Summary:<\/b> \u00a0 After a major argument turns nasty, both Adam and Joe leave home. Unforeseen circumstances leads Adam into searching for his missing brother who has not been heard from in weeks. Can Adam find his younger brother and restore their relationship before the youngest Cartwright destroys himself completely?<\/p>\n
Rated G \u00a0WC 19,000<\/p>\n
Adam stepped from the stagecoach<\/strong> and leaned down to dust the trail dirt from his black trousers.\u00a0 Lifting his hat from his head, he wiped the sweat from his brow and returned the Stetson to his head.\u00a0 There was no one present to meet him, but then he hadn\u2019t expected anyone, he hadn\u2019t even wired his father that he was returning.\u00a0 His family believed him to be in San Francisco, now supposedly happily married.\u00a0 Wrong, he hadn\u2019t been able to go through with the ceremony, not after what she had finally admitted too.\u00a0 The memory of her laughter as he had stood in shock at her confession, tore at his heart and he shook his head to remove it from his mind.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Slowly Adam made his way to the livery stable to rent a horse for the long ride home. He dreaded facing his family, especially his younger brother.\u00a0 It wasn\u2019t a task he looked forward to, but it was one that he knew he could not avoid.\u00a0 Little Joe had been right, Sara had been no good, Joe had tried to tell him and what had he done?\u00a0 Beat his brother within an inch of his young life.\u00a0 Adam cursed himself as he pictured Little Joe lying in a heap on the floor of the barn that night over two months ago.\u00a0 His pounding fists had bloodied Joe\u2019s face, the gash over Joe\u2019s left eye seeping the blood down his tear stained face as the boy had begged him to stop.\u00a0 He had grabbed his brother roughly by the shirt collar and slung him across the barn and into the hard wooden half wall that divided the stalls.\u00a0 Hearing the cries of pain that had erupted from his brother again sounding in his mind, Adam sighed deeply and wiped his dark eyes to keep the tears from rolling down his cheeks and glanced around to be sure that no one had observed him.\u00a0 He had to get home and make things right with his younger brother; he had to tell Joe that he was sorry for the things that he had said and done to him but could only pray that he would be forgiven.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam paid the stable boy the rental for the horse and promised to have the mare returned the next time he came into town.\u00a0 Adam let his mind wander back to the night when he had stepped into the barn and found his fianc\u00e9e locked in a warm embrace with his brother.\u00a0 The couple\u2019s lips were pressed firmly together and Joe\u2019s hands were devouring the beautiful woman\u2019s body.\u00a0 As the memory flooded his thoughts, Adam could now admit to himself that it had in fact been Sara\u2019s hands that had been pawing the young man\u2019s body\u2019s and Joe\u2019s hands were only trying to stop her assault of him.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam cursed himself again for not having seen it in the making.\u00a0 The signs were everywhere, the way she had smiled at the hired help, her flirting openly when the two of them were together, just to watch his face and see his jealousy, her laughing and saying it was only a joke.\u00a0\u00a0 Even the way he had seen her eyeball his father when she had thought no one had been watching.\u00a0 To think that he could have been so blinded by her beauty, her sweet words, even the smell of her perfume had sent his head to spinning.\u00a0 Then seeing her in Joe\u2019s arms, he had lost all sense of reality and had turned on the boy with the wrath of a wounded grizzly.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam felt himself cringe when he recalled the words he had screamed at his brother as Joe laid in the ground at his feet.\u00a0 Bastard, liar, cheat and that had only been the beginning of his verbal assault, he had screamed how much that he had hated his brother, had wished the boy had never been born.\u00a0 Adam was seeing the look of total dejection that adorned the young face and Adam heard again his own laughter when he realized that he had succeeded in hurting his little brother in much the same way as he, himself had been hurt.\u00a0 He had turned and left the heartbroken boy crying in the dirt with the promise that he would never forgive him, never call him brother ever again and had shoved the barn door shut, leaving the lad to fend for himself.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam stopped as he neared the rise where he could look down and see the familiar homestead.\u00a0 It had always been one of his favorite spots; anytime of the year one could stop and take in the tranquil scene below.\u00a0Usually you could see one or more of his family out and about the yard, going about their various chores and this afternoon was no different.\u00a0 Adam watched as his pa and Hoss carried something heavy into the barn.\u00a0 Seconds later they emerged, Hoss was laughing and Pa looked as if he were scolding.\u00a0 Adam stared on in amusement and briefly wondered where his youngest brother might be. Hoss stopped and said something to their father and Adam watched as the older man shook his head slowly and walked toward the house.\u00a0 Adam noted the way his father\u2019s shoulders appeared to slump and his laggard walk reminded him of that of an old man.\u00a0 Adam feared that perhaps his father had been sick, but surely Hoss would have sent him a wire notifying him if that had been true. Unable to wait any longer, Adam spurred his mount forward and headed down the hill into the yard of his home.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hoss strolled out into the sunshine just as Adam rounded the corner of the barn and stopped in his tracks at seeing his brother.\u00a0 A wide gapped-toothed smile spread across his boyish face and the lights danced their merriment in his sparkling blue eyes.\u00a0 Hoss closed the distance between himself and his older brother in two long strides.\u00a0 As Adam slid from the saddle he found himself engulfed in a tight bear hug as Hoss held him up and spun him around in a circle.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cAdam, dadburnit Big Brother, I cain\u2019t believe my eyes!\u00a0 Dang, it\u2019s good ta see ya!\u201d laughed Hoss finally releasing his hold on his brother.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam laughed and straightened his hat on his head; \u201cIt\u2019s good to see you too, brother.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cPa!\u00a0 Pa!\u00a0 Get out here quick,\u201d yelled Hoss as he wrapped his large arm around Adam\u2019s shoulder and pulled him to him for a second hug.\u00a0 Adam wrapped his arm around Hoss\u2019 neck and returned the hug, the sudden need to feel the larger boy\u2019s closeness and love tugged at his troubled heart.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben ran into the yard and stopped, he was having trouble believing what he was seeing.\u00a0 His first born had returned!\u00a0 \u201cAdam, son\u2026\u201d Ben grabbed the young man and pulled him to his chest and held him tightly, afraid that if he let go, the boy would suddenly vanish.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam felt himself go weak with relief the second his father touched him.\u00a0 He had been afraid of what his father might say upon seeing him.\u00a0 When he left, he had left in a hurry not taking time to make things right.\u00a0He knew his father had been mad, no, infuriated about what he had done to Little Joe, so he had chosen the easy way out.\u00a0 He had left in the night leaving only a weak apology written in a short note telling his father he was sorry and that he would be in touch after he and Sara had gotten married.\u00a0 The hug that he was now receiving told him that his father had forgiven his transgressions.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben at last pulled back and looked at his oldest.\u00a0 \u201cAdam, I am glad to see you son.\u201d\u00a0 Ben swallowed the lump that popped into his throat.\u00a0 \u201cI\u2019m happy that you are home.\u00a0 How long are you planning on staying?\u201d Ben searched his son\u2019s face and the fine little worry lines that creased Adam\u2019s handsome face were easily seen as his son fought for control of the emotions that Ben could sense were struggling to burst forth.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam cleared his throat and glanced at Hoss who stood next to his father waiting for his answer.\u00a0 Adam returned his eyes to his father\u2019s face before speaking.\u00a0 \u201cAs long as you will let me,\u201d he replied quietly and hung his head, \u201cthat is, if you even want me to stay.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben\u2019s eyes opened wide in surprise, \u201cOf course I want you to stay, this is still your home, and I want you to stay for as long as you choose, but what about\u2026what about\u2026Sara?\u201d\u00a0 Ben saw the sadness that suddenly filled Adam\u2019s eyes.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cThat didn\u2019t work out, Pa.\u00a0 Joe was right\u2026he hmm\u2026was telling me the truth about what happened that night in the barn.\u00a0 She finally admitted it right before the wedding, when I caught her with her former lover, in my bed.\u201d\u00a0 Adam hung his head and turned away from his father\u2019s sympathetic eyes as the old hurt crept into his already wounded heart, crowding it with painful memories.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben placed both hands on Adam\u2019s shoulders and turned him around to face him as he gathered Adam into his arms; one hand held the back of the boy\u2019s neck as he rubbed away the tension that had gathered.\u00a0 Ben gently pulled Adam\u2019s head down on his shoulder as he held him.\u00a0 Adam who had never been as open about showing his affection as his brothers were, allowed his head to remain for several seconds before withdrawing.\u00a0 He made no effort to hide his tears from his father nor his middle brother, his heart craving their forgiveness.\u00a0 When Adam looked again into the two pair of eyes that watched him he found what he had prayed he would find upon his arrival home, unconditional love and complete forgiveness.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cPa?\u00a0 Where\u2019s Little Joe?\u00a0 I have to make things right between us.\u201d\u00a0 Adam asked and watched as his father exchanged worried looks with Hoss.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cJoe\u2019s not here, son.\u201d\u00a0 Ben began.\u00a0 \u201cHe\u2026went away shortly after you left.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cWent away?\u00a0 To where?\u201d asked Adam, disappointment showing on his handsome face.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cWe don\u2019t rightly know, Adam.\u00a0 We ain\u2019t heard from him since he left.\u201d\u00a0 Hoss informed his brother sadly.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cNothing?\u201d\u00a0 Adam saw the worry lines on his father\u2019s face and knew now that his leaving, the argument between himself and Joe and then Joe\u2019s leaving had left his father growing old too quickly.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cLet\u2019s go into the house son.\u00a0 We\u2019ll tell you all about it.\u201d\u00a0 The three Cartwrights walked toward the house, Adam in the middle, a brother on one side of him, his father on the other.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n It was two hours later before Ben and Hoss had finished telling Adam everything that had transpired concerning his youngest brother after he had left.\u00a0 Joe\u2019s injuries were not as bad as first anticipated and though the doctor had ordered him to remain in bed for several days, Joe had refused.\u00a0 No amount of begging, pleading or ordering from his father could change the stubborn boy\u2019s mind.\u00a0 Shortly after that, Joe\u2019s attitude took a turn for the worse; he started staying out later and later.\u00a0 His drinking began to interfere with his work and before long, his work stopped altogether.\u00a0 He began staying away for days, often ending up in a drunken brawl and having to spend the night sobering up in Roy Coffee\u2019s jail.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam hung his head as his father and brother continued to tell their story.\u00a0 Late one night Joe arrived home so drunk that he had almost struck his father as Ben tried to reason with him.\u00a0 Joe had become violent, accusing his father of blaming him for Adam\u2019s leaving, and when Ben had adamantly denied the fact, Joe had struck out at his father, missing and falling to a heap in the middle of the floor.\u00a0 Little Joe\u2019s reserve had broken then as he lay crying in the floor.\u00a0 Ben had gathered his young son into his arms and held him has he wept.\u00a0 When his tears were finally spent, Ben had gathered the boy into his arms and carried him to his bed where he spent the next several hours in a drunken sleep.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n For two days Joe mopped about the house, sullen and withdrawn, not speaking to anyone unless absolutely necessary.\u00a0 On the third day, Ben had found Joe packing his belongings with the declamation that he was going away.\u00a0 Though Ben stressed to his son that he wanted him to stay, Joe was determined to go, so Ben had relented only after Joe promised to keep in touch with his family, which now, a month later left them waiting for the first word as to his whereabouts.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cPa, why didn\u2019t you go after him?\u201d asked Adam as he stood and walked to the fireplace, his back to his father and brother.\u00a0 Guilt had suddenly jumped into his heart at hearing of the bleak days his brother had suffered through, and now not knowing where the boy was or what he might be having to endure pulled Adam\u2019s spirits downward into the depths of his own living hell.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben stood from his chair coming to stand behind Adam.\u00a0 \u201cWhat good would it have done?\u00a0 He wouldn\u2019t have come home, he would have only resented the intrusion.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam turned suddenly and faced his father.\u00a0 \u201cYou could have forced him to come back with you.\u00a0 My God, he\u2019s only a boy.\u201d\u00a0 Adam\u2019s sudden anger surprised his father and Ben took a step back though not out of fear.\u00a0 He had seen the dark look cloud Adam\u2019s face and realized that Adam blamed himself for the things that had turned his younger brother\u2019s world upside down.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cAdam, did you think of him as a boy that night in the barn, when you found him in Sara\u2019s arms? Or when you were fighting with him?\u201d\u00a0 Ben didn\u2019t give his son a chance to answer but his reply was etched into his face as he turned to face his father.\u00a0 \u201cI didn\u2019t think so.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cI have to be honest with you son, I won\u2019t try to sugar coat what I am going to say to you.\u00a0 I didn\u2019t do it with Joseph and I won\u2019t with you.\u201d\u00a0 Ben held his son\u2019s stance as he continued.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cYou said some pretty nasty things to your brother.\u00a0 Things that I know deep down, you didn\u2019t really mean.\u00a0 That didn\u2019t stop the effects your words had on Joseph, however.\u00a0 They still cut him deeply.\u00a0 You know how Joe always carried his feelings on his shoulders, especially where you are concerned, he is always trying to prove himself to you. He always felt as if you looked down on him, I know you didn\u2019t, not really, but now that idea has been seared into his mind by what happened.\u00a0 You accused him of things he was not responsible for.\u00a0 You took the word of someone who you knew deep down was unworthy of your trust over the one person other than Hoss or myself that loved you more than life its self.\u00a0 Just think about how that made your brother feel.\u201d\u00a0 Ben paused and watched Adam\u2019s reactions to his statement.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cI don\u2019t tell you all of this to make you feel guilty, I believe you felt that before you even got home, am I right son?\u201d Ben asked softly.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam shook his head, indicating that his father\u2019s suspicion was correct.\u00a0 \u201cI am guilty Pa, don\u2019t you think I know that?\u201d\u00a0 Adam\u2019s voice cracked.\u00a0 \u201cDon\u2019t you know that everyday I think about what I did to him, said to him, that every night when I shut my eyes, I see his face in my dreams, hear his cries begging me to believe him?\u00a0 Don\u2019t you know how much I hate myself right now?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam returned to his chair falling into the cushion and leaning his head back.\u00a0 Adam took a deep breath and sighed.\u00a0 \u201cIn the morning, I\u2019m leaving.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hoss jerked his head up, surprised at his older sibling\u2019s statement.\u00a0 Ben hurried to stand in front of Adam, an angry look across his face.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cWhat do you mean, you are leaving?\u00a0 Just where do you think you are going this time?\u201d demanded Ben placing both hands on his hips and glaring down into his son\u2019s face.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam saw the dark look that had crossed his father\u2019s face and realized that the older man thought he was running out on him for the second time.\u00a0 Slowly he stood and placed a hand on each of Ben\u2019s shoulders and smiled slightly.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cYou want your baby back don\u2019t you?\u00a0 Well, I intend to bring him home, one way or the other.\u00a0 Somehow, some way, I have to find him and get it through his thick head that I am sorry for what I did to him, convince him that I love him and that all of us want, no need for him to come home.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben\u2019s anger disappeared quickly and he smiled, \u201cThank you son.\u00a0 Would you like Hoss and I to go along?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cYeah Adam,\u201d jumped in Hoss, anxious to offer his assistance, \u201cwith the three of us, we\u2019d stand a better chance to find him.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cThanks Hoss, Pa.\u00a0 But I think this is something I have to do on my own.\u00a0 I think if all three of us showed up, Joe would feel as if he had no say in the matter.\u00a0 I want him to want to come home, not come home because he is being forced into it.\u00a0 I want him to understand that I was wrong and that,\u201d Adam tapped his chest with his index finger, \u201cI want him to come home.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n For two hot weeks Adam rode from town to town, always just days behind Joe and when it seemed as if he had finally found what he had been searching for, the boy would suddenly vanish.\u00a0 Tired and discouraged, Adam drudged on, often going in circles following Joe\u2019s trail.\u00a0 Every town and saloon he entered, Joe had left destruction in his wake, drunken fights and brawls often as not spending nights in jail or worse in some back ally battered and bruised, unconscious.\u00a0 Adam\u2019s concern heightened each time another story was passed on to him in regards to his brother\u2019s action.\u00a0 Joe was drunk, and had stayed drunk for weeks, the knowledge scared Adam, and he feared not only for the boy\u2019s health but state of mind as well.\u00a0 Adam forced himself to push on, his single goal, to find his brother and bring him home.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam rode into town, hot, dry and thirsty, his eyes searching the streets for a saloon.\u00a0 The sun was high in the sky and beat down its hot rays upon his head as he removed his hat to wipe the sweat from his brow.\u00a0Halfway down the street his eyes caught the letters on the lopsided sign that hung precariously on the broken chain.\u00a0 The letters were faded from too many hours of being exposed to the arid weather but the word saloon was still barely readable.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam stopped his horse in front of the building and could hear the loud laughing that rang from inside the bar.\u00a0 Tying Sport to the hitching post and casting a backward glance at his surroundings, Adam entered the establishment.\u00a0 There were several cowpokes at the bar, all with tall glasses of foamy beer in their hands.\u00a0 Several ladies dressed in scanty costumes mulled around a small group of men who were sitting to the side, a game of poker being played at the table.\u00a0 In the far dark corner four men were laughing loudly and seemingly to be poking at something or someone in the floor.\u00a0 Adam ordered a beer and watched the proceedings from the large gilded mirror that faced him.\u00a0 The four men in the corner began cursing and shouting obscenities at the man who Adam had at last seen cringing in the back corner.\u00a0 The young man was very obviously drunk beyond standing though he struggled putting forth an effort.\u00a0 The men continued to harass the drunk as he stumbled to his feet and staggered toward the door.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam had only caught a brief glimpse of the sot as he worked his way to the door.\u00a0 The man sported clothes that were tattered and torn; dirt covered his face so thick that it was hard to tell just how old he might be.\u00a0His hair was matted and uncombed, his short wiry chin growth was stringy and dripped of booze from where he had spilled his last drink.\u00a0 Adam felt a pang of sympathy for the intoxicated man as the four men who had been his tormentors finally pushed him out the door.\u00a0 Loud boisterous laughter filled the air as the bullies re-entered the saloon without their friend and ordered more beer.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam felt the presence of a soft hand touch him and he turned his attention to the lovely barmaid who toyed with the sleeve of his shirt, the inebriated man all but forgotten.\u00a0 Adam smiled, the young woman was beautiful and he briefly wondered what had led her to be working in such a run down dump as this bar.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cYou\u2019re new in town aren\u2019t ya?\u201d cooed the barmaid, glad to have the handsome man\u2019s attention.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam dipped his hat, \u201cYes ma\u2019am, but I\u2019m not staying, just passing through.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cPerhaps, you\u2019d buy a lady a drink?\u201d\u00a0 She batted her blue eyes at him and rubbed her hand up and down his arm.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam was amused, \u2018she even smells good,\u2019 he told himself.\u00a0 \u201cSure, bar keeper, a drink for the lady please,\u201d Adam called out as he returned the young woman\u2019s smile.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cMy name\u2019s Tina, what\u2019s yours?\u201d asked Tina sipping her drink.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam quickly scanned Tina\u2019s face, she was different from most of the barmaids he had encountered, she was younger too and thoughts of joining her upstairs was quickly dismissed from his mind.\u00a0 It had been a long time since having spent a night in the arms of a beautiful woman.\u00a0 Sara had almost become fastidious as their relationship was nearing the end and he would have welcomed some change of scenery from his troubles; but this gal was more the age of his youngest brother, Joe, and was definitely off limits in his way of thinking.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cAdam\u2026Adam Cartwright,\u201d smiled Adam and removed her hand from the back of his neck where she had begun to tickle him and gently tug at his dark hair.\u00a0 \u201cI\u2019m sorry, I don\u2019t mean to be rude, but you will have to excuse me, I have business to tend too.\u201d \u00a0Again Adam tipped his hat and began moving away from the petite little lady.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Tina followed Adam to the door, her hips swaying from side to side.\u00a0 \u201cMaybe later, cowboy,\u201d she called out as Adam slipped between the swinging doors.\u00a0 Tina watched the dark handsome man gather his horse\u2019s reins and move to the direction of the livery stable, thinking how much she would have liked to spend a night with the charming stranger.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Sport\u2019s shoe had worked itself loose until it had finally come off and Adam went in search of a blacksmith.\u00a0 Stopping briefly to inquire of a passerby if one worked in town, he was directed to the livery where there was a full time blacksmith available.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Zeb greeted Adam the minute the young man stepped into view of the blacksmith.\u00a0 \u201cHowdy, stranger,\u201d called Zeb putting down his tools and moving to shake Adam\u2019s hand.\u00a0 \u201cWhat\u2019ca be aneedin\u2019?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cMy horse threw a shoe, think you take care of that for me?\u201d asked Adam as he wrapped Sport\u2019s reins around the hitching post.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cSure, no problem, be right with ya, Mr. hmm\u2026sorry, didn\u2019t catch ya name.\u201d\u00a0 Zeb sauntered over to Sport and lifted his hoof to check the shoe.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cCartwright, Adam Cartwright.\u201d\u00a0 Adam offered his hand as Zeb wiped his dirty hand on his apron and reached for Adam\u2019s and giving the younger man a toothless grin.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cPleased ta meet ya,\u201d replied Zeb as he began preparing the hot fire to pound the new shoe that Sport would need.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam held Sports halter while Zeb began working on the lost shoe.\u00a0 A loud whinny filled the air from the barn, causing Sport to toss his head up and down and returned the whiny.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cEasy boy,\u201d Adam tried to calm the horse as he held the stallion\u2019s halter but the horse continued to toss his head.\u00a0 A second whinny from the unseen horse stabled in the livery caused Adam to turn toward the barn.\u00a0Giving his horse a pat on the neck, Adam stepped into the dim light of the barn and waited as his eyes adjusted to the light.\u00a0 From the far corner of the stable came a soft nicker.\u00a0 Adam\u2019s eyes followed the sound and when he saw the pinto stretching out her neck toward him, Adam\u2019s mouth opened in shock.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cCochise?\u00a0 Is that really you?\u201d\u00a0 Adam moved to the horse\u2019s stall and rubbed the soft nose that nuzzled him.\u00a0 Carefully, Adam ran his hands along the horse\u2019s flanks checking for the pinetree brand, finding it, Adam allowed the breath he had been holding to pass through his partly opened lips.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Zeb returned and watched as Adam reacquainted himself with his brother\u2019s horse.\u00a0 \u201cNice lookin\u2019 pinto.\u00a0 Ya interested?\u00a0 I\u2019ll make ya a good deal?\u201d asked Zeb coming to stand behind Adam.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam\u2019s heart was in his throat as he turned to face the blacksmith.\u00a0 Adam grabbed the man by the front of his shirt bringing the scared little man to his toes.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cWhere did you get this horse?\u00a0 Where is the boy who owns her?\u201d demanded Adam, his dark eyes filling with anger.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cTake it easy Mr. Cartwright,\u201d squeaked Zeb trying to free himself from Adam\u2019s grasp.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam fought to bring himself under control.\u00a0 He had been searching weeks for Joe and now he was so close to finding the boy that his excitement had caused him to react harshly.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cSorry, old timer,\u201d apologized Adam releasing the blacksmith\u2019s shirt.\u00a0 \u201cIt\u2019s just that his horse belongs to my kid brother and I\u2019ve been trying to catch up with him for quite awhile,\u201d explained Adam.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cYour brother, ya say?\u00a0 Hmm\u2026the kid that sold her to me said his name was Carter, not Cartwright.\u201d\u00a0 Zeb scratched his head.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cWhat do you mean, he sold her to you?\u00a0 There\u2019s no way Joe would have sold this horse.\u00a0 It was his prized possession.\u201d\u00a0 Adam was stunned at the news and turned to face Zeb, waiting for his answer.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cThe kid came in here about ten days ago and said he was in dire need of money and offered to sale me his horse and saddle.\u00a0 I made a deal with him, paid him and he left,\u201d explained Zeb, backing up a step from Adam when he saw the young man\u2019s eyes turn black.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam grew worried; he found it hard to believe that his brother would part with his beloved horse, a birthday gift from their father, unless he was not in his right frame of mind.\u00a0 Adam reasoned that considering the amount of drinking his father had informed him that Joe had been doing, it was very likely that the boy had been unaware of his actions.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cDo you have a bill of sale?\u201d asked Adam.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cSure do Mr. Cartwright, right here.\u201d\u00a0 Zeb went to his desk and rummaged through some papers until he found what he was looking for.\u00a0 Turning, he handed the receipt to Adam.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam quickly scanned the paper and recognized the backward slant of Little Joe\u2019s handwriting.\u00a0 Joe had signed his name as Jay Carter, probably in the hopes of hiding his true identity.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam folded the paper and handed it back to Zeb.\u00a0 \u201cHas the boy been back here since selling the horse?\u201d asked Adam hopeful that he might be able to catch up to his brother.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cI see\u2019d him once, caught him in here late one night talking to her.\u00a0 Then once I found him passed out over yonder in the hay.\u00a0 He was wasted, I let\u2019em sleep it off but by mornin\u2019 he was gone.\u00a0 Ain\u2019t laid eyes on\u2019em since.\u201d\u00a0 Zeb told Adam and returned to working on Sport\u2019s shoe.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam followed the blacksmith out into the bright sun.\u00a0 \u201cDo you have any idea where I might find him?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Zeb squinted his eyes at Adam as the hot sun blocked his view and saw the concerned look in his face.\u00a0 \u201cProbably at one of the saloons.\u00a0 From what I hear tell about\u2019em, he likes his whiskey.\u201d\u00a0 Zeb watched as the handsome man fought with his emotions.\u00a0 \u201cI ain\u2019t meanin\u2019 no disrespect Mr. Cartwright, but ain\u2019t that boy a mite young to be a drunk?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam gave the old man a smile that was more of a grimace.\u00a0 \u201cI agree with you, and when I find the young scamp, I hope to change that.\u201d\u00a0 Turning, Adam called over his shoulder, \u201cI will be back later for my horse.\u00a0Do me a favor, will you?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Zeb straightened his back and stretched to loosen the tightness from his muscles from having been bent over for so long.\u00a0 \u201cAnything, just name it.\u00a0 I sorta liked that boy, reminded me of my own son.\u201d\u00a0 Zeb\u2019s eyes took on a far away look as he recalled his son, now passed.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cDon\u2019t sale that pinto to anyone, I\u2019ll pay you whatever you ask for her.\u201d\u00a0 Adam gathered his saddlebags and bedroll from his horse as Zeb pondered the offer.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cYa got ya self a deal, Mr. Cartwright.\u00a0 Ya just come back when ya ready and ya horses will be here waitin\u2019 fur ya.\u201d\u00a0 Zeb stepped up to Adam and shook hands to seal the deal.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam\u2019s thoughts were running amuck through his head.\u00a0 He had to find Joe, and the first place he planned on looking was at the saloon, but first he had to get himself a room at the hotel and something to eat.\u00a0 It was getting late in the day and his rumbling stomach told him that it was long passed eating time.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n It didn\u2019t take Adam long to acquire neither his room nor his meal and within an hour\u2019s time he was back outside and on his way to the saloon.\u00a0 Maybe the barmaid, Tina, had seen his brother in the saloon at some time and might be able to tell him where the boy had been staying.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n As Adam worked his way down the boarded walkway, his eyes searched the faces of each man he encountered hoping to find his brother.\u00a0 Suddenly he stopped in his tracks, his eyes catching a glimpse of the pearl handle pistol and leather holster displayed in the window of the shop that he stopped at.\u00a0 Looking up at the name, Adam realized that he was standing in front of a gunsmith\u2019s shop.\u00a0 Promptly he pushed opened the door and stepped hastily to the counter.\u00a0 A spry middle aged man wearing wire-framed glasses greeted him politely and asked to be of service.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cThe pearl handle pistol in the window, might I see it?\u201d\u00a0 Adam fought to keep his voice from quivering.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n The clerk stepped to the window and removed the required item returning and handing it to Adam.\u00a0 Adam\u2019s heart was beating rapidly as his fingers traced the lines of the handgun, stopping only when his finger traced the engraved J.C. that he had had engraved on the handle as a special birthday gift to his younger brother.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam held the gun up, \u201cWhere did you get this?\u201d he asked softly, already knowing the answer in his heart.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cI bought it about a week ago from a young man who said he needed money.\u00a0 I don\u2019t usually buy articles that have been engraved like this, but this was such a fine looking piece, and the kid didn\u2019t want much for it, so I took it.\u00a0 I have to be honest with you, mister, the boy didn\u2019t look like the type of kid to own something like this,\u201d the clerk pointed to the pistol as Adam replaced it into the holster.\u00a0 \u201cI was half afraid that he might have stolen it from somebody,\u201d he explained.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam shook his head afraid to find out the man\u2019s reasoning, \u201cWhy not?\u00a0 What was wrong with him?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n The clerk met the dark penetrating eyes and knew that he had to be truthful.\u00a0 \u201cThe kid was drunk, drunker than most of the locals that hang around at the bar.\u00a0 Dirty and smelly too, I just gave him the money, just to get him out of my shop, if you know what I mean.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam\u2019s face dropped in disappointment, he had little hope now of finding the boy sober.\u00a0 Seems as if Joe was building a reputation as being the town drunk, and the thought ripped at Adam\u2019s heart thinking about what the boy must be having to endure all alone. Guilt tugged at Adam\u2019s heartstrings, as he recalled just why Joe had felt the need to leave his home and family behind.\u00a0 The disturbing thoughts caused Adam to set his resolve firmly at finding his brother at any cost.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cI want to buy this gun and holster,\u201d stated Adam firmly as he prepared to pay the man.\u00a0 With his purchase safely tucked under his arm, Adam hurried to take his brother\u2019s sidearm to his room at the hotel and set out again in search of Little Joe.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam spotted Tina as soon as he entered the saloon.\u00a0 She was busy with several patrons and had little time for him.\u00a0\u00a0 He ordered a beer and moved to a table in the back corner where he would have a good view of the customers as they entered and left the establishment.\u00a0 Time moved slowly for Adam, he had hoped that this evening would produce his brother and thus end his long search.\u00a0 When he was finally able to have a word with Tina, she informed Adam that she did not know of a young man who fit his brother\u2019s description but promised to send word to him should his younger brother come in.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam\u2019s thoughts slipped backward through the years to Little Joe as a small boy.\u00a0 Adam smiled to himself, his youngest brother had been the joy of all of their hearts, bringing into their home love and laughter that had never faltered when trying times had befallen the family unit.\u00a0 Adam recalled his father saying that as a family they could overcome astronomical odds as long as they stuck together. Their father had lived by the words, \u2018Blood Is Thicker Than Water\u2019 and taught the same values to his sons.\u00a0 Adam felt again the now too familiar feeling of guilt for having forgotten that priceless lesson of his youth having chosen instead to put his trust in an outsider who not only had deceived him but whom he blamed in part for his brother\u2019s self-destruction.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n The hour was late.\u00a0 Adam pushed back his chair and stood, giving the room one last once over to be sure he had not missed seeing Joe come into the bar.\u00a0 Once outside, Adam looked upward and voiced a silent prayer.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Please God, help me find my brother.\u00a0 I need to make things right between us; I need to tell him I was wrong.\u00a0 And God, I need him to know that I need, no, want him to come home, please God, let tonight be the night.\u201d\u00a0 By the time that Adam was finished he found himself standing in front of the livery stable.\u00a0 A driving force to be near his brother lured him inside and to Cochise\u2019s stall.\u00a0 The pinto nickered softly in recognition as Adam gently rubbed her forehead.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cGot any idea where your boy is, huh?\u201d whispered Adam remembering the times he had teased Joe about talking to his horse and sighed softly as Cochise bobbed her head up and down as if in response to his question.\u00a0 \u201cI wish you did ole\u2019 girl, I\u2019d give anything right now to find him.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam was on his way out when he stopped at the sounds of voices and laughter that appeared to be coming from the back of the stable.\u00a0 Making his way to the rear entrance, Adam gently pushed back the stable door and stopped short at the sight his eyes were suddenly witness too.\u00a0 A small group of men that Adam remembered from the bar when he had first came into town were betting with a group of boys of various ages.\u00a0 Adam watched as one boy pulled back his arm and threw a rotten tomato at his target.\u00a0 Adam\u2019s eyes followed the flying tomato and watched in horror as the fruit found its mark.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Tied securely to an old oxen yoke that lay across the shoulder and behind the neck was the young drunk from earlier in the day.\u00a0 The man\u2019s arms had been stretched around the thick wooden yoke and the wrists tied tightly to prevent him from escape.\u00a0 They had positioned the bound man behind a hitching post where they had forced the boy\u2019s legs apart, tying each ankle to a post.\u00a0 Forcing his lower body downward, the stomach was lying across the bar and a rope tied to the yoke and over a low hanging branch of a nearby tree forced the boy into staying in the uncomfortable position.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n The group of young boys were laughing and shouting obscenities as one of the older boys of the group picked up an old tin can and scooped up a can full of manure from the waste pile near by.\u00a0 Laughing he threw the can at the bound drunk, striking the man in the small of the back causing him to cry out in pain.\u00a0 This ignited the enthusiasm of the onlookers and caused the tormentors to burst into loud obnoxious gales of laughter as they slapped the pitcher on the back giving their approval for hitting his mark.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cNow ya really stink, you stupid drunk,\u201d yelled the boy who had thrown the can.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam pulled his gun from his holster and fired a single shot into the air.\u00a0 The laughing suddenly stopped as all eyes focused on the dark stranger that appeared to have hot sparks of fire radiating from his intense dark eyes.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cLet\u2019s get outta here,\u201d one boy screamed and suddenly legs carrying scared boys were running in all directions.\u00a0 Adam turned to face the four bullies and without saying a word, they too left.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam ran to the bound man and with his knife, freed first the man\u2019s legs.\u00a0 Adam gagged slightly as the smell of body order, mixed with the odor of stale whiskey, vomit and now with the manure, filled his nostrils.\u00a0Turning his head and taking a deep breath to clear his head, Adam cut the ropes that held the sot\u2019s hands to the yoke allowing the heavy burden to slip to the ground.\u00a0 Gently Adam laid the young man on the ground as he took his scarf from around his neck and ran to the water trough to wet it.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cPa?\u201d\u00a0 The slurred plea was so softly spoken, Adam wasn\u2019t sure he had really heard and he continued to the trough.\u00a0 \u201cPa.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam stopped in his tracks, unable to move.\u00a0 \u201cPlease\u2026Papa.\u201d\u00a0 The two words were undeniable and Adam felt the tears burst forth from his eyes as he fell to his knees and gathered the boy into his arms no longer aware of the offending stench.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cJoe?\u201d\u00a0 Adam wiped with the dripping scarf what dirt and grim he could from the face of his brother, unable to fathom that his nasty offending creature had once been his handsome, giddy baby brother.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cJoe\u2026buddy,\u201d cried Adam, rocking back and forth with his bundle, shocked that he had not even recognized the boy.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n The eyelids fluttered and batted until they opened slightly.\u00a0 Joe\u2019s eyes searched for the sound of the voice; but because of his besotted condition could not find who had spoken his name.\u00a0 He cared only that the arms that cradled his aching body held him tenderly and that he could feel this person\u2019s love flowing into his body.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Tears ran from the corners of his eyes leaving in their wake white tracks as they filtered through the dirt that remained covering his bruised face.\u00a0 \u201cPa\u2026I wanna go home.\u201d\u00a0 Joe\u2019s eyes closed as the blackness engulfed him and Adam felt the boy go limp in his arms.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam held his precious brother several minutes; his heart crumbling away in tiny pieces at the vision of what his brother had once been in comparison to the frail excuse of what the boy had become.\u00a0 Heavy sobs racked his body and he screamed out in self-proclaimed agony and hate of himself for being the reason behind such a disaster.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n When Adam\u2019s sobs had finely vented themselves, he rose, bringing in his arms the body of his brother.\u00a0 Adam\u2019s main goal now was to get Joe back to the hotel and clean him up.\u00a0 Adam wondered briefly how long it had been since the boy had eaten for he seemed to weigh nothing as he moved along the ally avoiding the main streets and the stares of the late night passers.\u00a0 Adam rounded the corner behind the saloon and bumped into Tina as she was leaving.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cOh, my.\u00a0 Mr. Cartwright,\u201d said Tina, trying to step aside.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m sorry Tina,\u201d stated Adam, \u201cI\u2019m in a hurry and I didn\u2019t see you.\u00a0 Excuse me.\u201d\u00a0 Adam moved to allow the young woman to pass.\u00a0 \u201cI need to get my brother back to the hotel.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cYou found him?\u201d\u00a0 Tina raised up on her tiptoes and peeked at Adam\u2019s bundle.\u00a0 \u201cPhew\u2026Oh goodness, I\u2019m sorry, I shouldn\u2019t have done that.\u201d\u00a0 Tina covered her nose.\u00a0 \u201cI thought you said this was your brother.\u00a0This is Jay Carter, the town drunk.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cThis is my brother, Joe, the one I asked you about.\u201d Adam glared at the lady.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cMr. Cartwright, you gave a totally different description, you didn\u2019t say he was a drunk.\u00a0 But I will tell you this much, you can\u2019t take Jay, ere, Joe to the hotel.\u201d\u00a0 Tina stood with her hands on her hips.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cWhy not?\u201d demanded Adam.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cBecause, he stirred up quite a bit of trouble there the other day and they said if he ever came back, they would have him thrown in jail.\u00a0 They are not very nice people, Mr. Cartwright, they would do it too.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cWhat am I going to do now, I have to take him someplace where I can get him cleaned up and sober,\u201d stated Adam looking about as if a place would suddenly appear.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cAdam, Mr. Cartwright, I have a small cabin right down this lane,\u201d she pointed in the direction of her home, \u201cyou can take him there.\u00a0 Here\u2019s the key,\u201d she said as she reached into the front of her dress and produced the key.\u00a0 \u201cThere is food and fresh water, a spare room with a cot off the kitchen, make yourself at home.\u00a0 I won\u2019t be there until morning, but you are welcomed to anything I have.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Tina stuck the key into the front pocket of Adam\u2019s shirt and smiled.\u00a0 \u201cConsider it a pay back, Jay, I mean Joe, did me a favor a couple of weeks back, I owe him.\u00a0 And I might add, I sorta like you.\u201d\u00a0 Tina winked at Adam and returned to her job leaving Adam to carry Joe down the lane to her home.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam managed to unlock the door and carry Joe inside.\u00a0 Tina had left the lamp burning low, giving him just enough light to find his way to the kitchen where he located the spare room that she had informed him of.\u00a0 Carefully Adam placed Joe on the cot, first removing the offending remnants of the shirt he wore.\u00a0 Laying Joe down, he pulled the crusted boots and wet socks from his feet and added them to the growing pile of rags.\u00a0 The trousers were easy to remove.\u00a0 Joe had lost so much weight that the pants slid from his waist over his hips without being unfastened.\u00a0 When Joe was totally undressed, he moved him further onto the cot and covered him.\u00a0 Adam could not help but notice the many bruises and small cuts and scrapes that covered not only Joe\u2019s arms and legs, but his chest and stomach area as well.\u00a0 Joe\u2019s body looked as if it had been used as a punching bag and he could only speculate as to who might have inflected the damage.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam built the fire in the stove and began heating water to bathe Joe.\u00a0 On the side porch he found much to his delight, the large round bathing tub and dragged it into the kitchen where he would not have to carry the water so far and where he could bathe his brother in the warmth of the heat produced by the stove.\u00a0 It took several minutes for the water to become warm enough and when he had filled the tub to the desire depth, he carried Joe into the kitchen and eased his still form into the soothing water.\u00a0 In minutes the water had turned from clear to cloudy as Adam washed away what appeared to be weeks of dirt and grime.\u00a0 Joe moaned from time to time but never opened his eyes to the happenings around him.\u00a0 When Adam was finished, he grabbed a soft fluffy towel from the wooden peg next to the door and wrapping it about Joe, carried the boy into the room, laid him on the bed and dried his body.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Searching in his saddlebag for his shaving utensils, Adam managed to shave what appeared to be a month\u2019s worth of growth from his brother\u2019s face.\u00a0 Adam smiled in satisfaction, he had somehow succeed in completing the task without nicking the tender skin.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n When he was sure that Joe was comfortable, he covered him with a clean quilt that Tina had folded at the end of the small bed.\u00a0 Fluffing the pillows, Adam raised Joe\u2019s head and positioned them beneath.\u00a0 As Joe\u2019s head sank into the comforts of the down pillows his eyes suddenly opened and he screamed out as if in terror.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe began flinging his arms about, his legs kicking at unseen objects until Adam had to physically force the boy into submission.\u00a0 The outburst lasted only a couple of minutes but left Adam with the feeling that he had been in full-blown combat.\u00a0 Joe at last closed his eyes and Adam hurried to find medical supplies to disinfect the various places on Joe\u2019s body that required the attention.\u00a0 When Adam finished with the minor wounds, he rummaged through the cabinets until he found Tina\u2019s coffee tin and filled the pot with water in order to make himself enough coffee to carry him through what he supposed to be, a long night.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Several times throughout the night, Joe fought his unseen demons and each time Adam held him in his arms and whispered words of encouragement into his ear.\u00a0 Many times, Adam felt his own cheeks damp from tears as Joe cried out for their father.\u00a0 Adam worried that he had made a mistake in not wanting his father to accompany him on the search to find Joe, for it surely appeared as if the boy wanted more than anything, his father.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Tina arrived home just before sunrise and found Adam sleeping in the nearby chair and Joe tossing restlessly on the cot.\u00a0 The room looked to be in shambles and Tina knew instantly that it had been a long hard night for both of the brothers.\u00a0 Tina had seen enough drunks in her short time as barmaid to know the signs of withdrawal and she knew that the young boy had a hard road ahead of him if he were to overcome his drinking problem.\u00a0 Silently she offered up a prayer on his behalf and one for Adam who seemed to be in dire need of her prayers as well.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Tina moved quietly about the kitchen preparing breakfast for both her self and Adam.\u00a0 She knew that Joe would sleep most of the day and when he did wake enough to be able to eat, food would be the furthermost thing from his mind.\u00a0 When breakfast was placed on the table she gently tapped Adam on the shoulder and when his eyes met her eyes, she motioned for him to join her at the table.\u00a0 Giving a quick glance in Joe\u2019s direction to ensure himself that he remained sleeping, he rose quietly and joined his new friend for breakfast.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n When Adam had finished his breakfast and Tina cleaned her kitchen, Adam went to send a telegram to his father to let him know that he had found Joe.\u00a0 Knowing the condition that his brother was in but not wanting to elaborate in the message, he informed his father that it would be several days before Joe would be well enough to travel.\u00a0 He also promised his father that he would keep him posted on Joe\u2019s recovery and would inform him of their departure date just before they left for home.\u00a0 Adam\u2019s next stop was at the hotel to collect his belongings and settle his account.\u00a0 Tina had opened her home to both Joe and himself and Adam felt that he could best care for Joe in the privacy of Tina\u2019s small cabin than in a public building.\u00a0 Adam knew that his brother had many hard days ahead of him and keeping him in a quiet setting would make matters more comfortable for the boy.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam\u2019s last stop was at the doctor\u2019s office where he talked at length about Joe\u2019s excessive drinking over the last several weeks.\u00a0 He had even found himself speaking freely of his role that had led Joe to throw himself into such a dilemma as a drinking binge.\u00a0\u00a0 The doctor sat patiently and listened as Adam told of his love of the beautiful woman and his rage directed against his young brother at finding the two together.\u00a0The doctor showed no emotion other than compassion as Adam told him of his attack on his brother. The doctor\u2019s expression never changed when Adam explained the whys of his leaving without bothering to explaining to his father his sudden departure.\u00a0 Doctor Scott sensed in Adam the need to unburden himself of his guilt and that Adam was a man who rarely opened his heart in such a manner as to reveal himself so publicly.\u00a0 The doctor immediately picked up on the quantity of love that Adam felt toward his younger brother.\u00a0 The look that filled the dark eyes and the small smile that tugged at the corners of Adam\u2019s mouth as he spoke his brother\u2019s name told the doctor all he needed to know of the sincerity of the man\u2019s heart in wanting to help his brother.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Doctor Scott promised to drop by after lunch to examine Little Joe and to discuss in detail Joe\u2019s recovery.\u00a0 Adam thanked him for his kindness, found himself apologizing for rambling but left with the feeling that some of the weight of the world had been lifted from his shoulders.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n When Adam opened the door to the small house, Joe\u2019s screams tore at his heart.\u00a0 Tina was fighting with Joe who was trying desperately to get out of bed.\u00a0 Joe had managed to shove Tina against the wall and was attempting to free his legs from the confines of the blankets.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cLet me go!\u201d yelled Joe, his words slurred as he fought with the covers.\u00a0 \u201cLeave me alone!\u201d\u00a0 Joe managed to fling the blankets to the floor and was trying to stand by the time Adam had reached his side.\u00a0 As Adam reached out to grab for Joe\u2019s arm, Joe swung his fist out in an attempt to strike Adam which only caused him to stagger forward and fall into Adam\u2019s outstretched arms where he crumbled to the floor.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cPlease, help me,\u201d Joe managed to cry as his eyes pooled with tears.\u00a0 Adam gently lifted the boy into his arms and placed him back on the bed, covering him.\u00a0 Joe\u2019s eyes were unfocused as his tears make their escape down his cheeks and he grabbed at the air attempting to reach for some unseen object.\u00a0 Adam clasped Joe\u2019s outstretched hand with his own and held it tightly.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cJoe, it\u2019s okay, buddy.\u00a0 Settle down, you\u2019re going to be okay.\u201d\u00a0 Adam watched Joe\u2019s face as the dulled eyes searched his face and when the hazel eyes met his, Adam realized that Joe had no idea that he was in the care of his brother.\u00a0 Portions of the alcohol still remained in Joe\u2019s system, causing the boy to be confused and unaware of what was going on around him.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe suddenly pushed Adam away taking the older boy by surprise.\u00a0 \u201cGo away, just leave me alone.\u201d\u00a0 Joe turned his head away from Adam and buried his face into the soft pillow so that Adam could no longer see his face and where his sobs were muffled.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cOkay, Joe.\u00a0 You just try to rest, I\u2019ll fix you something to eat when you feel like eating.\u201d\u00a0 Adam stood, adjusted the blankets and slowly walked from the room, leaving Joe to sleep off the remaining effects of the whiskey.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cHe\u2019ll be all right Adam.\u00a0 It will take several days, several hard days.\u00a0 My father was an alcoholic; I have seen first hand what the withdrawals can do to a man.\u00a0 You just have to give him time, and lots of patience.\u201d\u00a0 Tina smiled at Adam and rested her hand on his shoulder offering what comfort she could.\u00a0 \u201cDon\u2019t look so beaten, it will get worse before it gets better, but I promise Adam, it will get better and so will your brother, my father did,\u201d she added with pride showing in her eyes.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam stood from the chair he had collapsed into and gathered the young girl into his arms placing a kiss on top of her golden curls.\u00a0 \u201cThank you Tina, you are an angel, and a very pretty one I might add,\u201d smiled Adam.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Tina giggled, \u201cWell, I\u2019ve been called a lot of things, but never an angel.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cI don\u2019t see why not.\u00a0 You definitely were present in my time of need.\u00a0 I thank you for that,\u201d Adam said with all the sincerity he felt in his heart for this young girl\u2019s help.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Tina pulled from Adam\u2019s embrace and smiled shyly, \u201cI should be thanking you, or at least Joe.\u00a0 He helped me out one night in the saloon.\u201d\u00a0 Tina hung her head briefly and then faced Adam, \u201cI was being insulated by this cowpoke and when he grabbed my arm and twisted it behind my back, Joe kicked his butt.\u00a0 Whoops, sorry, I didn\u2019t mean to say that, Joe tossed him out of the bar and the guy never did bother me anymore after that.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam couldn\u2019t help but laugh, \u201cJoe kicked butt, that sounds like my little brother, coming to the aide of a damsel in distress.\u201d\u00a0 Adam\u2019s eyes sought his brother\u2019s face as he lay sleeping on the cot.\u00a0 \u201cDamn, what I wouldn\u2019t give to see him like that again.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cAdam, you will, I just know you will.\u00a0 Now, if you will excuse me, I have to get to bed.\u00a0 I have to work tonight.\u00a0 Good night Adam.\u201d\u00a0 Tina smiled and blew a kiss to Adam as she disappeared into her room.\u00a0 Adam filled his coffee cup and pulled the chair up to the table while he read the paper he had picked up while in town.\u00a0 The kitchen chair was placed in such a manner as to allow Adam to keep a close watch on Joe who slept just a few feet away.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n True to his word, Doctor Scott arrived a short time after lunch.\u00a0 Adam showed him in and together they entered Joe\u2019s room where Joe slept peacefully.\u00a0 Joe opened his eyes briefly when he felt the doctor\u2019s hand resting on his brow but just as quickly closed them, unaware that he was being examined.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cHe sure has been sleeping a lot, Doc.,\u201d commented Adam as he sat in the chair and watched as the doctor pulled the covers from Joe\u2019s body to study the various bruises.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cThat\u2019s normal Mr. Cartwright.\u00a0 Your brother will be doing a lot of that over the next several days.\u00a0 In fact, he will be doing a variety of things, disturbing things mostly.\u00a0 He will go through several different phases before the alcohol is completely out of his system.\u201d\u00a0 Doctor Scott pulled the blankets up around Joe and sat on the bed facing Adam.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cYou need to be aware of those things, Mr. Cartwright in order to give this boy the very best care you can,\u201d Scott informed Adam.\u00a0 Adam stretched his back and pinched the bridge of his nose before meeting the doctor\u2019s eyes, dreading to hear the details of Joe\u2019s suffering.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cLet\u2019s have it, I know it\u2019s going to be a hard road back.\u201d\u00a0 Adam gave the doctor a weak smile.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Doctor Scott patted Adam\u2019s shoulder giving his support.\u00a0 \u201cMr. Cartwright, Adam, I will help you all I can.\u00a0 I know you love this boy that is very clear to me.\u00a0 You won\u2019t have to do this on your own.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cI appreciate that.\u201d\u00a0 Adam watched as Joe began moaning and thrashing on the bed.\u00a0 \u201cCan you give him anything to make this easier for him?\u201d\u00a0 Adam searched the doctor\u2019s face hopefully.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cI think it would be best if we didn\u2019t do that.\u00a0 He needs to fight off the effects on his own; to sedate him would only prolong the inevitable. He will be restless such as he is now.\u00a0 Later as the withdrawals become worse, he will have mood swings, one minute he will want to fight you, the next he might become withdrawn.\u00a0 He will become emotional, maybe even start crying becoming confused.\u00a0 He won\u2019t be able to walk without staggering, he\u2019ll become dizzy.\u201d\u00a0 Doctor Scott watched Adam\u2019s reaction to be sure that the young man was absorbing all the information before continuing.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cAfter two or three days of that, he will begin to lapse in and out of consciousness, barely moving at all.\u00a0 He\u2019ll be unable to respond to stimuli.\u00a0 You will need to keep a close eye on him then; we don\u2019t him hurting himself.\u00a0 He will not be able to keep anything down; he will vomit often.\u00a0 But that\u2019s okay, it\u2019s just purging his system.\u201d\u00a0 The doctor rested his hand on Adam\u2019s knee as Adam raised his head to meet the doctor\u2019s kind eyes.\u00a0 Adam\u2019s tears were not lost on the compassionate physician.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cOnce your brother gets passed the third stage of withdrawal, he must face the final, and probably the most difficult challenge of all.\u00a0 The last stage Adam, could take as little as two days and in some cases, as long as four months,\u201d explained the doctor.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam\u2019s shook his head in disbelief, \u201cfour months?\u00a0 Doc, do you think he can\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cAdam, I think with your help and that of his family, he can overcome this.\u00a0 Like I said, it isn\u2019t going to be easy, but it can be done.\u00a0 Just knowing you for such a short time I have no doubt that you will not allow this boy to settle for anything less than a full recovery.\u00a0 Now, about this last stage, Joseph will experience aching muscles, he will become sweaty and flushed, he will continue to vomit.\u00a0 Adam, he might suffer from convulsions and have hallucinations, he could become anxious, depressed and worst of all, could become suicidal.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam jerked his head up and stared at the physician in shock.\u00a0 \u201cDoctor, you don\u2019t think he would\u2026\u201d Adam rose from his seat and stood at the head of Joe\u2019s bed and rested his hand on his brother\u2019s brow.\u00a0 Adam felt his knees go weak at the thought that his youngest brother might go so far as to end his own life.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cAdam, let\u2019s give it time and see how he does.\u00a0 It is just something that we have to watch for, it doesn\u2019t necessarily mean he will do it or even consider it.\u00a0 Right now, we need to be concerned with keeping him quiet and as comfortable as possible.\u00a0 I will leave you these,\u201d the doctor pulled four lengths of binding from his medical bag.\u00a0 \u201cI want to you use these to restrain the boy should he become violent and too much for you to handle alone.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cTie him up?\u201d\u00a0 The surprise was still on Adam\u2019s face and showing in his dark eyes.\u00a0 \u201cJoe would go out of his mind, he hates being confined.\u00a0 It has always been something that has terrified him, even as a child.\u00a0 I don\u2019t think I could\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n The doctor placed both of his hands on Adam\u2019s shoulders silencing him, \u201cSon, you do what you think is best for the boy, I am only telling you should he become too much to handle, he could possibly hurt himself and you, or the young girl.\u00a0 I would not want to see that happen, you understand, surely.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam nodded his head, \u201cYes sir, but only if all else fails.\u201d\u00a0 Adam took the bindings from the doctor and sat them on the table next to Joe\u2019s bed, out of sight.\u00a0 \u201cOne last thing Doctor Scott, he doesn\u2019t know me.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m not surprised Adam.\u00a0 That will come in time.\u00a0 Has he asked for anyone, his mother or father perhaps?\u201d asked Scott.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cHis mother passed away when he was a boy, but he did ask for our father.\u00a0 Do you think I should send for him?\u201d\u00a0 Adam had hoped to spare his father the news as to how far his youngest son had slipped into the world of oblivion but reasoned that if it would help with a quicker recovery for his brother, then he would send word that their father was needed.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cI would wait for now son, at least until he becomes more coherent, then I would consider it if you feel it would help him.\u00a0 He needs the support of all of his family, not just his brother, and I mean that in the nicest way of course.\u201d\u00a0 The physician gathered his belongs and moved toward the door.\u00a0 \u201cI\u2019ll be back in the morning to check on him, if you need me before then you know where to find me.\u201d\u00a0 Doctor Scott placed his hat on his head and smiled at Adam, \u201cGood luck, son.\u00a0 Try not worry too much.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam and Joe\u2019s days and nights began running together.\u00a0 It was as the doctor had predicted; Joe went from bad to worse and back to bad time after time.\u00a0 One minute Joe was sleeping as peacefully as a baby the next he was all over the bed, taking from Adam all the strength the older brother could muster to keep the younger brother in bed and out of harms way.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Late one evening as Adam returned to Joe\u2019s room, he was surprised to find his brother awake and watching him.\u00a0 Moving closer to the bed he was taken off guard as Joe suddenly drew himself into a ball and scooted to the far corner of the bed covering his head with his arms.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cJoe, hey buddy what\u2019s wrong?\u201d\u00a0 Adam moved swiftly to Joe\u2019s bedside and sat down.\u00a0 As Adam attempted to reassure the boy, Joe began fighting against the hands that reached for him, all the while trying to back further into his corner.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cNO!\u00a0 Don\u2019t touch me, Adam, please\u2026don\u2019t hit me again,\u201d screamed the frightened boy. \u201cI\u2019m sorry\u2026I\u2019m sorry\u2026\u201d he wailed.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam withdrew his hands but continued to comfort his brother.\u00a0 \u201cJoe\u2026I\u2019m not going to hit you, pal.\u00a0 Calm down, please,\u201d said Adam softly.\u00a0 \u201cCome here, little buddy.\u201d\u00a0 Adam rested his hand on Joe\u2019s shoulder in hopes of drawing the boy closer and felt the tremors that ran through the body as soon as he touched him.\u00a0 The boy was shaking with fear, his eyes wide in fright, causing Adam to swallow the lump that had suddenly grown in his throat.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe raised his head and searched his brother\u2019s face.\u00a0 \u201cI didn\u2019t do anything\u2026It was her\u2026Adam\u2026honest\u2026she\u2026\u201d cried Joe, the tears forming in his eyes.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cI know that Joe, she told me buddy.\u00a0 I\u2019m the one who\u2019s sorry.\u00a0 Joe I never meant those things I said to you, honest. \u00a0I was hurt, I was mad\u2026and I wanted you to feel the same hurt I was feeling.\u00a0 It was wrong of me Joe; I don\u2019t know what got into me.\u00a0 I don\u2019t blame you for anything.\u00a0 Please Joe, you have to believe me.\u201d\u00a0 Adam gently pulled Joe closer to him and watched as the boy struggled with his emotions and tears.\u00a0 The look in the hazel eyes that watched his face tore at his heart.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cYou were right little buddy, I should have listened to you, Sara was no good.\u00a0 I was wrong Joe, and I want you to know that I\u2019m sorry for doing this to you.\u201d\u00a0 Adam hung his head, allowing his own tears to drip from his eyes.\u00a0 \u201cI need you to forgive me, Joe.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Neither young man spoke for several minutes.\u00a0 Adam looked up when he felt Joe\u2019s hand brush his cheek.\u00a0 \u201cPromise me Adam, you won\u2019t leave me again.\u201d\u00a0 Joe\u2019s eyes filled with tears and his voice was pleading as he searched for reassurance from his brother.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam gathered Joe into a warm embrace, \u201cI promise Joe, when I leave here, you will be riding out with me.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n As much as Adam had fought against having to resort to the restraints, after four days of constant battle, with regret, Adam tied the soft bindings around each wrist and ankle, securing Joe and preventing his moving from the bed.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe\u2019s screams of hatred ripped at the core of Adam\u2019s heart and soul and he had to leave his brother\u2019s bedside until the ranting subsided.\u00a0 Joe\u2019s curses rang in Adam\u2019s ears as the boy struggled against his restraints and the sight of his brother in such a tortured state nearly drove the usually composed Adam to the end of his own rope.\u00a0 Joe struggled for hours, his screams became raspy as his voice lost some of it\u2019s intensity, his cries and pleadings for release finally stopped altogether as exhaustion claimed the weary body and Joe closed his eyes in sleep.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam was well passed the point of going, so fatigued and worn was his own body that he was on the verge of giving up when something his father had said played into his memory.\u00a0 \u00a0\u2018When you stand alone each one of us can easily be broken, but together as a family, we cannot easily break.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam checked on Joe and seeing that he slept soundly, grabbed his hat, and hurried to the telegraph office at the far end of town.\u00a0 It was now time to send for his father, he needed Pa\u2019s help and Joe needed their father\u2019s strength, love and reassurance that the older man\u2019s presence held.\u00a0 The telegraph was sent quickly with the instructions that the reply be brought promptly to the little house.\u00a0 Adam hoped that with the news of Pa\u2019s impending arrival it would help to lift Joe\u2019s spirits.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam\u2019s reply came late that afternoon with a promise from Ben that he would leave immediately and hopefully arrive within a three days ride.\u00a0 Adam knew that for Ben to cover that much territory is such a short time his father would have to ride long and hard.\u00a0 However, Adam had no doubt that his father could accomplish the impossible when it came to the needs of one of his sons and the thought caused a small smile to transform Adam\u2019s tired face into one which held hope.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe continued to sleep far into the night waking just before dawn and finding himself still strapped to the bed.\u00a0 It was soft whimpers that woke Adam from a sound sleep.\u00a0 As soon as Adam heard Joe moving about on the bed Adam hurried to his bedside.\u00a0 Joe\u2019s eyes looked up pleadingly into his older brother\u2019s and Adam could read the misery hidden within the hazel depths.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam sat on the side of the bed brushing back a long curl that had fallen into the boy\u2019s face.\u00a0 \u201cYou need a haircut, buddy,\u201d smiled Adam swallowing the lump that had worked its way from his stomach into his throat.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cYou sound like Pa.\u201d\u00a0 Joe\u2019s face failed to smile; instead, Joe cast worried glances over his head at his bounds and tugged gently at the soft cloths while making soft gulping sounds forcing air into his lungs.\u00a0 \u201cUntie me Adam.\u00a0 You know I hate this.\u201d\u00a0 Joe tugged once again, harder with his arms, struggling to remain calm though his fear was slowly beginning to overwhelm him.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cJoe, you know I can\u2019t.\u00a0 Not yet, buddy.\u00a0 I know you don\u2019t like it Joe, but it\u2019s for your own good.\u00a0\u00a0 I don\u2019t want to see you hurt yourself,\u201d Adam tried to explain but saw by the look on the young face that his words of caution fell on deaf ears.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe fought the panic he felt rising to the surface and swallowed the acid that rose in his mouth.\u00a0 \u201cI won\u2019t hurt myself, I promise.\u00a0 Adam, come on, untie me.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cI can\u2019t\u2026\u201d began Adam.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe\u2019s panic hit the button, \u201cWHY??\u00a0\u00a0 Damnit?\u00a0 You wanna hear me beg, okay\u2026fine, I\u2019ll beg.\u00a0\u00a0 Please Adam, untie me,\u201d screamed Joe, giving in to his fears and battling at the straps that held him securely in place.\u00a0\u201cPlease!\u201d\u00a0 Joe forced his tears to stay away but the look in his eyes told Adam that they were nearing the battlefield once again.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam stroked his brother\u2019s face in an attempt to calm the hysterical boy.\u00a0 \u201cJoe, calm down.\u00a0 I promise you, I will untie you as soon as I can.\u201d\u00a0 Adam watched as Joe continued to pull on the restraints and tried to twist his body off the bed.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cI hate you Adam, do you hear me?\u201d\u00a0 Joe succumbed to his frustrations.\u00a0 \u201cI hate you for doing this to me,\u201d Joe\u2019s sobs racked his body and he gave into his tears.\u00a0 \u201cI hate you,\u201d wept Joe softly turning his face away from Adam to avoid making eye contact.\u00a0 In a matter of minutes, Joe\u2019s cries ceased and he slipped into the uncaring world of blessed slumber.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam returned to the room and sat beside his brother as he slept the weight of the world resting on his shoulders.\u00a0 \u2018Hurry Pa, he needs you, so do I,\u2019 prayed Adam to himself as he buried his face in his hands and cried not just for himself but for this boy whom he adored but who now hated him.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam knew that Joe\u2019s proclamations of hatred were caused from the withdrawal symptoms but had not realized how much his brother\u2019s words could hurt.\u00a0 The truth was, in Adam\u2019s mind, that what he was now feeling must have been the same as Joe felt when he had uttered the same words to him.\u00a0 Adam glanced up at Joe\u2019s face, sweaty and flushed now from the after affects and silently vowed to make things up to him.\u00a0\u201cI\u2019m sorry, little buddy,\u201d whispered Adam to the sleeping boy, \u201cI\u2019m so sorry.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe slept off and on for several hours as the long day worn on.\u00a0 Once Adam had convinced the boy to sip some broth but that had only resulted with Joe being sick and when he had vomited, Adam had the grueling task of cleaning not only Joe but his bed as well. Joe had slipped into unconsciousness immediately after being sick, which aided Adam in cleaning up the mess.\u00a0 Carefully Adam wrapped Joe\u2019s wrists and ankles with soft cloths before retying his restraints in an effort to stop the chafing that had begun to mar the skin as Joe struggled and would hopefully make his brother more comfortable.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cAdam\u2026Adam.\u201d\u00a0 The older boy was awakened by the sound of his name being called.\u00a0 Quickly he moved nearer to Joe and sat down next to the bed rubbing Joe\u2019s arm as the boy tossed his head back and forth.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m here Joe.\u00a0 What\u2019s wrong pal?\u201d asked Adam as he continued his soothing rub.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cPa\u2026\u201d Joe opened his eyes, \u201cI want Pa\u2026please Adam\u2026take me home,\u201d cried Joe.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cShh\u2026Joe, Pa is coming.\u00a0 He should be here in the next couple of days.\u201d\u00a0 It had started raining and Adam had lost all hope that his father would make the long journey in the three days that Ben had estimated.\u00a0From the sounds of the thunder and the pounding force for the rain, Adam could only hope that now his father might arrive within the week.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cAdam, untie me\u2026\u201d started Joe.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cJoe, we\u2019ve already discussed this, you\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cI gotta go, please Adam, I can\u2019t wait much longer,\u201d Joe\u2019s eyes were pleading and Adam could no longer refuse his brother.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cOkay, Joe, just long enough for you to go, but I\u2019ll have to help you, I doubt you can even stand.\u201d\u00a0 Adam quickly untied both wrists and as he turned to undo the ankles, Joe struggled to stand.\u00a0 Pushing away Adam\u2019s offer of help, Joe staggered toward the kitchen, falling into the furniture as he pulled himself along.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cJoe, let me help you,\u201d started Adam as he reached for Joe\u2019s arm.\u00a0 Adam was caught unaware as Joe brought his fist around and punched Adam on the jaw, causing the larger boy to fall backward.\u00a0 Catching hold of the table to break his fall, he grabbed at Joe again, this time taking hold of the boy\u2019s shoulder and spun him around.\u00a0 Joe nearly fell from the spinning action, but he fought at the arm that continued to hold him.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cLeave me alone,\u201d yelled Joe, his mood suddenly turning ugly and fighting desperately to free himself.\u00a0 \u201cI need a drink.\u201d\u00a0 Joe yanked free from Adam\u2019s restraining hand and stumbled backward into the wall.\u00a0 Joe\u2019s weakened condition would not allow his legs to hold his weight and the sudden movements caused his knees to buckle as he slid along the wall to the floor.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam was beside his brother in an instant; gathering the near unconscious bundle into his arms and carrying him back to the bed.\u00a0 Once again, the restraints were put in place, this time without a fuss.\u00a0 Adam leaned heavily into the comforts of the chair and silently cursed himself for his stupidity for having Joe con him into releasing him.\u00a0 It only served to prove to him how easily that Joe might have gotten hurt.\u00a0 Adam wondered at the strength that the boy had possessed even in his altered condition and vowed to himself not to allow the same thing to happen a second time.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Two days of constant battling, two long days of waiting had not yet produced their father.\u00a0 The rain had finally stopped but the mud was knee deep in places and word around town told of washed out roads, flooding areas that had not flooded in many years.\u00a0 It had been four days since Ben had sent word that he would be leaving home and four days that the brothers had prayed, now Adam was growing concerned for the safety of their father.\u00a0 It wouldn\u2019t do to have to leave Joe and go searching for the elder Cartwright, nor was Joe in any condition to go along.\u00a0 Adam vowed to give his father another day, perhaps two before forming a search party on his behalf.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe stirred and opened his eyes.\u00a0 Joe\u2019s eyes search the room for his brother and when he found what he was looking for, the first smile in many days lit his face.\u00a0 Adam noticed that the eyes appeared more clear, more focused and returned the smile.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cHow you feeling this morning, Little Buddy?\u201d asked Adam as he sat on the edge of the bed, his arm resting gently on his brother\u2019s chest.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cAdam, when will Pa be here?\u201d asked Joe, the smile suddenly leaving his face.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cSoon, I hope.\u00a0 Why?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cI\u2026miss him, that\u2019s all\u2026and I want to go home.\u201d\u00a0 Joe turned his head and fought to control the tears that had suddenly and unexpectedly pooled in his eyes.\u00a0 \u201cAdam\u2026do you hate me?\u201d\u00a0 Joe turned tear filled eyes up at Adam; but Adam saw not the twenty-year-old young man. But instead he recalled the boy from long ago, the same boy who had asked that very question the first time Adam had had to put the boy across his lap; Adam felt his heart skip a beat.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cOf course not Joe, why would you think that?\u201d\u00a0 Adam was puzzled by the question.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cThen untie me\u2026please Adam\u2026please\u2026\u201d Joe\u2019s voice cracked and dropped in volume.\u00a0 \u201cI promise\u2026I\u2019ll be good.\u00a0 I won\u2019t fight with you\u2026I\u2019ll stay in bed\u2026but I\u2026need\u2026please Adam,\u201d Joe sniffed his nose as his chin began to quiver and he could no longer contain his tears.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam leaned his head down until it rested next to Joe\u2019s and placed a kiss on the boy\u2019s damp cheek.\u00a0 \u201cJoe\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cPlease\u2026Adam\u2026I need ya to\u2026hold me\u2026please, please\u2026\u201d Joe\u2019s broken hearted cries removed the resolve from Adam\u2019s heart and quickly the restraints were removed and Joe was gathered into the loving arms of his brother, each brother clinging to the other.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cJoe, it\u2019s going to be okay,\u201d soothed Adam, holding Joe to where the boy\u2019s face fit into the curve of his neck.\u00a0 Adam could feel the tears soak into the collar of his shirt as he held his brother and rubbed Joe\u2019s back.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m so scared Adam, I don\u2019t know what\u2019s happening to me,\u201d sobbed Joe as he clung to Adam.\u00a0 \u201cI feel like I\u2019m dying, I hurt all over, and I can\u2019t stop this damn shaking.\u201d\u00a0 Joe pulled back just enough to find his brother\u2019s eyes; \u201cAm I going to die, Adam?\u201d cried Joe watching the expression on the older boy\u2019s face and searching for any signs that his assumption was correct.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam placed the palm of his hand against Joe\u2019s head and gently pushed it back against his chest.\u00a0 \u201cNo buddy, it only feels like it.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cI don\u2019t feel so good Adam, my stomach hurts something awful.\u00a0 When\u2019s Pa gonna be here?\u00a0 What\u2019s keeping him?\u201d\u00a0 Joe\u2019s body began to tremble and his words had become slightly slurred.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam leaned Joe back into the bed and quickly covered him.\u00a0 Sweat had begun to pop out on his brow and Adam noted the anxious look that had suddenly clouded the hazel eyes.\u00a0 Adam wet a cloth in the fresh water he had poured earlier and wiped away the droplets of sweat that had begun to roll down each side of Joe\u2019s face that had suddenly become flushed.\u00a0 Joe began to moan loudly and tried to roll his body into a ball as the pain that had struck his belly intensified.\u00a0 Minutes later the stomach muscles lurched and Joe spewed vomit about the bed, covering both himself and Adam.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe\u2019s eyes found his brother\u2019s eyes amid the sudden chaos as both struggled to separate themselves from the soiled linens and clothing.\u00a0 \u201cI\u2019m sorry,\u201d whispered Joe in a choked voice when Adam said nothing.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s all right buddy.\u00a0 Let\u2019s just get us and this mess cleaned up.\u201d\u00a0 Adam gave his brother a comforting smile to assure the boy that he was not mad at him.\u00a0 When Joe saw his brother\u2019s grin, and knew that Adam was not going to be angry with him, Joe returned the smile with one of his own. \u00a0Adam ruffled Joe\u2019s soft curls while wiping the boy\u2019s face with a wet cloth.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cYou haven\u2019t done this to me since you were\u2026hmm\u2026about six,\u201d laughed Adam pleased to hear that a small giggle escaped from his brother.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cYeah, but at least this is all I did this time.\u00a0 If I remember right, I think I peed on you then too,\u201d giggled Little Joe.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n A short time later, Adam had Joe and himself cleaned up, the bed linens changed and Joe sleeping soundly.\u00a0 With a heavy sigh, Adam leaned back into the chair and closed his eyes.\u00a0 A soft rapping at the door drew Adam from his dreams.\u00a0 As he rose from the chair and stretched he wondered briefly why Tina would be knocking at her own door, and thought that perhaps she had forgotten to take her key.\u00a0 Glancing back to ensure that Joe still slept, Adam opened the door allowing the soft light to cast its warm glow on the travel weary face of his father.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cHello son,\u201d greeted Ben stepping into the cabin.\u00a0 Ben let his belongings fall to the floor and gathered his surprised son into his arms.\u00a0 Ben felt the tenseness in his son\u2019s shoulders as he held him and was surprised when Adam allowed his head to drop onto his father\u2019s shoulders.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cThank God, you\u2019re here,\u201d whispered Adam looking into his father\u2019s dark worried eyes.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben could see the weariness etched into his son\u2019s face and the dark circles that traced the outline of his brown eyes.\u00a0 \u201cHas it been bad, son?\u00a0 How\u2019s Joseph?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam picked up Ben\u2019s bedroll and saddlebags and led him into the kitchen.\u00a0 \u201cHe\u2019s in there, he\u2019s sleeping.\u201d\u00a0 Adam pointed to the small room where he and Joe had spent the last ten days chasing away Joe\u2019s demons.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben looked toward the room that Adam had indicated and moved slowly forward.\u00a0 Adam stopped him just before entering by putting his hand on his father\u2019s shoulder.\u00a0 \u201cPa, there are a few things you should know before you talk to him.\u00a0 Maybe we should talk first.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben turned to face his oldest son, \u201cWhatever you think best son, but I just need to see him, I won\u2019t wake him.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben tiptoed into the room and stood at Joe\u2019s bedside.\u00a0 There had been no way that Ben, though imagining the worst had prepared himself for the sight his son represented.\u00a0 Ben searched the boy\u2019s face for signs of the old Joe, but Joe had lost so much weight that Ben hardly recognized his own son.\u00a0 Joe\u2019s face was thin the lips drawn into a fine tight line, dark shadows circled the sleeping eyes, the fingers that held tightly to the blanket were clinching and releasing the soft material.\u00a0 The boy moaned softly in his troubled sleep and when Ben pulled back the covers Adam heard his sudden intake of breath as he gazed at the bruises that still blackened the boy\u2019s chest and stomach.\u00a0 But what stilled the father\u2019s heart was the amount of weight that his already too slim son had lost.\u00a0 Ben lightly traced his fingers down the ribcage, his finger bumping up and down as he crossed over rib after protruding rib.\u00a0 Adam watched his father\u2019s face and knew the minute that the burning tears stung the senior Cartwright\u2019s chocolate colored eyes.\u00a0 Ben gently replaced the blankets making sure that his son was carefully tucked in before leaning down and placing a kiss on Joe\u2019s forehead.\u00a0 His eyes fell on the cloth restraints that remained tied to the corners of the bed and Ben glanced briefly into the concerned eyes of his oldest knowing just how bad things must have been if Adam had had to resort to tying his brother to the bed.\u00a0 Ben sadly shook his head and joined Adam in the kitchen.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cWe obviously have a lot to talk about,\u201d said Ben as he lowered his body into the chair and took the cup of hot coffee from Adam.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam pulled out his chair and joined his father at the table to begin the dubious task of explaining all he could about Joe\u2019s condition.\u00a0 Ben sat silently as his oldest son went into detail about how he had found Joe and what had been happening to him at the time.\u00a0 Ben felt his heart break at the picture Adam painted of Joe being tied to the heavy oxen yoke and being made to stand while other young men, some near Joe\u2019s own age, used his son as a target.\u00a0 Adam told of seeing Joe earlier that day in the saloon being tormented by the four bullies and having not recognized his own brother had failed to come to his defense.\u00a0 Ben noted the catch in Adam\u2019s voice as he struggled with his words.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam stopped briefly and refilled their coffee cups before continuing the discussion with his father.\u00a0 Adam showed Ben Little Joe\u2019s gun and explained where he had found it and then went on to tell of Sport throwing a shoe and how, just by chance, he had found Cochise at the livery.\u00a0 Adam could see the surprise in his father\u2019s expression when he learned that Joe had sold his pinto to the blacksmith just to have money to waste on drinking.\u00a0 Adam swore to himself as he watched the aging process take ten years from his father\u2019s face.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m sorry Pa.\u00a0 I know this hurts; it hurt me also.\u00a0 It tore me up inside, not knowing my own brother, seeing him treated worst than a dog and then having to watch him suffer like he has.\u00a0 I\u2019ll never forgive myself for doing this to him, never.\u201d\u00a0 Adam stood and walked to the doorway of the tiny bedroom where Joe slept and stopped.\u00a0 Glancing over his shoulder at his father he spoke softly.\u00a0 \u201cCan you ever forgive me, Pa?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben rose from his chair, moved to stand behind his oldest son, and placed both hands on each of Adam\u2019s broad shoulders giving both a tight squeeze.\u00a0 \u201cI never blamed you in the first place, son.\u00a0 You said Joe forgave you.\u00a0 Therefore you have to forgive yourself.\u00a0 Look at me Adam,\u201d Ben turned Adam around so that they were facing each other, \u201csometimes we say and do things that we really don\u2019t mean.\u00a0 Often times the ones we hurt the most are the very ones we love the most.\u00a0 Adam, with that special kind of love, we find it in our hearts to be more forgiving, thank God for that.\u00a0 It would only cause more misery for your brother if he thinks that you feel responsible.\u00a0 You hurt Joe, by your words and by your actions, that\u2019s true, but what Joe is going through right now, this very minute, he did to himself.\u201d\u00a0 Ben pointed to the sleeping form on the cot.\u00a0 \u201cYou did not make him take that first drink, you did not hold a gun to his head and say, \u2018drink this or I\u2019ll kill you,\u2019 now did you?\u201d Adam shook his head slowly in response to his father\u2019s question.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cJoseph chose, for what ever reasoning he had going on in his head at the time, to pick that bottle up himself.\u00a0 He is responsible for his actions and you are responsible for yours, nothing more, nothing less.\u00a0 Now, if you choose to make yourself miserable for the rest of your life for what you \u2018think\u2019 you have done, that will be your own doings,\u201d finished Ben returning to the table.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben watched Adam\u2019s face as he considered his father\u2019s words.\u00a0 Adam\u2019s eyes searched his brother\u2019s face and slowly he entered the room pulling the chair close to the bed and sat down.\u00a0 Adam took Little Joe\u2019s hand in his larger ones and held it to his cheek gently rubbing the back of it across the dark shadow that had sprouted on his chin and jaw line.\u00a0 Ben could tell that Adam was softly talking to the sleeping boy but could not make out what he had said and considering it none of his business, turned his head and allowed the boy his private time with his brother.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe struggled to open his eyes.\u00a0 It felt like something heavy had been placed over his closed eyelids as he rolled his hands into fists and rubbed away the sleep.\u00a0 His head was pounding as if someone were hammering on it with a sledgehammer.\u00a0 Too add to his misery, his stomach hurt like hell and he felt as if he might vomit at any minute.\u00a0 Never in his life thought Joe, had he felt so miserable.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe slowly raised his head and peeked through partially opened eyes searching for his brother.\u00a0 \u201cADAM!\u201d yelled Joe as he leaned back into the pillow and watched the butterflies that fluttered overhead. \u00a0Joe reached out and caught the largest one between his fingers bringing it close to better view the color.\u00a0 Joe could see the tiny eyes staring back at him and suddenly feeling remorseful for having captured it waved his arm in the air releasing the beautiful monarch.\u00a0 Joe giggled as the butterfly joined its companions.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe closed his eyes and begged his head to stop pounding; he was hungry and wanted breakfast now.\u00a0 \u201cADAM! WHERE ARE YOU?\u201d shouted Joe opening his eyes.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cAdam has gone into town son. Calm down, what\u2019s wrong?\u201d asked Ben as he leaned over his son.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cPa?\u00a0 Is that you?\u201d\u00a0 Joe reached his arm out to touch his father and smiled as his hand made contact with Ben\u2019s arm.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben pulled the chair close to the bed as Joe raised himself up into a sitting position and gathered his son into his arms.\u00a0 Ben felt Joe\u2019s body begin to tremble as Joe\u2019s sobs grew in volume.\u00a0 \u201cYes Joseph, your Pa\u2019s here now.\u00a0 Don\u2019t cry son, its going to be all right.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cPa\u2026I wanna go home\u2026please,\u201d cried Joe, clinging to Ben\u2019s shirt.\u00a0 \u201cGet me outta here, Pa\u2026please.\u201d\u00a0 Joe continued with he pleas until Ben was forced to lower the weeping boy back down on the bed.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cJoe, you have to calm down son.\u00a0 Listen to me, I promise, just as soon as the doctor says you are well enough to travel, Adam and I both will take you home.\u201d\u00a0 Ben pulled the blankets up around Joe\u2019s shoulder and remained seated on the side of the bed.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cPromise Pa?\u00a0 Promise?\u201d\u00a0 Joe\u2019s tear filled eyes searched his father\u2019s for reassurance.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cJoe, have I ever broken my promise to you?\u201d asked Ben.\u00a0 Joe shook his head no.\u00a0 \u201cThen you believe me, don\u2019t you?\u201d\u00a0 Joe shook his head yes.\u00a0 \u201cThen you need to calm down.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe started giggling, \u201cOkay Pa,\u201d laughed Joe.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben smiled at the sound of his son\u2019s giggles.\u00a0 \u201cWhat may I ask is so funny?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe suddenly stopped laughing, his face quickly growing serious, \u201cYou\u2019re mad at me ain\u2019t ya, Pa?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cNo son, I\u2019m not mad at you.\u201d\u00a0 Ben realized that Joe was not quite himself, that his moods were beginning to bounce around and suddenly wished that Adam would hurry back from his errand.\u00a0 \u201cJoe, are you hungry son?\u00a0 Want your ole Pa to fix you something to eat?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cSure Pa.\u00a0 Could I have some coffee?\u00a0 My head is killing me,\u201d asked Little Joe, all smiles again.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben started toward the kitchen when he felt himself being struck from behind as he was suddenly knocked to the floor.\u00a0 Twisting around, he found Joe behind him and was startled at the boy\u2019s actions.\u00a0 Joe was fighting with an imaginary assailant.\u00a0 Joe bounced off the wall where he appeared to have been thrown and quickly grabbed the unseen victim and tossed him to the floor.\u00a0 Ben pulled himself to his knees trying to stop Joe\u2019s fists from pounding the floor where he held his attacker down.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cJoseph, stop,\u201d Ben struggled with Joe\u2019s hands.\u00a0 \u201cSon, listen to me, you have to stop!\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe\u2019s knuckles were bleeding where they had made contact with the hard wooden floor.\u00a0 Ben stood all the while holding onto Joe\u2019s arms, raising them above the boy\u2019s head as he fought to control his son.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cPa, Stop, he\u2019s getting away,\u201d yelled Joe trying to twist free of the strong grasp that he was being held in.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cListen to me Joe, there is no one here except you and I.\u00a0 Now stop, do you hear me?\u201d Ben shouted trying to be heard above Joe\u2019s own exclamations of anger.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n The front door opened and Adam stopped dead in his tracks at the sight of his father and brother struggling in the floor.\u00a0 Ben caught the movement in the doorway and yelled for Adam to help him.\u00a0 Adam dropped his packages on the table and hurried to assist his father in subduing the fighting boy.\u00a0 It took both men to finally calm Joe enough that he allowed his father to gather him into his arms and cradle him in a tight embrace.\u00a0 Ben sat in the floor rocking the weeping boy until he became so drowsy that Ben felt confident enough to release his hold in order to put Joe in the bed.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam pulled back the covers as Ben laid Joe onto the bed and tucked the covers around his body.\u00a0 \u201cWhat happened Pa?\u201d asked Adam watching his father\u2019s face.\u00a0 \u201cAre you okay?\u00a0 You don\u2019t look very well,\u201d commented Adam, concern for his father evident in his voice.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben gave Adam a small smile and shook his head.\u00a0 \u201cI\u2019m fine son, really.\u00a0 Joe must be having those hallucinations you were telling me about.\u00a0 One minute he was laughing at something, then the next he was knocking me to the floor thinking that someone was trying to hurt me.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cPa, I know you aren\u2019t going to like this, but the doctor said these could get really bad and if they did we should use the restraints to prevent him from hurting himself,\u201d said Adam and watched as the color drained from his father\u2019s face.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cAdam\u2026\u201d started Ben.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cPa, I don\u2019t like it any more than you do, but you know as well\u2026\u201d Adam stopped when Ben held up his hand signaling silence.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cI know you are right son.\u00a0 But for now he is sleeping.\u00a0 Let\u2019s allow him that, then when he wakes up, if things haven\u2019t changed, well\u2026I suppose we will just have to use them.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben asked Adam to get Tina\u2019s first aide supplies so that he could clean and bandage Joe\u2019s split knuckles from where he had pounded the hard floor.\u00a0 Joe stirred slightly as the stinging sensation from the alcohol touched the tender flesh and tried to withdraw his hand from his father\u2019s grasp.\u00a0 Ben worked quickly, not wanting to wake the boy and face another repeat performance of the last several minutes.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben sat at Joe\u2019s bedside and watched the variety of emotions and expressions that played across the young boy\u2019s face.\u00a0 Ben found himself wondering at each and at the intensity in which they seemed to appear and disappear.\u00a0 It was the soft whimpering sounds that Joe made in his sleep that tugged the hardest on Ben\u2019s heartstrings, not knowing the cause and having to watch the silent tears as they eased their way down the boyish cheeks.\u00a0 More than once his son called out for him and each time Ben had responded with words of love and encouragement that seemed to calm the boy only to start the process over again within minutes.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n It was late evening when Joe finally woke from his deep sleep.\u00a0 He smiled when his eyes found his father\u2019s face in the dim glow of the lamp.\u00a0 Ben watched carefully for any signs that Joe\u2019s moods might be anything but normal and was relieved when Joe pulled himself into a sitting position and asked for something to eat.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cI kept something warm for you.\u00a0 Do you think you could sit at the table with your brother and I?\u201d asked Ben.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe nodded his head yes and pushed back the covers.\u00a0 Adam laughed, stopping Joe in his efforts to rise from the bed.\u00a0 Joe cast wary eyes at his older brother.\u00a0 \u201cI hope you aren\u2019t planning to come to the table dressed like that,\u201d teased Adam pointing at his brother\u2019s nude body.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe looked down at himself, felt his face turn crimson and grabbed a blanket to cover himself. \u00a0\u201cI\u2026I don\u2019t know where my clothes are,\u201d he stammered and looked beseechingly at his father.\u00a0 Adam had gotten up from his chair and handed Joe a small brown package.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cTry these, I picked them up for you in town earlier,\u201d smiled Adam and watched as Joe struggled with the string holding the folded paper in place.\u00a0 \u201cLet me help you little buddy,\u201d laughed Adam and gently forced Joe to sit back down on the bed, \u201cyou just hold on to that blanket.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe\u2019s laughter was soft but it was enough to make his father smile.\u00a0 \u201cThanks, Adam\u2026for everything.\u201d\u00a0 Joe grinned at his brother as he excepted the long john bottoms that Adam held out to him.\u00a0 Briefly their hands touched and as if time had momentarily froze, neither brother moved, their eyes meeting in admiration of one another.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe quickly slipped on the bottoms and allowed Adam to help him to the table where he waited for his first real meal in many days.\u00a0 Tina had managed to prepare the vegetable stew and cornbread before leaving for work earlier and Joe was anxious to sample the meal.\u00a0 Joe stuffed several bites into his mouth relishing each when he suddenly stopped and squinted his eyes.\u00a0 Reaching halfway across the table, Joe used his thumb and pressed into the table, twisting the finger slightly then with his thumb and pointer finger, removed the squished bug from the table.\u00a0 Ben and Adam exchanged glances, Adam\u2019s eyebrows rising ever so slightly.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe was reaching for his glass when he spotted the second bug scurrying across the flowered tablecloth that Tina used to adorn her little table.\u00a0 Making a fist, Joe pounded the bug and flicked it to the floor.\u00a0 Feeling two pairs of eyes on him, Joe smiled at his father and brother before quickly pounding the next bug making both Ben and Adam jump at the sudden movement.\u00a0 Father and older brother sat silently, not quite sure what was going on in the mind of the youngest Cartwright.\u00a0 Suddenly and with no forewarning, Joe slammed his hand down on the end of the spoon as it rested in the bowl of stew.\u00a0 The spoon flew from the half empty bowl sending warm stew flying into the air and splattering on the two surprised men who sat across from him.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cGot\u2019em!\u201d squealed Little Joe, giving both men a big smile.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cJoseph, what are you doing son?\u201d inquired Ben nervously.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cPa, look at all of these bugs!\u00a0 They\u2019re crawling everywhere. LOOK OUT!\u00a0 Got it,\u201d Joe held it up for Adam to inspect before throwing it over his shoulder.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Without knowing what was happening, Joe suddenly started slamming both hands all around the table killing the unseen bugs that he claimed had taken siege of his dinner.\u00a0 Joe had quickly become so distraught that it took both Adam and his father to pull the frightened boy from the table where he was trying to climb.\u00a0 Ben and Adam each had an arm fighting to pull Joe from the kitchen and back into the bedroom where they could get him in the bed and restrained.\u00a0 Joe\u2019s screams seemed to rattle the windows as he struggled against his family trying desperately to free himself.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cJoe, settle down.\u201d\u00a0 Ben tried to remain calm but found it difficult to watch his son kicking about his legs, throwing his head back and forth, all the while crying for release.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n As soon as they neared the bed, Joe freed his arm from Adam\u2019s hold and swung out striking Adam on the shoulder.\u00a0 His older brother momentarily stunned, Joe used both hands to pull free from Ben\u2019s hold and ran for the door.\u00a0 Luckily, Ben had locked it earlier and Joe\u2019s escape was forced into a halt as he battled with opening the door.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben and Adam reached him before he managed to turn the lock and with a man on each side pinning his arms behind him, they forced the mindless boy toward the bed. Screaming now that snakes were everywhere on his bed, he bellowed loudly not to be made to lie down.\u00a0 Tears stained the frightened and confused boy\u2019s face and sweat glistened on his bare chest as he braced himself from being lowered onto the snake filled cot.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam forced Joe to look down at the bed as he swiped his free hand across the mattress and calmly reassured the shaking boy.\u00a0 \u201cLook Joe, they\u2019re gone, I\u2019ve taken care of that for you.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cPLEASE! PLEASE!\u00a0 I hate snakes\u2026NO! Pa I\u2019m scared\u2026please!\u201d screamed Joe at the top of his voice as his brother and father lowered him onto the bed and bound his ankles and wrists.\u00a0 Ben leaned down and cupped his son\u2019s face with both his hands as he tried to reach into the befuddled mind of his precious son.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cJoe, sweetheart, listen to me son.\u00a0 There are no snakes, I promise.\u201d\u00a0 Ben kissed the boy\u2019s brow several times moving to plant kisses onto the wet cheeks.\u00a0 \u201cPrecious\u2026shh\u2026it\u2019s okay, they\u2019re all gone,\u201d comforted Ben speaking more calmly than he was really feeling.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cI wouldn\u2019t let them hurt you baby, you believe Papa don\u2019t you?\u201d Ben whispered into Joe\u2019s ear as the tormented boy struggled to free himself of his restraints.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n From somewhere deep within the depths of Joe\u2019s living hell, his father\u2019s voice was reaching out to him.\u00a0 Joe ceased his struggles and listened to the reassuring sounds that echoed in his ear. Joe\u2019s screams slowly turned to soft whimpers as he turned his head toward the warmth he felt near his face and when he finally opened his eyes, his father\u2019s cheek was pressed next to his and he listened to the words his father prayed.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.<\/p>\n He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters.<\/p>\n He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name\u2019s sake.<\/p>\n Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me: thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.<\/p>\n Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil: my cup runneth over.<\/p>\n Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben kissed the soft spot right next to Joe\u2019s earlobe and raised his head just enough to see his son\u2019s face.\u00a0 Joe\u2019s breathing had become normal and Ben listened to the steady beat of the heart and breathed a sigh of relief that Joe had fallen asleep with a peaceful countenance that graced his young face.\u00a0 Turning to face Adam, Ben\u2019s eyes noted the pained expression that had etched its self into the deep furrows across the older boy\u2019s brow.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cAre you okay, son?\u201d asked Ben moving to rest his hands on the slumped shoulders.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cWhew\u2026 I think so,\u201d answered Adam watching his father\u2019s face and seeing the worry still evident added with a small smile, \u201cuntil the next time.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cPa, as sick as that boy has been, I had no idea he was as strong as he is.\u00a0 Do you realize that he almost whipped both of us?\u201d smiled Adam.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cLet\u2019s not tell him, it will be our little secret, agreed?\u201d laughed Ben leaning down and whispering into his son\u2019s ear.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cAgreed.\u201d\u00a0 Adam crossed his heart with his fingers and joined his father in the kitchen for coffee while Joe slept.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe slept through the night and well into the next day with no further incidents much to the relief of both his father and brother.\u00a0 When he at last woke, it was to find his father with his head propped on the side of the chair sleeping.\u00a0 Joe watched his father for several minutes finding comfort in the older man\u2019s presence.\u00a0 Joe smiled slightly as he watched his father slap at a housefly that buzzed around his head causing Ben to strike himself on the nose.\u00a0 Joe could not stop the giggle that escaped which brought his father fully awake and staring into the shining face of his youngest son.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cWell, welcome back,\u201d smiled Ben as he bent down and brushed back the wayward curls from his son\u2019s brow.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cHave I been gone along time, Pa?\u201d asked Joe, his eyes never leaving his father\u2019s face.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m afraid so son, too long,\u201d Ben replied softly.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben watched as the smile faded from Joe\u2019s face and Joe became serious.\u00a0 Ben was half expecting the boy to start hallucinating again and watched carefully for any signs.\u00a0 Adam joined his father and brother and stood quietly on the opposite side of the bed ready to give his father the help he knew would be forth coming should Joe relapse.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cPa,\u201d whispered Joe softly, \u201cI\u2019m sorry about last night, I don\u2019t know what happened to me.\u201d\u00a0 Tears began pooling in the hazel eyes and Ben moved to sit next to his son on the small bed caressing the boy\u2019s bound arm.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cI know that son, don\u2019t worry about it.\u00a0 Adam and I know that you couldn\u2019t help it,\u201d soothed Ben.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam knelt down next to Joe and patted his arm, \u201cJoe, I know you\u2019re scared, but Pa and I are here for you.\u00a0 And when we get home, you know you can depend on that big ox of brother of ours too.\u00a0\u00a0 We didn\u2019t want to see you hurt yourself that\u2019s why we had to put the restraints back on you.\u00a0 We aren\u2019t punishing you for what you did.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe gave his brother a weak smile, \u201cYou should have seen the size of those bugs big brother,\u201d giggled Joe, \u201cthey were big enough to carry off Hoss.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam exchanged glances with his father and then turned his eyes back to his brother.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cDon\u2019t look so worried, Adam, I\u2019m only teasing,\u201d smiled Joe.\u00a0 Joe giggled again when his brother let out the long breath he had been holding.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cPa,\u201d Joe turned his attention to his father who had not moved from his spot on the bed.\u00a0 \u201cWhen can we go home?\u201d asked Joe softly.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben watched as the smile disappeared once again from his son\u2019s face.\u00a0 Joe cast worried eyes over his head at the restraints that still held his arms securely in place and tugged gently at them.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cPlease Pa\u2026untie me.\u201d\u00a0 Joe willed his tears to stay put but once he blinked, a lone tear rolled from his eye and down the side of his face only to land on the white pillowcase and leaving a tiny round circle next to Joe\u2019s head.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben swallowed the lump that had suddenly risen in his throat and glanced at Adam.\u00a0 With a nod of his head, both father and son began untying the bounds from around Joe\u2019s wrists and ankles.\u00a0 As soon as Joe felt himself freed he raised up, slipped both arms around his father\u2019s neck, and buried his face in the curve of Ben\u2019s shoulder.\u00a0 For several minutes Ben held his son in his arm\u2019s savoring the closeness and thanking God for his son\u2019s improvement.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cJoe, I\u2019ll have the doctor come check you out later today.\u00a0 As soon as he says you are strong enough to travel, Adam and I will take you home.\u201d\u00a0 Ben placed his hand around Joe\u2019s head and gently forced the boy to look at him.\u00a0 \u201cWill you agree to what the doctor says without putting up an argument?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cI promise,\u201d Joe nuzzled his head back down on Ben\u2019s shoulder and closed his eyes, becoming very quiet.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cSon, what\u2019s wrong?\u201d asked Ben turning Joe to face him.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cPa\u2026I sold Cochise,\u201d Joe\u2019s voice cracked as he kept his eyes focused on his father\u2019s face.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cI don\u2019t think you need to worry, little buddy,\u201d spoke up Adam.\u00a0 \u201cThe day I found her at the livery, I bought her back for you.\u00a0 I figured you might want to ride her home one day,\u201d smiled Adam.\u00a0 \u201cThat\u2019s not all, I found your gun too.\u00a0 You can have it after we get home.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cHonest Adam?\u00a0 Golly thanks, I owe you one,\u201d laughed Joe, his mood suddenly improving.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cJust one?\u201d teased Adam. \u201cI had planned on making you pay me back!\u201d\u00a0 Joe frowned briefly and then started laughing when he saw that Adam had winked at his father who had also joined in the laughter.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cWell, Mr. Cartwright, I\u2019d give the boy another two days to rest up before starting home.\u00a0 I think that by the end of the week he should be able to travel; just don\u2019t push him too hard.\u00a0 Take it slow and easy, if he starts to tire out stop over for the night and by all means, make him eat.\u00a0 I don\u2019t think I\u2019ve ever seen anyone as skinny as he is.\u201d\u00a0 Doctor Scott rose and shook hands with Ben and Adam before turning to Joe.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cJoseph, I have to give you a lot of credit.\u00a0 You have worked hard at your recovery.\u00a0 I truly did not think you could come so far so fast.\u00a0 I hope you realize what a lucky young man you are to have a father and brother who care so much about you.\u00a0 It seems to be a rarity among men these days, to be so open with their love I mean.\u201d\u00a0 Doctor Scott shook Joe\u2019s hand, \u201cI wish you all the luck in the world Joseph, you\u2019ve earned it.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Tina stood in the doorway of her small cabin home and watched the three men saddle their horses.\u00a0 She was going to miss the Cartwrights, she had grown very fond of Adam and his father and Joe would always hold a special place in her heart.\u00a0 She had watched him struggle to regain control of his life, watched as he fought his demons and had been present to celebrate with him, his victory.\u00a0 Though she was happy that he had recovered enough to start home, the thoughts of once again living alone with no one to talk to saddened her otherwise joyful heart.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n With tears in her eyes, she had bid Joe and Mr. Cartwright a fond farewell and waited for Adam to finish saddling his horse before saying her good-byes to him.\u00a0 Joe slowly mounted Cochise and waited with Ben as Adam turned to his father.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cPa, I\u2019ll be right back, I have something to take care of.\u201d\u00a0 Adam took Tina\u2019s arm and led her into the house out of view of his family shutting the door behind them.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cTina, I want you to have this,\u201d Adam pulled a small leather pouch filled with money from his coat pocket and placed it into Tina\u2019s opened palm folding her slim fingers over the pouch.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cAdam\u2026\u201d began Tina.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam silenced her by placing his lips over her lips in a kiss, drawing her warm body into a tight embrace.\u00a0 Holding her closely he whispered into her ear, \u201cI want you to go home, you have no business working in a saloon.\u00a0 Go back to your family, tell them you are sorry for running away and tell them how you really feel before it is too late.\u00a0 Take the money, sell this house and buy a ticket home.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cOh Adam, what if they won\u2019t forgive me?\u201d cried Tina as she rested her head against Adam\u2019s chest.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cBlood is thicker than water, they have to forgive you.\u201d\u00a0 Adam pulled Tina back from their embrace, \u201cThank you Angel, for all you have done for me and my kid brother. I\u2019ll never forget you.\u201d\u00a0 Adam placed a kiss on top of Tina\u2019s golden curls and walked out the door.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n The Cartwright\u2019s had ridden for most of the afternoon when they stopped to eat lunch.\u00a0 Tina had packed sandwiches, fruit and fried apple fritters for the threesome to enjoy.\u00a0 As the family sat beneath the shade of an old oak tree, Ben watched as Joe devoured his meal.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cSon,\u201d began Ben coming to stand in front of Little Joe, blocking the sun from shining in the boy\u2019s hazel eyes.\u00a0 \u201cI want you to make me a promise,\u201d smiled Ben.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe looked up as he stuffed the last of his fritter into his mouth and wiped his shirtsleeve across his lips removing the crumbs.\u00a0 \u201cSure Pa, just name it.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Little Joe missed the wink that passed from his father to his oldest brother.\u00a0 Rising to face his father Joe dusted the dirt from the seat of his pants.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cJoseph, promise?\u201d smiled Ben.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe glanced at Adam then back to his father, \u201cI have a feeling I\u2019m gonna regret this, but a promise is a promise.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben laughed, \u201cThe first town we come to, you\u2019re getting a haircut.\u00a0 No son of mine is going to ride into Virginia City looking like a riverboat gambler!\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cPA!\u201d started Joe.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cA promise is a promise, little buddy,\u201d laughed Adam loudly as he ruffled his little brother\u2019s long curly hair.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben joined in the laughter and hugged his son\u2019s, \u201cCome on boys, let\u2019s ride.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n THE END<\/strong><\/p>\n JANUARY 2002<\/strong><\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben\u2019s quote taken in part from \u2018The Quest\u2019.\u00a0 No infringement intended.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Tags: Adam Cartwright, Alcoholism, Ben Cartwright, Hoss Cartwright, Joe \/ Little Joe Cartwright<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Summary: \u00a0 After a major argument turns nasty, both Adam and Joe leave home. Unforeseen circumstances leads Adam into searching for his missing brother who has not been heard from in weeks. Can Adam find his younger brother and restore their relationship before the youngest Cartwright destroys himself completely? \u00a0<\/p>\n Rated G \u00a0WC 19,000<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":9052,"featured_media":11800,"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],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-12235","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-drama","wpcat-23-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\/2015\/09\/A-J.jpg?fit=400%2C320&ssl=1","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/12235","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=12235"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/12235\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/11800"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=12235"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=12235"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=12235"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}