{"id":12338,"date":"2002-08-01T18:35:13","date_gmt":"2002-08-01T22:35:13","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=12338"},"modified":"2025-02-27T12:05:46","modified_gmt":"2025-02-27T17:05:46","slug":"sting-of-death-by-debbieb","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=12338","title":{"rendered":"Sting of Death (by DebbieB)"},"content":{"rendered":"

Summary:<\/strong> \u00a0Ben learns a lesson in trust when an accident that claims the life of a young woman leaves him believing that Joe has lied to him.<\/p>\n

Rating:<\/strong> \u00a0PG\u00a0 (12,900 words)
\n<\/em><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Sting of Death<\/strong><\/p>\n

Ben paced the floor in front of the massive fireplace, his fingertips shoved deeply into the depths of the pockets on his trousers as he waited for the family physician to come down stairs. Every so often, Adam who sat in the red leather chair facing the stairway saw his nervous father glance upward in the direction of the second floor and watched the worried expressions that flickered across the older gentleman\u2019s face.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cTake it easy Pa,\u201d spoke Adam softly as his father continued his pacing.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben paused in front of his son\u2019s chair, glanced quickly down into the dark eyes that stared back at him and then glanced at his middle son Hoss, who had settled his large frame comfortably on the settee before turning to face his oldest son once again.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI can\u2019t take it easy, Joseph is lying up there probably dying, and the two of you sit here acting as if nothing happened and you tell me to take it easy?\u201d snapped Ben harshly.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cPa, I know you\u2019re worried, we all are; but I honestly don\u2019t think Joe is going to die. He may be hurt but not enough for him to die of his injuries.\u201d Adam shifted uncomfortably in his seat, noting his father\u2019s apparent anger at his seemingly unconcern for his wounded brother he hurried to finish his statement.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cJoe didn\u2019t appear to have any broken bones, no cuts or gashes, and no bleeding when we found him, just that goose egg on the back of his head. Really Pa, I think\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhy don\u2019t you stop thinking so much Adam? Don\u2019t you even care? Rachael Livingston is dead, her family devastated and your own brother lying upstairs with a head injury that could possibly kill him,\u201d Ben all but shouted at Adam who rose from his chair and faced his father.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cOf course I care! Do you really believe me so cold and callus that I have no feeling whatsoever for either of them, especially my own brother? Come on Pa, give me more credit than that,\u201d shouted Adam, his own anger reaching the boiling point that stemmed not from his irate father but from the fact that his nerves as well were frayed from worry.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Hoss stood to his feet, his hands crammed into his pockets as he moved to step between his father and brother in an attempt to cool the boiling tempers. Hoss knew that worry, stress and doubt fueled the flame that had sparked the argument.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cPa, Adam, take it easy. Looky, Little Joe is going to need us when he wakes up. He ain\u2019t got no idey about Miss Rachael\u2019s dyin\u2019 and when he finds out, well\u2026he\u2019s gonna need all of us to help him get over the girl\u2019s death. Cain\u2019t ya both save the arguin\u2019 till some other time?\u201d asked Hoss in a calm voice, though inside, Hoss had his own fears and doubts and what scared him most was whether or not his little brother had disregarded their father\u2019s warning. Joe, being the rambunctious kid that he was, Hoss feared that perhaps the boy had in fact been responsible for the young girl\u2019s tragic and untimely death and the notion scared him.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben took a deep breath and placed a hand on Adam\u2019s shoulder. \u201cHoss is right, I\u2019m sorry Adam, I didn\u2019t mean to snap at you and I certain didn\u2019t mean to question your concern about your brother. It\u2019s just that I am so worried about that boy\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI know Pa, we all are honest, even me. Sometimes, such as now, I often question myself about my desire to become a father\u2026I tremble to think I could produce sons such as you have sired.\u201d Adam cast his eyes in his father\u2019s direction to check for a reaction and smiled when Ben\u2019s stern expression softened and the tension between them immediately dissipated<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben squeezed his oldest son\u2019s shoulder. \u201cI have no regrets, I have fine sons and I\u2019m proud of all of them. Joseph does however tend to give me more worry than either you or Hoss but then on the other hand he is more\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben\u2019s sentence was cut short as the sound of the upstairs bedroom door could be heard closing. The two brothers joined Ben at the bottom of the steps and waited until Doctor Paul Martin made his descent down the stairs.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWell?\u201d asked Ben, hardly giving the doctor time to set his foot on the last step. \u201cHow bad is it?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Paul placed his hand on the worried father\u2019s arm and smiled. \u201cHe\u2019s going to be fine Ben. He has a God-awful bump on the back of his head, but even that should be fine, sore, but fine. I want him to stay in the bed for a couple of days though, otherwise, he should be up and about in no time.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben and his sons smiled at one another. \u201cThat\u2019s good Paul, that\u2019s good,\u201d muttered Ben whose relief was evident to all of them.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThere\u2019s just on thing Ben,\u201d began Paul.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

All eyes turned to face the doctor, Hoss stopped where he was, on the third step upward where he had been heading to his younger brother\u2019s bedside.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cJoe is awake now Ben, but he has no memory of what happened other than being with Rachael out for a drive. He doesn\u2019t recall the accident, why or what caused it and he does not know about Rachael\u2019s death,\u201d Paul explained to the worried family.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNothin\u2019?\u201d asked Hoss, stunned at the news.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m afraid not, Hoss. He even asked me how he came to have the bump on his head. I just told him he hit his head on a rock and not to worry right now about how it happened. I thought perhaps you might want to be the one to explain things to him, Ben.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben nodded his head in agreement that he, as Joseph\u2019s father, should be the one. \u201cI suppose he ought to know, I\u2019m sure he will ask me. Paul, do you think I should tell him everything, right away? I mean about the girl\u2019s death, or\u2026no, he needs to hear it and it needs to me that he hears it from.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI agree Ben. He will have questions; all you can do is to be honest with him. I can stay for a while longer if you like, just in case he should need something to calm him down enough to allow him to sleep. I\u2019ve already given him something for the pain, but once he knows about the girl\u2026well, he just might need something a mite stronger,\u201d offered the physician.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI appreciate that Paul. Hoss, if you don\u2019t mind waiting, I think I\u2019d better go to Joe by myself right now.\u201d Ben saw the painful expression that crossed his middle son\u2019s face and knew that Hoss was as worried as the rest of them were. \u201cYou can talk to him a little later, afterwards. He will need you more then son.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Hoss nodded his head, \u201cI understand Pa\u2026it\u2019s just that I thought maybe if we all were with him when he found out, it might make it more bearable if he knew all of us were there for him.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben thought about what Hoss had said and giving his son a small smile, agreed. \u201cI think your probably right son. Joseph does need to know that all three of us will be there if he wants us to be. Adam?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI agree too. Come on, let\u2019s go see just how much the boy actually does remember.\u201d Adam followed his father and brother to Joe\u2019s room and Ben eased the door opened enough to allow the three to enter quietly.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe lay propped against several pillows, his face pale, his eyes closed tightly and for just a brief moment, Ben thought that Joe was sleeping. Ben halted his steps as Hop Sing turned toward the family of men who gathered at Joe\u2019s bedside.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cCome,\u201d motioned the faithful servant, \u201cboy not sleep, only resting.\u201d Hop Sing stepped aside and allowed Ben to approach the bed.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben felt his heart skip a beat as he gazed into the face of his son noting for the first time the small bruises that had appeared beneath the whitish skin tone of the boy\u2019s face, and giving in to the urge, Ben bent down and kissed his son\u2019s brow. Instantly Joe\u2019s eyes opened.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cPa,\u201d came the weak plea.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m here son. How does your head feel?\u201d asked Ben, sitting on the edge of the bed. Ben played with the edges of the cover nervously as he waited for Joe to ask the dreaded questions.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cIt hurts,\u201d grimaced Joe and closed his eyes. \u201cHoss\u2026Adam\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam and Hoss moved closer to the bed. \u201cWe\u2019re here little buddy,\u201d Adam whispered.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe opened his eyes briefly, reached out his hand to Adam but before he could make contact, the arm dropped to the bed. Adam squatted down beside the head of the bed and picked up his brother\u2019s hand knowing that Joe was too weak from his accident and from the sedative to force much movement.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cTake it easy little brother, we\u2019re all here.\u201d Adam gently rubbed the back of Joe\u2019s hand.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Something stirred deeply within the older brother\u2019s heart and quite unexpectedly, Adam felt the sting of tears to his eyes as his mind conjured up the memory of the night of Joe\u2019s birth, when Adam only twelve at the time, had held the same hand within his. Only then the hand had been tiny but soft and pink not the hand of a near grown boy as it was now and certainly not callused from all the hard work it had done.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThe mare\u2026Adam\u2026I don\u2019t remember what\u2026happened. I should\u2026have listened to\u2026you,\u201d Joe turned sad eyes toward his brother and as he did, the tears slipped silently downward.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThe mare\u2019s fine Joe, just had a nasty spill, same as you\u2026\u201d Adam stopped suddenly and glanced at his father.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cSpill? What are you\u2026talking about?\u201d Joe asked and sought his father.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cPa? What\u2019s Adam talking about? Doc said I hit\u2026my head.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben squeezed his eyes shut tightly and sighed deeply. \u201cYou did hit your head son\u2026don\u2019t you remember?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNo. I just remember being with\u2026Rachael in the buggy\u2026Rachael\u2026Pa, where is she? Is she okay? How did I hit my head?\u201d moaned Joe is a most pleading tone of voice.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben scooted up closer to his son and took Joe\u2019s other hand into his larger hands. \u201cJoe, calm down, son.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cPa\u2026what\u2019s wrong? Tell me\u2026your scaring me. Pa, where\u2019s Rachael?\u201d A sob caught in Joe\u2019s throat as his eyes welled with tears. \u201cPa!\u201d Joe struggled to sit up but both Ben and Adam gently forced him to remain lying on the pillows.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cJoseph, please. Just be still and I\u2019ll explain everything to you.\u201d Ben took one quick glance at his two older sons and began what he knew would be a heart wrenching story for his youngest.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cJoe, it was like this\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026..<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

********************************************<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe smiled as he descended the stairs. His brothers watched in amusement as their youngest sibling made his way into the great room and across the floor to the door. Both Adam and Hoss rose from where they had been sitting and followed Joe outside where he had earlier hitched the mare to the buggy. The mare was only recently broken to harness and Joe had been in hopes that today would be a good time to help the animal to adjust to her new task. He had no doubts that he could handle the horse for he had hand selected and broken the new horse for just this job and Joe was hoping to prove to his father and Adam, who had given him permission to do the selecting, that his selection had been a good choice.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben waited next to the horse, rubbing the soft nose and whispering softly to the mare. Ben smiled to himself as he watched his handsome youngest son cross the yard and noted that his older brothers were following him. Ben could not help but to see the amused looks on the faces of Joe\u2019s followers and he laughed out loud for he knew Joe was in for some teasing.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWell Pa, how do I look?\u201d asked Joe as he tugged at his string tie, Adam and Hoss coming to stop just behind him.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhy I think he looks plum purty, what\u2019cha think Adam?\u201d snickered Hoss.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHe sure does, hey Joe, you reckon you got on enough aftershave?\u201d crooned Adam, his arms folded across his chest, a smile playing at the corners of his lips as he teased his brother.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAll right now boys, leave your brother alone. You look fine Joseph, don\u2019t pay your brothers any mind,\u201d sympathized Ben patting Joe on the back.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam and Hoss laughed loudly, \u201cAw shucks Joe, you go ahead and have fun\u2026I still cain\u2019t believe that Miss Rachael\u2019s father said ya could come acourtin\u2019. Why that ole bear is meaner than a mad rattler on a hot day. And that\u2019s just on his best days! Ya best mind ya manners, young\u2019on!\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t worry big brother, I\u2019m not about to do anything to rile that man\u2026or his sons!\u201d laughed Little Joe.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cTake it easy with that mare too Joe. She\u2019s not quite ready to pull that buggy, but then that\u2019s only my opinion. Be careful, I don\u2019t want her ruined.\u201d Joe turned to face his brother, Adam\u2019s tone of voice catching his attention.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cOh, you aren\u2019t worried about me\u2026just your horse?\u201d Joe teased after seeing the smile on Adam\u2019s face.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhat makes you think I\u2019m worried about you little brother? Of course I\u2019m worried about the mare,\u201d snickered Adam.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cGee thanks older brother, I\u2019ll remember that.\u201d Joe turned to his father and smiled. \u201cI won\u2019t be late Pa.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben patted Joe on the shoulder and smiled. \u201cPlease Joseph, heed your brother\u2019s words. Watch out for this horse, she\u2019s still a mite skittish. And Joseph,\u201d Ben held up his hand to halt Joe\u2019s remark and continued, \u201cpromise me son, that you will not be racing her. I know how you are with these horses\u2026you are just like your mother in that respect.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe laughed as he climbed into the buggy. \u201cAnd that scares you don\u2019t it Pa?\u201d Joe became serious. \u201cI promise Pa, I won\u2019t even let her break into a run.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben sobered as well, \u201cYes son, to a degree, it does scare me. And thank you Joseph, for your promise. I trust you to keep that promise.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe gave his father a nod of his head, \u201cI will Pa. Please try not to worry.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cSorry, not a chance of that happening,\u201d laughed Ben. \u201cHave fun son, see you later.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

*******************************************<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe stirred slightly, his body ached and he fought to keep his eyes opened. \u201cPa, what about Rachael?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m getting to that son, just give me a minute to finish. You do remember what I just told you don\u2019t you?\u201d Ben asked worriedly, for Joseph was growing impatient.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYeah, I remember so far. I even remember getting to Rachael\u2019s and those two thugs she calls her brothers being there. Her Pa met me at the door\u2026\u2026.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

*************************************************<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAfternoon, Mr. Livingston. I\u2019m here to see Rachael?\u201d It was more like a question than a statement thought Joe feeling somewhat foolish as he stood with hat in hand and waited to be invited inside. Had the man forgotten that he had given his permission for Joe to come calling?<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI know why ya here, come inside for heaven\u2019s sake,\u201d grumbled the old man.\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cRachael! Little Joe Cartwright\u2019s here to see ya.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Mr. Livingston turned his attention back to Joe. \u201cYa best be mindin\u2019 ya manners now young man and ya better have my daughter back afore dark,\u201d commanded Mr. Livingston.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Rachael entered the room and her father\u2019s attention was drawn from Joe to his beautiful daughter. Beside her stood her equally beautiful mother and for just a swift moment, Joe wondered what the man and woman had found in common with one another.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNow Seth, you leave these young folks alone. Little Joe, you and Rachael have a nice afternoon, just please be careful.\u201d Mrs. Livingston smiled sweetly at Joe and opened the door for her daughter.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe stood to the side until Rachael had passed through the door and then fell into step beside of her. She glanced up at Joe and smiled but said nothing.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

As Joe took the girl\u2019s elbow to help her into the carriage, Mr. Livingston tapped Joe on his shoulder, surprising him. \u201cYoung man, make dang good and sure you bring my daughter back safe and sound, ya hear me?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cOh Papa, please,\u201d moaned Rachael good naturedly, \u201cwe will be fine, now don\u2019t you worry.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAll right daughter, behave yourself, you too young man,\u201d he warned and gave Joe a meaningful look.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe shuddered slightly. \u201cYes sir, and I will have her home before dark, sir, I give you my word.\u201d Joe smiled as the girl\u2019s father made his way back to the house.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe smiled at Rachael and started to pull himself into the buggy but was stopped once again, this time by Rachael\u2019s two brothers. \u201cCartwright, you better be sure our sister gets home without a scratch on her, or you will answer to Harve and me, you got that?\u201d snarled the larger of the two who was nearly as big as Hoss.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYeah, I got that, now, can we just go, please?\u201d Joe added for good measure, hoping to stay on the good side of this rather overly protective family. Geeze\u2026and he thought his family was bad!<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

***********************************************<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI remember that as well Pa, but I still can\u2019t remember how I hit my head. Won\u2019t you tell me what happened?\u201d Joe moaned as he moved his head about on the pillow.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cSon please, don\u2019t move around so much. Please try to be still,\u201d Ben rested his hand on Joe\u2019s shoulder stopping any further movement.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI know your head hurts, but Doc said you should try to rest, maybe we can talk about this later.\u201d Ben could see the pain etched on the face of his son and was hoping to alleviate some of his distress by letting him go to sleep.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe moved slightly so that he might better see his father\u2019s face. His eyelids were growing heavy and Joe knew that before long he would not be able to fight off the effects of the strong medicine that Doc Martin had given him.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNo Pa! You\u2019re keeping something from me, I can tell by the look on all your faces. Is Rachael all right? She isn\u2019t, is she Pa? Something\u2019s happened to her\u2026dear God, Pa is she dead?\u201d sobbed Joe, his voice trembling and his chin beginning to quiver.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Tears began to well in Joe\u2019s eyes as he stared first at his father\u2019s expression and then at the way in which Hoss avoided meeting his eyes and finally Adam who sat still holding on to his hand, tighter now than moments before, but he had lowered his head and Joe knew the truth.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Suddenly Joe began to weep, bringing the attention of his family back to him. \u201cJoseph, please son, don\u2019t cry, it wasn\u2019t your fault. It was an accident,\u201d soothed Ben brushing his hand lovingly through the mass of dark curls that adorned his son\u2019s head.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cPa\u2019s right Joe, it was an accident, punkin\u2019,\u201d whispered Hoss, his own eyes brimming with unshed tears as he watched his brother\u2019s strained expression.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhat was an accident? Pa, come on, ya gotta tell me the truth\u2026Rachael\u2019s dead\u2026and I killed her didn\u2019t I?\u201d begged Little Joe.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben took a deep breath, \u201cyes, Joseph, Rachael is dead, but son, you didn\u2019t kill her. Somehow the harness broke and the buggy with Rachael in it crashed, killing her. It was an accident Joe, a terrible accident.\u201d Ben cringed when his son\u2019s expression changed to total misery and Joe turned from his father, attempting to hide his tears from both his father and brothers.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cGet out\u2026GET OUT!\u201d shouted Joe as he wrenched his hands free from those who held his. Joe turned his head into his pillows, tossed one arm over his head to hide his face and began to sob, the piteous sounds breaking the hearts of each family member.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cJoe,\u201d Ben whispered softly, brushing back the now dampened locks of curls.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cGo away Pa\u2026leave me be!\u201d Joe cried beseechingly.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Paul, who had been standing in the hallway waiting for Ben to call him, stepped uninvited into the bedroom and to the side of the bed. The physician had already prepared the syringe of medicine and while Joe was buried beneath his blanket of misery, Paul administered the shot. Joe barely flinched as the sharp needle penetrated his flesh. Quietly, Paul motioned toward the door; Ben nodded his head at Adam then Hoss and together they followed Paul into the hallway.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHe will be asleep in just a few minutes Ben, then if you want, you can sit with him. Right now, I think it best to just let him be, let him cry for now\u2026later, well\u2026later he will need the support of all of you,\u201d Paul explained to the worried family.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Paul was true to his word for within minutes Joe had fallen into a deep drug induced sleep. Ben pulled a chair to the edge of the bed and settled back, but not before arranging the covers to suit him self and once satisfied that his youngest was comfortable and warm, Ben leaned back and shut his eyes.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben\u2019s mind tossed around all that had happened, the promise that Joe had made to him in regards to not running the mare, the accident and how it happened and then to finding his son injured and unconscious and then finally to finding the beautiful young woman lying dead. Had it truly been an accident or just foolishness caused by an over zealous young boy and the need to show off for a pretty girl? He hoped not. Ben covered his face with his hands, scared that perhaps his son might have been the cause of another father losing their child.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cPlease God,\u201d whispered Ben sadly hoping that something would prove his doubts wrong.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cPa?\u201d Adam slipped quietly into the room and eased over to where Ben still sat in the chair, his eyes glued to his young son\u2019s face.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cPa,\u201d whispered Adam a second time and placed his hand on his father\u2019s shoulder.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben looked up, surprised to find Adam standing next to him. \u201cI\u2019m sorry son, I didn\u2019t hear you come in.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHow\u2019s he doing?\u201d Adam watched the expressions on Joe\u2019s face and the way in which the eyelids flicker, a sign that his brother was lost in a dream.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHe\u2019s resting, not very well, but at least he\u2019s sleeping and Paul says that is what he needs most right now. Did you want something Adam?\u201d asked Ben looking up again at his oldest son.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cPa, Billy Cross and Chad Hawkins are downstairs, they said they needed to speak with you; they said it was important but I told them you didn\u2019t want to be disturbed. Then they said they had some information about the accident that you would probably want to know, they wouldn\u2019t tell me anything. I\u2019m sorry Pa, I know you didn\u2019t want to leave Joe but\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben held up his hand to silence Adam. \u201cIt\u2019s okay, I wonder what those two know about what happened? I thought they were suppose to be working the north pasture, not the lower meadow.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cBeats me Pa, guess they\u2019ll tell you when you go downstairs. I\u2019ll sit here with Joe until you come back.\u201d Adam lowered his self into the chair that his father had just vacated and watched as Ben went out the door.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam saw the worry that had furrowed deeply into his father\u2019s brow and knowing how his father could work himself into a \u2018state\u2019, he too worried, not just for his parent but for his younger brother as well. He had already heard talk about town that charges might be taken against Joe for the death of Rachael Livingston but Adam had not mentioned the rumor to his father as of yet. Adam figured that until they were positive that Joe was out of danger, it would be best to keep the information to him self.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben, slightly irritated at the intrusion, hurried downstairs to see what it was that the two young men thought so important about the accident that he should know.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cBilly, Chad, what can I do for you?\u201d asked Ben immediately crossing the room.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Both young men stood to their feet; both held their hats in their hands and appeared to Ben to be rather nervous.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben extended his hand to one then the other, shaking hands. Billy glanced at Chad and the nod that Chad gave to Billy did not go unnoticed by the elder Cartwright. Hoss had entered the great room from the kitchen and moved to stand next to his father. He greeted both boys with a nod of his head but remained silent.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cMr. Cartwright, sir,\u201d began Billy. \u201cChad here and I thought that we might need to have a talk with ya, it\u2019s about what happened yesterday, hmm\u2026the accident I mean,\u201d Billy stammered and looked to his friend for support.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben scratched his head, \u201cWhat about the accident? Do you know something?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWell\u2026yes sir,\u201d said Billy. \u201cWe seen what happened.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYou saw what happened? You saw the crash?\u201d demanded Ben, \u201cand you are just now coming to tell me?\u201d Ben was getting angry, several hours had passed since the horrible incident and he could not understand why the two young men had waited so long to come forward with information and why had they not stayed to help his son and the young girl who died?<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Billy and Chad had worked for Ben for several months. They kept mostly to themselves and being friends since childhood, they had left home at an early age to get away from what they called overly strict parents. Billy was the oldest by one year, Chad just a year older than Joseph.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNo sir, I didn\u2019t mean that we saw the crash, but we did see Little Joe racing that mare. He was running her pretty hard, but we just watched until they rounded the bend, down at the far end of the meadow. We didn\u2019t see it go into the crik or nothin\u2019. If we had of, we\u2019d a tried to help them.\u201d Billy glanced again at Chad and the other boy nodded his head in agreement.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWe were in the corral yesterday getting our horses saddled when ya told Little Joe not to be running that mare. We heard him promise ya that he wouldn\u2019t so we was sure surprised when we saw him doing it. But Billy and I decided not to squeal on the kid, heck, if\u2019n I\u2019d lied to my Pa, I know what he would\u2019ve done to me.\u201d Chad finished his little speech looking sorrowful that he had then come forth and explained to Ben what he had seen.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYou calling my little brother a liar?\u201d asked Hoss who had bristled at the boy\u2019s statement.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cOh, no Hoss, ere\u2026Mr. Cartwright, it\u2019s just that after we learned of the accident, we just thought that your pa here might need to know that Joe hadn\u2019t done like he had promised he\u2019d do. Sorta makes that girl\u2019s dying his fault don\u2019t it?\u201d stammered Chad.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben and Hoss quickly exchanged worried looks but Ben said nothing more to the two young men. Turning to hide his anger, Ben, his lips pressed tightly together, made his way to the stairs but stopped and turned around. \u201cThank you Billy, Chad, for telling me. Now, if you still have work to do, I would suggest that you get to it.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The pair turned quickly and headed for the door. Hoss followed behind them, making sure that the door was closed and then turned to his father.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cPa?\u201d he started but stopped briefly when he spied the angry look on his father\u2019s face. Casting caution to the wind, he ventured on, \u201cPa, you don\u2019t really believe that Joe lied to ya, do ya?\u201d Hoss knew his father was troubled and angry but he wasn\u2019t real sure about what or at whom.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben stood at the bottom of the stairs; his fist tightly griping the railing, his face red and Hoss thought he saw tears in his father\u2019s dark eyes when Ben turned to look at him.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhat am I suppose to believe Hoss? Those two,\u201d Ben pointed toward the closed door, \u201cjust came in here and said they saw Joe running that mare at full speed. Joe tells me that he can\u2019t remember anything about it, what am I suppose to believe?\u201d demanded Ben in a loud voice.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI told that boy not to let that horse get away from him and what does he do? He runs her as if the devil himself were chasing them and what happens? Answer me HOSS!! I\u2019ll tell you, a beautiful young girl is dead do you hear me? DEAD!\u201d Shouted Ben.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cPa, what\u2019s all the shouting about?\u201d called Adam from the top of the stairs, worried that something else might be wrong.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben ignored his oldest son and continued to rank and rave. \u201cNow because of his foolishness, your brother may end up going to jail for a very, very long time. How do you think that makes me feel, to know that my eighteen year old son may very well be responsible for a young woman\u2019s death and may spend the rest of his life in jail?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben turned and rushed up the steps, all but shoving Adam out of the way. As soon as Ben entered Joe\u2019s room and closed the door, Adam made his way to Hoss\u2019 side where Hoss spent the next several minutes explaining to his older brother what had just taken place.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben closed the door and leaned his back against the heavy wood while he took a deep breath to calm his nerves and then eased over to the edge of the bed. Careful so as not to wake his son, Ben gently caressed Joe\u2019s cheek, taking notice of the bruises about his face. His heart ached for this youngest boy of his and Ben struggled to control his tears and his emotions.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cOh Joseph, why son, why do you have to be so willful?\u201d Ben collapsed into the chair that was still close to the bed and buried his face in the palms of his hands. There he sat, alone, frightened at what was to become of his youngest son, worried about how Joe would deal with what looked now to be his undoing, caused by his own careless disregard for his father\u2019s authority.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben shook his head slowly from side to side, \u201cDear God, Joseph, there\u2019s no way that I can make this easy for you. You have certainly managed to dig yourself a mighty deep hole.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben closed his eyes as the tears at last broke through the dam and rolled slowly down his face and as they did so Ben began to pray for his son, for Rachael Livingston\u2019s family and for his own family, that God would somehow help them all get through the trying days that lay ahead for all of them.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cPa,\u201d came the soft plea.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben quickly wiped away his tears hoping that Joe had not seen them. \u201cI\u2019m here son,\u201d said Ben as he leaned closer to his son. \u201cHow do you feel?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cIt hurts,\u201d whispered Joe, his chin beginning to quiver.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYour head? I have some more pain medicine here if you\u2026\u201dstarted Ben while he began to make ready the powder that the doctor had left for him to give to Joe as needed.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe reached out his hand and took Ben\u2019s arm. \u201cNo Pa, not my head.\u201d Joe tapped his chest with his fingers. \u201cIn here, my heart hurts. It feels so heavy, so sad. Pa, I\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben heard the catch in Joe\u2019s voice and bent down, caressing his brow, \u201cShh\u2026please Joseph, don\u2019t cry. We\u2019ll get through this son, I promise.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI can\u2019t help it Pa\u2026I must have been responsible\u2026I can\u2019t remember what happened. Why Pa? Why can\u2019t I remember?\u201d sobbed Joe, still clinging to Ben\u2019s arm.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben felt the increased pressure as Joe squeezed tightly to his arm. \u201cSon, it takes time, even Paul said so. Try to calm down and rest\u2026maybe it will come back to you.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben moved the covers back up over Joe\u2019s chest and gently tucked them in about him. \u201cClose your eyes Joseph and please, try not to worry.\u201d Ben hoped to take his own advice, for he would not admit it to his son, but he was indeed worried.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m sorry Pa, I didn\u2019t mean to hurt anyone\u2026\u201d whispered Joe in a soft whimper as his eyelids, heavy with sleep, closed once again.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI know you didn\u2019t sweetheart,\u201d Ben said more to himself that to his sleeping son.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe was up and around two days later, though moving slowly and a bit sluggishly. His whole personally seemed to have changed following the unfortunate events. No longer the happy go lucky kid he had once been, he was now sullen and withdrawn one minute, angry and vocal the next, taking to snapping at his family for no apparent cause at all. Ben took it all in stride, knowing the reasons behind his son\u2019s sudden change in temperament, but Adam and Hoss having had their fill avoided their brother as much as possible. Both brothers had tried several times to talk to their younger sibling but Joe had always managed to brush them off, screaming at them to leave him alone. Finally the message had sunk in and agreeing with one another, they granted Joe what he wanted, and that was to be left alone to wallow in his self-pity.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

No charges had been filed against Joe. Though by the testimony of both Chad and Billy, to the fact that Joe had indeed been racing his horse, the accident in it\u2019s self was judged to be just that, an accident. Ben though heartbroken for the Livingston family, felt a measure of relief in the knowledge that his youngest son would not be sent off to prison. The Livingston family however had much different thoughts on the matter. They now hated Joe Cartwright; Mrs. Livingston had walked away from Joe the day of the funeral when Joe had offered his heart-wrenching apology to the girl\u2019s parents, but not without first leaving her handprint across the cheek of his son and shocking the onlookers. Joe\u2019s eyes had instantly misted and Ben feared that his son would break down right then and there in front of the entire group of mourners.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Harve and Dave Livingston instantly picked up where their mother had left off, confronting the stunned Joseph before he had been able to make his way to the family carriage. Both brothers had converged on Joe with threats of doing him bodily harm should they ever find him out and about by himself. Had it not been for his own brothers who stepped between the Livingstons and their brother, Joe might have suffered a beating right then and there.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThis is not the time nor place Harve. Your folks need you right now, why not see to them?\u201d Adam\u2019s statement was more of an order that a request, Harve and Dave picking up on the tone of voice that Adam used and the way in which his eyes had darkened gave the brothers cause to return to the side of their parents as Adam had suggested.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cCome on little brother, let\u2019s get you out of here.\u201d Adam took Joe by the elbow and headed him in the direction of the carriage. Hoss followed closely behind keeping an eye on the Livingstons least they return and make good their threats.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe needed no prompting; his nerves shattered, he went willingly along with Adam and even allowed his older brother to help him into the carriage. On the ride home, Joe remained silent, avoiding any conversation with his family. The minute the carriage stopped in the yard, Joe sprang from his place next to Adam and hurried into the barn.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWonder what he\u2019s up to?\u201d questioned Adam looking into his father\u2019s face.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t know, I\u2019ll go have a talk with him,\u201d said Ben heading for the barn while Hoss and Adam began to unhitch the team.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben found Joe in Cochise\u2019s stall where he was saddling his horse. Joe, hearing his father\u2019s approach, turned briefly to face his father.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cGoing somewhere?\u201d asked Ben, moving closer.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYeah, I\u2019m going for a ride, what of it?\u201d snapped Joe, irritated at the intrusion.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben overlooked the sharp remark. \u201cI was just asking, no need to snap. Will you be long? I think Hop Sing will have lunch ready soon.\u201d Ben watched the play of emotions that flashed across Joe\u2019s face and knew his son was suffering inner turmoil.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe suddenly stopped working and leaned his forehead against the soft leather of his saddle, obviously weary from all that had transpired. A moment later he turned and faced his father, unshed tears shining in his eyes and when he blinked, they began to roll downward.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI didn\u2019t mean to snap at you Pa, it\u2019s just that\u2026\u201d Joe turned his head, both hands resting on the saddle, \u201cI can\u2019t take much more\u2026every time I look at one of you\u2026all I see is doubt and disappointment\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cJoseph\u2026\u201d began Ben, placing his hand on Joe\u2019s trembling shoulder.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe jerked free of the tender touch and interrupted his father, \u201cDon\u2019t say it isn\u2019t so Pa\u2026I know you believe I lied to you\u2026I know you believe Rachael\u2019s death was my fault\u2026and it might have been\u2026I might have lied to you\u2026I don\u2019t know, I just don\u2019t know\u2026and it\u2019s killing me\u2026seeing you and Adam and Hoss looking at me like you do\u2026I didn\u2019t mean to lie to you\u2026can\u2019t you believe that\u2026?\u201d Joe buried his face against the saddle, Ben, his heart in his throat stepped up to Joe and placed both hands on his son\u2019s heaving shoulders and spoke softly with more calm than he was actually feeling at the moment.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cJoseph, son, I know you didn\u2019t. I know that what happened was an accident, whether you were racing that horse or not, Rachael\u2019s death was an accident and you cannot go on blaming yourself.\u201d Ben dropped his hands as Joe spun around and faced him.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cTell me something Pa, how do I stop blaming myself when everyone else, including my own family blames me?\u201d snapped Joe.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe led his mount out of the stall and into the yard. Without another word to his father or to his brothers who had just turned the team into the corral, Joe jump mounted his horse, kicked hard at the horse\u2019s sides and galloped from the yard.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben, stunned at his son\u2019s accusations, stepped silently into the yard where his older sons joined him. \u201cWhere\u2019s he goin\u2019 in such a hurry?\u201d asked Hoss, seeing the unhappy expression on his father\u2019s face.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cSays he\u2019s going for a ride.\u201d Ben stood and watched as Joe rode off into the distance.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWant me to go after him?\u201d Adam asked, already heading to the barn for his horse.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben reached out to grab Adam\u2019s arm, stopping him from proceeding any further.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNo, leave him be, he just needs time. Maybe the ride will do him good. Let\u2019s get some lunch, he\u2019ll be back later.\u201d Ben motioned for Adam and Hoss to do as he had requested and giving one another a swift glance, both followed their father into the house.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe rode for a long time, the fresh air cleansing his mind from all the mixed thoughts and emotions that had plagued him over the last few days. Before long, Joe found himself at the lake and slowing his horse to a walk, ambled along at a leisurely pace, suddenly enjoying the peace and tranquility of his surroundings. Without realizing he was headed in that direction, it wasn\u2019t long before Joe found himself at his mother\u2019s gravesite. Dismounting slowly, Joe led Cochise to a nearby tree where he tossed the reins loosely over a branch and then made his way to his mother\u2019s grave.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe squatted down and dusted the dirt from the marker, sighing deeply. \u201cMama, I didn\u2019t mean to kill Rachael, you believe me don\u2019t you?\u201d cried Joe softly brushing the tears from his eyes.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cPa thinks I lied to him\u2026about racing the horse\u2026but I honestly don\u2019t think I did Mama\u2026I just can\u2019t remember why that horse was running. All I remember is trying to stop her and getting knocked out of the buggy, after that it\u2019s all a blur,\u201d continued Joe sadly.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhy can\u2019t I remember? Don\u2019t Pa, Adam and Hoss know how much they are hurting me by not believing me? I can\u2019t stand to see them, especially Pa, look at me the way they do. And Pa, well it\u2019s like he\u2019s convinced I lied to him and like he really does think that Rachael\u2019s death was my fault\u2026I don\u2019t know, it probably was since she was with me when it happened, but Mama, I can\u2019t see myself lying to him. I gave that up years ago, when I was just a kid.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe sat for a long time, lost in his thoughts and quite unaware of the Livingston brothers who had been watching him. Quietly the brothers made their way nearer until they had come within arms reach of where Joe was sitting lost in his own tormented world.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cGet him, Harve,\u201d shouted Dave, taking Joe by complete surprise.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe had no time to brace himself for the attack, before he could even rise to his feet, Harve and Dave dove at Joe, pinning his body to the ground. Immediately both boys began to rain their fury onto Joe\u2019s unprotected body as punch after punch was hammered into his mid section, his ribcage and his face. Joe was useless to defend himself, not only was he out number but the brothers were much larger and heavier than he was and Joe was no match for the pair. Within just a matter of minutes the battle was over. Joe lay unconscious on the ground, blood seeping from his mouth, and about his face where dark bruises were already forming over the old ones that remained from the accident.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThat should teach him,\u201d swore Harve, dusting the dirt from his hands.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Dave wiped Joe\u2019s blood that had splattered his fists from his hands onto the leg of his trousers. \u201cI still think we should kill him. It would serve him right,\u201d muttered Dave, giving Joe a solid kick to his lower back. Even in the blackness that had claimed the wounded boy, Joe groaned as the pain intensified his current agony.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cMe too brother, but Pa says we can\u2019t do that, just beat the hell out of him, he says. Well, looks like we pretty much did what Pa said to do, ain\u2019t enough though to my way of thinking,\u201d complained Harve. \u201cCome on, let\u2019s get outta here before someone comes looking for him.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Harve gathered his hat, picked up Dave\u2019s and handed it to his brother. \u201cIt\u2019ll be dark soon, ain\u2019t no way the kid will make it back to his place before daylight, if he lives that long,\u201d laughed Harve.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYeah,\u201d laughed Dave, \u201cand if he does, we\u2019ll just beat the hell out of him again next time we catch him out and every time after that. He\u2019ll finally get where he won\u2019t even leave his own house, cause when he does, he\u2019ll have to contend with us.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Dave and Harve mounted their horses and giving one final glance at their victim, turned and headed away from the Ponderosa.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben paced the floor, a habit that he had taken to doing quite often of late. Adam glanced over the top of his book and caught Hoss\u2019 attention who had also been watching his father as the older Cartwright wore down the carpet in front of the fireplace.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben glanced at the old grandfather clock, which stood to the side of the front door. \u201cWhere is that boy?\u201d he all but shouted.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYou want us to go look for him, Pa?\u201d asked Adam, sitting aside his book and folding his long arms across his chest.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNo!\u201d yelled Ben and then turned to face his oldest son. \u201cI\u2019m sorry Adam, I didn\u2019t mean to yell at you, it\u2019s just that I am worried about your brother.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI know Pa, but Joe can take care of himself. He\u2019ll be home soon.\u201d Adam tried to reassure his father, but even at this late hour, Adam had his own doubts.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAdam\u2019s right Pa, Joe\u2019s probably ridden up to the lake, maybe he\u2019s at his mama\u2019s grave. You know that\u2019s were he goes when somethin\u2019s eatin\u2019 at\u2019em,\u201d added Hoss and looked to Adam for support.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cLet\u2019s go to bed Pa, if Joe\u2019s not back in the morning, we\u2019ll ride out and find him. He\u2019s got a lot on his mind he needs to work through and you know Joe, he\u2019ll stew about something for quite a spell before finding peace with the matter.\u201d Adam rose from his chair hoping that Ben would agree and get some rest.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben gave both sons a small smile, \u201cYou\u2019re probably right, both of you. But you two go ahead to bed, I think I\u2019ll wait down here, for just a little longer. I\u2019d like to try to talk to the boy when he gets home.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Hoss and Adam glanced at each other, knowing that Ben had made up his mind and once that was done, nothing that either of them could say would change their father\u2019s mind once it was made up.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cCome on Hoss, no sense in all of us loosing a night\u2019s sleep. If he\u2019s not home come daylight, we\u2019ll all go looking for the little scamp.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNight Pa. Try not to worry, Joe\u2019ll be fine,\u201d smiled Hoss has he patted his father\u2019s back on his way passed.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cGood night boys, sleep well,\u201d said Ben as he watched his sons make their way to their rooms.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben sighed, walked to the door and opened it for the hundredth time that evening. As Ben stepped out onto the boarded porch, he looked upward at the stars the shone brightly and found the one he knew would be shining the brightest of all.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cMarie darling, please watch over our son. He needs both of us this night\u2026he thinks I don\u2019t believe what he tells me anymore, he thinks I am ashamed of him\u2026but you know that\u2019s not so. How do I convince him otherwise? Please my dear, tell me what to say to him so that I can help him\u2026if he doesn\u2019t get help soon, I\u2019m afraid he will destroy himself.\u201d Ben wiped the dampness from his eyes and returned to the house where he sat wearily down into his chair and waited.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The pain in his body seemed to intensify as Joe struggled to regain his senses and began pulling himself up into a sitting position. He moaned and wrapped his arm across his stomach in an effort to ward off the discomfort and yet still struggled to his feet. Joe used his free hand and pushed against the rock next to where he had fallen and staggered to an upright position. Stumbling along toward his horse, Joe knew that he had to somehow get into the saddle and ride home, where he was sure help awaited him.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cEasy boy,\u201d whispered Joe as he eased up to Cochise, who eyed his master with wary eyes. \u201cEasy now.\u201d Joe unwrapped the reins from the branch of the tree and after several tries managed somehow to climb into the saddle.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe\u2019s body ached from his abuse and he leaned forward into the saddle, barely able to cling to the saddle horn for support. \u201cTake me home boy,\u201d muttered Joe, fighting against the pain that sought to draw him back into the world of darkness.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cOh\u2026 take it easy Cooch, not so fast\u2026\u201d groaned Joe for it seemed as if with every step that his mount took, the pain would shoot throughout his body and Joe feared that he might not be able to hold on until he reached the safety of his home and family.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Just before morning, Cochise brought his long walk to a halt in the Cartwright yard. Joe, beaten down by the long ride, and the unbearable pain was barely able to hold his head up. Unable to maintain his grip on the saddle any longer, he slipped to the ground landing with a thud where he remained, silent and still.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAdam, be sure to check up at the lake first, before you go into town. I hate to think that the boy might have spent the night drinking, but I wouldn\u2019t put it passed him, not with the mood he\u2019s been in lately,\u201d exclaimed Ben, finishing his coffee and pushing his chair back from the table.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYes sir,\u201d responded Adam, giving Hoss a worried look. \u201cHopefully he didn\u2019t get himself thrown in jail either,\u201d Adam said and then noted the troublesome expression on his father\u2019s face. \u201cHey Pa, I was only joking, I wasn\u2019t being serious.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben gave his son a stern look, \u201cAny other time, I would have seen the humor in such a statement, but not this time. Hurry up son, get going, I\u2019m going to saddle my horse and go up to the lake myself, you just head on into town and please, Adam, get back here as fast as you can.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI will Pa.\u201d Adam downed the rest of his coffee and joined his father at the door where he stopped long enough to strap on his gun belt. \u201cWhat\u2019s Hoss going to do?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben was working on putting on his own side arm as he answered Adam\u2019s question.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHe\u2019s going to take a little ride over to the Livingstons, just in case Joseph might have gotten it into his head to go talk to them.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhew\u2026as angry as the old man and woman was, I hope that kid had better sense than to do a fool thing as that. And those boys, they were ready to wallop Joe, I hope he didn\u2019t give them the opportunity.\u201d Adam placed his hat on his head and opened the door for his father.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben stepped out into the morning air and took a deep breath to fill his lungs. \u201cWhat the\u2026Adam look!\u201d Ben pointed at the prone body that lay in a heap across the yard, near the barn and took off running.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cJOE!\u201d shouted the concerned father as he raced to his son\u2019s side. Ben dropped to his knees and being careful, turned Joe onto his back. A soft groan escaped passed his split lip and the wounded boy struggled to open his eyes.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cJoseph,\u201d Ben called out to his son.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHow bad is he, Pa?\u201d asked Adam, concern for this brother showing in his dark eyes.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cSomeone\u2019s beat him pretty badly, and he\u2019s shivering, help me get him into the house and send Hoss for the doctor.\u201d Adam helped his father gather Joe into his arms and then led the way back to the house where he opened the heavy wooden door and stood aside allowing Ben to carry his precious cargo into the room. Not bothering to stop and place Joe on the settee, he headed straight up the stairs and into Joe\u2019s room where he carefully placed the unconscious body of his youngest son on to the bed.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHOP SING!\u201d shouted Ben, \u201cGET ME SOME WATER AND TOWELS,\u201d he continued.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAdam help me get these clothes off of him. Where\u2019s Hoss?\u201d demanded Ben as he worked at removing Joe\u2019s shirt.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Hoss who had been in the kitchen and missed seeing his father carry his younger brother upstairs replied with a note of curiosity in his voice. \u201cI\u2019m right here Pa, what\u2019s all the shouting\u2026Good heavens, what happened to him?\u201d asked Hoss seeing for the first time his brother\u2019s battered body. \u201cDo ya know who did this?\u201d he asked, feeling the anger beginning to surface as he bent and surveyed the damage that had been done to his brother.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cMy guess would be the Livingstons,\u201d commented Adam as he pulled first one boot and then the other from Joe\u2019s feet.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYou don\u2019t know that for a fact young man,\u201d snapped Ben, knowing full well that given half a chance, his two sons would make it a point to confront the Livingston brothers.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAnd until Joe can tell us for sure, I want the two of you to stay away from those boys. Do I make myself clear?\u201d barked Ben, giving each a stern look, leaving no doubt as to it\u2019s meaning.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam and Hoss exchanged knowing glances but nodded their heads, accepting for now their father\u2019s authority. \u201cYes sir,\u201d they both replied.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHoss, go get the doctor, please. I can feel some busted ribs and it looks like this lip might need some stitching.\u201d Ben wet the towel in the basin of water that Hop Sing had supplied and began cleaning the dirt and grime from Joe\u2019s bruised face. Carefully he dapped at the gash over Joe\u2019s right eye, wiping away what he could of the dried blood.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe tossed his head and moaned, crying out in his pain. \u201cShh\u2026Joe, take it easy son, you\u2019re going to be fine,\u201d Ben tried to sooth his son. \u201cJust be still boy, you have some cracked ribs\u2026I know it hurts son\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cPa,\u201d said Adam gently as he placed his hand on his father\u2019s shoulder. Ben glanced up to look at Adam. \u201cHe can\u2019t hear you Pa.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben sighed, \u201cI know he can\u2019t son. But maybe the sound of my voice will eventually sink in,\u201d Ben stated hopefully, continuing to tend the wounds that adorned Joe\u2019s face.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAdam, will you have Hop Sing warm some blankets for your brother? He\u2019s still shaking,\u201d Ben felt his son\u2019s arms and scowled at how cool the skin felt. \u201cHe must have been laying out there all night. Hurry, please Adam.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam hurried to do as his father had requested and was back within minutes with the needed blankets. Ben gave Adam a questioning look, which earned him a smile.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHop Sing already had them in the warming oven Pa. How does that man know each and every time what we need and when we need it?\u201d asked Adam with a grin on his face.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHe\u2019s been here since right before Joseph was born and I have asked myself that same question a million times, son,\u201d replied Ben smiling as he placed the warm blankets next to Joe\u2019s skin and then pulled the bed covers over those.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHave you ever come up with an answer?\u201d questioned Adam.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhat? Answer to what son?\u201d Ben wrung out the dampened cloth once again and placed it on Joe\u2019s brow.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAbout Hop Sing?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben looked surprised, \u201cOh,\u201d grinned Ben, \u201cNo son, I still haven\u2019t been able to figure it out.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cPa,\u201d the whisper was so soft that both Ben and Adam had almost not heard the sound but when Joe moaned loudly, their attention returned to their patient.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m right here son,\u201d Ben brushed at the stray curls, noting for the first time that his youngest son\u2019s hair was beginning to look a mite shaggy for his liking. But Ben found that unimportant as he watched the way in which Joe\u2019s face became distorted as he attempted to move about on the bed.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cJoe, you have to be still son, can you hear me?\u201d the question was more of a plea than what it was intended to be for Ben wanted Joe to open his eyes, he wanted his son to talk to him. Joe looked pale; the flesh barely healed from the accident, the dark bruises a gruesome contrast to the lighter color skin.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHo\u2026Hor\u2026Horn\u2026\u201dmuttered Joe, tossing his head from side to side.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben and Adam swapped questioning looks. \u201cHe\u2019s trying to tell you something Pa, but what?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben shook his head then turned back to Joe. \u201cJoseph, what is it son? What are you trying to tell me?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe struggled against the blackness that still gripped his senses and tried again to open his eyes and speak. \u201cHorn\u2026et.\u201d It was no use, the blackness had gained momentum and Joe slipped further away from where he wanted to be.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Hoss returned sooner than expected with the doctor. Paul had been on another call and Hoss had been lucky enough to run into the physician as he was returning to Virginia City.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

As he entered the wounded boy\u2019s room, Ben stood to his feet and shook hands with his long time friend.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cBen, Ben, Ben, what are we going to do with that youngest cub of yours?\u201d Paul shook his head as he moved to the bedside. \u201cHmm\u2026looks like he didn\u2019t make out so well this time. What happen, does anybody know?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWe have a pretty good idea\u2026\u201d started Adam, and then stopped after seeing his father\u2019s dark scowl.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAdam\u2019s right Paul, we do have our suspicions but that\u2019s all they are,\u201d again Ben shot Adam a warning look and gave Hoss the same, just for good measure.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The exchange between his friend and his friend\u2019s sons did not go unnoticed by the observant physician, but Paul chose to drop the subject for now and tend to the matter at hand.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThis lip is going to need a couple of stitches,\u201d said Paul as he moved his skilled fingers along both sides of Joe\u2019s battered face. When he finished there, Paul moved to examine the upper torso, down the sides of the rib cage, pressing gently with his fingers as he moved along.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe moaned softly as the probing fingers found the cracked ribs and Paul could be seen shaking his head back and forth slowly as he continued with his examination.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cLooks to be about three ribs, Ben. As bad as I hate to, we\u2019re going to have to bind them. I know Joseph isn\u2019t going to like that,\u201d stated Paul, already making ready the binding that he would use.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHoss, please, sit on this side of the bed and help your father raise Joe into a sitting position while I wrap these bandages.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Hoss moved to do as instructed and with Ben on the other side, they gently and carefully raised Joe upward. \u201cOH\u2026\u201d cried Joe loudly as the pain shot through his upper body.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m sorry Little Joe, I know it hurts but I have to do this,\u201d soothed the kind doctor.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe\u2019s head leaned back, his jaw slack causing his mouth to open and he breathed deeply. With each breath he took, soft whimpers could be heard as Paul hurried to finish his painful task. Unexpectedly Joe\u2019s eyes opened and as they did so, Joe raised his hand and grabbed at the front of Paul\u2019s shirt.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHorn\u2026\u201d stammered Joe as his eyes closed tightly.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHe must be trying to tell us something. Did you understand what he said?\u201d Paul asked both Hoss and then his father. Both shook their heads as Paul continued with his wrapping.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cOk, that should do it, ease him back down, slowly now, there.\u201d Paul felt Joe\u2019s forehead for fever and smiled slightly, thankful that for now Joe\u2019s temperature felt near normal.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cBen he should sleep now most of the day. I\u2019m going to leave you these powders for pain if he needs them. I\u2019ll be back by this way later tonight and I\u2019ll stop in and check on him.\u201d Paul began packing his instruments into his black bag and before excusing himself turned to his friend.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cSend someone to fetch me Ben, if you should need me.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThank you Paul, \u201c Ben rose and offered the physician his hand, \u201cI will.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNo need for you to get up boys, I think by now I can find my way out,\u201d Paul laughed softly.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

It was no secret; the physician had made many, many house calls to the Ponderosa, what with three boys there was usually always a need for a doctor. Paul had even suggested after the birth of Ben\u2019s third and most accident-prone son, that Ben hire a full time physician to work for him. It had always been a private joke between the practicing medical doctor and the hard working rancher who had struggled to raise his three sons alone, without the help of a wife or mother for his sons.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cOh\u2026um\u2026\u201d came the soft whimpers from the bed where Joe laid buried beneath the mountain of blankets.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben leaned down and brushed back a lock of dark curly hair and smiled at the memories that had suddenly sprung forth, thinking how many times in Joe\u2019s eighteen years had he made this same gesture?<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cPa,\u201d moaned Joe softly, \u201cHornet\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhat is it son? I can\u2019t understand what you are trying to say,\u201d Ben whispered softly into Joe\u2019s ear knowing that Joe would be unable to hear him. Ben watched to see if Joe would open his eyes but the boy was too heavily sedated to manage the usually easy movement.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2026I\u2026didn\u2019t\u2026\u201d the task was more than Joe could master and his voice trailed off until nothing at all could be heard.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben had no idea how long he had sat with his son, the hours seemed to pass slowly. Occasionally he dosed other times he paced the room, always keeping a sharp eye trained on his son in the hopes that Joe would wake. It worried Ben that his son was trying to tell him something and he had not been able to understand what it was that Joe wanted him to know.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The morning sun shown brightly through the sheers that hung at the bedroom window as Ben stood and watched the men from the bunkhouse while they prepared for the day\u2019s work. Adam and Hoss had joined the small group and as the men stood about, Ben knew that his sons were giving each man their orders for the day. Ben smiled in satisfaction knowing that he could depend on his sons to take charge when he was unable or away from the ranch. Ben was proud of his sons, all three of them and Ben had no doubt that in time, Joseph would hone his own skills to match those of his brothers and that someday, he would be able to sit back in comfort and allow the boys to run the ranch for him. Ben laughed out loud at the thought, him sit back and turn over control? Not for a very, very long time he reasoned.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben glanced at his sleeping son, Joe had been asleep for several hours and had sometime during the night stopped his tossing and turning and had slept soundly. Ben turned his attention back to the activity in the yard below and was surprised to see the Livingston brothers and their father ride up into the yard. With them was Roy Coffee, the sheriff.<\/p>\n

Ben watched as Adam and Hoss hurried to greet the men. Seeing the looks on his older son\u2019s faces, Ben knew that if he didn\u2019t hurry down all hell would soon break lose, for he had not forgotten that both Adam and Hoss blamed the Livingstons for what had happened to Joe.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Giving one more glance at Joe who had not moved, Ben slipped from the room and hurried downstairs. The front door opened just as Ben reached the bottom. Adam and Hoss entered first followed by Roy and then the three Livingston\u2019s.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cPa, Roy and Mr. Livingston have something they need to tell you,\u201d Adam said waving the men inside.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben noted the strange expression on his son\u2019s face, and then turning, noted the solemn expressions on the faces of his visitors.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cCome in, please,\u201d Ben motioned for the men to have a seat, but none choose to do so.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cBen, the boys here, Harve and Dave have something they\u2019d like to tell ya,\u201d said Roy, explaining the reason for their visit. \u201cIt has to do with Little Joe and the accident.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben surveyed the expressions on each face, glanced at Adam and Hoss whose own expressions still showed signs of anger. Ben realized that his sons were holding themselves in check for they both had been itching to even the score for what they suspected the Livingston brothers had done to their own brother.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben crossed his arms about his chest, cocked his head to the side, there was no smile on his face as he spoke, \u201cWell, let\u2019s hear it.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Harve looked at Dave and Ben saw the second boy gulp and then cast worried eyes in his son\u2019s directions. \u201cGo ahead Harve, you tell them.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cUm\u2026Mr. Cartwright\u2026sir, my brother and I are the ones who beat up your boy, Little Joe. Um\u2026we\u2019re really sorry sir\u2026but we was just doing what our Pa told us to do\u2026\u201d stammered Harve.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben\u2019s angry glare swept from the boys in front of him to the older Livingston and when Ben made a grab for the man\u2019s throat Adam and Hoss each grabbed their father by his arms.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cPa, \u2018member what ya told us?\u201d warned Hoss.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben stopped, regaining instant control over his emotions. \u201cWhy Livingston? What right did you have to send your boys after my son? Good God man, your son\u2019s nearly killed the boy, and he\u2019s not out of danger yet!\u201d shouted Ben as he wrenched his arms free from the strong hands that held his arms. \u201cTwo against one, what kind of odds do you call that?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cBen, I know what I did was wrong, I realize that now, but my daughter is dead, and I held your boy responsible for it, even if it was an accident. I know that sending my sons to beat the hell outta Joe could have resulted in more deaths. I\u2019m sorry Ben, more sorry than I can ever say, especially now, since we know the truth about what happened. That\u2019s why we\u2019re here Ben, to tell ya,\u201d explained Mr. Livingston, who had stepped back and lowered his self onto the settee.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cRoy, what is he talking about, truth about what?\u201d asked Ben.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cSeems like the boys here,\u201d Roy pointed at Harve and Dave, \u201cafter beating up Joe, they took themselves into town late last night. They just happened to be in the saloon when Billy and Chad came in and started spouting off their mouths. Seems they were pretty well liquored up by the time they got there, and with a few more beers, they began spilling the beans about what they had been up too.\u201d Roy tapped his fingers together and continued.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cIt just so happens that both Billy and Chad had wanted to court Mr. Livingston\u2019s daughter, but Seth didn\u2019t like the boys, told both of them to stay away from the girl. They didn\u2019t like it one bit, and then when Joe was given permission to come courting, well, let\u2019s just say that it didn\u2019t set well with Billy and Chad.\u201d Roy nodded his head at Dave. \u201cYou tell him the rest, I think you owe him that much.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Dave hesitated briefly before picking up where the sheriff had left off. He wasn\u2019t sure what would happen, but he knew he had to tell Mr. Cartwright the truth, he figured that he owed the man that much being as how he and his brother had nearly killed the man\u2019s youngest son, and then when it was too late, they found out that Joe had not been to blame for the sister\u2019s death in the first place. Damn thought Billy, how had things gotten so twisted around, now he and his brother were likely to be the ones in trouble, not Joe Cartwright and he had an enormous fear of going to jail.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWell ya see, Mr. Cartwright, me and my brother was in the saloon last night, just like the sheriff done told ya and we overheard Billy and Chad bragging about what they gone and done to Little Joe. Harve, and me we were sittin\u2019 back in the corner and well\u2026Billy and Chad didn\u2019t know we were there. They were talkin\u2019 about how they had overheard Little Joe atellin\u2019 ya that he wouldn\u2019t be runnin\u2019 that fresh broke mare of his and how they came up with a plan to get even with him for courtin\u2019 our sister.\u201d Dave took a deep breath and hesitated.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Harve could not stand the brief interruption; he had seen the looks on the older Cartwright brother\u2019s faces and figured it was just a matter of time before they did to him and his brother what had been done to the youngest Cartwright boy.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cMr. Cartwright\u2026\u201d Harve said, \u201cthem two, Billy and Chad, they was laughin\u2019 about how they hid behind that big boulder just a ways from that big oak tree down in the meadow. They knew about the big hornet\u2019s nest that was there and when they seen Little Joe stop just under that there nest, well\u2026that\u2019s when Billy pulled his sling shot outta his pocket and flung a rock at the nest. Ain\u2019t no secret what a good shot the boy is with that thing\u2026well\u2026\u2019cordin\u2019 to what they was laughin\u2019 about last night, seems Billy\u2019s aim was right on target.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYou mean to say, that he hit that hornet\u2019s nest with a rock?\u201d Ben was stunned and he turned to Adam and Hoss. \u201cThat must have been what your brother was trying to tell us, hornets! Go on son, finish telling us what happened,\u201d encouraged Ben, his anger now beginning to dissipate somewhat.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYes sir, anyways, like I was sayin\u2019, Little Joe was busy with our sister\u2026hmm\u2026I think he must\u2019ve been stealin\u2019 a kiss\u2026anyway\u2026\u201d Dave glanced at his father but continued, \u201che and Rachael weren\u2019t payin\u2019 no mind so\u2019s when them hornet\u2019s swarmed down and stung that mare on the rump, she bolted and took off, tweren\u2019t Little Joe\u2019s fault, atoll.\u201d Dave sighed and took a deep breath.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWe didn\u2019t say nuthin\u2019 to Billy and Chad, cause we was already afraid for our own hides, seein\u2019 as how we had just come from beatin\u2019 up your boy so bad. We just hightailed it home and told Pa here what we heard. He made us go straight to the sheriff and tell him everythin\u2019. We\u2019re sorry Mr. Cartwright, truly sorry that we done what we done to Little Joe, he didn\u2019t do nuthin\u2019 and shucks, sir\u2026Harve and me, we sorta liked the boy anyway and we know we did wrong and\u2026well\u2026we\u2019s sorry, that\u2019s all.\u201d Dave lowered his head, ashamed now of his actions. He was surprised when he felt the pressure of Ben\u2019s hand on his shoulder.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t condone what you and your brother did, it was wrong, but I understand why you did it. My own sons have struggled with the same feelings toward the two of you that you had against Little Joe. But I do thank you, both of you, for coming here and telling me the truth.\u201d Ben turned to Roy.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cRoy? What now, what about Billy and Chad?\u201d he asked.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Roy smiled at his friend, his fingers tapping rapidly. \u201cWell, Ben, it\u2019s like this, Billy and Chad are locked safely in my jail. I had a long talk with them this morning, after they had sobered up some. I told them what I knew and they told me the whole story. Billy admitted that he used his slingshot and hit the hornet\u2019s nest, he even admitted to watching the mare take off. Said he thought that Little Joe would be able to stop the runaway so they jumped on their horses and followed the buggy. When Little Joe was knocked out of the buggy and the mare broke free from the harness, they watched as the buggy crashed down the side of the bank and even saw Miss Rachael being thrown out. The boys said they rushed to her but she was already dead by the time they got to her.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAnd they just left her there? What about Joe, didn\u2019t they even check to see how badly he was hurt?\u201d questioned Adam, his eyes growing dark with what Ben knew to be hatred.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Gently, Ben placed his hand on his son\u2019s shoulder and glanced at him. Ben was surprised at the tremors that he could feel coursing through Adam\u2019s body.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cRoy?\u201d prompted Ben.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cBilly and Chad said they panicked, they took off and left both Rachael and Little Joe. Said they came up with the idey that they could make it look like it was Little Joe\u2019s fault. All they had to do was to tell you that they saw Joe racing the horse, they already knew that he promised you that he wouldn\u2019t, that way it made it look as if Joe lied to you.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben dropped his head, shaking it from side to side, then after a moment, glanced up at Hoss and Adam. \u201cAnd we believed them,\u201d Ben said sadly, ashamed that he had doubted his own son\u2019s honesty and integrity.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

Ben turned at the sound of his name and was shocked to see Joseph standing at the top of the stairs, clad only in his nightshirt, his arm draped across his middle.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cJoseph, son, you shouldn\u2019t be out of bed,\u201d Ben rushed up the stairs, leaving Adam and Hoss to take care of the group of men still standing in his living room. Once reaching the boy\u2019s side, Ben quickly wrapped a protective arm about his son.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe, though weak, smiled up at his father. \u201cI remembered, Pa. After those two worked me over, I remembered. It was hornets that spooked the mare\u2026Pa\u2026\u201d Joe\u2019s voice began to quiver and Ben could feel what little strength Joe maintained, begin to melt away.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cLet\u2019s get you back to bed son.\u201d Ben gently guided Joe back toward his room where he helped the exhausted boy back to bed.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe permitted himself to be led, leaning heavily on his father and put up no argument when Ben tossed back the blankets and helped him into bed. As Joe lowered his head into the pillows, Ben saw the tears that shone in his son\u2019s eyes. Tenderly Ben caressed Joe\u2019s face.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t cry son, it\u2019s over\u2026it\u2019s all over now\u2026\u201d began Ben.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cIt wasn\u2019t my fault, Pa,\u201d stammered Joe; the tears of relief sliding slowly down his face. \u201cI didn\u2019t lie to you either,\u201d added Joe.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben swallowed the lump in his throat, shame filling him that his son knew he had believed him to be lying in spite of the fact that Joe had claimed he could not remember what had caused the horse to be running.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI know that son. Harve and Dave told us what happened.\u00a0\u00a0 I\u2019ll explain all of that to you later, after you have rested. Right now I want you to stay in this bed, do you hear me?\u201d smiled Ben brushing back the same lock of hair that seemed to always be out of place.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe returned the smile and nodded his head. As Ben rose from the bed, Joe reached for his father\u2019s hand, stopping Ben in his tracks. Joe\u2019s smile had suddenly vanished.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s okay Pa,\u201d whispered Joe in a choked voice.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben stared at his son and lowered himself onto the side of the bed. \u201cWhat\u2019s okay Joseph?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI know that you, Adam and Hoss had doubts about what happened\u2026\u201d began Joe.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cSon.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNo Pa, please, let me finish. I know you had doubts, but so did I. I couldn\u2019t remember much about what happened. As far as I knew, I might have really lied to you. I couldn\u2019t see myself actually doing it, I haven\u2019t lied to you in years, avoided the truth maybe, but not actually lying to you,\u201d Joe gave his father a big grin then sobered just as quickly.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t blame you any, Pa I just want to know that, I just want you to know that I understand and it\u2019s okay.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben, the tears glistening, brought Joe\u2019s hand up to his lips and placed a kiss on the backside of it.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s not all right son, not to me at least. I should never have doubted you; I should have had more faith in you and I\u2019m ashamed and sorry for not having done so. I hope you can forgive me Joseph, I can only promise you that it will never happen again,\u201d Ben, his emotion clearly showing in his expression, bent forward and placed a kiss on his son\u2019s brow.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Quickly, Joe slipped his arms about his father\u2019s neck and hugged him tightly. \u201cI love ya Pa, and that\u2019s no lie.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben gently gathered his son into his arms, holding him securely in his embrace and returned the hug.\u00a0\u00a0 In a voice choked with emotion, Ben replied, \u201cI love you too Joseph, of that I have no doubts.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The End<\/strong><\/p>\n

August 2002<\/strong><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

<\/div>\n

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

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

Summary: \u00a0Ben learns a lesson in trust when an accident that claims the life of a young woman leaves him believing that Joe has lied to him.<\/p>\n

Rating: \u00a0PG\u00a0 (12,900 words)<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":9052,"featured_media":14743,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"template-full-width-post.php","format":"standard","meta":{"_jetpack_newsletter_access":"","_jetpack_dont_email_post_to_subs":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_tier_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paywalled_content":false,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":"","jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false},"categories":[1015,23],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-12338","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-joe-pa","category-drama","wpcat-1015-id","wpcat-23-id"],"a3_pvc":{"activated":true,"total_views":2873,"today_views":0},"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/04\/death.jpg?fit=259%2C194&ssl=1","jetpack_likes_enabled":true,"jetpack-related-posts":[{"id":15003,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=15003","url_meta":{"origin":12338,"position":0},"title":"The Awakening Dream (by Starlite)","author":"starlite","date":"September 14, 2000","format":false,"excerpt":"Summary:\u00a0Ben is troubled by a recurring dream that almost comes true. 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R: \u00a0T \u00a0 WC \u00a0 (3,570)","rel":"","context":"In "Drama"","block_context":{"text":"Drama","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?cat=23"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"","width":0,"height":0},"classes":[]},{"id":16257,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=16257","url_meta":{"origin":12338,"position":5},"title":"Home at Last (by Christy)","author":"Christy","date":"December 9, 2006","format":false,"excerpt":"Summary: \u00a0Ben has waited anxiously for Adam and Joe to return from the war. Adam comes home carrying a secret that has virtually destroyed him and Joe at the same time. How will the family go on? Rated:\u00a0PG\u00a0 (19,150 words)","rel":"","context":"In "Alternate Universe"","block_context":{"text":"Alternate Universe","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?cat=7"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/04\/civilwar.jpg?fit=384%2C348&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200},"classes":[]}],"jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/12338","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/9052"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=12338"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/12338\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/14743"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=12338"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=12338"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=12338"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}