{"id":12319,"date":"2005-10-01T17:30:45","date_gmt":"2005-10-01T21:30:45","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=12319"},"modified":"2025-02-27T12:10:37","modified_gmt":"2025-02-27T17:10:37","slug":"thats-how-it-felt-by-debbieb","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=12319","title":{"rendered":"That’s How it Felt (by DebbieB)"},"content":{"rendered":"

Summary:<\/strong>\u00a0A revengeful young man seeks out the Cartwrights. One of them is doomed to be hung, but which one and why?<\/p>\n

Rated:<\/strong>\u00a0 PG 13 for mild violence\u00a0 (12,840 words)<\/p>\n

That’s How it Felt<\/strong><\/p>\n

From the ridge, the young man watched as the Cartwrights moved about their yard doing odd chores that called for their attention. Ben and his three sons were totally unaware that they were being observed as they went about their business, gently teasing one another and enjoying the crisp cool day.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhen we\u2019re finished with these chores, boys, how does a cool mug of beer sound to you?\u201d Ben said as he straightened his back, groaning softly.<\/p>\n

\u201cSounds fine with me, you buying, Pa?\u201d Joe asked, glancing around and winking at Hoss.<\/p>\n

\u201cI thought it was your turn, Joe,\u201d Adam hurried to question.<\/p>\n

He had seen the wink that Joe thought he had given to their middle brother thinking he was unobserved, and was quick to pick up the teasing game.<\/p>\n

\u201cCome to think of it,\u201d Ben said, with a quick look at Adam, \u201cI do believe it is Joe\u2019s turn.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNaw\u2026can\u2019t be!\u201d Joe suddenly jerked around to find his family laughing at him. He sighed deeply, \u201cWhew\u2026for a minute there, I thought you were serious!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWe are\u2026\u201d Adam said sternly.<\/p>\n

Joe puckered up his mouth and returned to his work.<\/p>\n

\u201cThen I guess I\u2019ll just have to stay here and have\u2026milk and cookies\u2026\u201d The younger man tried not to look up, pretending to be busy.<\/p>\n

\u201cAw\u2026Joe\u2026ya ain\u2019t gotta stay here\u2026\u2019sides, milk and cookies is for boys\u2026\u201d grumbled Hoss.<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, what do you think he is\u2026he certainly isn\u2019t full grown\u2026yet\u2026and besides, he\u2019s too young for beer\u2026\u201d Ben chirped.<\/p>\n

Joe could stand it no longer; he raised his head and spun around to face his father and brothers. The look on his young face caused the others to laugh out loud.<\/p>\n

\u201cI might be younger than you three, but I do as much work around here as any of you\u2026and sometimes more\u2026and I\u2019m plenty old enough to drink beer\u2026I\u2019ve been drinking beer since I was fourteen and\u2026.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cFourteen, you say?\u201d Ben said; his expression suddenly turned to a deep frown\u2026though his youngest son was as yet still unaware that the expression was mock.<\/p>\n

Joe swallowed, realizing he has spoken hastily. His grin was sickly and lopsided.<\/p>\n

\u201cWell\u2026I mean\u2026ere\u2026not really fourteen, Pa,\u201d he stammered, \u201cmore like fifteen\u2026maybe it was sixteen\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben\u2019s smile spread across his face. \u201cI was only funning with you son\u2026I remember the first time you had a beer\u2026you were thirteen and I caught you with it in the barn\u2026you and Mitch Devlin if memory serves me correctly.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI remember that,\u201d snickered Adam in his all-knowing way. \u201cYou were sick for days afterward and swore an oath that if Pa wouldn\u2019t thrash you, you\u2019d never take another drink of beer for as long as you live\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

Hoss snickered. Joe cut his narrowed eyes around at his middle brother.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat are you laughing at? I remember a few times that you came home pretty well soused!\u201d Joe snapped.<\/p>\n

\u201cAlright, alright\u2026\u201d laughed Ben as he moved to slip his arm about his youngest son\u2019s shoulders. \u201cI think you\u2019re plenty old enough now to have a beer\u2026so, I\u2019m buying. Let\u2019s call it a day and get cleaned up\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m halfway to the house now!\u201d bellowed Hoss has he laid aside his work and raced Joe, who had set off toward the house at a run, to be the first one to use the bathtub!<\/p>\n

The man on the hillside watched for a moment longer and turned his mount toward Virginia City. He\u2019d be waiting\u2026much like he\u2019d been waiting for the last two years\u2026it was nearing the time and he wanted everything to be perfect.
\n\u201cNot much excitement here tonight,\u201d Hoss grumbled as he downed the last drops of frothy ale.<\/p>\n

The four Cartwrights sat together at a table in the center of the room. There were a few patrons at the bar and a few more cowboys scattered about the room. In the furthermost, darkest corner of the saloon, sat a lone man, watching, waiting, and plotting. He was the same man that had for hours sat upon the hill a short distance from the main house watching patiently the family who now sat in the center of the room.<\/p>\n

\u201cJoe,\u201d Ben said, setting aside his half empty mug.<\/p>\n

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

\u201cI want you to ride over to Gold Hill in the morning and check out the mining operations there. It shouldn\u2019t take you too long, you\u2019ll be home by suppertime,\u201d Ben issued.<\/p>\n

\u201cAlright, Pa\u2026but what about that herd of horses you wanted me to move?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHoss and Adam can do it for you,\u201d Ben said, glancing at his two older sons. \u201cI have to ride back into town tomorrow and talk to Walter Clifton about that parcel of land he\u2019s been trying to sell me.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben finished off his beer and stood up.<\/p>\n

\u201cGuess we\u2019d best head home, tomorrow\u2019s another long day and I\u2019m bushed,\u201d sighed the tired father.<\/p>\n

Hoss shoved back his chair and plopped his hat onto his head and waited for Joe and Adam to do the same.<\/p>\n

Ben tossed some coins onto the table and led the way to the door. Unnoticed by any of the Cartwrights, the man in the dark corner rose as well and waited until the family of four were out the door before he slipped quietly to the entrance and watched as Ben and his sons mounted up and rode off down the street.<\/p>\n

The stranger smiled. \u201cTomorrow\u2026I\u2019ll put phase one of my plan into effect.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cDid you say something, cowboy?\u201d Betty, one of the barmaids asked as she sashayed along side the handsome stranger. She was tall and lean with dancing eyes and a well-endowed bosom that she didn\u2019t mind showing off.<\/p>\n

The mysterious man glanced down at the scantly dressed woman and smiled. \u201cI was just muttering to myself,\u201d he said softly, taking the lady by the hand and leading her away from the door. \u201cCan I buy you a drink, ma\u2019am?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSure handsome,\u201d giggled Betty.
\n\u201cYou take care, son,\u201d Ben warned gently in his fatherly manner.<\/p>\n

He smiled up at his youngest son who was mounted and ready to go.<\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t worry, Pa, I can\u2019t manage all by myself,\u201d Joe laughed with a broad grin.<\/p>\n

He knew how his father worried about him. He supposed it was natural, but, after all, pondered Joe, I am twenty years old and certainly old enough to take care of myself. He let the over protectiveness tone of his father\u2019s voice go without further comment.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll see you at supper,\u201d Joe called as he spurred his mount into a lively gait.<\/p>\n

Ben waved goodbye and then turned to see Adam and Hoss leading their horses out of the barn.<\/p>\n

\u201cShortshanks gone already?\u201d Hoss asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cYes\u2026I hope that boy is careful\u2026\u201d Ben muttered as if talking to himself.<\/p>\n

\u201cAw\u2026shucks Pa, Joe can take care of himself\u2026besides, he\u2019s just riding over to Gold Hill to check on the mines\u2026surely he can\u2019t get into too much trouble\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

Behind him, Adam snickered. \u201cWanna bet?\u201d he jeered as he swung his long legs over his saddle.<\/p>\n

\u201cNo!\u201d chuckled Ben. \u201cBest get a move on, you have horses to move and I\u2019ve a man to see!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSee you tonight, Pa,\u201d Hoss called as he followed Adam from the yard.
\nBen had spent more time in town than he had actually planned too. Once he had finished his business with Walter Clifton, he had stopped by the sheriff\u2019s office to visit his old friend, Roy Coffee, now acting sheriff. They spent more than an hour having a late lunch at Daisy\u2019s Kitchen and by the time that Ben finally pushed back his chair and announced the he needed to get home, the better part of the day was gone.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s a long ride back to the ranch, Roy, I\u2019d best be going\u2026those boy\u2019s of mine will be wondering where on earth I\u2019m at\u2026\u201d he snickered.<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, just tell\u2019em ya old enough to look out for yourself,\u201d the sheriff laughed. \u201cTake care, Ben and tell them young\u2019ns I said \u2018howdy\u2019.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll do it, Roy\u2026see you around\u2026oh\u2026and thanks for the lunch!\u201d
\nThough Ben had been in a hurry to start for home, the late afternoon was so nice that he found himself riding a bit slow and enjoying the landscape around him. He had reached the crossroads, dividing the roads from Carson City, Gold Hill and Virginia City and had paused, wondering whether or not his youngest son had gotten home and what news had he carried with him of the mine operations there. As he gently urged Buck to continue on, Ben heard his name being shouted and turned to see a man riding hell-bent toward him. Buck was brought to an immediate stop as Ben waited for the stranger to reach him.<\/p>\n

\u201cMR. CARTWIGHT! MR. CARTWRIGHT!\u201d the young man shouted as he yanked back on his reins, causing his hard breathing mount to raise his front hooves into the air. The horse whipped around in a circle as the rider clung tightly to remain in the saddle.<\/p>\n

\u201cAre you Ben Cartwright?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYes I am\u2026what on earth is wrong? Who are you?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cMy name\u2019s Howard\u2026Howie\u2026Brunette, Mr. Cartwright\u2026and I\u2019m a friend of your son\u2019s\u2026ere\u2026Little Joe\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cJoe?\u201d pondered Ben aloud. \u201cI don\u2019t think I\u2019ve heard my son mention you\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo\u2026probably not, sir\u2026we only met a couple of months ago\u2026when he was over in Gold Hill\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHe was there today\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYes, sir\u2026and that\u2019s why I\u2019ve stopped you. I ran into Joe a ways back\u2026over near the road to Gold Hill, he was on his way to\u2026Carson City\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cCarson City? Why for heaven\u2019s sake?\u201d Ben practically shouted. \u201cHis business was in Gold Hill.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYes sir, I know\u2026he told me, but Joe had his head set on going\u2026something to do with the business he was on\u2026mine operations I think he said. He asked me if I wanted to ride along with him, so I did\u2026as far as Washoe\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWASHOE! Good grief, that place isn\u2019t anything but a ghost town\u2026and has been for nearly two years!\u201d grumbled Ben.<\/p>\n

\u201cMr. Cartwright\u2026you need to come with me\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cCome with you\u2026what on earth for\u2026and where is Joe now?\u201d Ben was quickly losing his temper; Joe seemed to be doing everything except what he was sent to do.<\/p>\n

\u201cJust come with me, sir, and I\u2019ll explain on the way\u2026we need to hurry, Mr. Cartwright\u2026please,\u201d Howie said, sounding very near to begging Ben to come along.<\/p>\n

Sighing, Ben gave in and rode along with his son\u2019s friend.<\/p>\n

\u201cNow will you please explain\u2026why are we going to Washoe and what\u2019s become of my son?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cLike I said, Mr. Cartwright, I was riding along with Joe\u2026when his horse stumbled and Joe was thrown off\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cDear God!\u201d Ben said, appalled at the thought that his son might be hurt badly. \u201cWhere\u2019s Joe now\u2026is he alright?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHe\u2019s not hurt badly, sir\u2026but he needed to lay down, and\u2026well\u2026Washoe was the nearest place we could think of, so I took him there. He\u2019s stove up a bit\u2026but he asked me to fetch you\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOf course\u2026come on, let\u2019s hurry,\u201d Ben said as he kicked his horse into a fast pace.<\/p>\n

The pair rode steadily until they reached the outskirts of the town. Ben slowed his mount to a walk, glancing around at the vacant, run down buildings. Most of the windows had been boarded up. Doors hung on one hinge and banged opened and closed. The overall appearance of the place was depressing and Ben was anxious to find his injured son and take his boy home\u2026away from this frightful place.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhere is he\u2026I don\u2019t see his horse?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI left his horse in the stable\u2026Joe\u2019s in here, Mr. Cartwright,\u201d Howie explained as he
\nslid from his horse and hurried into the building where he and Ben had stopped.<\/p>\n

Ben quickly looped his horse\u2019s reins around the broken down hitching post, paused long enough to glance up at the sign that read, \u2018Sheriff\u2019s Office\u2019 and then hurried inside, concerned about his son.<\/p>\n

\u201cThere,\u201d Howie pointed.<\/p>\n

Ben saw his son\u2019s body lying on an old cot within the confines of a single jail cell. Joe\u2019s body was covered with a blanket and the boy had his face to the wall.<\/p>\n

\u201cJoseph!\u201d muttered Ben softly has he proceeded to his son\u2019s side unaware that Howie remained where he stood.<\/p>\n

Ben knelt down and placed his hands on the form, turning his son\u2019s body over. Stunned to find nothing more than rolled up blankets beneath the top cover, he jerked his head around just in time to see and hear the cell door behind him clang shut. Quickly, Ben stood to his feet, watching as Howie turned the key, locking him in the cell and then backing away.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat\u2019s the meaning of this?\u201d Ben demanded in a gruff tone.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019ll find out soon enough, Mr. Cartwright,\u201d Howie said with a sneer. \u201cHand over your gun,\u201d he ordered, holding out his hand for the weapon.<\/p>\n

His expression changed suddenly and he smiled, showing his even, white teeth as he took the pistol from Ben\u2019s hand.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhere\u2019s Little Joe?\u201d Ben continued in the same tone.<\/p>\n

\u201cOh, don\u2019t worry, sir, he\u2019ll be along in a while\u2026but first, there\u2019s something else I have to do.\u201d<\/p>\n

Howie had filled a bucket with water and went about placing it on a table near the cell, well within Ben\u2019s reach. Along side, he placed a sack, pointing at it as he explained to his prisoner.<\/p>\n

\u201cSo\u2019s you won\u2019t get hungry\u2026enjoy your stay, Mr. Cartwright. Oh, you\u2019ll find a candle and one match\u2026just in case I\u2019m not back by nightfall\u2026oh\u2026use it wisely.\u201d<\/p>\n

Howie turned to go.<\/p>\n

\u201cWait just a minute!\u201d roared Ben. \u201cYou can\u2019t just leave me here\u2026what in blazes is going on young man\u2026who are you\u2026really!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou don\u2019t remember the name\u2026Brunette\u2026Samuel Brunette?\u201d<\/p>\n

The younger man could see that Ben was studying hard, trying to remember where he\u2019d heard the name before\u2026or if in fact he had. Glancing up, Ben shook his head no.<\/p>\n

\u201cI didn\u2019t figure you would\u2026but your boy will remember\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat do you mean by that\u2026how will Joseph know the name\u2026it doesn\u2019t mean a thing to him!\u201d dared Ben as he moved closer to the bars of the cell.<\/p>\n

The younger man\u2019s expression hardened.<\/p>\n

\u201cWell it means something to me\u2026Samuel Brunette was my father\u2026and your son killed him\u2026\u201d Howie made a sneering expression as he glared angrily at his prisoner. \u201cThat\u2019s why you\u2019re here Mr. Cartwright\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t understand\u2026Joseph hasn\u2019t killed anyone\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOh, he didn\u2019t actually kill my father\u2026but he was the eye witness who testified against my father\u2026who by the way was found guilty on your son\u2019s word and then hung! My father was innocent, Mr. Cartwright\u2026just as innocent as you are right now\u2026that\u2019s why someone\u2019s going to\u2026hang\u2026and I\u2019m going to make your boy watch\u2026just like I was forced to do\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

It all came rushing back to him then. Ben remembered; it was almost two years ago\u2026and it happened right here, in Washoe, before the people deserted the town and it was left to become rubble. Joe had been witness to a shooting and had testified against the man\u2026Samuel Brunette\u2026and then the man had been hung. Ben recalled how upset Joe had been when he returned home and told them the story of what happened.<\/p>\n

Seems like Brunette kept yelling that he was innocent, that it was a case of mistaken identity but no one would listen. He\u2019d been tried and sentenced and was being led to the gallows when the convicted man\u2019s son\u2026Ben glanced up at Howie\u2026yes, Howie, had raced into town, firing his gun in all directions, trying to raise a ruckus so that his father could make an escape, but someone had shot back, wounding the boy in the leg.<\/p>\n

Howie had been dragged from his horse, and haul over to a hitching post where he was handcuffed to a steel ring, unable to get free. Joe had suffered nightmares for weeks afterward, hearing again the agonizing screams of the boy, pleading with the sheriff and the hangman, the crowd, anyone who would listen, not to hang his father. Howie had struggled and yanked, pulling on the cuffs and the ring, but it served no purpose; Samuel Brunette was hung in spite of his son\u2019s efforts to save him. It had been a horrid scene, according to Joe, Ben recalled. Joe had been heartsick for weeks over the ordeal.<\/p>\n

Ben raised his eyes to look into the young man\u2019s face, seeing the hate, the pain and the driving force behind the dark hue of the boy\u2019s eyes.<\/p>\n

\u201cJoe was only doing his job\u2026surely you know that?\u201d he said in a softer tone. He could feel his insides quivering but he forced himself to remain calm in hopes of talking some sense into this obviously troubled young man.<\/p>\n

\u201cI know he was the one who caused my father to die\u2026he\u2019s as guilty as the rest of them\u2026and I aim on making him pay for what he did!\u201d<\/p>\n

Howie turned to go. \u201cHe\u2019s gonna watch someone he loves, die\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

With those words burning in Ben\u2019s ears, Howie walked out, shutting the door tightly behind him and leaving his prisoner to ponder his fate.
\nJoe burst through the front door only to find the living room empty.<\/p>\n

\u201cPA!\u201d he shouted as he removed his hat and hung it on the peg behind the door. He glanced around as if expecting his father to appear. \u201cPA!\u201d he shouted a second time.<\/p>\n

Joe untied his holster strap from around his left leg and then unbuckled the belt, careful to wrap it neatly and then placed the gun and holster on the credenza.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat\u2019s all the racket?\u201d Hoss said as he rounded the corner coming face to face with his younger brother.<\/p>\n

\u201cOh hi, Hoss\u2026where\u2019s Pa?\u201d Joe asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cI have no clue\u2026he rode into town early this morning to see Mr. Clifton and he ain\u2019t got back yet,\u201d Hoss explained and then took another big bite of the sandwich he held in his hand.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhere\u2019s Adam?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHe got sorta worried about Pa and decided to ride back to town and see what\u2019s keepin\u2019 him\u2026why, something wrong?\u201d<\/p>\n

Hoss moved to the settee and sat down. His eyes followed his brother through the room until Joe plopped himself down in his father\u2019s favorite chair.<\/p>\n

\u201cNaw\u2026I just had some news on the mines\u2026reckon what\u2019s keeping him in town so long?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAin\u2019t got no ideay, little brother. Say, you hungry\u2026I got more sandwiches made?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThanks, don\u2019t mind if I do\u2026I\u2019m getting a little hollow in the middle,\u201d snickered Joe as he followed Hoss into the kitchen and helped himself to one of the sandwiches that were offered to him.
\nAdam pushed his hat back on his head and started for the door. As he stood on the boardwalk outside of Walter Clifton\u2019s office, he tried to shake the worry that tugged at his thoughts. His father had met with Mr. Clifton earlier that same afternoon, just as Ben had said he was going to. The land deal had been discussed and an agreement had been made. Walter informed Adam that Ben had left around 11:00 AM stating that he was going to the bank to tend to final details and planned on meeting with the sheriff afterwards to have a late lunch.<\/p>\n

Adam took a deep breath, brushing off the uneasy feelings and stepped down from the boarded walkway heading in the direction of the sheriff\u2019s office. He\u2019d only walked a short ways when a man stepped from around the corner of a building into his path. Adam halted his steps immediately.<\/p>\n

\u201cExcuse me,\u201d he said and started around the man.<\/p>\n

The man stood his ground. Adam paused eyeing the man closely\u2026the man was a stranger.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m sorry,\u201d the stranger said at last. \u201cI didn\u2019t mean to catch you off guard\u2026I just need to be sure you were who I was looking for\u2026you are\u2026Adam Cartwright\u2026am I correct?\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam tilted his head back slightly, studying the man.<\/p>\n

\u201cThat depends\u2026who\u2019s asking?\u201d<\/p>\n

The stranger laughed in a light, friendly way. \u201cI\u2019m sorry. My name is Howard\u2026well, Howie\u2026Howie Brunette\u2026does that name mean anything to you, Mr. Cartwright?\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam seemed to be concentrating. He shook his head. \u201cCan\u2019t say that it does, sorry.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOh, that\u2019s alright\u2026I\u2019m really not surprised that your brother didn\u2019t mention me to you\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cMy brother?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYes, Little Joe\u2026he is your brother, isn\u2019t he?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cJoe\u2026yeah,\u201d snickered Adam, relaxing. \u201cYou know the kid?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYes, we met recently. In fact, I was with your brother today\u2026over in Gold Hill\u2026he asked me to give you a message\u2026that\u2019s why I was looking for you\u2026they mentioned at the stables you would probably be in the saloon\u2026I looked there, obviously missing you\u2026I saw you come out of that office there as I was leaving the saloon\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam\u2019s eyes narrowed slightly. \u201cI don\u2019t understand\u2026you say you have a message for me, from Joe?\u201d<\/p>\n

Howie bobbed his head up and down. \u201cYes\u2026he asked me to tell you that he\u2019s riding over to Washoe and asked that you meet him there\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

The expression on Adam\u2019s face turned into a frown. His brows narrowed as he looked confusingly at the young man.<\/p>\n

\u201cIn Washoe? Why on earth does he want me to meet him there\u2026in that God forsaken place?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cMr. Cartwright\u2026Adam\u2026Little Joe didn\u2019t go into a lot of details\u2026he just said to tell you it was important business\u2026something about the mining operations over in Gold Hill and that he needed to speak to you about it very privately\u2026He asked that I ride along with you to show you exactly where he is.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhy didn\u2019t he ask for our father to meet him?\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam pushed back his hat for a second time and pinched the bridge of his nose.<\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t think he wanted to worry your father about this\u2026really, sir\u2026we need to be going, it is getting rather late you know\u2026and Little Joe is waiting\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAlright\u2026I\u2019ll get my horse but I\u2019m telling you\u2026Little Joe better have a darn good explanation for making me ride that far this late and miss my suppertime!\u201d groaned Adam softly as he walked with the stranger towards the stable where he\u2019d left his horse.
\n\u201cDadburnit, Little Joe\u2026where in tarnations is everybody?\u201d grumbled Hoss as he poked at the dying embers in the fireplace. \u201cIt\u2019s plum near ten o\u2019clock!\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe was relaxing on the settee with his feet propped up on the table. He swallowed the bite of apple he\u2019d taken and glanced up from his book to watch Hoss who had begun pacing back and forth.<\/p>\n

\u201cBeats me,\u201d Joe said calmly. \u201cBut I think both Pa and Adam are old enough to take care of themselves or come home when they\u2019re ready.\u201d<\/p>\n

Hoss spun around, showing a look of concern on his rotund face.<\/p>\n

\u201cDangit, Joe\u2026I know that\u2026but it ain\u2019t like Pa to take off and not come home\u2026or at least send word that he ain\u2019t comin\u2019,\u201d Hoss stated matter-of-factly.<\/p>\n

\u201cAw stop your fretting, big brother. Pa probably ran into Adam and they decided to stop off for a beer\u2026they\u2019ll be home directly,\u201d Joe said with assuredly based on years of observing his older family members.<\/p>\n

Hoss scrunched up his face. He rounded the table but stopped in front of Joe. Joe glanced up and smiled, looking very much like a mischievous little boy.<\/p>\n

\u201cYa best not let Pa caught ya with them dirty boots on the furniture, little brother\u2026take ya feet off\u2019n the table.\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe responded quickly; grinning at his older brother in a sickly manner he returned his attention to his book, his feet planted firmly on the floor.
\n\u201cSure is dark,\u201d Adam commented. \u201cWonder why there\u2019s no light?\u201d<\/p>\n

The pair had stopped in front of the sheriff\u2019s office and was securing their horses. Adam glanced around at the surroundings that appeared more grotesque in the fading light.<\/p>\n

\u201cHe\u2019s got a candle\u2026see the glow inside?\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam, still standing next to his horse, glanced at the broken window of the office and saw the soft, faint glow. He looked at the man with him, his mind racing with doubts and wondering how the younger man knew that his brother had a candle. Without mentioning the fact to the newcomer, Adam led the way into the rundown building, pausing in the doorway.<\/p>\n

\u201cJOE!\u201d he called into the darkness.<\/p>\n

\u201cADAM!\u201d came the reply.<\/p>\n

Adam\u2019s eyes must have opened in awe when he realized that the voice was that of his father\u2019s rather than that of his younger brother\u2019s, but had no time to question the fact for he was immediately struck from behind. His sagging body dropped to the floor in a heap at Howie\u2019s feet.<\/p>\n

\u201cADAM!\u201d Ben called from his prison cell.<\/p>\n

Dark angry eyes darted to the stranger\u2019s face.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhy\u2019d you hit him!\u201d Ben demanded furiously.<\/p>\n

Howie pointed his gun at Ben and ordered him to move back, away from the cell door.<\/p>\n

\u201cJust to ensure that I\u2019d have no trouble out of either of you. Now back up,\u201d he instructed.<\/p>\n

Ben watched but did as ordered. Howie placed his pistol back into his holster and leaned down, first removing Adam\u2019s gun, tossing it away and then grabbing Adam\u2019s arms and dragging him over to the cell. He removed the key from his vest pocket, glancing up at Ben.<\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t try anything Mr. Cartwright\u2026or I\u2019ll kill him right in front of your eyes\u2026understand?\u201d he instructed as he put the key into the lock.<\/p>\n

\u201cI understand,\u201d Ben grumbled.<\/p>\n

He watched as Adam was pulled into the cell and laid at his feet. Howie backed out of the jail cell, keeping his eyes on his prisoner as he shut and relocked the door.<\/p>\n

Ben squatted down, gathering Adam into his arms and inspecting the lump that had risen quickly on the back of his son\u2019s head.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou didn\u2019t have to hit him so hard!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAw\u2026he\u2019ll live\u2026for a while that is!\u201d snickered Howie.<\/p>\n

Ben turned blazing eyes toward the young man.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat do you mean by that?\u201d he demanded.<\/p>\n

\u201cSomeone\u2019s going to die\u2026or have you forgotten?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI haven\u2019t forgotten\u2026but Adam had nothing to do with your father\u2019s death\u2026none of us did\u2026not even Joe. Your father\u2019s death was of his own making\u2026not ours,\u201d Ben said.<\/p>\n

Adam groaned and began coming around.<\/p>\n

\u201cMy father was innocent\u2026or have you forgotten that?\u201d growled Ben\u2019s captor.<\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s only your opinion!\u201d surmised Ben.<\/p>\n

\u201cPa?\u201d moaned Adam.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m here son\u2026are you alright?\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben helped Adam to sit up. Adam rubbed the back of his head, glancing first at the man who had hit him and then at his father.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat\u2019s this all about?\u201d he asked weakly.<\/p>\n

\u201cLet\u2019s get you on the cot, then I\u2019ll explain,\u201d Ben said, helping Adam to his feet and over to the narrow cot where he helped Adam to sit down.<\/p>\n

\u201cThis\u2026man\u2026\u201d Ben said pointing at Howie.<\/p>\n

He paused, stunned to see that the man in question had disappeared.<\/p>\n

\u201cHe\u2019s gone!\u201d muttered Ben.<\/p>\n

He turned back to Adam and tried to explain.<\/p>\n

\u201cWho is he, Pa?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHis name\u2019s Howard Brunette\u2026calls himself Howie\u2026and he aims on killing one of us\u2026or all of us\u2026I\u2019m not sure,\u201d Ben explained as he sat down next to Adam on the lone cot.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhy\u2026who is he?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSeems he\u2019s the disenchanted son of a man Little Joe testified against in a murder trial about two years ago. He claims that his father was innocent and that Joe\u2019s testimony was what got him hung\u2026the trial took place right here\u2026in Washoe,\u201d Ben explained.<\/p>\n

\u201cHmm\u2026Brunette\u2026I think I remember that now\u2026Joe was really torn up over that trial,\u201d Adam replied.<\/p>\n

\u201cYes\u2026and now Samuel Brunette\u2019s son is planning revenge and intends to kill one of us and force your younger brother to watch.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThen that means that Hoss is probably next\u2026\u201d mumbled Adam.<\/p>\n

Father and son exchanged worrisome looks. Ben swallowed hard; Adam sighed deeply and leaned back against the wall.<\/p>\n

\u201cGuess all we can do right now is wait,\u201d he muttered.<\/p>\n

Ben stood up and walked to the window, looking out into the blackness of night that had quickly descended upon them.<\/p>\n

\u201cI reckon so\u2026and pray\u2026\u201d the worried father whispered.
\n\u201cI don\u2019t know about you\u2026but I\u2019m going to bed,\u201d Joe said as he stood and stretched.<\/p>\n

He glanced down at Hoss who sat staring at nothing.<\/p>\n

\u201cHoss?\u201d<\/p>\n

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

\u201cI said I\u2019m going to bed,\u201d Joe repeated. \u201cHow about you?\u201d<\/p>\n

Hoss let a long sigh slip through his lips and then stood up, glancing with a troubled expression at his younger brother.<\/p>\n

\u201cLook Hoss, Pa and Adam are fine\u2026they\u2019ll be home when they\u2019re ready\u2026they\u2019re big boys\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

Hoss grinned and relaxed some. \u201cI reckon so; you go ahead up, I\u2019ll turn the lamps down and bed down this here fire and then I\u2019ll be up,\u201d Hoss assured his brother.<\/p>\n

Joe\u2019s lips made a pinched, lopsided grin. \u201cAlright Hoss,\u201d he said as he squeezed Hoss thick arm, \u201ctry not to worry.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll try,\u201d replied the gentle giant in a soft voice.<\/p>\n

Joe turned away. As he did so, he missed the way in which his brother\u2019s smile died and then disappeared.
\nThe next morning, Joe rose to a quiet, still house. As he slipped on his trousers and glanced out the window, he saw that the sun was well up and that the barn door was opened slightly.<\/p>\n

Quickly he dunned his shirt, grabbing his boots as he hurried from his room.<\/p>\n

\u201cPA!\u201d he called from the top of the stairs.<\/p>\n

\u201cHOSS! WHERE IS EVERYBODY?\u201d<\/p>\n

Taking just a moment to shove his feet into his boots before descending the stairs, he remained puzzled by the stillness within the house. Joe glanced back down the hallway, still, as if pondering a thought. He hurried to Hoss\u2019 room and pushed opened the door, not totally surprised to see the room empty. As he turned to go, his eyes caught sight of the neatly made bed.<\/p>\n

\u201cHmm\u2026\u201d he murmured.<\/p>\n

\u201cAdam?\u201d he said, tapping lightly on his older brother\u2019s door.<\/p>\n

Joe figured it was too late in the morning for his older brother to still be in bed but he felt inclined to peek inside. Adam\u2019s bed had obviously not been slept in either. With growing concern, Joe rushed from the room and without bothering to knock, shoved opened his father\u2019s door. A loud gasp filled the stillness within Ben\u2019s bedroom, his bed showed no signs that it had been used.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhere is everyone?\u201d Joe asked himself.<\/p>\n

\u201cHOP SING!\u201d shouted Joe, running from the room and down the steps.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhy you shout? Hop Sing not deef\u2026\u201d grumbled Hop Sing as he scampered into the main room.<\/p>\n

The cook wore a white apron tied about his waist. His face was dotted with white flour and the expression he wore caused the youngest Cartwright to grin.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m sorry Hop Sing\u2026but where is everyone\u2026it doesn\u2019t look as if anyone slept in their beds last night,\u201d stated Joe.<\/p>\n

\u201cHop Sing not know\u2026Mr. Ben and Mr. Adam\u2026they no come home last night and Mister Hoss leave in middle of night\u2026I cook, food get cold\u2026slave over hot stove\u2026no body here\u2026not bother tell Hop Sing\u2026Hop Sing quit and go back China where he have more respect. Cartwrights no respect Hop Sing\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI respect you Hop Sing,\u201d Joe said as he tried to mask his worries with a smile. \u201cI\u2019m hungry too\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cToo late\u2026Hop Sing feed breakfast to hogs\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cTo the hogs? Golly Hop Sing\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe noted the expression on the little cook\u2019s face suddenly looked anxious.<\/p>\n

\u201cLittle Joe go find family?\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe had moved to the credenza where he began buckling on his gun belt. His worried expression apparently had not gone unnoticed by the faithful servant. He nodded his head.<\/p>\n

\u201cYes, Hop Sing\u2026I\u2019m going to look for them. It isn\u2019t like Pa to stay away this long without sending word\u2026and Adam seems to have disappeared into thin air.\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe slipped into his jacket and reached for his hat.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat about Mr. Hoss?\u201d<\/p>\n

Once he had his hat in place, Joe squeezed Hop Sing\u2019s shoulder, attempting to put the man\u2019s fears to rest.<\/p>\n

\u201cI have an idea that Hoss is out searching for Pa and Adam right now. He was pretty worried last night, I should have paid attention to him. If he comes back and I\u2019m not here, tell him I\u2019m looking for them, will you Hop Sing?\u201d<\/p>\n

Hop Sing\u2019s head bobbed up and down as he stood at the door watching Joe leave.<\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t you disappear, Lit\u2019le Joe\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe paused and turned, smiling at his friend.<\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t worry, I won\u2019t\u2026and I\u2019ll find them Hop Sing\u2026you just fix an extra special supper for tonight\u2026.see ya,\u201d he called as he swung into the saddle and disappeared around the corner of the barn.
\nHoss felt as if he\u2019d been on the trail for hours. After riding into town early that morning and having a talk with the sheriff which confirmed that he and Ben had a late lunch the day before and that Ben had said he was headed for home, Hoss was more confused than ever. A short visit to Mr. Clifton\u2019s office proved only one thing, that Adam had stopped by, looking for his father.<\/p>\n

So where were they, Hoss pondered thoughtfully. He had retraced his steps going almost all the way back to the forks of the road. As he sat alone in the hot sun, Hoss decided to make the short trek the rest of the way back to the forks and start from there, hoping to pick up some clue as to which way his father might have gone. The concerned young man was hoping that once he found his father, he\u2019d find his older brother as well, for deep down inside himself, Hoss felt as if the two were together.<\/p>\n

Carefully Hoss inspected the tracks that he\u2019d found. For certain, his father had been there for in the dirt were the telltale tracks of his father\u2019s horse\u2019s print. The unmistakable nick in the iron shoe left no doubt to Hoss that his father had come this way and been joined by another rider. The tracks took a different direction, leading away rather than back to the ranch. Uncertain as to why his father might have taken another route, Hoss mounted up and began following the signs left embedded in the dirt.<\/p>\n

He hadn\u2019t ridden far when the tracks told him that once again his father and the unknown rider had made yet another detour. Hoss stopped long enough to take a long swig of the cool water in his canteen. He knew the unknown rider wasn\u2019t Adam, for the print wore a different shoe than what Ponderosa horses wore. Who was the man riding with his father\u2026and for that matter, where in blazes was Adam?<\/p>\n

\u201cOnly place in this direction, Chubby is Washoe. Now why would ya reckon Pa would want to go there?\u201d mumbled Hoss more to himself than to his horse. \u201cCome on, boy\u2026giddy-up\u201d Hoss said, nudging his mount into action.<\/p>\n

Howie watched from his hiding place behind the old stable as Hoss rode slowly into town. It would take some doing, he thought to himself, to lure Hoss into the office where the middle Cartwright\u2019s father and older brother were being held in the locked cell. He\u2019d given it just enough consideration to determine that he\u2019d allow Hoss to snoop around a bit and then find his missing family members in the jail. He\u2019d go now down to the sheriff\u2019s and hide in the back room, promising Ben Cartwright that if he gave his hiding place away and warned his middle son that he was lurking behind the other door, he\u2019d shoot to kill the big man right before the senior Cartwright\u2019s eyes\u2026might even kill his oldest son as well if his secret was revealed.<\/p>\n

Quickly, Howie maneuvered his way around the old buildings and through the allies, keeping a watchful eye on Hoss\u2019 progress into the old ghost town. He managed to slip into the jailhouse just as Hoss made his way into the old stable. Howie knew it would be a matter of time before the big man found them, once he\u2019d spotted his family\u2019s horses stabled in the barn.<\/p>\n

From their jail cell, Ben and Adam looked up as Howie quietly opened and closed the door. Ben stood up and moved to the bars that separated him from his captor. Howie glanced at the older man and then smiled.<\/p>\n

\u201cYour boy\u2019s comin\u2019 Mr. Cartwright.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben cast an anxious glance at Adam who had suddenly risen and joined his father.<\/p>\n

\u201cJoseph?\u201d Ben asked, fully expecting it to be his youngest son.<\/p>\n

\u201cNaw,\u201d snarled Howie as he watched through the window, keeping track on Hoss\u2019 whereabouts. \u201cThe big one\u2026Horse\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHoss\u2026\u201d muttered Ben correcting his captor.<\/p>\n

Howie turned around to glare at his prisoner.<\/p>\n

\u201cIf you\u2019re aiming on killing a man, the least you can do is get his name right,\u201d Adam said with little emotion in his voice.<\/p>\n

Howie said nothing just turned and continued to watch out the window. Seconds later, he backed into the room.<\/p>\n

\u201cHere he comes,\u201d Howie said, pointing his gun at Adam and Ben. \u201cKeep your traps shut when he comes in or I\u2019ll drop him where he stands\u2026got that?\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben swallowed the hate that had begun to boil up into his throat and nodded his head.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ve got it.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou too,\u201d Howie whispered, shaking his gun at Adam.<\/p>\n

Adam said nothing only turned his back to his captor and moved to sit down on the cot. He leaned his back against the wall and watched for the door to open. When it squeaked opened, Ben\u2019s back stiffened and he became more alert.<\/p>\n

\u201cPa?\u201d Hoss said in a whisper-like voice.<\/p>\n

Ben wanted to cry out to warn his son, but he saw Howie give him a warning look and in the eyes of the man who hid, Ben saw the truth. Howie would not hesitate to kill Hoss. Ben was forced to remain silent. He waited with baited breath as Hoss stepped deeper into the dimly lit room.<\/p>\n

\u201cAdam\u2026\u201d Hoss\u2019 voice was low, almost a whisper as he crept cautiously into the office, pistol drawn.<\/p>\n

A movement to his right caught his attention. The big man turned quickly, spying his father and brother locked in the cell.<\/p>\n

\u201cPA! ADAM!\u201d he said loudly, holstering his gun and moving to the cell.<\/p>\n

He placed his thick fingers on the bars of the cell door and shook them with all his strength, unaware of the man behind him. The door was unyielding.<\/p>\n

Ben stepped back. He had yet to utter a word. Adam\u2019s dark eyes moved upward, glancing from his brother\u2019s worried face to the man approaching from behind. More than anything, he yearned to warn his brother, but the loaded pistol in Howie\u2019s hand prevented him from calling out that warning.<\/p>\n

\u201cHold it right there!\u201d<\/p>\n

Hoss felt the pointed barrel of the gun jab deeply into his back. His hands became frozen to the cold cell bars. His body automatically stiffened. Dark, narrowed blue eyes turned to stare at his father\u2019s face that he suddenly realized looked pale and drawn.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat\u2019s goin\u2019 on here?\u201d he asked his father as Howie eased forward and took Hoss\u2019 gun from his holster.<\/p>\n

\u201cThis man\u2026\u201d snarled Ben, \u201cseems determined to murder one of us\u2026and force Joseph to watch,\u201d Ben explained.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat!\u201d Hoss practically shouted.<\/p>\n

He dared himself to turn around and meet the penetrating eyes of the young man who held him at gunpoint.<\/p>\n

\u201cAre you nuts?\u201d Hoss demanded of Howie.<\/p>\n

\u201cSome might think so\u2026here\u2026open the door,\u201d Howie ordered as he tossed the key to Hoss. \u201cYou two\u2026back up against that wall and don\u2019t try anything\u2026or the big man gets it in the gut!\u201d<\/p>\n

Hoss hesitated momentarily until he heard the pistol being cocked.<\/p>\n

\u201cI mean business mister. I care little which of you I kill\u2026now open the door!\u2019<\/p>\n

\u201cDo it Hoss\u2026\u201d Ben issued.<\/p>\n

Hoss\u2019 lips were pinched tightly as he did as instructed.<\/p>\n

\u201cNow get in there with the rest of them!\u201d<\/p>\n

Hoss placed the key in Howie\u2019s outstretched hand and moved to the far wall where he stood with his father and brother. Howie made quick work of shutting and locking the door.<\/p>\n

\u201cHa! So far so good, Mr. Cartwright!\u201d he taunted. \u201cNow\u2026all I have to do is wait\u2026Joseph will be along soon\u2026and then\u2026one of you will die\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

Howie laughed loudly at the stunned expression on his prisoners\u2019 faces and then walked out of the office, slamming the door behind him.<\/p>\n

Adam watched out the window as their keeper rode out of town. Hoss turned to his father.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat in blazes is goin\u2019 on, Pa\u2026who is that man and why on earth has he got us all locked up in here?\u201d Hoss wanted to know. \u201cAnd what\u2019s he mean he\u2019s gonna kill one of us and make Little Joe watch\u2026what\u2019d we ever do to\u2019em anyways?\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben sighed deeply, worried. \u201cIt\u2019s a long story, son. Let\u2019s sit down and I\u2019ll try to explain it to you.\u201d
\nJoe tied his mount up in front of Roy Coffee\u2019s office and stepped onto the boardwalk. Just then the door to the office opened and Roy stepped out into the mid-morning sun.<\/p>\n

\u201cWell howdy, Little Joe, what brings you into town so early in the day?\u201d Roy said greeting his best friend\u2019s youngest son.<\/p>\n

\u201cHowdy, Roy,\u201d answered Little Joe. \u201cI\u2019m looking for Pa and Adam\u2026you haven\u2019t seen them have you?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cLookin\u2019 for Ben\u2026and Adam ya say? Hmm\u2026why\u2019s that?\u201d asked Roy.<\/p>\n

\u201cCause\u2026neither of them came home last night\u2026and\u2026\u201d Joe hesitated, feeling a little silly for being such a worrier.<\/p>\n

\u201cDidn\u2019t come home? That\u2019s funny.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhy?\u201d questioned Joe.<\/p>\n

\u201cCause, last time I seen ya pa was late yesterday afternoon. We had lunch over at Daisy\u2019s and then he said he had to get home. I figured he done just that,\u201d explained the sheriff.<\/p>\n

\u201cWell he didn\u2019t make it home, Roy\u2026and to be honest, I\u2019m getting a bit worried. Hoss said Adam went to look for him last night and now he\u2019s missing. Hoss and I just figured maybe Adam met up with Pa and they decided to stay in town last night, but then this morning, I get up and Hoss is gone. Hop Sing said he left late last night after I went to bed, so I reckoned he went looking\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd now Hoss is missing as well?\u201d Roy said as he rubbed his opened hand across his chin.<\/p>\n

Joe sighed deeply. \u201cYeah\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s strange. But I know for a fact Ben was headed home, Joe, I watched him ride out of town. As for Adam or Hoss, I ain\u2019t seen hide nor hair of neither of them. What are you aimin\u2019 on doin\u2019?\u201d he asked as Joe had turned to mount up.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m going to back track, Roy and see if I can pick up a trail.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou want I should ride along with you?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo\u2026but thanks, Roy. If I don\u2019t find something soon, I\u2019ll be back and then we\u2019ll get a search party to help out. Say, if you happen to see either Pa, Adam or Hoss\u2026will you tell them I\u2019m looking for them and to please stay put!\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe smiled as if to make light of the situation but in fact he didn\u2019t find a thing funny about his family\u2019s disappearance. Fear had filled nearly every fiber of his being and he didn\u2019t like the dark feeling of doom that had settled about him.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll tell\u2019em Little Joe, you just be careful, ya hear?\u201d called Roy as Joe rode off.<\/p>\n

Joe tossed his hand up into the air in acknowledgement and retraced his path out of town. For several miles he rode until he reached the same forks that Hoss had. There he slid down from the saddle and studied the ground with great care.<\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s Buck\u2019s track, Cooch,\u201d he muttered to his pinto. \u201cI know cause of that nick in his shoe\u2026and there\u2019s Chubb\u2019s deep print\u2026and there\u2019s a couple more horses. Could be Adam\u2019s, might not\u2026but who is the fourth man?\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe glanced up to scan the horizon and then swung into his saddle.<\/p>\n

\u201cOnly one way to find out ole boy, let\u2019s ride.\u201d<\/p>\n

An hour later, Joe sat at the edge of Washoe taking in the entire main street. Nothing seemed out of order, if one could put order to a ghost town that is. Haunting memories of his past and the long weary days spent there nearly two years ago came back to shuffle their way through his thoughts. Those thoughts left him feeling disturbed and troubled. Why on earth would his father come to Washoe? His father knew of the trial where he\u2019d had to testify against a man charged with murder. Ben knew too of the incident involving the accused man\u2019s son and of the nightmares that Joe suffered long afterwards.<\/p>\n

The fine hairs on the back of Joe\u2019s neck rose suddenly and he shivered as if he were cold.<\/p>\n

\u201cSomething\u2019s not right, Cooch,\u201d he said in a whispered voice. \u201cThey\u2019re here\u2026I can feel it in my bones\u2026but where\u2026and more importantly, why?\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe nudged his horse forward, walking Cochise at a slow pace as man and rider made their way cautiously into town. Joe stayed to the middle of the street and scanned his surroundings, making a mental note of each run down building. He had followed the tracks as far as the dilapidated stable, noting that the horse\u2019s tracks ended at the closed door. Joe had no need to see inside, he knew his father\u2019s horse and Hoss\u2019 horse were just on the opposite side of the shut door.<\/p>\n

In front of the stable, which was at the further most end of town, Joe dismounted and led his mount down an ally and left him. Lacing the reins around a post, Joe petted the end of Cochise\u2019s long velvety nose.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou stay put,\u201d he whispered.<\/p>\n

Nearing the window of the stable, Joe rubbed a clean spot on the dirty glass and peered inside. It was as he thought, stabled inside was not only his father and Hoss\u2019 mounts, but Adam\u2019s as well. A fourth horse that Joe did not recognize was stabled there with the others. He moved slowly along the side of the building, keeping his back flat against the walls to make his self as small as possible, least someone be lurking around the corners.<\/p>\n

Joe checked each building as best he could as he worked his way down one side of the street, always keeping to the shadows, always watchful, and always fearful of what he might find behind the next closed door.<\/p>\n

His heart raced, sweat beads had begun to collect on his brow and run down his forehead into his eyes. Where were they? The question beckoned to him a hundred times a minute it seemed to the apprehensive stalker. Joe stopped to catch his breath. It was then that he heard the squeaking of a board. With eyes wide and ears listening intently, Joe ventured a peek around the corner of a building. Nothing! His hungry eyes traveled up one side of the street and back down the other for as far as he could see.<\/p>\n

The entire place gave him the creeps. It was here that he\u2019d given testimony against a man and it was here that the man had been found guilty and hung\u2026on his words alone. Joe shuddered and glanced again at the empty street. All was still, but Joe knew, deep in his gut, that his father and Adam and Hoss were here\u2026they were that bonded that when one was in trouble the others sensed it; and Joe felt that sense now.<\/p>\n

He had worked his way down about halfway when he stopped suddenly. Across the street and directly in front of him was the old blacksmith shop. A tattered and worn fragment of a rope dangled from a beam high over the opened door. The sight sent a shivering rush of cold chills down the young man\u2019s spine. It was from that very beam that the man had been hung. Joe swallowed trying to wash down the dry feeling that had formed in his throat. His nightmares flashed before his opened eyes. He squeezed his eyes tightly shut, forcing the visions from his mind and his thoughts.<\/p>\n

Whatever it was that drew his attention to the vacant sheriff\u2019s office, Joe could only wonder. But he felt impelled to go there, as if drawn by some unforeseen force. His hand trembled only slightly as pulled his .45 from it\u2019s holster and held it down to his side and began the slow trek toward the partly opened door. Only God knew what was waiting on the other side of that door, but Joe was determined to find out for himself.<\/p>\n

The ominous stillness that engulfed the whole town gave Joe the creeps. It was as if it were almost too quiet\u2026too still, unnatural. He paused for a moment, looking back over his shoulder and taking note of the fact that not even one bird could be heard chirping. Odd he thought, for the hour. A gentle breeze blew sending the scent of pine and wild lavender into the air amid the dust particles that floated in the air.<\/p>\n

With his back pressed firmly against the wall, Joe pushed the door to the sheriff\u2019s office opened. It squeaked softly, sounding loud in the quiet that seemed deafening. Slowly, Joe inched his way forward until he was well within the room. The lighting was dim within, thus forcing Joe to wait a moment to allow his eyes to adjust to the interior. A sound behind him caused to Joe to swirl around. His mouth formed a perfect O at the sight of seeing his family locked behind the bars of the old jail cell. Quickly, he holstered his gun but before he could make a move, he was hit from behind.<\/p>\n

The youngest Cartwright\u2019s body slumped to the floor in a heap at Howie\u2019s feet. A small dot of blood appeared in Joe\u2019s hair as Howie holstered his gun. He snickered as he glanced over at Ben and his two sons who had moved to stand side by side against the bars, staring helplessly at the youngster lying on the floor.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou bastard,\u201d muttered Adam.<\/p>\n

Howie\u2019s eyes turned dark but he said nothing. Instead he pulled from his back pocket a set of handcuffs that he clicked tightly around Joe\u2019s wrists and then pulled the Cartwright\u2019s gun from his holster.<\/p>\n

\u201cCall me names if it makes you feel better,\u201d Howie said, straightening up, \u201cmakes no difference to me what you call me\u2026doesn\u2019t change a thing\u2026one of you is still going to die!\u201d<\/p>\n

Howie dipped the dipper into the bucket of water and slung it into Joe\u2019s face. Immediately, Joe began to wake. The wounded boy reached up to touch his head, becoming aware of the cuffs around his wrists. He glanced up, seeing again his family and seeing for the first time, the young man who had clobbered him over the head.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat\u2019s going on?\u201d he muttered, looking from his captor to his family. \u201cWhy do you have my family locked up?\u201d he demanded as he pushed himself into a sitting position.<\/p>\n

\u201cI had too\u2026I had to force you to come looking for them. And you did, just as I knew you would,\u201d explained Howie.<\/p>\n

He had his gun pointed at Joe who by now was getting to his feet.<\/p>\n

\u201cBut why?\u201d Joe said, moving to the bars where he\u2019d be closer to his family.<\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t you know?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo\u2026who are you anyway?\u201d Joe asked.<\/p>\n

The question seemed to anger the other man. \u201cLook at me Cartwright\u2026don\u2019t you even remember me?\u201d Howie spat at Joe.<\/p>\n

Joe stared hard at the man trying to figure out if he knew him or not, but his head was hurting from the blow he\u2019d received and his thoughts were muddled.<\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t know you!\u201d he muttered after a short time.<\/p>\n

\u201cBrunette\u2019s the name\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe\u2019s eyes widened slightly as he cast a wary glance at his father.<\/p>\n

\u201cBrunette?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYeah\u2026name mean anything to you now?\u201d Howie asked.<\/p>\n

He\u2019d moved to the desk where he propped one hip onto the edge. Joe\u2019s response was to look away and lower his head.<\/p>\n

\u201cI see that it does\u2026you remember my father\u2026you should\u2026you\u2019re the reason they hanged him\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe\u2019s eyes flashed dark as he turned them upward to look at the man.<\/p>\n

\u201cI didn\u2019t hang your father\u2026he got himself hung\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOn lies\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI know what I saw,\u201d Joe pressed. \u201cI saw your father shoot and kill a man\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNO!\u201d Shouted Howie, moving closer to Joe and waving his gun under the youngest Cartwright\u2019s nose. \u201cYou thought you saw my father\u2026but you were mistaken\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

Howie moved backed a step or two. Taking a deep breath to calm himself, he leaned against the desk and smiled at Joe.<\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s why you\u2019re gonna watch one of them\u2026\u201d he pointed the end of his pistol at the three men behind bars to indicate who he was referring to. \u201cOne of them is gonna hang\u2026just like my pa hung\u2026and you\u2019re gonna watch. You\u2019re gonna know exactly what it felt like to see someone you love, die\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019re out of your mind!\u201d growled Joe as fear for his family coursed through his veins.<\/p>\n

\u201cAm I?\u201d laughed Howie, \u201cyou just wait\u2026now, Cartwright\u2026which one shall it be?\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe looked nervously up at his family.<\/p>\n

\u201cHim?\u201d he asked, pointing to Hoss. \u201cOr maybe him?\u201d he jeered, indicating Adam.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou can\u2019t be serious\u2026they didn\u2019t do anything to you\u2026\u201d Joe said with firmness. \u201cThey\u2019re innocent\u2026all of them\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSo was my father\u2026but they hung him anyway,\u201d snarled Howie. \u201cOutside, Cartwright,\u201d he ordered.<\/p>\n

He waved his gun at Joe, but Joe refused to budge. Howie pointed his gun toward Joe\u2019s family and cocked the hummer.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019d just as soon shot one or two\u2026and hang the other\u2026but either way\u2026one\u2019s gonna hang\u2026now move or fatso here gets a bullet to the gut!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cGo on, Joe\u2026\u201d Ben said softly, \u201cDo as he says\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYeah Joe\u2026do as you\u2019re pa tells ya,\u201d mocked Howie as Joe began backing out the door.<\/p>\n

Once outside, Joe quickly scanned his surrounding. Inside, Ben, Adam and Hoss huddled next to one another, all three straining to see out the barred window, anxious to see what was happening outside.<\/p>\n

\u201cThere\u2019s no place for you to run, Cartwright\u2026\u201d mocked Howie.<\/p>\n

He had seen the look on Joe\u2019s face and knew that his captor was going to try to make a break for it, hoping to sneak back and rescue his family, but Howie knew it would never happen. He was there on a mission and nothing\u2026absolutely nothing, would stop him from doing what he came there to do.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat\u2019s happenin\u2019?\u201d Hoss asked as he strained to see.<\/p>\n

The big man had moved from the bars of the cell and was trying to see through the opened door.<\/p>\n

\u201cThey\u2019re talking\u2026\u201d Ben explained.<\/p>\n

\u201cLook over there, Cartwright,\u201d Howie ordered, pointing with his gun toward the barn where a long rope had been tossed across the outside beam. One end was tied off to the fence, the other one dangled above the ground with a hangman\u2019s noose gently blowing in the breeze.<\/p>\n

Joe felt his stomach knot up inside.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhich one shall it be?\u201d Howie asked.
\nHe rather enjoyed the horrified expressions on his prisoner\u2019s face. He noted that the youngest Cartwright\u2019s face had paled considerably.<\/p>\n

\u201cYour nuts,\u201d Joe muttered. \u201cThey didn\u2019t do anything to you\u2026they\u2019re innocent, can\u2019t you get that through your head!\u201d he growled as he lost all sense of reality and charged at the man.<\/p>\n

But Howie had been expecting such a move, he dashed out of the way, bringing his pistol up and firing at Joe. Joe screamed as the bullet ripped into his upper leg causing him to plummet to the ground.<\/p>\n

\u201cJOSEPH!\u201d screamed Ben from within his prison cell.<\/p>\n

He twisted around to face his two sons, panic and horror written into his expression.<\/p>\n

\u201cHe\u2019s shot your brother,\u201d shouted Ben fearing for the life of his youngest son.<\/p>\n

Joe lay wallowing in the dirt holding tightly to his leg where blood spewed forth in a gush of red. Howie reached down and grabbed Joe by the short chain that connected the cuffs about the boy\u2019s wrists and drug Joe over to a post where he demanded that Joe unlock one cuff and slip it through the ring that was hammered deeply into the thick post.<\/p>\n

He tossed the key down at Joe\u2019s feet.<\/p>\n

\u201cDo it and make it quick like,\u201d Howie ordered.<\/p>\n

Groaning, Joe did as instructed. Once one hand was free, he paused. Howie kicked Joe in his wounded leg, causing Joe to cry out.<\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t think about doing something stupid\u2026hurry it up, get that cuff back on!\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe, his teeth gritted tightly against the searing pain, did as instructed. Howie grabbed the key and shoved it back into his vest pocket. Leaving Joe bleeding but secured to the post by his handcuffs, he returned to the jailhouse. Joe watched as the crazed man disappeared. He yanked and pulled on the ring but it remained steadfast to the post.<\/p>\n

Again and again the wounded man pulled and yanked desperately trying to break free, unaware of what was going on inside the jail.<\/p>\n

Only the bars between them separated the Cartwrights from their jailer. Howie grinned when he saw the horrified expressions on each face. Their misery gave him a measure of satisfaction.<\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t worry, Mr. Cartwright\u2026your boy ain\u2019t gonna die\u2026but one of you are,\u201d Howie said in a taunting tone. \u201cI only shot him in the leg\u2026and chained him up\u2026just like they did me. I was forced to watch my pa die\u2026now it\u2019s your son\u2019s turn to watch one of you die\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019re outta ya mind, Mister,\u201d snarled Hoss. \u201cOpen this here door\u2026now!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIn time, sonny, in time. But don\u2019t you worry\u2026you aren\u2019t going to hang. You\u2019re too big\u2026and heavy\u2026you\u2019d only die quick like. No\u2026I want the man I hang to do so slowly and painfully\u2026just like my father. And I want the boy outside to feel every bit of that pain and I want him to know the helplessness I felt when I was made to watch,\u201d jeered the crazed man.<\/p>\n

\u201cI want Joe Cartwright to see his loved one squirming and jerking like a chicken with a rung neck. I want your brother to see the expression on the face of the man I hang\u2026I want that little runt to die a little inside, just like I did!\u201d<\/p>\n

He moved just a bit to stand before Adam. He studied the oldest boy\u2019s face and noted the hate he saw burning in Adam\u2019s eyes. Howie shook his head.<\/p>\n

\u201cNot you\u2026you weren\u2019t even around back then. I can\u2019t hang a totally innocent man.\u201d<\/p>\n

He moved to stand before Ben. \u201cLooks like it\u2019s you, Mr. Cartwright.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNO!\u201d shouted Adam as Hoss reached through the bars and made a grab for Howie\u2019s arm.<\/p>\n

Hoss tightened his thick fingers around his captor\u2019s upper arm, but Howie wrenched free when he slammed the butt of his pistol down on Hoss\u2019 hand.<\/p>\n

\u201cAUGH!\u201d screamed Hoss in agony.<\/p>\n

\u201cPA! PA!\u201d shouted Joe, tugging furiously on his chains but to no avail.<\/p>\n

He had heard the shouts and the ear-piercing scream. The sounds sent shivers of terror racing down his spine. Panic was beginning to over power his rational thoughts.<\/p>\n

\u201cTurn around, Mr. Cartwright,\u201d order Howie. \u201cYou two\u2026against the wall,\u201d he ordered, waving his gun at Adam and Hoss.<\/p>\n

Neither man moved. Ben swallowed hard washing the knot that had developed down his throat. He nodded his head at his sons.<\/p>\n

Adam walked slowly to the wall without uttering a word. Hoss still refused to move. He nursed his right hand in his left.<\/p>\n

\u201cHe can\u2019t do this, Pa\u2026he cannot be serious!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOh, I assure you, I\u2019m serious\u2026dead serious,\u201d Howie said as Ben turned his back to the man and allowed his hands to be tied behind his back.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019re gonna be dead alright, Mister, if\u2019n you go through with this. I\u2019ll hunt you down like the animal you are and I\u2019ll kill you with my bare hands!\u201d Hoss spat at the man.<\/p>\n

\u201cPA! ADAM! HOSS!\u201d screamed Joe in a frenzy.<\/p>\n

Howie kept his eyes on the two brothers as he unlocked the door. He wrapped his free arm about Ben\u2019s neck and pulled him from the cell. Just as quickly, he shut the iron door and relocked it. As he eased Ben back, Adam and Hoss rushed to the bars. Hoss made another attempt at grabbing for his jailer\u2019s arms but Howie was safely out of reach.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou got any final words for your boys, Mister Cartwright?\u201d he asked Ben.<\/p>\n

Ben looked both his sons in the eyes and offered a weak smile.<\/p>\n

\u201cTake care of your selves\u2026and take care of Little Joe, he\u2019s going to need you both when this is finished.\u201d<\/p>\n

Hoss, his eyes misting, nodded his head. Adam, with a solemn look on his face said nothing. His lips were drawn tightly and had turned white. He ached to get his hands on the man holding his father. Hate emitted from each and every pore of his well-muscled body. Secretly, he vowed to kill the man\u2026if and when he was ever free of the iron cage that held him against his will.<\/p>\n

\u201cSay goodbye,\u201d taunted Howie with an evil smirk on his face.<\/p>\n

He released Ben\u2019s neck and pushed him toward the opened door. Ben set his heels firmly, turning again to his sons.<\/p>\n

\u201cI love you\u2026both of you,\u201d he managed to say before Howie shoved him into the sunlight.<\/p>\n

Joe, his leg still seeping blood from the bullet wound, watched in horror as his father emerged from the office.<\/p>\n

\u201cPA!\u201d he screamed as he yanked on the unyielding ring, realizing at that moment that it was to be his father that was to pay for something he had not committed.<\/p>\n

Ben walked slowly away from the building, his head held high, his shoulders squared. He paused when he neared his youngest son. In Joe\u2019s eyes, Ben could see the fear, the hate and the tears that threatened to spill over. His heart ached for his youngest son for he knew that Joe would have the hardest time accepting his death. He resisted the urge to run to his son, though his heart screamed out to hold the boy one last time in his arms, arms that ached from the emptiness.<\/p>\n

\u201cPA! NO! STOP\u2026PLEASE\u2026DON\u2019T DO THIS!\u201d he beseeched of Howie, who ignored the wailing man.<\/p>\n

Ben was pushed forward, toward the barn where the noose hung as a grim reminder of what was about to take place. The sun shone brightly, making it appear that the noose was standing in the spotlight. Joe screamed again.<\/p>\n

\u201cNO\u2026NO\u2026.YOU CAN\u2019T HANG MY FATHER! HANG ME INSTEAD\u2026I HELPED GET YOUR PA HUNG\u2026OH GOD! PLEASE\u2026STOP!\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe\u2019s tears spilled forth as he watched Howie lead his father\u2019s own horse to stand under the noose.<\/p>\n

\u201cHe\u2019s innocent\u2026he\u2019s innocent\u2026\u201d he muttered as he fought his restraints.<\/p>\n

Joe had long forgotten the wound in his leg; his only thoughts now were of his father and the horrendous act that this mad man was about to commit.<\/p>\n

When he looked again, Ben was being helped onto the bare back of the horse. Howie stood on a box and slipped the noose about Ben\u2019s neck and tightened it securely.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou gotta understand, Mr. Cartwright, I don\u2019t have anything personal against you\u2026it\u2019s the boy over there\u2026he has to know how I felt\u2026how I cried, just like he\u2019s doing, begging them not to kill my father\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI understand your loss\u2026but hanging me isn\u2019t going to bring your father back\u2026\u201d Ben stated.<\/p>\n

He felt his own fear growing. He was facing death and it wasn\u2019t an easy thing for any man to do. Behind him, he could hear Hoss calling his name from the jail cell. He knew Adam would be watching from the window. But what tore at his heart were the heart wrenching pleas, the helpless cries of his youngest son.<\/p>\n

When Howie moved from the box, Ben closed his eyes tightly willing himself to ignore the piteous sounds. He began to pray aloud, hoping to drown out the screeching. Howie backed up, glanced over at Joe, who was fighting the cuffs and ring with every ounce of strength he could muster. But Howie knew from experience that nothing the boy could do, would free him in time to save his father from sure death.<\/p>\n

The hangman removed his hat and held it in one hand. Ben had stopped praying; even Hoss had stopped calling for his father, Adam had turned away from the cell window, unable to watch his father die. Little Joe had fallen silent, his face buried in the folds of his arms.<\/p>\n

Howie raised his arm, the hat was high in the air.<\/p>\n

\u201cHAW!\u201d he screamed as he brought the hat down on the startled horse\u2019s rump.<\/p>\n

Joe chose that second to raise his head. As the horse raced away leaving his father dangling from the end of the rope, his blood-curdling scream pierced the air, scattering nature\u2019s creatures in all directions.<\/p>\n

Hoss\u2019 face disappeared into his wide beefy hands as all reserve broke causing him to weep unashamedly.<\/p>\n

Adam swallowed hard, gritted his teeth and cursed silently.<\/p>\n

Joe twisted his head around unable to watch further as the man he loved most in life, and now in death, struggled against the rope. In that instance, he failed to see Howie slice through the rope with his razor sharp knife that he had hidden in his boot and his father drop to the ground, coughing and sputtering into the dirt.<\/p>\n

It was a hideous laughter that brought Joe from his nightmare back to reality. He raised his head, dreading what he knew he would see, shocked when he saw his father lying on the ground, trying to push himself up to a sitting position.<\/p>\n

\u201cPA!\u201d screamed Joe in a hoarse voice.<\/p>\n

Ben raised his head and turned to look Joe\u2019s way. Joe was lying on the ground, weeping with relief. Joe watched as Howie reached down and cut the restraints from Ben\u2019s wrists and then back away. Howie watched the display of emotions that filtered across the older man\u2019s face and he turned to Joe, walking slowly towards the struggling young man.<\/p>\n

At Joe\u2019s feet he stopped to stare at the hate that emitted from the depths of the emerald eyes that were shrouded with tears.<\/p>\n

\u201cI just had to make you understand what I was feeling that horrible day. What you suffered just now\u2026that\u2019s how it felt for me,\u201d muttered Howie.<\/p>\n

He turned his back and walked away, saying nothing more. Ben managed to get to his feet staggering across the open space while rubbing his throat, until he had reached his son. Dropping to his knees, Ben gathered the young man into his arms. Joe buried his face against his father\u2019s leather vest, hiding the fear in his eyes from the one who held him. Ben\u2019s fingers entwined themselves amongst the thick curls. He lowered his head, gently brushing his lips across the dampness of his son\u2019s hair.<\/p>\n

\u201cShh\u2026it\u2019s all over now, son,\u201d he whispered, unable to speak any louder.<\/p>\n

Ben\u2019s eyes sought the opened door of the sheriff\u2019s office where he caught sight of Adam and Hoss as they strained against the bars. He nodded his head at them to assure them that he was safe.<\/p>\n

Howie emerged from the barn with his horse, leading his mount across the street where he joined Ben and Joe. Ben gently released his son and stood up, facing the other man.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhy?\u201d demanded Ben in a broken voice.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ve already told your son why\u2026my father was innocent\u2026I wanted your boy to know how it felt to watch an innocent man die,\u201d Howie said.<\/p>\n

He reached into his pocket and tossed the keys to the handcuffs and the key to the jail cell in the dirt at Ben\u2019s feet.<\/p>\n

\u201cHow can you be so sure your father was innocent?\u201d Joe demanded in a course tone.<\/p>\n

\u201cBecause,\u201d Howie said as he swung into his saddle. \u201cBecause my father told me he was innocent\u2026and he never once lied to me, not in his entire life!\u201d Howie explained.<\/p>\n

Without another word, he turned his horse, kicked gently at his sides and rode out of town. A small cloud of dust filtered into the air, obscuring the departing rider from the eyes of the those that watched.<\/p>\n

Joe moaned softly, the pain in his wounded leg suddenly burned like fire. Ben quickly knelt down and grabbed the keys from the dirt, unlocking the cuffs and setting his son free at last. Joe was helped to his feet and led into the office where Ben made him comfortable in a chair.<\/p>\n

\u201cToss me the key,\u201d Adam said in a rather demanding tone.<\/p>\n

Ben did as asked. Seconds later Hoss and Adam were free. Adam leaned over his father who was tending to Joe\u2019s leg.<\/p>\n

\u201cAre you alright, Pa?\u201d he asked.<\/p>\n

Ben nodded his head. \u201cThroat\u2019s a bit sore, but I\u2019m fine.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd Joe?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s a clean wound, he\u2019ll survive,\u201d Ben answered.<\/p>\n

\u201cCome on Hoss,\u201d Adam said as he grabbed his brother\u2019s arm and started for the door.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhoa!\u201d demanded Ben, stopping both in their tracks.<\/p>\n

He stood up, glaring at his two older sons.<\/p>\n

\u201cJust where in blazes are you two going?\u201d he demanded.<\/p>\n

\u201cAfter him\u2026you don\u2019t think we\u2019re going to let him get away with this, do you?\u201d growled Adam whose anger was fueled by fear, had reached an all time high.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019ll do no such a thing!\u201d ordered Ben.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat?\u201d Adam snarled.<\/p>\n

Ben placed his hand on Adam\u2019s shoulder. \u201cIt\u2019s over, Adam\u2026best we try to put this behind us and\u2026forget it.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cForget it\u2026Pa\u2026I can\u2019t forget it\u2026and I don\u2019t think Joe can either, look at him!\u201d Adam argued as he nodded his head toward his younger brother.<\/p>\n

Joe\u2019s expression spoke for itself, he looked white as a ghost and hate burned in his eyes.<\/p>\n

\u201cI want you boys to listen to me\u2026and hear me well\u2026there will be no retaliation against that man. He\u2019s suffered enough\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHe\u2019s suffered? What about us, Pa\u2026what about you\u2026?\u201d Joe said weakly.<\/p>\n

\u201cYeah\u2026what about how he made us feel\u2026how he plum near killed you and scared the begeehees outta us?\u201d spat Hoss.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou can\u2019t honestly expect us to forget this, can you?\u201d Adam demanded to know.<\/p>\n

\u201cI can\u2026and I do\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cBut I know what I saw that night\u2026his father was guilty, Pa\u2026\u201d Joe insisted.<\/p>\n

\u201cMaybe so\u2026but the fact is, that young man believed his father to be innocent. He trusted what his pa told him\u2026don\u2019t you see, Adam, Hoss\u2026Joe\u2026if I\u2019d told you the same thing\u2026that I was innocent\u2026wouldn\u2019t you believe me?\u201d Ben asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, sure, but it ain\u2019t the same\u2026is it?\u201d stammered Hoss who was suddenly overcome with doubts.<\/p>\n

\u201cOf course it is\u2026I\u2019ve never lied to you\u2026any of you. That young man believed in his father\u2026yet he was forced by the town\u2019s people to watch what he thought to be an innocent man, die. He must have been terrified\u2026just as Little Joe must surely have been.\u201d<\/p>\n

He glanced down at Joe, who only nodded his head. Ben pressed on.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe fact that it was his own father made the entire situation that much more horrid. I don\u2019t know if the boy\u2019s father was actually innocent or not, but Howie believed him to be. Perhaps he was feeling a bit guilty about being unable to help his father\u2026and in a way, he blamed you, Joe\u2026for your part in his father\u2019s death. Think of it this way,\u201d Ben went on as he squatted down, placing a hand on Joe\u2019s knee. \u201cHowie in his own way found closure to his torment\u2026by making us feel some of what he was feeling that night. It wasn\u2019t the right way to go about it\u2026but I don\u2019t deny my fear or know for a fact that he was or was not actually planning on hanging me\u2026I had no clue that all he was trying to do was to prove a point.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhich was?\u201d Adam asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cThat regardless of what others thought about his father\u2019s innocence or guilt, he remained steadfast in his belief that his father was telling him the truth.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI think I understand now\u2026\u201d Joe said in a quite voice. He clenched his teeth from the pain that seared his leg. \u201cHe trusted his father unquestionably\u2026\u201d Joe glanced up at his own father. \u201cJust like I trust you unquestionably\u2026in all things.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben smiled for the first time in a very long time. \u201cYou\u2019re absolutely right, Joseph. And that\u2019s as it should be between fathers and sons.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI still don\u2019t think what he done was right,\u201d muttered Hoss.<\/p>\n

\u201cNeither do I,\u201d Adam said, confirming his own thoughts on the matter.<\/p>\n

\u201cI guess we\u2019ll never be able to really understand his reasoning, but one thing I am sure of,\u201d Ben said and then smiled slightly.<\/p>\n

The three of his sons swapped confused glances.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat\u2019s that, Pa?\u201d Joe finally spoke up to ask.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m glad I\u2019m alive,\u201d Ben snickered, rubbing gently at his sore neck. \u201cNow\u2026let\u2019s see about getting your brother to the doctor, this wound needs proper tending to,\u201d Ben chuckled softly.<\/p>\n

As he bent down, he tenderly brushed the side of Joe\u2019s bruised cheek with his fingers. Instantly, Joe clasped his father\u2019s hand in his own. Their eyes met briefly, each seeing deeply into the heart and soul of the other. There were no need for words, each understood the other. It was only later that Joe found the strength to express it to his father.
\n\u201cI sure was scared, Pa,\u201d Joe confessed later, after the doctor had stitched his leg and he was lying in the back of the buckboard on his way home.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019d be lying, son if I said I wasn\u2019t scared,\u201d Ben said. \u201cI\u2019ve never come so close to dying before\u2026it was a scary thing, what happened. And it was more horrifying knowing that you were forced to watch.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cPa\u2026\u201d Joe said, a catch in his throat broke his words and he could not continue.<\/p>\n

Ben saw the deep pain in the hazel eyes that reflected back at him. They were sitting together in the back of the buckboard, side by side. Ben slipped his arm about Joe\u2019s shoulders and pulled the curly head down onto his own shoulder. He knew without voicing it, that there would be many sleepless nights ahead for his youngest son, for himself too.<\/p>\n

\u201cShh\u2026it\u2019s over Joe\u2026you rest now. Tomorrow is a new day\u2026for all of us\u2026today will be history\u2026and right now, tomorrow is the future\u2026we can\u2019t change what happened to us, but we can change how we think and what we do from now on. We can\u2019t carry the pain or that hatred with us into a new day\u2026we shouldn\u2019t waste time trying to analyze what happened or why\u2026we just have to learn from it and take what we learned and apply it to our lives, hopefully to make us better men.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI suppose, Pa,\u201d Joe said sleepily. \u201cBut I\u2019ll never forget how it felt\u2026never,\u201d sighed Joe.<\/p>\n

\u201cPerhaps we\u2019re not suppose to forget\u2026perhaps knowing that\u2019s how it felt, is what we\u2019re suppose to have learned, so that in the future, we can be more in tune with how we judge our fellow man, more conscious of their fears. You see, Joe\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben paused in his explanation and looked down at his son. The medicine his son had taken earlier had finally taken affect; Joe had fallen to sleep and was snoring softly. Ben smiled as he arranged the blanket about both of them, for the night air had a certain chill to it, but inside, Ben felt warmed by the love he felt for his sons. He was glad to be alive and promised himself that from that day forward, he would live each waking hour as if it were his last, for he had learned in one brief moment, just how valuable life really was and what it was about his life that counted the most\u2026and that was his three sons and the love and trust they had for one another.<\/p>\n

Leaning his head back and shutting his eyes, Ben, in his forgiveness of the man who had sent terror into each of their hearts, prayed for that man, asking only that God grant Howie a measure of the understanding and compassion that he and his sons had found.<\/p>\n

In time, Howie would find that understanding and only then would he come to the full realization of what horror his actions had bestowed upon his victims during his short reign of terror. In the meantime, Joe, along with his father and brothers, would work together to put the pieces of their lives back into one.<\/p>\n

It wouldn\u2019t be easy, not alone, but each had the others and together, they would become strong once again. The last battle had not been fought, for there would be many for the four Cartwrights, but as in truth, good would overcome evil\u2026doesn\u2019t it always, eventually?<\/p>\n

THE END<\/p>\n

October 2005<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

<\/div>\n

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

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

Summary:\u00a0A revengeful young man seeks out the Cartwrights. One of them is doomed to be hung, but which one and why?<\/p>\n

Rated:\u00a0 PG 13 for mild violence\u00a0 (12,840 words)<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":9052,"featured_media":383,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"template-full-width-post.php","format":"standard","meta":{"jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_access":"","_jetpack_dont_email_post_to_subs":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_tier_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paywalled_content":false,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[23,32],"tags":[14,15,17,16],"class_list":["post-12319","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-drama","category-mystery","tag-adam-cartwright","tag-ben","tag-hoss","tag-joe","wpcat-23-id","wpcat-32-id"],"a3_pvc":{"activated":true,"total_views":1688,"today_views":0},"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/02\/coming-soon-9.jpg?fit=320%2C240&ssl=1","jetpack_likes_enabled":true,"jetpack-related-posts":[{"id":11297,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=11297","url_meta":{"origin":12319,"position":0},"title":"No Shovel Needed (by justafan)","author":"justafan","date":"June 8, 2015","format":false,"excerpt":"Summary:\u00a0 \u00a0Once again, Little Joe finds himself facing the music. 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Rating K+\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Number of Words:\u00a0 \u00a01,798","rel":"","context":"In "Chaps and Spurs"","block_context":{"text":"Chaps and Spurs","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?cat=39"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/06\/shovel.jpg?fit=350%2C263&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200},"classes":[]},{"id":49277,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=49277","url_meta":{"origin":12319,"position":1},"title":"The Cartwright Family (by LindaBl)","author":"Preserving Their Legacy Author","date":"May 22, 2002","format":false,"excerpt":"Synopsis:\u00a0A cute new song about the Cartwrights Rating:\u00a0 G\u00a0 Words:\u00a0 270","rel":"","context":"In "Family"","block_context":{"text":"Family","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?cat=1008"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Preserving-Their-Legacy.png?fit=732%2C477&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Preserving-Their-Legacy.png?fit=732%2C477&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Preserving-Their-Legacy.png?fit=732%2C477&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Preserving-Their-Legacy.png?fit=732%2C477&ssl=1&resize=700%2C400 2x"},"classes":[]},{"id":49274,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=49274","url_meta":{"origin":12319,"position":2},"title":"Little Joe’s Island (by LindaBl)","author":"Preserving Their Legacy Author","date":"May 22, 2002","format":false,"excerpt":"Synopsis:\u00a0Little Joe has another crazy dream. 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And gets a little 'surprise' along the way. Rated:\u00a0K+ (640 words)","rel":"","context":"In "Chaps and Spurs"","block_context":{"text":"Chaps and Spurs","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?cat=39"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"","width":0,"height":0},"classes":[]},{"id":25624,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=25624","url_meta":{"origin":12319,"position":4},"title":"Christmas Spirit (by AC1830)","author":"AC1830","date":"December 25, 2019","format":false,"excerpt":"Summary: Little Joe learns something special about Christmas, with the help of his brothers. Rating: T, WC 947","rel":"","context":"In "Drama"","block_context":{"text":"Drama","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?cat=23"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/12\/St.-Nicholas.jpg?fit=600%2C539&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/12\/St.-Nicholas.jpg?fit=600%2C539&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/12\/St.-Nicholas.jpg?fit=600%2C539&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x"},"classes":[]},{"id":14370,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=14370","url_meta":{"origin":12319,"position":5},"title":"Houston, We Have a Problem on the Ponderosa (by Robin)","author":"profrobinw","date":"January 1, 2000","format":false,"excerpt":"Summary: \u00a0There's a problem, and only Houston can help the Cartwrights. Rating: \u00a0T \u00a0(1,100 words)","rel":"","context":"In "Crossover"","block_context":{"text":"Crossover","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?cat=24"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/06\/ARLE-e1497282889671.png?fit=570%2C416&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/06\/ARLE-e1497282889671.png?fit=570%2C416&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/06\/ARLE-e1497282889671.png?fit=570%2C416&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x"},"classes":[]}],"jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/12319","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=12319"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/12319\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/383"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=12319"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=12319"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=12319"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}