August 30th 1848

It's never that simple is it. They were back within two days. Mr Cartwright and the lady took a long walk while the young man sat in the chair by the fire scowling at all of us. They came back an hour later, looking as though they had gotten a lot sorted out. She was dabbing at her eyes as she told Marvin to go with Mr Cartwright. As if he would have the plumb sense to go under his own steam, it took Ben and two ranch hands to get that boy out the front door. He hollered and kicked as if he was going to the gallows. Little Joe looked on fearfully with questioning eyes. I glared at Adam, giving him a stern look that told if I saw one dimple he was in a world of trouble. But really Marvin sure did make a scene. I don't agree with that kind of punishment but Marvin is out of control. He got a leg free and kicked one of the ranch hands in the face as they brought him through the house. Such a scene.

By the time Mr Cartwright was done and returned to the house Mrs Cuthbert was hysterical. We all sat in silence as Mr Cartwright did his best to quite her convulsions, finally she began to calm and Mr Cartwright brought her to sit and handed her a brandy. All the time soothing her with soft spoken words as he rubbed up and down her arm.

The door burst open suddenly and Marvin hobbled in, his face wet with tears.

" Mother I have red streak marks on my hind quarters by his hand. I've had enough. I'm leaving."

With that, he headed out, or hobbled out as if he'd never walk straight again. She wailed his name as she got to her feet. Mr Cartwright tried to hold her back but she ran to the door calling his name as he galloped off on one of the Ponderosa horses. She ran out to the yard with Mr Cartwright fallowing behind. We listened as they quickly ordered the buggy. Soon they were away after the poor afflicted wretch. Silence prevailed in the house and I let out a cleansing sigh as I went to close the door.

It was then that the boys erupted laughing.

Hoss clung to his chair yelling in a high pitched voice "no please don't whoop my little bottom," as Adam pretended to pull him towards the door saying "take your medicine boy, and none of that hollerin like a girl."

Little Joe nearly fell off his chair laughing.

I was stern with the boys and told them to hush up, it ain't right laughing at another's misfortune. I don't much like Marvin but I hoped they'd find him before he did himself a mischief. Adam was the first to comply, he fetched the bucket from the fire place and went to get some wood. Hoss went to start laying the table for dinner.

It's been hours. We've had dinner now and still no sign of Mr Cartwright or the boy. I'm starting to worry. I hope he's alright. He was probably never punished in his life. Perhaps Mr Cartwright should have let him off with a warning first.

Later.

It was past nine o clock and no sign of anyone. Little Joe was up in bed and I was just about to tell Hoss to join him when there was a loud banging on the door. I was sure it was the sheriff come to see if the boy had returned. I opened the door and four men pushed their way in. I immediately ran and pulled Hoss to me asking them what they wanted. Hop Sing and Adam rushed from the kitchen. I covered my face as they brutalised Hop Sing knocking him to the ground. One of the gunslingers took hold of Adam, he struggled but he was no match for the large man.

Another walked up right to Adams face.

"Where's my gun boy," he growled.

I stepped up, still holding on to Hoss.

"There's guns a plenty in the rack, and bullets, take all you want. Please, leave us in peace." I pleaded with them.

"Tell them nothing." Adam said.

The villain back handed Adam across the face, and punched him in the stomach. Adam slowly straightened up. He tried to be brave but you could see he was visibly shaken.

"I ain't askin ye again boy, where's my gun?"

I gave Hoss a gentle push in the direction of the fire place and went to the men.

"Please," I smiled, "you can see he's just a boy, not worth your time. Why don't I get you men some brandy and tobacco. We have the finest."

As I spoke I gently took Adam from the other mans grip.

"Don't give em no Brandy"

"Be quiet Adam," I snapped as I led him to stand with Hoss.

The men laughed, an awful sound.

I bid them come sit as with shaky hands I poured brandy into four glasses. Adam took hold of Hoss and went to stand by his fathers desk.

The men downed the brandy in one and took the decanter from me.

They were starting to relax and thankfully we had a good supply of brandy. I was planning on getting them drunk enough to sleep.

"So where you from." I asked them.

"Just around." Their leader shrugged.

"We don't want no trouble, we just want my shooter. That brat over there took it."

~o~

The man glanced over at Adam as he spoke. But then he launched himself from his seat and was across the room in three strides. Adam shut the drawer just before he was smacked over his fathers desk. The others pulled Adam to his feet as the leader checked the desk drawer.

"Is this what you were looking for?" The man took the gun from the drawer.

He clicked the gun and held it to Adams face.

"Where's my gun boy," he snarled, holding the weapon to Adams right temple.

"Go ta hell." Adam told them.

"Adam hush up," I wailed desperately.

"You listen to your momma boy, now give me my gun and we'll be on our way."

"What gun," I asked "we don't know nothin about a gun. Please, you're hurting him."

"He was in town tonight, took my gun from the table when I went to get a drink and galloped off back here, ain't that right boy."

Hoss spoke up. "That wasn't him, that must have been Marvin. You've got the wrong man."

Hoss spoke with relief as he realised their mistake but one of them grabbed his shirt front making him yelp.

"Nobody asked you a damned thing piglet." He hissed dangerously.

Hoss nodded nervously, his eyes blinking rapidly.

"Now we is gonna stay right here until this brat gives me back my gun," their leader shouted as he shot ornaments off the mantle piece, scattering glass everywhere.

Suddenly they all froze as a mild thump could be heard upstairs. Three of them drew their weapons and raced up the stairs knowing that there was someone else in the house. I tried to follow but the villain holding Adam turned the gun on me.

"Please there's a little boy upstairs, that's all. He's just a little boy."