{"id":12282,"date":"2005-08-09T14:12:38","date_gmt":"2005-08-09T18:12:38","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=12282"},"modified":"2026-07-31T08:44:46","modified_gmt":"2026-07-31T12:44:46","slug":"part-of-the-rainbow-by-debbieb","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=12282","title":{"rendered":"Part of the Rainbow (by DebbieB)"},"content":{"rendered":"

Summary:\u00a0 <\/strong>When an ex-slave comes to Virginia City, bringing with him, his son who enrolls in the local school, and whom Little Joe tries to befriend, the community is divided on the issue. Certain facts about the family begin to surface, teaching everyone that every child is part of God’s beautiful rainbow.<\/p>\n

Rated:<\/strong>\u00a0 PG13 (deals with racism) (15, 450 words)<\/p>\n

Part of the Rainbow Series:<\/strong><\/p>\n

    \n
  1. Part of the Rainbow<\/a><\/li>\n
  2. The Dark Side of the Rainbow<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

    Part of the Rainbow<\/strong><\/p>\n

    Jesus loves the little children,
    \nAll the children of the world;
    \nRed and yellow, black and white,
    \nThey are precious in his sight;
    \nJesus loves the little children of the world.
    \nIt was the first day of school for the new school term and Little Joe Cartwright watched with all the other children who had gathered, as the dark skinned boy walked with his equally dark skinned father into the little red schoolhouse. Not one of the white children said a word, until the boy and his father were inside and out of hearing range.<\/p>\n

    The girls gathered in small clusters; some looked frightened, some worried, but all were curious, for it was rare that colored folk ventured into Virginia City. It was however, not unusual to see the Chinese men and women and their children, but even then, they attended their own school, over in what was known as Chinatown at the far end of the town\u2019s outskirts.<\/p>\n

    The younger boys sat in groups, whispering. Joe who was in his last year of school and determined to make it his best year ever, stood under a large oak tree with several others boys all ranging in age of about fourteen to seventeen, most of whom were a might bigger in stature than the sixteen year old Cartwright youth.<\/p>\n

    \u201cWonder what in hell he thinks he\u2019s doin\u2019, comin\u2019 to a white man\u2019s school?\u201d one over-sized youth of seventeen stated as he munched on an apple and watched the front door of the schoolhouse. David Brackett was the oldest, and the largest boy in school. Most of the school term he worked with his father on their struggling farm, raising and selling crops to the locals, thus the lad had dropped behind in his classes.<\/p>\n

    \u201cI suppose he\u2019s here to learn, just the like the rest of us,\u201d Joe Cartwright said with a frown at the question.<\/p>\n

    \u201cHe ain\u2019t welcomed,\u201d another boy growled.<\/p>\n

    Joe looked at the boy, noting the strange expression on the kid\u2019s face.<\/p>\n

    \u201cWhy not?\u201d he asked the boy, though in his mind, he pretty much already knew the answer.<\/p>\n

    The boy turned dark, narrow eyes at Joe. Little Joe flinched at the look of hate that had suddenly clouded his schoolmate\u2019s blue eyes.<\/p>\n

    \u201cWhat do you mean, why not?\u201d the boy snarled. \u201cYou know why not as well as the rest of us do\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

    Joe shook his head in disgust. \u201cSurely you don\u2019t mean just because he\u2019s black!\u201d<\/p>\n

    \u201cWhat\u2019s wrong with you, Cartwright?\u201d the kid grumbled. \u201cOf course that\u2019s what I mean\u2026he\u2019s a\u2026you know\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

    Joe bent down and picked up a twig, toying with it, he glanced at the door of the building.<\/p>\n

    \u201cSo? What\u2019s the color of a man\u2019s skin got to do with where he has to go to school\u2026or live, or work for that matter?\u201d Joe demanded, growing weary of the conversation and not fully understanding why his friends seemed so agitated about the young man who appeared to be registering for school.<\/p>\n

    \u201cI thought your ma was from the South?\u201d David, the apparent leader of the group questioned.<\/p>\n

    \u201cYeah, she was\u2026from New Orleans, so what?\u201d<\/p>\n

    \u201cDown south, Joe\u2026white folks own\u2026black people\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

    Joe tossed the twig to the ground, groaning softly. \u201cOf good grief, Dave\u2026this isn\u2019t the south\u2026and here in the west\u2026we don\u2019t own people, we own cattle and horses\u2026and land!\u201d<\/p>\n

    Joe turned to his best friend, Mitch Devlin, \u201cCome on Mitch, his father\u2019s leaving and Miss Jones\u2019 is gonna ring the bell.\u201d<\/p>\n

    Joe began to move slowly toward the building, wondering how the new kid would fit in with his obviously prejudiced glass mates. In his gut, Joe had the feeling of impending doom. His friends weren\u2019t bad fellas, Joe thought as he stood next to his seat, which was to the right of the new kid.<\/p>\n

    Joe nodded his head in a friendly gesture at the new boy.<\/p>\n

    \u201cHowdy,\u201d he said, \u201cI\u2019m Joe\u2026Joe Cartwright.\u201d<\/p>\n

    The boy just looked up at Joe with dark, piercing eyes that to Joe looked sad and somewhat frightened. The youth said nothing in return.<\/p>\n

    \u201cMy family\u2026and my friends\u2026\u201d Joe smiled, trying to put the boy at ease, continued, \u201ccall me Little Joe\u2026you can too, if\u2019n you wanna.\u201d<\/p>\n

    Joe extended his hand toward the boy, who just looked blankly at it. When the boy refused to shake hands with him, Joe shrugged his shoulders and slipped into his seat. Miss Jones had moved to the front of the class.<\/p>\n

    \u201cMy name\u2019s Baz Reeves,\u201d the Negro boy whispered.<\/p>\n

    Joe turned toward the boy again, and smiled. Baz nodded his head slightly but did not return the smile. He was looking straight ahead.<\/p>\n

    \u201cYou can call me Baz.\u201d<\/p>\n

    Joe was just about to say something more to Baz, when the schoolmarm cleared her throat. Most of the kids who attended the Virginia City school were regulars and nearly everyone knew everyone else. But Abigail Jones, long time teacher of the school, took a few extra minutes after welcoming back the regulars, to introduce Baz Reeves to the class. There were a few mumbles that Joe heard but as he looked around, he was surprised to see the unhappy expressions on most of his friends\u2019 faces. The dread that had gnawed at his gut earlier seemed to intensify. Somehow Joe knew that Baz Reeves would be made to suffer for the simple fact that his skin was shades darker than his fellow classmates, a thought that caused the youngest Cartwright to shudder with dread for his new friend, if Baz could be called a friend.
    \n\u201cI just don\u2019t understand them,\u201d Joe said as he unsaddled his pinto.<\/p>\n

    He and his oldest brother, Adam, were alone in the barn finishing the last of the afternoon chores. Joe had been sharing with his brother the facts pertaining to the new student, Baz.<\/p>\n

    \u201cThey treated him like he had\u2026I don\u2019t know\u2026some kind of horrible disease,\u201d Joe explained. \u201cThe girls wouldn\u2019t even look at him, at least when they thought he was watching them, but the fellas\u2026golly Adam, it was awful. I sort of felt sorry for the kid\u2026but then\u2026I sure was glad it wasn\u2019t me.\u201d<\/p>\n

    \u201cWhat do you mean, Joe, you were glad it wasn\u2019t you?\u201d<\/p>\n

    Joe tossed his saddle across its resting place next to the others and grabbed the rake. He sighed in frustration and leaned his weight onto the hay rake.<\/p>\n

    \u201cI meant, I\u2019m glad I wasn\u2019t born like that,\u201d he said softly, looking a might embarrassed.<\/p>\n

    \u201cBorn like what?\u201d<\/p>\n

    Both he and Adam turned suddenly to find their father standing in the doorway of the barn. Ben had his arms folded across his broad chest as he walked slowly into the darkened interior and gazed from one son to the other with his dark chocolate colored eyes. His lips twisted slightly into a grin.<\/p>\n

    \u201cBorn like what?\u201d he repeated, stopping to stand in front of his youngest son, who happened to be wearing a somewhat guilty expression on his handsome face. Ben noticed that Little Joe fidgeted slightly and avoided looking directly at him.<\/p>\n

    \u201cI was just tellin\u2019 big brother about the new kid in school, that\u2019s all,\u201d Joe said meekly.<\/p>\n

    \u201cOh\u2026is there something wrong with him\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

    \u201cNo!\u201d Joe was quick to respond. \u201cIt\u2019s just that he\u2019s\u2026\u201d paused Joe. He glanced at his older brother.<\/p>\n

    \u201cJoseph?\u201d prompted Ben.<\/p>\n

    Joe took a deep breath. \u201cNothing\u2026really, Pa\u2026its just that the new kid is\u2026a\u2026Negro\u2026he\u2019s black\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

    Ben\u2019s eyes widened slightly as he studied Joe\u2019s expression.<\/p>\n

    \u201cWell, is that bad?\u201d Ben questioned.<\/p>\n

    He wondered why his son was having such a seemingly hard time talking about the new boy. He had never thought of his youngest son\u2026nor Adam or Hoss\u2026as being prejudiced toward another man\u2019s race or the color of his skin. He\u2019d always tried to teach his sons that it wasn\u2019t the color of a man\u2019s skin that made a man, but what was in his heart.<\/p>\n

    \u201cNo\u2026I mean, at least not to me it ain\u2019t\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

    \u201cIsn\u2019t,\u201d Adam corrected, glancing at his brother.\u201d<\/p>\n

    \u201cIsn\u2019t,\u201d Joe repeated. \u201cBut to some of the fellas, it seems to be.\u201d<\/p>\n

    Ben moved to sit down on a box that was stacked off to one side.<\/p>\n

    \u201cHow so, son?\u201d<\/p>\n

    Joe propped his hay rake against the wall of a stall and moved to sit down next to his father. He seemed troubled as he tried to find words to express what was on his mind and troubling him.<\/p>\n

    \u201cI\u2019m not sure, Pa. Baz\u2026that\u2019s his name, he seems likeable to me, though he doesn\u2019t talk much\u2026in fact\u2026he\u2019s too quiet. And he watches everyone, especially the fellas\u2026sort of like he\u2019s watching his back,\u201d Joe explained.<\/p>\n

    \u201cI can\u2019t say that I blame him\u2026I mean, the guys, they weren\u2019t very nice to him. They didn\u2019t ask him to join in when we played kick ball at recess\u2026no one bothered to eat their lunch with him\u2026except me that is. I guess I sort of felt sorry for him, being new and all and not knowing anyone.\u201d<\/p>\n

    Joe lowered his head for a moment and then looked up at his father with a rather sad expression shining in his eyes. When he spoke, his voice was low and troubled.<\/p>\n

    \u201cI\u2019m glad that I wasn\u2019t born\u2026black\u2026\u201d he muttered.<\/p>\n

    \u201cJoseph,\u201d Ben said softly when Joe looked away.<\/p>\n

    Joe turned to look up at his father.<\/p>\n

    \u201cIt isn\u2019t the color of a man\u2019s skin that\u2019s important, but what\u2019s in his heart, how he thinks and acts or reacts\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

    \u201cI know that, Pa\u2026I just meant\u2026black folks have it so hard\u2026especially in the south. Baz\u2026he\u2019s from Texas, but it\u2019s the same thing down there. They\u2019re owned\u2026like they were nothing better than the cattle or horses or other livestock that we own\u2026like they are less than we are\u2026being white I mean,\u201d Joe explained.<\/p>\n

    \u201cJoe\u2026Negroes aren\u2019t the only people who are mistreated, just because of the color of their skin. Look at the Indians\u2026think about all the injustices that they\u2019ve had to endure\u2026and the Chinese\u2026like Hop Sing,\u201d Adam added.<\/p>\n

    \u201cI know that\u2026but just thinking about a man actually owning another human being\u2026it ain\u2019t\u2026ere\u2026isn\u2019t right, is it Pa?\u201d Joe asked, looking deeply into his father\u2019s eyes.<\/p>\n

    Ben could clearly see the confusion in his son\u2019s eyes and hurried to explain.<\/p>\n

    \u201cNow what do you think, son?\u201d Ben asked. He really wanted to know where his son stood on the matter.<\/p>\n

    \u201cI\u2026I couldn\u2019t own another man\u2026it\u2019s wrong,\u201d Joe stated. \u201cIsn\u2019t it?\u201d<\/p>\n

    \u201cYes, son\u2026it is wrong, but in a sense it is a way of life. And until laws are made to outlaw that sort of thing\u2026well\u2026short of going to war over the issue, it will remain as such,\u201d Ben explained to his son. \u201cYou can only offer your hand in friendship and by so doing, perhaps some of the other boys will do the same\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

    Joe thought back to that morning when he had offered his hand to Baz and the boy had refused to accept it.<\/p>\n

    \u201cI don\u2019t know, Pa\u2026I have a feeling that Baz Reeves\u2019 life is not going to be an easy one, you know the kids at school\u2026especially that Dave Brackett, he\u2019s a trouble maker anyway\u2026and he\u2019s already expressed his dislike about having a Negro kid in school.\u201d<\/p>\n

    Ben stood to his feet, placing his hand on Joe\u2019s shoulder. He smiled down at the boy.<\/p>\n

    \u201cWell, you just be careful not to get caught in the middle of something. Most of these boys have been friends of yours for a long time\u2026and until you know what kind of young man this Baz Reeves is\u2026be nice, but just stay out of his way\u2026and everyone else\u2019s, Joe. Don\u2019t let your friends lead you into something that does not concern you\u2026understand?\u201d<\/p>\n

    Joe nodded his head. \u201cYes sir\u2026but Pa\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

    Ben\u2019s fingers tightened slightly on Joe\u2019s shoulders. The boy glanced up to see a frown beginning to form on his father\u2019s face and fell silent.<\/p>\n

    \u201cNo butts, Joseph\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

    Joe sighed deeply, nodding his head. His lips twisted into a small smile.<\/p>\n

    \u201cAlright, sir,\u201d he muttered.
    \nJoe wasn\u2019t the first to arrive at school the next morning. As he dismounted and led his pinto into the shed where the horses were stabled during school hours, he was well aware of the group of boys who gathered under the oak tree in a circle. Their heads were together and it was plain to Joe that the boys were whispering and snickering. He hurried to unsaddle his horse and then make his way over to the group of youngsters.<\/p>\n

    What he didn\u2019t see until he elbowed his way through the circle of boys, was the new kid, Baz laying in the center of the ring, his face showing the bruises where he\u2019d been hit or kicked, Joe wasn\u2019t sure which. The boy\u2019s clothes were covered in dirt and dust and over his right eye was a small cut that oozed blood. Joe glanced around at the faces of his friends, noting the sneers and disgusted expressions on each face.<\/p>\n

    \u201cWhat happened?\u201d he asked as he squatted down to offer Baz a hand.<\/p>\n

    No one uttered a word until Joe had helped the injured boy to his feet.<\/p>\n

    \u201cWe were just putting this here\u2026you know\u2026in his place,\u201d snapped Dave whom Joe noticed was rubbing his fist with his other hand.<\/p>\n

    \u201cHis place?\u201d Joe said, glancing from one boy to another. \u201cJust what is his \u2018place\u2019?\u201d<\/p>\n

    Dave and the others snickered. \u201cYa ain\u2019t that stupid, Cartwright, even you know about Negroes\u2026\u201d Dave jeered, leaving the rest of his statement to be filled in with Joe\u2019s own assumptions. \u201cCome on, let\u2019s get inside,\u201d he advised the others.<\/p>\n

    The boy turned away then, followed by the group of boys. Joe watched briefly and then turned to Baz who bent down and grabbed his hat from the ground.<\/p>\n

    \u201cAre you alright?\u201d Joe asked him.<\/p>\n

    \u201cWhat do you care?\u201d Baz demanded in an angry tone.<\/p>\n

    Without giving Joe a chance to respond, Baz walked away. Joe started to go after the boy, but the bell rang then and he had no other choice but to follow the other students into the classroom. Baz was the last one inside and without so much as a glance at any of his fellow classmates, slipped silently into his seat.<\/p>\n

    When it was time for lunch, Miss Jones dismissed the class. Joe had every intentions of speaking with Baz but the newcomer hurried from the room before Joe had time to find his lunch that Hop Sing had packed that morning and by the time he finally made his way through the throng of young ladies that barred the doorway, Baz was nowhere to be found.<\/p>\n

    Joe stood on the stoop and gazed around the yard.<\/p>\n

    \u201cHey, Little Joe,\u201d he heard someone call. Glancing toward a small group of his friends, Joe spied Mitch waving at him. He hurried toward his friend.<\/p>\n

    \u201cWanna eat with us?\u201d Mitch asked.<\/p>\n

    Joe scanned the group, not thrilled with who made up the small ring. Dave, the bully, as Joe had come to think of him, Henry, Dave\u2019s sidekick, Mitch, Billy Morris an overly large fifteen year old and Cliff Deaton, another hold-over from the year before who was sixteen going on seventeen. There were a couple more boys, younger than the rest that Joe knew only by name and who seemed to like to follow around after the older boys, probably because they felt it made them look more important to the girls that Joe had seen them trying to impress.<\/p>\n

    Little Joe wasn\u2019t happy about joining the group of boys, but he willed himself to be polite and sat down, opening his lunch. He\u2019d only taken a few bites of the roast beef sandwich when he saw Dave nudge Henry and then nod his head toward someone across the schoolyard. Joe turned, seeing Baz heading for the outhouse.<\/p>\n

    Henry snickered. \u201cWonder if he\u2019s gonna eat his lunch in the privy?\u201d<\/p>\n

    Dave and Cliff Deaton started giggling. \u201cProbably\u2026say\u2026lets go see what he\u2019s got in that sack.\u201d<\/p>\n

    \u201cWhy don\u2019t you just leave him alone?\u201d Joe said, swallowing the bite that was in his mouth.<\/p>\n

    Dave, and Cliff and Henry, who had started after their pal, stopped as Dave turned around to stare at Little Joe.<\/p>\n

    \u201cWhy should we?\u201d demanded Dave.<\/p>\n

    Joe suddenly lost his appetite and shoved his lunch back into his sack and stood up.<\/p>\n

    \u201cCause, he hasn\u2019t done anything to you\u2026he\u2019s kept to himself\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

    \u201cSo?\u201d<\/p>\n

    \u201cSo, leave him alone\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

    The three companions moved closer. Dave, who towered over Joe, puffed up his chest.<\/p>\n

    \u201cYou gonna make us?\u201d he sneered.<\/p>\n

    Joe took a deep breath to calm himself. His father\u2019s warning came back to haunt him, whispering quietly in his ear.<\/p>\n

    \u201cNo,\u201d he said after a short pause. \u201cReckon not.\u201d<\/p>\n

    \u201cGood\u2026\u201d smiled Dave wickedly. \u201cIt wouldn\u2019t be in your best interest to interfere\u2026Shorty!\u201d he said to Joe in a condescending tone.<\/p>\n

    Dave spun around on his heels and stomped across the yard, followed by several other boys. Only Little Joe and Mitch stood under the oak tree, silently watching the proceedings.<\/p>\n

    \u201cThey\u2019re gonna cause trouble,\u201d mumbled Mitch.<\/p>\n

    \u201cI know\u2026and Baz doesn\u2019t stand a chance alone,\u201d Joe said. \u201cCome on.\u201d<\/p>\n

    Joe started across the yard to where the older boys had already formed a circle around the colored boy. Mitch, not sure what it was that his best friend was planning, ran behind Joe, stopping him when he grabbed Joe\u2019s arm.<\/p>\n

    \u201cWhat the hell are you going to do?\u201d he whispered.<\/p>\n

    \u201cI don\u2019t know,\u201d grumbled Joe. \u201cBut\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

    It was too late; Dave had already shoved Baz, nearly causing the young man to fall. Baz\u2019s back scraped against the bark of the tree behind him. He braced himself, never saying a word to the white boys. Joe watched the boy\u2019s face, saw the burning hate in the dark, expressive eyes. He saw the boy\u2019s jaw tighten and start to twitch.<\/p>\n

    \u201cWhy don\u2019t you go back where you came from?\u201d taunted Dave. \u201cWe don\u2019t want your kind around here\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

    Baz\u2019 nostrils flared as he stared hard at the boy in front of him.<\/p>\n

    \u201cWhat\u2019s the matter\u2026cat got ya tongue?\u201d demanded Henry.<\/p>\n

    \u201cI ain\u2019t dun nutin\u2019 to ya\u2026why don\u2019t ya leave me be?\u201d Baz asked.<\/p>\n

    \u201cYella\u2026he ain\u2019t only black\u2026he\u2019s yella as well!\u201d laughed Cliff, causing the ring of spectators to join in the laughter.<\/p>\n

    \u201cI told ya\u2026we don\u2019t want ya here\u2026\u201d Dave growled as he shoved Baz again.<\/p>\n

    Baz surprised Dave by shoving him back into the arms of his friends.<\/p>\n

    \u201cI ain\u2019t gonna fight ya!\u201d shouted Baz as he turned to walk away.<\/p>\n

    Angered, Dave sprang forward, crashing into the other boy\u2019s back and nearly knocking Baz to his knees. Somehow, the Negro boy managed to remain on his feet, grabbing his attacker by both arms and flinging Dave to the ground in front of him. Dave landed with a thud on his back at Baz\u2019 feet.<\/p>\n

    \u201cWhy you\u2026low-life bastard\u2026GET HIM!\u201d<\/p>\n

    His sudden outburst caused the other two larger boys to react and together they flung themselves on the colored boy\u2019s back. This time, Baz wasn\u2019t so lucky; he was knocked to the ground, where instantly his body was pummeled with blows by the three boy\u2019s fists.<\/p>\n

    The crowd who had gathered to watch burst into shouts, screaming encouragement at Baz\u2019s assailants. Billy Morris leaped onto the pile and joined his pals in hammering at Baz any place on the boy\u2019s body where he could get in a punch. One of the younger boys managed to get in a couple of good kicks to the newcomer\u2019s ribs.<\/p>\n

    Joe heard Baz cry out in pain. Disgusted with what he was witnessing and no longer able to just stand there and watch as the boy was being assaulted by several of his classmates, Joe threw himself into the pile of boys, grabbing the smaller ones and literally tossing them from the pile to land on their rumps behind him.<\/p>\n

    Mitch stepped between the smaller youngsters and silently dared them not to interfere. It took several attempts on Joe\u2019s part to finally separate the smaller, less aggressive boys from the three who continued pounding away at Baz.<\/p>\n

    Grabbing Henry by the collar of his shirt, Joe hauled the boy to his feet and spun him around so that they stood face to face. Before Henry had enough time to collect his senses, Joe doubled up his fist and slugged the other boy, sending him reeling over backwards.<\/p>\n

    For a fraction of a second, Henry sat on his butt, rubbing his sore chin. His eyes were dark with anger. When he hesitated to get up, Joe turned his attention back to the ruckus behind him and shoved Billy off to one side. He grabbed Cliff by the arm and attempted to pull him to his feet, but the other boy was bigger and stronger than Joe and as he spun around, seeing whom it was that was getting in his way, he slugged Joe. Dazed, Joe staggered backwards; but the lull in the fight between Dave, Cliff and Baz, was just enough that the Negro boy was able to get to his feet. Surprised by the interval in the brawl, it was as if time had stopped and everyone stood frozen\u2026Baz turned and ran off into the woods and out of sight of the group of boys who watched his retreat.<\/p>\n

    Dave twirled around and glared at Joe. His teeth were clinched tightly together, his fingers were balled up into tight fists and before Joe could move, Dave lashed out and clipped Joe on the end of the chin. Startled, Joe staggered backwards twisting around and fell face down onto the ground. He jerked his head around and glared up at Dave who stood over him, a sneering expression on his face.<\/p>\n

    \u201cThat\u2019ll teach ya to keep ya nose outta someone else\u2019s business!\u201d growled the angry youth. \u201cCome on\u2026lunch is about over,\u201d he said to the others.<\/p>\n

    Dave stepped over Joe who had remained on the ground and made his way toward the school. Behind him trailed the line of students who had gathered around to witness the fight. Cliff and Henry snickered at the expression on Joe\u2019s young face and then hurried to catch up with their comrade. Billy Morris managed to get in one good kick to Joe\u2019s ribs as he stepped over him. Joe groaned, giving Billy a chance to move on.<\/p>\n

    Joe clutched his side with one hand as he accepted Mitch\u2019s offered hand. Mitch pulled his friend to his feet.<\/p>\n

    \u201cWhew,\u201d sighed Mitch, \u201cfor a while there I thought I was gonna have to jump in and save ya.\u201d<\/p>\n

    Joe, glancing at his friend, rolled his eyes upward and then snickered. \u201cFor a minute I thought you really might have too\u2026wonder where Baz ran off to?\u201d<\/p>\n

    \u201cProbably home,\u201d said Mitch as he snatched Joe\u2019s hat from the ground and handed it to him. \u201cGuess the boy does have a yellow streak in him\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

    \u201cAw\u2026that ain\u2019t fair, Mitch, and ya know it. It was three against one and then when those little kids started kicking and gouging at him\u2026well, I don\u2019t blame him for running off\u2026my pa always said it\u2019s better to be a\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

    \u201cGolly damn, Little Joe\u2026don\u2019t go quoting ya pa again\u2026I don\u2019t really blame Baz for scooting\u2026besides, he looked pretty scared\u2026didn\u2019t he?\u201d<\/p>\n

    Both boys had begun to make their way back toward the schoolhouse. Joe shook his head slightly.<\/p>\n

    \u201cMaybe\u2026but I got an idea that he wasn\u2019t as scare as he\u2019d like all of us to think he was,\u201d Joe surmised.<\/p>\n

    \u201cWhat do you mean, Joe?\u201d<\/p>\n

    \u201cWell, he said, \u2018I don\u2019t wanna fight ya\u2019, he didn\u2019t say he was afraid to fight\u2026and think, Mitch\u2026he was out numbered\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

    \u201c\u2019Cepting for you\u2026and\u2026maybe me,\u201d Mitch smiled.<\/p>\n

    \u201cThanks\u2026I think\u2026\u201dgiggled Joe. \u201cBut for sure, Mitch, I couldn\u2019t just stand there and watch the entire class of boys take turns hitting and kicking him\u2026it ain\u2019t right\u2026no matter what color his skin is\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

    The bell rang signaling that the lunch break was over. Joe and Mitch hurried so that they would not be counted as tardy and thus end up having to remain after school.<\/p>\n

    For the rest of the day, Joe was constantly aware of the evil glares given to him by Dave, Cliff, Henry, and Billy Morris and even a couple of the braver, younger boys. But he ignored them. The empty seat next to him kept his thoughts on the missing black boy and Joe spent the remainder of the day wondering about the lad, had Baz gone home, or was he hiding somewhere in the woods, waiting for the proper time to make his presence known at home. Joe wondered about Baz\u2019s home and his parents\u2026what would Mr. Reeves say when his son returned and he saw the dark bruises and the cut over his son\u2019s eye? Would he become angry and pay a visit to Miss Jones\u2026would his attackers be punished?<\/p>\n

    Joe glanced around the room at the perpetrators and silently wondered if he should tell the teacher about the way that the others had jumped the new student. No, decided Joe\u2026he\u2019d wait until he got home and then have a private talk with his father about the incident. Miss Jones was too high strung to handle a group of irate boys and Joe figured if she realized that the fight was racial, she\u2019d go to the school board and since his father and older brother were both on the board\u2026well, thought Joe, he\u2019d rather his father hear it from him instead of the overly excitable schoolmarm who was most likely prone to swooning as well.
    \nJoe slid down from his horse and looped the reins around the hitching post. As he headed toward the house, he wondered about the buggy and the strange horse that was tethered to the other rail.<\/p>\n

    The instant that Joe entered the house, he spied his father. Ben was talking to two gentlemen, both black. One man was much older, the other black gentleman was about his father\u2019s age or perhaps a few years Ben\u2019s junior. Both were dressed in overalls and had the look of being quite poor. Joe had no reason to ask who the strangers were; it was obvious that the men were Baz\u2019s family members.<\/p>\n

    Joe heard his father excuse himself from the men as he came forward to greet his son. Ben wasn\u2019t smiling, which troubled Joe and instantly Joe wondered what had brought the two men here\u2026to meet with his father.<\/p>\n

    \u201cJoseph,\u201d Ben said as he placed his hand firmly on his son\u2019s shoulder. \u201cCome over here, I\u2019d like you to meet my guests.\u201d<\/p>\n

    Ben gently guided his son to the center of the great room.<\/p>\n

    \u201cThis is Joseph, my youngest son,\u201d Ben said to the two men. \u201cJoe, this is Luther Reeves and Baz\u2019s grandfather, Willard Reeves.\u201d<\/p>\n

    Joe smiled, extending his welcome by shaking hands with both men.<\/p>\n

    \u201cHow do you do, sir?\u201d Joe said to both. \u201cIt\u2019s nice to make your acquaintances.\u201d<\/p>\n

    Willard Reeves shook hands with the boy first, smiling warmly at the lad. Joe liked him instantly. Luther greeted Joe politely, but seemed more reserved than his father.<\/p>\n

    \u201cNice to meet ya, too,\u201d Luther said but he wasn\u2019t smiling. \u201cMy son\u2019s told me about ya\u2026how ya helped him out today, I mean,\u201d Luther explained.<\/p>\n

    Joe swallowed and glanced at his father. Ben\u2019s lips formed a small smile, putting Joe at ease.<\/p>\n

    \u201cIt wasn\u2019t nothing,\u201d Joe said, slightly embarrassed.<\/p>\n

    \u201cCourse it was,\u201d the grandfather said quickly. \u201cYa could have been hurt\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

    \u201cIs Baz alright? I mean, he\u2026ran off,\u201d stammered Joe.<\/p>\n

    \u201cHe wasn\u2019t scare\u2019t\u2026he just doesn\u2019t like to fight\u2026especially with white boys\u2026he knows what could happen if\u2019n he does,\u201d Baz\u2019s father was quick to speak up.<\/p>\n

    \u201cOh\u2026I knew he wasn\u2019t scared\u2026I didn\u2019t mean that. I just meant\u2026I mean\u2026I\u2026\u201d Joe looked to his father. He wasn\u2019t sure what he was trying to say\u2026and, he wasn\u2019t at all sure that Baz hadn\u2019t been\u2026yellow, as some of the others had tried to claim.<\/p>\n

    \u201cIt\u2019s alright, son. I think Mr. Reeves knows his son better than we do, of course he wasn\u2019t scared,\u201d Ben said.<\/p>\n

    \u201cBaz knows that if\u2019n he gets into trouble with the other boys at school, he might not be able to stay\u2026and get an education,\u201d Willard tried to explain.<\/p>\n

    \u201cIt wasn\u2019t his fault, he didn\u2019t start anything\u2026honest,\u201d Joe said in the other boy\u2019s defense.<\/p>\n

    \u201cWe know that\u2026my son doesn\u2019t go around lookin\u2019 for trouble\u2026but it always seems to find him,\u201d Luther said.<\/p>\n

    \u201cI have some feelings as to how that might happen,\u201d Ben said, looking with a smile toward his own son.<\/p>\n

    Joe grinned at his father and then turned back to the Reeves\u2019.<\/p>\n

    \u201cHe ain\u2019t in trouble, is he?\u201d<\/p>\n

    \u201cNo\u2026at least we hope not, that\u2019s why we come over here to speak with your father\u2026we heard he was on the school board so\u2019s we thought we might get this problem settled afor it got too far outta hand,\u201d Willard Reeves explained.<\/p>\n

    \u201cI think we can take care of it, my son Adam, and I will speak to the fathers of the boys involved and see if we can put a stop to the harassment,\u201d Ben explained.<\/p>\n

    \u201cSpeak to\u2019em if\u2019n ya like, Mr. Cartwright\u2026but it most likely won\u2019t do no good. Them boys is prejudiced against us black folk\u2026most white men are\u2026it ain\u2019t nothin\u2019 new to us,\u201d Luther said with more than a touch of remorse. \u201cWe was ahopin\u2019 that by comin\u2019 here\u2026we might find a little peace in our lives, but looks like we ain\u2019t.\u201d<\/p>\n

    Luther nodded his head at Ben, smiled softly at Little Joe and headed for the door.<\/p>\n

    \u201cWe thank ya\u2026just for listenin\u2019,\u201d he said as he went out.<\/p>\n

    Willard held back, waiting for his son to close the door. He turned to Ben and Joe.<\/p>\n

    \u201cHe don\u2019t mean to sound so ungrateful, Mr. Cartwright\u2026it\u2019s just that\u2026well, he\u2019s suffered so many disappointments\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

    \u201cThere\u2019s no need to explain, Willard\u2026I understand how he feels\u2026\u201d began Ben.<\/p>\n

    Willard shook his head slowly back and forth. His eyes took on a faraway expression. Joe glanced up at his father, confused by the change in the old man.<\/p>\n

    \u201cNo ya don\u2019t Mr. Cartwright. Ya think ya does, but lessen ya was born black and lessen ya ever been a slave\u2026ya ain\u2019t got no ideay how\u2019s me and my boy feels. But I thank ya just the same,\u201d muttered Willard.<\/p>\n

    In the next instance, the weathered old man was gone from the house. Joe watched his father as Ben walked slowly to the door and opened it. When he stepped outside onto the porch, Joe followed, standing silently next to his father.<\/p>\n

    When Ben sensed his son\u2019s presence, he looked down, placing his hand on the boy\u2019s shoulders.<\/p>\n

    \u201cWhy do we go inside and you can tell me all about this?\u201d
    \nHalf an hour later, Joe had finished explaining to both his father and brothers about the fight that had taken place that afternoon in the schoolyard. Joe also told his family about the snide remarks, the vile names and of the rude treatment that his classmates had been giving the new boy in school. He explained to his father why he had taken part in the brawl and how he could not stand by any longer and watch the young Negro boy being beaten as he was.<\/p>\n

    \u201cI\u2019m proud of you son, for helping your new friend, however, I\u2019m afraid that you\u2019ve probably earned yourself some new enemies,\u201d cautioned Ben.<\/p>\n

    \u201cYeah, Shortshanks,\u201d Hoss said gravely, \u201cfrom now on, you\u2019ll most likely have\u2019ta watch ya own back.\u201d<\/p>\n

    \u201cI know,\u201d Joe sighed, \u201cbut what else could I do?\u201d<\/p>\n

    \u201cYou might have told the teacher,\u201d Adam advised.<\/p>\n

    Joe let the air blow from his lungs and cast doubtful eyes at his brother.<\/p>\n

    \u201cShe couldn\u2019t have done anything, Adam\u2026they were like crazy people, jumping all over Baz and fists flying every which way\u2026even the smaller kids were kicking at him\u2026some of the girls even. No, Miss Jones\u2019 would have only fainted!\u201d<\/p>\n

    Adam had to cover his mouth with his hand to keep from laughing out loud. His younger brother was right, Abigail Jones would have swooned for sure.<\/p>\n

    \u201cI guess you did the only thing you could have, Joe\u2026but you could have been hurt badly, I don\u2019t want to see that happen to you,\u201d smiled Adam as he ruffled Joe\u2019s curls.<\/p>\n

    \u201cMitch would have helped me\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

    \u201cOh sure\u2026that makes me feel better,\u201d groaned Ben and then smiled at the look of confusion on his young son\u2019s face. Ben laughed softly. \u201cI suppose,\u201d he said, turning to his oldest son, \u201cwe\u2019d best call a meeting of all the parents and see if we can get this bullying stopped before someone actually does get hurt,\u201d he said, turning to look down at Joe.<\/p>\n

    \u201cI\u2019m sorry, Pa\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

    \u201cDon\u2019t be, son. I\u2019ve already told you, I\u2019m proud of you for taking a stand for what you knew to be right,\u201d smiled Ben proudly. \u201cBut please, next time, let an adult handle it\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

    \u201cHopefully there won\u2019t be a next time,\u201d Adam said. \u201cCome on, Pa, we might as well get started.\u201d
    \n\u201cI don\u2019t see what the big deal is,\u201d Sam Brackett said as he stood before the group who had been called to attend the special meeting of the school board.<\/p>\n

    \u201cYou have sons, Ben\u2026you know what boys are like, sure they bicker and fuss and fight and sometimes it gets a little out of hand\u2026but I\u2019ve always let my boys settle their problems their way. It ain\u2019t always right for a father to butt in\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

    \u201cThis isn\u2019t just the normal fussing and fighting between brothers\u2026this is\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

    \u201cNothing more than friends butting heads, Ben. I agree with Sam,\u201d proclaimed Mr. Morris, \u201cleave them alone and it will die down, in time.\u201d<\/p>\n

    \u201cMr. Morris, Sam, if you will excuse me for being so blunt, but from all that my father and I have learned, this is more than just a little bickering between friends. A boy was beaten and all because his skin was a different color. I call that racial\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

    \u201cI don\u2019t care what you call it, Cartwright,\u201d growled James Deaton, \u201cmy boy told me how it started, how that\u2026that\u2026Negro shoved Sam\u2019s boy and knocked him to the ground. Dave was only protecting himself\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

    \u201cThat\u2019s not the story we heard,\u201d Adam argued. \u201cDave, your boy, Cliff and some others have been harassing that boy\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

    \u201cThat\u2019s bull\u2026my boy don\u2019t go around starting fights, Ben\u2026but he don\u2019t run from them either\u2026why, if he did, I\u2019d take a strap to him and he knows it too!\u201d barked Sam Brackett.<\/p>\n

    Ben shook his head in disgust. \u201cLook, all we would like is for each of you to have a talk with your sons. Lay the law down to them and insist that the harassment has to stop, before someone gets badly hurt\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

    \u201cAnd what about your boy\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

    \u201cI\u2019ve already had a talk with Little Joe, he\u2019s been warned,\u201d Ben stated.<\/p>\n

    \u201cWell, someone better warn that Negro. My boy won\u2019t back down from a fight!\u201d<\/p>\n

    \u201cNeither will mine, Ben.\u201d<\/p>\n

    \u201cNor mine,\u201d added Deaton.<\/p>\n

    \u201cTell me something, Ben\u2026just what do you know about this Reeves family?\u201d questioned James.<\/p>\n

    \u201cOnly what Baz\u2019s father, Luther and his grandfather, Willard has told me\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

    \u201cAnd that is? I mean\u2026how can you be so sure they ain\u2019t runaways?\u201d growled James.<\/p>\n

    \u201cWell they\u2019re not,\u201d Adam hurried to assure the group.<\/p>\n

    \u201cYou know that for sure?\u201d<\/p>\n

    \u201cYes\u2026Mr. Reeves\u2026the senior Reeves showed Pa and I his freeman papers. He and his son and grandson had been slaves. But when their owner became ill, he gave all three, Willard, Luther and Baz, their freedom. The paper is legal, signed and witnessed,\u201d Adam explained.<\/p>\n

    \u201cAdam\u2019s tellin\u2019 ya the truth,\u201d Roy proclaimed. \u201cJust to make certain, so\u2019s there be no doubt, I sent a wire to the Governor back in Texas. All freed slaves have to be registered\u2026it\u2019s for their own protection\u2026all three Reeves are named on the list of freed slaves.\u201d<\/p>\n

    \u201cThen they were slaves!\u201d on man shouted.<\/p>\n

    \u201cWere, Mr. Morris\u2026past tense. Today, they are as free as you and I or any man in this room. They can come and go and do as they please\u2026\u201d started Ben.<\/p>\n

    \u201cThey ain\u2019t free to beat up on our sons,\u201d grumbled Deaton.<\/p>\n

    \u201cNo\u2026but our sons are not free to beat up on theirs either\u2026so we need to put a stop to the dissension now, before it\u2019s too late. Please, speak with your sons. The school board will be forced to take more drastic actions if another fight erupts, is that clear?\u201d<\/p>\n

    \u201cAlright, Cartwright. The last thing I want is for my boy to be expelled\u2026but remember, the same goes for your boy,\u201d Sam said in a firm voice.<\/p>\n

    \u201cIt will, I give you my word on that,\u201d Ben agreed.<\/p>\n

    The men filed from the room. Ben could hear the soft murmurs of their voices as they wandered out into the night. He stood at the door and watched them mount up and ride off. When he turned back to Adam and Roy, his face showed his displeasure.<\/p>\n

    \u201cI honestly don\u2019t think we\u2019ve solved anything tonight,\u201d he muttered.<\/p>\n

    \u201cWhy not, Pa?\u201d<\/p>\n

    \u201cBecause those men are prejudiced\u2026that\u2019s how their sons learn it; you can see it in their eyes, hear it in their voices. They aren\u2019t happy about having the Reeves living here, going to our school, worshipping in our churches\u2026shopping in our stores. Those men, those so called \u2018good\u2019 neighbors would have all three of the Reeves back in chains and shipped down south if they had their way about this,\u201d Ben sighed.
    \n\u201cYou just remember what Pa said, little brother, another fight, and you\u2019ll be expelled,\u201d warned Adam.<\/p>\n

    Adam was leaning on the hitching post watching his little brother mount up. Joe cast a weary glance down at his brother as he mounted his pinto.<\/p>\n

    \u201cThat\u2019s the last thing I need, Adam,\u201d Joe said, wearing a worried look. \u201cI wanted to make my last year my best\u2026I\u2026\u201d Joe paused, \u201cI wanted to make Pa proud of me,\u201d he said softly.<\/p>\n

    Adam smiled and moved closer to his kid brother. He placed his hand on the boy\u2019s shoulder.<\/p>\n

    \u201cYou don\u2019t have to worry about that kid, Pa is proud of you\u2026in fact\u2026we all are.\u201d<\/p>\n

    Joe\u2019s expression brightened, happiness shone in the depths of his hazel eyes.<\/p>\n

    \u201cReally?\u201d<\/p>\n

    \u201cYes, really!\u201d laughed Adam. \u201cNow you best get going before you\u2019re late\u2026and remember, Joe\u2026no fighting!\u201d<\/p>\n

    Joe had swung onto his horse and was seated in the saddle. Cochise, anxious for his morning run, nothing of which his rider\u2019s father knew anything about, pranced around in a circle.<\/p>\n

    \u201cI\u2019ll remember\u2026but if that Dave Brackett and his bully friends start anything with me\u2026I ain\u2019t turnin\u2019 the other cheek!\u201d squealed Joe as he nudged Cochise in the sides, giving the pinto the go ahead as the horse broke into a run, kicking up dust with his hind hooves.<\/p>\n

    Adam turned his head slightly to keep the dust out of his eyes. The sounds of his brother\u2019s laughter rang in his ears long after the boy and his horse had disappeared from his sight.
    \nLittle Joe had every intention of keeping his promise. He was secretly pleased to know that his family was proud of him; he\u2019d always strived to make them so. He knew there were times that he had done things that had angered and disappointed his father, though those certain things hadn\u2019t been done intentionally, the youngster had reaped the results of his actions on more occasions than the boy cared to remember.<\/p>\n

    Joe smiled to himself, determined not to let this present situation get him into more trouble than he\u2019d ever seen. Getting expelled from school was something that Joe considered about the worst thing that could ever happen to a young man, it labeled him as a troublemaker\u2026and Joe was having a hard enough time trying to live down the troublesome reputation that already dogged him.<\/p>\n

    \u2018No sirree,\u2019 he said, nodding his head, \u2018I won\u2019t let those prejudice sons of\u2026well\u2026I just won\u2019t let them goad me into their little mess they\u2019ve made for themselves.\u2019<\/p>\n

    The thought had just passed through his mind when out of the bushes appeared the subjects of his reflections. Dave, Billy, Cliff and Henry quickly blocked the road, forcing Joe to pull back on his reins and bring Cochise to a sudden and abrupt halt.<\/p>\n

    \u201cWell, what do we have here?\u201d snarled Dave.<\/p>\n

    Billy and Henry grabbed Cochise\u2019s halter, preventing Joe from being able to turn his mount around.<\/p>\n

    \u201cGet down!\u201d ordered Dave who stood to Joe\u2019s right.<\/p>\n

    \u201cWhy should I?\u201d snapped Joe, trying to keep a close eye on all four boys.<\/p>\n

    \u201cBecause he told you too,\u201d Cliff snarled as he grabbed for Joe\u2019s arm and pulled him to the ground.<\/p>\n

    Joe landed with a thud at the boy\u2019s feet. Billy and Henry released Cochise and Henry shouted and waved his hands in front of the pinto, startling the horse and causing him to bolt and run.<\/p>\n

    The four bullies circled Joe who had jumped to his feet. Joe glanced around at the boys, trying to watch each one for any sudden moves.<\/p>\n

    \u201cYou ratted on us Cartwright\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

    \u201cI did not.\u201d<\/p>\n

    \u201cLiar!\u201d<\/p>\n

    Joe spun around looking at the one who had called him a liar. From behind, he was shoved into the arms of the two facing him. The two roughly shoved him back. Joe staggered into the arms of Dave and Cliff who shoved him again. Billy and Henry stepped aside, letting Joe fall to the ground. Before Joe could get up, the four pounced on him, bombing him with their fists. Joe had no chance of fighting back; he was too busy trying to protect his face and body from the bombardment of fists.<\/p>\n

    Just as quickly as it had started, his attackers backed off. Joe lay on the ground, his arms folded across his mid-section. He glanced up at the foursome.<\/p>\n

    \u201cThat\u2019s just a sample of what\u2019s gonna happen if\u2019n ya don\u2019t start mindin\u2019 ya own business, Cartwright. Now ya can go tattle to ya Pa\u2026but if ya know what\u2019s good for ya, ya won\u2019t!\u201d issued Dave. \u201cThe school board can\u2019t expel us\u2026this didn\u2019t happen on school property\u2026just remember that!\u201d<\/p>\n

    \u201cI ain\u2019t a tattle tale, Dave\u2026you\u2019ve known me long enough to know better,\u201d sputtered Joe as he pulled himself up from the ground and turned to look at each of his aggressors.<\/p>\n

    \u201cSomebody told\u2026and if\u2019n it weren\u2019t you, it had to be that slave boy!\u201d Dave practically shouted as he turned to his comrades. \u201cCome on, we\u2019re gonna be late for school \u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

    Dave started toward his horse that was hidden in the brush. The others followed without so much as a backwards glance at Joe. Once the group had mounted up, Dave turned his horse around so that he towered over Joe.<\/p>\n

    \u201cJust remember, Cartwright, keep your mouth shut\u2026and stay out of our way\u2026we won\u2019t be so easy on ya the next time.\u201d<\/p>\n

    Dave jerked his horse around, causing Joe to have to step back as he watched his former friends hightail it toward the school.<\/p>\n

    \u201cGreat,\u201d muttered Joe aloud, \u201cnow I\u2019m gonna be late\u2026which means, I\u2019ll most likely have to stay after school\u2026which means trouble and either Pa or Adam will have to come looking for me.\u201d<\/p>\n

    Joe dusted himself off, grabbed his hat that lay on the ground and grinned. \u201cI hope it\u2019s Adam\u2026\u201d he giggled softly, \u201cI know how much my older brother enjoys visiting with Miss Abigail!\u201d
    \nJoe wasn\u2019t smiling as he sat alone in the classroom with no one else other than his teacher. He looked toward the window, hoping that one of his family members might show up soon and rescue him from the ever-probing eye of his teacher. Joe wasn\u2019t sure what was worse, the waiting or having to endure being alone with Miss Jones.<\/p>\n

    \u201cI do declare, Joseph, I would have thought your father or\u2026your brother Adam, would have been here by now to fetch you home,\u201d rattled Miss Jones.<\/p>\n

    Joe looked up; his face bore a bored expression.<\/p>\n

    \u201cDon\u2019t worry, I\u2019m sure one of them will be here before much longer\u2026it\u2019s getting pretty late\u2026and you know how my pa starts worrying,\u201d Joe said.<\/p>\n

    He was beginning to get a bit worried himself. As he glanced out the window for the hundredth time, his thoughts began to run rampart as to what his father would say, once he got there. Joe gulped and signed deeply.<\/p>\n

    \u201cMiss Jones\u2026couldn\u2019t we do this\u2026say\u2026tomorrow?\u201d<\/p>\n

    Abigail stood to her feet and moved around her desk. As she stooped to look out the window, Joe saw her suddenly smile and begin to smooth back her hair. Adam was coming; he knew the signs. But was that good, being that his father wasn\u2019t the one to have to make the long trip into town to fetch him home, or was it bad? Was it bad because, knowing how Adam hated to have to face the schoolmarm, it could spell even worse disaster for him\u2026<\/p>\n

    \u201cWhy hello, Adam,\u201d Miss Jones smiled, beaming at his brother as Adam entered the schoolhouse.<\/p>\n

    Miss Jones stood in the doorway. Adam stopped just short of the entrance. Joe could clearly see that his brother\u2019s smile was forced.<\/p>\n

    \u201cGood afternoon, Miss Jones,\u201d Adam said rather stiffly, thought Joe.<\/p>\n

    He gulped again and hurried to meet his brother as Adam inched his way inside.<\/p>\n

    \u201cI\u2019ve come for Little Joe,\u201d Adam announced, glaring at the younger boy. \u201cWhat kind of trouble has he managed to get into this time?\u201d<\/p>\n

    \u201cI wasn\u2019t fighting!\u201d Joe stammered quickly.<\/p>\n

    \u201cWell, that\u2019s something\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

    \u201cHe was tardy this morning, Adam. Joseph had some lame excuse about his horse getting away from him\u2026but he was covered in dirt and dust\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

    \u201cI explained that I fell off my horse\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

    Adam\u2019s dark eyes looked suspiciously at his brother. \u201cYou\u2026fell off?\u201d Adam watched as Joe lowered his head, not meeting his eyes.<\/p>\n

    \u201cI suppose it could have happened, Adam,\u201d Miss Jones stated.<\/p>\n

    \u201cI\u2019d say Little Joe was telling you the truth, ma\u2019am, his horse came home soon after Joe had left. Pa was on his way into town and rode by the school to check on Joe, he happened to see him just as he went inside\u2026so we weren\u2019t worried until he didn\u2019t come home\u2026Pa was going to let him walk, but then it started getting late and\u2026well\u2026you know how our father worries so over his youngest cub\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

    Adam was babbling and all the while trying to inch further and further away from the teacher, who was blushing deeply.<\/p>\n

    \u201cI wasn\u2019t sure\u2026you know how Joe tends to stretch the truth at times, Adam\u2026I kept him here with me because I wanted to be sure that you\u2026or your father\u2026became aware that he might be dawdling\u2026and I knew you\u2019d come\u2026ere\u2026you or your father that is\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

    Joe snickered softly, drawing a look of warning from his brother. Quickly he changed his expression to one of pure innocence.<\/p>\n

    \u201cI wasn\u2019t dawdling, honest, ma\u2019am\u2026\u201d Joe said.<\/p>\n

    \u201cWell, alright, Joseph, I believe you,\u201d Miss Jones smiled, but not at Little Joe. Her blue eyes were too busy devouring her pupil\u2019s brother\u2019s handsome face to pay much attention to Joe.<\/p>\n

    Adam clamped his hand down on Joe\u2019s shoulder and turned his brother toward the door, forcing Joe to walk, quickly thought Joe, to the door.<\/p>\n

    \u201cThank you Miss Jones\u2026I\u2019ll have a serious little talk with the boy and make sure that he learns to hold on tighter and not fall off his horse anymore\u2026move!\u201d he whispered to Joe.<\/p>\n

    Before the teacher could say another word, Joe was marched from the building and across the yard to where Adam had tied both his horse and Cochise.<\/p>\n

    \u201cMount up\u2026now\u2026you little scamp!\u201d muttered Adam as he swung into the saddle.<\/p>\n

    Out of politeness he tipped his hat at Abigail who stood out front and waved goodbye.<\/p>\n

    \u201cGood bye\u2026Adam!\u201d Miss Jones cooed.
    \nAdam and Joe had ridden in silence for about a mile before bringing his horse to a stop. Joe nudged Cochise up along side his brother and then brought his own horse to a halt.<\/p>\n

    Adam turned to his brother. Joe noted that Adam was not smiling, not that he had expected him to be. It was obvious to the younger of the two that Adam was mad, and it showed in his eyes and the way his jaw was set and how the older Cartwright clinched and unclenched it.<\/p>\n

    \u201cI\u2019m sorry, Adam\u2026I didn\u2019t mean to be late this morning\u2026\u201d Joe said quickly, hoping to soothe his brother\u2019s anger before Adam exploded and started yelling at him.<\/p>\n

    Adam twisted his long, lean body around in the saddle so that he could face his brother. He had a disgusted smirk on his face, but the anger was not as pronounced in his eyes.<\/p>\n

    \u201cYou didn\u2019t think I actually believed that story about you falling off your horse, did you?\u201d he asked Joe.<\/p>\n

    Joe puckered up his lips, looking doubtful. \u201cYa didn\u2019t?\u201d he stammered.<\/p>\n

    Shaking his head, Adam\u2019s lips almost formed a smile. \u201cWhat really happened?\u201d<\/p>\n

    Joe swallowed, trying not to look guilty. \u201cJust like I told Miss Jones\u2026I\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

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

    The air rushed from his lungs as Joe chanced a quick glance at his brother.<\/p>\n

    \u201cPromise ya won\u2019t tell Pa?\u201d<\/p>\n

    \u201cNo\u2026I won\u2019t make such a promise. Tell me what really happened and then I\u2019ll decided how to handle it\u2026if it\u2019s something that I think Pa should be made aware of\u2026then you know I\u2019ll have to tell him\u2026he isn\u2019t exactly pleased that you\u2019re so late you know.\u201d<\/p>\n

    \u201cHe\u2019s pretty mad then, heh?\u201d Joe asked meekly.<\/p>\n

    \u201cHe\u2019s mad\u2026yes\u2026you left chores undone. And you were suppose to stop by the hardware and pick up that special order for Pa that was suppose to come in today\u2026and now the store\u2019s closed,\u201d Adam reminded his brother.<\/p>\n

    Joe slapped his hand to his forehead and groaned. \u201cOh dadburnitall,\u201d he grumbled. \u201cI forgot all about that, Adam. Pa will have my hide for sure now\u2026\u201d whined Joe. His expression was so pitiful that his brother laughed.<\/p>\n

    Joe eyed his brother seriously. \u201cIt ain\u2019t\u2026ere\u2026isn\u2019t funny! You know how Pa is when he starts yelling\u2026he rattles the windows in the entire house\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

    Leaning back, Adam reached into his saddlebag and pulled a brown sack out and held it up for Joe to see.<\/p>\n

    \u201cDon\u2019t fret so, little brother\u2026once again, I\u2019ve managed to save your hide,\u201d Adam said as a twisted smile spread across his face.<\/p>\n

    Joe\u2019s sigh was so deep that his brother started laughing.<\/p>\n

    \u201cThanks, Adam\u2026really, I mean it!\u201d<\/p>\n

    \u201cForget it\u2026I know you\u2019ve had your mind on other things for the last several days,\u201d Adam said as he stuffed the sack back down into his saddlebag.<\/p>\n

    \u201cYeah\u2026those bullies make everyone\u2019s lives miserable. I never knew they were like that\u2026prejudiced I mean. Adam, ya oughta seen them, they\u2019ve changed since Baz and his family moved here. It\u2019s like I don\u2019t even know them\u2026and all this time, I thought of them as my friends\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

    \u201cAnd now?\u201d questioned Adam.<\/p>\n

    The smile was gone; Joe was worried about the situation, it was plain to see how bothered the youngster was about how his friends had been treating the colored boy.<\/p>\n

    \u201cI don\u2019t need friends like them, Adam\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

    \u201cBy some chance, were they the reason why you were late this morning?\u201d<\/p>\n

    Joe\u2019s lips were pursed tightly together. He nodded his head up and down.<\/p>\n

    \u201cThey stopped me at the forks this morning\u2026shoved me off my horse and proceeded to push me around some,\u201d admitted Joe.<\/p>\n

    \u201cThey didn\u2019t hurt you, did they?\u201d<\/p>\n

    \u201cNaw, Dave said it was just to help me remember to stay out of his way. It was a warning, Adam\u2026I think they may be planning something\u2026he was mad because his pa jumped on him about picking on Baz\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

    \u201cWhat do you think they\u2019re planning on doing?\u201d<\/p>\n

    \u201cThat\u2019s just it\u2026I don\u2019t know. But he said the school board couldn\u2019t do nothin\u2019 to him cause I wasn\u2019t on school property, so it wouldn\u2019t do me any good to tattle\u2026which I wasn\u2019t gonna do anyway. Say, Adam\u2026you won\u2019t tell Pa, will ya? I don\u2019t want more trouble\u2026and if he thinks Dave and his bunch of thugs is gonna start pestering me\u2026well, you know how Pa can be\u2026he still treats me like a little kid at times.\u201d<\/p>\n

    Adam had looked away, considering what he should do; he fell silent for several long moments.<\/p>\n

    \u201cPlease, Adam?\u201d<\/p>\n

    Adam turned to look Joe\u2019s way. The boy looked even more worried.<\/p>\n

    \u201cJoe, when Pa asks me, I can\u2019t lie to him\u2026and neither can you,\u201d Adam said gently.<\/p>\n

    \u201cWe don\u2019t gotta lie, Adam. I\u2019ll just tell him I fell off my horse and before I could get up, Cooch ran off\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

    \u201cJoe!\u201d Adam said, rolling his eyes slightly.<\/p>\n

    \u201cWell\u2026I\u2026did fall off\u2026sort of,\u201d Joe said, watching his brother\u2019s expression and seeing the consideration that was beginning to show on Adam\u2019s face.<\/p>\n

    \u201cI don\u2019t know,\u201d Adam muttered.<\/p>\n

    He couldn\u2019t believe that he was actually considering Joe\u2019s suggestion.<\/p>\n

    \u201cYou won\u2019t have to say a word\u2026I\u2019ll tell him\u2026that way, you won\u2019t be lying\u2026please, Adam\u2026please?\u201d begged Joe.<\/p>\n

    He lowered his head slightly and watched his brother from under lower lashes. When he saw Adam take a deep breath and look his way, Joe moved his head up ever so slightly and forced his expression to look pitiful. As always, it worked.<\/p>\n

    \u201cAlright, Joe\u2026but on one condition\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

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

    \u201cYou come straight to me if Dave or any one of his bully friends so much as look as if they\u2019re going to start trouble.\u201d<\/p>\n

    \u201cI promise\u2026and thanks, Adam\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

    \u201cJoe\u2026I mean it. This trouble is getting way out of hand and it has to stop. Pa and I have been talking, and he\u2019s worried\u2026someone is liable to get hurt badly\u2026or worse\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

    \u201cI understand\u2026honest I do and I\u2019ll come to you\u2026I promise\u2026now come on, let\u2019s get home before Pa gets too mad\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

    Joe slapped Cochise on the rump and took of at a run before Adam had barely finished giving the final instructions to his kid brother. It was his time to sigh deeply.<\/p>\n

    \u201cI don\u2019t know how you do it, Pa,\u201d he muttered into the wind.<\/p>\n

    He kicked gently at his mount\u2019s side and raced after his brother, catching up to Joe in a matter of a few seconds. They raced side by side down the open road, slowing only minutes before coming into view of the ranch house.<\/p>\n

    \u201cWe better cool these horses before we ride in,\u201d Adam warned with a grin at Joe.<\/p>\n

    \u201cThat was fun\u2026\u201d snickered Joe.<\/p>\n

    He leaned forward and petted Cochise\u2019s neck. \u201cHe sure is something, ain\u2019t he, Adam,\u201d Joe asked with pride.<\/p>\n

    Adam watched the happy expression on his younger brother\u2019s face and smiled to himself.<\/p>\n

    \u201cYeah, kid\u2026he sure is\u2026and so are you!\u201d<\/p>\n

    Joe was just about to make a comment when he spied his father coming from the house. Ben had his hands firmly on his hips. His expression was dark.<\/p>\n

    \u201cUt-oh,\u201d Joe muttered.<\/p>\n

    \u201cWell,\u201d said Ben gruffly, \u201cit\u2019s about time you got home!\u201d<\/p>\n

    Joe glanced meekly at his father. \u201cI\u2019m sorry, Pa,\u201d he said quickly, \u201cbut I can explain\u2026you see\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

    \u201cJoseph\u2026\u201d Ben interrupted, \u201cI\u2019m sure you can\u2026Adam, would you take the horses, please?\u201d<\/p>\n

    Adam quickly did as asked and reached for Cochise\u2019s reins. Ben pivoted on his heels and started toward the house. Adam grabbed the sack from his saddlebag and managed to toss it to Joe without their father seeing the exchange.<\/p>\n

    As if on cue, Ben stopped and turned.<\/p>\n

    \u201cJoseph, did you remember to stop at the hardware\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

    Joe held the sack up for Ben to see. The frazzled looking expression on Ben\u2019s face changed and he smiled down at his son, taking the sack from Joe\u2019s hand.<\/p>\n

    \u201cHa,\u201d said Ben, \u201cI was betting you\u2019d forget!\u201d he laughed, placing his arm across the back of Joe\u2019s shoulder as he walked with his son toward the house.<\/p>\n

    Joe cast a quick glance over his shoulder at Adam who had paused on his way to the barn. He saw his younger brother wink and returned the silent thanks with a quick smile.
    \n\u201cJoseph, you\u2019re going to have to be more careful,\u201d groaned Ben as he paced back and forth in front of the fireplace. He stopped to look at the boy. \u201cI don\u2019t understand how on earth you managed to \u2018fall\u2019 off your horse!\u201d<\/p>\n

    \u201cMaybe ya oughta tie yaself to the saddle horn,\u201d snickered Hoss who had been listening to his brother\u2019s explanation as to why he had been late for school that morning and why he\u2019d been held over.<\/p>\n

    Joe gave Hoss a disgusted glare. \u201cIt ain\u2019t funny,\u201d he snapped.<\/p>\n

    \u201cOf course it\u2019s not funny,\u201d Ben said as he too glared at Hoss. \u201cYour brother could have been hurt, Hoss\u2026\u201d Ben\u2019s eyes took on a faraway look.<\/p>\n

    Somehow, both Hoss and Joe knew exactly what their father was thinking, or remembering. Joe moved closer, placing his hand on his father\u2019s arm.<\/p>\n

    \u201cDon\u2019t worry, Pa\u2026I\u2019ll be more careful, honest,\u201d he said softly.<\/p>\n

    Ben glanced down, smiling. \u201cAlright, son\u2026please do\u2026now\u2026you\u2019ve missed supper, are you hungry?\u201d<\/p>\n

    Thinking it best that he not give his father any more time to question him, Joe shook his head.<\/p>\n

    \u201cNo, sir\u2026I have some homework I need to do, so I\u2019ll just do that and then I think I\u2019ll turn it\u2026if that\u2019s okay with you?\u201d<\/p>\n

    \u201cThat\u2019s fine, son\u2026don\u2019t stay up too late\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

    \u201cI won\u2019t,\u201d called Joe already racing up the stairs.<\/p>\n

    The door opened and Adam entered just in time to see his youngest brother disappear around the corner of the upstairs wall. Ben turned to Adam.<\/p>\n

    \u201cSomething wrong, Pa?\u201d quizzed Adam, wondering why his father was looking at him so strangely.<\/p>\n

    \u201cThat boy must take me for a fool,\u201d Ben said in a low tone.<\/p>\n

    Adam\u2019s eyes widened slightly. \u201cOh?\u201d he managed to say as he turned away. Obviously his father had not been fooled by his brother\u2019s story.<\/p>\n

    \u201cFall off his horse\u2026really! You\u2019d have to be blind not to have seen that bruise on the end of his chin\u2026someone\u2019s taken a punch at that boy!\u201d<\/p>\n

    Adam\u2019s back was to his father so that Ben could not see the surprised look on his face. But Hoss saw it, though he never let on. Their eyes met briefly. Adam\u2019s thoughts were racing, how had he managed to miss something so obvious, he wondered. Ah\u2026he remembered; he had been so intend on trying to escape from Miss Abigail Jones, that he had paid little to no attention to his brother\u2019s physical appearance.<\/p>\n

    \u201cWhatever he\u2019s hiding\u2026I can only wonder\u2026Adam do you\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

    \u201cI\u2019m bushed,\u201d Adam said unexpectedly. He yawned and then stretched. \u201cI think I\u2019ll turn in, night Pa, night Hoss,\u201d he said as he practically ran up the stairs.<\/p>\n

    Both Hoss and Ben stared blankly at the staircase. At last Ben turned to Hoss.<\/p>\n

    \u201cDon\u2019t ask me\u2026this time I really don\u2019t know nuthin\u2019!\u201d Hoss said quickly as he too made a hasty retreat to his room.
    \n\u201cJust be careful, Joe,\u201d Adam cautioned his brother.<\/p>\n

    The pair was saddling their horses and was alone in the barn.<\/p>\n

    \u201cI don\u2019t mind riding in with you, or at least part way,\u201d Adam offered.<\/p>\n

    Joe was frowning as he looked up at his brother.<\/p>\n

    \u201cI ain\u2019t a kid no more, Adam\u2026I can take care of myself,\u201d Joe said matter-of-factly.<\/p>\n

    \u201cI know\u2026but you have to admit, Joe\u2026you were sort of out numbered.\u201d<\/p>\n

    \u201cYeah\u2026but\u2026well, I appreciate the offer big brother, but if the fellas see you riding in with me\u2026it\u2019ll only make things worse\u2026\u201d Joe swung himself into the saddle.<\/p>\n

    \u201cI guess it would at that, but just the same buddy, watch yourself,\u201d Adam said as he mounted up and headed his horse in the opposite direction.<\/p>\n

    \u201cI will\u2026and thanks, Adam\u2026for understanding\u2026and for not ratting on me with Pa last night,\u201d Joe smiled.<\/p>\n

    \u201cI don\u2019t think he believed you, Joe\u2026that bruise on your chin told another story\u2026then he tried to question me\u2026but I hurried off to bed,\u201d Adam glanced toward the house. \u201cBetter get going, here he comes now\u2026see you tonight, Pal,\u201d Adam said as he nudged his horse and rounded the corner of the barn before his father had a chance to speak to him.<\/p>\n

    When Joe looked around and saw his father heading in his direction, he spun his horse around and kicked sharply at the horse\u2019s side, causing Cochise to break into a run. Seconds later, Joe was gone as well and on his way to school.<\/p>\n

    As he rode along, Joe kept a sharp eye on his surroundings. The last thing he wanted was a repeat of the day before and a chance encounter with the gang of thugs that had suddenly turned his last year of school into a living nightmare, not only for him but also for almost everyone in school.<\/p>\n

    He had nearly reached the outskirts of Virginia City where the school was located when he suddenly brought his horse to stop. From behind a small grove of trees, Joe could hear what he thought to be laughing, and talking and then shouts and angry cries. Slipping quickly down from the saddle, Joe crept along until he was standing at the edge of the grove and peered through the branches of the trees. What he saw turned his heart cold with fear. On the ground lay Baz Reeves. Standing over the Negro boy was Dave, Cliff, Henry and Billy. The boy on the ground was moaning; his arms were folded across his mid-section. Dirt covered the boy\u2019s tattered clothing.<\/p>\n

    \u201cGet up!\u201d Dave snarled.<\/p>\n

    \u201cNo!\u201d cried Baz.<\/p>\n

    \u201cI said, GET UP!\u201d Dave shouted as he and his friends grabbed at the boy and hauled him roughly to his feet where they began hammering at the defenseless youth once more.<\/p>\n

    Joe had seen enough. With a loud cry he dove into the circle of young men and began fighting. Fists flew every which way. Joe was hit and sent reeling over the black youth who had been knocked to the ground. Undaunted by the fall, Joe sprang to his feet and charged at the boy nearest him. Arms and legs tangled together as the pair fought until Joe was once more sent tumbling to the ground. Slightly dazed by the blow to the side of his head, he lay where he had fallen, but watched the group of four former friends who stood over both Baz and himself.<\/p>\n

    \u201cYou\u2019ll regret this, Cartwright,\u201d Dave shouted, waving a fist at the younger boy. \u201cI warned you about buttin\u2019 in\u2026now ya better start watchin\u2019 ya back!\u201d<\/p>\n

    \u201cCome on, Dave, let\u2019s get outta here before someone else happens by,\u201d Cliff said as he pushed the angered Dave Brackett toward their horses.<\/p>\n

    Dave pushed Cliff\u2019s hands from his arms and turned to Baz, all the hate he felt for the dark skinned boy, showed in his eyes and in the expression on his dirt smudged face. He pointed a finger at the lad.<\/p>\n

    \u201cAnd you, stay away from our school\u2026better yet\u2026get the hell outta Virginia City\u2026you\u2019re kind ain\u2019t wanted around here\u2026or needed. All the hell you\u2019re good for is pickin\u2019 cotton\u2026!\u201d<\/p>\n

    Dave swung onto the back of his horse and jerked the animal around, still glaring at the two boys who remained on the ground. For a moment more, he stared at them and then kicked his horse riding off after his cohorts.<\/p>\n

    Joe wiped the dirt from his face and looked at Baz who was still sitting on his backside. Getting to his feet, he offered the other boy his hand. Baz grabbed it, allowing Joe to pull him to his feet. Once upright, he refused to let go of Joe\u2019s hand. Momentarily puzzled, Joe looked into the boy\u2019s dark eyes, surprised to the anger that reflected back at him.<\/p>\n

    To Joe\u2019s surprise, Baz doubled up his free hand and slugged Joe on the jaw. When he released Joe\u2019s hand, the boy went tumbling over backwards, falling for the third time that morning into the dirt. His anger swelling, Joe clamored to his feet and spun around, facing the black boy.<\/p>\n

    \u201cWhat the hell was that for?\u201d he demanded.<\/p>\n

    \u201cThat\u2019s for stickin\u2019 ya damn nose in my business\u2026again!\u201d growled Baz, obviously ready to do battle. \u201cI\u2019m sick of ya always tryin\u2019 to do my fightin\u2019 for me\u2026don\u2019t ya think I can fight my own battles?\u201d<\/p>\n

    With that, Baz charged at Joe and the battle between the races was on once again. For several long moments, the boys fought against one another, arms and legs became entangled as the pair rolled over the ground, slugging and hitting at one another\u2019s body, not really caring where their punches landed just as long as contact was made.<\/p>\n

    Joe was amazed at the strength in the other boy\u2019s arms and the power behind each punch. It was only minutes into the fight that the youngest Cartwright was aware of how out matched he was. Baz\u2019s hard blows soon did their job as Joe\u2019s waning strength began to dwindle and the punches took their toll. Joe lay face down in the dirt; his breathing was rapid and strained. Every muscle in his body throbbed and ached.<\/p>\n

    Baz, winded, backed up from his opponent. He leaned forward, resting his hands on his knees as he gulped in air to fill his straining lunges. Glancing at Joe who was just beginning to get up, he straightened to his full height.<\/p>\n

    \u201cThat\u2019s just so\u2019s ya\u2019ll know, I might be black\u2026but I ain\u2019t yella,\u201d the Negro youth stated as he turned and left Joe to his own misery.<\/p>\n

    By the time that Joe was able to stand, Baz was gone and nowhere to be seen. Disgusted by the turn of events, Joe dusted himself off and made his way to his horse. Groaning, he climbed into the saddle and headed on toward the school. Naturally he was late again. Miss Jones was busy writing numbers on the blackboard when Joe finally made his way inside and to his seat. She turned, surprised to see the bruises and smudges of dirt on the boy\u2019s face, but she said nothing as she turned back to the board.<\/p>\n

    Joe glanced across the room at Dave and his band of bullies. They were snickering and laughing at him, but he didn\u2019t care. He was mad\u2026mad at Baz for making him feel like a fool for trying to help him and mad at himself for not taking his father\u2019s advise and staying out of something that did not concern him. But mostly, Joe was mad at himself for getting into a situation where he\u2019d now have no other choice but to admit to his father his involvement in the ongoing feud between the two races. Why, he asked himself\u2026why was he always sticking his nose in other people\u2019s business\u2026..he\u2019d learn the truth soon enough\u2026though right then, he didn\u2019t know that.<\/p>\n

    For the remainder of the day, Joe kept pretty much to himself, even going so far as to avoid the bullies during the lunch break. He and Mitch sat alone under a tree. Mitch ate his lunch hungrily, but Joe only nibbled at the chicken leg Hop Sing had sent along.<\/p>\n

    \u201cYou gonna tell me what happened to you this morning?\u201d Mitch said after he swallowed what was in his mouth.<\/p>\n

    \u201cYou can see for yourself, can\u2019t you?\u201d Joe answered.<\/p>\n

    He glanced around at Dave and the others. The boys were mounting their horses, leaving the yard. Joe only briefly wondered where they might be going\u2026though he really didn\u2019t care, he was just glad to see them leave.<\/p>\n

    \u201cThey do that to your face?\u201d<\/p>\n

    Joe sighed and crammed the chicken back into his sack, shaking his head from side to side.<\/p>\n

    \u201cNaw\u2026at least, not all of it\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

    \u201cThen who Joe\u2026ya gonna tell me or not?\u201d Mitch said impatiently.<\/p>\n

    \u201cYou wouldn\u2019t believe it if I told you,\u201d answered Joe unhappily.<\/p>\n

    \u201cTry me,\u201d Mitch dared.<\/p>\n

    Joe looked up at his friend with a look of disappointment in his hazel eyes. \u201cBaz Reeves\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

    \u201cWHAT!\u201d<\/p>\n

    \u201cShh\u2026keep your voice down, I don\u2019t want everybody in school to know!\u201d fussed Joe.<\/p>\n

    \u201cWhy on earth did he do that\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

    \u201cCause,\u201d exclaimed Joe, \u201cI suppose he didn\u2019t like me trying to help him out,\u201d Joe said as he tossed his sack lunch into the garbage.<\/p>\n

    Mitch trailed along behind his buddy.<\/p>\n

    \u201cOh,\u201d Joe said, pausing and turning around so that he could face Mitch. \u201cJust so\u2019s you\u2019ll know, he ain\u2019t yella either\u2026and he ain\u2019t afraid to fight!\u201d
    \nBy the end of the day, when his tardiness had not been mentioned, Joe felt pretty confident that when class was dismissed for the day, Miss Jones had forgotten all about it. As Joe hurried to gather his things and make his way to the door, sure that he had escaped punishment, he heard the dreaded voice call out to him in her somewhat whining tone.<\/p>\n

    \u201cOh Joseph, could you wait just a minute, please\u2026I\u2019d like a word with you\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

    Joe paused in the doorway, rolling his eyes upward and causing Mitch to giggle.<\/p>\n

    \u201cWant me to wait for ya?\u201d Mitch whispered.<\/p>\n

    \u201cNaw\u2026I\u2019ll probably have to wait until Pa or Adam comes lookin\u2019 for me\u2026again,\u201d groaned Joe.<\/p>\n

    Mitch nodded his agreement and started on his way, stopping to call after Joe.<\/p>\n

    \u201cYou won\u2019t have to wait long, Little Joe\u2026here comes ya Pa now\u2026and look who he has with\u2019em!\u201d Mitch called.<\/p>\n

    Joe looked in the direction that Mitch had pointed and then made a moaning sound. Headed toward the school were his father and Mr. Reeves. Both looked put out about something; Joe could only wonder in dread.<\/p>\n

    \u201cJoseph!\u201d Miss Jones called again.<\/p>\n

    \u201cComing, ma\u2019am,\u201d Joe answered. \u201cSo\u2019s my pa\u2026and Mr. Reeves,\u201d Joe explained as he smiled, a bit sickly, up at his father as Ben stepped up to his son.<\/p>\n

    \u201cJoseph,\u201d greeted Ben.<\/p>\n

    \u201cHowdy, Pa\u2026ere\u2026why are you\u2026here?\u201d he asked, swallowing hard.<\/p>\n

    \u201cMr. Reeves and I would like a word with the teacher,\u201d Ben explained. \u201cCome inside, son, I think you should hear this as well\u2026considering the looks of your face\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

    Ben and Mr. Reeves moved into the class, greeting the teacher.<\/p>\n

    \u201cWhy, Mr. Cartwright\u2026I was expecting you\u2026but certainly not this soon\u2026\u201d Abigail said, glancing from one man to the other and then over at Joe.<\/p>\n

    \u201cHello, Mr. Reeves\u2026I missed your son in class today\u2026is he ill?\u201d<\/p>\n

    \u201cNo ma\u2019am\u2026he ain\u2019t ill,\u201d Mr. Reeves said politely.<\/p>\n

    \u201cOh,\u201d stammered the teacher. \u201cSurely he didn\u2019t play hooky?\u201d<\/p>\n

    \u201cNo, Miss Jones,\u201d Ben said, speaking up in defense of Baz. \u201cIt seems that on the way to school this morning,\u201d Ben started to explain, taking a breath and glancing at his own son, \u201cBaz met with\u2026lets say, an unfortunate accident\u2026he was assaulted!\u201d<\/p>\n

    Abigail\u2019s hand flew to her mouth; her blue eyes widened in horror.<\/p>\n

    \u201cOh dear me,\u201d she cried. \u201cNot again! Was he hurt badly?\u201d<\/p>\n

    \u201cNo, but\u2026well this time he swears that he isn\u2019t coming back to school\u2026which is ridiculous,\u201d Ben declared. \u201cHe has every bit as much right to an education as any other young person.\u201d<\/p>\n

    \u201cOh course he does,\u201d Miss Jones agreed. \u201cWho was it that attacked him?\u201d<\/p>\n

    \u201cHe wouldn\u2019t say, ma\u2019am,\u201d Luther Reeves answered, though he cast a wary eye in Little Joe\u2019s direction.<\/p>\n

    \u201cYou looks to\u2019hva been in a fight, son\u2026who ya been fightin\u2019 with?\u201d Luther surprised Joe by asking.<\/p>\n

    Joe\u2019s heart suddenly started to pound, tiny beads of perspiration beaded instantly on his brow. He looked down, afraid to answer, afraid to speak for fear of what his father would think. After a long moment, he causally looked up at Ben. He wasn\u2019t surprised to see that he was being watched.<\/p>\n

    \u201cJoseph, Mr. Reeves asked you a question; please answer the man.\u201d<\/p>\n

    There was no getting around the truth, not this time.<\/p>\n

    \u201cBaz,\u201d Joe said in a wee voice.<\/p>\n

    He looked up to see the horror in his father\u2019s eyes. In his throat, a lump the size of a piece of coal had suddenly sprouted. Joe heard Miss Jones gasp in surprise and Mr. Reeves sighed deeply.<\/p>\n

    \u201cBut it ain\u2019t for the reason you think, Pa\u2026honest\u2026\u201d Joe exclaimed.<\/p>\n

    \u201cWhat\u2019cha got agin my boy?\u201d Luther asked.<\/p>\n

    Joe turned to see the hurt and disappointment in the man\u2019s face. Luther Reeves looked like a defeated man.<\/p>\n

    \u201cI thought\u2026of all the boys my son had met\u2026ya would be\u2026cause of the type of man ya pa is boy, a friend to my Baz\u2026but I reckon I figured wrong,\u201d Luther sighed.<\/p>\n

    \u201cI am his friend!\u201d proclaimed Joe loudly.<\/p>\n

    He looked to his father, silently pleading with Ben to believe him.<\/p>\n

    \u201cHonest, Pa\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

    \u201cWhat happened, Joe\u2026why on earth were you fighting with him? I would never have thought of you as being prejudiced toward another person\u2026no matter what color his skin!\u201d<\/p>\n

    \u201cI ain\u2019t, Pa\u2026I ain\u2019t! Really, I ain\u2019t! He didn\u2019t want me to help him\u2026he wouldn\u2019t fight\u2026and when I saw what they were doing to him\u2026I tried to help him! Honest, Pa\u2026honest Mr. Reeves!\u201d Joe spun around to face the teacher. \u201cYou gotta believe me, Miss Jones\u2026I didn\u2019t attack him\u2026he jumped me\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

    \u201cJoseph, calm down son,\u201d Ben said as he placed both hands on his son\u2019s shoulders. \u201cWhat are you talking about? Who was doing what to Baz\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

    Mr. Reeves moved to Joe\u2019s side and rested his hand on Joe\u2019s arm.<\/p>\n

    \u201cAnd what do you mean, \u2018he jumped\u2019 you? Are you saying my boy started a fight with you? I find that hard to believe\u2026considerin\u2019 what it cost the boy the last time he got caught fightin\u2019 with a white boy\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

    \u201cJust start at the beginning, Joe and tell us what happened,\u201d Ben encouraged.<\/p>\n

    \u201cI was ridin\u2019 in this morning, on my way to school, I didn\u2019t want to be late\u2026\u201d Joe glanced at his teacher. \u201cSorry, Miss Jones,\u201d he added and then continued on, \u201cI was almost here when I heard something in that little grove of trees down the road. So I stopped to see what was going on\u2026that\u2019s when I saw\u2026some fellows beating up on Baz\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

    \u201cWho were they, son?\u201d<\/p>\n

    Joe lowered his head to avoid looking directly at his father. He knew that once he named names, all hell would break loose. Ben placed his hand gently under Joe\u2019s chin and tilted his head upward.<\/p>\n

    \u201cJoe\u2026we have to know the truth, son\u2026you see, Baz wasn\u2019t the only one hurt today.\u201d<\/p>\n

    \u201cWhy\u2026did something else happen?\u201d Joe wanted to know.<\/p>\n

    \u201cYes, son, when he went home, his grandfather found him in the barn. He made Baz tell him who it was that he\u2019d been having the trouble with\u2026and Willard, went to pay a visit to certain men\u2026instead, he encountered their sons or so we believe\u2026and they\u2026beat the old man up pretty badly, Joe\u2026he isn\u2019t expected to live\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

    \u201cWhat?\u201d cried Joe, stunned at the news.<\/p>\n

    \u201cThat\u2019s right, Joe. We have a pretty good idea that it was the boys, not their fathers, but we have to know for sure\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

    \u201cDidn\u2019t Mr. Reeves tell you?\u201d Joe asked quietly.<\/p>\n

    \u201cHe was in shock, son\u2026He couldn\u2019t say. And Baz is blaming himself for what happened to his grandfather and he\u2019s vowed to get revenge\u2026so he won\u2019t say, he\u2019s keeping it to himself\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

    Upon hearing that his friend could cause real trouble for himself and his family\u2026and knowing now that the elder Reeves might possibly die, Joe didn\u2019t hesitate any longer, he blurted out the names.<\/p>\n

    \u201cIt was Dave Brackett\u2026and his bully friends, Cliff, Billy Morris and Henry\u2026they had Baz down on the ground, beating him. I jumped in to help\u2026and then they ran off, swearing to get even with both of us\u2026Baz cause he\u2019s a\u2026\u201d Joe stopped himself before he said the wrong word. \u201cBecause he\u2019s a Negro, and me\u2026because I helped him. Baz got mad at me\u2026for trying to help him. He accused me of fighting his battles for him\u2026he thinks I thought he was\u2026yell\u2026I mean, afraid to fight\u2026that\u2019s when he turned on me\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

    Joe glanced from one to the other. \u201cI was only trying to help him out, Pa\u2026honest, honest, Mr. Reeves. I didn\u2019t think of him as being yellow like the fellas claimed he was\u2026but I wasn\u2019t sure why he wouldn\u2019t fight them\u2026he\u2019s sure strong enough, bigger too and he can throw a pretty good right punch!\u201d<\/p>\n

    \u201cMy son don\u2019t like to fight, Joe\u2026about three years ago\u2026when we was still slaves, Baz got into a fight one night\u2026with the son of our owner\u2026the owner\u2019s son accused him of chestin\u2019 at cards\u2026Baz and he\u2026well Baz got the best of him too. But the master\u2026well\u2026he liked my Baz and all\u2026but being as how his son was hurt \u2026the master, he had to do what he\u2019d always swore to do to one of us if\u2019n we got outta line. He had to punish Baz\u2026so\u2026he tied my boy to the whippin\u2019 post\u2026and\u2026since it was the overseer\u2019s job to discipline us blackies, well\u2026the master he had to let the overseer\u2026whip my boy.\u201d<\/p>\n

    Luther hung his head as tears filled his eyes at the memory.<\/p>\n

    \u201cI thought for sure that man were gonna rip the hide plum off\u2019a my son\u2019s back\u2026and he nearly did too. Bass will bare those scars for the rest of his life\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

    Luther Reeves took a deep breath and let it blow from his lungs. He looked with sad eyes at Ben and Joe.<\/p>\n

    \u201cThat\u2019s why Bass won\u2019t fight\u2026unlessen he\u2019s pushed too far. I\u2019s \u2018afeared for my boy, Mr. Cartwright\u2026he\u2019s liable to do more\u2019n just fight this time\u2026I\u2019s afeared he\u2019s gonna kill somebody\u2026if\u2019n his granddaddy should die\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

    Abigail stood with her hand over her mouth, stunned to hear the story behind this man\u2019s sad, unhappy life and that of his young son. Joe looked at his father, tears glistened in his own eyes as he moved closer. Ben\u2019s arms encircled his son\u2019s quivering body. The boy was visibly upset.<\/p>\n

    \u201cI\u2019ll do my best to see that doesn\u2019t happen, Luther. I\u2019m going to the sheriff\u2019s office right now and have a word with Roy\u2026why don\u2019t you go see your father, he\u2019s over at Doc Martin\u2019s?\u201d Ben suggested.<\/p>\n

    \u201cAlright, Mr. Cartwright\u2026I\u2019ll trust ya to see about those responsible…\u201d<\/p>\n

    \u201cJoe, you come with me, son. Roy may want you to tell him exactly what happened this morning\u2026and\u2026am I to assume that the same thing happened yesterday\u2026was that the real cause for you being late then, as well?\u201d<\/p>\n

    Joe nodded his head. \u201cYes sir\u2026Dave and the others stopped me\u2026to, as they said, to warn me to keep my nose of their business.\u201d
    \n\u201cWhat are we gonna do, Dave?\u201d Henry asked.<\/p>\n

    The band of thugs were hiding out in a barn. They were keenly aware of what they had done though at the time, they had paid little attention to the consequences of their actions. Now, with the law after them, the boys were suddenly worried about their futures.<\/p>\n

    \u201cWe didn\u2019t mean to hurt that old man\u2026\u201d continued Henry.<\/p>\n

    \u201cWhat if he dies?\u201d worried Billy Morris. \u201cMy old man will whip the hide off by backside\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

    \u201cThat ain\u2019t likely,\u201d Dave, who looked more than a little worried himself, announced.<\/p>\n

    \u201cWhat do you mean?\u201d Cliff asked.<\/p>\n

    \u201cThey ain\u2019t gonna know it was us\u2026\u201d smiled Dave suddenly.<\/p>\n

    He spun around and faced the others.<\/p>\n

    \u201cThe only one who knows\u2026or suspects it was us\u2026is the black kid\u2026and we know he ain\u2019t talkin\u2019.\u201d<\/p>\n

    \u201cMaybe\u2026but that Cartwright kid knows we\u2019ve been giving the Reeves brat some trouble. What if he tells his old man about what\u2019s been going on\u2026they\u2019ll start nosing around asking questions\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

    \u201cSo\u2026who\u2019s gonna tell them anything? I\u2019m certainly not\u2026\u201d Dave smiled at last. \u201cAnd\u2026we could fix it so Joe Cartwright knows better\u2019n to open his mouth\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

    \u201cHow\u2026what\u2019cha planning on doing?\u201d Henry questioned.<\/p>\n

    \u201cI say we shut Cartwright up once and for all. We can make it look as if the Reeves kid had something to do with it\u2026you saw that black son-of-a-gun charge after Little Joe this morning didn\u2019t ya?\u201d<\/p>\n

    \u201cSure\u2026but our pas know we\u2019ve been fighting Reeves\u2026remember\u2026the school board threatened to expel anyone caught fighting again\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

    \u201cThen we make them believe it was Ben Cartwright\u2019s son causing all the ruckus\u2026we were only trying to protect ourselves\u2026we can swear we ain\u2019t fought no one since we got the warning\u2026and then\u2026\u201d Dave laughed. \u201cBen Cartwright will have to expel his own son!\u201d<\/p>\n

    \u201cHow we gonna keep Cartwright quiet?\u201d<\/p>\n

    \u201cJust like I said\u2026we\u2019ll drag him off into the woods, do away with him\u2026and then have Reeves find the boy. Once Reeves finds Little Joe, we came say we saw him kill the boy\u2026who\u2019s gonna believe an ex-slave\u2026\u2019specially when someone as important as Ben Cartwright\u2019s son is found dead\u2026with a Negro standing over the body\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

    \u201cThat might solve one problem, but what about the old man\u2026what if he lives and tells the sheriff who really beat him up?\u201d Billy Morris wanted to know.<\/p>\n

    \u201cSimple\u2026we make sure he don\u2019t tell a soul\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

    \u201cYou mean\u2026kill him too? Ain\u2019t that takin\u2019 things a bit too far, Dave\u2026I mean\u2026I understand why ya hate Little Joe\u2026you always have\u2026but to actually kill him and an old man\u2026I don\u2019t know\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

    \u201cYou wanna hang? Cause that\u2019s what\u2019s gonna happen if they find out it was us that beat that old man to death. If you don\u2019t want no part in taking care of Cartwright, I\u2019ll do it\u2026and enjoy it too\u2026you and the others can take care of Baz Reeves\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

    \u201cLong as we don\u2019t gotta kill him,\u201d Cliff said.<\/p>\n

    \u201cNo\u2026just make sure he finds Little Joe when I\u2019m finished with the kid\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

    Dave motioned for the others to move closer. He lowered his voice.<\/p>\n

    \u201cNow listen up\u2026here\u2019s what we\u2019re gonna do\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026..\u201d
    \n\u201cBen, I\u2019ll ride out right now and have a talk with that Dave Brackett\u2019s father. He ain\u2019t a bad sort, but he is\u2026\u201d Roy cast an anxious eye at Joe who had just finished explaining to the sheriff the events of the day and of the previous day when he was confronted by the group of boys. \u201cWell, he ain\u2019t never made no secret about how he feels toward different sorts of folks here abouts.\u201d<\/p>\n

    \u201cNo, he sure hasn\u2019t. I\u2019ve seen how he\u2019s treated some of the Chinese\u2026but I still don\u2019t think he\u2019d hold still for his son beating up an old man\u2026\u201d Ben said.<\/p>\n

    \u201cI don\u2019t know, Ben\u2026I figure he\u2019ll try to make excuses for the boy\u2026just like the other night when he met with the school board\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

    \u201cPa,\u201d Joe said, butting in during the lull in the conversation.<\/p>\n

    \u201cWhat is it Joe?\u201d<\/p>\n

    \u201cI need to run back to the school and get something\u2026I have a report due on Monday and I need my book.\u201d<\/p>\n

    \u201cAlright, you run along. I\u2019m meeting Adam and Hoss down at the International House for supper. I think we\u2019ll stay in town for a while tonight until we hear from Doc Martin about how Mr. Reeves is. Don\u2019t you dillydally\u2026get your things and meet us there in fifteen minutes,\u201d Ben ordered.<\/p>\n

    Joe smiled and nodded his goodbyes to the sheriff. \u201cI will, Pa\u2026I won\u2019t be long, I promise.\u201d
    \nJoe raced down the street toward the schoolhouse, hoping that Miss Jones was still there and had not locked the door. He had forgotten all about the report that was due on Monday. The assignment had been made last week and\u2026well, thought Joe, with so much going on around him and in his head, the required essay had completely slipped his mind.<\/p>\n

    He was almost to the clearing where the little red building sat when he heard his name being called. Joe stopped and turned around, recognizing a young boy who attended school but was a grade or two behind him.<\/p>\n

    \u201cLittle Joe\u2026wait\u2026Little Joe,\u201d cried the breathless lad as he ran toward Joe.<\/p>\n

    \u201cTimmy\u2026what\u2019s wrong?\u201d Joe asked the minute the boy reached his side.<\/p>\n

    Timmy was doubled over trying to catch his breath.<\/p>\n

    \u201cYa gotta help him\u2026they\u2019s killing him,\u201d cried the boy.<\/p>\n

    Joe glanced in the direction that he had seen the boy coming from but could not see a thing.<\/p>\n

    \u201cHelp who, Timmy\u2026who\u2019s killing who?\u201d Joe said as he squatted down and grabbed the boy by the shoulders to hold him still.<\/p>\n

    Timmy pointed off toward the grove of trees where he had been that morning.<\/p>\n

    \u201cWhat\u2019s going on\u2026tell me?\u201d Joe ordered more forcibly.<\/p>\n

    \u201cThere\u2026in those trees\u2026those boys\u2026they\u2019re beating up on that darkie\u2026that new boy\u2026\u201d explained Timmy frantically.<\/p>\n

    \u201cBaz?\u201d muttered Joe, looking again toward the grove of trees.<\/p>\n

    \u201cYeah\u2026please ya gotta help him\u2026his grandfather died and he\u2019s swore to kill them\u2026but they\u2019re killing him instead\u2026hurry, hurry\u2026\u2026..\u201d<\/p>\n

    Joe hesitated only slightly before breaking into a run. \u201cHere I go again,\u201d raced Joe\u2019s thoughts.<\/p>\n

    Never thinking to look behind him, Joe missed the little boy who stood grinning and tossing a coin up in the air and then catching it in his hand. Timmy stuffed the coin into his pocket and whistling, skipped back toward town.<\/p>\n

    Joe entered the clearing ready to do battle, but was stunned to find that he was alone. Angered that he had been tricked, he muttered to himself.<\/p>\n

    \u201cDadburn that little weasel! Just wait until I get my hands on him\u2026.\u201d<\/p>\n

    Two steps from the edge of the clearing and Joe suddenly found himself knocked to the ground. The breath gushed from his lungs as he struggled to get up but too many hands pinned him to the ground. Fists pounded his face; sharp-toed boots kicked his sides, cracking his ribs. Someone had a club and used it to hammer at his body, striking wherever it landed. A sharp pain zigzagged through his head. He tasted blood in his mouth; the dirt that billowed up into his face blinded his eyes. Someone cursed; another blow to his stomach, two to his ribs. Joe heard his own voice cry out in agony and then as quickly as it had started, it stopped.<\/p>\n

    First one and then the other and then two more bodies were pulled from his. Joe felt the weight on his back decrease. Too numb to move, he lay in the dirt and gravel, moaning as the intense pain shot up and outward to all points in his body. He could hear voices, more cursing, someone screamed. A deeper voice shouted a threat, but all Joe could manage to do was turn his head. Blood dripped into his eyes, causing more blindness. The wounded lad tried to wipe it away, smearing it instead across his face and down his chin. More voices, but they seemed further away, as if he were drifting off into the distance.<\/p>\n

    Joe caught a glimpse of feet running past him, and then another. Someone called out for them to stop, but they kept running. It seemed to the addled one that another person or people were trying to escape\u2026fleeing from something. Joe\u2019s heart beat rapidly; he struggled to breath and raise himself up, propping his body on one elbow, he managed to turn, only to see two bodies, one black the other white, both locked in mortal combat and appearing as if one were trying to kill the other.<\/p>\n

    \u201cBaz!\u201d murmured Joe.<\/p>\n

    Baz and Dave Brackett were fighting like two mountain lions over a recent kill. Baz suffered a solid left to his chin and stumbled backwards, landing with a loud thud on his back. When Dave pounced through the air at him, Baz was ready, and managed to use his feet to toss Dave through the air and over his head. The black boy jumped to his feet, undaunted by the beating that was obvious on his battered face. Dave charged again, this time locking hands and arms with his opponent. For several long seconds the two boys managed to stay on their feet, pushing and shoving their bodies against one another, each trying to force the other to the ground. Dave was the first to start slipping as his body sank lower and lower until he found himself on his knees.<\/p>\n

    Baz, the hatred he felt showing on his face, moved his hands and quick as lightening, grabbed Dave Brackett around the neck. Dave\u2019s hands flew to the dark fingers that threatened to choke him, but Dave was no match for the undefined outrage that glowed in the eyes of the Negro boy.<\/p>\n

    Joe realized that Baz was set on killing the other boy\u2026and for good reason, thought Joe. But he couldn\u2019t let it happen. Baz would hang if he killed Dave\u2026it would be called murder and though every inch of his body throbbed with acute pain, Joe struggled to stop his friend from doing what he feared would haunt him the rest of his days.<\/p>\n

    Staggering to his feet and then swaying, Joe moved in close enough that he grabbed Baz by the shoulders and forcibly tried to pull the dark skinned boy away from the white boy. It was useless, Joe was too weak and no match for the intense hatred that he smelled emitting from every pore on the Negro boy\u2019s dirt covered body.<\/p>\n

    \u201cNo Baz\u2026no\u2026you can\u2019t kill him,\u201d shouted Joe, grabbing Baz\u2019s strong black hands.<\/p>\n

    Dave\u2019s face was turning blue, his eyes were wild with fright; his breath was no longer coming from either his nose or his mouth. His struggles were less frantic.<\/p>\n

    \u201cBAZ\u2026NO\u2026PLEASE\u2026YOU CAN\u2019T KILL HIM!\u201d pleaded Joe as he once again strained to pull Baz from the other boy.<\/p>\n

    Joe\u2019s arm was locked around the colored boy\u2019s neck. He yanked backwards with all his waning strength. Frightened at what was transpiring, tears filled his already clouded eyes as he sobbed for his friend to let go of the other boy.<\/p>\n

    And just when he thought it was too late, hands grabbed his shoulders and pulled him from Baz. Joe was gently pushed out of the way. Another set of hands grabbed him and pulled him close, encircling his frail body. Joe suddenly felt safe, felt his strength dissipate as he gave in to his weariness. He abused body slipped quietly to the ground. Just in time, Adam\u2019s strong arms gathered his unconscious brother into his and carried the boy away.<\/p>\n

    Ben and Luther Reeves were left to pry Baz from the fading Dave Brackett, seconds before the white assailant was to draw his last breath. Luther grabbed his son and pulled him into his arms. The boy was weeping profusely. Dave sank to the ground gasping for air. His hands clasped his throat as he struggled to talk. Ben leaned down and pulled the boy to his feet.<\/p>\n

    \u201cHe\u2026was\u2026trying\u2026to\u2026kill\u2026me\u2026\u201d Dave spat in broken words. \u201cHe\u2019s\u2026gonna\u2026hang\u2026the black\u2026son\u2026of a\u2026\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

    \u201cAw shut up,\u201d growled Hoss as he grabbed Dave\u2019s other arm and jerked him along with him, back to the jail.<\/p>\n

    \u201cIf anyone\u2019s gonna hang\u2026its gonna be you!\u201d Hoss taunted.
    \nThe next afternoon, when Joe finally woke up, his father\u2019s face was the first one he saw. Ben smiled down at his son.<\/p>\n

    \u201cWell hello.\u201d<\/p>\n

    With his face hurting like it was, Joe refused to smile.<\/p>\n

    \u201cHi,\u201d he muttered and then looked as if he had suddenly remembered something.<\/p>\n

    \u201cBaz\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

    \u201cHe\u2019s fine son\u2026a little worse for wear, but Doc said he\u2019d be alright in a day or so. How about you\u2026how do you feel?\u201d Ben asked.<\/p>\n

    \u201cI hurt\u2026everywhere\u2026but Pa\u2026Baz\u2019s grandfather\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

    Ben sat down on the side of the bed and leaned down, brushing back the one lock of hair that never seemed capable of staying where it belonged.<\/p>\n

    \u201cHe\u2019s going to be fine too, son\u2026don\u2019t you worry about anyone\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

    \u201cBut I heard someone say he died\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

    \u201cNo\u2026it was all a big mistake\u2026or a well devised plan,\u201d Ben explained.<\/p>\n

    Joe closed his eyes for a moment and then opened them, looking up at his father.<\/p>\n

    \u201cBaz saved my life, Pa\u2026but he tried to kill Dave\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

    \u201cWe know all about that son, but he didn\u2019t. Baz believed his grandfather had died, but that\u2019s what Dave and the others wanted him to believe. You were lured to the grove with the thoughts that Baz was being beaten\u2026he was lured there because of the same reason,\u201d Ben explained.<\/p>\n

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

    \u201cJoe\u2026Dave and the others really did think that Willard Reeves had died\u2026so they were trying to cover their tracks. They thought if they killed you\u2026and lured Baz to the clearing to be the one that found your body\u2026they could suddenly appear and claim it was he who killed you,\u201d Ben continued to explain.<\/p>\n

    \u201cBut why kill me? I mean\u2026all I did was try to help out a friend\u2026did Dave hate me enough to want to see me dead?\u201d Joe said in a strained voice that quivered. \u201cHe used to be my friend\u2026sort of\u2026they all did\u2026and how were they gonna use killing me as a cover for killing Mr. Reeves?\u201d<\/p>\n

    \u201cI don\u2019t know, son\u2026no one knows\u2026I don\u2019t think even Dave or the others knew. They were so consumed with hate directed at the Reeves that they wouldn\u2019t have stopped at anything to try to get them to leave town\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

    \u201cAll because of the color of a man\u2019s skin?\u201d Joe muttered softly.<\/p>\n

    \u201cJoe, for some folks, it\u2019s easier to hate a man than it is to try to understand him. Men hate for many reasons\u2026some reasons may even be justified\u2026but not because one man is black or yellow\u2026or even red. What some don\u2019t seem to understand is that God made all men in His image\u2026just different colors, like a rainbow. All of God\u2019s children are part of that rainbow\u2026you know the song, son, red and yellow, black and white, they are precious in His sight. That\u2019s how God feels\u2026each person, young or old, black or white\u2026even poke-a-dot if there are any people like that\u2026are precious to God. He gave man the inner heart to chose whether to love, like, dislike, or hate. His plan in the beginning was for all men to love one another\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

    \u201cHe made a mistake, didn\u2019t He, Pa?\u201d<\/p>\n

    \u201cNo\u2026God does not make mistakes, Little Joe\u2026man makes the mistakes, always remember that, son\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

    \u201cI will, Pa\u2026Dave, Cliff, Henry and Billy all made big mistakes, didn\u2019t they?\u201d<\/p>\n

    \u201cYes, son, they sure did\u2026and they will have to pay for those mistakes\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

    A soft rapping on the door brought their conversation to a halt. Adam stuck his head into the room.<\/p>\n

    \u201cCan we come in?\u201d he smiled.<\/p>\n

    \u201cOf course,\u201d laughed Ben, rising.<\/p>\n

    Adam and Hoss entered the room, followed by Baz, his father and the elder Mr. Reeves.<\/p>\n

    \u201cSomeone wants to see you, little brother,\u201d Hoss grinned and then moved so that his brother could see who his company was.<\/p>\n

    Joe smiled at his new friends. Luther moved close to the bed.<\/p>\n

    \u201cWe just wanted to see for ourselves that ya be alright, Little Joe\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

    \u201cAnd we wanted to thank ya for what ya did\u2026for Baz, here,\u201d Willard Reeves said as he patted Joe\u2019s hand. \u201cWe\u2019re grateful\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

    \u201cI didn\u2019t do anything,\u201d Joe said in a near whispered voice.<\/p>\n

    \u201cSure ya did, son\u2026you stood up for what ya knew to be right. Ya fought with Baz\u2026to save his hide\u2026and ya fought agin\u2019em to keep his hide\u2026\u201d explained the grandfather. \u201cHe\u2019a killed them boys sure \u2018nough, if\u2019n I\u2019d up and died\u2026we just wanted to say our thanks\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

    Luther and his father tipped their heads at the Cartwrights and slipped out of the room. Ben walked out with them, leaving the younger men to themselves. Adam nudged Hoss and they slipped away unnoticed as well.<\/p>\n

    Baz came closer to the bed. He seemed embarrassed.<\/p>\n

    \u201cHow ya feelin\u2019?\u201d he asked Joe as he sat down in the chair that Ben had pulled close to the bed earlier.<\/p>\n

    \u201cLike I\u2019ve tangled with a wildcat,\u201d Joe said, smiling at last.<\/p>\n

    \u201cI wanna thank ya for what ya did\u2026all of it, I mean\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

    \u201cI didn\u2019t do anything, not really, except get my butt whipped a couple of times,\u201d Joe snickered.<\/p>\n

    Baz laughed. It was the first time that Joe had even see the boy smile, let alone laugh.<\/p>\n

    \u201cYeah\u2026well\u2026I\u2019m sorry about that,\u201d Baz apologized. \u201cI was mad\u2026thinkin\u2019 ya thought I was yella and all\u2026everytime somethin\u2019 happened, I looked up and there ya be\u2026stickin\u2019 ya nose in my business\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

    \u201cI suppose I should apologize for that\u2026\u201d Joe said meekly.<\/p>\n

    \u201cWhy\u2026if ya hadn\u2019t, I\u2019d probably be the one lyin\u2019 in that there bed, \u2018stead of you,\u201d Baz said and then grinned.<\/p>\n

    Joe looked intently at the boy and then shook his head.<\/p>\n

    \u201cSomehow I doubt that, Baz\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

    \u201cYa can call me Bass\u2026\u201d the boy grinned. \u201cMy friends\u2026what few I gots, does.\u201d<\/p>\n

    \u201cAlright, Bass\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

    \u201cLittle Joe\u2026I do wanna thank ya\u2026for keepin\u2019 me from killin\u2019 that boy\u2026\u201d breathed Bass. \u201cI just knew he dun gone and kilt my granddaddy\u2026I was aimin\u2019 of killin\u2019 him for it. I hated him, ya know\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

    \u201cI can\u2019t say that I blame you,\u201d Joe agreed.<\/p>\n

    \u201cIt ain\u2019t right\u2026hatin\u2019 a man I mean. I was wrong for doin\u2019 so. My granddaddy said so\u2026he said I was just as guilty as that white boy was, cause I hated him for bein\u2019 white, all the whiles he was hatin\u2019 me for being\u2019 black\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

    Bass was nodding his head up and down. \u201cAnd my pappy told me that the good book says that hatin\u2019s a sin\u2026that two wrongs don\u2019t make a right\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

    \u201cI know, my Pa tells me things like that all the time,\u201d Joe said, grinning.<\/p>\n

    \u201cYa reckon we\u2019ll ever be like\u2019em\u2026our pappies I mean?\u201d<\/p>\n

    \u201cI don\u2019t know, Bass\u2026but I sure hope so\u2026I mean, I\u2019ve got the best Pa around\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

    \u201cNo, I do\u2026\u201d Bass said, laughing in a daring way.<\/p>\n

    \u201cOkay\u2026you\u2019ve got the best\u2026black father around\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

    Bass giggled, sounding much like his new found friend.<\/p>\n

    \u201cAnd you\u2019ve got the best\u2026white father around\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

    \u201cYep\u2026guess we can say they\u2019re part of the rainbow too,\u201d Joe said smugly.<\/p>\n

    Bass looked confused.<\/p>\n

    \u201cThe rainbow\u2026what rainbow?\u201d he questioned.<\/p>\n

    \u201cYou mean, your pa ain\u2019t never told you about God\u2019s rainbow?\u201d Joe asked in mock surprise.<\/p>\n

    \u201cNo\u2026I don\u2019t reckon he has.\u201d<\/p>\n

    Joe settled himself against the pillows that were behind his back and motioned for Bass to sit back down.<\/p>\n

    \u201cTake a seat\u2026I\u2019ll explain it to you\u2026\u201d he offered in a know-all manner.<\/p>\n

    Bass did as requested and sat down, pulling the chair closer to the bed, if that were possible. He turned ready ears toward Joe, anxious to learn of God\u2019s strange rainbow.<\/p>\n

    \u201cNow you see,\u201d began Joe, \u201cit\u2019s like this\u2026God designed man to\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026..\u201d
    \nTHE END
    \nAugust 2005
    \nEpilogue: Several months later, Bass Reeves and his family moved to Okalahoma Indian Territory. Little did either Joe Cartwright or Bass Reeves know that years later they\u2019d meet again, when Bass had been appointed one of several black United States Marshals working under the orders of Judge Isaac C. Parker to track down criminals in western Arkansas and Indian Territory. By that time, Bass Reeves\u2019 name would be widely known throughout the western portion of the country as one of the bravest men this country had ever known and whose devotion to duty was beyond reproach.<\/p>\n

    *Portions of Bass Reeves\u2019 life, has been slightly altered in order to blend with fiction.<\/p>\n

    Next in the Part of the Rainbow Series:<\/strong><\/p>\n

    The Dark Side of the Rainbow<\/a><\/p>\n

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

    Summary:\u00a0 When an ex-slave comes to Virginia City, bringing with him, his son who enrolls in the local school, and whom Little Joe tries to befriend, the community is divided on the issue. Certain facts about the family begin to surface, teaching everyone that every child is part of God’s beautiful rainbow.<\/p>\n

    Rated:\u00a0 PG13 (deals with racism) (15, 450 words)<\/p>\n

    Part of the Rainbow Series, links to all the stories within the series included.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":9052,"featured_media":14538,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"template-full-width-post.php","format":"standard","meta":{"_jetpack_newsletter_access":"","_jetpack_dont_email_post_to_subs":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_tier_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paywalled_content":false,"_jetpack_feature_clip_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":"","jetpack_publicize_message":"","jetpack_publicize_feature_enabled":true,"jetpack_social_post_already_shared":false,"jetpack_social_options":{"image_generator_settings":{"template":"highway","default_image_id":0,"font":"","enabled":false},"version":2},"jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false,"_members_access_role":[],"_members_access_error":""},"categories":[23,1008,30],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-12282","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-drama","category-family","category-prequels","wpcat-23-id","wpcat-1008-id","wpcat-30-id"],"jetpack_publicize_connections":[],"jetpack_likes_enabled":true,"jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/01\/Rainbow.jpeg?fit=275%2C183&ssl=1","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/12282","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=12282"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/12282\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/14538"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=12282"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=12282"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=12282"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}