{"id":12256,"date":"2005-07-01T07:51:05","date_gmt":"2005-07-01T11:51:05","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=12256"},"modified":"2025-02-27T12:10:43","modified_gmt":"2025-02-27T17:10:43","slug":"night-callers-by-debbieb","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=12256","title":{"rendered":"Night Callers (by DebbieB)"},"content":{"rendered":"

Summary:\u00a0 <\/strong>Based on actual events, the Ponderosa is invaded with a group of train robbers.<\/p>\n

Rated:<\/strong>\u00a0 PG (10,000 words)<\/p>\n

Night Callers<\/strong><\/p>\n

It was cold and rainy, mixed with snow outside and Ben was soaked to the skin. He couldn\u2019t wait to get home and dry out. The warm, blazing fire that he knew would be burning in the massive fireplace in the great room, seemed to beckon to him to hurry. Ben shivered from the dampness that had settled in his weary body as he pulled his rain-slicker closer and tugged at his hat so that it would be lower over his brow, thus letting the cold drops of rainwater drip from the brim.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

It was an hour later before the weary traveler finally rode into the yard and directed his big buckskin horse toward the barn. He glanced casually at the house, surprised that no light shown from the windows.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cGuess Joe gave up on me and went on to bed,\u201d he told Buck as he dismounted and led his horse into the barn. \u201cProbably thought I found a place to take shelter in this blasted storm,\u201d he continued with the one-sided conversation. \u201cCan\u2019t say that I blame him,\u201d snickered Ben while he tended to his mount, \u201cthis rain sure makes for some good sleeping\u2026for which I cannot wait to get into bed and enjoy for myself! The ground\u2019s likely to be covered in snow before morning.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

When he was finished bedding down his tired horse, Ben hurried to secure the barn door and then rushed across the yard toward the house. He paused on the porch to stomp the mud from his feet and to remove his wet slicker before entering. Ben stretched out his hand, ready to open the heavy oak door, when he suddenly noticed that the door was ajar.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

He stopped to remove his pistol from its holster before touching his hand to the door. All sorts of thoughts rambled through his mind. Was there an intruder in the house\u2026or had Joe just forgotten to close the door tightly? No sense in taking any chances, he\u2019d proceed with caution\u2026just in case.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Silently, Ben opened the door just enough to let himself in and stepped just inside the room. All was silent\u2026the fire burned, as expected, warm and inviting. Being as quiet as a mouse, he peeked around the corner into the dining room. It was emptied, as was the great room.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Feeling as if something wasn\u2019t as it should be, Ben inched cautiously toward the kitchen and looked around the corner; it too, stood vacant. He glanced toward the staircase, wishing that Joe were there to greet him. Where was his youngest son? Adam and Hoss, he knew was in San Francisco\u2026Joe was suppose to be here\u2026at home. The boy was just recuperating from a severe cold and Ben had not allowed his youngest son to accompany his brothers on their annual trek to the city to do some shopping before the upcoming holidays. It had been the doctor\u2019s orders, not his, and though Ben remembered seeing the disappointment in the younger man\u2019s eyes, Joe had not complained. Probably because he knew he wasn\u2019t quite well enough for the long journey. Ben could still recall the paleness in the boy\u2019s face and in his mind could still hear the hacking cough. The concerned father had been glad that Joe had not put up any resistance to the physician\u2019s orders that he remain at home\u2026and in the bed. And now with onslaught of the sudden storm, Ben was more relieved than ever that Joe had stayed behind.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Again, Ben glanced toward the stairs\u2026he would check the boy\u2019s room; Joe was most likely asleep. Perhaps it had only been the wind that had forced the door opened, after his son had forgotten to close it tightly.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

With his doubts lessening, Ben holstered his gun and tossing his hat on the credenza, shut and secured the door before heading up the stairs. At the head of the stairs, he noticed that Joe\u2019s door was closed. Not wanting to disturb his son, least Joe be sleeping, he eased opened the door and peered inside. He could barely make out Joe\u2019s form lying in the bed. Ben tiptoed across the room for a better look. Joe was on his side, but had the covers pulled over his head. Smothering a giggle at the way his son slept, Ben reached down, grasped the blanket in one hand and gently pulled it back, gasping loudly at the sight of his son.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cJoseph!\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe\u2019s eyes were opened and wide with fear. A tight gag had been tied around his mouth, preventing the boy from speaking. When Ben jerked the covers down to the foot of the bed, he was startled to find that his son had been bound tightly, both hands and feet were tied with ropes that had burned into his son\u2019s flesh. Joe\u2019s legs had been tied at the knees as well and again around the upper thighs and were bent so that the ropes were attached to the one around his wrists.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWho on earth?\u201d muttered Ben as he reached down to remove the ropes, attempting to free his son\u2019s limbs.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe grunted loudly; his eyes were wildly looking around, as if trying to tell his father something. Ben\u2019s eyes sought his son\u2019s face. He noticed that Joe glanced over the top of his head, as if seeing someone behind his father. Ben spun around, barely catching a glimpse of a man before being struck on the side of his head and falling, unconscious to the floor. Joe tried to jerk his body free from his restraints as he fought against the ropes and growled at the man from behind his gag.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAww\u2026shut up, kid, don\u2019t make me hurt ya\u2026I ain\u2019t got plans for that,\u201d growled the stranger as he grabbed the blankets and tossed them over Joe\u2019s head, preventing the young man from seeing what was happening to his father.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

It was much later when Ben finally woke from his unconscious state. The first thing that registered in his mind was the music of the rain as it pelted the roof. The sound had a soft sort of soothing affect and for a few brief moments, Ben had forgotten finding his son bound and gagged. It was as if he\u2019d been sleeping and he felt as if he\u2019d just awakened from a dream. When he squeezed his eyes and tried to move, Ben found that his hands were tied behind his back. Realization waited on no man and within a flash, it all came rushing back to him, the opened door, the strange silence\u2026the emptiness and then the shock of finding his son as he had. Joe! His mind screamed. Who had done such a thing\u2026who could the night caller be and what did he want? Where was the man now\u2026was Joseph alright? Ben craned his neck trying to see over his shoulder. He knew he was in his own bed, the door was closed tightly\u2026he found himself in much the same shape as he had found his son, and just as helpless to do anything about it. The one thing that was different, he wasn\u2019t gagged.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cJOSEPH! JOSEPH!\u201d Ben shouted at the top of his lungs.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

He knew it was senseless, calling out the boy. It was most likely that his son was still tied and gagged and unable to respond\u2026but the night caller might.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHEY!\u201d Ben shouted, hoping that the intruder would respond to his shouts.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben could hear heavy footsteps on the stairs and knew where in the hallway the man walked. The boards creaked as the stranger made his way slowly towards Ben\u2019s bedroom door. Waiting with baited breath, straining through the darkness trying to see the door when it opened, Ben watched for the man\u2019s arrival. His wait was rewarded in due time. Even the door squeaked when it was opened. The dark silhouette of the tall-uninvited guest who now stood in the doorway muted the light from the hall.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWell, its about time you woke up,\u201d the man said as he crossed the room and jerked the covers off Ben\u2019s body. \u201cHow\u2019s the head, Sol said he clobbered you?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben studied the man\u2019s face. Something about the man seemed vaguely familiar.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHurts,\u201d Ben answered after a moment.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWell, let\u2019s see what we can do about that,\u201d the stranger said as he began untying Ben\u2019s legs and helping Ben to sit on the side of the bed. The stranger left Ben\u2019s hands tied behind his back.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWho are you\u2026and what do you want\u2026and what have you done with my son?\u201d Ben demanded, squinting his eyes to look up at the man.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cName\u2019s Gilchrist, that\u2019s all you need to know\u2026and as for what I want, me and some friends of mine\u2026well\u2026we need a place to hide out for awhile.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAnd my son?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHe\u2019s still tied up in his room, don\u2019t worry none, Mr. Cartwright\u2026we didn\u2019t hurt him, if\u2019n that\u2019s what you\u2019re worried about,\u201d the stranger stated.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYou know me?\u201d Ben asked.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWho doesn\u2019t,\u201d the stranger laughed. \u201cEveryone\u2019s heard of the Cartwrights\u2026and the Ponderosa,\u201d Gilchrist snickered. \u201cCome on, the boss wants to see you downstairs,\u201d Gilchrist said as he slipped his arm through Ben\u2019s and pulled him to his feet. \u201cCan you walk?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI think so,\u201d Ben said, allowing the stranger to help him into the hallway.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

There, just outside his son\u2019s room, Ben could hear Joe struggling to cough.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cMy son\u2019s been sick\u2026that cough sounds as if it\u2019s getting worse again\u2026mind if we just check on him?\u201d Ben asked, hopefully.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Gilchrist hesitated briefly and then nodded his head. He reached for the door and pushed it opened, peeking inside. Joe was still restrained and lying on the bed, but he had managed to move the covers off his head. The intruder allowed Ben to enter his son\u2019s room and then stood to one side as Ben neared the bed.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben could see that Joe was in distress. Tiny beads of perspiration dotted the boy\u2019s brow and Joe\u2019s face was flushed, probably running a fever again. He spied his father and tried to speak, but the hacking cough, muted by the gag, prevented him from forming the words he wanted to say. Ben turned to the night caller.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHe needs water\u2026please, untie me so that I can help him\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cSorry, Mr. Cartwright, I can\u2019t do that\u2026but\u2026if you\u2019ll step aside, I\u2019ll give him a drink,\u201d offered the stranger.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben did not question the man\u2019s motives, but quickly did as instructed. Gilchrist hurried to pour a glass with cool water and returned to Joe\u2019s bed where he removed the gag that was still in place and held the sweat dampened head upright while offering the glass with the other hand. Joe drank hungrily from the glass until his thirst had been quenched.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThanks,\u201d he said after clearing his throat. He turned his attention to his father. \u201cPa\u2026are you alright\u2026someone hit you over the head\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m fine, son,\u201d Ben said as he neared the bed again. \u201cWhat about you?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cJust hot\u2026and cold\u2026guess I\u2019ve spiked another fever,\u201d Joe admitted as he eyed the man standing behind his father.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cPa\u2026there\u2019s several of them,\u201d he said, nodding his head in the stranger\u2019s direction.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI know, son\u2026just do as they ask\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWho are they\u2026what do they want?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNever mind who we are, boy\u2026just you lie still and behave yourself. We\u2019ll be outta here come mornin\u2019 and you and your pa will be just fine\u2026lessen you give us any trouble,\u201d warned Gilchrist.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHEY, JOHN\u2026HURRY IT UP!\u201d shouted one of the men from the landing on the stairs.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Gilchrist placed his hand on Ben\u2019s arm and tugged on it.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cCome on, Mr. Cartwright, the boss wants to talk to you,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe\u2019s eyes widened slightly, but only his father could read the disquiet expression in the hazel depths.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t worry, son\u2026I\u2019ll be fine,\u201d Ben said, hoping to assure his son.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe watched as his father was led from the room. Gilchrist closed the door, leaving Joe alone and in the dark. Frantically, he struggled with his ropes, but to no avail. He sighed deeply, resigning himself to his fate. The young man had no other choice but to do as instructed and just wait it out. Joe knew that if he continued to struggle with his ropes and get too hot or overexert himself, he would start coughing again. His throat hurt as it was from the excessive coughing and he feared making it worse.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben made his way carefully down the stairs, surprised to see four more men sitting around his living room. One man was stretched out on the settee, obviously suffering from a bullet wound to his right shoulder.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

When he reached the last step, one man came forward. The stranger was enjoying one of Ben\u2019s prized cigars that had been a gift from an old friend who had stopped by on his way to San Francisco for a short visit.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHowdy, Mr. Cartwright,\u201d the stranger greeted his host.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben said nothing, but sized the man up, making mental notes.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cMy name is Jack Davis\u2026A.J. Davis\u2026known to my friends as \u201cBig Jack\u201d, feel free to call me Big Jack, if you\u2019d like,\u201d Davis offered.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Big Jack took a long drag on the cigar and blew the smoke upward from his mouth and over Ben\u2019s head.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cMighty fine,\u201d he smiled at Ben, holding the cigar out, away from his face. \u201cCare for one?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNo thank you,\u201d Ben said in a tone that spoke volumes of his disfavor at the intrusion into his home. \u201cWhat do you want\u2026why have you pushed your way into my home?\u201d he demanded, glancing from one man to another, expecting an answer.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Davis turned to glance over his shoulder at the wounded man on the settee and then turned back to Ben.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAs you can plainly see, my friend over there has managed to get himself hurt\u2026he obviously needs some sort of care before we can continue on our way\u2026\u201d Davis explained.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben moved cautiously toward the couch, glancing at the hurt man. He spoke to Davis in a grave voice.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThe man\u2019s lost a lot of blood.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYes\u2026he needs a doctor\u2026and that\u2019s another reason why we\u2019re here,\u201d Davis informed his host.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben glanced again at the group of strangers. Two men were playing poker at the dining room table while another had made himself comfortable in the red leather chair. Davis noticed Ben eyeing his men.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s Parsons,\u201d he said pointing to a man that Ben suddenly remembered seeing playing poker in the saloon just the day before when he\u2019d stopped in for a cool beer.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAnd that\u2019s John Chapman,\u201d Davis explained, indicating the man playing poker with Parsons.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019ve met Gilchrist\u2026Sol\u2026Sol Jones\u2019 the man that hit you over the head, he and two more of my men are guarding the place\u2026just in case\u2026\u201d Davis informed Ben.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben\u2019s lips were pressed tightly together as he took in his plight.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cObviously you expect something of me\u2026\u201d Ben stated.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019re right, Mr. Cartwright\u2026I expect you to ride into town and fetch back the doctor\u2026or else\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben\u2019s eyes grew dark, he had figured that this man was the leader and expected something\u2026<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cOr else what?\u201d Ben dared to ask.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Davis took another long drag from his cigar and blew the smoke directly into Ben\u2019s face.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cOr else\u2026the kid upstairs gets hurt\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben dared not show his wrath, he dared not put his son in danger, any more so than what he already was in.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThe boy isn\u2019t well\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI know\u2026I\u2019ve heard him\u2026sounds like the beginnings of pneumonia,\u201d Davis said matter-of-factly. \u201cI\u2019d sure hate for him to get stuck outside in this storm\u2026this time of year \u2026he\u2019d most likely die quick like\u2026it\u2019s already been snowing on the other side of the mountain.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben sighed deeply. \u201cYou don\u2019t have to threaten me, Davis\u2026I\u2019ll fetch the doctor for you, on one condition,\u201d dared Ben.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t think you\u2019re in a position to make conditions, Mr. Cartwright\u2026but just for the sake of being fair\u2026what\u2019s the condition?\u201d Davis asked, curious to know.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cOnly that you release my son\u2026untie him\u2026he won\u2019t try anything\u2026he\u2019s too weak for that. He needs to move around, just a bit\u2026to keep the congestion broken up,\u201d Ben said.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Davis appeared to be thinking on the matter. After a long moment, he nodded his head.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAlright, but if he tries anything\u2026I\u2019ll have him stripped down to the skin and tie him to the hitching post and let him freeze to death\u2026you hear me?\u201d Davis demanded in a gruff tone. \u201cI wasn\u2019t planning on killing either of you\u2026but if you double cross me\u2026so help me God, I\u2019ll see the boy die!\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI won\u2019t double cross you\u2026\u201d Ben promised. \u201cLet me speak with my son first, and then I\u2019ll be on my way\u2026once you untie my hands.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cUntie him Chapman, Gilchrist\u2026go get the boy,\u201d ordered Davis.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

John Chapman rose from his chair and moved to stand behind Ben. He took his own sweet time in releasing the tightly knotted ropes from around Ben\u2019s wrists.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

At the sound of footsteps on the landing, Ben looked up to see his son being led down. Joe\u2019s hands remained tied behind his back. When he reached the main room, Ben walked over to his son. Immediately, he noted how pale and tired the boy appeared.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m going into town to get the doctor for that man over there, Joe\u2026you\u2019re to stay here. Please, do as they tell you\u2026don\u2019t give them any trouble. I won\u2019t be long, and when Doc Martin in finished getting the bullet out of that man\u2019s shoulder\u2026I\u2019ll have him take a look at you,\u201d Ben instructed his son.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWho are they?\u201d Joe asked.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cJust some men who\u2026apparently did something that got one of them shot,\u201d Ben offered. \u201cPlease, Joseph\u2026behave yourself\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe\u2019s lips twisted into a weak smile as he nodded his head.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI will\u2026I promise\u2026you be careful, Pa\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI will.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAlright, Cartwright\u2026time to get moving,\u201d instructed Davis. \u201cEb\u2026tell Sol to saddle Cartwright\u2019s horse.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cSure thing, Big Jack,\u201d EB Parsons said as he headed for the door.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Davis turned back to Ben. \u201cRemember Cartwright\u2026the doctor is the only man you had better bring back with you. You stop at the sheriff\u2019s and your boy over there\u2026well, I done told you what would happen if you double crossed me\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYou just remember this, Davis\u2026if you or one of your men, put so much as put a scratch on my boy\u2026I\u2019ll kill you\u2026I\u2019ll hunt you down myself and I\u2019ll kill you\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben gave one last quick glance at his son and then went out the door. On the settee, Chat Roberts groaned in pain. Davis went to his friend.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHang on Chat, old buddy, that doctor will be here in a couple of hours\u2026he\u2019ll fix you up just fine\u2026and then we\u2019ll get the hell out of here.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cGil\u2026you and Parsons go relieve Sol and Squires. Tell them to come inside and get dried out. There\u2019s plenty to eat in the kitchen\u2026the Chinaman made some sandwiches and brewed some coffee a little while ago,\u201d Davis explained.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe started to cough, drawing Davis\u2019 attention. Big Jack eyed the boy and then went to Ben\u2019s liquor cabinet. He poured a brandy and moved to the blue chair where Joe sat, hacking and coughing.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cSip this, it\u2019ll help,\u201d he said, tipping the goblet to Joe\u2019s lips.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe sipped the brandy until it was gone and then turned to the man, wondering at the kindness of his act.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThanks,\u201d Joe muttered, leaning his head back.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Davis studied his prisoner, deciding that he liked the kid. He even smiled.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI wasn\u2019t always such a rouge,\u201d he said softly to Joe. \u201cBut things happened\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhat did you do\u2026I mean\u2026did you kill someone\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Big Jack shook his head no.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cRobbed the bank?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Big Jack snickered. \u201cNo\u2026not hardly\u2026we robbed the train\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Surprised, Joe gasped. \u201cWhat?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYep\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNot the one coming from Oakland to Virginia City?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThe very same\u2026we hit it over near Verdi early last night\u2026that\u2019s when Chat over there got shot,\u201d Davis explained.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNo wonder,\u201d muttered Joe. \u201cHow many Wells Fargo men did you kill?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNone,\u201d grinned Davis. \u201cWe didn\u2019t set out to kill anyone\u2026only steal the gold, which we did,\u201d he said, laughing lightly.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYou know they\u2019ll send you all to prison, don\u2019t you?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThey have to catch us first, kid,\u201d another man who had not yet been identified spoke up to explain.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cTilt\u2019s right, kid\u2026oh, that\u2019s Tilt Cockerill, he\u2019s been keeping an eye on your cook,\u201d Big Jack offered.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWell\u2026they won\u2019t stop until you\u2019re caught\u2026you haven\u2019t much of a chance\u2026not with one man shot up,\u201d Joe informed Davis and the new-comer.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThat all depends on your old man, boy. I explained to him, that the sooner he gets back with the doc, the sooner we\u2019ll be out of here,\u201d Big Jack Davis explained to Joe.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cBen\u2026those men robbed the train\u2026do you hear me\u2026the train!\u201d proclaimed Paul Martin, Virginia City\u2019s only physician.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t care what they robbed, Paul\u2026I want them out of my house. Little Joe is getting sick all over again\u2026his cough sounds bad. Please, just get your bag and come along\u2026\u201d Ben said in a near pleading tone.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWe have to tell Roy\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNO! We can\u2019t do that, if anyone comes back with me, other than you, they said they\u2019d kill Joe\u2026I won\u2019t risk that, Paul,\u201d Ben said sternly.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Paul shook his head in doubt. He grabbed his bag, pausing at the door to study his friend\u2019s face.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cBen\u2026it\u2019s a first ever\u2026the train robbery\u2026it happened over near Verdi, sometime in the middle of night\u2026yesterday. They stole the gold shipment that was on its way here from Oakland, California,\u201d the doctor explained as he closed the door behind him.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWe can\u2019t just let them ride away without warning the authorities.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cOh yes I can\u2026when my son\u2019s life hangs in the balance, I\u2019d do anything, if it means keeping the boy alive,\u201d Ben growled.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

He was tired and he was worried. His thoughts continued to remain on his youngest son, knowing that the boy\u2019s health was beginning to make a turn for the worst. Ben and the physician were just about to mount up when the local sheriff who appeared out of the shadows stopped them.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cDoc, where ya headed?\u201d Roy called as he stepped into the soft glow of the street lamp. \u201cOh, howdy, Ben\u2026I didn\u2019t see ya. Say\u2026something wrong?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNo,\u201d Ben responded quickly.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYes,\u201d the doctor answered at the same moment.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Roy looked from one to the other, suspiciously.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI mean\u2026no, nothing serious is wrong,\u201d stammered Ben, trying to cover the first blundering response.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s Little Joe, Roy,\u201d Doc hurried to add. \u201cHe\u2019s not feeling well and Ben just thought I should ride out and take a look at him.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cIn this mess, I mean\u2026it\u2019s startin\u2019 to snow?\u201d Roy stated.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWell, hmm\u2026he\u2019s been coughing pretty hard and\u2026hmm\u2026his chest sounds like it\u2019s getting all congested up again, that\u2019s why I want Paul to check him over,\u201d Ben explained as he turned and mounted his horse.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cOh, Ben\u2026hold on just a minute,\u201d Roy called, stepping to the edge of the covered boardwalk. \u201cYou be careful, you and Joe, I got a wire earlier this evening about a gang of thugs who robbed the train\u2026you know, the one coming from California carrying the gold shipment,\u201d Roy cautioned as he shook his head. \u201cFirst time ever\u2026ain\u2019t never heard of a train being robbed,\u201d he mused, more to himself than to his friends.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t worry, Roy, I\u2019ll keep an eye opened,\u201d Ben said.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

He turned toward the physician who was seated in his buggy and nodded his head, signaling that they should be on their way.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYou do that, Ben\u2026and send word if ya see anything \u2018spicious like.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll do that, come on Paul, we need to be on our way,\u201d Ben said in a stressed tone.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

He was anxious to get back to the ranch and his son. In his mind, he feared that Joe, though he felt horrible, might still try to deter the group of men who had invaded his home. The gang was desperate to be on their way and if the wounded man had died, Ben feared what the remainder of the group might do before making their escape.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

With Joe foremost in his thoughts, Ben kicked his heels into his mount\u2019s sides to hurry the pace. Paul Martin, following behind in his buggy, slapped the reins down on his mare\u2019s broad backside and hurried to catch up with his worried friend.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYour friend over there doesn\u2019t seem to be doing too well at the moment,\u201d Joe said in a raspy voice, referring to Chat Roberts who\u2019s moaning had gotten a bit louder and more piteous sounding.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe cleared his throat of the gunk that seemed to be collecting in the back of his throat\u2026a throat that burned like blazes.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Big Jack had gone upstairs to lie down. John Chapman had gone outside to check on the two men standing watch, John Gilchrist and the gambler, EB Parsons. Another man named John, John Squires who Joe had learned was a stagecoach highway man and had robbed several stagecoaches in the past, was in the kitchen with Hop Sing.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Only Tilt Cockerill and Sol Jones remained in the great room with Joe and the wounded man. Tilt glanced at Sol and then again at Joe. Joe noted that the man looked a little more than worried. He saw Tilt swallow hard and knew he had found a weak spot.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHe might even die\u2026he\u2019s lost a lot of blood,\u201d Joe continued.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Sol, who had been standing by the fire, moved to the couch and bent over Roberts to examine the bullet wound. Carefully pulling back on the victim\u2019s torn and soiled shirt, Joe heard Sol gasp loudly and then motion for his friend to have a look. Tilt glanced at the wound and then moved to stand before his young prisoner.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYou better hope that your old man gets back pretty soon with that doctor. If Chat dies, I\u2019m going to kill your father\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhy\u2026he didn\u2019t do anything\u2026you can\u2019t hold him responsible for your man getting shot\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI can hold him responsible for not getting the doctor here in time,\u201d growled Tilt.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThe doc might have been out on a call\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNot likely, not in this weather\u2026he\u2019s stalling\u2026\u201d Tilt laughed. \u201cIf he thinks the boss was foolin\u2019 when he said he\u2019d kill you\u2026he might be surprised to know, it wouldn\u2019t be the first time Big Jack has killed a man,\u201d snickered Tilt.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cOnly in self-defense,\u201d Big Jack Davis said from the landing on the staircase.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Every eye in the room turned to the man who walked slowly down the remainder of the stairs. He stopped in front of Joe but looked at Tilt.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhy don\u2019t you go outside and see to the horses?\u201d Davis snapped.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThey\u2019ve been looked after,\u201d Tilt contradicted.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe saw Davis\u2019 eyes narrow. \u201cDo it anyway!\u201d he ordered in a deep, commanding tone.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Tilt hesitated only briefly and then without another word, left the house. Davis turned back to his prisoner. He noted the beads of sweat that dotted Joe brow. Joe was surprised and drew back his head when Davis\u2019 hand reached out toward him.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m not going to hurt you, son,\u201d Big Jack said. He pressed his large, bony hand to Joe\u2019s forehead. \u201cYou\u2019ve got a pretty good fever kid\u2026do you want to go upstairs and lie down?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNo,\u201d Joe said softly. \u201cI\u2019d just as soon wait for my father, right here.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cSuit yourself,\u201d Davis said, standing and stretching.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The intruder moved to the fire where he leaned over and rubbed his hands together to warm them.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYour father sure is taking his time,\u201d Big Jack said as he left the fire and moved to the settee where he sat down on the wide boarded table near his friend on the couch.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cDoc Martin might have been on a call\u2026or the snow could have slowed them down. Don\u2019t worry, Pa will be here,\u201d Joe said, confident that his father would keep his word.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Davis glanced again at his friend on the settee. \u201cYou better hope he does.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Roy had wondered at his two friend\u2019s behavior and without telling them, decided to trail along behind to see what was really going on out at the ranch. The wire from Verdi had mentioned that they believed at least one man had been shot and wounded. From years of experience and then with the added benefit of knowing his friends so well, Roy had it in the back of his mind that it was more than just Little Joe\u2019s cough that had lured the pair out on such a rainy, cold and now snowy night.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

He had left word with Clem to be on stand-by and had taken another deputy along with him, just in case he needed to send word back to town for Clem to herd the posse out to the Ponderosa. If his suspicions proved to be true, he feared that not only Little Joe, but also Ben and Paul, would be in a heap of trouble. The train robbers were desperate men at this point and the Ponderosa would make the perfect hideout, what with all of the men gone for the week and Hoss and Adam off enjoying a shopping spree in San Francisco before the upcoming holidays.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Roy pulled his hat further down on his head and leaned low over his horse\u2019s neck to keep the sharp, biting wind and rain and snow from hitting him square in the face.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben waited while the doctor climbed down from his buggy. They were surrounded by four of Davis\u2019 men, two of which escorted them into the house. Big Jack was sitting on the table near the wounded man but stood up instantly as the heavy oak door was pushed open to reveal the rancher and the physician.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s about time,\u201d Big Jack snarled.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

His mood had turned nasty after watching his friend\u2019s decline. Ben looked straight way toward the chair where he had last seen his son. Joe was slumped over in the chair, his eyes closed. Instantly Ben went to his son\u2019s side, gently moving Joe into a more upright position.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cJoseph,\u201d muttered Ben softly.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Beneath his fingers, Ben could feel the heat penetrating from his son\u2019s brow.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHe\u2019s burning up,\u201d Ben said with distaste, \u201che should have been in the bed!\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe was only semi-conscious and barely aware that his father had returned. He shivered. Ben grabbed the blanket from the stair railing and wrapped it around the quivering form.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cLet me look at him,\u201d Paul said as he moved across the room toward Ben\u2019s young son.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

His wet slicker and hat he had tossed on the credenza; his black bag he still clung too.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cOh no you don\u2019t, get over here and tend to my man\u2026then, you can see about the kid,\u201d snapped Big Jack.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Paul seemed caught between the two. He wanted desperately to check on Joe, but from the sound of the stranger giving the orders, his common sense told him it would be wiser to see about the injured man first.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cGo ahead,\u201d Ben said softly. \u201cI\u2019ll tend to Joe,\u201d he said, rising and going to the table.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHold it right there,\u201d Chapman, who had come into the house when Ben and Paul arrived, pointed his gun at his ungracious host.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI was just going to get the boy some brandy,\u201d Ben explained.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Chapman glanced at the unconscious lad.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHe don\u2019t need anything, he\u2019s out cold. Now move over to that chair, I\u2019m going to tie you up,\u201d Chapman ordered.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cOhh\u2026Pa,\u201d muttered Joe.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben turned toward his son, anxious to tend to him. He looked at Chapman and the gun he held in his hand. The man would most likely shoot him if he defied him, but Joe was calling for him.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe sputtered and coughed, a deep rasping sound that was forceful and turned his face red.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Chapman\u2019s face twisted into a frown. It was obvious that the hacking sound Joe was making was disgusting to the night caller. Chapman motioned with his gun for Ben to see about the boy.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cGo ahead\u2026just make him stop that horrible hacking\u2026it turns my stomach,\u201d snapped Chapman.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben did not need to be told a second time, he hurried to get the brandy and then helped Joe take a swallow. But the boy continued to cough and sputter.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

After several minutes, Chapman walked over to the blue chair.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cIf you can\u2019t get him to stop, take him upstairs and put him in bed,\u201d he insisted. He glanced over his shoulder to Gilchrist who had been relieved of guard duty and motioned for him to give Ben a hand with the sick young man.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cStay with him\u2026watch him like a hawk, if he tries anything, shoot him\u2026no\u2026shoot the kid,\u201d Chapman ordered.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben\u2019s eyes narrowed as he stood with Joe leaning heavily against him. He had no doubt that the man would do just that.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t worry\u2026all I want\u2026is for the bunch of you to get out of my house,\u201d Ben growled as he walked Joe up the first few steps.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll send the doctor up to look after your boy, when he\u2019s finished with Chat,\u201d called Big Jack as he watched the pair help Joe to his room.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Once Ben had Joe sitting on the bed, he untied the boy\u2019s hands and laid Joe back against the cool sheets, covering him with a light blanket. He then poured water into the china basin and set about washing Joe\u2019s face in order to try to cool him off.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHere\u2019s more water, Mr. Cartwright,\u201d John Gilchrist said, offering fresh water to Ben.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThank you,\u201d Ben said, glancing up at the stranger who by now had moved to the other side of the bed.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben watch silently as the man picked up a cloth and wet it, rung the water from it and then gently, as if he actually cared for the sick boy, pulled back the covers and opened Joe\u2019s shirt. Only then did Gilchrist glance across the bed at Ben, not totally surprised to find the worried father watching him.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cMy father used to bathe me in cool water when I was boy\u2026and was sick like this. I remember how much better I felt when he did,\u201d Gilchrist said softly.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben forced a small smile and nodded his thanks. After several minutes, he glanced again at the stranger across from him.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhat made you turn to robbery for a living?\u201d Ben surprised the man by asking.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Gilchrist\u2019s eyes drifted from his work to his host. \u201cHard times I suppose. There ain\u2019t much money to be made, working down in the mines. I had a family\u2026they got sick\u2026I couldn\u2019t afford medical care for\u2019em.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

John Gilchrist sighed deeply. \u201cWhen my wife and son died, I swore I\u2019d never be poor again\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAnd so you thought robbing a train would make you rich?\u201d Ben asked quietly as he worked behind Gilchrist at drying the places on Joe\u2019s body that the intruder had cooled with his cloth.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYeah\u2026I didn\u2019t reckon on all this mess.\u201d He glanced up at Ben then. \u201cWe don\u2019t aim on killing no one, Mr. Cartwright\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cBut you didn\u2019t aim on one of you getting shot either, did you?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNo sir\u2026Chapman had it all figured out\u2026or so\u2019s we thought. Chat, he\u2019s just a kid, not much older\u2019n this boy here\u2026and he might well die tonight\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHe\u2019s not going to die,\u201d Paul Martin said from the doorway.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The physician pushed his way into the room and to the bedside. He felt Joe\u2019s brow for fever and then glanced at Ben.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHe\u2019s not too hot now, Ben.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Paul looked at the china bowl and the rags and knew that his friend had been busy trying to cool his son\u2019s body. He noticed the damp cloth in Gilchrist\u2019s hands.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYou and your companions downstairs sure are a strange lot,\u201d the doctor muttered.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHow\u2019s that?\u201d John Gilchrist asked.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Paul pinched his lips tightly and shook his head as if thinking.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cTrain robbers\u2026the likes of you\u2026yet here you are helping your hostage try and save the life of his son\u2026his son whom your boss downstairs has already said he\u2019d kill if Ben here double crossed him,\u201d Paul proclaimed.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ve never killed a man in my life\u2026what didn\u2019t need killing,\u201d Big Jack said from the door.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The men in the room spun around, surprised to see the big man baring the doorway. He flashed his gun at Ben\u2019s middle, waving him out of the room.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYou too, doc,\u201d Big Jack said.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben could tell that the man was angry; his eyes were narrow and dark and his deep voice gave away the secret. He had only seconds to wonder at the man\u2019s sudden wrath.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cDownstairs, both of you. John, stay with the boy, he don\u2019t look like\u2019s about to go anywhere,\u201d Davis proclaimed. \u201cWhen I give the word\u2026kill\u2019em!\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben\u2019s eyes widened with fresh fear as he led the way from the room. He caught a glimpse of Gilchrist just before Davis closed the room. Their eyes met briefly.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhat\u2019s wrong?\u201d Ben demanded as he was forced down the stairs.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cDid my patient die?\u201d stammered Paul, not sure where he stood in the mist of all the hullabaloo that was going on in the great room.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben stopped suddenly as he reached the last step, stunned to see the sheriff\u2019s body being held upright by Sol Jones and John Squires.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cDear God,\u201d muttered Ben.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Davis shoved Ben out of the way.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI told you to fetch the doctor\u2026ONLY the doctor\u2026but you double crossed me, Cartwright!\u201d shouted the angry train robber.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI didn\u2019t know the sheriff followed us! Honest!\u201d he proclaimed, shocked at the change in circumstances.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cLIAR!\u201d stormed Davis as he lashed out at Ben, striking him across his face.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben stumbled backwards, his hand pressed against his jaw as he fell against the sofa. Chat Roberts groaned softly and raised his head. Ben glanced down at the man.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI didn\u2019t lie to you,\u201d Ben tried to explain.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWe didn\u2019t tell the sheriff, or anyone else for that matter, that you were here,\u201d Paul Martin spoke up in Ben\u2019s defense. \u201cI wanted to\u2026but Ben wouldn\u2019t let me\u2026he knew you\u2019d kill his son if he did\u2026so he only told Roy that Little Joe needed me\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cMakes no difference now,\u201d John Chapman said as he joined the group.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

He glanced at Big Jack. \u201cSquires and Cockerill\u2019s got the horses saddled and ready to ride,\u201d he offered. \u201cIt\u2019s almost daybreak, we better get a move on\u2026or there\u2019s liable to be a posse following along after the sheriff.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cGood\u2026Sol, you and EB tie these three men up\u2026the cook\u2019s locked in the cellar, he won\u2019t be no trouble,\u201d ordered Big Jack.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben and Paul were shoved over to the hearth where Sol Jones and E.B. Parsons made sure that their hands were tied tightly behind their backs and then tied ropes around their ankles as well. Roy was pushed into a chair and both his hands and feet were tied firmly.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

When Big Jack Davis was sure that the three men were secured, he turned to his friends.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cGet Chat on his horse, I\u2019ll be out in a minute,\u201d he ordered Sol and EB.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The two men gathered their wounded comrade up and practically dragged him from the house. Only John E. Chapman, mastermind of the first train robbery ever, and A.J. \u2018Big Jack\u2019 Davis, the gang\u2019s leader, were left in the great room with the three hostages. He stood over Ben.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI almost hate to have the boy killed, Cartwright. I sort of liked him. He\u2019s a good kid\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThen don\u2019t kill him\u2026\u201d Ben said in a near pleading voice. \u201cHe hasn\u2019t done you any harm.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNo\u2026you double crossed me\u2026you lied\u2026you put the boy\u2019s life on the line\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI did no such thing!\u201d Ben said, his voice rising to a higher pitch.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHurry up, Jack\u2026tell Gil to kill the boy and lets get the hell out of here before a posse comes looking for that sheriff!\u201d grumbled Chapman.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Davis sighed and looked away from his prisoner. He wasn\u2019t lying about hating to have the boy killed\u2026but he had to prove his point, in spite of his concerns.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cGILCHRIST\u2026\u201d Davis shouted as he stood at the foot of the steps.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYEAH BOSS?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Big Jack Davis gulped when he glanced at Ben and saw the fear and horror in the man\u2019s eyes. He hesitated.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYOU CALLED ME, BOSS?\u201d Gilchrist shouted from the hallway upstairs.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cKILL THE BOY!\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNO! NO!\u201d screamed Ben to the backs of Davis and Chapman as they exited the house.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Moments later the loud blast of a bullet being fired, rang throughout the house. Ben\u2019s heart shattered a second later. His life was over, his youngest son had been murdered and for what reason, none that he could determine. He sat speechless, drenched in his grief on the hearth next to his two best friends. The grief stricken father was so lost to the happenings around him that he failed to notice when John Gilchrist descended the stairs, paused to glance at him and then rushed, hell-bent for the door.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Paul could hear the shouts and then the pounding of horses hooves as the gang of eight men raced from the yard of the Ponderosa, anxious to put as much distance between themselves and the posse that they feared would soon be hot on their trails.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Big Jack Davis led the way. Trailing behind the others was John Gilchrist. He slowed his mount just before cresting the last ridge that would block his view of the majestic log home and looked back. A small twisted smile graced his face and then just as suddenly as it had appeared, it vanished. He kicked his mount hard in the side and then turned to look back no more. The gang was gone\u2026free\u2026and rich\u2026but their victory would soon prove to be short lived.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

They had left behind a broken hearted father. A man suddenly so filled with hate and a desire for revenge that when once they met again, they would barely recognize him for who he had once been. Hate was like that\u2026it changed a good man into something he thought he could never be. It was like a disease that ate away at your insides, killing a man bit by bit\u2026slowly\u2026yet unnoticeable, until it was too late.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cBen\u2026Ben\u2026\u201d urged Paul in a stiff voice.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The physician tugged at his ropes, but they refused to give in to his attempts to get free. All the while, the doctor\u2019s eyes stayed focused on Ben\u2019s distraught face. He feared the man might go into shock\u2026and upstairs\u2026well, he needed to get the blasted ropes off and see about his best friend\u2019s son.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cRoy!\u201d Paul called.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Roy was just coming out of his darkened world where he\u2019d been for the last several minutes after being captured and bonked on the head.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHuh\u2026what\u2026ohh\u2026my head,\u201d groaned the sheriff.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cRoy\u2026can you get free? They\u2019ve shot Little Joe!\u201d Paul explained, still fighting with his bindings.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhat?\u201d muttered Roy, \u201cshot Little Joe\u2026who shot Little Joe?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThose murdering bastards,\u201d Ben said, looking up at last with a haunted expression on his face. \u201cI swear before man and God\u2026if it\u2019s the last thing I ever do\u2026I\u2019ll hunt them down and kill them myself\u2026with my bare hands\u2026\u2026\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

Silence filled the room. Three stunned men looked toward the staircase, disbelieving what or whom they were seeing. Joe moved slowly down two more steps.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Tears filled his father\u2019s eyes as Ben managed to stand to his feet.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cJoseph,\u201d he murmured.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe managed to get to the last step, stumbled slightly as he made his way toward his father, using the furniture to keep him from falling.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben\u2019s hungry eyes roved over his son\u2019s body, expecting to see blood gushing from an opened wound, but there was none that he could see.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cSon,\u201d he cried, \u201care you hurt?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe swallowed the thickness from his throat and shook his head. When he reached his father, he leaned against Ben, slipping his arms about his father\u2019s neck. Ben, longed to return the gesture, but with his hands still tied tightly behind, he was unable to do so. He allowed Joe to remain as such for several long moments, aware of the trembling going on within his son.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cJoe\u2026untie me, son,\u201d he said softly.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe leaned away from his father and managed to get the knots loose enough that Ben could pull his hands free. Forgetting his ankles for a moment, he pulled Joe into an embrace and allowed himself the pure joy of holding his son in his arms. Relief flooded into his soul and converged on his heart. The hate had vanished; the revenge was lost to his happiness. After several more enduring moments, he released his son, ordered him to sit down before he fell and then freed his lower limbs, his two friends and hurried back to squat before his son.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhat happened up there, Joe\u2026Gilchrist was suppose to kill you\u2026we heard a shot\u2026I\u2026I\u2026thought for sure\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe was forced to clear his throat. He looked directly into his father\u2019s eyes, noting that the expression had softened.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHe couldn\u2019t do it,\u201d Joe said between coughs. \u201cHe fired the gun\u2026to make the others think he killed me. He told me to stay put until I heard them ride away\u2026and then wait five more minutes\u2026I\u2019m sorry, Pa\u2026I know what you must have been thinking. But I couldn\u2019t risk them coming back in and finding me downstairs\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cOh Joseph\u2026I know\u2026son\u2026I understand. Thank God\u2026the man had a heart!\u201d Ben cried, on the verge of tears.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Still squatting in front of his son, his hands resting on Joe\u2019s knees, Ben lowered his head. The events of the night had just reached a peak within his soul. The tears flowed freely. Joe moved his hand to rest upon the silver head. He choked back his own tears, unwilling to give in to the temptation. One weeping Cartwright was aplenty!<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Gentle hands took him by the shoulders and pulled him to his feet. Ben\u2019s eyes barely strayed from the boy\u2019s face as the kind physician drew his worn friend away from the chair.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cBen\u2026let\u2019s get Joe back to bed\u2026and then I want you to do the same. You\u2019re worn to a frazzle and need to get some rest\u2026both of you,\u201d Paul encouraged.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben seemed to come to his senses then and turned to look down at Joe. The boy was nearly asleep in the chair.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019re right, of course. Come on, son\u2026let\u2019s get you back to bed and let the doctor take over,\u201d Ben said as he helped Joe to his feet.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

It took both his father and the doctor to get Joe up the stairs and into bed. Roy had left, saying he had to get back to town and wire the sheriff in Verdi to explain what had happened during the long night.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

It was several days later that Roy returned, along with Paul Martin, to the Ponderosa. The sheriff had news to share with the Cartwrights, including Hoss and Adam who had heard of the great train robbery and had returned home. Paul Martin was there to tend to his patient, who by now was back on the proper road to recovery, having spent the last few days confined to bed, sipping a hot brew concocted by Hop Sing and ordered by Paul, himself.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cRoy\u2026Paul, come in,\u201d smiled Ben, who looked himself to be much improved after getting several hours of much needed sleep.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI got some news for ya,\u201d Roy grinned.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI take it they captured those train robbers?\u201d Joe laughed.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Roy nodded his head.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI knew it\u2026just by the look on your face!\u201d Joe giggled.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

He sat on the settee next to his brother, Hoss. They had been in the middle of a game of checkers when the knock on the door had interrupted them.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWell for heaven\u2019s sake, sit down and tell us about it!\u201d implored Ben who motioned the pair into the room.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2019re most anxious to know about this \u2018first time ever\u2019 great train robbery!\u201d Adam insisted.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cStart from the beginnin\u2019,\u201d Hoss prompted.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWell, alright,\u201d Roy said, taking a seat in the red chair.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Everyone gathered around, including Hop Sing. Each was anxious and curious to learn what had happened to the eight night callers and the outcome of their ill-fated adventure.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Roy took a deep breath and began his story.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cIt took about four days,\u201d Roy said, \u201cbut the deputy sheriff, James Kinkead from over at Washoe City finally rounded up the eight men. He said that they had committed the first train robbery in the Western United States.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWow,\u201d muttered Joe, \u201cno wonder they were in such a hurry to get out of here!\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHush, Joe,\u201d Ben reprimanded gently. \u201cGo on, Roy.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWell, Kinkead said that he wouldn\u2019t have been able to find the men, if it hadn\u2019t been for the snow that weather left behind the night the crime was committed,\u201d explained Roy.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThe train heist was thought be perfectly fabricated,\u201d he continued. \u201cA.J. \u201cBig Jack\u201d Davis and his seven-men crew had gathered at a ranch over in Reno just a few weeks before to plan the robbery. Charlie Pegg, the sheriff in Washoe City told me that himself,\u201d Roy went on to explain.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAnyway, the eight men decided on the desperate scheme to rob a train because of the initiatives that Wells Fargo & Co. took to supply armed escorts to protect vulnerable stagecoaches. John Squires, the stagecoach highwayman with the gang, and John E. Chapman who was the criminal mastermind of the group, came up with the blueprint to the larceny.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThey must have given it great thought, that\u2019s for sure,\u201d Ben added.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYeah, sure did,\u201d Roy said, shaking his head.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWell, go on,\u201d insisted Adam, \u201cthis is quite interesting, considering.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThe men, E.B. Parsons, he was a gambler\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI remembered seeing him in the saloon several nights before the incident,\u201d Ben said.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYeah, well, Chat Roberts, the guy that was wounded\u2026turned out he was the station manager over at Antelope Stage Station. James Gilchrist\u2026the man who was supposed to kill you, Little Joe, was nothing more than a miner whose luck had turned sour. Tilt Cockerill and Sol Jones\u2026don\u2019t know what they actually did for a living, if anything; they were both from Reno.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Chapman, who had been in San Francisco monitoring Wells Fargo\u2019s shipments and the movements of the Central Pacific\u2019s pay cars, sent a coded telegram that set the plan into motion,\u201d Roy explained as he pulled a slip of paper from his vest pocket and unfolded it.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cIt said, \u2018send me $60 tonight and charge to my account,\u2019 it was signed, \u2018J. Enrique\u2019,\u201d Roy read from the paper and then stuck it back into his pocket.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhat was that suppose to mean?\u201d Hoss questioned.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cIt was their code, Hoss,\u201d said Roy. \u201cThe telegram, which Jones received in Reno a few hours before midnight on the night of November 4th<\/sup>, meant that $60,000 was coming down the Pacific Slope and the conspirators should rob this train. Well, earlier that morning, Central Pacific\u2019s No. 1, the Overland Express, left Oakland in a billow of smoke headed to Ogden, Utah, with a stop over in Reno. With it was an express car filled with $41,800 in gold coins, about $8,800 in silver bars and greenbacks. The bullion was intended for the Comstock mines and deposits for Nevada banks,\u201d said Roy, who paused to sip from the cup of hot coffee that Hop Sing had placed on the table in front of him.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cGolly,\u201d exclaimed Joe, \u201cthose men sure had there stuff together\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYes, well\u2026not everything went according to plan, Little Joe,\u201d Roy informed the young man.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cOh\u2026why not?\u201d asked Joe who sat with his arms folded across his chest.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cDue to a freight wreck, Central Pacific\u2019s No.1 was delayed in Truckee, which left the bandits, hiding in an abandoned mineshaft\u2026needless to say, they weren\u2019t happy.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI guess not,\u201d surmised Ben, \u201cit was colder than whizzes out there!\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cJust when the men began to doubt their plan the cydoptic lantern of Central Pacific\u2019s No.1 began to shine through the bitter cold of the swirling snow. At 1:30 A.M., the train made a stop in Verdi to load the tender with timber and top off the water tanks. As the train crawled out of the station, five masked men with linen dusters, masks and six-shooters seized the train. Davis and another man crawled over the woodpile, dropped down into the engine compartment and covered Small and the fireman with their revolvers while the three others secured the express car.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The train then continued down the tracks about a half-mile east, when Davis ordered the engineer to whistle the down brakes. This signaled the three men on the express car to cut the bell rope and pull the coupling-pin, setting the rest of the train adrift.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Once they reached the barricade, Davis took Small down to the express car to knock on the door. The man inside, Frank Minchell was the guard, asked who was there and Small\u2026who by the way was the engineer gave his name. When Minchell opened the door, he was confronted with two double-barrel, sawed-off shotguns. Catching the guards by surprise, the robbers looted the vault. They tossed the sacks of gold coins out the side door into the sagebrush, Davis then thanked Small, Minchell and the fireman for their cooperation and then boldly stated that he was glad that they hadn\u2019t had to kill anybody,\u201d Roy said with a smirk.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cDavis told me they didn\u2019t harm anyone,\u201d Joe added to the conversation. \u201cGuess it was a good thing.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI suppose, anyway,\u201d Roy went on, \u201cDavis locked the three men into the express car. The men then mounted up and rode off into the night. News of the robbery was telegraphed to Wells Fargo agent, C. C. Pendergast, here in Virginia City, that morning. I think Pendergast said it was around 8 A.M. the morning of the robbery. Pegg and his deputy, Kinkead, who were in Washoe City, received information from the agent that the men had headed southwest. The two lawmen saddled up and headed for the mountains through the Truckee route to head off the gang of bandits; over in Reno a posse of about 14 men began to search the Reno area.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Wells Fargo, Central Pacific Railroad and the state of Nevada put up a bounty of $40,000 for the bandits, by the way. The two sheriffs couldn\u2019t find no tracks to indicate the gang had ridden through the area, guess that\u2019s when the gang showed up here, Ben,\u201d Roy said.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Afterwards, when they left here, Kinkead got word that they had been seen heading toward Truckee, so he took the trail into California, there he found and arrested Gilchrist who was alone in the Parsons Hotel in Sardine Valley. Gilchrist decided to turn state\u2019s evidence and gave up his partners, told Kinkead their whereabouts and most of the money\u2019s location.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The trial was highly publicized, according to Attorney General Robert M. Clarke who was present during the trail to assist District Attorney W.M. Boardman,\u201d Roy added.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWells Fargo & Co. agreed to give Kinkead the bulk of the bounty money,\u201d Roy snickered softly. \u201cHe\u2019s plannin\u2019 to open a bankin\u2019 business in Reno with it.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The four Cartwrights snickered along with the sheriff.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWas any more of the money found, Roy?\u201d Ben asked.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cOnly about $38,000 of the treasure was recovered. The Washoe City sheriffs believe 150 gold coins are still buried deep in the Peavine Mountains or somewhere along the Tuckee River.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cDang,\u201d sighed Hoss, glancing at Joe with a sly grin on his face.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cOh no you don\u2019t, Hoss,\u201d chided Ben who stood and pointed his finger at his middle son. \u201cDon\u2019t you and your little brother over there, go getting any fool notions in your head!\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWho\u2026us?\u201d giggled Joe, already scheming as to how he and Hoss might search for the hidden treasure.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYES YOU! ESPECIALLY YOU!\u201d shouted Ben, who then started to laugh along with the others.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cSay\u2026what happened with the men\u2026I mean, did they go to prison?\u201d Adam asked when the laughter died down.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cSure,\u201d Roy explained, \u201cGilchrist and Chat Roberts, the wounded man, got to go free on account of their testimonies.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe glanced at his father and smiled. He was glad that Gilchrist was turned loose\u2026after all, had it not been for the kindness of the man\u2019s heart, Joe might very well have ended up murdered on that cold, snowy night of November 5th<\/sup>.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhat about the others?\u201d Hoss insisted.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWell, let\u2019s see\u2026John Squires was sent away for 23 years, John E. Chapman got 20 years, E.B. Parson, 18, Big Jack Davis 10, and Sol Jones only got 6 years, Hoss,\u201d Roy explained.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhy the light sentences?\u201d Ben wanted to know.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cSeems like Jack Davis and John Squires had been so successful in the robbery business that each time they went to trail, they managed to prove a reasonable doubt, thus they avoided being sent to prison before now. Until they came up with this idea of robbing the train, that is. As for Gilchrist and Roberts, well, they were just getting into the business and when they told all\u2026\u201d Roy sort of snickered, \u201cguess they just weren\u2019t needed anymore, so the judge went easy on them.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI guess that sums it all up, Ben,\u201d Roy concluded as he rose to his feet. \u201cI\u2019d best get back to town.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben was quick to his feet, and walked with the sheriff to the door. Paul lingered behind to listen to Joe\u2019s chest to be sure that his patient was on the mend and then followed Ben and Roy out side.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe, who straightened himself out on the settee, turned to his two brothers. His lopsided grin was enough to forewarn his brothers that the young man\u2019s thoughts were swirling around in his head. Hoss quickly glanced at Adam and then smiled at Joe.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam\u2019s eyes were dark as he shook his head from side to side.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNo Joe\u2026no way am I going to allow you to talk me into something I know will most likely end the three of us up in trouble\u2026or worse\u2026jail!\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhy Adam\u2026whatever are you talking about?\u201d giggled Joe.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Hoss, who was standing before the fire, scratched his head in doubt. He turned to face his older brother.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYeah, Adam\u2026what are<\/em> you talking about?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam sighed deeply, making his way to the door where he paused long enough to grab his jacket and hat from the peg behind the door.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAs if the two of you didn\u2019t know!\u201d he buzzed as he hurried from the house, banging the door shut behind him.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Outside, he could hear the giggles of his two younger siblings. His dark, expressive eyes rolled upward as Adam tilted his head backward, shaking it gently from side to side.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Only time would reveal what those two inside might be conjuring up now! Adam pulled his coat tightly about his chest and tromped through the snow to the barn.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cMaybe I\u2019ll be safe in there\u2026the less I know, the less trouble I\u2019m likely to find my self in,\u201d he sighed, smiling to himself.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

THE END<\/strong><\/p>\n

July 2005<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

On November 5, 1870, the first acknowledged train robbery took place in Verdi as explained in this transcription. The bandits are real, the sheriffs and the train personal as are the events leading up to the train robbery, the arrests and the sentences of each individual involved in the event. Information was gathered from the Nevada Historical society and no infringements were intended.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Chat Roberts\u2019 injuries were fictional as were the events related to the Cartwrights. No one was actually injured, shot or killed during the heist.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

I did not state a year for this story, but preferred to pretend that it took place much earlier, thus keeping Adam still at home, and Joe of course, being much younger than he would have been in the year, 1870. Enjoy.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

<\/div>\n

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

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

Summary:\u00a0 Based on actual events, the Ponderosa is invaded with a group of train robbers.<\/p>\n

Rated:\u00a0 PG (10,000 words)<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":9052,"featured_media":5963,"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":[23],"tags":[14,15,17,16],"class_list":["post-12256","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-drama","tag-adam-cartwright","tag-ben","tag-hoss","tag-joe","wpcat-23-id"],"a3_pvc":{"activated":true,"total_views":2015,"today_views":0},"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/05\/Moon-Blind.jpg?fit=640%2C480&ssl=1","jetpack_likes_enabled":true,"jetpack-related-posts":[{"id":47067,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=47067","url_meta":{"origin":12256,"position":0},"title":"Deep in December (by JC*)","author":"JC","date":"December 24, 2023","format":false,"excerpt":"Summary:\u00a0 A moment of reflection for Ben as he contemplates Christmas without Adam. Rating:\u00a0 G Words: 730 Written for the Bonanza Brand 2023 Advent Calendar","rel":"","context":"In "Ben Cartwright"","block_context":{"text":"Ben Cartwright","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?cat=1004"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/05\/Christmas-Traditions.jpg?fit=639%2C480&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/05\/Christmas-Traditions.jpg?fit=639%2C480&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/05\/Christmas-Traditions.jpg?fit=639%2C480&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x"},"classes":[]},{"id":10353,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=10353","url_meta":{"origin":12256,"position":1},"title":"Confessions (by bahj)","author":"bahj","date":"October 1, 2012","format":false,"excerpt":"Summary: While Ben enjoys a night out, his boys unwittingly let him in on their less than noble plans. \u00a0 Rated: Family Friendly \/ Word count: 1159","rel":"","context":"In "Humor"","block_context":{"text":"Humor","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?cat=4"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/04\/panorama.jpg?fit=400%2C307&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200},"classes":[]},{"id":6768,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=6768","url_meta":{"origin":12256,"position":2},"title":"A Deadly Day (by rosecartwright)","author":"rosecartwright","date":"November 4, 2013","format":false,"excerpt":"Summary: \u00a0Joe is home sick, but things go downhill for this young Cartwright. \u00a0 Rated:\u00a0K+ (635 words)","rel":"","context":"In "Drama"","block_context":{"text":"Drama","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?cat=23"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/11\/2-joe.jpg?fit=237%2C221&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200},"classes":[]},{"id":13630,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=13630","url_meta":{"origin":12256,"position":3},"title":"A Cry for Freedom (by JennieA)","author":"JennieA","date":"January 7, 2003","format":false,"excerpt":"Summary:\u00a0 It started with Ben giving Little Joe more responsibility for the Ponderosa.\u00a0 Little did the family realize the course Ben was setting in motion. Rating:\u00a0 R\u00a0 (65,725 words) Due to subject matter contained in this series, the stories are only available via e:mail from the author -- ryjennie@comcast.net","rel":"","context":"In "Action\/Adventure"","block_context":{"text":"Action\/Adventure","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?cat=2"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/09\/4Cs.jpg?fit=400%2C401&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200},"classes":[]},{"id":15678,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=15678","url_meta":{"origin":12256,"position":4},"title":"Valentine Nightmares (by Hart4Ben)","author":"Hart4Ben","date":"February 14, 2016","format":false,"excerpt":"Summary:\u00a0A light-hearted look at the Cartwright men struggling with the upcoming Valentine's Day dance. Rating: K+\u00a0 Word Count: 667","rel":"","context":"In "Humor"","block_context":{"text":"Humor","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?cat=4"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"","width":0,"height":0},"classes":[]},{"id":49277,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=49277","url_meta":{"origin":12256,"position":5},"title":"The Cartwright Family (by LindaBl)","author":"Preserving Their Legacy Author","date":"May 22, 2002","format":false,"excerpt":"Synopsis:\u00a0A cute new song about the Cartwrights Rating:\u00a0 G\u00a0 Words:\u00a0 270","rel":"","context":"In "Family"","block_context":{"text":"Family","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?cat=1008"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Preserving-Their-Legacy.png?fit=732%2C477&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Preserving-Their-Legacy.png?fit=732%2C477&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Preserving-Their-Legacy.png?fit=732%2C477&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Preserving-Their-Legacy.png?fit=732%2C477&ssl=1&resize=700%2C400 2x"},"classes":[]}],"jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/12256","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=12256"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/12256\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/5963"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=12256"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=12256"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=12256"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}