The Plan and the Search
At the Ponderosa everyone had gather to discuss where to look for the young girl. The Cartwright's and Roy stood on the front porch looking over the men from town and the Cartwright's hands.
"Alright men you all know that Amelia is injured but we don't know how severe it is so be cautious especially if you locate her. We don't know who has her or how many there are" said Roy.
The men shook their heads understandingly. "I just wanted to express my sincere and deepest gratitude for all of you. Amy daughter would be thankful too" said Ben full of emotion and appreciation.
"You don't need to thank us Ben we all love that little girl of yours and we'll do everything we can to bring her back to you and your boys" said Sam the Saloon bartender.
"Alright the Cartwright's and their hands will search the Ponderosa while the rest of us search everywhere else. If you find her single the others by shooting five shots. We'll all meet back here at sundown" said Roy.
Once the men had broken in teams of two they set off. Ben turns to his sons and their men. "Joe you and Mitch search the east pasture and check the abandon cabins and the line shacks; anywhere that they could hide her" instructed Ben.
He walks over to his son and puts a hand on his shoulder. "Joseph I know that you're worry about your sister but you need to keep your temper under control and don't go flying off the handle. If you find her bring her home and don't go looking for revenge. Is that clear?" asked Ben sternly.
He knew how his youngest son was with his temper and how protected he was of his sister. He knew that the boy would regret it if he did anything to avenge what happen to his sister.
"Yes sir" said Joe obediently. Ben smiles and pulls his son into an embrace. "I love you, son" said Ben. "I love you too Pa" said Joe.
They pull away from each other and Joe walks over to where Mitch and his horse were. Ben turns to Hoss and Adam.
"And that goes for the both of you is that understood?" asked Ben. "Don't worry Pa we won't go looking for trouble" assured Hoss.
Ben hugs both of his sons. "I love you boys" he said full of emotion. "We know Pa" assured Adam. "We love you too" Hoss added as they pulled away.
Meanwhile...
Amelia was trying to get her hands free but the rope was tied too tight. One of Snyder's men Tom Brooks walks in and takes the gagged out of her mouth.
Once Amelia was able to move her mouth she looks up at the man. "I...need to use...the outhouse" She said her voice was raspy. "Alright" replied Brooks annoyed.
He unties her and helps her up. He helps her to the door and out of the cramped cabin. "I can walk to the outhouse myself" insisted Amelia.
"Shoot yourself but I'll be watching you" warned Brooks sternly. Amelia nods and limps out across the yard to where the outhouse was.
Amelia turns to look at the creepy cabin. Seeing that she wasn't being watch Amelia decides to make a run for it and tries to escape.
The men in the small cabin saw what Amelia was trying to do and they run out after her and tackle her to the ground. Snyder walks over where his men had Amelia pinned down.
He pulls out a syringe from his jacket pocket and injects it to Amelia's arm. In a matter of minutes Amelia passes out unconsciously.