hoping that his father would be able to talk some sense into him. Ben and Hoss were in the study as Joe came in to check the figures on exactly how much he needed to draw. For a moment they considered him in silence until Joe asked hoarsely, “What are you two staring at?”

Hoss moved over to him and felt his forehead, “You’re not going anywhere little brother. You’re running quite a fever. At most you sit quiet by the fire, really belong in bed.”

“Don’t be stupid. I’ve got to draw money, sign for those shares, check at the mines, see Jim Fair at the bank....” Joe broke down coughing before he could finish his list of jobs and he sank into a chair as Hoss gently pushed him, hardly able to catch his breath. Hoss opened the door and called for some water. When Sue brought it he told her that he’d be going into town instead of his little brother. She was hardly surprised, ever since Joe arrived looking so ill she’d been expecting it. Hoss helped his brother have a drink and felt him shiver despite the warm fire, “Right little brother I’m not incapable. I’ll take care of things in town, anything beyond me will just have to wait until you’re better or Pa can get in. the only really urgent job, is the money for the men.”

“But Hoss....” Joe looked up his eyes streaming, thinking of the Bank and Jim Fair.

Hoss interrupted him, “You’re getting as bad as Adam little brother! Neither of you are completely indispensable, we talked it out yesterday. I know what Jim Fair is after and I can be just as outspoken as you. I’ll make it clear that it’s not on.”

Ben joined his sons, both had been infuriated at a proposal from the Bank to turn down a number of small loan requests for one man businesses, because of the paperwork involved over a long time for minimal returns. “Hoss is right Joseph. He can argue twice as effectively as you. You’ve nearly lost your voice and you will lose your temper with Jim and that won’t help anything.”

Joe rubbed his aching eyes, but he knew really that his family were right. All he wanted to do was sit by the fire with a supply of hot drinks and his wife close by, so he gave in.

Hoss had to spend rather longer in town than he had expected, even when he saw the list of outstanding jobs that his father passed over. Fair had wasted a lot of time and it wasn’t until Hoss threatened to pull all the family money out of the bank and withdraw their name that he got what he wanted. Fair stared at Hoss as though he’d never seen him before. He had always accepted Hoss as an affable but rather dim man, the brawn of the family, good in a fight or working round the ranch but no use otherwise. For a while there he’d sounded just like Adam and Fair had no doubts that the rest of the family would back the big man, he wouldn’t have gone so far without their full support.

Hoss had all the money in a money belt and although it was rather a lot, he wasn’t really worried. He had become accustomed to carrying cash and even slowly becoming accustomed to thinking in terms of thousands, even millions of dollars as they had planned the support of the local bank and their moves on the market. He stopped for a while to study the big stock dial, those mines showing a profit were moving back up fairly strongly and even the others were slowly recovering as things began to get back to normal. The Bank of Nevada, half a dozen small banks and the newly reconstituted Californian bank had begun to take up the slack left by the collapse of the Bank of California. Hoss had passed word to Marye to stop buying that very day. They had invested up to agreed sum or very nearly and owned more stock in the mines than ever before. Hoss had the lists in his saddlebags but found the figures hard to comprehend. He’d wait until Joe or his father had translated them into percentage terms but even so he looked round the town, realising that he and his family owned a very sizeable chunk of it. The town was beginning to throw off its lethargy, becoming bustling again but even so none of it mattered, not in the way the Ponderosa did.
Hoss shook the thought away and went for a beer before heading home. He had been up since the early hours with the baby and was beginning to feel the effects. He took the saddle bags in with him, just in case someone was feeling nosy. It would be a matter of public record eventually but that took some digging with various stocks bought a different time. This was a complete list of all their holdings, both joint and individual as of this morning. Hoss didn’t realise that he was being watched, or that his carrying the saddlebags with him was being misconstrued. Combined with Hoss' visit to the bank, the watchers assumed that the bags held money.

There were three of them and all recognised Hoss, the most unmistakable of the Cartwrights. Everyone knew how rich the Cartwrights were and to their mind Hoss was obviously carrying money, which they badly needed. The smallest and youngest, Hayes, hesitated, “He’s awful big.”

Lynas laughed “No more proof against a bullet than anyone else, he’ll just fall harder.”

The oldest of the three and their leader Len Birman had been around Virginia City a lot longer than the other two, “No killing. Blow to the head will put fatso out for the count, same as anyone.”

“Since when did you care about killing? That miner last week looked mighty dead to me. “ Lynas protested.

“He wasn’t a Cartwright” They’ve got pots of money, steal some and from what I hear they’re so busy, pregnant wives and all, they’ll likely leave it to the law. Not bother too much. Kill one and we won’t be able to run far or fast enough.”

“They ain’t that good.” Lynas insisted.

Birman shook his head. “Maybe not but I ain’t taking no chances. You know Adam’s reputation. I’ve seen him he’s even better than it suggests and Joe ain’t no laggard. They’re smart and I don’t want them on my trail. Done too many things where noone gave ‘em a chance.”

“Bloody Cartwrights, built up into some sorta bogey man.”

“I’ve been around this town a long time. No one’s bucked ‘em yet and come out on top. Plenty have tried. Keep it small so we ain’t worth bothering with and maybe we’ll be the first.”

Lynas sneered “You’re running scared.”

“Ain’t, but no point in making trouble, all we want is some dough.”

Hayes sided with Birman and Lynas conceded defeat. They headed out of town to set up an ambush for Hoss knowing his route home. There weren’t that many possibilities so it was simply coincidence that they chose the spot where Adam and Joe had been ambushed in the snow just after Joe’s first wedding, nearly losing their lives.

Hoss had joined Dan in the saloon, most of the news from the ranch had been disseminated round town with Joe in, along with several of the hands, so Hoss just chatted casually, confirming that he’d heard from José again and Adam was coping well. Dan filled him in on news around town, things were definitely picking up and after chronicling so much despair and upset Dan was very much more cheerful than he had been for some weeks. Hoss didn’t stay long, already later than he’d intended, and some twenty minutes later he rode out of town. He wasn’t worried about trouble, even though Dan had warned him that the level of thefts and killings were much higher than normal. He was tired, but satisfied, having achieved all he had set out to do and he left Chub free to make his own way home.

Chub was the first to realise that something was wrong, whinnying softly as he sensed other horses even though they were tied well back from the road. Hoss was half-dozing, relying on his trained horse, not expecting trouble and he was slow to react. Three men came out with guns levelled on him, all masked, and Hoss wasn’t risking trouble. He did as he was ordered and raised his hands.
Birman ordered him to dismount and hand over the saddle bags. Rather puzzled as to why they should want them Hoss did as he was told. As he handed over the bags Lynas moved behind him and reversing the navy colt he hit Hoss hard on the back of the head. Hoss crumpled where he stood and Lynas grinned but the other two were searching through the saddle bags, more and more frantically as they found nothing but papers with a lot of figures and writing, none of which they could understand as all three were illiterate.

Lynas grabbed the bags and went through them himself throwing the papers to the ground in disgust until both bags were empty. Then furious, he launched himself at the big man shaking him and demanding to know where the money was, but he had prevented Hoss answering when he knocked Hoss unconscious. Furious at being cheated as he saw it Lynas used his gun again and pistol whipped the unconscious man. Hayes was trying to search Chub but the big horse was nervous at the smell of blood and skittered away from him, only used to members of the family riding him. When Hayes pressed closer Chub turned and galloped off along the trail.

Birman pulled Lynas off Hoss and as Lynas had Hoss’ shirt in his hand it tore revealing the money belt. Both of them pounced on it and dragged it off Hoss’ body. As Hayes ran back to them the three men pulled the money from the belt finding a lot more than they had expected and delighted they headed back to town. They left Hoss where he’d fallen and got as far away from him as quickly as they could. Once they had gone Chub came back and nuzzled at his master trying to get him back on his feet. Failing to get any reaction Chub hesitated and then turned and went on home, leaving Hoss stretched out on the ground, the papers all around him.

At the house Joe was uneasy, still feeling ill he wasn’t helped by his worries about his big brother. With Joe virtually out of action Ben had been very busy all day and he’d had no time to worry about his big son. The girls just thought that Joe was worrying as he was unwell, Hoss had had a lot to do and virtually every trip to town brought fresh problems. Joe had been delayed on nearly every trip recently. Joe had to admit the truth of that but even so by mid-evening he was pacing around uneasily and had managed to infect the rest of the family. Ben alone remained calm, insisting that Hoss was perfectly capable of looking after himself.

Trouble wasn’t confirmed until nearly ten o’clock as Chub had returned to the main house and for a while just stood by the hitch-rail in front of the house. It wasn’t until one of the men came out of the bunkhouse to collect something from the barn that the horse was noticed. The man Sven Christianson, down from the lumber camp to collect supplies was puzzled not to see any lights on in the house and going to check the horse recognised Chub. He yelled for Hoss and checked the house and barn, but both were empty with even Hop Sing over at Adam’s. Very puzzled Sven led Chub back to the bunkhouse but none of the men there knew what to suggest. In the end Sven saddled up his horse and taking Chub with him rode over to Adam’s.

Sven was relieved to see lights on in the house and knocked tentatively on the door. As Carole came he took off his hat and rather embarrassed asked to speak to Mr Cartwright. He wouldn’t come in and Ben hurried out, but for a moment he was barely aware of Sven staring at his big son’s horse. Ben moved down to check Chub, “What happened?”

“I don’t know Mr Cartwright; just found him standing in the yard, no sign of Hoss. We yelled, looked round, nothing. No mark on the horse.”

“Thank you Sven. Will you go back, get whoever else is in the bunkhouse to saddle up, we’d better go look for him.”

“Maybe the horse just threw him and Hoss is walking home.” Sven offered, seeing the worry etched on Ben’s face.

Ben forced a smile “Thanks for the try Sven, but Chub wouldn’t leave Hoss unless he was unable to stir him. At the very least Hoss must have been knocked out and he was carrying quite lot of money. I want the men armed and as many lanterns as you can raise. I’ll be with you before everyone else is ready.” With that Ben turned and went inside. Joe took one look at his father’s face and knew his fears had been soundly based. Joe went to pull on his boots and strap on his gun. Ben had gone to Sue, “There may be trouble Sue. Chub has come back without Hoss. Try not to worry it’s probably not serious and we’ll soon find him.”

Carole moved closer to Sue on one side while Nita came up on the other and Carole smiled “Go find him and tell him not to worry about Sue, she’ll be fine. We’ll look after her.”

Ben made no demur as Joe pulled on his coat, “Saddle up for both of us Joe. I’ll collect supplies just in case.”

Ben made a parcel of medical supplies, blankets and brandy ready to deal with whatever he found. Then equally grimfaced father and son hurried to collect the rest of the hands and look for the big hearted man that they both loved. Knowing he’d have been carrying a lot of money and the crime rate recently both feared that they would find him with a bullet in the back from an ambush, but neither would put their fears into words. Joe knew that it made no sense to blame himself, he couldn’t help catching a cold, but somehow logic was irrelevant and he blamed himself bitterly. It had been his job and Hoss had gone for him, maybe he would have been faster to react than his brother and he could have escaped. He tried to push the thought from him, praying that it wasn’t as bad as he feared. It was very dark and impossible to track so Ben had to gamble that his big son would be somewhere on the road to town, scared he might be lying bleeding somewhere, desperately in need of their help. He had the men ranged out either side of the trail, in case Hoss had been forced off the main trail but, with Joe, Ben stayed on the main road.

Joe was the first to spot Hoss lying where he’d fallen and he pushed Cochise on fast, dismounting before the pinto had even stopped. Joe knelt down by his brother so scared for him unable to see anything clearly with just the dim starlight, the moon not even up. For the moment Joe only cared about one thing and he felt his brother’s heart, his chest moving and called to his father, “He’s alive.” He felt for Hoss’ pulse which was strong if a little slow, “Pulse not too bad. Get a light over here one of you.”

Sven hurried over with a lantern as Ben knelt down on the opposite side of his son from Joe. By its light the three men saw the blood clotting on Hoss’ face and the very clear bruising from the pistol whopping he’d received. For a minute they could only stare and then Ben looked across at his youngest son, not surprised by the blaze of fury in his eyes. The money belt was gone but neither of them cared about that. Joe could see the marks of the gun and through gritted teeth he said, “They didn’t have to do that.”

Ben couldn’t answer him but he concentrated on checking his big son’s injuries, As far as he could tell there was no fracture but the sooner Doc had a look the better he’d feel. He sat back on his heels and began issuing orders, sending one man into town for the Doc and Roy, another back to the ranch to fetch a wagon with detailed instructions what he wanted in it. Three more were told to collect all the papers lying around and those who knew best to check for any sign of what had happened. With three more lanterns giving reasonable light Ben and Joe began to try and clean Hoss up as best they could. The worst blow had been the first to the back of the head, the rest had done quite a lot of superficial damage but although cut and bruised Hoss wasn’t seriously hurt and looked rather better once Ben had finished cleaning him up. With Joe’s help Ben eased a couple of blankets under Hoss and wrapped him warmly. With his brother still out cold and Ben doing all that could be done, Joe busied himself checking the sign. It was plain enough that three men had waited in ambush, he could see where they had tied the horses. Exactly what had happened on the road wasn’t clear and they would have to wait for Hoss to come round and explain, their own horses had mixed up the sign. He found where Chub had fled and then come back, clear marks of one man with smallish feet chasing the horse. The marks of the three horses leaving the scene were obvious and Joe followed them a short way, but they were heading back towards town and it seemed likely that the men had long since returned, to hide amongst the seething throngs in town.

Restless Joe returned to his brother, still out cold despite all Ben’s efforts to bring him round. Joe was scared for his brother and that fear was clear in his eyes. Ben tried to reassure his youngest son who didn’t look at all well himself. ”It’s not surprising Joe, he’s had one heck of a bang, he’ll be alright.”

Joe could only pray that his father was right and at least as the wagon arrived he could help lift Hoss very carefully into the back and he sat nursing his big brother while Ben drove them home. Ben had already sent word to Sue that Hoss had taken a beating and been knocked out, the money stolen, while trying to reassure her that he would be fine. All three women were waiting at Hoss' house, his bed warmed and waiting.

Ben and Joe with Sven’s help carried Hoss straight up to bed and then the two men got Hoss undressed and into bed. Ugly bruises showed on his ribs but there didn’t seem to be any breaks and Sue tenderly examined her husband for herself. Ben was right; it was all superficial apart from the one more serious blow on the back of his head. The rest Ben had already dealt with expertly, all too experienced in the results of fighting. Then all they could do was wait either for Hoss to come round or Doc to arrive, although they all realised that Doc might not be able to do much.

Joe was too restless to settle, still furious at what had been done to his brother and he soon realised he was just upsetting Sue and left her with his father to look after Hoss while he went downstairs and poured himself a drink. He was still mopping his eyes but his cold was all but forgotten even though he was obviously feverish. Both Nita and Carole knew him too well to fuss at him even when Joe made it clear that he was only waiting for Doc’s report and then he was going to go and find the men who had done this. Joe didn’t care about the money but noone was getting away with pistol whipping his brother. Hoss wasn’t a fool nor impulsive, of all of them he was the least likely to go off the deep end. Ambushed and outnumbered he’d have handed over the money without causing trouble and there was no call for such a vicious attack.

Joe sitting staring into the fire, deep in his own thoughts, didn’t even hear the door and looked up surprised to see Doc. Doc frowned, “One after another. You don’t look too good either Joe.”

“It’s Hoss, he’s still out cold.” Joe led the way upstairs.

Ben moved away from his son as the Doc came in and went over to join Joe. His youngest son was very flushed, deep in the throes of his cold but it was the expression on his face that worried Ben more, Joe was obviously worried about his brother but there was a cold fury on his face too, an expression Ben knew although he’d rarely seen it. It boded no good for whoever had hurt Hoss but with one son lying unconscious and Joe not well Ben couldn’t help being scared for his youngest. He knew all too well that he had never managed to stop Joe when he looked like that.

Doc concentrated on Hoss, smiling reassuringly at Sue. He checked round the main blow and then checked his patient’s overall condition, not touching the cuts and bruises. Ben and Sue had done a good job on them. Hoss was still deeply unconscious and Doc couldn’t see him coming round before the morning, but there was nothing he could do to help. He sat back, “Nothing I can do Sue, Ben. He’s got to sleep it off. No sign of a fracture but he’s taken a bad knock, almost certainly concussion and you’ll have to keep him in bed for the next three or four days at least, until it clears. You’ve done a good job on the rest, just superficial although he’s going to have some interesting coloured bruises.”

Joe asked hoarsely “When is he likely to come round?”

“Doubt that it will be before the morning Joe.”

Sue looked up frightened, she’d seen the effects of blows to the head, men who died without coming round or come round blind or mindless. Ben saw her fear and moved over to put an arm round her, “Try not to worry Sue, Hoss had been knocked out before, he has a thick skull.”

Doc nodded, “Ben’s right. No fracture or anything, no need to worry.”

“You can’t be sure until he comes round.” Sue said flatly.

Doc shrugged, “No, nothing’s ever certain but I know Hoss and it’s not that serious. Now I’m going to give you a sleeping draught and you are going to get some rest young lady.”

“No I want to sit with Hoss.”

Ben kissed her forehead, “He doesn’t need you now Sue, not until he wakes up. If he find you worn out he’ll only get worried about you and your child.”

Sue let herself be persuaded on Ben’s promise to stay with his son and call her if he stirred. Carole took her off to get her to bed while Joe and Ben went downstairs with Doc leaving Nita to keep and eye on Hoss. Joe poured himself a brandy but the other men wouldn’t join him. Joe downed the drink in one and then turned to Doc, “Did you tell Sue, all the truth?”

“Easy Joe.” Doc said, coming over to him “Your brother is going to be fine.” He felt Joe’s forehead, “You belong in bed before you make yourself really ill.”

“No!” Joe pulled away refilling his glass, “You saw what they did to him. Hoss wouldn’t hurt a fly but they’ve ....” He broke off seeing so very vividly his brother’s bruised and cut face and body as he lay on the ground, Ben saw Doc out with his promise to return in the morning when hopefully Hoss would have come round and then he returned to his son. Joe was strapping on his gun and Ben mildly said “It’s dark so you can’t track and until Hoss comes round you don’t know who you’re looking for.”

“I’ll manage, looked as though they went back to town anyway.”

“Roy will be looking.”

“He’s a good sheriff Pa but Roy has all too much to do at the moment and he hasn’t seen what they did to Hoss.”

“He’ll do his best.”

“I know but Hoss isn’t his brother.” That settled it as far as Joe was concerned and Ben knowing he was wasting his breath just passed Joe his own thick scarf to go with Joe’s leather coat, at least his son would be wrapped up warmly. Carole came down hearing someone ride out and looked her question at Ben. He sighed, “Joe won’t settle until he’s tried to find them, you know what Hoss means to him. He’ll be careful for Nita’s sake if for no other reason. Anyway I very much doubt that he’ll find anything.”

Joe rode back to where they’d found Hoss and carefully checked the sign again by the light of a lantern. He could guess what had happened but until Hoss came round there was no way to be sure. He was still there when he heard two horses coming. Joe slipped back into the wood, his hand on his gun, uneasy until he recognised Roy’s voice. Then he came out to join the sheriff, who was surprised to see him. Roy already knew from Doc that Hoss was unconscious and likely to remain so until morning. As Joe came over Roy considered him sternly, “No taking the law into your own hands Joe.”

“I won’t.” Joe promised “but I will find them and they’ll pay, They pistol whipped Hoss, must have carried on long after he was unconscious and they’ll pay.”

“How much was taken Joe?”

Joe hadn’t even thought about the money and for a minute he couldn’t think but then he said, “I’ll have to check at the bank but I think Hoss was drawing about $35 000, a month’s wages plus bonuses for some of the men.”

“A lot of money Joe.”

“Roy I couldn’t care less about the money. We have a lot of men on the books these days and the payroll runs to a lot of cash but that don’t matter. Hoss is hurt, hurt doing my job for me, hurt unnecessarily. He’d have handed over the money, not taken any risks not with Sue pregnant. That’s why the men have to pay.”

“Your job Joe?”

“Yeah. I was going to town but because I had a filthy cold Hoss insisted on taking over.”

“So noone would have known that he was coming in?”

“I don’t see it helps.” Joe protested, “Easy enough to guess, maybe someone saw Hoss in the bank.”

“You don’t always pay out on the range, sometimes give the men chits for the bank.”

“We prefer to, just because of this sort of thing but the men don’t like it and with them coming to town at odd times when we’re busy in the autumn we have to pay cash. Any one of the men might have let it out inadvertently.”

“Not much to go on Joe.”

“I know. Three men as far as I can see, tracks lead off this way back towards town.” Roy joined Joe in following the tracks but after a mile they merged into the dust of the main road to town, Roy shrugged, “Could have gone anywhere.”

Joe said grimly, “I’m betting they’ve gone back to town. “ and so he joined Roy riding back to Virginia City. Roy tried pointing out that in a town of 30 000 people it was pretty well hopeless unless Hoss could give them something to work on when he came round. Joe wasn’t giving up that easily. “Maybe there are lots of people but not many have just come into $35 000 in cash. I’ve got friends in places where they will never talk to the law. I want them to keep their eyes open.”

Roy couldn’t deny it but he warned Joe again to stick within the law. In town they separated and Joe did the rounds seeing his own friends and many who were fond of his big open-hearted brother. He saw the Chinese, saloon girls, old timers down on their luck whom the Cartwrights had often helped, solid citizens who had got their start either on the Ponderosa or with a loan from Ben to help them over the first months of business. Very briefly Joe outlined what had happened to Hoss and asked them to keep an eye open for three men suddenly rich. It was nearly four am before he’d done the rounds of the saloons where he expected them to show. In some the bartenders would help but more commonly it was the saloon girls. The Cartwrights had never treated them as trash, on occasion preventing trouble, and they all knew that Joe’s first wife had been one, so they were more willing to help him than anyone, knowing any help wouldn’t be unrewarded. Anyway Hoss was popular, a girl in trouble knew that he was a soft touch and he’d help without moralising. Joe was exhausted but he wasn’t going home until he’d enlisted the help of perhaps the sharpest eyes in town, the children with whom Hoss was a firm favourite.

Joe sat in a corner nursing a large brandy, his eyes half shut as he tried to shut out the noise in the saloon, his head aching fiercely. Dan came over to join him and at first as Joe didn’t react to his presence. he thought his friend might be asleep. Then as Joe had to blow his nose yet again he acknowledged Dan’s presence. Dan simply said “I was sorry to hear. I hope Hoss will soon recover, I’ve got all my feelers out but nothing yet.”

“So have I Dan, apart from the kids. Nothing. But I’ll find them somehow. There was no need to hurt Hoss so much.” Joe downed his brandy as his voice threatened to break but he turned Dan’s offer of a refill, knowing that he was close to being drunk. Dan thought he looked ill and managed to bully Joe into joining him for breakfast, although Joe barely touched his food just drinking four cups of coffee. It didn’t take long to see three of the older boys and knowing that they would spread word, Joe headed home eager to find out how his brother was.

Carole had insisted that she was quite well enough to look after her own daughter and Nita had gone back with her in case she needed anything. Nita knew she wouldn’t settle anyway too worried about Joe and Hoss. Ben had dozed as he sat by his big son but Hoss didn’t stir.

Sue was in early, feeling better for some rest and more confident that it took more than a blow to the head to seriously hurt her big husband. She remembered the wound which had first brought them together and the story she’d learnt later about Hoss’ long almost impossible ride, the arrow still in his back. If he could survive that surely a blow to the head couldn’t seriously damage him. Ben was pleased to find her calmer and even persuaded her to eat some breakfast. Hoss still hadn’t stirred and Carole brought all the children over to play downstairs while she and Nita watched them and waited for Hoss to come round.
Nita was the first to the door as Joe rode in. He dismounted stiffly and was glad to let Pak Tsien take Cochise for him while he went in. Nita answered the question in his eyes, “No change Hoss is still out but he’s very peaceful and no fever. Joe nodded and took Nita in his arms burying his aching head against her hair. Carole took one look and went to get Joe some coffee, he looked worn out and cold but she knew he wouldn’t rest until Hoss came round.

Joe was grateful for the coffee and tried to relax, not wanting to worry any of them. When he’d finished it he headed up to see for himself. Nita followed him and tried to smile reassuringly at Ben as he considered his youngest son. Joe wasn’t aware of any of them as he went straight to his brother very gently touching Hoss’ forehead, unable to tell much his hands still cold from the ride and running a temperature himself. He was glad of the chair that his father pulled forward and sat down sighing heavily.

Whether it was the touch of Joe’s cold hands or his brother’s presence or maybe just coincidence but as Joe lent back in the chair for the first time Hoss stirred moaning slightly. Nita went to call down to Carole who left the children with Kam Ling and came up to join the rest, waiting tensely round the bed. As Carole came in Hoss put his hand to his aching head and Ben moved to pull the curtains sure the light would hurt Hoss.

Hoss grimaced with pain as he opened his eyes but hearing Sue’s anxious voice as she told him to take it easy, he forced himself to keep them open, focusing on Sue with an effort. He swallowed hard, his throat so dry, “I’m alright darling, jest take it easy.” He struggled to sit up, with the room swaying round him, but Ben and Joe quickly moved to help him, pushing pillows in to support him and Joe gave his brother some water. “Do you want coffee Hoss?”

“Please Joe. Just give me a minute, my head ....” Hoss hadn’t any idea what had happened just aware of a very bad headache, hardly able to focus but slowly he looked round at his family, only then realising that Adam wasn’t there. He lifted his head in sudden fear, “Adam ... is he still asleep?”

Puzzled his family didn’t answer although Joe pushed Hoss back on his pillows very gently, while Sue told him that Adam was fine, but Hoss had found something else to worry him, “Carole you should be in bed, you’re not well enough.”

Ben was the first to guess what had happened and he lent forward taking his son’s hand, “Easy Hoss you’ve had a nasty bang on the head but you’re going to be fine, What’s the last thing you remember?”

Hoss frowned, “Adam insisted on going up to the Lake I wanted to stop him, dissuade him, about the drive but....” He broke off, looking at Carole not wanting to upset her, “He’s in the guest room Pa or he was.” Hoss hesitated, “I don’t know, can’t remember, my head.”

Ben smiled, “Take it easy Hoss, you’ve lost a few days. Not surprising after such a bang, I expect it will come back to you. Don’t worry about Adam he’s fine.”

Hoss looked very confused and Sue moved closer to help him have some coffee and Ben told him to rest, they would be back later and left his son with his wife. Ben took one look at Joe and poured out two brandies, “Cheer up Joe it could be a lot worse, Hoss is going to be alright, that’s the only thing that matters,”

Joe took his brandy over to the window and stared out almost unseeingly. He knew his father was right really, but he hated to see his big brother so weak and ill. There was also the problem that with Hoss having no memory of the attack he was unlikely to be able to find those responsible. Ben moved over to join him and gripped his son’s shoulder, “Calm down Joe. I know you’re not too well and overtired, but it doesn’t help Hoss.”

“I’m sorry Pa I know we have a lot to be grateful for. Hoss could be a lot worse. I’ve been afraid all night same as you, but even though he’s only lost a few weeks, he’s so... “ Joe broke off sighing heavily, his own head throbbing.

Ben moved closer putting his arm round Joe’s shoulder, “You’ve got quite a fever there Joe, not up to missing a night’s sleep, that’s why everything looks so black. Hoss will have slept off the worst of it by tomorrow, thank God its basically superficial damage, Even if his memory doesn’t come back it won’t matter that much.”

Joe tried to throw off his black mood but he couldn’t and Ben left Nita to try and calm him down. Doc arrived a few minutes later and was pleased to hear that Hoss was awake, Ben went up with him. Hoss had had two cups of coffee and was talking quietly to Sue. Sue had explained where Adam was, doing her best to reassure Hoss that his brother was coping fine, with confirmation from José. She had explained why they had finally given way and let Adam do as he wanted but Hoss still didn’t look convinced. Hoss was propped up against his pillows, his eyes half closed against the light, still very pale with bruises showing very clearly. He was in obvious pain but he looked up at Doc and Ben and forced a grin, “Sorry to drag you out again Doc.”

“No matter Hoss, as long as you are recovering.”

“Seem to have forgotten the last few weeks.”

“It will probably come back Hoss.” Doc checked him over carefully and then sat down on the chair Sue had vacated by the bed. “For once will one of you please take some advice. I know its a busy time of the year and that Adam is away, but Hoss you need at least three days in bed and then another week taking it very easy, no riding. You’ve had a bad concussion, give it a chance to settle down. Your eyesight will probably settle down by tomorrow. For now get as much sleep as you can and don’t push yourself. It will only worry Sue and that’s not fair on her.”

Hoss grinned at that, “Unfair tactics Doc! I’ll be good.” It was all he felt fit for and his father helped him settle back down the bed. Both Sue and Ben wanted to have a word with Doc to confirm what he had said and Joe slipped in to see his brother. Hoss frowned as he took in his little brother’s condition but Joe saw the flare of anxiety “I’m fine Hoss, just a cold and over the worst. You get some sleep.”

“I will in a minute. Sue said I was robbed?”

“Yeah big brother, it doesn’t matter.”

“How much?”

“Month’s wages about $35 000. The money doesn’t matter. You are going to be alright that’s all that matters.”

“Who?”

“I don’t know yet. Three men but I lost the trail. They headed back to town.”
Hoss frowned trying to remember and it was obviously hurting his head so Joe gripped his arm. “Easy Hoss you can’t force it. Your memory will come back in its own time. Anyway I have half the town looking for them. I’ll find them.”

Hoss looked up worried “I thought you said the money wasn’t too important.”

“It isn’t Hoss, you know we have plenty of cash.” Joe very gently touched the cuts on his brother’s face, “They didn’t have to do all that and they aren’t getting away with it.”

“You be real careful Joe.”

“Of course I will, don’t worry. I just want to find out who they are and then Roy can have them, I’ve already promised him to leave it to the law.” With Joe’s promise Hoss relaxed and slipped back into sleep.

Downstairs Doc reiterated what he’d said, Hoss would be fine but he did need to take it very easy for a few days. Accepting his word Ben and Sue both relaxed and Doc headed back to town. As he left Joe came down “He’s asleep.”

Ben studied his youngest son, “Be a good idea if you joined him Joseph, you look worse than he does.”

“I’m alright. I think I’ll head back to town.”

“No Joe.” Ben moved forward “For a start be sensible, let people have a chance to find out something. The men haven’t had a chance to start spending yet. We have work to do here and anyway you are not leaving the house until you have had some food and some sleep.”

Joe looked stubborn and pointed out, “We still need money for the men.” Ben had to acknowledge the truth of that but he was insistent that Joe have a meal and some rest first. Joe gave way and although he wasn’t hungry he forced himself to eat, but he couldn’t settle and was just pacing around so Ben gave way and let his son do as he wanted.

Joe returned mid-evening, disconsolate having got precisely nowhere. He had seen Roy who was blunt, unless Hoss remembered they were unlikely to identify the robbers, let alone be able to prove a case in court. He had at least managed to bring the money so that the men could be paid. He was restless but very tired and agreed to go home with Nita once he had been reassured that his big brother had woken up again, feeling rather better and made a good meal before dozing off again.

Ben went back to his eldest son’s house and tried to clear some of the outstanding jobs but he found it very hard to concentrate. He was just as furious as Joe about the attack on Hoss and couldn’t help worrying about all the work that needed to be done over the next few weeks with neither of his sons fit. His only consolation was Carole, who had recovered her strength well and was handling Anne, not noticeably tired by having her daughter throughout the night as well as the day. Carole and Nita both did their best to help with the paperwork but there were still many jobs only Ben could do.

Joe slept heavily and by morning at least his temperature was more normal, but if anything he felt worse, so stuffed up he found it hard to breathe and he had a very bad headache. He checked Hoss first, glad to find him feeling a little brighter, and sat chatting to his brother while Hoss had his breakfast. Then he went over to Adam’s study and worked steadily throughout the day, although he wasn’t thinking too clearly and everything seemed to take a long time. He made no more comment about the robbery but Ben knew him too well to think that he had forgotten about it.

After dinner Joe drank a large brandy and then almost defiantly announced that he was heading back to town. Ben had been expecting it, “You might see if John Marye is still around, he was going to get us another copy of the up to date holdings. Some of the papers Hoss had are illegible and I suspect some are missing.”

Joe was all set for an argument and he looked from his father to Nita and back in some surprise. Nita laughed “We both know when its a waste of time arguing. Why don’t you stop over in town darling, you might get some sleep that way.”

Joe knew that it was sensible but didn’t like leaving her alone and he hesitated. Nita realised why, “I’ll sleep here darling, no need to worry.”

Joe accepted that and promised not to stay up too late and get some rest, but he wanted to check his various contacts. Nita went out with him, promising that she wouldn’t worry about him. Joe didn’t believe her but he was grateful for the white lie and held her close for a minute before heading out to saddle Cochise. In town Joe checked with Roy first but the sheriff had nothing new and didn’t really expect any developments. Joe reiterated his promise to pass on anything he discovered and having collected what his father wanted from John Marye, he felt free to wander around.

As he came down from the stockbroker’s, a boy of about fourteen came over to him, “Don’t know if it helps but Johnny reckoned he heard three men talking, down the stables, might be them.”

“Where is Johnny?” Joe asked the boy, Red, whom he knew quite well.

“Sort of shy, ‘cos Hoss ain’t around.”

“I don’t bite.”

“I know that!” Red said indignantly, “Okay I’ll take you to him.” Joe followed the thin boy through the back lots to a ramshackled shed, which half a dozen orphaned boys made their home. They relied on odd jobs and hand outs, all of them preferring their independence, however precarious, to the orphanage. Joe knew that his brother had tried in vain to persuade them that the orphanage wasn’t that bad, but failing in that Hoss had concentrated on getting enough food and clothing to them by various devious means. Joe had to duck low to get in the small half door and it took a while for his eyes to adjust to the dim light from one candle. The smallest of the boys a cousin of Red’s and no more than nine, shrank back against the wall as he recognised Joe.

Joe had some candy in his pocket and he pulled out six sticks and put them on the old box the boys used as a table. “No need to be frightened Johnny. I just want to find the men who hurt Hoss.”

Red went over to the younger boy, “Its alright Johnny. You just tell Joe what you told me.”

Johnny looked scared but as Joe waited patiently, not pressing him, the little boy gradually gained confidence and told his story. He had been in the livery stables cleaning the stalls for 50 cents and he had overheard three men arguing. The two bigger men were trying to persuade the smaller one that he ought to get rid of his horse now that they had some money. The horse was hammerhead with chalk eyes and it was so ugly they were ashamed to ride along with him and now he could afford something better. The small one wouldn’t have it, he had raised the horse himself and, even if not much of a looker, it was a good reliable animal.

Joe listened quietly and it was obvious that the boy had heard three men who had come into some money, but there was nothing to tie them to the attack on Hoss. As business began to pick up again other men who had been broke for months were earning money again. He tried to tell the boys as much, as gently as he could but Red broke in, “There was something else, go on Johnny.”

Johnny looked straight at Joe for the first time, “The biggest one said that noone ever saw Hoss Cartwright on a plug like that, why should they?”

“He actually mentioned Hoss?” Joe queried.

“Sure did Mister, I hadn’t thought anything about it ’till then but thought I’d best tell Red.”

“I’m glad you did.” Joe thought hard, there was still no proof but the man had mentioned Hoss specifically. If it had been just ‘the Cartwrights’ he wouldn’t have been surprised But Hoss was hardly noted for the beauty of his horses, the overriding requisite being their size. Hoss needed a big horse to be up to his weight and although Chub was a strong reliable intelligent animal he didn’t have the beautiful lines of Blackie or Cochise or even their father’s quarter horse Buck. Joe made up his mind, it was well worth following up, the first hint he’d had. Johnny could only give very vague descriptions of the three men, they were nothing out of the ordinary. Joe questioned him carefully but the little boy was just getting upset and confused, wanting to help more. Eventually Joe gave up, Johnny thought he might be able to recognise them again but he wasn’t even sure of that. Joe asked “What about the horse Johnny, the one they were arguing about?”

“I’d know him. I went to look once they left, ugly is right.”

Joe asked Johnny to come down to the stables with him and see if the horse was still there. With any luck they could trace one through the horse and then use him to find the other two. Pleased that there was something he could do to help Johnny jumped to his feet and with Joe and Red headed down to the stable. There was noone around but Johnny went straight over to a nondescript bay standing with her back to them. Joe moved in next to the boy and he could see just why the suggestion to sell had been made, he had seldom seen an uglier head on a horse. “Well done Johnny, should be easy enough to find his owner.” Joe felt in his pocket and pulled out two ten dollar bills.

Johnny shrank back “No Hoss is my friend.”

“And he’ll be as grateful as I am. Friend’s Johnny, I haven’t time at the moment to get you a present and I’m not sure what you need most. You know best.”

“I can’t.”

“Johnny I asked for your help, all of you and the labourer is worth his hire.” When the boy still wouldn’t take it, Joe gave the bills to Red, “See that Johnny gets something a bit special.” He added another ten dollars, “Thank you both and if you hear anything else let me know.”
There was still no sign of Brett, the owner of the stables, so Joe headed down to have a word with Roy and fill the sheriff in on what he’d learnt. Roy wasn’t exactly encouraging, unless Hoss regained his memory they were still a long way from proof even if they managed to identify the men. Seeing that Joe was on the verge of losing his temper, Roy warned him again to stick within the law which did nothing for Joe’s temper and he stormed out of the jail. He was very restless, determined that he wouldn’t give up that easily, somehow he would find the three men and prove their guilt. He went back to the stables but Brett still wasn’t around. Brett had worked on the Ponderosa and Ben had helped him get started in town so Joe was sure that he would help if only he could be found. Failing that Joe began the rounds of the saloons, checking his other contacts. He didn’t realise that he was under scrutiny himself in one bar, the Golden Nugget. Down on ’D’ street it wasn’t one of Joe’s usual haunts, but he knew one of the girls Rosella quite well. She had been in town almost since the beginning, nearly forty now and reduced to the dives, but she was soft hearted and had a particular soft spot for the Cartwrights, Adam especially. She had known Sue Ellen the saloon girl he had dated and she remembered the nonsensical duel Adam had insisted on fighting for her honour. When Joe asked for her help it was very willingly given, she had known him since he was a child. She didn’t have anything for Joe but well over tired and still smouldering at Roy’s comments, her sympathy was welcome and Joe accepted a brandy and stayed for a chat. He didn’t realise that he was being watched by three men at a table in the corner, playing cards and drinking hard. They weren’t about to share their good fortune with acquaintances and so weren’t spending conspicuously. Joe had looked them over with all the others but the descriptions he had were too vague to be useful. He was more concerned with finding Brett and checking if anyone else had any news for him. The three men didn’t realise that, with guilty consciences his appearance in their saloon made them assume that he was onto them.

Hayes was all for getting out of town but the other two were made of sterner stuff, they had plenty going for them in Virginia City and weren’t about to start over. They waited until Joe left and the two older men followed him, telling Hayes to find out from Rosella what she’d told Cartwright.

Lynas and Birman followed Joe out, only to see him go into the next saloon. They stayed outside debating the feasibility and use of trapping him in a dark alley and warning him off. Birman insisted that it would only make matters worse, the Cartwrights didn’t scare they didn’t seem to know the meaning of fear. The only way to stop Joe would be to kill him and he advanced the same arguments against that as he had against killing Hoss. Lynas didn’t agree, they already had the bloody family on their backs so they had nothing to lose. Birman shrugged “Adam ain’t appeared, just Joe so far, probably that pistol whipping you gave Hoss. Anyways they can’t have anything on us, we were masked and word is he’s lost his memory. Look he’s going in another saloon, jest fishing. I reckon we lay low.”

Lynas let himself be persuaded and they went back to rejoin Hayes. Hayes had been clumsily questioning Rosella, but all he had succeeded in doing was to arouse her suspicions. He was a regular in the bar although she didn’t know his name. She did know that he ran around with Len Birman and another man and that all three were more flush than recently. With all his questions about Joe and what he’d wanted Rosella could add two and two and decided to go and find Joe and tell him. Maybe that was what Joe was after. She slipped out just as Lynas and Birman came back and they suspected the truth and turned to follow her. Lynas heard her asking for Joe in the next saloon and came out to tell Birman, “That fool kid has roused her suspicions. She’s looking for Cartwright. We gotta stop her.” This time Birman didn’t argue but it wasn’t so easy, the streets were crowded and neither man intended to get caught. Virginia City was well used to killings and even murder, but with the victim a woman there would be bound to be an uproar. They followed on watching for an opportunity.

Joe was just coming out of a bar across the street and Rosella saw him and ran across calling to him. Joe waited for her, wondering what on earth had come up so suddenly. There was no more time to wait for a favourable opportunity and Lynas slipped into an alley drawing his gun. He lined up on the pair across the street just as Joe took Rosella’s arm and asked “What is it?”

“Three men I only know one ....” before she could say anymore the shots came from across the street, three hitting Rosella in the back and she crumpled against Joe. He tried to break her fall, aware of a burning pain in his side and crouching down he drew his gun. He couldn’t see any target, after emptying his gun Lynas had fled down the alley leaving Birman to join the questing mob on the street and send them off the wrong way. Men were gathering around Joe, but he was only aware of Rosella as he frantically tried to stem the flow of blood, knowing in his heart that it was useless. Rosella didn’t seem aware of pain, she tried to tell Joe the name she knew and twice muttered “”Birman, Len Birman.”

Joe heard her but it didn’t mean anything and he wasn’t sure that he’d heard right. He tried to apologize to her, he hadn’t meant to get anyone hurt, leave anyone in danger. The self-blame was clear in his voice and in his eyes and the dying woman smiled “Don’t Little Joe. Always scared of growing old, solves every....” Still smiling she slumped against him dead. The crowd aware a woman was dead, even an ageing saloon girl, was after blood and failing to find the killer they were prepared to take it out on Joe, but he wasn’t even aware of them.
Roy pushed through the crowd as the ugly murmuring grew and he sent one of his men to round up some support and another on for Doc. Roy found Joe kneeling still holding the dead woman on his lap, blood all around but where it came from wasn’t immediately obvious. Roy ordered two men to get some lanterns and the gripped Joe’s shoulder, “Joe are you hurt?”

He got no answer, Joe didn’t even seem to know he was there and the girl was obviously dead, her back soaked in blood. As the lanterns appeared Roy lifted her body off Joe and laid her down on the sidewalk. For the first time Joe looked up and saw Roy, he licked dry lips “All my fault.”

There was an ugly murmur from the crowd which had gathered, most of whom hadn’t seen what had happened, with all sorts of stories passing around. Roy realised that and very briskly said “Nonsense Joe you didn’t shoot her.”

“No, but....”

Roy took his gun, “Not fired.” He commented, sniffing at the barrel. “Where did the shots come from Joe?”

“Across the street. I couldn’t see.” Joe shuddered as he stared down at the dead woman, “She fell against me, I was too slow.”

“Joe are you hit?” Roy tried again.

Joe looked puzzled for a minute, only now aware of the stinging pain in his side and he touched it gently almost surprised to find a gash along a rib, “Just a scratch.” Joe straightened up and with Roy’s help made it to his feet, with the wound and the shock of Rosella’s death on top of his heavy cold he felt fit to drop and was glad of Roy’s strong supporting arm. Somehow the knowledge that he’d been hit too cleared him of blame in the eyes of the crowd and the threatening murmur faded away to Roy’s relief, although Joe hadn’t even noticed it. Roy saw Doc push his way through and it didn’t take him a moment to confirm Rosella’s death. He told four men to get her down to the undertakers and then turned his attention to Joe. Joe was still staring at her as though that dead body was his only reality. Paul frowned “Jail is nearest Roy, give me a hand. I’ll see to him there. Come on Joe.”

Joe made no protest as Roy led him off and Birman confident that they’d got Rosella in time went back to join Lynas and Hayes. Hayes was all for getting out of town, at least until things blew over but the older men refused. They were regulars in the Golden Nugget and might be missed. Three men, people might put two and to together so it was safer to bluff things out. Noone had anything on them, certainly no proof. Hayes was very nervous but he was used to going along with them and did it again.

Roy helped Joe through to the small back room and Joe sank down gratefully on the cot, burying his face in his hands, “It’s all my fault, oh God why?”

Doc concentrated on seeing just how badly Joe was hurt, and with Roy’s help he got Joe’s jacket and shirt off. They were covered in blood but it was mainly Rosella’s and although it was an ugly gash on his side it wasn’t serious. Doc sewed it up and bandaged it, but Joe didn’t even seem aware of what he was doing, only flinching once as the pain caught him. Doc felt the clamminess of his skin and Joe’s rather fast breathing and sent Roy for some hot coffee, Roy brought it back with one of his own clean shirts. Joe wasn’t aware of either offer and Doc sighed “Shock.”

Roy didn’t look convinced, he’d seen Joe much worse hurt without going into shock and said as much. Doc said, “He’s got a bad cold, feverish anyway, and he’s been overdoing it for weeks, not sleeping well, scared for Nita. This is just the last straw. I think it’s the woman’s death rather than this cut which is doing it.” He took the coffee and slowly forced Joe to drink it and then he lifted Joe’s legs up and eased him down, wrapping the blanket round him. Roy wanted to talk to Joe but he didn’t need Doc to tell him that for a while at least he was wasting his time. Joe was shivering and pulled the blanket close. He shut his eyes, his head throbbing but he’d never felt further from sleep, trying to get his thoughts into some semblance of order.

Roy went back to the main office with Doc, “He gonna be alright?”

“Yes, just needs some rest. He’s run down generally that’s why its hit him so hard. Its very late now, I don’t know whether you ought to send word to the ranch.”

“Ben’s already got his hands full, with Hoss in bed and Adam away. I don’t want to worry him more.” Roy went back in, “Just one question Joe, are they expecting you back at the ranch tonight?”

Joe opened his eyes and he’d taken in the question. He slowly shook his head, “No said I’d stay over. Don’t worry Pa.”

“We won’t, try and get some sleep Joe.”

“Find Brett, there’s a horse and she said Len Birman, least something like that. Find him.”
“I’ll find Brett, try and track down this Birman, if you go to sleep.” Roy tucked the youngster up and exhausted Joe shut his eyes again but he couldn’t sleep.
At the house Ben was well aware that something was wrong and he was very restless, unable to settle. He’d tried telling himself it was pure imagination but that didn’t help and when Carole brought Anne down for a feed just after one in the morning, Ben was pacing up and down. Carole collected the coffee she wanted before sitting by the fire to feed the baby. Ben tried to settle, not wanting to upset her but Carole knew him too well, “You’re worried Pa, why?”

“Just a feeling, probably nothing, but with Hoss lying in bed hurt I’m worried over shadows.”

“Not like you Pa. Do you think Joe is hurt? If anything had happened in town, Dan or Roy would have sent word.”

“Maybe, but just maybe they think with Hoss ill that I already have enough to worry about.”
Carole had to admit the possibility but, as she insisted, it was only true if something relatively minor was wrong. If Joe was seriously hurt they would know. Ben hesitated “Do you feel anything Carole?”

She shook her head, “It only works with Adam. Do you think he’s hurt?”

“Not hurt, or at least not badly, but worried and upset. He isn’t well anyway. I know its just a cold but he’s not been sleeping and....”

As Ben fell silent Carole reached out and gripped his arm, “Why don’t you go and saddle Buck, go into town and find Joe. Convince yourself that he’s alright and then scrounge a bed. Its the only way you are going to get any sleep yourself.”

Ben hesitated, it was what he wanted to do but.... Carole read him very easily, “I’m fine now Pa. Hoss is on the mend and Sue will look after him. Nita and I can cope whatever happens, we have plenty of help.”

“Are you sure Carole? You are still weak and they are both pregnant.”

“I’m sure. You go to Joe.” That settled it Ben kissed her, got his boots and coat and headed out to the stable. He made good time to town and despite the early hour, the town seemed as noisy as ever. Ben pushed Buck through the crowds to the jail, whatever had happened Roy would be the most likely to know about it.

Roy had left Joe to rest and gone out with three men he could trust to try and find Brett and a man called Birman. Not wanting to alert Birman and perhaps frighten him out of town, Roy couldn’t ask too freely and didn’t find anyone to whom the name meant anything.. Eventually he decided to leave that until he’d had a chance to get the full story from Joe, maybe then he’d have rather more to go on. He found Brett but even that didn’t help too much as the stableman was very drunk. Roy had taken him back to the jail to sleep it off. Glancing in on Joe he was lying quietly and Roy hoped he was asleep as there was no reaction and left him to rest. Roy was sitting at the desk drinking coffee when to his surprise Ben walked in. The expression on the sheriff’s face was enough to tell Ben that his fears had been justified, something was wrong and Roy knew all about it.

Roy poured more coffee, passing Ben a cup, “What are you doing here? Joe said he planned to stay over.”

“He had, but I got the feeling there was trouble, couldn’t settle. Is he alright?”
“Sit down Ben. The boy will be fine, just a crease along one rib. Doc’s seen to it but Joe was pretty shaken, a saloon girl was killed. I really don’t know exactly what happened. Joe wasn’t in a fit state to tell us, he’s resting back there, asleep I think.”

Ben glanced at the door to the back room, “You sure its not serious Roy?”

“Doc saw him, reckoned he was in shock, more from the woman’s death than anything else. He’ll sleep it off, wounds not much more than a scratch. My word on it, let him sleep.”
Before Ben could answer there was an interruption from the back. Joe opened the door, leaning against the door jamb for support, “I’m not asleep. Morning Pa, don’t look so worried I’m alright.”

Ben went straight over to his son and helped Joe back to the bed, “Sit down Joseph, take it easy.” Ben couldn’t help worrying Joe was so pale and drawn. Joe hadn’t been asleep and although Roy looking in hadn’t penetrated, his father’s voice had. He didn’t even query his father’s presence, although he checked “Hoss? No more trouble?”

“Hoss is fast asleep, don’t worry, but what have you been up to Joseph?”

Joe gratefully took the coffee Roy passed him and sipped it slowly, leaning against his father’s warm strength, which helped to dispel the mists which had been engulfing him and allowed him to think clearly. Roy pulled up a chair, “Do you feel up to talking Joe?”

“Sure Roy I’m alright but I really don’t know much. I didn’t mean to get anyone into damger and now Rosella is dead.”

Ben looked questioningly at Roy who nodded. Ben knew the saloon girl too, she had always had a soft spot for his eldest son. “Just tell us what happened Joe.”

“I’d seen her, about twenty minutes before. I was looking for Brett, checking to see if anyone had any leads. She didn’t know anything then and I went on down the street. I came out of the Delta, just across the street from the Nuggett when she called to me. Said that she had to talk to me. She ran across the road to me and I think I asked what was up. She said ‘Three men I only know one...’ and then there were shots. They came from across the street. I don’t know how many, four or five I guess. I couldn’t see where they were coming from but Rosella collapsed against me. I was trying to stop the blood and she murmured that name. I think it was Birman, certainly Len.” Joe fell quiet and Roy asked, “Was that all she said Joe?”

Joe buried his face in his hands “All that’s relevant.” Roy didn’t look convinced but he accepted Ben’s gesture and left father and son alone for a minute. Ben tightened his hold round his son’s shoulders. “Just me Joseph, let’s have the rest of it.”

Joe shook his head but his father pressed him “You’ll feel better if you talk it over and you’re not going to rest until you do.”

Joe sighed heavily but he knew his father was right and lifted his head. “I was trying to tell her how sorry I was, that I didn’t mean to get anyone hurt. She said’ Don’t Little Joe. Always scared of growing old, solves everything’ and then she died. Pa she wasn’t much older than Adam, certainly no more than he is to me, and yet she almost welcomed death. Oh God!”

“Easy Son. An ageing saloon girl, losing her looks, already down to third rate saloons, she didn’t have much to look forward to.”

“I know Pa, but its just so unfair. We have so much and yet she didn’t even have enough to care about living and I robbed her of one of the few things she had, her life.”

Ben pulled away from his son and forced Joe to look at him, “Stop it Joseph. You didn’t take her life, whoever fired those shots did that. Her life was her choice, noone forced her into the saloon, you can’t take responsibility for that. Life isn’t fair, but we’ve worked hard for what we have and we do the best we can with it.”

Logically Joe knew that his father was right and slowly, as he read the certainty on his father’s eyes, he felt calmer than he had since the shooting. “Okay Pa I am alright now but I could do with some more coffee.”

Roy brought some in “Up to questions Joe?”

“Sure but I don’t think I can help much.” Joe did his best going over everything that had happened since he came to town. He was glad to hear that Roy had found Brett and one of his deputies was trying to sober the old man up. Ben heard for the first time about the horse but he left Roy to ask the questions. Joe couldn’t add very much, he had spoken to Rosella for quite a while, twenty minutes before she ran after him, but she hadn’t known anything then.

Ben suggested “Maybe someone got alarmed just because she had been talking to you and warned her off. Could be what she wanted to tell you.”

Joe shrugged, it was possible maybe even likely, but he didn’t see how to find out. Roy said, “I shall be talking to everyone who was in the Nuggett, especially the bartender and the other girls. Maybe we’ll turn up something.”

“If they talk.” Joe said almost despairingly.

Roy said “Cheer up Joe. I know what this town is like. See and hear nothing, but this time it’s a woman who was killed. Even in Virginia City that is exceptional and people will talk who wouldn’t normally. Ben why don’t you take Little Joe on home. I’ll sort things out here in town.”

Joe shook his head, “I’m not budging until we have those three in jail.”

Ben met Roy’s eye and shrugged, when Joe looked like that he knew there was way he could dissuade his son. All they could do was try and clear things up as fast as possible. Roy sent one of his men to fetch the bartender from the Nuggett. Brett was just about sober enough to question now and seeing his old boss completed the transition. Joe explained briefly wanted he needed to know and why. Brett was very willing to help and Joe said he would go down to the stable and show him the horse in question. Ben left Roy to talk to the bartender and went along with his son. Brett knew the owner of the horse Hayes and he told them both his name and description. He was also able to give names of the two men that Hayes hung around with, Lynas and Birman, as they stabled their horses with him as well. Joe queried “Is that Len Birman?”

Brett shrugged, “I don’t know Joe. Just Birman.” He went on to give a reasonable description of the two men and something rang a bell with Joe. He thought he had seen a trio who fitted that description the previous night. It could have been at the Nuggett but he couldn’t be sure. Brett didn’t know where they hung out, but promised to send word to them as soon as any of the three turned up at the stable, or he learnt anything helpful.

Ben and Joe returned to the jail where Roy had just about finished with the bartender. He had confirmed that after Joe left the previous evening another youngish man had pestered Rosella and had got increasingly annoyed until she had broken away from him, told the bartender that she would be back shortly and hurried out. He didn’t know the man’s name and his description was vague but it could fit what they knew about Hayes. Ben described the other two men and the bartender confirmed that the youngster was often in the Nuggett with them. It was too early for there to be any chance of finding anyone at the saloon yet and as Roy pointed out they were mighty short of proof. Unless one of them could be broken they only had two chances, either Hoss regained his memory, or they managed to find and identify some of the stolen money, if they had kept any of the documents that had been along with the money. It was obvious that none of them would be very willing to put a rope around their neck, but if they could find out where they were lodging maybe there would be something.

Roy tried again to persuade Joe to go home, maybe with some idea of the men involved they could jog Hoss’ memory but Joe wouldn’t listen. He did go along with his father to get some breakfast and although he didn’t really want it, forced some food down. His cold was over the worst but he was very stuffed up and headachy, still feeling the shock of Rosella’s death. He did look considerably better than when Ben first arrived in town so Ben didn’t try to force Joe to talk, just concentrating on clearing some of the outstanding tasks while he was in town, with Joe’s promise to come and find him if anything broke.

At the house Hoss was fretful, worried about his brother and father, wanting to get up, but knowing that he wasn’t up to it. His head ached fiercely and he was worried just how disastrous his loss of memory was. Sue did her best to calm him down and at least persuaded him to stay in bed, using her advanced pregnancy to unfair advantage. Hoss was glad to see Carole come in, not trusting Sue to tell him the truth while he was ill. Carole smiled at him , seeing his concern and pulled up a chair. “Cheer up Hoss, you look rather better this morning.”

“Well at least I can see straight. Where are Pa and Joe?”

“In town, helping Roy. Joe wasn’t letting anyone get away with beating you up and Pa was so restless that I sent him to join Joe.”

“But I can’t remember anything.”

“I shouldn’t worry about it Hoss. The money hardly matters, but I’d guess that Joe has found something or they’d have been home. He had half the town watching for three men who are suddenly rich.”

“Keep feeling there is trouble especially with Joe and I wish.....”

Carole gripped his arm, “Hoss you’re only worried because you aren’t well. They can cope, lots of friends in town.”

“Sue?”
“She’s fine as long as you don’t upset her by trying to get out of bed. Everything is under control and all you have to do is rest and recover.” Carole kissed his forehead, “I must get back. Nita and I will keep a note of all messages , keep things moving.”

Hoss caught her hand, “Carole I know you are a lot better but don’t overdo it, please.”

“I won’t Hoss. Now please just stop worrying. Nothing’s going to happen and if you rest maybe you’ll get your memory back.”

It was about all Hoss felt fit for and he settled back on his pillows, watching his sister-in-law go out, very grateful that she was so much better. He sighed heavily increasingly worried about Sue and feeling weak and ill, without the strength to do more than think and worry. He was getting very nervous again, glad when Sue was with him so obviously healthy that she could push away his fears, temporarily at least.

Joe was wandering around town, talking to friends that he could trust, but he hadn’t found anything new. Twice he had looked in the saloon but there was noone who fitted the descriptions that he had. He was very restless, still blaming himself for Rosella’s death and he didn’t want to see Dan or any other close friends, so all he could do was wait for something to break. The morning dragged past and when things did break it was Red again who brought news. Brett had sent him to find Joe as Hayes had come in to get his horse. Joe wanted to talk to Hayes. They had no proof at all but maybe he could persuade Hayes to talk. He didn’t want his father to be involved and he sent Red to collect Cochise for him. Then as Hayes left town riding south towards Carson City, Joe followed him. He kept well back until they were clear of town.

Hayes was very upset. He didn’t know for sure that one of his friends had shot Rosella, they certainly weren’t admitting to it, but it still seemed to be all too likely. Hayes could add two and two and it seemed too big a coincidence, particularly given the timing. Everything had got out of hand, it hadn’t seemed too bad to steal some money from the Cartwrights, they had plenty, but he’d been shaken by the vicious attack on the unconscious man and now a woman was dead. She had always been friendly, not as pretty as some and getting on, but she would talk to a shy youngster and she hadn’t deserved to die. Hayes wanted to get out of town, away from the others, and find somewhere quiet to think. He was oblivious of his surroundings and didn’t see Joe following him. Joe waited until they were well clear of town and then moved Cochise up fast next to the ugly mare. Hayes stared at him terrified as he recognized Joe and he couldn’t seem to move.

Joe lent over and took his gun and rifle and then took the reins and led the mare off the road into the woods. Hayes didn’t even protest, seemingly too frightened to talk. Joe dismounted and tied the mare up, “Right get down. We have to talk.”

Hayes did as he was told, still not daring to catch Joe’s eyes. He buried his face in his hands, thoroughly scared he started to shake, although Joe hadn’t said anything. If Joe had had any doubt of his involvement, they would have vanished given Hayes reaction. Joe didn’t even ask a question and Hayes couldn’t take the silence, “You ain’t got nothing on me.”

Joe raised his eyebrow, “Oh?”

“I didn’t touch him, don’t know nothing.”

“Didn’t touch who?”

“Your big brother Hoss. Everyone knows you’re looking for the thieves.”

“And murderers.” Joe said bitterly “Rosella’s killers.”

“It weren’t me. I was in the saloon, all the time. I didn’t. I can prove it, I didn’t know.” Hayes sounded almost hysterical and Joe pushed him hard. If he talked and returned the money, maybe he could clear himself from Rosella’s death. Hayes was so very scared, not sure if he was more scared of Joe or his partners. He kept insisting that they had no proof but he was obviously very shaken to realise that Joe knew all of their names and he was no longer denying their involvement, just insisting that noone could prove it in court.

Joe sat back “I don’t have to prove it. Just what reaction do you think there will be in town when I let everyone know the names of the three men responsible for Rosella’s death? Have you ever seen a lynching? The only safe place for you will be the jail, if you are lucky enough to get there.”

“You wouldn’t. I didn’t have anything to do with that.”

Joe let his anger show, “Someone pistol-whipped my brother viciously and someone killed Rosella. I’ve seen plenty of killings like most in town but not women. If you don’t talk, all three of you pay and as far as I’m concerned the world will be a better place.”

“I told Lynas he didn’t ought to have hit Hoss, he was out cold, couldn’t talk anyways, but when the money weren’t in the saddle bags, he just went berserk.” Lynas crumpled, “I’ll talk, show you where the money is, don’t let them lynch me please, please. I didn’t have anything to do with her, don’t even know who did. You’ve gotta believe me, please.” He was sobbing brokenly by now and Joe was sure he wouldn’t go back on his word so he hauled him up and shoved him over to his horse. On the way back to town Joe got details of exactly where his room was and where his partners lived and almost forgot to ask where the money was. Joe knew that he only had to get Hayes to the jail but he didn’t want to alert the other two and so he took a detour heading into town by the Consolidated Virginia and leaving the horses up by the mine.

Hayes was completely demoralized and made no trouble as Joe led him back to the jail. Ben had become uneasy, unable to find his son in town and rejoined Roy there. Both men looked up as Joe brought his prisoner in. Joe spoke to Roy, “He’s one of them and he’ll talk. Give me two men and I’ll bring the other two in.” He looked so stern that Roy frowned, hesitating, uncertain. Joe recognized the uncertainty and said “I’ll bring them in alive Roy, unless they force it and I haven’t touched this one. Not that they deserve it, pistol whipped Hoss when he was already unconscious.”

Ben got to his feet, “I’ll go with him Roy, send one of your deputies.”

Roy gave way and calling Clem through to go with them, he settled to question Hayes. Having once given way Hayes was very eager to tell all he knew and try to extricate himself if he could and answered all Roy’s questions. As Joe led the way down the street he filled his father in on exactly what had happened. They checked the Nuggett first but the pair weren’t there and Joe headed onto the dilapidated boarding house where the three men all lived. Lynas and Birman shared a room on the second floor while Hayes had a cubby-hole on the ground floor. The three men drew their guns and slipped quietly up the stairs. Ben hesitated wondering if they ought to have covered the window but as they could hear snoring coming from the room he decided to go in fast. Ben and Clem took up positions either side of the door and then Joe kicked it in and the three men piled in. Lynas and Birman were woken by the noise, but both with hefty hangovers they were slow to react. By the time they had taken in who was there and what it must mean, Ben had control of all the guns and Joe was removing the floorboard to find the stolen money. It was still in the money-belt taken from Hoss’ body and stained with his blood and Joe’s lips tightened as he strapped it on himself. It was almost an anticlimax as the two thugs were seemingly more interested in arguing with each other trying to work out what had gone wrong with their perfect plan. Ben herded the two men down to the jail where both turned on Hayes until Roy got them locked up, keeping the youngster in a separate cell.

Roy knew that none of them were going to admit involvement in Rosella’s shooting and that he had little real evidence on that. he did have them tight on the robbery and they had given up trying to deny that. He hesitated as he looked at the money, not really wanting the responsibility of that much money in his safe and he decided that a written note of the amount and the blood stained money belt itself would be enough. He said as much, although not admitting to Joe his doubts on the case for murder.

After another sleepless night Joe felt fit to drop and although he had been buoyed up by adrenaline as he went after the three men, he was wilting fast and he couldn’t face food or questions. Ben recognized that so they left Roy to fill Dan in and call off the hunt while Ben concentrated on getting his youngest son home.

Joe’s cold was bothering him more now that he had nothing else to think about and he rode home in silence until they were nearly there. Then he looked across at his father, “There’s no case on Rosella’s death is there? They’ll get away with that. Hayes didn’t even know for sure and the other two won’t talk. So unnecessary, we’d have got them through that horse anyway.”

“Maybe Joe but if it hadn’t been for the killing, Hayes probably wouldn’t have broken.”

“We’ve got the money back, which I don’t care about, and they are in prison, but that won’t help Hoss heal any faster. All I’ve really achieved is the death of a woman who was only trying to help. Maybe noone will even miss her but she deserved more than a bullet in the back.” He sighed heavily, sounding despairing.

“Stop blaming yourself Joseph, You couldn’t know that they would kill so easily. Just because they did, makes it that much more important to have caught them.”

“I asked for her help and because of that she’s dead, who else can I blame?”

“The man who shot her.”

Joe sighed again. It was easy to say but he would always feel that he could have done something to prevent her death. Her acceptance of death just made it that much more pathetic. Ben realised it was a waste of time trying to argue Joe out of his self blame, at least until his son had had some rest and he was very glad to get back to the houses.

Nita came out to meet Joe, concerned by how tired and drawn he looked. Then he winced as she put her arms round him, catching his ribs. Ben gripped her arm and reassured her. Joe was not badly hurt a minor crease and very tired. Nita straightened her shoulders and Ben was proud of her as she told her husband to go and reassure his brother and then get to bed, that she would bring him a light snack. Joe frowned, anxiety flaring for his brother but Nita smiled, “Hoss is a lot better, still no memory but he looks much brighter. Just very restless, wondering what you have been up to.”
“We’ve got all three men, they’re in jail and we have the money back.”

“You should be pleased darling.” Nita considered him, puzzled not understanding the obvious pain in his eyes.

Ben put his arm round her, “I’ll explain later. Go on Joe, I’ll be in shortly, tell Hoss.” Once Joe had gone in, Ben rapidly explained what had happened in town and that Joe was blaming himself for the saloon girl’s death. He asked Nita to take Joe home once he’d seen Hoss and try to persuade him to talk, make him see that it wasn’t his fault.

Joe had hidden the worst of his tiredness and worry before he went in to see his brother, although he couldn’t hide all signs of his cold and a sleepless night. It was easier to do as Hoss definitely looked better. Joe had no intention of telling Hoss about Rosella but he did tell his brother that they had the three men and had retrieved the money. He told Hoss briefly what he had learnt from Hayes and Hoss frowned at an elusive memory, of being surprised when they demanded the saddlebags, but it was gone as soon as it came. He tried to clear his head, shaking it but that only made his headache worse. Ben came in and saw that and confirmed quickly that everything was sorted out and that Joe was going home to catch up on some sleep. Hoss relaxed at that and soon he too was asleep.

Nita bullied Joe into bed and slowly cajoled him into talking and although accepting that he blamed himself, she made it clear that she didn’t agree. He slowly calmed down and managed a light meal before falling into a dreamless sleep. He didn’t stir until late the following morning and somehow during those hours things had slipped into perspective and although still very sorry for Rosella, he knew that he would have done exactly the same again. The men had to be stopped and his Pa was right they were killers and it was important to catch them now, before other lives were lost. He felt much better for a long sleep and he was starving.

Ben knew as soon as Joe walked in that he was feeling better and grinned broadly. Between them the two men settled to try and clear some of the outstanding jobs and plan what needed to be done. Later that morning Hoss insisted on getting up. Although he submitted to sitting quietly by the fire and although the trial wouldn’t be for a few days they could put the attack behind them.

At lunchtime Hoss was rather please with himself, as he sat quietly watching the flames flickering in the fireplace, his memory had cleared and he remembered everything that had happened up until the moment he was knocked out, and then come round in his own bed.
Dinner turned into a celebration meal with everyone light-hearted and relaxed. They were sitting over coffee when a telegram arrived obviously from Adam himself as it was in their private telegraphic code. Ben frowned scared that something had gone wrong but it didn’t take him long to decode it and he grinned at his sons and Carole, who were all looking worried. “It’s alright just Adam being psychic again. He wants to know what is wrong, especially with you Hoss. Distance may help some things but it doesn’t affect that. I suppose we should have expected it.”

Joe had had experience of knowing that something was wrong when he was far from home and he got up and stared out of the window, “What are we going to tell him?”

“The truth. That Hoss was knocked out and robbed, that we have the men and the money and that Hoss is recovering well from his concussion.”

Joe nodded, “I’ll ride into town and get it off as soon as I can. I’ll bet he’s fretting and he’s not well enough.”

Ben didn’t argue, he could imagine Joe wanted to check the gossip round town and see if there was any chance of nailing the men for Rosella’s death, so he just wrote out a telegram and let Joe go.

Joe was right in one thing Adam was fretting. He had been for the last couple of days. He had woken up soon after settling for the night, very sure that something was seriously wrong with Hoss. It had been a long trying day with an awkward river crossing and he was very tired, but satisfied as they had only lost five cattle and one mare with a broken leg. At first Adam tried to put his feeling down to overtiredness and worry and tried to settle down again, but these feelings had been proved right too often. He lay still for half an hour but just became convinced that Hoss was hurt or in trouble. There was absolutely nothing he could do about it, almost equidistant from two towns and it would be at least two days before he could even send word to his family and ask what had happened. For a couple of hours he tried to get back to sleep before admitting defeat and getting up, heated up some coffee and wandered off into the bushes. His back and arms were aching after a hard day’s work but he was barely aware of his aches and pains as he let his mind fly loose, trying to sort out the vague feelings he had and work out what was wrong. It didn’t help, he just knew that Hoss was hurt, or upset and worried. Adam was scared that maybe Sue was having her baby early and something was wrong. Adam knew wandering around worrying wasn’t sensible, but he couldn’t settle and even when he tried he couldn’t get comfortable so gave up. He sat on a log waiting for dawn trying to relax.

Jess found him there early the next morning, but his anxious questions were cut short. Adam hadn’t intended to go with the horse herd, Jess was perfectly capable of doing that but during the night he had come to the conclusion that it was the quickest way to reach town. After a morning of increasing restlessness Adam announced his change of mind. He had been jumping down everyone’s throat and although he was obviously tired he was doing far more than usual, not wanting time to think. Both Jess and José knew him too well to waste time protesting but Stevens was driven to try, seeing Adam chase after a couple of steers who made a break for the foothills when there were two other men equally well placed to do it. Stevens quickly realised that Adam hadn’t even heard his protest and he backed away. The only one to have any effect on Adam was Kirk, who dismissed as nonsense Adam’s protests that he wasn’t hungry and stood over his boss until the plate was empty, threatening to feed him as though he was a child if he wasn’t going to eat it by himself. Adam found it easier to eat than to argue and although tasting nothing it did fill his belly and he settled down as night fell. He lay staring at the stars for a long time past tiredness, scared for his brother.
Adam was up early and with José confident that he could deal with the herd for the next few days Adam agreed to take Jess along. Jess didn’t have to tell José that he would take as much of the work on as he could, both men were worried about their boss. It was very obvious that Adam was worried about something and hadn’t been sleeping much. After a tiring day to start and overdoing things Adam had been losing ground and looked tired and drawn as he had in the first days of the drive, a look he had begun to lose.

As the drive moved out Adam considered the herd, all good animals and despite his concerns for Hoss, Adam felt a surge of pride as he watched them. Adam was content to let the men handle the herd, not too onerous a job with plenty of help. He had too much time for his thoughts, but at least he was heading for town where he would be able to get in contact. Adam had no intention of leaving town until he knew exactly what was wrong. With that consolation Adam was able to force down enough food at lunch to avoid comment, but as he was obviously restless the men went along with a short break. By mid-afternoon they were only three miles from town and Adam couldn’t wait any longer and told Jess to take over, he would meet them in town. Jess tried to persuade Adam to take one of the men along , just as a precaution as he looked ill again but Adam wouldn’t consider it. He let his black stallion stretch his legs, feeling better for being on the move. Blackie caught his master’s mood and made excellent time. Adam promised the stallion a good feed but for now he dismounted outside the telegraph office and went in to send off his telegram. He told the man who ran it that there would be an answer in about two or three hours and asked for it to be delivered as soon as it arrived. He would be at the hotel or leave word at the desk where he was . A dollar tip with the promise of another one on delivery ensured cooperation and Adam booked into the hotel for the night, before taking Blackie down to the livery. Once his stallion was seen to Adam felt drained, the last sleepless nights and his worry for his family catching up on him. It was almost too much trouble to walk back to the hotel.

Adam was slowly making his way down the street when Spencer who was buying the horses spotted him and hurried over. He stopped dead on seeing Adam’s face, “Good God man are you ill? Should I get our Doctor?”

Adam forced a smile, “No need. I’m okay just tired, The herd should be here in a couple of hours. I think you’ll be pleased.”

“But Adam you .....”

“Its nothing.”

“Your hand?”

Adam sighed inwardly but Spencer had known his father a very long time and he was well aware that the older man wouldn’t let go without some explanation so he suggested, “Let’s go and get a drink.” Over it Adam briefly explained about the fire and why he’d come rather than one of his brothers and then firmly changed the subject.

Jess arrived before his reply from Joe and Adam had his friend take Spencer out to inspect the herd, then they could settle the details over a late supper. On edge as he waited to hear from home Adam ordered himself a brandy and sat sipping the drink making a conscious effort to relax. It seemed a very long time after Jess left before the reply arrived, although Joe had made good time into town. Joe hadn’t stinted and Adam received a very long telegram. For a moment he couldn’t open it and then felling the need to be alone he paid the delivery boy, finished his drink and hurried up to his room. He sat down on the bed and with trembling hands undid the envelope. Joe hadn’t bothered with code, the facts were already common knowledge around town. He had briefly outlined the attack and the robbery but emphasised that Hoss was much better already and he would be fine in a couple of days, only superficial damage. Joe told Adam that the men who had done it were in jail, money recovered. He had added that Carole and the girls were fine with Anne on a normal schedule. He had finished with one sentence in their code, reiterating that everything was fine and telling Adam to stop being an old worrier. That more than anything reassured Adam and he relaxed. He’d been right, something had been wrong but it was all over. As he relaxed he felt dizzy and laid back on the bed as everything swayed round him, exhausted he dozed off and that was where Jess found him. Jess was scared for a moment that his boss had collapsed but as he checked Adam’s pulse finding it good and strong, he woke Adam. For a minute Adam wasn’t sure where he was and lying on his back was hurting the scar tissue and he gritted his teeth but then he saw the telegram and grinned, accepting Jess’ help to sit up.

“Cheer up Jess, I just dozed off.”
He read the telegram again and then passed it to Jess, “I knew something was wrong but at least its alright now.”

Jess read the telegram and then considered his friend. Adam looked very tired but much more relaxed than he had been for days, “You’ll stay overnight?”

“Yeah. José can cope. Come on I’m hungry and we have to settle up. Was Spencer satisfied?”

“Delighted, as he derned well should be.” Jess helped Adam to his feet. The dinner went well and details were soon settled but despite Jess’ glares at him, Adam made no move to break it up. It was quite late by the time they finally said their goodbyes. Adam couldn’t be rude and anyway he now had another contract on very good terms for the following year. He had no intention of doing anything which might leave word spreading that he wasn’t well enough to cope. It might get back to his family or it could lead to someone trying something when he delivered the cattle. Buoyed up by the good news from home he didn’t feel too bad but once they were on their own, he was glad of Jess’ support to get back to his room. There was no real need for an early start but to Jess’ disgust Adam was down for breakfast not long after six and having rounded up the men, made good time back to the herd. Although Jess did admit that his boss looked much better for a reasonable sleep. Adam was glad to reach the herd, not that he doubted José’s competence but they were his responsibility.

The northern part of the drive was straight forward as usual with the condition the best Adam had known. He had plenty of men, good conditions and enough time to meet the delivery date in comfort so for once there were no real problems and he rather enjoyed the last week of the drive. No longer really worried about events at home he relaxed, eating and sleeping well, he began to look much better, even putting on a little weight, fitter than at any time since the fire. His close friends noticed it in particular but all the hands recognised the boss was more himself. The end of the drive was in sight with fat bonuses for all and the atmosphere in camp was very cheerful.

The day before the herd would arrive Adam took Stevens with him and went to check the final arrangements, get the count organised. Word had gone ahead of then and they were expected so that it didn’t take long to settle details. Once they were done Adam headed for the saloon for lunch before going back and tried to thank Stevens for all his help as they ate. Stevens shrugged it off, just doing his job, the ranch and his bosses had earnt his loyalty. Adam didn’t push it but light hearted at the idea of heading home in a day or so, he began singing as they rode back and rather to his own surprise Stevens found himself joining in.

Adam spent most of the next day signing forms, collecting his money, drawing enough cash for the men to celebrate in style and chatting with the chief buyer, Cockburn. They both left their foremen to conduct the actual count and finalise details. Adam was enjoying himself not guessing the sudden animosity which had sprung up between his men and those taking delivery. The man who had been in charge previous years, whom José knew well, had retired and started up a small ranch of his own. The man brought in from outside to take over as foremen, Bowness, had a strong opinion about Mexes, little better than Indians in his estimation and he was firmly of the opinion that the only good Indian was a dead one.
Three or four of the men working with Bowness had the same view of life and they had automatically gravitated together. Finding a Mexican in charge, even though José was an American citizen, a Californian vaquero, they began to ride the Ponderosa foreman. Most of the drovers were also vaqueros and it didn’t take long for tempers to rise, none of them exactly placid. Jess and Stevens were furious too, these men were their friends as were Jack Catfish and some of the other Paiutes who worked on the ranch and Bowness made his feelings very clear. However the last thing that Adam needed was trouble and for his sake they tried to keep the peace and José did his best to hold onto his temper. He had succeeded reasonably well, despite severe provocation, until the end of the count.

Bowness had a very profitable sideline, based on his acquisition a few months earlier of a stopwatch from Switzerland in a poker game. Using it and his ability to draw fast, he had devised a contest. He had earnt his hold over men by the respect engendered by his ability with a gun. He had only recently come west to take up this job but had held a similar position in Texas where he was known for his fast draw. Since he had arrived he and his cronies had made a considerable profit out of his ability combined with the stopwatch, betting on his prowess at shooting down six bottles in the fastest time, with the gun re-holstered between each shot. Noone had got close to him but while the locals wouldn’t lose anymore, each new group could be provoked into putting up a champion. With a large number of hands all feeling rich, with end of the drive bonuses, he expected to make a killing. He had been riding the Mexicans quite deliberately to get them to bet heavily. José rose to the bait, he was reasonable with a gun, maybe not quite as fast as Joe but as good as anyone else on the drive, and anyway it was his people who had been insulted.

Once the cattle were all corralled, the men all retreated up the hill to the camp which had been set up. It was still light and Bowness explained the rules. Each man would have six shots at the bottle placed on the fence posts someway up the hill. To start the gun had to be holstered and after each shot it was to be re-holstered. As proof of that you had to touch your hat on your head before drawing again. The winner was the one to down all six bottles in the fastest time. One of each side would watch the stopwatch, two others to check that the hat was touched properly. As José hadn’t done it before he suggested the Mex have a trial run first to make sure he had it straight.

José wasn’t about to turn that down and he tried it out, missing one bottle by rushing his shot, just carelessness, it wasn’t a very long shot and he was confident that he could hit all six. It seemed fair, a test of speed and accuracy. The rest of the drovers, with their tempers thoroughly roused by the insults which had been flying all day, backed José betting wildly. Stevens tried to persuade them not to risk their hard earned cash. Bowness had set the whole thing up and he was obviously experienced at it, they would just lose their money. Nobody would listen to him and the only restraint was the cash on hand, luckily Adam had only passed out some of the money due to them. Stevens tried to enlist Jess’ help, but his temper was up too and he wasn’t listening.

Adam was at the hotel in town, chatting over a drink before dinner and he had no idea what was going on, but even if he had been there it was doubtful if he could have stopped them. Bowness tossed for who would go first but he had no intention of losing the toss and it was easy to force José to go first. The Ponderosa hands watched tensely as José settled himself and then at the signal to start he moved smoothly having got some sort of rhythm from his practice. It looked fast, faster than most of the hands had seen him before, and José knew he was at his best, Everyone held their breath as he shot and their was a concerted gasp as he downed the sixth bottle, missing none. A great cheer came up from the Ponderosa contingent as José holstered his gun for the last time and even Bowness begrudgingly admitted it had been fair shooting – for a Mex. It was better than he had expected but he wasn’t seriously worried. This was his game, his own invention and noone had got close to him yet, he knew he could beat José’s time comfortably. The time of just over a minute was noted and Bowness took his stance. After the first shot it was clear to everyone that, barring a missed bottle, he had it comfortably. He was much smoother and faster, well practised in the game and basically a much faster draw. There was silence as he finished without a mistake and for the first time the hands acknowledged the sense of Stevens’ comments, they’d been suckered. It didn’t need a stopwatch and noone was surprised when the man in charge reported that Bowness had won by a full ten seconds. The locals began to collect their bets and it might have ended there if Bowness hadn’t been so condescending, “Not bad for a Mex. Just puzzles me how you hold a ranch the size of the Ponderosa together, if you’re the best it can offer.”

José was furious but Jess was the one to completely lose all hold on his temper, “You think you’re fast, let me tell you our boss would make you look a dammed sight slower than old Kirk here. Let alone José. You’re only a beginner with a gun compared to him.”

Bowness was furious too, noone queried his ability with a gun, “Big words but that’s all the Ponderosa has to offer, hide behind its size and the money. Ain’t noone in this state faster than me.”

“Nonsense you ain’t in the same class.” Jess insisted.

“Put your money where your mouth is. Get your precious Boss up here, same rules. All bets doubled and I’ll have a private bet with you , say all your bonus money.” Bowness was thoroughly enraged, it was years since anyone had dared to insult his ability with a gun.
José was as cross as Jess and all for it, Adam would put this prejudiced bully in his place and only Stevens remembered the extent of Adam’s injuries. He pushed forward “Jess you can’t.” but he was too late, Jess had agreed to all Bowness asked. Some of the men behind Bowness read the doubt on Stevens face and they gained confidence. Bowness didn’t need anymore, he had never really been pushed and believed in his infallibility.

Jess turned to go and fetch Adam and Stevens fell into step with him, “I hope you know what you’re doing Jess. I know the Boss is your friend, but it ain’t fair to commit him without even asking him.”

Jess slowed down at that, knowing that with the hands’ hard earnt money at stake, he’d placed Adam in an impossible position. He had been too cross to think clearly but it wasn’t really fair on Adam and when Stevens went on “I sure hope he can still draw fast. I bet he ain’t practised since that fire.”

Jess stopped dead, he had entirely forgotten Adam’s injuries, “Oh God we must stop it.”

“Too late for that.”

“But I don’t know if he can even draw. Let alone fast.”

“Be practical Jess, maybe you or I might just beat José’s time on a good day, but not by much. Neither of us can get close to Bowness. If Adam can’t we lose all the money.”

“Mention it to him and he’ll feel he’s committed.” Jess protested.

Stevens shrugged, “Sorry Pal, but he’s bound to hear. You ought to have thought of that before you spoke up. It’s too late now he has to be told.”

Jess straightened his shoulders, Stevens was right it had been a terrible idea but he’d gone too far now. He felt very guilty, he had come along to help his friend and look after him, now he had committed him to this stupid contest. Inevitably it would put Adam under a strain with so much of his men’s money at stake. Just because Adam had seemed so much brighter this last week Jess had forgotten all about his injuries. Jess pushed on faster wanting to get it over and found Adam in a bar. Stevens said “Let’s hope he ain’t half drunk to make things worse.”

“Adam can hold his drink.”

“Sure, but it won’t help his aim none.”

Jess glared at Stevens and then went in and asked Adam to spare him a minute. Adam could see there was trouble and he was about to drain the brandy in front of him when Stevens put his hand over the glass, “Please Boss.”

Very puzzled but trusting that the quiet cowboy had a reason, Adam excused himself and went with his men to a table in the corner, “Alright what’s wrong? Trouble with the herd, the count?”

“No Boss, everything is fine there, but we got ourselves caught up in a stupid contest.”

Adam frowned, wondering what was coming but relaxing a little as he realised the herd was safely delivered. “Right let’s have it.” He sat back and waited as Jess organized his thoughts and slowly told him exactly what had happened. Jess didn’t try to hide the fact that he had lost his temper and committed his friend, without considering his injuries. Adam could see just how badly Jess felt and although the last thing he wanted was a shooting contest it could have been worse. He tried to reassure his friend, the contest didn’t seem too bad and it sounded as though the Texan badly needed taking down a peg or two. Adam thought about the contest for a minute. If José could hit all six then accuracy shouldn’t be too big a problem, but speed was another matter. He looked across at Stevens, “How fast is he?”

“Fast. Beat José by a clear ten seconds and I ain’t seen José faster. I got the impression he wasn’t even pushing too hard.”

“I see.”

“It’s his game Adam, he’s done it all before, knows exactly how hard he dare push. When did you last draw fast?” Stevens asked.

“Few months.” Adam admitted, “Trouble is I don’t see that I have a choice.”

Jess sighed heavily “I’m so sorry Adam. I just didn’t think.”

“Doesn’t matter. You’d better go back up and tell them I’m coming. Stall for a few minutes, I just want a chance to loosen up a bit with all that money on me.” Adam smiled at his friend “Go on Jess before we have another Mexican - American war. Tell them I’m on my way and don’t mention how long since I’ve drawn. No excuses now or later.”

Jess nodded and headed out but Stevens stayed with Adam. Adam raised an interrogative eyebrow at him, but Stevens shook his head “I’ll stick around.”

Adam didn’t waste time just getting clear of town and then in a quiet clearing he spent a minute or two swinging his arm and exercising his shoulder and hand before trying his draw. The first attempt was pathetically slow and he felt the unused muscles protesting. Stevens made his only protest, “Let me call it off Adam, you ain’t fit enough.”

Adam shook his head “Then I have five minutes to get fit or all of them lose their money.”
“Be easier on you to pay for them, you can’t go through with this. Money you’ve got.”

Adam laughed wryly, “Sure but you know José and the others as well as I do. That’s one thing they won’t accept.”

“They wouldn’t let you shoot if they were here.”

“Which is why we have stopped here and you won’t tell them. Now stop arguing.” Adam turned his back on Stevens and for a couple of minutes he practised drawing and touching his hat as he would have to until some of the normal smoothness returned to his draw. With his back beginning to feel on fire he stopped, not daring to risk any more practise. “Come on let’s get it over with.”

Stevens knew his speed had improved, maybe it was faster than José but still a long way short of Bowness. Adam wouldn’t discuss it but walked swiftly back to the camp. José had remembered his friend’s injuries too and he and Jess were both very subdued as Adam arrived but the rest of the hands made up for it, cheering wildly.

Adam went over to the Texan, “I suggest we get on with it before the light fades.”

“Want to practise first?” Bowness offered.

“No. You go first so I can be sure I have the right idea. Lets get it over I am due to have dinner with your boss.”

Bowness wasn’t keen on going first but he could see the concern on the faces of Jess and José, although Stevens showed nothing, so he was confident. While waiting for Adam several people had warned him of Adam’s reputation but he had also remembered the surprise that Adam’s bringing the herd had engendered. He knew the man had been hurt, probably enough to slow him and anyway he knew his own ability, he’d never been bested yet. Not taking any chances he pushed as hard as he could, just knocking one bottle on the side but it was enough to count and he shaved another eight seconds off the time he’d taken earlier. His own supporters were jubilant and even the most optimistic of the Ponderosa hands were looking worried. Cockburn, Bowness’ boss had come out and joined Jess and José, looking worried. “I should have guessed, warned you. Noone has come close to Bowness at this and all the locals stay clear of him.”

“Adam can take him “ José insisted loyally.

Cockburn frowned “I heard he’d been hurt, is he as fast?”

José wouldn’t answer, knowing the injuries were bund to affect his friend but as six more bottles were setup Adam moved into position. Everyone’s attention was on him but Adam ignored them. He eased his gun in the holster, loosened his shoulder once more and then very deliberately relaxed, cutting out everything but the bottles, ignoring all his aches and pains. Jess had passed on some of the insults to their friends and Adam was determined that he’d wipe the smirk off Bowness’ face. Stevens had had to warn his friends that he didn’t think Adam could do it, not now, in a few months when he was fully fit sure, but not at the moment.

As the signal went everyone waited barely breathing as Adam moved into action, ignoring the stabbing pain in his back, his hand seemed to act instinctively as it always did when he was at his best, so fast that noone could really see his movements. He took the top off the bottle and if the move to touch his hat was jerky, the next draw was just as smooth and as he hit a rhythm he seemed to get even faster, Not worried about his accuracy Adam had opted to show off, make Bowness’ defeat as impressive as he could and he neatly took the top off each bottle leaving the bulk of each intact. As he finally re-holstered his gun with the six bottles broken there was absolute silence, every man there stunned by what they had seen. The two time keepers looked at each other in near disbelief. Bowness’ time had been one second slower than his best ever and noone else had got within 10 seconds of him. Now Adam had shattered the time taking a full thirteen seconds off and as the Ponderosa hand announced the time Bowness flushed scarlet with fury, but he had known from Adam’s first draw that he was outclassed. Adam might be a ranch owner but he was the fastest gun Bowness had seen by a long way. As the time penetrated there was a huge roar from the Ponderosa contingent and they all swarmed around Adam to congratulate him. Not thinking one of them slapped him on the back and Adam all but passed out. His back was on fire anyway after the effort of drawing fast and although for a minute he had been able to ignore the pain it was catching up on him. The slap was the last straw and he would have fallen if John Wilson hadn’t caught him. As it was he sunk to his knees, only really aware of the pain, the scene swaying around him. He couldn’t even try and hide the pain, losing all trace of colour and struggling to hold onto his senses.

Cockburn pushed through, as did jess José and Stevens. Cockburn asked “What’s wrong?”

Jess was busily undoing Adam’s shirt scared that he’d done some real damage, while José helped John support him. Stevens turned to Cockburn, “He should never have got involved, his back was badly burnt a few months back, not hardened off, and its months since he’s drawn a gun.”

“I don’t believe it.” Bowness protested

“You’d better Mister.” Stevens said quietly, “Sure he was fast today but I’ve seen him even faster.” Then as Jess eased Adam’s shirt up Stevens gestured at the ugly scars looking very red, “Would you have drawn with that?”

There was nothing anyone could do to help none of the cars had broken open and it was the unused muscles which were really hurting. Even Bowness was silenced by the scars and it was Cockburn who asked “How?”

Jess looked up, angry, mainly with himself, “In a forest fire, saving my life and John’s.”

John nodded but then concentrated on helping Adam, who was trying to straighten up, “Take it easy Adam.”

Adam had fought and won control of his breathing and eased himself up leaning heavily on Jess. “I’m okay, just someone being heavy handed.” Slowly the world settled and Stevens brought over his brandy flask, “Here Adam no reason not to have one now.”

Adam accepted it gratefully using his left hand, his right seemingly having no strength. The brandy steadied him and he tucked his shirt back in and joined Cockburn in his buggy to go back to town. Adam insisted he was perfectly alright and sat through the meal although only managing a token effort at the food. He still had the contract to settle for the next year but admitted that he was tired and accepted the offer to do it the following morning, even though he was eager to get home. He was realist enough to know he needed some sleep first.
Jess had come to check how he was and insisted on giving Adam a hand to get to bed. Stiff and tired Adam gratefully accepted and then told Jess to go join the rest of the men and enjoy himself. All Adam wanted to do was sleep and with a couple of brandies to take the edge off and relaxing with the drive over he was asleep almost as soon as he settled. He had sent home to say that the drive was completed successfully and in return had word that everything was fine at home and that his father would meet him in Virginia City the following Friday when he would be paying in the sizable bank draft that he’d collected. With nothing at all to worry about for once, Adam slept dreamlessly.

All the Ponderosa hands were celebrating the end of the drive and their unexpected windfall. Bowness and his men had paid up, unwillingly but with no more sarcastic comments, thoroughly demoralized by Adam’s display. The men from the Ponderosa were delighted with life, once Adam had apparently recovered and celebrated late into the night, all but Jess sleeping late to recover the next day. Jess knew how much his impulsive action had cost his friend and hadn’t felt much like joining the celebrations. He was hanging around the next morning waiting to see his friend but Adam didn’t appear himself until gone eight. He had been very stiff but a few exercises eased it a lot and although still favouring his right arm he looked two hundred percent better and joined Jess for a large breakfast, not teasing his friend about his concern. Then Adam headed off for his meeting, handing Jess the job of rounding up the rest of the men and sobering them up enough to ride, they would be leaving after lunch. Everyone could have a longer break in Virginia City once they got home. Much more himself it didn’t take Adam long to negotiate and complete the contract they wanted and Adam was well satisfied as he joined his men to head home. Most of them had hangovers but they made good time and with no responsibilities it was a pleasant ride home, chatting, singing at times, with plenty of time before Adam was due to meet his father.

At the house Hoss had thrown off the effects of his concussion and even the cuts and bruises had all but faded. Knowing that the herd was safely delivered and Adam was on his way home, with José’s words that he was fine, Hoss was able to stop worrying about his brother. Unfortunately the removal of that counter irritant made things worse. Sue’s time was coming very close and sometimes as he looked at her, panic was so close that he had a very real pain in his chest and could barely breathe. He was having trouble sleeping, using a separate bed as Sue was so restless and he spent hours listening to her tossing around, wondering if that was the start of labour and having nightmares when he did sleep. Joe wasn’t doing much better, too many memories and too many nightmares, only finding peace by burying himself in work.

Ben was glad to see Hoss physically better but there was very little he could do to help either of his sons as Sue and Nita got close to their time. All the girls seemed fit and well but neither they nor Ben could get either of the men to talk. Carole was very much better with Anne gaining rapidly but although she had backed Adam’s trip north and trusted Jess and José to look after him she was on edge, wanting to see for herself just how fit her obstinate husband was.

For several days Hoss was far from his normal placid self, he was like quicksilver. It took all his time to hide his bad temper from Sue and he tried very hard not to take it out on his father. Ben was looking tired, he had been working too hard, worried about all his family, In reaction Hoss snapped at Joe virtually every time his brother opened his mouth, even though he could see that Joe looked tired and worried too. Nita was getting very cross at the way Hoss was treating her husband but to her surprise Joe just took it without complaint and tried over and over to cajole his big brother into a better mood, even when all he got for his efforts was more abuse. Alone in their room Joe tried to explain, it was so very unusual for Hoss and he could understand his brother’s fears, in so many ways he shared them. Nita accepted that but even so there was no call for Hoss to take it out on Joe. Joe pulled her down onto his lap, “It doesn’t matter sweetheart. Hoss is usually the placid one in this family and so very many times he’s had to sit and take my bad temper or Adam’s. Sometimes act as a buffer between us, or between us and the outside world. So for once the situation is reversed, he’s so tense he has to take it out on someone. He won’t do it with Sue or Pa so I’m elected. I owe Hoss a heck of a lot more than that and it really doesn’t mean anything, we both know that. You must believe me Nita.”

Nita shrugged but if Joe wasn’t worried or upset she certainly wasn’t going to make things any more difficult for him. She could act too and set herself to the job of distracting Joe so that for a while at least he could forget all his fears for her and his family. She succeeded very well and Joe had a better night’s sleep that night than he had for several weeks.

Conversely Hoss barely slept at all and twice he went for Joe over nothing. He couldn’t help himself and although he knew that his little brother would understand he hated himself for it. It was as though he was two people, his normal self standing to one side watching disapprovingly what he was doing, but powerless to stop it.

Mid-afternoon the question arose, who was going into town to meet Adam the following day. Joe suggested that Hoss might like to, he could do with a break and Joe knew just how worried Hoss had been about their unfit brother. Ben was about to answer when Hoss went for Joe scathingly, complaining of his interference and his stupidity, of course he couldn’t leave Sue with the baby due in just eight days.

Ben could understand that Hoss was loathe to leave his wife, even for a few hours but it was the way Hoss attacked his little brother that shocked him. He had seen a few brief flare-ups but he had never seen Hoss so verbally vicious in his life and from the resigned look in his youngest son’s eyes, this wasn’t the first time. Before Hoss had tried to keep at least minimal control in front of his father but for now he had forgotten that Ben was even there, until his father’s stern voice cut through like a whiplash. “Hoss that is more than enough.”

Hoss stopped in confusion and blushed brick red, then he turned on his heel and walked out without a word, leaving his father upset and worried. Joe uncurled himself from the chair where he had been sitting and smiled at his father. “Cheer up Pa. Hoss doesn’t mean a word of it, just worried and not sleeping.”

“I’ve never heard Hoss hit out verbally like that.” Ben said slowly, the shock clear in his voice.

“No but then he’s never been in this position before. He hit out physically at Adam a couple of times. Adam said then that it didn’t mean anything, a shock, something had to give. He was right Pa, Hoss has been on the receiving end often enough.”

“I don’t like it.”

“Not entirely happy myself Pa, but it’ll be over soon. Adam always said that Hoss would be as bad as he was when his own wife was involved. It doesn’t mean anything, both Hoss and I know that, so just forget it.”

Ben was grateful for the way his youngest son was taking it but he couldn’t help worrying and seeing that Joe got to his feet. “I’ll go and talk to him Pa, maybe I can calm him down a bit.”

“And maybe you’ll come to blows.” Ben said worriedly.
“We won’t, my word on it. The big Moose doesn’t like himself very much for what is happening and I’m the only one who can get him to talk.”

Ben gave way and as Sue came in looking worried Joe slipped out and followed his brother outside. Sue had seen that Hoss was upset but for once he didn’t want her, just gently telling her that he’d be fine but to leave him alone. Ben tried to reassure her, just a tiff between the brothers, it was best to leave them alone to sort themselves out.

Hoss had walked up behind his own house to a spot by the side of the waterfall where there were flat stones to sit on. He often came up there to watch the waterfall and sometimes the slow steady fall of the water, the glory of nature helped to calm him but today he couldn’t even see it. All he could see was the shock on his father’s face, bringing home to him the way he had been treating his brother and hating himself for it. He wasn’t even aware of Joe approaching until Joe was right next to him and then Hoss averted his gaze, “Go away Joe please. Jest leave me alone.”

Joe dropped to one knee and gripped his big brother’s shoulder, “I think it’s time we had a talk Hoss.”

“Not now Joe please.” Hoss pulled away from his brother, wanting to apologize but not knowing how.

Joe sat down where his brother had been, hugging his knees and watching the waterfall for a minute while he chose his words with care, “Everything is alright Hoss. It doesn’t matter, just calm down.”

Hoss was relieved that Joe wasn’t angry with him, he had every right to be, but it didn’t really help. Hoss blamed himself bitterly, “Only it does matter Joe. I’m sorry but that ain’t enough.”

Joe very gently gripped his brother’s arm, “It’s more than enough Hoss and you didn’t even have to tell me that, don’t you think I know you.”

For the first time Hoss looked straight at his little brother, “I don’t mean to do it Joe, every night I promise myself I won’t snap at you. You’ve got enough problems of your own but somehow I can’t stop myself. I stand aside and watch it and ..... oh God I don’t know.”

“But I do Hoss, that’s the whole point. When I was so uncertain, when I first fell in love with Marie I was the same. You were on the receiving end when I was uncertain then and later when we were marking up and I was fighting against falling in love with Nita, you paid again. You understood me, give me as much credit now.”

“But Joe I ....” Hoss broke off, remembering too clearly just how obnoxious he had been to Joe over the last days. He buried his face in his hands but Joe knew that he at least started listening. Joe moved closer, putting his arm round his brother’s shoulders, “Just forget it will you Hoss, my shoulders are broad and I know you don’t mean any of it.”

Hoss sighed but he made no attempt to answer. Joe went on, “At least part of your trouble is lack of sleep, you’ve always needed more than me or Adam. I do know how you feel I have nightmares too.”

“All the more reason for not taking it out on you.” He sounded so depressed that Joe sighed wondering just how to break through to Hoss, “Come on big brother, maybe you’d feel better if you talked it out.”

“I can’t.” Hoss shuddered, “I never understood Adam and now I’m worse than he ever was and I don’t know what to do. I can’t ....”

“Maybe you didn’t understand Hoss but you never blamed Adam for panicking, why blame yourself.”

Almost to himself Hoss said, “I look at her and I can’t breathe. I’ve never been so scared for anyone.”

“You love her.”

“But....” Hoss couldn’t put it into words but he looked up at his little brother and it was obvious on his face. Joe smiled, “Okay Hoss, we don’t often put it into words but I know as well as you do that you love me, Adam and Pa, just as we love you. Maybe in a different way to the way you love Sue but we mean as much to you.”

Hoss bit his lip, “I never was no good with words Joe.”

“You do well enough brother but this is different. Sure we’ve all been hurt at risk, but in this we deliberately choose to have children, make them pregnant and then there’s nothing we can do. All the risks are their’s.”

“Adam said he’d never risk Carole again. I ....”

“Sue has to have her say Hoss. Do you think it was easy for me after Marie, but Nita wanted children. It’s like the time Adam shot me by accident, he was much more upset and worried. Fussed a lot more while I was recovering than over more serious wounds.”

“You derned nearly died Joe and you were only a kid.”

“Maybe but I’d been hurt before, it was his feeling of responsibility, guilt even, that really upset him. I needed your’s and Pa’s protection or I’d never have been able to do anything for myself!”

“Doesn’t change things Joe. Okay you understand, reckon I always knew that anyways. Still ain’t fair to go for you all the time. I can say sorry now but tomorrow I’ll probably ....”

Joe ruffled his brother’s hair, “So what you big Moose? Water off a duck’s back. You don’t mean it so it doesn’t matter. You’ve never taken it hard when the positions were reversed.”
Suddenly serious Joe said very softly, “I love you big brother, if it helps a little to yell at me then I’m glad.”

Hoss twisted at that and searched his brother’s face, seeing the affection so clear in Joe’s eyes. He felt more at ease than he had in weeks and unable to find any words, hugged his brother close. After a moment he got up, “Come on let’s go back. Thank you Joe.”

“In another month you’ll have to calm me down but at least Adam will be back to help out.”

“I hope he’s okay, I know José said...” Hoss sighed seeing all too clearly just how ill his brother had been. Then he smiled “I think you were right there too Joe. I want to see him, bully him into seeing Doc if it looks necessary. If Sue’s alright I’m going to town, only be out for four hours or so and she insists it will take double that at least. Get Pak Tsien to be ready if necessary.”

Joe hesitated, he was equally anxious to see Adam and not too worried at leaving Nita for that sort of time but unsure whether Hoss wanted him to stay at home, just in case. Hoss recognised that thought, “All three of us best go, it’ll take all of us to get Adam over to Doc’s if necessary.”

“Are you sure?”

Hoss nodded, “Pak Tsien will reach town as fast as you would and anyway long odds against anything happening in the few hours I’m not here. Sue says it’ll be ages yet, that the baby ain’t moved down. Guess she knows what she’s talking about.”

“Sue’s gonna be fine Hoss.”

“I keep telling myself that but it don’t help.”

“I know, still it won’t be long now you’re gonna be one heck of a father.”

Hoss linked arms with his brother and they headed back to settle things with their father, Ben and Sue both relaxed and smiled seeing the brothers come in together with Hoss looking more himself than he had for days. They were rather surprised when Hoss announced his intention of going into town to meet Adam with both Ben and Joe. Sue was quick to reassure him, she was fine and nothing was likely to happen for a few days yet. The atmosphere was much more relaxed over dinner, although all of them would feel happier once Adam was home and they could check he was alright for themselves.

Adam camped only five hours from home. He was eager to get home and see his family but he settled down, fairly relaxed sure they were alright and wanting a decent night’s sleep so that he could prove that he’d been right in his decision to go. He had to pay the bank drafts in before heading home, but he was expecting at least one of his family to meet him in town and he wouldn’t have been at all surprised to hear that all three of them were intending to meet him.

He was anxious to know how his brothers were coping and eager to see Carole and his children but he was reasonably relaxed and slept well, although he was up early, impatient to get home. Leaving José to take the men and the wagons direct to the ranch, Adam had an early breakfast and, with just Jess for company, headed for Virginia City.

The three Cartwrights rode into town early the following morning. Sue was fine and although slightly anxious Hoss was better than his family expected. After his long talk with Joe, Hoss had slept better than he had for weeks. With a little of his sleep caught up he had things in better perspective. All of them were eager to see Adam, reassure themselves that he’d taken no harm from the drive. There were a number of jobs to do in town as always and although Adam wasn’t expected until lunchtime they headed in early to clear what they could. Each had their own list of jobs to be done, Ben was going to the Bank of Nevada, leaving Joe to handle John Marye and collect money from the other Bank, while Hoss put in various orders for stores and equipment. They arranged to meet at the Palace once their chores were done. Ben knew that he’d probably have to fit in a talk with Jim Fair about the mines, as always there were several problems, but he hoped to clear it all while he was at the Bank.

Hoss was the first to get clear and he wandered over to the saloon and ordered a beer. Roy came in to join him having seen the big man go in. They settled down to have a chat and a few minutes later Joe came in to join them. He’d been working very hard, concentrating intensely to get through fast, but he found it tiring and he had a headache so for now he only wanted to relax with a beer and paid no attention to the gossip until he’d drained his beer. He had just collected refills when Ben came in with Dan. Ben had a sheaf of papers and several problems but nothing that couldn’t wait until the next day. He wasn’t in the mood to discuss them now, on edge as he waited for his eldest son.

Dan pulled up a chair, “When’s Adam due back?”

“Anytime now.” Ben said sipping his beer, “We’re in town to meet him.”

“Presume he’s much better.” Dan commented.

Joe frowned, hearing an undercurrent in Dan’s voice, “Have you heard something?”

“Only a shooting contest. Do you know about it?”

The three Cartwrights looked at each other and it was Hoss who asked for details. Dan lent back in his chair. “Friend of mine on a paper sent me a copy. Thought I’d be interested, he knows we’re friends.”

“Elucidate!” demanded Joe.

Dan laughed, “Seems there’s some bloke moved up from Texas, a fast gun. He’s been making a nice profit on a contest. Six shots in the fastest time, knocking down six bottles. He has a stopwatch, gambles on the outcome and for a year he’s skinned everyone around. Noone had got within ten seconds of his time. Seems he got José into a contest won a fair amount of money from the hands. I don’t know if Adam was around then but later he certainly was and showed what shooting was really about. He knocked twelve seconds off the record time.” Dan was grinning broadly, but his grin faded as he saw all three Cartwrights looking worried. “I don’t see what’s wrong.”

“Probably nothing,” Ben said forcing a grin, “How far has the story spread? I’m not that keen on my son being known as a fast gun.”

“Only the local paper, small circulation. Just freak he sent it to me, I shouldn’t think anyone else knows.”

“As a favour to us Dan can we keep it that way?”

“Sure.”

Joe went and got a bottle of brandy and some glasses and Hoss went to help him. “Cheer up brother, even if word spreads it don’t change anything, everyone knows Adam’s reputation.”
Joe shook his head “I wasn’t even thinking about that. Presumably he is better, must be to have won, but his back isn’t up to fast draws, all those unused muscles. I just wonder how much it cost him?”
Hoss gripped his brother’s shoulder, “Cheer up Joe, it’s been a month, maybe he’s better than you think.”

“I hope you’re right but I’ll be glad when he gets here.” Joe made a determined effort to calm down and Ben changed the subject getting the gossip from round town. Things were picking up well now and Joe had been disposing of some stock, with prices in most cases higher than before the crash. With silver and gold pouring out of the ground, it seemed that nothing could dent the exuberant growth of Virginia City for very long and it was picking up much faster than most other towns.

Despite the company all three Cartwrights found the time dragging as they waited for Adam. They hadn’t been able to make any firm plans but Joe had left word at the Bank that they were over at the Palace, knowing that Adam’s first job would be to pay in the bank drafts. They didn’t know just where he would have camped the previous night or when he would separate from the wagons and the remuda, but guessed that he would be eager to get home.
Adam hadn’t pushed too hard, not wanting to tire himself, determined to convince his family once and for all that he had recovered and sure that at least one of his family would be in town to meet him. It was lunchtime when he and Jess arrived and, leaving Jess to see to the horses, Adam headed into the bank. It was very crowded but Harris spotted him and hurried out of his office. Adam could have transacted his business with any of the clerks but Harris owed the Cartwrights and he would never forget. Adam wasn’t sorry to bypass the queues and accepted a cup of coffee before paying in the two bank drafts. Harris smiled “Profitable year.”

“Very but we worked hard for it.”

“There’s noone I’d rather see making profits. Your family is all at the Palace waiting for you.”

“All?”

“Well Ben and your brothers, Joe was in earlier.” Harris could see how eager Adam was to join them, “Finish your coffee, we can chat some other time, I’m busy anyway.”

“Things are picking up?”

“Very rapidly. With your support. I’ve been able to help. In fact as an independent bank again, the crash did me personally a good turn. I never had a chance to thank you Adam.”

“Only sensible thing to do, served all our turns.”

“Maybe, but few would have done it. I shan’t forget.”

Adam smiled, “We haven’t forgotten so many good turns over the years when things were tight. Call it square if you like but I still reckon we owe you.”

Harris was taken aback and didn’t know what to say so, Adam drained his cup and took his leave. Eager to get down to the saloon and join his family. The street was as crowded as ever and very conscious of his tender back Adam hesitated for a minute. Then Jess came over to join him, “Lead on Adam, I’ll protect your back.”

“Turning into a mind reader Jess?” Adam asked affectionately.

“Don’t need to be one. Where are we going?”

“The Palace. Pa, Hoss and Joe are waiting for me.”

“Fine. I’ll deliver you and then, if it’s okay, there’s a little girl down at the Bucket O’Blood that I’d like to see.”

Adam laughed at him but Jess had earnt a few days off and there was no rush to get back to the ranch, as Adam made very clear. With Jess preventing his back getting jostled Adam pushed through the crowds to join his family, wanting to know how Carole and Anne were and almost equally concerned about his brothers.

As he reached the door of the saloon Adam sent Jess off to join his girl and went in, quickly spotting his father and brothers. Dan went to the bar to get him a beer while Adam hurried over grinning broadly. Joe pulled out a chair for his brother and for a moment as he sat down the three men just studied his face. Ben was the first to speak, “Welcome home Adam, you look better.”

“I’m fine Pa, Its good to be home though. How is everyone?”

“Carole’s just fine about regained her strength now and she seems to have young Anne under control. The twins are mischievous as ever and young Marie is getting naughtier daily but so cute with it than none of us manage to stay cross with her for more than five minutes.”

“Sue, Nita?”

Hoss grinned at his brother, “Disgustingly healthy. Sue says I shall still have to wait a couple of weeks, reckons she’ll be late but she’s fine, so is Nita.”

“You’ve lost some weight Brother.”

“All of you always telling me I’m too big.” Hoss parried but Adam could see that both his brothers looked tired and tense, obviously under a strain. Still they appeared to be coping and now he was home maybe he could help. He had the consolation that they would have been ten times worse if they’d had to be away on the drive. Once Roy and Dan had said hello and how glad they were to see him recovered, they excused themselves, leaving the family alone.

Ben suggested that they move up to the Washoe Club for dinner before heading home. While they waited for food Adam outlined the drive, emphasizing that it was the easiest he’d taken with lots of help from the hands. Just a couple of problem days and he glossed over those. Then he demanded to know more about the robbery, was Hoss sure that he’d fully recovered.
Joe filled in a few details of how they’d caught the men and Hoss insisted that he was fine. Then wanting to change the subject as his brother looked unconvinced, he asked “What was all this about a shooting contest?”

Adam looked blankly at him and Joe said “We heard that you’d won one rather convincingly.”

“Have you been talking to Jess?” Adam asked, it was the only way he could imagine they’d heard. Ben shook his head, “Didn’t even know he was in town. Dan heard from the newspaper up there.”
Adam swore softly and then sighed, the last thing he wanted was more publicity about his fast draw. Ben smiled, “Take it easy, Dan has promised not to print it. Just local news up there but we are curious of course. I’m surprised your back was sufficiently recovered to get involved.”

“It wasn’t by choice Pa. Anyway it wasn’t anything much, just some shooting at bottles.”

“Come on Adam.” Joe pushed, “There must have been more.”

Adam grinned at his impatient little brother and, knowing he would get the full story out of José at the first opportunity, he gave way and briefly outlined why he’d got himself involved. He minimised his own performance it was a novel way and he didn’t think José had done himself full justice, the Texan wasn’t that fast. He would have backed Joe to beat him easily enough. Ben frowned “How did your back stand up to it?”

Adam sipped his coffee, “Long time since I’ve drawn a gun, it pulled a bit, but nothing much or I wouldn’t have won.”

That seemed incontrovertible but Ben knew his eldest son and his ability to cut himself off from his bodily aches and pains. Adam grinned “I’m fine Pa, just a few muscles that haven’t been used much get a bit stiff but even that’s easing. I’m very lucky, reckon I can forget that fire, even the scars are beginning to fade.”

Ben wasn’t convinced, but knowing how ill Adam had been and how close to collapse when he took the herd out, he had to admit his son looked immeasurably better. Adam could read his father like a book and his brothers weren’t much better. They were all watching him like hawks as though waiting for his guard to drop so they could see how he actually was, behind the act they were convinced he was putting on. Adam lent back in his chair, slightly careful as he put his weight on his back but a month earlier he wouldn’t have even tried, “Relax all of you, it isn’t an act. Maybe I’m not one hundred percent yet but well over ninety and I feel okay. So will you all stop worrying.”

Ben was the first to accept that Adam meant exactly what he said and accepted that the drive had done his son good as he had insisted it would. Ben relaxed and ordered four brandies to celebrate, glad to have his eldest son looking so much more himself. Seeing his father accept it Hoss and Joe relaxed. Adam was eager to get home to Carole and his children and Hoss was equally impatient now his anxiety about Adam was eased the ever present worry about Sue came back to the forefront of his mind. Recognising their impatience Ben called the waiter to settle up while they finished their brandies and his sons chatted. Despite all the problems this year everything seemed to be working out well for his family and Ben watched his sons contentedly.

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