Summary:<\/b> \u00a0Little Joe learns to honor thy father when too many trips on thin ice leave him in dangerous waters.<\/p>\n
Rated G \u00a0WC 12,100<\/p>\n
To Honor They Father<\/strong><\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n Children, obey your parents in the Lord:<\/em><\/p>\n For this is right.<\/em><\/p>\n Honour thy father and mother;<\/em><\/p>\n Which is the commandment with promise;<\/em><\/p>\n That it may be well with thee, and thou<\/em><\/p>\n Mayest live long on the earth.<\/em><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n Ep. 3: 1-3 KJV<\/em><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n Sixteen year old Joe Cartwright<\/strong> stood with his backside to the window of his second floor bedroom and allowed the cool evening breeze to blow gently on his exposed exterior.\u00a0 His rear end still stung from the \u2018necessary little talk\u2019 that he had experienced with his father earlier in the evening.\u00a0 Joe was mad, mad at himself for getting caught, again, mad at his oldest brother Adam, for tattling, and mad at his father for causing this present discomfort.\u00a0 Joe rubbed the burning flesh and let his shirt drop down over the area in question as he turned from the window and moved to lay face down on his bed and began to cry.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n It seemed that lately, nothing he did or did not do was right.\u00a0 He tried hard to please everyone he reasoned, but it was becoming such a chore that he was at his wits end.\u00a0 Pa was always telling him what to do and when to do it.\u00a0 Get up, go to bed, eat, don\u2019t talk with your mouth full, do your chores, go to school, don\u2019t be late just to name a few.\u00a0 But the list didn\u2019t stop there it went on.\u00a0 Don\u2019t get into trouble, do your home work, wash your hands, don\u2019t argue with your brothers, watch your mouth, get your feet off the furniture, do as you are told, watch your tone of voice, mind your brother, the list was endless thought Joe.\u00a0 No matter what he did, he could never seem to please his father.\u00a0 In truth thought Joe, \u2018I\u2019m tired of trying, what\u2019s the use?\u00a0 I usually get my butt warmed regardless.\u2019<\/em><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n Joe reached for Bo, his special little bear that even at sixteen Joe cuddled when in need of comforting.\u00a0 \u201cBo, you are the only one who loves me for \u2018me\u2019 and not for what someone else expects me to be.\u201d\u00a0 Joe hugged the little bear to him and thought of his mother, and wondered how different his life might have been had his mother been the one to have lived and his father the one who had died falling from a horse as his mother had.\u00a0 Joe shut his eyes tightly, instantly ashamed of himself for feeling as he had.\u00a0 \u2018It\u2019s just not fair, why can\u2019t Pa treat me like an adult instead of a little boy?\u2019 <\/em>cried Joe to Bo.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n When Ben Cartwright entered the bedroom of his youngest son, Joe had already fallen asleep on top of the covers, Bo held tightly in his arms and the remaining tears shining brightly in the soft glow of the lamplight.\u00a0 Ben\u2019s heart fluttered at the sight, his young son, the joy of his life trying so hard to prove himself that more times than not he would find himself deep in some sort of trouble.\u00a0 Trouble that usually ended as it did this night, with a trip across his father\u2019s lap.\u00a0 Ben had hated to do what he knew he had to be done this night.\u00a0 But when would the boy ever learn he asked himself as he gently began undressing the sleeping boy, preparing him for bed.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n On Monday Joe had been on the receiving end of a spanking, given this time by Adam who had caught the boy up at the lake, doing exactly what he had been told not to do.\u00a0 He and his friends had slipped away and were playing, sliding, and chasing each other on the frozen ice.\u00a0 Joseph had been warned how dangerous that had been.\u00a0 The ice had already begun to melt in places and chances of breaking through and falling into the cold water were numerous at this time of year.\u00a0 But Joseph had failed or chosen to ignore the warnings and when Adam had happened by and spotted his brother, said brother was immediately brought home and turned over his older brother\u2019s lap.\u00a0 Ben had been away on business and was not expected back until the next day and Adam felt that the improper behavior deserved to be addressed then and there rather than later and had proceeded to take action.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben removed Joe\u2019s remaining clothing, the pants having been shed earlier in the evening, and slipped a clean nightshirt over the boy\u2019s head.\u00a0 Joe, a sound sleeper had even not been aware of the tender care of his father.\u00a0 Ben raised the sleeping form up enough to pull the covers back and gently laid his son on the crisp cool sheets, and turned Joe on his side so as not to put pressure on the reddened backside.\u00a0 Ben reached for Bo taking a moment to examine his son\u2019s little companion before sliding him under Joe\u2019s arm and then covered both the sleeping boy and his bear.\u00a0 Ben bent over and kissed the forehead of his youngest and bid him good night. <\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben prepared for bed and when he crawled in he picked up the book he had been reading and found his place.\u00a0 After about ten minutes he laid the book aside, unable to concentrate on the pages and the words all running together; his mind kept returning to the behavior of his youngest son.\u00a0 He realized that Joseph was going through a time in his life where rebellion seemed to be the answer for everything.\u00a0 It didn\u2019t seem that anything that he tried to do to teach his son lately, in regard to decision making, was making any headway.\u00a0 The more he tried, the more it appeared that Joseph fought against him.\u00a0 It looked as if it were a no-win situation for both of them.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n After Monday\u2019s incident at the lake, Ben had felt sure that Joe would not return to the dangerous games he and his friends had been playing on the ice.\u00a0 But late this afternoon while he had been finishing work on the ledgers, the front door had burst open and Adam had literally shoved his younger brother into the house.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cPA!\u201d Adam called out while retaining a strong hold on his squirming brother.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam had decided to circle back around the lake, just on the pretext that he might find his younger brother there.\u00a0 Joe never had been one to heed warnings very well, and since he had not been seen since earlier in the morning, Adam\u2019s suspicions were strong about where Joe might have taken off too. When Adam crested the small rise before reaching the lake, those suspicions were confirmed for there below playing on the ice was Joseph.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cOh no, look Joe, you\u2019re in big trouble now,\u201d said Mitch as he stopped his sliding and pointed to the ridge above the lake.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe turned to where his friend had pointed and saw his older brother riding toward them.\u00a0 Joe\u2019s first instinct was to run for his horse and without stopping to think of the consequences, that was the action he decided on.\u00a0 Before Joe had gotten halfway to his horse, Adam had jumped from his mount and raced after his brother, catching him by the arm and spinning him around.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cJust what in thunderation do you think you are doing?\u00a0 Didn\u2019t you learn anything from our little talk the other night?\u201d shouted Adam, his anger boiling over as he jerked the younger boy toward his horse.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cLeave me alone, you\u2019re not my father, I don\u2019t have to do what you say,\u201d Little Joe shouted back, trying to sound braver than he really felt.\u00a0 Joe could plainly see that his older brother was very mad, the brown eyes seemingly to have turned black with anger.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cYou are right there, little brother, I am not your father.\u00a0 You had better be glad of that for if I were, you would not sit for a month.\u00a0 Now get on your horse, and do it quickly.\u201d Adam demanded, having finally succeeded in hauling the squirming boy to his horse.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n The minute that Little Joe felt his arm being released from his brother\u2019s strong hold, he bolted and began running from his captor.\u00a0 Adam had anticipation Joe\u2019s move and grabbed him before he had gotten very far.\u00a0Adam had to practically drag Joe back to the horses and this time he stopped beside his own horse rather than Joe\u2019s.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cNow wise guy, you can ride double with me.\u201d\u00a0 And with that Adam picked his brother up and placed him none to gently onto Sport\u2019s saddle and climbed up behind the younger boy.\u00a0 Joe continued to fight Adam.\u00a0\u201cYou might as well give it up little brother, its no use,\u201d advised Adam.\u00a0 With Adam\u2019s secure grip around Joe holding him securely in place, finally Joe stopped the struggle.\u00a0 Adam reached for Cochise\u2019s reins and led the pinto home.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n When the brothers reached the ranch, Hoss was in the yard and noticed the dark looks on each of this brother\u2019s faces.\u00a0 Knowing that once again, the youngest member must be in some sort of trouble, he offered to care for the horses so that Adam could do what had to be done.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cThanks Hoss, I owe you one.\u00a0 Joe get down and if you know what is good for you, you had better stay put,\u201d ordered Adam.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe dismounted and turned a pitiful look to his middle brother but said nothing.\u00a0 He knew that nothing he could say now would change the inevitable, he was sure to get a tanning tonight.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cWhat\u2019s he done this time?\u201d Hoss asked as Adam dismounted.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cWhat do you think?\u00a0 Found him back up at the lake playing on the ice, again,\u201d Adam explained to Hoss.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hoss turned sad eyes toward his younger brother and shook his head.\u00a0 \u201cWon\u2019t ya ever learn, Punkin?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe just hung his head and looked at the ground.\u00a0 Adam took him by the arm and led him into the house, Joe doing his best to break the tight hold that Adam held on his arm.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben jumped from his chair at his desk and made his way into the great room where both his sons stood.\u00a0 Adam had a death like hold on his brother\u2019s arm and Joseph was giving his older brother dark angry looks.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cWhat is the meaning of this?\u00a0 Adam, release your brother this minute,\u201d demanded Ben, surprised at both of his son\u2019s actions.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe thought this might be the time to make an escape and started to move to the stairs, hoping to get to his room before his father or brother could stop him.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cSTOP!\u201d <\/strong>bellowed Ben turning to glare at Joe, \u201cDon\u2019t you take another step.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cNow Adam, would you mind explaining to me what in thunder is going on?\u201d Ben asked in a voice heavy with anger.\u00a0 Joe watched the face of his father as his older brother began to explain to their father what he had witnessed and was not surprised to see the angry lines that furrowed into his brow.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cPa, I don\u2019t know what made me go back up to the lake, but I did.\u00a0 And want to know what, or should I say WHO, I found doing the exact same thing he got caught doing not more than three days ago?\u201d said Adam, turning to look at his brother who had suddenly become very quiet.\u00a0 Joe had found a spot on the rug and was digging at it with the toe of his boot, trying to avoid making eye contact with either his father or his brother.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben placed both hands on his hips and turned toward his youngest.\u00a0 \u201cWell Joseph?\u00a0 What do you have to say for yourself?\u201d demanded Ben.\u00a0 \u201cLook at me when I am talking to you!\u201d he added when Joe refused to meet his father\u2019s eyes.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe turned sorrowful eyes to meet his father\u2019s and saw the raw anger that danced in the brown depths.\u00a0 He realized he was in deeper this time than ever before and tried to soften his father\u2019s anger with a smile.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cThat will not work on me this time young man.\u00a0 I asked you a direct question, and I expect an answer, NOW!\u201d shouted Ben his voice seemingly to bounce off every wall in the room.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cI was up at the lake, just like old tattletale here said I was,\u201d smarted off Joe, not caring how the tone of his voice sounded.\u00a0 He knew he would be having a \u2018necessary talk\u2019 soon enough upstairs, so he figured he had nothing to lose now.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben stepped closer to Joe, taking the younger boy by surprise and he felt his body tremble when his father spoke again.\u00a0 \u201cWatch your mouth little boy, Hop Sing has a fresh batch of lye soap made and I will not hesitate to try it out on your mouth if your tone does not improve.\u00a0 Do you understand me, young man?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe lowered his head in submission and spoke softly, \u201cYes sir.\u201d\u00a0 Turning to Adam and meeting his brother\u2019s angry eyes Joe, with angry eyes of his own spoke again, \u201cI\u2019m sorry Adam, for calling you a tattletale.\u201d\u201cThere,\u201d <\/em>thought Joe, \u201cI said it, but I don\u2019t mean it.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cBut you aren\u2019t sorry for disobeying Pa or me are you?\u00a0 You could care less about doing as you are told.\u00a0 What in God\u2019s good name is wrong with you, boy?\u00a0 Don\u2019t you know that you could very easily die if you fall through that ice into that freezing water?\u201d stated Adam, his anger finally surfacing.\u00a0 \u201cDon\u2019t you have any idea just how that would make all of us feel or do you just not give a damn, Joe?\u00a0 Why can\u2019t you stop to think about things before you do them?\u00a0 It\u2019s as if you think of no one other than yourself.\u00a0 You are one selfish little boy!\u201d stormed Adam; clinching his jaw and making the fine lines deepen on his handsome face.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam had been frightened the first day he had caught his brother playing on the ice, but to have found him a second time, in less than three days doing the same thing, had left him unnerved and he was now taking his anger out on the misbehaving lad.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe stood rooted to the spot, anger making every muscle in his body to tense.\u00a0 Just who did old nosy think he was, judging him as if God had given him the right fumed Little Joe silently?\u00a0 Joe watched as his brother walked to the other side of the room and sat in his favorite chair and thought about sticking his tongue out at him but decided instead to turn his eyes to meet his father\u2019s face when he heard him clearing his throat.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cJoseph, you admit you were at the lake again this afternoon, and that you were out on the ice doing whatever it was you were doing, is that correct?\u201d Ben asked, his voice taking on a softer tone that caused Joe\u2019s heart to skip a beat.\u00a0 He knew that tone, \u2018the calm before the storm,\u2019<\/em> Hoss used to call it.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe swallowed before he spoke not wanting to look into the brown eyes that watched his every move.\u00a0 Knowing that he would receive another reprimand if he failed to answer, Joe spoke up.\u00a0 \u201cI guess so, if that\u2019s what Adam says.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben\u2019s blood began to boil and he had to refrain from grabbing the boy and laying him across his lap at this time.\u00a0 Ben took a deep breath and tried to calm the brewing storm that raged within him.\u00a0 He would have to wait for a while before dishing out Joe\u2019s punishment; he was not one to strike one of his sons while in a full-blown state as he was now.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cGo to your room, I am ashamed of you.\u00a0 I want you out of my sight in five seconds, and DO NOT come out of that room.\u00a0 I will be up shortly, now get!\u201d\u00a0 Ben said in a controlled voice that sounded shaky when he spoke.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe did as he had been ordered and ran to the safety of his room, taking the stairs two at a time.\u00a0 As soon as he entered his sanctuary, he slammed the door shut and flung his self onto this bed, the angry tears leaving their tracks down the front of his young face.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben turned on his side and closed his eyes, hoping that sleep would claim him.\u00a0 Even with his eyes tightly held shut, thoughts of the evening continued to plague Ben\u2019s inter most thoughts.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben had knocked softly on Joe\u2019s bedroom door before pushing it opened.\u00a0 Joe jumped from the bed and stood facing his father.\u00a0 He knew what was coming, and seeing the look on his father\u2019s face, Joe knew that no excuse or no amount of pleading would change the older man\u2019s mind.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben moved to sit in the chair that sat near the foot of the bed.\u00a0 \u201cJoseph, come here please.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe obediently moved to stand in front of his father and try as he might, he could not stop the tears from pooling in his eyes.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n The tears were not unnoticed by the father, nor did the father allow those tears to ease the planned punishment of the child.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cJoseph, I am at a loss for words.\u00a0 Your actions have caused me a great deal of worry.\u00a0 Not just for your safety, but for your attitude as well.\u00a0 I do not know what is going on with you, but I would suggest you give it a great deal of thought from now on and see if you can do something about it.\u00a0 In the mean time, I am going to give you something to think about while you consider your actions of today and of the other day.\u00a0Seems to me that you willingly choose to disobey not only me but Adam as well.\u00a0 Joseph, we care about you, but whether or not you realize that, I am not sure anymore.\u00a0 But rest assured we do.\u00a0 And because we do, I have to do this,\u201d and with that Ben pointed to his lap, an indication that Joseph was to take the known position used when across his father\u2019s knees.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben pulled the covers up around his neck and sighed deeply.\u00a0 As painful as the punishment had been for his young son, it had also been painful for him.\u00a0 He had never taken any joy in having to place one of his sons across his lap.\u00a0 Regardless of how many times he had to perform this type of punishment it never got easier.\u00a0 There was no satisfaction what so ever for him in seeing the tears that fell from sad eyes that had suddenly shown remorse for previous actions, whether intended or unintended.\u00a0 Nor was there a good feeling in knowing that he had been the cause of those tears.\u00a0 Making one of his sons cry was not a welcomed feeling for Ben and it had always left him with a heavy heart.\u00a0 At long last, sleep claimed it\u2019s victim and when the sun shone on the new day, Ben awoke, refreshed and ready to begin anew.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe woke the next morning in a sullen mood.\u00a0 As he turned over onto his back a soft moan escaped from him as his backside made contact with the mattress.\u00a0 Instantly his thoughts returned to the previous day and how he had come to earn the pain in his behind.\u00a0 Anger began anew as he thought of the way his oldest brother had hauled him home, treating him as if he had been a small disobedient child.\u00a0 The thought never entered his young mind that in truth, that was what he had actually been.\u00a0 Joe could see nothing past his anger at his brother or his father for their treatment of him and he allowed his feelings that had turned to resentment to surface.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cI wish I had never heard of Adam Cartwright, I can\u2019t stand him.\u00a0 He is such a know-it-all,\u201d thought Joe as he carefully crawled from his warm bed and began to dress for the day.\u00a0 \u201cAnd Pa, he\u2019s worse than Adam.\u00a0Sometimes, I wish\u2026\u201d but Joe stopped.\u00a0 He didn\u2019t really wish what he had been thinking, but he did wonder what it would be like to have someone else for a father.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n The door to his room suddenly opened and Hoss greeted him with a warm smile.\u00a0 Never one to stay mad for long at his youngest brother, Hoss was quick to welcome him to the new day.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cHey, Short Shanks, Pa sent me to tell ya to come down to breakfast.\u00a0 Better make it fast though if I were you.\u201d Hoss delivered the message.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m comin\u2019 just give me a second,\u201d replied Joe as he tucked his shirt into his pants and started out the door behind Hoss.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben who sat at the table sipping coffee watched as his two younger sons came down the stairs. Hoss was laughing, trying to talk to Joe but the younger boy made no attempt to be brought into Hoss\u2019 good mood.\u00a0Joe walked slowly and carefully as he took his place at the table without looking up at his father.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cGood morning, Joseph,\u201d greeted Ben as he watched his son.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cMornin\u2019\u201d Joe replied without taking his eyes from his plate.\u00a0 Joe had never noticed the pretty rose pattern on the dishes and sat quietly as he ran his finger around the outline of the pattern.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam joined them and Ben asked the blessing then started passing around the different dishes, heaped high with Hop Sing\u2019s good cooking.\u00a0 Joe accepted each dish as it came his way but only placed a small amount of each onto his plate. This did not go unnoticed by either his father or his brothers.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cJoseph, I want you to eat a good breakfast, you are going to ride with Adam this morning to the upper pasture and check on the conditions of the fence there,\u201d Ben stated as he helped himself to more hot coffee.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe glanced briefly at his father.\u00a0 \u201cYes sir,\u201d was his only reply.\u00a0 Joe then turned to glance at Adam and Adam, who had been watching the actions of the younger Cartwright, smiled back.\u00a0 This angered Joe for he felt as if Adam were smirking at him rather than smiling but Joe kept his thoughts to himself.\u00a0 The last thing he wanted right now was to anger his father and risk another whipping, his butt was still sore and he wondered how he would manage a ride to the upper pasture.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n A week had past and things had returned to near normal.\u00a0 Joe had been restricted to he yard and house except for the times that he had been ordered to work with one or the other of his brothers doing jobs that took them away from the designated areas.\u00a0 Ben had been careful in planning Joe\u2019s work days, always sure to keep him in the company of one or the other of his sons.\u00a0 This way Ben felt sure that there would not be further incidents at the lake, a fact that brought a certain amount of comfort to the older man in regard to his baby son\u2019s safety.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe had kept his resentments and disgust with his family well hidden but still they brewed deep within.\u00a0 He could not seem to rid the resentment of his brother or especially his father and those thoughts had begun to invade his sleep.\u00a0 At night he often was awaken from his slumber in a cold sweat that often left him shivering.\u00a0 Other nights he would wake from his nightmare after dreaming of falling through the frozen lake and into the icy water.\u00a0 It was these dreams that left him with a feeling of intense fear, as his father\u2019s face could be seen disappearing under the ice masses and out of his reach.\u00a0 Joe, in his dream, was seen lying on the cold ice, trying desperately to cling to his father\u2019s hand and haul him from sure death beneath the frozen surface of the ice. Other nights an unknown face invaded his dreams, and Joe struggled trying to put a name with the face but try as he might, he could not name the person who was so often caught in the middle of his nightmares.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n It was shortly thereafter that Joe, Adam and Ben had been working the area around the lake.\u00a0 Early evening was descending upon them and Ben had called a halt to part of the work.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cJoseph, I want you to finish and get back to the house.\u00a0 Tell Hop Sing that Adam and I will be in shortly.\u00a0 Hoss should have gotten back from town with the supplies by now.\u00a0 You can help him unload them please, if he hasn\u2019t finished by the time you get there,\u201d Ben ordered.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cYes sir,\u201d Joe answered as he brushed off his trousers and started to his horse.\u00a0 Without so much as another word or a backward glance, Joe mounted and rode away.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben said nothing but watched his son until Joe had ridden out of his view before turning to complete what he had been doing.\u00a0 Joe\u2019s bad mood had not improved over the week since the \u2018necessary little talk\u2019 and Ben was at a loss as to how he might get through to the boy.\u00a0 These thoughts were a constant in the father\u2019s mind and were beginning to show on Ben\u2019s face.\u00a0 Adam watched his father\u2019s face and could see the sadness in the brown eyes.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cHe\u2019ll come around Pa, just give him time,\u201d said Adam, coming to Joe\u2019s defense.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben raised his head and smiled at his oldest.\u00a0 Life sure had taken on a strange twist since his green-eyed little boy had begun fighting him every time he had turned around.\u00a0 Ben was worried about Joe but tried to keep those thoughts hidden from his other two sons.\u00a0 He didn\u2019t think it fair to them to always be devoting the majority of this time thinking about the younger of his boys.\u00a0 Adam and Hoss, both grown men now, had never given him much cause for worry but this younger one was making up for what the others had been lacking in.\u00a0 Ben smiled to himself\u2026life was surely a challenge with Joseph around.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe had ridden about a mile when he heard the distressed cries for help in the distance.\u00a0 Nudging Cochise into a gallop, Joe pulled her to a sudden stop on a small rise over looking the lake.\u00a0 What Joe saw froze him momentarily to the spot; down below, in the icy water of the frozen lake was a small child clinging desperately to the ice.\u00a0 Joe kneed Cochise and in short time closed the distance between himself and the icy lake.\u00a0Jumping from his horse and with no thoughts to his own safety, Little Joe fell to his hands and knees and began inching his way on the slippery ice to the small child.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cHold on, I\u2019m comin\u2019,\u201d called out Joe.\u00a0 Joe lowered himself to his stomach and began crawling slowly carefully listening for any sounds that might indicate that the ice was breaking.\u00a0 \u201cI\u2019m almost there, you\u2019re going to be fine,\u201d Joe told the boy when he reached the edge of the ice where the boy had been clinging to life.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n When Joe was within reach of the child, he grabbed the small boy\u2019s hands and pulled him from the icy water.\u00a0 It was then that Joe heard the cracking sound of the ice and told the boy to run.\u00a0 More scared than cold, the adrenaline flowing, the boy jumped to his feet and ran toward the shoreline not stopping to look back at his rescuer.\u00a0 When the child was safely on shore he continued to run and soon was gone from sight, fleeing now for the safety of his home and the waiting arms of his mother.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cHelp!\u201d screamed Little Joe as the coldness of the water soaked into his clothing.\u00a0 The ice on which he had been lying had broken causing him to fall into the icy water.\u00a0 Joe struggled trying to grab for a hold on the ice that was nearest to him but the under current was pulling him down.\u00a0 He briefly wondered how the small child had managed to hang on and realized that because of the boy\u2019s small size, he had been able to hold himself high enough on the ice\u2019s surface to free his lower body from the swift under pull of the water.\u00a0 Not so for Joe, he was fighting for his life and pictures of his family flowed before his eyes.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cHelp!\u201d Joe screamed again, panic beginning to take control of his thoughts.\u00a0 The cold water was numbing his body, his fingers becoming stiff and making holding on to the ice nearly impossible.\u00a0 His legs felt heavy and his boots had filled with water adding more weight that pulled him downward.\u00a0 Joe tried kicking but that prove useless and the effort caused him to tire quickly.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben and Adam crested the rise at the same time and saw the struggling boy in the water, as Joe had done minutes before.\u00a0 Ben gave a swift kick to his horse and was at the water\u2019s edge moments later with Adam closely behind him.<\/p>\n \u201cHold on son, I\u2019ll get you, just hold on!\u201d yelled Ben as he cautiously began making his way out onto the ice.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cPa!\u201d Adam yelled.\u00a0 \u201cLet me go\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben did not stop as he moved carefully toward his struggling son.\u00a0 \u201cNo, I will get him, you wait here,\u201d he ordered.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe had seen his father approaching and tried to calm himself by taking deep gulps of the cold air to fill his lungs, as he continued trying to keep his head above the water.\u00a0 The water lapped around him and for a brief second he lost his hold on the ice and was pulled under the water.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cJOSEPH!\u201d screamed Ben, hurrying to reach the spot where he had last seen his youngest son.\u00a0 As Ben approached the spot, Joe\u2019s curly head suddenly appeared popping out of the water.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cGive me your hand son,\u201d Ben ordered in a calm voice, trying not to scare his already frightened son.\u00a0 \u201cJoseph, give me your hand, now,\u201d he called out.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe, who was struggling to maintain his newly found grip on the ice, met his father\u2019s reassuring eyes and extended his free arm out to his father.\u00a0 Instantly the older man grabbed his arm and he felt his body being hauled onto the surface of the ice.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Automatically Ben folded his arms around his son and briefly held him tightly.\u00a0 Joe looked with sad eyes into his father\u2019s and began crying tears of relief that he had been pulled from sure death.\u00a0 Ben wiped at his son\u2019s tears and urged him forward to the shore.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cCareful Joe, go slowly.\u00a0 See Adam?\u00a0 Crawl to him.\u00a0 You go first and I will follow,\u201d instructed Ben.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe began making his way to his brother who waited at the water\u2019s edge holding a blanket he had taken from his bedroll on his horse.\u00a0 Joe was nearly to the bank of the lake when he heard the cracking sound again.\u00a0As he turned his head, the last thing that he saw was his father being dumped into the depths of the frozen lake.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cPA!\u201d screamed Joe as he turned around to make his way back to his father.\u00a0 His nightmares had suddenly become a reality to him and panic tightened around his heart as he watched his father disappear from his sight.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cJoe,\u201d called out Adam, \u201cCome back.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cNo Adam, I\u2019m okay, I\u2019m lighter than you are, I\u2019ll get him,\u201d Joe called to his brother, the tears running from his green eyes.\u00a0 Panic continued to squeeze at his heart as Joe searched in vain for this father who had not yet reappeared after falling head first into the water. Joe crawled from spot to spot screaming out for his father.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cPa! Pa! Where are you?\u201d cried Joe.\u00a0 \u201cOh please God, help me find him, please, please, God,\u201d shouted Joe as he looked up to heaven.\u00a0 \u201cDon\u2019t let him die, please God, help me.\u201d\u00a0 Joe shouted as he laid his head on the ice, despair beginning to consume him.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cJOE!\u00a0 OVER TO YOUR RIGHT!\u201d yelled Adam from the shoreline.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe raised his head quickly and saw his father hanging on to a large chunk of ice near to where he lay.\u00a0 Quickly he made his way to his father and grabbed the back of Ben\u2019s shirt and pulled with all the strength his young body could muster.\u00a0 After a short struggle he managed to pull Ben from the water and crawling slowly was able to get his father to land and safety where Adam grabbed their father and instantly wrapped him in the blanket.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam checked for a pulse and finding a strong one gave a sigh of relief.\u00a0 Turning to Joe, a look of dark fury on his face, he began yelling at the youngster who sat crying and shivering on the ground next to their father.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cWhat the hell were you doing out on that damn ice again?\u201d demanded Adam.\u00a0 \u201cSee what you\u2019ve done?\u00a0\u00a0 Pa nearly died because of your thoughtlessness,\u201d he continued.\u00a0 \u201cI ought to beat the crap out of you right here and now.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe, stunned at his brother\u2019s reactions, sat in silence, the tears streaming from his eyes, worry making the creasing furrows to appear on his young face.\u00a0 \u201cI\u2019m sorry,\u201d was all he could manage.\u00a0 Joe in his fright had forgotten all about the young boy who had been the reason for his venture out onto the ice.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cLet\u2019s get him home and warm him up,\u201d Adam said, the disgust ringing in his voice when he spoke to Joe.\u00a0 Ben stirred then and opened his eyes.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cJ\u2026J\u2026Joseph?\u201d whispered Ben, shivering from the cold.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cHe\u2019s okay, Pa.\u00a0 He\u2019s right here,\u201d comforted Adam as he jerked Joe forward into their father\u2019s view so that he could be seen.<\/p>\n \u201cT\u2026Thank G\u2026God,\u201d Ben softly said and reached a hand out to his youngest son.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m s\u2026sorry Pa, I\u2019m\u2026so s\u2026orry,\u201d Joe cried through chattering teeth as he laid his head on to his father\u2019s chest and wept.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cShh\u2026we\u2019re a\u2026ll right n\u2026ow, son.\u00a0 Let\u2019s get\u2026home, I\u2019m a\u2026bout fro\u2026zen,\u201d smiled Ben as he coughed and sputtered and somehow found strength enough to sit up.\u00a0 \u201cAdam, do\u2026you have\u2026another blanket?\u00a0Your brother\u2026is freezing to\u2026death.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam looked at Joe and for the first time realized that Joe was trembling from the cold and that his lips had taken on a bluish tint.\u00a0 Hurrying to his horse, he momentarily returned to his brother\u2019s side and wrapped the blanket tightly around the shivering boy.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m sorry Joe, I didn\u2019t realize.\u00a0 I was so worried about Pa,\u201d offered Adam, his anger at his brother lessening now that the worst was over and both father and brother were safe.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam helped Joe to his horse first and made sure that the boy remained covered with the blanket.\u00a0 Not that it would supply much warmth; it had gotten damp from the water that it had absorbed from his wet clothing.\u00a0 When Adam was certain the Joe was securely in place in the saddle and was able to stay mounted he returned to his father and helped him on to his horse.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n As soon as he reached the house, Hoss who had arrived home earlier rushed from the house to greet his family.\u00a0 When Hoss saw his father and younger brother, the smiled faded from his face and was replaced with a look of concern as he turned to Adam.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cThey\u2019re okay, they just took a little swim in the frozen lake, compliments of our younger brother there,\u201d Adam said, the sarcasm dripping from his voice as he nodded in the direction of their younger brother.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hoss turned his attention to Joe and noted the slumped figure fighting to remain upright in his saddle.\u00a0 As Hoss moved to Joe\u2019s side, the boy slid from his saddle and when his cold stiff legs buckled under his weight, Hoss was there to catch him.\u00a0 Easily, Hoss gathered the smaller boy into his strong arms and carried him to his room where he gently laid him on the bed.\u00a0 Adam remained behind helping Ben into the house and up the stairs to his room.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cJoseph?\u201d Ben said as he turned to catch a glimpse into his son\u2019s bedroom as Adam ushered him past the door.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cHe\u2019s fine Pa, Hoss is getting him undressed and into bed.\u00a0 Now I want you to do the same, come on,\u201d Adam ordered his father as Ben looked up and smiled at his oldest.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cYes sir,\u201d Ben replied, making a smile to appear on Adam\u2019s face and causing the cheeks to dimple.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hop Sing had suddenly appeared at the bedroom door, a glass of brandy in each of his hands.\u00a0 \u201cMister Cartlight drink this, will warm body.\u00a0 Hop Sing take glass to Lil\u2019 Joe to do the same.\u00a0 Send for doctor, will be here soon.\u201d\u00a0 Hop Sing told Adam and handed one glass of the brandy to him before hurrying down the hall to Little Joe\u2019s room.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hoss had just finished putting Joe in bed when Hop Sing entered.\u00a0 \u201cLil\u2019 Joe drink, warm body,\u201d he instructed and waited for Joe to down the liquid.\u00a0 Joe smiled weakly and handed the glass back to his friend.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cThanks, Hop Sing.\u00a0 Can I have another?\u201d asked Joe, a smile spreading across his tired face.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hop Sing returned the smile all the while shaking his head no.\u00a0 \u201cI not think so little boy.\u00a0 You sleep now, doctor be here soon, he make sure you okay.\u201d\u00a0 And with that the little oriental left the two brothers alone.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hoss moved to the bedside and pulled the covers high around Joe, making sure that he was warm enough.\u00a0 \u201cYou try to get some shut-eye Punkin.\u00a0 I\u2019ll stay right here till Doc Martin gets here, ya hear?\u201d\u00a0 Hoss said softly and moved the chair so that it was next to the bed.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cHoss?\u201d Joe called.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cYeah Joe?\u201d answered Hoss.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cPa? Is he gonna be okay?\u201d Joe wanted to know as thoughts of the late afternoon causing the fear to resurface.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hoss moved closer to his younger brother.\u00a0 \u201cDon\u2019t ya worry none Short Shanks, Pa is fine.\u00a0 A little cold is all but he\u2019s gonna be all right, I promise.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hoss wanted to reassure the boy, tears had risen into the green eyes as he had asked about their father and Hoss didn\u2019t think that upsetting the boy would help matters any.\u00a0 As far as he could tell, both his father and brother had only suffered from the cold water and hopefully neither of them would come down with colds from having done so.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n It was late into the evening before Paul Martin arrived at the family home to check out his two patients.\u00a0 Ben had insisted that the doctor check out his son before giving him the once over.\u00a0 Hoss waited in Joe\u2019s room with the doctor while the physician did a complete examination of the boy.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cBen will be please to know that Joseph is fine.\u201d\u00a0 Paul told Hoss and turned again to face Little Joe.\u00a0 \u201cHowever young man, I want you to remain in this bed for the next couple of days.\u00a0 Is that clear?\u00a0 I want you to get plenty of rest.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe smiled weakly, \u201cI understand doc.\u00a0 But when can I talk to Pa?\u00a0 I need to tell him something.\u201d\u00a0 Joe dropped his head and was silent for a second.\u00a0 \u201cIt\u2019s sorta important,\u201d he said and the doctor noted the tears that had suddenly pooled in the boy\u2019s eyes.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Paul Martin, who for many years had been not just the family doctor, but friend as well as the man who had brought Joe into this world moved to sit on the bed next to the boy.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cJoseph, what is wrong son?\u00a0 Do you want to tell me about it?\u201d he said in a caring voice.\u00a0 Joe shook his head no, the tears falling from his eyes.\u00a0 Paul gently raised the quivering chin so that the boy was eye to eye with him and spoke softly.\u00a0 \u201cJoseph, I promise, your father will be fine.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s not that Doc, you don\u2019t understand,\u201d cried Joe not caring now if the doctor saw his tears.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cThen why don\u2019t you help me to understand?\u201d Paul encouraged his young patient.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe looked sadly at the doctor and wiped the tears from his face.\u00a0 \u201cIt was my fault.\u00a0 Pa almost died because of me.\u00a0 If you don\u2019t believe me, ask Adam, he made sure I was aware of it.\u201d\u00a0 Joe turned his head into his soft pillow and covered his head with his arms and cried.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Paul cast sorrowful eyes at Hoss who had been witness to his brother\u2019s confession and exchanged worried glances.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019ll talk to your father about this Hoss.\u00a0 Try not to worry, the boy will be fine and I am sure Ben will be also.\u201d\u00a0 Paul patted Hoss on his shoulder as he walked from the room and went in to see his long time friend.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben was sitting up in bed waiting for the doctor.\u00a0 \u201cPaul, how is Joseph?\u201d concern clearly showing on his face.\u00a0 Adam greeted the doctor and stepped aside to make room for the man to sit on his father\u2019s bedside.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cHe going to be fine Ben.\u00a0 Somewhat upset though,\u201d he added and looked up at Adam who had remained in the room.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cUpset?\u00a0 Did he say about what?\u201d Ben inquired, noticing the dark look that his friend had given to his oldest son.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cSeems to think it was his fault that you were nearly killed out there,\u201d Paul told Ben.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben opened his mouth to speak but Adam beat him to it.\u00a0 \u201cWell, it was!\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cAdam!\u201d reprimanded his father.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam moved to stand on the other side of his father\u2019s bed, the anger he had felt earlier toward his younger brother coming to the surface again.\u00a0 \u201cIt was his fault, he was supposed to be going home, not to the lake to play.\u00a0 Can\u2019t you see Pa, that boy refuses to do as he is told.\u00a0 He blatantly disobeyed you again!\u00a0 And you sit there defending him.\u00a0 Pa, I swear, I think you are getting as bad as Hoss!\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben straightened himself in the bed and turned angry eyes at his son.\u00a0 \u201cAdam, I am not defending him.\u00a0 I have no idea why the boy was at the lake, much less why he was out on the ice again.\u00a0 I cannot possibly know the answer to that until I speak with him.\u00a0 Until then, you will keep your thoughts to yourself.\u00a0 Do I make myself clear?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cYes sir, very clear,\u201d Adam answered and turned and left the room without another word to his father or the doctor.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Doctor Martin checked Ben out and gave him the same report for himself as he had given in regard to his younger patient.\u00a0 \u201cA couple days rest in bed Ben, and you should be fine.\u00a0 If you or Joseph have any signs of cough, runny nose or fever, just send word to me.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cThanks for coming Paul.\u00a0 I appreciate it.\u201d\u00a0 Ben reached for Paul\u2019s outstretched hand and shook it.\u00a0 \u201cThink I can slip in later to see Joseph?\u00a0 I promise; I won\u2019t stay long, I just want to make sure he is okay.\u00a0 He saved my life you know,\u201d smiled Ben.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Paul turned to Hoss who had come in to check on his father.\u00a0 \u201cHoss, Ben wants to visit Joe in a little while, will you make sure he doesn\u2019t stay too long?\u00a0 I want both of my patients to get plenty of rest.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hoss smiled at the doctor and his father. \u201cSure Doc, I\u2019ll put him back to bed myself if need be. Pa, Little Joe\u2019s sleepin\u2019 right now.\u00a0 Adam\u2019s in with him.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam had gone into his brother\u2019s room.\u00a0 He had every intention of finding out just why the boy had been back on the ice after having been caught twice already.\u00a0 The boy was stubborn and rebellious lately, and Adam had grown tired of the mood swings.\u00a0 When Adam gently pushed the door opened and walked in, he found the boy sleeping soundly, traces of unshed tears remaining on the young face.\u00a0 Adam sat down in the chair that had been placed close to the bed and watched his brother sleep.\u00a0 The boy\u2019s breathing seemed to be normal, no signs of a labored effort were apparent and Adam sighed in relief.\u00a0 No matter how mad he became with the youngest member of the family, the love that he felt for the boy never decreased in its intensity.\u00a0 Perhaps Pa was right; maybe Joe did have a good reason for being at the lake.\u00a0 But what reason did the boy have to be out on the ice, a dangerous place to be.\u00a0 They had all tried to warn him of the consequences if he were to fall into the icy water, and just this day, that every thing had happened.\u00a0 Thank God that he and his father had been rescued and were going to be okay, thought Adam.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n Later that evening, Ben left his bed, the need to see his baby had grown to portions.\u00a0 Ben slipped into his house shoes and robe and quietly made his way to Joe\u2019s room.\u00a0 When he entered, the lamp was burning low and Hoss sat sleeping in the chair. Not wanting to wake either of his sons, Ben carefully sat on the bed next to his youngest.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben brushed back a dark curl that had fallen out of place and leaned forward placing a kiss on the boy\u2019s forehead.\u00a0 Joe stirred slightly and opened his eyes.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cPa?\u201d he softly whispered.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cShh\u2026Joseph, I didn\u2019t mean to wake you.\u00a0 I just wanted to check to make sure you were all right,\u201d Pa said as he fingered the soft covers on the bed.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe stretched and met his father\u2019s stare.\u00a0 \u201cI\u2019m sorry Pa, I didn\u2019t mean to cause so much trouble but\u2026\u201d began Joe but was stopped by his father\u2019s hand as he gently covered the boy\u2019s mouth, stopping any further chance of explaining his reasons for being on the ice.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cWe will discuss it in the morning.\u00a0 Right now, I want you to go back to sleep.\u00a0 Now close your eyes,\u201d Ben ordered and kissed his son\u2019s cheek, which had returned to its natural body temperature.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe did as ordered and closed his eyes.\u00a0 \u201cI love ya, Pa,\u201d he whispered as sleep once again claimed him.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cI love you too sweetheart,\u201d replied Ben rising from the bed to return to his own.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben woke somewhat later than he usually did and feeling fine, climbed from his warm bed and dressed.\u00a0 He had no intentions of spending two days locked in his room; there was just too much that needed to be done than to waste time being confined to a bed.\u00a0 Besides, he reasoned if he began to cough or felt like a fever was beginning, he would return to the confines of that bed and wait for the doctor\u2019s return.\u00a0 As Ben made his way down the stairs, there was a knocking at the door.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cWonder who that could be, this early?\u201d he said aloud as Hoss and Adam came around the corner from the kitchen.\u00a0 Ben quickly opened the door and was surprised to find a young man and woman and a small boy about eight years old standing on his porch.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cHello,\u201d greeted the man, \u201cWe are sorry to bother you this early in the morning.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cNot at all, will you come in please?\u201d offered Ben, opening the door wide and stepping back as the couple and their son entered.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cMy name is James Williams, this is my wife Jessie and our son, Alex,\u201d said the man as he introduced his family.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m Ben Cartwright, and these are my sons, Adam and Hoss,\u201d Ben said, taking the man\u2019s offered hand.\u00a0 Adam and Hoss nodded their heads in welcome.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cMr. Cartwright, my family and I were camped up at the lake late yesterday afternoon. We are passing through on our way to Placerville.\u00a0 Young Alex here wondered from camp, unknown to us of course.\u00a0 It wasn\u2019t until much later that he explained to us what had happened to him.\u00a0 You see we had warned him about going down to the lake.\u00a0 That ice is dangerous you know,\u201d explained James.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam and Hoss exchanged knowing looks with their father.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cYes, I agree,\u201d smiled Ben, knowingly.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cAs I was saying, we warned Alex to stay away from the lake, but like most boys his age, he didn\u2019t listen to us and went there anyway.\u00a0 As Alex explained it to us, he was playing on the ice when he fell in.\u00a0 He hadn\u2019t been in the water long when he began yelling for help and not minutes later a young man, said to be your son probably according to the doctor in town who check our Alex out.\u00a0 Anyway Mr. Cartwright, this young man somehow managed to make his way out onto the ice and pull our son from the cold water.\u00a0 For some reason unknown to Alex, the other boy told him to run and Alex took off for our camp.\u00a0 It wasn\u2019t until we arrived at the doctor\u2019s office much later that we found out that your son had also fallen into the cold water,\u201d James explained to Ben and his sons as to why they were there.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cWe thought that we should check on him, that is the least we could do.\u00a0 Doctor Martin told us that he was fine but we felt it our duty to come here and thank him for saving our son.\u00a0 If your son had not come along when he did, we would have lost ours, and probably not have been able to recover his body until spring.\u201d\u00a0 James took a deep breath and wiped the tears that had suddenly appeared in his eyes.\u00a0 He placed a loving arm around this young wife and squeezed her tightly.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben quickly looked at Hoss and Adam who had been standing silently as the young stranger shared with them how their brother had risked his own life to save the smaller boy.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben\u2019s eyes hesitated slightly when they connected with the dark eyes of Adam\u2019s.\u00a0 Ben noticed the tears that shown in their depths.\u00a0 A movement from the stairs caught his eye and his attention was drawn from the face of his oldest.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cThat\u2019s him Papa, that\u2019s the boy who saved me,\u201d cried Alex pointing at Joe who moved slowly down the stairs.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n All eyes turned to watch the youngest Cartwright and no one spoke until he stood next to his father who quickly placed his arm around his son\u2019s slim shoulders.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cThis is Joseph,\u201d smiled Ben as he introduced him to the Williams.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cJoseph, this is James Williams, his wife Jessie, and I think you\u2019ve already met young Alex,\u201d Ben said.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cJoseph, how can we ever thank you for what you have done for us?\u201d cried the happy mother.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe moved forward, suddenly becoming shy at all of the attention.\u00a0 \u201cIt wasn\u2019t nothing, I\u2019m just glad Alex here is okay,\u201d smiled Joe as he kneeled down to face the little boy.\u00a0 Alex surprised Joe by wrapping both of his small arms around his neck and hugging him tightly.\u00a0 Joe raised up, bringing the child with him in his arms.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cThis is thanks enough,\u201d he smiled at the child\u2019s parents.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n The Williams were invited to stay for breakfast and heartily agreed.\u00a0 Breakfast was a delight for all and after much small talk the young couple said their thanks and bid the Cartwrights a fond farewell.\u00a0 Each parent thanked Joe again for his daring rescue and Jessie placed a kiss on Joe\u2019s cheek, causing him to blush.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n As soon as the young family had moved out of sight, Ben turned to Joe.\u00a0 \u201cOkay, young man, back to bed with you,\u201d he ordered.\u00a0 \u201cThe doctor said two days bed rest\u2026now get.\u201d\u00a0 Ben swatted the retreating backside in an affection of love as Joe turned toward the stairs.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cDon\u2019t worry Pa, I\u2019ll make sure he\u2019s all tucked in,\u201d said Adam who had risen from the table to follow Joe upstairs.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe turned, surprised to see his brother following after him.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cWe need to talk,\u201d Adam stated softly to Joe. \u2018Yes,\u2019 <\/em>thought Adam, \u2018I will talk, you will listen.\u2019<\/em><\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe smiled at Adam, not sure of his reasons for wanting to talk.\u00a0 When he reached the landing, mid-way on the stairs, he turned and called out to his father who had been watching him.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cWhat about you Pa?\u00a0 I thought Doc said we were both to stay in bed for two days?\u201d smiled Joe, knowing that for the first time ever, he had the upper hand on his father.<\/p>\n Hoss and Adam burst out laughing.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cDon\u2019t ya worry about Pa, Little Brother, I dun promised Doc Martin I\u2019d keep Pa in bed myself if\u2019n I had to, even if\u2019n it takes both these hands,\u201d laughed Hoss who held up his large strong hands for all to see.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cOkay, okay!\u00a0 You boys win.\u00a0 Come on Hoss,\u201d laughed Ben moving to follow Adam and Joe up the stairs.\u00a0 \u201cYou can tuck me in.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n After Adam was sure that Joe was resting comfortably, he sat on the edge of the bed next to his brother.\u00a0 Joe watched the expression on his oldest brother\u2019s face and knew that Adam had something he wanted to say to him but was having trouble starting.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam smiled at Joe; the boy was irresistible, that was for sure thought Adam.\u00a0\u00a0 He suddenly realized how very close he had come to loosing not just his father but this brave young lad who watched him with such intense green eyes.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m proud of you little buddy.\u00a0 You scared ten years off my life, but I\u2019m proud of you for what you did.\u00a0 And Joe, I love you,\u201d said Adam as he fingered the soft curls that massed the boy\u2019s head.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m sorry for doubting you and for talking to you the way I did,\u201d he confessed.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe\u2019s eyes never strayed from those of his brother\u2019s.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cFrom now on, I promise to give you the benefit of doubt before jumping down your throat, \u201c promised Adam who noticed the change of expression that had suddenly flashed through the green-eyes.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cPromise?\u201d asked Joe, his smile seeming to be a mite too quick to suite Adam\u2019s way of thinking.\u00a0 However, he knew he was suddenly caught in a trap of his own making.\u00a0 Laughter escaped even though Adam had tried to stop it and knowing that his little brother was now one up one him, he confirmed that promise.\u00a0 \u201cI promise little buddy, I promise.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe laughed also and rubbed his hands together and Adam saw the plans running around in his baby brother\u2019s head as clearly as if he were watching a play on stage and he groaned loudly.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cIn that case, big brother, I forgive you.\u201d\u00a0 Joe put on his most angelic face and smile at Adam.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n By Saturday everything had pretty much returned to normal.\u00a0 Both Ben and Little Joe had been given a clean bill of health and were released from their confinement by Doctor Martin.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe had spent his free hours laying in bed reflecting on his life and how he had been acting toward his family before having helped young Alex.\u00a0 Joe remembered his feelings of resentment he had felt at Adam and his especially those aimed at his father.\u00a0 He remembered how his father had yelled at him stating how ashamed that Pa had been of him and it ate away at Little Joe\u2019s conscience.\u00a0 He wanted desperately to tell them he was sorry for his words and actions but wasn\u2019t sure how to bring up the subject.\u00a0 His shame came between himself and his clear thinking and Joe forgot that all he really needed to do was to face his father and simply say the words, \u2018I am sorry\u2019.\u00a0 But simplicity was not Joe Cartwright\u2019s way of doing anything.\u00a0 A harder road must first be traveled in order to arrive at exactly the same destination as the simple road.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe racked his brain for a plan as he waited in the wagon that Saturday morning for Adam and Hoss to finish collecting supplies.\u00a0 Suddenly from out of now where, Joe heard his name being called.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cJoseph?\u00a0 How are you this fine day?\u201d greeted the pastor from the church that he and his family attended.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cHello sir, I\u2019m fine,\u201d Joe returned the greeting and suddenly realized that the answer to his problems had just greeted him good day.\u00a0 \u201cPreacher, I do have a slight problem.\u00a0 Do you think we could talk?\u00a0 Privately, I mean?\u201d Joe asked.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cCertainly Joe, want to walk over to the church with me?\u00a0 We can talk privately there,\u201d answered the man, always ready with a listening ear to hear the problems of one of his flock.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cGreat,\u201d Joe said as he jumped down from the wagon.\u00a0 \u201cI\u2019ll be right with you.\u201d\u00a0 Joe ran into the mercantile and told his brothers that he was going to help the preacher over at the church for a few minutes and he would be back shortly.\u00a0 Joe hurried to join the preacher and together they walked to the church.\u00a0 Once inside and sitting alone with the man of God, Joe suddenly became very shy.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n The preacher sensing Joe\u2019s hesitance began talking of minor everyday things slowly leading the conversation around to the incident on the lake.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n At last Joe realized what had happened and began pouring his heart out.\u00a0 He explained everything he had been feeling, the bad as well as the good feelings.\u00a0 He repeated with shame the things he had said to his father and brothers.\u00a0 All the while that Joe talked, God\u2019s servant sat in silence and listened to Joe\u2019s confessions.\u00a0 By the time Joe had finished riding himself of his burden, his tears were running unshielded down his face.\u00a0 Gently the preacher placed a caring arm around the shoulders of the repentant child.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe looked up at the man and saw the kindness in the hazel eyes.\u00a0 He then presented his plan to the kind preacher and at last asked, \u201cSo, do you think it\u2019s okay to do that?\u201d Joe asked hopefully.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cI would be honored young man.\u00a0 And I think your father will be also,\u201d the preacher agreed to Joe\u2019s plan, giving Joe the final go ahead.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n When Joe walked from the church into the bright afternoon sun, his step was lighter; the expression on his face softer, the worry lines gone and his guilt removed.\u00a0 Adam and Hoss sat waiting for Joe\u2019s return and noticed the change in the way that their younger brother carried himself.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cWonder what that\u2019s all about?\u201d\u00a0 Adam questioned, watching Joe from under the rim of his hat that rested low over his brow and remembering the look that had been on Joe\u2019s face just a day or two ago.\u00a0 Adam briefly wondered if his brother was up to no good, again.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hoss who was leaning back and enjoying the short rest only shrugged his heavy shoulders.\u00a0 \u201cBeats me big brother, I\u2019m sure one of us will likely as not find out soon \u2018nough.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n Sunday morning the sun shone brightly as the Cartwright men dressed for the day. Ben and Adam, already at the table, were sipping coffee, waiting for the younger boys to hurry down.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cGuess I will have to go get them myself,\u201d laughed Ben.\u00a0 Ben began to rise from his chair when both Hoss and Joe appeared on the stairs.\u00a0 \u201cYou two better hurry or we\u2019ll be late, again.\u00a0 Now come eat,\u201d instructed their father fringing a frown and sitting back down in his chair.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hoss and Joe hurried to take their places and began serving themselves.\u00a0 Adam watched his youngest brother, glad to see that he had fully recovered from his ordeal and had since returned to his former self.\u00a0 Adam also noticed that his youngest brother had seemed as if he had taken more time than usual with his grooming this morning.\u00a0 Smiling to himself, Adam thought that the boy looked rather handsome.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cLittle Joe?\u201d asked Adam, trying to conceal his smile.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cWhat?\u201d answered Joe, who had just stuffed his mouth full with half a pancake.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cYou sparking some sweet young thing today?\u201d Adam teased.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe nearly choked on his milk that he had just taken a gulp of to wash down the pancake.\u00a0 \u201cWhat? You must be crazy!\u201d he said at last.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben, who had been watching the exchange between his oldest and youngest sons, could not resist joining in the fun.\u00a0 \u201cHe must be Adam, he looks mighty handsome don\u2019t you think?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cHe sure is, why I\u2019d have to say, he\u2019s just about \u2018pretty\u2019 this morning,\u201d Adam continued with his teasing.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe glanced at his brother and then at his father and saw the smiles that they were trying to hide and realized they had been teasing him.\u00a0 \u201cFunny.\u201d\u00a0 He said, frowning and then bursting into his notorious laughter.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cLet\u2019s go boys,\u201d laughed Ben, rising from the table and going to gather his things from the sideboard.\u00a0 All three sons promptly followed.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben walked to his usual pew where he and his sons always sat.\u00a0 Glancing around, Ben wondered at the size of the congregation this morning; somehow it seemed larger than normal.\u00a0 Ben stood to the side and allowed his sons to enter the pew, Hoss taking the lead, followed by Adam, Joseph and ending with himself on the center aisle end.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe turned anxious eyes around taking in the crowd.\u00a0 He saw his two best friends, Mitch and Seth, each sitting with their families and returned the smiles that they cast in his direction.\u00a0 Joe felt the gentle nudge of his father\u2019s elbow and turned to meet his father\u2019s eyes.\u00a0 Ben smiled down at him and nodded his head toward the front.\u00a0 Joe saw the preacher approach the pulpit and open his bible as he turned his attention to the words the man spoke.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cI would like to read to you this morning from the book of Matthew, chapter 15, beginning with verse four:\u00a0 \u201cfor God commanded, saying, Honour thy father and mother: and, He that curseth his father or mother, let him die the death.\u00a0 But ye say, Whosoever shall say to his father or his mother, It is a gift, by whatsoever thou mightest be profited by me: And honour not his father or his mother, he shall be free.\u00a0 Thus have ye made the commandment of god of none effect by your tradition.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Finished with the scripture readings the preacher asked that all heads be bowed for a moment of prayer and in a soft voice the man began to pray.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cOur most gracious heavenly Father, we come to you this Lord\u2019s day to give honour to Thy name.\u00a0 We praise you for all that you have done, for your Son, Jesus Christ; we praise you for your love and for your forgiving grace.\u00a0 Thank you most gracious One for our families, our homes, health, and our friends.\u00a0 May your presence be felt here today and Lord, if there be but one who seeks your forgiveness this morning, I pray your mercy upon their heart and soul.\u00a0 In Christ\u2019s name, Amen.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cAmen,\u201d said several of the men in attendance.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n The preached wiped his brow with his handkerchief and continued to speak.\u00a0 \u201cI had a very interesting and I might add, enlightening conversation with a young man from this congregation earlier this week.\u00a0 We spoke of certain things that had happened to him and his family, namely his father over the course of the last few weeks.\u00a0 This young man asked me if he might be given a chance to speak to you this morning.\u00a0 After hearing what he had to say to me and why he wished to stand at the pulpit, I agreed,\u201d said the preacher as he swept the room with his eyes.\u00a0 Seeing he had everyone\u2019s attention, he turned and smiled in Joe\u2019s direction.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cJoseph Cartwright, would you like to come ahead now?\u201d the preacher asked.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Silence suddenly filled the room as all eyes turned in the direction of the Cartwright family pew.\u00a0 Joe felt his father\u2019s eyes upon him and met the questions he saw there with a slight smile.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Slowly Joe rose from his spot on the pew and made his way to the front of the church.\u00a0 Ben glanced at Adam and Hoss but both older sons raised their eyebrows and shoulders in answer to their father\u2019s unasked question.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe cleared his throat, bringing everybody\u2019s attention to himself and back to the front of the room.\u00a0 Joe swallowed and took a deep breath before beginning.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cMorning\u2019,\u201d he started softly and several heads were seen returning the greeting.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cGuess ya never figured to see me on this side of a pulpit did ya?\u201d smiled Joe shyly.\u00a0 Everyone laughed and nodded their heads in agreement.\u00a0 Nearly everyone who was in attendance either knew or knew of Joe Cartwright and his family.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cWell to be honest, neither did I.\u00a0 But I wanted to say something, not to just all of you, but to my Pa mostly, and to my brothers,\u201d said Joe as he turned to face his family.\u00a0 Ben smiled, the questions clearly see by Little Joe, in the brown eyes that watched him.\u00a0 Joe looked deeply into their depths and saw the unconditional love that radiated from them.\u00a0 It was from this source that Joe drew his courage to continue.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cThis morning the preacher read to us about honor, how we are to honor our fathers and mothers.\u00a0 As most of you already know, my ma died a long time ago.\u00a0 But I still have my pa.\u00a0 He\u2019s been both ma and pa to me ever since I can remember.\u00a0 He\u2019s cared for me when I was sick or hurt.\u00a0 He\u2019s tried to teach me right from wrong and he\u2019s tried to teach me how to make my own decisions.\u00a0 From that he\u2019s trying to teach me to take responsibility for those decisions, be it right or wrong,\u201d Joe informed his audience.\u00a0 \u201cI have fought him over this for years. I caused him a ton or worry.\u00a0 He says that I\u2019m the reason his hair is so white,\u201d smiled Little Joe and then continued.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cPa has taught me that there is more to becoming a man than learning how to break wild horses or mucking out stalls.\u00a0 He says there is more to it than cattle drives or roundups and roping a steer for branding.\u00a0 Even learning how to use a side arm don\u2019t make ya a man.\u201d\u00a0 Joe paused in his speech and searched the eyes of his audience and then returned his eyes to his family and smiled at the sight.\u00a0 The three Cartwrights sitting in the family pew appeared to have grown taller, straighter somehow than when he had first began speaking.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cWant to know what makes a man out of a boy?\u201d Joe asked and watched as heads bobbed up and down.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cHonesty, integrity, respect, loyalty and honor.\u201d Joe stopped suddenly as if a new thought had made it\u2019s was into his thinking.\u00a0 \u201cWhich brings us back to today\u2019s sermon.\u00a0 Did ya ever stop to think about the fact that if we cannot honor our earthly father, how could we ever be able to honor our heavenly father?\u201d\u00a0 Joe searched the faces again and saw that many were pondering his words.\u00a0 It was obvious to anyone who chanced to glance around the room that the handsome young speaker held a captivated audience.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cI have to admit, I haven\u2019t been a very good son, nor brother for that matter,\u201d said Joe, turning to face his father.\u00a0 Keeping eye contact with his father, least he faltered, for the words were beginning to come harder for him now, he continued.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cI have failed to honor my father, therefore I have also failed to honor my heavenly father.\u00a0 I have said things, and done things that have brought dishonor and shame to the man who gave me life.\u00a0 I have spoken rudely to him, I have been defiant, rebellious and sadly, I have often cursed the fact that this man,\u201d Joe pointed to his father and all eyes followed the direction his finger indicated, \u201cBen Cartwright, was even my father.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe\u2019s eyes suddenly spilled the tears he had fought so hard to control as he admitted his shame and lowered his head, no longer able to look into his father\u2019s eyes.\u00a0 Ben fought the urge to run to his son and gather the boy into his arms.\u00a0 As he was just about to give in to that urge, Joe began speaking again.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe wiped the dripping tears and raised his head once again, avoiding his father\u2019s penetrating dark eyes.\u00a0 \u201cI am just a kid, still a boy.\u00a0 I know that now.\u00a0 I learned the hard way that I still have a long way to go and many more lessons to learn before I am a man.\u00a0 That one lesson nearly cost me the life of the man that I love more than any other person on earth, my Pa.\u201d\u00a0 Joe looked at Ben, and Ben smiling in return, made no move to mask the tears that streamed from his eyes.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe returned his attention to the people before him.\u00a0 \u201cAs far as I am concerned, I know I could never have a better parent than I do now.\u00a0 And I just wanted my Pa to know how I felt.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cPa,\u201d said Joe softly as he turned his entire body in Ben\u2019s direction.\u00a0 Everyone sat motionless in silence, each waiting for Joe\u2019s next words.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben straightened in his seat, nodding for his son to continue.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cI know that in the past, I have told you many times that I was sorry for whatever it was that I had said or done.\u00a0 And I know or maybe I just assumed that you would and did forgive me.\u00a0 Most of the time I really did mean it.\u201d\u00a0 Several snickers could be heard throughout the room, easing the tension that everyone was feeling.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cPa, I wanted to stand here, at God\u2019s pulpit and in His house, to tell you that I am sorry for not honoring you.\u00a0 I figured if I apologized in here, in church, you would really believe me this time.\u00a0 I am ashamed of how I have been acting,\u201d Joe sobbed, uncertain as to what the town folks thought of him and not really caring if they approved or disapproved of his public cry of apologies to his family.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cAdam, Hoss, I want to tell you that I am sorry too, for being such a rotten brother.\u00a0 I think you guys are super, I couldn\u2019t ask for better brothers.\u00a0 I love ya, all of you.\u201d\u00a0 Joe\u2019s tears ran unchecked down his cheeks and he made no move to wipe them away.\u00a0 Adam lowered his head to conceal his own tears, pride in his baby brother swelling within his chest.\u00a0 Hoss grinned and called out to his younger brother.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cI love ya too, Punkin,\u201d and then blushed when shouts of Amen filled the air.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe stepped from around the pulpit and moved to the center aisle and faced his father who had risen from his seat as Joe moved toward him.\u00a0 Meeting his father\u2019s eyes as tears of remorse and shame slid from his quivering chin and on to his best Sunday shirt, he cried, \u201cI\u2019m sorry Pa, and I love you more than anything.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben gently cupped the quivering chin with tender care, leaned forward and kissed his youngest son\u2019s forehead.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cAnd I love you son.\u00a0 And just so you\u2019ll be sure, in front of all of these witnesses I want you to know that I except your apology and you are forgiven all,\u201d Ben smiled down into the green eyes which had become darker now from the tears and emotions that had surfaced.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben gathered Joe into a firm embrace and there in God\u2019s house and before the good people of Virginia City, a father was honored and a son was forgiven\u2026as well it should be.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n THE END<\/strong><\/p>\n October 2001<\/strong>\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n <\/p>\n Tags:<\/strong> Adam Cartwright, Ben Cartwright, Hoss Cartwright, Joe \/ Little Joe Cartwright<\/p>\n
\n\u201cGood night Joseph, I love you,\u201d Ben whispered softly, knowing that in slumber, his son would not be hearing his words of love.<\/p>\n