A/N This is another that was previously published on Behind the Wagon. Features the whole family.

The Noose

Chapter 1

Little Joe stepped after his frowning brother, and halted when he realized where Adam was going. Adam knocked on the door of the house, letting his hand drop next to the sign. It read: "M. A. Clearwater, M.D."

"I'm sorry, the doctor's not in," the young girl said.

"Well, maybe you can help us," Adam suggested. "We were supposed to meet our brother here in Bridgeport, but we haven't seen hide nor hair of him. He's a big fella, name of Cartwright?"

"I'm sorry, I really don't know. You'll have to ask the doctor."

Adam thanked the lady and tipped his hat, turning to see his younger brother scowling at him. "What?" he demanded.

"He's probably just camped out someplace outside of town. I don't see why you gotta assume the worst!"

The older man bit his lip. "Because I know Hoss, and he said he'd be here. If he's not, he ran into trouble." He stomped off the porch, bumping Joe with his shoulder as he passed.

Joe could feel his muscles tense as he watched Adam go. Adam was right. Something had to be terribly wrong. With a gulp, he followed his brother straight to the Sheriff's office.

"Afternoon," Adam said as he entered, removing his hat.

"Afternoon," the Sheriff replied, taking his feet down off of his desk. "What can I do for you?"

Joe entered and removed his own hat. Turning slightly, Adam saw who it was and turned back to the Sheriff. "My brother and I were supposed to meet our other brother this morning, and we haven't been able to find him. I wonder if you might have seen him? Big fella, named Cartwright. Name's Eric, but we all call him Hoss."

Something about the Sheriff's face changed. He stood up slowly and tilted his head towards the heavy doors that separated the office from the cell block. "Doctor's in with him right now. You boys take off your gunbelts and you can see him just as soon as the Doc's through."

Adam and Joe exchanged quick, worried glances and removed their belts. "Why's he in jail?" Adam asked.

"Brought in for murder."

"Why the doctor?" Joe asked hurriedly.

"A group of vigilantes got ahold of him before my Posse did. Don't worry, though. He's safe now."

A shout from the cell block drew everyone's attention. "Heck? I'm through, now."

The Sheriff picked up his keys and led the boys to the cell block. He unlocked the door, let the doctor out and the two Cartwrights in. The boys didn't hear the cell door locking behind them. They were overwhelmed by the sight of their ailing brother.

Adam, and then Joe, knelt down beside the cot. Hoss opened his eyes and slowly rolled his head towards them. The corners of his mouth turned up slightly and they could see a few of his teeth. "Howdy, fellas."

The boys returned the greeting by touching him. Adam stroked his hair back and Joe petted his hand a couple of times.

"I reckon I... got myself into a real... pickle this time," Hoss explained. His older brother placed two fingers under his chin. He lifted, and turned his head, revealing the bruises and burns on his neck. "That Sheriff in there... he saved me from bein' lynched. I think he's a... good man," Hoss explained. The two watched Hoss swallow, and the semblance of a smile disappeared as he felt the pain in his neck.

"Don't you worry, Hoss," said Joe, "we're here now. We'll help you outta this."

"Yeah, you just rest up, little brother," Adam agreed, giving his hair a final stroke before standing. He gripped Joe's arm tightly and forced him to the door. In a moment the Sheriff opened the cell door and let them out. Both boys gave their brother a final glance before following the man back into his office.

Adam was relieved to see the doctor was still there. "Doctor?"

Anticipating the question, the man raised his hands. The gesture caused both Cartwrights to stop moving. "He was hurt pretty bad by that lynch mob," the man explanied. "He's got plenty of bruising, cracked ribs, and several spur-cuts on his chest and abdomen. He'll recover from the injuries. There's no doubt of that." The doctor glanced at his friend, the Sheriff, guiltily. He was never comfortable nursing a man's wounds so he would be well enough to be executed.

"The circuit judge is very busy these days. He asked me to notify him when the prisoner is well enough to stand trial, and then he'll make the trip down here." The Sheriff tucked his shirt in carefully, then sat down at his desk chair.

"Now just who is it that my brother supposedly killed?" The irritation in Adam's voice was unmistakeable.

"Fella named Corey Watts. Your brother brawled with him the other night at the saloon, and lots of folks heard him threaten him. Next mornin', ole Corey's body was found on the main road about a mile outta town, shot in the back. Caliber matches your brother's gun, too."

"Heck, I'll be headin' back to the office now. I'll be back after supper to check on him." The Doc slipped his hat onto his head and turned toward the door. He was stopped by both Adam and Joe, who shook his hand and thanked him for helping their brother. His gentle touch was evident when the door made hardly a sound as it caught behind him.

"Sheriff, Hoss would never shoot a man in the back!" Little Joe's voice was high and pleading.

"I hear what you're sayin', son, but the evidence is pointin' straight at him. If you're of a mind, you're welcome to go on out and see what you can find, but hear me now, and hear me clear: Don't get no ideas of bustin' him outta here. As long as he's in my jail, he'll be safe and given the full protection of the law, but if he busts out, him and anybody who helps him will have my Colt to reckon with." He punctuated his monologue by smacking the butt of his gun. "There's plenty of folks in this town that know I mean what I say."

Slowly, Adam turned and walked out the door. Joe followed, and the two stood on the porch, gazing out on the street but seeing nothing but their injured brother and hearing nothing but the Sheriff's threat.

"What are we gonna do, Adam?" Joe asked. In his heart, he wanted to run right out and find the killer, but the images of Hoss grimacing on the bunk in the jail cell kept his feet planted firmly.

"Well, one of us has to stay here, make sure Hoss is all right."

"Let me go after him, Adam. I'll find him."

Adam turned his gaze to his brother, and noticed the crimson flush that was spreading up the boy's neck and into his cheeks. He sighed heavily. "No, Joe, I think it might be better if you stay." He saw the anger flash in Joe's eyes and spoke quickly to beat the storm that he was sure was coming. "At least until Pa can get here. Then you can join me." He reached out his hand and grasped the boy's arm. "Look, Joe, you know as well as I do that Hoss needs our help. The thing is, he needs it here and," he gestured with his free hand, "out there. Stay with him, Joe. I'll keep you informed as best I can, and leave a trail for you if I'm onto something."

Finally, Joe dropped his head and nodded.

Adam slapped his arm. "I'm gonna go wire Pa. I'll come back and see Hoss, then head out." Adam strode across the street and Joe went back inside.