Deadline

by Lynda

With thanks to Lisa for her friendship and encouragement, and to Susan for her advice. 

The Silver Horseshoe Gaming House was one of the finest in San Francisco. The plush surroundings and well-dressed clientele were in complete contrast to the saloons in Virginia City. When Joe Cartwright walked through the doors in the company of his brother Hoss, his face had lit up with anticipated pleasure. In all of his sixteen years he had never been anywhere quite so impressive. He had hardly stepped inside before a beautiful woman took hold of his arm, placing it around her shoulders as she snuggled up to him. She led him towards the bar so that he could treat her to a drink. They passed the roulette wheel and the wheel of fortune, and Joe was amazed at the carefree way that bets were being placed. This was what San Francisco was all about, he told himself, and he had every intention of taking his fill.

Hoss had dragged him off to the restaurant, but Joe had left him there tucking into desert. He wasn’t interested in wasting any more time eating when there was so much to see and do. Instead, Joe had wandered around the gaming room, smiling and laughing with the women and passing pleasantries with the men, before deciding to sit in on a game of poker.

But all that had been hours ago. Things had gone wrong, terribly wrong. In frustration he slammed his cards down on to the green tabletop. His stomach was tied in knots and he licked at his lips, but his tongue and mouth were parched. Staring at the discarded cards he couldn’t understand what had happened. He had been playing so well. Winning. He had felt so smug that at his age he could beat these experienced men at their own game. But not now. Now he was filled with dread. Trying to stem the rising panic, he took a deep breath. This losing streak couldn’t last much longer, surely it couldn’t. He became aware that he was being spoken to.

“Mr. Cartwright! Cartwright!”

He swallowed. “Yes!”

“Mr. Cartwright, I think it’s time to call it a day.”

Joe looked into the pale watery eyes of the man seated opposite. At the beginning of the evening, he had been quite friendly, even jovial, but now he spoke callously. He began to gather the chips in front of him. “I expect you to repay your IOU’s without delay.”

The young man swallowed hard and tried to maintain a dignified demeanour but he stammered slightly when he answered. “M Mr. Caldow, if you will let me try my luck again tomorrow, I I’m sure I can cover those IOU’s.”

The other two men sat at the table sniggered. Caldow gave a hard mirthless laugh. “Mr. Cartwright, you owe me ten thousand dollars. You are barred from my tables until you settle your account. You have forty-eight hours, otherwise…” Caldow gave the impression of thinking hard about what he could do. “…otherwise I might have to send my boys to get it from you.”

Joe Cartwright swallowed hard again, and cast his eyes around the dimly lit gaming room, searching in vain for his brother. Joe had seen Caldow’s ‘boys’, mean looking thugs who patrolled the room and stood guard at the entrance. Caldow’s voice grabbed his attention again. “That would certainly give me satisfaction Mr. Cartwright, but I suspect it might not get me my money.”

The sudden relief that flooded through Joe’s body was, however, short-lived when Caldow continued.  

“So after my boys have a word with you if you don’t pay up, then I will have no alternative but to ask your father to settle your debts. Ben Cartwright is a wealthy man by all accounts. I am sure that he will be willing to pay the ten thousand dollars. After all I have your signed notes.” Caldow waved the incriminating pieces of paper in front of Joe’s face then slipped them into his pocket. “Mind you, by the time he pays up, his young son could well have had a tragic accident.” He paused for effect. “The wharf can be a very dangerous place. Water’s deep. Accidents happen all the time. People fall into the Bay. I trust you understand my meaning?” Joe felt as though the man’s eyes were boring into him. “You have until 10 p.m. Sunday. Goodnight sir.”

It was his cue to leave. Joe cast a hasty glance at the three men. He found hostile looks on all of their faces and he fought down the urge to protest, to plead for more time. With as much dignity as he could muster he stood, straightened his jacket and adjusted his tie. Then with a curt nod he left the table, making his way straight to the bar.  

A pretty young girl in a sparkling green dress moved up close and slipped her arm through his. “Hi honey,” she cooed. But Joe wasn’t interested and shrugged her off.

“Whisky!” he said, throwing some coins on to the bar.

The bartender poured the drink. Joe tossed it down too quickly. He wasn’t used to the strong liquor and it caught at the back of his throat causing him to cough. He flushed with embarrassment when the bartender smirked at him. He had already downed more beer than he should have and he felt a pang of guilt. Thank goodness Pa can’t see me now, he thought with shame.  

He walked unsteadily through the room and found his way to the small salon where the entertainment was held. The crowded room was dimly lit except for the stage and it took Joe a few minutes to spot Hoss sitting at one of the tables. A scantily clad young woman was performing a song and dance routine and the big man was entranced. Joe walked over to Hoss and pulled out a chair and sat down heavily. His head was spinning and suddenly he felt very nauseous. He needed to get out of the hot noisy room.

“Hey Joe, where you been? I thought you were coming to watch the show. You missed most of it.” The man’s eyes hardly wavered from the woman as he spoke. Getting no reply, he twisted slightly in his seat and took a closer look at his young brother. “You okay Joe, you look a little green around the gills?”

Little Joe nodded. “I’m fine,” he said, but his voice had a catch in it and he fiddled nervously with a glass on the table. “Hoss, can we go now? I really think we should be getting back. Adam’s gonna be wondering what’s happened to us.”

“Did I hear you right little brother? You actually want to leave? You were the one who wanted to come here.”

“Yeah, I know, and now I want to go. Come on.” Joe staggered slightly when he got up, and he walked to the nearest door. Casting a last lingering look at the stage, Hoss Cartwright followed his brother. Joe tried to avoid the man who stepped in front of him when he reached the doorway. But the man blocked his way and spoke quietly to him. When Hoss approached he stepped back and let Joe pass by. The man smiled broadly, but his eyes were cold as steel. “Night Joe, see you again real soon,” he called as Joe and Hoss went though the door. Joe ignored him, glad to get outside into the fresh air. Hoss nodded to the man and joined Joe outside.  

“You were kinda rude to your new friend weren’t you?” he said.

“He’s not my friend,” Joe snapped. “Come on, let’s get out of here.”

While they walked back to the hotel Hoss regaled Joe with an account of the stage show he had watched. Joe hardly listened to anything Hoss said. The cool night air was clearing his head and the enormity of his problem was beginning to hit home. Forty-eight hours. What was he to do. Hoss’ voice broke into his thoughts.  

“There was this fella telling the funniest jokes. Don’t think it would do to repeat some of ’em to Pa though! And dancing girls. Joe, you should’ve seen them. Prettiest little things, with these real short dresses! And Miss Lucy; Joe she was just beautiful and she had the sweetest singing voice you ever did hear. Don’t know why you didn’t come and watch it with me instead of playing cards all evening.”

“Yeah, well I didn’t, so why don’t you just shut up about it!”

Hoss pulled a face as he looked at his disgruntled brother. “What’s up Joe, did ya lose?” he teased.

Joe didn’t reply but instead quickened his pace.

Hoss hurried to keep up with him. “You did didn’t ya?” Hoss said. “How much?”

“Hardly anything at all. And don’t you go saying anything to Adam. You know how he gets.”

Joe stopped suddenly, and Hoss bowled into him. Joe grabbed his arm and looked hard into his eyes. “Hoss please don’t say anything to Adam.”

“Joe, if you got yourself into trouble…”

“I’m not in trouble,” Joe said trying to make his voice light and carefree. “I just don’t want Adam on my back. You know how he gets when Pa’s not around, and if he thinks I’ve been playing cards…”

Hoss thought for a moment. “All right Joe, so long as your ain’t in any trouble.”

**********

Adam Cartwright whistled quietly as he crossed the sitting room and poured himself a whisky from the crystal decanter which stood on the small table. He had already slung his jacket and hat on to his bed and now he loosened his tie and undid the top two buttons of his dress shirt. He swirled the amber liquid round in the glass and then took a slow sip before setting his glass down on the table. He removed his cuff links and placed them on the table next to the decanter and folded back the cuffs of his shirtsleeves before picking up his whisky glass once more. Sprawling in one of the armchairs he settled back, savouring the warming liquor while he waited.

With his younger brothers out on the town without the restraint of either older brother or father, it was no surprise to find that he was the first back at their suite of rooms in the hotel. Hoss and Little Joe had both declined the invitation to the business dinner, declaring that it would be a thoroughly boring and strait-laced evening. In the event though, the dinner had turned out to be a very entertaining affair; particularly as seated next to him at the table had been a vivacious, dark haired beauty with the charming name of Clarabelle. A sigh of contentment escaped his lips when he recalled how dark her lashes looked against her creamy complexion, how tempting her lips were, and the mischievous twinkle in her deep dark eyes.

Adam’s thoughts turned to the past few days. He decided that things were going extremely well. Tomorrow morning he would finalise the leasing of the vessel to ship the lumber down the coast, and in the afternoon sign the contract to provide a small herd of beef cattle to Clarabelle’s uncle, and to top it all he had a date with the lovely lady on Sunday. He reflected too on how much he was enjoying the company of his younger brothers, glad that he had talked his father into allowing Joe and Hoss to accompany him to San Francisco. He smiled to himself remembering how he had stressed to his father that the younger Cartwrights needed to be conversant with the business side of the ranch. To his younger brothers he had given the assurance that it wouldn’t be all business and they would have plenty of time to enjoy themselves. To give them their due, he had heard very little by way of complaint from either one, and he had been more than happy to give them their freedom tonight. As always, it would be good to get back home, but all in all it had been a very enjoyable and successful trip.

The door was thrown open and his quiet contemplation was noisily interrupted by his brothers.

“Evening gentlemen,” he said with a lazy smile.

“Hey Adam! You’re back early.” Hoss greeted Adam, his face beaming.

“Hi Adam, how was your evening? Did you have a good time?” Joe asked.

“As a matter of fact I had a very good evening,” Adam replied. Joe pulled a face and flopped down in the other chair. “It wasn’t all business you know Joe,” Adam said, giving his youngest brother an amused look. “So what have you two been up to then?”

“Well we found this real nice place didn’t us, Joe! Food was delicious, and there was a stage and they put on a show. There was this little fell, you should have heard the jokes he was telling Adam.” Hoss began to chuckle as he recalled the evening. “He told this one about...”

Joe yawned loudly and got to his feet. “I can’t stand to listen to all this again. I’m off to bed. Night!”

When Joe had closed the bedroom door, Adam turned to Hoss. “So, did he behave himself?”

“Sure he did Adam.”

“He seems to be slurring his words a little don’t you think?” Adam’s eyebrows came together in a frown, his face taking on an expression of concern.

“Aw come on Adam, he just had a couple of beers. Let me tell you this joke, you’ll love it. Now, how did it go…”

**********

 “Come on you two, get a move on!” Adam scolded, in an effort to rouse his brothers the next morning. San Francisco was already bustling about her business, and back home the working day would be well under way. In spite of the lateness of the hour, the dining room was almost full, the diners taking a leisurely breakfast as though there was little else to do with the day. The three men found a table and perused the menu.

“Are you gentlemen ready to order?” the waitress asked.

“Yes, we’re ready,” Adam answered. “I will have scrambled eggs, fried ham and potatoes, and some toast please. Coffee to drink.”

“And I’ll have the same,” Hoss said, “and I’ll take some flapjacks too.”

“Will that be five or ten sir?”

“Oh, best make it ten,” Hoss said, causing Adam’s eyebrows to rise slightly.

The waitress looked across at Little Joe who was staring at the menu. Hoss nudged his elbow. “Joe, the lady wants to know that you want for breakfast.”

“Coffee!”

“And to eat sir?”

“Nothing, just coffee. Thank you.”

The woman put her notepad and pencil in her pocket and hurried away. She returned almost immediately with a pot of coffee and proceeded to fill their cups, leaving the pot on the table.

“How come you ain’t havin’ breakfast Joe?” Hoss asked.

Joe gave a small sigh and frowned slightly. “I’ve got a headache. I don’t feel hungry.”

Adam observed his young brother for a moment. “What gives me the feeling that hangover would be a more appropriate word,” he said caustically.

“It’s just a headache,” Joe said, and as though to emphasise his point he rubbed his temples. He sat quietly while his brothers ate, occasionally sipping at his coffee, and staring at the table, lost in thought.

“Well if you have both finished we had better be going. The first meeting with the shipping agent is at 10 o’clock,” Adam said, taking a last drink from his coffee cup.

Hoss crumpled his napkin and laid it on the table. “Do we have to come, Adam? You handle this stuff so well, I don’t see why you need me and Joe.”  

Joe eyed his oldest brother surreptitiously.

Adam gave Hoss a frustrated look. “It’s why we are here Hoss, remember. This is supposed to be a business trip, for all of us! Don’t start complaining now. Next time Pa might send you on your own, you need to know how to handle these things.”

“Adam!” Little Joe faltered when his brother’s wary gaze switched to him. “Adam,” he repeated quietly, “I... I really don’t feel good. Please don’t make me go.” His lower lip trembled very slightly.

Adam continued to look intently at Joe. “Brother, if I find that you are up to mischief!” Adam warned. Joe shook his head. “All right. You do look kinda peaky, though I doubt there is anything wrong with you that hasn’t been caused by an excess of alcohol!”

Little Joe smiled weakly. “Thanks Adam.”

“We’ll be back around noon for lunch, and you had better be here. Come on Hoss.”

As the two oldest Cartwright brothers left the room, Hoss turned back and gave the youngest a quizzical look. Joe was slumped in his chair fingering his coffee cup.

Adam waited until they were settled in a hack before quizzing Hoss. “So what is really wrong with our little brother?”

Hoss shrugged his massive shoulders. Adam suppressed a smile. His brother certainly looked uncomfortable in his city clothes, pulling constantly at his stiff collar.

“Too much drink!” Adam said, answering his own question. “He’s just a kid Hoss; you were supposed to be watching out for him. Just as well Pa isn’t here.”

“Oh yeah! Well I imagine Pa would be expecting you to be watching him,” Hoss retorted, his discomfort making him unusually grumpy.

“Well, if you had both come to the dinner, then I would have,” Adam said.

Hoss sighed and tugged again at his offending collar.

**********

 “Caught you!” Adam’s voice bellowed close to Little Joe’s ear, and he saw his young brother jump with fright.

“What! Oh hi Adam! It’s you.”

“Well?”

“Well what?”

“Where have you been? I thought you were too ill to go out?”

“Oh! Well I was just getting some air Adam, just had a walk up the road and back,” Joe explained, wilting under his brother’s suspicious looks.

“Come on then,” Adam said, walking past Joe and crossing the road to the hotel. Little Joe hesitated casting a look at the front of a nearby café, then followed.

“You okay, Joe?” Hoss asked.

Joe’s smile looked false. “Sure I am Hoss. How was the meeting?”

Hoss’ face scrunched up with distaste. “Sure was boring and complicated. Reckon I never will be much good at contracts and such. Just as well Adam understands what’s going on!”

While they ate lunch Adam outlined his plans for the rest of the day. “This afternoon we need to see Mr. Mountjoy, get the contract signed for the cattle, and then tonight I thought we could all go out together to the theatre,” he said putting emphasis on the word all. “My treat.”

Hoss nodded, his mouth filled with fried chicken, which he quickly swallowed. “Sounds fine to me Adam, just so long as it ain’t Shakespeare. I just can’t get the hang of what they’re all talking about.”

Adam pursed his lips and eyed his brother. “All right Hoss, no Shakespeare. How about you little brother? You going to be feeling well enough to go out tonight?” he asked Joe, who was picking at his food.

Joe nodded without enthusiasm.

“I suppose you may as well stay here this afternoon if you’re still not feeling too good.”

Joe gave him a grateful look. “Thanks Adam.”

“You two will have to amuse yourselves tomorrow. I already have plans,” Adam continued.

“Oh I am sure we’ll be able to find something to do, won’t we Joe?” Hoss said winking at Little Joe. “These plans of yours wouldn’t include a pretty lady would they Adam?”

“Now that is none of your business Hoss,” Adam said leaning back in his chair, a hand resting on his chest and an enigmatic smile playing around his lips. Then pointing at his brothers he added, “Just make sure that the two of you keep out of trouble.”

“Now Adam, when did you ever know me and little brother here to get into trouble,” Hoss said, feigning annoyance.

“Mmm! Well we’ll not get into that. Come on then Hoss; let’s get to it. Joe, I suggest you lie down for a while, you’ll feel better before long.”

“Yeah, okay, see you fellas later,” Joe said   “Have fun Hoss!” he added.

 “Dadburnit Adam, you think Little Joe’s play actin’ to get out of these stuffy business meetings?” Hoss asked as he and Adam walked through the city centre.

The same thought had crossed Adam’s mind, but he was determined not to spoil this trip by getting mad with the little scoundrel. “Maybe,” he agreed, “but he does look a little pale don’t you think?”

When they arrived at Thomas Mountjoy’s office, Adam was delighted to find Clarabelle there.  

“Mr. Mountjoy!” he said shaking hands with the man. Then he turned to the lady, bowing his head slightly, his face lighting up with a smile. “Miss Clarabelle I’m pleased to see you again. May I introduce my brother Hoss.”

Hoss shook hands with Mr. Mountjoy and with Clarabelle.

“Horse, I am so pleased to meet you,” Clarabelle said, smiling at Hoss. “My don’t they grow men big and handsome in Nevada!” she added with a twinkle in her eye, much to Hoss’ consternation. He blushed under her forthright gaze. “I’m sure pleased to meet you too ma’am. And it’s not horse ma’am, just plain Hoss, H-O-S-S.”

“Hoss, yes of course, I’ll remember. Well I will leave you gentlemen to your business. Goodbye Hoss, it was so nice to meet you. Goodbye Adam. I’ll see you later uncle.”

Adam walked her to the door. “So, I’ll see you tomorrow,” he said in a low voice, his eyes drawn irresistibly to her tantalising lips.

Clarabelle’s eyes sparkled and she smiled at Adam. “Mmm, I’m looking forward to it.”

***********

It was late afternoon when Adam and Hoss returned to the hotel. Adam was in buoyant mood. Business had all been taken care of, he had a date with Clarabelle tomorrow, and he was ready for a night on the town with his younger brothers. Much to Adam’s relief Little Joe was in his room, lying on his bed and still looking a little sorry for himself. At the back of his mind Adam couldn’t help thinking that the boy was up to something.

“Come on Buddy, time to get yourself all spruced up,” he said giving his brother a playful dig in the ribs. Joe dragged himself from the bed and began to dress.  

Within half an hour Adam and Hoss were ready, and waiting for Joe in the sitting room.

“Whatever is taking that kid so long?” Adam said with exasperation.

“Well you know our little brother Adam. Got to look his best in case there are some pretty little gals to impress!”

Adam tapped on the door then went into Joe’s bedroom. “Come on Joe, aren’t you ready yet?” Seeing that he was fumbling with his tie, Adam walked over to him and took over the knotting of it the way he had done when Joe was a child and their Pa was shouting to them to hurry up. Joe flinched and his hand shot up to his neck.

“What’s the matter, your neck sore?” Adam asked.

“Oh I just got a bit of a crick in it Adam. Must have been the way I was laying.”

“Joe, you sure you’re feeling up to this?” Adam asked as he deftly tied a perfect bow. “We don’t have to go out you know. We can just as easily spend the evening here at the hotel.”

Joe looked up and for a fleeting moment Adam saw something flit across his eyes. Was it fear? Then just as quickly it was gone.

“Hey, I’m not staying in the hotel,” Joe said with a quick grin. “Heck, we’re in San Francisco without Pa. We just gotta go out on the town. Just wait till this place gets a look at the three Cartwright brothers, all dressed up to the nines!”

Adam’s face broke into a dimpled smile. “All right lady killer, let’s go.”

The fog had been rolling on and off the ocean all day, periodically shrouding the city, and by the time the men left the hotel the rain was lashing down. At Adam’s request the hotel doorman hailed a cab and the handsome trio climbed aboard heading for one of the best restaurants in town. A fine meal and a bottle of good red wine put them all in a mellow mood. Adam settled the bill and they retrieved their hats, ready to face the onslaught of weather. To their surprise, the rain had abated and they were able to settle their delicious but heavy meal by walking the block to the theatre. Adam had taken Hoss’ request to heart and had chosen a light-hearted revue. Hoss was the perfect audience. He laughed uproariously at the comedy and was enthralled with the melodrama. Adam enjoyed the show too, but felt a nagging worry about Joe that he just couldn’t put his finger on. However Little Joe seemed to be enjoying himself, and so he deemed the evening a success.

**********

Long after they had all gone to bed, Joe lay awake listening to Hoss snoring. He was scared. He wished he had plucked up courage to tell Adam about his plight. But Adam had been in such a good mood all night that he just couldn’t bring himself to spoil the evening. He had told himself that he would own up when they got back to the hotel. Trouble was the longer he left it the harder it became. He rubbed at his neck, the pulled muscle had caused him agony all night but he hadn’t dared to show it. He thought of the two men who had dragged him into the alley that morning. Not in the dark in some back street the way it might happen in Virginia City. In broad daylight they had pulled him off the main road. When he had told them he hadn’t got the money yet, he had thought they would break his neck. Now he was really scared. With no money there was no doubt about it, he only had one more day left on this earth.

“Hoss! Hoss!” When there was no reaction from his slumbering brother, Joe climbed out of bed and crossed the room. He gave Hoss a gentle shake. Hoss mumbled something but remained sound asleep.

“Hoss! Wake up!” Joe shook Hoss again, harder this time. “Hoss!”  

Hoss’ eyes flew open. “What! What’s wrong?”

“Hoss I need to talk to you.”

“Oh Joe, in the morning. Get to bed.” Hoss turned over and closed his eyes.

“No Hoss, I’m in trouble. I need your help.” 

Hoss yawned loudly, rubbed his eyes and scratched his head, then began to heave himself up into a sitting position. Joe felt his way across the room and struck a match, lighting the lamp that stood on the small chest of drawers.  

“Hoss, I’m in real trouble. I’m gonna have to make a getaway, right about now. Will you help me?”

“A getaway! Joe, what in tarnation are you talking about?”

Joe sat down on the side of Hoss’ bed. “You know when I played poker last night, and said I only lost a little…”

Hoss nodded. “Go on little brother.”

“Well actually, I lost quite a lot and I have to pay it back by tomorrow evening, or I’m dead Hoss, really I am! I’ve tried to raise the money but I can’t do it.”

Hoss shook his head and rubbed his eyes. He yawned once more, a huge gaping yawn accompanied by a loud groan. Then he looked directly at his little brother.

“How much is a lot Joe?”  

Joe closed his eyes, but didn’t answer. His stomach began to lurch. This was it. Confession time.

“Come on Joe, how much?” Hoss pressed for a reply.

“Ten thousand!”

Hoss’ eyes almost popped out of his head. “Joe it’s too late and I’m too tired for your wisecracks. Now get to bed.”

“Hoss, they’re gonna kill me!”

“You mean it? Ten thousand dollars?”

Joe nodded.

“How the heck did you manage to lose that much Joe?”

Joe shrugged and a ghost of a smile crossed his face. “It was easy Hoss, real easy.

“They cheat you?”

“Maybe. I don’t know.”

“If they did then you don’t owe nothing. We’ll just go to the police.”

Joe shook his head. “If they did, I can’t prove it Hoss, and I signed IOU’s.”

Hoss thought for a moment. “Skedaddling outa here’s not the answer Joe.”

“I’ve thought about it real hard Hoss.   I can’t get the money and Caldow’s got a whole army of men working for him. They’re gonna kill me for sure.”

“You got tell Adam.”

“Oh no, big brother will have a fit.”

“Come on Joe, you just said these yahoos were gonna kill you. You can’t keep that from Adam!”

“He’s hardly got ten thousand dollars in his pocket! There’s nothing he can do Hoss, except get mad at me. Better if I just leave.” Joe looked and sounded completely dejected.

“Joseph, you deserve any yelling that Adam does, and if he paddles your backside for you, you deserve that too. But once he calms down he’ll think of something. Adam’s always full of ideas. You ain’t hiding out, and me and Adam sure ain’t about to let no-one kill you. Besides, you’re just gonna have to tell him.”

Joe sighed loudly and then nodded. “Either way, I’m dead.” He knew Hoss was right. Adam had to know.

Hoss got out of bed, and picked up the lamp. “Come on, no time like the present little brother.”

“What, right now?” he whispered in alarm as Hoss opened the bedroom door.

“Yep, right now.”

If Joe had been nervous about telling Hoss, it was nothing compared to the foreboding he felt at telling his oldest brother about his foolishness. He was ashamed too that he felt so scared. Adam would expect him to be brave. But he didn’t feel brave; he was more frightened than he could ever remember.

Stealthily they crossed the sitting room. Adam’s door was firmly closed. Joe cast a nervous glance at Hoss, who nodded towards the door, but Joe shook his head.

“Joe, open the door,” Hoss said.

“Ssh. You want to wake him up,” Joe said in a loud whisper.

Hoss nodded. “That’s the main idea Joe.”

“I suppose so. Here goes.”  

He took a deep breath and lightly tapped on Adam’s door. When there was no answer from inside, he slowly turned the knob, cringing when the door squeaked on its hinges. The room’s interior was dim, lit only by the light from the lamp that Hoss held in his hand. It obvious that Adam was asleep. Joe walked up to the bedside, while Hoss hung back at the foot of the bed.  

“Adam!” Joe whispered.

“You gotta speak louder than that,” Hoss advised in a stage whisper.

“ADAM!” Joe spoke loudly but Adam continued to sleep soundly.   

“Give him a shake!”

Joe scowled, but followed Hoss’ advice. He took hold of Adam’s shoulder and as he shook it he spoke his brother’s name again, then quickly took a step back.

Deep in his sleep Adam became aware that he was being shaken, and from a distance someone was calling his name. He woke with a start and sat bolt upright. “What’s wrong?” he said irritably, shading his eyes from a brilliant light, at the same time reaching across to the table beside the bed where he had laid his gun.

“It’s all right Adam, it’s us,” Joe whispered from beside his bed.  

Adam could make out Hoss, standing behind Joe, holding a light aloft. He grunted and lay down again. “Get rid of the light and get out of here.”

“Adam, we need to speak to you,” Joe said.

“In the morning.”

Joe looked across at Hoss who shook his head. “Now,” he mouthed to Joe.

“Adam, we need to speak to you now.”

“Why?” Adam’s voice came from beneath the covers which he had pulled over his head, in an attempt to shut out the light, and with a bit of luck his brothers too.

“Well, we’re in a bit of trouble,” Joe said cautiously.

Adam pulled down the covers and raised himself on one elbow. He squinted at his two brothers and then sighed. “Seems to me that neither of you are shot, you’re not in jail, you’ve not been shanghaied, so if you don’t mind I need to get some sleep. I’ve a busy day tomorrow, so go away!” Adam lay down and once more pulled the covers over his head.

“Adam, please don’t go back to sleep,” Joe pleaded.

Hoss’ brow furrowed. “How come you’ve got a busy day? I thought all of the business was taken care of?”

Adam lay still and Hoss and Joe looked at each other. Hoss shrugged, then just as Joe was about to speak again, Adam hoisted himself up. “Will you please get that light out of my eyes!”

“Sorry Adam.” Hoss set the lamp on the table by the door.

Adam sighed very loudly. “My busy day really isn’t any of your business, but it just so happens I am taking a very lovely lady to church, then we are having lunch and listening to a band concert in the park.”

“Oh, Miss Clarabelle I suppose?” Hoss said.

“That’s right. So would you both please leave, take the light with you, and close the door behind you.”

Joe swallowed hard, then turned as though to leave, but Hoss grabbed his arm.

“Adam, Joe really needs your help,” Hoss said. He’s got himself into a whole heap of trouble, and he ain’t got much time to get out of it. An’ I don’t know what to do!”

Joe turned to face Adam again. “Please Adam, I am really sorry, but don’t go back to sleep.”

Joe had such a pathetic look on his face that Adam finally gave in. It was obvious that he would get no more sleep until he had heard them out. He sat up, pulling the pillows up behind him, now fully awake and wondering what was coming. He settled back and looked at his two brothers, neither of whom could meet his gaze. “Well?”

Joe swallowed hard and eventually looked at Adam who raised an eyebrow, an expectant look on his face. Joe rubbed the back of his hand across his mouth and then began pacing back and forth.

Adam watched his young brother. His mop of tussled hair and his night-shirt somehow made him look even younger than his sixteen years. He really is just a kid, thought Adam. What on earth has he been up to now?

“The thing is Adam, I...well I need some money kinda in a hurry, and well we were wondering if you had any idea where we might get some. I mean borrow some?”

Adam considered Joe for a moment. “Why don’t you wire Pa,” he suggested a hint of a smile playing on his lips.  

A shocked look flashed across Joe’s face at this suggestion and he turned to Hoss for help.

“That’s no good Adam. Joe needs the money by tomorrow evening or he’s in real bad trouble.”

Hoss looked as worried as Joe and the seriousness of the situation began to dawn on Adam.

“If I don’t get it, I gotta hide out someplace,” Joe said with desperation.

“Well suppose one of you tells me exactly how much money you need, by tomorrow evening, and why?” Adam placed his hands behind the back of his head, his eyes looking from one brother to the other.

“Ten thousand dollars,” Joe ventured in little more than a whisper.

Adam sat up straight. “Ten thousand!” He looked at Joe in astonishment, then threw back the bedcovers and swung his legs over the edge of the bed. He sat still and quiet for a moment. Joe’s startling revelation had sent his mind into a spin and he hardly dared to imagine what else was going to be divulged. He should have known that things were going too well. Slowly he got up from his bed and turned to confront his youngest brother.  

“Ten thousand dollars,” he said quietly, then he repeated loudly, “TEN THOUSAND!” his face barely inches from Joe’s. Joe flinched, and avoided Adam’s eyes. Adam pulled on his pants and thrust his arms into the shirt that he had discarded the night before. Joe took the opportunity to send a worried glance over to Hoss.

“I take it little brother that you have been gambling,” Adam said while he dressed. His voice had a cutting edge to it. “And that you let him,” his remark now directed at Hoss.

“He didn’t mean any harm Adam, it just sorta got out of hand.”

“All right, in the other room.” Adam was pointing to the door and both Joe and Hoss made haste to obey. Adam picked up the lamp and brought it with him, placing it on the table. In its light, Adam’s shadow reached high up on the ceiling and seemed to loom ominously over Joe.

“Now suppose one of you relates this whole sorry tale, and I want all of it.”

Hoss sat down in one of the chairs and said nothing.

Adam turned to Joe. “I’m waiting,” he barked.

Joe pulled himself up to his full height, pushing out his chest. “It was just like Hoss said. Things just got out of hand, that’s all.”

“That’s all! Pa specifically told you not to go to the Barbary Coast and not to gamble. Why for once couldn’t you just do as you were told?”

“But we didn’t Adam. We didn’t go to the Barbary Coast did we Hoss?”  

Hoss shook his head.

Adam narrowed his eyes and clenched his teeth. “Joe it seems to me that you were awfully eager for me to wake up so that I could help you out of some terrible predicament. How about you stop going round in circles and tell me what has happened, because if you didn’t go to the Barbary Coast and you didn’t gamble, how come you need ten thousand dollars?”

“Calm down Adam and I’ll tell you. Why don’t you sit down?”

Adam complied with a scowl, and Joe began his woeful tale.

“Like I said, we didn’t go to the Barbary Coast; we went to this real nice place. Hoss told you about it. There was a bar, and dancing girls, and there was a stage with performers. You’d a liked it Adam!” If Joe had hoped to win Adam round with this remark, the look on Adam’s face made it obvious that his ploy hadn’t worked. “And there was a wheel of fortune and black jack and all manner of things. And there was this little poker game.”  

Adam sighed very loudly and shook his head.  

“I was only gonna have a couple of hands Adam, really,” Joe protested, “but I was winning you see, so I couldn’t stop!”

“No, of course you couldn’t.”  

Little Joe ignored his brother’s sarcastic tone. “At first they asked me to, but I wasn’t gonna leave while I was on a winning streak.”

Adam looked at Joe in disbelief. “Wait a minute, they asked you to stop, but you didn’t?”

“Yeah, well once they saw how good I was they suggested that I leave. Humph!”

“And how much had you won at this point in time?”

“Four hundred dollars, then five hundred. I couldn’t lose Adam.”

“You couldn’t lose?” Adam rose to his feet. “Why couldn’t I have been an only child?” he muttered to himself.

“Sorry Adam, what did you say?” Joe looked across at his brother who was now pacing up and down.

Adam continued his soliloquy. “But no, I have to have two numskulls for brothers, and then I have the inordinate stupidity to insist that Pa let them come on this trip with me.” Suddenly he turned and walked quickly over to Joe, who stepped back alarmed at his brother’s sudden approach. Adam flicked his hand sharply against the side of Joe’s head.

“Owwee! That hurt!” Joe drew back some more.

“What have you got in there for brains? Saw dust? They let you win. That was the bait and you swallowed it, hook, line and sinker.”

Joe’s pride was obviously hurt by this remark. “You don’t know that Adam. I’m good at poker. I play all the time. I often win.”

Adam’s eyes narrowed as he controlled his fury at his little brother. “Better not let Pa catch you boasting that way. You know how he feels about gambling! So, after you had won five hundred dollars, why didn’t you just quit? Why didn’t you leave once you realised your winning streak was over?”

“Well by then they wouldn’t let me Adam. Every time I tried to leave they said I should stay, my winning streak was bound to come back. And I thought it would too, I felt lucky. Then after a while I just had to keep playing so that I could pay back what I had lost. But I never did win another hand.” Joe’s chin sank on to his chest and his voice became very quiet. “Mr. Caldow made me sign these IOU notes, and then later he said that I would have to pay up in forty eight hours or, or I‘d pay the penalty.”

“Which is?”

“They kill me!”

Adam turned on Hoss. “How did you let him get in this deep? Why didn’t you just drag him out of there? You’ve done it before.”

Hoss squirmed uncomfortably under his brother’s piercing look. “I didn’t realise he was in that deep Adam.” When Adam gave him a lengthy stare, he added, “I was watching the stage show Adam, and it was real good too.”

“Tell me Joe, once they got you hooked by letting you win, did they cheat you?”

Joe shrugged his shoulders.

“They must have Adam,” Hoss said.

“Why?”

“Cos Joe’s right. He is good at poker.”

“Oh come on Hoss. He might win when he plays with his friends, or when he sneaks into the bunkhouse to play with the hands, but let’s be realistic. He’s a sixteen year old kid for goodness sake. These men are professional gamblers. They could easily beat Joe without resorting to cheating.”

“Do you two mind not talking about me as though I weren’t here.”

Adam gave Joe a withering look and perched on an arm of one of the chairs. “This whole thing is incredible,” he said, closing his eyes for a moment and pinching the bridge of his nose

“Adam?” Joe ventured to interrupt his brother’s thoughts. “Have you any idea how I can get the money by tomorrow evening?”

Adam shook his head. “Hoss, will you go downstairs, see if you can rustle up some coffee?”

“I’ll go,” Joe said, eager to please.

“You just sit down and stay put.”

Hoss disappeared into the bedroom to get dressed, and then left to see what he could purloin from the kitchen.

Adam sat down next to his young brother. “Joe, how do you manage to get into trouble so often?”

“I don’t know Adam, just got the knack I guess. You got any ideas at all?”

“Don’t worry Joe, we’ll think of something.” Adam’s initial annoyance had dissipated when he looked into Joe’s troubled eyes. He was well aware that Joe could switch between maturing young adult and irresponsible kid in the twinkling of an eye. And Adam knew too that he had to take his share of the blame for whatever trouble Joe was in. My duty to look after Joe, he thought, shouldn’t have shifted the responsibility to Hoss’ shoulders. Why didn’t I insist that the pair of them attend the dinner, and then none of this would have happened.

“Tell me Joe, what’s the name of this fine establishment, and who do you owe this money to?”

“It’s called The Silver Horseshoe, and the owner’s name is Caldow. He seemed so genuine Adam. I can’t believe that I was taken in like that.”

“Well no doubt they were plying you with drink.” Joe reddened. “Now Joe tell me, if you don’t have this money by tomorrow evening what do you really think is going to happen?” Adam looked steadily at his young brother.

Joe swallowed hard and stammered slightly as he began to speak. “WWell AAdam, Mr. Caldow said that he would ask his friends to be sure to collect or there would be a tragic accident, and then he would have to redeem the IOU’s from my grieving father. Then when we were leaving, another fella came over and said if I wanted to stay alive, I had better get the money. He said that people who owed Mr. Caldow had a strange way of disappearing, never to be seen again. The bodies were never found and the police couldn’t prove anything.” Joe was obviously doing his best to put on a brave face, but he looked at his brother with desperate eyes. “He meant it Adam. A couple of his men grabbed me this morning; I thought they were going to twist my head off.”

Adam looked up sharply. “You were attacked this morning? Does that explain the crick in your neck?”

Joe nodded.

“Joe, would you know these two men again? If we saw them at the Gaming House would you be able to point them out?”

Joe shrugged his shoulders. “I doubt it. They wore hats pulled down low, and the alley was dark, all in shadow. I couldn’t be sure.”

Adam was disappointed with Joe’s reply. He would dearly love to get those two particular individuals in a dark alley and give them a taste of their own medicine. He ran his hand over his face, and his brows drew together slightly in a worried frown. “Why on earth didn’t you tell us about any of this?”

“Didn’t want you to get mad at me, I thought I could fix it.”

Adam sat in silence for a few minutes. “Joe, I have absolutely no idea where to get ten thousand dollars at such short notice on a Sunday. All the banks and brokers are closed.”

“I already tried the banks,” Joe said. “That’s what I was doing when you and Hoss went to the meetings. The first one I went to wouldn’t see me at all. And the second one threatened to have me arrested for forcing my way in under false pretences!”

“What false pretences?”

“Well I said that I was from the Comstock and needed the bank’s services,” Joe said. “He assumed I was going to deposit money. Well it as the only way to get in,” Joe said in response to Adam’s deepening frown. “Then this afternoon I went to see Mr. Peterson.”

“Really! What did he have to say?”

“Oh he was very nice, after he had finished telling me that he thought Ben Cartwright’s youngest son was just a little boy! In fact he said he would let me have the money.”

Adam’s eyebrows shot up in surprise. “Oh!”

“Oh yes,” Joe continued, “once Pa had signed all the papers guaranteeing the loan!”

“Joe, you know that I have authority to draw money on the Ponderosa account. If you had told me all of this sooner, I would have had no trouble getting the money.”

“I thought I could get it Adam, I just thought I could do it on my own. Mr. Peterson wanted to know what I had to put up as collateral, and how I would repay the loan. I didn’t know what to say. What am I going to do Adam?”

The door opened, and Hoss entered the room, gingerly carrying a tray bearing a pot of coffee and some cups. Joe leapt up to close the door while Hoss placed the tray on the table.  

“Got coffee and cookies,” he said picking up one of the cookies to munch on while pouring the coffee. He passed a cup to Adam and one to Joe, then offered the cookies. Adam took two. Joe declined with a miserable shake of his head, and returned to his seat. “You two come up with a plan yet?”

“Not yet, but we will,” said Adam hoping to encourage his fearful little brother.

“I can’t understand it Adam. How do they expect Joe to get the money on a Sunday? Even if he had that much they know that the banks are closed.”

“They weren’t closed yesterday,” Joe said.

Adam shook his head in bewilderment. “What I don’t understand,” he said, “ is why they would take a young kid like Joe for an amount like that. Why would they think he had access to that kind of money?” Adam paused for a moment and then continued with a searching look at Little Joe. “Unless of course you gave them reason to think so.”

Joe stood up and began to pace around the room.

“Did you Joe? Did you say anything that would make them think that?” Hoss asked.

Joe faced his brothers with a shamefaced expression.

“You did didn’t you?” Adam’s voice accusing now. “What exactly did you say? Or were you too drunk to remember!”

“I wasn’t that drunk Adam,” Joe protested, some of his fight coming back.

“So what did you say?”

“Well, at first they didn’t want to let me play. They said the stakes were too high for a boy.”

Adam shook his head in exasperation. “And you got all riled up because they called you a boy I suppose.”

Joe nodded. “I suppose so. I told them that my Pa owned a big ranch and that I had plenty of money. One of the men asked what I was doing in San Francisco and I told them we were on a business trip, hiring a ship to carry our lumber. After that they were really friendly.”

Adam threw his hands up in disgust. “I’m not surprised! They thought you had a big wad of money sitting in your back pocket just waiting to be taken? Pity you didn’t just mention that the money was in the bank and that you had no access to it. I suppose you also told these new friends of yours where you were staying?”

Little Joe hung his head. “They’re going to kill me Adam,” he said, his voice barely more than a frightened whisper. “I keep thinking about what it will be like to be dead!”

Adam looked up quickly at his young brother, his annoyance suddenly gone. 

Hoss shot to his feet. “No-one’s gonna kill you Joe. Me ‘n’ Adam won’t let that happen, you know that Joe.”

Joe just shook his head, unconvinced.

“Adam will think of something, you just see if he don’t,” Hoss encouraged, “and there ain’t no-one gonna lay a hand you while I’m around.”

Little Joe smiled slightly. “Thanks Hoss.”

Adam walked over to Little Joe and placed a hand firmly on his shoulder.

“I’m sorry Adam,” Joe said.

“I know you’re sorry Joe,” Adam said kindly. He gave Joe a gentle shake. “And Hoss is right. We’re not going to let anyone hurt you. Okay?”  

Joe breathed deeply and nodded.  

“Right. Come and sit down. Let’s have our coffee and work out what we’re going to do.” Adam tried to sound positive and Joe seemed to relax a little. “Somehow I don’t think that going to the police is going to help.”  

“How come?” Hoss asked.

“Well this is the way I see it. First of all, they probably didn’t cheat. Which means they have a legitimate claim on Joe for the money he lost. Second, even if they did cheat we have absolutely no proof. Third, Joe signed the IOU’s. They weren’t pointing a gun at you were they Joe?”

Joe shook his head.

“Then the notes are legal. And fourth, it’s only Joe’s word against theirs that they threatened him. Without positive proof the police just aren’t going to be interested. It’s not quite the same as going to Roy Coffee!”

“Well it should be. Adam, you’re the one always wants to do things by the law. You suggesting that we just go in there and take care of this ourselves?” Hoss said.

Adam shook his head. “No I’m not. Regardless of whether or not Joe was hoodwinked into believing he was good enough to play with these men, he chose to play and he lost. If he doesn’t pay up, then he’s the one in the wrong. If we go storming into the place there’s bound to be shooting and we’d be out numbered. Ten thousand dollars is not worth dying for.”

Adam knew that if it came to gunplay, then Joe would feel a need to be a part of it, and that idea really worried him. He remembered the times he had come across Joe practising with his gun, shooting at rocks, seeing how quickly he could draw his weapon. He obviously thought himself to be an expert at cards, and he probably considered himself a match for anyone with a gun too. There was no way he was going to allow Joe to be part of a gunfight. He doubted that any of them would come out of it alive.

“Joe shouldn’t have bet more money than he had in his pocket. The only thing to do is for Joe to pay up. He has to face up to his responsibility. No one forced him to gamble. He did it of his own volition.”

“I know you’re right Adam, but I don’t have ten thousand dollars. How am I going to pay?”

“Pity you didn’t think about that before you picked up the cards.”

“Okay Adam, Joe made a mistake. You’re right, he shouldn’t have been gambling. But dadburnit, what are we going to do about it?”

“Joe has to pay the money.”

“Like Joe just said, we don’t have ten thousand dollars. Do we?”

“We’ll have to get it out of the Ponderosa account.”

“Pa’s money!!” Joe said.

Adam nodded. “Of course, you’ll have a little explaining to do when we get back home.”

“But Adam, I need it by tomorrow night, and tomorrow is Sunday.”

“Well, Caldow is going to have to wait until Monday. I’ll go to the bank then and withdraw the cash. What this Caldow really wants is the ten thousand dollars. He doesn’t really want you dead Joe, at least not while he is hopeful of getting the money. He is just going to have to wait until Monday when the bank opens. In the meantime you will have us with you. They won’t try anything.”

“He’ll just say I could’ve gotten it today,” Joe said.

“Well it’s got to be worth a try. I’ll go have a talk to Caldow, but if you’re right and he won’t wait, then the bank will just have to open on Sunday!” Adam said with determination.

Hoss and Joe both stared at Adam.   

Adam responded to their unspoken question. “The Ponderosa is a good customer. I’ll just have to go visit the manager and persuade him to do a little out of hours business.”

“Do you know where the manager lives?” Joe asked.

“I’ve been to his house once with Pa. I’m pretty sure I will be able to find it,” Adam said.  

“There is another way Adam,” Hoss said.

“Which is?”

“Well, one of us could get into a poker game and win back Joe’s IOU’s.”

“I can’t,” Joe said, “I suggested that. He said I was barred from the tables.”

“May be Joe, but Adam’s not barred,” Hoss said.

Joe and Hoss both looked expectantly at Adam.

“That is the most bird brained idea I ever did hear,” Adam said.

“Why?” Hoss asked.

“Hoss, I am no match for professional gamblers, and even if I was, do you really think they would let me win ten thousand dollars? No, we would probably end up deeper in debt. I suggest we forget that idea.”

Joe and Hoss both appeared discouraged.

“Look, one way or another we’ll get the money. Now it’s not long till daybreak, so why don’t we all get some sleep. We’re going to have a busy day tomorrow,” Adam said.

Little Joe looked guilty when Adam mentioned having a busy day. “Guess I’ve messed up your day with the lovely lady Adam.”

“Don’t worry about it Joe. It’s not that important. Now go and get some sleep.”

Joe nodded, and went into the room he was sharing with Hoss.

“Hoss,” Adam said quietly when Joe had gone, “make sure that the window is secure, and keep your gun handy, just in case.”

“You think they’ll come here?”

“I don’t know. I doubt it, but better safe than sorry.”

Hoss nodded and joined Little Joe in the bedroom.

After his brothers had left the sitting room, Adam checked that the door was locked and then pushed a heavy chair in front of it. He went into his own room, checked the window then lay down on the bed, and worried over what would happen tomorrow.   

For Joe’s sake he had tried to sound confident, but he really wasn’t at all sure that the bank manager would co-operate. Whether or not Caldow had actually cheated with the cards, Adam had no doubt that his intention all along was to get as much money out of Joe as they could, and in Adam’s book that amounted to cheating. But this wasn’t Virginia City. Things worked differently here. And Joe was just a boy. He couldn’t risk his little brother’s life. The safest way was to pay up and be done with it. Of course if Joe were hurt, then that would be a whole different story. He wished he could get his hands on the two who had attacked Joe that morning.

Hopefully Mr. Peterson would understand and be willing to let him have the money tomorrow. But what if the manager absolutely refused to open up the bank? He would have to use force then. Even if he signed all the appropriate papers, could it still be construed as robbery? Ten thousand dollars was an awful lot of money to withdraw under threat, even if it was their own money.

Perhaps he was wrong about the police. Maybe he should go to them. Maybe they would do something. They were probably very familiar with Caldow’s unscrupulous methods of collecting money. But then if they wouldn’t help, would they figure out that he would try to get the money anyway? What if they followed him? What if they stopped him from persuading the bank manager to open up and give him the money?

What if? What if? Adam’s mind was racing. May be he should contact Pa. No.   Pa couldn’t do anything except worry. First thing was to go see this Caldow. Surely he could persuade him to wait until Monday to get his money. He prayed that Little Joe would be safe. He would tell Hoss to be sure to stay close to him.

**********

Adam came to with a start. Surprisingly he had fallen into a deep sleep, and now Hoss was shaking his arm to wake him. It was Sunday morning already, and time to put his ill-conceived plans to work. Adam dressed quickly and joined his brothers in the sitting room. Hoss looked grim, and Joe’s young face was drawn, his eyes full of apprehension.

“Okay,” Adam said looking in Joe’s direction, “we’re all going to eat breakfast, then I’m going to the Silver Horseshoe and see if I can talk some sense into this Caldow character.”

“I’ve been thinking about that Adam. I should come with you. After all this is my problem not yours.”

Adam pursed his lips slightly. “No I don’t think so Joe, not without the money in your hand.”

“Adam, there’s something I forgot to tell you last night,” Joe said.

Adam bit back the reprimand that had sprung to his lips. Getting cross with Joe wasn’t going to help.  

“Go on.”

“Well when I went to the bank yesterday afternoon, I kept on seeing this same man. He always seemed to be on a street corner, or in a café window, or just walking along the street behind me.”

“You were being followed?” Hoss said, “Joe, why didn’t you tell me. I’d have seen him off.”

“Maybe it was just your imagination Joe,” Adam said.

“No, I’m sure he was following me.”

“Was he one of the men who roughed you up in the morning?”

“I don’t know, I don’t think so.”

“What’re you talking about? When did someone rough you up Joe?” Hoss asked.

“A couple of fellas grabbed me yesterday morning and asked if I had the money yet?”

Hoss was furious. “This has gone too far Adam. Demanding that their notes get paid is one thing, but this is something entirely different. What you plan on doing about it?” Hoss glared at Adam.

“Well I don’t plan on doing anything right now.”

“Don’t ya! What’s the matter with you anyway? You gone yella or something? Well I reckon I’ll go over there and just grab those notes back from Caldow, then I’ll crack his head open. He don’t scare me none. He ain’t nothing but a cowardly thief anyway.”

“Hoss you just simmer down. Regardless of what Caldow has done, Joe signed those notes and legally he owes the money. Those men could have easily killed Joe this morning, but they didn’t.”

“Adam! They got you running scared!”

“As long as Joe stays here with us he’s safe. They were just making sure he was good and scared. They want the money Hoss.”

“And that ain’t right either Adam. If he cheated Joe, then Joe doesn’t owe him a dime.”

Adam looked at Little Joe. “But Joe doesn’t know that he was cheated, do you Joe?”

Joe shook his head.  

“No I didn’t think so. Hoss, we’ve been over and over this already. I’m sure that they let him win to begin with. But after that, well come on! A sixteen-year old kid! No matter how good Joe thinks he is at playing poker, these men are professional gamblers. They could easily beat Joe without resorting to cheating.”

“Professional gamblers! Professional cheats more like,” Hoss said.

Adam ignored Hoss’ remark. “And without definite proof that they were cheating, there’s nothing we can do. They have a legal claim on Joe for the money and we’re going to have to pay up. By signing those notes he gave his word that he would honour the debt. I agree that the vicious threats they are using to get their money is criminal, but jumping in with two feet is just going to make matters worse.”

“Okay Adam I’ll go along with you for now, but if you don’t come up with the money, then that’s just what I aim to do,” Hoss replied. “I don’t know how you can stay so blamed calm. They’re threatening Joe’s life.”

“You think I don’t know that!” Adam snapped back, “Look, there’s no point going at this like a bull in a china shop. First off I’m going to see if he will extend the deadline, if not I’ll try to get the money. If I don’t manage either, then any jumping that’s to be done we’ll do together, okay?”

Hoss nodded his agreement.

But Adam felt that Hoss’ reluctance was just one more thing that he had to worry about. “What’s the matter with you Hoss? Don’t you think Little Joe’s life is worth paying the ten thousand dollars?”

Hoss was breathing hard in an obvious attempt to control his anger. “You got no call to say that Adam. It’s not the money, and you know it. They’re bullies and they shouldn’t get away with it.”

“I know that Hoss, but we have no choice. We have to play it their way.”

“No we don’t. They cheated Joe. He don’t owe them nothing.”

In sheer frustration Adam slammed his fist down on the table. “You don’t know that. Joe said he didn’t know if they were cheating.”

Adam and Hoss were getting louder and louder, taking their worry and anger out on each other.

“STOP IT. Stop arguing,” Joe screamed.

“All right Joe, all right. Sorry Adam. I didn’t mean what I said. They get me so mad I feel like I want to…”

“I know Hoss. Come on, we’ll work this out.”

Little Joe spoke again, quietly this time. “I don’t think Caldow will listen to you Adam, and I don’t think you’ll get the money either. And that fella that was following me, he’s probably the one who’s going to kill me. Dead on ten o’clock.”

“Well thanks for the vote of confidence Joe. I thought you trusted me a little more than that.”

“I do trust you Adam, but I just don’t think this is going to work. Maybe Hoss is right. But I should be the one to go over there. Tell Caldow that he’s a crook and I’m not paying. I’d rather die that way than being picked off like a sitting duck.”

Adam sent Hoss an exasperated look. “Hoss isn’t right, not this time. And I don’t plan on any one of us dying. If Caldow won’t extend the deadline, then we try for the money. I mean it Joe, no heroics.”

“But Adam, ten thousand dollars! What’s Pa going to say. He needs that money, it’s already spoken for.” Joe sank into a chair and buried his head in his hands and groaned. “I wish I could start Friday all over again.”

“I’m sure that you do, but you can’t. So, Pa’s going to be mad at you for disobeying him and for losing so much money. Given the choice between losing the money and losing you, I think he would probably prefer to lose the money,” Adam said, trying to lift Joe’s spirits a little. “And if it makes you feel any better, Pa’s probably going to be madder with me than with you.”

“Huh! How come?”

“Because I persuaded him to let you come and you are my responsibility while we’re here. I should never have allowed you out on the town without being with you.”

“And I should have been looking out for you when Adam wasn’t there, so I reckon he’ll be mad at me too,” Hoss said.

Joe looked miserable and shook his head. “You act like I was some little kid. It was all my fault. I’m too old to expect either of you to look out for me. Well you won’t have to worry about it happening again. Pa’s never gonna let me off the ranch after this!”

“All right, that’s enough of feeling sorry for yourself. We have a plan. It’s not perfect I know but it’s all we’ve got and we’ll carry it out.”

Joe nodded his agreement

“All right, first off I will go see Caldow; if I get no joy there, then I go to see the bank manager. If that fails, then we’ll figure out what to do next.

Joe looked across at Hoss. “Well what are we supposed to do in the meantime?” he said.

“Just wait here,” Adam said.

“And do what?”

“Joe, there’s nothing to do. Just keep a low profile. He said he would give you until ten o’clock.”

“But Adam, I should come with you. How can I just sit here while you’re out there trying to save my hide? No Adam, I got myself into this mess, I’ve got come with you.”

As stubborn as ever, Adam thought, recognising the touch of defiance in Joe’s voice. “All right, a compromise.” “I’ll go see Caldow, and if he refuses to wait for the money, then we’ll all go to see Mr. Peterson. Okay?”

“Okay,” Joe agreed.

“Good, now let’s go and eat.”

The dining room was almost full again. They didn’t feel much like having breakfast, but Adam insisted that they all ate something. It was going to be a long day and they needed sustenance. During the meal Hoss gave Adam directions to the Silver Horseshoe. It was gone nine thirty when Adam parted from his brothers in the hotel lobby and set out to walk the fairly short distance to the gaming house.

“Good luck Adam,” Hoss called out as Adam left.  

Adam acknowledged him with a slight wave of his hand.

“Do you think there’s a chance he can do it?” Joe asked as he watched Adam leave.

“Sure there is. Come on Joe; let’s go upstairs to wait for him. Bet he’ll be back within the hour.”

Hoss picked up a newspaper from the stand by the desk, then laid a hand on Joe’s back and guided him towards the sweeping staircase that led up from the lobby.

**********

Adam had dressed impeccably that morning. His sparkling white starched shirt was worn with a black string tie, his dark suit was new, the frock coat showing off his physic to perfection, drawing attention to his broad shoulders and straight back. His black boots were highly polished and his black hat was angled so as to hide his eyes. On his hips he wore his gun belt slung low, but partly hidden from view by his coat. He knew that when he approached Caldow it had to be with an air of authority. Caldow needed to know that he wouldn’t be cowed or pushed around. He also wanted to impress upon the gambler and his henchmen that he could handle himself and his gun. He had no intention of allowing himself to be drawn into any gunplay, he knew that the odds were definitely not in his favour, but he needed them to think twice before starting any trouble.

After a fifteen-minute walk, Adam reached the Silver Horseshoe Gambling House. The huge door on the main street was firmly closed. He knocked loudly and waited. Eventually a small hatch in the door opened and a man’s face appeared.

“We’re closed, go away,” he said slamming the hatch shut.  

Adam banged on the door for a second time and again the hatch opened.

“I told you we’re closed,” the man said.

“I’m here to see Caldow.”

The man seemed to hesitate. “Mr. Caldow don’t see no-one.”

“He’ll see me,” Adam said, “tell him my name is Cartwright.”

The man banged the hatch shutter closed. A few minutes later Adam heard bolts being drawn and the huge wooden door swung open. Adam stepped into the dim interior.

“This way.”

The man moved off and Adam stepped through a further doorway and followed him through a maze of green baize covered card tables. To the left there was a wheel of fortune and some pool tables and in the far corner stood an upright piano. At the far end there was an archway which appeared to lead to another room. To the right, a mahogany bar ran the full length of the large room and behind that, on the wall, was a gilt-framed mirror of similar length. The other walls were adorned with huge pictures of scantily clad women in provocative poses. The raffish surroundings must have appealed to Little Joe, Adam thought, remembering Joe describe it as a real nice place!  

Adam’s guide led him up a staircase, which was concealed from the room by long, red brocade curtains. From the top of the stairs they passed along a corridor with closed doors on either side. At the end of the corridor, the man stopped in front of a large panelled door. He knocked, then opened the door and gestured for Adam to enter.  

The room was richly and ornately decorated, and filled with large plush furniture. A man wearing a dark green velvet jacket, exquisitely embroidered with golden thread, stood in front of a huge gilded fireplace. The ostentatious display of ill-gotten wealth only added to Adam’s carefully masked anger. Two other men flanked the man whom Adam assumed to be Caldow. One was of gigantic proportions, larger than Hoss, with a thick bulging neck and a nose squashed and bent across his broad, mean face. His body seemed to bursting out of his cheap looking clothes. In contrast, the other man was small and wiry with slits for eyes and a pencil thin moustache breaking up his rat-like features. Adam noticed that he wore pistols on both hips. There was a woman too, dressed in a flimsy robe, sitting in a chair just to the side of the big man. She stared appreciatively at Adam.

The man in the fancy jacket moved forward and looked at Adam through cold, milky blue eyes. “You’re not Cartwright. Who are you?” he demanded.

Adam kept his eyes on this man, but was aware of slight movement by the other two. The big man had taken a step forward, and the other fingered his guns. Adam stared coldly back at the man directly in front of him. “I’m Adam Cartwright, I assume you’re Caldow,” he said, his voice had a scornful edge to it.

“Mister Caldow,” the big man growled.  

Adam ignored him.

Caldow’s eyes narrowed and he gave a slight nod, Adam’s obvious contempt seeming to rattle him. “Yes, I’m Caldow. I assume you are related to Joseph Cartwright?”

“Brother,” Adam said. “I would like to speak to you alone.”

Caldow considered for a moment. “Very well,” he said, and with a motion of his head he dismissed his lackeys who left by a door at the far end of the room. “You too,” he said to the woman. She gave him a sour look, and pulled herself out of the chair. She walked past Adam, brushing against