Early morning at the Ponderosa, Ben Cartwright made his way down stairs. Pour a cup of coffee, he sat at the dinning table. His heart constricted when he looked at the empty chairs around him. Though one of the seats would be filled soon, he deeply missed his two other sons. Adam and Little Joe were overdue and he resolved that if they weren't home tonight then he would venture out after them
"Mornin' Pa" his middle son bellowed as he moved down the staircase. He too was worried about his brothers. Everyone knew about the friction between the youngest and oldest Cartwright boys. "Pa you think Adam and Lil Joe be home by tonight?" He couldn't help notice his father's worried look but was certain it was reflected through his own eyes as well.
"If they're not home by tonight we'll head out tomorrow morning after them."
Hoss smiled at his father's suggestion, than helped himself to a large portion of Hop Sing's flapjacks. They lost themselves in thoughts and worry while thy finished breakfast. A knock on the door quickly brought their thoughts to less worrying things. Hoss got up and opened the door to find Bobby, one of their ranch hands. Hoss felt his father's presence come up behind him.
"Mr.Cartwright your boy's horses just ran into the yard." Ben and Hoss exchanged a quick worried look. Bobby continued without slowing down, "Adam's horse didn't have no saddle, but Joe's did and it had a note attached to it." Handing the note to Ben, Bobby added "we bedded the horses down they were pretty worked up." Ben barely heard a word after he was handed the letter, to engrossed in Adam's meticulous writing. Finishing the letter he looked up to Hoss, "Hitch up the wagon and saddle Buck." Turning to Bobby Ben addressed him "Ride quick for the Doc, tell him Joe's very sick and injured." Ben said a silent prayer for his sons and headed off to help Hoss and head out.
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Sorry so short but I'll have more up later today:)