{"id":12170,"date":"2004-10-06T19:27:33","date_gmt":"2004-10-06T23:27:33","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=12170"},"modified":"2026-07-31T08:43:25","modified_gmt":"2026-07-31T12:43:25","slug":"inevitable-betrayal-by-debbieb","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=12170","title":{"rendered":"Inevitable Betrayal (by DebbieB)"},"content":{"rendered":"

Summary:<\/strong>\u00a0 With Ben hidden away in his ‘safe haven,’ his youngest son becomes the victim of heartless, wicked men who are determined to find the elder Cartwright and stop him from testifying at a murder trial.\u00a0 Joe suffers insurmountable pain and is left for dead….after his inevitable betrayal….<\/p>\n

Rated:<\/strong>\u00a0 PG13 for violence and cruel treatment.\u00a0 May not be suited for all readers…proceed accordingly. \u00a0By clicking to continue you are adhering to the warning that has been posted. (15,400 words)<\/p>\n

Inevitable Betrayal<\/strong><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll break him, just like I do my horses,\u201d Cole said with an evil sneer. \u201cBring him into the barn.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe Cartwright began fighting against the hands that held him, but his battle was in vain, the odds were against him as Cole\u2019s two men forced him into the deepest and darkest corner of the barn.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cTie his hands, and make sure they\u2019re good and tight,\u201d Cole ordered, tossing a long rope to one of the men.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe struggled to keep his hands from being tied, but one of the men defused the struggle by belting Joe in the side, just below his rip cage. Joe moaned and stopped battling against the pair of thugs.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The two men then forced Joe\u2019s hands together, the palms facing as they looped the roped tightly about Joe\u2019s wrists, making tight knots and then ran the remainder of rope between their captive\u2019s hand, making sure that it would be impossible for the young man to work himself loose.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cFinished,\u201d one man stated.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThen stretch him out, toss the end of the rope over that beam and then tie it off,\u201d ordered Cole as he watched the men to be sure his orders were being followed to his specifications. His eyes brightened as he watched the expression on his captive\u2019s face turn to one of fear.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The two men set to work filling their boss\u2019 orders. The rope was tossed into the air and over the beam. Jake, one of the two men working for Cole, caught the end of the rope as it sailed over the beam and fell into his hands.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

With a smile at Joe, Cole gave another order.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHaul him up!\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Jake and Wade pulled hard on the rope, forcing Joe\u2019s arms upward, high over his head in a painful and uncomfortable fashion. Joe stifled a moan, unwilling to allow the three men to know how much pain they were causing him.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHigher!\u201d shouted Cole, not yet satisfied. \u201cI want him on his toes!\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Wade and Jake gave another tug on their end of the rope. Joe felt his body hauled upward. His leg muscles tightened painfully. When the rope was tied off at the other end, only Joe\u2019s toes remained touching the ground. Joe\u2019s head rolled backward and the moan that he failed to stifle caused the three men to laugh. Cole tossed another, shorter length of rope to Jake.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNow, hobble his ankles, be sure he can\u2019t move his feet!\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

As Jake bent down to do as ordered, Joe kicked out at his captor with one foot. Jake was sent toppling over, backwards and onto his behind. Wade reacted quickly and grabbed Joe, spinning him around and delivering a solid blow to Joe\u2019s mid-section. Joe made a grunting sound as the fight went out of him.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Jake hurried to tie the rope around Joe\u2019s ankles in a mercilessly tight manner. As he worked, Cole grabbed a fist full of chestnut curls and yanked back on Joe\u2019s head. He leaned in close, placing his mouth near Joe\u2019s ear.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019ll hang here until you give me the information I want,\u201d Cole jeered.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNever,\u201d muttered Joe, already feeling the strain in his body.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll break you, Cartwright, you can be sure of it. I\u2019ve used this same method to break wild stallions. All trussed up and unable to move, it shouldn\u2019t take long, it never does. I\u2019ve broken the hardest, most vicious stallions around, you\u2019re no match for that kind of power, kid, so make it easy on yourself, save yourself the suffering, just tell me where they\u2019re hiding your old man!\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019ll have to kill me first, I\u2019d never betray my own father,\u201d Joe swore, his voice already filled with pain.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Cole started to laugh, causing Jake and Wade to join in. Cole released his fingers from amid Joe\u2019s hair and turned to his men.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cLet\u2019s go, let him hang that way for a few hours, he\u2019ll change his mind,\u201d laughed Cole.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Cole and his cronies turned to go, leaving Joe alone in the dark barn. When the door was pulled shut and the outside latch dropped into place, Joe let out a long sigh.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

*****<\/p>\n

It was as Cole had predicted, after four hours of being unable to move, Joe was gasping in agony. Every muscle in his legs and back, all the way up to his shoulders and into his upper arms were burning in pain. Joe had tried to keep his mind on other things in an effort to deter the agonizing spasms that surged through his limbs, but the pain had become so intense that his mind had seemed to focus in on only one thing\u2026getting free of his torment.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

*****<\/p>\n

Another hour passed before the trio returned. Sweat had beaded on Joe\u2019s brow and dripped into his eyes. The salty droplets strung and left his eyes burning, another bit of torture that added to the young man\u2019s current misery.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Cole stepped up to his prisoner and studied the boy\u2019s face. His smile was wicked as he turned to the others.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cOur young guest doesn\u2019t look too well,\u201d he snickered. Cole turned his attention back to Joe, the smile still on his face.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHurts, doesn\u2019t it?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe swallowed. His head was tilted backwards. He refused to respond, but he cut his eyes around so that he could see his tormentor\u2019s face. Without batting an eye, Joe studied Cole\u2019s features, wanting the man\u2019s image to become seared into his brain. At last he spoke, his voice was low, almost menacing.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYou might as well kill me now, because if you don\u2019t, I\u2019m going to hunt you down like the animal you are and kill you, myself.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Cole and the others burst out laughing.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cDid you hear that, Boss, the kid thinks he\u2019s gonna live long enough to kill ya!\u201d Jake laughed.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Cole had stopped laughing and was studying his captive\u2019s, expression. It was plain to see that the boy was suffering, but something in the hazel eyes told Cole to use caution. He realized then that it might take more drastic methods to bring the boy down enough that he would tell him what he wanted to know. But break him he would, swore Cole silently. He needed the information that only the youngest Cartwright could give him, and he aimed on getting it, even if it meant killing the kid.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cCole, I asked ya\u2026did ya hear what\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYeah, yeah, I heard!\u201d shouted Cole. \u201cCome on, let\u2019s get some rest, by morning the kid won\u2019t be so mouthy.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Cole turned to go.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWe just gonna leave him here, alone?\u201d Jake called.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Cole spun around, an angry look on his face.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYou want to sit up all night and baby sit him?\u201d he asked with a jeering look.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Jake glanced at Wade who stood with Cole in the doorway. He shook his head.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cReckon not,\u201d he muttered and followed the pair out into the brisk night air. He paused and waited for Cole to place the lock across the barn door.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

*****<\/p>\n

When Cole pushed the door opened the next morning, he could sense the eerie silence within the barn. He entered alone, wanting to see for himself if the determination he\u2019d seen on the boy\u2019s face the night before was still so defined. Time was running out and Cole needed the whereabouts of Ben Cartwright that only the man\u2019s youngest son could provide.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe was semi-conscience, unaware that he was no longer alone or that he mumbled softly. Cole approached Joe from behind, trying to decipher the garbled words. Only one word stood out among all the rest.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cPa\u2026Pa\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Cole smiled, a thought suddenly coming to mind as he moved closer to the sagging form. Tenderly, almost lovingly, he brushed damp locks from the boy\u2019s brow.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s alright, son,\u201d Cole whispered in a deep voice.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe stirred slightly, his vision blurred by the pain that wracked his body. He struggled to make out the face outlined before him.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s right, Joe\u2026I\u2019m here.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHurts\u2026hurts, Pa\u2026hurts.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Cole gently ran the back of his hand along Joe\u2019s cheek, all the while smiling.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI know, but you can end the suffering, son. Just tell the man what he wants to know,\u201d Cole said, almost laughing at the surprised expression on his captor\u2019s face.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe shook his head, confused. The smile on Cole\u2019s face vanished as anger started brewing deep inside. He took a deep breath and tried again.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cTell him, Joe, I understand and I won\u2019t be mad, honest,\u201d Cole whispered, trying hard to mimic Ben Cartwright\u2019s deep voice.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe moaned several times and tried to compel his eyes into focus. Something about the way this man moved, something in the way this man touched him was different than the way his father had always consoled him. It dawned on him then, that this man was not his father; this man was a poor replica of Ben Cartwright.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cJoe\u2026where\u2019s your father?\u201d Cole asked angrily, forgetting that he was supposed to be mimicking the boy\u2019s father.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Cole\u2019s image had seared itself in the boy\u2019s mind, just as he had hoped it would. When Cole moved slightly into the light, the fog seemed to dissipate from Joe\u2019s eyes. His face fashioned a scowl.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cGo to hell,\u201d he muttered to Cole.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Cole\u2019s face turned ashen as the anger engulfed him.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll make you pay for that remark!\u201d he screamed into Joe\u2019s face.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The madman turned and stomped to the door, yanking it wide.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cJAKE, WADE, GET IN HERE! AND BRING ME THAT WHIP!\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Jake and Wade appeared instantly, rushing into the barn. Wade carried the whip in his hands and when Cole spied the weapon, he jerked it from his partner\u2019s hands.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cClose that door,\u201d shrieked Cole pointing at the opening, \u201cI don\u2019t want to take a chance on anyone hearing him scream!\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Cole walked back to where Joe hung and yanked back on the boy\u2019s head. Joe groaned softly.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s time, Cartwright, either you tell me where they\u2019re hiding your old man, or I\u2019ll rip the hide off your back\u2026it\u2019s your choice.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe felt as if his mouth was stuffed with cotton, it was so dry. His tongue was thick and he could barely utter a word, but his meaning was clear. Joe tried to spit in the man\u2019s face.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Enraged, Cole grabbed the back of Joe\u2019s shirt and ripped the material, leaving the young man\u2019s back exposed and open to Cole\u2019s cruel abuse. Joe flinched, fearing what he knew was coming next.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Cole stepped away and then turned, facing Joe\u2019s back. He let the coiled end of the whip fall to the ground. In one quick move, he cracked the whip just to the right side of his prisoner\u2019s head. Joe\u2019s body automatically drew up tightly, causing the three men to laugh.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe tried to look over his shoulder, but the men had moved out of his sight range. Once again the whip cracked, taunting its victim. Joe knew that the time had come and he steeled himself for the attack.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe\u2019s teeth were clenched tightly when he felt the leather tear at his flesh. Bracing himself for the next lash, Joe willed himself not to cry out, but when the end of the whip slashed across his back, Joe screamed. Again and again, Joe\u2019s screams ravished the stillness within the old barn. His bloodied body quivered and jerked as the pain intensified.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Over his head, an old owl screeched, protesting the disturbing wails. After the fifth lash crisscrossed his back, Joe\u2019s screams ceased to be as his eyes closed and he slipped from this world into a darken world of anonymity where he no longer had need to fear his persecutors.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cDamn,\u201d swore Cole, letting the whip rest at his side. \u201cGet some water, I\u2019m not finished with him yet,\u201d ordered Cole.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Jake grabbed a bucket from the trough and filled it with water as ordered.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWake him up,\u201d Cole said.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Jake tossed the water in Joe\u2019s face, awakening the boy from his safe haven. Joe sputtered and tossed his head to remove the wetness from his eyes. Moaning pitifully, Joe tried to focus on his enemy\u2019s face.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWelcome back, Cartwright,\u201d sneered Cole. \u201cI won\u2019t have you leaving me just yet\u2026we have unfinished business,\u201d he laughed, snapping the whip just enough to make a popping sound.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe\u2019s eyes moved slightly, seeing the whip in his tormentor\u2019s hand.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cReady to talk?\u201d Cole questioned.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe, his voice weak and trembling, shook his head. \u201cI\u2019ve already told you\u2026I\u2019ll never betray my father. You\u2019ll have to kill me first,\u201d he muttered.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Cole inhaled deeply, vowing not to let the boy push him into killing him\u2026yet, not before he was ready too.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI can arrange that,\u201d he whispered in Joe\u2019s ear and then laughed. \u201cA very slow and painful death\u2026you\u2019ll beg me to kill you before I\u2019m finished with you,\u201d he jeered.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Cole tossed the whip to Wade and went into a back room. For several minutes he was gone and then emerged, carrying a long sharply pointed knife with him. Wade and Jake\u2019s eyes widened in horror at the sight of the object their boss was holding in his hands.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhat the hell are ya gonna do with that thing?\u201d stammered Wade.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Cole ran his finger along the blade, testing the sharpness, taunting his prisoner. He looked up at the two men and smiled.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cEver seen a man skinned alive?\u201d he asked, glancing over at his prisoner and seeing the fear that reflected back at him from within the emerald eyes.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Both men shook their heads.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWell I have, once. It was up in Dakota Territory, I seen an Injun skin a white man, clean through. He hung the man\u2019s hide on his teepee as a trophy. Was the most gruesome thing I\u2019d ever seen, took that white man three days to die\u2026but die he did, finally.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Cole strolled over to his captive, grinning wickedly. He held the knife up so that Joe could better see it.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYou want to die\u2026so be it,\u201d he said, moving around in front of Joe.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe strained his neck around, trying to see what Cole was doing, but because of the way that his arms hung, forcing his head back, he was unable to see. Suddenly, what was left of his shirt was pulled free from his upper body. The cool air mixed with his fear and the pain raging throughout his battered body, caused Joe to shiver violently.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m going to cut you, Cartwright\u2026and if you still refuse to tell me what I want to know, I\u2019m going to start skinning you, just like I saw the Injun do\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe felt the prick of the point of the knife dip into the skin just below his elbow and move slowly, just barely slicing the skin, down to his armpit. Joe\u2019s body arched in pain, as tiny droplets of blood appeared and began to trickle downward. Clenching his teeth, Joe refused to give his persecutors satisfaction by crying out.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Jake and Wade watched in silence, each making disgusting faces as Cole moved to Joe\u2019s other arm and repeated the process. This time, Joe\u2019s muffled cries could be heard as his body continued to react to the torture that Cole inflicted upon him.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNo\u2026more\u2026\u201d cried Joe in muffle sobs. \u201cHurts\u2026oh God\u2026no more\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhere are they hiding Ben Cartwright?\u201d Cole asked between clenched teeth, for the sight was beginning to cause his own stomach to churn. He knew the boy was quickly reaching the end of his endurance and would soon break.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWHERE IS HE?\u201d he said as he pressed the tip of the knife into Joe\u2019s stomach.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAgh\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Cole moved the knife in an upward direction, slowly slicing the top layer of flesh.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cTell me!\u201d he demanded of his prey.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The pain was immeasurable for the young man. His cries continued to resound against the stillness in the barn.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAGH!\u201d Joe cried as Cole continued moving the knife, tearing the skin and watching as the expressions on Joe\u2019s young face took a twisted look of torment.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Suddenly, Cole pulled away the knife, listening as a rush of air was expelled from his victim\u2019s mouth. He turned and smiled at the two men behind him.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cListen,\u201d he cautioned the pair.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cMine\u2026agh\u2026in\u2026the\u2026mine\u2026\u201d mumbled Joe, aware only of the fierce pain that plagued his body and limbs.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhat mine?\u201d Cole said in a voice that belied the anticipation that pumped throughout his veins.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNo!\u201d spat Joe, his head lolling from side to side.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Cole\u2019s knife pricked the flesh just under Joe\u2019s arm and in a swift movement that sent Joe\u2019s body into spasms, sliced through the boy\u2019s skin, stopping at the waistline.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Screams so shrill that Jake and Wade cringed and held their hands over their ears, were sent forth in blood curdling eeriness. Joe\u2019s toes had long since given up their efforts at holding his body up. Now his knees bent, adding to the weight of his body against his outstretched arms only added to the young man\u2019s long hours of suffering.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNugget\u2026\u201d babbled Joe incoherently.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Cole turned to grin at his pals.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHe has no idea what he\u2019s saying,\u201d snickered the wicked man, turning to prick the other side of Joe\u2019s already bloodied body.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAll of it, Cartwright, spit it out\u2026what Nugget Mine\u2026there\u2019s several,\u201d Cole whispered into Joe\u2019s ear, slowly moving the knife tip under the top layer of skin.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cPA!\u201d screamed Joe, \u201cHELP ME! AGHHHH\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Cole gave the boy several moments to allow for Joe\u2019s pleas to die down. The body sagged heavily on the ropes and spun gently to and fro in a semi-circle motion. Joe\u2019s eyes closed, his head tilted as far back as his neck would allow and soft whimpering sounds emitted from his bruised lips.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe\u2019s garbled speech made little sense to the three men. They listened anxiously for any word that might be coherent enough to be the name of Ben Cartwright\u2019s safe haven, where the local sheriff and Joe\u2019s two older brothers had the man hidden away.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Cole pulled his pocket watch from his vest pocket and checked the time. He glanced at his men and then at the boy dangling from the high beam.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2019re running out of time, damn it,\u201d he swore. \u201cI need the name of that mine!\u201d Cole snarled.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Jake moved to look at Joe\u2019s face. He saw nothing but dirt and grime mixed with a little blood from the fight that had taken place the day before when they had captured the boy.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHey!\u201d he screamed into Joe\u2019s ear, making Joe moan and turn his head away.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI want the name of that mine\u2026now,\u201d he yelled, jabbing his folded fist into Joe\u2019s side that still seeped blood.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe, so far lost into obscurity, barely responded; only a soft moan slipped by his lips. Jake turned away, shrugging his shoulders at his two cohorts.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYou might have gone too far, Cole, the kid\u2019s almost dead,\u201d he said, commenting on Joe\u2019s condition.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNot yet, he ain\u2019t\u2026listen\u2026he\u2019s mumbling again,\u201d Cole grinned and moved closer.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cPa\u2026no\u2026stay\u2026I\u2019ll\u2026go\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The words were garbled and hard to understand. The trio moved closer in order to hear better the muddled words.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cMine\u2026go\u2026there\u2026safe\u2026Blue\u2026Nugget\u2026go\u2026Pa\u2026safe\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAH HA!\u201d shouted Cole, spinning around and grabbing his friends. \u201cI knew he couldn\u2019t last much longer.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhat are we going to do now?\u201d Wade asked, as a big smile spread across his face.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Cole looked back at Joe, pausing.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cKill him and then go after his old man,\u201d remarked Cole, twirling the knife around in his hands.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Without so much as another word, Cole plunged the knife into Joe\u2019s side and then pulled it out quickly. Blood spurted out as the body spun slowly around. Cole\u2019s wicked laughter echoed loudly as he and the others ran from the barn, leaving Joe to slowly bleed to death.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

*****<\/p>\n

Ben stared blankly into the glowing fire, occasionally casting wistful glances toward the top of the stairs. He took a deep breath and let it blow gently from his mouth. His tired face was drawn tightly in worry as he waited for the doctor to emerge from his youngest son\u2019s room and give them his prognosis.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben had been worried sick, terrified that his son might die before the doctor could be summoned to the house. The sight of the wounds and the extent of abuse that his son had been made to endure had horrified him. Adam had been in a rage when the men who had found Joe, brought him home in such a condition, and Hoss, the most tenderhearted one of his sons, had broken down and cried for his brother.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The sight of his son\u2019s body covered in blood, the long thin slices in Joe\u2019s flesh, the whiplashes, the separated shoulders and blue hands from lack of blood flow, and then seeing the gaping hole where a knife had been jabbed into Joe\u2019s side, had left the family with the chilling realization that death was lurking very near.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

At last the sound of the upstairs door opening and then shutting could be heard downstairs. The sound drew the attention of all three Cartwrights to the top of the stairs. Ben was the first to move, making his way to the last step; he waited for the doctor.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Paul Martin\u2019s face was a mixture of unreadable expressions. Ben glanced quickly at his two sons, noting the presence of fear in their troubled eyes.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWell,\u201d Ben said even before the physician had reached the last step. \u201cHow is he?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cIs he gonna pull through, Doc?\u201d Hoss asked.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam stepped forward, a grim expression on his face as he spoke.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhy don\u2019t we give the doctor time to catch his breath?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cOf course,\u201d muttered Ben apologetically. \u201cI\u2019m sorry, Paul\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNo\u2026no, I understand, Ben,\u201d Paul muttered.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The physician\u2019s face still expressed his concern and his hesitancy added to Ben\u2019s present worry. Ben stepped back so that Paul could come down from the bottom step.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWell?\u201d he said after a long moment of silence.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Paul looked into the dark, anxious eyes.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI won\u2019t lie to you, Ben. Joe\u2019s condition is very serious. He\u2019s lost more blood than what I\u2019d like, but fortunately I\u2019ve managed to stop the bleeding,\u201d he explained.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhat about the knife wound in his side?\u201d Adam inquired.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Paul turned to Adam, nodding.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cLuckily for your brother, the blade did not go in as far as I\u2019m sure his attacker thought. It was deflected by a rib so the gash is not as deep as it could have been, and, I might add, it did not puncture any vital organs. I stitched it up, so barring any infection I think it should heal nicely,\u201d explained the physician. \u201cAs for his other injuries, the welts on his back and all the cuts, I\u2019ve applied a medicated salve and bandages. I don\u2019t foresee any problems and I doubt that there will be much, if any scaring, Ben,\u201d Paul went on to explain.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI did pop his shoulders back into place, which will remain quite sore for sometime, and I\u2019ve given him something to help with the pain and to keep him sleeping for several hours. I am a little concerned about his hands. From what I can see of the rope burns about his wrists and the blue tint still in his fingers, Joe might have a little problem using his hands properly\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhat do you mean?\u201d Hoss interrupted to ask.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWell, Hoss,\u201d said Paul, turning to face the big man, \u201chis hands and fingers went some time without proper circulation\u2026blood flow\u2026that it might take some time and exercising his hands before Joe can use them in the ways he did before\u2026before all this happened to him. But let\u2019s not worry about that right now, there\u2019s more pressing things to worry about\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cMeaning?\u201d inquired Ben.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Paul took a deep breath, eyeing each man closely before he spoke.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHis mental state, once he wakes up enough to know he\u2019s home\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI would think knowing that would ease his mind\u2026\u201d Ben said, voicing his thoughts aloud.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m more worried about what\u2019s going to happen to him once he realizes what he\u2019s done\u2026\u201d began Paul.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhich is? I don\u2019t understand, what has he done?\u201d Ben said, giving a quick glance at his sons.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cBen\u2026I don\u2019t know how to say this,\u201d stammered the doctor.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThen just say what\u2019s on your mind, Paul.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The physician took another deep breath, unsure how to word his thoughts. When he was ready, he moved to sit down, looking up into three faces that waited expectantly.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHe\u2026betrayed you, Ben\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

At his friend\u2019s assumption Ben\u2019s dark eyes widened in shock.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWHAT!\u201d he roared.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhat do you mean, he betrayed our father?\u201d demanded Hoss, moving quickly to stand between his father and the physician who rose quickly to his feet.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThink about it, how else could those men have known where you were, Ben? The only ones who did know were Roy Coffee, Adam and Hoss\u2026and Little Joe,\u201d Paul explained.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The three Cartwrights were silent for a long moment before anyone spoke.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cLook Ben, Adam, Hoss\u2026I\u2019m not saying that Joe betrayed you on purpose\u2026considering everything he\u2019s been through\u2026it was inevitable, he broke\u2026that\u2019s all.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNO!\u201d shouted Hoss angrily. \u201cJoe\u2019d never\u2026no matter what was done to him, he\u2019d never betray our Pa!\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben moved to place a hand on his son\u2019s shoulder, calming the usual gentle giant.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHoss\u2026Paul\u2019s probably correct in his thinking,\u201d Ben said, looking from one man to the other. \u201cYour brother\u2019s been through hell\u2026I wouldn\u2019t blame him one bit for\u2026speaking up\u2026I would want him too, rather than to see him like he is\u2026I don\u2019t blame him\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWell I don\u2019t believe it\u2026I don\u2019t!\u201d stormed Hoss.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

He pushed away his father\u2019s hand and turned his back to the group. Adam glanced quickly at his father, noted the saddened expression on his face and then moved to his brother\u2019s side.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHe probably wasn\u2019t even aware that he told. You know as well as I do, Hoss, that when the men brought him in, Joe was already burning up with fever and jabbering out of his head\u2026he could have mentioned the name of the mine in his delirium,\u201d Adam stated. \u201cI don\u2019t believe that under any circumstance, no matter how badly he was treated, Joe would betray Pa\u2026or either one of us, anymore that you could believe it, the boy would rather die first, we all know that,\u201d Adam said, turning to face his father.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAdam\u2019s right, son,\u201d Ben said, placing his hand back on Hoss\u2019 shoulder. \u201cIf he was delirious\u2026and we know he was\u2026he could have said anything\u2026and never realized what he said. We have to think about Joe, right now\u2026what\u2019s he going to think and feel when he comes around.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHe\u2019s going to need you, Hoss\u2026he\u2019s going to need all of you,\u201d commented Paul. \u201cI\u2019ve known that boy all his life, Ben, I know how deeply he feels about you and his brothers.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

I also know how emotional he can be, and how spirited and proud he is\u2026I don\u2019t want to see that spirit broken or that pride destroyed, but it\u2019s likely to be\u2026if he believes that he was weak\u2026and he will\u2026and if he thinks for one minute that he betrayed you because of that weakness\u2026that knowledge could do more damage than all his other injuries put together.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The men grew silent as the physician\u2019s words sank into their mind, giving each one cause to consider the outcome. Joe had been tortured, that was evident in his wounds, but what worse damage could be done to him mentally and emotionally if what the doctor predicated was to be found so? Suddenly, Ben shuddered for a new kind of fear had just taken root in his heart.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam sighed deeply and looked up at the others. \u201cIt would destroy him,\u201d he muttered.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben\u2019s chest swelled with new determination. \u201cI won\u2019t let that happen,\u201d he vowed to the others.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYou got somethin\u2019 in mind, Pa?\u201d Hoss asked.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben\u2019s lips were drawn tight and he shook his head.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNo\u2026but I won\u2019t allow my son to be destroyed by the likes of Cole Freedman. The man\u2019s a monster!\u201d proclaimed Ben.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam and Hoss shook their heads in agreement.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

*****<\/p>\n

The hours passed slowly as Ben kept vigil over his son. He refused to leave the room for even a few minutes or to eat a meal that Hop Sing had prepared. Adam and Hoss had finally given up trying to convince their father that he needed to rest. They soon realized that what Ben needed more than sleep or nourishment, was to be as close as possible to the boy whom he loved more than life itself. And they knew that for the boy, that special love would be his lifeline, his anchor and his hope of making a full recovery, both physically and emotionally.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHe\u2019s warm,\u201d Ben said, looking up when Hoss entered the room, baring a tray of food that Hop Sing had sent up from the kitchen. \u201cBut not overly, thank goodness.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben moved from the bed and smiled at his middle son. \u201cSmells good.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cIt is\u2026I ate three helpin\u2019s,\u201d Hoss said in a cheery voice.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

He glanced back at his brother, lying so pale and lifeless amid an array of covers. The smile on his face faded as he moved closer and studied Joe\u2019s face.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cSure wish he\u2019d wake up,\u201d whispered Hoss as he glanced back at his father.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben had removed the lid covering his plate and had sat down in the oversized chair to enjoy his meal.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHe will. Paul said he would sleep for hours\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Hoss let a puff of air escape his mouth. \u201cIt\u2019s been hours\u2026eighteen hours, forty-two minutes and\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYou aren\u2019t counting, are you, son?\u201d Ben said, halfway smiling up at the gentle giant.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Hoss blushed slightly and took the other seat.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cCan\u2019t help it, Pa\u2026I know doc said that sleep was what Joe needed most right now\u2026but I\u2019d sure \u2018nough feel better if\u2019n he\u2019d open them eyes of his and just\u2026smile at me.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cOh, Hoss\u2026so would I, son\u2026so would I,\u201d confessed Ben. \u201cBut he will, I promise,\u201d Ben said, taking another bite.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

*****<\/p>\n

It was another two hours before Joe showed any signs of waking up. He moaned softly, capturing the attention of his father and two brothers who had gathered at his bedside. Joe\u2019s head moved slightly and the expression on his battered face told his family that he was still suffering some discomfort.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben moved to the side of the bed, drawing the chair as close as possible. He leaned over, tenderly brushing a wayward lock of hair from Joe\u2019s brow.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cJoseph,\u201d he said softly. \u201cWake up, son\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAgh,\u201d moaned Joe, not quite awake. \u201cHurts,\u201d he whispered, batting his eyes in an effort to open them.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI know, son. Open your eyes for me, Joe. I can give you something for the pain, Doc Martin left some powders just in case you needed them,\u201d Ben said.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

Ben brushed the back of his hand tenderly down Joe\u2019s pale cheek.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m here\u2026and so are your brothers\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHurt\u2026\u201d whined Joe, letting a rush of air blow from his lungs. \u201cThey\u2026hurt\u2026me\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

His words faded away as the boy forced his eyes opened, searching for his father\u2019s face.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben could see an accumulation of tears collecting in Joe\u2019s eyes that were rimmed with dark circles and dulled by the pain he\u2019d suffered. Ben studied his son\u2019s face, noting again how pale the boy had become and in the almost haunted eyes, Ben could see that there remained an expression of fear. He patted Joe\u2019s hand and forced himself to smile at his son, though inside, he was being eaten alive by his own fears of what lay ahead and hatred for the men who had reduced his son to the level Joe had sunk to.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWelcome back, son.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe\u2019s eyes had focused on his father\u2019s face and there quite unexpectedly appeared a momentary look of peace in the hollows of the emerald eyes. Joe\u2019s lips twisted into a tiny smile.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m\u2026glad to\u2026be back,\u201d he muttered, and then the smile vanished.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe closed his eyes for a moment and then reopened them. He glanced around, seeing Hoss and Adam standing at the foot of his bed and he nodded his head, smiling in greeting.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHey, buddy,\u201d Adam said.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

He saw on his younger brother\u2019s face, the same expression that his father had seen and he couldn\u2019t help but to glance over in his father\u2019s direction.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHey\u2026big brother,\u201d Joe answered weakly. \u201cHey\u2026Hoss,\u201d Joe said as he cut his eyes upward and looked into his brother\u2019s blue eyes. He forced a smile.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhy all the long faces?\u201d Joe asked, turning to smile at his father.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben snickered, a weak little laugh that sounded more like a sighing relief. He moved from the chair to sit on the side of the bed, next to Joe.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWe were just worried about you, son\u2026that\u2019s all. We\u2019re all happy that you\u2019ve decided to come back to us.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYa sure did give us a scare, Shortshanks,\u201d Hoss added.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

He moved to the opposite side of the bed and leaned down, grasping Joe\u2019s outstretched hand that his brother offered.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cLike I said, I\u2019m glad to be back\u2026for a while there, I wasn\u2019t sure\u2026I mean\u2026I\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe swallowed hard and glanced at his father for assurance.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWell, no need to worry now, son. You\u2019re home, you\u2019re safe and we\u2019re all together now,\u201d smiled Ben as a rush of relief washed over him.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

It was true, Joe was back\u2026but in what condition\u2026only time would tell, but for now, Ben was satisfied that his son had made it though the worst of his injuries and appeared now that physically, he would mend.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe moved his arm slightly closer to his father and with large expressive eyes, looked up into Ben\u2019s face. Touched, Ben took his son\u2019s hand in his and held it. With a soft sigh, his fingers trying hard to fold about his father\u2019s hand, Joe\u2019s eyes closed.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cStay\u2026please, stay with\u2026me,\u201d he mumbled softly in a quivering voice.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben\u2019s emotion swelled as he leaned over his son and placed a kiss to the boy\u2019s brow.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYou sleep son, I\u2019ll be right here when you wake up,\u201d Ben whispered, still grasping Joe\u2019s hand in his own.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI promise\u2026now rest, Joseph, rest.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Drained emotionally, Ben sat back down in the chair and glanced up at Hoss and Adam. Both young men had solemn looks on their faces. Adam\u2019s expression was unreadable, but Ben knew his son well enough to know that deep within, Adam was seething with anger for what his brother had been made to suffer. Hoss\u2019 expression was as plain as the nose on his face; he was hurting for his brother, feeling the pain himself\u2026in his own heart he was suffering as well.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

When Ben looked back down, Joe had fallen to sleep.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

*****<\/p>\n

Joe slept for two more hours before waking the second time. As his eyes opened, he immediately searched the room for his father, but with the lamp burning low, he was unable to distinguish his father\u2019s figure standing at the window. A wave of fear momentarily gnawed at Joe\u2019s gut and he tried to push himself upright.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAgh\u2026\u201d he moaned, drawing Ben\u2019s attention.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben spun around, just in time to see Joe fall back against the soft pillows that had been placed beneath him to add a softer backing for Joe\u2019s broken flesh caused by the use of the whip.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

The anxious father rushed to his son\u2019s bedside and bent down placing his hand over Joe\u2019s.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s alright, Joe, I\u2019m right here,\u201d Ben, cooed softly.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe took a deep breath, sighing. \u201cI couldn\u2019t find you,\u201d he muttered.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m sorry son\u2026I was looking out at all the stars. I wasn\u2019t aware that you had awoken until I heard you moaning. Are you in pain, Joseph?\u201d Ben asked with concern.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe\u2019s lips were pressed tightly together as he willed himself to ignore the painful spasms.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cSome\u2026\u201d he said, looking into his father\u2019s eyes. \u201cIt comes and goes\u2026whew\u2026\u201d breathed Joe, relaxing.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

He smiled a little. \u201cIt only hurts when I move,\u201d he said lightly, trying to make his worried father smile. It worked; Ben did return the smile as he placed himself next to his son on the bed.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThen you\u2019ll just have to lay very still, won\u2019t you?\u201d teased Ben.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI suppose so,\u201d answered Joe.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

A long moment of silence followed. Ben watched the play of emotions that came and went on the young face and could only wonder what was going through Joe\u2019s mine. Whatever it was had left a disheartened look on his son\u2019s face.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cSon\u2026if you want to talk about what happened to you, we\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNO!\u201d said Joe sharply.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

His hazel eyes narrowed and the expression he wore was one of contempt.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t want to talk about it\u2026not now\u2026not ever!\u201d he told his father.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m sorry, son\u2026I just thought that perhaps talking about what you went through might help you to\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben paused, shocked to see Joe\u2019s eyes fill with what he recognized as fear. He studied Joe\u2019s face so intently that Joe glanced away, unable to meet the dark probing eyes.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAlright Joseph, we won\u2019t talk about it\u2026but if you should change your mind, you know you can come to me anytime\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe glanced back up at his father. Tears had filled his eyes but he refused to allow them to fall.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI know, Pa\u2026but right now, all I want is to forget what happened\u2026please, forget it\u2026and tell me, how did the trial come out? Did they find the Freedman brothers guilty?\u201d asked Joe, wanting desperately to change the subject.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The abuse he\u2019d endured and still suffered was so fresh in his mind, still so real that all the young man wanted was to put the incident behind him and get on with his life. He had no memory as of yet what had actually taken place or how the days ahead would become so unbearable that Joe would reach a point where he felt as if his whole world was crumbling down around his feet.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

He had been afraid, afraid of the whip, of the knife and the three men themselves\u2026he knew that\u2026and that knowledge alone was eating away at his heart and soul. Joe vowed to keep his deepest fears to himself and never to allow his family to know just how much terror he had felt during the long agonizing hours that he had been held prisoner of the man he deemed insane. Joe had thought himself a strong willed, determined man, unbreakable\u2026but in the last lingering hours when Cole Freedman had used his knife to slice open the flesh on his arms and sides, Joe had learned something about himself that caused him to feel more shame than he\u2019d ever known in his nineteen years. He had been broken\u2026not just physically but emotionally and mentally as well and those thoughts alone caused him to shiver.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAre you cold, son?\u201d Ben asked as he began moving the blankets around to better cover his son\u2019s body. He placed his hand to Joe\u2019s brow, giving a sigh of relief that there was no fever present.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNo,\u201d answered Joe, turning his head away.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe had yet to learn just how broken he had been\u2026his inevitable betrayal of his own father would be found out later\u2026and the news would practically destroy the young man and forever change how he felt about himself and how, in his own mind, his family felt about him.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYou didn\u2019t say, how did it go at the trial?\u201d Joe asked a second time.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben pressed his lips tightly together and sat down in the chair.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cIt went just like we suspected it would. I gave my testimony and the jury found the Freedmans guilty of murder. They were hung the next morning,\u201d sighed Ben.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cBut that\u2019s all over now\u2026what\u2019s important is that you get well\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYeah, and don\u2019t take too long, Shortshanks,\u201d laughed Hoss who stood with Adam in the opened doorway. \u201cMe and Adam don\u2019t want to do all the work, ya know!\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe snickered at the funny look Hoss wore.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll try not to take too long, Big Brother.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

*****<\/p>\n

But it did and the strain was beginning to show on the young face and in the boy\u2019s actions. The family noticed it more in the way that Joe\u2019s personality had taken on a sullen, angry and withdrawn countenance. Joe refused to talk to anyone about what was bothering him; he ate little and slept practically none at all. When spoken too, he snapped back in sharp retorts and cutting words that stung the others so that after a couple of weeks of the ill behavior, his brothers began finding excuses to stay away from the transformed boy.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Night and day, Joe worked with his hands and fingers. He practiced religiously with his handgun until he was at last satisfied that he could draw as quickly if not quicker than before. That small victory was the one thing that seemed to sooth his inner turmoil, but he\u2019d find that even that was only short-lived.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

*****<\/p>\n

Joe walked from the kitchen into the great room and watched as his family began gathering their hats and gun belts. He set the cup of coffee he was drinking down on the credenza.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhere\u2019s everybody going?\u201d he inquired.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Hoss looked up from buckling his belt and glanced at Adam and then at Joe.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhy the sudden interest, little brother?\u201d he said sharply.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben raised his head suddenly and glanced at his three sons, noting the contempt on Hoss\u2019 face and the downtrodden look on his youngest son\u2019s face.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNo reason, I guess,\u201d muttered Joe, \u201cI just thought\u2026maybe\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2019re going into town, son\u2026would you like to come along?\u201d Ben asked quickly.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe watched his brothers\u2019 faces and saw the look that passed between them and then shook his head.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNaw\u2026thanks, Pa\u2026but I don\u2019t think I\u2019d be welcomed,\u201d Joe said disappointedly.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

He turned and picked up his coffee cup and headed back toward the kitchen. He hadn\u2019t really expected his brothers to welcome him, after all, he\u2019d been treating them like crap for so long now that the pair tended to avoid him at all costs, but still, their rejection hurt.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHey Joe,\u201d he heard Adam call and stopped, turning back around.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYeah Adam?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam smiled, his cheek dimpled and he moved closer to his brother, putting a hand on Joe\u2019s shoulder.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cLook\u2026I know things have been hard for you\u2026for all of us\u2026but we\u2019re still family, aren\u2019t we? So why don\u2019t you come with us\u2026I might even be nice enough to buy you a beer,\u201d grinned Adam.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe\u2019s eyes brightened for a moment. He glanced in Hoss\u2019 direction, as if waiting for his middle brother\u2019s approval.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHoss?\u201d he said in a wee voice.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAw\u2026shucks, Shortshanks\u2026ya gonna stand there all day, or are ya comin\u2019 with us?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe let out a chest full of air, unaware that he\u2019d been holding his breath.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m coming with you\u2026that is\u2026if you really want me too?\u201d Joe stammered.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cJoseph, I\u2019m sure if they hadn\u2019t meant it, your brothers would not have asked,\u201d laughed Ben.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI guess you\u2019re right\u2026you go ahead, I\u2019ll be right out,\u201d Joe said, grabbing for his holster.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll saddle ya horse for ya,\u201d Hoss offered as he turned to go.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe reached out, placing a hand on Hoss\u2019 shoulder. Hoss turned around.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThanks\u2026and I\u2019m sorry, for being so\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cForget it Joe\u2026just remember one thing\u2026you\u2019re gonna have to face up to what happened, sooner or later\u2026and ya gonna have to talk about it, and when ya ready\u2026we\u2019ll be here for ya, just like Pa promised\u2026got that?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Hoss left Joe staring at his back as he moved out the door. Joe stood alone for several moments, letting Hoss\u2019 words sink into his brain. He swallowed hard as a vision of Cole Freedman\u2019s face danced before his eyes, mocking him and shattering his good mood.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Brewing, Joe stomped from the house and across the yard to the hitching post where his family waited. Hoss tossed the reins to Joe and watched as Joe climbed slowly into the saddle. Without a word to the others, Joe turned his mount toward town and kicked at Cochise\u2019s sides, breaking away from the others and taking the lead.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

*****<\/p>\n

By the time that the Cartwrights rode into Virginia City, Joe\u2019s bad mood had lightened somewhat and he even managed to giggle at some silly thing that Hoss was telling.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2019ll meet you boys in about half an hour, Adam and I need to see Hiram about a business matter,\u201d Ben told Hoss and Joe.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

He turned to Joe who was looking about as if he expected to see someone, but Hoss knew that couldn\u2019t be, it was the first time that his brother had ventured away from the house. Now that he thought about it, Joe seemed nervous that he was here and that caused Hoss to wonder. He stood behind Joe and leaned down to whisper in his brother\u2019s ear.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cLookin\u2019 for someone?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe spun around, a strange look on his face.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNo,\u201d he said weakly, \u201cI was just looking\u2026that\u2019s all. Seems like forever since I\u2019ve been in town,\u201d he stammered.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Hoss still wasn\u2019t convinced, but since Joe had started across the street, headed for the saloon, Hoss let the matter drop and hurried to catch up. The brothers entered the bar room together and eased their way up to the counter.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cTwo beers,\u201d Hoss called out to the barkeeper.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The mugs of frothy ale appeared almost instantly.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cCome on, Joe, let\u2019s find a table,\u201d Hoss said as he took a long swig from the tall mug. \u201cOver there,\u201d he said, pointing to a table near the back of the room.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe picked up his mug and started to follow Hoss but was stopped before he had taken more than a few steps.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWell, hey, Joe\u2026long time, no see,\u201d greeted one of the patrons.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cSay Jim, how are you?\u201d Joe said in greeting.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cMe? I\u2019m fine, what about you? I heard ya was laid up for a spell, ya feeling better?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe took a sip of beer and nodded his head. \u201cYeah\u2026I\u2019m fine, thanks.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cGood to see ya up and about\u2026come out to the ranch sometime, Joe, I bought a new brood mare I\u2019d like ya to take a look at her.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe was beginning to feel a bit uncomfortable, standing there with everyone looking at him as if they\u2019d never seen him before. He was positive that he hadn\u2019t just imagined it; some the cowhands had strange expressions on their faces as they watched him talking with his friend.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cSure, Jim\u2026I\u2019ll ride out in a day or two.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe moved away from the man, weaving his way around the large group of men that milled around. When Joe was almost to the table, one man stepped in front of him, blocking his path.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe raised his head slowly, looking directly into the man\u2019s deep-set eyes.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cExcuse me,\u201d he said and tried to step around the man, but again the man blocked his way.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe\u2019s eyes grew dark and suspicious as he studied the man\u2019s face.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYou don\u2019t remember me, do you Cartwright?\u201d the man growled.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Instant pictures of many faces raced before Joe\u2019s mind, but he could not put a name to the man standing before him.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cCan\u2019t say that I do,\u201d Joe said at last.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWell, I remember you\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cGood,\u201d snapped Joe, \u201cnow get out of my way,\u201d he ordered and tried to shove the man away, but the man refused to move.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m surprised to see you in town, especially with your father,\u201d the man sneered.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe heard several men inhale deeply and he quickly glanced around, wondering why.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhat business is it of yours, who I\u2019m in town with\u2026or without\u2026for that matter?\u201d Joe asked, curious about the strange statement.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The man laughed and several others standing close who could hear the conversation, snickered.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019d been too ashamed to show my face\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAshamed\u2026why, do you think I should be ashamed? I haven\u2019t done anything,\u201d Joe said, suddenly feeling the need to defend himself.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The man displayed a look of shock as he glanced around the room.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHear that boys? Young Cartwright claims he didn\u2019t do anything\u2026you believe that?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Several men shook their heads; others made disgusting grunts of disapproval.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cSee\u2026they agree with me\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cCome on, Joe, let\u2019s get out of here,\u201d Hoss said from behind.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

He placed a heavy hand on Joe\u2019s arm and tried to lead him away from the group of men who had formed a circle about his younger brother.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhat\u2019s the hurry, big man? We just want to have a little talk with the\u2026coward\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Before anyone could react, other than himself, Joe\u2019s fist plowed into the man\u2019s face, sending him sprawling backwards and across the table behind him. Joe started to step forward, but Hoss pulled back on his arm, making him wince.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cCome on, Joe, lets get out of here,\u201d Hoss said again, more forceful. \u201cHe\u2019s just spouting off some nonsense\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNo!\u201d shouted Joe. \u201cI want to know why this man thinks he has a right to call me a coward!\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The word had struck a cord within him and Joe had been instantly overcome with anger and doubt and more than a little curious as to why this stranger should confront him as he had.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cLook, I don\u2019t know who you are\u2026and I don\u2019t care\u2026but I want to know what the hell you\u2019re talking about!\u201d demanded Joe, hauling the man up by the front of his shirt.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYour father never did think you could do any wrong\u2026he always did take your side in everything, never mind if you were wrong\u2026but this\u2026I can\u2019t believe he\u2019d be so forgiving\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cForgiving of what!\u201d Joe demanded, his face red with anger.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYou really don\u2019t know\u2026do you?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNO! Tell me!\u201d he growled.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t understand how you don\u2019t know\u2026we know\u2026all of us\u2026everyone in town knows\u2026\u201d the man ranted, waving his hand about to indicate everyone in the room.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cEven your family knows what you\u2019ve done\u2026I can\u2019t believe they haven\u2019t turned on you\u2026trader.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe was too taken back to want to strike out at the man again. He stood before the crowd, looking confused by what was being said\u2026he did not understand, but he would in the next slew of words that came pouring out of the man\u2019s mouth.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cKnow what?\u201d shouted Joe.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThat you betrayed your own father\u2026that Ben Cartwright was almost killed because you broke\u2026get it, kid\u2026you broke under pressure and nearly got your old man killed in the process!\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Stunned, Joe could not speak. His eyes widened in horror at the man\u2019s words and had it not been for his brother standing so near to him, he might have fallen.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Hoss took Joe\u2019s arm and gently tugged, pulling him away from the man.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019re lying,\u201d Joe said to the man, glancing around at all the faces that seemed to have eyes that bore deeply into his soul.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAsk your father\u2026ask him how he got that knife wound in the back\u2026ask him how Cole Freedman and his two men knew where to find him when no one but the sheriff and his three sons knew where he was hidden\u2026ask him, Cartwright\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Speechless, Joe looked up into his brother\u2019s face. He saw in the blue eyes that tried to avoid looking at him\u2026the truth\u2026he had betrayed his father!<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe yanked his arm free of Hoss\u2019 vice like fingers and ran from the building. Outside, he almost fell across the hitching post, clinging tightly to the top rail with both hands. His stomach churned and Joe felt as if he might vomit. From side to side, he shook his head in disbelief.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cIt can\u2019t be,\u201d Hoss heard his brother mutter. Joe spun around, looking up at Hoss. \u201cI did\u2026didn\u2019t I?\u201d Joe said in a pleading tone.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAw\u2026Joe\u2026that man was just spoutin\u2019 off at the mouth. He don\u2019t know no such thing\u2026and neither does anyone else\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019re lying, Hoss\u2026tell me, dammit\u2026it\u2019s true isn\u2019t it? I betrayed my own father!\u201d Joe cried in sobbing gasps.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

He ducked under the hitching post and swung into the saddle. As Joe turned his horse around, Hoss reached out, grabbing the bridle, preventing Joe from going any further.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhere the blazes do ya think ya going, Joseph?\u201d he demanded of the younger boy.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWho gives a damn?\u201d Joe shouted. \u201cCertainly not my family\u2026not after what I\u2019ve done, now let go,\u201d he cried, shoving Hoss\u2019 hand away with the toe of his boot.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe spurred his mount and Cochise broke into a run, heading off down the street. Ben and Adam had just stepped from the lawyer\u2019s office onto the boardwalk as Joe went racing by.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cJOE! JOSEPH!\u201d screamed Ben, \u201cSLOW DOWN!\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cDadburnit,\u201d Hoss mumbled, running over to his father and brother who stood watching the retreating man and horse.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m sorry, Pa\u2026I couldn\u2019t stop him.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben turned dark, angry eyes on Hoss. \u201cWhat in blazes happened?\u201d he demanded.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHe knows, Pa\u2026he knows\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cKnows? Knows what?\u201d Ben asked, a sudden sick feeling in the pit of his stomach.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAbout\u2026you know\u2026telling Cole where you were\u2026some loud mouth over in the saloon told him\u2026and in front of half the town\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cOh dear God,\u201d whispered Ben.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Hoss turned to go, but Ben grabbed his arm.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhere do you think you are going?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAfter Joe\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNO! I\u2019ll go\u2026he\u2019ll need me, very soon now\u2026I\u2019m the one that should go, you and Adam go back to the ranch. I\u2019ll be home later,\u201d ordered Ben, already racing to mount up.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Once in the saddle, he jerked back on the reins, causing Buck to turn in a complete circle.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI think I know where your brother might be heading\u2026\u201d he called, galloping off in the direction he had seen Little Joe take.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

*****<\/p>\n

Joe slid from his horse\u2019s back, crumbling to a heap at Cochise\u2019s feet. The boy pulled himself up and staggered over to the large granite headstone that bore his mother\u2019s name. Joe sank to his knees, his head bent back as he clenched his teeth and doubled up his fists.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNO!\u201d he shrieked, sobs coming from deep within and boiling, rising to the top and spewing over.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The cries of bitter disappointment filled the hillsides as Joe poured out his grief for what he believed he had committed. Sitting back on his haunches, Joe was unaware that Ben had ridden up and now stood just feet away, listening to the heartbreaking sounds of his son\u2019s weeping.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cJoseph?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Startled to hear the sound of his father\u2019s voice, Joe jerked around, wiping the dampness from his face to hide the fact that he\u2019d been crying. Quickly, Joe got to his feet and moved away, his back he kept to his father, too ashamed to look into Ben\u2019s eyes and see the disgust that he believed would be there.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhat are you doing here?\u201d Joe said, glancing over his shoulder.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cLooking for you\u2026Son, I think we should talk\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cTalk?\u201d shouted Joe, \u201cwhat about\u2026how I betrayed my own father\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYou did no such thing, Joseph\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cDidn\u2019t I?\u201d Joe spun around.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The tears billowed up and flooded the hazel eyes. When Joe blinked, the dam overflowed and the tiny droplets rolled down the already tear streak face.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHow else would Cole and his gang know where to find you? The only way they could have known was by me\u2026I told them\u2026\u201d sobbed Joe, swiping his sleeve across his face once again.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNO! Stay away from me,\u201d Joe sobbed, moving further back.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe held out his arm, raising his hand to prevent Ben from moving any closer.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cTell me\u2026what happened, Pa\u2026at the mine\u2026that man said Cole almost killed you! How?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cIt doesn\u2019t matter, Joe\u2026I\u2019m alive and\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWell, it matters to me\u2026I want to know what happened!\u201d he demanded.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAlright, son. Why don\u2019t we sit down, over here and I\u2019ll tell you everything\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNo\u2026I\u2019ll stay right here\u2026and you stay there\u2026\u201d Joe ordered, pointing his finger at his father.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAdam and Hoss had gone out to take care of the horses\u2026that\u2019s when Cole jumped me from behind and pulled his knife on me. We fought briefly, that\u2019s when your brothers came back to the mine and encountered Jake and Wade. Hoss killed Wade and Adam wrestled Jake to the ground and was forced to kill him as well. I was still fighting with Cole, until he\u2026stabbed me in the back\u2026when he saw his two friends dead, he ran away\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHe got away?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYes, but Roy had a posse out looking for him\u2026Joe..<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben heard Joe moan and saw his son scrunch up his face as if in great pain.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThe wound wasn\u2019t bad, Joe\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHe might have killed you\u2026and it would have been my fault,\u201d sobbed Joe.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cBut he didn\u2019t\u2026don\u2019t you see\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNO! I don\u2019t see\u2026I don\u2019t see anything other than I betrayed my own father and it nearly cost him his life. I\u2019m a coward\u2026Pa\u2026a COWARD…I broke\u2026I couldn\u2019t take the pain\u2026or the suffering and I BROKE,\u201d wailed Joe, turning to lean against the boulder that was behind him.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI was afraid, Pa\u2026me\u2026mighty Joe Cartwright\u2026was afraid of dying\u2026of what they were doing to me\u2026\u201d the sobs continued as the words poured out. \u201cOh, Pa,\u201d wept Joe, \u201cI\u2019m so ashamed\u2026so sorry\u2026\u201d he cried, gulping for air to fill his heaving lungs.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben moved to comfort his son, but the instant his fingers touched Joe\u2019s shoulder, the boy shied away.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cLeave me alone\u2026will ya, Pa? Just go away\u2026leave me be\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI can\u2019t do that, son\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe raised his head; his face was streaked with tears. His breath came in rapid little gasps and Ben could see that the boy was nearing a breakdown. Joe moved toward his horse, snatching the reins free of the limb where they had been tied off.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cJoseph\u2026stop\u2026please\u2026where are you going?\u201d Ben asked in desperation.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m leaving\u2026\u201d cried Joe, stopping and leaning his head against the saddle.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYou can\u2019t leave, son\u2026not like this. Please\u2026I don\u2019t want you to go\u2026come home with me\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cOh God, Pa\u2026don\u2019t make this any harder for me than what it already is,\u201d sobbed Joe in broken words.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWe can work this out\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe, his face stained with tears, looked at his father.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI can\u2019t take back what\u2019s already done, Pa\u2026you should know that, and I can\u2019t stay here\u2026not with everyone in town knowing\u2026not with the way my own brothers look at me with such\u2026disgust that it shows in their eyes! Don\u2019t you see, everyone in town\u2026everyone knows and believes that I betrayed you\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben took a deep breath and stepped closer.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cJoseph, listen to me son, it doesn\u2019t matter what everyone knows, or thinks they know about you\u2026it doesn\u2019t matter. But what does matter is what you know about yourself, what you believe in here.\u201d Ben jabbed his finger into his chest, pointing to his heart.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI know you Joseph, and I believe in you\u2026I always have, and I always will. I know you could never betray me, any more than I could ever betray you.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe made a sniffling sound and swung into the saddle.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI wish I could believe that, Pa\u2026but I can\u2019t\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben grabbed Cochise\u2019s bridle and pushed on.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cListen to me\u2026Joe\u2026you were in agonizing pain, you were being tortured\u2026and you were burning up with fever, you were delirious. You might have mumbled a whole slew of words that meant nothing\u2026nothing at all\u2026but Cole might have thought he\u2019d picked up a clue in the garbled bag of words.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

He got lucky, son\u2026he was desperate\u2026he was trying as hard to save his brothers from the gallows as you were trying to keep me safe. It was just a hunch, that\u2019s all it was, son\u2026Cole got lucky. Don\u2019t you understand\u2026any man can only take so much before\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHe breaks\u2026sure, I know that\u2026I broke, Pa\u2026I almost got you killed because I was too weak\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s not true and you know it!\u201d growled Ben.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

He was reaching his wit\u2019s end. His son was going to ride off any second and he was helpless to prevent Joe\u2019s leaving.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cLet go, Pa\u2026please, just let me leave\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cJoe, where will you go?\u201d pleaded Ben, fearfully.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t know\u2026but I can\u2019t stay here\u2026I won\u2019t stay here\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cPlease, son, I don\u2019t want you to go\u2026Come home\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe yanked back on his reins forcing Cochise\u2019s head upward and thus freeing his horse\u2019s bridle from his father\u2019s hands. Joe made Cochise back up. Ben knew that the time had come, he was losing his son.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cPromise me, Joe\u2026you\u2019ll let me know where you\u2019re at?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe swallowed, and looked away, shaking his head.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI can\u2019t promise anything,\u201d he said, turning his horse and kicking at Cochise\u2019s sides.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe rode a ways off and then stopped, turning and looking back at his father. Ben stood with arms dangling down to his sides, his face drawn and worn. Joe saw the glistening of tears in eyes that had always before, looked at him with such love. He felt his throat swell.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI love ya, Pa\u2026I always have, I always will. And I\u2019d die for you if I had too\u2026maybe someday I can prove that to you\u2026but first I have to prove it to myself.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe spurred Cochise into a gallop and rode off.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cJOE! JOSEPH!\u201d screamed Ben, running a short distance after his son, and then stopping, gasping for air.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI LOVE YOU, TOO, SON!\u201d he shouted. \u201cI love you\u2026Joseph.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

*****<\/p>\n

The days lowly turned into weeks and still Ben, worn down to a frazzle with grief, had not received one word from his youngest son. The worry, the absence, the loneliness had taken it\u2019s toll on the remainder of the family. It showed in their tired faces and sad eyes. Everyone about town that knew the Cartwrights, felt their sorrow, their loss and most cared enough to let the family know, especially their closest friends.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhy don\u2019t we go look for\u2019em?\u201d Hoss asked, late one night as he and his brother sat at the dining room table, ignoring their meal.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben looked up from his plate where he\u2019d been toying with his food and shook his head.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNo,\u201d he said softly.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cBut why not? It\u2019s dang near been a month since that boy took off\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHe\u2019ll come home\u2026someday\u2026but it will be when he\u2019s ready, Hoss. I can\u2019t make him come back\u2026I\u2019d have to hog tie him and drag him back\u2026but unless he\u2019s ready to stay and put all this behind him, he\u2019d only run away again\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

Ben\u2019s eyes darkened. \u201cNo butts\u2026understand? Leave him alone, he has to work through this himself!\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben slung his napkin down on his plate and pushed back his chair.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m going for a ride,\u201d he said and walked out of the house, leaving Hoss and Adam to wonder.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s gettin\u2019 to be a nightly thing. Wonder where he rides too?\u201d Hoss said, turning to his brother.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam took a sip of his coffee and wiped his mouth with his napkin.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThe lake most likely\u2026Marie\u2019s\u2026he seems to find solace there\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYeah, reckon ya right, Adam\u2026he and<\/em> Joe.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

*****<\/p>\n

Many miles away, in Silver City, Joe was just waking up from a drunken stupor. He lay amid the rubbish and crates in a darkened alley behind the saloon where he had staggered and fell. He had no clue as to how he got there or even why he was where he was. The drunken young man wasn\u2019t even sure who he was, in his present condition. But the one thing he was certain of, and that was the fact that his head was pounding and every muscle in his weary body ached.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe pushed himself into an upright position and leaned his back against the wall, surrounded by crates that hid him from a man\u2019s view, should one happen along. He pulled his knees up to his chest and propped up his elbows, resting his head in the palms of his hands. Softly, Joe moaned, the pain was excruciating.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

For several moments the young drunk remained as such. A shuffling of feet down the alley warned him that someone was approaching and he slid back, deeper against the wall, into the shadows.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

His handsome face was marred by the thick growth of hair and the dirt and grime that covered his features. The clothes that covered his body were tattered and torn and Joe looked as if it had been weeks since he\u2019d eaten any solid food. His frame was scrawny and wasted and even now, hunger gnawed at his insides, causing his stomach to react by gurgling loudly.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cShh\u2026\u201d Joe whispered, placing a hand over his mid-section to silence the rumbling.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe could barely make out the whispering as the two men moved deeper into the alley. Cautiously, Joe got to his feet and moved closer, being sure to stay to the shadows as he slithered along the wall, stopping just feet from the two men who appeared to be plotting something.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYa really gonna try again?\u201d one man said to the other.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019re damn right I am. He\u2019s the reason my brothers were hanged\u2026and I aim to see him pay\u2026big time!\u201d the second man swore.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe listened with growing interest to the conversation. It sounded to him as if one man was planning to seek revenge on someone.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2019ll leave in the morning, Gus. It shouldn\u2019t take us but a couple of days to reach the Ponderosa\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cPonderosa?\u201d muttered Joe, suddenly alert\u2026the Ponderosa was his home!<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe chanced a peek around the wall, trying to get a clear view of the men\u2019s faces. One man had his back to him, but the other man\u2019s face he could see clearly. Joe, his eyes dulled by overindulgences, studied the man\u2019s features, deciding that he had never seen the man before. The man with his back towards him, moved slightly, but Joe still could not see the man\u2019s face clearly. Something about the way the man moved\u2026the tone of his voice\u2026and then the man laughed.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cBy this time, the day after tomorrow, Ben Cartwright will be dead and buried,\u201d the man snickered.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cPa!\u201d Joe\u2019s heart screamed.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

He moved a foot or two closer and watched the two men. His toe hung on a crate, sending it crashing to the ground in a loud noise. The two men spun around, guns drawn and ready to fire. Joe pressed his back to the wall, his hand sought his pistol, but it was gone!<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Suddenly, an old alley cat hissed at him and went running down the alley, headed straight toward the two men. As the cat ran passed, the men started laughing and put away their guns. Joe chanced another peek\u2026\u2026..<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cCole Freedman!\u201d Joe\u2019s mind screamed in silent horror.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe watched as the two men walked out of the alley and onto the street. He followed behind just keeping the pair in sight until they reached their horses and mounted up. Joe darted into a doorway and waited until the pair rode passed.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ve got to warn Pa,\u201d he muttered, stepping out into the light.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Without warning, Joe felt a gun pressed into his back. He stopped suddenly and glanced over his shoulder.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t move, mister\u2026just put your hands over your head,\u201d the man said. \u201cTurn around, slowly,\u201d he ordered, \u201cand drop your gun.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe did as instructed, though he swayed slightly in so doing.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t have a gun,\u201d Joe explained.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhy not?\u201d the sheriff asked.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2026reckon I lost it,\u201d Joe said. \u201cI\u2026don\u2019t remember.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhew\u2026you been drinking?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYes sir,\u201d Joe confessed, suddenly aware of his appearance and the way that he must smell.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhat were you doing lurking in the doorway of the bank?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cBank?\u201d Joe looked up and for the first time saw the sign, Silver City National Bank. He gulped.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cJust resting,\u201d he lied. \u201cI was feeling sort of sick\u2026dizzy.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The sheriff used his gun to point the way. \u201cGet going, I\u2019m locking you up\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhy? I wasn\u2019t doing anything\u2026\u201d argued Joe, looking around in time to see Cole Freedman and his new man disappear from sight.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cMove\u2026I\u2019m locking you up for public drunkenness, loitering\u2026if you\u2019re sobered up by morning, I\u2019ll let you go\u2026if the judge agrees, now get going,\u201d the sheriff ordered, pushing the end of his pistol a bit deeper into Joe\u2019s back.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe had no recourse but to do as ordered. He looked down the street again, anxious to get to his father. As Joe crossed the street, he stopped just before entering the jailhouse.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cLook, sheriff, my name is Joe Cartwright and\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cCartwright? You can\u2019t possibly be one of those rich Cartwrights from Virginia City,\u201d the man laughed. \u201cNot looking and smelling like you do!\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cMy father is Ben Cartwright\u2026and yeah\u2026I\u2019m one of those Cartwrights. Look sheriff, there\u2019s a man out to kill my father, Cole Freedman. I have to get home and warn him\u2026if you\u2019ll just let me go, I\u2019ll leave town\u2026I swear\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The sheriff laughed again and pushed the door to his office opened, shoving Joe inside.<\/p>\n

Joe stumbled into the room, almost falling. The sheriff grabbed Joe\u2019s arm and held him upright, forcing him toward the back room where the cells were located. Joe, bulked and pulled his arm free, turning and taking a swing at the officer. The sheriff ducked just in time to avoid being struck. Joe stumbled forward and the sheriff whacked him on the back of the head. Joe\u2019s body crumbled to the floor.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

*****<\/p>\n

It was morning by the time that Joe awoke. He rose up on the narrow cot and rubbed his aching head, glancing about at his surroundings. It suddenly dawned on him that he had something important that he had to tend to. The events of the night before came back to him and he stood to his feet, groaning softly.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cSHERIFF! SHERIFF!\u201d he shouted, standing with his hands on the bars.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Seconds later the door opened and the sheriff entered, carrying a tray in one hand.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhat\u2019s all the shouting about in here?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI have to get out of here\u2026I have to get home and warn my father\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYou aren\u2019t going anywhere\u2026at least until the judge says you can, now back up, I brought your breakfast\u2026God knows from the looks of you, you need a good meal.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe did as ordered and waited until the sheriff set the tray down on the little stool. He moved forward as the sheriff shut and locked the cell door.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The sheriff turned back around. \u201cI\u2019ll tell you something, kid\u2026you might be who you say, you might not\u2026but you aren\u2019t what you appear to be. Beneath all that filth\u2026I\u2019d say you\u2019re a pretty nice boy. Eat your breakfast. I have a room back here where you can take a bath. When you\u2019re finished with that, I\u2019ll walk you over to the judge\u2019s office and we\u2019ll see what we can do.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe\u2019s eyes brightened slightly and he smiled at the sheriff.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThanks,\u201d he said, turning to his breakfast.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cJust yell when you\u2019re finished.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

*****<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHe just drank a bit too much, Judge\u2026that\u2019s all, he didn\u2019t do any real harm,\u201d the sheriff explained.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

He and Joe stood before the Judge\u2019s desk and waited for the judge to make his decision. The older man looked up, studying the boy\u2019s face.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYou say you\u2019re Ben Cartwright\u2019s son?\u201d the judge asked.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m surprised that Ben Cartwright would let his son get in the shape you appear to be,\u201d he said, appraising Joe from head to toe with his keenly trained eyes.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cIt wasn\u2019t my father\u2019s fault, sir\u2026it was my own doings,\u201d Joe stated honestly.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

It was the first time in weeks that he\u2019d been able to admit to himself that what he had let himself become, was indeed of his own making. For a long time, he had blamed Cole Freedman and what the wicked man had done to him, and then he blamed his family because he thought for sure they had turned their backs on him by not coming to find him. It was time that he faced the truth\u2026he was to blame\u2026for this, and many other things that had happened to him over the course of several weeks. Now it was time to go home, and admit it to his father and brothers.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m glad to see that you are man enough to admit that, young man. Alright, it seems that the sheriff doesn\u2019t have any complaints against you other than a couple of minor offenses, of which you\u2019ve admitted. I have no other recourse but to pronounce you guilty and fine you ten dollars or ten days\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t have ten dollars, your honor,\u201d Joe said quickly. \u201cAnd I can\u2019t wait ten days\u2026there\u2019s a man out to murder my father\u2026and I need to get home and warn him\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cA man\u2026what man?\u201d the judge asked.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cCole Freedman\u2026he\u2019s already tried once and failed\u2026he\u2019s not likely to make that mistake again\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cFreedman? I\u2019ve heard the name\u2026I know,\u201d said the judge, \u201cI was trying a case in Virginia City a couple of months back\u2026that\u2019s it\u2026your father was the star witness in a murder trial\u2026Cory and Cullen Freedman\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s it\u2026and Cole Freedman is seeking revenge\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYou aren\u2019t the boy they kidnapped and tortured\u2026are you?\u201d the judge asked, looking more closely at the young man standing in front of him.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe lowered his head. No doubt that even this man, miles from Virginia City, had learned of his disloyalty to his father. When Joe looked up, he saw the judge watching him closely. Unable to speak, Joe nodded his head.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The judge\u2019s eyes filled with compassion and when he spoke, his voice was soft and full of understanding.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNo wonder you\u2019re in the shape you\u2019re in. Don\u2019t worry, Mr. Cartwright\u2026I don\u2019t believe those rumors about you. I remember your father as a man of honor\u2026he doesn\u2019t believe them either\u2026I hope you know that.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHe said as much, sir.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cBut you still doubted him, didn\u2019t you?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201c I think I doubted myself more.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The judge stood to his feet and moved around his desk to stand beside Joe.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019ve learned differently?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYes sir\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThen go home and prove it\u2026I\u2019ll have Sheriff Wallace here send a telegram to the sheriff in Virginia City alerting him to the possibility that Cole Freedman may be headed that way.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe grinned and grabbed the judge\u2019s hand, thanking him.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI appreciate this, sir\u2026thank you!\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cOh\u2026don\u2019t thank me\u2026just wire the ten dollars when you can\u2026otherwise, I\u2019m sending someone to fetch you back here\u2026you\u2019ll spend thirty days in jail if that happens,\u201d the judge vowed in a deep tone.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

He smiled then, and laughed when he saw the look of relief cover the young man\u2019s face.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cGet going, before I change my mind.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

*****<\/p>\n

It was hard riding, but by late the next day, Joe was home. He stopped a short distance from the house, watching closely. Everything appeared normal, smoke was rising gently from the fireplace, the lamps were burning softly and when Joe looked, the barn had been secured for the night.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Still wary, Joe eased Cochise lightly down the slope and into the yard. Joe chose to tie his mount to the corral railing, in the shadows rather than at the hitching post closest to the door.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe pulled his revolver from his holster and crept silently up to the door where he pressed his ear to the thick wood and listened. No sound could be heard.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

For a moment, Joe was unsure what to do, then decided to try the latch. It was locked; odd, he thought.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Knocking and standing back, Joe waited. When the door was pulled opened only a crack by the man that he instantly recognized as the one in the alley along with Cole, Joe kicked at the door, flinging it open wide. The man reacted by firing his gun at the intruder. The bullet grazed Joe\u2019s arm, leaving an instant trail of blood dripping down the sleeve of his jacket.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe\u2019s gun was knocked from his hand, but he was able to slam his fist into the man\u2019s face, knocking the man to the floor. Joe grabbed for the man\u2019s gun and a struggle began for possession of the weapon. Over and over the men rolled, until Joe was pinned to the floor. Hands were locked together as the struggle continued, moving until the gun was between the two. A sudden blast from the pistol brought an immediate end to the battle. Time stopped briefly as the stranger toppled over and Joe rolled free.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cGUS! What\u2019s all that racket?\u201d A voice that Joe recognized as Cole Freedman\u2019s blared from upstairs.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe glanced around for his family. Seeing nothing to indicate where they might be, Joe slipped silently up the stairs. When he reached the top, he peeked around the corner. The hallway was empty. Joe tiptoed to the first door at the top of the stairs and eased it opened. Inside, he could see his brothers, both bound, lying face down on the floor. When Adam sensed a presence, he looked up. Joe put his fingers to his lips, warning him to stay still. Joe remained at the door, watching down the hall.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhere in the world did you come from?\u201d Adam asked.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll fill you in when this is over\u2026where\u2019s Cole\u2026and Pa?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cDown the hall, it sure is mighty good to see ya, Shortshanks,\u201d grinned Hoss.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s good to see the two of you, too,\u201d smiled Joe, moving toward the door.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cJoe\u2026hold up\u2026what are ya goin\u2019 to do?\u201d Hoss whispered. \u201cUntie us!\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cLater, I have a score to settle first,\u201d he said, slipping through the door before either brother had a chance to say more.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe turned his attention back to the hallway and within seconds, heard his father\u2019s door open. Cole slipped from the room and down the back stairs. Joe took advantage and darted down the hall.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Inside Ben\u2019s room, Joe\u2019s first sight was his father sitting bound tightly to his mother\u2019s old rocking chair. Ben\u2019s face was battered and bruised from the beating Cole Freedman had ventured to dish out. Ben\u2019s eyes widened in surprise at seeing his son.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cJoe!\u201d muttered Ben in a whispered voice.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Glancing out the door to be sure Cole was not returning, Joe hastened to untie his father and set him free. Ben rose from the chair and gathered his son into his arms.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThis is certainly a surprise\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWell, well, well,\u201d mocked Cole who had crept back into the room.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Father and son twirled around, caught off guard by Cole\u2019s quick return.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cPerfect\u2026two for one,\u201d jeered Freedman. \u201cPayback time, Cartwright\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben shoved Joe to the side, placing himself between the mad man and his son. The move only caused Cole to laugh harder. Ben stepped forward in a challenging dare, but being battered had taken its toll and Ben was sluggish, moving too slowly.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Cole raised his arm high in the air and brought his pistol down across Ben\u2019s shoulder. Ben cried out and fell onto the bed. Cole, his laughter rose an octave, moved in for the kill. Joe sprung into action and made a dive at Freedman, knocking him away from his father who struggled to get up.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Still feeling the need to protect his own, Ben again shoved Joe aside and moved to overpower the other man. Cole\u2019s hand moved to his waist, pulling his knife free from the scarab hanging from his belt. Before Ben could move, Cole\u2019s arm moved upward in one sweeping motion and the knife flew from his hand.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe, watching the action moved as if on cue, flinging himself between his father and the oncoming knife.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAGH!!!\u201d he screamed as the sharp bladed weapon buried its pointed tip deeply into his chest.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe landed on the carpeted floor with a loud thud. The two men within the room ceased moving. Ben watched in horror while Cole\u2019s laughter echoed against the walls.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cERRR!\u201d growled Ben, acting as a man processed, he charged Cole, knocking him to the floor. A fight ensued, but the battle was short-lived. Hop Sing appeared in the doorway, rifle in hand and finger on the trigger.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

When Ben was hauled upright, Cole spun around, his fist folded and ready to fly.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cSTOP!\u201d the servant called.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Cole paused for a fraction of a second, then delivered the blow to Ben\u2019s face and turned his wrath on Hop Sing. As Cole bolted forward, Hop Sing fired, hitting Cole Freedman dead center in the middle of his chest.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Cole wavered slightly before dropping to the floor, landing next to Joe.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben, dulled by the powerful blow, managed to crawl over to his son. Joe\u2019s eyes were opened; blood dripped from the hole in his chest, but he was aware of his father when Ben pulled him into his arms and cradled him against his rapidly beating heart.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cJoseph,\u201d whispered Ben, brushing away a lock of damp hair from his son\u2019s sweat coated brow.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

\u201cShh\u2026you\u2019re going to be alright, son,\u201d Ben soothed.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHop Sing, Adam and Hoss are tied up in Joe\u2019s room, get them\u2026hurry,\u201d ordered Ben.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Carefully, Ben pulled the knife from the wound. Joe squeezed his eyes tightly and groaned. Ben lifted the boy up and carried him, in his arms, to his bed and placed Joe amid the soft pillows.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

\u201cShh\u2026don\u2019t talk, Joe\u2026save your strength,\u201d cautioned his father.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhat happened?\u201d Adam asked as he and Hoss rushed into the room and joined their father at Joe\u2019s bedside.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben smiled, a tired, wearisome kind of smile.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYour brother just saved my life,\u201d he explained.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Dabbing at the blood that oozed, Ben continued to talk.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cOne of you, ride into town and fetch Doc Martin, hurry.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll go,\u201d offered Adam, \u201cI can make better time.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

He smiled down at his brother. \u201cGood to have you home, kid.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cGood to\u2026be here\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI told you not to talk, young man,\u201d Ben scolded gently. \u201cHop Sing, bring me some fresh water and bandages, please.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHoss, if you\u2019re up to it, get this man out of here,\u201d Ben instructed, nodding toward Cole with his head.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cSure thing, Pa\u2026Joe\u2026I\u2019m plum glad ya decided to come home,\u201d Hoss said, winking at his brother.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe\u2019s eyes began to close\u2026<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cJoseph\u2026don\u2019t you dare leave me again,\u201d whispered Ben.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cTired\u2026that\u2019s all, Pa,\u201d murmured Joe.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNo wonder, what with all you have been through. That was a foolish thing you did, son, jumping in front of that knife like you did\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI couldn\u2019t let him kill you, Pa\u2026I told you once\u2026that I\u2019d willingly die\u2026for you\u2026remember?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYes\u2026I remember\u2026but not today, son\u2026not today you aren\u2019t!\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe\u2019s eyes became too heavy to remain opened, and by the time they did open again, more than a day and a half had passed.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

*****<\/p>\n

\u201cHe should wake up soon, Ben\u2026I promise,\u201d Paul Martin said. \u201cI wanted him to sleep. That gash in his chest was deep. I\u2019m not sure if Joe is lucky or unlucky,\u201d snickered the physician.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cSeems like every time he\u2019s hurt\u2026and it should be serious, fate is standing close by and prevents his injuries from being just that.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI think it\u2019s more than just fate, Paul\u2026more like he has guardian angels watching over him,\u201d Ben corrected.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYes\u2026you\u2019re probably right, Ben\u2026Lord only knows he keeps them busy enough,\u201d the doctor teased.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cLook, he\u2019s waking up now,\u201d Doc Martin said, moving to the bedside with Ben.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m here son,\u201d smiled Ben. \u201cHow do you feel?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m fine\u2026are you okay\u2026what about Hoss and Adam?\u201d muttered Joe.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2019re fine, little brother,\u201d Adam said as he and Hoss entered their father\u2019s bedroom.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s about time ya woke up, lazybones,\u201d snickered Hoss.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe smiled and turned to his father. His eyes took on a solemn look, giving his brothers a clue that it was time to leave.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cLet\u2019s go, Hoss, and finish our chores. We\u2019ll be back later, Joe\u2026you take care.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe watched his brothers leave and then turned to the doctor. Paul smiled down at the boy.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI can take a hint\u2026don\u2019t talk too long, young man\u2026I want you to get plenty of rest!\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI won\u2019t, I promise,\u201d Joe said.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Once alone with his father, Joe wasn\u2019t sure how to say what was on his mind. Ben helped him to start the conversation.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI take it that you wanted to talk to me?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe nodded. \u201cI\u2026I wanted to tell you\u2026I was\u2026sorry\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThere\u2019s no need to be sorry, Joe\u2026as far as I\u2019m concerned\u2026you didn\u2019t do anything wrong,\u201d smiled Ben as he pulled the chair up closer to the bed.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI didn\u2019t mean to betray you\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cJoseph, you didn\u2019t betray me son\u2026just before you came back, Cole told me what really happened, what you really said to him. He admitted to me that he could never break you\u2026you mumbled a bunch of mixed up words, just like I told you\u2026and he picked out what he thought was the name of the mine. Joe\u2026he said he was on his way to the Blue Nugget Mine, when he happened to see one of your brothers riding across the hills. He followed Adam and that\u2019s how he found me\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cBut you were at the Blue Nugget\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNo\u2026that\u2019s where we first agreed, but after you left to go back into town, we changed locations, I was at the old Ward Mining Company\u2026we thought it might be safer there than in the Blue Nugget.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhy didn\u2019t you tell me? All this time, I thought you were somewhere else!\u201d proclaimed Joe.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI know, son\u2026and I\u2019m sorry. But we made the change, after you were gone; there was no way to get word to you. I tried to tell you, afterwards, when it was all over, but you never gave me a chance. Besides, your brothers and I thought it would be safer for me, if we changed locations at the last minute, just in case the Freedman\u2019s had gotten wind of my hideout somehow,\u201d explained Ben. \u201cWe never dreamed that you\u2019d be taken hostage\u2026or tortured,\u201d Ben said sadly.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe was thoughtful for a moment and then shook his head. His eyes were sad when he looked up at his father.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYou didn\u2019t trust me, did you?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s foolish talk and you know it. Of course I trust you\u2026you just saved my life\u2026didn\u2019t you? Look, son, you\u2019re young and impetuous\u2026but there\u2019s a part of you that is still\u2026na\u00efve\u2026innocent\u2026and that puts you at risk. It makes you an easy target for men like Cole Freedman. I was the one who forbid anyone to tell you that we changed hideouts, because\u2026and only because I wanted to keep you safe. I failed you, Joe by doing that\u2026it almost cost you, your life\u2026so if anyone has anything to be sorry for, it certainly isn\u2019t you\u2026it\u2019s me.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cPa\u2026no\u2026you only did what you thought best\u2026please, don\u2019t feel that way\u2026okay?\u201d pleaded Joe.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

He understood things better now, now that his father had explained it to him.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYou didn\u2019t mean to get me hurt, any more than I meant to betray you\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s true, but the difference is, I made a poor choice\u2026I should have sent you word\u2026somehow.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNo, Pa\u2026you made the right choice.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben looked puzzled.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHow do you figure that?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe smiled, his eyes brightened.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cIf you really had been hiding out at the Blue Nugget, most likely we\u2019d both be dead right now instead of sitting here debating which one of us is right and which one of us is to blame.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe giggled softly. \u201cIt\u2019s all the Freedmans\u2019 fault,\u201d he snickered.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben\u2019s laughter resounded within the room.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYou are absolutely correct, young man. If the Freedman brothers had not murdered that man\u2026none of this would have happened to us!\u201d Ben stated decidedly.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe became very serious and his voice lowered to a near whisper.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI love you, Pa\u2026and I meant what I said that day up at the lake\u2026I\u2019d die for you, if need be.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI know you would son. You more than proved that to me, when you shoved me out of the way of Cole\u2019s knife.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben leaned closer, his eyes dark with emotion.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI love you, too, Joseph\u2026more than anything else in this whole world\u2026along with your brothers of course.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cOf course,\u201d grinned Joe, slipping his arms about his father\u2019s neck. \u201cBut let\u2019s keep them thinking that you really do love me more, okay?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cJoseph!\u201d whispered Ben, \u201cyou are a rascal at heart, aren\u2019t you?\u201d laughed the happy father.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben returned the hug he\u2019d received and whispered a silent prayer of thanks, that life had at long last, been restored to normal.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

*****<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The next morning when Ben entered his son\u2019s bedroom, Joe was sitting up in bed and greeted him with a smile.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHi\u2026Pa\u2026can you do me a favor?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cOf course, son\u2026what is it?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cCan you lend me ten dollars?\u201d Joe said sheepishly.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cTen dollars\u2026what on earth for?\u201d Ben quizzed.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI need to pay off a debt\u2026I\u2019ll explain it later\u2026but, will you loan it to me?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben began digging in his pocket for the bills.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI suppose\u2026if you really need it.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI need it\u2026trust me\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI do trust you Joseph, but explain it to me, if you don\u2019t mind,\u201d Ben said, holding the bills in his hand.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe held his hand out, waiting for his father to place the money into his hands, but Ben insisted on holding on to the money.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI sort of got into a little trouble over in Silver City\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhat kind of trouble?\u201d Ben asked, eyeing his son closely.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNothing bad, Pa, honest\u2026I was just arrested\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cArrested? What on earth for?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThe sheriff thought I might be getting ready to rob the bank so\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cROB THE BANK!\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI wasn\u2019t, honest\u2026I didn\u2019t even have my gun\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhat happened to your gun?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t know, I just lost it, I suppose\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYou suppose\u2026don\u2019t you know?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNo sir\u2026I was too drunk to remember\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cDrunk?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYes sir\u2026see, Pa\u2026it was like this\u2026when I left here, I was feeling sorta low\u2026and I did a lot of drinking\u2026and\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhat about the ten dollars, son?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cLike I was trying to tell you\u2026the sheriff thought I was trying to rob the bank, but of course that wasn\u2019t so, but what I was doing was hiding in the shadows, following Cole and that other fellow. That\u2019s how I knew he was coming after you\u2026I had passed out in the alley\u2026from drinking too much, and when I woke up, Cole was there telling this man that he was out to kill you\u2026so I started following them, that\u2019s when the sheriff found me and took me to jail. But on the way, I decked him and tried to get away, but he bonked me over the head and locked me up. I didn\u2019t know anything until the next morning when he brought me my breakfast and told me to eat and then he made me take a bath\u2026I needed one really bad\u2026cause, staying drunk all the time, I\u2026really didn\u2019t take time to bathe and I was pretty smelly\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cJoseph, get on with it, please\u2026what about the ten dollars?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s what I\u2019m trying to tell you, Pa. After I took my bath, the sheriff took me over to the judge\u2019s office and he\u2026well, he was the judge at the Freedman brothers\u2019 trial that you testified at and I reckon when he found out I was your son, he let me go, cause I told him about Cole gunning for you and all\u2026but he charged me ten dollars fine\u2026for getting drunk and all,\u201d smiled Joe. \u201cThat\u2019s why I need the money, or the judge is gonna send the sheriff after me and lock me up for thirty days instead of ten.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cOh for heaven\u2019s sake, Joseph,\u201d scowled Ben, rolling his eyes.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

He stood next to the bed, hands planted firmly on his hips as he studied the boy\u2019s cherub like face and funny, lopsided smile. Ben shook his head.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cJoseph, that\u2019s the most ridiculous thing I\u2019ve ever heard! Couldn\u2019t you think of a better reason to borrow ten dollars than with that outlandish tale?\u201d Ben grumbled, as he walked from the room, closing the bedroom door behind him.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cBut Pa!\u201d Joe shouted, \u201cit\u2019s the\u2026oh\u2026what\u2019s the use!\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe folded his arms across his chest and leaned his head back against the pillows, closing his eyes.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI guess he\u2019ll believe me when Sheriff Wallace shows up to take me back to Silver City!\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

THE END<\/p>\n

October 2004<\/p>\n

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

Summary:\u00a0 With Ben hidden away in his ‘safe haven,’ his youngest son becomes the victim of heartless, wicked men who are determined to find the elder Cartwright and stop him from testifying at a murder trial.\u00a0 Joe suffers insurmountable pain and is left for dead….after his inevitable betrayal….<\/p>\n

Rated:\u00a0 PG13 for violence and cruel treatment.\u00a0 May not be suited for all readers…proceed accordingly. \u00a0By clicking to continue you are adhering to the warning that has been posted. (15,400 words)<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":9052,"featured_media":13990,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"template-full-width-post.php","format":"standard","meta":{"_jetpack_newsletter_access":"","_jetpack_dont_email_post_to_subs":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_tier_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paywalled_content":false,"_jetpack_feature_clip_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":"","jetpack_publicize_message":"","jetpack_publicize_feature_enabled":true,"jetpack_social_post_already_shared":false,"jetpack_social_options":{"image_generator_settings":{"template":"highway","default_image_id":0,"font":"","enabled":false},"version":2},"jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false,"_members_access_role":[],"_members_access_error":""},"categories":[23,1008,41],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-12170","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-drama","category-family","category-hurtcomfort","wpcat-23-id","wpcat-1008-id","wpcat-41-id"],"jetpack_publicize_connections":[],"jetpack_likes_enabled":true,"jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/03\/House-Divided.jpg?fit=768%2C576&ssl=1","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/12170","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=12170"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/12170\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/13990"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=12170"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=12170"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=12170"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}