{"id":13386,"date":"2016-10-15T17:34:13","date_gmt":"2016-10-15T21:34:13","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=13386"},"modified":"2025-09-25T15:41:24","modified_gmt":"2025-09-25T19:41:24","slug":"comeuppance","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=13386","title":{"rendered":"Comeuppance (by Belle)"},"content":{"rendered":"

Summary:\u00a0 <\/strong>Terrance has everything he ever wanted: \u00a0the love of a wonderful woman, the town’s admiration, and a boisterous friendship with Little Joe. \u00a0What could possibly go wrong?<\/p>\n

Rating: \u00a0K+\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Word Count: \u00a06278<\/p>\n

Competition Series:<\/strong><\/p>\n

Competition<\/a>
\nComeuppance<\/a><\/p>\n

Comeuppance<\/strong><\/p>\n

Terrance Liddell Coletrane was a serious man. He had never favored giddy entertainment and was suspicious of the entire concept of harmless fun. As a youth, he had accepted the notion that work was its own reward and success was only accomplished through great diligence and circumspection. He\u2019d taken the idea to heart, and no one could have faulted him for the quiet, thrifty, conscientious life he led.<\/p>\n

Thus, he was quite ill prepared for the whirlwind experience of becoming Little Joe Cartwright\u2019s bosom chum and pet project.<\/p>\n

The weeks following a rather exciting, albeit somewhat embarrassing, incident found Terrance tucked firmly beneath young Cartwright\u2019s green corduroy wing undergoing what could only be termed a schooling in the manners and skills befitting\u00a0 the more rugged example of Virginia City men.<\/p>\n

Under Little Joe\u2019s tutelage, Terrance\u2019s riding had so improved that he was no longer required to hang on to the saddle horn when he nudged his horse into a trot. In addition, Joe had introduced him to the art of gunfire. Consequently, Terrance could knock two out of five cans off a fence post, and he no longer closed his eyes while pulling the trigger. Moreover, Joe and he spent a considerable number of hours in Virginia City\u2019s drinking establishments with the goal of building Terrance\u2019s tolerance for alcohol to \u201cat least a peg above sissy.\u201d Combined with the newfound enthusiastic attention from Virginia City\u2019s fairer sex, Terrance could honestly testify that he hadn\u2019t had as much fun since he\u2019d worn short pants.<\/p>\n

It was shortly after one of those alcohol-soaked excursions that Terrance found himself confessing the more sordid details of his recent \u201crescue\u201d of Little Joe Cartwright to his beloved, Moira Gallagher. Substantially under the influence of the paint thinner the Silver Dollar Saloon sold as whiskey, Terrance had stumbled over to Moira\u2019s home (blessedly, her aunt had been away for the evening) and laid out the entire mess: his envy of Little Joe, his jealous fury that Moira had seemed to prefer the cowboy, the duplicity of the miner, and the hard truth that Terrance had agreed to aid in a \u201cprank\u201d that had very nearly cost Cartwright his life.<\/p>\n

Little Joe had never breathed a word to anyone about the truth of the situation. Forgiveness had been immediate and complete, and the cowboy had treated him with a sincere regard that left Terrance both humbled and elated. Inebriated and facing the woman of his dreams, Terrance found he couldn\u2019t maintain the lie.\u00a0 After all, he rationalized fuzzily, shouldn\u2019t his intended know the worst about him?<\/p>\n

That impulse seemed noble as he was relating the story. It seemed patently stupid the moment he ran out of words, and the sweet, honorable woman he loved beyond all reason silently regarded him. Lord help him, he had ruined everything! Moira would never forgive him, she would never allow him to call on her again, she most certainly would never again allow him to steal a kiss from those petal soft lips, and of course, she would never agree to marry him\u00a0 . . .<\/p>\n

\u201cBreathe,\u201d she directed. \u201cYou\u2019ve got yourself all worked up, haven\u2019t you?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI am sooo, sooo sorry, my dear!\u201d Terrance babbled. \u201cI wouldn\u2019t blame you a bit if you never wanted to see me . . .\u201d\u00a0\u00a0 He shut his mouth abruptly when Moira lifted an eyebrow.<\/p>\n

\u201cI want to make sure I understand,\u201d Moira forestalled another flood of words by placing a calming hand on his arm. \u201cYou gave in to your dark impulses instead of listening to your conscience, but somehow you and Little Joe were saved. And instead of payin\u2019 the piper for all of your foolishness, you\u2019ve been reapin\u2019 a hero\u2019s rewards. Have I got that right?\u201d<\/p>\n

He gulped nervously. \u201cYes, my dear. That would sum it up.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSo, how do you feel about all this?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI feel . . .\u201d Terrance hesitated, searching her expression for a clue to the proper answer. \u201cHappy?\u201d<\/p>\n

At her stern look, he swiftly backtracked. \u201cI feel guilty. Very, very guilty. Just terribly, terribly guilty.\u201d<\/p>\n

His consternation increased when his beloved placed her hands over her mouth and turned her back on him.\u00a0 Terrified, he watched her as she stood there with her shoulders shaking, hands pressed firmly to her lips. Was his sensitive sweetheart crying<\/em>? Finally, after swiping her hand across her eyes, she returned to sit beside him.<\/p>\n

\u201cDo you still resent Little Joe, then?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cResent him!\u00a0 Heavens, no. I was merely unaware of his many sterling qualities. Salt of the earth, our Little Joe.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThe two of you have had quite the time together lately, haven\u2019t you?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cW-well,\u201d Terrance blushed and stammered. Intoxicated as he was, he could hardly deny frolicking with Joe Cartwright. \u201cIt\u2019s not all been fun and games, you know. I have learned a great deal about horses, for instance.\u201d<\/p>\n

Moira\u2019s lovely eyes widened, and she chewed her lower lip.\u00a0 For just a moment, she stared at her hands clasped loosely in her lap before rising gracefully from her chair.<\/p>\n

\u201cGo home, Terrance. Sleep it off.\u201d Moira grabbed his elbow and tugged him toward the front door. \u201cI expect you still have a lot to learn, love. I\u2019ll leave you to your lessons.\u201d<\/p>\n

She patted his arm and smoothed down his coat lapels. \u201cYou\u2019ve been given a gift, Terrance Liddell Coletrane, a gift of forgiveness and good fortune. Just don\u2019t be surprised when you finally get your comeuppance.\u201d<\/p>\n

He found himself on the front porch, the door shut in his face, before he could gather the courage to pucker up. As he considered his next move, it occurred to Terrance that Moira was the most forgiving, most understanding woman in the entire world. Not only had she failed to censure Terrance for his deceit, she had been understanding of his friendship with Joe Cartwright. In fact, she was so understanding she had encouraged him to continue in his present activities.<\/p>\n

Slapping his hat onto his head, Terrance stepped off the porch as smoothly and briskly as the effects of too much whiskey would allow. Yes, indeed, he was a lucky man, and he was not going to take his hard-won good fortune for granted.<\/p>\n

XXXXXXXXXX<\/p>\n

Naturally, the pressures of business (whether ranching or men\u2019s fine clothing) prevented Terrance and Little Joe from too-frequent indulgence in their less-than-productive activities. As it happened, a pleasant Friday afternoon found Terrance sharing cool beers with all three Cartwright brothers who had come to town to shake off the trail dust from their recent cattle drive and absorb the hospitality Virginia City had to offer.<\/p>\n

With the elder Cartwright brothers (drinks in their hands and painted ladies at their sides) safely a small distance away, Little Joe seized the opportunity to school Terrance on some of the finer points of frontier manliness.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat you need\u201d Little Joe announced, pointing a wavering finger at Terrance\u2019s chest, \u201cis a good nickname.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cA nickname? What\u2019s wrong with my name? I\u2019ll have you know that I was named for my grandfathers\u2014both men of great virtue and industriousness.\u201d Terrance muffled the belch that unfortunately punctuated his statement.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m just sayin\u2019 that you should have a nickname, some . . . name . . . that sounds, I dunno . . . tough. Nothin\u2019 too long.\u00a0 Best keep things simple.\u201d Joe peered closely into the beer glass, perhaps looking for ideas.<\/p>\n

\u201cOf course, you\u2019re the expert on tough nicknames, Little Joe.\u201d<\/em> Terrance snorted.<\/p>\n

Cartwright ignored the jibe. \u201cYou\u2019re onto somethin\u2019 there. You should just use your name, part of it, anyway. How \u2018bout, Rance<\/em> Coletrane. Sounds good, doesn\u2019t it?\u201d<\/p>\n

Terrrance considered it. Rance Coletrane. He liked it. It sounded rugged. Joe was pretty good at this stuff.<\/p>\n

Seeing that he had gotten his way, Little Joe reached out and slammed his hand against the table top.<\/p>\n

\u201cBruno,\u201d he yelled, \u201canother beer for my friend, Rance Coletrane.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHere you go, Rance,\u201d Bruno placed another couple of beers in front of the two men.<\/p>\n

They sat in companionable silence, savoring the beer. Pulling one long, final swallow, Joe drained the glass.<\/p>\n

\u201cI gotta go to the livery before it gets too late. I\u2019ll see you later at the shop.\u201d Joe\u2019s chair squeaked against the wood floor as he swayed to his feet.<\/p>\n

This nickname stuff had gotten Rance to thinking. \u201cWhy do they call you \u2018Little Joe\u2019 anyway?\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe shrugged into his green jacket and set his hat to a rakish angle. Leaning down to steady himself with one hand on the sticky table top, he peered solemnly at Rance.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s ironic.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ironic?<\/em>\u00a0 What in the blue blazes was that supposed to mean? Joe stood there waiting for him to catch on.\u00a0 The light finally dawned. \u00a0Oh.\u00a0 Ohhh. The arrogance of the man!<\/em><\/p>\n

\u201cYou conceited . . . egotistic . . .\u201d Rance was having trouble finding his words.<\/p>\n

Joe\u2019s satisfied cackle echoed through the crowded saloon. He gave the tailor a jaunty wave as he swaggered through the bat-wing doors<\/p>\n

Rance couldn\u2019t help laughing. What would it be like to be so confident? So effortlessly charming?<\/p>\n

He was still chuckling when Adam Cartwright slid into the chair Joe had vacated.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat\u2019s my little brother talked you into now, \u2018Rance\u2019?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHmmm, nothing at all. You know, Adam, sometimes I wish . . .\u201d<\/p>\n

He paused when Adam gripped his shoulder, somewhat painfully.<\/p>\n

\u201cTrust me,\u201d Adam said, \u201cYou don\u2019t want to finish that sentence.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s just that things come easy for him, don\u2019t they?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThings aren\u2019t always what they seem. Strange as it may sound, the only man I know up to the job of being \u2018Little Joe Cartwright\u2019 is my youngest brother.\u201d<\/p>\n

As if that made any sense. But, the man looked dead serious. Rance sighed. He\u2019d always suspected Adam Cartwright was a bit peculiar.<\/p>\n

XXXXXXXXXXX<\/p>\n

Rance tapped his foot impatiently, waiting for Joe to come out of the dressing room for the final adjustments to the new suit. His own fault, probably. He shouldn\u2019t have put three full length mirrors in the room if he didn\u2019t want Joe Cartwright to moon over himself.<\/p>\n

It was<\/em> a fine set of clothes after all. Rance had produced a top-quality wool jacket and trousers cut in the latest fashion.\u00a0 The color of the exquisitely-dyed fabric shimmered between tobacco brown and olive green depending on the light. To complement the suit, Terrance had designed an eye-catching vest, fancifully embroidered with flaming aspen leaves on slender branches atop snowy white satin. A pristine white shirt and fine black silk tie completed the outfit. He really had outdone himself. Idly, he wondered if Joe would mention his shop when he wore the suit at the wedding a few days hence. An heiress with whom Joe had attended school was getting married in a fancy society event in San Francisco.\u00a0 A man couldn\u2019t buy that kind of advertising. Shame about the heiress, though. Seemed his friend never could find a girl to settle down with. Perhaps Moira knew a likely prospect for Little Joe . . .<\/p>\n

He was so engrossed in his thoughts he nearly fell from the chair when Little Joe hollered at him through the door.<\/p>\n

\u201cRance! I\u2019m going to step out a minute and show this outfit to Lilah.\u201d<\/p>\n

Drat the man. Rance had failed to anticipate that the dressing room\u2019s door to the alley (to facilitate trips to the outhouse) might enable his customer to promenade through Virginia City\u2019s lowbrow establishments in his finery.<\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t you dare muss that suit up,\u201d Rance hollered back.<\/p>\n

\u201cRelax. I won\u2019t be long.\u201d The sound of a door slam confirmed Little Joe\u2019s departure.<\/p>\n

It looked like he had time to kill. Might as well see what new damage Little Joe had done to his green jacket. Surprisingly, the jacket was in one piece. Rance pulled at the garment, checked all the seams, and tugged at the closures.\u00a0 On impulse, he slipped his arms into the jacket and headed over the mirror to check out his reflection.<\/p>\n

Not bad. Not Little Joe Cartwright, but not bad. The shoulders were a little loose on him, and the jacket didn\u2019t quite close around his midsection, but overall, not bad.<\/p>\n

He pulled off his string tie and opened up his shirt collar a bit. Better. Where was Joe\u2019s hat?\u00a0 Grabbing the headgear from the nearby table top, he settled it on his head and adjusted it to a jaunty angle. Well, well, who was that dashing man in the mirror? Almost there, just one more flourish. Quickly, he scooped up Joe\u2019s gun belt, looped it around his waist, took it off again in order to adjust it a bit for comfort, and then fastened it securely around himself. He leaned over to tie the rawhide around his leg, and the transformation was complete. Wouldn\u2019t Moira be tickled to see him like this?! He could amble over to her place while Joe was sweet-talking that saloon girl. He\u2019d knock at the front door, and she would open it, expecting her mannerly, staid beau. Instead, she would find herself facing a roguish cowboy with a devilish twinkle in his eye and a definite way with the ladies. He couldn\u2019t resist practicing.<\/p>\n

\u201cHowdy,\u201d he growled seductively. \u201cIt\u2019s a fine evening for a stroll.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIt is for a fact,\u201d an unfamiliar voice behind him agreed. \u201cMind your manners whilst I take your gun. You and me are gonna take a little trip, Cartwright.\u201d<\/p>\n

XXXXXXXXXX<\/p>\n

Jelly legs<\/em>.\u00a0 Rance had always believed the words to be merely one of those expressions the cowboys used to embellish stories about their trail adventures. However, when he turned to find himself facing the business end of a gun, he decided it was a very apt description after all.<\/p>\n

So, to prevent the drop to an embarrassing heap on the floor, Rance kept a white-knuckled grip on the back of a nearby chair. What in the name of all that was holy was going on? He was certain he\u2019d never even seen<\/em> the man holding the gun before in his life, much less done<\/em> anything to provoke violence. It took him a few more moments of steadying breaths to understand that this man apparently believed mild-mannered Terrance Liddell Coletrane to be Little Joe Cartwright.<\/p>\n

\u201cMy good man . . .\u201d Rance offered an ingratiating smile, but the man with the gun wasn\u2019t taking him up on the offer.<\/p>\n

\u201cShut it! I don\u2019t wanna hear a peep outta you, Cartwright. Move.\u201d The gesture to the door was unequivocal.<\/p>\n

Silence and cooperation seemed the best course of action. Rance walked slowly through the door with the gun\u2019s barrel pressing against his spine. As soon as they were out of his shop, the kidnapper pushed him toward Joe\u2019s pinto. Wonderful.\u00a0 Cochise and Rance had never really gotten along. The wicked nag had nearly bitten a plug out of him the last time he had dared try to ride him. Fortunately (or not), Cochise didn\u2019t raise any commotion this go-round, and Rance was herded down the street and out of town without incident.<\/p>\n

Once past the city limits, he took a chance, \u201cWho are you? Why are you doing this?\u201d<\/p>\n

His captor sneered in reply.\u00a0 \u201cEmma Trelawney\u2019s my sister, Cartwright.\u201d<\/p>\n

Of course. The blackguard had a sister. The sister was involved with Little Joe Cartwright.\u00a0 The blackguard thought Rance was Little Joe.<\/p>\n

No point in arguing or trying to explain. Rance shut his mouth and obeyed the order to kick his horse to a trot. He hoped Moira would find the strength to carry on without him. He especially hoped his ghost would be able to haunt Little Joe for the rest of the rascal\u2019s days.<\/p>\n

XXXXXXXXXX<\/p>\n

\u201cYou know,\u201d the stranger commented as he gave a last pull on the knot binding Rance\u2019s wrists, \u201cyou don\u2019t exactly look like I pictured you would.\u201d<\/p>\n

It occurred to Rance that possibly he had just been insulted. It also occurred to him that the stranger had no right to talk. The man looked dead ordinary\u2014shaggy brown hair, scruff of a beard, cheap clothing\u2014nothing remotely villainous. Appearances certainly could be deceiving.<\/p>\n

Rance was debating the wisdom of asking Mr. Trelawney outright about the plans for the evening (he was reasonably certain he wouldn\u2019t care for the answer) when the sounds of an approaching horse were heard.\u00a0 A few minutes later, a man of imposing height and weight strode into the campsite.\u00a0 The scowl on his face looked as dangerous as the gun at his hip. This man looked absolutely villainous; it was too much to hope that his<\/em> appearance was deceiving.<\/p>\n

\u201cHowdy, Jeb. I found him for you just like you asked,\u201d Trelawney greeted the newcomer.<\/p>\n

\u201cThis<\/em> dude is Cartwright?\u201d the stranger asked in disbelief.<\/p>\n

Trelawney threw up his hands, \u201cI know! Doesn\u2019t look like Emmy\u2019s type, does he?\u201d<\/p>\n

Really, this attitude was too much. He would be the first to admit that he lacked Joe Cartwright\u2019s obvious superficial qualities; but by thunder, Rance had actually killed a man only weeks before. Surely, that deed should have bestowed upon him at least a smattering of panache. If he lived through this encounter, he was going to ask Joe for pointers on developing his own scowl and swagger.<\/p>\n

Attempting a fractious attitude of his own, Rance curled his lip into an insolent sneer<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s certainly clear which man is not<\/em> her type.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s where you\u2019re wrong, Cartwright, dead wrong.\u201d Jeb moved faster than a rattlesnake; he was up in his face before Rance had finished insulting him. \u201cEmmy has always been my girl, and there ain\u2019t no way some shifty-eyed, soft-handed galoot is gonna take her from me.\u201d Jeb ended his tirade with a vehement spit of tobacco juice into the dirt at Rance\u2019s feet.<\/p>\n

Satisfied he\u2019d made his point, the scoundrel sauntered over to the bag of supplies and pulled out a bottle of rotgut.\u00a0 Pulling the cork out with his teeth, he tipped the bottle to his mouth and gulped a large portion of the vile stuff.\u00a0 Wiping his sleeve across his mouth, Jeb seated himself on a nearby rock and fixed Rance with a murderous glare when he wasn\u2019t chugging down the whiskey.<\/p>\n

\u201cMe and Emmy have been sweethearts since we were knee-high to a grasshopper,\u201d Jeb slurred mournfully. \u201cDidn\u2019t matter if I got into a bit of trouble now and then. No matter what happened, she understood. She was always there when I needed her.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s a fact,\u201d agreed Brother Trelawney.<\/p>\n

\u201cA few months ago, I was almost done with my prison sentence when I get a letter from Emmy,\u201d Jeb fumbled inside his coat pocket and pulled out a soiled scrap of paper. \u201cDoes she tell me she loves me?\u00a0 Does she say she can\u2019t wait to see me? Hell, no! What she says is \u2018my friend, Joe Cartwright,\u2019 says she deserves a man who cares more about the woman he loves and less about drinking, fighting, and robbin\u2019 folks. She says that lovin\u2019 a scoundrel ain\u2019t worth the heartache. She says she\u2019s leavin\u2019 Virgina City and never lookin\u2019 back!\u201d<\/p>\n

Jeb jumped to his feet, swaying from strong liquor and emotion.\u00a0 Pointing a grubby finger in Rance\u2019s face he shouted, \u201cI ain\u2019t been able to find Emmy, and it\u2019s all your fault!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cMy fault! It appears Emma made a sound decision. Good for her. You really have no one to blame but yourself . . .\u201d\u00a0 Rance\u2019s voice trailed off with the sick realization that there were times when good advice was appreciated, and there were times when the advice giver ought to keep his mouth shut.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019re wrong, Cartwright.\u00a0 She made the worst decision of her life.\u00a0 And you\u2019re goin\u2019 to find her for me, and make her come back to me.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI have no idea where she is,\u201d Rance answered truthfully.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019d better get an idea, and get it quick. Otherwise I don\u2019t see any point in keepin\u2019 you alive,\u201d Jeb snarled.<\/p>\n

Although Rance didn\u2019t have a great deal of experience with these situations, he certainly knew the difference between a threat and a promise. Jeb had just made Rance a promise. Now all Rance had to do was figure out who Emmy Trelawney was, where she might have gone, and convince her to return to her miscreant lover. He was doomed. He considered coming clean about the whole \u201cJoe Cartwright\u201d mix-up, then rejected the notion immediately. Jeb didn\u2019t seem the type to find the humor in these situations.\u00a0 No, his best chance to avoid becoming buzzard food was to play for time and try to escape.<\/p>\n

\u201cPerhaps, if we all put our heads together,\u201d Rance offered in soothing tones, \u201cwe can come up with some ideas.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNow, you\u2019re getting\u2019 smart,\u201d Jeb triumphed. \u201cYou get to thinkin\u2019. Keep an eye on him, Trelawney. I gotta go see a man about a horse.\u201d Hitching his threadbare trousers up a bit, Jeb headed into the thick brush surrounding the camp.<\/p>\n

Trelawney waved the scoundrel on his way and proceeded to putter around the campsite.\u00a0 He peered at the beans simmering in the pot over the fire, poured himself a cup of coffee, and settled back against his saddle to spare Rance an appraising look.<\/p>\n

\u201cHow come they call you, \u2018Little Joe\u2019?\u201d<\/p>\n

At last, a question Rance could answer.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s ironic.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s iron\u2014huh?\u201d<\/p>\n

Rance was saved from having to explain himself when Jeb crashed back into the camp shouting in glee.<\/p>\n

\u201cLookee here! I found this dandy skulkin\u2019 around the wood line.\u201d Jeb shoved a cowering, whimpering fellow (dressed in a frankly exquisite suit of clothes) into camp. The poor man hit the dirt hard and lay in the dirt, shivering in fear. \u201cSpeak up! Who are ya\u2019 and what do you think you\u2019re doin\u2019 here?\u201d<\/p>\n

The skulker gulped, gathered his courage, and peered up at Jeb through the frightened tears glistening on his eyelashes.<\/p>\n

\u201cMy name is Terrance Liddell Coletrain, and I\u2019m here to rescue my best friend, Little Joe Cartwright.\u201d<\/p>\n

XXXXXXXXXX<\/p>\n

To say Rance was put out with Little Joe\u2019s insulting impersonation was an understatement. Sadly, circumstances didn\u2019t allow for a proper scolding. \u00a0The best Rance could manage were furious whispers after Joe was ordered to sit down and shut up while Jeb and Trelawney figured out what to do with their extra hostage.<\/p>\n

\u201cThat ridiculous performance was supposed to be an impersonation of me<\/em>?<\/p>\n

\u201cWho else am I supposed to be?\u201d Joe raised an eyebrow at the green jacket draping Rance\u2019s shoulders. \u201cDon\u2019t get your knickers in a twist. I\u2019ve got a plan. This ain\u2019t my first rodeo, you know. I wrote the book on hostagin\u2019.\u201d The man had the audacity to smirk.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhen we get out of this, I\u2019m going to kill you,\u201d Rance whispered.<\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s the spirit, buddy.\u201d Joe flashed a quick grin.<\/p>\n

\u201cSir?\u201d Joe interrupted their captors\u2019 huddled conversation. \u201cYou forgot to tie me up.\u201d\u00a0 Rance watched in horror as Little Joe Cartwright, eyes wide and innocent as a puppy\u2019s, held out his hands.<\/p>\n

XXXXXXXXXX<\/p>\n

\u201cSo,\u201d Joe explained patiently to their captors, \u201cthis can all be worked out.\u00a0 You two send a ransom demand to his pa. Ben Cartwright pays the money; you set us both free, and you can use the money to make a fresh start.\u201d<\/p>\n

Jeb didn\u2019t appear convinced. \u201cJust like that? Ben Cartwright is gonna pay whatever we ask to get his son back? And throw in a few bucks to get you, too?\u201d Jeb cast a dubious eye over Rance.<\/p>\n

\u201cGuaranteed. Ben Cartwright LOOOVES Little Joe. That boy is his favorite, no contest.\u201d Rance did his best to appear lovable.<\/p>\n

\u201cI like this idea,\u201d Trelawney piped up.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt don\u2019t get Emmy back for me, though, does it?\u201d Jeb said.<\/p>\n

\u201cBut, iffen we\u2019ve got money; when you find her, you and Emmy can live big, just like you always promised.\u201d Rance could see that Trelawney had his eye on a prize and wouldn\u2019t give up easy.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt shouldn\u2019t matter to Emmy if I have money or not,\u201d Jeb pouted. \u201cShe\u2019s always been my girl, and she promised to stick with me, no matter what.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cShe was twelve years old,\u201d Trelawney muttered. \u201cShe didn\u2019t know no better.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat do you mean by that?\u201d Jeb squinted maliciously at his partner.<\/p>\n

Trelawney looked at his friend with something close to sadness, \u201cIt was one thing when you was a kid, and everyone thought you\u2019d outgrow drinkin\u2019 and shootin\u2019 and thievin\u2019.\u00a0 But you never did grow out of it, did ya?\u00a0 Got worse the older you got. It\u2019s just fun and games to you, ain\u2019t it?\u201d He sighed.\u00a0 \u201cMaybe it would be better to take the money and leave Emmy alone.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cStop it! Emmy\u2019s my girl. She\u2019s the only girl for me, and there ain\u2019t another woman like her.\u00a0 She\u2019s the most understandin\u2019 and forgivin\u2019 woman ever born. I just have to see her and talk to her . . .\u201d<\/p>\n

Rance couldn\u2019t bear to stay silent another moment. Jeb\u2019s sniveling complaints had just gotten under his skin. Maybe Jeb wouldn\u2019t know the truth if it was lit on fire and stuffed down his britches, but Rance wasn\u2019t as far gone down the road to perdition.<\/p>\n

\u201cFace it, Jeb, this is your comeuppance. You had everything when you had a woman who loved you for what was fine and worthy about you and forgave you for the rest. But that wasn\u2019t good enough, was it?\u00a0 You had to keep finding trouble.\u00a0 She kept forgiving you, and you thought she always would.\u00a0 Do you know what that makes you?\u201d<\/p>\n

Jeb\u2019s mouth hung open in amazement at the speech.\u00a0 Rance was feeling a little amazed himself.<\/p>\n

\u201cEasy, Rance,\u201d Little Joe warned quietly. Rance was in no mood to be warned off.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt makes you stupid, that\u2019s what,\u201d Rance said, \u201cand I should know.\u201d<\/p>\n

Rance couldn\u2019t drag his eyes away from Jeb\u2019s furious face, but he heard Little Joe sigh quietly, shift around, and fiddle with the rope around his wrists.<\/p>\n

Jeb\u2019s self-pity had evaporated. His misplaced sense of self-righteousness took over.<\/p>\n

\u201cStand up, big mouth,\u201d he growled. Jeb drew his sidearm and pointed it dead center at Rance\u2019s chest.<\/p>\n

\u201cJeb, let\u2019s take it easy,\u201d Trelawney pleaded. \u201cWe need this fella, remember?\u00a0 He\u2019s gonna help us find Emmy.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cBen Cartwright won\u2019t pay ransom for a dead son,\u201d Joe put in.<\/p>\n

Their advice went unheeded. Jeb seemed to only have one thing on his mind. He re-holstered his own sidearm and drew Joe\u2019s pearl-handle pistol from his coat pocket.<\/p>\n

\u201cStand up, Cartwright. I ain\u2019t tellin\u2019 you again.\u201d<\/p>\n

Seemed he didn\u2019t have much of a choice. Rance got up nice and slow, no point in rushing the inevitable. If his hands shook a little, maybe Jeb wouldn\u2019t notice. He wasn\u2019t that surprised when Little Joe scrambled up to his feet beside him.<\/p>\n

\u201cSit down, Coletrane,\u201d Jeb said. \u201cI\u2019ll take care of you in a minute.\u201d\u00a0 Obediently, Joe eased back down, settling into a crouch beside Rance.<\/p>\n

\u201cUntie him,\u201d Jeb ordered. Trelawney accomplished the task in a distressingly short time. He gave Rance an apologetic pat on the arm and got out of the way.\u00a0 Rance rubbed at his wrists a little to ease the sting from the rope.<\/p>\n

\u201cI hear you\u2019re fast on the draw,\u201d Jeb said.<\/p>\n

\u201cI think I\u2019m about to disappoint you,\u201d squeaked Rance.\u00a0 The whole situation had the quality of a nightmare, and his already overwrought nerves were stretched to the edge of hysteria.<\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t matter to me.\u201d Jeb tossed Joe\u2019s pistol onto the ground at Rance\u2019s feet. \u201cSee, I\u2019m givin\u2019 you a chance.\u00a0 More than you deserve for bad mouthin\u2019 me to Emmy. Go on, grab your gun.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cUmm, no?\u201d\u00a0 Perhaps they could still settle this peaceably.<\/p>\n

\u201cYour choice, Cartwright.\u00a0 Go for your gun.\u00a0 Maybe you\u2019ll get lucky.\u00a0 Or, you can just stand there and give me a nice target.\u201d<\/p>\n

Rance\u2019s breath was going in and out of his lungs like a forge bellows. His heart must have figured out on its own that it wouldn\u2019t be beating much longer because the pounding in his chest just got faster and louder until it was practically the only thing Rance could hear.<\/p>\n

He\u2019d really done it this time. Between his ill-considered insults and playing at being a Cartwright, Rance was well and truly caught. He cast about feverishly for alternatives and came up with nothing. What would Little Joe do?<\/em>\u00a0 The question didn\u2019t require much consideration. Joe Cartwright wouldn\u2019t just stand there and let himself get shot. Well, Mother always said, \u2018in for a penny, in for a pound.\u2019 Might as well do this right.<\/p>\n

Rance swiped his arm across his brow, halting the sweat dripping into his eyes. He unclenched his fists, opening his right hand wide, and slowly eased forward. <\/em>Never taking his eyes off his adversary, he felt a flicker of hope when Jeb didn\u2019t move in response to his fidgeting. Perhaps he did have a chance. After all, Jeb was pretty liquored up, and Rance\u2019s reflexes were pretty good. Rance rocked forward on the balls of his feet, steeling himself to make a grab for the pistol. He just needed a moment to lunge down and grab the pistol\u2014what he wouldn\u2019t give for some small distraction to divert Jeb\u2019s attention . . .<\/p>\n

As if Heaven-sent, a piercing whistle rent the silence. Jeb glanced around for the source of the sound, and Rance made his move. Before he could hook his hand around the pistol\u2019s pearl-handle grip, Rance saw Jeb draw his weapon and fire. Expecting to feel the impact of a bullet in his chest, Rance was astonished to find himself quite alive, but with his face in the dirt. Incredibly, Little Joe, ropes nowhere in sight, had recovered his weapon and had swiftly fired off rounds forcing Jeb and Trelawney to dive for cover even as they answered Joe\u2019s barrage with shots of their own. Shouts and rifle fire from the brush surrounding the camp site only added to the din. With no means of escape or defense, Rance covered his head and tried his best to dissolve into the rocky soil. Finally, after several harrowing moments, his addled senses picked up Trelawney\u2019s cries of surrender, and the noise and gun smoke faded away.<\/p>\n

From his spot in the dirt, Rance watched Adam Cartwright step out of the tree line, his rifle aimed at Trelawney who was huddled over Jeb\u2019s noisy, thrashing form. Hoss Cartwright appeared next and grabbed his youngest brother into a quick embrace before the two men headed over to Rance.<\/p>\n

\u201cCan you sit up here for me, Rance?\u201d Hoss asked him. Could he sit up?\u00a0 Rance wasn\u2019t too sure. He felt strange, almost as if he wasn\u2019t quite inside his body. Hoss helped settle him against a boulder and encouraged him to drink from the canteen he pressed to Rance\u2019s mouth.<\/p>\n

Rance squinted up at Little Joe.\u00a0 \u201cI thought you were tied up.\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe rolled his eyes.\u00a0 \u201cPfft! The minute I saw you, I knew that dude couldn\u2019t tie a knot.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou tracked us here?\u201d Rance asked as Hoss poked and prodded at his left arm.<\/p>\n

\u201cYup,\u201d Hoss replied. \u201cJoe saw that character take ya, and he sent old Digger to round up me and Adam.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd you got here . . . in the nick of time.\u201d Rance winced as Hoss\u2019s prodding hit a sore spot.<\/p>\n

\u201cHuh, the nick of time is the only sort of time our younger brother knows.\u201d\u00a0 Hoss replied.\u00a0 As he spoke, the big man grasped the left sleeve of the green jacket and in one smooth motion pulled the sleeve away from the rest of the jacket and down, then off Rance\u2019s arm.<\/p>\n

Rance stifled the urge to giggle hysterically. \u201cI\u2019ve been wondering who\u2019s been tearing the sleeves off this jacket.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cLet\u2019s just say, this ain\u2019t my first rodeo,\u201d Hoss tore off Rance\u2019s shirt sleeve. \u201cJust what I thought, straight through clean as a whistle. I told Joe not to worry about you. \u00a0A coupla stitches, a sling for a few weeks, and then good as new.\u00a0 Probably leave a pretty little scar for the ladies to admire. Though I gotta tell you, if Joe hadn\u2019t knocked you outta the way . . .\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAre you telling me I\u2019m shot?\u201d How could he be wounded?\u00a0 He hadn\u2019t felt a thing. Pushing Hoss\u2019s hands aside, Rance took a good look at his arm. The sight of the blood running down past his elbow had a curious effect. Intense throbbing pain suddenly and sickeningly made itself known. Rance\u2019s vision instantly narrowed to a pinhole as darkness crowded in around the edges.<\/p>\n

\u201cHang in there, buddy.\u201d Rance felt a wet cloth wipe his forehead and face. Opening his eyes, he found himself back on the ground again, flat on his back this time with Little Joe fussing over him like some mother hen. Rance waved a weak hand at his friend, and with help, he was again more or less upright.<\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t feel bad,\u201d Joe explained cheerfully. \u201cThe first time is always the worst. You won\u2019t be nearly so peaked next time.\u201d Rance decided not to dignify that little piece of frontier wisdom with an answer.<\/p>\n

At least he was doing better than Jeb. He watched soberly as Hoss and Adam wound a bandage around Jeb\u2019s leg, all the while ignoring their patient\u2019s whining complaints. Trelawney sat nearby, evidently as sore as a wet cat.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou shoulda seen him and Emmy when they was kids,\u201d Trelawney fussed. \u201cCouldn\u2019t bear to be apart.\u00a0 He woulda done anythin\u2019 for her. But, nooooo . . .\u201d he sputtered, throwing his hands into the air, \u201che didn\u2019t cotton to bein\u2019 a farmer like his pa. Said he felt invisible, that nobody paid attention to him. Liked<\/em> the idea of bein\u2019 on a wanted poster. He wanted to be noticed<\/em>, ya see?\u00a0 What happened to you, chucklehead? You used to be such a nice kid.\u201d He stood, and at Hoss\u2019s direction, helped his partner onto a horse.<\/p>\n

Adam gestured for Trelawney to mount up and after a few quiet words with Joe, the elder Cartwrights departed with their prisoners.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou think you can ride?\u201d Joe asked. \u201cIt\u2019s all right if you\u2019re not ready. We can wait as long as you need.\u201d<\/p>\n

Rance searched Joe\u2019s expression for any hint of condescension and found none.\u00a0 Instead he saw only kindness and the sort of mature understanding he hadn\u2019t known Joe Cartwright possessed.\u00a0 He shook his head ruefully; he really didn\u2019t deserve this man\u2019s friendship.\u00a0 In fact, there was a whole list of things he didn\u2019t deserve.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m grateful,\u201d he told Joe. \u201cNot just for tonight, but for the last couple of months . . . for everything. Being friends with you, well, it means a lot to me.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAw, Rance . . .\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThe thing is, this\u2014this\u2014whatever it is that happened tonight\u2014this isn\u2019t really me. Or at least it\u2019s only a little part of me. I\u2019m not \u2018Rance.\u2019 I\u2019m Terrance Liddell Coletrane, and tonight was my last rodeo.\u201d<\/p>\n

XXXXXXXXXX<\/p>\n

Clean, rested, and adorned with a sling that coordinated attractively with his suit, Terrance knocked on Moira\u2019s front door. Her delighted smile at his presence was a balm to his soul.\u00a0 The frown of concern at the sight of the sling sent a guilty pang through him. Hastily pushing aside all doubts, Terrance stepped through the door into the front room, wrapped his good arm around his beloved\u2019s waist, and bestowed upon her rosy lips an ardent kiss.\u00a0 The embrace left both of them smiling and breathless.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat has gotten into you?\u201d Moira asked, snuggling into his shoulder.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ve learned my lessons,\u201d Terrance whispered, pressing a kiss into her hair.<\/p>\n

\u201cTell me.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cDid I ever mention that I\u2019m named for my grandfathers, models of virtue and industriousness? I\u2019ve always tried to live up to their examples. Because of their lessons, I\u2019ve built a sound business and reputation. My bride will be comfortable and can hold her head high.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThose are good lessons.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThere\u2019s more. I also have friends who have provided excellent examples. Joe taught me that there\u2019s more to life than work\u2014there\u2019s laughter and fun. And as I\u2019ve recently discovered there are going to be times I have to stand up and defend what I love. I know I can do that now.\u201d<\/p>\n

Terrance gently withdrew from his beloved\u2019s embrace and fell down upon one knee in front of Moira. He took Moira\u2019s trembling hand and kissed it fervently.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ve also learned the greatest lesson of all from the glorious woman I love. I don\u2019t have to be anyone else.\u00a0 It\u2019s enough to be Terrance Liddell Coletrane, a pretty good tailor, but a very poor cowboy . . . that is, I hope it\u2019s enough.\u00a0\u00a0 Moira Bridget Gallagher, I wouldn\u2019t last a day without you.\u00a0 Will you be my wife?\u201d<\/p>\n

XXXXXXXXXX<\/p>\n

Terrance Liddell Coletrane was a happy man.\u00a0 His beautiful bride was on his arm.\u00a0 His friends crowded around shouting congratulations and best wishes for their honeymoon.\u00a0 Moira\u2019s aunt had given them her own home as a wedding present; and in Terrance\u2019s pocket was a letter of introduction to Joe\u2019s San Francisco friends. \u00a0Mother always said (and the lovely Moira agreed) that a man should strike while the iron was hot.\u00a0 If their wedding trip included a small amount of business, he and his new wife agreed that it was perfectly appropriate.<\/p>\n

Finally, the stage coach driver shouted for all passengers to board. Moira accepted chaste kisses from all four Cartwrights before being helped inside the vehicle. Terrance himself was nearly inside the coach when he found himself pulled into a back-slapping bear hug from Little Joe Cartwright.<\/p>\n

\u201cListen, you\u201d Joe advised him. \u201cWatch out for those big-city business men. They might get riled when you snap up their best customers.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t worry,\u201d Terrance replied. \u201cI\u2019m not afraid of the competition.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

THE END<\/strong><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Tags:\u00a0 Adam Cartwright,\u00a0Hoss Cartwright,\u00a0Joe \/ Little Joe Cartwright,\u00a0mistaken identity<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

<\/div>\n

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

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

Summary:\u00a0 Terrance has everything he ever wanted: \u00a0the love of a wonderful woman, the town’s admiration, and a boisterous friendship with Little Joe. \u00a0What could possibly go wrong?<\/p>\n

Rating: \u00a0K+\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Word Count: \u00a06278<\/p>\n

Competition Series, links to stories within the series are included.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":35,"featured_media":13387,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"template-full-width-post.php","format":"standard","meta":{"jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_access":"","_jetpack_dont_email_post_to_subs":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_tier_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paywalled_content":false,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[2,4],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-13386","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-actionadventure","category-humor","wpcat-2-id","wpcat-4-id"],"a3_pvc":{"activated":true,"total_views":1585,"today_views":0},"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/10\/Joe-back.jpg?fit=313%2C502&ssl=1","jetpack_likes_enabled":true,"jetpack-related-posts":[{"id":11406,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=11406","url_meta":{"origin":13386,"position":0},"title":"Competition (by Belle)","author":"Belle","date":"July 16, 2015","format":false,"excerpt":"Summary: \u00a0No man\u00a0deserves all the attention. Rating:\u00a0 K+\u00a0 (6,025 words) Competition Series, links to stories within the series are included.","rel":"","context":"In "Drama"","block_context":{"text":"Drama","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?cat=23"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/10\/Joe-back.jpg?fit=313%2C502&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200},"classes":[]},{"id":7573,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=7573","url_meta":{"origin":13386,"position":1},"title":"A Case of Comeuppance (by DJK)","author":"DJK","date":"May 9, 2014","format":false,"excerpt":"Summary:\u00a0Little Joe and his friend decide a certain Annabel Hampton deserves a comeuppance. Rated:\u00a0K+\u00a0\u00a0 Word count:\u00a03608","rel":"","context":"In "Adam \/ Joe"","block_context":{"text":"Adam \/ Joe","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?cat=1091"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/04\/ponderosa-lj.jpg?fit=640%2C475&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/04\/ponderosa-lj.jpg?fit=640%2C475&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/04\/ponderosa-lj.jpg?fit=640%2C475&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x"},"classes":[]},{"id":7737,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=7737","url_meta":{"origin":13386,"position":2},"title":"Just at Checkers (by DJK)","author":"DJK","date":"May 9, 2014","format":false,"excerpt":"Summary: Little Joe Cartwright would never cheat, well, not at anything but checkers. Rated: K=\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Word count:\u00a02918","rel":"","context":"In "Adam \/ Joe"","block_context":{"text":"Adam \/ Joe","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?cat=1091"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/05\/checkers.png?fit=300%2C300&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200},"classes":[]},{"id":6209,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=6209","url_meta":{"origin":13386,"position":3},"title":"Missing (by Annie K Cowgirl)","author":"Annie K Cowgirl","date":"November 3, 2011","format":false,"excerpt":"Summary:\u00a0Ben receives a telegram about his eldest son that brings despair to the whole Cartwright family. Rated:\u00a0K+ (1,600 words) The Long Road Home series, links to other stories within the series are included.","rel":"","context":"In "Chaps and Spurs"","block_context":{"text":"Chaps and Spurs","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?cat=39"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/04\/ontheporch.jpg?fit=400%2C320&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200},"classes":[]},{"id":28456,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=28456","url_meta":{"origin":13386,"position":4},"title":"Duets (by DJK)","author":"DJK","date":"April 15, 2020","format":false,"excerpt":"Summary: This sequel to \"The Duet\" has Martha Louise singing with both Adam and Hoss one fine Easter. Rating: K+ word count: 2666 Duets Series, link to all stories are included within.","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":10766,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=10766","url_meta":{"origin":13386,"position":5},"title":"A Well Deserved Comeuppance (by Annie K Cowgirl)","author":"Annie K Cowgirl","date":"March 28, 2015","format":false,"excerpt":"Summary: The Jessup Gang get a little more than they bargained for when they pick a fight with a certain stranger. A slight AU story that ties\u00a0in with \"Missing\" and \"A Father's Gift\", but you don't have to read them first to understand what's going on. 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