{"id":11761,"date":"2015-09-17T15:52:08","date_gmt":"2015-09-17T19:52:08","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=11761"},"modified":"2026-09-17T14:21:15","modified_gmt":"2026-09-17T18:21:15","slug":"a-matter-of-family","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=11761","title":{"rendered":"A Matter of Family (by BluewindFarm)"},"content":{"rendered":"

Summary<\/strong>: \u00a0A mistaken identity sends the Cartwrights on a race to rescue one of their own.<\/span><\/p>\n

With an uncooperating muse for Camp in the Pines, mid-way through I realized I would need to accept my 4-Ws (Who, What, Where, When) in an effort to create a story. My Ws are revealed at the end, as well as my three Go-Fish words.<\/span><\/p>\n

Author’s Note:\u00a0 My 50th Bonanza story!<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

Rating: K (6,820 words)<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

A Matter of Family<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Hop Sing\u2019s soft-soled shoes quieted his retreat as he made his way back to the kitchen with the empty coffee pot in hand. Even if he\u2019d worn boots, the laughter shared by the three men in the great room would have drowned any noise the ever-faithful servant might have made. His dire threats of going back to China when his charges were late to the table would not have been loud enough to be heard above their good mood.<\/span><\/p>\n

At the knock at the door, absent-mindedly, Ben, Adam, and Hoss looked to where Joe normally would sit.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll get it Pa,\u201d Hoss offered. Shaking his head from side to side with an arm over his ribs, the man gained his feet while trying to control his reaction to the hilarity of the discussion.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIf only you\u2019d been there Pa.\u201d Adam gulped, wiping moisture from his eyes.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI still can\u2019t believe it.\u201d Ben gasped for a breath and broke into a hearty laughter once more.\u00a0 “I guess I shouldn’t have been so hard on him, sending him out of town for a little while.”<\/span><\/p>\n

“Well, if not for this, I’m sure there are other things he’s done that we don’t know about.”<\/span><\/p>\n

Laughter broke forth again.<\/span><\/p>\n

Pulling open the front door, \u201cEvenin\u2019 Roy. What brings you all the way out here tonight?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHoss. Your Pa and Adam home?\u201d Sheriff Roy Coffee stepped into the room, removing his hat, as Ben\u2019s middle son stepped back and motioned with his arm to where his family sat.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cRoy! Good to see you. Hop Sing!\u201d Ben stood, followed by Adam. Ben approached the lawman. When he saw the Oriental man step into the dining area he called, \u201cBring Roy a cup of coffee.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cBen, I\u2019m not here for a social visit.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

After closing the door, Hoss slipped his hands into his pockets, his thumbs catching on the outside as he followed Roy into the center of the room.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cTrouble in town?\u201d Adam walked around the back side of the settee.<\/span><\/p>\n

Reaching into his vest pocket, Roy pulled out a slip of paper. \u201cFigured this couldn\u2019t wait \u2018til morning. It\u2019s from Sheriff Stark down in Yerington.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cPa, ain\u2019t that where Little Joe went to look at them horses?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThis here wire\u2019s concerning Joe.\u201d Roy handed it to Ben.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhat\u2019s the kid done this time?\u201d Adam good-naturedly asked, his laughter from earlier had yet to fully dissipate as he leaned against the table that set behind the settee. \u201cHe try to kiss Don Alegria\u2019s daughter?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNot this time, I\u2019m \u2018fraid.\u201d Somberly, Roy answered, \u201cHe\u2019s in jail, said he robbed a bank.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWHAT?!\u201d \u201cThat cain\u2019t be true.\u201d \u201cWhat do the witnesses say?\u201d were voiced one over the other in disbelief.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t know anything else. I already wired back stating you\u2019d be there late tomorrow.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t understand how this could happen?\u201d Ben lamented, his good humor dissolved.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cPa, I\u2019m sure it\u2019s all a misunderstanding.\u201d Adam stepped forward, a hand squeezed Ben\u2019s shoulder.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThey\u2019s wrong. I just know they are,\u201d Hoss declared.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cBen, I\u2019m sorry to be the one to bring you the news.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNo, thank you. You were right in bringing this out tonight.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIf you need anything, you let me know.\u201d Roy bade goodnight, with Ben closing the door behind him.<\/span><\/p>\n

Standing apart, Hop Sing spoke, \u201cHop Sing pack food; have all ready when you leave. You bring Lit\u2019le Joe home.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cI don\u2019t understand how Joe could get mixed up in something like a bank robbery,\u201d Ben bemoaned.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYa don\u2019t think he lost that bank draft, do ya?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWith our little brother, anything is possible.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAdam, that was uncalled for,\u201d Ben warned.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cSorry Pa, but until we get there and can speak to Joe, there\u2019s nothing we can do other than speculate.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t know about you all, but I\u2019m gonna pack tonight.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI want the horses saddled and ready to go before first light.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNo problem there Pa, I don\u2019t think any of us will sleep tonight.\u201d Adam strode to the stairs, Hoss close on his heels.<\/span><\/p>\n

~ B ~ O ~ N ~ A ~ N ~ Z ~ A ~<\/span><\/p>\n

Wearily, three riders entered Yerington, heading straight for the livery.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAin\u2019t we gonna see Joe, Pa?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThe horses need tending to, we\u2019ve pushed them rather hard to get here.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Stiffly, they stepped to the ground, looping their reins over the hitching rail before stepping inside to seek the proprietor.<\/span><\/p>\n

After securing lodging for their horses, they led their mounts to where the manager had pointed to three empty stalls. Buck, Sport, and Chubbs all answered the nicker that greeted them.<\/span><\/p>\n

Slapping his horse on the rump to encourage him to enter the stall, Hoss looked at the black and white head and neck reaching across the aisleway. Sidling alongside the horse, the brand confirmed what he knew.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s Cochise.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIs he okay?\u201d Adam inquired, stripping the saddle and unbridling his chestnut colored horse.<\/span><\/p>\n

A quick once over didn\u2019t reveal anything amiss, \u201cHe looks okay. Got lots a dried sweat on \u2018im, but if\u2019n Joe\u2019s in jail, he probably didn\u2019t have time ta groom him.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cPa, there’s always a chance that maybe someone waylaid Joe?\u201d Adam stood outside the stall that Buck would call home for the foreseeable future. \u201cI mean he was carrying that bank draft.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAdam, if it wasn\u2019t Joe, why would Sheriff Stark wire us?\u201d Recognizing the annoyance in his father\u2019s voice, Adam decided to stay quiet.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThere\u2019s no reason to think it ain\u2019t Joe.\u201d Hoss felt his father\u2019s displeasure when Ben dropped his saddle onto one of the racks. \u201cThat was one of them questions that ain\u2019t supposed ta be answered, wasn\u2019t it?\u201d he whispered as Ben huffed and walked out in front of his sons. Adam nodded and followed.<\/span><\/p>\n

They bypassed the hotel, stepping aside to allow a few ladies to pass as they headed for the Sheriff\u2019s Office. Emotions heightened with their destination a few short steps away; the youngest member of their family would soon be within their circle of protection and they would have their answers.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHe better have a good explanation,\u201d mutter Ben, having spent just under twelve hours in the saddle.<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam reached the door first, intent on opening it and allowing his father to enter before him, only he found the door locked.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHe ain\u2019t in there,\u201d stated a man sweeping the porch in front of the general store next door.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cDo you know when he\u2019ll return?\u201d Adam inquired, as they all turned toward the man.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cMaybe ten, fifteen minutes. Depends on how many pieces a pie Miss Angeline talks him into eating. He went to fetch supper for his prisoner.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHow is his prisoner?\u201d Ben asked, needing to hear any news of his youngest son.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cMadder than a hornet if ya asked me.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cPa, you know how Joe acts when he feels it\u2019s all a mistake.\u201d Hoss laid a sympathetic hand on Ben\u2019s shoulder.<\/span><\/p>\n

The man continued, \u201cAll his hollering and yelling bloody murder.\u201d Pausing his sweeping, he shook his head. \u201cCaught him red-handed and he\u2019s trying to blame that there robbery on others, saying he\u2019s innocent and all.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cExcuse me, gentlemen.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cSheriff, these here men were looking for ya.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThanks Ed, I think I figured that out.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cRight Sheriff.\u201d Ed walked to the doorway of his store, standing so he could continue to hear the conversation.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cSheriff Stark, I\u2019m Ben Cartwright.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cFigured you might be.\u201d Stark balanced the tray in one hand while inserting the key and unlocking the door. \u201cRoy Coffee stated you and your other two boys would be here tonight.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019d like to see my son, if you don\u2019t mind.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI do mind, long as you\u2019re wearing those.\u201d The lawman set the tray on a side table along the far wall, well opposite his desk where the Cartwrights were removing their holsters. Unlocking the door leading to the jail area, \u201cYou can take his supper into him too. I\u2019m too tired to listen to his mouth.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThat sounds like Joe.\u201d Hoss started to give a laugh, but thought better of it.<\/span><\/p>\n

Stark walked to his desk, picked up the holsters, and hung them on the hooks on the wall.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIf you don\u2019t mind, I\u2019d like to ask you a few questions.\u201d Adam waited while his father and brother disappeared into the other room.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s your choice, son.\u201d Stark wearily sat down.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAdam. Adam Cartwright.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHave a seat.\u201d He waited, and when Adam didn\u2019t sit, \u201cSuit yourself. There were two of \u2018em. We only found the one.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhere did you capture him? In town?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWish we had. No, the bank robbery happened three days ago. Posse found him yesterday morning, easiest capture we ever had; he was riding that pinto hell-bent for leather back towards town.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThat doesn\u2019t make any sense for someone who just robbed your bank.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHe\u2019s your brother. You\u2019d know him better than me.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cLet me ask you this, did you see them as they rode out of town?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cSure did, it was my shot that winged one of them.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThen you\u2019d be able to confirm if one of the outlaws was riding the pinto.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

An image returned to the lawman\u2019s mind, one that he wasn\u2019t keen to admit.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cSheriff,\u201d Adam finally sat. Leaning forward, resting his forearms on the edge of the desk, \u201cDid he say why he was riding back?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cSure, said his brother\u2019d been shot by strangers. Strangers.\u201d The lawman huffed. \u201cIt\u2019s my bullet. Yerington protects its own.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Ben and Hoss walked along the corridor to the only occupied cell; they had traveled hard in order to rescue Joe, and there he stood with his back to them, head down. Hoss figured his brother had heard them arrive and was too embarrassed to face their father.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cJoseph.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHello, sir,\u201d he answered, turning around.<\/span><\/p>\n

Already sensing something amiss, Ben wasn\u2019t prepared for the green eyes that greeted him.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cWait a minute. You said, he said his brother had been shot. Joe only has two brothers; and we\u2019re both here.\u201d Adam stood and hurried to the jail area, relieved to know it was a misunderstanding; it wasn\u2019t Joe. He stopped at Hoss\u2019 words, \u201cClay Stafford.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Recovering, Adam pushed his way to the cell door, \u201cWhere\u2019s my brother?! Where\u2019d you leave him? Why didn\u2019t you bring him with you?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Behind his son, Ben struggled with the rapid-fire questions, trying to comprehend the fact Joe wasn\u2019t in jail.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAdam, get me out of here. Please!\u201d Clay grabbed at the bars. \u201cWe didn\u2019t do it.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Having not heard his step-brother admit that it was Joe who\u2019d been shot, Adam reached through the bars, grabbing Clay\u2019s shirt and roughly pulled him forward, \u201cAnswer me, you were with Joe? He knew you were down here?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYes, Joe was with me. We met down at Don Alegria\u2019s ranch. And no, he didn\u2019t know I was there. I\u2019ve been there for a few months. But he didn\u2019t know it, I swear. It was as much a shock for him to see me as it was for me to see him.\u201d Grasping Adam\u2019s wrist, \u201cAdam, you have to get the sheriff to release me. Joe needs help.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHow bad is he hurt?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cBad enough.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Being tugged from behind, Adam released Clay\u2019s shirt, allowing his father to address the way-ward member of the family.\u00a0 “Clay, why did you tell them you were Joe?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThey wouldn\u2019t listen to me. I told them we met up with the strangers out on the road. After they told me he was arresting me for bank robbery, I figured those men were the robbers. Stark didn\u2019t believe me. I knew the only way to get Joe the help he needed was to get you here.\u201d The man\u2019s eyes pleaded honestly.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhat help does Shortshanks need? Where is he?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Glancing only briefly to his larger step-brother, he looked and spoke directly to Ben. \u201cWe\u2019d headed out first thing yesterday morning; I was taking Joe to see a band of wild horses. These two men were running their horses and before we knew it, they pulled their guns and fired. Joe and I tried to get out of their way and returned fire to defend ourselves. I didn\u2019t know until later that one of their bullets caught Joe in the side.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Barreling forward, \u201cHe\u2019s been shot?!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHow bad?\u201d stepping to the jail cell again, Adam pushed Hoss aside.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI did the best I could to stop the bleeding. I hated leaving him out there. I told him I\u2019d bring back help. Adam that was yesterday.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou left him?!\u201d Hoss ignored Adam, unsuccessfully grabbing through the bars.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHe\u2019s sheltered. I thought it best. I didn\u2019t want him to pass out getting him to town.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cClay, was he shot in the front or the back?\u201d inquired Adam.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI told you, those men were riding toward us when they fired.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cSheriff, you said you shot the bank robber. Was it from the front or the back?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cSeeing as how they were racing out of town; of course it would be from the back,\u201d the man answered indignantly. Again that feeling of doubt niggled his consciousness.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou need to let Clay out of jail…\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cClay? He said his name was Joe. And why should I turn him loose?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI didn\u2019t say turn him loose, he’ll still be in custody.\u00a0 Clay takes us to our brother and you have your answer. If Joe is shot in the front, it bolsters Clay\u2019s statement of their innocence. If Joe is shot in the back\u2026\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAdam… Ya can\u2019t mean ya believe him?\u201d Hoss pointed toward the lawman.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNo, I don\u2019t believe Clay or Joe had anything to do with the robbery.\u201d Adam answered before addressing the sheriff, \u201cAnd when we prove to you that they are innocent, you\u2019ll need to reform your posse and look for the real culprits.\u201d Adam recognized the lawman\u2019s gulp as a sign that he was accepting he might have been wrong. \u201cBecause you and I already know that the men who robbed your bank weren\u2019t riding that pinto.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHe could have waylaid your brother out there.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAnd if he had, do you really think he would have ridden back here to get help? You\u2019re not that<\/em> stupid, Stark.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

A speechless Ben listened to the conversations, unable to participate. The worrisome feeling had returned with a vengeance. Joe was out there, somewhere; alone and apparently shot.<\/span><\/p>\n

~ B ~ O ~ N ~ A ~ N ~ Z ~ A ~<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI know I got one. I saw him flinch before they rode off the trail,\u201d Ken Brewer growled.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhy\u2019d ya have to go and shoot one of them. I just wanted to scare them off so they couldn\u2019t get a good look at us.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Similar in appearance, a stranger could tell the two were brothers, slim build, black curly hair, same cheek bone structure below narrow brown eyes. Randy stood an inch or two taller than his older brother.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAll it would take was for them to meet up with the posse and tell \u2018em they saw two men riding hard.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cKen, we need to get out of here,\u201d Randy Brewer hissed in return. \u201cForget about them.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI ain\u2019t gonna forget about them. They get to town, they\u2019ll tell the posse where we\u2019re goin\u2019.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAll the more reason for us to ride! We\u2019ve already wasted too much time.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNo!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cKen, we need to get back to Aggie\u2019s and let her get that bullet outa the back of your shoulder.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m fine!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019re fine now, but if that gets infected because of your stupidity.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI ain\u2019t stupid!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThen forget about them! Now come on!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

~ B ~ O ~ N ~ A ~ N ~ Z ~ A ~<\/span><\/p>\n

Black and grays painted the landscape with the setting of the sun. Heat radiating off the solid rock walls failed to penetrate the depths where a single occupant laid curled on his left side in a cave, sweat beading his face and torso. His right hand pressed against the bloody shirt Clay had wadded and tied over the bullet wound. Pain lanced his body with each breath drawn. A revolver lay in his limp left hand, fingers no longer possessing the strength to close around the bloodied pearl handle. An empty canteen lay discarded a short distance next to where he sat before slumping sideways. The cool interior of the cave did little to compensate for the heat of fever that held Joe Cartwright.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cClay\u2026 It hurts. Pa.\u201d His tongue licked at dry lips. \u201cYou promised.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Darkness claimed its victim once more as a second night fell on the youngest Cartwright, dreams soon followed.<\/span><\/p>\n

~ B ~ O ~ N ~ A ~ N ~ Z ~ A ~<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe Cartwright rode toward the main compound of the Rocking A. Ben Cartwright had sent his youngest son to inspect and possibly purchase a number of brood mares being offered for sale.\u00a0 This trip had been arranged before the fiasco of the weekend’s dance.\u00a0<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

Halting Cochise, he hooked his leg over the saddle horn, taking time to admire the mares and their newborn foals, as well as yearlings in the field on the\u00a0 south side of the trail.<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cSure are something, aren\u2019t they fella. Bet you wish we\u2019d never gelded you.\u201d Cochise shook his heck, his main flopping from side to side. \u201cNo, you\u2019re right. That many girls can be a problem. Sorry you have to suffer my punishment.\u201d Pulling his leg back over, he petted the gelding on the shoulder. \u201cWasn\u2019t my fault.\u201d Ruing the events from the weekend before, \u201cPa sure was mad until Adam explained it all.\u201d He signaled his horse to walk on. \u201cBesides, I think I got the best end of the deal, I\u2019m here looking at such fine animals and those girls are having to explain to their parents why they caused such a scene at a dance I didn\u2019t even attend. Can you just imagine the fuss if they were after Adam? How someone can swoon over a bunch of poetry is beyond me. I tell you Cochise, if you think Pa was mad at me, I\u2019d hate to see his reaction to that!\u201d Joe cackled as he rode under an archway emblazoned with a Rocking A scrolled into the metal work.<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cSenior Cartwright!\u201d the Spanish nobleman greeted, his arms extended towards his guest, grasping Joe\u2019s hand in both of his.<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cDon Alegria, my father sends his best regards.\u201d Joe removed his hat as he stepped up to the veranda.<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cSi, si. I am honored you have come to look at my horses.\u201d<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIf those I saw on my way in are any indication of those you\u2019re willing to sell, I hope we can come to a mutual agreement.\u201d<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThey will be worth every penny you pay.\u201d<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cPapi?\u201d A six year old boy came out the door, a fisted hand wiping sleep from his eyes.<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cEduardo, did you have a good nap?\u201d <\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cSi, I did. Mama asked if your guest would like some lemonade.\u201d<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

Joe knelt to be eye level with the child, \u201cI sure could use a cool glass right now. It was a dusty trip out here from Yerington. You tell your mama thank you, from me?\u201d<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cSi, I will.\u201d The boy turned to run back inside.<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHe\u2019s a cute kid.\u201d He watched the child and stood up.<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHe\u2019s part of the reason why I\u2019m willing to offer my horses for sale.\u201d<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIs everything alright?\u201d Joe turned to face his host.<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cMy Maria is homesick for Mexico. Her parents are not so well, and they have never met their first and only grandson. Granddaughters abound with Maria\u2019s older sisters. He is our last child, after four daughters myself. Ay, yi, yi. Enough of me.\u201d The man motioned for Joe to sit. \u201cI have heard of your Ponderosa, and specifically the horses that Joe Cartwright has trained for more than just the Army. The quality of their training speaks volumes, and I know that my horses will be taken care of as befits a Don Alegria horse.\u201d<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIf we can come to terms, I hope I can live up to your expectations.\u201d<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou already have.\u201d Noticing a worker walking across the yard, \u201cUno momento.\u201d He stood and approached the railing. \u201cMr. Stafford! Come here please!\u201d<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

Joe looked to the hand walking over; standing, he gripped and leaned into the railing. \u201cClay?\u201d<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

Raising a hand to shield his eyes from the sun, \u201cJoe?\u201d<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

Jumping over the railing, Joe stood toe to toe with his brother, grabbing his arms by the biceps; a smile spread across his face, eyes wide-open in excitement, he whooped out loud.<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou know each other?\u201d<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cKnow each other?! This here\u2019s my older brother,\u201d Joe proclaimed, slapping Clay\u2019s chest with the back of his hand.<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cBrother, but his name is Stafford\u2026\u201d<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2019re only half-brothers,\u201d Clay clarified, not quite as excited to see Joe. \u201cSenior Alegria, you called for me?\u201d<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNo, no, no longer. I\u2019ll have someone else bring in the horses for Mr. Cartwright to inspect. Your hermano is here.\u201d<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll do it.\u201d<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHe has traveled far to see you.\u201d<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHe\u2019s here for the horses.\u201d<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll help,\u201d Joe offered. \u201cIt can be just like before.\u201d<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNo Joe, it\u2019s my job.\u201d<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

Clay turned and walked away, hoping he\u2019d managed to hide how torn he really was to see his brother.<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

Walking down to the first step, \u201cHe was not so excited to see you.\u201d<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWe didn\u2019t exactly separate on good terms.\u201d Joe turned, following his host up the steps.<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cBrothers always fight while growing up.\u201d<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

Joe accepted the glass of lemonade from Don Alegria’s wife, before she retreated inside their home. \u201cWe didn\u2019t grow up together. I didn\u2019t know anything about him until he showed up at the ranch.\u201d Joe sat on the chair he had recently vacated. \u201cPa knew Ma had been married before, and that she\u2019d had another son. But Ma was told the baby died of a fever a few days later. I never knew.\u201d<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYour mother, she\u2026\u201d<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cShe died when I was a child.\u201d<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cMost distressing. But what of your brother.\u201d Alegria scanned the area where Clay disappeared.<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHe wasn\u2019t raised with us, he never found out what it was really like to be a family. I can\u2019t imagine finding out he\u2019d been lied to by those who supposedly loved him. When he learned the truth, he came looking for us.\u201d<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIt appears he found you. Did not your father welcome him?\u201d<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYes, but Clay had trouble fitting in.\u201d He sipped from the glass in his hands. \u201cHe tried, but he couldn\u2019t break free from his past. I may be speaking out of turn, but he\u2019s good with cards, too good. He doesn\u2019t need to cheat, but not everyone believes he isn\u2019t. I guess that\u2019s why he never put down roots.\u201d<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI know of his penchant for cards. You wanted him to stay?\u201d<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI did. And he still left.\u201d<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI remember many times arguing to go with my own older brothers. It is a passage of brothers.\u201d<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

A half-grin appeared as he remembered their night of indulging in pulque, and disappeared just as quickly as Clay told him, <\/em>\u2018I don\u2019t want you along. I don\u2019t need your family, and I don\u2019t need you.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI thought he was going to Mexico.\u201d<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHe talks of going there, has even asked to travel with Maria and I, to be part of our guard. But I think his heart is not in it. I think that he\u2019s trying to convince himself that it is where he wants to be.\u201d<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cMexico is all he spoke of our first night out together.\u201d<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cDo you wish him to return to the Ponderosa with you?\u201d<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI can\u2019t ask him that. It wouldn\u2019t be fair to him. He\u2019s seen too much of the world to let one place claim him.\u201d Joe\u2019s disposition appeared to improve. \u201cIf Clay were to return home with me, he\u2019d be like a prized stallion, always looking over the fence, looking beyond the next hill; regretting the loss of his freedom.\u201d<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhy don\u2019t the two of you spend some time together, get reacquainted. Spend a few additional days here. You can tell your padre that I drove a hard bargain and the negotiations took longer than expected.\u201d<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThank you, Don Alegria.\u201d A genuine smile returned to Joe\u2019s face.<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

~ B ~ O ~ N ~ A ~ N ~ Z ~ A ~<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cPa. Don\u2019t let him go,\u201d Joe pushed off the covers.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cEasy Shortshanks, Doc Pearce wants you covered.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHot.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI know, but this doc seems to think it\u2019ll help burn the fever out.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cHe\u2019s sleepin\u2019.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHurts.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Hoss turned at the opening of the door, \u201cHow is he?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHey Doc, he might be comin\u2019 around. He\u2019s talkin\u2019.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cClay, no.\u201d He sighed deeply before quieting.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cLet me see him.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHe pushed the covers off, said he\u2019s hot.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHe\u2019s still running a fever, but it\u2019s not that high. The incision looks good.\u201d Doc Pearce pulled the blanket back over the young man\u2019s chest. \u201cSee if you can get him to wake.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe failed to respond to his brother\u2019s voice, the one he always used to wake his brother.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cGuess he was just dreamin\u2019.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t be too discouraged. He\u2019s a lucky young man.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYeah, he is at that.\u201d Hoss crossed his arms as he settled comfortably into a chair in the room.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI have a few other patients to check on back in town, as well as a couple at outlying ranches, I\u2019ll probably be gone the rest of the day.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWill Joe be okay?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI believe so.\u201d Understanding the despondency of the large man, \u201cDon\u2019t be too worried that he hasn\u2019t woke yet. He lost a lot of blood, and sleep is what he needs right now.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIf you say so.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI do.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Hoss gave quiet thanks that events had turned out at they had, Joe was alive and the family had been given a good prognosis for his recovery.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

An hour later, Adam entered the room, \u201cAny change?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cSorta. I thought he was comin\u2019 around earlier. But he didn\u2019t.\u201d Seeing the light bandage around his brother\u2019s brow, \u201cHow\u2019s your head?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Reaching up to gently rub, \u201cDoc said it was just a scratch. And relax, it wasn\u2019t from a bullet. I bumped my head while trying to locate Joe in that cave, without the benefit of a torch. Why don\u2019t you go get some sleep.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHow\u2019s Pa?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cDown for the count. He\u2019ll sleep for a few more hours. Hopefully when he wakes, Joe will too.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Walking to the door, \u201cDoc wants us ta keep that compress on Joe\u2019s forehead wet, and keep him covered. He\u2019ll be back tomorrow sometime, I guess. He left to take care of his other patients.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam nodded, placing his hand against Joe\u2019s cheek. Rinsing out the cloth he reapplied it to Joe\u2019s forehead before settling into the chair Hoss had just abandoned.<\/span><\/p>\n

Even though his brother was in the same room, he couldn\u2019t get the images of the past few days out of his head.<\/span><\/p>\n

~ B ~ O ~ N ~ A ~ N ~ Z ~ A ~<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHe can ride with his hands cuffed,\u201d Stark handed the reins to the man he still considered his prisoner.\u00a0 Additional horses had been secured for the family to ride while a few members from the original posse waited.
\n<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAnd if we meet up with those men who robbed your bank and shot Joe?\u201d Clay inquired.<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThen your family can protect you.\u201d The lawman untied his own horse from the hitching rail and climbed into the saddle. \u201cI ain\u2019t giving you a weapon.\u201d\u00a0 Speaking so all could hear, “We’ve got a few hours more before the sun goes down.\u00a0 Like before, I won’t have no man taking the law into their own hands.\u00a0 We’re following the prisoner to where he left his partner.\u00a0 We’ll take the other one legal like.”
\n<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

Man to man, each one nodded in agreement.\u00a0 They all wanted to come home to their families and not suffer nightmares of a lynching.<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cSheriff, we\u2019re wasting time,\u201d Ben coldly intoned. \u201cHoss, follow us as best you can with the wagon. We\u2019ll leave a trail for you to follow if the going gets too rough once we turn off the road.\u201d Turning away from his blood sons, \u201cClay.\u201d<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

His step-son understood that Ben meant for him to lead on. Pulling the reins sideways, he heeled the horse into a trot. At the edge of town, the ten-man group increased their pace to a lope.<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cHow much farther?\u201d Adam asked as they gave the horses a fifteen minute respite.<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cTook us three hours to get back to town after we found him,\u201d Stark offered.<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThe sun will be down before we get there.\u201d<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou sure you can find your way back to Joe?\u201d Adam strained to keep the worry from his voice.<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAdam, I\u2019ve worked for Don Alegria long enough to know his ranch. I can find him.\u201d He left, \u2018Joe\u2019s depending on me,\u2019 unvoiced.<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

*****<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

In the distance they all saw flames moving along the near horizon.<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhat do you suppose?\u201d Adam asked aloud.\u00a0 “Members of your original posse?”
\n<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIt ain\u2019t anyone from the posse.\u00a0 They all returned to town yesterday morning when we captured your brother.\u201d <\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cDon Alegria\u2019s men?\u201d he offered.<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNo, they don\u2019t keep cattle or horses out that way,\u201d Clay answered, pushing back his hat to wipe away the sweat from his forehead.\u00a0 Worryingly,\u00a0 \u201cLooks like they\u2019re searching for something.\u201d<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOr someone,\u201d Ben spoke for the first time since leaving Yerington. The invisible band around his heart constricted, in face of his fears.<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

*****.<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

The first shot ricocheted off a boulder Ben had just passed. Pulling their rifles, the members of the posse dismounted and scrambled to take cover. A bright, full moon provided enough light for the shootout. Ten minutes later there was only one gun left firing from above, and it quieted moments after hearing a man scream in agony. The thud of a body striking hard ground was unmistakable.<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYour partner\u2019s dead, give yourself up!\u201d Stark shouted into the night.<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cEither he\u2019s playing \u2018possum, or he\u2019s trying to escape,\u201d Adam offered, standing with his back to the boulder they were hiding behind.<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHe won\u2019t get very far. The Jameson brothers are the best trackers we have.\u201d<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cEvidently they weren\u2019t in the posse the first time.\u201d Adam\u2019s voice dripped heavy with sarcasm.<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

Halting the team pulling the wagon, Hoss joined the group with his revolver pulled. He smiled at his brother\u2019s barbed comment.<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAll right, I\u2019ll admit. That brother of yours might not be the robber.\u201d<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAdam!\u201d Clay shouted over in a loud whisper. \u201cI\u2019m heading out to get Joe!\u201d<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNot without me!\u201d Bending low, Adam ran along the ground until he reached his step-brother.<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

Stride for stride, the two ran the quarter mile distance to the caves where Clay had last seen his brother. Breathily, he pointed to an opening, twenty-five feet up. \u201cThere\u2019s a foothold path up the right side.\u201d<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou got Joe up there?\u201d Adam looked up in disbelief.<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHe didn\u2019t like the other alternatives.\u201d<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

*****<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

Wishing he\u2019d thought to bring along his saddlebag that contained a small supply of short candles, Adam groped along the wall to find the back of the cave. Joe\u2019s lungs drawing in ragged breaths led Adam straight to him.<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cClay, go back down. Tell Pa and Hoss to bring the torches and blankets.\u201d<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

Without a reply, Clay retreated, leaving the two brothers alone.<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

Rolling Joe to his back, Adam blindly searched for the wound Clay had described earlier. His hands found the blood soaked bandage. \u201cDamn.\u201d He envisioned the wound and the amount of blood pooling on the floor of the cave; no doubt his pants were now saturated, he felt the sticky mess soaking through to his knees. Reaching up he jerked the seam to the sleeve of his shirt; the sound of material ripping swelled in the close quarters.<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cJoe, wake up.\u201d Adam used his best \u2018Pa voice\u2019 to entice his brother to open his eyes. <\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

From the dark recesses of oblivion, pain tormented him to the periphery of consciousness. \u201cPa?\u201d he moaned.<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHe\u2019ll be here soon, Joe. Come on, wake up.\u201d Adam patted Joe\u2019s cheeks hoping to rouse him further. Feeling his brother\u2019s head move away, Adam wadded his own make shift bandage.<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cCan\u2019t.\u201d<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

A breath snatched, a hand snaked out and grabbed onto his as he replaced the soaked bandage with the sleeve of his shirt. A pain-filled cry reverberated across the darkness.<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

Adam closed his eyes at his brother\u2019s pain, as well as to protect his eyes from the bright shaft of light from the torches entering the cave.<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAdam?\u201d Ben\u2019s voice pleaded, hoping to convey his desire without asking the question.<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHe\u2019s alive. He\u2019s lost a lot of blood.\u201d<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhat\u2019d you do to Shortshank that made him cry out?\u201d Hoss asked.<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI replaced the bandage and applied pressure,\u201d Adam snapped.<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m sorry Adam,\u201d Hoss knelt down, setting a bag with proper bandages and padding between them. \u201cI shouldn\u2019t have barked at you.\u201d<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

Ben knelt to the ground, lifting Joe\u2019s head to his lap. Uncorking a canteen, he slowly dribbled water, hoping Joe wouldn\u2019t choke on the much needed fluid. His chin lifted, the desire to quench his thirst overrode the pain; two bloody hands reached up.<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNo Joseph.\u201d Easily Ben pushed away his son\u2019s hands.<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHow\u2019s he doing sir?\u201d Clay asked as he entered the lit area.<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWe need to get him back to Yerington.\u201d<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThe main house of the Rocking A would be a lot closer.\u201d<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThe doctor\u2019s back in town,\u201d Hoss argued.<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cSenior Alegria\u2019s wife has some medical training. She can take care of Joe while I ride for the doctor.\u201d\u00a0 Clay ignored the lawman freeing his hands, his focus was on the members of what should have been his family, absently he rubbed his wrists.
\n<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cPa, I hate to admit it, but Clay is right. I don\u2019t\u2019 think Joe could survive the trip in the wagon all the way back to town. And if Mrs. Alegria can help him.\u201d<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAdam,\u201d Ben looked between the two first borns; indecision was evident, yet short-lived. \u201cClay, get two blankets from the wagon. We\u2019ll wrap Joe in one and use the other to carry him down that trail and back to the wagon. Then you hi-tail it to get the doctor.\u201d<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

Silently, the family made preparations to transport Joe to the Rocking A. <\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

The Sheriff and the posse prepared to transport the two dead outlaws, and the money still in their saddlebags, back to Yerington.\u00a0 Stark was thankful that he had listened to that little voice as Adam asked pointed questions in an effort to save his brother.\u00a0 It was a good thing that the real outlaws were dead; a double hanging would have left a bitter taste throughout the town.
\n<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

*****<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhere\u2019s the doc?\u201d Clay entered the room, hesitating as his oldest step-brother cast his eyes up to look at him.<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam sat with his arms folded over his chest, his left ankle across his right knee.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cLeft a few hours ago to check on other patients.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Clay strayed to the far side of the bed where Joe lay so quietly. A quick touch with his fingertips confirmed the present fever. Exhaling, he turned to leave.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m not going to bite you.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhat?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019re family. You\u2019re Marie\u2019s first born. You didn\u2019t have to leave.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Stopping, \u201cYeah, I did.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou want to explain?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIt wasn\u2019t right, those miners beating him up because I killed their friend.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cFamilies have a way of looking out for each other.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cBut as you so eloquently pointed out, I\u2019m not really family.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam heard the bitterness, \u201cI was wrong. And here I accuse Joe of reacting instead of thinking first.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Both turned as the door opened.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI thought you were supposed to be asleep.\u201d\u00a0 Adam fought a yawn.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cCouldn\u2019t. Wish the doc woulda slipped me somethin\u2019 like he did pa.\u201d Pulling a chair closer to the bed, \u201cWhat you two talkin\u2019 about?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Clay continued, \u201cIt doesn\u2019t matter. Adam doesn\u2019t trust me any more today than when I first showed up and told Joe we shared the same mother.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNah, if that were true, you\u2019d a still be in jail.\u201d Taking a chance, Hoss motioned for Clay to take a seat. \u201cYou\u2019ve got some explaining to do.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Nodding, Clay sat on the trunk placed at the end of the bed. \u201cWhen he came into camp, fool kid\u2026\u201d He slowly shook his head at the memory from so long ago.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s what Adam always says.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYour family showed me something while I was there. I knew I couldn\u2019t be the cause of him getting hurt any more, at least not as a way to get back at me. I deliberately said what I did that night. I knew how much it\u2019d hurt.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHow would you know?\u201d Adam\u2019s curiosity piqued.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cBecause it hurt me to see the way it was for you as a family, that\u2019s what you taught me. You don\u2019t know what it feels like to be lied to all your life.\u201d Adam and Hoss recognized his regret. \u201cI didn\u2019t know how to be what you folks are.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou didn\u2019t haveta go.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYeah, I did. I left because of Joe, so he wouldn\u2019t have to suffer any more because of me. Family doesn\u2019t hurt one another.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou know his suffering didn\u2019t stop when you left,\u201d Adam commented.<\/span><\/p>\n

Hoss scratched behind his ear, \u201cWe ain\u2019t heard a word from you in all this time. Didn\u2019t know where ya was goin\u2019. He never said nothin\u2019, but I know how much he wanted to receive a letter from ya.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHoss is right. Your leaving is one thing Joe never really talked about. To him family is everything.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThat wasn’t exactly what I was askin’ about, but I think I understand.\u201d Hoss stated as soon as Adam finished. \u201cWhat I want to know is what mess you got into where Doc Pearce had ta pull a bullet out of ya.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWho says he did?\u201d Clay respond as he took a seat.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cDo\u00f1a Alegria. She also said ya ain\u2019t touched a deck of cards since that night.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam raised an eyebrow and listened as Clay explained.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Ben walked out the French doors, stretching to relieve the tension across his shoulders. He\u2019d sat the afternoon and evening with his still unconscious son.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIt is a beautiful evening,\u201d Don Alegria walked around a large rose bush that blossomed red blooms.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIt will be, once Joseph wakes.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHave you talked with your other son?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhich one? I have four sons under your roof.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cForgive me, I meant Joseph\u2019s other brother. Your wife\u2019s other son.\u201d Knowing he had a story to tell, the Don motioned for Ben to join him.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI thank you for opening your home to us, and for your wife helping the doctor to remove the bullet. Given that, I don\u2019t see how my family\u2026\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIt may not be my business, no? But maybe an outsider can tell you things you do not know. Come. I tell you a story over coffee.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cMy son needs me.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYour sons need you, but first, you listen.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

By the time the sun set once more, Ben had a better understanding of how much it hurt Clay to walk away. He wondered how it would have turned out had his step-son had brothers to back him up when he\u2019d faced the rustlers who shot and left him for dead. Had he stayed, he wouldn\u2019t have been in the position to have been ambushed.<\/span><\/p>\n

Alegria had explained that it had taken Clay fighting against the possibility of his own death to realize what he\u2019d given up, and that he had another chance to make something of his life, that didn\u2019t involve a deck of cards. And the fact that he and Don Alegria\u2019s oldest daughter were sweet on each other.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cPa?\u201d Joe woke the morning of their third day at the Rocking A. \u201cAdam?\u201d he asked trying to clearly see through his muddled vision the person sitting in the chair.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s me, Clay. They\u2019re in another room sleeping, Joe.\u201d Offering his brother a glass of water, he waited.<\/span><\/p>\n

“They’re here?”<\/span><\/p>\n

“Yep.\u00a0 Take it easy, don’t need you puking it all back up.”<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThanks.\u201d After slowly drinking his fill, Joe handed the glass back. \u201cAre you coming home?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cRight to the point.\u201d\u00a0 He set the glass back to the night stand.<\/span><\/p>\n

“Well?”<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI don’t think so.\u00a0 Got me a girl.”<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou gonna tell Pa you\u2019re not coming home with us?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThey know I\u2019m going with Don Alegria and his family.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhen?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAfter you\u2019re well enough to head back to the Ponderosa.\u201d Wearing the first genuine smile, \u201cYour brothers aren\u2019t getting rid of me that easily.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOur brothers.\u201d\u00a0 Joe breathed deeply.<\/span><\/p>\n

Nodding, \u201cOur brothers.\u00a0 Let me go tell \u2018our\u2019 father, that you\u2019re awake.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

“Basin first…”<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

~The End<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

My 4 Ws from Camp in the Pines:<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Who:\u00a0 Clay Stafford
\nWhat:\u00a0 robbed a bank
\nWhere: in a cave
\nWhen:\u00a0 three days ago
\n<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

Authors were tasked with the how and why.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Go Fish Tournament:<\/strong>\u00a0 I forgot all about my fishing tournament words — vest<\/strong> and hanging<\/strong> (which I had already used without remembering the need to use those words, maybe my subconscious remembered).\u00a0 Poetry<\/strong> was harder to fit in, but I managed, right before I posted this story.<\/span><\/p>\n

This story was inspired by the episode: \u00a0The First Born written by: \u00a0Judy George and George W. George.<\/span><\/p>\n

See what The First Born<\/a> inspired other authors to write.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Tags:\u00a0 Adam Cartwright, <\/span>Ben Cartwright, <\/span>Camp in the Pines, <\/span>Clay Stafford, <\/span>Hoss Cartwright, <\/span>jail \/ jailed, <\/span>Joe \/ Little Joe Cartwright, <\/span>mistaken identity<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Summary: \u00a0A mistaken identity sends the Cartwrights on a race to rescue one of their own.<\/p>\n

Rating: K (6,820 words)<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":24,"featured_media":3763,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"template-full-width-post.php","format":"standard","meta":{"_jetpack_newsletter_access":"","_jetpack_dont_email_post_to_subs":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_tier_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paywalled_content":false,"_jetpack_feature_clip_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":"","jetpack_publicize_message":"","jetpack_publicize_feature_enabled":true,"jetpack_social_post_already_shared":false,"jetpack_social_options":{"image_generator_settings":{"template":"highway","default_image_id":0,"font":"","enabled":false},"version":2},"jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false,"_members_access_role":[],"_members_access_error":""},"categories":[2,23,1008,41,13],"tags":[120],"class_list":["post-11761","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-actionadventure","category-drama","category-family","category-hurtcomfort","category-whn","tag-citp","wpcat-2-id","wpcat-23-id","wpcat-1008-id","wpcat-41-id","wpcat-13-id"],"jetpack_publicize_connections":[],"jetpack_likes_enabled":true,"jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/04\/bens-3-sons.jpg?fit=960%2C720&ssl=1","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/11761","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\/24"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=11761"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/11761\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/3763"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=11761"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=11761"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=11761"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}