{"id":12119,"date":"2002-08-01T11:40:58","date_gmt":"2002-08-01T15:40:58","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=12119"},"modified":"2025-09-25T15:32:32","modified_gmt":"2025-09-25T19:32:32","slug":"big-brother-hoss-by-debbieb","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=12119","title":{"rendered":"Big Brother Hoss (by DebbieB)"},"content":{"rendered":"

Summary:<\/strong>\u00a0Joe worships his older brother Hoss, more so after being beaten by a gang of bullies who hold a grudge against the older brother.\u00a0 Hoss then deems it his duty to become his younger brother’s protector.<\/p>\n

Rated:<\/strong> PG13 \u00a0Contains some graphic fight scenes. (22,375 words)<\/p>\n

Big Brother Hoss<\/strong><\/p>\n

Seven-year-old Joe located Hoss behind the schoolhouse.\u00a0 It appeared to the younger boy as if his older brother had been crying and when Little Joe saw Hoss swipe away the remains of his tears, Joe\u2019s own hazel eyes began to cloud up in sympathy for his older brother, for it was seldom that Little Joe had seen his bigger brother reduced to tears and it frightened him to see Hoss crying for no apparent reason that Joe could detect.<\/p>\n

\u201cHoss, why ya cryin?\u201d Little Joe quietly asked his brother, looking around to be sure that there was no one near by that might hear him, for he knew that Hoss would be upset with him if he let it out that the bigger boy had been caught in tears.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2026I ain\u2019t acryin\u2019 Little Joe, I got somethin\u2019 in my eye, now go away and leave me alone,\u201d Hoss turned his head away from the tiny little boy so that his younger brother could not see his tears and how much his face had discolored by his embarrassment.<\/p>\n

\u201cYa is too cryin\u2019 and I bet I know why now. I didn\u2019t know at first but its cause what them other boys called ya,\u201d Little Joe, sure of himself, moved around the tree where Hoss had been standing and looked into his brother\u2019s sky blue eyes.\u00a0 \u201cYa want me to punch\u2019em for ya, Hoss?\u00a0 I ain\u2019t scared of\u2019em.\u201d<\/p>\n

Hoss could not help the smile that spread across his round face, just the thoughts of his miniature little brother trying to take on the gang of twelve and thirteen year olds who had been teasing him and making fun of his size, was enough to make Hoss laugh.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat\u2019s so funny?\u00a0 Golly Hoss, what\u2019s wrong with ya?\u00a0 One minute ya acryin\u2019 and the next minute ya alaughin\u2019?\u201d complained Joe, not grasping the idea as to why Hoss would be acting so strangely, he had seemed just fine this morning when they had left the ranch but as the day wore on, Joe noticed a change in his brother\u2019s usually happy-go-lucky mood.<\/p>\n

Hoss wiped his face with both hands, drying the remainder of the dampness from his eyes and ruffled Joe\u2019s mass of curly hair.\u00a0 \u201cAw shucks, Punkin, ain\u2019t nothin\u2019 wrong, I was just havin\u2019 a bad day.\u00a0 And ya needn\u2019t worry ya self none about punchin\u2019 anyone.\u00a0 Ya know as well as I do, if\u2019n Pa finds out ya been afightin\u2019 he\u2019d tan ya hide for sure.\u00a0 Come on, let\u2019s get back to class.\u201d<\/p>\n

Hoss took his little brother\u2019s hand and led him back into the classroom where class had just started for the afternoon.\u00a0\u00a0 Slowly as the brothers came into the class, Miss Abigail Jones turned to watch as the pair entered and made their way to their designated seats, across the room from each other.\u00a0 She had not been aware of the riff that had taken place outside her classroom but she did notice that both Cartwright brothers seemed more subdued than usual though she did not take the time to question either boy.\u00a0 Slightly irritated at them for holding up the class, she only pointed at their seats indicating that they take their places.\u00a0 Miss Jones was not the only person to watch, the same small group of boys who had carried out the teasing and name-calling were also watching.<\/p>\n

Joe saw the boys scrutinize both himself and Hoss and for just a brief moment felt a sense of dread as the dark menacing eyes followed him to his seat.\u00a0 Just as Joe turned to take his place, his eyes made contact with the larger of the boys, the one who had been the leader and in that instant Joe, for lack of anything better to do, puckered up his mouth and stuck out his tongue at the class bully.\u00a0 The boy gave Joe a dark scowl causing Joe to tremble slightly.\u00a0 The boy, suddenly engulfed with rage, mouthed a come back at Joe but Joe could not understand the words, he would how ever understand them later.<\/p>\n

Miss Jones excused the class for the day and the room full of children ran from the building.\u00a0 Hoss and Little Joe lingered behind, Joe searching his desk for his writing tablet so that he could practice his letters at home under the watchful eye of his father or Adam, his oldest brother.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m goin\u2019 on to the stable Little Joe, ya hurry up now, ya hear?\u00a0 Pa said if\u2019n we were late again today he\u2019d take no excuse and tan both our hides,\u201d called out Hoss over his shoulder as he headed out the door to saddle his horse while his brother continued his search of the missing tablet.<\/p>\n

Joe at last found what he was rummaging around for and hurried to catch up with his brother.\u00a0 As he rounded the corner of the school building he was stopped by three of the older boys.\u00a0 Joe gulped deeply, the class bully, Walter Hamilton blocked his path, Simon Miller and Josh Williamson, stood slightly behind Walter.\u00a0 All three had looks on their faces that caused Joe\u2019s heart to race with fear and he trembled slightly though he tried not to let it show.<\/p>\n

\u201cHey peep squeak, ya ain\u2019t so brave now are ya?\u00a0 Why don\u2019t ya try stickin\u2019 ya tongue out at me now?\u201d taunted Walt, as he advanced on the much smaller boy.<\/p>\n

Joe took a step backward, for caution\u2019s sake, not because he was scared but because he had to will his body to stop trembling in spite of the brave front he tried to put on.<\/p>\n

\u201cI ain\u2019t scared of ya\u2026\u201d started Joe but was stopped suddenly when Walt, as his friends called him, reached out his arm and shoved Little Joe roughly on the shoulder knocking him to the ground.<\/p>\n

Joe jumped up quickly, his little fingers folded to make his hands into tight fists, and the anger that showed on his face making the three older boys start laughing.\u00a0 Walt took another step in Joe\u2019s direction as Simon and Josh circled the boy, and Walt shoved Joe a second time, this time Joe was ready but instead of falling he was spun around and found himself facing Simon who took his turn at shoving.\u00a0 Joe lost his balance and fell face down into the dirt.\u00a0 Before Joe could get to his feet, Josh kicked out at the struggling boy and when the tip of his pointed boot connected with Joe\u2019s mid section, Joe cried out in pain.<\/p>\n

Walt grabbed Joe by the shirt collar, ripping his shirt and yanked the crying boy to his feet.\u00a0 \u201cIf\u2019n I find ya tongue outta your mouth again squirt, I\u2019ll cut it off with this.\u201d\u00a0 Walt held up his knife that he had hidden in the top of his boot and pressed it under Joe\u2019s chin.<\/p>\n

\u201cYa got that?\u201d smirked Walt.\u00a0 Joe trembling, tears rolling from his eyes, dared to shake his head up and down in response to the bully\u2019s question.<\/p>\n

\u201cGood.\u201d\u00a0 Walt shoved Joe one last time making him to stumble backwards; Simon finished the job for his friend and also shoved Joe, making him to fall for a third time onto the dusty ground.<\/p>\n

Joe waited until all three of the boys had moved away before pulling himself to his feet and dusting off his clothing.\u00a0 Wiping the tears from his eyes, Joe picked up his writing tablet and hobbled on to the stable.\u00a0 Hoss was just coming out of the small building when Joe entered.\u00a0 Hoss took one look at his little brother, noted the dust on his clothes, the ripped shirt and the tear tracks that had left streaks down his dirty face when he had started to cry.<\/p>\n

\u201cShort Shanks, what in tarnation happened to ya?\u201d exclaimed Hoss, stooping on one knee to get a better look at his brother\u2019s face as he dusted the dirt from Joe\u2019s brow and hairline.<\/p>\n

\u201cWho dun this to ya?\u201d\u00a0 Hoss cast a wary glance over his shoulder searching for the culprits who had attacked his baby brother.<\/p>\n

\u201cI just fell down, that\u2019s all Hoss, honest.\u201d\u00a0 Little Joe tried to stop his shaking, for in truth, Walt had scared him by sticking the sharp bladed knife against his throat and he was terrified to tell Hoss the truth about what happened, believing in his young mind that Walt would truly do him bodily harm if he should tattle on the bully.<\/p>\n

Hoss studied Joe\u2019s face and the strange rip in the collar of the little boy\u2019s shirt but could not tell for sure whether or not the boy was fibbing to him.\u00a0 Deciding to hurry on home so as not to be late and risk angering their father, Hoss let the subject drop for now.\u00a0 Hoss scooped the smaller boy up into his arms and placed him on the horse behind the saddle.\u00a0 Instantly Hoss heard the soft moan that escaped his little brother\u2019s mouth.<\/p>\n

\u201cHey, what\u2019s wrong Joe?\u201d\u00a0 Hoss still had his hands around Joe\u2019s waist and when Joe doubled up from the pain where he had been kicked, Hoss quickly withdrew his hands, believing that he had some how hurt the smaller boy.<\/p>\n

\u201cJoe?\u201d worried Hoss.<\/p>\n

Joe, the tears stinging his eyes tried not to cry, but a lone tear made its escape before Joe was able to wipe it away.\u00a0 \u201cI guess I must\u2019va hurted my tummy when I fell.\u00a0 I\u2019m all right, lets just go home,\u201d Joe lied, forcing his body into an upright position.<\/p>\n

Hoss wasn\u2019t at all sure that he believed Joe, but again said nothing, choosing instead to remain silent.\u00a0 Quickly Hoss mounted the horse and headed for home, silently planning to have a private little talk with Adam when he got there.\u00a0 Hoss had decided to say nothing to their father about the little trouble that he had had earlier in the day with the four boys who had been teasing him, but he did want to talk to Adam about it, well, part of it he thought.\u00a0 He wasn\u2019t about to admit to either his father or his brother that the cruel remarks had hurt his feelings and had pushed him into tears, crying was for babies he decided, like his little brother, Joe.<\/p>\n

Joe held on to Hoss\u2019 waist as the horse plodded its way homeward.\u00a0 The pain in his stomach gave him reason to want to cry but Joe fought the urge hoping to avoid unnecessary questions by the brother who sat in front of him for Joe felt sure had Hoss known the real reason for his discomfort, Hoss would feel it his duty to inform their pa. And, if Pa had any inkling to the trouble he had risen by sticking his tongue out at one of the older and less kind boys, Pa would find it in his rights to punish his youngest son.\u00a0 The way, in which his stomach was hurting, a \u2018little discussion\u2019 with his father was the last thing that Joe wanted to have happening.<\/p>\n

Hoss pulled his mount to a halt and helped his brother to slide from the back of the horse, holding firmly to the boy\u2019s hand.\u00a0 Joe moaned and then cast anxious eyes upward to see whether or not Hoss had heard him.\u00a0 Luckily Hoss seemed preoccupied, lost in his own thoughts and had been unaware of his brother\u2019s body\u2019s response to the growing pain Joe felt in his mid section.<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, it\u2019s about time you two scalawags made it home.\u00a0 It\u2019s a good thing Pa isn\u2019t back yet, or he\u2019d have both your hides,\u201d scowled Adam.\u00a0 Adam failed to notice when his youngest brother dismounted and had placed his left arm across the front of his stomach and turned away to prevent Adam from seeing him.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt I were either one of you, I\u2019d be hightailing it for the barn and starting my chores.\u00a0 Pa went over to the Devlin\u2019s but should be back soon, best hurry,\u201d Adam wasn\u2019t really mad at his brothers, he knew they were young and still tended to twaddle along on their way home; but he did hate to see them in trouble with their father so much of the time, especially when it could be avoided.\u00a0 Adam enjoyed the peaceful evenings when the day had gone smoothly and could only cringe at the thoughts that his brothers might later be the cause to rock the boat and bring discord to his evening hours.<\/p>\n

Joe quickly took his brother\u2019s advice and made his way to the barn to begin his afternoon chores, Hoss gathered his horse\u2019s reins and began to follow but was stopped by Adam who had placed his hand over his brother\u2019s arm.<\/p>\n

\u201cHoss, what\u2019s wrong with Little Joe?\u201d Adam asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat\u2019cha mean?\u00a0 Don\u2019t reckon nuthin\u2019s wrong with\u2019em, just fell down at school\u2019s atall,\u201d Hoss explained to his brother.<\/p>\n

\u201cHe fell down?\u201d quizzed the older brother. \u201cI guess that explains all the dirt, maybe even the tear tracks, but what happened to his shirt?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cUm\u2026his shirt?\u201d stalled Hoss, looking down at the ground.<\/p>\n

\u201cAll right Hoss, what\u2019s going on?\u00a0 Has the little scamp been in another fight already?\u201d demanded Adam shaking his head in disbelief.<\/p>\n

Just the week before Little Joe had gotten into two fights with another young boy, Lucas Tatum, and had come home looking much the same way as today.\u00a0 Ben had over looked the first fight with just a warning and Joe had promised his father that it would not happen again.\u00a0 But much to the boy\u2019s dismay, the very next day Lucas had incident a name calling game, making Little Joe the butt of his unkind words and Joe, who\u2019s temper was known to be very short, had taken to heart the cruel remarks and had rained his fury on Lucas Tatum.\u00a0 Lucas had left school with a busted lip and a black eye, his clothes had been torn and later that evening, Mr. Tatum had come calling.\u00a0 The result of that visit had ended with a serious \u2018little discussion\u2019 upstairs alone in his room with his somewhat irate father.\u00a0 Adam and Hoss had finally grown tired of listening to the wailing going on above their heads and had quickly found extra chores that had suddenly needed their attention in the barn.\u00a0 Later that evening, Little Joe ate his supper sitting somewhat uncomfortably on one of the red cushions from the settee, a look of sorrow on his unhappy face that caused both older brothers to feel pity for their younger brother.<\/p>\n

Hoss, feeling a mite guilty about what he had been up to hardly wanted to think that Little Joe had broken yet another promise to their father and been fighting again.\u00a0 But then Joe hadn\u2019t been fighting today, least ways not that Hoss knew about.<\/p>\n

\u201cNo, he\u2019s not been scufflin\u2019.\u00a0 I had a little problem with some of the fellas though and Joe wanted to punch\u2019em for me, regular little tiger sure \u2018nough, but he didn\u2019t do nuthin\u2019 Adam, honest,\u201d Hoss\u2019 blue eyes were wide, he had his doubts as to what really caused the tear in Joe\u2019s shirt, but he didn\u2019t want to come right out and tell Adam that he thought Little Joe had lied to him, cause he tweren\u2019t sure he told himself.<\/p>\n

Adam sighed, doubt filling his thoughts as well but he knew if the boy had been fighting, it would mean another trip across his father\u2019s lap and Adam, though a strict disciplinarian himself, held a soft spot in his heart for the youngest member of the family and hated to see that happening again so soon after the last time.<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, best get on with your chores Hoss, don\u2019t want to get Pa in a bad mood tonight, he\u2019s had a hard day, what with losing that new contract and all.\u00a0 It wouldn\u2019t pay not to be finished with your work by suppertime, or at least nearly finished.\u00a0 I have some work to do inside, make sure that little rascal does his share, don\u2019t you do it for him again tonight, understand?\u201d Adam stood, hands on hips, legs slightly apart and eyed his middle brother.<\/p>\n

Hoss, hearing the tone of Adam\u2019s voice, quickly looked up and seeing his brother smiling at him, started to laugh.\u00a0 \u201cHow\u2019d ya know about that Adam, were ya spyin\u2019 on Little Joe and me?\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam laughed and clamped his hand down on Hoss\u2019 shoulder while walking with him to the barn.\u00a0 \u201cFor your information, I have better things to do than to spy on the two of you.\u00a0 I just know you did them for him, it was much to neatly finished for Joe to claim responsibility for having done them.\u201d<\/p>\n

Hoss laughed, glad to see the smile on Adam\u2019s face, \u201cAw shucks Adam, the kid\u2019s so doggone little, he has a hard time doin\u2019 some of the stuff Pa makes\u2019em do.\u00a0 I felt sorry for\u2019em; after all, he could hardly walk.\u00a0 \u2018Member, Pa dusted his britches for that fight he got into that day.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, you just make sure the little scamp does them tonight,\u201d Adam stopped as Hoss led his horse into the barn before turning back towards the house, the smile he wore making his face to show the dimples that always made his face so handsome.<\/p>\n

Hoss found Joe in the stalls spreading fresh hay for the horses and smiled at the sight of the little fella using the pitchfork that was twice his size.\u00a0 \u201cYou\u2019re doin\u2019 a good job Short Shanks,\u201d smiled Hoss as he unsaddled his horse and began rubbing down the animal.<\/p>\n

Joe gave Hoss a small smile and continued working.\u00a0 When the last stall was finished, he paused, holding the pitchfork with one hand and moved to watch Hoss.\u00a0 Hoss was just putting away the currycomb and brushes and nearly tripped over the smaller boy as he turned around.<\/p>\n

\u201cSorry, didn\u2019t see ya.\u00a0 What\u2019s wrong Joe?\u00a0 You look sorta troubled,\u201d Hoss sat the brushes down and knelt down in front of his little brother, placing a hand on top of Joe\u2019s shoulders.\u00a0 It was then that Hoss could feel the tremors that suddenly passed beneath his hands.<\/p>\n

\u201cJoe?\u00a0 What\u2019s wrong, buddy?\u201d questioned the concerned older brother taking the pitchfork from Joe and standing it against the wall.<\/p>\n

Joe fought against the urge to throw his arms about Hoss\u2019 neck and burst out crying.\u00a0 \u201cNothin\u2019,\u201d Joe shook his head slowly from side to side.<\/p>\n

\u201cI know better\u2019n that, now why don\u2019t\u2019cha tell ole Hoss what\u2019s botherin\u2019 ya?\u00a0 I might be able to help,\u201d Hoss gave Joe an encouraging smile and pulled the boy into his arms.<\/p>\n

Joe allowed his brother to hold him; the warmth of the embrace, the comforting feeling that he got from his brother whom he idolized calmed the trembling Joe had been suffering from just moments before.<\/p>\n

\u201cHoss, how\u2019s come ya let them boys make ya cry today?\u00a0 Why didn\u2019t ya just punch them?\u00a0 They\u2019d astopped for sure if\u2019n ya had of?\u201d\u00a0 Little Joe moved so that he could see his brother\u2019s face and waited patiently for Hoss to explain to him why he allowed the other boys to make him cry.<\/p>\n

Hoss felt his face grow warm, so Joe had seen thought Hoss and the knowledge embarrassed him for he did not want to appear to be either scared of the bullies or be a cry baby in front of his younger brother.<\/p>\n

\u201cAw shucks, Short Shanks, it tweren\u2019t nuthin\u2019\u2026\u201d he began.<\/p>\n

\u201cBut Hoss,\u201d Little Joe flung his arms up in the air, exasperated, and let the wind out of his lungs.\u00a0 \u201cYa could\u2019va made them stop if ya just of hit\u2019em good and hard.\u201d<\/p>\n

Hoss sat down on a wooden box and motioned for Joe to sit next to him.\u00a0 \u201cLooky Little Joe, I know I could\u2019va made them stop by hittin\u2019 \u2018em, but if\u2019n I had of, I might\u2019va really hurt one of them.\u00a0 Looky at these hands boy, looky at how big they are,\u201d Hoss folded his hands up into fists and held them out for his brother to see.\u00a0 Joe placed both of his hands over his brother\u2019s tight fists and looked up into Hoss\u2019 troubled eyes.<\/p>\n

\u201cIf\u2019n I\u2019d ahit one of\u2019em, I might\u2019ve even kilt\u2019em with these here.\u00a0 Joe, I couldn\u2019t take a chance on doin\u2019 nuthin\u2019 like that, so I just try to ignore\u2019em when they tease me\u2026like Pa tells me to do\u2026shucks, I just let\u2019em get the best of me today.\u00a0 \u2018Sides Joe, ya know Pa don\u2019t uphold us fightin\u2019; he says fightin\u2019 never solved any problem, only makes for more.\u00a0 And he\u2019s right little brother, why, if\u2019n I\u2019d a got into a fight today, Pa would be dustin\u2019 my britches tonight, and ya know it.\u00a0 But don\u2019t worry ya self none Joe, I don\u2019t care what they call me, so long as they leave ya alone.\u201d\u00a0 Hoss ruffled the mass of curly hair that adorned Little Joe\u2019s head and smiled at the little boy.<\/p>\n

\u201cNow if\u2019n ya were to call me an ugly name like that, I\u2019ll stick ya in the water trough!\u201d laughed Hoss but stopped when he saw that Joe had not found his comment funny.<\/p>\n

Suddenly little arms enclosed around Hoss\u2019 neck taking the larger boy by surprise.\u00a0 \u201cI would never make fun of ya Hoss, I love ya, and besides, you\u2019re my brother,\u201d proclaimed Joe proudly, \u201cIt just made me mad when I saw ya cryin\u2019.\u00a0 And then when ole Walt and his bully friends did what they did to me I just sorta got\u2026\u201d Joe stopped suddenly realizing that he had said too much.<\/p>\n

Hoss pulled Joe\u2019s arms from about his neck and stood the boy in front of him, holding him tightly but gently by both arms so that Joe could not pull away.\u00a0 \u201cWhat are ya talkin\u2019 about Joe, what did Walt and the others do to ya and when?\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe tried to pull away from the strong hands that held him, he wasn\u2019t about to tell Hoss that Walt had pulled a knife on him and then threatened to hurt him.\u00a0 \u201cNuthin\u2019 Hoss, he didn\u2019t do nuthin, now let me go so\u2019s I can finish my chores before Pa gets home.\u201d\u00a0 Little Joe struggled against the hands, but Hoss held firmly.<\/p>\n

\u201cI wanna know, right now Little Joe, was it Walt who tore ya shirt and got ya all dirty?\u00a0 Is he the reason why ya been holdin\u2019 ya tummy?\u201d Hoss gently shook Joe to stop him from squirming so much.\u00a0 \u201cAnswer me, now!\u201d Hoss fairly shouted at Joe.<\/p>\n

The tears began pooling in his eyes and Joe could do nothing to stop the overflow, his arms held snuggly in his brother\u2019s grasp, Joe was not free to swipe them from his face.\u00a0 With his brother\u2019s head hung low, Hoss could still see the trembling of the chin and watched in dismay as the tears rolled down his brother\u2019s cheeks and dropped onto the knee of his own pants, leaving tiny round wet spots on his trousers.<\/p>\n

Hoss, the tears beginning to form in his own eyes, pulled his baby brother into his arms and hugged him.\u00a0 \u201cI\u2019m sorry Punkin, I didn\u2019t mean to make ya cry.\u00a0 I just need to know if\u2019n those boys hurt ya any\u2026and they did\u2026I can tell.\u00a0 I\u2019m right ain\u2019t I?\u201d Hoss whispered to Joe who had buried his face into the curve of his brother\u2019s shoulder and had wrapped his arms around Hoss\u2019 neck as well.<\/p>\n

Joe sniffed his nose and whispered into Hoss\u2019 ear, \u201cThey just shoved me down Hoss when I was comin\u2019 to the stable after school and one of\u2019em kicked me.\u00a0 That\u2019s why my tummy hurts, but that\u2019s all, my shirt got tored when Walt yanked me up off the ground.\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe knew that Hoss would be mad at him later when he found out about the knife, if he did, but he was not going to tell his brother about the way in which Walt had stuck the sharp pointed knife against his throat, Joe was just enough afraid of the older boys not to double cross them for fear of getting either himself and maybe even Hoss hurt badly.\u00a0 He promised himself not to tell for he could sense the anger building in his usually gentle, kind brother and Hoss\u2019 anger scared him some, for it was seldom that Hoss was pushed to the point of being so mad that he lost control of his judgment and his common sense.<\/p>\n

\u201cPlease Hoss, don\u2019t tell Pa, promise me ya won\u2019t tell him.\u00a0 If\u2019n ya do, he\u2019ll dust my backside good, and I didn\u2019t do nuthin\u2019 to them, I only stuck my tongue out at Walt when me and you went back to class after they made ya cry,\u201d Joe pulled free from Hoss\u2019 embrace and wiped his tear stained face with the backs of his hands and waited for Hoss to reply.<\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t know Joe, Pa needs to know that the older boys are pickin\u2019 on ya so\u2019s he\u2026\u201d began Hoss but stopped when Joe butted in.<\/p>\n

\u201cBut Hoss, if\u2019n ya tell Pa what they did, then Pa\u2019s gonna ask me why I stuck my tongue out at\u2019em and then I\u2019ll have\u2019ta tell him it was cause they made you cry and then Pa will asked you why they made you cry and then you will have to explain\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

Hoss gently clamped his large hand over Joe\u2019s mouth to silence him.\u00a0 \u201cOkay, Little Joe, I get the point, now be quiet.\u00a0 I won\u2019t say anythin\u2019 to Pa, but you\u2019d better have a good excuse for gettin\u2019 ya shirt tore like ya did.\u00a0 Better yet, why don\u2019t ya go inside and get washed up afore Pa gets home, and put on a different shirt, I\u2019ll finish up in here, now get.\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe smiled at Hoss, \u201cthat\u2019s a great idea, and Pa won\u2019t ever know about the shirt, unless Hop Sing tells him when he finds it on wash day.\u00a0 Maybe by then I can come up with a better reason for the rip than just fallin\u2019 down.\u00a0 Thanks Hoss, you\u2019re the best.\u201d\u00a0 Joe hugged his brother, placed a wet kiss on Hoss\u2019 cheek and ran from the barn smiling, satisfied that for the time being his secret was safe.<\/p>\n

By bedtime, Joe had all but forgotten about his near miss earlier in the afternoon, the ripped shirt that he had stashed under his bed and the sore spot in his tummy.\u00a0 Hoss too seemed to have let by-gones be by-gones, Adam noticing nothing unusual about his two younger brothers, shrugged off his plans on having a talk with his father in respect to his suspicions letting the matter drop instead.\u00a0 Ben, who had been working on his ledgers had no clue to the day\u2019s events, therefore found no cause on this particular night to be put out with any of his three sons.\u00a0 As Ben moved from his desk to his favorite red chair, he smiled at the sight of his three sons huddled together around the checkerboard.<\/p>\n

Adam was helping Joe, who was trying to decide which checker he wanted to jump first of the ones in his path.\u00a0 Hoss watched, aware of the fact that given half a chance, Little Joe would slide one of his checkers onto the next square making his chances of winning more favorable.\u00a0 Hoss had known for a long time that Joe would cheat given the opportunity but he never said anything to the little tike about it for Hoss\u2019 heart was as his older brother\u2019s, it too had a soft spot in it reserved only for Little Joe.<\/p>\n

\u201cBoys, don\u2019t you think it\u2019s time for bed?\u00a0 Little Joe, come on son, I\u2019ll help you get ready and then I\u2019ll read you a story.\u201d\u00a0 Ben scooped Joe up in his arms and nuzzled his son\u2019s neck with his day old whiskers.\u00a0 Little Joe giggled and tried to worm his way free of the prickly little hairs on his father\u2019s face.<\/p>\n

\u201cOh no you don\u2019t, up you go,\u201d Ben swung Joe up onto this shoulders and galloped for the stairs, the little boy hanging on tightly and laughing loudly.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou comin\u2019 Hoss, I want you to read me that new story book you got in town the other day.\u00a0 Is that okay with you Pa, I mean if\u2019n Hoss reads to me tonight?\u00a0 Heh Pa, heh?\u00a0 Pretty please,\u201d begged Joe, his arms wrapped around his father\u2019s head hanging on for dear life as Ben bounced up the stairs.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s fine with me little boy, if Hoss doesn\u2019t mind,\u201d replied Ben huffing as he lowered Joe back down to the floor.<\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t mind Pa, just let me put the checkers away and then I\u2019ll be up,\u201d called out Hoss as he helped Adam gather the little wooden pieces and return them to their box.<\/p>\n

By the time that Ben had Little Joe ready for bed, Hoss appeared in the doorway, book in hand and ready to read the story to his younger brother.\u00a0 Ben smiled as he watched Hoss crawl onto the bed and sit next to Little Joe who was propped on his pillows, excitement shining in his hazel eyes.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhen you\u2019re finished Hoss, I expect you to get to bed as well, long day ahead of you boys tomorrow.\u00a0 Joseph, I\u2019ll be up when Hoss is finished to say good-night,\u201d Ben eased himself out the door and turning smiled again at the sight of the two boys bent over the opened book.<\/p>\n

Hoss had only read a couple of pages when Joe stopped him.\u00a0 \u201cHoss, thanks for not telling Pa about them boys shoving me around today.\u201d\u00a0 Joe looked up at Hoss; his heart shining in his eyes and Hoss nudged him with his shoulder.<\/p>\n

\u201cHey kid, that\u2019s what big brothers are for, keeping little brother\u2019s outta trouble,\u201d laughed Hoss.\u00a0 \u201cBut it won\u2019t happen again, Joe,\u201d Hoss lowered his voice to a whisper just in case his father or Adam might be close by, \u201cI plan on makin\u2019 sure of that tomorrow.\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe\u2019s eyes widened at the news, \u201cWhat\u2019cha goin\u2019 to do Hoss, beat\u2019em up?\u201d<\/p>\n

Hoss scrunched up his face and shook his head no.\u00a0 \u201cNaw, I\u2019m just gonna give\u2019em a warnin\u2019.\u00a0 They better not bother ya again Joe, or I might just get mad and if\u2019n I do, well ya know what happens.\u201d<\/p>\n

Hoss studied his little brother\u2019s face and vowed to himself not to let anyone pick on the boy he loved with all of his heart.\u00a0 \u201cI don\u2019t wanna hurt\u2019em mind ya, but I will pound\u2019em into the ground if\u2019n they touch ya again.\u00a0 I won\u2019t stand by and see my baby brother hurt by no one.\u201d\u00a0 Hoss gave his head one final nod for emphasis.<\/p>\n

Joe forced his eyes back down to the pages of the book, suddenly afraid for his bigger brother.\u00a0 Fear that the bullies might gang up on Hoss and if Walt still carried his knife in his boot, Hoss could very easily be hurt badly.<\/p>\n

\u201cHoss,\u201d said Joe weakly.<\/p>\n

\u201cHeh Joe?\u201d suddenly aware that his brother had grown strangely quiet.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhy don\u2019t ya just let it go?\u00a0 Maybe they won\u2019t do nuthin\u2019 to either of us anymore,\u201d Joe suggested though he doubted his own words.<\/p>\n

\u201cAin\u2019t likely Joe, they been pushin\u2019 me for a fight ney onto a week now.\u00a0 And I\u2019m about to oblige\u2019em if they don\u2019t leave ya alone.\u00a0 Don\u2019t worry Punkin, they ain\u2019t agonna hurt me.\u00a0 Now forget it, let\u2019s get this story read afore Pa comes up and makes us go to bed without finishing.\u201d<\/p>\n

Hoss picked up the book and started reading.\u00a0 Joe leaned back into his pillows and tried to concentrate on the words of the story but his mind kept going over the events of the day and worry began to seep into his mind about what would happen come tomorrow when Hoss faced off with the three boys who had deemed it their duty to make life miserable for both himself and his older brother.<\/p>\n

The scream split the stillness of the night into a zillion pieces.\u00a0 Ben jerked his eyes opened as the second scream all but shattered the upstairs windows.\u00a0 Quickly the concerned father kicked the covers from his bed and rising, ran barefooted down the length of the hall where he nearly collided with his oldest son.\u00a0 Adam gave his father a worried look as together they bolted through the door and into Joe’s room.\u00a0 Adam hurried to brighten the lamp that burned low as Ben bent over the bed trying to gather his frightened son into his arms.\u00a0 Joe sat upright in his bed, his face covered and dampened with sweat, his arms fraying wildly in mid air as he fought with his unseen assailant.<\/p>\n

\u201cNo!\u201d he screamed, his eyes shut tight in sleep, \u201cNo, you can\u2019t cut me\u2026Hoss\u2026Hoss\u2026help me!\u00a0\u00a0 Watch out\u2026Hoss\u2026NO, NO!\u00a0 The knife\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben’s arms gathered the wailing boy into his arms, “Joseph, wake up son.\u201d
\n“Hoss\u2026gotta help’em\u2026” Joe continued to whine.<\/p>\n

Ben’s arms tightened around the beleaguered boy as he continued in his deep but soothing voice to bring his distraught son from the nightmare that Joe\u2019s subconscious mind had locked into.<\/p>\n

“Joseph, wake up son.\u00a0 Joseph, open your eyes sweetheart\u2026It’s okay, Papa’s got you now.”\u00a0 Ben\u2019s large hands rubbed up and down his trembling son\u2019s back, gently soothing away the boy\u2019s fear that his nightmare had caused him.<\/p>\n

Ben gave his son an encouraging smile, \u201cAre you okay now, precious?\u201d whispered Ben, tightening his arms for more comfort.<\/p>\n

Joe wiped the tears from his face with the sleeve of his nightshirt and nodded his head.<\/p>\n

\u201cYes sir,\u201d he barely whispered.<\/p>\n

\u201cDo you want to tell me about it?\u201d Ben asked softly and watched the expression suddenly change on his son\u2019s face.<\/p>\n

Joe cast wary eyes around the room, seeing Hoss and Adam standing nearby and shook his head no.\u00a0 There was no way that he was going to tell any of them that his nightmare had been about Walt and his sidekicks and how they had been cutting away at both he and Hoss with Walt\u2019s sharp knife.<\/p>\n

\u201cI just wanna go back to sleep,\u201d fibbed Little Joe, knowing full well that sleep was the last thing he would be doing for the rest of the long night.<\/p>\n

Ben gently lowered Joe back against the mattress and pillows and began pulling the covers up around his still trembling body.\u00a0 \u201cHow about if I sit with you then until you fall to sleep?\u201d smiled Ben.<\/p>\n

Though Joe truly believed that sleep would not come again, he agreed and turned over, shutting his eyes tightly.\u00a0 \u201cNight Adam, night Hoss,\u201d he called over his shoulder as his older brothers excused themselves from the room.<\/p>\n

Ben pulled the chair closer to the bed and waited until the room had emptied before lowering the wick on the lamp and settling down in the old worn chair.\u00a0 Ben leaned his head back, listening to the sound of Little Joe\u2019s breathing.\u00a0 It wasn\u2019t long until the recognizable sound of soft snoring told the older man that at last his son was sleeping.\u00a0 Carefully, Ben adjusted the covers, planted a kiss on Joe\u2019s cheek, and turned the wick lower and slipped from the room.\u00a0 It was well passed one in the morning before Ben was finally able to fall asleep himself and he had not much more than turned over when he was rudely awakened by the bouncing little boy whom he thought had just gone back to sleep.<\/p>\n

\u201cMornin\u2019 Pa,\u201d greeted Little Joe happily as he straddled his father and bounced up and down, the nightmare just hours old completely forgotten.<\/p>\n

Ben groaned and tried to turn over on the up side of his little boy\u2019s bounces.\u00a0 \u201cGood morning to you.\u00a0 My, you are up early, and look at you, already dressed,\u201d smiled Ben, noting the mismatched way that Joe\u2019s shirt was buttoned.\u00a0 Laughing, Ben gathered Joe into his arms to still the movement that caused the head of the bed to bang loudly against the wall.<\/p>\n

\u201cYep!\u00a0 Today\u2019s Friday, fun day at school.\u00a0 We gets to play outside most all day, that is us younger kids while the older kids have to take some tests.\u00a0 Some of the dumber big boys don\u2019t gotta test and they gotta stay outside too.\u00a0 Not Hoss though, he gets to test cause he\u2019s smarter than he looks,\u201d Joe proudly stated.<\/p>\n

\u201cJoseph!\u00a0 I hardly think that\u2019s a nice thing to say about your older brother,\u201d exclaimed Ben, scowling somewhat though he could not help but smile.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat Pa?\u00a0 I didn\u2019t say nuthin\u2019 bad about Hoss, he is smart, when he wants to be,\u201d giggled Joe as if the news was just that, news, to his knowing father.<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, I know that, it\u2019s just the way you said it,\u201d Ben had to laugh at the expression on Joe\u2019s face for it was pure innocence.\u00a0 Ben realized that Joe had expressed himself the only way he knew how, just say it like it is, again Ben laughed.\u00a0 \u201cOh never mind you little scamp, let\u2019s get downstairs before that big intelligent brother of yours eats all of our breakfast.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben swung Joe off his stomach and scooted him towards the door adding a little love pat to his backside.\u00a0 \u201cYou go ahead son, I have to get dressed first.\u00a0 I\u2019ll be down in a few minutes.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOkay Pa, but ya better hurry, cause I\u2019m hungry too and I bet I can eat as much as that big telligent son of yours,\u201d piped Joe skipping across the room and out the door.<\/p>\n

Joe\u2019s good mood seemed to change as they neared the school.\u00a0 He suddenly had lost interest in the things around him that had kept him chattering non-stop to Hoss who had long since turned a deaf ear to the boy\u2019s rattling.\u00a0 It was the sudden silence that brought Hoss back from his daydreams and into the present world around him.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat\u2019s wrong Little Joe?\u00a0 Somethin\u2019 troublin\u2019 ya?\u201d Hoss tried to look over his shoulder to see Joe\u2019s face but couldn\u2019t quite make out the trouble expression that Joe wore on his face.<\/p>\n

Hoss felt Joe\u2019s shoulders shrug against his back and pulled his horse to a stop.\u00a0 Twisting in the saddle, the unhappy expression that his brother wore was the first thing he spied and it worried him.\u00a0 \u201cJoe, somethin\u2019s eatin\u2019 at ya.\u00a0 I know that look, now what is it?\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe cut his eyes up to meet Hoss\u2019 feeling as if his brother\u2019s were boring into his.\u00a0 \u201cI was just thinkin\u2019 about Walt and his friends.\u00a0 Ya ain\u2019t really gonna pound\u2019em are ya?\u201d<\/p>\n

Hoss pursed his lips tightly together and moving only his eyes, scanned the area around them.\u00a0 \u201cNot if\u2019n ya don\u2019t want me too.\u00a0 I mean to have my say with\u2019em, as to poundin\u2019 \u2018em, that will depend on them.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, just don\u2019t do it on my account.\u00a0 They didn\u2019t really hurted me yesterday, just sorta scared me a little.\u00a0 Please Hoss, I don\u2019t wanna see them jump on ya and hurted you.\u201d\u00a0 Joe looked pretty close to tears and Hoss\u2019 temper cooled some.<\/p>\n

\u201cOkay little brother, I won\u2019t start nuthin\u2019, but I\u2019m gonna warn\u2019em to leave ya alone.\u00a0 I don\u2019t care what they do to me, but by golly, they\u2019s best not mess with my best friend,\u201d Hoss gave Joe a wide gap-tooth grin and ruffled his hair.<\/p>\n

\u201cDadburnit Hoss, now lookit what ya dun and did, ya messed up my hair,\u201d frowned Little Joe, running his fingers through the thick mass trying to tame the wildest of curls.<\/p>\n

The day progressed nicely, even after Hoss had confronted Walt and his friends about leaving his younger brother alone.\u00a0 Miss Jones had not been far from view so Walt, Simon, Josh and even Albert, had done nothing but stand and listen to Hoss\u2019 proclamation of what he would do, should they choose not to heed his warnings.<\/p>\n

All was going smoothly, that is until the younger students were excused from class so that Miss Jones could begin the testing that would determine who got moved forward for the next year and who would have to remain behind.\u00a0 Joe turned just as he reached the door and gave Hoss an encouraging smile.<\/p>\n

He had all but made it onto the small porch at the door when he heard Miss Jones calling out names.\u00a0 \u201cListen for your names children and when I call your name, you may be excused to go outside with the younger children.\u00a0 I\u2019m sorry but if your name is called, it does mean that you will not be passing into the next grade level when the new school year begins due to the fact that you have fallen far behind in your present studies.\u00a0 Albert Blankinship, Walter Hamilton, Simon Miller and Josh Williamson.\u00a0 You four boys may be excused.<\/p>\n

\u2018Great,\u2019 thought Joe as he hurried outside, \u2018just what I need, the four bullies and Hoss trapped inside.\u2019<\/p>\n

Little Joe quickly looked around for a hideout, thinking he might be wise to stay out of sight until Hoss finished with his testing.\u00a0 He told himself he wasn\u2019t really afraid of the boys, not one on one, but four against one was not odds to take lightly, especially when one of them was known to carry a knife as sharp as Walt\u2019s.\u00a0 And, he reasoned, Adam had often told him that discretion was the better part of valor.\u00a0 Little Joe had never been sure just what Adam had meant by the statement but he felt now might just be one of those times his oldest brother had been referring too, so he hurried to the back side of the building in hopes of staying out of view of the four older boys.<\/p>\n

Joe had no idea how long he had been sitting behind the bolder but it had seemed like half of his short lifetime.\u00a0 When he finally managed to pull himself to his feet, he peeked out from his hiding place, relieved to see that the gang of bullies was nowhere to be seen.\u00a0 Joe straightened his back and headed directly for the outhouse to relieve him self.\u00a0 He hurried his steps, as the pressure on his bladder seemed to intensify the faster he moved.<\/p>\n

Just as he reached the door and started to open it, the strong hands that clamped down across his mouth startled him, stopping him from being able to cry out for help.\u00a0 Joe struggled against the hand that gripped his face; using his feet and legs, Joe attempted to kick out at his assailant, but other hands quickly grabbed his thrashing legs, preventing him from moving.\u00a0 In just a matter of moments, the hands had dragged his body into the edge of the woods far behind the schoolhouse.<\/p>\n

Joe felt the first of many blows as the hands pounded first on his stomach, then his sides, moving to his face where the battering continued until Joe lost sense of his surroundings and dropped to the ground, blood oozing from cuts about his face and arms.\u00a0 His young face had quickly turned several shades of blue and black as the bruises began covering first one half then the other half of his delicate features.\u00a0 No one would know until later when Joe had been stripped of his clothing, but his arms as well as his upper torso, back and sides had also begun changing to the ugly shades that bruising could cause.<\/p>\n

Joe moaned, the pain intensifying as he curled his body into a protective ball.\u00a0 His trousers were wet where his bladder had seen fit to release its self at the first punch to his lower stomach and Joe could hear the laughter of the older boys as the mocked him.<\/p>\n

\u201cLookit there, the baby pissed his pants,\u201d shouted Simon joining the others in the menacing laughter.<\/p>\n

\u201cOh, poor thing, too bad big brother Hoss didn\u2019t bring his baby brother a dry diaper,\u201d sneered Walt, who could not refrain from kicking Joe with the toe of his boot.<\/p>\n

Joe cried out, the sound seemingly to be a match for the boys fuses for all four boys dropped to their knees and began pounding away at Joe\u2019s already battered body.\u00a0 Fists rained their fury onto his back, his sides and when Joe felt his body being flipped over, the fists pounded into his stomach.\u00a0 Joe did the natural thing when the body is being attacked and covered his mid section with his arms, which took most of the beating.<\/p>\n

\u201cSTOP! DANG YOU!\u201d screamed out Hoss, enraged at what he was seeing.\u00a0 With speed that surprised even himself, Hoss covered the distance from where he had stopped and spotted the huddle of boys, only suspecting that at the bottom of that huddle lay his baby brother, his body twisted and broken from his beating.<\/p>\n

Hoss yanked the first boy to his feet by the scuff of his neck and slung him into the air.\u00a0 The second boy was tossed over Hoss\u2019 shoulder in the other direction.\u00a0 As Hoss reached to grab for Simon, who was the third boy, Simon spotted him for the first time, saw the raw fury in the bigger boy\u2019s dark eyes and ran.\u00a0 Hoss caught up with him in record time and smashed his fist into the boy\u2019s face, sending Simon sailing through the air.\u00a0 Hoss paid no heed to the loud thump Simon\u2019s body made when it finally landed on the hard ground.<\/p>\n

Hoss turned back to Joe, saw the still form lying in a heap on the ground and felt the tremors as they roared forth from deep within his chest.\u00a0 Walt stood astraddle Joe\u2019s body poising as if he were a wild animal ready to claim its victim, but Walt had made a fatal mistake, he had underestimated his opponent.\u00a0 Hoss, head down, charged the boy who was nearly as large as him self, driving his upper body into the middle of the startled young man and knocking him to the ground.\u00a0 Hoss fell on top of Walt and began pounding him with his fist.\u00a0 At first Walt held back finding it more important to protect his body than to chance getting in his own blows.\u00a0 Suddenly Hoss groaned, Simon and Albert who had recovered from their flights in mid-air grabbed Hoss from behind and hauled his heavy frame from Walt who took advantage of the fact that Hoss was incapable of doing anything other than trying to fling his attackers free from his arms.<\/p>\n

Walt dove at Hoss with all of his strength succeeding in knocking his opponent to the ground.\u00a0 Walt, Simon, Albert and Josh converged on Hoss like bees on honey.\u00a0 Hoss struggled to get to his feet while protecting his own body and had it not been for the adrenaline that pumped through his veins, a lesser man might not have survived the brutal attack.\u00a0 Once again bodies sailed through the air and when only one remained standing, did Hoss turn and face the one who served as leader of the group and who had first struck Joe.<\/p>\n

Hoss had never known hate such as he was feeling at this minute, for four half grown young men to beat nearly to death a helpless seven year old curdled his blood and the hatred showed in his blue eyes.\u00a0 Walt trembled and Hoss saw the fear that spread across the bully\u2019s face and he smiled, unnerving the other boy.<\/p>\n

\u201cNow you know how my baby brother must have felt.\u201d\u00a0 Hoss said no more, there was no need, Walt dropped to his knees weeping and pleading with Hoss not to hurt him.\u00a0 Hoss stared opened mouthed at the boy who minutes before had seemed so brave.<\/p>\n

Staggering, Hoss approached the boy and yanked him to his feet, his temper cooling slightly, his hate turning to pity as the frightened boy knelt before him sobbing.\u00a0 \u201cEven Little Joe is braver than you, ya sorry varmint.\u201d<\/p>\n

Hoss left the boy where he was, the leader\u2019s friends making their way slowly to his side as Hoss hurried to Joe who still lay motionless on the ground.\u00a0 Hoss knelt to his knees and gently lifted Joe\u2019s head into his arms, brushing the twigs and dirt from his blackened face.\u00a0 A sob caught in the older brother\u2019s throat as he gazed into the battered face of his little brother.<\/p>\n

\u201cJoe, Punkin, open your eyes\u2026please,\u201d cried Hoss whose tears had pooled and spilled over, dropping onto the front of Joe\u2019s dirty shirt.<\/p>\n

Joe eased his good eye opened, seeing Hoss\u2019 face in front of him; he tried to smile but the split in his lower lip made it impossible.\u00a0 Something caught Joe\u2019s attention and he turned his head slightly in Hoss\u2019 arms.<\/p>\n

\u201cHoss\u2026behind you\u2026the knife\u2026\u201d cautioned Joe weakly as he tried to point at the approaching attacker.<\/p>\n

Hoss glanced over his shoulder and saw Walt running at him, knife held high in his hand. From somewhere a girl screamed, then another scream ripped through the air. Hoss barely had time to lay Joe\u2019s head onto the ground and turn before Walt was upon him.\u00a0 Hoss struggled to maintain his grip on Walt\u2019s arm and squeezed Walt\u2019s wrist with all of his strength.\u00a0 Walt held tightly to his weapon, determined to use it against his foe, for Hoss had not only angered him but had also shamed him in front of his friends and fellow classmates who had been brave enough to watch the war that had been waged.<\/p>\n

Suddenly a shot blasted the air, hands grabbed at Walt and pulled him free of Hoss, and others grabbed Hoss\u2019 arms and forced him to back a way from the other boy.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat in tarnation is going on here?\u201d shouted Roy Coffee loudly, aiming his attention at Hoss.<\/p>\n

Hoss jerked free of the restraining hands and pointed to Joe.\u00a0 \u201cWhat the\u2026\u201d Roy stopped in mid sentence and rushed to the side of his best friend\u2019s youngest son.\u00a0 Hoss was a step ahead of him.<\/p>\n

\u201cRoy, I gotta get Joe over to the docs, he\u2019s hurt bad,\u201d Hoss carefully placed his arms under Joe\u2019s body and lifted him from the ground.\u00a0 Miss Jones had at some time, found a blanket in the closet and wrapped it around the unconscious little boy.<\/p>\n

Joe moaned, the pitiful sound bringing fresh tears to Hoss\u2019 eyes and he turned his head to shield his face from the bystanders as he hurried passed.\u00a0 Roy looked around at the others, smaller children peeked from behind the bushes and trees, a few were venturing out of their hiding places, their eyes wide with fright as they huddled together in small groups and watched as Hoss carried off their wounded classmate.<\/p>\n

Roy gathered up the four boys and herded them off to jail, dreading what he must do next.\u00a0 Clem met him half way, having seen Hoss carrying the smaller boy in his arms running towards the doctor\u2019s office.<\/p>\n

\u201cSuppose I\u2019d better ride out and get Ben Cartwright, from what I just saw, he ain\u2019t gonna be none too happy about this,\u201d Clem pulled the brim of his hat further down on his head and glanced at Roy.<\/p>\n

Roy was steaming mad, Clem had never seen the sheriff as angry as he was now and he could not blame him, those bigger boys had no business picking on a boy so much younger and twice as small as they were.<\/p>\n

\u201cNo, Clem I\u2019d rather you take this scum over to the jail,\u201d he tossed his head toward the four boys who stood huddled together, silent at last.\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cI best be the one to speak with Ben.\u00a0 Besides, I have to ride out to see the daddies of these boys.\u00a0 Make sure you lock\u2019em up good.\u00a0 I\u2019m goin\u2019 over to the doc\u2019s first to see how Little Joe and Hoss are so\u2019s I\u2019ll know just what to tell Ben.\u201d Roy tossed his hand in the air bidding Clem so long and reached for the reins to his horse.\u00a0 He did not mount up and ride the short distance to the doctor\u2019s office but he did quicken his step.<\/p>\n

There was no one inside the office when Roy entered, death like silence was all that could be heard and for a moment, his heart crept into his throat.\u00a0 \u201cDoc\u2026you in here?\u201d Roy called out.<\/p>\n

The door to the back room opened, Hoss stood before him, his eyes filled with tears streaming down his boyish face.\u00a0 Roy noted the frightened look behind the well of tears, the quivering chin and his heart went out to the boy.<\/p>\n

Roy stepped through the doorway and slipped his arm about Hoss\u2019 shoulders.\u00a0 \u201cHow\u2019s the boy doing?\u201d he asked though by the grave look on Paul Martin\u2019s face as he tended to his patient, no answer was needed to know that it was bad.\u00a0 Paul glanced first at Hoss but Hoss\u2019 attention had turned to his younger brother and when the physician locked eyes with Roy he shook his head sadly.<\/p>\n

Roy lowered his head and swallowed the lump that had tried to squeeze off his passageway; his own eyes brimmed with unshed tears.\u00a0 Quickly before Hoss could see, he wiped away the dampness and took a deep breath.<\/p>\n

\u201cHoss, you stay with Little Joe, I\u2019m riding out to the ranch to get Ben and Adam.\u00a0 I won\u2019t be long.\u00a0 Paul,\u201d Roy motioned for the doctor to follow him outside.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll be right back Hoss, keep that cool compress on his forehead and call me if he wakes up, I won\u2019t be but just a moment.\u201d\u00a0 Paul closed the door behind him and trailed after the sheriff.<\/p>\n

\u201cTell Ben the truth Roy, he won\u2019t settle for anything less.\u00a0 Tell him I am doing all I can, but the boy is in bad shape.\u00a0 He has some broken ribs, cuts, I think he may have some internal bleeding, but it\u2019s too early to tell.\u201d\u00a0 Paul took a deep breath and let it out slowly hoping to still his nerves, \u201cI think you need to tell Ben and Adam to hurry, Roy.\u00a0 I\u2019m not sure if Joe will regain consciousness or not, he seems to be slipping further and further away from us.\u201d Paul turned then and retraced his steps to his patient without another word to the sheriff.<\/p>\n

Roy mounted his horse and kicked sharply at the horse\u2019s sides.\u00a0 The horse took off at a run, Roy bent low over the saddle as the horse literally flew through town. Roy rode hard; he knew he was racing against time as he thought of the young boy who lay near death.\u00a0 The boy\u2019s father had been his friend for years now, his best friend and he dreaded telling the man that his son might die, dreaded more telling Ben why his youngest son may not live to see daybreak.<\/p>\n

It seemed such a long ride from town out to the Ponderosa when you needed to get there quickly, but in truth, it never really took very long.\u00a0 Ben and Adam were just coming from the barn when he pulled his puffing horse to a sudden stop at the front of the house.<\/p>\n

\u201cRoy, what\u2019s the hurry, is there a fire somewhere?\u201d joked Adam unaware that anything had happened to the little boy that he was helping his father to raise and who loved the boy as if the child had been his own and not just his baby brother.<\/p>\n

Roy swung down from his mount, his face flushed and Ben, concerned, waited until his friend could catch his breath.<\/p>\n

\u201cBen you best get to town, Adam you too\u2026\u201dstarted Roy.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhy Roy, what\u2019s happened?\u00a0 Is it my boys?\u201d questioned Ben, now apprehensive about his sons who had yet returned home from school.<\/p>\n

Roy clenched his teeth and nodded his head up and down.\u00a0 \u201cI\u2019m afraid so Ben.\u00a0 Joe\u2019s been hurt pretty badly, Hoss was only cut on the arm, ain\u2019t too bad, but the boy\u2026Paul said you should hurry Ben, he\u2019s in a bad way.\u201d<\/p>\n

The color drained from Ben\u2019s face and he swayed slightly but managed to grab onto the fence railing and shake the woozy feeling.\u00a0 \u201cWhat happened Roy was there some kind of accident?\u201d<\/p>\n

Fear had taken root in the bottom of Ben\u2019s heart.\u00a0 It had only been a couple of years that his wife Marie had been killed in a riding accident, now her little boy seemed to be facing the same fate and Ben wasn\u2019t sure whether his heart could stand the stress or not. Gasping for air, Ben repeated his question.<\/p>\n

\u201cAn accident Roy, or what?\u201d stammered Ben.<\/p>\n

Adam had rushed to the barn and was leading their horses out when he noted his father\u2019s distraught expression and had heard what his father had asked.\u00a0 \u201cWell, Roy, was there?\u201d demanded Adam as he handed his father Buck\u2019s reins.<\/p>\n

\u201cNo, it was no accident.\u00a0 Four of the older boys jumped Little Joe at school earlier and beat him nearly to death.\u00a0 Hoss fought off the boys as best he could, but it was nearly too much for even him.\u00a0 He\u2019s with Little Joe over at Doc Martin\u2019s office.\u00a0 I\u2019m sorry Ben, I wish I had of gotten to them faster, but I didn\u2019t know\u2026I just didn\u2019t know, I\u2019m so sorry.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben heard the catch in his friend\u2019s voice and placed a hand on Roy\u2019s shoulder to calm him.\u00a0 \u201cI know you did all you could Roy.\u00a0 I understand, honest I do, but right now I have to get to my sons.\u00a0 Adam mount up.\u201d\u00a0 Ben did the same, turning to Adam once again.\u00a0 \u201cLet\u2019s ride.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cJoe, hey Punkin, can ya hear me?\u201d whispered Hoss, his head bent down so that he could speak softly into Joe\u2019s ear.\u00a0 \u201cOpen your eyes Little Joe, please,\u201d begged Hoss pitifully.<\/p>\n

Joe lay upon the small bed, unmoving, unresponsive to his brother\u2019s pleading and unaware of the tears that dripped from his protector\u2019s quivering chin.\u00a0 The physician had bound the broken ribs, stitched the cuts on both the boy\u2019s face and arms, taking extra care when he had to stitch the split in Joe\u2019s bottom lip.\u00a0 Joe\u2019s face was pale, what could be seen of it beneath the mass of bruises that covered most of his young face.\u00a0 Both eyes were swollen nearly shut, his stomach and back blackened by more bruises and there was even the print of a boot on his back between his shoulder blades where he had been stomped in a cruel and unkind manner.\u00a0 Joe\u2019s breathing was shallow and Hoss could not force his eyes from the rise and fall of the tiny chest, lest his brother stop breathing and he not see.<\/p>\n

Hoss\u2019 hands held one of Joe\u2019s and he caressed his brother\u2019s arm as he whispered his name over and over.\u00a0 Paul Martin had tried to get Hoss to lie down on the other cot but Hoss had refused to leave his brother\u2019s side.\u00a0 His own arm throbbed from where Walt had sliced it with his knife but Hoss ignored his pain, for in his heart, his greatest agony was the fear of losing his best friend, his youngest brother, Joe.\u00a0 Hoss lowered his head again to his brother\u2019s ear.<\/p>\n

\u201cJoe, I know ya can hear me boy\u2026please baby\u2026\u201d Hoss sniffed, \u201cplease Joe, don\u2019t leave me.\u00a0 Please don\u2019t die, I couldn\u2019t bare it without ya,\u201d wept Hoss.<\/p>\n

With his free hand he wiped the back of his sleeve across the front of his face to clean away the clear drops that ran from his nose.\u00a0 \u201cI love ya little buddy\u2026please don\u2019t die, ya can\u2019t leave me.\u00a0 Ya gotta fight Joe, like ya did when ya had influenza last winter, \u2018member?\u201d<\/p>\n

A strong but gentle hand touched the shoulder of the sobbing boy and looking up, Hoss stared into the warm loving eyes of his father.\u00a0 He had been so absorbed in talking to Joe that he had not heard his father and brother enter into the room.<\/p>\n

Ben and Adam stood in shock at the sight of the youngest member of the family.\u00a0 Ben had prepared himself for the worst, but nothing he had imagined had prepared him for the sight of his youngest son who laid so lifeless on the bed before his eyes.<\/p>\n

\u201cDear God in heaven,\u201d prayed Ben as he knelt on his knees beside the bed and surveyed the damage that four half grown young men had done to his baby.<\/p>\n

Adam, teeth clinched tightly, jaw twitching, said nothing, only stared in disbelief at his brother.\u00a0 He neared the bed and when his hand touched the swollen cheek of the boy, he gasped, the rage in him boiling to the surface.<\/p>\n

\u201cI want to know who did this!\u00a0 Hoss, tell me now!\u201d demanded Adam, his voice low but strained.\u00a0 \u201cI will kill who ever it was!\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben\u2019s eyes shot upward and he stood to his feet facing his enraged son.\u00a0 \u201cThere will be no killing, do you hear me young man?\u00a0 The law will see that whomever beat Joseph like this will pay.\u00a0 I\u2019ll not have you do to boys what was done to mine!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd if the law doesn\u2019t do anything?\u00a0 What then?\u201d demanded Adam, \u201cDo we just sit back and let them get away with this?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAdam, please, not now son.\u00a0 Don\u2019t you realize that the ones who did this,\u201d he pointed down at Joe, \u201cwere just boys themselves, the same age as Hoss.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYes and look at the size of Hoss.\u00a0 He\u2019s nearly as big as a full grown man, so are those boys, Pa\u2026look at your baby\u2026and that\u2019s all he is\u2026a baby\u2026those boys are nearly men!\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam felt himself grow weak, it was more than he could bare, knowing that his baby brother might die at the hands of bullies, boys, with nothing more to do than to gang up on a seven year old.\u00a0 Adam slumped over covering his face with his hands and let the tears drip into his palms.<\/p>\n

\u201cBen, I brought you some coffee.\u00a0 I know it\u2019s going to be a long night; I thought you and the boys might need some,\u201d Paul sat the tray on the side table and poured Ben a cup.<\/p>\n

\u201cThanks Paul.\u201d\u00a0 Ben accepted the cup and pulled up another chair.\u00a0 \u201cTell me the truth Paul\u2026how badly is he hurt?\u201d<\/p>\n

Paul explained the injuries to Ben, what they needed to watch for, how he had treated the wounds, bound the ribs and given the boy something for pain.\u00a0 Joe must have taken that as his cue, for he moaned softly drawing the room\u2019s occupant\u2019s attention to himself.<\/p>\n

\u201cHoss,\u201d the word was spoken so softly that it was barely audible, but Hoss had heard for he had been waiting for Joe to call out for him.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m right here Punkin,\u201d whispered Hoss, a tiny smile gracing his face for the boy\u2019s sake only for the usual glimmer never reached Hoss\u2019 tear filled eyes.<\/p>\n

Joe said nothing more, his head tossing from side to side in his pain.\u00a0 Hoss glanced at his father, sure that his parent could do something to help his brother\u2019s agony.\u00a0 Ben saw his son\u2019s tears, the undisguised fear in the expression on the young face and reached out his arms and drew Hoss into his embrace allowing his most tenderhearted son to cry out his sorrow.<\/p>\n

\u201cHoss, Joseph will be fine, I have faith in the doctor, and in God.\u00a0 Surely God knows how much we love the boy, how much joy and happiness he has brought into our lives, surely\u2026surely,\u201d proclaimed Ben, giving another tight squeeze to Hoss\u2019 shoulders for his comfort and reassurance as well as for Hoss.<\/p>\n

\u201cHoss\u2026\u201d came the tiny cry from the bed once again.<\/p>\n

Both Hoss and Ben turned their attention to the boy, Adam already at his bedside.\u00a0 Ben nodded his head at Hoss, signaling him to speak to his brother.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m right here Joe.\u00a0 Ole Hoss won\u2019t leave ya, never\u2026you just promise me ya won\u2019t leave me either, ya hear me, Joe\u2026ya gotta promise,\u201d Hoss\u2019 voice quivered as he held his brother\u2019s hand and pleaded with him not to give up.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2026promise\u2026Hoss\u2026you saved\u2026my life\u2026\u201d Joe forced his eyes opened and attempted a smile which looked more like a grimace to his family.<\/p>\n

\u201cPa\u2026\u201d Joe sought for his father\u2019s face amid the faces that loomed over him.<\/p>\n

\u201cPa\u2019s right here sweetheart, you just try to rest.\u00a0 We\u2019re all here, we aren\u2019t going to leave you son.\u201d\u00a0 Ben brushed at the tiny tears that rolled down his son\u2019s battered face and watched as Joe\u2019s eyes slowly closed.<\/p>\n

Ben paced the floor as the long night dragged on.\u00a0 Adam dozed in a nearby chair while Hoss maintained his vigil at Joe\u2019s bedside.\u00a0 Each time that the mournful whimpers slipped from his brother\u2019s cracked and swollen lips, Hoss was there to whisper words of encouragement to the small boy who had stolen his heart the day that the squalling bundle of joy had first emerged into his world.\u00a0 It was big brother Hoss who kept the chilling sweat from collecting on the tiny forehead and it was Hoss who continued to replace the warm blankets each time that Joe kicked them off during moments when he tossed about in his bed.\u00a0 And it was Hoss who prayed to God to deliver his baby brother from death\u2019s door and restore to him the boy whom he loved with all of his heart.<\/p>\n

\u201cPlease God\u2026he\u2019s so young and little\u2026and I love him so\u2026\u201d whispered Hoss, his head bent in reverence to his Lord, his hands clasping to Joe\u2019s, believing that as long as he held on tightly it would hinder Joe\u2019s departure from this world.<\/p>\n

Ben turned from the window where he had been sending his own petitions heavenward and listened as Hoss prayed for his brother.\u00a0 He felt his heart quiver as he watched the love that shone in his middle son\u2019s eyes while he cared for his brother and Ben thanked God for the brotherly affection that his three son\u2019s so unashamedly demonstrated toward each other not only in words but in actions as well.<\/p>\n

\u201cHi ya Hoss,\u201d moaned Little Joe from his bed.<\/p>\n

Hoss opened his eyes, the words startling him from his nap.\u00a0 \u201cHey Short Shanks, how ya feelin\u2019?\u201d smiled Hoss, surprised to find his brother watching him.<\/p>\n

\u201cHey Pa, Adam, looky here, Joe\u2019s awake,\u201d Hoss called over his shoulder, gaining his father and older brother\u2019s attention.<\/p>\n

Ben bent over his ailing son, joy showing plainly on his face.\u00a0 \u201cWelcome back son, how are you feeling?\u201d his father asked.<\/p>\n

Adam was beside his father and sat on the foot of the bed.\u00a0 \u201cHey little buddy,\u201d he greeted Joe happily.<\/p>\n

Joe smiled up at his family, \u201cI hurt all over, but not too bad, just a little.\u00a0 Can we go home, Pa\u2026please?\u201d\u00a0 Joe hurt more than he would admit to his family but his desire to go home where he knew he would be safe forced him to tell his fib. The thoughts of the boys who had beaten him frightened him and he wanted to put as much distance between himself and his attackers as possible.<\/p>\n

Ben gently caressed the bruised cheek and smiled at his son.\u00a0 \u201cI don\u2019t think Doctor Martin will be letting you go home so soon son, but I promise you, just as soon as he says I can take you, I will, but until then you will have to stay here.\u201d\u00a0 Ben saw the fear that spread across the young face and hurried to reassure the boy that he would not have to stay alone.<\/p>\n

\u201cJoseph, I\u2019ll stay with you, or Adam, but you will never have to be alone, son,\u201d Ben promised and then sighed with relief when the fear seemed to dissipate into mid air.<\/p>\n

\u201cPromise?\u201d asked Joe weakly, his eyes beginning to close.\u00a0 Paul had given Joe another dose of medicine to aid in subduing the pain and Joe had grown sleepy.<\/p>\n

\u201cI promise sweetheart.\u201d Ben bent down and placed a kiss on Joe\u2019s brow.\u00a0 Joe\u2019s busted lip twitched and tried to make a smile, the eyes closing at last to the healing sleep that was needed to restore his young body to a more healthful condition.<\/p>\n

Later Joe awoke and found that Hoss had remained by his side but was dozing; his brother\u2019s snoring making him to force a smile.\u00a0 Joe raised his head to locate his father, Ben had stretched out on the spare cot and was sound asleep, but Adam was no where to be found.<\/p>\n

\u201cPisst\u2026Hoss,\u201d whispered Joe softly as he reached out a hand and shook his brother\u2019s knee.<\/p>\n

Hoss jerked to a start, nearly falling from the chair where he sat.\u00a0 \u201cWhat\u2019s wrong Joe, are ya ahurtin\u2019?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo,\u201d Joe motioned with his index finger for Hoss to come closer and glanced at his father to be sure that Ben was still sleeping.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat\u2019s wrong then?\u201d Hoss replied and then cast a glance in their father\u2019s direction, unsure of what Joe needed.<\/p>\n

\u201cShh\u2026don\u2019t wake up Pa,\u201d said Joe barely above a whisper.\u00a0 \u201cI\u2019m scared Hoss\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

Hoss heard the quiver in his little brother\u2019s voice and moved closer, resting his hand on Joe\u2019s arm to offer a small amount of comfort.\u00a0 \u201cScared Joe, what are ya scared of buddy?\u201d wondered Hoss.<\/p>\n

Hoss saw the tears that threatened to spill over and hurried to comfort his brother.\u00a0 Hoss turned so that his body was sitting next to Joe\u2019s and Joe, with a little help from Hoss, snuggled against the bigger boy\u2019s body.\u00a0 Hoss slipped his arm around Joe\u2019s trembling shoulders as Joe rested his head against Hoss\u2019 chest.<\/p>\n

\u201cNow tell ole Hoss what\u2019s got ya scared little brother.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThem boys Hoss, where are they?\u00a0 Are they gonna come back and get us?\u201d whispered Little Joe, cupping his hand over his mouth so that only Hoss could hear him. \u201cThat Walt tried to cut ya with his knife Hoss, he even tried to hurted me with it.\u201d<\/p>\n

Hoss tightened his arm about Joe, \u201cNaw, they\u2019s in jail, Roy and Clem dun locked\u2019em up.\u00a0 Ya don\u2019t gotta worry none about them, they ain\u2019t agoin\u2019 no where,\u201d Hoss quickly reassured Joe.\u00a0 \u201cNow lay your head over here and go back to sleep.\u00a0 I\u2019ll stay right beside ya till ya do; how\u2019s that?\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe turned his head so that he could see into Hoss\u2019 eyes, sure that Hoss had told him the truth about where his attackers were.\u00a0 \u201cOkay Hoss, promise me ya won\u2019t leave me?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI promise squirt, now close ya eyes,\u201d Hoss watched to be sure that Joe had done as he had instructed.<\/p>\n

\u201cI love ya Hoss,\u201d whispered Little Joe.<\/p>\n

\u201cI love ya too, now go to sleep,\u201d replied Hoss, a smile spreading across his face.<\/p>\n

He wasn\u2019t the only one smiling; their father had witnessed the exchange between his two youngest sons and in the dim glow of the lamplight he smiled as well.<\/p>\n

It was nearly a week before Doc Martin deemed Little Joe fit for travel and only after a lot of pleading and crying from the difficult patient would the physician allow Ben to take his son home.\u00a0 Hoss had remained by his brother\u2019s side the entire duration of his stay at the doctor\u2019s.\u00a0 And that too had been the result of continuous pleading and begging and Joe had seen fit enough to try a tantrum or two, which had succeeded in granting him what he had wanted and that was his brother, Hoss.<\/p>\n

Ben had moved his young family over to the hotel, finding the accommodations much more roomy than Paul\u2019s stuffy little back room which the busy physician had needed for other patients.\u00a0 Adam had returned to the ranch each morning to see to the many chores that needed tending, but had returned to the hotel each evening, bringing with him goodies that Hop Sing had baked for Little Joe to help speed the boy\u2019s recovery.\u00a0 Ben had rode out to the ranch only once whereas Hoss had refused to leave Joe\u2019s bedside.\u00a0 Ben had not pushed his middle son into returning to school, the test that determined where or not he would be promoted to the next grade level were long over, Hoss having finished his just in time to happen upon the fight where Joe had been attacked.<\/p>\n

Joe had been persistent that Hoss be allowed to stay with him, entertaining him during his waking hours with games of checkers, story books and when Pa was not around, a game of cards.\u00a0 So far Hoss had lost his ten-gallon hat, his vest, his pony and his favorite rifle to Joe\u2019s expertise card playing, which he had learned from some of Ben\u2019s hired help who lived year round in the bunkhouse.\u00a0 Joe thought that Hoss\u2019 losing to him was the funniest thing ever, Hoss though didn\u2019t laugh much, he was embarrassed that he had lost to a seven year old, even if the winner were his own brother.\u00a0 Joe, sensing that Hoss\u2019 feelings were hurt, happily returned the items which brought a smile to the older brother\u2019s face who in turn gave his younger brother a tight hug.<\/p>\n

It was a happy time for the two brothers, a time to heal not only their bodies but also their spirits.\u00a0 Hoss had begun to feel guilty about what had happened to Little Joe; he worried because he had not been able to protect Joe from the bigger boys, he worried because he was afraid that his baby brother held him responsible for what happened to him and Hoss, in his young mind feared that even his father held him accountable for the injuries that Joe suffered.<\/p>\n

To make matters worse for both Hoss and Joe, Joe had started having nightmares again and though his father was the one whom Joe most loved, it was Hoss who was the one to chase away his demons in the wee hours of the morning and it was Hoss\u2019 arms that held him tightly, reassuring the trembling child with words of comfort.\u00a0 During those quiet times when the brothers were alone, both voiced to the other the fears they held in their hearts, the mixed emotions about what they wanted to see happen to their attackers, but most of all, the love relationship between the two young boys grew deeper and stronger as each day passed and by the time that Joe had been given the okay to go home, nothing, not man nor beast could separate one from the other.<\/p>\n

Ben watched as Hoss helped Little Joe into the waiting carriage and tucked the thick warm blankets around his little brother\u2019s body before settling himself on the seat beside his brother.\u00a0 Adam nudged his father and smiled.<\/p>\n

\u201cThose two are thicker than thieves Pa.\u00a0 We may be in for some hard times, what with Joe\u2019s conniving and Hoss\u2019 inability to say no to the youngster, I think we should stay alert and keep on our toes,\u201d said Adam, trying hard to sound serious and not show his jollity in his smile.<\/p>\n

Ben had to laugh; \u201cI think I made a mistake by not sending Hoss home days ago. Look at those two, I bet they are planning something right now.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam shook his head, agreeing with his father.\u00a0 Joe and Hoss sat huddled together, their heads bent over toward one another and both Adam and Ben wondered at what could be so interesting for the pair looked so serious and then suddenly began to giggle as only young boys could do.<\/p>\n

\u201cBen, hey Ben!\u00a0 Wait up.\u201d\u00a0 The yell halted Ben\u2019s steps just as he was climbing into the carriage and Ben turned toward the sound of his name being called.<\/p>\n

\u201cSorry Ben.\u00a0 Hoss, Little Joe, how ya afeeling son?\u201d greeted Roy Coffee as he huffed and puffed from his short run down the street to greet the family.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m fine, thanks,\u201d smiled Little Joe, the bruises still a painful reminder of what the boy had been through.<\/p>\n

Roy nodded and then turned his attention back to the elder Cartwright.\u00a0 \u201cCan I have a word with you Ben?\u00a0 Privately,\u201d inquired Roy as he stepped away from the carriage out of the hearing range of the boys.<\/p>\n

Adam glanced at Hoss and Little Joe whose attention had returned to the book that Hoss had gotten from the mercantile and then glanced at his father who was slowly following Roy to the boarded walkway and wondered at Roy\u2019s secretiveness.<\/p>\n

As Adam watched, he saw the expression on his father\u2019s face change and thought that for just a brief moment, Ben had paled, his face turning a pasty looking white.\u00a0 The two men continued talking in low tones for another minute or two before Ben returned to the carriage and without a word to anyone climbed aboard.\u00a0 Adam sensed the anger in his father and determined that now was not the time to ask what had transpired between the sheriff and his father deciding instead to wait until Ben was ready to talk to him about whatever it was that Roy had said that caused his father\u2019s happy mood to turn sour so quickly.<\/p>\n

They were just at the edge of town when Adam saw them and then he knew instantly why Ben\u2019s mood had changed.\u00a0 Quickly Adam glanced at his father and knew that his father had seen them as well.\u00a0 Ben glanced over his shoulder, Joe and Hoss were still caught up in the new book, Hoss explaining something to Joe about one of the pictures and not noticing the four boys who watched them as their carriage rolled past.<\/p>\n

The boys stood together, menacing looking smirks on their faces and as the Cartwright carriage drew near, the four boys stepped out into the street, blocking the path of the approaching buggy.<\/p>\n

\u201cHey Cartwright,\u201d yelled Walt.<\/p>\n

Hoss and Joe\u2019s heads snapped to attention at the unexpected sound of Walt\u2019s voice.\u00a0 Hoss spied his enemy before Joe who was confined by the blankets that Hoss had so carefully wrapped around him and that now kept him from rising up from his seat to see what was happening.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt would be in your best interest if you moved out of our way,\u201d Adam called to the boys as Ben pulled his horses down to a slow walk.<\/p>\n

\u201cAw\u2026ya making threats big man?\u201d Simon yelled back at Adam.<\/p>\n

Adam started to rise from his seat but was stopped by the pressure Ben placed on his son\u2019s arm.\u00a0 \u201cLeave them be Adam,\u201d cautioned Ben as he glanced around at the crowd that had begun to gather.<\/p>\n

It was no secret around town what had happened at the school just a little over a week ago and some of the towns people had been angered by the incident and fearing for their own small children; others had placed the blame on the larger Cartwright boy, Hoss, while others shook their heads in disbelief when Walt and his pals had told the sheriff and their fathers that Little Joe had incited the fight in the first place.\u00a0 Ben had become enraged at the statement that insinuated that his seven year old son could have done anything that would give cause for the four half grown young men to nearly beat to death such a young boy.<\/p>\n

Ben stood in the buggy, his hands holding tightly to the reins, \u201cGet out of our way, now,\u201d he demanded in his deep voice that Joe and Hoss recognized as being the voice of authority.<\/p>\n

The boys stood their ground, laughing.\u00a0 \u201cHey old man,\u201d Walt sneered and then seeing that he had an audience, continued, \u201cdid ya know that that little brat of yours pissed his pants?\u00a0 The baby was so scared that he couldn\u2019t hold himself.\u00a0 That\u2019s what he gets for startin\u2019 up trouble.\u201d\u00a0 Walt began laughing loudly and glanced over at his friends who took that as their cue to join in with their leader.<\/p>\n

Joe turned startled eyes up at Hoss who was intently listening to the bully.\u00a0 He had forgotten all about wetting on himself when Walt had first hit him and now, as he looked all about him, Joe\u2019s eyes began filling with tears as he realized that nearly everyone in town who stood listening to the exchange between his tormentors and his family, knew that he had peed on himself.<\/p>\n

Hoss turned at the sound of soft whimpers behind him and realizing that Joe had heard the comment and was horribly embarrassed at having the onlookers know of his shame, sat down and quickly gathered the weeping boy into his arms.<\/p>\n

Joe buried his face in the front of Hoss\u2019 shirt and jerked the blanket up over his head to hide his face.\u00a0 \u201cI wanna go home, please Hoss, tell Papa to take us home,\u201d sobbed Joe from beneath his hiding place under the blanket.<\/p>\n

\u201cPA!\u201d shouted Hoss.<\/p>\n

\u201cI heard him, son.\u00a0 YEAH!\u201d shouted Ben slapping the reins down hard on the buttocks of the team horses.\u00a0 The horses came to life as they bolted forward at a run, the four laughing boys suddenly startled by the explosion of hooves, scurried to safety as they jumped to the side of the street just as Ben\u2019s big team of horses bolted passed.<\/p>\n

Ben allowed the team to run for several minutes, leaving Virginia City far behind before slowing them to a stop.\u00a0 Quickly he jumped from the front and leaning over into the back, gathering his weeping little boy into his arms.<\/p>\n

\u201cShh\u2026don\u2019t cry sweetheart, it\u2019s okay now,\u201d Ben tried to soothe his son.<\/p>\n

Joe\u2019s arms had somehow managed to free themselves from their blanket prison and find their way around his father\u2019s neck where he clung tightly.<\/p>\n

Adam had joined his father and gently ran his hand up and down his brother\u2019s back trying to comfort the still sobbing child.\u00a0 \u201cHey Little Buddy, don\u2019t cry\u2026it\u2019s over, they\u2019re gone.\u00a0 I promise you, they won\u2019t hurt you again.\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe had his face buried deeply into the fold of Ben\u2019s neck, his face totally hidden from view.\u00a0 \u201cThey told everyone that I peed my pants.\u00a0 Now the whole town knows\u2026\u201d cried Little Joe sadly.<\/p>\n

Suddenly he raised his head and turned to Hoss who remained sitting in the buggy, \u201cYou lied to me!\u201d he screamed out, his unexpected anger taking them all by surprise.<\/p>\n

Startled by the statement, Hoss looked in shock first at his father then back at Joe.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat\u2019cha mean I lied?\u00a0 I ain\u2019t told ya no lie Short Shanks,\u201d said Hoss, the tears beginning to pool in his crystal blue eyes.<\/p>\n

\u201cYes ya did!\u00a0 Ya told me they was in jail and they ain\u2019t!\u00a0 Ya lied to me, Hoss, ya lied!\u201d\u00a0 Joe burst into a new round of tears, once again burying his face in his father\u2019s neck.<\/p>\n

\u201cJoseph, listen to me\u2026\u201d began Ben.<\/p>\n

\u201cNo\u2026I don\u2019t wanna listen to no body\u2026Hoss lied to me\u2026he said\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNow wait just a minute young man,\u201d stated Ben, sitting Little Joe back onto the seat next to Hoss.\u00a0 Joe refused to look at his brother or his father, his arms folded in defiance across his heaving chest, his lower lip puckered out and his chin resting just above his arms.<\/p>\n

Ben cupped the quivering chin with one hand and raised his son\u2019s head so that he could see into the hazel eyes that still dripped tears.\u00a0 With his free hand Ben brushed back the wayward curls that had fallen out of place and noted the sadness and the fear in the face of his youngest.<\/p>\n

\u201cSon, Hoss didn\u2019t lie to you.\u00a0 Those boys were in jail, up until just a little while ago.\u00a0 That\u2019s what Roy came to tell me when we were leaving the hotel.\u00a0 The boy\u2019s fathers got a release from the judge and he let them out; Hoss had no way of knowing that they were free.\u00a0 I should have said something back in town, but I didn\u2019t think we would have a run in with them so soon.\u201d\u00a0 Ben watched as Joe\u2019s crying ceased and his son absorbed his words.<\/p>\n

Sad hazel eyes willingly met his and Ben smiled at the tiny boy.\u00a0 \u201cHoss really truly didn\u2019t know?\u201d he asked almost shyly.<\/p>\n

Ben shook his head back and forward.<\/p>\n

\u201cI didn\u2019t know Punkin, honest I didn\u2019t,\u201d said Hoss from behind Joe.<\/p>\n

Joe turned to look at Hoss and spied the tears that slipped slowly down the rotund face and then glanced at his father.\u00a0 \u201cI\u2019m sorry,\u201d he whispered to Ben.<\/p>\n

\u201cI think you owe the apology to your brother, not to me, son\u201d Ben whispered in return.<\/p>\n

Joe slowly turned to his brother, his chin quivering, his eyes filled once again with tears as he whispered,\u00a0 \u201cI\u2019m sorry Hoss.\u00a0 I didn\u2019t mean to make ya cry and I should\u2019a knowed that ya wouldn\u2019t lie to me.\u201d<\/p>\n

Hoss wiped away his tears and smiled at his little brother, \u201cAw\u2026shucks Joe, that\u2019s all right.\u201d<\/p>\n

Hoss slipped his arm around Joe\u2019s trembling shoulders and Joe laid his head against Hoss.\u00a0 \u201cI guess I was just prized to see them boys in the street and then they told the whole dang town that I peed my pants\u2026I hate\u2019em Hoss.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t hate\u2019em Joe, we\u2019s ain\u2019t suppose to hate no one, but I sure do pity\u2019em,\u201d Hoss told Joe as he replaced the blankets back in place around the boy.<\/p>\n

\u201cWell\u2026maybe I don\u2019t hate\u2019em either, but I sure \u2018nough scared of\u2019em,\u201d whispered Joe in a low voice so that only Hoss could hear his words.<\/p>\n

But Adam had heard, and he cut his eyes over to his father\u2019s face and saw that Ben had heard as well.\u00a0 Ben\u2019s brows raised ever so slightly when his eyes found Adam\u2019s and knew in his heart that he would do all he could to see that the boys involved would be punished for their part in beating and terrorizing his youngest son and for what they had done to Hoss as well.<\/p>\n

Joe, who was worn out, had fallen to sleep, his head resting in Hoss\u2019 lap by the time that the family had reached home.\u00a0 Ben hurried to gather the sleeping boy into his arms and headed straight for Joe\u2019s room where Hop Sing had made ready the bed.\u00a0 Once Joe was placed into his bed, the covers pulled snuggly around him, Ben ordered both Hoss and Adam out of the room so that Joe would not be disturbed.<\/p>\n

Adam headed straightway to the barn to begin the evening chores but Hoss hesitated at the bedroom door.\u00a0 He had been by his brother\u2019s side for days and was reluctant to leave him even now regardless of the fact that they were now home and his father had assigned himself the job of staying with Joe.<\/p>\n

\u201cHoss, go ahead son.\u00a0 Your brother will be fine,\u201d whispered Ben, giving Hoss a smile.<\/p>\n

\u201cAw\u2026Pa, do I gotta?\u00a0 I\u2019d rather stay here with him,\u201d Hoss asked, the look on his face making his father to smile to himself.\u00a0 His middle son looked so pitiful that Ben almost relented and allowed the boy to stay but quickly decided that Hoss needed a break and also needed to be outside in the fresh air where he could put some color back into his usually rosy cheeks.<\/p>\n

Ben rose from his chair and moved to stand next to Hoss who looked pleadingly into his father\u2019s dark eyes.\u00a0 \u201cYes son, you \u2018gotta\u2019.\u00a0 When you finish with your chores and eat your supper, you can come back, for a little while before bedtime.\u201d\u00a0 Ben placed his hand on the boy\u2019s shoulder and smiled at him.\u00a0 \u201cI promise Hoss, if he wakes and asks for you, I will call you.\u201d<\/p>\n

Hoss seemed satisfied with that idea and giving his father a smile in return, gave Joe one more quick glance and hurried to complete his work so that he could eat supper and return to his brother\u2019s side.\u00a0 \u201cThanks Pa,\u201d Hoss called softly as he rushed from the room.<\/p>\n

Once Joe was home where he felt safe with his family and his surroundings, his recovery seemed to be miraculous for each day he grew stronger and stronger until Ben had grown weary with trying to keep his rambunctious little boy in the bed.<\/p>\n

\u201cPlease Pa, please?\u00a0 Can\u2019t I just go downstairs for a little while?\u00a0 I wanna see Hoss and I wanna see Adam and I wanna eat at the table and I wanna play checkers and I wanna\u2026<\/p>\n

\u201cYou sure do have a lot of wanna\u2019s little boy,\u201d laughed Ben interrupting the constant chatter.\u00a0 \u201cI suppose you can join us for supper and I suppose you can play one game of checkers with Hoss, but then it\u2019s back to bed with you.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAw Pa\u2026I just wanna\u2026\u201d began Joe but stopped in mid-sentence when he saw the look on his father\u2019s face.<\/p>\n

\u201cOkay, but\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo buts\u2026you eat supper, play one game of checkers and then to bed, agreed?\u201d\u00a0 Ben forced the mock frown to stay on his face.\u00a0 He didn\u2019t want to take any chances of his youngest son getting overly tired, Joe hated having to stay confined to the bed and Ben was sure that the over zealous boy would over do himself if he, Ben, did not put a limit on the time that Joe would be allowed to remain downstairs with the family.<\/p>\n

Joe dropped his head, placing a sad and pitiful look on his face in hopes of buying himself some more downstairs time.\u00a0 Ben cupped Little Joe\u2019s chin in the palm of his hand and lifted the angelic face that still bore the last faded hues of bruises and in a stern voice spoke softly to his son.<\/p>\n

\u201cThat look will earn you nothing Joseph.\u00a0 Now I asked you a question, I expect an answer.\u00a0 Do you want to come downstairs or not, on my terms little boy, not yours?\u201d Ben struggled to keep the smile from forming on his face.<\/p>\n

\u201cYes sir, I understand and I agree, if\u2019n that\u2019s the best ya can do,\u201d Joe met his father\u2019s gaze and batted his long thick lashes; the result of which could not stop the smile from brightening his father\u2019s face.<\/p>\n

\u201cOkay you little charmer, two games of checkers, but not a word to either of your brothers that the deal was one game\u2026agreed?\u201d laughed Ben.<\/p>\n

\u201cAgreed,\u201d smiled Joe and then spat on his hand and offered it to his father to seal their deal.<\/p>\n

Ben looked at the open hand of his son and scrunched up his nose.\u00a0 Moving too slowly for Joe\u2019s liking, Joe grabbed his father\u2019s hand in his wet one and pumped both hands up and down.\u00a0 \u201cThanks Pa,\u201d smiled Little Joe as he crawled back under the covers.<\/p>\n

Ben looked at the palm of his hand and without thinking brushed it against the leg of his trousers.\u00a0 \u201cI\u2019ll be back up to get you tucked in after a little while Joseph.\u00a0 You try to rest, please.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben turned to leave but was stopped at the door.<\/p>\n

\u201cPa, can Hoss come up and get me?\u00a0 Please, I can walk by myself now, no need for you to carry me, I\u2019m a big boy anyhow,\u201d stated Joe firmly.<\/p>\n

\u201cI think I can arrange that, if you stay in bed until Hoss is finished with his work,\u201d Ben shook his finger at Joe to add emphasis to his statement.<\/p>\n

Joe\u2019s face beamed with happiness as he snuggled down deeper into the blankets, \u201cI promise Pa\u2026and thanks\u2026I love ya Pa\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI love you too, you little scamp,\u201d smiled Ben and closed the door. Thus the nightly routine was established and remained so for many more nights.<\/p>\n

\u201cHoss, Adam has gone into town to get the mail and check on a few things for me.\u00a0 I just got word that there has been an accident up at the logging camp and I am needed there.\u00a0 I hate leaving you alone, just you and Joe, but with Hop Sing gone to his cousin\u2019s in San Francisco, I have no other choice,\u201d Ben explained to Hoss as they walked out of the barn together.\u00a0 Ben\u2019s hand rested on Hoss\u2019 shoulder while Ben glanced nervously in the direction of the house.<\/p>\n

\u201cLittle Joe is sleeping, in fact he just fell asleep so he should sleep for a couple of hours.\u00a0 Adam should be home by then Hoss, do you think you can handle everything until one of us gets home?\u201d inquired Ben, not all together sure that he was ready to leave the two young boys alone but knew that he had no other choice in the matter if he were to see to the business at the camp.<\/p>\n

\u201cAw\u2026sure Pa.\u00a0 I got plenty of work right here in the barn.\u00a0 I\u2019ll just go in and check on Little Joe every so often and when he wakes up, I\u2019ll make him sit in the rocker on the porch til I\u2019m finished, how\u2019s that?\u201d beamed Hoss, proud that his father could trust him to manage things in his absence.<\/p>\n

Ben had seen the way Hoss had straightened his back, saw the look of pride that crossed his young face and knew that if anyone could manage the little rascal upstairs, it would be Hoss.\u00a0 Ben gave his son an encouraging smile.<\/p>\n

\u201cAlright son, just be sure that Joe does not stay out too long, it will be getting dark soon and he doesn\u2019t need to be in this night air,\u201d instructed Ben.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll take care of\u2019em Pa.\u00a0 Don\u2019t ya worry none about us, we\u2019ll be fine,\u201d Hoss promised as Ben mounted up and turned to leave.<\/p>\n

\u201cHoss?\u201d called Ben.<\/p>\n

\u201cYeah Pa?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cKeep your eyes open son.\u00a0 Roy doesn\u2019t seem to think that that gang of boys will cause any more trouble, but I want you to take extra care and watch your back.\u201d<\/p>\n

Hoss quickly scanned the area around the yard and glanced up at his father.\u00a0 \u201cI will Pa.\u00a0 Now don\u2019t ya worry, best be getting\u2019 on your way, those men need ya, Pa.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben gave Hoss one last smile and turned Buck in the direction of the logging camp.\u00a0 \u201cI\u2019ll see ya tonight, son.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cBye Pa,\u201d called Hoss as he threw his hand up to wave.<\/p>\n

Hoss busied himself with his chores, his mind drifting from time to time thinking about the hours that he and Joe had spent together over the last couple of weeks.\u00a0 At times the thoughts caused him to smile as he worked, other memories brought near tears to his eyes as he recalled the beating that his younger brother had taken from his four classmates and for what, Hoss asked himself?\u00a0 Was it because Joe was smaller than most of the kids in school, because he was younger or because they were brothers?\u00a0 Hoss thought hard on this last idea and decided that had been the reason for Joe getting busted up as he had.\u00a0 Walt and his sidekicks had been baiting Hoss for several days and when he refused to fight with them, they goaded him into it by picking on his baby brother.\u00a0 They knew that Hoss would not stand for anyone picking on the boy, everyone in school knew how Hoss always stuck up for his kid brother, everyone knew that they were close and that Hoss was Joe\u2019s protector.\u00a0 It was common knowledge and if you had only just met the boys, one could tell just by watching the brothers together that Joe idolized his bigger brother and the best way to start trouble with Hoss was to first start it with Little Joe.<\/p>\n

Hoss lost in his thoughts, had not heard the silent footsteps as they approached him from behind until it was too late.\u00a0 Hoss felt the pain sear through his shoulder as the old axe handle came crashing down onto the back of his collarbone.\u00a0 Taken by surprise, the pain seemingly to burn a hole into his skin, Hoss fell to his knees where he was quickly pounced upon by Walt, Albert, Josh and Simon who hammered away at his flesh with their fists.\u00a0 Dazed, Hoss fought with all the strength his young body could muster.\u00a0 Josh was shoved aside, landing with a thud against the hard boards that separated the stalls. Albert grabbed Hoss from behind, wrapping his arms tightly about Hoss\u2019 neck, nearly cutting off his air supply until Hoss grew weak from lack of oxygen and released his grip on Simon whom he had been holding tightly to.\u00a0 Simon pulled free and moved back a couple of paces out of the angry boy\u2019s reach.\u00a0 Walt took advantage of Hoss\u2019 weakened condition and using his fist, slugged Hoss in the nose putting as much power behind the punch as he could force.<\/p>\n

Hoss felt his nose break; somehow he managed to free himself from Albert and covering his throbbing face with both hands fell backward into the hay where he lay moaning until the pain became unbearable and he slipped into unconsciousness.\u00a0 Walt pulled his knife from his boot and straddling Hoss\u2019s still form, raised the knife high into the air aiming it at Hoss\u2019 heart.<\/p>\n

\u201cWALT!\u201d\u00a0 shouted Simon, \u201cYa ain\u2019t gonna kill him are ya?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat if I am?\u00a0 Who\u2019s gonna know but the four of us?\u201d Walt knelt down over Hoss\u2019 body, ready to finish what he had come there to do.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m getting outta here, I didn\u2019t come here to kill no one,\u201d said Josh in a trembling voice.<\/p>\n

\u201cMe neither Walt.\u00a0 You\u2019re on your own, I\u2019m goin\u2019 home,\u201d Albert exclaimed.<\/p>\n

\u201cOh, you three are just a bunch of babies.\u00a0 I wasn\u2019t really goin\u2019 to kill him, come back here all of you,\u201d complained Walt, though he did have it in his mind to do Cartwright in, he hated the big fella, for several reasons, cause he was a rich kid mostly and because Hoss had humiliated him in front of his friends and gotten him into trouble with not only his strict father but with the law as well.\u00a0 To sum it all up, Walt Hamilton blamed Hoss Cartwright for all of his sorrows.<\/p>\n

Simon, Josh and Albert stopped their retreat after Walt promised to put away his knife and came back into the barn.\u00a0 Hoss still lay unmoving on the ground at their feet.
\nHis would-be attackers stood immobile, shocked at the blood that still spewed from Hoss\u2019 nose and mouth.\u00a0 Three terrified boys glanced from one to the other, all three believing that they had just killed Hoss Cartwright and the fear they felt in their hearts showed on their faces.<\/p>\n

After several moments, Walt found his voice.\u00a0 \u201cTie him up, be sure to make it tight.\u00a0 I don\u2019t want him to get away, not that he is in any shape to be going anywhere,\u201d ordered Walt who tossed a coil of rope to Josh and Albert.<\/p>\n

\u201cHe ain\u2019t dead is he?\u201d asked Josh, catching the rope from Walt and stepping nearer to where Hoss lay.<\/p>\n

\u201cNaw\u2026he ain\u2019t dead, he just passed out, now tie him up good and tight, I have some unfinished business in the house,\u201d said Walt with an evil gleam in his eyes. Walt waited to be sure that Josh and Albert did as he ordered before motioning for Simon to follow him.<\/p>\n

Slowly the two boys made their way to the house and quietly opened the front door and let themselves in.\u00a0 \u201cThat was a good idea ya had about sending Zack to tell old man Cartwright that there had been an accident at his logging camp,\u201d whispered Simon.<\/p>\n

\u201cYeah, Zack owed me a favor, so he said he\u2019d go along with the joke.\u00a0 That\u2019s what I told him it was, a joke, and he fell for it.\u00a0 Shh\u2026I think someone\u2019s coming, it might be the kid.\u201d\u00a0 Walt pulled Simon down behind the settee out of sight.<\/p>\n

Joe slowly opened his eyes and looked around his room.\u00a0 \u201cHoss?\u00a0 Pa?\u201d he called as he climbed from his bed.\u00a0 Joe rubbed the sleep from his eyes with the back of his hand and moved across the room to the door.\u00a0 He hadn\u2019t bothered to slip his feet into his house shoes and he shivered slightly as his bare feet shuffled along on the cold floor.<\/p>\n

\u201cHoss?\u201d Joe called out again as he neared the top of the stairs.\u00a0 The empty house seemed so much larger than when his family was about and Joe shivered a second time, wondering where everyone had taken off too leaving him behind alone.<\/p>\n

Joe saw them peeking at him over the top of the settee the second he stopped at the top of the stairs and his heart skipped several beats.<\/p>\n

\u201cHowdy brat.\u00a0 Bet ya never expected to see me again, now did ya?\u201d taunted Walt as he and Simon eased their way slowly toward the steps.<\/p>\n

Joe felt his heart racing with fear as he slowly began to back up.\u00a0 \u201cHOSS!!\u00a0 PA!!\u201d screamed Little Joe as he turned and ran back down the hall to Hoss\u2019 room.<\/p>\n

Joe could hear the footsteps of the two boys behind him as they raced after him.\u00a0 Quickly Joe pushed opened the heavy wooden door to his brother\u2019s room and turning hastened to slam it shut.\u00a0 He almost made it but the door stopped suddenly.\u00a0 Joe leaned into the door and pushed with all the strength that his seven year old body held but it was no use, Walt had his boot in the doorway and when he and Simon shoved on the heavy door, Joe was knocked backward and the door flew opened.<\/p>\n

Joe ran to the other side of the room, trying desperately to find an escape but Walt, older and quicker than the little boy, grabbed Joe from behind, wrapping his strong arms around Joe\u2019s mid section.\u00a0 Once Walt had his hands on Joe, Joe fought like a tiger in a trap but his struggle was useless, Walt tossed Joe onto the bed, face up.\u00a0 Joe\u2019s body bounced on the soft mattress and before Joe could collect his muddled thoughts, Simon had grabbed both of his feet and held him while Walt jumped onto the bed and straddled Joe\u2019s fraying body.\u00a0 It took only once for Walt to slam his fist into Joe\u2019s face to still the senseless struggle.<\/p>\n

Walt sat on Joe\u2019s chest, his knees pressed into Joe\u2019s shoulders, holding his arms tightly against the mattress and erasing any chance Joe might have had of getting away.<\/p>\n

\u201cMight as well stop fighting me squirt, ya ain\u2019t goin\u2019 no where,\u201d laughed Walt while Simon watched from the opposite side of the bed where he had moved.<\/p>\n

Joe tried not to cry, but he hurt, his ribs had not completely healed and with all of the running and bouncing on the bed the activity had brought forth new pain around his middle.\u00a0 His face, now sporting new bruises, stung where Walt had hit him and much to his dismay, the tears slipped slowly down the sides of his face.<\/p>\n

\u201cAw\u2026the baby\u2019s cryin\u2019 Simon, lookit,\u201d snickered Walt.\u00a0 \u201cWant something to make ya really cry?\u00a0 How about this?\u201d\u00a0 Walt reached behind him and withdrew his knife from inside his boot and held it up to within inches of Joe\u2019s face.<\/p>\n

\u201cWanna know what I just did?\u00a0 I kilt that ole fat ass brother of yours,\u201d\u00a0 Walt saw the fear that suddenly washed over Joe\u2019s expression and he threw his head back and laughed.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019re a liar,\u201d accused Joe, bravely, the anger beginning to wash through his fear.<\/p>\n

Walt looked down at Joe and shook his head, \u201cNo, I ain\u2019t lyin\u2019.\u00a0 Ole Hoss Cartwright won\u2019t be shamin\u2019 me no more, cause he\u2019s dead.\u00a0 Tell\u2019em Simon, tell him about how I kilt his brother.\u201d<\/p>\n

Simon took his cue.\u00a0 Bending over Joe\u2019s head from the side of the bed where he stood, Simon told Joe how they had jumped Hoss while he went about the barn doing his chores and how Walt had first hit Hoss from behind with the axe handle.\u00a0 When Simon saw Joe trying to squirm out from under Walt\u2019s weight, he laughed, catching the enraged little boy\u2019s attention.<\/p>\n

\u201cWalt hit him one time, in the nose.\u00a0 That ox dropped like a ton of bricks, and then before your brother could get up, ole Walt here pulled that sharp knife out of his boot and went just like this\u2026.<\/p>\n

Walt held the knife high into the air and as if on cue, stabbed the sharp weapon deeply into the mattress, just inches from the side of Joe\u2019s head.\u00a0 Joe, thinking that now Walt was going to kill him as well as Hoss, screamed in terror.<\/p>\n

\u201cHOSS! HOSS!\u201d<\/p>\n

Walt slapped the screaming boy across the face several times until Joe\u2019s screams were reduced to whimpers. Laughing, Walt reached for a hand full of dark curls and in one swift move, sliced a path from forehead to crown, cutting away the mass of dark hair that adorned Joe\u2019s head.<\/p>\n

Joe, wide eyed, stared at the hand full of hair that Walt held up in front of his face.\u00a0 Joe could see specks of blood on the blade of Walt\u2019s knife, felt the stinging where the blade had nicked his head and then felt his stomach begin to churn and when Joe opened his mouth to scream, nothing came out.\u00a0 Joe fainted, his eyes closing to the wickedness that surrounded him.<\/p>\n

Walt jumped from the bed laughing.\u00a0 He tuned Joe face down on the bed and grabbing the heavy blankets he pulled them over the tiny body, covering him from view.<\/p>\n

\u201cCome on Simon, let\u2019s get back to the barn and see if Hoss is awake yet.\u00a0 I wanna show him this,\u201d Walt held up his trophy of dark silky curls and hurried from the room.<\/p>\n

\u201cI can\u2019t wait to see his face, ya gonna tell him ya kilt the boy?\u201d asked Simon as he followed Walt down the stairs.<\/p>\n

\u201cHow about I tell old big britches that I scalped the kid?\u201d<\/p>\n

Both boys started laughing, thinking their cruel treatment of the Cartwright brothers to be rather funny.\u00a0 Little did they realize what a deadly game they played, nor the outcome that would result from their cruelty.<\/p>\n

Walt and Simon rushed back to the barn to join Albert and Josh who stood watch over Hoss.\u00a0 Hoss was just beginning to come around as the boys pushed through the barn door, leaving it slightly opened behind them.<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, fatso, it\u2019s about time you woke up,\u201d sneered Walt who still held Joe\u2019s curls behind his back and out of Hoss\u2019 view.<\/p>\n

Hoss managed to pull himself into a sitting position despite the ropes that held his hands behind his back and bound his ankles together.\u00a0 Hoss, still dazed, made no comment as the boys stood before him, their backs to the barn door.\u00a0 Secretly, Hoss wished that his father or Adam would suddenly appear and help him out of this mess he had foolishly let himself fall into, but he knew that Ben had not been gone long enough to reach the camp, let alone tend to the problems there he might find and then return home.\u00a0 As for Adam, Adam could be gone until after dark for once in town and finished with his errands, Adam would make his usual stop at the saloon to have a couple of beers.\u00a0 Nope, decided Hoss, he was on his own.\u00a0 Briefly his thoughts turned to his little brother and he prayed that Joe would remain asleep and would not venture out to the barn in search of him.\u00a0 Little did Hoss know the condition that Joseph was now in or what the troublemaker Walt held in his hands behind his back.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m gonna get ya for this, Walt.\u00a0 Don\u2019t ever forget that,\u201d Hoss told the leader of the gang as his blue eyes filled with hatred for his former classmate.<\/p>\n

\u201cOh\u2026I\u2019m scared.\u00a0 Just look in the mirror at that ugly face of yours.\u00a0 It will be a long time fore you\u2019re ready to do anything, besides, in just a few minutes, I\u2019m gonna have to kill ya,\u201d sneered Walt.<\/p>\n

The other three boys cast worried glances at one another and then back at Walt.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat\u2019cha mean, Walt?\u00a0 I thought ya said there wasn\u2019t gonna be no killin\u2019?\u201d asked Simon nervously.<\/p>\n

\u201cYeah, well that was before this big ape here tried to kill me.\u00a0 Ya see, I\u2019m gonna tell him somethin\u2019 and show him what I got here behind me and when the big galoot sees it, he\u2019s gonna try to kill me,\u201d Walt laughed and continued, \u201cthen I hav\u2019ta protect myself, so\u2019s I\u2019m gonna stick him with this!\u201d\u00a0 Walt pulled his knife from around his back and held it up for everyone to see.<\/p>\n

Kneeling down in front of Hoss, he showed the knife to his captive, \u201cSee these here red spots?\u201d Walt asked Hoss using his head to nod at the places where Joe\u2019s blood had stained the sharp edges.<\/p>\n

Hoss forced his eyes from Walt\u2019s face and looked at the bloodstains. Suddenly his heart leapt into his throat, his thoughts turning to his little brother who, hopefully, was upstairs in his room still sleeping.<\/p>\n

\u201cI asked ya if ya saw them?\u201d shouted Walt and shoved the knife closer toward Hoss\u2019 face.<\/p>\n

Hoss moved his head backward and looked into the face of the boy in front of him.<\/p>\n

\u201cYeah, I see\u2019em, so what?\u201d\u00a0 Hoss swallowed and clinched his lips together tightly.<\/p>\n

\u201cThis here blood belongs to that brat of a brother of yours,\u201d smiled Walt evilly.<\/p>\n

Hoss straightened his back and tried to still his trembling.\u00a0 \u201cWhat are ya talkin\u2019 about?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAre you stupid as well as ugly?\u00a0 I said this here blood is your brother\u2019s.\u00a0 He\u2019s in the house, that is what\u2019s left of him.\u201d\u00a0 Walt backed up quickly as Hoss tried to throw his body into Walt\u2019s.<\/p>\n

The boys laughed as Josh shoved Hoss back down on his backside.\u00a0 \u201cTell us what ya did to the kid, Walt,\u201d encouraged Josh.<\/p>\n

\u201cYa hurt him and I\u2019ll kill ya, ya hear me?\u201d screamed out Hoss.<\/p>\n

\u201cDid ya Walt, did ya kill the kid?\u201d Albert asked as he squatted down next to Walt who still faced Hoss.<\/p>\n

\u201cHere, what do ya think?\u201d laughed Walt as he tossed the dark curls on the ground in front of Hoss.\u00a0 \u2018If\u2019n he ain\u2019t dead by now, he will be soon \u2018nough.\u00a0 I scalped him, just like the injuns do.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhoa\u2026.\u201dshouted his friends, as they slapped their leader on the back and watched Hoss\u2019 expression as the color drained from his face.<\/p>\n

The four boys were so engrossed in their laughter and sneers that none of them noticed Hoss had somehow in his anger, managed to get to his feet.\u00a0 Suddenly Walt was shoved to the ground, the wind knocked from his lungs as Hoss\u2019 heavy body barreled into his stomach.<\/p>\n

Hoss landed on top of Walt but was quickly pulled back by Walt\u2019s friends.\u00a0 Simon drove his fist into Hoss\u2019 middle and when the bound boy doubled up from the pain, Albert and Josh shoved him to the barn floor where he landed against the half wall of the stall.<\/p>\n

\u201cStop!\u201d shouted Walt as he pulled himself up to his knees.\u00a0 The other three boys stopped their punches but remained close just in case Hoss tried to pull something else.<\/p>\n

Walt, his soul consumed with anger and hate, shoved Hoss on his cracked shoulder, making the wounded boy to lie flat on his back.\u00a0 With dark eyes that resembled black coals, Walt straddled Hoss and when his hand holding the sharp knife flew upward, Hoss shut his eyes tightly waiting for what he knew would be sure death.\u00a0 Images of Little Joe lying dead in the house swiftly ran through his thoughts and in his mind he sought to apologize for not being able to protect the brother whom he had loved all of his life and with all of his heart.<\/p>\n

\u201cHold it right there,\u201d came the deep voice from behind the boys.\u00a0 All four boys froze; Walt slowly turned his head in the direction from which the deep warning had come.<\/p>\n

In the doorway of the barn stood Ben Cartwright, his pistol pointed and ready to fire.\u00a0 To his left stood Adam, his gun in hand as well and to Ben\u2019s right stood the sheriff, Roy Coffee.<\/p>\n

Josh, Albert and Simon raised their hands high over their heads, Walt never moved, his arm still upright and gripping his knife.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou boys move away from Hoss,\u201d ordered Roy as he waved them back with his gun.<\/p>\n

\u201cYa\u2019ll hav\u2019ta kill me Cartwright, cause I aim to kill this ape son of yours,\u201d warned Walt, as he shifted his weight around onto Hoss\u2019 chest.<\/p>\n

Hoss had opened his eyes and he watched with worried eyes as his father and Walt faced off with each other.<\/p>\n

\u201cDrop the knife son, please don\u2019 t do this,\u201d came a voice from a man who Walt had not seen.\u00a0 The man gently pushed his way between Ben and Adam standing now slightly in front of the Cartwrights.<\/p>\n

\u201cWalt, put it down son, now.\u201d\u00a0 Walt stared in shock at his father who stood just feet from him, his own gun drawn and ready to fire.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou wouldn\u2019t kill your own flesh and blood now, would ya Pa?\u201d Walt finally asked, shaken to see his father among the group of men.<\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t want to boy, but if you don\u2019t put down that weapon, I will.\u00a0 I won\u2019t stand here and see you kill an innocent boy,\u201d promised Walter Hamilton, senior.<\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t believe ya.\u201d\u00a0 Walt\u2019s arm began the downward descent, the knife centered to the middle of Hoss\u2019 pounding heart; but the arm froze in flight just inches from it\u2019s mark as the sound of a shot echoed within the walls of the barn.<\/p>\n

Walt\u2019s body swayed and then finally fell to the side, removing its weight from the bound and frightened boy beneath him.<\/p>\n

Ben ran to his son\u2019s side, Adam hurried to check the condition of the young Hamilton boy and when his eyes met his father\u2019s, Adam shook his head.\u00a0 The boy was dead.<\/p>\n

Quickly Ben removed the ropes from around Hoss and gathered the boy into the folds of his arms, holding him tightly.<\/p>\n

\u201cPa, Pa\u2026\u201dwept Hoss, \u201cJoe\u2026he kilt him, he\u2019s dead,\u201d Hoss continued to sob.\u00a0 \u201cLooky,\u201d Hoss pointed to the mass of curls that had gotten scattered about during all of the ruckus.<\/p>\n

\u201cThey scalped him,\u201d Hoss strained to sit up and when he finally did, his hand reached out and picked up a lock of his brother\u2019s hair.\u00a0 \u201cHe\u2019s dead\u2026Pa\u2026he\u2019s dead.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAdam, stay with your brother.\u201d\u00a0 Ben bolted from the barn giving the senior Hamilton man a swift glance and ran to the house, shoving the door wide open he took the steps two at a time.<\/p>\n

\u201cJoseph!\u201d shouted Ben as he paused outside of Joe\u2019s room, wanting desperately to open the door and rush to his son, but hesitated briefly, fighting the fear that had consumed his heart.<\/p>\n

Gulping, Ben opened the door and slipped inside.\u00a0 \u201cJoseph?\u00a0 Joseph, sweetheart, answer Papa,\u201d called Ben softly.<\/p>\n

The room was silent; Ben all but tore the interior apart searching for his missing son. And then he heard the soft whimpering coming from down the hall.\u00a0 Quickly Ben rushed from the room and following the piteous sounds, eased slowly in the direction where the sounds could be heard the loudest.\u00a0 Ben stopped just outside of Hoss\u2019 bedroom and listened.<\/p>\n

\u201cJoseph?\u201d he called.<\/p>\n

\u201cPapa\u2026Papa\u2026help me,\u201d screamed out Little Joe.<\/p>\n

Ben forced the door open, his eyes searching the dim light for any signs of his injured son.\u00a0 The room appeared empty but then he saw the slight movement from under the blankets on the bed.\u00a0 Quickly Ben grabbed the covers and flung them back.<\/p>\n

His heart pounded in his chest, his breath was expelled from his lungs and his dark eyes clouded with tears.\u00a0 \u201cSweet Jesus, son of God,\u201d wept Ben as he gathered Little Joe into the folds of his arms.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat in the name of Heaven have they done to you boy?\u201d\u00a0 Ben cradled Joe\u2019s head against his heart as he pulled his baby onto his lap.<\/p>\n

Joe snuggled deeply into his father\u2019s chest, safe at last in Ben\u2019s loving arms though he continued to sob out his sorrow.\u00a0 \u201cHe\u2019s dead Pa\u2026they left him in the barn.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo son, no\u2026Hoss is hurt but he\u2019s not dead,\u201d Ben tried to assure his son.<\/p>\n

Joe raised his head from Ben\u2019s chest and studied his father\u2019s face.\u00a0 Ben had tears in his eyes, but even Joe could tell that his father was not overly upset at hearing about Hoss\u2019 presumed dead but surely, thought the small lad, if Hoss had been dead, his father would have been beside himself.<\/p>\n

\u201cAre ya sure Pa?\u00a0 Hoss is really truly alive?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m alive Short Shanks.\u201d\u00a0 Hoss stood, with Adam\u2019s arms holding him upright, in the doorway of his own bedroom.\u00a0 \u201cI ain\u2019t agonna be smellin\u2019 anythin\u2019 for a while, but at least I ain\u2019t dead,\u201d smiled Hoss.<\/p>\n

Joe\u2019s eyes misted with tears as he tore himself from his father\u2019s arms and ran to Hoss, who waited with one opened arm, his injured arm had been slipped into a make shift sling.\u00a0 His inability to use both arms did nothing to hamper his joy at seeing his youngest brother alive, though looking somewhat the worst for wear.<\/p>\n

Hoss knelt on one knee as Joe fell into his arms, his own arms slipping about Hoss\u2019 neck.\u00a0 Joe was careful not to bump Hoss\u2019 face for he had spied the broken nose and the bruises on his brother\u2019s features.<\/p>\n

\u201cLooks like they got ya good, Hoss.\u00a0 Does it hurted?\u201d asked Joe, studying the injuries.<\/p>\n

Hoss made a tight lipped smile as he glanced over Joe\u2019s shoulder at his reflection in the mirror.\u00a0 He couldn\u2019t help but to scrunch up his face in disgust, \u201cYeah, it hurts some, but I\u2019ll be okay, did they hurt ya Joe?\u201d asked Hoss worried now for his brother\u2019s welfare.<\/p>\n

\u201cJust a little, when they hitted me.\u201d\u00a0 Joe turned around and found his own reflection staring back at him in the same mirror with Hoss.\u00a0 Suddenly, tears welled up and overflowed as he slowly raised his hand and brushed at the short hairs that remained down the middle of the top of his head.<\/p>\n

\u201cThey sure \u2018nough scalped me!\u201d he cried sorrowfully.<\/p>\n

Adam quickly knelt beside Joe and slipped his arm about the weeping boy\u2019s shoulder as Joe turned and buried his face in his older brother\u2019s neck.<\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t cry Little Buddy, its not so bad,\u201d soothed Adam tenderly.<\/p>\n

\u201cYes it is, I ain\u2019t got no hair, \u2018ceptin\u2019 on the sides, I look plain ole dumb,\u201d continued Joe, his pitiful sobs shaking his body.<\/p>\n

\u201cAw\u2026Joe, ya still got more hair than I do,\u201d added Hoss, glancing again at his image.<\/p>\n

\u201cListen Little Joe,\u201d whispered Adam, giving his father who had come to stand over them, a wink of the eye.\u00a0 \u201cKnow that new black hat that you\u2019ve been wanting, the one with the silver studs on the hat band?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cUh uh,\u201d replied Joe.<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, I bet if you asked Pa real nice like, he might just give you a couple of dollars so that you can buy it.\u00a0 We\u2019ll get Hop Sing to trim the sides just as soon as he gets home and then if Pa permits you to get the hat, the top part will be covered.\u00a0 And no one will ever know unless you take your hat off.\u00a0 And just think Little Joe, with your hair this short, you won\u2019t have to have another hair cut for a long, long time and Pa can\u2019t accuse you of looking like a riverboat gambler for about six months,\u201d smiled Adam when Joe pulled away from his embrace and looked into his face.<\/p>\n

Joe giggled, \u201cYa reckon Adam, ya think Pa would do that for me?\u201d questioned Little Joe, the tears coming to a stop.<\/p>\n

Ben stooped down to join his sons.\u00a0 \u201cI think any son of mine that has been through what you two boys have been through, deserve some sort of reward.\u00a0 If it\u2019s the hat you want, then it\u2019s the hat you\u2019ll get,\u201d smiled Ben.<\/p>\n

Joe\u2019s happiness showed on his face.\u00a0 \u201cThanks Pa, thanks Adam, and thanks Hoss, I love all of you!\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben scooped the boy up into his arms and kissed Joe\u2019s cheek.\u00a0 \u201cWhat do you say we get these owies on your head cleaned up and then Hop Sing can trim your hair tomorrow when he gets home?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOkay Pa, but I want Hoss to come with me, he\u2019s gotta get a beefsteak for his black eyes,\u201d Joe pointed to Hoss\u2019 face.<\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t you worry about Hoss, son, Roy is on his way back to town and he promised to send Doc Martin out to take a look at your brother.\u00a0 He\u2019ll be fine,\u201d Ben promised.<\/p>\n

Ben carried Joe in his arms until he reached the settee where he lowered Joe onto the cushions.\u00a0 \u201cYou sit still until I get something to clean these owies,\u201d ordered Ben as he went to the kitchen in search of the medical supplies.<\/p>\n

Hoss and Adam both sat on the table that stood between the settee and the fireplace and faced Joe trying not to laugh, for in truth, Joe\u2019s new haircut was rather funny looking.<\/p>\n

\u201cAdam, what\u2019s gonna happen to Josh, and Simon and ole Albert?\u00a0 I mean, will they end up goin\u2019 to jail?\u201d questioned Hoss the worry in his voice stopping any thoughts of laughter about Joe\u2019s haircut.<\/p>\n

\u201cNot prison Hoss.\u00a0 They didn\u2019t try to kill you, but I dare say that they will be sent away for awhile, probably to a home for wayward boys,\u201d speculated Adam, not really sure what would happen to the three boys in question.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat about Walt, he was the biggest bully, won\u2019t he end up in jail for what he done?\u201d asked Joe, not knowing what had taken place in the barn.<\/p>\n

Adam and Hoss swapped looks and then turned their eyes up at Ben who had just returned from the kitchen with the needed medical supplies and waited for Ben to answer their brother\u2019s question.<\/p>\n

Ben sat next to Joe on the settee, placing the bandages and clean water on the table between Hoss and Adam.\u00a0 Adam took one of the clean clothes and began washing the blood and dirt from Hoss\u2019 face while Ben tended to Joe\u2019s head.<\/p>\n

\u201cSweetheart, Walt was trying to hurt your brother, in fact he was just about to stab him with his knife. Walt\u2019s father was with us, Adam happened to run into him and the sheriff when he was in town.\u00a0 It was a good thing he did too; you see Joe, Walt and his friends had planned on coming out here to harm both you and Hoss.\u00a0 Mr. Hamilton overheard his son and the others planning it but he wasn\u2019t able to stop the boys in time so he rode into town to tell Roy.\u00a0 Roy and Mr. Hamilton were on their way out here with Adam when Clem caught up to me and explained it all.\u00a0 Seems even the accident at the logging camp had been a hoax, thought up by Walt as well.\u00a0 They thought they had a fool proof plan when Adam and I both were away from the ranch, leaving you alone with Hoss, but\u2026<\/p>\n

\u201cBut Pa, what\u2019s gonna happen to Walt, he scalped me and hurted Hoss on the nose and arm.\u00a0 Is he gonna get a whippin\u2019?\u201d Joe wanted to know, \u201cI sure bet his pa was mad when he seed that knife Walt had in his boot.\u201d<\/p>\n

Again the older three Cartwrights exchanged looks.\u00a0 \u201cJoe,\u201d said Ben, cupping his son\u2019s chin to be sure he had the boy\u2019s undivided attention, \u201cWalt is dead.\u00a0 He was going to stab your brother; he refused to stop when his father begged him to and when he wouldn\u2019t heed his father\u2019s words, Mr. Hamilton shot him.\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe\u2019s chin began to quiver and his eyes filled with tears.\u00a0 \u201cHis own Papa shot him?\u201d\u00a0 The tears spilled over as Joe buried his face against Ben\u2019s chest.<\/p>\n

Ben felt the tears burn his own eyes and he fought to control them.\u00a0 \u201cI\u2019m afraid so son, he had to do it in order to save Hoss\u2019 life.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cBut his own Papa.\u00a0 Poor Mr. Hamilton, Pa, he must be hurtin\u2019 something terrible,\u201d cried Little Joe, concern for the grieving parent causing him to weep more.<\/p>\n

\u201cYes, I\u2019m sure he is, I\u2019m glad I\u2019m not wearing his boots tonight,\u201d Ben said more to himself than to his sons.<\/p>\n

\u201cPa,\u201d said Joe, looking up into his father\u2019s face.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat is it son?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou wouldn\u2019t ever shoot one of us, would ya Papa?\u00a0 I know I do a lot of stuff to make ya mad, but ya won\u2019t get mad \u2018nough to shoot me, would ya?\u201d cried Joe, the pathetic look on his face tearing apart Ben\u2019s heart.<\/p>\n

Hoss and Adam swapped looks.\u00a0 Though Joe was being totally serious, they could not help but smile at one another.<\/p>\n

Ben caught the play between his older sons and scowled at them before answering Joe\u2019s question.<\/p>\n

\u201cJoseph, I would like to think that by the time you are grown, or at least Walt\u2019s age, you would have learned right from wrong.\u00a0 Walt was a very unhappy boy, he and his father seemed to never see eye to eye on anything and Walt was a rebellious boy as well.\u00a0 He refused to obey his father, he looked for trouble and he learned unfortunately, the hard way.\u00a0 It\u2019s sad, Joseph, but you must learn now that when you choose to do something, be it right or wrong, you have to pay the consequences for your actions.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOnce a wrong has been done to someone, it is really hard, almost impossible to undo certain wrongs.\u00a0 That\u2019s why I have tried so hard to teach you to make good decisions.\u00a0 I know you aren\u2019t as old as either one of your brothers, and you certainly have a lot more to learn but I hope you have learned something from this,\u201d Ben said while he finished with the doctoring of Joe\u2019s head.\u00a0 \u201cHave you son?\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe looked first at his brothers and then at his father.\u00a0 Ben\u2019s eyes studied his young son\u2019s face, he noted that the tears had stopped, so had the quivering chin, but still the boy looked troubled.<\/p>\n

\u201cJoseph?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI know it ain\u2019t nice to make fun of people, but I already knowed that.\u00a0 I know what Walt did was wrong, Pa\u2026shucks, it ain\u2019t nice, trying to hurt people on purpose.\u00a0 Sides, Hoss and me didn\u2019t do nothin\u2019 to them ole boys,\u00a0 \u201cceptin\u201d I did stick my tongue out at Walt.\u00a0 Pa?\u201d whispered Little Joe.<\/p>\n

\u201cYes Joe?\u201d answered Ben, taking Joe into his lap.<\/p>\n

Joe rested his head against his father\u2019s chest, his ear picking up the sound of Ben\u2019s heart as it thumped within his breast.<\/p>\n

\u201cYa never did say yes or no to my question.\u201d\u00a0 Joe turned his sad eyes up to face his father.\u00a0 \u201cYa wouldn\u2019t really shoot me or Hoss if\u2019n we did somethin\u2019 bad would ya?\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben smiled and squeezed Joe, \u201cNo son, I wouldn\u2019t shoot you, nor would I ever turn my back on you, or your brothers.\u00a0 See son, I love you, and I love Adam and Hoss as well.\u00a0 We are a family and there is nothing that we can\u2019t overcome if we stick together and take the time to learn from each other.\u00a0 That\u2019s why it\u2019s important for you to always do as Adam or I tell you, we will never tell you wrong, not on purpose anyways.\u00a0 I have reasons for the rules I expect you to follow, those rules may one day save your life or keep you from being seriously injured.\u00a0 Do you understand Joseph?\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe nodded his head, \u201cYes sir, I understand Pa.\u00a0 I\u2019ll try to be better and not make so many mistakes.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cJoe, I don\u2019t expect you to be perfect, it\u2019s by making mistakes that we learn.\u00a0 You just be your self and you\u2019ll be fine.\u00a0 Now, let\u2019s get you back to bed.\u201d\u00a0 Ben took Joe by the hand and together they headed for the stairs.<\/p>\n

\u201cHoss, ya coming too?\u201d asked Joe.<\/p>\n

\u201cYes, your brother is coming.\u00a0 Hoss, I want you in the bed as well.\u00a0 Paul will be here shortly to see about your shoulder and your nose.\u00a0 Now, upstairs,\u201d Ben pointed toward the steps and Hoss shrugged his good shoulder at Adam and slowly stood to his feet and followed his father and brother upstairs.<\/p>\n

Later, after the doctor had gone, Ben made his way upstairs to bid his two sons good night.\u00a0 When he reached Joe\u2019s door, he was surprised to find that the lamp had not been lit and that Joseph had left his bed and was nowhere to be seen.\u00a0 Thinking that Joe probably had wandered into Hoss\u2019 room to tell his brother good night, Ben headed for his middle son\u2019s bedroom.<\/p>\n

Ben spotted his two sons the minute he opened the door.\u00a0 Hoss and Joe were propped against the pillows, Joe held a book in his lap and when he looked up and saw his father, the little boy put his finger to his lips and warned Ben to be quiet.<\/p>\n

Ben crept softly to the edge of the bed and sat down next to Joe.\u00a0 Joe smiled at his father and Ben naturally returned the gesture.<\/p>\n

\u201cI was reading him a bedtime story Pa, and he fell asleep.\u00a0 It was a bible story about two brothers, Able and Cain.\u00a0 Did you know that Cain killed his brother?\u201d questioned Joe, watching his father.<\/p>\n

\u201cYes son, I knew that, Cain was jealous of Able and blamed him for all his sorrows, just like Walt blamed his father,\u201d explained Ben, quietly so as not to disturb Hoss.<\/p>\n

Joe looked at Hoss and smiled at the sound of the soft snoring that Hoss had started making.\u00a0 \u201cI could never kill Hoss, or Adam either.\u00a0 I love\u2019em Pa, \u2018specially Hoss cause he always tries to take care of me when we\u2019re together.\u00a0 Did ya knowed he cried tonight?\u00a0 But don\u2019t tell\u2019em I told ya, cause he might get mad at me.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben, surprised at the news, had to ask.\u00a0 \u201cWhy Joseph, what made your brother cry?\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben knew that it had been a hard and trying day for both boys and knowing that Hoss was very tender hearted and would worry for days about what had happened to Walt regardless of the fact that the other boy had tried to kill him and harm his younger brother.<\/p>\n

\u201cHe said that he felt sorry for Mr. Hamilton, you know for shootin\u2019 his own son.\u00a0 He said that he thought it was his fault, but I told\u2019em it weren\u2019t Pa.\u00a0 It could have been him or me instead of Walt who got kilt.\u00a0 Then Hoss said he sure was glad it weren\u2019t him or me and then he hugged me and said he was sorry for not keeping them boys from hurtin\u2019 me.\u00a0 That\u2019s why he cried,\u201d said Little Joe sadly.<\/p>\n

\u201cWell Hoss was right son, it could have been either one of you.\u00a0 I might have been the father who had lost a son this night.\u00a0 I might have even lost two sons.\u00a0 But Joe, your brother did the best he could in trying to protect you, I hope you realize that,\u201d whispered Ben.<\/p>\n

\u201cCourse I do Pa, I know Hoss will always take care of me, Adam too, but Hoss, well Pa even if Adam is the oldest and I\u2019m the youngest, Hoss will always be my big brother,\u201d smiled Joe and looked at Hoss.<\/p>\n

Joe was surprised to see that Hoss had opened his eyes and was smiling at him.\u00a0 \u201cI have an idea that I will be spendin\u2019 the rest of my life keepin\u2019 ya outta trouble Short Shanks!\u201d laughed Hoss.<\/p>\n

\u201cI agree with you son, you have your work cut out for you with this little scamp.\u00a0 I just hope it doesn\u2019t always end up with having to call the doctor!\u00a0 Paul will be a rich old man by the time I get through paying him for his services.\u201d\u00a0 Ben stood and pulled the blankets up around both boys.<\/p>\n

\u201cI suppose you want to stay in here tonight?\u201d he asked of Joe.<\/p>\n

Joe smiled, batted his eyes and shook his head up and down.\u00a0 \u201cOkay, just get to sleep.\u201d\u00a0 Ben kissed each boy.\u00a0 \u201cGood night Hoss, good night Joseph, God bless both of you.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNight Pa.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNight Papa.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben smiled and closed the door softly as he walked out into the hallway.<\/p>\n

The room was silent for several minutes.\u00a0 The glow of the moon filled the room with soft light as a gentle breeze caused the sheers at the windows to move slightly reminding the boys of ghostly figures dancing across the room.<\/p>\n

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

\u201cYeah Hoss?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m glad ya all right.\u00a0 And\u2026and\u2026well\u2026I love ya Short Shanks.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI love ya too, and Hoss\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYeah Joe?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI really am glad that you\u2019re my big brother, Hoss. Really.\u201d<\/p>\n

When Ben checked in on the two sleeping boys, he smiled; Joe lay curled in the crook of his older brother\u2019s good arm.\u00a0 Both boys were snoring, one slightly louder than the other.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou better get to town in the morning and buy that hat you promised Joe, that bandana doesn\u2019t do much for him,\u201d whispered Adam as he peeked over his father\u2019s shoulder at his sleeping brothers and smiled at the sight.\u00a0 \u201cI still say we\u2019re in for rough times with those two,\u201d chuckled Adam softly.<\/p>\n

Ben snickered, \u201cYou\u2019re probably right, look at them, Hoss with a broken nose and shoulder, Joe nearly scalped, one boy dead, three more boys in jail, and they\u2019re only what, thirteen and seven?\u00a0 God help us Adam, we\u2019re gonna need it.\u201d<\/p>\n

THE END
\nAugust 2002<\/strong><\/p>\n

<\/div>\n

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

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

Summary:\u00a0Joe worships his older brother Hoss, more so after being beaten by a gang of bullies who hold a grudge against the older brother.\u00a0 Hoss then deems it his duty to become his younger brother’s protector.<\/p>\n

Rated: PG13 \u00a0Contains some graphic fight scenes. 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