{"id":12289,"date":"2001-08-01T14:36:10","date_gmt":"2001-08-01T18:36:10","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=12289"},"modified":"2025-02-27T12:05:17","modified_gmt":"2025-02-27T17:05:17","slug":"restitutions-rewards-by-debbieb","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=12289","title":{"rendered":"Restitution’s Rewards (by DebbieB)"},"content":{"rendered":"

Summary:<\/strong>\u00a0 Little Joe is knee deep in debt.\u00a0 Can he pay the price?<\/p>\n

Rated:<\/strong> G (17,820 words)<\/p>\n

My first story ever. I am glad LJ is my inspiration. <\/em><\/p>\n

Restitution’s Rewards<\/strong><\/p>\n

Sixteen-year old Little Joe Cartwright laid face down on his bed sobbing.\u00a0 The large tears flowed freely from green eyes, red rimmed from crying, down his flushed cheeks and onto the crisp white sheets that lay beneath him.\u00a0 He had been in this position for most of the evening hours.\u00a0 The tears were not so much from the stinging, burning sensation he was feeling in his backside, but from the pain he felt weighing heavy on his shattered heart.\u00a0 Oh, he\u2019d told himself, he deserved the whipping his pa had given him, but the onslaught of words!\u00a0 Those tore at his heart, each condescending word chipping away piece, by small piece.<\/p>\n

Remembering the actions that led up to the spanking, Little Joe realized that his pa, Ben Cartwright, had for the first time ever, raised his hand to strike one of his sons while engulfed with anger. The action had both surprised and frightened the young boy. Thinking back, Joe shivered, boy was Pa mad.\u00a0 He could almost see the steam and smoke spewing from Pa\u2019s ears and inflamed nostrils as he shouted in a roaring voice that had seemed to rattle the windows of the massive log ranch house. Joe shivered again and pulled the homemade quilts over his tired aching body.<\/p>\n

Thoughts continued to invade Joe\u2019s mind.\u00a0 He hadn\u2019t set out to do so much damage; he reasoned, it just happened, an accident, that\u2019s what it was!\u00a0 NO!\u00a0 His brain screamed at him, if he had not disobeyed his father, there would have been no accident.\u00a0 But he had let himself be led by his over active adventurous urges that had on more than one occasion ended with his Pa mad at him and resulting in either a whipping or restricted activities, usually both.<\/p>\n

Joe turned trying to find a comfortable position and moaned softly as his rear end rubbed against the weight of the heavy quilts. This sure was going to be a long might he thought to himself.<\/p>\n

Closing his eyes, hoping sleep would claim him, his mind only raced on faster than before.\u00a0 His best friend, Mitch Devlin, had just bragged to him the day before that his pa, Charles Devlin, a long time friend of the older Cartwright, had allowed him to go hunting by himself.\u00a0 Joe could hardly believe his ears.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019re fooling?\u201d questioned Joe.<\/p>\n

\u201cNo, really Joe, he did,\u201d Mitch responded.\u00a0 \u201cWhen I told him about that big buck over by the Miller place, he told me I could go, said we could use the extra meat if I got lucky,\u201d continued Mitch.<\/p>\n

Joe suddenly felt very young.\u00a0 His pa would never have allowed him to use his rifle alone on a hunting trip.\u00a0 Something that irked Joe, he hated being treated like a kid.\u00a0 That night, a plan had formed in his mind.\u00a0 It had been a good plan too, working out just fine, until the last minute.\u00a0 That\u2019s when everything began to fall apart.\u00a0 It was with these thoughts that Joe finally gave in to a troubled and restless sleep.<\/p>\n

Joe knew where his Pa had hidden his new rifle.\u00a0 He had watched from behind the partially closed door.\u00a0 Ben had been angry with him for taking the firearm out of the gun case without permission.\u00a0 He had promised Joe then and there that the new Winchester would be put in a safe place, unknown to the misbehaving lad.\u00a0 Pa had then given him one of his lectures on firearm safety, stating how this new model was built for accuracy and how well it could drop it\u2019s target with one shot.\u00a0 Making it clear that the sights were set in such a way as to prove it\u2019s self over and over. Pa finally ended his little speech with forbidding his youngest son to use the rifle unsupervised again, for which he was now on restriction.<\/p>\n

It was during this restricted time that Mitch had paid Joe the visit to the ranch and informed him of the large buck roaming just inside the boundary of the Hiram Miller ranch.\u00a0 Mitch had assured his friend that the massive buck was at least an eight pointer maybe even ten pointer!\u00a0 The news of this along with the knowledge that Mitch had been allowed to hunt alone was too much for the ever thrill seeking, adventurous Joe Cartwright.\u00a0 Thus his plan had formed.\u00a0 He had only to wait for Pa, Adam, and Hoss to be away from the ranch for a period of time long enough for Joe to find the buck shoot it and bring the trophy home for his family to enjoy. He could almost taste the delicious meals that Hop Sing, the family\u2019s cook, would prepare.\u00a0 With this in mind, Joe reasoned that surely his Pa would forgive him for disobeying his orders and view Joe in a new light.\u00a0 Unknown to Joe, disappointment and heartache were waiting just around the corner.<\/p>\n

The moment Joe had been waiting and planning for came sooner than he expected.\u00a0 Pa had informed him that Adam, Hoss and himself would be leaving before sun up the next morning for the north pasture to move the herd that was grazing there, down to the lower pasture that laid to the west, a task that would likely take all day. Ben had also informed Hop Sing that they would probably have to have a late supper and to please plan accordingly.\u00a0 Joe\u2019s instructions were spelled out in no uncertain terms as to what would take place upon his return should he fail to comply with the orders.\u00a0 Joe only nodded his reply, all the while his mind racing with excitement at the thrill of the upcoming hunt.<\/p>\n

The next morning as soon as Joe was sure that his family was gone, he slipped into his father\u2019s bedroom and retrieved the Winchester that was carefully hidden behind Ben\u2019s dresser.\u00a0 As he ran his fingers lovingly down the length of the rifle barrel, Joe felt a pang of quilt filter into his conscience but just as quickly as the feeling manifested it\u2019s self, it vanished.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019d best get going,\u201d Joe told himself.<\/p>\n

Carefully and quietly so as not to arouse the suspicion of the family cook he slipped from the room, down the stairs, stopping at the gun case to grab a box of shells for his rifle.\u00a0 Joe made it to the barn and began saddling Cochise, stopping long enough to pet the nose of the little sorrel yearling that he had found three weeks earlier.\u00a0 The yearling had been in a weakened condition standing next to its dead mother in an open field south of the main house.\u00a0 Hoss had told him the mare looked as if she had died fighting off an attack of some sorts while protecting its young.\u00a0 Joe had brought the colt home and with Hoss\u2019 help brought life back into the little sorrel.\u00a0 He was planning on training the colt to bridle and saddle and hoping to be able to earn himself a couple hundred dollars for his work by the time the fall horse sale took place in Carson City.<\/p>\n

Joe had ridden most of the early morning.\u00a0 He was thankful that his pa and brothers were going north, and then turning the herd toward the west pasture.\u00a0 The Miller ranch laid in the opposite direction to the east.\u00a0 The morning was crisp and the freshness of the air gave Joe a sense of renewal of spirit.\u00a0 He didn\u2019t often venture out this early, he preferred sleeping as late as he could, allowing only the billowing voice of his father to force him from slumber.\u00a0 But this morning he felt refreshed, felt like a man on a mission.\u00a0 If all went according to plan, he would have his prize, be home and chores completed long before his family even knew he had been gone.\u00a0 Joe, who was known for his propensity for trouble, had no idea how horribly things were fixing to change.<\/p>\n

It was near mid-day by the time Joe had found a secluded hiding place to wait for the buck to pass.\u00a0 He had tracked the large deer for more than a mile and had seen the rubs and scraps where the deer had marked its territory.\u00a0 Following the path and tracks the deer had made on a daily trek, Joe had learned enough from his brothers to know that the animal should soon be passing close by.<\/p>\n

He waited as if holding his breath.\u00a0 When the noise he was hearing began to grow in volume, he slowly raised the rifle to his eye preparing to take careful aim and waited for just the right moment.\u00a0 He was well hidden from view, lying on the ground under the low hanging branches of a giant Ponderosa pine.\u00a0 Being upwind of the deer, he felt confident he would be able to bag his prey in short order.<\/p>\n

At last the enormous buck stepped into the clearing, giving Joe the perfect shot he had hoped for. As his heart beat wildly in anticipation, he sighted the deer through the end of the rifle barrel. The thought ran through his mind at the size of the antlers of the deer. Mitch had not been exaggerating when he had told him of the size, for in his sites stood a perfect ten-pointer.<\/p>\n

Slowly Joe pulled the trigger.\u00a0 At that exact second, the largest bull Joe had ever laid his eyes on stepped into view.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat the\u2026\u201d Joe silently screamed.<\/p>\n

The thought was never finished as to Joe\u2019s horror the bull dropped dead in its tracks, having encountered the bullet meant for the deer.\u00a0 Joe rose from his hiding place to look towards the deer just as the deer looked in Joe\u2019s direction and the two made eye contact. Joe sword under his breath and briefly thought the deer had smiled at him just before it bolted from the clearing.<\/p>\n

Joe ran toward the bull in a panic. \u201cWhat have I done now?\u201d \u201cPa will have my hide for sure!\u201d his brain repeated over and over.<\/p>\n

Just as Joe fell to his knees to inspect the dead beast, two horsemen rode into the clearing and began yelling at him, \u201cWhat the hell happened?\u201d<\/p>\n

Recognizing the older man as his neighbor Hiram Miller, Joe, who was close to tears cried, \u201cI\u2019m sorry, sir, I was aiming at a buck and when I fired, your bull stepped into the line of fire!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s my prize bull you little fool!\u201d ranted the angry man.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m so sorry, it was an accident,\u201d Joe tried to explain to the man who was now pacing back and forth in front of the scared boy.\u00a0 The second horseman dismounted and stepped over to the older man.<\/p>\n

\u201cTake it easy Pa,\u201d said Hiram\u2019s son, Zack.
\n\u201cTake it easy, Hell!\u00a0 That bull just cost me $800!\u00a0 And you tell me to take it easy?\u201d shouted Mr. Miller.\u00a0 \u201cI\u2019ll tell you what I\u2019ll take, I\u2019ll take this young man home to his pa and after Ben Cartwright is finished with him, he\u2019ll wish he\u2019d never heard of Hiram Miller!\u201d<\/p>\n

With that said, the enraged man grabbed young Joe roughly by the shoulders, pulling him to a standing position.\u00a0 Jerking the Winchester from Joe\u2019s hands, he screamed at Joe to go get his horse.\u00a0 Fear of the man and of what laid ahead for him when he faced his father forced Joe to comply with the man\u2019s wishes.\u00a0 He dared not disobey, he knew he was in for a very long night and fear of his father\u2019s wrath weighed heavily on his mind.<\/p>\n

As the three riders approached the ranch house, Joe was surprised to see his father and brothers\u2019 horses tied to the railing beside the house.\u00a0 A large knot began to form in his belly, making him feel as if he needed to vomit.\u00a0 The large front door opened and Ben Cartwright stepped onto the boards that made a porch on the front of the house.\u00a0 The look of anger he held on his face did not go unnoticed to Little Joe. He realized his pa and brothers had returned early from moving the herd and found not only the youngest member of the family missing but that not one chore of the a-for mentioned list was completed.\u00a0 If Joe figured this right, pa was only going to get madder and his own self was in for more trouble than he had ever had in all of his short sixteen years!<\/p>\n

It didn\u2019t take Mr. Miller long to explain to Ben what had transpired. Ben was enraged to say the least.\u00a0 Joe hung his head not only in fear of meeting the looks his father was sending him but also in shame for what he realized too late was a poor excuse of judgment.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhy didn\u2019t I listen to pa?\u201d\u00a0 His mind shouted.\u00a0 He raised his head briefly to look at his brothers who were silently taking in the situation.\u00a0 Adam glanced at his youngest brother and felt a touch of pity for the boy.<\/p>\n

\u201cOh little buddy,\u201d he thought, \u201cyou\u2019ve really done it this time.\u201d\u00a0 The look of fright and the reflection of tears on Joe\u2019s face told Adam that his baby brother knew it as well.<\/p>\n

Joe saw the look of pity on his brother\u2019s face and knew that Adam recognized what he had gotten himself into.\u00a0 He took Adam\u2019s look of pity as a sign that maybe he could capture a smidgen of understanding from his oldest siblings.\u00a0 Taking that to heart, Little Joe turned his eyes in Hoss\u2019 direction.\u00a0 What he saw there made the growing fear double in size.\u00a0 Hoss seemed almost as upset as he did.\u00a0 Was that fear that Little Joe read on his brother\u2019s face?\u00a0 Fear of pa\u2019s anger or fear for what he knew his pa would do to the youngest Cartwright son?<\/p>\n

None of the three Cartwright brothers actually feared their father. Ben was a kind and loving father, loved deeply by each of his sons.\u00a0 They knew he could be a strict taskmaster when need be, they also knew he would not tolerate lying, cheating or insolent behavior from any of his children.\u00a0 Out right defiant behavior was not allowed and anyone who choose to do so would reap the consequences of his actions, as Joe was soon to be reminded.<\/p>\n

Lost within his own thoughts, Joe did not realize that Mr. Miller and Zack had taken their leave. \u201cWhat was that shouting?\u201d Joe\u2019s mind questioned.<\/p>\n

\u201cAre you purposely ignoring me?\u201d stormed Ben.\u00a0 \u201cJOSEPH!\u201d yelled Ben, \u201cIn the house, \u201cNOW!\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe was jostled from his thoughts.\u00a0 \u201cSorry P—Pa,\u201d Stammered Joe, heading for the house.<\/p>\n

\u201cAdam, Hoss, you boys take care of the horses. Your little brother and I have a few things to discuss,\u201d Ben informed his oldest sons.<\/p>\n

\u201cSure Pa,\u201d answered Hoss, glancing at his baby brother sadly.<\/p>\n

Ben grabbed Joe by the upper arm and began leading him into the house.\u00a0 Joe barely felt the slight pain, more in dread of what lay ahead.\u00a0 No sooner had the front door closed than Joe began pleading his case.<\/p>\n

\u201cPa, I\u2019m really sorry, it was an accident,\u201d stammered Joe.<\/p>\n

\u201cJOSEPH!\u201d How could it be an accident?\u00a0 You were not even suppose to be where you were?\u201d \u201cWhat it was, was blatant disobedience!\u201d shouted pa.<\/p>\n

\u201cBut Pa,\u201d cried Joe, his lower lip trembling, barely able to contain the tears that were beginning to form in his emerald eyes.<\/p>\n

\u201cNo buts, Joseph!\u201d Ben said. \u201cOf all the lame brain, stupid stunts you\u2019ve ever pulled, this is the cream of the crop.\u00a0 I have never been so angry, disappointed or disgusted.\u00a0 Nor have I ever felt as ashamed or humiliated and embarrassed by anyone in my entire life as I am now by you.\u201d Ben continued.<\/p>\n

The front door had opened and closed and neither father nor son had heard.\u00a0 Adam and Hoss stood in silence listening to their father berate their youngest brother.\u00a0 Hoss felt the sting of tears in his own eyes as he heard the words his father spoke.\u00a0 Adam stood as in shock, realizing how the impact of such harsh cold words would effect his young sensitive baby brother.\u00a0 His heart went out to Little Joe.\u00a0 It would take Joe a long time to recover from the on slot of their father\u2019s harsh words.\u00a0 And pa was so angry, angrier than he had ever seen him and this worried Adam as never before.<\/p>\n

Joe\u2019s head rested on his chest, tears making round stains on the front of his shirt as they tracked down his cheeks.\u00a0 His heart felt as if it were breaking apart.\u00a0 The one person he loved most in his life was telling him what a disappointment he was to him, how much he was ashamed of him and how disgusted he felt toward him.\u00a0 Joe cried.\u00a0 All he had ever wanted was to make his father proud of him.\u00a0 How he longed to be held in those strong arms and to be comforted.\u00a0 When Joe saw his father reach out for him that is exactly what he thought was about to take place.<\/p>\n

In a movement so sudden and fast that even the two oldest brothers hardly realized what was happening, Ben had for the second time this night, grabbed Joe by the upper arm and with his free hand had pulled his belt from around his waist.\u00a0 Joe found to his horror his body laid across his father\u2019s lap and his arms penned behind, held tightly while Ben began administering the punishment.\u00a0 Joe tried not to cry out but with the weight of the world coming down on his behind, he gave in to the urge.<\/p>\n

\u201cPa! Pa! Please!\u201d sobbed Joe.\u00a0 \u201cI\u2019m sorry, I\u2019m sorry,\u201d Joe continued.<\/p>\n

Ben seemed lost in a world of anger and frustration and was unaware of his sons\u2019 pleas of mercy.<\/p>\n

\u201cPa!\u201d shouted Adam finally snapping out of his own silent world, as he tried to get his father\u2019s attention.\u00a0 Hoss seeing what was happening to his family quickly stepped in. As Ben brought his arm back preparing to repeat the blows, Hoss firmly but gently grasped Ben\u2019s wrist and held his father\u2019s arm in the upright position.<\/p>\n

\u201cPa,\u201d pleaded the gentle giant, \u201cEasy,\u201d spoke Hoss, more with his eyes than with his voice.\u00a0 \u201cI think little brother has gotten the message,\u201d Hoss softly informed the man sitting before him.<\/p>\n

Ben\u2019s mind snapped back to reality.\u00a0 \u201cWhat is Heaven\u2019s name was I thinking?\u201d He chided himself.\u00a0 Hoss gently released his hold on his father\u2019s arm as Ben attempted to raise himself and Little Joe from the chair where he had been sitting with his wayward son across his lap.<\/p>\n

\u201cJoseph,\u201d Ben spoke in a near normal voice.\u00a0 \u201cWe will discuss this matter again, later, when we have all had time to calm down.\u00a0 For now, go to your room and remain there until I send for you.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYes sir,\u201d whispered Joe, barely raising his eyes to meet his father\u2019s chocolate brown ones.\u00a0 Joe could still see the fury hidden there and quickly dropped his head.\u00a0 As he made his way toward the stairs that would take him to the sanctuary of his room, he chanced a glance at his brothers.\u00a0 Seeing the look of encouragement on both faces he bid each one good night.<\/p>\n

\u201cNight Hoss.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNight Punkin,\u201d Hoss replied.<\/p>\n

\u201cNight Adam.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNight little buddy,\u201d whispered Adam.<\/p>\n

Casting one last glance at his father as he reached the landing of the stairs, he spoke in a soft, shaky voice, \u201cNight pa, I really am sorry.\u201d\u00a0 Little Joe ran for his room, not waiting for his father to reply.\u00a0 Ben stood staring after his fleeing son.<\/p>\n

Morning came all too soon for the Cartwright household.\u00a0 Ben was already seated at the head of the table when Adam and Hoss began their descent down the stairs.<\/p>\n

\u201cHoss,\u201d Ben called, \u201cWill you please tell Joseph I want him down here for breakfast?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSure thing, pa,\u201d Hoss answered, turning to retrace his steps.\u00a0 Stopping at Joe\u2019s door he gently pushed it opened and stepped inside.\u00a0 Joe was already up and nearly dressed.<\/p>\n

\u201cPa wants you downstairs,\u201d the largest of the Cartwright boys informed the smallest.<\/p>\n

\u201cYeah, I heard,\u201d Joe said as he pulled up his pants.\u00a0 \u201cOuch!\u201d he cried.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou okay Punkin?\u201d questioned Hoss.<\/p>\n

\u201cYeah, except for my butt, it hurts like he\u2026.\u201d Stopping him self just in time, \u201check.\u201d\u00a0 Joe smiled slightly at his brother.\u00a0 He could always count on Hoss to be there for him and he loved his “big\u201d brother almost as much as he loved his father.<\/p>\n

\u201cBetter hurry.\u00a0 Don\u2019t want to add fuel to the fire,\u201d Hoss said matter-of-factly.<\/p>\n

\u201cHmm, guess that means he\u2019s still mad?\u201d Joe asked, turning troubled eyes on his brother.<\/p>\n

\u201cYeah, you could call it that.\u00a0 He\u2019ll probably stay mad for a long time.\u00a0 I ain\u2019t glad you got yourself into this mess, but I\u2019m just as glad it ain\u2019t me Pa\u2019s so mad at,\u201d stated Hoss firmly.<\/p>\n

Joe smiled again at Hoss.\u00a0 Hoss returned the smile and noted the sadness of Joe\u2019s green eyes.\u00a0 The face told the whole story; Joe had spent the night crying.\u00a0 Did his rear end hurt that badly?\u00a0 \u201cNo,\u201d thought Hoss as he returned to the table.\u00a0 He knew what was causing Joe\u2019s pain.\u00a0 Why, he could hardly believe himself, the words Pa had spoken to Joe.\u00a0 It hurt him to hear them; he could only guess how Joe must feel knowing the words were meant for his ears.\u00a0 The look on Little Joe\u2019s face yesterday had spoke volumes of what his heart was feeling.\u00a0 Wonder that Pa hadn\u2019t even noticed.\u00a0 Usually Pa was kinder in his verbal rebuke of bad behavior and much less forceful than yesterday when applying the belt.\u00a0 At least he always had been in the past, especially where Ben Cartwright\u2019s youngest son was concerned.\u00a0 He was worried about his pa and made a mental note to speak to Adam about it.<\/p>\n

As Joe made his way down the stairs and toward the table, Ben raised his head and watched.\u00a0 Joe\u2019s head was low and he walked stiffly.\u00a0 As Joe approached the table and his father, he raised his head just high enough to meet his father\u2019s eyes.<\/p>\n

\u201cMornin\u2019 Pa,\u201d he spoke softly as he turned his head and greeted Adam.<\/p>\n

Ben watched as Joe carefully sat in the chair at his place at the table.\u00a0 Joe was surprised to see the soft red cushion from the settee in the great room that had been placed in his chair for his comfort.\u00a0 He briefly wondered who had done him this favor and glanced up in time to see Hoss wink at him.\u00a0 He returned the wink with a small smile towards his brother who was also his protector during the times when he needed it most, usually when the pair of them found them selves together in some sort of unexpected trouble<\/p>\n

The exchange between the two brothers had not gone unnoticed by Ben.\u00a0 He could only wonder at the bond between his sons.\u00a0 He remembered yesterday the iron like grip that Hoss had held his arm in and the plea in his son\u2019s voice when Hoss had informed him that Joseph had gotten the message.\u00a0 Looking in Joe\u2019s direction, he watched as Joe toyed with his food and saw again the red swollen eyes of his youngest.\u00a0 Quilt slowly began to invade Ben\u2019s thoughts.\u00a0 Had he been overly rough on the boy?\u00a0 Surely he must have if Hoss and Adam had seemed inclined to intervene on their brother\u2019s behalf.\u00a0 The look of sorrow in those green eyes confirmed what Ben already knew in his heart.\u00a0 He reasoned that Joe deserved the spanking; he had disobeyed the rules, again for the second time in less than two weeks, and for the same infraction.\u00a0 Yes, Joseph had earned that punishment.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat had he said to Joseph yesterday?\u201d his mind questioned.<\/p>\n

He had been so angry that he could not recall the words.\u00a0 He would have to ask either Adam or Hoss later.\u00a0 Ben thought of his own behavior of the day before and felt shame creeping upon him.\u00a0 He knew he had struck Joe while still very angry.\u00a0 He had always before prided himself in being able to control his temper, especially where his sons were concerned.\u00a0 He wondered what had triggered his actions.\u00a0 Coming home early from moving the herd only to find Joseph gone and not the first chore complete.\u00a0 That was the beginning of his anger.\u00a0 Having next to help Adam and Hoss finish what Joe had not even started added more fuel to his rapidly growing anger. After going upstairs to change into clean clothes for the evening meal, he had found his bedroom door standing open.\u00a0 He always made sure it was completely closed when leaving.\u00a0 He supposed that the open door was the reason he found himself looking behind his dresser.\u00a0 Joe had not only interred his bedroom uninvited but had also taken the Winchester.\u00a0 Ben was enraged.\u00a0 What ever was he going to do?\u00a0 How was he to make Joe realize the error of his ways?\u00a0 As he stormed down the stairs, muttering to him self, horses were heard entering the yard.<\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s probably Little Joe,\u201d volunteered Hoss.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt had better be,\u201d Ben nearly shouted as he reached for the door and stepped outside.<\/p>\n

Adam and Hoss had followed their father out into the early evening light.\u00a0 What they saw stopped both young men at exactly the same time, a short distance behind their father.\u00a0 There, mounted upon his pinto, was their young brother looking too all the world as if he wished the earth would open and swallow him up.\u00a0 It was obvious to the two brothers that Joe had been crying.\u00a0 The tear tracks down the dirty face were proof enough.<\/p>\n

Mr. Hiram Miller jumped from his horse with an ease that surprised both Adam and Hoss. Hoss almost laughed out right but clapped his hand over his mouth just in time to mute the giggle.\u00a0 Old Hiram was a good old sole but his actions nearly always made Hoss want to giggle.\u00a0 Zack, the only son of Hiram was a carbon copy of his father. When he dismounted his horse hanging his boot in the stirrup causing the younger man to make several jumping attempts to free himself, Hoss felt the laughter break loose.\u00a0 Ben turned and gave Hoss an angry glare, signaling silence, which came immediately.\u00a0 Joe was the last to get down from his horse and came silently to stand in front of his father as Hiram Miller ranted on and on about his prize bull.\u00a0 All of these things began adding up for Ben and by the time the Millers were on their way out of the yard Ben had been in a full-blown rage.<\/p>\n

Breakfast was eaten in silence. Each of the four family members lost in their own thoughts.\u00a0 At last Adam and Hoss excused themselves to begin their morning chores, leaving Joe alone at the table with his father.\u00a0 The silence and tension hung heavy in the air.<\/p>\n

Joe thought he would surely die if his pa didn\u2019t speak soon.\u00a0 As for speaking first, Joe wasn\u2019t sure he could trust his voice not to break.\u00a0 His feelings were hurt from yesterday\u2019s verbal attack and his rear was sore from the spanking.\u00a0 He tried to sit still but that didn\u2019t help so he tried moving to the side but that only caused his trousers to rub against the inflamed flesh of the part of the anatomy that he was sitting on.\u00a0 Ben sensing his son\u2019s discomfort spoke at last.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou may stand up if it helps.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThanks, I think I will,\u201d Joe said in a very quiet voice.\u00a0 Glancing in his father\u2019s direction, he saw Ben watching him.\u00a0 For some reason, that made Joe feel uncomfortable, embarrassed mostly.<\/p>\n

\u201cJoseph, I have only a few things to say to you about your actions yesterday,\u201d began Ben.\u00a0 \u201cYou will remain on restriction until I say otherwise. That means you are to go no further than the yard and the barn.\u00a0 Is that understood?\u201d Ben questioned.<\/p>\n

\u201cYes sir,\u201d answered Joe meeting his father\u2019s eyes.
\n\u201cYou will do all of your own chores, plus the ones I added last week, plus the ones I know I can come up with now, plus you will do any and all chores for Hop Sing that he can find for you.\u00a0 Is that clear?\u201d his father asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cYes sir,\u201d replied Joe, \u201cvery clear.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cMr. Miller was very upset about his bull.\u00a0 He had big plans for that animal.\u00a0 Now those plans are going to have to be put on hold.\u00a0 That bull cost him eight hundred dollars.\u00a0 Do you know how long that poor man had to save for that kind of money?\u201d Ben continued without waiting for an answer.<\/p>\n

\u201cQuite a long time Joseph, a long time.\u00a0 And in a minutes time that man\u2019s hard work was destroyed and his dreams shattered.\u00a0 Why? Because a defiant child refused to obey his father!\u00a0 That\u2019s why Joseph, that\u2019s why!\u201d Ben yelled, feeling all the anger from the previous night returning.<\/p>\n

Joe knew his father was right and he hung his head in shame.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe last thing I want you to understand Joseph is that some way, some how, some day you will repay that man his eight hundred dollars for that bull.\u00a0 Think long and hard about how you can accomplish this, because if it is the last thing you ever do, you will do it!\u00a0 Do you understand me?\u201d stated Ben as he lifted Joe\u2019s chin high enough for him to look his father in the eye.<\/p>\n

\u201cAnswer me now!\u201d Ben demanded.<\/p>\n

\u201cYes sir, I understand Pa,\u201d squeaked Joe.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou better!\u00a0 Now get busy, you have plenty to do,\u201d Ben said as he released the pressure on his son\u2019s chin.<\/p>\n

Joe walked to the front door, stopping to retrieve his hat on the sideboard.\u00a0 Without a backward glance at his father, Joe stepped into the yard to begin what he referred to in his mind as his prison sentence.<\/p>\n

Days passed and Joe\u2019s life began to take on a routine.\u00a0 He worked hard from early morning until after sun down on most evenings.\u00a0 The strain that was felt in the beginning was more relaxed now but Joe still felt unsure of his feelings whenever his father was near.\u00a0 Ben rarely spoke to Joe unless the need arose.\u00a0 They managed the morning\u2019s hellos and the evening good nights but things weren\u2019t the same between father and son as they had been before the shooting accident.\u00a0 Both father and son were beginning to feel the effects of the distance that had come between them.<\/p>\n

Joe felt the loss of his father\u2019s attention to the point of tears.\u00a0 It tore at his heart and invaded his sleep.\u00a0 Many nights his dreams were full of the heated words his father had shouted at him and each time the dream played out in his sleep, Joe\u2019s heartache was revived again with the coming of morning.<\/p>\n

Ben on the other hand took Joe\u2019s sullen withdrawn moods as a sign that Joe was still angry with him about his punishment and the spanking.\u00a0 It was for certain that Joe had not said so in words, for he had not complained the first time about the added work.\u00a0 Ben had made sure several of them were the worst he could find.\u00a0 It was now Joe\u2019s daily job to muck out the stalls and to clean the chicken coop.\u00a0 Also a twice-weekly job of straightening and cleaning the tack room was added.\u00a0 All of these jobs were the least favorite of any of his sons but was added to Joe\u2019s new list of chores.\u00a0 Ben was surprised when Joe took on the work with no complaints and was more amazed to find that each job was done well and to his satisfaction.<\/p>\n

Joe had not forgotten his father\u2019s words instructing him to find a way to repay Mr. Miller for this bull.\u00a0 Joe had figured that his wage was less than a dollar a day and that it would take over two years of hard work just to repay the man.\u00a0 That meant working everyday as if with no pay for that length of time.\u00a0 Joe was at a loss as what to do or how to earn enough money for the pay off.<\/p>\n

\u201cIf only I had something valuable enough to sale, I could raise some of the money,\u201d Joe thought.\u00a0 \u201cBut what do I have that would be worth eight hundred dollars?\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe\u2019s young mind was working overtime.\u00a0 \u201cIf I could raise enough money, maybe Pa would start talking to me more, maybe even begin to love me again!\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe stopped what he was doing and glanced toward the house.\u00a0 Ben was sitting on the side porch working on the account books and enjoying the warm afternoon sun.\u00a0 Joe longed to stop and join his father, he longed to talk freely to him but mostly he longed for his father to take him into his arms, hold him close and tell him that he still loved him.\u00a0 Joe sighed deeply, wiped the tears from his eyes and went back to work.<\/p>\n

From his spot on the side porch, Ben had seen Joe stop working and look his way.\u00a0 He had recognized the look of longing on his son\u2019s face and saw him brush away the unshed tears.\u00a0 Ben ached for his son and wondered at his son\u2019s longing.\u00a0 He should speak to Joe.\u00a0 He didn\u2019t like the cold feelings that had grown between them.\u00a0 They had been going on far too long as it was.\u00a0 But what could he say?\u00a0 He knew Joseph well enough to know that if he didn\u2019t want to talk there was nothing that could be said or done to make him open up.\u00a0 Force only succeeded in making Joe retreat further and further into his shell.<\/p>\n

Ben\u2019s chance to speak with his youngest and most sensitive son came just a few days later.\u00a0 Ben had entered the barn quietly and found Joe in Cochise\u2019s stall talking to her.\u00a0 He watched the tender scene; the boy and his horse seemed to understand each other.\u00a0 He had done the right thing when he had presented the pinto to his son, as a birthday gift, just a couple of years ago.\u00a0 He had traded for the horse with Chief Winnemaca and had surprised Joseph with the gift.\u00a0 As Ben watched his son, he remembered the joy in his son upon receiving the horse. He had leapt about with unconfined happiness, running from father to each brother, freely giving hugs and kisses until finally Adam had to hold him down and threaten him with returning the pinto to the Indian chief.\u00a0 Joe had only giggled that much more and continued with his amusement.\u00a0 His father and brothers had joined in, his youngest son had a laugher that was hard to ignore and they could do nothing to stop their own merriment.<\/p>\n

Ben spoke then, \u201cWhy don\u2019t you take her for a run after you finish your chores?\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe jumped, he hadn\u2019t been aware of his father\u2019s presence.<\/p>\n

\u201cOh hi, Pa, I didn\u2019t hear you come in.\u00a0 Do you mean it Pa, can I really take her out?\u201d Joe asked, hope growing in his heart.\u00a0 It had been a long time since he had ridden, not since the day of the accident and he was anxious to get away for a while.
\nBen noticed the brightness in Joe\u2019s eyes and was glad he had made the decision to let Joe off for a short time.\u00a0 \u201cSure, I mean it.\u00a0 You\u2019ve worked hard and done all I\u2019ve asked you to do.\u00a0 You\u2019ve earned a break,\u201d Ben told Joe<\/p>\n

\u201cGosh, thanks Pa,\u201d smiled Joe, \u201cI\u2019ll finish up my mornin\u2019 chores first.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cJust remember son, you\u2019re still on restriction, so stay on the ranch.\u00a0 And no more than a couple of hours,\u201d Ben instructed Joe.<\/p>\n

\u201cSure thing.\u00a0 That\u2019ll be plenty of time and I\u2019ll start the rest of my chores just as soon as I get back,\u201d said Joe.<\/p>\n

\u201cOkay son, take care and enjoy yourself,\u201d Pa smiled at him and his heart softened towards his youngest son.<\/p>\n

Ben smiled to himself, glad to see the happiness returning to Joseph.\u00a0 He stopped at the door turning for one last look at the now happy lad.<\/p>\n

Ben saw Joe watching him and was surprised when Joe spoke, \u201cThanks, Pa\u201d, the sound so soft that Ben was barely able to hear him.\u00a0 The green eyes that smiled back at him were the same green eyes of the boy\u2019s mother, Marie, who had died several years earlier.\u00a0 Ben felt his heart skip a beat as he stepped from the barn in to the warm mid-day sun.<\/p>\n

Later that afternoon Joe was enjoying his ride.\u00a0 He felt free for the first time in weeks and was making good use of his freedom.\u00a0 He had brought the little sorrel along for some over due exercise.\u00a0 The colt was more than happy to run along side of Cochise.\u00a0 Joe supposed that the young colt felt a kinship with the mare, a surrogate mother of sorts.\u00a0 Whatever it was, Joe was glad that the young horse needed no lead rope and was content to stay close by.\u00a0 Joe had pulled the horses up to give them a breather when he spied a rider approaching in the distance.\u00a0 As the rider drew near, Little Joe recognized the man as Jacob Bates, a rancher who owned a small horse ranch on the other side of Virginia City.<\/p>\n

\u201cAfter noon Mr. Bates,\u201d greeted Joe.<\/p>\n

\u201cWell Joe Cartwright, howdy,\u201d answered the man.<\/p>\n

Joe had always like Jacob Bates.\u00a0 He was a tall man about the same age as his pa and a lot like Ben in several ways.\u00a0 He had an easy smile about him and gave it readily when ever he encountered his fellow beings.<\/p>\n

\u201cHow are you, sir?\u201d smiled Joe<\/p>\n

\u201cMe? Oh, I\u2019m fine.\u00a0 Say, I haven\u2019t seen ya \u2018round in sometime.\u00a0 Where ya been keepin\u2019 ya self?\u2019 the kind man asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cOh, I\u2019ve been keeping pretty close to the ranch, doin\u2019 extra work for my pa,\u201d replied Joe.<\/p>\n

It wasn\u2019t a lie, he told himself, he was doing extra work and he was for sure staying close to home.\u00a0 Jacob Bates\u2019 laughter roared through the air and caused the yearling to jump.\u00a0 He began running and kicking his heels, not straying far from Cochise.<\/p>\n

\u201cThat wouldn\u2019t have anything to do with a hunting accident would it?\u201d laughed Jacob.\u00a0 Joe couldn\u2019t help himself and laughed along with the jovial man.<\/p>\n

\u201cGuess you heard about that?\u201d Joe said as he pretended to pout.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou might say everyone has heard,\u201d grinned the man as he turned his attention towards the little sorrel who had finally tired of it\u2019s running and had come to stand quietly next to Joe\u2019s horse.<\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s a mighty fine lookin\u2019 colt ya got there Joe,\u201d Mr. Bates stated.\u00a0 \u201cEver think about sellin\u2019 him?\u00a0 I\u2019ve been huntin\u2019 somthin\u2019 about that size for my grandson, Jake, ya remember him don\u2019t ya\u2019?\u201d asked Mr. Bates.<\/p>\n

Joe turned to admire the colt.\u00a0 \u201cSure, I remember Jake, and yes sir, I have thought about selling him.\u00a0 He ain\u2019t broke to saddle and bridle yet, but I was gonna have that done by the time of the fall horse sale over at Carson City,\u201d Joe replied.<\/p>\n

\u201cWell then, might not be I\u2019ll have to see ya pa after all,\u201d began Jacob turning in the saddle to face Joe.\u00a0 \u201cMaybe we can strike a deal and save ya a trip to Carson City.\u00a0 What ya reckon you\u2019d be wantin\u2019 for \u2018em?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cTo be honest Mr. Bates, I was sorta hoping to get about two hundred dollars for him once I finished breaking him,\u201d Joe stated.<\/p>\n

\u201cHmm, seems a little much to me,\u201d Jacob said but continued, \u201cBut tell ya what Little Joe, if\u2019n you\u2019ll finish breakin\u2019 him for me, I\u2019ll meet your price.\u00a0 I know you Cartwrights only sell the best stock, so it\u2019ll be worth it to me.\u00a0 Deal?\u201d smiled the man, grinning from ear to ear at the surprised look on the boy\u2019s face.<\/p>\n

Joe returned the smile.\u00a0 He knew Jacob Bates to be a good, honest man, one that his father respected and Joe knew he\u2019d rather sale the colt to someone like him than to go through the hassle of riding to Carson City in the fall.<\/p>\n

\u201cDeal! Two hundred dollars and I\u2019ll come to your place to finish breaking him when he\u2019s ready,\u201d agreed Joe, happy to have run into the man.\u00a0 Joe felt elated; this was the best day he had enjoyed in a long time.<\/p>\n

\u201cWanna shake on it young man?\u201d Mr. Bates asked as he extended his arm in Joe\u2019s direction.\u00a0 Joe accepted the man\u2019s hand and the deal was sealed.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhen do ya want me to pick \u2018em up?\u201d asked Jacob as he rearranged himself in the saddle trying to get comfortable.\u00a0 His backside was beginning to grow sore from sitting still for so long.<\/p>\n

\u201cHow\u2019s tomorrow afternoon after lunch?\u201d offered Joe.\u00a0 \u201cI\u2019ll have you a bill of sale ready by then.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cFine by me Little Joe, saves me from having to buy from ya pa. He is a hard man to do business with!\u201d answered Jacob turning his horse back in the direction he had come.
\n\u201cHey Joe, Ya wanna sale me that pinto of yours?\u201d Jacob asked, hopefully. \u201cGive ya, hmm Say, five hundred dollars for \u2018em.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cCochise?\u00a0 No sir, couldn\u2019t sale her for any price, she was a gift from my pa,\u201d answered Little Joe in a shocked voice.<\/p>\n

\u201cMe and everyone else knows how you feel toward that horse of yours, well, the offer stands if\u2019n ya change ya mind,\u201d Jacob answered, \u201cSee ya tomorrow Joe.\u201d\u00a0 And with that the man laughed in his deep voice and road away.<\/p>\n

Joe was beside himself with glee.\u00a0 He had managed to come up with two hundred dollars.<\/p>\n

\u201cBoy, do I have plans for that money,\u201d he dreamed but stopped short when he remembered his father\u2019s words instructing him to repay Mr. Miller for his bull.\u00a0 Joe smiled to himself,<\/p>\n

\u201cWell at least I\u2019ve earned part of the money.\u00a0 Maybe that will put me back in Pa\u2019s good graces,\u201d Joe thought as he made his way toward home.<\/p>\n

\u201cI hate being at odds with Pa, I feel all alone somehow, left out of things that the rest of the family take part in,\u201d Joe\u2019s thinking continued.<\/p>\n

\u201cIf only I could do something to show Pa that I except responsibility for what happened, maybe then he could be proud of me again, but what?\u00a0 I\u2019m saving all I can in order to pay Mr. Miller but I still have a long way to go.\u201d\u00a0 Joe thought about Mr. Bates offer to buy Cochise.<\/p>\n

\u201cCould I really do that?\u201d he asked himself.<\/p>\n

\u201cNo! No! I couldn\u2019t, I wouldn\u2019t, would I?\u00a0 It would all most pay the full amount owed to Mr. Miller.\u00a0 What with five hundred dollars for Cochise, two hundred dollars from the sale of the colt and the twenty-five I\u2019ve saved from work, I\u2019d only need seventy-five dollars more to pay him in full.\u00a0 Maybe he would let me work the last bit off instead.\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe\u2019s mind was racing in high gear. Joe thought it sounded like a great idea but thought of one small problem, could he actually go through with it?\u00a0 Could he really sale the horse he loved so much, a gift from the man he loved most in his life?\u00a0 Tears sprung announced into his eyes, momentarily blinding his vision.<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, even if I could go through with it, Pa would never allow it,\u201d he reasoned. \u201cBut then, why would Pa have to allow it? Pa had given Cochise to him as a gift.\u00a0 The horse was his to do with as he pleased,\u201d Joe\u2019s mind continued.\u00a0 \u201cI wouldn\u2019t have to ask permission, I wouldn\u2019t even have to tell him until it was done.\u00a0 I could tell Mr. Bates tomorrow when he came for the sorrel and then deliver the pinto to him a day or two later, then go buy to pay Mr. Miller.\u00a0 I can do this while Pa, Adam and Hoss are busy else where on the ranch.\u00a0 Sounds like a sound proof plan to me if I can go through with it,\u201d he thought to himself.<\/p>\n

Joe arrived back at the ranch in the allotted time Ben had allowed for him.\u00a0 He took Cochise and the colt straight to the barn and tended to their needs before starting the evening chores as he had promised.\u00a0 He stopped long enough to nuzzle the soft nose of his pinto.\u00a0 Cochise pushed her nose gently into Joe\u2019s chest.<\/p>\n

\u201cLooking for a treat, old girl?\u201d Joe asked the horse.<\/p>\n

Cochise bobbed her head up and down as if in answer to his question.\u00a0 The action brought tears to his eyes and he swiped them away with the sleeve of his shirt.\u00a0 Joe gave the mare one more pet on the nose telling himself, \u201cNO!\u201d to the plan he had thought me could go through with.\u00a0 Turning, Joe left the barn and set about to complete his evening work.\u00a0 He had decided earlier that he was not going to mention to his father about having run into Jacob Bates.\u00a0 He would wait until after Mr. Bates had picked up the colt before giving his pa the news.<\/p>\n

That night Joe had trouble falling asleep.\u00a0 He tossed and turned trying in vain to find a comfortable position.\u00a0 He flung the covers to the foot of the bed; patted and fluffed his pillows and pulled the covers up again.\u00a0 Lying still for only minutes, he began repeating the process over for what seemed like the hundredth time that night.\u00a0 At long last sleep claimed the weary boy and Joe fell into a fitful sleep.\u00a0 His sleep was crowded with nightmares, crazy images that were running wild through the dark woods.\u00a0 He saw his father and the angry look in his eyes; he heard his father\u2019s voice shouting words at him that caused his heart to skip beats.\u00a0 Joe recognized the words as the same ones his father had shouted at him the night Mr. Miller told him about his bull.\u00a0 Pa was screaming in his face of shattered dreams, destroyed works and disappointments.\u00a0 Joe\u2019s nightmares had him running full force from bulls that had gapping bullet wounds and from deer that were actually laughing at him.<\/p>\n

Joe woke with a start.\u00a0 His eyelids were heavy with sleep and he wasn\u2019t sure where he was.\u00a0 Turning slightly to get his bearings, he realized he was in the floor.\u00a0 The blankets had been kicked from the bed earlier and he found himself on top of the pile.\u00a0 He shook his head to clear the sleep.\u00a0 Joe grinned in spite of himself; he had fallen out of bed!\u00a0 Well that hadn\u2019t happened in a long time, he laughed as he pulled up from the floor.\u00a0 Gathering the covers in his arms, he placed them as best he could on the bed then lay down on top of them.\u00a0 Looking towards the window and seeing the dawn just beginning to break, Joe knew it wouldn\u2019t be long before his family began moving about the house making preparations for the new day.<\/p>\n

At breakfast, his brother greeted Joe, \u201cMornin\u2019 Short Shanks,\u201d Hoss said between mouthfuls of fried ham and scrambled eggs.<\/p>\n

\u201cMorning Hoss,\u201d Joe smiled.\u00a0 \u201cBreakfast looks good.\u00a0 Morning Pa,\u201d greeted Joe as Ben took his place at the head of the table.<\/p>\n

\u201cGood morning to you, young man,\u201d Ben smiled warmly at his youngest son.\u00a0 \u201cWhere\u2019s Adam?\u201d Ben asked turning to Hoss.<\/p>\n

\u201cOh, he left a little while ago for the mines.\u00a0 Had some kinda problem.\u00a0 Said he\u2019d be back around supper.\u00a0 Hey, Joe, save some of those flap-jacks for me!\u201d Hoss said as he reached for the plate Joe was holding.\u00a0 Joe laughed and handed the plate to his brother, but not until he had taken the larger portion for himself.<\/p>\n

\u201cI have to go over to Carson City with Roy Coffee on some business.\u00a0 I should make it back by supper time myself,\u201d Ben told his sons.\u00a0 \u201cWhat about you, Hoss?\u00a0 What do you have going on today,\u201d he asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cOh, I plan on takin\u2019 the wagon up to the upper pasture, there was a piece of fence needin\u2019 repair.\u00a0 I thought I\u2019d fix that and then head on into town for supplies.\u00a0 Hop Sing has a list the size of China he needs filled,\u201d answered Hoss as he grabbed for the last slice of ham.<\/p>\n

Joe saw the movement and made a grab for it at the same time.\u00a0 Joe was just a bit quicker than Hoss and was rewarded the ham for his efforts.<\/p>\n

\u201cAh dadburnit, Short Shanks,\u201d growled Hoss in a good mood.<\/p>\n

Ben turned to Joe and waited until his son had swallowed the bite of ham that was in his mouth before speaking.<\/p>\n

\u201cJoseph, guess that leaves you here alone today.\u00a0 You know what needs to be done don\u2019t you?\u201d his father asked.<\/p>\n

Joe swallowed the mouthful of milk he had just taken to help wash down the ham.\u00a0 \u201cYes sir, I know.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOkay, well I best be on my way.\u00a0 See you boys tonight,\u201d Ben said as he wiped his mouth on his napkin and began pushing back his chair.\u00a0 He swallowed one more drink of hot coffee and headed for the door.<\/p>\n

\u201cSee ya, Pa,\u201d called out Hoss.<\/p>\n

\u201cBye, Pa,\u201d Little Joe smiled.<\/p>\n

Ben turned to say good-bye to his sons and noticed Joe was looking at him.\u00a0 Ben smiled kindly at him just as Joe turned his attention back to the plate in front of him. Joe didn\u2019t want his father to read anything on his face, for he was afraid that his emotions might give him away.<\/p>\n

As Ben gathered his gun belt from the sideboard and his hat from the peg beside the door he had a brief notion that Joe seemed different somehow this morning.\u00a0 If he hadn\u2019t known better, he would have thought that Joe was up to something.\u00a0 No!\u00a0 He wouldn\u2019t let his mind go down that path.\u00a0 Things had not even gotten totally back to normal from his son\u2019s last round with trouble.<\/p>\n

\u201cPlease, Lord, be with my baby today.\u00a0 Keep him on the straight and narrow while I\u2019m away,\u201d Ben silently pleaded with his maker.\u00a0 His thoughts turned to Marie, \u201cOh Marie,\u201d whispered Ben\u2019s heart, \u201cWhatever can I do to help our boy?\u00a0 He is the joy of my life and I long to take him in my arms.\u00a0 It has been so long, but each time I approach him, he seems to draw back as if he was afraid of me.\u00a0 What happened, Marie?\u00a0 Help me please!\u201d cried Ben quietly to himself.<\/p>\n

Joe worked steadily all morning.\u00a0 He was just heading out of the barn when he heard a horse coming into the yard.<\/p>\n

\u201cMorn\u2019 Lil\u2019 Joe,\u201d greeted Jacob Bates as he dismounted from his horse.<\/p>\n

\u201cHi, Mr. Bates, your sorrel is ready for you,\u201d Joe said as he reached for Mr. Bates offered hand.\u00a0 Jacob grabbed Joe\u2019s hand and pumped it up and down in a hearty handshake.<\/p>\n

\u201cGreat Joe, Jake is anxious to see him.\u201d\u00a0 \u201cHe wants to start getting him used to being around our place before the colt gets much older,\u201d Jacob told Joe.<\/p>\n

\u201cI have your bill of sale ready, I\u2019ll get the colt for you,\u201d said Joe as he turned to go into the barn.\u00a0 Mr. Bates followed Joe inside and stopped to pet Cochise\u2019s forehead as Joe attached a lead rope to the sorrel\u2019s halter.<\/p>\n

\u201cChange your mind about this pinto, Joe?\u201d asked Jacob, continuing to pet the horse\u2019s head.<\/p>\n

Joe stopped what he was doing and swallowed the lump that had suddenly developed in his throat.\u00a0 He tried to speak but could not get any words to come out.\u00a0 He swallowed again and cleared his throat.<\/p>\n

\u201cMr. Bates, I have——–I, well, I think I will take you up on that offer,\u201d cried Little Joe.\u00a0 \u201cI really need the money.\u201d\u00a0 Joe told him in a soft voice.<\/p>\n

\u201cLil\u2019 Joe, ya mean it?\u201d asked Jacob, surprised at the turn of events.<\/p>\n

\u201cYes sir, I mean it.\u00a0 I have\u2026I have to have the money,\u201d replied Joe.<\/p>\n

\u201cJoe?\u201d spoke Jacob softly.\u00a0 He walked over to the boy and placed a large hand on Joe\u2019s slumped shoulders.\u00a0 \u201cI know why you\u2019re doin\u2019 what your doin\u2019\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou do?\u201d asked Joe looking into the man\u2019s eyes.<\/p>\n

Joe saw the tenderness there and felt the pressure of the man\u2019s hands on his shoulders as he gently patted them.\u00a0 Tears flooded his eyes and he tried to turn so that Jacob could not see his weakness.<\/p>\n

\u201cJoe, It\u2019s okay.\u00a0 I know this can\u2019t be easy for ya,\u201d Jacob spoke softly.\u00a0 He could feel Joe\u2019s sorrow flowing through his body.\u00a0 \u201cI want you to know that Cochise will be at my place when ever you want her back.\u00a0 I won\u2019t hold up the price, you can buy her back for the same as I pay ya,\u201d he told Joe, whose tears were now running unchecked down his unhappy face.<\/p>\n

\u201cThanks, Mr. Bates, but once I do this, I doubt I could ever come up with that kind of money a second time.\u00a0 But I appreciate the offer,\u201d Joe thanked the man and turned then to lead the sorrel from his stall.<\/p>\n

Joe\u2019s heart was beginning to race and he could feel his stomach begin to churn.\u00a0 He knew he had to do this quickly before he changed his mind, or worse, before he totally broke down in front of this man whose eyes held such sympathy.<\/p>\n

\u201cI brought the cash with me Lil\u2019 Joe, just on the chance you might have a change of heart,\u201d Jacob informed Joe.\u00a0 \u201cThought if you did, it might make things easier for the both of us.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou did. Guess that\u2019s probably right.\u00a0 I\u2019ll go get her ready for you, then write you another bill of sale.\u201d Joe told Jacob, trying to get control of his racing heart.<\/p>\n

\u201cFine, think I\u2019ll wait outside in the sun.\u00a0 Take your time boy, saying ya good-byes an\u2019 all.\u201d\u00a0 Jacob accepted the sorrel\u2019s lead rope from Joe\u2019s hand and noticed that the hand trembled.\u00a0 Not wanting to embarrass the lad any more than necessary, he led the yearling into the warm afternoon sun.<\/p>\n

Joe slowly walked to Cochise\u2019s stall and reached up to pet her neck.\u00a0 Speaking softly, he bid her farewell.\u00a0 He told her that he was sorry that things had happened in such a way as to lead to their parting.\u00a0 Tears ran rivers down young Joe\u2019s face.<\/p>\n

\u201cOh God,\u201d he begged, \u201chelp me do this!\u201d sobbed his heart.<\/p>\n

Carefully Joe wrapped his arms around his beloved horse\u2019s neck and continued to cry tears of sorrow and regret.\u00a0 After what seemed a lifetime to Joe, he wiped the tears from his eyes, blew his nose, and attached the lead rope to the bridle.\u00a0 That completed he led Cochise for the last time, from her stall.\u00a0 Joe stopped just long enough to write a bill of sale for Mr. Bates before leading Cochise from the barn.<\/p>\n

Jacob looked up from where he was sitting on the top rail of the corral fence.\u00a0 Seeing the boy\u2019s face he quickly counted out the seven hundred dollars to pay Joe for the two horses.\u00a0 He did not want to take any longer than necessary, at least for the boy\u2019s sake.\u00a0 It looked to him as if Little Joe would break down completely any minute now.<\/p>\n

\u201cHere she is sir,\u201d said Joe handling the lead rope to Mr. Bates.\u00a0 \u201cHere\u2019s the bill of sale too.\u201d<\/p>\n

Jacob accepted the lead and the papers from Joe and placed the money in Little Joe\u2019s free hand.<\/p>\n

\u201cPlease take care of her,\u201d Joe cried in a whispered voice, choked with emotion.\u00a0 He turned to flee for the comfort of the old barn.<\/p>\n

\u201cI will son, I will,\u201d Jacob called to Joe\u2019s retreating back.<\/p>\n

Jacob mounted his horse and turning led the yearling sorrel and Cochise from the Cartwright yard for the last time.\u00a0 As they turned the corner by the barn, Cochise whinnied loudly; it was then that Jacob Bates, father of five, grandfather of four, realized that he was crying.<\/p>\n

Joe climbed down the ladder from the hayloft.\u00a0 He had spent the last hour in his favorite hiding place crying over his loss.\u00a0 He knew he had to hurry now to finish his afternoon chores and then deliver the money to Hiram Miller.\u00a0 He hoped Mr. Miller would except his offer of working for him to finish up the money he was short.\u00a0 Joe hurried, he wanted to be back before his brothers and father realized he had left the yard.\u00a0 He was still on restriction and knew he would have to break Pa\u2019s rule regarding leaving the ranch if he intended to get Mr. Miller paid before their return.<\/p>\n

At last Joe finished all he could before preparing to leave.\u00a0 The rest would just have to wait until he returned.\u00a0 Hopefully he would have time to finish most of them before Pa got back.\u00a0 He didn\u2019t think he was in any mood to encounter his father\u2019s wrath tonight.\u00a0 He prayed that Mr. Miller would be home.\u00a0 He hadn\u2019t stop to think what he would do if he had to wait for the man to return from doing some sort of errand or work.<\/p>\n

Joe stepped into the corral and roped a black gelding.\u00a0 He was a pretty horse, about the same size as Cochise.\u00a0 On the horse\u2019s forehead was a white star and he wore four white stockings on his legs. Other than those markings, the horse was as black as coal.\u00a0 Yes, he would do nicely, at least for now, until he could have time to choose a new horse.\u00a0 Adam had broken this horse a few months back and had seemed pleased with the way the horse handled.<\/p>\n

Joe quickly saddled the black horse he silently named Blackie.\u00a0 Springing into the saddle as he had always done when mounting Cochise, he walked the horse from the yard trying to get the \u201cfeel\u201d of the horse beneath him.\u00a0 It felt good to be riding again.\u00a0 He urged the horse on and before long had forced the black into a full gallop.\u00a0 At that speed it didn\u2019t take long for Joe to come into full view of the Miller ranch house. He slowed his horse to walk, cooling the sweating animal.\u00a0 Joe reminded himself to make sure Blackie got an extra good rubdown when they returned home.<\/p>\n

As Joe rode into the Miller yard Mrs. Miller greeted him.\u00a0 \u201cWell, Little Joe Cartwright!\u00a0 What a nice surprise, what brings you out this way?\u201d\u00a0 Joe returned the smile and greeting as he got down from his mount.<\/p>\n

\u201cHowdy Ma\u2019am, I was hoping to talk to Mr. Miller.\u00a0 Is he around?\u201d asked Joe.<\/p>\n

\u201cSure, he\u2019s over at the barn,\u201d the thin petite lady answered.\u00a0 She sat the basket of flowers she had been holding on the step behind her and dusted off her hands.\u00a0 With her apron, she made a swipe at the sweat that had bubbled up on her forehead and only succeeded in smearing dirt across her brow.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou want me to get \u2018em for ya?\u201d she asked Joe.<\/p>\n

\u201cNo ma\u2019am.\u00a0 I\u2019ll just go over there and talk to him.\u00a0 Thanks, you have a good evening,\u201d Little Joe told her as he led his horse to the barn where he could see Hiram Miller in the doorway mucking out a stall.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019re welcomed to stay for supper, we\u2019re havin\u2019 beefsteaks,\u201d she called out to Joe.<\/p>\n

Joe stifled a giggle. \u201cBeefsteaks, how appropriated,\u201d he laughed.<\/p>\n

\u201cNo thank you.\u00a0 Can\u2019t stay but a few minutes,\u201d he called over his shoulder.<\/p>\n

Hiram looked up from his work as he heard Joe calling out to his wife.\u00a0 The look of surprise at seeing Joe in his yard must have shown on his face because Joe smiled broadly and offered his hand to the man in front of him.<\/p>\n

\u201cJoe Cartwright!\u201d laughed Hiram, dusting his dirty hand his equally dirty pants leg before offering it to Little Joe.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou ain\u2019t been huntin\u2019 agin have ya?\u201d he asked, laughing at his own joke.<\/p>\n

Joe joined in the laughter, thinking, at least Mr. Miller could now make jokes about the accident.\u00a0 It lightened his spirit.<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, no sir, I gave that up a month or two ago!\u201d Joe grinned.<\/p>\n

Hiram laughed again; \u201cwell that\u2019s a relief!\u00a0 What brings you out this way?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWell Mr. Miller, sir, I, ere, hmm, Well I\u201d stammered Joe.<\/p>\n

\u201cSpit it out, boy, I ain\u2019t gonna bite ya, ya know,\u201d smiled the dirty little man.<\/p>\n

Joe looked into the man\u2019s weathered face and saw kindness in his brown eyes.
\n\u201cWell, I never did get a chance to tell you how sorry I was for shooting your bull.\u00a0 It was an accident, I swear,\u201d he continued, wanting to finish before Mr. Miller had time to speak.<\/p>\n

\u201cBut Pa said there wouldn\u2019t have been an accident if I had been doing what he told me to do, I wasn\u2019t so, well, ere, anyway sir, I\u2019m sorry.\u00a0 I just wanted to come by and make things right.\u00a0 Pa said if it was the last thing I ever did, I was to repay you for the cost of your bull, so–<\/p>\n

\u201cWait a minute Little Joe, you mean to tell me that your pa expects you to pay me eight hundred dollars?\u201d asked the near speechless Mr. Miller.<\/p>\n

\u201cHmm, Yes sir.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd how is blazes does he expect a kid your age to do that?\u201d inquired Hiram scratching his head as if in thought.<\/p>\n

Joe bristled a little at the comment.\u00a0 He hated being called a kid.<\/p>\n

\u201cHe didn\u2019t really say how to do it, just that I had to do it,\u201d stated Joe.\u00a0 \u201cMr. Miller, I have seven hundred and twenty-five dollars right now and\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat?\u201d yelled the excited man as he placed his hands on his hips and squinted his eyes while looking directly at Joe.<\/p>\n

\u201cYes sir, and I was sorta hoping you\u2019d take it as payment for your bull.\u00a0 Then I kinda thought you might let me work for you until the rest was paid in full.\u00a0 It might take me awhile, but I\u2019m sure Pa will agree.\u00a0 What do you say Mr. Miller? Please,\u201d Joe pleaded.<\/p>\n

Hiram took the money from Joe\u2019s hand and let out a low whistle.\u00a0 \u201cJoseph Cartwright, where did you get this money?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI ere\u2026ere\u2026sold a couple of horses,\u201d Joe told him.<\/p>\n

\u201cYour horses, Joseph?\u201d asked Hiram, wondering if the boy\u2019s father knew about what his son had been up too.<\/p>\n

\u201cYes of course my horses, a yearling sorrel and my pinto,\u201d he confessed, the events of the day beginning to take a toll on him.<\/p>\n

\u201cPinto?\u00a0 Joe, you sold her?\u201d Hiram was surprised. Everyone within fifty miles of the Ponderosa that had known the Cartwrights knew about Joe and his pinto.<\/p>\n

\u201cYes sir,\u201d Joe wanted this over, he needed to get home before someone arrived early and missed him.\u00a0 \u201cDo we have a deal, please?\u201d begged Joe again.<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, I reckon so, I need that money to buy another bull. I found one last week over Placerville way,\u201d Mr. Miller informed him.\u00a0 \u201cYou come back when your pa will let ya and ya can work off the difference. Seventy-five dollars, ain\u2019t it?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYes sir, and thank you,\u201d Joe said shaking Mr. Miller\u2019s hand again.
\n\u201cLet me write you a receipt for this,\u201d Hiram said as he fingered the bills Joe had given to him.<\/p>\n

Joe got his receipt and thanked Mr. Miller.\u00a0 As he mounted Blackie, he told Mr. Miller he would return to work for him just as soon as his father would allow him to do so.<\/p>\n

Joe urged Blackie into a full run and the distance between the Miller ranch and the Ponderosa was covered in record time.\u00a0 Joe felt better than he had in weeks.\u00a0 The shear look of surprise on Mr. Miller\u2019s face when Joe gave him the money had said it all.\u00a0 In spite of his own sorrow at having to give up Cochise, he felt good knowing that now Mr. Miller could realize some of his dreams.\u00a0 The tears in Hiram\u2019s eyes and the emotion in his voice as he said his thanks had proved this point to Joe.<\/p>\n

Joe unsaddled Blackie and gave him a good rub down as soon as he reached home.\u00a0 His luck was holding out, he had made it home before any of the others had.\u00a0 At last he felt as if things were finally going his way.\u00a0 He turned Blackie into the corral and began his evening chores.\u00a0 He worked hard and fast and had just finished the last one when Pa, Adam and Hoss rode into the yard.\u00a0 He hurried out of the barn and greeted them.<\/p>\n

\u201cHi Pa, Adam, hey Hoss.\u00a0 See you made it back,\u201d he said as he walked over to them.<\/p>\n

\u201cHi ya, little brother,\u201d answered Hoss, taking his hat off and rubbing his head.\u00a0 Adam smiled his greeting with a nod and started leading Sport toward the barn to stable his horse.<\/p>\n

\u201cHey, Adam, I\u2019ll tend your horse for you, you too Pa if you like,\u201d Joe volunteered, hoping to prolong having to tell Pa what he had done today.<\/p>\n

\u201cThanks Joe, I\u2019m bushed,\u201d replied Adam handing this horse\u2019s reins to his little brother.<\/p>\n

\u201cPa?\u201d asked Joe.<\/p>\n

Ben looked at Joe and thought, \u201csome things not right here, Joe asking to help instead of being told too?\u201d\u00a0 Ben was too tired to give it much thought.<\/p>\n

\u201cOkay, thanks son,\u201d said Ben, as he passed the reins to Joe.\u00a0 Ben thought that Joe\u2019s face looked flushed as if he had been in a hurry, but brushed that thought away as he headed for the house followed by Hoss and Adam.<\/p>\n

\u201cBoy\u2019s we\u2019ll unload the wagon after supper.\u00a0 I\u2019m tired, hungry and dirty.\u00a0 I want to bathe, eat and go to bed,\u201d Ben stated.\u00a0 Both of the older Cartwright brothers agreed with their father.<\/p>\n

Joe was glad to have the time alone.\u00a0 He tended to Buck and Sport, occasionally looking at the empty stall that had once been home to his beloved pinto.\u00a0 Joe shook his head trying to ward off the misery that was beginning to over take him.\u00a0 He didn\u2019t want to have his father asking him any questions, tonight of all nights.<\/p>\n

When Joe finished with Adam and Ben\u2019s horses he unhitched the team that Hoss had used to pull the wagon.\u00a0 He led them to the stable, tended their needs and then released them into the corral.\u00a0 Chores finished, Joe headed toward the house.\u00a0 Just as he reached the porch, the door opened and Ben stepped out.<\/p>\n

\u201cOh, I was just coming to get you.\u00a0 Suppers about ready,\u201d he told Joe.
\n\u201cGood, I\u2019m hungry.\u00a0 I\u2019ll go wash up,\u201d Joe said as he attempted to step around his father.<\/p>\n

Ben reached out and laid his hand on his son\u2019s shoulder, stopping Joe.\u00a0 It was the first physical contact he had made with Joseph since the night he had spanked his son.\u00a0 It felt good and he was just as pleased that Joe had not pulled away as he had in the past.<\/p>\n

\u201cJoe?\u201d Ben spoke softly, \u201cIs anything wrong son?\u00a0 You seem distracted.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo Pa, every thing\u2019s fine,\u201d Joe answered, avoiding his father\u2019s probing eyes.<\/p>\n

Joe was afraid that if he looked his father in the face he would give in to the urge to cry that he had been fighting since leaving the Miller ranch.\u00a0 Ben turned and laid his arm across Joe\u2019s shoulders and together father and son entered the house.<\/p>\n

Joe\u2019s thoughts and emotions were in a jumbled mess.<\/p>\n

\u201cOh Pa\u201d he silently cried.\u00a0 \u201cHow I want so badly just to have your arms around me, to feel your strength and to hear you say \u2018I love you, son\u2019\u201d.<\/p>\n

Ben felt his son\u2019s body trembling slightly and heard the air expelled from his lungs as if he had been holding his breath.\u00a0 Glancing at his son\u2019s face he saw Joe\u2019s chin begin to quiver.<\/p>\n

\u201cHe\u2019s about to cry!\u201d thought Ben.\u00a0 Thinking quickly as not to make matters worse, he patted Joe\u2019s back gently and told him to go get washed up for supper.\u00a0 Joe did as he was told, not daring to look up but instead made his way to the washroom to wash the dirt and grime from his face and hands.<\/p>\n

Hop Sing was putting supper on the table as he sat down at his place.\u00a0 He felt better having cleaned up.\u00a0 The short break from his father\u2019s presence was all it took to pull himself back together.\u00a0 He had almost cried in front of his father, something he had not wanted to do.\u00a0 He realized that soon he would have to share with his father the news that he had sold not only the yearling but Cochise as well plus hired himself out to Mr. Miller to complete his debt.\u00a0 Joe was not sure how pa would receive this news.\u00a0 He hoped his father would understand and not react as he had when he had taken the gun from his father\u2019s room and ended up killing his neighbor\u2019s eight hundred dollar prize bull!<\/p>\n

Joe remained quiet throughout the supper meal, nodding his head yes when needed and shaking it back and forth for a no answer if one was called for.\u00a0 He was afraid to trust his voice; afraid it would give away the turbulent feelings growing in the pit of his stomach.\u00a0 He felt that dooms day was fast approaching.<\/p>\n

After supper the Cartwrights retired to the great room to relax leaving the unloading of the wagon to Hop Sing and the hands to do.\u00a0 Adam picked up his book he had been reading on as Ben settled into his chair with a newspaper he had brought back home from his trip to Carson City.\u00a0 Hoss had finally succeeded in getting Joe to play checkers with him.\u00a0 Ben watched his youngest son from over the top of his paper.\u00a0 More than once he had seen Joseph check the time on the grandfather clock that stood by the front door.\u00a0 Watching the boy repeat his actions yet again, Ben became aware that Adam was watching him.\u00a0 Adam raised one eyebrow when he caught his father\u2019s eye as if asking, \u201cWhat?\u201d\u00a0 Ben gently nodded in Joe\u2019s direction and Adam turned to observe his youngest brother.\u00a0 Since Joe sat with his back toward them the silent messages between his father and older brother, went unnoticed.\u00a0 Finally Adam turned to his father, raised one shoulder in a slight upward movement and mouthed,\u00a0 \u201cWho knows?\u201d to his father.\u00a0 Ben only shook his head in the negative.<\/p>\n

\u201cDadburnit Joe, ain\u2019t you payin\u2019 attention?\u00a0 I might as well be playin\u2019 by myself,\u201d fussed Hoss.<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, why don\u2019t you then!\u201d Joe snapped.<\/p>\n

\u201cJOSEPH!\u201d called Ben from his chair by the fire.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m sorry.\u00a0 Guess I\u2019m just tired.\u00a0 I think I\u2019ll call it a day.\u00a0 Night Hoss,\u201d finished Joe getting up from the table where he had been sitting.<\/p>\n

\u201cNight Short Shanks,\u201d replied Hoss patting Joe on the back as he turned toward the stairs.<\/p>\n

\u201cNight Adam, Night Pa,\u201d he told them but his eyes lingered a moment longer on his father\u2019s face, hoping to read his thoughts, but found no hints in the brown eyes that watched him.<\/p>\n

\u201cGood night little brother,\u201d Adam said as he smiled up at Joe.<\/p>\n

\u201cGood night son, sleep tight,\u201d Ben told him smiling while watching the emotions that were playing across his son\u2019s face. Joe was his one son that he could read like a book.\u00a0 Something was bothering him he knew that much, but what?\u00a0 As Joe climbed the stairs, he felt that the weight of the world rested on his shoulders, and his father knew it also, of that he was certain.\u00a0 The old grandfather clock chimed the hour and Joe turned to look.\u00a0 Time was running out.<\/p>\n

\u201cThink I\u2019ll turn in too,\u201d Hoss said as he rose and began putting the checkers back in their box.\u00a0 Heading for the stairs he tossed his large beefy hand in the air in a wave.\u00a0 \u201cNight Pa, Adam\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNight Hoss,\u201d both Adam and Ben said in unison.<\/p>\n

Ben waited until he heard the door to Hoss\u2019 room close.\u00a0 Looking at Adam he stated \u201cThere is definitely something going on with Joseph, I can\u2019t put my finger on it, not yet anyway.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI agree, but I am a little surprised.\u00a0 He has done a complete turn around since the bull shooting incident, hasn\u2019t he?\u201d Adam questioned.<\/p>\n

\u201cYes, so much so that I often find myself missing the former Joseph,\u201d laughed his father, adding,\u00a0 \u201cI never thought I would hear myself saying that.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam smiled one of his rare beautiful smiles, showing his dimples.<\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t tell anyone, but I\u2019ve thought the same thing once or twice.\u201d\u00a0 Father and son laughed.\u00a0 \u201cDo you want me to talk to him Pa?\u00a0 He may open up to me,\u201d asked Adam as he laid his book on the table beside of his chair.<\/p>\n

\u201cThanks son, but I guess I\u2019ll do it.\u00a0 We are long over due for a father-son talk.\u00a0 I should have done it sooner, back when the last incident happened. Things haven\u2019t been right between us since then. There is still such a strain in the air when we are together.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cPa, I\u2019m glad you brought that up.\u00a0 That night could be the root of the problem with Joe,\u201d Adam told his father.<\/p>\n

Ben thought about this, \u201chow so?\u201d he questioned his son.\u00a0 \u201cIf you are referring to the spanking I gave your brother, I admit I did get a little carried away.\u00a0 But he deserved one.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIt wasn\u2019t so much that Pa, it was what you said to him and how you said it,\u201d Adam had begun he did not want to stop now.\u00a0 \u201cYou said some rather harsh and I\u2019d say almost cruel things to Joe.\u00a0 Hoss and I both heard and well,\u201d paused Adam, \u201cPa, to be honest, we were shocked ourselves.\u201d\u00a0 I thought Hoss was going to burst out crying right along with Joe.\u201d\u00a0 \u201cThere,\u201d he thought, \u201cI finally got it off my chest.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben was thoughtful.\u00a0 He remembered yelling loudly and remembered saying something to Joseph but for the life of him he could not remember what that something was.<\/p>\n

\u201cWell Adam, I honestly do not remember all I did say.\u00a0 Would you mind refreshing my memory?\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam looked at his father but took his time before he spoke.\u00a0 Ben waited patiently for his son to collect his thoughts.<\/p>\n

At last Adam spoke. \u201cPa, I feel like Joe thinks you don\u2019t love him anymore.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben had not been expecting this line of thinking.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhy would he think that?\u00a0 I\u2019ve been angry with him in the past but he always knew I loved him,\u201d Ben explained in a worried voice to his son.<\/p>\n

\u201cI know Pa, but all those times before, you have always made sure he knew it by reminding him every night.\u00a0 When was the last time you told him you loved him?\u00a0 I can tell you, it was the night before he accidentally shot old man Millers bull!\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben sat in silence. He was stunned. \u201cWas Adam right?\u201d he quizzed himself.\u00a0 He had stopped going to Joseph\u2019s room at night when he went to bed.\u00a0 He had always before checked in on all three of his sons before retiring for the evening.\u00a0 He stopped visiting his youngest son each night because he felt Joseph had not wanted him too.\u00a0 Had he been mistaken?<\/p>\n

He met his eldest son\u2019s eyes, \u201cAdam, you\u2019re right.\u00a0 But that still doesn\u2019t tell me what I said to him that evening.\u201d\u00a0 \u201cGo on, please.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam took a deep breath and let it out slowly.\u00a0 \u201cWhat you said probably didn\u2019t help him much, you know how sensitive he is, takes everything too heart.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAdam,\u201d interrupted Ben, \u201cI know all of that, please son, get to the point.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m sorry Pa, but you told Joe how disappointed you were in him, not only that but how ashamed you were and how disgusted you were with him.\u00a0 Then you proceeded to tell him how embarrassed and humiliated by him you were.\u00a0 You all but called him stupid Pa,\u201d finished Adam.<\/p>\n

Adam looked at his father and saw the tears pool in his brown eyes.\u00a0 Ben dropped his head and a tear fell into his lap.\u00a0 Adam thought that all once his father had aged ten years right before his eyes.<\/p>\n

\u201cPa,\u201d spoke Adam softly.<\/p>\n

Ben raised his head and looked at Adam.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt will be all right, just talk to the kid, he needs to hear from you.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben laid his head in his hands, \u201cOh Adam, why didn\u2019t you tell me all of this sooner?\u00a0 I would have done something about it then, but I honestly did not remember,\u201d cried Ben.\u00a0 \u201cMy poor baby!\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam hated to see his father like this.\u00a0 His father had always been a strong man, both physically and emotionally, a tower of strength to him, a man he trusted with his life.\u00a0 His father was his hero.\u00a0 Adam got out of his chair and went to kneel in front of his father.<\/p>\n

\u201cPa?\u00a0 Pa?\u00a0 Please,\u201d placing both of his hands on Ben\u2019s shoulders, he gently forced his father to a standing position.\u00a0 \u201cCome on Pa, let\u2019s get some rest, we can deal with it in the morning.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben straightened his back and took a deep breath.\u00a0 \u201cYou\u2019re right son, I\u2019ll talk to Joseph right after breakfast, I have a lot of apologizing to do.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam put his arm around Ben\u2019s shoulders and they walked together to the stairs.<\/p>\n

\u201cGo ahead son, I\u2019m behind you.\u201d\u00a0 Adam led the way.<\/p>\n

When Ben got to Joe\u2019s bedroom door they both stopped.\u00a0 \u201cGood night Adam, I think I\u2019ll just take a peek.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cGood night Pa.\u201d Adam walked to his room with a whisper of a smile on his lips.\u00a0 His father had finally understood.<\/p>\n

Ben waited for Adam\u2019s door to close before opening the door to Joe\u2019s room.\u00a0 Ben found his son fast asleep.\u00a0 The covers had been kicked halfway to the floor so Ben reached for the blankets and pulled them over the sleeping boy.\u00a0 Bending over, Ben placed a kiss on his son\u2019s head; gently he brushed a soft curl back into place and softly whispered.\u00a0 \u201cI love you Joseph.\u201d\u00a0 Joe stirred and opened his eyes but just as quickly the eyes, heavy and dull with sleep, closed.\u00a0 Ben quietly slipped from his son\u2019s room, closing the door gently behind him.<\/p>\n

Joe stirred again and opened his eyes.\u00a0 He was more awake this time and he touched the top of his head in the spot where his father had kissed him.\u00a0 Glancing at the door and seeing it closed, he convinced himself he must have been dreaming.\u00a0 He had thought that he felt his father touch his head whispering that he loved him.\u00a0 It had to be a dream, but it had seemed so real.\u00a0 Turning over on his side, Joe wondered when he had pulled those blasted blankets back up.\u00a0 Using both feet and one swift kick, the covers was returned to the foot of the bed.<\/p>\n

Ben was the first one to the table the next morning.\u00a0 He sat sipping his coffee, deep in thought when Adam came down the stairs.\u00a0 He paused on the landing just long enough to look in his father\u2019s direction.\u00a0 Pa looked weary this morning he thought.<\/p>\n

The movement on the stairs brought Ben from his thoughts.<\/p>\n

\u201cMorning Pa,\u201d greeted Adam as he sat down and reached for the coffee cup that Hop Sing had just filled for him.\u00a0 \u201cDid you sleep well?\u201d he asked hopefully.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat do you think?\u201d Ben snapped at his son.\u00a0 Just as quickly Ben apologized, \u201cI\u2019m sorry son, but no, I did not sleep very well at all.\u00a0 Too many emotions beating around in my old head.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cLike I said last night, everything will be fine after you talk to Joe.\u00a0 You know he loves you and you know how quick he is to forgive,\u201d encouraged Adam.<\/p>\n

Hoss came into the house. He had gotten up earlier than the other family members to begin his morning chores.\u00a0 Little Joe had made his way to the dining room and was just about to say good morning to his father and Adam when Hoss spoke up.<\/p>\n

\u201cHey Pa,\u201d Hoss began then spotting Little Joe turned to him instead, \u201cOh, hey little brother, did you know that Cochise and your colt are gone?\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe felt all eyes on him and swallowed hard.\u00a0 Glancing at Hoss then Adam, he hesitated before turning to look in this father\u2019s direction.\u00a0 Everyone was watching him and waiting for his response.<\/p>\n

Ben watched Joe; his son\u2019s face a mixture of emotions.\u00a0 Ben wondered what was going through the boy\u2019s mind.<\/p>\n

Joe gulped.\u00a0 Dooms day had arrived!\u00a0 \u201cG—-Gone?\u201d he asked Hoss as if he really didn\u2019t think the horses were missing.<\/p>\n

\u201cYeah, gone \u2013 as in \u2013 not in the barn?\u201d answered Hoss impatiently.<\/p>\n

Ben rose from his place at the table and headed for the door.\u00a0 Hoss followed his father.\u00a0 Adam remained seated and turned to his young brother who had not bothered to get up.\u00a0 Adam spoke gently to Joe seeing that the boy was close to tears.<\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t have the foggiest notion what you\u2019ve gotten yourself into this time little buddy, but it would be a wise thing to come clean now, before it\u2019s too late.\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe looked at Adam and took a deep breath and said nothing as he rose from his chair.\u00a0 When he did get up Adam joined him.\u00a0 As Joe came around the corner of the table past his brother, Adam laid an encouraging hand on Joe\u2019s shoulder.\u00a0 When the youngest son and the oldest son stepped through the front door, Ben and Hoss were almost at the barn door.<\/p>\n

\u201cPa,\u201d yelled Joe.\u00a0 \u201cWait, please,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n

Both men stopped in their tracks and turned to face Joe.\u00a0 Joe walked ahead of Adam until he was standing in front of his father.\u00a0 Adam stood silently behind Joe.\u00a0 All three men waited for the youngest Cartwright to speak each not sure what to expect and all dreading to find out.<\/p>\n

Ben watched Joe as he rubbed his hands together and shifted from one foot to the other. Chewing on his lower lip, Joe glanced at his father but was unable to read what he saw there.\u00a0 Ben thought, \u201cthis is going to be something!\u00a0 I know that look!\u201d
\n\u201cJoseph, we\u2019re all waiting.\u00a0 What is this all about?\u201d he asked as he crossed his arms in front of his chest.<\/p>\n

Joe\u2019s chin quivered and tears formed in his green eyes, \u201cOh please God, don\u2019t let me cry, not now, at least,\u201d his heart begged.<\/p>\n

\u201cI sold them,\u201d Joe told his family softly.<\/p>\n

Each member stood with mouths opened, gapping at the young boy who stood before them.\u00a0 Silence hung heavy in the air around them.\u00a0 In the distance Joe could hear the cry of a whip-o-will as it called out for its mate.\u00a0 A soft breeze stirred the scent of pine to Joe\u2019s nostrils and Joe thought he had gotten a faint whiff of the manure pile behind the barn.\u00a0 Joe reckoned that was the smell that matched closest to how he was feeling at this exact moment.<\/p>\n

Ben was the first one to find his voice.\u00a0 Looking at Joe, he asked, \u201cSon, I\u2019m not sure I heard you right, did you say you sold them?\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe hung his head, he was afraid to meet his father\u2019s eyes, not sure what he would have found there.\u00a0 Had he chanced the look, he would have been surprised to see great compassion and love in his father\u2019s brown eyes.<\/p>\n

\u201cYes sir, yesterday,\u201d Joe answered.<\/p>\n

Ben looked at his older sons and could see that they were in as much shock by the news as he was.<\/p>\n

\u201cAdam, Hoss, if you will excuse your brother and I, I think the two of us have a few things to talk about.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSure Pa.\u00a0 Come on Adam, let\u2019s see if Hop Sing still has any breakfast left.\u201d<\/p>\n

And with that the two older Cartwright sons returned to the house.\u00a0 Hoss cast one last glance at his baby brother and when Joe looked up at him, Hoss smiled.\u00a0 Joe dropped his head, unable to return the gesture, so heavy was his heart.\u00a0 Turning to close the front door behind himself Hoss asked, \u201cWonder what in thunderation made him go do a fool hearty thing like that?\u201d he said, more to himself than to his older brother.\u00a0 Shaking his head and sitting back down at the table, Adam told Hoss, \u201cGuess we\u2019ll just have to wait \u2018til Pa tells us.\u201d<\/p>\n

In the mean time, Ben had led Joseph into the barn where they could talk in private.\u00a0 Guiding Joe to the bundles of hay that were stacked in the back corner of the barn, Ben sat down and patted the space beside him, an indication that Joe was to sit next to his father.\u00a0 Joe sat where his father had indicated but being this close to Pa was unnerving to him.\u00a0 Chancing a glance at this father\u2019s face, he was surprised that the dark eyes looking back at him held no anger or contempt.\u00a0 What he did see went straight to his broken heart for in the eyes and face of the man he loved dearly, he saw unbridled love and compassion. That was all that the unhappy boy needed and before his father realized what was happening, Joe had flung himself into his father\u2019s arms crying.\u00a0 Ben\u2019s own arms automatically wrapped around his sobbing child and held him in a tight embrace.\u00a0 Ben did not speak but held his son for several minutes until his crying subsided.\u00a0 Handing his clean handkerchief to Joe he waited for him to wipe his eyes and blow his nose.<\/p>\n

That finished, he finally asked, \u201cDo you want to tell me about it?\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe leaned into his father\u2019s broad chest and Ben wrapped his arm back around the boy.\u00a0 Joe\u2019s ear was pressed in such a spot as to be able to hear the beat of his father\u2019s heart.\u00a0 Always in the past, as a child, his father had held him in such a way that the steady beat of the heart had become a calming factor for the boy.\u00a0 The same was such now and Joe began to pour out his whole story.<\/p>\n

He began by telling his father of Mitch\u2019s visit to the ranch bragging about being allowed to hunt alone and how that knowledge had make him feel more like a little kid.\u00a0 Joe went on to explain his plan in tracking the deer and killing it, all in the hopes of doing this before his family realized he had done so.\u00a0 Ben interrupted long enough to ask Joe about how he knew where to find the hidden rifle.\u00a0 Joe explained to Ben how he had watched while hiding behind the partly closed door.\u00a0 Joe heard his father sigh deeply.<\/p>\n

\u201cGo on,\u201d encouraged Ben.<\/p>\n

Joe stopped long enough to blow his nose again and returned his head to his father\u2019s chest.\u00a0 He liked hearing the thump, thump of the beating heart.<\/p>\n

When Joe came to the part of the story where he had pulled the trigger and had shot the bull instead of the deer he thought he felt the heart skip a beat.\u00a0 Joe looked up at his father\u2019s face then and caught a glimpse of amusement there.\u00a0 Resting his head against Ben\u2019s shoulder and finding comfort in the closeness of his father\u2019s presence, he felt his father\u2019s arm tighten slightly.<\/p>\n

Ben was having a hard time taking all of this in.\u00a0 His poor son!\u00a0 Joe told Ben how sickened he had felt when Mr. Miller arrived on the scene to find his bull dead and how scared he was when he stood in front of his father.\u00a0 The hardest part for Joe to tell his pa was about how he felt when Ben was shouting at him and how he had wanted to run from the house as he had stood and listened to his father\u2019s word.<\/p>\n

When Joe told Ben that he was sure that he was no longer loved, Ben\u2019s breath caught in his throat.\u00a0 \u201cJoseph, I\u2019m sorry about all of that.\u00a0 I never meant to make you think I had stopped loving you.\u00a0 No matter what son, I could never do that, you are very special to me.\u201d\u00a0 Ben hugged his son while placing a kiss atop Joe\u2019s brown curls.<\/p>\n

\u201cI know that now, but then I was so scared and ashamed of myself,\u201d replied Joe, meeting his father\u2019s loving eyes.<\/p>\n

Cradling Joe tightly in his arms, Ben instructed Joe to continue.\u00a0 Joe explained how he had met Jacob Bates while out riding the afternoon pa had let him off and about how Mr. Bates had offered to buy the sorrel yearling and Cochise.<\/p>\n

\u201cWell Pa, at that point all I could think about was what you had said about Mr. Miller\u2019s hard work being destroyed and all of his dreams being shattered all because of me.\u00a0 I felt so ashamed, I knew it was my fault and it scared me, I felt so bad Pa, a man\u2019s life was ruined and it was my fault!\u201d\u00a0 Joe cried then, the burden of guilt, that had been almost more than he could bear, was beginning to be lifted from the shoulders of the unhappy boy.<\/p>\n

\u201cThen when you said I had to pay Mr. Miller for the bull I was terrified.\u00a0 I didn\u2019t know where I\u2019d ever get that kind of money.\u00a0 I was mad at you at first for making me do it, but then later I saw how lucky I was to have all that I do have.\u00a0 I remembered the stories you used to tell me about when you and Adam and then later, Hoss, had traveled west.\u00a0 I thought about the times you said you were just about ready to give up on your dreams but that something kept encouraging you to go on.\u00a0 Then I thought about what my life might have been like if you had given up and realized that if you had, I might not even be here to have a life.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWell Pa, I couldn\u2019t let Mr. Miller give up on his dreams, least ways, not because of me!\u00a0 I didn\u2019t want that weighing on my conscience, so when Mr. Bates offered to buy my horses, I made the decision to sale them.\u00a0 But Pa, it was the hardest thing I have ever done.\u201d\u00a0 Joe stopped then and enjoyed the feel of his father\u2019s arms around him.<\/p>\n

Ben was surprised by all he had heard.\u00a0 Respect and pride swelled within his chest for the boy who had given his best to see that a man realized his dream.\u00a0 The unselfishness of his son\u2019s acts amazed him.\u00a0 Ben knew what it had cost the boy to give up his horse.\u00a0 Cochise had been his prize possession and yet he had used it as a sacrifice so another man could make his own dreams come true.<\/p>\n

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

\u201cYeah Pa, \u201c replied Joe raising his head finally and stretching his back, which had gotten stiff while sitting for so long.<\/p>\n

\u201cWould you mind telling me how much Mr. Bates paid you for the horses and what did you do about getting the money to Mr. Miller?\u201d Ben asked as he watched Joe twist and turn, working the stiffness from his body.<\/p>\n

Joe surprised his father even more when he told him that Mr. Bates had paid him two hundred dollars for the colt on the condition that Joe would break the colt to saddle and bridle when the young horse was ready.\u00a0 Pa agreed that he had made a fair deal.\u00a0 Ben had known that the little horse had come from one of his best brood mares and was sure to make an excellent horse.\u00a0 Joe was taking his time in telling Ben about Cochise, the weight of what he had done, weighing heavy on his soul.\u00a0 He got up from his place beside his father where he had sat back down after stretching and walked over to the now empty stall.\u00a0 Running his hand gently along the top board of the half wall that divided the stalls Joe\u2019s only statement to his father was<\/p>\n

\u201cFive hundred dollars.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben\u2019s eyebrows arched.\u00a0 \u201cWhew, that was a goodly sum for sure,\u201d he told himself.\u00a0 \u201cMore than fair,\u201d he reasoned.<\/p>\n

He would have to make sure he thanked the generous man the next time he ran into him.\u00a0 He might even take a ride over to the Bates\u2019 homestead to pay a visit.\u00a0 It was then that a plan began forming in the back of Ben Cartwright\u2019s mind.\u00a0 Ben smiled inwardly to himself.<\/p>\n

To his son he asked, \u201cSo you have seven hundred dollars to pay Mr. Miller?\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe walked back to his father and sat down on the bale of hay.\u00a0 \u201cNo, seven hundred and twenty-five and I\u2019ve already paid him.\u00a0 We made a deal that I could work for him to pay the rest.\u00a0 With your permission, that is.\u00a0 The last twenty-five dollars was what I\u2019ve been saving from my wages you pay me.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOh, I see?\u201d was all Ben said.\u00a0 Then as if in after thought, \u201cYou said you have already paid him?\u201d
\n\u201cYes sir, yesterday after Mr. Bates came to pick up the horses.\u00a0 I rode one of the new horses from the corral.\u00a0 I know I wasn\u2019t suppose to leave the ranch, so you can punish me again if you want.\u00a0 But honest Pa, I really felt bad for Mr. Miller and I wanted to make sure he got his money.\u00a0 He cried Pa when I put it in his hand.\u00a0 He told me he had already found another bull over in Placerville that he wants to buy.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cJoseph, taking into consideration all of what you have just told me, I am not going to add to you punishment, I think you have been punished enough.\u00a0 I have no doubts you are sincere in your remorse, both to me and to Mr. Miller,\u201d Ben told his son as he stood from his seat on the hay.<\/p>\n

Walking around to face the boy who remained seated, Ben spoke again, \u201cI want you to know that I am very proud of you son.\u00a0 It took courage to do what you did for Mr. Miller.\u00a0 Not many grown men would have been as gracious as you have.\u201d<\/p>\n

Laughing slightly, Ben pulled his son from his seating position into his arms hugging him tightly and patting him on the back.\u00a0 Placing his hand on the back of Joe\u2019s neck and forcing the boy\u2019s head upward he spoke in a loving voice, \u201cSon, you never cease to amaze me.\u00a0 We have work to do, what say we get started?\u201d suggested Ben.<\/p>\n

\u201cPa, one more thing.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat\u2019s that Joseph?\u201d Ben asked looking down at his son and seeing how much the lad had relaxed while they had been in the barn.<\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t have a horse.\u201d\u00a0 Joe stated.\u00a0 \u201cI can\u2019t work on a ranch without a horse you know,\u201d smiling as his father seemed to ponder this new development.<\/p>\n

\u201cHmm, You said you rode the black gelding yesterday?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYes sir, he did really well too,\u201d Joe told his pa.<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, since Adam broke him, Adam should have the final say.\u00a0 But as far as I\u2019m concerned, he\u2019s yours until you find another you\u2019d prefer to have,\u201d Ben informed his now happy son.<\/p>\n

\u201cThanks Pa, I\u2019ll go ask him,\u201d and with that Joe ran to the house.\u00a0 As he came to the boarded porch, he turned and called out to his father, \u201cLove ya, Pa,\u201d and then went into the house to find Adam.<\/p>\n

That evening after Little Joe turned in for the night, Ben related Joe\u2019s story to Adam and Hoss.\u00a0 Both young men sat in silence listening until their father had finished.<\/p>\n

\u201cDoggoneit,\u201d said Hoss, \u201cour little brother sure has been carryin\u2019 a heavy load, ain\u2019t he Pa?\u2019<\/p>\n

\u201cHe sure has,\u201d replied Ben.<\/p>\n

\u201cI always knew that kid had the makings of a fine man growing in there somewhere,\u201d Adam stated and then added, \u201cGuess we haven\u2019t done such a bad job with him after all!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat is this \u2018we\u2019 stuff?\u00a0 I can\u2019t count the times you two have insisted that Joseph was my son and that he was only your brother,\u201d laughed Ben, Adam and Hoss joining in.
\nBen thought it was great having his family back to normal.\u00a0 He was thankful that the rift between himself and his youngest had been restored.\u00a0 He sent up a silent prayer of thanks.<\/p>\n

Two weeks later found the Cartwright men busy with all the different chores and work that it took to manage a ranch the size of the Ponderosa.\u00a0 No more mention had been made regarding the sale of Joe\u2019s horses or the events that had led up to that particular transaction.\u00a0 Joe worked hard, making sure that he did his fair share of work and had even kept some of the \u2018extra\u2019 chores that his father had added as punishment.\u00a0 Joe hadn\u2019t really minded, it kept him busy and by bedtime he had little time to miss Cochise.\u00a0 The black horse that Adam had agreed to let him have had been working out just fine and Joe had to admit he was becoming attached to the gelding.\u00a0 Blackie wasn\u2019t Cochise to say the least.\u00a0 There would never be another horse as fine as his pinto, but Joe was satisfied with things as they were.\u00a0 Every chance that Joe had any free time he worked with Mr. Miller, doing odd jobs that the man asked of him. The debt that he owed was slowly beginning to shrink much to Joe\u2019s relief.<\/p>\n

It was on one of these days that Little Joe had gone to work for Mr. Miller that Ben was to put the final touches on his plan to surprise his youngest son for his seventeenth birthday which was coming up next week.\u00a0 Adam and Hoss were just finishing mucking out the barn when they heard their father in the corral.\u00a0 When they stepped from the dim light of the barn into the bright sun both boys squinted and shaded their eyes with their hands.\u00a0 Ben had just led the third horse from the corral and tied it to the fence with the two horses that were already waiting there.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhere ya goin\u2019 with them horses Pa?\u201d asked Hoss, stepping over to pet the little chestnut mare Ben had just tied to the fence.<\/p>\n

\u201cHmm, I sold these three and am going to deliver them,\u201d Ben told his son, not looking at him.<\/p>\n

\u201cI didn\u2019t know you had sold any horses Pa,\u201d Adam said, somewhat surprised at his father.<\/p>\n

Usually the two of them discussed the business ends of running the ranch.\u00a0 He wondered that Ben had not mentioned this to him, not that it really mattered, after all, his father was the boss.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll be back later boys,\u201d Ben called to his sons as he mounted his big buckskin horse.\u00a0 Gathering the lead ropes of the three spare horses, Ben rode from the yard without a backwards glance at his sons.<\/p>\n

The night of Joe\u2019s birthday party was one of the finest for that time of year.\u00a0 The air felt cool and crisp, just right for an evening stroll in the moonlight.\u00a0 Joe\u2019s hopes were up, maybe, he would get a chance to slip from the house with a pretty girl on his arm.\u00a0 The decorations had been hung, Hop Sing had the food prepared, the furniture had been moved to make room for the dancing and Hoss had just finished putting the candles on Joe\u2019s cake. Everything was ready.\u00a0 Ben was pleased with the way things had been going.<\/p>\n

Unfortunately, Joe never got his chance to stroll in the moonlight.\u00a0 He was kept busy dancing dance after dance with all of the pretty girls.\u00a0 He even danced with all of the not-so-pretty girls.\u00a0 Ben smiled at his youngest as he came twirling up to him with the current gal on his arm.\u00a0 As Joe and his partner made a complete circle in front of Ben, Joe flashed him a most provocative smile before being swept away.\u00a0 Ben was glad his son was having fun and was more content to see Joseph truly happy again.\u00a0 Ben had kept his birthday gift to his youngest a secret.\u00a0 He had not even shared his secret with his two older sons.\u00a0 He was the only one who knew what his present was, that is, he and his coconspirator!\u00a0\u00a0 Smiling, Ben felt pleased with himself; he knew Joseph\u2019s night was only going to get better.<\/p>\n

At last the large grandfather clock chimed the mid-night hour.\u00a0 Joe\u2019s guest began leaving, each wishing Joe happy birthday again as they went out the door.\u00a0 Several of the young ladies kissed his cheek as they left which caused the young Cartwright to blush.\u00a0 Joe\u2019s brothers were watching from where they were standing in front of the fireplace, amusement on their faces.<\/p>\n

\u201cA real Casanova,\u201d said Adam, a smile playing at the corner of his lips, making his face dimple.<\/p>\n

\u201cYeah, a real Caser—Casin—a real whatever you just said,\u201d Hoss said frowning, causing Adam to laugh out loud.<\/p>\n

Mr. Jacob Bates and his family were the last quests to say goodnight. Taking Joe\u2019s hand in his, he gave it a tight squeeze and laughed making the deep rumbling sound echo from the walls of the house.<\/p>\n

\u201cLittle Joe, Happy Birthday, son.\u00a0 I wish ya many more and may they all be as grand as this one,\u201d Jacob said.<\/p>\n

\u201cNight sir, Mrs. Bates, thanks for coming,\u201d Joe said as the couple and their children moved out the door.<\/p>\n

Jacob turned and winked at Ben who had come to stand behind Joe.\u00a0 Ben smiled in return as Joe closed the door.\u00a0 As Joe turned, he almost tripped over his father for he had not noticed that Ben had been standing so near.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt was a great party, thanks Pa.\u201d\u00a0 Joe reached up and gave his father a hug.<\/p>\n

Ben returned the affection by hugging Joe in return.\u00a0 Breaking loose from Joe\u2019s hug, he suggested that the boys start moving the furniture back into place from where it had been pushed to the side earlier in the evening.\u00a0 All three brothers began doing as their father bid them to and none noticed when Ben slipped into the kitchen and out into the yard through the kitchen door.\u00a0 He had one more surprise for Joseph.\u00a0 Ben\u2019s heart raced with anticipation as he hurried to set up Joe\u2019s final gift and when he finished he slipped back into the house using the same way as he had exited.\u00a0 As he came into the dining room where his sons had been working, they were already making their way toward the stairs.\u00a0 All three where laughing and joking slapping each other\u2019s back in brotherly fashion.\u00a0 When Ben opened the front door all three sons stopped to watch, as their father appeared to be looking at something.<\/p>\n

As he stepped through the doorway he called over his shoulder, \u201cWell, I\u2019ll be, Joseph, will you come look at this?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat is it Pa? What\u2019s wrong?\u201d replied Joe as he dashed to catch up with his father who had already moved into the yard.<\/p>\n

His older brothers were close on his heels.\u00a0 Joe stopped short, standing behind his father.\u00a0 Ben turned to watch the emotions playing across his son\u2019s face.\u00a0 The expression told Ben all he needed to know.\u00a0 Feeling his father\u2019s eyes upon him, Joe turned to meet his father\u2019s gaze.
\n\u201cHappy birthday, Son!\u201d spoke Ben softly so that the wish was heard by Joe only.<\/p>\n

Joe\u2019s happiness overflowed and he jumped into his father\u2019s arms taking the older man by surprise.\u00a0 Laughing and crying at the same time, he planted kisses all over the senior Cartwright\u2019s face.<\/p>\n

\u201cHOSS, ADAM,\u201d yelled Joe to his brothers who had joined their father.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou see her? You see her?\u00a0 Hoss look, look,\u201d the overjoyed boy cried. \u201cAdam?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI see little buddy,\u201d Adam answered, laughing at the antics of his baby brother.<\/p>\n

\u201cGolly, Short Shanks,\u201d began Hoss but was interrupted when Joe flung his arms around his brother\u2019s waist and began jumping up and down causing Hoss to clamp his large hands down on Joe\u2019s slender shoulders in an attempt to restrain the happy boy.<\/p>\n

All the while Ben had been watching a repeat performance of Joe\u2019s happiness flow from person to person and he knew he had done the right thing when he offered Jacob Bates a trade of three for one.<\/p>\n

Cochise, realizing she was home, sensed the excitement in the air and whinnied loudly while pawing the ground with her hoof.\u00a0 Joe stopped laughing with his brothers and turned to look at his horse. Glancing briefly at his father then back to the horse, Joe heard his pa softly tell him, \u201cgo ahead son.\u201d\u00a0 Needing no further encouragement, Joe ran and threw his arms around the horse\u2019s neck.<\/p>\n

\u201cWelcome home girl,\u201d whispered the boy to the horse.<\/p>\n

Ben, Adam and Hoss moved to enter the house thus leaving boy and horse to savor the moment of their reunion.\u00a0 Ben stopped and turned for one last look at his baby boy and smiled, his heart full of love for the son who brought so much joy and happiness to his heart and to his home.<\/p>\n

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

EPILOGUE:<\/p>\n

Disobedience, obedience, sacrifice, humility, restitution, hard work, love, joy, forgiveness, graciousness, and respect are all lessons of the heart and that each one has it\u2019s reward.\u00a0\u00a0 Because Joe Cartwright had learned his lessons well, Ben had decided that Cochise should be returned to his son, not because he felt as though Joseph had sacrificed more than was necessary but because he had made these sacrifices from a humbled heart.\u00a0 He had accepted his responsibility freely without thought to his own needs to meet the needs of another. Joseph Cartwright had taken a giant step toward manhood.<\/em><\/p>\n

Aug. 2001<\/strong><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Tags:<\/strong> Adam Cartwright, Ben Cartwright, Hoss Cartwright, Joe \/ Little Joe Cartwright<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Summary:\u00a0 Little Joe is knee deep in debt.\u00a0 Can he pay the price?<\/p>\n

Rated: G (17,820 words)<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":9052,"featured_media":10105,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"template-full-width-post.php","format":"standard","meta":{"_jetpack_newsletter_access":"","_jetpack_dont_email_post_to_subs":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_tier_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paywalled_content":false,"_jetpack_feature_clip_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":"","jetpack_publicize_message":"","jetpack_publicize_feature_enabled":true,"jetpack_social_post_already_shared":false,"jetpack_social_options":{"image_generator_settings":{"template":"highway","default_image_id":0,"font":"","enabled":false},"version":2},"jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false,"_members_access_role":[],"_members_access_error":""},"categories":[23],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-12289","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-drama","wpcat-23-id"],"jetpack_publicize_connections":[],"jetpack_likes_enabled":true,"jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/11\/2-joe.jpg?fit=237%2C221&ssl=1","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/12289","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=12289"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/12289\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/10105"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=12289"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=12289"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=12289"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}