AN: As always we'd like to take the opportunity to first thank our readers...now we can continue...


Chapter 28:

"I'm right here, Issac!" Ben Cartwright announced from behind his son's captor. He had his pistol in hand, pointed at Issac. "You have your money. Now let him go."

Issac took Jamie in a headlock and swung him around with him to face his negotiator. "How do I know the money's in that bag down there?"

"You'll have to take my word for it!" Ben retorted

"And once I get my hands on it, you'll shoot me in the back. No, I'm not stupid. Get down there and bring me that bag. And tell that oaf to ride on outta here!" Issac ordered.

Ben bristled at the man's words but he knew he had to keep his temper in check until Jamie was safe. His heart clenched at the sight of the bruises that marked the boy's face and the fear in his eyes. "Let the boy go and you have my word that we'll give you a head start before I hunt you down myself!"

"Don't you threaten me, Cartwright! I give the orders 'round here!" Issac warned. He tightened his hold on Jamie's neck until the boy began to choke.

Jamie tugged at his captor's arm, struggling to breathe.

"I'm losing my patience and young Jamie here is runnin' outta air so you best do as I say real quick!" Issac fumed.

Jamie's struggles against the hardened criminal became weaker and Ben could tell that with each passing moment tha Issac was supporting most of the youngster's weight. He had a sinking feeling in his gut that his son was losing consciousness from lack of oxygen.

"C'mon, Cartwright," prompted the outlaw. "You wanna watch your kid die?"

"Let him go, Issac!" Another voice ordered. With a gun poised at Issac, Adam stalked towards him from the side.

Surrounded by the Cartwrights, Issac twisted his head back and forth resting his eyes on Ben, Adam, and Hoss in turn. When he finally got a clear look at Hoss, Issac gasped, realizing that the larger man was the drifter he had bushwhacked earlier in the week. "You? You is a Cartwright, too?" he marvelled. "Just how many o'them are there!?"

Adam did not take his finger off the trigger. "It's over, Issac. Give up now while you're still alive."

"You shoot an' I'll snap your brother's neck before that bullet leaves your gun. That goes for any of ya!" Issac threatened. "Not to mention I just might put Jamie in the way. I heard King's dying from an accidental bullet. You want to do the same to Jamie?" He swallowed nervously, hoping that he could find some way to get out of this alive. "What? Nothing to say?" Issac said to Jamie menacingly. "You weren't quiet yesterday when we had our nice little chat. Don't cha remember? When we talked about King's stay in prison…"

Ben, Adam, and Hoss remained unfazed, but each of them silently wondered what Issac had meant by that.

"P-pa…" Jamie wheezed. "I didn't mean… I'm s-sorry."

"Sorry?" Issac mocked. "Oh, you didn't seem sorry before," he added deceptively. "No, siree…" He took a few steps, making sure he kept Jamie close to his own body. "As far as King goes, seemed like we were in agreement. In fact, since we're such good pals, I think I'll be taking Jamie Cartwright with me on my travels."

Jamie resumed his struggles, but it was futile. Issac maintained a strong grip.

Ben could not stand seeing his son in such a perilous situation anymore. "You aren't going anywhere with my son," he emphatically stated.

Just when it seemed like nothing would break the tense stalemate, a screaming whinny echoed through the gorge. Issac's head moved a fraction of an inch to see what creature uttered the horrific sound, and the Cartwrights took that opportunity to make their move.

The black stallion that had appeared earlier reemerged from some nearby shrubbery. Its ears twitched nervously as it became distressed when the reins became entangled in the branches and brambles.

Jamie's will and reserve were bolstered by the sound of Griff's horse. The animal that everyone had almost given up on finding alive. The boy kicked back, catching Issac's shin then stomped down hard on his foot before ducking out from from his captor's loosened hold. He grabbed a handful of dirt and tossed it into the criminal's face.

When the loose grains of sand made contact with Issac's blistered lips, he let out a scream of agony and automatically released the boy.

Finding the opening he needed, Adam rushed forward and tackled Issac to the ground but the momentum carried them over the edge of the steep precipice overlooking the gorge where Hoss stood horrified.

"Adam!" Ben yelled.