{"id":12244,"date":"2005-04-01T07:17:35","date_gmt":"2005-04-01T12:17:35","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=12244"},"modified":"2026-04-14T14:23:17","modified_gmt":"2026-04-14T18:23:17","slug":"like-father-like-son-by-debbieb","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=12244","title":{"rendered":"Like Father, Like Son (by DebbieB)"},"content":{"rendered":"

Summary:<\/strong>\u00a0 A chain of circumstances brings Ben to the brink of realization that he and his youngest son are more alike than he had dared to admit.<\/p>\n

Rated:<\/strong>\u00a0 PG contains some violence (12, 437 words)<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Like Father, Like Son<\/strong><\/p>\n

The rope was tight and had already rubbed his wrists raw; his head hurt where he\u2019d been hit and his stomach churned from being punched numerous times. But those discomforts were minor compared to the ache in his heart. Closing his eyes and leaning back against the hard bark of the tree where he\u2019d been tied for hours, Ben Cartwright could only think on one thing\u2026his youngest son and the harsh, angry words he had spewed at the boy, leaving Little Joe to contemplate the error of his ways. Ben had ranted for a full half hour about how Little Joe seemed to always be in trouble and the careless, thoughtless things he was always doing\u2026never following direct orders, varying from the paths that his father had always tried to lead him down and the most irritating of all\u2026thinking too late about the consequences. Shaking his head as if to remove the memory from his mind, Ben sighed deeply, remembering the hurt that shown in the deep set hazel eyes, the remorseful apology and humbled yet downcast expression that told the angry father that his words had struck a cord in the young man\u2019s heart; but he had ignored the signs, refusing to let the contrite expression sway his anger from where it was directed. Instead, he turned and stomped away, leaving Joe standing alone in the center of the big room.<\/p>\n

His last words while standing at the door, just before walking out, came back to haunt him now, when he was so surely alone and in need of help.<\/p>\n

\u2018You might try remembering, young man, that I shall not live forever. How on earth are you ever going to survive without me, unless you think before you act\u2026and grow up?\u2019<\/p>\n

Ben took a deep breath, willing away his thoughts, but they continued to linger and plague his memory.<\/p>\n

\u2018That temper of yours will be your undoing one of these days, mark my word!\u2019<\/p>\n

Lips pinched tightly, Ben lowered his head, realizing at that moment, that his youngest, most audacious son, was more like himself than he cared to admit. It had been he, Ben Cartwright who had been careless, he had failed to anticipate the trouble that lay ahead for him, and he had stormed from the house as if it were he that was only eighteen years old and not his son.<\/p>\n

\u201cLike father, like son,\u201d mumbled Ben to himself, suddenly ashamed of his earlier behavior\u2026and the uncompassionate words he\u2019d had spoken.<\/p>\n

\u201cLook where my temper landed me\u2026right in the middle of a holdup!\u201d Ben groaned softly, shaking his head; other words, spoken years before began to harass his thoughts.<\/p>\n

His own father had preached to him for years that one should never walk away from an argument or disagreement to leave the dispute in anger, especially with a loved one. Things happen, people get hurt\u2026and often die, leaving the other with a heart full of guilt for words spoken in a moment of anger\u2026for once said, they can never be unsaid, Ben father\u2019s had pointed out. Be careful what you say, speak not in anger\u2026and think, before you speak. How quickly he\u2019d forgotten those long ago lessons. Though Ben\u2019s father, Joseph Cartwright, had never had a son quite like he had\u2026or had he, his conscious quizzed.<\/p>\n

\u201cOh, Little Joe,\u201d he sighed to himself. \u201cI\u2019m sorry son\u2026I\u2019m sorry.\u201d
\n\u201cPa sure has been gone a long time,\u201d Hoss speculated aloud.<\/p>\n

He directed his statement to his older brother, Adam, who sat in their father\u2019s chair. Hoss had tried to talk to Little Joe, but his younger brother was uncommonly quiet and wore a sullen expression on his face. The boy seemed pre-occupied, lost in thought and had practically ignored his brothers all evening.<\/p>\n

\u201cHe probably went into town to talk to Roy or Doc\u2026they\u2019re all no doubt sitting around playing checkers,\u201d Adam explained without looking up from the book he was reading.<\/p>\n

\u201cYeah\u2026I guess ya right\u2026but it ain\u2019t like Pa to stay away this long without sending word\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd he accuses me of being thoughtless to the feelings of others,\u201d muttered Joe, getting up at last and moving slowly across the room.<\/p>\n

The remark drew his brother\u2019s attention from his reading. Adam watched the boy closely as Joe made his way to the door.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat is that suppose to mean?\u201d Adam demanded.<\/p>\n

Joe was busy strapping on his holster.<\/p>\n

\u201cNothing.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam glanced at Hoss as he stood up, closing his book yet marking the page with his finger. He moved around the settee and stopped at the credenza.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhere do you think you\u2019re going this time of evening?\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe finished tying down the thin leather strips that held the holster in place about his upper thigh. He turned and grabbed his hat from the peg behind the door.<\/p>\n

\u201cFor a ride, I need some fresh air.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s a might late to go riding,\u201d Adam suggested.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s not totally dark yet, I won\u2019t be long\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cPa isn\u2019t going to like this, you know\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSo what else is new?\u201d Joe said in a grumpy tone.<\/p>\n

Before Adam could say anything else, Joe opened the door and disappeared into the fading light. Adam watched from the opened door until Joe entered the barn and then closed the front door. When he turned around, he practically tripped over Hoss who was standing behind him.<\/p>\n

\u201cHe\u2019s askin\u2019 for trouble,\u201d Hoss muttered, moving out of Adam\u2019s way.<\/p>\n

\u201cIsn\u2019t he always? I swear, Hoss, that boy can find more ways to make Pa mad than any other person I know\u2026he just begs for trouble.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAw\u2026he don\u2019t mean to, Adam\u2026he\u2019s just\u2026just\u2026tryin\u2019 to find himself, that\u2019s all. Don\u2019t ya remember what it was like\u2026being that young and always feelin\u2019 like ya had to prove everything\u2026to everybody?\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam grinned slightly, highlighting the dimple in his cheek.<\/p>\n

\u201cThose were the times of my life that I hated the most. I always felt so\u2026so\u2026inadequate\u2026I always felt like I couldn\u2019t do anything right\u2026and Pa\u2026he was so\u2026right\u2026all the time. God, how I hated that!\u201d snickered Adam.<\/p>\n

\u201cYeah\u2026me to, but it seemed like Pa always understood\u2026well, most of the time,\u201d Hoss added.<\/p>\n

\u201cGuess by the time you came along Hoss, Pa had this father thing down pat.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWell if\u2019n that\u2019s so, what happened when Joe came along? I mean\u2026they butt heads most everyday\u2026why, just today I was out in the yard, and Pa and Little Joe was inside here, and they were going at it something fierce\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou don\u2019t say?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYep, and the way Pa stormed outta the house\u2026I could tell he was plenty mad.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat\u2019d the kid do this time?\u201d<\/p>\n

Hoss\u2019 blue eyes rounded when he scrunched up his face.<\/p>\n

\u201cAin\u2019t got no ideay; when Pa left, I came inside. Joe was just standin\u2019 in the middle of the room. I asked him what happened and all he told me was to mind my own business.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cFigures.\u201d
\nJoe had ridden further than he had intended. His thoughts were still consumed with the argument he had with his father earlier in the afternoon, thus he had paid no attention to the distance or the time. As he pulled Cochise to a halt and glanced up at the darkening sky, he let out a long sigh.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll probably be in trouble again, Cooch\u2026it\u2019s getting late and Pa\u2019s probably home by now, waiting supper. Come on, boy,\u201d Joe said with a touch of disgust.<\/p>\n

He turned his horse around and sharply kicked his mount in the sides. Cochise sprang into action, galloping toward home. The wind beat against his face, the crispness of the night air chilled him, yet when he finally slowed his horse down to a canter, Joe felt somehow refreshed. The gloom that had lingered over him was gone and had been replaced with\u2026with\u2026<\/p>\n

\u201cWhoa,\u201d Joe said, pulling back on the reins.<\/p>\n

For several long moments, the handsome young man sat silently on his mount, alone in the middle of the road, looking very much like a statue silhouetted against the glow of the moonlight.<\/p>\n

\u201cSomething\u2019s wrong, Cooch,\u201d Joe said after a spell. \u201cPa\u2019s in trouble\u2026I can feel it in my gut!\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe kneed Cochise into a full run, racing toward home. The instant that he entered the yard, he slid from the saddle and ran across the yard, stumbling and rolling in his haste to get to his family. At the door, he shoved it opened, banging it against the credenza behind and startling Adam and Hoss who jumped from their chairs.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat the\u2026!!\u201d shouted Adam, glaring at the younger man. \u201cThat\u2019s no way to enter this house and you know it!\u201d<\/p>\n

Winded, Little Joe tried to explain.<\/p>\n

\u201cSorry\u2026but\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAren\u2019t you always!\u201d growled Adam as he turned and returned to his chair.<\/p>\n

Joe swallowed, trying to catch his breath.<\/p>\n

\u201cAdam\u2026you don\u2019t understand\u2026\u201d began Joe, but stopped when he noted the disgusted look on his older brother\u2019s face.<\/p>\n

Joe glanced at Hoss who still stood in the middle of the room, watching him.<\/p>\n

\u201cHoss, you gotta come with me\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAt this hour?\u201d snorted the big man.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s Pa\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cPa!\u201d chorused both Hoss and Adam.<\/p>\n

Adam quickly got up again and joined Hoss.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat about Pa?\u201d Adam demanded.<\/p>\n

\u201cSomething\u2019s wrong,\u201d Joe explained.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat are ya talkin\u2019 about, Shortshanks?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cPa\u2026he\u2019s in\u2026trouble\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cTrouble? What kind of trouble?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t know\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam let the air blow from his lungs.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou aren\u2019t making one bit of sense, Joe\u2026what kind of trouble is Pa in\u2026and how do you know?\u201d Adam insisted.<\/p>\n

\u201cLook, is Pa here?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo\u2026should he be?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYes\u2026it\u2019s late\u2026and it isn\u2019t like Pa to be so late\u2026something\u2019s wrong, Adam\u2026Hoss,\u201d Joe anxiously stated.<\/p>\n

\u201cJoe, I think Pa\u2019s old enough to take care of himself. If\u2019n he wants to stay late in town, it\u2019s his business\u2026but it doesn\u2019t mean anything\u2019s wrong!\u201d Hoss stated matter-of-factly.<\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t you think I know that?\u201d Joe growled. \u201cBut something IS wrong, Hoss\u2026Adam, please, ya gotta listen to me\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cJoe, don\u2019t be silly, Pa\u2019s fine, now sit down\u2026or better yet, go to bed\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cBED! I\u2019m not going to bed\u2026just who do you think you are, sending me to bed?\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe stood nose to nose with his older brother. His temper was beginning to boil. They wouldn\u2019t believe him, his brothers were practically laughing at him, and their pa needed help.<\/p>\n

\u201cI didn\u2019t order you to go to bed, Joe, I only suggested it\u2026and with the mood you\u2019ve been in all day, bed would be the best place for you right now\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe opened his mouth to make a sharp retort, but suddenly, his father\u2019s words spoken earlier that day, came flooding back to haunt him.<\/p>\n

\u2018That temper of yours is going to get you into some real trouble someday, young man, I\u2019d suggest you learn to control it!\u2019<\/p>\n

Joe took a deep breath and stepped back, giving himself a moment to calm down. So what if they didn\u2019t believe him or wanted to help him find their pa, he\u2019d do it without them. Suddenly, Joe pivoted on his heels and headed toward the door.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhere the blazes are you going now?\u201d Adam called, glancing toward Hoss.<\/p>\n

\u201cI told you, Pa needs help\u2026I\u2019m going to look for him.\u201d<\/p>\n

Without another word, Joe slammed the door shut.<\/p>\n

Hoss raised his brows in surprise, glanced at Adam and then sat back down. Adam stared at the closed door for a second longer and then picked up his book, sat down and continued to read, picking up where he left off.
\nJoe wasn\u2019t sure how he knew his father was in need of help, he didn\u2019t try to reason it out, he just knew, that\u2019s all. Deep down inside of him, he could feel his father\u2019s\u2026whatever you called it\u2026calling out for him. Several times while he was out riding, he was almost sure that he\u2019d heard his father call his name\u2026Joe\u2026Joe\u2026<\/p>\n

\u201cThis is weird,\u201d he murmured to himself.<\/p>\n

As he headed into town, the feeling that something was wrong nagged at him. He wondered if he just felt that way because of the big argument they\u2019d had that morning, or if the nagging feeling was real. Joe admitted to himself that he\u2019d been wrong, ranting and raving at his father as he had\u2026and to think that he had purposely disobeyed a given order his father had given to him just because he believed his father to be wrong. And then to find out that Ben had been correct in the first place, leaving Joe holding the loose end of the rope, so to speak, had only ignited his temper and then the two had clashed. Maybe because Ben\u2019s words had struck a cord in his heart that Joe had the dreadful feeling eating away at him. Still, Joe couldn\u2019t put a finger on the reason, so he decided to do what his father had always taught him to do\u2026and that was to follow his instinct. He just prayed he was right\u2026not that he wanted his father to be in some sort of trouble, but he almost hated the thought of riding into town only to find his father in the saloon enjoying a couple of beers, or down at the sheriff\u2019s office playing a game of chess or checkers. It was likely, and the thought of his father becoming more enraged with him than he already was, wasn\u2019t a pleasant thing to ponder.<\/p>\n

Joe swallowed hard, \u2018I\u2019ll worry about that, when I find Pa.\u2019
\nThe town was bustling with people as Joe rode down the main street. It seemed odd, it being a weeknight and everyone milling around as they were. Joe briefly wondered if something were wrong, maybe someone had been shot. He was headed for the sheriff\u2019s office anyway, he\u2019d just ask Roy.<\/p>\n

\u201cHey Gus,\u201d Joe called to the local blacksmith.<\/p>\n

A crowd had gathered outside the bank office. Gus stood at the back of the crowd. At the sound of his name, Gus turned around.<\/p>\n

\u201cLittle Joe\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat\u2019s going on, Gus?\u201d Joe asked as he slid down from his horse and tied the reins around the hitching post.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou ain\u2019t heard?\u201d the big brawny man asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cHeard what?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThe bank\u2026it\u2019s been robbed!\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe\u2019s eyes widened in surprise; he shook his head.<\/p>\n

\u201cNo, I hadn\u2019t heard, I just rode into town to look for Pa\u2026when did the robbery take place?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAbout\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cLittle Joe!\u201d a voice called from within the mass of bystanders.<\/p>\n

As Joe turned, he saw Roy Coffee pushing his way through the throng of curiosity seekers heading in his direction.<\/p>\n

\u201cHey, Roy\u2026looks like you\u2019ve had some excitement\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSome excitement, Little Joe\u2026Harry Gilmore\u2019s been murdered, fifty thousand dollars stolen and your father taken hostage\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe\u2019s eyes suddenly grew wide with fear, hoping he had not heard the sheriff correctly.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat did you just say?\u201d<\/p>\n

Roy nodded with his head for Joe to follow and led the way down the street and into his office, away from prying eyes.<\/p>\n

\u201cYep\u2026I\u2019m sorry Little Joe\u2026but them varmints busted into the bank right at closing time. Ben was inside\u2026in fact he was on his way out when it happened. From what the teller says happened, Harry was just closing the safe when the bandits came in\u2026knocking your Pa to the floor. One man stood over him, pointing a gun at him while another pushed the teller down next to Ben. Harry was forced into the vault and ordered to fill some saddlebags with the money. It happened right as the bandits were leaving, Harry went for his gun and was shot down. Ben was closest to the door, they grabbed him, swore to kill him if anyone followed\u2026they meant it too, Little Joe.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cDo you know who they were, Roy?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYeah\u2026it was Bob Macy and his gang\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cMacy!\u201d repeated Joe. \u201cDear God\u2026I thought they were in prison\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWere\u2026they broke out two weeks ago\u2026I told your father right away, didn\u2019t he say anything to Adam or Hoss about it?\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe shook his head. \u201cI don\u2019t know, Roy, if he did they didn\u2019t tell me!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cGuess ya Pa didn\u2019t want you to know\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe ran his hand over his face. The worry was real, so was the fear that gnawed at his gut.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat are you going to do about this, Roy?\u201d Joe demanded.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m going after them. I just sent a man out to the Ponderosa to fetch you boys\u2026guess you missed the messenger?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYeah\u2026I didn\u2019t come in by the main road. Roy\u2026I understand why Pa might not have wanted me to know\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, he was just worried about you, Joe\u2026what with you havin\u2019 been a witness against Macy and his boys five years ago\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI was a kid then, but I\u2019m not a kid now\u2026he should have told me\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cMaybe so Joe, but your Pa was concerned about your welfare. You were only\u2026what\u2026thirteen, when you testified against Macy\u2019s gang\u2026and I remember Bob Macy swearing to get even with Ben for letting you send him and his brothers to jail.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cJoe\u2026\u201d the sheriff paused, placing a firm hold on the youngest Cartwright\u2019s arm before continuing. \u201cI think you should go home\u2026I don\u2019t think Ben would want you involved in this\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHome? Roy\u2026I\u2019m not going home, Pa\u2019s in trouble and he needs me\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHe needs help, I agree, but knowing ya pa like I do, he\u2019d want you to go back home and wait\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cFor what? Wait for what\u2026those men will kill Pa, and you know it, Roy. I\u2019m not going to let that happen\u2026I\u2019m going to look for Pa.\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe turned, heading for the door.<\/p>\n

\u201cNow you wait just a minute, Little Joe, I don\u2019t you to go off half cocked\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m not going off half cocked, Roy\u2026I already told you, I was going to look for Pa,\u201d Joe said angrily.<\/p>\n

\u201cThen you\u2019d best wait for your brothers to get here and ride out with the posse,\u201d Roy advised.<\/p>\n

Joe was fighting to control his temper. His father\u2019s words hung in the back of his mind, toying with his sub-conscience but the over-whelming dread that had lingered like a shroud about him, drove him to push on.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m not waiting for anyone, Roy\u2026just tell me what direction they rode out and I\u2019ll be on my way.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI ain\u2019t gonna tell ya a thing\u2026you\u2019ll wait for the posse or\u2026or\u2026I\u2019ll lock ya in a cell until Adam gets here.\u201d<\/p>\n

Roy saw the dark look cross the young man\u2019s face and was forewarned. Quickly, surprising Joe, Roy grabbed the youngster\u2019s gun from his holster and pointed Joe\u2019s gun at him.<\/p>\n

\u201cRoy\u2026what the hell are you doing?\u201d stormed Joe, taken off guard by the sheriff\u2019s actions.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m sorry, Little Joe, but I\u2019m lockin\u2019 ya up until Adam gets here.\u201d<\/p>\n

Roy waved the weapon toward the door that opened into the cellblock.<\/p>\n

\u201cGo on, move.\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe\u2019s eyes were full of venom as he stared at the sheriff, but he moved where Roy had pointed. When he reached the open cell, he paused, looking back over his shoulder at the sheriff. His expression was full of indignation.<\/p>\n

\u201cI hope you don\u2019t regret this, Roy\u2026if anything happens to my father\u2026I\u2019m holding you responsible.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSuit yourself, Joe\u2026now get in there\u2026I\u2019ll let you out when your brothers get here,\u201d Roy promised.<\/p>\n

Joe stepped through the door and stopped, too angry to even turn around. He heard the door clang shut and the key turning in the lock. Swallowing back his rage and the desperation that caused him overpowering unease, Joe sat down on the cot. With elbows propped on his knees, Joe buried his face in his hands, disgusted beyond words. There was no use debating the issue with the sheriff, it just was not his day for winning an argument.
\nMiles away, Ben squirmed trying to ease the stiffness in his arms and shoulders from too many hours of being tied. The small dinghy in which he had been forced into, rocked from side to side as two of his captives rowed steadily forward. They were headed for a small island, located some distance from the shoreline. Ben had overheard Bob Macy say that the island was a perfect place to hide away until the posse finally gave up looking for them.<\/p>\n

While Bob\u2019s brothers headed for the island, Bob would take the horses back to the main road and leave just enough tracks that the posse would be tricked into looking for the trio in the wrong places. Once Jack and Trace had Ben securely situated on the island, Trace would row back to the mainland and pick up Bob. The horses would be hidden away in a small cove that Bob had found five years prior when they had robbed the Virginia City stage line and had hidden away for several days, until being discovered by Cartwright\u2019s brat\u2026the one they called Little Joe.<\/p>\n

\u2018Damn that kid,\u2019 Bob thought, \u2018not only had the boy been on the stage the day it was robbed, but also testified against them.\u2019<\/p>\n

It was because of the kid\u2019s testimony that all three had been sentenced to five years in prison. Bob had not forgotten; he had made Ben Cartwright a promise to get even and he had every intention of doing so. It had only been by pure coincidence that Cartwright had been in the bank on the day of the robbery. Bob had recognized the man instantly, but it was only later that Ben had put a name to the face that seemed so familiar. Not only was he stunned, but Bob had seen a shadow of fear cross the older man\u2019s face as well and knew instantly that Cartwright was worried about the kid who had sent the three of them to prison.<\/p>\n

Ben moaned softly as the bottom of the boat scraped the rocks beneath them. His body had been cramped into a small space and when the two men dragged him to his feet, it took a second or two for Ben to steady himself enough that he could stand on his own.<\/p>\n

\u201cGet moving,\u201d Jack ordered as he shoved Ben forward.<\/p>\n

Ben said nothing but walked inland of the island until he reached a small, secluded clearing where he was practically shoved to the ground.<\/p>\n

\u201cTie him to that tree,\u201d Jack ordered Trace. \u201cWhen you\u2019re finished, head on back, I\u2019ll set up camp and keep my eye on the old man. I\u2019ll have something ready to eat by the time you and Bob get back.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cGood thing, I\u2019m starved,\u201d complained Trace.<\/p>\n

Jack looked disgusted.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019re always hungry! Now get going, and make it snappy.\u201d<\/p>\n

Trace untied Ben\u2019s hands, giving him only a moment to flex his fingers and rub his wrists before pulling Ben\u2019s arms back behind him and around the trunk of a tree. The jolts of pain increased and flowed upward into his shoulders as his back was pulled tightly against the hard, coarse bark. The new position was almost unbearable, but Trace seemed undaunted by Ben\u2019s discomfort. When he was finished securing Ben\u2019s hands, he moved around front where he tied Ben\u2019s ankles together. He stretched the long length of rope out and round another tree just feet in front of his prisoner, making it impossible for Ben to move his legs. Trace saw the scrunched up expression on the older man\u2019s face. He laughed, kicked Ben in the thighs until Ben cried out in pain. Again Trace laughed.<\/p>\n

\u201cStop pestering the prisoner!\u201d shouted Jack. \u201cYou know what Bob said, he wants Cartwright for himself\u2026\u201d Jack started laughing softly, as if he knew something that Trace did not.<\/p>\n

Distracted from the prisoner by his brother\u2019s laughter, Trace move across the camp to face his brother.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat\u2019s so funny?\u201d he demanded.<\/p>\n

Jack jerked his head toward Ben.<\/p>\n

\u201cHim\u2026he has no idea what Bob has planned for him\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWell neither do I\u2026what\u2019s Bob aimin\u2019 to do to him?\u201d Trace wanted to know.<\/p>\n

Ben, who acted as if he were not paying attention, was in fact, listening closely.<\/p>\n

\u201cHe\u2019s goin\u2019 after the kid\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThe kid?\u201d puzzled Trace.<\/p>\n

\u201cYeah stupid, Cartwright\u2019s kid\u2026the boy what testified against us!\u201d laughed Jack.<\/p>\n

Trace snickered.<\/p>\n

\u201cIs he aimin\u2019 on killin\u2019 the boy?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYep\u2026and he aims on makin\u2019 the old man over there watch!\u201d beamed Trace.<\/p>\n

Jack rubbed his hands together in anticipation.<\/p>\n

Ben felt his stomach do a flip. He glanced over at the pair of thugs. Had they been watching him, they would have seen the intense hate that burned deeply in the dark brown eyes. Ben tugged at the ropes, but it was useless, he was tied securely with no means of getting free.<\/p>\n

His heart screamed his son\u2019s name\u2026Joseph\u2026Joseph\u2026dear God\u2026keep my boy safe!
\n\u201cWe\u2019ll be ready to ride in ten minutes, boys. Get your gear ready and meet back here,\u201d Roy said, ordering the small group of men who had agreed to ride with him and the Cartwrights of their departure time.<\/p>\n

\u201cCome on Roy\u2026let me outta here,\u201d Joe shouted from inside the jail.<\/p>\n

Roy, who stood out front with Adam and Hoss, glanced at the brothers.<\/p>\n

\u201cI promised him I\u2019d let him out as soon as you got here, Adam,\u201d Roy explained. \u201cHe was pretty hot when I locked him up\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cDo me a favor, Roy,\u201d Adam said.<\/p>\n

\u201cSure\u2026anything, if\u2019n I can.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cLeave him locked up\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat! Adam, you can\u2019t do Joe thata way,\u201d Hoss quickly spoke up.<\/p>\n

Adam turned to Hoss. He wore a serious expression.<\/p>\n

\u201cOh yes I can. You know as well as I do that Bob Macy swore to get even with Pa. You may not recall what Macy said he\u2019d do, but I sure as hell do\u2026and there\u2019s no way I\u2019m letting Little Joe go with us. He\u2019s safe where he\u2019s at\u2026Macy isn\u2019t daring enough to come back into town\u2026let alone the jail, just to kill Little Joe. Jail is the safest place for the boy, Hoss\u2026\u201d Adam explained.<\/p>\n

\u201cBut it ain\u2019t fair, Adam. Joe\u2019s got as much right to help find Pa as you or I\u2026he was the one who knew something was wrong\u2026we didn\u2019t even bother listenin\u2019 to\u2019em\u2026and besides, he\u2019ll be so riled up\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t care how riled up he gets, he\u2019s staying right where he\u2019s at\u2026Pa wouldn\u2019t want Joe involved, Hoss\u2026you know how he is about the kid\u2026he\u2019d want Joe to be safe\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

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

\u201cNo butts, big guy\u2026unless you want to be responsible for the boy getting hurt\u2026or worse?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAw\u2026dadburnit, Adam. Alright\u2026but, I ain\u2019t gonna be the one to tell\u2019em!\u201d Hoss growled.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2019re not going to tell him. We\u2019re just going to get on our horses and ride off.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam\u2019s lips twisted slightly, forming a small smile.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll let the kid take a couple of punches at me when this is all over\u2026he\u2019ll enjoy that.\u201d<\/p>\n

Hoss couldn\u2019t help but snicker, though in his heart, he felt a bit sorry for his younger brother. He could picture the expression on the boy\u2019s face when he realized that they were leaving without him. Sure, Little Joe would be hoppin\u2019 mad, but as Adam said, he\u2019d be safe. The Macy gang was touch, hardened men who thought nothing of watching a man die, and enjoying it, too.<\/p>\n

\u201cCOME ON ADAM\u2026OPEN UP\u2026LET ME OUTTA HERE! ROY! YOU PROMISED!! HOSS\u2026THIS AIN\u2019T FAIR AND YOU KNOW IT!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cMount up men,\u201d ordered Roy.<\/p>\n

\u201cADAM\u2026DAMNIT\u2026LET ME OUT!!\u201d<\/p>\n

Roy looked back toward the door and caught sight of Adam doing the same thing. He knew that Ben\u2019s eldest son had made the right decision, in keeping Joe locked up where he\u2019d be safe, but he sure felt bad about breaking his promise to the kid. Joe\u2019d most likely never have anything to do with him again, and that bothered the sheriff, he liked the boy, in spite of the kid\u2019s temper and impetuous ways that often left the boy in some sort of trouble. He knew that his friend adored his youngest son, and would do anything to keep the boy from harm\u2019s way, even die for the kid if need be. No, Joe was better off where he was, he\u2019d just have to get over being mad.
\nJoe stomped the short distance to the window and peered out. He was fuming mad as he watched the posse mount up and ride off. With his fist doubled up, he hit the hard, stone, wall, wincing as a surge of pain shot through his hand and up into his arm.<\/p>\n

\u201cADAM!! I\u2019LL GET YOU FOR THIS!!\u201d he screamed out the window, but to no avail, his brother never bothered to look back. Had he taken the time to look, he might have given in if he had noticed the angry tears welling in the soft, emerald eyes that watched the exodus.
\n\u201cHold up men,\u201d Roy said as he held up one hand, signaling for the posse to stop.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat\u2019s wrong, Roy?\u201d Adam asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2019ve lost the trail\u2026such as it were. I think we should split up. Adam, why don\u2019t you take some men and go west, Hoss you take a couple fellas and move on up ahead. I\u2019ll take some men with me, and go east. If you find something fire three shots.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSounds good, Sheriff. A couple of you come with me,\u201d Hoss said, turning his horse eastward.<\/p>\n

The posse split three ways, each going in the direction that Roy had ordered, each group hoping to catch up with the men who had robbed the bank and taken one of Virginia City\u2019s finest men along as a hostage.
\nBack at the jail, Joe was still raging with unbridled anger. He had paced the cramped little area until he\u2019d about worn himself out. Worry ate away at his nerves, causing his stomach to ache something awful\u2026adding to the discomfort of being hungry, which the sheriff had forgotten to send out for his meal. All of these things piled up and made for a very unhappy, disgruntle prisoner. Unbeknown to the miserable feeling individual in the locked cell, his luck was about to change.<\/p>\n

When the door separating the office from the cells opened, Joe jumped to his feet. Emily Stratton from the nearby caf\u00e9 smiled as she entered, carrying a tray.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhy Joe Cartwright, I could hardly believe it when your brother came by last night to ask me to bring you a tray. I thought he was kidding when he said you were locked up\u2026my, what on earth did you do?\u201d the pleasant little lady asked.<\/p>\n

Joe smiled in an open, friendly way, hiding his true feelings from the unsuspecting woman.<\/p>\n

\u201cNothing,\u201d he laughed. \u201cMy brothers thought it would be funny\u2026you know\u2026a big joke, to lock me up over night.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOh my goodness,\u201d she cringed. \u201cHow awful of them\u2026I suppose you don\u2019t find it a bit funny, do you?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo ma\u2019am, not in the least. But I\u2019ll get back at them\u2026they are always playing some kind of joke on me\u2026say, something smells awfully good.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s ham and eggs, Johnny cakes and hot maple syrup,\u201d Emily said as she set the tray on the little table nearby. She stood for a second looking around as if confused.<\/p>\n

\u201cOh dear\u2026however am I to get the tray inside so you can eat?\u201d she muttered more to herself than to the prisoner.<\/p>\n

Joe snickered to himself.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou have to get the keys, Mrs. Stratton, and unlock the door, they\u2019re hanging on a peg on the other side of the wall,\u201d Joe explained.<\/p>\n

He tried to hide the excitement that was beginning to build, lest the woman suspect he was planning on a getaway.<\/p>\n

Emily Stratton glanced around, seeing the keys exactly where Joe Cartwright had said they would be. But she failed to get them. When she looked back at the prisoner, her eyes had become tiny little slits. Joe could barely see her eyes looking curiously at him.<\/p>\n

\u201cHonest ma\u2019am, that\u2019s what Sheriff Coffee has to do each time he feeds a prison.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWell\u2026I suppose it does make sense,\u201d she muttered.<\/p>\n

Joe smiled, giving the doubting woman one of his most cherubic expressions.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019ve nothing to fear\u2026remember, I\u2019m only here because of my brothers\u2019 sense of humor,\u201d he explained.<\/p>\n

\u201cOf course, how silly of me. Here you go,\u201d she said, taking the keys and handing them through the bars to allow Joe to unlock the door himself.<\/p>\n

Joe moved quickly, pushing the door opened wide, he grabbed his hat, plunking it down on his head.<\/p>\n

\u201cThank you kindly,\u201d he said, touching his fingers to the rim.<\/p>\n

\u201cJoe Cartwright\u2026are you not even going to eat?\u201d Emily said, stunned that the young man was leaving.<\/p>\n

\u201cOh,\u201d said Joe as if he\u2019d forgotten something.<\/p>\n

He reached over to the tray that Emily now held in both hands and snatched a piece of the ham.<\/p>\n

\u201cThanks again,\u201d he laughed, leaning down and placing a kiss on the woman\u2019s cheek.<\/p>\n

Emily blushed; her eyes glowed as she watched the handsome young man make his daring escape.
\nJoe had found the trail that the posse had taken; it had been easy; so many riders had gone along in the search for his father and the missing fifty thousand dollars. From a ridge, Joe watched the group of men who gathered from different directions. His first impulse was to race down the side of the hill and join the group. But he still bristled at the thought of being left behind and locked in a jail cell, unable to help in the search for his missing father.<\/p>\n

At this point, Joe had no plans to meet up with his brothers or the sheriff and his group. He\u2019d tag along all right, but from a distance. It was his hopes that it would be he who found his father and not his brothers, he felt in his soul that he owed his father that much.<\/p>\n

\u201cThis is mostly my fault, Pa\u2026as usual,\u201d Joe sighed. \u201cIf I had only done like you said, you wouldn\u2019t have gotten so mad that you felt you had to get out of the house\u2026and away from me.\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe wiped his opened hand across the front of his face and nudged Cochise in the ribs. The posse was moving out again; it was time to follow.
\nBen scrunched up his face. The increasing pain in his arms and shoulders, not to mention the stiffness in both legs, was beginning to reach unbearable limits. His mouth had become so dry that he could barely swallow. When he had asked for a drink, the three men sitting around the small fire only looked his way and laughed. They had refused to offer him anything to eat and his stomach, sore from the punches the day before, had started to churn and growl, telling him it was long past his feeding time. His misery was mounting and at times, Ben wondered if he would live long enough to tell his youngest son how very sorry he was for the harshly spoken words. Hard feelings had mellowed in his moment of need and Ben had finally realized, from his own past transgressions, that what the boy had been experiencing was nothing short of the same feelings and frustrations that he, himself had suffer at the same age. Now, when he thought about dying, his conscience troubled him that he might not be able to tell Joe how he truly felt and that they were more alike than he had ever anticipated them to be. The words, like father, like son held more meaning to him than they ever had.<\/p>\n

Ben, in the mist of his anguish, smiled to himself. He was proud of his son, all of his sons, but Little Joe\u2026so like himself\u2026held a special place in his heart. The boy was the joy of his life, so special in so many ways that it was hard to put words to his feelings. The love he felt for his youngest offspring, took nothing from the love he felt for his firstborn, or his middle son. It was easy to love Adam, though often hard to understand him; they shared a certain bond between them that he didn\u2019t have with the other two young men. And Hoss, thought Ben\u2026what could he say about the man who was so gentle, so tender and yet so much a part of his life and home\u2026like a gentle breeze on a sunlit eve, the man could turn to thunder in a flicker of an eye if tried.<\/p>\n

And then there was Little Joe; young, handsome, daring, so impetuous that Ben often worried that the boy would never grow to manhood. But there he was, standing on the brink, part boy, part man\u2026struggling to be one and not the other. Ben smiled again at the memory.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019d give my life for you Joseph\u2026or you Hoss\u2026and you Adam. You boys are my life\u2019s blood\u2026I\u2026love you, each of you,\u201d sighed Ben.<\/p>\n

Ben leaned back, shutting his eyes in an attempt to ward off the chill that caused him to shiver. His thoughts took him back to his own youth, where his own father was forever lecturing him about one thing or another. Had he been as misguided as his own son at that age, he pondered. Probably, he had finally had his fill by the ripe old age of sixteen, when he had run away from home and gone to sea. Thinking back to the time, Ben could only reason that he had been much more headstrong than his youngest son. For whatever reasons, Little Joe had stuck around and endured. Chuckling softly to himself, Ben rationed that he had given his youngest son more reasons to leave home than his own father had given him.
\nFor what seemed liked hours to the youngest Cartwright, he had followed the posse from one point to another without reaching any conclusion. They seemed at a lost as to which way to go, having divided up and rejoined more than once now, Joe decided that they were no closer to finding his father than when the hunt first began. He was growing weary, not to mention hungry and by now was beyond disappointed that their luck was just plain old no good.<\/p>\n

Joe stopped in a small grove of trees and watched the posse re-group. He could tell that Roy was talking, most likely giving out orders to the next move. Adam said something, then Hoss and once more the group divided up and went separate ways. Undecided which group to follow, Joe got down to give his horse a much needed rest and to wash the dirt from his throat. In the far distance, he could see the blue waters of Lake Tahoe. The sun had begun its descent giving the reflections of the majestic mountains on the water a breathtakingly beautiful picture before his eyes.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s beautiful up here,\u201d he whispered to Cochise, gently rubbing the soft velvety end of the pinto\u2019s nose.<\/p>\n

Joe was just about to turn away from the panoramic sight when a glitter caught his eye.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat in blazes is that?\u201d<\/p>\n

Curious, Joe watched for another flicker. It was moments later, but his patience was rewarded.<\/p>\n

\u201cThere it is again! I wonder what it could be.\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe kept his eye on the spot far off in the lake, near a little island. He mounted up.<\/p>\n

\u201cLet\u2019s move down to the shoreline, Cooch\u2026that flickering is coming from that little island\u2026maybe\u2026no\u2026wait just a minute,\u201d Joe said in a surprised tone. \u201cI remember Bob Macy saying\u2026a long time back\u2026something about the island in the lake making a good\u2026damn\u2026hideout!\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe jerked the reins around, forcing Cochise to turn. When he kicked the horse in the sides, the gelding reared up slightly and took off down the slope toward the shore.<\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s it, Cooch,\u201d Joe called to his horse, \u201cPa\u2019s being held captive on the island, I\u2019d bet my life on it!\u201d<\/p>\n

Little did the young man know that he would come very close to loosing that bet.
\nJoe neared the shoreline and slid down from his mount. Moving Cochise into a grove of trees, out of sight, so that he could look around yet remain unobserved. The sun had moved as day began to darken. He walked along the edge of the woods, scouting the ground for any tracks that might tell him that the group of four men, Macy, his two brothers and his father had been in the area.<\/p>\n

Half an hour later, Joe found what he had hoped he would. A quarter of a mile inland, he spotted tracks, leading up a small ridge. As he studied the prints, he could easily tell that only one man was mounted and that, that man was leading the other three horses. Joe glanced around, wondering where the other three might have gone. Could they have had a boat or canoe stashed away that was used to row out to the island? If so, where did they hide the horses? Joe kept walking; his eyes never left the ground. The tracks were here and there, easier to read in the soft ground and almost invisible over the places where the rocks were more in abundance. But with the desire to find his father and restore their relationship fueling his determination, Joe pursued the tracks until he stumbled unexpectedly into the little secluded cove where the Macy gang had hidden their horses.<\/p>\n

Joe\u2019s eyes opened wide in surprise, he had hoped he would find the proof he needed and now, here it was. He remained hidden, being sure that he was alone before approaching the four horses that had been hobbled to stay within the boundary of their hideaway.<\/p>\n

Joe approached Buck first. His heart seemed stuck in his throat as he ran his hands gently over the smooth hide of his father\u2019s favorite mount. It was hard to swallow. A feeling of being near his father washed over Joe as he examined the horse from front to back and then on both sides of the saddle.<\/p>\n

\u201cBlood,\u201d the boy murmured softly, touching the congealed drop with his fingers.<\/p>\n

The tempo of his heart rate suddenly increased. He glanced around, half expecting someone to slip from behind the trees and attack him. Buck snorted and tried to nuzzle the boy. Joe gently petted the long silky neck taking time to look the steed in the eye.<\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t worry, ole boy, I\u2019ll bring him back to you,\u201d Joe promised.<\/p>\n

After a quick examination of the other horses, Joe began looking around. He knew that with the horses tethered the way they were, the men had planned on staying away for some time. Joe wondered where they had gone\u2026had they made their way to the shore and somehow gotten his father into a boat and out to the island? Believing that was exactly what had happened, Joe searched the ground, hungry to find the tracks that would prove him right once more.<\/p>\n

The light of day was fading quickly and Joe knew that if he were to find what he was looking for, he\u2019d have to do it now\u2026later would not be good enough, he had to know tonight, before it was too late. He was worried sick about his father; in his mind, he had visions of Ben being beaten, hurt beyond his endurance. The pictures that those thoughts conjured up drove him to hurry.<\/p>\n

\u201cThere,\u201d he sighed.<\/p>\n

He had found the tracks. Glancing up, Joe felt relieved that there remained enough light to follow the trail out of the grove of trees and down to the shore. Once near the water, Joe stopped, hunkering down behind a tree so that he could scan the water. He could see nothing but the soft ripples that lapped at the beach and then retreated out again into the lake.<\/p>\n

Determined not to give in to his frustrations, Joe walked along the edge of the water, looking for some sort of boat that could be used to take him out to the island. He\u2019d been watching the spot where he had earlier seen the flickering, but nothing out of the ordinary seemed to be going on. Assured that he was alone, Joe stood on the water\u2019s edge, staring off into the distance toward the island. His gut feeling was that his father was there. And hadn\u2019t Pa always told him to follow his instinct?<\/p>\n

\u2018I could swim out to the island. No, the water\u2019s too cold. But if Pa is there\u2026then he needs me. I have to get to him\u2026I have to swim, there\u2019s no other way. I\u2019ll just ignore the cold.\u2019<\/p>\n

Joe stripped off his jacket and then his boots and placed them nearby so that he could grab them when he got his father off the island. As he walked barefooted into the water, he spied a log that had been washed to shore by the current. He could use the log to cling to when he got tired on his way out to the island. Hopefully he could keep his gun from getting wet as well.<\/p>\n

The instant that he entered the water, his body began to shiver. It was colder than first expected, but Joe gritted his teeth, determined to find his father, and clinging to the log, floated and kicked his way to the island. The going was slow and tiresome and several times, Joe was forced to stop kicking and rest by half laying on the log he used for support. Joe realized that he\u2019d never been a strong swimmer, not like Adam or Hoss or even his father for that matter. He supposed it was because of his size, but sheer will and the love he held for his father was cause enough to keep him from turning back.<\/p>\n

The water was icy cold and Joe felt chilled to the bone, but ignoring the discomfort and after resting several moments, he forced himself to go on.<\/p>\n

By the glow of the moon, Joe could see the little island beginning to emerge from the darkness, yet it was more than a hour later before he could feel the rocky bottom beneath his feet. Pushing the log aside, Joe stumbled to the shore, exhausted. The long swim had taken its toll; Joe lay face down on the shore\u2019s edge, his lower body slightly covered by the gentle waves that washed ashore. For several long minutes, Joe remained where he had fallen, sucking in large amounts of air to fill his heaving lungs. When he could, he raised his head, glancing around, taking in his surroundings.<\/p>\n

At last, he pushed himself to his feet and in a crouching position he slipped into the thick, nearby woods that made up the island. Being careful not to be seen, he moved along the line of trees, staying out of the soft glow of moonlight and having walked several hundred yards before seeing the little dinghy that was tied off to a fallen tree, hidden in a small cove at the water\u2019s edge. Fresh hope replaced the downtrodden gloom that had begun taking precedence during his long swim in the bone-chilling water.<\/p>\n

Though it was dark in the woods with only fragments of moonlight to guide his way, Joe worked his way slowly inward. With each step he took, he paused, listened closely and strained his eyes for a sign that might tell him he was on the right path. Anxious to help his father and settle the differences between them, Joe forced himself to move with caution so as not to give himself away. He knew nothing of what to expect, knowing only that Macy had two other men with him, the same ones that he had testified against five years prior when he had been just a kid. It was a known fact that Bob Macy had made a promise to return to Virginia City one day and get even with Ben Cartwright and his youngest son. It made little difference to Macy that Joe had been only thirteen at the time. The bandit and his gang had no clues to the fear that Joe had suffered through for many months after Macy and the others had been carted off to the penitentiary to serve out their time. For innumerable nights, Joe had awakened his family with cries that stemmed from the frightening nightmares, leaving him weak and shivering with fear.<\/p>\n

The dream had always been the same, a dark lonely night, with the smell of pines hanging on the gentle breeze. Joe had seen himself lying on his stomach, creeping along the ground. Just as he raised his head up, hands reached from the darkness, fingers tightened about his neck and in his daze, he could hear his father calling out his name\u2026<\/p>\n

The nightmare ended there, Joe struggling to free the vise like fingers from around his neck before the lack of air could claim his life. Many times over the last few years, the dream had come back to haunt the young man\u2019s nights. Never had Joe known for sure the outcome\u2026funny he should think of that nightmare now as he gazed up at the treetops, noted how the wind just tickled the uppermost branches and when he inhaled deeply he caught the scent of pine that was hanging heavy in the air. As he searched the dense woodland, he suddenly felt very isolated\u2026and very lonely, chilled still by the dampness that lingered in his clothing and with a feeling that something peculiar was about to happen.<\/p>\n

Joe paused, listened and then picking a faint scent, sniffed at the air.<\/p>\n

\u201cSmoke,\u201d he muttered to himself. \u201cFire\u2026someone\u2019s got a campfire.\u201d<\/p>\n

Crouching nearer to the ground, Joe inched his way through the trees. The scent of smoke was gradually getting stronger. The sound of voices caused Joe to stop and sink to the ground. On his stomach, Joe used his elbows to pull himself along as he worked his way as quietly as possible toward the sound. Through the trees he could make out a small fire and around it\u2019s warmth Joe could see two men, one with his back to the tiny blaze, warming himself. It was Bob Macy!<\/p>\n

Joe felt the excitement growing as he quickly searched for his father. Ben was nowhere to be seen. A sudden rush of dread washed over Joe; fear that something bad had happened to his father caused the anxious youth to feel a bit nauseous. As if on cue, Bob Macy stepped away from the fire. Joe gasped and quickly covered his mouth with his hand. Across the clearing, on the opposite side, he could make out the still form of his father, tied in a very agonizing position. The distress that Ben felt was evident in his expression, even from that distance. Joe swore softly under his breath. He had to get to his father. Carefully, Joe studied the area, looking for the third man, which was nowhere to be seen. Deciding that his best move would be to make his way around the circle of the tiny clearing until he could come up directly behind his father and cut the ropes that held Ben in such discomfort, Joe pulled his hat down low over his ears, shielding his face. Hopefully, he could maneuver through the thicket without alerting the three bandits-turned-kidnappers, from knowing of his presence.<\/p>\n

The going was tough. The ground that was covered in leaves, pine needles and moss was cold and damp and Joe instantly felt that dampness in his clothes that had not yet dried out. The wetness on the ground did help in muting the noise of Joe moving in a steady movement toward his goal. As he neared the tree where Ben was tied, Joe paused, checking his surroundings. He had been lucky that the third man had not reappeared. Joe knew that man could not be too far, the little boat was still tied in the cove. The only other option he could think of was that the three men had used two boats instead of one in transporting his father to the island. That could account for the absence of the third kidnapper. Had one man rowed back to the mainland? And if so, why?<\/p>\n

Joe\u2019s question would remain unanswered until later. Bob Macy was coming toward his father. He ducked his head down as low to the ground as possible, peeking out just enough so that he could see what was happening. Macy stopped in front of Ben. Joe saw his father raise his head but could not see the expression in Ben\u2019s dark eyes.<\/p>\n

\u201cI see ya ain\u2019t doing so well, Cartwright,\u201d sneered Bob Macy. \u201cAin\u2019t such a big man now, are ya?\u201d he taunted. \u201cWon\u2019t be long now\u2026Mr. Big Man\u2026by this time tomorrow, that big mouth kid of yours will be dead.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben looked deeply into his tormentor\u2019s eyes as he studied the man\u2019s face. He had no idea what the man planned, though there was no doubt that Little Joe was involved and that Macy planned on snubbing out the boy\u2019s life. Ben swallowed, hoping that his fear for his son did not shine in his eyes or that his expression did not give away his true feelings.<\/p>\n

\u201cI think you will be somewhat surprised, Macy\u2026Joseph isn\u2019t a little boy anymore\u2026and he\u2019s very capable of taking care of himself,\u201d Ben said, sounding more confident than he actually felt at the present time.<\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t you think I know that? I\u2019ve seen the kid around town, I\u2019ve seen him shoot, and I have to admit that he\u2019s fast and pretty damn good, but he ain\u2019t good enough. Besides, I have something of his that he values\u2026you\u2026and that will make him careless. He\u2019ll be at a disadvantage too\u2026if I was planning on shooting it out with him, but I\u2019m not Cartwright. Oh\u2026don\u2019t look so relieved, I still plan on killing him\u2026but not so quick like\u2026slow\u2026I plan on making him suffer\u2026suffer for the five years he took from me. And I plan on making you watch\u2026that will make you suffer, cause I know how much you love that brat. Ha\u2026like father, like son\u2026you\u2019ll both die\u2026when I deem it time,\u201d laughed Macy.<\/p>\n

He spun around on his heels and walked back to the fire where he sat down, his back to his prisoner. Trace sat across the fire from his older brother. Jack, the middle brother, was nowhere to be seen. Joe knew he had to be careful and keep a close eye out, lest Jack return from where ever he was.<\/p>\n

Joe slithered along on the ground until he was within reach of the tree. He kept down low, using the tree and his father\u2019s back to keep from being seen.<\/p>\n

Ben felt himself tense up. He knew someone had come up behind him, but he had no clue as to who it was or whether that person be friend or foe. He steeled himself for an attack, but he kept his eyes straight ahead, watching Bob and Trace.<\/p>\n

Joe crawled up on his knees and leaned in close to his father.<\/p>\n

\u201cShh\u2026\u201d he said barely above a whisper. \u201cIt\u2019s me, Pa, Joe, I\u2019m gonna get you outta here,\u201d he explained as he worked at cutting the ropes with the knife he had pulled from his pocket.<\/p>\n

Ben turned his head slightly, trying to see over his shoulder. He could hardly believe that it was Little Joe who had found him; he\u2019d been expecting Adam or Hoss, or both, but certainly not his youngest son. But then he almost laughed to himself. Wasn\u2019t Little Joe the most daring, the one lest intimidated, and the one most likely to place himself in danger, giving no thought to the outcome? Wasn\u2019t Joseph the one son, most like himself?<\/p>\n

\u201cHow\u2019d you get here?\u201d Ben whispered and then turned to be sure he hadn\u2019t been heard.<\/p>\n

Joe continued to work on the ropes as he explained in a low whisper.<\/p>\n

\u201cSwam.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat! That water\u2019s like ice, you\u2019ll catch pneumonia!\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe almost snickered. Here he was in the mist of a gang of thieves, trying to free his father and all his father could think of was his catching a cold\u2026or worse!<\/p>\n

\u201cShh\u2026\u201d ordered Joe.<\/p>\n

He had his father\u2019s hands free. As Ben lowered them, Joe heard the soft moan that escaped through his father\u2019s lips. Still hunkering down behind his father, Joe rubbed Ben\u2019s wrists, trying to bring the circulation back to his hands and fingers.<\/p>\n

\u201cDo they hurt?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSome,\u201d muttered Ben. \u201cI\u2019ll be alright.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cCan you untie your ankles?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cProbably\u2026what are going to do?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll be right back,\u201d whispered Joe, lowering his body back to the ground.<\/p>\n

\u201cJoe\u2026wait\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

It was too late; Joe had already begun moving backwards, away from his father. Ben kept his eyes on the two men sitting by the fire, worried about what his son might be planning and praying all the while that God would keep the boy safe.<\/p>\n

Ben had just gotten his ankles untied when he heard the commotion behind him. When he whirled around, Joe was on the ground, wrestling with Jack, who had appeared out of the darkness. It was hard to tell in the dark, which man was winning the scuffle. Ben kept a close eye on the two men by the fire, surprised that they had yet to hear the hullabaloo going on.<\/p>\n

Suddenly, all became quiet. Ben froze, his back still against the tree, pretending that he was still tied. His nerves were wearing thin; did Joe need him; had the boy been hurt? Where was his son!<\/p>\n

\u201cCome on, Pa\u2026let\u2019s get out of here!\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe was crouching down beside his father, his eyes darted back and forth from the two unsuspecting men to his father. With one hand, Joe helped Ben get to his feet, and then gently pushing his father out ahead of him, making Ben lead the way.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe boat is that way, Pa\u2026I moved it when I got to shore\u2026hurry, I think they\u2019ve seen us,\u201d urged Joe as he glanced over his shoulder.<\/p>\n

Father and son stumbled along the twisted little path. The moon had slipped behind a cloud and the darkness had seemed to deepen as they made their way toward the boat that Joe had hidden.<\/p>\n

Suddenly, shouts filled the air. Behind them, Joe could hear the two men scrambling through the darkness, searching for their captive and his rescuer.<\/p>\n

\u201cHurry, Pa\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m trying, Joseph\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m sorry for what I did\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cForget it son, I\u2019m sorry for yelling at you\u2026and losing my temper\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

It was all said in a rush as the pair continued to dodge their pursuers. But the father understood the son, and vice versa.<\/p>\n

\u201cOVER HERE!\u201d a voice from behind shouted. \u201cTHEY\u201dRE HEADING FOR THE WATER!\u201d<\/p>\n

Shots began to whiz over their heads, sounding too close for comfort. Joe paused to look over his shoulder to judge the distance between he and his father and two men chasing them. In the process, Ben stumbled, tripping over a log. As he crashed to the ground, Joe turned too quickly and almost toppled over on top of his father. Quickly regaining his footing, Joe reached down, grabbing Ben by the arm and hauling him to his feet.<\/p>\n

\u201cRun!\u201d Joe said as he spun around and fired at the men who were rapidly gaining on them.<\/p>\n

Ben had no need to be told a second time, he ran. Joe fired another shot and then took off after his father, but not before Macy fired another shot. Joe stumbled forward, groaning as the bullet pierced his right shoulder. Somehow, Joe stayed afoot, forcing himself to stay behind his father.<\/p>\n

Blood dripped from the wound. The surging pain was near unbearable and the burning sensation coursed down his arm to the tips of his fingers. Joe gripped his right arm with his left hand, clinging tightly to his pistol in the process. Another shot whizzed by his head, sounding loud in his ears. Shooting blindly, Joe fired his pistol twice more.<\/p>\n

At last, he and his father had reached the beach. He knew he had to hurry, time was of the utmost importance. If Bob Macy and his brother caught them out in the open, they would be sitting targets. To make matters worse, the moon picked that moment to reappear.<\/p>\n

\u201cOver there, Pa\u2026\u201d Joe said, his voice weak as he pointed to a tiny gathering of trees where he had hidden the boat.<\/p>\n

Ben, still somewhat off-balance from so many hours of inactivity and his body refusing to react to his commands, finally found the little boat. Hurrying, he untied the boat and stepped in, looking behind to find Joe staggering toward the boat.<\/p>\n

\u201cJoseph!\u201d Ben cried, seeing the blood on his son\u2019s shirt.<\/p>\n

He started to step out of the boat.<\/p>\n

\u201cNo\u2026\u201d shouted Joe.<\/p>\n

\u201cLook out, Joe\u2026behind you!\u201d warned Ben as Bob and Trace stepped onto the beach.<\/p>\n

Joe spun around, firing his gun. He saw Trace drop to the ground. When Bob Macy stopped and knelt down over his dead brother, Joe made a run for the boat. Ben had sat down in the back of the boat. Joe tossed his father his gun and set about shoving the boat off, into the water.<\/p>\n

Bob fired another shot. Joe felt a stinging in the side of his left arm and knew that the wild shot had grazed his flesh. Not bothering to take the time to see how deeply the wound was, Joe, splashing through the water, hopped quickly into the boat.<\/p>\n

Ben had taken up the oars and was already rowing them further and further out into the dark blue waters. On the shore, he could see Bob Macy standing in the moonlight. Even from that distance, Ben could see the hate burning in the man\u2019s eyes and knew that they had not seen the last of that man.<\/p>\n

Joe lay in the bottom of the boat panting. Bright red blood soiled his shirt. Ben could hear the soft moans that Joe tried to refrain from making.<\/p>\n

\u201cAre you hurt badly, son?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIt hurts like blazes\u2026but I can\u2019t see how bad it is,\u201d moaned Joe.<\/p>\n

\u201cJust take it easy\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben had rowed about halfway from the island to the main shore. He set aside the oars and carefully crawled over the middle seat so that he could get to his son. Joe\u2019s eyes had closed, but Ben could see the tight, fine lines that furrowed into his son\u2019s brow and knew that Joe was in pain.<\/p>\n

\u201cLet me see\u2026\u201d Ben said, gently moving Joe\u2019s shirt so that he could determine how badly the boy was hurt.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s still bleeding,\u201d Ben said.<\/p>\n

Ben quickly removed his neckerchief and used it to squelch the oozing blood. He then ripped the sleeve from his shirt, tore it into strips and tied one strip around Joe\u2019s left arm where the second bullet had grazed him.<\/p>\n

\u201cHang on, son, I\u2019ll have you back to shore in no time,\u201d Ben said, gently brushing back a lock of damp ringlets.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe horses\u2026they\u2019re in\u2026a clearing,\u201d Joe tried to explain.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll find them, don\u2019t you worry.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben started to move but Joe grabbed for his father, his fingers lacing around Ben\u2019s arm.<\/p>\n

\u201cPa\u2026I\u2019m sorry that I made you so mad\u2026I was wrong in\u2026talking to you\u2026like I did\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben smiled down at the sad young man.<\/p>\n

\u201cJoe\u2026I was wrong for not listening to you, for not giving you a chance to explain yourself. I did something that my father used to do to me\u2026and I always hated it when he did\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat?\u201d Joe asked.<\/p>\n

He tried to focus his eyes on his father\u2019s face, but the swaying of the boat was making him nauseous and he was more focused into trying not to be sick.<\/p>\n

\u201cI made a call judgment about something that I thought you had done\u2026I didn\u2019t give you a chance to defend yourself. I judged you, found you guilty and then\u2026I walked out on you\u2026leaving you to bear the blunt of my guilt\u2026not your own guilt, Joseph. You weren\u2019t really guilty of anything\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI yelled at you\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou had good reason\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo\u2026you\u2019re my father\u2026I should have had more respect, I\u2019m sorry\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cJoseph\u2026I should have respected you more. I should never have walked out on you the way I did\u2026I\u2019m sorry son, I know how that must have made you feel\u2026it will never happen again, Joe\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

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

\u201cNo\u2026let me finish, please. Joe\u2026my father was a warm, loving, decent man\u2026and I loved him\u2026I still do\u2026but we very seldom saw eye to eye on matters. It drove him nuts and we argued constantly. He said I was stubborn and hard headed, and I thought he was overly strict and demanding, always right\u2026always. But over the years, son, I learned that my father was only strict because\u2026well, because I was stubborn and hard headed\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

Through his pain, Joe smiled. \u201cJust like me?\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben laughed softly. \u201cJust like you, son\u2026like father, like son!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI guess maybe we\u2019re more alike than you thought, heh?\u201d Joe whispered.<\/p>\n

\u201cI guess so.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, if can become half the man you are\u2026that won\u2019t be so bad, Pa\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe\u2019s eyes closed tightly, he scrunched up his face. \u201cI\u2019m tired\u2026so\u2026tired.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben pulled his jacket off and covered the boy.<\/p>\n

\u201cTry to rest, son.\u201d<\/p>\n

Moving back to his seat Ben picked the oars and began rowing. It took him the better part of an hour, but at last he felt the gravels scrapping the bottom of the boat. He head Joe moan softly.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll find the horses, Joe\u2026and be right back, don\u2019t try to get up!\u201d<\/p>\n

Quickly Ben pulled the boat all the way out of the water and onto the beach. He glanced around, trying to determine which direction to start looking for the horses, when suddenly a group of men on horse back burst through the trees and onto the beach. Startled, Ben drew back, glancing back at Joe who had raised his head up.<\/p>\n

\u201cPA!\u201d Adam shouted, sliding down from his horse.<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, I\u2019ll be!\u201d Hoss added, joining his father and brother.<\/p>\n

\u201cAdam, Hoss,\u201d grinned Ben, receiving a slap on the back from the big man.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhere on earth have you been? Where\u2019s Macy and his gang\u2026 are you hurt, there\u2019s blood on your shirt\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHold on a minute!\u201d Ben ordered. \u201cI\u2019m fine, the blood belongs to Little Joe\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cJOE!\u201d chorused Adam and Hoss.<\/p>\n

\u201cLittle Joe\u2026I left him locked in my jail!\u201d stormed Roy as he dismounted.<\/p>\n

\u201cOver here, he\u2019s in the boat. Macy and his gang shot him\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat! Pa\u2026what on earth\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll explain later, Joe needs a doctor,\u201d Ben said as he rushed back to the boat. \u201cThe horses are hidden in a clearing somewhere,\u201d he called over his shoulder.<\/p>\n

Immediately, Roy set some men to looking for the horses. He followed Adam and Hoss over to the boat where there, lying in the bottom was his prisoner.<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, I\u2019ll be!\u201d he declared.<\/p>\n

Ben had Adam and Hoss help Joe to his feet and then onto the shore.<\/p>\n

\u201cSit down, Joe\u2026\u201d Adam ordered, helping his brother to sit down on the soft grass just beyond the rocky beach.<\/p>\n

Joe glared up at his oldest brother and then looked up at Hoss, who suddenly began to fidget.<\/p>\n

\u201cI owe you big time, Adam\u2026I haven\u2019t forgotten that you and YOU, Hoss, rode off and left me\u2026locked in Roy\u2019s jail!\u201d Joe turned to look at the sheriff. \u201cAnd you\u2026some friend you are\u2026you promised\u2026and you lied\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe swallowed hard as a fresh jolt of pain shot through his shoulder.<\/p>\n

\u201cOhhh,\u201d he groaned as his head lolled over onto Adam\u2019s chest.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe better get him home,\u201d Adam said softly.<\/p>\n

\u201cHere, I\u2019ll take\u2019em,\u201d Hoss said, quickly slipping his arms under Joe\u2019s body and hoisting the boy into his embrace.<\/p>\n

Ben started to follow but stopped and turned to the sheriff.<\/p>\n

\u201cRoy\u2026Bob Macy is still out on the island, that is, if he hasn\u2019t tried to swim back to shore. His brothers, Trace and Jack are both dead, Joe was forced to kill them both,\u201d Ben explained. \u201cIt was unavoidable.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAlrighty, Ben, I\u2019ll have a couple of the boys row out and pick up the bodies. I\u2019ll go along to bring Macy back into town. Don\u2019t worry, I\u2019ll lock him up\u2026he\u2019ll be going away for a very long time, this time.\u201d
\nFor the next night or so, Ben Cartwright slept very little. He remained faithfully and lovingly at the bedside of his youngest son. Many thoughts came and went through his mind, stirring memories of not only his son\u2019s past, but his own as well. In each, Ben reflected back on his own youth and compared it to that of his son. His father\u2019s image appeared and reappeared before his mind\u2019s eyes. Ben was amazed that his own father\u2019s face, when it showed itself, expressed a look of love and compassion, an understanding that now, years later, long after his passing, Ben remembered with a love of his own. That love, determined Ben at such a time, had made the final circle, from his own father to himself and now to his own sons. Ben sighed softly as he lowered his tired body into the oversized stuffed chair that was placed next to the bed where his youngest son lay sleeping.<\/p>\n

\u201cOh Joseph,\u201d Ben said in a whispered sigh.<\/p>\n

He picked up his son\u2019s hand and held it tenderly in his own.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe are so much alike\u2026my father often told me that one day, I would no doubt reflect back on my own life and see myself developing in one of my sons. I see that now, in you\u2026a part of me wishes better for you but the other part of me\u2026well\u2026I\u2019m proud to have a son so like myself\u2026I wonder if your grandfather saw himself in me\u2026and if so, was he as proud of me, as I am you?\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe\u2019s eyelids flickered softly. When he opened his eyes, his father\u2019s face loomed before him, and he smiled.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m sure he was, Pa,\u201d murmured Joe.<\/p>\n

\u201cJoseph\u2026I thought you were sleeping,\u201d Ben muttered, slightly embarrassed that his son had heard his heart\u2019s confession.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m sorry, Pa\u2026I just didn\u2019t want to interrupt you,\u201d the boy smiled.<\/p>\n

Ben\u2019s brows rose slightly but he smiled.<\/p>\n

\u201cWell\u2026it\u2019s the truth, I am proud of you. But\u2026\u201d grinned the proud father, \u201cI want you to know, that was very foolish thing you did\u2026swimming out to the island in that cold water\u2026just to save my hide\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cPa\u2026\u201d Joe said, his eyes wide, \u201cI figured your hide was worth saving\u2026and besides, if the boot had been on the other foot, you\u2019d have done the same thing for me\u2026wouldn\u2019t you?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHe\u2019s got you there, Pa,\u201d laughed Adam who stood in the opened doorway with his middle brother.<\/p>\n

Together, Hoss and Adam entered the bedroom and circled the bed, both grinning from ear to ear.<\/p>\n

\u201cHowdy, little brother,\u201d grinned Hoss.<\/p>\n

\u201cHi, Hoss, Adam?\u201d Joe answered.<\/p>\n

He glanced over at his father.<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, Pa?\u201d he said.<\/p>\n

\u201cWell what?\u201d asked Ben.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou didn\u2019t answer the question\u2026would you have done the same for me?\u201d Joe grinned.<\/p>\n

Ben chuckled and nodded his head. \u201cFoolish boy, you know I would!\u201d<\/p>\n

All four men laughed happily.<\/p>\n

\u201cSay Pa,\u201d Hoss interrupted, \u201cI don\u2019t mean to put a damper on your good mood, or yours, Joe, but Adam and I just got back from town and Roy wanted me to tell ya that Bob Macy t\u2019weren\u2019t no where to be found\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat!\u201d Ben said, standing up and giving Hoss and Adam a worried look.<\/p>\n

\u201cBy the time he got back out to the island, Bob had gone\u2026Roy suspects he swam back to the mainland,\u201d Adam informed his father. \u201cHe\u2019s had men combing the country side for him, but they haven\u2019t found anything\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHe had to be on foot\u2026if he made it to shore, we took all the horses,\u201d Ben pondered aloud. \u201cHe couldn\u2019t have gotten too far\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cRoy said not to worry, he\u2019s probably hightailed it out of here\u2026he\u2019s not likely to come back\u2026\u201d Adam went on, \u201cRoy said there was a possibility he might have drowned. They did find his hat floating in the water.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cCould be\u2026but we best keep our eyes opened, Bob Macy is a determined man,\u201d Ben warned.<\/p>\n

He turned to glance at Joe, worried that Bob Macy might one day return to fulfill his long ago promise to get even. Ben knew that the man hated him and his youngest son, and now that Joe had killed Bob\u2019s two brothers the man would be that much more full of detestation. They would be wise to stay alert.<\/p>\n

\u201cPa\u2026\u201d said Joe, reading the worry in his father\u2019s dark eyes, \u201cyou don\u2019t really think Macy would come back do you?\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben cast worried eyes around the room.<\/p>\n

\u201cI wouldn\u2019t put anything passed that man, Joe\u2026he came here in the first place to get even with you for testifying against him and his brothers five years ago. Now with both brothers dead\u2026he will have even more reason for revenge.\u201d<\/p>\n

There was a long silence in the room; each man was considering the possibilities.<\/p>\n

\u201cAdam,\u201d Joe said, breaking the silence, ready to change the subject and take his father\u2019s mind off Macy and what he feared the man might do. He wore a lopsided grin on his face.<\/p>\n

\u201cYeah, kid?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t forget\u2026I owe you.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOwe me, for what?\u201d puzzled Adam.<\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t tell me you can\u2019t remember\u2026you left me locked in a jail cell\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOh\u2026that\u2026\u201d stammered Adam, suddenly looking guilty.<\/p>\n

Ben laughed aloud, the anxious moments had passed\u2026for now.<\/p>\n

\u201cSay, shortshanks, ya never did tell us how ya got outta that cell?\u201d Hoss stated.<\/p>\n

He wore a confused expression on his face. All eyes turned to Joe, waiting for a response. Joe giggled, leaned back against the pillows and folded his arms across his chest. Ben noted the bright sparkle in Joe\u2019s hazel eyes that were focused on his two brothers. He had been informed that his two older sons had left their younger sibling locked in Roy\u2019s jail, and he, himself had wondered just how Joe had managed to get out.<\/p>\n

\u201cThat, Hoss\u2026and Adam\u2026for your information, is something that I cannot divulge. It is a secret that I will take to my grave,\u201d smirked Joe.<\/p>\n

\u201cWell now, if that doesn\u2019t sound just like our father talking!\u201d groaned Adam as he gave Hoss a knowing look, disgust written all over his handsome face.<\/p>\n

Ben laughed aloud, Joe giggled in that high-pitched tone of his. The father looked down at the young man in bed, Joe looked up at his father and smiled.<\/p>\n

\u201cLike father, like son,\u201d they chorused.<\/p>\n

THE END<\/p>\n

April 2005<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

<\/div>\n

<\/g><\/svg><\/i> \"Loading\"<\/p>\n

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

Summary:\u00a0 A chain of circumstances brings Ben to the brink of realization that he and his youngest son are more alike than he had dared to admit.<\/p>\n

Rated:\u00a0 PG contains some violence (12, 437 words)<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":9052,"featured_media":50224,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"template-full-width-post.php","format":"standard","meta":{"jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_access":"","_jetpack_dont_email_post_to_subs":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_tier_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paywalled_content":false,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[1015,23],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-12244","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-joe-pa","category-drama","wpcat-1015-id","wpcat-23-id"],"a3_pvc":{"activated":true,"total_views":2271,"today_views":0},"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/Ben-Joe.jpg?fit=600%2C678&ssl=1","jetpack_likes_enabled":true,"jetpack-related-posts":[{"id":14592,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=14592","url_meta":{"origin":12244,"position":0},"title":"Always (by BluewindFarm)","author":"BluewindFarm","date":"August 2, 2017","format":false,"excerpt":"Summary: \u00a0The days and weeks after one of the worst times on the Ponderosa culminates in a moment between father and son. \u00a0What should have happened. Rating: \u00a0G \u00a0(625 words) Remembering Hoss Series, links to stories within the series are included.","rel":"","context":"In "Drama"","block_context":{"text":"Drama","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?cat=23"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"","width":0,"height":0},"classes":[]},{"id":3854,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=3854","url_meta":{"origin":12244,"position":1},"title":"A Father’s Justified Instincts (by No1butJoe)","author":"No1butjoe","date":"March 30, 2010","format":false,"excerpt":"Summary: Birthday present for devonshire. Originally posted on Bonanza World. He was just going to retrieve the mail. 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