Summary:<\/b> When Little Joe tries to keep his friend from getting in trouble things go all wrong for the youngest Cartwright.<\/p>\n
Rated PG \u00a0WC \u00a026,000<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Just You Wait and See<\/strong><\/p>\n Little Joe Cartwright smiled<\/strong> as he peeked from behind the broad Ponderosa pine. He knew he shouldn\u2019t be listening in on his father\u2019s conversation with Hiram Shaw, but Joe just couldn\u2019t help himself. He felt justified for all the anguish he\u2019d been put through at the hands of the new school teacher. His father was really giving the other man what-for and from the look on the teacher\u2019s face, Joe knew the man must surely be cringing on the inside from the lecture that his father was delivering.\u00a0 It gave him a measure of satisfaction in knowing that his father had believed what he had told him about the abuse the teacher had bestowed upon him. Joe glanced down at his hand; it still hurt and probably would for a long time according to what the doctor had told his father. His smile died on his face as he thought back to the first time Mr. Shaw had used the wooden ruler as a paddle to the palm of his hand. It had hurt and Joe remembered that it took all within himself not to cry out in front of the teacher or his classmates. Glancing again around the tree, he saw his father standing with his hands on his hips watching as Mr. Shaw mounted his horse to leave. He jerked his head back and looked on the other side as he watched the man ride away. Joe let the air swish from his lungs, unaware that he\u2019d even been holding his breath.<\/p>\n \u201cYou can come out now,\u201d his father called.<\/p>\n Joe gulped. He wasn\u2019t aware that his father knew he\u2019d been listening. \u201cCome on, son, I know you were eavesdropping again.\u201d Little Joe heard his father chuckle softly as he slithered from his hiding place and walked slowly over to stand in front of his father. When his son stood before him, Ben gently cupped the boy\u2019s chin and tilted Joe\u2019s head upward. \u201cShame on you for listening,\u201d he chided softly. \u201cYou know better.\u201d<\/p>\n Joe pursed his lips. \u201cI\u2019m sorry, Pa. I didn\u2019t mean to\u2026I didn\u2019t plan to but when I came out of the barn and saw him, I just ducked behind the tree. And then when you came out of the house, it was too late to run back to the barn,\u201d Joe explained meekly. He looked his father in the eyes and saw that Ben wasn\u2019t really mad at him. He felt himself relax. \u201cWhat did Mr. Shaw have to say?\u201d<\/p>\n Ben slipped his arm about the boy\u2019s shoulders and led him to the side porch. \u201cSit,\u201d he ordered. Instantly Joe did as directed. \u201cHe was very remorseful,\u201d Ben explained as he sat down. \u201cAnd he said it would not happen again. He plans on apologizing to you in the morning. And, he has offered to pay for the doctor\u2019s services. Though he did say that he thought that wasn\u2019t fair considering that his book had been ruined and he\u2019d have to replace it.\u201d Ben watched his son\u2019s face. \u201cThe book wasn\u2019t my fault,\u201d muttered Little Joe, \u201cbut my hand was his fault!\u201d<\/p>\n Joe swallowed the knot he had in this throat and continued. \u201cIs the school board going to fire him?\u201d Joe inquired. Ben studied his young son\u2019s expression. \u201cIs that what you were hoping?\u201d he asked.<\/p>\n Joe was silent for a long moment. \u201cI don\u2019t like him,\u201d he dared. \u201cAnd he don\u2019t like me\u2026and probably likes me even less now,\u201d he stammered as he hung his head.<\/p>\n \u201cYou might think you have reason to dislike the man son, his actions were a bit over board. But he did say he hadn\u2019t realized that he had hurt your hand so badly,\u201d Ben offered, watching Little Joe open his injured hand and stare at it. \u201cYou didn\u2019t answer my question son. Were you hoping that Mr. Shaw was going to be relieved of his duties?\u2019<\/p>\n Quickly glancing up and then back down at his father, Joe gave thought to his answer. Would his father be angry with him if he spoke what he really felt in his heart, or should he deny his true feelings? \u201cI\u2019m waiting\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI wish Miss Jones was back,\u201d muttered Joe in a whisper like voice.<\/p>\n \u201cJoseph\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cAlright, I won\u2019t lie to you, yes, I wish he was getting fired\u2026I hate him!\u201d Little Joe almost shouted as he stood up. Ben\u2019s eyes widen in shock. \u201cJoseph!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m sorry Pa\u2026but I told you I didn\u2019t like him\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cBut hate? Isn\u2019t that a bit much, son?\u201d He watched his son draw his wounded hand to his chest as if protecting it. He supposed he could understand his son\u2019s feelings to some extent. \u201cLittle Joe?\u201d<\/p>\n Little Joe turned away from his father. \u201cWell,\u201d he stammered. \u201cMaybe I don\u2019t actually hate him. But I certainly don\u2019t like him one little bit,\u201d he said as he turned back to face his father, hoping to see a smidgeon of understanding in the dark eyes. \u201cI wish he wasn\u2019t going to be the teacher, he\u2019s not fit\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cSon, he explained that he thought he was doing the right thing\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n It was Little Joe\u2019s turn to widen his eyes, which he did. \u201cHe called me a liar, Pa! And he wouldn\u2019t even begin to listen to me\u2026not that I wanted to rat on my friend, but\u2026\u201d he swallowed hard, fighting back the tears that threatened to spill forth. \u201cHe may say he\u2019s sorry,\u201d Joe dared to glance up at his father. \u201cBut he won\u2019t be, he will have it in for me for sure now, you just wait and see.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cOh son, surely you don\u2019t believe that,\u201d Ben said as he put a comforting arm about his son and drew him close.<\/p>\n \u201cI do. Like I said, you just wait and see,\u201d cried Little Joe.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n As Little Joe crawled into bed that night, his thoughts were troubled. He worried about having to go to school in the morning and facing the teacher. He didn\u2019t tell his father, but Little Joe worried about what Mr. Shaw\u2019s attitude would be toward him. Inside, Joe knew it would be bad. Unconsciously he rubbed his sore hand. Mr. Shaw had threatened him with a beating he wouldn\u2019t soon forget if he, Little Joe, ever told anyone about what he had done. Fearing that his father would not be likely to believe that, Joe had omitted the statement from the facts when his father had seen his hand and he\u2019d been forced to explain what had happened. Now he dreaded the teacher might try to make good his promise. Unless whatever his father had told the teacher had put enough fear into the man\u2019s heart of what Ben would do to him should he ever laid a hand on his son again? Truth be told, Joe was afraid of the man. He\u2019d seen the teacher\u2019s temper and knew first- hand what the man was capable of doing.<\/p>\n Little Joe snuggled down into the warm blankets and closed his eyes. The fateful events of the last few days flashed vividly before him.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cYou come straight home from school, son,\u201d Ben called to his fifteen year old son as the boy mounted his horse.<\/p>\n \u201cI will, Pa,\u201d he laughed, waving.<\/p>\n \u201cAnd try to stay out of trouble,\u201d Adam, Joe\u2019s oldest brother, called, grinning.<\/p>\n \u201cI ain\u2019t gonna get in no trouble,\u201d Joe called, trying to sound mad, but the grin on his face and the twinkle in his eyes showed he really wasn\u2019t.<\/p>\n \u201cYour use of the English language is horrible,\u201d Adam stated, wrinkling his nose in disgust.<\/p>\n Little Joe giggled, \u201cGot ya!\u201d<\/p>\n Ben, who was standing behind his eldest son, put his arm about the young man\u2019s shoulders. \u201cIt\u2019s amazing how many ways that boy can find to get to you,\u201d he chuckled.<\/p>\n Adam looked at his father. \u201cUs, Pa\u2026me, Hoss and you!\u201d he stated and then turned toward the barn. Behind him, he heard his father\u2019s deep laughter. He smiled to himself; his father was right, Little Joe did get to him\u2026especially him. But usually he didn\u2019t mind, Little Joe was a jokester, everyone knew that and accepted it as such.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cWhat are you up to?\u201d Little Joe asked in a troubled tone.<\/p>\n \u201cShh\u2026I\u2019m gonna get that mean old teacher,\u201d answered Cody Anderson as he stuffed another piece of chocolate into the teacher\u2019s book and slammed it shut. Little Joe made a grab for the book but Cody had managed to get it closed before Joe could stop him. Cody laughed and then turned away, making his way to his seat.\u00a0 Little Joe stood in shock at what his friend had done. Quickly he grabbed the book, opening it to the page where Cody had smeared the chocolate. The book was ruined and Joe was sick at heart.<\/p>\n \u201cWhat are you doing!\u201d demanded a deep voice from behind him. Spinning around, his heart almost stopping, he stood looking into the dark and very angry eyes of the school teacher. \u201cNot\u2026Nothing, Sir,\u201d Joe stammered as he moved the book behind his back. \u201cGive me that book!\u201d Hiram commanded as he held his hand out and waited for the nervous boy to comply. With hands shaking, Little Joe placed the book into his teacher\u2019s outstretched hand then looked down as he watched Hiram open the book to the pages where the candy had been smashed. The man\u2019s hands began to tremble. Little Joe\u2019s heart was racing wildly. He chanced a peek upward at his teacher and was startled to see the man\u2019s eyes glowing red with anger. The man\u2019s features became distorted, giving him a devilish appearance.<\/p>\n \u201cHow dare you!\u201d Hiram whispered in a gravelly voice. \u201cDo you know what you have just done?\u201d he demanded of his student. \u201cYou little fool, I should thrash you until the hide falls off your backside,\u201d the teacher threatened.<\/p>\n Joe was scared. He believed the teacher just mean enough to do what he said he would do. \u201cI\u2026I\u2026didn\u2019t do it,\u201d Joe tried to explain.<\/p>\n \u201cYou didn\u2019t?\u201d shouted the frustrated man. \u201cAm I supposed to believe you? I catch you red handed with the book in your own hands, guilt written all over your face and you stand there trying to make me believe you DIDN\u201dT DO IT?\u201d Hiram practically screamed.<\/p>\n Joe cringed. He felt the tears begin to gather and he fought to keep them from rolling down his chin. He glanced to the back of the room at Cody, but his friend sat hunkered down at his desk, his head lowered, refusing to meet Joe\u2019s eyes or to speak up to tell the truth. Joe jumped when Mr. Shaw slammed the ruined book down on his desk.<\/p>\n \u201cHonest, sir, I didn\u2019t destroy your book\u2026my pa taught me better\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYour pa\u2026Oh I\u2019ve heard about big Ben Cartwright and how he indulges his youngest son. Well, young man, you will pay for what you have done to my book and to blazes with your father. Now hold out your hand!\u201d<\/p>\n Joe saw Mr. Shaw reach for his wooden ruler and felt his body shudder in fear. \u201cBut I didn\u2019t do it,\u201d he stammered, hands behind his back.<\/p>\n \u201cDon\u2019t add lying to your sins young man, the good book says lying is a sin\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cBut\u2026I\u2019m not lying,\u201d Joe tried again to explain.<\/p>\n \u201cLIAR! SINNER!\u201d screeched the maddened teacher. \u201cYour hand, now!\u201d he insisted as he reached out and grabbed Little Joe\u2019s right wrist. He twisted Joe\u2019s arm around until he was able to force the boy\u2019s palm upward. Holding tightly to Joe\u2019s fingers, Hiram slammed the ruler down hard on Joe\u2019s opened hand. Joe inhaled deeply as the burning sensation spread across his palm. Again and again and twice more Hiram showed the young boy\u2019s hand no mercy. It took all Joe\u2019s will-power to keep from pleading for the punishment to stop and harder still to keep from crying in front of his classmates.<\/p>\n When the punishment did finally stop, Joe took several gulps of air to fill his lungs. He grabbed his hand, pulling it close to his chest in a protective manner. Yet he refused to look at it, refused to cry and refused to humiliate himself further thus giving the teacher satisfaction. \u201cGo to your seat. And you will remain inside during lunch, recess and you will remain after school. Do you understand?\u201d<\/p>\n Fighting back tears, Little Joe nodded his head but before he could move Hiram grasped Joe\u2019s chin and roughly forced the boy to look at him. \u201cYou are despicable; you know that, don\u2019t you?\u201d<\/p>\n The teacher could feel the boy\u2019s body tremble. Good he thought. The kid was a rich spoiled brat. And he hated rich people and their spoiled off-springs. He\u2019d teach the brat a few manners before the end of the term. Realizing he\u2019d have to keep a sharp eye on the boy, Hiram released his grip on the quivering chin. \u201cGo!\u201d he ordered, pointing the way to Joe\u2019s desk.<\/p>\n Silently, without looking at another student, Joe made his way to his desk where he sat down. He glanced once in the teacher\u2019s direction, noting that Mr. Shaw was placing the book in a drawer in his desk. Little Joe opened his hand to see the damage. His palm was bright red, almost blood red to be exact. And the burning pain was almost unbearable. Joe gritted his teeth wondering what in the world would he tell his father\u2026or just as quickly worried about how was he going to get his evening chores done. His hand hurt so bad that he feared he might not be able to accomplish them without alerting his father or his two brothers that something was wrong. He\u2019d just have to figure a way to keep his damaged hand hidden from his family. Good luck with that, he told himself as he slumped down lower into his seat.<\/p>\n Hours later, Little Joe sat alone in the class. Mr. Shaw was working on papers, grading them he figured. Joe had finished all the extra work that the teacher had given him as part of his punishment but he was afraid to say anything because Mr. Shaw had warned him about opening his mouth. For another half hour Joe sat silently at his desk until Hiram Shaw scooted back his chair making a scraping sound on the wooden floor. Joe watched the man from beneath lowered lashes. Hiram approached the boy\u2019s desk and held out his hand.<\/p>\n Meekly, Joe placed his papers into the teacher\u2019s outstretched hand. Hiram flipped through them and then glanced at Joe. \u201cYou may go now,\u201d he said. \u201cBut before you do, understand this young man, I will not tolerate your foolishness or your lies\u2026\u201d Little Joe glanced up at the man. \u201cEvery day until the end of this term you will be punished severely for any misdemeanor you may have a mind to commit. Today\u2019s punishment was just a small sample of what I will do to you should you fail to behave in the proper manner. You can tell your father whatever you wish about your hand\u2026I am not afraid of the man nor will I tolerate any outward signs of hostility from him concerning you. Go home\u2026repent of your sinful ways.\u201d Hiram stepped aside so that Little Joe could get up. Quickly Joe stood and without so much as a backward glance at his teacher, he fled the building. Hiram chuckled at his student\u2019s departure. \u201cI\u2019ll have that mutinous spirit broken in no time,\u201d he muttered to himself.<\/p>\n When Joe arrived home, two hours late, he hurried into the barn where he unsaddled his horse, took time to curry and feed the animal and immediately began his evening chores. His father and brothers\u2019 horses were gone, thus telling Little Joe that his family was still out working, much to his relief. His hand, still throbbing was wrapped in a white bandage that he had made from some clean rags he\u2019d found in the tack room. It did nothing to alleviate the pain, but at least it kept the wound partially clean while he finished his work. An hour later as Little Joe was finishing, the sound of horses entering the yard alerted him to the fact that his brothers and father were home. Quickly he jerked the make-shift bandage from his hand. It was still red and appeared to be forming a blister.<\/p>\n \u201cHi, son!\u201d his father called as he led Buck into the barn. Ben smiled at his youngest son and then glanced around the barn. \u201cFinished already?\u201d he asked.<\/p>\n Little Joe returned the smile. \u201cYep, finished in record time,\u201d he bragged.<\/p>\n \u201cLooks good in here,\u201d Hoss said, taking note of the barn\u2019s neatness. \u201cYa did good Shortshanks,\u201d Hoss grinned as he pulled his saddle from Chubb\u2019s broad back.<\/p>\n \u201cThanks Hoss,\u201d beamed Joe.<\/p>\n Adam was the last to enter the barn. \u201cMy\u2026who did all this work?\u201d he questioned, glancing around at the neat barn.<\/p>\n \u201cWhat do you mean who\u2026I did!\u201d scowled the youngest brother.<\/p>\n Adam laughed at the frown on his kid brother\u2019s face and reached out to ruffle Joe\u2019s curls. \u201cI was just teasing you squirt\u2026I know you did\u2026and it looks good, really good. What did you do in school today, get in trouble?\u201d he teased.<\/p>\n The sudden change that crossed Joe\u2019s worried brow did not go undetected by his oldest brother. \u201cWell?\u201d Adam asked.<\/p>\n \u201cAh Adam, leave the kid alone. He worked hard to do all of this. Why do you always assume he got his self in trouble?\u201d Hoss moaned.<\/p>\n Adam laughed again. \u201cHe usually does, but I was just joshing you Little Joe. The barn looks neat. You did a good job.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHey, I don\u2019t know about you boys, but I\u2019m starved. What say we all clean up and go inside to see what Hop Sing has for supper?\u201d Ben announced.<\/p>\n \u201cHot digity-dog\u2026I\u2019m starved!\u201d proclaimed Hoss as he followed his father.<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m game,\u201d Adam said as he followed suit. He paused at the door and turned back to Joe who had lingered behind. Adam noted the unhappy expression on his brother\u2019s face. \u201cYou coming Little Joe?\u201d<\/p>\n Joe looked up, the sad expression gone. \u201cOh\u2026yeah, sure,\u201d he said a bit shyly. He walked slowly towards Adam who had waited at the door. \u201cIs something wrong kid? You look a bit down.\u201d Adam inquired.<\/p>\n \u201cNo,\u201d Joe said a bit too quickly. \u201cI\u2019m fine\u2026race ya!\u201d he shouted and then took off at a run. Adam smiled as he raced after his kid brother, catching him just as Little Joe was mid-way of the yard. He slowed, giving Joe time to beat him.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cWhat\u2019s wrong son, are you feeling alright?\u201d Ben questioned as he watched Little Joe play with the food on his breakfast plate. Joe glanced up at his father and gave him a weak smile. \u201cI\u2019m fine, Pa, really.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cAin\u2019t ya hungry?\u201d asked Hoss, eyeing the last four flapjacks on the serving plate. He forked them into his plate. \u201cIf\u2019n ya ain\u2019t gonna eat these, I am,\u201d he smiled at his younger brother.<\/p>\n Little Joe giggled and then turned to his father. \u201cI really am fine, Pa. May I be excused. I need to get going.\u201d<\/p>\n Ben returned the smile. \u201cAlright son, if you\u2019re sure.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI am\u2026see you this afternoon,\u201d Joe called as he rose and gathered his things for his ride into town for school. As he rode along Joe thought back to breakfast and wondered if should have taken advantage of the fact that his pa had thought he wasn\u2019t feeling well. It might have given him the day off to rest and to let his hand heal a bit. But Joe decided just as quickly that it wouldn\u2019t have been fair to his father if he had faked being sick and thus causing his pa to worry about him. No, he reckoned he\u2019d just have to face ole mean Mr. Hiram Shaw on his own. Joe swallowed hard deciding that he\u2019d do everything the teacher asked of him that day and do his best not to anger the man, saving himself more unjustified punishment. Little did the boy know that all his planning would soon be put to the test.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Cody was standing behind the teacher\u2019s desk when Little Joe walked into the classroom. The blond headed youth turned his head around and grinned at Little Joe. Joe\u2019s stomach did a flip flop. Something about the way that his friend smiled gave him a sick feeling of dread.<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m gonna fix that mean old teacher good this time,\u201d he told Joe.<\/p>\n \u201cNo Cody\u2026you can\u2019t do that\u2026he\u2019ll\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHe won\u2019t know who did it Little Joe. Don\u2019t be such a scaredy-cat,\u201d Cody taunted.<\/p>\n \u201cThat\u2019s easy for you to say. You weren\u2019t the one who got punished for something you didn\u2019t do, I was. Why didn\u2019t you speak up anyway?\u201d growled Little Joe as he eyed the long tacks that Cody had place under the thin pillow that Mr. Shaw used in his chair.<\/p>\n Cody hung his head slightly. \u201cI\u2019m sorry Little Joe, really. I wanted to, but Shaw didn\u2019t even ask you who did it\u2026and I thought\u2026well\u2026I\u2019m just sorry as can be Joe. We\u2019re still friends, ain\u2019t we?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI reckon, but Cody, please take these tacks out of his chair\u2026I don\u2019t wanna get the blame for this prank either\u2026and he will think it was me,\u201d Joe pleaded. He made a move to take the tacks, unaware that Cody had moved away from the desk. Joe saw the movement out of the corner of his eye and quickly turned, just in time to see the teacher walk through the door. With the one tack in his hand, Joe rushed to his desk, stuffing the tack into his pocket.<\/p>\n Laughing and giggling children followed the teacher into the room and began taking their seats. Mr. Shaw stepped to the front of the class. His eyes scanned the room and came to rest on Little Joe who sat quietly at his desk. \u201cGood morning class,\u201d greeted Hiram.<\/p>\n \u201cGood morning, Mr. Shaw,\u201d the class said in unison.\u00a0 The teacher\u2019s eyes had not moved from Little Joe\u2019s face. The boy seemed overly nervous this morning the teacher thought. Best beware, he told himself.<\/p>\n Mr. Shaw instructed the children on their morning work, added some math problems on the board for the older children and then turned to sit down. Little Joe had kept watching from under lowered lashes, dreading the moment when the teacher would be injured.<\/p>\n \u201cYEOWEE\u2026..OH GOD!!!\u201d screamed Mr. Shaw as he erupted from his chair and grabbed at his backside. The class burst forth in loud laughter. Even Little Joe could not contain his self as he watched the teacher hop around in a circle all the while digging tacks out of his rear end.<\/p>\n \u201cTHAT WILL BE ENOUGH!\u201d stormed the teacher to the class. Everyone suddenly became silent. Mr. Shaw was madder than a raging bull as he looked at the tacks he held in his hand. The man\u2019s eyes grew dark as he scanned the room, coming to rest on Little Joe. \u201cYOU!\u201d he bellowed as he inched his way down the aisle. He stopped at Joe\u2019s desk and held his hand opened, showing the startled boy the tacks sitting in his palm. \u201cYou did this,\u201d accused the man.<\/p>\n \u201cMe\u2026no I didn\u2019t,\u201d Joe proclaimed. He was getting a bit angry himself as he looked over at Cody, who once again refused to look his way.<\/p>\n \u201cStand up, young man,\u201d ordered Hiram.<\/p>\n Joe did as requested. \u201cYou can\u2019t blame me for this. I swear on my mother\u2019s grave that I didn\u2019t do it!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cAnd I suppose you think I\u2019m to believe you, after what you did yesterday? I think not. Stand up! Empty your pockets! And do it quickly!\u201d ordered the irate teacher.<\/p>\n Joe felt his heart drop to his toes. He knew what was in his pocket. He gulped as he reached inside and pulled out lint from one pocket and showed it to the teacher.<\/p>\n \u201cBoth pockets!\u201d<\/p>\n Slowly Joe reached into the other pocket. He could feel the tack in the very bottom, but his fingers felt for more lint. When he found some, he pulled it out and again showed it to Mr. Shaw. Briefly a look of doubt crossed the man\u2019s face but it lasted only a moment.<\/p>\n \u201cTurn them inside out,\u201d he ordered.<\/p>\n \u201cI didn\u2019t do anything,\u201d Joe said in a near whisper. But he did as instructed. He turned the pockets inside out and cringed when the tack slipped from the material and fell onto the floor. Mr. Shaw leaned down and picked it up, holding it in the palm of his hand. He slowly turned his hand so the entire class could see what he held. When he turned back to Joe, his brow was furrowed with deep lines that showed the anger he held in check.<\/p>\n \u201cJust as I suspected,\u201d he stormed as he grabbed Joe\u2019s arm and haul him to the front of the class. Keeping his grip on the boy, Hiram reached for his ruler. \u201cOpen your hand!\u201d<\/p>\n Panic seized Little Joe as he tried to pull away from his captor. \u201cNO\u2026You\u2019re not going to hit me with that thing again,\u201d he stormed at the man who refused to lessen his grip on his arm.<\/p>\n \u201cOh yes I am, and you\u2019ll not soon be forgetting it either,\u201d bellowed Hiram as he forced Joe\u2019s fingers together in a vise like manner. When Joe\u2019s palm was exposed, Hiram slapped the ruler down hard on the already bruised hand.<\/p>\n Little Joe gritted his teeth as again and again the angered teacher reigned his fury down into the heart of the boy\u2019s hand. Almost immediately a long narrow blister formed and when Hiram made one last slapped of the ruler, the blister burst spitting its watery fluid all over the man\u2019s clean starched shirt.<\/p>\n The screech that poured forth from the man standing before him, sounded like a wounded animal to the ears of the frightened students. Two of the youngest little girls began to cry. The boys sank down deeply into their seats. Tears ran freely down the face of the young man whose hand the teacher still grasped tightly.<\/p>\n \u201cNOW LOOK WHAT YOU\u2019VE DONE!\u201d stormed the incensed man. Without warning he used the ruler as his weapon and pounded it half a dozen more times down into the already damaged hand.<\/p>\n \u201cStop, stop! Oh please\u2026no more,\u201d Joe cried, unable to contain his tears, nor his agony. He pulled and yanked trying hard to free himself from the crazed man until finally Hiram came to himself and took a deep breath to calm his pent up nerves further. He glanced down at the boy\u2019s hand but still held it tightly.<\/p>\n \u201cI trust you have learned your lesson.\u201d That was all he said as he relinquished his grip. \u201cGo clean yourself up, you are a mess,\u201d he instructed Joe in a calm voice. Instantly, Joe grabbed his hand and fled the building.<\/p>\n Inside the little barn where the children stabled their horses during school hours, Little Joe hurried to saddle his own horse. The tears continued to flow down his cheeks and drip from his chin. He glanced at his hand, scrunching up his face at the searing pain. Droplets of blood oozed from the broken flesh. Unaware, drops stained his shirt.<\/p>\n Joe managed to pull himself into the saddle and headed for home. He was in no hurry as it wasn\u2019t time for school to be out. He rode slow taking the time to decide what he would tell his father about why his hand was in such a poor condition. Maybe he wouldn\u2019t even have to tell his father, at least not at first. He could wear gloves when he did his chores; that would aid in keeping the wound clean. Joe decided that the first thing he needed to do once he got home was to clean his hand and then find Hop Sing\u2019s first aid kit and apply some ointment. If he could keep his family from seeing how messed up his hand was, at least for a few days, perhaps it would heal enough that his father would not even notice. It was a long shot, but Joe figured it was the best he could come up with for now.<\/p>\n Before Joe rode into the yard, he wiped the tears from his eyes. When he glanced at his hand, his heart seemed to melt. The blister had begun to dry, leaving in its wake, dried cracked skin. Moving his fingers was painful and the entire hand throbbed.<\/p>\n Once Joe entered the house, using the kitchen side door, he hurried up to his room via the back stairs; he flung opened the drawers of his dresser. After looking through several, he found the gloves he\u2019d been looking for. That was his plan, to simply wear the gloves. At the top of the stairs, he watched his father working on the books and decided to use the back stairs again to avoid being seen. Cautiously, he made his way back to the kitchen. Hop Sing had gone into town for supplies earlier that morning and had yet to return. Joe took advantage of the opportunity and quickly washed his hands clean, being careful to make sure the damaged hand was cared for properly. Next he found the first aid kit. He slipped it and the homemade bandages that Hop Sing kept handy inside his shirt. He made sure the yard was clear before he made a dash to the barn. As he pushed the door opened he glanced inside to be sure he was alone before he entered. Joe made his way to the tack room and shut the door. Quickly he opened the kit and applied the ointment then bandaged his hand as best he could. Next, he slipped on the gloves. When he was finished, he hid the first aid kit under some unused tack and made his way back behind the barn where he had tied his horse. Mounting up, he rode into the yard as if he was just getting home. \u201cWhew,\u201d he muttered to himself.<\/p>\n At that moment, Ben came out of the house and saw his son. \u201cWell hello, Little Joe,\u201d Ben greeted the boy with a smile. \u201cHow was your day?\u201d he asked as he made his way to his son.<\/p>\n Joe forced himself to smile. \u201cIt was alright,\u201d he answered as he dismounted and laced the reins around the hitching post. He turned to look up at his father. In that instance he wanted nothing more than to throw himself at his father and cry out his woes. His need to be held was heavy on his heart, yet he refused to give in to the urge, lest he bring more trouble to himself.<\/p>\n \u201cAre you alright son? You look a little pale.\u201d Ben questioned as he studied his son\u2019s expression. Something wasn\u2019t as it should be, but Ben held his tongue, waiting for his son to respond.<\/p>\n \u201cNo\u2026I mean yes, I\u2019m fine, just a bit tired I guess. It\u2019s been a long week,\u201d Joe explained, hoping his father would believe him. \u201cCan I start on my chores now\u2026please? I\u2019d really like to get them finish before supper.\u201d<\/p>\n Ben was sure that something was wrong. The boy was never this eager to do his chores, and Joe did look as if he had had a rough day. He could only wonder what the boy had been up to, but he let it slide for now. \u201cSure son, go ahead, but make sure you do it properly,\u201d chided Ben.\u201d<\/p>\n Joe noted the smile on his father\u2019s face and felt himself relax. At least Ben hadn\u2019t asked why he was wearing gloves. \u201cDon\u2019t I always?\u201d Joe responded with a fake frown.<\/p>\n \u201cNo, young man, you do not!\u201d chuckled Ben. He laughed at the drawn expression on his son\u2019s face. \u201cGo on you little scamp, you\u2019ve got work to do!\u201d<\/p>\n This time, Joe laughed. \u201cThanks Pa,\u201d he said as he led his horse into the barn. The smile on his face died quickly the minute he entered the barn. The throbbing in his hand was hard to ignore. It made him want to cry, but he vowed not to allow himself that pleasure, not now at least.<\/p>\n Once he was finished, Joe managed to get to his room without being seen. As he carefully removed the glove from his injured hand, he spotted small droplets of blood. He knew his hand was bleeding. Immediately he decided the best thing to do was to get the wound cleaned. That done, the only thing he could do to hide it from his family was to try to keep it hidden. He knew that wearing a bandage or the glove would call undo attention to his hand. And that he wanted to avoid at all cost.<\/p>\n \u201cThank goodness it\u2019s Friday,\u201d he muttered to his image in the mirror. \u201cWith any luck, this thing will be healed by Monday.\u201d Joe hoped that his wish would not be for naught.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cNooo\u2026Nooo\u2026Stop\u2026Please Stop!\u00a0 PA! PA! HELP ME!\u201d screamed Little Joe. \u201cMake him stop\u2026.\u201d<\/p>\n Ben burst through the bedroom door. Little Joe was fighting with the blankets, trying to escape from their folds. Tears screamed down his face. Quickly Ben grasped the boy\u2019s shoulders. \u201cJoseph, wake up son. Joe\u2026\u201d he cooed. \u201cThat\u2019s it, open your eyes son.\u201d Joe\u2019s eyes fluttered opened. \u201cPa?\u201d he whispered. \u201cI\u2019m here son. You were having a bad dream,\u201d Ben said as he gently pulled his son into his arms. \u201cCare to talk about it?\u201d<\/p>\n Joe wiped his eyes and grasped the blankets with his right hand in an effort to conceal the wound from his father. \u201cNo\u2026I\u2026I mean I can\u2019t remember what the dream was about,\u201d he stammered.<\/p>\n \u201cWell it sounded to me as if someone was trying to hurt you.\u201d Ben allowed Joe to lie back down and watched as the boy slipped his hand beneath the blankets. He pulled the covers up around Joe\u2019s chin and smiled.<\/p>\n \u201cI don\u2019t reckon\u2026I can\u2019t remember Pa. I\u2019m sorry I woke you,\u201d Joe apologized.<\/p>\n Ben rose slowly from the bed. \u201cThat\u2019s alright son. I hadn\u2019t been asleep long. Will you be alright now or do you want me to sit with you for a while?\u201d he asked as he turned the lamp down to a soft glow.<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m fine now. Thanks, Pa\u2026but you can go,\u201d Little Joe said as he snuggled down and closed his eyes. He hoped that his father had not seen his injured hand. Surely he would have asked about it had he seen it surmised Joe.<\/p>\n Ben paused at the door, his eyes lingering on his son. Something was bothering the boy for sure. It had been months and months since Little Joe had had a nightmare. But he\u2019d wait before quizzing the boy, let Little Joe come to him when the boy was ready to talk. Ben eased the door closed. As he turned, he nearly bumped into Adam.<\/p>\n \u201cIs he alright?\u201d Adam asked his father.<\/p>\n \u201cHe says he is,\u201d explained Ben in a whisper. \u201cBut something is definitely bothering the boy.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHe didn\u2019t tell you what?\u201d<\/p>\n Ben slipped his arm about Adam\u2019s shoulder and gently led him down the hall. \u201cNo, you know your brother, he can\u2019t be pressured into tell you much. You just have to wait until he\u2019s ready to talk. Has he said anything to you?\u201d<\/p>\n The pair paused outside of Ben\u2019s bedroom. \u201cNo Pa, he hasn\u2019t; but I can talk to him if you want me to,\u201d he offered.<\/p>\n \u201cNo, let\u2019s allow him time to come to me on his own. By Monday if he\u2019s still acting this way and hasn\u2019t said anything, then you can talk to him.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cAlright, Pa. Good night, sir.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cGood night son.\u201d<\/p>\n Joe was late getting to the breakfast table. When he finally arose from bed, the first thing he did was look at his hand. It looked horrible and hurt as bad as it looked. Red puss was beginning to form in spots and when Joe tried to move his fingers, one puss bubble popped. The thick yellow goo oozed slowly across his hand. Little Joe knew he was in trouble now, the hand obviously was getting infected and he\u2019d have no other recourse than to tell his father. The boy had heard stories, horror stories really, about what happens to a person when they get an infection. Slowly Joe gulped as he carefully washed the impaired hand.<\/p>\n Ben watched as his youngest son slipped slowly into his chair. \u201cGood morning, son.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cMorning Pa,\u201d Joe muttered in a soft voice, unable to meet his father\u2019s dark, probing eyes.<\/p>\n \u201cIs something the matter Little Joe?\u201d Ben questioned. He noted the well of tears that had suddenly gathered in the boy\u2019s eyes that Joe tried so hard to conceal. Ben glanced around the table at Hoss and then Adam, both who were watching their brother. \u201cJoseph?\u201d<\/p>\n The tears slipped slowly down the young boy\u2019s cheeks. Ben heard Joe sniffle. \u201cWhat is it boy?\u201d he asked again with such compassion that Little Joe looked into his father\u2019s eyes and knew in that instant, he would have to admit what had transpired between the teacher and himself.<\/p>\n Little Joe swallowed, glanced at his brothers and then turned to his father. \u201cPa,\u201d he stated softly. \u201cBefore I tell you, will you promise not to yell at me?\u201d<\/p>\n It was Ben\u2019s turn to swallow. He always knew he was going to hear bad news when his youngest son began a conversation with those words. \u201cThat depends Joseph on what you have to tell me,\u201d Ben explained. \u201cI will try not to yell, but I won\u2019t promise. Now out with it; what has had you so troubled?\u201d<\/p>\n Joe took a deep breath. \u201cI didn\u2019t do nothing\u2026.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cAnything\u2026\u201d Adam said, earning himself a scowl from both his father and his youngest brother.<\/p>\n \u201cWell I didn\u2019t,\u201d he spat at Adam. Joe twisted his head back around to look at his father. \u201cBut he said I did, but\u2026 honest Pa, I didn\u2019t do anything!\u201d<\/p>\n Ben stood up, pulling Joe up with him. They faced each other with Ben tenderly cupping the boy\u2019s chin. \u201cLittle Joe, I don\u2019t understand\u2026who said you did and what was it you were supposed to have done?\u201d<\/p>\n Little Joe tried to move his head, but his father had a gentle but firm grip on his chin. \u201cMr. Shaw, he accused me of doing those things, but honest\u2026honest Pa\u2026I didn\u2019t do them.\u201d<\/p>\n Sighing, Ben released Joe\u2019s chin. \u201cWhat things son? You aren\u2019t making much sense.\u201d<\/p>\n Frustrated, Joe turned from his father. \u201cThe book\u2026and the tacks. Mr. Shaw said I ruined his book and I put the tacks in his chair\u2026but\u2026\u201d Joe paused. His hand hurt when he moved it. His action did not go unnoticed by his father.<\/p>\n Ben spun Joe around to face him again. \u201cWhat happened to your hand?\u201d Ben said as he grasped the wounded hand and heard Joe wince. \u201cJoseph?\u201d Ben carefully unfolded this son\u2019s fingers and gasped when he saw the damage. \u201cWhat on earth?\u201d he stammered. Adam and Hoss both rose from their seats and moved around the table in order to be able to see what had upset their father to such a degree.<\/p>\n \u201cPumpkin\u2026who done this to ya?\u201d Hoss cried, alarm at the condition of his little brother\u2019s hand.<\/p>\n Ben studied the hand with care, waiting for an explanation. \u201cJoseph? It\u2019s alright son, you can tell me. How did this happen?\u201d<\/p>\n Little Joe took a deep breath. \u201cHe did, like I was trying to tell.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHe\u2026Who is he?\u201d Ben demanded about to lose patience with the boy.<\/p>\n Adam laid his hand on Little Joe\u2019s shoulder. \u201cMr. Shaw\u2026is that what you\u2019re trying to tell us?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYes,\u201d groaned Little Joe.<\/p>\n Adam grasped the damaged hand and held it up to his father. \u201cThis hand is badly infected! Give me one good reason as to why the teacher would do something like this!\u201d Adam was adamant.<\/p>\n Ben led Little Joe over to the settee. \u201cLet\u2019s sit down son, and you start from the beginning. And afterwards, you and I are going to ride into town and see the doctor. This hand needs attention.\u201d<\/p>\n Little Joe sat down. Adam and Hoss gathered around while Ben sat on the wooden coffee-table facing the youngest Cartwright. \u201cNow, tell me exactly what\u2019s happened son,\u201d the worried father encouraged.<\/p>\n Hop Sing slipped in quietly with a basin of warm water and soap. \u201cHop Sing no find first aid kit or clean bandages,\u201d he told his boss.<\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s in the tack room,\u201d Joe confessed, \u201cunder that unused pile of bridles and harnesses.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHop Sing fetch. Be right back.\u201d The little Chinaman pattered out the door in search of the medical supplies.<\/p>\n \u201cAlright now young man, out with it. Did the teacher do this to your hand as Adam suggested?\u201d Ben asked.<\/p>\n Lowering his head, Joe answered. \u201cYes sir\u2026\u201d He glanced up at his father and then scanned the faces of his brothers. \u201cBut I didn\u2019t do anything\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cSo you\u2019ve said. What I want to know is why he felt compelled to use such drastic measures. He must have felt you did something wrong.\u201d<\/p>\n Joe sighed deeply. \u201cThat\u2019s just it Pa\u2026I didn\u2019t\u2026why don\u2019t you believe me?\u201d he pleaded.<\/p>\n \u201cJoseph, I can\u2019t say I believe you just yet because I don\u2019t have a clue as to what he accused you of doing and trying to get you to tell me is like trying to pull teeth from a raging bull!\u201d stormed Ben.<\/p>\n Joe couldn\u2019t help the giggle that escaped. \u201cSo you find that funny do you?\u201d Ben dared.<\/p>\n \u201cNo sir.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s a good thing. Now once again young man, start from the beginning.\u201d<\/p>\n At the moment, Hop Sing returned with needed supplies and while Ben listened to Joe telling about his week, Hoss carefully cleaned and dressed the wound.<\/p>\n \u201cWell, it started this past week. When I got to school, I caught\u2026my friend\u2026putting pieces of chocolate into one of Mr. Shaw\u2019s favorite books. I tried to stop him but he slammed the book shut before I could do anything about it. Then\u2026he\u2026ran back to his desk. I picked up the book to see how badly it was damaged and that\u2019s when\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cMr. Shaw walked in and caught you with it\u2026right little buddy?\u201d asked Adam.<\/p>\n \u201cYep\u2026that\u2019s exactly what happened. I tried to explain to him that I didn\u2019t do it\u2026but he called me a liar and a sinner! Boy that made me mad\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cGo on, son.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHe wouldn\u2019t listen to anything I was trying to tell him. He was furious. Before I knew what happened, he grabbed his wooden ruler and my hand and mashed my fingers together and began beating the palm of my hand.\u201d Little Joe lowered his hand. Tears gathered in his eyes. \u201cIt hurt, Pa,\u201d he said, looking into his father\u2019s face.<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m sure it did.\u00a0 What happened next, you said something about tacks?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYes sir, the next day, I told myself that I was not going to do anything wrong. I didn\u2019t want to make Mr. Shaw mad at me again. But when I got to school\u2026my friend\u2026was already putting the tacks under the teacher\u2019s pillow he sits on\u2026he ain\u2019t got no padding in his rear end you know\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n Hoss burst out laughing. Ben gave him a look that instantly silenced the bigger man. Adam had covered his mouth with his hand, but his father shot him a look as well. Adam dared not utter a sound.<\/p>\n \u201cAnyway, I pleaded with\u2026my friend\u2026not to do it, but he wouldn\u2019t stop. That\u2019s when I tried to make a grab for the tacks. I only got one and then heard the teacher coming into the room. I didn\u2019t know what to do with it so I stuffed it in my pocket.\u201d<\/p>\n Adam groaned softly. \u201cI have a feeling that wasn\u2019t the smartest thing for you to do,\u201d he told his brother.<\/p>\n Little Joe shook his head. \u201cNope, but I did make it to my desk before Mr. Shaw saw me standing behind his desk. I couldn\u2019t say anything so I just kept my mouth shut.\u201d Joe took a deep breath. \u201cI was shaking all over waiting for that man to sit down. When he did\u2026\u201d Joe gave his father a sheepish grin. \u201cIt was about the funniest thing I\u2019ve seen.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cJOSEPH!\u201d scolded Ben in a loud voice.<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m sorry Pa\u2026but you should have heard him\u2026and seen how he was jumping around in a circle trying to pull those tacks out of his butt\u2026ere\u2026bottom,\u201d Joe giggled.<\/p>\n \u201cGood Lord,\u201d Ben muttered softly, though in his mind he could see the tall thin man hopping around\u2026but he would never let his wayward son know that deep inside of him, a robust bout of laughter was trying to bubble its way outward.<\/p>\n \u201cGo on,\u201d he stated.<\/p>\n \u201cNeedless to say Pa, he was hopping mad,\u201d he giggled again. \u201cSorry\u2026guess that wasn\u2019t the right term, considering how really, really mad he was. Naturally he came straight to me and accused me of doing it.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNaturally,\u201d whispered Adam. Joe shot his brother a dark glare.<\/p>\n \u201cI tried to explain again that it wasn\u2019t me but he wouldn\u2019t even listen. He just kept screaming at me to stand up and empty my pockets. I knew I\u2019d be in trouble when he found the tack that I\u2019d pulled off the pillow\u2026and I was right.\u201d Little Joe paused looking down at the clean white bandage that Hoss had applied to his hand.<\/p>\n With tears that had suddenly pooled in his eyes, he turned to his family. \u201cI ain\u2019t never had anything hurt so bad. He hit me so hard that I even\u2026begged\u2026him to stop. But Pa, it was as if he was a crazy man\u2026and it got worse when the blister popped and spewed all over his clean shirt.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI tried to pull my hand away but he had a death grip on it. He didn\u2019t stop hitting me until he heard a couple of the little girls start to cry. Then he told me to get out\u2026that\u2019s when I left and came home.\u201d<\/p>\n Ben\u2019s eyes were dark. He was silent for so long that it made Joe nervous. \u201cYou ain\u2019t mad at me, are you, Pa?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNo,\u201d Ben said in a very low voice. The three brothers swapped looks. Ben sat stone still staring off into space.<\/p>\n Joe watched his father face, wondering what was going through Ben\u2019s head. \u201cPa?\u201d he said meekly.<\/p>\n Ben turned to look at Little Joe and smiled. \u201cI have only one question for you son.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYes sir?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI want you to continue to be truthful. I want to know\u2026who was your friend?\u201d Ben quizzed.<\/p>\n Instantly, Little Joe hung his head. \u201cPlease Pa, don\u2019t make me tell you. I promised him I wouldn\u2019t.\u201d<\/p>\n Ben reached out and cupped the boy\u2019s chin. \u201cYou may have promised him\u2026but Joseph, he has done you a severe disservice by sitting back and letting you take the blame for something you didn\u2019t do. He needs to answer for his part in all of this. He was wrong for doing what he did to the teacher, but son, he was wrong to do what he did to you. Now, I want to know who he is.\u201d<\/p>\n Joe\u2019s brow furrowed deeply. He knew he was going to have to confess his friend\u2019s part in the situation, but he really didn\u2019t want to. A promise was a promise.<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m waiting.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cCody\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cCody?\u00a0 Cody who?\u201d growled Ben.<\/p>\n \u201cAnderson,\u201d he whispered.<\/p>\n \u201cANDERSON!\u201d stormed Ben.\u00a0 \u201cMatthew Anderson\u2019s son\u2026the banker?\u201d<\/p>\n Joe nodded his head. \u201cYes sir.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cDear God,\u201d muttered Adam as he glanced at Hoss. \u201cThis could get ugly.<\/p>\n Again, Ben was quiet for several moments. Blowing out the air from his lungs, he rose. \u201cJoe, let\u2019s go.\u201d He moved aside to give his son time to rise and lead the way out.<\/p>\n \u201cWhere are we going, Pa?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWe\u2019re going to pay a visit to Mr. Shaw and to see Doc Martin about your hand. And Adam, you and Hoss might as well come along. I have an idea that Mr. Anderson is not going to like what I have to tell him.\u201d<\/p>\n Joe stopped dead in his tracks. He swirled around, facing Ben. \u201cPa! You\u2026can\u2019t tell on Cody\u2026please Pa, don\u2019t do that,\u201d pleaded the worried boy.<\/p>\n Ben, his anger beginning to rise, glared down at Joe. \u201cDon\u2019t tell me what I can and cannot do! I am absolutely going to have a nice long talk with Matthew Anderson. Because of his son\u2019s mischief, MY son has been accused of wrongdoing that he has had nothing whatsoever to do with, other than trying to keep a friend from getting himself in trouble. Now go,\u201d ordered Ben, pointing to the front door.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n When Doc Martin had finished with his patient, he turned to Ben. \u201cHe has a slight fever. And there is a mild infection setting up. Hopefully with the medicine I\u2019ve given him, the infection will not get any worse. I want him to keep his arm in a sling until I say otherwise.\u00a0 Ben, it\u2019s going to take a while for that hand to heal properly. I don\u2019t want him to use it any more than he absolutely has too. And I\u2019m going to give you some pills for the pain. I know he hasn\u2019t let on to you about how much it hurts.\u201d Paul smiled to himself. \u201cHe\u2019s scared to death about what you might do to the teacher. And to be honest Ben, I think Little Joe is afraid of Hiram Shaw.\u201d<\/p>\n Ben agreed, as did Adam and Hoss. \u201cIt\u2019s a shame that a man can be so callus as to destroy a young boy\u2019s ideal of what a teacher should and should not be.\u201d Everyone nodded their heads in agreement. \u201cI plan on having a word with Shaw\u2026I do not take kindly to someone\u2026regardless of who it might be\u2026abusing one of my sons, especially that boy in there.\u201d Ben used his thumb to point to the closed door where Little Joe waited in the examination room. \u201cHe\u2019s too young to defend his self against a full grown man\u2026and besides, I\u2019ve taught him to respect his elders, especially those in authority. And I do believe that Mr. Shaw has over stepped his boundaries this time.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI fully agree with you friend. Let me know how it goes and I\u2019ll be out to visit Little Joe in a couple of days,\u201d smiled Paul. \u201cGood luck,\u201d he laughed.<\/p>\n \u201cAdam, why don\u2019t you and Hoss get Joe and take him down to Daisy\u2019s Caf\u00e9 for supper? I\u2019ve got a couple of stops to make first and then I\u2019ll join you,\u201d Ben suggested.<\/p>\n \u201cSure Pa\u2026but please, remember to hold your temper,\u201d advised Adam with a slight smirk on his handsome face.<\/p>\n Ben crunched up his lips. \u201cI intend to, thank you! However, I will make myself perfectly clear to that man that he had better never lay another hand on my son again, or next time, I might not be so polite!\u201d With nothing more to say, Ben nodded his head at the doctor and went in search of the teacher, Mr. Hiram Shaw.<\/p>\n Adam and Hoss entered the back room where Joe had been waiting for them. He looked up and gave his brothers a small smile. \u201cCome on kid, the boss said we were to feed you,\u201d Adam laughed. Little Joe giggled as he hopped down from the examination table. \u201cGood, I\u2019m hungry, but you\u2019ll have to cut my steak for me.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cSteak? Who said I was buying you a steak?\u201d teased Adam as he slung his arm about Joe\u2019s shoulders and led him down the street. All three boys were laughing.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n When Ben entered the school house, there was no one there other than the old man who was paid to clean the building. The gentleman turned when he heard Ben clear his throat. \u201cHowdy Mr. Cartwright. Ya looking for that school teacher?\u201d he asked setting aside his broom.<\/p>\n \u201cHello Charlie. Yes, I am looking for Mr. Shaw. Is he around?\u201d<\/p>\n Charlie shook his head. \u201cNo sir. He took off on horseback about an hour ago. Didn\u2019t say when he\u2019d be back, but he had\u2019em a carpetbag with\u2019em so I just assumed he was going away for the weekend. He did say something about going to Silver City\u2026Ain\u2019t got no ideay why he\u2019d go there. Well, ain\u2019t none of my business what the teacher does. What\u2019ca want\u2019em for?\u201d<\/p>\n Ben held back his smile. Charlie sure was a nosy fella. \u201cI just needed to speak with him on a certain matter.\u201d<\/p>\n Charlie shook his head back and forth as if he knew something. \u201cThat youngest boy of yours in trouble again?\u201d the old man snickered.<\/p>\n Ben was caught off guard at the question and instantly wondered if the old man actually did know something he wasn\u2019t willing to tell. \u201cWhat makes you say that Charlie?\u201d<\/p>\n Charlie noted the look of concern on the other man\u2019s face. \u201cNo reason Mr. Ben\u2026just thought he might be. He sure is a caution that young buck. But I like ya boy\u2026always uses his manners, yes sir, no sir, thank ya sir. Ya sure have done a fine job raising that boy if I do say so.\u201d<\/p>\n Relieved, Ben smiled. \u201cThank you Charlie. Young Joseph is a handful at times but mostly he\u2019s a good boy. Do you mind if I leave Mr. Shaw a note?”<\/p>\n \u201cNaw, ya go right ahead. Paper and pen\u2019s on the desk. Just leave it there and he\u2019ll be sure to find it when he gets back. If\u2019n ya need an envelope, there should be one in the drawer.\u201d Charlie went back to his sweeping while Ben found what he needed and sat down to compose his note to Hiram.<\/p>\n Mr. Shaw,<\/p>\n I came by to speak with you in regards to Joseph and the punishment that was administered. I f you should get this note before Monday, I would appreciate it very much if you would come to see me. It is of the utmost importance. I will be keeping Joseph home from school per Doctor Martin\u2019s orders. I am most anxious to speak to you and to clear this matter up. I will be expecting word from you as soon as possible.<\/p>\n With regards,<\/p>\n Ben Cartwright<\/p>\n Ben folded the letter, looked in the drawer for an envelope and then placed the note inside, sealing the message from prying eyes. He glanced at Charlie who was now straightening the books on the shelf. Ben placed the note in the center of the teacher\u2019s desk and put Hiram\u2019s paper weight on the corner of the envelope. It was time he joined his sons for supper and he wanted to get Joe home as soon after supper as he could. Doc Martin said the boy was to rest for the next couple of days. That ruled out church in the morning Ben thought. Well, maybe missing one Sunday wouldn\u2019t doom them all to\u2026.down under. He smiled to himself but as his thoughts turned to Hiram Shaw and the harsh way he had disciplined his son, Ben\u2019s anger was refreshed.<\/p>\n Ben had one more stop to make before joining his sons for supper. He intended to have a conversation with Matthew Anderson and his son Cody. Ben hurried down the street to the Anderson home. He and Matthew were long-time friends and Ben hoped that together they could get this problem worked out. He almost dreaded informing his friend of what the man\u2019s son had been up to, but figured had it truly been his son\u2019s doing, he would certainly want to know. He stepped up onto the front porch and knocked. It was several moments before someone came to the door.<\/p>\n \u201cWhy Ben Cartwright, what a pleasure,\u201d greeted Matthew\u2019s wife, Sarah. She opened the door to admit her company into the house. \u201cCome in Ben,\u201d she said, stepping aside.<\/p>\n \u201cThank you Sarah,\u201d Ben said cordially. \u201cIs Matthew in?\u201d he asked. He wanted this done with as quickly as possible.<\/p>\n \u201cWell yes. Why don\u2019t you have a seat in the parlor and I\u2019ll get him for you,\u201d Sarah offered. She showed her guest to the parlor. \u201cThe wine decanter is over there, just help yourself Ben. I\u2019ll not be long.\u201d<\/p>\n Ben glanced around the room spying the wine decanter. \u201cThank you Sarah\u2026\u201d What he really needed he decided was something stronger, much stronger\u2026like a good stiff whiskey he thought to himself. He was still standing, staring at the wine when Matthew entered the parlor.<\/p>\n \u201cBen Cartwright,\u201d he smiled as Ben turned around. Ben smiled in return. \u201cMatthew.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s good to see you Ben. What brings you here\u2026surely not banking business,\u201d Matthew laughed. Ben shook his head. \u201cNo\u2026I wish it were.\u201d<\/p>\n Matthew noted the scowl on his friend\u2019s face. \u201cWhat\u2019s wrong Ben\u2026this sounds serious?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cIt is\u2026and I\u2019m not sure where to start,\u201d Ben stammered, suddenly at a loss for words.<\/p>\n Matthew pointed to the chairs in the room. \u201cLet\u2019s have a seat and you can just spit it out. We\u2019ve been friends for a long time; Ben, does this have anything to do with what happened to Little Joe at school?\u201d<\/p>\n Ben was caught off guard with the fact that Matthew had any knowledge of what had been going on with their sons. He scooted to the edge of his seat. \u201cWell yes\u2026but how did you know?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cMatthew told me. He said he sure felt bad about what happened to Little Joe. But Ben, I have to admit, when Cody told me what your boy had done, I was surprised to say the least. I\u2019ve never known of your boy causing so much trouble\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cMy boy?\u201d Ben stammered. He was taken aback by what he was hearing. \u201cJust what did Cody tell you, Matthew?\u201d<\/p>\n Matthew seemed just as surprised by his friend\u2019s statement as Ben had been about his. \u201cWhy, just that young Joseph had ruined a book belonging to the teacher and when he got punished for it, he put tacks in the teacher\u2019s chair the next day to get even with the man. Isn\u2019t that what this is all about?\u201d<\/p>\n Ben lowered his head, blowing out his breath in a puff before he looked up into the inquiring eyes of his long-time friend. \u201cIt is and it isn\u2019t,\u201d he answered.<\/p>\n \u201cI don\u2019t understand, Ben\u2026how can it be and not be?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cJoseph swears that it was\u2026Cody\u2026who ruined the book and who put the tacks in Mr. Shaw\u2019s chair. He was only trying to stop Cody when he unfortunately got caught and it made him look like he was the guilty party,\u201d Ben said quickly.<\/p>\n Matthew Anderson straightened his back and stared at Ben. Ben saw that dark look that crossed Matthew\u2019s face and worried that he had angered his friend. \u201cObviously one of our boys is lying. And the problem seems to be which one is lying and which one is the guilty person. I happen to believe my son.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cAnd I believe mine,\u201d declared Ben in response.<\/p>\n Matthew smiled warmly at Ben. \u201cThen we certainly have a problem, don\u2019t we? Neither one of us actually want to admit that their son is capable of doing what has been done. I tell you what, Ben,\u201d Matthew said, rising and slowly moving toward the parlor door. \u201cLet me get Cody in here and we will just ask him\u2026hopefully, he will be honest.\u201d<\/p>\n Ben stood as Matthew went in search of his son. He wasn\u2019t sure how this was going to solve anything. For sure one of their sons was telling a really tall tale! Though he believed Little Joe with all of his heart, a smidgeon of doubt coursed its way to his heart. Ben quickly shook the feeling off. Little Joe was telling him the truth; he had to cling to that belief and not betray his son\u2019s trust in him.<\/p>\n Moments later, Matthew returned with Cody. \u201cCody, you know Mr. Cartwright?\u201d he asked the boy. \u201cYes sir. Hello Mr. Cartwright,\u201d the boy said. His voice quivered in a nervous way.<\/p>\n \u201cHello Cody,\u201d Ben smiled, trying to put the boy at ease.<\/p>\n \u201cSit down son,\u201d Matthew ordered and waited until the boy complied. \u201cMr. Cartwright and I want to ask you a couple of questions. And son, I will accept nothing but the truth. You need to remember that if you lie, you will be in twice as much trouble than if you just simply tell the truth. Do you understand?\u201d the boy\u2019s father asked.<\/p>\n Ben watched Cody gulp and then swallow hard. \u201cYes sir,\u201d he quietly answered.<\/p>\n \u201cSon, Little Joe has told his father that it was you that ruined your teacher\u2019s book and it was you that put the tacks in his chair. He has also told his father that the reason he got in trouble was because he was trying to stop you from getting in trouble but he was the one who got caught. Cody\u2026Little Joe took a punishment that might have been directed at you. And\u2026he did not rat you out. All that is bad enough, but the worst thing about this is\u2026if your friend is truly innocent, the punish he took has caused a very bad infection in his hand that the doctor says will take a long time to heal.\u201d<\/p>\n Both fathers watched the younger man as Cody began to squirm in his seat. Tears began to form in his sky blue eyes and slowly, when he blinked, roll down his cheeks. Matthew and Ben looked at each other. Ben noted the disappointed look in his friend\u2019s dark eyes when he looked back at his son. Matthew looked again at his son. Rising, he moved to sit next to the boy on the settee. Tenderly, he slipped his arm about the boy\u2019s trembling shoulders. Cody hung his head in shame. \u201cWhy son?\u201d Cody shrugged his shoulders. \u201cYou must have had a reason to do such things. You can tell me son, I\u2019ll try to understand.\u201d He glanced at Ben.<\/p>\n \u201cI don\u2019t like him,\u201d Cody stammered and then looked over at Ben. \u201cNot Little Joe, Mr. Cartwright, I don\u2019t like Mr. Shaw\u2026and neither does anyone else. You can ask Little Joe.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI have son. And he\u2019s told me the same thing. What your father and I would like to know is why?\u201d Ben said.<\/p>\n \u201cHe\u2019s mean Mr. Cartwright\u2026especially to me, Little Joe, Sammy Wood, his father is the lawyer.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYes I know, hmm\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWhat is it Ben?\u201d Matthew asked. He wondered at the strange look that crossed the other man\u2019s face.<\/p>\n Ben turned his attention back to Cody. \u201cAnyone else that you think he\u2019s mean too?\u201d he asked the boy.<\/p>\n \u201cMartha Hodges, the mayor\u2019s daughter and Toby Wright\u2026his pa owns the International House.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYes, I know,\u201d Ben said. \u201cMatthew\u2026think about it\u2026what do you and I have in common with Hodges and Wright?\u201d<\/p>\n Matthew stood and began pacing the room. Turning back to his son he said, \u201cYou may be excused. You and I will continue this conversation later. Mr. Cartwright and I have some things to discuss.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYes sir,\u201d Cody answered as he started to leave. He stopped in front of Ben, who had stood up as well. \u201cI\u2019m\u2026sorry sir\u2026very sorry\u2026about all of this. It was wrong for me to do those things and it was\u2026worse\u2026to let Little Joe take the blame and the punishment. Will you tell him I\u2019m sorry? Please?\u201d The boy\u2019s voice squeaked when he spoke.<\/p>\n Offering the boy an understanding smile, Ben agreed. \u201cYes, I\u2019ll tell him. And\u2026thank you Cody for being honest about all of this.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYes sir,\u201d the boy said with a humbled look at the man before him. Quietly, he slipped from the room. When Cody was gone, Matthew walked over to the door and closed it. Turning back to Ben he answered. \u201cWe are all\u2026to some extent, men of substance. But why would the teacher single out our children just because of that?\u201d<\/p>\n Ben shook his head as he strolled about the room, pausing in front of Matthew. \u201cMaybe the man is jealous?\u2019<\/p>\n \u201cOh Ben, really\u2026surely you can\u2019t believe that a grown man would be jealous of men who might have a bit more than he has?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cOur boys are good boys Matt. You know that. So what other reason would the man have to single out those particular four children?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI don\u2019t know. Did the school board check out his references before hiring him?\u201d Matthew asked.<\/p>\n Again, Ben shook his head. \u201cUnfortunately no. There simply was not time. School was starting and Miss Jones had to leave immediately, so we just took the man at his word.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cPerhaps it\u2019s not too late to do so.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI agree. Since both Adam and I are on the board, we\u2019ll check into it and I\u2019ll get back with you as soon as we hear something.\u201d Ben picked up his hat to leave and began making his way toward the door.<\/p>\n \u201cBen, thank you for stopping by. And I am very ashamed of my son for what he has done. I plan on having him confess to the teacher, and have him make his apologies to Little Joe. If there\u2019s anything else you can think of that he can do to help Little Joe\u2026chores\u2026homework\u2026anything, let me know. He needs to be punished for his mischief and needs to repay your boy in some way,\u201d the saddened father explained.<\/p>\n \u201cThank you Matt. Everything will work out. Just don\u2019t be too hard on the boy. He did, after all, admit it was his doings. Little Joe will be happy to know that and I\u2019m sure they will still be friends.\u201d Ben placed his hat on his head and then shook hands with Matthew. \u201cI\u2019ll be in touch.\u201d Mr. Shaw saddled his horse and with trepidation in his heart, made his way to the Ponderosa to meet with Mr. Ben Cartwright. The name left a bad taste in his mouth. But Hiram decided to play the remorseful teacher with a humbled heart. He\u2019d already told the young Joseph Cartwright what he would do to him should his father find out and cause him any grief. It would be old man Cartwright who would be suffering the grief, right along with his malicious young brat.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben heard the horse enter the yard and rose from his desk to look out the window. He was surprised to see the teacher. Quickly he hurried to the door, taking a deep breath to calm himself before facing the man who had been so cruel to his son. He appeared calm when he stepped from the house though his insides quivered.<\/p>\n \u201cMr. Cartwright I assume?\u201d Hiram asked as he moved forward, his hand outstretched in greeting.<\/p>\n \u201cThat\u2019s correct. I\u2019m Ben Cartwright, Joseph\u2019s father. But we have met before, if you recall,\u201d Ben stated as he shook hands. He sure wasn\u2019t looking forward to having this discussion with this obnoxious man.<\/p>\n \u201cOh yes\u2026when the school board met\u2026the day I was hired,\u201d Hiram said as if he\u2019d just remembered.<\/p>\n \u201cThat\u2019s correct. Would you like to come in?\u201d offered Ben.<\/p>\n Hiram glanced toward the house and decided he\u2019d feel more freedom to speak his mind here in the open rather than inside where this wealthy snobbish man reigned.<\/p>\n \u201cWhat I have to say can be said out here,\u201d Hiram answered.<\/p>\n Ben\u2019s brows rose slightly in response to the other man\u2019s statement. \u201cAnd just what is it that you have to say\u2026for yourself? I\u2019m sure you are aware of the damage you caused to my son\u2019s hand?\u201d Ben said, his lips drawn tightly.<\/p>\n \u201cI am, but he deserved the punishment Mr. Cartwright. After all, he did play a part in destroying my book and he did get caught with it in his own hand plus he did have tacks in his pocket\u2026which made him the prime suspect, more so than his cohort in crime, Cody Anderson,\u201d Hiram stated firmly.<\/p>\n \u201cI won\u2019t take the time to proclaim my son\u2019s innocence to you because it\u2019s obvious that you believe otherwise, so instead, I will warn you against any future action directed at my son for any infraction you might feel punishment is deserved. Whatever you think he might be guilty of I will insist that you discuss it with me before you take action against him. Do I make myself perfectly clear on that?\u201d Ben was furious but he held his temper in check.<\/p>\n Mr. Shaw puffed up like a Thanksgiving turkey. Ben could see the fury in the man\u2019s eyes. They were as dark as coal and the man\u2019s features became distorted. No wonder his poor son feared the man, he thought.<\/p>\n \u201cI understand perfectly, Mr. Cartwright, that you seem to take it upon yourself to tie my hands, so to speak, against my right to discipline MY students in due fashion!\u201d Hiram Shaw snorted.<\/p>\n Ben\u2019s hands rested on his hips. \u201cNot so sir. I am making it my right to know firsthand what it is that you find my son guilty of\u2026and so to speak, tying your hands against laying them on my son ever again. Understand this,\u201d Ben shook his finger under the man\u2019s nose. \u201cIf you ever, for any reason lay one finger on my boy, hurt him in any way, you will live to regret the fact that you ever found your way to Virginia City!\u201d Ben took a deep breath. \u201cI\u2019m sure that you will wish to apologize to Joseph when he returns to school. Good day, sir.\u201d<\/p>\n Hiram had the good sense to know when he\u2019d been dismissed. He was out raged indeed. The audacity of the man sent his temper to new heights. He wanted nothing more than to strike the man, but held back. There were other ways to make the bastard pay\u2026and pay Mr. Rich Ben Cartwright would, with what the man loved the most\u2026his son.<\/p>\n On the ride back into town, Hiram Shaw was planning on just how he would go about getting his revenge of Ben Cartwright. That little weasel of a son, Little Joe, was the fault of all his problems. He had no doubt that his father would demand the board to track his work records and once they became known his job for sure would be in jeopardy. He\u2019d play along for a while, earn the boy\u2019s respect or forgiveness and then move in for the kill. If the kid thought a smack on the hand hurt, just wait until he got through with the boy and then Little Joe Cartwright would know the meaning of pain. Hiram laughed softly. If the boy hurt, his father would hurt. He laughed again. \u201cSay good-bye to your annoying little twerp,\u201d he muttered aloud.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Little Joe led his mount into the small barn used to house the children\u2019s horses while they attended school. Quickly he removed his saddle and flung is across the rail. \u201cWell, here goes nothing,\u201d he muttered to himself as he turned to go. He had arrived early, at his father\u2019s request so that he might have time to speak with Mr. Shaw, something that the worried boy dreaded.\u00a0 Joe inhaled deeply before entering the schoolhouse. Mr. Shaw had his back to him, putting some math problems on the blackboard. He waited trying not to fidget. When the teacher did not turn around, Little Joe cleared his throat. Slowly, as if he knew who was behind him, Hiram Shaw turned. Without speaking, he glared at his wayward student.<\/p>\n \u201cGood morning, Joseph. I figured you would come early,\u201d Mr. Shaw said as he moved from behind his desk and came to stand in front of Little Joe. He sensed the boy\u2019s fear of him. Hiram almost laughed out loud. \u201cLittle fool,\u201d he thought silently, \u201cyou should fear me.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYes sir,\u201d Joe said shyly. \u201cMy pa suggested\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cOh yes, your father,\u201d Hiram grunted with disgust.<\/p>\n Little Joe looked up at the man for the first time. He didn\u2019t like the tone of the man\u2019s voice when he spoke of his father. \u201cHe only thought that you might have something to say to me,\u201d he answered with a bit more force.<\/p>\n \u201cOh I\u2019d like to tell you plenty, young man. First however, I think you should know that I still believe you to be just as guilty as your little friend and that nothing your father has said to me has managed to change my mind about you. You are nothing short of a spawn of the devil as far as I am concerned. Yet, I am a man of my word\u2026never forget that Joseph. I did tell your father that I would apologize to you. I do not apologize for the punishment, because I believe it was due you, but to the extent of the punishment, I do apologize. There, I have had my say and done my duty. Please see fit to let your father know.\u201d With that, Hiram turned his back on his student and returned to the chalk board and resumed putting more math problems on the board.<\/p>\n Little Joe stood speechless. He wanted to ask the man just what he meant by calling him the spawn of the devil but he had promised his father that he\u2019d do nothing to irritate his teacher. Joe suddenly realized that this would be a promise he would have to work hard to keep.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Life seemed to take on a new routine, or so it seemed to Little Joe. Things at school improved, much to his pleasure and relief. Mr. Shaw became a new man, so to speak, thought Joe. He was much friendlier, though he did set high standards for his students. Homework was to be finished and turned in on time, rules were expected to be followed all of which Little Joe complied with. He was no longer always singled out when something did go wrong, which pleased the boy and his father. Joe almost enjoyed being at school and learning, almost, so he was surprised when Mr. Shaw stopped him from leaving after school on this Friday afternoon.<\/p>\n \u201cJoseph, will you wait just a minute please? I\u2019d like a word with you,\u201d Hiram asked.<\/p>\n Joe cast worried eyes at his friend Cody. \u201cWant me to wait for ya?\u201d Cody wanted to know.<\/p>\n With a slightly worried expression, Joe shook his head. \u201cNaw\u2026I\u2019m alright.\u201d<\/p>\n Mr. Shaw laughed in a friendly manner. \u201cDon\u2019t worry Little Joe,\u201d he said as he rested his hand on the boy\u2019s shoulder. \u201cYou are not in trouble.\u201d He heard the boy\u2019s sigh of relief.<\/p>\n \u201cSee ya Joe\u2026bye Mr. Shaw,\u201d Cody called as he hurried down the path to catch up with his other friends.<\/p>\n Both the teacher and Little Joe waved bye and with his hand still resting on Little Joe\u2019s shoulder, Hiram gently turned Joe around and guided him back into the classroom. \u201cLet\u2019s go back inside.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cIs there something wrong, sir?\u201d inquired Joe. \u201cI\u2019m not in trouble, am I?\u201d<\/p>\n Hiram chuckled. \u201cNo, I already told you that you were not. I just wanted to ask a favor of you.\u201d<\/p>\n Joe\u2019s brow rose slightly. \u201cReally? What is it?\u201d<\/p>\n Mr. Shaw had sat down on the corner of his desk. He smiled at the boy. \u201cFirst let me say that after looking over your work, I am happy to tell you how impressed I am with all the improvement you have made the last few weeks.\u201d<\/p>\n Joe couldn\u2019t stop the smile that spread across his face. He was pleased because he had worked hard at trying to keep up his grades and to stay out of trouble. \u201cThank you, sir,\u201d he beamed. \u201cUm\u2026what was the favor you wanted to ask me?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cOh yes,\u201d chuckled Hiram, \u201cI\u2019d almost forgotten about that. I was wondering if you would be kind enough to help me out. You see, I have some items in my study that really needs to be moved down into my cellar. My sister is coming for an extended visit and I need the room to turn into a spare bedroom for her. If you recall, I sprained my shoulder the other day trying to move some of the items on my own and now I find myself unable to do too much. I would be happy to pay you for your time\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYou won\u2019t need to pay me. When do you need me to help you?\u201d Joe asked. He figured that even though he was still somewhat unsure of this man, it would be the right thing to do, helping him. He\u2019d do about anything to stay within the good graces of his teacher.<\/p>\n \u201cI was thinking if your hand is well enough\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s fine, really, see?\u201d Joe opened his palm to show Hiram that most of the damage was now healed.<\/p>\n \u201cWonderful. Do you think your father would mind if you came home with me now\u2026just for an hour or so? I would be happy to send a note home with you explaining to him why you were late getting home this afternoon\u2026or, I could send a messenger now letting Mr. Cartwright know where and what you were doing,\u201d offered the devious man. Inside his chest, Hiram\u2019s heart was beating rapidly in anticipation.<\/p>\n Little Joe looked thoughtful. \u201cI still have to do my evening chores, but if it\u2019s only going to be for about an hour, I reckon if you send a note home with me, Pa wouldn\u2019t mind my helping you out some.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cLittle Joe, that\u2019s wonderful. Let\u2019s get your things and be on our way. Once you\u2019re finished helping me, I\u2019ll write the note for you,\u201d Hiram said sounding grateful as he stood up.<\/p>\n Little Joe was surprised that his teacher had called him by his nickname. It was the first time that Mr. Shaw had done that. He looked up at the man and smiled. \u201cAlright, I\u2019m ready. I\u2019ll just get my horse.\u201d<\/p>\n Hiram harnessed his own horse to his buggy and together the man and boy made their way to the teacher\u2019s house. Hiram lived in a small but comfortable house about a mile from the school. The property boasted a small barn, a smoke house and a well house. Flowers bloomed along the porch, giving the place a homey look that Little Joe liked. He dismounted and walked with his teacher to the barn. \u201cLet\u2019s get the horses settled first and then we\u2019ll tackle the items to be moved.\u201d They made quick work of stabling the pair of horses and when they finished Joe followed his teacher into the house. \u00a0Inside, Joe was just as amazed at the neatness of the interior as he had been of both the yard and barn. Everything was spotless and in perfect condition.<\/p>\n \u201cYou really have a nice place, Mr. Shaw,\u201d he told his teacher. Hiram beamed with pleasure. \u201cI\u2019m not a rich man like your father, but do try to maintain a comfortable home for myself. Thank you for your compliments.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI meant them,\u201d Little Joe said shyly.<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m sure you did, son. Why don\u2019t we go into the study and I\u2019ll show you the items we need to move?\u201d suggested Hiram. Things were going exactly as he had planned and hoped they would. Soon, rich Mr. Ben Cartwright\u2019s pain would begin. The loss of his youngest son would all but kill the man, gloated the teacher.<\/p>\n \u201cSure,\u201d Little Joe answered. He followed his teacher into the room Hiram called his study. It wasn\u2019t a big room, but it was full of books, papers, small pieces of furniture and several boxes. A large trunk with a heavy padlock rested in one corner. Hiram saw the boy looking at the trunk and smothered the laughter building within his chest.<\/p>\n \u201cWe need to move that trunk Joseph. Want to start with it?\u201d Hiram said.<\/p>\n \u201cSure Mr. Shaw, can you take one side and I\u2019ll get the other.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cIt has strong handles so it shouldn\u2019t be too hard for both of us. It\u2019s made to hold more than a hundred pounds of stuff,\u201d Hiram explained. Little Joe snickered as he picked up his end of the trunk. \u201cIt\u2019s big enough to hold a body,\u201d he laughed at last.<\/p>\n Hiram could no longer contain his amusement. It burst forth causing Little Joe to look up at him with a strange look on his young face. The boy had hit the nail on the head and didn\u2019t even know it the devious man thought. Once they had the trunk settled in the cellar, Little Joe carried several of the boxes down the narrow, dark stairs.<\/p>\n \u201cLet\u2019s take a break Joseph. I have some lemonade and cookies set out for us. Would you like to join me?\u201d offered Mr. Shaw.<\/p>\n Joe hesitated only briefly. \u201cYes sir, if we have time.\u201d<\/p>\n Hiram looked at his pocket watch. \u201cCertainly, there\u2019s time for us to enjoy our snack, I\u2019ll compose the note for you to take to your father while we do.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cSure. All that dust made me thirsty,\u201d Joe snickered. \u201cAnd I can always eat cookies\u2026what kind did you say they were?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cSugar cookies,\u201d the teacher said as he poured a glass of lemonade and then turned, smiling at the boy and handed it to Little Joe. Joe took the glass and drank down the entire amount.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cBoy that sure is good. Mind if I have another?\u201d he asked.<\/p>\n \u201cCertainly.\u201d Hiram turned back to pour a second glass for his guest. When he handed Joe the glass, he noted that the boy had a glazed look in his eyes. He sat the glass on the table in front of the boy. Joe ignored the glass. He glanced up at the teacher as if not seeing him.<\/p>\n \u201cAre you feeling alright, Joseph?\u201d<\/p>\n Joe propped his elbows on the table and lowered his head into the palms of his hands. I\u2019m not sure, sir. My head is spinning and all of a sudden, I feel\u2026strange,\u201d he said trying to raise his head enough to see his teacher. When he tried to focus on the man\u2019s face everything was blurry. He could not make out the man\u2019s features.<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2026I\u2026\u201d stammered Little Joe. He took a deep breath and laid his head on the table. Hiram stood over the boy smiling wickedly.<\/p>\n Leaning over the boy, Hiram lifted the boy\u2019s head. Joe was unconscious; his eyes were closed tightly. Gently, the man shook the boy. \u201cJoseph\u2026Joseph,\u201d he said a little louder. There was no response. The drug he had slipped into the boy\u2019s glass had worked its magic. Hiram moved to the front door. Almost immediately, two men appeared. They were rough and dirty looking. Both sported mustaches and wore dark clothing that was badly in need of washing.<\/p>\n \u201cThe trunk is down in the cellar, bring it up,\u201d Hiram ordered. Instantly the pair did as instructed and within minutes the trunk was sitting opened in the middle of the teacher\u2019s kitchen.<\/p>\n \u201cI want him tied and don\u2019t forget to gag him. I don\u2019t want him waking up too soon and alerting someone,\u201d ordered Hiram.<\/p>\n Again the two men did as instructed. They lowered Little Joe to the floor, tied his hands behind his back and folding the boy\u2019s legs behind him, attached the rope from Joe\u2019s wrists down to his ankles. Hiram handed one man a clean rag that was wadded up to form a soft ball which he stuffed into the boy\u2019s mouth. Then he wrapped a long strip of material several times around Little Joe\u2019s mouth, making it impossible for the boy to open his mouth and unable to make a sound. Together, the pair of thugs lifted the lifeless body and placed him carefully into the trunk. Hiram fingered the thick pad lock in his hands before putting it into place and snapping it shut. Little Joe\u2019s fate was thus sealed.<\/p>\n \u201cMake sure no one sees you. I\u2019ll be along later to take care of things. Don\u2019t forget to take the boy\u2019s horse far enough off that it will take hours for his family to find it.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cSure Boss, but\u2026what about our money?\u201d one man questioned.<\/p>\n \u201cOnce you have the boy far enough away, you\u2019ll get your money. I am a man of my word sir\u2026do not question me!\u201d he growled at the pair. \u201cSimon Thorpe will meet you at Devil\u2019s Gate and take care of your cargo. I\u2019ll join you in a week in Silver City. You will get your money then.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cAlright, boss\u2026we\u2019ll do as you say\u2026but mind ya\u2026if you\u2019re thinking of double crossing us, we\u2019ll find you and when we do\u2026what you\u2019re planning to do to the kid, is nothing compared to what we\u2019ll do to you!\u201d the larger of the two men grunted. They picked up the trunk and walked out the door.<\/p>\n Hiram Shaw swallowed hard. He had no doubt that the man would make good his threat. But Hiram wasn\u2019t worried, he planned to pay the pair, he planned to keep his promise to the boy\u2026one he\u2019d made weeks ago about what he\u2019d do if Ben Cartwright ever learned about how Joe\u2019s hand had been injured so badly. And Ben Cartwright\u2026well he just wanted the man to suffer a loss that all the money or land the man claimed as his could not buy back for him what he loved most. Hiram laughed again. God, he hated rich people but most of all, he hated Ben Cartwright. Feeling smug with himself, Hiram thought about the last time he\u2019d met the mighty Ben Cartwright. A time so long ago that Cartwright had no clue to his true identity or to the manner in which he had changed the course of a young boy\u2019s life. But Cartwright would soon be recalling his actions\u2026once he realized who he actually was and why he\u2019d chosen to destroy the most precious thing in the older man\u2019s life. Hiram gathered his hat and coat. He was going back to the school. Sooner or later Ben Cartwright or one of his other sons would make an appearance at the school in search of young Joseph. \u201cTime to try my acting abilities,\u201d he snickered to himself.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n It was almost dark. Hiram was sitting at his desk working on papers when Ben Cartwright walked into the building. Behind him, Adam and Hoss followed their father. When Hiram looked up, the concern was plainly written all over the face of Joseph\u2019s father. He stood to greet his visitors.<\/p>\n \u201cMr. Cartwright\u2026how do you do?\u201d Hiram said. He extended his hand in greeting.<\/p>\n Ben shook the teacher\u2019s hand. \u201cI\u2019m doing well, thank you.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWell sir, what brings you out this evening?\u201d the teacher asked innocently.<\/p>\n \u201cWe, that is my sons, Adam and Hoss, and I are looking for Little Joe,\u201d explained Ben<\/p>\n \u201cLooking for Joseph? I\u2019m sorry, I don\u2019t understand.\u201d<\/p>\n Hoss stepped forward. \u201cHe didn\u2019t come home from school this afternoon.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWe thought he might have been made to stay after school for some reason,\u201d added Adam.<\/p>\n Hiram was shaking his head back and forth. \u201cNo\u2026there would have been no reason for him to stay late. I did stop him before he left to tell him how pleased I am with the improvement he\u2019s made the last couple of weeks. He left right after that,\u201d lied Hiram, hoping that the Cartwright men would believe him.<\/p>\n Ben looked over at Adam and Hoss and then turned his attention back to the teacher. \u201cDid you see him leave with anyone?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNo, I\u2019m sorry Mr. Cartwright. Most of his friends had already gone by the time Joseph and I finished our conversation. The children are always in a hurry to get home, especially on a Friday.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cDo you recall which direction he took?\u201d inquired Adam.<\/p>\n Again Hiram shook his head. \u201cI\u2019m afraid I don\u2019t Adam. He took off toward the stable and I came back inside. I\u2019ve been here ever since; I have a ton of paperwork it seems and I don\u2019t like carrying them home to do over the weekend. I\u2019d just as soon do them on Friday evenings and be done with them.\u201d<\/p>\n Ben took a deep breath and nodded his head. \u201cI understand. You\u2019re sure Little Joe didn\u2019t mention anything about going anywhere other than home?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m positive. He did say something about having to get home to do his evening chores, but not that he was planning on making any stops,\u201d explained the devious man.<\/p>\n Hoss scrunched up his face as worry lines deepened his brow. He looked at his father. \u201cWe could back-track\u2026his horse might have thrown a shoe or picked up a rock. Joe might be on foot.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cMaybe he stopped off at the lake, he said something yesterday about wanting to catch some fish for supper,\u201d offered Adam. He was well aware how worried his father was becoming. He didn\u2019t actually believe that his youngest brother would go fishing before coming home first to get his fishing line. He knew it was long shot but he had to think of something to keep Ben from becoming overwhelmed with worry.<\/p>\n Ben looked doubtful to the suggestion. \u201cLet\u2019s do as Hoss suggested and back-track our way home.\u201d He turned to the teacher. \u201cThank you Hiram. If you happen to hear anything or see the boy, would you please send him home or let me know?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cMost assuredly sir. Good luck in finding him. I\u2019m sure he hasn\u2019t just taken off. He was in a hurry to get away from here,\u201d he laughed. \u201cIf you need me to, I\u2019d be happy to saddle a horse and help you search.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThat won\u2019t be necessary,\u201d Ben answered. \u201cI\u2019m sure he\u2019s just dawdling along, or as his brother suggested, he might be on foot. Thank you again.\u201d<\/p>\n All the way back to the Ponderosa, the three Cartwrights carefully searched the area for any signs of the missing lad. Fear was beginning to squeeze out Ben\u2019s worry and place itself within Ben\u2019s heart. He felt sick to his stomach. Joseph, his beloved son was missing.<\/p>\n \u201cMaybe he\u2019s already home,\u201d suggested Adam.<\/p>\n \u201cYeah Pa, he might have taken a short cut and we simply missed him,\u201d added Hoss.<\/p>\n Ben shook his head. \u201cNo, it\u2019s Friday\u2026Joe always heads straight home on Friday nights. Something isn\u2019t right\u2026it\u2019s wrong\u2026all wrong.\u201d<\/p>\n Hoss glanced at Adam and saw that he was as worried as their father. \u201cI feel it like you, Pa. I don\u2019t know how I know, but I just know\u2026Joe\u2019s in trouble.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n His family had no idea just how much trouble the youngest member of their family actually was in. In the trunk, Little Joe stirred slightly, still sleepy from the sedative that his teacher had slipped into his drink. The boy tried to move but couldn\u2019t. He tried opening his eyes but the effort took more than he was ready to give. Sighing softly, the young captive allowed his body to relax and return to the world of nothingness.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cWhat do you want to do now, Pa?\u201d Adam asked his worried father. \u201cHis horse isn\u2019t in the barn. No one that we\u2019ve spoken with has seen him and it\u2019s going to be dark in half an hour.\u201d<\/p>\n Ben removed his hat and ran his fingers through his silver hair. His eyes showed his concern. \u201cIt\u2019s going to be too dark to see anything and if we light torches, we might disturb some evidence without ever knowing it. I suppose the best thing to do is get a good night\u2019s rest and if the little scamp isn\u2019t home by dawn, we can ride out then.\u201d Ben didn\u2019t like the idea of calling off the search for his son, but he had no other choice at the moment.<\/p>\n \u201cAlright Pa,\u201d Adam agreed as he took the reins to his father\u2019s horse. \u201cHoss and I will tend the horses.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThank you son,\u201d he smiled weakly. \u201cI think I\u2019ll fix myself a brandy.\u201d<\/p>\n Ben turned to enter the house when the sound of pounding hooves stopped him in his tracks. With a thundering heart he turned to see who might be riding so hard. Hope that it was his missing son died in his heart before it had even given birth. Instead of Little Joe, Roy Coffee, the sheriff and Matthew Anderson, his banker friend, pulled their mounts to a stop. Quickly both men dismounted.<\/p>\n \u201cRoy, Matt\u2026what brings you out this time of evening?\u201d He greeted the men.<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019ve got news Ben,\u201d Roy explained, waving a paper under Ben\u2019s nose.<\/p>\n \u201cSomething you ought to know\u2026something important,\u201d added Matthew.<\/p>\n \u201cLet\u2019s go inside,\u201d suggested Ben. \u201cI was planning on pouring myself a brandy. Care to join me?\u201d offered Ben as he showed his guest inside.<\/p>\n \u201cSounds refreshing to me,\u201d Matthew laughed.<\/p>\n Roy and Matthew removed their hats and sat down on the settee as Ben poured them all a brandy. Adam and Hoss came in and helped themselves to a brandy as well.<\/p>\n Roy took a swig of his drink. \u201cGood stuff Ben. Say, where\u2019s Little Joe?\u201d<\/p>\n Ben cast worried eyes about the room before turning back to the sheriff. \u201cWe don\u2019t know.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWhat do you mean you don\u2019t know?\u201d Roy worried.<\/p>\n \u201cHe didn\u2019t come home after school,\u201d explained Adam. \u201cWe\u2019ve just ridden back from town; seems as if no one has seen him since school let out.\u201d<\/p>\n Both the sheriff and the banker swapped anxious looks. Roy turned to Ben and handed him the paper he\u2019d been carrying. \u201cYou best read this, Ben.\u201d Adam and Hoss moved over to stand behind their father so that they might read over his shoulders. Quickly Ben scanned the paper, glanced at the two friends and then reread the paper with more intent.<\/p>\n \u201cDear God,\u201d he muttered softly to himself. \u201cYou can\u2019t be serious\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n Matthew stood up and began to pace the room. \u201cBen\u2026I was just as surprised as you were.\u201d He said, stopping in front of his friend.\u00a0 Ben nodded his head in agreement. \u201cRoy, are you positive about this? Could there be some mistake?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNo\u2026it\u2019s all correct Ben\u2026Hiram Shaw is really Harry Youngblood\u2019s son, sure as you\u2019re Ben Cartwright,\u201d Roy said.<\/p>\n \u201cWhat\u2019s this all about Pa?\u201d Adam asked, moving closer to his father. \u201cDoes it have anything to do with Joe not coming home?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cSpeaking of Little Joe, Ben. I\u2019d almost forgotten. Cody said that Shaw asked Joe to stay after school. Seems he wanted to ask the boy a favor,\u201d Matthew informed them.<\/p>\n Hoss had his face scrunched up. \u201cFavor? What kind of favor would the teacher want from Little Joe?\u201d<\/p>\n Before the banker could respond to Hoss\u2019 question, Ben muttered, \u201cHiram didn\u2019t mention that he asked a favor of Joe.\u201d He looked up at the small group of men. \u201cHe told us that he just wanted to tell Little Joe how pleased he was with the improvements the boy had made. Then he said Little Joe left and started home.\u201d<\/p>\n Matthew scratched his head. \u201cThat can\u2019t be right, Ben. Cody said he hung around waiting for Little Joe but that he saw Little Joe and Hiram ride off together. He figured Joe was going to help the teacher out with something so he didn\u2019t bother them, just came on home.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWhat!\u201d stormed Adam. He turned quickly to his father. \u201cThen he lied! Pa\u2026tell me, does this paper have anything to do with Little Joe?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m not sure son. But it very well could have.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWhy?\u201d Hoss asked. \u201cAnd who\u2019s this Harry Youngblood? How is Hiram Shaw connected with the guy?\u201d<\/p>\n Ben held up his hand to silence everyone. \u201cSit down all of you, please and let me think and then I\u2019ll try to explain it to you. Roy, maybe you can help me out.<\/p>\n \u201cSure thing Ben. Adam\u2026Harry Youngblood was the local drunk many years ago\u2026about 25 years if\u2019n I ain\u2019t mistaken. He had a wife who had died and a little boy at the time\u2026that was Hiram, he was about 4 or 5 I think. Use to follow old Harry around everywhere the man went excepting the saloon. When Harry went into the bar to drink, little Wade\u2026Wade Youngblood, that was his name back then, would sit outside on the sidewalk and wait for his pappy to come out. If\u2019n Harry was drunk, the kid always made sure his pa got home at night.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cSo then, what happened to this here Harry fella?\u201d Hoss asked.<\/p>\n Before Roy could answer the question, Ben spoke up. \u201cI killed him.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWhat?\u201d roared Adam.<\/p>\n \u201cIt was a fair fight,\u201d Matthew said. \u201cI was witness to it. Your father did everything he could to keep from having to kill that man. Harry just would not back down. Said he hated rich people and hated Ben worse than anyone, so he pulled a gun on your father and started taking pot shots at him. Ben was able to avoid being hit, until he tripped and fell. That\u2019s when Harry moved in for the kill. He pointed the gun down at your father\u2019s head and cocked the trigger. He fired it just as Ben rolled away and fired his own gun. Your pa\u2019s bullet hit Youngblood in the chest. He died instantly.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWhat happened to Hiram?\u201d Hoss muttered as he watched the look of agony consume his father\u2019s face.<\/p>\n \u201cThat\u2019s the sad part. The little boy saw it all. Naturally he loved his father. He ran over to me, grabbed my shirt and started screaming at me\u2026how much he hated me for killing his father and how someday when he became a man\u2026he\u2019d\u2026find some way\u2026to\u2026get\u2026even with\u2026me. Dear God\u2026\u201dhe said in broken words while trying to swallow the lump that formed in his throat.<\/p>\n \u201cWhat is it, Pa?\u201d Adam asked as he gripped his father\u2019s arm.<\/p>\n \u201cLittle Joe\u2026don\u2019t you see,\u201d Ben said, his voice beginning to tremble. \u201cHiram has Little Joe\u2026he has to have him\u2026he\u2019s using your brother to get back at me for killing his father!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cAnd Cody did say he watched Little Joe and the teacher ride off together,\u201d added the banker.<\/p>\n Ben reached out his arm to Adam, using his son to steady himself. \u201cSaddle our horses; we\u2019re going to pay the teacher another call. Hurry, time is of the essence!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cSure thing, Pa; come on Hoss.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWe\u2019ll ride along with you, Ben\u2026this could be a job for me,\u201d Roy cautioned.<\/p>\n \u201cFine, but let\u2019s hurry,\u201d Ben said as he strapped on his gun and picked up his hat.<\/p>\n Adam and Hoss had the horses ready by the time that their father, the sheriff and the banker came out of the house. Quickly the three older men mounted up. \u201cLet\u2019s ride,\u201d shouted Ben as he spurred his mount into action.<\/p>\n When the five men rode into Hiram Shaw\u2019s yard, they noted that the house was dark. Either the teacher had already retired for the night or he was out for the evening. Ben stepped up onto the porch and attempted to knock on the door. When he touched it, the door slowly opened. Using caution, Ben drew his gun from his holster. \u201cThe door\u2019s opened,\u201d he whispered to the others. Immediately, the other men dismounted and scattered around the house and porch. Ben eased into the house, Adam on heels. Roy followed with Hoss and Matthew brought up the rear.<\/p>\n \u201cHello!\u201d Ben called out and then waited for an answer. \u201cHiram\u2026its Ben Cartwright and the sheriff!\u201d Still the house remained silent. \u201cFind a lamp and light it,\u201d he called over his shoulder. Hoss felt along a table until his fingers found what he was looking for. From his own pocket, he drew a match. Striking it on the heel of his boot, Hoss lit the lamp. The light spread its soft golden glow about the room. The men stood in the center of the living room and cast eyes all around. The room looked as if it had been ransacked. \u201cSomeone must have either broken in here or someone left in a hurry,\u201d Roy stated. \u201cYou men check the other rooms; I\u2019ll check in the barn.\u201d<\/p>\n Each man went in a different direction. It didn\u2019t take long before they made their search and returned to the main room to compare notes. \u201cThere\u2019s clothes scattered everywhere in the bedroom,\u201d Hoss informed his father. \u201cAnd papers in his study; some ripped and some wadded. He must have been looking for something,\u201d Adam said.<\/p>\n \u201cFood\u2019s been taken from the kitchen. Looks as if he took only what was needed,\u201d related Matthew.<\/p>\n \u201cThe horse and wagon is gone from the barn, Ben,\u201d Roy explained. The milk cow\u2019s been put in the corral and fresh food\u2019s been spread out. It looks like someone wasn\u2019t planning on coming back.\u201d<\/p>\n Ben agreed. \u201cThere\u2019s more Ben,\u201d stated Roy. He had the attention of all the men in the room. \u201cWhile I was nosing around in the barn, I found a saddle behind a pile of boxes. Judging from the size of the saddle, I knew it twern\u2019t the teacher\u2019s, it was too small. This was tied to the saddle-horn with a leather strap.\u201d He handed the book to Ben, who opened it.<\/p>\n Ben\u2019s face paled as he stared at his son\u2019s reader. Swallowing was almost impossible and trying to talk was out of the question. He looked at Adam and held the book out to his son.\u00a0 Adam took the book, his eyes never leaving his father\u2019s ashen face as he opened the reader. Only then did his eyes roam over the inside cover of the schoolbook. \u201cIt\u2019s Little Joe\u2019s,\u201d he muttered in a tone laced with venom.<\/p>\n \u201cThen that lying varmint does have Little Joe!\u201d growled the gentle giant. \u201cSo help me, if he\u2019s hurt that boy in any way, I\u2019ll tear him limb from limb with my very own hands!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cShh\u2026stop that talk right now. True it appears that Joe is with Hiram but that doesn\u2019t mean the man has hurt him\u2026yet,\u201d Ben cautioned. \u201cMy guess he\u2019s hidden Little Joe away someplace\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWho are you kidding, Pa?\u201d grumbled Adam. \u201cDidn\u2019t you just say a minute ago that Shaw swore to get even with you; well what better way than to take your son from you and do away with him?\u201d<\/p>\n Hoss was getting agitated. \u201cAdam\u2019s right Pa, Joe\u2019s in danger and we gotta find him, fast.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cOf course we do, but how\u2026where\u2026we have no idea where Hiram might have taken Joe,\u201d Ben tried to reason. He cast anxious eyes around the room then looked at the men. \u201cAny ideas?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Little Joe, still locked away in his trunk was awake. His head was pounding; his body ached from being curled in a cramped position for so long. He had tried to free himself from his bounds but had made little progress in doing so. The cloth was making his mouth dry and he fought to keep from swallowing the wad. A cool class of water was what the frightened boy craved most, besides his father. Joe wondered where he was and why his teacher had drugged him and placed him in the confining trunk. His mind raced. \u201cPa\u2026please, get me outta here!\u201d his mind screamed.<\/p>\n Little Joe gave in to his fears as the tears rolled gently down his face. He was hot and the sweat beaded on his brow. His stomach ached from not having eaten since lunch. Joe wondered if it were night or day and decided that it was probably getting close to dark. \u201cI want out of here,\u201d he told himself. Suddenly the swaying motion of the wagon ceased and Joe realized that it had stopped. Hope sprung within his heart that perhaps Mr. Shaw would now open the box he was being held in. An hour later, his hope died.<\/p>\n \u201cShaw\u2019s got the brat in that trunk,\u201d Joe heard a man say. He wondered who the man was because he knew that the voice was not that of his teacher. Who was the stranger and to whom was the man speaking with. \u201cLet\u2019s get him inside,\u201d another stranger said.<\/p>\n Joe felt himself being lifted up and knew that the men were carrying his prison. With a loud thump the trunk was practically dropped to the ground. He\u2019d had about all he could stand. His nerves were shattered, he wanted out.<\/p>\n \u201cUmmm\u2026ah\u2026\u201d he tried to form words. The sounds were barely distinguishable even to himself. Joe tried kicking with his feet on the side of the trunk but even that effort was in vain, his ankles tied together were tight and with his wrists attached to the rope that bound his ankles, any amount of movement was next to impossible.<\/p>\n \u201cSounds like the kid\u2019s wanting out,\u201d snarled one of the men.<\/p>\n The second man shook his head. \u201cNope. Can\u2019t. We have to wait until Thorpe gets here. If he wants to let the kid out, let him do it, but I\u2019m not about to open that thing. Besides, I ain\u2019t got no key for that there lock.\u201d<\/p>\n Inside the trunk, Joe listened to the mutterings of the two men. He could hear them talking but he couldn\u2019t seem to understand what they were saying. If only they would open the top so that he could at least get some fresh air. It was hot and he fit tightly inside the small space. His head still hurt and the lack of air was making him sleepy. \u201cDon\u2019t close your eyes,\u201d he warned himself. Joe was afraid that if he went to sleep, he might not wake up\u2026and that scared him. \u201cPlease God, let my pa and brothers find me\u2026and if you don\u2019t mind my asking\u2026tell them to hurry,\u201d prayed Joe. Though he fought against it, his eyes closed and very soon the young captive was asleep.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam had been rummaging around in Hiram\u2019s study, going through the scattered papers in hopes of finding some clue as to where the man might have taken his brother. Nothing caught his eye that he considered important. Tossing papers he\u2019d already looked over, onto the chair, he happened to pick up a photo. He stared long and hard at the two men who had posed for the photograph. The younger of the two was most definitely Hiram Shaw, but Adam had no clue who the older of the two men might be.<\/p>\n \u201cHey Pa,\u201d he called as he joined his father in the front room. \u201cLook at this photo,\u201d he said as he handed the picture to his father. Roy moved closer so that he could look at it also. \u201cWouldn\u2019t happen to know who the older man is would you? The younger is Hiram I believe.\u201d<\/p>\n Ben had been studying the photo and agreed with Adam. \u201cYes, that\u2019s Hiram, a few years younger, but it\u2019s him. I don\u2019t recognize the other man. Do you Roy?\u201d The sheriff shook his head. \u201cCan\u2019t say that I do, Ben. Here Matt, you have a look.\u201d<\/p>\n Roy passed the picture to the banker who took several moments to study the image. \u201cYou know Roy\u2026I do think I\u2019ve seen that man before. He flipped the photograph over. \u201cSilver City, Nevada it says here on the back.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cSilver City\u2026that ain\u2019t far Pa. Might be a good place to start looking. If\u2019n we could find that man, maybe he could tell us where to find Shaw,\u201d offered Hoss who was looking over the banker\u2019s shoulder at the image.<\/p>\n \u201cHoss, that picture is several years old. Just because it has Silver City written on the back doesn\u2019t mean that man is even there,\u201d Ben explained.<\/p>\n \u201cDoesn\u2019t mean he isn\u2019t though,\u201d Hoss said with a touch of anger. He was worried to death about his baby brother and was ready to start looking again.<\/p>\n \u201cBen, you know, I was filling in for Robert Wilson over at the bank in Silver City about two months ago and if memory serves me correctly, this gentleman came into talk to Wilson about a loan. He got pretty agitated when he learned Wilson was out for a few days and wanted me to make him a loan. I told him I couldn\u2019t do it, he would just have to wait for Wilson to return and then come back to talk to him. The man was angry when he left.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cDid he give you his name?\u201d Roy asked.<\/p>\n Matthew had a look of concentration on his face. \u201cI\u2019m thinking\u2026give me a minute.\u201d He handed the photo back to Ben and turned toward the door as if to go out. \u201cSam Thorne\u2026no, that\u2019s not it.\u201d He was muttering to himself. His hand was on the latch. \u201cSaul\u2026Stephen\u2026no\u2026Si\u2026Simon\u2026that\u2019s it! Simon\u2026Simon\u2026T\u2026Th. Think, think\u2026Tho\u2026Thorpe. Thorpe\u2026By golly Ben, that\u2019s his name\u2026Simon Thorpe!\u201d he grinned at his friend. \u201cAnd as of two months ago, he was in Silver City!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHotdiggitydog!\u201d shouted Hoss. \u201cLet\u2019s go Pa!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHold on, hold on. Matt, are you positive that Simon Thorpe is the man\u2019s name?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYes, I\u2019m sure. Why do you know that name?\u201d<\/p>\n Ben pursed his lips tightly.<\/p>\n \u201cWell, out with it Ben,\u201d ordered Roy. \u201cAre you familiar with that name?\u201d<\/p>\n Ben nodded his head. \u201cYes and so are you Roy. Don\u2019t you remember the man who came to claim Harry Youngblood\u2019s body and the boy?\u201d<\/p>\n Roy\u2019s eyes widened as he recalled the tall, lanky man who had ridden into Virginia City the day after Ben had killed Youngblood. \u201cGood golly Ben\u2026Thorpe\u2026sure as I\u2019m standing here, it was Simon Thorpe, Harry\u2019s half- brother!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019d say we best be heading for Silver City, Pa,\u201d Adam stated as he started toward the door.<\/p>\n \u201cHold up a minute Adam,\u201d Roy asked. \u201cSilver City is out of my jurisdiction. I\u2019ll ride into town and send a wire to the sheriff over there. Pete Williams, he\u2019s a good guy. I\u2019ll tell him you are headed that way. He\u2019ll help you find Thorpe,\u201d explained the sheriff.<\/p>\n \u201cAnd Ben, I\u2019d love to ride along with you, but I have to open the bank in the morning,\u201d Matthew Anderson stated.<\/p>\n \u201cThat\u2019s fine Roy, Matthew. We appreciate all your help. The boys and I will stay here tonight and leave at daybreak. No sense on riding all the way back to the Ponderosa,\u201d Ben said as he glanced at Adam and Hoss who nodded in agreement.<\/p>\n \u201cAlright Ben. Good luck\u2026and keep me posted?\u201d Roy nodded at the others and he and the banker left. Ben turned to his sons. \u201cI say let\u2019s try to get some rest and in the morning we\u2019ll go get Little Joe.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Little Joe didn\u2019t know how long he\u2019d been sleeping when the sounds of voices woke him. He tried to listen to what was being said, but the ache in all his muscles consumed his concentration. A soft moan escaped his lips. He wanted to cry but fought the urge to do so. Heavy footsteps seemed to be coming closer. The sound of the lock clicking forced Joe to turn his head upward to see who was lifting the lid of the trunk. His heart sank.<\/p>\n \u201cWell, look at what we have here,\u201d sneered Hiram Shaw. \u201cUncle, this is Little Joe Cartwright, isn\u2019t that correct kid?\u201d he laughed at the haunted look on the young boy\u2019s face. Joe glanced at the other man but didn\u2019t recognize him as being anyone he had ever seen before. He briefly wondered why his teacher had referred to the man as Uncle.<\/p>\n \u201cHe doesn\u2019t look to happy to see you Hiram,\u201d snickered the older man.<\/p>\n \u201cHe shouldn\u2019t be,\u201d snarled Joe\u2019s teacher. \u201cHelp me get him out of this trunk,\u201d he asked his uncle. Together they grabbed Joe\u2019s arms and hoisted the boy from his prison. With little concern for the boy\u2019s comfort, they lowered him none to easily onto the cold floor. Hiram jerked the gag from around the boy\u2019s face. Immediately, Little Joe spit out the wadded cloth and took several large gulps of air to fill his lungs. Tears burned his eyes as he looked up at his captors.<\/p>\n \u201cMy pa\u2019s gonna kill you!\u201d Joe cried in a scratchy voice.<\/p>\n The statement must have been funny because both men laughed. \u201cI\u2019m not afraid of your pa,\u201d snarled Hiram as he kicked Little Joe in the mid-section. \u00a0Joe groaned. It only made Hiram laugh that much more. \u201cHurts doesn\u2019t it you little brat,\u201d he said between gritted teeth and kicked the boy again. Joe tried to turn away from the offending booted foot but bound as he was it was useless.<\/p>\n At last Hiram turned from his prisoner. \u201cLet him lay there. I\u2019m hungry Uncle, what\u2019s here to eat?\u201d asked the teacher.<\/p>\n \u201cI got a stew on, boy,\u201d Thorpe answered. \u201cDid you get rid of those two men you hired to bring the kid here?\u201d The teacher\u2019s eyes turned dark and a leer appeared across his face. \u201cLet\u2019s just say that I\u2019ve taken care of the two of them!\u201d They turned to go.<\/p>\n \u201cMr. Shaw\u2026wait\u2026please,\u201d cried Joe. Both men stopped and turned around. \u201cWhat it is?\u201d growled Hiram.<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2026\u201d Joe gulped. \u201cI have to\u2026go. Bad\u2026real bad.\u201d Joe hated that he had to beg but knew if they didn\u2019t allow him a minute to relieve himself, there would be no reason to even ask.<\/p>\n Hiram laughed, turned to his uncle and said. \u201cDid you hear that, Uncle? The kid has to take a leak.\u201d Thorpe joined in the laughter. Hiram squatted down so that he could see his captive\u2019s face. \u201cI just might allow that privilege if you ask me very nicely. Can you do that Little Joe,\u201d sneered the teacher. Joe hated the way the man used his name, Hiram made it sound dirty. He hated himself too for what he was about to do. He gulped. \u201cPl\u2026please, I need to go\u2026\u201d his chin trembled.<\/p>\n Hiram stood up, laughing. \u201cSorry kid, not good enough.\u201d He swung his foot back and when it came forward, it landed again in Joe\u2019s mid-section. Joe cried out in pain and drew if possible his bound up body into a tighter knot. \u201cTry again brat!\u201d<\/p>\n Tears rolled down the boy\u2019s face. What he wanted to say to his former teacher was that he hated him. Hated him for being so mean, hated him because of what the man was doing. But Little Joe held his tongue. He swallowed hard. \u201cPlease sir,\u201d he paused breathing hard. \u201cMay I please go to the outhouse, please Mr. Shaw?\u201d<\/p>\n Again Hiram squatted down. \u201cThat\u2019s much better Joseph.\u201d Hiram leaned over and loosened the ropes that bound Little Joe\u2019s ankles. Joe stretched out his legs to work the stiffness out. Then he turned so that he could work his way to a standing position. Once he was on his feet, he chanced looking up at Hiram. \u201cI will need you to untie my hands\u2026please,\u201d he added as an afterthought.<\/p>\n With no warning, Hiram doubled his fist and belted Little Joe in the stomach. \u201cOhhh…\u201d cried Joe.\u00a0 He doubled over from the pain in his stomach. \u201cI think not, brat.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cStand up boy and stop that infernal whimpering. Act like a man! And I might just let you go pee!\u201d shouted the teacher. \u201cTurn around!\u201d<\/p>\n Joe did as requested. Hiram untied Joe\u2019s wrists and then quickly retied them in front. With the rope, he led the boy to the door. \u201cYou walk to the end of the porch, not an inch further. You have two minutes to do your thing. Make it fast or you\u2019ll pay. If you think your stomach hurts, the rest of you will know the true meaning of the word of pain. Now get going,\u201d Hiram instructed as he open the door and all but shoved the weary boy out the door.<\/p>\n Limping and gripping his stomach, Joe did as directed. While he relieved himself, he glanced around at his surroundings, trying to see all he could before being taken back inside. Off in the distance he thought he saw a road, but couldn\u2019t be sure. Woods grew all about which would give him good cover should he be fortunate enough to make an escape. As he refastened his britches, Hiram tugged on the rope. \u201cTime\u2019s up,\u201d called Hiram as he jerked on the rope.<\/p>\n Joe allowed himself to be pulled back into the small one room cabin. He had his back to the teacher. Hiram grabbed Joe\u2019s arm and spun the boy around until they faced one another. \u201cWell?\u201d growled Hiram.<\/p>\n Joe was confused by what Hiram expected of him. \u201cWell\u2026what?\u201d he asked the man. His question earned him a hard smack across his face. Joe\u2019s head snapped back from the force of the blow. His cheek burned and instantly turned red. \u201cI told you I expect you to use your manners. Or didn\u2019t that rich old man of yours bother to teach you any?\u201d snarled Hiram.<\/p>\n Joe knew that to disagree with the man would only serve to be hit in some manner again. \u201cYes sir. He taught me. Thank you, sir, for allowing me to go outside.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThat\u2019s much better Joseph. You know boy, you might have made an excellent student if you had put some effort into it. As it is, you\u2019ll never amount to anything. With your attitude, you\u2019ll end up being nothing but a low-life gunslinger most likely.\u201d<\/p>\n Joe said nothing. He just stood there with his head lowered so he would not have to look into the face of this man that he despised. \u201cUncle!\u201d shouted Hiram. The sudden sound startled Joe and he attempted to run. Hiram jerked back on the rope, stopping Joe from getting away. \u201cWhoa\u2026where do you think you\u2019re going, Brat?\u201d he leered. He reined Joe in like a wild horse. \u201cDon\u2019t ever try that again, Brat. Do you understand me?\u201d Joe nodded his head but kept silent.<\/p>\n \u201cWhat do you want?\u201d Thorpe called as he crossed the room.<\/p>\n \u201cI need you to toss this rope over those rafters. The boy needs to have the kinks stretched out of his body,\u201d laughed Hiram. \u201cIsn\u2019t that right, Brat?\u201d he taunted at Joe. \u201cFirst though, take off your boots, boy. I have something special for you to wear and they don\u2019t call for having boots on.\u201d Hiram winked at his prisoner, taunting him further. Joe\u2019s heart was in his throat as he sat down in a chair and tugged off his boots. Uncle, as the teacher referred to the other man, had already tossed the other end of the rope over the rafter in the ceiling and once the man saw that Joe\u2019s boots were off, he pulled the rope tight until he\u2019d force Joe to a standing position with his arms raised high over his head. Joe was standing on his tiptoes before Uncle ceased pulling and then tied his end of the rope to a beam on the other side of the room.<\/p>\n Joe heard Hiram digging through some crates that he\u2019d brought with him. He tried turning to see what it was his teacher was searching for but once he heard the clanking of chains, he knew. Not only was he to be strung up like a slab of meat, he was going to be chained as well. When Hiram saw the frightened look in his former pupil\u2019s eyes he laughed in the boy\u2019s face. Holding up the foot irons, the man shook the chains. \u201cScare\u2019s you doesn\u2019t it, Brat? Serves you right for all the foul things you and your father did to me!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cMy father?\u201d Joe asked meekly. \u201cWhat did my father ever do to you?\u201d he asked in a demanding tone that caused Hiram\u2019s eyes to flash with fury.<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019ll tell you what that man did. He killed my father\u2026shot him down in cold blood. That\u2019s what he did!\u201d stormed Hiram.<\/p>\n \u201cThat\u2019s a lie!\u201d shouted Joe.<\/p>\n Hiram stood nose to nose with his captive. His eyes were dark as night and Joe knew the man was furious. \u201cAre you calling me a liar?\u201d he demanded.<\/p>\n Joe gulped. He was afraid of this man and what he might do to him but he tried not to show it. \u201cI just meant that I didn\u2019t believe you.\u201d<\/p>\n Hiram was putting the irons around Joe\u2019s ankles. When he finished he saw that now Joe\u2019s toes were not touching the floor. The boy hung just inches above the floor. He saw the boy clinch his teeth to keep from crying out from the pain in his arms and shoulders from the weight of his own body. Some of the anger left him. His eyes no longer were black with rage.<\/p>\n \u201cI really don\u2019t care if you believe me or not Joseph. But it\u2019s fact. I was there, I saw Ben Cartwright shoot my father dead. I was just five years old, but I\u2019ll never forget it. My father was just standing there trying to talk to your father and just because my pa had a gun in his hand, your old man decided to kill him. And he did. I swore right then that someday somehow, I would repay your father for ruining my life and killing my father. And then what do you think happened?\u201d He didn\u2019t give Little Joe time to answer. \u201cI saw Ben Cartwright\u2019s name in an advertisement stating that a teacher was needed in Virginia City\u2026so, I became an over-night teacher and\u2026wal-la\u2026here I am!\u201d<\/p>\n Hiram said nothing more, but turned away from the boy. \u201cIs that stew hot, Uncle?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben, Adam and Hoss stood in the sheriff\u2019s office waiting for an answer to Ben\u2019s question. \u201cI\u2019m sorry Mr. Cartwright. I can understand how you feel, sort of, but Simon Thorpe hasn\u2019t been seen around here in\u2026oh, I\u2019d say six weeks or more,\u201d the sheriff told them.<\/p>\n Ben made a moaning sound deep in his throat. The worry over his missing son was beginning to get to him. \u201cDo you have any idea where he might have taken off to?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNo. I\u2019m sorry sir. All I can do is send a couple of wires, maybe to Carson City, Reno\u2026see if he\u2019s been spotted around there,\u201d he offered.<\/p>\n Sheriff Williams\u2019 deputy had been sitting at his desk listening to the conversation. He hadn\u2019t added anything to the discussion either way, just listening. He rose, walking around his desk to stand slightly behind the sheriff who still held the picture of a young Simon Thorpe and a younger Hiram Shaw. \u201cDo you mind if I have a look at that,\u201d the deputy asked, using his head to nod at the picture.<\/p>\n \u201cNot at all.\u201d Williams handed the picture to the young deputy. Jessie, the deputy, studied the photograph while the other men stood silently watching him. At last Ben broke the silence. \u201cDo you know him?\u201d<\/p>\n Jessie raised his eyes and looked at Ben. \u201cI not only know him, I know that kid as well.\u201d<\/p>\n Adam, Hoss and Ben swapped hopeful looks. \u201cHow do you know him?\u201d Adam asked.<\/p>\n \u201cThe boy is Wade Youngblood and the man is his uncle, Simon Thorpe. The man raised Wade after Wade\u2019s father was killed in a gunfight with some slick gunslinger\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n Ben almost laughed. Hoss giggled and Adam snorted.<\/p>\n \u201cSomething about that funny?\u201d asked the deputy.<\/p>\n Grinning, the sheriff explained. \u201cJessie, Mr. Cartwright is the gunslinger as you called him, who shot and killed Harry Youngblood.\u201d<\/p>\n Jessie stared hard at Ben. \u201cYou sure don\u2019t look like a gunslinger.\u201d<\/p>\n All the men laughed at the comment. \u201cIt was kill or be killed, son,\u201d Ben explained. \u201cI tried to get him to put his gun down, but he was determined to kill me. Guess you might say I was the lucky one. But tell me more about Thorpe, please.\u201d<\/p>\n Jessie looked up at the sheriff who nodded his head in approval. \u201cWell, like I said, Thorpe was Wade\u2019s uncle and he took Wade in when his father was mur\u2026.killed. I\u2019ve known them both all my life. Wade and I grew up together. Thorpe worked for my father on our ranch over in Dayton and he and Wade lived in a cabin there.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWhen did this Wade change his name\u2026better yet, why?\u201d Hoss asked.<\/p>\n \u201cWade was always a restless soul. He stayed mad most of the time. His uncle indulged him. Wade hated working on the ranch, seemed to hate rich people. Not that my father was rich, not like you Sir,\u201d he said to Ben, who only smiled. \u201cBut Wade seemed to think that my pa was. We weren\u2019t poor for sure, but we got by. Wade had this notion that all wealthy or well to do men were out to get him for some reason. He hated my father and sometimes I got the feeling that though we were friends, he hated me simply because he believed my father was rich.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYou are probably correct about that,\u201d Ben said. \u201cHiram\u2026that\u2019s the name he goes by now, made it plain to several of us men in Virginia City that he had no use for us or our sons. That\u2019s why we believe that he has kidnapped my youngest son\u2026because he\u2019s using the boy to get back at me for killing his father.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHave you seen Thorpe around?\u201d Adam inquired.<\/p>\n \u201cYes sir\u2026not more than three weeks ago, I happened into the mercantile and he was there. I stopped to speak with him and as I was leaving, Wade, or Hiram walked in as well. Wade seemed surprised to see me and I saw a look sort of like shock when he saw this badge, but he tried not to let on. I asked him what he was doing in town and he told me he was visiting his uncle. I didn\u2019t say anything, but as far as I know, his uncle hasn\u2019t lived around in months.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHmm\u2026\u201d Ben muttered.<\/p>\n \u201cLook Jessie,\u201d the sheriff began. \u201cDid you happen to ask them where they were staying?\u201d<\/p>\n Jessie beamed at his boss. \u201cI sure enough did! And Thorpe said they were staying at some cabin up by Devil\u2019s Gate. I thought that sounded strange to me and more so when I saw the look Wade gave his uncle\u2026you know\u2026sort of like he thought his uncle had talked too much.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cDevil\u2019s Gate? Lordy Pa, that place ain\u2019t nuthin\u2019 but a varmint\u2019s hideout. I didn\u2019t even know there was a cabin up there,\u201d Hoss stated. He pushed back his big Stetson and scratched his head. \u201cBut if\u2019n there is a cabin up there, I reckon I can find it,\u201d he smiled at the others.<\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s certainly a good place to start,\u201d Adam said. \u201cHow about it, Pa\u2026you willing?\u201d<\/p>\n Ben agreed instantly. \u201cI most certainly am. With any luck, we might even find your brother! Sheriff, Jessie, thanks for all your help. We appreciate it.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWhoa hold on Mr. Cartwright. If what you\u2019re saying is so, about Shaw and Thorpe kidnapping your boy, then that\u2019s my job, Jessie over here, and I will be riding with you.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThat\u2019s fine by me. All I want is my son safely home with me. When can you leave?\u201d Ben told the pair of officers.<\/p>\n \u201cGive me half an hour to get some things together and then we\u2019ll be ready,\u201d Williams offered. \u201cHow about we meet you down at the stables?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cSounds good, that will give my sons and me time to grab something to eat. We\u2019ll see you then. Come on boys, let\u2019s go,\u201d Ben instructed as he headed for the door.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe felt as if he were dying; and he almost wished that he actually would die. The pain in his body, especially his arms and shoulders was unbearable. Never in his entire life had he suffered such agony as he was being forced to endure now. He knew his shoulders had separated, he\u2019d felt them slip apart earlier and the anguish had caused him to pass out. That in itself was a form of relief. His thoughts, what thoughts he could collect, turned to his father and Joe in his tortured mind wondered what was taking Ben so long in finding him. Joe fought hard not to cry, but it seemed as if his tears had a mind of their own. They collected in his eyes and when he blinked, the floodgate was opened and they rolled gently down the sides of his face. \u201cPlease Pa, hurry,\u201d he said in a whispered voice laced with misery.<\/p>\n \u201cDid you say something, Brat?\u201d Joe had been unaware that Hiram had been standing behind him. His head was laid all the way back and his captor had been watching the play of emotions that had been fluttering across the boy\u2019s face. Hiram grabbed a handful of chestnut curls and yank Joe\u2019s head sideways causing Joe to whimper loudly. \u201cI asked you a question Brat. I want an answer! Now,\u201d he shouted in Joe\u2019s ears.<\/p>\n \u201cPa\u2026\u201d Little Joe mumbled.<\/p>\n The teacher laughed. \u201cPa!\u201d he bellowed. \u201cDoes the baby want his dada?\u201d taunted Joe\u2019s tormentor as he shook the boy\u2019s head viciously from side to side. \u201cWell I have news for you Brat\u2026I plan on killing you\u2026slowly\u2026and there is nothing your old man can do to stop me. And then, when he comes gunning for me\u2026and he will, I plan on killing him. You can\u2019t begin to imagine just how much I hate Ben Cartwright.\u201d While Hiram had his finger gripping Joe\u2019s hair, he yanked again and as he did so, slammed his balled up fist into the lower side of Joe\u2019s back. Joe screamed in pain. Hiram punched him again before Joe gave in to his misery and passed out. Only then did his devil release the hold he\u2019d had on Joe\u2019s curls.<\/p>\n Hiram rubbed his hands together. He had no doubts that Ben Cartwright was searching right this minute for his precious boy. It was only a matter of time before Ben found them, but Hiram wasn\u2019t worried, he was ready. He would stop Ben Cartwright right in his tracks once he saw the shape that his brat was in. And the pain he\u2019d been inflicting on the boy was plain for all eyes that saw the kid. Joe was showing bruises from head to toe. He hadn\u2019t spared the rod, so to speak when he\u2019d hit or kicked at the boy. No, Hiram had put forth his best effort and treated the kid like a man. Little Joe Cartwright, age fifteen had taken a man-sized beating. Hiram laughed out loud, \u201cGod I hate you Ben Cartwright\u2026and that goes double for your bastard!\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cThere\u2019s the cabin,\u201d whispered Hoss. The small group of men had ridden hard from Silver City, reaching the edge of Devil\u2019s Gate in record time. Now they hunkered down in the bushes to stay out of sight. \u201cAnd that looks like Hiram\u2019s wagon there by that shed,\u201d Hoss added, pointing in the direction where the wagon was partially hidden from view.<\/p>\n Adam crept carefully over to his father. \u201cI\u2019m going to make my way down there to see if I can find any sign of Little Joe,\u201d he whispered to his father.<\/p>\n \u201cNo! I\u2019ll go. You stay here with the others. If I find anything I\u2019ll signal you to come ahead,\u201d Ben ordered. He needed to be the one to find Little Joe. Something deep within him whispered to him, a voice, sounding much like that of his youngest son. The voice was full of pain and pleaded with him to hurry. Ben knew it was Joe calling out to him.<\/p>\n Ben pulled his pistol from its holster and quietly began to make his way through the bushes and along the side of the tall thick rocks. Minutes later, Adam and the others could see Ben standing at the corner of the cabin. They waited with bated breath as Ben stepped up onto the tiny porch and peered through the dirty window. What he saw turned his stomach. Inside, hanging by his wrists and with shackles chained to the boy\u2019s ankles was his son. Ben felt his stomach lurch and he feared he might retch. It was obvious from the glow of the lamp inside that Joe was unconscious. His young body was battered and bruised and Ben feared that the boy he loved with all his heart might not even be alive. Though he tried, hatred for the man who had beaten his son to such a degree began to take root in the basement of his heart and traveled to the first floor and then spewed from his mouth. \u201cDam you Shaw\u2026I\u2019ll kill you for this,\u201d he muttered to himself. Ben quietly turned and tip-toed off the porch; he waved his hand in the air to signal for the others to join him.<\/p>\n Quickly, his sons, the sheriff and his deputy joined him behind the bushes. Ben cautioned them to remain quiet. \u201cHe\u2019s in there,\u201d he told them. \u201cThey\u2019ve beaten him badly and hung him by his arms from the rafters,\u201d Ben said in a quivering voice.<\/p>\n \u201cWhy those low-down dirty varmints,\u201d stormed Hoss. \u201cI\u2019ll kill\u2019em with my own hands.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNot without my help,\u201d Adam growled.<\/p>\n The sheriff held up his hand. \u201cYou boys hold on one minute. This is a job for the law. Ain\u2019t no body gonna be killing anybody unless in self-defense. You understand?\u201d Sheriff Williams asked.<\/p>\n \u201cAs much as I know you\u2019d like to kill Shaw, I\u2019d like nothing more than to do it myself. But the sheriff\u2019s right, we have to follow the rules\u2026\u201d Ben didn\u2019t seem very pleased with the idea but he knew that if he took the law in his own hands, his older sons would follow his lead and he didn\u2019t dare lead them off down the wrong road.<\/p>\n \u201cHow many men are in there?\u201d asked the sheriff.<\/p>\n \u201cI didn\u2019t see anyone other than my son. The men must be in the barn tending to their horses.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cOr\u2026it could be a trap. Shaw\u2019s smart enough to know you\u2019d come looking for Joe,\u201d Adam cautioned.<\/p>\n \u201cHe\u2019s right, Pa. Sheriff, how\u2019s about I sneak over to the barn and see if\u2019n them varmints are inside?\u201d offered Hoss.<\/p>\n \u201cAlright, but be careful son,\u201d Ben agreed. \u201cSheriff, why don\u2019t you and I take the front, Adam and Jessie can take the rear of the cabin?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cAlright, but you men remember, I want those men alive if possible. I have an idea that one or both of them are responsible for murdering those two men we found on the trail,\u201d the sheriff ordered. \u201cOkay, let\u2019s go.\u201d<\/p>\n Carefully, the men made their approach to their designated places. Hoss had slipped over to the barn and had seen one man. He had waited until the man was leaving the barn then Hoss overtook him, pulling him back inside. One solid punch to the man\u2019s chin rendered the tall stranger unconscious. Hoss found some rope and tied and gagged the man who appeared to be Hiram\u2019s uncle, Simon Thorpe. Once that was finished, he joined his father and the sheriff who were ready to tear into the cabin.<\/p>\n \u201cI got Thorpe tied and gagged in the barn. No sign of Shaw,\u201d he told his father and the sheriff in a whisper.<\/p>\n \u201cLet\u2019s go,\u201d Ben ordered as he pushed opened the wooden door.<\/p>\n Swiftly, Ben scanned the room for Shaw and when the man was nowhere to be found, he rushed to his son. Adam and Jessie burst through the back. \u201cGrab him Hoss,\u201d shouted Ben as he pulled his knife from his pocket. Hoss grabbed Little Joe\u2019s legs with his mighty arms and raised the boy just enough to relieve the pressure on his brother\u2019s arms. Ben cut through the rope and Little Joe slid limply into his brother\u2019s arms. \u201cLay him on the floor,\u201d Ben said as he leaned down to check for a pulse. \u201cHe\u2019s alive,\u201d he smiled up into the faces of his other sons.<\/p>\n \u201cJessie and I will look around outside for Shaw. And we\u2019ll see about Thorpe while you take care of your son, Mr. Cartwright,\u201d the sheriff stated. \u201cCome on Jess,\u201d he said as they left the cabin.<\/p>\n \u201cGet some water, Hoss, please.\u201d The anxious father cradled his young son in his arms. \u201cJoseph, Little Joe\u2026wake up son,\u201d he pleaded with the unconscious boy.<\/p>\n Hoss held the dipper of water up to his brother\u2019s lips but the boy was unable to drink. Ben jerked off his neckerchief and dampened it in the water and then gently wiped away the dirt and blood that had accumulated on the young face. Joe\u2019s nose had been bleeding and his eyes were swollen from the abuse he had to endure. \u201cJoe, please son\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHe can\u2019t hear you, Pa. He\u2019s out cold,\u201d Adam said. \u201cLet\u2019s move him over on that cot.\u201d Hoss had already untied the boy\u2019s bound wrists but could do nothing with the chains about his brother\u2019s ankles. \u201cWish I had that dad burn key,\u201d Hoss grumbled as he carefully lifted Little Joe\u2019s limp body from the floor and placed him on the cot.<\/p>\n Suddenly, shots ripped through the quietness of the afternoon. Adam ran to the door and peeked out. \u201cI can\u2019t see anything or anyone,\u201d he told Hoss who had come to stand behind him. \u201cWe\u2019re going out, Pa. The sheriff and his deputy must have found Shaw,\u201d he told his father and then he and Hoss slipped out the door, unseen. Ben continued to tend to Little Joe who had begun to moan softly.<\/p>\n \u201cPa?\u201d he whimpered.<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m here son, shh\u2026don\u2019t try to move,\u201d cooed Ben. Relief flowed through his body.<\/p>\n Joe\u2019s whimpers grew in volume as he tried to use his arms. Tears formed in his hazel eyes and dripped slowly down the sides of his face. \u201cMy shoulders\u2026hurt\u2026Pa,\u201d he groaned.<\/p>\n Ben felt helpless as to relieve the pain his son was suffering. \u201cI know son, and as soon as I can, I\u2019ll get you out of here and to the doctor\u2026but for right now, I want you to\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n Without warning, the back door was slung opened and Shaw stepped inside, gun drawn and pointed at Ben Cartwright. His laugh was devilish and made the fine hairs on Ben\u2019s body stand on end. Shaw\u2019s eyes were dark and appeared glazed. There was no doubt in Ben\u2019s mind that the man was crazed with hatred.<\/p>\n \u201cDon\u2019t move Cartwright,\u201d Shaw ordered as he pointed his gun toward the cot where Little Joe was laying, \u201cor I\u2019ll have to kill the brat. Now toss that pistol on the floor\u2026slowly. Over here!\u201d he shouted. \u201cGood, now back away.\u201d<\/p>\n Ben did as directed but never took his eyes off the other man. Hiram inched his way toward Joe, stopping only when he\u2019d reached the side of the cot. He looked down at the boy and snickered.<\/p>\n \u201cYou look like hell, Brat,\u201d he told the boy. \u201cI was sure you up and died on me\u2026but I see you still have a little life left in you\u2026for the present, but not for long,\u201d he jeered. Hiram looked over at Ben, \u201cyour other sons are busy with my friends. Too bad Uncle Simon got himself caught,\u201d he said with a touch of disappointment, \u201cbut it won\u2019t be for long,\u201d he explained. \u201cSee, I left him to watch over the brat here while I went to get some men, which I did\u2026I didn\u2019t realize so many men hated you Mr. Cartwright. You know you are not very well liked. But\u2026as it stands, you or your three sons won\u2019t be around much longer. I aim to make sure of that.\u201d He seemed to perk up at the sound of all the gun play outside. He laughed.<\/p>\n \u201cTwo against many,\u201d he chanted.<\/p>\n \u201cTwo?\u201d questioned Ben.<\/p>\n \u201cYes. You see some of my men and I caught the Sheriff and his deputy unaware. They\u2019re dead, sir!\u201d Hiram laughed out loud at the worried expression that crossed Ben face. \u201cAnd your two older sons will be next,\u201d he threatened. \u201cThe shooting should stop soon,\u201d he said as he moved closer to where Ben was standing.<\/p>\n \u201cSee\u2026the shooting has already stopped. Some of my men will be in soon. And then, it will be your turn. I plan on making you watch while the brat over there dies. I have to be honest with you sir, I plan on taking my time. I want you to feel every painful ache in his body, I want you to hear him plead with me to stop\u2026I want you to hear him beg you to help him and then know just before his last breath that you didn\u2019t do a thing to help him!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYou bastard!\u201d shouted Ben as he made a lunge for the man\u2019s gun. Briefly the two men fought over the pistol. Ben wrenched Shaw\u2019s arm downward, between them. Both struggled for possession of the pistol. Seconds later, a loud blast ripped through the air. The sound gave Joe reason to raise his head to see why the gun had been fired.<\/p>\n \u201cPA!\u201d he screamed as he watched his father crumble to the floor. Little Joe tried to rise from the cot. He managed only to swing his shackled ankles to the side and then struggled to raise his upper body.<\/p>\n Hiram wiped the blood from his mouth with the back of his hand as he stepped across the body of Ben Cartwright. He saw the boy trying to get up and using the back of his hand, he belted Joe hard across his face. \u201cYou aren\u2019t\u2019 going anywhere Brat,\u201d he snapped. Joe was knocked backwards across the cot. Tears stained his face.<\/p>\n \u201cI hate you!\u201d he screamed at his former teacher. The statement only served to make Hiram Shaw throw back his head and bellow with laughter.<\/p>\n \u201cOh\u2026Brat\u2026I\u2019ve said those very same words myself! Now you know how I must have felt when your father killed mine!\u201d The crazed man continued to laugh loudly. His hysterical laughter was so loud that the Hiram failed to see the movement on the floor. But Little Joe saw. His heart screamed in relief as he turned his blackened and swollen eyes back to his tormentor.<\/p>\n \u201cYou\u2019re crazy,\u201d Joe told the man. He was trying to keep Hiram distracted so that his father could get the drop on the teacher. Ben\u2019s gun lay only inches from where he had fallen. Spying it, he moved ever so slowly toward it. Blood dripped down his arm and onto the floor. The burning pain surged down into his fingers and for only a split second Ben wondered if he\u2019d even be able to use the gun once he got to it. He grasped it in his hand and began get up. Once up, he pointed the pistol at Shaw.<\/p>\n \u201cCrazy!\u201d screamed Hiram whose laughter died instantly. \u201cI\u2019ll show you crazy,\u201d he stormed as he leaned down and grabbed Little Joe by the front of his shirt and pulled him upward. Little Joe had no time to cry out in pain before Hiram started back handing him across one cheek and then the other. The boy\u2019s head snapped back and forth until all sense was knocked from him.<\/p>\n \u201cLeave the boy alone!\u201d Ben shouted at his son\u2019s tormentor. Hiram stopped. He was still holding Joe by the front of his shirt. \u201cBack away,\u201d ordered Ben as he moved closer. Joe wasn\u2019t making a sound and the silence worried Ben.<\/p>\n Slowly Hiram did as told. He laughed again, sounding more evil than before. His last mistake he made that night ended the man\u2019s life. Hiram went for his gun, pulled it from its holster and pointed it at Ben.<\/p>\n \u201cDrop that gun,\u201d ordered a tall, dark man who had quietly entered through the back. Hiram whirled around, pointing the gun at Adam Cartwright. But Adam had the drop on the other man and quickly fired his gun. The bullet hit the teacher in his chest. Hiram crumbled to the floor. \u201cPa?\u201d<\/p>\n Ben spun around to see Joe trying to get up. He leaned down. \u201cNo son, it\u2019s alright, stay down.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHe\u2026shot\u2026you,\u201d cried Little Joe. \u201cYes, but I\u2019m fine. It\u2019s only a flesh wound son.\u201d<\/p>\n Little Joe sighed in relief and then closed his eyes. \u201cI wanna go home,\u201d he muttered in low voice.<\/p>\n \u201cWe will, son. Soon, I promise,\u201d Ben said. Joe had given himself over to his fears and pain had succumbed to the world of darkness. \u201cHe\u2019s passed out,\u201d Ben told Adam. \u201cWhere\u2019s Hoss, is he alright?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m fine, Pa,\u201d Hoss called as he entered the front. \u201cHow about you\u2026ut oh\u2026I see you got Shaw\u2026say, Pa\u2026you\u2019ve been shot,\u201d Hoss said worriedly as he grabbed his father\u2019s arm to see how badly he\u2019d been hit.<\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s nothing son, no need to worry. I\u2019ll wrap it up and when we get Joe home I\u2019ll have the doc take a look at both of us,\u201d he smiled at the worried man. \u201cWhy don\u2019t you help Adam to get Shaw and the others ready to take into town?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cSure thing, Pa,\u201d Hoss agreed. He glanced down at Little Joe. Ben was already wrapping up his arm with a bandage. He saw Hoss kneel down beside the boy and tenderly caress his brother\u2019s battered face. \u201cHe sure enough took a beatin\u2019.\u201d<\/p>\n Ben placed his hand down on Hoss\u2019 big shoulder. \u201cYes, but I think in time he\u2019ll be okay.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cSheriff!\u201d Ben called when he saw movement at the door. \u201cI thought you were a goner!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNaw\u2026I\u2019m fine. Jessie took a bullet to the leg, but we got\u2019em all. Thorpe and another we got tied up. The other two men\u2026well, let\u2019s just say they won\u2019t be giving anyone any more trouble. Everyone in here alright? What about the boy?\u201d he said, pointing to Little Joe.<\/p>\n \u201cShaw\u2019s dead, Pa has a flesh wound, Hoss and I are alright and as for Little Joe\u2026he\u2019s out cold again,\u201d Adam explained.<\/p>\n \u201cWhen you have Shaw\u2019s body ready, I\u2019ll take all of them into town and send the doctor back out here to see after your son, Mr. Cartwright,\u201d Sheriff Williams said. \u201cJessie will need to see him as well, so if you don\u2019t mind, I\u2019ll leave him here with you. That way Doc Myers need only make one trip tonight,\u201d he smiled.<\/p>\n \u201cHoss and I will help you tie the bodies to their horses,\u201d Adam offered as Hoss picked up Shaw\u2019s body who Adam had wrapped in a blanket. He started toward the door. \u201cI\u2019ll ride back with the Sheriff, Pa\u2026never know, he might need me.\u201d Hoss gave his father a grin. \u201cYou take care of Short Shanks\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n It took Adam and Ben to get Little Joe cleaned up, dried and doctored the best they could until the real doctor got there. Adam had found the key to the shackles in the pocket of the former teach. Joe opened his eyes briefly. He gave his father and brother a small smile.<\/p>\n \u201cWhat happened to Mr. Shaw?\u201d he asked in a weak voice.<\/p>\n Ben glanced at Adam. \u201cHe\u2019s\u2026dead, Little Joe,\u201d Adam explained. \u201cHe drew down on me as I came in the door. There was nothing I could do. He won\u2019t be bothering you anymore, kid,\u201d he told his brother.<\/p>\n \u201cWhen is the doctor supposed to be here?\u201d Joe muttered. \u201cMy shoulders hurt\u2026in fact all my body hurts.\u201d<\/p>\n Ben scooted the old cane back chair closer to the bed and picked up his son\u2019s bruised hand. \u201cLittle Joe, I\u2019m sorry son\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cSorry? You don\u2019t have anything to be sorry for, Pa,\u201d Little Joe said. His eyes mirrored his pain and the sight of his son\u2019s suffering broke Ben\u2019s heart.<\/p>\n \u201cI do son. I should have listened to you. You told me he\u2019d do something like this and I didn\u2019t take you seriously. And you ended up being hurt. He would have killed you son if your brothers and I hadn\u2019t found you in time. For your pain and suffering, I\u2019m sorry.\u201d Ben squeezed Joe\u2019s hand. Though he tried, tears pooled in his eyes. Ben turned his head, blinking several times to keep them from falling.<\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s alright, honest, Pa\u2026please\u2026don\u2019t blame yourself. Mr. Shaw was determined to hurt both of us. I\u2019m glad he didn\u2019t, Pa. I wouldn\u2019t have wanted to\u2026live\u2026if he\u2019d killed you\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n Ben bent over to stroke the boy\u2019s face. \u201cJoseph\u2026it is I who would not want to carry on with you! I love you son\u2026more than life.\u201d<\/p>\n Little Joe smiled. It touched Ben\u2019s heart as Joe, though the pain in his shoulders was insurmountable, reached up to hug his father. \u201cI love you too, Pa. And we\u2019ll all be alright when we get home. You just wait and see.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n And with days of confinement to his bed, Little Joe\u2019s body healed, and he, his father and his two brothers\u2026were fine, just as the boy had predicted.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n THE END<\/p>\n Oct\/Nov 2014<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Summary: When Little Joe tries to keep his friend from getting in trouble things go all wrong for the youngest Cartwright.<\/p>\n Rated PG \u00a0WC \u00a026,000<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":9052,"featured_media":379,"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":[23,1008,30],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-12177","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-drama","category-family","category-prequels","wpcat-23-id","wpcat-1008-id","wpcat-30-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\/2014\/02\/bonanza.jpg?fit=295%2C295&ssl=1","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/12177","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=12177"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/12177\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/379"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=12177"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=12177"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=12177"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}
\nHiram read the letter for the second time before crumbling it into a tight ball and throwing it in the trash. \u201cHow dare him!\u201d he muttered angrily to himself. \u201cTo demand that I \u201cgo\u201d to him. Why that pompous ass!\u201d The irate man stomped across the room and stood staring out the window. \u201cJust who does that rich son-of-a-gun think he is, ordering me to meet with him and explain my actions when it was his own unruly little offspring and his side-kick that had forced me to do what needed to be done!\u201d Hiram was beyond being mad but decided that he best do as requested if he wanted to keep his job. After all, it had taken him months to find a new position after having been relieved of his duties from his former job. \u201cI abhor working for the rich,\u201d he grumbled. \u201cThey always think they are so much better than the rest of us\u2026as do their children, which I also loathe\u201d He thought about Matthew Anderson and his boy, Cody, who had come to him just that morning and explained that it had in fact been the rich banker\u2019s son who had done the misdeeds and not the fault of the rich rancher\u2019s brat. Either way, Hiram felt himself justified in administering the due punishment. It mattered little to him which of the offensive imps took the chastisement, only that one did. In his thinking, both boys were equally at fault, and if need be, he would willing enlighten Mr. Ben Cartwright to the fact.<\/p>\n
\n\u201cNo\u2026no\u2026no\u2026not\u2026this way,\u201d he uttered. Adam crossed the room and leaned down, taking the gun from the teacher\u2019s hand. Carefully, Adam lifted the man\u2019s head. Ben stood behind him. Hiram\u2019s eyes found Ben face. \u201cYou\u2026you\u2026were\u2026supposed\u2026to\u2026die\u2026not\u2026me,\u201d he whispered as he took his last breath.<\/p>\n