{"id":12098,"date":"2004-04-01T09:13:33","date_gmt":"2004-04-01T14:13:33","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=12098"},"modified":"2025-02-27T12:08:29","modified_gmt":"2025-02-27T17:08:29","slug":"a-question-of-intent-by-debbieb","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=12098","title":{"rendered":"A Question of Intent (by DebbieB)"},"content":{"rendered":"

Summary:<\/strong>\u00a0 Was his intent purely to talk to Billy Walker, or was he actually intending to seek revenge?\u00a0 When the younger man is killed, and Joe is charged with murder, Joe begins to question his real intent.<\/p>\n

Rated:\u00a0 R for fight scenes and death<\/strong> (19,860 words)
\n<\/strong><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

A Question of Intent<\/strong><\/p>\n

The door banged against the credenza causing the occupants in the great room to turn and look up at the loud sound. All eyes widened at the sight of the young man as he stumbled through the opened door and into the room.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Instantly, Ben Cartwright was on his feet and racing to the lone figure as his youngest son supported his battered body against the solid piece of furniture.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cJoseph, what in the world happened, son?\u201d Ben cried as he wrapped his arms about the slender shoulders and gently guided the young man toward the settee.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHoss, get the medical supplies, hurry,\u201d ordered Ben, glancing up at his middle son.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam had joined his father on his younger brother\u2019s opposite side and helped lowered the boy onto the couch.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhat happened Joe, who beat you like this?\u201d the raven headed man demanded.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe groaned as they lowered his body to the settee, but he managed to look into their eyes.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cDoesn\u2019t matter,\u201d he mumbled, \u201cit\u2019s nothing.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNothing!\u201d grumbled Ben, brushing the hair back from Joe\u2019s brow.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

He sat on the wide boarded table and took the medical supplies from Hoss who had just returned from the kitchen.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYour lip is busted, you have a black eye\u2026and you call this nothing?\u201d snorted Ben.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cPa\u2026really\u2026it doesn\u2019t even hurt\u2026much,\u201d Joe said in a small voice.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The boy tried to push his father\u2019s hand away, in an attempt to show them that he wasn\u2019t hurting as much as they thought, but the action only earned him a scowl from his father. Ben took a deep breath.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cStop it, Joe, let me clean you up,\u201d he ordered. \u201cI want to know who you\u2019ve been fighting with\u2026again.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben stopped his gentle administrations and looked his son directly in the eye. \u201cAnd I want the truth,\u201d he said sternly.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cPa,\u201d Joe said weakly, forcing his own eyes to meet his father\u2019s. \u201cI don\u2019t lie\u2026and I\u2019m not lying now\u2026it was nothing, honest. Just some sort of misunderstanding between me and \u2026 and\u2026Billy Walker.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cBilly Walker?\u201d Hoss repeated the name. \u201cJoe, he\u2019s twice your size\u2026what\u2019cha doin\u2019 fightin\u2019 him?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI wasn\u2019t fighting him\u2026he was fighting me,\u201d Joe said as he scrunched up his face.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben continued to clean away the dried blood, watching the expressions on his son\u2019s face. Adam shook his head and grinned at his brother.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cJoe\u2026when someone\u2019s punching you in the face, it\u2019s alright to hit back\u2026or at least try,\u201d he said with a touch of amusement, for it was clear to all of them now that Joe looked worse than he actually was hurt.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe groaned when he smiled and looked up at Adam.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI didn\u2019t try because he didn\u2019t give me a chance. I came out of the mercantile store and the next thing I knew, I was face down in the dirt. When I got up and tried to ask him what he was doing, he punched me again, someone grabbed me and shoved me towards Billy and before I could say my name, he hit me again. That time I stayed down,\u201d he muttered softly, recalling the feeling he had felt at the time he lay face down in the dirt in front of a small group of his peers that had stopped to see what the fight was about.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThat was probably the best thing,\u201d Ben said. \u201cBut he didn\u2019t give you a clue as to why he was fighting you? I thought you said it was a disagreement?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe shook his head slowly from side to side. \u201cNope, he just mumbled something about him being as good as any Cartwright and how\u2019d I\u2019d better be watching my back. He and his pals took off before I could find out any more.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cSeems like Billy Walker\u2019s carrying a grudge,\u201d Adam stated.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t know why, I hardly know the kid,\u201d Joe said, finally succeeding in pushing his father\u2019s hand away from his face. \u201cI\u2019m fine now, Pa\u2026honest,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAlright Joe. This lip isn\u2019t as bad as it first appeared, but you sure are going to have a shiner,\u201d Ben said, ruffling the top of Joe\u2019s mass of curls. \u201cJust try to avoid Billy. I\u2019ll have a talk with his father and see if\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNo Pa! You can\u2019t do that. It\u2019ll look like I\u2019m trying to get him in trouble with his father; and we all know what a hot head Mr. Walker is. Besides, he\u2019s just a boy; he\u2019s more than two years younger than me. That\u2019s another reason I didn\u2019t hit him back. Please Pa, just forget it, I\u2019ll handle it\u2026and I promise, I\u2019ll stay away from him, at least until I know why he\u2019s got it in for me,\u201d Joe said, swinging his legs off the side of the settee and sitting up.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cJoe, Billy Walker might only be seventeen, but he\u2019s mean\u2026and let\u2019s not forget big. Why, that boy\u2019s might as big as me\u2026and\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben turned to his middle son and placed a calming hand on Hoss\u2019 arm.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cJoe\u2019s right you know Hoss\u2026even though Billy Walker is nearly your size, he\u2019s still just a boy, and Joe\u2019s a man. A man shouldn\u2019t make a habit of hitting a kid\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHey, what\u2019s for supper? I\u2019m hungry,\u201d Joe said, easing himself onto his feet and trying to change the subject. The fact that he\u2019d been practically beaten up by a kid\u2026even a big kid, wasn\u2019t doing much for his ego and he decided then and there that it was time to move on.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben gently grasped Joe\u2019s arm to help the boy steady himself when he swayed slightly.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cGuess I\u2019m still a bit light headed,\u201d Joe confessed.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cEasy then, let me help you to the table,\u201d Ben offered, guiding Joe toward the dining room table where he pulled out Joe\u2019s chair and lowered Joe into his seat.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe glanced up at his father and quickly noted the worried expression on the aged face. He offered his father a tiny smile.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m fine now, Pa\u2026thanks,\u201d he said in a low voice.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben, returned the small smile with one of his own, and nodding his head, he moved to his own chair.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

It was several days before Joe went back into town. He\u2019d been purposely staying away in hopes of letting the Walker kid, simmer down. His thoughts were that once Billy had time to rethink his actions, Joe planned on having a heart to heart talk with the oversized lad and find out what had possessed the boy to take a swing at him. Joe was in the dark about the reasons and only briefly wondered if it had anything to do with him dancing with Billy\u2019s girl at the last barn dance a week or so ago.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll wait for you at the saloon,\u201d Joe told Adam as he dismounted and laced the reins over the hitching post.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI won\u2019t be long,\u201d said Adam, doing the same.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

He stepped up on the boardwalk and paused, looking over his shoulder at his younger brother who strolled out, into the street.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cJoe?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe stopped and turned. \u201cYeah?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cStay out of trouble,\u201d grinned Adam as he tipped his hat and moved on down the crowded boardwalk toward the livery where he had business to take care of.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe laughed lightly and shook his head. He headed toward the saloon. It was hot and his throat was dry and a cool beer was what he needed most at present time. Joe pushed apart the half swinging doors and entered the bar. He paused, glancing around to see who was there. Might have been simpler just to say who was not present, for being Saturday, it seemed as if every cowhand in the county had ventured in, all for the same reasons as Joe had done, to cool off and chat with a few friends.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe edged his way up to the bar and ordered a beer. When the barkeep set the beer down, he grabbed the mug and took a long swig, turning and placing his back against the bar so that he could survey the room for the second time. Not seeing anyone in particular that he wanted to converse with, Joe turned back, catching his reflection in the mirror that hung on the wall behind the bar. He noted his black eye and how dark the bruise had become. The mar on his face brought to mind Billy Walker and he wondered again at the boy\u2019s angry attempt to fight with him.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

As if on cue, a loud voice calling his name, jarred to silence the rumble of mixed voices. A hush fell over the room as Joe glanced up into the mirror and saw the crowd behind him part, making way for Billy Walker to walk a narrow path toward him. Joe took a sip of his beer, keeping his eye on the figure in the mirror. When Billy was standing directly behind him, Joe carefully set the mug of ale down and turned slowly around to face the other young man.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHey Billy,\u201d Joe said calmly.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHey Cartwright,\u201d snarled Billy in an unfriendly tone. \u201cYa face looks like hell,\u201d laughed Billy.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Automatically, Joe\u2019s hand went to the side of his bruised face and he touched his eye. He forced himself to smile.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYou throw a pretty good punch, Billy,\u201d Joe said. \u201cUm\u2026I was wondering something though\u2026wanna tell me why you hit me? I don\u2019t think I did anything to\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI wanted too, and I could\u2026so I just did,\u201d the other man stated. \u201cI don\u2019t like ya, either. I don\u2019t like ya, ya old man, or ya brothers. In fact, I hate you, I hate all you Cartwrights\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhy Billy? What did we ever do to you?\u201d Joe asked, eyeing how Billy\u2019s expression had changed and how he was now wearing a look that told Joe to be wary.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cBecause ya think ya so much better than anyone else\u2026your whole family does, but ya ain\u2019t. Ya ain\u2019t one bit better\u2019n me\u2026and I can prove it\u2026I can do anything ya can do and do it better\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s nice Billy, but I don\u2019t care what you can or can\u2019t do, understand? I\u2019ve never presented myself to you or to anyone else, as being better than anyone, and neither has my family. So what\u2019s really eating at you\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Before Joe could finish his sentence, Billy had doubled up his fist and planted it into Joe\u2019s stomach. Instantly Joe\u2019s body folded over in a protective manner. Billy grabbed Joe by the hair of the head and yanked Joe into an upright position, belting him for a second time. When Billy let go of the chestnut curls, Joe\u2019s knees folded and the youngest Cartwright sank to the floor, moaning. As Joe lay sprawled on the floor, Billy drew back his foot as if to kick at the wounded man, but Joe caught the movement from the corner of his eye and somehow managed to roll away. Once clear of Billy\u2019s sharp pointed boot, Joe struggled to get to his feet. He leaned his weight against the nearest table.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNow look Billy\u2026\u201d he stammered. \u201cI\u2019m getting just a might tired of this\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThen fight me\u2026like a man\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019re just a kid!\u201d shouted Joe, trying to be heard above the hum that had begun buzzing around the room.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m not a kid, hell\u2026look at me\u2026do I look like a fool kid to you? Do I hit like a kid?\u201d Billy shouted back.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNo\u2026you hit like a man\u2026you talk like a man, but you\u2019re still a kid and I can\u2019t fight a kid\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cCoward!\u201d growled Billy, his dark eyes blazing with anger.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe took a deep breath and tried to calm himself. He refused to be goaded into a fight with a young man who was nearly two years younger than himself, even if the \u2018boy\u2019 had a fist as hard and solid as a brick wall.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cIt won\u2019t work Billy. I\u2019m not about to fight you\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Billy stood for half a second, his mouth hung open in disbelief and then he turned, smiling at the patrons. He nodded his head, laughing out loud.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYa heard\u2019em\u2026he\u2019s admittin\u2019 he\u2019s a coward. The mighty Little Joe Cartwright is afraid of me,\u201d boasted Billy, turning to all those who stood listening and watching.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Billy turned back to Joe, a smirk on his face. He glared at Joe.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cGo home little man\u2026before I hurt you again,\u201d Billy Walker sneered.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

It took every ounce of willpower for Joe to walk out of the saloon, especially with the sound of Billy\u2019s boisterous laughter lingering in his ears. As Joe shoved apart the swinging doors, he almost collided with his older brother. Both stopped, staring into the face of the other.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhat happened to you?\u201d Adam said in a low, deep voice.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cForget it,\u201d snapped Joe, brushing past Adam and crossing the street.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam lingered for a moment, glanced into the saloon to see what the ruckus was about and then hurried to mount up, racing down the street to catch up with Little Joe. Had either taken the time to glance back toward the saloon, both would have seen Billy Walker and a small band of younger men, standing in the doorway, watching their departure.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll get him to fight me yet, ya just wait and see,\u201d piped Billy.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHow?\u201d questioned one young man.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNot sure, but I\u2019ll think of something\u2026\u201d laughed Billy, returning to the bar and the excitement within.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAnd you just walked away?\u201d Ben asked.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

He sat behind his massive desk and watched as Joe paced back and forth in front of him.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m proud of you, son.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWell, Pa\u2026it was the hardest thing I\u2019ve had to do. Do you have any idea what it felt like, being called a coward in front of all those people\u2026by a kid no less?\u201d Joe stated, pausing to look his father\u2019s way.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI know you must have wanted to strike back, but I\u2019m glad you didn\u2019t son. You made the right decision, walking away.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe sighed and took a seat in the vacant chair next to the desk. He leaned back, shaking his head.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI just don\u2019t understand what drives that kid, Pa. I mean, I hardly know him, and all he wants is to fight me. He has something gnawing at him to prove to himself and everyone else that he can take me in a fight. Only thing, I think he\u2019d kill me if he could\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cSurely not, Joseph\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYou didn\u2019t see the look in his eyes, Pa. The boy hates me with a passion, and I don\u2019t know why,\u201d Joe explained. \u201cI don\u2019t know what to do about it anymore, it seems like every time I go into town, he\u2019s there, waiting for me. I can\u2019t stay out of town forever, I can\u2019t hide\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cOf course you can\u2019t, but you can still avoid him\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cPa\u2026I\u2019m not running from him anymore.\u201d Joe stood up, moving to the front of the desk where he plopped down on the corner. \u201cOne of these days, I\u2019m going to have to fight him. I\u2019m not sure I can take him, but I\u2019ll have to try, or he will never let up on me.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cJoe\u2019s right Pa. I heard the way that kid was mouthing off after Joe left the saloon. He had everyone cheering him on, taunting him to fight Joe,\u201d Adam said as he rounded the corner and joined his family.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cMaybe I could have a talk\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNo, Pa\u2026not with Mr. Walker\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cJoseph, don\u2019t interrupt\u2026I wasn\u2019t going to say Mr. Walker, I meant Roy Coffee; just to see what he thinks you should do,\u201d Ben explained.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cProbably will say the same thing you said, \u2018avoid him\u2019, but that isn\u2019t always easy to do,\u201d Joe determined. \u201cI suppose I could ride over to the Walker place and have a talk with both Billy and his Pa.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhy don\u2019t you let me do it, Joe? Billy might get defensive if you show up, but as far as I know, he doesn\u2019t have a problem with me\u2026yet,\u201d offered Adam.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHe hates us, Adam, all of us; it won\u2019t be easy\u2026talking to Mr. Walker is about like talking to a tree stump\u2026everyone knows how hard headed he is,\u201d Joe forewarned.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWell, wouldn\u2019t hurt to give it a try. I\u2019ll just explain to Walker what\u2019s been going on and let him know that you\u2019ve avoided fighting with his son but that if Billy keeps pushing, there\u2019s liable to be a showdown,\u201d Adam explained.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYes, Adam, I think it might be good if you were the one to see them. I\u2019d go, but obviously Joe doesn\u2019t want me to do it\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cOh Pa\u2026think how it would look\u2026Billy picks a fight with a man at least two years older than he is, and that man\u2019s father runs to Billy\u2019s father to complain that his son is being picked on\u2026shucks\u2026sounds like two schoolboys fighting instead of a man and a boy,\u201d snickered Joe.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI suppose you\u2019re right Joe, Adam is the right choice. Just be careful Adam\u2026\u201d warned Ben.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t worry\u2026I think I can handle it, if not\u2026\u201d Adam smiled and turned to his younger brother, \u201cI guess you\u2019ll just have to fight the big galoot.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe giggled and shook his head. \u201cThat\u2019s just it Adam, I don\u2019t want to fight him, he\u2019s big\u2026really big! And just between the three of us,\u201d Joe glanced at his father and saw that Ben was smiling, \u201cI\u2019m not so sure I could take him\u2026and I don\u2019t have a hankering to get myself hurt!\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The three men laughed softly, though deep down inside of each one, each was aware of the pending danger that lurked within the heart of Billy Walker.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe opened the door and walked out onto the boarded porch where he leaned against the post, staring into the late afternoon sky. He was unaware that behind him, his father had softly approached.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWonder how Hoss is making out in Genoa?\u201d Ben said, surprising Joe.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cOh, hey Pa, I didn\u2019t hear you come up. Guess he\u2019s doing alright. He sure was excited about going to that auction,\u201d Joe said, looking back toward the barn. \u201cWonder what\u2019s keeping Adam, he should have been home hours ago?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cOh, I wouldn\u2019t worry about Adam, he can take care of himself,\u201d smiled Ben, placing a reassuring hand on Joe\u2019s shoulder.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe glanced up at his father, a crooked grin on his face. \u201cDon\u2019t you think I know that, Pa?\u201d he said. \u201cIt\u2019s just that\u2026well\u2026that whole Walker family is strange\u2026and\u2026maybe I should have gone along with him\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cJoe,\u201d Ben said with a bit of fatherly concern in his voice, \u201cstop worrying, he\u2019ll be home when he gets here. He\u2019s probably gone into town, now come back inside and stop fretting.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben gently guided Joe back toward the door and inside, but not before Joe got one last glimpse of the deepening shadows that had finally begun to consume the last lingering rays of the fading sun.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe tried to concentrate on the opened book he held in his hand, but his thoughts continued to remain on his older brother. He glanced up at his father who sat in the red leather chair and who seemed occupied with reading his paper. When Joe could stand no more, he set his book aside and rose to his feet, noting that Ben glanced up and peered over the top of the paper.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m just going to get some air,\u201d Joe said, wishing that he didn\u2019t have to explain himself to his father, who only smiled and returned to his reading.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Once outside, Joe let out a long breath and started toward the barn where a light burned softly. Halfway across the yard, he stopped, hearing the sound of an approaching horse.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Sport moved nervously into the yard and stopped. His rider, slumped over the saddle, slipped to the ground in a heap at the horse\u2019s hooves. Instantly, Joe ran across the yard to his older brother and carefully rolled Adam over, unto his back.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAdam!\u201d exclaimed Joe when he saw his brother\u2019s battered face. \u201cPA! PA! GET OUT HERE, QUICK!\u201d shouted Joe at the top of his lungs.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAdam\u2026what happened, who did this?\u201d Joe muttered, carefully taking his brother into his arms.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe heard the sound of this father\u2019s footsteps approaching from behind and glanced over his shoulder.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHe\u2019s been pistol whipped!\u201d snarled Joe in an angry tone as Ben knelt beside him and inspected his older son\u2019s injuries for himself.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cDear God,\u201d muttered Ben. \u201cLet\u2019s get him inside and then send a man for the doctor,\u201d Ben ordered, slipping his hands beneath Adam\u2019s body and helping Joe to lift him.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Together they carried Adam inside and upstairs to his room where they gently lowered him to the bed. Adam moaned softly.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAdam?\u201d Ben whispered, bending low over his son\u2019s body.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cPa\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m here,\u201d Ben assured his son. \u201cWhat happened, Adam, who beat you?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWalker\u2026Billy\u2026he\u2026oh\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe\u2019s eyes widen; a deep scowl branded his forehead and he stood up straight, glaring down at the battered face that hours before had been unmarred and handsome to look upon.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

He watched the painful expressions dash across his brother\u2019s face and the guilt he felt for having involved his brother, deepened within. Joe moved back to the bed and squatted down so that he could be closer to Adam.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAdam\u2026I promise\u2026I\u2019ll make him pay for what he\u2019s done to you,\u201d whispered Joe in a low voice. He touched Adam\u2019s bloodied and bruised face and then stood, ready to leave, an air of urgency about him.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cJoe\u2026no,\u201d mumbled Adam rolling his head from side to side. \u201cBig\u2026too big\u2026don\u2019t\u2026want you\u2026hurt.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe had paused to look back at Adam and then glanced quickly at his father before heading for the door.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cJOSEPH!\u201d Ben called, rising to face his younger son. \u201cJust where do you think you are going, young man?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe spun around to face his father. \u201cWhere do you think? To settle this, once and for all,\u201d he snapped at Ben.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben crossed the room and grabbed tightly to Joe\u2019s upper arm, a dark warning look on his face.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cOh no you don\u2019t. You\u2019re staying right here\u2026we\u2019ll let the sheriff handle this!\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe\u2019s nostrils were flaring and his breathing was labored as he looked into Ben\u2019s eyes.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNot this time\u2026Adam\u2019s hurt because of me\u2026this is all my fault, Pa! Billy Walker wanted a fight, I\u2019m going to give him one!\u201d Joe jerked his arm free from Ben\u2019s fingers and rushed from the room before Ben could say another word.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben hurried to follow, but stopped at the top of the stairs, calling out to Joe who had stopped to strap on his gun and holster.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cJoseph\u2026please\u2026don\u2019t do something you\u2019ll regret later\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAh Pa\u2026I\u2019m not out to kill anyone! Have a little more faith in me than that!\u201d shouted Joe as he stood at the door long enough to look up at his father. \u201cI\u2019ll send for the doctor\u2026don\u2019t worry Pa\u2026I won\u2019t let anything happen.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe rode Cochise hard, driven by his anger and guilt at what he deemed his fault in letting Adam handle a situation that he now knew, he should have handled. He had no idea what he was going to say to Billy Walker, or do for that matter. He did consider the fact that he might leave the Walker place in much the same shape as his brother had. Joe set it in his mind to remain calm, talk to the boy, and his father if necessary and then take legal actions like his father had suggested. He felt sure that Adam had not initiated the fight but that in all probability, Billy was responsible, for after all, Adam had been pistol-whipped, and the how and why was still a mystery to Joe, one he wanted an answer for. He knew in his heart that Adam would not have struck the boy, if for no other reason, then for the same reasons that he had not fought with the kid.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Jessie Walker was standing on the front porch when Joe pulled Cochise to a stop in front of the hitching post. The big man stood silent, eyeing Joe as he dismounted and tied the reins.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cEvening, Mr. Walker,\u201d Joe said as he turned and faced the man who had moved from the porch to the yard.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHowdy Little Joe,\u201d Jessie said as he leaned against the post that supported the porch. \u201cWhat brings ya out this way?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe took a deep breath and let it out slowly. \u201cI wanted to talk to you\u2026about Billy.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cBilly? What\u2019s he gone and done this time?\u201d Jessie questioned, straightening his long frame.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWell\u2026I\u2019m not sure how to say this\u2026but\u2026my brother Adam was by earlier\u2026and it seems that he and Billy\u2026or Billy that is, pistol whipped Adam and\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhat!\u201d shouted Jessie, tossing the match down that he\u2019d been holding between his teeth. \u201cWhy, ya brother Adam\u2019s nearly twice the age my son\u2026Billy\u2019s just a boy\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cMr. Walker\u2026let me explain\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThere\u2019s nothing to explain young man\u2026if your brother came here lookin\u2019 to fight my boy, and ended up gettin\u2019 himself hurt\u2026then I reckon he got what he deserved!\u201d stormed Jessie Walker.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s just it, he didn\u2019t come here looking for a fight, he came here to talk to Billy\u2026just talk, nothing more\u2026and Billy turned on Adam and beat him with a pistol\u2026Adam never took a punch at your boy\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYou know that for a fact? That Adam didn\u2019t take a swing at my boy?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWell\u2026I mean\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWELL? Do ya or don\u2019t ya? Did ya brother strike out at Billy?\u201d ranted Jessie.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe took another deep breath, suddenly not sure what had transpired and glanced toward the doorway where Billy had silently been standing, listening to the conversation.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAdam would never hit a kid, even a big kid like Billy\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cDid so!\u201d Billy said, moving into the light where his father could see him. \u201cHe came after me, and I had to protect myself\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s not true and you know it Billy,\u201d Joe said, facing the boy. Joe\u2019s face was red with anger, for he knew the boy was lying.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019ve been trying to start a fight with me for weeks now and Adam just came over here to find out why, that\u2019s all\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cLiar\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe bristled at the word. His fingers folded into tight fists and he gritted his teeth.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t lie Billy,\u201d he said in as calm a voice as he could.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe turned to Mr. Walker and tried to explain.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cMr. Walker\u2026for whatever reasons, known only to your son here, Billy\u2019s tried picking a fight with me every time I\u2019ve been in town. He\u2019s even hit me a couple of times\u2026just look at this shiner, but I\u2019ve never hit him back\u2026and neither has my brother. All Adam came here for tonight was to ask your son why he is so set on fighting me\u2026\u201d Joe turned back to Billy. \u201cAnd I\u2019d like to know why, myself, and I\u2019d like to know why you pistol whipped my brother.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Jessie Walker moved around in a circle until he stood behind Joe. Joe, using caution, turned his own body sideways where he could keep an eye on both the older man and his son. Their movements and the exchanges they passed between one another, alerted Joe to pending trouble.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYou callin\u2019 my boy a liar, Little Joe?\u201d the older Walker questioned.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNo sir\u2026but\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cGood thing,\u201d Jessie said. He looked over at his son. \u201cYa been tryin\u2019 to pick a fight with Cartwright, Billy?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNo sir Pa\u2026it\u2019s the other way around. Little Joe\u2019s been egging me to fight him, ask anyone in town\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s right, Mr. Walker\u2026ask anyone\u2026ask the men who were in the saloon Saturday night, they\u2019ll tell you\u2026Billy tried to start something then, and\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAin\u2019t true Pa\u2026he\u2019s lyin\u2019, tryin\u2019 to make me look like it\u2019s me what\u2019s causin\u2019 trouble,\u201d Billy said quickly.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWell now son, reckon we ought\u2019a settle this thing right here and now,\u201d Jessie said, moving back a couple of paces.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Billy grinned at his pa and stepped down off the porch. Joe moved cautiously backward, distancing himself from both men.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI didn\u2019t come here to fight Mr. Walker,\u201d Joe said. \u201cJust to\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cToo late for talkin\u2019 Little Joe\u2026ya here\u2026obviously for what ya think my son did to ya brother. And since Billy\u2019s just a boy, he had every right to defend himself\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI know that\u2026if Adam started anything, which he didn\u2019t, but whatever happened, Billy had no right to pistol whip my brother!\u201d argued Joe.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI didn\u2019t pistol whip anyone,\u201d Billy lied. \u201cMaybe he ran into robbers on his way home\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNot likely Billy, Adam told me you used your gun on him\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

As Billy advanced toward him, Joe pulled his pistol from his holster and pointed it at the boy.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m taking you into the sheriff Billy, until we can get this mess straightened out,\u201d ordered Joe, nodding his head toward the horses. \u201cGet on your horse.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe was so intent on keeping his eyes on Billy that he failed to see Jessie Walker move, ever so slightly to a stack of wood that rested at the steps of the porch. As Billy moved slowly, never turning his back to Joe, toward his horse, Jessie raised the stick of wood high over his head and slammed the piece across the top of Joe\u2019s left hand, forcing the gun from Joe\u2019s fingers.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe cried out in pain as he felt the bone in his thumb snap. He instinctively grabbed his broken hand and drew it instantly to his body. Billy laughed loudly, jarring Joe from his momentary stupor as he looked up. Billy Walker\u2019s fist slammed into Joe\u2019s face, spinning the smaller man around in a complete circle and causing Joe to topple over, falling face down in the dirt. Quickly, Joe scrambled to his feet and when Billy approached for the second time, Joe swung out his right fist, putting all the power he could muster into the punch.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Billy stopped, frozen to the spot as Joe\u2019s fist connected with his chin. The massive hunk staggered backward, his arms frayed out to his sides in an attempt to keep from falling. Billy\u2019s body plummeted to the ground, his head banging hard against the wooden step and then bouncing off to one side. The boy lay motionless, his father scrambled to his son\u2019s side, taking the boy\u2019s head in his hands and gently lifting it. Jessie stared in horror at the blood that coated his fingers. He turned, glazing up at Joe.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHe\u2019s dead\u2026you killed my boy!\u201d Jessie squeaked in a low voice.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Jessie lowered Billy\u2019s head onto the ground and rose slowly to his feet, turning to face Joe who had not moved and who looked as if he had seen a ghost.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cMURDERER!\u201d screamed Jessie, flinging his fist out and striking Joe on the side of the face.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe teetered back and forth on his heels and then pitched over backwards, his legs flying out over his head as he rolled across the ground. Dazed from the force of the blow, Joe stayed down, shaking his head slowly from side to side attempting to clear the cobwebs. He glanced over his shoulder at Jessie who had returned to his son\u2019s side and who was now cradling the boy\u2019s head in his arms.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe staggered to his feet, picking up his gun and slipping it into his holster. He brushed the back of his right hand across his lips to wipe away the blood, swaying as he approached the weeping man and his son.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cMr. Walker\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cGET OUT OF HERE!\u201d bellowed the grieving father.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe swallowed, he could not believe that the boy was dead, that he had caused Billy to die. The promise he made to his father a short time ago returned to haunt him. Joe felt his body tremble, it had been an accident\u2026hadn\u2019t Jessie Walker attacked him first and forced him to defend himself against both the father and the son?<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe unlaced Cochise\u2019s reins and swung his body into the saddle. He gripped the saddle horn, glancing down at Jessie, numb to the pain in his left hand<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m sorry,\u201d Joe muttered, turning his horse around and kicking gently at his mount\u2019s sides.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe was forced to stop twice on his way home. Both times he dismounted and spewed the contents of his stomach onto the ground. His belly churned, fear gripped his heart and the pain in his hand had become nearly unbearable.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

When he at last reached home, he glanced up at the window on the second story and saw that the lamp burned lowly. He dismounted and without even securing his mount, stumbled passed the physician\u2019s buggy to the front door. As Joe pushed open the heavy oak door and stepped inside, Ben rounded the corner from the kitchen, a pitcher of water in his hands. He stopped, staring at Joe\u2019s battered face.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cJoseph\u2026what on earth happened?\u201d Ben said, setting the pitcher on the credenza and helping Joe to the settee.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The concerned father sat on the table facing Joe. Ben wore a worried expression on his face as he watched Joe\u2019s chin begin to quiver. Dread of what might have happened washed over him.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cJoe\u2026answer me,\u201d Ben said. \u201cTell me nothing bad happened\u2026.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe raised his head, meeting his father\u2019s gaze with tear filled eyes. His chin quivered uncontrollably.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHe\u2019s\u2026dead\u2026\u201d gulped Joe as the tears floated over the rims of his eyes and dripped slowly down the front of his face.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben sat in stunned silence for a long moment before being able to find words with which to speak.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cTell me what happened, son,\u201d Ben questioned.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

He had a sick feeling deep in his gut that something horrible had taken place, something of which he prayed Joe would not regret later on.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

He moved to the settee and sat down next to Joe, noticing for the first time how his son cradled his left hand. Tenderly, Ben reached out and took the broken hand into his own.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHow did you break your hand?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe, his eyes filled with tears, swallowed and glanced down at the now bruised hand.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI didn\u2019t hit him with it\u2026Mr. Walker hit me with a stick of firewood and broke my hand\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cMr. Walker?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe nodded.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cPerhaps you\u2019d better start from the beginning.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHow\u2019s Adam?\u201d Joe asked before telling his father what had transpired.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cDoc Martin\u2019s with him now. He\u2019s pretty well battered, but he\u2019s going to be alright, in time. Now please Joe, tell me about this,\u201d Ben said, holding Joe\u2019s hand carefully upward.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI went to see Billy, just like I said I was going to\u2026and when I got there, Mr. Walker was outside, so I decided to talk to him first. I tried to tell him about Adam, but he got angry and twisted everything I said around. He made it sound as if Adam came there looking to fight Billy and that Billy was only defending himself. He used the excuse that Billy was just a boy, and Adam, a full grown man,\u201d explained Joe.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAnd then?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAnd then Billy came outside and started lying about trying to pick a fight with me, told his pa it was the other way around and then\u2026then\u2026I\u2019m not sure what happened. I mean, Mr. Walker seemed to think Billy and I should settle things right there, that\u2019s when Billy started saying that maybe Adam had run into robbers on the way home and they beat him. I pulled my gun on Billy\u2026\u201d Joe glanced up at his father.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI was only going to make him come with me to the sheriff\u2019s\u2026until we could sort things out\u2026but then Mr. Walker grabbed the firewood and knocked my gun out of my hand\u2026that\u2019s when my hand got broken,\u201d continued Joe.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cBilly hit me then\u2026by that time, I was mad and I came up fighting.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Again, Joe looked into his father\u2019s eyes. \u201cI didn\u2019t mean to kill him, Pa\u2026honest,\u201d he sobbed.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI believe you son\u2026go on\u2026what happened next?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhen I got up, I took a swing at Billy\u2026I hit him, hard, on the chin and he fell backward. He must have hit his head on the wooden step, cause the back of his head was bleeding and he wasn\u2019t moving. Mr. Walker was bent over the boy, screaming at me that I killed his son. He stood up and knocked me to the ground. I thought he was going to hit me again, but he started calling me a murderer and told me to get out\u2026so I left and\u2026came home,\u201d Joe finished, lowering head.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

A lone tear dripped from the end of his chin. \u201cI\u2019m sorry\u2026I never meant for the boy to be hurt\u2026honest,\u201d he said, finally looking up at his father.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben could see the remorse in the hazel eyes and the downtrodden expression broke his heart.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI know you didn\u2019t, Joe\u2026I\u2019m just sorry that it came to this.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhat am I going to do, Pa?\u201d Joe asked, rising to his feet and moving to the fire. He stared into the low burning embers and then turned around.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI suppose, come morning, we\u2019ll ride into town and tell the sheriff what happened. Right now, I want you to come upstairs with me and let Paul have a look at your hand.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben moved to his son\u2019s side and placed a caring hand on Joe\u2019s shoulder. \u201cCome on Joe,\u201d Ben said in a soft voice as he gently urged Joe up the steps. His face didn\u2019t show it, but the inner turmoil he felt was causing him to become nauseous.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam\u2019s condition, though still grave, had improved overnight. He lay in a drug-induced sleep, giving his body time to begin the healing process. Sitting on the bed next to him, Joe watched the slight movements of his brother\u2019s eyes behind the closed lids. He noted the bruises and the cuts made by the pistol and the deep gash across Adam\u2019s forehead that had been so carefully stitched by the physician\u2019s skilled fingers.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe glanced down at his hand, the pain had eased some after taking the pain powers that the doctor had left for him, but the medicine had done nothing to ease his guilty conscience. He felt responsible for all of it, Adam\u2019s battered and bruised body, the death of the young boy, his father\u2019s worries, even his own broken hand.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m sorry I got you mixed up in this, Adam,\u201d Joe whispered, lowering his head in remorse.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cSon?\u201d Ben called from the doorway.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe looked up and seeing his father, stood to his feet.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWe should go now,\u201d Ben advised as he entered the room and moved to the side of the bed. \u201cAdam should sleep for several hours, Hop Sing will stay with him until\u2026we get back.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYou really think Roy will let me come back?\u201d questioned Joe.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t see why not\u2026from what you\u2019ve told me, son, you were only protecting yourself\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe scrunched up his face and walked to the door. \u201cMr. Walker didn\u2019t see it that way\u2026he called me a murderer\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Without another word, Joe moved out of the room. Ben nodded to Hop Sing who had just entered to sit with Adam while Ben and Joe went into town to see the sheriff, and then followed after Joe.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

They had just stepped into the morning sun when the sheriff, Jessie Walker and Clem Foster rode into the yard. Beside him, Ben heard Joe sigh. He cast his eyes toward his son and noted the look of dread on Joe\u2019s handsome face. Ben touched his hand to Joe\u2019s arm and turned to greet the sheriff.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cMornin\u2019 Roy\u2026Jessie\u2026Clem,\u201d greeted Ben.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHowdy Ben\u2026Joe,\u201d responded Roy Coffee. \u201cI suppose ya know why we\u2019re here?\u201d the sheriff asked as he dismounted.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYes\u2026we were just on our way into town to talk to you\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cARREST HIM! HE KILLED MY BOY!\u201d stormed Jessie.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben felt Joe draw back and he tightened his hold on Joe\u2019s arm. \u201cEasy son,\u201d he muttered.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Roy flashed dark angry eyes at Jessie Walker and waved his finger at the man.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYa just sit there and keep ya mouth shut\u2026I\u2019ll handle this!\u201d ordered Roy in a voice that quickly brought order to the situation.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Roy turned to Ben and Joe, a look that spoke silently his dismay at having to do what he was forced, by law, to do.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI have a warrant for your arrest Little Joe\u2026ya charged with\u2026\u201d Roy gulped, \u201cmurder,\u201d he continued. \u201cI gotta take ya in, son.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe\u2019s eyes had taken on a near panic look as he turned to his father.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI didn\u2019t\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI know Joe,\u201d Ben said quickly. Ben squeezed Joe\u2019s arm and nodded his head toward the sheriff. \u201cYou go with Roy\u2026we\u2019ll get this sorted out, I promise son.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYessir,\u201d Joe said, glancing at Jessie Walker who stared at him such hate that it caused Joe\u2019s blood to run cold.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll have to have ya gun, son,\u201d Roy said, holding out his hand.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe undid his gunbelt and passed it to his father instead. Ben took the firearm and while he watched his son mount his horse, he rolled the belt up.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAin\u2019t ya gonna put the cuffs on\u2019em?\u201d growled Jessie.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNO!\u201d snapped Roy. \u201cYa ain\u2019t gonna try anythin\u2019, are ya Joe?\u201d Roy asked as he mounted his horse.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNo\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Jessie pulled his pistol from his holster and pointed it at Joe. \u201cWell, just in case ya thinkin\u2019 on it, I\u2019ll be watchin\u2019 ya back\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cPut that thing away!\u201d Roy shouted. \u201cNOW!\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

He waited until Jessie had holstered his gun and then glanced down at Ben.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYa comin\u2019, Ben?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYou bet I am, I\u2019m most anxious to get this matter settled. You go ahead, I\u2019ll catch up,\u201d Ben called as the small band of men rode from the yard.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

By the time that Ben reached the sheriff\u2019s office, Joe was safely locked away in the jail cell. He paced back and forth, nervously waiting for his father to bail him out. He had explained to the sheriff what had happened and what had led up to the attack and the final demise of the young Walker boy and he was anxious to be let out. All he wanted right now was to go home to be with Adam.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI can\u2019t Ben\u2026I just can\u2019t,\u201d explained Roy.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben\u2019s eyes narrowed, showing his anger as he paced back and forth in front of the sheriff\u2019s desk. He paused, leaning down over the top of the table and into the sheriff\u2019s face. Ben slammed his fist down, hard, on the desk.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI want to know why!\u201d he shouted in his deep baritone voice.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cBecause it\u2019s the law, Ben\u2026and I have to follow the rules. He\u2019s charged with murder\u2026I can\u2019t post bail\u2026Joe\u2019s just gonna have to stay locked up until a trial\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s ridiculous!\u201d proclaimed Ben. \u201cWhy can\u2019t you release him into my custody\u2026I\u2019ll be responsible for him. Good lord Roy, it\u2019s not like he\u2019s going to run or\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHe might\u2026he just might, Ben. He\u2019s scared, and he knows he\u2019s guilty and\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cGuilty? GUILTY! OF WHAT\u2026PROTECTING HIMSELF?\u201d Ben shouted angrily, his eyes wide and nostrils flaring.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cBEN! Calm down\u2026or I\u2019ll have to ask you to leave. Now ya know I don\u2019t like this any better\u2019n you do\u2026I don\u2019t believe Little Joe killed that boy on purpose, but ya gotta look at it another way. He went looking for the Walker boy, he admitted that\u2026he fought with the boy, and now that boy\u2019s dead\u2026Joe admitted all that to me\u2026and, I might add, in front of witnesses. Now under the circumstances, there ain\u2019t one thing I can do but hold the boy until a trial date is set\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAlright\u2026alright. But I\u2019m telling you now, Roy\u2026I\u2019ll not stand by and watch my son be railroaded into a sham of a trial and then let him hang for something he\u2019s not responsible for.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben had leaned down across the desk and was shaking his finger under Roy\u2019s nose. Roy pushed back his chair and stood up, facing Ben eye to eye across the expanse of his desk.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cBen, if that\u2019s a threat\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s not a threat Roy\u2026it\u2019s a\u2026promise!\u201d stated Ben, taking advantage of getting in the final word.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI want to see my son\u2026if it\u2019s alright with you,\u201d he said after taking a deep breath to calm himself.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s fine with me\u2026I figured you would,\u201d Roy said, moving to collect the jail key from where it hung on the peg by the door that separated the office from the cells.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben started to follow after the sheriff, but stopped when Roy turned back around. \u201cLeave your gun on my desk, Ben.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben glanced at his pistol and then removed it from his holster and placed it on the desk. He then marched through the opened door to Joe\u2019s cell and waited while Roy unlocked the iron door and permitted him to enter the cell with Joe. He waited until Roy had secured the door and left before turning to face his son. The fear and apprehension that appeared on his youngest son\u2019s face broke his heart.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHello son,\u201d Ben said, offering a small smile in an attempt to calm his son. \u201cHow are you doing?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cGreat\u2026just great Pa\u2026look at me\u2026I\u2019m shaking like a leaf,\u201d Joe said, moving to his cot and sitting down.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben sat down next to Joe and slipped his arm about the trembling shoulders.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cIt will be alright, son, I promise you\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe glanced sideways at his father, all the doubt he felt showed in his hazel colored eyes.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cSure it will\u2026I\u2019m gonna hang, Pa\u2026even I know that\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s enough of that kind of talk Joseph\u2026you are not going to hang\u2026I\u2026promise,\u201d Ben said.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cPromise? Come on Pa\u2026what are going to do if I\u2019m found guilty at that trial? Break me out of jail? Hide me out until you find some way to get me out of the country\u2026come on Pa\u2026that\u2019s not like you at all\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI will if it comes to that Joe\u2026I won\u2019t let you hang,\u201d Ben promised again.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe sat quietly and looked long into Ben\u2019s face trying to decipher the expressions on his father\u2019s worried face.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019re joking, aren\u2019t you Pa?\u201d stammered Joe when he knew in his heart that his father would never allow for a hanging\u2026regardless of the outcome of the trial or of the consequences to himself, should he do as he had suggested he would.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNo\u2026I\u2019m not joking. Now listen son, we need to talk\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

With heads bowed closely together, Ben began whispering out his plan.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The trial had been set for two days from the day that Joe had been taken prisoner. He had all but worn a path around the perimeter of his little cell and his constant pacing had even begun to wear on Roy\u2019s nerves to the point that Roy had started keeping the door closed between the cells and his office. The isolation was most unsettling for Little Joe who was use to being out in the wide-open spaces and found the confining little cell just that, confining.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYa got visitors, Little Joe,\u201d Roy called as he opened the door and stood to one side to let Joe\u2019s company enter the jail block.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe craned his neck to see who had come for a visit and was surprised to see both his brothers standing before.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAdam!\u201d smiled Joe.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

His eyes sparkled with joy at seeing his older brother.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019re up and about\u2026how you feeling?\u201d Joe asked, moving back while Roy unlocked the cell door to admit both Adam and Hoss.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam grinned at his kid brother and moved slowly to the cot where he carefully lowered his body.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cStiff and sore\u2026but I\u2019ll live,\u201d he grinned. \u201cHow about you, kid\u2026how are you doing?\u201d Adam asked, taking in the haggard appearance of his little brother.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cTired of being here\u2026I feel like a trapped animal,\u201d Joe said as he leaned against the bars. \u201cI won\u2019t lie to you either\u2026I\u2019m\u2026scared. That lawyer fellow Pa hired said it didn\u2019t look too good for me\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNow don\u2019t go borrowin\u2019 trouble little brother,\u201d Hoss said as he placed his heavy frame on the cot next to Adam. \u201cPa\u2019s got several witnesses that said they\u2019d tell all about Billy Walker and the way he was always tryin\u2019 to pick a fight with ya.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI know\u2026Pa told me\u2026but Hoss\u2026I went looking for Billy. And I was mad\u2026for what he did to Adam. I hit the boy while in a fit of rage\u2026and now that boy\u2019s dead\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cBut it was an accident\u2026you were defending yourself,\u201d Adam said.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cSure\u2026but who\u2019s gonna believe me? My only witness was the boy\u2019s father\u2026so like the lawyer said, it\u2019s my word against his\u2026\u201d Joe stopped talking and turned to look out the window. \u201cI admit I killed him\u2026but it was an accident\u2026it wasn\u2019t intentional.\u201d He turned back around, a pathetic look on his young face. \u201cI went looking for trouble, and I found plenty,\u201d he whispered, lowering his head.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s no way to talk, Joe. You didn\u2019t go there with the intention of killing the boy\u2026did you?\u201d Adam asked.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe jerked his head up and stared in shock at his brother. \u201cDo you really have to ask that?\u201d he said angrily.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNo\u2026I\u2019m sorry Joe, I just had to know,\u201d Adam said as he stood to his feet. He moved across the length of the cell and stopped, standing before his brother.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cTry not to worry Joe\u2026we won\u2019t let anything happen to you,\u201d Adam said in low whisper.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

He saw his brother swallow hard and when he placed his hand on Joe\u2019s shoulder he could feel the slight tremors that shook the slender body. Adam knew that regardless of their promises, his kid brother was frightened.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe swallowed again and nodded his head. \u201cAlright Adam\u2026\u201d he said hesitantly.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Alone in his jail cell and with no to talk to, Joe lay on the cot, looking up at the ceiling. He knew he should try to get some sleep, but the nagging thought of his intent kept him from getting the rest he needed. Time and time again he went over everything that had happened up until the moment that he struck the Walker boy. Joe knew that in town, he had had every right to fight back when Billy had first started taking punches at him, but Joe had not let himself be suckered into the fight, for regardless of how large Billy had been, Billy Walker was still just a boy.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe closed his eyes, seeing Adam\u2019s face the night that his older brother had been beaten and had somehow managed to find his way home. Joe saw again the gash over Adam\u2019s right eye, the busted lip and the swollen cheeks where Billy had struck Adam\u2019s face repeatedly with the butt of his pistol. Anger seethed deep within Joe as if he was seeing the battered body of his older brother again, for the first time. He felt himself tremble and opened his eyes, rising upright. Swinging his legs off the side of the cot, Joe stood and walked to the window, gazing out through the bars. Had he intended to kill the boy? Had is heart turned so cold and his anger so deep that he had disregarded his father\u2019s warning not to do anything rash? Had he gone looking for Billy that night, with the intent of evening the score?<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe lowered his head, resting his forehead on his arm and sighed deeply. \u201cDear God\u2026help me to know,\u201d he whispered softly.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe returned to his cot and sat down. He rubbed gently at the soreness in his broken hand, recalling the sharp pain he had felt as Jessie Walker slammed the stick of firewood down across his outstretched hand, knocking his pistol free of his fingers. It had hurt like blazes and the sudden action of the senior Walker had taken him completely by surprise. And before he could gather his thoughts, Joe had found himself knocked to the ground by the solid punch that Billy had delivered to his jaw. Joe tried to reason that he had done the natural thing, and that was to defend himself. He recalled getting to his feet and taking a swing at the other young man. Joe saw, in his mind, Billy\u2019s body teeter back and forth and then falling heavily to the ground. The sound of Billy\u2019s head hitting the hard wooden step echoed in Joe\u2019s mind.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

He scrunched up his face, shutting his eyes to the imaginary sound. When he opened his eyes, Joe brushed his right hand across the front of his face to wipe dry the moisture that had unexpectedly collected there. Restless still, he rose and returned to the barred window and gazed up at the stars wishing he knew positively what had been in his heart that fateful night.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018I would have died for you Adam, rather than to see you hurt and I would kill to protect you if I had too,\u2019 Joe surmised as he gazed out into the darkened street.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe took a deep breath, letting it out slowly. \u2018But did I have too\u2026or did I want to?\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The next morning, the sound of Ben\u2019s deep voice out in the office, woke Joe from a fretful sleep. He yawned and as the door separating the office opened, Joe stretched and pushed his body into a sitting position.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cMorning son,\u201d greeted Ben as he entered the cell that Roy unlocked and relocked as soon as Ben had stepped inside.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben immediately noted the worn look on his son\u2019s face and moved to the cot where he sat down next to Joe.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhat\u2019s wrong, son?\u201d Ben questioned.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe made an attempt to sound light hearted, but his father, knowing him so well, realized what Joe was trying to do.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI guess I didn\u2019t sleep too well\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cBad dreams?\u201d Ben asked, watching the harried expressions on his son\u2019s face.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI wish they had been dreams\u2026\u201d Joe said with a smirk as he turned to look into Ben\u2019s eyes. \u201cI\u2026I\u2026\u201d Joe gulped.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYou what, Joseph? What\u2019s bothering you?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe stood to his feet, moving to the window where he had spent most of the night staring out into the street and up into heaven.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI wish I knew\u2026what my intent was\u2026that night,\u201d Joe explained in a small voice.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

He glanced at his father who was watching his every move.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t know, Pa\u2026if I went over to Billy\u2019s with the intent of just talking to him or\u2026or\u2026to even the score\u2026\u201d stammered Joe.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben listened while Joe tried to explain his fears, his own fear settling in about the walls of his heart. He rose and went to Joe\u2019s side, placing a firm hand on the young man\u2019s shoulder. The worried father leaned close, practically putting his lips to Joe\u2019s ears as he proclaimed his belief in his son.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI know that sometimes, you over react to situations, and you tend to be too spontaneous, but never\u2026never will I believe that you would intentionally set out to kill someone\u2026for any reason. I know you too well, Joseph\u2026it is not your nature, nor is murder in your heart. You are not a cold blooded killer\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

When Joe raised his head and looked at his father, Ben could see the tears that glistened in the troubled eyes that gazed back at him. His heart melted and he turned Joe completely around so that they stood eyeball to eyeball. Ben placed his other hand on Joe\u2019s shoulder and pressed his fingers tightly into Joe\u2019s flesh.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cBut I\u2026killed him,\u201d Joe mumbled, his chin quivering as he spoke.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cIn self-defense,\u201d Ben said in a deep voice. \u201cYou were protecting yourself\u2026against two men twice your size. And it was an accident\u2026Billy fell and hit his head on the step. Isn\u2019t that what you said happened?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe nodded his head.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThen stop blaming yourself son\u2026it was an accident, an unfortunate accident and\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhat if the jury doesn\u2019t think so? What if they convict me of\u2026murder?\u201d stammered Joe.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben let out a long breath of air, surprised that he\u2019d been holding it in.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t believe that will happen, son. If you tell your story, exactly as it happened\u2026I don\u2019t see how a jury could find you anything but innocent. You went to Billy Walker\u2019s place to speak with Billy\u2026nothing more. Jessie Walker attacked you first\u2026you have the broken hand to prove it\u2026and then his son turned on you\u2026all you did was protect yourself from another beating. Joe\u2026you have to have faith in the system\u2026you have to believe that\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI know all of that Pa\u2026it\u2019s just\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cJust what, Joe?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s just that if asked what was my intent\u2026I\u2019m not sure what I\u2019ll say\u2026cause I don\u2019t really know.\u201d Joe\u2019s voice faltered and Ben heard a sob catch deep in Joe\u2019s throat.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

He pulled his son into an embrace. Joe might think he could kill a man in cold blood, but his father knew better.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYour intent that night was to talk\u2026nothing more. I\u2019m sorry son; I should have stepped in long before it got so far out of hand. Part of this is my fault\u2026we all share the blame, me, you, Billy, his father and even Adam to some extent. All that happened before hand, led the way to a man accidentally being killed\u2026that\u2019s how the jury will see it, Joe,\u201d Ben assured his son.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe drew back from his father, feeling somewhat more at ease. \u201cI hope so, Pa\u2026I hope so.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The next morning, the trial began. Joe was cuffed and made to walk across the street to the courthouse. The street was lined with curiosity seekers and during the humiliating walk between the rows that the onlookers had fashioned for him Joe could hear soft whispers and muted laughter. The curt remarks about his innocence did nothing to help steady the rising fear he felt in the pit of his stomach.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben walked to his son\u2019s left, carefully shielding Joe\u2019s body from the throng of people who mumbled in low voices. The sheriff stayed to his prisoner\u2019s right with a firm hold on Joe\u2019s upper arm, while Hoss pushed through the crowd toward the entrance of the courthouse. Adam brought up the rear, keeping a close eye on anyone who might look as if they\u2019d like to take advantage of the fact that Joe Cartwright was handcuffed and unable to protect himself should the need arise.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Once inside, Joe was led to the front of the room where Roy pulled out a chair and ordered him to sit. The cuffs were removed with a deep sigh of relief from Joe. Ben, Adam and Hoss picked the seats directly behind their family member and sat down. As time for the trial drew near, the courtroom began to fill. Within minutes the room was filled to capacity and several persons who could not find a seat were forced to stand along the walls.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe\u2019s lawyer, Bryon Miller, sat next to Joe and whispered words of encouragement to his client. Joe would nod his head occasionally in compliance to what his attorney was saying to him.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

A hush fell over the courtroom as the crowd suddenly stopped chattering. Joe, who had been listening to what his father had been telling him, fell silent as well. He glanced up, looking into the eyes of Jessie Walker who had stopped next to Joe\u2019s seat. In his eyes, Joe could see a look of pure hate, for the father of the dead boy held nothing back in allowing the youngest Cartwright to see exactly how he felt about matters.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYa gonna hang kid\u2026\u201d whispered Jessie in a low voice. He laughed lightly at the look of uncertainty that instantly spread across Joe\u2019s face.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe sensed more than saw, his father rise from his seat and stand at his back. Another movement told him that Hoss as well as Adam had also risen to their feet and were all standing protectively over him.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cSit down,\u201d ordered Roy who had risen to his feet as well and directed his attention to Jessie.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Jessie made a smirk and looked once again at Joe before turning and moving to a seat across from the accused. Jessie\u2019s lawyer took a hold of Walker\u2019s arm and rather abruptly pushed him down into the chair all the while giving his client a determined look.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

A door to the side of the room opened and twelve men walked into the courtroom and took their places in the jury box. Each wore a solemn expression on their faces and none turned to look at the alleged. Joe felt his heart leap into his throat as he watched the men march in. Most them he knew, some were even close friends of his father\u2019s and for a fraction of a second he felt sorry for them. For they had been chosen to adhere to a duty that Joe felt sure his father\u2019s friends would have preferred not to have done. Nonetheless, there they sat struggling with whatever emotions they might be facing for having to make a judgment on one of their own.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The judge, a man who looked the part and one Joe had learned was nicknamed, \u2018the hanging judge\u2019, came in and sat down behind the high desk at the front of the room. When he picked up his gavel and banged it down, Joe jumped, startled by the loud noise.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cCourt is now in session.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The prosecution made the opening statement, promising the court to prove beyond a shadow of a doubt that Joe Cartwright was guilty of premeditated murder. They hoped to prove to the court that Joe Cartwright\u2019s intent that night was pure revenge for what he believed to be the beating of his older brother, Adam Cartwright and that Joe\u2019s intent that night was to kill, in cold blood, the seventeen year old son of Jessie Walker, William Walker, known to his friends as Billy.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The defense on the other hand, promised to prove to the court that the killing of Billy Walker was pure accidental, caused by the actions of both, Jessie Walker and his deceased son, Billy. Joe\u2019s attorney hoped to prove that Joe Cartwright was the person attacked, by Jessie Walker, and then again by Billy Walker and that Joe was only acting in self-defense, after first being struck by Billy, then returning the blow, the result of which caused the young Walker boy to fall backwards, hitting his head, thus consequently ending in the boy\u2019s death.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Two men, one in particular, Mr. Cass, being the owner of the mercantile store, testified to the first fight, that took place just outside of his workplace. He explained to the court that Joe had been loading supplies and that Billy appeared out of nowhere and began peppering Joe with solid punches that left the youngest Cartwright dazed and bleeding. Mr. Cass went on to tell the court that after Joe refused to fight the Walker youth, and refused the care of a doctor, he had helped Joe into his wagon and watched as Joe left for home.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Several men who had been patrons in the Silver Dollar Saloon the night that Joe encountered Billy Walker for the second time, all swore under oath that it had been Billy, who had started the second fight between Joe and himself. Each told their side of the story, all swearing that Joe never took a swing at the boy, even after Joe\u2019s face had been battered by the larger, more aggressive young man.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe seemed to relax a bit more after the testimonies of each man, glancing occasionally at the men in the jury box and hoping that they were following the chain of events that led to the final confrontation.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Recess was called about noon and everyone filed out of the courthouse in search of a meal. Joe was led back to the jail and locked behind the iron bars. Ben had ordered a meal from the diner and along with Adam and Hoss, Joe\u2019s family kept him company while he ate.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cEverything\u2019s going well, don\u2019t you think Adam?\u201d Ben asked.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cBryon Miller seems to think it is\u2026so far he\u2019s believing that he\u2019s able to show that Billy was the aggressor and not Joe,\u201d confirmed Adam, leaning back against the wall as he sat on the cot, watching his younger brother picking at his food.
\nEverythin\u2019s gonna be alright, ya just wait and see,\u201d grinned Hoss, who was also watching Joe, stabbing at the food on his plate.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe glanced up from his plate to look at Hoss. His expression was somber as he spoke.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cSure it is,\u201d he muttered and returned to pushing his food around.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben, who had been leaning against the bars, had seen enough of Joe fiddling with his food.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cJoe, you need to eat something, son,\u201d he said at last.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe glanced up, his lips in a firm straight line as he shook his head and then pushed back his plate.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m not hungry, Pa,\u201d Joe said, rising and going to the window. \u201cI just want this whole matter settled,\u201d he said turning again to look into his father\u2019s eyes. \u201cI wish I had never heard of Billy Walker\u2026I wish I\u2019d never been born\u2026\u201d he murmured, turning to grasp the bars of the window and lowering his head so that his face was hidden from the prying eyes of his family.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben exchanged worried glances with Adam and Hoss who stared at their brother\u2019s back in disbelief.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAh\u2026ya don\u2019t mean that, short shanks,\u201d Hoss said.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe raised his head enough to peek over his arm at his two brothers who were sharing the cot.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYes I do\u2026I killed a boy\u2026a boy, Hoss\u2026you have no idea how that makes me feel\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cBut you didn\u2019t do it on purpose, Joe\u2026\u201d began Adam.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNo\u2026no, I didn\u2019t kill Billy on purpose, but he\u2019s still dead and I\u2019m to blame\u2026I hit him when I was angry and I intended to\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cStop!\u201d growled Ben as he moved closer to his son and placed his hand on Joe\u2019s arm. He could feel the tremors that caused his son to tremble. \u201cTalk like that will get you hung, young man\u2026you stick to the facts\u2026just like you told me and the sheriff and Bryon Miller, do you hear me?\u201d Ben said in a stern voice.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

He feared that Joe, feeling guilty, might say something damaging to his testimony and the end result would be his undoing. Though Ben had sworn never to let his son hang, the thoughts of stepping outside of the law in order to protective his son\u2019s life, set like solid weight in the pit of his stomach.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI mean what I say, Joe\u2026you tell the court exactly what happened that led up to you being at the Walker\u2019s the night Billy was killed. And you remember that it was an accident\u2026you went there only to talk, just like Bryon explained to the court, and Jessie attacked you first, and then Billy when you were down. Do you understand me? I don\u2019t want to have to break you out of jail or be the cause for you to be on the run for the rest of your natural life. I don\u2019t want you hunted like an animal and I certainly don\u2019t want a price on your head! What I do want is a not-guilty verdict and I want it fairly and without doubt to your innocence!\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe\u2019s chin had begun to quiver as he shook his head in compliance to his father\u2019s words.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m sorry Pa\u2026I guess I was feeling sorry for myself. I only meant that I wish I had listened to you, and let Roy handle it instead. I\u2019m sorry\u2026for everything,\u201d he whispered.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben put his arm around Joe\u2019s shoulder and squeezed tightly. \u201cI know you are son, but you have to keep believing in yourself. I told you the other day that I would never believe you could out and out murder anyone for any reason\u2026that belief in you has not changed.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThat goes for me too, kid,\u201d smiled Adam as he pushed himself up from the cot.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYeah\u2026it goes for me as well, Little Joe,\u201d added Hoss.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe\u2019s mood seemed to lighten then and gave his family a smile.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThanks\u2026all of you.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Back in court, Adam was called to the stand. When his name was called, he rose slowly, still being somewhat sore from the beating he took, and walked to the witness stand.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI swear,\u201d he said, his left hand raised and his right hand on the bible.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cState your name.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

\u201cDo you know the accused?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam glanced at Joe and offered a hint of a smile.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYes\u2026very well.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHow\u2026do you know him?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cJoe? He\u2019s my kid brother.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI see,\u201d said Joe\u2019s attorney. \u201cMr. Cartwright\u2026describe your brother for us, would you please?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cDescribe my brother\u2026hmm\u2026\u201d muttered Adam. \u201cJoe is\u2026in my eyes, a boy. I\u2019ve helped raise him since he was about five\u2026his mother died and\u2026well, my father was under a lot of stress at the time, so I sort of took over caring for him.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYou became like a second father to him, then, is that correct?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYes\u2026that\u2019s correct.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cFine, please\u2026continue.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWell, Joe is\u2026just Joe. He was always a good kid, he\u2019s never really been in any serious trouble. Joe is\u2026hard working, loyal, devoted to his family\u2026he\u2019s\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYou said he was devoted\u2026could you tell us, how devoted? I mean\u2026would he die for you, if he had to?\u201d questioned Miller.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam raised his eyes enough that he could look directly at his youngest brother. He said nothing for a long moment as he studied the boy whom he had helped to raise since boyhood and knew without question that, yes, Joe would die for him, his father or Hoss, if it meant saving their life.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAbsolutely,\u201d Adam said, returning his attention to the attorney.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Byron Miller moved back toward his desk and then turned to face the witness again.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWould your brother\u2026kill\u2026for you, Mr. Cartwright?\u201d he surprised the court by asking.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben saw Adam flinch and knew that Adam was struggling with how to answer the question. He had no doubt that Joe would kill to protect any of them, but not like what the lawyer was insinuating. Ben was unaware that he waited with baited breath for Adam\u2019s answer.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam took a deep breath and straightened himself.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cIf you mean, would he intentionally go looking to kill someone for doing something or hurting one of his family members\u2026or to seek revenge\u2026no. Joe is not cold blooded, he has a great regard for human life, and he\u2019d never intentionally hurt anyone, for any reason.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI have just a couple more questions, I can see that you are growing weary. Would you please tell the court what happened to your face?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI was beaten, pistol whipped,\u201d said Adam through clinched teeth.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cBy whom?\u201d Miller asked as he turned back and faced the jury.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cBilly Walker.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cTHAT\u2019S A LIE!\u201d shouted Jessie from across the room. The irate man jumped to his feet, pointing his finger in Adam\u2019s direction.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The judge banged the gavel against the little wooden plaque, but it did nothing to shut Jessie Walker up.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cLIE\u2026IT\u2019S A LIE! MY SON NEVER\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cORDER! ORDER IN THE COURTROOM!\u201d shouted the Judge, trying to be heard over the loud voice of the ranting man and the pounding sound of his own gavel.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe glanced over his shoulder at his father but Ben had his eye on Walker. Mort Hamilton and Clem Foster both grabbed Walker by the arm and forced him back down in his chair.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t get up again,\u201d warned Clem.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAnymore of these outbursts and I\u2019ll hold you in contempt of court!\u201d the judge told Jessie.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

When things had calmed down, Miller turned again to Adam.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cMr. Cartwright, please explain to the court how you happened to come by your injuries.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWell, the afternoon that Billy\u2026died\u2026he and Joe had a confrontation over at the Silver Dollar, just like Pruett and the others testified too. Once Joe and I got home and told our father what happened, it was decided that I would ride over to the Walker place and speak to Billy\u2026and his father, about what had been happening.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhy didn\u2019t your father go?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cBecause Joe asked him not too.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhy?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cBecause he thought that if our father went, Billy would think Joe was trying to get him in trouble with his own father, and that wasn\u2019t Joe\u2019s intent.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhat was Joe\u2019s intent?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cJust to find out why Billy was always trying to provoke a fight between them.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAnd did you speak to them?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI spoke with Billy\u2026his father wasn\u2019t there at the time.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAnd what was the conversation that took place between the two of you?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cTruthfully, there wasn\u2019t much said. I asked Billy why he wanted to fight Joe, and he never got around to saying.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhy not?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cBecause he hit me, with his fist, and before I could get up, he hit me a second time and then that\u2019s when he began hitting me with his pistol.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAnd did you hit him at all?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNo sir, I did not.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhat happened then?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI suppose I was knocked senseless, I don\u2019t remember getting on my horse or going home, but I must have managed somehow, because the next thing I did remember was my brother, Joe, standing over me. I had made it home by then.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI see, and you were taken inside?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s correct.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhat did your brother do?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cJoe? He helped carry me upstairs and put me to bed.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhat did he say?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI only remember him saying that he was sorry of getting me involved.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam glanced at Joe but Joe had his head lowered and Adam could not see his brother\u2019s face.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cDid he make any threats?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNo sir.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHe wasn\u2019t mad, that Billy Walker had nearly beaten you to death?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWell of course he was mad, but he didn\u2019t threaten to kill Billy or anything like that,\u201d explained Adam.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cBut he did say he was riding over to talk with Billy, is that correct?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYes.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Bryon Miller turned to the judge.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ve finished my questioning.\u201d He turned to the prosecution. \u201cYour witness.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Mort Hamilton rose slowly from his chair and then stood behind his desk, glancing down at the papers in front of him.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cMr. Cartwright\u2026you described your brother to the court. You\u2019re very fond of the young man, aren\u2019t you?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam\u2019s dark eyes immediately found his brother and he smiled lightly.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYes I am.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Hamilton moved from behind his desk and walked to the witness box where he began bombarding Adam with questions.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cIs your brother a hot head? Does he react violently to certain situations? Is he prone to impulsive decisions that he regrets later? Answer the question sir, now!\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhich one?\u201d Adam asked in his placid tone of voice.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The room full of observers snickered. The reaction caused Mort Hamilton to cast angry eyes around the room and the judge banged his gavel, eyeing the prosecuting attorney.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cMr. Hamilton, if you would like answers to your questions, please allow the witness enough time to answer before proceeding\u2026and stop badgering this man, or I\u2019ll hold you in contempt!\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m sorry your honor, I apologize, Mr. Cartwright. Let me rephrase my question. Joe Cartwright has a reputation of being a hot-head, and tends to become violent at times because of his quick temper, is that correct?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI object, your Honor. Mr. Hamilton is making assumptions and putting words in the witness\u2019 mouth,\u201d Miller said.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI agree, please Mr. Hamilton just stick to the facts.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Hamilton took a deep breath, obviously displeased.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cMr. Cartwright, you stated that your brother would die for you, is that correct?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYes it is.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAnd you said that he would fight for you, even kill for you\u2026to protect you?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYes.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cSince you had already taken a beating, and clearly did not need protecting by the time you got home\u2026did your brother\u2026kill Billy Walker to avenge you?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNo, he did not.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhat makes you so sure\u2026you only have his word that he went to the Walker home\u2026only to talk. Could he not have provoked a fight\u2026giving himself an excuse to batter the Walker youth?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNo.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHave you ever lie, Mr. Cartwright?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cMe?\u201d Adam looked puzzled. \u201cNot since I was about ten, I haven\u2019t.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWould you lie to save the life of a member of your family?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m not sure I understand the question, sir.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cDid you lie about who pistol whipped you?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

\u201cDo you have proof that it was in fact, Billy Walker who beat you?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam was thoughtful.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI suppose not, only my word.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHow do we know you\u2019re telling the truth?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHow do you know I\u2019m not telling the truth?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t. You didn\u2019t answer my other question. Would you lie to protect the life of a family member?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI suppose that would depend on the situation.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cSo, in certain situations, you\u2019d lie, do I understand you correctly?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI suppose\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYou suppose you\u2019d lie?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNo\u2026I mean\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNO? You say you love your brother, yet you wouldn\u2019t lie to keep him from hanging?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI didn\u2019t say that!\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThen you would lie?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI didn\u2019t say that either!\u201d Adam was becoming angry, yet only those that knew him so very well, could tell, all others had no clue.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe squirmed in his seat, though he tried not too.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cJust what did you say\u2026would you lie, or not\u2026just a simple yes or no answer will suffice, please Mr. Cartwright.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam gazed at his father and brothers without answering the question. He\u2019d do whatever it took to save the life of either brother or his father, even if it meant going against everything his father had tried to teach him. But would he lie\u2026under oath, could he lie under oath? If he said yes\u2026Miller would make him out a liar. And if he said no\u2026Miller would use that against him, trying to convince the court that he cared little for his family\u2026that he really hadn\u2019t meant it when he said he cared deeply for his youngest brother. Either way, he was doomed.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam\u2019s eyes sought Joe\u2019s face. Joe was searching his as well, waiting for his answer, wondering just how deeply his older brother cared and not sure just how far that same brother would go to prove his devotion. Adam tried to force his lips into a smile for Joe, but he couldn\u2019t, he was trapped\u2026and Joe was the bait.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Clearing his throat and taking a deep breath, Adam\u2019s eyes remained fixed on his brother\u2019s face.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t believe in lying\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYes or no, Mr. Cartwright!\u201d shouted Hamilton.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cUnder any circumstances\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYES OR NO!\u201d Hamilton said loudly.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam said nothing, until the judge looked his way.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cPlease answer the question, sir,\u201d ordered Judge Woodard.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

His eyes still fixed on his brother\u2019s face Adam spoke clearly.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNo\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

A sense of relief poured over Adam when he saw Joe smile at him. He then looked toward the attorney and smiled at him.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNo?\u201d questioned Hamilton.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNo,\u201d confirmed Adam.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Hamilton, suddenly at a loss for words, walked back to his desk.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ve finished with this witness, your honor,\u201d he mumbled.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cMr. Cartwright, you may be excused,\u201d the Judge said.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam left his seat in the witness stand and returned to his seat next to his father. As he passed by Joe, he saw his kid brother wink at him.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cCall your next witness,\u201d ordered the judge to Byron Miller.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI call Joseph Cartwright to the stand,\u201d Miller said in a clear voice.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

A soft stirring of the crowd caused Ben to look up and around at the people who had come to satisfy their curiosity. He saw them staring at Joseph and when he turned to look back at his son, he could see the hesitation in his son\u2019s reaction to the low murmuring.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cTake the stand please, Mr. Cartwright,\u201d ordered the judge in a stern voice.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe moved forward and took the stand, holding one hand on the bible and the other in the air as the bailiff swore him in.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Byron Miller stepped forward, looking at Joe with more confidence than Joe had seen at the beginning of the trial.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cState your name, please.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cJoe\u2026Joseph Cartwright.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHow old are you son?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cTwenty, sir.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAnd how tall are you?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe puckered up his lips\u2026he was shorter than anyone else in his family and his shortness always left him feeling just a little dissatisfied with himself. At twenty, he still hoped he would grow some.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cFive, ten,\u201d he muttered barely loud enough to b heard.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cJoseph\u2026just to satisfy the curiosity of the court, how much do you estimate your weight at being?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cMy weight\u2026well, I can\u2019t say for sure. The last time I weighed myself was about a month ago, over at the freight office.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAnd what was your weight, then?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI think it was somewhere around 130 or 135 pounds.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Miller had his back to Joe and was watching the reactions of the jurors.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhat do you estimate Billy Walker\u2019s weight to be?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI OBJECT!\u201d shouted Hamilton. \u201cMr. Walker\u2019s weight is of little significance to this trial, your honor!\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWell, I happen to think it is, your honor. Even though Billy Walker was only seventeen, almost eighteen, I think the jurors should be made to understand the size difference between my client and the deceased,\u201d proclaimed Bryon Miller.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI agree,\u201d stated the judge. He turned to Joe. \u201cYou may answer the question, Mr. Cartwright.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll repeat the question, how much do you estimate Billy Walker\u2019s weight to have been?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s hard to say, he\u2019s\u2026he was big, almost as big as Hoss. I\u2019d say somewhere around 180-200 pounds.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAlmost 200 pounds. That\u2019s quite a lot more than yourself, wouldn\u2019t you say?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYes sir\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201c..and yet, you are accused of hitting him hard enough to kill him.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Mr. Miller spun around to look Joe straight in the eye.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cDid you\u2026intend to hit Billy Walker hard enough to kill him?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNO! I never intended to hit him at all\u2026I was only going to\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cTo what, Joseph\u2026what was your intent the night that Billy Walker died?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe swallowed hard and glanced at his father. Ben\u2019s eyes were dark, and unknown to his son who scrutinized his face, his heart was pounding rapidly within the walls of his chest.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI went over to Billy\u2019s just to talk to him. I wanted to find out why he was so set on trying to make me fight with him\u2026that\u2019s all.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAnd did you find out?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNo sir.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhy not?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cBecause he wouldn\u2019t say\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhat did you do then?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI tried reasoning with both Mr. Walker and Billy, but Mr. Walker said that Billy and I should settle the matter right then.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYou mean Jessie Walker wanted you to fight with his son, right there?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYes sir, he said we should fight.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAnd did you?\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNo, when Billy acted as if he was going to take a swing at me, I pulled my pistol and told him I wasn\u2019t going to fight him, I was taking him into town to the sheriff. I ordered him to mount up.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAnd did he?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHe started to but before he could, Mr. Walker had picked up a stick of firewood and slammed it down on my hand, knocking my pistol to the ground.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cIs that how your hand gotten broken?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYes sir.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhat happened next?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cBilly hit me. I was knocked to the ground but I managed to get up and then I hit him, with my right fist. That\u2019s when he stumbled backwards and fell. He hit his head on the steps\u2026\u201d Joe swallowed and took a deep breath.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cMr. Walker bent down and lifted Billy\u2019s head\u2026it was bleeding, that\u2019s when he started shouting at me that I killed his son. He punched me and I fell to the ground, again. I got up and tried to help him, but he started screaming at me, calling me a murderer and told me to go away\u2026so I went home and told my father what happened. The next morning we started into town to tell the sheriff what happened, but he got to the house before we left.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cMr. Cartwright, I have to ask one more question and then we\u2019ll be finished.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Byron Miller walked across the room to stand before the jury, his back was to Joe when he spoke.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cJoseph Cartwright\u2026did you commit premeditated murder the night you went to Billy Walker\u2019s home?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNO! I did not\u2026I told you, I only went there to talk to him\u2026not to kill him!\u201d Joe declared in a clear, loud voice.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThank you Mr. Cartwright,\u201d said Miller who then turned to the prosecution. \u201cYour witness.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Mr. Hamilton strolled casually to the front of the judge\u2019s desk and stopped, staring at Joe. The look he gave to the accused was a bit unsettling and though he tried not to, Joe squirmed in his chair.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAre you nervous, Mr. Cartwright?\u201d he asked with a sly smile.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNot really,\u201d Joe answered quickly and then forced himself to sit still.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cDid you hate Billy Walker?\u201d Hamilton surprised Joe by asking.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNo\u2026I didn\u2019t know him well enough to hate him.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cBut you certainly didn\u2019t like him, did you?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cConsidering how he felt about me, I wasn\u2019t overly fond of him.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201c You hated him for what he supposedly did to your brother, fact is, you despised him, didn\u2019t you?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI told you, I didn\u2019t\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cJust answer yes or no, Mr. Cartwright.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNo, I did not.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYou were angry when your brother got home and you saw what had been done to him, is that correct?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s correct.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cIn fact, you were furious, weren\u2019t you?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAt first, but\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYou were so enraged that you left your house before the doctor even got to the Ponderosa to examine and treat your brother, didn\u2019t you?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWell\u2026yes\u2026but\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYou were so angry that you were warned by your father not to leave the house, weren\u2019t you?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Hamilton was leaning against the witness stand, practically shouting at Joe. Joe glanced into the man\u2019s face and then over at his father who was listening intently to the questioning.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cIsn\u2019t that correct, Mr. Cartwright!\u201d shouted Hamilton, who was very much aware of how Joe\u2019s eyes had sought his father\u2019s face.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe took a deep breath and nodded his head, answering in a low voice.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m sorry\u2026we didn\u2019t hear you, please speak up so that the entire courtroom can hear you.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI said\u2026that\u2019s correct.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYour father is so well aware that you often act irrationally during times of temper that he feared you might do something rash\u2026is that also correct?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe hesitated; he knew the prosecution was trying to make him look as if he went after Billy during a fit of rage with the intent to kill the boy. Joe\u2019s doubt about his intentions was suddenly washed away in that instant.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cMy father\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYes or no\u2026answer the question, Mr. Cartwright\u2026didn\u2019t your father fear that you might do something horrific, such as\u2026kill Billy Walker?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHe was\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYES OR NO?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Hamilton turned to the judge. \u201cYour honor\u2026make this young man answer the question, it only requires a simple yes or no.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The judge turned to Joe who was looking straight ahead.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cMr. Cartwright, answer the question, please,\u201d ordered the Judge.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe swallowed. \u201cYes,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cSo you ran out of the house, jumped on your horse and went directly to Billy Walker\u2019s, where you confronted the boy, pulled a gun on him and when he tried to defend himself, you hit him so hard that you killed him\u2026isn\u2019t that correct?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNo\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYou didn\u2019t hit him?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYes, but\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYou didn\u2019t point your pistol at him?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYes, but not\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYou do admit to striking him, do you not?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYes\u2026but I\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAnd Billy Walker is dead isn\u2019t he?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYes\u2026but?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cSo you did kill him, did you not?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYes\u2026NO\u2026I mean\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNo more questions, your honor,\u201d Hamilton said with a twist of a smile playing on his lips.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe, stunned, sat with mouth opened, fully comprehending that the prosecuting attorney had just tricked him into admitting that he had killed the Walker boy.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYou may step down, now Mr. Cartwright,\u201d ordered the judge.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe snapped from his stupor and looked up at the judge.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cBut sir\u2026I need to explain\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m sorry son, the prosecution has ended his questioning. Step down.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe started to rise but paused when his lawyer stepped forward to speak with judge.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYour honor, if I might ask my client a couple more questions, please?\u201d Byron Miller had risen to his feet and approached the bench.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAlright, you may re-cross examine the witness.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThank you, your honor,\u201d Miller nodded his head slightly and then approached the witness stand.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cMr. Cartwright, I believe you have already explained this to the jury, but just to refresh their memory, could you tell us once more, what were your reasons for going to the Walker home the night Billy Walker fell and hit his head on the steps, which resulted in his accidentally being killed?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe straightened himself in the chair.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI went over to the Walker\u2019s just to talk to the boy. I wanted to know why he was provoking a fight with me and why he beat Adam like he did, that\u2019s all.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThen you did not go there with the intentions of killing anyone, did you?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAbsolutely not!\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAnd you never denied the fact that it was because you were defending your own self, that the blow you delivered to Billy Walker\u2019s chin was the result of the young man staggering backwards and falling, isn\u2019t that correct?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYes sir.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThe fact that when Billy Walker fell and hit his head on the steps, resulting in his death, is purely accidental, isn\u2019t that correct\u2026because how would you have any idea that his head would hit the steps and nothing else?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI didn\u2019t know, I hit him with my right hand\u2026I was just as surprised as he was that I hit him at all.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAn unfortunate accident, that\u2019s all.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYes sir,\u201d agreed Joe.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThank you Joseph, that will be all. You may step down now.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe let out a long sigh as he crossed the room and returned to his seat. As soon as he sat down, he felt his father\u2019s hand pressing into his shoulder and turned to glance into the dark eyes, giving a wary smile to his father.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The jury had been out for over two hours and Joe, anxious for the verdict, paced back and forth across the room. His father and two brothers sat silently watching as Joe continued to move from one side to the other.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cSon, please\u2026won\u2019t you sit down?\u201d Ben asked, rising from where he had been sitting on the corner of the desk.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe paused to face his father, his face a study of worry and dread.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cSorry Pa,\u201d he answered. \u201cI just can\u2019t help it\u2026how long\u2019s it been now?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cFive minutes more than the last time you asked,\u201d responded Adam, also rising.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

He clamped his hand down on his brother\u2019s shoulder and smiled. \u201cYou\u2019re wearing me out Joe, what with all that pacing. Why don\u2019t you try to relax?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI can\u2019t\u2026I just want this thing over wi\u2026.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cJury\u2019s in!\u201d shouted a man at the back of the room.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The Cartwrights looked up and saw that everyone was returning to find their seats. Ben glanced at Joe and gave him an encouraging smile, hiding the unexpected fear that had suddenly risen from the pit of his stomach.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHave a seat, Joe,\u201d Bryon Miller stated.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Minutes later the judge had taken his place behind the big desk and all were silent as the jurors marched slowly in. As in the beginning of the trial, not one man looked Joe\u2019s way.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWill the accused stand,\u201d ordered the Judge.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe and his lawyer rose to their feet. Joe stood, his body rigid, his hands folded together in front of him and watched the twelve men who would determine the fate of his life, be seated.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe let out a long sigh, fighting the nausea that swelled and rumbled in his belly.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHas the jury reached a verdict?\u201d the Judge asked.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The foreman of the jury rose, quickly glanced at Joe and then nodded his head.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWe have your honor.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhat is your decision?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWe, the jury, duly appointed by the laws of the Nevada Territory, find the accused, Joseph Cartwright, not guilty on the charges of murder.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The crowd burst into a loud roar, for which the judge banged the gavel down on his desk several times before silence was once again in place.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cIs that decision unanimous?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cIt is your honor.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThen the jury is dismissed.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The judge turned to Joe, who smiled broadly.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cMr. Cartwright, congratulations\u2026the charges of murder has been dismissed against you. You are free to go.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe turned to Bryon Miller and grabbed his hand. Ben, Adam and Hoss gathered around Joe and as Joe shook Miller\u2019s hand vigorously, his family slapped his back, whispering words of congratulations to both Joe and his lawyer.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Across the room, a very angry Jessie Walker stomped from the courthouse. He paused on the boardwalk, looking up and down the street. Behind him, the four Cartwrights filed from the building.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m sure glad that\u2019s over with,\u201d Ben said.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNot half as much as I am,\u201d grinned Joe.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Jessie turned around, glaring at all four men. He stepped up to Joe and snarled.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI wanted you dead, Cartwright. I don\u2019t care what verdict those idiots brought in, I wanted you dead\u2026and dead you will be!\u201d shrieked Jessie.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben and Hoss had stepped to Joe\u2019s side where they stood in a protective fashion around the younger man. Their presence did nothing to defer the anger and hate that had branded the Walker man\u2019s features. He drove his finger deeply into Joe\u2019s chest.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWatch your back boy\u2026cause there ain\u2019t a place on this earth that you can hide from me\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cJessie, I think you\u2019d better go,\u201d Ben said, moving again to place his body between the irate man and his son.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll go Ben Cartwright\u2026but mark my word\u2026one day soon, you\u2019ll know the pain of seeing one of your sons die. The kid\u2019s a murderer and the only good kind of murderer is a dead one.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

With that, Jessie turned and stormed off down the street.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben turned around to find Joe\u2019s face void of color and a look on his young face that told of his inner most fear. Quickly, Ben placed his hand firmly on Joe\u2019s upper arm and squeezed.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cLet\u2019s go home, Joe,\u201d he said as calmly as he could.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben, through the years of wisdom he had accumulated, knew that he had best have his family on guard at all times and that Joe would have to remain close to home until this entire matter settled down. He glanced again at Joe who mounted his horse. The boy had said nothing. The expression on his handsome face was the same expression one would expect, had the verdict come in as guilty. Joe\u2019s victory had been short lived, now overshadowed by the threat of a man driven nearly insane by his grief. Ben vowed to keep his son safe, at all cost, even if it meant having to kill Jessie Walker\u2026yes thought Ben\u2026it is MY intent!<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

For several days Joe remained close to the house. He did his work and tended his chores, but he had withdrawn into himself and often times he was quiet and moody. Other times his temper over rode his usual carefree nature and he would snap and growl at all of them, including Hop Sing. He reminded Ben of a young pup who had been mistreated and was cornered and frightened. Not that Joe was frightened, he was just tired of being confined to home and yearned for his freedom once again.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

In town, Ben learned that Jessie Walker had appeared to give up ranching and had instead taken to drinking, most nearly every night. Roy had warned Ben that Jessie had been heard making brags on how he planned on killing the youngest Cartwright but had never given a soul a clue as to when he planned on making his move. Jessie had been warned by the sheriff that he best go home and let the matter alone, for Joe had been tried in a fair trial and found innocent of the murder charges against. But Jessie only laughed in Roy\u2019s face and gone back to drinking. Once he had become so intoxicated and had begun shooting up the saloon, that Roy had been forced to arrest the man and keep him locked up. It had taken two days for the grieving father to sober up.\u00a0\u00a0 When the sheriff had finally released him, he had headed straight back to the Silver Dollar and for the remainder of the evening Jessie had nursed a bottle of rock gut whiskey, though he made no mention of what his intentions toward Joe Cartwright might be, and he stayed reasonably sober, thus avoiding going back to jail.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cPa\u2026please\u2026just let me do it\u2026please,\u201d Joe begged. \u201cI won\u2019t go any further, I promise, but I just need to get away for a while,\u201d Joe argued.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben took a deep breath and glanced at Adam who had remained silent during the argument and continued to eat his breakfast.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhat do you think, Adam?\u201d Ben asked.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhat difference does it make what Adam thinks? He isn\u2019t my father; he isn\u2019t the one who makes the decisions\u2026you are! Please\u2026I promise Pa, I\u2019ll mend the fences and come straight back to the house. I NEED to get out of here\u2026for just a while\u2026and with Adam still recovering from that beating and with Hoss gone again, I\u2019m the logical one to do it.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben sighed deeply. He understood his son\u2019s need to get away, to have room to breath, and to have time to himself. Joe had not been himself since the trial and Ben suspected that one of the reasons had to do with the harsh, cruel words that Jessie Walker had shouted at him right after court that day. Joe had begun to feel guilty again for having a part in the death of the young boy. He blamed himself, and nothing that Ben had said to his son, no amount of reasoning had convinced Joe otherwise.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAlright son\u2026on one condition\u2026you promise me you will mend the fence and come right back here!\u201d Ben finally gave in to the request.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI said that\u2019s what I\u2019d do, Pa. I won\u2019t be long\u2026no more than a couple of hours, I promise,\u201d smiled Joe as he rushed to strap on his gun and holster.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

He grabbed his hat from the peg behind the front door and as he turned to go out the door, he paused, looking back at his father. His smile was genuine and Ben noted that for the first time in weeks, there was a sparkle in the hazel colored eyes.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThanks Pa,\u201d Joe muttered.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

It only took Joe a matter of minutes to hitch the team to the wagon and toss on the needed supplies that it would take to mend the broken fence. Joe climbed into the seat and slapped the reins down across the wide rumps of the horses.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cGetty up!\u201d he called as the team of chestnut bays labored forward.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe glanced up at the sky, suddenly realizing what a beautiful morning it was. He smiled as he urged the horses on faster.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Upon the ridge over looking the main house, another man smiled. He had been watching the house for weeks, ever since the trial. Not once in all that time had he seen Joe Cartwright ride out alone, until this morning. Jessie Walker had almost given up, telling himself that he\u2019d have to think of some way to lure his victim from his home. He had awakened early with a gut feeling that today would be the day, and his hunch had paid off.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Jessie gently nudged his mount into a steady gait and followed a good distance behind the wagon driven by Joe. It was obvious that the boy was on his way to mend the fence in the south pasture. Jessie snickered, it was just by chance that he had come that way just yesterday and had purposely torn down the railings in hopes that Ben Cartwright would be the one to make the repairs, leaving Joe home alone.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Jessie pulled his mount to a stop and watched as Joe stopped the team beneath the shade of a massive oak tree. Joe began pulling the boards from the back of the wagon while Jessie watched, hidden by the thick growth of brush that grew several yards away.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The determined man slid from his horse and crept along through the bushes until he was but a short distance from where Joe was working. He waited, hoping that he could catch Joe just right. Jessie pondered the idea of just shooting Joe outright and leaving his body to bake in the hot sun, but he wanted more than that. He wanted to see Joe\u2019s face; he wanted to see the fear in the young man\u2019s eyes when he realized he was about to die.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Jessie snickered softly. He\u2019d wing the boy first; perhaps shoot him in the shoulder or better, in the leg so that he couldn\u2019t make a break for cover. When Joe pulled his gun from his holster, Jessie determined that he\u2019d shoot the gun from Joe\u2019s hand, maybe even shoot his hand. Jessie laughed, he couldn\u2019t wait to see Joe\u2019s face when he looked up and saw who was shooting at him.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Jessie crouched low, being sure to stay out of sight. Joe had taken off his shirt and moved to toss it into the back of the wagon. His next move surprised Jessie, though it pleased him, thinking how much easier Joe had just made his job. Jessie wondered if Joe realized how vulnerable he had just made himself by removing his sidearm and laying it in the back of the wagon as well.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Wiping the sweat from his brow, Joe turned and picked up his canteen. He pulled the cork from the hole and turned the receptacle up to take a long swig. The blast from Jessie\u2019s rifle took Joe by surprise, but the pain that seared through his upper leg, causing him to cry out in pain and drop to the ground, was a much greater shock to him.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe grabbed his leg; his body coiled into a tight ball. Before he could recover enough to collect his senses and try to move to cover, he heard a second blast and felt the bullet pierce his left arm. His howl was louder this time as he tried to scoot his wounded body beneath the wagon.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

He knew he was in deep trouble, for his gun, his only means by which to protect himself, lay in the back of the wagon bed, above him. His movements were slow and labored as the shock his body encountered fought against the burning pain in both his leg and arm.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe raised his head to look around him to see if he could tell from which direction Jessie Walker was firing at him. He knew it was Jessie\u2026it could be no other, of that Joe was sure.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Any doubt he might have had was removed when Joe raised his head a second time. In front of his face was a pair of old dusty boots similar to the ones he knew Jessie wore.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cCome on out, Cartwright\u2026today\u2019s the day ya are gonna die!\u201d laughed Jessie in a tone so cold that it made Joe shiver.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe tried to inch his body from beneath the wagon, but he had grown weak from his injuries and his movements were sluggish and dissatisfying to his tormentor.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Jessie bent down and grabbed Joe\u2019s bleeding leg and hauled Joe, groaning from beneath the wagon. Once he had Joe out in the wide open, he allowed Joe\u2019s wounded leg to fall to the ground. Joe groaned again as he stared into the hate filled eyes of Jessie Walker. His ears burned by the hideous sounding laughter that spewed forth from the depths of Jessie\u2019s throat.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cSo ya old man finally let ya leave home, did he?\u201d snarled Walker. \u201cI\u2019ve waited a long time for this\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cMy father and brother know I\u2019m here. If you kill me, they\u2019ll come gunning for you!\u201d Joe said, attempting to distract the man.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cDo ya think I care? I\u2019ll just kill them as well; I\u2019ve nothing to loose boy. What with Billy gone, I ain\u2019t got a thing to live for.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019ll hang\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNot before I finish with you, I won\u2019t!\u201d laughed the foolhardy man.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019re insane!\u201d shouted Joe when Jessie raised his rifle and pointed it at him.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

His world spun as the end of the rifle suddenly was swung forward, smashing into his face. Joe was knocked backward by the force of the blow and as he withered in pain, his nose spurting blood, everything went black.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cBEN! BEN!\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben rushed from the house to see who had ridden into the yard and was shouting his name. He had been trying to work on the ledgers but his thoughts had continued to wander to Joe and it was getting impossible to stay focused on the long rows of figures.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Roy was just dismounting by the time that Ben had flung opened the thick oak door and stepped outside onto the boarded porch. He was surprised to see the sheriff, his close friend, rushing over to him.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cBen,\u201d cried Roy, \u201cwhere\u2019s Joe? Tell me he\u2019s here\u2026with you!\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cRoy\u2026calm down. What\u2019s this all about?\u201d Ben said, leading the sheriff over to the side porch.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam had joined his father to see what the commotion was all about.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cDid I hear you say something about Little Joe?\u201d Adam asked, glancing at his father.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYes\u2026he\u2019s here isn\u2019t he, like he\u2019s suppose to be?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

He saw the exchange between the father and son and could not suppress a soft groan.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben turned to Roy, startled by how pale the sheriff had become. He put his hand on Roy\u2019s shoulder, gripping tightly.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhat\u2019s happened Roy?\u201d he demanded.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI hate to tell ya this Ben, but it\u2019s Walker\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhat\u2019s he done?\u201d Adam question with as much authority sounding in his voice as had sounded in his father\u2019s.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHe\u2019s gone after Joe! That\u2019s what he\u2019s gone and done!\u201d proclaimed Roy.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWHAT!\u201d shouted Ben, turning worried eyes toward Adam. \u201cHave a man saddle our horses, Adam, hurry.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cRoy\u2026Joe went down to the south pasture to repair fences\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAlone?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s right, he needed to get away\u2026he\u2019s been worse than a caged animal\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cGood gosh, Ben. We\u2019d better hurry. Willie Thomas\u2026ya remember him, he worked sometimes for Walker, he came into my office this morning and told me that he went by to see Jessie last night and Walker, being drunk agains, let it slip that today would be the day that Joe Cartwright died. He also told Willie that he\u2019d been watching this house every day since the trial, just awaitin\u2019 to catch Joe alone\u2026or leavin\u2019,\u201d explained Roy.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cDear God! Let\u2019s ride!\u201d Ben shouted as Adam led the horses over to the porch.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben, seeing Sport had been saddled as well, turned to Adam.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cJust where do you think you\u2019re going?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhat do you think? With you of course,\u201d Adam said as he swung into the saddle.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben shook his head but didn\u2019t say anything. He kicked at Buck\u2019s sides and together, he and Adam along with the sheriff, galloped out of the yard.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The trio had moved into the clearing before they finally stopped. Across the opened meadow, they could see the wagon and the team tied in the shade, but there was no sign of Joe. Ben\u2019s heart leapt into his throat and he glanced at Adam, seeing the same look of dismay on his son\u2019s face as he knew was on his own.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cCome on,\u201d he ordered as he led the way across the green grass.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The closer they came, the better able they were to see the scene before them. Ben\u2019s heart was pounding in his chest and his breathing was becoming labored. He urged Buck on faster.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Jessie was so absorbed in his prisoner, who had finally awakened from his unconscious state, that he failed to see the three riders approaching him from behind.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

From his mount, Ben could see his precious son lying on the ground. Even from that distance, he could see the blood soaked clothing that had stained one leg of Joe\u2019s trousers and the blood that dripped down the side of his son\u2019s left arm.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Jessie towered over Joe, who tried to inch away from the barrel of the rifle. Ben\u2019s ears picked up the sound of Walker\u2019s laughter and when Ben looked straight into Joe\u2019s eyes, he could see the fear etched into every fine line of his young face.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Panic wrapped its cold fingers about Ben\u2019s heart as he raced forward, attempting to save the life of his most audacious son.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The three horses skidded to a stop at almost the exact time. Roy, his gun already pulled from his holster and pointed directly at Jessie Walker\u2019s back, shouted out a warning.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cDrop the gun Walker!\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Jessie spun around, startled to find Ben Cartwright and sheriff standing at his back. Ben had eyes only for Joe who moaned softly and lifted his right hand, stretching his arm outward, toward his father.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cPa!\u201d he said weakly.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

His soft cry caught the attention of his tormentor causing Jessie to look back over his shoulder. His burst of laughter stunned the others as he pointed his rifle at Joe and pulled back on the trigger.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t come any closer\u2026any of you\u2026or I\u2019ll pull this trigger and you, Ben Cartwright, can watch your boy die, just like I did mine!\u201d warned Jessie.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cJessie\u2026Jessie\u2026listen to me,\u201d Ben said in a low voice. \u201cYou don\u2019t want to kill Little Joe, not really!\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cDON\u2019T I? WELL YA WRONG, BEN\u2026I WANT HIM DEAD\u2026JUST LIKE MY BILLY!\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Jessie\u2019s breathing was becoming irregular. Ben noticed that the man\u2019s hands had begun to shake and he feared that Jessie might put too much pressure on the trigger, and if the gun went off, there would be no saving Joe after the bullet did it\u2019s damage. The distance was too close.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cJessie, put the down the rifle\u2026let me help you,\u201d Ben said, moving closer.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cSTAY PUT!\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben froze. Roy, his gun still pointed directly at Jessie moved slightly off to the side. Jessie had paid no attention to Adam who had somehow managed to circle around so that he was practically behind Joe and the wagon. Adam drew his pistol and pointed it at Jessie.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cJessie\u2026my son didn\u2019t mean to kill your boy, it was an accident. You can\u2019t punish Joe for that\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cOh can\u2019t I\u2026well just watch\u2026watch your son die!\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Jessie spun back around to face Joe who had tried to move back under the wagon. Walker raised his rifle slightly.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWALKER, NO!\u201d shouted Roy who now stood within feet of the crazed man.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Jessie swung his rifle around and when it was pointed directly at Roy, a loud blasting sound ripped through the mid-afternoon quiet of the lush green meadow.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Jessie staggered backward against the broad side of the wagon and then tumbled forward onto the ground. Ben ran to Joe and gathered his son into his arms. Roy, slipping his gun back into his holster, went to Jessie.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Carefully, the sheriff turned Jessie over onto his back. Jessie moaned softly as Roy inspected the wound to the man\u2019s chest. He glanced at Ben and Joe who were now staring in horror at the gaping hole in Jessie\u2019s chest.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m\u2026sorry\u2026\u201dmuttered Jessie as Adam, who had joined Roy, lifted the dying man\u2019s head.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2026was\u2026my\u2026fault\u2026I\u2026was\u2026always comparing\u2026Billy\u2026to\u2026Joe. I\u2026drove Billy\u2026to\u2026hate\u2026your\u2026brother\u2026\u201d Jessie managed to say to Adam.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cJoe\u2026I\u2026don\u2019t\u2026blame\u2026you\u2026knew\u2026all along\u2026t\u2019was\u2026accident\u2026sor\u2026ry,\u201d Jessie\u2019s last words were garbled by the blood that filled his mouth, but the group of men who watched him die, knew what he had tried to say.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe leaned heavily against his father\u2019s chest, but he managed to turn tear filled eyes to look into his father\u2019s face.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cDid you hear that, son?\u201d Ben asked. \u201cAfter all of that\u2026Jessie doesn\u2019t hold you to blame.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI heard,\u201d muttered Joe. \u201cI\u2019m glad\u2026oh\u2026my leg, Pa\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cEasy Joe, let me take care of this and your arm, then we\u2019ll take you into town to the doc\u2019s,\u201d Ben said as he ripped Joe\u2019s trousers and inspected the wound.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

He gave Joe a nod, \u201cLooks like the bullet went all the way through,\u201d he explained as he began to dab at the blood. \u201cIt\u2019s almost stopped bleeding. Now, let\u2019s take a look at this arm.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Two days later, Joe was sitting up in bed talking to his father who had come in to keep him company. Both were pleasantly surprised when a loud knock interrupted their conversation. They glanced at the door, their faces breaking into wide smiles as Hoss entered the room.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHey Hoss\u2026ya made it back\u2026how was Sacramento?\u201d Joe asked, pleased to see his brother again.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHowdy Shortshanks,\u201d grinned Hoss as he crossed the room and sat down on the side of the bed.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam had filled him in about all that had taken place since he\u2019d been gone and needless to say, the gentle giant was more than pleased to see his kid brother sitting up in bed, able to laugh and talk.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cDull, obviously not as excitin\u2019 as what\u2019s been happenin\u2019 here,\u201d Hoss said in a cheerful tone.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cExciting? I wouldn\u2019t call a bullet wound to the leg and one in the arm, exciting!\u201d growled Joe, happy that Hoss had made it home.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNonetheless, kid\u2026it\u2019s good to see ya.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s good to see you too, you big ox!\u201d giggled Joe.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben sat back down in his chair and laughed at the way the two brothers toyed with one another. He knew that for the next several days, Hoss would spend his time dotting on his younger brother, and he knew that Joe would play it for all it was worth, until Hoss would tire of the game and by that time, Joe would be ready to get out of bed. Maybe by then, things would get back to normal, Ben concluded.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cSay Pa, why\u2019d you think Mr. Walker was always comparing Billy to me?\u201d Joe asked.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cProbably because he wanted his son to be just like you\u2026not that that is a good thing\u2026sometimes,\u201d teased Ben, \u201cit can be very trying.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHa, ha, ha,\u201d smirked Joe. \u201cHave you ever wished I was more like someone else, or be somebody different than who I am?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben grew serious as the thought about his answer. He shook his head no.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNo Joseph, I\u2019ve always wanted my sons to be\u2026themselves. I don\u2019t compare any of you to anyone else\u2019s sons. I like all of you, just the way you are,\u201d smiled Ben.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNot necessarily,\u201d said a deep voice from the doorway.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam slipped into the room, his fingertips were stuck into his pockets and he smiled mischievously as he strolled casually into the room.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhat do you mean by, \u2018not necessarily\u2019?\u201d Joe asked, puzzled by Adam\u2019s statement.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThere was a time that our father wished you something different than what you are,\u201d Adam announced with a gleam in his eye.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAdam! That\u2019s not so,\u201d stammered Ben, taken back by the remark.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cSure it is, Pa\u2026I was only eleven at the time, but I never have forgotten something you whispered to Marie one day, right after she found out that she was carrying Joe.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe\u2019s eyes took on a bright shine and Hoss moved around so that he could better hear.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAnd just what was that, young man?\u201d Ben demanded to know as he tried to hide the smile that threatened to give him away.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

His mind raced, but for the life of him, he could not remember ever having whispered anything to Joe\u2019s expectant mother, in the presence of his oldest son. He glanced at Adam; he seemed so smug; Ben knew that his oldest son must have overheard something for sure meant in private.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWell, you going to stand there all day or are you going to tell us?\u201d Joe squeaked with excitement.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

It was rare that either of them could pull something on their father and from the look on Adam\u2019s face, Joe was sure Pa had no clue.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI remember it just like it was yesterday,\u201d taunted Adam.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cRemember what?\u201d hummed Hoss.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cRefresh my memory\u2026but I warn you\u2026do it carefully!\u201d instructed Ben.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWell,\u201d said Adam, dragging out the suspense. \u201cOne day\u2026right after Marie learned she was going to have a baby, I heard Pa whisper\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam leaned down nearer to Joe so that only he could hear. He cupped his hands around Joe\u2019s ear, muffling his words. Hoss tried to worm his way between his brothers, but Adam\u2019s body blocked his entrance. Even Ben had gotten to his feet and stood over Adam\u2019s back, trying to hear what was being said.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWHAT!\u201d Joe shouted at the top of his lungs.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam tossed back his head, laughing loudly as he backed away from the bed. Hoss stood with his eyes wide, wondering what in the world he\u2019d missed and why Joe had an angry look on his face. The louder Adam laughed, the more he wondered. He moved inward, glanced at his father and saw that Ben\u2019s expression was void.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cJust what did you tell the boy?\u201d Ben asked of Adam<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cPa\u2026I can\u2019t believe you\u2026A GIRL!\u201d grumbled Ben\u2019s youngest son.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYou hurt my feelings,\u201d he added, puckering up his face and folding his good arm over his wounded arm that lay across his chest.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWell, I\u2019m sorry\u2026but I have no clue as to why your feelings are hurt\u2026for heaven\u2019s sake, Joseph, stop pouting and tell me what Adam said!\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben glanced around for his oldest son, but Adam had managed to slip from the room unnoticed. He\u2019d have to remember to have a private word with his eldest son. He\u2019d give him a long talking to on the subject of eavesdropping\u2026and at thirty-two, Ben would have thought Adam would know better, but then\u2026hadn\u2019t Adam said he was only eleven at the time?<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAdam said you told my mother not to worry, you INTENDED for me to be a\u2026girl! A GIRL! PA\u2026how could you! Do I look like a girl to you\u2026don\u2019t even answer that! Rest assured\u2026I\u2019m no girl\u2026I\u2019m not even a sissy. And I can prove it!\u201d Joe shouted as he reached for the covers and began to kick them free of his half clothed body.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cJOSEPH NO!\u201d shouted Ben, grabbing the blankets and holding them down so that Joe could not kicked them to the floor.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNo\u2026don\u2019t you dare!\u201d whispered Ben lowly, meeting Joe\u2019s eyes with an intense stare.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ve seen\u2026and I know\u2026there\u2019s no doubt, regardless of my intent\u2026you are<\/em> a boy\u2026ere, man<\/em>!\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

THE END<\/p>\n

April 2004<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

<\/div>\n

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

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

Summary:\u00a0 Was his intent purely to talk to Billy Walker, or was he actually intending to seek revenge?\u00a0 When the younger man is killed, and Joe is charged with murder, Joe begins to question his real intent.<\/p>\n

Rated:\u00a0 R for fight scenes and death (19,860 words)<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":9052,"featured_media":7527,"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":[23,690],"tags":[14,15,17,16],"class_list":["post-12098","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-drama","category-ma-rated","tag-adam-cartwright","tag-ben","tag-hoss","tag-joe","wpcat-23-id","wpcat-690-id"],"a3_pvc":{"activated":true,"total_views":2054,"today_views":1},"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/05\/QIXI-chapter13.jpg?fit=400%2C320&ssl=1","jetpack_likes_enabled":true,"jetpack-related-posts":[{"id":12132,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=12132","url_meta":{"origin":12098,"position":0},"title":"Chinese Molasses (by DebbieB)","author":"DebbieB","date":"January 1, 2002","format":false,"excerpt":"DebbieB passed away Christmas 2021. Any reader wishing to read this series should e:mail the Brandsters:\u00a0 Brandsters2020@gmail.com","rel":"","context":"In "Drama"","block_context":{"text":"Drama","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?cat=23"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/08\/Joe-copy-7.jpg?fit=594%2C592&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/08\/Joe-copy-7.jpg?fit=594%2C592&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/08\/Joe-copy-7.jpg?fit=594%2C592&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x"},"classes":[]},{"id":13630,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=13630","url_meta":{"origin":12098,"position":1},"title":"A Cry for Freedom (by JennieA)","author":"JennieA","date":"January 7, 2003","format":false,"excerpt":"Summary:\u00a0 It started with Ben giving Little Joe more responsibility for the Ponderosa.\u00a0 Little did the family realize the course Ben was setting in motion. Rating:\u00a0 R\u00a0 (65,725 words) Due to subject matter contained in this series, the stories are only available via e:mail from the author -- ryjennie@comcast.net","rel":"","context":"In "Action\/Adventure"","block_context":{"text":"Action\/Adventure","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?cat=2"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/09\/4Cs.jpg?fit=400%2C401&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200},"classes":[]},{"id":12147,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=12147","url_meta":{"origin":12098,"position":2},"title":"He Said Not To Tell (by DebbieB)","author":"DebbieB","date":"May 1, 2003","format":false,"excerpt":"The author requests those who wish to read this series contact her via eMail: DLB1234@aol.com","rel":"","context":"In "Drama"","block_context":{"text":"Drama","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?cat=23"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/11\/1-joe.jpg?fit=238%2C226&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200},"classes":[]},{"id":6768,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=6768","url_meta":{"origin":12098,"position":3},"title":"A Deadly Day (by rosecartwright)","author":"rosecartwright","date":"November 4, 2013","format":false,"excerpt":"Summary: \u00a0Joe is home sick, but things go downhill for this young Cartwright. \u00a0 Rated:\u00a0K+ (635 words)","rel":"","context":"In "Drama"","block_context":{"text":"Drama","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?cat=23"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/11\/2-joe.jpg?fit=237%2C221&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200},"classes":[]},{"id":12133,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=12133","url_meta":{"origin":12098,"position":4},"title":"Frightened Beyond Reason (by DebbieB)","author":"DebbieB","date":"June 1, 2002","format":false,"excerpt":"DebbieB passed away Christmas 2021. Any reader wishing to read this series should e:mail the Brandsters:\u00a0 Brandsters2020@gmail.com","rel":"","context":"In "Drama"","block_context":{"text":"Drama","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?cat=23"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/11\/2-joe.jpg?fit=237%2C221&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200},"classes":[]},{"id":12120,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=12120","url_meta":{"origin":12098,"position":5},"title":"Blundered Seduction (by DebbieB)","author":"DebbieB","date":"December 1, 2003","format":false,"excerpt":"Summary:\u00a0 Caught with his pants down and in a compromising situation by the one person he'd least likely want to find him as such, Joe learns three valuable lessons; no one ever died of embarrassment, chose your friends carefully, and being 16 and still a virgin is nothing to be\u2026","rel":"","context":"In "Drama"","block_context":{"text":"Drama","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?cat=23"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"","width":0,"height":0},"classes":[]}],"jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/12098","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\/9052"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=12098"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/12098\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/7527"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=12098"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=12098"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=12098"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}