{"id":12321,"date":"2004-05-01T17:34:05","date_gmt":"2004-05-01T21:34:05","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=12321"},"modified":"2025-02-27T12:08:25","modified_gmt":"2025-02-27T17:08:25","slug":"an-arm-and-a-leg-by-debbieb","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=12321","title":{"rendered":"An Arm and a Leg (by DebbieB)"},"content":{"rendered":"

Summary:\u00a0 <\/strong>Joe’s need for revenge is squelched when he believes that his father’s heart has become as cold and callous as his own.<\/p>\n

Rated:\u00a0 <\/strong>PG for mild violence\u00a0 (12,595 words)<\/p>\n

That Silver-Haired Daddy Series:<\/strong><\/p>\n

That Silver-Haired Daddy of Mine<\/a>
\nAn Arm and a Leg<\/a><\/p>\n

An Arm and a Leg<\/strong><\/p>\n

It had taken longer than what the doctor had first thought, for Joe Cartwright\u2019s leg to heal properly, and by the time Paul Martin was ready to remove the cast, he was feeling somewhat relieved that he\u2019d be rid of his young patient.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe had never been known for his compliancy as the model patient but rather more noncompliant to those who tended to his needs. His impatience to once again be up and about had worn completely out, not only the doctor, but also the young man\u2019s father as well. It had been a downhill battle for the pair from the very first moment that Joe\u2019s fever had broken and he had started fighting his caregivers against having to stay in the bed.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Both his father and the physician had known the reasons for their patient wanting to be free of his bedridden state as soon as possible. They were each aware of the driving hate that had been seeded deep within the young man\u2019s core and of his determination to find the one\u2019s responsible for that hatred. Joe had spent weeks and weeks, confined to bed because of the leg that had been broken and then medically re-broken and set, and the longer that Joe had remained immobile, the greater that dislike had festered and grown now to such proportions that his father feared that once turned free, Joe might make the worst mistake of his young life. Ben Cartwright smelled revenge seeping from every pore of his youngest son, and the stench burned strong in his nostrils.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cDoesn\u2019t hurt a bit,\u201d Joe tried to assure his father and doctor as he paraded around the room.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

His face masked the discomfort that lingered in his leg after the cast had been removed, but he vowed not to let the pair see that pain shining in his eyes.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe thought he was being clever, masking his emotions, but he had grown careless by forgetting just how well that his father knew him, for Ben watched his youngest son\u2019s face where the telltale signs showed slightly and he listened to the voice that tried overly hard not to quiver when his son spoke. Joe was only fooling himself, not the father, and from the way that the kindly physician glanced from father to son, Ben knew too that Paul Martin was as aware as he of the ache that remained in Joe\u2019s leg.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI want to you to take it easy, Little Joe. No riding, not just yet, and continue using the crutch for a couple more weeks until I\u2019m sure\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cA couple of weeks?\u201d Joe all but shouted, and then remembering his manners, toned down the brash tone to his voice. \u201cI mean\u2026why? It feels fine, and I have things\u2026to do,\u201d he said, glancing sideways at his father.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYes, a couple more weeks, Joseph, I don\u2019t want that leg giving out on you, it\u2019s taken it a very long time to heal properly. And as for the \u2018things\u2019 you need to do, Roy Coffee is still looking for those men and\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe\u2019s expression turned to one of total surprise as he glanced from face to face. His lips pursed tightly together as he lowered himself into the nearest chair, defeat showing in his hazel eyes.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHow\u2019d you know?\u201d he asked in a muted voice.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben rose from the settee where he\u2019d been sitting and moved to sit on the massive square table in the middle of the room. He faced the young man, whose chin was lowered to near resting on his chest. With tender fingers, Ben tilted Joe\u2019s head upward so that his son was made to look him eye to eye. Ben smiled slightly.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cBecause I know my son, as well as I know my own self. And I\u2019ve watched for weeks now the hate that you have let consume you and I see the fire that burns in your eyes and I know that you want revenge for what those men have put you through and\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAnd you\u2026yes, I want revenge, those bastards nearly killed you! They left you for dead, they left me helpless with no way to get help for you; they left me to watch my own father die! Revenge? I want to make them suffer, just as we were made to suffer, what man wouldn\u2019t?\u201d shouted Joe as he pushed his father\u2019s hand away from his face.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe rose up from the chair and moved away from his father. Ben\u2019s very presence was unsettling and being in such close proximity to the man, was cause enough for the younger man to question again his motives.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cJoseph,\u201d Ben said softly as he moved to stand behind Joe.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe ignored his father, until Ben placed a hand on his shoulder and forced Joe to turn around and face him.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cJoseph,\u201d Ben repeated, \u201cI want you to put aside your hate\u2026I know what those men did to you\u2026to us\u2026was ruthless, cold and heartless, but what you are wanting to do to them, should you manage to find them, is nothing more than a carnal sin. The good book says that revenge cometh from the Lord, not from man and\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cIt also says, \u2018an eye for an eye\u2019!\u201d Joe said angrily.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYes, that is does, but Joe\u2026even that should be left up to the good Lord, not us. I don\u2019t want you to become, as they are, wanted for attempted murder, even murder perhaps. I don\u2019t want my son hunted like an animal, a man with a price on his head\u2026and Joe, son\u2026could you live with yourself, should you succeed in your mission?\u201d Ben tried to explain.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNo buts, Joseph, I mean it. Roy will handle things\u2026I want those four to pay for what they did to us, as for the money, it means nothing to me, whereas you\u2026mean everything to me,\u201d Ben said as he gently squeezed his son\u2019s shoulder.<\/p>\n

\u201cPlease Joe, let it alone?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe lowered his head, confused by the mixed up emotions that ate away at his insides. A part of him knew that what his father said was right, but the other half of him, wanted to do it his way, the revengeful way. Slowly, he raised his head and looked into his father\u2019s eyes. It was hard to hold the stance, he felt as if some evil force that was hell-bent on destroying him, was gnawing on his insides.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll try, Pa\u2026but I won\u2019t promise, alright?\u201d Joe said in a strained voice as he lowered himself back down into the red leather chair.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s fine\u2026for now, son,\u201d smiled Ben, glancing over at the physician, who smiled in return.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNow, Joe, about this leg\u2026\u201d Paul said, picking up where the conversation had been interrupted.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

For the next two weeks, Joe was agreeable to his father\u2019s wishes. He used the crutch as Paul had ordered and secretly admitted to himself that he was glad he had, for there had formed in his leg a constant, dull, throbbing pain that he conveniently forgot to mention to either of the elder men. Nor did he make mention of the spasms that would suddenly and unexpectedly grip at the calf of his leg, leaving him practically crippled by the way in which the leg muscle would tighten and draw his leg upward in a painful position. The spasms would last only for a moment or two, but it was intense enough to break the sweat out on Joe\u2019s brow. He reasoned that it was just a part of the healing process and refused to let his father know, for in the back of his mind, Joe had formed a plan, a plot that would give him the satisfaction he wanted\u2026revenge for all he\u2019d been made to endure, both physically and mentally.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cJoseph, I found this tossed in the garbage heap out behind the house!\u201d Ben shouted.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

In his hand he held up the crutch that Joe had been using. He waved it in the air, studying the surprised expression on his son\u2019s face.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cSo? I put it there, my two weeks is up and I don\u2019t need it anymore,\u201d Joe said with a touch of irritability in his voice.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben crossed the room, leaning the crutch against the wall at the front door where Joe stood, strapping on his gun and holster.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYou were told to keep using it until Paul could come back out and check you over\u2026and just WHERE do you think you are going, young man?\u201d Ben stated in a gruff voice.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cOut\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI figured you were going out\u2026I meant where\u2026and how? And I hope you aren\u2019t planning on riding a horse\u2026Paul said\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cPa! I\u2019m tired of hearing what Paul said\u2026I have things to do, and I intend to do them so, please\u2026just let me get on with\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cJOSEPH! THAT WILL BE ENOUGH!\u201d shouted Ben, drawing in a deep breath.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

He had watched closely how Joe had been so restless, so preoccupied and Ben had been in constant fear of what was happening to his youngest son. Never before had he seen Joe in such turmoil with himself, his conscience, his fears\u2026that was it, thought Ben. Joe\u2019s fears were what was really driving him, fear of what happened, fear of his father\u2019s death, fear of his own vulnerability, fear that those four men might return and finish what they had started. Ben studied Joe\u2019s face as the boy turned to reach for his hat and saw the dark evidence of that fear embedded in every fine line of the handsome young face and knew that the boy needed closure.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben swallowed his anger and reached out his hand, placing it lightly on Joe\u2019s arm. Joe stopped and turned toward his father, surprised at the soft shimmer of moisture that had welled in the chocolate eyes.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m sorry, Pa\u2026for yelling at you\u2026and I\u2019m sorry\u2026but, I can\u2019t keep my promise. It\u2019s something I have to do\u2026please don\u2019t try to stop me,\u201d Joe said, suddenly feeling like a little boy standing before his father giving an account for his actions. Joe lowered his head, unable to meet the probing eyes.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cSon, I know how you feel and I won\u2019t stop you\u2026but you have to understand one thing,\u201d Ben said, releasing his hold on Joe\u2019s arm.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe glanced up, puzzled. \u201cWhat?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben smiled and moved around Joe, grabbing his sidearm from the credenza and strapping it about his waist.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhat are you doing?\u201d Joe stammered, confused by his father\u2019s actions.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben tied the string around his leg and looked up smiling. When he straightened he reached for his hat.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYou didn\u2019t really think I\u2019d let you leave here without me, did you?\u201d Ben grinned, opening the door.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t understand\u2026I\u2026I\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m going with you Joseph\u2026I have a score to settle as well.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cBut PA!\u201d Joe shouted as he followed Ben out into the bright morning sun.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben did not look back, he was acutely aware that Joe was hurrying to catch up to him as he made his way across the yard and into the barn. He was also aware of the slight limp to his son\u2019s gait, funny, he thought, he\u2019d not noticed that before.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Once inside the barn, Ben began to saddle his horse. He glanced once at Joe, who was doing the same. His plan was working so far; he smiled, pleased that he had come up with the idea of letting Joe think he\u2019d turned just a vengeful as his son had seemed to become.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cBack up, Buck,\u201d Ben said once his horse was saddled.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe pushed Cochise from his stall as well and followed Ben and his mount from the yard. Ben mounted up and turned, facing Joe.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cPa\u2026wait\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhy? You wanted revenge\u2026well, this may surprise you\u2026but so do I,\u201d Ben said in a strange voice. \u201cHurry up, let\u2019s get a move on.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben laced the lead rope attached to Joe\u2019s pack horse, around the horn on his saddle and<\/p>\n

watched as Joe swung himself up onto his horse. He tried not to show his true emotion at seeing the stunned look on Joe\u2019s face.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cPa\u2026you can\u2019t be serious\u2026can you?\u201d Joe asked as he sat beside his father.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhy not\u2026you are\u2026aren\u2019t you?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cSure, but you said\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cSince when did you start listening to everything I said? You made it very plain that you wanted to get even with those men for what they did to us. Well, I got to thinking about it, and I decided that perhaps you were right\u2026we should make them pay\u2026isn\u2019t that what you said?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThen let\u2019s ride\u2026time\u2019s awasting,\u201d Ben said and then kicked hard at his mount\u2019s sides.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe felt as if he\u2019d been slapped in the face, and his anger showed as his eyes darkened with emotion. He\u2019d never thought of his father as a vengeful man. His pa had always, in the past, tried to stir his sons away from that type of thinking and as he watched his father ride off, a new kind of fear settled about his heart.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The big buckskin bolted into action, leaving Joe behind, sitting on Cochise. Joe\u2019s horse pulled at the bit and tossed his massive head, anxious to catch up to his stable mate.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe nudged Cochise in the ribs and allowed the pinto to set his own pace. The horse raced to Buck\u2019s side and then without his rider\u2019s instructions, slowed his stride to match that of Buck\u2019s.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben said nothing as Joe rode along beside him, but he occasionally glanced in his son\u2019s direction, noting the unpleased expression on Joe\u2019s face. He was more than aware of his son\u2019s displeasure at his being there with him. Ben wasn\u2019t sure just what it was that Joe had planned, but he was positive that those plans had nothing to do with him being included and everything to do with seeking the revenge that had settled in the boy\u2019s young heart. Ben\u2019s own plans were to stop Joe from doing something that would ruin his life and perhaps get himself either a long prison term or worse, hung, so he ignored Joe\u2019s unpleasant attitude.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

For days the pair rode together. Joe\u2019s mood remained dark, thus there was little or no conversation between father and son. Ben did make it a point to bring his vengeful desires to his son\u2019s attention. He continued to talk about what he wanted to do to the four men, especially Blackie and the one called Blake. Ben watched the confusion settle in about Joe\u2019s features and knew that the boy was considering his words, and at times even agreed with the things that his father said, but mostly, Ben saw Joe watching him in a strange, different way than he had ever done before.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben knew that Joe was pondering the pros and cons of the price for revenge.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe and Ben had been riding for what seemed like hours, totally unaware of the two men sitting atop the far distant ridge, watching their every move.\u00a0\u00a0 Without warning, Joe yanked back on Cochise\u2019s reins, making the horse to stop quickly. Joe cried out in a loud voice, forcing Ben to stop as well and stare at him in complete shock.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben watched as Joe slid from the saddle and crumbled to the ground, moaning pitifully as he grabbed his leg that appeared to be in some sort of spasm.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Quickly Ben dismounted and ran to his son, bending down and pushing Joe\u2019s hands away.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHurts!\u201d Joe wailed.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cBe still Joe,\u201d his father instructed as he began massaging the calf of Joe\u2019s leg.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe leaned his head back against the soft earth and tried to keep his cries to a minimum; he gripped his upper leg with both hands.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben worked his fingers, kneading the flesh through the course fabric of Joe\u2019s trousers until he could feel the tight muscle begin to relax.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHow long has this been going on?\u201d Ben inquired in a tone that was gruffer than he had meant it to be.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe\u2019s eyes, clouded with tears, pinched his lips tightly and tried to look away.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cSince the doc took the cast off\u2026but it isn\u2019t always this bad\u2026honest, Pa,\u201d Joe said.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben continued working his fingers, running them up and down Joe\u2019s leg.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI guess I\u2019ve sat too long in the saddle,\u201d Joe confessed.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThen I suggest we stop for the night and give this leg time to rest,\u201d Ben said, leaning back on his haunches. He gave his son an encouraging smile. \u201cI guess this leg isn\u2019t as well healed as we first thought.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe pushed himself up into a sitting position and nodded in agreement.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI suppose not.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYou rest, don\u2019t get up, I\u2019ll take care of the horses and making camp,\u201d ordered Ben as he made his way to the horses.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cPa\u2026\u201d Joe called.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben stopped what he was doing and turned around.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m sorry\u2026I should have told you\u2026but I knew if I did, you\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWould have stopped you? Joe, with all the hate you\u2019re carrying around, eating you up inside, I doubt that anything I could have said to you, would have stopped you from doing what you were so determined to do,\u201d Ben said as he continued to lead the horses and the pack animal to a shaded area.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe grew silent; his father had spoken the truth, nothing would stop him from getting the revenge he wanted\u2026needed. He watched for several moments, his father, and then it suddenly became clear to him and he heard himself laugh softly.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018You old fox,\u2019 he whispered to him, referring to his father.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

When Ben returned to his side and handed him the canteen, Joe\u2019s mood had lightened and he smiled at his father.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYou never set out to seek revenge, did you?\u201d he asked Ben.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhat makes you say that?\u201d Ben said as he made himself busy placing stones in a circle to form a barrier for the fire he would soon have going.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cBecause you aren\u2019t a vengeful man. Oh\u2026you had me thinking you\u2019d become one, but just a minute ago, when you said what you said\u2026about not being able to stop me\u2026I knew then what you were up to.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben paused for a split second and studied his son\u2019s face, pleased to see that the lines of hate had softened somewhat and that Joe\u2019s features looked more natural.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhat is it that I am, \u2018up to\u2019, as you put it?\u201d Ben asked.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYou couldn\u2019t stop me, so you just came with me\u2026to\u2026take care of me,\u201d Joe said with a grin.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben glanced up again, his dark eyes meeting Joe\u2019s.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m not a kid anymore, and I don\u2019t need my father, taking care of me,\u201d Joe said in a soft manner, for the words sounded as sharp as a finely honed knife and his intent was not to stab his father in the heart.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI know you are no longer a little boy, but at times, Joseph, you act\u2026or maybe I should say\u2026react\u2026as one. And as to whether or not you need me to look after you, that\u2019s your point of view\u2026I, on the other hand, think differently. But no matter, it\u2019s too late now to debate the issue. We\u2019re both here, basically for the same reasons, more or less, so I think it best that we work together to\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cPa\u2026you don\u2019t have to worry about me. I mean, I understand what you\u2019re doing and why. But you don\u2019t have to worry, honest\u2026I\u2019m not about to go off half-cocked and do something foolish. I promise\u2026we\u2019ll just try to find those men and take them back to Virginia City and turn them over to Roy Coffee,\u201d Joe said in a firm voice.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben reached out his hand and rested it on Joe\u2019s shoulder. \u201cIs that a promise, son?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYes sir\u2026I give you my word.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The men on the rise had seen all they needed, to know who the two below were, and that knowledge was unsettling.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhat\u2019ll ya know?\u201d sneered one man. \u201cBlackie sure ain\u2019t gonna like this, nope, not one little bit.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cMaybe we ought not tell him,\u201d the other man suggested.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Eddie turned dark eyes on his companion and made a smacking sound with his mouth.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cIf we don\u2019t pass the word on to the boss, there\u2019ll be hell to pay, and ya know it. Come on, let\u2019s get outta here before they spot us,\u201d Eddie ordered.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Both men glanced one last time down the slope before heading back to town. Sam, aka, Blackie, would not be happy about learning that Ben Cartwright and his son was getting closer and closer to finding them.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Matt Taylor, who had once worked for the Cartwrights, but had joined up with Blackie and his gang, had sent word a week or so after they had robbed and shot Ben Cartwright, that the elder Cartwright had not died as they had first thought. Matt had explained that somehow, even with all the horses run off and the younger Cartwright with a busted up leg, both had survived the brutal attack and were now seeking revenge for what the four men had committed.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHow far behind us, are they?\u201d demanded Blackie once he learned that Ben Cartwright and his boy was searching for them.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Blackie sat with his back against the wall so that he could face the door. Blake sat opposite his boss, nursing a bottle of whiskey. His eyes were slightly clouded due to the amount of liquor he had already inhaled.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cGive me that bottle,\u201d Blackie growled, grabbing the neck of the bottle and wrenching it from Blake\u2019s hands.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019ve had enough!\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Blackie looked up at Eddie and Choula, a half-breed Moapa Paiute who had been banned from his tribe for unsavory behavior. Blackie stood, still waiting for his answer. His eyes had taken on an angry glow and his patience was worn thin.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI asked you a question\u2026where \u2018bouts did you see them Cartwrights?\u201d Blackie demanded.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThey was about a day\u2019s ride from town,\u201d Choula answered.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Blackie pushed back his chair, \u201cGood, that gives us enough time.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cTime? Time for what?\u201d Matt, who had been silent during the whole conversation, finally spoke up. \u201cWhat are you planning?\u201d he asked.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m gonna finish what I started,\u201d declared Blackie as he pushed back his chair and stood to his feet. \u201cBut this time, I\u2019ll make sure\u2026I want to see old man Cartwright suffer, I want him to know what it\u2019s like to watch someone you love die\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

He took a long swig from the whiskey bottle and then set it back down on the table in front of Blake. Using the sleeve of his shirt, he wiped the remains of the liquor from his mouth.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHow do you mean? What\u2019cha gonna do?\u201d Blake laughed.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m going to make him watch while I break every bone in his son\u2019s body\u2026one by one,\u201d sneered Blackie. \u201cBen Cartwright will beg me to put his son out of his misery\u2026he\u2019ll know how I felt when my ma died and when they hung my pa and I was forced to watch.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Blackie wiped his hand across his face and grabbed his hat from the table. \u201cCome on, we\u2019ve got things to do,\u201d he ordered his men.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

By the end of the day, Ben and Joe had reached Willow Bend, a small town, down south of Carson City. The night that Joe and Ben had stopped over in Carson City and talked with the sheriff, they had been informed that the men they were searching for had moved on southward. A thorough search around the area had proved in vain for the sheriff who had been looking for the wanted men and after several days on the hot, dusty trail, the search had been called off.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Now, as Ben and his son rode down the quite street of Willow Bend, they were unaware of the danger that lurked in the dark shadows of the rundown buildings that lined the main street of the sparsely inhabited town.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben guided his horse over to the hitching post just outside of the Red Dog Salon and dismounted.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cLet\u2019s get a beer and see if we can find us a room for the night,\u201d Ben advised his son.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe reined in his mount and for a moment longer, remained seated.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cPlace looks deserted,\u201d he commented.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben glanced around at the town, noting the run down conditions of the buildings, and the windows that had been boarded up.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cLooks like a good place for varmints to hide out,\u201d Ben said, looking over at Joe who was just getting off his horse. \u201cMight get lucky here.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cGet knocked in the head and robbed again, would be more like it,\u201d Joe said as he tied the reins to the hitching post.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cBest watch our backs, son. My gut tells me that even right at this minute we are being watched,\u201d Ben said in a low murmur.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe momentarily froze, but with years of training, he made no move to look around. When he raised his head, it was to look his father in the eye.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cReckon Blackie and his gang is here?\u201d he said in a whisper.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019d bet my life on it, come on\u2026let\u2019s have that beer,\u201d Ben replied as he led the way into the saloon.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Inside, the saloon was dark and gloomy. Its patrons stared at the pair of strangers as Ben led the way to the bar. Joe glanced at his father, raising his eyebrows slightly as he tried to hide the smile that teased his lips.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cTwo beers,\u201d Ben said.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The bartender shoved the two beers down to the end of the counter where Ben and Joe stood, sloshing part of the frothy ale from one mug onto Joe\u2019s hand. Joe glanced first at his hand and then up at the bartender who ignored him and then wiped the back of his hand onto his pants leg.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cLet\u2019s sit down,\u201d he suggested to his father as he turned toward a table at the back of the room.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cLively place,\u201d he muttered with a touch of sarcasm in his voice.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll say,\u201d Ben replied, sipping his beer.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHowdy stranger.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe glanced up into the bluest eyes he had ever seen. The young lady was beautiful and moved with grace as she circled the table and then sat down opposite Joe. She smiled at Ben but turned her attention back to the younger of the two.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cBuy a lady a drink?\u201d she cooed.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe grinned. \u201cSure, why not? BARKEEP\u2026Beer for the lady,\u201d he called out and turned back to the young woman.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cMy name\u2019s Sherry\u2026what\u2019s yours?\u201d she asked, batting her long lashes at Joe and ignoring Ben\u2019s presence.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe opened his mouth to respond to the girl\u2019s question but suddenly thought better of it.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s a pretty name,\u201d he said instead.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThank you\u2026ya just passing through?\u201d she questioned. \u201cOr are ya here on business?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2019re looking for someone,\u201d Ben spoke up. \u201cPerhaps you could help me?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhy sure sweetie, I know most everyone here abouts\u2026who ya lookin\u2019 for?\u201d Sherry said.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cFour men\u2026one calls himself Blackie, his real name is Sam Watson; one of his side-kicks goes by the name of Blake. Blackie\u2019s about my height, big built, coal black hair with dark eyes. He has a scar right here, over his left eye\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhy ya lookin\u2019 for him mister?\u201d Sherry said as her smile suddenly vanished.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWe have business with him\u2026personal\u2026do you know him?\u201d Ben asked, watching how the girl seemed to be anxious to be on her way.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNo!\u201d she said too quickly.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe glanced at his father; he had sensed the woman\u2019s unease as well.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThe one they call Blake, he\u2019s younger, blond, blue-eyed, a little bigger than I am,\u201d Joe explained. \u201cWe\u2019d really like to find them, Miss, it\u2019s\u2026rather important.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cLike I said,\u201d she stammered, pushing back her chair and rising, \u201cI don\u2019t know anyone fitting that description.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Sherry turned to leave, but as she passed by Joe, he reached out and grabbed the young woman\u2019s arm. The lady spun around as Joe rose from his chair and with a frightened look on her face, she tried to wrench free of Joe\u2019s fingers.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI think you\u2019re lying, lady,\u201d Joe said in a threatening voice.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cLet go of my arm!\u201d she said in a shrill voice. Sherry pulled back, but Joe held on, tightening his fingers around her slim arm. \u201cYou\u2019re hurtin\u2019 me!\u201d she cried.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cJoseph, let the lady go,\u201d Ben said in his deep, commanding voice.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe swung his head around and glared at his father.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhy\u2026she\u2019s lying, we both know it\u2026she knows where Blackie is\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI said let go of her arm,\u201d ordered Ben.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

He remained calm as he stared into the angry face of his son. Ben raised his mug of beer to his lips and took a swig.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Letting the air out of his lungs, Joe turned back to the woman and before releasing her, made a suggestion.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhen you see your friends, tell them that Ben Cartwright and his son, are looking for them,\u201d he sneered as he eased his hold on the lady\u2019s forearm.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Sherry drew back as if she\u2019d been slapped; grabbing and rubbing the arm that Joe had held so tightly.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2026I\u2026I\u2019m sorry,\u201d she stammered and then turned to go.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe watched as Sherry hurried to climb the stairs and turned the corner out of sight. He looked over at his father, who was watching him.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cSit down,\u201d Ben said.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe swallowed and did as instructed. He picked up his beer and downed the contents in one gulp.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cLet\u2019s go,\u201d issued Ben, rising and tossing a coin on the table. \u201cI could do with some sleep\u2026in a real bed. A week in a bedroll is too much for this aging body,\u201d he grinned.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Agreeing, Joe stood and followed his father out the door. Together, they stood on the boardwalk, glancing up and down the street, taking in their surroundings.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cLivery\u2019s this way,\u201d Ben said, gathering Buck\u2019s reins and walking alone beside Joe. \u201cWe\u2019ll bed down the horses and then get us a room.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

It didn\u2019t take any time at all for the two to make their way to the livery, leave their mounts and start toward the hotel.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cPa\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cShh\u2026I see them, son,\u201d Ben said, walking along as if everything were as it should be.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe started to place his foot on the step but was unexpectedly yanked into the alleyway and into the shadows by his father. Ben, still clinging to Joe\u2019s arm, pulled his son along with him as he hurried deeper into the darkness. Behind them, the sound of running footsteps could be heard.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHurry!\u201d Ben called over his shoulder as he wove his way in and out between buildings and down another alley.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cPa!\u201d Joe shouted in a loud whisper.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

He had tripped over something blocking his way and had fallen into the dirt. Joe tried to scramble to his feet but a sudden sharp pain to the back of his head, rendered him senseless as his world spun into a black mass and then total obscurity.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben, unaware that Joe was no longer behind him, kept making his way around boxes and crates until at last he emerged into the open street at the far end of Willow Bend.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Winded, Ben bent over to catch his breath. \u201cWhew,\u201d he said, huffing, \u201cthat was close.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cJoe\u2026Joe?\u201d Ben called, peering into the darkness behind him. \u201cJoseph?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe knew he\u2019d opened his eyes, yet everything around him was black. The searing pain at the back of his head caused him to moan softly as he tried to raise his chin from where it rested on his chest. His arms, tightly bound together at the wrists were pulled mercilessly high over his head, holding his body in an upright position from the ground. His toes, barely scraping the ground and his legs, bound just as tightly about the ankles and then again around his upper thighs felt like dead weight pulling down on his shoulders from where he was suspended by something over his head.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe tried to glance up to see what was holding him, but in the ominous blackness he could see nothing and it hurt to move his head too quickly.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cPa?\u201d Joe called softly into the eerie darkness.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The sound of his own voice seemed to bounce back at him, alerting him to the fact that he was inside some sort of room, or building. As his mind cleared and his senses became more alert, Joe picked up the faint aroma of hay. He strained his eyes, trying to penetrate the darkness, determined to know where he had been taken once he had been knocked out and bound as he was.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

When the sound of a nearby horse nickered, Joe knew instantly that he was being held captive in a barn, but where, he questioned himself. And what had become of his father?<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben cautiously retraced his steps, keeping as close to the walls of the buildings as he could in order to keep to the shadows. He paused, listening for any sound that might alert him of danger.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cJoe?\u201d he called softly.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Treading quietly, Ben proceeded ahead in his search. When he reached the spot where he had last seen his son, Ben stopped and searched the ground for any clues. Just by accident he spied a hat lying upside down on the opposite side of the narrow alley. Ben reached down and picked up, what he knew to be as his son\u2019s hat, fear beginning to gnaw at his insides. He moved slightly, just so the glow of the lantern along the street could shed it\u2019s light upon the item he held in his hand. Ben turned the hat over and peered inside. His heart fluttered and he heard himself groan. With fingers that trembled slightly, Ben dabbed at the red stain within the brim of the hat and knew it for what it was\u2026his son\u2019s blood.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cDear God, Joseph\u2026what\u2019s happened to you?\u201d Ben muttered softly as he clutched the hat to his breast.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben emerged from the alleyway with Joe\u2019s hat tucked safely into his coat, and made his way down the street toward the sheriff\u2019s office. It was late, past 10 PM, surmised Ben as he paused outside the doorway that separated him from the sheriff on the other side of the door.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Taking a deep breath, Ben pushed opened the door and walked in. Almost instantly, his eyes found the sheriff leaning back in his chair, his long legs stretched out and resting on the desk. The soft sounds of snoring could be heard filling the room. Ben felt as if he were intruding, but brushed the thought aside.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cExcuse me!\u201d he called in a mellow voice, so as not to startle the sleeping lawman.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cSheriff?\u201d Ben said, reaching across the desk and gently shaking the man.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The sheriff\u2019s eyes popped opened and it took the man a moment or two to remember where he was and what it was he should be doing. He looked up, spying Ben staring down at him. Instantly his feet hit the floor and he straightened himself upright.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cSorry, most have dosed off,\u201d he said in defense of himself. \u201cWhat can I do for you, mister?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cMy name\u2019s Ben Cartwright,\u201d began Ben.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cCartwright? I\u2019ve heard of you\u2026ain\u2019t you got some big ranch up toward Virginia City?\u201d he drawled.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYes, the Ponderosa\u2026I was needing\u2026\u201d Ben began a second time.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYeah\u2026big spread I hear tell\u2026biggest in this part of the country. What\u2019d you say you needed, Mr. Cartwright?\u201d the sheriff said. \u201cOh, by the way, name\u2019s Frank\u2026James,\u201d he snickered. \u201cName\u2019s got me in trouble more\u2019n once in my time. Don\u2019t have no idey why on earth my mama wanted to name me after some dang outlaw. Guess I was destined to be a lawman\u2026had too\u2026either that or end up at the end of a rope paying for some other man\u2019s sins,\u201d he laughed.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYes\u2026well, Mr. James\u2026I was needing some help. You see, my son, my youngest son, Joseph\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cSon? You got a son too, I\u2019ve got two boys\u2026fine boys they are too. Say where is your son, Mr. Cartwright?\u201d the sheriff babbled.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s what I want to know\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYou don\u2019t know where you son is\u2026that\u2019s strange.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cLook!\u201d Bellowed Ben as he pulled Joe\u2019s hat from his coat. \u201cMy son and I were running through the alley and Joe got\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhat was you running through the alley for? Someone chasing you?\u201d the sheriff asked, suddenly interested in what Ben was saying.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYes\u2026exactly and\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWho was it?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t know\u2026not for sure, but\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYou don\u2019t know? Then why was they chasing you?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI DON\u201dT KNOW!\u201d shouted Ben.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The sheriff rounded his desk and placed a hand on Ben\u2019s shoulder to try to calm him.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNow Mr. Cartwright, you just take a deep breath and calm down. Don\u2019t make no never mind right this minute why this person was chasing after ya\u2026I\u2019ll help ya find your boy. Now\u2026\u201d said the sheriff, turning back to his desk and grabbing paper and pencil.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHow old is the boy and what does he look like? You said his name was Joey?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben let out a long sigh, shaking his head from side to side.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cJoseph\u2026and he\u2019s not a little boy\u2026he happens to be twenty years old,\u201d grumbled Ben.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The hours spent on the trail, the lack of sleep and his growling stomach were beginning to take affect on the man, making him more than just a little irritable.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWe were looking for some men, they\u2019re wanted back in Virginia City for assault and attempted murder\u2026we followed them here, to Willow Bend. I suspect that it was Blackie Watson and some of his men that were chasing us and we\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The sheriff\u2019s eyes grew dark and his expression changed to one of shock.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cSam Watson\u2026Chester Watson\u2019s boy? What\u2019s he got to do with all of this?\u201d the sheriff asked in a demanding voice that Ben instantly recognized.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHe and three of his men\u2026one named Blake, I don\u2019t know the names of the other two, but they broke into my home, assaulted my son, Joseph, and after forcing me to open my safe, robbed me of $10,000 and shot me, leaving me for dead\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cCan you prove this, Mr. Cartwright\u2026those are pretty intense charges.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cOf course I can prove it\u2026Roy Coffee, the sheriff in Virginia City, knows all about it\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cIf he knows so much, why ain\u2019t he the one after Sammy and his men?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Sammy,\u2019 thought Ben, \u2018sounds a bit too friendly for my liking.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYour town is out of Sheriff Coffee\u2019s jurisdiction, you should know that,\u201d Ben said, not bothering to hide his rising anger.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben tossed Joe\u2019s hat on the table. \u201cI want my son back, Sheriff\u2026and I\u2019ll find him either with you or without you. And I can promise you this much, if so much as one hair on his head has been hurt\u2026there will be hell to pay!\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben straightened his back and glared at the sheriff. \u201cNow, are you, or are you not, going to help me find my son?\u201d he demanded.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

It was Sheriff James\u2019 turn to sigh, and he did, in a big way.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll help you, only because of who you are, and what you say was done to you and your boy\u2026but rest assured Mr. Cartwright, you ain\u2019t gonna be taking the law into your own hands. If what you say is true, and Sammy Watson is a wanted man\u2026I\u2019ll find him\u2026and I\u2019ll see that he\u2019s turned over to the proper authorities.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Frank James sat back down at his desk.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNow, start from the beginning and tell me everything.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben nodded his head, reached across the room for the other chair and pulled it up to the desk. When he sat down, he took a deep breath and began\u2026just like the sheriff suggested\u2026at the beginning.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYou can scream all you want, kid, but there ain\u2019t no body around that\u2019s gonna hear you,\u201d snickered Blake.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

He doubled up his fist and planted it into the middle of Joe\u2019s stomach for the umpteenth time. Joe\u2019s cries of pain had long subsided and his only reaction to the punch was his spinning body that still dangled from the rafter where he\u2019d been tied, hours ago.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

There was a faint hint of blood showing on Joe\u2019s face, where Blake had also punched him, and one eye had already started to turn dark with a promise of being totally blackened by morning, if Joe lived that long, which Blake seemed determined not to permit.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Blake jerked Joe\u2019s swaying body around and brought it to a stand still, facing him. He grabbed a fist full of the chestnut curls and yanked Joe\u2019s head back until Joe thought his neck would snap. Joe tried to stifle the cry that swelled in his throat, but the pain that ran throughout his entire body, forbid him from doing so. Blake\u2019s laughter rang in his ears and Joe clenched his teeth, more determined not to further the man\u2019s amusement.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWe wanna know where your old man is. I ain\u2019t gonna ask you too many more times, boy\u2026where\u2019s your Pa?\u201d jeered Blake as he added more pressure to Joe\u2019s already strained neck.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cGo to hell,\u201d Joe muttered between clenched teeth.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhy you\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Blake, who was standing to Joe\u2019s side, doubled up his fist and delivered a commanding punch to Joe\u2019s left kidney. Joe\u2019s back arched from the agony and spun around and around in a circle. Each time that Joe\u2019s back faced the angry man, Blake would deliver another punch to the kidneys, sending Joe\u2019s body into a whirlpool of pinning.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

When he\u2019d seen enough, Blackie moved from the darkened shadows of the old barn, into the rays of sunlight that filtered in from the roof where the slab shingles were missing and lit the whirling body as if Joe was in a spotlight.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHe\u2019s had enough, Blake; leave him alone\u2026for now. We wouldn\u2019t want to kill him before his pa got a chance to see what we\u2019ve done to his little boy, now would we?\u201d sneered Blackie, as he circled Joe\u2019s body.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

When he stood to Joe\u2019s back, he grabbed the back of Joe\u2019s shirt and ripped the material completely from Joe.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Blackie smiled as he took in the sight of the numerous bruises that covered the lower portion of Joe\u2019s body, both front and back.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI think the kid\u2019s telling the truth,\u201d Blackie said, more to himself than to the others.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHow so?\u201d Blake asked, rubbing his fist with his other hand.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cLook at him\u2026unless he\u2019s a fool, he\u2019d be singing like a bird telling us where his pa\u2019s at,\u201d determined Blackie.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYa wrong,\u201d Matt said as he emerged from the murkiness and joined the group who stood gawking at Joe\u2019s battered form.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYa don\u2019t know these Cartwrights like I do. He\u2019d never tell\u2026no matter how badly you beat\u2019em. He\u2019d die first before he\u2019d betray his old man. They\u2019re all like that\u2026all four of them. Their way of thinkin\u2019 is one for four, four for one. Nope\u2026he has an idey that the old man is around, he just ain\u2019t sayin\u2019,\u201d Matt explained to his boss.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWell, then, if the kid wants to die, I can arrange that. But I want him to be very clear on one thing\u2026I will find his pa and I will kill Ben Cartwright. I owe the man, but first, I want Cartwright to watch his son die\u2026then I\u2019ll kill him.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Blackie headed for the door but stopped and turned around to face his men.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cEddie, you stay here and keep an eye on the kid. The rest of you men, come with me.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhere we headed, boss?\u201d Choula inquired, rubbing his hands together as he paced around in a circle looking Joe over from head to foot.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

He had sat and watched the abuse the young man was taking, but had said nothing to his companions. He was disappointed that the boy had not begged for mercy, he liked to hear the white men cry out; the sounds of their pleading was as music to his ears, food for his ego. He could make the boy talk; all he needed was ten minutes alone with the kid.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhy not let me skin him alive?\u201d the half-breed whispered in an evil tone.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

His black eyes darted from the men standing around the prisoner to Joe\u2019s limp body that had finally stopped swaying.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI can make him sing like a bird,\u201d jeered Choula.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The Indian pulled his sharp pointed knife from the doeskin scabbard around his waist and pressed the fine point into Joe\u2019s side, drawing a droplet of blood.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe, feeling the sharp prick to his side, opened his weary eyes. The once bright eyes, glazed over now with fresh pain, searched each face that stood before him. He could make out only the outlines of each man, their features lustrous in the bright light that shone from above.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cIf you\u2019re going to kill me\u2026just do it\u2026be done with it\u2026I\u2019ll never tell you where\u2026my father\u2026is\u201d murmured Joe.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Choula, whose name meant, \u2018fox\u2019, twisted his lips upward to form a sly smile. He pushed a little deeper, the sharp point of his knife, into Joe\u2019s flesh and began moving the blade upward. He moved his weapon slowly, allowing Joe\u2019s pain to linger and burn, until he\u2019d made a two-inch slice into the skin. Blood dripped freely from the cut, running down Joe\u2019s side and collecting on the waistband of his trousers.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Choula and the others watched the expression on the tortured one\u2019s face, waiting for the boy to scream, but Joe willed himself not to be driven into hysterics. The Paiute moved the knife upward once more, barely slicing the skin, and going no deeper than the first layer of flesh.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Tiny beads of perspiration dotted Joe\u2019s brow and his breathing was becoming labored as he fought against the extricating pain that penetrated his side.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cSee how it hurts,\u201d mocked Choula, standing with his face mere inches from his captive\u2019s face. \u201cJust imagine the suffering, should I peel away your entire top layer of skin.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Choula laughed, \u201cThe pain alone would kill you\u2026and it would come slowly, for I have seen some men, much stronger than you, take days to die. The buzzards would feed on your organs before your God could claim your soul!\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The other men, stared in horror at the Indian, each trying to envision in their minds what it must feel like to have your skin peeled, inch-by-inch, from your body. Matt shuddered and turned to Blackie.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cTell him to stop!\u201d he practically shouted.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

All eyes turned to the only man brave, or stupid enough, to order the boss to do anything. Blackie moved to face Matt and grabbed him by the front of the shirt.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cJust who the hell do you think you are?\u201d he demanded.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Matt pulled Blackie\u2019s hands free of the shirt and gulped, taking a step back.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI only meant\u2026that if the Indian didn\u2019t stop, he\u2019d kill the kid now, look at him, he\u2019s done passed out cold. I thought you wanted his father to watch\u2026make Ben Cartwright watch the Indian skin his son alive!\u201d Matt babbled.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Blackie turned his attention to Joe, who had passed out. He noted the black and blue marks and the dripping blood that branded the boy\u2019s body and he smiled.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019re right friend, let\u2019s save the skinnin\u2019 for the old man\u2019s enjoyment\u2026ahahhaa\u2026\u201d laughed Blackie.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cCome on boys, let\u2019s find Cartwright, there\u2019s a show he needs to see.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

A soft gentle knock that tapped three times on the door, alerted Ben to someone\u2019s presence. With his pistol in one hand, Ben moved silently to the door.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The knocking tapped out the signal again.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWho is it?\u201d Ben said in a voice that sounded different than his own.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cUs\u2026Adam and Hoss,\u201d Adam whispered through the thick oak door.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Instantly Ben unlocked the door and pulled it open just enough that he could peek out. When he saw his sons, he hurried to usher them into the room and then quickly shut and locked the door.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben spun around, a smile, the first in two days, graced his weatherworn face as he embraced first one and then the other of his sons.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhat a sight for sore eyes, you two are,\u201d he grinned.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWell, it took some doin\u2019, but we found ya,\u201d smiled Hoss.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHow\u2026how on earth did you manage?\u201d Ben asked, pointing to a table and chairs in the center of the room. \u201cTell me all about it, and then\u2026I have some news\u2026bad news, I\u2019m afraid.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam and Hoss swapped looks. \u201cThat must mean that little brother is in some sort of trouble, again\u2026and we\u2019re gonna have to bail\u2019em out.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

In spite of his fears for his youngest son, Ben could not help the smile that tugged at his lips.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYou boys certainly know your younger brother very well,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYears of experience\u2026and bailing his butt out of trouble,\u201d said Adam, with a stern smile.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhat\u2019s happened this time? Don\u2019t tell me, let me guess\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s about it, I retraced my steps but still no sign of him, other than his hat,\u201d Ben explained, holding Joe\u2019s hat in his hands and gently, almost lovingly fingering the brim.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI know Sam Watson and his gang have Joe, I know it\u2026I feel it in my gut, and I tremble to think of what that man will do to your brother, just to get back at me!\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben stood to his feet and tossed the hat onto the bed. He crossed the room in three easy strides and looked down into the street from behind the thick curtains.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2019ve got to find him\u2026before\u2026they hurt him,\u201d muttered Ben. \u201cI\u2019m tired of waiting for that stumble-bum of a sheriff to do anything. The man\u2019s a nit-wit\u2026he doesn\u2019t even know which end is up!\u201d ranted Ben.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam snickered, drawing his father\u2019s attention away from the window. Ben turned dark eyes on his oldest son. The worry he carried in his heart showed in the fine lines across his brow where they had furrowed into the sun-darkened flesh.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhat\u2019s so dang funny?\u201d he snapped.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m sorry Pa\u2026but I couldn\u2019t help it\u2026you sound just like that youngest cub of yours,\u201d smiled Adam, standing and picking up his brother\u2019s hat. \u201cAnd as impatient, as well.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

His smile died, and Ben heard Adam sign deeply when he tossed the hat back onto the bed.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHoss and I are going to do some snooping around. No one here \u2018bouts knows who we are. We\u2019ll start at the saloon\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAdam, there\u2019s a girl there\u2026let\u2019s see, what did she say her name was\u2026humm\u2026Sherry, that\u2019s it, Sherry. Talk to her, she knows something\u2026Joe and I questioned her about Blackie and she suddenly got all closed mouthed about the subject and the next thing we knew, she took off. It was later that same night that your brother and I were followed,\u201d explained Ben.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThe night someone nabbed Joe?\u201d Hoss asked.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThe same night,\u201d Ben affirmed.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cLet\u2019s go, Adam\u2026I think I\u2019ll buy the little filly a drink\u2026a nice long drink,\u201d grinned Hoss.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Blackie and Choula sat in the far corner of the saloon, in the deep shadows. Both faced the door, neither wanting their backs up against trouble, should any enter through the front of the building. Sherry had perched herself on Blackie\u2019s lap with her arms entwined around the young man\u2019s neck. She leaned into the fold of the man\u2019s neck and nibbled gently on his ear lope.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Choula watched, desire growing in his loins as the white girl made love to his friend\u2019s ears and neck, kissing and nibbling, causing Choula to rise and find his own woman.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Blackie watched the Indian cross the room and grab the arm of a dark skinned young woman. He pulled the girl into his arms and welded his lips tightly onto the girl\u2019s. She struggled at first but then Blackie watched her young body relax and mold itself against Choula. In another moment, Choula, clinging to the woman\u2019s arm, practically dragged the young lady toward the stairs, climbing them quickly in a rush to satisfy his desire. The couple disappeared from Blackie\u2019s sight and he turned his attention back to Sherry.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

He was unaware of the two tall strangers that entered the saloon, and elbowed their way up to the bar.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhat\u2019d it be, stranger?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cTwo beers for starters, and some information,\u201d said Hoss.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cTwo beers comin\u2019 up,\u201d the bar keeper said, turning his back to his customers and pouring the beer.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The bartender turned back around and set the two mugs down in front of Adam and Hoss.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYa lookin\u2019 for someone?\u201d he inquired, \u201cmost folks are around these parts,\u201d he laughed.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Hoss took a big swig of his ale and nodded his head. \u201cA girl\u2026name\u2019s Sherry. We was told she works here.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The bartender smiled wickedly and bobbed his head toward the back corner.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cOver in the corner,\u201d he advised, returning to his work.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

It made no never-mind to him who wanted to keep company with his girls. He didn\u2019t ask questions, and true to form, he didn\u2019t ask the two strangers their business either. He\u2019d leave that up to Blackie, when they tried to cut into his time with the lovely Sherry.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam turned to glance over his head in the direction where the bartender had said they would find the girl in question. Just as he was about to start across the room, Hoss elbowed him in the ribs.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cLooky yonder, Adam,\u201d Hoss whispered as he motioned, with his head, toward the door.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWell, what do you know? Let\u2019s go have a word with Mr. Matt Taylor,\u201d muttered Adam.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam hurried to stop the former employee before he could make it into the saloon. Matt\u2019s eyes widened in shock when he saw Adam and he made an attempt to run, but was soon overtaken and knocked to the ground when Adam hurled his body into the fleeing man.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Matt struggled, but was quickly yanked to his feet by Hoss and shoved into an alley.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhat\u2026what\u2019s\u2026the meaning\u2026of this\u2026Mr. Cartwright?\u201d stammered the startled man.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhy don\u2019t you tell us?\u201d Adam said, \u201cWord around town is that you\u2019re connected to Blackie Watson and his gang.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Both brothers, having never seen the man or any of his gang, had no clue to the fact that minutes before they had been within feet of the very man they were searching for. But Matt knew and he wasn\u2019t about to give his boss away to these two Cartwrights\u2026that is, unless he absolutely had too.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s a lie!\u201d Matt declared.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cIs it now? Then how come the minute Blackie and his thugs robbed my father and left both he and Little Joe alone to die, you high-tailed it out of town?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI left\u2026sure, but it had nothing to do with what happened to your family\u2026honest, Adam\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t believe ya,\u201d Hoss said in a threatening voice. \u201cOur little brother is missing, and we happened to know that he\u2019s being held by those friend\u2019s of yours. If\u2019n ya know what\u2019s good for ya, ya\u2019ll talk, or\u2026I\u2019ll skin ya alive,\u201d threatened Hoss as he pulled his long pointed knife from his boot and waved it about in front of the man, who trembled.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The sight of Joe hanging helplessly from the rafters in the old deserted barn flashed before his eyes. He saw Choula\u2019s knife, slowly peeling away at the youngest Cartwright\u2019s flesh and heard again the muted cries of pain. Matt gulped, swallowing hard.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cIf I help you, Blackie will kill me, for sure,\u201d mumbled Matt, his eyes fixed on the knife that Hoss held in his hand.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cMake it easy on yourself, Taylor, if you don\u2019t tell us, I\u2019ll let the big man here cut you into a zillion pieces and feed your flesh to the vultures,\u201d promised Adam.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Matt\u2019s eyes took on a faraway look. His mind conjured up the image that Adam had described and his body shuddered in fear that the two men standing before him would not hesitate to do just as Adam had said. He had seen the Cartwrights together, as a family and had learned quickly that they stood together, against friend or foe and he feared that unless he did as they said, he would find himself buzzard bait, just as Adam had sworn.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAlright, I\u2019ll tell ya, but ya gotta get me out of town\u2026ya gotta promise,\u201d begged Matt.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2019ll have the sheriff send a man with you, back to Virginia City, you\u2019ll be safe there. But only AFTER we know for sure where Joe is\u2026and don\u2019t even think about lying to us,\u201d warned Adam.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam tapped out the signal while Hoss held on to Matt\u2019s arm. Ben opened the door, surprised to see his former employee practically being dragged into the room.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cLookit what we found over at the saloon,\u201d Hoss grinned as he shoved Matt down onto the bed.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben approached the bed, glaring at the man whom he had once considered his friend, as well as a trusted employee.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cMatt\u2026what do you have to say for yourself?\u201d Ben said in a manner that spoke of his dislike for the man to whom he was addressing.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m sorry Mr. Cartwright, honest\u2026but\u2026they made me do it\u2026work for you, I mean,\u201d Matt said in a quivering voice.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cExplain yourself,\u201d growled Ben, \u201cand you better not lie to me, or I\u2019ll have Hoss\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI know, sir, I know\u2026you\u2019ll have him skin me alive,\u201d Matt said in a small voice.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben looked at both Hoss and Adam, not really knowing how the man on the bed knew what he\u2019d have his middle son do to him.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHe\u2019s been warned,\u201d Hoss supplied the information.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cBack about six years ago, I rode with Blackie and his gang, but I got tired of that kind of life and\u2026well\u2026I met a girl\u2026and I wanted more than anything to marry her, but I was an outlaw, so I took off. I tried to start over, that\u2019s when I went to work for you, but Blackie found out where I was and when he realized who you were, Mr. Cartwright, he said if I didn\u2019t spy on you for him, he\u2019d turn me over to the law. I couldn\u2019t let that happen\u2026me and Amy\u2026we\u2019d already married by then and she was carrying my child. So\u2026I\u2026agreed.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Matt swallowed hard and looked into the three faces.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI didn\u2019t know that Blackie planned on killing you\u2026I knew he was gonna rob you\u2026but honest, Mr. Cartwright, I had no idea of the other. It was over a week before I heard how badly you\u2019d been wounded and then Little Joe\u2026his broken leg smashed and him left helpless\u2026I\u2019m\u2026sorry\u2026really sorry,\u201d Matt looked up, tears shining in his eyes.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cIf I could undo it all, I would\u2026if I could,\u201d he muttered.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cMaybe you can Matt,\u201d Ben said.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHow? I\u2019ll do anything\u2026anything to undo all the wrong I done and the sorrow I brought to your family.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cTake us to Joseph,\u201d Ben ordered.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAlright, Mr. Cartwright\u2026he\u2019s being held about three miles outside of town, way back in the woods in an old run down barn,\u201d Matt explained as he rose from the bed.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cIs he alright?\u201d Adam inquired.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The Cartwrights watched as Matt fidgeted with his hat. It was several moments before he could look them in the eye.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThey tied him up to the rafters and then\u2026beat him. They tried to make him tell Blackie where you were, but he wouldn\u2019t say. So they\u2026\u201d again Matt swallowed. \u201cBlackie let Choula\u2026he\u2019s the half-breed, cut your boy up some\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ve heard enough,\u201d Ben said in an angry voice. Visions of his son\u2019s battered body floated across his mind\u2019s eye and Ben had to squeeze his own dark eyes closed to shut out the image.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll kill the man with my bare hands if I get half a chance,\u201d he vowed.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhere do we find this Blackie dude?\u201d Hoss wanted to know.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThe saloon\u2026\u201d Matt glanced at Adam and then again to Hoss. \u201cHe was there when you spotted me. His girl works there\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cSam Watson was in the saloon when we were?\u201d snapped Adam.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYep.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThen he must have seen ya come in\u2026and if he did, he seen us take ya out,\u201d determined Hoss, casting worried eyes at his family.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThat means he\u2019ll kill Joe\u2026he was plannin\u2019 on it anyway, but he wanted to wait, and make you watch. He\u2019s sick Mr. Cartwright, he\u2019s eat up with hate\u2026and if he thinks I ratted on him, he\u2019ll not wait to take you captive, he\u2019ll just out and out kill the boy, just to spite ya!\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThen we\u2019d best get moving,\u201d Ben issued as he reached for his hat.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

He paused, looking down at Joe\u2019s hat. Adam and Hoss saw the renewed fear spread across their father\u2019s face.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cCome on Pa, we best get goin\u2019,\u201d Hoss said, gently taking his father\u2019s arm and guiding him toward the door.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Blackie cursed the Indian, Choula, for it had taken nearly an hour to bring the man to his senses enough that they made it back to the old barn where Joe Cartwright was being held. Blackie had seen Matt enter the saloon and had been just about ready to call out to him when he saw the two strangers approach his friend and all but shove Matt back out the door.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Curious as to whom the pair might be, Blackie had followed the trio outside. He stood in the deep shadows to keep from being seen, and though he could not see anything through the ebony darkness enough to see what was happening, he had heard all he needed, to know that the two men where brothers and that they were the elder sons of Ben Cartwright!<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Blackie and Choula raced back to the barn, startling Eddie, who had remained behind. They burst through the door, only to be met with a double-barreled shotgun pointed in their faces.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cTake it easy, Eddie,\u201d Blackie called out. \u201cIt\u2019s only us.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cSorry boss, I couldn\u2019t tell in the darkness\u2026what\u2019s wrong, you look like you\u2019ve seen a ghost,\u201d Eddie stated as he laid aside his rifle.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cJust about,\u201d Blackie swore. \u201cIt\u2019s Matt, he\u2019s double crossed us. He\u2019s bringing Cartwright and his two sons out here after the kid,\u201d Blackie explained.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWe have to get ready.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhat are we going to do?\u201d Eddie inquired.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Blackie looked in Joe\u2019s direction and watched the Paiute trying to bring Joe back to life.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHe been like that the whole time?\u201d Blackie wanted to know.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYep, ain\u2019t made a sound,\u201d Eddie told his boss.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cLet me wake him up,\u201d grinned Choula. \u201cThen I will skin him and tack his hide to the door, for his father to see, when he comes here.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNot yet, Choula\u2026wake him up though if you can. Eddie, light a lamp, turn it up high, and place it just so the light will be shining on the boy when his old man tears through the door. I want Ben Cartwright to see what we\u2019ve done to his boy,\u201d jeered Blackie.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cBlake, you stand watch, signal when you see anything,\u201d Blackie order.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cSure thing, Sam,\u201d Blake called as he made for the rear door.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Blackie went to the front of the barn and peered out, listening for the sound of approaching horses. When he satisfied himself that they were alone in the barn, he turned to the Indian.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHe\u2019s yours\u2026just don\u2019t kill him, but cut him up, make him bleed,\u201d sneered the boss. \u201cI want his old man to hear him screaming\u2026just like I heard my Pa\u2026right before the hangman pulled down on that lever.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The Cartwrights, Matt Taylor and the sheriff, plus four other men, rode along in silence. It didn\u2019t take them long to locate the old barn where Joe was being held against his will. Matt had warned that Blackie would post a man as a look out and had suggested that they spread out and circle around to the south and come back in from that direction. The plan had worked, for now they lay hidden in the bushes, surrounding the barn.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThey sure ain\u2019t tryin\u2019 to hide, Pa. They\u2019s got that lamp burnin\u2019 bright,\u201d Hoss said.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cShh\u2026listen,\u201d Ben whispered in a near inaudible voice.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cSounds like whimpering,\u201d Adam said, casting his dark eyes toward the barn.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cJoe\u2026its Joe, Mr. Cartwright\u2026that Indian\u2026he swore to skin your boy alive!\u201d Matt explained as he inched in closer to the senior Cartwright.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben\u2019s eyes were wide with horror and easily seen in the darkness that surrounded them. His voice was thick, full of emotion when he spoke.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYou can\u2019t be serious?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAAGGHH!\u201d an agonized cry ripped through the stillness of the night, sending the night birds fluttering into flight.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben jumped to his feet and took a step toward the barn but felt his body yanked backwards by strong arms. He struggled to free himself of the vise like grip.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cLet me go\u2026Joe\u2026<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAAGGHH!\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHoss, let me go!\u201d shouted Ben, flinging his shoulders from one side to the other. \u201cMy son!\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cPa\u2026wait, not like this, you\u2019re making yourself an easy target!\u201d Adam warned his father as Hoss hauled Ben down to the ground.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t care about myself\u2026they\u2019re killing him!\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWell, I care\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben took one long look into his oldest son\u2019s face and saw that Adam\u2019s heart was in his eyes, something so rarely seen. He drew a deep breath to still the tremors that shook his body and brushed aside Hoss\u2019 hands from his arms. Without a word, Ben picked up his pistol from the ground where it had been knocked during the tussle. His nostrils flared with anger and fear and it took every once of inner strength not to run headstrong into the barn and kill every man that had laid a hand to his youngest son.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll circle around back,\u201d Hoss whispered.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll take the left side, Sheriff, you and a couple of your men, take the front entrance\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNO!\u201d Ben groaned. \u201cI\u2019m going in the front\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

It had only been seconds since the last piteous cry but it seemed like a lifetime to the anxious father.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cLet\u2019s go,\u201d whispered Ben.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

He was halfway across the clearing when the third and most atrocious sound he had ever heard reached his ears. It was as if time had stopped, for each man froze for an instant. Ben was the first to thaw, and he bolted for the barn door.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

With gun drawn, and ready to fire, he practically ripped the door from the hinges in his haste to reach his son. The blinding light caused him to falter and he was forced to cover his eyes with his arms.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

In the background, the sound of laughter reached his ears and he moved slightly, out of the main stream of light to look into the brightness. What he saw caused his heart to stop beating. His breath expelled from his lungs, his heart beat wildly and he heard his own voice screaming out his son\u2019s name.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cJOSEPH! JOSEPH!\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

From somewhere in the darkened interior, Ben heard the blast of a gun, and then several more shots were fired. He felt a burning pain in his leg, but paid it no heed as he charged forward. His only aim focused on cutting his son\u2019s body from the rafter where he dangled, bruised and dripping of blood.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben was unaware of the figure that stepped from behind the swaying body, until he stood nose to nose to Choula. The Indian\u2019s hands were stained red, blood red\u2026his son\u2019s blood.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The anger and hate that had eaten away at his son, now chewed holes in his heart. His first reaction was to strike out at the man. Ben brought back his fist and slammed it into the red man\u2019s face with all the power he could draw from every muscle in his body, shattering the long nose and high cheekbones. Choula screamed in pain, covering his face with both hands as he rolled his muscular body into a tight ball at Ben\u2019s feet.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Behind him, Ben heard a muted curse and spinning around, he was met with a fist to his lower jaw. Blackie hit him again and again until he staggered backward, bumping into Joe\u2019s form. Ben\u2019s arms automatically wrapped themselves about Joe\u2019s legs. His son\u2019s painful cry, muffled by the noise around him, reached Ben\u2019s ears as he struggled to remain on his feet. Hands from out of the darkness grabbed for him and slung him sideways, sending him sprawling to the ground, grabbling for a handhold.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Another shot, then several and suddenly there was silence. Ben\u2019s head pounded as he struggled to regain his senses. The stabbing pain in his leg, reminded him of the gunshot wound he\u2019d received. Hands reached for him, hauling him to his feet; he turned to find Adam standing at his side.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s over, Pa,\u201d he said, huffing. \u201cBlackie\u2019s dead. So is that other man.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cBlake\u2026his name\u2019s Blake,\u201d Ben said, still in a stunned condition.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cJoe?\u201d Ben stammered finally coming back to his full senses. He turned to find Hoss cutting the ropes that had, for so many hours, held his brother prisoner.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Carefully, Hoss lowered his brother to the floor. The sight of Joe\u2019s body, the cuts and slices made by Choula\u2019s knife, the bruises where he\u2019d been beaten, all sickened the big man. He felt tears flood his eyes and before they overflowed, his vision momentarily clouded.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cJoe\u2026Joseph?\u201d Ben whispered, dropping to the ground and taking Joe\u2019s head in his hands and easing the boy into his lap. \u201cAnswer me son,\u201d Ben pleaded, ignoring his own pain.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHere, Pa,\u201d Adam said, pulling the cork from a canteen and offering to pour some water onto a cloth.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

While Ben wiped the blood and dirt from Joe\u2019s face, Adam tended to his father\u2019s leg. The coolness brought Joe back from the world of obscurity, where he had hidden from the painful torture he\u2019d been forced to endure. Slowly, his eyes opened and he could barely make out his father\u2019s face.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cPa,\u201d cried Joe weakly.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m here son\u2026Hoss and Adam are here as well,\u201d Ben cooed.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cMy arms, hurt\u2026\u201d cried Joe.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben smothered a groan and leaned down close, so that Joe could hear him. \u201cMy leg hurts.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cGreat pair we make\u2026this revenge\u2026is hard work\u2026Pa\u2026\u201d Joe said, forcing his words to be heard.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhy Joe\u2026why is it so hard\u2026the hate seemed to come very easily,\u201d Ben whispered.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cCause\u2026it cost us\u2026an arm and\u2026a leg.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cShortshanks, I cain\u2019t believe ya still got a sense of humor\u2026that Injun plum near skinned ya alive and ya lyin\u2019 here makin\u2019 jokes,\u201d teased Hoss. \u201cYa should be complainin\u2019 about the pain in ya belly, where he cut ya.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe flinched and arched his back as the pain that Hoss mentioned, became real to him.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll do\u2026that\u2026just get me\u2026home, please,\u201d Joe said as another wave of pain ripped at his body.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

This time a faint cry slipped from his swollen lips and Joe\u2019s eyes closed, rendering him unconscious.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cIt will take some time, Mr. Cartwright, but the boy\u2019s young and healthy. He should heal nicely. I doubt that these little cuts will leave scars, and if so, they won\u2019t be noticeable. No need to worry,\u201d the town\u2019s doctor proclaimed to Joe\u2019s family.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cJust keep him in bed, make sure he drinks plenty of liquids and see that he eats properly. The boy\u2019s puny\u2026unlike your other son, here,\u201d the physician said, pointing at Hoss.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNow there\u2019s a young man who has missed very few meals,\u201d he laughed.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The doctor picked up his bag and started for the door. He spun around, facing Ben.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYou stay off that leg, and you,\u201d he said, pointing to Hoss and Adam who had been standing at the foot of Joe\u2019s bed, watching, \u201cmake sure that these two do as I ordered.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWillow Bend is a long way from Virginia City, and they both need to be completely well before I let them go home.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t worry Doc, we\u2019ll take care of\u2019em, won\u2019t we, Adam?\u201d Hoss grinned.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cSure we will,\u201d Adam agreed.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m not sure I like the sounds of that,\u201d Joe muttered.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Both of his brothers laughed. \u201cDon\u2019t worry kid, we\u2019ll go easy on you\u2026for now,\u201d teased Adam.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHey Pa\u2026you never did get around to telling me what happened to Matt Taylor,\u201d Joe said from his bed where he rested, propped against half a dozen fluffy pillows.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben, who sat with his leg supported by an ottoman, lowered his newspaper he had been reading.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cSheriff James sent him back to Roy. He\u2019s going to testify on our behalf, against Choula and Eddie for what happened back home,\u201d Ben explained.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhat will happen to him? Will he have to go to prison?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cProbably, for a short spell. I wired Roy and explained how Matt helped to save your life, and told him that Matt would turn state\u2019s evidence. So the court will probably go easy on him. I plan of see about that, as soon as we can get home.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

There was a long silence and then Joe spoke again.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYes, son?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI haven\u2019t said it, but\u2026I want to say thanks.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cFor what?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cFor everything\u2026saving my life\u2026stopping me from doing something stupid. You know, Pa, you really had me going there for a while. I really thought you were as filled with hate and revenge as I was\u2026you sure proved me wrong,\u201d Joe said, turning toward his father and smiling.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben\u2019s eyes grew dark and he lowered his head, unable to speak.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cPa\u2026did I say something wrong?\u201d Joe asked, concerned by the expression on his father\u2019s face.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNo\u2026it isn\u2019t you son, it\u2019s\u2026me.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t get it.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYou said I wasn\u2019t filled with hate, or revenge\u2026but you\u2019re wrong Joe. When I opened that barn door and saw what those monsters had done to you\u2026I could feel myself burning with hatred and all I could think of was killing the ones responsible for hurting you like they did\u2026I was ready to kill, I wanted to swap, an eye for an eye\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben became quiet and he had to turn from his son. If he had been able to get up, he would have walked from the room, so great was his shame.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cPa\u2026that\u2019s the way I felt\u2026when Blackie shot you, and left you for dead. But you made me see that hate and revenge will get you nothing but grief\u2026the satisfaction is useless, when you stop to think about having to live with yourself for the rest of your natural life, knowing what you\u2019ve done was for all the wrong reasons. It isn\u2019t up to us to settle a score\u2026it\u2019s up to God\u2026isn\u2019t that what you\u2019ve always tried to teach me?\u201d stressed Joe.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe heard the sound of his father\u2019s soft laughter and was surprised when Ben turned at last to smile at him.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI guess we\u2019ve both learned a lesson then haven\u2019t we?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhat do you mean, Pa?\u201d Joe asked, puzzled.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAn eye for an eye, wasn\u2019t worth an arm and a leg, was it?\u201d laughed Ben.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe giggled, a sound that was as music to his father\u2019s ears.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNo\u2026I reckon not,\u201d Joe giggled, \u201cI reckon not.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

THE END<\/p>\n

MAY 2004<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Once again, good has overcome the bad.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

<\/div>\n

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

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

Summary:\u00a0 Joe’s need for revenge is squelched when he believes that his father’s heart has become as cold and callous as his own.<\/p>\n

Rated:\u00a0 PG for mild violence\u00a0 (12,595 words)<\/p>\n

That Silver-Haired Daddy Series, links to stories within the series are included.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":9052,"featured_media":9683,"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],"tags":[14,15,17,16],"class_list":["post-12321","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-drama","tag-adam-cartwright","tag-ben","tag-hoss","tag-joe","wpcat-23-id"],"a3_pvc":{"activated":true,"total_views":2233,"today_views":0},"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/09\/The-Robe-2.jpg?fit=355%2C335&ssl=1","jetpack_likes_enabled":true,"jetpack-related-posts":[{"id":12272,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=12272","url_meta":{"origin":12321,"position":0},"title":"That Silver-Haired Daddy of Mine (by Debbie B)","author":"DebbieB","date":"April 1, 2004","format":false,"excerpt":"Summary:\u00a0 Ben's near death experience is cause for Joe to want to make atonement for his past misdemeanors. Rated G \u00a0WC 12,600 That Silver-Haired Daddy Series, links to stories within the series are included.","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\/2017\/07\/IMG_2126.jpg?fit=844%2C609&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/07\/IMG_2126.jpg?fit=844%2C609&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/07\/IMG_2126.jpg?fit=844%2C609&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/07\/IMG_2126.jpg?fit=844%2C609&ssl=1&resize=700%2C400 2x"},"classes":[]},{"id":13904,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=13904","url_meta":{"origin":12321,"position":1},"title":"A Matter of Circumstances Continued (by Susan G)","author":"SusanG","date":"December 12, 2007","format":false,"excerpt":"Summary:\u00a0 A WHN story for the episode, A Matter of Circumstances. Rating:\u00a0 T\u00a0\u00a0 (11,870 words)","rel":"","context":"In "Drama"","block_context":{"text":"Drama","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?cat=23"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/10\/Emily.jpg?fit=391%2C455&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200},"classes":[]},{"id":57883,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=57883","url_meta":{"origin":12321,"position":2},"title":"Payback (by Wrangler)","author":"Wrangler","date":"June 30, 2025","format":false,"excerpt":"Summary: It's time for payback when Little Joe is unwittingly duped by Pete Timmons, setting the stage for one final battle between them. The conclusion of \"The Third Son\" Trilogy. Rating T\u00a0 \u00a0 WC 22,067 The Third Son Series: The Third Son The Devil's Hold Payback Payback (the follow-up story\u2026","rel":"","context":"In "Ben \/ Joe"","block_context":{"text":"Ben \/ Joe","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?cat=1015"},"img":{"alt_text":"Little Joe","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Screenshot_20250804_152018_YouTube-1.jpg?fit=909%2C701&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Screenshot_20250804_152018_YouTube-1.jpg?fit=909%2C701&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Screenshot_20250804_152018_YouTube-1.jpg?fit=909%2C701&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Screenshot_20250804_152018_YouTube-1.jpg?fit=909%2C701&ssl=1&resize=700%2C400 2x"},"classes":[]},{"id":56947,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=56947","url_meta":{"origin":12321,"position":3},"title":"The Best Medicine #3 – Coup De Grace (by Wrangler)","author":"Wrangler","date":"May 24, 2025","format":false,"excerpt":"Summary: Joe pays the ultimate price when he seeks vengeance on evil Dr Hale who maimed his leg and got off scot-free. Rating T-13, WC 43,800 Family,Drama,Hurt\/Comfort Best Medicine Series: Best Medicine Malice Aforethought Coup De Grace \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0\u2026","rel":"","context":"In "Ben \/ Joe"","block_context":{"text":"Ben \/ Joe","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?cat=1015"},"img":{"alt_text":"Pa Joe","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/Screenshot_20250524_054431_YouTube.jpg?fit=773%2C621&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/Screenshot_20250524_054431_YouTube.jpg?fit=773%2C621&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/Screenshot_20250524_054431_YouTube.jpg?fit=773%2C621&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/Screenshot_20250524_054431_YouTube.jpg?fit=773%2C621&ssl=1&resize=700%2C400 2x"},"classes":[]},{"id":6742,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=6742","url_meta":{"origin":12321,"position":4},"title":"Grazed (by Jayne)","author":"Jayne","date":"May 4, 2014","format":false,"excerpt":"Summary: \u00a0When Adam finds a slightly injured Joe, they share a strangely special moment. \u00a0A Young Cartwright short story. \u00a0 Rated:\u00a0K+ \u00a0WC \u00a0767","rel":"","context":"In "Adam \/ Joe"","block_context":{"text":"Adam \/ Joe","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?cat=1091"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/04\/bonanza7.jpg?fit=720%2C477&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/04\/bonanza7.jpg?fit=720%2C477&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/04\/bonanza7.jpg?fit=720%2C477&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/04\/bonanza7.jpg?fit=720%2C477&ssl=1&resize=700%2C400 2x"},"classes":[]},{"id":1509,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=1509","url_meta":{"origin":12321,"position":5},"title":"Dr. Martin’s Casebook (by the Giggly Sisters)","author":"The Giggly Sisters","date":"August 20, 2009","format":false,"excerpt":"Summary: \u00a0In the 21st century, Paul Martin's great-great-great grandson discovers his illustrious ancestor's casebook. Rated: K+ \u00a0WC 2300","rel":"","context":"In "Humor"","block_context":{"text":"Humor","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?cat=4"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/04\/bonanza31.jpg?fit=573%2C389&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/04\/bonanza31.jpg?fit=573%2C389&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/04\/bonanza31.jpg?fit=573%2C389&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\/12321","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=12321"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/12321\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/9683"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=12321"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=12321"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=12321"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}