Summary: Everything was progressing smoothly, right up until it went so wrong. The brothers and their men drive their largest herd ever to Sacramento, California.
\nRating: T (32,520 words)<\/p>\n
Author’s Note: I’d like to thank jfclover and Belle for taking the time to beta this story. I have continued to tweak, so any mistakes, omissions, or discrepancies are solely my responsibility.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
WHEN HOPE AND FATE COLLIDE<\/strong><\/p>\n High on the hill overlooking a piece of heaven on God\u2019s green earth, Ben Cartwright sat in the saddle and watched. He was thankful that it was no longer necessary for him to spend countless hours supervising, not with all three of his sons working the land.<\/p>\n The full force of the late summer sun bore down from a crystal blue sky. The weather and the hard manual labor took its toll on all involved, as sweat-stained shirts clung to skin and men used their sleeves or hands to wipe perspiration from their brows.<\/p>\n Currently they were four days into the onerous task of round-up and branding, which ultimately would lead to driving a herd of fat cattle to market.<\/p>\n Down in the valley, it was easy to spot Ben\u2019s middle son Hoss; clearly the largest of the men moving around the branding fires. In one smooth movement, he had man-handled a calf to the ground and was kneeling on its neck and shoulder to prevent an escape. A ranch hand quickly pressed the heated iron against the calf\u2019s haunches, searing the pine tree brand into the hide.<\/p>\n Both the calf and its momma bawled in distress before the youngster was allowed to rise up from the ground. The men watched it run away from the pain, and the stench; a fervent desire of their own.<\/p>\n His attention was drawn to just beyond the released animal as his oldest son, Adam, and one of their hands, Wick Ritter, rode into the area, pulling a large two-year old bull with legs braced against their ropes. Man and horse alike were wary of the brute struggling between them. With the brand applied, Ben exhaled his breath once the bull was led a safe distance away and freed of their lariats.<\/p>\n Gazing farther afield, he watched his foreman directing the various new hires and long-time ranch hands to their tasks. Charlie Yeagle originally hailed from Texas; his small stature didn\u2019t fit the image of a Texan. His dark hair showed hints of grey at the temples. A few years back, when the grey appeared in his mustache and beard, he\u2019d shaved them both off and swore to never grow them again. Ben could barely remember a time when the man hadn\u2019t worked for them.<\/p>\n It had seemed so long ago; yet it was only after Marie had given birth to Joe when Charlie came to work for the Cartwrights. He mused, nineteen years \u2013 in the life of a worker, nineteen years seemed forever, but to him, nineteen years had passed in the blink of an eye.<\/p>\n Scanning the landscape, Ben\u2019s eyes sought to find one person. He smiled when he spotted the easily identifiable black and white pinto carrying the object of his search \u2013 his youngest son.<\/p>\n The young man expertly guided his horse out of the bramble, his lariat swinging overhead while his legs barely encouraged his horse to give chase. The pair was often described as poetry in motion; the rope flew and easily settled around the neck of its quarry. Joe shifted his weight to sit deep in the saddle. With one hand holding the reins, the other turned the lariat around the saddle horn several of times. Cochise squatted onto his haunches, preparing to brace against the momentum and the weight of a yearling calf coming to the end of its run.<\/p>\n Ben signaled Buck into a leisurely walk to the valley floor.<\/p>\n *****<\/p>\n Hoss smiled, the white of his teeth shining through a grin that broke across his face, pointing towards the incoming rider. \u201cHey Adam, this\u2019ll be Joe\u2019s eleventh this morning\u2026 you\u2019re laggin\u2019 behind!\u201d<\/p>\n Looking to the pair heading their way, Adam shook his head; it didn\u2019t lessen the effects of his own smile. \u201cLet him work himself to exhaustion. I\u2019m pacing myself,\u201d he jested.<\/p>\n Moments before, he had stepped down from Sport to stretch his back and to take a deep drink from his canteen. With his thirst satiated, he stepped over to the check the tally book, comparing the actual figures against his estimate.<\/p>\n \u201cHey Joe!\u201d Hoss called out as his younger brother reined in his horse. Joe and Cochise positioned the calf allowing Hoss to easily flip it to its side before calling out, \u201cYou keep this up and we\u2019ll have to put ol\u2019 slow poke here to pasture.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHe\u2019s not slow, brother,\u201d Joe responded, making sure to keep the rope tight.<\/p>\n \u201cNo?\u201d Hoss didn\u2019t take his eyes off the rear end of the calf until the brand was in place and the ranch hand safely away.<\/p>\n \u201cNah, he\u2019 just too busy making sure we\u2019re doing our jobs,\u201d grinned Joe. On cue, he eased up allowing Hoss to pull the rope from around the calf\u2019s neck. \u201cBut he\u2019s not doing such a good job.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cOh I\u2019m not, am I?\u201d queried Adam. Nodding, he returned the tally book back to the ranch hand. He walked to the pit, grabbing a canteen of fresh water and handed it to his dust and sweat-covered youngest brother, while removing Joe\u2019s empty canteen from the saddle. \u201cAnd I bet you could do a better job supervising the men?\u201d Adam\u2019s voice held a hint of acerbity.<\/p>\n \u201cNot men, man. Just letting you know that you need to keep an eye on that Jordan guy. He\u2019s trouble, Adam.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHe gets the job done.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHe\u2019s too rough on the horses he rides; none of our mounts need to be manhandled like he\u2019s doing.\u201d<\/p>\n Understanding where his brother\u2019s concern came from; Hoss accepted that Joe didn\u2019t like having any of their horses mistreated, but there wasn\u2019t much they could do. \u201cNot everyone\u2019s as good a rider as you are little brother.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI know that, but I also saw him before I found that little lady,\u201d Joe paused. With canteen in hand he pointed to the calf scrambling back to its mother.<\/p>\n \u201cI agree he could lighten up a little, but I\u2019ve not seen him do anything that warrants a warning,\u201d Adam admitted.<\/p>\n Once more Joe drank deeply from the canteen. \u201cAdam, he knows not to do stuff when you\u2019re around.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cJoe,\u201d cautioned Adam.<\/p>\n Joe recorked the canteen and hung it under his lariat. \u201cAdam, listen to me.\u201d A forearm resting on the saddle horn spoke of the young man\u2019s tiredness. Never would he verbally admit to the fact, at least not until the end of the day. \u201cI don\u2019t put much stock in bunkhouse chatter, but I saw him watching you leave the area. And I swear he\u2019s drinking on the job. You know Pa\u2019s rule.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHold it right there,\u201d warned Hoss taking hold of Cochise\u2019s rein. \u201cJoe you sure? Proof positive?\u201d Disbelief flashed across his face, not towards his brother but that a worker would take such a risk.<\/p>\n \u201cHoss, honest. You two know I don\u2019t like how he handles our horses, but drinking on the job is something totally different. Ask Charlie. I\u2019m sure he\u2019s heard the men talking; only it ain\u2019t talk. Why would he drink from a flask? He\u2019s got a canteen on his saddle, just like the rest of us.\u201d<\/p>\n Adam knew if Charlie had a suspicion about a hand, new or old, he would say something. Their foreman was soft spoken, but that didn\u2019t stop him from speaking up on matters concerning the ranch. The men respected him for his matter-of-fact ways. A hired hand followed the rules otherwise the boss was informed; resulting in two options \u2013 change his ways or change his employment. Maybe Charlie hasn\u2019t seen him. He\u2019d only report facts, not bunk-house gossip.<\/p>\n \u201cJoe,\u201d Adam rested his hand to his brother\u2019s knee and looked up to him. \u201cTell me the truth.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cAdam, cross my heart and swearing on Momma\u2019s grave,\u201d he made the motions with his hand, \u201cI\u2019m not lying. Pa has rules in place for a reason. I don\u2019t want to see . . .\u201d<\/p>\n The rest of Joe\u2019s words were lost when his attention was drawn towards the far side of the herd; cattle were clearly showing agitation. Turning his horse, Joe knew he couldn\u2019t charge out to investigate, but at the same time whatever it was needed to stop before it caused a stampede; a stampede that would force the herd into the branding area.<\/p>\n Riding with restraint, Joe witnessed the subject of his discussion with his brothers. Judd Jordan was whipping a downed horse.<\/p>\n \u201cLay off Jordan!\u201d Joe hurriedly dismounted and shoved the man away.<\/p>\n \u201cBrat! No one shoves me,\u201d growled Judd Jordan. The man had twenty pounds on the oldest Cartwright brother, and was probably the same age. Pockmarks marred his face where it wasn\u2019t hidden by a scraggly beard. Dark eyes lay deep within their sockets under unruly eyebrows and a mop of hair.<\/p>\n The man towered over Joe, who had turned and knelt by the downed horse. With a hand on the muzzle and running his other hand down its neck, Joe gave a cursory inspection \u2013 a broken leg. Joe envisioned what happened from looking just beyond their location. Jordan had ridden through the trees and encountered the uneven terrain covered with small boulders and loose shale. Skid marks left by the horse\u2019s hooves showed they were traveling too fast for the footing. Anger drove Joe to his feet.<\/p>\n \u201cWhat the Hell were you doing there?! Any rider knows you don\u2019t ride a horse through that!\u201d Joe pointed, indicating the rise in the land.<\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s just a horse.\u201d Furiously, the man reached down to pick up the hat that he had lost when he hit the ground, and spat out blood from having bitten the inside of his cheek.<\/p>\n \u201cDidn\u2019t you see she had a broken leg?! What the Hell do you think you were doing whipping her?!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNeeded to get it up.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWith a broken leg?!\u201d his voice pitched up in anger.<\/p>\n \u201cWhat\u2019s going on here?\u201d Adam arrived, hoping his question would suppress his brother\u2019s growing animosity, he saw the fisted left hand.<\/p>\n \u201cHe rode his horse too fast through rocks and shale.\u201d Joe\u2019s chest heaved, both fists clinching open and closed.<\/p>\n With his brother now addressing him and not Jordan, Adam allowed his vision to stray to the downed horse and surrounding area.<\/p>\n \u201cDamn fool horse threw me,\u201d Jordan proclaimed the obvious with sarcasm.<\/p>\n \u201cShe should have done more than throw you!\u201d retorted Joe.<\/p>\n With Adam\u2019s calm arrival, Joe realized his anger was getting the better of him. He wanted so much to prove that he was a man and retain control, especially in front of this brother. He took a deep breath and turned his head towards the animal. Sorrow and compassion for the horse replaced his anger against the man; and blinded him to the right hook Jordan threw. Caught unaware, the blow hit him high on his left cheek bone, throwing him towards the downed mare.<\/p>\n \u201cJOE!\u201d Adam yelled; his brother landing too close to the animal\u2019s hooves. Reacting as soon as he saw the punch, Adam jumped from Sport. In long, powerful strides he reached Jordan, grabbed him by the arm, and turned him from the youth he was ready to punch again.<\/p>\n \u201cNO ONE touches my brother, let alone sucker punches him,\u201d Adam coldly spoke, his eyes grew darker. From his periphery, he noticed Joe was now safely away from the animal startled by his falling in close proximity.<\/p>\n \u201cBrat had it coming to him. Who does he think he is?\u201d Jordan\u2019s balance faltered in Adam\u2019s grasp.<\/p>\n With the man less than an arm\u2019s length away, Adam couldn\u2019t help but smell his breath. \u201cJoe was trying to tell me earlier that he thought you were drinking on the job and I was trying to give you the benefit of doubt. But Joe was right, you\u2019re drunk.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cSo what.\u201d The man glared back, attempting to stand upright and taller.<\/p>\n \u201cSo what? It\u2019s against the rules.\u201d Adam relaxed his grip now that the man\u2019s focus was on him.<\/p>\n Pulling from Adam\u2019s easing grip, his arm flung wildly backwards, causing him to stumble. \u201cWhy don\u2019t you and baby boy there run off to pappy and tell him how mean the big bad ranch hand is,\u201d sniggering his jaw left and right in taunt.<\/p>\n \u201cNot necessary. You\u2019re fired.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYou can\u2019t!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI can and I did. You wait here. I\u2019ll send one of the men to get you back to the main camp. Cracker will see you to the bunk house to collect your horse and gear. You have until sundown to be off our land.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWhat about my pay?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI should charge you for the horse you just cost us.\u201d Adam reached into a front pant pocket and pulled out several slips of paper currency. \u201cToday\u2019s the fourth of the month, I know I\u2019m over paying you, but it\u2019s a small price to pay to get rid of you.\u201d<\/p>\n Jordan angrily grabbed the money and retreated towards a nearby tree.<\/p>\n \u201cYou okay Joe?\u201d Adam stepped forward and offered a hand to help his brother to his feet. Adam watched his brother\u2019s smoldering eyes diffuse. If ever Joe had a right to go off on a hand, Jordan was the reason. He was impressed his brother had controlled his reaction to the hand\u2019s use of the phrase, baby boy, even after being the recipient of a blind-sided punch.<\/p>\n \u201cYeah, I will be.\u201d Joe brushed dirt from his pants and picked flecks of shale from this palms.<\/p>\n \u201cYou want me to do it?\u201d Adam looked quickly from the mare to his brother.<\/p>\n Adam\u2019s memory returned to a time during Joe\u2019s first year working full time on the Ponderosa. A horse in the wild herd they had corralled had suffered a broken leg. Joe had pleaded that they could splint the horse\u2019s leg. Through careful reassurances, Adam patiently explained what Joe knew to be true. An animal suffering a broken leg was an unfortunate part of ranching, and the only humane thing to be done was to end their suffering as quickly as possible. Still, Adam knew that didn\u2019t stop Joe\u2019s grief over the loss of a promising horse, back then and now.<\/p>\n \u201cNo, I\u2019ll do it.\u201d Joe openly glared at the ranch hand walking away from the brothers. \u201cI\u2019ll give you a few minute to alert the closest men.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cUnderstood.\u201d<\/p>\n Adam mounted Sport and left Joe to do what was necessary. Having only ridden about twenty yards and with second thoughts about riding off, he halted, turned in the saddle, and looked beyond his brother to where Jordan belligerently leaned against a tree.<\/p>\n Shaking his head, Adam wished he could have lost control and belted the man, tit for tat. He huffed at the example that would have set for his youngest brother. Ultimately, he settled on calling out a warning to the ex-employee, \u201cI don\u2019t ever want to hear of you on Ponderosa property again. If I do, you\u2019ll rue the day you were ever born!\u201d<\/p>\n *****<\/p>\n Wick Ritter was the first rider Adam encountered and he wasn\u2019t too thrilled to be told to pony Judd Jordan back to the branding area; at least he wasn\u2019t to be saddled with the man all the way back to the bunkhouse.<\/p>\n *****<\/p>\n Watching the horse carry the two riders away, Joe wished there was something he could have done differently in order to prevent his next task. He snorted and thought Wish I knew before Pa hired him what I know now. Kneeling next to the stricken animal, Joe spoke soothingly, offering sympathy. Thinking enough time had passed for Adam to spread the word, Joe stood. An unsteady hand drew his revolver from his holster. Holding the weapon in both hand, Joe shook his head. Pointing his gun towards the horse\u2019s head, tears streaked his face. Taking a deep breath helped steady his hand; he pulled the trigger.<\/p>\n *****<\/p>\n Ben entered the camp as Adam returned, \u201cTrouble?\u201d he inquired after seeing his son\u2019s expression.<\/p>\n \u201cNot really, just fired Judd Jordan. Joe tried to tell me earlier he thought the man was drinking on the job.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWas he?\u201d Ben hoped there hadn\u2019t been too great a disagreement between the brothers. Joe was beginning to get a feel for what was necessary, especially with the horses, and he could see Adam bristling at some of Joe\u2019s observations and suggestions when it came to working other areas of the ranch. Ben mused at his own reactions to some of Adam\u2019s suggestions after his return from college.<\/p>\n \u201cYeah. I\u2019ll have Cracker escort him off the Ponderosa.\u201d Adam startled at the shot, even though he knew to expect it.<\/p>\n \u201cWhat?\u201d Ben looked in the direction from where the shot sounded.<\/p>\n \u201cJoe \u2013 putting down the horse Jordan was riding. The idiot rode through rocks and shale, too fast. Horse went down and broke its leg. The man was whipping the animal to get it off the ground.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHe what?\u201d Ben couldn\u2019t believe someone could be that stupid.<\/p>\n \u201cThat\u2019s what it looked like before I reached the area. Joe arrived first.\u201d<\/p>\n Ben turned Buck toward his youngest son.<\/p>\n \u201cPa,\u201d Adam waited for Ben to face him, \u201cI think Joe would appreciate it more if you didn\u2019t.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI know you\u2019re his father, our father.\u201d<\/p>\n Doubt crossed Ben\u2019s face. \u201cHow did Joe take it\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cMuch like anytime we\u2019ve had to put a horse down. Give him time; we\u2019ll keep an eye on him. Pa, he is growing up.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWhat\u2019s that supposed to mean?\u201d Ben\u2019s voice was curious.<\/p>\n \u201cLet him be a man.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWhat?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cAs much as he tries to prove he\u2019s older than he is and can handle situations, I don\u2019t think he\u2019d take it too well if you were to go out there to check up on him. Look, if he can\u2019t handle it, I promise I\u2019ll send him home.\u201d<\/p>\n Seeing Cracker entering the branding area, Adam excused himself and stepped down from Sport.<\/p>\n Cracker McCall was an old-time ranch hand. The man joined the Ponderosa about the same time as Charlie Yeagle, who always joked that Cracker had been born old. No one could find any fault in his work. The man knew his job and easily taught the younger men the tricks of the trade; the man being a jack-of-all.<\/p>\n Ben watched the discussion between Adam and Cracker; he wasn\u2019t happy to see the look of disgust on his employee\u2019s face. Everyone around the fire looked in the direction of the horse bearing two riders entering camp. Ben knew ranch hands had their own code, and at the moment he didn\u2019t think too much of Jordan, either.<\/p>\n \u201cMr. Cartwright!\u201d Jordan shouted as he slid from the back of the horse. \u201cI want to talk to you.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI understand that you were fired and ordered to leave the Ponderosa.\u201d The man began to protest, Ben continued, \u201cI don\u2019t appreciate men going against my rules\u2026 and now you\u2019ve cost me a horse.\u201d Ben\u2019s tone conveyed his displeasure at the man for his earlier actions and his apparent attempt to plead for his job to the owner. \u201cI will not countermand one of my sons\u2019 orders when I am of the same mind.\u201d<\/p>\n The men nearby didn\u2019t bother hiding their smirks as Jordan had finally received his comeuppance.<\/p>\n After Cracker drove the wagon and the fired man away, everyone returned to their jobs as if nothing had happened.<\/p>\n Hoss stopped his older brother, having overheard parts of the conversation, \u201cHow\u2019s Joe?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWouldn\u2019t hurt to keep an eye on him. Working will do him good.\u201d<\/p>\n Hoss saw Adam looking back to the area where Joe had last been and asked, \u201cWhat?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cKid did a good job in controlling his temper; don\u2019t know how he did it, even after Jordan called him \u2018baby boy\u2019.\u201d Looking to his larger brother, \u201cHoss\u2026 If you think he\u2019s over compensating or not handling the situation, putting himself at risk, pull him out of the saddle for a while. See that he eats. I\u2019ll talk with Charlie, let him know to keep an eye on Joe, too.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYa want me to pull Joe?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNot yet, let\u2019s see if he can work through it. If necessary, yeah, pull him. He\u2019ll take it better from you than from me.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWhich horse was Jordan ridin\u2019?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThe bay mare with the jagged blaze, four stockings over her knees and hocks.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cDamn\u2026 Now I understand. Joe really liked that mare.\u201d Hoss looked to see if he could spot his little brother.<\/p>\n \u201cGive him time.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYeah\u2026 Hey, Adam?\u201d<\/p>\n Adam looked to Hoss.<\/p>\n \u201cDid ya tell him he done good?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cDidn\u2019t have the chance to, but I will. I just thought he needed time alone, not a big brother brooding over him. I\u2019ll tell him, when I think he\u2019ll be more receptive of the praise.\u201d<\/p>\n *****<\/p>\n Under the cover of night, coyotes howling overpowered the orchestra of crickets and cicadas chirping and the sounds of cattle settling across the land.<\/p>\n \u201cPa head home?\u201d Joe asked having settled down and stretched out onto his bedroll after eating supper.<\/p>\n \u201cYeah, with the three of us out here, he don\u2019t need to spend the night sleeping out on the hard ground,\u201d Hoss answered. Both men looked up at hearing boot steps approaching.<\/p>\n \u201cJoe, Hoss,\u201d Adam wearily returned their greetings as he sat down holding a hot cup of coffee in his hands.<\/p>\n \u201cYou look tired,\u201d replied Hoss.<\/p>\n \u201cAren\u2019t we all?\u201d Adam sipped his coffee. \u201cHey Joe, I\u2019d like to talk to you about earlier.\u201d<\/p>\n Joe sat up defensively, yet looked to the ground. Guilt flushed his face; he\u2019d tried so hard to keep his temper, but now he expected his brother to lecture him for not conducting himself in a manner worthy of being a Cartwright. \u201cWhat about?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cJust wanted to say, you did good out there today. I\u2019m proud of the job you\u2019re doing.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cDidn\u2019t do so good when it came to Jordan,\u201d Joe bemoaned.<\/p>\n Adam\u2019s eyebrows rose. \u201cWhat do you mean not when it came to Jordan? That\u2019s what I\u2019m talking about.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cBut\u2026 but\u2026\u201d Joe sputtered, looking between his two brothers in disbelief.<\/p>\n Hoss sat back and snuggled down with his arms crossed; the smile on his face displayed his amusement at how Adam\u2019s words of praise had caught their younger brother off guard.<\/p>\n With sincerity, Adam continued, \u201cI could tell you were on the edge; I heard it in your voice and saw it in your posture, but you didn\u2019t allow it to go any further.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYou wouldn\u2019t have screamed at him, nor would you have allowed him to sucker punch you\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cSucker punch ya,\u201d Hoss sat up straight. \u201cWhere\u2019d he hit ya?\u201d It had been dark by the time Joe returned to camp after washing up in the creek, so Hoss hadn\u2019t seen the developing bruise.<\/p>\n \u201cCaught him on the left cheek,\u201d Adam answered. \u201cJoe, I don\u2019t think Jordan would have even attempted to sucker punch me\u2026 Regardless, it was you he struck and you worked hard to control yourself, and not go flying off the handle at him. And the fact you didn\u2019t object to my stepping into the fray.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI thought I saw him drawing back for a second punch, but I as more concerned about the mare thrashing around and wanted to get away from her hooves.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cAnyway, I just wanted to let you know I approved of how you handled yourself.\u201d<\/p>\n Knowing his time out of the saddle was growing short, Joe pulled on his boots, \u201cThanks, Adam.\u201d Joe felt better about his earlier actions, but sorrow over the loss of a promising mare tainted the praise his brother heaped upon him. \u201cI guess if I want to keep you being proud of me, I better get out there and take my watch.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cMind yourself, Shortshanks.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYou make sure one of you comes for me around midnight.\u201d<\/p>\n In agreement, Hoss waved him off.<\/p>\n *****<\/p>\n \u201cWe\u2019ll keep the coffee hot for your return.\u201d Adam removed his hand from Joe\u2019s shoulder, allowing his brother to lower the stirrup after tightening the cinch of his saddle.<\/p>\n \u201cThanks, Adam.\u201d Joe\u2019s eyes spoke more than just thanking his brother for his consideration.<\/p>\n Not wanting to get all maudlin, \u201cGood thing you\u2019re riding Warrior and not Cochise.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYou don\u2019t have to worry about my horse drinking all the coffee, Cochise doesn\u2019t care for it the way James brews it,\u201d Joe replied.<\/p>\n \u201cDon\u2019t let him hear you say that.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNo way, brother. I value my hide!\u201d Joe\u2019s cackle echoed across camp.<\/p>\n Having followed his brother to the picket line and seeing him off, Adam returned to the chuck wagon to refill his coffee cup. He paused, overhearing Wick Ritter talking. The man had been with the Cartwrights for just over five years and got along well with the men. If not working with Charlie, he generally found himself assigned to one of Hoss\u2019 or Adam\u2019s crews.<\/p>\n Adam leaned against the chuck wagon and watched the man who was of similar build and mannerisms to himself. They spent time together, discussing their backgrounds; but where Adam\u2019s education had included a college degree, most of Wick\u2019s learning came from the school of life, and time spent reading on his own. Adam found numerous admirable traits in the man.<\/p>\n \u201cI tell ya, that Judd Jordan was trouble from the first moment I laid eyes on him,\u201d Wick crowed. \u201cCan you believe he had the nerve to sucker punch the kid?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHe what?\u201d asked one of the drovers around the fire.<\/p>\n \u201cI saw it. Joe rode up and shoved him away from that downed horse. Fool was beating it, trying to get it to its feet.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWhy\u2019d he do a thing like that?\u201d a second drover asked.<\/p>\n \u201cStupidity,\u201d Will Gannon, another long time hand answered.<\/p>\n \u201cJoe ain\u2019t stupid,\u201d Cracker called out, having returned to camp just after sundown.<\/p>\n \u201cI wasn\u2019t talking about Joe. I was calling Judd stupid for being an ass.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNo sane horseman\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWeren\u2019t nothing sane about him. Wick Ritter said he smelled the whiskey on the man\u2019s breath while he was sitting behind him.\u201d Will\u2019s body gave a foreboding shiver.<\/p>\n \u201cAin\u2019t cold are ya, Will?\u201d Cracker teased.<\/p>\n \u201cNo\u2026 felt like someone walking on my grave.\u201d Will looked around.<\/p>\n \u201cSo what happened after Judd sucker punched Joe?\u201d one of the men asked.<\/p>\n \u201cYou shoulda been there when Adam stepped from his horse.\u201d Wick described all he had seen. \u201cSure was something to see Judd taken down a peg. Woulda been even better to see Adam take him on; lay him out flat.\u201d The man punched his right fist into his left palm.<\/p>\n \u201cAdam might not have taken the starch out of him, but ol\u2019 Ben sure did,\u201d Cracker stated as he took up the narrative. \u201cJudd comes sniveling in to camp, cries out \u2018Mr. Cartwright, I want ta talk to ya\u2019. I tell you what; Ben backed his eldest to the teeth. Put that Judd Jordan in his place. He was stupid to believe the Carwrights don\u2019t stick together; what one says goes for all the rest.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cProbably would have taken the youngest one to task had he been the one firing a man,\u201d someone else snickered in the background.<\/p>\n Adam straightened at that statement.<\/p>\n \u201cDon\u2019t you dare let Mr. Cartwright hear you talking down about his youngest like that. And you know drinking ain\u2019t allowed when we\u2019re working, especially during round-up,\u201d warned Charlie, walking over to the pot of coffee set on a grate over the campfire.<\/p>\n \u201cSo he interfered and stopped the kid from fighting his own fight? Figures,\u201d one said.<\/p>\n \u201cJoe\u2019s had his fair share of fights with hands who\u2019ve challenged his authority. Adam, too.\u201d Cracker answered. \u201cBut it has to be fair\u2026 sucker punching, ain\u2019t right. That\u2019s why Adam stepped in.\u201d<\/p>\n Charlie watched Adam\u2019s reaction while standing just outside the light from the campfire; he knew the family didn\u2019t care to be fodder of gossips, but these men had witnessed the events and weren\u2019t just passing on hearsay. And if what happened prevented any future attempts at starting trouble, he hoped this would work to their advantage. Besides, he hadn\u2019t cared for Judd Jordan, either, but had never observed the man doing anything wrong.<\/p>\n He nodded when Adam raised his cup in salute and lowered his hand. The eldest Cartwright son turned away from the fire, forgetting about wanting another cup of coffee.<\/p>\n Figuring the men had had their entertainment for the night, Charlie announced, \u201cMorning comes early, and those of you who have mid-watch\u2026 best visit your bedrolls.\u201d<\/p>\n *****<\/p>\n Ben was gratified to see all three of his sons working together; and seeing his youngest mature before his eyes. He\u2019d known this child would have it easier than his older brothers, but that didn\u2019t stop the boy\u2026 young man from trying to demonstrate that he was as much a Cartwright as the rest of his family. Ever since he\u2019d learned to crawl and to speak, \u2018on my own\u2019 had been accepted as Joe\u2019s mantra, and caused many a shaking of heads among his father and brothers while hiding grins or groans behind a hand.<\/p>\n For the most part, the family couldn\u2019t be more pleased with how the youngest was growing up and accepting responsibilities. However, Ben was far from pleased finding Joe in a fight with a much larger man.<\/p>\n \u201cJOSEPH!\u201d Ben rode into the area, witnessing his youngest throw a punch that knocked the man to the ground, where he chose to remain. Stepping from the saddle, Ben ignored his son\u2019s winded stance and grabbed him by the arm, jerking him upright and demanded, \u201cWhat\u2019s the meaning of this?!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNot the boy\u2019s fault,\u201d spoke the man from a prone position, just as winded as his adversary, but not showing any indication of wanting to regain his feet.<\/p>\n \u201cI asked a question!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cIt was personal, Pa,\u201d answered Joe, having regained enough breath to speak.<\/p>\n \u201cThere is nothing personal out here!\u201d Ben eased his hold on his youngest.<\/p>\n \u201cAs I said, Mr. Cartwright,\u201d Wick Ritter answered, rising to his feet. \u201cWasn\u2019t his fault. The boy gave me an order and I\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYou what?\u201d glared Ben.<\/p>\n \u201cWell\u2026it don\u2019t come easy to me taking orders from a kid.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI don\u2019t care if it\u2019s easy or not.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHe ain\u2019t paid his dues. What right does he have\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHe has every right! He\u2019s just as much an owner of this ranch as his brothers or I.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m sorry Mr. Cartwright.\u201d Wick knew he\u2019d crossed the line.<\/p>\n \u201cThat\u2019s not good enough. Collect your pay!\u201d Ben stared at the man for a moment; his disgust wasn\u2019t directed only towards his former employee, but at his son too. He turned from both of them.<\/p>\n \u201cPa\u2026 no.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cReturn to work Joe.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cListen, Pa.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cJoseph, I gave an order.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYou\u2019ve always listened to Adam or Hoss when they\u2019ve thought differently.\u201d Joe hesitated and thought of how to get his point across to this father.<\/p>\n Ben reached Buck and turned while crossing his arms. He was irritated, but he was willing to listen.<\/p>\n \u201cPa, we\u2019ve all made mistakes\u2026 Wick\u2019s not worked my crew before\u2026 He usually works with Hoss or Adam, the only reason he\u2019s with me is because Peter broke his arm and I needed a good rider,\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cJoseph,\u201d Ben reached for Buck\u2019s reins.<\/p>\n \u201cPa, don\u2019t blame Wick. I pushed the fight; it was the only way of getting my point across.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYou have every right to give orders to any one of our employees. None of my sons should have to prove their point, especially with their fists.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThat\u2019s okay for Adam and Hoss\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s the same for you. I\u2019ll not have a man go against orders.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cPa, it\u2019s not the first time I\u2019ve taken on a ranch hand, and it probably won\u2019t be the last. If I were as big as Adam or Hoss or as old as they are, it would be different; no one would question me. Wick\u2019s learned his lesson. Don\u2019t make me shorthanded, I need him as part of my crew.\u201d<\/p>\n Feeling it was against his better judgment, Ben took his time, looking from his son to the man who waited to hear his fate. Finally Ben nodded, \u201cMark my words,\u201d Looking directly to Ritter and holding up an index finger as a warning, \u201cOne more fight\u2026 whether you start it or not\u2026 if you\u2019re a part of it, you\u2019re out of here.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI understand,\u201d answered Wick.<\/p>\n The relieved ranch hand strode to stand behind his young boss and waited for the elder Cartwright to leave. Side by side, the two were as different as Joe was to Adam.<\/p>\n Once Ben was well enough away, Wick spoke, \u201cI\u2019m sorry, for not following your order. Thanks for not letting your Pa fire me.\u201d<\/p>\n Knowing he needed to acknowledge the man\u2019s apology, he took a deep breath before walking away to retrieve his hat. He turned back to Ritter. \u201cI\u2019ve heard Adam and Hoss talk about what a good hand you are\u2026 didn\u2019t want to have to face them and explain why Pa fired you.\u201d<\/p>\n Moving his jaw back and forth with his hand, Wick replied, \u201cYou pack quite a punch for a pipsqueak\u2026\u201d The man\u2019s eyes showed it was a good-hearted jest, including the smile on his face.<\/p>\n \u201cYou best remember who my brothers are.\u201d Joe\u2019s voice warned, but when he looked up from batting the dust off his pants, he joshed, \u201cThey taught me everything I know about fighting fair, and then some.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWish I\u2019d known that before.\u201d Wick laughed.<\/p>\n \u201cYou\u2019ve been here long enough to know better.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYeah, still\u2026 appearances can be deceiving.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYou\u2019re gonna have a colorful bruise,\u201d Joe offered, adjusting his hat and grimacing as he touched his cheekbone.<\/p>\n \u201cYou\u2019re gonna have a colorful shiner yourself, on top of that other one you got earlier in the round up. If you don\u2019t mind, I\u2019ll go check that ravine area again, like you said.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNeed some help?\u201d Joe asked, and extended his hand as an offer of truce.<\/p>\n Accepting the handshake, Wick answered, \u201cNaw, you told your Pa I was a good rider, figure I can ride in there and make another sweep of the area.\u201d<\/p>\n The two mounted and began to go their separate ways.<\/p>\n \u201cHey Joe!\u201d Wick waited for his boss to turn his horse around. \u201cDon\u2019t let anyone else tell you differently, but\u2026 you\u2019re alright\u2026 kid.\u201d With that, Wick put his heels to his horse\u2019s flanks and rode away.<\/p>\n Joe exhaled deeply in relief, yet wondered what would happen once he and his Pa were alone.<\/p>\n *****<\/p>\n It had been two long, exhausting weeks working alongside their ranch hands. It was inevitable that tempers would flare while working in such close proximity and strenuous weather conditions, but with the work load, all knew they had to work together and not against each other. The reports Ben received during his occasional visits to camp indicated that as quickly as any flare up occurred, it died out and was laughed about over the camp fire; rarely was anything left smoldering.<\/p>\n In addition to the one firing, two other men were lost due to unfortunate circumstances. One hand had been wanted by the law and arrested by Roy Coffee when he accompanied Hoss to town to gather additional supplies. The second hand had suffered a broken arm when a cow took offense to the cowboy roping her offspring; she charged between her calf and the man. The distracted rider was unaware that while trying to deal with his agitated mount, the cow caught the rope in her horns and pulled him from the saddle.<\/p>\n *****<\/p>\n Three tired and dirt-covered brothers traveled from pastureland to their home on well-rested mounts. The brothers wishing they too had been afforded the luxury of rotation as had their horses. Their trip home was tradition, they would enjoy one last evening with their father and one night in their own beds before spending the next two weeks on the trail with a herd of one thousand head of cattle.<\/p>\n \u201cThink we need to put a tether on him to make sure he makes his way home?\u201d inquired Hoss, nodding his head backwards to indicate to his older brother that he should take a look at their youngest sibling, who was lagging behind.<\/p>\n Looking in the direction indicated, Adam halted his horse and waited. Once Cochise was close enough, he reached to take hold of the reins in order to lead both horse and rider home.<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m not asleep,\u201d Joe stated while pushing his hat back and sitting up straighter, encouraging Cochise to continue. His brothers shrugged their shoulders and continued home.<\/p>\n \u201cCoulda fooled me,\u201d answered Hoss.<\/p>\n \u201cEven if I was, Cochise would get me home.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI know you think your horse knows the way home, I just didn\u2019t want to see you hurt,\u201d Adam answered with a hint of sarcasm.<\/p>\n \u201cDon\u2019t worry; even if I did, I\u2019d still manage to ride drag,\u201d Joe retorted.<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019d prefer to see you uninjured, and not breaking your neck after falling from the saddle. That was my point,\u201d answered Adam, knowing every man counted since they hadn\u2019t had time to replace the three men they were down.<\/p>\n Wanting to enjoy the rest of his ride in quiet and not listening to his brothers bickering, Hoss changed the subject. \u201cCain\u2019t wait to get home and have one last meal of Hop Sing\u2019s cookin\u2019 and sleep in my own bed.\u201d He rubbed his hands together in eager anticipation.<\/p>\n \u201cJust when I almost forgot what my bed feels like,\u201d Adam stretched tall in the saddle, trying to ease the kinks out of his back.<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019ve already forgotten my bed. Don\u2019t see why we didn\u2019t just stay with the herd,\u201d Joe commented.<\/p>\n \u201cJoe, you know Pa wants to have final instructions with us, go over the contract and route one last time. He always does,\u201d Adam answered.<\/p>\n \u201cYeah, that\u2019s you two. Me\u2026 I\u2019m just a drover,\u201d Joe bemoaned. \u201cI didn\u2019t have to come home.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cAnd keep Pa from fussin\u2019 over ya?\u201d Hoss jested. \u201cShortshanks, ya know he\u2019s gonna miss ya, so it\u2019s only right ya come home with us. \u2018Sides, we always share one last supper together before we head out.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYeah\u2026\u201d Joe\u2019s posture slumped in the saddle once more.<\/p>\n \u201cOkay, what\u2019s up?\u201d Adam responded. It was rare that Joe wasn\u2019t eager to see their father. There were times in the past when he feared a \u2018necessary talk\u2019, but it had been a number of years, almost five, since the last time Joe had made a trip to the woodshed.<\/p>\n \u201cNothing.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cJoe, somethin\u2019s botherin\u2019 ya, what\u2019s wrong?\u201d inquired Hoss.<\/p>\n \u201cJust don\u2019t see why I couldn\u2019t stay back with the men. The only business Pa has to say is for you two, not me.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cIt wouldn\u2019t have nothin\u2019 to do with that colorful bruise, now would it?\u201d Hoss asked.<\/p>\n \u201cYou never did say how you managed to get another black eye,\u201d Adam answered. \u201cPa knows the one from Jordon should be almost gone by now. So, what\u2019s your excuse this time?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cMaybe somethin\u2019s wrong with Little Joe, maybe we best send for Doc Martin. Probably should make sure he\u2019s\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI don\u2019t need Doc Martin and I don\u2019t need to come up with an excuse for Pa,\u201d Joe bit back.<\/p>\n \u201cI guess that means you\u2019re going to tell him the truth.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI don\u2019t need to tell him anything.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cJoe, that won\u2019t work with Pa, ya know he\u2019s gonna ask about it.\u201d<\/p>\n Adam halted Sport and stared at his brothers. A moment later Hoss signaled Chubbs to stop.<\/p>\n \u201cWhat\u2019s wrong, Adam?\u201d asked Hoss.<\/p>\n Kneeing Sport to catch up with Cochise, \u201cPa already knows\u2026 doesn\u2019t he.\u201d<\/p>\n Joe nodded.<\/p>\n \u201cHe knows? But he ain\u2019t been back to the herd for\u2026\u201d Hoss stopped speaking mid-sentence.<\/p>\n Taking a deep breath Joe explained, \u201cWick Ritter and I were having a\u2026 uh\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cDiscussion?\u201d offered Adam.<\/p>\n \u201cYeah.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cJoe, what\u2019d you and Wick fight about? He never gives me or Adam any trouble.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cAnd that\u2019s the problem, I\u2019m not you!\u201d Joe gulped in an effort to control his temper. \u201cHe didn\u2019t want to follow my orders\u2026told me he\u2019d already check the ravine and there weren\u2019t any more calves or cows. Told me I didn\u2019t know what I was doing and he wasn\u2019t taking orders from me. Said he knew his job, been doing a lot longer than I had.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cOuch,\u201d winced Adam.<\/p>\n \u201cWick said that?\u201d Hoss whistled.<\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s not the first time I\u2019ve had a set-to with a hand, and it won\u2019t be the last.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cBut it was the first time Pa\u2019s seen ya?\u201d Hoss queried.<\/p>\n Joe nodded and shrugged his shoulder to indicate, \u2018I guess so\u2019.<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m surprised Pa didn\u2019t fire Wick right there on the spot,\u201d suggested Adam.<\/p>\n \u201cHe did,\u201d replied Joe.<\/p>\n \u201cBut\u2026 but\u2026\u201d Hoss stuttered out.<\/p>\n \u201cThat doesn\u2019t make sense. He was still riding with your group today,\u201d Adam answered.<\/p>\n \u201cI had words with Pa,\u201d Joe finally admitted his uneasiness.<\/p>\n \u201cYou? Shortshanks? Had words with Pa? No wonder ya don\u2019t wanna go home.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cJoe, I don\u2019t think you have anything to worry about.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYeah? Why hasn\u2019t he come out to check on us like he\u2019s done every other day since round up began? It\u2019s been three days. I can\u2019t imagine how mad he\u2019s going to be because I spoke up against him firing an employee.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cJoe, you\u2019re not the first Cartwright son to disagree with Pa when it comes to firing a man. He\u2019s probably forgotten everything by now.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWell, it\u2019s one thing for you or Hoss to go against him. It\u2019s totally different for me.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI wouldn\u2019t worry too much, he\u2019s not going to do anything to make us anymore shorthanded than we already are. Come on kid.\u201d Adam signaled Sport into a trot with his brothers following suit.<\/p>\n Hoss knew in times past when Joe had rightfully fought one of their employees; some loathing always remained on the part of the ranch hand and everyone eventually seemed to find out what happened. It took time for the unfortunate worker to come to terms that they\u2019d lost to someone as young and as small as Joe. However, once a man realized just how hard Little Joe Cartwright worked and that he knew what he was talking about, most eventually came around, but a few did leave.<\/p>\n \u201cI gotta know, when ya sent him back to the ravine?\u201d Hoss wanted to know who was right.<\/p>\n \u201cHe came back with three more yearlings, two with our brand, one without.\u201d<\/p>\n Hoss and Adam burst out laughing.<\/p>\n \u201cOh, Joe, and ya didn\u2019t tell the men on him? That\u2019s priceless, ya shoulda told!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI tried to tell Pa it was personal. And I didn\u2019t think it would go too well with the others to have me rat Wick out.\u201d<\/p>\n Gaining control of his laughter Adam stated, \u201cJoe, that\u2019s the sign you\u2019re maturing and going to make a great boss one day.\u201d<\/p>\n Adam encouraged Sport into a lope with his brothers at his side until they reached sight of the barn.<\/p>\n *****<\/p>\n Hop Sing smiled while standing in the hallway between the dining room and kitchen; pleased with the reception of the meal he had spent the afternoon cooking. Empty serving dishes and plates sat to the table. The long-time housekeeper\/cook knew the evening\u2019s dinner and the next day\u2019s breakfast were going to be the last good meals the boys would enjoy for several weeks to come. For this reason, he\u2019d spent hours making sure dinner and breakfast included favorites for each man who sat around the table.<\/p>\n The conversation during dinner focused solely on the cattle drive. Hop Sing took no offense for the lack of words expressing appreciation for his hard work; he knew all that would change. He carried out and set a heavily frosted chocolate cake to the middle of the table, handing a serving knife to his employer. The small man, made a part of the family many years before, stood humbled at the apologies and praise heaped upon him when those around the table realized their oversight.<\/p>\n *****<\/p>\n With the table cleared and a fresh pot of coffee presented, the family moved to the study, with Ben taking his usual seat and his boys taking the chairs in front of the desk.<\/p>\n \u201cAs you all know, Adam will be trail boss for the drive again this year,\u201d Ben announced while shuffling the pages of the contract into a neat pile.<\/p>\n \u201cI presume Charlie\u2019s going to be ramrod?\u201d asked Adam, relaxing back into a chair.<\/p>\n \u201cNo, I\u2019ve spoken with Charlie and he\u2019s of mind that Hoss should be ramrod this year.\u201d Ben waited for the news to settle in and was pleased to see his middle son\u2019s surprise, as well as that of his brothers. \u201cCharlie feels he\u2019s spent enough time in the saddle as a boss that he wants to just be a drover this year.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHe does?\u201d Hoss asked incredulously.<\/p>\n \u201cYou\u2019ve proven yourself in the past and you\u2019ve earned the position,\u201d Ben stated. \u201cHowever, he said he wouldn\u2019t hesitate to step in should you fail in your duties.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNah, that won\u2019t be necessary. I\u2019ll do my job, just like he taught me.\u201d Hoss sat straighter, his chest puffed out a little.<\/p>\n \u201cWhat about me?\u201d Joe tentatively asked.<\/p>\n \u201cThat\u2019s up to your brothers,\u201d Ben answered. \u201cSince they are in charge of the drive, it will be up to them to decide each man\u2019s position.\u201d<\/p>\n Joe slipped back into his chair, knowing his fate was sealed; whenever in the past had he worked anywhere other than drag?<\/p>\n Regarding the youngest Cartwright who sat between his older brothers, and seeing Hoss nod his head, Adam spoke up, \u201cJoe you\u2019ve ridden drag for the past three years and I think,\u201d he paused for effect, \u201cI think it\u2019s time for a change.\u201d<\/p>\n Joe looked up his expression was one of hope.<\/p>\n \u201cThis will be the largest herd we\u2019ve ever pushed, and for that reason, we\u2019ve hired on quite a few men we know nothing about. Hoss, Charlie and I have discussed that we felt you\u2019ve earned the right to move off drag\u2026 but I\u2019ve another problem.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019ll do anything to not ride drag,\u201d pleaded Joe, sitting sat forward in his chair.<\/p>\n \u201cWhy don\u2019t you wait to hear what I have to say, first.\u201d<\/p>\n Joe\u2019s emotions warred inside. Had his brother spoke in order to get his hopes up only to dash them away by making him ride someplace worse? But then, what could be worse than riding drag?<\/p>\n \u201cMarco spoke to me and said he also needs help with the remuda, and with your knack with horses, I thought it would be a good place for you to help.\u201d<\/p>\n Joe accepted Adam\u2019s statement, thinking at least he\u2019d be working with horses, but it still wasn\u2019t the same as working the cattle on the drive. His attention returned to his brother when Hoss nudged him in the arm.<\/p>\n \u201cCharlie wants you riding flank, and he also agreed with Marco\u2019s request. Our idea was to give you an extra allotment of time during meal breaks so you can help Marco make sure all the horses being rotated back into the remuda are sound. Marco and his crew will make sure saddles and bridles are swapped, but you and Marco will decide if any horse is to be removed from rotation. And once a horse is pulled, only the two of you have say when the animal can return to work.\u201d Adam was serious, yet the expression on his face recognized and appreciated the exuberance of his youngest brother.<\/p>\n \u201cYou mean it?\u201d Joe gulped. \u201cI\u2019m riding flank and helping with the remuda?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI mean it.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThanks, Adam.\u201d Excitement flashed bright in his eyes and his smile.<\/p>\n \u201cCharlie will work with you in learning the ropes of handling the flanks and that\u2019s what you\u2019ll focus on when we\u2019re moving. You\u2019ll be glued to Charlie, listen to him and watch everything he does.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI will Adam. I will.\u201d<\/p>\n Ben fought down the urge to countermand Adam. He stood to leave. \u201cIf you\u2019ll excuse me, I want another piece of Hop Sing\u2019s cake.\u201d<\/p>\n His eavesdropping continued until he reached the kitchen.<\/p>\n \u201cThey look out for each other,\u201d Hop Sing busied himself by cutting a slice of cake for his employer.<\/p>\n \u201cI know they do.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cBe happy number three son happy.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI try, but it\u2019s not easy accepting that he\u2019s growing up. I want to protect him.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cBrothers protect him; it what brothers do. They good boys.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThat they are. Thank you my friend.\u201d Ben nodded his head, grateful for the words of wisdom spoken.<\/p>\n *****<\/p>\n A few minutes later with plate in hand, Ben stopped and listened; the tone of the conversation had changed.<\/p>\n \u201cWe\u2019re under a deadline Joe,\u201d Adam responded with great restraint in his voice.<\/p>\n \u201cSure, we have to have the cattle to the buyer in Sacramento by the thirtieth, but the penalty clause doesn\u2019t kick in until five days later. We have a five day window. Look, Adam, this here valley,\u201d Joe stood and pointed to the map, \u201cwe\u2019re only a half day away from our destination.\u201d Joe looked up, the tone of his voice reflected a maturity the others had not heard before. \u201cDepending on how we\u2019re doing on time, we can stop here \u2013 rest ourselves, the horses, and the cattle. You could even ride on into town, wouldn\u2019t take you and Sport but a few hours to get there. Get a room at the hotel, shower and shave before you meet with the buyer. You can assure him where we are and how the herd is doing\u2026 take him to dinner.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYou\u2019re just trying to weasel out a few extra days in Sacramento little brother. It won\u2019t work,\u201d Adam answered, pulling the map away from his brother\u2019s hands and rolled it up.<\/p>\n \u201cAdam, no,\u201d Joe insisted when Adam walked away from the desk. \u201cI\u2019ll stay with the herd while you\u2019re in town. Look, we don\u2019t need to push the cattle any faster than usual, but if we know we can rest them for maybe a couple of days, give them a chance to look like they\u2019ve had it nice and easy\u2026 Wouldn\u2019t the buyer be happier about that than seeing cattle that have been pushed hard? I heard you and Pa talking about how we\u2019ve never dealt with this firm before, and don\u2019t you want to make a good impression with them? Looking like someone who just spent more than two long, dusty weeks in the saddle,\u201d Joe left his sentence hanging.<\/p>\n \u201cBut it\u2019s the truth.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cFirst impressions Adam. We don\u2019t get a second chance at it,\u201d Joe insisted.<\/p>\n \u201cAnd you consider arriving past our due date a good first impression?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cBut we won\u2019t really be late\u2026 at least not as far as the penalty clause is concerned. And you\u2019ll be able to assure them that we\u2019re ready for delivery. Tell them you just wanted the chance to check out their stock yards. Can they really handle all the cattle we\u2019re delivering?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cLittle brother has a point there.\u201d Hoss scratched his head after listening to Joe\u2019s idea. He also knew Adam\u2019s counterpoint was valid.<\/p>\n Joe continued to plead his idea by following Adam to the table with the brandy decanter, \u201cYou can buy him dinner and then buy a round or two at the saloon. Then come morning, bring him out to look over the herd. Tell him he can ride point as we drive the herd to their pens.\u201d<\/p>\n From where he was standing next to the dining room table, Ben listened to the conversation. He didn\u2019t want to say anything, but hoped that Adam would see the logic in his youngest brother\u2019s suggestion.<\/p>\n \u201cWell, Adam?\u201d Hoss asked.<\/p>\n Mentally reviewing the contract and the intended route, and realizing that his little brother had a good point, \u201cDon\u2019t know why I didn\u2019t think of it.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThat\u2019s why you have me,\u201d Joe cackled.<\/p>\n *****<\/p>\n Joe put the last of the items he would regularly need during the drive into his saddlebags. Changes of clothes in a carpet bag and his bedroll sat on the top of his desk; these item would be transported in one of the equipment wagons making the trip. He thought about the indulgence of bathing and changing clothes, and he hoped that he could at least manage to wash up every couple of days. The youngest Cartwright took pride in his appearance, but a cattle drive didn\u2019t always afford the luxury of bathing. Turning to survey his room to make sure he hadn\u2019t missed anything, Joe\u2019s eyes stopped on his bedroom door when he heard the unmistakable knock of his father.<\/p>\n Taking a deep breath, he walked to the door and opened it, \u201cHi Pa, come in.\u201d<\/p>\n Ben scanned the room to make sure his son was using what little time he had left to prepare for the drive.<\/p>\n \u201cAll packed?\u201d Ben asked.<\/p>\n \u201cAs best I can\u2026 Don\u2019t have much more room to stow anything anyway.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cCare if I have a seat?\u201d<\/p>\n Joe shook his head, his fears were coming true; this wasn\u2019t going to be a quick good night and final hug in the privacy of his bedroom.<\/p>\n \u201cNo sir,\u201d Joe answered. He waited until his father took a seat in the chair by his desk before he sat on the edge of his bed.<\/p>\n \u201cDo you know why I wish to speak with you?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI have a feeling you\u2019re not too happy with me,\u201d Joe looked to the floor, not wishing to face his father\u2019s disappointment.<\/p>\n \u201cAnd why am I not too happy with you?\u201d Ben kept his amusement to himself.<\/p>\n \u201cBecause I spoke out against your firing Ritter, and worse, I didn\u2019t do it in private.\u201d<\/p>\n Ben snickered. \u201cIs that what you thought?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYes, sir.\u201d Joe looked up; there was something in his father\u2019s tone of voice.<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019ll admit your speaking up surprised me, but your reasons were valid and I know I can\u2019t keep any man from testing the waters, so to speak\u2026 We pay good wages to our employees and to have one go against orders\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHe\u2019d searched the ravine before, but it had been several days.\u201d Joe shrugged at the excuse. \u201cSo he thought he was right.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cRegardless of how often a draw is checked, orders should be followed.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHe knows better now, and I\u2019m sure he\u2019ll spread the word to anyone else who thinks they can best me.\u201d Joe grinned devilishly.<\/p>\n \u201cSo you\u2019ve won him over\u2026 and me. I wasn\u2019t ready to see my youngest challenge me, either. I stewed all the way home, but by the time I\u2019d groomed Buck, I realized had it been either of your brothers, I would have accepted their rationale and been done with it.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m sorry if you felt I was being disrespectful. I didn\u2019t mean to make you mad.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m not mad at you\u2026 more so myself. It\u2019s difficult to see my youngest child become, so grown up.\u201d<\/p>\n Ben stood and approached, lifting his son\u2019s face to get a good look at the colorful bruise.<\/p>\n \u201cTwice in ten days, does it hurt?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cOnly when I laugh?\u201d Joe answered. \u201cI\u2019ll be fine. Hop Sing said he\u2019d mix some herbs and stuff that I could use to help lessen the color and pain. Ritter has a wicked right.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI imagine he\u2019s saying the same about your left.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHe told me he earned his nickname \u2018Wick\u2019 from fighting his older brother.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cAnd all you received was the nickname Little Joe.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYeah.\u201d<\/p>\n Having assured himself that it was only a bruise and nothing worse, Ben enjoyed the moment of levity with his son before he sat back down.<\/p>\n \u201cI just wanted to tell you I agree with your brothers and Charlie. I\u2019m proud of the job done by the three of you.\u201d Pausing, Ben gathered his thoughts, he wasn\u2019t ready to discuss the subject that had him most concerned. \u201cI also overheard your conversation after I left the room earlier.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cOh?\u201d Joe wondered exactly what part he had heard.<\/p>\n \u201cBetween you and me, I wished I\u2019d thought of giving the cattle a few days to rest, too,\u201d Ben smiled at his son\u2019s ecstatic expression.<\/p>\n \u201cI can\u2019t believe that Adam listened to me and is actually planning to rest the herd.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHe knows a good idea when he hears one.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cAnd you?\u201d Joe asked.<\/p>\n \u201cMe?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI saw your face when Adam said he was moving me off drag.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cJoe, your brothers didn\u2019t tell me anything about their conversation with Charlie.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI couldn\u2019t believe it at first.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI know drag isn\u2019t where you want to be, but I\u2019m not so sure I want you riding where there\u2019s more risk involved.\u201d<\/p>\n Joe started to interrupt.<\/p>\n \u201cHowever, as I said, your brothers are in charge of where the men ride. I want you to listen and do everything Charlie or your brothers tell you. Riding flank is a lot harder than riding drag.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI know, and I\u2019ll be careful.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cJoe, as much as you try to be careful\u2026 nature has a way of proving otherwise. Just double check and triple check everything, keep an eye out and listen. That\u2019s all I can ask.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019ll do my best.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI know you will.\u201d<\/p>\n Ben stood to his feet and within moments, he wrapped a hand behind Joe\u2019s neck and pulled him into a hug.<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m going to miss you, boy. The house will be too quiet without my three sons.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019ll miss you too, Pa.\u201d<\/p>\n *****<\/p>\n Eleven days into the drive and provisions needed to be restocked while the herd was bedded down over an hour north of Placerville. Adam swung Sport around to fall in beside Hoss and Cracker who rode in the wagon, as the small group split off from the herd just as the drovers pushed the cattle to their feet, right after day break.<\/p>\n Entering the growing community, Cracker drove the supply wagon and stopped in the alley beside their destination . Hoss accompanied Cracker in placing the orders at the general store and over at the livestock feed and grain; and later in loading the supplies. Adam made arrangements at the bank to pay for their purchases. Before returning to the general store, he stopped at the telegraph office to send one wire to their father indicating their progress and a second wire to Hague & Associates, notifying them of their anticipated arrival date and an invitation to dinner the night before they made final delivery.<\/p>\n *****<\/p>\n While his brothers were away from the herd, Joe gladly accepted the temporary assignment to ramrod, while Charlie Yeagle stepped up to act as trail boss. The brothers and Charlie thought it would be good for the youth, besides what could happen; they\u2019d only be gone a few hours.<\/p>\n *****<\/p>\n Leaving Placerville, Adam rode ahead and reached the back of the herd, calling out to the first drover he encountered, asking for Charlie or Joe. The man refused to lower the kerchief from his face in order to speak; he just pointed the boss forward.<\/p>\n Halfway to the front of the herd, Adam found Charlie coaxing a few straying cattle back to where they belonged.<\/p>\n \u201cAll\u2019s quiet, Boss,\u201d Charlie called out after completing his task and seeing Adam approach.<\/p>\n \u201cThat\u2019s good. Hoss and Cracker should catch up to us a little after lunch time,\u201d Adam answered while scanning the herd.<\/p>\n \u201cJoe\u2019s fine, if that\u2019s who you\u2019re looking for,\u201d Charlie knew the brothers well. \u201cDidn\u2019t grow horns either; didn\u2019t let the temporary assignment go to his head, he just kept doing everything like he has this trip. Oh, he did have to break up a squabble between two of the men on drag, sent one to work with Marco, hoping the man would simmer down.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cAny trouble I should know about?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNot really, both men went after the same bunch of cattle that decided they didn\u2019t want to stay with the herd. The men were quite vocal about who should get credit for saving the Cartwrights a couple head.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cIf that\u2019s all,\u201d mused Adam.<\/p>\n \u201cGo on and see for yourself. Joe\u2019s just up ahead on the left.\u201d<\/p>\n *****<\/p>\n The noon day lunch break was long over. James, their cook, was satisfied that nothing had been forgotten or lost on the trip to catch up with the herd. Hoss climbed into the saddle on his second mount, Teeny, in preparation to check in with the trail boss. Once found, Adam heard his brother\u2019s report that the last of the drovers were back in the saddle and then instructed him to take over riding point.<\/p>\n Thirty minutes after assuming point, Hoss listened to their scout, having returned from surveying the terrain they would travel over the course of the next twenty-four hours. The drive was moving at a pace better than planned; Adam had built in additional time allowing for inclement weather. The valleys they chose to rest the cattle overnight were lush with grass and good water was always nearby, so the herd was in good condition.<\/p>\n With his ramrod back up front, Adam signaled Sport into an easy lope and resumed circling the herd, checking in with the drovers and assessing the overall condition of the animals. He also took time to check in with Marco, inquiring how the remuda was faring. Their luck had held; they hadn\u2019t been forced to separate out any injured or sick cattle and none of the horses had been pulled from active duty, nor had they lost any time due to weather.<\/p>\n *****<\/p>\n Halting Cochise on a rise, Joe quickly took a drink before returning his canteen to hang from the saddle horn. His father and brothers had been right; riding flank was more challenging than riding drag. While wiping his brow, he kept his eyes open and alert.<\/p>\n \u201cADAM!\u201d Kicking Cochise hard, Joe raced to where his brother and Sport went down.<\/p>\n The power of his horse surged at his bidding. Keeping a level head, Joe shouted out, \u201cMax! Check Sport for injuries! Walt, get up front, tell Hoss Adam\u2019s down!\u201d<\/p>\n Without waiting for his horse to transition to a halt, Joe kicked his feet from the stirrups, jumped from his saddle to run the remaining short distance to his brother. Adam lay face down and unmoving, obviously unconscious. With his attention focused on Adam, Joe ignored Sport regaining his footing and the creak of leather while giving a full body shake.<\/p>\n Kneeling, Joe visually assessed his brother. \u201cCareful of his right leg. It looks broken,\u201d he cautioned when a hand touched his shoulder.<\/p>\n Charlie Yeagle, who had also witnessed the accident and made his way across the herd, knelt beside his stricken boss barely a moment after Joe. Running his hands down the man\u2019s leg he agreed with the younger man\u2019s visual assessment. \u201cYou\u2019re right, it\u2019s broken.\u201d Pulling out his knife, the Texan slit the pant leg, heaving a curse at what it revealed, a bony protrusion poking into the skin.<\/p>\n \u201cWe\u2019re what\u2026 a good half a day back to Placerville?\u201d Joe inquired as together they worked to turn Adam onto his back.<\/p>\n Drovers hazing the cattle along the right flank paused momentarily before quickly moving on when the foreman looked up and scowled.<\/p>\n \u201cProbably that, in his condition he won\u2019t be able to travel any faster,\u201d Charlie\u2019s Texas drawl laid thick in contemplation. While holding the fractured leg stable, Charlie looked up and hollered, \u201cSomeone get Cracker, tell him to unload the equipment wagon and get it up here!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cOuch,\u201d Joe scrunched his face and turned his head slightly away having seeing the awkward angle of Adam shoulder. Taking a deep breath, Joe faced forward and said, \u201cI think his shoulder is dislocated.\u201d<\/p>\n Charlie looked and agreed. \u201cTell ya what, you hold his other shoulder down and I\u2019ll pop it back into place while he\u2019s still out.\u201d<\/p>\n Joe fought down the involuntary gagging, praying his lunch wouldn\u2019t make a return appearance at hearing the sound of the joint moving into its proper position.<\/p>\n \u201cGlad that\u2019s over with,\u201d Charlie sat back on his heels, using his sleeve to wipe the sweat from his forehead. \u201cYou okay? You look a little green\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019ll be okay.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThink you can survive my setting his leg?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cJust do it.\u201d Joe inhaled deeply.<\/p>\n A few moments later, Joe refused to focus on himself while wiping away the blood flowing from his brother\u2019s temple. \u201cIt won\u2019t stop bleeding.\u201d He pulled a clean handkerchief from his back pocket and pressed it against the wound. Thankful he had listened to his brothers and Hop Sing, one never knew when a clean handkerchief could come in handy.<\/p>\n \u201cHead wounds do that. Just keep that cloth pressed against it. What about his ribs?\u201d Charlie asked.<\/p>\n Joe heard the question and looked up at hearing the hoof beats announcing Hoss\u2019 arrival.<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019ll check \u2018em,\u201d Hoss announced, stepping from his horse.<\/p>\n The youngest son kept pressure on the kerchief all the while staring at his middle brother, praying he wouldn\u2019t find anything broke; he\u2019d had to push hard against Adam\u2019s chest in order to help Charlie reset the shoulder.<\/p>\n \u201cCain\u2019t feel nothin\u2019 broken\u2026\u201d Hoss finally stated, having taken his time to evaluate Adam\u2019s torso.<\/p>\n A quiet sigh escaped from Joe before he asked, \u201cWhat about his\u2026\u201d He rolled his head across his sleeve to wipe away the sweat that threatened to enter his eyes, \u201c\u2026back?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cDon\u2019t know. We\u2019ll need to treat him as if it\u2019s hurt until he can tell us otherwise,\u201d the middle brother advised.<\/p>\n \u201cI don\u2019t think ya got anything to worry about there\u2026\u201d The two brothers looked to their foreman who was trying to keep Adam from moving about and possibly causing further damage to his injured leg. \u201cHe might not be awake, but he\u2019s starting to move some, I can feel it in his legs.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThat\u2019s good, isn\u2019t it Hoss?\u201d Now that the initial adrenalin was wearing off, Joe sought reassurances.<\/p>\n \u201cShorenuff, Shortshanks.\u201d Hoss looked to his youngest brother and saw the fear and uncertainty; the need for to be comforted.<\/p>\n Out here in the open Hoss knew that Joe wouldn\u2019t be receptive of a hug, but he also knew words would work wonders. Stepping around his brothers, Hoss placed a hand upon Joe\u2019s shoulder and said, \u201cYou\u2019re doin\u2019 a good job there, little brother. Adam would be proud of how you handled yourself while takin\u2019 care of \u2018im.\u201d<\/p>\n Hearing the clatter of the equipment wagon racing towards them, all three men turned. Cracker stood from the seat, announcing they\u2019d transferred everything but the bedrolls into the other wagons.<\/p>\n \u201cCracker, get the splints from the first aid kit,\u201d Charlie yelled.<\/p>\n Carrying the requested items, the old wrangler stepped down from the high bench seat before hurrying to the injured man. He asked, \u201cHow bad?\u201d and handed the splints and rolls of gauze over to the foreman.<\/p>\n \u201cBad enough,\u201d Hoss answered, moving away to allow Charlie and Joe to finish taking care of Adam.<\/p>\n Minutes passed with the herd continuing to meander past those tending to the downed rider. Hoss looked up when Joe stood. He watched and quickly followed when he saw his brother stumble a couple of steps while walking to the wagon.<\/p>\n \u201cShortshanks? You okay?\u201d Hoss stood behind his younger brother.<\/p>\n \u201cYeah,\u201d Joe responded while wiping tears from his face.<\/p>\n \u201cYou got dirt in your eyes?\u201d Hoss waited.<\/p>\n \u201cIt struck me,\u201d Joe turned to look to where Adam lay before moving farther behind the wagon, away from the view of the drovers.<\/p>\n \u201cYou hurt?\u201d With concern Hoss reached out for Joe.<\/p>\n Shaking his head, no, Joe\u2019s shoulders hitched up and down. \u201cIt struck me that\u2026 that\u2026 Seeing Adam go down,\u201d Joe breathed deeply before continuing, \u201cIt must have been what Pa felt like when Momma died.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cOh, Punkin.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cSport just went down\u2026 Adam\u2026\u201d Old emotions surfaced, causing Joe to grip the front of Hoss\u2019 vest and bury his face in his brother\u2019s shirt.<\/p>\n Understanding why his brother had walked over to the wagon, Hoss\u2019 arms encircled his brother and rubbed his back, allowing the man-child to cry. \u201cGet it all out, little brother\u2026 Get it all out\u2026 But know this. You done good. You did everythin\u2019 ya should have. Like I said earlier, ol\u2019 Adam couldn\u2019t a done it better.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cIt didn\u2019t hit me at first.\u201d Looking up and wiping his eyes, Joe\u2019s voice was a whisper, \u201cHe\u2019s gonna be all right\u2026 isn\u2019t he?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYeah, ol Adam\u2019s gonna be just fine. We\u2019ll get him back to Placerville and the doctor. He\u2019ll fix Adam up. He\u2019s gonna be down for a while with that leg, but he\u2019ll be back on his feet. Now\u2026 why don\u2019t you dry those tears and get back to tendin\u2019 to him with Charlie.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThanks, Hoss,\u201d Joe answered as he stepped away and did as suggested.<\/p>\n The two brothers carried several blankets from the wagon, Charlie and Cracker smiled as the larger brother kept a reassuring hand upon the smaller figure\u2019s shoulder.<\/p>\n \u201cI hoped Adam would have woke by now.\u201d Hoss turned to Cracker, \u201cThink you\u2019re up to takin\u2019 Adam back to the doc in Placerville?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cIf I had my druthers,\u201d the wrangler pushed his hat back and scratched his head, \u201cI\u2019d say no. Don\u2019t know that I\u2019m up to takin\u2019 on the likes of your brother all by myself.\u201d A smile appeared. \u201cYou know how he\u2019s gonna be when he wakes up. More ornery than a New England mule and ten times meaner. You think he\u2019s gonna listen to me about him doing right by himself?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNah.\u201d Hoss resigned himself to be the one to drive the wagon.<\/p>\n With Adam\u2019s leg splinted, a bandage around his head, and his arm in a sling to stabilize his shoulder, four men slipped the blankets under and lifted the still unconscious man. Dead weight pulled at their arms while they maneuvered him into the back of the wagon, laying him on a pallet of extra bedrolls brought along in case others were soaked by rain.<\/p>\n Not looking forward to the long drive back to Placerville Hoss went to fetch his second mount, Teeny, and handed his reins over to the head wrangler, before turning to the men around him. \u201cCharlie, I\u2019m placing you as Trail Boss\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNo problem there, I\u2019s the one who taught you and Adam all you know about the job.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWhat do you say about making Little Joe your Ramrod?\u201d asked Hoss.<\/p>\n \u201cSeriously?!\u201d Joe squeaked out, his voice pitched up in surprise.<\/p>\n \u201cI don\u2019t see why not. We\u2019re only three or so days out of Sacramento. It\u2019ll do him good,\u201d Charlie answered, unable to stop his own smile at seeing the youth\u2019s eagerness. \u201cCracker can help keep him in line too.\u201d<\/p>\n Hoss spoke directly to Joe, \u201cYou know how important this drive is for the Ponderosa. I want you ta listen ta everythin\u2019 and do everythin\u2019 that Charlie and Cracker tell ya.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI will Hoss, I will.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cRemember who you are, you\u2019re a Cartwright. Anythin\u2019 good or bad that you do reflects on the rest of us, and that means Pa, too.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI know\u2026 I promise. I\u2019ll make you proud. Even Adam won\u2019t be able to complain about the job I\u2019ll do.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cDon\u2019t be too eager to do stuff on your own, make sure you talk any ideas over with Charlie. But, if you have a good idea, I expect Charlie to hear you out too.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNo problem there, Hoss. Little Joe and I have an understanding about working and doin\u2019 stuff; goes way back,\u201d Charlie answered knowing that Joe would do as he said. The man remembered teaching Little Joe how to work with the horse in order to hold the cut. The child had been a natural to feel the subtle movements of his mount before it took off after a recalcitrant calf; he just needed to understand why.<\/p>\n *****<\/p>\n Mile after mile, Hoss sat on the bench seat driving the team, mopping sweat from his brow, and worrying. Not much had changed since they\u2019d left the herd; except the loss of noise from two dozen drovers pushing a thousand head of cattle and a thirty-six horse remuda. Hoss judged that over four hours had elapsed since he\u2019d rein slapped the two-horse team and left the cattle drive with his oldest brother lying unconscious in the back of the tarp-covered wagon. Alternately, he\u2019d switch between watching the team that was plodding along and taking a peek to see if Adam was close to waking up.<\/p>\n Another hour had almost passed when he heard a moan from within, alerting Hoss his brother was rousing. Halting the team, Hoss wrapped the reins around the brake before crawling through the opening and into the back.<\/p>\n Adam had raised his hand to his head, not quite pinching the bridge of his nose, but close. Slowly he moved his legs until pain signaled it wasn\u2019t a good idea.<\/p>\n \u201cHow you doin\u2019 there older brother?\u201d Hoss softly asked as he pulled the stopper from the canteen. Gently, the big man lifted his brother\u2019s shoulders so it would be easier for him to drink.<\/p>\n Nodding his head to indicate he\u2019d had his fill and with his eyes still closed, Adam was thankful when Hoss laid him back down.<\/p>\n \u201cWhat happened?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cSport and you took a tumble.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHe okay?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cLooks like he bruised his knees up, missing some hide, but he didn\u2019t appear that lame. Marco would know for certain. At least he wasn\u2019t banged up as bad as you,\u201d answered Hoss.<\/p>\n \u201cHow bad?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYou? Busted leg, dislocated shoulder that\u2019s been reset, and probably one hell of a headache. As long as you were out, I\u2019d say you got a nasty concussion too.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYou can say that\u2026 again.\u201d<\/p>\n Adam tested his vision by slowly opening his eyelids, pleased the sun wasn\u2019t blinding and he could fully open them after blinking several times.<\/p>\n \u201cNauseous?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNot bad\u2026 let\u2019s see how well that water stays down before I ask for more.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cGood thinkin\u2019,\u201d Hoss happily replied.<\/p>\n Adam tried to shift into a more comfortable position, his body argued against any movement. Lifting his hand again, Adam looked perplexed after touching the gauze wrapped around his head.<\/p>\n \u201cWhat\u2019s this for?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYour head wasn\u2019t as hard as it shoulda been. When ya knocked yerself out, you gave yerself a pretty good gash\u2026 Bled a while. Might need stitches, so just leave it be.\u201d<\/p>\n Adam lowered his arm after the pounding in his head drew his attention. Focusing on breathing regularly, he fought down the onslaught of nausea. In time, the quiet became too much. Adam opened his eyes and looked to his brother.<\/p>\n \u201cI don\u2019t hear any cattle.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cKind of hard to when they\u2019s several hours on up the trail.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWhat?!\u201d Adam grew alarmed and tried to sit up.<\/p>\n \u201cNow don\u2019t you go and do anythin\u2019 stupid.\u201d Hoss placed a hand against his brother\u2019s chest and gently pushed, \u201cJust lay back down.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWhy aren\u2019t we with the herd?\u201d Adam\u2019s agitation incited a return of feeling nauseous. He breathed deep in an effort to quell the bile from rising in his throat.<\/p>\n \u201cWe aren\u2019t with them because I sent them on ahead. And I only stopped when I heard you amoanin\u2019.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHow far behind the herd are we?\u201d Adam struggled to put the bits and pieces together.<\/p>\n \u201cWe\u2019re goin\u2019 ta Placerville.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cPlacerville? That\u2019s\u2026 backwards.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI know where Placerville is.\u201d Hoss\u2019 words bared a slight huff, but he quickly settled himself down and explained. \u201cIf we\u2019d kept with the herd, you\u2019d abeen more than two days without a doctor. Ain\u2019t no guarantee the next town had one. So\u2026 I knew Placerville did. Don\u2019t you worry. As it is, we can keep goin\u2019 with the full moon and maybe reach a doctor later tonight.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYou were wrong Hoss. We have a duty\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cFamily comes first. \u2018Sides, I made Charlie trail boss. He\u2019s done it enough times to know what to do. Just rest there, and breathe nice and easy like.\u201d<\/p>\n Adam closed his eyes and accepted his brother\u2019s suggestion.<\/p>\n \u201cHow bad is it?\u201d Adam finally asked, wanting to hear the rest of their situation.<\/p>\n \u201cConsiderin\u2019 how long you was unconscious, I\u2019m betting the doctor\u2019s gonna keep you for a few days. Figured I\u2019d catch up with the herd and we\u2019d pick you up on our way home.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNo way.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYou\u2019re gonna do as the doctor says, and that\u2019s final.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI beg to differ.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cAdam\u2026 If Pa were here, what would you do?\u201d<\/p>\n Grumbling, he knew Hoss was right, but still. Several minutes of silence elapsed with only the sound of the horses jiggling in their traces. Adam waited until he\u2019d calmed himself.<\/p>\n Finally, Adam inquired, \u201cWhat about Joe? Is he scouting ahead for us?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNah, I left him with Charlie, made him Ramrod.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYou what?!\u201d Regardless of the pounding in his head, Adam protested. \u201cHoss, the kid isn\u2019t ready for that kind of responsibility.\u201d Adam rubbed his temple. The constant pain pointed out the stupidity of his quick reaction to sit up. Adam couldn\u2019t help the cynicism in his voice; \u201cYou know what Pa said before we left\u2026\u201d he collapsed to the pallet of bedrolls.<\/p>\n Hoss thought back to the morning they pressed the cattle to their hooves and left the lush pastures of the Ponderosa.<\/p>\n Adam spoke before Hoss could. \u201cPa told us to keep an eye on the kid. How am I supposed to do that with us here and him with the herd?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHow were you supposed to do that when you was sleepin\u2019 on the job?\u201d Hoss\u2019 smile was jovial. \u201cYou and me both know that sometimes responsibilities need to be delegated, and that\u2019s what I done. \u2018Sides, I figured you\u2019d appreciate him being back with the herd, so you can have some peace and quiet.\u201d<\/p>\n Adam thought on the sound of quiet that surrounded them and its implication.<\/p>\n \u201cPeace and quiet, sure\u2026 Now all I have to do is worry about the trouble he might get into.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNow, Adam, Joe hasn\u2019t caused any trouble since we started round up. He\u2019s listened to every word you or Charlie said, and he\u2019s done everythin\u2019 you asked of him since we set out on this little trip.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cGuess trouble wasn\u2019t the right word to use; maybe I should have left it at worrying about him. He\u2019s too young to be put in that position,\u201d grumbled Adam.<\/p>\n \u201cYou sore at him because he thought of somethin\u2019 that you hadn\u2019t back home? Don\u2019t begrudge him this chance. I remember takin\u2019 over ramroddin\u2019 for a couple a days when I was his age, no different with Joe. \u2018Sides you know darn well you\u2019d prefer to have me here helpin\u2019 you tend to you.\u201d Hoss laughed, and then told Adam what was so funny. \u201cLittle fella like Joe, why you\u2019d probably pancake him to the ground gettin\u2019 out of the back of the wagon ta take care of your\u2026 uh\u2026 personal needs.\u201d<\/p>\n Adam cocked his head and looked to Hoss. \u201cNow that you mention it.\u201d<\/p>\n Once they had tended to business, Hoss returned Adam to the wagon and checked to make sure they hadn\u2019t shifted the splints holding the broken bones in his leg in place.<\/p>\n \u201cYa hungry?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI think I could eat a little.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cGood, let me take care of the horses and I\u2019ll get a fire going so I can warm up some beans and hardtack.\u201d<\/p>\n The sun set while the brothers ate their simple meal; the horses grazed nearby.<\/p>\n *****<\/p>\n Two hours after stopping, Hoss made sure the campfire was dead after hitching the team to the wagon.<\/p>\n Climbing up to the bench seat he stated, \u201cHe\u2019ll make you proud of him.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWho?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cJoe. You\u2019d abeen proud of him, had it not been you he\u2019d abeen takin\u2019 care of. The way he acted once you was down. Him and Charlie were all business-like in carin\u2019 for you and tryin\u2019 not to cause you any more harm. He kept his wits about him.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWell\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cAdam, face it. Our little brother is growin\u2019 up,\u201d Hoss admitted.<\/p>\n \u201cWell, maybe, but there was no way I would have left him as trail boss.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cOh, heavens no.\u201d Hoss laughed before he looked one more time into the back of the wagon. \u201cAnd Joe knows he ain\u2019t ready for that responsibility, neither. He\u2019ll do good by Charlie, just like he was doin\u2019 good by you. He deserved the chance to ramrod. Lord knows he\u2019s followed Charlie and me around like a puppy dog tryin\u2019 to learn everythin\u2019 there is to know.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cIt was kind of cute,\u201d mused Adam, the happier thoughts alleviated his headache. \u201cHe was happy when I told him he wasn\u2019t riding drag this trip.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYa made him happy when you told him he would be responsible for helpin\u2019 Marco with the remuda in addition to ridin\u2019 flank.\u201d<\/p>\n Hoss untwisted the reins from the brake and released the lever.<\/p>\n \u201cDon\u2019t know that I\u2019ve seen him that excited about working,\u201d Adam answered, unable to keep the smile off his face.<\/p>\n \u201cI do.\u201d Hoss clucked to the team, they put their chests into their harnesses, which moved the wagon with a lurch.<\/p>\n \u201cOw\u2026\u201d cringed Adam.<\/p>\n \u201cSorry about that.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYou were saying?\u201d Adam inquired once the pain from the jolt of the wagon hitting the end of the traces subsided.<\/p>\n \u201cHuh?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYou said you remembered seeing Joe that excited,\u201d Adam had grown curious at his brother\u2019s words.<\/p>\n \u201cOh\u2026 uh\u2026 Yeah, back when he was a little shaver. You hadn\u2019t been home from college that long and the Bar Cross was goin\u2019 to market a little early. Pa sent you ta represent the Ponderosa.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cAnd Joe tagged along.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHe\u2019d been workin\u2019 on holdin\u2019 the cut for almost a year with Charlie watchin\u2019 over him. Pa wouldn\u2019t have let him go along had he thought he wasn\u2019t ready.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cEasy to do when he was riding Star. That pony was the best trained cutting horse we ever had.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cJoe shore did put enough hours in the saddle that spring and summer, workin\u2019 him. Wantin\u2019 you to be proud of the team they were.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHe did do a good job.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHe shore did, and Pa got a kick out of the kid puttin\u2019 ya in yer place.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cSay what?!\u201d Adam cranked his neck around to look up to his bigger brother. The movement reminded him of his head injury.<\/p>\n \u201cPa rode out to make sure things were goin\u2019 smoothly. He didn\u2019t expect no trouble, but it was your first time to represent the Ponderosa since ya\u2019d been back, and he also wanted to make sure that you and Joe had some time together.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWell, I wish the kid\u2026\u201d Adam bit back his comment, and laid back down.<\/p>\n \u201cWhat?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWish he hadn\u2019t been in an all fired hurry to grow up. It was easier dealing with him as a little child.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cAdam, to you\u2026 he\u2019ll always be a child. I can see it now. Joe nearing forty, hair long past touching his collar and it turnin\u2019 gray.\u201d Hoss laughed. \u201cAnd you\u2019ll still be callin\u2019 him boy or kid or thinkin\u2019 on him as anythin\u2019 but a grown up.\u201d<\/p>\n Taking the statement in the spirit in which Hoss intended, \u201cAnd you and I ready to give up the saddle for a nice, comfortable rocker.\u201d Adam laughed.<\/p>\n \u201cThat\u2019s right. And Pa after him to not put his feet on the table.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cGetting after him to not slam the door.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cDon\u2019t race Cochise into the yard.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cGet a haircut.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cBy the way, we\u2019ll need to make sure when we come back for ya that he gets his haircut,\u201d Hoss reminded.<\/p>\n \u201cYeah, that little brother of ours will do all right. How could he not.\u201d Adam admitted as he closed his eyes.<\/p>\n \u2018With us teachin\u2019 \u2018im everythin\u2019 there is to know and Charlie watcin\u2019 over \u2018im? He\u2019ll be fine as frog\u2019s hair.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cIf he isn\u2019t, Charlie will put him in his place easily enough,\u201d mused Adam.<\/p>\n \u201cHe minds Charlie just a smidge better than he minds Pa\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHe knows Charlie\u2019s necessary talks,\u201d mumbled Adam. A full belly and the gentle rolling of wheels lulled him to sleep, helping to block out the aches and pains.<\/p>\n Looking back into the wagon, Hoss replied to himself, \u201cThat he does. Sleep tight brother, sleep tight.\u201d<\/p>\n *****<\/p>\n A light in the front room lit in response to his knocking on the door.<\/p>\n \u201cJust a minute!\u201d he heard from the other side.<\/p>\n The door opened, revealing a man maybe not much older than himself, tall and broad-shouldered like Adam, and skinny like Joe, with a black robe wrapped around his body; yet he still wore his trousers and dress shoes that were fashionable in places along the eastern seaboard of the United States.<\/p>\n \u201cYou the doc?\u201d Hoss squinted his eyes in an involuntary response to the bright lantern held aloft.<\/p>\n \u201cLast time I looked at my diploma\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cDidn\u2019t mean no disrespect\u2026 but\u2026 my brother\u2026\u201d Hoss turned to look back to the covered wagon. \u201cHe got throwed from his horse, broke his leg. Probably got a concussion too.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYou\u2019re not from around here.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNo sir, we were pushin\u2019 a herd of cattle to Sacramento.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cLet\u2019s go see this brother of yours.\u201d They walked down the cobble stone path to the street, where the physician stated, \u201cMy name\u2019s Everett Gage\u2026 Doctor Everett Gage.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cPleased to meet ya, Doc. I\u2019m Hoss Cartwright, and this here,\u201d Hoss pulled back the covering to reveal the sleeping form, \u201cis my brother Adam.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThrown you said?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYes sir,\u201d Hoss answered, watching the doctor climbed into the wagon.<\/p>\n \u201cHow long ago?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cIt was well after lunch.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cPossibly eight, maybe ten hours?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHaven\u2019t looked at a watch, don\u2019t know what time it is,\u201d Hoss answered, craning his neck to see the doctor performing a cursory examination.<\/p>\n \u201cA little before midnight.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cSorry about being so late, didn\u2019t want to push the team and have Adam jostled around in back, makin\u2019 things worse. We also stopped for a couple hours to rest the horses and eat something.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNo, you did right in taking your time. Stabilized the leg, good. Cleaned and bandaged his head wound.\u201d Looking up, \u201cDid he lose consciousness at all?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYeah, from the moment he hit the ground until about maybe 5 hours later?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cFor him to be out that long, you\u2019re probably right about the concussion.\u201d The doctor hmmm\u2019d to himself a few times. \u201cWhen he woke, was he lucid?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWas he what?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cDid he know who he was, who you were, talk clearly, understood everything you said?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYes, sir. Wasn\u2019t too happy about me leavin\u2019 our younger brother with the herd. Nor happy I told him you\u2019d probably keep him a few days\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYou\u2019re right about that. He\u2019s not going to be catching up with your herd, any time soon.\u201d The doctor looked up. \u201cYou said you stopped to eat? Did he keep everything down?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYeah, and once we got back ta movin\u2019 he fell asleep.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cDoc? Everything all right?\u201d called a voice from near the horses.<\/p>\n \u201cOh, Henry, can you help us? Have an injured man I need to get into my clinic.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI can carry him,\u201d Hoss offered.<\/p>\n \u201cHoss\u2026?\u201d Doc Gage phrased the word more as a question to make sure he remembered correctly. When Hoss nodded, he continued, \u201cMarshal Ludlow here knows where I keep the stretcher inside. I\u2019ll need the two of you to carry your brother, while I support his broken leg.\u201d<\/p>\n *****<\/p>\n With Adam under a doctor\u2019s care, and time on his hands, Hoss left to take care of the team. He returned to the wagon and slowly climbed to the seat and drove to the livery he\u2019d driven past earlier. It didn\u2019t seem possible that they had purchased supplies only that morning.<\/p>\n *****<\/p>\n An hour later, Doc Gage opened the door and stepped into his waiting room, Hoss was immediately to his feet.<\/p>\n \u201cHow\u2019s my brother?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cConcussed and madder than a hornet when I told him he wouldn\u2019t be rejoining your cattle drive.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThen he\u2019s gonna be okay?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHe\u2019ll need a week or so to get over the worst of the concussion, he was pretty nauseous when he woke.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cBut he kept everything down from supper.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m sure it\u2019s just an after effect from his head striking the ground. It took a few stitches to close the wound. I\u2019m sure it will completely pass, given a few days peace and quiet.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHe didn\u2019t look that bad, but then the sun was goin\u2019 down. He didn\u2019t tell me he was bad off.\u201d<\/p>\n In the short time the physician had known the two brothers, he was fairly observant, \u201cDoes that surprise you?\u201d<\/p>\n It only took Hoss a moment to answer, \u201cNo sir. But that\u2019s more a sompthin\u2019 Joe woulda done.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI take it Joe is your younger bother?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYes sir. How long before Adam can travel?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cLike you said earlier, I\u2019d like to keep him here for two or three days. Give the gypsum cast on his leg time to dry out and harden, and I\u2019d really prefer to keep an eye on him.\u201d The doctor paused. \u201cA concussion is nothing to take lightly.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cDoes he have to say here?\u201d Hoss looked to the doorway of the room where Adam lay.<\/p>\n \u201cHe can be moved to a room at the hotel later in the morning. Too late to wake Alistair. Besides I do want to wake your brother every couple of hours, as a precaution.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cAt least Adam\u2019ll be easier to wake than Joe,\u201d Hoss tried to sound encouraged.<\/p>\n \u201cIf you\u2019d like, I\u2019ve another examination room with an empty bed.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI shore would like that, but\u2026 can I see Adam first?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHe\u2019s asleep, I administered a hefty dose of laudanum, but I don\u2019t see that it would do any harm.\u201d Doctor Gage reopened the door to the examination room and gave the two brothers their privacy.<\/p>\n The cast his brother wore looked cumbersome and Hoss was thankful it wasn\u2019t on his leg. He knew the sling was only there to prevent the arm from putting any additional strain on the healing shoulder. His brother\u2019s appearance looked better; the light colored bandage wrapped around his forehead appeared in contrast to his tanned complexion.<\/p>\n Content that Adam hadn\u2019t endured any further injury and that the doctor was correct in his diagnosis and treatment, Hoss followed the doctor to another room and was soon fast asleep.<\/p>\n *****<\/p>\n The rising sun bathed Placerville\u2019s sky in bold red colors as it rose above the mountains. Stepping to the street, Hoss stretched his arms wide and couldn\u2019t stop the yawn.<\/p>\n \u201cSleep well?\u201d Marshal Ludlow inquired in greeting the big stranger.<\/p>\n \u201cSorta, bed was comfy, but\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYou\u2019re worried about your man in there?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYeah, I\u2019m worried about \u2018im.\u201d<\/p>\n The marshal interrupted before Hoss could continue, \u201cDoc Gage is a good doc. Sorry we weren\u2019t properly introduced last night, I\u2019m Marshal Henry Ludlow.\u201d<\/p>\n Hoss guessed Ludlow to be about forty years old, and even as early in the morning as it was, the man was clean shaven, revealing a deep cleft in his chin.<\/p>\n \u201cHoss, Hoss Cartwright,\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cOne of them Ponderosa Cartwrights?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYes sir, Ben Cartwright is my pa.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cMet him a few years back, real respectable man.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThat he is,\u201d Hoss acknowledged.<\/p>\n \u201cWhat brings you to Placerville, other than your injured man?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWe\u2019re deliverin\u2019 a herd of cattle to Sacramento; and that man\u2019s my brother.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHas to be Adam?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYeah, wouldn\u2019t a taken both of us to move Joe from the wagon,\u201d Hoss answered with a grin.<\/p>\n \u201cDon\u2019t remember too much about your younger brother.\u201d Marshal Ludlow greeted a citizen of Placerville who passed by the men. \u201cYou\u2019re probably wanting Mason\u2019s diner for breakfast? They have the best food in town.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI sure am hungry. Ain\u2019t ate since last night, and beans weren\u2019t that much. I\u2019m plum starved.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cCome on, I\u2019ll take ya there.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cUh\u2026 I need to send a wire first.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cTelegraph is on the way.\u201d<\/p>\n *****<\/p>\n Having sent the wire home and ordered breakfast, Hoss returned to the clinic carrying a tray of food and greeted his brother.<\/p>\n \u201cSmells good,\u201d Adam announced.<\/p>\n \u201cHotcakes and sausage patties.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cAny for me?\u201d teased Adam.<\/p>\n \u201cShore, I brought you a little, if\u2019n you\u2019re up to eating.\u201d Setting the tray on a nearby table, Hoss watched Adam nod and helped him sit up in bed by propping a few pillows behind his back. \u201cHow\u2019s the shoulder?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cTender, but it doesn\u2019t hurt as much as it did yesterday.\u201d Hoss set the tray to Adam\u2019s lap. \u201cThanks.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cAnd yer head?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s there,\u201d Adam lifted a fork from the tray and began to cut a sausage patty.<\/p>\n \u201cI wired Pa\u2026 Told him you were injured and under a doctor\u2019s care. Said you\u2019d be stayin\u2019 here until we head back home.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThat\u2019s all I need is Pa worrying.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cAnd you don\u2019t think he\u2019s not worried about us even without ya gettin\u2019 hurt?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNo, I know he worries.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cGet ta eatin\u2019 before Doc comes in here and scolds ya. He said if you were a good boy,\u201d Hoss grinned when Adam scowled, \u201cwe could move ya to the hotel.\u201d<\/p>\n The brothers continued to eat in silence. Hoss enjoyed the quiet, while Adam thought on a logical argument that would ensure his return to the herd with his brother.<\/p>\n \u201cHoss, if we take it slow\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWE ain\u2019t doin\u2019 anythin\u2019. I\u2019m gonna head out once I get you settled and like I said,\u201d Hoss stood and addressed his brother, \u201cYou ain\u2019t goin\u2019 nowhere but the hotel.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cAnd what am I supposed to do while I wait for you to return?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYou sound like an educated man, you might appreciate my personal library.\u201d Doctor Gage entered the room, having overheard his patient\u2019s complaint.<\/p>\n \u201cI appreciate your offer\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s not an offer, Mr. Cartwright, it\u2019s an order. Doctor\u2019s orders.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHe got ya there older brother,\u201d Hoss snickered. Once Adam was finished with his breakfast, Hoss removed the tray of dirty dishes.<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019ll be back as soon as I return these ta Miss Mason.\u201d<\/p>\n *****<\/p>\n By mid-morning, Hoss found himself behind Adam, pushing him along the boardwalk in a chair with wheels, as they made their way to the hotel.<\/p>\n \u201cI don\u2019t like that sky,\u201d Hoss commented. \u201cIt\u2019s too late to be that red.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYeah, Pa always said nothing good could come from a sky like that in the morning.\u201d<\/p>\n The brothers thought of the old saying, Red sky at night, sailor\u2019s delight. Red sky at morning, sailor\u2019s warning.<\/p>\n Doctor Gage, who was leading the way, commented, \u201cOld Jerome\u2019s been complaining for days that we\u2019re due for a humdinger of a gulley washer if his aches and pains are any indication.\u201d<\/p>\n After signing their name into the hotel registry, Hoss was pleased to hear there was a second floor suite available for Adam\u2019s use. Once he and Joe returned, the three brothers could spend a few extra days taking it easy until the doctor proclaimed Adam well enough to travel home.<\/p>\n On the far side of the room, a set of French doors opened to a balcony where Adam could sit and watch the people walking along the street.<\/p>\n \u201cHeadache back?\u201d Hoss inquired, opening one of the French doors to allow fresh air into the room.<\/p>\n Adam barely nodded from where he laid back on top of the settee in the parlor area of the suite, a settee long enough that he could stretch out and not be cramped. He relaxed comfortably, more than he had when Hoss and the doctor carried him up the flight of stairs and into the suite.<\/p>\n \u201cAnd you thought you could rejoin the herd. Why you could barely make it down the street and up one measly flight of stairs.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cLeave off Hoss,\u201d Adam snapped.<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m sorry.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNo I\u2019m sorry. I just feel so frustrated to be stuck here.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI know, but Doc said he\u2019d bring over some of his books for ya to read and keep yerself occupied until Joe and I get back.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThen you best get going. The sooner you head out, the sooner you\u2019ll get back. Besides, they\u2019re probably complaining about needing the wagon for hauling the equipment.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYeah, yer right about that.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThe only thing I\u2019ll be glad about being stuck here is that I won\u2019t have to deal with James yammering about not being able to find anything for all the stuff crammed in the wagons.\u201d Adam gave a brief laugh.<\/p>\n \u201cWell, I\u2019ll head out. You sure you\u2019ll be okay?\u201d Hoss was torn, he felt that Adam still needed help.<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019ll be fine. I\u2019m sure Doctor Gage will stop in periodically.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cOkay, I\u2019ll send a wire once I get to Sacramento.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019ll be waiting on pins and needles.\u201d<\/p>\n *****<\/p>\n Two hours from town, the weather forecasted by the morning sky let loose with a vengeance; the heavens opened up, dumping a torrential downpour on top of man and beast. Hoss continued on, not wanting to change his mind about driving the team to catch up with the herd. Once he reached Weber Creek, the decision was taken out of his hands. If emotions could be attributed to water, Hoss would have declared the waters were angry; cascading between and over the banks \u2014 dirty, frothy, and debris laden. Begrudgingly, Hoss turned the team around and returned to Placerville.<\/p>\n *****<\/p>\n Adam pushed away the empty plate from his dinner when he heard the door knob jiggle, and looked up.<\/p>\n \u201cI sent a wire on ahead to Charlie in Sacramento. Told \u2018em we\u2019re stuck here,\u201d Hoss announced after entering the hotel suite, unwilling to look his older brother in the eye.<\/p>\n \u201cThe storm?\u201d Adam didn\u2019t have to ask, but he did.<\/p>\n Within an hour of Hoss having left, Adam grew worried over the darkening sky and the rain hammering heavily over the town of Placerville. With his bedraggled brother safe, he now worried for his youngest brother and the rest of the men, plus the herd.<\/p>\n \u201cIt was bad. I\u2019m soaked clear through.\u201d Hoss tried to shake off more of the rain, \u201cIt was just too risky to cross Weber Creek. I\u2019ve never seen anythin\u2019 like it. Never had trouble dealin\u2019 with a team of horses before, neither. This storm had \u2018em spooked. Wanted to kiss the ground when I made it back to the livery.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYou did the right thing Hoss.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWhy don\u2019t it feel that way?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cBecause Joe\u2019s out there. We both know the men will look after him, but he\u2019ll always be our kid brother. And we\u2019re not there to help protect him.\u201d<\/p>\n Hoss answered the door and accepted several towels from the attendant standing in the hallway.<\/p>\n *****<\/p>\n Being shorthanded, drive managed well and was just under a day away from reaching the valley where Adam had agreed to rest the herd before final delivery. Joe had worked hard to prove himself to Charlie and the others; hoping their reports would show his brothers that he was worthy of their trust in taking over as ramrod, and representing the name Cartwright.<\/p>\n *****<\/p>\n The first day after Hoss and Adam left had dawned grey and overcast skies that continued to be the new norm. The cloud cover hid the ominous red dawn witnessed by those in Placerville. The men had no time to prepare; rain ponchos stayed tied to the back of saddles with the drovers focusing on the cattle, and prayed their luck held out.<\/p>\n Not quite half the herd had leisurely forded the American River, southwest of Folsom lake, when Charlie and the others heard the unmistakable rolling roar. Above, the sky darkened while sheeting rain marched its way across the valley.<\/p>\n \u201cWe have to split the herd!\u201d Charlie shouted. \u201cPush those back! Force \u2018em to follow the bank!\u201d<\/p>\n Men urged their mounts; drag riders raced forward to reinforce those riding flank. Every man was intent on changing the direction of those remaining on the near bank.<\/p>\n \u201cKeep them split! Don\u2019t let them join up!\u201d Joe screamed above the protesting bellows. Pushing his mount hard and wishing it was Cochise he rode, he raced back and forth to keep the animals from following those that had successfully crossed. \u201cWe\u2019ll lose them if the river rises!\u201d<\/p>\n Hooves churned rain and dirt into mud as horses obeyed the commands of their riders and the cattle belligerently protested. Plops of mud and manure flew into the air and indiscriminately splattered those unfortunate enough to be in the way.<\/p>\n Hearts hammered and breaths came ragged as the riders chased down the cattle that made a break towards the water. Drovers worked hard to turn the livestock to stay on their side of the river; never given a moment\u2019s rest, for as soon as one batch was in motion in the right direction, another group took off.<\/p>\n Joe\u2019s actions were mirrored up and down both banks of the American while it swelled into a raging maelstrom. Lariats swung left and right, slapping beasts on their noses or their rumps in order to turn or keep them in the right direction.<\/p>\n Clothes clung tight, water poured from brims of hats if they were lucky enough to still be worn and not hanging down their backs by their stampede straps. Eyes blurred as sweat and dirt mingled with rain, and feet squished in rain soaked boots making everyone miserable. As if mocking those thankful earlier for such an easy drive, the storm turned violent as pebbles of sleet mixed with the rain. Drovers suffered painful cuts to their exposed skin when the hail turned to sharp pieces of ice, some up to an inch in diameter. Discomforts were pushed aside; each man knew and did his job. Their only thoughts were to moving the cattle forward; not letting the herd think of anything other than getting away from the man-beast who chased after them.<\/p>\n The riders kept to a pace they hoped they could control, yet at the same time wear the animals down. Lightning splayed across the darkened sky with thunder crashing in close proximity. Every man was working on instinct, riding on the edge; knowing any moment they could lose control. All it would take would be the wrong combination of events to set the surging masses into a full blown stampede.<\/p>\n \u201cSt. Elmo\u2019s Fire!\u201d Joe called out. The blue aura spread among the cattle. He didn\u2019t have time to check if Charlie was spreading the word on his side of the turbulent waters. Cattle horns glowing blue was supposed to be an old wives\u2019 tale told around a camp fire to scare greenhorns riding drag or so they thought. \u201cSt. Elmo\u2019s Fire!\u201d<\/p>\n Thunder boomed overhead with a roar that rumbled continuously across the land; setting the already agitated herd into a new frenzy.<\/p>\n \u201cSTAMPEDE!\u201d<\/p>\n Standing in their stirrups, the flank riders raced their mounts to the front to help the point riders turn the cattle. From his peripheral vision, Joe saw a horse gored, its rider thrown and trampled in an attempt to evade an angry bull ignoring the bite of a lariat on its nose. Grief over an unforeseen death was a luxury he couldn\u2019t afford; he made a mental note of the horse and the clothes the rider wore and pushed on to do his job.<\/p>\n Desperate times called for desperate measures forcing Joe to pull his revolver to keep another drover from going down; he fired. A lightning bolt illuminated the scene, accenting the bovine crumpling five feet short of its intended target. Both riders barely took time to acknowledge what just happened before continuing to urge their mounts forward, the heart of the violent thunderstorm was right on top of them. Riders gave up shouting, they knew their voices couldn\u2019t carry above the sounds of more than four thousand hooves striking the ground and the deafening thunder overhead.<\/p>\n Hairs prickled and stood on end. Riders found it hard to breathe in the super-heated air. A white-hot bolt struck not thirty feet away. Tendrils snaked out as the shaft maintained contact with the ground. The closest in proximity crumpled immediately, while the unfortunate rider nearest to the strike was propelled from his saddle. His horse thrown sideways by the force of the air expanding outward, and the arcing strand that made contact.<\/p>\n *****<\/p>\n Not a man among them could accurately calculate how much time passed before the panic faded. Exhaustion overtook the herds, bringing the strung-out masses to a slow stop. Man and animal alike were all too willing not to move. Once calm returned, the cattle stood or collapsed. Dark clouds shrank, pushed along by a prevailing wind, revealing a crystal blue sky. Sunshine on the landscape emphasized the damage inflicted. Churned up terrain and downed cattle littered their visible trail for as far as the eye could see; whether the animals were maimed or dead remained to be seen.<\/p>\n Mud-caked, rain-soaked drovers and horses waited along the periphery where one by one they dismounted; a dangerous movement, but fear had passed and the need to inspect their mounts for injuries or to feel terra-firma beneath their feet overrode all else.<\/p>\n The sun beat down on weary men, who looked up as a solitary rider forged the shrinking waters, each man\u2019s answer was along the same lines, \u201cI ain\u2019t seen \u2018im since before the stampede started.\u201d<\/p>\n Only one man was able to offer more; that his life had been saved by Joe Cartwright during the melee, but he lost sight of their ramrod as they continued with their jobs.<\/p>\n Charlie Yeagle looked back the way they had come. \u201cGod help him.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWhat do we do now?\u201d someone absently asked.<\/p>\n \u201cWe\u2019ll let them rest here, see about pushing the stragglers into the main body. This looks to be as good a spot to cross and combine the herds back into one. Let them cross if they want!\u201d Charlie shouted to a drover who was working to prevent a few head from venturing across the river. \u201cFor now, there should be plenty of grazing to let them rest while we sort ourselves out.\u201d<\/p>\n Charlie turned to speak to Ritter; his mind was already at work on what needed to be done.<\/p>\n \u201cGet your rifle and ammunition out. We\u2019ll need to take care of any that are too maimed to continue.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWhat about Cracker and James?\u201d Ritter asked about the old wrangler and cook who trailed them with the wagons.<\/p>\n \u201cHopefully they survived better than we did.\u201d<\/p>\n Both would have laughed had they known what the other was thinking, \u2018We\u2019ll find out soon enough.\u2019<\/p>\n *****<\/p>\n By the time the morning sun rose, the drovers were thankful for the herd peacefully grazing in the valley. Facial cuts and raw knuckles had been tended to when the men changed clothes the night before. Dry socks kept feet warm that were slipped into still damp boots having not quite fully dried by the camp fire. Cracker and James had arrived well after sundown; hurriedly set up camp and fixed a hot meal. The final tally \u2013 twenty head of cattle had been trampled to death, almost a dozen more were put down due to broken legs, and two men reported missing\u2026 Walt Ryerson and Joe Cartwright.<\/p>\n Charlie, Cracker, and the drovers not riding herd stood or sat around camp, thankful for a hot cup of coffee as the last of them returned from backtracking the stampede.<\/p>\n \u201cWhat do we do?\u201d a drover inquired.<\/p>\n \u201cWe get this herd to the buyer,\u201d answered Charlie as he accepted a cup of coffee.<\/p>\n \u201cWhat about Joe and Walt?\u201d Cracker asked.<\/p>\n \u201cI buried Walt,\u201d Charlie shuddered at the memory of what he had found. \u201cHis horse went down.\u201d<\/p>\n Wick Ritter offered, \u201cI found Skeeter, lying near the bank. Looked like he took a lightning strike.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cAny sign of Joe?\u201d asked Cracker.<\/p>\n Shaking his head, Wick answered, \u201cI think he was thrown into the river.\u201d<\/p>\n Numerous men muttered, \u201cDamn,\u201d and silently left the area in ones or twos.<\/p>\n *****<\/p>\n The thirtieth of the month appeared as bright as the hours after the storm; however, there was nothing cheerful while the men went about their assigned tasks in order to break camp and push the herd on its final stretch into Sacramento. If any of the Cartwrights were with them, Charlie would have rested the herd longer. But with everything that had happened, he wanted to be done with this drive.<\/p>\n \u201cYou\u2019re the foreman and trail boss. You should be the one to take the herd on in. I\u2019m going to look for Joe.\u201d<\/p>\n Not accepting Charlie\u2019s silence, Cracker spoke up, \u201cWick, you know what you\u2019ll find\u2026\u201d Leaving the rest of his thought unvoiced.<\/p>\n \u201cProbably,\u201d a tone of loss permeated his voice, \u201cbut I can\u2019t just leave him out there. If Joe drowned, the family deserves closure. I lost an older brother to a flash flood. I know there\u2019s a good chance I won\u2019t find him. We never found Jerry\u2019s body. But I have to try.\u201d<\/p>\n *****<\/p>\n Wick Ritter stayed within sight of the herd as he searched the river banks; until the river turned southward. He bid goodbye and said he\u2019d keep in touch.<\/p>\n The drover turned searcher scanned the sandy banks as he rode along, only stepping down from the saddle when the ground rose well above the waterline. He checked the brush or flotsam for any signs of a body. Hours had passed when a tributary split off from the American. His decision was to follow the main river, thinking it more probable that was the direction Joe had been taken.<\/p>\n *****<\/p>\n With the herd delivered and a bank draft in hand, Charlie entered the Cattleman\u2019s Hotel and inquired if there were any wires waiting for him or for the Cartwrights. With telegrams in hand, and before even thinking of a hot bath and shave, the ranch foreman headed to the telegraph office to send his dreaded response. The news wasn\u2019t a message one wanted to send in this manner, but with Hoss and Adam back in Placerville, he needed to let them know as soon as possible.<\/p>\n Hoss\/Adam Cartwright Herd delivered \/stop Charlie<\/p>\n *****<\/p>\n Hoss stepped away from the hotel, his plans on setting out after the storm ended had changed; he stayed to care for Adam once a fever set it. For two days he was by his brother\u2019s side, tending to him around the clock until his body was engulfed in a drenching sweat. He\u2019d waited one additional day, until Adam woke and was lucid, insistent that Hoss go find their brother. Things were finally looking up.<\/p>\n On his way to the livery, a young boy stopped and handed him an envelope. After giving the youth several coins, he read the message. Scanning the page several times, he wondered had it been worth it? The family had high hopes centered on the delivery of this herd. Their plans to procure the final thousand acres of land that would ensure their water-rights had rested on the proceeds. But now a man was dead and Joe was missing. He read between the lines, what wasn\u2019t said. Was the expansion of the Ponderosa worth his little brother\u2019s life?<\/p>\n Second thoughts and doubt assailed the large man; motionless since he\u2019d received the wire. Had he done right in delivering Adam back to Placerville? He berated himself, he should have sent someone else with Adam, he should have been there. What if Hoss had not made his brother to ramrod? What if they hadn\u2019t agreed that it was time to move Joe off drag?<\/p>\n \u201cHow\u2019m I gonna tell Adam? How do we tell Pa?\u201d<\/p>\n With a heavy heart, Hoss returned to the hotel.<\/p>\n *****<\/p>\n Hoss somberly pushed open the door to the parlor of the hotel suite and hesitated, he wished that Adam had fallen asleep after eating. His older brother sat propped up on the settee, a book in his lap, his casted leg stretched out in front of him, and the tray bearing the empty plates from his lunch set on the end table.<\/p>\n Hearing the door open, Adam knew it would only be one person; the doctor and hotel staff always knocked. Adam jovially stated, \u201cI thought you were heading out to\u2026\u201d Seeing Hoss\u2019 face, \u201cWhat\u2019s wrong?\u201d<\/p>\n Words wouldn\u2019t come. He held out the wire and waited.<\/p>\n \u201cMi\u2014missing?\u201d Adam could barely get the words out.<\/p>\n \u201cI asked the hotel manager to send a wire telling Charlie to get here as soon as he can.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYou have to go.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cGo where? We don\u2019t know where it happened? We\u2026\u201d Hoss collapsed into a chair opposite of his brother.<\/p>\n \u201cIt has to be a mistake. Joe\u2019s just looking for more cattle.\u201d The oldest brother sat forward, wanting to act, to do something. He knew the inherent dangers involved in stampedes; he\u2019d experienced a couple as well as the death of a drover as a result. This storm had been extremely violent. He couldn\u2019t imagine enduring that weather out in the open trying to stop a panicked herd.<\/p>\n \u201cAdam?\u201d Tears unashamedly fell down the larger man\u2019s face with his shoulders hitching up and down in grief. He knew the likelihood of finding his brother after a stampede was slim, especially if they had already searched and finally delivered the herd.<\/p>\n Adam buried his face in the pillow he had grabbed from the back of the settee and hugged tightly to his chest; it did little to quiet his anguish.<\/p>\n The brothers\u2019 grief was thick; they thought back on the child Joe had been, and man he was becoming.<\/p>\n \u201cAdam, you don\u2019t think\u2014\u201d Wiping away the tears streaming down his face.<\/p>\n \u201cThink what?\u201d He looked up.<\/p>\n \u201cCharlie said a man was killed\u2026 could it a been?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNo, he would have said that right off, if it had been Joe.\u201d Consciousness returned, barely. He panicked; yet the pull was different this time. Not as fierce as previously experienced. Like a rag doll he\u2019d been tossed and summersaulted, battered against deadfall and slammed into boulders. For the longest time he fought the turbulent waters, all the while he kept hearing his Pa begging him to hold on. As the violence eased, his brothers held out their hands to pull him ashore, encouraging him to swim towards them. But that had been so long ago\u2026<\/p>\n Like a small child in the arms of its mother, the calmed waters supported and guided his bloodied and battered body into a small pooling near the bank.<\/p>\n Cognizance of the pull returned, it was persistent, tugging, hurting. White dots flashed in front of his eyes, he rolled over as retching tore from deep within. With nothing more inside, the blackness was once more welcomed.<\/p>\n *****<\/p>\n With light came pain and confusion. The coppery taste he thought he remembered was absent. Instead, there was smoke. If he could have moved he would have panicked over the threat of fire. But the sounds were wrong; there was no roaring, no loud crackling, and the air cleared on the breeze. He felt the hard ground beneath his battered body and realized he wasn\u2019t home.<\/p>\n Turning his head, he heard a groan followed moments later by quick foot falls shuffling across dirt. The groan sounded again before he realized it came from him. Struggling to open his eyes, he was startled when he felt something against his lips, almost like his Pa had done with his index finger to quiet a small overwrought child in the darkest of the night, after the boy had cried out for his momma.<\/p>\n He reached up and touched a small hand. More precisely, he felt two dainty fingers upon his lips. Eyes opened, he blinked and blinked again in an effort to clear his vision.<\/p>\n Looking to the owner of the hand, he vaguely made out a woman dressed in a simple black dress with a white apron covering her front and the skirt of her dress, but that\u2019s all he could ascertain. The presence of her fingers on his lips left, only to be followed by a gentle hand placed to his shoulder. Warmth and caring were conveyed by just a touch. As long as the hand remained, he allowed his eyes to close and the hurt to fade.<\/p>\n Pain returned with the woman\u2019s departure; leaving him on his own. Eyes snapped open to see her step from his field of vision and into the blur that lay just beyond. His breath came too shallow and fast. He didn\u2019t want to be alone. His heart pumped erratically in his chest. Blood-filled eyes silently searched for her comforting presence. His thoughts returned to her touch, soft, peaceful, feather-like\u2026 an angel. Tears slipped down his cheeks as he realized he had died. He would never see is family again, and they would never know what became of him. His only comfort, knowing he would be taken safely to the other side, to his mother.<\/p>\n \u201cMary Seraphina!\u201d he faintly heard, drawing his attention away from where the angel disappeared. Minutes later, \u201cMary Seraphina!\u201d sounded closer.<\/p>\n Two figures stepped into the clearing, their voices softened. \u201cMary Seraphina, you were due back hours ago.\u201d A man chastised the young woman who approached them.<\/p>\n \u201cThe Reverend Mother is worried about you. Don\u2019t you know how dangerous it is for you to be out here alone?\u201d the other man asked.<\/p>\n At the distance they stood from him, he couldn\u2019t hear the young woman\u2019s response nor could he see their movements, just blurs. But from their tone of voice, he felt there was nothing to fear from these men and relaxed, maybe his angel needed help getting him to heaven.<\/p>\n He was surprised when the first voice sounded closer, he opened his eyes.<\/p>\n \u201cWell, young man, welcome back. I\u2019ve sent Matthew to get a wagon to help move you.\u201d<\/p>\n He breathily whispered, \u201cHeaven?\u201d and scrunched his face, revealing his considerable pain.<\/p>\n \u201cNot yet. Not for some time if Mary Seraphina has her way.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHurt\u2026 scared.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m sure you are. We\u2019ll be as gentle as we can when we move you. Where do you hurt?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cArm\u2026 head\u2026 ribs\u2026legs\u2026\u201d he took shallow breaths between each word. Tears slipped unabated from his eyes.<\/p>\n \u201cAnywhere else?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cCan\u2019t see,\u201d he reached out his hand, in response to the persistent need to have contact with someone.<\/p>\n \u201cBlind?\u201d the man asked.<\/p>\n \u201cNo, bl-blurry.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cDoesn\u2019t surprise me. Your eyes are really bloodshot, and before you woke I felt a pretty good lump on the side of your head.\u201d The man gave a brief huff. \u201cBoy, if you were anywhere else I\u2019d give you an earful about the vices of getting all liquored up and into a bar fight. By the way, I\u2019m Jacob.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cJoe.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNice to meet you, Joe.\u201d Turning to the woman he took the cup of coffee she held out. Positioning himself, Jacob slightly elevated Joe so it would be easier to drink.<\/p>\n \u201cThat should warm you up. You ain\u2019t nauseous, are you?\u201d<\/p>\n His patient nodded slightly before he was laid back to the ground.<\/p>\n \u201cWell\u2026 we\u2019ll wait to see if that helps settle you some. I\u2019m sure Mary Seraphina also put some willow bark into your coffee.\u201d Joe struggled to get comfortable, pain reflected panic on his face. \u201cEasy there. Mary Seraphina has your arm bandaged to your body and a make-shift splint on your leg.\u201d *****<\/p>\n Several villagers returned with Matthew. Carefully they loaded the unconscious and badly injured Joe into the back of the wagon and safely delivered him into the infirmary of the Teresian\u2019s Convent.<\/p>\n In a small room off the kitchen, two men who stayed had stripped Joe of his shredded clothing. The remnants of his shirt and pants weren\u2019t even salvageable to use as rags. His mottled and shriveled skin revealed the beginning of countless bruises and abrasions, indicating more than a teased about bar room brawl. The women of the cloth were spared from dealing with a naked young man, now that he wore a pair of cut-off at the knee long john bottoms.<\/p>\n Once allowed back in the room, Reverend Mother Mary Collette deftly bandaged his ribs and set the broken bones in his right arm before placing a proper split on the appendage. One knee was double the size of its counterpart, indicating it had been severely wrenched; which she had learned from past experience could be more bothersome than a broken bone. Ointment from a glass jar was administered to the numerous cuts and scrapes. Finally, warm bricks were placed under the many covers in hopes of staving off any complications from time spent in the cold river water. The bandage around his head was barely whiter than his face, with a tinge of red seeping through from his head wound.<\/p>\n \u201cMary Seraphina, he still has a long road to recovery,\u201d Mary Collette stated to her young charge who had assisted her in tending to the stranger.<\/p>\n The young woman nodded in agreement while she cleared away the medical supplies used to treat Joe.<\/p>\n \u201cHe\u2019s lucky you found him.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cReverend Mother,\u201d interrupted Jacob, \u201cWe found Mary Seraphina and Joe near the broken pines. She showed us where she pulled him from the river, and as blue as his skin was, he had to have been there for some time. She also indicated that he had\u2026 uh\u2026 emptied his stomach.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cDo you think he was caught out in the storms?\u201d Mary Collette inquired.<\/p>\n \u201cThat\u2019d be my guess. Probably caught in a flash flood.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cJacob, would you please take that,\u201d Mary Collette pointed to the empty holster on the floor, \u201cand do something with it? You know we do not abide by what that represents.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYes Ma\u2019am. I\u2019ll take care of it.\u201d<\/p>\n The worker removed the offending object from the room, and the building.<\/p>\n *****<\/p>\n For a second night in a row, Mary Seraphina woke at hearing Joe cry out during his sleep; only this night her comforting hand and placing a cool compress to his brow were not enough to settle him. She went to alert the Reverend Mother.<\/p>\n \u201cYou\u2019re right, he is running a fever, and I don\u2019t like the sound of his breathing.\u201d Standing up from sitting on the edge of the bed, Mary Collette stated, \u201cHere, help me sit him up and prop those pillows behind him.\u201d<\/p>\n Worry wore on both women as their patient struggled to live, while sketchy memories plagued his dreams.<\/p>\n *****<\/p>\n The sun was high overhead the next time the Reverend Mother asked Mary Seraphina to step aside, their patient began to rouse once again.<\/p>\n \u201cGood afternoon,\u201d the Revered Mother quietly stated, looking into the pain-filled green eyes as they finally settled to look at her. Taking their patient\u2019s bruised hand in hers she asked, \u201cHow are you feeling?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHurt,\u201d the young man breathed out heavily and groaned. \u201cScared.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYou\u2019re safe. And among friends.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cDid I\u2026 die?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHeavens, no. Mary Seraphina found you and you were brought to our convent several days ago.\u201d<\/p>\n Coughing shook the young man\u2019s body, while the fever waged its own battle. The Reverend Mother decided now was not the time to ask him any questions. With the increasing flush on his face, she decided they had best ask the doctor for help.<\/p>\n *****<\/p>\n \u201cReverend Mother,\u201d Doctor Abrams stated after completing his examination. \u201cYou were right in sending for me. You did well with your treatments and diagnosis; however, we need to deal with the added complication of pneumonia. I don\u2019t want to do it, but he needs to breathe deeper. I think we need to unbind his ribs, and pray that he doesn\u2019t puncture a lung during a coughing fit.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cAnd if he does?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cSend for me immediately. You and Mary Seraphina know the signs.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYes, we do.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cTry to keep him quiet and propped up. Continue boiling the pine needles in water to help alleviate his congestion. I\u2019d prefer for you to continue using willow bark tea to manage his pain; however, if it gets too bad, you can sparingly administer some laudanum. In this case, too much of a good thing can be bad for this man. I\u2019ll stop by later this evening to see how he\u2019s doing.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThank you Doctor Abrams.\u201d<\/p>\n The Reverend Mother returned to the room after escorting the physician to the main door of the convent. The novice Mary Seraphina looked up with worried eyes as the older woman stood next to her.<\/p>\n Placing a comforting hand on her shoulder, Mary Collette said, \u201cChild, you know that we can only do so much, the final decision on whether this young man lives or dies rests with God.\u201d<\/p>\n Mary Seraphina quickly nodded her acceptance of God\u2019s will.<\/p>\n *****<\/p>\n Fever induced dreams coalesced into a kaleidoscope of images, mixing fragments and events from his past.<\/p>\n \u201cI thought you didn\u2019t want any more killing.\u201d His voice spoke. \u201cAll right Pa, you go on\u2026 start the killing all over again.\u201d<\/p>\n Without thought, his gun was in his hand and pointed to his father\u2019s chest.(1)<\/p>\n Next, Adam was riding away. He stopped Sport, turned in the saddle, and called out, \u201cI never want to see you on the Ponderosa again. If I do, you\u2019ll rue the day you were born!\u201d<\/p>\n Illness and pain from his injuries kept him from recognizing the two scenes were not related.<\/p>\n \u201cNO!\u201d he cried out, his dreams broke through the darkness. His heart pounded, his breath ragged; that was until arms wrapped around him, rocking, soothing, comforting.<\/p>\n *****<\/p>\n For days, Wick Ritter rode and slept along the American River. Needing to replenish supplies, he stopped in Gold River and spoke with their lawman. Disappointment and relief mixed at hearing no one report finding a body. Before leaving, he left instructions should Joe\u2019s remains be found to contact Ben Cartwright, care of the Ponderosa in Virginia City, Nevada.<\/p>\n Five days later, the results were the same having entered Ranchero Cordova.<\/p>\n Each day without results brought more memories to Wick as he remembered his brother\u2019s friends talking of his death and how they too had searched in vain for Jerry\u2019s remains.<\/p>\n *****<\/p>\n \u201cWell, Joe,\u201d Doctor Abrams stated when he returned his stethoscope to his black bag and smiled at his patient. For ten days he had made daily and sometimes twice daily trips to the convent to check on the condition of this patient. The bruising on his face and body had reached its full maturation of blacks, blues, and purples, and were beginning to fade. Having listened to the young man\u2019s lungs, he was pleased with the clearing of the past few days. \u201cI\u2019d say that you\u2019re over the worst of the pneumonia.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThanks\u2026 I feel\u2026 a lot better.\u201d The pneumonia had stripped Joe of the ability to speak without having to take a breath every few words.<\/p>\n \u201cI know we haven\u2019t had a chance to talk about how the rest of your body is recovering. How\u2019s your vision today? The sisters stated you were having difficulties seeing when you were first found.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cStill blurry\u2026 but not as bad\u2026 as before.\u201d Looking around the room, \u201cI can see\u2026 across the room\u2026 pretty well\u2026, but nothing\u2026 out the window\u2026 the gardens\u2026 won\u2019t focus.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cAnd just how do you know what is out that window, young man?\u201d challenged the Reverend Mother. Her words might have frightened him; however, he\u2019d seen the mischievous expression on her face. She smiled at Joe\u2019s reaction to being caught admitting he had been out of bed, against doctor\u2019s advice.<\/p>\n \u201cWell, no damage done,\u201d Abrams hid his own smile from where he sat on a wooden chair. \u201cJoe, I want you to stay in bed, unless there is someone to assist you. Your knee is still swollen and I\u2019m not sure how stable it is. If you should fall, you could injure yourself worse. My fear is additional damage to your ribs which could cause you to puncture a lung. You can thank the prayers of the Sisters that you didn\u2019t do just that while you were suffering from pneumonia.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m sorry. Just wanted\u2026 to see,\u201d Joe blushed and looked to Mary Seraphina, he smiled at the laughter in her eyes over his embarrassment.<\/p>\n With his patient on the road to recovery, the doctor grew curious over what happened to cause such injuries. While rebinding Joe\u2019s ribs, he continued the conversation.<\/p>\n \u201cYou care to tell us what happened? How you came to be in that river?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cDon\u2019t remember much\u2026 Fuzzy. There was\u2026 a herd of cattle,\u201d he involuntarily shivered, \u201chorns glowed blue\u2026 then all hell\u2026 I\u2019m sorry,\u201d Joe\u2019s face reddened, realizing his language was totally out of place with the two women present. \u201cThere was a storm\u2026 the cattle stampeded. I\u2026 I guess my horse\u2026 must have\u2026 thrown me.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThe storm was the worst one we\u2019ve experienced since we settled in this valley. Now that you\u2019re feeling better, do you have family you\u2019d like for us to notify that you\u2019re safe?\u201d<\/p>\n Joe thought long and hard before answering the Reverend Mother. His dreams were vivid; he couldn\u2019t remember why he had drawn a gun on his father, but that had to be why Adam had warned him against ever returning home.<\/p>\n \u201cNo ma\u2019am\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cDo you have a last name? After you were found, Jacob said you only told them your name was Joe,\u201d spoke the Reverend Mother.<\/p>\n \u201cCarson, Joe Carson,\u201d he answered. In his mind, if Adam didn\u2019t want him home, he would forgo the name he had worked so hard to prove himself worthy of being called.<\/p>\n \u201cYou should make a full recovery, in time. Don\u2019t worry about not remembering everything right now; you suffered a pretty good blow to the head. Be thankful that you remember what you do.\u201d Doctor Abrams stated. \u201cAs for what\u2019s next? Your lungs need exercise, so I recommend you talk until you can speak a full sentence without having to take a breath every few words.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWhat should I\u2026 talk about?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI think you\u2019ll figure something out. As for your leg, I\u2019ve left a few exercises that can help strengthen the muscles and your knee, but you need to take it slowly. Your arm will need to stay in the cast for at least six more weeks.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cAt least it\u2019s not\u2026 my left arm.\u201d Joe held out his casted right arm.<\/p>\n \u201cKeep his ribs bandaged, until I return to remove his cast.\u201d Doctor Abrams spoke to the Reverend Mother before speaking to Joe. \u201cNow, I do have other sick patients to tend to.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cBye Doc\u2026 and thanks,\u201d Joe offered.<\/p>\n *****<\/p>\n The following morning, Mary Seraphina left the room carrying a tray of dirty dishes bearing testament to Joe\u2019s returning health and hunger; the Reverend Mother entered.<\/p>\n \u201cReverend Mother? Can I\u2026 ask you something?\u201d<\/p>\n Mary Collette nodded, the young man had engaged in an enjoyable conversation the day before, after the doctor has left. She was curious where today\u2019s discussions might lead.<\/p>\n \u201cMary Seraphina, she doesn\u2019t wear\u2026 the same\u2026 uh\u2026\u201d Joe was at a loss for the word, his hand tried to convey the nun\u2019s attire.<\/p>\n \u201cOur clothes?\u201d Joe nodded. \u201cIt\u2019s called a Habit. Mary Seraphina has not taken her final vows of servitude, for now, she is considered a novice. We\u2019ve offered her a life here, and we hope she will accept, but the choice is hers, just as the choice is yours.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cMe, join a convent?\u201d Joe\u2019s voice rose an octave during the last word. He gasped for breath, he had said too much at one time.<\/p>\n \u201cNo. I was referring to your life. How and where you chose to live, once you\u2019re healed.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cLooks like\u2026 you and the other\u2026 sisters\u2026 are stuck with me\u2026for a\u2026 while.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWe\u2019re not stuck with you. Our Order tends to those less fortunate, the sick, the injured. Those who need shelter, and those in need of guidance. We\u2019re only too happy to have found and rescued you.\u201d<\/p>\n The Reverend Mother\u2019s words held a double meaning. She had spent enough of her life devoted to God to understand the truth contained within a person\u2019s heart compared to their words and their actions.<\/p>\n *****<\/p>\n Ben Cartwright fell heavily into the leather chair near the fireplace\u2026 He\u2019d been so happy to hear the noise of wagons and horses returning, indicating his sons were home from the cattle drive.<\/p>\n Nothing alarmed him when he first saw his middle son riding next to the wagon; he figured Joe was in the wagon as company for Adam. Hoss was quick to the back end and lowered the tail gate.<\/p>\n \u201cWelcome home,\u201d Ben called out in greeting as he stepped from the wooden porch.<\/p>\n \u201cHi Pa, can ya help me?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHow\u2019re you feeling, Adam?\u201d He held out a hand to pull his son forward.<\/p>\n \u201cBeen better, Pa.\u201d<\/p>\n Of Hoss, Ben asked, \u201cWhat happened? There wasn\u2019t much in your wire.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWe\u2019ll tell you once we\u2019re inside,\u201d Adam answered.<\/p>\n \u201cWhere\u2019s Joe?\u201d The expressions worn by Cracker and Charlie, as well as his sons, cause his stomach to plummet.<\/p>\n \u201cInside, Pa,\u201d Hoss quietly answered.<\/p>\n *****<\/p>\n Ben continued to sit numbly in his chair, he couldn\u2019t believe the cruel turn. He despaired of why fate would take the life of his youngest son. He had accepted the loss of three wives, but wouldn\u2019t, not his youngest.<\/p>\n Once Charlie finished recounting the events after the devastating stampede, Ben watched the pain his sons suffered in their grief; he knew his final words to them were probably lying heavy on their shoulders. A casual comment, a request made of any family member to look after the youngest and least experienced. From the accounts told in the great room, Joe had handled himself in a manner befitting a Cartwright from the first morning they had set out. He\u2019d earned the respect of the men who worked with him.<\/p>\n \u201cWhy wasn\u2019t I notified? It\u2019s been\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cPa, that\u2019s not the type of news easily conveyed via a wire.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cAnd we kept hopin\u2019 we\u2019d hear somethin\u2019,\u201d Hoss added to what his brother had said.<\/p>\n \u201cIs there any chance?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThere\u2019s always a chance, Ben. But that storm was so violent and from what Wick said he saw of Skeeter, Joe\u2019s horse took a direct hit from a lightning bolt. Them being so close to the river, Ben\u2026\u201d Charlie slowly shook his head. \u201cHe had to be unconscious when he hit, and there\u2019s little chance that an unconscious man\u2019s gonna survive. Not in those waters.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cBut a chance, slim as it is,\u201d Ben pressed.<\/p>\n \u201cWick Ritter stayed behind,\u201d Charlie added. \u201cSaid he lost a brother years back in a flash flood, knows sort of what you\u2019re going through.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cRitter?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHe\u2019s the man you tried firin\u2019 durin\u2019 the round up, Pa,\u201d Hoss explained. \u201cThe one Joe fought.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWhy would he offer?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cJoe and Ritter became good friends during the drive,\u201d Adam expounded while shifting his casted leg to a more comfortable position. \u201cWick, seemed to respect him more because he stood up to you.\u201d<\/p>\n Ben appeared to age ten years in the hour since his sons and their foreman arrived home. The others waited, allowing Ben to think and remember\u2026 they\u2019d had time to accept the fact that Joe was presumed dead during their travel home.<\/p>\n \u201cI want to know of any telegram that Ritter sends back. Tell Orville at the telegraph office, I don\u2019t care how late at night a wire comes in, I want it brought to me immediately,\u201d Ben sat straight in his chair, his voice full of authority. \u201cWhatever he needs, money, supplies, I don\u2019t care how much.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cPa, speaking of money,\u201d Hoss spoke.<\/p>\n \u201cWhat about it?\u201d Ben asked.<\/p>\n \u201cWe stopped in town before comin\u2019 home and deposited the bank draft. The money\u2019s there for that piece of land.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThe land be damned.\u201d<\/p>\n Standing, Ben left the others, heading to the sanctuary of his bedroom.<\/p>\n Crawling into his bed, he wondered if it had all been worth it. Hope and fate\u2026 Three times he\u2019d experienced hope from falling in love, and three times he suffered the cruel fate of losing a wife. But each had left behind a son; his hopes continued that they would be his legacy. In his mind, he knew his youngest had to be dead. If he were alive, he would have found some way to send word. But his heart wouldn\u2019t accept the loss. And so he held on to the slightest hope that somehow he would be blessed with a miracle. Fate be damned as that piece of land.<\/p>\n *****<\/p>\n Once Joe was granted permission to get out of bed and allowed to explore the convent, his first request was for clothes.<\/p>\n \u201cI can\u2019t very well walk about\u2026 wearing only a pair of long johns\u2026 and a robe.\u201d His breathing and speaking were improving.<\/p>\n \u201cJacob brought some clothing he thought might fit you,\u201d Reverend Mother Mary Collette stated.<\/p>\n \u201cSister?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cReverend Mother,\u201d she politely corrected.<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m sorry, but\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cJoe, what is it? You seem troubled\u2026\u201d Joe appeared lost, the perfect example of a soul needing help to return to his flock. \u201cWhy won\u2019t you tell me of your family? I\u2019m sure they\u2019re worried sick and should be told you\u2019re alive.\u201d The Reverend Mother pulled out a chair, hoping to encourage Joe to talk. \u201cJoe, you call out names in the night.\u201d<\/p>\n Guiltily Joe looked up as she sat down. \u201cI had a family\u2026 once.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWe all have family. They\u2019re still alive, aren\u2019t they?\u201d Mary Collette\u2019s words weren\u2019t accusatory, but compassionate.<\/p>\n Joe nodded.<\/p>\n \u201cThen why don\u2019t you tell me where home is, and I\u2019ll wire them.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cCan\u2019t\u2026 I,\u201d Joe struggled with what to say. \u201cAdam doesn\u2019t want me\u2026 home.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cIs Adam your brother?\u201d<\/p>\n Again Joe nodded.<\/p>\n \u201cWhy doesn\u2019t he want you home?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI pulled a gun,\u201d Joe cringed at Mary Collette\u2019s reaction to his mentioning a weapon, \u201con my father.\u201d His voice faded to a whisper.<\/p>\n \u201cDid you\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNo. I didn\u2019t, pull the trigger. Least I don\u2019t think so.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m sure he has forgiven you. It\u2019s the nature of a father to accept and forgive the faults of his children. He must be so worried.\u201d<\/p>\n Joe, shaking his head, gave the Reverend Mother pause.<\/p>\n \u201cI can\u2019t.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s your home.\u201d<\/p>\n Joe shook his head. \u201cIt used to be.\u201d<\/p>\n Looking at the troubled young man, \u201cI think you need to forgive yourself, my child.\u201d She reached over and placed a hand to his uninjured arm.<\/p>\n \u201cWhy?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cBecause I\u2019m sure he loves you; you\u2019re flesh of his flesh.\u201d Seeing the emotions displayed across Joe\u2019s face, Mary Collette stated, \u201cThink on it Joe. If only to let him know you\u2019re alive. The not knowing is the worst any parent can experience. Suffering through a child\u2019s death is devastating, but at least there is closure when the body is buried. For a child just to vanish\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n Joe looked to the hand on his arm.<\/p>\n \u201cJoe how long ago did you leave home?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI don\u2019t remember exactly,\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWhen you first recovered from being sick, you said you were on a cattle drive. Were you with your family?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI don\u2019t know.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cJoe, would you please look at me?\u201d<\/p>\n Slowly Joe looked into her warm, brown eyes.<\/p>\n \u201cTruthfully, as if you were in confession. Are you telling me the truth of not remembering?\u201d<\/p>\n Nodding, Joe continued, \u201cI don\u2019t remember everything, just pieces\u2026 but I can\u2019t see that it was my family\u2019s cattle drive\u2026 I think I was ramrod, second in command.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWouldn\u2019t it make sense for your father to make you ramrod?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNo ma\u2019am, I have two brothers.\u201d Joe averted his eyes and gazing to the window. \u201cIf anything, Pa would have made Adam trail boss\u2026 and my other brother Hoss would be ramrod.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cJoe, you have family. A father, two brothers. What of your mother, surely she must miss you.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cMy momma died when I was little.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cOh child\u2026\u201d the Reverend Mother wanted to reach out and wrap her arms around Joe, but she wasn\u2019t sure how he would accept her actions.<\/p>\n Knowing the Reverend Mother was waiting for him to say something, Joe whispered, \u201cI\u2019ll think about it.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThat\u2019s all I can ask,\u201d Mary Collette answered, but to herself she added, \u2018for now.\u2019<\/p>\n *****<\/p>\n Wick Ritter had lost track of how many towns and settlements he\u2019d stopped in as he searched for Joe Cartwright. Once he passed Sacramento, the number of tributaries to explore became mind boggling, but he continued on.<\/p>\n *****<\/p>\n Joe enjoyed his explorations of the convent; meeting the workers taking care of the livestock \u2013 sheep, pigs, and goats. He watched several women churning goats\u2019 milk into butter or cheese before he explored the grounds where men worked to weed the garden full of fresh vegetables.<\/p>\n Walking the corridors, Joe stopped outside of a large room filled with small children sitting on benches, their attention focused on Sister Mary Josette who stood in front of a small blackboard.<\/p>\n \u201cWho can tell me the answer to the math problem?\u201d She pointed to where she had written, 2 + 2 =.<\/p>\n Joe smiled as the children squirmed in their seats.<\/p>\n \u201cChildren, this is a simple problem. We worked this yesterday.\u201d<\/p>\n No one answered.<\/p>\n \u201cMaybe Mr. Carson can help you today.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cMe?\u201d Joe queried from the doorway.<\/p>\n \u201cPlease Mr. Carson. Would you mind helping the children with today\u2019s problem?\u201d<\/p>\n Joe entered the room musing, \u2018What would Adam think if he knew I was helping in school?\u2019<\/p>\n \u201cWell, my pa always said there was always more than one way to look at a problem and come up with the correct answer.\u201d<\/p>\n Joe stood in front of the board, pretending to not understand the problem. He changed his posture as often as he changed his facial expression, causing many of the children to giggle.<\/p>\n \u201cLet\u2019s see. I know. How many apples would I have if this little girl,\u201d Joe pointed to a young girl with her hair in double plaits hanging down her back, \u201cgave me two apples and this little boy,\u201d Joe pointed to a boy in the back row who had been whispering to a boy sitting next to him, \u201cgave me two more apples? How many apples would I have?\u201d<\/p>\n Many children raised their hands, eagerly hoping to be the one chosen to answer the question.<\/p>\n \u201cChildren, since it appears that you know the answer, please write the number down on your slate. Mr. Carson will review your answers and let you know if you are correct.\u201d<\/p>\n Once Joe had finished walking among the students and checking their slates, all but Billy and his friend, Liam, had the correct answer.<\/p>\n \u201cVery good, everyone.\u201d Sister Mary Josette separated Billy and Liam, the boys now sat on opposite ends of the bench with three girls between them. \u201cMr. Carson would you be willing to stay for the rest of class? I think the children would enjoy your help.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cSure.\u201d<\/p>\n *****<\/p>\n After supper, while the Sisters were in prayer, he\u2019d climb up the wide, brick wall that cordoned off the flower garden. Taking a deep breath, he could detect a hint of pine. He longed for his family, but the nightly dreams of holding a gun on his father and of Adam warning him away were reminders he could never go home.<\/p>\n *****<\/p>\n Another day found Joe walking outside.<\/p>\n \u201cLook out below!\u201d<\/p>\n Joe jumped back towards the wall as a hammer slid off the roof and fell to the ground.<\/p>\n \u201cSorry about that,\u201d Jacob spoke, while precariously looking over the edge.<\/p>\n \u201cWhat are you doing up there?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cPatching the roof.\u201d Jacob reached out and easily caught the hammer Joe tossed to him. Depression colored his words, \u201cIt\u2019s a never ending job, especially after every storm. The whole roof needs to be torn down and rebuilt, but the Sisters can\u2019t afford it. So up here I work.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNeed a hand?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWith your knee and your ribs? And have the Reverend Mother find you climbing the ladder? She\u2019d skin us both alive. I\u2019m not that foolish and I don\u2019t think you are either.\u201d The two grinned.<\/p>\n *****<\/p>\n That night his rambling dreams vividly returned. His family stood in front of him and a body at his feet. He argued with his father (1). Waking before the scene of pulling his gun, Joe startled upright in bed. The room was dark and quiet, not even the crickets sounded outside. Carefully he slipped from bed, making his way to the doorway and looked both ways down the hallway. Something had woke him, he heard it again.<\/p>\n Jacob had been right earlier in the day, his knee wasn\u2019t ready for all the manual labor he had taken upon himself to perform. He hadn\u2019t thought that fixing a few broken fence boards around the pig pen would have been that big of a deal, but evidently being down on his knees while hammering had been too much. So, Joe used the wall for support as he went to investigate the noise.<\/p>\n His room was just off the kitchen but it was both too late and too early for anyone to be fixing a meal. Just ahead, a pale glow from a lamp spilled into the hallway from an open door.<\/p>\n The Reverend Mother sat on the edge of Mary Seraphina\u2019s bed, her arms wrapped around the young woman.<\/p>\n \u201cReverend Mother?\u201d Joe asked.<\/p>\n \u201cJoe, what are you doing out of bed at this hour?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cSomething woke me. I heard a noise. Is everything alright?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cIt will be.\u201d She turned to sooth the distraught young woman.<\/p>\n \u201cWas there someone in the convent? Did someone scare her?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNo, just a nightmare. And I\u2019m sorry she woke you.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI woke my family plenty when I was younger\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n Mary Seraphina calmed in the Reverend Mother\u2019s arms.<\/p>\n \u201cThere, there child. It was just a dream. Why don\u2019t you go back to sleep. You\u2019re safe.\u201d<\/p>\n Joe watched the young woman settle down into bed, while Mary Collette covered her with blankets.<\/p>\n When the door closed, Joe asked, \u201cWhy didn\u2019t you get her to try to talk about her nightmares. My Pa and Adam always tried to make me talk.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cDid you always talk of your dreams?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNo ma\u2019am.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWhy did you choose not to talk of your nightmares?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cSometimes, I couldn\u2019t remember them. Other times, I guess I was too embarrassed about what woke me. I wanted to be grown up like my brothers.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cJoe, you chose not to talk.\u201d The Reverend Mother escorted Joe slowly back into his room, silently acknowledging his pronounced limp. \u201cMary Seraphina can\u2019t talk. There\u2019s no medical reason why, but Doctor Abrams thinks it\u2019s because of a traumatic event she experienced.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWhat happened?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWe believe she witnessed her entire family killed. She was the only survivor. Her parents and an older brother. In the five years she has been here, she has never uttered a word.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI wondered why she never spoke, but never thought it appropriate to ask. I just thought she might be too shy or too embarrassed to talk to me.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cIf only that were the reason.\u201d Mary Collette sighed heavily. Guiding Joe to his bed, \u201cI think tomorrow, you need to take it easy with your healing knee. Not so much exploring of the convent.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYes, ma\u2019am.\u201d Joe rubbed his knee while snuggling under the covers.<\/p>\n \u201cGood night, Joe.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cGood night, Reverend Mother.\u201d<\/p>\n *****<\/p>\n The following day, after waiting for the Sisters to finish morning prayers, Joe willingly agreed with the Reverend Mother from the night before to restrict his activities. Without being asked, he spent time in the kitchen helping Mary Seraphina peel potatoes and carrots for the evening\u2019s stew. No mention was made of the nightmares, hers or his. Over breakfast he had closely observed how the other Sisters interacted with the novice, and decided her past didn\u2019t matter. As he had during their few times together, he spoke of his explorations from the day before and his plans for later in the day. When Paco entered carrying a basket of corn fresh from the stalk, Joe stood to help the man, only to sit back down when Sister Mary Avila cleared her throat and pointed with the knife she was using to cut beef into cubes, indicating he should sit.<\/p>\n During afternoon devotionals, Joe meandered outdoors, taking a good look at the buildings of the convent, the main building, several barns, a tool shed, the chicken coop, and fencing for the animals. They really did need a lot of work. Joe wished there was more he could do to help the Sisters. There was no way he could access his bank account back home, not that there was enough money to begin to cover the basics of what needed done. As for performing manual labor, he couldn\u2019t believe with what little he had done the day before that his knee had throbbed well into the morning. And there was still the cast on his arm, at least fixing the pig pen had been an easy job of replacing nails.<\/p>\n His mind dawdled on what it would be like to settle down outside the convent. He thought that once his arm and ribs were thoroughly healed, he could help Jacob with all the work required around their compound. Images of improvements he could help make were welcomed, compared to the nightmares he still suffered.<\/p>\n *****<\/p>\n He sat beside his small campfire, drinking coffee from a battered tin cup. He knew what he had promised, but too much time had passed\u2014weeks. Joe had to be dead, otherwise he would have contacted his family and they would have notified Wick to stop his search. Were they too holding out hope for a miracle? Miracles were never guaranteed; he knew that from past experience.<\/p>\n Taking paper and pencil from his saddlebags, Wick decided to write a letter to his employers advising them that though he didn\u2019t want to, he didn\u2019t think there was any other choice. He called off his search.<\/p>\n He left the river once he reached Courtland. It was from here he posted his letter to Ben Cartwright and family.<\/p>\n *****<\/p>\n Hoss drove the team of horses during the trip from the Ponderosa to town. It had been just over six weeks since Adam\u2019s accident. They stopped in front of Doctor Martin\u2019s clinic.<\/p>\n \u201cYou ready to get that anchor off your leg?\u201d Hoss inquired in an attempt to lighten the shroud of mourning that had settled over the Ponderosa, ever since their return.<\/p>\n \u201cYeah, beyond ready,\u201d Adam lifted his heavy leg over the side and waited for his brother to pull his crutches from the bed of the buckboard, and offer him a stabling hand to step down to the boardwalk.<\/p>\n \u201cThink you can manage on your own from here?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cSure, go drop the list of supplies off at the store. I\u2019ll see you in a little while and help you load.\u201d<\/p>\n *****<\/p>\n An hour after entering Paul Martin\u2019s examination room, Adam re-entered the waiting area with only a slight limp and a feeling of being off balance.<\/p>\n \u201cThat\u2019s only natural, Adam. Your body has compensated for the additional weight for six weeks. It won\u2019t take too long to get your land legs back, so to speak.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWhen can I get back in the saddle?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYou can probably ride tomorrow, but I don\u2019t want you doing any roping or anything that might force you quickly from the saddle. Take it easy for a week and if everything feels fine, then you can go back to your normal work. But definitely no bronc busting for another month.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThanks, Paul.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cAdam, how\u2019s your father? How\u2019s Ben holding up?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNot so good.\u201d Adam sat down in one of the chairs. \u201cI think it would have been better if we\u2019d had a memorial service or something. Some kind of closure.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHe\u2019s holding out hope that Ritter will find Joe?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYes, and it\u2019s eating him alive. With me out of commission and Joe\u2026 gone. He\u2019s thrown himself into working. Riding out with Hoss every day. Doing manual labor he has no business doing. I thought he\u2019d stay home, wait for word. He\u2019s growing older by the day.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cSounds to me like deep down, he knows the news won\u2019t be good and doesn\u2019t want to be there when it comes.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI jump every time I hear someone step to the porch.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHas Ritter sent many wires?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cSome, and he\u2019s been thankful to Pa for paying all his expenses.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cAnd why shouldn\u2019t Ben?\u201d<\/p>\n Adam shrugged his shoulders.<\/p>\n \u201cWhat of Hoss?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHe\u2019s hoping there\u2019ll be a wire while we\u2019re in town. It\u2019s been too long since we last heard from him.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHow long?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cProbably two weeks.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYou don\u2019t think\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI don\u2019t know.\u201d<\/p>\n Adam left the doctor and headed to the general store where Hoss was loading a few heavy items to the buckboard.<\/p>\n \u201cWhat\u2019d Doc say?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cLight riding for a week, and then have at it.\u201d Adam refrained from mention that last instructions, it was too much a reminder of Joe.<\/p>\n \u201cThen you can help load the boxes of stuff for Hop Sing that\u2019s inside. I\u2019ll get the heavy stuff.\u201d<\/p>\n With the final item loaded and tied down, Adam offered, \u201cCare for a beer?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI think I\u2019d rather read what Ritter has to say.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYou received a wire? Why didn\u2019t you say something?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cAin\u2019t a wire, it\u2019s a letter.\u201d Hoss pulled the envelope from his pocket addressed to the Cartwright family.<\/p>\n After the salutation, the letter read:<\/p>\n I\u2019ve searched high and low, followed the American River and a number of its offshoots. I went clear beyond Sacramento, leaving word with the law and any doctors as I traveled. Talked with lots of people, but no one seen or found a body matching Joe\u2019s description.<\/p>\n I thought I\u2019d found him alive in Grizzly Flats. The sheriff told me about the trouble they\u2019d had. The more I listened, I knew it couldn\u2019t abeen Joe who beat up one of their saloon gals. That and the sheriff stated this man was probably in his late-twenties or early thirties. No one would even think of Joe almost being twenty, let alone that old.<\/p>\n I\u2019m sorry I failed you. I had hoped that I\u2019d find him, or at least his body to bring home. I\u2019m planning to head back, if I still have a job. I\u2019ll be staying at a friend\u2019s place outside of Sacramento until the end of the month. You can send a wire to me to the attention of Jacob Lisandro at the Teresian Convent; I\u2019d be grateful.<\/p>\n Sincerely,<\/p>\n Wick Ritter<\/p>\n \u201cWell, that\u2019s it,\u201d Adam answered, having finished reading the letter aloud.<\/p>\n \u201cDoes he still have a job?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI don\u2019t see why not.\u201d<\/p>\n *****<\/p>\n More than six weeks had passed and Doctor Abrams\u2019 trips to the convent became infrequent, at least where this patient was concerned. His current examination revealed most all of the bruising had disappeared, and the swollen knee had returned to the same size as the opposite leg. The battered ribs had healed, and the young man\u2019s lungs were clear. The area on the side of Joe\u2019s head was no longer tender, but he still felt a lump; whether it was normal or not for this patient, he didn\u2019t know.<\/p>\n Mary Seraphina quietly entered the room carrying a large pot of hot water.<\/p>\n \u201cWell, it seems you\u2019ve done a remarkable job of tending to my patient, Mary Seraphina. What do you say we remove his cast today?\u201d<\/p>\n A smile appeared on her face, and her eyes danced in merriment.<\/p>\n *****<\/p>\n Saturday dawned with Joe accompanying Mary Seraphina on a trip into town for supplies. Raised with manners and good grace, Joe escorted the young woman by extending his elbow after they stepped from the wagon and walked along the boardwalk to the general store.<\/p>\n Across the street, a sober Judd Jordan stood straight and recognized the person behind his being firing from a damn good job. Turning away from the dirt street, and planning to re-enter the saloon, Jordan inadvertently knocked Doctor Abrams to the walkway.<\/p>\n \u201cSorry, mister. I didn\u2019t see ya.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThat\u2019s all right. I should have been watching where I was going.\u201d<\/p>\n Jordan followed the man\u2019s gaze, focused on the two people across the street.<\/p>\n \u201cYou know them two?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cMary Seraphina is a novice at the convent outside of town. Joe Carson was a patient of mine until a few days ago.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cPatient?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cGot caught in a storm, practically drowned. It\u2019s a miracle he survived long enough for the young woman to find him.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYou said his name was\u2026 Carson?\u201d Judd thought of an idea.<\/p>\n \u201cYes, that\u2019s what he told us.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cMaybe my mistake then, it\u2019s been a while.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cDo you know him?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI only got a brief look.\u201d With a wicked smile, \u201cbut he sure does look the man they rode out of Grizzly Flats.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cRode out?\u201d Doctor Abrams inquired.<\/p>\n \u201cThe law and a few others made sure he left town, quick like.\u201d Judd thought on how he could force Joe from town, he wanted a chance to get even for his firing.<\/p>\n \u201cHe seems like such a nice young man.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cDon\u2019t ya know him?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHe\u2019s only been here a short time. If he\u2019s done something wrong, you need let the Reverend Mother know.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWhy would I tell her?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHe\u2019s living at the convent.\u201d<\/p>\n Judd pushed his hat back, his plan took shape. \u201cThem ladies ain\u2019t safe. He assaulted a young woman. Hear he beat her up pretty good when she refused his advances.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI wish I could take you out there, but I have several patients waiting for me to arrive. I really need to get going. You can follow this road out of town and take the left fork.\u201d<\/p>\n *****<\/p>\n Thankful he hadn\u2019t drank that much; the dusty cowboy was escorted into the office of Reverend Mother Mary Collette.<\/p>\n \u201cSister Mary Elizabeth said you had news for us?\u201d She graciously greeted the man and motioned for him to have a seat in one of the chairs.<\/p>\n \u201cYes, ma\u2019am. I came to warn ya about a certain young man. I saw him in town and the doctor said he was living here.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYou know Joe Carson?\u201d Mary Collette\u2019s curiosity piqued.<\/p>\n The man finally remembered to remove his hat. \u201cI know him, but I know him as Judd Jordan. Sister, you ain\u2019t safe. None of the ladies here are safe while he\u2019s around,\u201d Jordan was pleased with himself.<\/p>\n \u201cMister \u2026\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cCross,\u201d Jordan quickly answered, he hadn\u2019t thought of needing to come up with a name for himself once he lied about Joe\u2019s identity. He grabbed the name after seeing the crucifix upon the wall.<\/p>\n \u201cMr. Cross, young Mr. Carson, or Jordan, has been a true gentleman while he\u2019s been with us.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cLady, he beat up a saloon gal, beat her real bad.\u201d Jordan voiced indignation. \u201cThe sheriff even threw him in jail for the night before running him out of town. That town was really upset, some wanted to lynch him.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWhere did this happen?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cA little town this side of Placerville, a place called Grizzly Flats.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHow long ago?\u201d Mary Collette asked.<\/p>\n \u201cWhy probably about three weeks back, I think. I came through there when they was riding him out.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThree weeks you say.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYes ma\u2019am.\u201d Jordan eagerly anticipated Joe being thrown out of the convent that very day, and it was only a matter of time before he would have his revenge.<\/p>\n Standing up, the Reverend Mother bitterly spoke, \u201cMr. Cross, if that really is your name.\u201d Her eyes narrowed. \u201cI\u2019ll have you know that Mister Carson has been with us for over six weeks. And he has been the epitome of a gentleman. There is no way our guest can be the man you are accusing. In fact, if I were to believe my own instincts, I would say that you are Mr. Jordan. Now get out of our convent before I send for the law.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYou don\u2019t know what you\u2019re talking about, lady!\u201d Jordan slammed his hat on top of his head and left the office.<\/p>\n *****<\/p>\n Later that night, Mary Collette had finished her rounds, making sure the convent was secure when she saw a light glowing under the door to Joe\u2019s room.<\/p>\n Quietly she knocked before opening the door and entering.<\/p>\n Joe looked up to see the Reverend Mother.<\/p>\n \u201cYou shouldn\u2019t walk into a man\u2019s room without waiting for him to grant you permission.\u201d Joe\u2019s voice ranked cold.<\/p>\n \u201cYou seem troubled.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m leaving.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWhy?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYou said it was my decision. I decided I\u2019m leaving.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cFrom your voice and posture, I take it you\u2019re not planning to return to your family.\u201d<\/p>\n Joe continued to pack the few meager belongings he\u2019d acquired while at the convent.<\/p>\n \u201cWhat are you running away from?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cIf you have to ask me that, then you know. I know a man came here to tell you I\u2019d assaulted a young lady.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHow did you know?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI ran into Doc Abrams, he told me.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThen he told you wrong.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI don\u2019t think the doctor would lie. I can\u2019t stay here.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWhy?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cBecause of what I did.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cEven if I told you that you didn\u2019t do anything wrong?\u201d<\/p>\n Joe looked up.<\/p>\n \u201cJoe, do you know a man named Judd Jordan?\u201d<\/p>\n Joe felt a twinge of a headache at the mention of the man\u2019s name.<\/p>\n \u201cI believe he was the man who came here this afternoon. He said he\u2019d seen you in town and came here immediately to warn us.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cAren\u2019t you scared of being here with me, or having me here with all the other sisters?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNo,\u201d the Reverend Mother decided to take a seat in the one comfortable chair in the room. \u201cJoe, I\u2019ve been a nun for more years than you\u2019ve been alive\u2026 probably longer than your older brother too. I\u2019ve encountered people, good and bad. I think I\u2019m pretty good at determining the kind of person people are. I didn\u2019t care for this man today, but I\u2019m totally comfortable with you being here.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWhy didn\u2019t you trust him?\u201d Curious, Joe kept his back to the Reverend Mother.<\/p>\n \u201cHe said he\u2019d just ridden into that town when they were riding the man out. He knew too many intimate details.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHe could have heard people talking about it afterwards.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cMaybe, but there was also his eyes.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHis eyes?\u201d Joe turned around.<\/p>\n Mary Collette sat forward in the chair, folding her hands together. \u201cJoe, the eyes of a person can reveal their soul. Your eyes are bright, alive. Happy to help. Compassionate. Eager to please.\u201d The Reverend Mother smiled at Joe\u2019s squirming on the bed. \u201cAnd your actions speak louder than any words.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWhat about that man\u2019s eyes?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cShifty, evil, happy\u2026 but with danger. He just seemed too eager to have me believe his story.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cBut if he came here to make sure you and the others were safe?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThere was no compassion or concern in his voice. Not like yours. You want to leave here, but it is because of some misguided belief. If you were evil, would you want to make sure we\u2019re safe? Everything about you tells me that you could have done nothing to violate a young woman. Whether she was a young lady from town, a saloon girl, or even a woman of God. It\u2019s not in you. I believe you were raised better than that.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cIf I was raised that good, why\u2019d I pull a gun on my own father?!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cMaybe he can help explain that to you.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI told you, I can\u2019t go home.\u201d Joe jumped to what the Reverend Mother was implying, \u201cI told you, my oldest brother threatened me\u2026 told me to leave and never return. I saw my own hands holding a weapon on my father.\u201d Joe\u2019s voice quivered. \u201cIf I could have done that to my father, I could very well have assaulted that young woman and been forced from home.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cDo you live in Grizzly Flats?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNo.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cJoe, what do you really remember, before you came here?\u201d<\/p>\n Joe cringed with the headache pounding. \u201cLike I said, I don\u2019t remember that much, just see bits and pieces in my dreams, and I remember them when I\u2019m awake.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cBits and pieces of a dream can be mixed up and not remembered in the correct order. Why don\u2019t you let me wire your family?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNo.\u201d<\/p>\n Mary Collette knew in her heart and her mind that she wanted more than anything to reunite Joe with his family.<\/p>\n \u201cIsn\u2019t there anyone else who I could write, to help you know the truth? If this is all a misunderstanding\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThere\u2019s the sheriff,\u201d Joe hesitated.<\/p>\n \u201cWhere? Where is home, Joe?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNevada,\u201d was all Joe would admit.<\/p>\n *****<\/p>\n Roy Coffee looked at the wire handed to him by Orville long after the church picnic broke up.<\/p>\n Sheriff Roy Coffee Request information concerning Joseph Cartwright \/Stop<\/p>\n Reverend Mother Mary Collette Roy responded:<\/p>\n Joseph Cartwright presumed dead, caught in flash flood during cattle drive outside of Sacramento.<\/p>\n *****<\/p>\n Joe Carson, aka Joe Cartwright, sat in the small diner in town, sipping coffee while waiting for a return wire. Even though the sun was close to setting, he couldn\u2019t bring himself to return to the convent, not until he knew the truth. He\u2019d fallen into an exhausted, dreamless sleep after his late night conversation with the Reverend Mother. He\u2019d slept through the bells announcing church services, and woke to find it past noon. Another discussion lasted off and on throughout the afternoon and into the evening before Joe finally relented and told her the sheriff\u2019s name and the name of the town, thus allowing her to send the wire. They had arrived in town, stopped at the telegraph office, and now they waited.<\/p>\n \u201cRelax Joe, I\u2019m sure the news will be good.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI can\u2019t\u2026 something seems so wrong all of a sudden.\u201d<\/p>\n A child running errands for the town\u2019s telegrapher entered the diner, and walked over to the Reverend Mother and handed her a folded sheet of paper.<\/p>\n \u201cThank you, Michael,\u201d she offered and handed him a nickel for his prompt delivery.<\/p>\n Opening the sheet and reading, Mary Collette felt her heart plummet. \u201cOh, my.\u201d<\/p>\n Joe looked to the doorway when he heard his name yelled.<\/p>\n Staring hard to recognize the figure standing in the entryway, Joe squinted his eyelids.<\/p>\n \u201cMy God! It\u2019s you, Joe!\u201d The man was quickly across the room, pulling Joe from his chair and pumping his right hand up and down.<\/p>\n Joe tried to pull away. He looked beyond the man who held him to see a smiling Jacob approach. Joe\u2019s left hand hesitantly reached for the holster that no longer hung from his hip.<\/p>\n \u201cThis is the young man you seek?\u201d Jacob asked.<\/p>\n \u201cOf course this is Joe Cartwright! I\u2019ve been looking for him for practically seven weeks! My God Joe, don\u2019t it beat all to find you here!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWick?\u201d Joe heavily sat in the chair, hand to his head.<\/p>\n \u201cJoe?\u201d Mary Collette inquired.<\/p>\n \u201cHey Joe, what\u2019s wrong?\u201d<\/p>\n With pleading eyes, Joe looked up and beyond; only the whites of his eyes showed before he slid from the chair to the floor.<\/p>\n *****<\/p>\n A vile odor forced Joe awake. He batted a hand at the offending smell.<\/p>\n \u201cCome on Joe, open your eyes,\u201d a man\u2019s voice ordered.<\/p>\n \u201cIs he going to be okay?\u201d Joe recognized the voice of the Reverend Mother.<\/p>\n \u201cHe should be. What happened?\u201d the man\u2019s voice again.<\/p>\n All conversation stopped when Joe\u2019s eyes fluttered open, they watched him look from person to person, stopping to stare at the newcomer. Raising his hand to his temple, Joe pressed against the pain.<\/p>\n \u201cDo you have a headache?\u201d Doctor Abrams finally capped the vial of smelling salts.<\/p>\n Joe nodded.<\/p>\n \u201cWhen did it start?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI believe last night,\u201d stated Mary Collette, explaining their conversation.<\/p>\n \u201cAnd what happened right before he passed out?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI called his name,\u201d Wick Ritter stated.<\/p>\n \u201cYou\u2019re a gunslinger?\u201d Doc asked having hearing the man admit he had called Joe out.<\/p>\n \u201cNah\u2026 I didn\u2019t call him out, I called out to him. I ain\u2019t no gunslinger. I work for Joe, well\u2026 him and his family. Dang Joe, what\u2019re you doing here? Why ain\u2019t you wired your Pa that you\u2019re alive?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cAlive?\u201d Joe whispered.<\/p>\n Between Doc Abrams and the Reverend Mother, they assisted Joe to sit in the chair he had previously occupied.<\/p>\n \u201cI think this wire from Sheriff Coffee might explain some of your confusion,\u201d Mary Collette handed the wire she had received only moments before Wick entered the diner.<\/p>\n \u201cDead? My family thinks\u2026 Oh God.\u201d The past and the present collided in Joe\u2019s memory, everything slipped into the proper order of events. \u201cIt wasn\u2019t me that Adam warned off the Ponderosa\u2026 It was Judd Jordan.\u201d<\/p>\n Standing in the background, near the counter of the diner, Sheriff David Braun listened to the conversation. He\u2019d grown curious when the doctor\u2019s presence was required at the diner and followed.<\/p>\n \u201cThat happened during round up. And then on the cattle drive, Adam broke his leg when Sport fell. Hoss took him back to Placerville because it was closer and we knew there was a doctor. We had to split the herd because of the storm, their horns glowed blue,\u201d Joe stopped for a breath.<\/p>\n \u201cSt. Elmo\u2019s Fire. First time I\u2019ve ever seen it and I don\u2019t ever want to experience it again,\u201d Wick inserted.<\/p>\n Joe continued, recounting the events as if they\u2019d happened to someone else, \u201cThe herd, it stampeded. I\u2026 I saw Walt Ryerson go down. He didn\u2019t have a chance.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYou said you know a Judd Jordan,\u201d Sheriff Braun walked over to the group.<\/p>\n \u201cDid,\u201d Joe stated emphatically. \u201cMy brother fired him about two months ago for drinking on the job.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThat and sucker punching Joe,\u201d Wick added.<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019ve got him over at my jail.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWhy?\u201d inquired Mary Collette.<\/p>\n \u201cDrunk and disorderly, disturbing the peace. Frank over at the Silver Slipper overheard him grumbling about getting even with someone and how them ladies was gonna be sorry for not listening to him.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cSheriff, I believe he is the same man who came to the convent yesterday. He claimed Joe was responsible for assaulting a young lady in Grizzly Flats.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI read a report on that. Judd Jordan did that.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHe tried to claim Joe was he.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cFigures. There\u2019s a bounty for his return. Seems in addition to beating up the young lady, he\u2019s also responsible for a few thefts around their town. He\u2019ll be locked up in my jail until they come get him.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThank God, for small favors,\u201d Mary Collette offered.<\/p>\n The small group watched Sheriff Braun leave the diner.<\/p>\n \u201cWick, what of Walt?\u201d Joe\u2019s attention returned to the drive.<\/p>\n \u201cCharlie buried him on the trail.\u201d Looking to the others he explained, \u201cCharlie Yeagle, he\u2019s our ranch foreman and after Adam\u2019s accident, Hoss made Charlie the trail boss and bumped Joe to ramrod.\u201d<\/p>\n Joe nodded. \u201cI remember. The lightning, it was so close. At first there was light, noise, and pain, and then nothing but feeling like I was\u2026 flying,\u201d he paused in his narrative.<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m sorry about Skeeter, Joe. He was dead when we found him. We figured you\u2019d got thrown into the waters. I been checking all along the river and such for your body ever since it happened.\u201d<\/p>\n Looking Wick directly in the eyes, Joe asked, \u201cThen what are you doing here?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cLike I said, I was looking for you. Couldn\u2019t find you, and decided it was time to go back. I been waiting for a wire from your Pa, if I still had a job. I told him I\u2019d wait with my friend Jacob here. I was telling him about what I\u2019d been doing and well, Jacob got this wild idea and was telling me about a Joe Carson and that I had to come with him. And dang, if he weren\u2019t you! Your Pa\u2019s gonna be\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n Joe interrupted, \u201cI have to wire Pa!\u201d<\/p>\n Young Michael returned to the diner with another wire, he walked up next to Jacob and tugged his sleeve. The boy motioned the man to bend down to him, \u201cThis wire came in yesterday, but pa held it \u2018til he saw you come to town.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWick, this wire is for you,\u201d Jacob stated when he saw the name on the page.<\/p>\n \u201cWell, don\u2019t that beat all, even though they don\u2019t know that I found you, I still got a job,\u201d Wick announced after reading the wire.<\/p>\n *****<\/p>\n Roy Coffee looked up from his desk when Orville entered, holding several sheets of paper in his hand.<\/p>\n \u201cYou up to making a ride out to the Ponderosa tonight, Roy?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYou heard something from Ritter?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cSort of\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNow either ya did or ya didn\u2019t,\u201d Roy castigated the man, indicating he was not up for word games.<\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s from Joe.\u201d A broad smile spread across the man\u2019s face.<\/p>\n \u201cJoe?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYep, and one here\u2019s from Ritter.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cGive them to me. Orville, I swear\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYou better get in the saddle. Ben left explicit orders regardless what time of day or night.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cAnd you\u2019re sending me?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cFigured you\u2019d want to be the one instead of my boy. My wife would have my hide sending him when it would be dark before he even got there. Now you and I know neither Ben nor his boys would let Jeffrey ride back in the dark, but my Missus\u2026 oh she\u2019d make me ride out there to make sure the boy got there okay.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYou\u2019re right. I wouldn\u2019t want to suffer your wife\u2019s wrath. I\u2019ll see you later, Orville. Oh, and send word back that I\u2019m taking this to Ben.\u201d<\/p>\n *****<\/p>\n The final light in the study area darkened as Roy entered the front yard and dismounted. He knocked loudly on the front door.<\/p>\n Adam opened the door and recognized the lawman. \u201cRoy?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYour pa and Hoss still awake?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cPa went to bed hours ago, Hoss about thirty minutes\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cRoy? What\u2019s wrong?\u201d Ben called from the top of the staircase, tying the sash of his robe.<\/p>\n \u201cNothing\u2019s wrong\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThen why ya here, Roy?\u201d Hoss stood, wearing his green and white checked night shirt.<\/p>\n \u201cYou told Orville you wanted any wire received from Wick Ritter delivered immediately.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWe know he never found Joe\u2019s body and that he\u2019s returning home,\u201d Adam informed the lawman, allowing him to enter farther into the great room.<\/p>\n Roy removed his hat, trying hard not to grin like a Cheshire cat.<\/p>\n \u201cSo I heard,\u201d Roy had second thoughts about stringing out the news, the family had suffered enough grief and this was news they needed to hear. \u201cBut that ain\u2019t exactly right.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWhat isn\u2019t right?\u201d Adam picked up the change in Roy\u2019s voice.<\/p>\n \u201cGot a wire from Ritter, but also have a second wire here ya might be interested in reading.\u201d<\/p>\n Roy handed the sheets to Adam, and curiously watched his expression. \u2018Dang, the boy can be surprised.\u2019<\/p>\n \u201cAdam?\u201d Hoss witnessed his brother\u2019s tears.<\/p>\n \u201cThis wire is from Joe.\u201d Looking up, Adam\u2019s face cried and laughed at the same time. \u201cHe\u2019s alive, just outside of Sacramento.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWhere is he?\u201d Ben was fast to his son\u2019s side and took the wire Adam held out to him.<\/p>\n \u201cRitter\u2019s outside of Sacramento, too,\u201d Roy offered.<\/p>\n \u201cHe is? Wire him back, tell him where Joe is. Tell him to go find my son.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHe knows,\u201d Adam laughed, having read the second wire. \u201cThey\u2019re together.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cTogether?\u201d Hoss joined his family, looking over their shoulders at the wires. \u201cDon\u2019t that beat all?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m sure there\u2019s a long story, but they\u2019ll be heading home tomorrow\u2026 Only Joe needs some money.\u201d Ben smiled, placing a hand upon Adam\u2019s shoulder.<\/p>\n \u201cHe needs money?\u201d Hoss laughed.<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019ll ride into town and send a return wire and make arrangements for funds to be transferred,\u201d Ben announced.<\/p>\n Hoss and Adam looked to each other, pleased to hear hope in their father\u2019s voice. In Joe\u2019s absence and Adam\u2019s injury, Ben\u2019s demeanor had turned despondent, just going through the motions and not caring. An exhausted body fell to sleep easier; not allowing grief to wallow in one\u2019s mind.<\/p>\n \u201cI think we\u2019ll all go to town in the morning,\u201d Ben responded to his sons\u2019 reactions.<\/p>\n \u201cOh, Ben. I had Orville send a wire back to Joe letting him know that I was bringing you the news,\u201d Roy stated. \u201cI best be getting back to town.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cRoy, please,\u201d offered Ben. \u201cYou can stay in one of the guest rooms.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNot tonight. I got a town to mind. Night Ben, boys.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cGood night Roy,\u201d the family chorused.<\/p>\n \u201cLit\u2019le Joe come home?\u201d Hop Sing asked from where he waited in the dining room.<\/p>\n \u201cHop Sing!\u201d Hoss walked towards the diminutive man and picked him up in a huge bear hug, \u201cLittle Joe\u2019s coming home!\u201d<\/p>\n *****<\/p>\n Early the following morning, Joe read the telegram from home.<\/p>\n Joseph Cartwright Request confirmed \/stop Pa<\/p>\n Joe asked Reverend Mother Mary Collette if Sacramento had more than one bank. By the time he arrived at the third bank, he was happily informed by the manager that he had received a wire from Benjamin Cartwright of Virginia City, Nevada.<\/p>\n \u201cIf you are indeed young Joseph Cartwright, you\u2019ll need to prove your identification.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHow, I lost everything in the flood waters,\u201d Joe replied.<\/p>\n \u201cYour father asked a few very specific questions and gave the answer.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cBut then anyone who read that wire or talked with your telegraphers could know the answers.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThe description your father listed is also a factor. I don\u2019t know of many a young man who could fit your description.\u201d<\/p>\n Fifteen minutes after entering the bank, Joe couldn\u2019t believe the amount of money his father had made available to him. Joe\u2019s first stop was the general mercantile where he purchased a hat, a few shirts and pants, as well as other items and supplies he and Wick would need for the trip home.<\/p>\n Second on his list of places to visit was the livery. He inquired if they had a horse for sale, only to be informed to purchase a horse, he would need to travel to one of the horse ranches just south of town. In the meantime, they would willingly rent a horse for such an endeavor. Walking his rented horse to the street, Joe smiled to see Wick waiting for him.<\/p>\n \u201cLet\u2019s go find you a horse, Joe.\u201d<\/p>\n Two hours and half a dozen horses later, the two returned to town with Joe leading another horse. Joe halted in front of the leather shop, intending to purchase a saddle.<\/p>\n \u201cGuess I know why Pa sent so much money,\u201d Joe stated after leaving the shop.<\/p>\n \u201cWhat are you going to do with the rest?\u201d Wick inquired.<\/p>\n \u201cSome good.\u201d Joe smiled and headed to the doctor\u2019s office.<\/p>\n \u201cWhat\u2019s this for, Joe?\u201d Doc Abrams inquired having seen what was inside the envelope handed to him.<\/p>\n \u201cTo pay you for services rendered in seeing that I survived.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI didn\u2019t do that much.\u201d Doc Abrams attempted to give the money back.<\/p>\n \u201cNo Doc, I think my Pa would strongly argue that point. I\u2019m alive to go home.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cJoe, the women folk at the convent did most of the work.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI know, and I want you to help restock their medical supplies. This money,\u201d Joe handed over another envelope, \u201cis for you to purchase anything you think they might need to help others.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThey\u2019ll be pleased and humbled.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI also want to arrange for someone to make sure the convent is properly taken care of. I was thinking of asking Jacob if he\u2019d hire the men and oversee the repairs needed.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHe loves those women, he\u2019d do anything for them.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI thought you\u2019d say that.\u201d<\/p>\n *****<\/p>\n Once their errands in town were finished, Joe and Wick rode to Jacob\u2019s home. His young son, Liam, greeted them while hanging from a tree in the front yard.<\/p>\n \u201cAren\u2019t you supposed to be in school?\u201d Joe asked.<\/p>\n \u201cNo school today.\u201d<\/p>\n Jacob stepped from his home, \u201cYou are leaving?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYes, it\u2019s time I returned home. I have family waiting for me. Can we go inside for a few minutes?\u201d<\/p>\n Jacob allowed Joe to walk in front of him. \u201cIt is good to go home.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYes, but I\u2019m going to miss you and the Sisters.\u201d Joe looked around the simple home the man and his young son shared. \u201cJacob, I\u2019ve opened an account at the mercantile and the hardware store. Anything you need, to help fix the convent, I want you to purchase and to organize men to do the work. I\u2019ve left instructions at the bank for the manager to pay you and the men a weekly salary until the Sisters are pleased that everything has been completed.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYou want me to be the boss?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI can\u2019t think of anyone better suited to handle the job.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThank you. But before you leave, I have something for you.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYou don\u2019t need to give me anything.\u201d Joe held out his hands in an attempt to refuse any type of gift.<\/p>\n \u201cI return this to you.\u201d Jacob pulled Joe\u2019s holster from a desk drawer. \u201cThe Reverend Mother asked that I dispose of it the first night you were with us. It is good workmanship, I could not throw it away. I oiled it regularly. The water was not good for it.\u201d<\/p>\n Looking over his holster, Joe was beholden to the man for the return of the gift given to him by his father upon his sixteenth birthday. Blushing, \u201cI hadn\u2019t even thought about what happened to it. Thank you, Jacob. Thank you for everything.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI had asked Mary Seraphina about the weapon, it wasn\u2019t in your holster when she found you.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cAs much as I was thrown about in the river, it doesn\u2019t surprise me that it\u2019s gone.\u201d<\/p>\n The two men shook hands before Joe left the house. Jacob stood on the porch with his hand on his son\u2019s shoulder.<\/p>\n \u201cHey Joe, you found your holster,\u201d Wick called out when seeing the item slung over Joe\u2019s shoulder.<\/p>\n \u201cI hadn\u2019t even missed it until you showed up.\u201d Using the back of his hand, Joe teasingly gut slapped his friend as he took the reins to his new horse.<\/p>\n \u201cYeah, I saw your hand straying to your side in the diner last night. No gun?\u201d<\/p>\n Joe shook his head no. \u201cI need to stop by the gunsmith before we head home. That should give you some time to say goodbye to your friend.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThanks Joe.\u201d<\/p>\n *****<\/p>\n With the last of their purchases and arrangements completed, Wick held the reins to the two horses loaded with supplies, and patiently waited under the shade trees in front of the convent.<\/p>\n The youngest Cartwright removed his hat as he stepped inside to say a final goodbye.<\/p>\n Holding the Reverend Mother\u2019s hands in his, Joe spoke, \u201cThank you for being more stubborn than I was.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYou\u2019re welcome, Joe.\u201d Pulling a hand from Joe\u2019s, she caressed his face. \u201cWe all lose faith at one time or another, whether it is with God or one\u2019s family. What matters is you listened to you heart.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNot sure it was my heart.\u201d Joe blushed. \u201cBefore I leave, I wanted to let you know I\u2019ve made some arrangements to help you and the Sisters in your work here. Doc Abrams knows what to do, and so does Jacob.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cJoe, what have you done?\u201d Mary Collette\u2019s eyes bespoke amusement.<\/p>\n \u201cOnly what needed to be done to repay you for everything.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWe didn\u2019t do anything expecting repayment. We do what we do because it is how we can best serve God.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI want to help you, and I know my father would approve of what I\u2019ve done.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYou\u2019re not going to tell me, are you?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNo ma\u2019am. However, I\u2019m thankful that fate dropped me on your doorstep, so to speak.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cBless you, my child. Go in peace,\u201d the Reverend Mother stated as she kissed Joe’s cheek.<\/p>\n Joe next spoke with Mary Seraphina, \u201cI wanted to personally thank you for nursing me back to health and being a friend.\u201d<\/p>\n Joe leaned in and kissed the young woman’s cheek, causing her to bush and gape her mouth open. Using his index and middle fingers, Joe lifted her chin to close her mouth.<\/p>\n \u201cIf you should decide to take your final vows, I want to know. I want to be here when you begin your new life ministering to those in need.\u201d<\/p>\n Mary Seraphina looked away. Joe gently turned her face back to him. His crooked finger remained under her chin.<\/p>\n Softly he spoke. \u201cDon\u2019t base your decision on whether you can or cannot talk. You have a special talent in these hands.\u201d Joe took both her hands in his. \u201cI thought you were an angel when I first opened my eyes. Just being there, your presence was comforting, a healing touch is worth so much more than a spoken word. I\u2019m alive because of you. I know you\u2019ll take good care of anyone else in need.\u201d<\/p>\n Mary Seraphina smiled, her blush deepened.<\/p>\n \u201cWe\u2019ll send word to you Joe,\u201d the Reverend Mother stated as she wrapped an arm around Mary Seraphina\u2019s shoulders.<\/p>\n Joe walked out into the yard and in typical Little Joe style, he swung aboard his new horse. Removing his hat and placing it over his heart, Joe called, \u201cI\u2019ll be back some day.\u201d He waved his hat over his head as he and Wick Ritter turned their mounts and headed to the Ponderosa.<\/p>\n *****<\/p>\n Each day that passed, Joe experienced a case of jittery nerves concerning his reception once he returned home. In the six days since they\u2019d left Sacramento, Joe switched between wanting to rush home or slow down due to his worries. Longing to be with his family finally overrode his fears of their reactions, and so he wanted to ride as long and as fast as possible. But reason prevailed when Wick reminded Joe of the inherent dangers of riding at night.<\/p>\n The next morning, they only stayed in camp long enough to drink a cup of coffee; Joe had both horses saddled in record time while Wick removed any trace of their stay.<\/p>\n On the last rise he needed to cross, Joe looked out over the final few miles of his return; the majesty of his home stood grand among the towering trees for which she took her name. In his heart he knew his brother\u2019s voice, \u201cQuit lollygagging around Shortshanks! I done did your chores.\u201d Another voice echoed, \u201cYou did a good job, kid. I\u2019m proud of you.\u201d But the voice that rose above the others was the one he was desperate to hear, \u201cI\u2019ve missed you Joseph, please come home soon.\u201d<\/p>\n Hearing a tinge of pleading, Joe kicked his mount into a gallop and soon out distanced Wick and his horse. Joe knew he shouldn\u2019t race into the yard, but somehow he knew he\u2019d be forgiven, this time. In rhythm to his horse\u2019s hoof beats, Joe\u2019s heart sang, \u201cI\u2019m home, I\u2019m home.\u201d<\/p>\n *****<\/p>\n \u201cDagnabit! He shoulda been home last night!\u201d the big man worried, walking a path back and forth in front of the massive fireplace.<\/p>\n His father and older brother sat in their chairs on either side of the low table; both with their own apprehensions of what was keeping the youngest member from reaching home as fast as possible.<\/p>\n \u201cHoss, fretting won\u2019t bring Joe home any sooner.\u201d Ben set aside the three day old paper he\u2019d been attempting to read.<\/p>\n \u201cHe doesn\u2019t have Cochise to ride; we brought him and Warrior home after the drive. Who knows what kind of mount he found.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cMaybe we should head out and meet him.\u201d Hoss finally sat down on the stone hearth.<\/p>\n \u201cWhere? Just where would we meet him? We have no idea what route Joe is taking to get home. We could pass him and never know it.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHe\u2019d come the most direct route home.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHoss, think back to when you and Adam were planning the cattle drive. There were several alternate routes that you could have taken. No, it\u2019s best we wait for your brother right here.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI cain\u2019t just sit here!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNeither can I.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHe\u2019s home.\u201d Ben stood and ran for the door. The brothers looked to each other in confusion for a moment before following.<\/p>\n Ben hurriedly stepped from the porch as the overwhelming feeling pulled him forward.<\/p>\n Following their father, the brothers were disappointed to find the yard empty, but hearts lightened when they heard the approach of a galloping horse.<\/p>\n \u201cThink Pa\u2019s gonna get after him for racin\u2019 into the yard?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNot this time.\u201d Adam smiled as he shook his head. \u201cPa\u2019s just as anxious for him to return home as we are.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cJOSEPH!\u201d<\/p>\n Reining back, Joe brought his horse to a halt and sat there. Staring at his family he felt his chest constrict as they clamored around him, a hand on his knee, his thigh, and his forearm. Their reassuring need to touch confirmed he was really home and that he was loved.<\/p>\n *****<\/p>\n No one let Joe out of their sight until he announced that he was tired and probably should go to bed. Climbing the staircase, he teased his brothers about all the chores they probably had left for him to complete in the morning.<\/p>\n Hoss teased right back, \u201cJust you wait an\u2019 see what all we let pile up for you.\u201d<\/p>\n Adam couldn\u2019t let Hoss get in the last word, \u201cIt\u2019s about time you learned the books. So once you\u2019re done with chores tomorrow, get your scrawny butt back inside and I\u2019ll put you to work on the ledgers.\u201d<\/p>\n *****<\/p>\n Earlier in the afternoon, having survived his family\u2019s reactions to seeing him for the first time in almost two months, Joe turned to see Hop Sing standing at the doorway to the kitchen. Slowly he approached the man who had watched him grow up and helped take care of him. \u201cI missed you Hop Sing.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cBoy too skinny. Get washed up. Lunch on table.\u201d The Oriental man turned to walk away, but paused and looked back. \u201cHop Sing missed you too. Next time, no die.\u201d<\/p>\n Ben allowed his older sons their laughter at their brother\u2019s expense, wishing he too could laugh at Hop Sing\u2019s order, but his emotions were too raw. Hoss and Adam entered their home leaving Ben with his youngest as the boy, no, the young man surveyed his home.<\/p>\n \u201cBeing away like I was; makes me appreciate home all the more. I didn\u2019t mean to make you worry, Pa.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThat\u2019s just one of my jobs. I thank God for bringing you home safely.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHe sure had a lot of help, why if it hadn\u2019t been for the Sisters\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYou can tell me all about your exploits after lunch.\u201d Ben cringed, had his young son stayed away because he\u2019d met a set of sisters? His stomach growled, \u201cLet\u2019s go in, I\u2019d hate to lose Hop Sing back to China just when you\u2019ve returned.\u201d<\/p>\n *****<\/p>\n Once the table was cleared from lunch and the family retired to the great room, Joe told his story of the stampede, being thrown into the raging river and finally of floating. Rapt attention was given to his description of wanting to give up when the pain became too much; that is until he heard his family pleading for him to fight and to come to them.<\/p>\n \u201cWhy didn\u2019t you wire us that you were safe?\u201d Adam asked.<\/p>\n \u201cI told you, I\u2019d broken my arm as well as some ribs,\u201d Joe began fidgeting, \u201cI also came down with pneumonia. In my dreams, I…\u201d Joe averted his eyes from his oldest brother.<\/p>\n \u201cYou what?\u201d encouraged Ben.<\/p>\n \u201cI remembered pulling my gun on you, Pa, and I saw Adam warning me never to return home.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI never!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI know you didn\u2019t \u2013 now. My dreams were all mixed up, everything was jumbled. I didn\u2019t even remember those were Ponderosa cattle I was helping to drive. I finally remembered it was Judd Jordan you were warning.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cShortshanks, how?\u201d<\/p>\n Joe told of the Sisters of the Teresian Order, causing Ben to blush at his earlier assumption. The sun continued to traverse across the sky as Joe\u2019s tale unfolded. He watched anger infuse his family when he told of Jordan\u2019s unwelcomed appearance at the convent. They calmed in hearing how the Reverend Mother was able to see through his lies. The story ended with the wire sent to Roy and Wick Ritter\u2019s appearance in the diner.<\/p>\n \u201cLet me tell you that gave me one heck of a headache. But when I came too, everything was back in its proper order, like I never forgot.\u201d<\/p>\n By the time Hop Sing had set the dinner on the table, Joe had finally explained the gifts he bestowed on those who had helped him.<\/p>\n *****<\/p>\n With the fire banked for the night, Ben walked outside. His steps, slow and measured, took him across the yard to the paddock where their horses were enjoying the cool evening. As if the breeze spoke to him, he looked up to the heavens.<\/p>\n \u201cThank you,\u201d Ben murmured, his arms rested across the top railing with his pipe in hand.<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019ll second that.\u201d Adam quietly approached his father.<\/p>\n \u201cI thought you were in bed.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI tried, but couldn\u2019t sleep.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cAfraid to wake up and find out his return was a dream?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cSomething like that.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHe\u2019s home son. He\u2019s healthy and he\u2019s home.\u201d Ben inhaled deeply through his pipe; exhaling slowly, allowing the smoke to billow in imitation of the wispy clouds above.<\/p>\n \u201cThat was some story he told.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cIndeed it was. Earlier, when you and Hoss headed inside the house, he began to tell me if it hadn\u2019t been for the sisters\u2026\u201d Ben gave a brief laugh. \u201cWell, you can imagine my thoughts.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThat would be my little brother.\u201d His eyes sparkled at the image of his father\u2019s thoughts.<\/p>\n Ben grew solemn, \u201cI guess we both need to forgive ourselves.\u201d<\/p>\n Adam stared at his father.<\/p>\n \u201cSon, I felt the same way. Wondering if things would have been different had I been in charge of the drive.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cPa, there was nothing you could have done to prevent what happened once the storm hit. No one could have even prevented Sport and I from taking that tumble.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI know.\u201d Raising an eyebrow, \u201cAnd I hope you do too.\u201d<\/p>\n Thoughtfully, accepting the truth, Adam nodded.<\/p>\n \u201cCome on son, morning comes early.\u201d<\/p>\n Side by side, father and son walked across the front porch. Adam allowed his father to cross the threshold first. Ben paused one last time, thankful that hope and fate worked together \u2013 Joe was home.<\/p>\n ~The End<\/p>\n Verbiage\/ scene from The Truckee Strip were included in this story.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Tags: Adam Cartwright, Angst, Ben Cartwright, Cattle, Grief, Hoss Cartwright, Joe \/ Little Joe Cartwright, pneumonia, Stampede, Storm<\/p>\n
\nPlacerville, California<\/p>\n
\nStorm \u2013 stampede \/stop
\nMan killed \/stop
\nJoe missing \/stop<\/p>\n
\n*****<\/p>\n
\nThe man kept a running commentary as they waited. He continued telling the injured man what they planned to do once Matthew returned with a wagon and some blankets. \u201cDoesn\u2019t help you\u2019re soaking wet, but not much the young lady could do to remedy that. At least your torn clothes cover you where it matters most.\u201d<\/p>\n
\nVirginia City, Nevada<\/p>\n
\nTeresian Order
\nSacramento, California<\/p>\n
\nc\/o Teresian Convent
\nSacramento, California<\/p>\n
\nCome home \/stop<\/p>\n