{"id":12125,"date":"2004-02-01T13:08:41","date_gmt":"2004-02-01T18:08:41","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=12125"},"modified":"2025-09-25T15:21:13","modified_gmt":"2025-09-25T19:21:13","slug":"broken-promise-by-debbieb","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=12125","title":{"rendered":"Broken Promise (by DebbieB)"},"content":{"rendered":"

Summary:<\/strong>\u00a0 Unable to keep a promise he made to his father, Joe must now pay the price.\u00a0 Is it too high?\u00a0 Can Ben forgive and learn to trust his most impetuous son once more?<\/p>\n

Rated:\u00a0 G (11, 470 words)
\n<\/strong><\/p>\n

Broken Promise<\/strong><\/p>\n

His aching back was cause enough for the older man to pull his horse to a stand still. The three younger men stopped, swapping looks with one another while the older man leaned forward and rubbed his obvious soreness.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cSomething wrong?\u201d questioned the dark headed man as he inched his mount forward enough so that he was sitting beside the man on the buckskin horse.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cJust my back\u2026it\u2019s a might sore,\u201d Ben Cartwright grumbled softly.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe snickered, drawing a dark look from his older brother. Instantly Joe fell silent.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI guess I shouldn\u2019t have tried riding that stallion of McNeil\u2019s,\u201d Ben said as he twisted around in the saddle. \u201cIt stove me up some.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI tried to warn you\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben glared at Adam. \u201cI think I\u2019m old enough to make my own decisions about such things,\u201d snapped Ben.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam\u2019s eyebrows rose slightly as he glanced back at Hoss and Joe who were grinning.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019d wipe those smirks off your faces if I were you two,\u201d Ben called without even looking back at his two youngest sons. His parental instinct told him that his sons were mocking him.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The smiles faded immediately.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cPa\u2026you should have let me have a go at it,\u201d Joe said as he nudged Cochise up a little further. \u201cI might have been able\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cTo break your fool neck. That\u2019s what you would have accomplished,\u201d Ben retorted. \u201cAnd then what\u2026did you think you could have just gotten up and walked away?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe made a face. \u201cYou did and\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd I\u2019m a grown man, Joseph, you are barely sixteen. That\u2019s hardly old enough to break wild stallions and\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cOh for heavens sake Pa\u2026you use that same excuse for everything I want to do. When are you going to start treating me like a man?\u201d fumed Joe.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben\u2019s eyes grew dark as he glared at his youngest son. His entire body ached from his head to his toes and he was certainly in no mood to listen to his youngest son\u2019s foolishness, especially with his bones reminding him of his age.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll treat you like a man when you become a man\u2026until then, I\u2019ll continue to treat you like a boy as long as you continue to act like one.\u201d Ben straightened up in his saddle and kicked at his horse\u2019s side. \u201cCome on, let\u2019s ride, I want to get home and soak in a tub of hot water!\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Oh, the presumptuousness of youth,\u2019 thought Ben.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

For the remainder of the ride home, Joe lagged behind, quiet and sullen as his mind continued to repeat over and over his father\u2019s words to him.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI ain\u2019t a boy,\u201d he muttered, unaware that he had spoken aloud.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cBetter not let Pa hear ya muttering such talk,\u201d whispered Hoss who had slowed Chubb down to a walk and gave his younger brother time to catch up with him.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe pulled his mount to a stop next to Hoss and gave his brother a sideways glance.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWell, I ain\u2019t a boy, Hoss. When is he and Adam ever going to see that? I could have ridden that ole nag easily, but Pa won\u2019t give me a chance to do anything, other\u2019n muck out the stalls and clean the chicken coop. Well, know what? I\u2019m tired of poop jobs, I wanna show them that I\u2019m every bit as much a man and can do man things, same as the rest of ya!\u201d grumbled Joe.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Hoss glanced quickly at his father and Adam riding a short distance ahead of them. He looked Joe carefully in the eye and whispered.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cJoseph, ya got that look on ya face. Ya better not be dreamin\u2019 up somethin\u2019 that\u2019ll get ya ornery hide in trouble with Pa.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe looked in the opposite direction. He tried to mask the expression on his face, wondering how in the world that Hoss could read his thoughts, for it was that he had a plan forming in his head.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe turned and smiled at Hoss. \u201cGolly Hoss\u2026what makes ya think I\u2019d do a thing like that?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cCause I know ya\u2026that\u2019s how. I mean it Little Joe, ya better forget whatever it is ya got goin\u2019 on in that hard head of yours!\u201d ordered Hoss as he checked to see if his father was paying any attention to them.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t worry Hoss\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI do worry\u2026now whatever it is\u2026just forget it. Come on, Pa ain\u2019t feelin\u2019 none too good and I don\u2019t wanna make him mad, not in the mood he\u2019s in,\u201d said Hoss as he kicked Chubb gently and rode away.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The moon slipped behind a dark cloud as Little Joe crept from the shadows and into the barn. He dug in his pocket until he found a match and then keeping the wick turned down low, lit the lamp.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cShh\u2026\u201d he whispered softly to Cochise as he edged his way between the horse and the wall of his stall in order to toss the saddle over his horse\u2019s back.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe made quick work of readying his mount for riding and soon extinguished the lamp and led his horse out into the darkness. Joe glanced toward the house, all was dark and he took a long deep breath and let it out slowly.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cMove on, boy,\u201d he whispered as he led Cochise around the corner of the barn.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Once away from the house, Joe felt safe about mounting up. He sprang into the saddle and gently nudged his horse\u2019s sides.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

He moved cautiously through the growing darkness, careful so as not to allow his pinto to step into a hole and possibly throw him or worse, break a leg. It took only a couple of hours to arrive at his destination and the blind canyon where Mr. McNeil kept the palomino stallion corralled.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe led his own horse behind some rocks and tethered Cochise there. He gathered his things, removed his saddle and carried his bedroll to a place he had spotted the day before when his father had worked so hard at trying to ride the stallion.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The stallion watched with wide eyes, the young man who stirred about settling himself in for the remainder of the night. He charged the fence, snorting and causing Joe to pause in what he was doing. Joe looked up at the beautiful horse and smiled.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYou sure are a pretty thing,\u201d Joe said in a soft voice.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

He rose to his feet and moved slowly to the fence where the horse stood, ears alert, eyes following his movements, nostrils flaring.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYou ain\u2019t got any reason to fear me, fella. You and I are going to be friends\u2026I just know we are,\u201d smiled Joe, extending his hand outward.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The stallion snorted and turned, galloping off to the far side of the canyon wall where he stopped and turned back toward the boy. He snorted again and raised his front legs high into the night sky, whinnying loudly of his disapproval at the stranger.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe laughed softly and returned to his bedroll. He snuggled down into the warmth of his blanket, casting off thoughts of his father, and how angry Ben would be when he realized that his youngest son had slipped out of the house sometime during the night and was nowhere to be found. Joe shuddered; Pa would probably thrash him once he learned his whereabouts and what he was planning to do.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

With those thoughts to keep him company, Joe yawned and was soon, fast asleep.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cJOSEPH\u2026WAKE UP!\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The loud booming voice jarred the sleeping boy from his dreams as he struggled to open his eyes.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNOW!\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAlright, alright, do have to shout?\u201d Joe groaned, rubbing the sleep from his eyes as he sat up.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

When he moved his hands, he was stunned to see his father towering over him, blocking the radiant morning sun from his eyes. Joe swallowed hard and hurried to stand up.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cOh\u2026hi ya, Pa,\u201d the boy stammered, looking rather pale, thought his oldest brother, Adam, who stood slightly behind their father, frowning.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHI YA, PA?\u201d roared Ben.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The stallion whinnied loudly, tossing his head. Ben made a quick glance at the animal and then turned his attention back to his wayward son.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWould you mind explaining to me just what the devil you are doing out here?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe lowered his head, trying hard to think of an answer that would satisfy his father. He hem-hawed around for several seconds, buying himself a little time.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWell\u2026I was\u2026hmm\u2026hmmm\u2026just getting an early start, that\u2019s all. I thought I\u2019d ride out here and keep the stallion company\u2026hmm\u2026make sure he didn\u2019t break loose and then\u2026and\u2026hmm.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cJoseph, I\u2019ve a good mind to take my belt to you right this minute\u2026but since it appears that we\u2019ve got an audience, I\u2019ll not embarrass myself, nor you in front of everyone.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben\u2019s eyes were dark with anger and it took every ounce of restraint he could muster to keep from thrashing the boy here and now.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI know what you were planning on doing and\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI wasn\u2019t goin\u2019 to do anything\u2026honest\u2026I was\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cJOSEPH!\u201d shouted Ben. \u201cDON\u2019T\u2026make matters worse for yourself by adding lying to your crime! I want you to saddle your horse and go straight home. You will go to your room and stay there until I come home\u2026do you understand me? And\u2026\u201d he added, shaking his finger in front of the boy\u2019s nose. \u201cDo not defy me or you will be taking your meals standing up for a very, very long time. Is that clear?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe had lowered his head again, unable to trust himself to look into his father\u2019s angry face.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYessir,\u201d he muttered.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNow GO!\u201d Ben declared, swatting Joe\u2019s backside as Joe hurried to do as his father had commanded.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Behind him, Joe could hear the men snickering. He glanced over his shoulder as he saddled Cochise to see who had witnessed the swatting. Three of the men worked for his father, two worked for Mr. McNeil, and then there was Adam, who seemed to Joe to be smirking at him. Joe\u2019s face formed a frown and he glared at his brother, wondering how he and his father had found out so quickly that he had sneaked out of the house. Joe paused before mounting up, deciding to have a talk with Hoss, for Joe now felt sure that his middle brother had ratted on him.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe rode straight for home without stopping. His horse was well lathered by the time that the youngster led his mount into the barn. Joe paused in the doorway; Hoss was saddling his own horse and turned to smile at him as he led Cochise into his stall.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYa better rub that animal down good, Joseph, he\u2019s sure lathered up. How come ya rode\u2019em so hard?\u201d Hoss snickered. \u201cDevil chasin\u2019 ya or somethin\u2019?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAs if you don\u2019t know,\u201d snapped Joe as he pulled the heavy saddle down from the horse\u2019s back and tossed it across the rail.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Hoss had a strange look on his face as he stopped to stare at his brother.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat\u2019s that suppose to mean?\u201d he questioned.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe stopped what he was doing to glare at Hoss. His brow was wrinkled in a frown as well.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAs if you don\u2019t know\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t know\u2026I ain\u2019t got no ideay what ya talkin\u2019 about Short Shanks,\u201d Hoss said, looking confused.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYou ratted on me\u2026that\u2019s what you did!\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHey, ya wait just a galldang minute! I ain\u2019t ratted on ya about nothin\u2019 to no body! I ain\u2019t even got one clue what ya done that ya shouldn\u2019t have!\u201d Hoss said in an angry voice. \u201cBut knowin\u2019 ya\u2026ya probably got found out and now ya in trouble\u2026ain\u2019t that right Joseph?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe grabbed the towels from the bin and began wiping down his horse. He glanced a couple of times at Hoss who had refused to move from the spot where he stood.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWell? What\u2019cha do this time?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe kept his eyes on his work. \u201cI snuck outta the house last night and rode up to the canyon\u2026to keep an eye on that stallion and\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYA WHAT?\u201d shouted Hoss. \u201cLittle Joe\u2026ya gotta be kiddin\u2019. That\u2019s where Pa and Adam headed out to this mornin\u2019,\u201d Hoss informed his brother.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe stopped, placed his hand on his hip and snarled. \u201cNo fooling? Oh man, Hoss\u2026sometimes I don\u2019t think there\u2019s a brain in that head of yours\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHey\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe shook his head and went back to his work, ignoring Hoss.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHe caught ya tryin\u2019 to ride that stallion, didn\u2019t he? I warned ya, Joe\u2026I warned ya, but do ya ever listen to me? NO\u2026so what\u2019s he gonna do\u2026thrash ya butt good when he gets home?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe pushed Cochise to the side so that he could move out of the stall. He tossed the towels on a table and stood with his back to his brother, saying nothing.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Hoss felt a pang of sorrow for the boy and followed Joe to the table. The gentle giant placed a hand on his little brother\u2019s shoulder and turned the boy around to face him.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe glanced into the blue eyes that looked with such feeling down at him.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI was gonna give it a try\u2026but I didn\u2019t, honest. I was still asleep when Pa and Adam got there. He sent me home\u2026to wait.\u201d Joe\u2019s lips puckered into a frown. \u201cHe always does that to me\u2026makes me wait\u2026it\u2019s the worst part of any punishment,\u201d he said in a whispered voice.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cDadgumit, Joe\u2026why\u2019d ya go sneakin\u2019 off in the first place?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe shrugged his shoulders. \u201cI dunno\u2026I just wanted to prove to him\u2026that I\u2019m man enough to do a man\u2019s job\u2026like the rest of the fellas. What\u2019s so wrong about that? Pa let me quit school cause he said I was old enough to put in a man\u2019s day of work, but then when I try, he tells me I\u2019m still a kid and won\u2019t let me do anything but clean out the ole barn.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe pulled away and walked toward the door. He stopped, looking back.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cIt ain\u2019t fair Hoss\u2026he has two sets of rules that he expects me to live by. One for when he wants me to work like a man and one he uses as excuses to keep me from doing the work of a man. And he always says it\u2019s because I\u2019m still a boy. It don\u2019t make no sense,\u201d grumbled Joe as he turned and raced for the house.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe stood at his window, watching as his father walked across the yard. He had wiled away the hours, pacing back and forth across the room and now as the slamming of the front door hailed the arrival of his father, Joe turned, ready to meet his fate.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s opened,\u201d he called when the rapping at his door stopped.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben pushed the door opened and stepped into the room, closing the door gently behind him. He almost smiled at the picture his young son made, standing before him, looking as if he were about ready to face the firing squad. But he refrained, for in his mind his son had almost succeeded in making a very grave mistake. Ben had no doubts to the fact, had he and Adam not arrived at the canyon when they had, and found Joe still sleeping, the boy would have tried his hand at riding the palomino stallion. Had the boy been injured, Ben would never have forgiven himself for having allowed the boy to go along with him, to watch him try his luck. It had only served to deepen the boy\u2019s own desire to ride the wild one and prove himself to his family. In Ben\u2019s mind, his youngest son had no need to prove anything to him, or to his brothers, but Ben realized that in Joe\u2019s way of seeing things, he had everything to prove. Well, decided Ben, Joe was not about to start proving anything by attempting to ride a stallion, wilder than any he had ever encounter.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHello, Joseph,\u201d Ben said, moving across the room to stand before his son.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe instantly lowered his head. His voice was soft when he spoke.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHi,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

He glanced up, relieved to see that his father\u2019s anger from earlier that day had vanished. Joe felt himself relax just a bit.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben placed a hand down on Joe\u2019s shoulder and gave his son a small smile. \u201cI think we should talk, don\u2019t you?\u201d he asked.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI suppose,\u201d muttered Joe, turning and moving away from Ben. He turned back toward his father and looked into the dark eyes. \u201cI\u2019m sorry, Pa\u2026I know I shouldn\u2019t have sneaked out of the house like I did, but\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cJoseph,\u201d Ben interrupted, \u201cbut you just wanted a chance to ride that horse, didn\u2019t you?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe lowered his head, his father knew him so well! There was no need to try to lie his way out of this mess, he reckoned; it would only make things worse for him in the end, he concluded. Joe fought against the angry feelings that swelled within him. He raised his head, giving his father an almost defiant look.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWell why not? What\u2019s wrong with me trying to ride him? You did\u2026Adam did\u2026even Hoss had a go at it\u2026and Clint\u2026that new hand, he\u2019s only a year or so older than I am, and you let him try\u2026what\u2019s wrong with me having a go at it?\u201d Joe demanded, his voice rising slightly in volume.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll tell you what\u2019s wrong with you attempting to ride that stallion. First reason is because I told you to stay away from him; he\u2019s too much horse for you. Second, I\u2019m a full grown man, as is both of your brothers and as for Clint\u2026he\u2019s hired to break wild horses and third\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe was beyond control and his anger was about to over ride his mouth. He frowned at his father and stomped across the room to the window, yanking back the curtains to watch as his brothers led their mounts into the barn. Adam rubbed his backside, a sure sign to Joe that his oldest brother had made another attempt at breaking the wild horse. Joe spun around on his heels, glaring angrily at his father.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cSo it\u2019s okay for you, or Adam or Hoss, or even a hired hand to take a chance on breaking your necks, but not for me? Tell me something Pa\u2026why is that? When am I ever going to be a man in your eyes? When are you ever going to stop thinking of me as a little boy? You let me quit school to work full time on the ranch with you and Adam and Hoss\u2026but when I want to do a man\u2019s work, you refuse to let me. I might as well have stayed in school,\u201d he growled.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben sighed deeply, forcing himself to swallow his anger. Joe had turned his back to his father once more and was standing with his head bent low. He knew that his son was struggling with his emotions, and being in that time frame of life where a boy is bordering on manhood yet lingering in boyhood was a stressful time for any young man. He remembered the times he had gone through, not so very long ago, with Hoss and earlier with Adam. Both had seemed to emerge from boyhood into young adulthood with little or no major upsets, so unlike his youngest, most impressionable son. Ben yearned to turn the clock back, just a few years but knew in his heart that could never be.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

For half a second, Ben tried second guessing himself. Was he responsible for holding Joe back? His mind said no, but his heart, more truthful than the brain, told him yes\u2026the father in himself wanted to cling, just a little longer to the boy in the budding man.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI suppose, Joseph\u2026I should not have let you quit school just yet\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe spun around, his eyes wide in wonder as he stared at his father, his questions forgotten.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhat?\u201d he stammered in disbelief.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s not you son\u2026I guess it\u2019s me. I know that you are trying hard to please me. I appreciate that. But I do not appreciate you defying me and sneaking out of the house, just to try to prove something\u2026in that, I still see you as a boy, because that is what a boy would do, not a man.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben smiled. \u201cIf I am giving you mixed signals, son, it is because I am receiving mixed signals.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe lowered his head, suddenly understanding what his father was trying to tell him. He swallowed away his grief and when he looked up, his eyes were filled with remorse.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m sorry, Pa\u2026I won\u2019t do it again, I promise,\u201d he said in a low voice.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben placed his hand on Joe\u2019s shoulder and gently squeezed.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAlright, Joe, I\u2019ll take that as your word of honor. I should thrash you for disobeying me the way you did, but I think you\u2019re much too old to be turned across my knee. You will however be restricted to the house and yard, until further notice. Mr. McNeil is bringing that stallion over in the morning\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe quickly snapped to attention.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAnd I want you to stay away from the corral\u2026stay away from that horse\u2026do you understand?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cBut Pa\u2026can\u2019t I even watch the men work with him? What harm could do that do?\u201d pleaded Joe.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cJoseph, you heard me! Stay away from that horse\u2026or I will give you what you most certainly deserve\u2026do you hear me?\u201d growled Ben.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe\u2019s lips puckered up and beneath his hand, Ben could feel the tremors that warned him that his youngest was on the verge of an outburst.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI hear you!\u201d Joe said loudly. He spun around, distancing himself from his father. \u201cBut I don\u2019t think it\u2019s fair\u2026all I ever wanted from you was to be treated like an equal\u2026not like some snot nose kid,\u201d he complained.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cJoseph, I just don\u2019t understand your thinking or your reasoning. Please, tell me, why are you so set on becoming a man before you\u2019re actually ready? Do you believe that it would make your brothers and I think more of you, or love you any less because you are still a boy? Because if you do, you are wrong son.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe, his head low, shrugged his shoulders. How could he explain to his father how he felt? He didn\u2019t understand it himself; therefore it was impossible to answer the barrage of questions his father had just tossed at him.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cJoseph, look at me when I\u2019m speaking to you,\u201d Ben ordered gently.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe gulped hoping that the tears he felt building in his eyes, would not drip down his face when he lifted his head and betray him to his father that it was as his pa suggested, he was still a boy.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s better. I like to look a man in the eye when I\u2019m speaking to him,\u201d Ben smiled softly, gently allowing the backs of his fingers to trace the outline of his son\u2019s face.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben noted the swell of moisture in the hazel eyes and knew that Joe was fighting against their downward flow. He turned, giving his son time to collect himself as he sat down on the edge of the bed and looked up at Joe.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cSon\u2026don\u2019t be in such a hurry to grow up\u2026to be a man. You are only a boy for a few short years and once you\u2019ve become a man, well\u2026you\u2019re a man for the rest of your life. As a boy, there are many things that you have yet to learn about what it takes to be a man. You still have boy things to learn, and those things that remain are what shape a boy into being a man.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

It takes more than just being able to tame wild horses, or branding calves or shooting straight, or knowing how to properly tend to a herd of cattle, or mucking out stalls and chicken coops.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

It\u2019s knowing how to handle yourself in certain situations and knowing when to fight and when to walk away. It\u2019s learning how to judge a man for his self-worth and not for what that man can do for you or give to you.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

It\u2019s being sure of yourself, knowing whom you are\u2026inside. It\u2019s learning values, what\u2019s important and what\u2019s not. It\u2019s learning to trust yourself, your judgment and then knowing how to make the right decisions and living with those decisions whether they are right or wrong. It\u2019s taking a stand for something you believe in, even if it means going against those who love you or who you love.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

It\u2019s all those things and much, much more that make a man out of a boy. Do you understand, Joseph, what I\u2019m trying to say? Can you see my concern for you when you push yourself to grow up too quickly? I know you want to be a man more than anything\u2026and that\u2019s good, to a point. And I want you to be a man, someday, when you\u2019re ready. I want to watch you grow into it, to learn the lessons of your youth so that when you are a man, you\u2019re the best man that you can possibly be.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben smiled and took Joe\u2019s arm, forcing the boy to sit next to him on the bed. He laced his arm around Joe\u2019s and took his son\u2019s hand into his own, gently caressing it with his bigger and stronger fingers. He grinned at Joe, causing Joe to wonder what his father was thinking.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll be honest with you, as much as you want to be a man, I\u2019d like to keep you as my little boy, just awhile longer,\u201d Ben said softly. \u201cYou are the last son I will ever have a chance to father, and that makes you special to me, son,\u201d Ben smiled, his eyes taking on a faraway look. \u201cYour mother and I planned on having more children, but\u2026that just wasn\u2019t meant to be, Joe.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben stopped talking for a moment and lowered his head. \u201cCall me selfish if you like\u2026but I just don\u2019t want to see you grow up too quickly, I\u2019d like to take it slowly, a day at a time and one day, very soon, I know I\u2019ll look up and there you will be\u2026all grown up\u2026a man.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe heard the catch in his father\u2019s voice and looked, amazed to see that Ben was smiling at him and that his father had tears in his eyes.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cCan\u2019t you indulge an old man\u2026for just a little while?\u201d Ben whispered.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe smiled, his anger and disappointment gone now and in answer to the question, Joe leaned over, resting his head on his father\u2019s shoulder. He found that when he tried to speak, his words were stuck in his throat, but Ben knew that somehow, he had managed to keep his son a boy, just a while longer.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe sat on the side porch and watched Mr. McNeil and two of his hired men lead the stallion into the corral. He sighed, the animal was the most magnificent creature he had ever seen and although he had been warned to stay away from the horse, his heart yearned to be the one who tamed the stallion.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe\u2019s thoughts were interrupted when Hoss came running from the house. Joe turned to look up at his brother, envying his older sibling, for Joe knew exactly where Hoss was heading.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHowdy Short Shanks,\u201d Hoss grinned, pausing to speak with the boy. \u201cAin\u2019t he somethin\u2019? That\u2019s one mighty fine lookin\u2019 piece of horseflesh,\u201d he said as he skid addled across the yard toward the corral.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI wouldn\u2019t know,\u201d muttered Joe in disgust watching as Hoss perched himself on the fence to watch the palomino prance around the fenced area.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYou wouldn\u2019t know what?\u201d a deep voice from behind him asked.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe, startled, jumped to his feet and spun around. He\u2019d been unaware that anyone had been standing behind him and he felt his face redden in embarrassment. His anger flared.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t you know it\u2019s dangerous to sneak up on a man like that?\u201d Joe snapped at Adam.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam\u2019s dark brows rose slightly and he wore a lopsided grin on his face.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cIf I\u2019d been sneaking up on a man, I would have made my presence known before now,\u201d Adam said curtly as he moved off the porch and began making his way to the corral.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe jumped to his feet, instantly engulfed with anger. He charged his brother, but Adam whirled around and more or less caught Joe in his arms as Joe flung himself at Adam.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cEasy boy!\u201d Adam said, holding the squirming boy in his arms. \u201cI was only teasing!\u201d he said, trying to get Joe to be still.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWELL IT\u2019S NOT FUNNY!\u201d shouted Joe, jerking free of Adam\u2019s grasp as Adam set Joe on his feet.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe doubled up his fist and took a swing at Adam\u2019s pointed chin. Adam leaned back allowing the fist to barely brush passed his face. He didn\u2019t mean to laugh at the boy, but he couldn\u2019t stop either, which only added to his little brother\u2019s frustration.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cStop it Joe,\u201d Adam snickered. \u201cYou\u2019re making a fool of yourself\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI DON\u2019T CARE\u2026I\u2019M SICK OF YOU CALLING ME NAMES AND MAKING FUN OF ME!\u201d shouted Joe with a fervor as he took another swing at his brother.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam sidestepped the second punch and as Joe\u2019s body lurched forward, Adam gently pushed on Joe\u2019s back, causing the boy, but not meaning to, to fall face down in the dirt.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe quickly turned over, glaring up into the smirking face of his older brother.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cDamn you!\u201d he spat, jumping to his feet.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

He charged Adam a second time, but Adam moved. Joe stumbled, tripping over his own feet and would have fallen, had it not been for the out-stretched arms of his father catching him.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhoa\u2026what in thunderation is going on?\u201d Ben bellowed, glaring at Adam as he tried to keep Joe from falling.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNothing,\u201d Adam said in a calm voice.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNothing!\u201d snapped Ben, glancing at Joe and then again at Adam.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI just saw you shove your brother\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI didn\u2019t shove him\u2026he\u2026tripped over his own feet while in the process of trying to duke me and I only moved aside\u2026to protect myself,\u201d Adam said, grinning slightly at the angry glare he was getting from his younger brother.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben turned to Joe, whom he still held by the arms.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cJoseph?\u201d Ben said in a tone that Joe knew all too well. \u201cIs what Adam saying the truth?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cSurely you aren\u2019t suggesting I lied?\u201d Adam asked, his smile suddenly gone.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cOh of course not\u2026don\u2019t be ridiculous,\u201d Ben snapped. \u201cI only meant\u2026oh\u2026never mind. Joseph, don\u2019t you have chores to do?\u201d Ben looked up at Adam. \u201cAnd don\u2019t you have something to tend to as well?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYes sir\u2026and I was on my way to do just that when I got\u2026distracted,\u201d Adam replied, glancing at Joe.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

He tipped his hat at Joe who still glared at him, and went about his business. Joe sighed deeply, wrenching his arms free of his father\u2019s grasp. He leaned down, picked up his hat and dusted the dirt from the rim before replacing it on his head.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe turned to go, but paused, looking back at his father with an unhappy look. His breathing was labored from the exertion of the attempted scuffle.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhat was that all about?\u201d Ben asked calmly.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNothing,\u201d Joe said, turning to walk away.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWait just a minute, young man,\u201d Ben ordered.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe stopped, but refused to turn around. He felt the wounding of his pride and that in itself made it difficult to face his father.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhy were you and Adam fighting?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWe weren\u2019t fighting\u2026at least he wasn\u2019t fighting,\u201d Joe said honestly. He glanced over his shoulder at his father.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben\u2019s voice softened. \u201cThen why were you fighting him?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben heard Joe expel the wind from his lungs and saw the boy lower his head. He smiled slightly.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t know\u2026I suppose because he\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHe what?\u201d prompted Ben when Joe\u2019s words died in his throat.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHurt my feelings\u2026can I go now Pa\u2026I have chores that need tending to?\u201d Joe said, barely able to meet the dark eyes.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben felt no need to push for more information. It was evident to him that his son needed to separate himself from the prying eyes of the men who gathered around the corral and who had witnessed the exchange between the two brothers. He glanced in their direction and quickly several heads turned from the scene to the stallion in the corral. They hadn\u2019t expected their boss to find them all gawking at his youngest son.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cGo on,\u201d Ben said, watching Joe as he ran to the barn.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2019ll be back later Joe\u2026you finish up in here and then go help Hop Sing with his garden. The weeds are growing so fast, he\u2019s having a hard time keeping them hoed,\u201d Ben said from the doorway of the tack room where Joe had spent the last two hours working at putting everything in order.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

He glanced up from his work and gave his father a smile that his father could not resist. Ben chuckled in return.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI take it that you don\u2019t like hoeing any better than\u2026let\u2019s say\u2026cleaning the chicken coop?\u201d snickered Ben.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe giggled. \u201cI don\u2019t mind hoeing\u2026really\u2026at least it gets me outside\u2026where the air is fresh,\u201d Joe said.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

His mood had improved since he\u2019d worked so feverishly at cleaning the tack room.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI like working with Hop Sing\u2026and\u2026I like watching things grow. I remember when I was just a kid\u2026\u201d Joe paused and looked up at his father, his smile died somewhat and he turned away. \u201cNever mind,\u201d he mumbled.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben started to speak, but decided to let the matter drop. He saw no sense in getting the boy upset all over again.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWe should be back in time for supper,\u201d Ben said, turning to go. \u201cJoseph\u2026remember what I said about\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI know\u2026I know\u2026don\u2019t you think I\u2019m even old enough to remember what you tell me?\u201d the boy snapped. \u201cI promised you I\u2019d stay away from the corral\u2026I have no intentions of breaking that promise!\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cJoseph\u2026watch your tone of voice young man,\u201d Ben instructed sharply.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe looked at his father, an unhappy frown on his face. \u201cI\u2019m sorry, Pa,\u201d he said. \u201cBut I thought my word was good enough for you\u2026yet you doubt me,\u201d he said sadly.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cOh Joseph,\u201d Ben said, reaching out and pulling Joe to him. \u201cI don\u2019t mean to doubt you, son, it\u2019s just that at times you can be so impetuous. You do things without taking the time to think them through and by the time you realize you shouldn\u2019t have done something, it\u2019s usually too late and you find yourself in a pile of trouble,\u201d Ben explained.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe couldn\u2019t help but to giggle. He raised his head from where his father had it pressed against his chest and looked up into the dark eyes.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cIt amazes me that you know me so much better than I know myself,\u201d Joe laughed. \u201cDon\u2019t worry Pa\u2026I made you a promise, and I aim on keeping it\u2026no matter what,\u201d Joe promised.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben smiled down at his son, running his fingers through the thick mass of curls. \u201cThank you,\u201d he whispered, surprising Joe by leaning down and planting a kiss on the boy\u2019s brow.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cPA!\u201d Joe said in a whispered shout. \u201cThe men might see!\u201d he said, pulling away.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben laughed. \u201cAlright, alright\u2026so now I have to sneak around and kiss my own son?\u201d he said as he turned to go.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe stood for several moments, watching his father walk across the yard to join his brothers. He waved as the trio rode away and then turned to continue his work.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Another half hour later, Joe closed the door to the tack room and began making his way across the yard to find Hop Sing. He glanced toward the corral where he saw several of his father\u2019s hired men watching as Clint attempted to ride the wild horse. Joe paused, watching and then snickered when he saw Clint sailing through the air. He longed to join the men at the fence and just watch, but he had made a promise to his father and with a disheartened grunt, continued on.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHEY, LITTLE JOE!\u201d someone shouted.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe stopped and turned toward the sound. Clint was climbing up the railing of the fence and waved at him. Joe frowned, but waved back.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cCOME ON OVER!\u201d Clint called out.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNO\u2026CAN\u2019T\u2026GOT WORK TO DO!\u201d Joe shouted, begrudgingly. He wanted nothing more but to join the men.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAW\u2026YOU CAN SPARE A MINUTE, CAN\u2019T YOU?\u201d Clint said, tempting the boy.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe hesitated briefly before shaking his head and started on.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWHAT\u2019S WRONG\u2026YA CHICKEN?\u201d dared the older boy.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe paused, without looking back. His face, had he been able to see it, had reddened and his eyes had grown dark. He felt himself tremble in anger and he forced himself to take another step, ignoring the remark. Hadn\u2019t his father told him earlier that part of learning to be a man was knowing when to walk away from a situation? Well, he\u2019d prove to himself that he could do handle this. He took another step.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cPAPA AFRAID THAT HIS LITTLE BOY MIGHT GET HURT IF\u2019N HE GETS TOO CLOSE TO THE BIG HORSY?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe\u2019s footstep faltered as he spun around. He took several deep breaths, trying to calm himself. His insides quivered with unbridled anger. How dare his father to put him in such a situation that he was unable to defend himself to the hired help. The harsh, cruel words struck a cord deep within his soul\u2026for they were the truth\u2026his father was afraid for him, and Joe felt his father\u2019s fear unjustified. Throwing caution to the wind, his promise forgotten by the anger and embarrassment that over shadowed it, Joe walked across the yard toward the corral.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWell, well, will ya lookit here. I guess the boy has a little spunk after all,\u201d laughed Clint, turning to the men to see them all watching and snickering.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhy don\u2019t you shut your mouth?\u201d Joe snapped.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhy don\u2019t you try to make me? Or better yet\u2026why don\u2019t you prove to us that you\u2019re a big boy and\u2026ride that stallion?\u201d dared Clint. \u201cOr are ya yella?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe\u2019s fist came out of nowhere and the other young man staggered backward, off the fence, landing inside the corral from the force of the blow. The men, who stood by watching, laughed at Clint as he pulled himself up from the dirt and rubbed his chin. Clint glared through the railings at Joe.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThat only proves ya can fight\u2026but can ya ride?\u201d he said, pointing to the palomino.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI can ride\u2026in fact, I can ride anything that you can ride. But I don\u2019t have to prove myself to you, or to anyone else,\u201d Joe stated.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

He turned to go, but hesitated when Clint shouted out at him.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cPROVE IT RICH BOY!\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe turned back.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI dare ya\u2026I think ya nothin\u2019 but a spoiled rich kid who\u2019s never done an honest day\u2019s work ya whole life. Ya chicken\u2026ya afraid of this horse\u2026and ya scared to prove it to me and to everyone else! Ya\u2019re a papa\u2019s boy\u2026Ben Cartwright\u2019s precious little baby boy,\u201d laughed Clint. \u201cYella to the core!\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe\u2019s nostrils flared as he climbed over the fence. He turned to one of the men, glaring.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cPut the saddle back on that horse,\u201d he ordered.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The man hesitated, glancing around at the others as if to ask their opinion. One man separated himself from the others and moved to stand before Joe. He placed his hand on the boy\u2019s shoulders and felt the trembling of the boy\u2019s body beneath his fingertips.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cJoe\u2026you don\u2019t have to do this\u2026remember what your Pa said,\u201d the old timer said.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Chuck had worked for the Cartwright\u2019s for several years and had watched Joe grow from a small boy into the young man standing before him. He had always favored the youngest of Ben\u2019s sons, for the boy had reminded him of himself when he had been young.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t pay the kid no mind, he\u2019s a loud mouth,\u201d Chuck cautioned.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe took a deep breath. He knew that his father\u2019s trusted man was speaking the truth, but he had stuck his neck out on a limb and to back down now would only earn the disrespect of the others. Or so the youngest Cartwright thought.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI said to put a saddle on him,\u201d Joe ordered, turning from the man.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Chuck shook his head and then motioned for two of the men to do as requested. Clint laughed. He tied the rope for Joe, around the boy\u2019s hand to the pommel where Joe would be holding on for dear life. Clint snickered as he glanced up at Joe and noted how pale the boy had become. He raced across the corral and climbed back up on the fence with the others to watch the downfall of the young bronco rider.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI can\u2019t wait to see this,\u201d he muttered.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhy don\u2019t you just shut the hell up?\u201d barked Chuck, taking his place on the fence. \u201cIf that boy gets hurt, his father\u2019s liable to string you up by your scrawny neck!\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Clint became serious as he stared at the older man. For a brief moment, a vision flashed before his eyes of his body swinging from the highest tree in the yard, and he gulped.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cREADY!\u201d shouted Joe, who had climbed into the saddle. \u201cLET\u2019EM GO!\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The two men back away from the wild horse, one held the bandana in his hands that had been used to cover the stallion\u2019s eyes. They raced for the fence, away from the pawing hooves that ground up the air between them. The stallion reared up, twisted, kicked out his hind legs, yet the boy held on. When his movements failed to rid his back of his rider, the stallion changed tactics, twisting first one way and then twirling back around, slinging Joe from side to side in the saddle as the animal snorted angrily. His hind legs stretched out behind him, his middle folded, nearly slinging his rider over the top of his massive head. Joe\u2019s body slumped forward, the stallion tossed back his head in a fit of rage, banging Joe\u2019s brow hard with the force. The men sitting about the fence cheered the boy on, little realizing that blood spurted from the open gasp caused by the blow.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe\u2019s head seemed to spin. The fence, the corral, the men, they all seemed to whirl about in front of him. His vision blurred as the blood blinded his eyes. He felt himself growing weak and he struggled to pull the rope loose that held his hand prisoner to the pommel.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe heard someone shout out his name, caught a glimpse of a man running toward him, all the while the stallion bucked and kicked, twisted and jerked. The swirling motion became too much, the pounding in his head unbearable, and the blood so thick on his face that he could no longer see. He squeezed his eyes shut as a wave of nausea washed over him, and then, seconds later, his world went black.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe\u2019s limp body slipped from the horse\u2019s back, yet his hand remained tied tightly to the saddle. His body flopped lifelessly down the right side of the frightened horse. The stallion whinnied in terror, raced across the corral, and turned, sending Joe\u2019s body smashing into the fence.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Some shouted for help. The men had entered the corral; some with ropes, some on horseback, trying desperately to catch the palomino in order to free their boss\u2019 son from the horse\u2019s back.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cSOMEONE GET A ROPE ON THAT HORSE!\u201d Chuck screamed.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

With all the commotion, not one man was aware of the three men who had entered the yard. Ben pulled his horse to stop, glancing toward the corral to see what all the ruckus was about. Adam and Hoss paused, each watching, unaware of the danger that their impetuous younger brother had gotten himself into.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cLet\u2019s see what\u2019s going on,\u201d Ben said, nudging his mount to the fence.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

He slid off his horse and climbed to the top railing of the fence. At first he did not recognize the boy. Joe\u2019s face and the front of his jacket were covered in blood. The boy\u2019s body was battered and from the way he hung precariously from the saddle, it was easy to see that the arm had been broken.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The horse bolted for the fence again, but stopped short, seeing Ben, Adam and Hoss. Joe\u2019s body was swung outward and into full view of his family.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cJOSEPH!\u201d screamed Ben in a panic as he jumped from the fence and charged after the horse. Adam was close on his heels.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Clint, who had been watching the proceedings, tossed a rope to Adam who then formed a loop and on the second try, managed to get it around the horse\u2019s neck. He yanked back, digging the heels of his boots into the earth. The horse ran to the end of the rope and twisted around. Men on both sides jumped up, wrapping their arms about the stallion\u2019s neck and holding him to prevent him from raising up.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Hoss and Ben hastened to cut away the rope that had been miss-tied around Joe\u2019s hand and wrist in such a way to prevent the pulley from releasing. Father and son gently moved Joe to safety, and with care, lowered the his body to the ground.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben jerked his neckerchief from around his neck and quickly dabbed away the blood that coated Joe\u2019s face.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cJoseph?\u201d he cried. \u201cJoe\u2026please\u2026can you hear me?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

He glanced up into the faces of those gathered around. \u201cSomeone, get the doctor, hurry,\u201d he issued.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cUmm,\u201d moaned the wounded boy.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHere Pa,\u201d said Hoss, handing a clean wet cloth to his father.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben took the cloth and wiped the blood from the hazel eyes.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cOHHH\u2026\u201d Joe cried, trying to rise.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNo\u2026son\u2026don\u2019t move,\u201d Ben said, forcing Joe to lie still.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam had squatted down on the other side of his father and was gently running his hands over his brother\u2019s body to check for injuries. He glanced up at his father and saw the worry and fear etched into his expression.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHis arm\u2019s broken\u2026and I can feel some ribs protruding, we best be careful moving him,\u201d he advised his father.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben nodded his head. \u201cHoss, help me get him into the house.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Hoss took Adam\u2019s place and together with his father they carried Joe to the house.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam held back until this father and brother was out of hearing range and then spun around, an angry, dark glare on his face as he looked from one man to the other.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI want to know how this happened,\u201d he demanded. \u201cEach one of you knew that my brother was forbidden to come near this corral and I want an exclamation as to why one of you did nothing to stop him!\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI tried Mister Cartwright,\u201d Chuck spoke first. \u201cBut he had his head set on riding that horse. I warned him, but he refused to listen.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam glanced around at the others who were nodding their heads.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHe ordered me to saddle him,\u201d another man said.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAnd you take orders from a kid?\u201d Adam asked, practically shouting.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWell\u2026no sir\u2026but\u2026I mean\u2026he is the boss\u2019 son and we just thought\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYou didn\u2019t think, obviously!\u201d stormed Adam. \u201cAre you telling me that my kid brother, a sixteen year old, just wandered over here to the corral, ordered you to saddle a wild stallion and then without a word from any of you, mounted that horse and\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNo, it wasn\u2019t like that Adam,\u201d Chuck intervened. \u201cHe rode the horse on a\u2026a\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

Chuck hesitated, swallowing as he glanced around at the others.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t tell me Joe tried to ride this horse on a\u2026dare?\u201d stammered Adam, the thought only serving to add fuel to an already smoldering flame.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cIt wasn\u2019t really a dare, sir,\u201d a third man added. \u201cIt was like he was coerced riding the horse.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam had a puzzled look on his face. \u201cWhat do you mean\u2026coerced? Who coerced him, and how?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The men all lowered their heads, each one waiting for another to speak up and explain to the boss just why the boy dared to try to ride the wild stallion. None looked in Clint\u2019s direction but one man, Chuck. Adam immediately singled the younger man out and aimed his question at the new man.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cClint\u2026what do have to say about all of this?\u201d Adam said, looking the man straight in the eye.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

He had known from the first day that Clint was trouble. He had even tried to tell his father that the young man was too free with his mouth and that one day, someone would wind up either in trouble or hurt because of the man\u2019s foolishness. Adam had no idea that it would be his own brother who would end up being the one suffering.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cMe?\u201d the man stammered. \u201cI\u2026don\u2019t know what you mean,\u201d he lied, casting a worried glance at the others, silently asking for their silence.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI think you do,\u201d Adam said, taking a step closer to the other man.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHe called ya brother a papa\u2019s boy\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAnd told the kid he was yella,\u201d another man said.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cForced the boy\u2019s hand, Mister Cartwright\u2026it was either ride, or run\u2026the boy chose to ride. I can\u2019t say I blame him none\u2026being called a coward in front of a group of men would cause any man to take a stand.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam\u2019s anger lay just beneath the surface. His hazel eyes were dark with the fire of hate that consumed him. His fingers had balled into tight fists that hung to his sides. The look that passed to Clint was unnerving to the others. They fell silent as they watched to see what Adam would do.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWho tied the strap?\u201d he asked, referring to the rope that holds a rider\u2019s hand in place.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHe did,\u201d said Chuck, pointing to Clint. \u201cWhy?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cBecause it was tied in a way that the pulley rope could not release a man\u2019s hand. And it was done intentionally,\u201d growled Adam.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam turned back to Clint who had backed up a step or two. The younger man never saw the fist, until it was too late. He toppled over backwards, trying to break his fall as he fell face down into the dirt.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cGET UP!\u201d shouted Adam.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNo\u2026\u201d Clint said, refusing to get up and leave himself wide open for more of the powerful punches, for his jaw ached and he felt sure a bone had cracked. He was no fool, he knew when to stay down, and now was certainly one of those times.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cGet out of here,\u201d Adam said in a strained voice that was laced with anger. He sucked in a deep breath to calm himself. \u201cAnd if my brother should die\u2026I\u2019ll come looking for you. There will be no place on earth where you can hide\u2026do you understand me?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam glared at the others. \u201cThe rest of you, get back to work\u2026Chuck, I want a word with you.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYessir,\u201d the older man said as the others scattered.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI want you to do something for me,\u201d Adam asked.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAnything\u2026just name it,\u201d the ranch hand said.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI want you to take that stallion back to McNeil\u2019s\u2026I don\u2019t want to find that horse here in the morning,\u201d Adam ordered.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYessir\u2026give me half an hour and he\u2019ll be gone.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cTake it easy son,\u201d Ben cooed.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

He and Hoss had Joe stretched out in his own bed and were busy removing the blood soaked clothing and dusty boots.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe tossed his head from side to side in a fruitless attempt to ward off the pain. His face had been wiped relatively clean of the blood and the gash that spread across his brow was not as ghastly as Ben had first feared.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cOhh\u2026ohh\u2026\u201d whimpered Joe. \u201cPa\u2026\u201d he cried in a tiny voice.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m here Joseph,\u201d his father assured him as he took Joe\u2019s hand into his own.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cSor\u2026ry\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cShh\u2026we\u2019ll talk about it later, Joe\u2026when you\u2019re better. Try not to move around so much, son. Your arm is broken and I think you\u2019ve cracked some ribs,\u201d Ben whispered.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cLaughed\u2026\u201d Joe said in a near inaudible voice.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben exchanged glances with Hoss. \u201cWhat did he just say?\u201d Hoss whispered to his father.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m not sure\u2026I thought he said laughed\u2026whatever that means,\u201d answered Ben.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

They worked together in total silence for several minutes until they had Joe washed clean of the dirt and grime he had collected while trying to ride the palomino. Ben frowned at the bruises and the arm where the bone had broken through the skin and knew that his son was in for some painful moments when the doctor arrived.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

It seemed like it was taking forever for Paul to get there. Joe tossed and turned, moaned and cried out, his words jumbled and incoherent. Ben sat in a chair beside the bed, Hoss stood at that window, watching for Doc Martin\u2019s buggy to roll into the yard. Adam propped against the post at the foot of his brother\u2019s bed, his eyes rarely leaving the young face that twisted in pain.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI fired Clint,\u201d he said absentmindedly to his father.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben\u2019s attention turned to Adam. \u201cWhy?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHe set Joe up to ride that horse, and I fired him for it\u2026for what he said to Joe, for how he used him in front of the others and for what he\u2019s done to the boy. It was either fire him, or kill him,\u201d Adam said with no emotion.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben pulled himself from his chair and moved to Adam\u2019s side. He clutched his son\u2019s arm.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhat happened\u2026how did he set Joe up?\u201d Ben asked.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cClint called him names, said Joe was a papa\u2019s boy, spoiled rotten, a rich kid\u2026told the others that Joe was\u2026a coward\u2026said he was afraid to ride the stallion. He even called him\u2026yellow,\u201d Adam explained, feeling his wrath slowly beginning to rise again.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Hoss had joined his father and older brother and stood stunned by what he was hearing. He shook his head in disgust.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s a dang good thing I wasn\u2019t there when ya found that out\u2026I\u2019d a pounded that boy good,\u201d Hoss swore.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t\u2019 worry, Hoss,\u201d Adam said with a smirk, \u201cI clobbered him\u2026and then I fired him.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cADAM!\u201d Ben said in a clear voice. He cast his eyes at Joe who still moaned softly though he had fallen to sleep.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t worry, Pa, I didn\u2019t hurt him\u2026not like he hurt Joe, leastways,\u201d Adam said, moving to the side of the bed and sitting down.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

He touched the swollen fingers of Joe\u2019s left hand and thought back to the day before when he had teased his brother to the point of forcing the boy to take a swing at him. Guilt suddenly pushed it\u2019s way into his conscience and he felt like a heel\u2026trader would be a better word his heart told him. What had made him think he was any better than Clint, to gourd his brother into a senseless fight? Adam sighed deeply, remorse for being part of a sequence of events that had led his kid brother into doing something he was far from being ready to do.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAdam\u2026he\u2019s going to be alright,\u201d Ben said in a muffled voice.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben sat down in the chair, watching how Adam tenderly caressed his brother\u2019s face. He leaned over, putting his hand on Adam\u2019s arm, causing his son to turn to look at him.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cClint might have been responsible for saying things to your brother that he had no call to say\u2026but Joe is responsible for his own actions. He made a choice, the wrong choice\u2026he should have walked away and\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAnd have all the men laughing at him? To have that big mouth boy call him coward\u2026call him yellow?\u201d Adam\u2019s eyes had grown dark. \u201cWould you have walked away\u2026humiliated?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben released his hand and sat back in his chair. \u201cNo,\u201d he whispered. \u201cI suppose I would not have\u2026but this is different Adam,\u201d said Ben looking up into his son\u2019s face. \u201cJoe is just\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cA boy\u2026a sixteen year old boy, I know that, but he isn\u2019t without feelings. He isn\u2019t without pride\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s right Adam, Joe is just a sixteen year old boy\u2026but tell me, what\u2019s a little wounded pride to\u2026this?\u201d Ben asked pointing down at Joe. \u201cLook at him, is a busted head, a broke arm and God only knows how many cracked ribs, worth proving a point to a bunch of foolish old men and one loud mouth braggart?\u201d Ben demanded to know. \u201cHe was nearly killed, that horse could have trampled him\u2026I could have well, lost a son today. No! I do not think it was worth it!\u201d Ben stood and walked across the room, turning his back to Adam.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam glanced up at Hoss who had witnessed the exchange.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhy don\u2019t you go see if Hop Sing will bring up some fresh water? Joe\u2019s feeling a might warm, I\u2019ll bathe his face,\u201d Adam suggested.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAlright Adam\u2026Adam\u2026Pa\u2019s right ya know, Joe shouldn\u2019t have broken his promise. He done wrong, and I think ya know it,\u201d Hoss said softly.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam\u2019s eyes remained on Joe\u2019s face and he refused to look again at Hoss. His middle brother was right, Joe had broken his promise to their father, had gone back on his word, but wouldn\u2019t he, Adam, have done the same thing, under the same circumstances? Yes decided Adam, it would have been impossible for him to stand before a group of men and been called coward\u2026to be accused of being\u2026yellow. Even saying the words in his mind gave him cause for his stomach to churn. How much worse must his younger brother have felt when those words had reached his ears and pierced his young heart? When Adam looked up at last, Hoss had gone and his father stood in the doorway. The doctor had arrived at last.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cBen, he\u2019s going to be laid up for some time. I had to take a couple of stitches in his forehead, but other than that, his head is fine. He\u2019s likely to have a headache for a couple of days, but that will pass. His arm was broken, in two places, but I\u2019ve managed to set the bones and put a plaster cast about the arm. I\u2019ve bound his ribs to ensure that he doesn\u2019t move about so as to puncture a lung. And the muscles in his arm and down his left shoulder and side has been strained. I suppose having been unable to free his hand when he slid off the horse, and the way he was flung around, was the major cause for that. He\u2019s going to be one mighty sore young man for a good number of days so I\u2019ve left some pain powders with Hop Sing, with instructions on how to administer them.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The physician closed his black bag and turned around to face the worried father. He offered his friend a comforting smile.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHe\u2019s going to be fine, Ben\u2026in time, but it will take awhile for his body to heal. Joe\u2019s a lucky boy, he could have easily been killed,\u201d Paul explained.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Paul took Ben by the arm and gently led him into the hallway. \u201cI\u2019ve known you a long time, Ben\u2026I know when there\u2019s something eating away at you. Want to talk about it?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben lowered his head, and then raised it, smiling at his friend. \u201cYou know me too well, Paul. But it\u2019s not anything I can\u2019t deal with, it\u2019s more that I\u2019m worried for the boy.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cOf course you are\u2026you worry about everything\u2026pertaining to Little Joe.\u201d Paul snickered. \u201cI\u2019ve never known a moment since I brought that boy into this world, that you haven\u2019t been worried about something concerning Joe. What is it this time, Ben\u2026honestly?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Together the two men walked to the top of the stairs, pausing. Paul placed his hand on Ben\u2019s shoulder, studying the fine lines that creased Ben\u2019s brow.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhat\u2019s he done this time\u2026besides trying to ride a wild stallion?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben\u2019s expression was serious and for a fraction of a second, Paul thought he saw a flicker of hurt flash within the wells of the chocolate colored eyes, and he wondered if he had pressed too hard.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cForget it Ben\u2026forget I asked, it\u2019s really none of my business,\u201d Paul said quickly.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The pair continued down the stairs. Paul stopped at the credenza and gathered his hat and coat. He turned to Ben, the hurt still shone in the dark eyes, and Paul wondered again what had transpired to put it there.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHe broke his promise to me,\u201d Ben said without any prompting.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cPromise?\u201d Paul chanted. \u201cWhat promise?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHe promised me he would not try riding that horse\u2026and he did\u2026he\u2026lied to me,\u201d Ben said, lowering his head so that the physician could not see how disappointed he was in his youngest son.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cBen,\u201d Paul said the name so softly, that Ben had to look up.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cJoe must have had a very good reason to break his promise\u2026he isn\u2019t prone to lying to you\u2026even I know that,\u201d Paul stated.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAdam said that the men told him, that Clint, one of the new men, had been ragging Joe. Called him a coward\u2026and told the others that Joe was spoiled and accused him of being\u2026yellow,\u201d Ben explained. \u201cI guess he dared Joe to ride.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAnd Joe\u2026being young, impulsive and somewhat hot tempered\u2026not to mention prideful\u2026unaccustomed to having his courage challenged and knowing his boyish inability to walk away from a dare\u2026tried his skill at riding a wild stallion.\u201d Paul smiled.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAnd for the lack of making a better judgment call, he will suffer physically for a number of weeks and have no one, other than himself to blame for it. Because of all of this, now you suffer from what\u2026disappointment in your son? You suddenly have lost faith in the boy? You can\u2019t ever trust him again?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Paul slipped on his hat and coat and turned to open the door. He paused and looked back at Ben.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cIsn\u2019t that a bit childish on your part, Papa? The boy is only sixteen years old, for heaven\u2019s sake. He\u2019s at an age where he wants to prove himself as a man, but he still has too much boy in him to do it correctly. He\u2019s caught between two worlds, Ben\u2026have you forgotten so soon, what it was like being where Joe is right now and how hard you worked to prove yourself to your own father, your brothers and sisters and to everyone around you who was watching\u2026just waiting to see how you would manage or how badly you would mess up. Haven\u2019t you ever been laughed at?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Paul stood on the porch beside Ben who had remained quiet during his lecture. His thumbs were stuck into the belt loops on his trousers. The thoughts racing through his head seemed to be multiplying too rapidly to sort at the moment.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Paul spun around, facing Ben. His expression was one of near mockery and his tone was condemning.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAnd I bet Ben Cartwright has never, not once in his life, broken a promise to one of his sons, has he?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben\u2019s eyes were drawn to the doctor\u2019s face. They were dark and angry and Ben wanted nothing better than to strike the man, for his life long friend had struck a cord of truth in his heart\u2026and the truth hurt. Suddenly, Ben laughed, surprising the doctor.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhat\u2019s so funny?\u201d Paul asked.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2026you old goat. Now I understand what Joe was trying to tell me. He was mumbling\u2026I couldn\u2019t understand anything he was saying other than one word, laughed. He was trying to tell me that they laughed at him\u2026Clint\u2026and the men\u2026that\u2019s why he rode the horse\u2026they laughed at him. I\u2019ve a good mind to fire every last one of them,\u201d Ben growled.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cBut you won\u2019t\u2026you need them, and Joe has learned a lesson\u2026a hard lesson, that he will remember for he rest of his life. Sometimes, it\u2019s better to walk away, sometimes it\u2019s better to stay and fight.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAnd which time was this\u2026walk away, or stay and fight?\u201d Ben questioned.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

He waited while Paul pondered his answer. It was several moments before the doctor spoke.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI suppose Ben\u2026that would depend on who you are. Take yourself, or me\u2026we\u2019d walk away and ignore the comments. But Adam, or Hoss\u2026they\u2019d fight, just like Joe stayed and fought\u2026they couldn\u2019t ignore the comments, nor the laughter. Joe\u2019s proved his point in a way\u2026he didn\u2019t actually break that stallion, but he showed them all that he wasn\u2019t afraid to try. And from now on, those men will remember the boy for his incredible courage\u2026and faith in himself to believe that he could actually do the impossible.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Paul climbed into his buggy and picked up the reins. He leaned out to Ben, still wearing a confident smile on his handsome, but aged face.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cJoe took a stand for something he believed in Ben\u2026even if it meant breaking his promise to you. And if I know that boy as well as I think I do, when he wakes up, he\u2019s going to be more upset about breaking that promise than he is about all his broken bones.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Paul clicked to the horse. \u201cDon\u2019t be too hard on the boy Ben\u2026he loves you, in spite of yourself.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben\u2019s mouth fell opened and he started to make a sharp retort, but the physician\u2019s laughter overpowered his thoughts and in spite of himself, Ben laughed too.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cPa\u2026come quick\u2026Joe\u2019s askin\u2019 for ya,\u201d Hoss called from the opened window upstairs.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben raced up the stairs, taking them two at a time. When he pushed the door opened and entered the dimly lit room, he could hear his son calling for him. He hurried to the bedside, and leaned down picking up Joe\u2019s hand.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cPa\u2026pa!\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cShh\u2026it\u2019s alright Joseph, your Pa\u2019s right here,\u201d whispered Ben.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

He glanced at Adam and Hoss who both stood on the opposite side of the bed.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cPa\u2026I\u2019m\u2026sorry\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

A sob caught in Joe\u2019s throat and when Ben studied the battered face more closely, he saw the accumulation of tears collecting in the half opened eyes.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cJoe, it\u2019s alright son\u2026don\u2019t fret yourself about it\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2026didn\u2019t\u2026mean\u2026to\u2026break\u2026my\u2026promise\u2026honest,\u201d Joe murmured.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI know that\u2026and it\u2019s alright, Joe\u2026I understand now, why you did,\u201d Ben said, caressing the side of his son\u2019s face with his fingertips.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cBut\u2026I\u2026can explain\u2026they said\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI know what they said, son. Adam told me,\u201d Ben glanced up at Adam who watched both he and Joe intently.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThey\u2026laughed at\u2026me,\u201d Joe said, as a lone tear rolled silently from the corner of one eye.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAdam told me that as well.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI was\u2026wrong\u2026I\u2019m\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNo\u2026you did what you felt you had to do, Joe. I understand why you did what you did; I understand why you had to break your promise. And it\u2019s alright, honest; I\u2019m not mad at you and I\u2019m not disappointed in you, and I\u2019m not going to punish you. I think you\u2019ve managed to punish yourself enough,\u201d smiled Ben.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam and Hoss exchanged questioning looks, unsure what had happened to change their father\u2019s thinking, for both had been positive that Ben would have at least grounded their younger brother for the rest of his natural life.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben leaned down close to Joe so that he could place a kiss on Joe\u2019s bandaged brow.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cRest Joe and try to sleep. I\u2019ll be right here when you wake up. And remember\u2026I love you,\u201d he said in a low voice.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe\u2019s eyes sought his father\u2019s face. With his good hand, he reached up to touch the whiskered chin. A painful smile spread across his young face as a second tear rolled free of its confines.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI won\u2019t\u2026do it\u2026again,\u201d he whispered. \u201cI won\u2019t try\u2026breaking\u2026horses\u2026until you\u2026tell me, I can\u2026and\u2026I won\u2019t break any more\u2026promises,\u201d Joe muttered. \u201cI promise,\u201d he said as his eyes closed and he drifted off into a deep drug induced slumber.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben smiled, he knew differently; there would be other broken promises. But as with this one, he\u2019d survive, so would Joe and one day they\u2019d both be able to look back on this time of their lives and laugh about it.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe moved slightly and moaned. It would be a while though\u2026before they laughed about it, the pain was still too fresh, the bones not yet healed, and the boy not yet a man. But someday\u2026it would be as he had predicted, he\u2019d look up and there his son would be\u2026Joe Cartwright\u2026the man\u2026no longer Ben Cartwright\u2019s little boy.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

February 2004<\/strong><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

<\/div>\n

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

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

Summary:\u00a0 Unable to keep a promise he made to his father, Joe must now pay the price.\u00a0 Is it too high?\u00a0 Can Ben forgive and learn to trust his most impetuous son once more?<\/p>\n

Rated:\u00a0 G (11, 470 words)<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":9052,"featured_media":9733,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"template-full-width-post.php","format":"standard","meta":{"jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_access":"","_jetpack_dont_email_post_to_subs":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_tier_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paywalled_content":false,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[23,1008],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-12125","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-drama","category-family","wpcat-23-id","wpcat-1008-id"],"a3_pvc":{"activated":true,"total_views":2998,"today_views":0},"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/09\/Didnt-pay-to-be-Ben.jpg?fit=467%2C341&ssl=1","jetpack_likes_enabled":true,"jetpack-related-posts":[{"id":12295,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=12295","url_meta":{"origin":12125,"position":0},"title":"Sacred Ground (by Debbie B)","author":"DebbieB","date":"December 1, 2004","format":false,"excerpt":"Summary:\u00a0 Warned on numerous occasions to stay off the Indian's sacred ground, Little Joe makes a daring attempt to keep a group of young curiosity seekers from making a fatal mistake...will his attempt came too late to prevent a tragedy? \u00a0 Rated PG \u00a0WC 16,000","rel":"","context":"In "Drama"","block_context":{"text":"Drama","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?cat=23"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/04\/sacredground.png?fit=983%2C766&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/04\/sacredground.png?fit=983%2C766&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/04\/sacredground.png?fit=983%2C766&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/04\/sacredground.png?fit=983%2C766&ssl=1&resize=700%2C400 2x"},"classes":[]},{"id":12314,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=12314","url_meta":{"origin":12125,"position":1},"title":"The Hangin’ Tree (by DebbieB)","author":"DebbieB","date":"January 15, 2004","format":false,"excerpt":"Summary:\u00a0 Left hanging from an old oak tree to die a horrific death, Joe's life takes on a strange twist when he is cut down.\u00a0 An old mountain woman that he meets, isn't what she appears to be.\u00a0 Neither is anyone else it seems Rated:\u00a0 PG13 for violence\u00a0 (30,700 words)","rel":"","context":"In "Drama"","block_context":{"text":"Drama","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?cat=23"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/06\/Pine-Trees-Mist-01a.jpg?fit=575%2C970&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/06\/Pine-Trees-Mist-01a.jpg?fit=575%2C970&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/06\/Pine-Trees-Mist-01a.jpg?fit=575%2C970&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x"},"classes":[]},{"id":15005,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=15005","url_meta":{"origin":12125,"position":2},"title":"Is It Worth It? (by Starlite)","author":"starlite","date":"September 14, 2000","format":false,"excerpt":"Summary:\u00a0Ben is left to ponder that question after a violent attack on his family. Rated:\u00a0 PG\u00a0 (7,325 words)","rel":"","context":"In "Ben Cartwright"","block_context":{"text":"Ben Cartwright","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?cat=1004"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"","width":0,"height":0},"classes":[]},{"id":12338,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=12338","url_meta":{"origin":12125,"position":3},"title":"Sting of Death (by DebbieB)","author":"DebbieB","date":"August 1, 2002","format":false,"excerpt":"Summary: \u00a0Ben learns a lesson in trust when an accident that claims the life of a young woman leaves him believing that Joe has lied to him. Rating: \u00a0PG\u00a0 (12,900 words)","rel":"","context":"In "Ben \/ Joe"","block_context":{"text":"Ben \/ Joe","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?cat=1015"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"","width":0,"height":0},"classes":[]},{"id":12221,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=12221","url_meta":{"origin":12125,"position":4},"title":"Truth Be Known (by DebbieB)","author":"DebbieB","date":"October 1, 2002","format":false,"excerpt":"Summary:\u00a0 All Joe Cartwright wanted was a date for the dance, instead he ends up with more trouble than he had ever thought possible. Rated PG \u00a0WC 15,000","rel":"","context":"In "Drama"","block_context":{"text":"Drama","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?cat=23"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/03\/TinBadge.jpg?fit=730%2C564&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/03\/TinBadge.jpg?fit=730%2C564&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/03\/TinBadge.jpg?fit=730%2C564&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/03\/TinBadge.jpg?fit=730%2C564&ssl=1&resize=700%2C400 2x"},"classes":[]},{"id":12107,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=12107","url_meta":{"origin":12125,"position":5},"title":"A Final Goodbye (by DebbieB)","author":"DebbieB","date":"November 1, 2002","format":false,"excerpt":"Summary:\u00a0 The final chapter.\u00a0 Joe sets off on an adventure to visit his old friend, Two Feathers.\u00a0 Not long after arriving at the Paiute village, Joe is told of a vision that the chief has had, one that spells disaster for the entire Indian village.\u00a0 When the vision becomes reality\u2026","rel":"","context":"In "Drama"","block_context":{"text":"Drama","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?cat=23"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/04\/indian.jpg?fit=1192%2C765&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/04\/indian.jpg?fit=1192%2C765&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/04\/indian.jpg?fit=1192%2C765&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/04\/indian.jpg?fit=1192%2C765&ssl=1&resize=700%2C400 2x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/04\/indian.jpg?fit=1192%2C765&ssl=1&resize=1050%2C600 3x"},"classes":[]}],"jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/12125","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/9052"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=12125"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/12125\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/9733"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=12125"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=12125"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=12125"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}