{"id":12283,"date":"2005-09-01T14:19:05","date_gmt":"2005-09-01T18:19:05","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=12283"},"modified":"2026-07-29T13:47:43","modified_gmt":"2026-07-29T17:47:43","slug":"the-dark-side-of-the-rainbow-by-debbieb","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=12283","title":{"rendered":"The Dark Side of the Rainbow (by DebbieB)"},"content":{"rendered":"

Summary:<\/strong>\u00a0 Part 2 of Part of the Rainbow.\u00a0 Five years later Joe meets his old friend and now US Marshal, Bass Reeves, but this time under much different circumstances.\u00a0 Both learn that there are two sides to the rainbow…can one help the other see beyond the dark side of the rainbow?<\/p>\n

Rated:<\/strong>\u00a0 PG (17,300 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

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

    The sun was beginning to set low over the horizon as Joe Cartwright settled in for the night. His campfire was burning softly, his horse was bedded down and Joe was sipping the last drops of his coffee from the tin cup that he held in his left hand. Next to him, his older brother Hoss was already sleeping, snoring loudly as the gentle giant lay wrapped in his bedroll. Joe glanced down at the slumbering giant, snickering softly.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cI don\u2019t know how you do it, big brother,\u201d Joe mumbled softly to himself, \u201cthis ground is solid as a rock\u2026and yet you\u2019re snoring, sleeping like a baby.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Joe tossed the remains from his cup and sat down on his own bedroll to pull his boots off. He rubbed one bare foot and then the other.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cOh\u2026that feels good,\u201d he moaned as he stretched out on top of his blanket and nestled his head against the underside of his saddle that served as his pillow.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Within minutes, Joe was sleeping as soundly as his older brother, totally unaware of the danger that lurked in the shadows and whose presence would soon be made known to both brothers.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    The fire was just about out and the shadows had grown larger and darker. The dying embers emitted only enough glow that the figures that crept into the little clearing and circled the brothers appeared larger than real and took on spooky, grotesque shapes that reflected off the trees and brush nearby.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    The four men stood over the brothers, two over Joe and two over Hoss. One man stared disbelievingly down at the slumbering form of Little Joe, shaking his head from side to side.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cI thought I recognized that pinto,\u201d he whispered to the others. \u201cThese here boys, is the Cartwrights!\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Joe\u2019s dulled senses were too addled by sleep for him to wake up fully. His sub-conscious mind was only dimly aware enough to know that they had visitors.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Hoss on the other hand, shifted his huge frame from his right side over onto his back, opening his eyes and seeing the strangers standing over him.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cWhat the blazes!\u201d he shouted as he made an attempt to reach for his gun.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    The shouting and loud blast of gunfire was enough to jar Joe from his slumber. He managed to grab his pistol from its holster and jump to his feet, but was too slow to be of help to his brother. A sharp stabbing pain across the side of his head quickly rendered him defenseless and unconscious. His body sagged to the ground, landing onto his bedroll and looking as if he were asleep, peacefully. All he\u2019d be able to recall later were the silhouettes of four men, hovering over his brother\u2019s body.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cCome on\u2026search them\u2026\u201d ordered the ringleader.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Quickly, a man searched each one of the brothers while the boss stood back and watched.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cBill\u2026look in their saddlebags\u2026see if they have any money on them. They\u2019ve sold some horses back there in that town\u2026I heard someone talking about it\u2026they should have some cash\u2026somewhere.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cHere it is,\u201d grinned the tall, slim man who pulled a money belt from around the inside of Hoss\u2019 bloodied shirt.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    He tossed it to his leader, glancing down at Hoss. \u201cHe\u2019s dead, boss\u2026sure is a big galoot.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cThis one here ain\u2019t got nothing on him\u2026he\u2019s unconscious\u2026want me to finish him off, Dave?\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Dave Brackett was counting the money in the belt. He let out a low whistle.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cWhew,\u201d he said, \u201cThere\u2019s better\u2019n five grand in here.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    He glanced down at Joe, grinning.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cLet him be,\u201d he said as he wrapped the money belt around his own waist, hiding it beneath his shirt. \u201cI\u2019ll take care of him when he comes lookin\u2019 for me\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cWhy wait boss?\u201d Henry wanted to know. \u201cLets finish him now\u2026otherwise, we\u2019ll have to be watchin\u2019 our backs all the time\u2026I remember that kid\u2026how he was always doggin\u2019 us in school\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cNo\u2026I want him to come looking for me\u2026that way, I\u2019ll be sure he knew it was us what killed his brother over there. I want him alive\u2026I have plans for him\u2026\u201d laughed Dave.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    He turned to Bill and Cliff. \u201cFind anything else?\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cNaw\u2026just supplies,\u201d Cliff informed his leader.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cTake them, we\u2019ll need it,\u201d ordered Dave as he stooped down and grabbed Joe\u2019s chin.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    He turned the young man\u2019s head so that he could look at Joe\u2019s face.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cStill as handsome as ever,\u201d he muttered, \u201cbut you won\u2019t be\u2026not when I get finished with you,\u201d he sneered.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Dave reached into his pocket and pulled something from deep within, tossing it onto Joe\u2019s chest.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cHere, you\u2019re gonna need this\u2026when ya come lookin\u2019 for me,\u201d he laughed outright.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Joe had no idea how long he\u2019d been out, only that when he woke up he had an enormous throbbing in his head. Still dazed, he pushed himself to his knees and rubbed his head. His eyes were squinted tightly shut as if he thought by so doing, he could will the pain away, but it was useless, the pounding continued. Slowly, Joe opened his eyes and glanced around\u2026<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cHOSS!\u201d he shouted and then groaned as a flash of pain spurted through his temples.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Petrified at the sight of his brother, lying deathly still, eyes shut, lips slightly blue amid the puddle of blood that had already begun to congeal, Joe let out another horrifying scream.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cNOOOO!\u201d he bellowed, ignoring the burst of pain shooting through his head.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Frantically, Joe scrambled over to what he feared would be his brother\u2019s corpse. He gazed through his blinding tears into the face of the man he\u2019d always considered as his very best friend.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cHoss\u2026\u201d whispered Joe, feeling the neck for a pulse and finding only a very weak one. \u201cOh God\u2026please\u2026please\u2026don\u2019t let him be dead!\u201d sobbed Joe.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    He then ripped opened the remainder of Hoss\u2019 shirt, revealing the hole where the bullet had entered the chest. Joe\u2019s face formed a frown and for a brief second, he had to look away, unable to examine his brother further. The entry sight into the body had already begun to bruise; the ripped and torn flesh was reddish brown with dried blood. Looking more closely, Joe breathed a sigh of relief to find that the bleeding had stopped for the time being\u2026but then something his father had once told him, came back to haunt him and stir is heart with fresh fear\u2026dead men don\u2019t bleed\u2026<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cBut you aren\u2019t dead,\u201d muttered Joe as he worked at cleaning the wound. \u201cYou got a pulse\u2026so I know your alive,\u201d he continued to muttered, more out of fear for Hoss than to convince himself.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cHoss,\u201d Joe said, gently wiping the dirt and dried blood from Hoss\u2019 rotund face where it had splattered. \u201cPlease\u2026open your eyes\u2026talk to me\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Joe mumbled on and on to himself as he worked at the wound and with getting his brother comfortable. Hoss had been shot at close range; Joe wondered why the entry had not done more damage to the flesh but then remembered that his brother had been wearing the money belt that contained the cash they\u2019d made from the sale of their horses.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cIt must have slowed down the bullet\u2026but I can\u2019t get it out, Hoss\u2026it\u2019s too deep\u2026\u201d sighed Joe despairingly.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Sweat dotted his brow; once or twice he had to stop what he was doing and close his eyes until everything about him stopped spinning. His temples were pulsating with sharp twinges that nearly blinded him and it was only his inner determination that drove him on and refused to allow him to quit.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Joe\u2019s heart was in his throat, his eyes kept darting to Hoss\u2019 face, hoping that his brother would open his eyes and talk to him\u2026to tell him who had shot him\u2026and left him for dead.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Suddenly the young man felt a surge of hate boil up and overflow into his heart. The feeling left him nauseous as though he might throw up. Joe swallowed to force the urge back down into his stomach. Tenderly, with tears building again in his hazel eyes, Joe\u2019s fingers lightly traced the outline of his brother\u2019s face. He leaned his head down and spoke in a soft, determined voice.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cI\u2019m gonna get him, Hoss\u2026I swear on my mama\u2019s grave, I\u2019m gonna get the man who did this to you\u2026if it\u2019s the last thing I ever do\u2026I\u2019ll get him.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Bravely, Joe ignored his own pain while he worked steadily on a travois in which to haul Hoss back to the ranch. They had been nearly home when they stopped for the night. Inwardly Joe blamed himself for the stopover. He\u2019d been worn out and had made the suggestion that they stop for the night and do a little fishing while they had the chance. At first Hoss had not seemed to want to stop, he was complaining about being hungry for some of Hop Sing\u2019s home cooking, but after Joe had put on his sad, little boy face that he often used to get his own way, Hoss had given in and they had camped for the night. Now, that he had gotten his way, Joe was ashamed of himself for suckering his brother into doing something that he knew Hoss had not really wanted to do.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cI\u2019m sorry, big guy,\u201d he whispered as he worked.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    He had no idea how he was going to move Hoss. Hoss was a big man, nearly twice his size and heavy too. Being unconscious added to the weight\u2026what was it Adam called it\u2026dead weight? Joe made a grunting sound, he didn\u2019t like that thought at all.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cThis is gonna hurt, Hoss,\u201d Joe muttered as he took Hoss\u2019 arms and gently tugged him along.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Chubb had been moved closer to where Hoss lay; the travois had been tied to Hoss\u2019 big saddle, now all that was left for him to do was to get Hoss on the crudely built rig that would carry him home, which would not be an easy endeavor.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Joe worked for several minutes pulling Hoss up onto the travois and then tying him down so that his body would not move around too much when they began the ride home. When Joe looked down at his hands, he was surprised to see them trembling. Even his stomach seemed to be doing flips and he suddenly wished he\u2019d taken time to drink at least one cup of coffee before snuffing out the dying embers of the fire. It was too late for that now, he\u2019d just have to chew on a piece of jerky, if there were any left in his saddlebag. Quickly Joe grabbed what few personal belongings they had and rolled them in his bedroll before tying it to the back of his horse. He stooped down to grab Hoss\u2019 blanket to cover him, but in so doing he spied something on the ground. When he picked it up and looked at it, he saw that it was a matchbook.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cThe murdering bastard must have dropped this,\u201d he muttered to himself.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Joe turned the matchbook over to inspect it for any clues and found on the front, what he had been looking for. In faded red letters the name, Whiskey Pete\u2019s Royal Palace<\/em>, was printed in small letters.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cEl Reno, Oklahoma<\/em>\u2026whew\u2026long ways from home\u2026\u201d pondered Joe, slipping the tiny piece of evidence into his jacket pocket. He tapped it lightly and then turned his attention back to getting his brother home.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    After several miles, Joe was forced to stop. Hoss had begun to moan and Joe\u2019s head was hurting so that he could barely focus his eyes. He grabbed his canteen and knelt down next to Hoss and pulled the cork from the mouth of the container.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cHere\u2026try to swallow a bit,\u201d he encouraged his brother.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    The water trickled down Hoss\u2019 chin. Discouraged, Joe dampened his neckerchief and wiped gently at his brother\u2019s face. When he opened the soiled shirt, he puckered up his face into a frown. The wound had begun to seep blood again. Joe ripped a clean cloth into strips and laid it over the wound, covering that with Hoss\u2019 shirt and the blanket.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cWe\u2019ll be home in a couple of hours, Hoss,\u201d Joe promised.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Hoss couldn\u2019t hear him, nor did he make any response to suggest otherwise. Joe swallowed down the anger, the guilt and the hatred he\u2019d been harboring all morning and mounted up. His brother needed a doctor, and soon, or the bullet to his chest would prove more powerful than the battle to live that was going on inside the gentle giant.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cCome on, Cooch,\u201d Joe urged his mount.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    The sun had begun to climb higher in the sky and its hot rays were beating down on both young men. Hoss appeared unaffected by the heat, but Joe with his pounding headache that seemed to shoot out spasms of pain each time his heart beat, was beginning to wither quickly as his horse trod along setting his own pace. Joe\u2019s body swayed from side to side in rhythm to his horse\u2019s movements. His eyes were closed tightly, his head was bent low over his chest and his shoulders sagged as if they bore the weight of the world across their width.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Cochise felt his rider\u2019s body shift to one side, automatically stopping as he had been trained to do. Joe slipped from the saddle and landed with a thud at Cochise\u2019s feet. The horse snorted softly, nudged his master with the end of his velvet nose and then moved away so as not to step on the boy. Chubb, whose reins were tied to the horn on Joe\u2019s saddle, moved along with Cochise. After waiting for several moments for his young rider to get up, and getting no response, both horses began munching on the tender green grass, paying no further attention to the unconscious boy on the ground or of the wounded man who lay dying on the travois that followed along after the big steed.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Ben Cartwright pulled his large buckskin stallion to a halt and twisted around in the saddle to face his oldest son, Adam.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cI knew better than to let those two hooligan\u2019s take those horses to that sale!\u201d stormed Ben.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    His boys, as he often referred to them, were two days late in returning from Placerville where the pair had taken a small herd of some of the finest horses to a sale. Hoss and Little Joe were to make the sale, collect their money and head straight home. It was nearing round-up time and their services were needed at home. Ben had made it plain, in no uncertain terms to both young men, that they were not to dally along, nor were they to stop for the sheer enjoyment of spending their time fishing, a hobby that both boys enjoyed doing. Ben shook his head; his expression showed his disappointment.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cJoe\u2026I can see doing just the opposite of what I asked him to do, but Hoss\u2026I thought I could have counted on him to do the right thing\u2026\u201d Ben grumbled.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cWell, you know how Hoss is when it comes to our younger brother, Pa\u2026he can\u2019t say no to the boy\u2026no matter what\u2026it\u2019s always been like that and you know it,\u201d Adam declared with a grin on his face that he tried to hide by wiping his face with his neck scarf.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cYou don\u2019t have to remind me\u2026what is it with that boy anyway? He always manages to wrap Hoss\u2026and me and you too, Adam, around his little finger\u2026\u201d Ben proclaimed and then snickered to himself.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cI agree, Pa\u2026we can\u2019t blame Hoss, we\u2019re just as bad as he is,\u201d laughed Adam for real this time. \u201cCome on, we\u2019ll most likely run into them along the trail before much longer.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Adam urged his mount ahead of his father. He heard Ben mumbling to himself from behind and it caused him to smile. His father might rant and rave about the unwillingness of his youngest offspring\u2019s lack of following orders, but Adam knew that once Ben had simmered down, he would be relieved to see that his \u2018baby\u2019 was well and safe and that Joe\u2019s transgressions would once again be forgiven.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    They had ridden in near silence for about an hour when Adam suddenly pulled his horse to stopped and pointed ahead.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cPa\u2026look\u2026what do make of that?\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Ben sided his horse next to Adam\u2019s and stopped. He strained his eyes, looking ahead at where Adam was pointing.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cWell, what do you know?\u201d he said with a touch of irritation in his voice. \u201cJust as I suspected, they\u2019re dilly-dallying as usual. Come on!\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Ben kicked Buck\u2019s sides causing the horse to break into a run. Adam urged Sport to follow. Within a matter of seconds, both had entered the clearing where they had seen Cochise and Chubb grazing. It was only when Ben dismounted and circled his sons\u2019 horses that he spied the travois with it\u2019s passenger.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cADAM!\u201d shouted Ben, horrified to see Hoss lying unconscious on the travois.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Quickly both men approached the carrier; Ben went straight to his son while Adam quickly untied the rigging from Hoss\u2019 saddle.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cDear God\u2026he\u2019s been shot, Adam!\u201d Ben practically shouted as he glanced up at his eldest son. \u201cHelp me pull this thing into the shade, he\u2019s burning up with fever!\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Together Adam and Ben managed to pull the travois under a tree where shade was provided. Adam ran back to his horse and grabbed his canteen, handing it to his father who promptly offered water to his wounded son. Hoss moaned softly as his father managed to force a few drops of the cool liquid into his son\u2019s mouth. He glanced around and then turned to Adam.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cI wonder where Joe is\u2026see if you can find him, he might be down at the creek,\u201d Ben said as he began to inspect Hoss\u2019 bullet wound.<\/p>\n

    Adam disappeared into the brush, only to return minutes later with Joe in his arms.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cPa\u2026Joe\u2019s hurt too,\u201d he said as he dropped to one knee and lowered his brother onto the ground next to Hoss.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Ben stepped over the travois and knelt down next to his youngest son.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cHe\u2019s been hit over the head\u2026hard, there\u2019s a goose egg the size of Hop Sing\u2019s dishpan on the back of his head, see, right here,\u201d Adam explained, showing Ben where Joe\u2019s head was swollen.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cMy God,\u201d Ben said worried. \u201cWe have to get these two home, they need a doctor.\u201d Ben was examining Joe\u2019s head wound. \u201cMy guess is he\u2019s got a concussion\u2026and probably a tremendous headache,\u201d Ben added.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cPa,\u201d Adam said softly. He had moved to Hoss\u2019 side but now turned to his father. His dark eyes were clouded with anger. \u201cThe money belt\u2019s gone\u2026they were robbed.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cI know, son, but I\u2019m not concerned about the money now\u2026it\u2019s these two I\u2019m worried about.\u201d Ben glanced around.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cThere\u2019s no camp\u2026so my guess would be that this happened last night, looking at this wound\u2026and Joe was trying to get Hoss home\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cAnd he passed out before he got there, makes sense considering the size of this bump,\u201d Adam finished. \u201cI wonder\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Ben glanced up as he wiped Joe\u2019s face with a cool rag. \u201cYou wonder what, son?\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cIf Joe saw the ones responsible\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cI don\u2019t know\u2026only Joe can say, but I\u2019d guess that Joe might have been sleeping, or caught with his back turned\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cPa, it could have been the other way around. Joe could have been hit from behind first and Hoss wondered back into camp\u2026saw who it was that hit Joe and was shot\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Ben stood to his feet, glancing from Hoss\u2019 ashen face to Joe\u2019s whose own face was drained of color.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cDoesn\u2019t matter, son\u2026we still need to get a move on\u2026Hoss especially needs attending to. Come on, you can ride double with Joe and I\u2019ll tend to Hoss,\u201d Ben said as he went after the horses.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    When Joe was settled in front of his older brother, Ben led the way, keeping a watchful eye on the travois as they moved slowly closer and closer toward home. Adam rode for miles with his brother\u2019s head leaning back against his shoulder, his own arm wrapped protectively about his younger brother\u2019s waist. It was only when Joe began to moan and start to wiggle around that Adam signal for his father to stop.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Ben dismounted, casting a quick glance at Hoss whom had neither moved nor made a sound. He hurried to Adam\u2019s side where he helped to lower Joe down on the ground.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cEasy, son,\u201d Ben said in his deep soothing voice. \u201cGet some water, Adam, please.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cJoe\u2026take it easy, boy\u2026your Pa\u2019s here now\u2026and Adam, everything\u2019s going to be alright.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Ben accepted the canteen and offered the lip to Joe who swallowed thirstily. His head began to loll from side to side, but his father\u2019s gentle hands held him firmly.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cOpen your eyes, Joseph\u2026there\u2026see, I told you everything was going to be fine,\u201d Ben said, offering the addled young man a comforting smile.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Joe stretched his arm upward, his fingers seeking to touch his father\u2019s face. Ben grasped the fingers in his hand and held them.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cPa\u2026it\u2019s really you\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cYes\u2026and Adam\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Ben saw Joe swallow hard and then try to turn his head as if looking for someone.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cHoss\u2026Pa\u2026Hoss\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cShh\u2026we found him, son\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cHe\u2019s\u2026been shot\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cWe know, son\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Adam moved closer. \u201cHey buddy\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Joe\u2019s eyes fixed themselves on his brother\u2019s face.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cJoe\u2026do you know who shot Hoss\u2026and who hit you?\u201d Adam asked anxiously for he was seething with anger and ready to hunt down the ones who had so callously left his brothers to die.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Joe squeezed his eyes tightly shut for a moment and then opened them, looking up at his brother.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cNo,\u201d he muttered in a whispered voice. \u201cI was sleeping\u2026I woke up when the gun went off, but someone knocked me over the head\u2026before I\u2026had a chance\u2026to see\u2026who it was.\u201d Joe swallowed again and looked this time up at his father. \u201cWhen\u2026I came to\u2026they had\u2026taken the money\u2026and left\u2026Hoss to die\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cAnd you have no idea who they were?\u201d Adam demanded harshly.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cAdam\u2026he said he didn\u2019t see anyone\u2026now come on\u2026we have to get home!\u201d Ben chided gently.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cI know\u2026I\u2019m sorry Joe\u2026its just\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cIt\u2019s alright\u2026Adam\u2026I felt the same\u2026way when\u2026I found him,\u201d Joe said weakly.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Ben started to help Joe to his feet; Adam took his brother\u2019s other arm and helped pull Joe up.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cDo you think you can ride son?\u201d Ben asked, dusting off small partials of dirt from Joe\u2019s clothing.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cI can try,\u201d Joe offered.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cGood boy,\u201d Ben walked Joe to his horse and as he helped the boy mount up, he turned to Adam.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cSon, we should be home in about an hour, I want you to ride into town and fetch the doctor. We\u2019ll meet you back at the ranch, please.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cAlright, Pa\u2026that\u2019ll save us some time. Joe, take care and for heaven\u2019s sake, hang on\u2026\u201d Adam said.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    He stood next to his brother\u2019s horse, his hand rested gently on Joe\u2019s leg.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cI\u2019ll do my best, big brother,\u201d Joe said and offered a small smile.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    By the time that Ben led his sons into the yard, Joe was again slumped over in the saddle, barely hanging on. When they stopped in front of the house, Hop Sing and one of the ranch hands hurried over to help Joe down and into the house.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cHop Sing, put him to bed,\u201d Ben ordered as he watched Joe staggering along with Hop Sing allowing Joe to lean heavily against him.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cJim, get some more men and help me carry Hoss inside, Adam\u2019s already gone for the doctor,\u201d Ben issued.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cSure thing, Mr. Cartwright.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    It took three more men besides Ben and Jim to carry Hoss inside and up the steps to his room. Hoss groaned as spasms of agony shot through his fevered body. Ben tried talking to him, urging him to open his eyes but Hoss had allowed his mind to close to everything about him except for the anguish that his huge body was being made to endure.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    An hour later, Doc Martin entered the room. The room was lit only by the soft glow of the lamp that Ben had lit earlier as darkness began to claim daylight. Joe was sleeping at last in his own room, having worn himself out by arguing with his father about seeing Hoss. Ben had won at last, promising his son that as soon as the doctor arrived and given the okay, Joe could go to his brother\u2019s room for a short visit\u2026if the physician agreed. Joe had laid his head back against the pillow, squeezing his eyes tightly, fighting back both the pain in his head and the tears that threatened to overflow. His heart was filled with remorse\u2026guilt\u2026blame\u2026anguish and then hate for the ones who were responsible. Ben knew nothing of his youngest son\u2019s inner turmoil, and was only aware of the suffering that showed on the boy\u2019s young face.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cThat bullet\u2019s in deep, Ben,\u201d Paul whispered. \u201cI\u2019ll have to operate\u2026now, he\u2019s lost a lot of blood, but that bullet\u2019s been in his chest much too long as it is.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cIs it risky?\u201d Ben wanted to know as he stood near the bed.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cI won\u2019t lie to you, Ben\u2026\u201d Paul Martin motioned for his friend to follow him out of the room and into the hallway where Adam joined them.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cWhat are his chances, Paul?\u201d Ben asked.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    His face was beginning to show the stress and worry that he had for his son.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cSlim\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cWhat!\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cI\u2019m sorry, Ben\u2026but you know I\u2019ll do my best. Hoss is young and strong\u2026but even so\u2026Ben, he needed a doctor immediately\u2026when it first happened,\u201d Paul explained with remorse.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cJoe did the best he could, in getting his brother help, Paul\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cOh, I don\u2019t blame him\u2026after all\u2026they were miles from a town\u2026or home. I\u2019m just saying, Hoss would have had better odds twenty-four hours ago\u2026\u201d sighed the physician.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Ben gulped down his frustration and glanced at Adam and then again at the doctor.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cDo what you can, please,\u201d he said quietly.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Paul nodded his head. \u201cYou know I will, old friend.\u201d He turned then to Hop Sing who was just coming from Joe\u2019s room. \u201cHow\u2019s my other patient?\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cSleeping like a baby\u2026he put up lit\u2019le fight\u2026no like medicine you make him take\u2026\u201d smiled Hop Sing.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cHe\u2019ll sleep for several hours\u2026which is what he needs, that goose egg was pretty big, but thank goodness his concussion was only minor.\u201d Paul turned to Ben, taking a deep breath. \u201cWhy don\u2019t you go sit with Little Joe for a bit\u2026I have an operation to perform?\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cI think I will\u2026just in case he wakes up. Joe was pretty set on seeing Hoss. You will\u2026call me, won\u2019t you\u2026as soon as you know something?\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Paul placed his hand on Ben\u2019s arm, squeezing gently. \u201cI promise,\u201d he said and then turned, disappearing into Hoss\u2019 room. Hop Sing bowed to his boss in a humble manner and followed after the physician.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    When Paul tapped lightly on Joe\u2019s bedroom door and received no answer, he pushed the door opened wider and looked inside. Ben was sitting in a chair close to the bed and from the angle of his head Paul knew that his best friend had fallen to sleep. He glanced at Joe who was sleeping also and then checked the young man\u2019s vitals, which met with his satisfaction.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cGood thing all you Cartwrights have hard heads,\u201d he muttered softly to himself.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Ben stirred, shifting his body in the chair. When Paul touched him lightly on the shoulder, Ben jerked upright, startled by the gently nudge. The instant he spied the doctor standing over him, he stood, casting a quick glance at Joe and then followed Paul from the room into the hallway.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cHow is Hoss doing?\u201d Ben asked immediately.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Adam, who had been in his room resting, entered into the hallway.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cWell?\u201d he questioned the physician.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cI\u2019m surprised Ben, the boy\u2019s doing much better than I thought he would,\u201d Paul smiled. \u201cI got the bullet, which wasn\u2019t as deep as I first thought\u2026something must have slowed the entry.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cThe money belt, most likely,\u201d Adam said. \u201cHe was probably shot first and then robbed.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Catching the tone of his son\u2019s voice, Ben quickly jerked his head around to stare at Adam.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cWe can just be thankful he had it on, son,\u201d Ben said, hoping to ease some of the anger he saw brewing in Adam\u2019s eyes.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cWhatever it was, probably saved his life\u2026that along with the care that Little Joe gave him,\u201d the doctor added.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cThen Hoss is going to be alright?\u201d the anxious father inquired.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cIf his fever doesn\u2019t get much higher and baring any infection\u2026I\u2019d say so, Ben,\u201d Paul smiled. \u201cHe\u2019s one lucky young man, if that had been Little Joe who was shot at close range\u2026money belt or not, I\u2019m afraid Joe would not have been so fortunate.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    The kind doctor reached his arm out and squeezed his friend\u2019s shoulder. \u201cI\u2019ll check on Joe before I leave. Hoss will be out for some time, Ben, so don\u2019t worry if he doesn\u2019t wake up for a while. You and Adam can go in, but don\u2019t disturb him, please. I\u2019m heading back to town as soon as I see Joe\u2026send word if you need me\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Ben shook the doctor\u2019s hand. His grip was firm as he pumped the physician\u2019s arm up and down. Relief mixed with gratitude shown in his dark, expressive eyes and in the tone of his deep voice.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cThank you, Paul\u2026God only knows what would happen to my family if it were not for friends like you\u2026doctors like you\u2026\u201d Ben corrected.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cBoth,\u201d Adam said taking Paul\u2019s other hand. When Adam smiled his thanks, the kindly physician nodded his head, humbled by the grateful words of his friends.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Things hadn\u2019t gone as Ben had hoped. Paul Martin was called back to the Ponderosa late the same night. Hoss\u2019 fever had sky rocketed, sending the wounded man into convulsions and scaring his father and older brother half to death.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    By the time that the physician arrived, Ben and Adam had seen fit to pack Hoss in ice from the cellar, a move that seemed to have worked for the time being. There wasn\u2019t much more that could be done for the man at that point, except keep a close watch on Hoss\u2019 temperature and make sure that fresh ice was brought up regularly.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    It was the middle of the next afternoon before Joe woke from his drug induced sleep and finding himself alone in the room, he slipped silently from the bed, determined to see his brother. He paused just outside his room, which was near the top of the stairs. He could hear voices below, and knew that his father and Adam were talking to the doctor, whose voice he recognized. He listened closely but the men were talking softly and it was hard to hear. Joe crossed the hall, better positioning himself to hear what was being said.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cI\u2019m sorry, Ben\u2026I\u2019ve done all I can for him. Now it\u2019s up to Hoss,\u201d Paul said. \u201cHe\u2019s much worse now than before\u2026I\u2026don\u2019t think he has the strength left to fight\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cBut he has too!\u201d Joe heard his father proclaim in a strained voice. \u201cHe can\u2019t be dying!\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cBen\u2026I\u2019m sorry\u2026but\u2026we should know something in a few hours\u2026by then\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Joe had heard enough, not caring that he wore anything other than the trousers that he had pulled on under his night shirt, Joe made his way to Hoss\u2019 room, flinging the door wide as he staggered toward the bed. Hoss\u2019 eyes were closed. Joe kneeled down close to his brother\u2019s head, appalled at how pale and sick the big man looked. He swallowed down his grief and gently placed his hand on Hoss\u2019 head, fingering the fine, thinning hair in a loving manner.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cHoss,\u201d whispered Joe. Tears welled in his eyes. \u201cI\u2019m sorry\u2026I shouldn\u2019t have asked\u2026you to stop for the\u2026night\u2026you didn\u2019t want\u2026to,\u201d he said, sniffling.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cPlease, Hoss\u2026you gotta try\u2026you\u2026can\u2019t die\u2026you big ox\u2026don\u2019t you know\u2026I\u2026I need you, Hoss\u2026I need you!\u201d sobbed Joe.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    He laid his hand across his face, swiping at the tears that rolled down his cheeks as he fought not to cry.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cHoss\u2026listen to me\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

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

     <\/p>\n

    The faint whisper was strained and filled with pain, but hearing the sound of his beloved brother\u2019s voice filled the younger man with fresh hope.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cHoss!\u201d smiled Joe through his tears.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cJoe\u2026ya\u2026gotta\u2026listen\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Joe tenderly placed his hand over Hoss\u2019 lips. \u201cShh\u2026don\u2019t try to talk big guy\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Weakly, Hoss brushed away Joe\u2019s hand.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cJoe\u2026Dave\u2026Brackett\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Joe\u2019s expression was one of doubt. He wasn\u2019t sure what Hoss was trying to tell him. Why now, after all these years would his brother mention Dave Brackett, Joe\u2019s long ago school chum?<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cHoss\u2026what about Dave?\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    He watched as Hoss swallowed and tried to form his words. Joe frowned as he eyed the suffering on his brother\u2019s face. Once again the guilt and hatred he\u2019d been feeling filled his heart and soul and inwardly he vowed to find the ones responsible.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Hoss\u2019 eyes seemed to be having trouble focusing. They moved slowly, searching for Joe\u2019s face. His large, beefy hand groped the air for a handhold; Joe quickly grasped for it.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cI\u2019m here, Hoss\u2026what about Dave?\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cThe\u2026money\u2026Dave\u2026Cliff\u2026took\u2026the\u2026money\u2026\u201d Hoss was gasping for air, his blue eyes rolled uncontrollably around in his head, scaring Joe.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cHoss\u2026look at me\u2026\u201d Joe said frantically as he squeezed Hoss\u2019 hand and waited until his brother could steady himself enough to focus on his face.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cAre you saying\u2026Dave Brackett and Cliff\u2026his old side-kick\u2026are the ones who\u2026shot you\u2026and robbed us?\u201d Joe asked in total disbelief.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    He had heard that Dave and Cliff, along with Henry and Billy had left the area and headed elsewhere\u2026Indian Territory\u2026Joe thought. The foursome had been trouble for him and another boy\u2026an ex-slave boy by the name of Bass Reeves\u2026who had moved away as well. Over the years, Joe had heard little of Dave and his gang except that they had crossed over the line of the law and had taken up a life of crime.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Hoss was growing weaker but he managed to nod his head yes. When his eyes closed, Joe felt the strength leave his brother\u2019s hand as it went limp in his. Carefully, Joe placed the large beefy hand on the bed. He choked back his tears and swallowed his fears. Never before had he seen Hoss in such poor shape. The man looked as if he was dying and that thought frightened the younger one.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Joe leaned closer.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cI swear to you, Hoss\u2026I\u2019ll get them\u2026come hell or high water\u2026I\u2019ll get them for what they\u2019ve done to you\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

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

     <\/p>\n

    The deep voice behind him jarred Joe from his misery. Joe pushed himself up and slowly turned around, just in time to see his father come into Hoss\u2019 bedroom. Ben looked worried.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cJoe\u2026you shouldn\u2019t be out of bed, son,\u201d Ben said gently, casting troubled eyes down at Hoss.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cI had to see him, Pa\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cIt\u2019s alright son\u2026he\u2019s still out\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cHe spoke to me\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cWhat? That\u2019s wonderful, Joe,\u201d Ben said as he moved to the side of the bed. \u201cHe\u2019s sleeping now, though\u2026what did he say?\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Joe had to think fast. No way was he going to tell his father what Hoss had actually said. He was already determined to find Dave Brackett and his gang of murdering sons-of-\u2026..<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cNothing really, just that he was trying to get better\u2026and not to fret so over him\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Joe knew it was a lie\u2026but when he saw the relief that flooded his father\u2019s face, he wasn\u2019t sorry he\u2019d told the little fib. He vowed to himself to confess later\u2026when Hoss was well again and back on his feet\u2026if Hoss got better. Joe glanced down at his brother\u2019s near lifeless form and a sudden urge to run washed over him. He roughly pushed his father\u2019s hand off his arm where Ben had gently placed it and hurried from the room, nearly colliding with Adam who was just coming in.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Adam stepped aside. \u201cWhat\u2019s with him?\u201d he asked his father as he approached the bed.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cI suppose he couldn\u2019t bare to see Hoss suffering any longer, you know how he feels about your brother,\u201d Ben explained as he pulled the chair to the edge of the bed.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cI suppose,\u201d Adam said, glancing over his shoulder toward the door as if he expected to see Joe return. \u201cHe seemed troubled\u2026maybe I\u2019ll go have a talk with him\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Ben smiled his appreciation and nodded his head.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cThank you Adam\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Adam quickly disappeared from the room. He stood outside Joe\u2019s room for a brief moment to catch his breath. Deep within his own troubled soul, he knew how his younger brother felt; it was all he could do to keep from running from Hoss\u2019 room too. It pained him something fierce, unnerving him to see the shallow, haunted look that replaced the pleasant, ever happy-go-lucky smile that was always gracing the big man\u2019s face. Adam gulped down his private heartache and rapped softly on the bedroom door.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cIt\u2019s opened.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Adam pushed the door wide and slipped inside, closing it behind him. He crossed the room quickly but stopped short in his tracks, stunned to see his brother dressed and busy tossing some personal belongings into a small satchel.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cJoe,\u201d Adam said as he moved closer to the bed and watched Joe slinging articles into the satchel. \u201cAre you going some place?\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cI might be,\u201d Joe said as he cast a quick glance at his brother.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cYou \u2018might be\u2019? What kind of an answer is that?\u201d Adam demanded.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    He knew his younger brother was not in any shape to go anywhere other than back to bed. And what puzzled Adam was why would Joe want to go away now\u2026with Hoss\u2019 life lingering on death\u2019s door and the doctor not even giving them much hope that the big guy would pull through?<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Joe paused just long enough to give Adam a hard look. Adam could see from the pain that radiated back from the hazel eyes that his brother was still suffering. He wasn\u2019t sure if the pain he saw was physical or emotional\u2026most likely a little of both. Adam\u2019s voice softened some.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cWhere are you going\u2026and why?\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    He watched Joe closely, noting that Joe had become very quiet and that the boy\u2019s hand trembled slightly.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cThere\u2019s something I have to do, Adam\u2026that\u2019s all\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cLike what?\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cJust something\u2026now just get out and leave me alone\u2026\u201d Joe took a deep breath, glancing in Adam\u2019s direction. \u201cPlease,\u201d he added.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Joe turned his back to his brother, afraid to let Adam see the tears that swelled in his eyes. His older brother could read him like an open book; he\u2019d always been able to do that, ever since he\u2019d been a little kid. Joe didn\u2019t want Adam to see him now, see his guilt, his anger and most of all, the hate that brewed within him.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Adam gave his brother a moment to calm himself before moving closer.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cYou\u2019re going to hunt down the one\u2026or ones that shot Hoss and hurt you, aren\u2019t you?\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Instantly Adam saw his brother stiffen his back and knew that he had assumed correctly.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cNo,\u201d lied Joe, \u201cI don\u2019t know who shot and robbed us\u2026I just\u2026need to get away\u2026that\u2019s all, Adam, really,\u201d Joe answered, turning and tossing another shirt into the carpetbag.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Joe moved away from Adam, swaying slightly as he crossed the room and stood before the window. Concerned for his brother\u2019s welfare, Adam crossed the room as well.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cThe only place you need to go is to bed, Joe\u2026you\u2019re not well enough to be up and about\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cI\u2019m fine!\u201d snapped Joe.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    He turned around and looked at Adam. \u201cYou don\u2019t understand\u2026I have to do this!\u201d he said and then returned to his packing.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cYou\u2019re right, Little Joe, I don\u2019t understand\u2026just what is it that you have to do?\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cLeave, damnit\u2026\u201d shouted Joe, spinning around to face his brother again.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Adam noted the tears that welled in Joe\u2019s eyes and hurried on with his questioning.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cWhy, Joe\u2026why do you want to leave\u2026Hoss\u2026in the shape he\u2019s in?\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Joe lowered his head, his shame was beginning to overwhelm him and he needed to get away fast.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cHoss is\u2026dying, Adam,\u201d Joe murmured, looking up slightly. \u201cI can\u2019t watch him die\u2026knowing that\u2026I caused his\u2026death.\u201d Joe grabbed the satchel from the bed and headed for the door.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Adam grabbed for Joe\u2019s arm, forcing his brother to stop as he spun the boy around. Joe refused to look up at Adam.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cWhat the hell does that mean? How are you responsible?\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cHe didn\u2019t want to stop for the night\u2026I\u2026insisted\u2026cause I wanted\u2026to do some\u2026fishing. I\u2026practically begged him\u2026\u201d Joe said, sniffling.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    At last he looked into Adam\u2019s dark eyes, his own overflowing with the tiny beads of water that rolled slowly down his face.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cHe wouldn\u2019t have been shot, Adam\u2026if we\u2019d come straight home\u2026like Pa asked us to do\u2026but no\u2026I had to have it my way! And now\u2026Hoss is gonna\u2026die\u2026and\u2026I\u2019m to blame,\u201d stammered Joe as he tried to wrench his arm free of his brother\u2019s fingers.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cNo one blames you, Joe\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cNot yet\u2026but you will\u2026and so will Pa\u2026when Hoss is gone\u2026and he learns that his death could have been prevented\u2026IF I had done as he asked.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Joe tried to jerk his arm free once more, but Adam held tightly.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cYou can\u2019t leave like this Joe\u2026I\u2026won\u2019t let you!\u201d Adam said in a determined voice.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cI have to go\u2026don\u2019t you see?\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cNo\u2026I don\u2019t see. What I do see is what you\u2019ll end up doing to yourself\u2026to Pa. Joe\u2026he can\u2019t bear to lose both of you\u2026he\u2019s lost enough as it is\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cDon\u2019t you think I know that? Do you think I can stay here\u2026knowing that he\u2019ll blame me\u2026knowing what he\u2019s thinking every time he looks at me? I can\u2019t do it, Adam\u2026I can\u2019t\u2026now\u2026let go of me!\u201d shouted Joe.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Joe pushed his upper body into Adam, causing his brother to break his hold on the arm he\u2019d been clinging too. Joe shoved again, pushing Adam out of the way as he grabbed for the door and flung it opened. He raced out into the hall and down the back stairs. By the time that Adam recovered enough get his footing and get into the hall, Joe was not to be seen.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    As Adam headed for the stairs, the door to Hoss\u2019 room opened and Ben stepped into the hall.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cAdam, come here a minute, please!\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Pausing at the head of the steps, unsure of who needed him the most, Adam hesitated until he heard the kitchen door slam shut, instantly realizing which direction his brother had taken.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cAdam, please, I need your help, son,\u201d Ben said, returning to the sick room.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cDam you, Little Joe,\u201d grumbled Adam under his breath.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    He balled up his fist in anger and went to do his father\u2019s bidding.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    It was hours later when Ben had finally left Hoss\u2019 side and ventured downstairs with Adam. Together, they sat in solemn stillness at the dinning room table. Ben toyed with the food on his plate while Adam sipped coffee. Both wore tired, worried expressions on their faces. At last, Ben looked up, as if for the first time, realizing that someone was missing.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cDid Joe go back to bed?\u201d he asked Adam casually, thinking that perhaps his youngest son might have returned to bed after visiting with his ailing brother. Adam had mentioned that Joe had slipped in to see Hoss but he had not wanted to worry his father further by telling him that Little Joe had left.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cNo,\u201d whispered Adam filling his mouth with warm coffee.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Ben seemed puzzled. \u201cThen where is he?\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Adam swallowed slowly, dreading to inform his father of the news.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cGone\u2026\u201d he whispered again.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    The worried father\u2019s eyes opened wide as he set his fork down in his plate.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cGone? Gone where? That boy was in no condition to be anywhere except in bed!\u201d Ben growled growing slightly angry.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Adam sighed and set his cup down. He turned to look at his father.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cI don\u2019t know where the boy\u2019s gone, Pa\u2026he wouldn\u2019t tell me where he was going\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cThen just what did he tell you? And why on earth didn\u2019t you come and warn me!\u201d Ben snapped.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cYou were busy tending to Hoss, that\u2019s why I didn\u2019t tell you, you had enough on your mind without having to deal with Joe and his stubborn streak\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cAdam, what on earth are you talking about!\u201d It was more a statement than a question. The already worried expression deepened as Ben leaned forward. \u201cWhat did Joe say to you?\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cHe simply said that he was leaving\u2026that he couldn\u2019t stay here any longer knowing that he was responsible for his brother\u2019s\u2026death\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cHoss isn\u2019t dead for Pete\u2019s sake!\u201d Ben stormed angrily.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cI know that\u2026and I told Joe so\u2026but he said\u2026it was only a matter of time before Hoss\u2026well\u2026anyway, for some stupid reason, Joe blames himself for Hoss getting shot and for them losing the money\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cDamn the money!\u201d Shouted Ben, pushing back his chair and jumping to his feet.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cPa\u2026please, simmer down\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cDon\u2019t tell me to simmer down, young man!\u201d Ben ranted as he stormed from the dinning room into the great room where he stopped and spun around, glaring at his eldest son.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cWhat else did he tell you? Why on earth does he feel responsible?\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Adam pushed back his chair and went to stand before his father.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cHe said he begged Hoss to stop for the night\u2026so they could do some fishing\u2026and that Hoss hadn\u2019t wanted too because you told them to come straight home\u2026but obviously Hoss gave in to Joe\u2019s begging so they stayed. Joe feels that if he hadn\u2019t persuaded Hoss to stop for the night, none of this would have happened,\u201d Adam explained. \u201cSo, he feels guilty\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Ben\u2019s temper cooled somewhat; he lowered his head.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cI hope you explained to him that we don\u2019t blame him\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cOf course I did, but you know Joe, Pa\u2026once he gets an idea in his head\u2026there\u2019s no changing his mind\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    It was Ben\u2019s time to sigh. \u201cI suppose you\u2019re right, son. But\u2026Joe had no idea something like this would happen\u2026he can\u2019t hold himself responsible for Hoss being hurt\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cI know that\u2026and I suppose, deep down, Joe knows it too, but right now, he\u2019s feeling guilty, he\u2019s afraid Hoss is going to die and he can\u2019t bear to stay around and watch that happen\u2026so, he took off\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Ben had moved to the fireplace and was poking at the embers. He turned; his expression was one of fear and his voice, when he spoke was full of emotion.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cI want him back here\u2026where he belongs\u2026he\u2019s been hurt too, Adam, and he isn\u2019t thinking clearly, what with that head injury and all. I don\u2019t want something more to happen to him as well\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cDo you want me to go after him?\u201d Adam asked as he rose from the chair where he had been sitting.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cIt\u2019s pitch dark outside now\u2026I want you to leave first thing in the morning, if you don\u2019t mind. I\u2019d go myself\u2026but with Hoss in the shape he\u2019s in\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cI understand, Pa\u2026don\u2019t worry, I\u2019ll find that boy and I\u2019ll bring him home\u2026even if I have to tie him across his saddle\u2026\u201d Adam forced a smile for his father.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Ben couldn\u2019t help himself, he grinned as well, imagining the picture that popped into his mind of the struggle that his oldest son would have in putting his younger brother across the back of his horse.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cDo what you must, son\u2026just bring him home\u2026before it\u2019s too late. Hoss might wake up at any time and ask for Joe\u2026tell him that\u2026please,\u201d Ben said as he slowly sat down in his chair.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cI will, Pa\u2026guess I\u2019d better go pack some things. Good night,\u201d he said as he moved toward the stairs. When Adam reached the landing, he stopped and turned back around. \u201cI\u2019ll stop by in the morning to see how Hoss is doing before I leave\u2026try to get some rest Pa, you look beat\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    It was uncomfortable riding along in the blowing wind. It seemed to only aggravate the pounding pain in his head but he clung tightly to the saddle as Cochise continued to trudge along. They had traveled for miles; Joe pushed both himself and his horse, determined to put as many miles between him and home as he could before stopping for the night. The memory of Hoss\u2019 pale, ashen face haunted Joe\u2019s thoughts. Even the faces of the men whom he now knew to be the ones who had inflected such pain on his brother and who had taken their money, their faces danced before his mind\u2019s eye. They taunted and tempted his thoughts of revenge and hate and several times Joe pondered how he would kill them once he managed to find them. It was a long way to Oklahoma Indian Territory, but he\u2019d go to the ends of the earth if need be, to find Dave Brackett, Billy Morris, Cliff Deaton and Henry\u2026Joe couldn\u2019t remember Henry\u2019s last name, but his face was as clear to him as if the other boy had been standing before him.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    When he stopped at last, the weary traveler slid from his horse; his legs practically gave way under him and for several moments Joe was forced to lean against Cochise until the constant throbbing that caused his head to spin diminished enough that he was able to stand on his own. Quickly, Joe pulled the saddle from his horse\u2019s back and flung it to the ground. Weary beyond the point of endurance, he made quick work of bedding down his horse and then, rather than to take the time or effort to build a fire, Joe kicked opened his bedroll, collapsed into it and wrapped himself up tightly within the folds. The hunger pangs that gnawed at his gut subsided soon afterwards and within minutes of closing his eyes, Joe was fast asleep.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u2018NO! HOSS\u2026NO! Please\u2026open your eyes\u2026talk to me!\u2019<\/em><\/p>\n

    \u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n

    Joe moaned as his head moved from side to side. He struggled to open his eyes. Hoss\u2019 pasty white face flashed before his mind\u2019s eyes. His brother was staring straight at him with dulled lifeless eyes. Blue lips puckered in the way they often had in life. His words were slow and he spoke with a drawl and he moved as if in slow motion.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cNoooo\u2026letttsss gooo onnn hommmeee, Joeee.\u2019<\/em><\/p>\n

    \u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n

    And then Joe suddenly appeared in his own hellish nightmare, pleading, cohering his brother\u2026tempting the big guy.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u2018Ah\u2026come on Hoss\u2026please\u2026let\u2019s stop for the night\u2026we can do a little fishing\u2026\u2019<\/strong><\/p>\n

    \u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n

    \u2018Josephhhh, youuu knooow whaaaat Paaaa said\u2026commmeee straaaighhhhttt hommmee!\u2019<\/em><\/p>\n

    \u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n

    Joe tossed about, kicking his bedroll free of his body. The night breeze caused him to shiver. His head pounded.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u2018Pleaseeee!\u2019<\/strong><\/p>\n

    \u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n

    \u2018Alrighhhttt\u2026Joe\u2026buttttt if Paaaa getttss madddd, I\u2019mmmm atellinnnn\u2019 him itttt wasss yourrrr ideaaaa\u2026.yourrrr ideaaa, yourrr ideaaa!\u2019<\/em><\/p>\n

    \u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n

    \u2018NO! HOSSSS NO!!! OH GOD\u2026YOU\u2019VE BEEN SHOTTTTT! YOU\u2019RE DEAD\u2026NO! NO! I\u2019M SORRY\u2026I\u2019M SORRY\u2026OH GOD\u2026PA\u2026FORGIVE ME!\u2019<\/em><\/p>\n

    \u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n

    Joe\u2019s scream pierced the night and in the next second he bolted upright. Intense pain caused him to grab his head and moan. As the pain moved on, he glanced around, his heart beat rapidly, deep within his chest. Beads of sweat had dotted his brow. Even his breath came in swift, shallow gulps as the frightened young man sought to regain his composure.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cIt was only a dream\u2026\u201d he told himself.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Slowly, Joe pushed himself to his feet, reaching for his canteen in the dark. He drank thirstily and then replaced the cork.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cA fire\u2026I need a fire,\u201d he muttered and quickly began to gather sticks.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    He groped in his pocket for a match and found the matchbook he had picked up when he had awakened after being hit over the head. Joe held it in his hands and stared at the writing on the front. The irrefutable hate returned to consume him. Suddenly, Joe wasn\u2019t cold anymore, but rather filled with a strange sort of warmth that stirred his blood. Anger darkened his eyes as he whispered lowly to himself and stuck the matchbook back into his jacket pocket.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cI\u2019m coming for you, you bastard\u2026I\u2019m gonna kill each and every last one of you!\u201d he swore, striking a match and bringing tiny sparks to the twigs he\u2019d gathered.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    As the flame grew, Joe added bigger sticks to the fire until he had a small blaze burning. He sat down close by and held his hands over the flames, warming them. Thoughts took him miles away, back home, to Hoss\u2019 room. Joe saw himself standing over his brother\u2019s bed, looking down into the face of his best friend. Without realizing they had done so, his eyes clouded with tears. Slowly, one by one, they spilled over onto his cheeks and dripped unhurriedly down his face.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cI\u2019m sorry, Hoss\u2026I\u2019m\u2026so\u2026so\u2026sorry\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    For several more days Joe rode in a steady line. His mind was boggled with troubled thoughts. He worried about his brother, Hoss, fearing that the gentle giant might already have died. His heart was heavy with sorrow and grief under coated with guilt that ate away at his soul. Time passed slowly it seemed but his mind, body and spirit took a spiraling, downhill plummet as the harsh emotions eroded and gnarled his ambitions and determination.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Little Joe\u2019s head was crooked low over his chest; his spine forced his back to be slouched forward; his body sagged heavily, inches from his horse\u2019s neck. Disillusionments mounted, confusing the boy. The constant, nagging pain in the side of his head caused his thoughts to become jumbled and distorted. He rode another mile or so, struggling to stay seated, but at last, exhausted both physically and mentally, the disparaging young man felt himself sliding downward, unable to prevent his fall. Cochise snorted, bringing himself to a standstill, aware that something was amiss. His rider landed on the hard, cold ground at his feet. The animal moved away, sniffing at the boy. Joe, vaguely aware of his surroundings, moaned softly, startling the pinto and causing the horse to bolt and run toward the rocky hilltop.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Joe strained to raise his head; his arm stretched forward in a futile attempt to reach the horse. Everything around him swirled, sending his world into a whirlwind of mystification and mixed sentiments.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cNO! HOSS\u2026NO!\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    And then the world in which he was familiar had, without warning, become void of anything but total blackness. The road to self-destruction rather than the constant pain that lingered in the back of Joe\u2019s head claimed the depleted soul as its victory.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cNo sir,\u201d the farmer said. \u201cI ain\u2019t seen no strangers \u2018round here\u2026and I think from what you said, I\u2019d remember a young man on a black and white pinto.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cWell\u2026I thank you just the same,\u201d Adam said as he mounted up.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Politely, Adam tipped his hat at the farmer and rode off. \u201cThanks again.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    He\u2019d been traveling for days, searching for his brother but had not found one person who had seen the boy. It was as if Joe had dropped off the face of the earth, disappeared into nothingness, vanished and Adam was beginning to get a little more than worried.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    He had wired his father the evening before from the town where he had spent the night. Determined to wait for an answer, he had been rewarded quickly with a reply from his father stating that Hoss had finally awakened from his deep sleep and appeared by all indications to be improving. When questioned however, Hoss could not remember having had a conversation with his younger brother, nor could he remember exactly what had happened to him. His father did indicate that Hoss seemed troubled about being unable to recall the specifics and it was causing the gentle giant undo stress. Ben urged Adam to keep looking for Joe\u2026Hoss had asked for him and Ben had been forced to admit that Joe was gone\u2026but he had no clue as to where Joe might have gone or why Joe had left. It bothered Hoss that his brother had not waited around to find out his condition though Ben had tried to excuse that away as well.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Adam rode on, determined to find the headstrong young man. Deep in his soul, he feared that Joe had gone looking for trouble, and knowing the boy as well as he did, Adam admitted that most likely the trouble his younger brother was seeking, would no doubt find the boy first.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cCome Sport\u2026let\u2019s ride,\u201d urged Adam.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Joe\u2019s brow was drenched with beads of perspiration. His soft moans drew the attention of his caregiver who came quickly to his bedside where Joe had been placed. The tall, lean man sat down in the chair next to the bed and as he dampened a cloth in cool water, his dark, expressive eyes never left his patient\u2019s face.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cEasy now, Joe,\u201d the deep, compassionate voice said as he mopped the drops of water from Joe\u2019s fevered brow and then gently washed the hot, flushed cheeks.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cHoss\u2026oh\u2026no\u2026Hoss\u2026\u201d whimpered Joe, tossing his head from side to side.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cShh\u2026ole Hoss ain\u2019t here, buddy,\u201d the man explained, though his words had no affect on his patient. \u201cI sure wish he were, you might get better if\u2019n he was with ya.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Joe continued to moan and toss about on the cot. The man leaned back in his chair, watching the barrage of diverse expressions that played across the young man\u2019s face as he withered about on the bed.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cI don\u2019t know what\u2019s eatin\u2019 away at ya, Joe Cartwright\u2026or what\u2019s driven ya so far from home; nor do I know what\u2019s causin\u2019 that head of yours to be hurtin\u2019 so,\u201d the man muttered. \u201cBut somethin\u2019 awful must have surely happened to ya\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Bass Reeves scratched his chin and stood up to toss another log on the fire in the stone fireplace. He\u2019d found his old school mate two days prior, unconscious and burning up with fever. Joe had been lying in a clearing; his pinto was munching on tender stalks of grass nearby and when Bass had crested the rim of the slope, the horse was the first thing that had captured his attention.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    The sight of the beautiful animal instantly sparked a memory, taking him back to another time, another place and it seemed, another lifetime long since forgotten. Well, not forgotten entirely, he had thought often of the young skinny kid who had deemed it his duty to befriend a young, frightened black boy who cared little at the time of having a rich white kid for his best friend. But Joe\u2019s perseverance had paid off. It had even saved his ornery black hide as Joe had so often in the months that followed, reminded him. Had it not been for his friend on the cot, he might have killed a man, Dave Brackett, but Joe, beaten himself beyond endurance, had risked his own life to stop the ex-slave from committing a fatal sin and thus saved Bass Reeves from going to the gallows.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cI wonder what ya going to think of me now, when ya wake up, Little Joe,\u201d Bass\u2019 thoughts tumbled through his head.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    The marshal glanced over at Joe who seemed to have settled into a deeper less troubled sleep and wondered again of the reasons that his pal had ventured so deeply into Indian Territory.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cWonder who ya be chasin\u2019 after?\u201d Bass asked no one. \u201cWonder what ya\u2019d think if\u2019n ya knew who I was after! You sure have given me cause to wonder \u2018bout a bunch of stuff ole friend.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    It was late the following afternoon that Joe began to wake up enough to raise his head slightly and peer around at his surrounding. He knew he\u2019d never seen the inside of the old cabin; everything about it was strange and unfamiliar to him. Grunting softly, Joe pushed himself upright and swung his legs over the side of the cot. The floor was cold but he paid little heed to the discomfort as he tried to steady himself enough to stand. Slowly, using the chair near the bed to lean on, he glanced around, hoping to find his trousers. He spotted them laying atop a small chest just feet from the bed. Joe was starting to make his way across to the chest when the door of the cabin was flung opened. Too quickly, Joe spun around, attempting to see who had entered. It was a wrong move, for everything before his eyes began to spin out of control. Joe grabbed for the chair but missed, sinking slowly downward.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cWhoa\u2026there friend, you shouldn\u2019t be out of bed!\u201d Bass said as he dropped the wood that he held in his arms and dashed across the room, catching Joe\u2019s limp body just seconds before the boy hit the floor.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Bass scooped Joe into his arms and carried him back to the cot where he placed Joe down on the bedding. Carefully, he put Joe\u2019s legs straight out and covered him with the blanket. Bass smiled down at Joe whose eyes had opened wide in startled recognition.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cBass\u2026Bass Reeves?\u201d muttered Joe.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cSure \u2018nough,\u201d Reeves smiled as he sat down. \u201cHow ya feelin\u2019 ole friend\u2026ya been pretty sick?\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Joe\u2019s eyes remained fixed on his old friend\u2019s face.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cMy head doesn\u2019t hurt anymore\u2026much\u2026\u201d Joe said weakly. \u201cHow\u2019d I get here\u2026and where in hell did you come from?\u201d he asked, smiling for the first time.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cI found you\u2026unconscious\u2026and I brought you here\u2026I\u2026stay here sometimes\u2026when I\u2019m workin\u2019,\u201d Bass explained.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cI suppose\u2026I should thank you then.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cNo need\u2026what in blazes are you doing this far from home?\u201d Bass inquired.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    It was then that the marshal saw a change in Joe\u2019s expression. He noted how his friend\u2019s eyes narrowed and darkened and recognized the look for what it was\u2026hatred. He had seen it before, in his own eyes years earlier. Instantly he knew he had struck a raw nerve in his old friend.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Joe looked away, unable or unwilling to meet the dark inquisitive eyes of his friend.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cNever mind,\u201d Bass said, \u201cI suppose it\u2019s none of my business, I shouldn\u2019t have pried.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    He stood then, moving to pick up the firewood he had dropped in the floor.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cYou hungry?\u201d he asked Joe.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cNot much\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cDon\u2019t matter\u2026I have a stew on the stove\u2026you\u2019re gonna eat anyway,\u201d he said, turning around and looking at Joe. His face opened with a wide smile. \u201cEven if I have to force feed ya\u2026\u201d he said sternly and then laughed.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Joe\u2019s expression softened with the smile he gave to his friend.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cI suppose, now that you\u2019ve mentioned it\u2026I am a little hungry.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cI thought so,\u201d chuckled the marshal as he began dipping some of the stew into a plate for his patient.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    It was nearly a week before Joe was able to move around without feeling weak or dizzy. During that time, he and Bass had talked for hours about their lives both past and present, though Joe had somehow managed to stir the conversation away from his current goals, to hunt down and kill the ones responsible for murdering his brother. As of yet, Joe had not mentioned to his old school chum the incident concerning Hoss. He was unable to speak of it; it hurt him, remembering the big man, the gentle giant\u2026his best friend, for when he remembered, the over-powering guilt swept over him, taking him down into his own self-imposed hell.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Bass had only made suggestions as to Joe\u2019s reasons for straying so far from home, but being the knowledgeable lawman that he had become over the course of years, he sensed in his friend a reluctance to speak freely. And the hatred that lingered in the hazel eyes, warned Bass that beneath the cool exterior of his friend\u2019s persona, stewed anger deeper than any he had ever known himself.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    The closest that Joe would come to admitting he was on the trail of murders was when Bass happened to mention Dave Brackett\u2019s name in conversation. They were just finishing supper and Joe had stood up, taking his plate over to the dishpan to be washed.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cI\u2019m heading back west tomorrow, I\u2019ve been over in Indian Territory but now it\u2019s time for me to move on, Joe,\u201d Bass had declared.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cI guess I\u2019ll head out too, then,\u201d Joe had replied.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cI\u2019ve got an idea that our old friend, Dave Brackett and his gang\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Joe suddenly without warning dropped his plate, causing the tin to clang loudly when it hit the floor. He spun around, startling Bass with a look of pure, undeniable loathing.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cDave Brackett?\u201d Joe stammered as he clumsily stooped down to pick up his plate and eating utensils.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    The intense look of repugnance did not go unnoticed by Bass. With long years of self-discipline, the lawman held himself in check.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cI see you remember him,\u201d Bass said coolly.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cHow could I forget him?\u201d Joe asked, turning and placing the plate into the pan.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    He kept his back to the marshal sure that Bass could read his thoughts.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cWhat did he do\u2026I mean\u2026why are you after him?\u201d Joe said as casually as he could.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cHe\u2019s a wanted man, Joe. He and his gang\u2026you remember Cliff, Henry and Billy, don\u2019t you?\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Joe nodded his head as he sat back down anxious for any news that might unknowingly put him on the trail of the very persons Bass was referring to. When he glanced at his hands they were trembling. Thinking that Bass had not seen, he placed them in his lap.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cWell\u2026they killed a man over in Oklahoma a few months back\u2026I\u2019ve been following them. I lost track of them for awhile\u2026and then I got wind that they\u2019d been back down around their old tromping grounds\u2026so that\u2019s where I was headed when I found you,\u201d Bass explained.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    He kept keen eyes on his old chum\u2019s face, watching the expressions that changed so readily.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cYou mean you were headed back toward Nevada?\u201d Joe asked.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cYep\u2026say\u2026why don\u2019t you ride along with me\u2026you are going home, aren\u2019t you?\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cI wasn\u2019t thinking on it\u2026I\u2019m not sure I could go home\u2026not just yet that is,\u201d Joe explained.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cWhy not, Joe?\u201d Bass saw the tiny beads of moisture that unexpectedly dotted Joe\u2019s brow. He watched as the man across from him frowned.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Joe looked up and into the compassionate eyes of his friend. It had been weeks since he\u2019d seen a look of understanding cast his way; he suddenly longed to tell this man of his inner feelings, his guilt, his part in Hoss\u2019 demise\u2026his shame. Joe swallowed and cleared his throat.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cI haven\u2019t told you, Bass\u2026but\u2026Hoss is\u2026is\u2026dead\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cWhat? How\u2026when? I mean\u2026I know you were calling for him when you were out of your head\u2026but I had no clue he was\u2026dead. I\u2019m sorry, Joe\u2026I hate to hear that. Hoss was always a kind fellow\u2026what happened to him\u2026if you don\u2019t mind my asking?\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Joe had to get up, to move around\u2026he had to breathe. Opening the door and inhaling deeply, he turned back to face his friend and leaned against the door facing.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cIt was my fault,\u201d he said lowly.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cYour fault?\u201d Bass said. He stood up and faced Joe. He could see the pain Joe tried so hard to hide, but the glistening of tears betrayed his friend.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cHow, Joe\u2026why was it your fault?\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Slowly, Joe closed the door and moved back into the room where sat back down in his chair.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cWe\u2026that is, Hoss and I, had been to a horse sale. We got a pretty good price for our small herd\u2026about $5,000 and we were on our way home. I wanted to stop for the night\u2026there\u2019s this special fishing hole that Hoss and I have\u2026had I mean\u2026and I wanted to camp there for the night and do a little fishing. Hoss didn\u2019t want to\u2026he said he was tired and hungry for Hop Sing\u2019s cooking\u2026but I nagged him about it until he finally gave in. Later, after we were asleep\u2026well, I was sleeping, I didn\u2019t hear anyone come into camp\u2026it was the blast of the gun that woke me up\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cSomeone shot\u2026Hoss?\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Joe nodded his head up and down. \u201cYeah\u2026when I woke up\u2026before I could get my senses\u2026someone hit me over the head\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cThat would explain the head injury. Where you able to see who it was?\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cNo\u2026I didn\u2019t even know Hoss was shot until later\u2026much later. I guess I was out for most of the night. When I woke up\u2026that\u2019s when I found him\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Bass could see how just the telling of the story affected the other man. The pain cut deeply into his friend\u2019s heart and soul and Bass felt part of Joe\u2019s grief within his own troubled soul.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cAnd Hoss was\u2026dead?\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Joe had lowered his head to hide the misery he knew must surely be showing in his eyes.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cJoe\u2026was Hoss dead?\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cNo\u2026but nearly. I tried to get him home\u2026but I passed out on the way. My father and brother found both of us. I\u2026was unconscious for quite awhile. When I finally came to, I slipped in to see Hoss\u2026he looked so\u2026so\u2026\u201d Joe gulped, unable to finish he sentence. \u201cSometime later, he woke enough to tell me\u2026hmm\u2026\u201d Joe caught himself before he said too much and quickly rephrased his statement. \u201cHe said\u2026not to fret so\u2026that he\u2026didn\u2019t blame me for\u2026what happened,\u201d Joe lied. \u201cI left the same night\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cThen you don\u2019t know for sure that Hoss is dead, do you?\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Again, Joe rose, this time moving to the fireplace and turning his back to the marshal. He failed to answer the question; he knew in his heart that Hoss had died.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cWas he able to tell you who shot him, Joe?\u201d Bass turned and followed Joe to the fireplace.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Joe said nothing for several long moments and then, with head low, shook his head no. Somehow, just by Joe\u2019s actions and his sudden unwillingness to look at him, Bass did not fully believe his friend.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cJoe,\u201d he said, moving to Joe\u2019s side to better see the younger man\u2019s face, \u201cIf you have an idea who it might have been\u2026I could\u2026help you find them. Together we could bring them to justice\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Joe spun around, his anger glowered on his face; his eyes had turned black and burned with hate.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cJUSTICE!\u201d he shouted as he stormed passed the marshal. \u201cOh\u2026believe you me\u2026I\u2019ll get justice for my brother!\u201d he ranted loudly.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Bass eyed the boy carefully and when he spoke, his voice was soft, unthreatening.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cAnd how do you plan to do that\u2026if you don\u2019t even know who shot and robbed you and your brother?\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cDoesn\u2019t matter\u2026I\u2019ll find them\u2026if it takes me the rest of my life\u2026and when I do\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cYou\u2019ll do what, Joe\u2026kill them\u2026murder them in their sleep\u2026like they tried to do to you and Hoss\u2026how Joe\u2026just how do you plan on killing them!\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Joe was pacing the floor like a caged animal. His chest swelled with emotion as he stopped to glare at his friend.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cI DON\u2019T KNOW! I DON\u2019T KNOW\u2026BUT I\u2019LL MANAGE!\u201d he stormed.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    By this time, Joe was gasping for breath, his eyes were clouded and dazed and for a brief moment, Bass thought his friend might pass out.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cAre you so filled with hate that you could actually kill a man in cold blood, Joe? What\u2019s happened to you\u2026you used to believe in right and wrong\u2026you once said to me\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cTHAT WAS BEFORE! BEFORE THEY MURDERED MY BROTHER!\u201d Joe ranted.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    He took a deep breath and moved away from Bass.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cYou have no idea what it feels like to lose a brother\u2026or someone you love\u2026you have no idea what it is to hate someone so much that you could kill them with your bare hands\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cDon\u2019t I, Joe? I lost my mother when I was just a child\u2026she didn\u2019t die, Joe\u2026she was sold\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Bass\u2019 ebony eyes seemed to take on a faraway look about them as he continued; his voice grew softer and softer, filled with the haunting memory.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cThat\u2019s worse than death Joe\u2026the only lasting memory I have of my mother was watching her being carted away in a two-wheeled iron cart like some animal locked in a cage. I can still hear her cries, her voice pleading with our master not to take her from her family. I can still see my father weeping, falling to the ground and being yanked up by white hands that I soon came to hate with a passion\u2026don\u2019t preach to me, white boy about not knowing the difference between love and hate! I was seven years old, Joe\u2026and I never saw my mother again\u2026ever.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Bass placed a hand on Joe\u2019s shoulder. Joe looked up seeing the pain in the dark eyes that looked back at him.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cI wanted to kill Dave Brackett once myself, Joe, remember? I thought he\u2019d killed my grandfather\u2026and I would have killed him too, if it hadn\u2019t been for a skinny, meddling white kid\u2026\u201d Bass smiled kindly. \u201cI can\u2019t, Joe\u2026and I won\u2019t let you kill him either\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Joe\u2019s eyes flashed wide with shock.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cHow\u2019d you know it was him I was looking for?\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    The marshal, still smiling, picked up his plate and set it in the soapy water.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cWhen a man run\u2019s a fever like you did, boy,\u201d he grinned, \u201cthey tend to say a lot of things,\u201d Bass explained.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cI said something about Dave?\u201d Joe asked in wonder.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cNot necessarily\u2026but you did mention Whiskey Pete\u2019s\u2026and I happen to know that is the place Dave and his bunch hang out at when they\u2019re in Indian Territory\u2026the rest, well, I\u2019ll confess\u2026I wasn\u2019t sure it was Dave until just this moment.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Anger shot into Joe\u2019s eyes. He slapped away the dark hand that rested on his arm. Joe stomped across the room, facing the fire he jabbed at the blaze with the homemade poker. For several moments, he didn\u2019t say a word.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cI never could understand what it was that I liked about you,\u201d he muttered, keeping his back to the marshal. \u201cI still don\u2019t know.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Joe heard Bass clear his throat, but still he did not turn around.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cI didn\u2019t much like you either, in the beginning\u2026but\u2026well\u2026after everything you did for me and my family\u2026I sort of thought there might be more to you than what first met the eye,\u201d Bass said solemnly.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Joe turned. \u201cWhat do you mean by that?\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    The dark brows on Bass\u2019 face rose slightly. \u201cIt just seemed that no matter what someone said to you, or how badly they beat you\u2026you still fought for what you believed in\u2026you fought for me, Joe\u2026no one\u2026except my father and grandfather had ever done that. And later, when you told me about God\u2019s rainbow and how all mankind, no matter what color they were, were all made in God\u2019s image. You said that God\u2019s main goal was that men loved Him and each other\u2026I\u2019ve never forgotten that. I think maybe I really did like you from the start, I was just too stubborn to admit it\u2026\u201d Bass grinned. \u201cIn my mind, I believed that Dave and the others would prove that you weren\u2019t any different from them\u2026but they couldn\u2019t. I don\u2019t think you\u2019ve changed that much, Joe\u2026no matter what they\u2019ve done to you\u2026or your brother.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Joe grew quiet as he walked around the room in a circle. He stopped at the door and opened it again to look outside. For several moments, while Bass tended to the dishes, Joe was silent. Bass left his friend alone with his thoughts and waited until Joe felt up to talking again.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cLook, there\u2019s a rainbow,\u201d Joe said at last.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Bass stood in the doorway next to Joe and looked out at the rainbow.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cIt\u2019s dark on the other side,\u201d Joe said casually.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cYeah\u2026but the colors still shine\u2026I\u2019m glad I\u2019m on the bright side. What about you, Joe\u2026are you going to stay on the dark side of the rainbow?\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Joe sighed and turned to smile up at Bass.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cYou\u2019ll help me find them, won\u2019t you?\u201d he asked in a thick voice.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cI said I would, didn\u2019t I?\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cYeah\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cBut I have one condition, Joe\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cWhat\u2019s that?\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cThat we bring them in alive\u2026that you give me your word that you won\u2019t kill him\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Joe turned away to gaze at the rainbow. It had begun to fade making the colors less radiant. He was unsure if he could commit to the request, his hate still sat in the bottom of his heart, rotting away at his soul.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cI can find them without you, you know,\u201d he muttered.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cSure you can, but Joe\u2026if you kill him\u2026then I\u2019ll have to hunt you down and bring you in for murder\u2026I don\u2019t want to do that,\u201d Bass said with a serious tone. \u201cIf you don\u2019t agree to the condition, Joe\u2026I can take you in right now. I can have you locked up for premeditation\u2026conspiracy to commit a murder\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Joe snickered softly and then smiled. \u201cOkay, okay\u2026I promise\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cGood,\u201d grinned Bass, \u201cthen we\u2019ll leave first thing in the morning\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cTogether,\u201d smiled Joe.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cTogether,\u201d echoed the marshal.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    For a solid week Joe and Bass rode hard. They had picked up the trail of the gang they were hunting just two days after heading west. But Dave and his boys were always just one step ahead of them, forcing the marshal and his companion to push themselves and their mounts steadily.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Having stopped over in a small out-of-the-way town, they learned that Dave Brackett and his gang had robbed the bank and killed a teller. Though the sheriff of the town had gathered a posse and gone looking for the men, Dave and the others had somehow managed to slip away. Disgusted with the outcome, the posse had turned back and called it quits, leaving the hunting to the sheriff and one deputy. By the time that Joe and Bass had finally caught up with the sheriff, the man and his deputy was headed home, ruling the robbery and the murder an unsolved case.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cI just don\u2019t have the man-power,\u201d the sheriff explained disgustedly to the United States Marshal. \u201cMy deputy and I are exhausted, Marshal\u2026I guess it\u2019s up to you and the boy there to find them\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cAnd we will, if it\u2019s the last thing we do\u2026\u201d Joe spoke up with firm determination.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Though he had promised Bass that he wouldn\u2019t kill Dave or the man responsible for shooting Hoss, he still was just as set as ever to hunt down, capture and bring to justice the ones responsible for killing his brother.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Bass gave Joe a stern look that warned the boy to say nothing more. Joe, unsure why Bass had looked at him the way he had, fell silent.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    The marshal continued talking to the sheriff and then in a friendly gesture, tipped his hat at the pair and watched them ride away. He turned to Joe and for a brief moment, studied his friend.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cYour hate is showing through, Little Joe. Need I remind you of your promise?\u201d Bass asked quietly.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cI promised not to kill him, I didn\u2019t promise to stop hating him,\u201d Little Joe answered but not so quietly. \u201cI\u2019ll never stop hating that bastard\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cJoe\u2026hating a man as much as you hate Dave Brackett is like a disease that eats away slowly at a man\u2026until it either destroys him mentally or kills him physically. If you want to see your brother\u2019s murders brought to justice\u2026if you want to see them pay for what they did\u2026you have to learn to control that hate you have inside of you\u2026otherwise\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cI know, I know\u2026but\u2026it isn\u2019t easy forgetting that look on my brother\u2019s face\u2026his pain\u2026his\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cYou\u2019re feeling guilty again, Joe\u2026how many times do I have to tell you, what happened to Hoss was not your fault\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cBut I practically forced him to stop for the night\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cSomehow, I can\u2019t see you forcing that big man to do anything he didn\u2019t really want to do himself, Joe,\u201d smiled Bass as he recalled the image of Joe\u2019s brother. \u201cHoss wasn\u2019t just humoring you pal, he was doing exactly what he wanted to do\u2026and that was to make you happy\u2026to please you. Wasn\u2019t that the way that man really was\u2026always ready to please a family member\u2026not just you, but your father and Adam as well?\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cWell sure, but\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cNo buts, Joe\u2026Hoss didn\u2019t lay over because you convinced him to do so, but because he wanted to as much as you did,\u201d grinned the marshal.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cYou sure are beginning to sound just like my father and Adam\u2026\u201d snickered Joe. \u201cAlright, I\u2019m sorry\u2026I\u2019ll try to control my hate\u2026but it isn\u2019t easy.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cNo, it isn\u2019t\u2026but over time, I\u2019ve learned that a man has to control his hate\u2026Joe, listen to me\u2026it\u2019s the only way that we can do what we have to do and do it properly\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cYou mean, within the law, don\u2019t you?\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cExactly!\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cAlright, you win, let\u2019s get going\u2026\u201d Joe said as he nudged Cochise and took the lead.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Bass waited a moment longer and then urged his mount into action. Minutes later the pair were riding side by side. They made a striking contrast, a white boy on a black and white horse along side a black boy on a white stallion.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    From high above them, four men lay flat against the mesa watching the Negro and his companion far below as the pair made their way across the flatland.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cWell, I\u2019ll be,\u201d smirked Dave. \u201cWill ya look at that? It\u2019s our old friends, Joe Cartwright and that Negro pal of his from way back when.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cYou mean that black kid what became a US marshal?\u201d Henry asked.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cYep\u2026Bass Reeves\u2026our old school chum,\u201d answered Dave.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    He pushed himself up from the ground and dusted off his trousers.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cI knew Joe Cartwright would be along\u2026took him longer than I figured and I sure as hell didn\u2019t think he\u2019d bring ole Bass The Black with him\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cWhat are we going to do, Dave? I tried to tell you we should have killed the boy when we killed that big ox of a brother of his!\u201d grumbled Billy.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cDon\u2019t matter\u2026\u2019sides, I dun told you\u2026I wanted Cartwright to come after us. I want him to know who it was that killed his brother\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cBut you weren\u2019t planning on Reeves, were you?\u201d Cliff inquired as he mounted his horse.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cNope\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cYou know his reputation, Dave\u2026he dogs a man \u2018til he catches\u2019em and then he brings them in. He\u2019s about as good a marshal as any man around, black or white. I think we\u2019d be wise to hightail it outta here and forget all about Cartwright\u2026he ain\u2019t important enough to me to get hung for\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cMe either, Boss,\u201d agreed Billy.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Dave scowled as he looked from one to the other with disgust. \u201cWhat about you, Henry\u2026ya turning yella too\u2026you want to forget what that scum did to us\u2026sending us off to jail for three years\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cNo, I ain\u2019t forgot, Dave\u2026but I ain\u2019t got no notion of hangin\u2019 either\u2026and that\u2019s just what\u2019s gonna happen if we don\u2019t leave them two alone,\u201d complained the youngest member of the gang.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Dave mounted his horse and watched as Joe and Bass disappeared around a bend.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cWe\u2019ve already killed three men, robbed half a dozen banks\u2026makes no difference now if we kill ourselves a black US Marshal and a rich white boy\u2026they can\u2019t hang us but once. So, I\u2019m going after those two\u2026I want to see that black son-of-a-black mama\u2019s face when I hang him\u2026\u201d Dave snickered. \u201cI\u2019ll treat him just like he oughta be treated\u2026like a slave\u2026see this?\u201d Dave asked as he picked up the bow whip he had laced to his saddle.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cFirst\u2026before I hang him, I\u2019m gonna peel the flesh of that Negro\u2019s back and then I\u2019m gonna do the same to the kid\u2026and then\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cAlright, Dave\u2026we get the picture. I want them both to pay for sending us to jail too\u2026so stop the gabbing and let\u2019s get it over with!\u201d growled Cliff as he kicked his horse and started down the slope on the opposite side of the butte.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Henry and Billy followed. Behind them they could hear the wicked laughter of their sidekick. Billy looked at Henry and shook his head.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cHe\u2019s gonna get us all killed,\u201d he muttered so that the boss could not hear him.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cDon\u2019t look now, Joe,\u201d Bass said as he sipped from his canteen.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    The pair had stopped for the moment to refresh themselves and to give their mounts a moments rest.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cWe\u2019re being followed\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cI know\u2026I saw them about a mile or so back. Wonder who they are, Indians maybe?\u201d Joe asked as he popped the cork back into his canteen and dropped the strap over the saddle horn.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cNo\u2026it\u2019s not Indians, Joe\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cHow do you know?\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cI don\u2019t for sure, but I\u2019ve got a gut feeling,\u201d he said and then snickered at the frown on Joe\u2019s face. \u201cDon\u2019t worry, kid\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cI\u2019m not worried, just curious. If it\u2019s not Indians\u2026when who and more importantly, why?\u201d Joe pondered aloud.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cMaybe whomever it is, is just curious as to why they\u2019re seeing a black man and a white boy\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cBoy!\u201d grumbled Joe. \u201cYou\u2019re beginning to sound more and more like my family, you know that? I\u2019m not a boy, nor am I a kid\u2026I happen to be the same age as you\u2026almost!\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cYou\u2019re a year younger\u2026maybe two, Little Joe,\u201d teased Bass, \u201cand to me\u2026that makes you a kid\u2026boy\u2026youngster\u2026child\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cOh for heaven\u2019s sake,\u201d grunted Joe as he spurred his mount into moving.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Bass laughed and then joined his partner.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cLet\u2019s head for those rocks, Joe. We can take cover there and see if we can find out who those men are\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cAnd why they\u2019re following us\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cSure, I\u2019ll hide and you go ask them,\u201d snickered Bass.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cWell\u2026you know what I mean,\u201d laughed Joe, grinning at his friend.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cThey\u2019re not alone, Joe,\u201d Bass informed the young man next to him.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    They were hiding low behind the rocks that surrounded them and watching the dust that the four riders\u2019 horses kicked up behind them.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cYeah, I see the dust behind them, but looks like they haven\u2019t noticed,\u201d Joe said. \u201cWonder who that fellow is\u2026he\u2019s too far away yet to tell anything about him?\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cI don\u2019t know, but it\u2019s getting too crowded around here for me,\u201d snickered Bass.<\/p>\n

    \u201cI know, I thought we were supposed to be doing the hunting, but looks more like we\u2019re the hunted\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cHey, look, they\u2019ve pulled off in that grove of trees,\u201d whispered Bass, pointing as two riders suddenly turned and guided their horses in among the trees.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cAnd the other two have taken cover in those rocks. Looks like they\u2019re lying low for that stranger\u2026\u201d muttered Joe.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cHe\u2019s riding into a trap, Joe\u2026whomever he is!\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Dave and his boys were ready. They had no clue as to who the stranger might be that had started following them, but they planned to find out. As the lone rider rounded the bend and began to pass through the grove he was surprised when he was unexpectedly, knocked from his horse.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Before Adam Cartwright could collect enough sense to know what had happened to him, he found himself bombarded with fists that slugged his gut, his face and every other part of his body that he could not protect.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    When the attack ended, Adam was face down in the dirt, groaning and gasping for air. Dave grabbed the man\u2019s black vest and roughly turned the stranger over onto his back. Blood oozed from Adam\u2019s nose and a small cut over his left eye.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cWho are you?\u201d Dave demanded, failing to recognize the man as Joe Cartwright\u2019s older brother.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Adam remained on his back, glancing around at the faces that had circled over his head. His mouth hurt from the punches that landed on his chin and face thus he refused to speak.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Angered, Dave nodded his head at Cliff and Henry and without having to be told, each one grabbed Adam by his arms and hauled him to his feet. Dave assessed the man dressed in black with suspicious eyes.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cDon\u2019t I know you?\u201d he asked after he\u2019d made a complete circle around Adam and had stopped in front of him.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cI couldn\u2019t say,\u201d muttered Adam.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Adam failed to see Dave double up his fist, but he felt the power in the punch that his captor delivered to his mid-section. The blow doubled him up and he would have fallen to his knees had it not been for the strong-arm hold that Cliff and Henry maintained.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cI asked you a question, wise guy!\u201d demanded Dave. \u201cWho are you?\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Again, Adam refused to answer. Another solid punch to his gut and this time his arms were released and Adam fell to the ground, groaning and clutching his stomach.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cGet him on his feet\u2026and get me that whip!\u201d shouted Dave to Billy. \u201cTie him to that tree over there\u2026I\u2019ll make him talk!\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Cliff and Henry grabbed Adam again and pulled him to his feet. They attempted to drag him to the nearest tree, but Adam wasn\u2019t making their job very easy. He struggled against the two pairs of hands that were manhandling him. He dug his heels into the soft dirt, dragging his feet and making it harder for his captors to force him to the tree.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Cliff and Henry had reached the tree and were trying to get their prisoner\u2019s arms high over his head in order to tie Adam\u2019s hands when a shot rang out, shattering the stillness that had enveloped the small grove of trees.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Dave spun around, shocked to see Bass Reeves standing behind him, a pistol pointed directly at his chest.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cLet him go!\u201d Bass ordered in his deep commanding voice.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Having crept down from the rocks where he and Joe had been hiding, they had taken the gang of outlaws by surprise when Dave and his bunch were too busy tending to their own prisoner.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Instantly, Cliff and Henry released Adam, who then grabbed their guns and walked toward Bass. He paused in front of Dave, who had holstered his gun to ready his whip. Adam knocked the whip from the man\u2019s hand and slowly pulled the pistol from its casing tossing it on the ground. For some reason unknown to Dave Brackett, Adam grinned and then without warning, doubled up his fist and drove it deeply into Brackett\u2019s stomach.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Brackett doubled up, groaning and sank to his knees. Adam grabbed the man by his shirt and yanked Dave to his feet. He started to raise his fist again, but stopped. Joe was walking into the clearing; his pistol was drawn and pointed directly at Dave.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Adam was stunned to see the look that clouded his brother\u2019s eyes and the expression on his young face that distorted his usual handsome features. But the older and somewhat wiser Cartwright knew the look for what it was\u2026<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    He released Brackett and placed himself between the outlaw and his brother who continued to advance toward them. Adam heard Joe cock his pistol. Dave spun around, horrified to see Joe with his pistol drawn and death etched into his fine features. Joe\u2019s hazel eyes seemed to spit fire as he glared at the man with such raw unrefined hatred.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cJoe\u2026don\u2019t\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cGet out of my way, Adam\u2026\u201d Joe warned.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cNo\u2026I can\u2019t let you do it\u2026there\u2019s no reason to kill him, Joe\u2026\u201d Adam tried to persuade his brother.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Joe\u2019s eyes looked glazed when Adam looked directly into them.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cNo reason? What\u2019s the matter with you, Adam\u2026isn\u2019t our brother\u2019s life worth revenging?\u201d growled Joe.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cPut the gun down, Joe,\u201d Bass ordered. \u201cYou made me a promise\u2026or have you forgotten?\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Bass had moved forward, toward Joe. Cliff, Henry and Billy had huddled together to the sidelines. They knew better than to try to make a break for it\u2026Bass\u2019 reputation wasn\u2019t unheard of.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cI haven\u2019t forgotten\u2026but it\u2019s not the promise I made to you that I plan on breaking, it\u2019s the one to my brother, Hoss\u2026that I plan on keeping!\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cHoss wouldn\u2019t want you to kill him, Joe!\u201d Adam stated.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    He inched forward.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cAdam\u2026stay where you are!\u201d Joe barked, waving his gun at his brother.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Dave watched the trio, closely keeping his eyes on Joe, for he knew that the boy would kill him if he dared to move. He also knew that if he didn\u2019t escape, he\u2019d hang for his crimes. He waited for his chance and when he saw Joe glance to check the marshal\u2019s whereabouts, he suddenly screamed and charged Adam, who still had his back to him, facing his brother.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Adam\u2019s gun was knocked from his hand as he was sent tumbling to the ground. Dave quickly grabbed it and walloped Adam over the head, knocking him unconscious. He pointed the gun at Joe, who was too stunned to react. The bullet shot from the pistol, grazing Joe\u2019s left forearm and sending his gun tumbling into the brush. Dave raised his arm again, grinning this time, as Joe held his wounded hand in the other hand.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cTime to die, Cartwright!\u201d laughed Dave.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Cliff and the other two men leapt forward, surprising Bass as well. Two jumped the marshal, knocking him down as well and scrambling for their pistols. Joe seemed frozen to the spot, until he heard the click, click of Dave\u2019s pistol. It dawned on him that the gun was jammed and unable to fire.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    New life sparked the hatred he\u2019d held in his heart. Like a man possessed, he slammed into Dave, driving his body into his opponent\u2019s and forcing both of them backwards. The wound to his arm momentarily forgotten, Joe hit Brackett on the chin with his right fist. Again with his left and another right, this time to the outlaw\u2019s mid-section.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Dave barely had time to react, let alone protect himself. He screamed out in anger as Joe\u2019s relentless blows pounded away at his body.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Across the clearing, Bass was fighting a battle of his own. It was all the black lawman could do to keep the three men off his back. Billy tried pointing his gun at the marshal attempting to fire at him, but each time he thought he had a good shot; Bass would spin one of the other men around. Billy was jumping around and around, yelling at his partners to get out of the way. Cliff and Bass were fighting for the gun Cliff held, while Henry had dropped his in the bushes and was scrambling around trying to find it. He spotted it at last and grabbed it, spinning around and pointing it at Bass\u2019 back.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Billy, not aware that his cohort had found his gun, jumped between Bass and Henry just as Henry fired his gun. The bullet ripped into Billy\u2019s back, killing him instantly before he dropped to the ground.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Everything stopped for only a blink of an eye and then the battle between Cliff and Bass resumed. Angered, Henry dropped to his knees beside his dead comrade. Hate filled his heart and devoured it instantly. Looking more deranged than most mad men, Henry jumped to his feet and pointed his gun once more at Bass. The trigger cocked and then, a blast resounded amid the small grove of trees, seeming to echo off the rocks nearby.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Henry\u2019s body became rigid and appeared to freeze in motion. He turned his head just enough and looked down. Adam was lying on his belly, his arm extended; his pistol held tightly in his hand was still smoking at the barrel\u2019s end. The outlaw\u2019s body sagged downward at last until he lay dead in front of Adam.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Adam managed to get to his feet. He spied Joe a short distance from him, still fighting with Dave. He heard Bass yell something and then heard another shot. Cliff\u2019s body folded and when Bass stepped back, Cliff too dropped to the ground along with the gun that had gone off killing him.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Adam\u2019s head was throbbing and he swayed as he tried to make his way to his brother. Bass, seeing that Joe had Dave down on his knees and his arm locked tightly about the man\u2019s throat, rushed forward. Joe had the outlaw in a chokehold, squeezing the life out of the man he hated.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    A memory from his past suddenly jolted him into action. Bass grabbed Joe\u2019s arm, attempting to pull him from the other man. He could see the horror in Dave\u2019s eyes, noted the look of death that appeared in his graying face as the air continued to be denied to his lungs.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cJOE\u2026STOP! YOU CAN\u2019T KILL HIM\u2026.\u201d Shouted Bass as he tugged at Joe\u2019s arm.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cGET AWAY!\u201d screamed Joe, flinging his other arm at Bass, shoving him away. Instantly the arm returned to Brackett.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Adam staggered forward, trying desperately to help the marshal in keeping Joe from murdering the other man.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cJOE!! DON\u2019T\u2026THERE\u2019S NO REASON\u2026\u201d Adam shouted.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Joe\u2019s hold on Dave\u2019s neck only tightened as he glared up into Adam\u2019s face. So much hate, thought Adam in an instant. It was like his brother was a stranger, someone unfamiliar to him.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cHE KILLED HOSS! I\u2019M GONNA MAKE HIM PAY!\u201d cried Joe.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    It was then that Adam realized that his brother thought Hoss to have died. No wonder the boy was consumed!<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cHE\u2019S NOT DEAD, JOE\u2026HOSS IS ALIVE\u2026DO YOU HEAR ME\u2026HOSS IS ALIVE!!\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Bass was still behind Joe, pulling on the boy\u2019s arm. He felt some of the pressure lessen.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cJoe, your brother\u2019s not dead\u2026Dave didn\u2019t kill him\u2026listen to me\u2026if you kill Dave\u2026I\u2019ll have to take you in and you\u2019ll hang\u2026please, old friend\u2026don\u2019t make me do it!\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Joe\u2019s eyes were wild with raw emotions and had filled with tears. All the hate he\u2019d been harboring and all the guilt he\u2019d been eaten up by sudden came to an end. He released Dave and shoved him forward, sending the man graveling in the dirt, struggling to catch his breath.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Bass looked at Adam, their eyes met briefly. Adam moved forward to Joe who was on his knees, doubled over. Adam could hear the deep, heart wrenching sobs that racked his brother\u2019s body. He placed his hand on Joe\u2019s shoulder. The tender, compassionate touch was all it took. Joe fell into his brother\u2019s arms and sobbed.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Bass, slightly embarrassed by the display of emotions, grabbed Dave Brackett\u2019s arm and practically dragged him to the horses where he was cuffed to a tree and made to wait while the marshal gathered up the bodies of the other three men.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cI wanted\u2026to\u2026kill\u2026him,\u201d sobbed Joe.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cI know, Joe\u2026but I\u2019m glad you didn\u2019t, buddy,\u201d Adam said in a soft tone.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    He had pulled Joe up from the ground, but still held him close.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cHoss begged me not to let you\u2026he remembered you coming into his room and what you said to him about what you planned on doing to Brackett when you found him,\u201d Adam explained.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Joe at last moved away.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cHow\u2019d you know where to look for me?\u201d he asked.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cI didn\u2019t, I guess I was just lucky. I stopped over in a town a ways back and I was in the saloon washing down the trail dust when Dave and his gang came in. They didn\u2019t see me thank goodness\u2026I was sitting in a corner. I thought I knew them, but I couldn\u2019t remember from where\u2026and then I heard them mention your name. I realized \u2026it had to be them that shot Hoss and robbed you both. Hoss kept muttering something about four men\u2026old friends of Joe\u2019s, he said\u2026I just put two and two together and decided to follow them\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Joe swiped his hand across his nose to dry the moisture. He looked beneath lowered lashes at his brother.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cYou sure Hoss is alright?\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cI\u2019m positive\u2026in fact, I got a wire from Pa that said if I didn\u2019t find you soon, he and Hoss were joining me\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cHave I been gone that long? I mean\u2026is Hoss able to get about?\u201d Joe asked in wonder.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cYou\u2019ve been gone about six weeks, Joe\u2026and to answer your question\u2026yes, he\u2019s able,\u201d smiled Adam.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Joe swallowed the thickness that sprang into his throat.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cI\u2019m glad he didn\u2019t\u2026die. Say, Adam?\u201d he said in a low voice.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

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

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cAll of this is my fault\u2026every last bit of it\u2026from Hoss getting shot, to losing the money from the sale\u2026all because I wanted to do a little fishing\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cForget it Joe. Look, Hoss doesn\u2019t blame you\u2026in fact he admitted to Pa that he purposely went by that fishing hole, knowing you\u2019d want to stop\u2026and if you remember, he didn\u2019t put up much argument when you suggested it, did he now?\u201d Adam said, grinning.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cNaw\u2026I guess not.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    It thundered loudly, causing all the men to glance at the sky.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cWe best find cover\u2026looks like a storm brewing!\u201d Bass shouted.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Dave was sitting on his horse; his hands were now handcuffed behind his back. Bass had wrapped Cliff and Henry in their bedrolls and was currently rolling Billy up in his.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cHelp me get these bodies on their horses. There\u2019s an old shack about half a mile up the road\u2026we can wait out the storm there,\u201d Bass suggested.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Adam and Joe hurried to do as requested and within minutes, all men were mounted and riding toward the shack. The rain lasted for the remainder of the day, throughout the night and had just ended shortly after the sun burst through the clouds.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Joe was anxious to be on his way, he wanted to go home, to see his brother he thought had died. There were things he felt he wanted to say to Hoss, things he needed to explain to his father.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cHELLO INSIDE THE CABIN!\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Joe jumped to his feet, glanced at Adam and Bass with wide eyes.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cThat sounds like\u2026naw\u2026it couldn\u2019t be!\u201d he muttered as he rushed to push wide the door.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Adam and Bass rose and followed Joe to the door. Adam grinned at the marshal as they hurried outside to welcome the visitors.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cHOSS!\u201d shouted Joe gleefully.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    He almost knocked the big man down as he swung down from his horse. Joe flew into his brother\u2019s arms where he was wrapped in a tight bear hug. Ben dismounted, grinning from ear to ear as he moved toward Adam and shook his son\u2019s hand.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cI see you found the rapscallion!\u201d he laughed in his deep voice.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cWell\u2026more like he found me,\u201d snickered Adam.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Ben\u2019s expression changed to one of bewilderment.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cIt\u2019s a long story, Pa\u2026I\u2019ll explain it to you later\u2026on the way home.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cAlright, son\u2026will you look at those two?\u201d he laughed, pointing to Hoss and Joe who where acting as if it had been years since they had seen each other.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cHey you two\u2026\u201d Ben called.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Hoss and Joe stopped their horsing around and turned to their father. Ben grinned and held his hand out to Joe.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Joe walked humbly toward his father, a happy smile on his face as he accepted his father\u2019s hand.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cHowdy, Pa\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cHowdy, Pa\u2026is that all you have to say for yourself young man?\u201d snickered Ben, clasping Joe\u2019s hand in his.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Joe swallowed the lump that had sprung into his throat and looked into his father\u2019s eyes. He saw the relief that quickly turned to joy as his father pulled him into his arms and squeezed him with a hug, which Joe readily returned.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cHey, look!\u201d he said, pulling away from his father and pointing over Ben\u2019s shoulder.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cWell what\u2019ll ya know, a rainbow!\u201d muttered Hoss softly, in awe of God\u2019s handiwork.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cLook at those colors!\u201d Ben acclaimed, \u201cso radiant of God\u2019s promise\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cThat all men are made in His image,\u201d murmured Adam.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Joe turned to look at his old friend, Bass Reeves, and smiled knowingly.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cRegardless of color\u2026red and yellow\u2026\u201d Joe chanted, smiling.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cBlack or white,\u201d Bass said, finishing the line for Joe, \u201call are precious in His sight\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    THE END<\/p>\n

    September 2005<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Ever wonder what the colors of the rainbow mean? Check this out:<\/p>\n

    http:\/\/www.spiritisup.com\/colors1.swf<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

    Summary:\u00a0 Five years later Joe meets his old friend and now US Marshal, Bass Reeves, but this time under much different circumstances.\u00a0 Both learn that there are two sides to the rainbow…can one help the other see beyond the dark side of the rainbow?<\/p>\n

    Rated:\u00a0 PG (17,300 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],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-12283","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-drama","category-family","wpcat-23-id","wpcat-1008-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\/12283","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=12283"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/12283\/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=12283"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=12283"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=12283"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}