{"id":10825,"date":"2004-10-14T18:25:10","date_gmt":"2004-10-14T22:25:10","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=10825"},"modified":"2025-02-27T12:09:22","modified_gmt":"2025-02-27T17:09:22","slug":"the-luck-of-the-draw","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=10825","title":{"rendered":"The Luck of the Draw (by Rona)"},"content":{"rendered":"

Summary:<\/strong>\u00a0 A careless remark leave Joe’s life hanging on the turn of a card.<\/p>\n

Rating:\u00a0 PG (8,305 words)<\/p>\n

The Luck of the Draw<\/strong><\/p>\n

\u201cMitch, that was entirely too easy,\u201d Joe Cartwright laughed as he threw down his winning hand of cards.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Across the table from Joe, Mitch Devlin put his hand over his faced and groaned theatrically. \u201cJoe, you said you\u2019d be nice to me and let me win,\u201d Mitch complained. \u201cAnd I still lost!\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Rolling his eyes, Joe replied, \u201cMitch, I was<\/em> nice to you! It\u2019s not my fault that I\u2019m the best card player in town!\u201d They both laughed and Joe stretched out to collect his fifty cents winnings. \u201cTell you what, I\u2019ll treat you to a beer on the money I\u2019ve won.\u201d He ducked, laughing, as his best friend swung a mock punch at him.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cIf you\u2019re the best card player in town, then I\u2019ll play you, boy,\u201d a quiet voice declared from behind Joe.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Not turning, Joe shook his head. \u201cNo thanks, mister. I\u2019m not playing any more hands tonight. I don\u2019t want to wear my luck out.\u201d He and Mitch both laughed again, then Mitch glanced at the man standing behind Joe and the smile ran away from his face. There was something about the stranger that made his blood run cold.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m not askin\u2019, boy,\u201d the stranger added. Joe suddenly felt something sharp pricking into the back of his shoulder and knew that he was in trouble. A hand lifted his gun from his holster and Joe, looking across the table at Mitch\u2019s white face, heard the sudden silence in the saloon behind him. \u201cYou will play cards with me, boy.\u201d The pressure on the knife blade relented and Joe sighed slightly in relief, while tensing his muscles to make a break for it.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Suddenly, the knife appeared against his throat and Mitch rose from his seat to allow the stranger to sit down. Very slowly, Joe turned his head to see who was holding the knife. The man standing behind him gave Joe a wolfish smile. He was so similar in looks to the stranger now sitting across from Joe that Joe knew they were brothers. Two other men stood leaning against the bar, guns dangling in their hands. The few patrons who had been in the saloon had gone. The only other person there, apart from Mitch, was Cosmo the bar tender.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThese are the stakes, boy,\u201d the stranger announced, dragging Joe\u2019s attention back to him. \u201cWe\u2019ll play cards and if you win, I\u2019ll let your friends go. If you win again, I\u2019ll let you go. But if you lose\u2026\u201d He grinned unpleasantly. \u201cYou\u2019ll all die.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

Gazing at the stranger sitting across the table from him, Joe wondered how a harmless afternoon of fun with his friend could have gone so wrong. It was a mid-week afternoon, when the saloon was usually quieter, and Joe and Mitch could have their fun game of cards without bothering the men who wanted to play seriously. Yet suddenly, a careless, throwaway remark, made in jest, had his life, and the lives of two other people, hanging in the balance.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Swallowing, Joe forced himself to meet the man\u2019s eyes with confidence. Joe had his share of luck with the cards, but he was in no way a card sharp. He didn\u2019t keep track of which cards appeared and when he won, it was sheer luck. Mitch was a dreadful card player and the only person he would play against was Joe, knowing perfectly well that he was going to lose, even before the first card was dealt from the pack.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cGet your money on the table, boy,\u201d the stranger ordered.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t have much money,\u201d Joe protested, truthfully. He had about five dollars in total and he knew that this man would want to play for than just their lives. In fact, Joe was absolutely sure that they would all die regardless of whether he won or lost at cards. His agile mind raced to try and find some way out of their predicament, but he couldn\u2019t see any hope.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cPut it on the table,\u201d the stranger growled and the knife, which had moved away from Joe\u2019s throat, moved back and the point eased into his skin. The sharp pain reminded Joe that he was helpless and he slowly reached into his jacket to bring out the few coins that he had.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cIs that it?\u201d the other demanded and Joe nodded cautiously, for the knife still rested against his neck.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI said I didn\u2019t have much money,\u201d Joe reminded him.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The backhand slap came out of the blue. Joe caught his breath and narrowed his eyes as he looked at the other man. \u201cWhat was that for?\u201d he demanded, angrily.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t need cheek from a young pup like you,\u201d the man growled. \u201cMy name is Lou Ballinger. Heard of me?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Slowly, Joe nodded. He knew they were in real trouble now. The Ballinger brothers were notorious gamblers and gunslingers. They were wanted in a number of places. Joe shot a quick look at Mitch and saw that his friend had recognised the name, too.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m not the best card player in town,\u201d Joe admitted. He could feel colour rising in his face as he spoke. \u201cThat was a joke between me and my friend.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Shrugging, Ballinger raised an eyebrow. \u201cSo the joke\u2019s on you, sonny,\u201d he retorted. \u201cSeems like your big mouth\u2019s got you into trouble.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhat if I refuse to play?\u201d Joe asked. The next moment, he got his answer as the brother who stood behind him wrapped an arm around his neck. The knife bit into Joe\u2019s skin once more and he couldn\u2019t hide the wince. A trickle of warm blood began to ooze down his skin.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cKid, let\u2019s get something straight,\u201d Ballinger said. \u201cYou are going to play cards with me, whatever happens. Right now, my brother has his knife at your throat, but it would only take the blink of an eye for him to cut your friend\u2019s throat. Which is it to be?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Mitch\u2019s scared blue eyes clashed with Joe\u2019s. Joe tried to send his friend a reassuring look. He couldn\u2019t offer anyone\u2019s life up to this man. \u201cLeave him alone,\u201d Joe replied. \u201cHe hasn\u2019t done anything to you.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI take it that means you\u2019re going to play cards with me then,\u201d Ballinger commented, grinning evilly.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Left with no choice, Joe nodded.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

Looking around, Mitch saw the two other men were watching all the goings on carefully. Mitch had heard of the Ballinger brothers. The gang was quite notorious, and Mitch\u2019s mother had followed their nefarious career in the newspapers with shameless interest. He wondered how she would deal with the news that he had been held prisoner of that self-same gang. Not well, he suspected. His mother was fond of stories about outlaws, imagining them to be romantic, but she was unable to deal with the nasty realities of life. With a pang, he wondered if he would ever see his mother again.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cLet\u2019s play,\u201d Lou declared and began to shuffle the cards.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI can\u2019t play if he\u2019s standing behind me,\u201d Joe objected. Dick Ballinger had stepped back, but was still just behind Joe. \u201cThat\u2019s cheating.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Gasping in a mixture of fear and admiration at his friend\u2019s daring, Mitch felt sure that Joe had just signed their death warrants. Did Joe really think that Ballinger played honestly? He shot a glance at Cosmo, and saw that the bar tender was gaping open mouthed Joe, seemingly unable to believe what he was hearing.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

But Joe\u2019s audacity had amused the outlaw. \u201cYou got a point, kid,\u201d he acknowledged. There weren\u2019t many men who would have challenged him on this, especially with the blood still tricking down their necks. \u201cDick, step back so you don\u2019t see the kid\u2019s cards.\u201d He gave a wolfish smile. \u201cI wouldn\u2019t like for him to think I was cheating.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Swallowing against the dryness in his mouth, Joe tried to still the shaking of his hands. He knew he had just taken a huge chance, but he couldn\u2019t stop himself. If they played fairly, there was always a chance that he might win Mitch and Cosmo\u2019s freedom. There had been a few occasions when he had won at poker.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The cards went down in front of him, and Joe picked them up, shielding them with his body as he looked at them. The hand seemed to be all right and he glanced at Ballinger to see what the next move would be. It hardly seemed worth the other man\u2019s efforts to play against someone who only carried a few dollars. Ballinger threw a dollar into the middle of the table. He raised his eyes to meet Joe, who read the message there clearly \u2013 bet or you\u2019re dead<\/em>. He threw in his dollar, too.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

\u201cIs Joe gonna be back fer supper?\u201d Hoss asked, as he sat down heavily on the sofa. He was feeling particularly tired and had refused his younger brother\u2019s offer of a trip to town. Hoss had stayed at home and cleaned some of the saddles. He felt like he had just run a marathon. He wondered if he was coming down with something.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t know,\u201d Ben replied, distractedly. He frowned at the dinner table, which was set for three. \u201cYou can never tell when Joe meets Mitch.\u201d Unbidden, his thoughts drifted back to the time when Joe and Mitch had had a major falling out. For a time, Ben had feared that their friendship was ruined, but eventually, they had managed to make up and still met regularly in town. \u201cHop Sing seems to be expecting him home.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m right glad Joe an\u2019 Mitch made up agin,\u201d Hoss commented, as though he had read Ben\u2019s mind. But then, that was hardly surprising. Joe had moped about so much after that fight and they all knew the cause. It was hard to lose a life-long friend, especially when it was entirely your own fault. Joe was lucky that Mitch had a forgiving nature.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cSo am I,\u201d Ben agreed. \u201cAlthough sometimes, the trouble they can get into together\u2026\u201d Ben didn\u2019t need to elaborate. Hoss knew only too well how quickly Joe could get into trouble and Mitch seemed to be quite willing to go along with him.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019 think about it,\u201d Hoss advised him, as they sat down at the table.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cGood advice,\u201d Ben nodded and helped himself to potatoes.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThree of a kind,\u201d Joe said, laying his hand down. A trickle of cold sweat ran down his back. Ballinger only had a pair. Joe had won the first hand. Mitch and Cosmo were safe.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Meeting his opponent\u2019s cold grey eyes, Joe summoned all his courage. \u201cI won \u2013 let Mitch and Cosmo go. That\u2019s what we agreed.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2019re playing by my rules, kid,\u201d Ballinger reminded him softly. \u201cWhat I says goes.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019ve got to let them go!\u201d Joe cried, suddenly furious. He started to rise and the knife blade suddenly pricked him on the back of the neck. Joe froze, half standing.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll decide,\u201d Ballinger reiterated. He was amused by Joe\u2019s anger and by the young man\u2019s obvious concern for the others. That was what made this game so interesting. However, Ballinger was a shrewd judge of character and he could see that Joe\u2019s temper was about to get the better of him. \u201cBut since you ask so nicely, I\u2019ll let the fat man go.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Relief warred with disappointment as Joe met Mitch\u2019s eyes again. Mitch was sitting bonelessly in a chair near the bar. Cosmo was aimlessly polishing the same stretch of mahogany over and over again. \u201cGet fatty out of here,\u201d Ballinger ordered one of his brothers and Cosmo was prodded towards the door.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Turning his attention back to the table, Ballinger sorted out Joe\u2019s winnings. \u201cI\u2019m taking the money you owe me off your winnings, boy,\u201d he told Joe, who had been forced to sign several IOU\u2019s. \u201cBut look, you still have some cash to carry on with.\u201d He slid the money across to Joe, who looked at it, not touching it. \u201cPick it up, boy, or your friend gets it.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Glaring across the green baize, Joe drew the money towards him. He could see Mitch from the corner of his eye; see the gun that was resting on his temple. Joe swallowed again. His throat was aching and his mouth dry. \u201cCould I get a drink of water?\u201d he asked, trying to make it sound unimportant.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWater?\u201d scoffed Ballinger. \u201cYou can have a real drink.\u201d He gestured. \u201cBring the whiskey over,\u201d he ordered.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The bottle of whiskey, barely touched, was placed in front of Joe. He dragged his gaze away from it and met Ballinger\u2019s eyes once more. His stomach contracted as he guessed what he was expected to do. Grinning, Ballinger gestured towards the bottle. \u201cGo on, drink,\u201d he urged.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThere\u2019s no glass,\u201d Joe replied.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Next instant, Joe\u2019s head was drawn savagely backwards and a hand grabbed the bottle and placed it against Joe\u2019s lips. Whiskey poured down his chin as well as into his mouth and he choked on the strong liquor. Coughing, he was relieved when Dick Ballinger let go of him. He clutched the edge of the table until he had his breathing back under control, then he looked up once more.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

He was reeking of whiskey and his shirt front, jacket and pants were soaked in it. Joe wiped a hand across his mouth. He didn\u2019t know how much more of this he could take. \u201cDrink it,\u201d Ballinger ordered. \u201cOr Dick will make you.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

With a shaking hand, Joe picked the bottle up.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

He didn\u2019t know how much he had drunk, but he felt sick. The whiskey was coarse and raw and Joe wasn\u2019t a whiskey drinker at the best of times. His hands were shaking as he dealt the cards. Joe knew that the liquor was affecting him; he hadn\u2019t eaten in several hours and he was feeling remarkably tipsy already.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Picking up his hand, Joe drew in a deep breath before looking at them. They were good \u2013 much better than he could have hoped for. Joe felt his spirits lift slightly. If he could win this hand, then Mitch was safe. After that, it didn\u2019t matter. Joe hoped that before that, Cosmo would have alerted the sheriff and something would happen to save them. He couldn\u2019t imagine what\u2026<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Turning his attention back to the cards, Joe schooled his face to neutrality. He could feel the whiskey filtering through his system and it was a sensation that he didn\u2019t like. His fingers fumbled the pasteboard as he sorted the cards and he almost dropped one. Joe drew in a deep breath, but it didn\u2019t help; he still felt drunk.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Sitting by the bar, Mitch felt his heart drop into his boots. Joe was clearly being overwhelmed by the amount of liquor he had been forced to drink and Mitch knew that hope was fading fast. He hoped Cosmo would bring help, but he wasn\u2019t sure exactly what Sheriff Roy Coffee would be able to do against four armed men with two hostages. He kept his gaze fixed on Joe, as though that would somehow lend his friend the necessary strength to carry on.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThe Ballinger brothers?\u201d Roy echoed. He glanced at Clem, his deputy, in disbelief. \u201cIn the Silver Dollar right now?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI told you,\u201d Cosmo panted. \u201cThey have Mitch an\u2019 Joe an\u2019 they\u2019re makin\u2019 Joe play cards. If\u2019n he loses, they\u2019re gonna kill Mitch.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Another worried glance passed between the sheriff and his deputy. The Ballingers were known gunslingers and neither Clem nor Roy was more than average with a gun. If it came down to a shoot out, then there was a fair chance that both the hostages would die and Clem and Roy along with them.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cSend someone out to the Ponderosa to bring Ben into town,\u201d Roy ordered soberly. \u201cOne way or another, we\u2019re gonna need him.\u201d He drew himself up and checked his gun. \u201cLet\u2019s go,\u201d he suggested and he and Clem quietly left the office, their faces grim.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

The game went on and Joe found it harder and harder to concentrate. He blinked, bringing his cards back into focus. He had bet all his money and signed a further IOU. Ballinger was eyeing him, trying to decide if Joe had a good hand or not. He was holding a full house. It seemed unlikely that the young man sitting opposite him had a better hand than that.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Grinning slightly in anticipation, Ballinger spread his cards on the table. \u201cFull house,\u201d he declared and reached for the pot.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

He was astounded when Joe reached out and stopped him. \u201cDon\u2019t you want to see my hand?\u201d Joe enquired, his words slurring ever so slightly. He laid the cards down. \u201cRoyal flush.\u201d Joe couldn\u2019t keep the triumph from his voice. He had never had a royal flush in his life before. A grin spread over Joe\u2019s face at the look of outrage on the outlaw\u2019s face. \u201cThis is mine, I believe,\u201d he added, dragging the money towards him.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The crash of Ballinger\u2019s hand hitting the table made them all jump. Lou was on his feet, looming over Joe and Dick had his hand entwined in Joe\u2019s curls, the knife at his throat. \u201cYou think you\u2019re so clever, don\u2019t you, boy,\u201d Lou growled.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cLet Mitch go,\u201d Joe replied. His head was pulled back at a painful angle and he was still reeling from the sudden movement. How he wished that folklore was true \u2013 that a sudden shock would sober a man. If anything, he felt drunker than he had a few minutes ago. \u201cI won, let Mitch go,\u201d he added, gathering his drifting thoughts.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYou forget \u2013 we\u2019re playing by my rules,\u201d Ballinger corrected Joe. \u201cI\u2019ll say when he gets to go.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019re a sore loser!\u201d Joe cried, his temper fuelled by the drink. \u201cYou promised he could go!\u201d Joe knew he shouldn\u2019t be shouting at this man who held all their lives in his hands, but he couldn\u2019t seem to control himself. Furious, Joe smashed his elbow back into Dick\u2019s midriff and as the man let go of his hair with a surprised grunt, Joe lunged for Lou.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

For an instant, Joe had the advantage as Lou was unprepared for the attack, but the older man soon rallied. He threw Joe off and scrambled to his feet, evading Joe\u2019s next lunge with a quick sidestep and both fists crashing down on Joe\u2019s back. Joe went down and then Dick was there, too. Joe tried to break free, but he had no chance.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Suddenly, there was a shot and Lou straightened. Joe pushed uselessly at Dick\u2019s hand, which was slowly throttling the life out of him. \u201cNobody move!\u201d ordered Roy Coffee\u2019s voice. \u201cYou there, leave that boy alone!\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Darkness was eating at the edges of Joe\u2019s vision as the pressure on his throat increased. Why wasn\u2019t anyone doing anything? he wondered. Then the pressure disappeared and Joe felt himself dragged to his feet. He gulped in air and blinked, trying to focus.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Standing by the entrance to the saloon were Roy and Clem. Both of them had their guns drawn and aimed at Joe and the Ballingers. Mitch was crumpled in a heap by the bar, but his eyes were open and he appeared to be unhurt. The other two Ballinger brothers were nowhere in sight.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cLooks like we\u2019ve got us a situation, sheriff,\u201d Lou commented as Dick eased his knife under Joe\u2019s ear. His other arm was wrapped around Joe\u2019s neck. \u201cYou want us to let this boy go and I want you to let my brothers go. Who do you think is going to win this stand off?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

That was a question that Roy didn\u2019t have an answer to. He knew that if he turned the Ballingers lose, Joe would die. But if he didn\u2019t turn them loose, Joe would die. He had no idea what to do. \u201cThat\u2019s up to you,\u201d Roy replied, as steadily as he could. \u201cBut we ain\u2019t gonna let ya walk out a here with Joe.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cJoe,\u201d Lou repeated. \u201cIs that your name, kid? I never asked. Doesn\u2019t matter to me anyway.\u201d He laughed. \u201cI tell you what\u2019s going to happen here, old man. You\u2019re going to let my brothers go, or Dick will start carving pieces off Joe. We\u2019ll start with a finger, shall we?\u201d Lou grabbed Joe\u2019s left hand and held it by the wrist. Dick moved the knife down to Joe\u2019s hand, grinning. Joe began to struggle anew.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

There was no more time to think; Roy had to act. He fired at Lou, catching the oldest Ballinger brother high in the chest. For an instant, Lou stood there looking surprised and then he crumpled soundlessly to the floor.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cLou?\u201d Dick gasped. He sounded lost. \u201cLou?\u201d He swung his head around and glared at Roy. \u201cYou killed my brother!\u201d he cried and changed his grip on the still-struggling Joe. \u201cThis kid is gonna pay for that!\u201d The knife sliced across Joe\u2019s palm before digging sharply into his throat.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The pain was intense and Joe gasped. Blood dripped from his hand onto the floor. He knew he was going to die there in the saloon. He continued to struggle as hard as he could, but the alcohol was racing through his bloodstream and he was finding it increasingly difficult to coordinate his efforts.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cDo something!\u201d Mitch shouted, distracting Dick for a second.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

In that second, Clem acted, shooting at Dick, hoping against hope that he wouldn\u2019t hit Joe. In the same instant, Roy fired. Dick sensed their movements and stabbed Joe in the chest as he threw him down, and went for his gun.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

He didn\u2019t have a chance. Clem\u2019s aim was true and the bullet knocked Dick from his feet. Roy wasn\u2019t as lucky. His bullet bit into Joe\u2019s left shoulder and knocked him over. Joe went down and was still. Dick crashed over the table where Joe and Lou had been playing cards and he lay in a heap, groaning.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

For another long second, they all were frozen in place, shaken by the sudden violence. Then Mitch moved, scrambling across the floor to kneel by Joe, horrified by all the blood. As Roy and Clem moved to take charge of their prisoners, Mitch lifted his head. \u201cSomeone get the doc!\u201d he shouted.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI think I might have an early night, Pa,\u201d Hoss mumbled and yawned once more.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cIt certainly sounds as though you need it,\u201d Ben remarked. \u201cAre you feeling all right, Hoss?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m jist tired, I think,\u201d Hoss replied. He smothered another yawn. \u201cPerhaps I\u2019m growin\u2019 again?\u201d he suggested playfully.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHeaven forbid!\u201d Ben exclaimed, holding his hands out in front of him as though fending the suggestion off. \u201cWe\u2019d never get a horse tall enough to carry you if you grew again!\u201d He grinned at Hoss, who grinned back.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWe could get one o\u2019 them hairy-footed horses Joe was on about,\u201d Hoss suggested. \u201cWhat was they called again?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cMmm, Clydesdales or Shires,\u201d Ben recalled. \u201cI still can\u2019t remember which kind is which, despite Joe telling me several times.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cIt don\u2019 really matter,\u201d Hoss replied. \u201cThey both do the same job. An\u2019 if\u2019n we got one, Joe would keep us right anyhow.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s true,\u201d Ben smiled. \u201cWell, good night, son. Sleep well.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019 think I\u2019ll have a problem doin\u2019 that,\u201d Hoss replied. \u201cI could sleep fer a week.\u201d He turned and started to climb the stairs. Ben resumed reading.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

So they were both startled when there was a knock at the door. Hoss paused at the top of the stairs and exchanged a glance with Ben, who rose to answer it. He was only half way across the floor when the knock was repeated again. Frowning, Hoss turned round and retraced his steps.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The man on the doorstep was someone that Ben knew only by sight. \u201cMr Cartwright, Sheriff Coffee sent me ta bring ya inta town real quick like.\u201d His lathered horse stood, head down, in the yard, a testimony to the speed at which he had travelled.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhat\u2019s wrong?\u201d Ben asked. \u201cIs it Joe?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

As a relative newcomer to the town, the man knew who the Cartwrights were, but wondered how on earth Ben knew that there was something wrong with Joe. \u201cJoe\u2019s in the saloon with the Ballinger brothers,\u201d he panted, relishing the chance to pass along the news. It was only when Ben\u2019s face blanched that he realised that this wasn\u2019t the way to tell him the bad news.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cCome on, Hoss,\u201d Ben cried, snatching up his hat and gun belt. \u201cSaddle the horses.\u201d He paused only long enough to thank the man and then he hurried after Hoss. They had the horses saddled in minutes and rode out of the yard like all the demons in hell were after them.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

\u201cJoe, can you hear me?\u201d The voice seemed to be coming from a long distance away and Joe wished that whoever it was would go away and leave him alone. Waking up hurt. Even breathing seemed to be very difficult. He groaned and tried to turn away, but there were hands there, holding him still, preventing him from moving. \u201cJoe, can you hear me?\u201d the voice repeated and this time Joe recognised it.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cDoc?\u201d he whispered, forcing his eyes to open. The room seemed very blurry and Joe had to blink several times to bring things into focus. \u201cWhere\u2026?\u201d he started.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019re in my surgery,\u201d Paul Martin replied. \u201cDon\u2019t try to move, Joe. Just stay still. Do you remember what happened?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Allowing his eyes to drift shut, Joe frowned as he tried to remember. \u201cCards,\u201d he whispered at last, wondering why his mind was so sluggish. Then his eyes opened wide as another memory hit home and he cried, \u201cMitch!\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cEasy, easy!\u201d Paul soothed. \u201cJoe, you\u2019ve got to stay still. Mitch is all right, I promise. Joe, listen to me. Did you have a drink this afternoon?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

That was it, Joe thought. \u201cYeah,\u201d he breathed. The pain in his chest was terrible. \u201cHurts,\u201d he added.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI know it hurts,\u201d Paul sympathised. \u201cBut, Joe, this is important. How much did you have to drink?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cDunno\u2026 ezzacly,\u201d Joe panted. \u201cDrank out\u2026 bottle. Made to.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAll right,\u201d Paul replied. \u201cYou rest now, Joe.\u201d He exchanged a worried glance with Roy Coffee who was standing near by. His nurse, Mrs Benson, was holding Joe\u2019s head still.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

But there was one thing Joe needed to know before he rested. \u201cPa?\u201d he asked.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHe\u2019s on the way, Joe,\u201d Paul soothed. He watched as Joe\u2019s eyes drifted shut once more, then rose and beckoned Roy quietly out of earshot. \u201cI can\u2019t wait any longer, Roy,\u201d he told his friend. \u201cI\u2019m going to have to operate.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhat difference do the drink make?\u201d Roy wanted to know.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cIf you have alcohol in your bloodstream, you bleed more easily,\u201d Paul replied. \u201cJoe has lost a lot of blood as it is. The operation could be tricky; I don\u2019t really want him to lose more blood if I can help it.\u201d He drew in a deep breath and straightened his spine. \u201cStill, I know what I\u2019m facing now.\u201d He put a hand on Roy\u2019s shoulder. \u201cWhen Ben gets here, don\u2019t let him in, all right?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll do my best,\u201d Roy agreed. \u201cBut no promises.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

They exchanged a bleak smile and then Paul went back into the surgery to prepare to remove the knife from Joe\u2019s chest.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

Terror ate at Ben all the journey to town. Hoss rode silently at his side, his fatigue long forgotten. They drew rein in front of the Silver Dollar and were astounded to see that it was in darkness. Wide-eyed, Ben looked at Hoss, not sure where to go next. What did the deserted saloon mean?<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cRoy\u2019ll know,\u201d Hoss replied to the unspoken question.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cRoy,\u201d Ben agreed and urged Buck down the street. He jumped down from the saddle and wrapped his rein around the hitching post without being aware of either action. Hoss was on his heels as he crossed the sidewalk and opened the door to the jail.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Looking up from the desk, Clem rose. \u201cBen, Roy\u2019s over at Doc Martin\u2019s,\u201d he offered.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cJoe?\u201d Ben asked, his heart skipping a beat.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHe was alive last I saw,\u201d Clem replied.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The words weren\u2019t any comfort. \u201cHe was hurt?\u201d Ben whispered, the colour draining from his face.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m afraid so,\u201d Clem answered. \u201cI\u2019m sorry, Ben.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Not waiting to ask any further questions that the deputy wouldn\u2019t be able to answer, Ben simply turned on his heel and hurried out of the door, heading over to Doc Martin\u2019s. Hoss met Clem\u2019s eyes for a moment and the two men communed silently, one offering sympathy, the other thanking the first for everything he had done to help, whatever it was that had been done. Then Hoss was hurrying after Ben, swallowing down his fear as best he could.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

Roy almost wasn\u2019t quick enough to prevent Ben from bursting into the surgery. \u201cDon\u2019t, Ben,\u201d he urged, catching his friend by the shoulders. \u201cPaul said you had to wait here. Ben!\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

If Hoss hadn\u2019t been there, Roy would never have prevailed. Ben simply brushed the smaller man aside and Roy stumbled slightly as he grabbed for Ben\u2019s arm. But it was Hoss who stopped him. \u201cPa, ya cain\u2019t go in there,\u201d he declared, putting his body between Ben and the door. \u201cThe doc wants ya ta wait here an\u2019 there\u2019ll be a good reason fer that. Come on, Pa, sit down an\u2019 wait.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cJoe\u2026\u201d Ben muttered.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI know, Pa, but sit down, huh?\u201d Hoss coaxed his father into a chair. \u201cRoy, what can ya tell us?\u201d he asked and Ben\u2019s attention fastened on Roy.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cJoe an\u2019 Mitch were in the saloon playin\u2019 cards,\u201d Roy began. \u201cThe Ballinger brothers came in an\u2019 made Joe play Lou Ballinger at poker. If Joe won, Cosmo and Mitch would live. If he lost\u2026\u201d Roy didn\u2019t need to complete the sentence. Ben\u2019s dark eyes were riveted on the sheriff\u2019s face. \u201cJoe won the first hand an\u2019 Cosmo was let go. He came ta git us. When we got there, it seemed that Joe had won again, an\u2019 Lou didn\u2019 take too kindly ta it. We got two o\u2019 the brothers out, but Lou an\u2019 Dick had Joe as a hostage. We shot Lou, but his brother Dick managed ta\u2026 ta stab Joe afore Clem shot him.\u201d Roy looked shame-faced. \u201cMy bullet hit Joe. I\u2019m real sorry, Ben.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

It was too soon for Ben to offer absolution to Roy. \u201cHow bad is he?\u201d he demanded.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHe\u2019s not good,\u201d Roy admitted. \u201cDoc\u2019s operatin\u2019.\u201d He swallowed. \u201cThe knife went in real deep, Ben. Lou had made Joe drink some whiskey straight from the bottle. Paul was a mite worried about that,\u201d he added, trying to play it down.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHow long has he been operating on Joe?\u201d Ben asked, his eyes going to the clock. The time \u2013 8.30pm \u2013 meant nothing to him.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAbout an hour,\u201d Roy admitted.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAn hour\u2026\u201d Ben repeated, numbly.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHe\u2019s bin with Joe an hour,\u201d Hoss corrected him. \u201cThat don\u2019t mean he\u2019s bin operatin\u2019 all this time, Pa. It jist means he\u2019s tendin\u2019 ta Joe.\u201d Hoss wasn\u2019t sure that he believed his own argument, but if it gave Ben a moment of peace, it was worth it.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cOf course, I never thought of that,\u201d Ben agreed. \u201cI\u2019m sorry, Roy, I didn\u2019t mean to jump all over you.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI unnerstand, Ben,\u201d Roy replied, relieved that Hoss had stepped in once more. The waiting was torture for him \u2013 how much worse must it be for Ben and Hoss?<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Another half hour passed before the inner door opened and Paul Martin came out. He didn\u2019t look surprised to see Ben and Hoss waiting. \u201cBetter come in,\u201d he told them and Ben\u2019s heart faltered. He rose and followed the physician.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe lay on the bed, the cover drawn up to his chin and his face was almost as white as the sheet. Ben hurried to his side, touching Joe to reassure himself that his son was alive and simply asleep. \u201cJoe?\u201d he whispered, but there was no movement from the figure on the bed. He glanced up at Paul. \u201cHow is he?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHe\u2019s weak, but I think he\u2019ll be all right,\u201d Paul replied. \u201cHe has lost a tremendous amount of blood and I just hope infection hasn\u2019t set in.\u201d He sat down heavily and Ben became aware of how tired Paul looked. \u201cJoe was stabbed in his right upper chest,\u201d Paul began. He drew back the blanket slightly to let Ben see the bandages swathing Joe\u2019s chest. \u201cHis lung wasn\u2019t affected, luckily. The knife went in at an oblique angle. Joe lost a lot of blood when I removed the knife, but the damage could have been worse. The bullet that hit him shattered his collar bone and I had to remove some fragments of bone along with the bullet. Again, Joe bled a lot, but he is stable at the moment.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhy did he bleed so much?\u201d Ben asked, his eyes drawn back to the still figure lying before him.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cDid Roy tell you that Lou made him drink from a bottle of whiskey?\u201d Paul asked. \u201cWhen people are drunk, they bleed more. He also had a deep knife wound on the palm of his left hand which required stitches.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWill he be all right?\u201d Ben asked.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Hesitating for a moment, Paul finally nodded. \u201cI hope so,\u201d he answered, cautiously.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhen will we know?\u201d Ben asked. If he knew the risks, he could prepare to fight the odds.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cBy morning, most likely,\u201d Paul replied. \u201cIf infection is going to set in, it most probably will have by then.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhat can I do for him?\u201d Ben wanted to know.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cLet him sleep,\u201d Paul replied. \u201cIf he starts to run a temperature, keep him cool.\u201d He gave his friend a sharp look. \u201cBen, I can look after Joe\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m not leaving,\u201d Ben declared determinedly.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNor me,\u201d Hoss added.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNo surprise there then,\u201d Paul remarked, a smile softening his tired face. \u201cIn that case, I\u2019m going to catch a few hours sleep. If you need me for any reason, shout.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI will,\u201d Ben replied, once more bending over Joe. He stroked the hair back off his son\u2019s pale forehead and he could have sworn that Joe nestled into the touch of his father\u2019s hand. \u201cI\u2019m here, son,\u201d he whispered. \u201cEverything will be all right.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

Stirring slightly, Joe wondered why he hurt so much. His mind felt fuzzy and his head was throbbing. His stomach wasn\u2019t too comfortable, either, he thought queasily. In fact\u2026 Joe opened his eyes and squinted against the low light coming from a nearby lamp. He didn\u2019t immediately recognise the room he was in, but that was of no importance at that moment. He saw his father sitting by the bed, dozing. \u201cPa,\u201d he gasped, hoarsely.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Jolted out of the light doze he had been in, Ben opened his eyes and saw Joe looking at him anxiously. He smiled, leaning closer to touch Joe\u2019s face with a reassuring hand. \u201cJoe. How are you feeling, son?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cGonna be\u2026sick,\u201d Joe mumbled, trying not to open his mouth too far. He hoped Pa would hurry, because if he didn\u2019t Joe wasn\u2019t sure he could hold on any longer.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

But Ben was prepared. He snatched up the basin lying at his feet and helped Joe lean over as his son vomited helplessly. At last, the spasms were over and Joe lay down, feeling Ben wiping his face with a cool, damp cloth. He felt dreadful and his chest hurt so much. What was wrong with him? He forced his eyes open once more and was met with the reassuring warm gaze from Ben\u2019s brown eyes. \u201cI don\u2019t feel too good,\u201d he offered.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m not surprised,\u201d Ben remarked, sounding cheerful. Joe was a bit sweaty, but that was as a result of throwing up, not of fever. \u201cDo you remember what happened, son?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Closing his eyes again for a moment, Joe thought about it. \u201cThe saloon,\u201d he whispered. His mouth was horribly dry. \u201cI\u2019m thirsty.\u201d He opened his eyes again to see Hoss handing Ben a glass of water. \u201cHi, Hoss.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHi yourself,\u201d Hoss replied, smiling gently at his injured brother.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Lifting Joe\u2019s head, Ben helped him to drink. The cool water was soothing and comforting and for a few minutes, Joe felt a bit better, but then his headache started throbbing again. He tried to move to a more comfortable position, but his body hurt too much to allow him to complete the movement. He couldn\u2019t repress a groan.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cTake it easy,\u201d Ben soothed. \u201cYou were hurt, Joe. Plus, I expect you\u2019ve got a hangover.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThe whiskey,\u201d Joe groaned. \u201cI hate whiskey.\u201d He snagged Ben\u2019s gaze. \u201cPa, is Mitch all right?\u201d he demanded.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cMitch is just fine,\u201d Ben replied at once and Joe relaxed.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhat happened to me?\u201d Joe asked. \u201cWhy am I so sore?\u201d Again he tried to move and another groan escaped.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Bodily lifting Joe, Ben helped him settle in a different position and turned the pillow over so that Joe was resting on the cool side. \u201cBetter?\u201d he asked and Joe nodded. \u201cYou were stabbed by Dick Ballinger,\u201d Ben explained.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI remember that \u2013 sort of,\u201d Joe recalled. He tried to glance down at himself, but the movement caused his head to spin and a shaft of pain shot through his broken collar bone.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhen Roy and Clem were saving you, Roy accidentally shot you,\u201d Ben went on. Now that he knew Joe was going to be all right, Ben felt desperately sorry for his friend. The shooting was an accident. He would have to talk to Roy the next day. \u201cThe bullet shattered your collar bone.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cGuess that explains it,\u201d Joe murmured.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI guess it does,\u201d Ben smiled. \u201cAre you in a lot of pain, Joe?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cA bit,\u201d Joe admitted. \u201cYou were right about the hangover, Pa.\u201d His eyes squeezed shut again. \u201cMy mouth tastes like Hoss\u2019 socks smell.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

There was an indignant splutter from Hoss, but Ben couldn\u2019t repress a smile. Joe might be feeling bad, but that piece of cheek was more telling than any medical diagnosis that his youngest son\u2019s life wasn\u2019t in danger. \u201cThat bad?\u201d he asked, sounding shocked and exchanged a grin with Hoss.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThat bad,\u201d Joe agreed, suddenly exhausted. He sighed, his injuries paining him.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cDrink this, Joe,\u201d Ben told him, lifting his head and offering the painkiller that Paul had left in case Joe should need it.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Making a face at the first taste, Joe nevertheless drank it down and gradually slipped into sleep as the pain faded away. Ben held his hand until he was sure Joe was sleeping again. He raised his eyes and met Hoss\u2019 and they smiled at each other. It looked as though Joe was going to be just fine.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

Over the next 24 hours, Joe steadily improved, although he slept a good deal of the time. He was very weak from loss of blood and made no noises about getting home to his own bed. Hoss returned to the ranch to keep things ticking over and Ben booked into the hotel. He was just sitting down to a meal when Roy Coffee appeared in the hotel dining room and came over to join him.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI wanted to see you,\u201d Ben said, before Roy had even opened his mouth. \u201cRoy, I\u2019m sorry, I didn\u2019t say anything last night, but I know that you didn\u2019t mean to shoot Joe intentionally. I know it was an accident and I\u2019m sorry I didn\u2019t say so last night.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

That was probably the most incoherent speech Roy had ever heard Ben make, but he was so pleased by the content that he barely noticed. \u201cThat\u2019s all right, Ben,\u201d he replied, waving the apology away. \u201cYa had a lot on yer mind. How\u2019s Little Joe?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHe\u2019s going to be just fine,\u201d Ben smiled. \u201cHe\u2019s weak right now, but he managed to give Hoss some cheek earlier when he was awake.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s good news,\u201d Roy agreed. \u201cThing is, Ben, the circuit judge has just wired me that he intends ta be in town tomorra to hold the trial of the Ballingers. We got Mitch\u2019s testimony, o\u2019 course, but the judge wants ta ask Joe some questions. Will he be up ta comin\u2019 ta the court house?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNo,\u201d Ben replied, definitely enough. \u201cThe judge can come to Joe if he wants to talk to him. I still don\u2019t know when Joe\u2019s going to get home. There\u2019s no way he could be subjected to a trial, Roy.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s what I figured,\u201d Roy acknowledged. \u201cLike I said, it shouldn\u2019t be a problem. Mitch was an eye witness, too.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cIf the judge wants to talk to Joe, he can come to the doc\u2019s,\u201d Ben reiterated. \u201cHow many of the Ballingers have you got?\u201d he asked. \u201cDoc said something about one of them being shot.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cLou\u2019s dead,\u201d Roy reported. \u201cDick was shot, but he\u2019s all right. Them other two, Dave and John, were captured without gun play.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cQuite a coup,\u201d Ben nodded. \u201cThe Ballingers have been wanted for a long time, haven\u2019t they?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cA long time,\u201d Roy agreed. \u201cI\u2019d better go back. I left Clem alone with them. See ya later, Ben.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

They managed to get Joe on his feet for a short while the next day, but he was very shaky and relieved to lie down again. His left arm was encased in a sling to ease the pressure on his collarbone and Joe found it was easier when he held his right arm across his body, too. \u201cI\u2019m wearing more bandages than a mummy,\u201d he complained as Paul gently bound up his chest again. He had been checking his handiwork and was pleased with the way the knife wound was healing.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYou must be getting better,\u201d Paul remarked. \u201cYou\u2019re complaining.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Smiling, Joe met the doctor\u2019s laughing gaze. \u201cBut I\u2019m obviously not complaining enough,\u201d he retorted. \u201cYou still won\u2019t let me go home.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019ve got that right,\u201d Paul agreed. \u201cYou\u2019re not well enough for that. Give it another few days and you should be up to the trip to the ranch.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s only been two days, Joe,\u201d Ben chided him gently.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI know,\u201d Joe sighed. \u201cI just want to go home.\u201d He tried very hard not to sound as if he was whining.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cSoon,\u201d Paul replied.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

There was a knock on the surgery door as Paul eased Joe back onto a pile of pillows. Ben went to answer it as Joe laid his head down for a moment. It was the judge. \u201cCome in,\u201d Ben offered. He hadn\u2019t been expecting the man quite so soon.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

But they hadn\u2019t been expecting the man who trailed Roy Coffee into the room \u2013 Dick Ballinger. Joe gaped at him, fear clenching his insides, even though Ballinger was in handcuffs.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhat\u2019s he doing here?\u201d Ben demanded.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI brought him,\u201d Judge Whittaker replied imperiously. \u201cJoe, do you recognise this man?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYes,\u201d Joe whispered. \u201cDick Ballinger.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHow do you know him?\u201d Whittaker persisted.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHe held me hostage in the Silver Dollar,\u201d Joe replied, his voice stronger. \u201cHe held a knife to my throat.\u201d The cuts on Joe\u2019s throat had been superficial, no worse than if he\u2019d cut himself shaving. \u201cHe tried to kill me.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s all I needed to know,\u201d Whittaker nodded. \u201cThank you, Joe.\u201d He turned and led the way out of the door.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ballinger paused, looking down at Joe. He gave the familiar, wolfish grin. \u201cYou\u2019re in some state, boy,\u201d he commented. Roy, annoyed, tugged on his arm and the bigger man simply tugged his arm free and before anyone could move, he was over by Joe, dragging the injured man up by the throat. \u201cNobody do anything stupid,\u201d he ordered.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cLet him go!\u201d Whittaker ordered, his calm voice belying the fear that gripped his belly. \u201cYou\u2019re not doing yourself any favours with this display.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cIf it gets me out of here, its doing me enough,\u201d Ballinger replied. \u201cSheriff, get the handcuffs off me.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

For a moment, Roy hesitated and Ballinger began to squeeze. Joe choked. Whittaker nodded and Roy walked forwards, fumbling for the keys. His hands shook as he unlocked the handcuffs and removed them. Ballinger was grinning again. \u201cNow, put them on the boy here.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s cruelty!\u201d Paul thundered. \u201cJoe is injured!\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cDo it!\u201d Ballinger ordered, squeezing again. Roy swallowed and did as he was told. When he was finished, Ballinger removed one large hand from Joe\u2019s throat and shoved Roy to the floor. \u201cNow get out of my way, \u2018cos I\u2019m leaving here.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNo!\u201d Ben protested and made a move towards Ballinger, who simply pushed him out of the way. He dragged Joe to his feet, looking momentarily surprised when Joe sagged, but not allowing that to stop him. He wrapped one arm around Joe\u2019s neck and began to drag the injured, handcuffed young man after him as he backed towards the door.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m leaving and if nobody moves, I might leave this boy outside. Anyone follows me and I\u2019ll take him apart bit by bit. Is that clear?\u201d He shook Joe slightly and Joe groaned. Everyone froze in place, watching in horror.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

As Ballinger backed away, Ben became aware of someone in the outer office behind the outlaw. He bit his tongue, not knowing who it was and afraid of doing something that would put Joe\u2019s life in more jeopardy. And then the person moved slightly and Ben realised that he knew who it was; Hoss!<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

There was no time to formulate a plan, no time to wonder what he ought to do, if he ought to try and help Hoss somehow. Hoss simply put his hands on Ballinger\u2019s shoulders, wrenching his arm from around Joe\u2019s throat and whirled the man around. With two efficient punches, he laid the outlaw on the floor.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

For a moment, the group in the office was kept frozen, unable to believe what they had just witnessed. Then Ben moved. \u201cJoe!\u201d He dived forward to kneel beside his son, who was lying on the floor groaning in pain. Seconds later, Paul Martin was by his side, urging Joe to lie still while he checked him over. \u201cGet those handcuffs off him!\u201d Ben cried and Roy hurried over, the keys in his hands once more.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

As Roy put the handcuffs back on Ballinger, Hoss hurried over to look down anxiously at Joe. \u201cJoe, are ya all right?\u201d he cried.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Opening his eyes, Joe tried to smile. \u201cThanks to you,\u201d he panted. The pain radiating through his chest and shoulders was taking his breath away.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHoss, you help Roy get Ballinger back to the jail,\u201d Ben suggested. \u201cPaul and I will take care of your brother.\u201d He barely spared a glance for Judge Whittaker.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m sorry about what happened, Ben,\u201d Whittaker said, when Joe was once more on the bed and Paul was tending to him. \u201cI never dreamed anything like this would happen.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Although the temptation to lay all the blame on Whittaker was strong, Ben resisted. \u201cIt wasn\u2019t your fault,\u201d he replied. \u201cNone of us were expecting him to do something like that. I don\u2019t expect that he\u2019ll be walking away from this, will he?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNo,\u201d Whittaker agreed. \u201cHe\u2019s killed enough people to warrant a hanging and any pleas for clemency will not be accepted.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m pleased to hear that,\u201d Ben replied, with a barely controlled savagery. He nodded to the judge and went to bend over Joe.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

There was indeed no doubt about the verdict. The Ballinger brothers were hanged at sunset, while Joe drifted in a drug-induced slumber. He had been lucky, and none of his injuries had been aggravated by his rough treatment. He had some more bruises and his throat was sore, but essentially, he was no worse off.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

By the next afternoon, Joe had rallied and was once more trying to persuade Paul to let him go home. He was still weak, but beginning to regain his strength. He had managed to stay awake for a good portion of the day and had enjoyed a short visit from Mitch.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAll right!\u201d Paul laughed, putting his hands up. \u201cIf you\u2019re feeling all right tomorrow, I\u2019ll let you go home. Anything to stop you complaining!\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Grinning broadly, Joe turned to look at Ben. \u201cDid you hear that, Pa? I can go home tomorrow!\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAre you sure, Paul?\u201d Ben asked.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThere\u2019s nothing more I can do for him here,\u201d Paul replied. \u201cHe just needs time now \u2013 time to heal. Give him a couple of months, and he\u2019ll never know there was anything wrong with him.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

As Paul went off to do some other things, Ben sat down by Joe\u2019s bed. \u201cWell, that is good news, isn\u2019t it, son?\u201d he commented, his hand straying, unbidden, to brush the hair back off Joe\u2019s forehead.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cSure is,\u201d Joe agreed, sleepily. \u201cYou know, Pa, I think it\u2019ll be a long time before I want to play poker again, even if it\u2019s just with Mitch.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI can understand that,\u201d Ben replied. He continued to stroke Joe\u2019s hair, watching as his son\u2019s eyelids dropped sleepily.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cD\u2019you know what?\u201d Joe murmured, just remembering. \u201cI had a royal flush.\u201d He forced his eyes open and was gratified to see the look on Ben\u2019s face. \u201cI never had one of those before.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI guess it was just the luck of the draw,\u201d Ben replied. He thought that it was the luck of the draw that had saved Joe\u2019s life. He shuddered to think that his son\u2019s life had depended upon the turn of a card.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

How lucky they all had been.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The end<\/p>\n

<\/div>\n

<\/g><\/svg><\/i> \"Loading\"<\/p>\n

<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Summary:\u00a0 A careless remark leave Joe’s life hanging on the turn of a card.<\/p>\n

Rating:\u00a0 PG (8,305 words)<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":45,"featured_media":3503,"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_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":"","jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false},"categories":[2],"tags":[16],"class_list":["post-10825","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-actionadventure","tag-joe","wpcat-2-id"],"a3_pvc":{"activated":true,"total_views":2022,"today_views":0},"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/04\/cards.jpg?fit=375%2C258&ssl=1","jetpack_likes_enabled":true,"jetpack-related-posts":[{"id":39438,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=39438","url_meta":{"origin":10825,"position":0},"title":"The Art Contest (by fanofoldtvshows)","author":"Fanofoldtvshows","date":"August 17, 2022","format":false,"excerpt":"Summary: Hop Sing enters an art contest to benefit a family in\u00a0 need. 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