{"id":12138,"date":"2002-04-01T14:23:04","date_gmt":"2002-04-01T19:23:04","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=12138"},"modified":"2025-09-25T15:28:45","modified_gmt":"2025-09-25T19:28:45","slug":"crystal-ball-predictions-by-debbieb","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=12138","title":{"rendered":"Crystal Ball Predictions (by DebbieB)"},"content":{"rendered":"

Summary:<\/strong>\u00a0 When Adam suddenly inherits a son, Joe is washed away by a flash flood, Ben breaks a leg and Hoss leaves home in search of his missing brother, the Cartwrights begin to wish they had never visited the fortune teller.<\/p>\n

Rated:<\/strong> G (32,000 words)
\n<\/strong><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Crystal Ball Predictions<\/strong><\/p>\n

Ben opened the door for the fourth time and stepped out onto the porch.\u00a0 As hard as he tried, he could not still the uneasy feelings that had been growing within his mind all evening.\u00a0 His sons had left earlier in the afternoon for the north pasture where he had sent them to repair a section of fence that had gotten washed out by the high rising waters just a day or so ago.\u00a0 Ben glanced up at the sky and taking a deep breath, let it out slowly.\u00a0 He did not like the looks of the dark storm clouds that were rapidly gathering.\u00a0 It had rained every day now for five days, stopping late last night and thus giving his sons the required break they needed in order to fix the broken fences and return the stray cattle to their proper location.\u00a0 Now it appeared as if the rain would start up again, and Ben was concerned that his sons would be caught in the downpour.<\/p>\n

Ben turned and walked back into the house, closing the door behind him as he entered.\u00a0 Pacing, Ben stopped before the fireplace and warmed his hands.\u00a0 He would not admit it to anyone, lest of all one of his sons, but the predications that his three boys had received from the fortune-teller while attending the carnival last week in Carson City, worried the over-protective father.\u00a0 He knew that Little Joe and Hoss had pestered their older brother, begging non-stop for him to join them in the gypsy\u2019s tent and have their fortunes told.\u00a0 Adam had repeatedly refused, not putting any store in such things but had finally given in to his brothers insistent pleas, if only to get them off his back.\u00a0 Half an hour later, the three brothers had emerged from the tent the younger two laughing and joking about the things that the fortune teller had claimed she had seen in her crystal ball.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou don\u2019t really believe that foolishness do you?\u201d asked Adam as he listened to his younger brothers comments.<\/p>\n

\u201cAw shucks, Adam, course not.\u00a0 Don\u2019t ya think we\u2019ve got better sense than that?\u201d laughed Hoss, giving Joe a wink of the eye.<\/p>\n

\u201cI never know with the two of you.\u00a0 Come on, we\u2019ve wasted enough time.\u00a0 We best be getting on home; Pa will be furious when he finds out how much time I let the two of you talk me into killing on such tomfoolery,\u201d complained Adam as he mounted his horse and turned watching his brothers mount theirs.<\/p>\n

\u201cHey Adam?\u201d\u00a0 piped Little Joe with a mischievous smile on his young face, \u201cdo you really have a son?\u00a0 I mean, it could be possible you know, you\u2019re forever telling us about all those beautiful ladies you keep company with when you go to San Francisco,\u201d laughed Joe, ducking his head as Adam swung his arm out playfully trying to strike the younger boy.<\/p>\n

\u201cI think squirt, if I had fathered a son, or daughter for that matter, I would be very well aware of the fact.\u00a0 But seeing as I have no wife as of yet, I cannot have either.\u00a0 And as for the beautiful women in San Francisco, you better not bring that subject up in front of Pa, or it will cost you dearly, little brother.\u00a0 Now drop the subject and let\u2019s get home,\u201d instructed Adam, giving his horse a swift kick and leaving the other two sitting in a cloud of dust, their loud laughter ringing in his ears.<\/p>\n

Adam rode hard for several minutes, troubling thoughts worming their way into his thinking.\u00a0 It could be possible he thought, but not likely, or at least he hoped not.\u00a0 Judging from what the gypsy had stated he would have had to been about Joe\u2019s age, eighteen, maybe nineteen at the time, which thinking back Adam had to admit, he had sowed his share of wild oats.\u00a0 If the predication were true, which he tried to convince himself that it wasn\u2019t, then the would-be son would be four or five years younger than Joe, making the unknown lad about twelve or thirteen, give or take a year.\u00a0 Adam shook his head to chase away the disturbing thoughts, I don\u2019t even believe in that rubbish, so why worry, he tried to convince himself and then slowed his horse in order to give his brothers time to catch up.<\/p>\n

Ben rose from his chair at the sounds of laughter in the yard.\u00a0 Quickly he jerked opened the door and smiled in relief as he watched his three sons leading their horses into the safety of the barn.\u00a0 Ben watched each of his sons until all three disappeared from sight, smiling to himself at the close comradeship that the brothers shared. Looking up at the ever so dark clouds, Ben knew that the storm was nearing being as how he could feel the drop in the temperature as the winds increased in momentum and the air smelled of rain. It was a clean, fresh smell, one he had always liked unless of course it threatened the well being of one or all of his sons, which was the case on this night.<\/p>\n

Ben stepped back inside and sat down at his desk pretending to be busy with some paper work.\u00a0 There was no use letting his grown sons know that he had been worried about them.\u00a0 Still, recalling what Hoss had let slip out about the gypsy\u2019s predicted events, and seeing how she had stated that \u2018much rain shall fall, bringing with it the breaking away of family\u2019, Ben could only wonder.\u00a0 Nonsense, he told himself, shaking his head.\u00a0 No one can foresee the future, no one that is except the Almighty, who according to Ben\u2019s beliefs already had all of their futures planned out.<\/p>\n

Joe was the first to burst through the door, Adam and Hoss hurrying in behind.\u00a0 The wind had risen even stronger and Hoss had to push hard at the door to get it closed.\u00a0 Ben rose to greet his sons; their smiling faces bringing an end to his worry.<\/p>\n

\u201cGlad you made it home before that storm hit, boys,\u201d greeted Ben while he watched them shucking their hats, coats and side arms.\u00a0 All three looked up as their father welcomed them.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhew, that wind sure is agettin\u2019 strong, \u2018bout blew me away agettin\u2019 inside,\u201d laughed Hoss removing his big hat and placing it on the peg and turning to face his father.<\/p>\n

\u201cOh come on now big brother, ain\u2019t no wind that strong,\u201d teased Joe as he ran his fingers through his unruly curls.<\/p>\n

\u201cI have to agree with the kid here Hoss, it would take more, something like a gale force wind to move that body around,\u201d added Adam who poked his larger than average brother in the stomach with his long finger.<\/p>\n

Ben laughed along with his sons and slapped Hoss on his back.\u00a0 \u201cYou boys hungry?\u00a0 Hop Sing kept your supper warm for you.\u00a0 Come on, let\u2019s sit down,\u201d said Ben as he moved with his sons to the dinning room table.\u00a0 Hop Sing hurried in and poured hot coffee for his three favorite sons and his employer before moving to the kitchen to bring in the meal he had kept in the warming oven for the boys.<\/p>\n

\u201cHave ya ever seed me when I tweren\u2019t hungry, Pa?\u201d laughed Hoss taking his seat across from Joe who continued to giggle.<\/p>\n

Ben sat down in his own place at the head of the table, \u201cNo son, can\u2019t honestly say that I have, unless you count that time when Bessie Sue dropped by unexpectedly and caught you smooching Mary Beth Wilcox out on the veranda, as I recall, you didn\u2019t eat for about three days after that,\u201d started Ben, stopping suddenly as loud laughter drowned out his words.<\/p>\n

\u201cHe couldn\u2019t eat, remember Pa, Bessie Sue gave him a fat lip,\u201d snickered Adam as he forced his face into a serious expression.<\/p>\n

\u201cYeah, and when Bessie Sue finished with him, Mary Beth broke the flower pot over his head and accused him of two timing her,\u201d giggled Joe unable to control himself as he leaned across to Adam and shook his brother by his arm.<\/p>\n

\u201cAw, shucks Pa, why\u2019d hav\u2019ta go and bring that up?\u201d moaned Hoss, his red faced expression making his family burst into a second round of hearty laughter until even Hoss could not stop himself from joining in.<\/p>\n

Adam tossed and turned trying to find a comfortable position in his bed.\u00a0 He was not prone to having nightmares, not like his younger brother Joe who had been having them since he was five.\u00a0 They had started after his mother, Marie, had died from injuries received from a fall from her horse and to this day the eighteen year old still suffered occasionally from them. Adam turned over on his side and shut his eyes trying to go back to sleep.\u00a0 The dream had left him feeling unnerved and with troublesome thoughts.<\/p>\n

\u2018You have a son, yes?\u2019 the gypsy lady had asked.<\/p>\n

\u2018No, I do not,\u2019 replied Adam firmly, giving each of his brothers a stern look for having connived him into getting his fortune told to him.<\/p>\n

\u201cAh, but my crystal ball sees a very young man; a handsome young man with dark eyes and dark raven hair, much like yourself, though you have yet to meet him,\u201d whispered the gypsy.\u00a0 \u2018He will come soon, to claim his rightful spot, a spot that will be vacated by the one whom you love as a son.\u2019<\/p>\n

Adam turned again onto his back and sighed, wondering at the woman\u2019s meaning.\u00a0 Adam fluffed his pillows and turned to the opposite side, again shutting his eyes tightly in hopes of putting the woman\u2019s words out of his mind.\u00a0 Then he saw his younger brother\u2019s face and heard again the gypsy woman speaking.<\/p>\n

Joe was laughing, his handsome face distorted from scrunching up his nose.\u00a0 And then she raised her hand, silencing the boy. \u2018Do not laugh little boy,\u2019 she had said with a ring of venom in her voice, her dark eyes piercing into his brother\u2019s hazel eyes.<\/p>\n

Joe\u2019s face took on a serious expression.\u00a0 \u2018Why, what does your crystal ball say about my future?\u2019 Joe had asked, a smile spreading across his boyish face as he glanced at his brothers.<\/p>\n

\u2018I see water, lots and lots of water.\u00a0 The rain, it will come soon and for many days the water will cover the earth, and with the rain will come a parting of the family,\u2019 she paused and watched the faces of the three men.<\/p>\n

\u2018So, it\u2019s gonna rain, what does that have to do with me?\u2019 his brother had inquired, the smile beginning to fade as he listened to her next words.<\/p>\n

\u2018I see the water; it is running very swiftly over the ground.\u00a0 It is carrying with it, many objects.\u00a0\u00a0 Ahh\u2026. yes, I see, I see\u2026you little one, you are in the water\u2026No, wait.\u00a0 I see your face, it is covered by the water and you are struggling, you are\u2026\u2019 she hesitated.\u00a0 \u2018No more\u2026I see nothing more.\u00a0 You go now, be on your way\u2026\u2019\u00a0 She waved her hands in the air as if to shoo them away.<\/p>\n

The gypsy woman started to rise but Hoss had placed his large hand on her arm, stopping her from leaving.<\/p>\n

\u201cHold on a minute, missy, what about me?\u00a0 What\u2019s that ball of yours say about me, heh?\u201d Hoss had asked.<\/p>\n

Adam could tell that the lady was uncomfortable, not wanting to say more, but she returned to her chair and as her hands spread across the crystal ball and she stared into it\u2019s depth, she paused and looked into the faces of each of the brothers, stopping and returning to face Hoss.<\/p>\n

\u2018I see eyes the color of the sky and they are filled with much sadness.\u00a0 You will grieve for what once was.\u2019\u00a0 Again her smooth hands caressed the glass ball and looking into the blue eyes that stared in awe at her, she continued.<\/p>\n

\u2018You will make a long journey.\u00a0 You are searching for the lost one; your search will take you far from where your heart is but you shall return only this time you will know things to be different from what they appear to be and your conscience will force you to voice your concerns and the truth shall stand on it\u2019s own.\u2019\u00a0 Rosa stood up and waved her hands, \u2018Go, all of you.\u00a0 The ball speaks of nothing else.\u2019<\/p>\n

The brothers, silent now, stood and quietly exited the tent.\u00a0 With out so much as a word to one another, until they were far enough from the enclosure that their laughter could not to be heard, they slowly walked down the street to where their horses were tied before Adam turned to speak.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou don\u2019t really believe that foolishness do you\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026<\/p>\n

Adam was drawn from a troubled sleep by the sounds of the pounding rain as it beat down on the roof.\u00a0 Pulling back the heavy curtain that covered the window his mood grew even blacker as he looked out onto the dismal day.\u00a0 The sound of the barn door being pulled opened forced his attention to the activity below and he watched as Joe led the team of horses from the barn, the supply wagon following and covered with a heavy tarp.<\/p>\n

Today was Saturday and Adam knew that it was Joe\u2019s turn to make the trip into town for the needed supplies.\u00a0 He almost felt sorry for his younger brother; he sure did not envy the boy the unpleasant task, not in this rain.\u00a0 But, reasoned Adam, what needed to be done had to be done, and if anyone could accomplish it in this weather, Joe Cartwright was the one to do it.\u00a0 Adam smiled, nothing, not even a flash flood could damper his kid brother\u2019s enthusiasm when it came to going into town.\u00a0 Adam watched as his father gave the boy his last minute instructions before moving from the window and dressing.\u00a0 His stomach growled making Adam groan softly, okay, okay, I\u2019m hurrying, he laughingly told his belly.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhere\u2019s Hoss?\u00a0 I saw Joe leaving earlier\u2026wait don\u2019t tell me, Hoss decided at the last minute to go with him?\u201d asked Adam as he sat down at the table.<\/p>\n

\u201cOh you know Hoss, he worries more about that boy than you and I put together.\u00a0 He used the excuse that he didn\u2019t want Joe trying to hurry the team in this rain.\u00a0 You know how Joe tends to rush those animals.\u00a0 Just like his ma used to be, always in a hurry, even if there were no reason to be hurrying,\u201d smiled Ben, his eyes taking on a far away look and Adam knew he was remembering another time.<\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t worry then, Hoss won\u2019t Joe do something he\u2019s not suppose to be doing.\u00a0 Not with those horses he loves so well,\u201d stated Adam reaching for the platter of flapjacks and moving six or more onto his plate.<\/p>\n

Adam glanced up and saw his father watching him and smiled.\u00a0 \u201cI\u2019m hungry.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben laughed and shook his head, \u201cyou keep eating like that and you\u2019ll soon catch up with Hoss.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNot likely Pa, no way can I eat as much as that bull,\u201d returned Adam smiling.<\/p>\n

\u201cDadburnit, Short Shanks, slow these horses down.\u00a0 Ain\u2019t no call fer ya to be runnin\u2019em like this.\u00a0 Now, do as I say, afore we git ta the bridge,\u201d commanded Hoss as he shouted over the thunder that boomed.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhoa,\u201d Joe called out as he pulled back on the reins.\u00a0 \u201cWHOA!\u201d he shouted again with no results.<\/p>\n

Using all the strength he could muster, Joe stood up in the wagon and pulled harder.\u00a0 He had not intended for the horses to break into a run but the continual rolling thunder had spooked the large animals causing him to loose control.\u00a0 Fighting the aching in his arms and back, Joe pulled back again and just as Hoss grabbed for the lines, the wagon seemed to suddenly be flying.\u00a0 Joe felt himself being tossed upward and knew by the pain that struck his body that he had landed on something hard as he sank beneath the raging waters.<\/p>\n

Hoss was watching the road ahead and gasped when the bridge came into sight.\u00a0 The rain had caused the creek to overflow and the water ran across the spot where the bridge had once stood.\u00a0 Suddenly realizing that Joe had lost control of the team, Hoss reached up and grabbed for the reins just as they started across what was left of the bridge.\u00a0 The last thing that Hoss saw before the remaining bridge gave way, was his younger brother sailing out of the wagon and through the air.<\/p>\n

In the next instant Hoss was fighting for his life, the water swirled violently around him and he struggled to hold on to what was left of the wagon.\u00a0 Twice he was knocked under, the swift current carrying him down stream at a frightening speed.\u00a0 When he was finally able to grab hold and hang on, his eyes sought the dark mucky water for his brother.<\/p>\n

\u201cJOE!\u00a0 JOE!\u201d screamed Hoss repeatedly until his voice cracked.\u00a0 Frantically Hoss turned, searching the turbulent waters for any sign of Joe but could see nothing.\u00a0 After being carried miles from where he had entered the water, Hoss saw a lull in the main stream ahead and knew if he were to ever make an attempt to swim to safety, he would have to do it now.\u00a0 Taking a deep breath, Hoss let go of the boards he had been clinging to and swam for shore.\u00a0 The water fought against his efforts but at last he pulled himself from the churning waters and collapsed onto the shore.<\/p>\n

\u201cHoss, wake up son.\u00a0 Can you hear me, boy?\u201d\u00a0 Ben gently slapped at Hoss\u2019 cheeks in an effort to arouse the boy.\u00a0 \u201cHoss, where\u2019s Joe?\u00a0 Hoss, please son wake up,\u201d pleaded Ben giving Adam who had just approached him, a wary look.<\/p>\n

\u201cDid you find any sign of your brother?\u201d Ben asked Adam hopefully while cradling Hoss\u2019 head in his lap.<\/p>\n

\u201cJust this,\u201d said Adam holding up a piece of green material that both recognized as coming from Joe\u2019s jacket.<\/p>\n

\u201cOh God, Hoss, Hoss.\u00a0 Can you hear me, boy?\u201d Ben patted Hoss\u2019 cheeks again.<\/p>\n

This time Hoss stirred and immediately began coughing up mouthfuls of water.\u00a0 Ben held the boy\u2019s head to the side, allowing the water to be more easily spit out.\u00a0 After several moments, Hoss opened his eyes and instantly began fighting against the arms that held him.<\/p>\n

\u201cJoe, I gotta find Joe.\u201d\u00a0 Hoss struggled against his father\u2019s attempts to hold him down.\u00a0 \u201cLet me go,\u201d he grumbled as he pulled free, \u201cI gotta find my little brother.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHoss, calm down son,\u201d said Ben as he rose and grabbed the larger man\u2019s arm.\u00a0 Hoss swung around, his hand coiled into a tight fist but stopped suddenly as recognition registered.<\/p>\n

\u201cPa,\u201d Hoss cried softly, tears swiftly filling his eyes.\u00a0 \u201cWe gotta find Joe, he got throwed from the wagon.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben glanced at the raging waters and felt his heart sinking in despair as he remembered that Joe was not a very strong swimmer unlike his two older brothers.<\/p>\n

\u201cI know son, we have several men combing the shores on both sides.\u00a0 There\u2019s no telling how far down stream he might have gotten.\u00a0 We\u2019ll just keep looking until we find him,\u201d Ben forced his voice to remain calm though his insides where churning as hard as the waters that had nearly claimed one of his sons, and possibly had claimed the youngest.<\/p>\n

\u201cAre you feeling up to helping, or do you need to lie down?\u201d Ben asked, concerned for his son\u2019s well being.<\/p>\n

\u201cNo, I gotta find him,\u2019 replied Hoss.\u00a0 \u201cPa, tweren\u2019t his fault, those ole horses bolted when that thunder spooked \u2018em.\u00a0 Joe just didn\u2019t have \u2018nough strength in his arms to pull\u2019em to a stop and afore I knowed what was happenin\u2019 they runned clear out into the middle of that crik.\u00a0 Last time I saw Joe, he was flying through the air, next thing I knowed, I was in the water myself.\u201d\u00a0 Hoss glanced over his shoulder at the water and shook his head.<\/p>\n

\u201cCome on, he\u2019s bound ta be here somewhere.\u201d\u00a0 Ben watched as Hoss moved away to join Adam and the others in the search knowing in his heart that this big man blamed himself for his younger brother\u2019s disappearance.<\/p>\n

The search party searched throughout the long rainy night, using lanterns and torches and combing both sides of the banks of the swollen waters.\u00a0 When daylight came, a new group of volunteers took over where the others had stopped so that the tired and exhausted men could rest before starting out again later.\u00a0 By the time that nightfall descended on the group, several miles had been covered but still there remained no sign of Ben Cartwright\u2019s youngest son, Little Joe.\u00a0 Ben refused to give up hope, Hoss had all but collapsed and Ben had had to order the boy to bed.\u00a0 Hoss adamantly refused to go home and had instead crawled into one of the many makeshift tents that their neighbors had so generously supplied so that the men could have a place to get in out of the rain.<\/p>\n

Day after day the heavens continued to open up and douse the earth with rain.\u00a0 The river and creeks continued to flow out of their banks while the water soaked earth refused to hold any more.\u00a0 Never, agreed the group of volunteers had they ever seen it rain as it had for the last ten days, thus hampering the rescue operation.\u00a0 It was because of the rain that many of the ranchers had given up hope of ever finding Ben\u2019s son and had broken away from the groups and began returning to their own homes and families.\u00a0 The current was moving too rapidly, the waters too high and dangerous the men had declared, leaving Ben standing alone with his older two sons.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2019re sorry Ben, but its no use.\u00a0 He\u2019s gone Ben, not even a grown man could have survived in those waters for as long as Little Joe has been missing,\u201d apologized one rancher.<\/p>\n

\u201cBen, we\u2019ve searched a total of twenty to thirty miles and you know what we found.\u00a0 His jacket, boot and hat.\u00a0 I\u2019m sorry Ben, I\u2019m truly sorry, but I have to get back to my own family, you understand, don\u2019t you?\u201d asked another, his head bowed low unable to meet the dark eyes of the grieving father.<\/p>\n

Ben nodded his head, \u201cYes, I understand.\u00a0 I want to thank all of you for your help, but my sons and I here aren\u2019t giving up, not yet, not until we know something for sure either way,\u201d said Ben shaking hands with his friends and neighbors as each man stepped up to him and bid him well.<\/p>\n

When most of the men had left, Ben turned to face Adam and Hoss.\u00a0 \u201cWhat about the two of you?\u00a0 You ready to quit too?\u201d he asked, a bit of sarcasm in his voice.<\/p>\n

Hoss was the first to speak up, \u201cNaw Pa, not me.\u00a0 I won\u2019t ever give up.\u00a0 It\u2019s my fault that he\u2019s gone and\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHoss, stop it,\u201d blared Ben.\u00a0 \u201cIf I\u2019ve told you once, I\u2019ve told you a dozen times, this was not your fault.\u00a0 You have to stop thinking like that, it was an accident, pure and simple,\u201d Ben added in a more calm voice.\u00a0 \u201cNo one blames you son, please, stop torturing yourself like this.\u201d\u00a0 Ben rested his hand on Hoss\u2019 big shoulder and gave the boy a reassuring squeeze.<\/p>\n

\u201cPa\u2019s right big brother.\u00a0 Come on, help me get his gear packed up and we\u2019ll move our camp further down stream and work from there,\u201d said Adam as he began placing the equipment into the packs on the packhorse.<\/p>\n

For two more days Ben and his sons searched the banks and surrounding areas for any sign that Joe might have somehow made it to shore.\u00a0 Spirits were low, the outcome looked bleak but none of the Cartwrights would voice their fears to the others, but each knew in their own hearts that it would take a miracle if they were to find the youngest family member at all now.<\/p>\n

Dusk was quickly approaching as the men made camp for the night.\u00a0 The rain had finally stopped early that morning and the sun had blared down on the watery earth in a futile attempt to begin the drying out process.\u00a0 Adam and Hoss had each returned to their temporary camp and waited for their father\u2019s return hoping that he might have found something that would give them a clue as to what might have happened to their youngest sibling.\u00a0 Both young men were shocked when Ben burst into the camp at a gallop.\u00a0 Buck tried to stop as Ben applied pressure to his reins but slipped in the mud going down on to his knees.\u00a0 Ben was tossed from the saddle and with a thud landed hard in a nearby puddle.\u00a0 Adam and Hoss moved swiftly to Ben\u2019s side as the older man lay moaning covered from head to foot with mud.<\/p>\n

\u201cPa!\u201d shouted Hoss bending over his father.\u00a0 \u201cAre you okay?\u201d he asked worriedly.<\/p>\n

\u201cMy leg, I think it\u2019s broken,\u201d moaned Ben using Adam\u2019s arm for leverage and pulling himself into a sitting position.\u00a0 \u201cOf all the fool stunts, and to think how many times I have yelled at your younger brother for doing just what I did,\u201d fussed Ben, a small smile beginning to reshape his pained expression.<\/p>\n

Adam returned the smile glad to see that his father was not hurt any worse and that he could find just a smidgen of humor in the accident.\u00a0 \u201cDon\u2019t worry Pa, when Joe gets home, we won\u2019t tell him, it will be our little secret.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, let\u2019s just hope that Joseph is home before this thing heals.\u00a0 I\u2019d rather have him teasing me about this than not have him home at all.\u00a0 Now, help me over to the fire son,\u201d moaned Ben, the pain beginning to worsen.<\/p>\n

Hoss and Adam had no other choice but to break camp and return to the house with their father.\u00a0 For the time being, the search for Joe would have to wait, but not for long decided Hoss to himself.\u00a0 As soon as their father\u2019s leg was set and he was assured that Ben rested comfortably, Hoss knew in his heart that he would go on, alone if necessary.\u00a0 He had promised himself that first night that he would not stop until he knew for certain the outcome of Joe\u2019s accident.\u00a0 Regardless what everyone told him about not feeling guilty about what had happened, Hoss felt in his heart that he was, he should have been paying more attention to the conditions around them than trying to doze.\u00a0 Hoss swiped the back of his hand across his eyes, if he never found his little brother, he already knew that he could never forgive himself for what had happened.<\/p>\n

Adam found some branches that he could use as a splint to hold Ben\u2019s leg in place until the doctor could put a cast on his leg.\u00a0 \u201cBite down on this Pa,\u201d ordered Adam as he handed his father a piece of clean rag.\u00a0 \u201cI have to set this leg before we can move you.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben stuffed the rag into his mouth and giving Adam a nod of his head, Ben closed his eyes to the pain as Adam snapped the bone back into place.\u00a0 Ben grunted, the sound muffled by the cloth but opened his eyes after feeling that the bone had been properly set.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou okay Pa?\u201d asked Hoss as he held the broken leg while Adam placed the sticks in place and tied them securely with strips of cloth.<\/p>\n

Ben gave his sons a weak smile and nodded his head, the pain clearly visible on the tired face of the older Cartwright.\u00a0 Ben clenched his teeth as Adam finished with the makeshift cast and helped his father to his feet.\u00a0 Adam stopped briefly to allow his father to catch his breath when he noticed how pale Ben had become. Carefully Hoss and Adam placed their father on the back of his horse then turned to finish with the supplies that were packed onto the pack animal and with Hoss in the lead, they headed for home.<\/p>\n

Adam now rode ahead, going first into town to bring Doc Martin back to the ranch in order to properly care for Ben\u2019s broken leg.\u00a0 By the time that he had called on the doctor and the two were headed for the Ponderosa, Hoss along with the help of Hop Sing, had Ben comfortably situated in bed waiting, rather impatiently, for the physician\u2019s arrival.<\/p>\n

\u201cBen, what in the world have you done to yourself?\u201d chided Paul as he entered Ben\u2019s bedroom and approached the bed.<\/p>\n

\u201cI broke my dang fool leg, that\u2019s what I\u2019ve done,\u201d snapped Ben, obviously irritated at his foolishness and just as obviously taking it out on the others in the room with him.<\/p>\n

\u201cAdam said you came barreling into camp and that your horse threw you,\u201d said Paul, trying to hide the smile that wanted to curl his lips upward.\u00a0 He removed the covers that lay on top of Ben\u2019s broken leg in a last attempt at masking his face.\u00a0 Slowly he began to remove the temporary splint and examine the break, all the while feeling along the calf of his patient\u2019s leg to be sure that Adam had properly set the bone.<\/p>\n

\u201cOh, he did, did he?\u00a0 Well, for your information, my horse did not throw me, thank you, Buck slid in the mud and went down, I fell off,\u201d again Ben snapped, this time giving his oldest son a disgusted look.<\/p>\n

Paul laughed and gave Ben a doubtful look of his own.\u00a0 \u201cBenjamin Cartwright, right at this minute, you sound very much like that youngest boy of yours.\u201d<\/p>\n

The room suddenly became silent as all eyes turned to watch the face of Ben Cartwright drain of what little color was remaining.\u00a0 Ben hung his head as his emotions suddenly became too much for him.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m sorry Ben.\u00a0 I guess I shouldn\u2019t have said that,\u201d apologized Paul giving Ben a gentle pat on his good leg.<\/p>\n

Ben looked at his friend, his own misery etched onto his face.\u00a0 \u201cAw, it\u2019s okay Paul.\u00a0 I just wish I could hear him complaining now.\u00a0 I swear it would be music to my ears.\u201d\u00a0 Ben gave them a weak smile and laid his head back against the soft pillow, shutting his eyes and letting his heart take him back to the days just before the boy\u2019s disappearance.<\/p>\n

The water moved rapidly down stream, much too fast for the injured boy to do more than cling to the small tree he had finally been able to grab onto.\u00a0 Joe could feel his body giving out on him, the pain in his ribcage making it impossible for him to make a try at swimming against the current and toward the shore.\u00a0 To the weary boy it had seemed like hours now since the wagon and team had been swept into the raging waters.\u00a0 The last thing that Joe could remember was trying to bring the team under control, after that everything was a blur and all of his energies now were concentrated on keeping himself from drowning.\u00a0 Joe hit more turbulence and had to fight hard to keep from losing his hold on the tree as he and the sapling was pulled downward, the water rushing over his body at a frightening speed.\u00a0 Just when Joe felt as if his lungs were ready to burst and he would surely drown, the force of the under current pushed him upward and to the surface of the water.\u00a0 Joe coughed and spit water from his mouth, looking back over his shoulder from where he had just come and silently whispering a prayer of gratitude that he had made it this far.<\/p>\n

Every muscle and joint in his body ached, his head throbbed, his right arm had a long gash that had yet to stop bleeding and Joe feared that he would not be able to hold on much longer.\u00a0 His eyes stayed fixed on the fierce waters in front of him as his thoughts momentarily turned to his brother.\u00a0 Joe wondered how Hoss had faired when what was left of the bridge had given way and the wagon had been swept into the swirling river.\u00a0 Joe could only hope that his brother had somehow managed to swim to shore and with God\u2019s help had been found in time.\u00a0 Joe\u2019s thoughts quickly returned to the violent waters as the sounds grew in volume and watched in horror as an unexpected waterfall drew nearer.\u00a0 Frantically, Joe searched the banks for a means of escape but realized too late that his body was unwilling and unable to follow the commands that his brain issued.\u00a0 Joe\u2019s last thoughts before being tossed outward over the edge of the falls and downward to the rocks below were of his family and just how much he loved them.<\/p>\n

\u201cPapa, Papa, come quickly.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat is it child?\u00a0 What is all of this yelling about?\u201d asked the concerned father.<\/p>\n

\u201cLook Papa, down there,\u201d the young girl pointed at a prone figure lying twisted among the rocks, \u201cit\u2019s a man Papa, see?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYes, yes, I see.\u00a0 Run and fetch your brother.\u00a0 Tell Thomas to bring some rope and blankets; we may need them to bring the body up.\u00a0\u00a0 Hurry Patience, I must see if he\u2019s still alive,\u201d ordered Jacob.<\/p>\n

\u201cHurry child.\u201d\u00a0 Jacob gently nudged his daughter toward their camp where they had stopped for the noonday meal.\u00a0\u00a0 As he turned and began the descent down the bank toward the crumbled body, Jacob whispered a silent prayer on the stranger\u2019s behalf.<\/p>\n

Jacob reached the spot where Joe lay and approached the boy with caution.\u00a0 Stooping to inspect the body, Jacob placed his work worn fingers to Joe\u2019s throat and was surprised to find a weak pulse.\u00a0 Jacob glanced upward that the waterfall and slowly shook his head.<\/p>\n

\u201cGod must surely be watching out for you mister,\u201d he mumbled as he felt along the twisted body finding the broken bones in both legs and left arm.\u00a0 Jacob probed gently along the ribcage and noted the busted ribs as well.\u00a0 Thomas hurried down the slope to his father\u2019s side bringing the requested items.<\/p>\n

\u201cIs he dead, Pa?\u201d asked the younger man.<\/p>\n

\u201cNo, but he should be; from the looks of him he\u2019s been in the water for quite a spell.\u00a0 And all these broken bones, the man must have surely found favor in our Lord\u2019s eyes.\u00a0 Help me turn him over, easy now, both legs are broken,\u201d instructed Jacob as he gently slipped his arms under Joe\u2019s body in an effort to turn him onto his back.<\/p>\n

\u201cSweet Mary, mother of Jesus!\u201d exclaimed Jacob when he saw Joe\u2019s bruised and battered face.\u00a0 \u201cHe\u2019s just a boy Thomas, a lad no older than your brother Mathew,\u201d Jacob stated as he brushed Joe\u2019s hair from his brow and wiped what he could of the mud from about Joe\u2019s face.<\/p>\n

\u201cDo you think he lives around here Pa?\u201d inquired Thomas, helping his father to gently place Joe onto one of the blankets.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ve no idea Thomas, though if he does, he must live very far back into the forest as there are no ranches or farms that I know of anywhere near here except for the Fishers and ours.\u00a0\u00a0 Careful now, tie the rope around him to keep him wrapped in the blanket.\u00a0 We best get him up to your Ma, she\u2019ll know what to do for him.\u201d<\/p>\n

Jacob and Thomas proceeded up the slope, using care in how they carried Joe.\u00a0 Once or twice they slipped in the soft earth and nearly dropped the unconscious boy.\u00a0 Each time, soft moans could be heard emitting from beneath the blanket that told the father and son duo that the injured boy still clung precariously to life.<\/p>\n

Jacob glanced up toward the top of the slope, Martha his wife, Mathew his nineteen-year old son, Patience his youngest daughter, Mark and Luke his seventeen-year old twins were all waiting to help their father and brother raise the body over the edge and onto the ground.<\/p>\n

\u201cWho is he Papa, is he hurt badly or is he dead?\u201d Patience asked excitedly.<\/p>\n

Martha placed her hand onto the girl\u2019s shoulder and gently applied pressure, bringing a silence to her constant chatter.<\/p>\n

Jacob looked up at Martha, \u201cHe\u2019s just barely alive and needs a doctor.\u00a0 His legs are broken, as is his left arm and I\u2019m sure he has some busted ribs.\u00a0 He\u2019s unconscious but we heard him moaning a minute ago,\u201d stated Jacob as he and Thomas carried Joe to the family\u2019s wagon and carefully placed Joe in the back.\u00a0 The family gathered around the wagon, each anxious to catch a glimpse of the mysterious man they had found.<\/p>\n

Martha climbed into the back and knelt down next to Joe, being careful to undo the rope around his body and removing the blanket that covered his face and body.\u00a0 Martha gasped when her eyes took in the sight of Joe\u2019s swollen face and tenderly her hands caressed his cheeks.\u00a0 She felt the sting of tears as they clouded her eyes and she could do nothing to stop them from rolling down her own cheeks.<\/p>\n

\u201cOh Jacob, he\u2019s just a boy,\u201d she exclaimed as she brushed away small particles of gravel from the mass of dark curls.\u00a0 \u201cWe must get him home and send for the doctor at once,\u201d Martha stated.<\/p>\n

\u201cMathew, you ride into town and fetch the doctor, Luke you and Mark ride on back to the house and have your sisters bring the cot into the room off the porch. Help them get it ready.\u00a0 We will be there as soon as we can, now hurry all of you.\u201d\u00a0 Martha clapped her hands together and her children sprang into action.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat about me Mama?\u00a0 What can I do to help?\u201d asked ten-year old Patience expectantly.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou sweetheart, can ride up front with your Papa and make sure he doesn\u2019t hit all the holes and ruts in the road,\u201d smiled Martha as she helped her daughter into the front of the wagon and dried the tears that remained on her pretty face.<\/p>\n

It was only a matter of minutes before they were on their way.\u00a0 Martha had chosen to remain in the back so that she could keep an eye on her patient.\u00a0 With a mother\u2019s care, she washed away as much dirt and mud from Joe\u2019s face and from the gash on his right arm as was possible.\u00a0 Her heart broke each and every time that the wagon jarred from hitting a rut and Joe\u2019s cries reached her ears.\u00a0 Martha took Joe\u2019s hand in her own and whispered soft words of comfort as she stroked his head.\u00a0 When the wagon wheel rolled into a deep hole and tossed sideways, Joe\u2019s scream of anguish sent the motherly woman into a steady stream of prayers that never once stopped until at last they reached their home.<\/p>\n

Hannah and Sarah had everything ready by the time that their parents arrived with the unknown boy and stood aside as their father carried him into the little room and placed him tenderly on the cot.<\/p>\n

Hannah sixteen, and Sarah fifteen, both stretched their necks as the blanket was removed from around Joe.\u00a0 Both pairs of blue eyes widened as they watched and each turned to meet the other as small smiles spread across their faces at seeing the handsome young boy on the cot before them.<\/p>\n

\u201cGirls,\u201d barked Jacob, seeing their expressions, \u201cbring some warm water, soap and towels in here so that I can clean this boy up.\u201d<\/p>\n

The smiles faded just as quickly as they had appeared and both girls scurried from the room to do their father\u2019s bidding.\u00a0 Jacob\u2019s eyes met his wife\u2019s and briefly held her gaze, their smiles telling each other that they knew what had made their young daughter\u2019s faces suddenly brighten.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll bathe him, you go ahead with your chores,\u201d Martha said at last.<\/p>\n

\u201cMartha, you can\u2019t he\u2026\u201dstarted Jacob.<\/p>\n

Martha straightened to her full height, \u201cOh yes I can, and I will.\u00a0 Goodness knows, I\u2019ve seen my share of naked boys in my time,\u201d she smiled at the shocked look on her husband\u2019s face.<\/p>\n

\u201cWell yes,\u201d he stammered, \u201cbut the boy might not like the idea of you seeing him.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd who\u2019s going to tell him, pray tell?\u00a0 If he doesn\u2019t ask, then he need not be embarrassed, now should he?\u201d\u00a0 Martha stood with her hands on her hips and dared her husband to abolish her.<\/p>\n

Jacob smiled and leaned over and placed a kiss on his wife\u2019s brow, \u201cAs usual Mother, I stand corrected.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOh Jacob, I can\u2019t help but feel the need to care for him.\u00a0 Just look at him, why he is almost the spitting image of our James, God rest his soul.\u201d\u00a0 Martha placed a loving hand on her husband\u2019s arm before turning to take the washbasin and needed items from her daughters.<\/p>\n

\u201cHannah, please fetch me one of Mark or Luke\u2019s night shirts for when the doctor is finished with the boy.\u201d\u00a0 Martha sat the items on the table and ushered everyone out of the room and closed the door after them.<\/p>\n

Joe cried out in spite of the fact that the hands that tended him were loving and gentle hands.\u00a0 Martha worked steadily and tried to ignore the pitiful protests that came from her injured patient.\u00a0 The cries sparked her motherly instinct and she fought with herself for control over her emotions.\u00a0 Her memories of her own stricken son flashed before her eyes each and every time that Joe\u2019s pain caused him to vocalize his misery until she finally gave herself over to her tears and wept for both her son and the young man who so desperately needed her care.<\/p>\n

The doctor arrived just before dark, Jacob had returned from doing his chores and took Martha\u2019s place while she went into the kitchen and helped her daughters with finishing the evening meal.\u00a0 When Doctor Blakefield stepped into the little room off the porch, his eyes widened at the sight of the boy lying on the bed.\u00a0 Quickly he began his examination, giving Joe a significant amount of morphine to kill the pain.\u00a0 Jacob stayed to help the doctor when time came to set the broken bones and apply the plaster casts. He could not help but feel sorry for the wounded boy when even with the pain medication his cries could be heard throughout the large rambling farmhouse.\u00a0 Jacob watched the boy\u2019s facial expressions as the doctor worked and all the while wondered at the boy\u2019s identity and where he might be from and more so, whether he had parents that were worried sick about his disappearance.<\/p>\n

The doctor came the next afternoon to check on Joe\u2019s welfare and had found that the boy had spent the better part of the night and morning in a deep drug induced sleep.\u00a0 Martha had stayed close to the boy, never leaving his bedside for very long.\u00a0 During the night Joe had tossed and turned and cried out in an attempt to speak, but each time had failed to voice his words, the medicine never allowing him to remain awake for very long periods.\u00a0 Joe would only need to close his eyes to be once again lost to the world around him thus putting a temporary end to his futile efforts at seeking answers to his unvoiced questions.<\/p>\n

It was on the third morning after being found and brought to the Carver home that Joe began his long journey back from obscurity.\u00a0 His mind fought with his body, the mind commanding his limbs to move, to get up, but the body rejected the orders, choosing instead to remain immobile.\u00a0 Joe felt as if his body was wrapped tightly, unaware that his ribcage was bound with long strips of cloth preventing movement of the ribs, or that his legs were weighted down by the heavy plaster casts and lastly, the only things that his mind was fully aware of, the cast on his left arm, the tight bandage on his right and the constant throbbing in his head.<\/p>\n

Joe groaned and slowly opened his eyes.\u00a0 Everything was fuzzy and distorted; he could not make out the faces that stared down at him.\u00a0 He tried to sit up but every muscle in his body ached, starting at the top of his head clear down to his feet.\u00a0 And then gentle hands rested on his shoulders, forcing him back into the soft bed. Shutting his eyes to the nausea that threatened him, Joe listened to the soft whispers that buzzed about his head and tried to put names to the voices.\u00a0 He listened for his father\u2019s voice, desperately hoping that his pa was nearby, but the deep mellow sound that he knew so well was not among the group that surrounded him.\u00a0 Chancing a peek from under his long lashes, Joe sought for his brother Hoss\u2019 face, the last face he remembered seeing, but could not find him.\u00a0 Where was he?\u00a0 What had happened to him?\u00a0 Why couldn\u2019t he move and who were all of these people?\u00a0 And why was his head pounding as it was?<\/p>\n

\u201cPa?\u201d cried Joe, \u201cPA?\u201d<\/p>\n

Panic began to fill Joe\u2019s heart, he knew he had just called out for his father, but why had they not seemed to have heard the sound of his voice?\u00a0 What was wrong?<\/p>\n

\u201cPA!\u201d shouted Joe, again trying to rise from the bed but was stopped by the pain that racked his body and he felt again the gentle hands.\u00a0 Looking up, Joe stared into the soft, compassionate eyes of the woman whom Joe vaguely recalled being in his dreams.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe boy is hurt badly and you mustn\u2019t allow him to move about, not for several days,\u201d Joe heard the order that the man who seemed to be in charge issued to the group.\u00a0 Joe watched as the others all nodded their heads in acknowledgement of the statement.<\/p>\n

Frightened, Joe stared at the man\u2019s face seeking recognition.\u00a0 Slowly Joe raised his right hand and rubbed at his eyes, even that small gesture caused the pain to flow from his arm to his head.\u00a0 When his vision began to clear, Joe looked around the room at the people who stood around his bed.\u00a0 Listening and watching, Joe knew that the people where talking about him, he could hear their muted whispers; he watched the expressions on their faces and saw the glances that were cast in his direction.\u00a0 Suddenly the man approached the bed for the second time and gently removed the blanket that covered Joe\u2019s arms.\u00a0 Watching the man\u2019s face, hoping that the gentleman would speak, Joe flinched as the man injected the needle into his arm.<\/p>\n

\u201cThat should help him rest,\u201d the doctor told the others.\u00a0 \u201cHe\u2019ll be out for several hours, I want someone with him at all times.\u00a0 This boy needs all the rest he can get in order to recover.\u00a0 Has he said anything or asked for anyone?\u201d the physician inquired as he put his medical instruments into his black bag.<\/p>\n

\u201cNothing, he\u2019s tried to speak, but can\u2019t seem to get the words out,\u201d commented the older lady who gently placed Joe\u2019s arms under the soft blankets and patted his cheek.<\/p>\n

Joe tried again to speak but the affects of the powerful medicine took control of his body and mind refusing to grant him any further chance to ask his questions.\u00a0 Joe closed his eyes and surrendered to the slumber that claimed him.\u00a0 Quietly the Carver family moved out of the room, leaving Martha and Jacob alone with the doctor.<\/p>\n

\u201cHe will be all right won\u2019t he?\u201d asked Martha, concerned as she busied herself straightening the blankets around Joe\u2019s shoulders, fluffing his pillows and stopping to lovingly caress his face with the back of her hand.<\/p>\n

\u201cI think that depends on the boy, Martha.\u00a0 He seems healthy enough but it\u2019s obvious that he has been through some trauma, and no telling how long he was in the water.\u00a0 Those floods north of us have been extremely bad and it is possible that the boy travel several miles in that swift current.\u00a0 He sure swallowed enough of that nasty stuff.\u201d\u00a0 The doctor stepped over to the bed and placed his hand on Joe\u2019s brow.<\/p>\n

\u201cHis fever doesn\u2019t seem as high today as yesterday.\u00a0 You keep a close watch on him Martha and if there is any change, send one of the boys to fetch me.\u00a0 I think with time and plenty of your good cooking the boy should be okay, we\u2019ll just have to wait it out and see.\u201d\u00a0 Doctor Blakefield gently patted the concerned woman\u2019s shoulder.<\/p>\n

\u201cJess, why can\u2019t the boy speak, he\u2019s tried, but nothing comes out?\u201d asked Jacob as he watched the pained expressions that Joe\u2019s face took on each time the boy tried to move about on the bed.<\/p>\n

\u201cThat could be several things, if the boy can actually speak, then it could be from the trauma, as I said, I\u2019m sure the lad was in the water for quite a spell; could be he was just so frightened by what happened that he temporarily lost his voice.\u00a0 Again, Jacob, time will tell.\u00a0 Do you have any idea who he might be or where he came from?\u201d asked the doctor moving out of the room with Jacob close on his heels.<\/p>\n

\u201cNone, even the boys say they have never seen him around, and if he was from here, they would know.\u00a0 With all these boys of mine, there isn\u2019t too many kids that they don\u2019t know,\u201d laughed Jacob.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe boy\u2019s a good looking kid too, under all those bruises, I\u2019m sure if he were from around here, Hannah or Sarah would have seen him before.\u00a0 He looks to be about seventeen or eighteen wouldn\u2019t you say?\u201d replied Doctor Blakefield.<\/p>\n

Jacob laughed at the doctor\u2019s description of his children\u2019s knowledge of the area young people, \u201cI agree, on all counts.\u00a0 I\u2019ll walk you to the door doc,\u201d smiled Jacob who winked at his wife as she entered the kitchen and who had overheard the doctor\u2019s comments regarding her seven children.<\/p>\n

\u201cJust be sure he keeps quite Martha, and give him those powders I left you if he needs anything for the pain, one more thing, make sure you keep those pillows under his legs; elevating them that way will help lessen the pain some,\u201d the doctor called over his shoulder as he walked with Jacob to his buggy.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll check in on him tomorrow afternoon, Jacob.\u201d\u00a0 The physician climbed into his buggy and gently slapped the reins onto his horse\u2019s rump, waving good-bye as he headed away from the homestead.<\/p>\n

The loud pounding on the door caused Hop Sing to hurry from his kitchen to open the door.\u00a0 \u201cHello, I can help you?\u201d he asked of the stranger who stood in the doorway, a young boy standing next to the older gentleman with a look of disgust on his face.<\/p>\n

\u201cI am looking for a Mr. Cartwright, is this the Ponderosa?\u201d the man inquired of Hop Sing.<\/p>\n

\u201cYes, it is Ponderosa, come in, please,\u201d bowed Hop Sing stepping aside to allow the pair to enter.\u00a0 \u201cWhich Mister Cart\u2019lite you want?\u00a0 Mister Ben or Mister Adam?\u00a0 Per\u2019aps you want Mister Hoss Cart\u2019lite?\u201d\u00a0 Hop Sing waved his hand toward the great room where the older gentleman moved to take a seat on the settee.<\/p>\n

\u201cMr. Adam Cartwright, if you please,\u201d he said to Hop Sing then turned to the boy, \u201cSit,\u201d he instructed the boy in a harsher voice.\u00a0 The boy gave the man a scowl that was not missed by Hop Sing and then complied.<\/p>\n

\u201cI get Mister Adam, you wait, be right back,\u201d said Hop Sing as he started for the stairs where Adam was still with Doc Martin and his father in Ben\u2019s bedroom.\u00a0 Gently Hop Sing knocked on the bedroom door before entering and when Adam turned in his direction Hop Sing motioned for Adam to step into the hallway with him.<\/p>\n

\u201cHop Sing, what is it?\u201d asked Adam, glancing over his shoulder at his father who was arguing with the doctor about having to be confined to the bed for several days and not being allowed to help in the search for his missing son.<\/p>\n

\u201cI sorry Mister Adam, but gentleman and boy downstairs, wish to speak with you, you come?\u00a0 Yes?\u201d Hop Sing informed his number one son.<\/p>\n

\u201cA man and boy? Who are they?\u00a0 Oh, never mind Hop Sing, please tell them I will be right down,\u201d said Adam and patted the shoulder of the family servant, \u201cI just need to make sure that Pa understands that he\u2019s not to get out of that bed.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cGood luck, Mister Ben stubborn man, he want to find Li\u2019le Joe, no like not able to search for boy,\u201d Hop Sing bowed to Adam and hurried back down stairs.<\/p>\n

\u201cHmm, neither do I,\u201d mumbled Adam to himself as he returned to his father\u2019s bedside.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou heard what I said Ben, you are not allowed out of this bed, for any reason.\u00a0 Do I make myself clear or do I have to use force?\u201d Paul threatened, trying hard to remain serious.\u00a0 Ben was as bad a patient as Joseph had always been and though things looked grim for this family, Paul could not help but see the similarities between father and son.<\/p>\n

\u201cI understand,\u201d growled Ben, \u201cbut I have to find my son Paul, surely you understand that?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cPa, don\u2019t worry, Adam and I will look for him.\u00a0 I told you before, I\u2019ll not stop until I find him, one way or another,\u201d added Hoss, his large hands stuffed into his pockets as he tried to reassure his bedridden father.<\/p>\n

Paul turned to face Ben\u2019s two older boys, \u201cAnd who is going to stay here and keep your father in this bed?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, if need be Adam can stay, but regardless, I aim to find Joe.\u00a0 It\u2019s my fault that\u2026\u201d Hoss paused and looked at his father.\u00a0 Seeing the dark scowl that suddenly appeared on Ben\u2019s face, Hoss stomped from the room leaving his sentence unfinished.<\/p>\n

The three men swapped looks, each understanding Hoss\u2019 need to be the one to search for his missing brother.<\/p>\n

\u201cLet him go Ben, he can\u2019t help but feel as if he\u2019s to blame.\u00a0 It might do him some good and besides, one man on his own just might be able to cover more ground quicker than a whole group of men,\u201d Paul suggested, placing his instruments into his black bag.<\/p>\n

\u201cI suppose you\u2019re right Paul, but I still don\u2019t like it,\u201d Ben stated.<\/p>\n

\u201cPa, I have some business to take care of, you do as Doc says and rest.\u00a0 And don\u2019t worry about Hoss, he\u2019ll be fine and Pa\u2026try not to worry any more about Joe, Hoss and I will set out again once you\u2019re settled,\u201d Adam told his father giving the physician a nod of his head, he slipped out of the room and hurried downstairs.<\/p>\n

Adam slowed his steps as he turned the corner of the stairs where he could see into the great room.\u00a0 Sitting on the couch was a young boy around the age of twelve or thirteen.\u00a0 Next to him was a slightly older man, not quite as old has his father thought Adam, but older than himself.\u00a0 What stopped Adam was when the boy raised his head and Adam saw his face.\u00a0 The boy was handsome to say the least, his hair as black as coal with large dark brown eyes and when he smiled, Adam noticed the small dimple in his cheek.\u00a0 Suddenly Adam felt as if his heart had stopped beating, time stood still as he in that instant recalled the gypsy lady\u2019s predication that soon his son would come to take his rightful place, a place vacated by the one he loved as a son.\u00a0 Suddenly the meaning to the words that had been spoken that night in the tent of a fortuneteller made sense to the astonished oldest Cartwright son.\u00a0 Adam gulped and continued down the stairs almost in dread of what he knew was fixing to happen.<\/p>\n

\u201cMister Adam Cartwright I presume?\u201d asked the gentleman as he arose and watched the dark stranger walk slowly down the stairs.<\/p>\n

Adam smiled slightly, \u201cYou presume correctly, and you are?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cMister Cartwright, my name is Jonathon Wheeler, and this young man is my grandson, Davie,\u201d Jonathon introduced himself and the boy, extending his hand to Adam.<\/p>\n

Adam clasped the older gentleman\u2019s hand in his and instantly felt the moisture in the palm of the other man\u2019s hand, but smiled graciously.\u00a0 Fighting to keep himself from wiping his own hand on the leg of his pants, Adam turned and offered his hand instead to the young boy.<\/p>\n

\u201cDavie, its a pleasure to meet you,\u201d greeted Adam who could not keep his eyes from the boy\u2019s face.<\/p>\n

Adam felt Jonathon\u2019s eyes on him and something deep within Adam\u2019s mind sent up a warning flag.\u00a0 Facing the boy\u2019s grandfather, Adam masked his face, making it impossible for the stranger to read his thoughts.<\/p>\n

\u201cMister Wheeler, just what is it that you wanted to see me about?\u201d Adam asked cordially.<\/p>\n

Wheeler seemed to suddenly break out into a sweat as he faced Adam, \u201cHmm\u2026Mister Cartwright, I hardly know where to begin,\u201d he stammered.<\/p>\n

Adam pointed to the settee indicating that the men sit.\u00a0 \u201cWhy don\u2019t you have a seat Mister Wheeler and start at the beginning?\u00a0 Brandy sir?\u201d asked Adam as he moved to pour the drink.<\/p>\n

Hop Sing appeared from his kitchen carrying a tray of cookies and milk for the boy and set them on the table in front of the settee.\u00a0 \u201cBoy eat cookies, drink milk, make grow big and strong, like Hoss,\u201d smiled the servant pleasantly.<\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t wanna be strong like a horse, you stupid chink,\u201d shouted the boy surprising the others.<\/p>\n

Hop Sing\u2019s face fell as he stared in shock at the boy\u2019s insolence. Adam shot the boy a dark warning glare and whirled around to face the lad.\u00a0 Forgetting himself, Adam grabbed the boy by the arm and pulled him to his feet.<\/p>\n

\u201cHow dare you come into my home and speak to anyone in this house in such a rude manner,\u201d Adam all but shouted.<\/p>\n

The boy jerked his arm from Adam\u2019s grasp and glared up at him, \u201cHe\u2019s only a slant eyed Chinaman.\u201d<\/p>\n

Before Adam could react, the boy ran from the room and out the door, slamming it as he rushed to distance himself from his grandfather and the dark piercing eyes of the stranger.<\/p>\n

\u201cMister Cartwright, I apologize for the boy, he knows better than to speak like that.\u00a0 But he has suffered so much lately, that I fear he tends to strike out at anyone at every opportunity; he seems to have forgotten that there is still kind people in the world,\u201d explained Wheeler.<\/p>\n

Adam returned to finish pouring the Brandy and handed a glass to Wheeler.\u00a0 His own he turned upward and swallowed in one gulp and poured a second, which he drank more slowly.\u00a0 His nerves were on edge, everything seemed to be happening, strange things that worried him, such as the arrival of this smart mouth boy.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhy don\u2019t you get to the reason of your visit?\u201d stated Adam turning toward the elder gentleman, not knowing if he really wanted to hear what the man had to say.<\/p>\n

Wheeler nodded his head and began his story.\u00a0 An hour later, Adam sat alone, quietly in his father\u2019s chair, his thoughts causing his head to begin to ache.\u00a0 What the man had told him seemed to fit perfectly with events that had taken place in his own life twelve years earlier.<\/p>\n

He had been in Sacramento about the time in question, on business he recalled, for his father.\u00a0 Adam remembered that it had been one of the very first times that Ben had allowed him to be his spokesman in a business deal.\u00a0 It had been an exciting time for him, the meeting had gone well, terms had been reached and then he had stopped in at one of the local pubs.\u00a0 That\u2019s where he had met the beautiful Miriam for the first time.\u00a0 That was also the beginning of a long term relationship where Miriam\u2019s was the first place he always managed to stop either while doing business in Sacramento or on his way to and from San Francisco.\u00a0 Then suddenly the beautiful young woman had disappeared and though he searched for her off and on for years afterwards, she was never heard from again, until now.\u00a0 And then he had left for college back east in Boston, thus forcing him to put an end to his futile search.\u00a0 Now her father and his son shared quarters in the spare bedroom.\u00a0 Adam tried to reason his way around it, but Wheeler knew too many of the details for it to be a hoax.\u00a0 He knew the times when Adam had stopped by, he knew the places where they had visited, and he even knew some of the people they had known. Wheeler had stepped in when Miriam had been killed in an accident just twelve months ago. He had claimed his daughter\u2019s son, his grandson and until now, had been attempting to raise the boy on his own.<\/p>\n

Adam had questioned the other man at great lengths as to why Miriam had never tried to get in touch with him to tell him about the boy\u2019s birth.\u00a0 Surely Adam told Wheeler, he would have happily have married her, for he had come to love her deeply.\u00a0 He would have brought her here to the Ponderosa and raised the boy on the ranch, he would have provided her with everything that she could have ever needed or wanted.<\/p>\n

Wheeler explained to Adam that Miriam had refused to tell anyone who the father of her child had been, even himself.\u00a0 Wheeler informed Adam that his daughter had always felt as if she were not good enough to marry a Cartwright, she feared that his name would have been dragged through the gutters if he had married her, so she had kept her secret all of these years, until she had been seriously injured.\u00a0 Then out of necessity, she told her father.\u00a0 She had made him promise to raise the boy himself unless he became disabled and then, and only then was he to take the boy to his father, Adam Cartwright.<\/p>\n

That was the reason now; Wheeler was a sick man and feared that he would soon die.\u00a0 Thus the reason for bringing Davie to the Ponderosa, so that he himself could return to the city and seek the medical help he needed; Davie could meet his real father, and perhaps over time, would be allowed to claim his rightful place as Adam Cartwright\u2019s son, Davie Cartwright.<\/p>\n

Adam leaned back, rested his head against the back of his chair and pinched the bridge of his nose; his head was throbbing.\u00a0 At the sound of soft footsteps, Adam glanced up to find the young boy of his thoughts standing in front of him, his head held low.<\/p>\n

\u201cDid you want something?\u201d Adam asked softly, studying the boy\u2019s face yet not sure what he was seeking to find in the boy\u2019s expression.<\/p>\n

\u201cMister Cartwright, I just wanted to tell you that I was sorry for the way I acted this afternoon.\u00a0 I shouldn\u2019t have said what I did to your cook,\u201d Davie looked up from under his long lashes and just as quickly dropped his head again.<\/p>\n

Adam placed his finger under the boy\u2019s chin and lifted his head so that he might see the dark eyes of the boy that was his son.\u00a0 \u201cI agree.\u00a0 In this house we do not speak to each other in the manner in which you spoke, do I make myself clear?\u00a0 It will never happen again, understand?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYes sir.\u00a0 But he is just a servant,\u201d whispered the boy.<\/p>\n

\u201cHop Sing may be just a servant in your eyes young man, but to this family he is much more.\u00a0 I will expect you to treat him with respect at all times.\u00a0 If you choose to defy me, I will take drastic measures to see that you will not sit comfortably for several days.\u00a0 That isn\u2019t an idle threat it is a promise.\u00a0 His name is Hop Sing, I suggest you use it, no more vile names, understood?\u201d instructed Adam sternly.<\/p>\n

\u201cI understand, sir.\u201d\u00a0 Davie nodded his head.<\/p>\n

\u201cGood, then I expect you to apologize to Hop Sing.\u00a0 I will ask him in the morning whether or not you did as instructed.\u00a0 I firmly suggest that you do as I asked.\u201d\u00a0 Adam released the boy\u2019s chin and leaned back in his chair again.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll go do that now.\u00a0 May I be excused?\u201d Davie quietly wanted to know.<\/p>\n

Adam shook his head yes and watched as the boy ran to the kitchen to find Hop Sing.<\/p>\n

\u201cDavie,\u201d called Adam stopping the boy in his tracks, \u201cYou don\u2019t have to call me Mister Cartwright, I am your father.\u201d<\/p>\n

Davie studied Adam\u2019s face, the frown he wore unseen by his new father in the dim light, \u201cWhat do you want me to call you then?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat would you like to call me?\u201d Adam returned the question with one of his own, allowing the boy to make his own decision in the matter.<\/p>\n

\u201cJackass,\u201d mumbled Davie in a low voice that Adam could not hear.\u00a0 \u201cHow about for now, I just call you Adam?\u201d he said aloud.<\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s fine Davie, Adam it is,\u201d replied Adam watching the boy turn and head again for the kitchen, totally unaware that the boy was making faces that Adam could not see.<\/p>\n

Closing his eyes, Adam knew he was in for rough times trying to squelch this boy\u2019s bad attitude.\u00a0 This boy thought Adam, my son, my love child.\u00a0 How in the world was he going to explain this one to his own father?\u00a0 Speaking of which\u2026Adam rose and climbed the stairs, taking his time, trying to delay what he knew would come as a shock to his father.\u00a0 And then there was Hoss, whom he knew would welcome the boy as Hoss always welcomed the unfortunate, the misplaced, the wounded, the unloved, with a loving heart and opened arms.\u00a0 Adam thought about his youngest brother, would Joe feel the same when he finally came home, would Joe ever come home or would it be as the gypsy had predicated, the boy would come to take the place of the one loved as a son.\u00a0 Adam ran his fingers through his hair and sighed, his head was still throbbing.<\/p>\n

Adam broke the news to his father as simply as he could, he told the truth.\u00a0 He explained everything to his father about just why Jonathan Wheeler and his grandson were here now, at the Ponderosa.\u00a0 Adam did not go into great detail of his romance with Miriam, but instead told of how they met, how they became involved and why they parted ways, she choosing to disappear for whatever reasons, and Adam for his desire to go on to college.\u00a0 Adam found it somewhat difficult to explain to his father about the boy, Davie, who had been conceived and born out of wedlock completely unknown to Adam.<\/p>\n

Ben remained quite during Adam\u2019s informative, if rather shocking, description of how all of a sudden, Ben found himself being a grandfather.\u00a0 When Adam had finished, he studied his father\u2019s face, his father\u2019s silence beginning to unnerve him after several minutes of making no comments.<\/p>\n

\u201cPa?\u201d Adam asked meekly feeling as if he were once again a little boy standing in front of his father after being caught doing something that he knew he was not allowed to do.<\/p>\n

Ben cast his eyes up at his son and could easily read the almost pleading look buried just beneath the surface of his troubled expression.<\/p>\n

\u201cAdam, I\u2019m not sure what to say son.\u00a0 Under different circumstances, I would be thrilled to know I was now a grandfather.\u201d\u00a0 Ben raised his hand as Adam opened his mouth to speak.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat I would like to know, is why after all of this time, do they show up here?\u201d questioned Ben.<\/p>\n

\u201cI told you Pa, Wheeler is a sick man.\u00a0 He wanted to bring the boy here, to me, just in case something happened.\u00a0 He didn\u2019t want his grandson to be left alone, with no one to care for him,\u201d explained Adam sitting on the edge of his seat.<\/p>\n

\u201cI understand that son.\u00a0 But for my own satisfaction, I would like to have this man Wheeler checked out, with your approval of course.\u00a0 I want to know for sure, no doubts before jumping into this thing.\u00a0 In the mean time, he and the boy are welcomed to stay here.\u00a0 That way we can get to know the boy, and his grandfather.\u00a0 Is that okay with you?\u201d Ben hoped that Adam would go along with his plan, he would never put the boy out, especially if he needed a place, but certainly not if he truly were his grandson.\u00a0 Yet he needed to be sure, for Adam\u2019s sake as well as the mysterious young boy across the hall.<\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s fine with me.\u00a0 I\u2019ll go into town in the morning and have Roy send some wires; maybe he\u2019ll do a little detective work for us.\u00a0 I\u2019ll send some wires of my own; I have friends there that would remember Miriam maybe they can give us some answers.\u201d\u00a0 Adam rose, feeling better for having talked to his father.<\/p>\n

\u201cThanks Pa,\u201d smiled Adam.<\/p>\n

Ben returned the smile, \u201cIn the morning, I\u2019d like to meet this would-be grandson of mine.\u00a0 Right now, I\u2019d like to rest if you wouldn\u2019t mind, my leg is still rather painful.\u201d\u00a0 Ben rested his head back on his pillows and closed his eyes.<\/p>\n

Adam moved quietly toward the door but stopped when Ben called out to him.\u00a0 \u201cAdam, I need you to stay here, until we get answers from San Francisco and Sacramento.\u00a0 Hoss will have to go on ahead to search for Joe.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben paused for several seconds, his eyes becoming misty when once again he faced Adam,\u00a0 \u201cI don\u2019t want to give up on finding Joe, but son, I\u2019m beginning to think that we need to face the facts.\u00a0 It\u2019s been nearly two weeks and we haven\u2019t seen a sign of him since the first couple of days.\u00a0 We know he went into the water, but did he come out, we may never know.\u00a0 Joe may well be lost to us forever.\u201d\u00a0 Ben\u2019s voice cracked as he said those last words and Adam hurried to his father\u2019s side.<\/p>\n

\u201cPa, please, don\u2019t lose hope, we\u2019ll find him, I\u2019m sure,\u201d Adam tried to reassure his father.<\/p>\n

Ben stared at Adam, his dark eyes turning even darker than their normal chocolate coloring.\u00a0 \u201cLose hope?\u00a0 Never Adam, I will never give up hope of finding Joseph, do you hear me?\u00a0 Just as soon as this blasted cast comes off, I aim to start all over again if need be, I only meant\u2026\u201d Ben stated firmly.<\/p>\n

\u201cI hear you Pa, none of us will.\u00a0 Now please, try to rest.\u00a0 I need to go talk to Hoss; we have to get some things worked out.\u00a0 One of us will be up in a little while.\u201d\u00a0 Adam patted his father\u2019s arm and watched as Ben closed his eyes.\u00a0 It was only minutes before sleep claimed the weary man.<\/p>\n

Adam let himself out of the room and went in search of Hoss.\u00a0 He wasn\u2019t hard to find, he and Davie were engrossed in a heated game of checkers while Wheeler had made himself comfortable in his father\u2019s favorite red chair, a brandy in his hand.\u00a0 Adam took in the scene briefly before allowing himself to be acknowledged, something was tugging at his memory; try as he might he could not put his finger on it but deep down Adam felt as if he had met Wheeler before now, but when and where?\u00a0 Later he told himself, after he rested.<\/p>\n

Late that night after everyone had retired, Adam slipped into Hoss\u2019 room and woke the big man from a sound sleep.\u00a0 It took several tries before Hoss finally opened his eyes and realized that it was his brother who was shaking his shoulder.<\/p>\n

\u201cDadburnit Adam, what in thunder do ya want?\u00a0 It\u2019s the middle of the night,\u201d grumbled Hoss pulling himself into a sitting position.<\/p>\n

\u201cI know Hoss, but I need to talk to you, it\u2019s important,\u201d Adam said as he pulled the chair up close to the bed.\u00a0 \u201cIt\u2019s about the boy downstairs, and about Joe.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m all ears big brother, what about them?\u201d asked Hoss, ready to give his brother his undivided attention.<\/p>\n

It was way into the wee hours of the morning before Adam slipped from his brother\u2019s room and into his own.\u00a0 Adam pulled back the covers and lay down on his bed, stretching his full length and propping his head on his hands.\u00a0 When Adam at last closed his eyes, it was Joe\u2019s face that repeatedly kept appearing before his eyes.\u00a0 Joe was trying to tell him something, but Adam could not make out what it was that Joe was saying.\u00a0 Joe was becoming upset with him, his hazel eyes filling with tears, his hand out stretched as if he were trying to grab hold, but then the vision began to fade until at last Joe\u2019s face had disappeared from his sight.<\/p>\n

Adam woke just before dawn and forced himself from his warm bed.\u00a0 As he dressed, he listened for the familiar sounds that would alert him that others in the household had already risen.\u00a0 Hearing nothing that might indicate that the others were awake, Adam hurried and finished his dressing and left the house without taking time to eat breakfast.\u00a0 Quickly he saddled Sport and headed into town, he wanted to be at the sheriff\u2019s office first thing that morning to speak with Roy Coffee.\u00a0 He was anxious to get the telegrams sent to his friends in Sacramento to make inquiries as to Jonathan Wheeler and his daughter, Miriam.\u00a0 Unbeknown to Adam, as he walked his horse from the barn, a certain young boy watched with curiosity from behind the window curtains of the upstairs bedroom, an unhappy frown spread across his face.<\/p>\n

Hoss had delayed his parting for another week, the need to be sure that his father was going to be all right and with the arrival of the young boy and his grandfather, Hoss felt it his duty to remain at the ranch to help Adam with things that his father was now unable to do.\u00a0 But urged by the feelings that Joe desperately needed him along with the repeated nightmares of seeing Joe\u2019s body lying twisted and broken at the bottom of some unknown location, Hoss informed his father and brother that he would soon be leaving to continue with his search.<\/p>\n

Hoss had his gear packed, putting the last of the fresh baked bread that Hop Sing handed to him into his pack.\u00a0 Hoss turned and retraced his steps to the porch where his father sat, leg propped and waiting for him to come bid him goodbye.\u00a0 Behind Ben stood Davie and Wheeler watching the strange way in which father and son acknowledged one another, confused by the obvious affection between the two men.<\/p>\n

\u201cPa, guess I\u2019m ready to go,\u201d Hoss told his father.\u00a0 \u201cI\u2019ll let you know as soon as I find something, may take me awhile.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI appreciate that Hoss.\u00a0 Remember son, please be careful and take care of yourself,\u201d said Ben as Hoss helped him to his feet.\u00a0 Ben stood, with the aid of his crutch and placed his free hand on Hoss\u2019 shoulder, \u201cgood luck son, God bless you.\u201d<\/p>\n

Hoss sniffed his nose, his head hung low nodding, \u201cThanks Pa.\u00a0 You take care of yourself and do what Doc says.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI will Hoss, the sooner I can get this thing off my leg,\u201d Ben pointed at the heavy cast, \u201cthe sooner I can join you.\u00a0 Now remember what we talked about son, I want you to keep me posted.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSure \u2018nough Pa,\u201d Hoss promised.\u00a0 Turning to face Davie and his grandfather Hoss smiled at the boy.\u00a0 \u201cYou be a good boy and help Adam take care of your grandfather,\u201d smiled Hoss as he ruffled the boy\u2019s hair, \u201cboth of them,\u201d he added as he turned to go.<\/p>\n

\u201cSee ya, Pa, Mr. Wheeler,\u201d he tossed over his shoulder as he gently nudged Chubb forward.<\/p>\n

All three watched as Hoss rode from the yard, Ben\u2019s heart heavy with worry as his thoughts turned to his youngest son.\u00a0 His mind was brought back to the present at the sound of young Davie\u2019s voice.<\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t see what good it\u2019s gonna do, him going off on a wild goose chase like that.\u00a0 His dumb ole brother is probably dead anyway,\u201d mouthed Davie.<\/p>\n

\u201cDAVIE,\u201d shouted Wheeler as Ben turned suddenly to face the boy, wobbling on his crutch.\u00a0 Wheeler had grabbed the boy and was about to slap him across his face when he met the dark intense eyes of his host.\u00a0 Instantly he lowered his hand, releasing the lad\u2019s arm.\u00a0 Davie rubbed at the sore spot where Wheeler had pinched his upper arm.<\/p>\n

\u201cDavie,\u201d stated Ben in a deep voice that stopped the boy from voicing his sharp retort to the other man, \u201cmy son Joseph may very well be dead, in fact the chances that he is still alive are very slim.\u00a0 But that does not mean that Hoss, or any of us will ever give up trying to find out for sure.\u00a0 When you are a family, as my sons and I are, and you love someone as we love Joseph, the desire to quit just because we are tired, or because we presume the worst is not reasons enough.\u00a0 One never gives up hope, for to do so is to admit defeat, which where Joseph is concerned, unless we find out absolutely that he is truly lost to us, we will never stop until we find him, even if it means searching for the rest of our lives.\u00a0 That\u2019s what love and family are all about, devotion, trust, honesty, faith, and dependability.\u00a0 If you cannot depend on your family when things go wrong, beside God, whom can you depend on?\u00a0 I\u2019ll tell you who, no one.\u00a0 Now, if you will excuse me, I need to lie down, my leg is beginning to hurt some.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben left Wheeler and Davie standing on the porch and hobbled into the house, the boy\u2019s words causing disturbing thoughts to enter Ben\u2019s mind. \u201cPlease God, help Hoss find my son, please keep both of them safe.\u201d<\/p>\n

Wheeler laughed softly and shook his head taking a seat in the rocker that Ben had just vacated.\u00a0 Davie gave the older man a glaring look as he stood in front of his grandfather.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat\u2019s so funny?\u201d asked the boy disgusted by the way the older man mocked his new- found grandfather.<\/p>\n

Wheeler glanced up, \u201cCartwright, that\u2019s what.\u00a0 Why that stupid man thinks he\u2019ll find his brat, and all that malarkey about family is nothing but hogwash and only fools believe in that stuff,\u201d laughed Wheeler.<\/p>\n

Davie glanced toward the house, deep in thought.\u00a0 Ever since he had arrived at the Ponderosa, he had been a witness to scenes among the men who dwelled in the massive log home that he had never encountered before.\u00a0 Wheeler had laughed behind the Cartwright\u2019s backs, so had he in the beginning, but some where along the way, he had stopped laughing and had begun to watch.\u00a0 Listening to Wheeler\u2019s nasty laugh now, disgusted Davie, and the comment that the Cartwrights were fools, Davie thought ridiculous; he couldn\u2019t see that any of them could be classified as fools.\u00a0 Davie walked away, leaving his grandfather to listen to his own laughter as Davie entered the barn.<\/p>\n

Cochise whom was stabled in the barn nickered softly as Davie approached.\u00a0 Davie stopped and petted the pinto\u2019s nose and wonder about the boy who owned the horse.\u00a0 Davie knew just from listening to Adam and Hoss talk about their brother that the boy\u2019s name was Little Joe and that he had been swept away by the raging waters over three weeks ago.\u00a0 His family had searched for days with the help of neighbors and friends but after awhile the party of men had had to return to their own lives but the Cartwrights had continued on their own until Ben\u2019s accident.\u00a0 Davie knew that the reason Adam stayed rather to join the other brother in the search was because of him and Davie was shocked at the guilty feelings that had begun to form in his heart.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt wasn\u2019t suppose to be like this,\u201d whispered Davie to Cochise.\u00a0 \u201cI was supposed to act like I hated them and hated being here, but it\u2019s too hard.\u00a0 They are being so good to me; they try hard to make me feel as if I am one of them and Adam, well, at first I didn\u2019t want to be nice to him, but now\u2026\u201d Davie wiped his eyes with the backs of his hands, his emotions confusing him as he slipped his arms about Cochise\u2019s neck and buried his face in the long mane, \u201cI like him and I wish he really were my father, instead of\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cInstead of who Davie?\u201d<\/p>\n

Davie whirled around; shocked that he had been overheard and speechless as he stared into the brooding eyes of his would be father.<\/p>\n

\u201cI asked you a question boy, I expect an answer,\u201d demanded Adam, stepping up to the trembling boy.<\/p>\n

\u201cNo body, honest Adam, no body,\u201d stammered Davie, tears filling his eyes.<\/p>\n

Adam approached the boy and as he reached outward, the boy drew back and covered his head in a protective manner with his arms.<\/p>\n

\u201cPut your arms down Davie, I\u2019m not going to hit you,\u201d said Adam in a more controlled voice when he realized that the boy thought he had intended to strike him.<\/p>\n

Davie did as he was instructed but refused to meet Adam\u2019s eyes.\u00a0 Adam stepped back and closed the barn door, the action causing fear to rise in the young boy as he sought for an escape.<\/p>\n

\u201cCalm down boy, I\u2019m not going to hurt you, I just want to talk to you.\u00a0 Come over here and sit down, I want you to tell me what is going on.\u201d\u00a0 Adam pointed to a bale of hay and motioned for the boy to sit.\u00a0 Scared not to follow Adam\u2019s orders, Davie sat obediently on the bale.<\/p>\n

Once the boy was sitting and Adam next to him, Adam begun his interrogation.\u00a0 \u201cWhy don\u2019t you explain what you meant by your statement?\u00a0 Who do you wish were your father, and instead of whom?\u201d<\/p>\n

Davie avoided meeting Adam\u2019s eyes.\u00a0 \u201cI didn\u2019t mean nothing.\u00a0 I mean\u2026\u201d Davie stammering, his mind frantically searching for the right words that would get him out of this sticky situation and hopefully convince this man he was telling the truth.\u00a0 His well being depended on his lie for if Wheeler found out he had let the cat out of the bag, Davie knew he would be in for the beating of his life.<\/p>\n

\u201cI mean\u2026for a long time, I didn\u2019t know who my Pa was.\u00a0 Ma would never say.\u00a0 I always suspected that it was this guy that used to hang around Ma a lot, but I never knew for sure.\u00a0 I\u2026I didn\u2019t like him\u2026he used to hit me a lot when Ma wasn\u2019t around, that\u2019s all.\u00a0 I just meant that I hoped that you were really my pa instead of him,\u201d Davie looked up at Adam, the tears glistening on his face, God he was scared.\u00a0 Part of Davie\u2019s explanation was true; he did wish that Adam were his father.<\/p>\n

Adam watched the boy\u2019s face trying to read what he saw in the big brown eyes that looked so unsure and frightened.\u00a0 When Davie did finally meet his eyes, Adam felt his heart go soft on him; he could no longer deny the fact that he had come to care deeply for this boy.\u00a0 Reaching out, Adam slipped his arm around the boy\u2019s shoulders and pulled him to him.\u00a0 Adam felt the brief hesitation and then the total surrender.\u00a0 Davie buried his face into the front of Adam\u2019s shirt and cried, hating himself for being such a fraud.<\/p>\n

Hoss had searched for nearly a week and many miles combing the banks on both sides of the now receding riverbanks.\u00a0 He had talked to several people along the way, inquiring as to whether they might have seen any sign of his brother, Joe.\u00a0 No one had seen a young man that fit Joe\u2019s description, though one man did tell him about two unidentified males who he had heard about and thought that possibly they had been boys about the same age as Joe.\u00a0 They had been found floating in the river about two weeks earlier.\u00a0 Hoss was told he could make inquiries at the local undertakers as the bodies were taken there and the undertaker could tell him positively as to whether one had been Joe or not.<\/p>\n

Feeling as if the weight of the world rested on his large shoulders, Hoss thanked the man and mounted his horse.\u00a0 It took him the rest of the afternoon to reach the town.\u00a0 Deciding to stop first for a beer, to quench his thirst and steady his nerves, Hoss entered the saloon and stepped up to the bar and ordered his beer.\u00a0 As he sipped his none too tasty brew, his eyes searched the room studying the individuals that milled about.\u00a0 Unexpectedly, as Hoss tipped his mug up to his mouth, his arm was bumped sending his beer down the front of his shirt.\u00a0 Tired and discouraged, Hoss turned angry eyes toward the young man to his right, ready to do battle if necessary.\u00a0 Instead, his attention was drawn to another man who sat in the far back corner at a table with several other men, totally engrossed in an obvious high stakes game of poker.<\/p>\n

Hoss stood rooted to the spot, mug halfway to his mouth and unaware that the young man who had bumped his arm was speaking to him.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m really sorry sir, could I buy you another beer?\u201d asked the man, turning to see what or who it was that held the big man\u2019s attention.\u00a0 \u201cHey mister,\u201d the younger man touched Hoss\u2019 arm, jarring him from his trance.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat?\u00a0 Did ya say something to me, kid?\u201d asked Hoss briefly glancing at the man who spoke.<\/p>\n

\u201cI said I was sorry for making you spill your beer and was wondering if I could buy you another,\u201d the younger man stated for the second time.<\/p>\n

\u201cOh, hey, don\u2019t worry ya self none, it was an accident,\u201d Hoss said as he finally faced the man.\u00a0 It was then that Hoss noticed that the man was not much younger than himself and relaxing, smiled.\u00a0 \u201cI think I will take that beer, if\u2019n ya don\u2019t mind, it\u2019s been a long day.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cTwo beers barkeep.\u201d\u00a0 Facing Hoss, the young man extended his hand.\u00a0 \u201cName\u2019s Thomas Carver, you ain\u2019t from around here, you just passing through?\u201d<\/p>\n

Hoss took the extended hand into his and shook it firmly, \u201cYou could say that, hey thanks fer the beer.\u201d\u00a0 Hoss turned his mug up and drank deeply before lowering the glass and setting it on the bar.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m Hoss Cartwright, pleased ta meet ya.\u00a0 Say, you from \u2018round here?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cBorn and raised,\u201d smiled Thomas, turning again to watch the same man that Hoss was watching.<\/p>\n

\u201cThat man, the one with the string tie, you know him?\u201d Hoss asked never taking his eyes from the gambler\u2019s face.<\/p>\n

\u201cSure, biggest crook and cheat this side of the Rockies.\u00a0 Why, you got dealings with him?\u201d answered Thomas turning and leaning up against the bar.\u00a0 His eyes saw the dark look that came into Hoss\u2019 blue eyes and wondered whether or not he had spoken out of turn.<\/p>\n

\u201cNaw, just thought I knew him,\u201d Hoss turned and propped his elbows on the bar.\u00a0 \u201cHe looks like someone who was in Virginia City a few days back, said his name was Jonathan Wheeler.<\/p>\n

Thomas laughed softly, surprised that Hoss had been correct in his assumption.\u00a0 \u201cWell, Hoss, Jonathan Wheeler is one of several names he has used.\u00a0 Some men say that is his real name, but whatever, if you have to deal with him, use caution, he\u2019s a sly one.\u00a0 Known to pull more that one scam in his time.\u201d<\/p>\n

Hoss was silent for several minutes, wondering what Wheeler was doing in this run down town instead of being at the Ponderosa.\u00a0 The old man had claimed that he was sick and needed to return to the city for treatment.\u00a0 Hoss was aware of the fact that he had borrowed a large sum of money from Adam and his father just before he left to continue his search for Joe.\u00a0 Jonathan had stated that he needed it for medical expenses and would repay the money from his estate should he die before being able to do it before hand.\u00a0 Both Ben and Adam had agreed to the arrangement, having received no word back from the telegrams that either Adam or Roy had sent, his father and brother decided to take a chance on the man for Davies\u2019s sake and loaned Wheeler the needed money.<\/p>\n

Hoss watched the man, he and Thomas had moved to the other side of the saloon where he was not likely to be seen and sat down at a table.\u00a0 Hoss and Thomas swapped pleasantries as Hoss kept his eye on Wheeler.\u00a0 He wasn\u2019t surprised when he overheard the man grumbling because he had lost several hundred dollars on that hand.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat brings you this far west Hoss, you did say you were from Virginia City didn\u2019t you?\u201d inquired Thomas.<\/p>\n

Hoss brought his attention back to his new friend.\u00a0 \u201cI\u2019ve been searchin\u2019 fer someone.\u00a0 My little brother, his name is Joe. He\u2019s about\u2026hmm\u2026this tall, has dark curly hair and hazel eyes.\u00a0 You ain\u2019t seed anyone around here like that have ya?\u201d<\/p>\n

Thomas stopped his mug midway to his mouth, \u201cHe\u2019s missing?\u201d he asked, taking a swallow at last.\u00a0 Thomas\u2019 thoughts were instantly back home where the boy they had found was recovering from his injuries and wondered whether he should mention the boy to this new stranger.<\/p>\n

\u201cYeah, we was agoing into town for supplies when the thunder spooked the horses.\u00a0 They bolted and Joe was driving, he couldn\u2019t get\u2019em stopped afore we got to the bridge.\u00a0 The floodwaters had washed away part of it and we didn\u2019t know it till it was too late.\u00a0 Little Joe was throwed from the wagon and washed down river.\u00a0 We\u2019ve been huntin\u2019 fer him ever since,\u201d explained Hoss.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2019ve just about given up hope of finding any trace of the boy too.\u00a0 Pa busted his leg while out lookin\u2019 so he cain\u2019t help till it mends, and my other brother Adam, well, that\u2019s another story,\u201d Hoss nodded his head in Wheeler\u2019s direction, \u201cthat story has to do with that man over there.\u201d<\/p>\n

Thomas smiled broadly, so the man was on the up and up.\u00a0 Ma would be pleased to know that the boy\u2019s family had finally found him but he realized that his mother would also miss the boy when his legs healed enough that his brother could take him home.\u00a0 Joe still had about two more weeks of wearing the uncomfortable casts before the doctor would remove them.<\/p>\n

\u201cHoss\u2026Hoss,\u201d Thomas tapped Hoss\u2019 arm.<\/p>\n

\u201cSorry, I was watching Wheeler, what did you say?\u201d Hoss asked, giving Thomas his attention.<\/p>\n

\u201cYour brother wouldn\u2019t be about seventeen or eighteen would he?\u201d smiled Thomas.<\/p>\n

\u201cEighteen, why?\u201d Thomas had Hoss\u2019 full attention now.\u00a0 \u201cDo you know something about him?\u00a0 I know there are two bodies that were brought in over ta the undertakers a while back.\u00a0 Was Joe one of\u2019em?\u201d\u00a0 Hoss felt his heart rate quicken with fear.<\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t think so, that was a farmer up river and his son.\u00a0 They drowned, but they were identified.\u00a0 Hoss, I think your brother may be at my house.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat, Joe is with your family?\u00a0 How?\u00a0 When?\u00a0 Why didn\u2019t you say so before?\u201d Hoss nearly shouted.<\/p>\n

\u201cCause, you didn\u2019t give me a chance too. Listen Hoss; let\u2019s get out of here.\u00a0 You come home with me and see for yourself.\u00a0 Your friend in the corner will be here for some time.\u00a0 He was making his brags earlier that he had a pocketful of money, just itching to be used for poker playin\u2019.\u201d\u00a0 Thomas swallowed the last of his beer and stood up.<\/p>\n

Hoss drank the last of his ale also and giving one last glance over his shoulder at Wheeler, Hoss followed Thomas out into the now setting sun.\u00a0 Together they mounted their horses and as they headed for the Carver homestead, Thomas explained in detail how Joe had come to be at their place. Everything that Thomas described about Joe only heightened Hoss\u2019 hopes that the boy was truly his younger brother.\u00a0 Hoss could feel his rapidly beating heart and uttered an unspoken prayer that his search would end at the Carver home.<\/p>\n

Hoss\u2019 main concern now laid in the fact that Thomas had told him that Joe was unable to speak and had remained silent since finding the boy at the bottom of the waterfall.
\nJoe had been able to communicate with them, nodding his head yes or no, but with his left arm broken and two of his fingers on the same hand, he had been unable to even attempt to write his name for them.\u00a0 He had at last succeeded in scribbling his first name on a scrap of paper for them but nothing more.\u00a0 These tidbits of information, Thomas passed on to Hoss as they rode along side one another.<\/p>\n

Thomas had also given Hoss some hope when he explained that the doctor thought is was highly likely that the condition was only temporary and with time, Joe would be able to speak as before.\u00a0 What he did not tell Hoss, was that the doctor had also informed them that the inability to speak could have been caused by a head injury, for the boy had suffered from a hard wallop to the back of his head.\u00a0 The large goose egg had since gone away, hopefully leaving no unforeseen problems that might be related to Joe\u2019s lack of voice.<\/p>\n

Ben paced the floor in front of the fireplace, his thoughts of young Davie mixed with thoughts of his missing son.\u00a0 Adam, who was trying to concentrate on the book he held in his hands, glanced up as the continual thumping of his father\u2019s cane on the wooden floor began to wear on his nerves.\u00a0 The cast had since been discarded along with the crutch and had been replaced with the cane.\u00a0 Ben had taken to thumbing the wooden stick each time he had become angry, disheartened, or upset and the new habit had quickly worn Adam\u2019s patience to the outer limit.<\/p>\n

\u201cPa, please, why don\u2019t you sit down and rest?\u201d asked Adam laying the book he had been trying to read for the past half hour down in his lap.<\/p>\n

Ben stopped and glared at his son, \u201cHow can I? I am worried sick about Joseph, I am worried sick about Hoss, and now Davie has chosen to disobey, not only me but you as well.\u00a0 Adam, where is that boy anyway?\u00a0 I sent him to the barn over an hour ago to do his chores and he isn\u2019t back yet.\u00a0 He has homework to finish before bedtime and all he seems to want to do is dawdle.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cPa, calm down, Davie should be finished soon.\u00a0 He is slow, I admit but you have to remember this is all fairly new to him.\u00a0 Just be patient, please.\u00a0 As for Joe and Hoss, surely Hoss will send us some news soon, he\u2019s been gone over two weeks now, we\u2019re bound to be hearing something any day now.\u201d\u00a0 Adam watched as his father finally gave himself over to the comforts of his favorite chair and once seated, Adam stood and walked to the door.\u00a0 Davie was just coming from the barn and as Adam watched, he marveled at the pride that suddenly filled his heart as he watched his young son come across the yard.\u00a0 For just an instant, Adam glanced back at his father and wondered if this was ever the way his own father had felt about him.\u00a0 Ben looked up and saw that Adam was watching him, puzzled by the dreamy look on his son\u2019s face that Adam had obviously forgotten to mask.\u00a0 It was rare that one ever got a glimpse of his oldest son\u2019s innermost feelings but at his minute, the mask was lowered and Ben could plainly see the unexplained joy in his son\u2019s eyes and he dared to guess what was the cause.\u00a0 His answer was quickly confirmed as Adam stepped aside to allow Davie to enter the house.<\/p>\n

\u201cSorry it took me so long, I forgot a couple of things and had to do them,\u201d the boy told Adam.<\/p>\n

\u201cNo problem, why don\u2019t you get washed up and then you can eat, Hop Sing has kept your supper warmed for you,\u201d Adam smiled at his son, his happiness with the boy giving his voice a light ring to it.<\/p>\n

Davie moved away into the kitchen and Adam returned to sit with his father.\u00a0 Ben watched Adam and had to admit, though he still had reservations about the boy and his grandfather, Adam\u2019s entire persona seemed to have improved upon the boy\u2019s announcement that he was Adam\u2019s son.\u00a0 Ben admitted to himself that he liked seeing his oldest and most reserved son more opened and relaxed.\u00a0 The young boy Davie, had been
\nthe reason for the sudden change in Adam\u2019s personality and for that Ben applauded him.<\/p>\n

What did worry Ben, though he had not brought it to Adam\u2019s attention, was the fact that he still had questions about both the boy and his grandfather.\u00a0 Neither he nor Adam either one had had any responses from the telegrams that they had sent weeks earlier and when Jonathan Wheeler had suddenly asked for a loan, Ben had mixed feelings about granting him such.\u00a0 It had been after much discussion with Adam that he had finally given in to his son\u2019s wishes to help the man.\u00a0 The very next morning, Wheeler had left, leaving behind his grandson and a promise to repay the money as soon as his health would permit him to find gainful employment that would allow him to do so, or if worse came to worse, he would make arrangements to repay the loan from his estate should that be the case.<\/p>\n

As for his grandson Davie, Ben watched constantly.\u00a0 One minute the lad seemed fine, other times he seemed rather sullen and withdrawn as if something was eating at him.\u00a0 Ben admitted that from the time that Davie had arrived at the Ponderosa to the present, he had witnessed several changes in the boy.\u00a0 Before Davie had been what Ben classified as a spoiled brat, rude and seemingly unfeeling towards others but now Davie showed more contentment, more self-confidence and admittedly, his overall attitude to everyone around him had greatly improved.<\/p>\n

Davie sat at the kitchen table, not really eating but rather toying with his food.\u00a0 His conscience was troubling him; for the last several nights he had been unable to sleep and lack of sleep had caused him to become irritable.\u00a0 That in turned had caused him to forget himself and he had become defiant and overly rude to both Adam and Mr. Cartwright, which had resulted in Adam warming his backside.\u00a0 Davie rubbed his bottom, it was the first time in his life that anyone had ever care enough about him to chastise him in such a fashion.\u00a0 The only other times in his life that he had been hit was when his mother\u2019s many boyfriends would become angry with him and either slap him across his face or worse, across the room.<\/p>\n

Davie hated himself for what he was being forced to do. Pretending to be Wheeler\u2019s grandson when in fact the man had not only been one of several of his deceased mother\u2019s cruel boyfriends, but in fact was his own father, of which he was forbidden to tell anyone.\u00a0 When his mother had been accidentally shot during a brawl in the saloon a year ago, Wheeler had taken the opportunity of stepping in and claiming the boy as his son.\u00a0 From there Wheeler had forced him to be an unwilling participant in his devious scams.\u00a0 At first Davie had refused but after the beatings he received at the hands of the vile man, Davie gave in to Wheeler\u2019s demands in an order to save his own life.<\/p>\n

Wheeler had been clever to say the least.\u00a0 Adam Cartwright was just one of several men that Wheeler had suckered.\u00a0 Jonathan would pick his intended victim, always a man of means and substance, and always one who had known the beautiful Miriam in the past.\u00a0 He would then investigate the man\u2019s background thoroughly until he knew more about the man than the man knew about himself.\u00a0 He plotted and schemed for days, sometimes months before moving ahead with his plans.\u00a0 Being slick of tongue with a way about him that most people found hard not to believe, he would advance with his plan of bringing in Davie as the out of wedlock son of his prey.\u00a0 The Cartwrights were his third and most challenging but definitely his most rewarding endeavor.\u00a0 He had managed to convince them all that young Davie was indeed Adam\u2019s son, he had been granted the desired loan, and had managed to make his get away before they had been able to gain any knowledge that they had been victimized.\u00a0 As part of the plan, Davie would remain with his would be father for just a couple of weeks, being so cantankerous and worrisome that when the new father heard the boy\u2019s pleas that he be returned to his grandfather, the father would wholeheartedly agree.\u00a0 With the Cartwrights, this aspect of the plan had failed, for both Adam and Mr. Cartwright had been determined to save young Davie from himself, thus turning the boy into a more respectful and conscientious young man.\u00a0 Wheeler realized early on that he had overlooked this part of the Cartwright\u2019s traits and with that in mind, had pushed ahead with the plan, making sure that Davie was left behind for good this time.\u00a0 He would take the money and run, change plans later, play some poker and think about a new and perhaps easier way to pick the pockets of wealthy men.<\/p>\n

Now Davie sat silent, these thoughts coursing through his mind and fearing what would happen to him should the Cartwrights find out that he had been part of a plan to swindle them out of several thousands of dollars.\u00a0 And for what Davie asked him self; he had gotten nothing from the deal other than to be left behind as if he had been worth less than nothing.\u00a0 Hot tears stung his eyes and he could do nothing to stop their flow.\u00a0 Here he had felt for the first time in his life what it meant to be part of a family that loved and respected each other.\u00a0 He had had no idea that this type of thing even existed, let alone allow him self to believe that he could be a part of such a family.\u00a0 Davie\u2019s self-pity seemed to overwhelm him as he sat alone with his thoughts and he laid his head on the small wooden table and cried for what he knew he had to do; he knew he was going to be honest with Adam, the man he most wished had been his real father.<\/p>\n

Joe straightened his back and stretched his arms over his head.\u00a0 He was tired of staying in bed and wanted more than anything to be up and about.\u00a0 But the doctor had ordered him to remain in the bed for at least another week before the heavy casts could be removed from his legs.\u00a0 At least thought Joe, his left arm was now free from the burden of the cast and it felt good to be able to move his upper body move freely.\u00a0 His ribs had healed and now the tight bandages that had held them securely were also gone.\u00a0 Joe smiled as Martha entered the room and placed his supper tray on the table next to the bed.<\/p>\n

He liked the kind woman; he liked the whole family in fact.\u00a0 The girls had doted on him, spoiling him something awful, their mother had gently scolded when they hovered over him as if he had been a helpless kitten.\u00a0 The boys had kept him company, playing checkers with him and when Martha had been away from the house, an on going game of poker was always in the making.\u00a0 Martha detested gambling and forbid any of her young sons to take part in the ungodly game, but the boys, each with a mind of their own, were easily taken in when Joe motioned for them to play.\u00a0 No money had ever truly been lost in the game only toothpicks, as neither, Mathew, Mark Luke, or Joe for that matter, had any money.\u00a0 Thomas was the only one who carried a dollar or two in his pocket but he never played, just observed and always kept the boys secret from their mother.<\/p>\n

\u201cHere you go young man, now tonight I want you to eat everything.\u00a0 I don\u2019t see how you manage to stay alive what with your eating habits,\u201d laughed Martha as she set the tray across Joe\u2019s lap.<\/p>\n

Joe smiled at the motherly woman and nodded his head.\u00a0 Martha heard the front door open and as the sound of male voices reached her finely tuned ears, she quickly excused herself from Joe\u2019s room, closing the door gently behind her as she stepped out.<\/p>\n

Thomas greeted his mother as he always had, with a hug and a quick kiss on her cheek.\u00a0 \u201cMa, is Joe awake?\u201d he asked Martha as he gently guided her to a chair in the family living room.<\/p>\n

\u201cYes, I just took his supper in to him, why?\u201d she asked as Hoss stepped forward to be introduced.<\/p>\n

\u201cMa, this is Hoss Cartwright, he\u2019s from Virginia City,\u201d began Thomas when his father walked inside from having returned from doing his barn chores.\u00a0 He had seen his son and the stranger as they dismounted and had hurried to join his wife.<\/p>\n

\u201cPa, this is Hoss Cartwright, Hoss, my father and mother, Jacob and Martha Carver.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cPleased ta meet ya both,\u201d smiled Hoss removing his hat as he smiled at Martha while taking Jacob\u2019s hand in a firm handshake.<\/p>\n

\u201cPleasure\u2019s ours,\u201d greeted Jacob, \u201cwhat brings you this far from home, if you don\u2019t mind my asking?\u201d inquired Jacob.<\/p>\n

Before Hoss could explain, Thomas jumped in to answer the question for him.\u00a0 \u201cI met Hoss by accident in town,\u201d he gave his new friend a quick warning glance, Hoss noting that he had avoided mentioning that the \u2018accident\u2019 had been in the saloon.\u00a0 \u201cWe got to talking and Hoss here is looking for his younger brother, who\u2019s name happens to be Joe.\u201d<\/p>\n

Jacob and Martha looked quickly at one another and Hoss noticed when Martha glanced toward a closed door off the kitchen.<\/p>\n

\u201cJoe is Hoss\u2019 youngest brother and it was during all that rain back a couple of months ago that Hoss and Joe had an accident that caused Joe to fall into the flood waters and get washed away.\u00a0 He\u2019s been missing from home since then and Hoss and his family have been searching everywhere for him and had almost given up of ever finding him alive.\u00a0 That is until he and I ran into each other.\u00a0 I thought maybe our Joe might be his brother, that\u2019s why I asked him to come out.\u201d\u00a0 Thomas finished with his version of the story, all the while he had been talking, Hoss had nodded his head in agreement with how the story was being told.<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, I surely hope that Joe is one and the same.\u00a0 The boy was hurt terribly bad and we feared that he might not make it.\u00a0 Sure proved us wrong though, seems to be one tough kid.\u00a0 A good kid I might add, well mannered and respectful too.\u00a0 A couple of my boys could learn a thing or two from him,\u201d smiled Jacob, totally unaware that Joe had taught two of his sons something, how to play poker.\u00a0 \u201cI suppose that Thomas told you that the boy hasn\u2019t been able to say a word since we found him?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYes sir, he mentioned that.\u00a0 Hopefully it is something that will correct it\u2019s self in time,\u201d nodded Hoss, anxious to see his brother.\u00a0 \u201cDo ya think I might could see him now, it\u2019s been forever and I\u2026\u201d Hoss choked up and dropped his head embarrassed that this family might see the sudden tears that had pooled in his eyes.<\/p>\n

Martha was the first to notice and was the first to speak up, \u201cOf course you can.\u00a0 Thomas, would you like the pleasure of telling Joe that he has company?\u201d smiled Martha knowing that Thomas and Joe had become quite close during his convalescing period.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou know I would,\u201d smiled Thomas, \u201cHoss you wait right here, I\u2019ll call for you in a minute.\u201d\u00a0 Thomas gave Hoss\u2019 shoulder a squeeze as he opened the door to Joe\u2019s room and slipped inside.<\/p>\n

Joe was propped up with pillows all around him and had just finished his supper.\u00a0 He looked up at the sound of the door opening and smiled when he recognized his visitor as Thomas.\u00a0 Joe had liked Thomas from the very start; something about the Carver\u2019s oldest son reminded him of Adam whom he missed almost as much as he missed his father.<\/p>\n

\u201cHi ya little buddy,\u201d greeted Thomas, and it was then that Joe realized why he felt the way he did towards this particular young man.<\/p>\n

Joe nodded his head in acknowledgement of Thomas\u2019 greeting as he wiped his mouth with the checkered napkin and placed it on top of his plate.\u00a0 Thomas removed the tray from Joe\u2019s lap and set it on the table, taking the chair next to the bed and sitting down.<\/p>\n

\u201cHow you feeling this evening?\u201d Thomas casually asked.<\/p>\n

Again Joe nodded his head and held his left arm up to show his friend that the doctor had been there and removed his cast.\u00a0 Thomas smiled, \u201cGreat, now all you have to do is to get those off your legs and then you\u2019ll be fit as a fiddle.\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe laughed and made a mock frown on his face.\u00a0 Suddenly the frown became real as Joe\u2019s thoughts turned to his family.\u00a0 Thomas, not knowing what had caused the change only watched as he saw the hazel eyes suddenly cloud with unshed tears.<\/p>\n

\u201cHey Joe,\u201d said Thomas in a effort to bring the boy out of his gloom, \u201cwould you like to have some company?\u00a0 There\u2019s someone here to see you,\u201d Thomas forced his face to remain expressionless not wanting to give away the surprise.<\/p>\n

Joe looked at him questioningly, not knowing who it could be that wanted to pay him a visit and not in the least expecting it to be one of those who had just invaded his thoughts.
\nJoe shrugged his shoulders, causing Thomas to laugh.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou stay right here, I\u2019ll show him in.\u201d\u00a0 Joe made a giggling sound, where was he going to go, he couldn\u2019t even get out of bed yet.<\/p>\n

Thomas walked slowly to the door, prolonging the suspense and Joe grunted loudly, forcing Thomas\u2019 attention to return to him.\u00a0 Thomas stopped just as his hand touched the door and looked back at Joe.\u00a0 \u201cJust hold your horse pal, I\u2019m getting there,\u201d he laughed.<\/p>\n

Before he opened the door, Thomas looked in Joe\u2019s direction again and ordered, \u201cClose your eyes Joe, and keep them closed until I tell you to open them.\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe looked suspiciously at his friend but did as he was instructed.\u00a0 Thomas opened the door quietly and motioned with his finger for Hoss to enter.\u00a0 Thomas\u2019 family had all gathered in the living room when they noticed that Thomas had returned home with a stranger and all were curious as to whom and why the large man was paying them a visit.\u00a0 They were both shocked and thrilled to find that the man was Joe\u2019s brother and could not refrain from following the big man into Joe\u2019s room to witness the reunion.<\/p>\n

Hoss\u2019 heart stopped when his eyes took in the sight of his brother.\u00a0 It was all the big man could do to keep from running to the bed and gathering the boy into his arms.\u00a0 Never had the sight of anyone touched him as much as seeing his brother alive and breathing as he was now.\u00a0 Hoss looked anxiously at Thomas, wanting him to hurry before his joy burst the seams of his heart.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou can open your eyes now Joe,\u201d said Thomas.<\/p>\n

Joe moved his hands from his face and looked up.\u00a0 What he saw caused him to hesitate briefly before realization took hold.\u00a0 Suddenly Joe\u2019s mouth flew open, tears sprang into his eyes as he threw back the covers, unconcerned that the room was filled with observers as he stretched out his arms to his brother and tried to get out of the bed.<\/p>\n

Hoss, overcome with emotion, grabbed the now sobbing boy into his embrace and pulled the trembling body to his heart.\u00a0 Joe buried his face in Hoss\u2019 shirt, his arms clinging tightly to his brother as both boys wept unashamedly.<\/p>\n

Hoss\u2019 large hand held Joe\u2019s head firmly against his rapidly beating heart, half afraid that if he released the boy, he would suddenly be swept from him for the second time.\u00a0 Joe made no attempt to remove himself from the security of Hoss\u2019 embrace, himself not fully believing that it was in fact his brother that held him tightly.\u00a0 The joy that emitted from each brother at finally seeing each other was something that the Carver family would speak of for many years.\u00a0 Truly the love that was shared between his large man and his smaller sibling was one of God\u2019s ever amazing miracles.<\/p>\n

Martha dapped her own tears with the end of her apron and silently motioned for her children to clear out of the room giving the brothers time to them selves.\u00a0 Quietly, Martha closed the door as the last of her offspring passed her, feelings of both happiness and sadness filling her heart.\u00a0 Happiness that Joe had been reunited with a member of his family and sadness in knowing that now, Joe would soon be leaving them behind.<\/p>\n

The two brothers spent the rest of the evening alone behind the closed door renewing their relationship.\u00a0 Martha tapped lightly on the door much later and entered carrying a tray with two large slices of fresh baked apple pie and two cups of steaming hot coffee.\u00a0 Hoss had requested paper and pencil and Martha returned shortly with the two items, once again leaving the brothers to themselves.\u00a0 Hoss told Joe everything that had happened in his absence including the fact that Adam was now a father of a twelve-year old son.\u00a0 He also related to Joe the story of the questionable loan to Wheeler and of his seeing the man in town earlier that day.<\/p>\n

Joe in turned told Hoss what he could of what had happened to him, having to use paper and pencil in so doing.\u00a0 He told his brother of the fear he felt when he saw the waterfall and knowing that he was going to go over, how is last thoughts had been of his family.\u00a0 The fear reappeared in the hazel eyes as Joe told his story, moving Hoss to again wrap his strong arms about Joe in a protective manner.\u00a0 Joe wrote of his fear he felt even now at no longer being able to speak, worried that he would be forever silent.\u00a0 The tears slipped silently from his eyes as he looked wistfully into his brother\u2019s face, his misery plain for Hoss to read.\u00a0 Hoss refused to move, both young men finding comfort and much needed peace in the other\u2019s presence.\u00a0 It wasn\u2019t long before Hoss heard the steady breathing sounds that Joe made, indicating that he had fallen asleep, secure in the strong arms that embraced him.<\/p>\n

Two days later, Hoss informed the family who had been so kind to both himself and his brother that he would be back late that night.\u00a0 There was something he had to do in town.\u00a0 Thomas asked if he might tag along, and Hoss who liked the younger man immensely, agreed.<\/p>\n

\u201cJoe, I\u2019ll be back late tonight.\u00a0 Don\u2019t ya go tryin\u2019 to git up outta that bed again, ya hear me?\u201d Hoss gently scolded, \u201cya about scare the life outta me when ya went and fell in the dadburn floor.\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe masked his feelings to hide how he really felt about his brother going off and leaving him so soon after finding him.\u00a0 Joe wouldn\u2019t admit it to anyone, but he was scared.\u00a0 He didn\u2019t like the idea of Hoss leaving him again, what if, for some reason unknown to either of them, Hoss failed to return?\u00a0 Where would that leave him?\u00a0 No, Joe didn\u2019t like it one bit.<\/p>\n

Quickly his fear got the better of him and grabbing the paper and pencil Joe scribbled a short message to his brother and handed Hoss the paper.\u00a0 Hoss scanned the written words, please don\u2019t leave me, and cast worried eyes at his younger brother.<\/p>\n

\u201cAw shucks, Short Shanks,\u201d began Hoss sitting on the edge of the bed, \u201cI ain\u2019t agonna leave ya.\u00a0 I\u2019ll be back, I promise, you\u2019ll see.\u201d\u00a0 Hoss studied his brother\u2019s face and seeing that Joe still looked doubtful, Hoss, to lighten the mood, reached up and ruffled Joe\u2019s mass of dark curls.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2019d better git ya a haircut afore we go home boy.\u00a0 Pa would skin ya alive if\u2019n he saw how long this mess has gotten, you know he don\u2019t like ya lookin\u2019 like no riverboat gambler,\u201d joked Hoss with a wide smile across his face.<\/p>\n

Joe couldn\u2019t stop the giggling sounds that burst forth and giving his brother a nod of his head, Hoss felt relief at leaving Joe for the few hours he needed to complete his mission in town.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou rest Joe, we\u2019ll be going home soon I promise buddy.\u201d\u00a0 Hoss patted Joe\u2019s shoulder in a brotherly fashion and left Joe with a smile on his face.<\/p>\n

As soon as Hoss closed the door, the smile faded.\u00a0 Joe knew what Hoss had to do in town, but he still did not like the idea of being left behind.\u00a0 With Hoss\u2019 arrival, the desire to go home grew greater day by day.\u00a0 He missed his father and older brother, he missed Hop Sing and his own room, he even missed Cochise, although Hoss had assured him that the horse was being well cared for in his absence.\u00a0 Still that did not squelch his desire, it only heightened it, he wanted to be the one caring for his horse, and he thought to himself, he was just a little curious about the new son that his older brother had somehow inherited.<\/p>\n

\u201cPatience,\u201d thought Joe, \u201cthat\u2019s what Pa is always trying to teach me, patience, well, I think I have been patient long enough!\u00a0 I wanna go home!\u201d his heart screamed.\u00a0 With that, Joe balled his hands into tight fists and slammed them down into his pillow enjoying his private little temper tantrum.<\/p>\n

Adam found Davie, of all places, hiding in the hayloft in the barn.\u00a0 Davie had been sullen and withdrawn for the past couple of days and Adam worried that perhaps the boy was missing his grandfather.<\/p>\n

\u201cMind if I join you?\u201d asked Adam as he hauled himself up the ladder.<\/p>\n

\u201cDo I gotta choice?\u201d snapped Davie, drying his eyes before Adam could see his tears.<\/p>\n

\u201cDo I have a choice?\u201d corrected Adam moving to sit down next to the boy.<\/p>\n

\u201cI dunno, that\u2019s what I asked you,\u201d Davie popped back.<\/p>\n

Adam just rolled his eyes, he felt as if he were talking to his younger brother all over again.\u00a0 Briefly his thoughts turned to Joe and Adam wondered if Hoss had had any luck in finding out anything about him.\u00a0 It had been nearly a month now since Hoss had left and Adam and his father had received only one telegram and that had been about two weeks ago.<\/p>\n

\u201cI didn\u2019t mean to snap at grandpa, Adam, honest.\u00a0 It\u2019s just that I didn\u2019t hear him tell me he needed me to help Hop Sing, then when Hop Sing got mad at me and grandpa started yelling at me, I just\u2026well\u2026I wasn\u2019t thinking,\u201d Davie tried to explain.<\/p>\n

Adam smiled at the boy and rested his hand on the boy\u2019s shoulder, \u201cit\u2019s okay Davie, Pa doesn\u2019t stay mad for long.\u00a0 Why don\u2019t you tell me what\u2019s been eating at you?\u201d asked Adam hoping that his son would explain why for the last few days he has been so down in the mouth.<\/p>\n

\u201cAin\u2019t nothing eating at me,\u201d Davie turned his head away pretending to be watching a bird that had flown into the rafters of the barn.<\/p>\n

\u201cDavie, look at me son,\u201d ordered Adam calmly.\u00a0 \u201cI think there is, but I can\u2019t force you to confide in me.\u00a0 But I want you to know that when you are ready to talk, I\u2019ll be ready to listen.\u00a0 You have to believe me Davie, whatever it is, we can work it out.\u201d\u00a0 Adam smiled and left the loft and Davie with his thoughts.<\/p>\n

Davie watched Adam as he climbed down the ladder and wished more than ever that the man who had been more than kind to him over the last couple of months were really his father.\u00a0 Davie had planned all week to tell Adam and Mr. Cartwright who he really was and why he was really brought to the Ponderosa but each time that he tried, he had become fearful of what would happen to him after the truth had been exposed.\u00a0 Would they send him to jail, or to an orphanage, or worse, back to Jonathan Wheeler.\u00a0 Davie was just too scared to find out so he had once again delayed in confessing to the Cartwrights that he was a fraud.<\/p>\n

That night after Adam tucked Davie into his bed, he returned to his own room, undressed and slipped into bed hoping that sleep would not be long in coming.\u00a0 For more than an hour, Adam tossed and turned until finally he gave up and propped him self up in bed.\u00a0 The mixture of troubling thoughts racing through his mind had kept him from his much needed sleep.\u00a0 Joe was foremost in his mind; he missed the boy terribly and longed to see his brother\u2019s smiling face, to hear again the sound of his giggles and admittedly, Adam longed to be able to slip his arms around his brother\u2019s shoulders and hold him close.<\/p>\n

Adam felt his eyes fill with tears and quickly wiped them away.\u00a0 Leaning his head back into his pillows, and glancing about his room his eyes suddenly came to stop at the shelves of books above his desk.\u00a0 Quietly Adam slipped from his bed and stood before the bookcase, his eyes searching one book in particular.\u00a0 At last he found what he was looking for and pulling the book from the shelf and blowing off the dust that had accumulated on the top, he crawled back into bed and pulled the covers up over his legs.<\/p>\n

Adam held the book almost lovingly in his hands and gently brushed at the front cover.\u00a0 Moby Dick, it had always been Joe\u2019s favorite story.\u00a0 Adam hesitated before opening the cover, remembering the last time that he had read the story to his younger brother.\u00a0 It had been three years ago.\u00a0 Joe had been mauled by dogs and the family plus the doctor had believed the dogs to be rabid.\u00a0 Adam had granted Joe what they believed to have been his last request; Joe had made Adam promise that he would take him some place where their father could not find him.\u00a0 Joe had not wanted either their father or Hoss to see him suffer the cruel affects of hydrophobia and Adam had granted Joe his wish.\u00a0 As it turned out, the dogs had been poisoned rather than having been rabid and it was the arsenic that had been making Joe sick.\u00a0 Once Joe received treatment for the poisoning, he had recovered fully and before long had been up to his old tricks.\u00a0 Adam closed his eyes and remembered the relief he had felt when he found out that Joe was going to be all right.<\/p>\n

Opening the book, Adam was startled to see that someone had written a short note on the inside cover.\u00a0 Quickly his eyes scanned the note, stopping briefly to dap at the dampness on his cheeks, for the words had struck a soft cord in his heart.<\/p>\n

Dear Adam,<\/p>\n

Sorry about writin\u2019 in your book, but I couldn\u2019t find any paper.\u00a0 I know that by the time you find this, my death and burial would have been long over.\u00a0 I just wanted ya to know a few things.\u00a0 First I want ya to know how much I loved ya.\u00a0 I always have, I know many times I didn\u2019t show it, but I don\u2019t want ya to have any doubts now as to the fact.\u00a0 You have always been my hero; I have always looked up to ya.\u00a0 You are the kind of man that I have always hoped to one day be.\u00a0 I respect ya and admire ya too, I didn\u2019t let ya know very often that I did, but I did.\u00a0 I don\u2019t know why I felt as if I could never show my true feelin\u2019s to ya, I guess maybe I never thought that I could measure up to the kind of man I knew ya expected me to be one day.\u00a0 Seems silly now; death has a way of makin things look different somehow and openin\u2019 your eyes about the really important things, like family and loyalty and love and being there for each other. Those are what matters most to me, now that it is too late for me to really show all of ya how I truly feel.\u00a0 I\u2019m sorry now that I didn\u2019t take the time to tell each of ya that I loved ya or to let all of ya know how I really felt about that, that\u2019s why I want ya to know now.<\/p>\n

Thanks Adam, for everything that ya have ever done for me, the times when Pa couldn\u2019t be there for me, I knew I could always count on ya and ya always came through for me.\u00a0 I appreciate it, all of it.\u00a0 I mean it too big brother, honest.<\/p>\n

Adam, I know that this last thing I asked ya to do for me was the hardest.\u00a0 I only wish that I could have spared ya havin\u2019 to watch me suffer and die.\u00a0 If I could have gone off alone I would have, but as in the past, ya are here for me.\u00a0 Thank you just doesn\u2019t seem enough somehow for all you\u2019ve done and just sayin\u2019 I\u2019m sorry ain\u2019t enough for all I have put ya through, including this last thing.<\/p>\n

Please Adam, take care of Pa and Hoss for me.\u00a0 Tell them how much I love them and that I appreciate what they have done for me, Pa especially.\u00a0 I know this will be hardest on him, please tell him for me that I never blamed him for any of this.\u00a0 Make him understand somehow Adam, that it wasn\u2019t his fault, it wasn\u2019t anyone\u2019s fault, it just happened.\u00a0 Remind him if ya gotta that he is always tellin\u2019 us that \u2018what will be, will be\u2019.<\/p>\n

Take care of yourself too big brother; you are the best big brother that a kid could ever have and I love ya, please, please never forget that, never forget me either and Adam, I want ya to know that I ain\u2019t so scare anymore, not with you here with me.\u00a0 Somehow, just your being here makes me not afraid, your presence gives me courage that I didn\u2019t know I had.\u00a0 Thank ya for that; if I gotta die, I wanna die as a man, not a scared little boy.\u00a0 You have given that to me and I love you more for it.\u00a0 Remind Pa to look for me in the stars, just like he does for Ma,
\nI\u2019ll be there with her.<\/p>\n

Love,
\nYour Little Buddy,
\nJoseph Francis Cartwright<\/p>\n

Adam could not believe his eyes.\u00a0 Joe had written a note to him, probably on the night that he had last read to his brother.\u00a0 Adam remembered that night, he recalled reading for what seemed like hours, his brother ever attentive, hanging on every word of the story like he wanted to remember it for all eternity.\u00a0 What Adam could not remember was when he fell asleep, the book on his lap nor could he remember anything about Joe taking the book from him while he slept and writing the message.\u00a0 Joe must have thought he would die soon, and knowing that he and Joe had always had problems talking things out amongst themselves, Joe probably thought that he could more freely speak his mind in a written message rather than verbally.\u00a0 Adam read again Joe\u2019s words and wondered if even now the boy whom he loved as his own was looking down from above at him.<\/p>\n

\u2018Please God, let Hoss bring him back to us,\u2019 Adam silently prayed.\u00a0 Unable to concentrate on the book, his mind seemingly fixed on Joe\u2019s whereabouts, Adam set the book aside, turned the wick down on the lamp and snuggled down into the comforts of his bed.\u00a0 This time it did not take sleep long in coming.<\/p>\n

Hoss and Thomas slipped quietly into the saloon, Hoss not wanting to draw attention to themselves.\u00a0 As they stepped up to the bar and ordered a beer, Hoss turned and scanned the room for Jonathan Wheeler.\u00a0 It was as he had hoped; the man was again sitting in the back corner of the room fully engrossed in a game of poker.\u00a0 Hoss wondered briefly how much of his father\u2019s money the man had managed to lose and taking mug in hand, Hoss causally strolled over to the table, Thomas following slowly behind.\u00a0 Hoss stood behind Wheeler, the unsuspecting man completely unaware that his benefactor\u2019s son was watching how easily he lost his father\u2019s money.<\/p>\n

When the last of the cards were finally played, Wheeler slammed his fist on the table and screamed at the man across from him that the man had cheated him.\u00a0 The man opposite Wheeler grabbed the table over turning it thus sending money, cards and chips flying in all directions.\u00a0 Wheeler stepped back as the man advanced on him and bumped into Hoss.\u00a0 Hoss quickly grabbed Wheeler by his shoulders and twirled the man around behind him.<\/p>\n

\u201cHold on to him will ya?\u201d Hoss said to Thomas who then grabbed Wheeler.<\/p>\n

Hoss and the gambler had a few not-to-friendly words, Hoss finally persuading the man to take his money and leave.\u00a0 The gambler, realizing that Hoss out weighed him by several pounds and not wanting to engage in physical combat with such a worthy opponent, picked up his money and stuffed it into his pocket.<\/p>\n

\u201cNext time, old man,\u201d he grunted at Wheeler as he marched out of the saloon, his two cronies following closely behind.<\/p>\n

Hoss then turned on Wheeler.\u00a0 \u201cOk mister, ya got some explainin\u2019 ta do.\u00a0 Let\u2019s me and you have a seat over here,\u201d ordered Hoss taking Wheeler by the front of his jacket and pulling him down in a near by chair.\u00a0 Thomas, who had remained silent during the goings on, sat in the other chair, leaned back and smiled as he watched the old man\u2019s expression suddenly turn pale as he looked up at Hoss and recognition began to register in his brain.<\/p>\n

\u201cI thought ya was a sick and dying man?\u201d stated Hoss none to friendly as he towered over the now trembling man.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2026I\u2026am Mr. Cartwright\u2026I just stopped here on my way to Sacramento,\u201d Wheeler stuttered.<\/p>\n

\u201cIs that right?\u00a0 Well seems to me you have been here more than a day or two.\u00a0 I was in here several days ago and you were sitting in the same spot over there, doing just what you were doing tonight\u2026losing my father\u2019s money in a poker game.\u201d\u00a0 Hoss was livid.\u00a0 \u201cWhy don\u2019t you try again, as ya can see, I\u2019m about to git riled.\u201d<\/p>\n

By this time, Wheeler was trembling in his chair.\u00a0 \u201cI\u2026I\u2026don\u2019t really know what you want me to say, Mr. Cartwright,\u201d he said almost pleadingly.<\/p>\n

\u201cWheeler, you are nothing but a liar and cheat.\u00a0 Ya all but stole that money from my father and brother and if\u2019n ya tweren\u2019t so darn old, I\u2019d pound ya good right here on the spot.\u201d\u00a0 Hoss grabbed the man by his jacket and jerked him to his feet.\u00a0 Thomas never moved, he was enjoying watching his friend, the man Wheeler had it coming to him.\u00a0 Thomas knew the man had been trouble for everyone in town for quite sometime and was glad to see that the crook was finally getting what he had coming to him.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhy don\u2019t ya tell me what else you lied to my pa and brother about?\u00a0 What about that kid, Davie?\u00a0 Was he part of the plan to swindle my father out of all of his money?\u201d demanded Hoss.<\/p>\n

Wheeler came unnerved, his game was over and he had to think quickly, before this mountain of a man made real his threat of pounding him into the ground.\u00a0 At this point, Wheeler decided on the truth, almost, which had worked before when confronted by an irate victim.<\/p>\n

\u201cI decided to use the boy as a pawn\u2026I figured if the rich Ben Cartwright thought that the boy was really his grandson, your pa would not hesitate to make a small loan to help a dying man.\u00a0 And I wasn\u2019t wrong, your father was very generous.\u201d\u00a0 Wheeler sat back down in the chair when Hoss released his hold on him.<\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s what I thought, so he\u2019s part of the plan.\u00a0 How could you use your own grandson like that?\u00a0 What kind of a man are you?\u201d Hoss asked, taking the empty chair and facing the older man.<\/p>\n

\u201cDavie ain\u2019t my grandson.\u00a0 For that matter the boy ain\u2019t nothing to me, never has been.\u00a0 Oh yes, his ma was killed, in a saloon brawl.\u00a0 I just took the boy cause he didn\u2019t have any one else.\u00a0 I came up with the plan, forced him into helping me and gave him a few dollars for his efforts,\u201d he lied.<\/p>\n

\u201cTell you what Mr. Cartwright, I\u2019ll give you back all of your father\u2019s money that I have left and you keep the kid, if you will forget all about this and let me go on my way,\u201d stated Wheeler hopefully, putting on the most repenting look that he could muster.<\/p>\n

\u201cOh, you\u2019re gonna give back the money and then you are going to go back to the Ponderosa and explain to my father and brother, just what you have done.\u00a0 As for the boy, I will let Adam decide what to do with him.\u201d\u00a0 Hoss reached into Wheeler\u2019s coat pocket and pulled out his wallet.\u00a0 \u201cIs this all?\u201d he demanded as he counted out the money.<\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s all I have left, yes sir.\u00a0 Say, Mr. Cartwright\u2026maybe we could make a deal\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cShut up Wheeler, and come with me,\u201d Hoss grabbed the man by the shoulder and shoved him forward.\u00a0 \u201cWe\u2019re gonna go see the sheriff.\u201d<\/p>\n

Hoss and Thomas placed Wheeler in the custody of the sheriff and after explaining what had happened; Hoss filed a complaint with the assurance that he would be allowed to take Wheeler with him when he was ready to leave for home.\u00a0 As the town\u2019s telegraph lines had been torn down days before by vandals, Hoss was unable to wire his father that he had found Joe and that they would be returning as soon as his brother was able to travel.<\/p>\n

Having successfully completed his business with Wheeler, Hoss suggested that he and Thomas return to the saloon for another beer.\u00a0 Thomas, unaccustomed to the liberties that Hoss was accustomed to, agreed wholeheartedly and followed the big man as he returned to the bar.<\/p>\n

Several hours later, Hoss helped a drunken Thomas from his horse.\u00a0 Hoss himself was none too steady on his own feet as he all but carried the near unconscious man onto the porch of his home.\u00a0 Before Hoss could open the door, Jacob jerked the door opened and Hoss found himself staring into the dark eyes of his friend\u2019s father.<\/p>\n

\u201cSorry, Mr. Carver, I didn\u2019t know the boy couldn\u2019t hold his liquor.\u201d\u00a0 Hoss\u2019 own words were slightly slurred as he stumbled in with Thomas.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll put my son to bed, Hoss, you best check on your brother, he\u2019s been waiting up for you,\u201d said Jacob as he slipped his arms about his son and guided him towards his room, leaving Hoss to make his own way to Joe\u2019s bedside.<\/p>\n

Joe was indeed waiting up for Hoss.\u00a0 He smiled broadly as Hoss entered and finding the chair, slumped forward nearly falling as he struggled to sit.\u00a0 Joe\u2019s shoulders trembled; his silent giggle shook his body as he realized that his brother was slightly more than a little intoxicated.<\/p>\n

Hoss returned the smile best he could before sliding out of the chair and into the floor.\u00a0 Joe watched, amused, as Hoss curled up into a ball and began snoring.\u00a0 Knowing there would be little sleep for himself now that his inebriated brother had started sawing logs, Joe crept to the foot of the bed and grabbed the extra blanket that Martha kept there and opening it, fluffed it out and spread it over Hoss.\u00a0 Joe smiled, Hoss would have to make due without a pillow, not that he would ever notice, laughed Little Joe to himself as he pulled his own blanket over his head in an attempt to drown out the noise that Hoss was making.<\/p>\n

The next morning, Joe was awaken by loud piteous moaning.\u00a0 Startled, Joe raised up in bed and searched for the sounds before remembering his brother who had returned home from a night in the saloon.<\/p>\n

\u201cOhhh\u2026my head,\u201d moaned Hoss as he sat up.<\/p>\n

Joe grunted loudly causing Hoss to turn in his direction and seeing Joe\u2019s broad smile grumbled, \u201cAin\u2019t funny little brother.\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe grunted again louder than before as Hoss struggled to his feet.<\/p>\n

\u201cDadburnit, short shakes, stop making all that racket, you sound like one of Hop Sing\u2019s little piglets; I dun told ya, my head hurts,\u201d growled Hoss.<\/p>\n

Joe covered his mouth with his hands to hide his smile from Hoss as Hoss turned to glare at him, \u201cwipe that smirk off your face, squirt, or I\u2019ll do it fer ya,\u201d ordered Hoss.<\/p>\n

Joe, eyes wide with mock fright, took the edge of his blanket and did as instructed, wiped the smile from his face.\u00a0 Looking up at Hoss, the laughter dancing in his hazel eyes, Joe batted his long dark lashes at his brother and gave him one of his most innocent looks.<\/p>\n

Hoss unable to control is own laughter, burst out in a rousing round of giggles as he sat on the edge of the bed and gathered Joe into a headlock.\u00a0 Briefly the brothers wrestled around on the bed, Hoss being careful not to really hurt Joe and Joe laughing hysterically though no sound could be heard.\u00a0 Hoss felt the trembling of his brother\u2019s body that revealed to him that Joe was enjoying the tussle as well as he was.<\/p>\n

\u201cOhhh\u2026my aching head,\u201d complained Hoss one more time.<\/p>\n

The next day, Dr. Blakefield arrived and after a brief examination of his patient, announced that the cast could be removed from Joe\u2019s legs.\u00a0 Joe almost cried at hearing the good news but held back as all of the Carver family, plus his brother, had crowded into his room full of excitement at the good news.<\/p>\n

\u201cJoe, you will be able to travel by the week-end if you take it easy,\u201d smiled the doctor.
\nJoe returned the smile and using his fingers, crossed his heart, promising the doctor that he would follow the instructions.<\/p>\n

\u201cGood.\u00a0 I want you to see your own doctor as soon as you can once you are safely home.\u00a0 Hoss, make sure that he does, I have an idea that this young man doesn\u2019t take much to physicians,\u201d teased Doctor Blakefield.<\/p>\n

\u201cYes sir, I\u2019ll make sure he does just that, and if I cain\u2019t, I can promise ya that our Pa will,\u201d promised Hoss smiling at the dissatisfied look on Joe\u2019s face.<\/p>\n

\u201cAlso,\u201d began the doctor, \u201ctry not to worry too much about your voice Joe.\u00a0 I believe in time your voice will come back to you.\u00a0 Probably when you lest expect it too.\u201d<\/p>\n

Dr. Blakefield patted Joe\u2019s arm and turned to his audience, \u201cif all of you will excuse us now, I shall remove this young man\u2019s casts.\u00a0 I am sure he is most anxious to be on his feet once again.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOut with you, all of you, Hoss, you too,\u201d Martha waved her hand toward the door and watched as her children marched out of the room.<\/p>\n

Joe was well rested by the time that the Saturday morning sun rose high in the sky.\u00a0 Hoss had everything packed that they would need for the journey home and all that was left to do now was to bid the Carver family farewell.<\/p>\n

Hoss shook hands with Jacob and his boys, the lady folks, he honored with a kiss on the cheeks which caused the older girls to giggle earning themselves stern looks from both their mother and father.\u00a0 After Hoss had said his good-byes, he stepped away, giving Joe his own private time with the family that had saved his life and whom had become more than just casual friends to him.<\/p>\n

Joe shook each young man\u2019s hand, giving each a friendly slap on the back.\u00a0 When he took Jacob\u2019s hand in his own, Joe felt his eyes become misty and sniffed his nose in an attempt to keep his tears at bay.\u00a0 Jacob too had tears in his own eyes.\u00a0 At a loss for words, Jacob pulled Joe into his arms and hugged him tightly.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou be careful boy.\u00a0 And come back to see us someday, you and your brother are always welcomed here,\u201d smiled Jacob as he held Joe.\u00a0 At last he released his young charge and stepping back, swiped at the tears in his eyes.<\/p>\n

Joe nodded his head, giving the older Carver a winning smile.\u00a0 Turning to the girls, he repeated Hoss\u2019 actions and planted a kiss on Hannah and Sarah\u2019s cheeks.\u00a0 Patience, he gathered up into his arms and held her for several minutes until finally handing her over to her father.<\/p>\n

\u201cI love you Little Joe, please come back,\u201d cried Patience.<\/p>\n

Joe kissed her brow and in his own way, told Patience that he loved her too.\u00a0 When Joe stood before Martha, he hung his head briefly, wishing with all of his heart that he had words to tell her what he really felt in his heart for her.<\/p>\n

Martha sensed his need and gently lifted his chin and seeing his tears, slipped her arms about him and pulled him to her breast.\u00a0 \u201cJoe, I\u2019m going to miss you son.\u201d\u00a0 Martha placed a kiss on Joe\u2019s brow.\u00a0 \u201cI\u2019ve come to think of you as one of my own, it is hard to let you go, but please know that you will always be remembered and loved.\u00a0 We hope you come back someday.\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe kissed Martha\u2019s cheek in return and turned away, afraid of his own emotions.\u00a0 Hesitating briefly, he joined Hoss who waited with their horses.\u00a0 Mounting slowly, he turned and tipped his hat to his friends each waving as they bid the brothers farewell.<\/p>\n

\u201cGod bless you Joe, you too Hoss,\u201d called out Martha as she stood by her husband\u2019s side and wiped her tears on the tail of her apron.<\/p>\n

Hoss and Joe rode into town later that morning stopping first at the sheriff\u2019s office to collect Jonathan Wheeler so that they might return him to Virginia City to face charges for having defrauded their father and brother out of their money.\u00a0 Hoss signed all of the required papers that gave him authority to transport his prisoner back with him.\u00a0 While the sheriff made sure that all the papers were in order, Joe and Hoss ate a hasty meal at the local cafe and by noon the brothers and their prisoner was back on the trail.<\/p>\n

It was getting late in the afternoon by the time Joe admitted to him self that his energy was spent.\u00a0 He had been forced to remain in bed for such a long stretch of time that now he was unaccustomed to being up for so many hours.\u00a0 Joe reined in his mount, stopping just long enough to force his weary body to stretch trying to relieve the stiffness in his sore muscles.\u00a0 His legs, just free of their heavy casts, ached and Joe rubbed at the soreness where the bones had been broken.\u00a0 The action had not gone unnoticed by Wheeler, and unseen by his guardians, he smiled slyly, his mind working double time plotting his escape and how the overly tired young man could be of help without ever being the wiser.<\/p>\n

Hoss turned and noticed Joe lagging behind.\u00a0 Stopping, he turned Chubb around and rode the short distance back to where his brother had stopped.<\/p>\n

\u201cYa okay, Joe?\u201d asked Hoss concerned when he saw the pained expression on his brother\u2019s young face.<\/p>\n

Joe nodded his head not wanting to have Hoss worry about him and smiled weakly at his brother.\u00a0 Unable to express how he really felt and not sure that he would have even if he had been able to voice his complaints, Joe gently kicked his mount forward, leaving Hoss and Wheeler to follow behind him.<\/p>\n

The trio rode for another hour before Hoss decided to stop for the night.\u00a0 \u201cJoe, hold up,\u201d he called out to Joe who was still in the lead.\u00a0 Hoss noted how the boy\u2019s shoulders sagged as he rode and decided he had been right in making the decision to stop early for the night.\u00a0 The extra couple of hours of sleeping time would give Joe renewed strength by morning allowing them to start out fresh come daybreak.<\/p>\n

They set up their camp in the shade of several tall trees, not far from the creek bank.\u00a0 Hoss loosened the ropes on Wheeler\u2019s wrists and allowed him time to care for his personal needs before retying the ropes behind the man\u2019s back and ordering him to sit.<\/p>\n

While Joe rested Hoss set about preparing their evening meal.\u00a0 By the time that he had the meal finished, Joe had fallen asleep and was curled into a tight ball wrapped in his bedroll.\u00a0 Hoss gently nudged Joe attempting to wake him but Joe only slung his arm out at Hoss and turned over.\u00a0 Deciding that Joe needed his rest more than nourishment, Hoss returned to the fire to eat his own supper.<\/p>\n

\u201cHey fatso, what about me?\u00a0 Ain\u2019t you gonna feed me?\u201d called out Wheeler in a nasty voice.<\/p>\n

\u201cJust hold ya horses.\u00a0 I\u2019ll get around to ya, when I\u2019m ready,\u201d snapped Hoss in return, finishing his own supper first before taking Wheeler his.<\/p>\n

Carefully Hoss untied the man\u2019s hands and retied them in front so that Jonathan could feed himself.\u00a0 Hoss sat nearby keeping a close eye in case his prisoner tried to escape.\u00a0 When the man was finished with his plate, Hoss retied the ropes, this time forcing the man to lean against a small sapling where Hoss tied him to the tree.<\/p>\n

The night passed uneventful; much to Hoss\u2019 relief; Wheeler made no attempt at escaping and even managed to sleep some throughout the night.\u00a0 Joe seemed to have rested well, for come morning he was up and had the fire going and the pot of water boiling for the coffee.<\/p>\n

\u201cHey little brother, how ya feelin\u2019 this morning\u2019?\u201d asked Hoss as he crawled from his bedroll and stretched.<\/p>\n

Joe tossed his brother a big smile, but Hoss could still see the pain that Joe tried to hide, etched into the fine lines on his face.\u00a0 Hoss made a mental note to take things slower today than they had the day before.\u00a0 Joe had been anxious to get home and because of that, Hoss had felt the need to close the distance between home and themselves as much as Joe\u2019s strength would allow; now looking back, Hoss realized he had pushed the boy too hard.\u00a0 Today would be different, he told himself.<\/p>\n

From his spot beneath the tree Jonathan Wheeler watched the proceedings going on in camp and was quick to pick up on the fact that the younger Cartwright was moving in a sluggish way.\u00a0 Pleased with the knowledge, Wheeler knew that he would bide his time, it had to be perfect, and with that he rested his back against the tree and waited for the fat man to come put him on his horse.\u00a0 Buried beneath the surface of his calm demure, Wheeler\u2019s heart beat fast in anticipation of being free once again.\u00a0 Hopefully he thought he just might be able to take out the largest brother for his part in destroying his plans.\u00a0 Wheeler knew that once the big man was incapacitated, the younger and weaker Cartwright would pose no threat.\u00a0 Once again his thoughts turned to the purse full of money that Hoss Cartwright carried inside his vest.\u00a0 Determined to reclaim what he believed to be rightfully his, Jonathan snuggled against the base of the tree and waited.<\/p>\n

By mid day the small group of men had traveled several miles.\u00a0 Hoss tried to slow the party down, but Joe was determined to get home so Hoss had reluctantly given in to his younger brother\u2019s wishes that they push on.\u00a0 They stopped only briefly for a short rest and then later when Hoss heard a thump then a loud groan.\u00a0 Hoss reined in his horse and twisted in his saddle, beyond Wheeler who followed Hoss, Joe had fallen from his horse and lay sprawled in the dirt.\u00a0 Jumping from his own horse, Hoss hurried to his brother\u2019s side.<\/p>\n

\u201cJoe, dadburnit little brother, are ya hurt?\u201d asked the big man as he gently helped Joe roll over.<\/p>\n

Joe groaned again and grabbed his left shoulder.\u00a0 Looking up at Hoss, the older brother could see the hazel eyes begin to slowly fill with tears as Joe tried to hide his pain from his brother.<\/p>\n

\u201cLet\u2019s take a look punkin\u2019,\u201d Hoss softened his voice, not meaning to let his aggravation get the better of him.<\/p>\n

Hoss gently unbuttoned Joe\u2019s shirt and pulled the shirt open so that he could see the shoulder.\u00a0 A large bruise had already started forming, though after carefully running his hands along the collarbone and down the arm, no new breaks could be found.<\/p>\n

\u201cLooks like ya mighta pulled a muscle or somethin\u2019.\u00a0 There ain\u2019t nuthin\u2019 broke, just might be a little sore for a while.\u00a0 Why don\u2019t we stop here for the night and git an early start in the mornin\u2019?\u201d Hoss asked Joe helping him to his feet.<\/p>\n

Joe shook his head no while he buttoned his shirt.\u00a0 Hoss scowled at him, though he really wasn\u2019t mad at the boy.\u00a0 Joe knelt down on one knee and scribbled something in the dirt.\u00a0 Hoss had to bend forward to see what Joe was trying to tell him and when he was able to make out what looked more like chicken scratchin\u2019 to him, he shook his head and smiled.<\/p>\n

\u201cOk short shanks, but just for a while longer,\u201d laughed Hoss who was now making a sling for Joe to rest his arm in.<\/p>\n

As Hoss helped Joe mount his horse, he took one more look at the message in the dirt and smiled to himself.\u00a0 Joe had written, \u2018just put me on my horse and let\u2019s ride.\u2019<\/p>\n

Much later, Joe would not admit it to Hoss, but his shoulder hurt like blazes and now his head had started to throb.\u00a0 Joe felt his will power fading as quickly as the evening sun and though his body screamed for him to stop, Joe refused.<\/p>\n

From his vantage point, Jonathan Wheeler who trailed behind Joe, could plainly see that Joe\u2019s strength was being sapped from him in his never ending determination to push on.\u00a0 Wheeler knew from experience that it would only be a matter of time before the boy gave out completely.\u00a0 Then as the boy gave in to his exhaustion, he could follow through with his plans for escape.\u00a0 He had not so much as finished that thought when in front of him, Joe pulled sharply back on his horse\u2019s reins and all but fell from the saddle as he slid down to the ground.<\/p>\n

Hoss pushed ahead of Wheeler and was beside Joe in seconds.\u00a0 \u201cOkay, Little Brother, that\u2019s it for the day.\u00a0 We aint\u2019 amovin\u2019 another inch, ya hear me?\u201d demanded Hoss.<\/p>\n

Joe could only nod his head in agreement, he was much to weary to argue and even if he wanted to, he knew Hoss would never permit it.\u00a0 Hoss hauled Joe to his feet and helped him to the nearest shade where he ordered him to sit and not move.\u00a0 Too tired to put up a fight, Joe obediently did as he was told.<\/p>\n

Hoss tied the three horses to the nearby bushes and pulled Wheeler from his horse.\u00a0 Wheeler gave Hoss a smile that seemed to rub the big man the wrong way and without thinking, Hoss shoved the little man down in the dirt.<\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t ya move, I ain\u2019t in no mood to put up with ya and I\u2019d as soon shoot ya as to have to chase ya around.\u00a0 Ya hear me?\u201d barked Hoss as he shook his finger under the man\u2019s nose.<\/p>\n

Wheeler, forcing himself not to tremble, for in truth, Hoss scared him some.\u00a0 \u201cI hear ya,\u201d was his only reply.<\/p>\n

Wheeler scooted up to the big rock that was behind him so that he could rest his back and watched as Hoss prepared the camp for the night.\u00a0 Every so often he turned in Joe\u2019s direction and under lowered lashes, watched as the boy rubbed his sore shoulder and moved it around in an effort to relieve the stiffness.\u00a0 It appeared to Wheeler that Joe was having little success in alleviating his pain, which caused Wheeler to smile in satisfaction.\u00a0 Tonight, he thought, tonight.<\/p>\n

Wheeler got his chance, it was too good to be true and he basked in his joy.\u00a0 Hoss had just taken his plate having forgotten to retie his hands behind his back.\u00a0 Joe sat by the fire poking at it with a stick, lost in his own thoughts, probably of home smirked Jonathan.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m goin\u2019 down ta the crik Joe, keep ya eye on that rascal for me, will ya?\u201d called out Hoss as he gathered the dishes and headed for the creek.<\/p>\n

Joe, weary and passed ready to call it a night, cast tired eyes over his shoulder in Wheeler\u2019s direction.\u00a0 Wheeler sat bone still, not moving his hands lest the boy see that his brother had forgotten to redo the ropes and waited until Joe had turned his head.<\/p>\n

Joe rubbed his sore neck with his right hand unaware that Wheeler had quietly gotten up and had silently moved in behind him.\u00a0 As soon as Joe lowered his hand, Wheeler grabbed Joe around the neck using his tied hands as leverage, pulled Joe from the log where he had been sitting and forced Joe face down in the dirt.\u00a0 Joe taken off guard, struggled with his good hand to slip his fingers between the rope and his neck as he felt the tightening of the rope that was choking the life from him.\u00a0 Unable to free his left hand from the sling, Joe knew quickly that he was fighting for his life.\u00a0 Worn to exhaustion, and aching from head to foot, it soon became apparent that he was swiftly losing that battle.<\/p>\n

Determined not to die after having come so far, mixed with the need to see his father one more time, drove Joe to keep fighting. Rising to his knees just enough to be able to move more freely, Joe drove his elbow hard into Wheeler\u2019s ribs.\u00a0 The unsuspecting action caught the other man off guard and as he slumped backwards, Joe scream, \u201cHOSS!\u201d<\/p>\n

Hoss heard the loud plea, recognizing the voice as that of his brother he quickly dropped the tin plates he held in his hand and rushed back to the camp.\u00a0 Wheeler had jumped Joe again and was laying across his brother\u2019s back.\u00a0 Joe was being held by his thick hair while Wheeler cruelly banged Joe\u2019s forehead against the ground.<\/p>\n

Hoss grabbed the man by the scuff of the neck and tossed him off and away from Joe who lay motionless on the ground.\u00a0 Hoss had just enough time to roll Joe onto his back and as Joe opened his eyes, unknowingly to Hoss, Wheeler grabbed for Hoss\u2019 rifle that sat propped against a nearby tree.<\/p>\n

Joe caught the slight movement from the corner of his eye as Wheeler shouldered the rifle he called out a warning.\u00a0 \u201cHoss, look out,\u201d shouted Joe.<\/p>\n

Hoss turned, pistol drawn and fired a single shot that dropped the advancing man to the ground.\u00a0 Quickly Hoss hurried to Wheeler\u2019s side to examine the body.<\/p>\n

\u201cHe\u2019s dead Joe,\u201d stated Hoss returning and kneeling next to Joe.<\/p>\n

\u201cHe tried to strangle me,\u201d said Joe rubbing at his neck where the rope had left burns about his throat.<\/p>\n

Hoss stared at his brother in shock for several seconds.\u00a0 Joe, sensing his brother\u2019s sudden silence looked up to see Hoss staring at him and noted the way his blue eyes pooled with tears.<\/p>\n

\u201cHoss, what\u2019s wrong?\u201d asked Joe concerned now for his brother.<\/p>\n

\u201cJoseph, you can talk,\u201d Hoss sat down in the dirt, stunned at hearing his brother\u2019s voice for the first time in months
\n.
\nSurprised at himself for not realizing what had happened, Joe stared back at Hoss.\u00a0 Suddenly both brothers grabbed the other and laughing loudly, wrapped their arms around each other.\u00a0 Hoss pulled Joe to his feet and swung the smaller boy around in a circle.<\/p>\n

\u201cGoshdangit, Short Shanks, ya can talk.\u00a0 I cain\u2019t believe my ole ears.\u00a0 Golly it sounds good ta hear that silly laugh of yours again!\u201d laughed Hoss once he had stopped and set Joe on his feet.<\/p>\n

Joe swayed, a little dizzy from having been swung around and around but joined his brother in the laughter.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s just as Doc Blakefield said it would be, when I least expected it to happen, it did,\u201d chirped Joe, giggling.<\/p>\n

A few minutes later the brothers had turned serious again.\u00a0 \u201cGuess we better take Wheeler\u2019s body into the next town and explain to the sheriff what happened.\u00a0 We can wire Pa and Adam from there and tell\u2019em we\u2019ll be home soon, little brother,\u201d Hoss said as he and Joe lifted Wheeler\u2019s body onto his bedroll and wrapped him up.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat\u2019ll you tell Adam about this man and the kid, Davie?\u201d questioned Joe.<\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t reckon on tellin\u2019 em nuthin\u2019 about Wheeler until we git home.\u00a0 I wanna break it ta Adam easy like, he sure \u2018nough took alikin\u2019 to that boy.\u00a0 Cain\u2019t say I blame him none either, once the boy learnt we cared \u2018bout\u2019em, he turned out to be sorta nice.\u00a0 I hate ta think what\u2019ll happen ta \u2018em now.\u201d\u00a0 Hoss finished tying the ropes around the blanket that covered the body.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat say ya and me just keep this thing ta ourselves \u2018til after I talk ta Adam?\u201d\u00a0 Hoss looked up at Joe and waited for an answer.<\/p>\n

\u201cSuites me just fine, Hoss.\u00a0 I suspect Adam\u2019ll be hurt once he finds out the kid was part of the scheme, especially if he cares as much about the boy as you say he does.\u00a0 Won\u2019t be easy on him,\u201d Joe told Hoss.<\/p>\n

\u201cHe does care little brother, that\u2019s what makes this whole mess so bad, somebody was bound ta get hurt, and it just had to be our big brother,\u201d Hoss commented sadly.\u00a0 \u201cAin\u2019t liken the ole boy hadn\u2019t lost enough people in his life already.\u201d\u00a0 Hoss looked over at Joe but Joe had laid down on his bedroll and with out meaning to, had fallen asleep.<\/p>\n

Hoss smiled at the sight and reached over to pull the blanket around Joe to keep him warm.\u00a0 Hoss knew come morning, the blanket could be anywhere.\u00a0 Joe wiggled and squirmed all night long and usually you could find him without his blanket, even when sleeping out on the trail.\u00a0 But at least for a while, Hoss would see that he stayed warm.<\/p>\n

Roy Coffee rode into the yard just as Ben and his grandson was coming from the house.\u00a0 Ben told Davie to go ahead and start his chores and explained that he would be there shortly to help so that he would not be late for school.<\/p>\n

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

\u201cRoy,\u201d Ben extended his hand to Roy and they shook.\u00a0 \u201cWhat brings you out our way so early in the morning?\u201d asked Ben curious as to the sheriff\u2019s early morning visit.<\/p>\n

Roy pulled an envelope from his vest pocket and handed it to Ben.\u00a0 \u201cHi ya, Adam,\u201d Roy turned his attention to Ben\u2019s oldest son as Adam approached and returned the greeting.<\/p>\n

\u201cOh, here Ben.\u00a0 I thought you might be anxious to see this,\u201d the sheriff stated grimly.<\/p>\n

Ben opened the envelope and withdrew the paper from inside.\u00a0 Unfolding the paper, Ben glanced over his shoulder at Adam who had come to stand behind his father and read over his shoulder.<\/p>\n

Ben Cartwright\u2026stop
\nPonderosa Ranch\u2026stop
\nNevada Territory\u2026stop<\/p>\n

Wednesday, May 21\u2026stop<\/p>\n

Will be home day after tomorrow\u2026.stop<\/p>\n

Hoss<\/p>\n

Ben held the paper in his hand and said nothing.\u00a0 Adam stepped around and faced his father, disturbed by the message.\u00a0 It was plain to see that his father was equally as disturbed.<\/p>\n

\u201cPa?\u201d said Adam after what seemed like ages but in truth had only been a few seconds.<\/p>\n

Ben looked up at the sound of his son\u2019s voice and folded the paper and tucked it securely into his vest pocket.\u00a0 \u201cWell Roy, seems as if Hoss will be home soon,\u201d Ben told his friend.<\/p>\n

\u201cJust Hoss, Ben?\u00a0 Didn\u2019t he say whether or not he found any trace of Joe?\u201d Roy inquired of his friend, he too disappointed that Hoss had not mentioned anything about the youngest Cartwright.<\/p>\n

Ben\u2019s lips were drawn into a tight line as he fought to conceal his disappointment.\u00a0 He wouldn\u2019t let on but he was devastated that Hoss had not found his brother.\u00a0 For surely, thought Ben, had Hoss been successful, he would have said so.\u00a0 Ben had no idea about the surprise that his middle son was about to give him.<\/p>\n

\u201cNo, Roy.\u00a0 I guess Hoss couldn\u2019t find him.\u00a0 Or maybe he did but just didn\u2019t want to give me the bad news until he got home.\u201d\u00a0 Ben looked beaten and Roy could not help but to feel sorry for his best friend.<\/p>\n

Roy reached out and placed a reassuring hand on his friend\u2019s shoulder.\u00a0 \u201cTry not to think the worst Ben.\u00a0 Not until you know for sure.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThanks Roy, but that\u2019s a little hard to keep from doing,\u201d Ben told him.<\/p>\n

\u201cI gotta get back to town Ben.\u00a0 I\u2019ll ride out in day or two to see ya, you take care now.\u201d\u00a0 Roy mounted his horse and left both Ben and Adam standing alone in the yard.<\/p>\n

\u201cPa?\u201d started Adam.<\/p>\n

\u201cNot now Adam, not now, I\u2019m not in the mood.\u201d\u00a0 Ben started walking toward the house.<\/p>\n

Adam stood watching his father, noticing how slow and deliberate his father walked and it made him sad to see his father so heartsick.\u00a0 Joe was lost to them forever, the gypsy had known all along what would happen, and she had told them everything up to that point.\u00a0 She had known that Davie was Joe\u2019s replacement, not that one person could ever replace another, but she knew that the ache in their hearts could be lessened somewhat with the love of Adam\u2019s son and Ben\u2019s grandson.\u00a0 Still thought Adam, not to ever have Joe around?\u00a0 The thought brought tears to his dark eyes and when they slipped silently down his face, Adam made no move to wipe them away.\u00a0 Slowly Adam entered the barn where Davie was already busy at work and without so much as a word, grabbed the pitch fork and drove it into the hay with such force that the young boy stopped what he was doing and turned, amazed at the anger that poured forth from his would be father.<\/p>\n

Joe was ecstatic; he was almost home and it took all of his willpower not to force his horse into a run.\u00a0 Just a little longer he told himself over and over again until he almost had himself believing it. They had delivered Wheeler\u2019s body to the sheriff in the last town with enough money to give the man a proper burial, filled out the required papers and signed their names, saying that what had happened was the whole truth and nothing but the truth.\u00a0 The sheriff had informed them that he would be in touch and sent them on their way.\u00a0 The brothers had ridden most of the night, at Joe\u2019s insistence and now that home was just over the next hill, Joe could barely contain his joy at getting to see his family once again.<\/p>\n

They pulled up their horses for a short breather on the last rise just before entering the yard.\u00a0 Joe removed his hat from his head and wiped away the sweat.\u00a0 Hoss watched his brother for any signs that Joe might be ready to keel over.\u00a0 It had taken all of Hoss\u2019 limited vocabulary to talk the youngest into stopping for even the short amount of time that they had late last night.\u00a0 It seemed to Hoss that the boy might be trying to actually kill himself in his drive to reach home and Hoss was just as determined that that would not happen, not after what it had taken to find the boy and have him this close to home.<\/p>\n

\u201cCome on Hoss, I\u2019m hungry and I bet Hop Sing has breakfast just about ready.\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe did not wait for Hoss to reply instead he kicked hard at his mount\u2019s sides and took off at a run.\u00a0 Hoss had no other choice but to follow and as he took off he leaned forward and whispered into Chubb\u2019s ear, \u201cI promise ya extra oats ole boy if you can beat \u2018em.\u201d<\/p>\n

Chubb must have understood what his master had promised for suddenly the big stallion broke into a run that surprised even his rider and in seconds, Hoss and Chubb had passed Joe and his horse, Hoss\u2019 laughter being carried back to Joe by the wind from Chubb\u2019s heavy hooves.<\/p>\n

Ben and Adam had just sat down at the table when what seemed like thunder sounded in the yard outside.\u00a0 Both father and son jumped from the table and ran from the room.\u00a0 Adam jerked open the heavy oak door and stepped out onto the edge of the porch, Ben close on his heels.\u00a0 Both father and son stopped in their tracks waiting for the dust cloud caused by the thundering hooves to settle.\u00a0 Ben waved his hand in front of his face to clear the air and Adam coughed to clear his throat.<\/p>\n

Seeing that it was Hoss, but not noticing his youngest son who stood between the two horses, Ben bellowed, \u201cHoss, what in thunder is the meaning of this?\u00a0 You know I will not stand for you to ride into the yard in such a manner.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHi ya, Pa.\u00a0 Sorry \u2018bout that, but I was just tryin\u2019 to keep up with squirt, here,\u201d greeted Hoss grinning broadly at the surprised look on his father\u2019s face.<\/p>\n

\u201cWho?\u201d snapped Ben as he and Adam stepped closer to his son.<\/p>\n

Adam saw him first as Joe tried to stay out of sight.\u00a0 Adam grinned but could not stop himself from speaking up.\u00a0 \u201cI think Hoss meant him, Pa,\u201d Adam pointed toward Joe.<\/p>\n

Joe peeked his head up over Chubb\u2019s saddle and grinned at his father.<\/p>\n

\u201cHi ya, Pa,\u201d suddenly Joe\u2019s smile disappeared as the need to embrace the man who had given him life overwhelmed him.\u00a0 Ben must have felt the same for in a blink of an eye; father and son found themselves locked in each other\u2019s arms, tears of joy and happiness streaming from their faces.<\/p>\n

\u201cJoseph\u2026Oh Joseph,\u201d Ben whispered over and over into Joe\u2019s ear.<\/p>\n

Joe buried his face in Ben\u2019s vest and as Ben held his son tightly, he could feel the tremors that passed through Joe\u2019s body.\u00a0 Joe swayed slightly, suddenly finding himself weak from lack of rest and proper nourishment.\u00a0 It seemed as if all that had happened the last few hours had suddenly come to a climax and Ben found himself having to slip his arm under Joe\u2019s in an effort to keep the boy from falling.<\/p>\n

\u201cLet\u2019s get you into the house, son.\u00a0 You\u2019re about to collapse.\u00a0 You must be worn out.\u00a0 Adam, help me,\u201d asked Ben moving toward the house, Joe leaning heavily on his father.<\/p>\n

\u201cHi ya, big brother, did ya miss me?\u201d smiled Joe weakly as Adam slipped his arm around Joe to help his father.<\/p>\n

\u201cYeah, like a toothache,\u201d teased Adam, ruffling Joe\u2019s hair.\u00a0 His pleasure at having his brother home showed on his handsome face.\u00a0 It was one of the rare times that Adam had let the mask fall completely away and his joy was evident to even his son who stood to the side watching the reunion between this extraordinary family.<\/p>\n

Davie stepped aside to give the trio space to get through the door.\u00a0 Hoss followed behind and stopped to ruffle Davie\u2019s hair in the same way Adam had done Joe.\u00a0 \u201cHey pal,\u201d greeted Hoss, resting his hand on the boy\u2019s shoulder.<\/p>\n

\u201cHi,\u201d returned Davie, almost shyly as he walked into the house with Hoss at his side.\u00a0 \u201cIs that your brother you were lookin\u2019 for?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSure is, that\u2019s Little Joe,\u201d beamed Hoss.\u00a0 \u201cCome on over, I\u2019ll introduce you.\u201d\u00a0 Hoss ushered Davie forward until he was standing in front of Joe who had been forced by his worried father to lie on the settee.<\/p>\n

Joe looked up when he saw the boy and smiled, his eyes slowly moving to meet Hoss\u2019 blue ones.<\/p>\n

\u201cJoe, this here is Davie,\u201d Hoss had his hand on the young boy\u2019s shoulder as he introduced him to his brother and no one seemed to notice that he had purposely failed to mention that Davie was Adam\u2019s son, no one that is except Joe.<\/p>\n

\u201cHi Davie, I\u2019m Joe, but you can call me Little Joe, most folks around here do, unless it\u2019s Pa.\u00a0 He usually calls me Joseph and that\u2019s mostly when he\u2019s mad at me,\u201d Joe informed the boy who looked embarrassed at being there.\u00a0 Joe remembered those feelings of being out of place and suddenly, knowing what was to happen in the next few days, Joe felt sorry for the boy.<\/p>\n

\u201cSomeone help me up,\u201d he said changing the subject, \u201cI rode all night just so\u2019s I could have some of Hop Sing\u2019s famous blueberry pancakes,\u201d Joe informed the group as Adam helped him to his feet.\u00a0 \u201cYou do have blueberry pancakes don\u2019t ya Hop Sing?\u201d Joe ventured to ask while making his way to the table with the aid of his oldest brother.<\/p>\n

Hop Sing burst forth with a long stream of Chinese that no one seemed to understand as he hurried to the kitchen, his arms waving wildly about in the air.\u00a0 Minutes later he returned with a platter stacked high with the requested pancakes, much to everyone\u2019s amazement, except Joe, for he was the only one who remembered that it was Friday morning and Hop Sing almost always fixed blueberry pancakes on Friday!<\/p>\n

By late Sunday evening, Joe had related his entire story about what had happened to him after falling into the raging waters.\u00a0 He told of his fear at being swept miles from his home; he told of going over the waterfall and of the amazing family that had found him and with love and care had nursed him back to life.\u00a0 Several times Joe became emotional as he spoke of the Carver\u2019s and Ben stopped him more than once to assure him that at sometime they would find a way to visit the family.\u00a0 Joe had the hardest time telling of his inability to speak but withheld the real reason that he had been able to regain his voice.\u00a0 He knew that Hoss had yet to tell either Adam or his father about Jonathan Wheeler and had, after seeing the love that his older brother now carried in his heart for the boy whom he believed to be his son, Hoss had prolonged the inevitable for just a little longer.<\/p>\n

Joe could not hide his tears when he told his father about the day when Hoss stepped into his room at the Carver\u2019s and the feelings that overcame him at seeing his brother again.\u00a0 Joe looked over at Hoss who sat across from him and could see the same mixed emotions on his brother\u2019s face.\u00a0 The brother\u2019s exchanged knowing smiles as their family watched.\u00a0 Ben sensed that the strong bond shared between these two had over the last few weeks become stronger than ever before.\u00a0 He knew that Adam sensed it also as he watched Adam taking in the exchange between his younger siblings and hope with all of his heart that Adam did not feel left out.<\/p>\n

Hoss\u2019 conscience was causing him to lose sleep.\u00a0 He knew that time was running out, Adam had to be informed of Wheeler\u2019s scheme that had resulted in the family losing several thousands of dollars, not to mention the heartache that Hoss knew Adam would suffer when the truth was told.\u00a0 Hoss had finally gone to his father and after talking at length about finding Wheeler and how he had used the boy; Ben had become enraged that a man could do such a thing, using an innocent child as bait to swindle money out of another human being.\u00a0 What worried Ben now was how was his eldest son going to take the news and naturally Ben worried about the boy, Davie.\u00a0 He had grown fond of the lad, he knew Adam had come to love the boy and he knew that Davie had come to think of them as his family.\u00a0 Ben hoped that Davie had come to love them in return, but Davie was such a puzzle to him that Ben could not be sure of the boy\u2019s feelings.<\/p>\n

On Tuesday, Hoss was still struggling with his dilemma and was on the verge of telling all when a loud knock sounded at the door.\u00a0 Hop Sing hurried from his kitchen to answer and to everyone\u2019s surprise Roy stood in the doorway, a well dressed gentleman stood slightly behind him.<\/p>\n

Ben moved to greet his company, Joe, Hoss and Adam standing as Roy and the stranger moved across the room to join them.<\/p>\n

\u201cRoy, good to see you,\u201d Ben greeted him.<\/p>\n

\u201cBen, Hoss, Adam,\u201d greeted Roy.\u00a0 Roy moved to face Joe, \u201cWell you little whippersnapper, ya finally decided to come home, did ya?\u201d laughed Roy who embraced Joe.<\/p>\n

Joe laughed, his face unexpectedly turning red.\u00a0 \u201cI just couldn\u2019t stay away, Roy.\u201d<\/p>\n

Roy turned again to Ben, \u201cBen, this is Luther McGregor.\u00a0 He\u2019s from up around Salt Lake City.\u00a0 He needs to talk to you about the boy.\u00a0 The boy is in school isn\u2019t he?\u201d asked Roy.<\/p>\n

\u201cYes, he\u2019s in school.\u00a0 Why Roy, is something wrong?\u201d Ben asked worriedly.<\/p>\n

\u201cNo, nothings wrong, not really,\u201d Roy started to explain.<\/p>\n

\u201cMr. Cartwright, it\u2019s a pleasure to meet you sir.\u00a0 I\u2019ve heard about you, good things, rest assured,\u201d Luther added.\u00a0 \u201cMaybe I had better explain why I\u2019m here,\u201d he suggested.<\/p>\n

\u201cThat might be a good idea, why don\u2019t you have a seat?\u201d offered Ben, moving to his red chair and waiting for his guest to take a seat.\u00a0 Adam and Hoss moved to stand in front of the fireplace, Roy took the blue chair while Joe and Luther sat on the settee.<\/p>\n

\u201cThis may not be easy for you to understand, Mr. Cartwright.\u00a0 But I am here about the boy, Davie,\u201d started Luther.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat about the boy?\u201d asked Adam, a look of intense uncertainty on his face.<\/p>\n

Joe and Hoss exchanged concerned looks, both wondering where this conversation was headed.<\/p>\n

\u201cI will get straight to the point gentleman.\u00a0 First I want to assure you that I mean the boy no harm, on the contrary, I am most interested in the lad.\u00a0 You see, David Burke Livingston, the boy you call Davie, is my grandson.\u00a0 His mother Miriam McGregor Livingston was my daughter.\u201d\u00a0 Luther paused, watching the startled faces of the gentlemen in the room.<\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t understand,\u201d began Adam, forcing his voice to remain steady, \u201cI thought Jonathan Wheeler was his grandfather, he said he was Miriam\u2019s father.\u00a0 Adam gave his father a quick glance.<\/p>\n

\u201cJonathan Wheeler is a liar and a cheat, Mr. Cartwright, if you will forgive me for being so bold,\u201d apologized McGregor.\u00a0 \u201cHe and I go back many years.\u00a0 I first met the man when my daughter brought him home to her mother and I just after David was born.\u00a0 Needless to say, we were somewhat taken back by the fact that she had married him and bore him a son without telling us,\u201d he told Adam.<\/p>\n

Adam remained speechless, his thoughts trying to calculate the time space as to his last night with the beautiful Miriam and Davie\u2019s birth.<\/p>\n

\u201cAdam, I was told how well you have cared for the boy since Wheeler brought him here.\u00a0 I want to thank you for that, but I have to be honest with you.\u00a0 Young David is not your son he is Wheeler\u2019s.\u00a0 Jonathan Wheeler\u2019s real name is Jonathan Andrew Livingston and he was married to my daughter over a year before you met her.\u00a0 David was a baby, less than a year old during the time you were seeing my daughter.\u00a0 David lived with my wife and I during that time because Miriam was in the process of filing for a divorce from Jonathan and he had threatened to take the boy away from her if she went through with her plans.\u00a0 She was terrified of him for he often beat her.\u00a0 She was in hiding when she met you.\u00a0 It was just by chance that you ran into her that first time, and well, she cared very much for you.\u00a0 She admitted to us that she could not stay away from you; you were everything that she had always hoped to find in a man.\u00a0 But she knew that things could never be between the two of you, that\u2019s why she ran away from you.\u00a0 That\u2019s why you never heard from her again, she didn\u2019t want to hurt you and she didn\u2019t want you to find out about Jonathan nor her son, so she ran away.\u201d\u00a0 Luther paused and gave the men time to absorb the news.<\/p>\n

\u201cAdam, if it\u2019s any consolation to you Miriam felt awful for deceiving you the way she did.\u00a0 When she was dying, she made me promise to find you someday and ask you to forgive her for what she did to you.\u201d\u00a0 Luther hung his head as the memory of his dying daughter returned to haunt him.<\/p>\n

\u201cAdam, we could do nothing to keep Jonathan from taking David away from us.\u00a0 He had the legal right, by law he was the boy\u2019s father and though I am a wealthy man, I could not do anything to prevent him from claiming his own son.\u00a0 It broke our hearts when we had to relinquish custody of David over to that man.\u00a0 It killed my wife, literally killed her.\u00a0 She had nothing to live for after Jonathan took the boy away.\u00a0 We were never allowed to see him again after all of that and it drove my wife to her grave.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhen I got word that Jonathan was using the boy in his scams, I hired a private investigator to find him.\u00a0 When he came here, to your home, I had him followed and watched.\u00a0 We were just about to nab him when he suddenly disappeared and we haven\u2019t been able to find a trace of him since,\u201d continued McGregor.<\/p>\n

Knowing looks passed between Hoss and Little Joe and Hoss knew the time had come to speak up, but before he could Luther took up where he had stopped.<\/p>\n

\u201cAdam, regardless of what my daughter did during the course of her short life, I loved her, I always have.\u00a0 I also love my grandson.\u00a0 He is all that I have left in this world now and I want the chance to make things up to the boy.\u00a0 I know, for I have seen with my own eyes, the way that Jonathan treated that boy.\u00a0 He beat him and often.\u00a0 I have in my possession, papers that now give me legal custody to the boy.\u00a0 Jonathan was arrested two years ago on a murder charge in Salt Lake City and was sentenced to life in prison.\u00a0 Unfortunately, he never made it to prison.\u00a0 He broke out of jail, stole the boy from his bed and took off.\u00a0 I have come to claim what is rightfully mine and hopefully will be able to put Jonathan Livingston in jail where he belongs.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cMr. McGregor, if what you are telling me is in fact, the truth, then that means that everything that both Wheeler and Miriam has ever told me is a lie, am I correct?\u201d asked Adam, not wanting to believe that he had been taken for a fool by the woman whom he had once loved and by her conniving crook of a husband.<\/p>\n

\u201cI am truly sorry Adam, for I can see how this has hurt you.\u00a0 But yes, everything that the man you refer to as Wheeler has told you is a lie.\u00a0 As far as Miriam, she loved you; that much I know to be truth.\u00a0 I am sorry, so very sorry.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben watched the color drain from his son\u2019s face and moved to stand beside him.\u00a0 Gently Ben laid his hand on Adam\u2019s shoulder to offer a small amount of comfort but instead he could feel the tightness of the muscles beneath the palm of his hand.<\/p>\n

\u201cAdam,\u201d said Hoss, moving to face his brother.\u00a0 \u201cI need to tell ya somethin\u2019 myself.\u00a0 It concerns you too, Mr., McGregor,\u201d began Hoss.<\/p>\n

\u201cHoss, is there more to this than what you have already told me?\u201d asked Ben surprised at his son\u2019s statement.<\/p>\n

Hoss nodded his head in response and continued as he now had the attention of everyone in the room.<\/p>\n

\u201cI was gonna tell ya as soon as Joe and me got home, but I been aputtin\u2019 it off cause I didn\u2019t quite know how to break it to ya,\u201d stammered Hoss as he shoved his hands into his pockets.<\/p>\n

\u201cJust say it Hoss, just say it for heavens sake,\u201d scolded Ben.<\/p>\n

\u201cAdam, Mr. McGregor, Jonathan Wheeler or Livingston, whatever his name is, well, he\u2019s dead,\u201d Hoss told them.<\/p>\n

\u201cDead?\u201d said Ben, Adam and Luther at the same time.\u00a0 \u201cHow do you know this?\u201d asked Adam.<\/p>\n

\u201cCause I kilt \u2018em,\u201d confessed Hoss.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou? How? When and for God\u2019s sake, why?\u201d demanded his father.\u00a0 Adam had felt his knees growing weak and returned to his seat.\u00a0 Ben stood facing Hoss and waited for his son to answer.<\/p>\n

\u201cHe was trying to kill me Pa, that\u2019s why Hoss had to kill him,\u201d offered Joe.<\/p>\n

Ben spun around, \u201ckill you? How do you fit into this mess?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cPa, maybe ya better sit down, you too Mr. McGregor while I explain everythin\u2019 ta ya\u2019ll,\u201d said Hoss motioning for everyone to calm down and take a seat.<\/p>\n

For an hour and a half, Hoss rattled on about how he had found Wheeler in the saloon gambling on the same night that he had run into Thomas Carver who in turn had taken him to the Carver home where he had found Joe.\u00a0 Hoss left nothing out of his story, not even the part when Wheeler had told him that the boy had meant nothing to him, just another useless kid.\u00a0 Hoss could see how hurt his brother was by the whole ordeal and he felt guilty for his part.<\/p>\n

\u201cAdam, I\u2019m sorry, honest,\u201d he apologized.<\/p>\n

Adam saw Hoss\u2019 discomfort and uncertainty.\u00a0 He rose, placing both hands on his brother\u2019s broad shoulders.\u00a0 \u201cHoss, you didn\u2019t do anything, except save our kid brother\u2019s life.\u00a0 The man deserved to die from what I can see.\u00a0 He was a monster; he got what he earned in life.\u00a0 You had to do what you did, and besides Hoss, he would have killed you and Joe if you hadn\u2019t stopped him.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThanks Adam, I was scared ya be mad at me for not tellin\u2019 ya sooner.\u00a0 If\u2019n I\u2019d aknowed Mr. McGregor here was goin\u2019 ta pay us a visit, I\u2019d told ya afore now,\u201d claimed Hoss.<\/p>\n

Adam was about ready to speak again when the door opened and Davie walked in, putting a stop to the discussion.\u00a0 \u201cDavie, come over here son, I want you to meet someone,\u201d Adam greeted the boy.<\/p>\n

Luther McGregor remained at the Ponderosa for another week getting acquainted with his grandson.\u00a0 David took an immediate liking to his newfound grandfather and it wasn\u2019t long before they became inseparable.\u00a0 If you saw one, you saw the other. The one had become the other\u2019s shadow.<\/p>\n

Adam had mixed feelings about the new relationship.\u00a0 Part of him envied the pair, another part of Adam\u2019s heart was happy for the grandson and grandfather duo.\u00a0 Thus when the day came that Luther McGregor announced that he and David would be leaving, Adam put aside his own heartache and smiled as he helped Hoss stack the man\u2019s trunks on the back of the wagon.<\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t know how to thank you Mr. Cartwright, I owe you so much,\u201d Luther shook Ben\u2019s hand then Hoss\u2019 and Joe\u2019s.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou don\u2019t owe us a thing Luther, it was our pleasure,\u201d replied Ben handing Hoss the last of their belongings.<\/p>\n

Luther turned to Adam, \u201cson, thank you so much, for everything.\u00a0 I mean, for loving both my daughter and her son.\u00a0 I shall never forget you my boy.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd I shall never forget you sir,\u201d smiled Adam.<\/p>\n

Ben watched the interaction between Adam and David\u2019s grandfather and saw that his son had once again raised the mask that had throughout his lifetime, hidden his innermost feelings from those around him.<\/p>\n

David waited until his grandfather climbed into the wagon before approaching Adam.\u00a0 As he stood before the man whom he had prayed could have been his father, he was suddenly at a loss for words.<\/p>\n

Adam knelt down so that he could be eye level with the boy and reaching out, grasped the slims arms and pulled the boy to him and saying nothing, held him tightly for several moments.\u00a0 David began to cry, his body trembling as he did so.<\/p>\n

\u201cI love you Adam,\u201d he whispered in between sobs.<\/p>\n

\u201cI love you too Davie,\u201d Adam responded, somewhat surprised at the way he had grown to feel towards the boy whom he had accepted as his son.<\/p>\n

Adam picked the boy up in his arms and after giving him another tight hug, sat him next to his grandfather on the wagon seat.\u00a0 Swallowing to clear the tightness in his throat, Adam stepped back and allowed Charlie, who was driving them into town to catch the noon stage, urge the team forward.<\/p>\n

The Cartwright\u2019s waved until the man and his grandson was out of sight.\u00a0 Each man momentarily stood silent in the yard, each lost in their own thoughts until Joe broke the silence.<\/p>\n

\u201cHey Adam, there\u2019s a carnival comin\u2019 next week to Placerville, wanna go with Hoss and me?\u201d asked Joe smiling.<\/p>\n

\u201cI dunno, maybe.\u00a0 Anything different this time?\u201d Adam wanted to know.<\/p>\n

Ben and Hoss exchanged looks, each wondering\u2026<\/p>\n

Joe smiled, \u201cI hear tell they have a real fortune teller at this one, wanna have your\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOh no you don\u2019t you young scamp, not this time,\u201d exclaimed Ben grabbing his youngest, \u201cyou are going to be riding fence for a solid week!\u201d<\/p>\n

Hoss and Adam burst into laughter.<\/p>\n

\u201cI wouldn\u2019t laugh if I were you,\u201d Ben turned his mock fury on his two older boys, \u201cthe two of you will be helping him.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAw shucks, Pa, do we gotta, he\u2019s such a pest,\u201d moaned Hoss.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhy me Pa?\u00a0 Why do I havta always be the one to baby sit,\u201d gripped Adam.<\/p>\n

\u201cBaby sit?\u201d shouted Joe, freeing himself from his father\u2019s hold, \u201cya better not be talking \u2018bout me, I ain\u2019t no baby.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYes you are, you\u2019re a spoilt brat,\u201d laughed Adam, Hoss joining in.<\/p>\n

\u201cPa!\u201d shouted Joe.<\/p>\n

Ben walked away leaving his three squabbling sons to argue.\u00a0 \u201cSome things never change,\u201d he told himself aloud as he shut the front door behind him drowning out the ruckus his \u2018boys\u2019 were making.<\/p>\n

\u201cBoss need coffee, yes?\u201d asked Hop Sing bowing to his employer.<\/p>\n

\u201cNo, boss need brandy,\u201d laughed Ben.\u00a0 \u201cMake that a double,\u201d he added as the noise outside grew in volume.<\/p>\n

Ben peeked out of the window above his desk, his two oldest where locked together in mock combat, totally unaware that they had his youngest wedged between them, struggling to get free\u2026or did they know?\u00a0 He couldn\u2019t say for sure, not with those three.<\/p>\n

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

<\/div>\n

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

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

Summary:\u00a0 When Adam suddenly inherits a son, Joe is washed away by a flash flood, Ben breaks a leg and Hoss leaves home in search of his missing brother, the Cartwrights begin to wish they had never visited the fortune teller.<\/p>\n

Rated: G (32,000 words)<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":9052,"featured_media":11583,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"template-full-width-post.php","format":"standard","meta":{"_jetpack_newsletter_access":"","_jetpack_dont_email_post_to_subs":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_tier_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paywalled_content":false,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":"","jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false},"categories":[23,1008,41],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-12138","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-drama","category-family","category-hurtcomfort","wpcat-23-id","wpcat-1008-id","wpcat-41-id"],"a3_pvc":{"activated":true,"total_views":1645,"today_views":0},"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/09\/4Cs.jpg?fit=400%2C401&ssl=1","jetpack_likes_enabled":true,"jetpack-related-posts":[{"id":60158,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=60158","url_meta":{"origin":12138,"position":0},"title":"When October Goes (by Wrangler)","author":"Wrangler","date":"October 8, 2025","format":false,"excerpt":"Summary: Ben disowns Little Joe; Adam fights him in town and Hoss ignores him. Now everyone wants to know why. 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