Chapter 5

Little Joe was pacing back and forth in the living room hoping that Adam had found Amelia and that she was alright.

Hoss was sitting on the coffee table cleaning his gun while Ben was sitting on his blue chair watching Joe nervously pacing.

"Joe relax I'm sure Adam is on his way home with her" said Ben trying to ease his son's nerves as well as his own but kept sensing something was wrong.

Adam walks in without Amelia. "Did you find her?" asked Joe anxiously. Adam shakes his head. "She wasn't there Pa. Josh said that he rode with her up to the fork then went their separate ways" said Adam.

"I don't like this. Adam round up the hands; Joe got in the barn saddle up our horses get the lanterns in the tack shed. Hoss run into town and get Clem" ordered Ben. The boys immediately went out to do as they were told.

Moments later they were all out searching for Amelia.

Adam and Hoss were out in the woods and have hoof prints in the dirt. Hoss dismounts off his horse to get a closer look.

Then he looks up at Adam. "They're Amelia's she was here" stated Hoss relieved that they had found something but his relief soon turn to fear wondering what had happen to her.

Amelia comes to and looks around in confusion. She gets up and started to walk. She saw two shadowy figures on horses with lanterns and walks over to them.

Adam and Hoss heard something moving in the bushes and draw their guns. They saw a figure coming toward them once Adam held out his lantern they were stunned to see it was Amelia.

Adam and Hoss withdraw their guns as Adam mounts off his horse and quickly walks over to their shaken sister. "Amelia baby are you alright? What happen?" asked Hoss frantically concern.

Amelia stood there frozen in shock. She looks up at Adam and Hoss; her brothers, her protectors. She was beholden to see them but was afraid that they weren't pleased to see her thinking that they had found out what happen to her.

Without any warning a shaken vulnerable Amelia starts to cry and runs over to Adam and hugs him. Adam twinge looking up at Hoss as he knelt down to comfort their trembling sister. "Let's get her home" said Adam as he tries to console her.

Once she has calmed down Adam lifts her up in his arms and mounts her on his horse then climbs on behind her. Putting one hand around her and the other on the reins and started for home with Hoss riding beside them.

Ben and Little Joe had come home after searching for Amelia unsuccessfully. They were sitting by the fireplace apprehensively waiting for Hoss and Adam to get back hoping with Amelia.

"I hope they found her" said Joe praying. He was sitting on the coffee table his back turned to the fireplace staring at the door. "I hope so" replied Ben touching his lips with his finger thoughtfully wondering what became of his beloved daughter and if his sons founded her.

"I wonder what happen to her after leaving Josh" said Joe. "I don't know I just hope nothing terrible had happen" said Ben. They heard a horse riding in. Ben and Joe exchange anxious looks before getting up and walk to the door.

Ben opens it and saw Adam walking toward his carrying someone. "Adam" exclaimed Ben. Adam walks past his father and into the house carrying Amelia in his arms.

Joe looks down and notices the scratches and bruises that cover his cherished beatific sister's faced and looks up at Adam concerned. "Adam what happened?" asked Joe petrified.

"Hoss and I found her in the woods. She passed out on the way here. I sent Hoss to get the doctor and Clem" explained Adam calmly. "Better get her up to her room she's burning up" said Ben as he felt Amelia's forehead. Adam dashes up the stairs with Ben and Little Joe following.