Summary:<\/b>\u00a0 Hoss is faced with a difficult decision…should he turn his brother over to the local sheriff or not?\u00a0\u00a0His decision\u00a0takes a change twist as each of the Cartwrights unknowingly seem to be working toward the same goals.<\/p>\n
Rated PG \u00a0WC 13,000<\/p>\n
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Standing on Principles<\/strong><\/p>\n It wasn\u2019t something that he had to do,<\/strong> not really, he could let the incident go unnoticed, but if he did that, could he live with himself?\u00a0 He reckoned not\u2026besides, could the boy live with himself either, for that matter?\u00a0 Again, he reckoned not.\u00a0 It would be hard, turning in his own brother\u2026his best friend, but the man knew he had no other choice; his pa had raised him to be honest, respectable and principled.\u00a0 It would be difficult, going against everything he ever believed in, even if it meant that his younger brother would no doubt end up hating him, but Hoss Cartwright reckoned that was a chance he\u2019d just have to take.\u00a0 And once making that choice, he\u2019d have to stand firm on his convictions and beliefs and pray that the boy in question would someday be able to forgive him.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n With a heavy heart and weak stomach, Hoss walked slowly toward the old cabin, Little Joe\u2019s hideout.\u00a0 He paused at the door, taking a deep breath of the cool mountain air, and then pushed opened the door.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Inside, Joe spun around, pistol drawn and pointed directly at his brother\u2019s middle.\u00a0 After a brief moment, his eyes seemed to clear and he recognized the intruder as his brother.\u00a0Casting the big man a wary smile, Joe slipped his gun back into his holster and returned to his packing.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cHoss,\u201d Joe said in a trembling voice, \u201cyou big ox, that\u2019s a good way to get yourself shot, bursting in on a man like that!\u201d he reprimanded the gentle giant.\u00a0 \u201cWhat are you doing here\u2026and say, how did you find me?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe stopped what he was doing and turned, facing his brother, instantly noting the sour scowl on his brother\u2019s face.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cHoss\u2026what\u2019s wrong?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cI trailed ya, Joe\u2026ya didn\u2019t do much of a job coverin\u2019 ya tracks\u2026any fool could of followed ya,\u201d Hoss explained, moving closer to the table and peeking into Joe\u2019s saddlebags to see what his brother was packing.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cGoin\u2019 somewhere?\u201d he asked, looking down at the younger man.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cWhat do you think?\u201d snapped Joe, grabbing a can of peaches and shoving it into the bag.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cI can\u2019t let ya do that, Shortshanks\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe jerked his head up to stare at the expression on Hoss\u2019 face.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cWhat do you mean\u2026you can\u2019t let me\u2026surely you aren\u2019t planning on stopping me?\u201d Joe asked in an astonished tone.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cYep\u2026I aim on doin\u2019 just that.\u00a0 Now hand over ya gun, Joe,\u201d Hoss said sternly, holding out his hand, waiting for Joe to place his pistol into his massive hands.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe snickered.\u00a0 \u201cYou can\u2019t mean that\u2026you\u2019d turn in your own brother?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cI don\u2019t wanna, Joe\u2026but I gotta\u2026you\u2019re a wanted man\u2026and\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cFor God\u2019s sake, Hoss\u2026I\u2019m your brother\u2026your best friend\u2026or so I thought!\u201d barked Joe, taking a step backward, out of Hoss\u2019 reach.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Slowly he let his left hand drop to his side, his fingers brushed at the pistol in the holster.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cDon\u2019t try it, Joe\u2026it won\u2019t work,\u201d Hoss ordered, seeing the slow movement.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe pulled his pistol from his holster and pointed it at Hoss.\u00a0 His hand trembled slightly, unbelieving that he was actually holding a loaded gun on his own brother.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cAw\u2026doggoneit, Little Joe, put that thing down.\u00a0 No matter what they say ya done, ya ain\u2019t gonna shoot me\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cI don\u2019t want to, Hoss,\u201d stammered Joe.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n He could see that it wasn\u2019t a joke, his own brother was going to try to take him back\u2026back to town, to jail\u2026where over half the town\u2019s folk said he belonged.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cBut I can\u2019t let you take me back\u2026I\u2019m innocent\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cDon\u2019t ya think I know that?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cThen why?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cJoe\u2026ya oughta know by now, it don\u2019t do no good to run\u2026the only way to prove ya innocent, is to stand trial\u2026let a jury decide.\u00a0 That\u2019s the way Pa would want it\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cPa ain\u2019t here, Hoss\u2026neither is Adam\u2026it\u2019s just me and you\u2026and it\u2019s my word against the girl\u2019s\u2026who do you think they\u2019re going to believe\u2026me or her?\u00a0 I can\u2019t take that chance Hoss, I never touched that girl\u2026never\u2026understand?\u201d Joe shouted.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n He backed up several paces, grabbing his saddlebags from the table as he made his way backwards to the door.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cDon\u2019t follow me, Hoss\u2026please\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cJOE!\u201d Hoss shouted as his brother slipped through the opened door, shutting it as he exited into the sunlight.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Quickly, he holster his gun and spun around, startled to be facing half a dozen men, all with guns pointed right at him.\u00a0 A swift movement in an attempt to draw his gun sent an array of bullets in his direction.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Before Joe could even touch his weapon, his body slumped to the wooden porch.\u00a0 The shooting stopped as the door to the old cabin burst opened.\u00a0 Hoss almost stumbled over the body of his brother that now lay, bleeding profusely from the bullet wounds that riddled his body.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cJOE!\u201d cried Hoss, dropping to his knees and gathering Joe into his arms.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Tears welled in the blue eyes as Hoss tenderly brushed his fingers along his younger brother\u2019s face.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cJOE\u2026I didn\u2019t know\u2026they were here\u2026I swear to ya\u2026they were suppose to wait\u2026at the bottom of the hill!\u201d wept Hoss as he watched the boy struggling to breathe and to keep his eyes from closing.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cHoss\u2026I can\u2019t\u2026believe\u2026you\u2026did this\u2026to me,\u201d muttered Joe.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cNo\u2026no, little buddy\u2026I didn\u2019t mean for this to happen\u2026honest,\u201d whimpered Hoss.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n The young man\u2019s body arched in pain, Joe moaned; his eyes closed and his head rolled limply to one side, against his brother\u2019s broad chest.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hoss\u2019 lips were pinched tightly together, his eyes squinted shut and with his head tilted backward, he roared out his misery.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n The men in the group stood silent, letting the middle Cartwright son rid his heart of the ache that had taken up residence.\u00a0 After a short period, one man stepped forward, resting his hand on Hoss\u2019 trembling shoulder.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cHoss\u2026let\u2019s take the boy home\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hoss sniffed his nose, shoved the man\u2019s hand away and glanced down at the boy in his arms.\u00a0 Suddenly, Hoss\u2019 eyes widened, beneath his hand he could feel a faint heartbeat.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cHe ain\u2019t dead!\u201d he shouted, looking up at the man who had stood over him.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cRoy\u2026he ain\u2019t dead!\u201d Hoss repeated.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Everything after that was a blur.\u00a0 Hoss remembered later, hearing Roy Coffee, Virginia City\u2019s sheriff, shouting out orders at the men and the men scattering in all different directions to do his bidding.\u00a0 Minutes later, the blood had been squelched, Hoss never did remember Doc Martin being in the group that had hunted down and practically killed his brother, but the physician was there now, trying to save the boy\u2019s life.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n A wagon hitched to a team of horses seemed to appear out of nowhere and before Hoss could collect his senses, Joe was lying on a pile of soft hay, heading home\u2026where he belonged.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n It seemed as if he lived in a haze, all his thoughts were covered in a thick fog and it was only when he opened his eyes and found himself in his own bed, a new morning dawning, did the big man recollect the events of the passed day.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Quickly, Hoss swung his long legs over the side of the bed and stood up.\u00a0 He spied his trousers lying at the foot of the bed and just as quickly grabbed them and slipped them on.\u00a0Hopping on one foot down the long hallway, trying to fasten his pants, Hoss opened the door to his brother\u2019s room and peeked inside.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n The physician was bending over the bed as Hoss entered and moved to stand behind the doctor.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Paul Martin looked over his shoulder and smiled.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cHe\u2019s resting, Hoss\u2026he had a rough night, but he\u2019s a little better this morning.\u00a0 If he keeps improving, he should be fine\u2026in time\u2026he took three direct hits.\u00a0 Luckily nothing vital was damaged\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Paul moved so that Hoss could be closer to the head of the bed.\u00a0 Hoss bent down, touching his hand to Joe\u2019s brow.\u00a0 He swallowed hard, seeing the pale face, the dark circles under the boy\u2019s deep-set eyes, was more than he could stand.\u00a0 A sob caught in the back of his throat.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n The doctor placed a gentle hand on Hoss\u2019 shoulder and then softly excused himself from the room, leaving the two brothers alone.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m sorry, Shortshanks,\u201d Hoss whispered when he heard the door shut behind him.\u00a0 \u201cI never meant for ya to get hurt like this\u2026never thought about them fellas followerin\u2019 me.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hoss swallowed again.\u00a0 He got down on his knees and leaned closer, picking up Joe\u2019s hand that lay atop the blanket and holding it tightly in his own, larger hand.\u00a0 He felt the sticky coolness of his brother\u2019s flesh and it sent a shiver of fear racing down his spine.\u00a0 It was hard for him to talk; his throat was tight with emotion.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe moaned softly, but his eyes, heavy with sleep, induced by the painkillers that the doctor had given him, remained closed and unresponsive to the soft words and the tender touch.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n The days passed slowly for the weary man.\u00a0 Hoss stayed by his brother\u2019s bedside day and night, unable to leave the boy who struggled to live.\u00a0 An infection had set up in one of the wounds and it had taken both the physician and Hoss working around the clock to keep Joe\u2019s fever from raging out of control.\u00a0 With special care, Paul Martin had managed to ward off a serious problem, but the added stress on the already weakened man had taken its toll on the youngest Cartwright.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cWhen\u2019s Pa suppose to be here?\u201d Hoss anxiously asked the sheriff, \u201cand Adam, he\u2019s comin\u2019 back too, ain\u2019t he?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cYes, Hoss, yes\u2026they\u2019re both on their way.\u00a0 Ben should be here day after tomorrow, and Adam should arrive tomorrow on the afternoon stage\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hoss swiped his hand down the front of his face and peeked into the room.\u00a0 He could see his brother, lying on the bed, his head turned toward the wall.\u00a0 Joe had been as such since waking up late last night.\u00a0 He had refused to speak to Hoss, even refused to go so far as to look at his brother, and his actions had broken the big man\u2019s heart and had instilled in him, his worst dread, Joe blamed him for getting shot\u2026and for the guard that Roy had posted outside his bedroom door.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cI can\u2019t take much more of him not payin\u2019 me no mind,\u201d Hoss muttered softly.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cAw\u2026Hoss, don\u2019t let it get to ya\u2026Joe will come to his senses\u2026\u201d Roy started to say.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cYeah\u2026when Roy, when they put the noose around his neck?\u201d stormed Hoss as he marched away, disappearing down the stairs.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Roy sighed deeply and entered the room, stopping next to the bed.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cJoe?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Slowly, almost painfully, Joe turned his head and looked up at the officer.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cI don\u2019t think ya realize son, what\u2019cha doin\u2019 to Hoss\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cWhat I\u2019m doing to him? Ha\u2026what about what he did to me?\u201d growled Joe, turning back to face the wall.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cHe only did what he believed was right\u2026what you know is right\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe turned again, glaring at the sheriff.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cWhat I know is right?\u00a0 I would have never turned in my own brother, especially if I believed him to be innocent of something that some crazy girl claims he did\u2026I wouldn\u2019t have led HIM to the slaughter!\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Paul stopped packing his medical bag and looked over at the sheriff.\u00a0 His face was grim.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cJoe Cartwright\u2026how can you say that about your own brother?\u201d he said, moving to the side of the bed and looking down at his best friend\u2019s youngest, and most assuredly troubled son.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cEasy, it\u2019s the truth\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cJoe, that boy had no way of knowing that we were waiting outside.\u00a0 When he went in to talk to you, we were down in the gully.\u00a0 We waited until he was completely inside before we moved in\u2026AND I might add, my men were not suppose to open fire on ya like they done\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cWell, look at me\u2026they damn near killed me, didn\u2019t they?\u00a0 I haven\u2019t even gotten a trial yet and they pronounced me guilty\u2026and how did they find me\u2026my brother led them right to the door\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe moved slowly, turning onto his side and putting his back to the two men in the room.\u00a0 His intention was clear, he was finished talking.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cYa had no business running away, Little Joe\u2026ya Pa wouldn\u2019t have let ya do it\u2026he\u2019d a made ya turn yaself in\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cI ran away to keep from getting lynched\u2026but I damn near got killed anyway, no thanks to the big galoot of a brother of mine.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Paul went back to putting his instruments away.\u00a0 Roy walked to the door, pausing.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cYa Pa will be here in a day or so, Adam should arrive on the afternoon stage\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cFine,\u201d muttered Joe.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n The kindly physician found Hoss sitting alone downstairs in his father\u2019s red chair.\u00a0 Hoss barely looked up when the doctor descended the stairs and moved close to the fire, setting his black bag down on the table.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cHoss,\u201d Paul began, \u201cJoe doesn\u2019t mean\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cYes he does\u2026\u201d Hoss said, glancing up.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n He sat with hands folded together, looking as if he\u2019d lost his best friend, which according to the way he was feeling, and all the guilt he carried for his brother being in the shape he was in, he had lost his best friend.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cHe hates me,\u201d stammered Hoss.\u00a0 \u201cWith a passion\u2026the boy hates me.\u00a0 He thinks I betrayed him, that\u2026Oh\u2026what\u2019s the use,\u201d Hoss said, standing.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n When the troubled man looked at the family doctor, Paul noticed the deep sadness in the blue eyes that seemed to cease glimmering.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cAs soon as Pa gets here\u2026and I tell him what happened\u2026I\u2019m leavin\u2019.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cHoss\u2026you don\u2019t mean that?\u201d Paul asked in bewilderment.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cSure \u2018nough\u2026I can\u2019t stand the way that boy looks at me\u2026or rather, refuses to look at me,\u201d Hoss said.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cHoss, don\u2019t you know that your brother needs you\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cNeeds me?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cYes, he was very nealyr killed\u2026he was seriously ill, Hoss.\u00a0 He was frightened, he still is\u2026he\u2019s going to jail soon\u2026possibly even prison for a very long time, if the jury believes that girl\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hoss\u2019 chest swelled as he sucked in a gulp of air and turned to face the doctor.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cJoe swears he never touched that girl, Doc\u2026and I believe him\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cSo do I, Hoss, honestly, but the facts don\u2019t lie\u2026I examined the girl and she was\u2026well you know, and she swears that it was Little Joe that did it\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s a lie\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cThen Little Joe had better be able to prove where he was and who he was with, when he goes to trial,\u201d Roy said from the bottom of the stairs.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n He had just come down and caught the last of the conversation that had been taking place between Hoss and Doc Martin.\u00a0 Both men turned their attention to what the sheriff was saying.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cAnd he\u2019s refusing to say\u2026that ain\u2019t gonna go good for the boy\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cWhat do you mean, he\u2019s not sayin\u2019?\u201d Hoss asked.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cJust what I said, Hoss.\u00a0 I asked the boy where he was the night Carly Willford claims she was attacked, and Little Joe says to me, \u2018its none of your dang business\u2019\u2026That kind of talk could earn him a life sentence if\u2019n he ain\u2019t careful.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hoss scratched his head, puzzled as to why his brother refused to say where he had been.\u00a0 He turned to both men.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cMaybe when Pa gets home, he can talk some sense into the boy.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cAdam, it ain\u2019t that easy,\u201d Hoss said shortly after greeting his brother who had arrived on the afternoon stage.\u00a0 \u201cJoe won\u2019t say\u2026not that he says anythin\u2019 to me anymore\u2026but he won\u2019t say where he was that night, nor who he was with\u2026he refuses to tell Roy anythin\u2019 atall.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam shook his head in disgust.\u00a0 \u201cDoesn\u2019t he know he could go to prison for a very long time?\u00a0 He could hang\u2026depending on what mood the jury might be in.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cYep, he knows, but he says it don\u2019t matter\u2026Adam\u2026it does matter\u2026he could be safe right now, if\u2019n it hadn\u2019t been for me\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n The brothers rode side by side in the wagon that Hoss had driven into town.\u00a0 He was there to pick up his brother and to gather the week\u2019s supplies.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cHoss, you can\u2019t blame yourself\u2026you only did what you knew was the right thing to do\u2026what Pa taught us was right\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cYa don\u2019t understand, Adam\u2026first off, I believe Joe when he says he didn\u2019t touch that girl\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cWell, for heaven\u2019s sake, Hoss\u2026so do I\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cYeah\u2026but I led the posse right up to the front door of that cabin\u2026cause I figured I could make Joe do what was right, and turn himself in\u2026but he wouldn\u2019t listen to reason, he pulled a gun on me and ran out the door\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cThat\u2019s when Roy\u2019s men opened fire on him?\u201d Adam asked.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n He cringed inwardly trying to picture the scene in his mind.\u00a0 The mental image made him shiver.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cYeah\u2026I reckon they thought he was gonna get away\u2026and some of those men, especially Mr. Willford, was awfully mad about that girl getting hurt like she was, and they believed Joe responsible.\u00a0 They opened fire on the boy before Roy or Doc had a chance to do anythin\u2019\u2026and now Joe blames me for gettin\u2019 shot, going to jail, and no doubt if they send him to prison, he\u2019ll blame me for that as well\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam\u2019s frown had grown dark as he glanced over at his brother and noted the unhappy expression on the rotund face.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cFor what it\u2019s worth, Hoss, I don\u2019t blame you\u2026and neither should Joe.\u00a0 If he was some place else and with someone, anyone, he needs to say\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cBut he won\u2019t, that\u2019s just it, Adam\u2026it\u2019s like, like\u2026he\u2019s protectin\u2019 someone\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam\u2019s eyes widened slightly and he cast a sideways glance in Hoss\u2019 direction.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cBut who\u2026and why?\u00a0 Why would he want to protect someone badly enough that he\u2019d be willing to go to prison for something he didn\u2019t do?\u201d Adam said more to himself than to Hoss.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cI don\u2019t know, Adam\u2026I just wish I hadn\u2019t tried to interfere.\u00a0 If\u2019n Joe had a plan\u2026I ruined it\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cYou couldn\u2019t let him run away, Hoss\u2026you know that.\u00a0 You were only trying to do the right thing, you were standing on principles that Pa taught you; you were just trying to make Joe see the right and wrong in what he was doing\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n For a long time the pair rode along in silence.\u00a0 It was as they were pulling into the yard that Hoss finally spoke again.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019ll see to the horses, Adam, ya go in and have a word with Joe\u2026he\u2019ll want to see ya\u2026he ain\u2019t got no hankerin\u2019 to see me,\u201d Hoss said sadly as he jumped down from the wagon.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cClem,\u201d Adam greeted the guard that remained in the hallway, outside of Joe\u2019s bedroom.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cAfternoon, Adam,\u201d the deputy answered.\u00a0 \u201cHe\u2019s been waiting for you,\u201d Clem said with a scowl.\u00a0 \u201cHe ain\u2019t in the best of moods, best tread lightly,\u201d he warned.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cDon\u2019t worry, I\u2019m used to his bad moods,\u201d Adam said with a twitching grin.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n He did not bother to knock; instead he opened the door and walked right in, closing the door behind him.\u00a0 Joe lay on the bed, his eyes were closed but with the shutting of the door, they sprung opened.\u00a0 A small grin turned Joe\u2019s sullen face into a more pleasant feature.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cAdam,\u201d Joe called as he tried to pull himself upright in the bed.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cJoe,\u201d Adam greeted his brother, holding out his hand.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe placed his hand in Adam\u2019s and gave his brother a small shake.\u00a0 Adam was surprised at the lack of strength in his brother\u2019s grasp.\u00a0 As he sat down, pulling the chair close to the bed, he noted the dark circles under the hazel eyes and the pale color to the boy\u2019s face.\u00a0 Joe looked like someone who had been sick for a very long time and his appearance worried his older brother.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cHow are you feeling, kid?\u00a0 I mean, really?\u201d Adam asked.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019ll be alright\u2026Adam\u2026you know what happened, don\u2019t you?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n The smile was gone and now replaced with a sad, hurt expression.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cHoss told me\u2026everything, Joe\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cEven how he tried to get me killed?\u201d Joe spat in a hateful tone.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cNow, Joe\u2026he did no such thing and you know it,\u201d Adam proclaimed in his middle brother\u2019s defense.\u00a0 \u201cHe was only trying\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cI know what he was trying to do, you don\u2019t have to tell me, hell, everyone\u2019s saying the same thing\u2026he just wanted me to do the right thing\u2026well, I was trying to\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cBy running away?\u201d Adam demanded, his tone gruff.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe sighed deeply, puckering up his lips in disgust.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cI wasn\u2019t running away\u2026how many times do I have to repeat it!\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cThen what do you call it, Joe?\u201d Adam asked.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe turned his head away, refusing to look at Adam.\u00a0 He felt his heart rate begin to pick up and he leaned his head back against the pillows, closing his eyes.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cJoe\u2026look at me\u2026please,\u201d Adam pleaded softly.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Slowly, Joe re-opened his eyes and turned his head in Adam\u2019s direction.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cWhat are you hiding?\u201d Adam asked in a whispered voice.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cWhat makes you think I\u2019m hiding anything?\u201d Joe said, his voice quivering.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cBecause I know you\u2026that\u2019s how.\u00a0 Joe, you are in serious trouble, don\u2019t you realize that\u2026don\u2019t you even care?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cI know\u2026and I care, Adam\u2026don\u2019t you think I\u2019ve thought about it\u2026don\u2019t you know I\u2019m scared\u2026\u201d Joe paused, swallowing hard.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cThen explain to me\u2026what\u2019s going on\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cNothing is going on\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cJoe\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cDrop it Adam\u2026just forget about it\u2026please.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cI can\u2019t Joe\u2026you could hang if you\u2019re convicted.\u00a0 What do you think that will do to Pa?\u00a0 How do you think he\u2019s going to feel, knowing that you were hanged for something so horrid and knowing that you are innocent\u2026it will kill him, Joe\u2026he\u2019s lost too much in his lifetime to lose you\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe took a deep breath, blowing it out fast.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cI know, Adam, I\u2019ve thought about all of that\u2026but it has to be\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam looked perplexed.\u00a0 \u201cHas to be?\u00a0 Why, Joe\u2026you aren\u2019t telling me everything.\u00a0 Where were you that night\u2026and who were you with?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cI wasn\u2019t with anyone\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cThen where were you?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cNone of your business, Adam.\u00a0 Look, I didn\u2019t touch that girl\u2026that\u2019s the truth.\u00a0 But where I was and who I was with\u2026is no one\u2019s business\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam\u2019s eyes widened slightly.\u00a0 \u201cThen you were with someone\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe\u2019s eyes narrowed and he glared at his brother.\u00a0 \u201cI didn\u2019t say that\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam pulled his chair closer and leaned down near Joe.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cIf you\u2019re in some other kind of trouble, Joe\u2026let me help you\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m not in any trouble\u2026just this mess\u2026and you can\u2019t help me\u2026ere\u2026I mean, I don\u2019t need your help\u2026I\u2019m tired, I\u2019d like to take a nap now if you don\u2019t mind.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam leaned back, studying his brother\u2019s face.\u00a0 If he\u2019d had any doubt before, he didn\u2019t now.\u00a0 He was positive that his younger brother was hiding something that he wasn\u2019t about to talk about.\u00a0 What or who and certainly why he was taking the risk of going to prison was way beyond his reasoning, but he was sure that Joe must have a damn good reason to do whatever he was up too.\u00a0 Adam decided that the minute his father arrived home\u2026they\u2019d both best be having a serious talk with the young man who was now feigning sleep.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n It was early evening when Hop Sing brought Joe\u2019s tray to him.\u00a0 He set it on the side table and uncovered the main dish, glancing over at the young man in the bed.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cLit\u2019le Joe eat now,\u201d Hop Sing said, moving the tray and placing it across Joe\u2019s lap.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m not hungry,\u201d grumbled Joe, waving the tray away.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cBut Lit\u2019le Joe need\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cI don\u2019t need anything,\u201d Joe snapped, giving the servant scowl.\u00a0 \u201cPlease, Hop Sing, just take it away.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hop Sing frowned but placed the tray back on the table, covered the dish and carried it to the door.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cFather be home tomorrow\u2026he make obnoxious little boy eat\u2026\u201d grumbled Hop Sing as he scooted silently out of the room.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n In the hallway, he encountered Adam, on his way to visit his brother.\u00a0 Adam stopped, lifting the lid.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cHe\u2019s not eating?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cNo\u2026refuse to do as Hop Sing say\u2026very troubled young man, Mr. Adam.\u00a0 Hop Sing be happy when Mr. Cart\u2019light come home and take boy in tow\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hop Sing padded on down the hall.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam tapped softly on the door and pushed it opened without waiting for an invitation.\u00a0 He was stunned to see Little Joe crawling from the bed, trying to stand on his own two feet and slip on his trousers.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cOh no you don\u2019t,\u201d Adam said, grabbing the pants from his brother\u2019s hand.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe\u2019s eyes were red balls of fire.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cGive\u2019em to me, Adam\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cNot until you tell me just what in blazes you are trying to do?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe swayed, forcing himself to sit down on the side of the bed.\u00a0 His head lowered and Adam heard the boy sigh.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cThere\u2019s something I have to do\u2026please,\u201d he begged, holding out his hand for the pants.\u00a0 \u201cGive me my pants\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cNo\u2026there isn\u2019t a thing you have to do, except stay in that bed\u2026you\u2019re hardly strong enough to stand by yourself, let alone try to escape\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe\u2019s head popped upward and he glared at his brother.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cAre you saying, I\u2019m a prisoner in my own house?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cWell, that guard out side the door isn\u2019t exactly what I\u2019d call a friendly visitor, little brother,\u201d explained Adam.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam moved to the bed, pulling back the covers and waited until Joe crawled back in.\u00a0 Once Joe was covered, Adam sat down on the edge, next to Joe.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cJoe\u2026what\u2019s going on?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cNothing\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cI hate to call you a liar, but you are, Joe\u2026now tell me\u2026who are you protecting and why?\u201d pressed Adam.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe had lowered his head to keep from looking at his brother, or to keep Adam from seeing the truth in his troubled eyes.\u00a0 Adam saw his brother struggling with himself to keep the truth from being told.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n He pressed ahead with his questioning.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cJoe\u2026I don\u2019t want to see my kid brother hung for something that I know beyond a doubt that he isn\u2019t capable of doing.\u00a0 I don\u2019t want to see our father suffer needless hours, days, weeks, even years of remorse\u2026years of ridicule from his friends, all believing that Ben Cartwright\u2019s youngest son was guilty of molesting a young woman, or worse\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe swallowed and glanced up at his brother.\u00a0 The truth shown in the passion that reflected back from Adam\u2019s deep, dark hazel eyes.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m not a rapist\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cI know that\u2026but everyone in town thinks you are, Joe\u2026even Roy is beginning to have some doubts\u2026because you refuse to co-operate with him.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam gave Joe time to consider his words and then pushed on.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cJoe, you\u2019ve been laid up for over a week now.\u00a0 Pa\u2019s coming home tomorrow\u2026and it won\u2019t be much longer before Doc deems you well enough to stand trial.\u00a0 Let me help you before it\u2019s too late\u2026please,\u201d Adam said softly.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe pinched his eyes tightly closed.\u00a0 He wanted nothing more than to explain to his brother what was going on, but if he shared his secret, it could cost the lives of two very prominent people, and Joe wasn\u2019t sure just yet if he was willing to make that sacrifice\u2026and hadn\u2019t he given his word, when he swore an oath?<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe looked up, into his brother\u2019s eyes and for a long moment, studied Adam\u2019s face.\u00a0 He knew his brother was ready to help him, at all costs\u2026so unlike Hoss; the thought whizzed through his mind.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cI can\u2019t Adam\u2026there\u2019s too much at stake,\u201d Joe said at last.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam sighed in a way that Joe considered a relief.\u00a0 His eyes fixed on his brother\u2019s expression.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cThen there is more to this than what you are willing to tell?\u201d Adam dared.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cYes\u2026I wish I could, but, Adam, if I tell you\u2026people could be killed\u2026I could be killed\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cNo one is going to kill you, Joe\u2026I give you my word on that\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cYou don\u2019t know that for sure, Adam.\u00a0 Oh, I know you\u2019d try to keep me safe\u2026but you can\u2019t hold my hand twenty four hours a day, now can you?\u201d Joe said, almost with a smile.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cNo\u2026but with Hoss and Pa both here\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cNo\u2026not Hoss\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cJoe\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cForget it, Adam\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam blew a puff or air from his lungs.\u00a0 No need to press the issue at this point he decided.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cAlright Joe, I\u2019ll forget about Hoss\u2026for now\u2026but one day, very soon, you and he will have to sit down and work out your problems\u2026hush\u2026\u201d he ordered gently before Joe could protest.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cAlright, let\u2019s get this straight\u2026you\u2019re working with someone\u2026keeping someone from getting killed\u2026I want to know who and why, and I\u2019ll not take no for an answer,\u201d Adam said sternly.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n He could see that his brother was growing weary and could only pray that Joe would trust him before it was too late.\u00a0 He continued to push the boy for an answer.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cIf you are trying to protect someone\u2026and you\u2019ve been laid up for over a week\u2026what do you think has happened to that person, or persons?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe pursed his lips firmly together.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cJoe\u2026it might already be too late!\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cThen let me go, Adam\u2026let me go find out\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cNot without me, you aren\u2019t strong enough to travel, Joe\u2026tell me who you\u2019re protecting and I\u2019ll go see that they are alright\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cI can\u2019t, Adam,\u201d Joe said in a trembling voice.\u00a0 \u201cI gave my word\u2026I swore an oath\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cDid you promise to die for them, too, Joe?\u00a0 Is whomever it is, so important, that you\u2019d risk prison or hanging to protect them??\u00a0 TELL ME, DAMNIT!\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cOh\u2026\u201d whined Joe, rubbing his forehead with his fingers.\u00a0 \u201cMy head is pounding,\u201d he complained.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m sorry, Joe\u2026I don\u2019t mean to add to your current misery\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cAdam, if I tell ya\u2026will you swear on your mother\u2019s grave, not to tell anyone\u2026even Pa?\u201d Joe said with sorrow showing in his eyes.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cI swear not to tell anyone\u2026but if it is something that I feel Pa needs to know about\u2026I\u2019ll have to tell him, Joe\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe leaned his head back against the pillows for what seemed a long time to his brother who waited for an answer to the puzzling behavior of his kid brother.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cI took, an oath, over in Carson City, about two weeks ago\u2026I was in the Judge\u2019s chambers.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cWhat kind of oath, Joe?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cAn oath to protect someone\u2026someone important\u2026who is meeting with the newly appointed governor next week, in Carson City.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam\u2019s eyes widened.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cGovernor James W. Nye?\u201d he asked, astonished that Joe could even be involved with the governor.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cYeah,\u201d Joe muttered.\u00a0 \u201cThe person I\u2019m suppose to be guarding has some documents that he is giving to the Governor\u2026to take back to Washington\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cJoe\u2026who is that someone\u2026what are the documents?\u201d Adam said, pulling his chair closer, if possible to the bed, in order that he and Joe could talk in low voices.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe looked into Adam\u2019s eyes, seeing the anxious way that his brother studied him.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cIssac Roop,\u201d Joe whispered.\u00a0 \u201cHe has papers for Nye\u2026legal papers that some men don\u2019t want to arrive safely in Washington.\u00a0 They are papers outlining the growth of the territory\u2026things like that, you know, about railroads, and such\u2026\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cI knew there were those out there that want to stop the railroad\u2026the advancement of prosperity\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cWell, I have to make sure that Roop is safe, at least until Nye reaches Carson City\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cWhere is he now, Joe?\u201d Adam inquired, a plan already forming in his mind.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cAfter we rode out from Carson City, I took him to Oblivion.\u00a0 I figured there would be no one around, being this time of year; the old shack wouldn\u2019t be in use.\u00a0 I was on my way there, to take him supplies when Hoss showed up and everything went crazy\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam eyed his brother, a serious look played across his face.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cHoss had no way of knowing, Joe.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cHe could have trusted me,\u201d countered Joe.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cPerhaps\u2026but tell me something\u2026how does Carly Willford fit into all of this?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cI don\u2019t know, Adam\u2026honest.\u00a0 I don\u2019t even know the girl, I\u2019ve never even seen her be\u2026wait a minute, Adam.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe\u2019s eyes grew wide.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cThe night I was in Carson City, in the judge\u2019s chambers\u2026she was there\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cIn the office with you?\u201d Adam declared in surprise.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cNo\u2026no, outside, at the receptionist\u2019s desk\u2026she was his secretary\u2026\u201d Joe cried.\u00a0 \u201cShe must have heard everything that the judge and I talked about\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cWhich means that she\u2019s working with someone\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cHer father, maybe?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cPerhaps\u2026but why, Joe\u2026think\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe seemed to be thinking hard, but his head was pounding so fiercely that he couldn\u2019t think straight.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cI don\u2019t know, Adam\u2026my head hurts\u2026maybe there\u2019s something in those papers that Carly\u2019s father doesn\u2019t want the government to see\u2026I don\u2019t know\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam rested his hand on his brother\u2019s arm.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cIf that\u2019s so, Joe\u2026then they had to come up with a plan to get you out of the way\u2026so they could find Roop before he passed on the papers,\u201d Adam said, thinking aloud.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cSo she accused me of molesting her!\u201d Joe said with disgust.\u00a0 \u201cAnd I bet it was her father who pushed Roy into following Hoss\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cAnd those men who started shooting at you\u2026probably worked for Willford!\u201d Adam said, sure now that they had discovered the reason why Joe was being blamed for something he didn\u2019t do.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cHe wanted me dead\u2026out of the way\u2026\u201d murmured Joe, shivering at the thought of just how close Willford had come to ending his life.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cJoe\u2026I have to go to Oblivion.\u00a0 I have to make sure that Roop is safe\u2026when is he suppose to meet Nye in Carson City?\u201d Adam asked.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cWednesday.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cThat gives me two days\u2026it\u2019ll be hard, but I have to do it.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam rose from the bed and collected a paper and pencil from Joe\u2019s desk.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cHere,\u201d he said, handing the writing supplies to his brother.\u00a0 \u201cWrite a note to Roop, explaining what happened and that I\u2019m your brother and say that he can trust me.\u00a0 I\u2019ll leave right away.\u00a0 I should get there by morning and then I\u2019ll take Roop to Carson City, myself.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe nodded his head and began scribbling out the required note.\u00a0 When he finished, he handed it to Adam.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cWhat about me?\u00a0 Roy is going to take me to jail\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m sorry about that Joe\u2026you\u2019ll just have to go along with him when Doc says you\u2019re ready.\u00a0 I\u2019ll explain everything to Hoss\u2026he can tell Pa\u2026and together they can try to get a hold on the trial.\u00a0 Without Roop\u2019s word, we have nothing to link Carly Willford and her father to this mess you\u2019re in\u2026and we need that, unless you want to go to prison?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cNo\u2026I don\u2019t want to do that\u2026besides\u2026they say the food\u2019s horrible,\u201d Joe said with a slight grin.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam shook his head gently from side to side, but smiled down at the boy.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cI don\u2019t know about you sometimes, Joe.\u00a0 You sure do manage to get yourself into some tough messes\u2026all of which I\u2019m always bailing you out!\u201d teased Adam.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam folded the note and tucked it into his pocket.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cYou stay in that bed\u2026I\u2019ll talk to Hoss and send him up here,\u201d Adam said, turning toward the door.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n He paused and turned back to Joe.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cTry to consider Hoss\u2019 feelings, Joe\u2026he had no way of knowing\u2026he was only standing on the principles that Pa taught us\u2026the truth is always best\u2026don\u2019t fault him for that.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe lowered his head, suddenly ashamed of the way in which he had treated his middle brother.\u00a0 Of course Adam was right, Hoss had no way of knowing what he\u2019d been involved in and thus had done only what he had been taught to do\u2026and that was, the right thing.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019ll apologize to him, I promise, Adam,\u201d Joe said.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cGood, I\u2019ll see you in a couple of days\u2026remember what I said, stay in bed\u2026fake a headache or pain in your side, anything to keep Roy from taking you out of this house, it isn\u2019t safe for you yet\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cI will\u2026I think I feel a pain coming on now,\u201d smiled Joe, groaning softly as he clutched his mid-section.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n Half an hour later, Hoss and Adam were making their way toward the house.\u00a0 They were stopped before reaching the door, by the sound of an approaching buggy.\u00a0 Both turned around.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cHowdy Adam, Hoss,\u201d greeted Roy Coffee as he swung down from the saddle.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cEvening Roy, Paul,\u201d Adam returned the greeting and offered one to the doctor who stepped down from his buggy.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cHow\u2019s my patient, tonight?\u201d Paul said with a hint of a smile.\u00a0 \u201cStaying in bed, I hope,\u201d he added.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam cast a hurried glance at his brother.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cHoss, why don\u2019t you go up\u2026and\u2026see if Joe\u2019s awake, he was complaining of a headache earlier,\u201d suggest Adam with a slight narrowing of his eyes.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cHeadache?\u201d blabbered Hoss.\u00a0 \u201cOh yeah\u2026you mentioned that a while ago.\u00a0 I\u2019ll go tell him the doc\u2019s here\u2026\u201d hurried Hoss, slipping quickly into the house, where he ran up stairs.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cHeadache?\u201d Paul pondered aloud.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cYes,\u201d said Adam, \u201che isn\u2019t feeling as well today as he was yesterday.\u00a0 Says his head is a constant pounding and too, he hasn\u2019t eaten very well\u2026you can ask Hop Sing, I\u2019m afraid the little man was quite put out with Joe\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cThat doesn\u2019t sound good, I was hoping that he\u2019d be well enough to\u2026well\u2026feeling much better,\u201d Doc Martin babbled as he rushed off to tend to his patient.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cI say, Adam, tis a shame that Joe\u2019s feeling poorly,\u201d Roy said.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cWell, I know you want to see this matter between Joe and that girl cleared up, but honestly, Roy, I doubt if the boy\u2019s in any shape to be moved to the jail, let alone strong enough to stand trial\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cI suppose another day or two won\u2019t matter no how,\u201d Roy explained.\u00a0 \u201cSay, you\u2019re pa\u2019s comin\u2019 home tomorrow, ain\u2019t he?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cYes sir, he\u2019s supposed to be on the noon stage.\u00a0 I was wondering, Roy, if you\u2019d do me a favor?\u201d Adam said as he and Roy walked slowly toward the barn.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam had purposely led Roy away from the house, wanting to give Joe time enough to convince the doctor that he wasn\u2019t yet feeling well enough to be moved into town.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cSure, Adam, if\u2019n I can.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cWell, I have a couple of important matters that I need to tend to, and Hoss is needed here, to stay with Joe.\u00a0 I was wondering if you could meet the stage, and bring Pa home?\u00a0 That way you\u2019d have time enough to fill him in on what all has been going on,\u201d Adam explained.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cI don\u2019t see why not\u2026sure, Adam, I\u2019ll meet ya Pa\u2026and I\u2019ll fill him in on everything.\u00a0 You know he ain\u2019t gonna be too happy\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cI know\u2026but he\u2019ll know better what to do about matters.\u00a0 Joe\u2019s going to need a lawyer\u2026I\u2019ll leave that to Pa, just tell him, not to worry, I\u2019ll explain everything to him when I get back\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cExplain what, son?\u201d Roy inquired, looking a bit baffled by Adam\u2019s choice of words.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam took a deep breath.\u00a0 He had known Roy Coffee for most of his life and knew that he could trust the man explicitly, so he decided in that instant to confer with the sheriff\u2026to a point.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cRoy, I can prove that Joe was no where around when the Willford girl claimed that she was molested\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cWHAT!\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cThat\u2019s right\u2026but you have to trust me, Roy\u2026you have to let me bring the proof to you\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cI don\u2019t know what you\u2019re talkin\u2019 about, son\u2026what proof and why didn\u2019t Joe tell me this himself?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cBecause he made a promise\u2026look Roy, I don\u2019t have the time to explain\u2026just do what you can to keep that trial from starting anyway that you can\u2026please,\u201d Adam said, practically begging.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Roy rubbed his hand down his face and looked hard at Adam.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cI don\u2019t know, Adam, you\u2019re asking me to do something that is\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cI know Roy\u2026but you don\u2019t honestly believe that Joe\u2019s guilty of harming that gal, do you?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cOf course not, but that girl claims\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cShe\u2019s lying, Roy\u2026and I can prove it!\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n The thoughts, in Adam\u2019s mind, were tumbling about as if being blown by a strong north wind.\u00a0 He was making claims that even he wasn\u2019t sure he could prove, but he did believe Joe and if Joe thought the girl and her father might be involved in some way, then he, Adam, had to do what he could to prove his brother, innocent\u2026and right.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cTwenty-four hours Adam, no more\u2026understand?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam grinned and squeezed the sheriff\u2019s shoulder.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cThanks Roy\u2026you\u2019ll not regret this\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019d better not\u2026\u201d Roy said, turning away.\u00a0 \u201cI\u2019m going back to town\u2026tell Paul I\u2019ll see him there\u2026I need to be ready to have a long talk with your father.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam walked with the sheriff back to where his horse was tied and waited until the sheriff had mounted up.\u00a0 Roy turned to the elder Cartwright son and pointed his finger, waving it gently at Adam.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cTwenty-four hours, Adam\u2026and then I\u2019m taking Little Joe in\u2026regardless of his condition.\u00a0 Ole Doc can treat a headache in my jail cell as well as he can out here, on the Ponderosa.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n With that, the sheriff turned and rode out of sight.\u00a0 Adam glanced up toward the window and then hurried back to the barn.\u00a0 As it were, he\u2019d have to ride all night long in order to reach Oblivion by daybreak.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cForget it, Joe,\u201d Hoss said, pulling the chair close to the bed.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n He sat down heavily, his eyes still bore the hurt that he felt in his heart, but he forced a tiny smile for his brother.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m sorry, Hoss\u2026\u201d Joe said, swallowing and looking a bit down trodden.\u00a0 \u201cI know\u2026now\u2026that you were only doing what you thought was right.\u00a0 I was mad,\u201d Joe said, glancing up, \u201ccause I thought you didn\u2019t believe me\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cI believed ya, Joe\u2026but I also knew that it t\u2019weren\u2019t right for ya to take off\u2026I didn\u2019t know about\u2026well\u2026what Adam told me\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cI know.\u00a0 I couldn\u2019t tell you, Hoss, I had given my word\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hoss lowered his head, his lips twitched nervously and he glanced sideways at his brother.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cBut you told Adam\u2026why couldn\u2019t ya trust me enough to tell me?\u201d Hoss said in a whispered voice.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe watched the way that the gentle giant fought to understand and the sad look that crossed the big man\u2019s face made him feel worse than he already felt.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cI\u2026didn\u2019t really have time, Hoss\u2026I was trying to get away to make sure Roop was safe and you were trying to make me turn myself in\u2026I had no other choice but to\u2026walk out that door\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cDarn near got ya kilt, that\u2019s what I done,\u201d muttered Hoss.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cIt wasn\u2019t your fault, Hoss\u2026look, let\u2019s not argue about it, alright?\u201d Joe said, grinning slightly.\u00a0 \u201cI have to make sure that Doc don\u2019t think I\u2019m well enough to be moved into town\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cShh, lay back, Joe,\u201d whispered Hoss, jumping to his feet and pressing his hand against Joe\u2019s brow.\u00a0 \u201cMoan\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cOh\u2026\u201d groaned Joe as the door opened.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cEasy shortshanks,\u201d Hoss muttered, glancing up at the doctor.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cNot feeling well?\u201d Paul questioned as he moved to place his hand on his patient\u2019s brow.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cHead\u2026pounding,\u201d Joe said, squinting up his eyes and making a face.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cHmm\u2026you don\u2019t seem to have a temperature,\u201d Paul said, checking Joe\u2019s pulse and then laying the slender hand down on the bed.\u00a0 \u201cLet\u2019s see about these wounds.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n After enduring several moments of being probed and jabbed, Joe lay exhausted with his head pressed deeply into the pillows.\u00a0 He had no need to fake his discomfort; it was real.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019ll give you something for the headache, Joe.\u00a0 Hoss,\u201d Paul said, turning to the elder Cartwright.\u00a0 \u201cYou stay with him and make sure he stays in bed.\u201d\u00a0 Paul turned back to Joe and handed him the glass of water that he had mixed the powder into.\u00a0 \u201cDrink this, son, it will help you rest.\u00a0 I\u2019ll be back tomorrow, when your father gets home.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cThanks, Doc,\u201d Joe said in a whispered voice.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n He watched as Hoss walked to the door with the physician, turning back and grinning slyly at his brother.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cHoss,\u201d Paul said, once in the hallway and out of hearing range.\u00a0 \u201cI\u2019m glad to see that you and Joe have come to an understanding\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cYeah\u2026we\u2019re alright, now\u2026thanks Doc\u2026I\u2019ll see after him, til tomorrow,\u201d Hoss said, anxious to get back into the room.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cGood, I\u2019ll see myself out\u2026good night, Hoss.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cNight, Doc.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n The sun was just cresting the rise when Adam pulled Sport to a stop in front of the old cabin.\u00a0 He looked cautiously around before dismounting and then slid silently down.\u00a0 There seemed to be an eerie silence all about him, and for a moment, Adam hesitated.\u00a0 He had his back to the door, but without having to look, he knew he was being watched and decided that he best make his presence known before the man inside panicked and put a bullet into his back.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam turned toward the house.\u00a0 It was then that he saw the long barrel of a rifle sticking out the partially opened door.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cMr. Roop?\u00a0 Issac Roop?\u201d Adam called out, waiting and keeping a sharp eye on the barrel of the gun.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cMy name is Adam Cartwright, sir, I\u2019m Joe Cartwright\u2019s brother\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cDon\u2019t come in any closer, Mister\u2026\u201d the voice behind the door shouted.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cYou have nothing to fear\u2026my brother, Joe\u2026he\u2019s been hurt\u2026shot really.\u00a0 He told me about the papers you have for Governor Nye\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cI don\u2019t believe you\u2026young Cartwright swore not to\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cHe was almost killed, sir\u2026it\u2019s a long story, if you will just put down that weapon and let me explain\u2026\u201d Adam answered.\u00a0 \u201cI have a note from Little Joe\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n The door squeaked softly and Adam watched in relief as the door opened slowly, revealing the man.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cHand it to me, and then step back\u2026don\u2019t make any sudden moves, I\u2019m not the best at handling a gun,\u201d Roop warned.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam smiled slightly to himself; he could see the gun shaking in the man\u2019s trembling hand.\u00a0 Easing his way onto the porch, he placed the note that Joe had written, into Roop\u2019s outstretched hand.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Once the note was handed over, Adam backed down off the porch and waited patiently while the man quickly scanned the note.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cHow do I know this is for real?\u00a0 You could have written it yourself,\u201d Roop dared to question.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cLook at the backward slant of the writing, what does that tell you?\u201d Adam said.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cThat the author was left handed,\u201d responded Roop, eyeing Adam cautiously.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cI happen to be right-handed, as you can see by my sidearm.\u00a0 My little brother, if you noticed is definitely left-handed.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam saw the man hesitate briefly and then lower the rifle.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cAlright, step inside, but don\u2019t try anything,\u201d Roop warned again, this time, stepping aside and letting Adam enter the cabin.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Once inside, Adam sighed in relief to find that the man had been making out for himself while left unguarded.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cI hate to hear about the boy\u2026you\u2019re sure he\u2019ll be alright?\u201d Roop inquired of Adam after pouring a cup of coffee for each.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cYes, but he\u2019s not out of the woods yet\u2026there\u2019s still this assault charge against him,\u201d explained Adam.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cA young woman and an older man? Hmm,\u201d pondered Roop.\u00a0 \u201cYou say she claims that Joe attacked her?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cThat\u2019s right.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cWonder why she\u2019d make up such a story?\u00a0 Joe was with me the entire time\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cJoe remembers seeing her in the judge\u2019s office in Carson City.\u00a0 He seems to think that perhaps she and the older man wanted to get him out of the way\u2026you know, prevent him from helping you to deliver those papers to Governor Nye,\u201d Adam said.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cBut how would they know about that?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cJoe said she was the judge\u2019s secretary and must have eavesdropped on the conversation between you, the judge and himself,\u201d Adam explained.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Roop, a tall skinny man about the same age as Ben Cartwright, paced the tiny interior of the old cabin.\u00a0 He appeared to be deep in thought and for several long, silent moments, he walked in circles about Adam, who sat and watched from his seat at the table.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n At last, he sat down, staring over his cup at the man opposite him.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cThere are things, Adam\u2026important things and names in those papers.\u00a0 I am positive that certain individuals would rather not have the Governor see them.\u00a0 I am also certain that your young brother is correct in his assumption.\u00a0 It is in Joseph\u2019s best interest that we get these papers to Carson City, immediately and then I shall return with you to Virginia City to testify on your brother\u2019s behalf, that young man is not a man who goes around assaulting young women!\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cI agree with you, on both accounts,\u201d smiled Adam.\u00a0 \u201cI think we should leave as soon as possible, Joe cannot put off much longer, faking a headache to stay out of jail.\u00a0 And once he\u2019s jailed, there will be a trial\u2026after that\u2026no telling what might happen,\u201d Adam declared as he pushed back his chair and stood.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cI can be ready to leave in half an hour, Adam,\u201d Mr. Roop said.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cGood, I\u2019ll get the horses ready.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Issac Roop was waiting on the porch when Adam brought the horses around.\u00a0 In his hands, he held his gear and slung across his shoulder was a thick leather saddlebag that he handed to Adam.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cYou\u2019d better hang on to this, just in case,\u201d Roop said, moving toward his horse.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cWhat\u2019s in it?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cPapers for the Governor, Adam.\u00a0 I\u2019m an easy target, if there is someone out to stop me from delivering them to Governor Nye, they wouldn\u2019t think that you would have the papers,\u201d the older gentleman grinned.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cGood thinking,\u201d Adam said as he tied the saddlebags to the back of his saddle.\u00a0 \u201cReady?\u201d he asked as he mounted up.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m ready,\u201d Roop answered as he settled himself in the leather seat.\u00a0 \u201cBut we\u2019re not going to Carson City, Adam.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam spun his head around and stared in shock at the man.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cWhat do you mean?\u201d he asked with a worried frown.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cThe way I see it, your brother needs me more at the moment than Nye needs these papers.\u00a0 I figure we can ride back to Virginia City, clear Joe\u2019s name and then deliver these papers to the Governor,\u201d Roop explained in a serious tone.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cBut Nye will be expecting you\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cAdam, there\u2019s something you don\u2019t know about all of this, and neither does Joe\u2026but you should,\u201d Roop said.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cWhat?\u201d questioned Adam, eyeing the other man with suspicion.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cYour father is working with me\u2026that is the reason for him being in Reno.\u00a0 He was to meet Nye there and accompany him to Carson City\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam looked worried as the pair rode along.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cAnd with Joe getting shot, Pa coming home\u2026who\u2019s to accompany Nye now?\u201d Adam asked.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cI don\u2019t know, Adam, but I do know that it is too dangerous for the Governor to be traveling without men to protect him.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cThen we best hurry. \u00a0The sooner we clear Joe\u2019s name, the sooner we can get that taken care of, the sooner we can get you safely to Carson City.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam nudged his mount in the sides and the horse broke into a gallop.\u00a0 Issac Roop did the same as both men rode toward the Ponderosa.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cI can find no reason why Joe can\u2019t go with the sheriff, Hoss.\u00a0 He\u2019s well enough to sit in a jail cell,\u201d Paul Martin explained to Hoss.\u00a0 \u201cI\u2019m sorry, son,\u201d the physician turned to his patient, \u201cmy hands are tied.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe smiled weakly at the doctor and then glanced up at his brother.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cDon\u2019t worry, Hoss\u2026Pa should be home soon, maybe then we can get this mess cleared up,\u201d Joe said.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cYeah\u2026but I don\u2019t the like the ideay of you sittin\u2019 in a jail cell, either, not with that woman claimin\u2019 ya did what she said ya did\u2026I\u2019m comin\u2019 with ya\u2026\u201d Hoss declared as he grabbed his hat.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cThat is,\u201d he said, turning to the sheriff who waited for Joe to slip on his jacket, \u201cif\u2019n it\u2019s alright with you, Roy?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cI don\u2019t see why not,\u201d the sheriff agreed.\u00a0 \u201cWhat with ya pa not arriving on the stage yesterday, I figure he should be in this afternoon\u2026it\u2019ll save him a trip back into town to see Joe.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n The four men had started out the door but Joe held back, grabbing Hoss by the arm and forcing the bigger man to stop and look back at him.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cHoss,\u201d Joe said in a low tone.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hoss\u2019 expression was one of confusion.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cI want to tell you that\u2026I\u2019m sorry for the things I said to you\u2026\u201d Joe shook his head back and forth and his handsome young face wore a look of remorse.\u00a0 \u201cI shouldn\u2019t have said them\u2026they were uncalled for.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hoss pinched up his lips and grinned slightly at his younger brother.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cForget it, Little Joe\u2026I didn\u2019t reckon ya meant them no how,\u201d Hoss said.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cJust the same, Hoss\u2026I want you to know that I don\u2019t blame you for what happened, honest,\u201d Joe apologized.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cI know ya didn\u2019t\u2026come on,\u201d smiled Hoss, his blue eyes twinkling, \u201clet\u2019s get to town and get this mess straightened out.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n By the time that the four men, Joe, Hoss, Doc Martin and the sheriff, rode into town, the stage was just arriving.\u00a0 Ben disembarked from the coach, offering his hand to a young woman, and then turned, surprised to see his two younger sons, the doctor and the sheriff, coming down the street to greet him.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cJoseph!\u201d Ben said, relief showing all over his weathered, but handsome face.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cHi ya, Pa,\u201d grinned Joe.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben\u2019s arms engulfed his youngest son and for several long moments, Ben held the boy whom he had feared would be dead before he had been able to reach home.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cI sure am happy to see you, boy\u2026how do you feel?\u00a0 Let me look at you!\u201d Ben said, taking in every inch of his son.\u00a0 \u201cYou look tired, Joe\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m fine, Pa, but I am sort of tired,\u201d Joe answered.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cHe\u2019s doing quite well, Ben, considering,\u201d Paul explained.\u00a0 \u201cHe\u2019s made a remarkable recovery\u2026so much so that I had no choice but allow Roy to bring him in\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cOh yes,\u201d Ben said, glancing around at the small group.\u00a0 \u201cThat ridiculous charge that woman made,\u201d he muttered in a low tone.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cLet\u2019s go over to my office, gentlemen,\u201d Roy ordered, \u201cthere is plenty we need to be discussin\u2019.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cI agree,\u201d Ben said, turning to Joe.\u00a0 \u201cYou look as if you need to rest, come on son\u2026say, where\u2019s Adam?\u201d Ben inquired, looking around for his elder son.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cWe\u2019ll explain all that once we get to Roy\u2019s office, Pa,\u201d said Joe.\u00a0 \u201cThere are lots you need to know.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cThere\u2019s some important things I need to tell the two of you as well,\u201d Ben informed his sons as he walked with Joe and Hoss toward the jail.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n They had just reached the sheriff\u2019s office, when the young woman, who had made the accusations against Joe, and her father appeared on the boardwalk.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cWell!\u201d she practically shouted at the men, \u201cit\u2019s about time you brought this\u2026this\u2026monster to jail!\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cNow, Missy, ya know as well as I do, that we had to wait until the doctor said he could be moved\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s about time!\u201d she spat at the group.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n The young woman gave Joe a nasty, go-to-hell look and then turned her head in disgust.\u00a0 Her father put his arm about his daughter\u2019s shoulder and glared at Joe.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019ll see to it that you hang for hurting my little girl!\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cI never touched your daughter\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cLIAR!\u201d Carly screamed and then slapped Joe across the face.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Instantly Ben and Hoss placed themselves between the man and woman, shielding Joe from any further attacks.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cTHAT WILL BE ENOUGH OF THAT!\u201d demanded Roy in a loud voice.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Quickly he pushed opened his office door and stood aside, allowing for Ben to enter in front of Joe who was followed by Hoss.\u00a0 Roy stepped through the doorway and started to shut the door, but the young woman and her father pushed their way inside.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Roy grunted in disgust and moved to his desk, opening the top drawer.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cAren\u2019t you going to lock him up!\u201d the woman demanded.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n All eyes turned to look at her, making her squirm uncomfortably.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Roy removed the cell keys from the drawer and straightened up, giving the lady a scowl.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cIf you would just give me time, Ma\u2019am, that\u2019s exactly what I planned on doin\u2019.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Roy glanced up at Joe.\u00a0 \u201cSorry, son, it\u2019s the law, this way,\u201d he pointed.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s alright, Roy, I know you\u2019re just doing your job,\u201d Joe said in compliance as he followed the sheriff into the cell.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben and Hoss followed along behind, lingering to speak in private to Joe while Roy stepped back into the office, closing the door that separated the main room from the jail cells.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben waited until he was sure that they could not be heard and then turned to Joe, who had taken a seat on the cot.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cSon\u2026what in tarnation is going on here?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe\u2019s lips twisted up into a frown and he shook his head.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cYou\u2019d better get a chair, Pa\u2026it\u2019s a long story.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n An hour later, Ben rose from the chair that Roy had provided.\u00a0 He gave his sons a lopsided grin.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cIt seems as if you and I have been working toward the same goal, son,\u201d Ben said to Joe.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cWorking together and not even knowing it,\u201d Joe said with a slight laugh.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n The boy looked tired, and frail, thought Ben.\u00a0 His son had been through quite a bit in the last few days and it seemed that the days ahead might not be much better for the boy.\u00a0 He wanted Joe to rest and said so.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cI want you to lie down, son, and rest.\u00a0 You looked bushed,\u201d ordered the concerned father.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben pointed to the cot.\u00a0 \u201cI\u2019ll have Hoss go over to the International House and bring you back a decent supper, now lie down, Joseph.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe grinned and did as instructed.\u00a0 He closed his eyes and before his father and brother could open the door that separated the cells from the office, Joe was asleep.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n When they entered the main room of the sheriff\u2019s office, Roy looked up from his work.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cI got some bad news, Ben,\u201d he said reluctantly.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cOh?\u201d Ben said aloud, casting a wary look in Hoss\u2019 direction.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cYep, whilst you were talkin\u2019 to the boy, that Willford fella and that daughter of his\u2019n was talkin\u2019 to the judge.\u00a0 Joe\u2019s trial is to start day after tomorrow\u2026.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cDay after tomorrow!\u00a0 Roy, that\u2019s absurd!\u00a0 I haven\u2019t even hired a lawyer!\u201d shouted Ben.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cI can\u2019t help it, Ben\u2026Judge Whitmore said Wednesday morning, so ya best find one, and quick,\u201d Roy suggested.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cWhat about bail, Roy, Joe\u2019s in no condition to stay back there, he\u2019s\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cI asked the judge, he refused.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben groaned angrily.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m sorry, Ben, but if it relives your mind, I\u2019ll keep a close eye on the boy, and have the doc drop by\u2026just to check in on him,\u201d Roy said with a touch of regret for his friend.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cNo need, I won\u2019t be going home,\u201d Ben said.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n He turned to Hoss and nodded toward the door with his head.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cGo fetch Joe\u2019s supper, we\u2019re staying here for the night.\u00a0 I don\u2019t trust Willford, if what Joe suspects is true, then his life could still be in danger.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cAlrighty Pa, I won\u2019t be long,\u201d Hoss said.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n The big man picked up his hat and plopped it on his head.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019ll get your supper too, Little Joe might like the company,\u201d he said, smiling and revealing the tiny gap between his front teeth.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cThank you son, I appreciate that.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben was true to his word, he stayed with Joe for the remainder of the night and by the time that the clock in Roy\u2019s office struck 8 AM, Ben was walking down the boardwalk on his way to the lawyer\u2019s office.\u00a0 He knew it was short notice, and could only silently pray that Hiram Wood, a long time friend of the family\u2019s, would take Joseph\u2019s case in the matter of the assault charge that the strange young woman had brought against his son.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cBen, you\u2019re out and about rather early,\u201d greeted Hiram as he offered Ben his hand.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cI suppose you\u2019ve heard\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cOh yes, Ben, who hasn\u2019t heard.\u00a0 I suppose that\u2019s the reason you\u2019re here?\u201d Hiram asked, pulling out a chair and offering Ben a seat across from him.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cAs a matter of fact, it is, Hiram.\u00a0 The charge, of course, is false,\u201d Ben went on to assure the lawyer.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cWell, according to your son, it\u2019s false, but from what I\u2019ve heard, the young woman has made some mighty serious charges\u2026attempted rape?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben stood up and began pacing the floor, agitated.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cLies, all lies\u2026Hiram,\u201d Ben said, moving back to the desk and leaning down close to the attorney, \u201cyou\u2019ve known my son all his life, you don\u2019t believe he\u2019s capable of\u2026practically raping that woman, do you?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hiram pinched his lips tightly together and looked into Ben\u2019s dark, worried eyes.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cOf course not, but the court isn\u2019t concerned with what I think, only with the facts.\u00a0 Now, why don\u2019t we go over to the jail and I\u2019ll have a long talk with Little Joe?\u201d Hiram suggested as he pushed back his own chair and stood.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cHow\u2019s the boy feeling, Ben?\u00a0 I know he was seriously wounded.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cMuch better according to the doctor, but Joe is easily tired and he looks as if he\u2019s been sick.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cHe had a close call from what I\u2019ve been told,\u201d Hiram said, opening the door.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cToo close,\u201d Ben said, sighing in relief.\u00a0 \u201cThank God he\u2019s going to be alright\u2026I just hope this trial and all isn\u2019t too hard on him.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cHopefully we can avoid a trial and get to the bottom of this pretty quick.\u00a0 By the way, Ben, I haven\u2019t seen Adam around in a couple of days, I would have thought he\u2019d be here with you and Hoss when Joe went to trial,\u201d Hiram hinted.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Again, Ben sighed; this whole matter with Joe being accused of practically raping this woman and then getting shot\u2026all the while trying to do his civic duty by aiding the state government in protecting and helping Issac Roop deliver important papers to the Governor in Carson City, had begun to take it\u2019s toll on, not only himself, but his entire family.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cAdam is tending to some important business, Hiram, hopefully he will get back here in time for Joe\u2019s trial\u2026here we are,\u201d Ben said, pausing at the doorway of the sheriff\u2019s office and allowing the attorney to enter in front of him.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cMore important than his brother\u2019s trial?\u201d Hiram asked, confused by his friend\u2019s statement.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cOf course not, Hiram,\u201d Ben said with a touch of sarcasm in his voice.\u00a0 \u201cLook, perhaps Joe and I had better explain\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cYou mean there\u2019s more to all of this than what you\u2019ve already told me?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cMuch more,\u201d Ben said, as they entered the jail.\u00a0 \u201cRoy,\u201d Ben said, turning to the sheriff who was just coming from the cell where Joe was housed, \u201cwe\u2019d like to speak with Joe.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cGo on in, Hoss is waiting for the boy to finish his breakfast,\u201d Roy said with a nod of his head toward the opened door.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben and Hiram moved quickly into the cell block where they found Joe sitting on the side of his cot, doing as Roy had implied, finishing his breakfast.\u00a0 Hoss was seated in the chair just outside the iron bars that separated him from his brother.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cMorning, Hoss,\u201d greeted Hiram, \u201cJoe?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cMornin\u2019 Mister Wood,\u201d Hoss said, standing and taking the man\u2019s outstretched hand.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe nodded his head in welcome, his mouth too full of ham and eggs to speak outright, politely.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben stepped back into Roy\u2019s office and gathered a couple more chairs and then he and the lawyer sat down, ready to discuss more in depth, the events that had led up to Joe\u2019s being gun down and his current imprisonment.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n It was more than two hours later that both Ben and Hiram stood to their feet.\u00a0 Hiram scratched his head, deep in thought.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cBen,\u201d he said, turning to the worried father, \u201cit would appear to me, that we need Issac Roop here\u2026to verify Little Joe\u2019s story\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cBut that\u2019s impossible, Adam has gone all the way up to Oblivion to fetch Roop and escort him safely to Carson City.\u00a0 Governor Nye is in desperate need of those papers that Roop has in his possession,\u201d Ben explained.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cI understand that Ben, but if Roop can testify to the fact that Joe was in his company at the time that Carly Willford claims she was molested, it could save the boy from going to prison for a number of years,\u201d Hiram insisted.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cToo bad they pushed for such an early trial date,\u201d muttered Joe, who had finished eating and was now propped against the bars, staring out at the small group of men.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cYes,\u201d Hiram nodded, \u201cif Roop had time to deliver those papers and then hightail it back here\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cBut someone is gunning for him,\u201d Joe said, \u201cit wouldn\u2019t be safe for him, he could be killed.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe glanced over at this father and brother.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s a chance I\u2019ll have to take, I suppose I\u2019ll just have to risk a prison term until those papers are delivered and Roop is safe\u2026Adam will see to that,\u201d Joe said.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n The boy\u2019s voice re-sounded a touch of worry and when Ben studied his son\u2019s face, the worry was evident in the boy\u2019s expression. \u00a0He reached through the bars and tenderly placed his hand on his son\u2019s shoulder.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cTry not to worry, son,\u201d Ben said reassuring the young man.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe forced a grin.\u00a0 \u201cYou know me, Pa\u2026worry is my middle name.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n The next morning, Joe sat with Hiram and his father facing the Judge\u2019s desk, and listening to the lies that Carly Willford let spew past her lips.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cWhat happened after that, Miss Willford?\u201d the other attorney asked his client.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Carly Willford took a deep breath, all the while dabbing at her eyes.\u00a0 Once she glanced in Joe Cartwright\u2019s direction.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cThat\u2019s when, that man over there,\u201d she said, pointing to indicate Joe, \u201cslapped me across the face and shoved me down on the bed,\u201d she said, making a sobbing sound as she lowered her head.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cHow many times did he,\u201d the lawyer turned to glare at Little Joe, \u201chit you?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cI don\u2019t know, two, maybe three times.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cAnd then?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Carly made sure that everyone close enough to see her, saw her swallow.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cHe began tearing at my clothing\u2026trying to rip my dress off,\u201d she stammered.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hiram Wood had been making notes but paused to look up and then glanced at Joe.\u00a0 Joe, his eyes large and round, had fear shining bright in his hazel eyes.\u00a0 His attorney leaned over to whisper in his ear.\u00a0 Ben, who sat directly behind his son, saw Joe shake his head no.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cMiss Willford\u2026I know this is hard for you, and embarrassing, but could you tell us what happened next?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Carly gulped and continued.\u00a0 \u201cI was fighting him\u2026and then suddenly he was pulled off of me\u2026my father,\u201d Carly turned and smiled at Mr. Willford, \u201chad come into the room, grabbed Joe from behind and slung him against the wall.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cAnd Mr. Cartwright\u2026did what after that?\u00a0 Did he try to fight with your father?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cNo\u2026he seemed\u2026surprised.\u00a0 He turned and ran from the room,\u201d Carly explained.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cWhat did you and your father do after your attacker disappeared?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cMy father ran out into the hallway, but Mr. Cartwright had already gotten away, so Father came back and we went straight to the sheriff\u2019s office and made a report.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Carly\u2019s lawyer turned around, facing the jury.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cMiss Willford, I have to ask you this\u2026are you 100% positive that Joe Cartwright, that man over there, is the very same man who attacked you, beat you, and tried to rape you?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n There was a long pause; all eyes were on the lovely young woman in the witness box.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cAbsolutely\u2026there is no mistake, it was Joe Cartwright.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n The lawyer smiled, sure that he had won his case.\u00a0 He turned back to the woman and smiled.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cI have no further questions.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n It was Hiram Wood\u2019s turn to question the witness.\u00a0 He rose from his seat, next to Joe and walked to the front of the courtroom.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cMiss Willford\u2026have you ever been in Carson City?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cNo.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cWhere you in the courthouse, pretending to be the Judge\u2019s secretary on the day that my client claims he was in a conference with the Judge?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cNo.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cThink again my dear\u2026you\u2026and your father were seen that day in Carson City.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cNo, that\u2019s not true\u2026we were never there\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cDo you own a yellow dress with tiny blue flowers?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Carly seemed to be thinking, but she glanced toward the man who claimed to be her father, but Mr. Willford was staring at the Cartwrights, leaving Carly to become flustered.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cUmm\u2026I\u2026own several dresses,\u201d she stammered.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cBut do you own a yellow dress with blue flowers?\u201d Hiram insisted.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cOh dear,\u201d mumbled Carly as she twisted the hankie she held in her hands.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cPlease answer the question.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m not sure\u2026\u201d she babbled.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hiram turned to the jury box and scanned each face. \u00a0In a calm, almost reserved voice he spoke to Carly, his eyes never leaving the twelve men in front of him.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cMiss Willford, please remember that you are under oath.\u00a0 Mr. Cartwright claims, under oath, that the day he was in Carson City, you were wearing a yellow dress with small blue flowers.\u00a0 Are you denying the fact that you own a dress like that?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cYes\u2026I mean\u2026no\u2026I do own a dress like that\u2026but\u2026but\u2026he must have seen it on me the night he attacked me\u2026that\u2019s it, I was wearing the dress that night\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cHow can that be?\u201d snapped Hiram, spinning around and stomping back to the box where the woman was practically in tears.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cThe sheriff and the physician who tended you, both swore under oath that the night you claimed you were attacked, by my client, you were wearing a dark dress, a brown dress\u2026are you lying, my dear?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cNO!\u201d Carly shouted; her own eyes were wide with fright now.\u00a0 She rose to her feet, visibly trembling.\u00a0 Tears rolled softly down her face.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m not lying anymore!\u201d she shouting, looking toward her father.\u00a0 She pointed a long slender, finely manicured finger in his direction.\u00a0 \u201cHe made me do it\u2026he planned this\u2026he wanted Joe Cartwright out of the way!\u201d she shouted.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cWhy? Why did your father\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cHe\u2019s not my father\u2026he beat me that night, not Joe\u2026he and some other men were planning on killing Issac Roop, to steal the papers he was taking to the Governor\u2026but the Cartwrights got involved in trying to keep Roop safe, so he\u2026James Gregory\u2026tried to get Joe Cartwright killed, to get to Roop before he could deliver the papers\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cSHUT UP YOU IDIOT!\u201d the man who had once portrayed Carly\u2019s father, shouted from the back of the courtroom.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cORDER! ORDER!\u201d the Judge proclaimed, hammering his gavel down on his desk.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cIT\u2019S LIES!!!\u00a0 SHE\u2019S LYING!\u201d Gregory bellowed, shoving his way through the crowd toward the woman.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Just as James stepped into the isle, the wide, double doors were flung opened and Adam appeared; Roop was following behind.\u00a0 Instantly Adam flung himself at the man, who had now dared to show a weapon, pointed directly at the young woman.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n As Adam knocked the man to the ground, a blast rip through the courtroom, a woman screamed; a struggle between the man and Adam ended with another blast from the man\u2019s gun.\u00a0 James Gregory slumped slowly to the floor.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben and Hoss pushed their way through the crowd, bending low over the man who was fading from this life into the next.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cWhy Willford\u2026\u201d Ben asked, cradling the man\u2019s head in his arms.\u00a0 \u201cWho wanted Roop dead\u2026and what is so important about those papers?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Willford moaned; his eyes strained to remain opened and fixed on Ben\u2019s face.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cFacts and figures\u2026concerning a new railhead\u2026some men wanted it stopped and had made false bids\u2026their names were\u2026on those papers. That\u2019s why they tried to stop Roop\u2026then your boy hid Roop away\u2026\u201d Willford gasped for air and forced himself to confess.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cMy partners wanted those\u2026papers\u2026enough so that they were\u2026willing to kill\u2026to get them.\u00a0 Carly didn\u2019t\u2026do anything\u2026she only lied for\u2026us\u2026blamed your boy\u2026for something he didn\u2019t\u2026do,\u201d muttered the dying man.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cWho were the other men?\u201d Roop asked, bending down next to Ben.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n The dying man swallowed, making a gurgling sound deep in the back of his throat.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cRaymond Meadows\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben\u2019s eyes flashed black as he raised his head and looked at the court clerk who suddenly began backing toward the rear door.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cJudge Whitmore\u2026he was going to fine your\u2026boy\u2026guilty and\u2026send him to prison\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cJudge Whitmore!\u201d Ben muttered under his breath.\u00a0 \u201cAre you sure?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n The man\u2019s body arched in pain, his eyes clouded and his final word was barely audible.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cPos\u2026itive.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n James Gregory\u2019s head lolled to the side, his eyelids drooped closed.\u00a0 The man had died.\u00a0 Gently Ben laid the man\u2019s head on the floor, glancing up to see what the fracas in the front of the courtroom was.\u00a0 Hoss and Joe, and several other men had the Judge and his aide backed up in the furthermost corner of the room.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cI just can\u2019t believe this!\u201d sputtered Roy, moving through the crowd toward the Judge.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cJudge Whitmore\u2026I\u2019m placing you under arrest for attempted murder, conspiracy and I\u2019m sure I can think of something else!\u201d Roy announced as he led the pair from the courtroom.\u00a0 \u201cYou too, Missy,\u201d Roy ordered the young woman.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cWhat about me?\u201d Little Joe asked, grinning when the sheriff turned around.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cGo home\u2026\u201d Roy called over his shoulder.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cAnd go to bed until I tell you otherwise,\u201d laughed Paul Martin who had been attending court.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe grinned at his brother.\u00a0 Hoss slipped his arm about the slender shoulders as together the brothers moved toward their father.\u00a0 Ben grinned, gently slapping his son\u2019s back.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cThank goodness, this mess is cleared up!\u201d laughed Ben.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cYes\u2026now all we have to do is to get these papers to Governor Nye,\u201d Roop announced.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n He turned to Adam, grinning.\u00a0 \u201cAre you ready to ride to Carson City, Adam?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Before Adam could speak up, Hoss jumped into the conversation.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cWhy don\u2019t ya let me ride with\u2019em, Adam?\u00a0 I know you\u2019re bushed\u2026and since everyone in the family has had a hand in helpin\u2019 the Governor, I\u2019d sure like to do my part.\u00a0 How about it?\u201d Hoss said, practically begging his brother to be a part.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam seemed to be thinking, but he looked into the waiting blue eyes and smiled.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cSure\u2026you just make sure that Mr. Roop\u2026and those papers, get to Carson City by in the morning\u2026you best be going\u2026it\u2019s a long ride.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cMornin\u2019?\u201d Hoss stammered.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cThat\u2019s right, Governor Nye will be waiting\u2026it\u2019s vital that he has these papers by then\u2026what\u2019s wrong, Hoss, change your mind?\u201d snickered Adam.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hoss puckered up his mouth and swallowed hard.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cNaw, I ain\u2019t changed my mind, but it\u2019s already past lunch\u2026ain\u2019t I got time to eat?\u201d he murmured.\u00a0 \u201cI ain\u2019t so sure I can ride that far on an empty stomach.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Behind him, Ben and Joe were snickering.\u00a0 Joe winked at Adam.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cWe\u2019ve all made sacrifices, Big Brother\u2026now it\u2019s your turn\u2026I\u2019m sure the Governor will buy you supper, once he has the papers,\u201d laughed Joe.\u00a0 \u201cAt least he promised to buy me supper when I got there\u2026at the finest restaurant in town.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hoss\u2019 eyes took on a hopeful glow as he nodded his head.\u00a0 \u201cWell, if\u2019n that\u2019s the case, I reckon I can wait a while longer to eat\u2026but it\u2019s gonna cost\u2019em!\u201d he declared.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cIn that case, shall we go?\u201d Roop suggested.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n He turned to Joe, offering his hand.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cThank you young man\u2026for everything.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe shook hands with the friendly man.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cIt was nothing,\u201d smiled Joe.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cNothing?\u00a0 You were practically killed\u2026you came close to going to prison\u2026and you call that nothing?\u201d the man stammered.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cI was only doing what any law-abiding man would do\u2026besides, it was the principle of the thing, those men needed to be stopped\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cPrinciples\u2026hmm,\u201d muttered Hoss, \u201cI ain\u2019t so sure about them sometimes, Shortshanks\u2026they could get ya killed\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cHoss\u2026I said I was sorry for doubting you\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cAw shucks, kid,\u201d laughed Hoss, \u201cI know that, it\u2019s just\u2026just\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cPrinciples\u2026a man has to live by the principles he was taught to believe in, and that\u2019s exactly what you were doing,\u201d Joe said, slipping his arm about the bigger man\u2019s shoulders.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cYeah, just like Pa taught us to do\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cJust promise me one thing though, will ya?\u201d laughed Joe, trying to look serious.\u00a0 \u201cNext time I\u2019m on the run, come alone\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cAw\u2026dadburnit, Little Joe\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n The men behind them laughed, though in the days that had passed, Joe\u2019s being gun down had been anything but funny.\u00a0 Ben glanced around at his boys, silently thanking his Maker that all three had weathered the storm and had emerged better men.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n The End\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 January 2005<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Summary:\u00a0 Caught in the middle of a family argument turned ugly and having to face his own\u00a0irate father, Joe bears the blunt of both family’s wrath.\u00a0 He isn’t the only one who learns something from the experience.<\/p>\n Rated:\u00a0 PG Deals with domestic violence (6,250 words)<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":9052,"featured_media":10210,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"template-full-width-post.php","format":"standard","meta":{"_jetpack_newsletter_access":"","_jetpack_dont_email_post_to_subs":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_tier_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paywalled_content":false,"_jetpack_feature_clip_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":"","jetpack_publicize_message":"","jetpack_publicize_feature_enabled":true,"jetpack_social_post_already_shared":false,"jetpack_social_options":{"image_generator_settings":{"template":"highway","default_image_id":0,"font":"","enabled":false},"version":2},"jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false,"_members_access_role":[],"_members_access_error":""},"categories":[23,1008],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-12299","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-drama","category-family","wpcat-23-id","wpcat-1008-id"],"jetpack_publicize_connections":[],"jetpack_likes_enabled":true,"jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/12\/serious-Hoss.jpg?fit=269%2C298&ssl=1","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/12299","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=12299"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/12299\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/10210"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=12299"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=12299"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=12299"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}