Second Attempt
After lunch the Cartwright's rode out to the North Pasture to move cattle to the Middle Pasture.
Nearby hiding behind some rocks was Carter watching them holding a shotgun getting ready for his attack on the Cartwright's.
"Let's call it a day" called Ben. "Sounds good Pa" said Joe. "Hopefully we can get home before supper. I'm hungry" said Hoss.
"I hope Hopsing cook enough food so Hoss won't eat it all" teased Amelia. Adam and Joe laugh.
Carter aims his gun and shoots at the ground near Amelia's horse's hooves. The boys and Ben heard the gunshot and saw Amelia's horse jump knocking Amelia off.
Amelia's foot was caught in the strap and her horse runs away spooked dragging her across the ground.
Ben and the boys watch helplessly and ride after her. While being dragged Amelia is able to get her foot uncaught and rolls down a grassy hill. Ben and the boys rode up to the hill.
They mount off their horses when they saw her lying on the grass not moving. They run down the hill to her. Hoss was the first to reach her. He gently turns her over onto her back.
He looks her over and was relieve to find that she didn't have any broken bones. Though her dress was covered in dirt and dusts her face and arms hard dirt on them and a few scratches.
Ben turns to Joe. "Joe you better get your horse ready for her" said Ben. "Yes sir" said Joe he quickly walks up the hill.
Adam turns to Ben. "I wonder who shot the gun" said Adam. "I don't know but it's plain to see that whoever it was knew who their target was" said Ben. "Second attempt" said Adam. "And it would the last attempt if I have any say about it" said Ben angry.
Hoss lifts Amelia up in his arms and carries her up to the hill with Ben and Adam close behind. Once on top on the hill Joe helps him put her on Cochise and then mounts on putting one hand around to hold her and the other gripping the reins.
Adam, Hoss and Ben mount on their horses and they rode away. Shortly after they arrived at the house Joe mounts off his horse then helps Amelia down. She was still unconscious which worried the four men.
Joe carries her into the house and lies her down on the settee. Adam walks in the kitchen and gets a bowl of water and a cloth. He walks back in the living room and places the bowl on the table next to where Ben was sitting beside his daughter.
He soaks the cloth and gently and dabbles it on her forehead.
Amelia slowly comes to and looks up at the relief and worried faces of her father and brothers. "What happen?" asked Amelia fogged as she rubs her forehead.
"There was a gunshot and your horse was spooked" said Ben. "You rolled down a hill" added Hoss.
"No wonder why I'm dizzy" said Amelia. The boys and Ben chuckled at that. Amelia slowly sits up on the settee and looks at them.
"Any idea who shot the gun?" asked Amelia. Ben and the boys exchange glances. They suspected that it was Carter but didn't want to tell her that afraid that she get upset.
"We don't know but don't worry we're gonna notify Roy about it" said Ben reassuringly. "Don't bother" retorted Amelia. "Why not he's the sheriff?" asked Joe confused.
"Because I know who did it and ya'll tell Roy he's gonna ask for proof just like he did for the wagon accident" said Amelia her temper rising. "Who do you think did it shortcake?" asked Adam.
"John Carter! Who else would want to see me dead? It's not like I have a lot of enemies" snapped Amelia frustrated. She looks up at Adam's surprise look on his face. "Sorry Adam I'm just frustrated" apologized Amelia sincerely.
"Amelia we understand that you're frustrated but we need to report this to Roy" said Ben. "Ok" said Amelia giving her father a small smile.
Ben sits beside her and hugs her. "Don't worry darling everything is gonna be fine" said Ben kissing her on the forehead. He gets up just as the boys walked toward the door.
"We'll be back soon and if you need anything Hopsing is around" said Ben. "Be careful" said Amelia. "I will" assured Ben.
"I know you will Pa but I was saying that for my hotheaded stubborn brothers" teased Amelia. Ben laughs. "Don't worry I'll make sure they get the message" joked Ben as he walks out the door.