Summary:  This story branches off from the Episode entitled “Between Heaven and Earth.” In that episode Ben mentions to Joe that he had a scary experience when he was five years old at Eagle’s Nest. This story is about that experience and what made Joe afraid of heights.

Rating:  G  (6,400 words)

Camping at Eagle’s Nest

Ben Cartwright lifted his five year old son up onto his trusty horse, Buck. Grabbing the saddle horn, he quickly propelled himself into position behind him. The boy wriggled in excitement then grabbed eagerly for the reins. Ben gently reached around and rested his hands on top of his son’s tiny fingers, assisting them as they carefully tried to position themselves onto the leather strap.

“Did I do it right this time, Pa?” Little Joe questioned as he looked over his shoulder at his father.

“You most certainly did, Joseph. I must say you are a quick learner.” Little Joe’s face lit up into a broad smile that almost instantly turned into a frown. His eyes carefully looked towards the barn.

“What’s taking them so long, Pa? I want to get going while there’s still enough daylight left.”

Ben couldn’t help but chuckle at Joe’s use of words, obviously mimicking a grown up statement he had recently heard.

“They’ll be ready in a minute, son. Your brothers have to make sure the animals have plenty of food while we’re gone on our little camping trip.”

Adam and Hoss suddenly appeared with their horses in tow. Joe’s face once again wore that broad smile.

Ben gazed down at Joe and grinned. “Now see, that didn’t take too long and the sun has barely peaked over the horizon.”

Little Joe paid no mind to his father’s comment. He was the most impatient of all the Cartwright boys and shouted out towards his brothers, “C’mon Adam and Hoss. I want to get going.”

Adam said nothing, but paused to take a majestic bow towards his little brother as if to say, “Yes, Sire.”

Hoss smirked at his brother’s antics.

The two climbed aboard their horses and the family set off on their camping trip. A trip they had been looking forward to for the past month.

As they rode out of the yard, Ben’s mind drifted to the real reasons for this sudden camping excursion. Adam had just turned seventeen and would be leaving for college in another year. Ben knew his son’s mind was filled with reservations. He felt an obligation to his father and family, yet the desire for learning and knowledge was greater. The guilt of having to choose one over the other was weighing heavily on Adam’s mind and Ben knew he needed reassurance.

Then there was Hoss and Little Joe who both seemed lost without their mother. She had died less than a year ago during a riding accident. Ben felt this camping trip was an opportunity for him to once again resume his fatherly duties. He himself had been wrapped up in ranch work the past few months as a means to deal with his own grief, and had not paid much attention to the three most important people in his life. Yes, they all needed time…. time together…time to enjoy one another…and time to talk things over. Ben hoped this camping trip would give them that time.

Suddenly, Ben’s thoughts were interrupted by Joe’s exuberant voice yelling, “Look at the deer, Pa… Look at the deer!” At the sound of the youngster’s voice the animal raised its antlers high and stood rigid. Within an instant it bolted for the woods and vanished.

Adam smirked and sarcastically said, “Well, I’d say we have a ways to go before any hunting trips.”

Both Hoss and Ben laughed. Joe smiled up at Adam and laughed, too, not knowing exactly what was so humorous. He then turned his attention towards his father’s horse and shouted, “Giddy up, Buck. Giddy up.”

The gentle horse turned his head slightly, analyzing for a brief moment his front rider. It wasn’t the command he was used to following, but decided to humor the young man aboard and do as he wished.

“Giddy up, Buck. Giddy up.” Joe shouted once more as they all headed towards the now bright red, glowing horizon.

At that moment, everything seemed perfect and peaceful. Little did they know, however, what soon lay in store.

 

By mid morning, the foursome was nearing their favorite camping spot.
Little Joe was full of energy and beginning to fidget in the saddle. He had certainly kept his family on their toes since leaving the Ponderosa; asking question after question about anything his eager mind fell upon. They had all taken turns keeping him preoccupied along the trail. Ben pointed out landmarks and told stories about how they were named. Adam and Hoss took turns playing “I spy” games. Joe chattered away about anything that came to mind. The boy was certainly full of energy and thrived on all the attention given to him.

By the time they reached a popular watering hole, Joe’s family was a little weary. Ben and Adam were realizing what they had forgotten and Hoss was quickly learning what it was like to take a five year old on his first camping trip. The four dismounted and as soon as Little Joe’s feet hit the ground he was off like lightening, running after a rabbit that darted out from the nearby woods.

“Joseph!” Ben sharply bellowed after his son.

“I’ll get him, Pa,” Adam quickly stated. Then he swiftly ran after his little brother. It didn’t take long for Adam’s long strides to overcome Joe’s. He scooped up Joe from behind and slung him over his shoulder like a sack of potatoes.

“I want to catch the rabbit, Adam,” Joe whined as he tried to wriggle out of his brother’s strong hold.

“You’re going to catch something else in a minute if you don’t mind,” Adam sternly remarked. He then placed Joe on the ground in front of his father.

Ben Cartwright stood with his hands on his waist staring down at his young son. Joe looked up with a huge grin. “Did you see the rabbit, Pa?” He questioned. Ben’s face remained unchanged. The grin slowly removed itself from the boy’s face like melted butter. Joe speedily hung his head.

“I’m sorry, Pa. I just wanted to see the rabbit.” The boy’s lower lip protruded out and a few sniffles followed.

Ben lowered himself to one knee and gently grabbed hold of Joe’s shoulders. This action forced Joe to look directly into his father’s eyes.

“Joseph, I know you’re excited about this trip and you meant no harm, but remember the rules we discussed before leaving the ranch?”

Joe just nodded. Then his eyes found the ground once more.

“What rule did you just break, young man?” Ben was unrelenting.

“I’m not supposed to run off without someone with me.” Joe stated. There was a long pause and then Little Joe added, “I’m sorry Pa. I won’t do it again. I promise.”

Joe then flashed what was becoming known by his brothers as “The Puppy Dog Eye” look. Hoss and Adam both rolled their eyes at the sight for they knew that it would melt their father’s heart and soften the moment in Joe’s favor.

“Apology accepted, son… this time.” Ben stated. The grin instantly returned to Little Joe’s face. “But, young man, remember also the consequences we discussed should this happen again.”

Joe simply answered with a “Yes, Pa.” Then he quickly added, “Can Adam and I go look for that rabbit now?”

Ben’s eyes glanced over at Adam, who was trying to hide a smirk ever present on his face. Turning his eyes back to his youngest he then answered, “Well, that all depends if your brother feels like chasing rabbits right now.”

Joe instantly turned towards Adam with a simple, “Please,” which was accompanied by the now infamous “Puppy Dog Eye” look. Adam would never admit it, but he knew deep down that expression worked just as well on him as it did on his father.

After a long pause, he uttered, “Well….I guess it wouldn’t hurt to look over in the direction he was headed.”

Adam then reached his hand out for Joe and the boy accepted. Ben and Hoss watched the two walk away together and then Ben turned his attention to Hoss. “Well, we best get our horses watered and rest up a bit. The sun will be at its hottest soon and we have barren land ahead.”

“How much further is it, Pa?” Hoss questioned.

“We should reach the other side of Eagle’s Nest just before sunset. That will give us enough time to set up camp and get situated.” Ben glanced over towards the woods and noticed Joe and Adam scurrying around after the aforementioned rabbit.

“I hope that little adventure quiets your brother down a tad,” Ben stated matter-of-factly.

Hoss snickered.

“Well, it might do that, Pa. But the way I figure it… it’ll probably wind him up like a spinning top.”

Ben laughed as he affectionately put his arm around his son.

“However true, Hoss…However true. We’ll just have to weather the storm, then, until our top becomes unwound.”

The two shared a laugh as they led their horses to the water.

 

The sun slowly ascended to its peak and then began its decent once more. Little Joe’s energy level mimicked the same pattern. By the time they neared Eagle’s Nest the boy was starting to fall asleep in the saddle. That left his family the opportunity to enjoy the solitude of the last mile. They rode in silence, no words were spoken, yet Ben could sense their inner enjoyment.

They arrived at their camping spot just as the sun began to disappear over the horizon. Adam built a warm campfire and soon all four Cartwrights were enjoying an ample supper of beans and bread.

Hoss sat on his father’s right, thoroughly enjoying the comfort of his close proximity. Joe sat to Ben’s left nestled comfortably in the nook of his father’s arm; Adam sat across from them all. Ben studied each of his sons carefully. It had been months since he had spent this much time with them. Inside there was a sense of guilt and knowingness that he had been selfish. Yet, his feeling of failure paled in comparison to his desire to make things right again. He could tell that both Joe and Hoss just relished in his presence. They needed reassurance to ease their own fear: the fear that he might be taken away from them as well.

But, Adam… Ben could tell he was beating himself up inside. The timing of his departure and the uncertainty of whether he made the right decision to leave was weighing heavily on his mind. He, too, needed reassurance. Reassurance that he had made the right decision, reassurance that his father was not upset with his decision, and reassurance that he was not deserting his family to go after just a personal whim of his own.

Ben looked down at Joe who was fast asleep in his arms. Hoss was fighting back slumber himself.

“Hoss, why don’t you take your brother and settle in for the night. We’ll be getting up early to head for our favorite fishing spot.”

Hoss let out a huge yawn and then answered, “Yes, Pa.” He arose and walked over to Joe giving him a slight shake.

“C’mon Joe, it’s time for bed.” Joe slowly opened his eyes and repositioned himself in his father’s arm.

“I don’t want to go to bed. I’m not sleepy, yet,” he groggily answered. This brought a wave of laughter from his family.

“Well, I beg to differ on that, young man,” Ben stated. “Now you go with your brother.” He then helped the boy to his feet and gave him a kiss on the cheek. “Goodnight, son,” he simply added.

Hoss grabbed his brother’s hand and said his goodnights as well. Ben and Adam watched the two walk out of the campfire light and disappear into the darkness.

There was silence for some moments. Adam knew that his brothers were sent to bed because his father wanted to talk. Yet, in Adam’s mind there really wasn’t anything left to say. Everything was in place and he’d be leaving his family within a year. His mind reflected back to the very day he told his father of his decision. He remembered the solemn look and read the sadness in his eyes. Yet, his father stood tall. Adam would never forget his words that day. “I’m proud of you, son. I will always be proud of you no matter what road you choose to take. I will write to your grandfather immediately to make arrangements.” Then, with a simple pat to his back, his father swiftly left the room.

“Adam.” Ben Cartwright’s voice broke his trend of thought. He looked over at his father sitting across the campfire. “Pa…I’ve been thinking…”

“Yes, you’ve been doing a lot of thinking lately, haven’t you?” His father interrupted. Adam averted his eyes before starting his statement again. “I’ve been thinking that maybe…”

Again Ben Cartwright interrupted, “That maybe you should stay right here…your family needs you… your father needs you….it’s the wrong time to go.”

Adam’s eyes returned a wide gaze. He was stunned to hear his very thoughts being spoken from his father’s lips.

“Adam, you can’t become what you need to be by remaining where you are. You have a desire for higher learning. You made a decision; a decision that you must hold on to…regardless. Remember it is your life you are leading; your wants, your cares, your needs. Not the needs of others.”

Adam nodded slightly as he digested his father’s words. Then a sly smile crept upon his face.

“So what I think you are trying to tell me could be summed up in the words of the French Emperor Napoleon Bonaparte, ‘Take time to deliberate, but when the time for action has arrived, stop thinking and go in?’”

Ben smirked. “Yes, it’s time to stop deliberating, Adam. Enjoy these moments we have together and look forward to what is ahead.”

“I’ll try, Pa.”

“That’s all a man is expected to do, Adam.”

The two sat for a few moments in silence.

“Well, I don’t know about you, but we best hit the hay ourselves. Those brothers of yours will certainly keep us on our toes the next few days.”

Adam smiled. “I sure hope Hoss doesn’t plan on going for a swim in the river like he did last time. He scared all the fish away and we liked to have starved to death.”

The two chuckled at the memory. Then they arose together and headed for their bedrolls.

 

The next morning Little Joe was the first to rise. He instantly walked over towards a nearby tree to take care of what was necessary. The air was still and the sky was pink and Little Joe could sense the excitement of the day building.

Suddenly, there was movement in the woods. Something was down by the river’s bank. Little Joe stood perfectly still, hoping to see it again. A moment later his wish was granted. This time he could decipher that it was brown, but it was mostly camouflaged by the surrounding brush. He automatically started walking towards it but stopped suddenly as his mind remembered his father’s words from yesterday.

He carefully glanced back at the three sleeping mounds of his family and decided that there was no need to wake them. He’d be back into camp before anyone knew what had happened. Without any further thought, Joe turned his attention back towards the river.

When Joe’s feet sunk down into the soft river bank, he could see what had drawn his attention. An eagle with its foot entwined in some rope. The rope was wrapped around a slightly wedged log that was floating in the water. The bird was pecking at the rope and fluttering its wings trying to fly away. Joe instantly ran towards the bird wanting to help.

“Hold still,” he commanded. The majestic creature complied simply because he hadn’t enough energy left in him to fight. By now, Joe was standing knee deep in the current. It wasn’t a strong current, but to a five year old the pressure on his legs made it hard to remain upright. He used the log to steady himself and reached over the top to pull on the string. The bird had pecked away a weak spot in the fibers. Joe gave one good yank and the rope instantly gave way. This surprised Joe and he fell hard against the log. The force was just enough to free it from the bank. The bird wasted little time and instantly flew to freedom, leaving his rescuer clinging desperately to the floating wood that was now headed downstream.

 

Adam was the first to awake. He slowly stood up and stretched tall, trying to relieve the stiffness from sleeping on the ground. Then he built up the fire and set the coffee pot on to warm. The sky was bright blue and the morning sun beat down on his back, warming him. It was a perfect day for fishing that was for sure.

Ben was the next to rise. He sat up in his bed role and surveyed the area. He was inwardly surprised at how well he had slept and he felt refreshed and ready to take on the new day. He arose and joined Adam by the fire.

Adam greeted him with a simple, “Morning, Pa,” as he handed him a cup of now hot coffee. Ben accepted and slowly began sipping the hot beverage.
A few moments later, Hoss walked sleepily over to them.

“Morning, Pa,” he stated. Both Adam and Ben returned his greeting with a simple head nod. “Where’s Joe?”

Ben and Adam could not have been any less prepared for that question. They shot each other a glance and then turned to the boy’s bedroll in disbelief.

“That boy!” Ben muttered under his breath. “Just wait until I get my hands on him.” Ben threw the remainder of his coffee into the fire and arose abruptly.

“Joseph! Joseph Francis Cartwright! You get over here right now.”

Hoss’s expression showed instant concern. “You don’t think he’s playing Hide and Seek with us again, do you, Pa?”

“Well, if he is,” Adam responded. “I’ll be more than obliged to teach him another version of that game… Seek and HIDE.”
He arose in a flash and headed off towards the woods announcing, “I’ll check down by the river, Pa.”

Ben and Hoss then set off in alternative directions. Five minutes later, they heard Adam calling, “Pa come quick!”

Their hearts skipped a beat as they responded to Adam’s cry. Ben found him squatted down in the river bank, eyes glued downstream.

“What is it, Adam?” he asked, completely out of breath. Adam bowed his head and held up something in his right hand. Just then, Hoss came bounding out from the woods. He stopped dead in his tracks when he saw what his brother was holding. Little Joe’s right boot, wet and muddied.

“It was floating in the water…” Adam’s voice was barely above a whisper.

The three stood in silence for what seemed like forever as anguish quickly replaced all anger. After a moment, Ben somehow found the means to speak.

“We best get the horses and head downstream… to see if we can find him.” Ben’s voice cracked on the last few words. He then turned hastily back towards camp.

Adam arose and walked over towards Hoss. Hoss had tears in his eyes and seemed frozen to the very spot he stood. “Ad…Adam.” He tried to communicate his feelings, but couldn’t. The tears started to cascade down his cheeks.

Adam knew no words could help his brother when fear enveloped him. He instinctively reached over and wrapped his arms tightly around him, holding his shaky body close to his own. There the two stood in communicable silence, seeking both comfort and strength from one another.

“Adam… Hoss…” Their father’s voice beckoned them to come. They turned towards camp and quietly walked back side by side.

 

Little Joe clung to that log with all his energy as it twisted and turned in the current. It was all he could do to stay on top. Occasionally his feet would slip into the water and he’d kick with all his might; something his brother Adam had been teaching him over the summer, as he had not yet learned to swim. The boy drifted down stream at least 2 miles if not more. He kept his eyes tightly shut as his fingers gouged into the bark of the tree.

“I’m sorry, Pa,” he kept repeating softly to himself over and over, “I’m sorry.”

Joe was hanging on for dear life. He felt his strength quickly diminishing. Just when the fight in him was about to give up and he could not hold on any longer, the log turned around a bend, wedging itself between a huge rock and the shore. The abrupt stop propelled Joe into the water. He went under.

Thank goodness the water was shallow and he was able to gather his footing and stand upright. Stunned, he just stood there, coughing and gasping for air. His body ached from the cold water and he used the last bit of strength he had to wobbly make his way to shore.

Joe fell down on the river bank exhausted. He was too scared to even cry. He crawled over to a nearby tree and propped his back up against it; bringing his knees under his chin and cupping his arms around his shins as a means of security. He shook uncontrollably from both the cold and the ordeal, never before feeling so alone and frightened.

Suddenly there was a shadow. Joe looked up to see an eagle soaring in the sky. He automatically assumed it was the eagle he had helped. It circled around and around above him as if trying to see if he was all right. Joe watched in amazement as it flew effortlessly above his head, obviously looking for dinner. Then, without warning it tipped its wing and headed east.

“Wait!” Joe shouted. “Don’t leave me…. please don’t leave me.” He quickly jumped to his feet and began to follow. That’s when he noticed he had only one boot… a boot that was filled with water. He quickly discarded it and continued barefoot after his new friend.

 

Ben, Hoss, and Adam rode quietly along the river’s edge. Their eyes focused on the water and the current. Their hearts skipped a beat at every blind turn, afraid of what would be found around the bend. There was nothing. The sun was beginning to rise in the sky and it was getting quite warm, yet the three lost souls continued on. Adam knew his father wouldn’t give up until he found him. He had witnessed that cold determine expression on his face many times before. His father would follow that river forever until he had definite proof his son had drown. Then what? What would happen to his family? Adam shuddered at the thought for deep down he knew none of them had the strength left to handle yet another loss.

Suddenly, Ben Cartwright stopped abruptly. “Adam.” He uttered only his son’s name, pointing to the soft riverbank in front of him. Adam quickly dismounted to take a closer look. Something had dragged itself out of the water. Adam followed the skid marks. Suddenly there was a tiny handprint. Adam couldn’t believe his eyes. “Pa. Look at this,” he simply stated.

Ben Cartwright dismounted and joined his son. The two stared down in disbelief. It was proof enough that Joe had made it out of the water. Ben looked up towards the sky with tears in his eyes and uttered a soft, “Thank you.”

Hoss jumped down and began looking around the area. He noticed something lying in the grass. “Look, Pa. I found the other boot.” He held it up with a huge grin. Ben walked over to take a closer look.

“Joseph!” He suddenly shouted. “Joseph. Can you hear me?”

The woods did not respond. Ben stood thinking for a moment. His son must have started walking, but which way? They were going to need more help to comb the area.

“Adam. I want you to head back into town and get Sheriff Coffee. Tell him to gather a few men together to help us search.”

Adam wasted no time returning to his mount.

“Get there as fast as you can but remember to be safe, son,” Ben warned.
Hoss and I will start looking from here. We’ll meet at Eagle’s Nest by nightfall. Fire your guns if anything is found before then.”

Adam answered with a simple, “Yes, Pa,” and rode off quickly on his task.

Ben then turned to Hoss. “Let’s water the horses and then backtrack. Your brother couldn’t have wandered off too far on foot.”

Hoss answered with a simple nod and then the two walked their horses over to the water.

 

Joe’s eyes remained skyward as he watched that eagle intensely. He followed it blindly as the sun began to rage in the sky. His clothes began to dry and his body began to warm. Soon he had reached the other extreme. He was hot and thirsty and his feet started to hurt from the rough terrain. The eagle never left his sight. At times it was a little speck in the distance. At others it was right overhead. Joe felt it was leading him somewhere. Yet, he did not know where.

As the day wore on, Joe began to tire. Each step took more effort than the last. His mind began to wander, yet he trudged diligently on towards the unknown. Finally, up ahead he recognized a familiar shape. It was the outline of what his Pa had called Eagle’s Nest the day prior. His father had pointed it out to him as they passed; explaining how eagles flocked to this very rock every year to build nests and bear young.

At the thought of his father, Joe suddenly stopped. His eyes lowered and for the first time he looked all around. Tears began to well in his eyes as he now realized the full extent of his predicament. “I want to go home…” He began to sob. “I want to go home.” The boy knew his father would be mad at him and his brother’s, too. Yet, he just wanted to be home again in the comfort of his family.

Little Joe dropped to his knees and curled up into a little ball, trying to find comfort. His body ached. The sun was intense and he was completely exhausted. He slowly closed his eyes and drifted off to sleep.

“Screech… Screech!”

Joe instantly flinched as he felt a sharp peck at his bare foot.

“Screech… Screech!”

“Ow! Stop that,” Joe exclaimed as he realized the eagle was pecking at his foot.

“Screech…Screech!” it replied. Then it gracefully flew up into the air once more.
It kept repeating its call, beckoning him to rise.

Joe was weak and found it hard to stand up, but that eagle kept on until he complied.

Soon the boy looked skyward once more and began to move towards Eagle’s Nest. Satisfied, the eagle took off in the same direction; leading his new found friend to what he called home.

The two reached the base of Eagle’s Nest by sundown. The eagle simply flew to the top crest and settled himself comfortably in his nest. Joe rested against the rock below. The air was beginning to chill and he was starting to shiver once more. He looked up at his friend’s home. “Can I come up and sleep with you?” he asked.

Once again the eagle called out to him. Joe took that as a yes, and found the inner strength to climb. His eyes were glued on the nest as he scaled up the side of that rock. He climbed and climbed without much thinking or feeling.
About three quarters of the way up, Joe’s foot suddenly slipped and he fell down a short distance to a slender platform below. The impact forced Joe’s eyes downward and his face instantly filled with terror. At that moment, he realized just how high up he was and how far down the ground seemed. Joe instantly closed his eyes to the sight and edged his way up against the rock. The tears began to fall uncontrollably. His whole body shuddered in fear. There he stayed, unmoving until he cried himself to sleep.

 

Ben and Hoss Cartwright were exhausted by the time they met up with the others at Eagle’s Nest. Nothing had turned up on their search and now daylight was quickly disappearing. They would have to set up camp for the night and start over again in the morning.

That night at the campfire Ben sat deep in thought. When he had seen that his boy had made it safely out of the water he figured there was hope, but now his hope was fading once more. The boy was only five and the thought of him tackling nature all by himself made his stomach turn flips. “How could he have wandered off so far?” he thought.

His thoughts were soon interrupted by the realization of someone sitting down beside him. It was Adam. Ben could feel the gentle pressure of their arms touching as he positioned himself right next to his father. The two sat in complete silence, both knowing that there was nothing that could be said that would ease their thoughts and apprehensions. Yet, they drew strength and comfort from the other’s presence. Together they provided one another with the reassurance needed to continue on and not give up hope. Hope that Joe had found refuge somewhere to survive a cold night in the wilderness and that their son and brother would be found alive in the morning.

 

It was a long night for Ben and Adam as they sat by that campfire unable to sleep. The morning came and just as soon as there was enough light, Ben woke everyone to get an early start. As the men readied themselves for the long day ahead, suddenly a piercing screech came from the sky.

All eyes looked upward as an eagle circled around above them and then flew towards Eagle’s Nest. It returned again, repeating the same action as if to encourage the men to follow. Ben noticed its flight pattern was precise and that it kept going to the same landing before returning again.

Roy approached Ben. “What do you make of that?” he questioned

Ben only shook his head, but his eyes remained on that landing high above them. “He must be protecting the babies,” He answered after some thought and averted his eyes back to the ground. “We best leave it be.”

“Pa! Look,” Hoss suddenly shouted. “There’s something up there. I saw it move and it ain’t no baby eagle neither.”

Ben stepped closer to the base for a better look. His son was right. There was something on that landing. But what? Ben felt a lump in his throat as the thought of it being Joe cascaded through his mind. It was hard to say whether his next action was out of instinct or desperation, but Ben began climbing, propelled by sheer desire and hope. Adam immediately began to follow, but Roy grabbed his arm. “Best wait, son. There’s no use in having all of us climbing up there until we know.”

Adam simply nodded and then focused his eyes on his father’s precarious journey unfolding overhead. Ben climbed rapidly towards the ledge. His heart was wildly beating. “Joseph?” He shouted. “Joseph, is that you?”
Little Joe opened his eyes at his father’s voice, but he was too weak to respond.

Ben moved closer and closer to his destination. Joe felt tears beginning to fall as he heard his father coming. Soon a hand appeared on the ledge followed by another and then his father raised himself up to peer over it.

“Joe!” He astonishingly whispered. “My boy.” Ben lifted himself up on the ledge and moved quickly towards him. Joe’s eyes opened wide as he huddled tightly to the side of the rock. Ben scooped him up into his arms and was surprised when the boy began to scream, “No, No… I’ll fall…I’ll fall…I’ll fall.”

“Shhhh, son.” Ben held the boy’s body tight to his own, cradling his head under his chin. He spoke gently and reassuringly. “It’s all right, son. I’m here now. You won’t fall… You won’t fall.” He held him close until the boy calmed down.

“I’m sorry, Pa….I’m sorry.” Little Joe sobbed.

“There will be time for that later, Joseph,” his father calmly stated. “Right now it is important to just get you home.”

Ben began to move the boy over towards the edge and this brought on another fit of terror. “I’ll fall… I’ll fall… I’ll fall,” Joe screamed and scrambled back to the wall of the rock, hunkering down into a little ball.

Ben studied his son for a few moments. He had to think of a way to calm him enough so that he could get him to safe ground. He edged close to his son and began speaking once more.

“Joseph, I know you’re scared and I promise you I won’t let anything happen to you. We have to leave here and there is only one way to do it. Adam and Hoss are waiting for us down on the ground. Don’t you want to see them?”

Joe nodded his head slightly at his father’s question.

Ben smiled. “All right then. I’ll tell you what we’re going to do. I want you to close your eyes Joseph. Close them tightly now.”

Ben waited until the boy did as he was asked.

“Good boy. Now let’s pretend. Let’s pretend that it’s your birthday and you’re sitting at the table with your eyes closed tightly. You’re waiting for me to give you the signal to open them so that you can see your big chocolate birthday cake and all your presents. But remember… no peeking, Joseph, until I tell you to, okay?”

Joe again nodded.

“I’m going to pick you up now Joseph and I want you to put your arms around my neck and your feet around my middle. Keep thinking about that cake and all those presents.”

Ben gently scooped his son up and positioned the boy on his back without incident.

“You know, I feel like singing to day, Joseph, How ‘bout we sing together your favorite song?”

Ben did not wait for a response and started the well known tune loud and joyfully.

“Old Dan Tucker was a fine old man
He washed his face in the frying pan
He combed his hair with a wagon wheel
And died of the toothache in his heel”

As Ben reached the chorus he heard Joe feebly start to sing along.

“Get out the way for old Dan Tucker
He’s too late to git his supper
Supper’s over and dishes washed
Nothing left but a piece of squash”

The two scaled down the rock rapidly voices raised in high chorus.

“Old Dan Tucker went to town
Riding a mule and leading a hound
Hound barked and mule jumped
Threw old Dan right over a stump”

When Ben’s foot hit the ground, he reached around and set Joseph on the ground. He gave the boy a kiss on his cheek and squeezed him tight. Then he knelt down and whispered into his ear.

“It’s okay, son. You can open your eyes now. You’re safe.” Joe slowly opened his eyes. There were his brothers waiting for him. Adam scooped him up in his arms and held him tightly as if never wanting to let go.

“You sure gave us a scare, Joe,” Hoss stated as he watched Adam carry his brother over to place him on his father’s horse. Joe said nothing. He knew he’d have some explaining to do and what would be in store for him later. But right now, it didn’t matter. He just wanted to get home.

Ben Approached Roy and extended his hand. Roy accepted and gave his friend a sturdy pat on his back.

“C’mon boys, we best get back to town. I’ll send the Doc out your way, Ben.” Roy and the others gathered their supplies and headed off.

Ben walked over and mounted behind his weary son. He stretched his strong arms around him. The boy was weak and barely able to hold himself up in the saddle. Ben knew Joe had a lesson to learn and in a short time he would be the one having to administer the consequences for his disobedience. Yet, he could also tell that Joe had gone through quite an ordeal and in reality had already received a harsh lesson in life.

Just then, Joe leaned forward trying to reach down to grab hold of the reins. Ben softly whispered, “Let me lead the way this time, Joseph. You lean back and rest. We have a long ways to go.”
Adam and Hoss gathered the rest of the supplies and mounted their horses. Ben, Adam, and Hoss extended their eyes upwards towards Eagles Nest, each saying their own silent prayer of thanks. Joe showed his impatience once more by opening his eyes and softly muttering, “Giddy up, Buck. Giddy up.”

Ben couldn’t help but let out a chuckle. “Yes, Buck,” He firmly stated. “Giddy Up.”

The horse slowly turned its head in disgust but once again complied with its riders’ request. Adam and Hoss laughed as the Cartwrights turned towards home.

High a top Eagle’s Nest a lone bird watched in silence. And then…

A familiar sound emanated from the highest peak. It was Joe’s friend bidding him a final farewell.

*** Lyrics to Old Dan Tucker taken from 1843 version of the song written by Daniel Decatur Emmett