{"id":12298,"date":"2006-02-01T16:12:48","date_gmt":"2006-02-01T21:12:48","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=12298"},"modified":"2025-02-27T12:10:30","modified_gmt":"2025-02-27T17:10:30","slug":"never-start-what-you-cant-finish-by-debbieb","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=12298","title":{"rendered":"Never Start What You Can’t Finish (by DebbieB)"},"content":{"rendered":"

Summary:<\/strong>\u00a0Second part of Two Painted Ponies, One Tender Heart. Joe’s tormentors are back and this time it’s Cochise that targeted. Will Joe be able to keep his horse safe and halt a repeat of what happened a year earlier to another beloved pinto?<\/p>\n

Rated:<\/strong>\u00a0 G\u00a0 (9,880 words)<\/p>\n

Two Painted Ponies Series:<\/strong><\/p>\n

Two Painted Ponies, One Tender Heart<\/a>
\nNever Start What you Can’t Finish<\/a><\/p>\n

Never Start What You Can’t Finish<\/strong><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

It had been over a year and Joe Cartwright had thought he\u2019d never lay eyes on Ty Hutchins again, but there he was, riding smack dap down the middle of the street, larger than life. The youngest Cartwright had just come out of the mercantile where he\u2019d been gathering supplies and loading them into the back of the family wagon. It was only by chance that Joe had looked up when he did, his mind was on the work that lay ahead of him, once he got back to the Ponderosa. His two older brother\u2019s had returned late last night from the open range above Virginia City with a new herd of mustangs, and Ben Cartwright had promised his son the job of selecting the best of the bunch for gentling. The horses would be saddle broke first, a job that the youngest Cartwright loved; so naturally the young man was most anxious to get home and begin breaking the horses. But seeing Ty riding into Virginia City had instantly brought back to life the horrible incident that had happen the week before Joe was to turn sixteen.<\/p>\n

For whatever reasons, still unbeknown to the youngest Cartwright, Ty Hutchins had taken a dislike to Little Joe and had from that moment, deemed it his ambition in life to make the younger boy\u2019s life a pure hell. Ty had almost succeeded too. He had prompted and tempted and taunted Joe nearly everyday. Ty would do just about anything for the simple pleasure of causing a scene, picking a fight, calling Joe names and poking fun at the boy. It had gone on for days and then the days had turned into weeks and by the time a month or more had come and gone, Joe Cartwright was seen round about with more black eyes, more bruises and scrapes than nearly all the other boys put together. It had practically become an everyday occurrence, seeing the Cartwright kid without his dark discoloration was less common than seeing him with them\u2026until that fateful day.<\/p>\n

Joe had been riding home from school, not really paying attention when he was suddenly pounced upon by Ty and three more of his bully buddies. Joe had been quickly overcome; even had his hands tied behind his back, after taking several punches in the face and gut by the Hutchins kid. Joe was dared to fight, but having promised his father he\u2019d not raise a hand against the other boy, Joe refused again. Ty wasn\u2019t to be put off this time, he ordered two more of the lads to mount up and together, the three had driven Joe\u2019s old pinto pony, Paint, over the edge of the ravine, right before the frightened boy\u2019s very eyes. Needless to say, the old pony lay dying, too many old fragile bones broken to ever mend. Joe had been scared half out of his wits, not knowing what to do with the pony, how to end the animal\u2019s misery. He had gotten free of his bounds and had managed to break Ty\u2019s nose before he scooted to the bottom of the deep ravine to give what small comfort he could to his fallen comrade.<\/p>\n

Joe had been sickened by what had happened, consumed with guilt, blaming himself and believing that had he only fought the other boy, his horse would not have had to die, and in such a horrid manner. Joe had long been begging his father for a younger, more spirited horse of his own, so with the death of Paint, all the tormented emotions he\u2019d suffered, Joe had worked himself up into such a feeble state of mind that by his birthday, just a week later, he had been so miserable he\u2019d not been able to take full advantage of the surprise his father had given to him. Ben had traded with the Piaute Chief, Winnemucca for a beautiful, young and spirited pinto, whom Joe later named Cochise.<\/p>\n

It was weeks later before Joe had fully come to appreciate the new horse, only after Ben had been injured in a logging accident and Joe had been called upon to ride into town to fetch the doctor home to save his beloved father\u2019s life. In the beginning, Joe and Cochise had problems of their own. Thinking back, Joe often laughed at their early days, he demanding certain things of the horse and Cochise not delivering them as well as Joe thought the animal should so it had come to the boy\u2019s surprise after the long run into Virginia City, that Joe learned that Cochise did not understand a word of what the boy was saying to him\u2026the pinto had been captured and gentled by a Piaute brave who did not speak the white man\u2019s language. It had caused quite a stir within the Cartwright household. Though Little Joe had thoughts of his own over the matter and wasn\u2019t quite sure that Cochise wasn\u2019t more aware to what was being said than not. It was never proven however either way and the problem such as it had been, had finally worked itself out, a year later Cochise and his young master seemed to understand one another better than any man and his horse ever could, thus a deep abiding relationship between the boy and his horse had been established.<\/p>\n

As Joe watched Ty slide from his horse and disappear into the Bucket of Blood Saloon, all thoughts of the bottomless well of mixed emotions came hurdling themselves back at him. He tossed the last sack of grain into the back of the buggy, dusted off his hands and made his way slowly across the street toward the barroom.<\/p>\n

Ty was standing with his back to the door at the bar when Joe stepped inside. For a moment he stood there, letting his eyes adjust to the lighting and then moved to the end of the bar where he stood, watching Ty as the other boy downed his frothy ale. Ty plopped his glass down on the counter, laughing at something the man next to him had said.<\/p>\n

The reverberation of his laughter left Joe with a sick feeling in his gut. It hadn\u2019t changed from the wicked sound he\u2019d heard a year ago as his beloved pony was forced over the edge of the ravine. Ty had laughed then too and the echo of that laughter had haunted Joe\u2019s nightmares for weeks following the incident. The old hate that had thought to be laid to rest suddenly was reborn. Joe\u2019s jaw was clamped tightly; his fingers were curled into his palms, forming rock solid fists.<\/p>\n

Ty ordered another beer. As he reached for it, his eyes swept the room, stopping when he met the dark emerald eyes at the end of the counter staring intensely back at him. Ty took a long swig of his beer and set the mug on the counter.<\/p>\n

\u201cWell\u2026what\u2019da know, if it ain\u2019t Little Joe Cartwright!\u201d sneered Ty.<\/p>\n

Joe felt his body tense as he took a step forward. He was suddenly stopped from preceding any further by the weight of a heavy hand pressing hard on his left shoulder.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ve been looking for you\u2026Pa needs you back at the ranch,\u201d said the deep baritone voice of Joe\u2019s oldest brother, Adam.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll leave when I\u2019m ready\u2026there\u2019s something I have to do first\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo\u2026you\u2019ll leave right now, Joe,\u201d Adam said in a low, almost threatening tone.<\/p>\n

Joe turned his head around and with dark, angry eyes, looked into his brother\u2019s own fierce eyes.<\/p>\n

\u201cI have unfinished business\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cJoe,\u201d Adam said with such intensity that Joe flinched. \u201cLet it be, come home with me before you get into something you can\u2019t handle\u2026please.\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe hesitated briefly, glanced back at Ty who still watched what was going on, and then relented.<\/p>\n

\u201cAlright, Adam\u2026but I promise you\u2026one of these days, I\u2019m going to make him pay for what he did\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cJust remember what Pa always says, never start anything you can\u2019t finish\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

Together the brothers walked through the swinging doors, missing the soft sigh of relief slipping through the lips of the young man at the bar.
\nAdam allowed his horse to trot along side the wagon driven by his younger brother. He was keenly aware of the fixed stare Joe had on the road before him and he sensed the anger and hate that brewed just below the surface of the younger man.<\/p>\n

Once they were home, Joe jumped quickly down from his seat on the wagon and moved to begin the unloading of the supplies. Ben came from the house, smiling in his usual genteel manner as he greeted both his sons.<\/p>\n

Adam accepted his father\u2019s welcome with a warm smile, though his eyes swiftly moved from his father\u2019s to his younger brother\u2019s almost indignant expression.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat\u2019s the manner with Joe?\u201d Ben asked, eyeing his youngest son closely.<\/p>\n

\u201cTy Hutchins is back in town,\u201d Adam stated as he loosened the cinch on his saddle.<\/p>\n

\u201cJoe didn\u2019t do anything foolish, I hope,\u201d muttered the worried father.<\/p>\n

\u201cNo\u2026but I think he was aiming to. I caught up with him as he was going into the saloon; Ty was already at the bar. Fortunately, Joe came along peaceably,\u201d Adam explained.<\/p>\n

Ben sighed. \u201cGood\u2026I sure don\u2019t want a repeat of what went on a year ago\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben moved across the yard then, to greet Joe. \u201cWell, I see you made it back without any problems,\u201d Ben smiled.<\/p>\n

Joe stopped, a sack of grain in his hands, to look up at his father. For a moment, he said nothing, then glanced at Adam, sure that his brother had already informed their father of the unwanted presence of his former enemy.<\/p>\n

\u201cNaturally,\u201d he said sarcastically as he turned and toted the sack into the barn.<\/p>\n

Ben waited until Joe had emerged from the barn. \u201cI hear Ty Hutchins is back in town.\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe cast a quick glance at his brother and then looked up quickly at his father.<\/p>\n

\u201cAdam doesn\u2019t waste much time, does he?\u201d he asked with a smirk as he hoisted another heavy sack over his shoulder and headed for the barn.<\/p>\n

This time, Ben followed. He stood in the doorway until Joe had set the sack down and turned. He barred Joe\u2019s exit.<\/p>\n

\u201cYour brother thought I should know\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIt isn\u2019t any of his business,\u201d Joe growled as he tried to slip by.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s all our business. Your brother knows very well how you feel toward Ty\u2026he didn\u2019t want you to do something foolish\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe, his lips pressed tightly, glared at his father. Ben glared back. The expression on Joe\u2019s face softened slightly under the piercing eyes of his father.<\/p>\n

\u201cI wasn\u2019t going to start anything,\u201d he muttered, lowering his head.<\/p>\n

\u201cThen why did you follow him into the saloon?\u201d Ben asked softly.<\/p>\n

Joe shrugged his shoulders. \u201cI dunno\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

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

Joe swallowed and looked up. The look in his emerald eyes was one of enormous sorrow.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m sorry, Pa\u2026but honestly, I\u2019m not sure why I followed him. I suppose I just wanted to get a good look at him\u2026or let him get a good look at me\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhy?\u201d<\/p>\n

Again Joe shrugged. \u201cMaybe to let him know\u2026I\u2019m still around\u2026still angry\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

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

Ben smiled warmly and placed his hand on his son\u2019s shoulder.<\/p>\n

\u201cI know what happened back then, hurt you greatly, son\u2026I know that for a long time you felt guilty about what happened\u2026I was sort of hoping that by now, you\u2019d put all those feelings behind you\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI had\u2026until today\u2026Pa\u2026just seeing him again, well, it brought back all the old hurts\u2026I couldn\u2019t see clearly\u2026I was only seeing Paint laying at the bottom of that ravine, his body all broken up, his suffering. I couldn\u2019t understand how anybody could do such a thing to an old pony\u2026and laugh about it\u2026I still don\u2019t understand how anyone could be so cruel\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cCruelty is\u2026just that, cruel. I\u2019m not sure I can understand what was going on in the minds of those young men\u2026hatred maybe\u2026though I\u2019m not sure what reason they\u2019d have for hating you\u2026and taking it out on an old pony. Sometimes, Joe\u2026there are no clear answers\u2026those kind of men are to be pitied\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cPitied? I\u2019d don\u2019t pity Ty Hutchins\u2026I\u2026hate him\u2026\u201d sneered Joe as he managed to slip past his father.<\/p>\n

He\u2019d only gone a few steps before stopping and turning back around to face his father.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou don\u2019t have to worry, Pa\u2026I\u2019m not going to start anything\u2026but I\u2019ll tell you this much\u2026if HE starts anything\u2026I\u2019m not turning the other cheek\u2026not this time!\u201d
\n\u201cI\u2019m worried about that boy,\u201d Ben announced the next morning while sipping coffee at the table.<\/p>\n

Hoss glanced up from his plate to swiftly glance at his father and then Adam.<\/p>\n

\u201cPerhaps you should send him over to Placerville instead of me,\u201d Adam suggested with a wink at Hoss.<\/p>\n

His father wanted him to make the trip to Placerville to settle up some last minute details for a long awaited lumber contract made with the Jaffey Lumber Company there. Adam hadn\u2019t been keen on the idea of going, he and Hoss had just returned from rounding up an entire herd of mustangs and had been hoping for a little reprieve from the physical work he\u2019d been doing for the last several days.<\/p>\n

Ben\u2019s fork stopped mid-way to his mouth as he stared at his eldest son.<\/p>\n

\u201cI promised Joe he could start breaking those mustangs\u2026hmm\u2026I\u2019d hate to go back on my word, it\u2019s something he really enjoys doing,\u201d Ben said with a look of concentration on his face. His thoughts whispered that it wasn\u2019t such a bad idea\u2026but still\u2026could he disappoint the boy?<\/p>\n

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

\u201cWell\u2026it was just a thought,\u201d Adam said as he wiped his mouth and laid aside his napkin. \u201cFor sure it would keep him from having a run-in with the Hutchins kid.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s true,\u201d muttered his father.<\/p>\n

\u201cYeah\u2026but Pa\u2026keepin\u2019 Little Joe busy with those mustangs will work just as well,\u201d Hoss snickered. \u201cAs many times as he\u2019s gonna get his rear end tossed into the dust, he\u2019ll be too tuckered out to even think about fightin\u2019 with anyone\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben snickered along with his two sons. His mind\u2019s eye cast a vision of his youngest son sprawled in the dirt, sore but happy, doing what he loved to do most\u2026taming wild mustangs!
\nWhen Ben, Adam and Hoss finally reached the corral, Joe was already hard at work. The trio stood at the fence and watched at Joe tried to stay on the bucking animal. Adam climbed onto the fence and straddled the top railing, cheering his younger on.<\/p>\n

\u201cRIDE\u2019EM JOE!\u201d he shouted.<\/p>\n

The words, meant to encourage his brother, were no sooner out of his mouth as Adam watched Little Joe tossed high into the air and land with a hard thud onto the dusty ground. For a moment, the younger Cartwright did not move. Adam jumped from the fence railing into the corral and ran toward his brother. Ben and Hoss hurried over the fence close on Adam\u2019s heels.<\/p>\n

As Adam approached his kid brother, he stopped short, seeing the wide grin that had spread across the youngster\u2019s handsome though somewhat dirty face.<\/p>\n

\u201cAre you alright?\u201d Adam inquired, offering his hand to his brother.<\/p>\n

Joe giggled. \u201cSure I am\u2026\u201d he laughed, accepting his brother\u2019s help.<\/p>\n

Joe was quickly hauled to his feet and began dusting off his chaps.<\/p>\n

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

\u201cI\u2019m alright, Pa\u2026\u201d Joe said with a slight frown. \u201cStop worrying, it\u2019ll take more than that old nag to keep me down\u2026BRING HIM BACK OVER HERE!\u201d he shouted to the wranglers.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou ain\u2019t gonna ride\u2019em again, are ya?\u201d Hoss asked as he circled his younger brother, checking for himself that Joe was indeed alright.<\/p>\n

\u201cSure I am\u2026lessen you wanna give it a try!\u201d Joe dared with a grin.<\/p>\n

Hoss\u2019 blue eyes widened and he grinned. \u201cNo\u2026no thank ya\u2026I\u2019d just as soon watch you get your butt busted as to have mine busted!\u201d<\/p>\n

The three older Cartwrights took their places on the fence railing and for the next hour watched the youngest member of the family attempt to ride one wild horse after another, always ending up in the dirt\u2026with a wide happy smile splattered across his glowing face.<\/p>\n

Up on the ridge, a young, angry cowpoke watched the proceedings along with three of his sidekicks. Ty Hutchins leaned forward, propping himself on his horse\u2019s long slender neck.<\/p>\n

\u201cLook at\u2019em\u2026don\u2019t he think he\u2019s something?\u201d he grumbled. \u201cAny fool can eat dirt\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t see you eatin\u2019 dirt,\u201d Moose laughed.<\/p>\n

Ty gave his over-sized friend a daring look.<\/p>\n

\u201cI can out ride Little Joe Cartwright any day of the week\u2026in fact, I can out ride, out shoot, and out smart that little bastard. He ain\u2019t nuthin\u2019\u2026got that?\u201d Ty growled, angered by his friend\u2019s off handed remark.<\/p>\n

Moose groaned as he straightened up. \u201cYeah\u2026I got that\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhy don\u2019t ya prove it?\u201d Gus Anderson dared.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhy\u2026I don\u2019t have to prove myself to that little weasel\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou chicken?\u201d smirked Mark, the fourth young man to make up the group.<\/p>\n

\u201cHell no\u2026I ain\u2019t chicken\u2026I dun told ya\u2026I can do anything that Cartwright brat can do and I can do it better\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThen prove it\u2026go down there and show him how\u2019s it done\u2026make a bet with him\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSure\u2026me go down there and talk to Little Joe\u2026do you think I\u2019m stupid\u2026he hasn\u2019t forgotten what I did to him a year ago\u2026\u201d Unconsciously, Ty rubbed his nose\u2026sub-consciously recalling that same day in which Joe Cartwright had broken his nose.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll tell you what we\u2019ll do\u2026he\u2019s bound to go into town tonight\u2026being as how it\u2019s Saturday\u2026he\u2019ll come into the saloon\u2026I\u2019ll fix him then\u2026\u201d Ty snickered. His pals could see that their friend was forming a plan in his mind.<\/p>\n

\u201cThen what?\u201d Moose dared to ask.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll make a bet with him\u2026and I\u2019ll win\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat\u2019cha goin\u2019ta bet him\u2026money?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNope\u2026you\u2019ll see\u2026.\u201d Ty said as he gathered up his reins and turned his horse around. \u201cIf he thinks what I did to that stupid old painted pony was something\u2026wait until he sees what I\u2019m gonna do to that pinto he\u2019s so proud of!\u201d
\nJoe was leading the way when he and his brothers entered the saloon. He was walking a bit stiffly, having landed on his backside more times than he cared to admit, but he was pleased with the way the day had gone; somehow he had managed to saddle break three of the wild mustangs that had been captured. Joe laughed again as he rubbed his backside.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m glad you can\u2019t see all my bruises,\u201d he snickered.<\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t unless ya plannin\u2019 on droppin\u2019 drawers!\u201d heehawed Hoss as the three elbowed their way up to the bar.<\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t plan on it\u2026besides, I\u2019m not so sure I could if I had the chance\u2026I\u2019m so sore I need a cushion to sit on!\u201d Little Joe whispered. \u201cThree beers Cosmo\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe turned to scan the room, taking in all the customers. He failed to see the four sitting in the darkest corner out of view. By the time the foursome got up and slipped through the door, Joe was engaged in conversation with Betty, the pretty dark haired barmaid.<\/p>\n

\u201cGet that pinto,\u201d Ty ordered as he carefully scanned the boardwalk, assuring himself that he and his cohorts were the only ones on the street.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou mean\u2026Cartwright\u2019s horse?\u201d Moose stammered.<\/p>\n

\u201cNo stupid\u2026Jack-in-the-bean-stalk\u2019s horse\u2026Yes\u2026I mean Cartwright\u2019s horse\u2026get him and lets get out of here!\u201d<\/p>\n

Moose glanced nervously over his shoulder. Relieved to be able to see Little Joe through the opened doorway talking to one of the barmaids, he quickly untied Cochise\u2019s reins from around the hitching post and hurried to follow Ty and the others into the dark alley along side the saloon. For several minutes the friends hurried through the darkness to the far end, stopping just behind the livery.<\/p>\n

\u201cLet\u2019s get our horses and get outta here,\u201d Ty ordered. \u201cMoose, you wait here with me\u2026Mark, you and Gus get our horses\u2026hurry up before someone spots this pinto\u2026he\u2019s pretty well known around here\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

As soon as Mark and Gus brought the four horses out into the darkness, the men mounted up and raced into the blackness of night, Cochise being led along the way as they made their way into the hills where safely tucked into the rocks, stood a lone, one room cabin that the men called home.
\nIt was almost mid-night when the Cartwrights stood up to leave. Joe stretched his back, twisting from side to side in hopes of reliving some of the weariness that had settled in his bones. Adam tossed some coins onto the table while Hoss collected his hat.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m ready for bed,\u201d Joe muttered.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s a long ride home\u2026\u201d Adam suggested.<\/p>\n

\u201cYeah I know, but Cochise\u2019s gait is like rocking in Pa\u2019s old rocker\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

The trio eased out the door. Joe shivered. \u201cSure has gotten cool\u2026hey\u2026\u201d he blabbered, stopping dead in his tracks. Hoss bumped into him as Adam slammed into Hoss\u2019 back.<\/p>\n

\u201cJoseph\u2026get a move on,\u201d Hoss said gruffly as he gently shoved Joe to the side and headed for his horse. Adam glanced disgustedly at his youngest brother.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat the blazes is wrong with you!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cMy\u2026my\u2026horse,\u201d stammered Joe, pointing to the hitching rail where Sport and Chubb stood alone. \u201cCochise is gone!\u201d<\/p>\n

Hoss looked around, he wore a surprised expression on his rotund face, noticing for the first time that his brother\u2019s pinto was indeed missing.<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, what\u2019da ya know\u2026he sure \u2018nough is,\u201d Hoss said and then grinned at Adam. Both men snickered.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt ain\u2019t funny!\u201d growled Joe. \u201cSomebody\u2026stole my horse!\u201d he said angrily.<\/p>\n

\u201cAw shucks Shortshanks, ya don\u2019t know that for a fact\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWell then Mister Smarty Pants\u2026just where in tarnation is he?\u201d Joe grumbled fiercely.<\/p>\n

\u201cJoe, he probably just pulled loose and\u2026\u201d Adam said before being interrupted.<\/p>\n

\u201cAND WHAT!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd mossied on home,\u201d Hoss finished, still grinning.<\/p>\n

Joe stood with his hands on his hips; his jaw was tight as he stared with disgust written all over his face.<\/p>\n

\u201cFine,\u201d he snapped. \u201cNow how am I suppose to get home\u2026walk\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cMight work some of the soreness outta your bones,\u201d Adam said, fighting back the laughter that threatened to spill over.<\/p>\n

Joe made a face at his brother. \u201cFunny\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

At that, Adam laughed softly and offered his hand to his brother.<\/p>\n

\u201cCome on, you can ride with me\u2026maybe he\u2019ll be munching hay by the time we get home.\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe took Adam\u2019s hand and with ease, swung onto Sport\u2019s back behind Adam.<\/p>\n

\u201cHe\u2019d better be\u2026I\u2019m gonna have a long talk with that crazy Indian pony\u2026going off and leaving me on foot\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

Hoss and Adam could no longer contain their laughter. Hoss heehawed the loudest and then turned to look back at Joe riding double with Adam.<\/p>\n

\u201cJoe\u2026won\u2019t do ya no good to talk to that nag\u2026ya know\u2019s as well as we do, Cochise don\u2019t understand English\u2026.hahahahaa!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHe\u2019ll understand the whip!\u201d Joe grumbled, tired of the teasing and disappointed that his horse would just walk away and leave him.<\/p>\n

Hoss laughed louder. \u201cLiar\u2026you know good and well you\u2019d never take a whip to that pony\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe seemed to calm down. He even smiled at his brother who now was riding along side.<\/p>\n

\u201cI know\u2026and you two know it\u2026but that knuckle-headed horse of mine don\u2019t know it!!\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe was once again disappointed when they walked into the darkened barn and found it empty.<\/p>\n

\u201cDangit\u2026he\u2019s not here\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t worry, kid\u2026he\u2019ll come home when he gets hungry\u2026\u201d Adam said in an attempt to put his brother\u2019s worry to rest.<\/p>\n

\u201cSure he will punkin\u2026ain\u2019t he always? Come on now, it\u2019s really late and there\u2019s work aplenty to do in the morning. Ya gotta get some sleep\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

Hoss clamped his beefy hand down on Joe\u2019s slender shoulder and gently forced the boy to walk with him to the house.<\/p>\n

\u201cHoss?\u201d Joe said, stopping short of the porch.<\/p>\n

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

\u201cWhat if he don\u2019t come home\u2026you gonna help me look for him?\u201d<\/p>\n

Hoss could see the unsettled doubts shining in the emerald eyes. His heart softened for he knew just how much his brother\u2019s pinto meant to him.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou know I will, Little Joe\u2026try not to worry, we\u2019ll find\u2019em\u2026\u201d
\n\u201cYou mean to tell me, that Joe\u2019s horse just walked off and no one saw him do it?\u201d Ben said between mouthfuls.<\/p>\n

\u201cYep\u2026and Joe was more\u2019n just a little upset\u2026ya know how he feels about that pinto of his!\u201d Hoss answered. \u201cI promised the boy I\u2019d help\u2019em look for Cochise if\u2019n he ain\u2019t back in the barn\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

As if in response to his question, the front door burst opened and a very disappointed young man appeared at the table. All eyes turned to look up at the boy.<\/p>\n

\u201cI take it from your expression, Cochise didn\u2019t come home last night?\u201d his father asked with concern.<\/p>\n

Joe, shook his head no as he slipped into his place at the table. He glanced sadly around at his family.<\/p>\n

\u201cI still think someone stole him\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat makes you think that, son?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cCause\u2026even if Cooch did wander off, he\u2019d come home by now\u2026he knows the way\u2026and he knows I\u2019d be\u2026well, he knows,\u201d Joe finished softly, lowering his head.<\/p>\n

Ben could feel the sadness coming from his youngest son. He knew how much the painted horse meant to Little Joe\u2026he, himself had given the horse to his son on his sixteenth birthday, just over a year ago. Ben also recalled the rocky beginning his son and the horse had\u2026Joe being burdened down with guilt over losing his life-long friend, Paint, who had been his own pony nearly from the day the boy had learned to walk\u2026in fact recalled Ben, Joe had been riding the pony even before he learned to walk\u2026with their help and supervision. Losing the old pony in the manner in which it had died, had served the boy a heaping of remorse and a parcel of guilty emotions, so much so that Joe had been unable to bond with the new horse. Cochise hadn\u2019t fared any better, coming to a strange home with strangers caring for him, and not understanding the white man\u2019s language\u2026his son and his new horse oft as not butted heads more than once or twice. Ben almost smiled at the memory.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m going to go look for him\u2026you coming with me, Hoss?\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe\u2019s words interrupted his father\u2019s thoughts. Ben glanced at Joe who had pushed back his chair and stood up.<\/p>\n

\u201cSit down Joe\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

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

\u201cYou will eat first\u2026then you may be excused to go look for Cochise\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

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

\u201cJoseph\u2026it could take a good while to find your horse, I don\u2019t want you fainting dead from lack of food\u2026please sit down and eat first,\u201d Ben ordered gently.<\/p>\n

Joe grinned at his father but did as requested. \u201cI ain\u2019t never fainted and you know it,\u201d he said in a teasing tone.<\/p>\n

\u201cThere\u2019s always a first time,\u201d muttered Adam who had until that moment remained silent.<\/p>\n

Joe shot his brother a dark look.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll help you if you eat\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe\u2019s expression softened as the words sank into his brain. Adam smiled at his brother, causing Joe\u2019s lips to curl upward in a return gesture.<\/p>\n

\u201cThanks,\u201d he muttered as he filled his plate with ham and eggs. \u201cBut what about that trip to Placerville?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOh\u2026I guess I forgot to tell you, that\u2019s why I was in town the other day\u2026those papers Pa needed came in the mail\u2026I was there to pick them up\u2026so I don\u2019t have to go\u2026thank goodness,\u201d laughed Adam with a quick glance in his father\u2019s direction.
\nJoe pulled the little sorrel he was riding to a stop. In one sweep of his hand, he removed his hat and swiped the sweat from his brow.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2019ve looked everywhere, Hoss\u2026that dadburn nag ain\u2019t nowhere to be found,\u201d Joe grumbled as he pushed his hat back down on his head and reached for his canteen.<\/p>\n

\u201cI still think someone stole him\u2026Cooch would have come home by now\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cMaybe he has, Joe\u2026lets go see\u2026sides, it\u2019s neigh onto suppertime and I\u2019m starvin\u2019 plum near to death,\u201d Hoss mumbled.<\/p>\n

Joe snickered softly, his brooding mood lifted for a brief moment.<\/p>\n

\u201cYeah\u2026you look like you\u2019re wasting away quickly,\u201d he teased. \u201cMaybe you\u2019re right, Hoss, perhaps Cooch has come home, or perhaps Adam\u2019s had better luck than us\u2026I\u2026hope so,\u201d the younger man added. \u201cI\u2026sort of miss that pony.\u201d<\/p>\n

Hoss watched his brother\u2019s worried expressions and then smiled at the boy.<\/p>\n

\u201cI know ya do, Joe\u2026the two of you sorta got off to a bad start, didn\u2019t ya?\u201d<\/p>\n

Thinking back to the time, over a year ago, that he\u2019d received the pinto as a birthday gift from his father, Joe smiled at the not-so-pleasant memory.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe sure did\u2026it\u2019s almost funny now\u2026thinking about all the fuming I did, not knowing that Cochise didn\u2019t even understand a word I was saying to him\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYeah, we all got a good laugh about that,\u201d Hoss grinned as he turned his own horse toward home. \u201cBut the two of you got things worked out just fine, didn\u2019t ya?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYep\u2026but I\u2019m not so sure Cooch was as ignorant to what I was saying to him as he\u2019d like us to think he was\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAw Joe\u2026that painted pony ain\u2019t that dadburn smart!\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe\u2019s eyes widened at the comment. He had the smartest horse around\u2026in his mind.<\/p>\n

\u201cSure he was\u2026and still is\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo he ain\u2019t\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat makes you think he\u2019s not?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cCause, little brother, if\u2019n that horse was that gall darn smart, he\u2019d be home by now\u2026he\u2019s probably lost and can\u2019t even find his own way\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHe is not!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYes he is\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNO he\u2019s not\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYES\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAlright\u2026forget it Hoss, just pretend I never said anything. Come on, I\u2019m hungry,\u201d Joe fussed as he kicked his heels into the little sorrel\u2019s sides and took off at a full gallop toward home.
\nIn the dilapidated old shed, tethered tightly, his head pulled high and in a strain, front legs hobbled, his hind legs bound so that he could not move and stretched behind him, Cochise nickered softly. The undo pressure on his back from the heavy bundles placed there by his tormentors was beginning to break the spirit of the black and white prized treasure of his young master. Eyes wide with fright, the pinto nickered again the longing in his burdened heart cried out to the only one he knew could help him, \u2018Little Joe, oh Little Joe\u2026where are you\u2026\u2019
\n\u201cJoseph, I know you want to find him, but we have a corral full of wild mustangs that needs breaking\u2026we have to have them ready in less than two weeks\u2026and must I remind you, you were the one who was so set on seeing that this job was\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe, who had his back to his father because he did not want the angry look disclosed, spun around, betraying his emotions.<\/p>\n

\u201cI know,\u201d he said quickly. \u201cAnd I\u2019m sorry I\u2019m not doing my part\u2026but I have to find him\u2026Pa\u2026please\u2026you don\u2019t understand\u2026I have to!\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben, seeing the despairing look in his young son\u2019s hazel eyes, relented in a softer tone.<\/p>\n

\u201cI know, son\u2026I do understand how you feel.\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe dared to smile. \u201cDoes that mean\u2026you\u2019ll let me continue searching?\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben saw the sudden emission of hope that sprang into the boy\u2019s eyes. He laughed in his fatherly manner as he nodded his head.<\/p>\n

\u201cYes, it means exactly that\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOh Pa\u2026thanks!\u201d Joe practically shouted.<\/p>\n

Almost instantly, he was at the door, pushing his hat down on his head. He stopped long enough to look back, seeing his father smiling at him, his two brothers standing off to the side watching the exchange.<\/p>\n

\u201cI promise, once I find Cochise\u2026I\u2019ll break every mustang in the corral if need be\u2026thanks, Pa\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe reached for the door, surprised to find their foreman standing on the opposite side.<\/p>\n

\u201cHank\u2026you dang near scared me to death!\u201d Joe said light-heartedly.<\/p>\n

Ben quickly moved to the door and stood beside Joe. He greeted his foreman.<\/p>\n

\u201cHank, come on in\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

Hank moved into the house and paused.<\/p>\n

\u201cSee you later, Pa\u2026\u201d Joe said as he started out the door.<\/p>\n

\u201cLittle Joe\u2026wait,\u201d Hank called.<\/p>\n

Pausing, Joe turned back. \u201cYou want me for something?\u201d<\/p>\n

Hank nodded his head and reached with his hand, into his vest pocket. \u201cYeah\u2026some cowpoke rode in a few minutes ago and asked me to give you this,\u201d he said, withdrawing a folded slip of paper and holding it out to Joe.<\/p>\n

Joe glanced at the paper, then at his family who had all gathered around the foreman and himself. He took the paper and slowly began to unfold it. Looking up once into the curious faces, he quickly scanned the note. Suddenly, his face paled.<\/p>\n

\u201cJoseph?\u201d Ben said. \u201cWhat\u2019s wrong, son?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou look plum sick, Shortshanks\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

By this time, Adam stood to one side of his brother and Ben on the other, both trying to read the note that had turned Joe\u2019s face a sickly white color. Ben took the paper from his son, noticing how the youngster\u2019s hand trembled. He looked down at the scribbling and began to read.<\/p>\n

If you want to see your painted pony alive\u2026you\u2019ll meet me tonight at the old millhouse just beyond Rainbow Canyon. Come alone\u2026or the nag dies.<\/p>\n

Silence filled the room for a long moment. Joe\u2019s eyes sought his father\u2019s.<\/p>\n

\u201cI told you someone stole him\u2026\u201d he muttered.<\/p>\n

Joe turned to the foreman almost with an angry glare.<\/p>\n

\u201cDid you know the man who brought you this note?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSorry, Little Joe\u2026I don\u2019t know his name\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHave you ever seen him before?\u201d Ben asked as he watched Joe begin to pace.<\/p>\n

The foreman seemed to be thinking. Suddenly he smiled.<\/p>\n

\u201cYeah\u2026I\u2019ve seen him before, but not lately.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhen?\u201d Adam demanded.<\/p>\n

\u201cLet\u2019s see now\u2026it\u2019s been a while\u2026hmm\u2026maybe a year ago, give or take a month or two\u2026I seen him about town. He was always with two\u2026no\u2026three other young fellas. He\u2019s a big boy\u2026about your age Little Joe\u2026maybe a bit older\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cBig\u2026how big?\u201d Joe asked suddenly as if he, himself were remembering a certain fellow.<\/p>\n

Hank glanced at Hoss, pointing at the middle Cartwright with his finger.<\/p>\n

\u201cNear as big as you, Hoss\u2026\u2019cept younger\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cMoose Claymore\u2026Eddie\u2026that\u2019s his real name\u2026\u201d Joe said as he spun around.<\/p>\n

Joe headed straight for the door but was stopped when Ben pressed his hand down on the slender shoulder.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhere are you going?\u201d he asked gruffly.<\/p>\n

\u201cTo get my horse\u2026Ty Hutchins is behind all this\u2026he should never start something he can\u2019t finish\u2026but I aim on finishing it!\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe reached for the latch but paused to respond to his father\u2019s next words.<\/p>\n

\u201cJoseph, you can\u2019t go alone, I won\u2019t let you!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cPa\u2026I have to go, if I don\u2019t he\u2019ll kill Cochise, just like he did Paint\u2026I can\u2019t\u2026and I won\u2019t, let that happen!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cJoe, I realize that son\u2026but we\u2019re going with you\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo, Pa\u2026the note said to come alone\u2026I have to go alone or else\u2026please Pa, don\u2019t follow me!\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe wasted no time in leaving as he rushed from the house and across the yard, mounting the little sorrel he\u2019d been riding since Cochise had been taken. Before Ben and the others could get out of the house, Joe was gone. Ben stopped short in the middle of the yard.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe aren\u2019t going to let him do this alone, are we?\u201d Adam asked his father.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe have too\u2026he asked us not to follow\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cBut Pa\u2026\u201d Hoss stammered with a worried frown.<\/p>\n

\u201cHush, son\u2026hush\u2026\u201d Ben said in a gentle voice. \u201cHank, saddle our horses, please.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben turned back toward the house, followed by a puzzled Adam and Hoss.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019ve got a plan\u2026wanna share it with us?\u201d Adam quizzed.<\/p>\n

Ben turned, smiled secretly at his sons and then explained in part.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou don\u2019t really think I\u2019d let him go alone\u2026do you?\u201d<\/p>\n

Hoss glanced over at his older brother and grinned.
\nJoe rode cautiously into the yard surrounding the old millhouse. It was quiet and he saw no one as he dismounted and laced his horse\u2019s reins over an old hitching post that was on the verge of crumbling. Glancing around, the fingers on his left hand gently brushed against the butt of his pearl handled .45.<\/p>\n

It was just beginning to grow dark and the long shadows of the old trees and broken down buildings took on an eerie sensation for the young man. He stood quietly beside the little sorrel, looking through the growing shadows for some sign that Moose was there.<\/p>\n

\u201cHello\u2026\u201d he said and hoped that his voice sounded normal, for within, his gut was beginning to rumble and felt queasy. Not that he was afraid of Moose, or the big fellow\u2019s companions, but the not knowing and the building suspense were putting his nerves on edge.<\/p>\n

\u201cOver here,\u201d came a voice from the shadows.<\/p>\n

Joe spun around expecting to see Moose, but if he were there, he certainly was being cautious.<\/p>\n

\u201cDrop your gun holster,\u201d the voice ordered.<\/p>\n

Taking a deep breath, Joe hesitated. \u201cShow yourself\u2026I know it\u2019s you Moose,\u201d Joe dared the unseen fathom.<\/p>\n

\u201cDo as you\u2019re told\u2026or the pinto dies instantly\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

Without another word, fearing for the life of his prized horse, Joe quickly unbuckled his holster and allowed his weapon to slip to the ground.<\/p>\n

\u201cNow move away\u2026this way\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

Again, Joe complied. Before he realized what was happening, a silent form emerged from the shadows behind him and grabbed up his gun and holster, quickly moving up behind Joe. Joe turned quickly, sensing the presence behind him. He wasn\u2019t one bit surprised to see Mark, one of Ty Hutchins cohorts, standing behind him. Little Joe glared at the man.<\/p>\n

\u201cI figured as much,\u201d he snarled.<\/p>\n

The remark made the other young man laugh. He jabbed his gun into Joe\u2019s ribs as he nodded with a move of his head toward the old shed.<\/p>\n

\u201cGet movin\u2019\u2026there\u2019s somethin\u2019 the boss wants ya to see.\u201d<\/p>\n

Reluctantly, Joe moved forward. As they neared the old shed a light was lit from within bringing a bright glow into the dreary, decrepit old building. Joe paused just outside the doorway.<\/p>\n

\u201cCome in Cartwright.\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe felt his body stiffen. The voice was familiar, one that he\u2019d heard time and time again both in his nightmares and in his waking hours, months after their first encounter. Slowly, Joe moved into the light, totally unprepared for what he saw. There, before him stood Cochise, tied in a cruel and strenuous way and bearing the weight of a heavy burden. Joe gasped loudly. Cochise\u2019s front legs were hobbled; his hind legs were stretched out and hobbled in such a manner as to prevent the animal from moving. Even in the dimness of the lighting, Joe could see the muscles in the weary animal\u2019s entire body quivering. Lather had formed and dripped from the pinto\u2019s neck, soaking the fine hide in its pilgrimage into the dusty ground beneath the horse\u2019s hooves.<\/p>\n

Joe felt sick to his stomach. Anger boiled within as hate\u2019s seed burst forth and spewed into his words and actions. He turned and charged the man who laughed, driving his head into Ty\u2019s mid-section with such force as to ram the other man into the wall behind them. A cry of pain screeched through the supernatural stillness inside the old shed as Ty\u2019s body slammed hard against the boards. He groaned loudly as he brought his arms up to protect himself from the onslaught of fists that bombarded his body.<\/p>\n

Almost as quickly as it had begun, it ended. Gus, who had remained in the shadows stepped up and walloped the butt of his rifle down across the shoulder of his friend\u2019s attacker. Joe immediately slumped to the ground at Ty\u2019s feet, unconscious. Ty pushed himself from against the wall, breathing deeply as he wiped blood from his lip.<\/p>\n

\u201cTie him up\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

It didn\u2019t take Gus and Mark long to do as ordered. Minutes later Joe\u2019s hands and ankles were wrapped tightly with a rope in equally secured knots. He was propped against a post facing his horse.<\/p>\n

\u201cNow wake him up\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

Moose grabbed a bucket, dipped it into the trough just outside the door and tossed the water into Joe\u2019s face. Sputtering, Joe slowly opened his eyes, moaning softly at the sharp pain in his shoulder. When he looked up, Ty stood between him and his horse but Joe could see Cochise\u2019s eyes as the pinto strained to look at him. The pleading he saw there ripped his heart in two. The horse was plainly suffering and in dire need of his help. Joe tugged at his ropes in a futile effort to free himself. His struggles only served to enlighten the others to his predicament. Anger, bright red, dotted Joe\u2019s cheekbones as he glared up at the other man.<\/p>\n

\u201cDam you\u2026\u201d he cursed. \u201cI\u2019ll kill you for what you\u2019re doing\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

Ty and the others laughed.<\/p>\n

\u201cI should have killed you a year ago\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cBut you didn\u2019t\u2026and you won\u2019t kill me now\u2026it ain\u2019t in you Cartwright\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe swallowed hard\u2026given enough motive, any man could be made to kill\u2026isn\u2019t that what his father and older brother, Adam, had often told him? Well, he had enough motive for sure\u2026and enough hate\u2026<\/p>\n

\u201cCut me loose\u2026I\u2019ll show you\u2026\u201d he dared his tormentor, as he looked the other man dead in the eye.<\/p>\n

Ty flinched slightly\u2026seeing the hate that showed so freely in his captive\u2019s eyes. He watched for several seconds as Joe strained against his ropes. Behind him, Cochise nickered. When Joe looked up, he gasped loudly as he watched his horse\u2019s hind legs buckle beneath the heavy burden on his back. Cochise whinnied in distress as the rope attached to his halter held his head upright in a punishing manner. Joe could easily see the fear and pain in his animal\u2019s eyes.<\/p>\n

He jerked and pulled on the ropes that bound him. He, himself was close to panic as he watched his beloved horse struggling to stay alive.<\/p>\n

\u201cCUT ME LOOSE\u2026YOU\u2019RE GONNA KILL HIM!\u201d Joe bellowed at the others.<\/p>\n

Ty only laughed. Mark, who was nearest the horse, frowned at the expression in the animal\u2019s eyes\u2026he covered his ears, unable to listen to the piteous sounds coming from the frightened animal.<\/p>\n

\u201cTy,\u201d he said, moving away from Cochise. \u201cLet\u2019s forget this\u2026Joe\u2019s right\u2026you\u2019re gonna kill that horse\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

Infuriated, Ty turned on the boy. \u201cShut up you coward\u2026you knew what was going to happen when you agreed to help me\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYeah\u2026but I didn\u2019t think you meant it\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

Ty\u2019s eyes rounded and grew large as he glared at Mark. \u201cDid you think I was makin\u2019 light of this? You idiot\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

Mark was growing more nervous by the minute. He fidgeted his fingers, lowering his hand to his side where his pistol rested on his hip. Suddenly his hand went for the gun, but Ty, ever conscious of those around him, saw the movement and quickly beat the other man to the draw.<\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t even think about it, Mark\u2026\u201d he cautioned his friend.<\/p>\n

Mark swallowed and moved his hand away from his side. Slowly, he backed toward the door.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ve had enough of this,\u201d he said, looking over at Gus and Moose. \u201cYou two can stay here if you wanna, but I\u2019m getting outta here\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

He turned his back, which was a mistake.<\/p>\n

\u201cStop Mark, or I\u2019ll shoot you down\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

Mark paused but failed to turn around. \u201cYou ain\u2019t got the guts, Hutchins\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

He took only one step before Ty made good his threat and fired, hitting the boy in the back. Mark\u2019s body was spun around, his eyes wide as death claimed his startled soul. The dying boy dropped to the ground, dead.<\/p>\n

Gus and Moose stood in shocked and frightened silence, seeing their comrade lying dead at their feet, unable to move they exchanged glances.<\/p>\n

\u201cI warned him,\u201d Ty said with an anomalous coldness in his voice. He looked at the remaining two. \u201cEither one of you got any notions of running out on me?\u201d<\/p>\n

Both shook their heads no\u2026<\/p>\n

\u201cUntie me,\u201d Joe demanded, squirming to be free.<\/p>\n

Gus and Moose glanced at Ty. The leader nodded his head and as the two bent down to free Joe of his ropes, he holstered his gun. Joe flung the ropes away and stood up, sizing up the man in front of him. It would be hard to take the larger man, but driven by the need to set his horse free, and with nothing else on his mind but sheer determination, Joe drove himself into his opponent with every ounce of his being.<\/p>\n

From behind him, Joe could hear the combination of the other two boy\u2019s shouts and the frantic whinnying of his horse. For several minutes the boys fought one another, each hitting the other with doubled up fists. It wasn\u2019t long before blood dripped from Ty\u2019s nose and from a large gash over Joe\u2019s left eye. Both were determined to become the victor.<\/p>\n

A solid right sent the Cartwright youth stumbling backward into the dirt. For a brief moment, winded, Joe lay where he had fallen, trying to catch his second wind. When he heard the distinct sound of the cocking of a gun, he raised his head and looked upward. Standing over him, blood running down his face, gun ready to fire and pointed directly at him, Ty stood laughing. Looking wicked almost beyond being recognizable, he waved his pistol in the air and then placed it in Cochise\u2019s ear.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe nag\u2019s gonna die, Cartwright\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

The words were barely out of his mouth when Joe, in a daring move to save his horse, rolled quickly on the ground to beneath his tormentor\u2019s feet, knocking the young man\u2019s feet out from under him and causing Ty to topple over backwards. Joe spun around attempting to grab the pistol that had been knocked from Ty\u2019s hands. At the same moment, Ty spied the gun just inches from where he lay and made his own attempt at retrieving his weapon.<\/p>\n

By chance, Ty Hutchins reached the loaded gun before Joe, grabbed it and jumped to his feet. He pointed the pistol once again at his enemy, snarling.<\/p>\n

\u201cIdiot\u2026now you\u2019re gonna have\u2019ta die first\u2026then I\u2019ll kill the nag\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe dared not move\u2026there was nowhere to go. Anxiously he glanced around, startled to see that Gus, who was standing behind his leader, had his own pistol drawn and pointed at Ty\u2019s back. Fear clouded the third man\u2019s eyes.<\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t do it Ty\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

Ty moved slightly so that he could see his friends and still keep an eye on Joe.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe didn\u2019t come here to kill anyone\u2026not even that pinto\u2026you lied to us, Ty\u2026and we ain\u2019t gonna be party to no murder\u2026ya done killed Mark\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cStupid fools\u2026\u201d Ty sputtered and raised his gun, pointing it at Gus.<\/p>\n

Before he could pull the trigger, Gus fired his gun. The bullet melted into Ty\u2019s chest, burying itself deeply beneath the ripped and torn flesh. Ty staggered backwards against the pole that had earlier held Joe Cartwright against his will. For a fraction of a second, Ty\u2019s body rested its weight against the pole and then slowly crumbled to the ground as Joe watched in horror.<\/p>\n

Moose shouted at Gus, drawing Joe\u2019s attention from the body. The two boys exchanged frightened looks and then ran from the barn into the black of night. Joe seemed frozen to his spot on the ground, until a weak and frightened neigh broke through his trance.<\/p>\n

Joe\u2019s eyes moved quickly to his horse. With tears that blinded his eyes, Joe scrambled to Cochise\u2019s side where he quickly untied the rope holding the magnificent head too high for two many hours. The weakened horse collapsed onto the hard packed earth.<\/p>\n

\u201cNO\u2026no\u2026please Cooch\u2026don\u2019t give up,\u201d cried Joe as he knelt beside the suffering animal. He quickly removed the hobbles from the pinto\u2019s front and hind legs and returned to stroke the long silky neck.<\/p>\n

Joe leaned down, unashamed of the tears that overflowed and dripped onto the lather soaked hide.<\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t die\u2026please Cooch\u2026\u201d babbled Joe, unaware that behind him, Gus and Moose had returned to the barn.<\/p>\n

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

At the sound of his name, Joe spun around, startled to see his father and two brothers entering the shed behind Gus and Moose.<\/p>\n

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

\u201cWe found these two about a quarter of a mile up the road\u2026what on earth happened here?\u201d Ben declared upon seeing the two bodies.<\/p>\n

He rushed to his son\u2019s side, kneeling down.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s a long story, Pa\u2026Cooch\u2026he\u2019s\u2026dying\u2026\u201d stammered Joe. \u201cHoss\u2026can you help him?\u201d he asked in a near pleading tone.<\/p>\n

Hoss instantly moved to his brother\u2019s side while keeping a close watch on the other two. Hoss examined Joe\u2019s pinto. His eyes were doubtful but he forced a smile for his brother.<\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t know, Shortshanks\u2026but we\u2019ll sure give it a try\u2026see if\u2019n ya can find me some blankets\u2026and some warm water.\u201d<\/p>\n

Before Joe could stand up, Ben placed his hand on Joe\u2019s shoulder.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou stay with your horse and help Hoss, I\u2019ll find the blankets and get the water.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThanks Pa,\u201d Joe said in a low voice, already helping Hoss by quieting his pinto.<\/p>\n

He turned to Adam. \u201cCan you take these two young fellas into town\u2026while I get what Hoss needs\u2026then I\u2019ll help you load these bodies\u2026the sheriff is likely to want to talk to Joe about all this, tell Roy he\u2019ll be into town once we know something about this horse,\u201d Ben said.<\/p>\n

\u201cSure Pa\u2026come on you two\u2026you can wrap up your friends over here and tie them to their horses\u2026\u201d
\n\u201cHe refused to come inside, Pa. Said he wanted to stay with Cochise\u2026just in case. Poor things might tore up about that horse of his\u2019n,\u201d Hoss was explaining to his father.<\/p>\n

They had been forced to stay the night at the old mill house. What with Joe\u2019s horse being down, and the likelihood that Cochise might not pull through, Ben had decided that they\u2019d stay\u2026until they knew something for sure of the pinto\u2019s fate. Adam had taken the two survivors and the two bodies into town, turned Gus and Moose over to Sheriff Coffee and then returned to the mill to wait with his father and brothers.<\/p>\n

\u201cHe should be in bed himself,\u201d Ben fussed. \u201cKid\u2019s been beat badly and should\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHe don\u2019t feel nuthin\u2019, Pa\u2026only pain he\u2019s got is in his heart,\u201d Hoss announced. \u201cHe\u2019s mighty scared of losing that painted pony ya gave him\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben\u2019s smile was soft and tender as he nodded his head in agreement.<\/p>\n

\u201cI know\u2026I think I\u2019ll go out and sit with him for a spell. You two boys get some rest, I have an idea that tomorrow will be another long day, especially if Cochise\u2026well, you know what I mean.\u201d
\nBen paused at the door of the shed and took a deep breath. As he reached for the latch, he stopped completely, hearing the soft murmuring inside. Concerned, he peeked in seeing laying on the ground next to the horse, his youngest son. Joe\u2019s arm was stretched across the animal\u2019s neck and Joe was speaking in soft, low tones to his horse.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m sorry Cooch\u2026I never meant for this to happen to you\u2026I shouldn\u2019t have let it\u2026it was my fault, I should have killed that scoundrel a year ago\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben took a step inside, ready to speak out, but once more he fell silent and listened instead.<\/p>\n

\u201cCrazy fool horse\u2026why\u2019d you let\u2019m lead ya off like that anyway? I thought ya knew better you loco nag\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben heard the tremors in his son\u2019s voice but failed to notice the quivering chin.<\/p>\n

\u201cI think you just went off with that sorry bunch on purpose\u2026and I know why\u2026just cause I wouldn\u2019t let ya get friendly with that little mare last week\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

Surprised by the statement, Ben covered his mouth to smother any sounds that might give his presence away.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou shouldn\u2019t think about things like that, you know it\u2026she\u2026wasn\u2019t right for you,\u201d Joe muttered.<\/p>\n

Cochise snorted and tried to raise his head.<\/p>\n

\u201cNow you just lay still\u2026don\u2019t argue with me\u2026I\u2019ll find you a nice little filly\u2026when the times right. Right now you just need to get back on your feet\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe arranged the warm blankets he\u2019d placed over the horse, by gently tucking them in around Cooch\u2019s frame.<\/p>\n

\u201cDang fool\u2026I tried to teach ya to stay put\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

Cochise moved his head away from Joe and acted as if he might get up. Joe pushed himself away from his horse to give the animal more room. But the attempt failed and Cochise laid his head back down. Joe choked back his tears and settled in next to the hard breathing horse.<\/p>\n

\u201cThat was a good try, boy\u2026but you need to rest a bit more first\u2026and then we\u2019ll try it again later.\u201d<\/p>\n

There was a long silence that followed, but from his hiding place near the door, Ben continued to watch as Joe bowed his head. The words were soft and muted and Ben couldn\u2019t clearly make out what his son was saying, but he knew that Joe was praying. He felt a flutter in his heart as he backed out the door, leaving Joe alone to talk to his Lord. Ben felt a lump in his own throat as he walked back to the mill house. Outside the door of the building, he paused, looked up at the trillions of stars that lit the sky and whispered a pray of his own.
\nIt was an hour before dawn. Ben had slept little throughout the night and what time he did sleep was spent propped in a chair. In between time, he and Adam had discussed the recent events concerning Joe and the men who had caused so much unhappiness for their family. Adam had returned late into the night from delivering Gus and Moose to the sheriff and the two bodies to the undertaker. Gus and Moose would be made to stand trial for their part in the killings and would most likely end up serving some time as well. The news was satisfactory to all the Cartwrights, including Joe who had suffered the most at the hands of the foursome.<\/p>\n

Ben had awakened minutes before and had stoked the fire, bringing warmth into the run down building. Stretching, he stood with his back to the pot bellied stove, lost in thoughts of the boy and his horse when he heard what he believed to be shouting. He raised his head, listening. There it was again\u2026 unmistakable shouts for help that clearly came from outside.<\/p>\n

\u201cADAM, HOSS\u2026\u201d he yelled as he ran for the door, pausing just long enough to grab his pistol from its holster.<\/p>\n

\u201cHeh?\u201d stammered Hoss, barely awake.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat is it, Pa?\u201d Adam asked, responding quickly to his father\u2019s frantic shouts. He grabbed his gun as well and followed his father outside.<\/p>\n

\u201cPA\u2026PA\u2026COME QUICKLY!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cJoseph! In the shed,\u201d he shouted over his shoulder to Adam and Hoss.<\/p>\n

Ben raced toward the shed, slowing his steps as he neared the door. Not knowing what to expect, the trio used caution as they eased opened the door.<\/p>\n

\u201cPA!\u201d Joe shouted again without bothering to look up.<\/p>\n

Ben yanked opened the door, expecting the worst, but stopped short when he saw the boy and his horse, standing side by side.<\/p>\n

\u201cJoe?\u201d Ben said softly, smiling at all his sons as he moved slowly toward Cochise.<\/p>\n

Joe turned around, grinning happily. His hand rested on his horse\u2019s neck while his other tenderly rubbed the velvety nose.<\/p>\n

\u201cLookit, Pa\u2026he\u2019s standing\u2026he\u2019s gonna be alright\u2026Hoss\u2026see?\u201d babbled Joe merrily.<\/p>\n

\u201cI see,\u201d smiled Ben moving closer and petting Cochise on the forehead.<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, what\u2019ll you know!\u201d heehawed Hoss loudly. \u201cWill ya lookit that\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cJoe\u2026looks like you did it\u2026you saved him,\u201d Adam said with a touch of pride in his voice as he too reached out and petted the pinto.<\/p>\n

\u201cYeah\u2026I guess I did, didn\u2019t I?\u201d grinned Joe. \u201cWith a little help,\u201d he added, looking happily at his middle brother.<\/p>\n

Cochise tossed his head and then nosed the boy next to him, pushing Joe against the wall.<\/p>\n

\u201cHey\u2026you cut that out\u2026or I won\u2019t keep that promise I made to you!\u201d Joe said in a whimsical tone.<\/p>\n

\u201cPromise?\u201d Adam asked with curiosity glimmering in his dark eyes.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat promise?\u201d Their father asked, eyeing his youngest son closely.<\/p>\n

\u201cUmm\u2026well, you see, Pa\u2026it\u2019s like this\u2026I sorta made Cooch a promise\u2026sorta\u2026\u201d stammered Joe slightly embarrassed.<\/p>\n

Ben folded his arms across his chest and stood looking deeply into his son\u2019s eyes.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat sort of promise?\u201d Hoss asked, pushing for an answer. He was curious as to what a boy could promise a horse that would influence a dying animal with enough will power to snap back as quickly as Cochise had done.<\/p>\n

Joe blushed, lowering his head. \u201cI\u2026promised him a\u2026filly\u2026\u201d he said lowly.<\/p>\n

\u201cA what!\u201d the three older Cartwrights practically shouted at the same time.<\/p>\n

They burst into laughter and laughed until tears filled their eyes. Joe stood watching, a frown etched across his face. After several moments he could take no more.<\/p>\n

\u201cGonna tell me what\u2019s so funny?\u201d he demanded, stroking Cochise\u2019s nose.<\/p>\n

\u201cJoseph,\u201d snickered Ben, \u201cCochise can\u2019t\u2026well\u2026you know\u2026he\u2019s a\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe turned from his horse to stare up at his father and brothers.<\/p>\n

\u201cHe\u2019s a what?\u201d the boy grumbled.<\/p>\n

Hoss wiped the tears from his eyes with the cuff of his shirt and placed a heavy hand on his younger brother\u2019s shoulder.<\/p>\n

\u201cGelding\u2026Shortshanks, your pinto is a gelding\u2026not a stallion\u2026\u201d he snickered.<\/p>\n

\u201cHe can\u2019t\u2026well, you know, Joe\u2026\u201d Adam reinforced his brother\u2019s statement, though he continued to giggle.<\/p>\n

\u201cWell shoot\u2026\u201d Joe practically shouted, \u201cdon\u2019t you think I\u2019m smart enough to know that!\u201d he declared as he turned and walked away.<\/p>\n

\u201cHey, wait just a minute,\u201d Adam called out. \u201cIf you knew that\u2026then why make such a promise?\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe stopped at the door and spun around. His hands were on his hips and he looked very much like his father might have looked years before, who by the way, had remained silent through the exchange.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat do you take me for, a fool? Look, I know that, but HE doesn\u2019t know that!\u201d Joe stated as he pointed at his horse.<\/p>\n

The remark caused another round of laughter; even Little Joe got caught up in the moment and began to giggle.<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, he doesn\u2019t\u2026\u201d he said, moving back to stand beside his prized horse. \u201cYou don\u2019t understand a word of this\u2026do you?\u201d Joe laughed.<\/p>\n

Cochise raised his proud head high and tossed in up and down.<\/p>\n

\u201cSon\u2026I wouldn\u2019t be too sure of that\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYeah, Joe\u2026I wouldn\u2019t be making promises I couldn\u2019t keep either,\u201d smirked Adam.<\/p>\n

\u201cOh for heaven\u2019s sake,\u201d sighed Joe. \u201cHe\u2019s just a horse\u2026smart\u2026but not that smart\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

The words were barely out of his mouth before Cooch pushed his nose into Joe\u2019s back. Caught off guard, the boy was sent sprawling, face down into the dirt. Laughter filled the barn as Joe flipped over unto his back. Cochise\u2019s lips were pulled back; he tossed his head up and down, mockingly as if laughing at his young master.<\/p>\n

\u201cOkay,\u201d groaned Joe as he stood and dusted off his trousers, \u201cyou\u2019re smarter than I give you credit for\u2026alright?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWHEEEEEEEE\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026..\u201d<\/p>\n

Did he, or did he not really understand\u2026you decide.
\nTHE END<\/p>\n

February 2006<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

<\/div>\n

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

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

Summary:\u00a0Joe’s tormentors are back and this time it’s Cochise that targeted. Will Joe be able to keep his horse safe and halt a repeat of what happened a year earlier to another beloved pinto?<\/p>\n

Rated:\u00a0 G\u00a0 (9,880 words)<\/p>\n

Two Painted Ponies Series, links to all the stories within the series included.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":9052,"featured_media":8447,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"template-full-width-post.php","format":"standard","meta":{"jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_access":"","_jetpack_dont_email_post_to_subs":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_tier_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paywalled_content":false,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[23,30],"tags":[14,15,17,16],"class_list":["post-12298","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-drama","category-prequels","tag-adam-cartwright","tag-ben","tag-hoss","tag-joe","wpcat-23-id","wpcat-30-id"],"a3_pvc":{"activated":true,"total_views":1650,"today_views":0},"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/04\/Young-Michael.png?fit=188%2C248&ssl=1","jetpack_likes_enabled":true,"jetpack-related-posts":[{"id":12297,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=12297","url_meta":{"origin":12298,"position":0},"title":"Two Painted Ponies, One Tender Heart (by DebbieB)","author":"DebbieB","date":"January 1, 2006","format":false,"excerpt":"Summary:\u00a0Little Joe was always known for talking to his horse, ever wonder why and what started it? Well, here's my theory. Be prepared for an array of mixed emotions. Rated:\u00a0 PG (15,950 words) Two Painted Ponies Series, links to all the stories within the series included.","rel":"","context":"In "Drama"","block_context":{"text":"Drama","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?cat=23"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"","width":0,"height":0},"classes":[]},{"id":37623,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=37623","url_meta":{"origin":12298,"position":1},"title":"Scars That Never Fade (by HarpistforHim)","author":"HarpistforHim","date":"October 25, 2021","format":false,"excerpt":"Summary:\u00a0Time had passed since Eastgate, though perhaps not enough. One year after the events of The Crucible, Adam finds that certain hurts never heal, and some scars never truly fade. A WHN\/Later for The Crucible. Rating: G\u00a0 Word Count: 1,173","rel":"","context":"In "Adam Cartwright"","block_context":{"text":"Adam Cartwright","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?cat=1005"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/08\/normal_The_Crucible_47.jpg?fit=400%2C298&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200},"classes":[]},{"id":4546,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=4546","url_meta":{"origin":12298,"position":2},"title":"Bank Robbers, Belles, and Puppy Dog Eyes (by pjb)","author":"pjb","date":"April 2, 2008","format":false,"excerpt":"Summary:\u00a0Start with\u00a0one fifteen-year-old boy with a brand-new sidearm.\u00a0 Add\u00a0the prettiest twin girls in school, a pair of matching ponies named Floyd and Feather, two inept bank robbers, a worried lawman, several frantic family members, and a best friend who\u2019s game for almost anything.\u00a0 And then, let the chase begin.\u00a0.\u00a0.\u00a0. \u00a0\u2026","rel":"","context":"In "Drama"","block_context":{"text":"Drama","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?cat=23"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/04\/B_TLCSJoe1-1-1.jpg?fit=395%2C300&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200},"classes":[]},{"id":2037,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=2037","url_meta":{"origin":12298,"position":3},"title":"Rider Coming! (by Harper)","author":"Harper","date":"June 28, 2009","format":false,"excerpt":"Summary: \u00a0Joe can\u2019t help showing off, carrying the mail for the Pony Express. But he\u2019d never do it if Pa were watching....A missing scene for \"Ride the Wind.\" \u00a0 Rated:\u00a0K+ (1,850 words)","rel":"","context":"In "Drama"","block_context":{"text":"Drama","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?cat=23"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/04\/Joe_Racing_Cochise.jpg?fit=840%2C725&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/04\/Joe_Racing_Cochise.jpg?fit=840%2C725&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/04\/Joe_Racing_Cochise.jpg?fit=840%2C725&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/04\/Joe_Racing_Cochise.jpg?fit=840%2C725&ssl=1&resize=700%2C400 2x"},"classes":[]},{"id":18034,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=18034","url_meta":{"origin":12298,"position":4},"title":"Joe (by A-P)","author":"A-P","date":"August 15, 2018","format":false,"excerpt":"Summary: A group of poems about Joe Cartwright . Rating: K Word Count: 578","rel":"","context":"In "Poetry"","block_context":{"text":"Poetry","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?cat=9"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/04\/Joe1.png?fit=608%2C570&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/04\/Joe1.png?fit=608%2C570&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/04\/Joe1.png?fit=608%2C570&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x"},"classes":[]},{"id":14039,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=14039","url_meta":{"origin":12298,"position":5},"title":"Stranger in the Night (by JC)","author":"JC","date":"March 8, 2017","format":false,"excerpt":"Summary:\u00a0A Bonanza Gothic poem written for the 2017 \"Once Upon A Midnight Dreary\" challenge honoring the birthday of Edgar Allen Poe. 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