{"id":12166,"date":"2003-10-01T19:13:44","date_gmt":"2003-10-01T23:13:44","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=12166"},"modified":"2025-02-27T12:07:41","modified_gmt":"2025-02-27T17:07:41","slug":"how-do-i-love-thee-by-debbieb","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=12166","title":{"rendered":"How Do I Love Thee? (by DebbieB)"},"content":{"rendered":"

Summary:\u00a0 <\/strong>Little Joe, battling his conscience, refuses to tell his father why he was beaten up, until a neighbor’s barn is burnt and the Cartwright’s barn almost meets the same fate, with more than just their horses trapped inside.<\/p>\n

Rated:<\/strong>\u00a0 G (15,000 words)<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

How Do I Love Thee<\/strong><\/p>\n

Let me count the ways.<\/p>\n

I love thee to the depth and breadth<\/p>\n

and height My soul can reach<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

By DebbieB<\/p>\n

DLB1248@aol.com<\/a><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYa one of us now, Cartwright\u2026ya cain\u2019t back out, ya dun swore the oath!\u201d stormed the oldest boy in the group. The tall lad, heavier than the boy in front of him, waved his fist in a threatening manner at Little Joe.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYes I can\u2026I\u2019ll have no part in what you\u2019re planning to do, oath or no oath\u2026it ain\u2019t right\u2026in fact\u2026I aim on telling my Pa!\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The six bigger boys instantly made a ring around the smaller boy who continued to twist his head from side to side in order to keep an eye on the others. One of the larger boys laughed; it sounded vicious to the boy in the center of the circle and though his heart was beating wildly and his body shook in fear of the six, he kept his repose until the circle began to shrink.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The six boys moved in closer, tightening the ring. The smaller boy whipped around, glaring at the group who had him trapped in the center by their bodies pinched tightly together. There was no escape, there would be a fight not that it would amount to much. It would start quickly and end even quicker for the odds were all stacked against the one lone boy. But the boy determined in his mind that his attackers would not see his fear, and no matter how badly they beat him, he would refuse to let them make him cry. He folded his slender fingers into fists, and set his feet firmly and waited, feeling as if he were an animal caught in a trap.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe gulped and braced himself for the assault. He kept his eyes on the boy who deemed himself leader of the pack, but he failed to notice the one directly behind him when the other boy stepped into the circle, breaking away from his cohorts. When the boy jumped onto his back, Joe was knocked instantly to the ground. Before he could collect his thoughts, the others pounced on him and began pounding him with their fists. Blow after blow was planted on every part of Joe\u2019s body. More than once Joe felt sharp pains to his ribs when someone kicked him with the toe of their boots. He tried rolling his body into a ball to protect himself but the weight of the boys on top of his back, prevented him from being able to do so. There was no way he could defend himself and no way that he could return what he was receiving.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe was unaware just how long the attack lasted, only that it was over quickly and that every inch of his battered body ached. The group broke away, moving several feet from where Joe lay face down in the dirt. Slowly, he raised his head. The leader stepped forward and then squatted down in front of Joe. Joe tried not to let his tears be seen and he dropped his head back down, resting his forehead on his arms.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cTake that as a warning, Cartwright\u2026 ya squeal on us, ya won\u2019t be so lucky, someone other than ya might get hurt\u2026got that?\u201d snarled the boy.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The boy stood up and motioned with his head for the others to follow him. They walked away as if nothing had happened, uncaring that the boy on the ground was struggling to get up and fighting for each breath he drew. When Joe finally made it to his feet, he wiped at the blood that dripped from his nose and lips where he had been punched and kicked. The blood that dripped from one nostril stopped almost immediately, but the split in his lip continued to seep and Joe could feel the swelling that rose and the tingling sensation that went along with it. He stifled a groan as he swayed precariously and tried to maintain his balance. One eye was quickly closing and Joe could only imagine what his face must look like with the split lip, bleeding nose and now the eye that was sure to turn black.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe glanced all around him; there was no one near by and he realized that if he were going to make it home, he\u2019d have to do it on his own. Joe staggered toward the tree where he had left Cochise tied. His arm was folded around his mid-section and when he walked it was with a limp. Joe tried to straighten his body, but it was no use, he bent over, giving in to the pain that surged through his rib cage and tried to suck in large gulps of air. His stomach had begun to churn and Joe feared that he might vomit. He was dizzy and had to pause, leaning against his horse until the faintness passed.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cEasy boy,\u201d moaned Joe as he struggled to mount his horse.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

It took several attempts before Joe was finally able to swing his leg across the saddle. He righted himself as best he could and then nudged gently at the horse\u2019s sides. The ride home would take him hours, with the pain seemingly on the increase he was unable to ride any faster than a mere walk. Trotting jarred his body, so Joe ruled that out after the first try. His father would be fit to be tied, reasoned Joe. It would be after dark by the time that he reached home and knowing how his father worried about him, Joe knew that he\u2019d be hard pressed to escape a long lecture if Ben\u2019s mood was dark when he reached home.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben opened the front door and stood staring into the darkness. His face was shrouded with a deep frown and an angry glare highlighted his deep brown eyes. He was furious with his youngest son. Joseph had promised to come straight home from school this afternoon, but once again the boy was late. Tonight made the third time this week that Joe had failed to do as instructed and his father\u2019s patience had finally worn out. There would be severe punishment in store for the boy, Ben had decided. He\u2019d restrict Joe to his room until he had time to determine what method of punishment would be rendered, and then he\u2026<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cPa? Did you hear what I said?\u201d Adam placed a hand on his father\u2019s shoulder, surprising Ben.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m sorry, son, I guess I wasn\u2019t paying attention.\u201d Ben stepped back into the room and closed the door.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI asked if you wanted Hoss and I to saddle up and go look for Joe?\u201d Adam repeated his question.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben, his lips drawn tight, shook his head. \u201cNo\u2026let the boy come home on his own. I\u2019m really anxious to see what excuse he has for tonight\u2019s tardiness,\u201d grumbled Ben as he moved slowly back to his desk.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam glanced over at Hoss who was standing before the fireplace, listening. Adam could see the worry on his middle brother\u2019s face. Ben lowered himself into his chair and looked up at Adam who had followed him.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI was considering letting Little Joe quit school. He is sixteen now, most boys do quit when they get his age and I was thinking of letting this be his last year, but now\u2026I just don\u2019t know.\u201d Ben shook his head from side to side. \u201cThat boy show\u2019s no responsibly whatsoever. All I asked of him was to come straight home after school.\u201d He paused and looked at Adam and then Hoss who had joined them, \u201cand he can\u2019t even follow the simplest of instructions, how in tarnation does he expect me to trust him to do the things around this ranch that he\u2019d be doing if he wasn\u2019t in school?\u201d growled Ben.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAw Pa\u2026maybe Joe\u2019s horse lost a shoe and he\u2019s awalkin\u2019 home, or maybe\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHoss\u2026I know you mean well, but don\u2019t say anymore. We all know that Joe has\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

They all paused when the sound of the front door opened and banged closed. Ben jumped to his feet and rounded the corner of his desk.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cJOSEPH!\u201d he bellowed.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe was standing with his back to his father, facing the credenza. His hat had been removed and tossed onto the top of the table.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cLOOK AT ME WHEN I SPEAK TO YOU!\u201d ordered Ben who now stood with his hands on each hip and his feet placed firmly on the floor.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

His brown eyes had turned to ebony and his thick brows were drawn together. There was no doubt that Ben Cartwright was madder than he had been in a very long time.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam and Hoss stood shoulder to shoulder, silently, waiting for the full explosion of anger that was rapidly reaching the boiling point.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cJOSEPH, TURN AROUND!\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

It took what strength was left in his body and sheer willpower for the boy to turn and face his father. Joe\u2019s arm wrapped itself back across his stomach and his head was bent low.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m sorry, Pa\u2026I\u2026can\u2026explain.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe raised his head momentarily but his knees buckled at the same instant and the boy crumbled to the floor in a heap.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cJOSEPH!\u201d shouted Ben as he rushed to his son\u2019s side. His hands, gentle, quickly turned Joe over and gathered the boy into his arms.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cDear God,\u201d muttered Ben, seeing Joe\u2019s battered and bruised face. His anger had left him the second that he had see Joe fall to the floor and the whys and what fors that he had expected were now forgotten.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben lifted Joe into his arms and hurried to place him onto the settee. \u201cHoss, tell Hop Sing to get me some soap and water\u2026Adam, pour him a brandy, please.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben brushed back the dampened locks of hair from Joe\u2019s brow. \u201cJoseph, can you hear me, son?\u201d he pleaded softly.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cPa?\u201d groaned Joe. He raised his hand, searching for his father\u2019s tender touch.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben grasped Joe\u2019s hand in his. \u201cI\u2019m here, Joe. What happened? Who did this to you?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe kept his eyes pinched tightly shut. The pain in his ribs when he fell to the floor had seemed to feel as if a sharp pointed knife had been buried into his side. He groaned and tried to take a deep breath.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cOh\u2026hurts\u2026hurts\u2026Pa. My side\u2026oh\u2026\u201d Joe cried. A lone tear slipped from the corner of an eye and rolled slowly down the side of his face and into his ear.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cTake it easy, sweetheart,\u201d Ben instructed softly as he clung to Joe\u2019s hand. \u201cAdam, send one of the men for Doc Martin and then help me get Joe into bed.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll do it Adam, you stay and help Pa,\u201d said Hoss who had just returned with the basin of water and soap.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Hoss passed the basin to Hop Sing who set down the medical supplies, and then Hoss headed for the door. The sight of his little brother and the pitiful sounds that Joe was making, was more than the tenderhearted Hoss could stand. And he was mad; furious at whoever had beaten the boy as they had, and he secretly vowed to find whomever it was and return the favor.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cCan you walk, Joe?\u201d Adam asked as he slipped his arm beneath Joe and helped him to rise.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben was on the other side of the boy and placed his arm around Joe\u2019s waist. When he tightened his hold in order to keep Joe on his feet, Joe cried out, making a painful noise.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2026hurts\u2026\u201dwept Joe between breaths.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

They had taken only a few short steps when Joe\u2019s knees buckled and he was no longer able to stand. Joe slumped downward, crying as his brother gathered him into his strong arms and hurried up the stairs with him. Once in his brother\u2019s room, Adam carefully laid Joe on his bed and stepped back as Ben came forth and leaned down over his son.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cGet the medical supplies, Adam, we left them downstairs\u2026and the soap and water\u2026oh, son\u2026don\u2019t forget the alcohol,\u201d Ben asked as he turned his attention to his youngest son.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam slipped quickly from the room. Ben sat down on the edge of the bed, taking Joe\u2019s hand into his.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cJoseph, can you hear me?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe nodded his head slightly and tried to open his one good eye. \u201cI\u2026hear\u2026ya,\u201d he moaned.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cSon, can you tell your Pa, who beat you like this?\u201d Ben questioned.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe could barely make out the concern and worry on his father\u2019s face looking at his parent with only one eye. But he could certainly hear the anxiety in Ben\u2019s voice. Joe longed to blurt out the entire story, but something deep within himself warned him not to mention names. He was sure if he did, the group of boys would come looking for him a second time, and hadn\u2019t the ringleader warned him against squealing on them? Joe pinched his lips tightly to keep from spilling his guts to his father.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben\u2019s watchful eyes had seen the hesitation on his son\u2019s face but believed that the tight lips were due to the discomfort that the boy was feeling.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cSon, are you in much pain?\u201d whispered Ben as he brushed the damp cloth gently over Joe\u2019s battered face while he wiped gently at the dried blood and crusted dirt.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cSome,\u201d muttered Joe.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

He felt a measure of relief that his father had not pressed him for an answer to his question. For now, he was safe, but later, Joe knew that he would have to come up with some sort of answer that would satisfy his father.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben cleaned the scrapes and abrasions and bathed Joe\u2019s body. Joe tried not to let the pain show on his face, but he knew that with his father\u2019s watchful eyes, Joe wasn\u2019t fooling anyone. Even Adam who had come back into the room with the needed medical supplies was watching the boy\u2019s face intently.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHas he said anything, Pa\u2026I mean about who did this to him?\u201d Adam asked in a soft whisper.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben had finished tending to Joe\u2019s surface wounds but the other, more severe injuries, would have to wait for the doctor\u2019s arrival.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben shook his head. \u201cNo, I asked him, but he wouldn\u2019t say,\u201d answered Ben. \u201cHe\u2019s hurting right now Adam, maybe later, after Paul has fixed him up and given him something to make his rest. He\u2019ll feel better then, I suppose we\u2019ll just have to wait.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam stood to his feet; his body language spoke volumes of what he was feeling inside. He walked to the window, gazed out and then whirled back around to face his father.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t like waiting!\u201d he snapped in a deep tone.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben was instantly on his feet and hurried to face Adam. His own face showed his deep concern and anger at the situation and Ben did not try to hide it from his oldest son.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWell, neither do I! Do you think for one minute I wouldn\u2019t like to get my hands on the person responsible for nearly beating my son half to death?\u201d growled Ben.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

His eyes were dark and he stood rigid with his hands on his hips. \u201cWell?\u201d he demanded in a stern voice.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam let out a long sigh, his lips tightened. \u201cI\u2019m sorry, Pa\u2026I didn\u2019t mean to imply\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s all right, son,\u201d Ben said as his expression softened. He put his hand on Adam\u2019s shoulder for a moment.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The bedroom door opened and when both Adam and his father turned, it was with a look of relief that they greeted the doctor and Hoss.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cPaul\u2026thank goodness, you\u2019re here,\u201d Ben greeted the physician with a quick handshake.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Paul returned the greeting and moved quickly to the bedside. \u201cLet\u2019s have a look at this boy,\u201d he said as he pulled the blankets back so that he could make his examination.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The physician stared in disbelief at the bruising on Joe\u2019s body, his face, arms, upper body and he could not retain his gasp when he found the darkening blotches that dotted Joe\u2019s lower body as well.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cDear God, Ben\u2026who did this?\u201d Paul questioned with a shocked look on his face when he turned and faced the boy\u2019s father.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHe hasn\u2019t said,\u201d Ben said quietly.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhomever did, needs to be in jail!\u201d Paul made no attempt to hide his disgust from his patient\u2019s family.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhat they need is a good poundin\u2019,\u201d Hoss spoke up to say.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI agree with Hoss,\u201d added Adam, \u201cand as soon as Joe is able to tell us who it was, that\u2019s exactly what they\u2019re going to get!\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAll right boys, that\u2019ll be enough,\u201d ordered Ben. He reached for the door and pulled it opened. \u201cOut with you\u2026both of you\u2026wait downstairs. I\u2019ll be down as soon as Paul has finished with your brother.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben saw his sons hesitate and nodded with his head toward the door. He understood their anger, for he felt the same as they did, but for now, there was nothing he could do, but wait until Joe was ready to talk.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cGo on,\u201d he said in a soft voice. Ben gave each of them a small smile as they gave in to his demand and started toward the door.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cJoe\u2019s gonna be alright, ain\u2019t he, doc?\u201d Hoss had paused at the door and turned back around.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Paul glanced up from his work and gave Hoss a comforting nod of his head. \u201cI believe he\u2019ll be fine, Hoss\u2026in a week or two\u2026don\u2019t you worry,\u201d Paul said. He turned back to his patient, still talking. \u201cIt\u2019s going to take more than this to keep this little scamp down.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Hoss glanced at his father with a smile spreading across his rotund face as he quickly looked at Adam, too.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

A short time later, Paul turned to face the anxious father. He was wiping his hands on a cloth and when he finished, he tossed it into the basin. Paul began rolling down his sleeves as Ben waited for the verdict.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAs I told Hoss, he\u2019s going to be fine, Ben, but I want him to stay in this bed for the next several days. I don\u2019t think you\u2019ll have any problem with him wanting to get up, he\u2019s taken a good beating. He has a couple of cracked ribs, as you can see. Other than the busted lip, black eye and the bruising, I think Joe fared quite well. He\u2019s going to be sore and moving will be uncomfortable for several days that\u2019s why I\u2019m leaving you these powders. They\u2019ll ease the pain and help him sleep. That\u2019s what he needs right now, plenty of rest\u2026it\u2019ll give his body time to start the healing process before he starts giving you too much trouble about not wanting to stay in that bed. I want you to watch him though for the next couple days, if there is any sign of blood in the urine or if he coughs any up I want to know right away. I\u2019m not anticipating any internal injuries, but I want to be careful, you understand, don\u2019t you?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYou don\u2019t think\u2026\u201d began Ben.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Paul slipped on his coat and smiled. \u201cDon\u2019t worry, Ben\u2026the boy\u2019s going to be fine, barring any complications, I promise.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben couldn\u2019t stop his eyes from seeking the boy\u2019s face, but he did turn to his friend and nodded. \u201cThanks for coming out, Paul.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAnytime Ben, anytime. You just remember to keep him as still as possible and see to it that he takes those powders.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

They had made their way down the stairs to the great room. Hoss and Adam were instantly on their feet.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cPaul says Joe has a couple of cracked ribs but that he\u2019ll be fine in a few days,\u201d smiled Ben.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s good news,\u201d Adam declared as he shook the doctor\u2019s hand.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cSure \u2018nough is,\u201d added Hoss, \u201ccan I go see\u2019em?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHe\u2019s sleeping right now, but I think if you\u2019re quiet, you can go sit with him for a little while\u2026and then Hoss\u2026give someone else a turn,\u201d laughed the doctor, for Hoss was already half way up the stairs.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Hoss slipped quietly into the room and eased a chair over, next to the bed and sat down. Hoss studied his brother\u2019s face, appalled by the whiteness of Joe\u2019s skin in contrast to the dark bruises. The sight made Hoss\u2019 stomach churn and he scrunched up his face at the pitiful picture his little brother made. He carefully picked up Joe\u2019s hand and held it momentarily within his larger one. Hoss\u2019 thumb gently caressed the back of his brother\u2019s hand and across the knuckles. He noticed the scraps atop the joints where Joe had tried to fight back and when he looked more closely, Hoss noted that under a couple of the nails, his father had failed to remove all the dirt. He lifted the cover slightly and placed Joe\u2019s arm beneath. For a second longer, Hoss remained with the blanket raised as he gazed at the bandage that the doctor had wrapped snugly about Joe\u2019s chest in order to keep the broken rips from being jarred. Hoss also spotted the bruises on Joe\u2019s arms and when he dared to peek further, on his brother\u2019s legs. He lowered the blanket; a dark look crossed his face as he thought of the beating that his younger brother had been made to suffer. Hoss was passed being angry, he was furious and silently he vowed to seek out the one, or ones who had given Joe the pounding.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll get\u2019em for ya, Short Shanks,\u201d Hoss whispered softly as he wiped the dampness that threatened to turn to tears. \u201cYa jist wait an\u2019 see!\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

A while later, Ben slipped into the room. Hoss was dozing in the chair and had begun to snore softly. Ben glanced at Joe and saw that the boy was resting quietly. He touched his hand to Hoss\u2019 shoulder, waking the bigger boy with a start. Hoss glanced first at Joe and then up at his father. Ben smiled.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhy don\u2019t you go on to bed, son, I\u2019ll sit with Joe for awhile,\u201d encouraged Ben.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAlright, Pa. But I think I\u2019ll see if Hop Sing has any of that chicken left. Ya need anythin\u2019 afore I go?\u201d Hoss asked, stretching his long body and stifling a yawn.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNo, I\u2019m fine Hoss, but thank you.\u201d Ben settled himself in the chair that Hoss had been sitting in and watched Joe as he slept. He sighed deeply.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYa gonna be alright, Pa?\u201d Hoss asked from the doorway.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben turned his head around toward Hoss and nodded. \u201cI was just wondering who did this, that\u2019s all,\u201d answered Ben.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cMe too, I\u2019d sure \u2018nough like to get my hands on who ever it was,\u201d Hoss said between clenched teeth.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHoss,\u201d Ben stood up and moved to the door. \u201cI don\u2019t want to hear anymore talk like that\u2026do you hear me? We\u2019ll let the law handle it when Joe wakes up and can tell us what happened.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m sorry, Pa\u2026it\u2019s jist that\u2026well, the boy ain\u2019t hardly big \u2018nough to fight one fella, let alone more\u2019n one at a time,\u201d Hoss muttered.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhat makes you think Joe was fighting more than one?\u201d Ben asked, glancing back at Joe who had moaned softly.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cLook at\u2019em, Pa\u2026one fella couldn\u2019t have done that much damage\u2026no matter how much bigger than Joe he might have been\u2026It had to be more\u2019n one\u2026and if\u2019n it was\u2026well, me and Adam dun decided to\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYou and Adam have decided nothing! Do I make myself clear? I said that Roy will handle this\u2026and I mean it Hoss. You had better make that clear to your older brother as well!\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben turned back into the room and closed the door, leaving Hoss standing alone in the hallway. He couldn\u2019t blame his sons for feeling as they did, he felt the same but there was no way he would give his older boys permission to seek out whomever had beaten Joe and take the law in their own hands. Besides, decided Ben as he smoothed the blankets covering his son, the ones who did this were most likely boys\u2026and his sons were grown men.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cPa\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The soft murmur drew Ben\u2019s attention to the boy on the bed.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m right here son,\u201d Ben said, taking a seat on the edge, next to Joe.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe struggled to open the one eye that had somehow escaped the beating. \u201cWater\u2026\u201d Joe begged, his voice barely above a whisper.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben quickly poured a glass of water and returned to the bed. He gently raised Joe\u2019s head and tipped the glass to the bruised lips. Joe instantly tried to pull his head back, causing a few drops of water to dribble down his chin.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHurts\u2026\u201d he cried.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAlright son,\u201d Ben said, removing the glass and helping Joe to lower his head. \u201cLet\u2019s do this with a spoon.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

After Joe\u2019s thirst had been satisfied Ben placed the glass and the spoon on the bedside table and sat on the edge of the bed.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cFeel better?\u201d he asked Joe.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe slowly nodded his head. \u201cThanks, Pa,\u201d he muttered.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cJoe\u2026I don\u2019t want to press you\u2026but can you tell me who did this to you?\u201d Ben inquired. He gently brushed at a fallen lock of hair, and waited.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe closed his eye; the other was swollen shut. For several moments he was silent until his father had begun to think that perhaps Joe had fallen back to sleep.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cSon?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe opened his eye, seeing his father\u2019s face looming over him. \u201cPa\u2026please\u2026I don\u2019t want\u2026to talk about\u2026it.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cBut Joseph\u2026whomever it was, needs to be punished\u2026you have\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNO!\u201d snapped Joe. \u201cIt doesn\u2019t matter\u2026besides\u2026I can\u2019t tell you.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cCan\u2019t tell me? Joe, that makes no sense\u2026why on earth can\u2019t you tell me?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cPa\u2026\u201d Joe felt his throat constrict and he fought the urge to cry. \u201cI just can\u2019t\u2026besides\u2026I\u2026I\u2026don\u2019t know who they were\u2026\u201d he lied.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben was getting angry. \u201cThat doesn\u2019t make any sense either\u2026why would someone just beat you nearly to death if they didn\u2019t have a reason\u2026or think that they had?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cPa\u2026I don\u2019t feel so good\u2026please\u2026can I just go back to sleep?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe\u2019s chin had begun to quiver and he was afraid that if his father insisted on continuing this questioning, he would break and spill his guts. Cory\u2019s warning stuck in his mind\u2026Joe had no doubt that the other boy and his gang of thugs would make good his promise. Next time, the beating would be worse, or someone else might get hurt\u2026and Joe wanted no part in being the cause of someone else\u2019s pain.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Yet a part of Joe Cartwright knew that what the boys were planning was wrong\u2026and if they carried through with their plan\u2026someone might get hurt, or worse, killed. His inner self knew that he should tell his father, but the beating he\u2019d just received was too fresh, his pain too new and his fear of the group weighed heavier at the present than his conscience.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben could see that he was getting no where in questioning his son, and also knew that the more he pressed Joe for an answer, the less likely he was in finding out what he wanted to know. Joe was famous for tucking away his feelings and only allowed them to surface when he was ready\u2026Ben had no choice at the time, he would have to wait until Joe was ready to talk. Hopefully that would be soon, for whoever had beaten the boy was still at large and though Ben would never voice aloud to his son, his fears for the boy\u2019s well being, he was afraid for the boy. He had no idea what was the reasoning behind the beating, and he could only wonder that the person or persons responsible might try again.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Two days later, when Joe was able to sit up in bed, Ben was no closer to getting an answer to his question than when he had first asked Joe about it. He paced back and forth in front of the fireplace, his fingers stuffed into the openings of his pockets. Hoss and Adam had seated themselves on the settee and while Ben paced, they waited for Roy Coffee, the town\u2019s sheriff to come down the stairs. He had arrived earlier and had insisted on talking to Joe about what had happened. Ben warned his friend that it wasn\u2019t likely that Joe would open up and give him the information that he was seeking, but he was welcomed to try.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

All heads turned toward the steps when they heard the upstairs bedroom door close. The three watched as Roy ascended the stairs, a frown furrowing into his brow. Ben glanced knowingly at his sons while moving to meet Roy at the bottom of the stairwell.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben looked expectantly at the sheriff.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t understand it Ben, he won\u2019t tell me a thing. If\u2019n I didn\u2019t know no better, I\u2019d say the boy was protecting someone!\u201d announced Roy.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s ridiculous,\u201d stammered Ben. \u201cWhy on earth would Joe want to protect the person who beat him?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNow Ben, how should I know\u2026he\u2019s your son. Has he told ya anything, more than he didn\u2019t know, or couldn\u2019t tell ya?\u201d inquired Roy.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben let out a puff of air. \u201cNo\u2026no he hasn\u2019t\u2026and I don\u2019t understand why!\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cPa?\u201d Adam said as he joined his father at his side. \u201cMaybe Joe\u2019s afraid to say\u2026I mean\u2026it\u2019s possible that whoever it was, threatened him. Perhaps Joe\u2019s afraid of someone else getting hurt\u2026or earning himself another beating?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s possible, I haven\u2019t thought about that, but Adam\u2026that still doesn\u2019t explain why Joe was beaten\u2026only that he\u2019s afraid to say who it was,\u201d Ben said.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cMaybe he seen sumthin\u2019 he shouldn\u2019t have\u2026and he was beaten so\u2019s he wouldn\u2019t tell what he seen,\u201d suggested Hoss.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYa know, Ben\u2026Hoss might have somethin\u2019 there. There sure has been a lot of unexplained things goin\u2019 on \u2018round town,\u201d pondered Roy aloud.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhat do you mean, Roy?\u201d Adam spoke up to ask.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWell\u2026old man Swanson came in today, he was madder than a hornet too\u2026said that someone salted his well and turned all his horses out of his corral. The old man complained that it took him and his men all day to round up those strays and get\u2019em back to the corral. Swanson also told me that someone threw a rock through his window with a note attached that said he need beware\u2026things were heatin\u2019 up\u2026well Ben, I think this is more than a bunch of kids playin\u2019 pranks of folks,\u201d explained Roy.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhat did that mean\u2026things were heatin\u2019 up?\u201d Hoss asked, puzzled by the comment.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t know\u2026Swanson don\u2019t know either. He did say that he saw a couple\u2019la boys nosing around his barn the other night. In fact Ben,\u201d Roy turned to his friend, \u201cit was the same night that Joe got hurt.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cDid he see who they were?\u201d asked Adam.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNo, they run off afore he could see their faces well enough to recognize them,\u201d explained Roy.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cReckon Joe seen sumthin\u2019 he shouldn\u2019t of?\u201d Hoss spoke up before the others. \u201cMaybe he planned on tellin\u2019 on\u2019em, that\u2019d be reason \u2018nough to get beat up.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cMight be he knows more\u2019em he\u2019s atellin\u2019 ya Ben,\u201d predicted Roy.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben and Adam swapped troubled looks. Ben\u2019s brows raised slightly. \u201cAre you suggesting, Roy, that Joe might have been involved?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNo\u2026I ain\u2019t asayin\u2019 that Ben\u2026but Hoss is right, the boy might of seen somthin\u2019,\u201d answered Roy.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cBut the Swanson place is all the way on the other side of Virginia City. To my knowledge, Joe\u2019s never even been to Swanson\u2019s,\u201d Ben explained.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHe went with me, right after the Swansons moved in,\u201d Adam told his father. \u201cIn fact, both of us helped Mrs. Swanson carry in some boxes.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben seemed to be thinking while the others had grown quiet. \u201cI suppose the only thing to do, is for me to question Little Joe again,\u201d sighed Ben. \u201cI\u2019ll be back, make yourself at home Roy, Hoss ask Hop Sing to make some sandwiches, please.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben turned and marched up the stairs. He dreaded the confrontation with his youngest son. Joe still wasn\u2019t feeling up to par, and when Ben had last questioned the boy, Joe almost had burst out in tears.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben rapped lightly on the door and then gently pushed it opened. When he peeked inside, he could see Joe propped up in the bed with his head resting back against the pillows. An opened book was spread across his lap. When Joe heard his father, he raised his head and smiled.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHi ya, Pa,\u201d the boy smiled.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHi son. How are you feeling?\u201d Ben asked as he pulled the chair to the side of the bed.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI ain\u2019t hurtin\u2019, much, if that\u2019s what you\u2019re wondering.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s a good sign. Maybe when the doctor comes out tomorrow, he\u2019ll let you go downstairs for a while, how would you like that?\u201d smiled Ben.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019d like it fine\u2026I\u2019m about tired of these four walls,\u201d Joe said as his smile faded.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben glanced around at the room as if to agree with his son. \u201cJoe, I was wondering something\u2026\u201d he said a moment later.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cPa\u2026if it\u2019s about what happened to me\u2026\u201d Joe hung his head, not wanting to look into his father\u2019s eyes for fear of revealing the truth about what happened. He was worried about what Cory might do next, and who might get hurt in the process.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWell, not really\u2026but the sheriff had some interesting facts to share with us.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

His father\u2019s words had spiked his interest and he found himself hard pressed to keep it from showing. He had been wondering what Cory and the others had been up to since he had been laid up, and he hoped that he had not followed through with his plans to\u2026<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHe said someone salted Owen Swanson\u2019s well and then threw a rock though his window. Seems there was a warning attached to it that rather frightened him and his wife. Mr. Swanson said that he spied a couple of boys messing around his barn, but they ran off before he could see who they were,\u201d Ben said.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

He tried to keep his voice calm and not make it sound as if he were pressing the boy for information, but rather just sharing with him what Roy had told them.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cA warning\u2026what kind of warning?\u201d Joe asked worriedly.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

He knew that Cory hated the Swansons. The boy had blamed the older gentleman for his father losing their farm. Cory\u2019s father had been so far in debt and the back taxes had added up to such that Mr. Melton had been unable to pay them. When the banker said either pay up or the ranch goes up for public auction, Cory\u2019s pa had become so enraged at the banker, that he had pulled a gun on the man and threatened to kill him. Mr. Swanson had been standing nearby when the incident took place and when he saw what was happening, he slipped in behind the other man and knocked the gun from Mr. Melton\u2019s hand.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Mr. Melton had been held in Roy Coffee\u2019s jail until he simmered down and two days later, after the sale of his ranch, Roy let the man out. Melton had made his way to the saloon and had drank himself into a stupor and had started making his brags about how he would get his farm back, even if it meant killing Owen Swanson, for the older gentleman had been the man who had bought Melton\u2019s farm for the back taxes. Melton had been so overcome with hatred that he had tried to waylay the other man and his wife one afternoon while the couple had been on their way into town. Owen Swanson had managed to get to his gun first, seconds before Sam Melton fired on him. Swanson shot once, killing the other man instantly.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Cory had told Joe and the others what had transpired that night and the boy had gone on to tell them that he had promised himself that one day he would get back at Mr. Swanson for killing his father and for stealing their farm from them. Joe had known the boy for little over a year and though he wasn\u2019t overly fond of Cory, he had felt a measure of pity for the boy. The fact that Cory had very few friends, was another factor that had drawn Joe to the boy. Only after Joe had gotten to know Cory better, had he learned that Cory had more friends than first thought and that those friends were much older than himself and were no longer in school.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThe note said that Mr. Swanson should be aware and that things were beginning to heat up.\u201d While Ben had been explaining about the note, Joe had been lost in his own thoughts and when his father had begun speaking, Joe was drawn away from his pondering.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cRoy couldn\u2019t figure out what that meant, neither could Mr. Swanson\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAnd he thinks I can?\u201d stammered Joe in an accusing tone of voice.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

His father\u2019s words, and the fact that two boys were seen around the Swanson\u2019s barn, gave Joe reason to fear that Cory and his gang might be getting ready to set a fire.\u00a0\u00a0 A fire that Joe feared might just as easily cause the death of the older man and his elderly wife.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cJoe, calm down, Roy didn\u2019t mean anything like that, why on earth would he think you might know anything about it\u2026unless\u2026maybe you do?\u201d Ben watched the look on Joe\u2019s face and how quickly his son averted his eyes.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben\u2019s hand reached for Joe\u2019s and gently took his son\u2019s into his own. \u201cYou don\u2019t know anything about all of this\u2026do you son?\u201d he asked as calmly as he could.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe\u2019s eye darted to his father\u2019s face and just as quickly Joe looked the other way. \u201cHow would I know\u2026\u201d his voice faltered right at that moment and he hated himself for having to lie to his father.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t know anything\u2026how could I, I\u2019ve been lying in this bed for three days?\u201d snapped Joe.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cIt happened the night you were beaten,\u201d stated Ben.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

He was more positive than ever now, after seeing the look on Joe\u2019s face, that Joe did, in fact know more than he was willing to tell.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cSo?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cSo\u2026I would like to think that if you did know something, you would be honest enough to tell me,\u201d Ben said, fighting to control the emotion in his voice.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYou think I\u2019m lying?\u201d Joe practically shouted. His eyes filled with tears and began to seep from his one good eye.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cJoseph, I didn\u2019t say that\u2026and I didn\u2019t mean to make you think\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThen why\u2019d ya even bother to ask me in the first place, if ya already had your mind set that I was fibbing to you?\u201d Joe began to cry in earnest. \u201cYou never believe anything I say\u2026why should this time be any different?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cSon, please\u2026I didn\u2019t mean\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYes you did!\u201d cried Joe as he lowered himself down in the bed and tried to turn away from his father.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben stood silently, heartbroken that his son had become so upset with his questioning. He leaned down, pulling the covers up around Joe\u2019s body and hesitated briefly before placing his lips to Joe\u2019s cheek and kissing the boy gently.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m sorry Joseph. You rest now, we\u2019ll talk again later.\u201d Joe made no response to his father and Ben turned at last and left the room.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The next afternoon, Paul did give Joe the freedom to be up and about for short periods of time. Joe made the most of it too, the first place he wanted to be, was outside. Ben, after much arguing with the boy, allowed Joe to sit on the side porch with him while he worked on the books. Joe had brought the book along that he had been reading and was lost in the pages when the sounds of an approaching horse caused him to look up. Instantly, Joe glanced at his father and then back at the rider.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben had seen Joe cast his eyes sideways at him and Ben had noted the troubled expression that Joe quickly masked as well. He could only wonder at the reasoning and more so, why this particular young man happened to be stopping by.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cJoe, isn\u2019t that Sam Melton\u2019s son?\u201d Ben said in a low tone as he watched the boy dismount and tie his horse\u2019s reigns to the hitching rail.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHum\u2026yeah, Pa\u2026that\u2019s Cory,\u201d Joe answered without looking at his father.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWonder why on earth he\u2019s here?\u201d said Ben and then hushed as the boy made his way toward them.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHi ya, Little Joe,\u201d Cory smiled as he tossed his hand up in salute. \u201cMr. Cartwright?\u201d he greeted Ben.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cCory,\u201d answered Ben, somewhat caught off guard by the boy\u2019s friendly greeting to Joe.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

He hadn\u2019t been aware that the Melton boy was a friend of Joe\u2019s. It wasn\u2019t what Ben would have preferred, for he had heard talk about the boy in town. It seemed to Ben that the boy had a reputation as being a troublemaker, according to the sheriff, and the fact that Cory was a couple of years older than Joe wasn\u2019t a plus either. Ben stood for a moment and watched his son. The smile that was present only minutes before, was gone now and in it\u2019s place was the beginnings of a scowl, and Joe seemed a bit uncomfortable, either by the boy\u2019s arrival or his father\u2019s lingering presence, Ben wasn\u2019t sure.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHi Cory,\u201d Joe said in a small voice. \u201cWhat brings you out this way?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben heard the slight quiver in Joe\u2019s voice and made a quick look at his son\u2019s expression.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Cory grinned from ear to ear, a smile that in Ben\u2019s thinking, was forced and not altogether sincere. There was something going on between the two boys, of that Ben was certain, and whatever it was, definitely was making his own son uncomfortable. It was for sure, by the actions of his son, that Ben could easily see that Joe was not happy with the other boy\u2019s visit.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI came by to see how ya was. Some of the fellas in town was talkin\u2019 about what a bad way ya was in\u2026I thought I\u2019d drop by and see for myself,\u201d Cory said in a voice that he tried to make sound as if he really was concerned.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWell, now you\u2019ve seen,\u201d snapped Joe, forgetting his father who still stood behind him.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben cleared his throat, drawing Joe\u2019s attention away from his quest. Joe turned to his father, seeing the look of dismay on his face. He gulped, worried that with Cory\u2019s appearance, Ben might get suspicious and start asking questions again.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cIf you boys will excuse me, I have some things to take care of inside. I\u2019ll let you two visit for a while without me hanging around,\u201d laughed Ben lightly.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The remark caused Cory to laugh as well.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cCory\u2026it\u2019s nice to see you again. I hope your mother is well?\u201d Ben asked kindly.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cOh yessir, Ma\u2019s fine, thank ya for asking, Mr. Cartwright,\u201d smiled Cory.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cJoseph, don\u2019t be too long son, you know what the doctor said about you only staying up for a short time,\u201d Ben added before he turned to leave.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAll right, Pa\u2026I won\u2019t be long\u2026I promise,\u201d Joe said as he offered a small smile to his father.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Cory was relieved to know that the old man had no inkling what he had done to his son. He glanced at Joe and smiled though the smile was more a smirk. Satisfaction shown in Cory\u2019s eyes and Joe was quick to note the glimmer. It made him mad and he glared at the other boy, who only laughed again.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

When Ben had gone inside and closed the door, Joe turned on Cory.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhy in blazes are you here?\u201d he demanded.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI dun told ya\u2026I came by to see how ya was makin\u2019 out,\u201d Cory said as he plopped himself down in the chair that Ben had been sitting in.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cFine, you\u2019ve seen, now go home!\u201d snarled Joe.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNow\u2026now\u2026Little Joe, is that anyway to treat a friend?\u201d laughed Cory.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe\u2019s temper was quickly reaching the boiling point and it showed on his face. \u201cYou aren\u2019t a friend of mine\u2026now get out of here,\u201d he ordered.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Cory stood to his feet, towering over Joe. The laughter died and the smile disappeared. The older boy leaned down, near Joe\u2019s face.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI just wanted to make sure ya heeded my warnin\u2019 about keepin\u2019 ya mouth shut about my business. And I\u2019m glad to see ya have.\u201d Cory grinned then and patted Joe\u2019s cheek with his opened palm. The third pat was hard and caused Joe to draw back.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThere\u2019s gonna be a barn burnin\u2019 soon, Little Joe\u2026ya best continue to keep ya mouth shut, lessen ya wanna see someone git hurt real bad like.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe wormed his way upward from his chair and inched his body away from the other young man. \u201cYour crazy, Cory\u2026just plain crazy. Why do you want to burn Mr. Swanson\u2019s barn and take the chance on hurting the old man, maybe even his wife? They\u2019ve never done anything to you\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Cory\u2019s face twisted into a snarl and he glared angrily at Joe. \u201cNever did anythin\u2019 to me? Why that ole coot stole my pa\u2019s farm right out from under him and then murdered him in cold blood!\u201d growled Cory.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s a lie and you know it, Cory. Old man Swanson was just protecting himself from your father. Your pa drew on him and if Mr. Swanson hadn\u2019t of fired in self-defense, your pa would have killed him\u2026and as for the farm, he bought that place for the back taxes, everyone knows that! My pa told me all about it when it happened,\u201d argued Joe.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWell, ya ole man don\u2019t know everythin\u2019! Ain\u2019t nobody seed what happened, \u2018ceptin\u2019 for Swanson and my pa\u2026and my pa ain\u2019t here to tell his side of the story!\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Cory had circled behind Joe and leaned down to whisper in his ear. \u201cMind what I said, Cartwright\u2026ya open ya mouth\u2026I might just have to come back here and finish what I started, once I\u2019m dun with the old man and his wife\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe turned slowly around and stared at the boy. \u201cI\u2019m not afraid of you, Cory\u2026you go near the Swansons barn, and I\u2019ll tell my pa. That\u2019s a promise and he\u2019ll\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cCould be another fire too, sure would hate to see that one over there, go up in smoke, \u2018specially with that purty pinto of yours trapped inside, not to mention all them other fine horses ya pa\u2019s got.\u201d Cory nodded his head toward the Cartwright barn, making his meaning plain to Joe. He laughed when he saw the fear that suddenly showed on Joe\u2019s young face.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t try me, kid\u2026ya\u2019ll never win\u2026that\u2019s a promise!\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Cory moved away from Joe and started toward his horse. \u201cSee ya \u2018round, Little Joe.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe stood rooted to the same spot, never turning his head to watch the boy ride away. When Joe was sure that Cory was gone, he lowered himself into the chair and leaned back his head, closing his eyes.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe sat for several long minutes, lost in thoughts. He tried to tell himself that Cory was just spouting off at the mouth, that he would never really have the guts to set fire to a man\u2019s barn, but Joe wasn\u2019t totally convinced that Cory wouldn\u2019t do as he had sworn to do, either.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe glanced around at his own barn. How could he live with himself if they lost their barn? What if Cory meant what he said, that if Joe should tell anyone what Cory\u2019s plans were, he would sneak in some night when they were all asleep and set fire to the Cartwright\u2019s barn. What about the horses\u2026Cochise! Joe\u2019s worried thoughts suddenly turned to his pinto and the picture that Cory had painted of their barn blazing and all of their prized horses trapped inside.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

A sob caught deep within Joe\u2019s throat and he silently cursed himself for ever thinking that he could somehow be a friend to a boy such as Cory Melton. Joe now regretted the day that he had disregarded Adam\u2019s warning that he stay away from the Melton boy, and instead had befriended the young man. Adam had tried to tell him that Cory was trouble and if not careful would manage to pull him into it as well. And Adam had been right, for there had been several incidents where Joe had gotten home later than he should have, because of meeting up with Cory and his gang, and Ben had let his anger be known.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

What was he to do\u2026who could he turn to now, certainly not his father, for Joe feared his father\u2019s wrath should he find out that he had been party to some of Cory\u2019s pranks around town. And for sure not Adam, for his older brother would only smirk and tell him, \u2018I told you so\u2019. There was always Hoss, but Hoss would only want him to go straight to their father and admit the entire truth\u2026a truth that Joe would just as soon not have to admit.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe squeezed his eyes tightly shut. It had only been harmless fun, or so he thought at the time. Loosening a saddle cinch here and there, over turning the apple bin that Mr. Cass had placed outside on the boardwalk in front of his store. Joe had stood silently in the background with Cory while the other boys actually pulled the pranks and had snickered along with the others when customers stumbled over the spilled fruit.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe shook his head in disgust. \u201cI can\u2019t believe I was so stupid, to think that was funny,\u201d he muttered to himself.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe heard the sound of soft laughter behind him and quickly drew himself to attention. He twisted around, surprised to see his oldest brother standing behind him, with a cheeky grin on his face.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYou having a private conversation, little brother?\u201d teased Adam as he came onto the porch and made himself comfortable in the other chair.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHa, ha, ha,\u201d sneered Joe.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam ignored the smirk on his brother\u2019s face. \u201cI just passed Cory Melton, what was he doing here?\u201d Adam asked.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHe came to see me, what\u2019s it to you?\u201d growled Joe, rising to his feet.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNothing to me, Joe, just curious, that\u2019s all. I wasn\u2019t aware he was friend of yours\u2026I thought I warned you about him.\u201d Adam leaned his chair back and propped his feet up on the table. He had a tiny piece of straw stuck between his teeth and he eyed his brother closely.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHe\u2019s not a friend of mine!\u201d snapped Joe, turning to glare at Adam.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThen why was he here?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNone of your business!\u201d Joe turned to leave; he had to get away before he allowed himself to say too much.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe heard Adam\u2019s boots as they hit the porch. \u201cJoe, wait a minute,\u201d Adam called as he rose to his feet.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe stopped, but refused to turn around. Adam quickly moved to his brother\u2019s side, noting how rigid Joe was standing. When he placed his hand on his brother\u2019s shoulder, he was surprised at the trembling feeling that surged beneath his fingers. He stepped around in front of Joe, facing the boy. The bright glistening shine in his brother\u2019s eyes stunned the older of the two.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe dropped his head, a tiny bead of water rolled gently down his face. Adam saw the boy swallow.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cJoe,\u201d Adam said softly, \u201cwhat\u2019s wrong, buddy?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe could not form the words nor force them to his lips. He feared what Cory would do, he was worried what his father would think and say to him, and he felt as if he had no one to whom he could turn. Joe hurt from head to toe from the beating he\u2019d received, and feared more, should he admit to what he knew.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

Joe shook his head and finally looked up, surprised to see the compassion in his brother\u2019s eyes. He hesitated briefly before speaking.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThere\u2019s nothing wrong! Just leave me alone, Adam and mind your own business!\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

With that, Joe shoved his way around Adam and went into the house, slamming the door behind him. The minute he was inside, he drew a deep breath and hurried up the stairs and into his room where he lay down across the bed. The tears that he fought so hard to control finally were granted their release.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhat was that all about?\u201d Ben asked Adam minutes later when Adam entered the house.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben had been sitting at his desk and had started to call out to Joe when he had seen the strange look on the boy’s face as he rushed up the stairs. Ben had stood and started toward the door sure that he had just heard Adam\u2019s voice, when Adam came into the house.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNot sure, Pa,\u201d Adam said as he took his gunbelt off and laid it on the credenza. \u201cI was just asking him why Cory Melton had been here, and Joe got all twisted out of shape and bit my head off.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI was wondering the same thing, about the Melton boy I mean. I didn\u2019t know that he and your brother were friends,\u201d Ben said as he and Adam moved into the great room. Ben took a seat in his favorite chair and started to light his pipe.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cJoe said they weren\u2019t, I asked him the same thing,\u201d Adam informed his father.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThey certainly acted like they were friends\u2026at least Cory did.\u201d Ben paused, seemingly to be thinking. \u201cNow that I think about it, Adam, Joseph really didn\u2019t seem pleased that Cory stopped by. Wonder why?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam shook his head and gave his father a half grin. \u201cWho knows? With Joe, it\u2019s a guessing game, Pa. I warned the boy about that Melton kid, he\u2019s trouble. I don\u2019t like him hanging around Joe and I don\u2019t\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam stopped talking to stare at his father. Ben was laughing softly.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAdam, someday son, you will make a great father,\u201d smiled Ben as he rose to his feet. \u201cI think I\u2019ll go check on your brother,\u201d he laughed as he gently patted Adam\u2019s shoulder in passing.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben tapped on the door and gently eased it opened. He could see Joe lying across the bed, obviously sleeping, so Ben tiptoed over to the side of the bed and picked up the blanket at the foot. Carefully so as not to wake the boy, he spread the cover over his son. As Ben leaned down to smooth the blanket, he noted the shine of dampness on his son\u2019s face, and the moisture, a telltale sign that the boy had been crying, left a dull ache in his father\u2019s heart.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Quietly, Ben slipped from the room and back down stairs. Adam twisted in his chair to watch his father\u2019s entrance and waited until Ben had sat down.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWell?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHmm? Oh, Joe\u2019s sleeping, son,\u201d Ben stated. \u201cHe\u2019s been crying, Adam\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI know\u2026when I was talking to him outside, he got upset and I saw the tears build up in his eyes, but he brushed me off and came inside. I tried asking him if something was wrong, but naturally he said no and told me to mind my own business,\u201d explained Adam.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam moved from the blue chair to sit on the table facing his father. \u201cDo you think it\u2019s possible that Cory had anything to do with Joe\u2019s\u2026beating?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben seemed surprised at the idea and shook his head. \u201cNo\u2026I think something else is bothering Joe. Besides\u2026why would this boy beat Joe up and then drop by to see how he was? It doesn\u2019t make any sense, Adam.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cMaybe not, Pa\u2026but\u2026but\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cBut, what?\u201d Ben cast worried eyes up at Adam. \u201cWhat are you not telling me?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam gave his father a small twisted grin. \u201cYou know me so well, don\u2019t you, Pa?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019d like to think so, Adam. Now, what is it that you\u2019re having trouble telling me?\u201d Ben said, returning the twisted smile with one of his own.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWell, Pa\u2026yesterday, when I was in town, I stopped by to see Roy, and he told me\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben stomped around the room. He was seething with anger at his younger son. It was hard to believe that Joe had been a part of what Adam had passed on to him about Cory and his gang of hooligans and had it been anyone other than his older son telling him such, Ben would have most likely doubted the story.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI can\u2019t imagine what in the world that boy was thinking! And after you and I both warned him about hanging around that kid!\u201d stormed Ben.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben flung himself around to face Adam. He wore a glaring look on his face. \u201cI\u2019ve a good mind to march right back up those stairs and give him a walloping he won\u2019t ever forget!\u201d shouted Ben.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Hoss paused in the doorway. He had just gotten back from town where he had gone to get the mail, and the sound of the deep roaring voice of his father caused him to pause. He glanced first at his father\u2019s face and then at Adam.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cSomethin\u2019 wrong?\u201d he said in a wary voice.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Hoss unbuckled his gunbelt and placed it on the credenza next to Adam\u2019s. After hanging his hat on the peg behind the door, he ambled slowly over to join his brother and father.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cJoseph! Who else?\u201d roared Ben.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cLittle Joe? But how can he be in trouble\u2026he\u2019s been laid up nearly a week?\u201d Hoss stammered, obviously shaken by the news that Joe had somehow managed to anger their father to such a degree. \u201c\u2019Sides, he\u2019s got two busted ribs\u2026what\u2019d he do this time?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

His question was directed more at his older brother than to his father.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam eyed his father but when Ben turned away from them and sat down, Adam started to explain. He took a deep breath, his brows deepened as he pressed his thumb and forefinger to the bridge of his nose.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cRemember that kid, Cory Melton?\u201d he began.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cSure\u2026Sam Melton\u2019s boy\u2026the one that swore to get even with old man Swanson for killin\u2019 his pa\u2026why?\u201d Hoss asked, taking a seat on the edge of the stone hearth.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cJoe\u2019s been hanging around with him and\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhat! Why from what I\u2019ve heard, that youn\u2019on ain\u2019t nothin\u2019 but trouble,\u201d Hoss announced.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThat about sums it up!\u201d grumbled Ben.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhat\u2019s he done\u2026Joe I mean\u2026to get himself in trouble?\u201d Hoss asked.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWell,\u201d Adam paused and glanced at his father before continuing. \u201cNothing that Roy can actually point a finger at and accuse Joe. But he has been seen hanging around with Cory when things happened in town\u2026and\u2026Roy suspects that Cory and his gang are the ones that salted Mr. Swanson\u2019s well last week,\u201d Adam explained.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cLast week? But Little Joe was laid up last week\u2026he couldn\u2019t of been in on that\u2026could he?\u201d stammered Hoss.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNo, thank goodness,\u201d Ben snapped. \u201cBut just the idea that Joe\u2019s been sneaking around town with those thugs is enough to warrant being in trouble. Roy caught sight of the scamp earlier the night Joe was beaten, and he was with Cory then. That\u2019s the same night that several cowboys came out of the saloon only to find their saddle cinches loose and Mr. Cass at the mercantile had a barrel of apples turned over on the sidewalk. Mrs. Cameron down at the boarding house tripped over a couple of them and fell. Roy said she fractured an ankle in the process.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben made a growling sound deep in his throat and stood to his feet. He paced around the room and stopped at the bottom of the stairs and turned back to his sons.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cIf I find out that Joseph had a hand in that, I\u2019ll tan his backside so hard the boy won\u2019t sit for week!\u201d growled Ben.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The loud pounding at the front door brought instant silence to the conversation as each one looked from one to the other. Ben started toward the door.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWonder who on earth that could be, this late at night?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe, who had finally wakened, stood at the top of the stairs. He watched as his father hurried to the door. Ben slipped the latch and pulled opened the heavy oak door.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cMr. Cartwright\u2026please,\u201d stammered the man who Ben instantly recognized as John Ventana, Owen Swanson\u2019s foreman. \u201cYa gotta come quick,\u201d the man stammered.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cJohn, come on in\u2026what on earth is wrong?\u201d Ben said, pulling on the man\u2019s arm until he was inside.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

John grabbed Ben\u2019s other arm, steadying himself.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cFire\u2026the barn\u2019s on fire!\u201d he stuttered.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhat!\u201d Ben roared. \u201cAdam, Hoss, quick\u2026get your things. John, we\u2019re on our way!\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben made a grab for his hat and gun and stopped long enough to tie the leg strap. Adam and Hoss were already out the door when Ben caught a movement to his right and glanced up, seeing a tearful Joe standing silently. Ben\u2019s movement ceased as he studied the boy\u2019s face, and the high shade of pink that tinted his son\u2019s complexion.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe took a step nearer his father. Ben raised upright.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m\u2026I\u2019m\u2026sorry Pa\u2026I didn\u2019t think\u2026he\u2019d go\u2026through with it,\u201d stammered Joe between sobs.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Puzzled, Ben placed a hand on Joe\u2019s shoulder. \u201cWhat are you talking about, Joseph?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe raised tear filled eyes upward to look into his father\u2019s face. \u201cThe fire\u2026I know who\u2026started\u2026it.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe melted his body into his father\u2019s chest. Automatically, as many times before, Ben engulfed his son with his long arms and held the boy to his heart as Joe blurted out his story.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cCory said he was going to burn down Mr. Swanson\u2019s barn\u2026for killing his pa\u2026and he wanted me to go along with him and the others\u2026but I told him I\u2019d have no part in it\u2026and that I was gonna tell you\u2026but then he and the others\u2026they beat me up\u2026and he said that he\u2019d burn down our barn some night\u2026with all our horses in it if I told a soul about what they were planning\u2026and I got scared\u2026for Mr. Swanson\u2026and our livestock\u2026and I didn\u2019t know what to do, Pa\u2026or who to go to\u2026I was afraid that if I told\u2026he would do it, so I just didn\u2019t say anything about it\u2026but he did it anyway\u2026I\u2019m sorry, Pa\u2026I\u2019m so sorry\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe\u2019s chest was heaving by the time that he\u2019d finished with his story and his words were slurred and tangled together, but his father had gotten the message.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cJoseph,\u201d Ben whispered as he held the boy tightly to his breast. Ben tilted Joe\u2019s chin upward so that he could see into the troubled eyes. \u201cYou wait here, I\u2019ll be back just as soon as I can and we\u2019ll talk about this, all right?\u201d Ben brushed back the dark locks of hair that fell from Joe\u2019s head across his forehead. \u201cGo back to bed, son.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe backed away from his father; his body was trembling as he looked up at his pa. \u201cI was wrong\u2026wasn\u2019t I, Pa, for not telling you?\u201d His quivering chin gave him the semblance of a small boy.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI really don\u2019t think I need to answer that question for you, son…I think you already know the answer,\u201d Ben said softly. \u201cNow, please, go to bed and wait for me,\u201d Ben tried to smile, but it wasn\u2019t a total success. With a tender movement, he brushed the palm of his hand gently down the tear stained face.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cPa\u2026Cory\u2026he swore to kill Mr. Swanson\u2026please\u2026\u201d Joe gulped and swiped the back of his hands across his face to wipe the tears that lingered on his cheeks. \u201cDon\u2019t\u2026let anything\u2026happen to the old man\u2026please\u2026\u201d wept Joe.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben\u2019s heart was in his throat, speaking was next too impossible. The frantic look on his young son\u2019s face left him with a feeling that his stomach had just flipped upside down. Ben nodded his head, and gently clutched Joe\u2019s shoulder.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll try Joe\u2026I\u2019ll try.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben ran from the house. One of the hands had saddled his horse and was waiting, mounted on his own horse. Several of the men had ridden along with Adam and Hoss to help with putting the fire out. Hop Sing had even joined the men, leaving Joe alone in the house with everyone gone. Ben mounted quickly and raced to catch up with Adam and Hoss whom by now were nearing the Swanson home.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe stood at the door and watched as his father rode off into the darkness. He suddenly felt as if the weight of the world was bearing down on his shoulders as he shut the door at last and slowly made his way to his room. He was on the landing, halfway up when the door burst open, startling Joe from his thoughts.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThere he is!\u201d someone shouted.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Before Joe could collect his senses, two large boys were running toward the stairs. Joe snapped to attention and turned to flee but was stopped by the first boy who hauled him to the floor of the landing by wrapping his strong arms around Joe\u2019s body. Joe clenched his jaw tightly against the pain that the other boy\u2019s grasp was having on his broken ribs.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe squirmed around on the floor trying to free himself from the body on top of him. His space was cramped because of the stair railing and Joe felt himself and the one on top of him, tumble down the few steps to the floor below. Pain surged through his ribcage, as he was roughly hauled to his feet and spun around to face Cory Melton and a member of his gang. The two boys stood before Joe, deep rooted anger embedded in each expression.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI warned ya Cartwright\u2026now ya gonna pay!\u201d yelled Cory as he doubled up his fist and drove it deeply into Joe\u2019s stomach.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe groaned as his folded body dropped to the floor. The other boy kicked out at Joe, causing another painful moan to slip passed the boy\u2019s lips.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Cory and his sidekick each grabbed Joe by an arm, hauled him to his feet and dragged him from the house. They stumbled across the yard to the barn, stopping just long enough to yank the door open and shoved Joe inside. Once within the dark interior, Joe was once again tossed to the floor.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cFind some rope and tie him up while I look for something to start a fire,\u201d ordered Cory.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNO!\u201d screamed Joe as he struggled to get to his feet.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Cory swung out with his leg, kicking Joe just under the chin. Joe\u2019s head flopped backward as Joe fell silent while the darkness claimed his world.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHurry it up, Ray\u2026those dang Cartwrights will be back soon and I want this barn hot when they get here,\u201d laughed Cory who had found what he was looking for.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

In the far corner of the barn, Cory had found a full container of kerosene, used in oil lamps, and he began tossing it all about the barn, soaking everything he could, especially the bales of hay stacked on the opposite wall.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ray had found a long rope and was working at securing Joe\u2019s arms behind his back. He shoved Joe face down on the dirt floor and pulled his legs up behind his back and tied the ankles together and then secured them to Joe\u2019s wrists with another section of rope.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHow\u2019s that?\u201d he asked Cory, standing back and admiring his handiwork.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s fine, \u2018ceptin\u2019 gag him\u2026I don\u2019t wanna hear him screamin\u2019 for his daddy when this place goes up in smoke!\u201d warned Cory.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ray grabbed a rag from the rag box he found in the tack room and wrapped it tightly about Joe\u2019s mouth. When he was finished, he and Cory backed slowly toward the door until they reached the entrance. Cory stopped and shook the last drops of oil from the container and then tossed in the can. Ray waited until Cory dug through his pockets in search of a match. Cory found what he was looking for and raised his hand to strike the match down the side of the door.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHEY!\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The voice from the side of the barn halted Cory\u2019s movement. He glanced up, stunned to see Joe\u2019s family returning from the fire that had claimed the Swansons barn. Adam jumped from his horse in one leap and dashed toward the two boys. Ray bolted into action by taking off at a full run and rounding the corner of the barn before either Ben or Hoss could grab him.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Cory somehow managed to get the match lit and tossed it into the barn. Instantly the flame ignited the oil and the fire burst into flames, lighting the night sky with its bluish tint. Adam stopped dead in his tracks to stare in total disbelief at the blaze that loomed before him.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Cory, forgotten for the moment, laughed loudly at the Cartwright\u2019s frenzied actions and then turned to catch up with his friend.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cGet the buckets!\u201d shouted Adam as he covered his face with his arm and leapt through the flames that lapped at the doorway. \u201cI\u2019ll get the horses!\u201d he screamed over his shoulder as he disappeared into the wall of fire.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cADAM!\u201d bellowed his father.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben had been on the run to the watering trough when he saw his oldest son disappear out of sight behind the billowing flames. He grabbed a bucket of water and ran to the door, tossing the water onto the fire. As he ran back for another bucket, he could hear the sizzling sound of the water as it welded into the hot inferno.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

From across the yard, ranch hands, returning from the first fire, ran to help their boss and his sons. They formed a long line and passed buckets from man to man slinging the precious water into the flames.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cADAM!\u201d Ben bellowed a second time. He had tried to enter the barn, but the blaze blocked his path and he was quickly becoming terrified for the life of his oldest child.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Just as Ben was about to try a second time, Cochise came barreling out the door, nearly knocking Ben to his feet. He jumped just in time to keep from being trampled. Another minute and a mare followed and then the team of chestnut bays, yet Adam was no where to be seen.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The men forming the line were making headway at putting out the fire from the outside. From within the walls, Adam had managed to kick and scatter the hay out of the way of the overbearing flames. The flames were slowly dying and there was hope in the men\u2019s hearts that the largest portion of the barn would survive the fire.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam covered his face with his arm to ward off the intense heat and started out the back door to safety. The smoke was thick and black and he stumbled over something in his path. He fell to the ground with a thud and instantly tried to pull himself up, but stopped suddenly. Adam\u2019s hand groped for the thing that had blocked his path, causing him to fall. He was overwhelmed with emotion when he managed to see through the dense smoke only to find his youngest brother lying on the ground, his arms and legs tightly encased in thick rope.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cJOE!\u201d Adam shouted as he scooped the boy into his arms, ropes and all, and carried him out the back door into the still of the night.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Gently Adam lowered his brother to the ground and removed the gag and then the ropes. Joe began coughing and trying to suck in deep gulps of air to fill his lungs. Adam bent over the boy, holding him upright so that he could breathe better. After several long agonizing minutes, Joe was able to catch his breath and ceased coughing.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe peered into the face of his savor, tears formed in his reddened eyes and when he stretched upward, his arms opened wide, he hugged himself to his brother. Adam\u2019s arms entwined themselves about his sibling as he carefully lifted Joe up and proceeded to take him around to the front, where he knew Ben waited in fear for his son, not realizing how very close he came to loosing more than just one of his boys.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cPA!\u201d called Adam as he stepped into the glow of the dying fire.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben spun around. On his face he wore a look of enormous relief as he rushed forward and embraced his oldest son. So intent on Adam\u2019s welfare, he barely noticed the bundle in his son\u2019s arms until Adam drew his attention to it.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s Joe, Pa. I found him hog-tied inside the barn,\u201d Adam coughed.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cJoe\u2026dear God\u2026is he alright?\u201d stammered Ben as he turned his full attention on the boy Adam carried.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI think so\u2026he just needs some fresh air and some water.\u201d Adam carried Joe to the house. With the toe of his boot, he pushed opened the door and when he reached the settee, he lowered Joe carefully onto it.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben followed behind and stopped at the door, glancing over his shoulder to see the men had broken line. A few had grabbed shovels from the shed off the side of the barn that had been spared the hot flames and were scrapping away the debris. Hoss, who had seen his brothers and his father heading for the house, stayed with the men to be sure that the fire was completely out.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHOP SING\u2026GET SOME WATER!\u201d shouted Ben.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Hop Sing appeared minutes later with the water. He was covered in soot and his clothes reeked of smoke, but he smiled down at his boss.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cBoy and barn\u2026both be fine,\u201d he chanted as he padded softly back to the kitchen.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe began coughing. \u201cOh\u2026my\u2026throat\u2026\u201d he whimpered in a hoarse voice. \u201cIt\u2019s burning\u2026bad\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHere buddy, drink this,\u201d issued Adam as he placed a glass of water to Joe\u2019s lips.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe took several long sips before he pushed Adam\u2019s hand away. He searched for his father\u2019s face, finding it as Adam moved away to allow his father to be closer to the settee and to Joe.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThe barn\u2026he set the\u2026fire,\u201d cried Joe, whose eyes had filled with tears.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWe know, son\u2026we saw Cory and another boy when we rode in,\u201d Ben assured his son.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cRay\u2026Cory\u2019s cousin,\u201d whispered Joe. \u201cPa!\u201d Joe reached out and grabbed his father\u2019s arm. \u201cThe Swansons\u2026are they\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThey\u2019re fine, Joseph\u2026their barn was a total loss, but Owen and Julia are both okay,\u201d smiled Ben.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThank goodness,\u201d muttered Joe as he closed his eyes. When he opened them again, his father was still there. \u201cHe\u2026was\u2026going to\u2026kill me\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe\u2019s reserve broke and he began sobbing. The beating, the gang\u2019s plan, his fear for the older couple along with fear for his own losses and the shame he carried for allowing himself to get involved with a group of boys that not only his father, but his older brother had warned him about, and the knowledge that he was a disappointment to his father, had finally taken its toll on the teenager.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben pulled Joe to a sitting position and took his son into his arms. He allowed Joe to rest his head against his chest and said nothing until Joe had cried himself out. As he finished, Adam handed his brother a handkerchief, which Joe accepted.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s all my fault,\u201d he sputtered. \u201cI should have told you\u2026when they first planned it,\u201d whispered Joe.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cJoe, let\u2019s not think about what you should or should not have done. At least not right now, I want you upstairs and in a warm bath and then I want you in bed. We\u2019ll talk about everything when we\u2019re all rested,\u201d ordered Ben.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNo buts, young man\u2026now let\u2019s get upstairs. Adam, would you have Hop Sing heat lots and lots of water. I think all of us will need a long soak in the tub, tonight!\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cSure thing, Pa,\u201d agreed Adam.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

He stood and watched his father lead his brother to his room. When they were out of sight, Adam took a long deep breath and let it out slowly. He raked his hand across the front of his face and slowly started toward the kitchen in search of Hop Sing.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWe almost lost you tonight, little brother,\u201d he murmured to himself.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe perched himself on the table centered on the side porch. He waited for his father and the sheriff to finish up inside, dreading the moment when he would have to face his father and explain all that he had done. It wasn\u2019t going to be easy, but in truth, Joe was glad to know that he\u2019d soon be relieved of the burden that he had been toting around for so long.<\/p>\n

Joe heard the front door open and stood to his feet. Slowly he made his way forward.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWell Ben, I guess that\u2019s the end of it all,\u201d Roy was saying to Joe\u2019s father. \u201cNow that those youn\u2019ons have skedaddled, there ain\u2019t no way to prosecute them, lessen we find\u2019em. And last word I got\u2026they been seen over in Placerville. I sent wires all about, Ben, they might turn up somewheres, someday.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThey probably won\u2019t show their faces around here again, anytime soon,\u201d Ben said. His hand was resting on his friend\u2019s shoulder as they walked together toward the horses.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cSee ya, Little Joe,\u201d Roy called out as he mounted up.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cBye, Sheriff,\u201d answered Joe, tossing his hand up to wave.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Roy rounded the barn, leaving father and son alone in the yard. Ben looked at Joe and smiled. As he neared the boy, he slipped his arm about Joe\u2019s shoulder and guided him to the table.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cLet\u2019s you and I have that talk now, how about it?\u201d smiled Ben.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

He could feel Joe\u2019s body becoming stiff as the boy tensed up and his heart softened for what he knew would be a difficult conversation for his son.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Reaching the table, Ben pointed to the chair and Joe was quick to sit down. He watched his father as Ben found his own seat and got comfortable. Joe was somewhat pleased to see that his father wasn\u2019t in a bad mood, and hoped that the good mood lasted until they were finished talking.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

For the first few moments, neither said a word. Each one was waiting for the other to open the conversation. At last Ben cleared his throat, making Joe gulp.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhy don\u2019t you start by telling me just how long you have been sneaking around, seeing Cory?\u201d Ben said.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The smile on his face had faded, and the lack of a friendly expression set Joe to worrying that perhaps his father might not be so understanding as he had first thought.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNot long,\u201d Joe said, and then saw the slight frown begin to form on his father\u2019s face. \u201cAbout a month,\u201d he added. \u201cNo more\u2026I only met him after school three or four times, and then we didn\u2019t really do anything except talk.\u201d Joe stopped, to see how his father was absorbing his words.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI see.\u201d It was all Ben said. \u201cGo on.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWell\u2026that\u2019s about it\u2026later, Cory started bringing those other fellas with him when he came to meet me. I didn\u2019t know they were like they were\u2026honest Pa. Least ways not at first I didn\u2019t. When I realized they were\u2026were\u2026fellas I knew you wouldn\u2019t want me to hang around, I tried to stop meeting them, but Cory\u2026well\u2026he don\u2019t take no for an answer too good. When I didn\u2019t show up one day, down at the lake\u2026that\u2019s where our meeting place was\u2026he and the others started stopping me on the way home from school\u2026at the forks. Cory wanted me to sneak off at night and meet up with him and the boys after dark and go into town\u2026but I never did\u2026really Pa\u2026that\u2019s the truth.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe took a breath and let it out slowly. He wasn\u2019t sure if his father believed him or not, or whether Ben was mad, but his father wasn\u2019t saying anything. Joe didn\u2019t know if that was a good sign or a bad one. Carefully he went on with his explanation.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI did ride with them one afternoon\u2026we went into town. Cory wanted to show me what he and Ray and the others did for fun.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben raised his head slightly and eyed his son. \u201cWas that the day the apple bin got tipped over and Mrs. Cameron tripped on them?\u201d Ben asked in an even voice. He watched Joe swallow and nod his head.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYessir,\u201d Joe muttered in a wee voice. The boy dropped his head, afraid to see the disappointment in his father\u2019s dark eyes.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cDid you know that the poor lady fractured her ankle because of that fall?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe\u2019s head sprung upward, his eyes were wide. \u201cNosir\u2026when the barrel went over and Mr. Cass came running out, we didn\u2019t hang around to see what happened,\u201d admitted Joe.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cMaybe you should have. She was in quite a bit of pain, Joseph.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe lowered his head again, suddenly feeling very badly about what had happened. He had always liked the kind old lady and was very remorseful for what had happened to her.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m sorry, Pa\u2026\u201d Joe said in a low tone.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYou should be\u2026I expect you to apologize to her\u2026the next time you see her in town,\u201d Ben stated calmly. He almost smiled at the look on his son\u2019s face.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe raised only his eyes to look over at his father. \u201cYessir.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhat about all the loose cinches on those cowboy\u2019s horses? Did you happen to indulge yourself in that little so-called fun?\u201d questioned Ben.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe, his eyes round and his chin quivering just slightly shook his head no. \u201cI only watched when they came out of the saloon and tried to mount up.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI see, and I suppose that when they fell in the dirt, you thought it was funny?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Again, Joe lowered his head. He tried not to smile, but just remembering the surprised looks on some of those cowpoke\u2019s faces was almost too much. Joe took a deep breath and willed the smile away.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI did laugh at a couple of them when their saddles slid off their horses,\u201d he honestly admitted.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben\u2019s head shot up and he glared at the boy. \u201cHow dare you!\u201d he barked.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m sorry, Pa\u2026but honest\u2026I couldn\u2019t help it. They were so drunk anyway\u2026they would have fallen off their horses before they reached the end of the street and I thought\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s were you are wrong, young man\u2026you didn\u2019t think!\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYessir\u2026I mean\u2026nosir\u2026I mean\u2026it won\u2019t happen again, honest Pa\u2026ever,\u201d muttered Joe.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI certainly hope not, young man. Go on with your story\u2026what else should I know?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe thought for several minutes, dreading the part about the Swansons.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cSometime later, Cory started telling all of us about what happened to his father and how he thought Mr. Swanson stole his father\u2019s farm and then murdered his pa. He went on and on about how Mr. Swanson got off scott free and how much he wanted to get even with the old man for all of it. That\u2019s when Cory and Ray came up with the idea of burning the man\u2019s barn\u2026I told him right away that\u2026I wouldn\u2019t be a part of it.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe stopped and glanced at his father. The anger had left Ben\u2019s face, much to Joe\u2019s relief. The memory of it all was still raw and telling it now was getting harder for the young man.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cIs that when he and the others turned on you?\u201d his father asked softly.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe felt the swelling of his chest as he nodded his head. He wasn\u2019t altogether sure how his father knew it had been Cory and the gang that had beaten him up, but he wasn\u2019t surprised that his father knew\u2026Ben had a way of finding out the most diminutive details of just about everything concerning his youngest son\u2019s activities.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cCory said I had to do it, that I had taken the oath of the pack, but I told him no\u2026and that I was going to tell you\u2026\u201d Joe turned sad eyes up and looked at his father. A sob caught in his throat.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s when they ganged up on me\u2026and beat me up,\u201d he said in a whispered voice.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe\u2019s chin began to quiver again and his eyes filled with tears. \u201cHe said if I told, something worse might happen\u2026someone could get hurt\u2026or killed.\u201d Joe swallowed again and glanced at his father. \u201cI was afraid to tell you\u2026and afraid not to,\u201d he whispered. \u201cI know\u2026I should have\u2026but\u2026but\u2026I knew you\u2019d be disappointed in me\u2026and\u2026\u201d he swallowed again. \u201cYou have no idea how that makes me feel\u2026when you are. And\u2026I didn\u2019t want you to\u2026stop loving\u2026me.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben saw a lone tear fall from Joe\u2019s eye and roll off the end of his chin and he felt his own throat thicken with emotion. Ben leaned over, resting his hand on Joe\u2019s knee. Joe\u2019s head came up and he looked into his father\u2019s dark eyes, seeing the compassion and love that filled their depths.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cLet me explain something to you son, about how I feel about you.\u201d began Ben. \u201cFirst off, I want you to know that I am not disappointed in you. You made a mistake by not telling me\u2026and it almost cost you your life\u2026it did cost a man his barn, but that can be replaced, you cannot Joseph. Do you understand that?\u201d Ben asked, studying his son.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe swiped at another tear and nodded his head.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cSon, loving you makes every day of my life special, did you know that?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWell, it does, and being able to love you, fills my heat with happiness because no matter where I am or what my day brings, I know you\u2019re there for me, always, son. And loving you makes the little things more fun\u2026a special day shared between just the two of us, fishing, hunting together, or when I come up to say goodnight\u2026those are the special moments that I cherish, Joe. Loving you is a miracle of life, a marvel, because I understand more each day what a precious gift your life and your love has meant to my life, to your brothers\u2019 lives.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben stood to his feet and pulled Joe up out of his chair and drew him into the folds of his arms. For several long moments, they stood, as they were, each drawing from the other, the love that flowed between them.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

When Ben could find his voice, he continued. \u201cSon, I want you to promise me, that after this, you will come to me when you have a problem. You know you can talk to me about anything, son, anything. We might not always agree, but if we don\u2019t, we can work together for a solution. That\u2019s what being family is son, it\u2019s sharing celebrations when good times abound and having arms to hold you when tears fall. Being family means you belong somewhere special where you\u2019re known and loved just as you are and where you\u2019re encouraged to become the person you still hope to be. Being family means that every season of the year you have a place to call home, a place of your own, where they hold you forever close to their hearts. It\u2019s me and you and Adam and Hoss\u2026and Hop Sing. That\u2019s our family, we\u2019re the ones who love you, we\u2019re the ones you should turn to, not to outsiders and certainly not keeping something bottled up inside of you, eating away at your heart and soul. Can you understand what I\u2019m saying\u2026what I mean, Joe?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben felt Joe\u2019s arms tighten about his body and he heard the soft sniffling sounds that Joe made. He felt the tiny tremors that coursed their way along Joe\u2019s spine and up to his shoulders. Ben could feel the steady beat of his son\u2019s heart as it mingled in tune to his own as their hearts pressed themselves together standing as they were, locked in one another\u2019s arms.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI love ya, Pa\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben gently pushed back Joe\u2019s head, running his fingers through the thick tangle of wayward curls. He smiled down into the cherub like face of his youngest son. Silently he thanked God for sparing the boy\u2019s life and for giving him a second chance to a be better father, for there were days when Ben felt positive that he was a complete failure, especially when it came to his youngest and most cherished son.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben brushed his lips across Joe\u2019s forehead and whispered low, \u201chave no doubt, you little scamp\u2026your old Papa loves you too!\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe looked up and smiled. The burden had been lifted at last and relief flooded his soul.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cPa\u2026can I ride over to the Swansons tomorrow and see if they need any help rebuilding their barn?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cJoseph, with those ribs\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cBut I can at least carry the nails, can\u2019t I, Pa\u2026please?\u201d begged Joe. \u201cI\u2019d like to do something to\u2026to help them. It would make me feel better\u2026I mean\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAll right son, we\u2019ll all ride over and help, and when we\u2019re done with their barn, we\u2019ll start on ours, how\u2019s that?\u201d grinned Ben.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI think that\u2019s just fine, Pa\u2026just fine.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben watched Joe walk to the house. Joe held himself upright, his head was high and he had the walk of a self-assured young man that came only through experience and maturity. Ben smiled, deep down in his heart, Joe was well on his way to being a man that any father could be proud of, and Ben most certainly was\u2026proud.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

October 2003<\/strong><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

<\/div>\n

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

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

Summary:\u00a0 Little Joe, battling his conscience, refuses to tell his father why he was beaten up, until a neighbor’s barn is burnt and the Cartwright’s barn almost meets the same fate, with more than just their horses trapped inside.<\/p>\n

Rated:\u00a0 G (15,000 words)<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":9052,"featured_media":11583,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"template-full-width-post.php","format":"standard","meta":{"_jetpack_newsletter_access":"","_jetpack_dont_email_post_to_subs":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_tier_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paywalled_content":false,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":"","jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false},"categories":[23],"tags":[14,15,17,16],"class_list":["post-12166","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":2047,"today_views":0},"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/09\/4Cs.jpg?fit=400%2C401&ssl=1","jetpack_likes_enabled":true,"jetpack-related-posts":[{"id":12136,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=12136","url_meta":{"origin":12166,"position":0},"title":"The Rebirth of Joe Cartwright (by DebbieB)","author":"DebbieB","date":"August 1, 2003","format":false,"excerpt":"DebbieB passed away Christmas 2021. Any reader wishing to read this story should e:mail the Brandsters:\u00a0 Brandsters2020@gmail.com","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\/10\/feature-2.jpg?fit=338%2C338&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200},"classes":[]},{"id":12135,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=12135","url_meta":{"origin":12166,"position":1},"title":"Prelude to Rebirth (by DebbieB)","author":"DebbieB","date":"August 1, 2003","format":false,"excerpt":"DebbieB passed away Christmas 2021. Any reader wishing to read this story should e:mail the Brandsters:\u00a0 Brandsters2020@gmail.com","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\/2015\/09\/4Cs.jpg?fit=400%2C401&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200},"classes":[]},{"id":12132,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=12132","url_meta":{"origin":12166,"position":2},"title":"Chinese Molasses (by DebbieB)","author":"DebbieB","date":"January 1, 2002","format":false,"excerpt":"DebbieB passed away Christmas 2021. Any reader wishing to read this series should e:mail the Brandsters:\u00a0 Brandsters2020@gmail.com","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\/2015\/08\/Joe-copy-7.jpg?fit=594%2C592&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/08\/Joe-copy-7.jpg?fit=594%2C592&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/08\/Joe-copy-7.jpg?fit=594%2C592&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x"},"classes":[]},{"id":12133,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=12133","url_meta":{"origin":12166,"position":3},"title":"Frightened Beyond Reason (by DebbieB)","author":"DebbieB","date":"June 1, 2002","format":false,"excerpt":"DebbieB passed away Christmas 2021. Any reader wishing to read this series should e:mail the Brandsters:\u00a0 Brandsters2020@gmail.com","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\/11\/2-joe.jpg?fit=237%2C221&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200},"classes":[]},{"id":12147,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=12147","url_meta":{"origin":12166,"position":4},"title":"He Said Not To Tell (by DebbieB)","author":"DebbieB","date":"May 1, 2003","format":false,"excerpt":"The author requests those who wish to read this series contact her via eMail: DLB1234@aol.com","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\/11\/1-joe.jpg?fit=238%2C226&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200},"classes":[]},{"id":12134,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=12134","url_meta":{"origin":12166,"position":5},"title":"In My Father’s House (by DebbieB)","author":"DebbieB","date":"May 1, 2002","format":false,"excerpt":"DebbieB passed away Christmas 2021. Any reader wishing to read this series should e:mail the Brandsters:\u00a0 Brandsters2020@gmail.com","rel":"","context":"In "Drama"","block_context":{"text":"Drama","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?cat=23"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/06\/Pondarosa-House-3.jpg?fit=564%2C401&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/06\/Pondarosa-House-3.jpg?fit=564%2C401&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/06\/Pondarosa-House-3.jpg?fit=564%2C401&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x"},"classes":[]}],"jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/12166","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/9052"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=12166"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/12166\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/11583"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=12166"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=12166"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=12166"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}