Summary:<\/b>\u00a0 Captured by Bannock Indians, for what Joe considered a minor offense,\u00a0he is tortured almost beyond his endurance.\u00a0 Will\u00a0Joe’s rescuers arrive in time, or will the youngest Cartwright lose all hope, allowing the Indians to become the victors in his demise?<\/p>\n
Rated R \u00a0WC 17,450<\/p>\n
To Cry in Vain<\/strong><\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cDon\u2019t panic\u2026don\u2019t panic\u2026\u201d<\/strong> he silently told himself.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n He clamped his mouth tightly shut and closed his eyes.\u00a0 He could feel the ants crawling all over his body, up his arms and along his bare chest. Between his toes and around his ankles, the ants crept into his trousers\u2019 leg.\u00a0 They were like living teeth, devouring his flesh, never allowing him to forget they were there and nothing he could do, could make them go away.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cNO!\u00a0 DEAR GOD, NO!\u00a0 Not in the ears\u2026please God\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Terrified, the struggling man tried to move his head in a vain effort to shake the ants from the side of his head where they were inching their way towards the cavity of his ears.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cAGHHHH!!\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Twisting and jerking on the strips of rawhide that held him bound to four stakes, driven deeply into the ground, the struggling man screamed out his agony again and again.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n All around, solemn faced warriors watched in silence.\u00a0 Not one acknowledged the man beside him.\u00a0\u00a0 Dark, somber eyes were fixed on their prisoner and the suffering they had enforced upon him for his sins against them.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n The captured man had been caught hunting on Indian land but had not been aware that he was trespassing until he\u2019d already killed his game.\u00a0 He had gutted the big buck and slung the carcass across his saddle.\u00a0 He hadn\u2019t ridden far when he happened upon the cool waters where the maidens had been bathing.\u00a0 Being young and very appreciative of the fairer sex, Joe had given in to the urge and accepted the invitation offered to him. He\u2019d had no thoughts as to whether or not the maidens had on any clothes for they were standing in water up to their necks.\u00a0 Needless to say, when the chief and his small band of braves happened upon the trio who splashed and frolicked in the refreshing water, Joe knew instantly by the angered expression on all the Bannock\u2019s faces that they didn\u2019t take kindly to finding a white man practically nude in the their bathing pond with two of their young maidens.\u00a0 The chief had been furious and had ordered the man to be killed.\u00a0 But being young and agile, Joe had tried a daring escape only to be captured and brought back to the Bannock\u2019s village where his hands were tied behind his back and around the center pole of the teepee.\u00a0 A guard was placed at the entrance as the chief and his young braves sat about an open fire discussing by what means the young man must die.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Deciding that he was not to become another victim of the enraged chief, the bold young man had managed to free his hands.\u00a0 He crept softly to the entrance of the tent grabbing the unsuspecting guard around the neck, placing his hand over the red man\u2019s mouth to prevent him from crying out and warning the others of his daring escape.\u00a0 Once the Indian was silenced, the white man slipped through the opening and around the back of the teepee.\u00a0 He ran for his life, making sure to stay within the protective covering of the bushes and trees.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe Cartwright had no idea how far he had run.\u00a0 He was getting winded but had enough sense about him to know that if he stopped now, they would catch him and drag him back to their camp, angered more than before and more likely to make any suffering they had planned for him, twice as horrible.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Behind him, Joe could hear the braves riding through the brush.\u00a0 Taking a deep breath to fill his lungs, he began running, weaving in and out among the scattered growth of trees and bushes, desperate to find a hiding place.\u00a0 He chided himself for being so foolish as to accept the lovely maidens advances and join them in the cool clear water.\u00a0 Thinking back on the unwise decision, Joe could only wonder what his family would say to him, or worse, what his father would do to him, if he lived long enough to make his excuses.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Keep running\u2026keep running\u2019, he told himself, though he was quickly growing too weary.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n When he glanced behind him, he could see the group of twelve or more braves.\u00a0 They seemed to have slowed down.\u00a0 They still followed him, driving him deeper and deeper into the brush.\u00a0 Rocks and sticks ripped at the bottoms of his bare feet.\u00a0 Briars tore at his naked chest and arms. They were toying with him, the Indians, keeping him moving at a steady pace, yet not quite ready to move in on him and capture him.\u00a0 It was part of their wickedness, a game they played against the white man\u2026a method of madness that could drive a white man to the point that he would beg the monsters to kill him.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n He\u2019d run as far and as hard as he could before collapsing.\u00a0 His face was buried into the dirt where he lay gasping for a breath.\u00a0 Hands grabbled at his body and Joe felt himself hauled to his feet.\u00a0 Someone tied his hands with rawhide.\u00a0 It was a tight knot and the thin leather strips cut deeply into his flesh, bringing a circle of blood around both wrists.\u00a0 From deep within his chest, a groan gurgled up into his throat and escaped through dry, cracked lips.\u00a0 Not one Indian acted as if they heard the soft moan, for not one red man cared a wit for the young, handsome white man.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n The braves mounted their ponies and turned back toward their camp.\u00a0 Joe was forced to trot along behind the one leading him.\u00a0 Several times he stumbled and almost fell, but the man on the other end of the long rope paid no heed to his faltering steps.\u00a0 When they had almost reached the camp, Joe, being too tired to place another foot in front of the other, tripped and this time fell.\u00a0 His captor casually glanced over his shoulder, seeing the white man lying face down in the rocky dirt.\u00a0 But he failed to stop or to give his prisoner time to get to his feet.\u00a0 Instead he continued on his way, dragging the worn white man behind him as if he were nothing more than a carcass of some dead animal.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Once back at the camp, two braves quickly hauled Joe to his feet.\u00a0 The chief faced the young white man, who by now was covered in dirt and muck and bleeding from various places about his upper body.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n The chief turned to another man, and muttered something in his native language that Joe could not understand.\u00a0 But from the smile that spread across the second man\u2019s face and the way that he looked at him, Joe knew that whatever the chief had said, it had pleased the young warrior.\u00a0 The chief turned to Joe Cartwright, stepping closer to the boy\u2019s face.\u00a0 Joe could smell the sour breath of the chief and tried to keep from turning his head.\u00a0 He\u2019d not allow the Bannock chief to see the rising fear he had gnawing deep in his gut or the dread that he felt intensifying in his soul.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cYou shall not escape again.\u00a0 You will be punished for breaking the white man\u2019s treaty.\u00a0 You have betrayed us by hunting on our ground.\u00a0 And for your treatment of our young women\u2026you shall pay with your life\u2026but slowly and painfully so that you will know that it is forbidden for a white man to lay eyes on our maidens who wear no covering\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cLook chief, I didn\u2019t know they were\u2026without covering\u2026honest\u2026they invited me in and\u2026well\u2026being a man\u2026I\u2026\u201d Joe saw the dark hate that brewed in the chief\u2019s eyes and realized his explanations were falling on deaf ears.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m sorry, chief,\u201d Joe said with as much sincerity as he could muster.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n He\u2019d made a fatal mistake; of that he was sure.\u00a0 But he was innocent, he was sure of that as well.\u00a0 He hadn\u2019t realized he had crossed over into Bannock country and he\u2019d had no inkling that the two Bannock maidens were completely naked, until he\u2019d already stripped off his boots and shirt and had waded out into the water.\u00a0 By that time, it had been too late\u2026the chief and his braves seemed to have appeared out of nowhere and Joe had found himself roped and hauled from the water as if he\u2019d been a giant fish.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cWouldn\u2019t you think the maidens should take some of the responsibility?\u201d he dared to ask.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cYou are a man\u2026are you not?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cWell\u2026yes sir\u2026though my father and brothers might argue the point,\u201d Joe explained hesitantly.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cThen as a man, you are responsible for your actions.\u00a0 Has this father of yours, not taught his sons that as a man, it is his duty to respect a woman?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cSure he has\u2026but\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cBut you have not heeded the wise teachings of your father.\u00a0 For that, you will be made to suffer.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n The chief made a wave of his hand and before Joe could say another word, he was dragged over to a large tree where his arms were hauled high over his head and the rope tied off, leaving Joe\u2019s toes barely touching the ground.\u00a0 He groaned in pain as the weight of his body pulled against his upper arms and shoulders where the pain rippled through his muscles.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe was left hanging for several hours.\u00a0 During that time, he longed for home; he wished to be any place but where he was.\u00a0 His wishing was in vain, as were his cries.\u00a0 He was far from home and the family he loved more than life.\u00a0 They couldn\u2019t help him, not this time, for it would take a miracle to get him out of his current predicament.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Just before dark four braves approached the prisoner.\u00a0 Joe was somewhat surprised when one brave untied the end of the rope that held him up.\u00a0 Two others supported his weakened body.\u00a0 The fourth brave, the one that the chief had muttered something to earlier, ordered them to follow him.\u00a0 Joe was unable to stand on his own.\u00a0\u00a0 His feet drug along on the ground while the two braves that practically carried him along supported his upper body.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n He had no idea where they were taking him.\u00a0 But he was to soon find out.\u00a0 In a small clearing several Indians had gathered forming a circle around an old stump where several pieces of wood had been gathered and placed in a pile.\u00a0 Joe had no thoughts as to what the wood might be used for other than to make fire.\u00a0 There was very little time to think about it, for in the next instance, Joe was knocked to the ground.\u00a0 Two Indians grabbed his ankles and dragged him close to the old stump and placed one of his legs atop the stump.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n As fear of what was happening washed over him, Joe struggled to remove his leg from the stump but two other braves separated themselves from the circle of warriors and moved to prevent him from freeing his leg.\u00a0 One Indian held his foot down on the stump while the second held his leg to stop any movement on Joe\u2019s behalf.\u00a0 The man with whom the Chief had spoken stepped forward, near the stump where Joe\u2019s ankle was restrained.\u00a0 Two more braves held Joe\u2019s shoulders pinned to the ground.\u00a0 He was suddenly trapped like an animal with no means of escaped.\u00a0 The boy gasped loudly in fear.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe could only watch in horror as the chief\u2019s man raised a heavy thick club high over his head.\u00a0 His eyes widened as the warrior brought the heavy club down, across Joe\u2019s ankle, instantly breaking the bone.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Heart wrenching shrieks echoed on the night wind as Joe screamed out his pain and horror.\u00a0 His young body twisted and jerked, arching in agony as the excruciating pain invaded his body.\u00a0 He withered on the ground, tears filled his eyes but he willed them away, determined not to let these monsters see him cry.\u00a0 He tried to move away, but hands were once more fighting against his attempts, restraining him once more.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Even before the young captive could suffer through the pain of his broken bone, the process was repeated a second time on the other ankle.\u00a0 More screams, none less horrific than the first, filled the night with such uncontainable wailing that the night creatures scattered and ran for cover.\u00a0 Off in the distance, dogs yelped loudly, baying into the night as they mimicked the wails made by the tortured man.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe laid dazed and moaning, crying now and caring not that these savages saw his tears.\u00a0 His body quivered from the excruciating pain, his fingers gnawed at the earth as he tried to crawl away, but the agony crept along with him.\u00a0 Everything before his eyes began spinning wildly out of control.\u00a0 Even his stomach lurched, causing the contents to rush into this throat.\u00a0 In that instance, Joe gagged and the hot burning acid spewed forth and mixed with the dirt and grasses beneath him.\u00a0 The last thing he remembered before sinking in to the dark abyss that beckoned to him, was the tall Bannock warrior standing over him.\u00a0 The red man\u2019s words were barely audible to the one who suffered, but when he had finished speaking, a loud cheer faded on the ears of the youngest Cartwright as Joe gave himself over to the welcomed retreat that oblivion offered him.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cNow, you can no longer run away.\u00a0 You will suffer for many days yet before I kill you!\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hours later, Joe woke to a numbing pain that surged up and down in both his legs.\u00a0 The expression embedded in his finely chiseled features, spoke loudly of the suffering he was forced to endure.\u00a0 He was face down in the dirt and when he tried to move, soft whimpers emitted from his swollen lips.\u00a0 Joe raised his head and tried to touch his fingers to his mouth, but found his hands to be tied to a club about 3 feet wide.\u00a0 Holes had been carved out in each end and thin strips of rawhide were laced through the holes and around each wrist, keeping his hands and arms wide apart.\u00a0 Another hole had been carved in the center of the separation club and another strip of rawhide was attached to the hole and ran upward to the cord that had been tied around his neck.\u00a0 Joe was unable to bring either hand to his mouth in order to wipe away the blood and dirt he tasted, sure that the bleeding had been a result of his biting his own lips in vain efforts to keep from crying out.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Gritting his teeth, Joe tried to sit up, demanding his mind to ignore the pain that ravaged his body.\u00a0 Not only were his hands bound tightly, but Joe\u2019s neck was laced with a short rope that extended to a nearby tree where the other end was knotted as well.\u00a0 His eyes misted, he felt degraded, used, and somehow ashamed.\u00a0 He was no better than the horses hobbled in the nearby field\u2026no\u2026he was less than the horses, or the dogs for that matter, for the Bannocks took great pride in their stock\u2026he was nothing\u2026less than nothing and his life, his very soul meant zilch to these red skinned savages.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe leaned his back against the tree and slowly lifted his head upward to gaze at the night sky. It would be dawn soon, he thought.\u00a0 Would he die then, or would the Chief and his mighty warriors delay the inevitable\u2026toying with his fears, allowing his pain to linger and drive him beyond his endurance?\u00a0 Joe shut his eyes and whispered softly.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cOh\u2026Pa\u2026if ever I\u2019ve needed you\u2026it\u2019s now\u2026help me\u2026please help me!\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cYou boys be careful now,\u201d Ben instructed Hoss and Adam.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n They were saddled up and ready to ride out.\u00a0 Their pack animal was loaded down with the needed supplies for the long journey into the mountains, where the brothers were planning on spending the next week hunting and fishing.\u00a0 They had finished with the round up and having worked hard to do so, their father had granted them a short reprieve from the grueling work.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cWe will, Pa,\u201d Adam assured his father.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cWe\u2019ll be meeting up with Joe\u2026he should have started home by now,\u201d laughed Hoss, \u201clessen of course he managed to run into a gal\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cSon,\u201d Ben said with a wide grin, \u201cthe only \u2018gals\u2019 up in those mountains are Indian and I certainly hope that your younger brother has enough good sense to give those Bannock squaws a wide berth,\u201d laughed Ben.\u00a0\u201cBesides, he\u2019s suppose to be deer hunting\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cYeah, we know\u2026but what kind of deer?\u201d snickered Adam.<\/p>\n \u201cIf the boy knows what\u2019s good for him, it had better be the four legged kind!\u201d his father said with a mock scowl.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cWell, when we see him, we\u2019ll tell him to hurry on home\u2026he\u2019s had his break for the spring, now it\u2019s Adam\u2019s and my time\u2026there\u2019s work aplenty waiting here for\u2019em,\u201d Hoss said as he gently nudged Chubb forward.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cTake care, Pa\u2026we\u2019ll see you in about a week\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cYou should meet up with Joe by tomorrow night\u2026that was the plan, wasn\u2019t it?\u201d\u00a0 Ben questioned.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cYeah, up by Paiute Butte,\u201d answered Adam.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cGood\u2026I\u2019m anxious for the boy to get home\u2026don\u2019t tell him I said that though,\u201d laughed Ben.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cMissing him, are you?\u201d snickered Hoss.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cA little\u2026things tend to get a little dull when the boy\u2019s not around,\u201d Ben said, waving as his two sons rode from the yard.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cWonder where he\u2019s at?\u201d Hoss questioned as he stood on the rim of a large boulder and scanned the surrounding area.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam was sitting beneath a tree with his back leaning against the trunk. Between his teeth he held a long green blade of grass.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cWho knows, Hoss?\u201d he grumbled as he tossed the blade of grass away and stood up.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n He straightened his gun belt and rearranged his hat.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m not waiting any longer.\u00a0 Mount up\u2026we\u2019re wasting time hanging around here.\u00a0 Joe\u2019s probably halfway home by now\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hoss untied his horse and started to do as Adam had suggested, but he stopped and when he turned around, his face wore a worried look.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam had already swung up into the saddle.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cWhat\u2019s wrong with you?\u201d he asked his brother.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hoss pushed back his hat and scratched his head.\u00a0 He shrugged his massive shoulders.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cI dunno; I just got this funny feeling down in my gut.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cFunny feeling?\u00a0 About what?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cLittle Joe\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam rolled his eyes.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cOh good grief, Hoss\u2026not again!\u201d Adam argued.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cAh shucks, Adam\u2026ya know I can\u2019t help it\u2026but when it comes to our little brother\u2026I get these feelin\u2019s when somethin\u2019 ain\u2019t right with the boy\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cHoss, get those crazy notions outta your head.\u00a0 Joe\u2019s fine\u2026he usually is after you\u2019ve gotten a \u2018feelin\u2019\u2019 and we\u2019ve wasted half a day or more looking for the kid and he\u2019s\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cDadburnit, Adam\u2026I know that\u2026but sometimes\u2026I just\u2026know\u2026you know?\u201d Hoss grumbled as he mounted up.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam let the air escape from his lungs as he gave his middle brother a wary look.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cI know, Hoss\u2026honest I do.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cYou do?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cYeah\u2026every so often I get those feelings about Little Joe\u2026just like you do.\u00a0 Guess cause we\u2019ve always made it a point to watch out for the kid\u2026it\u2019s gotten to be habit\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cOr maybe it\u2019s cause we love the little scamp, reckon?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam snickered softly.\u00a0 \u201cYeah, I reckon\u2026now come on, we\u2019ll never make it to the high country before dark if we don\u2019t get a move on\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam glanced back over his shoulder at his brother and could see that Hoss was still troubling himself over their youngest sibling.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cAnd don\u2019t worry, big guy, we\u2019ll probably come upon the boy today or tomorrow,\u201d he laughed.\u00a0 \u201cHe\u2019ll probably have some lamebrain excuse for not showing up when he said he would.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hoss couldn\u2019t help but snicker, it relieved some of his apprehensions about the kid for he knew Joe could often come up with some wild tales when he was trying to worm his way out of mischief.\u00a0 Yep, they\u2019d find him soon or later, possibly even today, just like Adam said they might.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n Today wouldn\u2019t have been soon enough for the young man in question.\u00a0 Joe lay sprawled in the dirt and grass moaning in pain.\u00a0 His ankles were badly swollen and the flesh had turned a multitude of different shades of black and blue.\u00a0 To add to his misery, he could do nothing to help himself.\u00a0 With his hands tied to the club and then the club tied to the rope around his neck, he could not so much has pull up his pants legs to inspect his injuries.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n One minute he was shivering and in the nextinstance, he felt as if his entire body was on fire.\u00a0 He craved water and his stomach begged for food, but the only tidbits he\u2019d been offered were scrapes from the Indian\u2019s bowls\u2026and that had been tossed on the ground.\u00a0 With his hands as they were, he\u2019d been reduced to eating the scrapes as a dog would take his feed wherever it had been tossed.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Had he not been so hungry, he\u2019d never have touched the slop thrown at him.\u00a0 But he still had enough wits about him to know that if he ever wanted to get out of there alive, he\u2019d have to keep up his strength.\u00a0Glancing down at his feet and seeing how the dark bruises had spread to the tips of his toes, along with the swelling, he was faced with the possibility that he\u2019d die where he was\u2026he couldn\u2019t stand, much less run\u2026he did well to slither along on the ground like a snake.\u00a0 If the bones were not set soon, it was likely that he\u2019d be crippled for the rest of his life, however long that might be. \u00a0The thoughts that he\u2019d never walk again, churned in his gut and left him with a new kind of fear that he\u2019d never experienced before.\u00a0 How would he manage?\u00a0 Would he have to be dependant on his family for the rest of his life\u2026could he live like that, being less of a man than he had been or less than what his brothers and his father expected him to be?\u00a0 He didn\u2019t want to die\u2026but he wasn\u2019t confident that he could live a life where he\u2019d most likely be confined to a wheelchair\u2026waiting for others to see to his needs\u2026no, he decided, death was better than living like that. It was too much to ask of his family, he\u2019d never want to be a burden to them, no\u2026death was sounding more like the escape he needed\u2026from all his worries and woes and mostly from the agonizing pain that gripped his body.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe lowered his head onto the soft, damp grass.\u00a0 The pain was reaching unbearable proportions and he had to clamp his mouth shut tight to keep from crying out.\u00a0 Even the slightest of movements reminded him all too well of his predicament.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cDadburnit Adam,\u201d grumbled Hoss as he pulled his hat off his head and flung it to the ground.\u00a0 \u201cI missed again!\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam turned his back against the giant boulder and set his rifle down next to him.\u00a0 He watched his middle brother as Hoss berated himself for having missed the giant buck for the second time in two days.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cAw, Hoss\u2026forget it\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cI can\u2019t forget it\u2026I had that varmint in my sights\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cMaybe it just wasn\u2019t meant to be,\u201d suggested Adam in hopes of soothing the big man\u2019s frustrations.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hoss hushed instantly, his lips were pressed tightly together.\u00a0 He glared at his brother.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cIt was Little Joe\u2019s fault!\u201d he babbled.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam couldn\u2019t help but laugh.\u00a0 Poor Joe, even being miles away, he was getting blamed for something!<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cHoss, that\u2019s the most ridiculous thing I\u2019ve heard you say in a long time.\u00a0 Just how on earth could Little Joe be at fault for you missing that shot\u2026not once, but twice mind you!\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hoss stooped down to pick up his hat but stayed squatted down, facing Adam.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cAw shucks Adam, I ain\u2019t really blaming Little Joe\u2026it\u2019s just that I\u2019ve been so dadburn worried about him, I can\u2019t concentrate on anything else,\u201d Hoss explained with a worried frown.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cHoss,\u201d Adam said gently, \u201cJoe\u2019s probably at home with Pa right now\u2026working his skinny little butt off doing our chores!\u201d Adam said with a laugh.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hoss\u2019 expression was one of a deep frown.\u00a0 He eyed Adam closely.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cYa reckon so\u2026I mean\u2026really?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam pondered the question.\u00a0 He hadn\u2019t said anything to Hoss, but he had been sort of worried about the boy as well.\u00a0 Joe was to have met up with them at Piaute Butte but had never shown up.\u00a0 He had only supposed that the boy had by-passed them and taken another route home.\u00a0 Worry tugged at his sub-conscious, he wasn\u2019t really sure about their kid brother and he resented the fact somewhat that Joe\u2019s not showing, had put a damper on his and Hoss\u2019 hunting trip.\u00a0 Adam glanced up at his brother and quickly noted the expectant expression on the gentle giant\u2019s face.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cI don\u2019t know, Hoss,\u201d he admitted honestly.\u00a0 \u201cI\u2019d like to think he was at home, but I can\u2019t honestly say that he is\u2026and to be truthful, I\u2019ve been a bit worried about him as well.\u00a0 It isn\u2019t like Joe not to do as he promised\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cYeah,\u201d muttered Hoss, \u201cand he did promise to meet up with us\u2026two days ago.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n The two brothers fell silent for several long moments.\u00a0 Hoss was the first to put voice to his thoughts.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cAdam?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cYeah Hoss?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cYa reckon we oughta go look for the boy?\u00a0 I mean\u2026I\u2019d hate to think that something\u2019s happened to the little scamp\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam sighed deeply and stood up, dusting the dirt from the back of his trousers.\u00a0 He picked up his rifle, looking deeply into the rotund face.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cSure\u2026why not?\u00a0 I\u2019d hate to think of him hurt or in trouble\u2026and his needing us,\u201d Adam said seriously and then he smiled at Hoss.\u00a0 \u201cBesides\u2026we aren\u2019t having much luck here,\u201d he smiled.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cCome on,\u201d he said, placing a firm hand on the bigger man\u2019s shoulders.\u00a0 \u201cLet\u2019s see if we can find him\u2026he was suppose to be hunting out by Devil\u2019s Corner\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cGood golly, Adam\u2026ya don\u2019t think Joe might have made a mistake and crossed over into Bannock country, do ya?\u201d Hoss said as a fresh wave of fear consumed him.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cI hope not\u2026surely he knows where the boundaries are\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cBut they changed here awhile back\u2026remember\u2026when Little Joe went with Pa to San Francisco\u2026he might not have known\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam\u2019s smile faded and the look in his eyes darkened.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cYou\u2019re right, Hoss\u2026and thinking back on it, I haven\u2019t thought to tell him, have you?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cNo\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam shoved his rifle into the leather sheath attached to his saddle.\u00a0 He looked at Hoss over the top of his horse\u2019s broad back.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cMount up, we\u2019ve hunting to do\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n It had been two long grueling days since Joe\u2019s anklebones had been broken.\u00a0 He had spent that time, teetered like an animal to a tree.\u00a0 His wrists had remained tied to the separation club attached to his neck.\u00a0 The crippled boy had done nothing but wither around on the ground, consumed with pain and fever that raged throughout his body.\u00a0 His only means of getting from the place where he spent his days lying about, to the one spot where his captors tossed his meager tidbits of food, was to drag himself along on his elbows.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Even now, the boy\u2019s flesh was covered in dirt and dust that clung to the spots of congealed blood that dotted the various wounds along the slender body.\u00a0 The bruises from his broken ankles had spread up his legs, nearly reaching his knees.\u00a0 The swelling had followed the same path as the bruising and become unbearable.\u00a0 Joe suffered himself not to cry out, but there had been times, even at night when he slept that the intense pain had become so intolerable that he had awaken himself with his own whimpering.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe, who was lying face down, lifted his head slightly.\u00a0 Coming toward him were three braves.\u00a0 He recognized the one as the chief\u2019s right hand man, the one who had broken his ankles.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n The trio stood over him, muttering words that made absolutely no sense to his confused and fever-ridden mind.\u00a0 Joe lowered his head, caring not what was being said about him and caring less at that moment if he lived or died.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Suddenly and without warning, Joe felt his entire body hauled up from the ground.\u00a0 He screamed in agony as the fiery pain in his ankles shot up his legs and throughout his body.\u00a0 Instinctively, he tried to pull free of the hands that held him upright.\u00a0 The main Indian waited until Joe\u2019s piteous whimpering began to subside and then moved closer, to within inches of his prisoner\u2019s face.\u00a0 Joe could see the hate burning in the ebony eyes that looked at him.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cIt is time to die,\u201d the Indian muttered and then turned suddenly, waving his hand in the air.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n As he walked away, the pair followed, dragging Joe along with them.\u00a0 His bare, bruised feet drug along in the dirt, causing sharp spasms to dart up and down his legs each time that they bumped along the uneven surface of the hard ground.\u00a0 Joe\u2019s heart beat wildly deep within his chest.\u00a0 He was terrified\u2026not of dying, but of how.\u00a0 The Indians had given him no clue as to what they were about to do to him.\u00a0 Joe only knew that if what he had already suffered and lived through, was an inkling of what was about to be done to him then he would be ready and willing to embrace death.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n His thoughts quickly turned to his family. Oh how the boy longed to bid each one good-bye.\u00a0 There were things left unsaid that now he wished he could tell them, to share with them. But it was not meant to be; he could only hope that they knew how he felt.\u00a0 Had he left with them an essence of his being that they could remember with love and admiration?\u00a0 Had he proved himself to them so that they might never have doubts as to how he truthfully felt towards each?\u00a0 Did they know how very proud he was of them and how deeply he loved them?\u00a0 Would they forget him?\u00a0 Would they think of him often?<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cPa\u2026\u201d muttered Joe as his body was callously hauled down to the ground.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Without thoughts to the undefined agony that besieged his entire body, the two braves each grabbed an ankle, causing Joe to cry out loudly as the Indians tied rawhide strips to each one and then to stakes driven deep into the ground.\u00a0 His hands were then freed of the long club that separated them and just as quickly, each wrist was hauled high over his head and tied to stakes with more rawhide.\u00a0 The battered and waning young white man laid spread eagle, exposed and venerable to any torture or degradation that the Bannock warriors desired to suffer upon him.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n The chief appeared from amid the group of men and women who had come to watch his demise.\u00a0 Joe\u2019s eyes sought the chief\u2019s face, hoping that in the dark, brooding eyes, he might find a shred of compassion.\u00a0 But so unlike his father\u2019s eyes, the Chief\u2019s only hint of any feeling was a tiny twitch at both corners of his lips.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cIt is a shame that one so brave must die such a gruesome death,\u201d the chief muttered.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cI didn\u2019t know\u2026I was on your land\u2026and\u2026I\u2019m sorry about the girls\u2026\u201d Joe answered with a grimace on his battered face.\u00a0 \u201cI\u2026didn\u2019t\u2026mean any\u2026harm\u2026sir.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe saw the expression on the old chief\u2019s face soften just slightly.\u00a0 Hope flickered within.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cMy father\u2026Ben Cartwright\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cYour father is Ben Cartwright?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cYes sir\u2026\u201d Joe said, almost pleading.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cI am surprised\u2026it is with a heavy heart that I must kill a son of such a good friend\u2026my heart is saddened.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cIt doesn\u2019t have\u2026to be\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n The chief stooped down so that he could see the boy\u2019s face.\u00a0 He studied Joe\u2019s features intently.\u00a0 Joe was surprised when the chief gently brushed his fingers down the side of his face.\u00a0 An overwhelming desire to live washed through the boy\u2019s soul.\u00a0 He suddenly didn\u2019t care if it sounded as if he were begging.\u00a0 All he wanted was to go home, to see his father and brothers\u2026to be safe once more within the walls of his home.\u00a0 It didn\u2019t matter now if he\u2019d be crippled for the rest of his life, he\u2019d be alive\u2026and living was all that matter at this instance.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cPlease\u2026if I promise\u2026to stay away\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n The chief stood up and backed away.\u00a0 His eyes never left the boy\u2019s face.\u00a0 The expression embedded in his weathered, wrinkled brow gave proof of his displeasure at what he had to do.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n The chief looked up, as if searching the heavens for the face of the Great Spirit.\u00a0 He muttered softly to himself and then backed up once more.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cKill him.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cAdam\u2026I know these here tracks belong to Joe\u2019s pinto.\u00a0 See that tiny notch in the hoof print\u2026that\u2019s cause Joe ain\u2019t got that shoe fixed like I told\u2019em to do\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam dismounted and joined his brother on the ground.\u00a0 He leaned down to study the prints.\u00a0 As he pushed back his hat, he straightened up and glanced around him.\u00a0 If what he supposed were to be true, then his younger brother might very well have found himself some deep trouble.\u00a0 Unexpectedly, a gnawing fear began nibbling at his gut.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cHoss,\u201d Adam said, swinging into the saddle. \u00a0\u201cIf Joe\u2019s crossed that boundary line, he could be in some serious trouble.\u00a0 Come on,\u201d he ordered firmly.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hoss mounted up and nudged his horse in behind Adam\u2019s.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cWhere we headed?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam glanced back over his shoulder so that his brother could hear him better.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cWe\u2019re going to follow those tracks\u2026for a bit longer,\u201d he explained.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n The pair rode in silence for a long spell before Adam held his hand up, signaling for his brother to stop.\u00a0 Hoss nudged Chubb up next to his brother\u2019s mount.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cLook Hoss,\u201d Adam said, pointing down at the ground.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hoss quickly dismounted in order to inspect the strange mass that they had just found.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cGuts, looks to be two, maybe three days old,\u201d Hoss said as he studied the pile.\u00a0 \u201cCould be a deer\u2026probably Joe\u2019s\u2026he gutted it here and from the looks of those tracks up ahead\u2026rode off with it\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cI see that\u2026\u201d Adam said with a touch of disgust in his voice.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cWhat\u2019s wrong?\u201d Hoss whispered.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cHe\u2019s headed straight into Bannock territory.\u00a0 Mount up, let\u2019s see where they lead,\u201d Adam advised.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Another long silence followed as Adam and Hoss followed the tracks made by Joe\u2019s pinto.\u00a0 Adam\u2019s worst fears were beginning to manifest themselves, from all indications, Little Joe was brazenly heading deeper and deeper into Indian territory.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam held his hand up again.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cWhat\u2019s wrong now, Adam?\u201d Hoss whispered.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cWe\u2019re about to cross over into Bannock territory, Hoss.\u00a0 Look,\u201d he said, pointing to the ground.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hoss studied the prints made in the dirt.\u00a0 He looked questioningly up at his older brother.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cLooks like the boy\u2019s being followed,\u201d he said, voicing his thoughts aloud to Adam.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cYep\u2026by unshod horses\u2026that can mean only one thing\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cThe Bannocks are following him\u2026\u201d Hoss muttered.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cThat\u2019s right\u2026come on, let\u2019s walk the horses for a spell\u2026just keep quiet and stay to the edge of the woods.\u00a0 If I\u2019m not mistaken, there is a small lake up ahead, just a bit.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam led the way, keeping to the shadows of the trees and ever ready for trouble, should any arise.\u00a0 As they approached the lake, he held his finger to his lips, warning Hoss not to make a sound.\u00a0 When he tied his horse\u2019s reins to a bush, Hoss did the same.\u00a0 Together, the pair slipped silently through the small grove of trees toward the lake.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n In the near distance, the brothers could hear soft laughter and gentle giggling.\u00a0 As they peered through the bushes that sheltered them, they saw the Bannock women lined up along the edge of the shore, doing laundry.\u00a0 For several moments they watched as one by one, the squaws gathered up their baskets and made their way back to the camp.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Once all the women were gone, and Adam was sure they were alone, he motioned for Hoss to follow him.\u00a0 Together they walked along the edge of the water, carefully looking all about them.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cWhat are we lookin\u2019 for?\u201d Hoss asked in a muted whisper.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cAnything\u2026that might tell us that Joe\u2019s been here\u2026\u201d Adam stopped suddenly, grabbing at Hoss\u2019 arm.\u00a0 He said nothing, only pointed.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hoss looked first at his brother and then where Adam had pointed.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cOh Lordy!\u201d he proclaimed.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n The gentle giant followed close behind Adam as his brother dared to step into the clearing.\u00a0 Adam bent down and snatched the garments from the ground and held it up for Hoss to see.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Almost lovingly, Hoss fingered the green jacket and then the tan shirt.\u00a0 His blue eyes, huge and filled with dread, looked at Adam.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cJoe\u2019s certainly been here,\u201d he muttered.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cYeah,\u201d groaned Adam as he looked around.\u00a0 \u201cOver here,\u201d he said as he stepped a few paces away.\u00a0 He bent down and picked up his brother\u2019s boots.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cDear God,\u201d he moaned, \u201cwhat in hell has the scamp gotten himself into this time?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe was barely able to ask himself the same question.\u00a0 The ground was hard as stone, cutting deeply into his back.\u00a0 His thoughts swirled around in his head, as if they were caught in a whirlwind.\u00a0 His legs where the rawhide was tied to his ankles hurt like hell.\u00a0 The thin strips had begun to shrink with the building of the heat from the sun.\u00a0 His ankles, were grossly disfigured, the swelling had practically covered the rawhide.\u00a0His arms were numb and when he chanced a quick glance at his hands, he was horrified to see how blue his fingers had become.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n The dying boy battled against his rising fear, determined that if he were to die by the hands of these evil savages, which he come to hate with a passion, then he would die with as much dignity as he could muster.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hours later as the sun began its decent into the western sky, and just when the tortured victim had thought he\u2019d born the last indignity forced upon him, he felt something crawling on his legs.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cAgh\u2026\u201d he cried softly.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe tried lifting his head to see what had just bitten him, but he could see nothing.\u00a0 Again and again he suffered through the sharp stings.\u00a0 And then he felt the crawling creatures on his arm, working their way down into his armpit, where they suddenly appeared to stop and begin feasting.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Panic rose from deep within himself as Joe tried to jerk and pull free of the tight bounds that held him prisoner to the earth beneath him.\u00a0 He caught a glimpse of the creature.\u00a0 Forced to swallow, he screamed, uncaring that his observers watched his dwindling courage.\u00a0 Again and again he cried out, as the fire ants feasted on his mutilated and dirty, sweaty flesh.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cDon\u2019t panic\u2026don\u2019t panic,\u201d he silently told himself\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026..<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam and Hoss had left their horses tied in the wooded area near where they found Joe\u2019s clothing.\u00a0 They stole as quietly through the edge of the woods following the path from the lake to the village.\u00a0 It was almost dark by the time they came into view of the small circle of teepees.\u00a0 Both crouched close to the ground, keeping their heads down low but still able to see over the grasses.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cAdam,\u201d Hoss dared to mutter.\u00a0 \u201cListen\u2026it sounds like someone moaning\u2026over this way,\u201d he nodded his head.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cShh\u2026don\u2019t make a sound if you can keep from it,\u201d cautioned Adam.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Again, the duo crept along in the grass.\u00a0 When they reached the edge of the clearing, both stopped, stricken by what they saw.\u00a0 Stretched tightly in spread eagle style, lay their little brother.\u00a0 Piteous cries reached their ears, forewarning them of their sibling\u2019s anguish.\u00a0 Adam pinched his lips tightly; anger clouded his hazel eyes.\u00a0 Hoss swallowed down rising bile that threatened to spew forth.\u00a0 Tears misted in his eyes as he watched his younger brother fighting against the tight bounds that held him on the ground, consumed with pain.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hoss started to rise, but Adam caught him by the arm and pulled him down.\u00a0 He glared at the big man.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cYou can\u2019t do that!\u201d he barked in a stern, low whisper.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cThey\u2019s akillin\u2019 him!\u201d argued Hoss.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam swallowed his own panic.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cI know Hoss\u2026we\u2019ve got to get him out of there\u2026but we have to have a plan first\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cWell, ya better think of somethin\u2019 fast, case if\u2019n ya don\u2019t I\u2019m taking my chances and goin\u2019 in and gettin\u2019em outta there!\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam fell silent, lost in deep thought.\u00a0 He could easily see that the ants were practically eating the boy alive.\u00a0 The whimpers grew in volume, lasted several long agonizing seconds and then stopped.\u00a0 Moments later, they started up again and repeated the process, driving his own fear deeper and deeper into his soul.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cAdam!\u201d Hoss said insistently.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cListen up, Hoss\u2026all their horses are on the other side of the camp.\u00a0 I\u2019ll work my way around and cut them free.\u00a0 When you hear me hooping and hollering, you rush in and cut Joe free.\u00a0 If he\u2019s able\u2026run back to our horses\u2026get Joe out of here as quickly as you can.\u00a0 Get him back across the boundary line\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cWhat about you?\u201d Hoss asked with uncertainty.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019ll meet you at the stream where we camped last night\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cBut you can\u2019t get there on foot, them savages will catch ya for sure\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cNo they won\u2019t Hoss, I\u2019ll be riding one of their ponies\u2026now I\u2019ve got to get moving\u2026remember, wait until you hear me hollering\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cAlrighty, but ya be careful, ya hear?\u201d Hoss said as he clamped his hand down on his brother\u2019s shoulder.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cDon\u2019t worry big guy, I will\u2026and you do the same\u2026tell Joe\u2026he owes us big time for this!\u201d Adam said, fringing a smile.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hoss watched as Adam crept quietly through the tall grasses.\u00a0 When his brother was out of sight, Hoss turned his attention back to Little Joe.\u00a0 The boy had stopped whimpering.\u00a0 Cautiously, the big man moved in closer, making the distance he\u2019d have to run shorter by half.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Suddenly, Hoss froze, ducking back down to hide in the grasses.\u00a0 A Bannock Indian had appeared from the darkness and stood over Joe.\u00a0 Hoss was mesmerized by the look of hatred that the Indian wore on his face.\u00a0 He watched as the Indian leaned down and jabbed Joe in the side.\u00a0 His brother\u2019s soft muted cry could hardly be heard, but the Indian\u2019s deep laughter was easily distinguishable.\u00a0 Hoss felt his body stiffen, a rush of loathing washed over him as he crept warily in behind the tall Indian.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n The Bannock brave stood up, keeping his eyes fixed on the distorted expressions that constantly were changing on his prisoner\u2019s face.\u00a0 When the brave moved to Joe\u2019s feet and suddenly, without warning, kicked his brother, making Joe\u2019s previous whimpering seem as mild as a baby\u2019s compared to the heart wrenching wails that spewed forth now, Hoss could stand no more.\u00a0 He\u2019d seen enough. Joe needed him!<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Bursting from the brush in a sudden rush of rage, Hoss charged the unsuspecting brave and tackled him from behind.\u00a0 Caught off guard, the brave was easily knocked to the ground.\u00a0 A fight commenced but was short lived.\u00a0 Within seconds, the mighty warrior lay dead at his brother\u2019s feet.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Instantly, Hoss cut the tight, shrunken ropes to free Joe\u2019s ankles.\u00a0 He gagged, suddenly sickened by the sight of his brother\u2019s swollen and blacken flesh.\u00a0 For several long moments, he feared he might vomit, but he forced the feeling back down.\u00a0 Joe needed him desperately and his sole aim was get his brother out of there\u2026and quickly.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hoss moved to Joe\u2019s wrists and cut the cords.\u00a0 Joe\u2019s body convulsed with spasms as Hoss quickly brushed the ants off the consumed flesh.\u00a0 Joe cried out, flinging his arms in an attempt to shoo away his rescuer.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cStop it Joe\u2026it\u2019s only me\u2026Hoss,\u201d whispered Hoss as he ignored the remaining ants and hurried to gather his brother into his arms.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe continued to fight against his brother\u2019s hands.\u00a0 Hoss paid little heed to the boy\u2019s refusal as he pulled Joe into a tight embrace, and started running through the woods.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n About the same time, shots rang out, breaking the quiet reprieve of the night.\u00a0 Hoss stopped long enough to look over his shoulder.\u00a0 He heard Adam\u2019s shrill shrieks and heard the horses as they bolted into a run.\u00a0Shouldering his burden, Hoss continued on his way, bravely fighting against the undergrowth in which he and Adam had just ventured.\u00a0 It was a long run.\u00a0 Joe continued to whimper.\u00a0 Behind him more shots rang loudly.\u00a0 The Indians were shouting and screaming, but thank goodness they were running away from him and not after he and Joe.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Winded, Hoss was forced to stop.\u00a0 Gently, he laid his brother on the soft moss that grew in the thickest part of the forest.\u00a0 Joe had grown quiet; his murmuring had stopped.\u00a0 Hoss felt a thickness in his throat as he inspected his brother\u2019s wounds.\u00a0 Tears clouded his eyes as he wiped away more of the ants that remained.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cTake it easy, Shortshanks,\u201d he whispered as he hoisted Joe back into his arms.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019ll have ya outta here and home before ya say Rumblestilskin,\u201d Hoss muttered as he took off running.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n By the time that Hoss had reached their horses, the ruckus behind had faded.\u00a0 Gently, he lowered Joe to the ground, glancing around quickly to be sure they were safe.\u00a0 Joe moaned softly, drawing Hoss\u2019 attention.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cShh\u2026take it easy Shortshanks,\u201d whispered Hoss.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cGet\u2019em off\u2026get\u2019em\u2026off!\u201d whimpered the unconscious boy as he began flinging about his hands in an effort to free himself of the imagined ants that in his confusion, still feasted on his flesh.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hoss made several attempts to brush the insects away, all the while cooing softly to his brother.\u00a0 He was appalled by the horrific sight of Joe\u2019s battered and abused body.\u00a0 The big man was angry, grinding his teeth in order to keep from screaming out at the brutes that had reduced his little brother to such a substandard degree of a man.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n After resting for a short spell, Hoss brought the horses over to where he now had Little Joe covered in a warm blanket.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cJoe\u2026I know this is gonna hurt ya something fierce, and I\u2019m sorry\u2026but I gotta get ya on a horse.\u00a0 We have to get outta here, Adam will be waitin\u2019 on us\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Carefully, so as not to inflict more injury or pain on his brother, Hoss picked Joe up and placed him on Adam\u2019s horse.\u00a0 Joe slumped over the saddle horn, leaning on Sport\u2019s neck.\u00a0 He wobbled precariously in the saddle.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cThis ain\u2019t gonna work, boy,\u201d Hoss said.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n He gently pulled Joe from the saddle and placed him in his own wide saddle, mounting up behind the younger man.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cSorry, Chubb\u2026but I know you can do this,\u201d he whispered to his mount.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n The added weight on his horse worried Hoss somewhat, but the big stallion was strong and the ride back to the spot where they had camped the night before was only a few miles.\u00a0 He knew the horse could handle the task.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Grabbing up Sport\u2019s reins along with the packhorse, Hoss set out to meet up with his older brother.\u00a0 It was hard riding double, Joe\u2019s pain seemed to manifest itself causing the younger man to cry out constantly and squirm around in the saddle.\u00a0 Hoss found himself hard pressed to keep the boy from falling off the horse, but eventually, they reached the site where they had camped the night before.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Almost before Hoss had time to dismount and remove Joe from the back of his horse, Adam stepped from the shadows and hurried over to give Hoss a hand.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cOh Adam!\u201d Hoss blurted out as he caught a glimpse of Adam moving toward him, \u201cya dang near scared the life outta me\u2026I thought ya was an Injun!\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cNo\u2026I made it just fine\u2026they\u2019re heading off in the other direction trying to round up their horses\u2026how\u2019s Joe?\u201d Adam said as he helped Hoss with their brother.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cHe\u2019s hurt bad, Adam,\u201d Hoss said softly, \u201creal bad.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cLet\u2019s get him comfortable,\u201d Adam instructed.\u00a0 \u201cAnd then I\u2019ll have a look at him.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Together they carried Joe over to where Adam had already spread his bedroll and laid the boy down easily.\u00a0 Joe flinched, his body arched in pain and he cried out.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cBoth ankle bones is broke, Adam\u2026they done crippled the boy\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam brushed his fingers through the mass of curls and then glanced down at Joe\u2019s ankles.\u00a0 The older Cartwright son clinched his teeth tightly, his face snarled into an ugly scowl.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cDamn!\u201d he muttered in an angry voice.\u00a0 \u201cThese breaks have to be two, maybe three days old!\u201d he fumed.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cCan ya set\u2019em, Adam\u2026can ya?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n After examining the ankles closer, Adam shook his head disgustedly.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m afraid it\u2019s going to take someone a hell of lot more professional than I am\u2026\u201d he stated.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cLet\u2019s take care of these bites first and try to make him as comfortable as possible, then we\u2019ll head for home at first light,\u201d Adam suggested.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cAlrighty, Adam\u2026just tell me what ya want me to do?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cFirst of all, gather some wood, he\u2019s shivering,\u201d Adam said as he pressed his hand to his little brother\u2019s brow.\u00a0 \u201cHe\u2019s burning up with fear\u2026I\u2019ll need more blankets too, Hoss.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hoss quickly collect the blankets and handed them to Adam.\u00a0 \u201cI\u2019ll get some firewood.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam covered Joe with the extra blankets, making sure that the boy was warm enough.\u00a0 Joe had hardly moved but his whimpering seemed endless, weighing heavily on his brother\u2019s emotions.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam gently cleaned the boy\u2019s face with a cool cloth, all the while whispering softly to his brother.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cShh\u2026take it easy little buddy\u2026you\u2019re going to be fine\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe\u2019s head lolled from side to side as he tried to open his eyes.\u00a0 From deep within the abyss where he\u2019d found shelter, the deep, rich voice called out to him.\u00a0 It was warm and ensuring and Joe longed to return to where he once been.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n By sheer will power and determination, Joe managed to open his eyes.\u00a0 He sought the face behind the familiar, comforting voice.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cAdam?\u201d Joe whispered, at last finding the face.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cYeah\u2026it\u2019s me, kid\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cPa?\u201d cried Joe weakly.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cNo, Joe\u2026it\u2019s just me and Hoss\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam watched the beleaguered expressions on his brother\u2019s face that seemed to never end.\u00a0 Anger as he had never known it before mixed with the hate he felt toward the parties responsible for the torture his brother had endured, showed extreme on his handsome, sun-bronzed face.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cHurt\u2026\u201d the younger man murmured.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cI know buddy\u2026and I\u2019m sorry\u2026all I have is a little whiskey.\u00a0 Here, take a swig\u2026it\u2019ll dull the pain a bit,\u201d he said as he grabbed the bottle he\u2019d kept handy and held the brim to Joe\u2019s lips.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe took a sip and then coughed.\u00a0 He leaned his head back against his brother\u2019s arm and seemed to relax somewhat.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cGo\u2026home\u2026please\u2026I wanna\u2026go\u2026home, Adam\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cI know\u2026and we will, at first light, Joe.\u00a0 But right now, you have to rest\u2026you\u2019re too weak to travel tonight\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cLegs\u2026Adam,\u201d Joe said as the tears filled his eyes.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n He held his hand up and Adam grasped it tightly with his own strong fingers. Adam could feel the heat from the fever burning hot even in his brother\u2019s weaker fingers.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cThey\u2026crippled\u2026me\u2026Adam\u2026\u201d Joe sobbed heart-brokenly.\u00a0 \u201cI\u2019ll never\u2026walk again\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cShh, Joe\u2026you don\u2019t know that\u2026Doc Martin will fix you right up\u2026just as soon as we get you home\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cAdam,\u201d Joe\u2019s watery eyes fixed themselves on his brother\u2019s face.\u00a0 \u201cIt\u2019s\u2026been\u2026three days\u2026since,\u201d his words were broken by his weeping.\u00a0 \u201cDon\u2019t matter,\u201d he said when he stopped crying.\u00a0 \u201cI ain\u2019t dead\u2026yet,\u201d he said as he forced a tiny smile.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n And with those words lingering on his swollen lips, Joe closed his eyes as he slipped again into the dark world of oblivion.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam sat for several long moments holding his brother upright in his arms.\u00a0 The emotion that swelled his throat made it hard for him to swallow.\u00a0 He glanced down at the unconscious boy, quickly took in the broken, swollen and bruised legs, the ant bites, the cuts and scrapes, and Joe\u2019s dirty appearance.\u00a0 He smothered a cry that wanted to surface from deep inside as he pinched his eyes tightly and set his jaw firm as he hugged the wounded boy close to his breast.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cYou\u2019re not going to die, Joe\u2026not as long as I can prevent it\u2026and you will walk again\u2026I\u2019ll see to that, if I have to spend the rest of my life helping you\u2026you will walk!\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hoss soon had the small fire going and hot water on to heat for Joe\u2019s bath.\u00a0 Adam had insisted that they bathe the boy as quickly as possible, for several reasons.\u00a0 First and foremost was to wash away the dirt so that he could better determine just how badly Joe was hurt.\u00a0 Second, the ant bites needed to be cleaned and treated.\u00a0 Adam had noticed that with so many bites, Joe was already having a hard time breathing, he wavered between consciousness and unconsciousness and Adam feared most that the boy might go into shock.\u00a0 As it were, he had no clue as to how long the ants had been attacking the boy, only that the bites were numerous, swollen and caused his brother undo discomfort.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Both Adam and Hoss worked the better part of an hour cleansing the wounds, bathing Joe and treating as best they could his multiple injuries.\u00a0 When they were finished, Adam covered Joe with several warm blankets and then sat back against his saddle to catch his breath.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cIs he gonna be alright, Adam?\u201d Hoss insisted as he poured his brother a cup of coffee.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam took a sip from the steaming brew.\u00a0 He was leaning forward, resting his elbows on both knees and holding the cup with both hands.\u00a0 The elder Cartwright son glanced down at his youngest brother.\u00a0 The dark hue of his eyes reflected his deep emotions.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cI don\u2019t know,\u201d he said softly.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hoss puckered up his face and glanced at Joe and then again in Adam\u2019s direction.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cHe\u2019s gotta\u2026he\u2019s just gotta be alright, Adam\u2026why, if anything happens to that boy\u2026you know what will happen to Pa?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam cast his dark eyes up at his brother.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cThat, I do know\u2026it would kill him\u2026\u201d Adam looked away, unable to look his brother in the eyes for he knew what it would do to this giant of a man\u2026or himself even, if Joe didn\u2019t pull through\u2026their lives would be changed forever.\u00a0 He peered once more at the sleeping lad\u2026for Joe it was highly provable that his life had already been changed forever.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n Both Adam and Hoss took turns sitting up with Joe that night.\u00a0 The boy was restless, tossing and turning, constantly seeming to be swatting at the ants that devoured his body.\u00a0 His fever rose to a frightening degree that kept the two brothers busy bathing the younger one off with cool water brought up from the stream.\u00a0 More than once Joe had cried out for his father, pleaded with his enemies to either kill him or turn him loose.\u00a0 Joe had made mumbled pleas with God not to let him be a cripple but that if that was to be His decision, Joe had begged God just to take him on.\u00a0 It had been a long tiring night and by dawn, Adam and Hoss were exhausted.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cI could do with about twelve hours sleep,\u201d Hoss said to Adam.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cYeah\u2026so could I, but I think we\u2019d best get started home.\u00a0 Joe\u2019s not getting any better, Hoss\u2026we should hurry\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hoss\u2019 eyes widened as he glanced back over his shoulder to where Joe lay under the pile of blankets.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cYou don\u2019t think he\u2019s gonna make it, do ya, Adam?\u201d Hoss said in a low voice so that Joe could not hear him.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cI wish I knew, Hoss.\u00a0 His fever is way too high, the swelling in his legs is horrendous, the ant bites are driving him nuts\u2026and he\u2019s tired out from battling just to stay alive.\u00a0 I think he could survive the injuries\u2026but I\u2019m more afraid of him giving up.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cWe can\u2019t let\u2019em do that, Adam\u2026\u201d Hoss stood up and went to Joe\u2019s side where he knelt down.\u00a0 His back was to the fire and Adam.\u00a0 He gulped hard.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cJoe\u2026can ya hear me\u2026Shortshanks?\u201d he whispered.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe was moaning softly; his head was lolling back and forth.\u00a0 The unconscious boy was muttering but the words came out all jumbled but the one word Hoss could understand, spoke volumes of what his brother was wanting most\u2026and that was\u2026Pa.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hoss picked up Joe\u2019s hand and held it in his two larger ones.\u00a0 His voice was thick with emotion.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cYa just hang on Joe\u2026we\u2019re goin\u2019 home, you\u2019ll see Pa soon, I promise\u2026just don\u2019t ya go and quit on me\u2026ya hear me?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hoss knew his brother wouldn\u2019t answer him, but he felt better telling the boy that they\u2019d be home soon and that Pa would be there waiting for him.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cLet\u2019s get movin\u2019, Adam\u2026I wanna be home by nightfall\u2026and I sure don\u2019t want them Injuns catchin\u2019 up with us!\u201d Hoss said as he doused the fire and started breaking camp.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cAhh\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cWhoa,\u201d Adam said, pulling back on the reins.\u00a0 \u201cHold up a minute, Hoss, Joe\u2019s getting restless again.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe was riding on Adam\u2019s horse with Adam sitting behind.\u00a0 For the last several miles the wounded boy had been leaning his head back against his brother\u2019s chest, lost to everything and everyone around him.\u00a0 Now the pain had suddenly awakened his senses and Joe had begun to squirm restlessly against his brother.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s alright, Joe, we\u2019ll be home in about an hour,\u201d Adam said, trying to soothe his passenger.\u00a0 \u201cJust hold on a little longer\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe\u2019s eyelids fluttered slightly and he began mumbling something that was all garbled.\u00a0 Adam glanced over at Hoss but the big man just shrugged his shoulders.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cJoe\u2026I\u2019m sorry buddy\u2026I don\u2019t know what you\u2019re trying to tell me\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cDians\u2026\u201d murmured Joe weakly.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe raised his hand slowly and seemed to be pointing at something.\u00a0 But when Adam looked in the direction Joe pointed, he could see nothing.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m sorry, kid,\u201d he said again.\u00a0 \u201cLet\u2019s go, Hoss,\u201d Adam said as he nudged his horse forward.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cNO!\u201d Joe cried in a feeble voice.\u00a0 \u201cAd\u2026am\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam instantly pulled back on the reins and looked into his brother\u2019s face.\u00a0 He saw fear etched into the boy\u2019s brow.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cWhat\u2019s wrong, Joe?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe again tried to point.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cAdam, look!\u201d Hoss stated, pointing off into the distance.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam saw them this time, coming toward them, riding hard were half a dozen Bannock warriors.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cGood God!\u201d stormed Adam.\u00a0 \u201cThat\u2019s what he was trying to tell us\u2026Indians!\u00a0 Let\u2019s ride!\u201d Adam shouted as he kicked Sport into action.\u00a0 \u201cLeave the pack horse,\u201d he shouted over his shoulder to Hoss.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n The two brothers rode hard, driving their mounts to run faster as the Bannocks gained on them.\u00a0 Adam\u2019s horse was slowly falling behind, carrying two men.\u00a0 Hoss slowed Chubb just enough that he kept pace with his brother.\u00a0 He\u2019d pulled his pistol from his holster and as the warriors advanced and started shouting and hollering, Hoss opened fire on the group.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cDon\u2019t stop, Adam,\u201d Hoss called as he slowed a bit more to get a better shot at the Indians.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam was now within sight of the house.\u00a0 Hoss had completely stopped and had turned to face the advancing red men.\u00a0 Adam saw one and then a second Indian fall from their horses.\u00a0 Up ahead, he could see his father and some of the men grabbing their rifles and mounting their horses.\u00a0 Moments later, their rescuers were riding toward he and Joe separating around them and firing down on the Indians.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam jerked back on the reins.\u00a0 Sport skidded to a stop as Adam jumped down.\u00a0 Joe was slumped over the horse\u2019s neck.\u00a0 Hoss had been seconds behind them as were Ben and his group of wrangler\u2019s.\u00a0 The Indians had turned and ran, seeing the white men who out numbered them two to one, they had called a retreat and were by now heading off across the horizon.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cAdam\u2026Hoss\u2026what on earth was that all about?\u201d Ben said as he quickly dismounted and hurried over to his sons.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n It was then that he noted his youngest son carefully being lowered from Adam\u2019s horse.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cJoseph!\u00a0 Adam, what happened to him?\u201d Ben said, his eyes wide with fright at seeing his youngest son in such shape.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s a long story, Pa,\u201d Adam said.\u00a0 \u201cLet\u2019s get him into bed, I\u2019ll explain it all later\u2026he needs a doctor\u2026CHARLIE!\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m on my way, Mr. Cartwright\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cTake a couple of men with you\u2026use the back road and watch out for those redskins!\u201d Adam called over his shoulder as he and Hoss carried Joe inside.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cPut him in his bed,\u201d Ben said as he followed along, anxious to get a good look at the boy.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben moved ahead of Hoss and Adam and tossed back the thick blankets that covered Joe\u2019s bed.\u00a0 Carefully the pair lowered the wounded boy.\u00a0 Immediately, Ben sat down on the edge of the bed and leaned over his son.\u00a0 As he lovingly brushed his fingers through the chestnut curls, he spoke softly in a warm, compassionate voice.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cJoseph, can you hear me son?\u00a0 It\u2019s Pa\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe moaned softly and tried to talk.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cYou\u2019re home now, son\u2026you\u2019re going to be alright.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cPa?\u201d Joe muttered in a near non-existent whisper.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cThat\u2019s right, Joe, I\u2019m here\u2026\u201d Ben cooed, taking Joe\u2019s hand in his own.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cLegs\u2026my legs\u2026\u201dJoe sobbed softly.\u00a0 \u201cThey\u2026they\u2026crippled\u2026me,\u201d he cried.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben swallowed hard the emotion he was feeling and glanced down at the foot of the bed at his son\u2019s ankles, which were covered with the blanket.\u00a0 Unable to see what it was that his boy was so upset about, he stood to his feet and pulled the blanket back, revealing the broken and bruised anklebones.\u00a0 Shocked, he gasped loudly.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cDear God\u2026what have they done to you!\u201d he stormed as anger replaced the shock of seeing the cruelty that had been forced upon his child.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cPa\u2026calm down,\u201d Adam warned gently as he met his father\u2019s intent gaze.\u00a0 \u201cDoc will fix him up\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben had to swallow again to keep from voicing aloud his worst fears.\u00a0 He glanced again at Joe\u2019s feet and ankles and slowly took a deep breath.\u00a0 It would take a miracle to repair the damage that had been done; Ben could see that plain enough for himself.\u00a0 A bigger miracle would be needed if his son was to ever walk again without a limp or without ever experiencing some pain in the joints.\u00a0 Ben was sickened and heartsick for his son.\u00a0 Joe was so full of life and vitality, to see him so incapacitated, as he was now broke his father\u2019s heart.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben turned back to face the boy.\u00a0 His anger fell behind an invisible mask as he smiled at his son.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cOf course he will!\u201d Ben said with more assurance than he actually felt in his heart.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n The three worried men had been waiting for longer than an hour on the doctor\u2019s prognosis.\u00a0 Ben stood before the open fireplace and jabbed the cold ashes with the poker.\u00a0 Occasionally, he\u2019d glance up toward the top of the staircase as if just watching would hurry the doctor\u2019s work and cause him to suddenly appear.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hoss sat in the red leather chair, his legs crossed as he tapped his fingers together.\u00a0 His eyes moved from his worried father to the top of the stairs.\u00a0 Adam sat on the settee, holding a book, but wasn\u2019t reading, he was thinking\u2026and the thoughts and fears that he was pondering, worried him, for they were of his younger brother and the problems that lied ahead for the boy.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Another half hour passed before the closing of the upstairs bedroom door caused all three men to stand and move to the bottom of the steps where they waited anxiously.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cWell?\u201d Ben asked before Paul Martin had even reached the lowest step.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cWell, Ben,\u201d Paul said, pausing on the bottom step where he was standing just a might taller than the three men.\u00a0 \u201cI won\u2019t lie to you\u2026Joe\u2019s in bad shape\u2026first and foremost are his legs\u2026\u201d Paul shook his head, showing his disgust at the matter.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cCan ya fix\u2019em up, Doc?\u201d Hoss asked with a worried brow.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Paul studied the three worried faces reluctant to disappoint them.\u00a0 Ben, watching the physician just as closely did not miss the hesitation.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cWhat can you do for him, Paul?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cOh, Ben\u2026I wish more than anything I could help him, but this is beyond me.\u00a0 The breaks above the ankles are several days old\u2026they\u2019ve already begun to heal\u2026though not as they should.\u00a0 The bones will have to be re-broken and set properly\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cYou can\u2019t do that?\u201d Adam asked.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Paul shook his head, \u201cI could, but Adam, in all honesty, if Joe\u2019s ever to walk again, properly, then this kind of thing will take someone with more training than I have\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cWhere do we find a man like that, San Francisco?\u201d Ben asked, glancing at each face with a hopeful expression.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Paul sighed deeply and then surprised the trio by smiling.\u00a0 \u201cWell, Ben\u2026being as how lucky we\u2019ve always thought Joe to be in dire times, his luck is still holding out\u2026at least I hope it is\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cWhat\u2019d you mean, Doc?\u201d Hoss asked, looking more hopeful.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cI have a nephew, James Martin\u2026he\u2019s a surgeon, Ben, and he\u2019s coming here to Virginia City on his way to a new practice at the hospital in San Francisco.\u00a0 He\u2019s just graduated from medical school\u2026I\u2019m sure he will know how best to treat Little Joe\u2026that is, if you\u2019re willing to let him\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben shared a smile with all of them, \u201cOf course I\u2019m willing\u2026if you think he\u2019s capable?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cHe graduated second in his class\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cThat\u2019s wonderful news, Paul, just wonderful!\u00a0 What do we do for Joe until your nephew gets here?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cI gave him something to ease the pain and to make him sleep, he\u2019ll be out for several hours and I\u2019ve treated all the ant bites, the cuts and scratches\u2026the abrasions.\u00a0 But Ben, someone should stay with him constantly.\u00a0 I\u2019ve fixed his legs to where I think he\u2019ll be the most comfortable, but I don\u2019t want him thrashing around\u2026and I don\u2019t want him trying to get out of bed\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019ll sit with him,\u201d offered Hoss.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cWe\u2019ll take turns\u2026\u201d Ben advised as he placed his hand on Hoss\u2019 arms.\u00a0 \u201cFirst, I want both you and Adam to get something in your stomachs and then get some rest.\u00a0 I will sit with him first.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cHis fever doesn\u2019t seem to be to high, just keep him bathed in cool water.\u00a0 I\u2019ll be back out in the morning to check on him, if you need me before then, just send word,\u201d Paul said.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n The physician picked up his hat from the credenza and placed it on his head.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cAdam, Hoss\u2026it\u2019s a good thing you happened upon the boy when you did\u2026he wouldn\u2019t have lasted much longer\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cWe know, doc\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n It was early the next morning before Joe began to stir about.\u00a0 Ben was at his side the minute the boy moaned the first time, anxious for his son to wake up and talk to him.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cJoseph?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cPa\u2026Pa\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben smiled down at Joe, taking the boy\u2019s hand in his.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m here, son\u2026how are you feeling?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cTired\u2026my legs\u2026Pa\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cI know\u2026but try not to worry, son\u2026Doc Martin and his nephew\u2026he\u2019s a surgeon, they\u2019re going to fix you up like new\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe\u2019s eyes shut for a brief moment and when he opened them again, Ben could see a slight collection of tears.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cWhat\u2019s wrong, Joseph?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cThey broke my legs\u2026cause I tried\u2026to get away\u2026they made\u2026me a\u2026cripple\u2026Pa?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben could see his son\u2019s chin begin to tremble and he rushed to comfort the boy.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cNo\u2026listen to me Little Joe\u2026Doc Martin said that his nephew could fix your legs\u2026it\u2019s gonna hurt some, and you\u2019ll be laid up for a spell\u2026but he believes you\u2019ll be fine\u2026in time.\u00a0 Shh\u2026you\u2019re going to walk again, boy\u2026I promise you that\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe forced the tears to subside.\u00a0 He could see in his father\u2019s face that Ben was trying to be brave just for him.\u00a0 It was natural for Ben to worry and to be apprehensive for his son; it was a common thing where Ben and Joe were concerned.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cI know I will, Pa\u2026as long as I have you to\u2026help me,\u201d Joe said.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n He offered his father a small smile.\u00a0 \u201cI know you\u2019ll never let me give up,\u201d he added.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cYou\u2019re right, Joe\u2026I won\u2019t let you give up\u2026now tell me\u2026what led to all of this?\u201d Ben asked, waving his arm out along Joe\u2019s body to indicate the abuse and the suffering.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe made a scowl and shook his head from side to side.\u00a0 \u201cI\u2019m not real sure\u2026about all of it, I mean\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Pa pulled his chair close to the bed and sat down.\u00a0 \u201cDo you want to talk about it?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben saw the uncertainty cloud the boy\u2019s eyes.\u00a0 \u201cIf you\u2019d rather not\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cNo\u2026I want to talk about it,\u201d Joe said.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n His eyes turned dark as he turned his head away.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cI hate them,\u201d he said in broken words, \u201cFor what they did to me\u2026they had no reason\u2026I didn\u2019t hurt\u2026anything or\u2026anyone,\u201d he said, swallowing hard.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben leaned forward and placed a reassuring hand on Joe\u2019s arm.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cI can\u2019t ask you not to hate them, son\u2026but I can ask you not to allow that hate to eat away at you, don\u2019t let it consume you or change who you are\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cBut I have changed\u2026look at me\u2026I\u2019m not the man I was\u2026and I won\u2019t ever be again, Pa\u2026I\u2019ll be damn lucky if I\u2019m ever able to set my feet flat on the floor again!\u201d Joe practically shouted.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n His voice was full of the hate he had just confessed.\u00a0 It frightened his father.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cJoseph\u2026I\u2019ve already told you\u2026you will walk again\u2026Paul is going to fix your legs\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe turned narrowed, anger filled eyes on his father; his cheeks were suddenly flushed by the rising fury.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cSure he will\u2026how, Pa?\u00a0 Tell me how he\u2019s going to make me walk again\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cJoe\u2026a minute ago you said\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cI know what I said!\u201d Joe shouted, unaware that Adam and Hoss had slipped quietly into the room.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n He took a deep breath; tears welled in his eyes.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m sorry, Pa\u2026I didn\u2019t mean to shout at you, it\u2019s just that\u2026\u201d he paused.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s just what, son?\u201d Ben said softly.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe looked away so that his father could not see the fear he felt.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cJoe\u2026I know\u2026you\u2019re afraid\u2026aren\u2019t you?\u201d his father whispered.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe instantly turned to face Ben.\u00a0 \u201cHow did you know?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cBecause I would feel the same way\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cYou?\u00a0 You\u2019d be afraid?\u201d Joe asked, amazed to think that his father could fear anything.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m only human, son\u2026and so are you.\u00a0 There\u2019s no wrong in being afraid\u2026it doesn\u2019t make you more or less of a man.\u00a0 And how Paul is going to fix it so you can walk again, isn\u2019t an easy procedure\u2026nor is it painless\u2026but he\u2019s assured us that it is highly probable that you will get up and walk again\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m sorry, Pa\u2026I suppose Doc Martin knows what he\u2019s doing\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cHe and his nephew\u2026now\u2026tell me, please\u2026what started all of this?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hop Sing came into the room by that time and Ben was forced to wait until Joe had eaten something before learning of the tragic events that led Joe down the path of destruction to end up where he was now.\u00a0 Joe was soon finished with the breakfast, fussing that he wasn\u2019t hungry; he pushed the tray away and spent the next few minutes, explaining how he had become a prison of the Bannocks.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cYou mean to tell me, Joseph, that just because you killed a deer\u2026that was on Bannock land\u2026they did this to you?\u201d Ben asked, totally disbelieving that such a minor offense could have led to the fact that his son may very well end up crippled for the rest of his life.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe lowered his head but glanced around at his brothers from under lowered lashes.\u00a0 He shook his head.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cNo\u2026there\u2019s more\u2026\u201d he said a bit hesitantly.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cMore?\u00a0 Why do I get the feeling I\u2019m not going to like this?\u201d Ben said gruffly.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cCause you probably aren\u2019t,\u201d Joe said almost shyly.\u00a0 \u201cPa,\u201d he said, looking up at his father, \u201cI honestly didn\u2019t know I was on Bannock land when I killed that deer, but\u2026but\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cBut\u2026what?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cI heard a noise\u2026from the other side of the trees, so I went to see what it was\u2026and\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe paused, watching his father\u2019s face.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cAnd?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cIt was giggling\u2026and laughing.\u00a0 I couldn\u2019t see who it was, so I dismounted and peeked through the bushes\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe saw his father\u2019s eyes widen and his lower jaw go slack.\u00a0 He rushed ahead with his tale.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cI knew right then I should get the blazes out of there\u2026and I was going too\u2026honest\u2026but\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben\u2019s back stiffed slightly.\u00a0 The movement did not go unnoticed by any of his sons.\u00a0 Joe saw his brothers exchange a quick glance.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cWould you please stop with the \u2018buts\u2019 and say whatever it is that needs to be said?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben\u2019s voice was low and meaningful.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cBut before I could get out of there\u2026they spotted me\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cThey, Joseph?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe gulped.\u00a0 \u201cThe two girls\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cGirls?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cBannock maidens\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cOh for Heaven\u2019s sake\u2026\u201d groaned Ben.\u00a0 \u201cYou\u2026didn\u2019t?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe looked very much like a little boy as he cast wary eyes about the room, taking in the expression on each man\u2019s face.\u00a0 He looked at his father and nodded his head.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cI did,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cJoseph\u2026how could you be so foolish?\u201d Ben growled.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n He rose from his chair and walked around the room, making a little circle as he came back to the side of the bed.\u00a0 Standing over his son, seeing the bruises, the abused flesh and the broken bones, he sighed heavily.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s a wonder they didn\u2019t kill you outright,\u201d he said softly.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cThey tried\u2026remember\u2026look at me!\u201d Joe spat.\u00a0 \u201cI tried to tell them I was sorry about the deer\u2026that I didn\u2019t know I was on their land\u2026it was a mistake\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cAnd how, in God\u2019s name, did you explain being naked in the lake with two of their women?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cI wasn\u2019t naked\u2026I still had on my trousers\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cOh\u2026I\u2019m sure that made the chief feel reassured\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cPa\u2026I\u2019m sorry\u2026alright\u2026it was a dumb thing to do\u2026I know that\u2026now\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben was pacing again.\u00a0 He was angry, but not so much angry at his son, because Ben wasn\u2019t so far separated from the boy as to have forgotten what it was like to be young and to suddenly find yourself the object of desire by a beautiful young woman\u2026two in his son\u2019s case.\u00a0 But he was angry because even in youth, young men make foolish mistakes but not always as costly as his son\u2019s had been.\u00a0 And hadn\u2019t Joe said that they invited him in to swim with them?\u00a0 Shouldn\u2019t the two young women share part of the blame?<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cJoe\u2026I\u2019m not blaming you entirely, but I\u2019m not excusing your actions either\u2026you made a serious mistake\u2026I think you found that out the hard way.\u00a0 I want you to promise me that you\u2019ll never do such a foolish thing again\u2026and please, stay out of Bannock country!\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cPA!\u201d Joe shouted, startling everyone in the room.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n His eyes had tears in them. The tension and the deep seeded emotions, his fears and frustrations from all the previous days came lumbering down on him in that instance and mixed with the hurts and the pain it suddenly became too overpowering for the weary and battered young man.\u00a0 He leaned up in the bed; angry red volts seemed to shoot from his eyes as he shouted at his father.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cI really don\u2019t think you have anything to worry about\u2026for God\u2019s sake\u2026look at me!\u00a0 Just where do you think I\u2019m going\u2026better yet\u2026how do you think I\u2019d get there?\u00a0 And as for the ladies\u2026there isn\u2019t a decent woman around that would give a crippled man the time of day\u2026much less bathe nude with me!\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe turned his face into the pillow, twisting his body as best he could so that his back was to his family.\u00a0 His family\u2026stood is stunned silence at his sudden angry outburst.\u00a0 Ben moved quickly to the edge of the bed and sat down.\u00a0 He felt Joe stiffen slightly and try to move away when he placed his hand on the young man\u2019s shoulder.\u00a0 Ben glanced at Adam and Hoss and motioned for them to leave him alone with their brother.\u00a0The pair quickly took the hint and left.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cJoseph, look at me\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe was still buried in the pillow, but he managed to shake his head no.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cPlease son\u2026turn around and look at me,\u201d Ben ordered in a gentle but commanding voice.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n A long moment passed, but at last the youngster did as requested.\u00a0 Dampness from his fallen tears stained his flushed cheeks.\u00a0 He quickly swiped his hand over his eyes to wipe the moisture away.\u00a0 His father handed him a handkerchief and waited until Joe blew his nose.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cThat\u2019s better,\u201d Ben said gently.\u00a0 \u201cI\u2019m sorry, son\u2026I didn\u2019t mean to upset you\u2026I want you to try to forget all of this\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cForget it\u2026Pa\u2026how in heck do you think I can forget it\u2026you have no clue what I went through\u2026just because\u2026I like girls. I don\u2019t care if they\u2019re Indians or Chinese or Irish\u2026a pretty face is a pretty face\u2026and I\u2019m a\u2026man.\u00a0 I know that isn\u2019t an excuse\u2026but Pa\u2026I paid for my mistake\u2026and I\u2019ll continue to pay for it if Doc Martin can\u2019t help me\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe began to tear up again, his chin quivered and his voice tremble.\u00a0 Seconds later, tired from the long morning he leaned weakly against his father\u2019s chest.\u00a0 Ben\u2019s arms automatically wrapped around his son in a protective manner.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cI just don\u2019t understand, Pa,\u201d sobbed Joe, \u201cwhat did I do that was so wrong\u2026so horribly wrong that they wanted to torture me\u2026and then leave me to be eaten alive by ants?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe\u2019s words became broken and slightly garbled.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cYou used to tell me\u2026when I was a kid\u2026that there were no such things\u2026as monsters\u2026but you\u2019re wrong, Pa\u2026there are, but what kind\u2026of\u2026monsters\u2026are they?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben cradled his son to him, almost afraid to let go.\u00a0 He squeezed gently as he whisper.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cThe worst kind, son\u2026the worst kind.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cWell, Joseph, I\u2019m glad to see you\u2019re feeling better,\u201d Paul Martin said after introducing his nephew, James to Joe and his family.\u00a0 \u201cAs I explained to your father\u2026James is going to do the actual surgery\u2026I\u2019m only going to assist.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cThat\u2019s fine, doc\u2026I trust you\u2026I always have,\u201d Joe said.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n His father could see that the boy\u2019s smile was force, though his words were honest.\u00a0 Joe had always trusted the family doctor\u2026Paul had brought Joe into the world and had, on many occasions, fought to keep him in the world!<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cJoe\u2026I won\u2019t lie to you,\u201d James Martin said as he sat on the edge of the bed with his patient.\u00a0 \u201cThis is going to hurt\u2026not so much when I have to re-break those bones\u2026I\u2019ll make sure you won\u2019t feel a thing,\u201d he said trying to make his patient smile for real.\u00a0 \u201cI\u2019ll have you sleeping like a baby\u2026but afterwards the breaks will seem to be twice as painful as before\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe flinched.\u00a0 Everyone saw him swallow and then try to appear brave, but inside, where no one could see, his gut was churning\u2026twice as painful, his thoughts screamed.\u00a0 How was he ever going to endure twice as much pain?\u00a0 Suddenly, he felt sick.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cFor how long?\u201d he asked softly.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n James patted Joe\u2019s arm.\u00a0 \u201cNot long\u2026I promise\u2026just a couple of days, until the bones begin to set properly\u2026but don\u2019t look so worried, I\u2019ll see that you have all the painkillers you need.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe leaned his head back against the pillows.\u00a0 He was scared, but he\u2019d not admit it.\u00a0 One look at his father told him that Ben knew\u2026knew that his son was scared but somehow that reassured him, to know that his father understood him so well.\u00a0 He smiled, surprising everyone.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cWell\u2026how soon can we get this over with?\u201d he said, trying to sound brave.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cHow about now?\u201d James answered.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cNow?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cYou want to walk again, don\u2019t you, son?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cYes sir\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cAlright then, Uncle\u2026are you ready to assist?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cI sure am,\u201d Paul Martin agreed.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cLet\u2019s get everything set up.\u00a0 Mr. Cartwright, I gave your cook a list of everything that we would need\u2026would you tell him to start getting it ready, please?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019ll do it,\u201d offered Hoss.\u00a0 He turned to go, but stopped and looked back at Joe.\u00a0 \u201cI\u2019ll see ya in a little while, Shortshanks\u2026ya do what the doctors tell ya\u2026hear?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe nodded his head.\u00a0 \u201cI will\u2026I promise.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n A short time later, Joe was almost completely under the heavy sedation administered by the youngest Doctor Martin.\u00a0 Ben sat at his bed side, putting off as long as possible the time when he\u2019d have to leave his son in the capable hands of both physicians.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe stirred slightly.\u00a0 \u201cPa\u2026\u201d he muttered softly, barely conscious.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m here, son\u2026shh\u2026you rest, and it\u2019ll all be over very soon now\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cI\u2026hate\u2026them\u2026\u201d he babbled.\u00a0 \u201cSavages\u2026I wish\u2026they were\u2026all dead\u2026\u201d he whispered so lowly that the words were barely audible.\u00a0 But they stuck like an arrow into the heart of the one who heard.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe\u2019s head rolled gently to the side.\u00a0 It would be hours before he\u2019d awaken, completely unaware that he had voiced aloud, for all to hear, his inner most feelings.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cPa\u2026you better come out here,\u201d Adam called, rising from his chair on the side porch and moving toward the door.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n The front door opened and Ben stepped out into the late afternoon sun.\u00a0 He stood side by side with his eldest son.\u00a0 They had been waiting word from the operating room upstairs, when the small band of Indians rode into the yard.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben stepped forward, cautiously, to greet the Bannock chief.\u00a0 He waited until the Chief had dismounted and then stepped forward.\u00a0 Another brave dismounted as well and stood with the chief.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cWelcome,\u201d Ben said in a voice that appeared sincere.\u00a0 \u201cWhat brings the great chief of the Bannock nation to my home?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cHello, Ben Cartwright,\u201d the chief said, returning the greeting.\u00a0 \u201cI have come for my prisoner.\u00a0 He has escaped\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cYour prisoner?\u201d Ben said.\u00a0 \u201cAnd what makes you think your prisoner is here?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben was watching the chief, yet keeping wary eyes on the others.\u00a0 He could see Hoss and one of the hired men standing slightly inside the barn.\u00a0 When he glanced upward, Ben saw two more of his hired men standing in the loft, ready for trouble.\u00a0 Adam was close behind him on the porch.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cBecause, Ben Cartwright, my prisoner is your son\u2026he has said as much\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cI will not lie to you, Chief\u2026my son, Joseph, has told me of his mistakes\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cHe has broken the treaty\u2026the white man\u2019s treaty.\u00a0 He was caught hunting on our land and\u2026dishonoring two of our young women\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cI can explain\u2026Joseph has admitted to me that he was hunting on Bannock land, though at that time, he had no idea he was on your land\u2026and as for dishonoring your women\u2026might I ask how\u2026he dishonored them?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cHe was caught\u2026with them\u2026in our bathing pool\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cBy their invitation, Chief\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cIt does not matter\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cOh, but it does, sir,\u201d Adam said, speaking up at last.\u00a0 \u201cYou see\u2026your women\u2026invited my brother into the water\u2026they hold part of the \u2018guilt\u2019 if that is what you wish to call it\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cThat is a lie\u2026our women are honorable\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cAnd my brother is an honorable man, Sir.\u00a0 Our father has taught his sons that women are to be cherished and respected\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n The chief glared at Adam and turned to Ben.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cHe was on Bannock land\u2026the white man\u2019s law what make our treaty say it is forbidden that white men cross the boundary\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cThat is so, but given the fact that my son had no knowledge that he was in your territory\u2026in the incident of the deer killed\u2026you cannot fault the boy for not knowing.\u00a0 And as for the young women\u2026yes, my son made a mistake.\u00a0 He should not have entered the water where your women bathed\u2026but he has been punished\u2026and quite severely for that mistake.\u00a0 Chief Tyghee\u2026have you lived so long that you have forgotten what it is like to be young and foolish\u2026especially where a beautiful woman is concerned?\u00a0 Have you so soon forgotten the feeling of your blood when it runs hot? \u00a0My son is only such a young man\u2026must he die just because he killed a deer\u2026and foolishly forgot his manners?<\/p>\n <\/p>\n He suffers from the punishment that has already been inflicted upon him.\u00a0 As we speak he falls under the white man\u2019s doctoring\u2026my son may never walk again, Chief Tyghee\u2026because of what your people have done to him.\u00a0 He might well be crippled for the rest of his life\u2026I think that punishment is more than enough.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cPerhaps you are right, Ben Cartwright.\u00a0 To kill your son now would only bring war to my people.\u00a0 I cannot allow that to happen\u2026we are not a strong nation\u2026your white soldiers have seen to that\u2026they have hated us for a very long time and given us cause to hate all white men\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cMy son has learned to hate.\u00a0 Where there had once been compassion for your people, hate now abides.\u00a0 I fear that if he fails to walk again, the hate will grow and fester and destroy him in a much worse way than the death you had planned for him.\u00a0 Your punishment will endure for a lifetime\u2026death would have been more welcoming to my son.\u00a0 He is a proud man\u2026and to be reduced to a hateful, spiteful, cripple\u2026\u201d Ben paused and sighed deeply, swallowing his emotions.\u00a0 \u201cI do not wish that for my son, it is time to put aside our hate of one another\u2026and forgive the mistakes of our young men and women.\u201d he finished.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cYou are a wise man, Ben Cartwright.\u00a0 Tell your son\u2026it is ended.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n The chief mounted his pony and turned to leave.\u00a0 But he stopped and spoke again to Ben.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cYour son is a brave man\u2026a reflection of his father.\u00a0 Tell the boy, I am sorry for his suffering, Ben Cartwright\u2026it is I\u2026Chief Tyghee of the Bannock Nation, who has make the mistake.\u00a0 I failed to listen to the boy, had I given him his say, I could have prevented sowing hatred in the heart of one so young.\u00a0 I have learned something new from this brave, young son of yours\u2026and that is, we must put aside our hate and learn to live in peace, one with the other, or my people will no longer be.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cI agree; it would be good to call you friend.\u00a0 I will give my son your message\u2026perhaps knowing that you admit that you acted in haste, my son\u2019s hatred of you and your people will in time fade away\u2026perhaps he can find it in his heart to forgive you.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cThere are those who allow hate to rot their hearts.\u00a0 It spews forth from their mouths and defiles men\u2026I hope that does not happen to your son\u2026do not allow the hate to destroy him, Ben Cartwright.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019ll try not to Chief\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cI go now.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n The chief and his men mounted up, and without so much as a backward glance, they rode from the yard.\u00a0 Hoss came from the barn to stand and watch with his father and brother.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cYa reckon he meant all that gibberish?\u201d Hoss asked.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cI certainly hope so,\u201d sighed Ben.\u00a0 \u201cJoe needs to know that it\u2019s over\u2026that there\u2019s no reason to go on hating them for what they did\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cThat\u2019s not going to be so easy for him you know\u2026look at what they did to him,\u201d Adam said.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben turned to face his boys.\u00a0 \u201cWhat they did to him\u2026just what was that?\u00a0 I mean besides hurting him physically?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cI don\u2019t understand, Pa?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cWell, I would think that instead of dwelling on the physical aspect of what happened to him that Little Joe might consider that he unknowingly could be responsible for changing a man\u2019s views about, not just himself, but a whole way of life.\u00a0 For years the Bannocks have hated the white men\u2026and with good reason but now, because of one young man\u2019s suffering and astonishing bravery\u2026that older, supposedly wiser man was forced to look deep within himself and consider the suffering of someone other than his own people.\u00a0 If Joe somehow managed to change one Bannock\u2019s heart\u2026how many more hearts might be changed because of the one?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cI didn\u2019t think about it like that.\u00a0 So, what you\u2019re basically saying is that Joe\u2019s suffering might not have been in vain?\u201d Adam suggested.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cAdam, when something good comes of something bad\u2026it is never in vain.\u00a0 Things happen for a reason\u2026good or bad\u2026we don\u2019t always understand the methods, and we may question the whys and what fors.\u00a0 But from every occurrence, we learn something that goes with us throughout our lives\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cWhat do you think Joe\u2019s learned from\u2026being tortured?\u201d Adam said in a tone a bit too smug.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben ignored the tone of voice, he\u2019d asked himself the same thing.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cI would like to think that Joseph was able to dig deep within himself and find that he\u2019s a stronger individual than what he thought he was.\u00a0 Blessings come in many guises, Adam, and sometimes when something horrible happens to us and we live in dread of what may result, like Joe living in fear of being crippled\u2026those hours of tribulation can\u2019t be counted as lost if it teaches him to bear his cross and look deep from within to find his strength.\u00a0 No trials or tribulations are beyond what we can bear, if we trust in God.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n It isn\u2019t going to be easy for your brother to learn to walk again, but in time and with our help, hopefully he will.\u00a0 What I fear most for him isn\u2019t the possibility that he won\u2019t walk, but what he will allow the hate that he has hidden away inside of him, to do to him.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n I asked God for a miracle\u2026and that miracle wasn\u2019t that Joe would one day stand on his own and walk, but that he would find enough compassion in his heart to forgive the men for what they have done to him.\u00a0See, Adam, Hoss\u2026the heart is the most important organ in the entire body.\u00a0 Not only does it keep you alive\u2026it determines how a man lives his life.\u00a0 If he is full of hate, he destroys, if he is full of understanding and compassion, he can change the world.\u00a0 There\u2019s only one way that your younger brother will ever be completely healed of his wounds\u2026and that is by forgiving Chief Tyghee and his braves for what they have done\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cHave you forgiven them, Pa?\u201d Adam asked in a softer voice.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cHonestly?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cOf course.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m working on it.\u00a0 It isn\u2019t easy for a father to forgive another man for hurting his son, nor is it easy to understand why that man wanted to hurt his son\u2026and it\u2019s even harder not to question the Lord as to why He\u2019d allow such a thing to happen.\u00a0 But it did happen\u2026and now I have to trust God, that for whatever the reason\u2026good will come of it.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cI hope so too\u2026for Joe\u2019s sake\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cMr. Cartwright?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben had been so engrossed with talking to his sons, that he had failed to notice that James Martin had come from the house.\u00a0 He quickly hurried across the yard.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cHow\u2019s my son?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n The physician smiled warmly, causing Ben to relax.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cHe\u2019s doing just fine.\u00a0 He\u2019s asleep, and will be for several hours.\u00a0 Everything went well, I re-broke the bones and set them again and I put plaster casts on them.\u00a0 He won\u2019t be up and about for several weeks, but I feel convinced that, baring no unforeseen problems, your son should be as good as new by the end of summer\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cYa mean he\u2019ll walk again, doc?\u201d Hoss asked with a bright, happy smile.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cI mean, if he\u2019s as strong willed as my uncle claims he is, then yes, Hoss\u2026Little Joe is certain to walk again\u2026and\u2026without a limp.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben beamed with happiness and relief showed on his tired face.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cCan I see him?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cOf course, but\u2026he is sleeping, try not to disturb him\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cI won\u2019t\u2026we won\u2019t,\u201d he said smiling at Adam and Hoss.\u00a0 \u201cWhat are we waiting for?\u201d he laughed as he hurried into the house.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cI can\u2019t you big ox!\u201d Joe shouted.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cAw Joe\u2026stopped it\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cWhy?\u00a0 Tell me why\u2026all I do is sit here, day after day\u2026doing what\u2026nothing\u2026I can\u2019t even go to the damn outhouse by myself!\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hoss looked as if he might cry.\u00a0 Joe had been grumbling about something since early morning, and he was growing tired of hearing it.\u00a0 He\u2019d done everything in his power to make his brother comfortable, but nothing seemed to satisfy the boy.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019ll be glad when Pa and Adam get home,\u201d he muttered under his breath.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe was sitting on the settee with his legs propped up on the table.\u00a0 As he looked up at Hoss, he flung the book he\u2019d been reading across the room.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cNOT NEAR AS GLAD AS I\u2019LL BE!\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cDADBURNIT JOE\u2026YOU BEEN MEANER THAN A MAMA GRISSLY FOR DAYS NOW, WHAT\u201d S EATING\u2019 AT YA?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cMEAN\u2026ME\u2026WHAT ABOUT YOU!\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cI AIN\u2019T DONE NUTHIN\u2019!\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cTHAT\u2019S RIGHT YA AIN\u2019T!\u201d growled Joe.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n His face was red from all the shouting; his heart pounded rapidly and he was mad, just plain mad\u2026and tired of\u2026sitting and doing nothing.\u00a0 He hated it\u2026 being cooped up, he hated the way his family patronized him\u2026he hated being crippled\u2026he hate\u2026the Bannocks\u2026for everything!<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cWhat in thunderation is going on in here?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Neither Hoss nor Joe had heard their father ride up outside or toss back the door.\u00a0 They\u2019d been too busy shouting at one another to notice.\u00a0 Both young men suddenly fell quite as they turned and saw Ben standing in the door, his pistol drawn.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cI thought bandits had seized the house,\u201d he grumbled, holstering his gun and tossing his hat on the credenza.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben stormed into the room.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cWELL!\u201d he shouted.\u00a0 \u201cWould you please explain why I come home and find my two youngest sons screaming at one another like a pair of wild Indians on the war path?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben had been speaking to both but was looking at Joe.\u00a0 When he realized what he had just said, he quickly sat down on the table in front of Joe, whose eyes had suddenly widened.\u00a0 The boy had lowered his head.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cJoseph, I\u2019m sorry\u2026I didn\u2019t mean to\u2026remind you\u2026\u201d Ben stammered.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe made a grunting sound as he looked up at his father.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cLike I can forget?\u201d he snapped.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cSon\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cWell, I can\u2019t\u2026thanks to those damn savages\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben\u2019s frown deepened and his eyes grew suddenly dark.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cJoseph\u2026that will be enough\u2026you\u2019ll not start cursing\u2026not in my house\u2026do you understand me?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe\u2019s lips were drawn tightly together, but he nodded his head.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m sorry\u2026it\u2019s just that\u2026that\u2026oh\u2026what\u2019s the use?\u201d he said as his voice trailed off.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cWhat\u2019s wrong, son?\u00a0 Another bad day?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cYeah\u2026yesterday was bad\u2026today is bad\u2026tomorrow\u2019s gonna be bad\u2026next week is gonna be bad\u2026next month\u2026next year\u2026the rest of my life!\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben had motioned for Hoss to leave them alone.\u00a0 Hoss hadn\u2019t had to be asked twice, he quietly slipped out through the kitchen.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cThat\u2019s not so and you know it,\u201d Ben said gently, studying the expressions that dancing along his son\u2019s features.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n He knew what was eating at the boy, but he hadn\u2019t had the courage to brooch the subject with his son.\u00a0 Ben had watched in despair over the last several weeks how the hate had festered and had now become an open sore.\u00a0 It was time to force the boy to face both the hate that ate away at him and the fear that fanned the flame.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cDo you realize just how lucky you are?\u201d Ben asked.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe, who had been resting his head back against the settee, straightened up and stared at his father.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cMe\u2026lucky?\u00a0 You must have me confused with someone else,\u201d he said sarcastically.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben ignored the tone of voice.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cNo\u2026I mean you\u2026you are a lucky man\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cOkay, Pa\u2026I\u2019ll take the bait\u2026tell me, why am I so lucky?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cWell, for one\u2026you\u2019re getting your health back\u2026you\u2019ll be up and walking soon\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cGood\u2026I want to walk\u2026I want to run\u2026and ride\u2026\u2019<\/p>\n \u201cWhy?\u201d Ben quizzed.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cWhy, what?\u201d\u00a0 Joe was confused.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cWhy do you want to walk\u2026and run\u2026and ride\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe\u2019s eyes began to narrow as he studied his father\u2019s face.\u00a0 Ben was going somewhere in particular with his questioning and Joe wasn\u2019t sure he wanted to go down that path.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cDoesn\u2019t everyone?\u201d he answered, trying to avoid a direct answer.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cI would think so\u2026but why do want it so badly Joe?\u00a0 Not so long ago you told me that if you never walked again, you didn\u2019t care\u2026as long as you were alive\u2026why\u2019d you change your mind?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe didn\u2019t like the question. His anger was slowly rising and he was suddenly tired of keeping everything all bottled up inside of him\u2026.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cBecause\u2026I want to walk out of this house\u2026run to the barn and saddle my horse so I can ride back to that damn Indian camp and kill the sons- of-\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cJOSEPH!\u201d Ben grabbed the boy\u2019s arm with his vise like fingers and squeezed.\u00a0 \u201cTHAT WILL BE ENOUGH!\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe pulled free, wishing he could stand up.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cSo you still hate them, don\u2019t you?\u201d Ben braved to say.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n He saw the sudden rush of tears fill his son\u2019s angry, hurt eyes.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cYeah\u2026I hate them,\u201d Joe said with gritted teeth.\u00a0 \u201cWith a passion\u2026and when these casts come off\u2026I aim on making the whole bunch of them pay for what they did to me\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben leaned back slightly, crossing his arms across his chest.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cAnd how do you plan on killing them?\u00a0 In their sleep\u2026maybe shoot them in the back when they aren\u2019t expecting you\u2026how Joseph\u2026in front of their womenfolk or their children?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe lowered his head.\u00a0 His father was mocking him, and he couldn\u2019t understand why.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cSo now you\u2019re going to become the monster\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe jerked his head up, hardly believing that his father had assumed that he could be so like the men who had nearly killed him.\u00a0 He was stunned into silence.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cYou don\u2019t like monster\u2026how about\u2026savage.\u00a0 Does that suit you better?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cWhy are you\u2026doing this\u2026to me?\u201d Joe mumbled.\u00a0 He swiped his hand over his eyes.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cDoing what to you, Joseph?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe made a soft whimpering sound as he looked into his father\u2019s eyes.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cThey deserve to die\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cOh\u2026and you didn\u2019t?\u00a0 Is that because you are white and they\u2019re red\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cYou know that\u2019s not so, Pa.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cI don\u2019t know if I do or not.\u00a0 What you\u2019re thinking is, they hurt you, you hurt them\u2026does that make things right?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cYes\u2026I mean\u2026I\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cAn eye or an eye, then?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cWhy not\u2026that\u2019s what the Bible says\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cThe good book also says to forgive those that despitefully use you\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cAnd you think I should forgive them\u2026would you?\u201d Joe asked.\u00a0 \u201cOr maybe you already have\u2026well, that might be easier for you to do instead of me\u2026I\u2019m the one they tortured, not you, Pa\u2026me.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cYes\u2026they tortured you, but don\u2019t think I haven\u2019t suffered along with you.\u00a0 I have, it isn\u2019t easy seeing your child suffering because of another man or men who have so little regard for mankind that they could do such horrid things to another man and feel nothing for having done it.\u00a0 I could hate them too, for what they\u2019ve done to you\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cBut you don\u2019t\u2026do you?\u201d Joe asked, confused, for if what happened to him had happened to his father, he would still hate the Indian.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cNo\u2026I don\u2019t hate them, son and neither should you\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n A lone tear rolled slowly down from the corner of one eye as Joe sought to understand how his father could not hate the men responsible for his suffering.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cWhy?\u00a0 Don\u2019t you think I have cause enough?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cI think you have cause enough to think you do\u2026and plenty of reasons not too.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cI don\u2019t understand.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cLet\u2019s see if I can explain it to you.\u00a0 Hate, breeds hate, Joseph.\u00a0 Love, breeds love\u2026understanding breeds compassion and compassion, breeds forgiveness.\u00a0 To hate a man for something he has done to you\u2026is to allow that man to have power over you\u2026over your thoughts and your emotions\u2026over your life and everything about it.\u00a0 But to forgive that same man instead, is to reach into his heart\u2026his very soul\u2026for how can he justify his hate of you, when you\u2019ve forgiven him?<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hate has to end and love has to begin somewhere.\u00a0 Must you become as he?\u00a0 Must your hate be so intense that you are willing to swap places with him?\u00a0 Of course you didn\u2019t deserve to be tortured or to be killed\u2026but does he and if you answer yes\u2026then why?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cPa\u2026I\u2019m confused\u2026if a man murders another man\u2026he goes to trial and if he\u2019s found guilty, he\u2019s hanged\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cBut it\u2019s not the same, son\u2026we\u2019re talking about the Indians.\u00a0 Their entire lifestyle and their laws are different than ours.\u00a0 They live in the same world as we do, yet is seems at times to be in another galaxy.\u00a0 Their beliefs are different, they worship differently than we do\u2026they serve other gods\u2026and that\u2019s alright, because that is all they know\u2026but us\u2026we serve the supreme God\u2026and that god is a god of love, and compassion and grace\u2026and forgiveness.\u00a0 And love is a language that all hearts understand, it isn\u2019t concerned about the color of our skin.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben smiled at his son.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cIf, in your heart, you still want to kill them\u2026then I\u2019ll hunt down Chief Tyghee and the man who did all those things to you\u2026and I\u2019ll bring them here\u2026I\u2019ll give you a gun, or a knife\u2026or whatever else you want to use.\u00a0 I\u2019ll strip them down and tie them up\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cPa\u2026stop it\u2026please,\u201d begged Joe.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n He tried to swallow away the lump in his throat, but it was impossible.\u00a0 In that instance, an image of what he was allowing himself to become flashed before his eyes.\u00a0 He saw himself standing over the man who had tortured him\u2026his young, once handsome face was twisted and distort\u2026his eyes were as lumps of coals, a small flame of fire spewed from his mouth.\u00a0 He had been transformed into a devil.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n On the ground the tall Indian cried and wailed for mercy, but he, in the new image of himself, only laughed at the man\u2019s pain\u2026sneering down, the hate appeared to be dripping like salvia from his mouth.\u00a0 Joe groaned as he covered his face with both hands to hide the vision from his eyes\u2026his father refused to give in to his pleas.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cYou can burn them\u2026or beat them\u2026break their bones\u2026cut off their fingers\u2026brand them\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cPa\u2026don\u2019t\u2026\u201d Joe sobbed.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cYou can become\u2026one of them\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe\u2019s chin was quivering uncontrollably.\u00a0 He tried to get up but his heavy casts held him down.\u00a0 He lowered his head, preventing his father from seeing the tears and the horrified expression on his face.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cNO!\u00a0 I WON\u2019T LET THAT HAPPEN,\u201d he screamed in a loud voice.\u00a0 His tone became softer; the battle within had been won.\u00a0 \u201cI won\u2019t be like them\u2026I can\u2019t be\u2026please, Pa\u2026stop\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben placed his hand under Joe\u2019s chin and gently tilted the boy\u2019s head up so that he could see into Joe\u2019s eyes.\u00a0 The hate was less revealing.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cI knew you couldn\u2019t do it, son.\u00a0 Not because I considered you weak or a coward\u2026but because deep inside, I knew you were not like them\u2026and you never could be,\u201d smiled Ben.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n He moved from the table to the space next to his son and slipped his arm around Joe\u2019s shoulders, pulling the young man close, in a hug.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cI can\u2019t promise not to hate them, Pa\u2026but I wanna try not to\u2026I\u2026don\u2019t want to become the monster\u2026please\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cIt won\u2019t be easy\u2026but in time, with God\u2019s help I hope you can forgive them.\u00a0 I hope we both can, son.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cPa\u2026you said the chief said he was sorry\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cYes, that\u2019s correct.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cThen\u2026I have to forgive him, otherwise it would all be in vain\u2026nothing good would have come it, would it?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cThat\u2019s right, Joe, for out of our trials and tribulations come wisdom and understanding. And for now\u2026that is the good that comes from this\u2026your heart, my dear son, has been forever changed,\u201d smiled Ben.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cYou know what, Pa?\u201d Joe asked as he returned his father\u2019s smile.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cWhat?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cSomeday\u2026when these casts come off and I can walk again, I\u2019m going back\u2026I\u2019m going to walk right up the that chief and I\u2019m going to say to him\u2026\u201d Joe suddenly stopped talking.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben looked down with a puzzled expression on his face.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cYou\u2019re going to say what to him?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe giggled softly, looking much like the little boy he had been\u2026how long ago?<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m not sure\u2026but I\u2019ll think of something\u2026hey\u2026maybe I\u2019ll ask him if\u2026I use his bathing pool!\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cOh for Pete\u2019s sake, Joseph\u2026whatever am I going to do with you?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n THE END<\/p>\n May 2005<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Summary:\u00a0 Captured by Bannock Indians, for what Joe considered a minor offense,\u00a0he is tortured almost beyond his endurance.\u00a0 Will\u00a0Joe’s rescuers arrive in time, or will the youngest Cartwright lose all hope, allowing the Indians to become the victors in his demise?<\/p>\n Rated R \u00a0WC 17,450<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":9052,"featured_media":3981,"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],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-12207","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-drama","category-family","wpcat-23-id","wpcat-1008-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\/04\/sacredground.png?fit=983%2C766&ssl=1","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/12207","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=12207"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/12207\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/3981"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=12207"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=12207"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=12207"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}