For The Love of Family

By Visage

A special ‘thank you’ to JC for her Beta reading help with this.  I appreciate it!

September 1841

A bright golden haze shimmered on the horizon overlooking the meadow as the sun peeked up from behind the mountains.  Caroline Foreman sat on her porch, churning butter and quietly humming a song stuck in her head.   She watched her youngest out of the corner of her eye playing in the yard with the dog while her oldest tended to the animals in the barn.

One of the remaining hands, Ray Pollard, approached the house tipping his hat.  "Good mornin', Ma'am," he drawled.

Something in the man’s manner sent a chill up her spine.  The mockery in his voice, the sneer behind the polite exterior.  He knew her husband was out on the range repairing the fence line with the rest of the hands.  Caroline eyed him warily.  "Hello, Ray.  Do you need something?"

He smiled, a contrast to his dark and menacing eyes.  "Well, I came up to see if'n you needed any help, Mrs. Foreman."

She swallowed, trying to quell the storm of fear rising inside of her.  "I'm just fine here, Ray.  Thank you anyway.  Did you finish with the horse stalls?"  She could hear the panic in her own voice.

"'Bout half an hour ago, Ma'am." Ray stepped slightly toward her.

Caroline rose from her chair. "I think you could find something else to do, don't you?" She backed towards the front door.  Her only thought was of escape.

Pollard grinned, his yellowing teeth showing like a Cheshire cat. "I could think of a few things, Ma'am."  He started up the porch steps, his eyes darkening with each fall of his foot.  The scar over his eye seemed to laugh at his frightened prey.

"You stay away from me, you…" Caroline began quietly. Gradually her voice gained volume.  "You hear me?  Stay away!" Her back met the porch door. She tried to bolt, but Pollard grabbed both of her arms and held her tight.  She could feel his hot breath on her neck as he leaned into her, his wicked intentions evident.  

"Now how can I find somethin' ta do if'n you won't let me near you." He swung open the screen door and shoved Caroline through the house to the bedroom.

***********

April, 1842 

The dull thud of hammers against rock resonated throughout the camp. Ray Pollard paused for a moment after a stroke, flexing his sore back muscles. He raised his arms above his head, feeling his shoulder joints pop slightly. 

Someone yelled.  "Get back to work!"  Pollard resumed his position and picked up another rock, placing it in the path of his hammer. With a single stroke, he obliterated it into dust.

Lift, stroke. Lift, stroke. It had become a rhythm to the prisoner. Each swing of his hammer fueled the fire that had been festering inside of his heart for the past eight months. All he could see in his mind was the face of Dave Foreman and the pain and humiliation that he caused.

Another guard yelled. Lift, stroke. Lift, stroke. All the while, in his mind he plotted.  He had to get out. 

Then he it came to him. He thought of the perfect opportunity, how he could leave this foul place and get revenge against his enemy. He knew the perfect way to escape and make good his threats.  Dave Foreman would regret the day he ever crossed Ray Pollard. 

He swung his hammer down again, splitting the metal head.

**********

.

Adam Cartwright leaned the pitchfork up against the wall in its usual place. Giving each of the horses one last pat, he headed out of the barn, latching the door behind him. 

The sun was barely up in the sky and the twelve year old had already finished his barn chores.  "That should show Pa," Adam thought proudly, walking back to the house. 

His Pa was going into town with his stepmother Marie and Little Joe, leaving the eldest Cartwright brother to watch over Hoss and tend to some of the chores at home. Adam knew they were counting on him.

 He walked in the house quietly, knowing Hoss and the baby would still be sleeping. 'Marie too,' he thought. ‘But not Pa.’ Ben Cartwright would be sitting at the table with a cup of coffee, just as he did every morning.

"Morning, son,” Ben said, setting his cup on the table. "You're up early."

"Morning, Pa." Adam reached up and hung his hat on the peg behind the door. He smiled, thinking that that he no longer needed to stand on his toes. 

Walking over, he took his seat at the table. "I thought it'd be best to get the barn chores done early.  That way Hoss and I can go fishing or something and not worry about the animals until this afternoon."

Ben smiled. "Good thinking, Adam. Marie and I will be leaving soon after breakfast. Just remember to stay close to the house, alright?"

"Yes sir, Pa," Adam answered. His thoughts drifted to the fishing hole, only a short ride from the house. 

"Adam, are you alright?" Ben frowned, reaching out a hand to Adam's forehead. 

"Pa, I'm fine!" Adam protested, ducking his father's worried hand.

Ben sighed, resting his hand on the stoic boy's knee instead. "Alright. Just remember to keep an eye on your brother. It shouldn’t be too hard."

"Don't worry, Pa.  I know what I'm doing."

“Mmm,” Ben replied with a slight chuckle. Sometimes Adam reminded him so much of his mother, Elizabeth. "I know, son." Ben took a sip of his coffee. "You can't blame me for worrying."

Father and son looked up at the sound of foot steps descending the stairs.

"I'll be back in a minute, Pa. I just have to bring in some wood for breakfast and I'll be done 'til this afternoon."  Adam hurried out the door, with Ben's eyes nostalgically following him all the way.

***********

His head felt like lead, heavier than his tired and aching feet.  He brushed a stray hair out of his eyes and wiped the sweat from his forehead with his shirt sleeve. After a few more faulting steps, he let slumped to the ground under a patch of shade.

He rested his head back against the trunk of the sweeping pine. He closed his eyes and listened to the quiet around him, momentarily letting his aching heart disappear.

He rubbed the bridge of his nose, wishing release from the torment that had become his life. He looked up at the trees surrounding him, marveling at their grand stature. 'A fall from one of those is almost guaranteed to break something,' he thought.  He shook his head with a sigh. ‘With my luck, I’d survive a cripple.’ He could never forgive himself if he became a worthless person in society, and he felt his son wouldn’t either. Not after what he had been through. 

He closed his eyes, his thoughts turning back to a happier time. Blanketed by the warmth of a spring day, his body and mind relaxed, drifting toward slumber and a temporary freedom from pain.

A rumble in the distance woke him. He rose quickly and peered at a cloud of dust. A roan horse emerged, with a chestnut colored horse following close on its heels.

The first rider half stood in the saddle, constantly looking between the road in front of him and the rider behind him.  He yelled commands to the horse, urging him faster. The chestnut rider lowered himself in the saddle, determination evident in his entire stance.

Then the first rider moved. He quickly turned the horse to the right, dodging in between the thick tree trunks. The second rider jerked hard on his reins to follow the awkward turn.

He didn’t know what possessed him to do it, or even how he moved from his position by the trees.  Suddenly, he found himself blocking the trail of the second rider. 

“What do you think you’re doin’?  Move out of the way,” The man growled, aiming his pistol at his human barricade. 

“Tell me why you’re after this man and I’ll think about it,” he replied.  He kept his eyes directly looking into the rider’s.

The man laughed to himself. His horse began to prance and his tugged back on the reins. “He’s none of your business. All you need to know is that he’s wanted and I’m gonna get ‘im.”

“Oh no, bounty hunter.” The other man who was being chased appeared from nowhere, a gun in his hand. He began to fire in what seemed like random directions. 

The man dove to the ground, covering his head with his arms, wishing to rid the sounds of the gun and the frightened horse from his mind. Peeking out from under his elbow, he saw that within the first few shots, the bounty hunter had fallen from his horse, his chest red with blood.

“Not today,” the man said.  He blew the smoke from the end of his gun barrel and placed it back in the holster on his side.  “I thank you, mister. What’s yer name?”

The man hesitated before he grabbed the hand that the shooter was holding out to lift him to his feet.  Upright once again, he dusted his ratty clothes off with his hands, buying himself time to think.

“Deckland,” he said, finally. “Jake Deckland. What about you?  And why did you have a bounty hunter after you?”

“The name’s Ray Pollard. That man’s been chasin’ me for a while. Don’t exactly know why.”  His slight smile and tone was that of a fibber. “But I don’t have to worry about him now, do I?”

Jake looked at the motionless form of the bounty hunter. “No I suppose not.” He agreed vaguely. 

“That was a stupid thing ya did for me.”  He said as he stepped towards Jake.  “Why would ya want to do a thing like that?”

“Because I don’t like to see anything being chased or hurt unlawfully, that’s why. He didn’t look like a sheriff to me, and thus not very legal. I wanted to see for myself.”

“Seems reasonable.”  Pollard nodded. “You know.  I like ya.  Seem like a good enough feller.  This is gonna to sound sudden, but do ya wanna help me?  Maybe two people are better than one with somethin’ like this.”

Jake looked at his new acquaintance quizzically. “What type of‘somethin’”?”

“I want ta go pay a visit to an old boss of mine.  Thought maybe ya’d like to come along and be a … witness.  Would ya?”

Jake thought for a moment. Could he trust someone he met not even five minutes before, especially all the evidence pointed to him being in trouble with the law? Then again, he had no one else.  He looked up at Pollard from under his eye brows. 

“C’mon.  Whaddya say?”

Deckland let out a heavy sigh before reaching out his hand. “What’s first on the agenda, partner?”

*********

"And Charlie and Todd'll be around if you need anything."

"Yes, Pa," Adam chorused.  He discreetly scuffed the toe of his boot on the floor.  He wished Pa would hurry and leave. At this rate, the fish were likely to be gone before they got there!

"And the Foremans aren't to far away if you can't find them."

"Yes, Pa."

"Ben, come along. The boys will be fine," Marie said, taking his arm. She smiled in Adam's direction, which he returned. 

'She's not that bad,' Adam thought. He had gradually been getting used to Marie since their rocky start just over two years before.  He had come to especially like the times when she took his side against his Pa.

Ben pursed his lips. "Alright, we have to get going. We'll be back by tonight, boys."

"Bye Mama!  Bye Pa!  Bye Little Joe!"  Hoss immediately supplied with a wave.  He was looking forward to spending the day with his beloved older brother.

"Goodbye, boys.  Keep an eye out, Adam," Ben added one last time as he walked out the door. 

Marie shifted Little Joe, only about a month short of his first birthday, in her arms. The baby seemed to sense he was about to leave his older brothers and waved with his already dirty hand.  His eyes began to tear slightly and his bottom lip trembled.  With a hug and a few soft murmurs from his mother, his tears were soon forgotten. 

With her own free hand, Marie patted Hoss on the cheek lightly. "See you tonight, boys." Giving each one a quick kiss, she followed her husband out side.

As they started off in the buggy towards town, Marie couldn't let go of the strange feeling at the pit of her stomach. Had Hoss felt warm? She dismissed her thinking to motherly attention. She still couldn't help but hope and pray that everything would be alright. She tried to quiet the itching thoughts of worry at the back of her mind. 'Perhaps we should have just brought the boys with us,' 

"Ben?" she asked cautiously, settling Joe in her lap.  "The boys seemed fine, yes?"

"Marie, they'll be fine. We'll only be gone until suppertime."

Marie sighed. "I know. I just do not want to admit it. I have grown so used to the boys needing help and supervision.  I think Adam is starting to resent all the attention."

Ben gave a laugh. "I believe so, too. He's starting to grow up. But you don't have to worry about him.” He reached down and tickled Joe’s chin playfully. “I think that this one right here'll give us enough trouble for the three of them!"

Little Joe gurgled happily in reply.

*********

"Adam!"  Hoss called as he ran into the kitchen. "Come on, Adam! The fishes ain't gonna wait!  We gotta hurry!"

Adam grinned at his younger brother. He picked up the last of the food Hop Sing had set out on the table for their day out and stuffed it into his sack. "Patience, Hoss. You don't want to have to fish on an empty stomach now, do you? Your rumblin' alone would scare 'em away!"

Hoss considered the possibility with a serious look on his face. "Gee, Adam, I wouldn't want that none." He gave his head a thoughtful scratch. "But I gots the poles all together. Alls we need to do is go!"

Adam couldn't hold back his laughter. "Alright, brother, let me get Strawberry saddled up and we'll head out." He slung the sack of food over his shoulder and started out the door.

"Uh...  Adam?" Hoss stopped his brother with a tug on his sleeve. "Since you don't want us to go hungry 'afore we go fishin'...  Could I have a biscuit now?"

"We've just finished breakfast, Hoss! How could you possibly be hungry?" Adam watched the blue eyes shift to the ground to hide. Blonde hair that was the pure resemblance of his mother flopped over his forehead. Adam tried to suppress the smile that was creeping on his face.

"Well, Adam, I figured it's gonna keep my tummy from growling... That way we don't have to worry about scarin' the fishes."

Adam couldn't keep his face straight. He tousled his brother's hair before reaching in the sack for a biscuit. "Normally, someone would say 'don't spoil your appetite,' but don't think that'll ever happen!"  With a laugh, he slung his arm around Hoss's shoulders and together they walked out to the barn.

*********

The sun was nearly to its halfway mark in the sky by the time the Cartwright wagon pulled into Marceville. Granted, the town was a bit farther from Eagle Station or Mormon Station, but it had greater reliability when it came to supplies.

With a gentle tug on the reins, Ben halted the horses just outside the mercantile shop. Jumping down, he immediately held his hand out for his wife. Joe took in all the sights around him, mostly keeping his eyes on the animals going by. He reached out his hand and gave their horses a pat on the neck.

"You are going to be a regular cowboy, Oui, Mon Petite Chou?" Marie tweaked her son's nose.  Joe mumbled a bit of baby talk protest as his mother walked away from the horses and up into the store where Ben had already disappeared into.

As her husband stood at the counter placing his order, Marie walked around looking at the displays of trinkets. "Oh, Little Joe." She addressed the boy to keep from talking to herself. "Remind me to ask your father for some sweets. Your older brothers might like a treat after supper tonight, no?"

Joe gave a giggle, reaching towards a nearby display. Marie grabbed his hand with a laugh. "Oh no, little one. Your father would not approve of you playing with cards!"

"Will that be all, Ben?" the shopkeeper, Richard Austen asked, scribbling the last of the order down.

"I believe so, Rich. When will it be ready?"

"Oh, not too long. Why don't you go have a drink or something while you wait?"

"Not a bad idea. I think I'll take Marie and Little Joe out for dinner." Ben folded the slip of paper in his hand and tucked it inside his pocket. "Any idea how long this weather is supposed to hold up?  It's been nice for the past few days."

"Looks like it'll be good for another week or so at the least, I'd say," Rich answered.  "Have something in mind?"

"I might go up and take a hunting trip up north for a day or two. Maybe bring Adam along. The boys have been cooped up all winter. A bit a fresh air'll do him good."

Rich raised an eyebrow. "You aren't thinkin' of huntin' with that convict loose, are you?"  His voice wavered slightly, keeping his dark eyes on Ben's.

"Convict?" Ben questioned. He leaned over the counter, his dark eyes narrowing slightly.  His voice lowered slightly in volume. "What are you talking about?"

Rich's eyes grew wide. He pushed his graying hair nervously off his forehead. "You haven't heard?  There's a convict done escaped from a work detail, 'bout a three days ride to the north of here."

Ben let his eyes wander, staring at nothing in particular as he thought. "Three days?" he muttered to himself.  He focused his gaze back on Rich's face. "That's quite a bit of distance from here. I'm sure he's not even thinking of coming this way."

Rich shook his head. "I still would be careful, Ben. You never know what goes on in those people's minds. Crazy, they are. Plumb crazy!"

"Who?"

Ben turned to find Marie at his elbow.  She shifted the squirming Joe in her arms again.

Ben’s arm instinctively wrapped around his wife's shoulders. "Oh, nothing for you to be worried about, my love." He smiled broadly and a quickly kissed her on the forehead.  Ben turned back to the shopkeeper. "We'll be back within the hour. Thanks, Rich."

"No problem, Ben," Rich called to his back as the Cartwrights were walking out of the store.

Ben took a lung full of air in as he stood on the steps outside the Mercantile. "Well, it's about dinner time. I don't know about you, but I'm starved!  How about we go for something to eat while we wait for the supplies?"

Marie let her eyes narrow a bit. "Ben, what were you and Rich talking about?"

"Hmm?" Ben turned, raising his eyebrows. Inwardly, he groaned. He knew that she was already worried about the boys. The news of an escaped prisoner wouldn't ease her mind at all. "Here, let me take Joseph." Ben gave a smile and stretched out his arms.

Marie's scowl deepened, her green eyes burning with anger.  "Benjamin," she warned, drawing his name out like a disobedient child.

Ben settled Little Joe in his own arms, sharing a quick look with his son. "Better come out with it, Pa," Joe seemed to warn.

"It's nothing to worry about, Marie." He put his free arm around her shoulder again and began to lead her towards the hotel. "Rich said there was a prisoner loose, a few days ride from here.  He's probably headed towards California, or even north to Canada. There's no reason for him to come this way."

Marie felt herself lean closer into Ben. "Are you sure?" she asked, not really looking towards him.  "What if he has come this way?  The boys are all alone!"

"The boys will be fine, Marie. Charlie and Todd are around, and Adam can take care of Hoss and himself.  There's nothing to worry about."

Marie looked up into Ben's eyes. "Alright,” she said with a small sigh. "I trust you."

Ben smiled back reassuringly. "Don't worry. We'll be home by supper and you can see for yourself.  Nothing will go wrong."

************

Jake Deckland narrowed his eyes across the horizon.  The sun was about a quarter of the way to the top. "Practically noon for a rancher," he thought with a scowl.  He stretched out his legs, trying to work the kinks out of his sore muscles.  He hated sleeping outside on the cold ground.

He stood, raising his arms above his head. He rubbed his face over his scratchy cheeks, still trying to wake up. He hand fell to the familiar holster at his side.  "It fits perfectly," he mused with a chuckle. "Lucky me to find this feller being chased."

Jake walked around the small campsite, wishing for just a sip of coffee. 'But a fire makes smoke, and who knows who's out there,' he reminded himself.  He ran his hands through his chestnut hair, dirty and badly in need of a cut.  He resisted the urge to wake his new associate, who was still softly snoring curled up in his bedroll.  'But a few minutes alone by the stream might be nice,'  he thought.

He wandered through the field, the grass coming up just past his ankles. The sun cast his shadow in front of him, giving Jake a companion to walk with. At the bank of the stream, he sat on his haunches, scooping up the clear water and dousing his face. The cold numbed his cheeks. He brought up another scoop and took a long drink. He had almost forgotten what fresh stream water tasted like.

Suddenly, he raised his head. He narrowed his eyebrows in thought and turned his ears to towards their camp.  Off in the distance, Jake heard the pounding of hooves. He turned slightly, his eyes scanning the horizon over his shoulder.  The horse was still a little ways off. Perhaps it was someone looking for Pollard's friends. 'Or worse,' he thought. 'Pollard himself.'  He had to warn Ray. They would be ready for them.

**********..

After a detour to the pasture to tell Charlie and Todd where they were headed and two more biscuits for Hoss, the Cartwright brothers trotted up to the fishing hole. Adam guided Strawberry close to a tree and jumped down, tying the reins to a low branch. He walked back to his brother and held out his arms to help the boy down.

As he unsaddled his horse and gave her a good petting on her soft nose, Adam watched Hoss race to the bank. In moments his boots were abandoned as he waded into the slow running water. He splashed the water around, scooping up handfuls and watching it pour from his fingers. The older Cartwright brother laughed at his brother's play before turning and setting the supplies from Strawberry's back on the ground.

“Hoss, if you go swimming now, the fish'll swim away!" Adam called, walking over with the fishing poles in hand.

Hoss looked up, an apologetic look on his face. "Can we go swimmin' then?"  His eyes held a hopeful gleam.

"How about if we catch ourselves supper first. Adam sat on the edge of the bank. He settled the poles in his lap and took a biscuit out of the sack.

"Okay, Adam," Hoss agreed.  He gave a grin as he walked over and sat next to his brother, intently watching the bits of biscuits Adam broke off and tied on the string.

'Here, Hoss." He handed his brother the baited pole, then fixed the other for himself.  "Now let’s catch us some fish." Two lines flew into the water, just waiting for someone to steal the tasty treats attached.

**********.

Jake would have given his soul just to stand for a moment. His knees were aching, feet numb. He wished those darn kids would move on. Beside him, he saw Pollard fidget. Jake put a hand on Pollard's knee and slowly raised his gun. If they moved they might be spotted. He didn't want to risk that when they were so close to their target.

Pollard scowled, the scar over his right eye darkened in color. He muttered something under his breath before turning his attention back to the visitors at the stream.

Jake sighed. Pollard was a bit to trigger happy for his tastes. They wouldn't get anywhere if they shot the kids. He studied the boys, trying to decide if they would be any risk to their plans. The boy with the dark hair seemed to be older, or at least smarter. 'Perhaps both,' he thought with an internal laugh at his own joke. The boy was thoughtful about every action, always looking before he or the other boy leaped. He seemed to be the one in charge. He watched as the boy pushed his dark hat farther back on his head, keeping an eye on the fair haired younger one.

The other boy was different all together. His hat and boots had been abandoned as soon as they arrived. After as much patience as he could stand, and enough fish had been caught, he ran into the water. He looked about eight or nine, maybe even a bit big for his age in both height and weight.  'That one has some good fights ahead of him at that size!' Jake thought. 'Though he sure doesn't act his age.' Jake thought the boy had more of the mentality of a six year old the way he was playing in the stream, splashing everything in sight. Thoughts of pity invaded Jake's mind.

Jake glanced over at the older boy, watching him strip his boots and shirt and roll up the legs of his jeans.  He laughed inwardly, noticing the Stetson hat remained in place. The boy sat at the edge of the bank, letting his feet dangle in the water. Even from the distance, he saw the smile on the older one's face. The content.

After a moment, a crafty gleam appeared in his eyes. The boy watched his playmate turn his back, distracted by something in the water. The boy slipped quietly in the water, so only his eyes and hat were visible. He raised his arms in the air, just about level with the other boy's shoulders.  With a yelp that suspiciously sounded like a "Yee-Haw", the boy jumped up, grabbing the younger one and shoving his playmate under the water.

The older boy ran out of the stream, collapsing in a fit of laughter on the bank, his hat finally falling on the ground next to him, almost as if it was amused by the prank as well.

The chubbier boy came to the surface with a confused look on his face. He let his mouth fall into a dopey grin, seeing the older boy on the bank. He ran up out of the water as well, wrapping his arms around his attacker. The older boy, now recovering from his laughter enveloped the boy in a hug of his own, giving him a slight squeeze.

Through it all, Jake couldn't keep his eyes off the older boy. His dark hair, his mannerism, all seemed so familiar. So like his own boy.  Jake let the smile he had fade.  A dull ache set itself in Jake's chest, reminding him of the reason he had come this way.  He needed to escape. He fought back the burning in his eyes. Real men didn't cry.

For the second time that day, Jake heard the sound of horse hooves. He ducked down a little lower, motioning for Ray to do the same. He hoped whoever was coming now was going to fetch the boys and go home.

**********

Adam chuckled, brushing his dark hair out of his eyes. "I'm sorry, Hoss. I shouldn't have done that, but it was too good of an opportunity."  He unwrapped himself from his little brother's bear hug.

Hoss grinned. "That was fun, Adam! You haven't played like that with me in forever!" The boy plopped down on the ground, snuggling up next to his brother. The overgrown six-year-old was still fond of physical affection.

Adam rolled his eyes. "Now I don't think it's been quite that long!"

In the background of Hoss's giggle, the sounds of hoof beats approached. “Maybe Pa's home early, huh Adam?"

Adam's eyebrows raised in question. He replaced his boots and shirt, leaving his hat on the ground.  He stood and placed a hand on Hoss's shoulder. "Now stay here 'til I see what's going on, okay?"

For a fraction of a second, it looked like Hoss wanted to protest. Instead he nodded, pulling on his own boots.  Adam gave the boy a thankful grin. "I promise I'll be back. Just stay here for a little bit."

Adam walked out to meet the rider, wondering why anyone would be coming this way.  His thoughts immediately shifted to his Pa and Marie. He hoped they were alright. As the chestnut horse came closer, Adam recognized it as the mount of their neighbor, Dave Foreman. Adam stood, waiting for the horse to meet him.

Mr. Foreman pulled on the reins of his horse and stopped right in front of the Cartwright boy.  "Adam, I'm glad I found you. Charlie said you two would be here. Where's your brother?" Dave dismounted the horse and stood to its side.

Adam gave his neighbor a quizzical look. "Over by the river."  He jerked his thumb towards the direction he had come from. "What's the matter, Mr. Foreman?"

Dave licked his lips nervously, his gray eyes darting over the skyline as if searching for something.  "You two shouldn't be out here alone.  Haven't you heard about that convict loose?" His eyes narrowed and his voice lowered as he growled out the word.

Adam gave a skeptical look. "A convict? You can't be serious." 

"Boy, I know what I'm talking about. Those kind of men are dangerous. Come on home with me and your Pa can come fetch you. I don't want you boys out here alone."

Adam felt his stomach jump. Something was going on that the normally kind Farmer wasn't telling him. He swallowed hard, thinking of the best course of action.  "Just let me go get Hoss," Adam choked out.  Mr. Foreman's manner was scaring him.

Adam was about to turn when he heard the click of a gun hammer being cocked. "I don't reckon that's right smart, boy." A voice growled, sending shivers up his spine. He paused in his movements, beginning to raise his hands in surrender, like the hero did in those western dime novels that Hoss liked to hear.

"Pollard," Dave hissed from clenched teeth, his eyebrows knitting together in anger. "I knew you'd be around this way."

Adam turned slowly, finding himself backing up into Dave. The man who stood before him would have created shivers in the bravest of souls. He was tall and broad, His features dark, including his hair, eyes, and the scowl that seemed permanently etched on his face. A thin scar was visible over his right eye. Adam swallowed hard, suppressing the urge to run.

"Why are you back here?  Haven't you caused enough trouble?"

"Now now, friend." A new voice came from the right side, a bit smoother than Pollard, as if he was used to being a negotiator.

"Who are you? You can't be any good if you're with the likes of Pollard here."

The voice materialized into a person, just as dirty as Pollard, but slimmer, even borderline gangly.

"They're looking for you. You know they are. Why are you here?"  Dave tightened his grip on Adam's shoulders. The boy bit his lip to hold back a yelp at the offending fingers.

"Oh, come now!"  Pollard rolled his eyes in mock anger. "I get out and the first thing I think of is to pay a visit to you and your...   pretty little wife..."  He emphasized his last phrase.  Adam felt Dave tense even more. "And this is the thanks I get?"

"You filthy rat," Dave hissed. "Get out of here before I kill you myself."

Now, Mr. Foreman," Deckland spoke. "You wouldn't do that to a former employee, now would ya?"

Adam felt a hand push him out of the way. He landed hard a few feet away on his hip. The action in front of him seemed to play out in slow motion.

Dave had reached into his holster while he was still getting the boy out of the way. He cocked his gun and pulled the trigger in one motion, but his shot went wild. Pollard only aimed and fired the bullet landing in Dave's chest. Adam turned his head, shutting his eyes tight against the sight.

"Don't you touch, Caroline,” Dave warned through clenched teeth.  He clutched at the wound for a fraction of a moment before slumping foreword and landing on the ground with a dull thud.

Jake closed his eyes. The blood was too fresh, too real. He didn't want to remember. In the back of his mind, he heard the sound of horses, the thundering of hooves, and the cries of a down man.  A quiet murmur tugged him back to his bloody reality.

"Y- You...  Killed him."

Jake gave a startled look at the boy. He had forgotten about him. He shot a look at his partner, wondering what to do. They hadn't planned on any witnesses.

"Well, I-.  It wasn't really murder,” Jake answered, thinking things out. "It was more self-defense."

Adam looked up, horror evident in his expression. His hazel eyes darted around for a moment before he scrambled to his feet, trying to escape. He had to get to Hoss. Suddenly, within a few feet, he felt a sharp pain at the base of his skull. The lights exploded before his eyes. He fell to his knees, then pitched foreword onto his stomach. He tried to yell for his brother, yet no sound escaped. "Pa," he muttered. He had let him down. His vision swam as the darkness began to overcome him.  His last thought brought a shiver to his body. 'I let Pa down.'

*********

Pollard had thought a bit quicker than the boy, bringing the butt of his gun down on his head with a sickening crack. He cocked the firearm once more and aimed at the boy’s temple.

"No!" Jake raised his hand and shoved the gun away. "No, not now. You can't kill him yet."

"Why not?" Pollard scowled. "We finish him off now, and we run."

"Because,” Deckland said. "This was self defense,” he said, pointing at Dave Foreman's body. "Or at least we could argue that if we got caught. But a boy? Even you wouldn't believe that someone that young was attacking us. It would mean a rope around our necks for sure." Jake paced the ground for a moment, his head bent deep in thought. After a long moment, he turned to Pollard.  "What if we bring him with us?"

Pollard's eyes darkened. "Are you loco? What would we want him fer?"

Giving a glance at the boy, Deckland lowered himself to sit on his heels next to him. He reached out and placed a hand on his head, smoothing the dark curls. "We could always use a kid.  He could do things for us. We could teach him things."

Pollard shot his partner a skeptical look. "I don't like it."

Deckland sneered at the other man. "You don't have to like it; I'm the one who decides what we do."  He turned back the boy, his face softening. "And I decide we keep him."

Releasing the hammer on his gun, Pollard shoved it back in its holster. "He's your responsibility."  He turned and stalked off towards the horses.

Deckland gently scooped the boy up in his arms.  "Don't worry, buddy. You're safe now."  He walked off, following Pollard.

***********

Hoss watched helpless as Adam was lifted and carried away by the smaller of the two men. He tried to yell for his brother, but his voice caught in his throat, the fear choking him. He wasn't sure what to do. Adam would know. He always knew.

Confused, alone and frightened, Hoss sat with his back against the tree that he had took cover behind, bringing his knees close to his chest. Tears began to stream down his cheeks.

Off to this side, he saw his brother's black hat lying on the ground, still waiting for its owner to claim it. With a cautious hand, Hoss grabbed the hat and held it close to his chest.

He needed to get back home. He needed to tell Pa or Mama or somebody. He looked around, completely disoriented. He had no idea which way to go. He swallowed, the tears coming harder now. What had Adam and Pa said about being lost? The best thing to do was to say put. That was it.  Stay put.

"Oh, Adam!  You promised you’d come back!"  Hoss mumbled under his breath before he let out a fresh sob of tears.

***********

Charlie looked up, squinting his eyes in the distance. "Hey Todd, did you hear something?"

The other ranch hand looked up, his eyes focused in the same direction. "Kinda sounded like a gun shot."

Charlie dropped the shovel he had been working with and vaulted into the saddle of his nearby horse. "Sounded like it came from the fishing hole, too." He kicked his heels, bringing the horse to a full gallop and took off.

He spurred his horse to move faster. Charlie barely noticed the trees that flew past his vision, his mind solely worried about the safety of the Cartwright boys.

Quicker than normal, Charlie came up on the small stream. Adam's horse was still tethered to the same tree that it had been for hours. He dismounted and began running the distance to the bank. In his determination, he nearly tripped over a pile of rocks on the ground. With a second glance, his stomach jumped. 

It was a man.         

Bending down he rolled the body on his back. "Oh, Dave," he muttered, putting a finger to his neck, more out of hope and habit than necessity. He bowed his head for a moment, vowing to return in a moment. "Adam!  Hoss!" Charlie yelled, silently praying for the two to appear. From behind him came the sound of a horse riding up. Without looking back, he knew it was Todd.

"Where are they?" the other hand asked, pulling on the reins. He didn't bother to dismount.

"I don't know," Charlie answered, his eyes searching for two familiar faces. “Hoss! Adam! Where are you?"

Charlie noticed a face peaking out from behind the horse tethered tree. He dropped his own reins and sprinted the distance. 

"Hoss!"  Charlie dropped to his knees in front of the boy. He put his arms on his shoulders, trying to calm the hiccupping sobs. "Hoss, what happened?"

The boy snuffed his nose, wiping it on his sleeve. Tears streamed down his cheeks.  "Th-  They took Adam...."  Hoss said quietly between sobs.

Charlie narrowed his eyes. "They? Who, Hoss? Who took him?"

"I- I don't know!" Hoss stuttered. With a fresh sob of tears, Hoss threw his arms around Charlie's neck.

"Oh, Hoss." Charlie absentmindedly stroked the back of his head. "It's okay, calm down.  Can you tell me which way they went?"

Hoss lifted his head for a moment, looking around. He thought he knew. He had watched them leave.  Was it back the way he and his brother had come earlier? Or was it through that clump of trees to the left? He thought back, only seeing Adam in the saddle of the strange horse as they rode off.  He shook his head, giving another cry into Charlie's shirt.

"Hush boy. It's all right." Charlie continued to stroke the boy's hair. The other ranch hand walked up then, catching enough of Hoss's story to realize what had happened. "Todd.  Will you go look around as see what you can find? I'll take Hoss home." Charlie looked in the direction of Dave Foreman's body.

"I'll get him back to his ranch once I take a look."  Todd nodded before walking away in search.

Charlie gathered Hoss in his arms and carried him towards his horse. "C'mon now, Hoss.  Everything'll be fine. Why don't we get on home, hmm?"

"B-But...  What about Adam?" The boy's cries had fallen back to silent tears.

"Don't worry, Hoss," he said with a soft tone. He put Hoss up on his horse and slipped into the saddle behind him. He held his arms tight around the boy's middle to keep his still. "Todd's the best tracker I know. He'll find Adam."

"We gotta find 'im. We just gotta!"  Hoss tried to pull away from Charlie's grasp.

"We'll find him, Hoss." The hand pulled the boy closer to his chest. "We'll find him."

Hoss sat still for a moment before turning in the saddle to look Charlie in the eye. "Promise?"

"Promise." Charlie nudged the horse into a cantor and rode back to the ranch house.

**********

Ben Cartwright paced the length of the cabin, worry foremost in his mind. The few tracks that were left by the kidnappers they found had disappeared. He brought his hand up and rubbed the bridge of his nose. He could feel his head throbbing. The pain had started right behind his eyes almost the same instant that one of the neighbors had rode into Marceville at Charlie’s request.  Ben had immediately rented a horse from the livery Stable and rode the animal home as fast as it would move.

Neighbors had come out, all fanning in different directions. At first, Todd had been tracking a pair of horses going towards the north. After only a few miles, the tracks crossed a stream and disappeared. For the last few precious hours of daylight the men searched, finding nothing.  Only after forceful pleading on behalf of Sheriff Williams did Ben finally give into the coming nightfall and returned to the Ranch House.

Ben's mind raced with questions. 'Why hadn't they heard anything about the convicts before?'  'Who was the other man Hoss talked about with the convict?'  'What did they want with his son?'  'How did Dave Foreman get involved?'  There was something suspicious about his death to Ben Cartwright.

His thoughts kept returning to a few months before, to the hired hand that had caused a ruckus on the Foreman property. The whole affair had been kept quiet; Ben himself only knew it involved Mrs. Foreman and a morning alone with the hands.  He had a feeling in the pit of his stomach that said that the two incidents were related.

Ben sunk into the chair by the fireplace, his mind racing with ideas on where to search next for his son. He rubbed his eyes, feeling weary, yet knowing that not rest but nightmares would come in his sleep.

 The sound of bare feet padding down the stairs was lost to Ben, too deep in his thoughts. But a tug on his sleeve brought him back to reality.  He jumped slightly, not expecting his son to be awake.

"Pa?" Hoss asked softly, a slight quiver of tears evident in his voice.

"Son," Ben answered, stretching his arms in invitation. The young boy, clad in his green striped nightshirt eagerly climbed up onto his father's lap. Hoss immediately flung his arms around Ben's neck, burying his head in the cloth of his tan vest. Ben felt the boy's body heave with sobs.  Ben wrapped his own arms around his son, gently smoothing the blonde hair with his palm. "Hoss, what's wrong, son?"

Hoss sniffled, his sobs quieting for the moment.  He wiped his nose on his sleeve before resuming his death grip on Ben. "I- I'm sorry, Pa." Hoss dropped his head heavily into the crook of Ben's neck.

"Sorry?" Ben questioned quietly. He let his cheek rest on his boy's head. "Sorry for what?"

"It's a-all my fault, Pa. M-My fault that Adam's gone." He stuttered through his flowing tears.

"Oh no…  No, son.  Don't you ever think that! Never!" Ben moved Hoss's head so their eyes met.  "You had nothing to do with this." He hugged his boy closer, wondering how the idea had been planted in his head.

"B-But, Pa," Hoss sobbed, his hands forming fists as he clutched onto Ben's shirt. "A-Adam was in charge, wasn't he? He was supposta look after me, a-an' I'm supposta do the same thin' 'cause I'm his brother only I can't tell him what to do like he does ta me on accounta he's older a-an'...  An' I let him go out ta see those people all by hisself.  I-didn't watch out for him."

Ben felt his heart wrench tightly in his chest. His poor child! Under any other circumstance, he would have been proud to hear his son's words. But just the fact that Hoss felt he had disappointed him brought tears to Ben's eyes.

"Oh, my dear Hoss."  Ben stroked the boy's hair, bringing his boy into a tighter embrace. "It's true; I want you and your brothers to look out for each other.  And you did just by doing what Adam told you. You said he told you to stay put, right?"

Hoss nodded, moving his head away from Ben's neck to look into his eyes again.

"He left you there so that you could get back home to tell us what happened in case something went wrong. See? You were looking out for him, just not how you thought you were."

Hoss thought for a moment, wiping his nose on his sleeve again. "I guess so, Pa.  But I still feel bad. I shoulda went out with him."

Ben let his body rock slightly in the chair to soothe his Hoss. "Hush now, sweetheart. You were right to listen to Adam."

Father and son sat quietly for a few moments, the crackling fire hindering Hoss's attempt to stay awake.

"Pa?"  He asked softly, now settled comfortably against his father's broad chest.  His fists still clutched Ben's vest.  "Adam'll be okay, won't he?"

Ben rested his cheek against his son's forehead.  He continued his rocking motion, holding onto his son with the same amount of determination.  He breathed in deep, carefully choosing his words.  "Don't worry, Hoss.  We'll find Adam.  I promise."

**********

Adam heard the soft mumbling of voices drift over him, bringing him back to consciousness.  His head throbbed with a sharp ache, pounding harder with each slow beat of his heart. Opening his eyes, he tried to register his dusty surroundings.  The cool surface he was laying on sent a shiver through his body, jarring his already agonizing headache.  His vision turned black with nauseousness, his stomach threatening to loose the breakfast he had eaten hours before.  In his mind, he called out for his Pa, the words only forming only a soft moan in his throat.  He curled up tighter on his side, trying to banish the sickening feeling.

**********

"He's no good ta us, why don't we just finish ‘im off now?"  Pollard growled, poking the meager campfire with more force than was necessary.  Sparks flew up, glowing for a brief moment before the red orange burn out, unlike Pollard's tempter.  The man's anger had been roaring like an open flame since they had found Dave Foreman and the boy that morning.

Jake moved closer to the fire, rubbing his arms to keep away the chill. Night had fallen faster than he had expected, making Jake thankful they had set camp up early in the small cave. "Because I say so, Pollard."  Jake kept his tone even.  He knew what he was doing.  He sneaked a narrow glare at Pollard.  'He wouldn't understand,’ Jake had decided.  He would let the man know only what was necessary.

Hearing a soft cry from the back of the cave, Jake turned toward it.  He grabbed a canteen laying a few feet from his feet hurried to the boy.

Kneeling down, a smile appeared on his face as he stroked the dark hair. Gently, he brushed a stray curl off his forehead.  The boy moaned, barely more than a whisper.

"Shush now, boy. You'll be just fine." He gathered the boy in his arms, leaning the smaller frame against his body. "C'mon, boy. Just a bit for me, will ya?" He brought the open canteen to the boy's lip, letting a few drops trickle down his throat.

The boy coughed, choking slightly on the water. His eyes fluttered open, searching around the room for something. He gave a soft groan of protest.  His coughing seemed to jar his pounding head.

"Where am I?" he asked softly, trying to feign a tone of confidence in his voice. "Where's my brother?"

"Hush now, boy."  Jake gave the boy a smile, settling him back down on the ground. "You're gonna be fine.  Just got a nasty bump on your head is all."  He closed the canteen and held it in his free hand.

The boy's eyes narrowed. "No doubt you were the one to put it there." He tried to bring his hand up to rub his temples, the way his Pa always did when he had a headache, hoping it would help.  Instead, his hands were stopped short and he found both of his wrists bound together tightly in front of him. He glared at Deckland. "I won't ask again. Where is my brother?" 

Jake scowled back at the boy. "He ain't here," he said shortly. "Now you can just sit quiet or I'll give you a reason to shut up." He angrily threw down the canteen and stood.  Turning on his heels without another look in the boy's direction, he walked back to the fire to brood.

Adam found himself staring at the dusty floor. His head matched the numb feeling in the pit of his stomach.  'Oh Hoss, where are you?'  He remembered telling the boy to stay put and naturally he knew Hoss had listened.  From experience he knew his younger brother would stay there until he was told otherwise.

Adam closed his eyes, berating himself for the events beyond his control.  "I'm sorry, Pa," he mumbled quietly.  "I didn't mean to let you down."  He closed his eyes tight to keep his tears from falling before he fell into a restless sleep.

***********

Marie lightly pulled on the reins to bring her horse to a slow trot into the Foreman's yard.  Normally, she loved the ride from the Ponderosa to visit a neighbor. Now her thrill was subdued with her mind on her family, both those missing and present.

Her Ben had obviously been distant and distraught from the moment he found out about his son's disappearance. What had upset Marie was the way he paced the cabin after dark that night. The helpless thoughts she could see racing through his mind. The questions he had asked. The most disturbing fact being the number of times the Foreman name had been brought up the previous night. 

The next morning, as soon as light was visible on the horizon, Ben had ridden out with Todd, Charlie, and a few of the neighbors to continue the search.  Ben Cartwright was determined not to come back until he had found his son, threatening to seek out whoever was responsible all the way to Hell and back if necessary. The look in his eyes had frightened Marie.

A few hours later, after seeing to the youngest Cartwrights, she left her boys in the care of Hop Sing and rode towards the Foreman Ranch with questions of her own dying to be answered.  

Marie pulled on Lady's reins again, pulling her to a stop. She sighed, adjusting the basket under her arm one last time before dismounting. She patted Lady's neck and tied the reins to the hitching post.  She shut her eyes in silent prayer before settling the basket on her arm and walking towards the farmhouse. 

Caroline Foreman walked out the door to stand on the porch.  Her youngest son quickly hid behind her skirt, his eyes peaking out curiously.

"Marie," Caroline called, giving a slight smile. "I haven't seen you since just after Little Joe was born."

"Hello, dear," Marie said, genuine sympathy in her tone. "I am sorry I had to come out under such circumstances. How are you doing?"

Caroline only shrugged her shoulders slightly in reply. As Marie came closer, walking up the steps, she noticed the red tint to her friend's normally bright green eyes and her protruding belly.

Marie gathered Caroline into a hug. "Is there anything I can do?"

Caroline shook her head, unwinding herself from Marie's arms. "No. But thank you. I appreciate the thought, but there isn't anything even I can do. Would you come inside for a cup of coffee though? I could use the company." She turned to the little boy, still behind her skirt. "Daniel, will you go find your brother and see if he needs any help stacking the firewood?" The five year old nodded before running off behind the house. Caroline turned and walked in the front door with Marie behind her.

"Have a seat." Caroline motioned towards the kitchen table. Marie sat as Caroline rushed around the kitchen as fast as her condition would allow, gathering cups and setting the coffee to heat. "Have you heard anything about Adam?"

Marie's eyes shifted to the ground as she shook her head sadly. "Ben is out looking with Todd and Charlie. A few other neighbors are helping as well, but so far nothing."

Caroline sat in the chair next to Marie and placed her hand on Marie's. “Don't worry. Everything will turn out."

Marie smiled gratefully and squeezed her friend's hand. "What would I do without you, dear Caroline?"

She gave the closest expression she could that resembled a grin.  "Cry perhaps?"  Her face settled back into the near blank look, pain returning to her eyes.

"I brought you and the children some cookies and dinner things for the next few nights." Marie changed the subject. "If I had known there was to be another Foreman, I could have added a blanket or booties for them. I had no idea! When are you due?"

"In only a few weeks.  There has been so much going on here between the children, and Ray..."  Caroline's voice trailed off, a coldness finding its way into her eyes.

"Ray?"  Marie narrowed her own eyes. "Isn't he that hand that you and Dave let go a few months ago?"

Caroline nodded, wiping her eye with a slender finger. "Yes, he was. I swore Dave was going to kill him. Luckily he was arrested soon after he left."

"Mon Dieu!"  Marie's hand rose to cover her mouth, attempting to hide her surprise. "What happened?  I had not heard anything except that a few hands had caused trouble over here."

"I- It's nothing, Marie," Caroline quickly supplied. "Ray and Dave had a disagreement is all."

"Killing seems a little harsh for just a simple disagreement."

"Oh, Marie," Caroline laughed, a hint of falseness in it. "You know Dave. He always over-reacted to everything."  She quickly stood, busying herself with the coffee pot. She poured the two cups and replaced the pot slowly before returning to the table. Marie's curiosity was piqued, but she had the distinct feeling that the subject was closed.

"Have you heard anything about that convict who is loose?"  Marie asked her mind racing with questions.

Caroline focused her attention back to Marie. "N-not much, I must admit.  But there is a man who's been around the same areas, Deckland I think his name is. I've heard he's insane."

"Insane? What happened?"

Caroline seemed grateful for the conversation to steer away from her hired hands. She turned more to face Marie, her hands gripping tightly on her cup. "I'm not exactly sure. All I know is that a few years ago he lost his wife, and recently he just lost his son.  Some sort of accident, I think. Nearly killed himself right then.  He seemed to blame himself. I heard he went mad after that...."

Marie sat, her stomach churning with fear. The description of Deckland sounded familiar to another widower she knew.

After a few moments, Caroline raised a hand to her head. "Oh, dear. I'm sorry. I'm feeling awfully tired.  Please excuse me. I think I'll lay down a while."

"I'll see myself out, Caroline,” Marie rose to her feet. "Thank you for the coffee.  If there is anything I can do...?"

"Don't worry, Marie."  Caroline stood as well.  "Concentrate on finding Adam first.  I'll be fine.  I have the boys to watch over me. Goodbye, Marie."

Marie smiled briefly before turning and leaving the kitchen.  As she stepped down the porch, she couldn't help but feel that her visit had only given her more questions than answers.

***********

Adam noticed the pain in his head had lessened as he woke again.  His stomach still threatened to show his last meal, but overall he felt better.

He sat up cautiously, propping himself up with the rock wall behind him. The sun streamed in through an opening, making it hard to see his surroundings. He was in a cave; the dirt under his fingers confirmed that. Now the question that plagued his mind was where.

"Better, boy?" A gruff voice called. Adam looked up at the man, only seeing an outline of his body.  He nodded slowly. 

"Good."  The man gave a low, drawn out laugh. The sound of it made Adam flinch.  "Doctorin' ya up so's we can kill ya. I like that."

An alarm went off in Adam's head. Or was it just his ears ringing? Either way, he could sense something wrong.  A shiver ran up his spine with every word.

"Well, boy.  Don't ya worry. I'll try and make it quick. Painless, I can't guarantee. But I can assure ya is that it'll be loads of fun fer me." A dark smile appeared on his face. "Sleep tight, buddy. It may be the last rest ya get before that final long nap time, if’n I have my way."  He grinned, his face highlighted by the fading sunlight streaming into the mouth of the cave entrance.  He gave one last dark chuckle before turning away from his hostage.

Adam felt himself press his body further back into the rock wall of the cave before it registered in his mind. He would do anything to get away from the man and the strange feelings that pervaded around him. He had to get out.  He couldn't take this man or his threats much longer.

***********

Ben glanced up at the sky. The color began to change over to the bright pink and purple of dusk.  His head dropped in disappointment, his gaze fixed on the horn of his saddle.  Another night of helplessness awaited him.

He looked around at the few men waiting for orders. Ben was leading this group of five men, the others leaving to tend to their own problems.

"We should break for the night, Ben."  Ike Stanford, the Sheriff of Marceville spoke. He trotted his horse alongside Ben's. His tall frame made quiet movements, his expression filled with concern.  He knew Ben Cartwright was making himself sick.

Ben turned his head slightly, his eyes sullen and torn. His words were braver than his face showed.  "There's still a trace of light. I've got to look. You guys stay here if you like; I've got to keep looking while there's still a bit of light."

"Ben!"  Sheriff Stanford's eyes narrowed. He stood from the waist up, trying to gain an edge with size and age against Ben's faulty reasoning. "Don't be a fool, son!  If you don't stop, we're going to wind up looking for you and your boy. You're going to hurt yourself if you keep this up. That won't do Adam any good."

Ben’s shoulders dropped. The Sheriff was right.  He took one last glance at the quickly failing light before giving a slow nod. He swung his leg over his horse and touched his feet to the ground.  Vaguely, he heard the Sheriff give the order to make camp for the night to his fellow posse members.

Ben quietly walked to where he could be seen by all of the men.  Raising his hands, the riders paused in their movements. "I would like to thank you all for riding out here, but I have an announcement. I realize I'm keeping you from your families and your work and I don't want to cause any trouble. I thank you for staying as long as you did. Anyone who wants to go home can pull out. I won't think less of anyone who turns back, but I'm going to stay here as long as it takes to find my boy."

Two of the men nodded. They agreed to head back at first light. They gave Ben their best wishes before turning to tend to their horses.

"Mr. Cartwright?" Todd spoke up. "If it's all the same to you, I'd like to stay and keep searching.  I just wouldn't be the same around the ranch without your little bookworm.  I'd feel better if I helped you find him."

"Me too, Boss." Charlie spoke. "Kinda attached to those young'uns of yours."

"Me as well, Ben,” Ike said. A small smile appeared on his face. "Someone's gotta keep an eye on you."

Ben returned the Sheriff's smile, more out of politeness than humor. "Thank you. I appreciate it.  Tomorrow morning we'll follow those tracks a bit more. I'm not giving up on Adam yet."

**********

The sun had begun to set by the time Adam woke again. His head began to feel clearer and the ringing between his ears had ceased.  He pushed his arms away from his body and contorted his back to give the muscles a stretch. He had never stayed in the same position for so long.  He shifted to lean against the wall and look at his surroundings. 

A man walked up, darkened by the fading light. The campfire silhouetted his frame as he stood before Adam. 

"Hungry, boy?"  It wasn't the same man as before.

Adam shrugged, trying to hide his fear and unease with a calm facade. 

Footsteps brought the man closer. He felt the weight of a plate placed in his lap. "Here, eat this."  The man shifted his feet and sat down directly in front of his prisoner.

Adam shook his head, scrunching his nose in disgust. His stomach began to churn at the thought of the food. The unidentifiable substance didn't look very appetizing the first time around and he did not look forward to a second viewing.

"Ya gotta eat something, boy. Don't want ya to get sick on us now, do we?"  His tone was soft and caring, as if he was used to reasoning with children. Adam looked down at the plate before him.  Carefully, he picked up the fork lying on the plate. He tried a cautious bite before his stomach began to rebel. He set the fork down and pushed the plate away.

"Got a name, boy?" the man asked his face still in the shadows. 

Adam said nothing. He looked up at the man from under his eyebrows in his best attempt to look uninterested.

'I said, 'Got a name?'" He paused to give Adam time to not answer. "We can just keep calling you 'boy' if you prefer, but I think it would be nicer to know who we kidnapped."

He looked down at the ground, shifting his feet. "Adam Cartwright,” he said softly.

"Well then, Adam Cartwright,” the man replied in a soft tone with a laugh.  "You can be cooperative!  I'm Jake Deckland.  Pleased to meet you."

"Where's my brother?" Adam demanded, raising his eyes to meet his captor once again. 

Jake rolled his eyes. "Aw, don't tell me you're back on that subject again!  Was your brother the one who you were playin' in the water with?  Funny, you don't look a lick like him. Don't worry; as far as I can tell he was fine. I bet he's home munchin' on milk and cookies from your mama, Adam."

Adam shifted his eyes back to the ground. Jake could almost see the thoughts running through the boy's head. He let his own eyes fall, knowing how the worry the boy had locked inside felt.

"Don't worry, boy. He's fine. Why don't you come on over to the fire and warm up. You look colder than a hunk of ice!"  Adam said nothing as Jake gently grabbed his upper arm and raised him to his feet.  He walked the boy closer to the campfire and sat him down on a log.

Jake tried to hand Adam the plate again. The boy shook his head as he swallowed down the nauseous feeling.

"Ain't hungry yet, eh?"  Jake asked, setting the plate on the ground. "I guess that's okay. You can eat later.  Right now, just concentrate on getting warm. Gets a bit chilly out here in the mountains, it does."

Adam hugged his arms as close to his body as he could with his arms tied and brought his knees up to his chest.  He hardly noticed as he began to rock slightly in the same rhythm of the rocking chair Pa always used to calm him when he was upset at home.  The familiar motion brought a wave of comfort to the boy.

Jake took a bite out of his own plate. "Bet you wanna know what you're doin' here, huh?"  He saw Adam look up from under his eyebrows, his interest piqued by the man’s words. "Truth is, I don't rightly know!"  Jake let out a small chuckle to himself. "Just seemed like a good idea at the time."

"Then why’d we keep ‘im?" A voice growled, hidden from across the campfire. A chill ran up Adam's spine as he recognized the tone of voice.  "Why don't ya let me shoot ‘im now an' get rid of him?"

"No!" Jake yelled, his eyes growing wide with anger. He took in a deep breath and after a pause, he seemed to calm.  "No, just wait a bit. Okay, Pollard?"  He spat out his partner's name. After a moment of silence, he continued.  "He'll be of use. Just you wait an' see. I'll prove you wrong."

Adam kept his mouth shut. The first meeting between himself and the one called Po