Summary:<\/b>\u00a0Ben and Joe choose what they believed to be the shortest way home, but instead, they found themselves on the shortcut to terror…terror such as they had never known.<\/p>\n
Rated PG \u00a0WC 14,900<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Shortcut to Terror<\/strong><\/p>\n Hot, dirty and past being tired,<\/strong> the two riders pulled their equally weary mounts to a halt. One man slid from his saddle and walked over to the nearest boulder where he sat down, moaning softly.<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m beat,\u201d he told his companion as he stretched.<\/p>\n \u201cYeah\u2026I know what ya mean,\u201d the second man agreed as he pushed the cork back into his canteen and then did as the first man had done and slid from his saddle. He joined his companion and leaned against the boulder, resting his broad back.<\/p>\n \u201cMy backside\u2019s numb!\u201d he said with a slight grin on his chubby face.<\/p>\n The older man, who was the bigger man\u2019s brother, laughed.<\/p>\n \u201cI sure hope we find them soon, I could use a bath, a hot meal and a good night\u2019s rest\u2026in my own bed.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWonder where they got to, Adam?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cBeats me\u2026all I know, this isn\u2019t a bit like Pa not to let one of us know where he\u2019s going\u2026now, if it were just Little Joe\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYeah\u2026but they\u2019s together this time. Could be they\u2019re in some kind of trouble.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThat\u2019s possible\u2026we\u2019re not that far from Indian Grief\u2026\u201d Adam concluded as he pushed himself from his resting place. \u201cCome on\u2026lets see what\u2019s over that ridge.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cOh Lordy, Adam\u2026ya don\u2019t reckon them two took another one of Joe\u2019s shortcuts, do ya?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWho knows,\u201d moaned Adam with a smirk, \u201cYou know Joe can talk Pa into just about anything\u2026\u201d Ben, exhausted from the long run, stumbled again, this time falling face down into the dirt. Joe called out to his father to get up, but it was useless, Ben was rendered helpless and after being dragged for several yards, his captor at last stopped. Ben lay motionless, face down in the dirt. Seconds later, Soaring Eagle stopped as well, giving Little Joe time to catch his breath. He glanced anxiously at his father, who had yet to move.<\/p>\n \u201cPa!\u201d<\/p>\n Soaring Eagle yanked hard on the rope, practically knocking Joe to the ground. Joe\u2019s eyes moved from his father\u2019s lifeless form to the man who sat on horseback towering over him. Joe held his tongue, not wanting to anger the man more than he already was. Soaring Eagle made no secret of his hatred for the white man.<\/p>\n \u201cMy father\u2026needs help,\u201d Joe said at last.<\/p>\n Soaring Eagle, not wanting his prisoners to die\u2026at least not yet, nodded his head toward Ben, indicating to Joe that he was to go to the older man.<\/p>\n Silver Fox, Soaring Eagle\u2019s companion, remained sitting on his horse, caring nothing that his prisoner was totally exhausted and was in dire need of water.<\/p>\n \u201cPa,\u201d Joe cried softly as he gently turned Ben over onto his back.<\/p>\n A muted cry escaped Joe\u2019s lips when he saw the condition of his father\u2019s face, the scratches and small cuts embedded with dirt and tiny stones. Joe glanced up at the small band of Indians who had circled them. He forced himself to mask his true feelings for it would serve no purpose if he allowed himself to voice them.<\/p>\n \u201cWater\u2026he needs water,\u201d he demanded.<\/p>\n Silver Fox shook his head no.<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m alright, son,\u201d Ben said weakly as he allowed Joe to help him to his feet. Ben wobbled slightly as he brushed the dust from his eyes with the backs of his bound hands.<\/p>\n Soaring Eagle turned his horse about and kicked him in the ribs. Once more, Joe and Ben were made to trot along behind. Joe kept a watchful eye on his waning father. He knew that if Ben stumbled again, he would be of no use to help him. The band of Indians were set on reaching their destination, regardless of the condition in which their prisoners arrived.<\/p>\n It seemed as if they had ran for miles before Soaring Eagle and Silver Fox pulled their mounts to a stop. Instantly, both father and son dropped to their knees, lungs heaving, and straining to suck much needed air into their chests.<\/p>\n Joe took a quick look around and nudged his father.<\/p>\n \u201cLook,\u201d he muttered between gasps.<\/p>\n Ben lay flat on the ground, totally spent he raised his head slightly and looked in the direction his son had indicated. Beyond where they rested, only yards away, was a stream. Already half the braves had led their horses to the cool water and allowed them to drink their fill.<\/p>\n Joe stood to his feet and pulled Ben to his. They leaned heavily against one another, both just about spent and drained of all their energy. As they started toward the water, both were brought to a sudden halt.<\/p>\n Soaring Eagle and Silver Fox yanked back on their ropes, jerking each prisoner around, away from the water. With a nod of his head, Soaring Eagle motioned for four of his men. They grabbed the Cartwrights and shoved and pushed them toward two tall cacti brimming with high arches and branches filled with tiny, prickly thorns.<\/p>\n Joe was the first to have his back shoved against the wide trunk. He gritted his teeth against the sharp pain in his back, determined not to cry out. With no feeling for the stinging pain of their captives, the braves hauled Joe\u2019s arms high over his head and secured them with the rawhide ropes. His feet barely touched the ground and if to add insult to injury, the braves wrapped another length of rawhide about the boy\u2019s ankles and securing them around the bass of the cactus and thus making it impossible for Joe to move away from the offending needles. He dared not squirm, for fear of adding more pain to his already stricken back. The same was done to Ben until both stood stiffly and ramrod straight against the tall cactus. Joe could hear his father making soft moaning sounds. When he turned to look at his father, his heart fell, Ben looked more dead than alive.<\/p>\n \u201cPa?\u201d Joe called in a muttering voice.<\/p>\n Ben made no response. Joe watched helplessly as the Indians drank from the stream. His dry and parched mouth caused his senses to yearn for the same. Every so often, Soaring Eagle would look his way, a mocking grin upon his dark skinned face as he toyed with the cool droplets in his hands, laughing when he saw Joe unconsciously lick his cracked and chapped lips. As awful as he felt, Joe knew that if his father were not given water soon, Ben would succumb to his mistreatment. Fear and anger began to boil and fester deep within the younger Cartwright\u2019s soul for the Indians who had begun their slow and deadly game of torture. Water seemed less important then as he glanced again at his beloved father and saw Ben squirm against the prickly cactus and heard the soft whimpers of agony that Ben unknowingly made.<\/p>\n The hours of darkness seemed to linger on for a lifetime. Joe\u2019s back felt damp with the collection of blood that he knew seeped from his wounds. His mouth was dry and his tongue felt thick from the lack of water. His head slumped slightly downward, his chin almost resting on his chest. He was too weary, too weak to even make an effort to look around at his father. Joe feared the worst for his parent. It had been hours since he\u2019d heard so much as a soft moan. There had been no movement on his father\u2019s part; Ben\u2019s entire body sagged forward, straining against the restraints that held his body upright against the cactus. Joe\u2019s greatest fear was that his father would soon die, if he had not already done so.<\/p>\n The sun rose slowly over the crest of the mountaintop. Joe heard the Indians approaching, speaking in soft tones. When he glanced up, he saw Silver Fox grab a handful of Ben\u2019s hair and jerk the senior Cartwright\u2019s head upright. Ben\u2019s eyes were closed and even from where he stood prisoner, Joe could see the chalky whiteness of his father\u2019s face and knew without having to be told, that sometime during the long night hours, Ben had lost his battle against his enemies. Tears welled in Joe\u2019s hazel eyes, a knot the size of his fist lodged in his throat. He felt his stomach rumble and was forced to turn his head away, letting the hot acid that boiled from deep down and worked its way into his mouth, spew out onto the hard packed earth beneath his feet.<\/p>\n Silver Fox shouted in victory and danced around his prisoner, tossing his head and arms up and down as he twirled around and around in circles. Soaring Eagle and the others watched, adding their voices to their companion\u2019s. When the band of warriors had tired of their victory dance, Soaring Eagle moved to stand before his own prisoner, gleaming proudly at the defeated expression on the young man\u2019s face.<\/p>\n \u201cYour father is dead\u2026\u201d he sneered at Joe. \u201cSoon, you will join him\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n Joe, his eyes dark with hatred spat in the red man\u2019s face.<\/p>\n Angered, Soaring Eagle grabbed Joe by the hair and yanked his head backwards. With his other hand, he jabbed the sharp point of his knife into the middle of Joe\u2019s throat, making a tiny slice in the flesh where instantly it appeared red with bright blood.<\/p>\n \u201cYou will regret that!\u201d jeered the Indian. \u201cI will make you suffer\u2026you will beg me to kill you\u2026and I shall\u2026but not before you have endured many hours of great pain\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n Soaring Eagle slammed Joe\u2019s head back against the sharp pricks of the cactus, causing Joe to grit his teeth tightly to keep from crying out. The tears that lingered escaped from one corner of his eye, causing the red man to stare in awe at the tiny droplet. But only for a moment, then Soaring Eagle tossed back his head and laughed loudly. The sound echoed in Joe\u2019 ears, lingering when the Indian turned and walked away, mocking him, caring naught for his prisoner\u2019s broken heart and crushed spirit. The white man was nothing to the red man\u2026except for one thing\u2026his enemy, which he aimed to destroy.<\/p>\n When the braves untied Joe, he struggled, digging the heels of his boots into the earth as he bulked at being forced along. With great longing showing in his eyes, he glanced at his father\u2019s still form that remained tied to the cactus where his body was left to rot in the hot sun.<\/p>\n \u201cNO!\u201d screamed Joe as he was literally dragged along.<\/p>\n He soon ceased his struggles as he was forced to the ground, held down by strong hands while other hands yanked and jerked on his boots, removing them from his feet. Joe watched as the brave holding the boots tossed them aside. He was then hauled to his feet, his stocking feet already feeling the heat that emitted from the hot ground beneath them. Another brave checked the man-make ropes that bound Joe\u2019s wrists together, making sure that the knots were still tied tightly. When he was sure they were, the brave nodded his head at Soaring Eagle, who sat proudly, head held high, on the bare back of his dark pony. Soaring Eagle looked down at Joe, hate brewing in his ebony eyes.<\/p>\n \u201cNow you begin to suffer,\u201d he said in a surprisingly soft tone.<\/p>\n Joe was unprepared for the warrior\u2019s next move and almost stumbled when Soaring Eagle gouged his pony in the ribs with the heels of his feet and took off at a run. Joe was forced to run along behind, following in a staggering manner through the thick dust kicked up by the horse\u2019s hooves. Tiny particulars of dirt stung his face and blinded his eyes, yet he some how managed to stay on his feet, though he soon began to feel the jagged rocks cutting into the tender flesh of his near bare soles.<\/p>\n By the time that Soaring Eagle and his band of braves stopped, Joe was huffing and puffing. He dropped to his knees, head bent forward, gasping for air to fill his heaving lungs. Blood soaked the bottoms of his socks with a dirty orange color as it mixed with the dirt, yet he felt no pain except for the fiery burning in his chest. Totally spent, Joe collapsed, rolling slowly over onto his back. Though the sun shone brightly, he saw nothing more than the blackened image of the man standing over him. The brave was talking, but his voice seemed muffled and far away to his prisoner. The wounded man strained to bring his eyes into focus, stretching out his hands, longing for the touch of the one man whom he knew could help him, forgetting that his father\u2019s corpse was now decaying in the scorching sun.<\/p>\n \u201cPa?\u201d he muttered in an inaudible voice seconds before his world went black and his eyes closed against the pounding pain of his broken heart. Hoss pulled Chubb to a standstill along side his brother\u2019s horse and looked in the direction Adam was pointing.<\/p>\n \u201cThat\u2019s Pa\u2019s horse\u2026\u201d Hoss exclaimed. \u201cAdam, see that big oak tree just to the right of Buck? Ain\u2019t that Cochise standin\u2019 in the shadows?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cSure looks like it; come on, Pa and Little Joe must be down there.\u201d<\/p>\n Adam spurred his mount and galloped down the hill. Hoss followed, keeping his eyes fixed on the two horses. Buck stopped grazing and looked up as Adam and Hoss drew near. He whinnied softly at his stable mates.<\/p>\n Adam slid from the saddle and moved to examine his father\u2019s horse and gear. He glanced around, hoping to see his father and brother.<\/p>\n \u201cPA\u2026LITTLE JOE!\u201d Adam called.<\/p>\n Hoss had walked into the brush and appeared again, leading Joe\u2019s pinto.<\/p>\n \u201cI didn\u2019t find anything out of the norm\u2026what about you?\u201d he asked his older brother.<\/p>\n \u201cNothing,\u201d Adam said as his eyes searched the surrounding area.<\/p>\n \u201cLITTLE JOE!\u201d he shouted again.<\/p>\n \u201cPPAAA!\u201d Hoss yelled.<\/p>\n The big man hated to admit it, but he was becoming more alarmed as the minutes ticked away. He looked anxiously at his older brother.<\/p>\n \u201cSomethin\u2019 ain\u2019t right, Adam,\u201d he muttered with a worried frown.<\/p>\n \u201cYeah\u2026I get that same feeling,\u201d Adam answered as he secured the reins around a limb. \u201cLet\u2019s look around a bit. I\u2019ll go upstream, you go down\u2026if you don\u2019t find anything after about ten minutes, cross over and head back this way\u2026I\u2019ll meet you\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cAlrighty,\u201d Hoss agreed as he secured Joe\u2019s pinto.<\/p>\n Hoss set out down stream, being careful to watch the ground for any signs that might give him a clue as to what happened to his family. When he had walked for what he believed to be the allotted ten minutes, he waded across the shallow stream and started back. He\u2019d only gone a short distance when he stopped suddenly. Lying on the ground right in front of him was Little Joe\u2019s hat. Hoss snatched it from the ground, turning it over and over in his large beefy hands. He checked the inside brim. His hands froze, he gasped.<\/p>\n \u201cOh Lordy,\u201d he muttered to himself as he touched the stain with one finger. The substance felt sticky. His heart sank\u2026it was blood\u2026Little Joe\u2019s blood. Instantly, Hoss started walking quickly back toward Adam, keeping his eyes opened wide for any more signs.<\/p>\n \u201cADAM!\u201d he called as he neared the place where he was to meet his brother.<\/p>\n Adam appeared instantly, already seeing the hat that Hoss held tightly in his hand.<\/p>\n \u201cLooky,\u201d Hoss said as he handed the hat to Adam. \u201cThere\u2019s blood on the inside brim.\u201d<\/p>\n Adam\u2019s face looked drawn and tired. His lips were pressed tightly together. Hoss could easily read the worry in his brother\u2019s dark eyes when Adam looked up at him.<\/p>\n \u201cThere\u2019s been a struggle\u2026over there, come have a look,\u201d he told Hoss, leading the way to a small clearing.<\/p>\n Hoss looked at the ground, the signs were easy to read. The moss-covered earth was ripped and torn in more than one place. A couple of small branches lay at the base of a small scrub bush, broken. Hoss walked around in a semi-circle, stopping to stoop down about halfway around. When he straightened, he fingered what he held in his hand and then turned to Adam, extending his hand.<\/p>\n \u201cA feather\u2026an Indian\u2019s feather\u2026see\u2026it came from an eagle,\u201d he said quietly. \u201cThey\u2019s in trouble Adam\u2026bad trouble,\u201d he muttered, glancing again at the area around him. \u201cThey sure \u2018nough put up a fight\u2026see\u2026\u201d he pointed to the ground. \u201cAnd over here\u2026half a dozen horses\u2026two men on foot\u2026following behind\u2026\u201d Hoss gulped as he glanced at his brother.<\/p>\n \u201cPa and Joe\u2019s them two on foot, Adam\u2026see the indention on this smaller print\u2026that\u2019s made from the hole in the bottom of Little Joe\u2019s boot. They been took prisoner\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n Adam and Hoss followed the trail until the sun sank so far below the hills that they were forced to stop for the night. Neither was happy that they had found nothing more, other than prints left in the dirt. Both refused to mention to the other the signs on the ground telling them that their father had obviously fallen and had been dragged behind the Indian and his pony that forced him to continue despite the fact that he was no longer on his feet.<\/p>\n Fear for their family\u2019s welfare however, was written into the deep creases on their faces and the dark brooding glare in their eyes.<\/p>\n \u201cWe\u2019ll go on as soon as it\u2019s daylight,\u201d Adam said as he unrolled his bedding and spread it on the ground close to a cluster of rocks that provided shelter from the cold wind that had risen. \u201cWe best not light a fire, Hoss,\u201d he suggested when he noticed his brother picking up small sticks. \u201cIt might draw attention\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n Hoss paused in his work and glanced around as if expecting the Indians to spring from the brush. Carelessly he dropped the sticks and dusted off his hands.<\/p>\n \u201cI suppose ya right,\u201d he grumbled as he sat down on his own bedroll and began digging into his saddlebag. Moments later he offered his brother a slice of jerky. \u201cAin\u2019t much of a supper,\u201d he mumbled, \u201cMy ole belly is plum empty\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI know, mine\u2019s been rumbling since lunch\u2026but just think, Hoss\u2026\u201d he held out a hardened biscuit and offered it to Hoss, \u201ccould be worse\u2026I doubt that Pa and Little Joe\u2019s had anything to eat or drink. Those Indians we\u2019ve been tracking are moving fast\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n Hoss had the biscuit almost to his mouth but his hand stopped in mid-air. He swallowed hard, glancing over at Adam who sat watching him. The expression on his rotund face as he looked at the uneaten bread was a guilty one.<\/p>\n \u201cGo on, brother\u2026eat it, Pa wouldn\u2019t want us to go without\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n Again Hoss swallowed, but he nodded his head this time, in agreement and then took a bite, chewing it slowly.<\/p>\n Even before the sun was entirely up, the pair of brothers had already saddled their mounts and was ready to leave. Adam swung onto his horse\u2019s back and led the way from the little clearing, keeping a sharp eye on the trail left by the small band of Indians.<\/p>\n They hadn\u2019t traveled more than a couple of miles when Hoss, now in the lead and watching closely the tracks embedded into the ground, suddenly yanked back on his reins bringing his big horse to a sudden and unexpected stop. Sport almost collided with his stablemate but veered to the left, almost unseating his rider.<\/p>\n \u201cWhat the\u2026\u201d grumbled Adam as he fought to keep from falling out of the saddle.<\/p>\n Hoss twisted his head around. Adam, seeing the horrified look on his brother\u2019s face, stopped his retort in mid-sentence. He saw his brother gulp deeply.<\/p>\n \u201cHoss?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cAdam, looky down there!\u201d Hoss said, pointing down the hill where two tall cacti stood out in stark contrast to the blue-sky overhead. The vast prairie opened up just below them, ending the scantly cluster of forest on the hillside where they had brought their horses to a standstill.<\/p>\n Adam strained his eyes against the bright sun as he tried to make out the form that looked like an extension of the cactus\u2019 branches. \u201cWhat is that?\u201d he muttered more to himself than to his brother.<\/p>\n \u201cLooks like\u2026\u201d Hoss\u2019 eyes darkened and without saying more, he kicked Chubb in the sides and galloped across the open space, caring not that the enemy might be hiding somewhere nearby.<\/p>\n \u201cHOSS WAIT!\u201d commanded Adam with no results.<\/p>\n Sighing deeply, he nudged his own mount down the slope. With a look of disbelief mingled with fear, Adam slipped from his horse. Quickly he pulled his knife from his pocket and cut the ropes that had for so many hours, held his father prisoner to the cactus. Ben\u2019s body sagged heavily against that of his eldest son. Too overcome with emotion, Adam cradled his father\u2019s limp body in his arms for several seconds, until Hoss shook off the icy fear that had momentarily stopped him cold, and rushed to help his brother. The look on Hoss\u2019 face left no doubt of his turmoil as he aided Adam in lowering their father\u2019s body to the ground. Hoss glanced up at Adam sickened at what they had found.<\/p>\n \u201cIs he dead?\u201d he whispered, almost too distressed to voice his question aloud.<\/p>\n Adam, his lips drawn taunt, pressed his fingers against the vein in Ben\u2019s neck that would answered his brother\u2019s question. He closed his eyes tightly, praying silently that what he feared would not be so. For several agonizing moments he remained so, without speaking or opening his eyes.<\/p>\n \u201cAdam?\u201d muttered Hoss as he pressed his hand down on Adam\u2019s shoulder. He could feel the silent tremors that coursed though his brother\u2019s body.<\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s faint\u2026but its there,\u201d Adam said, opening his eyes at last and giving Hoss a wee smile.<\/p>\n \u201cThank you God!\u201d squealed Hoss.<\/p>\n Tiny tears had formed in his eyes and when he blinked, they were released. He cried only briefly and then wiped the sleeve of his shirt across the front of his face, removing the traces of emotion that had given away his hidden fear.<\/p>\n \u201cGet me some water,\u201d Adam issued as he dusted the dirt and smeared blood from his father\u2019s face.<\/p>\n Hoss was already pulling the cork from his canteen when he squatted down next to Adam. Adam held out his neckerchief and let Hoss pour enough water onto it to wet it and then by pressing his fingers tightly, he squeezed out the excess before using the cloth to wipe his father\u2019s brow.<\/p>\n Ben moaned softly, turning his head slightly toward Adam\u2019s broad chest. Carefully, Adam pressed the lip of the canteen to his father\u2019s blistered lips and tipped the receptacle upward allowing a small stream to spill over into Ben\u2019s mouth. Ben\u2019s lips parted and as he drank he began struggling to take the canteen from his son\u2019s hand, almost spilling the precious liquid.<\/p>\n \u201cEasy, Pa\u2026easy,\u201d Adam cooed in a gentle voice. \u201cDrink slowly,\u201d he cautioned as he fought to maintain control.<\/p>\n \u201cHe\u2019s about thirsted to death,\u201d muttered Hoss.<\/p>\n The sound of Adam\u2019s voice penetrated into the deep recesses of Ben\u2019s confused mind and slowly began luring the withering man\u2019s dying thoughts back to the surface of life where it belonged. Ben at last pushed the canteen away from his lips as he struggled to open his eyes to see the face behind the voice that beckoned him back from death\u2019s door.<\/p>\n \u201cAd\u2026am\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n Adam smiled, unaware that he had done so. \u201cYeah, Pa\u2026it\u2019s me\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cAnd me\u2026\u201d Hoss said in a thick, emotional tone.<\/p>\n Ben turned his head slightly, enough so that he could make out the rotund face of his middle son. With great effort, he raised his hand toward the larger man. Hoss, smiling, grasped his father\u2019s hand in his.<\/p>\n \u201cYa sure \u2018nough gave us a scare, Pa,\u201d he coughed.<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m\u2026sorry\u2026\u201dsputtered Ben. \u201cI\u2026thought\u2026I\u2026was\u2026dead\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYa dang near was!\u201d Hoss said and then chuckled nervously.<\/p>\n \u201cCome on, Hoss, help me move him into the shade\u2026\u201d Adam ordered.<\/p>\n He carefully started to lift his father, but Ben grabbed his son\u2019s arm and with what strength he could muster, squeezed.<\/p>\n \u201cJoseph\u2026\u201d moaned Ben.<\/p>\n Adam glanced at Hoss and then looked back at his father, shaking his head.<\/p>\n \u201cWe haven\u2019t found him, Pa\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cTook\u2026him\u2026the\u2026Indians\u2026took\u2026him\u2026\u201d Ben\u2019s voice was weak, his speech broken as the sobs overpowered his weakened spirit.<\/p>\n \u201cWe know, Pa\u2026we\u2019ve been trailin\u2019 em\u2026try not to worry\u2026we\u2019ll find Little Joe\u2026\u201d Hoss assured his father.<\/p>\n \u201cHoss is right, Pa\u2026but first, we\u2019ve got to get you home\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n Ben\u2019s anger seemed to be sparked by his son\u2019s statement. He forced his eyes opened and tried to stand on his own. \u201cNO\u2026I\u2019m\u2026not wasting\u2026time going\u2026home. They\u2019ll kill\u2026him\u2026we have\u2026to get\u2026to him.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cPa\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNO\u2026just\u2026give me a bit\u2026to rest\u2026then put\u2026me on\u2026a horse\u2026\u201d The horse jolted Joe\u2019s aching body cruelly as he trotted along at the end of the long line of braves. Opening his eyes, Joe tried to glance around. His surroundings were unfamiliar to him, dry and barren\u2026in the distance he could make out a line of trees. It appeared to be the direction Soaring Eagle and Silver Fox were heading.<\/p>\n For what seemed like hours, Joe was forced to endure the torment of being strapped down across the horse. Soft moans slipped from his lips as he fought not to be heard. When he could take no more, Joe allowed himself to succumb to the blackness that beckoned him.<\/p>\n The sun was midway in the sky by the time that the small band of Indians had reached their final destination. Joe was jarred from his safe retreat when he was hauled from the horse\u2019s back. He struggled to free himself from the hands that pawed at his body, but weakened by his abuse, his struggle was useless. Joe felt his body being lifted from the ground and carried a short distance from where they had left the horses.<\/p>\n Fighting to maintain control of his senses and of the warriors who whooped and hollered in his ears, Joe\u2019s clothes were stripped from his body, leaving him only in his long johns bottom. His body was then slammed hard against the ground. He felt the stones beneath him cutting into his back as several pairs of hands held his arms high over his head. His legs were spread apart and held in place while others tied both ankles and wrists and secured them firmly to the ground. When their job was finished, the braves parted, leaving the white man secured with tight knots of rawhide strips spread eagle on the hard packed earth. Joe tugged at his arms but soon stopped, there would be no working free of the knots the braves had made and of the stakes that had been hammered deeply into the ground.<\/p>\n Joe gritted his teeth as he stared into the hate filled eyes of the men who towered over him. Soaring Eagle stepped forward as the others took a step back to allow him admittance. The warrior squatted down and stared darkly into the face of his enemy. For several moments Joe met the stare with eyes as filled with loathing as the ones that looked back at him.<\/p>\n Suddenly without warning, Soaring Eagle spat in Joe\u2019s face. Joe\u2019s eyes closed tightly as the saliva ran down his cheeks. He heard the Indian laugh and knew when the man stood to his full height. Slowly he opened his eyes. The sun that shone brightly in Joe\u2019s eyes masked the tall, slender warrior\u2019s face; but the tone of voice the Indian used was unmistakable.<\/p>\n Soaring Eagle mumbled something that Joe could not understand. Two braves slipped away from the group but returned minutes later to stand on either side of Joe\u2019s captor. He saw Soaring Eagle look at the objects that the pair held out to him. The Indian laughed as he squatted back down. Nervously, Joe glanced around at the group who had circled him. The other two braves squatted down next to Soaring Eagle. Joe\u2019s senses picked up an odd scent. It emitted from the small wooden bowl that one brave held in his hand.<\/p>\n Soaring Eagle spoke in low tones to the pair. One Indian handed the bowl to Soaring Eagle and then with the help of the other, one grabbed Joe by the hair while the second brave held Joe\u2019s chin firmly so that he was unable to move his head. Joe tried to squirm away, but there was no getting free.<\/p>\n Soaring Eagle laughed at the sudden fear that sparked his prisoner\u2019s eyes. Joe watched as his captor dipped a small ladle into the thick hot substance that was in the bowl. Soaring Eagle moved his hand with the ladle over the front of Joe\u2019s face. Joe\u2019s breathing was labored. His chest rose and fell as he sucked in deep breaths trying to ward off his escalating fear.<\/p>\n \u201cThis is the last face you will ever see,\u201d muttered Soaring Eagle as he pointed to his own face. \u201cBut you will come to know the sound of my voice, and your hate for me will soon grow and you will wish me dead. But it is not I that will die\u2026it is you\u2026but for now my voice is your only link between life and death\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n Slowly Soaring Eagle tipped the ladle. The warm sticky substance began to drip onto Joe\u2019s face. He closed his eyes as the thick liquid spread over his eyelids. His face felt as if it were on fire, causing him to scream\u2026giving him cause to hate himself for the terror and the sick feeling that gnawed at his gut and had suddenly become so loud and vocal. Soon the warm mixture thickened and hardened as it cooled, sealing Joe\u2019s eyes shut and blinding his vision from the faces that hovered above him. Soaring Eagle\u2019s dark expressive eyes loomed in his mind, searing the image into Joe\u2019s memory forever.<\/p>\n When the hands freed his hair, Joe tossed his head back and forth, trying desperately to open his eyes. The sound of his voice resounded in his own ears as he screamed his hatred at his tormentors. The laughter that rang about him sounded muted as if it were far away. Joe was drifting in and out of consciousness; his spirit begged for relief but his will was not quite ready to give up. He listened for the hushed whispers but minutes later he was alone with his misery. Joe knew that the Indians had gone, leaving him to his pain and desperation. He felt the tears forming behind his close eyes, though none escaped through the hardened substance that had sealed his eyes to the world around him.<\/p>\n Sickened and frightened, Joe\u2019s whimpering went unobserved by anyone other than to the God to whom he prayed. Even before his first prayer had ended, his battle to stay alert had ended and Joe was temporarily lost in a sea of black forgetfulness, his refuge from the suffering and pain he was forced to endure as he teetered between life and death.<\/p>\n It was hours later before Soaring Eagle returned to check on his prisoner. For several long moments he stood in silence, observing the white man and listening to the soft murmurs that escaped past the dried and cracked flesh of his captive\u2019s bruised and swollen lips. The white man was still alive though he laid deathly still. Soaring Eagle wondered if the man\u2019s senses were still vital enough that he could sense his presence.<\/p>\n The red man kicked out with his toe and jabbed it into Joe\u2019s side. Joe flinched. Through gritted teeth, he spoke.<\/p>\n \u201cI know you\u2019re there,\u201d he muttered in a broken, muted tone. \u201cYou stink\u2026I smelled you before you got ten feet from me,\u201d he spat.<\/p>\n Soaring Eagle, his dark expressive eyes dancing with anger knelt down next to his prisoner. His voice was low and threatening.<\/p>\n \u201cWhen you die, your body will rot in the sun\u2026and then it will be you that stinks. Already the buzzards fly overhead\u2026waiting\u2026soon they will swoosh down and pluck out your eyes\u2026some will chip away at the covering that has hardened\u2026others will pick at your flesh\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n The Indian watched the expression of fear seep into the fine, tired lines that creased Joe\u2019s face. The warrior continued with his verbal assault.<\/p>\n \u201cYour fingers are no longer white\u2026your feet are blue as well. The rawhide is shrinking and the blood has almost stopped flowing into your limbs. Your skin will soon be ready for the vultures to pluck from your bones\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYou\u2026bastard\u2026\u201d spat Joe.<\/p>\n Inside, he was trembling. He could feel the rush of fear surging throughout his body mingling with the pain his captor had described. He was dying\u2026slowly, from the outside in\u2026it was painful\u2026yet the inner self\u2026his soul, was not yet ready to give in to the abuse, nor to allow death to walk away with his spirit. But the red man\u2019s voice haunted him\u2026his cruel cutting words were like a spear in his side\u2026a knife to his heart\u2026<\/p>\n It was almost morning before Joe stirred about on the hard ground. He could feel the warm sun on his already baked body, yet the heat was welcomed for the night had been chilly and he had shivered endlessly with the cold. His throat was dried and parched, his stomach rumbled with hunger and every muscle in his body vibrated with relentless pain and stiffness.<\/p>\n Joe was unaware that he was no longer alone. It was only when he felt a sharp intense pain in his side that caused him to cry aloud did he realize that his tormentor had returned.<\/p>\n \u201cI have come to hasten your death\u2026to make you cry for mercy,\u201d laughed Soaring Eagle.<\/p>\n With that he jabbed another of the long thin cactus needles into Joe\u2019s other side. Joe screeched loudly as the needle embedded deeply into his flesh. The same burning sensation similar to the first radiated from his side. Thus began the agonizing, almost paralyzing decline that Joe had fought so hard not to lose.<\/p>\n It seemed that every half hour or less, Soaring Eagle returned, muttered some degrading comment into his ear and then jabbed half a dozen cacti needles into various spots on Joe\u2019s body. Time after time Joe gritted his teeth, clamped his jaw firmly shut and willed himself not to satisfy his tormentor by crying out. But each horrific time the sharp needles pierced deeper into his flesh, until unable to withstand the agony, Joe screamed aloud.<\/p>\n Joe had soon come to dread the sound of Soaring Eagle\u2019s voice, just as the fiend had predicted he would. The evil, over-powering red man would began speaking even before he stood directly over his white captive. It was as if Joe\u2019s mind had closed down to all other sounds around him and had focused in on the one sound that he most dreaded to hear, for he knew that along with Soaring Eagle\u2019s voice, came more of the vicious torture. The red man appeared to be in no hurry to kill his foe, but was instead just as satisfied to watch the man suffer and to play a part in the insidious treatment that Joe was subjected to.<\/p>\n The sun had moved more than halfway across the sky and still Joe teetered between life and death. His senses had long since become dulled to the sadistic punishment that Soaring Eagle rendered to his body. The needles now covered more than half of Joe\u2019s upper body, going as high as having been jabbed into the more tender parts of his neck and chin. Blood had dripped profusely for hours but with the rising temperature, had begun to congeal and dry around the points of entry, leaving the Cholla needles lodged as permanent fixtures in his flesh. Every pore in the young man\u2019s body seemed to be filled with a tenseness that emitted the terror that had consumed him. Five of his senses had shut down, leaving only his hearing and even at that, the one sound that he dreaded most was the voice of doom\u2026Soaring Eagle.<\/p>\n \u201cYou are not dead yet?\u201d the voice whispered in his ear. \u201cYou should be\u2026your blood has splattered all about you\u2026even the ants have come to feast\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n Soaring Eagle glanced up at the trees and then down at the dying man.<\/p>\n \u201cThe buzzards are becoming restless\u2026they grow tired of waiting for death to claim your soul.\u201d<\/p>\n Joe\u2019s body stiffened slightly as he inhaled. It was painful, his body was on fire; his insides ached fiercely, yet he refused to die. He had no way of knowing, no means by which to look into the eyes of the one he considered the devil, but had Joe been able, he might have been surprised to see the spark of admiration in the red man\u2019s ebony eyes. Soaring Eagle would not admit such to his captive, but he admired the young white man\u2019s bravery. A lesser man would have succumbed to his brutal torture long before now. A part of Soaring Eagle secretly wished that instead of being his prisoner, his white enemy, Joe had instead been his red skinned brother, for among his people such bravery was something to be admired, honored\u2026desired. Few red brothers had shown as much courage as this one white man. Soaring Eagle shook his head in remorse and then stood to his full height.<\/p>\n The screeching of the vultures hurt his ears. He glanced around at the birds; they were becoming braver, coming closer each time that they swooshed down. There was no denying the fact, soon the birds would be deterred no longer; they would converge on the white man\u2019s body and begin feasting. It mattered not to them whether the man was dead or nearly dead, hunger would drive them to do what they were placed here to do. Soaring Eagle determined that by nightfall, nothing more of the white man would remain other than his bones, and even then scavengers would lurk in the background and once the birds had eaten their fill, they would then slip forward and carry off any remains until nothing more would be left.<\/p>\n \u201cI leave you now\u2026you will hear my voice no more\u2026only the voices of the vultures remain. Listen closely\u2026it will be the last sounds that you hear\u2026except your own cries once they begin to eat away at your flesh\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n Soaring Eagle saw Joe shudder and then he turned and walked away, never looking back, for in his hardened heart, he felt a strange and unfamiliar feeling for the white man\u2026could it have been pity? Perhaps, the warrior decided, it was a shame to watch such a brave man die\u2026especially knowing that the man\u2019s death was on his own hands.<\/p>\n For several moments all was quiet. The only sound Joe heard as he strained to listen was the loud pounding of his heart as his terror rose in tempo to it\u2019s beating. He never imagined through all his suffering that he\u2019d so soon come to long for the sound of his antagonist\u2019s voice\u2026but it was not to be. Suddenly a strange, frightening sound seemed to hover over his head. He felt a light whisp of air breeze by his head and then another and another and then he heard the sound of his voice as he screamed and screamed and screamed\u2026and then all was silent again\u2026the birds had made their final descent. \u201cWhat is that racket?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cSounds like someone screaming\u2026come on, this way!\u201d Ben ordered as he kicked sharply at his horse\u2019s sides.<\/p>\n All three took off at a run and almost as if perfectly timed, reined in their mounts as soon as they rounded the bend and saw the horrid sight before them. Instantly, Adam and Hoss pulled their guns from their holsters and began shooting into the air, shouting in an effort to scare the large birds from their prey.<\/p>\n Ben, still weak from his ordeal, slid from his horse and stumbling, made his way to the lifeless form on the ground. His eyes were huge by the time he reached his son, disbelieving of what he saw.<\/p>\n \u201cJOSEPH!\u201d shouted Ben.<\/p>\n Adam and Hoss froze, turned and stared in shock. They\u2019d had no idea that what the birds appeared about to feast upon was the body of their younger brother. Adam holstered his gun and hurried to his father. Ben had dropped to ground next to Joe. His heart wrenching sobs tore at his oldest son\u2019s heart. Hoss stepped across the still form and quickly pulled his knife from his boot where he kept it and slashed through the shrunken rawhide strips. Joe made no sound as his father quickly gathered the boy into his arms and held him. Joe\u2019s head was pressed against his father\u2019s heaving chest; Ben rocked back and forth, weakly whispering his son\u2019s name.<\/p>\n Adam swallowed the knot in his throat and searched his younger brother\u2019s neck for a pulse. As he sought to find a spark of life left, his eyes scanned the boy\u2019s body; it was atrocious what the Indians had done to his brother. Adam felt sick, like he was going to heave, but he willed himself to remain calm.<\/p>\n \u201cIs he alive?\u201d Hoss muttered as he began gently removing the long cactus needles.<\/p>\n \u201cBarely,\u201d Adam whispered. \u201cPa\u2026\u201d he said, squeezing his father\u2019s shoulder. \u201cHe\u2019s alive\u2026barely, but he\u2019s alive.\u201d<\/p>\n Ben raised his head to stare blankly into Adam\u2019s eyes. \u201cThey killed him\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNo, Pa\u2026Little Joe\u2019s not dead\u2026\u201d Adam stated more forcibly. \u201cPa\u2026listen to me\u2026we have to get out of here. Those Indians might come back\u2026they\u2019ve surely heard the shots.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHe\u2019s dead\u2026\u201d murmured Ben, refusing to relinquish his hold on his son.<\/p>\n Hoss had pulled most of the needles out of his brother\u2019s upper body and had fetched a blanket in which to cover Joe. He glanced worriedly at his brother.<\/p>\n \u201cPa\u2019s in almost as bad a way as Joe, Adam. We best get outta here quick like\u2026that fire yonder is still warm, them Apaches ain\u2019t been gone long.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cPa\u2026\u201d Adam said sternly, \u201cLet me take him\u2026\u201d Adam slipped his arms beneath Joe\u2019s body and practically wrenched his brother from his father\u2019s arms, all the while keeping his eyes fixed on his father\u2019s expression. Ben appeared to be half out of his mind surmised Adam. He glanced up at Hoss and noted the worried look in his brother\u2019s blue eyes, sure that Hoss saw the same tiredness and confusion in his father\u2019s expression as he saw.<\/p>\n \u201cGet Pa on his horse,\u201d Adam said to Hoss as he hurried to his own mount and placed Joe in the saddle in front of him.<\/p>\n Adam took the lead with Hoss following along behind, leading his father\u2019s big buckskin and Cochise whom they had brought along with them after finding the horses the second morning out. Hoss watched carefully his father. Ben\u2019s exhaustion had gotten the best of him and though he tried to stay alert, his success was nearing failure. He rode slumped forward over Buck\u2019s neck and wobbled back and forth in the saddle. Hoss feared that if they did not stop soon, Ben was most certainly going to fall off his horse.<\/p>\n \u201cAdam,\u201d Hoss called, reining in his big steed. \u201cCan\u2019t we stop for the night, Pa\u2019s about done in\u2026much more of this and he\u2019s gonna fall flat on his face\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n Adam brought his own horse to a stop as well. He glanced back at his father and then nodded his head in agreement.<\/p>\n \u201cAlright\u2026lets get behind those rocks though, they\u2019ll provide some shelter and make a decent hide out\u2026just in case we\u2019re being followed,\u201d he said as he turned Sport into the rocks.<\/p>\n As he dismounted, he held Joe carefully and once he had his brother firmly in his arms, he carried him over near the biggest boulder and carefully placed him on the ground. Hoss had helped his father down and had followed Adam, gently helping Ben to sit down and lean back against the boulder.<\/p>\n \u201cHow\u2019s Joe?\u201d he asked feebly.<\/p>\n \u201cNot so good, Pa,\u201d Adam said as he spread a bedroll out on the ground and then moved Joe onto it. \u201cHe\u2019s been whimpering and he\u2019s spiked a fever\u2026\u201d Adam glanced at his father and noted the anxious expression on his face. He hurried to reassure him.<\/p>\n \u201cTry not to worry, Pa\u2026I\u2019ll look after him\u2026you get some rest\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHe needs\u2026me,\u201d Ben muttered as he brushed back Joe\u2019s dark curls from his dirtied and battered face.<\/p>\n \u201cPa\u2026right now, what Joe needs is tending to and something warm in his belly. Hoss and I will take care of him for you. You just sit there and try to get some sleep. If the kid wakes up, you\u2019ll hear him\u2026here,\u201d said Adam as he tenderly picked up Joe\u2019s bruised and swollen hand and placed it into his father\u2019s bigger one. \u201cHold on to him\u2026he\u2019ll need to know you\u2019re close by if he wakes up\u2026\u201d Adam said and then offered his father a smile. \u201cI\u2019ll get the fire going and then heat up some stew\u2026maybe we can get a few bites into him\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n Adam built a small fire, just enough so that they could heat the leftover stew and warm some coffee. Afterwards, he dosed the flames, not wanting it to burn any longer than necessary for fear of drawing unwanted attention.<\/p>\n Together, neither Adam nor Ben could get Joe to take more than a couple of swallows of coffee laced with a touch of whiskey. He lay motionless on his pallet, wrapped warmly in his blanket. The only sounds that Joe made were soft whimpering sounds that sounded much like a small kitten crying. Hoss helped his older brother tend more carefully to their brother\u2019s wounds, cleaning the punctures made by the cactus needles as best they could. They used small dabs of the whiskey to clean the area, but for the thick, crusted substance that had dried over Joe\u2019s eyelids, they had nothing with which to remove it.<\/p>\n \u201cWonder what it is?\u201d Hoss asked Adam after Ben, having given in to his weariness, had fallen to sleep next to Joe.<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m not sure. Doc Martin might have a better idea and hopefully can get it off\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n For several moments neither said anything more. Adam studied his youngest brother\u2019s face closely, appalled by what he was seeing. Deep down within, his insides felt like jelly and his stomach ached with a pain so intense that it caused him to gasp deeply for air enough to fill his lungs.<\/p>\n \u201cThey sure as hell messed him up\u2026\u201d he said aloud.<\/p>\n Hoss stopped poking at the fire and turned around to look more closely at Little Joe\u2019s face and then nodded his head.<\/p>\n \u201cYa don\u2019t reckon they blinded him, do ya\u2026I mean permanently?\u201d he asked.<\/p>\n \u201cI don\u2019t know, Hoss\u2026but I have an idea that if his eyes are permanently scared\u2026that\u2019s the least of his problems.\u201d<\/p>\n Hoss scrunched up his face. \u201cI don\u2019t understand\u2026what\u2019cha mean by that?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI mean\u2026\u201d Adam took another deep breath. He had been studying his wounded brother intently ever since they had found him and the things he saw sickened him. What he feared most for the boy, was his state of mind\u2026if he had any mind left at all.<\/p>\n \u201cAdam?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI mean\u2026they tortured him, Hoss\u2026look at how they hurt him\u2026badly\u2026they\u2019ve denied him food, water\u2026he\u2019s blister from the sun\u2026he\u2019s dirtied and smelly\u2026God only knows what lies they\u2019ve fed to him\u2026what he might believe now. Those cactus needles had to hurt like hell\u2026when they jabbed them into his flesh. He was screaming like a banshee when we found him\u2026there\u2019s no telling what horrors were going through his mind at the time\u2026or what he might remember when he comes too\u2026or what he might not remember. And the thing that eats at my gut is\u2026he no doubt believed Pa to be dead\u2026that must have played havoc on his thoughts\u2026and then too, he was probably wondering where in hell we were.\u201d<\/p>\n Adam lowered his head, covering his eyes with his hand. His voice was thick with emotion when he spoke again.<\/p>\n \u201cHe needed us, Hoss\u2026and we let him down\u2026I\u2019m not sure I can forgive myself for that\u2026and if he dies\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNo\u2026he ain\u2019t gonna die, Adam\u2026you just hush that kinda talk\u2026ya hear?\u201d growled Hoss.<\/p>\n He hadn\u2019t said anything to either his brother or his father, but he\u2019d been having the same disturbing thoughts as Adam had\u2026and hearing his fears being vocalized caused him to shudder with unease. Tenderly, Hoss placed his big hand on Joe\u2019s brow and sighed a relief that his brother\u2019s fever seemed not to have gone any higher. He glanced at Adam who sat watching him. It was hard for the gentle man to read what he saw in his older brother\u2019s eyes, but he sensed a dark brooding about his sibling.<\/p>\n \u201cHe\u2019s gonna be alright, Adam\u2026\u201d Hoss glanced down at his father who was sleeping. \u201cThey both are\u2026\u201d he muttered softly. Joe\u2019s wounds were beginning to fester in some areas and with his escalating fever, all three older Cartwrights worried that Joe might not be strong enough to survive his ordeal. His emotional and mental condition fared no better. That fact was proven in the wee hours before dawn when Joe woke up screaming causing Ben to bolt upright from his bedroll.<\/p>\n It began as a soft murmuring sound. Joe\u2019s nightmare seemed real as he tossed his head back and forth trying helplessly to ward off his tormentor. The murmuring grew in volume as his struggling increased. Blinded to everything around him from the covering on his eyelids, his fear was on the up rise, the cries soon became screams.<\/p>\n \u201cNO\u2026NO\u2026NO MORE!\u201d<\/p>\n His father, who lay next to him, turned over in his bedroll, surprised to see his son trying to get up.<\/p>\n \u201cJoseph,\u201d Ben said as he quickly grabbed the boy\u2019s fraying arms and forced him back down.<\/p>\n \u201cDON\u2019T\u2026NO MORE\u2026PLEASE\u2026\u201d screamed Joe.<\/p>\n The frightened young man fought against his father\u2019s restraint. Adam and Hoss was also awakened and rushed to Ben\u2019s side to help.<\/p>\n \u201cEasy, son\u2026easy\u2026\u201d cooed Ben.<\/p>\n \u201cDon\u2019t\u2026hurt\u2026me,\u201d Joe begged.<\/p>\n Joe was eased back into his bedroll but continued to plead with his unseen assailants, bringing an exchange of anxious expressions to the other three\u2019s faces.<\/p>\n \u201cNo one\u2019s gonna hurt you, buddy\u2026I promise\u2026\u201d Adam whispered.<\/p>\n Joe\u2019s breathing was deep as he gasped for air. His body trembled with fear that was obvious to his caring family.<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2026can\u2019t\u2026see\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI know, son\u2026but\u2026\u201d Ben was suddenly unsure of what to say and looked almost pleadingly at Adam for help.<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2026can\u2019t\u2026see\u2026.please\u2026don\u2019t\u2026don\u2019t\u2026hurt\u2026me\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cJoe, no one\u2019s going to hurt you son\u2026you\u2019re safe\u2026I\u2019m here now\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n Hoss placed his hand on Ben\u2019s shoulder and leaned down to whisper in his father\u2019s ear.<\/p>\n \u201cPa, remember\u2026he thinks you\u2019re dead\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cJoe\u2026listen to my voice\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNO!!!\u201d screamed Joe, who in his mind only, heard no other voice but that of his captor, Soaring Eagle.<\/p>\n Again Joe began to struggle, trying desperately to get up. The only thing his mind could comprehend was getting away\u2026as far away from the pain he knew would be forthcoming. He shoved at his father, not knowing whom it was that held him. As weak as he was, Joe surprised his family when he doubled his fist and struck out at whomever was nearer. Hoss\u2019 chin caught the left hook and he tumbled backwards into the dirt.<\/p>\n Joe scrambled to his feet, tried to run, stumbled in his weakness and his blindness and fell. Again he attempted to get up; he pushed himself to his knees and tried to stand but Ben and Adam were there on either side of him and grabbed his arms. They had to forcibly drag him back to the campfire and lower him onto his bedroll. Totally spent, Joe surrendered, curling into a ball, blubbering incoherently as Hoss covered him with a blanket.<\/p>\n Near to tears himself, Ben gathered his son into his arms, pressing the boy\u2019s head gently against his beating heart.<\/p>\n \u201cShh\u2026Joe\u2026you\u2019re Pa\u2019s here, son\u2026and I promise\u2026no one\u2019s going to hurt you again. Listen to my\u2026\u201d Ben hesitated, not sure why his earlier words had provoked such a reaction, he feared a repeat, thus changing his words.<\/p>\n \u201cListen to the beat of my heart, Joseph\u2026I\u2019m alive, son\u2026alive\u2026and I\u2019m taking you home\u2026where you\u2019ll be safe; and Doc Martin can find a way to remove that gunk from your eyes\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n Joe was still for several minutes before he dared to move. His thoughts were jumbled, his body hurt with a burning, intolerable pain. The man\u2019s words made no sense to him. He knew his father was dead\u2026he\u2019d been forced to leave him behind\u2026<\/p>\n \u201cLittle Joe\u2026\u201d he heard his name spoken again and felt a weight on his shoulder. Instinctively he pulled himself deeper into the welcoming comforts and warmth of whomever it was holding him. \u201cPunkin\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n No\u2026it couldn\u2019t be\u2026only his brother called him by his childhood nickname\u2026and Hoss was miles from here\u2026<\/p>\n \u201cJoe\u2026buddy\u2026we\u2019re all here\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n All\u2026cried Joe\u2019s thoughts.<\/p>\n \u201cPa\u2026Hoss\u2026and me, Adam\u2026we found Pa a day or so ago\u2026he was still alive, Buddy\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n Joe\u2019s face was scrunched against the sweet smelling leather that the man wore. It seemed strangely familiar somehow. And the continuous beating of the heart beneath his ear\u2026it too stirred a memory\u2026he had heard it before\u2026knew the sound and tempo as well as he had known the sound of his own heart rhythm\u2026<\/p>\n \u201cPa?\u201d he whispered in a wee voice.<\/p>\n Ben cast his eyes around at Hoss and Adam, a smile filtered across his face and he drew his arms a wee more tightly about his son. He sighed in relief that their words had at last struck a cord in his younger boy\u2019s troubled thoughts and recent memories.<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m here, son\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n Ben felt Joe\u2019s body become rigid and then heard the soft sounds of crying. Joe moved his face slightly upward, though he could not make out his father\u2019s features, he raised his battered hand, still showing a tint of blue from the shrunken strips of rawhide, and brushed the tips of his fingers along the end of Ben\u2019s chin, feeling the stubble of whiskers that had gone unshaven.<\/p>\n Ben grasped his son\u2019s hand, bringing it slowly to his lips where he held it for a long moment, unable to voice the over-powering emotion he felt. At last, Ben was able to speak.<\/p>\n \u201cEverything\u2019s going to be alright now, son\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2026saw you\u2026tied to the\u2026cactus\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI know\u2026they thought I was dead\u2026for that matter, so did I\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n Still clinging to his father\u2019s hand, his words barely audible, Joe cried.<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2026was\u2026am\u2026I mean\u2026I was ready\u2026to\u2026give up\u2026the\u2026birds\u2026\u201d sobbed Joe as his hand fell away and he turned his face into his father\u2019s breast. \u201cI was\u2026so\u2026scared\u2026I couldn\u2019t\u2026see what was\u2026happening\u2026all I could hear\u2026was\u2026was\u2026his\u2026voice\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n Confused by the statement, Ben searched the boy\u2019s face.<\/p>\n \u201cVoice\u2026whose voice, Joe?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHis\u2026Soaring Eagle\u2026Pa\u2026\u201d Joe began to whimper. \u201cPlease\u2026get\u2026me out of\u2026here\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cOh, son\u2026I will\u2026I promise, in the morning\u2026we\u2019ll go home\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n Joe began trashing his head from side to side. It was apparent that his mind had slipped once more into the hell from which he had only a moment\u2019s reprieve.<\/p>\n \u201cNo\u2026now\u2026now\u2026he\u2019s coming\u2026back\u2026back\u2026when he\u2026finds out\u2026I\u2019m not\u2026dead\u2026he\u2019ll come\u2026for me\u2026hurt me\u2026Pa\u2026please\u2026take me home\u2026please\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cShh\u2026I won\u2019t let him hurt you, son\u2026I give you my word. You still trust me, don\u2019t you?\u201d<\/p>\n Joe only responded by nodding his head. \u201cAfraid\u2026Pa\u2026I can\u2019t see\u2026and\u2026I\u2019m\u2026afraid\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n Ben felt his son\u2019s body go slack and knew that Joe had slipped into unconsciousness. Carefully he laid Joe\u2019s head down on the blanket and covered him up. He remained where he was, but he looked up at his Hoss and Adam.<\/p>\n \u201cGet things ready to ride. I want to be far from here by the time the sun comes up.\u201d<\/p>\n Nothing more needed to be said, both set about doing as their father asked and within the hour had things ready to go. A travois had been hastily put together, making Joe\u2019s journey more comfortable in consideration of his injuries. Before the sun had crested on the far distant mountains, the Cartwrights had ridden half a dozen miles. They\u2019d be home before dark and then Joe would have the proper care and treatment that was needed, his father would see to that. Paul Martin was leaning down, closely for a better look. His face looked puzzled by what he saw.<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m not sure, Ben\u2026but I\u2019m thinking that it is nothing more than the sap from a pine tree\u2026melted down and poured over his eyes. It doesn\u2019t take long for sap to cool, and once it does, it hardens, you know that\u2026and the devil to pick off your skin if you\u2019re unfortunate enough to get some on you.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHow the blazes are you going to get if off his eyes\u2026and\u2026Paul,\u201d Ben said, lowering his voice to a near whisper, he grasped the doctor\u2019s arm, \u201cWill Joe be able to see?\u201d<\/p>\n All eyes had focused on the doctor\u2019s face, waiting for his response.<\/p>\n \u201cTo answer you\u2019re last question first, Ben\u2026if the rosin didn\u2019t get in his eye, but only on the lids, then once I am able to remove it\u2026I can\u2019t see any reason why Joe shouldn\u2019t be able to see\u2026on the other hand, if the some did get under the eyelid\u2026well\u2026I just can\u2019t say for sure, Ben.\u201d<\/p>\n Ben\u2019s lips were drawn tightly. \u201cAnd how do you plan on removing it?\u201d<\/p>\n For the first time since entering the sick room and having found his young patient in such an atrocious condition, appalled by what the boy had been subjected to, Doc Martin smiled.<\/p>\n \u201cThat shouldn\u2019t be hard at all,\u201d he said turning to Hop Sing who stood with the others. \u201cHop Sing may I borrow your lard pail\u2026or at least some of your lard?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cLard?\u201d echoed Hoss, puckering up his face.<\/p>\n \u201cYes lard,\u201d Paul said. \u201cThe lard acts as a softener once it is spread over the resin; we\u2019ll let it have time to absorb into the sap and then, with any luck, the sap should come right off\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cSounds almost too easy,\u201d Adam muttered.<\/p>\n Paul\u2019s smile disappeared somewhat as he turned around to glance at Joe\u2019s family. \u201cLet\u2019s just hope it works that easily\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n Hop Sing appeared minutes later carrying his small pail of lard he used in the kitchen to cook with. He handed it to the physician.<\/p>\n \u201cBen, you and Adam hold onto to Joe\u2026he\u2019s still unconscious but once I start working on his eyes, he\u2019s liable to wake up and start fighting me\u2026and, from what you\u2019ve told me\u2026I don\u2019t want to frighten him, having him think we\u2019re trying to hurt him again.\u201d<\/p>\n Adam moved quickly to one side of the bed and gently placed his hands on Joe\u2019s shoulder and arm; Ben sat at the head of the bed and did the same thing. He gently brushed back a lock of chestnut curls that had fallen onto Joe\u2019s brow. When he was ready, he looked up at the doctor and nodded his head.<\/p>\n Paul worked quickly smearing the lard over the clumps of resin that had hardened and sealed Joe\u2019s eyes shut. At first, Joe lay perfectly still, but within minutes as the lard worked to soften the sap, he began moving his head from side to side and fighting against those he could not see.<\/p>\n \u201cNo\u2026no\u2026don\u2019t\u2026don\u2019t\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cJoe, be still son, it\u2019s alright\u2026Doc\u2019s just trying to help you\u2026\u201d Ben assured his son.<\/p>\n Ben ran his fingers through the mass of thick curls, drawing his face closer to Joe\u2019s ear.<\/p>\n \u201cPa\u2019s right here, son\u2026it will all be over soon, and then\u2026you\u2019ll be able to see\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n Joe slowly began to regain his composure and stopped twisting his head. Paul began to pry away the thick blob of resin that had for several days barred the young man\u2019s sight.<\/p>\n \u201cThis might hurt a little now, Joe,\u201d Paul said as he used his tweezers to pick at the crusty formation. \u201cYour eyelids will most likely be very tender, so when I get this mess off of them, I\u2019m going to bandage your eyes for a day or so\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNo\u2026please\u2026I want to be able to see,\u201d complained Joe.<\/p>\n \u201cJoe, we have to do as the doctor says\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNO!\u201d shouted Joe as he fought to shove the doctor\u2019s hand away from his. \u201cPa\u2026you said I\u2019d be able to see\u2026I want to see\u2026\u201d Joe gulped, \u201cYour\u2026face\u2026please\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThere\u2026that\u2019s off\u2026\u201d Paul proclaimed, instantly bringing an end to Joe\u2019s argument.<\/p>\n He quickly dabbed at the tender eyelid and before Joe had a chance to try to open his eye, Paul smeared some soothing salve over the bright pink tender skin.<\/p>\n \u201cPlease, Little Joe\u2026try to be patient,\u201d he said softly. \u201cYou eyes could well be damaged if we aren\u2019t careful\u2026you don\u2019t want any permanent damage, do you?\u201d he asked.<\/p>\n Joe appeared to have given up his efforts. His body relaxed somewhat and he shook his head. His expression however betrayed him and his disappointment and fear was evident to all those who had gathered around his bed. Ben heard his son inhale deeply and noted the quivering chin.<\/p>\n \u201cHow long\u2026do I have\u2026to wear the bandages?\u201d he asked in a small voice.<\/p>\n \u201cThree\u2026perhaps four days\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n Joe swallowed but said nothing more. The second glob of hardened resin took a little longer to soften and work free, but even so in the end it too was peeled from Joe\u2019s eyelid. The physician smeared the salve over the redness and hastily applied the bandages.<\/p>\n When he was finished, he gently patted Joe\u2019s arm and turned, leaving the young man alone with his father as Hoss and Adam followed him from the room.<\/p>\n For several minutes father and son were silent and then Joe cleared his throat.<\/p>\n \u201cPa\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYes, son?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cAre we alone?\u201d Joe asked in a trembling voice as he struggled with his emotions.<\/p>\n \u201cYes, it\u2019s just you and I\u2026why, do you have something on your mind?\u201d<\/p>\n Ben had not moved from his spot on the bed. He remained as he had been, sitting close to his son and lovingly running his fingers through the locks of chestnut curls. He saw Joe swallow.<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2026I thought you were\u2026dead,\u201d muttered Joe.<\/p>\n Ben sighed, nodded his head, though Joe could not see his reaction.<\/p>\n \u201cI honestly thought I was too, son\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2026would not have left you\u2026if I hadn\u2019t been\u2026forced to\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cOh, Joseph,\u201d cooed Ben, realizing at last where the conversation was leading. He knew his son was feeling a measure of guilt for having been forced to leave him tied to the cactus that first awful morning after they had both been taken prisoners.<\/p>\n \u201cI know you wouldn\u2019t have\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m sorry, Pa,\u201d Joe cried, his voice cracking somewhat.<\/p>\n \u201cYou don\u2019t have anything to be sorry for, son\u2026you couldn\u2019t have helped what happened any more than I could have prevented what happened to you\u2026please Joseph, don\u2019t fret yourself about it\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n There was a long silence before Joe spoke again. This time, tiny droplets of tears rolled from the corner of one eye, quickly being absorbed into the fresh bandage that the doctor had wrapped about the boy\u2019s head.<\/p>\n \u201cI was\u2026scared, Pa\u2026I\u2026still\u2026am,\u201d Joe said meekly.<\/p>\n He grasped his father\u2019s hand and clung, almost desperately to it, thought Ben. Ben repositioned himself so that he could face his son. He continued to hold onto his son\u2019s hand\u2026or more so, allowed Joe to cling to his. Ben could plainly see the terror that lingered in his son\u2019s expression and hurried to reassure the boy.<\/p>\n \u201cThere\u2019s nothing shameful about being frightened, Joe\u2026but there\u2019s nothing to fear now, you\u2019re home\u2026and I\u2019m here\u2026Adam and Hoss are here\u2026we won\u2019t let anything or anybody hurt you again\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n Joe shook his head from side to side. It was hard for him to speak so thick with emotion was his voice.<\/p>\n \u201cYou\u2026don\u2019t understand, Pa\u2026he\u2019ll come looking for me\u2026us\u2026they were intent on killing me\u2026that bastard won\u2019t stop\u2026not when he finds out\u2026we\u2019re both\u2026alive\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNo\u2026I don\u2019t think he will come this far west\u2026he\u2019ll not chance riding onto the Ponderosa\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n Joe swallowed hard. He swiped the back of his hand across his mouth.<\/p>\n \u201cYou\u2019re wrong, Pa\u2026he\u2019ll come for us\u2026and\u2026I\u2026can\u2019t even see\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThen I\u2019ll be your eyes\u2026until Doc takes off your bandages\u2026Adam can see that lookouts are posted around the ranch\u2026Hoss can keep an eye on the yard\u2026Hop Sing will guard the downstairs\u2026and I\u2019ll stay right here\u2026with you, if you want me too\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n Ben watched how the worried lines seemed to vanish from his son\u2019s face and saw how Joe relaxed. The boy even forced himself to smile.<\/p>\n \u201cPromise?\u201d he asked.<\/p>\n \u201cOn my honor,\u201d Ben smiled in return. He squeezed Joe\u2019s hand to reaffirm his promise. \u201cNow\u2026I want you to rest, I\u2019m going into the hallway\u2026no further\u2026and explain to your brothers what I want done. I\u2019ll be just outside the door, Joe\u2026promise me that you\u2019ll try to nap?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI promise\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n Ben released Joe\u2019s hand and stood up, arranging the blankets about his son. He dared even to leaned down and place a quick kiss on the boy\u2019s brow. Joe gasped with sudden surprise.<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2026love you, Joseph,\u201d his father whispered.<\/p>\n Joe smiled again. Ben saw the slightest tremble that caused the boy\u2019s chin to quiver.<\/p>\n \u201cI love you too, Pa\u2026and\u2026thanks for understanding\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n Ben lightly petted Joe\u2019s cheek and then disappeared into the hallway. Joe\u2019s smile quickly faded and he swallowed deeply. He believed his father would do everything in his power to protect him, but inside, Joe wondered if it would be enough. Soaring Eagle was a man to be reckoned with, and though he had only admitted part of his fear to his father, he had not explained it totally, nor was he sure he could. Joe shivered as he snuggled into the warmth of his bed and tried to wish away the image of the last face he had seen before being temporarily blinded.<\/p>\n The first night, Joe slept fairly well, awaking only once when he began growing uncomfortable from the wounds made by the sharp cactus needles. Ben, always at his son\u2019s side, quickly mixed one of the pain powders left by the doctor and offered it to Joe. Joe drank willingly and within minutes was back to sleep. By the next morning, feeling a bit better, he refused the proffered medication, stretching the time in-between to more hours than was suggested.<\/p>\n That night, Joe\u2019s sleep was interrupted several times. He awoke screaming and flinging his arms wildly about in the air, seemingly to be fighting his imaginary tormentor, calling out Soaring Eagle\u2019s name several times. Adam, who was up late heard the ruckus and burst into the room, pistol in hand expecting to find that the feared monster had somehow managed to slip unnoticed into the house and up the stairs, entering Joe\u2019s room and thus reeking havoc.<\/p>\n \u201cHe\u2019s alright now,\u201d said Ben after several trying moments of trying to get Joe to fully wake up and realize that his fears were unfounded.<\/p>\n Adam slipped his gun back into its holster and crossed the room to stand over his brother. Joe\u2019s face was ashen in color and even in the dim lighting in the room he could easily see how his brother trembled. Joe\u2019s chest rose and fell as he lay gasping for air.<\/p>\n Adam sat down on the edge of the bed. \u201cAre you alright now, buddy?\u201d he asked his brother.<\/p>\n Joe nodded his head. \u201cI\u2019m sorry\u2026I didn\u2019t mean to wake you\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI wasn\u2019t sleeping, Joe\u2026I was reading\u2026\u201d Adam said and then smiled. \u201cYou go back to sleep\u2026and try not to worry\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019ll try,\u201d muttered Joe, though deep down, he knew it would be hours before sleep would claim his troubled thoughts and calm his fears. He longed to pull the bandages from his eyes, but he had made his father a promise not to do so. Ben had taken a short break and had gone to the kitchen for coffee, when he returned he had found Joseph trying to pry the bandages up, over the eyes.<\/p>\n He had quickly chastised his son, forced the boy back into the bed and made Joe promise not to try again, but to wait for the doctor to remove the covering. Reluctantly, Joe had made his vow, much to the satisfaction of his father.<\/p>\n The next afternoon, Paul appeared in the doorway of Joe\u2019s room. He stood for a moment and watched the inner action between his young patient and the boy\u2019s father. It never ceased to amaze him how much love and respect there always seemed to be between the two\u2026including Adam and Hoss as well. This family of men whom he had come to cherish still never ceased to surprise him, when most men would have given up, the Cartwrights always managed to stick together and weather whatever storm or audacities that life and fate tossed their way. He rapped lightly on the door.<\/p>\n \u201cMay I come in?\u201d<\/p>\n Ben turned, saw the doctor and laughed.<\/p>\n \u201cOf course\u2026Joe,\u201d he said, turning to inform his son of the doctor\u2019s arrival. \u201cThe good doctor is here\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cGood\u2026you goin\u2019 to take these blasted bandages off my eyes, Doc?\u201d Joe said with a touch of irritation in his voice.<\/p>\n \u201cJoseph\u2026please give the man time to remove his coat\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cOh\u2026sorry\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n Paul chuckled softly and handed his coat to Ben. \u201cThat\u2019s alright, Little Joe\u2026now, let\u2019s see how you\u2019re doing\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m fine\u2026honest\u2026tell him Pa\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWell,\u201d began Ben, glancing at his son, \u201cJoseph would like you to believe that all is well\u2026but in fact\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cPA!\u201d Joe practically shouted.<\/p>\n \u201cHe hasn\u2019t been sleeping all through the night\u2026\u201d Ben went on, ignoring Joe\u2019s scowl.<\/p>\n \u201cNightmares?\u201d Paul asked as he studied Joe\u2019s stomach and chest wounds.<\/p>\n \u201cNo\u2026\u201d sputtered Joe, then changed his response slightly. \u201cNot entirely\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWhat\u2019s keeping you from resting, Joe?\u201d Paul asked as he stopped what he was doing to watch the expression on his patient\u2019s face change.<\/p>\n Joe fell silent but responded with a shrug of his shoulders.<\/p>\n \u201cThese maybe?\u201d Paul asked, probing gently at the small puncture wounds around Joe\u2019s throat. \u201cOr these?\u201d he said, pressing a finger along side one slightly infected wound in Joe\u2019s abdomen. The physician saw his patient flinch.<\/p>\n \u201cSore?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cSome,\u201d admitted Joe.<\/p>\n \u201cAre you taking the pain medicine I left you?\u201d Paul asked, looking up and seeing Ben shaking his head no.<\/p>\n \u201cSome,\u201d Joe said, repeating his previous answer.<\/p>\n \u201cLet\u2019s take a look at these hands,\u201d the doctor said.<\/p>\n He picked up first the right and then the left hand of his patient. \u201cLooks better, can you flex your fingers for me?\u201d<\/p>\n Joe did as requested.<\/p>\n \u201cGood\u2026now squeeze my hand\u2026good, you\u2019re getting the strength back into your fingers. Now,\u201d he said, moving to the foot of the bed. \u201cLet\u2019s see you wiggle your toes.\u201d<\/p>\n Again, Joe responded.<\/p>\n \u201cAny pain\u2026here\u2026or here\u2026\u201d he asked as he probed the heel of Joe\u2019s feet.<\/p>\n \u201cNo sir. Doc, about these eye bandages\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cSon, be patient\u2026Doc will get to those,\u201d Ben scolded gently.<\/p>\n He knew how badly his son wanted the bandages off his eyes. Though nothing more had been mentioned of his son\u2019s fears by either Joe or himself, he knew that the boy was still afraid. Frightened that somehow Soaring Eagle would return to finish the torture that was meant to have ended his son\u2019s life.<\/p>\n Paul sat down on the edge of the bed and began to unwrap the bandages. He was optimistic as he slowly untwisted the white gauze from about Joe\u2019s head. When the last round was removed and the soft cotton still in place he paused.<\/p>\n \u201cJoseph, I don\u2019t want you opening your eyes unless I say so\u2026do you understand me?\u201d Paul Martin directed. \u201cI want to be sure that the lids are completely healed before you do. The skin there is thin and very susceptible to infection.<\/p>\n \u201cI understand\u2026but\u2026I will be able to see\u2026won\u2019t I?\u201d Joe asked in a near pleading voice. \u201cI\u2026just have to be\u2026able to see, Doc\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n Paul purposely ignored the question and went on with his inspection of the eyelids. He was disappointed to say the least. He drew Ben\u2019s attention to the redness that told him a slight infection had in fact began in one area where the resin had been literally glue to the eyelid. Ben frowned, knowing that Joe was not going to like having to have his eyes remain covered for a few more days and his sight withheld from him once more.<\/p>\n \u201cDoc\u2026\u201d Joe muttered. \u201cPa\u2026what\u2019s wrong\u2026ANSWER ME!\u201d he shouted, giving in to his rising fear.<\/p>\n Quickly Ben was at the head of the bed; he rested his hand on Joe\u2019s shoulder.<\/p>\n \u201cSon\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYour eyelids have a small infection starting, Joe\u2026I\u2019m sorry, son\u2026but I\u2019ll have to rewrap the bandages\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNO!\u2026no\u2026please\u2026don\u2019t\u2026Pa\u2026please,\u201d Joe moaned grabbing his father\u2019s arm and clinging to it tightly. \u201cDon\u2019t let him\u2026please?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cJoseph,\u201d whispered Ben, \u201cHe must\u2026you must\u2026otherwise your eyesight might be affected,\u201d Ben explained.<\/p>\n \u201cYour father is correct, Little Joe\u2026if the infection should happen to spread into your irises, you could be permanently blinded\u2026you don\u2019t that to happen, do you?\u201d Paul asked.<\/p>\n Both his father and the physician waited with baited breath until Joe, fighting back his tears, nodded in agreement.<\/p>\n \u201cNo sir\u2026\u201d he muttered in a defeated voice.<\/p>\n \u201cIt won\u2019t be for long, son\u2026I promise,\u201d Paul said as he applied some ointment to the eyelids and then began wrapping the bandage around Joe\u2019s head once more.<\/p>\n As soon as he finished, he mixed one of the pain powders and handed the glass to Joe.<\/p>\n \u201cDrink this, it will help with the burning\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n Reluctantly, Joe took the glass that Paul placed in his hand.<\/p>\n \u201cHow\u2019d you know it was burning?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m the doctor\u2026remember? It\u2019s my job to know those things,\u201d he said, smiling.<\/p>\n \u201cOh.\u201d<\/p>\n It was all Joe said before downing the mixture and holding the glass out before him. Ben took it from his hand and placed it on the table.<\/p>\n \u201cLay back and try to rest now, son, I\u2019m going to see the doctor to the door\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cPa\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYes, son?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYou\u2026will come right back\u2026won\u2019t you?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cOf course\u2026I\u2019ll only be a minute or two, I want to speak with Paul first\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019ll see you in a couple of days, Joe\u2026do as your father tells you and stay in that bed, you are far from being better. We\u2019ll see about those bandages when I come back out\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n Again Joe nodded his head. \u201cYes sir,\u201d he called as Ben closed the door behind him. Slamming the book shut and causing a loud bang, Adam pushed back the chair he\u2019d been sitting in and stood up.<\/p>\n \u201cIf you aren\u2019t going to listen, I see no point in continuing with the story, Joe. Good night!\u201d he said as he marched from the room. He made a point of closing the door loudly to stress his point.<\/p>\n In the hallway, he encountered his father on his way to relieve him from sitting with Joe.<\/p>\n \u201cWhat\u2019s wrong?\u201d he asked Adam when he saw his eldest son standing outside Joe\u2019s room wearing a disgusted expression.<\/p>\n \u201cHim,\u201d Adam snapped.<\/p>\n \u201cOh, for heaven\u2019s sake Adam, I know Joe\u2019s been grouchy, but think about all he\u2019s been through\u2026and is still going through\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI know that, Pa\u2026and I\u2019ve taken that into consideration. I feel sorry for the kid\u2026I hate seeing him suffering\u2026but that\u2019s no excuse for rudeness. We\u2019ve all bent over backwards trying to appease him\u2026but he\u2019s so ungrateful\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNot really, son\u2026he\u2019s just\u2026frightened\u2026I\u2019ve explained to you and to Hoss about all that. He\u2019s afraid that monster will come after him and not being able to see only intensifies that fear\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n Adam lowered his head and sighed deeply. \u201cI\u2019m sorry, Pa\u2026I suppose if I were in his boots, I\u2019d feel the same way, especially with all the pain and suffering that\u2019s been inflicted on him. I\u2019ll go back in and apologize to him\u2026and\u2026bite my tongue if need be,\u201d he added and then smiled.<\/p>\n \u201cThank you, Adam, I think I\u2019ll go get another cup of coffee while you speak to your brother,\u201d Ben grinned as he turned back toward the stairs.<\/p>\n Adam watched his father walk away and then, taking a deep breath, went in to talk to Joe. \u201cJoe\u2026please son, you have to try to stop worrying\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019ve tried Pa,\u201d Joe would explain, \u201cbut he\u2019s coming back\u2026I know he is\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHow do you know?\u201d<\/p>\n Exasperated, Joe shook his head, allowing his shoulders to slump forward in defeat.<\/p>\n \u201cI don\u2019t know how I know, Pa\u2026I just do\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cJoe\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cJust forget it, Pa\u2026just act like I didn\u2019t say anything\u2026\u201d Joe turned over on his side, away from his father, thus ending the conversation.<\/p>\n Ben determined not to push his son too far. He walked across the room, pushed back the drapes and peered out into the night. A flickering light near the barn caught his attention. Not sure what it might have been, he watched for several moments before realizing what it was.<\/p>\n \u201cDEAR GOD!\u201d he said aloud, startling Joe who had been almost asleep.<\/p>\n \u201cWHAT\u2026WHAT\u2019S WRONG\u2026PA!\u201d<\/p>\n Ben hurried to the bedside, clamping his hand firmly on Joe\u2019s shoulder.<\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s alright, son\u2026you stay put\u2026I\u2019ll be back shortly\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cPA\u2026WAIT\u2026WHAT\u2019S WRONG!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThe barn\u2019s on fire,\u201d Ben muttered. He had his hand on the doorknob but stopped. \u201cYou stay in that bed\u2026do you hear me?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI want to help\u2026Pa\u2026the horses\u2026Cochise\u2026please\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNO! Stay put\u2026I don\u2019t need to be worrying where you are or that you might get hurt\u2026now do as I say! I\u2019ll see to the stock\u2026don\u2019t disobey me, Joseph!\u201d<\/p>\n Joe lowered himself back against the pillows, disgusted that he could be of no help to his father and brothers. Out side, he could hear the men shouting. His father\u2019s voice stood out over the rest as Ben issued orders. Meanwhile, Joe had nothing to do but sit in the darkness he\u2019d been sentenced to and fiddle with a string his fingers had found dangling from a frayed edge of the blanket.<\/p>\n After what seemed like hours, Joe pushed himself to the edge of the bed. He had promised his father he\u2019d not get out of it, but he didn\u2019t say he wouldn\u2019t sit on the side. Suddenly, the door opened, it squeaked softly.<\/p>\n \u201cPa?\u201d Joe said, looking blindly toward the movement he heard in the doorway.<\/p>\n All was silent; he strained to hear\u2026to pick up on a sound.<\/p>\n \u201cAdam? Hoss,\u201d he muttered as he stood to his feet, wobbling a bit unsteadily. He swallowed the knot that had risen in his throat. A sick feeling of dread washed over his entire being as his heart began to race.<\/p>\n \u201cWho\u2019s there?\u201d he asked, reaching out wildly for the person he knew had entered the room. Joe lifted his head slightly and sniffed at the air. It was filled with an odd, unpleasant order. The scent stirred a memory, though faintly.<\/p>\n \u201cWho are you\u2026what do you want?\u201d he demanded in a forced tone.<\/p>\n \u201cI see the birds, like myself have been denied. You have refused to die\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n Joe gasped, drawing back, remembering\u2026and then the fear resurfaced, causing him to tremble. The voice laughed wickedly.<\/p>\n \u201cI see you have not forgotten the sound of my voice\u2026\u201d Soaring Eagle jeered. \u201cI am glad\u2026for now, it will be the last thing that you ever hear\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n Caught off guard, Joe felt his body hoisted into the air and slammed down hard against the floor. He groaned in pain, groping for a handhold on the Indian, Joe managed to lace his fingers amid the red man\u2019s raven hair. Bringing his foot up and under the man, Joe pushed, sending Soaring Eagle flying over his head and shoulders to land with a loud thumb against the opposite wall. Instantly, Joe pounced to his feet, poised and ready for the brave\u2019s attack. He listened intently but heard nothing, made the mistake of relaxing only slightly and then felt the other man\u2019s arms grab him about his mid-section and locking his arms down to his sides.<\/p>\n Joe struggled to free himself by twisting and jerking, but the Indian hung on for dear life, unmercifully squeezing the breath from Joe\u2019s lungs. Still weak from his ordeal and the long days being laid up in bed, Joe soon began to grow tired. His body started to go limp in Soaring Eagles grasp. The warrior eased up on the pressure. It was just enough that Joe was able to inhale deeply and wrench one arm free. With fingers folded tightly to form a fist, Joe swung out, hitting the Indian square on the jaw.<\/p>\n Soaring Eagle screamed out as he toppled over backwards. Joe jumped, flying blindly into the air. The Indian saw his enemy heading his way and rolled off to one side. Joe landed against the side of the dresser with hard thud. Pain shot upward from his rib cage. He groaned and grabbed his side, folding his body in half with the pain.<\/p>\n His attacker stood up, towering over Joe and began laughing. Joe moved his hand to his face and yanked the bandages from his eyes. If he were going to die, he determined, he would make the other man look directly into his eyes\u2026he wanted the bastard to see the hate he knew would be showing there.<\/p>\n Soaring Eagle bent down, grabbed Joe by his nightshirt and hauled the boy to his feet.<\/p>\n \u201cI see a deep burning hatred in your eyes,\u201d sneered the Indian.<\/p>\n He held a knife in his hand. When he moved to bury the weapon into Joe\u2019s gut, Joe raised his arm, causing the blade to cut a deep gash in his arm, but prevented the knife from slicing into his stomach. For several long moments the pair fought for control of the weapon. Joe\u2019s strength was waning as they struggled. Their arms moved slowly downward until the sharp knife was between them. Death hung heavy in the air. Both men were holding their breaths, hoping to outwit the other\u2019s move.<\/p>\n Suddenly Joe jerked his arm upward. The Indian appeared to freeze in motion. Joe, seeing the horror on the other man\u2019s face, drew back against the wall, leaning against it for support. He watched in repulsion as Soaring Eagle, his hands grasping the weapon that was buried deeply into his stomach staggered backwards and then fall to the floor. Blood squirted from the wound, splattering onto the carpet and hardwood.<\/p>\n Joe\u2019s body sagged downward against the wall until he had reached the floor. Breathing deeply, he attempted to crawl toward the dead man, but the darkness that swirled before his eyes, claimed the weary boy for itself. He moaned softly, trying to stay alert, but with little effort.<\/p>\n Footsteps resounded loudly in the hallway as three men burst into the room. Ben elbowed his way between Adam and Hoss and rushed to Joe\u2019s side, quickly pulling the boy upright and into his arms.<\/p>\n \u201cJoseph,\u201d Ben said as he patted one cheek in an attempt to bring the boy back to consciousness. \u201cJoe\u2026\u201d Ben repeated.<\/p>\n \u201cThe Indian\u2019s dead,\u201d Hoss said after making a quick examination of the intruder.<\/p>\n Joe moaned softly and tried to open his eyes. His family watched him struggle, not sure as to whether or not the boy would actually be able to see them. After what seemed like an eternity, Joe raised his head and appeared to be looking at his father. Suddenly a smile creased his face. His hand moved upward and he touched his father\u2019s cheek.<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2026can see\u2026you\u2026Pa,\u201d he muttered.<\/p>\n Ben grinned from ear to ear as tears of joy filled his eyes.<\/p>\n \u201cI can see you too, Hoss,\u201d Joe laughed lightly. \u201cGod\u2026you\u2019re beautiful,\u201d he snickered. \u201cAnd you, Adam\u2026you look so serious\u2026why don\u2019t you try smiling more?\u201d Joe teased.<\/p>\n All four Cartwrights laughed. Ben and Hoss helped Joe to his feet and led him back to bed. Joe stopped suddenly and turned to look behind him. He nodded his head at the dead Indian.<\/p>\n \u201cI killed him, Pa\u2026Soaring Eagle\u2019s dead\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI see\u2026Adam, please see that the body\u2019s taken out of here\u2026Joe\u2026I\u2019m sorry son\u2026I shouldn\u2019t have left you,\u201d Ben apologized as he helped Joe back into bed.<\/p>\n Adam and Hoss gathered up the body and quickly removed it from their brother\u2019s room.<\/p>\n \u201cThe barn\u2026it was on fire\u2026the horses?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThat\u2019s taken care of son. Seems as if your friend there and some of his braves set fire to it to distract us so Soaring Eagle could get to you\u2026I should have listened to you, son, I\u2019m sorry\u2026you tried to warn me\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cPa,\u201d said Joe as he allowed Ben to toy with his covers. \u201cYou had no way of knowing that they\u2019d set fire to the barn\u2026please\u2026it\u2019s over now\u2026I\u2019m safe\u2026you\u2019re safe\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThe barn\u2019s safe and the horses are alright,\u201d smiled Ben.<\/p>\n He sat down on the edge of the bed and studied his son\u2019s face.<\/p>\n \u201cYou know, Joseph, your eyes are such a\u2026beautiful color\u2026like green moss on the forest floor\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cPa please, you\u2019re embarrassing me\u2026promise me, you won\u2019t let Adam and Hoss hear you talking like that\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n Ben snickered but agreed. \u201cI won\u2019t\u2026but you have to promise me something in return,\u201d Ben said.<\/p>\n \u201cI do\u2026what?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI want you to promise me that you will try to put all of this behind you. I know it won\u2019t be easy\u2026you\u2019ve suffered more than any man I know has ever suffered. You might have been frightened, and with just cause\u2026but to me, you are about the bravest man I\u2019ve ever known, son and I want you to know, I\u2019ll be here\u2026always\u2026for you\u2026your brothers will be here\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n Joe stretched out his hand and rested it on his father\u2019s arm. His voice was filled with emotion when he spoke.<\/p>\n \u201cI know you will be\u2026and I thank you that. I\u2019m not so foolish as to think forgetting this will be a simple matter\u2026I\u2019ll probably never totally forget it\u2026but I\u2019ll do my best to learn to live with what happened to me\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cSon, that\u2019s all I ask\u2026\u201d Ben smiled.<\/p>\n \u201cWill you promise me one thing too, Pa?\u201d Joe asked.<\/p>\n Ben missed the sudden sparkle that sprang forth in those moss colored eyes he\u2019d been admiring.<\/p>\n \u201cAnything\u2026just name it?\u201d he agreed.<\/p>\n \u201cPromise me Pa, the next time I suggest we take a short cut\u2026just hit me over the head with something!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cOh for heaven\u2019s sake Joseph\u2026must you be so dramatic?\u201d laughed Ben.<\/p>\n He realized that the boy was making light of all that had transpired, though it was not a laughing matter, it would not be soon forgotten. However, he knew his youngest son well enough to know that this current short cut, dangerous as it had proved to be, would not by any means be his last. Joe\u2019s life was a roadmap of shortcuts\u2026but it was a part of who he was; and his father did not want that to ever change\u2026he loved his son just the way he was and if taking shortcuts through out his life, delivered the boy safely to the end of his road, that was all he could ask. He\u2019d just have to continue praying that God would keep a legion of angels on call at all times, just for cases such as this one.<\/p>\n THE END<\/p>\n December 2005<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n
\nJoe watched from the corner of his eye, his father stumbling along trying to keep up. Both men were practically being dragged along behind the Indians who had slipped up on them and taken them prisoners. Both Joe and Ben\u2019s hands were bound tightly together and each were being forced to trot along behind their captors.<\/p>\n
\n\u201cHoss, look down there!\u201d Adam called as he brought his horse to a sudden halt.<\/p>\n
\nHis father wasn\u2019t far from wrong. Soaring Eagle had every intention of killing his prisoner, but not at that exact moment. Instead, Joe had awaken and found himself tossed across the bare back of an Indian pony. The bottoms of his feet, ripped and torn, made it impossible for Soaring Eagle\u2019s prisoner to walk behind so Joe had been subjected to more abuse when he\u2019d been strapped down tightly with long strips of rawhide rope.<\/p>\n
\n\u201cListen\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n
\nBy the second night, Hoss wasn\u2019t as sure of himself, or of his younger brother\u2019s fate, as he had been the night before. Joe\u2019s condition seemed to worsen. All night he whimpered loudly, even fought against the gentle hands that tried to administer to his needs. Ben struggled to reassure his son that everything would be fine, but Joe had yet to realize that the deep calming voice was actually that of his father.<\/p>\n
\n\u201cWhat is it?\u201d Ben asked as they all stood around the bed and watched as the physician examined the blinding cover that had hardened over Joe\u2019s eyelids.<\/p>\n
\nFor two more days and nights, Joe suffered through wearing his bandages. Yet he was becoming easily agitated, snapping at those who did their best to serve his needs. Even Adam had gotten his fill and made no secret of how he felt.<\/p>\n
\nThat night, Joe had a hard time resting. Several times, he cried out in his sleeping, jarring both himself and his father awake. Always, as promised, Ben was close by.<\/p>\n