{"id":10367,"date":"2012-08-25T17:52:51","date_gmt":"2012-08-25T21:52:51","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=10367"},"modified":"2025-02-18T19:18:29","modified_gmt":"2025-02-19T00:18:29","slug":"one-week","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=10367","title":{"rendered":"One Week (by bahj)"},"content":{"rendered":"

Summary<\/strong>: After discovering he has only one week left to live, Little Joe, in an effort to be remembered fondly, turns it into a week that no one will ever forget.<\/p>\n

Rated<\/strong>: Family Friendly \/ Word count<\/strong>: 17,175<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

One Week<\/strong><\/p>\n

Joe Cartwright walked briskly down the boardwalk toward Doc Martin\u2019s office on a crisp December afternoon. The weather had been getting increasingly colder, but the absence of snow so far had made it possible for the Cartwright\u2019s to make a few trips into Virginia City.<\/p>\n

Although Joe hadn\u2019t really planned on going to town today, it was turning out to be a pleasant trip. He had already seen the beautiful dark-haired Millie and the new girl in town, a striking blonde named Janice, managing to set a date with each of them; on separate nights of course. When he had stopped in at the local mercantile he\u2019d found out that the new hunting knife he had been saving for was marked down, and he could now afford to buy it. Yes sir, it was turning out to be his lucky day.<\/p>\n

The last thing on his list was to check back in with Doc Martin. His visit had been interrupted when one of the local shopkeepers had come in with a broken ankle and the doctor had kindly asked Joe if he would come back later. Joe was anxious for the doctor to give him a clean bill of health so he could head for home, but he\u2019d ageed.<\/p>\n

One of the local Indian tribes had recently had an outbreak of smallpox and the doctor had been advising the homesteaders in the area to come in for a checkup. Little Joe, at his father\u2019s insistence, had gone into Virginia City early that morning for his turn with the good doctor. He tugged his coat a little tighter around his neck and knew he\u2019d have to hurry if he wanted to get some use out of his new knife on the way back. His thoughts turned to the conversation he had had with his father that morning.<\/p>\n

\u201cCome on, Pa! I don\u2019t see why I have to go see the Doc, and not Adam and Hoss,\u201d complained the good looking, yet hopelessly incorrigible twenty-one-year old.<\/p>\n

\u201cJoseph, how many times do we have to go over this? Adam and Hoss have just returned from a month long trip to San Francisco,\u201d replied his father with exaggerated patience. \u201cThey haven\u2019t had contact with anyone here for quite a while so there is no need for them to go see the doctor. You, however,\u201d Ben rose formidably from his red leather chair and pointed a long accusing finger at his youngest son, \u201chave been roaming the countryside day and night for weeks instead of staying around the ranch where there\u2019s work to be done.\u201d he then folded his arms across his chest and gazed reprovingly at his son.<\/p>\n

Little Joe, looking somewhat uncomfortable, tried weakly to defend himself. \u201cPa, you know I was out looking for strays and . . .\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cStrays!\u201d Ben interrupted, trying very hard not to lose his temper. \u201cWith the amount of time you have spent gallivanting all over creation you could have collected every stray from every ranch in the whole Nevada Territory!\u201d Ben pressed his hand to his forehead and forced himself to stay calm. \u201cSon, I understand that at times you\u2019re restless, and you feel the need to spread your wings. That\u2019s what vacations are for.\u201d<\/p>\n

Little Joe was about to roll his eyes over this last statement but, given his close proximity to his father, he decided against it. Instead, he inwardly sighed as his father continued the lecture.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou,\u201d Ben continued, \u201cseem to think that it\u2019s okay to take a vacation whenever you feel like it. Well, Son, all actions have consequences and one of yours is that you have to go and see Doc Martin.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOne of the consequences?\u201d Joe gulped, not liking the sound of where this was heading.<\/p>\n

\u201cYes, one,\u201d answered Ben, as he took a step closer to his son. \u201cThe other will be checking in with me on a daily basis. I don\u2019t want you leaving this ranch in the morning until I\u2019ve given you your assignments for the day, and when you\u2019re through you will report back to me.\u201d<\/p>\n

Little Joe was about to protest. After all, he was no longer a child, but his father\u2019s next words caused him to remain silent.<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd before you say one word, young man,\u201d his father continued sternly, \u201clet me remind you who gives out the paychecks around here. If you wish to continue receiving a salary, then you will do as you\u2019re told. Is that understood?\u201d<\/p>\n

Several possible answers floated through Little Joe\u2019s mind before he settled on the appropriate, not to mention safer, \u201cYes, sir.\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe came back to the present as he neared the door to the doctor\u2019s office. He decided to push the unpleasant memory of that morning\u2019s discussion to the back of his mind. Anyway, he was sure he\u2019d find a way to get around Pa\u2019s restrictions. As he approached the office, Joe suddenly stopped short. He could hear a conversation going on through the half-open door, and someone had just used his name.<\/p>\n

\u201cNo, I\u2019ve definitely decided,\u201d he heard Doc Martin tell someone. \u201cI\u2019m not going to say a word. They\u2019ll all find out soon enough, and a man has a right to a little normalcy before the inevitable happens.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cBut it just doesn\u2019t seem right, Paul.\u201d Little Joe decided the other voice belonged to Doc Martin\u2019s wife, \u201cat least you should let his father know.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIf Joe\u2019s father finds out it will kill him. You know how he feels about that boy,\u201d came Doc Martin\u2019s melancholy reply.<\/p>\n

\u201cHow much time did you say there is left?\u201d sniffled the Doc\u2019s wife.<\/p>\n

\u201cThey can\u2019t be talking about me,\u201d Joe thought, trying not to become concerned. He strained his ears to see if he could hear anything more. What he heard made him wish he hadn\u2019t.<\/p>\n

\u201cOne week,\u201d Doc Martin answered his wife. \u201cSuch a young man, and only one week left for all the freedoms of youth.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOh, Paul,\u201d his wife\u2019s voice trembled slightly, \u201cisn\u2019t there anything you can do?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m afraid not,\u201d he replied. \u201cOnce the symptoms take hold there\u2019s nothing that can be done.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd you\u2019re sure you shouldn\u2019t at least tell his father?\u201d his wife tried one last time. \u201cSomehow it just doesn\u2019t seem right to me that he not know.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ve known Joe\u2019s father for a long time, dear,\u201d the doctor said. \u201cI think after the boy is gone he\u2019ll appreciate that the last week they had together was peaceful. If I tell him now, the small amount of time they have left will be spent in sadness.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI suppose you\u2019re right,\u201d his wife conceded. \u201cPoor Joe, all those symptoms can be quite aggravating: Restlessness, change in appetite, forgetfulness, rapid heartbeat, shortness of breath. Oh, I don\u2019t envy the young man.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNow, dear,\u201d warned the doctor, \u201cpromise me you won\u2019t breathe a word of this to anyone. Everyone will find out for themselves one week from now, and I certainly don\u2019t want the family to hear it through the grapevine, so to speak.\u201d<\/p>\n

Mrs. Martin answered quickly, \u201cOf course I won\u2019t say anything, Paul, you know that.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYes, dear, I know,\u201d he answered. \u201cNow he\u2019s due in here any minute, so you just run along and make yourself a cup of tea. As a matter of fact, I wouldn\u2019t mind you bringing me one.\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe allowed any further conversation to fade into the background. In a daze he weakly fell back onto the bench behind him. \u201cOne week.\u201d He kept repeating the words over and over in his mind. One week to live? Try as he might, he couldn\u2018t wrap his mind around the idea. This morning he had been feeling so good . . . What was it that they were saying about symptoms? That first one . . . restlessness, that was it. Hadn\u2019t his father just accused him of being \u201crestless\u201d that very morning? He had to admit he had been neglecting some of his work, going out for long rides, and not coming home till late in the evening. He had attributed his wanderlust simply to growing up and wanting to be out on his own, but now . . . maybe it meant something more. He decided not to go into the doctor\u2019s office after all. He\u2019d already heard what he had been coming to find out. Joe slowly turned toward the livery to pick up his horse, Cochise. His last thoughts as he headed out of town were of his family and what this information would do to them.<\/p>\n

Joe sat listlessly beside the clear blue waters of Lake Tahoe. He had detoured here to one of his favorite spots, needing time to think. The gentle lapping of the waves always managed to provide strength and comfort whenever he was troubled.<\/p>\n

In the short amount of time he had been sitting on the shore, he had made two definite decisions. He agreed with the doctor that his father should not be told. He knew Pa would be distraught and he didn\u2019t want their last moments together to be filled with pity and sorrow. The other decision he made was to enjoy life as much as possible in what little time he had been given. This left him with a bit of a conundrum. He desperately needed to stay on good terms with Pa, but he certainly didn\u2019t want to spend his last week of life doing nothing but chores. After a bit longer Joe decided that if he was going to be able to enjoy the little bit of time he had left, and yet keep things a secret from Pa, he was going to have to bring in an ally.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll have to tell Hoss,\u201d he thought, releasing a heavy sigh.<\/p>\n

Hoss would understand. Oh, he\u2019d be hurting in his own way, but he would put that aside for Joe. Little Joe had always been able to count on his big, middle brother. Friend, confidant, sidekick, Hoss would always be there for him.<\/p>\n

\u201cEven to the end.\u201d Joe blinked away his tears and quickly mounted his black and white pinto.<\/p>\n

As Joe brought his horse into the yard, he took a moment to survey this place he called home. He had lived here all of his life and, yet he felt as though now he was seeing everything through a different set of eyes. Their strong, solid log cabin had always been a place of happiness and security for him. Many events had taken place inside of those walls throughout the years but always, whether celebrating a triumph or surviving a trial, his family had remained close. Little Joe tied Cochise to a nearby hitching rail and entered the house.<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, Joe,\u201d his father\u2019s deep baritone voice greeted him, \u201cI\u2019m glad to see our talk yesterday has made some impression at least. I thought for sure I would have to send one of your brothers into town to fetch you, but you\u2019ve proven me wrong. You\u2019re right on time.\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe basked in his father\u2019s praise. This was how he wanted things to be . . . here toward the end.<\/p>\n

\u201cHave you seen Hoss?\u201d Joe asked. \u201cI\u2019d like to get out there right away and start on those chores.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHe\u2019s just started out with the buckboard,\u201d answered his father. \u201cIf you hurry you should be able to catch up with him.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOk, Pa, I\u2019ll go right now.\u201d Joe hesitated for a moment before deciding to throw caution to the wind and, abruptly springing across the room, embraced his father.<\/p>\n

\u201cSomething wrong, Joseph?\u201d his father questioned, taken a little off guard.<\/p>\n

\u201cNah,\u201d answered Joe as he released him, \u201cjust wanted you to know I think you\u2019re the best Pa a guy could ask for is all. I\u2019ll see you tonight.\u201d<\/p>\n

At that statement Joe quickly turned and left the house leaving behind a very flattered but bewildered figure.<\/p>\n

Joe spurred Cochise into a gallop, and soon caught sight of Hoss a short way down the valley. He had come up with a plan to get Hoss and himself out of work for the rest of the week and was anxious to get started. Riding Cochise alongside the wagon he smiled warmly at his large sibling.<\/p>\n

\u201cHey, Hoss,\u201d Joe started tentatively, \u201cthe weather\u2019s been nice so far today and I\u2019ve been thinking we should go down to the lake and get in some fishing, and then\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cJoe, ain\u2019t you been in enough trouble lately?\u201d Hoss interrupted. \u201cPa wasn\u2019t foolin\u2019 yesterday when he said he\u2019d cut your pay. You\u2019d be smart to quit pushing your luck.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t worry, Hoss,\u201d Joe answered smoothly. \u201cI\u2019ve got a plan that will . . .\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cJust stop right there, little brother,\u201d Hoss again interrupted. \u201cI\u2019ve had enough of your plans to last me a lifetime. Now, you just get them ideas out of your head \u2018cause you and me are going to fix those fences.\u201d<\/p>\n

Little Joe was slightly hurt over Hoss\u2019s insinuations, and turned away shrugging his shoulders.<\/p>\n

\u201cAll right, fine! Be that way!\u201d Joe spoke harshly. \u201cI just thought you might want to spend some time having fun with me before it\u2019s too late is all.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI didn\u2019t mean I don\u2019t want to spend time with you,\u201d Hoss consoled. \u201cYou and I will be spending plenty of time together today. The job can be fun if you put your mind to it, and what do you mean before it\u2019s too late?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHoss,\u201d the sudden softness to Little Joe\u2019s voice caused Hoss to pull the wagon to a stop and look at Joe. \u201cI don\u2019t know quite how to tell you this.\u201d Little Joe turned to his brother his eyes pleading for understanding. \u201cI\u2019m . . . dying.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019re what!\u201d Hoss stared at his younger brother as if he\u2019d lost his mind.<\/p>\n

\u201cNow, I know it\u2019s hard to accept,\u201d Little Joe continued, \u201cbut it\u2019s true. You know how I went into town today to see Doc Martin?\u201d He was getting no response from his bewildered brother so he continued. \u201cWell, I went in and the Doc says I have one week to live.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cJoe, what are you talking about?\u201d Hoss asked. \u201cYou ain\u2019t even been sick.\u201d<\/p>\n

Hoss was starting to look a little peaked himself as he mulled over what Joe was saying.<\/p>\n

\u201cI know,\u201d replied Joe, \u201cbut I\u2019ve got the symptoms. The first one, you won\u2019t believe this, he said it was being \u2018restless\u2019. Now you heard Pa saying that to me just yesterday. Didn\u2019t you, hmmm?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYeah, but Joe,\u201d Hoss swallowed hard before continuing, \u201cwhy haven\u2019t you told Pa? There\u2019s gotta be something we can do, get you some kind of medicine, or to a different doc. Maybe, one of them new Sacramento doctors Adam\u2019s been readin\u2019 about in the paper.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThere isn\u2019t enough time for that,\u201d Joe answered patiently. \u201cI mean think about it, one week. Before anyone could get here or I could get there, it would be over, and I want to spend the time I have left living life. If there was any kind of medicine don\u2019t you think Doc Martin would have told me already? I don\u2019t want Pa to find out because I want our time together to be . . . you know, normal.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cJoe, you sure?\u201d Hoss asked. \u201cYou ain\u2019t joshin\u2019 me, are ya?<\/p>\n

\u201cHoss, I wouldn\u2019t joke about something like this. I can hardly believe it myself,\u201d Joe answered with a slight shudder.<\/p>\n

\u201cNo, I didn\u2019t think you would.\u201d Hoss wiped his hands over his eyes and then stared lifelessly out over the dull, brown vegetation sweeping valley.<\/p>\n

\u201cHoss, I know this is hard for you to accept,\u201d Little Joe said as he laid a hand on his brother\u2019s broad shoulder. \u201cI only told you because I need your help with my plans, and because, well because I\u2019ve never kept a secret from you before and I wouldn\u2018t want that to change now.\u201d<\/p>\n

Hoss sniffed and reached into his back pocket to pull out his handkerchief.<\/p>\n

Little Joe continued gently. \u201cI need you to be strong for me, Hoss. You\u2019ve always been there for me when I needed you and I need you most right now. I want us to spend this time together laughing not with both of us blubbering like idiots all over the place. What do you say?\u201d<\/p>\n

He smiled and reached out a hand toward his brother.<\/p>\n

Hoss looked at Joe\u2019s outstretched hand for a moment, and then sniffing once more, he gave a lopsided grin as he shook it.<\/p>\n

\u201cSure, Joe, you just lead the way. I\u2019ll do whatever you say.\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe knew, that on the inside, his brother\u2019s heart was breaking, but he also knew that Hoss would put his feelings aside in order to be what his brother needed.<\/p>\n

\u201cOkay,\u201d he said clearing his throat, \u201cnow here\u2019s what I\u2019ve got planned.\u201d<\/p>\n

About an hour later, Hoss and Joe sat down beside the river and threw in their baited fishing lines. They had managed to convince the Jones brothers to do any extra work for them that week. The Jones brothers didn\u2019t exactly have the best reputation when it came to getting work done, but they didn\u2019t ask for much more than beer money as pay. Hoss and Joe had been fishing for only a short time before Little Joe began to get restless.<\/p>\n

\u201cHey, Joe, you doing alright?\u201d Hoss asked, noticing Joe\u2019s fidgeting.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s that restless symptom the doctor was talking about,\u201d answered Joe. \u201cI just can\u2019t seem to sit still for very long.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIs there something else you\u2019d rather be doing?\u201d Hoss inquired anxiously.<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, now that you mention it,\u201d Joe paused, he\u2019d been waiting for this moment, \u201cI think I\u2019d really like to go to town, maybe get a drink.\u201d He looked up at his brother hopefully.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhatever you say, Little Joe,\u201d Hoss answered. \u201cYou\u2019re the boss.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAlright!\u201d Joe jumped up and clapped his hands together. \u201cLet\u2019s get going, there\u2019s no time to waste.\u201d<\/p>\n

The two brothers cringed over Joe\u2019s choice of words and then forcing a smile on their faces headed for town.<\/p>\n

A little while later, Little Joe tilted his chair back and put his feet up on the table at the local saloon in Virginia City.<\/p>\n

\u201cThings couldn\u2019t be better,\u201d he thought. \u201cI have the day off in town, a nice warm drink, and my best pal to spend time with me.\u201d<\/p>\n

He set his mug down on the table and gave a contented sigh; he hadn\u2019t had hot chocolate in a long time.<\/p>\n

Hoss grinned at Joe across the table, raised his own mug in salute, and took a huge swig. The next moment Joe was bathed in Hoss\u2019s coffee and saliva as he spewed his mouthful across the table.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat in the world?\u201d Joe stammered.<\/p>\n

Hoss pointed behind Joe and lowered his voice as he said, \u201cWe\u2019ve got a problem Joe. Uh . . . make that two problems\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat problems?\u201d Joe asked, not daring to turn around.<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, the first one is the Jones brothers just walked in, and I\u2019m guessing they haven\u2019t finished the fencing.\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe paled slightly. \u201cWhat\u2018s the other problem?\u201d he questioned.<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, the other problem would be that Adam just walked in behind them.\u201d Hoss ducked his head as he said this last statement.<\/p>\n

\u201cHas he seen us?\u201d Joe asked in trepidation.<\/p>\n

\u201cOh, yeah,\u201d Hoss answered. \u201cYou sure you don\u2019t want to let Adam in on the secret too, Joe? If you don\u2019t, you may not even have a week left. He looks pretty mad.\u201d Hoss pulled at his collar and swallowed nervously.<\/p>\n

Joe nearly jumped out of his seat a moment later as Adam grabbed a chair, turned it around and abruptly sat down, crossing his arms on their table. He pushed his hat back on his head as he rotated his gaze between his two culpable brothers. After several minutes of uncomfortable silence, Joe decided to try and break the ice.<\/p>\n

\u201cCan I buy you a drink, Adam?\u201d he grinned halfheartedly at his eldest brother.<\/p>\n

\u201cCan you buy me a drink?\u201d Adam repeated. \u201cNo, thank you, brother, I don\u2019t want anything to drink right now. What I do want is to know why, when I went to see if you boys needed a hand with the fencing, I found those two\u201d Adam hesitated and forced himself to lower his voice. \u201cThose two hoodlums out there instead, with a quarter mile section of fencing torn down.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam finished off his sentence by slapping his open hand onto the table, causing Hoss and Joe to nearly jump out of their skin.<\/p>\n

\u201cAdam,\u201d Hoss spoke up, \u201cyou mean to tell me they were tearing down the fencing?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s exactly what I mean to tell you,\u201d Adam answered, his voice dangerously low. \u201cAnd when I questioned them about it they said something about you two asking them to replace all the fencing.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOh, no,\u201d moaned Joe. \u201cAdam, you gotta believe us! We never told them to replace the fencing. They were just supposed to repair it.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYeah,\u201d Hoss joined in, \u201cit\u2019s all just a mistake.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cA mistake that wouldn\u2019t have happened if you two had been doing what you were told, instead of pawning off your responsibilities onto someone else.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam\u2019s voice was once again rising in volume.<\/p>\n

\u201cNow, you two get on your feet and come with me, we have a lot of work to do.\u201d He grabbed Little Joe by the arm and hauled him out of his seat giving him a slight push towards the exit then, looking to Hoss, he jabbed his thumb in the direction of the door.<\/p>\n

\u201cAdam, take it easy on Joe. He\u2019s . . .\u201d Hoss began, but Joe stopped him short with a sharp look and a shake of his head.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll start taking it easy on him,\u201d Adam replied as he yanked his arm from Hoss\u2019s grip, \u201cwhen he starts shouldering up to his responsibilities. Honestly, I\u2019m surprised at you, Hoss. At least you should have known better.\u201d<\/p>\n

With that last statement, Adam roughly brushed past his two brothers and headed outside.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhew, he\u2019s mad,\u201d Joe exhaled as he reached for his hat that had been knocked to the ground.<\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s for dang sure,\u201d replied Hoss. \u201cLook, Joe, if you don\u2019t tell him the truth not only will we be working for the rest of the day, but he sure is gonna be a bear to live with.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHoss,\u201d Little Joe reasoned, \u201cif I tell Adam you know the first thing he\u2019ll do is insist that we tell Pa. I\u2019d rather spend the day working. Besides, if we work hard and get it all done at least that will be one of the last things he remembers about me. Now, come on before he comes back in here with a bullwhip.\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe, Hoss, and Adam worked steadily for several hours and Little Joe found he was actually enjoying himself. He was starting to feel a real sense of accomplishment, and was glad to be in his brother\u2019s company. Joe was oblivious to the fact that Hoss had been going out of his way to make sure his little brother didn\u2019t do anything too strenuous.<\/p>\n

\u201cHoss,\u201d Little Joe said, watching his brother with concern, \u201cmaybe you should take a break for a few minutes. You look a little tuckered out.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI just might take you up on that, little brother.\u201d Hoss sat down with a groan and used his handkerchief to wipe some of the sweat off his face.<\/p>\n

Little Joe picked up one of the fence posts and dropped it into the hole Hoss had just finished digging. He was startled when he heard Adam come up behind him.<\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s what I like to see, little brother, you hard at work,\u201d said Adam, then looked over at Hoss and clicked his tongue. \u201cWhat\u2019s gotten into you today, Hoss? Are you going to let this young kid here out work you?\u201d<\/p>\n

Thanks to Hoss\u2019s back breaking efforts they had been making good progress, and Adam\u2019s mood had improved considerably.<\/p>\n

\u201cNo, no,\u201d replied Hoss as he struggled to stand, \u201cwouldn\u2019t want, Short Shanks, here to show me up. I\u2019ll get right back to work.\u201d Hoss winced as he stretched, trying to soothe the muscles in his aching arms.<\/p>\n

Adam clapped Hoss on the back, winked at Little Joe, and then headed back to the area of fencing he had been working on.<\/p>\n

\u201cNow Hoss,\u201d said Little Joe, \u201cI insist you let me do more to help out. Here I\u2019ll hold this post up straight for you while you fill in the hole.\u201d Little Joe flashed Hoss a winning smile, feeling quite pleased with himself.<\/p>\n

\u201cThank you, Joseph,\u201d Hoss answered mirthlessly. \u201cI appreciate that.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cPa, would you please pass the bread?\u201d asked Little Joe at supper that evening.<\/p>\n

\u201cSon,\u201d his father said, passing the plate, \u201cYou haven\u2019t given me your report for the day. Did you and Hoss get all the fencing repaired?\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe looked nervously over at Adam who was busy ignoring them.<\/p>\n

\u201cWell that\u2019s a good sign,\u201d thought Joe. Out loud he answered. \u201cPa, I think you\u2019ll be real pleased. See we didn\u2019t waste time worrying about all those little repairs.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOh no?\u201d his father questioned, seeming puzzled.<\/p>\n

\u201cNo, sir,\u201d Joe continued. \u201cSee, we thought it would be better to just replace the fencing\u2014you know that quarter mile down by the creek?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThe quarter mile down by the creek,\u201d his father repeated.<\/p>\n

\u201cYep, replaced the whole thing,\u201d Little Joe grinned broadly.<\/p>\n

\u201cJoseph,\u201d his father said, slowly folding his hands on the table in front of him, \u201cwe just put up that fencing last spring. I really don\u2019t think it was necessary for you to replace it.\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe gulped down a quick drink of water and then looked anxiously over at Hoss for support. No help would be coming from that direction however; as Hoss, with his head leaning on his hand, was sound asleep.<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, Pa,\u201d he tried pathetically, \u201cwe just didn\u2019t want to take any chances. There could have been termites and it rained an awful lot last month ,so some of the wood could have rotted and then . . . there\u2019s the . . . the birds . . .\u201d<\/p>\n

His father raised an eyebrow and said, \u201cYes, Joe. What about the birds?\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam had been clearing his throat quite a bit during Joe\u2019s explanation, and Joe shot him a withering glare.<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, you see there\u2019ve been an awful lot of birds out their lately pa, and they . . . you know . . . well they sit on the fence and everything.\u201d Joe finished lamely.<\/p>\n

\u201cAn awful lot of birds.\u201d Ben\u2019s face was starting to turn a deep shade red. \u201cSo what you\u2019re trying to tell me is that you replaced an almost brand new section of fencing because it might have had termites, the wood might be rotted, and some birds sat on it!\u201d<\/p>\n

As Ben\u2019s fist hit the table Hoss suddenly jerked awake, saving him from ending up with his face in his mashed potatoes. Joe withered slightly under his father\u2019s fierce gaze and again looked to Adam. This time for support.<\/p>\n

\u201cAdam,\u201d Ben snapped, \u201cWhat were you thinking letting your two brothers pull a stunt like that?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNow, Pa,\u201d Adam quickly defended himself, \u201cthe fence was already torn down by the time I got there. I just helped them put up the new one.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben sat back and folded his arms over his chest. \u201cHoss, do you have anything to add to this?\u201d<\/p>\n

Hoss having missed most of the earlier conversation just shrugged helplessly.<\/p>\n

Ben sighed and looked again to his oldest. \u201cAdam, it seems I can\u2019t trust these brothers of yours to complete a job properly without some supervision. Now, I\u2019ve made a list of the jobs I want completed during the rest of the week. Instead of having Joe report to me, I\u2019m going to put you in charge of him and Hoss both. They\u2019ll be checking in with you for their orders, and I want you to make sure everything gets done satisfactorily.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam, looking none too pleased, raised his hands in surrender. \u201cAlright, but keeping these two in line is about as easy as trying to lasso the moon.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHey!\u201d both Little Joe and Hoss objected at the same time.<\/p>\n

\u201cAdam,\u201d Ben interrupted, rotating his gaze between his two youngest sons, \u201cI think you might have an easier time if you did try to lasso the moon.\u201d<\/p>\n

He rose after this statement, gave one last intimidating look to Hoss and Joe, then walked toward the front door.<\/p>\n

\u201cIf you\u2019re going out, Pa, I\u2019ll join you,\u201d said Adam as he too rose to leave.<\/p>\n

After they had gone Joe looked across the table at Hoss.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhy didn\u2019t you say something?\u201d he demanded. \u201cNow, we\u2019re stuck with Adam for the rest of the week. My last week, may I remind you?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cDad-burn it, Little Joe,\u201d Hoss answered. \u201cI\u2019m so tired I don\u2019t know even know what\u2019s going on. I think you need to just tell them both. I still say there\u2019s gotta be something that can be done.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo, Hoss,\u201d Little Joe stated emphatically. \u201cIf Pa finds out he won\u2019t even let me leave the house, and I don\u2019t intend to spend my last days stuck indoors with Pa and Adam fussing over me like some sick little kid. Now, would you please just relax and trust me. I\u2019ll come up with something.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, alright,\u201d Hoss answered, \u201cBut I think you need to take it easy at least. If you only got a week left I want the whole week with ya, no sense rushing things by doing anything reckless.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019re a pal, Hoss,\u201d Joe said. \u201cI knew I could count on you. Now eat up quick, we\u2019ve got some planning to do.\u201d<\/p>\n

Later that night Hoss sat on the end of Joe\u2019s bed as they talked of their plans. Tomorrow\u2019s job was to spend the day marking trees to be cut for a new timbering contract. Joe hated these kind of jobs, he viewed them as tedious and boring. He would much rather be out roping or herding than counting trees.<\/p>\n

\u201cWell,\u201d said Hoss, \u201cat least tomorrow won\u2019t be any real hard work, mostly just riding and marking up in the hills.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2019ll have to be reporting back to Adam every hour or so to give him the count,\u201d replied Joe, \u201cso I don\u2019t think there\u2019s any way we can get out of it, but Hoss I\u2019ve got to get away at some point tomorrow. I promised Millie Henderson that I would come courting and you know how her brother gets if anyone upsets her.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYeah, I remember the last time you didn\u2019t show up when you were supposed to,\u201d answered Hoss as he rubbed his cheek. \u201cSeems like I ended taking most of the punches for you too.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWell,\u201d Little Joe whined, \u201cher brother Dan is huge. He would\u2019ve killed me if you hadn\u2019t stepped in.\u201d<\/p>\n

Hoss nodded and said, \u201cYeah, well let\u2019s just come up with a way for you to make that date so I won\u2019t have to step in again. That Dan\u2019s even bigger than me.\u201d<\/p>\n

Little Joe scratched his chin and raised his eyes to the ceiling as he tried to think of something.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ve got it!\u201d he snapped as he jumped off the bed.<\/p>\n

At the sudden unevenness Hoss lost his balance and tumbled onto the floor with a thud.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat\u2019s going on up there?\u201d Ben yelled from downstairs.<\/p>\n

Joe cringed and quickly hollered out the door, \u201cNothing, Pa, Hoss just fell off the bed is all.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, help him up and tell him to be more careful,\u201d Pa shouted back. Little Joe thought he heard him mumbling something about not bringing the house down, but couldn\u2019t quite make it out.<\/p>\n

As Little Joe turned back into his room he continued, \u201cI\u2019ve got it all worked out. Now, when everyone goes to sleep, you\u2019re gonna sneak out and take one of our cattle up to the Henderson place\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNow, hold on just a dang minute,\u201d Hoss interrupted. \u201cin the first place, Dan Henderson would shoot me if he caught me sneaking around in the middle of the night over there. In the second place, Joe, I\u2019m so doggone tired I couldn\u2019t even sneak into my own room, let alone out in the dark tonight.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, how do you like that?\u201d said Joe, ignoring Hoss\u2019s pitiful expression. \u201chere I am dying, with only six days left to enjoy life and all I ask is one little favor, but oh no, you\u2019re too tired. Well, you just stay here, Hoss I, the sick one, will go out into the cold dark night so that you can get some sleep.\u201d<\/p>\n

Hoss rolled his eyes and let out a tremendous sigh. \u201cOkay, Joseph,\u201d I\u2019ll do it. Just tell me the rest of the plan.\u201d<\/p>\n

Little Joe beamed and gave Hoss a playful punch. \u201cI knew I could count on you big brother and I sure do appreciate it. Now, listen carefully so you don\u2019t mess anything up . . .\u201d<\/p>\n

The next day went smoothly. Little Joe had cornered Hoss first thing that morning to make sure the plan had gone off all right during the night.<\/p>\n

\u201cYes, Joe,\u201d Hoss had answered through a gaping yawn. \u201cI delivered that bull just where you said to. It\u2018s all tied up and waiting for you.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cGood, good.\u201d Joe clapped Hoss on the back on his way down to breakfast.<\/p>\n

The marking and tallying went smoothly throughout the day with Joe mostly enjoying riding his horse through the magnificent trees, and Hoss making the numerous trips back and forth to report to Adam. It was just after one o\u2019clock when Joe decided it was time for him to make his escape. He went over once again with Hoss what he was to tell Adam.<\/p>\n

\u201cOkay, Hoss, repeat it to me one more time,\u201d Little Joe told his by now bone tired middle brother.<\/p>\n

Hoss blinked a few times and then focused intently on Joe\u2019s face. \u201cLet\u2019s see, I tell him we saw Pa\u2019s prize bull heading over towards the Henderson place and that you went to fetch it before old Dan gets any ideas.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cRight,\u201d said Little Joe enthusiastically. \u201cNow, you think you can remember that?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSure, Joe, sure,\u201d Hoss yawned again, waving weakly as his brother took off.<\/p>\n

Little Joe quickly made his way back to the ranch to get ready. He knew Pa had gone into town that day complaining of meetings and paperwork and Hop Sing had gone along as well to pick up some supplies, so he wasn\u2019t worried about running into anyone. After a nice leisurely soak in the tub he dressed in his finest gray suit, polished his dress boots and then, sneaking into his brother\u2019s room, he rubbed on a little of Adam\u2019s new cologne.<\/p>\n

\u201cMm, Mm,\u201d he said to himself as he checked his image in the mirror. \u201cYou\u2019re one handsome man, Joe Cartwright.\u201d He smiled at his reflection and then sobered as he remembered that this could be one of the last occasions he would get all dressed up for. Of course, there would be one final occasion, but he wouldn\u2018t be dressing himself for that one. \u201cIt\u2019s so strange,\u201d he thought. \u201cI\u2019ve never felt better.\u201d He picked up the picture of his mother that lay on the nightstand next to his bed and tenderly traced the outline of her face. \u201cYou know, Mama,\u201d he talked to her picture, \u201cthere have been so many times I wished I could remember the sound of your voice. I guess I\u2019ll be hearing it again soon. I can\u2019t say I\u2019m sorry about that.\u201d He gave a soft smile as he gently placed the picture back in its spot.<\/p>\n

Leaving the house to meet with Millie his only concern was of how his family would manage once he was gone.<\/p>\n

Little Joe tied Cochise to the rail outside of Millie and Dan Henderson\u2019s house. He smoothed some of the wrinkles out of his suit and grabbed the flowers he had stopped to pick for Millie on the way over. He approached the steps with an air of confidence which quickly vanished as he caught sight of Dan standing tall and menacing off the side of the porch.<\/p>\n

\u201cDan,\u201d Little Joe nodded toward the over-protective older brother.<\/p>\n

\u201cJoe,\u201d he answered with a nod of his own his. \u201cGlad to see you could make it on time. I hate for my little sister to be kept waiting.\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe could feel the hostility radiating off Dan\u2019s solid figure. Dan Henderson had never gotten along with Joe Cartwright. At least, not since the time Little Joe had beaten him in a high stakes marble game when they were both in school. Dan was several years older than Joe and had not taken losing to a \u201ckid\u201d well at all. Joe swallowed lightly and approached the steps.<\/p>\n

\u201cIs . . . is Millie inside?\u201d his voice cracked.<\/p>\n

\u201cHere I am, Joe,\u201d answered a musical voice as Millie rounded the side of the house.<\/p>\n

Upon seeing Millie, Joe momentarily forgot all about her watch dog brother on the porch. She was wearing a white dress with little pink and yellow flowers adding a nice splash of color. Ever since he had first seen Millie, in the fifth grade, he had been mesmerized by her big blue eyes. Her cheeks were flushed from the cold, and her gentle smile was enough to melt any man\u2019s heart.<\/p>\n

\u201cI was just out back taking a look at the new bull Dan rounded up this morning,\u201d she said cheerfully.<\/p>\n

\u201cOh, you got a new bull did you?\u201d Joe asked as he handed Millie the flowers.<\/p>\n

\u201cYep,\u201d Dan spoke up. \u201cFound it roaming the hills on my land just to the east of here. Nice looking animal.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou want to see him, Joe?\u201d Millie asked.<\/p>\n

Joe was willing to do whatever it took to appease Dan so that he could have some time alone with Millie.<\/p>\n

\u201cSure, I\u2019d love to,\u201d he answered.<\/p>\n

The threesome walked around the back of the house toward the barn. In a small holding pen just off to the side was the bull. When Joe saw the creature his legs nearly buckled beneath him. Dan hadn\u2019t been exaggerating when he said it was a nice looking bull. It was indeed a beautiful specimen; beautiful and expensive.<\/p>\n

\u201cHoss must have brought the wrong bull,\u201d Joe thought desperately.<\/p>\n

Joe worried that his week might be up when he felt his heart start to race and his breath started coming in short wheezing gasps. He felt as if he was going to faint. Somehow his perfectly thought out plan had gone horribly wrong. Hoss hadn\u2019t grabbed Pa\u2019s prize bull that they entered in the fair every year. He had brought Pa\u2019s new bull, the one Adam had gone all the way to Texas for, the one that hadn\u2019t even been branded yet, the one Pa had paid fifteen hundred dollars for.<\/p>\n

\u201cJoe, are you all right?\u201d exclaimed Millie.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m not really feeling so well all of sudden,\u201d Joe replied hoarsely.<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, come sit on the porch.\u201d Millie gently took his arm and helped him back to the house. \u201cI\u2019ll go in and get you a nice cup of tea.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou don\u2019t have anything catching do you?\u201d asked Dan as he approached Little Joe. \u201cI wouldn\u2019t want my sister coming down with anything.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOh no,\u201d replied Joe. \u201cJust had a long day on the ranch and I guess it\u2019s catching up with me.\u201d<\/p>\n

Dan eyed him closely for a few minutes and then turned and slowly walked off.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll be close by.\u201d Dan called over his shouler. Joe wasn\u2019t sure whether Dan meant that in a helpful way or not.<\/p>\n

As he waited for Millie with the tea he thought about his father\u2019s new bull now in back of Millie\u2019s house. How was he going to explain this one without letting everyone know his secret?<\/p>\n

\u201cHere you are, Joe\u201d said Millie holding a tray out to him with tea and some gingersnaps.<\/p>\n

\u201cThank you,\u201d he said and grabbed a few cookies, popping one into his mouth.<\/p>\n

\u201cJoe, you\u2019ll never know what a bit of luck it was my brother finding that bull. Our old bull, the one Daddy bought before he died a few years ago. Well, it got colic last week and my brother had to shoot it. We weren\u2019t sure where we were gonna get the money for another one, and with winter coming on it would\u2019ve been quite a while before Dan could have gone anywhere to purchase another animal.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, Millie,\u201d Joe gently interrupted, \u201cyou know that\u2019s an awfully nice looking bull out there. Don\u2019t you think maybe, I mean just maybe mind you, that he might belong to someone else and maybe just got loose or something?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhy, Joe Cartwright, are you accusing my brother of stealing?\u201d huffed Millie. \u201cThat bull was wandering out in the hills and there\u2019s no brand on it.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo, Millie! I\u2019m not saying that at all. It\u2019s just that such a nice looking bull must belong to somebody, and\u2026\u201d Little Joe was cut off as Millie abruptly rose out of her seat; confronting him with just as much of a temper as her very large older brother was famous for.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhy, Joe! You are accusing us of stealing that bull! Of all the\u2026\u201d She ended her tirade by dumping the rest of the contents on the tray all over Joe\u2019s suit. \u201cI think you better leave, now!\u201d She stamped her foot and pointed towards his mount.<\/p>\n

Joe was about to try and defend himself when he noticed Dan making his way swiftly across the yard. He looked mad enough to spit nails, and Joe didn\u2019t want to take any chances. He swiftly hopped over the porch rail, jumped on Cochise and made his way toward home, leaving a flurry of dust behind him.<\/p>\n

When Little Joe was sure he wasn\u2019t being followed he slowed Cochise into a walk and tried desperately to come up with some way of making a considerable amount of money, fast. He had briefly considered turning around and just telling Millie and her brother that the bull was his and had just escaped but, putting his own worries for his safety aside, he knew he couldn\u2019t ask for the bull back after the story Millie had told him. He was just going to have to come up with a way to replace the money his father had spent. He knew that when fate took its course and he was gone, the bull would be the least of his father\u2019s concerns, but he didn\u2019t want to leave this world knowing he had cost his father fifteen hundred dollars.<\/p>\n

Joe managed to make it back to the ranch before the rest of his family, and was changed and waiting in the barn when Hoss and Adam arrived.<\/p>\n

\u201cHey, Joe,\u201d greeted Adam. \u201cI saw the bull out in the field on the way over, so I guess you must have tracked him down. Good work on the tree tallying by the way. I think Pa will be pleased with our progress.\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe smiled nervously. \u201cAt least Adam hadn\u2019t noticed that the new bull wasn\u2019t in the field.\u201d out loud he said, \u201cYou know me, Adam, wouldn\u2019t want to shirk any of my responsibilities.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSure, Joe.\u201d Adam replied with amusement.<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, boys, I\u2019m plumb tuckered out,\u201d Hoss joined in. \u201cI think I\u2019m gonna go in the house and get in a few winks before dinner.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou feeling alright, Hoss?\u201d Adam questioned with concern. \u201cYou sure do look tired.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOh, he\u2019s fine,\u201d Little Joe answered for his exhausted older brother. \u201cHe\u2019s just gonna help me clean out a few stalls and then I\u2019ll see that he gets some rest.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cBut, Joe\u201d Hoss tried to interject.<\/p>\n

Joe shushed Hoss with a deadly glare, and the dejected figure sat roughly down on a bale of straw.<\/p>\n

\u201cWell,\u201d Adam said, \u201cYou boys do what you want I\u2019m going to my room and read. See you at dinner.\u201d<\/p>\n

After Joe was sure Adam was out of ear shot he marched over to Hoss and demanded to know what in the world he had been thinking last night.<\/p>\n

\u201cJoe, I wasn\u2019t thinking much of anything except hurrying to deliver that dad-blamed bull and getting home to bed. I haven\u2019t had but a few hours of sleep, and I\u2019ve been working like a mule besides.\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe sighed and dropped onto the bale beside his brother, then explained the whole mixed up mess to Hoss. When he finished he wearily let his head fall into his hands.<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, Little Brother,\u201d said Hoss not without some compassion. \u201cYou\u2019ve got yourself into another fine mess. I\u2019ve said it before and I\u2019ll say it again. You need to just tell Pa the truth. He won\u2019t care a lick about that old bull when he finds out you\u2019re\u2026you\u2019re\u2026\u201d He couldn\u2019t bring himself to say the words.<\/p>\n

\u201cHoss, I can\u2019t tell Pa.\u201d Joe raised his head and looked imploringly at his big brother. \u201cEspecially now. I can\u2019t leave knowing that I\u2019ve caused Pa all this trouble. I want to go with a clear conscience.\u201d<\/p>\n

Hoss suddenly started chuckling, and Joe looked at him inquiringly.<\/p>\n

\u201cIf you really want to leave with a clear conscience, little brother, than there are a few things you should be confessing.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat do you mean?\u201d asked Joe.<\/p>\n

\u201cHow about the time you took that apple pie Hop Sing had just put in the window, and Pa thought it was me. I wasn\u2019t allowed to have dessert for a whole week \u2018cause of you.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHoss!\u201d Little Joe looked at his brother incredulously. \u201cI was seven-years-old! Are you still holding a grudge?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201clittle brother, when it comes to losing out on food I take things pretty seriously.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOh yeah,\u201d started Little Joe getting into the spirit of things. \u201cIf we\u2019re really gonna start dragging up the past; how about the time you tried to hide those baby porcupines in the outhouse, and Pa thought I had put them there as a joke on Adam.\u201d<\/p>\n

Hoss almost rolled off his seat as he howled with laughter. \u201cIf I remember correctly neither you nor Pa were sitting very comfortable for a while. I\u2019ve got the topper though, Joe,\u201d Hoss continued. \u201cHow about that time when you thought for sure that new ranch hand Pa hired was a criminal from one of Sherriff Coffee\u2019s wanted posters.<\/p>\n

Joe groaned and rolled his eyes.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou convinced me to set up that trap for him. Only instead of catching him I caught Adam. I never did figure out where you slinked off to.\u201d Hoss finished his story and unconsciously put a hand over his eye. \u201cBoy was Adam mad.\u201d<\/p>\n

Little Joe and Hoss chuckled softly and then, seeming to remember the same thing at the same time, they quickly sobered.<\/p>\n

\u201cLittle brother,\u201d said Hoss placing an arm around Joe\u2019s shoulder. \u201cI\u2019d take a punch for you any day. I just want you to know that.\u201d<\/p>\n

Little Joe sniffed and wiped his sleeve across his eyes. \u201cYeah, I know Hoss.\u201d<\/p>\n

The two sat quietly for a few moments enjoying the time with each other, and going over old memories in their minds.<\/p>\n

\u201cHey,\u201d Little Joe suddenly shot up; snapping his fingers. \u201cThat\u2019s it.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat\u2019s it?\u201d asked Hoss looking confused.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou gave me the perfect idea for getting the money to pay back Pa when you mentioned that old ranch hand. Roy\u2019s got dozens of posters down at the jail, and some of those criminals are worth as much as ten thousand dollars.\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe was really starting to get excited now and his eyes gleamed with anticipation.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhoa there, Joe, just hang on a minute. You\u2019re not in any shape to be going after some old criminal; besides you told me yourself you\u2019ve got less than a week. That ain\u2019t enough time to be trying for one them rewards, it\u2018s not like one of them is just gonna walk up and say, \u201cHey, can you bring me over to the local jail?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo,\u201d Joe wasn\u2019t going to be stopped. \u201cIt\u2019s the perfect plan. Not only will I be able to leave Pa the money for that bull, but I\u2019ll be going out with a bang.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYeah, the bang from a gun most likely,\u201d Hoss interrupted.<\/p>\n

Joe ignored his pessimistic brother and continued. \u201cI can see it now, at my funeral they\u2019ll all say. Here lies Joe Cartwright. He died a hero.\u201d<\/p>\n

Little Joe paid no heed to the exasperated sigh coming from Hoss. He had a plan and not many things could change Joe\u2019s mind once he made it up to do something. He was a Cartwright through and through, and Cartwright\u2019s were nothing if not stubborn.<\/p>\n

\u201cJoe,\u201d Hoss spoke up trying a different tack. \u201cHow are you planning to do this when we\u2019ve got Adam standing guard over us all week? You know he takes his responsibilities from Pa seriously, and I don\u2019t think he\u2019s about to let you go traipsing all over the countryside.\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe thought about this statement knowing Adam would be the biggest obstacle to overcome.<\/p>\n

Hoss continued. \u201cPa\u2019s list says were supposed to spend tomorrow doing repairs around the house and yard. It\u2019s not gonna be easy to slip away.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAlright,\u201d said Joe. \u201cWe\u2019ll just have to work real hard to impress Adam tomorrow, if we can get him on our side than maybe he\u2019ll help us convince Pa to let us go into town the next day. The stage carrying the mail is due in on Saturday. Someone\u2018s gonna have to go get it, so it may as well be us.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWait a minute,\u201d said Hoss holding up a hand. \u201cWhen did this become us? This is your idea. I have no ambitions for going out in a blaze of glory.\u201d<\/p>\n

Little Joe turned his most intense puppy dog expression onto his brother and spoke softly. \u201cI thought we were a team Hoss. All the way through, to the end.\u201d He turned away from Hoss slowly; shoulders drooping.<\/p>\n

\u201cOkay, Little Brother, you win\u201d said Hoss remorsefully. \u201cI did say I was with you. You lead the way and I\u2019ll follow. Guess there\u2019s worse ways for a fellow to go than trying to be a hero.\u201d<\/p>\n

Little Joe swung around to face his brother; his smile stretching from ear to ear. \u201cLet\u2019s get inside and start going over that list of repairs. Maybe we can even get started after supper. That will really impress Adam.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cJoe,\u201d Hoss said stifling a yawn, \u201cIt\u2019s just about dark outside now, and I\u2019ve got to get some sleep.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWe can work with the lanterns,\u201d answered Joe. \u201cYou\u2019ll be in bed soon enough; now will you quit worrying?\u201d<\/p>\n

As they left the barn Hoss whispered under his breath, \u201cI\u2019ll try, Joe. I\u2019ll try.\u201d<\/p>\n

Little Joe and Hoss managed to get a good start on some of the repairs the night before and now after a good night\u2019s rest Joe was ready to start the new day, and he skipped, whistling down the stairs to breakfast.<\/p>\n

\u201cMorning, Pa, Adam,\u201d he said merrily to the two already seated at the table.<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, and to what do we owe the pleasure of such cacophonous shrieking this early in the morning?\u201d queried Adam.<\/p>\n

Little Joe, figuring Adam was referencing his whistling made a face and started to make an equally sarcastic reply when Ben interceded.<\/p>\n

\u201cNow, Adam, just because your brother\u2019s in a good mood doesn\u2019t mean you have to patronize him.\u201d He turned to Little Joe and smiled. \u201cJoe I just wanted to say how impressed I was with your work yesterday. You really put forth some effort and it hasn\u2019t gone unnoticed.\u201d<\/p>\n

Little Joe felt slightly guilty accepting the compliment as he knew Hoss had done most of the work tallying yesterday, but he had worked hard last night and he in intended to do so today also.<\/p>\n

\u201cThanks, Pa,\u201d he replied.<\/p>\n

\u201cYep, the squirt does good when he puts his mind to it.\u201d Adam added with a grin.<\/p>\n

Little Joe decided to ignore his brother\u2019s comment and started piling his plate with food. All that hard work sure had made him hungry.<\/p>\n

Hoss sauntered down the stairs a few minutes later feeling refreshed after getting full night of sleep. He sat down at the table and reached for the biscuits then scowled when he noticed there were only two left.<\/p>\n

\u201cHey,\u201d he protested. \u201cWho done ate up all the biscuits? And the gravy bowls nearly empty too.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSorry, Hoss\u201d Joe garbled around a mouthful of food. \u201cI was just real hungry this morning.<\/p>\n

\u201cJoseph,\u201d his father scolded. \u201cDon\u2019t talk with your mouth full. And Hoss I\u2019m sure Hop Sing has more biscuits in the kitchen.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, I hope so,\u201d Hoss pouted. \u201cI won\u2019t be able to make it for even a few hours on this measly amount of food.\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe joined in the chuckle with the rest of his family at Hoss\u2019s expense, and graciously offered him a couple pieces of his bacon.<\/p>\n

\u201cWell boys,\u201d said Ben, \u201cnature has put off giving us any snow so far this year, but that won\u2019t last I\u2019m afraid. Now there\u2019s lots of work to be done in order to get this place battened down for the winter.\u201d Ben pulled his infamous list out of his vest pocket and looked to his eldest.<\/p>\n

\u201cAdam, I\u2019ve persuaded the extra hands you hired for the fall round up to stay on a few more days to help us get everything ready. I\u2019m putting you in charge of checking the structural integrity of all the out buildings as well as the barn and house roof. Take a few of the hands and make up a crew. Any small repairs I want you to give to Hoss.\u201d Turning to Hoss he continued. \u201cI want you to take one man and get as many of those repairs done as possible in the next few days. Make a list of any supplies you might need for repairing, and I\u2019ll send someone into town tomorrow to get them.\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe and Hoss exchanged glances. This could end up working in their favor.<\/p>\n

\u201cSure thing, Pa,\u201d Hoss answered.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat am I gonna be doing, Pa?\u201d asked Joe.<\/p>\n

\u201cJoe, I\u2019m putting you in charge of getting us prepped for winter.\u201d Ben answered.<\/p>\n

Joe knew what that meant. He would be in charge of making sure they were stocked well for the winter season. He would be doing inventory and stocking. There had to be plenty of hay stored in the barn, and the woodshed would need to be piled high with firewood. It was tedious work, but he had already determined to do his best at whatever jobs his father had lined up for the day.<\/p>\n

The family all went their separate ways after breakfast each working diligently at their tasks. Ben had gone out with a few hands to make sure the stock were all secure and to bring in a load of lumber that could be used throughout the winter for emergency repairs. Adam, who had diligently been working on the barn roof, had told Joe to go ahead to lunch without him as he wanted to finish the roof before it got dark.<\/p>\n

Little Joe was already seated at the table with a huge pile of sandwiches on his plate when Hoss walked in for lunch.<\/p>\n

\u201cBoy, Little Joe, I don\u2019t think I\u2019ve ever seen you eat so much before. You keep this up and you just might grow to be as big as me.\u201d Hoss laughed casually at his own joke, but something about what he said made Little Joe suddenly lose his appetite.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat\u2019s wrong?\u201d asked Hoss in concern. \u201cYour face just went all green.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI just realized, Hoss,\u201d he answered weakly, \u201cthis morning at breakfast and now this. It\u2019s another symptom.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat is? What are you talking about.\u201d questioned Hoss.<\/p>\n

\u201cChange in appetite. The Doc said that was one of the symptoms. I\u2019ve been feeling so good I had almost forgotten that I\u2019m\u2026 I\u2019m dying.\u201d He gulped loudly suddenly turning pale. \u201cGreat that\u2019s another symptom. Forgetfulness. It\u2019s happening fast Hoss. I thought I was ready, but\u2026\u201d He didn\u2019t finish his statement as he shoved his plate of food towards Hoss. Hoss pushed it back looking almost as ghostly as Little Joe.<\/p>\n

\u201cI didn\u2019t mean to upset you. You go ahead and eat.\u201d tried Joe.<\/p>\n

\u201cNah, I ain\u2019t that hungry. Guess I\u2019ll just go get back to work.\u201d He paused then turned back to Joe saying softly, \u201cYou coming?\u201d With Pa being out and Adam busy Hoss had insisted that Little Joe let him help with the heavy lifting of the hay bales for the barn.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll be there in just a few minutes,\u201d responded Joe, \u201cthere\u2019s something I want to do first.
\nWhen Hoss had gone Little Joe slowly climbed the stairs and made his way to his oldest brother\u2019s bedroom. There was something he had been planning on doing before it was time to meet his Maker, but with the symptoms catching up to him so quickly he figured he shouldn\u2018t put it off much longer. He made his way to his brother\u2019s book shelf and scanned the titles until he found the one he was looking for \u201cA Christmas Carol\u201d by Charles Dickens. Joe took the book into his room and set it on his desk. Pulling out a piece of paper he started writing a letter to his oldest brother. Joe knew that if he put the letter into this book it wouldn\u2019t take Adam too long after he had gone to find it. This book was always one of the first ones Adam read when they got snowed in. A short while later Joe gave a soft sigh and leaned back in his chair going over the letter one last time.<\/p>\n

Brother Adam,
\nIf you\u2019re reading this letter then you know that I am gone. Please forgive me for keeping you in the dark, but when the doctor said I only had one week left to live I wanted things to be the way they\u2019ve always been. I know that you and Pa would have been trying frantically to find some way to save me and I didn\u2019t want our last moments together to be spent in sadness. I know how much reading means to you and I thought a good way for me to say my goodbyes to you would be to do so in writing. I know we don\u2019t always see eye to eye and that I argue with you a lot, but that doesn\u2019t mean I don\u2019t love you and respect you. You\u2019re more than just my oldest brother. You\u2019ve been like a second father to me all my life. You taught me to fish and skip stones when I was little, and as I grew older you taught me to shoot, and rope, and how to bust a bronc. I\u2019ve watched you all my life and I\u2019ve always tried to copy you. Thank you for being an example for me and for always taking time out for your annoying \u201clittle\u201d brother. Please take care of Pa, but most especially Hoss. You know how easily he lets people talk him into things. He\u2019ll need someone watching over his shoulder. Now, you should consider yourself pretty special as this is the longest letter I\u2019ve ever written to anyone. (Other than Santa, of course) Take care of yourself.
\nLove,
\nLittle Joe<\/p>\n

Little Joe was satisfied with his work and carefully folded the letter adding Adam\u2019s name on the outside. He put it carefully between the pages and snuck the book back on the shelf. He felt better knowing this task was behind him. He planned to spend as much of the time he had left with Hoss, this was his parting gift to the best friend he had. For his father he had something else planned, and he desperately needed to get into Virginia City tomorrow if he was going to be able to accomplish his plan.<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, I best get moving if I want to get into town tomorrow,\u201d he thought to himself.<\/p>\n

It was four weary men that fell into their beds that evening. They had all accomplished a lot that day and had mutually agreed to call it an early night. When Little Joe had presented his request that he and Hoss be allowed to be the ones to go into town the next day he had been both surprised and pleased when Adam quickly took up their side.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhoa, boys,\u201d Ben said holding up his hands in surrender. \u201cI had already planned to let Joe go into town tomorrow. You\u2019ve been working hard and this may be the last chance for you to get some of your rambling out of your system before the first storm hits. I don\u2019t see any reason why Hoss shouldn\u2019t accompany you.\u201d<\/p>\n

Little Joe smiled as he remembered his father\u2019s statement. Now if some criminal would just cooperate and show his face in town tomorrow things would be perfect. Joe snuggled down into his blankets and happily fell asleep; dreaming of daring deeds, medals for bravery, and sentimental epitaphs.<\/p>\n

The next morning Hoss and Joe bundled up and left before it was even light outside. They planned to eat breakfast at their favorite hotel. Little Joe had made this request and Hoss had been only too happy to oblige. After a leisurely breakfast the two boys split up with plans to meet at the saloon around eleven o\u2019clock. Joe made a few stops before hurrying down the street to the little watch shop where his friend Pete worked.<\/p>\n

\u201cHey, Joe,\u201d greeted Pete as Joe briskly walked in; he looked at Joe and then whistled before continuing. \u201cBoy you sure do look nice. You meetin\u2019 a girl or something?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cActually I am,\u201d Joe answered, \u201cbut that\u2019s not why I went by the barbers. I want you to take a picture of me with that new camera you got a few weeks ago.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, I\u2019d be happy to Joe,\u201d his friend beamed. \u201cI\u2019ve been wanting to take practice shots with it, but most people won\u2019t hold still long enough.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, I\u2019ll hold still as long as you want,\u201d Joe said, \u201cas long as you do me a favor with it once you get it developed.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhatcha wanting me to do with it?\u201d Pete asked curiously.<\/p>\n

Joe pulled a beautiful gold plated pocket watch from inside his coat and handed it to his friend. \u201cI want you to put that picture of me in this pocket watch. See, if you open it up, on the side here is a little place to slip in a picture. I want to leave it\u2026er, I mean give it to my, Pa, for Christmas.\u201d<\/p>\n

Pete held the pocket watch up near the light of the window examining it closely. \u201cWhere\u2019d you get this Joe? It sure is a nice one.\u201d<\/p>\n

Little Joe took back the watch and admired it lovingly for a moment. \u201cIt was a gift to me from my Pa, when I turned sixteen. It had a picture of my mother in it. He had it engraved on the back, see.\u201d Little Joe carefully turned the watch over to show his friend the inscription.<\/p>\n

Always on my mind;
\nAlways in my heart.
\nNever far away;
\nThough we are apart.<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd you\u2019re giving it back to him?\u201d asked Pete incredulously.<\/p>\n

\u201cIs there something wrong with that?\u201d said Little Joe getting slightly defensive.<\/p>\n

\u201cNow calm down,\u201d his friend soothed. \u201cIt\u2019s yours to do whatever you want with. I\u2019ll tell you what, you promise to let me practice with my camera for a half hour and then I\u2019ll choose the best picture of the bunch and have Harvey over at the general store put a gold edge around it to match your watch. He owes me a favor.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s sounds great,\u201d cried Joe, his disposition instantly improved.<\/p>\n

Joe\u2019s family would have been impressed if they could have seen how patiently he sat for his friend, the cameraman. After what seemed like an eternity to Joe; really just over thirty minutes, his friend declared that he had enough pictures to work with. Joe made arrangements with Pete to have him deliver the watch to his father as soon as it was finished. With this task having been completed Joe left the shop and headed for the saloon. He had just about put all of his affairs in order.<\/p>\n

\u201cLast thing on the list,\u201d he thought, \u201cCatch a criminal. Oh, and meet Janice at three o\u2019clock.\u201d<\/p>\n

Little Joe made a point of stopping over at the jail just before meeting Hoss, to take a look through the wanted posters. Strangely enough, there were only a few of them. Joe, when he was sure he had memorized all the faces and facts, left the office and entered the saloon. Hoss was already seated at the counter and Little Joe joined him. He was pretty cold, so he asked Sam to just pour him a cup of coffee.<\/p>\n

\u201cDid you get all the supplies?\u201d Joe asked as he sat down.<\/p>\n

\u201cYep, I sure did.\u201d replied Hoss jovially. \u201cMade the deposit for Pa, got the mail, and even managed to track down that special spice Hop Sing\u2019s been looking all over for. I thought I might give it to him for a Christmas\u2026\u201d Hoss stopped abruptly and suddenly became very interested in his drink. He swallowed hard and Joe could see tears starting to form in his eyes. He waited a moment then reached over and squeezed his brother\u2019s arm.<\/p>\n

\u201cCome one, Hoss,\u201d Joe said sympathetically. \u201cYou promised to keep it together for me, remember?\u201d<\/p>\n

Hoss sniffed then loudly cleared his throat. \u201cJust got a little piece of dust in my eye is all. Now what are your plans\u2019 cause I\u2019m gonna need to\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHoss!\u201d Little Joe interrupted, \u201cover there; over there in the corner. That\u2019s one of the men from Sherriff Coffees posters.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAw come on, Joe,\u201d replied Hoss skeptically. \u201cYou can\u2019t be serious. There\u2019s no way we\u2019re actually gonna find one of those wanted men. You must be seeing things.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSeein\u2019 things.\u201d Little Joe retorted. \u201cWell, take a look at this!\u201d Joe pulled a folded and slightly wrinkled poster from his jacket pocket and smoothed it open onto the table.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou took one of Roy\u2019s posters?\u201d Hoss accused. \u201cYou know how upset he gets when you do that.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI didn\u2019t take this poster just now.\u201d Joe defended himself. \u201cI haven\u2019t taken any since the last time he told me not to. I\u2019ve had this poster since last August.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd you\u2019ve been carrying it around with you all that time?\u201d Hoss asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cNo, I haven\u2019t been carrying it around all this time.\u201d Joe repeated sarcastically. \u201cI thought it would be a good idea to bring it with me this morning. It wasn\u2019t likely that we were gonna find us a fresh criminal. Oh no, they\u2019d be hiding out somewhere until the coast is clear, but an old criminal might just be starting to feel comfortable enough to show his face.\u201d Little Joe leaned back and smiled, amazed at his own cunning.<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd you say this man is here now, in the bar?\u201d asked Hoss.<\/p>\n

\u201cHe\u2019s over in the corner talking to another fellow,\u201d answered Joe. \u201cHe\u2019s grown a mustache and his hair is longer, but I\u2019m sure that\u2019s him.\u201d<\/p>\n

Hoss started to turn around, but Joe quickly reached over the table and grabbing hold of his vest whispered frantically, \u201cDon\u2019t turn around. We don\u2019t want him to get suspicious.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, Joe,\u201d Hoss whispered back. \u201cAre you sure that\u2019s the man?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHoss, I\u2019d stake my life on it.\u201d He grimaced at his poor choice of words and then again pointed to the poster. Hoss leaned over to read what Joe was pointing at.<\/p>\n

\u201cFive thousand dollars!\u201d he shouted.<\/p>\n

Little Joe hastily clamped a hand over Hoss\u2019s mouth and shushed him. Quickly scooping up the poster and shoving it into his pocket, Little Joe looked around to see if anyone was watching them. Thankfully there weren\u2019t too many men in the bar due to the early hour. One drunk asleep across the room, and five men in a very serious poker game. From the looks of things Joe guessed the game had been going on for quite a while; probably all night. He slyly stole a glance over his shoulder and was relieved to see that the suspect hadn\u2019t seemed to hear Hoss\u2019s outburst.<\/p>\n

\u201cAlright,\u201d Little Joe said as he released Hoss. \u201cHere\u2019s the plan. I go over to their table see, and distract them. Then you come up from behind and pull your gun. Then we\u2019ll calmly walk out of here and over to the jail where we\u2019ll collect the reward money.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cJoe,\u201d Hoss started, \u201cI don\u2019t like this. I think if that man really is a criminal we need to go get the sherriff.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHoss,\u201d Joe replied becoming irritated. \u201cThe reward is for the \u201ccapture\u201d of the criminal, not for telling the sherriff where to find him. Besides he may try to leave before we get back, now come on, you said you would follow my lead didn\u2019t you?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOkay, Joe,\u201d Hoss relented, \u201cbut you just better be dang sure that\u2019s the right guy.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHoss, I\u2019ve never been so sure of anything in my life.\u201d replied Little Joe with confidence. \u201cNow stop worrying.\u201d<\/p>\n

Hoss looking rather distressed said, \u201cJoe, somehow whenever you say, \u201cdon\u2019t worry,\u201d that\u2019s when everything seems to go wrong.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThanks for the vote of confidence, brother,\u201d said Joe assuming and injured air. \u201cJust follow my lead; everything will be fine.\u201d<\/p>\n

With that last statement Joe put on his hat and stood and slowly sauntered over to the table in the corner.<\/p>\n

\u201cMorning gentlemen,\u201d he greeted.<\/p>\n

He was rewarded with an icy stare from the suspect and, the man to whom he\u2019d been conversing, seemed suddenly very agitated.<\/p>\n

\u201cDo we know you?\u201d came the husky voice of the suspect.<\/p>\n

\u201cNo, gentlemen. I don\u2019t think so,\u201d Joe replied.<\/p>\n

The man slid his glass aside and rose threateningly. \u201cWell, then unless there\u2019s something we can do for you; I think it\u2019s time for you to be moving on.<\/p>\n

As the man said these words Hoss had stolen silently up behind him and drew his gun.<\/p>\n

\u201cAs a matter of fact mister,\u201d he said, \u201cwe\u2019d be right obliged if you\u2019d come on over to the jail with us.\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe saw that the man was about to turn on Hoss, but before he could shout out a warning the man\u2019s sidekick suddenly rose from his chair and lunged at Joe. Joe fell backward against a table; his assailant right on top of him. The two combatants rolled onto the floor with Joe landing on top and placing a solid blow to the side of the man\u2018s face. The man was much stronger than he had anticipated, however, and with a quick move he returned Joe\u2019s punch and rolled them both over once again so that he was now on top. The man placed his hands on Joe\u2019s throat and began squeezing with all his might. As Joe fought to release himself he could see from his awkward position that Hoss was winning the fight against his opponent, but when Hoss looked over and saw Joe in a strangle hold, he let go of his victim and went to assist his brother. Hoss roughly grabbed up the man trying to kill his brother. He held him by the middle squeezing him hard in a bear like wrestling hold. Joe grabbed a nearby chair as he saw the suspect coming up behind Hoss.<\/p>\n

\u201cHoss, duck!\u201d Joe yelled and flung the chair.<\/p>\n

Hoss did duck, but so did the suspect and the chair landed with a horrific crash right in the middle of the heated poker game. The men that had been playing leapt up from their seats and in a rage joined in on the fight. Soon the entire bar erupted into a world class brawl. Joe was abruptly thrown over a table. He stood up shaking his head. Feeling slightly disoriented he observed the scene before him. Hoss was holding his own against three of the rather large men from the poker game, and the man that had tried to strangle him was pinned against a wall by the other two poker players. Little Joe was about to come to Hoss\u2019s aid when he noticed the suspect stealing silently out one of the side doors into the alley. For a moment he hesitated, wondering what to do. He was both alarmed and surprised when Adam suddenly entered the bar. He too, quickly took in the scene and ran to Hoss\u2019s aid. Joe now knowing Hoss would have some help made his decision, and followed the suspect out into the street.<\/p>\n

Outside Little Joe blinked rapidly as the bright sunlight hit his eyes. He saw the suspect rounding the corner towards the main street and moved to follow. He quickly took note of the fact that the suspect was still armed and that his own gun must have fallen out sometime during the fight. He decided to follow him for now and see where the suspect was headed. He carefully crept along; ducking behind boxes and into doorways. When the suspect entered the livery Little Joe guessed he was getting a horse and quickly made his way back to Cochise. He noticed Sherriff Coffee entering the bar just as he turned to leave, and momentarily felt a pang of guilt over having left Hoss. He wasn\u2019t sure yet whether Adam having shown up was something to be glad about or not. He was going to have to come up with a pretty good story to get out of trouble with his big brother on this one. He urged Cochise forward and arrived just in time to see the suspect heading down the road out of Virginia City.<\/p>\n

Joe approached the cabin cautiously. He had followed the suspect for about thirty minutes, and watched as he made his way into an old abandoned farm house. Joe tied Cochise up out of sight and walked stealthily on foot toward the house. He noticed as he drew nearer that there were three other horses tied up near the barn. He took a chance and ran a dozen feet or so across the open yard and slunk down under a half open window. Ever so slowly he moved his position until he could see inside. The window was to a small bedroom and through the open door of the room he could just make out the figures of four men.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m telling you, we have to get out of here, now.\u201d Joe recognized the voice of the man he\u2019d been following.<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd I\u2019m telling you were staying put,\u201d came another much deeper, authoritative voice. \u201cYou said no one saw you leave, and this is the perfect place for us to hide out until Sunday\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWe can\u2019t risk robbing that bank now! If the kid goes to the Sherriff, they\u2019re gonna know to be on the lookout.\u201d This statement came from yet another voice.<\/p>\n

\u201cNow look!\u201d Shouted the deep voice. \u201cI\u2019m still in charge of this here outfit and what I say goes.\u201d Joe wondered what was going on when after a few minutes he still heard nothing, then suddenly the leader continued with a loud sigh.<\/p>\n

\u201cAlright, Curly, I guess we better make a run for it. We can\u2019t afford to take any chances. Jack you and Chip get our gear together. We should be able to make it to California before the snow comes if we leave right away.\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe knew something had to be done quickly, and that he was the only one available to do it. Not even taking the time to formulate a plan he jumped up and slid into the bedroom through the window. He made his way across the room and managed to hide behind the open door before being spotted. He looked through the small crack trying to see if there was anything he could use to his advantage. He spotted his one chance leaning against a wall in the other room; a rifle. Saying a quick prayer he dove out from his cover and jumped the man closest to him. Knocking him down he swung around and landed a hard punch to the man he had seen in the bar. He was across the room before the other men even had a chance to blink and grabbed the rifle. Taking aim he shouted his demands. \u201cEveryone throw down your guns and move over to the table.\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe was shocked when the men, staring wide eyed, suddenly started laughing hysterically.<\/p>\n

\u201cGo ahead and shoot kid; see what happens,\u201d said the man with the deep voice.<\/p>\n

Joe had a horrible sinking feeling as he looked down at the rifle he was holding. It was only now, that he noticed just how old it was. The trigger was rusted and one of the barrels had a huge crack down the side. He doubted it was even loaded and if it was, it was much more likely that he would be the one injured should he choose to fire. He slowly lowered the gun and awaited his fate. He had to admit that if he could choose a way to go this was much more appealing than dying of some sickness.<\/p>\n

\u201cTie him up, Jack,\u201d the leader said to the man Joe had followed. \u201cWe\u2019ll leave him here and by the time anyone finds him we\u2019ll be long gone. That is if anyone finds him.\u201d<\/p>\n

Jack tied him, none to gently, to a chair and Joe watched helplessly as the four criminals made their escape. As soon as they shut the door he started working at the ropes. After what seemed like an eternity Joe stopped, gasping for breath. He looked around the room for something to help him escape and let out a whoop when he saw some broken glass lying on top of the table. He managed to bounce his chair over and get hold of one of the larger pieces; within moments he was free and ran outside. He jumped on Cochise and galloped toward Virginia City. He knew there was no chance of catching the men now, but he wanted to tell Sherriff Coffee about them anyway. The sheriff could at least send out a wire to all the nearby towns, and maybe someone else would be able to apprehend them.<\/p>\n

Back in town Joe headed for the bar; he wanted to find Hoss before he went over to see the Sherriff. He was just about to enter the establishment when he heard a high shrill voice call his name.<\/p>\n

\u201cJoseph Cartwright!\u201d cried Janice Collins.<\/p>\n

\u201cUh oh,\u201d thought Joe. He\u2019d forgotten all about her.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll have you know, Joseph Cartwright,\u201d snapped Janice, \u201cthat I waited over at that hotel for more than an hour for you.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNow Janice,\u201d interjected Joe, \u201cYou have to give me a chance to explain.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOh really, well I just happened to run into the most interesting person while I was waiting in the lobby.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou did?\u201d squeaked Joe.<\/p>\n

\u201cYes,\u201d she answered coolly. \u201cDoes the name Millie Henderson mean anything to you?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201c M\u2026M\u2026M\u2026Millie\u201d Joe stammered.<\/p>\n

\u201cYes, and don\u2019t think for one minute that she didn\u2019t tell me all about the \u201cdate\u201d you had with her the day before yesterday. Honestly, Joe, I don\u2019t know whether to be insulted that I\u2019m your second date of the week, or to be relieved that she was first so that she could warn me about you.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cBut Janice, I swear to you it\u2019s not what you think.\u201d Joe tried unsuccessfully to defend himself.<\/p>\n

\u201cNot one more word, Joe Cartwright. I don\u2019t ever want to see you again,\u201d and with that she spun herself fully around and stalked off down the boardwalk.<\/p>\n

Joe stood dejected for a few moments and then suddenly remembered why he was standing there in the first place. Putting all thoughts of Janice out of his mind he entered the bar.<\/p>\n

\u201cHey, Sam,\u201d Joe called to the bartender after glancing around the room. \u201cDid you see where my brothers went?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOver to the jail with Sherriff Coffee,\u201d he\u2019s keeping them there until your father has a chance to come in and pay the damages. Neither of them had much money on them, and until the damages are paid I don\u2019t want any of you Cartwright\u2019s coming in here.\u201d<\/p>\n

Little Joe couldn\u2019t exactly blame Sam for being angry. The inside of the bar looked like a herd of cattle had stampeded and then an Indian war party had raided soon afterwards.<\/p>\n

\u201cBoy, Sam,\u201d he said giving a weak grin. \u201cI sure am sorry about the mess, I\u2019m sure we\u2019ll get everything settled real soon.\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe backed quickly out the door and headed for the jail. He had no idea how he was going to explain things to Adam or Pa for that matter. Things were not going at all the way he had planned. Now not only did he have no money to pay Pa for the bull, but he had the added damages to the saloon to pay for. He had ruined his last opportunity for a date with a pretty girl, and Adam had gotten mixed up into the fight at the bar. He let out a heavy sigh and realized he might have to let the rest of his family in on his secret. He half- heartedly hoped that Hoss had already told Adam so that he wouldn\u2019t have to face what he was sure to be a very angry oldest brother. Joe took a deep breath and entered the Sherriff\u2019s office.<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, so you decided to show up and take your licks did you?\u201d Sherriff Coffee greeted him, looking slightly amused. \u201cI don\u2019t suppose you have the money on you to take care of those damages over at the saloon either, do you?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, Roy, not exactly.\u201d Joe answered looking sheepishly at the sherriff.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou can just join your brothers in the next room then, until your pa gets here,\u201d Roy said. \u201cI sent my deputy after him already, so until then you can just make yourself comfortable in one of my cells.\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe reluctantly followed Sherriff Coffee into the next room and immediately noticed the bad shape his brothers were in. Adam and Hoss were sharing a cell with one of the men from the poker game. Joe assumed the others must have been able to pay their share of the damages. Sherriff Coffee opened the cell next to them and Little Joe stepped inside. He glanced over at his brothers who were both giving him the evil eye and swallowed uncomfortably. He gave them a small wave and a lopsided grin which he quickly wiped off his face when Hoss suddenly stepped up to the bars. Joe instinctively backed away.<\/p>\n

\u201cJoe,\u201d began Hoss his voice etched with anger. \u201cWhere\u2019ve you been?\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe took off his hat and nervously began rolling it around in his hands, \u201cWhere\u2019ve I been?\u201d he repeated, \u201cWell, you see the\u2026the man I told you about; you know from the poster\u2026well see he slipped out the side door, so I sort of followed him.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou sort of followed him,\u201d repeated Adam sarcastically. \u201cAnd just why were you sort of following this man?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, because uh\u2026because\u2026\u201d Joe stammered helplessly.<\/p>\n

\u201cJust tell him the truth, Joe,\u201d Hoss said.<\/p>\n

Joe sighed and then began to tell Adam the whole miserable story. When Joe had finished his tale he looked at Adam and tried to read his reaction. After getting nothing but cold stony silence; he slowly sank to his bunk and tossed his hat on the bed next to him.<\/p>\n

\u201cSo you\u2019re telling me that not only are you dying from some mysterious unknown illness, but that because of this same illness you have less than a week left to live, is that it?\u201d asked Adam his voice even.<\/p>\n

\u201cRight,\u201d said Joe, glad that Adam seemed to be comprehending.<\/p>\n

Adam continued, \u201cAnd because of this pre-conceived idea that you were dying you came up with this half-cocked plan to come into town today and catch yourself a criminal.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, yeah,\u201d said Joe defensively; maybe Adam wasn\u2019t catching on as fast as he had thought.<\/p>\n

\u201cJoe, needed the money, and besides that, he didn\u2019t want to go with people feeling sorry and bad and all that, he wanted folks to remember him as a hero.\u201d chimed in Hoss.<\/p>\n

Joe gave him and appreciative smile.<\/p>\n

\u201cA hero.\u201d Adam mimicked, \u201cYou say Joe needed the money. Could that perhaps have anything to do with a certain missing bull?\u201d<\/p>\n

Little Joe looked at Adam in alarm, \u201cHow do you know about that?\u201d he questioned.<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, you see, little brother,\u201d Adam answered, \u201cthat was the reason I came into town looking for you two. Pa went by the Henderson place this morning to invite them to our annual Christmas party, and was rather surprised to see our new bull penned up in their yard. He started to ask Dan about it when Dan suddenly up and punched Pa in the jaw. It seems he was getting a little tired of us Cartwright\u2019s accusing him of stealing. Pa sent me into town to fetch you, as I\u2019m sure you can guess he has a few questions for you.<\/p>\n

\u201cI most certainly do,\u201d came Ben\u2019s booming voice.<\/p>\n

All three brothers shot to attention as their father made his way over to the cells.<\/p>\n

\u201cNow, Ben, your questions are just gonna have to wait until I ask mine.\u201d interrupted Sherriff Coffee. \u201cNow, what were you boys saying about Joe going after some criminal off of a wanted poster?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, Roy,\u201d began Little Joe, \u201cyou see I needed to catch a criminal for the reward money so I could pay Pa back for the bull.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd you took one of my posters again, is that what you\u2019re saying?\u201d the Sherriff crossed his arms over his chest looking none to amused.<\/p>\n

\u201cOh no,\u201d squeaked Little Joe, \u201csee this was an old poster. I recognized one of the men in the bar and Hoss and I tried to get him over here to the jail, and that\u2019s what started the fight. Well, the man we were after snuck out one of the side doors and so I took off after him.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cLet me see that poster,\u201d the Sherriff interrupted with urgency.<\/p>\n

Joe took the poster out of his pocket and handed it to the Sherriff. Roy unfolded it and suddenly went white as a sheet.<\/p>\n

\u201cJoe, you didn\u2019t follow him to his hide out did you? Did this man see you following him?\u201d Sherriff Coffee asked desperately.<\/p>\n

Joe slunk back in his cell afraid to answer. \u201cWell, I guess I sort of did follow him all the way, and he sort of did see me; as a matter of fact he kind of tied me up after I tried to capture him and the other men with him.\u201d<\/p>\n

Roy Coffee nearly shook with rage, \u201cof all the stupid, lame-brained, idiotic\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cRoy, what is it?\u201d Ben demanded<\/p>\n

Roy reeled around toward Ben releasing his wrath on him, \u201cI\u2019ve been staking out this man, Jack Marauder, and his gang for more than two weeks. I knew him and his boys had been around and were probably going to try and rob the bank. I\u2019ve had the bank under surveillance night and day waiting for them to make a move. Jack and one of the other fellows he\u2019s with are wanted, but to get the other two I\u2019d have to actually catch them in a crime. Now it seems your boy here has single handedly undone weeks of work.\u201d Roy turned his angry countenance back to Joe. \u201cI don\u2019t suppose you happened to notice which way they was going?\u201d he asked sarcastically.<\/p>\n

Joe grimaced slightly then answered, \u201cThey said something about making it to California before the snow comes.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cCalifornia,\u201d repeated Roy, \u201cboy, you just better hope I can get a wire out in time for someone to catch them; because the way I\u2019m feeling right now I just might end up charging you with aiding and abetting those criminals.\u201d<\/p>\n

Roy turned to leave and Ben called after him. \u201cRoy, send the doctor over to take a look at Adam and Hoss will you?\u201d<\/p>\n

Roy mumbled something unintelligible in return; slamming the door shut on his way out.<\/p>\n

The room was suddenly very quiet as three pairs of accusing eyes aimed at Joe. Little Joe didn\u2019t dare try to return any of the gazes; instead he decided to concentrate very hard on a crack in the floor. After several minutes of interminable silence Hoss suddenly spoke up.<\/p>\n

\u201cAh, Pa, you know he didn\u2019t really mean any harm.\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe shot Hoss an appreciative glance and then chanced a look at his father. That was a mistake. His father\u2019s fiery glare sent chills down his spine and he suddenly felt like he was twelve-year- old again.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhether or not Joseph meant to cause any harm, Hoss,\u201d His father answered, but kept his piercing gaze on his youngest son. \u201cDoesn\u2019t make much difference; because whether he meant to or not, he most certainly did cause harm. What do you have to say for yourself, Joseph?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOh, didn\u2019t he tell you?\u201d Adam interrupted, \u201cIt seems he\u2019s dying. He has only a few days left to live; if I understood him correctly. Isn\u2019t that right, Joe?\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe, wounded by his brother\u2019s sarcasm was about to speak up when once again Hoss rushed to his defense.<\/p>\n

\u201cAdam, how can you talk to Joe like that at a time like this? He was just trying to earn that reward money so he could pay Pa back for that bull; besides that bull being over there is just as much my fault as it is his.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat\u2019s all this talk of dying?\u201d Ben interrupted.<\/p>\n

\u201cWho\u2019s dying?\u201d came the voice of Doc Martin as he entered the room.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s okay, Doc, the jig is up,\u201d said Little Joe despairingly. \u201cGo ahead and tell them.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cJoe, I have no idea what you\u2019re talking about,\u201d came the doctor\u2019s puzzled reply.<\/p>\n

\u201cDoc,\u201d said Hoss, \u201cJoe overheard you telling your wife that he only had a week to live, and how you didn\u2019t want to tell nobody about it.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI never said any such thing,\u201d retorted Doc Martin.<\/p>\n

Five very confused faces looked back and forth between each other.<\/p>\n

\u201cJoe,\u201d Adam finally spoke, \u201cYou didn\u2019t actually go and talk to Doc Martin, did you?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, no.\u201d he replied, \u201cWhen I was walking up to the office the door was open and I heard the Doc telling his wife that I had only a week left. You even mentioned all the symptoms I\u2019ve been having.\u201d Joe turned to the Doc looking for an explanation.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat symptoms?\u201d Doc asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou know. Restlessness, change in appetite, forgetfulness\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOh no,\u201d groaned Doc Martin. \u201cJoseph, I wasn\u2019t talking about you. I wasn\u2019t even talking about anyone dying for that matter. I was talking about Joe Candles from Carson City. I\u2019ve been friends with his father for a long time and since his wife died a few years ago he just smothers that boy. Well, it seems Joe has decided to elope with a young girl he\u2019s been secretly courting. They\u2019re leaving at the end of the week for Sacramento where they\u2019re getting married and then heading for Oregon. Those symptoms you overheard me describing were of a young boy in love. He confided in me last time I was in Carson and I was telling my wife that I had decided not to tell his father; after all the boy has a right to live his own life.\u201d<\/p>\n

During the exchange a great change was coming over Little Joe Cartwright.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m not going to die?\u201d he asked himself. \u201cI\u2019m not actually dying?\u201d<\/p>\n

He let out an ear piercing whoop and then ran to the bars toward Hoss.<\/p>\n

\u201cDid you hear that, Hoss,\u201d I\u2019m going to live!\u201d he said joyfully.<\/p>\n

Joe looked at Hoss\u2019s face and his happiness started to drain. Hoss did not look excited. As a matter of fact he looked angry; very angry.<\/p>\n

\u201cI wouldn\u2019t be so sure of that, Little Brother.\u201d Came Hoss\u2019s menacing response.<\/p>\n

Joe slowly backed away from the bars, suddenly very glad that he was in his own cell.<\/p>\n

Just then Sherriff Coffee walked back into the jail.<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, it looks like them criminals have gotten clean away. The lines are down at the telegraph office for at least two days. They\u2019re making some kind of dad-blame repairs.\u201d Roy took off his hat slapping it roughly against the side of his leg.<\/p>\n

Joe looked solemnly around the room at a sea of faces in varying degrees of anger. Just the tiniest part of him was wishing that the doctor had confirmed his story. He looked to his father and awaited sentencing.<\/p>\n

His father stood tall and silent, his mouth set in a grim line. Finally after what seemed like an eternity, he spoke. Not to Joe, but to Sherriff Coffee.<\/p>\n

\u201cRoy,\u201d he said decidedly, \u201cone week.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cCome again,\u201d said Roy.<\/p>\n

\u201cOne week,\u201d Ben repeated. \u201cThat seems to be the theme for all the trouble Joe has managed to cause. I think one week in your jail here will help him to learn a lesson.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019re leaving me in jail,\u201d Joe whimpered. \u201cBut\u2026but\u2026but\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cBut nothing, Joseph,\u201d his father replied firmly, \u201cThis whole thing wouldn\u2019t have happened if you had gone to see the doctor like I told you to instead of eavesdropping. Honestly you should know better than that by now.\u201d Ben turned away from his sorrowful youngest and turned again to Roy. \u201cHow much do Hoss and Adam owe for damages?\u201d he asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cOh, about two hundred dollars should cover their share I think.\u201d Roy answered.<\/p>\n

Ben took his wallet out of his jacket and paid Roy.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll pay Joe\u2019s fine when I come to get him in a week.\u201d Ben said.<\/p>\n

Roy unlocked the cell and let Adam and Hoss out. Even as Adam was wincing from the pain of standing he still managed to give Joe a small smirk.<\/p>\n

Joe waited for Hoss to give him a cold stare or some cutting remark, but his older brother wouldn\u2019t even look in his direction. He once more sat dejectedly down on the cot as his large sad eyes followed his family out of the room.<\/p>\n

Two day later Adam entered his room holding his arms tightly to him. His family had followed Doc Martin to his office after leaving Joe at the jail. The Doc had told Adam that his ribs had been badly bruised during the fight, and was lucky that they weren\u2019t broken. He wasn\u2019t feeling very lucky at the moment though. His father had insisted he take some time off to recuperate and he was beginning to go stir crazy. He hated to admit it, but he missed having Joe around the house. His youngest brother was always up to something or other and with Joe\u2019s energy and zest for life, things at the ranch were rarely dull. He sighed and looked around his room for a project to work on and decided to read a book. With Christmas just three weeks away he went for one of his favorite wintertime novels. He was surprised when he opened the book and saw a letter there. It had his name on it. Adam knew Joe had written it; he would recognize his younger brother\u2019s scrawly handwriting anywhere. Openig the letter and began to read\u2026<\/p>\n

\u201cPa, hey, Pa,\u201d Adam shouted running down the stairs. \u201cYou\u2019ve got to see this letter Joe left for me.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben had been sitting at his desk with some paperwork, trying very hard to ignore the icy stares coming from the direction of the leather chair in the living room, and the incessant banging and clanking that kept coming from the kitchen. Hoss being, well Hoss, had been ready to go and get Joe almost before they had gotten back to the ranch house, and Hop Sing had not taken the news that Ben\u2019s number three son would be spending a week in jail very well at all. Ben was determined to see his son\u2019s punishment through, however and so far had managed to ignore the ill feelings being directed at him by the more sensitive members of his family. He was about to take his papers up to his room for a little peace and quiet when Adam\u2019s shouts interrupted him. He met Adam near the settee and took the letter. Hoss had also jumped up and began reading over his father\u2019s shoulder. They finished reading at the same time and both looked at each other with teary eyes. Before any of them could make a comment on the letter there was a knock at the door. Ben quickly went to the door and was surprised to see one of Joe\u2019s friends from town.<\/p>\n

\u201cCome in, come in.\u201d he said to the boy.<\/p>\n

\u201cOh thanks, Mr. Cartwright, but I can\u2019t stay,\u201d said Pete. \u201cI just came to deliver this for you. Joe said it was a Christmas present for you, but that you should open it as soon as you got it. I don\u2019t think he figured I would finish it so quickly, but I\u2019m getting real good with developing my pictures and everything. Well, I better get back to town or my folks will worry. Have a merry Christmas, Mr. Cartwright.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben waved goodbye to Pete and shut the door. He wasn\u2019t sure whether he should open the gift or not, but curiosity got the better of him and he quickly tore open the paper and lifted the lid of a rather plain box. He was puzzled when he saw Joe\u2019s pocket watch that he had given him. He lifted the item out of the box and carefully opened it. Tears sprang to his eyes when he saw the picture there. He had been expecting to see an image of his wife, but in its place was a picture of his boyishly handsome young son. Somehow the cameraman had managed to capture a gleam of mischief in his eyes and they seemed to sparkle and his smile radiated his charming personality. He turned the watch over to once again read the inscription he knew was there, and his breath caught in his throat when he saw that Joe had added his and his mother\u2019s initials to the bottom.<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, what are you two waiting for?\u201d Ben asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhere we going, Pa?\u201d Hoss questioned.<\/p>\n

\u201cTo get that scamp of a brother of yours out of jail,\u201d He responded jovially, reaching for his jacket.<\/p>\n

Adam smiled and made his way to the coat rack.<\/p>\n

\u201cHot Diggity!\u201d exclaimed Hoss.<\/p>\n

Hop Sing who had made his way out into the living room to see what all the commotion was about hurriedly turned back to his kitchen. He quickly made a mental list to make sure he had everything he needed to make all of Little Joe\u2019s favorite foods.<\/p>\n

As the family made their way into town their thoughts were as one. They couldn\u2019t make it without Little Joe; not even for one week.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Summary: After discovering he has only one week left to live, Little Joe, in an effort to be remembered fondly, turns it into a week that no one will ever forget.<\/p>\n

Rated: Family Friendly \/ Word count: 17,175<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":16,"featured_media":4873,"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_post_was_ever_published":false},"categories":[23,4],"tags":[16],"class_list":["post-10367","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-drama","category-humor","tag-joe","wpcat-23-id","wpcat-4-id"],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/04\/Calamity-over-the-Comstock-8.jpg?fit=634%2C563&ssl=1","jetpack_likes_enabled":true,"jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/10367","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\/16"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=10367"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/10367\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/4873"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=10367"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=10367"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=10367"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}