Chapter 8

After the prosecution had question Amelia the Judge decided to call for a brief recess. Ben, Hoss and Adam walk over to Joe.

“How you doing son?” asked Ben. “I’m ok Pa how is Amelia holding up?” asked Joe. “She scared that her testimony did you more harm than good” said Adam.

The Judge walks in and sits down. He bangs is hammer on top of his desk. “Court is back in session. Your witness counselor” said the Judge turning to Mr. Henson.

“The prosecution calls Joseph Francis Cartwright to the stand” said Mr. Henson. Joe walks over to the stand and sits down.

“Why did you beat Carl Simmons to death?” asked Mr. Henson. “I never beat him to death. Yes we fought but when I was leaving the Saloon he was getting up on his feet” said Joe.

“Why did you and Carl fight?” asked Mr. Henson. “I caught him cheating during our poker game. I call him out on it and the next thing I knew we were fighting” said Joe.

“Why did you hit your sister?” asked Mr. Henson. “I didn’t mean to hurt her it was an accident” said Joe defensively.

“I have no more questions your honor” said Mr. Henson looking at the judge. The Judge turns to Joe’s defense lawyer Mr. Crawford. “I have no questions your honor” said Mr. Crawford.

“Very well you may step down Mr. Cartwright. We will reconvene tomorrow morning at eight. Court is adjourned” said the Judge banging his mallet.

Everyone exits the courtroom. Ben and the boys walk Joe to the Sheriff’s office with Roy.  Roy locks Joe back up in his cell.

“That wasn’t so bad for the first day Joe. It would get better” assured Ben. “I know Pa but I can’t help worrying about Amelia. She seemed so fragile when she was on the stand” said Joe deeply concerned.

“I wouldn’t worry about Amelia, Joe. She’ll be alright. She’s a strong girl after all” reassured Hoss.

“I hate that I can’t see her let her know that everything would be ok” said Joe frustrated. “She hates it too” said Adam.

“We’ll do our best to assure her that you’re not angry with her but that’s all we can do. She needs to hear it from you” said Adam.

He turns to Ben. “Can you let her know that she did a fine job on the stand and that I love her” said Joe. “Sure” said Ben. They said goodbye to Joe and walks out of the office.