Adam adjusted the sling that kept Guthrie tied to him, and paused to look back at the line of his brothers. They were almost to the corral that was their yearly base of operations during round up. It had been slow going. He had to keep Guthrie with him, and had used an old baby sling to keep him from falling off the horse. It was hot and uncomfortable, but at least Guthrie was happy. For whatever reason, since the day he was born, his youngest brother had loved to be with him. He wondered now if there wasn't some deeper reason why.

Both Evan and Daniel could ride pretty well. At eight, Daniel was determined to be as good a cowboy as his older brothers. Adam could almost laugh when he saw Daniel's determined face. Danny was stubborn, and Adam knew that even small as he was, he could count on him to carry out whatever directions Brian and Adam gave him.

Ford rode with Brian, and he was quite put out about it. He wanted to ride alone like his older brother Evan. Crane had explained patiently to him over and over that he couldn't ride his own pony until he was six - just like Dad had always said. Evan had thrown his own tantrum when Adam had told him, he couldn't bring his colt, Diablo. "He's mine!" Evan had said stomping his foot angrily.

How the hell did Mom manage all of us. Adam thought sighing. He had pictured them all loading up, getting on the horses and going. All the fussing and arguing had taken more than an hour.

"Diablo's still a colt." Adam had explained. "He's not ready yet. He's too young, even though you are old enough, alright? Just take the pony." He tried not to snap at his brothers who were still in shock, and liable to burst into tears at the oddest moments.

"Almost there." Brian said riding alongside him.

"Yeah, in record time." Adam said, surprised at the sound of anger in his voice. "But the wrong kind of record."

"Hey," Brian said. "This isn't going to be easy. You said that."

"You going to explain to me that things are hard, right now?" Adam said bitterly, and rode ahead, leaving Brian behind.

***7***

Usually, their father told stories around the campfire, and then they would all sing. They would sing late into the night. Songs that their mother wouldn't necessarily approve of, but their father explained that cowboys have to get away from the women and be men from time to time. Adam's favorite when he was little was all about a lonesome cowboy who roamed the west alone, his family murdered by outlaws. Just thinking of his father's rich voice singing the song pained him.

"Get to sleep." He said, his voice harsh. "We got lots of work in the morning."

"We ain't gonna sing?" Daniel asked. "We always sing."

"I don't feel like singing." Adam said looking at his little brother. "Do you?"

Daniel's eyes grew wide. "Well, no, I . . .it's Ford's first round up - and Evan's and Guthrie's." He looked down ashamed.

Crane moved and sat next to Daniel, putting his arm around him, he looked up and said, "C'mon Adam. We can sing one song - just for the little guys."

"Sure we can." Brian said. "What do you wanna sing?" But Adam rose and walked away from the fire out into the darkness.

***7***

Brian wiped his brow and looked down at Evan who rode beside him. "We'll just get those three stragglers, and then head back to the corral. You remember what to do, partner?"

"Yep." Evan said serious.

"We got this then, no problem." He looked at his little brother. "What's the most important thing?"

"Not to lose the cows?" He said.

"No, the most important thing is to be safe. We've got lots of cows, but only one Evan, right?"

Evan grinned at him.

"Take a drink of water." Brian told him and watched as he drank. "Okay, now, let's go."

Brian was glad that Adam had taken Crane with him. Daniel had stayed at the corral with Ford and Guthrie, checking through the stock that had already been brought in. Adam was so driven to complete round up, he was losing patience with his inexperienced brothers. Crane had been on many round-up's and was easily the smartest McFadden. He could catch on to just about anything, once it was explained to him. Hopefully, Adam wouldn't snap at him. Brian couldn't blame his older brother for struggling, but it was hard to watch him berate Daniel for not remembering the right kind of knot.

"You aren't a stupid kid. You should've remembered! I've showed you a million times. I can't do all the thinking for you!" Adam had said. Daniel had stood silent, nodding, with tears pooling in his brown eyes.

"I'm sorry, Adam." He had whispered.

"That's alright." Brian had said interrupting. "Go on, go fix it, okay, buddy?" He had patted Daniel on the shoulder as he passed by.

"Adam, he's just a kid." Brian had said. "You gotta lighten up, man. All of 'em are new, and they are pretty upset."

"Yeah, well, I'm just a kid too." He had said storming off.

Brian found Guthrie standing just outside the corral, a little too close to the cows hooves. He lifted him up into his arms.

"Hey, there buckaroo! You stay away from those cows, huh?" He kissed his brother's cheek.

"Kitty." Guthrie said.

"No, cows." Brian said carrying him over to where his younger brothers waited.

"You gotta keep an eye on him, Daniel. He could get hurt pretty quick."

"I'm sorry." Daniel sighed. "I got distracted. I was trying to make sure that water cooler was secure, but I . . .its really heavy, and I'm . . . I can't lift it." He looked down embarrassed.

"Oh, I got it, pal." Brian mussed Daniel's hair and put the water cooler up on it's stand. "No problem. You'll grow into that job, next time. Where's Adam?"

"They came back about an hour ago, but he said there were a couple more stragglers, he wanted to go after before super."

"It'll be dark soon." Brian said looking at the sky. "They should be back before you know it." He glanced at his brothers who all looked worried. "No biggie. C'mon, Daniel, show me what you and Ford got done."

He followed his younger brothers over to the corral, Guthrie still in his arms, but a nagging fear tugged at the corners of his brain. He hoped Adam was back soon. He didn't think he could take care of his brothers alone for very long. He would hate to have to go out and search in the dark for a missing brother. Who would be left to watch the little ones? He sighed deeply and longed for the comfort of his father, and even more for his mother's warm embrace. Swallowing down tears, he turned to Ford and said, "What did you help with partner?"