{"id":12164,"date":"2005-02-01T19:05:40","date_gmt":"2005-02-02T00:05:40","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=12164"},"modified":"2025-02-27T12:09:08","modified_gmt":"2025-02-27T17:09:08","slug":"hell-or-high-water-the-day-will-come-by-debbieb","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=12164","title":{"rendered":"Hell or High Water… The Day Will Come (by DebbieB)"},"content":{"rendered":"

Summary:<\/strong>\u00a0 Both Ben and Little Joe become the target for revenge when a neighbor’s son dies in an accident that might have been prevented if only….<\/p>\n

Rated:<\/strong>\u00a0 PG contains some violence (22, 050 words)<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Hell or High Water… The Day will Com<\/strong><\/p>\n

The solemn group of mourners stood silently, heads bowed as the Reverend finished with his prayer. Joe Cartwright, fifteen, stood as close to his father as he possibly could. His body quivered, both from the cool autumn breeze and from the grief and fear that had taken root deep in his soul. Next to him, Adam could hear his younger brother swallow hard and without glancing down at the boy, knew that Little Joe was fighting back his tears. Tenderly, Adam placed his hand on Joe\u2019s shoulder and squeezed gently causing the younger boy to glance quickly into his brother\u2019s face. Adam, his lips pinched tightly, nodded his head in assurance at his brother.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe turned his head in the opposite direction and gazed quickly into his father\u2019s dark, sad eyes. The pained expression that the senior Cartwright bore on his face was more than his youngest son could stand. Joe began to fidget; lowering his head just enough that he could still scan the gathering without the people actually seeing him look their direction.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Across the opened grave, Joe could see Tommy\u2019s family. His mother was broken hearted and wept openly. Tommy\u2019s father wore a look of pure outright hate on his face and refused to look down at the small pine casket that was being lowered into the ground. Instead, the man stared directly across the short distance of space into the face of Ben Cartwright. His hate was evident, and not many among the group missed the look that Thomas Wellington was giving to the man that he blamed for his young son\u2019s death. Adam and Hoss both noticed. Hoss stood to his father\u2019s right and kept a wary eye on the distraught father who had only moments before the funeral service had begun, swore to get even with Ben Cartwright, come hell or high water.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The moment the service was over, Hoss took his father by the arm and attempted to lead Ben away. Thomas had placed his arm around his wife\u2019s trembling shoulders and turned her toward her own parents, whispering something to his father-in-law.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben stood firm, determined to have a word with Mr. Wellington, he looked into Hoss\u2019 blue eyes and shook his head.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cJust a minute son, I want\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Before he could finish his sentence, Wellington stood before him, a deep, angry scowl embedded into the furrows across his brow.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cGet out of here\u2026you murderer!\u201d he shouted in Ben\u2019s face.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe, frightened, stepped back after being gently pushed to the side by his father. Adam stepped in front of Joe, putting himself between his brother and the angry man.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThomas\u2026you can\u2019t mean that?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t I? Well, you\u2019re wrong, Cartwright, I mean every word of it\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYou know our Pa didn\u2019t murder your boy!\u201d Hoss was quick to defend his father.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI know no such thing! As far as I\u2019m concerned\u2026your pa here, was as much to blame for my boy dying as\u2026as\u2026that kid there!\u201d he bellowed, pointing his finger in Joe\u2019s direction.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019ll be sorry, Cartwright\u2026I\u2019ll get you for what you did to my Tommy, you and that\u2026brat of yours\u2026you\u2019ll both pay\u2026come hell or high water\u2026the day will come! Mark my word!\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Without giving Ben time to respond or offer his condolences, Wellington turned, took his wife by the elbow and marched to his waiting carriage.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben swallowed the guilt he\u2019d been feeling and turned slowly, seeing for the first time, the minuet tears that rolled silently down his young son\u2019s face. Immediately, Ben forgot his own deep seeded emotions and placing both large gentle hands on the boy\u2019s trembling shoulders, pulled his son into an embrace. Joe buried his face into his father\u2019s breast, whimpering softly.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYou didn\u2019t kill Tommy\u2026I didn\u2019t kill him\u2026why can\u2019t Mr. Wellington see that? It was an accident! Oh, Pa\u2026he\u2019s gonna get us!\u201d sobbed Joe.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNo, no, son\u2026Thomas Wellington doesn\u2019t mean what he said\u2026he\u2019s grieving son, that\u2019s all\u2026he won\u2019t bother you\u2026us\u2026\u201d Ben said with more assurance than he actually felt.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

He glanced up into the faces of his two older sons and saw in their eyes the same doubt that he knew must be showing in his own. With a look that told all, he warned Adam and Hoss not to let their brother see their own worries, for the sake of the boy\u2019s well being.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben took a deep breath and let it out slowly, hoping to calm his nerves somewhat. Gently, he pulled Joe\u2019s face away from his breast and forced a smile.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cLet\u2019s get you home, son, I\u2019m sure Hop Sing has supper about\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cBut what about\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2019ll, talk about the Wellington\u2019s later son, right now it looks like it might start raining any minute, and I for one don\u2019t want to get soaked. Thomas will be just fine in a few days\u2026or as well as any father would be, having just lost his only son. Come on, Joe\u2026you can ride in the back with me, we\u2019ll let your brothers chauffer us home,\u201d Ben said as he continued to lead his family toward the buggy.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe chanced a backwards glance at the Wellingtons, but the grief-stricken family had already gone.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI wish\u2026\u201d Joe paused.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYou wish what, son?\u201d Ben questioned as he waited for Joe to take his place.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNothing\u2026it was nothing,\u201d muttered the boy as he plopped down against the soft leather seat and turned his head to the side so that his father could not see the tears that had accumulated once more.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

By the time that the Cartwrights reached their ranch, Joe was more than half asleep, leaning against his father\u2019s shoulder. Hoss jumped down from the front and glancing at the boy, turned up his lips in a tight smile.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cPoor little thing, he\u2019s plum tuckered out,\u201d whispered the gentle giant.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben started to arouse Joe, but Hoss put his hand on his father\u2019s arm to stop him. When Ben looked into the blue eyes of his middle son, Hoss shook his head no.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cLet me carry\u2019em,\u201d he said as he slipped his arms underneath the sleeping lad and easily gathered Joe into his arms.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam smiled at the sight and whispered softly to his father.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cIf Joe wakes up before Hoss gets him in bed, he\u2019ll be raving mad\u2026I can just hear him now\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

And that\u2019s exactly what happened, Adam\u2019s words were voiced for him.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cPut me down, you big ox! I ain\u2019t no baby and I don\u2019t need to be carried!\u201d stormed Joe upon awakening and finding himself in the arms of his brother.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cTake it easy, Shortshanks,\u201d Hoss fumed, \u201cI was just\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe had his feet firmly planted on the ground and was straightening his clothing. His boyish cheeks were flushed with a light pink color as he glanced around the yard to be sure that none of the men had seen him being carried into the house as if he were just a wee boy.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI know what you were just doing\u2026making me out to look five years old, that\u2019s what!\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

With that, Joe turned and stomped into the house.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cDo I have to go?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben looked up from his breakfast into his son\u2019s face. He was quick to notice how tired Joe looked and knew it was because of all that had happened over the last several days and the fact that the boy had not been sleeping well at night. Nightmares had kept them all from sleeping the night through without being awakened by the shrill cries coming from the youngest family member\u2019s room in the wee hours of the night.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI think you should, son,\u201d Ben said, setting his fork aside. \u201cThe best thing for you is to get back into your regular routine\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cBut it won\u2019t be the same\u2026not without\u2026Tommy,\u201d Joe said softly.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI know, son\u2026I know it won\u2019t be easy for you\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThen why do I have too?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cBecause,\u201d Ben paused, taking a breath, \u201cI want you to.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

He waited for the boy to respond, but instead, Joe picked up his fork and began poking at his eggs. Ben could see how tightly the lips were pressed and noted the sad expression on his son\u2019s face.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cJoe,\u201d Ben said in a low voice, waiting until Joe looked at him before finishing his sentence. He fixed his eyes on the troubled ones that stared back at him. \u201cIt\u2019s only for a few more weeks, and then school with be out for the summer.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe stuffed his mouth full and swallowed, barely chewing his food.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAlright, Pa, if that\u2019s what you want me to do\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

Joe set his fork aside and wiped his mouth. \u201cI\u2019m not hungry\u2026may I be excused?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYou haven\u2019t taken but two bites.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI know, but\u2026I\u2019m just not hungry.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben glanced around the table at the others and then nodded his head.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI suppose. Adam, you ride into town with Joe\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe had pushed back his chair and was halfway to the door, but stopped suddenly and spun around.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhat for?\u201d he asked in a harsh tone, returning to the table. \u201cI know the way\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cJoseph, watch your tone, young man,\u201d Ben reprimanded sharply. \u201cAdam is going to ride in with you and Hoss will meet you after school and ride home with you\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cBut why? I don\u2019t \u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cJoe, I know you don\u2019t\u2026and I know you don\u2019t like this one bit\u2026but for the next little while, one or the other of your brothers, or myself, will be accompanying you to and from school\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe\u2019s face twisted into a frown, his eyes turned dark as he faced his family.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cGreat\u2026just what I need, a whole family of babysitters\u2026what do you think my pals will say when they catch on to this\u2026I\u2019ll be the laughing stock of the entire district,\u201d the boy grumbled.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t care what they think\u2026and neither should you.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben got up and circled the end of the table, stopping in front of his son. Gently he placed his fingers on the quivering chin and tilted Joe\u2019s head upward. In a more controlled voice, Ben explained his reasons.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWellington made threats, son\u2026I don\u2019t think he actually meant them, at least I hope he didn\u2019t, but I\u2019m not taking any chances. I want someone with you whenever you are off this ranch\u2026until the man has had time to simmer down and realize just how foolish he was\u2026threatening a child\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m not a child.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben smiled slightly; little did his son realize that to his father, he would always be his child.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThreatening a young man, then.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m not afraid of him\u2026I didn\u2019t do anything\u2026we didn\u2019t do anything\u2026it was an accident!\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI agree\u2026and I hope in time, Thomas agrees as well, but until that time, you will have an escort\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe let the air puff from his lungs, pulling away from his father. He glanced around at Adam, his scowl deepening.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWell, come on\u2026the last thing I need now is to be late for school.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The pair had ridden all the way to the schoolhouse without either saying a word to the other. Joe was sulking, it was obvious to his older brother and Adam, determined not to get into an argument with the boy, kept silent, until they pulled their horses to a stop in front of the little red building.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam watched his brother dismount and tie his reins around the hitching post. When he\u2019d finished Joe glanced up at him and then turned to go.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhat?\u201d he answered, looking around at Adam.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cPa\u2019s just worried that something might happen to you\u2026don\u2019t be angry with him.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m not mad, Adam\u2026not really.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThen why the silent treatment?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe shrugged his shoulders, twisting his lips in a smirk.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cPa worries too much\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cBecause he cares, Joe, and because\u2026well\u2026he\u2019s afraid for you.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe\u2019s expression suddenly changed and he stepped closer to his brother\u2019s horse.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cPa? Afraid?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam nodded his head. \u201cYeah\u2026he\u2019s always been afraid for you.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAbout what\u2026why?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cLike I said, Joe\u2026because he cares. He\u2019s lost so much over the years\u2026and I suppose seeing Tommy get killed the way he did\u2026Pa put himself in Mr. Wellington\u2019s place and imagined how hard it would be to lose someone you care so much about\u2026especially a son. And then when Thomas made those threats\u2026well\u2026you know Pa,\u201d Adam said with a soft smile.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe\u2019s expression softened somewhat and he smiled for the first time in days.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI never thought about it like that, I mean\u2026Pa being afraid.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The school bell clanged loudly, causing Little Joe to look around.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI gotta go, Adam\u2026thanks\u2026for explaining, I mean. See ya!\u201d he shouted as he grabbed his things and ran across the schoolyard to join his friends as they filed inside.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

For two weeks this same routine continued. Adam and Hoss took turns riding into town with their younger brother and then home in the afternoons. It hadn\u2019t taken Little Joe long to grow tired of the process, what with the teasing from his classmates. His fear that had festered toward Mr. Wellington when his friend had first died had dissipated somewhat and to further his dissatisfaction they had received word that Mrs. Wellington had left her husband and gone back east with her parents. No one was sure if the separation was permanent or just a lengthy stay for the grieving mother. As far as anyone in town or the out lying areas knew, Thomas Wellington had continued running his farm much the same fashion as before the accident that claimed his son\u2019s life, keeping close to home and causing no one reason to believe that he still harbored ill feelings toward Ben Cartwright and his young son, Little Joe.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t know why you have to escort me around,\u201d Joe grumbled one evening as he and Hoss rode home together.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cBecause Pa says so, that\u2019s why Joe\u2026because Pa says so,\u201d Hoss answered.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThere ain\u2019t no need too, not any more\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cJoe, when Pa says it\u2019s alright with him, then Adam and I\u2019ll stop\u2026we ain\u2019t doing this cause we wanna\u2026it puts us behind on our work, same\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cGee thanks!\u201d fumed Joe.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAw, dadburnit, Little Joe\u2026I didn\u2019t mean it like that\u2026hey\u2026where ya going?\u201d Hoss shouted as Joe spurred his mount and raced away. \u201cGalldangit!\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe pulled his mount to a sudden stop and quickly slid down from his horse. He was half was to the door when Hoss rode into the yard and stopped.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHey, Joe,\u201d he called as he dismounted, not really expecting his kid brother to wait for him.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe spun around. \u201cHurry, Hoss\u2026that\u2019s Doc\u2019s buggy\u2026someone must have gotten hurt,\u201d Joe called over his shoulder as he scurried for the door.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cPA!\u201d shouted Joe as he burst into the house, taking no time at all to survey the room before yelling out.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

On the far side of the settee, Joe caught sight of Adam as the older brother raised his head slightly above the back of the settee. Paul Martin\u2019s head also appeared.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cStop yelling, Little Joe,\u201d Adam warned his brother, watching as the boy hurried around the furniture.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cPA!\u201d Little Joe muttered in a loud whisper.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Fear had filled his eyes and deep within his chest, Joe could feel his heart racing rapidly.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

Hoss had hurried into the house, shocked at seeing his father lying on the settee, obviously bleeding, he placed a calming hand on his younger brother\u2019s shoulder.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cPa\u2019s been shot,\u201d Adam said in a strained voice. \u201cAnd I have a pretty good suspicion who did it\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNow, Adam,\u201d Ben said weakly. \u201cYou can\u2019t say that it was Thomas Wellington\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben closed his eyes tightly as the doctor swabbed at the bullet wound.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cBoys, let me get him bandaged up, then help me get him into bed\u2026he needs rest right now,\u201d the physician instructed.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cDoc\u2019s right,\u201d Adam said, standing and turning, seeing for the first time the fright on Joe\u2019s face. He placed a steady hand on the boy\u2019s shoulder.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cPa\u2019s going to be fine, little buddy, the bullet only grazed his shoulder\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe glanced down at his father, seeing Ben open his eyes and look up at him. He held out his hand to the boy.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cCome here, son,\u201d Ben ordered.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

Joe came forward and kneeled down so that he could be closer to his father. Ben forced a smile and took Joe by the hand.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI want you to promise me something, please?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAnything, Pa\u2026anything.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t want you going outside this house\u2026not until we know something for certain about who fired at me. Stay inside\u2026mind what Adam tells you to\u2026do\u2026plea\u2026se.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben drifted off into unconsciousness.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cPa? Pa?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s alright, Joe, he\u2019s just sleeping. I gave him something for the pain. He\u2019ll sleep for several hours,\u201d Paul said, standing. He began to roll down his shirtsleeves.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAdam, you and Hoss help me carry him to his room. Joe, run ahead boy and turn back the blankets for us.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYes sir,\u201d Joe called, already heading toward the steps.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Carefully the men placed Ben on the bed. Adam and Hoss stepped back while Joe remained at the foot of the bed, staring into the ashen face of his father. The doctor covered Ben, making sure his patient was comfortable and then motioned for the others to follow him from the room.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cIs he gonna be alright\u2026I mean\u2026you\u2019re sure, ain\u2019t ya?\u201d Joe questioned the doctor.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Paul smiled, the boy looked scared to death, and the way that Joe kept trying to look into the room at his father, tore at the kind man\u2019s heart.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI promise, Little Joe, your pa is going to be fine. Would you like to go in and sit with him?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe\u2019s eyes brightened immediately. \u201cCan I?\u201d he asked in disbelief.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYou may, but son, be very quite and let him sleep.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI will, I promise,\u201d smiled Joe, turning and pausing at the door. \u201cThank you, sir,\u201d he said as he slipped softly into the room and closed the door.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Two days cooped up in the house had worn on the boy\u2019s nerves. Joe paced back and forth in front of the fire. Adam sat at his father\u2019s desk going over the figures in the ledger, trying to ignore the constant clicking of his brother\u2019s heels on the floor. The noise grew louder and Adam looked up, seeing Joe coming his way.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhen\u2019s Hoss gonna be back?\u201d Joe asked in a demanding tone.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cSoon,\u201d Adam replied, studying the numbers in the columns.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam heard Joe sigh deeply and glanced up.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHow soon?\u201d the boy asked again.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

It was Adam\u2019s time to sigh and he did so, not bothering to hide his annoyance. He tossed down his pencil and glared at his brother.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t know how soon, I\u2019m not a mind reader. He will be back as soon as he can\u2026now why don\u2019t you find something to occupy your mind besides bothering me, can\u2019t you see that I\u2019m trying to straighten out this mess?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe was stunned into complete silence. He looked with a hurtful expression at his brother and without uttering a word, turned to go.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cJoe\u2026wait a minute\u2026please,\u201d Adam said as he stood up and walked around the corner of the desk.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe paused but refused to turn around.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m sorry, buddy\u2026I shouldn\u2019t have snapped at you like that.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Slowly, unsure whether his brother had actually meant his apology, Joe glanced around.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cLook Joe, I know you\u2019re not much for staying cooped up\u2026and I can\u2019t say that I blame you. When Hoss gets back and we find out whether or not Roy has any leads as to who took a pot shot at Pa, maybe we can talk him into sitting with Pa for a little while so that you and I can go fishing\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Instantly, Joe\u2019s eyes widened and he smiled. \u201cYou mean it\u2026fishing\u2026you\u2019ll go fishing with me?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam almost laughed at the boy\u2019s expression.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYeah, I mean it, I could stand some fresh air myself\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cBut what about what Pa said, you know, about me staying in\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t think he\u2019ll mind, as long as I\u2019m with you. Don\u2019t worry, Joe\u2026I\u2019ll talk to Pa first, how is that?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAlright\u2026tell him, I promise not to wonder off \u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam was already on his way to see his father, who was still confined to his bed.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cLeave it to me, kid,\u201d he laughed over his shoulder.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

It was several minutes before Adam reappeared. Joe jumped from the chair he\u2019d been sitting in behind the desk and waited anxiously for Adam to cross the room.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhat are you doing?\u201d Adam asked in a tone that Joe knew all to well.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNothing,\u201d he muttered.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cDoesn\u2019t look like nothing to me.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam grabbed the ledger and turned it around so that he could see. The marking along the side of his figures was noticeable and he looked hard into the hazel eyes that watched his expression. Adam could see a tinge of apprehension in their depths. Suddenly he smiled at the boy.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYou little rapscallion\u2026you found my mistake!\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Seeing the bright glow on his older brother\u2019s face, Joe giggled and pointed at the long column of figures.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cIt was easy\u2026you forgot to carry your number, here and here,\u201d Joe said, beaming.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll be darn, I did, didn\u2019t I?\u201d laughed Adam. \u201cThank you, Joe\u2026I guess I\u2019d just stared at those numbers so long that I couldn\u2019t see the forest for the trees!\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe giggled again. \u201cThat\u2019s a good one, Adam\u2026since these figures all have to do with the timber up on the north ridge.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The front door opened and both boys stopped talking and watched Hoss enter the room.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHoss\u2026what did you find out?\u201d Adam rushed to the big man\u2019s side with an expectant look on his face.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cDid old man Wellington shoot Pa?\u201d Joe wanted to know.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Hoss tossed his hat on the credenza as he shook his head.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNot likely, according to Roy, that is.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhat does that mean? What did the sheriff find out?\u201d urged Adam.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNothin\u2019\u2026when Roy rode out to the Wellington place, he found the place in a shambles. Seems like the old man hadn\u2019t turned a hand at nothin\u2019 since his wife left\u2019em. She went back East with her folks and the place was deserted, reckon Wellington must have taken off himself, ain\u2019t no body seen or heard hide nor hair outta him in days. Roy\u2019s sending some men out to take care of what livestock he left behind,\u201d Hoss explained.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI guess that rules him out then as a suspect,\u201d commented Adam. \u201cMight be for the best.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHow so, Adam?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cSimple, with Wellington gone, we don\u2019t have to keep this yahoo caged up inside,\u201d Adam said with a grin at Joe.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cReckon so\u2026say, how is Pa?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cBetter, Doc says he can start getting up tomorrow\u2026Hoss\u2026how about you sitting with him for a little while\u2026I promised the kid here, I\u2019d take him fishing?\u201d grinned Adam with a nod toward Joe.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Hoss squinted his eyes at Joe, trying hard not to grin.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cPlease Hoss\u2026I gotta get outta here for a while\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYeah, he\u2019s driving me crazy, what with his pacing back and forth!\u201d laughed Adam.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWell\u2026I reckon I could sit with Pa for a spell, I got a couple of things I want to talk to him about anyway.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Hoss ruffled Joe\u2019s hair and started toward the steps.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cCatch enough fish for supper, Shortshanks!\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWe will,\u201d shouted Joe as he made for the door. \u201cHurry up, Adam\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cLooky, Adam! I caught another one!\u201d shouted Joe in excitement.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam glanced up, saw the happy glow to his brother\u2019s face return after being absent for weeks and was suddenly glad that he had decided to bring the boy fishing.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cGood work, little buddy. Keep hauling them in like that, and we\u2019ll have more than enough for supper. I\u2019m going to work my way down the creek for a ways, you stay right where you are\u2026you seem to have gotten into a whole school of fish!\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAlright, Adam,\u201d Joe called over his shoulder.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

He baited up his hook with a long slimy red worm and then tossed his line back into the water. Out of the corner of his eye, he saw his brother moving steadily down the creek bank and around the bend.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

For several long moments, Joe watched his bobber dancing on the water. When it suddenly disappeared from the surface, Joe yanked back on his rod, snagging another fish. We a low squeal of glee, he hauled the fish to the shore.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWow!\u201d he said, looking up in hopes that Adam had returned so that he could proudly display his catch. \u201cThis is the biggest one yet!\u201d he muttered to himself as he squatted down to remove the hook from the fish\u2019s lip where it had snagged.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

A movement behind him alerted Joe to the fact that his brother had returned. Grabbing the trophy fish by the lower lip, Joe rose up suddenly and spun around, holding the fish out in front of him.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cLook at this one, big brother\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cJOE! JOE!\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam looked the opposite direction, down the creek straining his neck to see if he could catch a glimpse of his brother fishing along the water\u2019s edge.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI told that boy to stay put!\u201d he fumed under his breath.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

There was nothing that Adam could find that pointed in the direction the boy could have taken. Angry, he walked slowly back to the spot where he had left Joe, remembering his exact words instructing Joe to stay put.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

With a deep sigh that bordered between anger and worry, Adam walked through the tall grasses toward the bank where he had last seen his brother fishing. He stopped suddenly; eyes opened wide in surprise as he knelt down. The fish he picked up had long since stopped wiggling and was now stiff. A surge of uncertainty sparked fear in his heart as he scanned the ground for\u2026there is was, tossed carelessly among some broken twigs. Adam reached outward, noting for the first time how his hand trembled as he picked up his brother\u2019s fishing pole and examined it carefully. He gulped deeply and loudly as the fear intensified. Rising to his feet, Adam walked slowly, eyeing the ground beneath him intently as he moved over its surface.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

At last he found what he had feared he might. Bending down, he eyed the dulled red speck that covered the edge of a lone leaf. Adam picked it up, and touched it with just the tip end of his finger. BLOOD, his heart raced.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Standing to his full height, Adam looked all around, hoping, praying to catch sight or sound of the missing boy. His mind raced with fear. Why had he left the boy unguarded? What had possessed him to move out of his brother\u2019s sound\u2026and hearing? Where had Joe disappeared to\u2026how badly was he hurt\u2026why didn\u2019t he call out for help\u2026did he injure himself or did\u2026someone\u2026injure the boy? His senses warned him of danger\u2026his heart raced with alarm and before he gave himself time to panic, Adam was mounted up, racing along the water\u2019s edge, hoping and praying that he would find his brother alive. Dread pounded hard in the back of his head\u2026his worst fear was that Thomas Wellington hadn\u2019t gone away, but had instead been close by, biding his time\u2026and Adam, with a deep groan of knowledge, accepted the fact that he had opened the door of opportunity for this crazed man\u2026now his brother would pay for his stupidity. Silently, Adam cursed himself, remembering the man\u2019s harsh words, \u2018you\u2019ll both pay\u2026come hell or high water\u2026the day will come! Mark my word!\u2019<\/em><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cOh, Adam\u2026no\u2026please\u2026no!\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m sorry, Pa\u2026I\u2026guess I just wasn\u2019t thinking\u2026\u201d Adam stammered. \u201cI can\u2019t believe I could have been so stupid\u2026we were having so much fun\u2026I\u2026I\u2019m sorry, Pa\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Slowly he began pacing the room, moving around his father\u2019s bed. His hand brushed his face, but failed in removing the signs of worry and guilt that had stationed themselves there.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben pushed himself up, tossing the covers off his legs as he tried to climb out of bed.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHush now, Adam\u2026this is not your fault\u2026you didn\u2019t intend for this to happen, and no one blames you,\u201d Ben said as he reached for his trousers.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam suddenly realized what his father was doing and rushed to the senior Cartwright\u2019s side.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhere do you think you\u2019re going?\u201d he demanded in a gruff tone as he took hold of Ben\u2019s arm.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m going to find my son!\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cOh no you\u2019re not,\u201d snorted Adam. \u201cHoss and I will find Joe, you\u2019re getting back in that bed,\u201d he ordered, sounding much like his father.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t you dare tell me what to do, young man!\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cPa\u2026you can hardly stand up alone, just how on earth do you expect to stay on a horse? Now, please, get back in bed\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAdam\u2019s right, Pa\u2026leave this to us\u2026we\u2019ll find Joe and we\u2019ll bring him back to ya, I promise,\u201d Hoss said trying to assure his father that he and Adam could do so without his help.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Exhausted just from the physical exertion of trying to put on his pants, Ben succumbed to his two sons demands and allowed them to help him back into the bed. He leaned back against the thick stack of pillows, sighing heavily. His dark, expressive eyes closed momentarily and then re-opened.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cBring him home to me\u2026please,\u201d Ben mumbled softly as he drifted off to sleep.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI think the first place we should look is at Wellington\u2019s,\u201d Adam said as he swung into the saddle.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cLet\u2019s ride,\u201d Hoss said in quick response.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Both young men kicked sharply at their mounts\u2019 sides and together rode daringly from the yard.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhat are we looking for?\u201d Hoss said after he and Adam had been prowling around the empty house for several minutes.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAnything\u2026anything that might tell us that the old man has been here recently.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cLike what, Adam\u2026there ain\u2019t nothing hardly left\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI DON\u2019T KNOW\u2026JUST KEEP LOOKING, WILL YOU!\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Hoss paused long enough in his search for a clue, to eye his brother with a stern look. The look did not go unnoticed by the recipient. Adam took a deep breath, letting it flow gently from his lungs.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m sorry, Hoss. I shouldn\u2019t have snapped at you like that\u2026it\u2019s just that\u2026I blame myself\u2026this is all my fault.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAw\u2026dadburnitall, this ain\u2019t you\u2019re fault, Adam\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYes it is\u2026I shouldn\u2019t have let down my guard\u2026I should never have let that boy out of my sight. I knew he was in danger\u2026and I just left him alone to fend for himself.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam took another deep breath, his expression wore no mask; his pain was evident both in his eyes and in the tone of his voice.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cIf anything happens to that boy, I\u2019ll never forgive myself\u2026never,\u201d he muttered, turning to hide from his brother, the wells of unshed tears that had unexpectedly accumulated in his hazel eyes.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThere\u2019s nothing in here,\u201d he said at long last, tossing aside the article in his hand. \u201cLets check in the barn.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The brothers spent another twenty minutes going through the items in the barn, but nothing seemed to be out of place or gave a hint as to what might have happened to their missing brother.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll look in here,\u201d Hoss said as he ventured into the back room.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam continued to search the barn when he was suddenly stopped by the shouts coming from the room where Hoss had gone.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHey, Adam\u2026come here, lookit this,\u201d he called.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

His brother who held up a coil of rope, exposing one end, met Adam at the door.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cSo it\u2019s a rope\u2026what of it?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cLookit\u2026take a close look at this end,\u201d Hoss instructed.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam took the end that Hoss waved under his nose and examined it closely.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s been freshly cut,\u201d he said in a near whispered voice.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThat ain\u2019t all, Adam, look over there,\u201d he said, pointing to a far corner.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Slowly Adam walked across the small room and stopped, staring at a vacant place where it was obvious that once a small box or container had occupied the spot.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYeah, and look in the dirt and dust, footprints. And look at these,\u201d Hoss said pointing to the floor.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cLooks like something\u2019s been pulled across the floor\u2026but what?\u201d said Adam, thinking aloud.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI ain\u2019t got no idea, lessen it was a crate\u2026a box\u2026or\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cMaybe\u2026a trunk\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cBut Adam, what would Wellington want with a trunk, he sure didn\u2019t take nuthin\u2019 with him when he left\u2026but Mrs. Wellington did\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cSo, the trunk was pulled out for her\u2026to pack her things in\u2026and we\u2019re right back where we started, except for a rope that\u2019s been cut.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYeah, but why\u2026and by who?\u201d Hoss pondered aloud.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t know, Hoss, maybe Mrs. Wellington had to use some of it to tie the box to the back of her wagon, or to keep the lid shut. There\u2019 nothing in here either, let\u2019s go\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhere to?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cBack to the creek where Joe and I were fishing\u2026maybe I missed something.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

His head was pounding and the swaying motion he was experiencing did nothing to calm the queasy feeling growing in the pit of his stomach. Joe tried to move, but found that his arms had been pulled behind him and his wrists tightly knotted together with a rope that already cut into his flesh. His ankles had been bound as well, making any movement practically impossible in the tight confines of his prison box, which he would learn later was nothing more than a trunk, used for packing clothing and such articles. The gag that had been stuffed into his mouth and tied about his head had left his mouth feeling dry and he longed for it to be removed and wished more for a long drink of cool water to quench his thirst.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The trunk was tight, the air thin and the growing heat within made it difficult to breath, especially through his nose. He could hardly fill his lungs and what air he could inhale was dry and hot, sickening him further. Joe closed his eyes tightly, trying not to let his fear turn to panic. It was impossible to swallow, making him feel as if he were choking.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The wagon on which he was being carried, hit a deep rut, jarring his weary body against the walls of the stuffy old trunk. Joe groaned, a deep grinding whine that sounded like a suffering animal that had been caught in a trap.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018A trap,\u2019 thought Joe\u2026\u2019I\u2019m trapped\u2026I can\u2019t move\u2026I can\u2019t breathe\u2026and I\u2019m about to be sick\u2026NO\u2026NO\u2026I can\u2019t be, I\u2019ll strangle if I vomit\u2026Oh please, God\u2026help me!\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Suddenly, Joe felt his body shudder violently. His eyes closed, squeezing out his fright before it threatened to overcome him. He was being lured into a darkened world, void of the distorted images that had taunted and teased his sub-conscious mind, leaving him trembling in fear. The driving force of survival had taken him beyond his prison box and into a temporary safe haven where he could escape his present dilemma. It would be hours before the swaying wagon arrived at its final destination, hours before Joe would feel the cool night air brush against his flesh\u2026but he\u2019d remember none of it\u2026for Thomas Wellington was on a mission\u2026a mission to deliver the soul of his son\u2019s murderer into a place known to others as HELL. A place where the murderer would be made to pay the price for his sin\u2026the day had come, just as he had predicted!<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

He had failed at killing the boy\u2019s father, but as he glanced over his shoulder at the box from which the piteous sounds had come, Thomas Wellington smiled\u2026he had gotten the boy, and with the boy missing, the father would suffer an anguish that was slow to kill, for grief was like that\u2026a deliberate, unrelenting, agonizing way to take a man\u2019s life. It would rip the heart right out of Ben Cartwright\u2019s chest! Wellington laughed aloud. There was no one to hear his sinister outburst but the creatures that scampered about in the thick wooded confines of the deep forest. Thomas tried to envision his former friend\u2019s face when he realized that Ben would never find his son\u2026that his boy would be lost to him forever, just as his own son, Tommy, was lost. He reasoned that if he could not have his son, then Ben Cartwright, the man that he held responsible for his son\u2019s death, should never again lay eyes on his own boy, of that Thomas Wellington vowed.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cCome hell or high water, Cartwright, I promised you, the day would come\u2026and it has\u2026say goodbye to your boy!\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWe can\u2019t give up, Adam\u2026Pa said\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI know what Pa said!\u201d Adam barked in a tired voice. He eyed his brother seeing the weariness mingled with disappointment that bore evidence to the fear that the gentle giant tried so hard to hide from him.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cLook Hoss\u2026we\u2019re not giving up\u2026but we have to get some rest. Look at us, we look like a couple of ruffians, I\u2019m worn out clear to the bone and I\u2019m hungry. I need a bath, a hot meal and good night\u2019s rest\u2026we both do. I\u2019m only suggesting that we go home, check on Pa, find out if perhaps Joe\u2019s made it home on his own and start over from there.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Hoss hung his head; his lips were pressed tightly together as he nodded in agreement.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI suppose ya right, Adam\u2026it\u2019s just that\u2026well, dangit\u2026\u201d Hoss raised his head and looked at Adam, who could see the deep grief in his brother\u2019s eyes. \u201cI\u2019m afeared for the boy\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam leaned across his saddle and rested his hand on Hoss\u2019 arm.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cSo am I, Hoss\u2026so am I. Come on, mount up, lets go home\u2026the sooner we get there and take care of business, the sooner we can begin again.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Without another word, Adam swung himself into the saddle and turned Sport toward home. It would be a long ride, longer because he had not found the boy that his father loved more than life itself. Longer still because he blamed himself for his brother\u2019s disappearance and for whatever the kid must be enduring, Adam carried the weight of that guilt on his shoulders. He knew his father would be disheartened and would refuse to remain behind again when they started out once more. Adam cast tired eyes upward, muttering in a soft, low, strained voice.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018If you\u2019re listening\u2026take care of the kid\u2026please?\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe had been muttering prayers of his own, but by the time the rolling of the wagon had come to a stop, he had practically given up hope of getting out of the cramped box that had kept him confined for\u2026just how long had it been, pondered Joe. It seemed like a lifetime to the frightened boy but knew that in fact it had only been hours\u2026long terrifying hours in which he had not been allowed to relieve himself. He knew that if he weren\u2019t permitted out of the trunk before much longer, he\u2019d soon be riding with damp clothes, for his bladder begged for release. So when the wagon had actually come to an abrupt haul, Joe breathed a deep sigh of relief.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

For several long, agonizing minutes, Joe waited for the trunk lid to flip open. He was beginning to fear that whomever had bonked him on the head and stuffed him into the trunk had brought him to this unknown destination and decided to leave him there to die. Panic began to squeeze its fingers around his heart causing Joe trouble in breathing. With his mouth bound with the gag, Joe began trying to inhale deeply through his nose but it was so hot inside the old trunk that the air had become stale and breathing was difficult.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The frightened boy squirmed about until he was able to lie on his back. The position put his body in a strain, what with his hands bound behind him, but Joe willed it away as he tried kicking with his feet on the top of the trunk in hopes that he could force the lid opened. Several times he tried and failed. The wood was solid and the latch had no doubt been locked.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe\u2019s body ached from the effort. Eyes once dancing with the sheer joy of being alive now clouded with tears. Thoughts of home and those whom he loved flashed before his mind\u2019s eyes as the tiny liquid droplets rolled from the corners of his eyes. The fight had gone from the boy but as he closed his eyes, succumbing to his fate, he was suddenly jarred to his senses. The lid opened slowly, allowing the day\u2019s last warm rays of the sun to blind him, disallowing him to see the face that hovered over him. Joe squinted his eyes trying to make out the image, fear gripped his heart.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

He felt hands grabbling for his arms and suddenly he was hauled from the trunk with such force that everything about him whirled before his eyes. Hands that boasted of powerful strength dragged him from the back of the wagon to the ground where he was pulled upright into a standing position. Joe was forced to close his eyes, pulling as much fresh air into his lungs as possible while trying desperately not to faint. All the while he tried to take in as much of his surroundings as possible. He struggled to get his bearings, unaware that someone had said something to him. With a sharp blow to the side of his face, Joe was drawn back from his private struggle to face the current one. His face stung where the man had slapped him.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe felt his body begin to sway and again the strong fingers pinched his upper arms in an effort to keep him upright. His hazel eyes blurred as he fought to clear the fog from before them. What was it the man was saying, something about hell and high water\u2026the day had arrived? Joe had no understanding of the meanings to the words; his thoughts were too jumbled to permit him to think clearly. His world spun out of control and the last thing he remembered was the man screaming in his face that\u2026Ben Cartwright had seen the last of his son\u2026and then in a relief that Joe had not thought possible, his world sank into a blackened abyss, a deep dark hole where he had no worries or woes and his body didn\u2019t ache and his mind conjured up loving thoughts of his father and brothers\u2026where Joe slept in a place of peaceful retrospect.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2019ll leave first thing in the morning,\u201d Ben informed his sons. \u201cI shouldn\u2019t have let you go alone in the first place, he\u2019s my son\u2026and all of this is my fault.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYour fault?\u201d Adam said with a puzzled expression.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYes, my fault,\u201d Ben repeated.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cBut I\u2019m the one who left him unprotected, Pa, not you, not Hoss, but me.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s non-sense son and you know it. It was impossible for one or all of us to keep our eyes on the boy every minute of every day. Besides, I\u2019m the one to blame for Thomas Wellington\u2019s son getting killed, not you and certainly not Little Joe,\u201d Ben stated as he took another jab at the dying embers in the massive stone fireplace.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cTommy\u2019s death was an accident\u2026it wasn\u2019t your fault\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cBut it was, I should never have allowed Joseph to talk me into teaching the boy to ride, especially after his father had warned him not to go near the horses,\u201d Ben said with a regretful tone.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cPa, I thought ya said that you didn\u2019t know Wellington had warned his boy to stay away from the horses, until after he took that tumble off that old pony\u2026\u201d Hoss argued.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben turned around to look at Hoss who sat on the settee munching on an apple.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI didn\u2019t\u2026unfortunately, neither Joe nor Tommy bothered to inform me of the fact. It was only after the boy\u2019s neck was broken and I realized that he was dead, did your brother blurt out the truth to me,\u201d Ben explained. \u201cJoe was wrong for not telling me\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThen you think he\u2019s responsible for his friend\u2019s death?\u201d Hoss asked. He was shocked at his father\u2019s assumption.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cOf course not!\u201d Ben all but shouted. \u201cI admit, he was wrong for not telling me, but Tommy has to bear some of the responsibility for his own actions. He knew ahead of time that his father did not want him on a horse, but he ignored his father\u2019s order and took matters into his own hands\u2026and look what happened. I\u2019m not ignoring the fact that Joe and myself included, share part of the blame, but only part\u2026Tommy disobeyed his father and the end result was his own death.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam stood and stretched, first from one side and then to the other.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI agree completely, Pa\u2026but obviously Wellington didn\u2019t see it that way, he blamed you and Little Joe\u2026and now, Little Joe is missing and you were practically killed\u2026and for that, I hold Thomas Wellington responsible\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAdam,\u201d Ben cut in, \u201cthere was nothing to prove that Wellington had anything to do with me being shot\u2026and apparently you and Hoss found nothing to indicate that Thomas is responsible for your brother\u2019s disappearance.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cMaybe not, but he is responsible\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYou can\u2019t be sure of that, you have no proof, and you certainly cannot go around making false accusations, young man!\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam\u2019s lips tightened into a fine straight line; his eyes grew slowly darker than normal as he stepped closer to his father.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHaven\u2019t you ever had a gut feeling\u2026I mean, haven\u2019t you ever known<\/em> something but been unable to prove it? Well, that\u2019s the way I feel\u2026I know<\/em> Wellington is responsible, I know<\/em> he shot you, and I know<\/em> he has taken Joe. What I don\u2019t know<\/em> is where he\u2019s holding my brother or what he is doing to the boy, and those two bits of missing information are worrying me\u2026scaring me in fact!\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam wasn\u2019t the only one scared. Joe was terrified. He had finally awakened, only to find himself in a dark place, an iron cuff locked about his right ankle and the other end attached to a metal ring welded deeply into a thick board that was akin to a railroad tie. Pulling on the chain had proven nothing other than to tire the boy. Joe had stood to his feet and tried to figure out just where he was and what it was he was being held captive in. All he could make out was that the walls consisted of the thick boards, one on top of the other. The space was small, allowing just enough room for him to pace from the wall where the chain was secured to the end of the chain, which was only about six feet long. The ceiling was low, the room totally dark but Joe could hear faint movement on the opposite side of the walls and picked up the faint smell of manure. He reasoned that he was in a small barn and his thick walled prison was just another stall where horses where held and bedded down. The barn was old Joe decided, probably built years ago by woodsmen who had cut and sawn the gigantic logs that made up the structure. It was for sure that it would be impossible for him to escape the thick logs, and after trying for over an hour to dig under the logs, Joe had come to the conclusion that he\u2019d only be wasting his time; if he had been able to dig a hole deep enough, he still had the chain to contend with. It was useless, he was no better off than the animals that were kept there; he was trapped; his only hope now was that his family would somehow find him and set him free.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe was sitting with his back against the wall, his knees drawn upward and his head rested on top of them. On the other side of the wall, he could hear soft talking and knew that someone had entered the barn. Quickly, he jumped to his feet and inched to the opposite side where a thick door had been closed and securely locked from the other side.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHello?\u201d Joe called. \u201cWho\u2019s there? Please\u2026help me\u2026please!\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The whispering had stopped but Joe could hear the sound of footsteps coming closer. Eagerly, he pressed his ear against the thick wood, knowing instantly when the person stopped at the bulky door. He waited, expecting that the person would unlock the latch and open the door\u2026but several moments passed before Joe heard the footsteps move on, away from the door.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNO!\u201d he shouted at the top of his lungs, \u201cCOME BACK\u2026PLEASE\u2026LET ME OUT, LET ME OUT!\u201d he cried hysterically, pounding on the solid wooden walls with his balled up fists.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cRoy has men combing the south side, we\u2019ll head over to the Wellington place and look around, maybe you boys over looked something,\u201d Ben suggested. \u201cThere\u2019s nothing here,\u201d he said as he mounted up.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The three had ridden back to the spot where Adam and Joe had been fishing and started a fresh search for their missing loved one. After scouring the area, they had called it quits; there was nothing to point them in any direction that might help them find Joe.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cCome on, let\u2019s ride,\u201d Ben called, spurring his mount into action.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

It was two hours later that Ben finally called a halt to their search. The house, the barns and the buildings had been combed from top to bottom and nothing other than the fact that a good-sized box, crate or trunk had been removed. Who had moved the item or why was not determined and there seemed that with Wellington gone, they would have no answers to their questions.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhat now, Pa?\u201d Hoss asked.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m not sure\u2026it seems we\u2019ve reached a dead end. Whomever took Joe that day, was very clever to have taken a half grown boy, carry him away, probably unconscious and leave no trail, no clues, no anything. I\u2019ll admit, I\u2019m baffled,\u201d Ben said with such deep disappointment that it was obvious how discouraged he\u2019d become.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

He sat down on the nearest step and looked up at both Adam and Hoss.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m opened to suggestions,\u201d he stated flatly.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Hoss pushed back his big hat and swiped his brow, lost in thought.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThere\u2019s something that\u2019s been bothering me\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhat\u2019s that, Adam?\u201d his father inquired.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWellington\u2026just exactly how soon after his Mrs. left, did he leave? And how\u2026by stage\u2026no, I checked\u2026wagon then or buggy, horseback perhaps? What did he take, I mean in supplies, because I checked with the general store and Cass said that Wellington hadn\u2019t bought anything from him since before the boy died.\u00a0\u00a0 And the most intriguing question of all\u2026where did he go\u2026back east to join his wife and her family? I doubt it; Roy said that Mrs. Wellington told him it was over between them, that with all the problems they\u2019d had in the past, their son\u2019s death was the final straw. So, did he just walk away from all of this? Why, he had nothing left but this farm\u2026and his hate for you and Little Joe. I suspect that he allowed that hate to consume him, he promised revenge, Pa\u2026now look at the chain of events\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben eyed his son for several moments and then glanced up at Hoss who was also studying his brother\u2019s face. Hoss glanced down at his father.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHe\u2019s got a point, Pa, several of them. And I might add, I find it odd that both Little Joe and<\/em> Thomas Wellington both seemed to have dropped off the face of the earth!\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The solid wood door squeaked when it was at last pulled opened, letting in only a sliver of light. Joe, who had been lying on the musty smelling hay when the door opened, raised his head, trying to see who had presented himself. The figure of the man blocked the light from shining in, preventing Joe from seeing the man\u2019s face, the girth of the man filled the entire door, giving Joe an inferior feeling in the pit of his stomach.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cGet up,\u201d the man with no face ordered.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Quickly Joe did as instructed and pulled himself up from his makeshift bed to stand before the dark silhouette of the man with the commanding voice.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWho are you?\u201d Joe dared to ask and then suddenly wished he hadn\u2019t.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The man\u2019s hand came out of nowhere, leaving it\u2019s mark across the dirtied face of the boy captive. Joe\u2019s head was forced to one side as he staggered backwards against the wall in total shock.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYou speak only when spoken too, no other time, do you understand?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe strained against the darkness trying to make out the man\u2019s features. He said nothing, but stood lamely against the wall, his hand touching the burning sensation that emitted from his cheek.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Without warning, Joe felt the man\u2019s hands on his upper arms and felt himself mercilessly picked up and slammed against the hard wooden wall. A cry of pain escaped passed his lips as his body slid slowly to the ground.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI asked you a question, boy, I expect an answer!\u201d growled the stranger.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2026understand\u2026\u201d Joe muttered.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

A sharp jab of the man\u2019s boot to his mid-section doubled the lad in two, moaning pitifully.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI understand\u2026what?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cSir?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s better\u2026now get on your feet.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Using the wall to support himself, Joe once again forced himself to stand. The man moved slightly to his captive\u2019s side to the ring in the wall and checked it, by pulling on it to see if it were loose. When he was satisfied that the ring was still securely in place, he pulled a tiny key from his pocket and unlocked Joe\u2019s chain from the ring.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Turning, the man looked Joe in the face, made a disgusting grunt and taking the end of the chain in one hand, moved toward the opening in Joe\u2019s stall.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cFollow me,\u201d the man directed.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe had no other choice but to do as instructed. Fearing a repeat of his abuse, he complied willingly and followed his captor out of the stall and into the barn. Quickly, Joe glanced around him, taking in as much of his surroundings as possible before being led outside, into the light.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe was forced to cover his face, shielding the bright sunlight from his eyes. It was almost impossible for him to see once in the total sun for his eyes had grown accustomed to the dark.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

A sharp yank on the chain around his ankle that nearly pulled Joe\u2019s feet out from under him served to distract his attention away from his temporary blindness to the man in front of him.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The man circled the boy, eyeing Joe from head to foot with a disdainful glare that caused the frightened boy to shiver unexpectedly. Once more the old man made his round, stopping in front of Joe.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThere sure ain\u2019t much to ya!\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThere\u2019s enough\u2026\u201d Joe started to retort but stopped when the back of the man\u2019s hand stung his left cheek.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI already told ya\u2026speak only when told to speak. Ya ain\u2019t much on followin\u2019 orders are ya? But I\u2019ll fix that\u2026by the time I\u2019m finished with you\u2026you\u2019ll never open ya mouth again!\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The man tossed back his head making a hideous sound that must have been laughter, Joe was not sure, but the sound sent sheer terror surging through his veins.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI want all this wood chopped and stacked before supper\u2026if\u2019n ya ain\u2019t got it done by then, there\u2019ll be no supper for you and you\u2019ll keep right on choppin\u2019 and stackin\u2019 until it\u2019s done\u2026you got that?\u201d the man growled.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe was leaning slightly to the side brushing his lip where the man had slapped him. He could feel the tingling in his lip and taste the blood that had appeared when his lip had been split. Shaken, he replied softly.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

\u201cGood, now get to work,\u201d the man ordered, handing Joe the ax.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe\u2019s fingers wrapped around the handle of the ax but the man\u2019s fingers refused to relinquish the tool just yet. The frightened boy looked up hesitantly.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t go gettin\u2019 any funny ideas\u2026I\u2019ll be watchin\u2019 ya\u2026and this here chain\u2026\u201d the stranger gave a hard yank on the length of chain that held Joe\u2019s ankle in the iron cuff, \u201cain\u2019t gonna let ya get too far. I\u2019m gonna fix it so\u2019s ya can only move from here to there, where I want that wood stacked. Now get busy!\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The man released his tight hold on the ax handle, glaring hard at the boy and then turned to secure the chain around the post of the porch with a heavy padlock. The chain supplied Joe with only the required space needed for chopping and stacking the wood.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe picked up the first of many pieces of sawed logs and placed it on the chopping log for splitting. He glanced at the enormous pile of wood and sighed deeply knowing that there was no way on earth, had he even been fit enough to do so, to have all that wood split and stacked before supper. Without a doubt Joe determined sadly, there would be no supper for him this night.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The man was true to his word, he sat on the porch in a rickety old rocking chair with his shotgun propped against the wall within easy reach as he kept a watchful eye on his captive and the work he had been ordered to do. Occasionally, Joe could hear the man clear his throat. From the corner of his eye, he watched the man, seeing for the first time the man\u2019s features. He was an older man, probably sixty or better. His weathered face bore a wiry beard that was in need of trimming. His long hair was straggly and covered by a dirty hat that halfway covered the man\u2019s face. The man, taller than either of his brothers and almost as big as Hoss though lacking in muscle tone, was still an intimating figure to be weary of; Joe had already been subjected to some of the man\u2019s lesser qualities and had no desire to fan the flame and earn himself more of the same, or worse.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

It was noon and the sight of the old man munching on his lunch left the exhausted boy with a gnawing, hollow feeling in his gut. He couldn\u2019t actually remember the last time he\u2019d eaten and he was beginning to think that he could eat about anything right about now, cooked or raw, if it were offered to him.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe glanced over at the woodpile and thought that it didn\u2019t look any nearer to being finished than when he had first started chopping. His arms and shoulders ached and when he stopped long enough to put the ax down and look at his hands, he made a grimace after seeing the blisters that had already broken and started to bleed.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cGet back to work!\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe turned around to find the man standing on the end of the porch eyeing him with an angry glare. Before Joe could react, the man threw something at him, hitting him in the back of the head. The object didn\u2019t hurt, but it spurred Joe into action; he quickly grabbed another log from the pile and placed it on the chopping block. As he picked up the handle, Joe was hit again. The second object repeated the course that the first object had taken, hitting him in the back of the head and then falling to land on the ground next to the first item.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe swung the ax, breaking the log into two pieces that fell at his feet. Setting the ax to one side, he bent down to pick up the two pieces of wood and was surprised to see that the two objects the man had thrown at him were remains of the man\u2019s lunch. Stalling, Joe picked up the half eaten chicken leg and the remains of the apple and stuffed them into his pockets. He then picked up the wood and carried it to the side of the house where he had been stacking the pieces. Without looking up at the man, who by now had returned to his rocking chair, Joe smiled. He wasn\u2019t accustom to picking up scraps or eating another\u2019s discards, but his stomach had continued to rumble for the passed several hours reminding him that it was a long time empty. He pushed his pride to the side, anxiously waiting the time when he could actually be alone and eat his meager little meal.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The hours passed slowly; Joe grew wearier with each passing moment. The ax had begun to grow heavy. It was nearly impossible for the disheartened lad to raise the heavy object high enough over his head to successfully split the short logs. Joe staggered with the weight as he swung the ax over his shoulder. When it came down, the log was completely missed. Instead, the sharp blade of the ax clipped the chain that remained locked to Joe\u2019s ankle. Joe teetered back and forth for a moment and then fell to a heap on the ground.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Instantly, afraid of more punishment, Joe tried to pull himself upright. In his effort, he noticed the weakened link in his chain. He glanced up at the man, who had fallen to sleep in his chair on the porch. It was obvious by his loud snoring and Joe grasped his chance. Without making any sudden movements, Joe pulled on the chain, trying to force apart the weakened link, but the chain refused to give. Glancing again at the man to be sure he was still sleeping, Joe used the edge of the ax head to work at the nearly broken chain. It took countless minutes to work the link completely through so that he was able to pull it apart at last. But eventually the chain gave in to the effort. Joe was free at last and he wasted no time in making his escape.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The iron cuff on his ankle had by now, rubbed the skin raw and even as he ran, Joe could feel the warm blood trickling down into his boot. He refused to cry out or give in to his pain or his weariness as he pushed himself hard to keep running. His only goal was to get away and somehow work his way back home. Joe\u2019s thoughts were on his escape and had no warning when he ran smack into the very man that he was fleeing from.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Instantly the man grabbed Joe, who struggled to escape the strong hands and fingers.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cLet go of me!\u201d he shouted, swinging both his arms about in a fruitless battle against his captor\u2019s strength.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The scuffle last only seconds before Joe felt his body hoisted up into the air and then slammed down onto the hard pack earth. A cry of agony flowed from deep within his chest as the air was jolted from his lungs. Joe lay in a battered heap at the man\u2019s feet; his body coiled into a tight ball as he lay gasping to refill his lungs with much needed air.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Even as he struggled to breath, Joe felt the man grab at him, hoist his body again into the air. But rather than being thrown to the ground, Joe was tossed carelessly over the man\u2019s broad shoulder as lightly as if he\u2019d been a sack of potatoes. The groans that slipped from the boy\u2019s mouth mattered little to the man who carried him. His aim was to keep the boy and keep him working until his son, Thomas Wellington, could return and claim his son\u2019s killer.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Thomas had taken a trip back to the east coast. He had long since given up hope that he and his wife could put their marriage back together, too many bad things had happened in a very short time that had worked to decay the bonds between them. Thomas had only one thing on his mind\u2026and that was to make the man he hated most in life, namely Ben Cartwright, suffer for his part in young Tommy\u2019s death. At first, Thomas had wanted Ben Cartwright dead, but then decided that killing the man was too fast, too easy, so he changed his mind and his plans. He\u2019d snatch the boy\u2026the one they called Little Joe\u2026and take him away\u2026far away. Thomas knew of places back east that liked young boys. Men who would pay good money to keep a boy\u2026for personal use and when they had grown tired of the lad, they\u2019d hire the boy out. That\u2019s what he wanted for Cartwright\u2019s brat.<\/p>\n

Thomas\u2019 plan had worked thus far. Snatching the boy had proved to be a challenge, but sure as the sun comes up every morning, he had managed to pull it off, and without a hitch too. The boy had put up little resistance, even Thomas with his cold heart of steel could easily see that the days past had taken it\u2019s toll on the boy, thus making him that much easier to handle. The kid had not even remembered being bonked on the head or stuffed in the trunk. And Thomas knew that the boy had not really seen him, and that gave him an edge. If he were to be questioned, or fall under suspicion, the kid could not positively say that it were he who had kidnapped him. Thomas had laughed, for as protective as he knew Ben Cartwright to be in regards to his youngest boy, Cartwright had all but delivered his own son into his hands.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Once he had been able to whisk the boy away, undetected, he had made his way to his father\u2019s mountain home, high in the deep forest just below the freeze line, miles and miles away from the Ponderosa. No one, other than his own family, knew that the mountain man, known to his family as Whispering Bill, was actually Thomas Wellington\u2019s father. Or that years before Whispering Bill had been a successful businessman back in Philadelphia until a chain of events had taken from him, the things in life he valued most\u2026his wife and his work. He had killed a man, two in fact and had, on his way to the penitentiary, escaped and over time made his way to the solitude of the tall mountain peeks. There he had learned how to survive in the wilderness, made friends with the local natives and built, with his own hands, a small cabin and outbuildings. The years had passed and back in Philadelphia, Whispering Bill had long been forgotten.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

When Thomas had arrived with his cargo and explained to his father why he held the boy captive as he did, Whispering Bill let out a loud roar, swearing to kill the kid himself with his bare hands. His grandson, Tommy, was the one person who had managed to soften the hardened man\u2019s heart. Bill had adored his grandson, and believing that the boy had been killed by another boy\u2019s thoughtless act, enraged the big man to no end. But Thomas had explained to his father his plan for Little Joe and Ben Cartwright. It took a lot of talk to convince the older man that his plan would succeed in killing Cartwright in the worst way, not to mention the suffering that would be inflected on the brat\u2026and not one person could point a finger at either of them and deem them guilty. Whispering Bill did something that he rarely did then, and that was to smile. He liked the idea, so he agreed. He promised Thomas not to kill the boy\u2026but he would make him suffer\u2026might as well get used to it, he had laughed as he gazed down for the first time into the young boy\u2019s face. Had he not hated so deeply, had his heart not been so cold or his grandson dead, he might have been moved by the frightened and haunted expression he had seen on the face of the kid, Little Joe. But his mind was set and his heart had long ago, lost all feeling for man and beast, lessen it be his own flesh and blood.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Whispering Bill tossed the squirming boy down on his stale hay bed. Joe landed with a thump, moaning softly. He immediately crawled to the far corner of his stall, hoping to avoid another beating. His body ached from the long hours of chopping wood, his hands were raw patches of bloodied blisters that burned with a ferocity that was unquenchable but Joe paid little heed to his bodily pain. Instead he watched the man he had come to fear. Bill lit a lantern and hung it on a peg outside the stall door. Briefly he disappeared and Joe wondered at the man\u2019s absence and thought perhaps he might dare another escape. But too soon his captor returned. In the man\u2019s mighty hands, he held a pair of iron shackles, this time with a cuff for both ankles. Joe\u2019s eyes widened in fear and shock as he realized what the demonic man had plans to do.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cTake off them boots,\u201d he ordered.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWHAT! HOW DARE YOU DEFY ME!\u201d Bill shouted.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

He took a step closer to the cowering boy in the corner. Joe pressed his body as far into the thick logged pen as he could, but it did nothing to stop the man. Whispering Bill reached down with both hands grabbing Joe by the front of his shirt and hauled the boy clear up into the air. He spun halfway around and slammed Joe into the opposite wall and then released him. The boy screamed in pain as he felt his ribs crack. Slowly he sank to the ground, barely able to stay focused on the man towering above him.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Bill leaned down a second time, hands outstretched. Joe, though dazed, sprung into action, whimpering with the throbbing pain in his side as he scrambled for the door of the stall. He was barely halfway through the opening when his feet suddenly flew out from under him, crashing him to the floor. Joe glanced over his shoulder trying to keep the man from pulling him back inside the confines of the massive log structure. His efforts were in vain; he was much to weak to make an impressive battle against such a powerful source.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Once Bill had Joe completely within his control he doubled up his fist and drove it one solid time into the boy\u2019s face. Blood spurted freely from Joe\u2019s nose, but his world had turned black and he had returned to the blessed nothingness of his dark abyss.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019ll teach you!\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Whispering Bill quickly removed the one cuff and reattached the double cuffs with the short chain between them. That secured to his satisfaction, he attached the broken chain to the ring in the wall and stopped to stare down at the unconscious boy, satisfied that the length of the chain had been shortened to four feet instead of six.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Bill stepped over his prisoner but stopped short, seeing something protruding from the boy\u2019s pocket. Leaning down, he pulled out the chicken leg. Angered practically beyond control, he rummaged through the other pocket and pulled the now darkened apple from Joe\u2019s jacket.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhy you little thief\u2026I\u2019ll beat you for this\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Later, when Joe came to, Whispering Bill kept true to his promise. His boots had been removed and taken away, the only things to protect his feet were his socks, and those had tiny holes in them. Joe vaguely remembered Hop Sing saying something about putting the socks in the sewing basket, when had complained, so that he could darn them. Joe had just laughed, to lazy at the time to do so and had instead slipped them on his feet. Without boots the socks would not last long, neither would the souls of his feet, contented Joe with a heavy sigh.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe received the beating he had been promised. He had been hauled up to his feet, hands chained to the ring in the wall, and his shirt ripped from his back which was made to bare the brunt of Bill\u2019s thick leather belt. It was a whipping that no other had ever bestowed upon him, for his father had never used a strap on him as fiercely as this man had done, and never on his back. Joe\u2019s back had bled from the welts caused by the belt, and the pain he endured only served to deepen his ever-growing hatred for the man who treated him less than the animals sharing the barn.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe had refused to cry out, refused to give in to this man\u2019s cruelty, but as soon as he had been allowed to lie on his bed of week old straw and he knew the monster had left him alone, Joe had covered his face and allowed his tears to run freely down his face. The tiny white tracks through the accumulated dirt gave testimony to his longing and his desperation.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cPlease\u2026hurry, Pa\u2026I can\u2019t hang on\u2026much longer,\u201d he murmur, over and over until the stinging wounds on his back beckoned him back to his sanctuary of nonexistence.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cPa, can\u2019t we stop for a spell?\u201d Hoss called out from behind his father where he had been trailing along after Ben.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben pulled Buck to a standstill and twisted around in the saddle. Even from where he sat, Hoss could see the fatigue that had reshaped his father\u2019s face into that of an old man. Ben\u2019s posture was slumped slightly and his features were void of expression.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYou need to rest, Pa,\u201d Adam said as he inched his horse closer to his father. \u201cWe all do. You can\u2019t tell us that you\u2019re not tire\u2026I\u2019m tired, Hoss is tired, even the horses are tired.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2019ve been looking better\u2019n two weeks and we ain\u2019t no nearer to finding Little Joe than the day we left\u2026Pa\u2026it\u2019s time to call off this search\u2026much as I don\u2019t wanna.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Hoss fought back the tears that threatened to fill his eyes. He\u2019d been battling his sorrow for over a week now, fearing the worst, imagining horrid things happening to his little brother and keeping the tears at bay. They were a constant threat to him. Slowly he was losing the power of control over them and even now he had to swipe his big chunky hand over the front of his face to keep them from escaping.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben looked at both his sons. He too, saw the weariness in both young faces. But he wasn\u2019t ready to give up\u2026how could he, he told himself, his son needed him. Deep within his heart, he knew Joe was alive, knew that his young son expected his father to find him and take him home. He had never failed at tending to the needs of his family and he had no intention of doing so now\u2026only positive confirmation that Joe was no longer alive, would call a halt to his search. If it took him the rest of his life, he\u2019d keep looking, he would not go home without his boy, one way or the other.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben shook his head.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHoss, if you want to call a halt to this search, then you should go home. That goes for you too, Adam. But I\u2019m not quitting\u2026not until I know something for sure, one way or the other. Is that understood?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cBut Pa\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNo\u2026I won\u2019t ask you to stay, Lord knows and I know that we\u2019re all worn out. I won\u2019t hold it against you\u2026if you want to quit\u2026but I can\u2019t. Don\u2019t you see\u2026Joe needs me\u2026he\u2019s probably scared to death\u2026he might even be hurt\u2026only God knows what\u2019s happened to my son!\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben\u2019s voice cracked and he lowered his head using his hand to brush aside the tears that had unexpectedly filled his eyes. After taking a deep breath he looked up, all the sadness that was in his heart, reflected in the chocolate hue of his dark eyes.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m sorry,\u201d he muttered.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNo, Pa\u2026we\u2019re sorry,\u201d Adam said. \u201cLook why don\u2019t we just stop for the night and get a good night\u2019s rest? We can push on in the morning.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam cast a glance in Hoss\u2019 direction.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWe don\u2019t want to stop looking for the boy anymore than you do,\u201d Adam explained.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAre you sure, son\u2026both of you, because if you want to go home\u2026I\u2019ll understand\u2026this hasn\u2019t been easy on any of us\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m sure, Pa.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cMe, too\u2026I\u2019m sorry, Pa\u2026for makin\u2019 you think I didn\u2019t want to keep on, it\u2019s just that\u2026well, I\u2019m so dadburn tired and hungry, I could eat that there pack horse\u2026\u201d Hoss grumbled, his depressed mood lifting somewhat.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cOh no you don\u2019t!\u201d snapped Adam. \u201cWe need this mare\u2026and not for eatin\u2019, but for totin\u2019!\u201d he said with a mock frown and a tone that copied his middle brother\u2019s way of speaking.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben laughed lightly, his own dreary mood beginning to dissipate as well.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThen lets make camp for the night. I saw a mighty fine stream a ways back, why don\u2019t you boys try to catch a couple of trout for our supper? I\u2019ll tend the stock and get the fire started\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYummy\u2026trout\u2026I could eat a dozen!\u201d Hoss said as he rubbed his hands together and smacked his lips.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben, smiling, glanced at Adam who only rolled his eyes and then turned, slapping his brother on the back. \u201cAfter you,\u201d he said laughing.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Together, arms locked around the other\u2019s shoulders, the two brothers marched toward the stream that their father had mentioned.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben\u2019s smile soon faded as he watched the pair walk away. His heart ached for the boy who was absent from them and his heart cried out his sorrow. Would he ever see the boy again, would he find his son before it was too late? The worried father pressed his lips tightly, glancing up, all the while whispering a silent plea to his heavenly father to protect his son.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The door opened with a bang that startled the horses in the other stalls. Joe could hear them moving nervously about. He hurried to scramble to a sitting position, fighting the pain that gnawed at his insides. His weakened condition had left him in such shape that by the end of the second week he was barely able to stand without support. As he had feared, the souls of his feet looked atrocious, cut and coated in dirt with dried blood, he was barely able to walk more than a step or two at a time. By the third week, Joe was beyond going. All work had ceased and for days on end the weakened lad had been confined to his prison, his chains firmly assuring the man that he had only once a day to check on his prisoner. And that was only to bring him his one meal of the day.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The only substance he had been granted was a jug of water and bottle of warm milk, every other day, to go with the hard dried bread that was tossed at his feet. The water was tainted and the milk bore the flavor of wild onions, a sure sign that the milk cow had been out to pasture. Joe had taken one taste and almost gagged. He had been forced to chase down the milk with the tainted water. The bread he had grabbed quickly, his dirty hands covering the coveted morsel before Whispering Bill could change his mind. His actions had caused the man to laugh\u2026a soft low, broken rumble that reminded Joe of someone whispering\u2026thus the man\u2019s nickname.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Most times the bread was days old but in the dark, Joe could not make out the mold that sometimes grew on the outer crust and he ate it willingly, without knowing or caring. The pain that grew in his stomach caused excruciating spasms had become more constant and when one attacked, the ailing young man was forced to cry out and grab his mid-section. More than once he vomited up the measly contents before it had time to satisfy his inescapable hunger. His body had become frail and thin, his once fiery spirit had been doused with a good dose of ill-treatment and neglect; even the eyes that before had danced and sparkled with the glow of youth, had taken on a haunted, desolate look. Hair that had sparkled when the sun\u2019s ray touched the chestnut curls, hung low beneath his ears and had become dulled from the lack of light and a good scrubbing. Ben would have been appalled to see his son as such, a faded, wasted skeleton of his former self, an undistinguishable figure of young boyhood, hardly the picture of his son that remained embedded in his heart and mind.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Weak and frightened, Joe inched his way to the door of his cell and pulled himself up into a sitting position. Using what fading strength he could muster, he beat his fist against the hardened door, crying out in a frail, barely audible voice for the man who had not bothered to feed him in two days. Joe knew how long it had been, for he had heard the man come to milk the cow and turn her and the horses out\u2026that had been the morning before. That evening, the man had not returned to bed down the animals nor to feed him. Now, from afar, Joe could hear the cow balling and knew that it was past the time for milking. He could only wonder what was keeping the man\u2026had Whispering Bill just up and gone away, leaving him caged and chained like an animal to die a slow agonizing death of hunger. And the stock\u2026what would become of the stock\u2026where was Pa\u2026didn\u2019t he know how badly he needed him\u2026what was keeping him\u2026and Adam\u2026and Hoss\u2026<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHELP!\u201d the frail crackled voice cried out from the darkness. \u201cPlease\u2026someone\u2026help\u2026me!\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHELLO IN THE HOUSE!\u201d Ben shouted as they rode to the front of the cabin.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWould ya lookit this place?\u201d Hoss said in a low voice as he stretched around to take in the surroundings.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cSure is a mess,\u201d Adam agreed.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cListen to that poor cow, Hoss, check on her while I look in the house, would you, son?\u201d Ben said as he dismounted.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAdam, come with me, please.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cSure, Pa,\u201d Adam agreed, sliding down from his horse.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben knocked on the door, but as he did so, the door slowly opened inward, creaking softly. He turned and cast a wary eye at his son.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHello?\u201d he called.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

When no answer came back to him, he eased cautiously into the cabin, Adam close behind with his hand resting near his pistol.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The pair stopped in the middle of the room, giving their eyes time to adjust to the lighting.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cLook at his,\u201d Adam said, pointing to the dirty plate that still held the remains of a half eaten meal.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cStove\u2019s cold too,\u201d remarked Ben as he moved deeper into the dwelling.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam poked at the ashes in the fire and then suddenly spun around, a strange and puzzled look disfigured his features.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

Ben stopped where he was and spun around. Adam had returned to the table.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

\u201cTake a closer look at the table, what do you see?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben studied the mess and then spoke in a soft voice.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cA plate, a fork and knife\u2026a jug of\u2026\u201d Ben picked it up and sniffed the contents. He poured a tiny bit of the liquid into his hand. \u201cWater,\u201d he said, \u201cand a\u2026bottle of clabbered milk\u2026that\u2019s odd.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam turned away from the table and picked something up from the hearth. Turning he held up an object for his father to see.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAnd look at this.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben hurried around the table to take the object from his son. His expression was one of grave uncertainty.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cIts an ankle shackle\u2026odd.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cLook closely at the chain, it appears to have been cut with something sharp\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben could only shake his head. The churning in his stomach made him feel physically ill. He handed the article back to his son.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll check the out buildings,\u201d Adam informed his father. He tossed the shackle and chain into a chair and headed for the door.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cDear God\u2026ADAM!\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam stopped and rushed back to his father\u2019s side. Ben was standing over a cot, the corner of a blanket in his hand, which he lifted up to expose the body of a dead man.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWho in thunder\u2026\u201d stammered Adam as he joined his father in a closer examination of the corpse.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cObviously the man who lived here\u2026\u201d Ben said half to himself. \u201cLooks to have died in his sleep\u2026probably two, maybe three days ago.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben let the blanket drop, covering the man\u2019s face. He stared hard at Adam, not liking what they were finding. Inhaling deeply, he turned away from the site.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cSee if you can find some shovels, we\u2019ll need to bury this man. I\u2019m going to look around a bit more and see if I can find out who he is.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAlright, Pa\u2026I guess I\u2019d better help Hoss with the stock out in the corral\u2026if this man died three days ago, they\u2019re probably hungry.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019re right\u2026no wonder that cow was bellowing like she was\u2026she\u2019s hurting to be milked.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam hurried out to the corral where Hoss had already found a milk bucket and was milking the cow. The tender hearted man had quickly seen that the stock was in need of his services and had already taken the horses back to their stalls and fed them.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI see you\u2019ve tended to the animals\u2026their owner is dead\u2026looks to have died two or three days ago,\u201d Adam explained.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Hoss lifted his head slightly, but continued with the milking.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNo fooling? Where\u2019d ya find\u2019em?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cInside.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNo wonder ole Bessie here was ayellin\u2019,\u201d Hoss muttered. \u201cShe sure \u2018nough was about to bust!\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cDid you find anything in the barn?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNope, just put the horses in there and fed them. Nothing odd in there that I could see\u2026\u2019cepting there was one stall with a padlock and chain on it.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhat was in it, anything?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNaw\u2026didn\u2019t look, the door was locked. I just figured whoever owned this place must have kept tools and stuff locked up in there\u2026or feed and such.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019re probably right. I\u2019m going to look for a shovel, that man needs burying.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam made his way to the barn, stopping to check on the horses. They greeted him with a wary eye but continued to feast on their grain. Adam looked all about, searching for a shovel to dig the man\u2019s grave. He eyed the shovel in a far back corner of the barn and grabbed for it. Halfway out, he stopped and examined the padlock on the stall, totally unaware of its contents. With his eyes squinted, he tried to peer through the tiny separation in the logs but it was so dusky inside the enclourser, that he could see nothing other than the darkness on the opposite side. With a shrug of his shoulders, he hurried to join his father who, by now, had managed to get the man prepared for burial.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

It took the three over two hours to dig the grave and lay the man to rest. Ben said a few words and Hoss hammered the makeshift cross into the ground, marking Whispering Bill\u2019s final resting place. By the time that they finished, the sun was beginning to lower in the western sky.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWe might as well stay here tonight. I\u2019ve already got a fire going, that cabin was chilly. And there appears to be plenty to eat\u2026though we have to clean up the mess,\u201d Ben informed his sons.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cSounds good to me\u2026I\u2019m hungry\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019re always hungry,\u201d Adam said with a chuckle as they made their way to the cabin.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAw\u2026shucks, Adam, I\u2019m a growin\u2019 boy!\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cSay, Pa,\u201d Adam began as they sat back to relax after a filling supper. \u201cDid you find anything that tells who this fellow might be?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNo, nothing,\u201d Ben remarked in a solemn tone of voice.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cSure is nice up here\u2026gonna be dark soon,\u201d Hoss said from where he stood at the door gazing out at the sun nearing the tips of the far distant mountains.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHoss, close the door, please, it\u2019s chilly.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYes sir,\u201d Hoss replied as he did what his father requested.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

As he turned, Hoss spied a white slip of paper lying on the floor under the old rocking chair that Ben had sat down in.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHey, Pa\u2026what\u2019s that paper,\u201d he asked, pointing.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhat paper, Hoss?\u201d Ben answered.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThere, under ya chair.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben bent over and seeing the paper Hoss was referring to, picked it up. He leaned back, studying what appeared to be the start of a letter.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHmm,\u201d he muttered.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhat is it?\u201d Adam asked as Hoss joined them and sat down on the small hearth in front of the fire.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cSeems to be a letter of sorts. It\u2019s not finished\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhat\u2019s it say?\u201d Hoss wanted to know.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWell, let\u2019s see\u2026.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cDear Son\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s all?\u201d Hoss inquired, scratching his head.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cSeems to be,\u201d Ben answered as he stood up. \u201cProbably writing to his son to tell him he was ill or something,\u201d Ben said, tossing the now crumbled paper into the fire. He signed deeply.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThinking about Joe?\u201d Adam asked softly.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben, his lips tight, nodded. As he moved from the fire to the back of the cabin, Ben saw a small, crudely made table in the dark corner beyond the bed where he had found the stranger. Curious, he wandered over to the table and began looking through the small array of papers. His eyes suddenly spotted a photograph. With hands that visibly shook, he picked up the picture and held it up to the light. Inhaling deeply, the color drained from his face\u2026.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cDear God in heaven!\u201d he muttered, gathering the attention of his two sons. \u201cWould you look at this?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhat\u2019s wrong, Pa? You look as if you\u2019ve seen a ghost!\u201d Adam said as he stood to his feet.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cTake a look.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben passed the photograph to Adam. Hoss peered over his brother\u2019s shoulder. The boys took one look at the picture and then glanced up at their father.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s the man we buried\u2026but I\u2019m not sure about the other man\u2026wait a minute! Thomas Wellington!\u201d Adam said in a voice so filled with rage that it quivered when he spoke.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThe older man\u2026the one we just buried\u2026must be Wellington\u2019s\u2026father!\u201d Hoss stammered. \u201cIf\u2019n he is\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cPa\u2026you aren\u2019t thinking that perhaps\u2026this man we buried might have known something about Joe\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAdam,\u201d Ben said gravely as he moved across the room. He stopped in front of the chair where earlier, Adam had tossed the shackle and short length of chain. \u201cYou don\u2019t suppose\u2026you don\u2019t think\u2026dear God\u2026\u201d Ben uttered in a stressful fashion.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cJoe\u2019s been here\u2026but\u2026where is he now?\u201d Adam said, more so thinking aloud rather than making a statement.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

All three men had worried, thoughtful expressions on their faces. Ben looked up.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI haven\u2019t found anything but this,\u201d he held up the chain, \u201cthat says for sure that the boy\u2019s been here\u2026if this man is Thomas\u2019 father\u2026it\u2019s possible that he aided Wellington on getting Joe as far away from us as he could\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cDid either of you find anything in the barn, or the sheds\u2026besides hungry animals I mean?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNo sir\u2026just the milk cow, two horses and a bunch of squawkin\u2019 hens\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cMe neither\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

A long unnatural silence fell among the perturbed men. Each was lost in their own thoughts, letting their worst fears come to a climax. It was Adam who toyed with the shackle and chain and then in a burst of unrelenting anger, jarred his family from their deep ponderings.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cOH MY GOD!\u201d he practically shouted, startling his father and brother.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben\u2019s eyes grew enormous and he quickly grabbed his son by the arm.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWHAT?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cJoe\u2026Little Joe\u2026I think I know where he is\u2026and if he is\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben saw his son swallow an entire well of grief and rushed to follow Adam from the house. Hoss sprung into action as well and ran behind the others to the barn. Adam slung back the door, banging it hard against the side of the barn. Frantically he searched for something in which to use to break the lock from the door of the stall. He was determined to examine the contents, his fear of what he might find he kept to himself.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhat are you doing, Adam?\u201d Ben demanded, watching his son dart about the interior of the barn.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam stopped before his father. Ben could see the tiny sweat beads that had collect on his son\u2019s brow despite the cool night air. Adam pointed a long slender finger at the lock, unable to keep his fears to himself any longer.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cSomething to break the lock\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cBut why?\u201d Ben insisted.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cBecause I think behind that door you will find your son!\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWHAT!\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAdam wait\u2026try this\u2026I found it in the man\u2019s pocket!\u201d Ben said as he pulled a key from his vest and handed it to his oldest son.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHoss, get a lamp\u2026quick,\u201d instructed Ben as he watched Adam fumbling with putting the key into the lock.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

After another try, the lock opened and taking a deep breath, Adam pulled the heavy wooden door opened. The stench that emitted from the enclosure, forced the trio to cover their noses.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cGib ma the light,\u201d Ben muttered, his nose, covered by his hand, muffled his words.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Hoss passed the lantern to his father who stepped into the stall and held the lamp high over his head. His hand fell away from his face as the realization of what he saw ripped the heart from his chest. There, lying in a pile of stinking hay, covered in dirt and grime and stench was his youngest son. In the glow of the lantern light, Ben could make out the deteriorated shell of the boy whom he had searched weeks to find. Ben\u2019s heart thumped hard, causing a stabbing pain in his chest that caused him to teeter and reach out to grasp a handhold.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Hoss was quick to his father\u2019s side, grabbing the lantern in one hand and his father with the other.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cTake it easy, Pa,\u201d cautioned Hoss.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam had pushed aside his repulsion at the smell and knelt down beside the unconscious boy. With hands as gentle as any ever possible, he turned his brother over onto his back, gasping at the sight.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cJoe?\u201d he called. \u201cJoe\u2026buddy, its me\u2026Adam\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben seemed to snap from his reprieve, kneeling down next to Adam.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cIs he\u2026?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHe\u2019s alive,\u201d said Adam, turning and giving his father a reassuring smile. \u201cBarely\u2026but he\u2019s alive.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Hoss still claimed the lamp, but set it down by Joe\u2019s feet.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll find something to get this chain off\u2019em,\u201d he said in a thick voice.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

He stepped out of the stall and surprisingly was back in only seconds.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThis should do it,\u201d he said as he took the chisel and the hammer and began pounding away at the chain that held his baby brother prisoner.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

It took several tries before the big man was able to break the chain, but at last it gave in and Joe was free. The shackles were still in place, but Ben\u2019s present concern was getting his son out of the stink hole where he had been for\u2026God only knew how long.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cLet\u2019s get him to the cabin, it\u2019s warmer there and we can get these shackles off him\u2026and get him cleaned up.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben hoisted Joe into his arms without hesitation. The smell had been forgotten the instance he had spotted his son and was of little concern to him that the dirt and grime now smeared across the front of his own shirt.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

With his treasure now safe in his own arms, Ben hurried across the yard toward the warm cabin.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHe weighs nothing\u2026nothing at all\u2026\u201d he muttered as he dashed across the yard.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Once inside, Ben lovingly placed the boy on the cot where the man had once slept. He cradled his son\u2019s head in his arms, refusing to relinquish his hold. His disgust at what he saw in the full light was evident on his rugged face. The once happy-go-lucky boy, so full of the zest for life, had been in a matter of weeks, transformed into a straggly, filthy, ragamuffin who bore no semblance of his former self.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Overcome with deep empathy for his son, Ben pressed Joe\u2019s head against his heart, bowing his head. He fought to maintain his sorrow, but his emotions had been confined for too long. The sobs that racked his body and filled the room bore evidence to his grief and the long hours that he had prayed that he would find his son alive. The release was needed, it purged his soul, renewed his faith, granted him the power to go on to finish what he had started.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Behind him, Adam and Hoss stood silently, each battling emotions of their own. They waited patiently, almost reverently for their father to regain control of his despondency, for each knew that their father\u2019s inner strength would be greatly needed in the days and weeks ahead, if his son were to make a full recovery.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam knelt down behind his father, placing a hand on the trembling shoulders. His own voice was thick with passion for never before had he seen his father so broken, so stricken with emotion.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cPa\u2026please\u2026we need to tend to him,\u201d he whispered lowly. \u201cPlease.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

It was several moments before Adam saw his father raise his head and look up at him. Tears rolled slowly down his whiskered face; his compassion and love for the boy he held in his arms shown in his expressive, tear filled eyes. Somehow, from deep within himself, Ben managed a wee smile and nodded his head.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYes, we do,\u201d he said. \u201cLets get these rags off first. Hoss, heat some water to bathe him\u2026\u201d Ben\u2019s voice had become strong again; he was in charge once more. Glancing up at Adam, whose hand still rested on his father\u2019s shoulder, Ben muttered in a low voice, \u201cthank you, son\u2026thank you.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

It took all three to get the boy cleaned up. Ben and Adam first striped the remnants of clothing from the battered body and then Ben began the dubious task of bathing his son. He had dug around among the stranger\u2019s meager toiletries managing to find what was left of a bar of homemade lye soap. Using as much care as possible, he started by first washing Joe\u2019s hair and then bathing his mal-nourished body. As he bathed and rinsed, Adam followed along with a towel from their supplies and dabbed as tenderly as he could at the bruised and battered flesh.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Anger shone in Ben\u2019s dark eyes as he moved inch-by-inch over the dirtied and crusted filth that had accumulated from weeks of being deprived of bathing. Occasionally Ben would grunt in disgust, having Adam and Hoss, who stayed near the stove to keep clean water warmed, look his direction.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI cannot believe this shell of a boy is my own son,\u201d Ben muttered, gazing with compassion into the thin wane face. \u201cIf that man were still alive\u2026I\u2019d kill him a hundred times over for doing this to my son!\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHoss\u2026bring us more warm water,\u201d Ben ordered. \u201cHe\u2019s getting cold and starting to shiver. Adam, apply that ointment on thick\u2026especially on his hands and the bottoms of his feet.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Hoss poured more of the hot water into the pan that his father was holding out to him. The steam rose up from the water sending a mist of vapor into the air.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cPlease, Hoss, look though our belongings and see if you can find something to make bandages out of. His hands and feet should be wrapped,\u201d Ben instructed as he continued to bathe the unconscious boy.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThe broth\u2019s about ready, Pa\u2026reckon we can get him awake \u2018nough so\u2019s he can eat?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2019re going to try, Hoss\u2026he certainly needs some liquids in his system, his skin is much to dry,\u201d Ben said.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHere\u2019s the blankets, Pa,\u201d Adam said, returning with blankets from their bedrolls.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThank you, son\u2026help me wrap him up and we\u2019ll hold him while Hoss pulls these filthy linens, such as they are, from the cot\u2026Hoss hurry, please.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cGot\u2019em, Pa, go ahead and lay him down.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam and Ben eased Joe down on the narrow mattress and made sure that the boy was wrapped warmly in the blankets. Ben scooted as close to the cot and his son as possible. With gentle hands that still trembled, he brushed back a lock of the damp, chestnut curls.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cJoseph?\u201d he whispered, leaning closer. \u201cJoe\u2026it\u2019s your Pa, boy\u2026can you open your eyes for me?\u201d Ben\u2019s tone was near pleading as he lovingly stroked Joe\u2019s thin, pale cheek.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cEverything\u2019s going to be fine now, son\u2026your brothers are here too\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Softly, Joe moaned and tried to turn his head in the direction that his subliminal intellect could hear the sound of the familiar voice and yearned to return to the present, but his awareness was locked away in his darkened abyss, safe from the suffering and pain he had been enduring and refused to allow itself to leave the refuge of its sanctuary.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cJoe\u2026that\u2019s it, son\u2026open your eyes\u2026please, for your Pa?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Another weak moan was offered in compliance to the command, but still the heavy eyelids refused to respond.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cJoseph\u2026please, please\u2026come back to me\u2026come back to us!\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben\u2019s voice cracked. The anxious father slipped his arms beneath the unresponsive boy and tenderly pulled Joe\u2019s upper body into his arms where he held his son\u2019s head to his breast.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

In the furthermost recesses of his abyss sanctuary, the gentle, steady beating of his father\u2019s loving and compassionate heart slowly began to work its magic on the dying boy. Death seemed to have come to a cross roads, confused by which path to take.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Deep within himself, Joe stood at the same point with death. A voice from afar had beckoned unto him, forcing him to pause on his journey toward the opposite side. Death took him by the hand, tugging, pulling, urging\u2026promising\u2026but then the sound of the pleading voice had awakened in him an urgency to return from whence he came.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018I can\u2019t\u2026I can\u2019t\u2026\u2019 the boy heard himself crying out to the voice.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cJoseph\u2026come back to me\u2026please\u2026\u2026..\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The voice was begging, crying\u2026urging. The voice was full of love and passion, so filled with promise. Joe stopped again, pulling free of death\u2019s strong fingers. He looked around, seeking the face behind the voice, yearning to follow the voice\u2019s instructions, but could he\u2026could he\u2026bear the pain\u2026the hunger and thirst\u2026dare he trust the voice?<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m afraid\u2026I\u2019m afraid\u2026\u201d his own voice cried suddenly.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s alright, son\u2026I\u2019m here\u2026Adam and Hoss, they\u2019re both here. I promise you, Joseph\u2026no one will hurt you again\u2026open your eyes, son\u2026try, Joe\u2026try\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The eyelids seemed to have lost their heaviness and suddenly began to flutter.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cLook, Pa! He\u2019s coming around,\u201d Hoss said with a big grin on his suddenly happy face.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cCome on, Shortshanks, you can do it!\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Hoss laughed and took his brother\u2019s hand, holding it tightly in both his as if to keep the boy from slipping away, down into his secret reverie.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cPa? Pa?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m here, son\u2026we\u2019re all here!\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The fragile boy sought with his eyes, the face that loomed over him. Barely able to distinguish his father\u2019s features, he drew from his inner being, enough strength to force a tiny smile and utter five short words.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhat kept\u2026you\u2026so long?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Hunger and fear, pain and grief had sapped the glow of youth from the frail body, but looking down at his son, Ben could see a flicker of light that flashed in the deep wells of green and he pulled the boy closer to him. His eyes moved upward and momentarily closed tightly. The words whispered were barely perceptible\u2026but the Lord heard.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThank you, God\u2026thank you!\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cDrink some more, Joe,\u201d Ben encouraged. \u201cAnd then you need to rest\u2026the\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe began shaking his head back and forth, trying to speak. \u201cNo\u2026\u201d he mumbled, \u201cno\u2026sleep.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben handed the bowl he held in his hand, back to Hoss. He looked worriedly down at his son, whose eyes had misted with tears.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cJoe\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t\u2026want\u2026to sleep,\u201d he muttered weakly.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

After his father and brother had bathed him, Joe had come to enough that he\u2019d been able to take some of the broth that Ben had insisted that he drink. Weakened to the point of barely being able to speak more than just a few words at a time, Joe could put up little resistance and soon after being spoon fed several drops, had fallen into a deep sleep.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Several hours had passed and it was again time for more broth. Ben knew that only small amounts should be given to the starving boy, thus giving his son\u2019s stomach time to accept the offering. Liquids and plenty of rest; that was what Ben insisted that the boy needed in order to regain his strength.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYou don\u2019t want to sleep\u2026but why, son?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The concerned father noted the quivering chin, puzzled by what was happening.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cComing\u2026back\u2026\u201d Joe said, forcing the words to be heard.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cComing back\u2026who Joseph\u2026who do you think is coming back?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe squinted his eyes tightly. His body had begun to tremble.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cMaybe he means the man we buried,\u201d Hoss whispered to his father.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben nodded his head in agreement. He lowered his head close to Joe so his son could hear him better.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cJoe\u2026the man\u2026the man that hurt you\u2026he\u2019s dead son, he won\u2019t be coming back. You\u2019re safe now\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNo\u2026no\u2026\u201d the ailing young man whined.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYes, son\u2026he\u2019s dead\u2026we\u2026your brothers and I, buried him earlier today. He\u2019s been dead two or three days\u2026he won\u2019t hurt you son, I promise.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The tiny beads of water rolled gently from the corner of the boy\u2019s eyes. Tenderly, Ben brushed them away.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cShh\u2026don\u2019t cry, son\u2026please\u2026it\u2019s over and you\u2019re safe now\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe, though weak from long days of physical labor such as he had never known, and from the lack of decent food and clean water, reached up and wrapped his fingers around his father\u2019s wrist. His chin continued to quiver as he tried to put sound to his words, but they still came out garbled.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t know what you\u2019re trying to tell me\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNo\u2026not\u2026him,\u201d Joe finally managed.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNot him? Who buddy\u2026who do you think is coming back?\u201d Adam, standing on the other side of the cot, knelt down close the boy.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWell\u2026Well\u2026ing\u2026ton\u2026\u201d sobbed Joe.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWellington?\u201d Ben repeated with name, glanced around at Adam and Hoss and then swallowed deeply.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cJoseph\u2026you don\u2019t have to worry about Wellington\u2026he\u2019s gone, son. He\u2019s not coming back\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2026don\u2019t\u2026under\u2026stand\u2026Pa\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNo, I don\u2019t, son. But I promise you\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cA\u2026fraid\u2026Pa\u2026afraid\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The fingers that clutched his arm squeezed tightly, surprising Ben that they had strength enough to do so.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThere\u2019s no need to be afraid\u2026we\u2019re all here\u2026no one\u2019s going to hurt you, son\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHe\u2019s\u2026coming\u2026to\u2026take\u2026me\u2026please\u2026don\u2019t\u2026leave me\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben swallowed hard. He moved his hand so that his hand covered his son\u2019s. Carefully, so as not to cause more pain in the blistered palm, Ben brought Joe\u2019s hand up to his cheek and held it there.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI won\u2019t leave you, son\u2026I promise. I will stay right here, in this chair, with you\u2026until you are well enough for me to take you home,\u201d promised Ben, lightly kissing the injured hand.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAin\u2019t no body gonna take ya no where\u2019s, Punkin\u2026\u2019ceptin\u2019 Pa and Adam and me\u2026you can bet on that,\u201d Hoss leaned down to reassure the frightened boy. \u201cAnd don\u2019t ya worry ya self none about Wellington showin\u2019 up here\u2026I\u2019ll break\u2019em in two if\u2019n he tries anything!\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cJoe,\u201d Adam said softly. \u201cI\u2019ll stand guard all night if I have too\u2026he won\u2019t get past the door, I promise, little buddy. Now do what Pa says, and close your eyes\u2026get some rest. We\u2019ll not let anyone or anything hurt you again\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cProm\u2026ise?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHave I\u2026or any of us, ever lied to you before?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe shook his head. Adam gave his brother a smile and a gentle pat.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThen close your eyes!\u201d he ordered.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The routine was the same the next day and the next. Joe would wake up long enough to sip broth and eat a few bites of soft food\u2026usually eggs or mush and then sleep for hours. Ben still worried. The only consolation was that each time Joe would eat, he ate a little more and a little more. It would take weeks, the fretful father understood that, but Ben was still anxious to get his son home, where the boy would feel safer. Joe still feared that Wellington would return and somehow manage to take him far away from his home and family. That fear often left the boy trembling and unable to sleep. He had clung desperately at times to his father, pleading with the older man not to leave him\u2026it had gotten so that when Joe was awake, Ben could not leave the cabin for a second, regardless that one or both of his brothers remained by his side. His anxiety was mounting and Ben knew that if he didn\u2019t start home with the boy soon, Joe could easily end up having a nervous break down.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cShh\u2026son, please\u2026I told you, I will be right here\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cPa\u2026I saw\u2026him\u2026honest\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cJoe, it was just a dream. I\u2019ve been right here, sitting with you\u2026you\u2019ve been asleep, it couldn\u2019t have been him\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cBut it was, Pa\u2026honest\u2026in the window\u2026I saw his face\u2026please, ya gotta believe me!\u201d sobbed the frightened boy.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAlright, son, calm down, I\u2019ll have Adam take a look around outside.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben glanced up at his eldest son. Adam took the hint. He grabbed his pistol and strode to the door.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll look around, don\u2019t fret, Little Joe\u2026I\u2019ll be back in a few minutes. Hoss\u2026why don\u2019t you come along?\u201d Adam invited.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cSure,\u201d said Hoss, rising from the table where he sat and joining his older brother at the door.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Together, the brothers scoured the surrounding area for any signs that Thomas Wellington had returned. An hour later, they stood alone under the pines exchanging notes.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI didn\u2019t see a thing, what about you, Adam?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cMe either. It was as Pa supposed, the boy was dreaming.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cPoor little thing\u2026he\u2019s sure \u2018nough scared, Adam.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWell, with all he\u2019s been through, I can\u2019t say that I blame him. I suppose had it been I instead of Little Joe, I\u2019d be scared too.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhere ya reckon that varmint took off too, and why\u2019d ya think he left Little Joe? I can\u2019t figure what he was plannin\u2019 on doin\u2019 with the boy, Adam.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam shook his head. \u201cI couldn\u2019t even begin to guess, and more than likely, we\u2019ll never know for sure. Come on, let\u2019s go inside and let Joe know that everything appears to be safe. Maybe he can fall asleep.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cShh,\u201d cautioned Ben when the door opened and Adam and Hoss appeared in the doorway. \u201cHe finally went to sleep.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam and Hoss removed their hats and guns and moved deeper into the cabin. Hoss sat down at the table while Adam poured them each a cup of coffee.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHe sure is spooked about all of this,\u201d Adam whispered to his father.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWho wouldn\u2019t be\u2026\u201d Ben said with such anger that both Hoss and Adam eyed their parent closely. \u201cHe\u2019s been worked to death, chained like an animal, beaten and starved\u2026and then left to die alone, frightened and sick\u2026I wish I could get my hands on that bastard\u2026I\u2019d kill him with my bare hands!\u201d Ben swore.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The anger had collected in his eyes and deepened the furrows of his brow. He paced the room. Deep inside he stewed over the vindictiveness that had been forced on his young son. Adam and Hoss watched their father silently, fearful of the hatred that they knew was growing rapidly within their father\u2019s heart. Never, in all their lives had they seen Ben so consumed, so determined, so\u2026infuriated and so helpless to do anything to make right the injustice that Joe had been made to suffer.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI need to get some air. Stay with your brother, I\u2019ll be back shortly.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben grabbed his hat and slipped from the cabin. He had to clear his mind. The days had begun to run together; so much had happened in the last few weeks that left him feeling incapable of handling the most minor of details. He had to think, make plans; he had to get his boy home!<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWonder what\u2019s keepin\u2019 Pa?\u201d Hoss pondered aloud. \u201cJoe\u2019s about to wake up and he needs to be here\u2026he done promised the boy.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Hoss opened the door and gazed out into the darkness. \u201cI can\u2019t see nothing, it\u2019s so dadburn dark.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cMaybe he walked down to the creek, or perhaps he\u2019s checking on the stock\u2026the horses seemed a bit restless today,\u201d suggested Adam.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

He moved to the bed where Joe was beginning to wake up.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll go see,\u201d Hoss said as he stepped through the door and closed it behind him.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cPa?\u201d muttered Joe.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m here, Joe\u2026Pa had to\u2026to\u2026relieve himself. He\u2019ll be right back. Are you thirsty or hungry?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe\u2019s eyes sought his brother\u2019s face. For a long moment, he said nothing.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHe\u2019s here, Adam\u2026Wellington\u2019s here\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAw Joe\u2026that\u2019s not so\u2026why, Pa and Hoss are outside now and everything is fine. You just relax, pal,\u201d Adam tried to smile, but in the back of his mind, he was beginning to get a bit worried.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

His father had been gone nearly an hour and now Hoss was taking too long to fetch their father from the barn\u2026or the creek. But he couldn\u2019t let his kid brother see the worry he felt. He masked his expression and forced a smile.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHow about some stew? Pa made it earlier and its been stewing all evening. The vegetables should be good and tender by now\u2026how about it?\u201d he stated as he turned to the old stove and started to dip a ladle full into a bowl for his brother.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAdam\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam turned around just in time to see Joe push himself up and onto the side of the bed. Even in the soft light that filled the room, Adam could see how poorly his brother\u2019s body resembled his former self. The sight sickened the elder Cartwright son. He gritted his teeth to keep from letting loose with a whole slew of cuss words directed at the men responsible.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAdam,\u201d Joe repeated the name. \u201cSomething\u2019s wrong\u2026bad wrong.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam sudden became aware of the twisted expression his brother wore. He forgot the stew and rushed to the boy\u2019s side. Joe was attempting to stand, but teeter precariously.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cJoe\u2026what on earth is wrong? Get back in that bed!\u201d Adam ordered as he gently took Joe\u2019s arm and tried to force the boy to lie down.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNo\u2026Adam\u2026No!\u201d he shrieked in a trembling voice.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cJoe\u2026do as I say\u2026or I\u2019ll\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

He never got to finish his words. At just that moment, the door burst opened and his father stumbled through the door. Ben\u2019s face was battered, his nose dripped blood and his clothes were soiled. Inside, he paused, leaning heavily against the doorframe.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cGo on, get in there!\u201d the voice behind his father growled and Adam saw a hand reach forward and shove his father in the back. Ben staggered forward, losing his balance and falling to the floor.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Immediately, Adam left his brother\u2019s side and rushed to his father. Leaning down, he asked his father if he were hurt badly. Shaking his head no, he allowed Adam to help him up.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The man laughed at the their efforts as he slammed the door behind him. His eyes quickly made a scan of the room, stopping when they spied Joe, propping himself up on one elbow, looking for all the world, as if he\u2019d seen a ghost.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWell, well, well,\u201d he chanted, moving closer to the cot and speaking only to the frightened boy. \u201cI see you\u2019re still alive\u2026I really hadn\u2019t expected you to be. My father must be loosing his touch\u2026he hated you, you know\u2026for killing his grandson.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cLeave him alone!\u201d Ben demanded. \u201cHaven\u2019t you done enough to him as it is?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cShut-up Cartwright\u2026I haven\u2019t finished with him yet!\u201d Wellington stood next to the cot, facing Ben and Adam who watched the man\u2019s every move. Thomas waved the pistol he held in his hand, at the father and son.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

His laugh was wicked, sending chills up and down Little Joe\u2019s spine. He tried to get up and move away from the demonic man, but Wellington grabbed him by the hair of the head and yanked him back down on the cot.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cSit down\u2026you aren\u2019t going anywhere,\u201d he ordered as he shoved Joe. \u201cNow don\u2019t you move\u2026or I\u2019ll kill your old man,\u201d he said and then laughed when he saw the fear spread across the young face.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cDo as he says, son,\u201d Ben said, trying to make his voice as calm as possible.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s right, kid, mind what your old man tells you to do, like a good boy, and maybe, just maybe I\u2019ll let you live a little longer.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYou there\u2026find some rope and then sit down in that chair.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Wellington had been speaking to Adam, who now glanced around the cabin, finding no rope.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThere isn\u2019t any rope,\u201d he said with a touch of arrogance.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The absence of any rope seemed to cause a moment\u2019s confusion for Thomas. His eyes scanned the room for his own satisfaction.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cTake off your belt then,\u201d he ordered Adam, pointing at it with the pistol.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam did as instructed, holding it out to Thomas.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cGive it to your father and then sit down. Cartwright, tie his hands behind his back\u2026and make it good, or I\u2019ll make the kid over there wish he were already dead.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben\u2019s eyes automatically sought Joe. He could see the fear on the boy\u2019s face and knew that if he and Adam did not comply with this madman\u2019s wishes, they would all be made to pay. Adam sat down and put his hands behind him, making his father\u2019s job as easy as possible.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Wellington then instructed Ben to remove his belt and use it to tie Adam\u2019s ankles together. As Ben worked, he glanced up at his son, mouthing the word, Hoss.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam made an expression with his eyes that was unseen by Wellington but that told his father, he had no idea where the big man had gone.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNow\u2026you, get over there!\u201d Thomas ordered Ben to sit in the other chair, opposite Adam. \u201cPut your hands behind your back.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben did as ordered and waited while Wellington removed his own belt and secured his hands tightly. While he worked, Wellington kept a sharp eye on his youngest prisoner. When he finished, he moved to the narrow cot where he sat down, causing Joe to try to move away.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The strong fingers laced about his upper arm halted his movements. Joe winced softly as Wellington\u2019s strong fingers tightened. His frightened eyes sought his father\u2019s, but Ben was unable to help his son.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhat\u2019s wrong kid, scared?\u201d he asked and then laughed loudly as Joe tried to pull away.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhy don\u2019t you pick on a man\u2026instead of a boy?\u201d taunted Adam.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

He was hoping to redirect the man\u2019s anger to himself and away from his younger brother.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cOr is that how you normally treat young boys\u2026by starving them half to death\u2026and beating them\u2026is that the way you treated your own son?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAdam!\u201d whispered Ben.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

He knew his son had said the wrong thing, pushed the man too far, for Wellington had jumped up and was now stomping across the room. When he stood in front of Adam, he glared down with an evil smirk on his face. His eyes were fiery red darts of hatred and he said nothing, but then with the back of his hand, belted Adam hard, across his face. Adam\u2019s head snapped backward, instantly he tasted blood. His dark eyes flashed black, but his plan had worked, he had drawn Wellington\u2019s attention from his brother.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Behind Wellington, Joe was slowly rising from the bed, and began making his way to the door. Adam had to keep the man\u2019s attention on himself, until Joe could make his escape. He worried that boy might not be able to move fast enough, his weakness was evident in his sluggish movements.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhat about your wife?\u201d Adam tempted the man\u2019s anger. \u201cDid you beat and starve her as well\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Another slap to the face brought another jarring of his head. Adam spat the blood from his mouth. Ben watched fearfully as Joe continued to inch toward the door.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAren\u2019t you even curious about your father?\u201d he prodded the man.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cMy father?\u201d Wellington stated.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWasn\u2019t the old man who lived here, your father?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYeah\u2026he\u2019s my father\u2026where is he anyway? How\u2019d you get the drop on him? If you\u2019ve done anything to him, I\u2019ll kill you\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHe\u2019s dead\u2026we found him about three days ago\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYou what?\u201d Wellington shouted. \u201cDead\u2026how?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t know\u2026and to be honest with you\u2026I don\u2019t care. I\u2019d have killed him anyway for what he did to my boy\u2026\u201d Ben\u2019s eyes moved slightly to find how far Joe had gotten on his quest to the door.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The movement was not missed by Wellington, and he spun around to see what Ben was looking at. Instantly he spied Joe, whose hand had just raised the latch on the door.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHEY!\u201d Wellington screamed.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

He turned to dash toward the door, but Ben, his feet untied, tripped the big man, causing him to stumble and giving Joe the needed time to open the door and flee. Wellington scrambled quickly to his feet, glaring angrily at Ben.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cDamn you!\u201d he shouted, hitting Ben across the shoulder with his pistol.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAw\u2026\u201d Ben cried out.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Wellington made a mad dash for the door in his quest to capture the runaway boy. He knew that in the condition the boy was in, it shouldn\u2019t take much to find him and return him to the cabin.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAnd when I do\u2026you\u2019ll be wishing you were already dead!\u201d mumbled the insane man.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Out on the porch, Joe leaned heavily against the post. His head was spinning. Trying to focus his eyes was time consuming. Within the house, he could hear his captor screaming obscenities at his father and could only wonder what the crazed man was doing to his father and brother. Joe rubbed his eyes. He could hear the man moving toward the door and he knew if he were to make good his escape, he\u2019d have to do so now. He had to find Hoss.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Sluggishly, he moved to the end of porch, trying to keep his balance, he stepped down and headed for the barn. Perhaps Hoss was there. Suddenly and without warning, he felt hands on his shoulders and then was bodily lifted from the ground and spun around. Joe found himself caught in a grip akin to a bear hug, leaning with his back pressed against the side of the house. When he tried to speak, hands covered his mouth and his cries for help came out muffled.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cShh\u2026be quite, Joseph.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe\u2019s eyes focused on the face; it was too dark to identify the man. But Joe had no need; he knew the voice all too well. A rush of relief washed over him as he nodded his head in agreement. Hoss removed his hand and smiled down at his younger brother, putting his finger to his lips to motion for silence.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhen I distract him, go back inside and cut Pa and Adam loose. Think you can do that?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe nodded.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHere\u2019s my knife\u2026be careful, don\u2019t cut ya self, it\u2019s sharp\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Hoss handed the long thick knife to Joe and ruffled the boy\u2019s wayward locks.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cGet ready\u2026here he comes\u2026GO!\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Hoss was prepared for the attack he made. Wellington ran through the door and off the porch into the yard. His back was to his would be assailant and totally unprepared for the attack that sent his body plummeting to the ground. He struggled to get up. Hoss grabbed the man by the shirt and hauled Thomas to his feet, only to send the man toppling over backward from the blow to his chin.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe had managed to make his way back inside the cabin. Ben and Adam were struggling to free themselves from the belts used to tie them. They both looked up when Joe stumbled into the room.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cJoseph!\u201d Ben cried as relief replaced his frightened expression.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe could only smile. His entire body trembled with weakness.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cJoe\u2026untie me, son\u2026hurry, before you pass out!\u201d urged Ben.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe somehow drew from an inner strength and untied his father who instantly pulled the wilting boy into his arms.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHoss\u2026\u201d murmured Joe, trying to point to the door.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben felt his son\u2019s body go limp. When he looked down, Joe had passed out cold. Gathering the boy into his arms, Ben hurried to place him down on the cot and then quickly untied Adam\u2019s hands and ankles. Just then a shot ran out. Adam and Ben seemed to freeze momentarily, both glancing at the doorway.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cPA\u2026COME QUICK!\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s Hoss!\u201d Ben said, helping Adam up from the chair.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Quickly, as summoned, they hurried out into the night. There on the ground at Hoss\u2019 feet lay Thomas Wellington, once a friend to all of the Cartwrights. Ben pushed forward and knelt down, lifting Thomas\u2019 head carefully.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Blood oozed from the bullet wound in the middle of the man\u2019s stomach. His time on earth was quickly drawing to a close. Wellington, his breathing labored, looked up at the man holding him. All the hate that had been evident for so many weeks had melted away. His expression was softer, more in liken to the way Ben had known him before tragedy had changed his life.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cBen\u2026\u201d Wellington muttered between gasps.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cShh\u2026don\u2019t talk, Thomas,\u201d Ben warned.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHave\u2026to\u2026not much time\u2026left.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAdam, get some water, hurry,\u201d issued Ben.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNo\u2026listen\u2026please,\u201d Wellington gulped.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

His eyes closed briefly and Ben felt the man\u2019s body, arch slightly and knew that a surge of pain had assaulted the man. When the wave of pain lessened, Thomas opened his eyes, searching for Ben\u2019s face.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThomas\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cBen\u2026I\u2019m\u2026sorry\u2026so sorry\u2026I was wrong\u2026for taking\u2026your boy\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhy, Thomas\u2026why?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHated\u2026you\u2026three sons\u2026I had only\u2026one left\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cOne left? Thomas, I don\u2019t understand\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Thomas swallowed hard and coughed. When he could gather enough strength, he continued trying to explain to the three men.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI had\u2026another\u2026son\u2026William\u2026I\u2026killed him\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

A sob replaced the coughing. Ben glanced up at Hoss and Adam.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI wanted him\u2026to learn\u2026to ride\u2026but my father\u2026kept telling me\u2026\u2019Thomas, put that\u2026boy\u2026on a horse\u2026and you\u2019re signing\u2026his dead warrant.\u2019 Billy was\u2026crippled\u2026but I wouldn\u2019t\u2026listen. I put him on\u2026with me\u2026one day\u2026and the horse\u2026stumbled. Billy was\u2026thrown off\u2026broke his\u2026neck, just like\u2026Tommy.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Thomas Wellington was gasping for air, but he remained determined to tell his story.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cPa\u2026never forgave\u2026me,\u201d the dying man sobbed. \u201cAfter\u2026that\u2026he\u2026hated\u2026me. Tried\u2026to take\u2026Tommy from\u2026me.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Tears had formed in his eyes and overflowed, rolling silently down the man\u2019s face.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cMy wife\u2026never forgave\u2026me\u2026how\u2026could I\u2026forgive myself\u2026when no one\u2026else would? I preached\u2026to Tommy\u2026to stay\u2026away from\u2026the horses\u2026but he loved\u2026them so\u2026he wanted to\u2026learn to\u2026ride\u2026like\u2026like\u2026your boy\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI blamed\u2026you and\u2026your\u2026boy for killing\u2026my\u2026son, not right\u2026not\u2026your fault. Tell\u2026Little Joe\u2026I\u2019m sorry\u2026forgive me\u2026please\u2026I\u2026don\u2019t really\u2026blame him\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Thomas fell silent. His eyes closed. For a moment, Ben thought that the man had died.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cBury\u2026me\u2026with\u2026my\u2026Pa\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026..\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Thomas Wellington\u2019s life story ended right then, on a cold dark night, high in the mountains in the arms of a friend.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The emotion was almost more than Ben could bear. Gently he placed Thomas\u2019 head down on the ground. When he scanned the faces of his two sons, they could see that the weeks of worry, the strain of the search and then the relief of finding their loved one alive had taken its toll on their father.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Hoss placed his hand on Ben\u2019s shoulder. His voice was thick with compassion.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhy don\u2019t you go to Joe\u2026me and Adam will tend to Mr. Wellington?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYes\u2026thank you\u2026both of you\u2026I need to let Joe know that Thomas didn\u2019t really blame him\u2026and that he asked the boy to forgive him for what he and his father did to him.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

All three rose. Ben turned toward the cabin, but stopped short, seeing his son standing before him. He had no idea that Joe had come to or that the boy had made his way outside.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cJoe,\u201d Ben cried, hurrying to his son\u2019s side and wrapping his arms about the slender boy.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHe\u2019s dead, isn\u2019t he?\u201d Joe whispered.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben had his son\u2019s head turned so that Joe could not see the blood and ghastly hole in the man\u2019s mid-section.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYes, son, he\u2019s dead.\u201d Ben brushed his fingers through the thick chestnut curls. \u201cBefore he died, Joseph, he asked that I tell you something\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI know, I heard.\u201d Joe looked up into his father\u2019s eyes. \u201cIt won\u2019t be easy, but I\u2019ll try to forgive him\u2026I\u2019ll even try to forgive that old man\u2026but I don\u2019t understand why they did what they did\u2026all this suffering, all this worry\u2026all this\u2026death\u2026for what? Just tell me why, was it because one man could not admit he made a mistake?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam and Hoss had circled their father and brother, waiting for Ben to give an explanation to Joe\u2019s question. Without realizing it, each one of the two, had asked themselves the same thing.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Taking a deep breath, Ben tried to explain.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019re absolutely right, Joe\u2026it takes a big man to admit he\u2019s wrong. Sometimes a man just won\u2019t, he can\u2019t see the light of day until it\u2019s too late, like now. Thomas Wellington was a man driven\u2026by his own private demons. First, he lost a son because he was too stubborn or proud\u2026maybe both, to listen to his father, who by the way must have been a remarkable man in his time\u2026but then things happened.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Thomas could not learn to forgive himself for his other son\u2019s death, because he was not forgiven\u2026not by his father nor by his wife. His inner self could not cope with that\u2026his first son was crippled physically, but he made a cripple out of Tommy as well. Not physically but emotionally\u2026he deprived him of doing the things that all boys like to do. And it drove Tommy to sneak behind his father\u2019s back and attempt them, and we all know what happened.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cSo\u2026it wasn\u2019t my fault\u2026or yours, that Tommy fell off that horse and broke his neck?\u201d Joe wanted to know.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNo\u2026it was an accident, son. I\u2019m glad you said that you would try to forgive Thomas and his father for what they did to you. Forgiveness comes from the heart, son\u2026and it takes a special kind of person to give that kind of forgiveness. I\u2019m proud of you.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe forced a smile for his father. \u201cPa, can you forgive them?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben looked thoughtful for a moment and then smiled down at his son. \u201cThe way I look at it, if you have enough forgiveness in your heart\u2026then surely I can find enough in mine to do likewise.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe pressed his cheek against his father\u2019s beating heart. His arms wrapped about Ben\u2019s waist. Ben could feel the slender frame shiver.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhat\u2019s wrong, son?\u201d Ben asked, glancing over the top of the curly head at Adam and Hoss who looked as puzzled as he knew he must look.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m glad you aren\u2019t going to turn out like Mr. Wellington,\u201d Joe cried softly.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cJoe, what are you talking about, son?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHate, Pa\u2026like Mr. Wellington and his father\u2026they let their hate eat away at them, and it destroyed their lives. Mr. Wellington\u2019s father hated me so much\u2026he wanted me dead\u2026just because he\u2019d never learned to forgive\u2026and the person he should have forgiven, was his own son! I\u2019m glad me and you ain\u2019t like that, Pa\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben was over come with emotion. His answer? He tightened his hold on the boy he loved more than life itself, leaned down and kissed the mass of curls. He could never imagine himself not being able to forgive his son for anything! He valued the boy\u2019s love and respect much too much to let hate destroy what was between them.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

When he could speak, his words were simple, but filled with truth.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cSo am I, Little Joe\u2026So am I!\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

THE END<\/p>\n

February 2005<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

<\/div>\n

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

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

Summary:\u00a0 Both Ben and Little Joe become the target for revenge when a neighbor’s son dies in an accident that might have been prevented if only….<\/p>\n

Rated:\u00a0 PG contains some violence (22, 050 words)<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":9052,"featured_media":9860,"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],"tags":[14,15,17,16],"class_list":["post-12164","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-drama","tag-adam-cartwright","tag-ben","tag-hoss","tag-joe","wpcat-23-id"],"a3_pvc":{"activated":true,"total_views":2789,"today_views":1},"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/10\/feature-4.jpg?fit=387%2C387&ssl=1","jetpack_likes_enabled":true,"jetpack-related-posts":[{"id":7582,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=7582","url_meta":{"origin":12164,"position":0},"title":"Doctor’s Orders (by DJK)","author":"DJK","date":"May 9, 2014","format":false,"excerpt":"Summary:\u00a0Ben and Adam face off over the doctor\u2019s orders. 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Rating:\u00a0 R\u00a0 (65,725 words) Due to subject matter contained in this series, the stories are only available via e:mail from the author -- ryjennie@comcast.net","rel":"","context":"In "Action\/Adventure"","block_context":{"text":"Action\/Adventure","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?cat=2"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/09\/4Cs.jpg?fit=400%2C401&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200},"classes":[]},{"id":14276,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=14276","url_meta":{"origin":12164,"position":2},"title":"To the Victors (by DJK)","author":"DJK","date":"May 10, 2003","format":false,"excerpt":"Summary: \u00a0Joe defies, deceives, and disobeys his father all to enter the Founder's Day Race. Rating: \u00a0T \u00a0(14,070 words) To the Victors Series, links to all the stories within the series are included.","rel":"","context":"In "Drama"","block_context":{"text":"Drama","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?cat=23"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/04\/Joe_Racing_Cochise.jpg?fit=840%2C725&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/04\/Joe_Racing_Cochise.jpg?fit=840%2C725&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/04\/Joe_Racing_Cochise.jpg?fit=840%2C725&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/04\/Joe_Racing_Cochise.jpg?fit=840%2C725&ssl=1&resize=700%2C400 2x"},"classes":[]},{"id":12133,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=12133","url_meta":{"origin":12164,"position":3},"title":"Frightened Beyond Reason (by DebbieB)","author":"DebbieB","date":"June 1, 2002","format":false,"excerpt":"DebbieB passed away Christmas 2021. 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