{"id":10283,"date":"2015-01-10T21:18:41","date_gmt":"2015-01-11T02:18:41","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=10283"},"modified":"2025-02-18T19:11:30","modified_gmt":"2025-02-19T00:11:30","slug":"the-pain-and-the-fury","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=10283","title":{"rendered":"The Pain and the Fury (by justafan)"},"content":{"rendered":"

Summary: \u00a0<\/strong>WHN for The Magnificent Adah.\u00a0 <\/em>Joe was assaulted\u00a0by\u00a0one of\u00a0Ben’s rivals.\u00a0 Hoss dealt with the gentleman and the\u00a0episode ends with Ben, Hoss, and Adam returning from the saloon to check on Joe.<\/p>\n

(I spent quite a while attempting to find and correct all answers.\u00a0 I hope you enjoy the story!\u00a0 I had a great time writing this WHN!!)<\/p>\n

13,957 words \u00a0\u00a0Rating:\u00a0 K+ (has some description of physical assault)<\/p>\n

The Pain and the Fury<\/strong><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe awoke to the sound of someone moaning, not realizing that it was his own voice disturbing the silence of the room. The pain that flared across his face was nothing he had experienced before and Joe could not control the whimpers and moans that rose from deep within his chest.<\/p>\n

\u201cShh, son. I\u2019m here. Everything is going to be fine. Settle down now,\u201d came the familiar, soothing voice. The young man tried to open his eyes only to find that his eyelids would not move. An overwhelming fear set in and brought with it responses that only increased his emotional reaction.<\/p>\n

\u201cPa, Pa, get him off me. I can\u2019t see him, Pa. I can\u2019t open my eyes!\u201d Joe shouted between lips that were swollen and felt as if they did not belong to him. \u201cOh God, help me please,\u201d he moaned, continuing to fight an unseen enemy. The movement sent tremendous stabs of pain to the base of his skull and across both shoulders taking his breath and intensifying his struggle.<\/p>\n

\u201cPa, let me have him,\u201d Adam said as he rushed in to the room. He noted the look of concern on his father\u2019s face as he tried to calm the boy who lay injured and fighting with the little strength he had remaining in his battered body. Adam felt as if he should be doing more to help his brother, but he did not know what that would be considering Joe\u2019s injuries.<\/p>\n

\u201cNo, don\u2019t restrain him; he\u2019ll just fight harder,\u201d Hoss said. Joe continued to pull at the bandages covering his eyes while his Pa and brothers attempted to calm him. He only knew that he was afraid and in pain and in the dark. Wanting to open his eyes, Joe pulled at whatever held them closed, finding it a wasted effort.<\/p>\n

\u201cJoseph, there are bandages over your eyes, son. You\u2019re going to be fine, but you have to stop fighting. You\u2019re at the hotel with me and your brothers,\u201d Pa said as Adam reached for Joe\u2019s arms to keep him from fighting. \u201cAdam, don\u2019t hold him down. Joseph, listen to me and stop fighting right now.\u201d<\/p>\n

That was an order from the voice Joe was used to hearing and he began to respond to his father\u2019s requests. As he worked to get his breathing under control, the nausea that he had been ignoring made its presence known and in full force. \u201cPa, I\u2019m gonna . . . .\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cGet the basin, Adam,\u201d Ben said. However, it was too late as a severe bout of vomiting began and wracked the already injured boy. The contents of his stomach found their way onto the quilt and in Ben\u2019s lap as he tried to comfort his son. Joe\u2019s stomach continued to spasm until dry heaving indicated that his belly was empty. The dry heaving continued, creating pain and discomfort that moved throughout his body. To make the situation worse, Joe\u2019s nose began bleeding, adding to the nausea and violent heaving of his stomach, thereby increasing the pain that flared across his chest and back.<\/p>\n

\u201cPa, I\u2019ll get Paul,\u201d Adam said as he left the room. He continued to hear Joe\u2019s struggle as he entered the hallway, making his flight even more urgent. Adam thundered through the hallway and down the stairs, nearly running in to Dr. Martin.<\/p>\n

\u201cPaul, Joe\u2019s having a hard time right now and we need you in his room,\u201d Adam explained as he found the town doctor on his way up the stairs.<\/p>\n

\u201cI felt that he would begin showing signs of concussion when he woke this morning. That\u2019s why I\u2019m on my way up to his room. How long has he been awake?\u201d Paul asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cA short time actually. He woke up fighting and by the time Pa got him settled he started vomiting, then his nose started bleeding,\u201d Adam explained as he opened the door to the suite of rooms they shared at the hotel.<\/p>\n

\u201cPaul, hurry!\u201d Ben shouted from the bedroom. The concerned father was consoling his injured son; attempting to control the blood that flowed freely from Joe\u2019s injured nose.<\/p>\n

Dr. Paul Martin found his patient lying across his father\u2019s arms and appeared to be quite miserable. Hoss carried a basin and bed linen from the room, indicating the extent of Joe\u2019s sickness. Paul dropped his black bag on the table closest to the bed, took a seat and began his work. Looking at his patient, Dr. Martin observed, again, the severity of Joe\u2019s condition and began making rapid mental notes regarding his care.<\/p>\n

\u201cBen, let me have him,\u201d Paul said as he eased Joe from his father\u2019s lap, cradled his head carefully and slowly laid him on the pillows. \u201cAdam, let\u2019s keep a basin close by in case he gets sick again. Joe, this is Pau and I need you to listen to me. I\u2018m going to work on getting your nose to stop bleeding and then we\u2019ll see about making you more comfortable.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cMy head hurts bad, Paul. What\u2019s wrong with my eyes?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cJoe, don\u2019t worry, son. You\u2019re going to be fine. You have a concussion and that\u2019s why you were so sick when you woke up and that\u2019s why you have a headache. I may give you something for that later, but right now, I want you to settle down and let me take care of you. Understand?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYes Sir. My eyes, Paul?\u201d Joe asked quietly. His question was muffled by the cloth Dr. Martin used to stop the nosebleed.\u00a0\u00a0 Joe felt miserable and helpless as the family friend work to get him sorted out.<\/p>\n

\u201cYes, your eyes will be just fine. You have to follow my orders, understand? Now, you lay there quietly and let me take care of this nose and then I\u2019ll look at your eyes,\u201d Paul said as he patiently worked to stop the blood that flowed freely from Joe\u2019s nose. Paul thought about how violent a man must be to attack a young man as small as Joe. The size of the bruises on Joe\u2019s body and the extent of his injuries were indicators of the strength of the attacker.<\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s it, son. We got the nose to stop bleeding and now let\u2019s take a close look at your eyes,\u201d Paul said as he spoke quietly to his patient. Removing the bandages, Paul noticed that both eyes were swollen and the areas beneath the bandages had taken on a myriad of colors. \u201cJoe, try to open your eyes for me if you can.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOwww, it hurts,\u201d Joe whined as he struggled to move his eyelids. He slowly opened them to tiny slits and Dr. Martin opened them more. Peering in Joe\u2019s eyes, Paul made his assessment and determined that the bandages should be replaced. Knowing this patient and his lack of patience regarding recovery from injuries, Paul decided upon the quickest means and methods to bring about the removal of the bandages.<\/p>\n

\u201cJoe, I\u2019m afraid you\u2019re going to have to wear the bandages a few days before I feel your eyes will begin to recover. We need to let them rest and heal for a while. You will have to rely on your Pa and brothers until I remove the bandages, understand?\u201d Paul asked. He didn\u2019t have to wait long for a reply.<\/p>\n

\u201cFine, they hurt too much anyway,\u201d Joe whisper. \u201cJust let me go back to sleep,\u201d he said with a slur in his voice. \u201cLeave me alone.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI will certainly leave you alone when I\u2019m finished with you, you impatient little thing,\u201d Paul said chuckling at the pout on Joe\u2019s face. \u201cDo you feel sick right now, Joe?\u201d Paul asked as he finished his work and patted his young patient on the arm.<\/p>\n

\u201cMmmm, yes. I\u2019ll just go to sleep,\u201d Joe mumbled. He turned his head away from everyone and began to drift away. \u201cPlease, go away.\u201d<\/p>\n

The men in the room watched the battered young man as he settled down and went to sleep. They listened to Joe as he mumbled and repeatedly asked them to stop touching him, go away and leave him alone. Not sure if he was talking to the people in the room, Dr. Martin wanted to see if he was sleeping or awake.<\/p>\n

\u201cJoe, are you awake?\u201d Paul asked in a whisper and received no response. \u201cJoseph, can you hear me?\u201d he asked and again, received no answer.<\/p>\n

\u201cI think he was asleep, but I\u2019m not sure. Watch for his reactions when he wakes. We have to be prepared for his response when he begins to remember what happened to him in that alley. Some of the things he mumbled indicated his level of fear and apprehension. Joe will be fine, physically, but you have to be ready for the emotional damage he suffered. We won\u2019t know what that is for a while and it may surface immediately or much later,\u201d Paul said as he turned and looked at the other battered Cartwright. \u201cHoss, you need to get some rest, too. Joe has your Pa and brother to sit with him. Get to bed,\u201d Paul ordered and smiled up at the big man hovering so close to the head of the bed.<\/p>\n

\u201cI will, Doc. Jest wanna make sure Joe\u2019s all right,\u201d Hoss said. The big man\u2019s heart broke as he thought about what Joe experienced in that dark alley. \u201cI jest don\u2019t see why Regan felt the need to pound on Joe like this. Joe ain\u2019t big as nothin\u2019 and Regan was so . . . . .\u201d Hoss said as he remembered last night\u2019s fight. He shook his head to clear away the images of Joe at the hands of the powerful fighter. \u201cIt\u2019s a wonder he didn\u2019t kill \u2018im.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cGo back to bed, Hoss,\u201d Adam said. \u201cJoe\u2019s going to be fine and you took care of Regan last night.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m going, I\u2019m going. I don\u2019t think I did enough,\u201d Hoss mumbled as he smoothed Joe\u2019s curls before leaving his bedside. \u201cI didn\u2019t do nearly enough and I have a mind to go find him and finish what I started,\u201d he said leaving the room.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019ll do no such thing, young man. You just go to sleep and we\u2019ll wake you for lunch,\u201d Ben said as he chastised this over protective brother. He smiled and shook his head as he watched Hoss lumber out of the room with his big, powerful fists tucked into the front pockets of his pants.<\/p>\n

\u201cI ought to go find him and pound the daylights outta him . . . . . again,\u201d was the last reply as Ben heard the door to the other bedroom in the suite slam shut. He knew then that Hoss was following the doctor\u2019s instructions.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2019re gonna have to keep our eyes on that one,\u201d Ben said chuckling.\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cIf not, Paul, you\u2019ll need to have another visit with John C. Regan.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cPaul, is it safe to move Joe to one of other rooms?\u201d Adam asked remembering that they had stripped the bed of its linen and blankets.<\/p>\n

\u201cYes and Ben, you may want to get yourself cleaned up as well. You reek!\u201d Paul answered and smiled as he left the room. \u201cOh, you Cartwrights will not worry my patience today. See you later this afternoon,\u201d he said as he shook his head and left this family of men to their own vices.<\/p>\n

Ben and Adam settled Joe in an adjoining room and began their vigil at his bedside. Paul had assured them that Joe would sleep for the remainder of the day and that they should have no problems until the next morning.<\/p>\n

*******************************************<\/p>\n

Ben watched as Joe tossed on the bed, moaning through his dream. His son had slept the entire day, waking briefly then drifting back to sleep. Ben and his other sons sat in the room and watched the young man sleep; fearful of leaving him alone. The sounds of fear and pain were clear as Joe fought an unseen monster. Ben took Joe\u2019s hands and whispered quietly to him in hopes of calming his injured son.<\/p>\n

\u201cJoseph, you\u2019re fine. Wake up for me, now,\u201d Ben said. \u201cCome on, wake up.\u201d Ben rubbed the back of Joe\u2019s hands as his son continued to cry out and struggle in his sleep. \u201cAdam, get the basin. I think we may need it when Joe wakes. He\u2019s tossing his head to much to not be sick,\u201d Ben said. He lifted Joe from the pillows and held him close. This brought Joe to full wakefulness. \u201cJoe, shhh. It\u2019s me; you\u2019re fine, shhh,\u201d Ben said as he soothed his son\u2019s fears.<\/p>\n

\u201cPa?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYes, son. Just stay here for a few minutes. I don\u2019t want to move you too fast,\u201d Ben said. Adam stacked the pillows behind Joe\u2019s back and waited for his father to lay him down. Ben slowly lowered his youngest until he rested against the stack of pillows. \u201cHow do you feel, son? Do you feel sick at all?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAll right. I don\u2019t feel sick; I just hurt and I\u2019m hungry,\u201d Joe answered, touching the sore areas on his face. His father took his son\u2019s hand down and patted them gently.<\/p>\n

\u201cAdam, take care of him for a while. I\u2019m going to see about getting some breakfast up here,\u201d Ben said as he stood and stretched. Spending the night in the chair made him a little stiff and sore. Some fresh air is what he needed and would include a walk to Roy Coffee\u2019s office. As he opened the door to enter the hallway, Ben was greeted by Hop Sing and one of his many cousins.<\/p>\n

\u201cGood morning Mr. Cartlight. Hop Sing and Number 2 cousin bring breakfast for family. Hop Sing know that Number 3 Son hurt bad and bring good broth and medicine from Chun Li. Good Chinese medicine help Little Joe feel much better vely, vely fast,\u201d the cook and family friend said as he bustled into the room.<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, Hop Sing I thank you for coming,\u201d Ben said shaking his head as a stream of Chinese men entered the room carrying packages and containers of food. \u201cThis is a lot of food, Hop Sing.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cMr. Hoss and Mr. Adam here; they eat much food. Hop Sing bring vely much food. Mr. Hoss vely hungry. Hop Sing take care of Mr. Hoss,\u201d he responded as he moved quickly through the suite. The Chinese cook barked orders to his countrymen in their native tongue and they began arranging the furniture in preparation of breakfast for the Cartwright family.<\/p>\n

\u201cPa, I thought I smelled Hop Sing\u2019s cooking,\u201d Hoss said as he entered the room. \u201cI knew I weren\u2019t dreaming. Howdy Hop Sing. Boy am I glad to see ya. Look at them flapjacks, Pa,\u201d Hoss said rubbing his hands together and smacking his lips. \u201cEggs, bacon, and \u2018taters, too.\u00a0\u00a0 Mmmmm. Hey Adam!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHoss, stop shouting or you\u2019ll make your brother\u2019s headache worse,\u201d Ben said admonishing Hoss\u2019 enthusiastic response to finding Hop Sing\u2019s breakfast.<\/p>\n

\u201cHe\u2019s already complaining about that,\u201d Adam said from the bedroom door. \u201cHop Sing, I think that broth you mentioned will be the thing Joe needs right now. I\u2019m glad to see you.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHop Sing take care of Number 3. You eat now.\u201d Hop Sing entered the room and found his favorite Cartwright son with bandages over his eyes and around his ribs. The cuts and scratches on his face were visible and the bruising showed the damage done and the severity of the assault. \u201cHop Sing take care of Little Joe, now. You drink broth; has good medicine, make head stop spinning and you feel betta lickety split,\u201d Hop Sing said as he spooned the broth into Joe\u2019s mouth.<\/p>\n

\u201cI can do it myself. Thanks Hop Sing,\u201d Joe said taking the cup and sipping noisily. \u201cWhere is everyone?\u201d he asked as he tried to make his damaged lips work correctly. Small amounts of the healing broth landed on his chest and the bed linen.<\/p>\n

\u201cHop Sing bring breakfast for family. When you feel betta, Hop Sing have breakfast for you. If you want more broth, Hop Sing have plenty. Little boy hurt bad. Big man attack you on street and pull into alley. Number 1 cousin see and tell Mr. Hoss and Mr. Adam. Hop Sing sorry you hurt,\u201d he said as he touched Joe\u2019s arm. \u201cHop Sing use special medicine to heal and make betta.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThank you and tell your cousins I appreciate their help,\u201d Joe said sipping the broth as quickly as his injured mouth would allow. To his amazement, the broth stopped the feeling of nausea and his stomach settled quickly. \u201cHmmmm, Hop Sing, that was so good. What was in it? I feel better already.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cGood Chinese medicine work fast,\u201d the family friend answered. Knowing the contents of the broth, Hop Sing watched while Joe began to relax and breathe easier.<\/p>\n

I think I\u2019ll go to sleep for a while.\u201d Joe began drifting off to sleep when Hop Sing sat slowly on the side of the bed, watching as the young man attempted to find comfort on the unfamiliar bed.<\/p>\n

\u201cJoseph, the man who did this to you will see very few sunrises,\u201d Hop Sing said. Gone was the Chinese accent that Joe had grown accustomed to over the years. It was replaced by a clear statement that brokered no argument.<\/p>\n

Confused by the sound of his friend\u2019s voice, Joe began reaching for an anchor that would let him know his was in the same place. \u201cHop Sing, is that you?\u201d he asked reaching blindly into the air.<\/p>\n

\u201cYes, Joseph. It is me. You go to sleep now and let me take care of everything. I will make you whole and dispatch the monster who thought it wise to hurt my son this way. Go to sleep,\u201d Hop Sing said in perfect English. Holding the hand that sought the person he knew was there, Hop Sing watched Joe drift off to sleep and listened for the breathing that indicated that his loved one was resting. Moving to stand in front of the window, the China man made eye contact and nodded slightly at his cousin who waited across the street from the hotel. \u201cHe will not see another sunrise,\u201d Hop Sing whispered as he returned to the chair beside the bed. Smoothing the covers over Joe, he silently brushed the wayward curl from his brow and patted the top of the young man\u2019s head. \u201cJust rest, Joseph. It is done.\u201d<\/p>\n

The cousin moved like a shadow down the street, passed several of Virginia\u2019s citizens who ignored the him, as usual. He had a job to do that required contact with only one person.<\/p>\n

*****************************************************************************<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat was the last thing you remember, Joe?\u201d Paul asked as he leaned closer to the boy while bandaging his eyes. Paul recalled the many events that found him caring for this young man over the last several years. Watching Joe struggle to remember, Paul gained more details about his patient\u2019s injuries. He made a mental note of this response that indicated some memory loss.<\/p>\n

\u201cAhmmm, I was with Miss Adah in her room and . . . . ohhh,\u201d Joe said and Paul noted the blush of color that rose in Joe\u2019s neck and the part of his face that was visible. \u201cAnd, and, ahmm, with Hoss in the saloon. I woke up here with all this pain and darkness and I\u2019m afraid,\u201d Joe said as the pace of his breathing increased. \u201cI don\u2019t know what happened to me. Why don\u2019t I know, Paul?\u201d Joe asked as he became increasingly upset. \u201cPa, Pa,\u201d Joe shouted as his fear began to take control.<\/p>\n

\u201cJoe, take it easy,\u201d Paul said. \u201cYou can\u2019t remember because you have a concussion. Your memory will return and it seems to me that the only thing you can\u2019t recall is exactly what happened after you left the saloon,\u201d Paul said as the door to the room swung open and Ben strode quickly to his son\u2019s side with the two big brothers crowding the room.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m here, Joseph. Calm down, now. Just breathe and take it easy. That\u2019s it. Adam, get me some water for him and Hoss you find someplace to settle down,\u201d he said taking charge as he always did.<\/p>\n

The water felt cool on Joe\u2019s parched lips and some spilled onto his bare chest.<\/p>\n

Pa, what happened to me?\u201d Joe asked. \u201cHow did I get hurt like this?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cJoseph, we\u2019ll talk about that later. Right now I want you to lay back and go to sleep. The important thing is for you to rest and recover your health,\u201d Paul answered standing behind Ben Cartwright as he took care of his youngest. \u201cI\u2019ll be back later this evening before I turn in to check on you. If things look better in the morning, we may be able to let you go home. Two days resting here should be enough time for you to begin regaining your strength,\u201d Paul said.<\/p>\n

\u201cWho hurt me like this, Pa? My body hurts all over,\u201d Joe said as he relaxed and began feeling the injuries that he received at the hands of a vicious man. Small whimpers escaped his lips as he tried to settle into a position that would not require that he lay on the numerous bruises on his back.<\/p>\n

\u201cCan\u2019t you give him something?\u201d Adam asked. It was difficult for him to watch his brother in pain and this logical brother could not understand the need for his brother to suffer from his injuries.<\/p>\n

\u201cNot right now. I want to wait to see how he is this evening as far as the concussion is concerned. I don\u2019t\u2019 want to prescribe something that would continue making him sleep for extended periods of time. This evening at around 7:00, I will stop by and give him something to make him more comfortable and help him sleep through the night,\u201d Paul explained as he checked the pocket watch he always carried with him.<\/p>\n

\u201cPa tell me what happened to me, please.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2019ll talk about that later. Right now what you need to know is that your eyes will be fine as will the rest of you. Paul said he\u2019ll take the bandages off tomorrow and we will take you home to rest in your bed. Your eyes are swollen and need to rest as does the remainder of that body of yours. Now take a sip of water and go back to sleep. Adam and I will be here when you wake up,\u201d Pa said helping Joe take a drink of water.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhere\u2019s Hoss. I heard him a few minutes ago,\u201d Joe said with a pronounced slur already forming. He could not figure out if he was sleepy or if it was the way his lips weren\u2019t working. \u00a0\u201cHoss sounded kinda funny when he was here a few minutes ago.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHoss had something he dealt with a couple of nights ago and he\u2019s right here. There\u2019s nothing wrong with him that some additional sleep won\u2019t help. Oh, and you sound kinda funny yourself,\u201d Adam said with a slight smile.<\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s right, Punkin. Ole Hoss ain\u2019t napping yet; he\u2019s just fine. You gone ahead and rest now,\u201d Hoss said as he lay his hand on the top of Joe\u2019s head. \u201cGo to sleep, little brother. Hoss took care of things real fine.\u201d That was the last thing Joe heard as he drifted off to sleep and the last thing he felt was Pa\u2019s arms around him, Adam squeezing his leg, and the gentle weight of Hoss\u2019 hand as he smoothed the curly hair that he inherited from his mother. \u201cI must be in bad shape,\u201d was the last thought Joe had before he knew nothing else.<\/p>\n

The Cartwright men left Joe sleeping soundly and moved their discussion to the outer room. They entered the ornately decorated parlor and Adam poured drinks for the three of them.<\/p>\n

\u201cHere, Pa. I think you could use this,\u201d Adam said handing his father a drink of brandy to settle him down. \u201cI know how you worry and fret over Joe and seeing him in this condition must be hard.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYes, it\u2019s extremely hard, especially when it was totally unnecessary. What was the point of injuring the boy the way he did?\u201d Ben asked in frustration. \u201cWill Joe always be a target of any man who is angry with me about something?\u201d he pondered aloud as he paced in front of the fireplace. \u201cI\u2019ll be back in a while, boys. Take care of Joe. I just need to get some air,\u201d Ben said as he grabbed his hat from the credenza near the door.<\/p>\n

Shaking his head and watching his Pa leave the room, Hoss leaned back in the chair and thought about what his father said. Looking at Adam, he saw a light shine from his big brother\u2019s eyes that let Hoss know that Adam was thinking the same thing.<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, Hoss, when Joe is back on his feet, there are some things we have to take care of,\u201d Adam said rubbing his chin.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou betcha. Joe\u2019s gotta learn to take care of hisself better than either one of us. He\u2019s still young, but old enough to come to town and move around without us following him. We gotta figure this one out, Adam, \u2018cause somebody else could hurt \u2018im bad again and he\u2019s so small . . . .\u201d Hoss said as his concern for his brother became the focus of his thoughts. Tears clouded the big man\u2019s vision as he thought about his brother being defenseless again and in the hand of some brutal man.<\/p>\n

\u201cSettle down, Hoss. We\u2019ll work out some things and see if we can\u2019t help him with that,\u201d Adam answered. \u201cI\u2019ve got a few ideas in mind to teach that little brother to properly handle himself in any situation.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben Cartwright wandered down the dusty main street of Virginia City, with his thoughts back in the hotel bedroom with his youngest. He headed toward Roy Coffee\u2019s office to have a chat with the lawman and his best friend.\u00a0\u00a0 His thoughts were interrupted by a call from the alley next to the sheriff\u2019s office.<\/p>\n

\u201cBen, I need to see you over here for a few minutes,\u201d Roy shouted as he waved his friend over. Roy walked briskly to meet Ben in the middle of the street and taking him by the arm, led his friend to the office door. \u201cYou\u2019ll never guess what I found about twenty minutes ago,\u201d Roy said as he ushered Ben into the office.<\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t know, Roy. I only have my injured son on my mind right now. I just left Joe with his brothers and Hop Sing. Every time I look at my son, I can\u2019t believe how that man abused him. Roy, I can\u2019t stand to think about what Joe was feeling when that monster was pounding on him. Roy, I can\u2019t . . . . .\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cBen, I just found that monster, as you call him, dead in the alley,\u201d Roy say taking his friend by the arm.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat? Dead in the alley?\u201d Ben questioned. \u201cWhat happened to him?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t know. He wasn\u2019t shot or anything. He\u2019s just dead. I\u2019ll have Paul take a look at him to see if he can figure out what happened. Ben, where have you and your boys been for the last hour or so?\u201d Roy asked. \u201cThe body\u2019s still warm so this has happened just a short while ago,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n

\u201cDo you think one of us left Joe\u2019s side to kill John Regan in an alley? You know where we\u2019ve been, Roy. We\u2019ve been taking care of our youngest who was nearly beaten to death by that man.\u00a0\u00a0 I really don\u2019t care what happened to him. My sons and I have been together since Saturday night, in that hotel room with Joe. Dr. Martin, Hop Sing, and several of his cousins are the only visitors we\u2019ve had. Now if you don\u2019t mind, I think you have work to do. But let me warn you, Roy, don\u2019t come looking at me or my sons as suspects in the murder of that monster. We had our chance to kill him if we had a mind. I\u2019m going back to my son.\u201d<\/p>\n

And with that final comment, the angered father opened the door, turned and fixed Sheriff Roy Coffee with a stare that would slay most men. He slammed the door, rattling the guns in the gun rack and headed back to the hotel. From the alley across the street, one lone Chinaman stood, stoically, and watched Hop Sing\u2019s boss leave the sheriff\u2019s office. He waited until Mr. Cartwright entered the hotel, then changed his location to the area across the street from the hotel room window. The Chinaman watched the curtain open, nodded curtly then moved silently up the street.<\/p>\n

Hop Sing stood in the window looking down on the street below. Across the street stood one of his many cousins, who nodded his head slightly then walked up the street, raising no dust and making not a sound. \u201cHe will not see another sunrise,\u201d Hop Sing whispered as he let the curtain fall back in place.<\/p>\n

******************************************<\/p>\n

\u201cLet me sleep; I\u2019m not awake yet,\u201d Joe said through the sleep that clouded his mind. He tried to open his eyes, but it didn\u2019t work and fear grabbed the young man\u2019s heart again. Pain was all he felt as Joe struggled to clear his head and open his eyes. His face felt as if it was too big and his head felt like a large stone from the river. \u201cWhat\u2019s wrong with me,\u201d Joe shouted, fighting the hands that attempted to stop him from pulling the bandages from his eyes. \u201cLet me go, don\u2019t hurt me,\u201d he shouted. \u201cPa, Pa!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cJoseph, its Dr. Martin. Stop fighting, son,\u201d Ben said.<\/p>\n

\u201cNo,\u201d he shouted back. \u201cTake your hands off me; let me go!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cPunkin, you got to settle down now,\u201d came Hoss\u2019 voice from somewhere in the room. \u201cYou gonna hurt yourself if you keep fighting.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHoss, help me. I can\u2019t get him off. He\u2019s so heavy, Hoss, please,\u201d Joe said. He suddenly felt weak and tired, with no energy left to fight the demon that had taken up residency in his mind.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m here, Joe. Take it easy and let ole Doc here help ya, now,\u201d Hoss said as he attempted to calm his brother.<\/p>\n

\u201cJoseph, I\u2019m going to take the bandages from your eyes. I think that will keep you a little calmer each time you wake. I\u2019m afraid you\u2019re going to injure yourself if you wake up in this kind of struggle,\u201d Dr. Martin said as he sat on the edge of the bed. \u201cKeep your eyes closed until I tell you to open them,\u201d he said. As he recognized the voices in the room, Joe began to calm down and the rapid thumping in his chest began to diminish. When Joe regained control of his breathing, Dr. Martin carefully unwrapped the bandages that had kept him in the dark for two days.<\/p>\n

\u201cOpen your eyes slowly now,\u201d Dr. Martin said. \u201cLet\u2019s keep the room dark. Joe, your eyes will be very sensitive to light and it may take a while for them to adjust. By the time you go home tomorrow, you should be fine with just some minor sensitivity. Now let\u2019s see what happens when you open your eyes.\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe slowly opened his eyes; following Dr. Martin\u2019s instructions. The room was dark and the young man had a difficult time focusing his eyes on one particular thing. \u201cJoseph, look directly at me, son,\u201d Dr. Martin said as he gently held the sides of Joe\u2019s face to assist him in focusing on the doctor\u2019s face only. \u201cHow\u2019s that? What does my face look like?\u201d he asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cBlurry. Hazy. Like there\u2019s smoke in the room,\u201d Joe answered. \u201cMy eyes hurt.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s to be expected. They are still sore from the injuries and I\u2019m sure the blurred vision will clear up over time. Ben, let\u2019s keep him in dim light for the next hour or so and then gradually increase the brightness of the lamps. That will help when he leaves the hotel tomorrow morning. I want to see him early, then you can set off for home just after sunrise,\u201d Paul said as he put his instruments away. \u201cYou\u2019re going to be fine, son and I\u2019ll see you early in the morning.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAre you feeling pain anywhere else Joseph?\u201d Paul asked as he finished.<\/p>\n

\u201cFeeling pain? I feel nothing but pain,\u201d Joe shot back. \u201cI hurt all over. My face feels like it three times bigger than it\u2019s supposed to be, my mouth hurts, and every breath I take hurts,\u201d Joe complained. Paul looked at his patient with raised eyebrows because this one usually does not whine when he\u2019s not well; he tries to hide it. Not this time. Joseph Cartwright was hurt and appeared, to the family doctor, to be very angry.<\/p>\n

\u201cWho did this to me? Why can\u2019t I remember what happened?\u201d Joe said as he covered his eyes.<\/p>\n

\u201cJoe, you have a concussion and experienced a trauma. That\u2019s why you can\u2019t remember what happened to you. Your memory will return as you continue to heal. Just give it time; you will need plenty of rest and care from your family until you are well,\u201d Paul said. \u201cBen get him settled, feed him, and put him to bed. He\u2019ll have a long day tomorrow,\u201d Paul ordered as he left the room. \u201cSee you in the morning, boys.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cPa, tell me what happened to me,\u201d Joe said shifting positions on the bed. He attempted to sit up on his own but found it difficult. Adam rushed to put pillows behind his brother\u2019s back to prop him up in the bed and help Joe find a comfortable spot. \u201cI wanna know who did this to me and why.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cJoe . . . .\u201d Ben started, but then thought twice about sharing the information Joe requested.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou might as well tell \u2018im,\u201d Hoss said. \u201cThere ain\u2019t no need keepin\u2019 \u2018im guessin\u2019 and frettin\u2019 when all we have to do is answer his questions.\u201d This big brother, always protective, wanted to remove any thing that caused Joe any discomfort.<\/p>\n

Taking a deep breath, Ben sat on the side of the bed and took Joe\u2019s hand in his. The hand looked smaller to the angry father and he remembered Joe reaching for him Saturday night. Ben began rubbing small circles on the back of the hand he held. \u201cJoe, does the name John C. Regan mean anything to you?\u201d Ben asked.<\/p>\n

Shaking his head made the dizziness return and Joe took a deep breath. \u201cNo, Pa, I don\u2019t remember the name.\u201d He took deep breaths in hopes that the room would settle and continued thinking about the name. Ignoring the slight throb in his head, Joe pushed through until he made a connection with the name that was a vague memory.<\/p>\n

\u201cWait, wait. John. C. Regan. So you can tell your Pa,\u201d Joe repeated slowly. A sharp intake of breath from the bed let the men in the room know that Joe was remembering the attack. \u201cHe hit me and hit me.\u00a0\u00a0 It was dark and I couldn\u2019t see. He was beating me and hitting me so hard,\u201d Joe said as he began drawing his knees to his chest. Ben pulled his son into his arms and held him close to calm the rising tide of fear. \u201cI can\u2019t see, Pa. I can\u2019t see. Please, get him off,\u201d Joe shouted. His breathing became erratic and labored as he fought against his father\u2019s hands. His injured mind took Joe back to the darkened alley, increasing the young man\u2019s fear. Joe increased his struggle to get away from the arms that held him; not knowing that it was his father. \u201cNo, no, no! Get off me, don\u2019t, don\u2019t,\u201d Joe continued to cry out and fight his father. Hysteria was taking hold of the young man\u2019s being and no amount of cajoling would calm him.<\/p>\n

\u201cAdam, get Paul back here,\u201d Ben said as he tried to contain his son. Joe fought and attempted to throw Ben off by rolling from side to side on the bed. \u201cGet off, let me go,\u201d Joe shouted.<\/p>\n

Adam ran swiftly out into the street; finding Dr. Martin about to enter his office. \u201cPaul, we need you back at the hotel. Joe remembered what happened and is out of control,\u201d Adam said as he turned and ran back toward the hotel.<\/p>\n

\u201cAdam, boy, is everything alright?\u201d Roy asked as he watched Adam rush by him without even a hello. The sheriff watched as Paul walked quickly by him as well; Roy knew there was a problem with the youngest Cartwright. He did not follow the two men, as they would have their hands full and the room would not accommodate another person. He\u2019d check with his friends later to make sure all was well.<\/p>\n

Entering the room, Paul and Adam found Joe being held by his father. \u201cIt\u2019s alright, son. We\u2019re here and he won\u2019t hurt you again,\u201d Ben said. \u201cPaul, I think he\u2019s fine. Just take a look to make sure he hasn\u2019t made his injuries worse.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll be glad to do that, old friend, but you have to lay him down,\u201d Paul said smiling at the scene in front of him. He knew that Joe would find comfort in his father\u2019s arms and was relieved to see that a sedative would not be necessary. He examined his patient for the second time in less than an hour and found him none the worse for wear.<\/p>\n

\u201cHe has completely exhausted himself, certainly. There\u2019s been no further damage, but I want to give him a little something to help him sleep. His heart rate is elevated and we need to calm him down,\u201d Paul said mixing a slight amount of powder in the glass of water on the bedside table. \u201cJoseph, I want you to sip this slowly. It won\u2019t make you sleep for long, but is just enough to help you rest right now.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYes, Sir,\u201d Joe responded sounding like a hurt little boy. Following the doctor\u2019s directions and lying back on the pillows, Joe\u2019s eyes slowly slipped closed. \u201cPa . . . . John C. Regan,\u201d were the last words Ben heard as he watched his son relax a drift off to sleep.<\/p>\n

*********************************<\/p>\n

The morning sunlight caused pain in Joe\u2019s eyes as he awoke the next morning. Soreness in his body accompanied the grumble in his stomach, indicating that breakfast was needed.<\/p>\n

\u201cGood morning, Joe,\u201d Hoss said. \u201cWe\u2019ve got breakfast ready and soon as you finish we\u2019ll bundle you up and head for home. How does that sound?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSounds good. Can ya getta outta here for a few minutes. I gotta pee,\u201d Joe said laughing. \u201cOww, don\u2019t make me laugh; it hurts.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI ain\u2019t makin ya laugh, youngin. You\u2019s the one who woke up with a grin on his face. Musta been dreamin\u2019 about girls. \u00a0Do ya need any help handling anything?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo, I can handle everything. Just git outta the room,\u201d Joe laughed through the pain in his body. Quickly taking care of his needs, Joe eased himself back toward the bed. Holding on to the furniture every step of the way, he made his way back and sat down gingerly as the room tilted at an odd angle and the feeling of nausea returned full force.<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, Punkin, here\u2019s that breakfast I promised ya,\u201d Hoss said returning to the room with eggs, bacon, fried potatoes and a cup of milk.<\/p>\n

\u201cHoss, no I can\u2019t. . . .\u201d were the only words Joe was able to say before the he began vomiting in his lap.<\/p>\n

\u201cPa, I need some help in here,\u201d Hoss shouted as he tried to find a place to put the tray.<\/p>\n

\u201cHoss, take the tray out; it\u2019s adding to the nausea,\u201d Ben said as he placed a bowl in Joe\u2019s lap. He placed a cool cloth on the back of Joe\u2019s neck in hopes of relieving the sickness his son was feeling. The patriarch watched as the heaving took hold of his youngest until there was nothing left in his belly.\u00a0\u00a0 Removing the bowl he eased Joe back on the bed and continued bathing his forehead and chest. The cool cloth did what was necessary to help Joe regain control of the vomiting that interrupted the morning.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m sorry, Hoss, Pa. I didn\u2019t mean to make such a mess,\u201d Joe said as he watched his family members strip him and the bed. \u00a0\u201cI was feeling so much betta when I woke up,\u201d Joe moaned. They made quick work of the cleanup and chattered with Joe to alleviate his embarrassment at having his father give him a quick wash up.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou have nothin\u2019 to apologize for, little brother. Ya cain\u2019t help if you got sick. Now hush up and go back to sleep. We\u2019ll getcha ready to go home in a few minutes,\u201d Hoss said as he hauled the linen out of the room.<\/p>\n

With Joe nodding off, Ben continued preparing their things to leave the hotel. Adam entered the room, announcing that the wagon to take Joe home was ready. Glancing sideways, he noted that Joe was sleeping and gave a slight smile.<\/p>\n

\u201cHas Sleeping Beauty there had his breakfast?\u201d Adam asked. He wrinkled his brow as he noticed that Joe was dressed and sleeping without a cover on a bed with no sheets. Many questions crossed his mind and he finally settled on the reason for this odd arrangement. Adam\u2019s father confirmed his suspicions.<\/p>\n

\u201cNo, when Hoss brought the tray in your brother became violently ill. He made a mess of himself, the bed and the floor. I guess it just kinda wore the boy out because he fell asleep after we got him cleaned up and dressed,\u201d Ben answered. \u201cLet\u2019s get this one home so we can take care of him properly,\u201d he said as he headed for the door.<\/p>\n

\u201cYes, sir. I think that\u2019s the best thing for him right now. We\u2019re ready when you are.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHoss, come get your . . . .\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cRight here, Pa,\u201d Hoss said brushing quickly pass his father to Joe\u2019s beside. \u201cPaul gave me this packet for Joe if we need it. He wants him to try to get home without taking anything but if he starts to feel sick, Paul said go ahead and give it to him.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cPa, with the condition of the road right now and the bouncing around in the wagon, don\u2019t you think we may want to go ahead and take care of that now rather than later?\u201d Adam asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cLet\u2019s give him a try first,\u201d Ben answered. \u201cI have a plan in mind that may make the journey a little easier on him and avoid giving him the painkiller. Adam, you ride in the back with your brother and make sure his head is not bounced around and that he stays as still as possible. The canopy over the wagon should assist with that as well,\u201d Ben explained.<\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s fine, Pa. I had planned to do that anyway. Hoss can drive the team and I\u2019ll sit with Joe,\u201d Adam said. \u201cLet\u2019s go then.\u201d<\/p>\n

Hoss had Joe downstairs and in the wagon by the time Ben and Adam left the hotel. Adam crawled into the wagon and snuggled into the covers next to his brother. He placed his arm around Joe, drawing him close to him and rested his head on top of Joe\u2019s curls. Adam smiled as he remembered times gone by when Joe could only be comforted when held by his big brother. \u201cIt\u2019s amazing how things change and how they stay the same,\u201d he thought aloud.<\/p>\n

\u201cHmmm, Adam. This feels so good,\u201d Joe said as he snuggled deeper into his brother\u2019s embrace. Taking a deep breath, Joe inhaled the aroma of Bay Rum that took him back many years. He just held on to his brother\u2019s shirt and relished the feeling of security, warmth, and comfort. The wagon lurched and the Cartwrights headed for home.<\/p>\n

***************************************************<\/p>\n

\u201cLittle Joe room ready for him. Hop Sing have good medicine to help heal fast,\u201d Hop Sing said as he rushed out of the kitchen to meet the wagon.<\/p>\n

\u201cThank you Hop Sing. I just want something to eat and some water,\u201d Joe said. Adam helped him from the wagon, preparing to catch his brother if needed. He watched Joe walk slowly toward the front door and saw his brother\u2019s knees buckle. Adam caught Joe before he hit the ground and very easily swung him into his arms and hauled him upstairs.<\/p>\n

\u201cNot quite ready for that, little brother,\u201d Adam said as he carried Joe to his room.<\/p>\n

\u201cI can walk, Adam,\u201d Joe whined.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou know, you\u2019ve been saying that to me since you were two years old and yet today, you can\u2019t walk,\u201d Adam smiled as he teased Joe. \u201cI don\u2019t mind, brother. You ain\u2019t heavy.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat\u2019s the matter, Punkin? Couldn\u2019t ya make it up stairs?\u201d Hoss asked. \u201cAdam I coulda brought him up.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI got him, Hoss. It\u2019s my turn to carry him a bit,\u201d Adam said as he laid Joe on the bed. The two brothers made quick work of stripping Joe down and sliding a night shirt over his head.<\/p>\n

\u201cI wanna bath before I go to bed,\u201d Joe said. \u201cI\u2019m not sleepy at all.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHop Sing have bath ready for Little Joe. Hop Sing always know what boy needs and what Number 3 wants,\u201d came a response from the bedroom door. Joe smiled the best he could and winked his good eye at his friend.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou two heard the man. My bath awaits,\u201d Joe said.<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, I guess you\u2019s feelin\u2019 a might betta. Getting\u2019 kinda cheeky, ain\u2019t he, Adam?\u201d Hoss said putting on an air of hurt feelings. With that, Hoss scooped his brother up and carried him downstairs to the bathhouse.<\/p>\n

\u201cGo away, now. Hop Sing take care of Number 3. Use good medicine to make heal fast. Will call when bath finish.\u201d<\/p>\n

Glancing over their shoulders as they left, the two brothers realized Joe was in good hands as they watched him settle down in the warm bath. Hop Sing busied himself with different Chinese herbs and medicines to help Joe\u2019s recovery. With a sigh, Adam closed the door behind him and followed Hoss to the kitchen.<\/p>\n

******************************************<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cTo answer the question you asked at the hotel, Joseph, I knew him. His name was John C. Regan as you said. He was a very jealous friend of Miss Menken and a dangerous man. He attacked you to get even with me or to draw me into a fight with him. We had words earlier in the week when he warned me to stay away from Adah and threatened to do me harm if I did not. I knew that he was a brutal with his fists and I refused to fight him; letting him know, instead, that I would prefer to use my gun when dealing with him. So to get me to fight, he attacked and brutalized you in that alley. Your brothers would not let me tangle with him; Hoss chose to do so while Adam physically restrained me,\u201d Ben explained with his head down, remembering the condition of his youngest as he lay on the settee. He seemed to be reliving the events of a few days ago and the pain and anger were visible to all in the room.<\/p>\n

\u201cHoss fought him? Is he hurt? Pa that man hit so hard. Did he hurt Hoss?\u201d Joe asked, fearful for his brother\u2019s safety. Since regaining his senses, Joe had not noticed his brother\u2019s injuries.<\/p>\n

\u201cYour brother is a little bruised here and there, but he took care of Regan that\u2019s for sure. Humph, that Hoss is one tough customer, you know that? I thought Regan would put him down but Hoss rallied when Adam started shouting instructions and he brought John C. Regan to his knees,\u201d Ben said proudly.<\/p>\n

\u201cYea, Punkin, I\u2019m fine,\u201d Hoss said as he sat on the other side of the bed. Joe turned and took notice of his brother\u2019s face and the bruises that colored Hoss\u2019 face were evidence of how his big brother took care of things. \u00a0\u201cHoss, he hurt you, too,\u201d Joe said.<\/p>\n

\u201cHe did at that. It took all I had to take him down, but down he went. And he\u2019ll never put his hands on you again. No one will ever hurt you like that without having to answer to me. As a matter of fact, I ain\u2019t lettin\u2019 you out of my sight anymore when we\u2019re in town,\u201d he said protectively. Hoss drew his brother into his arms like he did when Joe was a small boy, but this time Hoss felt Joe tremble in his arms.<\/p>\n

\u201cLet me go. Let me go now,\u201d Joe said as the shaking worsened. He felt as though he was being held down by the monster that attacked him and began struggling to get free. \u201cLet me go, get off, get off!\u201d Joe shouted.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat\u2019s the matter, Joe? It\u2019s me, Hoss.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cGet away from me, get away,\u201d Joe said holding his arms out in front of him as Hoss retreated.<\/p>\n

\u201cPa, I didn\u2019t mean to hurt him, \u201cHoss said as he looked to his father in confusion and dismay. \u00a0\u201cPa . . . . . Joe, I\u2019m sorry,\u201d he said as tears formed in his eyes. Hoss did not understand his brother\u2019s fear of him and it broke his heart to see that the brother he adored did not want him near. Joe, whose comfort relied upon the closeness of each family member; who drew his strength from them, did not want him near. Looking at Adam, Hoss\u2019 face displayed the pain of the situation.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s not you, Hoss,\u201d Adam answered attempting to ease his brother\u2019s pain. \u201cJoe\u2019s probably afraid of everything right now. Let\u2019s give him some room for a few minutes. Pa, call me if you need help,\u201d Adam said patting Hoss on the back. I\u2019ll take care of this one. Let\u2019s go Hoss.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll see you later, Joe,\u201d Hoss said looking down at his brother. Joe buried his head deeper in his father\u2019s shoulder and held on with all in him in hopes of stilling the fear.<\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t\u2019 go; I\u2019m sorry, Hoss. I wish I was like you or Adam. I felt so small and weak. Regan hit me in the back first and I couldn\u2019t breathe. Then he started just pounding on me and pounding on me and I couldn\u2019t stop him. Everything around me was dark; I couldn\u2019t see, I couldn\u2019t breathe, and I couldn\u2019t make him stop. It hurt so bad; he was sitting on my chest and I couldn\u2019t . . . . . .get him off. . . . he pinned my arms . . . . and kept hitting me,\u201d Joe cried in his father\u2019s arms and Ben rocked him like a child. The feeling of safety was what he needed and his father\u2019s strength was enough to chase away the fear.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m sorry, Hoss,\u201d he said again. Ben handed his son a kerchief from the bedside table. Blowing his nose and gently wiping his sore, swollen eyes, Joe righted himself and his father eased him back down on the pillows. Hop Sing came bustling in to bring Joe\u2019s lunch and the conversation changed quickly as Hoss and Pa focused on getting the patient to eat.<\/p>\n

The evening ended with Hoss snoring in the chair beside the bed; refusing to leave Joe, who just watched. Joe thought about how lucky he was to have brothers who would fight for him when he couldn\u2019t defend himself. Adam walked into the room, smiled at the snoring brother and eased himself down on the side of the bed.<\/p>\n

\u201cHow are you feeling, Joe?\u201d Adam asked rubbing his brother\u2019s leg. \u201cYou know, Paul and Pa paid attention to your abdomen and your head, but I saw that horrible bruise between your shoulders. Lean forward and let me take a look at it,\u201d he said as he assisted Joe with changing position on the bed. Adam poked and prodded his brother\u2019s back and made noises that sounded like he was in pain. \u201cDid any of that hurt?\u201d Adam asked laying Joe back down.<\/p>\n

\u201cJust sore and if you don\u2019t poke it, it don\u2019t hurt,\u201d Joe smiled, hurting his bruised and split lips. \u201cAdam, when I\u2019m on my feet again, I want to be better at using my gun to defend myself against men like Regan. I know I\u2019m a little smaller than most men around here and I can\u2019t be a target whenever you and Hoss are not around to protect me. I don\u2019t want to always need someone to protect me anyway,\u201d he said letting the anger raise its head again. \u201cI thought I could take care of myself pretty well \u2018til that man dragged me into that alley. Adam, he straddled my chest and just . . . . .\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cJoe, it\u2019s all right,\u201d Adam said as he pulled the youngest Cartwright into his arms. \u201cJust settle down and get some sleep.\u201d<\/p>\n

Huh, what\u2019s going on? Is Joe alright?\u201d Hoss asked as he woke from the nap he had taken while sitting with Joe.<\/p>\n

\u201cYea, Joe\u2019s alright. He just can\u2019t sleep because of the racket you\u2019re making,\u201d Adam said. \u201cGo to bed, I\u2019ll get Joe settled.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, you make sure you call me if he needs anything. Good night, Punkin,\u201d Hoss said as he tweaked Little Joe\u2019s toe.<\/p>\n

\u201cGood night, Hoss,\u201d Joe responded with a slight smile. \u201cAdam, where is Regan? Is he still in town?\u201d Joe asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, don\u2019t you worry about that right now,\u201d Adam answered pulling the quilt up to Joe\u2019s chin. Patting the top of his brother\u2019s head, he smiled kindly in an attempt to divert Joe\u2019s mind from the current situation. \u201cThat\u2019s not something you need to be concerned about. That\u2019s been taken care of and you don\u2019t have to worry about him anymore.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cStop babying me!\u201d Joe shouted and pushed Adam away. \u201cWhat does that even mean? I won\u2019t have to worry about him.\u201d In a flash, Joe flipped the covers off and stumbled to stand in front of the mirror. For the first time since the attack, he saw his reflection and was horrified at the condition of his face. \u201cMy God, Adam. Look what he to me.\u201d Dropping his head, Joe turned away from the mirror and let the tears roll down his face. All of you have babied me and looked out for me and now I can\u2019t take care of myself,\u201d he shouted. \u201cLook at me, Adam. Look at what he did to me!\u201d Joe let go of all the anger, fear and frustration at one time and swept everything off the dresser and onto the floor. Glass flew everywhere when the cup and saucer hit the floor splashing Adam\u2019s coffee against the wall. \u201cI can\u2019t tell you everything he did to me in that alley, Adam. I\u2019m so ashamed, I can\u2019t tell you,\u201d he cried as his brother pulled Joe close to his chest. Pa and Hoss came charging into the room and witnessed Adam attempting to calm the angry young man.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat\u2019s wrong?\u201d Pa said.<\/p>\n

\u201cPunkin you ain\u2019t hurt are ya?\u201d was Hoss\u2019 question. \u201cWhat happened, Joe? Didya fall?\u201d he asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m here, buddy. I\u2019m here. Just let it all out. I know you\u2019re angry and you should be. You have nothing to be ashamed of, Joe, nothing at all. I\u2019ll help you anyway I can; for anything you need,\u201d Adam said. \u201cHe\u2019s fine, Pa. Joe just threw a big temper tantrum, but he\u2019s alright,\u201d Adam answered as he held Joe and rubbed his back. Adam just stood there in the middle of the floor holding on to Joe as he tried to gather himself; like an anchor for a ship in the middle of a storm. He was what the youngest needed and Joe knew the Adam was his rock.<\/p>\n

\u201cAdam, I\u2019m so sorry. I made a mess of the floor. Pa, I\u2019m afraid of him. I don\u2019t know where he is. What if he wants to hurt me again,\u201d Joe sobbed as Adam held him. \u201cI, I can\u2019t live in fear of every big man who threatens me. But that\u2019s how I feel right now. What if another man challenges me or hits me; what can I do to take care of myself?\u201d Joe asked sounding like the little boy being bullied during recess. In Joe\u2019s mind, he felt like he had taken a bad beating from the school yard bully and his big brother took care of the menace.<\/p>\n

\u201cRegan is dead, Joe,\u201d Ben said. \u201cRoy told me that John Regan was found dead in an alley the night before we left town.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat happened to him? One of you didn\u2019t . . . .\u201d Joe asked pulling himself from this brother\u2019s arms.<\/p>\n

\u201cNo, son. We were all working to make you comfortable and provide the protection you needed. At that point, Hoss had taken care of the man for us and we were no longer concerned with him,\u201d Ben answered. \u201cWe don\u2019t know what happened or how. Besides, that\u2019s not for you to worry about now; we have to make you healthy again.\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe looked at his brothers, who nodded in agreement with their father\u2019s decree. There was something, though, a small something in the back of his mind that bothered the young man, but he could not put his finger on it. There was a small thing that he just couldn\u2019t figure out.<\/p>\n

\u201cGet some rest, Joe. After that spit of temper you just threw, I know you have to be tired. We\u2019ll see you for lunch. If you feel up to it, maybe you can join us at the table. Pa, what do you think?\u201d think we might give that a try. Take a nap and I\u2019ll see you later, son,\u201d Ben said as he brushed the curls aside that lay gently on his son\u2019s forehead. As he turned to leave, Hop Sing padded quietly into the room.<\/p>\n

\u201cI take care of mess little boy make on floor,\u201d Hop Sing said as Ben left the room.<\/p>\n

\u201cThank you, Hop Sing.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHop Sing listen at door when you speak with brothers this morning. Hop Sing and my people know about living among big men and always being afraid of what they could do to small Chinese men. Hop Sing help Little Joe with how to defend against bigger man. Hop Sing help make small body strong and mind sharp. Big man not hurt Little Joe again.<\/p>\n

\u201cThank you, Hop Sing, for wanting to help me,\u201d Joe said as his eyelids drifted closed to the sound of the scurry of Hop Sing\u2019s feet as he picked up the glass from the floor. \u201cI\u2019m sorry. I\u2019ll clean it up, Hop Sing. You don\u2019t have to do that.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHop Sing will take care of Number 3 Son. I don\u2019t like to see you hurt. I know about living in places with very big men; very dangerous men. I will take care of you, Little Joe; make your body strong, and your mind sharp. I will cook good food for you; make you heal fast then teach you to defend yourself against a bigger opponent,\u201d Hop Sing whispered.<\/p>\n

Joseph Cartwright nodded off to the sound of his friend\u2019s different voice that sounded less like a Chinaman. \u201cHop Sing, is that you?\u201d he said as he listened to the odd sounding voice. That was the small thing that came back to his mind earlier. Hop Sing could speak perfectly good English.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

After three weeks of convalescing, Joe found himself on light work details around the yard. He was back to normal with a little stiffness and soreness in his body that prevented heavy lifting or long work hours. Joe\u2019s damaged ribs made riding out of the question; so he was firmly attached to the house and barn all day. It was one of those days that Joe worked in the tack room, organizing the riding gear used by the family. He worked with his back to the door, enjoying the view out the window of Cochise and Spade playing in the corral.<\/p>\n

\u201cPretty soon I\u2019ll be out there playin\u2019 with ya, Cooch,\u201d Joe said aloud through the window. His horse responded with a toss of his head and a loud whiny. Joe did not hear the approach of Tim Wilson, the new hand Adam hired when he was injured.<\/p>\n

\u201cHey, boy, where\u2019s ya brotha at?\u201d Wilson said.<\/p>\n

Joe turned suddenly, causing a stabbing pain to lance through his chest. He felt the color drain from his face. His breathing increased as he backed away from the man, holding his arms out in front as if to push the intruder away. The room began to spin as Joe continued to back into the corner of the tack room.<\/p>\n

Tim Wilson saw the fear rise in the young man and tried to settle him down like he would a skittish colt. \u201cI ain\u2019t aiming to hurt cha none, boy,\u201d Tim said. He moved closer to Joe who stared in fear as memories of the attacked surfaced and pulled him into the darkness of the alley.<\/p>\n

\u201cGet away from me,\u201d Joe shouted. \u00a0His voice rose in volume as he screamed out his fear. Tim Wilson slowly backed away from the terrified young man, not understanding what had upset him. \u201cGet away, don\u2019t hurt me, please,\u201d Joe continued verbalizing his fear as Hop Sing ran into the barn.<\/p>\n

\u201cGet, brothers; go now and hurry!\u201d came a direct order from the diminutive cook. Looking over his shoulder, making sure they were alone, Hop Sing approached the cowering young man. \u201cJoseph,\u201d he said calmly. \u201cJoseph, listen to me. We are alone and no one here will harm you.\u201d The family cook spoke calmly in English then began speaking to the young man in Chinese. Joe began responding in Chinese and English, as tears streaked his face and sobs shook his small frame.<\/p>\n

\u201cJoe,\u201d Adam said as he entered the barn. \u201cJoe, I\u2019m here. Take it easy, I\u2019m here.\u201d Adam reached out for his brother and Joe turned and walked into the security he needed. His big brother held him close and Joe melted into the warmth and protection provided by the strength of the man he knew loved and cared for him.<\/p>\n

\u201cAdam,\u201d Joe said as he struggled to gain control of his emotions. Tears flooded his eyes and coursed down his face. His body trembled and shook under the onslaught of emotions.<\/p>\n

\u201cTake it easy, now. Hop Sing . . . .\u201d<\/p>\n

Before Adam could finish the request, Hop Sing handed him a ladle full of cool water. Adam helped his brother take slow sips from the ladle, noticing how Joe\u2019s shoulders trembled.<\/p>\n

Let\u2019s get you to the house,\u201d Adam said turning Joe toward the door. As they walked to the house, Adam noticed how wary Joe was and how he scanned the yard as though he was afraid. The older man guided his charge in to the safety of the house they both knew and closed the door. Adam watched as Joe sank down on the settee and dropped his head in his hands. The small, shaking shoulders was testament that Joe still had not regained full control. All Adam could do was sit beside his brother and place a comforting arm around his shoulders.<\/p>\n

\u201cEasy, now. Just let it all out, Joe,\u201d Adam said as he pulled his brother close to him. \u201cI\u2019m here and everything will be fine.\u201d Joe looked up into the eyes that he had relied upon all his life.<\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t think so, Adam. He scared me and I just fell apart right in front of him. I\u2019m so ashamed. How can I face the men with them knowing what happened?\u201d Joe said. He leaned into his brother until they were both leaning back against the settee. Adam just pulled his brother even closer to him and held Joe even tighter.<\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t let that worry you, Joe. We\u2019ll take care of that when the time comes. Right now, I want you to calm down, all right?\u201d Adam said rubbing the frightened young man\u2019s back in small circles. He smiled remembering the number of times his brother needed this kind of support throughout their lives. Turning, Adam kissed the dampened curls on Joe\u2019s forehead and closed his eyes.<\/p>\n

Hop Sing walked quietly into the room and saw the two brothers resting quietly on the settee. Adam was asleep and holding his sleeping brother close to his chest. This brought back memories from years ago. Shaking his head and smiling gently, the cook covered the two sleeping brothers with a blanket and quietly left the room.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cJoe, Hoss and I will just have to teach you to use what you have. I think we could teach you to use a left hook that would put any man on his rump,\u201d Adam said smiling. \u201cWe sorta felt you might feel a little unsure of yourself after the attack and yesterday proved us right. Little brother, we have a plan. First, we\u2019ll have to put some muscle on that small frame of yours, some speed in that left handed draw, develop a left hook, and you are going to be just fine. So we start right now by getting some breakfast in you. I\u2019ll ask Hop Sing to make sure you eat the right things. Hoss and I will do everything we can to beef you up a little bit and we\u2019ll have fun doing it, too,\u201d Adam said as he began laying out a plan to help his brother feel safer in the world.<\/p>\n

\u201cAll right, Adam. I\u2019ll do what you and Hoss tell me to do. Thanks for wanting to help me and I\u2019ll do everything you say,\u201d Joe said smiling.<\/p>\n

\u201cNow that\u2019s something ole Hoss has gotta see. YOU do whatever WE say. Did I hear you right, youngin\u2019?\u201d Hoss asked as he grinned and rubbed his chin. \u201cLet me see, I gotta figure out some things. This might be whatcha brother and I\u2019s been waiting for for a long time,\u201d he teased.<\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t you go getting\u2019 ahead of yaself, Hoss,\u201d Joe said taking up the banter. \u201cThis don\u2019t mean I\u2019ll be doing your chores. Adam, tell him,\u201d Joe said looking for safety from his brother.<\/p>\n

\u201cNow, boys, we\u2019ll just have to work things out a bit,\u201d Adam said winking at Hoss. They both knew they planned to work their little brother quite a bit harder than usual and could not keep the smiles from their faces.<\/p>\n

As his brothers promised, Joe\u2019s training began that afternoon and continued for months. Hop Sing cooked special meals for Joe and packed his lunch with food that he didn\u2019t give the other two brothers. Hoss and Adam gave Joe all the heavy lifting they felt he could handle and sat and watched him struggle to move things that he couldn\u2019t lift before. The young man tossed more cattle during branding season than did his two brothers and they pushed him harder each day. The changes in Joe\u2019s body were visible and his level of confidence returned.<\/p>\n

\u201cJoseph, I want you to come to town with me today. I think you need to do a little shopping, especially for shirts and pants. For some reason, yours are too tight and Hop Sing is complaining that he is constantly having to repair your trousers and shirts because you tear them every day,\u201d Pa said at breakfast. \u201cI\u2019m not sure what is going on with you, I think you\u2019re a little too old for a growth spurt.\u201d He sipped his coffee as if he was making a casual statement. Ben was fully aware of what was happening with Joe, but continued to pretend that he did not know.<\/p>\n

\u201cYes, Sir,\u201d Joe said as the heat rose in his face. He did not look up at those two brothers; he could hear their snickers from his seat. \u201cI\u2019ll go saddle the horses.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cBe careful that you don\u2019t split those pants, Joe. I don\u2019t know if Hop Sing fixed the ones you ripped yesterday,\u201d Hoss said and laughed so loud Joe knew they heard him in Virginia City.<\/p>\n

\u201cHoss, maybe you should let him borrow a pair of yours. Or do you think they\u2019re too small for him?\u201d Adam said as he joined Hoss in teasing their brother. \u201cI think our efforts may be paying off. The little one is starting to carry a little more bulk, don\u2019t you think?\u201d<\/p>\n

Gathering his hat and holster from the credenza, Joe listened as they talked about their work on building him up a bit and knew they were right. Joe, too, noticed how much muscle he was carrying and his arms and legs were so much stronger. Each night, Joe noticed the changes in his body as he prepared for bed. The tightness in his belly and the muscles there were visible. His legs were stronger and thicker. Joe noted how round the muscles in his shoulders were and the shape of his arms. There didn\u2019t seem to be much fat left on him at all, he thought every time he took a look at his body. Those brothers of his had worked it all off and replaced it with strong, hard muscles.<\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s fine, you two lunkheads. I\u2019ve got the day off with Pa in town, shopping, we\u2019ll have lunch and dinner at the hotel, I\u2019ll check out the new girls in town and get me some new clothes to boot. See you after dinner. Be ready in a few, Pa.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben laughed aloud at the banter between his three sons; thankful that Joe had regained his health. \u201cLet me give these two their work for the day, Joseph, and I\u2019ll be right out.\u201d<\/p>\n

It was great to get away from the ranch for a day. The ride in with his Pa was pleasant and easy. Joe had not been to town since the incident with Regan so he was a little nervous about being there.\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cPa, do you think many people know what happened to me the last time I was in town?\u201d he asked quietly.<\/p>\n

\u201cA few of them do. There were men in the saloon when Hoss took Regan on. We didn\u2019t say much or discuss why the two men were fighting,\u201d Pa answered. \u201cI don\u2019t think you have anything to worry about, son.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI hope you\u2019re right, Pa,\u201d Joe said as he felt the apprehension surge through him, taking his breath away. Joe shrugged his shoulders to relax a bit, hoping to dismiss the fear that was building inside him. The young man and his\u00a0\u00a0 father continued their ride to Virginia City at an even pace, stopping every now and then to enjoy the scenery. Ben understood and noted the fear on his son\u2019s countenance and took a leisurely pace as they moved closer to town. As time progressed, Ben gauged Joe\u2019s mood and noted the relaxed appearance on his son\u2019s face. Ben decided it was time that they push on to their destination. By the time they arrived on the edge of town, Joe was at ease and Ben laid out the plans for the day.<\/p>\n

\u201cJoseph, I\u2019ll meet you at the hotel at noon for lunch. Pick up what you want or need. It doesn\u2019t matter how much. Just replace the clothes for work, church, whatever. You may also want to look at ordering a new suit and shirt for special events. No, son, I\u2019m thinking the two of us could find a reason to visit San Francisco for a few weeks next month. So maybe we could wait and order suits from the tailors there,\u201d Pa said knowing the reaction he would get from his youngest.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhatever you say, Pa. The tailors in San Francisco are so much better and I\u2019ll get a chance to see the new styles. I\u2018ll wait on the suits. See you at noon, Pa,\u201d Joe said as he left his father standing in front of the bank. San Francisco with his father next month sounded like a wonderful idea and the thought of having his father to himself for a while added a little extra bounce to Joe\u2019s step as he headed to the mercantile.<\/p>\n

Purchasing the things he needed took Joe longer than usual. He had to try different pants to find the size that fit. They weren\u2019t a perfect fit as they were a little shorter than Joe liked and the wrong color, but they would do. He purchased different color pants from the black that he usually wore. The young man selected tan pants and matching tan shirts. He also found a green jacket that he thought looked pretty good.<\/p>\n

\u201cSo, I\u2019ll look great even when I\u2019m tossing cows and busting broncs,\u201d Joe chuckled aloud. Grateful that he was alone and no one heard his vain comment, he preened a little more in the mirror; admiring the strength reflected back from the mirror. He found everything he needed and even threw in a new pair of boots, a tan Stetson, hair tonic to rule the mess of curls on his head, and a few other things he just wanted. His Pa was being generous and Joe didn\u2019t want to let him down. He picked up some candies and a book about cattle breeding for Hoss and a new art book for Adam.<\/p>\n

\u201cThanks for your help this morning, Mr. Dawson. I\u2019ll be back before I leave town to pick up my packages,\u201d Joe said as he prepared to meet his father for lunch; he didn\u2019t want to be late on his first visit in town.<\/p>\n

\u201cSure, Little Joe. Tell your Pa that his order will be in next week. I plan to have some of the boys bring it out when it arrives. The extra pants and jackets you ordered should get here about the same time. Have a good afternoon now,\u201d Mr. Dawson replied from behind the counter.<\/p>\n

\u201cThank you, sir. Please say hello to Mrs. Dawson for me and you have a good day, too,\u201d Joe said as he left the store to go meet his father. He wanted to make sure he kept the schedule his father set for the day.<\/p>\n

Leaving the store, Joe ran into Willis Turner. Turner was a bully when they were in school and gave the youngest Cartwright the devil on more than one occasion. He was two years older than Joe and much taller than the last time the two young men tangled in the school yard. Turner had been sent to prison a few years ago for robbing stores in Placerville and Joe guessed they let him out.<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, well, well, if it ain\u2019t Little Joe Cartwright. It\u2019s been a while, boy.\u201d Turner said with a sneer on his face and putting emphasis on the little in Joe\u2019s nickname; just like when they were in school.<\/p>\n

\u201cHow are you, Turner? It has been a while. I\u2019m sorry I don\u2019t have time to chat, gotta meet my Pa for lunch.\u201d Joe tried to step around Willis who stood directly in front of the smaller man.<\/p>\n

\u201cWait a minute, Cartwright,\u201d he said grabbing Joe\u2019s arm. \u201cYou still think you too good to speak to the likes of me, don\u2019t cha? Just like when we was in school. High and mighty Cartwright ain\u2019t changed a bit,\u201d Turner sneered as he looked down at Joe.<\/p>\n

Joe felt a surge of energy move through him and he tried to control what he was feeling. \u201cLet me go, Turner. I don\u2019t want any trouble,\u201d Joe said. His body trembled as the energy continued to increase. \u201cControl it, Joseph,\u201d came Hop Sing\u2019s voice inside his head. \u201cControl the energy and push it through your hands,\u201d were the directions given by the Chinese cook when he worked with the young man at home.<\/p>\n

\u201cJust let me go on my way. I don\u2019t want any trouble, Turner,\u201d Joe said as he tried to talk his way out of the situation. \u201cI\u2019m just going to meet my father, so let go of my arm.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou telling me what to do, boy. I\u2019ve spent the last two years of my life having someone tell me what to do. I ain\u2019t about to take it from some sniveling, rich man\u2019s brat like you,\u201d Turner said.<\/p>\n

Joe took a deep breath to settle himself and began remembering what Hop Sing taught him. He saw Turner as he raised his fist to strike and all Joe could see was John C. Regan. All of Hop Sing\u2019s teaching came to his mind as Joe blocked the fist and punched Turner with the left hook he and Adam developed. All their teaching combined with the pain and fury over the last beating he took combined and Joe unleashed all on Willis Turner. By the time his Pa reached the fight, Joe and Turner were trading punches in the middle of the street with Turner taking the worse from Joe. The last blow Joseph Cartwright landed was the left hook again and it left Turner lying flat on his back at Joe\u2019s feet.<\/p>\n

\u201cJoseph!\u201d Ben shouted as he ran toward his son. He paused briefly and looked down in awe at Willis Turner who was still on his back with his eyes closed. \u201cAre you all right, son?\u201d Ben asked as he grabbed his son\u2019s arm. He felt the tremors that coursed through his son as Joe worked to bring himself under control.<\/p>\n

\u201cMr. Cartwright, that Turner boy started with Joe. I heard Joe trying to talk his way outta that fight but Turner was having none of it,\u201d one man said. \u201cTurner grabbed your boy by the arm and threw the first punch,\u201d he said excitedly.<\/p>\n

\u201cYea, he\u2019s been spoiling for a fight since he got to town and I think your boy there gave Willis Turner what he was asking for,\u201d another said. \u201cHey fellas, let\u2019s go back to the saloon. This is one fight we\u2019ll talk about for a long time. Turner threw the first punch at that little \u2018un and Joe took his head right off with the last one!\u201d he laughed.<\/p>\n

Little Joe Cartwright ain\u2019t so little no more!\u201d one man said as they all chattered and headed for the saloon.<\/p>\n

\u201cY\u2019all betta watch out for that left hook he\u2019s got!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cDid ya see Turner\u2019s feet leave the ground when the boy punched him? Ain\u2019t never seen nothing like it!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cBen, I heard it all. Take care of Joe and stop by the office before you leave town,\u201d Roy said. He had followed Ben up the street and saw the last punch Joe threw. \u201cJoe, I don\u2019t know what to say, son. You look a lot better than the last time I saw you,\u201d Roy smiled and tipped his hat. \u201cNow don\u2019t go throwing that left hook around too much. I may have to lock you up,\u201d Roy laughed.<\/p>\n

Ben took Joe by the arm and led him up the street to the hotel. Are you all right?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYes, I\u2019m fine,\u201d Joe answered. His voice was trembled and his hands continued shaking.<\/p>\n

Taking him inside the hotel, Ben got a room on the first floor, giving his son the chance to settle down and clean up a bit. He ordered lunch and helped Joe with the cut above his eye.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m sorry, Pa. I tried not to fight him . . . .\u201d Joe started; his voice still trembled.<\/p>\n

\u201cThere\u2019s no need for you to apologize for defending yourself. I was surprised to see Willis Turner in the condition I found him. Joe that was a strong punch I saw you throw and I hate to say this and smile, but you did a good job out there. Fine job,\u201d Pa said smiling pulling Joe to him by the back of his neck.<\/p>\n

\u201cI can\u2019t live here without being able to take care of myself,\u201d Joe said. \u201cAll the work Adam, Hoss, and Hop Sing put me through helped, I guess.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, it seemed you got all the right kinds of help. We can talk later when we get home. Let me clean you up a bit,\u201d Pa said as he took a cloth and began wiping the blood from a small cut on Joe\u2019s forehead that kept bleeding. \u201cWe may need to have Paul check to see if needs stitching, son.\u201d<\/p>\n

A knock at the door interrupted their discussion and Roy Coffee entered the room. \u201cJoe, Turner is locked up in jail for the rest of the day. I won\u2019t release him until tomorrow, giving you and your Pa the opportunity to finish your business in town without worrying about him. The condition you left him in, I don\u2019t think you have much to worry about anyway,\u201d he said. \u201cBy the way, Joe, I stopped by the mercantile and picked these up for you. Dawson said you chose these earlier today and I feel you might need them to get outta this room. During the fight, Joe, you split the seat of your pants,\u201d Roy smiled as he placed the packages on the bed.<\/p>\n

Joe felt the heat of blush rush to his face as he reached for the tear in his trousers. It wasn\u2019t as bad as he thought and fortunately, he chose to wear long johns under his too small pants this morning.<\/p>\n

\u201cPa, can I have the room, please?\u201d Joe asked somewhat embarrassed. He turned his backside away from the two men and dropped his head to keep them from seeing the redness that covered his cheeks.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhy, of course, son. I will meet you down in the lobby when you\u2019re ready. If these are all the things you purchased from the mercantile, you might as well clean up and change completely. I think everything you\u2019re wearing has seen better days. Including those boots,\u201d Ben said as he and Roy left the room.<\/p>\n

\u201cAfter that show in the street, I bet his hat is too small, too,\u201d Roy laughed.<\/p>\n

Joe could hear them laughing as they went down the hall. He wasn\u2019t too sure his self-image could take another hit today, so he took his time cleaning up and preparing for the ride home. Joe unwrapped the packages and dressed himself from head to toe in his new clothes. Looking at his reflection in the mirror, Joe was again, pleased with what he saw. The new duds suited him fine and except for the bruises and marks on his face, Joe felt that he cut a handsome figure. Smiling to himself, the young man shook his head and tossed the damaged clothes in the can in the room. Placing his new Stetson hat on his head at a rakish angle, he noted that the bruises made him look more grown up; even a little bit dangerous.<\/p>\n

Joe smiled, nodded his head and left his old, fearful self in the waste can with the damaged clothes. No longer would he be easily intimidated by others and feel defenseless in situations that required him to fight. A new, more confident Joe Cartwright emerged from the battle with Willis Turner and would grace the streets of Virginia City for years to come.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Tags:\u00a0 ESA,\u00a0ESB,\u00a0ESH,\u00a0ESJ,\u00a0Family,\u00a0JAM,\u00a0Joe \/ Little Joe Cartwright,\u00a0JPM,\u00a0Paul Martin,\u00a0Roy Coffee,\u00a0SAS,\u00a0SJS<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Summary: \u00a0WHN for The Magnificent Adah.\u00a0 Joe was assaulted\u00a0by\u00a0one of\u00a0Ben’s rivals.\u00a0 Hoss dealt with the gentleman and the\u00a0episode ends with Ben, Hoss, and Adam returning from the saloon to check on Joe.<\/p>\n

13,957 words \u00a0\u00a0Rating:\u00a0 K+ (has some description of physical assault)<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1181,"featured_media":10284,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"template-full-width-post.php","format":"standard","meta":{"_jetpack_newsletter_access":"","_jetpack_dont_email_post_to_subs":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_tier_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paywalled_content":false,"_jetpack_feature_clip_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":"","jetpack_publicize_message":"","jetpack_publicize_feature_enabled":true,"jetpack_social_post_already_shared":false,"jetpack_social_options":{"image_generator_settings":{"template":"highway","default_image_id":0,"font":"","enabled":false},"version":2},"jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false,"_members_access_role":[],"_members_access_error":""},"categories":[23,1008,41,13,40],"tags":[332],"class_list":["post-10283","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-drama","category-family","category-hurtcomfort","category-whn","category-challenges","tag-b-c","wpcat-23-id","wpcat-1008-id","wpcat-41-id","wpcat-13-id","wpcat-40-id"],"jetpack_publicize_connections":[],"jetpack_likes_enabled":true,"jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/01\/magnificent-Adah.jpg?fit=240%2C180&ssl=1","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/10283","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1181"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=10283"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/10283\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/10284"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=10283"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=10283"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=10283"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}