Summary:  The bond between brothers and a boy and a horse.  Set on Adam’s return from college. The first story I wrote of the adventures of the Cartwrights.
Rating:  G  (43,575 words)

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SPECIAL BOND

 

CHAPTER 1

 

The afternoon sun streamed through the classroom windows making patterns on the desks. It was a very hot July day and one week from the start of the summer vacation.  This combination did not make for an attentive class.  Towards the back of the room two boys had given up on the struggle to learn, both were twelve years old and both had a strong dislike of school, particularly on a day like today.  The fairer of the two had his head bent over a notebook and to the casual observer appeared to be taking notes of the lesson.  The other slightly smaller and darker was daydreaming and making no pretence of listening to the teacher.

Joe wished he was by the lake or in the mountains, in fact anywhere but at his desk. The lesson was history and, not for the first time, he wondered why it was necessary to learn about dead people.  He glanced around him and noted that most of his fellow pupils were looking sleepy.  He contemplated some mischief that would wake them all up, but the classroom was so hot and stuffy that he could not even raise the enthusiasm for trouble.  He looked over at his best friend, Mitch, and saw that, far from making notes, Mitch was drawing.  Joe leaned over to get a better look at the sketch of a horse.  Miss Jones was still talking in a flat monotone, something about Andrew Jackson and the Creek Indians, but Joe had long since lost the thread of the lesson and he allowed his mind to wander.

He gazed out of the window and wondered what his father and older brother were doing.  He knew that they had planned to go north to check out one of the Ponderosa herds and he wished he was with them.  He and Hoss might have been able to slip away for a swim in the Lake, at least there would have been a cool breeze and chasing cattle beat school any day.

Somebody coughed and Joe brought his attention back to the classroom for a few seconds.  He did not pay any more mind to the lesson, but contemplated his friend and marvelled at the concentration he could give to a drawing. Mitch’s sketch reminded him of the herd of wild horses they had seen last Saturday.  There had been so many good horses and he was hoping that he and Mitch could catch at least one each.  His own pony was getting old and slow and  although he could ride other horses on the ranch, he wanted his own special one.  Maybe he could persuade Mitch to go for another look after school. It would mean being late home, but as always with Joe the consequences were not considered until it was too late. He was sure big brother, Hoss, would cover for him and do his chores.

He visualised the ride up to the valley where they had last seen the horses. He imagined the way they would capture the best of them, and he had just got to the part where he was training his very own horse, when he remembered what day it was. He cursed inwardly, tonight was different, he had to be home on time or he would be in real trouble.  Tonight his eldest brother was due home from college and there was a celebration planned.  His father had made it quite clear that morning that he was to hurry home from school. No excuse would do.

His thoughts changed and centred on his brother.  It was nearly five years since he had seen him and he could hardly remember what he looked like.  He did remember that he had spent a lot of his time issuing orders to his younger brothers.  He thought of Mitch’s older brothers and reflected that all older brothers seemed to do that.  It was hard being the youngest he decided.

He recalled that Pa had gone east to visit once about a year after Adam had left but he and Hoss had been in school and had not accompanied him.  Pa and Hop Sing had been preparing for this homecoming for weeks and it was more than Joe s life was worth to be late tonight.  The horses would have to wait.

Joe had almost forgotten that he was in school until a shadow fell across the desk.  Miss Jones was standing over him and had obviously spoken, but what had she said? He heard the giggles of the other children as she rapped her pointer on his desk.

‘Well, I’m waiting.’

Joe looked at Mitch for inspiration but none was forthcoming. Mitch had only just managed to conceal his drawing in time, and was only too glad that Joe was her chosen victim.

‘I…I m sorry, I didn’t hear the question.’  he stammered.

‘Since I repeated it twice quite loudly, we will obviously have to do something about your hearing young man.’  she said sarcastically  ‘I asked you who commanded the British troops at the battle of New Orleans.’

Joe didn’t remember any mention of New Orleans and he couldn’t think of any British generals except the Duke of Wellington.  Miss Jones had been talking about him last week.  ‘Was it the Duke of Wellington?’  he tried.

The laughter of the children at the front of the class told him he was wrong.  Miss Jones sighed ‘Quiet, children.’ she turned her attention back to Joe. ‘Joseph, what was the last thing you heard?’

This time, Joe sought desperately for a suitable  answer but nothing came to him, he couldn t even be sure that the last thing he recalled was from this lesson.  He was aware of the other children watching him but not one of them was giving him any clue, probably he concluded because they hadn’t been listening either.

He cleared his throat and decided that any answer was better than none  ‘Was it something about Andrew Jackson and the Creek Indians?’  he tried.  From Miss Jones’s face he guessed that no answer might have been better after all.

‘That’  she emphasised the word  ‘was over half an hour ago.  You can stay after school and learn the lesson then. You obviously haven t listened to a word this afternoon.’   she turned to walk back to the front of the class and as she did so Joe muttered under his breath.

‘I must have done, I remembered Andrew Jackson.’

There was a ripple of laughter from the boys around him which was enough to alert Miss Jones to his comment.

‘And that will cost you an extra essay for your homework.’  she said without pausing on her way back to her desk. ‘Come and sit in the front of the class where your apparent deafness won’t be so much of a handicap’ she added

Joe wished he had learned to keep quiet, but it was not in his nature, his ready wit invariably got him into trouble both at school and at home.  He got up slowly from his seat and moved to the front carefully selecting a vacant seat next to one of the prettier girls in the class, who obligingly moved up to give him room to join her.  He rewarded her with one of his beaming smiles but sobered a little when he saw Miss Jones glaring at him.

Even after his reprimand he still didn’t listen, instead he spent the remaining part of the lesson contemplating what his fate would be when he arrived home late.

 

Eventually the class was dismissed and Joe sat at the desk while Miss Jones lectured him and then gave instructions on which chapters of his history book he had to read and the subject for his essay, something about the battles leading up to the treaty of Ghent.  Joe had never heard of a place called Ghent and since he had not listened to the lesson he had no idea what battles she was talking about.   All the time she was talking Joe was anxiously marking the passage of time, the later it got the more trouble he would face.

 

He rode home as fast as he could to find Hoss already in the barn doing chores.

‘You’re late again and Pa’s looking for you.’   Hoss grumbled as soon as Joe led his pony into its stall.

‘What’s wrong with you.’  Joe snapped back, not used to Hoss being out of sorts.

Hoss sighed  ‘I’m tired of covering up for you and doing your chores, that’s what’s wrong with me.’  he retorted.

‘Ok, I’m sorry.  I got kept after school by Miss Jones.  I couldn’t help it.’  as he spoke Joe unsaddled his pony and started to rub him down.

‘Of course you could help it.  You don’t get kept late for nothing.’   said Hoss, heatedly.

Their disagreement was prevented from developing further by the arrival of their father.  He was not in his usual range garb, but was dressed very smartly in a grey wool suit with waistcoat and a white shirt and black string tie.

‘Its about time you got home.  Where have you been?’  he gave Joe an angry stare.

Joe hesitated, knowing that the truth was likely to increase his father’s anger, but anything else was likely to bring more trouble when he was found out, as he surely would be.  ‘Miss Jones kept me late.’ he said slowly.

‘You were in trouble again, I take it?’  Ben said in an exasperated tone.  ‘I have to get into town to meet Adam, but we will discuss this later.’  he began harnessing up the buggy as he spoke.

‘Hoss make sure all the chores are finished and that Joe does his share.’

Hoss grinned at his younger brother  ‘Sure Pa, we’ll get them finished in good time.’

Ben glanced again at his youngest son  ‘Make sure your homework is done ….and try to get cleaned up before supper.’  he sighed.

 

Once his father had left the barn and the sound of the buggy had faded into the distance, Joe gave a deep sigh and sank down on to a grain sack. ‘I don’t see what all the fuss is about, its only Adam not the President.’

Hoss continued to fill the mangers with hay.  ‘He has been gone a long time.  It will be good to have him home.   I m looking forward to having a big brother to talk to instead of a little one who leaves me to do all his work!’          he said pointedly.

‘OK, OK.’  Joe laughed  ‘I get the message.’  he got slowly to his feet and took up a pitchfork to help.  ‘But I still say its a lot of fuss.  All I remember about him is how bossy he was, always ordering me around and telling me not to touch his precious books.’

‘Yeah, well that’s what you get for being born last.’  Hoss grinned  ‘Now get to work, or Pa will be mad at us and I’d say you ve already got enough trouble coming your way for being late.’

Joe nodded and bent to his task.

 

 

Driving away from the house, Ben tried to gather his thoughts for the coming meeting with Adam, so he kept the horse to a slow pace. He thought back to the recent exchanges with his youngest son and shook his head.  He wondered what trouble Joe had got himself into this time.  Just lately there had been far too many occasions when Joe had been disciplined at school and Ben knew that he would have to take a stricter line with his young son, if he was not to get completely out of hand. Joe knew how much this reunion with Adam meant to him, why couldn’t he have been on time for once.  He knew he was being a little unreasonable to expect Joe to set as much store by it as he did, but the tension of meeting his eldest son again after so long was becoming unbearable.

Adam had been a youth when he went away, what would he be like now?  There had been letters of course, always full of news of his course and college friends, but life in Boston was very different from the life he was returning to on the ranch.  Ben worried that his son would feel out of place and would hanker to return to Boston and his sophisticated friends.

Gradually in the soft warmth of the evening sun he became more relaxed and allowed himself the luxury of admiring the scenery.  He felt justifiably proud that the country he was driving through was all part of the Ponderosa and he had built up the ranch  with his own hands without destroying the natural beauty of the land.

He began making plans for the summer.  Having Adam home would mean that he would have someone with whom to share his plans.  His immediate worry was rustlers.  His neighbours had taken quite large losses.  Up to now the Ponderosa had only missed a few head and they might have just strayed. It was several weeks since he had checked the herd in the north and that was something that must be done soon.  He knew that the Virginia City sheriff was doing his best but Roy couldn’t be everywhere.  He would send Hoss and some hands up there next week to take a look and check that the cattle were doing well.

He approached Virginia City and as usual the assault of the noise and bustle of the busy town pushed all other thoughts from him.  He steered a slow but steady course along C street towards the stage depot and managed to find a space to stop the buggy.  If the stage was on time he would not have long to wait, so he decided to remain in the buggy.  Now that the reunion was close his anxieties returned and he wished he had brought Hoss and Joe with him, at least their chatter would have taken his mind off his worries.  He wondered what they were doing, he hoped that they would both be on their best behaviour tonight. He wanted everything to go well for Adam’s first night home.

 

In fact everything was going perfectly at the ranch.  Hoss and Joe had completed the chores in good time.  Hoss had been shooed out of the kitchen by a busy Hop Sing, when he had asked if there was anything he could do.  Not that he had wanted to help, except perhaps in tasting what was on the stove.  He had finally settled down with a newspaper while Joe got down to his homework.  The history essay was going to be a problem.  Joe knew he would not have time to read all the chapters Miss Jones had indicated and write an essay before his father got home.

‘Hey Hoss, what do you know about Andrew Jackson?’ he asked, hoping that maybe Hoss had listened more carefully when he had been in school.

Hoss glanced up ‘He was President.’ he said helpfully.

Joe gave an exasperated sigh ‘I know that, but when and what battles did he fight?’

Hoss looked thoughtful ‘I think it was when Pa was a boy, he mentioned him once.’

‘That helps a lot.’ Joe said sarcastically ‘I need a bit more than that.’

‘Well you should listen properly in school then.’ was Hoss’s only comment.

Joe chewed the end of his pencil.  He had no idea what to write.  He could remember the first part of the lesson about Jackson fighting the Indians but he couldn’t recall a treaty being involved.  Miss Jones had mentioned something about a British army.  He found a whole chapter on the Battle of New Orleans and decided he would have to write that.  He eventually managed a page of scrawl that was dredged up from his memory of what had been said in the early part of the lesson, and combined that with a large paragraph lifted directly from his history book.  It didn’t look too bad, he thought. He could not recall a treaty and the history book had no index so he left that part out.

He closed his books with a bang, making Hoss jump.

‘Hey, have you finished?’ Hoss asked.

‘Unless you know anything about the Treaty of Ghent?’ Joe sighed.  He tipped the chair back on to two legs and stretched.

‘Wait ’til Adam gets home, he’s bound to know.’ Hoss folded the paper carefully and placed it on the table.  He gave Joe a long hard stare ‘Put the chair down properly, Pa’s always telling you about it.’

Joe let the chair slam back to the floor on four legs ‘Yeah, well that’s Pa.  Don’t you get bossy, it’ll be bad enough having Adam back.’  he collected his books, clearing the table just as Hop Sing hurried in with a white linen cloth and a basket of cutlery.

He guessed could have spent more time on his essay over the weekend but he did not intend to waste his free time on boring history books.  With a bit of luck Miss Jones would forget to ask him for it on Monday and anyway that was next week and Little Joe lived for today.

CHAPTER 2

The stagecoach from Reno was running late and the four passengers were hot, tired and dusty.  There was a woman with a young daughter of about ten who had slept most of the way from Reno.  On the opposite side of the coach sat a middle aged business man and Adam Cartwright.  For Adam it had been a long journey.  It seemed weeks since he had left Boston. The train journey from Boston to New York had not been to bad.  He had been able to spend a few days with friends in New York, which had been pleasant.  They had entertained him with the opera and visits to galleries and libraries, all of which Adam enjoyed.

The train journey to St Louis had been long and boring and Adam had passed the time reading and sleeping. There had been a day’s rest before he had to catch the coach going west, but then it had been the long slow haul across the prairies and mountains to Reno.  The coach stops were usually primitive and uncomfortable and passengers often had to make do with sharing rooms with the families who ran the way stations. Adam Cartwright was tall and the long journey in very cramped conditions and left him stiff and weary.  He had slept as much as he could in the moving coach but he longed to be home.  A comfortable bed and a decent meal would be a real luxury after weeks of travelling.

Reno had been a surprise to him, when he had left it had been a small mining community kept alive by the passage of wagons to and from the gold fields of California, now it was a bustling town, crowded with families, miners and cowboys.  He had only had enough time to get a refreshing beer before the stage had left for Virginia City and the final leg of his journey.  This last part was the most interesting, he watched eagerly from the stage for familiar landmarks and as it drew nearer to his destination he looked forward to meeting his family again.  Lost in his thoughts it was a moment before he realised that one his fellow passengers was addressing him.

I’m sorry, I didn’t quite hear you.’ he apologised.

The smartly dressed business man repeated his question ‘I asked if you knew Virginia City, I have some business here, and I thought you might know the man I am to meet.’

Adam smiled ‘I live near here with my family, but I have been away for just over four years.  I’m sure there are a lot of people I won’t know.’

‘My name is Aaron King, I’m a cattle buyer.’ he held out his hand.

Adam shook the outstretched hand and introduced himself ‘Adam Cartwright.’

The cattle buyer looked surprised ‘Are you any relation to Ben Cartwright?’ he asked.

‘He’s my father. Don’t tell me that is who you have business with?’

Aaron King shook his head. ‘I wish it was then I would know I was getting prime stock.  No my appointment is with a Tom Whittaker.  I am hoping to buy beef for my wholesale company.  We supply restaurants in San Francisco.’

‘I know Mr Whittaker, he is a neighbour of ours.’ Adam looked thoughtful ‘He must have built up his ranch quite a bit while I’ve been away.  As I remember, he only ran a few cattle which he sold to the mines in Virginia City.’

‘Well he’s offering us about 1,000 head over the next few months.’ King replied.

Adam nodded ‘Let me know where you are staying and I’ll be happy to introduce you.’

‘That’s very kind, but if you’ve been away for close on four years, your family are going to want you to spend time with them.’ Aaron King lapsed into silence again allowing Adam’s thoughts to drift to his family.

He had written to let them know his arrival time and he knew that his father planned to meet him.  He fondly remembered his young brothers, he and Hoss had always had a good relationship and during his absence there had been sporadic letters.  Hoss was not a good correspondent but he had tried to keep in touch and for that Adam was grateful, it meant that he would have something to build on when they met again.  He could only remember Joe as a baby brother, sweet at times but mostly a nuisance, someone he was often made responsible for and who caused him trouble.  Joe had been barely eight years old when he had left and he guessed that he would find it difficult to recognise him now.

As the coach entered Virginia City he was amazed at the transformation, the town he had left had been a single street with makeshift buildings, this was a city on terraces with closely packed timber and brick constructions.  The sidewalks were crowded and the coach was finding it difficult to negotiate the traffic, he would never have believed a town could grow so quickly.

As the coach slowed to a halt outside the International Hotel, he scanned the crowd for  familiar faces, but could see none.  He climbed stiffly from the coach and took his luggage as it was thrown down.  For a moment he stood, uncertainly, on the sidewalk.

‘Adam?’  Ben s voice held a query.

Adam turned to the sound of the familiar voice.  ‘Pa!’  he exclaimed.  ‘Its so good to see you.’  the two almost fell into each others arms, oblivious to the stares they were attracting from passers-by.  It was several minutes before Ben held his son away from him and surveyed the tall, handsome young man before him.

‘Its wonderful to have you home, son.  I hardly recognised you.  You ve changed so much.’  as he spoke, they gathered up the luggage and placed it in the buggy.  ‘Lets get on home, where we can talk properly, I know Hop Sing will never forgive me if we are late for the meal he has prepared.’

‘Where are Hoss and Little Joe?’  Adam glanced around as he spoke.

‘I left them at home.  I wanted a little time with you to myself.’  he climbed into the buggy alongside his grown up son, still amazed at the change in him.  ‘Anyway they had chores and homework to do.’

Adam laughed ‘Still the same slave driver, I remember. Its good to be home, Pa.’ he glanced cautiously at his father but was rewarded with a smile not a frown ‘You will give me time to say hello to them before  you give me a list of my chores, won’t you?’

‘Oh, I think we could manage to let you off chores for tonight.’ his father responded with a grin.

As they drove, Ben pointed out some of the changes that had taken place in the last few years. Adam was amazed at the extent of the mining operations, the road to the ranch had always been lined by trees and low hills but now for several miles there were stamp mills and lumber yards.  He was glad when they left the town behind them and crossed the familiar boundary to the ranch but here there were signs of increased logging.

After a leisurely drive Ben stopped just short of the house and Adam was surprised to see that even his home had changed, there were more buildings and two larger corrals.  He supposed his father must have written and told him of the changes, but it was different actually seeing them.

As they drove into the yard, Hoss and Joe came out of the house to meet them.  They stepped out of the buggy and Adam grinned across at his father `If you think I’ve changed, you’d better look beside you.’ he gave Hoss a hug `Its good to see you.  You’re going to make me look short, if you keep growing, and who’s this?’ he said ruffling Joe’s curly hair. `It can’t be Little Joe, he was just a baby when I left.’

Joe wriggled out from under Adam’s hand `Well I’m not a baby now.’ he said crossly.

Adam frowned a little, but it was soon forgotten as they went into the house and began to talk non-stop to make up for the missing years.  Hoss, usually the quiet one, had plenty to say.  Only Joe sat sullen and silent, he felt left out of their conversation and not included in the celebration.  Greeting Hop Sing took more time and it was quite late  before Ben managed to get a word in to suggest that  maybe Adam would like to clean up before supper.

Adam departed upstairs to his room. Here he really felt he had come home, the room was clean but nothing had been touched and in crossing the threshold he stepped back in time.  Within moments he was lost in the world of his childhood.  He touched familiar things and browsed through his old schoolbooks, everything was as he remembered it.  He did not know how long he had been there with his memories before he heard his father calling him to supper.

The meal Hop Sing had prepared was a true banquet and once it was served up, Ben asked the Chinese cook joined them at the table.

Hop Sing shook his head ‘Not right, I cannot do that Mr Cartlight.’

Adam got up from his chair and steered Hop Sing to the seat next to him ‘Of course you can, you are part of the family.  It won’t be a proper celebration of my homecoming without you.’

Reluctantly Hop Sing allowed himself to be persuaded and they all bowed their heads while Ben said grace.  He made sure that his words included his heartfelt thanks that his eldest son was once more back with the family.  As he finished speaking Hoss reached for the plate of meat and both he and Adam began talking at once.

‘Hoss, let Adam talk first.  He has a lot to tell us, I’m sure.’ Ben said gently.

Hoss helped himself to a large portion of roast ‘Sure Pa, I just wanted to know what he is going to do tomorrow.’

‘Hey let me get home first.’ Adam laughed. ‘I rather hoped we could go for a ride.  I’d like to see all the places I have been dreaming about for the past four years.  Every time I got homesick I would imagine myself in this room or up by the Lake, it seemed to help.’

‘You never mentioned in your letters that you were homesick.’ his father said quietly.

Adam grinned ‘After all the fuss I made to be allowed to go, do you think I was going to admit I might have made a mistake.  Anyway, it only lasted for a short while.  Once I made friends it became more of a daydream when I went through a difficult time with my studies.’  he paused while he enjoyed the food in front of him.  ‘Most of the time I loved it, but now and again I wished it was nearer so that I could come home once in a while.  I guess I just missed you all.’ he grinned at his younger brothers ‘I even missed the pranks you two used to play on me.’

Hoss returned his grin ‘Well we can always start those again, can’t we Joe?’

Joe shrugged and ignored Adam’s smile in his direction.

The meal continued slowly as Adam told them something of his time away.  Over dessert, which was one of Hop Sing’s special chocolate cakes, and Hoss’s favourite, Adam related the events of his journey home.

At one point Ben stopped his narrative with a question ‘If it was so tiring, I don’t understand why you took the coach north, wouldn’t the southern route have been quicker.  I mean Omaha and Cheyenne are hundreds of miles out of your way.’ he gave Adam a puzzled look.

Adam’s face flushed and he looked down at his plate. ‘I know, but I had to make several changes anyway and there was somewhere special I wanted to go.’  he glanced up at Hoss who was eating steadily and not apparently aware of his brother’s embarrassment.

Ben nodded slowly, awareness dawning that Adam had followed the old wagon train route they had taken so many years ago.  He looked away his eyes filling with tears ‘Tell me about it later.’ he said softly.

Adam cleared his throat and tried to change the subject ‘It meant I came through Salt Lake City and across the desert in the hottest weather I’ve known for a while.  Boston doesn’t get heat like that.’  he looked across the table at his youngest brother ‘Joe, on the last part of the journey I travelled with one of your schoolmates, Rachel Hale, I guess she’s about your age.  Is she in your class’

‘She’s years younger than me.’ Joe said sullenly.

Adam lifted an eyebrow ‘Oh, yeah I guess she would be.’

The meal finished, Hop Sing cleared away the dishes and brought in the coffee then retired to his kitchen.  They moved from the table to the fireside, Ben taking his favourite chair and Adam seating himself on the one opposite. Ben could not take his eyes off this grown son.

‘Its time you were on your way to bed Joe.’  Ben said as he poured coffee for himself.

For once there was no argument, Joe did not want to stay and listen to Adam anymore.  He started for the stairs ‘Goodnight Pa.’

‘Goodnight, son.  I’ll come up in a few minutes.’

Joe stopped on the half landing ‘You don’t have to, I’m not a baby.’

Ben frowned ‘Nevertheless, I will.’

Adam called ‘Goodnight’ but there was no answer as Joe continued up the stairs and slammed his bedroom door shut.

‘Someone is not very glad to see me home.’  Adam said quietly.

‘Oh, he’ll get over it.  I think he is just a bit put out that he is not the centre of attention.’ his father replied. ‘I’ll have a word with him, when I go up.’

‘No Pa, please leave it.  It doesn’t matter and as you say he’ll soon come around.’ Adam said with more confidence than he felt.  It was a long time since he had spent time with children of Joe’s age and he was not sure how he was going to handle this obvious hostility.

Ben followed Joe upstairs and as usual watched while he said his prayers and then tucked him in bed.  Although Ben tried to chat as they usually did, Joe cut him off by saying he was tired and wanted to go to sleep.  Despite his exasperation at Joe’s attitude, he kept his temper in check and simply said goodnight, blew out the lamp and closed the door.

Adam and Hoss were talking quietly as he came down the stairs but Hoss sensing that his father wanted Adam to himself, made excuses of a heavy day and said goodnight.  Father and son could now sit together with a brandy and enjoy each other’s company.

I’m sorry I evaded your question earlier about the trip, but I didn’t want to talk about it in front of Hoss, not yet, maybe when we have spent more time together.’  Adam said quietly.  ‘I checked the stage lines in St Louis and found that, which ever way I travelled, I would have to spend several nights in isolated way stations.  It seemed a good time to keep a promise I made to myself a long time ago.’ he paused and looked at his father.

Ben nodded slowly and indicated that he should continue.

‘When I was in Boston, I often visited my mother’s grave and sort of talked to her. It helped me to think that she would hear me and understand.  So when I got the chance to go to Ash Hollow, I knew I had to keep my promise.   Inger gave me an awful lot, her stories were my first schooling, she made we want to learn and I wanted to tell her how much it meant to me.  I thought if I could visit her grave it would mean more.’  he looked up his face flushed ‘Does that sound silly.’

Ben got up from his chair and walked over to his son.  He put his arm around his shoulders and gave a hug.  ‘Not to me, son.  I wish I could have been with you.’  As he spoke Ben felt the tears filling his eyes again.

‘It was strange being there after so long, Ash Hollow is still just a way station but it was different, smaller somehow and so peaceful.  I couldn’t stay long but it meant a lot to me, and I know that if I can find the words to tell Hoss it will be important to him too.’  Adam stopped speaking and looked intently at his father.

‘Sometimes we all need to make a pilgrimage of our own.  I can’t always make mine when I want to, but I visit in my mind, more than you boys will ever know.  Whenever there was a problem with you while you were growing up, I would shut myself away and talk it over with Liz.  Often I could hear her advice and I would act on it or reject it, just as if she had been there.’  he smiled at his son ‘You can’t imagine the arguments I have had, very strong minded woman, your mother.  I’ve continued to do the same through the years with Inger and now I talk to Marie about Joe.’

Adam smiled and relaxed ‘I’m glad you understand.  Do you mind if I tell Hoss in my own time?’

‘Of course not, its something you should share with him alone.’  Ben rose from the arm of the chair and stretched.  ‘You’ve had a long day. I think we had better get to bed.’

Adam got up slowly ‘Its going to be good to sleep in a comfortable bed again, even if it will be a little strange to be in my own room again.  Goodnight Pa … and thanks for understanding me so well.

CHAPTER 3

‘I don’t see why I have to get up so early, if he can laze in bed all morning.’  Joe grumbled.

‘Aw come on Joe, he only got back yesterday and he has been travelling for a long while.’ Hoss replied as he tossed the hay down from the loft to his young brother waiting below.  The two were almost finished with the early morning chores and Joe had not stopped complaining since they had started.  But then, Hoss thought, Joe always complained about chores and getting up for early morning ones in particular.   ‘What did Pa say about you being kept after school, yesterday?’ he asked.

Joe grinned ‘He forgot all about it.  At least big brother’s homecoming saved me there.’

Hoss laughed ‘You have all the luck, if it had been me, he would have remembered.’ he threw down the last of the hay.  ‘Are you coming with us to visit some of the homesteaders and show Adam all the changes we ‘ve made since he went away?   Hoss asked.

Joe shook his head  ‘I’ m meeting Mitch, we were going hunting, but I want to try to find that herd of horses again.

‘Suit yourself, but we are going that way too.  Pa wants us to check on the herd that was in the meadows.  We didn’t see any sign of them yesterday.  I think he is worried that they might have got scattered after that storm we had last week.’

Hoss climbed down from the loft and began putting the tools away.

‘We will be taking a picnic. Hop Sing is doing fried chicken.’  For Hoss this was the most important thing of all and he expected it to persuade Joe to join them.  ‘Why don’t you both come?’

‘No I’d rather be on our own. It’ll be boring talking to neighbours all day.’

 

 

By the time Hoss sat down at the supper table that evening, he had to admit that in one way Joe had been right, it had been boring.  He had enjoyed Adam s company well enough when they had been riding together, but at every stop he had been forced to listen to the same conversations.  Each neighbour or ranch hand asked the same questions and each time Adam repeated a well practised speech on what he had been doing back East. The only interesting part of the day, as far as Hoss was concerned had been lunch, which had been eaten over looking the lake at Adam s favourite spot.

 

Over supper Adam related the events of the day for his father s benefit, while Hoss concentrated on the roast pork and Joe sulked.  He wanted to tell his father about his day and how he planned to catch a pretty little mare he had seen, but every time he tried to say something, his father told him not to interrupt his brother.

‘By the way did you get time to check the herd?’ Ben asked, as Adam finally finished his narrative.

‘Well, we went up there and checked where they were supposed to be.’  Hoss replied  ‘but we only found about a dozen, the rest must have scattered.  We didn t  have time to do much searching.’

‘Do you want us to go back and have a proper look?’  Adam asked.

Ben considered the suggestion but shook his head  ‘No, I want to spend some time with you going over my plans for some new investments.’   He turned to Hoss.  ‘Can you take three or four men and make a search on Monday.  I just hope they haven’t scattered to far.  Remember, if they have strayed on to the Flying W, don’t try following.  I’ll ask Tom Whittaker myself.’

‘Don’t worry, I shan’t tangle with him.’   Hoss said with feeling.

Adam looked from Hoss to his father.  ‘What’s all this about?  I didn’t know we had a problem with the Flying W, I thought they were always good neighbours.’

Ben sighed  ‘There’s no trouble provided we stay off Whittaker’s land.  We had a dispute a couple of years ago about that tract of land where the creek runs through a small stand of fir.  He claimed we had diverted the stream deliberately and gained some of his property.  The court found in our favour but he took it badly and threatened violence if we crossed on to his land.  He’s calmed down a bit now but I still prefer to talk to him, he usually sends the cattle back if they stray over his boundary and its not worth risking the lives of the hands for a few cattle. I thought I had written to you about it but I must have forgotten.’   He leaned back in his chair.   ‘Don’t forget Hoss, no one goes on to his land.’

‘I’ll be careful Pa, we will probably find the herd miles from there.’   Hoss leaned across and helped himself to the last of the roast pork.  ‘We’ll leave right after morning chores.’

Ben smiled  ‘Good.’  he turned to Joe, who had finished eating and was slouched in his chair with a sullen expression marring his features.  ‘While we are talking about chores, I’d like to know why Hoss did most of yours again tonight, Joseph.’

Joe shuffled uncomfortably in his chair, after so long waiting to tell his news he was startled to be the centre of attention and not welcome attention at that.  ‘I was a little late getting home, I m sorry Pa.  Mitch and I….’

‘Well sorry just won’t do.’   Ben interrupted  ‘That’s got to be at least the third time in a week that Hoss has done your work.  Tomorrow you will help him to do his and in future you will make sure you do all of your work and do it properly. Is that understood?’

‘Yes sir.’ Joe sighed.

Adam looked sympathetically at his little brother ‘Where did you go today.  Didn’t you say something about some wild horses?’ he asked.

Joe had wanted to relate the events of the day but for some reason he resented Adam being the one to ask him about it.  It was all too late now and he didn’t feel like talking about it anymore.

‘I went over to the Devlin’s, Mitch and I just rode around up on the rim.’ he said.

‘You’ll have to take me up there, its been a long time since I chased wild horses.’  Adam tried again

‘I don’t expect to go up there again, the horses have gone north.’ Joe said sullenly.

Adam tried one more time ‘Well maybe you can show me where you last saw them and we can track them.’

Joe shrugged ‘If you like.’

Adam gave up the struggle and turned back to his father.  ‘Cal Howard said that you have been having some trouble with rustlers.  Have we lost many cattle to them.’

Ben looked serious ‘We’ve lost a few but some of the smaller outfits have had heavy losses.  Most of those that have disappeared have been from the neighbours north and east of us.  That’s partly why I wanted you to look for the herd up north, its the most likely one to be raided.  If they start hitting us as hard as they have some of the others we will have to employ more hands to guard each herd.  I was hoping to avoid that until fall round up.’

‘You’ve no idea where they are going?’ Adam asked.

Ben shook his head ‘Roy Coffee has had men out searching each time cattle are reported missing, but its not always easy to tell when they are taken and the hot summer has made the ground hard, its difficult to track even a large herd once they get into that canyon country.’  he reached across the table and refilled his coffee cup.  ‘With water getting scarce on the lower meadows some of the cattle may just have moved up into the high country where there is more grass.  I guess I’ll have to put more men on to tracking them.’

 

 

By the end of the week it was as if Adam had never been away, he settled into the routine of ranch life again and took over the day to day tasks leaving his father to concentrate on new areas.  He and Hoss soon slipped back into easy companionship and spent many hours together.

 

Joe on the other hand felt left out, he was used to having Hoss around to spend time with and although he had plenty of other young friends he missed his big brother.  His attitude toward Adam had not changed since their first encounter, Adam treated him as the kid brother and he resented it.  His week in school had not been a good one either.  Miss Jones had remembered the essay and had not been impressed with his efforts, resulting in a failing grade.  Joe was optimistic about his report this year, after all, for him, he had been relatively good. He could only remember cutting classes a couple of times and his Math result would be OK.  When Friday came it was something of a shock for him to see that he could not have been more wrong.  Math was about the only thing that was OK.  On the way home he compared grades with Mitch, who was also near the bottom of the class.

‘Well at least my grades don’t go below D.’ said Mitch with an air of superiority ‘I’ve never had an F grade.’

‘lts only one grade, maybe Pa won’t notice.  I got a B for Math.’  Joe was still trying to be optimistic but his confidence was beginning to desert him.

‘Maybe he won’t notice the letter from Miss Jones, either’  said Mitch sarcastically.

They came to the fork where they had to go their separate ways and Mitch waved Joe off with a final comment ‘I’ll meet you here tomorrow at around noon, that’s if you’re still allowed out.’ he grinned.

‘I’ll be here.’ said Joe with more bravado than conviction.

 

He arrived home to find that his father and brothers were still out.  He debated what to do with his report card and the letter and eventually decided that he would leave it on his father’s desk.  It seemed easier than having to present it to him and then stand around while he read it.  Once this decision had been made he went to his room and threw his books into the closet, where he planned they would stay until school started again in the fall.  His next move was to get all his chores done.  He even did some extra ones in an effort to make sure his father was in a good mood.

 

Unfortunately, for Joe, his father’s mood was already set.  Earlier in the week Hoss had discovered that the herd in the north meadows had disappeared without trace.  Today Ben had ridden with his sons to try to find some kind of clue that would unravel the mystery.  They had managed to find a trail of sorts which led them further north into the foothills but it had petered out in the rocks.  The return journey was a sombre one.  The loss of nearly a quarter of the Ponderosa’s cattle was not something Ben’s finances could stand.  They were riding south west along the boundary line with the Flying W when Ben noticed that part of the fencing was damaged.

‘Remind me to send someone up to repair that before Whittaker complains that we are not maintaining our fence line.’  he said to Hoss.

‘You don’t think the cattle have strayed through it do you?  Hoss asked.

Ben shook his head ‘No, we are miles from where we last saw tracks and the ground here is soft, there would be some sign.’  as he spoke he crossed the fence line to take a closer look.

As he dismounted to examine the broken fence, a shot rang out.  All three dived for cover as another shot passed close to where Hoss had been just moments before.

‘That was just a warning.  The Boss said to keep you Cartwrights off the place.’ the disembodied voice came from a nearby thicket.  ‘So keep riding.’  at this point several riders came into view.

Ben cautiously raised his head to find that a cowboy on a chestnut horse was holding a rifle pointed directly at him.  ‘This is my land and my fence.  I can hardly repair it unless I can cross a few feet on to Whittaker’s land.’  his voice was calm but his anger was only just below the surface.

The cowboy nodded ‘I don’t know about that.  The Boss said no Cartwrights on his land, he didn’t mention nuthin about how many feet on to it.’  he gestured with the rifle ‘Now mount up and keep going, that way.’ he indicated the route south.

Ben motioned to Adam and Hoss to remount and together they turned away from the fence and began to ride south.  The group of cowboys watched them for a few minutes until they were sure they would not turn back and then they disappeared as silently as they had come.

‘Boy…, I see what you mean about Whittaker’  Adam said  ‘How long has this been going on?’

Ben sighed ‘Like I said last week, it started with the land dispute, but it has been getting progressively worse since the spring.  We’ve had several encounters like that, so far no one has been hurt but its only a matter of time before someone gets trigger happy and doesn’t just warn.  The spokesman there was his new foreman, I get the feeling he is out for trouble if he’s given the slightest excuse.’

 

 

They arrived home just as Joe had finished all his chores and was feeling quite pleased with himself.

‘Let me take your horse Pa.’ he offered.

Hoss looked astounded and Adam raised his eyebrows, but Ben barely noticed his youngest son.  He handed over the reins and stormed into the house calling over his shoulder to Adam as he went ‘Get one of the hands to ride into town and tell Roy Coffee that the herd has been stolen.’

Joe’s face fell ‘The whole herd?’ he asked.

‘Yep, little brother, the whole herd.’  Hoss replied.

A worried frown creased Joe’s brow ‘I guess he’s not in a very good mood.’

‘Well, if  you are thinking of asking a favour, I wouldn’t make it tonight.’ Adam grinned.  His smile faded as he saw Joe’s face.  ‘Something wrong?’ he asked kindly.

Joe forgot that he was trying to dislike his older brother and for once answered him in a normal voice ‘Just about everything, my report card is on his desk.’ he sighed.

‘Oh, is that all.  Well as long as you’ve done your best, Pa won’t worry to much about that.’  Adam said.

Joe’s resentment returned all at once ‘We don’t all get straight A’s.’ he snapped ‘How would you know anything, you never got an F in your life.’

Hoss gave a low whistle ‘You failed.’ he breathed ‘Wow even I never did that.  Came close a few times I guess.’ he added.

Adam just looked mystified, he couldn’t understand how anyone could fail.  To him schoolwork was easy, if you worked hard you got good grades, if you fooled around a little, as he had at times, you didn’t do so well, but failing that was unheard of in his book.

‘Joseph, in the house, now!’  the yell from the porch told them that Ben had read the report card.

Joe glanced nervously at Hoss, he knew that he understood. ‘Better get going little brother, keeping him waiting might just be the last straw.’  Hoss gave Joe a slight push towards the house.

 

Supper was a very sombre affair.  Ben was still seething with rage about the loss of his herd and the encounter with Whittaker’s men and Joe’s school report had not helped his temper.  If he spoke at all it was to snap at his sons.  Joe kept his eyes firmly on his plate.  He knew the lecture had been well deserved, but the punishment was almost the worst that he could have imagined.  His father had decreed that he should spend some time every day over the vacation doing some extra schoolwork.   Joe was supposed to do chores and schoolwork in the mornings and then, if there was no work for him in the afternoon, he was free to go off with his friends.  This would mean that even on good days he would only have a few hours to himself.  He had planned to go hunting with the new rifle he had been given for his birthday and most importantly he wanted to catch the pretty little mare that ran with the herd of wild horses up on the rim.  Both of these activities would require a full day, if he was to do them justice. He would just have to hope that his father would relent after a while, but Joe knew that it was unlikely.  Once Pa had handed down a punishment he seldom changed his mind.

CHAPTER 4

Saturday morning was a time for callers.  The first was the Virginia City Sheriff, who rode up just as the family finished breakfast.

‘Come on in Roy, the coffee is still hot.’ Ben said as he opened the door.  The two had been friends for years and neither stood on ceremony for the other.

‘Thanks, Ben, I’ll take you up on that offer.  Its an official visit though.’  he took off his hat and eased himself into a chair next to Joe.  ‘How are you young man?’ he smiled. ‘Found these rustlers for me yet?’

Joe grinned, he liked the Sheriff ‘I’m fine.  Now school is out, I’ll get right to chasing rustlers for you.’

‘Huh … that’s after you’ve finished your chores.’ his father said.

Joe grimaced ‘Sure Pa, I’m going now.’  he finished his glass of milk in one gulp and rose from the table.

‘Don’t forget that schoolwork before you go anywhere.  I shall expect to see it tonight’ Ben called after him.

Roy raised his eyebrows ‘Schoolwork in the summer vacation, that’s a bit hard.’

Ben smiled ‘If you had seen his report, you wouldn’t think so.’  he sipped his coffee ‘Now what brings you out here so early.  Didn’t Chuck give you a full report.’

‘He did, but I wanted to talk things over with you.  Its been several weeks now and I’m still no nearer finding out where these cattle are going.  Yours is the most recent report and the largest theft so far.  I was hoping that you could shed some new light on the situation.’

‘You don’t have to tell me that mine is the largest herd to go missing.  Its going to make a big hole in the Ponderosa profit this year. If I lose anymore, I could be going begging to the bank to see us through the winter.’

‘Pa, is it really that bad?’ Adam asked with a worried glance.

Ben leaned back in his chair ‘Yes, I’m afraid it is.  I was counting on the cattle being sold in the fall to give me the funds I need to irrigate some extra acres for that new strain of grass.  Without that we can say goodbye to the plans to build up the horse breeding side of the ranch.  Everything I have planned will be affected if we don’t stop these rustlers soon.  Some of our neighbours are already borrowing from the bank, without cattle to sell they won’t see out the winter.  Its vital to all of us that these men are caught and soon’

‘I couldn’t agree more Ben, but I really don’t know where to look next.  Every ranch has lost cattle, there is no one who has escaped, you were the last.’  Roy explained.

His words brought a brief smile to Ben’s face ‘You mean I was your last suspect and now I’m a victim too.’

Roy grinned ‘You know that’s not what I meant,  but it does mean that it has to be an outsider.  What I can’t figure is where he is keeping the cattle, assuming he hasn’t run them off already.’

‘What do you want us to do, Roy?’  Adam asked, then looked slightly embarrassed.  He had never before called any of his father’s friends anything but Mister and using the sheriff’s first name could be seen as disrespectful.  He saw his father raise an eyebrow, but Roy Coffee did not even seem to notice.

‘That’s what I always liked about you Adam, straight to the point.’ he grinned ‘If your father can spare you, I was hoping that maybe you could ride up north with me and go over the ground again, a fresh outlook might be just what we need.’

‘Sure Roy, take him.  He’s been hankering to become a detective all week.  Don’t let it bother you that I have work for him to do, he’s only been away four years.  What could I possible want him for!’  Ben looked cross but his eyes twinkled.

Adam hesitated, it had been a long time since he had been exposed to his father’s sense of humour and he wasn’t at all sure whether he was being teased or if his father was serious. ‘I’d like to help, but if there is work here……..’  his voice faded away as he saw his father smile.

‘Go on, play sheriff.  I won’t get a minutes peace otherwise.’  Ben laughed.

 

Adam and Roy had only just ridden away, allowing Ben and Hoss to start on ranch chores, when a surrey drove into the yard.  It was occupied by four of Ben’s neighbours who all wanted to talk to him about the same subject, the rustlers.  Leaving Hoss to work alone, he ushered them inside and offered them coffee.  Over an hour later, when they eventually left, he found he had agreed to attend a special meeting of the Cattlemen’s Association.  His neighbours were in favour of calling in a range detective to hunt down the rustlers and wanted his support.  Ben considered that such men were little better than hired gunmen and he was against such a move.  He wished they had called before Roy, it would have given him a chance to warn the sheriff what was in the wind. He returned to his work in the barn in a thoughtful mood and barely looked up when Joe put his head round the door.

‘I’ve finished my chores Pa, is it OK if I go and meet Mitch now?’  his voice polite and respectful, he was hoping that his father wouldn’t think of anything more for him to do.

‘Did you do your schoolwork?’ Ben asked.

Joe hesitated ‘Yes sir, an hour, like you said.’ it was sort of the truth, he had sat in his room for an hour with his books open.  If he was honest, not much more than ten minutes had been spent working, he had been too busy dreaming about horses.

Luckily his father did not see his guilty look, or he would have questioned him further. ‘All right then, but be back in time to do your chores before supper.’ Ben answered.

Joe couldn’t believe his luck, he saddled his grey pony in record time and was gone before his father could change his mind.

 

Just after midday Joe reached the agreed rendezvous to find Mitch already waiting and accompanied by two other boys.  Joe was a little worried when he saw them.  Travis Simmons and Spence Cooper were a little older than he and Mitch and neither was the sort of friend his father would approve.  The Simmons family spent most of their time evading the sheriff for petty crimes and Travis looked set to follow in the footsteps of his father and older brothers.  Spence Cooper was the spoilt only child of a widow and frankly he was the school bully.

‘Hi, Joe.  I thought maybe you couldn’t make it.’  Mitch greeted him.

‘Yeah, Mitch thought your old man might not let you out to play.’  sneered Spence.

Joe shrugged, his temper was beginning to rise but the last thing he wanted was a fight with Spence.  He wasn’t scared of him, but he knew that it was a fight he would not win.  ‘There was no problem.’ he said.

They all mounted up and started the ride north.  As soon as he could Mitch allowed the older boys to get ahead and he ranged in alongside Joe.  ‘I’m sorry about them, but they must have overheard us planning this yesterday and they just turned up.  I couldn’t tell them to go away, not two against one, you might not have arrived and Spence was being nasty.’

‘Don’t worry, it doesn’t matter.  But let’s not take them to where we saw the herd.  I don’t want them to have any of the horses.  We’ll just ride up this way and pretend we think they are around here.’  Joe replied.

They rode in silence for a while and finally came to the area where Ben had found the broken fence.  When they were about a half mile from the Flying W boundary, Joe and Mitch automatically turned west and started towards Lake Tahoe.

‘Hey, where are you going?’  yelled Travis ‘I thought you said the horses went north.’

‘No, I think they went this way.’  Joe called back over his shoulder.

Travis rode up to them ‘You’re wrong, I can see tracks.  They lead up that ravine on to Whittaker’s place.  Come on they can’t be far away.’

Joe shook his head ‘I’m not going that way.’  he hesitated ‘My Pa and Mr Whittaker had a fight over that land.  I’m not allowed to go there.’  as soon as the words left his mouth, he knew he had made a bad mistake.

‘Hey, Spence.  We can’t chase horses ‘cos his daddy won’t let him.’  Travis mocked.

Spence rode up to Joe and jostled his pony ‘What’s the matter kid, scared to disobey your old man.’  they both laughed.

Mitch shook his head at Joe. He could see his friend’s temper rising and knew that unless he could calm Joe down, he would do something stupid.  ‘Don’t let them rile you Joe.’ he said quietly.

‘Yeah, listen to your little friend.  Why don’t you go and play with your toys Devlin. ‘  Spence rode close to Joe again.  ‘What about it Joe, you coming with us or are you going to run away like a baby.’

‘Aw… come on Spence.  He’s too scared to come with us., he’s just a little kid.’  Travis started to move away giving Joe a look of contempt.

Joe’s temper boiled over as it so often did and all reason flew away ‘I’m not a kid and I’m not scared.’ he yelled at Travis.

Travis flashed Spence a look of triumph ‘Then prove it, come with us.’

Knowing it was the wrong thing to do and knowing he would regret it, Joe still felt compelled to follow them.  He simply would not back down and let them see he was scared.  He glanced back at Mitch, who sat perfectly still on his pony, not knowing whether to follow or to stay.  Finally, concern for his friend took precedence over his own fear and he followed.

At first they rode unhindered and it became a bit of an anticlimax.  Joe wasn’t sure what he had expected to happen when he crossed the boundary and left the Ponderosa, a thunderbolt maybe.  At this thought his stomach churned, it would be some thunderbolt, if his father found out, but he wouldn’t, would he?  They had gone perhaps a mile when they spotted a few cattle grazing.

‘Let’s see if we can round them up and drive them through the fence.’  Travis suggested.  Putting his words into action by riding towards the peaceful group.

Spence went to follow him but Joe and Mitch hung back.  Driving Flying W cattle on to Ponderosa land would be as bad as rustling, Joe thought, especially if he was involved. He heartily wished he had listened to Mitch and gone to the Lake.  The headlong dash by the two boys was cut short by the appearance of three riders, who cut in between the boys and the cattle.

‘Now just what do you think you are doing.’  one of the riders asked.

Joe was at first relieved and then worried to see that all three wore deputy sheriff’s badges.  They must be part of Sheriff Coffee’s posse, out looking for rustlers.  Well it must look to them as if they had found them.

Travis had no fear of the law, he and his family spent most of their lives in or evading jail ‘We weren’t doing nuthin. just having a little fun.’ he replied.

The deputy looked them over.  ‘Chasing someone’s cattle is not what I’d call fun.  Its likely to get you into trouble.  But then you’d know all about that wouldn’t you Simmons.’ he glared at Travis.  After a few moments his attention turned to Joe and Mitch ‘I know you two don’t I?   You’re one of George Devlin’s kids and you’re Joe Cartwright.’  he gave Joe a stern look ‘Your brother’s with the other posse, maybe I should take you to him, so he can see you home and out of mischief.’

Joe’s heart was in his boots, if the deputy carried out his threat, not only would Pa find out where he had been, but it would be Adam who would tell him.  He tried to look innocent and repentant at the same time which gave his expression a slightly comical look.  ‘Like Travis said we didn’t mean any harm, we were just fooling around.’  Joe pleaded.

The deputy seemed to consider Joe’s words more carefully than he had when Travis had spoken.  ‘Well, seeing as you’re not usually the sort to get into trouble with the law, I guess I believe you.  But you get on home, right now and don’t let me catch you chasing other folks cows again.  Rustlers get hung.’  he threatened.

 

The boys rode away and even Travis and Spence were relieved that the deputy had believed Joe.  Joe just wanted to get as far away from the Flying W and the two older boys as he could.  The thought that Adam was just a few miles away and could come up on him at anytime was just too great a risk.  At the first opportunity, he insisted that he had better get back home to do his chores.  He didn’t care if the others thought he was scared, at the moment those deputies had appeared, he had been.  He knew his father and brothers had been shot at just a few hundred yards from where he had been riding.

 

Home had never seemed so welcome as it did to Joe tonight.  He was back in good time to do his chores before supper and his father seemed please with him, which made a change.  He felt guilty when his father praised him for getting all his work done.  What he really wanted was to talk to Hoss, he knew he could explain his feelings to his brother.  Hoss’s advice always made him feel better.  But Hoss had been working with Adam since they had all arrived home and the last person Joe wanted to spend time with tonight was Adam.

His wish to avoid Adam was granted for a while, but they had to share the supper table and Joe felt himself continually glancing at his older brother in an effort to decide whether the deputy had said anything.  Joe wished he had less of a conscience, it would make things so much easier.  As soon as he felt he could do so, without causing his father to be suspicious, he made excuses that he was tired and was going to bed.  Ben was a little surprised that Joe was volunteering for bed, but he said nothing.

No sooner had Joe undressed and climbed into bed, than there came a light knock on his door.  At first he thought his father had come to check on him, but it was Adam’s head that peered in.

‘Can I come in for a minute?  he asked very quietly.

Joe was surprised and a little apprehensive ‘Sure, come on in.’  he replied, leaning up on one arm and adjusting the lamp, which he had just turned down.

Adam closed the door quietly and walked over to seat himself on the end of Joe’s bed.      ‘I wanted to have a talk with you about what you did today.’  Adam started.

Joe immediately felt his temper rise ‘What’s it to do with you?’ he said quite loudly.

‘I’d prefer it, if you kept your voice down.  I’d rather Pa didn’t hear and I should think you would too.’  Adam said calmly  ‘Clem told me what happened and where and who you were with, so don’t bother to deny it.’ he said as Joe started to protest.  ‘Do you realise how dangerous it could have been.  Not only Whittaker’s people shooting at you but possibly rustlers too.’

Joe’s temper was not completely under his control as he retorted ‘Don’t lecture me, I don’t have to listen to you.’

Adam sighed ‘Would you rather Pa delivered the lecture.’

Joe shrugged ‘You’re going to tell him anyway, so why should I be yelled at twice.’

‘You really are difficult.  I’m not yelling at you and I have no intention of telling Pa, unless your loud voice brings him up here.  Now shut up and listen.  As I said, it was a stupid thing to do.  If Clem had shot first and checked up later, you could have been badly hurt.  What if you had stumbled across the rustlers, do you think they would have let you walk away.  Travis Simmons is big trouble, all his family are, stay away from him.’

Joe relaxed a little ‘Do you really mean it?  You’re not going to say anything?’

Adam nodded ‘On two conditions.  You promise me that you won’t go there again and that you will stay away from Simmons.’

Joe looked thoughtful ‘What about the deputy?  Won’t he tell Pa or Sheriff Coffee.’

Adam shook his head ‘No, I asked him not to.  I said I would make sure it didn’t happen again.’

Joe looked immensely relieved ‘Thanks, Adam.  I was sure you would tell.’

Adam smiled ‘Try trusting me sometimes.  Now how about that promise?’

‘You’ve got it. I really didn’t want to go with them, but they said I was scared and I got mad.  Then I was too stubborn to back down.’  Joe explained.

Adam gave his little brother a pat on the back ‘I know, the Cartwright stubborn streak gets all of us into trouble sometimes.’

‘Even you?’ Joe said surprised.

‘Even me, remind me to tell you of some of the scrapes I’ve been in sometime.  Not now’ he added as Joe started to ask. ‘Its time you were asleep or Pa will be after us both.’  he tucked the blankets around Joe as he spoke.

‘Night, little brother.’ he turned down the lamp again.

‘Night Adam and…… thanks.’

CHAPTER 5

A few days later Ben was sat at his desk going over the ranch accounts.  It was a job he disliked, but one that had to be done, particularly now that he had to try to mitigate his losses on the cattle.  He found himself thinking over the events since Adam had come home.  He was pleased that Joe and his older brother seemed to be getting on better and was glad that he had left them to sort it out together.  He glanced up at the staircase, Joe had been in his room doing schoolwork for rather a long time this morning, which was unusual, maybe he should go and see what was being done.  He carefully closed the ledgers he had been working on and stretched before crossing the room to the stairs.

He had been working inside all morning and because of this he had not yet put on his boots, his leather slippers made no sound as he climbed the stairs, crossed the landing and quietly opened Joe’s bedroom door.  What he saw irritated him.  Joe’s books were strewn across his bed, but Joe was standing staring out of the window.

‘Daydreaming again, I suppose.’ he thundered.

Joe jumped and turned around, his face a picture of guilt.  ‘Pa……I was…..’ his voice trailed away as he realised that whatever he said would only make things worse.

‘How much work have you done this past week?’  his father sighed.

Joe considered his answer for a moment and decided that the whole truth was his only safe option, even though his father was not going to like it.  ‘Not very much Pa, I just can’t seem to get started.  Every time I sit down with the books, I want to be outside.’

Ben gave an embarrassed grunt as he realised that Joe had just voiced his own feelings from moments before when he had been sitting over the ranch accounts.  ‘Well what is so important that it can’t wait this vacation.’ he asked.

Joe glanced up at his father, surprised at the moderate tone and the interest in his voice ‘You see Pa, there is this herd of wild horses up on the Tahoe Rim.  We saw them several weeks ago and there is this pretty little pinto mare that I want to catch.  She’s so beautiful and she can run like the wind.’  Joe’s eyes lit up as he spoke of the horse.

Ben smiled ‘What’s wrong with the pony you already have.’ he said ‘knowing full well that he had been intending to suggest that Joe chose another horse from the Ponderosa stock this summer.’

Joe sighed ‘Nothing Pa, but he’s old and too small.’  he watched for his father’s reaction before continuing ‘I want a horse, not a kid’s pony.  Hoss was younger than me when he started training Chubby.’

‘Yes, he was, but he had Chubby from a colt.  Its a lot easier to train a colt than it is to break a wild horse.  Are you sure that’s what you want, we have plenty of young animals on the ranch, you could choose from.’

‘I want his one Pa.’  Joe pleaded.

Ben nodded ‘Well all right then, you had better go and get started.  It might take all summer just to catch her.’

Joe couldn’t believe what he had just heard ‘You mean I can go, now.’  he indicated his school books.’

Ben laughed ‘Yes go now.  We’ll both play truant, I’ve had enough of ranch accounts.  I’m going to ride over to check up on the new fencing Adam and Hoss are putting up.  I have a Cattlemen’s Association meeting this afternoon and that’s punishment enough for me for not doing the accounts.  You just make sure you’re back in time for chores tonight.’

Joe needed no second telling, he grabbed his jacket and was out of the door before Ben could finish speaking.  Ben grinned and followed at a more leisurely pace.

 

 

The Cattlemen’s Association meeting was as bad as Ben had expected.  Feelings were running pretty high and some of the smaller outfits were in danger of going bankrupt.  Ben knew that he would lose a great deal but the Ponderosa had other interests and if he was careful with those, it would survive.  The majority seemed to be in favour of hiring range detectives to track down the rustlers and no amount of reasoning that Roy Coffee and his deputies were doing their best would convince them.  Only two men were on Ben’s side, his nicest neighbour Cal Howard, who owned a small ranch to the east of the Ponderosa and Tom Whittaker.  Ben was surprised that Tom agreed with him, just lately at these meetings Tom had gone against Ben in everything, sometimes it seemed just to be contrary.  On this occasion though Ben was glad of the support, the Ponderosa and the Flying W were the largest ranches represented and with Cal’s backing they might just make the others see sense.

‘Gentlemen’ Ben tried to calm the arguments that were raging ‘My losses have been as great as all of you, Tom, here has lost almost as many…..’

‘Yeah, well you can afford to lose a few cattle.  I can’t.’  grumbled Steve Johnson, who was likely to be wiped out by the losses he had sustained.

‘I know Steve.  But paying out good money for hired guns, isn’t the answer.  The sheriff is doing his best.’  Ben’s voice showed that he was controlling his temper with difficulty.

‘Well his best isn’t getting my cattle back.’ Johnson retorted.  ‘Nearly 1,000 head of cattle don’t just disappear into thin air.  He can’t have looked very hard.’

‘That’s not fair, Steve.’  Cal Howard joined in ‘I’ve been out with those posses and so have you, we all have.  We must have searched every inch of the land for miles around, and all we’ve found is a few tracks and we’re not even sure that those belong to the missing cattle.’  Cal looked around the table ‘As the Chairman, I say we vote as we always do.’

Johnson still looked dissatisfied ‘That gives Ben and Tom an advantage their shares are greater than ours.’

Cal Howard sighed ‘Our constitution says we vote based on the size of our cattle herds, you can’t change it now.’

Reluctantly the smaller ranchers agreed and the vote was taken to wait a further month before calling in outside help.  But if Roy couldn’t come up with something in that time, Ben knew nothing would stop this group from bringing in the hired guns, he feared.  He was not in the best of moods as he rode home.  His worries for the Ponderosa and his neighbours weighed heavily on him and waiting at home were those blasted account books.  He smiled to himself as he realised that his attitude to the accounts exactly matched his youngest son’s attitude to his extra schoolwork.  Maybe had been a bit hard on Joe, he would tell him tonight that the schoolwork could be reduced to just one morning a week.  He didn’t want Joe to think he had got away with a bad report but he remembered how precious his own school vacations had been.

 

As soon as supper was over, Ben disciplined himself to sit at this desk and open up the ledgers again.  Joe had obviously had a good day and was in a boisterous mood.  Ben had already told him to be quiet several times but it had no effect, he was repeating endlessly, to anyone who would listen, the tale of how he had come so close to ‘his’ mare that he could almost touch her.  At first Hoss and Adam had been willing to listen, but at the third or fourth telling, their patience began to wear thin.  Hoss was concentrating very hard on a particularly difficult repair on his horse’s tack and only gave Joe half his attention.  Adam was trying to read and his young brother was beginning to irritate him.  He was used to being able to study in complete silence and being part of a noisy family was a hard  re-adjustment.

‘Joseph, sit down and doing something quietly.’ Ben finally shouted.

Joe stopped in mid sentence and looked surprised, he couldn’t think what he had done that was so terrible.  He just wanted everyone to be as excited as he was about the mare.  Adam closed his book purposefully. ‘Come on, let’s have a game of cards to keep you occupied.’ he sighed. ‘Want to join us, Hoss.’

‘Might as well, I can’t concentrate with chatterbox, here.’ he grinned good naturedly.

Joe was happy, he had got what he wanted, attention.  He was even satisfied enough to keep quiet about the horse for a little while.

The played several games without much comment, Adam winning most of them before the trouble started.  First it was simply Hoss and Joe complaining that Adam was winning too often, but Adam refused to play badly to allow his younger brothers to win.  He considered that no concessions should be made just because they were younger.  After a particularly disastrous game for Joe, his short temper, gave way.

‘You’re cheating.’ he yelled at Adam, slamming his cards down on the table so violently that some of them fell to the floor.

Adam looked at his young brother with astonishment. ‘Don’t be silly’ he said placatingly ‘You’re just not paying enough attention to what you are doing.’  He continued gathering up the cards and bent to pick up those that Joe had thrown on the floor.

Joe’s temper was something he had never quite learned to control and it boiled over far too easily.  ‘There’s no point in playing if you are going to cheat and win every time.’ he yelled his young voice rising higher as he lost control.  He pushed back his chair which scraped noisily across the polished floor.

‘Sit down and don’t be ridiculous.’ Adam said reaching out to try to calm his young brother. ‘You know I won fair and square, you’re just being a poor loser.  Maybe you’ll win the next game.’  His voice and manner were both intended to cool Joe’s temper for he had seen their father look up angrily from his books and Adam wanted to avert trouble.

But his ill chosen words simply inflamed Joe even more and he was now beyond reason. ‘I’m not playing with a cheat anymore.’ He pushed his brother’s arm away and in doing so it brushed against the coffee pot.  Adam recoiled and almost swore under his breath as the hot metal burned the back of his hand.

‘Why you little…’ he made a grab for Joe’s shirt front but was interrupted by his father’s arm.

Ben had moved swiftly and silently to intervene and now stood facing Adam and towering above Joe. ‘That’s enough from both of you.  Joseph you will apologise at once.’ he glared at his youngest son.

‘Why me?  He’s the one who was cheating.’  Joe shouted back, not knowing or caring what he said. ‘You always take his side.’

Ben’s anger at Joe’s response more than matched his son’s. His voice became quieter and dropped a tone, a sure sign that Joe had gone too far.  ‘How dare you answer back.  You go to your room and stay there until you can behave in a civilised manner.  When you are ready to apologise to your brother let me know.’

Joe looked from his father’s stern unyielding face to that of his elder brother and although he knew it was the wrong decision, his stubborn pride would allow no other.  ‘I won’t apologise.’ he said petulantly and he raced up the stairs to his room and slammed the door shut with as much force as he could manage.

Adam’s gaze followed his brother until he was out of sight and then returned to his father.  ‘He didn’t mean it, he is only a kid and he’s just upset, don’t be too hard on him, Pa.’

‘He’s old enough to know better.  I won’t stand for insolent behaviour like that and he knows it.  He can stay in his room until he is ready to apologise.’  Ben remained completely unmoved by Adam’s plea.

 

By next morning the incident had almost been forgotten by Adam and Hoss and they were seated at the breakfast table discussing the day’s work, when Joe came down the stairs.  At the same moment, Ben came in from the yard and father and son exchanged looks.

‘Good morning, Joseph.  I assume you have apologised to Adam.’  Ben said quietly.

Joe shook his head ‘No, and I won’t.’ he said defiantly.

‘Then you had better return to your room, young man.’  Ben took his seat at the table.

Joe looked shocked ‘But I haven’t had breakfast.’

‘No, and you won’t, if you want to eat with the rest of us, you know what you have to do.  Make up your mind, either apologise to your brother now or you stay in your room until you do.’ Ben’s voice was quiet and calm but quite firm.

Joe glared at Adam ‘I’d rather starve.’ he said dramatically.

‘That’s your choice.  I don’t want to see you again until you are ready to do as I ask.’ Ben reached over and helped himself to bacon and made no further attempt to look up.

Adam and Hoss exchanged anxious looks, it appeared that their father really meant what he said, Joe would get no meals until he apologised.  Adam wondered if his father knew just how stubborn Joe could be.  Joe stood for a few seconds, half hoping his father would relent, but then realising that was not going to happen, he slowly went back to his room.

 

For the rest of the morning Joe tried to occupy himself, he leafed through a book, gazed out of the window and generally tried to take his mind of the fact that he was hungry.  There was a water jug in his room but nothing to eat and by lunchtime, when the aroma of Hop Sing’s stew reached him, he was getting desperate.  He was so bored that he even opened his school books for a time.  Surely Pa would call him for lunch.  He waited in vain.  He heard the others come in laughing and joking with each other and then the sounds of the meal being served, but no call came.

 

It was sometime later in the afternoon that there was a light knock and Adam put his head around the door.

‘Can I come in?’ he asked.

‘Can’t stop you.’ Joe said sullenly.

Adam entered the room and pulled up a chair so that he was beside the bed on which Joe was lying face down.

‘Just listen to me for a minute please.’ Adam said quietly.

‘OK, I’m listening.’ Joe’s reply was still unfriendly.

‘Why don’t you apologise to me here, no one is listening, it can be just between the two of us.  I’ll tell Pa and it will all be forgotten.  You can’t stay here forever and Pa isn’t going to relent.  You know that, don’t you?’  Adam’s voice was quiet and kind, it was obvious he wanted to help.

Joe hesitated, he knew that his big brother was right about their father.  Pa never changed his mind about a promise or a punishment.  ‘I’m not apologising, I haven’t done anything.  It was all your fault.’ he finally blurted out.

Adam gave an exasperated sigh. ‘You really are the limit.  You are the only one suffering.  You must see that you will have to give in eventually, so why not now.’

Joe rolled over to face his brother and shrugged ‘Pa’ll let me come down to supper, you’ll see.’

Adam got to his feet ‘I think you’ll find that you are still here and very hungry by the time supper is over.  But that’s up to you.’

He left Joe with a sneaking feel that he might be right.

 

Later Joe heard them all come in after work and once again he could smell Hop Sing’s cooking.  Surely his father wouldn’t let him go hungry again.  He heard Hop Sing call them to the table and he waited, but no one came near him.  He realised that Adam had been right and suddenly he knew that he would have to apologise as he should have done last night.  The realisation that he would have to deliberately go down stairs and make his apology in front of Hoss and Hop Sing as well as his father made him see how silly he had been not to accept Adam’s offer this afternoon.

He got up from his bed and brushed his hair, the reflection in the mirror that looked back at him was sullen and cross and Joe realised how miserable he was.  He forgot Adam’s kindness this afternoon, forgot that he owed him a debt for not reporting his presence on Whittaker’s land to his father and irrationally blamed all his troubles on his older brother.  Why did Adam have to come home, he and Hoss had been fine together without him.

He descended the stairs very slowly and was acutely aware that as he turned the corner, four pairs of eyes swivelled in his direction and all conversation ceased.  He reached the bottom step and walked slowly across to the table, stopping just in front of Adam’s chair, his eyes fixed firmly on the floor.  At this point his courage deserted him and he couldn’t bring himself to speak.

‘Do you have something to say?’ his father asked pointedly.

‘I…. I’m sorry I was mad at you yesterday, Adam.’ he blurted out, wanting to get it over.

Adam was about to reply when Ben spoke again.  ‘I seem to remember you said a few other things that need straightening out too.’ he said quietly.

Joe glanced up ‘I shouldn’t have called you a cheat, I know you wouldn’t.’ he almost whispered.

Adam felt Joe’s embarrassment and wanted to end it as quickly as possible. ‘Its OK, we both get heated too easily, let’s forget it.’

Ben looked sternly at his youngest son ‘You had better sit and eat.  But just remember I won’t put up with behaviour like yesterday’s.  Is that understood?’

Joe slid into his chair and, without raising head or meeting his father’s eyes, he replied ‘Yes, sir’ very softly.

He almost fell on the roast dinner, Hop Sing put before him and said not another word until he had finished eating.  The conversation between his brothers centred on the loss of the cattle and what could be done about it, until Ben asked them to give it a rest and talk about something more pleasant.

Adam gave it some thought and winked at Hoss ‘Well Pa, we’ve finished that fencing and I was wondering, since all the chores are up to date,  if you’d mind if we took a day off to go fishing.’  he grinned ‘I haven’t done any fishing for four years, I need the practice.’

Ben frowned ‘There is always work to be done around here.’  he glanced at Hoss ‘Are you sure all your work is done?’

Hoss grinned, he knew better than Adam that they were being teased ‘Every bit Pa.  Anyway, I need to teach this eastern dude to fish again.’

‘Well, all right, but just one day and I expect to see fish on the table for supper.’ Ben face relaxed into a broad smile.

Adam turned to Joe ‘You’ll come with us, won’t you Joe?  Maybe we can even find time to take a look at this spectacular horse of yours.’

It was a peace offering and Joe knew it, but he simply did not want to spend time with Adam.  He was about to retort that he wouldn’t go anywhere with his eldest brother, when he remembered that he was not his father’s favourite at the moment and any outburst would lead to more trouble.  For once he kept his temper in check and replied quietly.  ‘I’ll think about it, but I promised to go over to see Mitch again tomorrow.’

Hoss raised his eyebrows and glanced at Adam.  Joe loved fishing and Hoss had never known him to pass up the chance before.  He had not realised how deeply Joe resented his elder brother and he made himself a promise to have a talk with him.

CHAPTER 6

The next morning was another hot and sunny one and just right for a day by the Lake.  In anticipation of a holiday, both Hoss and Adam got up extra early to get the chores finished and Hoss even managed to do some of his little brother’s in effort to make up for the day before.  Despite the help he was given, Joe was still bad tempered and sullen.  He wanted to spend time with Hoss but could not bring himself to admit that it would have to be both brothers or neither.  Over breakfast, Hoss tried once more to persuade him.

‘Its a lovely day for fishing Joe, we might even go for a swim.  Why don’t you come?’ he tried.

Joe shook his head ‘I’d rather go with Mitch.  He doesn’t boss me around.’ he would have said more but he had noticed his father was giving him a warning frown.

Adam shrugged his shoulders ‘If he doesn’t want to come with us Hoss, there’s no point in trying to persuade him.  We’ll get by without him.’

‘Its you I don’t want to go with.’   Joe mumbled under his breath.

Ben didn’t hear what was said but he could guess the general feeling being expressed ‘Joseph’ he said sharply ‘If you have something to say, say it, don’t mumble.’ he waited a moment ‘Well do you have something to say?’

Joe considered the question and decided that if he wanted to go out today there was only one acceptable answer ‘No, sir.’

Ben continued to hold Joe’s gaze until his young son looked away ‘If you two are going to provide supper for tonight, you had better get started.  Some nice buttered trout will do.’

Adam and Hoss both rose from the table ‘We’ll see what we can do, Pa.’ Hoss replied as he put on his hat.

 

Joe waited until he was sure they had gone, then he went to follow.  As he stood up, Ben caught his arm and indicated that he should sit down again.  Joe tried to decide if he was in trouble again but his father’s face gave nothing away.

‘Just a minute.  I want to talk to you.’ Ben said quietly ‘What is all this about.’

Joe looked up quickly ‘All what?’

‘Well, you’ve been sullen and bad tempered ever since school ended and that’s not like you.  I thought you preferred vacations.’ he smiled a little ‘You’re moody and you argue with Adam all the time and…’  he said sternly ‘….you’ve started answering back a little too often.  Now I wanted to know why?’

Joe shrugged ‘I don’t know, its just that ……’ his voice tailed off, unable to put into words how he felt.

Ben got up and went behind Joe’s chair.  He put an affectionate arm around his son’s shoulders ‘You don’t usually have trouble talking to me, what is so bad that you can’t tell me about it?’

Joe slumped in his chair ‘Well, everyone treats me like a baby, I never get to do anything important.’

Ben nodded and slid into the empty chair beside Joe ‘You are the youngest and the others are grown up now.  I don’t think I treat you any differently to the way I treated Hoss and Adam when they were twelve.’  Ben said gently.

‘Well Adam does and Hoss listens to him.’ Joe grumbled.

Light suddenly dawned for Ben, he saw what the problem was ‘So that’s it.’ he said ‘You miss doing things with Hoss because he is busy with Adam, is that right.’

‘I guess so, we used to have good fun before Adam came home.’

Ben gave Joe a sympathetic pat and ruffled his hair. ‘Don’t forget Hoss wants to be grown up just as you do, he’s trying to copy Adam.  He doesn’t meant to leave you out.’

‘I don’t see why he wants to be like him, I hate him.’ Joe said vehemently.

Ben’s stern voice returned ‘That’s enough. I won’t have you talking about your brother in that way.  You will learn to control your temper or you will regret it.  If you act like a spoiled baby that is how you will be treated.’

Joe realised he was wrong and gave his father an apologetic look ‘I’m sorry Pa, I didn’t mean that.’

‘I should hope not.  Now why don’t you go and catch them up and make sure that we have fish for supper tonight.  You know you are the best fisherman in the family.’  he smiled encouragingly at his young son.

‘All right, I’ll meet Mitch and we can go down to the Lake instead of hunting.’  he got to his feet and made for the door.  As it slammed behind him, Ben sighed.  He wasn’t convinced that the problem had gone away, maybe he would have to talk to Adam and Hoss and make them understand what was going through Joe’s mind.

 

The two older boys had made it to the Lake in record time and were soon settled in with a fishing pole apiece.  For a while they were content to sit in silence and watch the wild life on the lake.  It never ceased to amaze Hoss, that if you sat really still you could watch all manner of animals and birds at very close quarters without disturbing them from their daily rounds.  Today, was a day like that.  Adam was a quiet companion and the animals came around them as they never would if Joe had been there.  Hoss smiled, his little brother couldn’t keep still long enough and everything fled in his path.

They fished for about an hour before either got a bite, but then Hoss managed to hook several in fairly quick succession.  He grinned across at his older brother.  ‘What s the matter, lost your touch, living in the big city.’

Adam returned the grin ‘Didn’t get much chance to go fishing in Boston.  All the fish they eat there comes out of the sea.  I tried going out with the fishing boats once, but it was too early in the morning and too cold for my liking.’  He discarded his fishing pole and drew his knees up to his chin.  His mood became pensive and he glanced at Hoss.

‘Hoss, on the way home I made a detour.’  he hesitated, not sure how to put his thoughts into words that would comfort rather than upset his younger brother.

Hoss met his brother’s gaze frankly ‘I know, you mentioned it at supper that first night, then changed the subject.  I wondered if you would ever get around to telling me.’

Adam looked uncomfortable ‘I wasn’t trying to keep it from you. I just didn’t know what to say.  After all, we are only half brothers, she was your mother, not mine.  I thought you might think it strange that I wanted to go back to Ash Hollow.’

‘No….. I don’t think its strange.’  he stopped talking and gazed out across the lake  ‘If you think about it all three of us have had difficult times.’

Adam was puzzled, ‘What do you mean.’

Hoss thought for a moment, not sure how to put it into words ‘Well, you never knew your mother, so you kinda adopted mine.  I did the same with Marie and I guess you did too in a way, and Joe ….. well he never really had anyone but Pa.  As for only being half brothers, I guess I never even think about that, you’re both my brothers and that’s it.  Someday, would you go there with me?’

‘Sure I would.’  said Adam quietly.  ‘You know, Pa said that he often has conversations with our mothers about us.  I wonder if an imaginary conversation with Marie would help me sort out what to do about Joe.  I don’t know why, but I really feel that he resents me coming home.’

‘That’s rubbish, he’s just going through a difficult time.  He doesn’t like school, wants to grow up too quick and thinks Pa is too hard on him.  None of that is your fault.’  he grinned at Adam to lighten the mood ‘Mind you he does have a point.  You are bossy.’

Adam returned the grin ‘Well if I’m bossy, the order is to catch more fish.’

 

It was nearly midday, by the time they were joined by Joe and Mitch.  Adam was surprised to see them, unlike Ben, Adam had heard Joe’s mumbled comment at breakfast and his little brother was quite the last person he had expected to see.  Joe was delighted that his older brother had not had any luck with the fish, and proceeded to show him how it was done, by catching several in the first half an hour.  Mitch was a good fisherman too, and the older boys were shamed by the number and weight of fish that the younger two managed to pull in.  By mid afternoon Hoss decided he had been humiliated enough, Adam having long ago given up in the face of superior talent.

‘We’ve got more than enough for supper, why don’t we ride up to the ridge and see if we can see this fantastic horse, Joe keeps telling us about?’

‘Fine by me.’ Adam replied ‘I haven’t caught anything all day.’

Mitch and Joe scrambled to their feet and gathered up the catch.  Joe wasn’t sure he wanted to show Adam the horses, but it had been Hoss’s suggestion and he really did want Hoss to see and approve of his choice.  They rode steadily for a while without any sign of the herd, the younger boys out in front looking for tracks.  The route took them upwards and along the fence line of the Flying W and once or twice Joe glanced at Adam to see if he was watching him.  As they neared the boundary Adam began to worry and wanted them to turn for home.

‘We aren’t going to find them, we might as well get back.’  he said ‘Maybe they have gone up higher into the mountains.’  he looked over at Joe ‘We are not going any further north.’

Joe was about to retort that he wasn’t that stupid, when Mitch yelled ‘Look, there they are down below us on the valley floor.’

All eyes followed Mitch’s pointing finger.  Down below the herd was grazing quietly, a chestnut stallion was watching over them from a slightly higher vantage point.  As the boys watched something seemed to alert the stallion, he came down from his sentry post and suddenly all the horses started to run.  Adam looked away to his left and pointed out the cause of the panic.

‘There, a band of Piautes.  They must be after the herd.’  he was right as they watched a small group of Indians gave chase to the fleeing herd.

Joe stood up in his stirrups and pointed excitedly ‘There she is, the pinto at the front of the herd.’

Adam looked admiringly at the little mare ‘She sure can run.’

‘Isn’t she beautiful.’  Joe sighed.

Hoss grinned ‘She sure is little brother.  But it looks as though you have some competition for her. If that band are keen enough to give chase, they will eventually catch the ones they want and I would say she has to be the best of the bunch.  I’ve never known a Piaute who didn’t know a good horse.’

Joe’s face fell.  He had never even considered that someone other than himself would be hunting his horse.  He vowed that from now on nothing would get in the way of trying to catch her, he would spend all his spare time up here until he had.

CHAPTER 7

Following the day’s holiday, Ben felt justified in exacting a heavy penalty by issuing lists of chores that had even Adam grumbling.  Joe found it difficult to slip away as early or as often as he would have liked but he did manage to formulate a plan for the capture of the little mare.  He knew that chasing her, the way the Piautes had, was not going to work for him. Even with Mitch’s help the two of them would not be able to keep pace with her, never mind overtake her sufficiently to get a rope on her.  Their ponies were too small and slow for that.  By the weekend the plan was all set and he intended to put into practice early next week.  It had been his intention to make it Saturday, but his father had spoiled that my insisting that he wanted Joe to accompany him to Virginia City for a haircut.

Saturday’s lunch was a lighthearted affair.  The work was all caught up and both Hoss and Adam were planning to spend the afternoon on their own pursuits.  Joe felt it was unfair that he had to give up his plans but he knew it was no use arguing about it.  At least he wouldn’t have to spend the day with Adam.  Since the fishing trip, their relationship had deteriorated still further.  No matter how hard Adam tried, his conversations with Joe still sounded as though he was issuing orders and Joe resented it, although he was careful not to let his father notice that there was anything amiss.  Today at least he would be free of that.

‘Well, what plans do you two have for this afternoon?’  Ben leaned back in his chair and took a sip of his coffee.

Hoss answered first ‘Me, I’m going back to the lake to try for some more fish.’

Joe laughed ‘You do need the practice.  Don’t fall asleep on the sand or the fish might catch you.’

‘Now there’s an idea.  At least it will be peaceful up there without you chattering on about this horse all the time.’  Hoss grinned.

Joe’s smile faded ‘I could have caught her this afternoon, if I didn’t have to go to town.’  he looked hopefully at his father ‘Couldn’t the haircut wait, Pa.?  he pleaded.

Ben shook his head ‘No, it certainly can’t.  You’re going with me and that’s final.’ he reached for the coffee pot to pour himself a second cup ‘What about you Adam?’

‘Oh, I’ll ride into town with you.’  he said and noticed that his little brother’s face, already sullen at the thought of a haircut altered to a grimace at this news.

Ben raised an eyebrow ‘Something special to do in town?’ he queried.

Adam sighed, he had hoped that his date in town could be kept quiet.  He planned to take a young lady on a picnic, and he knew that his father slightly disapproved of the fact that since he had come home, there had been rather a lot of different young ladies in his life.  ‘I’d planned to take Jenny Howard for a drive.’

Ben grunted ‘Just remember her father is one of my best friends.  I’d just as soon keep it that way.’

‘Pa, that’s not fair.  I’m only going riding with her.’  Adam said a little put out.

‘Well, I don’t know what you got up to in Boston society, but around here folks carry guns and there have been rather a lot of changes in your affections in the last month.’

Hoss grinned ‘Yeah, Adam.  You’ll soon have to go back east, there can’t be many girls left around here that you haven’t seen.’

Hoss’s commented lighten the mood and Adam grinned ‘Don’t worry, Bessie Sue is not my type.’  seeing the look on his brother’s face at this remark, he got up from the table and made for the door  ‘I’ll hitch up the team for you Pa.’

Hoss followed hot on his heels determined not to let him get away with his teasing.

 

 

Virginia City on a Saturday afternoon was crowded, Ben fought his way along C street with the buckboard and eventually had to leave it quite a long way from the store where he was picking up the supplies.  Much to Joe’s relief, Adam departed almost as soon as they arrived and, apart from the indignities of a haircut, the afternoon wasn’t so bad.

Cal Howard was bringing Jenny into town when he too collected his supplies, and Adam was due to meet her at the livery stables.  When he arrived there was no sign of them and he guessed he was probably a little early.  While he was waiting, he spotted a vaguely familiar face, trying to hire a horse and buggy.  ‘Why hello, Mr King.  You back for more business?’

Aaron King turned to the voice ‘Hello, Mr Cartwright.  Not more business, just to conclude my deal with Mr Whittaker.’

Adam frowned ‘I doubt he will be able to do that, like the rest of us, he has been pretty badly hit by rustlers.  His herd must be depleted as ours is.’

‘Well, I wouldn’t know about that.  Course he did say he might not be able to make the full 1,000 head until the fall roundup, but he is certainly delivering the majority of the meat in the next couple of weeks.’  Aaron King explained.

Adam looked puzzled ‘Did you say meat, Mr King.’

‘Yes that’s right, the deal called for half the cattle to be delivered as cured meat, that way its cheaper than driving the cattle over the mountains.  The remainder we collect in the usual way in the fall.’

‘Isn’t that a bit unusual’  Adam asked.

‘I guess so, but that’s the way Mr Whittaker wanted to do business.’  Aaron King took charge of the buggy he had hired ‘Well, I must be on my way.  It was nice seeing you again, maybe you could persuade your father to put some business my way in the future.’

‘Yeah, sure, I’ll talk to him about it.’  Adam said distractedly.  His mind was in turmoil, he couldn’t believe that Whittaker was the rustler but all the evidence pointed to it.

‘Hi, I’m sorry I’m a bit late, Pa took ages getting the team ready.’  Jenny Howard had come into the stable without Adam noticing, she stood just inside the door and surveyed him with her head on one side.

‘It doesn’t matter.’  Adam said without really looking up, his mind still on rustlers.

Jenny Howard was nineteen, very pretty and with plenty of admirers.  True Adam Cartwright was probably the most handsome and certainly the most eligible but she wasn’t prepared to be ignored.  ‘Pardon me.’  she said sarcastically ‘but I thought we were going riding.’

Adam looked up quickly realising from the tone of her voice that he had been somewhat impolite and Jenny intended him to know it.  ‘I’m sorry, I just heard something that bothered me.’

He looked so put out that Jenny relented ‘I hope it wasn’t bad news.’  she said in a more pleasant voice.

‘Not exactly, it has to do with the cattle rustling.’  he replied.

‘Oh, that.  My father talks about nothing else.  I wish they could be caught then maybe we could get back to normal.  Pa has lost so much stock that he is worried about getting through the winter.’  as she spoke she gathered up the reins of her mare. ‘Are we going for this ride, or not?’ she said her ill-temper returning.

‘Yes, of course.  But would you mind if we rode up into the hills, we might see something useful.’  Adam’s mind was still on the rustlers and he didn’t realise quite the effect his words would have on Jenny.

She stamped her foot in temper ‘Adam Cartwright, I don’t know what girls in Boston expect from a date, but I expected to go riding and to have all your attention.  I won’t come second to a herd of cows.  If you want to play sheriff, go ahead but you’ll do it on your own.’  with that she stormed out of the stable and down the street.

Adam sighed, he knew he had handled that badly.  He liked Jenny a lot and he supposed he would have to try to find a way to make it up with her.  He also wondered what version of the events would find its way back to his father.  However, his immediate task was to find Roy Coffee and tell him his suspicions.

 

Roy listened politely, but it was obvious he doubted Adam’s interpretation of the facts.  ‘Adam, I’ve covered every inch of the Flying W, there is no way Whittaker could hide even 100 cattle up there without me knowing it.  He certainly couldn’t hide a smokehouse.  No I’m sorry but I think you’re wrong.’

‘Surely, its worth another look Roy.’  Adam was convinced that Whittaker was involved somehow and he wanted to prove it, but he needed Roy to do the looking.

‘I’ve known Tom Whittaker for more than ten years.  I know he and your Pa fell out, but that doesn’t make him a thief.  I’ve searched his place as thoroughly as yours, if not more so because it was in his area that the cattle started disappearing.’  the sheriff bent back to his paperwork and Adam realised he was being dismissed in no uncertain terms.  He left the office, still sure that he had found the right man, but how to prove it.

He rode home slowly and when he reached the fork that led up to the Flying W, he automatically turned that way.  Only after he had ridden a couple of miles on to the property did he start to think what his action might mean.  If he was right, Whittaker’s men would shoot him on sight.  Even if he was wrong the bad blood between the two families meant that he could still be challenged and maybe shot.  Illogically, he thought how angry his father would be if he was shot here on the Flying W, after he had been warned to stay away.  He also realised that he was abdicating his responsibility as older brother.  He had made Joe promise that he would not trespass on Whittaker land and here he was breaking his own rules.  He continued is ill advised search but after an hour he had found nothing, except a few tracks that appeared to lead into a small box canyon.  The canyon was deserted and there was no other way out, so he turned and rode back the way he had come.  Despite his failure to find the evidence he so desperately sought, his feeling that Whittaker was involved in some way did not diminish.

 

At supper that evening Adam tried to avoid saying anything about his afternoon, he knew his father would heartily disapprove of his actions, not to mention the embarrassment he would suffer if Hoss found out that Jenny had walked out on him.  But he was out of luck.  The meal had hardly started when his father brought the subject up.

‘I saw Jenny riding home with her father this afternoon, didn’t you go riding after all?’ he asked.

Hoss immediately pricked up his ears as Adam gave his father a resigned shrug ‘We had a bit of a disagreement, she sure is short tempered.’

Hoss grinned ‘You mean your charm failed, for once.’

Adam raised his hands in protest ‘OK, say it all and get it over with.’

‘You’d better get Little Joe to give you lessons, all the girls in school run after him, don’t they Joe.’  Hoss teased.

Joe scowled ‘Shut up!’

‘Boys, that’s enough.’  he turned to Adam again ‘Well, it took you long enough to get home, you were late for chores.  Where did you go?’  It wasn’t a reprimand but it was a question that Adam had been dreading.  He could think of no way out, he would have to admit that he had disobeyed his father and he would have to do it in front of Joe.

‘I got some information that I thought might lead to the rustlers, so I rode up north to take a look.’  he hoped this half truth would satisfy his father.

‘What sort of information?’  Ben queried.

Adam related the conversation with the cattle buyer and his subsequent meeting with Roy Coffee, but went no further.

‘I can’t believe Tom Whittaker is involved, we have been neighbours for years and nothing like this has happened before.  He has lost as many cattle as we have.’

Adam leaned forward ‘Or says he has.  Maybe he has had some bad luck, I know he gambles a bit in Virginia City.’

Ben looked sharply at his son ‘You are basing this theory on the remote possibility that he has lost at cards and that he is selling meat to a string of restaurants are you?  Don’t you think that is a little thin.’

Adam held his ground ‘I just felt it was worth investigating, that’s all.’

Ben’s voice became quiet and precise ‘Exactly how did you undertake this investigating?’

Adam knew from the tone that his father had a pretty good idea of the answer and was far from pleased.  He swallowed hard before he spoke ‘I rode up to the creek to take a look.’

‘And crossed the creek?’ his voice was clipped.

Adam looked at Joe, who was watching him with a fixed expression that Adam found hard to meet.  He looked down at his plate, suddenly feeling about ten years old ‘Yes sir.’ he said his voice barely audible.

‘You are telling me that you went alone, to a place where you have already been shot at once, to look for a gang of rustlers.  You are supposed to be old enough to have more sense.’  Ben gave an exasperated sigh ‘Just what would you have done if you had found these rustlers of yours?’

Adam tried to meet his father’s eyes but couldn’t ‘I don’t know, sir.  I didn’t think……’

Ben exploded all at once ‘Didn’t think.  That’s the sort of excuse I expect from your youngest brother.  You are supposed to be more responsible.’

‘Yes, sir.  I’m sorry.’  Adam apologised.

‘Sorry wouldn’t have helped if you had been shot and left to die up there.  How many times have you been told not to go anywhere alone without telling someone.  Come to that, how many times, since you got home, have you heard me repeat that no one is to go on to the Flying W.  Its not to happen again, is that understood?’  Ben’s face was white with anger.  ‘And that goes for all of you.’

Hoss nodded, speechless in the face of his father’s anger, even though he was innocent.  Joe said nothing, he was just fervently glad that it was Adam in the line of fire and not himself as it so easily could have been.

The rest of the evening passed in strained conversation and a heavy atmosphere.  Adam still felt he was right about Whittaker but he didn’t dare make any further mention of the subject.

CHAPTER 8

Just as he had planned, Joe spent Monday searching for the wild herd.  Unfortunately, his plans were thwarted when they weren’t in the area of his search.  He guessed that the chase by the Piautes had made them move away and together he and Mitch began the painstaking business of looking for signs all over again.  Over the next few days the herd became an obsession and every spare minute was spent in the quest for them.  Nothing was as important as this task.

 

His father still insisted that he did his early chores then a couple of times a week some schoolwork, followed by more chores until lunchtime.  But he started rushing through his chores and sometimes left them altogether.  Ben had spoken to him about it but it didn’t seem to have much effect. Things came to a head towards the end of the week it was a hot August day, everyone was short tempered because of the amount of work and the heat.  Hoss had already done some of Joe’s chores because his kid brother had disappeared in the middle of the morning and he was cross.  He noticed that the wood box for the kitchen was empty, but decided that he had done enough for Joe and to let it stay that way.  Later, as he was finishing off his own chores in the barn, he heard his father shouting for Joe and wondered what would happen when Ben found out that Joe had slipped off early.

 

A while later Hoss saw his father chopping the wood and knew that this boded ill for Joe.  He was right. By supper time, Ben had checked up and discovered the extent of the chores left undone, and he was angry.  His temper was not helped by the fact that when they sat down to supper Joe had not put in an appearance.

 

About half way through the meal, the door opened cautiously and Joe edged into the room, he knew he was in trouble for being late, but he was not prepared for the onslaught that came.

About time too.’ Ben said `You know what time supper is served and you know I won’t tolerate lateness.  Now what have you to say?’

`I’m sorry Pa, I lost track of the time.’ Joe apologised.

`Well sorry isn’t good enough.  You left without doing your chores, Hoss and I have had to do them for you and not for the first time I might add.’  he gave Joe an exasperated look.  `You can make up for your laziness by doing chores for the next week and not leaving the yard.  he said angrily.

Joe gasped, a whole week of the summer vacation stuck here with nothing to do but work, surely Pa couldn’t mean it.

`Now get up to your room, if you can’t be on time for meals, you don’t eat.’  Ben finished.

Joe hesitated `I said I’m sorry, it won’t happen again, I’ll do all my chores tomorrow.’  Joe rushed out desperately.

His father remained implacable. `I told you to go to your room, now go.’  he said.

Joe flushed and reluctantly turn and went slowly upstairs.  He was starving hungry and hoped maybe Hoss or Hop Sing would sneak something up to him later.  Once in his room he threw himself on the bed and lay with his hands behind his head staring at the ceiling.  It wasn’t fair a whole week when he wouldn’t be able to search for the herd.  He had also planned to go hunting with Mitch.  The rifle he had been given for his birthday was much better than the old one Mitch used and he wanted to show off.

 

It was some time later that Hoss came up with a glass of milk and a sandwich for him.

`Thanks Hoss, did Pa see you?’  Joe asked.

`He said I could.  I wouldn’t have done it otherwise, he’s real mad at you.’  Hoss said.

`I don’t see why he’s so angry, I wasn’t very late.’ Joe grumbled.

Hoss sighed `What about all the chores you have been leaving for me to do.’

`You mean you told him?’ Joe said crossly.

`He asked, and I ain’t lying to him for you.’  Hoss answered just as crossly.  `You’re getting lazier by the day, I’m tired of covering up for you.’ Hoss started to shout.

‘Well you don’t have to bother, I don’t need your help.’  Joe said, his voice rising.

Hoss was about to give another angry retort when they heard steps on the stairs and the door was opened by their father.

`What’s all this noise?’ he stormed.  `Hoss, get down stairs now.’  Hoss gave Joe an angry look and then fled.

Ben turned his attention to Joe `I have just about enough from you today, not one more sound, do you hear?.’

`Yes, sir.’  Joe muttered.

`I hope you do.’ Ben said as he closed the door behind him.

 

The next week dragged for Joe.  His father kept him busy with awful jobs, like whitewashing the smokehouse, clearing the barn and cleaning harness.  For the first three days he worked solidly from dawn to dusk, every time a job was finished another one was presented to him.  By the end of the fifth day Joe was tired, angry and resentful, it showed in many ways but mainly in his sharp tongue every time Hoss spoke to him.  He dare not answer back when his father or Adam spoke to him, in case it meant more trouble, but he had no such reservations with Hoss.  After a particularly bad clash with his older brother, Joe decided that enough was enough.  He was tired and angry and feeling rejected and unloved by the rest of the family.  Pa was still stern and angry with him, Adam was faintly superior and treating him like a naughty baby and even Hop Sing was distant.

 

He waited his chance and when everyone was busy elsewhere, he went into the house and fetched his new rifle.  At first he only planned to clean it, but when he realised that his father and brothers had gone over to check the herd at Steamboat, he decided to try a few practice shots.  He stayed in the yard, even with his father away for the afternoon, he didn’t dare go anywhere else.  He set up some cans and spent half an hour firing at them, then he got more adventurous and started looking for other targets.  Just as he was about to give up and clean the gun, a skunk wandered across the front porch.  An ideal target thought Joe, Hop Sing had been complaining about it for days.  He took careful aim and started to squeeze the trigger.  Suddenly, he realised that the house was right in his line of fire and this realisation was enough to make him jerk his arm a little.  The bullet sped from the rifle barrel and hit one of the stones at the edge of the verandah, it ricocheted off again and went through his father’s study window with a crash of splintered glass.

 

Joe stood open mouthed, and then panic stricken, as the smell of the rapidly departing skunk reached him and he heard Hop Sing yelling from inside.  His first instinct was to run but he knew that would do him no good.  Hop Sing ran out waving his meat cleaver ready to do battle with however was firing.  When he saw Joe he lowered the cleaver but still advanced towards him shouting a stream of Chinese.  Joe retreated from this onslaught as Hop Sing tried to put his angry words into English.

`I’m sorry Hop Sing, it was an accident.’  Joe tried to calm the little Chinese cook.

`You velly bad boy, give me gun.’  Hop Sing insisted.

Joe handed it over.

`I go in house now, I tell your father when he come home.’

Joe caught Hop Sing’s sleeve `Please, don’t tell Pa.  I’ll think of something to tell him.  Don’t tell him it was the gun, he’ll take it away from me.’ he pleaded.

Hop Sing was still very angry, he turned on his heel and went back to his kitchen, the gun under his arm.

Joe sank down on to the porch steps, his stomach churned, what was he going to do?  Hop Sing could usually be relied upon to cover up for him, he could twist the Chinese cook around his finger on most things, but this time Joe wasn’t so sure, he had been so angry.  His father had warned him about using the gun around the house and anyway he was supposed to be working.  The more Joe thought about the consequences of his actions the worse he felt.

His worrying continued as he finished his chores and then went to his room to wash up for supper.  By the time he heard horses in the yard and voices downstairs his worry had become fear.  Fear of what his father would say and fear of what he would do.  He wished he could stay in his room but he knew that like running away that would not solve the problem merely delay it a few minutes.

He started down the stairs and heard his father and Adam discussing the broken window and wondering what had happened.

`Hop Sing, where are you?’ Ben called.

To Joe’s horror as he reached the landing he could see Adam digging the bullet out of the cabinet beside the desk.  This was much worse than he had feared.  As he hesitated at the foot of the stairs, Hop Sing came in from the kitchen.

`Hop Sing, what on earth has been going on here, how did this happen.’ Ben pointed to the broken window and the bullet that Adam was holding up.

Hop Sing started off in a babble of Chinese and English which was incomprehensible to the startled Ben.  All he could decipher was that it had something to do with Joe and that Hop Sing was very angry.  He turned towards Adam and caught sight of his youngest son, trying to creep back up the stairs.

`Joseph’ he said sternly `Come here’. Joe walked slowly across the room, with his head down.

`What do you know about this.’ his father asked.

Joe shifted uneasily from one foot to another and glanced at Adam.  `It was an accident Pa.’ he said slowly.

`Are you telling me that you fired a gun into the house?’ Ben said, his voice low and hard.

`I was aiming at a skunk on the porch.’ Joe explained.

`So that’s what caused that smell.’ Hoss laughed nervously.

`You find something funny Erik?’ Ben asked angrily rounding on his middle son.

`N….no..S..sir’ stuttered Hoss, acutely aware that his father had used his real name, something only done when he was very angry.

Ben turned back to Joe. `You were supposed to be doing extra chores as a punishment, had you finished them?’

Joe shook his head.

Then why did you have your gun with you, and why were you firing it anywhere near the house?  I thought I made it clear when I gave it to you that it was a responsibility not a plaything.’

Joe swallowed hard, he did not know what to say.

`Answer me.’ Ben barked.

`I just got bored and ….’

`Bored!’ Ben exploded `What do you mean bored?  It wasn’t supposed to be exciting, you were being punished for your last piece of disobedience.  It seems to me that the only thing that has any effect on you is a tanning.’

Joe glanced up at his father’s angry face.  There was no way he could talk himself out of this one.

`Where’s the gun now?’ Ben asked.

Hop Sing, who had retreated into the background, suddenly came to life.  `I have gun, Mr Cartlight.’ he lisped. `I take from Li’l Joe.’

`Thank you, Hop Sing.’ he turned back to Joe. `I warned you that you should be careful with the gun.  You are obviously not old enough or responsible enough to own one.’ Ben had calmed down now and his voice was quiet and to Joe more frightening than the hot anger.  Joe’s face had gone pale and his palms were sweating, his stomach churned as he waited with dread for his father to finish.  `The gun stays in the rack and you are not to touch it until I give you permission.  Do you understand?’ Ben fixed Joe with a hard stare.

`Yes sir.  I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to break the window, I forgot the house was there.’  as soon as he said this Joe realised how silly it sounded and wished he could take it back, he knew it would anger his father still further and he was right.

Ben gave a deep sigh and turned away in exasperation.  `Get out of my sight, I just cannot bear to talk to you at the moment.  Go to your room, I will speak to you after supper.’

 

Joe looked at his brothers hoping for support.  Adam just turned away and Hoss was too fearful of his father to do more than give Joe a sympathetic look.

 

After Joe had mounted the stairs and they heard his door close, Hop Sing returned to his kitchen leaving Adam and Hoss wondering what to say or do.  They both felt embarrassed at their father’s anger, they did not want to make things worse, but did not know how to improve the situation.  Ben solved the problem for them.

`What are you two standing around for, isn’t it enough that your brother doesn’t get his work done.  There are plenty of chores waiting.’ and with this he stormed out into the yard.

Adam looked at Hoss and shrugged his shoulders as they followed their father out of the house. Supper was a difficult meal, no one spoke and the atmosphere was heavy with unspoken thoughts.  Joe’s empty place was a reminder to them all that Ben had not yet handed out a punishment.

 

Upstairs young Joe lay on his bed with his hands behind his head.  He tried to hear the sounds from below but all was quiet.  He knew there had to be a reckoning and half of him wanted to put it off for ever and the other half wanted it over and done with as soon as possible.  He was certain that his father was going to give him a hiding, but it was the loss of the rifle that he regretted most.

 

With supper over, Ben eventually went up to Joe’s room.  Adam and Hoss exchanged glances as he went up the stairs and when they heard Joe’s bedroom door close behind him, both decided that there was something pressing to do in the yard. Once outside the brothers tried to find jobs to do in the barn but both were pre-occupied.  It was only when Hoss almost dropped a hay bale on his brother that the feelings became vocal.

`Hey, watch what you’re doing.’ Adam yelled.

`Sorry, I wasn’t concentrating.’ Hoss replied.

Adam reached out and touched his younger brother’s shoulder. `Too busy thinking about Joe.  I know Pa’s very angry and he’s likely to give Joe a hiding, but he deserves it.  He should know better than to fool around with guns, he could have hurt someone.’

Hoss shook his head `It isn’t just that, he seems to be getting in to trouble more and more lately, he never used to be like this.  I can’t help feeling responsible.  I never seem to have time for him now.’

`That’s crazy, he is old enough to know right from wrong.  How can you be responsible for things he does when you’re not around.’  Adam was irritated at Hoss’s obvious sympathy for Joe’s predicament.

 

By the time they had finished their jobs in the barn and returned to the house, Ben was sitting in his favourite chair, smoking his pipe and reading the paper.  Neither felt able to say anything and they too settled down with books.  It was still quite early when Hoss closed his book, he wasn’t much of a reader anyway, and got to his feet.

`I guess I’ll turn in, its been a long day.’  he said.  He made for the kitchen and came back with a sandwich and a glass of milk.

As he crossed the room he was halted by a command from his father

`Just a minute Hoss, I hope you intend that as a snack for yourself and not for Joseph.’

Hoss wavered, he had intended to slip in to see his little brother, who he knew would be hungry.  `I….I was’ he stuttered.

`H’m that’s what I thought.  He’s to be left alone, maybe a few hours of his own company will give him time to think about his behaviour lately.  Is that understood?’

Hoss looked embarrassed `Yes, sir.’

 

Ben returned to his newspaper and Adam simply raised his eyebrows in Hoss’ direction.  Hoss still took the sandwich with him and ate it in his room, it was too good to waste.  While he ate he made a firm resolution to spend more time with Joe in future.

 

CHAPTER 9

The school vacation stretched out ahead of Joe like a prison sentence.  He had done all his regular chores and knew that, if he was seen, his father would find more work for him to do.  He was hiding in the hayloft, trying to avoid both father and brothers.  After last night, he needed time to himself.  He had seldom seen his father so angry.  It had been a cold kind of anger and Joe had felt his father’s disappointment in him.  His original punishment had been bad enough a week without leaving the yard, but now his father had decreed that it be extended for the whole of the vacation.  He was only allowed off the ranch if he was accompanied by his father or his brothers.  His beloved new rifle had been taken away and was now sitting in the rack as if mocking him. He was lying in the hay on his stomach, acutely aware that it would be some time before he could sit comfortably.  The tanning his father had administered had been as harsh as the lecture which accompanied it.  All in all, he was a very sorry boy.

 

He knew that he could not be seen from the barn below and he managed to stay there feeling sorry for himself for most of the morning.  He only emerged when he heard Hoss calling him.  He was careful to make sure that Hoss could not see from which direction he came, in case he needed to retreat again.

‘Where have you been?  I’ve been looking for you for ages.’  Hoss complained when Joe came into view.

‘Finishing my chores, of course.’  Joe lied  ‘What do you want me for anyway?’

‘Just thought that if we were both finished, we could do something together.’  Hoss said.

‘What!’ demanded Joe petulantly ‘You know Pa won’t let me go anywhere.’

‘I could ask him if its OK for us to go fishing together.  I’m sure he would say yes, if you are with me.’  Hoss suggested,  ‘We could walk to the stream.’ he added, realising that Joe probably wouldn’t want to ride anywhere.

‘If you like, but I really don’t care.’ Joe said sullenly.

Hoss took this grudging reply as a signal to go and find their father.

 

Ben was working at his desk and only glanced up briefly as Hoss approached.

‘Pa, is it alright if I take Joe fishing this afternoon.  We’ve both finished our chores.’ he said.

Ben was in the middle of his accounts and did not appreciate the interruption.  He put down his pen and studied Hoss intently.  ‘I can find plenty for you both to do, if that’s what’s bothering you.’ he said quietly.

Hoss shifted uncomfortably ‘Well, I thought maybe I could spend some time with Joe.  He’s awful unhappy.’  he said.

Ben leaned back in his chair and surveyed his middle son making Hoss even more uncomfortable.  He was beginning to wish he hadn’t spoken to his father at all.

‘Considering his behaviour yesterday, I would expect him to be.  I think a few days spent thinking over what he did, will do him good.  He might just begin to realise that I will not put up with his laziness and disobedience.  So the answer is no, he cannot go fishing.’ Ben finished.

‘But Pa……’  Hoss started.

‘I said no, and I meant no.  I don’t want to hear another word about it.’  Ben interrupted.  ‘If you want to spend some time with Joe, you can both spend the afternoon cleaning up the storeroom and repairing some of the tack.’  with that he waved a dismissive hand and bent his head to his paperwork.

Hoss hesitated for a second, but realising that argument was useless, he turned on his heel and left the room.

Ben kept his head bent until his son had slammed the big front door, then he put down his pen and leaned back in his green leather chair.  He immediately regretted being so hard on Hoss, he knew that his middle son was only trying to help.  It was true that recently the relationship between the two younger brothers had deteriorated.  Ben pondered on whether this was entirely the result of the closeness which had developed between Adam and Hoss, since Adam’s return from college.  Hoss was now almost eighteen and he now longer enjoyed the same pursuits as Joe, he wanted to be seen as a man not a boy.  Ben got up slowly from his chair and glanced out of the window.  Hoss had crossed the yard and was talking to Joe who was leaning on the corral gate.  Ben could tell even at this distance that Joe’s expression was one of disgust at what his brother was saying.

Hoss was trying to be pleasant to his kid brother, but Joe was not co-operating.

‘What did you interfere for, now I’ve got more work to do.’ Joe complained bitterly ‘Anyone ever tell you, you’ve got a big mouth.’ he said disgustedly.

This was more than Hoss was prepared to take. ‘I was trying to help, I thought going fishing was a good idea and so would you, if Pa had said yes.’  Hoss said crossly.  He was as put out as Joe that the answer had been no.

‘Well, he didn’t and now we have to spend all afternoon in a hot store room.’ Joe snapped back.

 

After lunch they worked side by side cleaning and mending harness and tidying up the store.  Hoss tried to get a conversation going several times but Joe was sulking and made very little response.  Deep down Joe knew he was being unreasonable and part of him longed to make it up with Hoss, after all he had wanted to spend more time with him.  However, the predominant part wanted to be a martyr and make Hoss feel guilty.  He worked steadily, but every now and again he would throw something down in temper, just to let Hoss know that he had not forgiven him for landing him with extra work.

 

By the time Hop Sing called them for supper, Hoss was glad to get away and fervently wished he had not tried to be friendly in the first place.  They washed and went in to supper together but did not speak.  Adam had been in to town and was chatting about his trip, he started to tell them about a circus arriving in Virginia City, but after a few sentences he realised he was being met with a wall of resistance.  He glanced at his father at the other end of the table and Ben simply raised his eyebrows in reply.  The meal progressed in gloomy silence and it was not until they left the table that anyone spoke again.

‘By the way Pa, that range detective that the Cattleman’s Association hired arrived in town today.’  Adam stood with his back to the fire as he spoke. ‘I thought maybe I could show him around a little,  Cal Howard is pretty busy at the moment.’  he waited a little apprehensively for his father’s reaction and the one he got was pretty much what he had expected.

‘And you’re not, is that it?’  Ben said sarcastically.

‘I didn’t mean that Pa.  But someone has to help him find these thieves, and I figured …..’

‘You figured you could impress him with your theory.’  Ben finished.  ‘I want no more trouble with Tom Whittaker, he has a right to be treated the same as the rest of us until there is some proof otherwise.’  he glared at Adam ‘And you don’t have any proof.  Do you?’

Adam dropped his eyes to the floor ‘Well no, not proof.  But you’ve got to admit selling cattle he doesn’t have is suspicious.’

‘You did a count of his herd, did you?  ‘You’ve been home just over a month and you think you know more about what goes on around here than, Roy, me and just about everyone else.  I’m beginning to think that your time at college gave you some rather inflated ideas of  your abilities, young man.’

Adam had forgotten just how cutting his father could be when he was angry and he was certainly working up to a fair temper at the moment.  ‘I can’t see why you are so against checking him out a bit more.’  Adam retaliated.

‘ How would you feel if Roy brought his posse and this range detective and started doubting your word, searched every building on the ranch.  Suggested that maybe you were the rustler.’  Ben replied trying to keep his temper in the face of his son’s obstinacy.

‘That’s ridiculous, he’s known us for years.’  Adam replied.

‘Exactly and he has known Tom almost as long.  I know that recently things have been strained over the boundary issue, but we were friends once and we are still neighbours.  I want to hear no more talk about Tom being a rustler.’  he paused ‘I heard some of the ranch hands discussing your theory, they must have heard it from you and I want no more of it.  Is that understood.’  he gave his eldest son a hard stare.

Adam hesitated  ‘Yes, sir.’  he finally mumbled.

Ben frowned ‘I mean it Adam.  The man is innocent until you have proof.  You will stay away from the Flying W.’

The rest of the evening passed in strained silence.  Hoss and Joe were not talking and simply glared  at each other.  Hoss tried to play chequers by himself and Joe wandered around aimlessly until his father sent him to bed.  Adam buried his head in a book and only glanced up briefly to say goodnight to each of his brothers.  Within minutes of Hoss’s departure, he got to his feet and headed for the stairs.

‘Just a moment.’  Ben called sternly.  ‘In this family we observe common courtesy.’

Adam knew exactly what his father meant.  He hesitated on the bottom step, then turned slowly on the bottom stair.  He did not look at his father but muttered ‘ Goodnight, sir.’ before continuing up to his room.

Ben sighed, he was going to have to do something to put things right tomorrow, not just between Adam and himself, but with the two younger members of the family too.  It was not good to have the atmosphere that had pervade the household tonight, continued into tomorrow.

 

By breakfast next morning things had improved a little.  Adam was quiet but polite, making conversation with Hoss at least.  Joe was beginning to bounce back from his punishment and seemed to have forgiven Hoss for the extra work.  Ben smiled to himself, he wondered exactly what it would take to keep Joe from mischief for more than a week at a time.  Even when he considered he had been particularly hard on his young son, as he did right now, it did not seem deter Joe for very long.  After the sort of punishment Joe had just been given, Hoss would have been on his best behaviour for weeks.

Joe was watching his father carefully, he regretted his anger at Hoss yesterday and hoped that the offer to go fishing would be repeated but he rather doubted it.  Hoss didn’t usually bear a grudge but he would still be smarting at the treatment Joe had given him.

With breakfast over, Ben rose from the table and moved over to his desk.  ‘I have to go into the bank this morning and run a few other errands.  There are plenty of chores to keep you occupied around the yard Joseph.’

Joe made a face, after carefully making sure that his father couldn’t see him. ‘Yes, sir.’

Ben gathered up his papers and pushed his hat firmly on his head, as he buckled on his gun belt, he moved towards the table where the boys were still seated.  ‘You are to stay in the yard and mind Adam while I’m gone.  Is that understood?’

Joe sighed ‘Yes, Pa.’  his voice had an air of resignation about it.  Was this how it was going to be for the next few weeks until school began again.

Ben gave him an exasperated glance ‘You have only yourself to blame, young man.’

 

Ben completed his business in town by late morning and decided to call on Roy Coffee.  Maybe he could persuade his old friend to take time off from his duties to have lunch.  He entered the sheriff’s office to find it full of angry ranchers.  He tapped Cal Howard on the shoulder ‘What’s going on, Cal’  he asked.

Cal Howard turned around ‘Oh, hello Ben.  That range detective we hired, he’s been shot.’

Ben was shocked ‘Is he dead?’

Cal nodded ‘Yep, he got into a fight with young Marsh Simmons.  Simmons killed him in self defence, so they say.’

‘So it was nothing to do with the cattle rustling then?’ Ben queried.

‘Matter of opinion, I guess.  I always say that if there is a law being broken the Simmons family are in there somewhere.  But Roy reckons witnesses say it was a fair fight.  Now our neighbours here want to know what Roy is going to do about it.  They’re all for arresting Simmons for rustling and murder, whether there is any proof or not.’

Ben shook his head ‘Tempers are running high, if Roy doesn’t uncover something soon, folks will start taking the law into their own hands and there will be more bloodshed.’

Cal looked thoughtful ‘Did you know that Hal Simmons and Tom Whittaker knew each other way back?

Ben shook his head again ‘How did you find that out?’

‘That range detective told me, said he thought that Whittaker’s wife, Ellie was related to Simmons in some way.  They all came from the same town in Arizona.’

‘I suppose anything is possible, but in the two or three years the Simmons family have been here, I’ve never seen any contact between them and Tom Whittaker.  Seems to me folk are too quick to jump to conclusions without any proof.’  Ben’s answer was dismissive.

Cal Howard gave a short laugh ‘Don’t jump down my throat, I just passed on what I heard.  I don’t think Tom had anything to do with this anymore than you do.’

Ben left the office in thoughtful mood, the circumstantial evidence did seem to be stacking up against Whittaker, but where was the proof.

 

 

Never before in his life had Joe wished that school would start again.  It was the longest and most boring vacation of his life.  For once nothing could persuade his father to relax the rules.  His punishment had been set for the rest of the vacation and Pa obviously intended that it would stick to the very last day.  He had been allowed to go fishing with Hoss a couple of times and into town with his father, and once Mitch had come to stay overnight, but otherwise he had not left the yard except for church on Sundays.  It was at a church service that his best chance of temporary escape was offered.  Mitch had pleaded with his father to put in a word for Joe and after a lot of pressure George Devlin was persuaded.  He stopped Ben as they came out of church and asked if Joe could spend a couple of days with Mitch.

Ben considered it for a moment ‘That’s a kind offer George, but as you know he is being restricted to the ranch as a punishment.’

Joe gave Mitch a resigned shrug, he had known it wouldn’t work.  George Devlin nodded ‘I know Ben and I respect that, but I thought maybe you would be happy if I kept an eye on him.  Mitch has really missed him this holiday and it is nearly over.’  he smiled at Joe ‘I’m sure he has learned his lesson and won’t let you down.’

Ben hesitated and Joe held his breath.  ‘Well, I suppose if the same rules applied at your place as at home……… all right but just a couple of days.’

Joe resisted the temptation to yell, but he could have hugged Mr Devlin and did grab Mitch and give him a playful punch.  Ben  took Joe by the shoulder and turned him around to face him ‘ I am trusting you to behave, Joseph.’

Joe sobered immediately ‘Yes, Pa’  However, the sober mood didn’t last long and soon he and Mitch were planning how long it would take for Joe to collect his things from the Ponderosa.

‘I’ll pick him up again on Wednesday George, if that’s all right with you.  If he is any trouble let me know.’

‘That’s fine Ben.  I’ll see that they both behave, don’t worry.’

 

Joe and Mitch made the most of their two days.  Mitch’s father took them with him on the second day to check on his now depleted herd, and then allowed them to go unaccompanied to the Lake.

You’re Pa’s been really great.’  Joe said when they were alone.  ‘I never thought Pa would let me come to stay.’  he grinned ‘I’m not sure he would have, if he had known I would be allowed to ride without your Pa around.’

Mitch laughed ‘Don’t get ideas Joe, we are riding down to the Lake and then straight home again.  If we do anything else, I will get the same treatment as you did and my Pa wields a pretty mean switch.  I’d like to be able to sit at my desk when we go back to school in a couple of weeks.’

Joe grimaced ‘Don’t remind me, I had forgotten that we had less than two weeks of holiday left.’  he glanced at Mitch ‘We could ride back on the north trail, we might just see some sign of the horses.’

Mitch sighed ‘You still hankering after that pinto mare?’ he asked ‘She will be long gone by now or caught by the Piautes.’

‘Maybe not, it wouldn’t hurt to look.’  Joe pleaded.

Mitch was wary, he knew his friend.  Joe could talk him into almost anything if he tried and it usually meant trouble.  ‘Well, if you only plan to look.  But we must be home for supper and we don’t go anywhere near the Whittaker place.’  he agreed reluctantly.

‘Sure Mitch.  No one has heard anything about the rustlers for weeks, so as long as we stay this side of the fence line, there’ll be no trouble.’  Joe replied as he turned his pony northwards.

Mitch wasn’t so sure.  Trouble seemed to follow Joe and then catch Mitch in its wake.  They rode steadily for a while until Joe spotted some tracks and dismounted for a closer look.

‘Hey, these are unshod horses and they are fresh.  It must be the herd.’  he shouted back to Mitch.

Mitch joined him on the ground and examined the prints for himself  ‘They could be Indian ponies’ he suggested.

Joe shook his head ‘The imprint would be deeper if they were being ridden.’

‘Fair enough, so its the herd.  There’s not much we can do about it.  They are headed north and we need to get back for supper.’  Mitch had the distinct feeling that his friend wasn t listening.

‘They can’t be far ahead, it will only take a few minutes to check.’ and so saying he remounted and headed off in the direction of the tracks.  Mitch despaired as he gazed after Joe’s retreating pony.  Then he shrugged and followed.  He knew it was wrong, but then he always did, so why did he let Joe lead him into trouble so easily.

Within minutes the horses were in sight and the boys rode carefully forward, anxious not to startle them.  Joe had no idea what he planned to do next but he had to get closer.  The horses continued to move towards the boundary of the Flying W and Mitch began to get agitated.

‘Joe, we can’t go any further.’  he pleaded, not at all sure that Joe would listen.

‘But we are so close, if we can just track them into that canyon, we might be able to catch her.’

Mitch shook his head ‘I’m not going any further.’ he said firmly ‘From here on you’re on your own.  Just don’t expect me to be sympathetic when your Pa has every inch of your hide and then some.’

Joe sighed and checked his pony ‘Come on Mitch just a mile or so, no one will know.’  as he spoke he turned his back on the herd and concentrated all his energy on persuading his friend to accompany him.

Mitch obstinately stood his ground ‘We promised my Pa and your Pa that we would behave.  I’m not letting them down.’

Joe knew that for once Mitch meant exactly what he said. He would not be able to persuade him and deep down he also knew that it was just as well.  Mitch was right, it would be letting his Pa down and he was right about the consequences too.  ‘All right, you win.  I’ll be good.’  He turned for one last look at the pinto but the herd was gone.

‘That’s funny.’ he mused.

‘What’s funny?’ Mitch asked, not aware of anything remotely funny about their present situation.  All he could think about was how late they would be for supper and how they would explain it.

‘The herd.  They’ve disappeared.’  Joe said puzzled.

‘So what?’  Mitch said.

‘But where to?’  Joe could not see how the whole group of horses could have vanished in such a short time.

‘Come on Joe, we’ll be late back.’  Mitch began to ride away towards home and reluctantly Joe followed.

They had only gone a short way, when a man on a chestnut horse barred their way.

‘Adam!’  Joe exclaimed in total shock at the sight of his elder brother.  ‘What are you doing up here?

Adam gave his brother a rye grin ‘Shouldn’t I be asking you that?  Does Pa know you two are up here and alone?’   he said more sternly.

‘My Pa does.’  Mitch jumped in quickly, aware that it was not strictly a true statement.  His father had said they could ride to the Lake, this was neither the Lake nor anywhere  remotely near the route home. ‘We are just going back for supper.’

Adam grunted ‘I’m not sure Pa would approve, but I guess he gave Mr Devlin a free hand to decide.’

Joe gave a relieved sigh, which was not lost on his brother.  ‘We saw the herd again, Adam.’ he said excitedly ‘Even the possibility that he was in trouble could not dampen his enthusiasm.  They disappeared on to the Flying W about a mile back.’

Adam raised his eyebrows ‘Just so long as they disappeared without being followed this time.’  he stared hard at Joe, who held his gaze.

‘You went there too.’  Joe responded a little heatedly.

‘And got into trouble for it, which is more than you did, so don’t cheek me or you’ll regret it.’  Adam countered.  ‘I’ll ride back with you and make your excuses for being late, that way maybe you’ll stay out of hot water.’

Mitch at least looked relieved,  Adam would provide a good alibi for their tardiness ‘Thanks, Adam.  We’d appreciate it, wouldn’t we Joe?’

Joe nodded ‘Yeah, thanks.’  his mind was elsewhere.  Why was Adam up here and where had those horses gone?

As they rode back Adam too had his mind on other things.  He reflected that for once his little brother had the upper hand.  For if Joe and Mitch really did have George Devlin’s permission to be out alone, and that seemed to be the case, then he was the one who was hoping that Pa wouldn’t find out.  He should have been checking on the cattle grazing in the meadows just west of Virginia City and did not relish the idea of explaining to his father that he had been some twenty miles from there.  Nor that he had been well inside the Flying W boundary on a spying mission.

 

CHAPTER 10

 

‘Did you have a good time, son?’   Ben asked when he collected Joe the following morning.

‘Yes, sir.’  Joe replied and turning to George Devlin ‘Thank you for letting me stay with Mitch, I really enjoyed it.’

George Devlin smiled ‘That’s OK, Joe.  I hope you get to catch that little mare, someday.  She sounds real fine.’ He waited until Joe and Mitch had moved out of earshot to saddle Joe’s pony ‘Ben, I know its none of my business and I should keep to raising my own sons, but don’t you think he’s been punished enough.’  he raised a hand to stop Ben’s protest ‘I know, guns are not toys and he did wrong, but he knows that.  I doubt he’ll ever mishandle one again.  He’s been real good while he’s been here, helped with the chores, been polite and cheerful.  I think he deserves this last week of his holiday.’

Ben gave his friend a rueful grin ‘Maybe I have been a bit hard on him, but there were a catalogue of misdeeds before the incident with the rifle and I guess that was just the last straw.’  he smiled at George ‘You’d make a good advocate George.  I’ll tell him the rules are back to normal just as soon as we get home.’

George Devlin nodded ‘Oh by the way, he tells me you are off to Genoa on business at the beginning of next week.  If you want him to come and stay while you’re away, he’s very welcome.’

‘Thank you George, that might be an idea.  Its to sort out a freight deal I have been negotiating and I was planning on take Hoss with me. Joe and Adam don’t exactly see eye to eye all the time, especially when Adam is in charge.  If Hoss does decide to come, I’ll let you know.’

‘No need for that Ben, just tell Joe to come on over.’

‘I’m ready Pa.’  Joe called.

Ben shook hands with George and mounted Buck ‘Well, lets get on home then, there are plenty of chores waiting.’

Joe made a face at Mitch behind his father’s back, before following him down the road.

Joe could hardly contain his excitement, when his father announced at supper that his period of restriction to the ranch was over.  ‘You mean I can go and visit Mitch whenever I want and go to the lake and everything.’  he said his words tumbling over one another.

Ben smiled ‘Well I won’t go so far as to say everything,  but yes, you can spend your last week as you wish, provided you stick to the rules and stay out of mischief.  I also want all your chores done before you go anywhere each day.  Is that understood.’  He fixed his son with a hard stare.

‘Yes, sir.  I promise.’  At that moment Joe would have said almost anything to gain his freedom.   In his mind he was already planning the capture of the pinto mare.

Ben turned his attention to Hoss ‘I have to go to Genoa on Monday to discuss the freight deal and arrange for the timber to be transported to San Francisco.  The shipping side of it is already under contract, so it shouldn’t take more than a couple of days.  I thought maybe you would like to come with me.  We can call in on some of the homesteaders on the south range while we are in the area.’

Hoss looked troubled.  He didn’t want to hurt his father’s feelings but he hated to be involved in business deals.  The thought of two days listening to his father and his associates discussing banking and contracts filled him with horror that even the prospect of visiting neighbours could not diminish.   He cleared his throat ‘I’d just as soon stay here and help Adam with the preparations for the roundup, Pa.  If  it s alright with you?

Ben was a little surprised but he didn’t want to force Hoss to accompany him.  ‘Well, if  you’re sure that’s what you want.’  he said.  ‘I’m sure Adam will be glad of the help.’

Adam was more than sure.  He was a little nervous at being left in charge, even if it was only for a few days.  He knew that a lot of the ranch hands considered him to be a college boy playing at cowboy, particularly the ones who had been employed since he went away.  He had realised on his return that he would have to earn their respect and it was taking a lot more effort than he had expected.

‘Joe, Mr Devlin offered to have you to stay again from Monday until I get back on Wednesday, if you would like to, or you can stay here, its up to you.’

Joe considered the two alternatives.  He had enjoyed his stay with Mitch, but there he was a guest and could not do exactly as he wanted.  At home without Pa, he would have more freedom but then he would also be under Adam’s orders.  ‘Can I decide after I’ve spoken to Mitch.’  he asked.

Ben smiled at him ‘Of course, you don’t have to let Mr Devlin know in advance, he said just ride over if you wanted to, but make sure Adam knows that you are going and when you will be back.  Oh, and which ever you decide, you are to be on your best behaviour, I don’t want to hear that you have been disobedient while I am away.’

Adam regarded his young brother with a worried frown, he sincerely hoped Joe would decide to stay with the Devlins.  It would be one headache less for him.

 

Over the next few days Joe made the most of his freedom.  He and Mitch went fishing, riding and best of all, he had regained his rifle and they went hunting.  They only shot a few rabbits, but pretended they were really after a cougar.  Joe would have liked to try for the mare again, but he knew Mitch would never go with him on to Whittaker land.

 

 

At night he made plans to catch her, but in the cold light of day his plans always fell apart.  It would take more than the half day he was free, he needed at least a day, and he could think of no way to get close to the herd without disobeying his father.  The twin problems went round and round in his head with no solution presenting itself.

 

By breakfast on Monday a plan had formed in Joe’s head.  As usual it had only the aspects that Joe wanted it to have, the drawbacks were pushed to the recesses of his mind.

Ben repeated his instructions several times until all three boys were heartily sick of hearing them and were tempted to say so.

‘We’ll be fine, Pa.’  Adam tried to reassure him.  ‘We can cope with the chores, we will get the preparations underway for the roundup, we won’t argue and Joe will behave.  I think that’s everything.’

Ben grunted and gave Adam a stern stare ‘There’s no need for insolence young man.  I simply want to make sure you understand my instructions.’

Adam flushed he hadn’t meant it to come out quite the way it had ‘I’m sorry, Pa.  I meant no disrespect.  But we can manage alright for a few days.’

Ben gave a half smile ‘Yes, I’m sure you can.  I guess I’m just worrying for nothing.’  he rose from the table, crossed to the study and began to gather his papers together.  ‘Are you going over to the Devlin’s Joe?’ he asked without turning around.

Joe hesitated for just a second before replying ‘ I thought I might ride over after I’ve finished my chores.’  he said choosing his words very carefully.  Joe felt himself grow hot, he was glad his father had been preoccupied with his papers.  For a moment Joe felt a rush of guilt as he mentally reviewed his plans.

Ben relaxed a little, he felt happier now that he knew Joe would be looked after.  It wasn’t that he didn’t trust Adam to take care of him, but they so often argued and Adam’s task would be a whole lot easier without the responsibility of his youngest brother.  ‘Good, make sure Adam knows when you will be back.’  he reminded.

 

This morning Joe’s chores seemed to take forever. As each one was completed his state of nervous excitement grew.  Today was the day he planned to catch the pinto, or maybe tomorrow. By mid morning he had nearly finished, he was coming out of the barn, when Adam called to him.  Joe’s heart sank, he couldn’t have found something else for him to do, not today.

‘Joe, we are going to ride over to the Steamboat camp to set things up for the roundup next week, do you want to come with us?’  Adam asked, ‘I’d rather you didn’t go off alone anywhere.’  he added.

‘Have you forgotten?’ Joe said innocently ‘Like I told Pa, I’m riding over to the Devlin place.’  once again Joe’s reply was carefully worded.  ‘I’ll be back on Wednesday, before Pa gets back from Genoa.’  In Joe s book he had given immediate destination and return time, which was exactly what he had promised.

Adam nodded ‘Well, have a good time and behave yourself.’  he said, relieved that he would not have to be responsible for his young brother.  He would be fine with the Devlin family.  Mitch’s mother would spoil him and there were four other children to play with, two older than Mitch and two younger.  When Adam rode away with Hoss, he was in a light hearted mood, nothing could go wrong and he would show his father that he could handle things alone.

Joe waited until he was sure that his brothers were well on their way and then he led his pony from the barn.  He saddled up and went into the house, returning with two small sacks which he secured behind his saddle.  Then he added a bedroll, his canteen and his rifle.

The sacks contained some basic provisions which he had taken from Hop Sing’s kitchen the night before when everyone was asleep.  He had been very careful, but he hoped that Hop Sing did not look too closely at his storeroom.  The success of his mission relied not just on deceiving his brother now, but on not being found out afterwards either.

In an attempt to salve his conscience he rode east to the Devlin ranch first, crossing over the boundary, but making sure he was not seen.  This way he figured he had not lied.  He had told his father and brother that he was riding to the Devlin place, and he had done exactly that.  At no time had he said he was staying there or even visiting Mitch.    He turned north and rode until he reached the spot where he had last seen the horses.  He had a strange feeling in the pit of his stomach and he wasn’t entirely sure whether it was excitement at being so close to the herd or guilt.  He hesitated at the edge of the creek, knowing that it was the irrevocable step that would break his word to his father.  Up until now he could have turned back with nothing to feel really guilty about.  In his head he told himself that, his father would never know.  He would catch the mare and pretend that she had been on the Ponderosa all the time.  He planned to take her over to show Mitch, thus reinforcing his claim to have spent time with his friend.

As his pony put a foot into the running water, Joe shivered with apprehension.  But moments later he was following the tracks that they had found before, heading north.  A few hundred yards on to the Flying W the ground became stony and then hard and the tracks petered out.  Joe started to circle the area, widening his search each time, but nothing indicated where the horses had gone.   For several hours he searched, getting more and more frustrated.  Eventually he decided that he had better make camp before darkness fell.

He had camped out with his father and brothers many times, but this was his first time totally alone.  He had no trouble finding a good place and as the evening was warm, he decided that he would eat cold food and not start a fire.  He reasoned that if there was anyone around, a fire would only attract attention.  He took care of his pony and tethered him to a nearby bush, where he could graze.  Then he settled down to sleep.  But sleep would not come.  First he was aware of the silence and the darkness, later he began to hear sounds.  He knew that they were sounds he had heard all his life, like an owl or a coyote but alone in the darkness they took on a more sinister meaning.  He lay awake for hours mulling over his plans and thinking about his brothers, who were by now, asleep in comfortable beds.   He thought of his father and wondered what he would have to say if he ever found out about this exploit.  It would not be good of that he was sure.  There was no reason to suppose he would ever know.  Mr Devlin had not been expecting him, Adam thought he was at the Devlins, unless they asked each other, he was quite safe.

Finally, he must have fallen asleep because the next thing he knew was the sound of the birds and the warmth of the sun on his face.  He scrambled to his feet not wanting to waste a moment of the day.  He again ate a cold meal and washed in the stream before taking care of his pony and saddling up for the day ahead.

He felt very grown up having spent the night out alone.  Now he continued his search with renewed vigour.  His quest had taken him well away from the Ponderosa and he had found nothing, so he decided to head back to where he had last seen the horses and try to pick up the trail again.  This time he approached the area from the north, slowly heading south west as he rode, he noticed a ridge to the east and decided that instead of following the valley he would climb the ridge for a better view.  By the time he had made about half the climb, it was obvious that his pony could not negotiate the rough terrain.  He dismounted, unsaddled him and allowed him to graze, while he continued on foot, hoping that the view from the top would give him some idea of which way to head next.

The final few yards were particularly hard and Joe had his head down concentrating on the task so that he was not aware of what awaited him at the top. He had expected to look out over the mountains towards Tahoe, with maybe a view of the valley which he had just left.  When he did eventually raise his head he gasped.  Immediately in front of him was a sheer drop to the floor of a small canyon, but that wasn’t all.  To his right and far below him was a wooden building and around it milled a fairly sizeable herd of cattle.  Joe couldn’t believe his eyes, the canyon was apparently enclosed at both ends, but as he looked more closely he could see a narrow opening in the rocks which was almost completely concealed by trees.

The rustled cattle, it had to be, he thought.  As he gazed down in amazement he became aware of riders around the herd and men working near the building.  His surprise turned to fear, what if they should look up.  If he could see them, they would almost certainly see him.  He crouched down and concealed himself in the sparse undergrowth, while he debated what to do.  He knew he had to get away and tell the sheriff as quickly as possible.  He was about half a day’s ride from town,  both the Devlin place and home were closer.  Suddenly there came a sick feeling in his stomach as he realised what reporting the rustlers would mean for him.  He sighed, there was no other way, he had to tell what he had seen and in doing so he would have to confess where he had been.

He crept slowly back down the track, trying to keep his footing on the steep slope.  He was less than half the way down, when a rock became dislodged as he put out his left foot.  He was only holding on with one hand and could not keep himself from falling.  He felt himself tumbling, over and over until his head hit a projecting rock and he knew no more.

 

CHAPTER 11

 

On Tuesday morning Adam and Hoss saddled up and rode into Virginia City to order the supplies that would be required to see the men through the long business of rounding up the cattle ready for the drive to the railhead.

It was an enjoyable day, for once the routine business of ordering and loading supplies had been accomplished, they had taken advantage of their father’s absence to indulge themselves in a few beers at the Silver Dollar saloon and a good meal at the hotel.  It was early evening when Adam decided they had better head home, he didn’t want his father to find out that they had spent all day in town, when they should have been at home hours ago.  As they crossed the street to pick up the wagon, Adam spotted a familiar figure in the distance.

‘Hey, Hoss, do you think you could take the wagon home without me?’  he asked.

Hoss gave him a puzzled glance until he saw the reason for his brother’s question ‘You think you can turn on the charm and make it up with Jenny, is that it?’ he grinned for on the other side of the street was Jenny Howard.

Adam returned the grin ‘Well, its worth a try.’  he waited for his brother’s answer.

‘I guess, I could.’  Hoss said slowly.

‘Thanks Hoss, I’ll make it up to you.’  Adam said already half way up the street.  I’ll see you at home later.’

‘Yeah, tomorrow morning most likely.’  Hoss grumbled.

 

He continued to grumble to himself as he drove out of town.  It was alright for Adam to go off and enjoy himself, but he would have to unload all the supplies by himself.  As he drove he found himself thinking about his little brother and wondering if he was having a good time at the Devlins’.  Mrs Devlin was a mighty good cook.  With this thought upper most in his mind, he turn the wagon away from the road to the Ponderosa.  Why shouldn’t he go visiting, Adam wasn’t likely to be home much before midnight, if then and he knew Little Joe wouldn’t mind him showing up.  Maybe Mrs Devlin would offer him some of her delicious apple pie.

‘Why, Hoss.  How nice to see you.’  George Devlin greeted him as he pulled into the front yard of the Devlin house. ‘I was just on my way to bed down the stock and lock up the barn, but you go on inside.  I’ll not be long’

Hoss jumped down from the wagon ‘Thank you.  Its just a quick visit.’

‘You’re always welcome, you know that.’  George said as Hoss opened the front door.

Inside the older Devlin boys were seated around the fire and Hoss looked around for Joe.  ‘Hi, Mrs Devlin.  Your husband told me to come on in.’  he hesitated in the doorway.

‘Hello, Hoss.  Come in and sit down, the coffee is just ready and I have some cake.’ Mary Devlin smiled at him.

This was what Hoss had hoped.  He took a seat and said hello to Danny and Caleb, the two older boys.  He guessed Mitch and Joe must be outside together, even though it was now getting dark.  The younger children would be in bed.

George Devlin came back into the room just as his wife served Hoss with his coffee and cake.  ‘What brings you out here at this time of night Hoss?’  he asked.

Hoss mumbled, his mouth full of chocolate cake ‘I was on my way back from town and thought I would just drop in a see Joe.’

Mary Devlin looked puzzled ‘Joe?’ she said.

‘Yes Ma’am, I know he’ll be home tomorrow but I kinda got to missing him.’  Hoss gave an embarrassed shrug.  It seemed silly now that he was here, after all Joe had only been gone just over a day.

George Devlin gave Hoss a worried frown ‘There’s some mistake here.’ he said quietly ‘Joe isn’t here.’

Now it was Hoss’s turn to look worried ‘Not here?  But I don’t understand he said he was coming over here, yesterday.’

‘Well, he didn’t.’  George Devlin went to the foot of the stairs ‘Mitchell, come down here.’  he called.  After a few moments Mitch appeared on the stairs. He had obviously been in bed, his hair was tousled and he wore a faded dressing gown which was much too big for him. ‘Come down here.’  his father ordered.

Mitch descended to the living room, wondering why his father was sounding so stern, then he noticed Hoss.  What had his friend done now?  ‘What’s wrong, Pa.’ he asked.  He couldn’t think of anything he had done wrong, either with or without Joe.

His father fixed him with a stern stare ‘Do you know where Joe is?’ he asked.

Mitch looked mystified ‘Isn’t he at home?’

‘No, he isn’t.  He told his brothers he was coming here yesterday.  Now what do you know about it?’

Mitch shook his head ‘Nothing, Pa. Honest. I haven’t seen Joe since church on Sunday.’

‘Is that the truth, Mitchell?’ his father’s eyes seemed to bore into him.

‘Yes, sir.  I don’t know where he is.’  Mitch was as worried as they were.

‘Hoss had listened with a growing sense of unreality.  He had come here by chance to visit, and now a drama was being unfolded.  Joe must have met with an accident on his way here, that might mean that he was lying out there somewhere hurt and alone and had been for more than  thirty hours. ‘Can I borrow a horse, Mr Devlin.  I must go and look for him.’

George Devlin nodded distractedly ‘Caleb saddle the horses.  We’ll all go, that way we can cover more ground.’

‘Can I come Pa?’  Mitch begged.

His father nodded ‘Yes, get dressed and come with me, you might have an idea which way Joe would ride.’

Within minutes the party set off,  Mitch with his father, the two older Devlin boys together and Hoss alone, each with a section of the trail to back track in the hope of finding Joe.  None of them knowing that at this moment, Joe was hurt and alone, but many miles from where they were searching.

 

They back tracked from the Devlin ranch all the way to the Ponderosa, covering the most likely route that Joe would have taken.  In the dark it was impossible find tracks  and in any event the road was well travelled and one horse would be difficult to distinguish even in daylight.  By the time they met up again in the front yard of the Ponderosa, they were all anxious and frustrated.

‘It’s no good Hoss, we can’t expect to find anything in the dark, calling and searching with lanterns is not going to find him.’   George Devlin sighed.  ‘There is nothing we can do until first light.’

Although Hoss could see the sense of this advice, he found it hard to follow.  His little brother was out there somewhere and he needed help, Hoss could feel it.  How could  he just sit and wait.  As he was pondering what to do Hop Sing came out of the house to see why there were so many people in the yard.

‘Hop Sing.  Joe’s missing.  He’s not at Mr Devlin’s and we don’t know where he is.’ Hoss explained.

Hop Sing chattered something in Chinese, then remembered his English ‘He take food from store room.’  he said.

Hoss digested this piece of information slowly ‘You sure, Hop Sing?’

‘Hop Sing, know.  Little Joe take bread, ham, cheese, cookies.  All gone.’ he elaborated.

While they were talking Hoss heard another horse approaching.  His face showed enormous relief when he realised it was Adam.  At barely eighteen the strain of the evening was too much for Hoss, he wanted to hand the responsibility over to his older brother.

‘What’s going on here?’  Adam grinned, unaware of the seriousness of the situation.

Hoss repeated the story  from the moment he had left Adam until Hop Sing’s revelation about the missing food.

Adam’s expression altered as the story was told, from puzzlement to shock and then finally to anger.  ‘He never intended to go to see Mitch, he had other plans right from the start.’  he exploded.  Just wait ’til I get my hands on him.’  he turned to George Devlin.

‘I’m sorry you have been dragged out in the night to look for him.  It was good of you to help Hoss.  We’ll get some sleep then we can track him at first light. He planned all this before Pa left.  I’m sure of it.’

‘Well, if you’re sure, Adam.’ he looked hard at Mitch  ‘Are you absolutely certain Joe didn’t discuss this with you?’

Mitch shook his head ‘He never said anything Pa, honest.’

George Devlin climbed back into the saddle ‘If you need us tomorrow, Adam, just call.  Your Pa’s back then isn’t he?  I’m sure he will take care of master Joe when you find him.  If you’re right, he will be home in the morning before your Pa gets back, in any case.’

 

Adam and Hoss watched as the Devlin family rode away.  ‘Do you really think he will be back tomorrow morning, Adam’  Hoss said with a worried frown.

‘Oh, yes.  This was all planned.  He’ll be back well before Pa gets home.  He just didn’t bank on you calling in to see him.’  Adam pushed open the front door and led the way into the living room. ‘I’ll bet he’s gone after that horse again.  I sure wouldn t want to be in his boots when Pa meets up with him.’

Hoss looked shocked ‘You’re going to tell Pa?’

Adam was angry and it showed ‘You bet I am. Worrying you half to death, getting the whole Devlin family out searching, not to mention lying to Pa and me about where he was going, he deserves everything that’s coming his way.’  He sank down into his father’s favourite chair and looked up at his brother.  ‘Think about it Hoss, you know how much store Pa sets by the truth and about us always saying where we are going.  If  I conceal this and he finds out, he’ll never trust me again.’

Hoss sighed he could see what Adam meant but that didn’t stop him wanting to keep Joe out of more trouble.  He had been worried earlier, and  had been cross when he discovered Joe’s deception, but Hoss could never be angry with his little brother for long.  He suddenly grinned.

Adam caught the look ‘What on earth is funny?’ he snapped.

‘I was just remembering the last time we lost our little brother when Pa left you to look after him.’

Adam frowned ‘I don’t remember…… ‘  he stopped and nodded ‘…oh yes I do.  Boy was Pa mad.  I can still recall the tanning he gave me.’

Hoss gave his brother a thoughtful look ‘Maybe you should remember that, before you tell Pa this time.  Seems to me, that last time you were all for me keeping quiet about it.’

‘This is different.’  Adam said gruffly.

‘Is it?   Hoss glared at his brother   I would say it’s remarkably similar.   he became pensive   Let’s see, Joe lied to Pa about where he was going.  Isn’t that what you did last time?   He waited a few seconds for this to sink in  Then you were off sparking a girl.   He paused again as if considering his facts.   Where exactly were you tonight?’

‘It’s hardly the same, I was only fifteen then .’  Adam shrugged as Hoss fixed him with a stare.  ‘Oh, go to bed.’ he said crossly.’

‘Sure, you’re in charge.  But maybe you should think about telling Joe that story.  He thinks you never got into trouble.  It might help your relationship with him, if he knew that the two of you are a lot alike, especially after you tell Pa about this.’

Adam’s face relaxed into a smile ‘If you remember it was Joe who spilled the beans on me last time.  Maybe, I’ve waited nine years to get even.’

 

As it happened, Adam had no choice in the matter.  He had planned to finish the early chores and then ride out to find his brother, but as he was saddling up Sport his father rode into the yard.  ‘Pa, what are you doing back so early.’ his voice clearly showing his surprise.

Ben dismounted and handed Buck’s reins to Hoss. ‘I got finished early yesterday and rode most of the way home before dark.  I stayed with the Johnsons overnight.’  Ben noticed the glance which passed between the two boys and felt a certain tension in the air.

‘Where are you going so early in the day?’ he indicated the saddled horse.

Adam sighed ‘Pa…..’ his voice trailed away, uncertain what to say.

Ben took his cue from the worried look ‘What’s wrong?’

Adam shook his head ‘Joe’s gone missing, Pa.  He told me he was going over to see Mitch, but he didn’t.  He took some food from the kitchen.  I think he went after that horse.’

‘Are you sure.  When did you find out he wasn’t at the Devlin’s?’  Ben questioned him.

Adam related the events of the last two days as accurately as he could.  ‘We couldn’t look for him in the dark, so I figured to ride up there and look for him this morning, before you got back.’

Ben shook his head sadly ‘That boy.  How do I get him to do as he is told.  he sighed  Get me a fresh horse, we’ll all go and look.  Although if you’re right, he is probably on his way back by now, intending to get home before I me.’

 

Adam led the way northwards, he explained that he thought Joe would have gone back to where he had last seen the wild herd.    Ben half expected to meet Joe on the trail, but all they saw was part of the posse, still searching the hills.  They arrived at the boundary to the Flying W without any sign of him.  At the creek, they dismounted to give the horses a well deserved rest and Ben surveyed the newly repaired fence.  ‘Looks like Chuck did a good job, Tom Whittaker can’t complain about that.  He turned to Adam, what makes you think Joe would be around here.  He has been told not to come up here at all.’

Adam cleared his throat, not at all happy to reveal to his father that he had met Joe and Mitch up here just last week.  ‘The herd was here about a week ago Pa.  Joe saw them when he was staying with Mitch.’

‘I’m surprised George let them ride up here, he is as worried about these rustlers as I am.’  he looked intently at Adam, aware that he was hiding something  ‘Something else I should know?’ he asked.

Adam swallowed hard ‘I saw them too Pa.’

Ben nodded ‘You were up here too, when you should have been checking the herd down in the meadows, weren’t you?  Trying to prove your theory again I suppose.’  he glared at his eldest son.

Adam shifted uncomfortably from one foot to the other ‘I found some tracks and I followed them but they disappeared about a mile north of hear.’

Ben grunted ‘A fine example to set to your brother.  It seems neither of you can follow a simple order.’  he swung into the saddle again ‘We’ll go a little further just in case we can pick up his trail, then we turn back and I’ll go over and see Tom Whittaker.  My guess is that Joseph is already back at the ranch.’

 

The rode for perhaps two miles in silence.  Adam and Hoss riding behind their father.  Adam, because it was uncomfortable to be in his father’s line of vision, and Hoss to give his older brother a little support.  They had almost reached the spot where Joe had started his climb, when Ben held up his hand ‘Listen.’  they both stopped and strained their ears to identify the sound Ben had heard. ‘It’s cattle.  I didn’t think Tom had a herd this side of his ranch house, there isn’t much grass around here.’

Hoss pointed to his left, ‘It’s coming from that direction.’  he looked up at the steep rock face and shook his head  ‘It’s solid rock, but they must be behind it.’

Adam nodded excitedly ‘There must be an opening somewhere.’  he pushed his horse closer to the rocks but he could see nothing.

‘Over here.’  Ben called.  He had been checking the area to Hoss’s left and had found the clump of trees that Joe had seen from above.  As they rode around the trees a small opening revealed itself, just wide enough for maybe three or four animals to pass through together.  Adam and Hoss were about to go through it, when their father stopped them. ‘Not so fast.  We don’t know what’s on the other side.  If we’re right these are the missing cattle and unless they all strayed in the same direction from twelve different ranches and homesteads, we’re going to find some guards not too far away.’

They dismounted leaving their horses concealed in the undergrowth and went forward cautiously.  As they came out into the canyon, they saw the same astonishing sight that Joe had seen earlier.   The wooden building was just in front of them, luckily concealing their presence from the men working with the cattle.  Ben signalled to his sons to move around behind the hut.  As they did so Tom Whittaker and Hal Simmons came out of the building obviously having a heated argument.

‘I want you and these cattle off my land now.’  Whittaker was saying ‘I’ve covered for you, lied for you and even done the deal with the buyer.  You can’t expect any more, just because you re Ellie s brother.’

Simmons gave a sinister laugh ‘Oh, can’t I.  You forget that you are wanted for exactly the same crime in Arizona, and this time there is blood on your hands.  You’re in this as deep as I am.  You’ll do as I say or Ellie will be a widow.’

‘I had nothing to do with shooting that detective.  Marsh did that without my knowledge.  And as for Arizona, I was innocent.  It was you and your boys that stole those cattle and drove them on to my farm.’

Simmons shrugged ‘Tell it to the sheriff.  If you think he will believe you.  You’ve had your share of the money.  We’ll move the herd, when I say so and not before.’  As he finished speaking he started to walk towards the trees.

Ben indicated that they should move back into the comparative safety of some rocks, knowing that if Simmons turned around he would see them.  He waited until both men had moved away before he whispered to Adam

‘Get back to the horses as quickly as you can, and ride for the posse.  They were only about three or four miles back, bring them here.’

Adam nodded and melted away through the trees.  Ben and Hoss settled down to wait.  There was nothing they could do alone, except keep an eye on the group and try to glean information about their numbers and whereabouts.

Time moved slowly as they waited, neither daring to talk, in case they were overheard by the men working close by.  Eventually,  a low whistle told Ben that Adam had returned.  He came back through the trees as silently as he had gone, when he heard Hoss’s answering call. He was accompanied by the Virginia City sheriff, who crouched down beside Ben ‘Clem and the posse are getting into position up on the ridge.  If we are careful, there is no way for the gang to go except towards us.’  he whispered.

Ben nodded ‘As far as we can tell there are six of them plus Whittaker and Simmons with his two boys.’

Ben drew and checked his gun, then re-holstered it, and checked his rifle.  A shout from the ridge told them that Clem had challenged the gang, although they could not hear his words.  Almost immediately there was a shot followed by several more in quick succession.  The gang obviously did not intend to surrender without a fight.

In the confusion that followed, Ben found it hard distinguish the sights and sounds.  The gunshots had startled the cattle, which began milling around and creating dust and noise obscuring the events taking place.  He caught a brief glimpse of Adam and Roy changing position and firing as they did so, of Hoss, he saw nothing.  He, himself was being fired on by Marsh Simmons, who had gained the advantage of higher ground and it took all his skill to avoid the danger.  He saw one of the rustlers fall from his horse under the feet of the now panic stricken cattle and then had to run for cover behind the rocks as the same cattle started to run for the narrow opening.  From the shelter of the rocks, he fired at another man and saw him fall, but in the melee he could not be sure how badly he had injured him.

Slowly the firing ceased and as the dust settled, Ben took in the carnage before him.  Cattle had run into the rocks as they tried to escape through the narrow defile, some were dead others dying.  A man, Ben didn’t know lay moaning a few yards from where Ben had been concealed and the body of  Marsh Simmons was sprawled over the rocks above his head.  As he came out from his position, he saw Roy herding two more men ahead of him and Tom Whittaker, covered in blood, standing with his head down in the midst of the scene.  He looked anxiously around for his sons and was relieved to see Adam disarming another man, not five yards from him.  Hoss was not far away holding Hal Simmons in a vice like grip as the man struggled to go to his dead son.

Tom Whittaker was moaning softly ‘My God, whatever have we done.’

Roy looked up at him and said sharply ‘You’ll have plenty of time to think about it Whittaker.’  he gave the man a hard stare  ‘We’d never have found this place if you hadn’t stumbled on it Ben.  What made you look around here again?’

Ben dusted himself down and shook his head ‘We weren’t looking for rustlers, Roy.  We were looking for Joe.’

Roy gave a grim smile ‘Well, you certainly found some.  I guess you will want to get back to searching for Joe.  We can take care of this now.’

‘No, all I want is to go home.  Joe will be back at the ranch by now, its getting late.’ he put his arm around Hoss, who was looking a little pale  ‘You OK son?’

‘Yeah Pa, I’m fine.  A little shaky I guess, but not hurt.  Can we go home?’  he asked the events of the last few hours had all been too much for him.

They walked together to where they had left the horses several hours before, while Roy Coffee and his deputies dealt with the bodies and ushered the outlaws into a bunch to avoid any further trouble.

Adam joined them as they were about to mount up.  ‘Pa, would you mind if I rode on up to the ridge.’

Ben looked puzzled ‘Whatever for?’ he asked ‘The rustlers have been caught.’  he nodded his head thoughtfully ‘I guess I should apologise for giving you such a hard time, you’ve been proved right in the end.’

‘I want to see if that herd of horses is up here.  It’s important , Pa.’

‘Well all I want, is a good night’s sleep….’  he frowned, his thoughts returning to the original reason for their ride ‘… and to give your young brother a piece of my mind.  No doubt he is at home, wondering where we all are.’

‘I’ll be back tomorrow, I just want to take a quick look.  I can camp out in the line shack and be back by midday.’  Adam almost pleaded.

‘If that’s what you want,  go ahead. We’ll see you back at the ranch tomorrow.’

 

Adam watched his father and brother ride away, and then mounted Sport.  He headed up the steep slope on to the ridge.  It was already mid afternoon and he knew he would be lucky to catch sight of the herd before dark.  Although he had told his father that his only reason for staying was the herd, it was not strictly true.  Joe was so obsessed with the pinto mare that Adam wanted to be sure that his brother wasn’t still up here somewhere trying to catch her.  In his heart, he knew that he had been less than responsible.  He had hardly listened when Joe had said he was going to the Devlins, he should have checked.

 

CHAPTER 12

 

It was a clear night, the sky was like dark blue velvet and Joe awoke to see a field of stars above him.  He did not know how long he had lain in the narrow gully, but he was stiff and he ached all over.  He tentatively tried to sit up but the pain and nausea made him sink back on to the hard ground.  He gently felt the bump on his head, it was tender and there was a considerable lump.  He could feel dried blood in his hair and down one cheek. His right arm was sore and bruised and every time he moved, even a little, his chest and ribs hurt.  He lay still for a while trying to decide what to do.  The only people he had seen today were the rustlers, and he didn’t want them to find him, so shouting for help was not an option.  No one else would find him up here, he had to get out of this mess on his own.  The night wasn’t cold but he shivered anyway.

He guessed that he had slipped down one side of the ridge that he had been climbing.  If it was the same side as his pony was tethered, then he had a chance.  He could  find his way as soon as it was light.  If it was the other side then he probably had several miles to walk before he could get help, or he would have to climb back up the slope.  He did not try to move again, conserving his strength for when dawn came.  He tried to get more comfortable but his hunger and thirst made sleep impossible.  He lay still and thought over the events of the day.  He wondered what his brothers were doing.  They were not expecting him home until tomorrow, but he fervently wished that he was with them now.

His thoughts turned to his father.  He had really let him down this time.  He had promised that he would not get into trouble, promised that he would not trespass on the Flying W, promised he would obey Adam.  He had broken all of those and he had deliberately deceived both Adam and his father.  His father s insistence on the truth at all times, made this his greatest sin of all.  As he lay there thirsty and in pain, he wondered if his father would consider his accident punishment enough, but he doubted it. Finally he drifted into a troubled sleep.

 

When Joe awoke again, the sun was already high in the sky, he tried to guess at the time of day but he felt too dizzy and sick to concentrate.  His throat and mouth were dry and his empty stomach rumbled as he tried to sit up.  Then came the sound which must have awakened him moments earlier, gunshots.  His first thought was of the rustlers, what if they found him here, he had to get away.  He managed to drag himself to his feet but as soon as he was upright he swayed and almost fell over again.  His ankle was painful and the aches and pains of last night had not gone away.  He looked around and saw to his dismay that he was in a gully and all around him the rocks rose upward.  The only way out was to climb.

He realised that feeling sorry for himself would not solve his problem and gritting his teeth against the pain, he began the climb back to the ridge.  He had completed less than half the distance, when the gunshots ceased and all went quiet.  Maybe he was safe after all.

It was a long hard climb and several times he slipped and loose stones rattled their way down into the gully.  He continued slowly and painfully until he reached an overhang.  It seemed to continue for several feet on both sides of him and he realised that had he been concentrating he would have made a detour much earlier in his climb.  Now he would have to retrace his steps and try to find a way around the obstruction.

Suddenly the pain and nausea swept over him again and he felt a terrible feeling of hopelessness.  Tears came and rolled silently down his cheeks, what if he couldn’t find a way out.  No one knew where he was, he would die up here alone.  He understood now why his father always insisted on knowing where his sons were, and when they expected to return.  How he wished he had listened.  A sob escaped his lips and more tears fell.  He was no longer twelve years old and almost grown up, he was just a little boy and he wanted his mother desperately.

For several minutes he could do nothing but think of her and what might have been, if she had not died when he was so young. He realised with shame, that he usually thought of her when he was in trouble with Pa.  Now he tried to remember her as she had been, and not as some kind of angel, who would protect him from his father s wrath.  His strongest memory was of her tucking him into bed and hearing him say his prayers.  To bring that memory closer, Joe prayed, and it was as if she was there with him, the fear diminished and he became calmer.  From far off he heard a voice calling his name.  At first he thought he had imagined it, but no, there it was again.

 

 

When Adam had ridden away from the canyon, he had no idea where to search.  He rode for several miles along the ridge and then circled back.  He tried this several times just as Joe had done and like Joe he saw nothing.  He was almost ready to give up when he saw a group of riders in the distance, as they came closer he could see that it was the Piaute band he had seen earlier in the summer and this time they had succeeded in catching their quarry.  The small herd of horses was a great prize for the Indians and Adam was disappointed for his little brother, for among them was the pinto mare.  It would be hard to tell Joe that he had lost his cherished dream, but at least it would stop him disobeying Pa to chase after her.

Once the Indians had passed, exchanging a few words with him as they went, he realised he had nothing more to gain by staying up here. The horses he was seeking had been caught, and Joe would almost certainly be at home, listening to one of Pa s sternest lectures. He headed Sport down towards the creek.  He had not gone far, when a movement in the brush caught his eye.  He went forward with caution to investigate and, to his surprise and consternation, saw Joe’s grey pony.  The two horses nuzzled each other in greeting while          He looked around for signs of his little brother.  He called loudly several times but got no answer.  He dismounted and checked over the little pony.  Judging by the cropped grass around him, he had been here some time.  Adam untied him and led him to the creek, guessing that he had not had water.  He called again.  Where was Joe?  He checked the saddle and Joe’s belongings.  The rifle was still in its scabbard, the provisions looked as though they had been used but Adam couldn’t be sure.  Joe could have been away from the horse since the day he left the ranch, that meant if he was hurt he had been out here without help for two days and nights.

He tried to think where Joe would have gone.  Why had he left his pony here? His eyes strayed upwards.  If he had been Joe, looking for the herd, he would have climbed the ridge to get a better view.  He secured the horses again and taking his rifle, in case of trouble, and his canteen he began the climb that Joe had undertaken the day before.  Every few yards he would stop and call out, but there was no answer.  About half way to the top, he stopped for a rest, it was years since he had done any climbing and it was taking it’s toll.  He realised that he was not as fit as he used to be,  four years in the city had made him soft, and he made a vow to change that.

As he rested, he thought of his little brother and how their relationship had deteriorated since he had come home.  He was ashamed that he had not made more effort.  He recalled his promise to Marie when Joe was born, that he would always look after him, and her anger with him on the day Joe had got lost, while in his care.  Thinking of Marie made him remember his conversation with his father.  Maybe talking to her would help.  He looked westward to the Lake and the grove of trees where she was buried. ‘Come on Marie, where is he?  He must be around here somewhere, help me find him.’  he gave a short laugh,  if anyone heard him they would think he was crazy.

He got to his feet ready to start the climb again, just as the sun came out from behind a cloud and as it did so, something glinted.  He bent down and to his amazement picked up Joe’s knife, the sun had briefly caught the blade.  Almost immediately the sun went behind the next cloud.  Adam renewed his shouts.  ‘Joe…….. Joe….. where are you.’

At first all that came back was an echo of his own voice, but then faintly away to his left and below him came a sound.  Adam scrambled down towards the sound.

He could not see anything, but as he shouted and heard Joe’s answering call, he noticed the overhang.  ‘Joe are you alright, are you hurt?’  he shouted.

Joe’s voice was weak but confident now ‘I’m not hurt bad, just bruised, but I can’t get around this rock.’  his brother answered back.

‘I’ll have to go back to the horses to get a rope.  Can you hang on for a while?  Don’t move.’  Adam called anxiously.

‘I’m Ok here, there is a sort of ledge, but please hurry Adam.’

Adam heard the note of fear in his brother’s voice and scrambled back the way he had come.  At first he slithered his way down the slope, heedless of injuries to himself, but after a few moments, common sense prevailed and he slowed to a safer pace.  It would do neither of them any good if he fell too.

To Joe waiting below, it seemed to take forever, before he heard his brother’s voice again ‘Hey, Joe.  Are you still there?’  Adam shouted, trying to keep his voice light.

Joe smiled a little for the first time in hours ‘Where else would I go?’  he answered.

Adam made a loop in the rope and slowly lowered it over the edge ‘Can you see the rope Joe.’

‘Yes, its just above me and to my right.’  Joe yelled.

Adam adjusted his position and the rope swung close to Joe’s head.  ‘Can you grab it and put it under your arms, that way I can help you to climb up.’  Adam called.

Joe did as he was told and Adam felt him tug on the rope to tighten it. ‘OK Adam its secure.’  He began to swing himself out from the rock face until his feet found holds on the overhang.  With the tension on the rope to help him, it did not take long for him to negotiate the obstacle and climb up to collapse exhausted and in pain beside his brother.

Adam quickly untied the rope and started to check Joe over, as he did so he gave his little brother a hug.   Joe returned the hug with an intensity that surprised Adam.  Then he understood, just how frightened Joe must have been.  He moved back to get a better look at Joe’s head injury and noted the dried blood and the grimy tear stained cheeks and his heart went out to his baby brother.  He reached out and took him in his arms again, holding his head against his chest ‘Its OK Joe, you’ll be fine now.’  His own voice was choked with emotion.

After a few moments, Joe recovered enough to appreciate just how close they were and he reverted to the bravado of happier times, pushing his brother away and grumbling that he was fine, there was no need to treat him like a baby.

Adam smiled, it was the best indication that he could have had, that Joe was going to be alright.  He gathered up the rope and helped Joe to his feet. ‘Do you feel strong enough to walk back to the horses.  It’ll soon be dark and I want to make the line shack by then, you need food and a proper bed.’  he offered Joe the canteen and his brother took it and started to drink greedily ‘Hey, slow down, just a few sips to start with.’  Adam removed it from his grasp.

The journey back to the horses was slow and painful.  Adam helped as much as he could but it was still almost dark by the time they mounted up for the ride to the shack.  Joe had never been so glad to see anything as the bed in the hut.  He fell into it, the moment Adam pushed open the door.  His big brother smiled and left him there while he went to see to the horses.  By the time he had unsaddled and rubbed down both horses and found hay and oats for them from the store room, Joe had recovered a little.  When Adam came back into the room, he was sitting on the edge of the bed examining his cuts and bruises.

‘You look a bit better.’  Adam smiled.

‘Yeah, just sore and tired.  But I sure am hungry, what is there to eat?’

Adam laughed ‘Now you sound like Hoss.  Well my cooking’s not great and I doubt there is much here anyway, but it will have to do.’  he began checking out the fire as he spoke and soon had sticks and some pitch pine cones to get it started.

While the food cooked, Adam found a small supply of  medicines, kept in the line shack for minor injuries and began doctoring Joe’s cuts.

‘Hey, keep still.’  he ordered as Joe fidgeted, the witch hazel which Adam had found was causing the freshly washed cuts to sting painfully.

‘The bump on your head doesn’t look too bad, you’ve just grazed the skin.  It will be OK in a day or two.’  he stood back to survey his work.  ‘When you look for trouble, you certainly find it little brother.  How about you tell me what happened.’

Joe sighed ‘I guess you know I never intended to go to see Mitch?’

Adam gave a wry grin ‘I kind of worked that out, after Hoss went to visit and you weren’t there.  Hop Sing said you had taken food from the larder too.’

Joe looked surprised ‘Hoss went to visit?’

‘Yeah, he got lonesome for you. Heaven knows why.’  he looked sternly at his young brother ‘We had half the Devlin family out looking for you last night.’

‘I’m sorry. Adam.  I never meant to worry you.  I thought I would be home before Pa got back and no one would know…..’  his voice trailed off  ‘I guess Pa knows now, huh?’

Adam nodded ‘He knows.  After we found the rustlers and Roy arrested them, he went home to check that you were there.  He thought you would be home by mid afternoon.’

‘You found the rustlers?’  Joe’s voice showed his excitement ‘I saw them in the canyon, that’s why I fell.  I was hurrying to tell Sheriff Coffee.’  His words tumbled over one another ‘What happened, how did you catch them?’

Adam explained the events of the morning, playing down the dangers and the deaths for his little brother’s benefit.

‘You’d better eat something.’  he dished up the bacon and beans, which looked pretty unappetising but Joe ate up every scrap without complaint.  After they had finished, Adam suggested that they both get some sleep.  He checked Joe over once more and tucked the blankets around him.  ‘Night, little brother.  Sleep well.’  he turned down the lamp and climbed into the other bunk.

‘Night, Adam and thanks.’ Joe whispered back.

 

CHAPTER 13

 

Joe tried to sleep but there were too many thoughts going round in his head.  He tossed and turned trying to get more comfortable but the bruises always seemed to be just where he decided to settle.  Finally, he leaned up on one elbow and looked across at his brother, who had the blankets pulled up high over his head.

‘Are you asleep, Adam?’ he called softly.

‘Yes.’ Adam muttered.

‘No you’re not.’ Joe grinned in the darkness.

Adam sighed ‘What’s the matter, the bruises hurting.’

‘No, I’m just a bit sore that’s all.’  he hesitated ‘Not half as sore as I’m going to be when Pa catches me I’ll bet.’  he stayed silent for a moment  ‘Adam……, is Pa very angry with me?’  he said softly.

Adam rolled over and made out the shape of  his young brother in the dim light ‘What do you think?  You disobeyed him and you lied to him.  He sure isn’t handing out medals.  When he finds that you’re not at home, he’ll be worried sick.’

Joe hung his head ‘I didn’t mean to worry anyone.  I just wanted to find the horses before school started again.’

Adam sighed ‘How do you get yourself into so much trouble, its only a week ago that Pa let you off from your last punishment.’

‘I don’t know, I just don’t think, I guess.  We can’t all be perfect.’

‘Is that why you get so mad at me all the time, because you think I never get into trouble?’

‘Well you don’t, Pa’s hardly ever cross with you.  I don’t remember you ever being in real trouble.  It just kinda follows me.’

Adam sat up and swung his legs over the edge of the bed, he ran his hands through his dark hair. ‘Hoss told me that you felt that way, but I didn’t believe him.  He said I should tell you about the last time you disappeared.’

Joe sat up too ‘I’ve never disappeared before.’

Adam grinned ‘Oh, yes you have and boy did you get me into trouble.’

Joe was wide awake now sitting up in bed hugging the blankets around his knees ‘Tell me about it.’ he pleaded.

‘You sure you don’t want to sleep.  Its getting awful late.’

‘No way, tell me what happened.  How old was I?’

 

Adam gathered his thoughts and began his story.  ‘Well, you were about three years old,  I guess and I was almost fifteen and madly in love.’

Joe laughed ‘Go on!  You’re kidding me.’

‘Do you want me to tell this or not?’

‘Yeah, I’m sorry.  I didn’t mean to laugh.’  Joe stifled another snigger.

‘Like I said, I was madly in love with a girl called Caroline, she had blonde hair and blue eyes and I thought she was the most beautiful girl I had ever seen.’  he paused thinking back to that time.

‘I used to carry her books home from school and we used to meet every Saturday afternoon.  One Saturday I was getting ready to go to meet her when Pa told me that I couldn’t go.  Hop Sing was away and he and Marie were going to town to do some shopping. He wanted me to look after you and Hoss, while they were gone.’  he grinned at Joe in the half light

‘Oh I protested, argued and more, but all it got me was a lecture on responsibility. I sulked and grumbled but it was no use, I had to stay at home.  I waited until they were well out of sight, then I talked Hoss into playing with you on the front porch and told him I wouldn’t be gone long.  I made him promise not to tell.  I figured that nothing could happen to you in a couple of hours.’

‘Didn’t Hoss mind?’  Joe interrupted.

‘No more than you do when I tell you to do something, but I was older and at that age I was bigger too.’  Adam smiled.

‘I had a great time with Caroline and knew I would be back long before Pa, so I wasn’t worried until I rode back into the yard.  Hoss was on the front porch and he was as white as a sheet.  He told me that he had gone into the house for a minute to get some cookies and when he came back you were gone.’  Adam paused recalling his horror at that moment.

‘We searched the house and the barn but you had simply disappeared.  We had less than an hour before Pa was due back and I had no idea where to look.  I made Hoss promise that he wouldn’t tell that I had been away, and when Pa got back I told him that I had been the one to slip into the house for a minute.  He was so worried about you, that he didn’t really ask too many questions anyway.’

‘How did you find me?’  Joe asked.

‘Pa found you, down by the pond.  You knew you weren’t supposed to go there, but you had wanted to see the ducks. You had waded in and were covered in mud, but not hurt.  Marie was so relieved to see you that she forgot to be angry at you.  But Pa sure was.’

‘See I told you it was always me in trouble.’  Joe interrupted again.

‘He lectured you, while Marie was giving you a bath in front of the fire.  I can remember his exact words even now.’  Adam paused as the memory came back to him ‘He said “Joseph, you are a very naughty boy to go to the pond without telling Adam.”  and I’ll never forget your reply, you looked up at him with that angelic smile only you can turn on, and said “But Adam wasn’t here, Pa.”  I wished the floor would open up and swallow me at that moment.  Marie stopped washing you and held a dripping sponge over your head and Pa turned ever so slowly and gave me one of those looks of his.  His voice was low and quiet.  You know how it goes when he is really angry.  He just said “Is that true?  Did you leave the ranch this afternoon?”  I remember nodding and he just pointed to the stairs and told me to go to my room.  He followed me upstairs and gave me a scathing lecture, which left me feeling about two inches tall, all about responsibility, trust and honesty.’  Adam stopped talking and glanced at his young brother  ‘You may think it would be great being the eldest, and sometimes it is, but let me tell you, there are times when I would gladly swap with you or Hoss and that was one of them.’

Joe glanced at his brother out of the corner of his eye ‘Did you get a tanning?’

Adam laughed ‘I sure did, it wasn’t the first time, but it was the time I remember  most clearly, and it was the last.  I never got myself into that much trouble again.  You, of course, got off  without any punishment and Marie spoiled you for days, because she was so relieved you were alright.’  he grinned at his little brother ‘Never have quite forgiven you for telling tales on me.’

For a moment Joe looked worried, then he realised that his big brother was teasing him, for the first time since he had come home.  ‘Tell me some more stories about when you were my age.’  he begged.

Adam shook his head ‘It’s much too late.  You need some sleep if you are going to face Pa tomorrow and sort this out.’

Joe snuggled down under the blankets and muttered ‘Don’t remind me.’

 

The ride back to the ranch the next morning was a sombre one.  The nearer they got to home the more worried Joe became at the thought of facing his father.  Adam watched him quietly, but could think of no way to ease his mind.  Pa was going to be angry, and there was nothing Adam could do to help his little brother.  They rode into the yard around mid morning to find Hoss chopping fire wood.  When he saw them approach he started to signalled that their father was in the barn, but dropped his hand quickly, when Ben appeared.  For a long moment father and son stared at each other.

‘Joseph, I think you had better go into the house.’  he said very quietly.

Joe hesitated for just a second and gave Adam a pleading glance, then he walked slowly into the house.

‘Well, what happened?’ he asked of Adam.

‘I found him on the ridge above the canyon, he had a fall.  I think he was out there all night on Tuesday, but he seems to be OK now, just a few bruises.’  He hesitated, not sure whether his intervention would help or hinder his little brother  ‘Pa…..he s very sorry for worrying us. I don t…’

‘So he should be.’  Ben snapped  ‘This summer, he has been nothing but trouble and lying to me is the last straw.’   He marched off into the house before Adam could say anymore.

 

Hoss walked slowly over to his brother  ‘He’s been getting angrier all morning, I guess he was worried.  Is Joe really OK?’

Adam nodded  ‘Yeah, he s fine now. I think he got a bit scared up there alone, after his fall but he wasn t really hurt.  He is awful worried about what Pa s going to do though.’

Hoss began to unsaddle Joe s pony and led him into the barn.  Adam followed with Sport and they worked side by side without speaking, both thinking of what might be going on in the house.   When they had finished their work, it was nearly time to eat.

‘What do we do now.  I can smell Hop Sing s stew and I m hungry.’   Hoss complained.

Adam shrugged ‘I guess we go in and hope that whatever Pa had to say, he’s said.’

 

When Ben went into the house, he found Joe standing beside his desk staring at the leather top.  He did not look up as his father approached, just shuffled his feet a little and waited.

Ben sighed he was relieved that Joe was unhurt and a lot of his anger had dissipated in the walk back to the house, but he had no intention of letting his young son see that.  ‘Do you have any idea how worried I get, when you go off without telling anyone where you are going.  Or how much worse it is, when I think you are safe with the Devlin family only to discover that you have lied to me.’

Joe shifted uncomfortably and his face flushed a deep red ‘I’m sorry Pa……I….’

‘You’re sorry. Sorry for what you did, or sorry that you got caught.’  he glared at his son ‘It was your intention to keep this little trip to yourself, wasn’t it?’

‘Yes sir.’  Joe said very softly.

‘What do you think would have happened if you had had that fall on the first night you were up in the mountains.  It could have been four days or more before we found you, if we had.

Do you understand now, why it’s important to know where you are?’

Again Joe mumbled very softly ‘Yes sir.’

‘You seem to think that rules don’t apply to you.  You have disobeyed me more than once this summer, but what makes me really angry is that you lied to me.’  he paused and looked at Joe, who could not meet his gaze and stared at his boots.  ‘I want you to look at me and I want you to understand something.  For this family to work as a team, we have to trust each other.  If I am going to support you and rely on you as you grow older, I have to know that I can believe you.  When you are in trouble, no matter what you have done, I will always be there for you, but I must know that what I am defending is the truth.  When you lie to me you destroy that trust.’  his dark eyes seemed to bore into Joe ‘Do you understand that?’

Joe swallowed hard ‘Yes, sir.  I understand.’

‘Now, we have agreed that you disobeyed me yet again, and that you lied to me.  What do you think I should do about it?’

Joe looked surprised ‘I don’t know sir,………’  he hesitated and looked down at the floor again ‘I guess I deserve a tanning.’

Ben gave a small smile ‘I don’t recall that being particularly effective last time, since it was less than six weeks ago and we appear to be having a very similar conversation.   he paused and Joe waited anxiously for his verdict.   I think it would be more appropriate, if you were to ride over to apologise to Mr Devlin this afternoon and then apologise to Adam and Hoss for worrying them.’  he paused to add weight to his words ‘and then maybe you should spend some time considering how to earn my trust again, because I promise you, that if we have this conversation again, I ‘ll give you a tanning you will remember.  Is that clear?’

‘Yes sir.’  was Joe’s relieved reply.

Ben nodded  ‘Now go and get washed up for lunch.’

Joe needed no second telling to escape from his father’s presence.  He knew he had got off lightly and he had no intention of doing anything to change his father’s mind.

 

During the afternoon, Joe dutifully rode over to the Devlins’ and made his apologies to Mitch’s father.  He was embarrassed at having to deliver his apology in front of Mitch and his brothers, but at least once it was over, Mrs Devlin made him stay for apple pie.  He was careful not to be late home and completed his chores in record time.  Ben smiled to himself, as he watched from the window, and wondered how long this period of frantic activity would last.

At supper Joe made his apology to Adam and Hoss.  This was not so difficult as Hoss always shrugged off any attempt at apologies, generally being as embarrassed as the person giving it, and he had already made his peace with Adam at the line shack.

 

The next few days were difficult ones as, whether it was fact or his guilty conscience at work, Joe felt his father was always watching him.  For the first time in his life he was glad when school started.

 

CHAPTER 14

 

Getting back to school among his friends was good.  It had been an awful summer for Joe.  The final straw had been to discover from Adam, that the pretty little mare he had set his heart on, had been captured by the Piautes.  Mitch had suggested that they look for other bands of horses, but Joe could not bring himself to do that.  He guessed he would have to accept his father’s offer and find a replacement for his pony from among the Ponderosa colts.

For the first few days Joe behaved himself and tried to remember what his father had said about regaining his trust.  But being perfect, particularly in school was not in Joe’s nature and soon he was back to his old ways.  Luckily for him, the annual cow gather was underway and his father was, for the most part, with the hands bringing the cattle down from the high country to the lower meadows.  He was left at home with Hop Sing, whom he could twist around his little finger if he chose to do so.

By the time the herd was safely delivered to the meadows, Joe was back to being the aggravating, mischievious boy he had always been.  He had chosen a new pony from among the two year olds on the ranch and was supposed to be training it himself.  He often neglected this duty along with his other chores.  Although the pony had been his choice, he didn’t particularly feel an affinity with him.  He had sulked for days after learning of the fate of the little pinto mare and this pony was very much second best.

On this particularly Saturday, his father had insisted that he work with the horse for at least a few hours and so a very sullen boy was hanging around the corral trying to look busy.  He spent the first half an hour just leaning on the rail considering the animal in front of him critically.  He had decided that he was ugly and couldn’t understand why he had chosen him.  Into his mind came his mare.  She was beautiful and she could run like the wind, not like this plodding jug head he grumbled.  He was so deep in thought that he didn’t hear his older brother come up behind him until he spoke.

‘Need any help getting started?’  Adam asked pleasantly.

Joe jumped then relaxed when he realised it wasn’t his father. ‘No…..he won’t learn anything, he’s just stupid.’ he complained.

Adam gave a sardonic smile ‘Maybe there is nothing wrong with the horse, just the trainer.’

As usual when his brother criticised him, Joe’s temper rose. ‘And your the expert, is that it?’

He turned around and glared at Adam with his fist clenched as if ready for a fight. Joe was still quite short for his age and Adam was over six feet tall, so the effect was somewhat comic, as they were standing very close together.

Adam just grinned ‘No need to get so heated.  I just meant that he is not the horse you had set your heart on, so maybe you weren’t giving him as much attention as he needs.’

Joe shrugged ‘Fine, you train him.  I don’t want him anyway.’  he started to walk away.

Adam reached out intending to be sympathetic but as his hand settled on Joe’s shoulder his younger brother lashed out at him.  Adam was not expecting it and the blow to his ribs, although not enough to hurt, was more than enough to inflame his temper.  He increased his grip on Joe’s shoulder and caught Joe’s fist with his other hand.

‘Now wait a minute.  I came out here to help you and I don’t have to take that, whatever mood you’re in.  You calm down and apologise.’  he growled.

Joe tried to shake off his brother’s hands but he was held firmly and there was little he could do to escape.  ‘Your not going anywhere until you apologise Joe, so you might as well make your mind up to it.’ and he continued to hold on tightly to his little brother ‘You’d better change your attitude to that pony too, before Pa hears about it.  You know better than to treat any animal the way you have been treating him.’

Joe could be as stubborn as his older brother, when he wanted to be and for several minutes they stood locked together, neither giving an inch.  They might have remained that way all morning if Ben had not come out of the house and seen them.

‘What’s going on here?’  he asked raising his eyebrows and directing his question at Adam.

‘Nothing serious Pa.’ Adam relaxed his grip slightly as Joe unclenched his fist, both trying to make it seem like a friendly discussion. ‘We were just fooling around and it got a little out of hand.’

Ben looked from one to the other ‘Is that how it was, Joe?’

Joe nodded ‘Adam just offered to help me with the training and I guess I bit his head off.  I’m sorry, Adam.’

His brother gave a wry grin ‘That’s OK Joe.’ he replied, knowing how it had hurt Joe to have to make the apology after all.

Joe climbed through the rails into the corral.  Ben and Adam leaned on the rail and watched as he began walking the pony around the corral and talking softly to him.

‘His hearts not in it, is it?’  Ben said quietly.

Adam glanced sideways at his father ‘No…. Its not, and you know Joe, if he doesn’t want to do something, he does it badly.  Not to mention the sulking and bad temper we will have to put up with until the jobs finished.’

‘This is a job, that I can’t allow him to do badly.’  Ben sighed ‘If he doesn’t put his whole heart into it, he will ruin a perfectly good animal.’  he stopping speaking to watch his young son again.  So far he was doing all the right things, but Ben feared that this was because he knew he was being watched. He tapped Adam on the shoulder ‘Keep an eye on him this morning and when he’s finished ask him to come up to the house.  I’ll have a talk to him.’

Adam watched his father walk away and then turned his attention back to the corral.  He was sure that no talk was going to make Joe and this pony become a working partnership, whatever his father might say.

Joe stood in front of his father with a sulky expression on his face.  Ben had spent almost half an hour explaining why it was important for Joe to work with the pony and how to go about training him. His patience was wearing thin as it became more and more obvious that his young son was not paying attention.

‘You’ll never make him into a good cowpony if you don’t work hard at it now, son.’ he finished.

Joe shrugged ‘He’s stupid.  I don’t want to work with him at all.’

Ben gave an exasperated sigh ‘I am trying to keep my temper with you, but you are making it very hard.  You chose this pony and you haven’t even given him a name.  If you don’t want to work with him then I’ll let Adam take over.  You have wasted the whole summer pining for something you cannot have. If you are not grown up enough to accept that, then you are not grown up enough for other things and we will continue to treat you as the baby of the family.

Joe’s temper rose at this accusation ‘I’m not a baby.’ he said petulantly.

‘Then stop acting like one.  Adam offered you help and you turned it down.  Either get out there and work with him or go back to riding Shadow until you’ve grown up.’  Ben waved a dismissive hand at his young son.

 

For the next few weeks Joe made a half hearted attempt to work with Adam and the black pony.  He reluctantly gave him the name of  Midnight, at Adam’s suggestion but he had no real interest.  By the time Adam felt he was ready to ride him alone, it had become obvious to both of them that Joe was not just indifferent to the horse he actually disliked him, simply because he was not the one he had set his heart on.  Early one Saturday morning Adam stood with Hoss on the porch and watched Joe ride off for a short trial run on his own.

‘That’s one unhappy boy.’  Hoss said quietly.  ‘Its a shame to see that little pony treated so badly.’  Hoss’s feeling for the animal was stronger than his worries about his little brother at this moment.

Adam folded his arms and nodded ‘I wish I knew what to do about it.  Pa is adamant that its Midnight or nothing.  He says Joe made his choice and now he must live with it, but I don’t think he realises just what Joe is doing to that nice little pony.’

Hoss spun round to his brother in anger ‘You mean he’s hurting him and you’re not doing anything to stop it.’

‘Hey… calm down.  No he’s not hurting him, not physically that is.  But he doesn’t care for him the way he should, he’s too casual.  He does just what is necessary and no more.  Haven’t you noticed that when he rubs him down its done in minutes.  He never talks to him.  I guess he doesn’t love him the way you love Chubby or I love Sport.  Without that they will never work together well.’

Hoss shrugged ‘Maybe you should talk to Pa about it again, there are other horses.’

‘I don’t think that’s the answer.  Pa would get mad at him and anyway another horse would still not be what he wants.  He wants that pinto mare.’

Hoss sighed ‘Well he can’t have her and that s an end to it.’

Adam looked thoughtful ‘Maybe he can.’

‘How come?’

‘Well presumably the Piautes either caught those horses to sell or for their own use, either way maybe I can persuade them to trade for her.’  Adam said thoughtfully.

Hoss grinned ‘Trade what?  You told me last month you were broke and all you’ve got of your own is Sport and that new rifle you bought last week.  I can’t see you trading either of those to help out little brother.’

Adam nodded ‘I could try asking Pa.’

Hoss snorted with derision ‘You could try, but I’d be willing to bet I know his answer.’

 

Hoss was right.  Ben was totally against the idea and told Adam so in no uncertain terms.

‘After the way he has behaved this summer, I’m not about to go out of my way to trade with the Piautes for some horse, I haven’t even seen.  He has a perfectly good horse, if only he will put his mind to working with him.’ Ben had snapped when Adam broached the subject of maybe trading a few cattle for the pony.

‘But Pa, he’ll never work well with Midnight.  It’s a shame to spoil that animal.’

Ben immediately picked up on Adam’s slip ‘Are you telling me that he is not treating that pony properly?’  his voice became dangerously quiet.

‘No of course not, its just that they don’t make a team.’  Adam tried to rectify his mistake.

‘I’ve made my decision and its final, he either works with Midnight or he goes back to riding Shadow.  I want to hear no more about it.’

Adam sighed and was about to try again, but the set of his father’s expression told him it would not be wise.

 

On Monday morning Adam was saddling up Sport, when Hoss came into the barn.

‘Where are you going so early?’

‘Just out for a ride.  I may not be back until late tonight.  Can you cover for me with the chores?’  Adam asked as he slid his rifle into its scabbard and gave Sport an affection pat.

Hoss looked worried ‘As long as it’s just the chores.’  he hesitated ‘What shall I tell Pa.?’

‘The truth of course.’  Adam smiled.

‘But I don’t know anything.’  said Hoss puzzled.

‘Then it won’t be difficult, will it?’  Adam grinned.  He mounted Sport and started to move out of the barn but Hoss caught the bridle and stopped him.

‘You’re going up to the Piaute camp aren’t you?  Pa’ll be real mad if he finds out.’

‘Just as well you don’t know anything then, isn’t it?’  Adam pulled on the reins and jerked Sport’s head away from his brother’s grasp.

Hoss watched with a worried frown as his older brother rode out of the yard. He knew one thing for sure, whatever the outcome of Adam’s mission, tonight was going to be a rough one in the Cartwright household.

 

Ben queried Adam’s absence almost immediately and Hoss admitted that he did not know where his brother had gone, just that he said he would be late back.  His father did not take the news well.  He had organised several jobs for today and now he had to revise his plans.  By the time Joe arrived home from school late as usual, his temper was beginning to boil over.

‘What’s wrong with Pa?’  Joe asked Hoss as he went to unsaddle Shadow.

‘Adam went off somewhere this morning without telling him.  He’s been getting angrier all day.’

‘Wow….. big brother in trouble for once, instead of me.  That makes a change.’ Joe grinned.  ‘Where did he go, anyway?’

‘How should I know?’  Hoss snapped.  He had been bearing the brunt of his father’s bad mood all day and it was beginning to tell on him. ‘It’s about time you did some work with Midnight too, or Pa will be mad at you.’

Joe raised his eyebrows ‘Hey… what’s with you.  You’re starting to sound like Adam.  I don’t need two of you yelling at me as well as Pa.’

‘If you did as you were told, no one would yell at you……and don’t keep criticising Adam, he does one hell of a lot for you.’

Joe’s temper started to rise in line with his brother’s ‘Like what?  All he ever does is order me around.  I told you it would be like that before he came home.  I wish he had stayed in Boston.’

Hoss glared at him ‘Maybe after tonight, he will too.  I guess he never realised what an ungrateful kid you are.’

Joe looked mystified, he had no idea what Hoss was talking about or why he was so mad at him.  Hoss had now turned his back on his little brother and was forking straw into Chubby’s stall.  Joe shrugged his shoulders and went back to his work, he would never understand big brothers.

 

Supper was an uncomfortable meal.  Joe glanced around the table several times, but he dare not speak, every time he did, either Hoss or his father snapped at him, so he kept quiet and as soon as it was over he escaped to his room with the excuse that he had homework to do.  He had got homework,  he hadn’t planned on doing much, but it was better than the atmosphere downstairs.  He opened his books and seated himself at the desk, then as usual allowed his mind to wander.

He started by wondering where Adam had gone but he had no clues so he concentrated on what would happen when he got home.  At first he relished the idea of his older brother in trouble. He remembered the times Adam had been hard on him since he got back from college and was delighted that his father was so angry.  Then he thought of the night at the cabin and the story Adam had told him.  This triggered memories other events, such as Adam covering for him when he had gone on to Whittaker land.  He recalled Adam’s kindness when he had accused him of cheating, how he had tried to make it up.  Finally, he remembered the time on the ledge and how pleased he had been to hear his brother’s voice.  Thinking back he was embarrassed at the show of emotion he had shown at the time, but it had been spontaneous and as real then as it was now.  With a little shock, he realised he didn’t want Adam to get into trouble and he wished he could help.

Deep in thought, he had not heard his brother ride up to the house.  The first sound he heard was his father’s raised voice from living room.  He crept quietly from his room and made his way to the top of the stairs, where he could listen without being seen.  His father was standing with his back to the fireplace and Joe could only just see him.  Hoss was seated on the sofa and Adam was standing behind him, nervously twirling his black stetson in his hand.  Having missed the start of the conversation Joe could only gather that Adam was still not telling where he had been.

‘I don’t see why I have to go outside to have a conversation.  What I have to say can perfectly well be said right here.’  his father was shouting ‘You disappear all day without a word about where you are going and you expect me to be calm and ignore that do you?’

‘It was important Pa and I’d rather discuss it away from the house.  There is something I need you to approve.’  Adam said quietly.

‘Approve.  I don’t approve of your behaviour or this cloak and dagger conversation.  I spend a summer punishing your younger brother for disobedience and riding around the countryside without telling me where he is going and now I find you doing the same thing.  Being the oldest is not just a case of giving orders, it involves responsibility and setting a good example too.’

Adam sighed and raised his eyebrows, an action which Ben was quick to pick up on.

‘You should have grown out of that sort of behaviour too.’ he said more quietly.

‘I’m sorry Pa.  What I want to say is better said where we can’t be overheard.’  he glanced at the staircase as he spoke.

Ben followed his gaze and nodded reluctantly ‘Very well, since I’m obviously not going to find out anything here.’

Joe ducked back behind the wall as his father moved towards the door.  He was still none the wiser about Adam’s trip, but now he felt sure that it involved him in some way and he went back to his room to try to puzzle it out.

 

Immediately Ben made the shelter of the barn, he swung around on his eldest son with such anger that Adam instinctively took a step backward.  He pointed at one of the stalls and shook an accusing finger at his son ‘I don’t need to ask where you have been now, do I?  I take it this horse is what all the fuss has been about all summer.’

‘He wanted her so bad, Pa.  I figured it might sort things out if I traded with the Piautes for her.’  Adam’s voice was quiet and reasonable.

‘I thought I made it clear that he was to train Midnight or continue riding his old pony.  But you think you know better.  How dare you presume to force me into this situation.’

Adam tried to keep calm in the face of his father’s anger.  Ben’s voice was dangerously quiet and Adam knew that persuading him to accept the little mare for Joe, was not going to be easy, but he had to try.

‘She’s a beautiful horse Pa, she’s just right for Joe to train and she can run like the wind.  I’ve checked her over and she will make a good pony for working with cattle.  I can train Midnight and we will have two good horses for the ranch, instead of one poor one…………You know he would never have worked well with Midnight.’

Ben grunted and went over to the stall.  He reached out and the mare immediately nuzzled his hand.  He rubbed her ears and started to look her over.  As he did so, Adam began to visibly relax, he could see that his father approved of the horse at least.  Finally, he straightened up and looked hard at his eldest son.  Adam held his gaze without flinching, waiting for the verdict.

‘She’s a fine animal, but she may be too much of a handful for Joe to train, he is still only twelve.’

Adam sighed, ‘Then she can stay.’ he asked tentatively ‘I’ll help him work with her.’

‘I don’t like being backed into a corner, young man.  I still think it is wrong to reward him after all the trouble he has caused this summer.’

‘But Pa, its not like that.  It’s giving him a responsibility.’

‘Midnight was a responsibility and he shirked that.’

‘He won’t this time Pa, I promise.’  Adam begged.

Ben grunted again ‘Don’t make promises, you can’t be sure you can keep.’  he paused and the tension in the air was almost visible. ‘Alright, it’s against my better judgement but she can stay.’

Adam broke into a broad grin ‘Thanks Pa, you won’t regret it.’

‘Maybe not, but if I do it will be on your head young man.’  he started to leave the barn and Adam heaved a sigh of relief ‘Oh, by the way exactly what did you trade for this animal, the Piautes certainly wouldn’t let a horse like that go cheap.’

It was a question Adam had hoped to avoid, he knew his father would not be pleased with the answer. ‘Just a couple of things I bought in town, Pa.’  he prevaricated.

Ben immediately became suspicious ‘Like what?’ he demanded.

Adam took a deep breath ‘Oh, some tobacco and a buffalo gun……and ‘

Ben turned back towards him ‘Where did you get the money to buy a gun or tobacco, after last pay day you were broke?’

Adam looked at the ground and drew a pattern with his boot ‘I borrowed the money from a friend.’

Ben’s anger returned ‘How many times do I have to tell you boys that I don’t approve of borrowing from each other or friends.  Who did you borrow from?’

‘Caleb Devlin, I’ll pay him back at the end of the month.  He didn’t mind.’

‘Well I do,  I ll give you the money to pay him back and deduct it from your pay.  Don’t ever do that again.’  Ben snapped. ‘You were about to mention something else, what was it?’

‘My new rifle.  The Chief wouldn’t part with the horse without it.’  Adam said softly.

Ben’s face showed his surprise ‘But you have only just bought that, I thought it was the one you had always wanted.  I didn’t think anything would make you part with it.’

Adam shrugged ‘I guess this was more important.’

‘You really care deeply about Joe, don’t you.?’  Ben watched his son’s face closely as he spoke.

‘I guess so, he is my baby brother after all.  Up on the mountain, I got to thinking, I once promised that I would look after him and I haven’t made a very good job of it since I got back, have I?’  he grinned ‘Marie would be really mad at me, if she knew I had lost him twice.’

Ben smiled softly at the memory of his wife ‘She knows, I’m sure….. and I’m equally sure she would forgive you, as she did last time.’

‘Yeah, eventually, after she made my life hell for a few days.’

Ben put his arm around Adam’s shoulders ‘Well, I guess you had better go and tell that young rascal that he has got his way, as usual.’

 

‘Joe…hey Joe!’  Adam called up the stairs ‘Time to go and finish the chores.’

Joe’s head appeared around the stairs ‘Why me, can’t Hoss go.’ he complained.

‘Hoss is going, but it will be quicker with three of us.’  Adam called back.

Joe grumbled  as he came down the stairs but Adam hurried him along towards the door.

‘Come on, Hoss.’

Hoss guessed that Pa had given his consent but he longed to know what had transpired in the barn.  He knew that persuading him couldn’t have been easy, and he wanted to get Adam alone to find out.

As they neared the barn Adam slowed down to allow Joe to go in first, then he and Hoss followed.  Ben stayed well in the background, this was Adam’s surprise and he didn’t want to spoil it.  Joe shuffled his way into the barn, hoping that if he was slow enough his brothers would do all the chores before they realised he wasn’t helping.  It was a few moments before he noticed that the stall just inside the door next to Buck’s was no longer empty.  His mouth fell open and his eyes came out on stalks, it couldn’t be!  He swung round and stared unbelieving at Adam.

‘First time I’ve known you lost for words since you started to talk.’  Adam laughed.

‘Where did….. I mean how…..’  Joe stuttered his eyes shining.

‘Never mind the where or how, don’t you think you should say hello to your new partner.’

Hoss grinned at Adam ‘I don’t know how you did it, but I think you’ve made someone very happy.’

Joe was in the stall with the mare before Adam could stop him, fondling her ears and letting her nuzzle his hand.

‘Take it slowly Joe, the Piautes have done some work with her, but she is still half wild.’ he cautioned.

At his words Joe turned back to him and threw his arms around his big brother ‘Thank you, she’s the best horse in the world.  Thank you for getting her for me.’ he pulled away and almost shyly asked ‘Will you help me with her?’

Adam smiled down at him ‘You just try and stop me, its the most expensive present I’ve ever bought and I don’t mean in money.’ he said glancing at his father.

As they had expected Hoss and Adam did all the chores, while Joe spent the time talking to the mare.  Every so often one of them would look up and catch the eye of the other and nod in Joe’s direction with a smile.

‘Time for bed. Joe.’  Adam finally called.

‘I won’t be long, I just want to spend some more time here.’  Joe replied.

‘No deal.  You come in with us, now.’  Adam said firmly.

Joe reluctantly gave the mare a final pat and followed Adam into the house.

 

An hour later Hoss rose from his chair and said goodnight ‘I’ll look in on Joe on the way up, Pa.  Just in case he’s still awake.’  he made his way up stairs and they heard him open Joe’s door softly.

‘He’ll be fine Pa.  I promise I’ll see that he trains this one properly.  I’m sure that having the mare will make him more responsible’  Adam said.  As if to belie his words, Hoss thundered back down the stairs.

‘Pa, Joe’s not in his room.’

Ben sighed ‘In the barn.’  both he and Adam said together.

They walked out across the yard and crept quietly up to the barn.  There curled up on the straw next to the first stall was Joe, wrapped in a blanket and fast asleep.

Ben shook him gently awake ‘Come on young man, boys sleep in the house, horses sleep in the barn.’

‘But I want to stay with Cochise always.’  Joe muttered sleepily.

‘Not tonight you don’t.  Tomorrow you can see her again.’

After Ben had half carried Joe back into the house.  Hoss patted the mare and glanced at Adam.  ‘I’d say she has a name and a new partner, wouldn’t you?  Was it worth your pay and your rifle, not to mention facing Pa,  to make our little brother happy?’

Adam grinned ‘Isn’t that what big brothers are for?