{"id":12126,"date":"2004-10-01T13:12:57","date_gmt":"2004-10-01T17:12:57","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=12126"},"modified":"2025-02-27T12:09:24","modified_gmt":"2025-02-27T17:09:24","slug":"brothers-till-the-end-by-debbieb","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=12126","title":{"rendered":"Brothers Till the End (by DebbieB)"},"content":{"rendered":"

Summary:<\/strong>\u00a0 Hoss and Joe become the victims of revenge, but when Joe sees his brother shot down in cold blood, the tables are turned and it’s Joe who declares that it’s pay back time.<\/p>\n

Rated:<\/strong>\u00a0 PG for Mild Violence\u00a0 (8,000 words)<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Brothers Till the End<\/strong><\/p>\n

\u201cTie him up, and make it good, I\u2019ll be checking,\u201d ordered the gunman.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Hoss looked at his brother, who lay face down in the dirt, unmoving.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI want his hands behind his back, and his ankles tied,\u201d the man laughed, \u201clike a hog.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Hoss caught the rope that the man tossed at him. He glared angrily, wanting to put his big fist in the man\u2019s face, but knowing that he couldn\u2019t chance it, not with Little Joe in the shape he was in.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhat are you waiting for?\u201d the man growled.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

He pointed his gun toward Joe and Hoss heard the trigger being cocked.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll shoot if you don\u2019t have him hog-tied in just about three seconds.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Hoss pinched his lips tightly and moved to Joe\u2019s side. He moved the unconscious boy\u2019s arms to his back and knotted the rope tightly around his brother\u2019s wrists. Joe groaned softly and tried to turn over. He was beginning to wake up.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cBe still, Shortshanks,\u201d Hoss said in a low voice. \u201cI ain\u2019t gonna hurt ya.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe lifted his head and tried to turn so that he could see his brother.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhat are you doing?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Hoss could hear the slight tremor in Joe\u2019s voice. \u201cI gotta tie ya up, Joe\u2026or this scoundrel here is gonna start shootin\u2019.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Hoss lifted up Joe\u2019s legs and began twisting the other end around his ankles. Hoss glanced over his shoulder at his adductor who had moved closer.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cTighter,\u201d the man ordered, pulling on the rope to check to see if Hoss was tying his prisoner to his specifications.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe made a grunting sound when the man pulled on the ropes and the man laughed.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYa ain\u2019t got nothin\u2019 to say now, do ya, big mouth?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe tried not to squirm; it only seemed to make the ropes snugger.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cSorry, Joe,\u201d Hoss whispered.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s alright, Hoss, just do what they tell you.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAre ya hurtin\u2019, he hit ya pretty hard?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Hoss had the ropes tied and moved Joe around so that he would be more comfortable. He could see the pain in the hazel eyes that Joe tried to hide but had not done a very good job at it.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m fine, Hoss\u2026don\u2019t worry about me, take care of yourself,\u201d Joe said in a strained voice.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The man waving the gun moved to the opposite side of Joe.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cShut up that whispering, fat boy, and move away from the boy.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Hoss\u2019 blue eyes met Joe\u2019s and he rose slowly, backing up a few paces. Hoss watched as the man squatted down, keeping the gun pointed at his middle and using his free hand, the gunman checked the ropes tied around Joe\u2019s wrists and ankles. When he finished, he stood up, smiling.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNice job, now move over to that tree, you\u2019re next,\u201d he ordered.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Hoss glanced once more at his kid brother and then turned and walked slowly to the tree the gunman had indicated.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cSit down and put your arms around the trunk.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Hoss lowered his heavy framed to the ground and did as the man instructed.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhat are you going to do with us?\u201d Hoss asked as the man tied the rope tightly around Hoss\u2019 thick wrists.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Hoss flinched, the ropes were much tighter than he\u2019d tied Joe\u2019s and already he could feel his fingers getting numb. When his wrists were bound to the man\u2019s satisfaction, his ankles were knotted together and then the man surprised Hoss by driving a wooden stake he fashioned from a branch into the ground near his feet. The man holstered his .45 and pulled tightly on the rope, forcing Hoss\u2019 legs stretched taunt and then tied the rope to the stake.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Hoss was helpless to move and when he saw the grin on the other man\u2019s face, his blue eyes flashed black.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThere, that should hold ya, God, ya big as a bear,\u201d the man complained. He kicked at Hoss\u2019 legs and grinned down at the angry Cartwright. \u201cYa won\u2019t be going nowhere, not for a long time, I made sure.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

He saw Hoss flinch when the big man tried pulling on the ropes that secured his wrists.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAin\u2019t no use, fat boy, ya\u2019ll only cause ya self more pain, those knots are special, the more ya tug on them, the tighter they get,\u201d the captor laughed.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Hoss refused to respond to the comment, but the fella was right, the rope had tightened, and common sense told Hoss that he had better remain as still as possible if he ever wanted to use his hands again. He glanced up at the man who had strolled over to where Joe lay, dazed and barely aware of what was going on around him, and Hoss knew, he did want to use his hands\u2026at least just one more time, to kill the bastard.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cLou, bring the wagon around, we\u2019ll take the kid with us,\u201d the man ordered.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cSure thing, Cory,\u201d Lou said.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Cory stood over Hoss, grinning wickedly. \u201cTell your father\u2026it\u2019s payback time. His baby boy is gonna die, he\u2019ll know why.\u201d Cory started to move away, but stopped and glanced back at Hoss. \u201cI\u2019ll send the boy\u2019s body back to him,\u201d snickered the evil man, \u201cyou tell him that, too.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Hoss could do nothing but tug at the ropes that held him captive to the tree. He watched with rising fear as the men hauled Joe roughly from the ground and dumped his brother into the back of the wagon. Hoss had not known until that moment that he was actually capable of hating any man alive; but seeing the cruel and inhumane treatment Joe was receiving removed any doubt from his mind.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The bumping of the wagon was jarring. Added to the way he was hog-tied and the position he was forced to lay, Joe\u2019s entire body was racked with pain. He had made several attempts to free himself, but the knots were tied securely and the more he tried, the tighter the knots seemed to become. At last, Joe gave up, resigning himself to his fate. He could only hope against all odds that Hoss could free himself and go for help before it was too late.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Hoss was attempting to doing just that. He had managed to work his legs free, which took the strain off his heavy body. With his legs freed from the stake, Hoss was able to slide his arms up and down the trunk of the tree, wearing thin the ropes that bound his wrists. The bark scraped raw his skin, but Hoss was determined and undaunted by the burning sensation caused by the rough bark. One last strong tug and the rope broke, freeing his wrists. Hoss rubbed the feeling back into his hands, wincing as the blood tingled down into his fingers. When he was able, Hoss cut free the ropes that bound his ankles and slowly stood to his feet. Glancing at the sun, he determined that it had taken him at least two or more hours to get free, giving Cory Waters and his gang of hooligans a mighty good head start.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Hoss looked around for his horse, but Chubb was nowhere to be found. With nothing else to do, Hoss began walking, following the ruts in the road made by the wagon. He had walked for what seemed like hours when he caught sight of ole Chubb, chomping away on the tender spring grass not more than a few yards in front of him. Hoss smiled broadly, approaching his horse slowly as he muttered softly under his breath.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cEasy there, big boy, it\u2019s only ole Hoss\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Chubb glanced up from his eating and raised his head in recognition for his master. Surprising Hoss, Chubb walked slowly over to his master\u2019s out stretched hand and nuzzled Hoss\u2019 palm.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Hoss reached for the reins and grinned. \u201cGood boy Chubby, ya didn\u2019t forget me now, did\u2019cha?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Quickly, Hoss mounted up and spurred Chubb into a gallop, keeping his eyes glued to the trail that would ultimately lead him to his brother. The ground beneath the mighty steed trembled from the weight of the pounding hooves. For man and beast were both driven, Hoss by fear for his brother and Chubby because his rider demanded it of him.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cLet\u2019s stop here and rest the horses,\u201d Cory told his men.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Lou pulled back on the reins, bringing the team of bays to a halt. The wagon bumped sharply on the stones, forcing Joe to moan softly. Lou glanced back, seeing the discomfort on the young face of his prisoner and he laughed.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYou look like hell, kid,\u201d he told Joe, \u201cand I bet you feel about as bad!\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe looked up into the menacing face, but held his sharp retort.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI could use some water,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Cory had dismounted and stood to the side of the wagon, watching his young captive squirming in an effort to get comfortable.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cGive the kid a drink,\u201d he ordered another man.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe turned his head enough that he could better see the man who had taken him as a hostage. The man\u2019s eyes were dark and Joe knew that look was one of hate. Cory\u2019s evil expression caused him to shiver, for he had never seen such loathing in a man\u2019s eyes as what he was seeing in this man\u2019s.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

A third man, Thomas, Joe remembered, jumped into the back of the wagon and lifted his head enough that he was able to drink from the canteen that was being pressed against his lips.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s enough!\u201d shouted Cory. \u201cNo sense in wasting all of it on a dead man,\u201d he growled at Thomas.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Thomas allowed Joe\u2019s head to drop to the bed of the wagon as he popped the cork back into the canteen. He studied the boy\u2019s face, feeling almost sorry for what he knew the boss had planned for him.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThanks,\u201d Joe muttered, seeing the man eyeballing him.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Thomas only nodded his head and then jumped down from the wagon, ignoring Joe after that as he mounted his horse.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhere are you taking me?\u201d Joe asked Cory who had joined him in the back of the wagon.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t bother yourself with where you\u2019re going, kid. You best be making your peace with the Almighty,\u201d grinned Cory.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Cory leaned down, using his hand to brush back a strand of chestnut hair from his prisoner\u2019s brow. Automatically, Joe drew back. His expression was one of repulsiveness, which earned him a hard slap across his already bruised cheek. Joe\u2019s head banged against the hard wooden bed of the wagon. He groaned and gasped for air. Cory stood to his feet, his lips a tight line of disgust.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019ll learn, kid, I\u2019m the master. I hold your life in my hands, and if I so desired, I could kill you right now,\u201d he snarled and then kicked Joe in the stomach with the sharp point of his boot.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe grunted and tried to roll his body into a ball, but the ropes around his ankles and those on his writs, tightly behind his back, made protecting himself impossible. Cory snickered and kicked Joe a second time.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cGet used to it, Cartwright, you\u2019ve got lots worse coming your way\u2026and you can thank your old man for any suffering you\u2019re going to be doing. If he had just left my brother alone\u2026none of this would be happening to you now. But no, your old man was determined to see my kid brother hang\u2026and because of his extreme, willful motives, you\u2019re going to pay\u2026with your life. But you\u2019ll die when I\u2019m ready for you to die\u2026not before.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Cory jumped from the back of the wagon, leaving Joe to ponder his words as he mounted back up.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cLet\u2019s get moving, it\u2019s a long way to the cabin,\u201d Cory ordered.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Once again the wagon jerked forward as Lou slapped the reins down across the backsides of the team. Joe could tell that they were traveling higher and higher into the mountains. The trail had gone from a soft dirt road to one of solid rocks, jarring the wagon from side to side and causing his body to be banked repeatedly against the sideboards.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe had no clue to the time that passed; being bone weary he had drifted in and out of a troubled and torturous sleep. Suddenly, he awoke with a start, listening to the shouts of his captors, when suddenly the wagon lurched forward. The team began running over the uneven rocks; the wagon swayed from side to side, rolling its passenger around in the back. Joe cried out in agony as his body beat against the sides, causing more bruises and sharp stabs of pain than what he had experienced already.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Gun shot blasts ripped through the air. He dared to raise his head when the team slowed and the wagon had at last come to an abrupt halt. He could see Cory and Thomas standing over a man, shielding the man\u2019s body from his view. Joe strained to see who the man was, and then, suddenly, his heart leapt into his throat. Cory and Thomas moved, shooing the man\u2019s horse away. Joe watched in horror as Chubb turned and bolt off, fleeing into the thick hillside and out of sight.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

A sick, gnawing feeling churned in his gut. Joe struggled to free himself from his ropes. He stared in horror at the prone figure of his brother lying face down in the dirt and rocks, his massive chest a profusion of bright red\u2026Joe sucked in a mouthful of air\u2026<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHOSS! HOSS! HOSS!\u201d he screamed one last time before Lou struck him across the head with the butt of his rifle, silencing his piercing screams.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Cory and Thomas hurried back to the wagon. Cory looked down at his prisoner and then up at Lou. His eyes were dark with anger.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYou better hope you didn\u2019t kill that boy,\u201d he snarled.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAw\u2026he ain\u2019t dead, Boss, I just shut him up, that\u2019s all, he was scaring the team,\u201d Lou said with a grin.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Cory\u2019s nostrils were flaring as he untied his neckerchief and tossed it to Lou.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThen make sure he don\u2019t utter another sound. Gag him, stuff this in his mouth and make sure he can\u2019t be heard.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Lou grinned and bent down over the unconscious boy. \u201cYes sir,\u201d he answered.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Lou pried Joe\u2019s mouth opened and stuffed the rag into his mouth. He then grabbed his own neckerchief from around his neck and tied it unmercifully tight about Joe\u2019s head.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cReady,\u201d he called to Cory when he had seated himself on the bench seat and picked up the reins. He glanced once at Joe and then slapped the reins down on the backs of the team.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

He wasn\u2019t weak; he knew that much about himself, yet he did have his fears he concluded. They were fears of the unknown, and yes, the darkness. He hated the darkness; he always had, even as a small child he had feared what lurked in the shadows around him, in his room with the lamp unlit, around the outside, near the house and inside the barn. But he had never really feared any man, only what a man could do to him, like now\u2026here in this dark corner of the cellar where he\u2019d been brought, bound tightly, gagged and now blinded folded. The blindfold only served to enhance the murky darkness and cause his mind to begin conjuring up distorted images that caused him to shiver. The man was crude and hardened to those around him, and Little Joe had no reason to believe that the man would show him any mercy whatsoever. The stranger hated Ben Cartwright with a passion so intense, that killing for revenge meant nothing to the fellow. Hadn\u2019t he said as much? Besides, thought Joe, he had seen it with his own eyes, when the man had turned on Hoss who had only been trying to help his younger brother escape, and had ended up paying with his own life.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Beneath the tight blindfold, Joe felt the sting of tears. Hoss had been his best friend, his confidante, his partner throughout their entire lives, and now he was gone. Joe choked back his tears, trying to wipe the image of the gentle giant lying just feet away, his massive chest covered in blood that oozed from the hole caused by Cory Waters\u2019 gun. Silently, he vowed to get revenge for his brother\u2019s death. Somehow, someway, he\u2019d make the stranger pay for what he had done. If the man thought he could hate, he\u2019d see what real hate was like, once Joe managed to free himself.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The ropes had been moved, probably sometime after Lou had hit him on the head, but his arms were still pulled behind his back and his ankles were also tied, but he was no longer in the hot-tied position. Joe was able to stretch out his legs, for which he was glad; it provided him with a bit more comfort, though his arms still ached from the unnatural position.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe\u2019s back was resting against the hard, stone, wall. He had no perception of the time; he was clueless as to how long he had been unconscious after Lou had hit him over the head, but Joe estimated the time as being somewhere between mid-night and dawn. Dampness from the rocks behind him penetrated through the thin material of his shirt and jacket, causing him to shiver from the cold.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

It was impossible to tell anything about his prison, other than it was cold and damp and had a musty smell all about him. Joe sat in total silence, his thoughts on finding a means by which to escape. He longed for his family, for his father\u2026for Hoss\u2026Hoss, thought Joe, feeling a swelling of his throat and a sickness in the pit of his stomach that wouldn\u2019t go away. He willed himself not to cry for his brother\u2026not yet, his mind said, later\u2026after I kill the man who took you from me, vowed Joe.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe turned his body so that he was lying on his side. His weary muscles screamed for rest and Joe knew that come daybreak, he would have hell to pay. He needed his strength and wits if he aimed on staying alive and getting free so that he could seek his revenge. For the first time in his young life, Joe Cartwright knew what it meant to hate, he\u2019d found reason enough to want to kill a man and he had no remorse in his heart for what he aimed on accomplishing.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe made himself as comfortable as he could; beneath the blindfold, his eyes closed and for what remained of the night, he slept.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cBring him up,\u201d Cory ordered the other two men.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Cory sat at the table, sharpening his long, thin bladed hunting knife that he used for skinning hides. Carefully so as not to cut himself, the man ran his thumb over the sharp edge and turned to meet Lou and Thomas as they hauled Joe, still bound and gagged, up from the cellar and stood him on his feet, facing his captor.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHe ain\u2019t doin\u2019 too well, Boss,\u201d snickered Lou.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe swayed slightly. It was the first time in nearly two days that he\u2019d been on his feet, and without food or water during that time he was more than just weak. It took both Lou and Thomas to keep him standing upright, especially with that added inconvenience of his ankles still tied together.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHe\u2019ll do,\u201d said Cory as he eased over to stand nose to nose with Joe.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

He slipped his knife between Joe\u2019s cheek and the blindfold that had been covering his eyes for the last several hours. The knife sliced through the material as easily as it would have sliced through soft butter and the blindfold slipped away from the emerald eyes, so filled with hate. For several moments, Joe squinted his eyes, wishing for a hand free to rub them into focus. Before he could clearly make out the man standing before him, the knife slipped again between the flesh of his face and the gag that prevented him from speaking. Instantly, Joe spit the wad of cloth out of his mouth and took several large gulps of air to fill his starving lungs. He looked into the brown eyes that watched him with such distaste that Cory felt compelled to slap Joe.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe\u2019s head was forced to one side; his cheek bore a bright red handprint. Joe refused to be cowered as he pulled himself upright and faced the man for the second time.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019re a brave men, hitting a man with his hands bound behind him, aren\u2019t you?\u201d snarled Joe. \u201cWhy don\u2019t you untie me and try again?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Cory only laughed and pressed the point of his knife into Joe\u2019s throat, causing Joe to lean his head as far back as possible.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cIn time,\u201d muttered Cory with a snicker.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

He moved the sharpened point only slightly and nicked Joe\u2019s skin, causing a bright red drop of blood to appear. Joe\u2019s eyes widened. He knew that one move on his part, and Cory Waters\u2019 knife would slit his throat.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cSit down, kid,\u201d Cory ordered, pointing to the chair. He backed up slightly, giving Joe room to move, but Joe refused to budge. Joe glanced down at his feet and then in Cory\u2019s direction.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cSort of hard to walk, with my ankles tied like they are,\u201d Joe said, hiding the rising hate that billowed from his gut into his throat.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

He hated being at this man\u2019s mercy, and once again he silently vowed to seek revenge for what the sadistic man had done to his brother, Hoss.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Cory only laughed at Joe\u2019s predicament, but he squatted down and with his knife, sliced the ropes that bound Joe\u2019s ankles together. When Cory faltered in rising, Joe kicked out with one leg, his booted foot catching Cory under the chin. Cory, having been caught off guard, dropped the knife and fell backwards onto the floor.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe turned and bolted for the opened door. In their haste to help their boss and catch their prisoner at the same time, Thomas and Lou became tangled in one another\u2019s arms and legs and both men went crashing to the floor, giving Joe just enough time to make his escape.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Running was nearly impossible with his arms bound behind his back and the weakened state that his body had sank in to, but Joe ran as if the devil himself were chasing him. He wasn\u2019t far from the truth in his thinking for Cory had shoved Thomas and Lou out of his way in his mad scramble for the knife he had so finely honed to perfection.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cGet him!\u201d screamed Cory as Lou and Thomas struggled to get back on their feet.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t worry, Boss,\u201d Thomas yelled as he and his cohort ran from the old cabin.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

They paused in the yard, trying to determine which way their prisoner had taken.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThis way,\u201d Lou shouted as he made for the woods.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Thomas was running right behind his friend, and Cory, catching up, joined his two assailants. The trio thrashed through the underbrush, stopping occasionally to look for signs.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHe can\u2019t get far, not in the condition he\u2019s in and certainly not with his hands tied behind his back,\u201d growled Cory. \u201cFind him, and the one who does, gets the honors of skinning that little bastard alive. All I\u2019ll leave for Ben Cartwright is his kid\u2019s hide, nailed to his own barn\u2026now get moving!\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The words sent shivers coursing down Joe\u2019s spine. He lay among the thick growth that covered the ground as if it were a green carpet on a wooden floor. He dared not breathe, for his three abductors stood only feet away. The knife that Cory held in his hand caught the bright sunlight and the blade glistened sharply. Joe swallowed, wishing with all of his heart that he was back home, that he was safe and that his best friend, Hoss, was still\u2026<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cOver here!\u201d Lou said, pointing to the ground.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The three took off running in the opposite direction. Joe pushed himself to his feet and taking a deep breath, darted off in the other direction, distancing himself from the men who wished him dead.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

When he could run no more, Joe stopped, dropping to his knees. His breathing was deep, his lungs burned like fire as he attempted to fill them.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWater\u2026I need water,\u201d he muttered to himself. \u201cAnd I need to get these ropes off!\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Looking around, Joe spotted a large formation of rocks a short distance from where he rested. Joe forced his weary body into action and headed in the direction of the rocks. As he approached, he spotted one lone rock that stood out from the others. It was just what he had been hoping he would find. Backing up to the sharpest point of the rock, Joe began rubbing his bound wrists up and down, hoping to wear the rope thin enough until it would break, thus freeing his hands.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

It was hard work, and took much longer that he expected, for the rope was wrapped several times about his wrists and knotted in more than a couple of complicated ways.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cTHERE HE IS!\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe jerked his head upward. He\u2019d been so engrossed in getting the ropes off, that he had failed to see the three men coming at him. Joe turned and ran down the embankment, his feet practically flying out from beneath him. He struggled to keep his balance and to keep from falling headlong onto the rocky surface.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

As he ran, Joe could hear the shouts of the men behind him. He wound his way in and out among the rocks, making his way back into the thick growth of underbrush. It was draining, fighting the bushes and brambles without the use of his hands. He could feel the stinging sensations from the limbs and branches that tore at his clothing and scraped against his face, ripping his skin as he pushed himself to seek safety.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe stopped for a brief second to catch his breath, glancing behind him to see if Cory and the others were still following. He caught a glimpse of Thomas scurrying in one direction and when he turned at the sound of snapping twigs, he saw Lou moving cautiously among the trees. Joe knew that Cory was close behind and he dared not move or make a sound for fear of being found. Joe pressed his body tightly against the trunk of the tree that sheltered him from his enemy\u2019s view and waited until Cory had passed him by. When Joe felt that the coast was clear, he inhaled deeply and ran off in the opposite direction.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

It wasn\u2019t long before Joe began to tire. He gasped for air, desperately trying to fill his lungs enough to keep going. Behind him, he could hear Cory shouting orders at Thomas and Lou as they crashed through the brush. Joe glanced once over his right shoulder and caught a quick glimpse of Cory.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cKeep going, keep running,\u201d he whispered to himself in a hoarse voice.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cOVER HERE!\u201d Joe heard Cory shout.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Gasping for air, Joe started running, but stopped suddenly as a sharp, piercing pain drilled itself into the back of his right shoulder, just above the shoulder blade. Joe\u2019s back arched as the pain intensified and he stumbled forward several faltering steps before he fell, face down into the dense brush and vines. With mouth clamped tightly, Joe willed himself not to scream, for to do so would mean certain dead. Somehow, through his pain, Joe maintained enough sense to roll over and over, burying himself deeper and deeper into the undergrowth, tangling himself amid the snarled growth that sheltered him from searching eyes.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

When he stopped, Joe was covered in dirt and muck, weeds and leaves, twigs and moss. The knife that had speared his shoulder had broken free and lay by his side. The once handsome face was covered in scratches and cuts and blood seeped from the thin openings, but flowed freely from the hole in his shoulder. Dazed and worn, Joe tried to keep his eyes opened, but the pain mixed with his overpowering need for the essentials was more than he could stand and he slowly slipped into a darkened world of oblivion, free from the pursuit of his tormentors and free of the pain that paralyzed his aching body.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHe\u2019s got to be here somewhere,\u201d growled Cory as he thrashed about in the bushes. \u201cI know I got him with my knife.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAre ya sure, Boss\u2026I mean, it is possible that ya\u2026\u201d stammered Lou.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Cory turned black, angry eyes toward his partner; his lips were set in a tight straight line.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t miss, you fool!\u201d he snarled.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI can\u2019t find any sign of him, Cory\u2026ya suppose he got away?\u201d Thomas asked.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

He was gasping for air. The boss had sent him on ahead to search for the boy, and he had looked everywhere, but had given up and came back empty handed.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAnything\u2019s possible you idiot, but not likely. He\u2019s here; I can smell the fear in him, we just have to keep searching, that\u2019s all,\u201d determined Cory. \u201cLou, look over there, Thomas, you move back the way you came, maybe you missed something.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAlright, boss, but what about you? Which way ya going?\u201d Thomas inquired, finally getting his second wind. \u201cIt\u2019s gonna be dark in an hour or two\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThen search until then\u2026I\u2019m going back to camp and make sure things are in order.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

He turned and glared at the pair. \u201cDon\u2019t come back without him, understand?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cBut Boss,\u201d whined Lou, \u201cwhat if we can\u2019t find\u2019em? I mean, geeze Boss, ya done killed one of Cartwright\u2019s boys\u2026ain\u2019t that enough?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI know that\u2026and you\u2019re probably right, but this kid\u2026he irks me. He\u2019s a smart mouthed punk, and I want him\u2026just because I know I can. And he\u2019s afraid of me\u2026and he hates me with a passion for killing that big ox of a brother of his\u2026that makes him dangerous, don\u2019t you see? If he\u2019s not dead, he\u2019s liable to come looking for me\u2026and I don\u2019t like watching my back, so find him, and when you do, bring him or his body back to me, now get moving, times wasting.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAlright, but I don\u2019t see what chance we have, not in the dark\u2026\u201d grumbled Lou as he tossed his head in Thomas\u2019 direction and marched off into the thicket.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

It was nearly dawn before Joe began to stir about. He moaned softly as he raised his head to peer about him. His mind was boggled from the rough and tough fall he\u2019d made and the stab of pain in his shoulder nearly caused him to cry out loud.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe sucked in a chest full of air and let it out slowly. His hands felt numb from the lack of blood flowing into them and when he tried, he could barely move his fingers. Glancing around, Joe spotted the remains of the knife that had somehow been dislodged from his shoulder.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

For the first time in three days, Joe grinned, his heart filled with new hope. Using his head to balance himself, Joe pulled his legs up under him until he was able to get to his knees. He then turned over, sitting on his backside and using his hands, managed to scoot along on his rump until he was able to reach the knife. Joe gritted his teeth against the throbbing in his shoulder as he grasped the knife in his hand and began sawing at the ropes that still held his wrists bounds behind his back. All the while he worked, Joe kept a sharp eye out for the three men who had relentlessly pursued him the night before.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe had to stop to rest his aching hands and fingers several times, but alas, the ropes were cut entirely.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhew,\u201d Joe muttered as he rubbed new life into the fingers.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The limbs throbbed as the blood began to flow into the tips of his fingers and Joe was forced to clench his jaw tightly. Several times he flexed his hands and fingers, willing them to do what they were designed to do. When he felt sure that they were once again useful, Joe turned his attention to his shoulder.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The bleeding had been stopped by the accumulation of debris that had stuck to the congealed blood. The litter had served the same purpose as a compress might have in stopping the loss of blood.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe tried to see the wound by looking over his shoulder, but it was impossible. Instead, he took off his belt and fashioned a sling to support the injured arm.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThank goodness it wasn\u2019t my left arm,\u201d he whispered.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe peered through the trees and rocks from his hiding place, down toward the cabin where he knew Cory and his two blundering accomplices were still hiding. His common senses told him that he should make his way home, but the hate that had festered in his heart overruled his better judgment. More so than ever before, Joe was determined to even the score between himself and Cory Waters, the man who had murdered Hoss without so much as a sign of remorse. Cory had done so with a smirk on his face that seemed to say that the world had lost nothing more than an over sized galoot.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

But Joe knew better, Hoss was the kindest, gentlest man he had ever known. Hoss had been his best friend, brothers till the end, they had always promised one another. The gentle giant was a man among men, one who loved deeply, who had more compassion for his fellow man than most men have for their own families. Hoss had been one of a kind, and the searing memory of him lying in a pool of his own blood, shot down needlessly by a man who cared so little for life, sent a refreshing dose of hate surging though Joe\u2019s veins.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Mind and body were weary; a heart was broken into a trillion pieces, yet Joe Cartwright stepped into the clearing and shouted out Cory\u2019s name. He waited with bated breath for his brother\u2019s murderer to emerge from the cabin. His only weapon, hatred\u2026a loathing so deep that the fine features, covered in dirt and dust betrayed the gentler side of his nature and twisted his facial appearance into one that would frightened the bravest of men.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Cory emerged from the cabin, surprised that his young captive was capable of calling him out, but he refused to allow his surprise to be seen by the hate filled eyes that glared at him. Behind him, Thomas and Lou stepped into the morning light, hands already resting on the side arms that hung low on each hip.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI thought you were dead, Cartwright,\u201d Cory muttered, moving further into the yard and turning just enough that he placed himself with his back to the bright, glaring sun.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Cory knew that Joe had no weapon and that his right arm was totally useless. He could only wonder what the maimed kid had up his sleeve, what plan did the boy have?<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m going to kill you, Waters,\u201d Joe threatened. \u201cYou murdered my brother.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Cory snickered, gloating at the man before him.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWith what, one arm, one hand\u2026it isn\u2019t likely, Cartwright. I\u2019d say the odds are against you,\u201d he taunted, nodding his head at Thomas and Lou.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cCould be I might die\u2026but you\u2019ll know you\u2019ve been in a fight, that is, if you\u2019re man enough to face me alone,\u201d Joe dared.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

He\u2019d been watching Thomas and Lou move in behind him. It was trying, watching all three men at once, but Joe kept Cory well within his sights and gave the murdering rascal most of his attention.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAre you\u2026or are you all talk? It\u2019s easy to shoot a man down in cold blood, but are you man enough to fight me\u2026You\u2019ll have the advantage, I\u2019ve only one arm, no thanks to you and that sharp knife you carried around.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Thomas and Lou both laughed at the suggestion. Cory made a snickering sound, but Joe noticed that the man had unbuckled his gun belt and tossed it off to the side. Joe moved as Cory moved around in a circle. Joe\u2019s full attention was now on the man that he loathed and was unaware that Cory had maneuvered him in such a way that his back was now to Thomas and Lou.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThis shouldn\u2019t take long,\u201d Cory jeered.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The man charged at Joe. His head low, Cory plowed into Joe\u2019s mid-section, doubling Joe in half and sending him staggering backwards and into the waiting arms of his two cronies.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Thomas and Lou grabbed Joe\u2019s arms and forced him upright, giving Cory an open target. Joe let out a loud gasp of agony but the scream was lost in the forceful blow to his stomach. Unable to fold his body into a protective ball, Joe waited until his tormentor charged him a second time and used the pair holding his arms as a lever, Joe raised both legs and kicked Cory Waters in the lower abdomen.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Cory dropped to his knees. Joe jerked his good arm free and managed to drive his folded fist into Thomas\u2019 face. Thomas screeched loudly and turned away, leaving Joe free to do the same to Lou.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

His first assailant charged Joe from behind, jumping onto the boy\u2019s back. Cory pounded his fist into the wound in Joe\u2019s shoulder. Once more an agonizing scream filled the air as Joe toppled to the ground, Cory still clinging to his back.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Cory was relentless in his attack of the younger man. Taking advantage of Joe\u2019s disadvantage, Cory grabbed Joe and flung him onto his bloodied back and began pounding Joe\u2019s face repeatedly with his fists.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

From deep within himself, Joe\u2019s determination labored to overcome the brutality of his attack. He fought back with every once of his waning strength. The picture of Hoss lying dead drove him; his hate of the man fired his need to kill. Slowly the advantage became his as Joe at last gained the upper hand.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Beyond him, unaware that others had joined him, Joe\u2019s only resolve was to avenge his brother\u2019s dead. The boy became as a mad man, delivering one powerful blow after another, practically rendering Cory Waters senseless. When Cory sank to the ground next to him, Joe straddled the man\u2019s body and placed his hands about the villain\u2019s throat. Cory\u2019s eyes flashed with fear as the slender fingers tightened about his neck, stifling the air needed to keep him alive.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe\u2019s emerald eyes were as sparks of fire. His jaw was set firm; his hands had become lethal weapons, yet he smiled down into the face that fought for air.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNow you die, Waters\u2026\u201d Joe said with gritted teeth. \u201cThis is for killing my brother!\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The fingers tightened. Cory\u2019s legs jerked about as the dying man tried in vain to remove Joe\u2019s body from his own. The man beneath him bucked and twisted; his hands covered Joe\u2019s trying fruitlessly to remove them from his throat. Cory\u2019s eyes rolled back in his head, his hands fell free from the ones squeezing his life from his body\u2026<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cJOE! JOE! NO, DON\u2019T DO IT, SON, DON\u2019T DO IT!\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Hands grabbed at Joe\u2019s shoulders, forcibly trying to remove his hands from Cory\u2019s throat. Another set of hands grabbed his and prized his fingers from around the dying man\u2019s neck. Joe twisted his body about, trying to recapture his hold on his brother\u2019s murderer.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cLET ME GO\u2026LET ME GO!\u201d He screeched loudly.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNo\u2026stop, Joseph\u2026stop\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe\u2019s face was a twisted mixture of hate and grief and pain. He was roughly pulled away from the man by the very hands that had always before been a comfort to him. But in his illogical state of mine, Joe was unaware that his father and his older brother were the ones trying to prevent him from doing the very thing that he believed Cory Waters had done\u2026and that was to murder a man in cold blood.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe\u2019s extreme hate and deep seeded grief fashioned him into a man that neither his father nor his brother, Adam, had ever seen before.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cJoe\u2026listen to me,\u201d Ben pleaded as he grasped Joe firmly about the waist to keep him from his victim.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

He hauled Joe from Cory\u2019s body and spun the boy around, losing his hold on his son. Joe dropped to the ground and tried to crawl back to Cory who was gasping for air and being helped up by Adam.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben dropped to ground in front of his distraught son. Joe\u2019s eyes had filled with tears that dripped down the front of his dirt-smeared face. The tiny droplets left miniature white tracks in their wake. Joe, by this time was sobbing, his thoughts still dominated by his need to kill as he struggled with his father.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Just as suddenly and without warning, Joe\u2019s strength dissipated. He stopped struggling as he rested on his knees, his head lowered in defeat as he wept.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cPa,\u201d he sobbed, \u201cyou don\u2019t understand\u2026I have to kill him\u2026I promised\u2026I promised Hoss\u2026Hoss, Pa\u2026that man killed my brother\u2026Hoss is DEAD!\u201d he shrieked loudly, as the past events overcame him. Joe fell into his father\u2019s opened arms.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben\u2019s arms automatically wrapped about the trembling shoulders as he gathered his son in close. Ben\u2019s hands lovingly held Joe\u2019s head pressed against his rapidly beating heart. His own voice was laden with emotion as he tried to comfort the sobbing boy.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNo\u2026No\u2026Joseph, listen to me\u2026please son,\u201d Ben muttered, glancing down into the upturned face, so dirty and so battered from the abuse he\u2019d endured.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHe\u2019s dead,\u201d Joe continued to cry.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNo\u2026Hoss is alive, son\u2026he\u2019s alive\u2026\u201d Ben assured.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI promised to kill\u2026\u201d Joe\u2019s words faltered as his father\u2019s statement began to take shape in his head.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHoss is alive, son\u2026Adam and I found him, two days ago. He\u2019d been shot, but he wasn\u2019t dead, Joe\u2026he wasn\u2019t dead. So you see, son, there\u2019s no reason for you to kill Cory\u2026no reason\u2026\u201d Ben said with a thickness in his voice.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam had turned the men over to Roy and his group of men who had joined in the search for the missing Cartwright. Now he had joined his father, who still held Joe in his arms. Adam squatted down and patted his brother on the back. Joe turned tearful eyes upward to look into his brother\u2019s face.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHow do you think we knew where to look for you, kid?\u201d Adam said with a grin. \u201cYou should know by now that it takes more than one little old shoulder wound to keep that big brother of ours down,\u201d he said with a light laugh.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe still looked doubtful. \u201cAre you positive?\u201d he asked weakly, looking from one concerned face to the other. \u201cHe sure looked like he was dead\u2026all that blood\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWell, I ain\u2019t dead!\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

All eyes turned to see Hoss as he dismounted and walked as if he had no cares in the world, over to where his father was helping Joe to his feet. A sling that was tied about his neck supported Hoss\u2019 injured arm.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhat are you doing here?\u201d demanded Ben as he dusted some of the dirt from Joe\u2019s clothing. \u201cYou were told to stay in bed!\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAw\u2026I ain\u2019t hurt bad\u2026\u2019sides,\u201d he grinned as he approached his younger brother. \u201cI thought maybe the kid here, might need my assistance,\u201d he laughed.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Hoss grinned down at Joe, whose chin began to quiver. The boy fought back the tears that threatened to spill over.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cBoy\u2026are you a sight for sore eyes!\u201d he grinned as he flung his arm about the bigger man\u2019s neck.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Hoss held his brother in a bear hug until Joe moaned softly. When Hoss released his brother, Joe began sinking to ground. Quickly Ben grabbed Joe\u2019s arm and with Adam\u2019s help, held Joe upright.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe, his eyes dazed, grinned up at his father. \u201cGuess I need to lay down,\u201d he said as he passed out.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Three days later found Joe sitting up in bed, enjoying a hot breakfast. Hoss sat in a chair nearby and watched his brother devour his meal.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYa better slow down, Shortshanks, ya gonna make yaself sick,\u201d Hoss warned. \u201cThat\u2019s your third helpin\u2019 of biscuits and gravy!\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cCan\u2019t help it, big brother,\u201d Joe said as he stuffed another bite into his mouth. \u201cI\u2019m starving to death. You know them rascals didn\u2019t give me one bite to eat the whole time, except for that nasty rag they stuffed in my mouth?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Hoss scrunched up his face in disgust. \u201cI\u2019d a died, Joe\u2026going three days without food! Why I\u2019d plum near starved to death by the second day.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe giggled. \u201cYou\u2019d a die if you went three hours without food,\u201d he teased lightly.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYeah\u2026I guess I would have,\u201d Hoss snickered. \u201cSay Joe\u2026I been meanin\u2019 to ask ya somethin\u2019,\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe looked up from his plate, but his hand continued to hold the biscuit that he used to sop up the gravy on his plate.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWas ya really goin\u2019 to kill that fella\u2026Cory?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The seriousness of the question drew Joe\u2019s attention from his breakfast. He fixed his eyes on his brother\u2019s face. Slowly, Joe allowed the biscuit to drop into the remaining scrape of gravy; he swallowed hard.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI suppose I was intending to, Hoss. I thought you were dead, and I swore to get even with him for killing you\u2026but\u2026\u201d Joe\u2019s eyes lowered; he found looking into the blue eyes that scrutinized his face, difficult to do.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHoss\u2026I\u2019ve never known what it was like to hate a man so much\u2026but I hated Cory Waters\u2026and I guess if Pa hadn\u2019t come along when he did, I\u2019d most likely would have killed him.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe swallowed again and glanced up at his brother who had moved to sit on the edge of the bed, next to him.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m not proud of what I did\u2026but I can\u2019t say I\u2019m sorry either,\u201d he said in a low voice.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHe deserved killing\u2026at least in my thinking, but Pa said that it wasn\u2019t up to me to get revenge. He said that revenge comes from God\u2026not man\u2026and what I was aiming on doing was wrong. I\u2019ve thought a lot about it\u2026I guess it was wrong\u2026but all I could think about was seeing you laying there, covered in blood. You have no idea how that made me feel, Hoss\u2026I mean\u2026you\u2019re\u2026you\u2019re my best friend in the whole world\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cPa was right, Punkin\u2026\u201d Hoss grinned. \u201cBut I would have probably thought the same thing, thinkin\u2019 ya was killed outright, I\u2019d a done the same as ya did\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe\u2019s expression brightened somewhat and he was able to look directly into his brother\u2019s eyes.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cReally?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWell\u2026we are brothers till the end, aren\u2019t we? Of course I\u2019d a wanted to avenge ya murder\u2026but I\u2019d agone about it a bit different,\u201d Hoss explained.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe looked puzzled. \u201cOh yeah, how?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Hoss tossed back his head and laughed.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019d a done what Pa always says to do, \u2018let the law handle it\u2019. I\u2019d a brought that varmint in and let Roy hang\u2019em\u2026that\u2019s what I\u2019d a done!\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAnd if he didn\u2019t hang\u2026but went free instead\u2026what then?\u201d Joe said.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Again Hoss snickered. \u201cTHEN, I\u2019d a done what ya did!\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Hoss and Joe both laughed.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

In the doorway, Ben grinned and then turned to go about his business, leaving his two younger sons alone to enjoy one another\u2019s company, as they always had. But as he strolled leisurely down the hallway, Ben paused, raised his eyes heavenward and whispered a soft prayer of thanks that both of his younger son\u2019s lives had been spared, yet again.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

THE END<\/p>\n

October 2004<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

<\/div>\n

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

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

Summary:\u00a0 Hoss and Joe become the victims of revenge, but when Joe sees his brother shot down in cold blood, the tables are turned and it’s Joe who declares that it’s pay back time.<\/p>\n

Rated:\u00a0 PG for Mild Violence\u00a0 (8,000 words)<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":9052,"featured_media":9859,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"template-full-width-post.php","format":"standard","meta":{"_jetpack_newsletter_access":"","_jetpack_dont_email_post_to_subs":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_tier_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paywalled_content":false,"_jetpack_feature_clip_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":"","jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false},"categories":[23,41],"tags":[14,15,17,16],"class_list":["post-12126","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-drama","category-hurtcomfort","tag-adam-cartwright","tag-ben","tag-hoss","tag-joe","wpcat-23-id","wpcat-41-id"],"a3_pvc":{"activated":true,"total_views":2318,"today_views":0},"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/10\/feature-2.jpg?fit=338%2C338&ssl=1","jetpack_likes_enabled":true,"jetpack-related-posts":[{"id":16262,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=16262","url_meta":{"origin":12126,"position":0},"title":"The Heart of a Hero (by Christy)","author":"Christy","date":"August 21, 2006","format":false,"excerpt":"Summary:\u00a0\u00a0Joe and Hoss have taken time off on a fine spring day to go fishing when something terribly wrong brings the Cartwright's worst nightmare to reality. How will the heart of a hero see them through their darkest days? I'm sorry I'm not a Jamie fan. He does not exist\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\/Joe-Hoss.jpg?fit=505%2C638&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200},"classes":[]},{"id":15871,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=15871","url_meta":{"origin":12126,"position":1},"title":"Never, Ever Mess With His…..? (by AC1830)","author":"AC1830","date":"January 17, 2018","format":false,"excerpt":"Summary - Why is Adam in the dirt at Hoss' feet?\u00a0 Hoss is not going to like the answer.\u00a0 Rating - K, WC - 823","rel":"","context":"In "Humor"","block_context":{"text":"Humor","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?cat=4"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/01\/Adam-on-his-back-The-Ape.png?fit=620%2C470&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/01\/Adam-on-his-back-The-Ape.png?fit=620%2C470&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/01\/Adam-on-his-back-The-Ape.png?fit=620%2C470&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x"},"classes":[]},{"id":12911,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=12911","url_meta":{"origin":12126,"position":2},"title":"The Stranger – A Missing Scene (by Jenny G)","author":"Gwynne & JennyG","date":"January 11, 2003","format":false,"excerpt":"Summary:\u00a0 What followed when Roy released Little Joe from jail. Rating:\u00a0 K+ (1,130 words)","rel":"","context":"In "Drama"","block_context":{"text":"Drama","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?cat=23"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/05\/Adam-and-Joe-Desert-Justice-2.bmp","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/05\/Adam-and-Joe-Desert-Justice-2.bmp 1x, https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/05\/Adam-and-Joe-Desert-Justice-2.bmp 1.5x, https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/05\/Adam-and-Joe-Desert-Justice-2.bmp 2x"},"classes":[]},{"id":16264,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=16264","url_meta":{"origin":12126,"position":3},"title":"Becoming A Man (by Christy)","author":"Christy","date":"March 9, 2004","format":false,"excerpt":"Summary:\u00a0\u00a0When the Cartwright brothers have to face their worst nightmare, Little Joe decides to take matters in to his own hands. Will he survive to show his family he really is the man his father raised? Rating\u00a0 G\u00a0 (10,520 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\/02\/ben3.jpg?fit=320%2C240&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200},"classes":[]},{"id":11839,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=11839","url_meta":{"origin":12126,"position":4},"title":"Do as I Say (by frasrgrl)","author":"frasrgrl","date":"September 30, 2015","format":false,"excerpt":"Summary:\u00a0 Ben has always tried to teach by example, tried to get it through to his sons how he expects them to act. But do they ever listen? A 2015 Camp in the Pines story and a WHN for Quality of Mercy.\u00a0 Rating:\u00a0 K+\u00a0 (1,255 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\/04\/joe-pa.jpg?fit=640%2C514&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/04\/joe-pa.jpg?fit=640%2C514&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/04\/joe-pa.jpg?fit=640%2C514&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x"},"classes":[]},{"id":25624,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=25624","url_meta":{"origin":12126,"position":5},"title":"Christmas Spirit (by AC1830)","author":"AC1830","date":"December 25, 2019","format":false,"excerpt":"Summary: Little Joe learns something special about Christmas, with the help of his brothers. Rating: T, WC 947","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\/2019\/12\/St.-Nicholas.jpg?fit=600%2C539&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/12\/St.-Nicholas.jpg?fit=600%2C539&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/12\/St.-Nicholas.jpg?fit=600%2C539&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x"},"classes":[]}],"jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/12126","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=12126"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/12126\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/9859"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=12126"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=12126"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=12126"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}