{"id":13780,"date":"2008-04-18T10:21:34","date_gmt":"2008-04-18T14:21:34","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=13780"},"modified":"2026-07-29T13:38:05","modified_gmt":"2026-07-29T17:38:05","slug":"the-loss-of-a-child-by-terri","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=13780","title":{"rendered":"The Loss of a Child (by Terri)"},"content":{"rendered":"

Summary:\u00a0 <\/strong> Ben is ready to make the ultimate sacrifice for the sake of his child.<\/p>\n

Rating:\u00a0 PG\u00a0 (16,615 words)<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0The Loss of a Child<\/strong><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

It had been eight months since Marie\u2019s fatal accident and Ben still found some days a struggle as he came to terms with his loss.\u00a0 Luckily those days were becoming few and far between and the dark void that had claimed him in those early weeks after the tragedy was now behind him.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben had his boys and for that he would be eternally grateful, for a short while he had lost his focus in life, but with each new day and spring almost upon them, he found himself waking up in the morning looking forward to what the day would bring forth.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

As Ben left his room that morning he paused momentarily and looked into the room of his eldest son.\u00a0 As he suspected the room was already empty, Adam was an early riser and it was very rare for him not to be the first downstairs on a morning.\u00a0 As Ben gazing into his son\u2019s empty room his second son made an appearance, looking slightly dishevelled, but nevertheless dressed and ready to start the day.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cMornin\u2019 Pa\u201d said Hoss giving his father one of his gapless smiles.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cMorning Son\u201d replied Ben, \u201cnice to see you up, bright and early.\u00a0 Got much of an appetite this morning?\u201d he teased.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cA little, I guess \u2013 suppose I could eat a few of Hop Sings pancakes, if I have ta.\u00a0 Just ta keep him happy yer understand\u201d said Hoss playing along.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben grinned and slapped him on the back saying, \u201cWell good to hear it son.\u00a0 Well I guess it\u2019s time to try and get one little mischief maker out of bed.\u00a0 Hmm I don\u2019t suppose you would like to do your old man a favour and \u2026?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNot me, Pa\u201d laughed Hoss heading quickly for the stairs \u201clast time I tried waking him up, I ended up with a bust lip.\u00a0 Those little legs of his sure can kick.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben pushed open the door of his youngest son\u2019s bedroom with trepidation and looked in, one never knew what to expect.\u00a0 The child was lying face down on the bed, left thumb in his mouth with his right arm draped round his favourite teddy\u00a0\u00a0 His bed covers lay on the floor in a tangled heap just as they were each morning.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Little Joe stirred as his father entered the room.\u00a0 Ben raised an eyebrow,\u00a0 \u201cOK Little Joe, time to get up and dressed.\u00a0 Don\u2019t you know you have a very busy day ahead of you?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben reached down and taking hold of Joe\u2019s shoulders he pulled the little boy up into a sitting position.\u00a0 Joe\u2019s eyes remained closed.\u00a0 Ben shook his head, this child of his never ceased to amaze him, when he was awake he was like a little whirlwind, but once asleep it was like trying to wake a bear from hibernation.\u00a0 After a couple of shakes the sleepy eyes finally opened and Joe removed his thumb from his mouth.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Looking up at his father he said \u201cHi Papa, is it morning.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHi yourself Little Joe, yes it is morning, and time you were up.\u00a0 Hop Sing had breakfast ready 5 minutes ago and he won\u2019t be happy if it goes cold will he?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Little Joe smiled happily up at his father and Ben heaved a sigh of relief.\u00a0 The family never knew what sort of mood Joe would greet the day with and it always bode well for the household when Joe\u2019s sunny side was the first one to emerge.\u00a0 Joe was now five and most mornings insisted to his family that he was quite capable of dressing himself, but on mornings where time was of the essence, Ben often found it easier to help him along, after all there was no point in Joe starting off the day in a good mood only to fall fowl of Hop Sing.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Once Joe was washed and dressed, Ben set him on his feet and with a pat to his bottom sent him towards the stairs.\u00a0 Now that Joe was fully awake it would need all of them, and several of the ranch hands, to have eyes in the back of their heads to keep one-step ahead of this little dynamite.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben took a minute to straighten Joe\u2019s bed before following Joe out of the room. The sight that met him stopped him dead in his tracks.\u00a0 \u201cJoseph, stop that at once\u201d cried Ben hurrying forward to grab hold of the child.\u00a0 Joe was making his way down the stairs on all fours, front first.\u00a0 Lifting the child in his arms, Ben gave him a quick swat \u201cWhat on earth are you doing?\u00a0 That is very dangerous Joseph, I don\u2019t want to see you do that again.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cBut I\u2019m being a doggie.\u00a0 Doggies go down stairs like that\u201d the indignant child retorted.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHow many times do I have to tell you, you are not a dog, you are a little boy?\u00a0 A little boy that will get a spanking if he does that again.\u00a0 Are you listening Joseph?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYes Papa\u201d replied a petulant little boy.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben shook his head at Adam and Hoss as he approached the table and placed Little Joe in his chair.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cStarting early this morning\u201d Adam said gesturing in Joe\u2019s direction\u00a0 \u201cI hope that\u2019s not an indication of things to come.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWell it had better not be\u201d replied Ben giving Joe a meaningful look \u201cor else one little boy is going to have a sore bottom before the day is out.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The look and words were wasted on Joe as he gave his father one of his most charming smiles and pushed another pancake into his mouth.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe was always slow to eat and it seemed an age before Hoss finally turned to him and said \u201cCome on Squirt you can help me saddle my horse for school.\u201d\u00a0 As usual Joe was eager to help his middle brother and after excusing himself to his father and Adam he jumped down from his chair and rushed for the door.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

In the previous week Ben had received a letter from old friends inviting him and the boys to stay with them.\u00a0 As Adam would be going to college later that year, Ben thought it an ideal opportunity for the family to spend a little time together and also to reacquaint themselves with Mary and Peter James.\u00a0 They had not seen the James\u2019 family for a number of years and Ben felt that the break away from the scene of the tragedy that had dogged them over the last few months would be a tonic for all of them.\u00a0 As Joe was so excitable it had been decided to keep the impending trip a secret from the little boy until the last minute.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cDo you want me to take Little Joe into town with me this morning, Pa?\u201d asked Adam\u00a0 \u201cThat will give you time to sort out arrangements for the ranch with Charlie without him getting under your feet.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThat would certainly help, Adam\u201d replied his father \u201cand I know I keep on about it but whatever you do don\u2019t let him out of your sight for a minute.\u00a0 You know what he\u2019s like, turn your back for a second and he\u2019s gone.\u00a0 And whatever you do, please don\u2019t tell him about the trip, if he as much as gets an incline about it we will all be driven mad by tomorrow morning.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t worry Pa, I\u2019ll take real good care of him\u201d said Adam.\u00a0 He had been looking out for his brother from the day that he was born, but his Pa still found it necessary to lecture him whenever he took Little Joe anywhere on his own, especially since the death of Marie.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cOh and Adam, I know it\u2019s a lot to ask, but do you think you could persuade Little Joe to have a haircut?\u00a0 It only seems a couple of weeks, but those curls of his have grown so long he is beginning to look like a little girl.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam scowled, this wasn\u2019t fair, it was legendary the fuss that Joe made whenever he was \u2018persuaded\u2019 into having his hair cut.\u00a0 Already Adam was beginning to think this trip into town with Little Joe was an error of judgement on his part.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam joined his brothers in the barn and went about saddling his horse.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhere yer going Adam. Why\u2019s yer saddling yer horse?\u201d asked Little Joe.\u00a0 \u201cCan I go with yer?\u00a0 Pleeease I want to go\u201d chanted Little Joe, jumping from one foot to another.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cOK, OK,\u201d snapped Adam still disgruntled about the haircut scenario.\u00a0 \u201cYou can come, but shut up and calm down you\u2019re already making my head ache.\u201d\u00a0 Adam looked at Hoss\u2019s face and immediately felt guilty for sniping at his little brother.\u00a0 Hoss was Joe\u2019s champion and he hated it if anyone said anything to cause the little fellow to be upset.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t shout at him Adam, he\u2019s just excited that\u2019s all\u201d said Hoss.\u00a0 \u201cCome on Pumpkin, let\u2019s go get your coat so you\u2019ll be all ready to go and old bossy boots won\u2019t have anything else to grumble about.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam saddled his horse in record time before going back into the house to get last minute instructions from his father about the supplies that were needed for their trip.\u00a0 The three brothers returned to the barn together in a better frame of mind and Adam quickly climbed onto Sport before Hoss reached up and sat Joe on the saddle in front of him.\u00a0 Hoss mounted and they set off.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Just like every other time Joe insisted on holding the reins and Adam was happy to allow the child into thinking he was steering the horse.\u00a0 Adam winked at Hoss as Joe sat up straight and gave Sport his instructions totally unaware that Adam still had full control.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe constantly asked questions all the way into town never pausing for breath to give his brothers a chance to answer one question before he moved onto the next one.\u00a0 It was a fresh and pleasant morning with just a hint of a breeze and even though the same sight welcomed them each day the brothers\u2019 eyes still sparkled at the beauty that surrounded them.\u00a0 They were all in good humour as they entered into town and it was a reluctant Hoss that prepared to leave his brothers and head towards the schoolhouse.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cCouldn\u2019t I spend the day with you and Joe?\u201d asked Hoss, \u201cYou know what he\u2019s like, it would be easier if there were two of us to keep an eye on him.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNo way, buddy, Pa would have my hide if you skipped school.\u00a0 Anyway what have you got to complain about, you\u2019re about to have a whole week off aren\u2019t you\u201d said Adam winking at Hoss knowingly.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Nothing escaped Joe \u201cWhat do yer mean, a whole week off, where yer going Hoss?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cMind your own business, nosey parker\u201d said Adam tapping Joe on the head, wasn\u2019t that just like Little Joe, if you wanted the child to listen he completely ignored you.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Hoss reluctantly said goodbye to his brothers and headed towards the schoolhouse whilst Adam and Joe continued on their way.\u00a0 Adam pulled Sport to a stop just outside the Bank and Joe immediately tried to slide from the horse and was only just grabbed by Adam before he tumbled to the ground.\u00a0 Adam quickly dismounted and pulled the small boy into his arms.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHow many times do I have to tell you not to do that Little Joe?\u201d he said in exasperation.\u00a0 \u201cOne of these days you are going to fall and hurt yourself.\u201d\u00a0 Joe just smiled innocently into his brother\u2019s face totally unaware of the danger.\u00a0 Wriggling once again Joe declared,<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cPut me down Adam, I want to go see Miss Emily.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam set Joe on his feet but kept a tight hold of his hand.\u00a0 Joe was indignant and began to struggle even more, but try as he might he could not extract his small hand from Adam\u2019s tight grip.\u00a0 A quick swat to the backside quelled Joe\u2019s impending tantrum and Adam walked into the bank dragging a reluctant Joe behind him.\u00a0 From past experience Adam made sure that his business in the bank was concluded as quickly as possible knowing full well that he would not be able to restrain Joe for very long.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

On leaving the bank Joe continued to pull on Adam\u2019s hand and fast losing patience Adam scooped the boy up and tucked him under his arm.\u00a0 Joe kicked his little legs as hard as he could and shouted out his protest to anyone who would listen, but he was still unable to get free.\u00a0 Adam set off down the street ignoring the looks of passers by and didn\u2019t stop until he entered the mercantile store.\u00a0 Setting Joe on his feet once more, Adam pointed a warning finger into his face and said,\u00a0 \u201cThis is your last chance, Little Joe, anymore of your nonsense and you and I will be having a very necessary talk.\u00a0 Is that understood?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe did not respond, whereupon Adam gave him a hard swat to the backside.\u00a0 \u201cIs that understood?\u201d he repeated.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYes sir,\u201d said Little Joe forcing back the impending tears that threatened to fall.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam handed the list of supplies that were needed from the store to Ike who was stood behind the counter, at the same time keeping a watchful eye on Joe.\u00a0 Joe\u2019s spirits could not be dampened and before long he sidled up to Adam and tugged on his sleeve.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhat is it little buddy?\u201d said Adam squatting down beside him.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Little Joe didn\u2019t speak but looked up longingly at the candy jars sitting on the counter.\u00a0 There were jelly beans, molasses, red hots and humbugs all looking enticingly back at him.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam couldn\u2019t help chuckling to himself, and winking knowingly at Ike, he looked at Little Joe and said, \u201cDo you think you deserve any candy Joe?\u00a0 It\u2019s not like you\u2019ve been a very good little boy is it?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAw please Adam, I haven\u2019t been that bad and I promise to be good for the rest of the day.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cEven the next couple of hours would be a bonus little buddy\u201d said Adam under his breath.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cUhh\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNever mind.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYou know Hoss loves jelly beans, Adam,\u201d added Joe hopefully.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cOK you can pick some candy for you and Hoss on one condition.\u00a0 You only have one piece now and the rest is to be kept until after you eat all<\/u> your lunch.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

It took Joe a full five minutes to select the candy for both himself and Hoss, popping his allotted one piece into his mouth both they left the store.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

To Joe\u2019s delight Adam\u2019s next stop was Miss Emily\u2019s restaurant to have lunch.\u00a0 Miss Emily always fussed over the motherless boys and took a special interest in one little bundle of fun.\u00a0 In Emily\u2019s company Little Joe always behaved perfectly and she could never understand why the rest of the family implied he was anything but an angel.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

To Adam\u2019s surprise Joe made a valiant effort for Miss Emily and attempted to eat most of his lunch, including the vegetables.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

After lunch Adam could not put off the dreaded deed any longer and taking a deep breath he decided it was now time to try and coerce Joe into having his haircut.\u00a0 Taking a firm hold of Little Joe\u2019s hand Adam set off for the barber\u2019s shop.\u00a0 Joe immediately recognised the direction they were heading and sensing what was coming began to struggle and drag his feet, but to no avail, Adam was not letting go.\u00a0 On arriving outside Frank\u2019s shop, Adam stared in dismay at the sign posted in the window \u201cOut of town, back on Monday.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

As Adam read the sign out loud Joe was delighted, he had escaped the barber for yet another day and his beautiful curls were intact.\u00a0 Adam shrugged his shoulders, well it was hardly his fault Frank was out of town and the haircut would just have to wait.\u00a0 He looked down at the curls framing his brother\u2019s face and smiled, he really thought Joe looked kinda cute, a bit like the cherubs featured in the art books his grandfather had sent him from Boston.\u00a0 Adam sighed; unfortunately his father wasn\u2019t likely to feel the same way.\u00a0 Well there was nothing he could do about it, Frank wasn\u2019t there and that was all there was to it.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

By the time they were ready to leave town it was almost time for school to be ending so they stopped by the schoolhouse to collect Hoss in order for them to all ride home together.\u00a0 Hoss was delighted when he came out of the doors to find his brothers waiting for him and especially delighted when Joe presented him with a large bag of candy.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI picked em for yer Hoss, so I got all yer favourites\u201d said Little Joe proudly.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

True to his word Joe was good as gold all the way home and with his mouth stuffed full of candy it meant that Hoss and Adam were able to have a conversation for once without all Joe\u2019s constant interruptions.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

When they arrived back at the ranch Ben came out into the yard to meet them.\u00a0 Joe almost jumped from Sport\u2019s back in his effort to get to his father and Ben quickly stepped forward and caught the squirming youngster in his arms.\u00a0 Ben scowled as he ran his hands through Joe\u2019s flowing locks and said,\u00a0 \u201cWhat happened to the haircut Adam, it certainly doesn\u2019t look any different to me?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Before Adam had a chance to answer Little Joe said \u201cMr Green\u2019s gone away Papa, so the shop was closed.\u00a0 It\u2019s not Adam\u2019s fault.\u201d\u00a0 The child positively gloated with satisfaction.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben shook his head, what was it with this child and getting his haircut.\u00a0 Marie had always loved her baby\u2019s flowing locks and had stated on more than one occasion how it broke her heart to have his curls cut short.\u00a0 Even though Joe didn\u2019t remember the words the feeling had passed to him and he always felt tearful and upset at the idea of having his haircut.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

ooooo00000ooooo<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

After being out all day the child had missed his afternoon nap and it was a fractious Little Joe that joined the family for dinner that evening.\u00a0 Ben was a little anxious about the trip they were about to embark on as this was the first time he had been away from the ranch since Marie\u2019s death.\u00a0 He was keen to discuss with Adam the arrangements that had been put in place with the men for looking after the day to day chores over the forthcoming week, but decided that this was best left until Joe was safely tucked up in bed.\u00a0 They were half way through the meal when Ben noticed that Joe was not eating.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cJoseph, eat your supper.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t like carrots\u201d replied Joe and pushed his plate away.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cCarrots are good for you.\u00a0 Eat your meal, NOW\u201d said Ben pushing the plate back towards Joe.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe pushed it away again spilling half of his meal onto the table.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben reached over and slapped the child\u2019s hand sharply, which resulted in Joe starting to cry.\u00a0 Ben replaced the plate of food back in front of Joe and again Joe pushed the plate away from him.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cJoseph that is enough\u201d said Ben; beginning to raise his voice, at which point the child began to sob.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe\u2019s howls were turning into wails and Adam and Hoss gave each other worried glances as they saw their father\u2019s face turning red, a sure sign that his temper was beginning to rise.\u00a0 Ben had had enough; he stood up and looked down at the crying child, ready to drag him from the table.\u00a0 As Ben pushed his chair back away from him he glanced up to see the worried expressions on the faces of his elder sons.\u00a0 Looking at Little Joe all flushed and crying he took a deep breath in an effort to bring his emotions once more under control.\u00a0 Ben remonstrated with himself, what on earth was he thinking of, surely he had been around small boys long enough to know that there was no point trying to reason with a distraught and tired five year old.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Much to the surprise of Adam and Hoss, Ben reached down and plucked the tot from his chair and gently placing him over his shoulder he began to rub his back, all the time making shushing noises in his ear.\u00a0 The loud wailing soon began to subside and was replaced by small whimpering cries until eventually the little body went limp.\u00a0 Ben returned to the table and taking the now sleeping Little Joe from his shoulder placed him into the crook of his arm.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll take him and get him ready for bed if you want Pa\u201d volunteered Adam.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNo, it\u2019s alright son, he\u2019s OK where he is for the moment\u201d said Ben, marvelling at the difference in the sleeping tot to the screaming tyrant of only a few minutes before.\u00a0 Ben reached down and with one finger wiped the still wet tears from the child\u2019s cheeks.\u00a0 As Joe laid sleeping Ben\u2019s heart constricted as he was once again reminded of the boy\u2019s likeness to his mother.\u00a0 The curls framing the perfect face and those long lashes sweeping down over his cheeks made for a breathtaking combination and Ben wondered what the future held for this little heartbreaker in his arms.\u00a0 He had no doubt that his looks, and already acknowledged charm, would prove a winning combination with the girls and he just hoped he was up to the task of steering him in the right direction.\u00a0 Although he was very proud of how his elder sons were maturing, something told him the road ahead was not going to be quite as easy with this one, he had too much of his fiery mother running through his veins and Ben knew only too well from experience that life was not going to be easy.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben and the boys resumed their meal and when finished Ben walked over to his chair and sat down with Little Joe snuggled in his lap.\u00a0 For some reason this evening he felt comforted by the small body in his arms and he was reluctant to give him up.\u00a0 The boys joined him and they began to make plans for the week ahead.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

It would be a two-day ride to Mary and Peter James\u2019 ranch and although they could go by stagecoach, Ben thought it would be a bit of an adventure for the boys if they took the buckboard and camped out for one night.\u00a0 One of the reasons they had refrained from telling Little Joe of their plans was that he was still too little to have any concept of time and they knew that they would be constantly bombarded with questions of when it was time to go if he was given any prior notice.\u00a0 The decision to only inform Joe on the day of their departure had been a unanimous one in order to preserve both their sanity and Ben\u2019s temper in the intervening period.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben was happy to see the excitement on his sons\u2019 faces as the final arrangements were made and it was a very happy family that made their way to bed that evening.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

ooooo00000ooooo<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The following morning Ben had the boys up at the crack of dawn in order to make an early start.\u00a0 After breakfast they made their way into the yard and Little Joe seeing that the buckboard was all packed looked up at Ben and asked \u201cAre we going somewhere Papa.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben couldn\u2019t resist teasing Joe and said, \u201cWhat makes you think we are going somewhere Little Joe?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cCause all our things are in the back of there,\u201d he said pointing to the buckboard.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam and Hoss laughed and reaching down Adam swung Joe up in his arms and plonked him in the back of the wagon.\u00a0 \u201cWe\u2019re going to visit Aunt Mary and Uncle Peter\u201d said Adam \u201cyou may not remember them, but they\u2019re sure to remember you.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe looked puzzled \u201cWhy\u2019s that, Adam?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWell it may have something to do with the time you put flour inside Aunt Mary\u2019s shoes, and then there\u2019s the time you tried to climb out of their upstairs window onto the roof, or maybe just maybe it\u2019s from when you fell asleep on Uncle Peter\u2019s lap and peed all over him.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAw Adam, I never did\u201d said Joe looking to his father for confirmation.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s enough, boys\u201d said Ben, not wanting to start the day with tears and tantrums from his youngest, \u201cdaylight\u2019s burning, it\u2019s time we were on our way.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Six hours later and Joe\u2019s enthusiasm was beginning to wear off.\u00a0 Ben found that he had to grit his teeth together on more than one occasion in order to stop himself from yelling.\u00a0 If the child asked him one more time if they could now stop for the night he felt he would explode.\u00a0 When Joe said for the fourth time \u201cPapa I need to pee,\u201d Ben decided that this time they would make camp.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

As Adam watered and fed the horses, Ben unpacked supplies for supper and tasked the younger boys to collect wood for the fire.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

After eating Ben decided that if Joe was to settle for the night he was going to have to get rid of some of his pent up energy.\u00a0 The little boy was normally always on the go and after being cooped up in the wagon all day Ben could tell he was like a valve in need of release.\u00a0 Hoss was happy to oblige and spent the next 30 minutes chasing Joe backwards and forwards through the trees.\u00a0 Joe giggled and ran continuously until Ben shouted for him and Hoss to prepare their bedrolls for the night.\u00a0 As Hoss and Little Joe snuggled down into their blankets, Hoss said<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cTell us a story Adam.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYeh Adam, tell us a story\u201d repeated Little Joe.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhat sort of story\u201d said Adam.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cOne about pirates\u201d said Joe, eyes widening at the prospect.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam was happy to oblige and Ben listened in amusement as Adam regaled the boys with a story about a pirate named Blackbeard.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cBlackbeard sailed the Atlantic Ocean and the Caribbean Sea more than one hundred years ago bringing fear to all who crossed his path\u201d Adam began.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

As the tale continued Adam enjoyed seeing the boys excited faces as he brought Blackbeard back to life.\u00a0 As he paused for breath Little Joe looked up at him with wide eyes and asked in almost a whisper \u201cDoes Blackbeard ever come to where we live?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cOh no Little Joe, Blackbeard is dead.\u00a0 He died a long long time ago\u201d said Adam warming to his subject.\u00a0 Oblivious to Ben\u2019s warning glance he continued \u201cBlackbeard was shot with a pistol and then afterwards they cut off his head and hung it from the bow of the ship.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben shook his head in disbelief and Adam was quick to realise his mistake when he saw the look of horror on his younger brothers\u2019 faces.\u00a0 Hoss and Joe slid even further down under their blankets and Ben turned sharply on his eldest son \u201cI hope you are prepared to be the one to deal with any repercussions of that little story.\u00a0\u00a0 Really Adam I thought you would have had more sense.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam cringed \u201cSorry Pa, guess I didn\u2019t think.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThat is obvious.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Sure enough a couple of hours later the night was disturbed by a distraught Little Joe fighting imaginary pirates that were trying to cut off his head.\u00a0 Adam very quickly scooped up his little brother and gave him a reassuring cuddle hoping that his father would not be disturbed.\u00a0 Ben, although awake, decided to let Adam deal with the trouble he had caused and when he was certain that Little Joe was not too upset he rolled over and went back to sleep.\u00a0 Adam spent the rest of the night with his small brother sharing his bedroll, which was not recommended as Joe constantly kicked and moved about in his sleep.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The next day continued pretty much like the first, Joe became over excited for the first couple of hours but then became bored as the journey became tedious.\u00a0 Much to everyone\u2019s relief the tot became tired by early afternoon and fell asleep in the back of the buckboard.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

ooooo00000ooooo<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

A couple of hours later they pulled into the yard at the ranch of Mary and Peter James.\u00a0 The couple and their two children came out immediately to meet with their visitors.\u00a0 It was three years since the couple had seen the Cartwright family and Ben was overjoyed to be seeing his old friends once more.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Mary looked at the 3 Cartwright boys and could not believe the changes.\u00a0 Adam was almost a man and Hoss at 11 was almost as big as Adam, and the baby, well he wasn\u2019t a baby any longer.\u00a0 The James\u2019 2 children had also changed dramatically in the intervening years.\u00a0 Karen the eldest at 16 was now quite the young lady and Adam could hardly take his eyes away from her.\u00a0 Michael the younger child was 14 and although quite tall for his age he was a bit dismayed to see that Hoss at 11 was considerably taller than him.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam and Hoss remembered the family well and were anxious to renew their acquaintance.\u00a0 Little Joe on the other hand was a bit hesitant, he did not have any memories of them at all and when he was lifted from the buckboard he held tightly to his father\u2019s hand.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Karen and Adam hit it off immediately and once the buckboard was emptied, and the families had spent an hour catching up, Karen offered to show Adam round the ranch and they quickly made their escape from the younger children.\u00a0 Hoss and Michael found that they had quite a bit in common, Michael had a number of pets and he and Hoss compared notes.\u00a0 Little Joe was the odd one out.\u00a0 Michael made it clear to Hoss that he wasn\u2019t keen on \u2018babysitting\u2019 and Hoss was anxious to be accepted by the older boy.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

It was late afternoon when Ben came down the stairs to find Little Joe sitting on the porch on his own.\u00a0 Ben was in a bit of a dilemma, he did not want to spoil the older boys\u2019 fun but at the same time he did not want Joe to be left out.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Mary came to the rescue.\u00a0 She took Little Joe by the hand and said, \u201cHow about you help me make some cookies?\u201d\u00a0 At this Joe cheered up immediately and followed Mary into the kitchen.\u00a0 Joe was missing a mother figure in his life and Ben was sure that the child would respond positively to some female attention.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The next few days turned out to be pure enjoyment for the family.\u00a0 Ben felt himself fully relax for the first time in months and he enjoyed having adult company to spend his evenings with.\u00a0 He was a bit concerned at first about Adam and Karen spending too much time together unsupervised, but that little problem was soon resolved.\u00a0 On the second day Little Joe attached himself to Karen and the little boy\u2019s charm soon had her completely captivated.\u00a0 Ben chuckled to himself as he watched Adam and Karen leave after lunch with Little Joe in tow; he was certainly the most effective chaperone any father could ever wish to have.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Hoss and Michael were also having a good time, they went fishing and riding throughout the day and enjoyed the freedom they were given to roam around the James\u2019 ranch without adult supervision.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

It was early afternoon on the fourth day and Ben was sitting on the porch smoking his pipe and idly passing the day with Peter.\u00a0 The four older children had gone for a ride to the lake whilst Little Joe was having his afternoon nap.\u00a0 Mary James was in the kitchen preparing the food for the evening meal.\u00a0 One of the James\u2019 ranch hands arrived in the yard and made his way over to the porch.\u00a0 He had been to town that morning to collect the mail and whilst there he had been given a telegram addressed to Ben.\u00a0 Ben quickly scanned the contents and sighed heavily.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhat is it Ben, not bad news I hope?\u201d said Peter.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWell not exactly\u201d scowled Ben \u201cbut there is a problem at the ranch, which means I am going to have to return early.\u00a0 I\u2019m sorry but I need to leave first thing in the morning.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Mary joined them on the porch and when she was informed about the contents of the telegram she insisted that Ben left the boys with her and Peter to complete their week\u2019s break.\u00a0 Mary and Peter would see to it that the boys got the stage back to Virginia City at the end of the that time, which would leave Ben free to complete his business back at the ranch.\u00a0 Ben was very grateful to the James\u2019 for their kind offer and he was sure that the boy\u2019s would be well looked after in his absence.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

That afternoon Ben informed the boy\u2019s of his decision and they all appeared to be happy with the arrangements, but the following morning at breakfast Little Joe became extremely upset at the idea of Ben leaving him behind.\u00a0 Ben tried to reassure Joe that he would be staying with Adam and Hoss and that he would be coming home with them by stage at the end of the week, but Little Joe was inconsolable.\u00a0 Even the promise of an exciting ride on a stagecoach was not enough to placate him and Ben could not bring himself to leave the child so traumatised.\u00a0 It was arranged to have the already prepared buckboard loaded with Little Joe\u2019s belongings and shortly afterwards Ben said his goodbyes to the James family with a very happy little boy sat next to him.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

ooooo00000ooooo<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben and Joe made surprisingly good time that day and covered a lot of miles.\u00a0 Little Joe was particularly good and was just so happy to be with Ben that he didn\u2019t make any fuss whatsoever.\u00a0 It was only when they came to make camp that evening that Ben realised with dismay that in their haste to leave, the bag containing Joe\u2019s clothes, had been left behind.\u00a0 Ben didn\u2019t dare risk leaving Joe all night in his only set of clothes, as the boy was still prone to the occasional accident.\u00a0 Searching through the bags he found one of his own shirts, which would have to do, and set about undressing, feeding and washing the small boy as the darkness fell.\u00a0 Once washed and fed Ben smiled at the sight of the small child wearing his shirt with the sleeves turned back and picking him up he wrapped him in a blanket and sat with him on his knee in front of the campfire.\u00a0 The long day took its toll and Joe quickly surrendered to sleep and Ben decided to settle the boy in the back of the wagon, as it would be more comfortable for him than the hard ground.\u00a0 As night fell Ben climbed into his own bedroll in front of the fire and drifted off to sleep.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Later that night Ben was totally unaware of the two men that crept into the camp.\u00a0 One of the men hit Ben hard over the head with the butt of his gun before he even had time to stir.\u00a0 The men began ransacked Ben\u2019s belongings, quickly pocketing anything of value.\u00a0 When they rode out 10 minutes later they were unconcerned whether the stranger lived or died and were totally oblivious of the small child that lay sleeping in the back of the wagon.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

ooooo00000ooooo<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Three hours later Little Joe awoke in the darkness and sat up a little disorientated.\u00a0 For a moment he was unaware of his surroundings and it took him a few moments to remember that he was travelling with his Papa on the way back to the Ponderosa.\u00a0 Joe was thirsty and disengaging himself from his blanket he sidled out of the wagon to go in search of Ben.\u00a0 The embers from the dying campfire cast an eerie light over the prone figure on the ground.\u00a0 Joe made his way quickly over to his Papa and tried to rouse him.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cPapa, I\u2019m thirsty\u201d said Little Joe \u201cI need a drink of water\u201d.\u00a0 Ben did not stir and the child reached over and shook his father\u2019s shoulder.\u00a0 Ben still did not move and in the dim light Joe became aware of the pool of blood that had formed under his father\u2019s head.\u00a0 Little Joe\u2019s frightened cry echoed throughout the still night, his Papa had left him, just as his mama had and now he was all alone in the middle of nowhere.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The only other time Joe had ever been alone out in the darkness was shortly after his mother had died.\u00a0 In the aftermath of her death Ben had been so preoccupied with his own grief that he had neglected Little Joe\u2019s needs.\u00a0 One afternoon Joe had wandered off alone and climbed up Eagles Peak. Almost at the top of the mountain it was only as darkness had fallen that Joe had become afraid and huddling behind a rock had started to cry.\u00a0 Joe had lain for many hours in the darkness crying for his Papa before his prayers were answered.\u00a0 Ben had seemed to appear out of nowhere and had carried Joe to safety.\u00a0 But who would here his cries this time?<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Once Joe\u2019s sobs subsided an idea came to him, he stood up and began to walk back the way the wagon had come, he had to find Adam, Adam was the only one who could help him.\u00a0 His Papa had promised to stay with him and he had left him just as his Mama had left him \u2013 he had to find Adam, nothing else mattered.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

ooooo00000ooooo<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

It was just before daybreak the following morning when four men dismounted from their horses and made their way into the trees.\u00a0 They were from a nearby wagon train and were hoping to catch some rabbits and maybe even a deer to supplement their meagre supplies.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Jake was a big man in his forties, over six feet tall, with a shock of grey hair and a deep booming voice.\u00a0 He was a genial man, but most people who did not know him were wary of his size and demeanour.\u00a0 Jake was a natural leader and he had willingly taken the job of leading the small band of wagons across the West to California.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

There was a slight movement in the trees and the men readied their guns in preparation.\u00a0 Jake didn\u2019t know what it was that unsettled him, but he told the men to hold fire.\u00a0 He made his way over to where the movement had been and the sight in front of him made him catch his breath.\u00a0 A small child dressed in a shirt many sizes too big for it was curled up on the ground in the foetal position looking at him with the biggest green eyes he had ever seen.\u00a0 The child was filthy and there were several scratches on the tot\u2019s arms, legs and face.\u00a0 Jake slowly made his way over, trying not to frighten the child anymore than it obviously was.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHello little one\u201d he said, \u201cwhat on earth are you doing out here all alone?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The child continued to stare at him but did not react in any way to Jake\u2019s words.\u00a0 Jake bent down and scooped the small body into his arms before turning to confront the shocked faces of the men behind him.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Although it had been a mild night the child was extremely cold in the early morning chill.\u00a0 Jake unfastened his coat and placing the small body next to him he wrapped the coat around him and refastened it.\u00a0 Looking down he was surprised to see the child place a small thumb in it\u2019s mouth, close its eyes and surrender to sleep.\u00a0 Jake thought the child was beautiful with its chestnut curls surrounding a perfect cherubic face and he could not help but be entranced.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Turning to the surprised men he said \u201cJacob, ride back to that town we passed by yesterday and see if you can find anything out about a missing child, someone\u2019s got to know something about it.\u00a0 Martin, why don\u2019t you and Sam scout round and see if you can pick up any clues, there\u2019s got to be someone else around here.\u00a0 I\u2019ll take this little mite back to Jessie, she\u2019ll know what to do.\u201d\u00a0 With that Jake climbed on his horse, with the precious bundle secure inside his jacket, and headed back to the wagon train.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Jessie and a number of the other women were boiling water on the campfire in preparation for breakfast when Jessie caught sight of her husband riding towards her.\u00a0 Hands on hips she walked towards him shaking her head.\u00a0 \u201cYou aren\u2019t coming back empty handed I hope, there are too many empty bellies to be filled before this day is out.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Jake slowly dismounted and approaching his wife he smiled and said \u201cNo not empty-handed but I think what I have is probably a bit small to fill many bellies.\u201d\u00a0 With that he opened his coat slightly and Jessie gasped in amazement at the bundle therein.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

It didn\u2019t take long for word to spread through the camp about Jake\u2019s \u2018find\u2019 and within a short time everyone was gathered in front of the fire to listen to the story.\u00a0 Unfastening his coat Jake carefully lifted out the dirty child and wrapped it into a cosy blanket that Jessie had fetched from their wagon.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

As the tale was told the women were quick to spring into action.\u00a0 As Jessie sat with the sleeping tot in her arms, Molly went to her own wagon to look for clean clothes to dress the child and Daisy set about preparing a tin bath in order to bathe the dirty youngster.\u00a0 The other women continued with the preparation of breakfast all the time talking and speculating as to where the child could have come from.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Thirty minutes later Martin and Sam returned to camp to inform them that they had not found anyone else in the vicinity of where the child had been found.\u00a0 The whole thing was a mystery, what on earth was the child doing out there all alone.\u00a0 As breakfast was ready the whole congregation gathered round the fire to eat.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

As everyone chatted and ate the child began to awaken.\u00a0 Jessie\u2019s heart ached to see the look of terror and shock in the child\u2019s bewildered eyes and she quickly made cooing noises and stroked the child\u2019s face in an effort to reassure.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Molly held out a small dress and underclothes.\u00a0 \u201cThey might be a bit big but they will be better than nothing\u201d she said.\u00a0 \u201cShe sure is a beautiful baby.\u00a0 How old do you suppose she is.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t know,\u201d said Jessie,\u00a0 \u201cshe looks about 3 or 4.\u00a0 What on earth can of happened for her to be out there all on her own?\u00a0 I suppose we best get her cleaned up whilst that water is still hot\u201d and so saying Jessie unwrapped the blanket from around the frightened child and began to remove the dirty and torn shirt, being careful not to rub against any of the many scratches on the child\u2019s body.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

As she lifted the child up to place her in the tub, she gasped and then chuckled, \u201cAhem\u201d she said, drawing everyone\u2019s attention \u201cI don\u2019t think the little dress is going to be quite right Molly, I think we may have been a little presumptuous.\u201d\u00a0 The rest of the people gathered were confused for a second or two until their eyes rested on the naked child, whereupon the women smiled and several of the men began to chuckle.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Mabel rose to her feet and reaching forward she ran her hands through the little boy\u2019s curls and said \u201cI still have some of Jimmy\u2019s clothes that he has outgrown that might be just the job.\u00a0 I certainly think he will be more comfortable in them than one of Molly\u2019s little one\u2019s dresses\u201d and with that she headed back to her wagon.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The child in Jessie\u2019s arms made no protest as he was washed, dried and dressed.\u00a0 Jessie proceeded to coax him to eat and drink, and he responded to her instructions without giving any indication that he was really listening.\u00a0 It was obvious the child was in shock and she could only imagine what had befallen him.\u00a0 Jessie could only hope that when Jacob returned from the town he would bring news of the little boy\u2019s family.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

ooooo00000ooooo<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

It was more than two hours after finding the child that Jacob rode into Virginia City.\u00a0 He quickly made his way to the Sheriff\u2019s office and proceeded to tell his tale to the man behind the desk.\u00a0 Deputy Sheriff Clay Dawson explained to Jacob that the regular sheriff was away from the city for a few days and he was just filling in.\u00a0 He had no knowledge of a missing little girl and thought that gypsies, who were very superstitious people, may have abandoned the child.\u00a0 It was not uncommon for them to banish people from their fold if they thought they were bringing bad luck into their community.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Jacob could not believe that anyone would abandon such a small child but as there was no other information to hand he had no alternative but to complete a report and leave.\u00a0 He informed the deputy sheriff that they were heading towards California and if anyone laid claim to the child the wagon train could be found following the main trail.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The people back at the wagon train broke camp after breakfast and set out once again on their way.\u00a0 One of the men took over at the helm of Jessie and Jake\u2019s wagon so that Jessie could remain in the back with the child.\u00a0 Once fed he had not taken long to fall back asleep and Jessie cradled him in her strong arms as the wagon made its way forward over the bumpy track.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Jake had called a halt and they had stopped for lunch when Jacob caught up with them and informed them of what had taken place back in Virginia City.\u00a0 Jake and Jessie were distressed to realise that no one had come forward to claim the child but had to admit that the explanation put forward with regard to the gypsies was the only plausible one.\u00a0 The couple had no doubt in their own minds that if no one claimed the child then they would take care of him.\u00a0 They had big hearts and in the few short hours since he was found Jessie could already feel him tugging at her heartstrings.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

ooooo00000ooooo<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

It was beginning to get dark that evening when two men on their way to Virginia City happened to come across an unconscious Ben Cartwright.\u00a0 By the time they found him he was in a bad way, he had lost a lot of blood and was suffering from exposure and dehydration.\u00a0 They quickly loaded him into the back of the buckboard and headed into town where he was immediately taken to Paul Martin\u2019s surgery.\u00a0 One of the men stayed to help Paul and the other went to the sheriff\u2019s office to report the incident.\u00a0 Paul was shocked to see the state that Ben was in and after a quick examination he was worried that the injury to Ben\u2019s head was so severe that he might not recover consciousness.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Paul tended to Ben throughout the night.\u00a0 His temperature rose steadily until it was dangerously high and a fever raged through his body.\u00a0 Stitches were needed to close the wound in the back of Ben\u2019s head and he had lost an awful lot of blood.\u00a0 It was a very tired Paul Martin that watched the sunrise that morning.\u00a0 Ben had still not regained consciousness and his fever showed no sign of peaking.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

It was mid morning the following day when Sheriff Coffee returned to Virginia City.\u00a0 Upon hearing the news of his friend\u2019s injuries he quickly made his way to Paul Martin\u2019s office.\u00a0 Paul brought him up to date on Ben\u2019s condition and the fact that he was still unconscious and unable to tell them what had happened.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhere are the boys?\u201d asked Roy Coffee \u201cHave they been informed?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cBen sent a telegram a couple of days ago to say he was returning, but the boys were staying with the James\u2019 until the end of the week.\u00a0 I guess we have no choice, under the circumstances, I think we better send word to Adam and he can let the boys know their Pa\u2019s hurt.\u201d\u00a0 Looking back at Ben he added \u201cLet\u2019s just hope they get here in time.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

As Paul arranged for the telegram to be sent, Roy gathered together a posse to try and track down the man or men that had bushwhacked Ben.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

ooooo00000ooooo<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Back at the wagon train Little Joe had spent a restless night.\u00a0 He had slept for much of the previous day but during the night the whole wagon train was awakened by his screams.\u00a0 No amount of reassurance could quieten the distressed child and Jessie paced backwards and forwards holding the little boy to her breast in an effort to comfort him.\u00a0 It was only when Jake approached Jessie and spoke to Little Joe in his deep calm voice that Joe stopped screaming.\u00a0 There was something about this large, grey haired, man that broke through Joe\u2019s night terrors and calmed him.\u00a0 Little Joe held out his arms and Jake grasped the tiny tot to him and held him over his shoulder stroking his back.\u00a0 The little boy\u2019s wails had turned to sobs and eventually to whimpers punctuated by an occasional hiccough.\u00a0 When the little boy drifted off to sleep, Jake tried to lay him down, but the small hands reached out frantically and grasped the front of Jake\u2019s shirt.\u00a0 So it was that Jake spent the rest of the night with the child in his lap.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

When Joe awoke the following morning he was, for the first time since being found, aware of his surroundings.\u00a0 Jake tried to coax the child to speak but was only rewarded with a blank stare.\u00a0 Joe continued to refuse to answer any questions that were put to him and Jake and Jessie decided that it would be best to leave the child to come round in his own time.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

As everyone made their way to the campfire for breakfast, Mabel approached Jake and looking down at Little Joe said, \u201cHow is the baby this morning, he seemed to be very distressed during the night.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

To everyone\u2019s surprise the little boy jumped up and said \u201cI\u2019m not a baby, I\u2019m a big boy.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYes you are a big boy aren\u2019t you\u201d said Jessie, anxious to try and keep the atmosphere as normal as possible for the child \u201cand since you are such a big boy, I bet you could tell us what your name is.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cOf course I can, my name\u2019s Little Joe and I am a big boy, I\u2019m five\u201d said Joe standing as tall as he could.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The small group of women around the boy were pleased that progress had been made, but took things very slowly allowing Joe to volunteer information rather than asking him questions.\u00a0 Joe proudly told them how he lived on a big ranch with lots of horses.\u00a0 The little boy became very animated when talking about the horses and everyone laughed as he cantered round in imitation.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhat about your Mama, Little Joe\u201d asked one of the woman.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cMy mama\u2019s in heaven\u201d said a sad faced Little Joe \u201cshe got hurted when she fell off her horse and so God took her to live with him, but I wish he would let her come back to me\u201d he added almost in a whisper.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The gathered crowd exchanged a sympathetic look between them.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWell who looks after you Little Joe?\u201d Jessie coaxed.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cMy Papa and big brothers.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

At that Joe turned and buried his face in Jessie\u2019s lap, he didn\u2019t want to think of his Papa and what had happened.\u00a0 When he closed his eyes he could still see all the blood and his Papa lying on the ground not moving.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Jessie patted the child on the back \u201cI think Little Joe\u2019s had enough questions for now.\u00a0 There\u2019s plenty time later to find out about what happened.\u00a0 Maybe it\u2019s best if we let him adjust to being here with us for now, and if he volunteers any other information, that\u2019s great, but otherwise I don\u2019t think we ought to push him at this stage.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Mabel had several children of her own and instinct told her that the best way of helping the child at this moment was to try and distract him from his obvious distress.\u00a0 She shouted to her youngest son Jimmy to fetch his puppy from the back of their wagon.\u00a0 Jimmy approached Little Joe with the tiny puppy in his arms and as soon as Joe set eyes on it he was quick to dry his tears.\u00a0 As only a small child can, Joe temporarily forgot his troubles and began to play happily with Jimmy and the other children.\u00a0 There were still times during the day when the memories came flooding back to him and the tears and sobs would start again.\u00a0 In Joe\u2019s world nothing was as it should be and the only way he could deal with it was by pretending that it just wasn\u2019t happening.\u00a0 He could not believe that his Papa had left him, he had always promised to stay and look after him, and where was Adam, why didn\u2019t he come and get him.\u00a0 Joe was confused, it never occurred to him that Adam didn\u2019t know that Papa was dead and that he didn\u2019t know that Joe was on his own and needed him.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Gleamed from the little that Joe had said, Jessie and Jake assumed that the child\u2019s father had died recently.\u00a0 How and why they had no way of knowing, but the child was clearly very traumatised by the experience.\u00a0 It was impossible to try and get such a young child to answer their questions, all they could do was wait and hope that the story would unfold as the boy felt more secure in his environment.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

ooooo00000ooooo<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

When the messenger arrived at the James\u2019 ranch, nothing could have prepared Adam and Hoss for the contents that the telegram contained.\u00a0 Adam just knew it had to be bad news, his father wouldn\u2019t send a telegram otherwise.\u00a0 It was with shaking hands that he opened the envelope and read the contents.\u00a0 Hoss looked at him expectantly and was almost afraid to hear what was contained therein.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s Pa\u201d whispered Adam \u201che\u2019s hurt, but it doesn\u2019t say how bad he is.\u00a0 The telegram\u2019s from Dr Martin and he says we should return at once.\u00a0 It really doesn\u2019t sound good.\u201d\u00a0 Adam\u2019s voice faded out as he watched the look of horror on his little brother\u2019s face.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cIs he going to die Adam?\u201d cried Hoss \u201cI couldn\u2019t bear it if anything happened to Pa.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam immediately put his arm round Hoss\u2019s shoulders and tried to reassure him.\u00a0 It was times like these that Adam wished he wasn\u2019t the eldest.\u00a0 Oh to have someone there to try and take the hurt from him for a change.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The James\u2019 were very sympathetic and made arrangements immediately for Adam and Hoss to catch the next stage back to Virginia City.\u00a0 Mary felt so distraught for the brothers, it just wasn\u2019t fair, Ben and the boys had had so much tragedy in their lives, why did this have to happen just when things seemed to be going right for them?<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The stage journey back to Virginia City was a particularly trying one for Adam and Hoss.\u00a0 Adam was glad that they were the only passengers, as he didn\u2019t think he was up to making polite conversation with strangers.\u00a0 Neither boy wanted to put their fears into words; afraid that if they did there was a chance they would come true.\u00a0 A few hours into the journey Adam looked over at Hoss and his heart went out to him, the boy\u2019s eyes were clouded with tears that he was trying so hard not to shed.\u00a0 Because of Hoss\u2019s size everyone expected him to behave and act far older than his years, but he was 11 years old, a small boy trapped in a man\u2019s body.\u00a0 Adam crossed over to sit next to his brother and without saying a word he put his arms round his siblings shoulders and pulled the boy into his chest for a comforting hug.\u00a0 As Hoss finally allowed his tears to fall, Adam said \u201cEverything will be OK Hoss, don\u2019t worry, we\u2019ll get through this.\u00a0 Pa will be fine.\u00a0 I bet when we get there he\u2019s already up and shouting at Little Joe.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Roy met Adam and Hoss from the stage and immediately took them to their father.\u00a0 On the way he quickly explained to them that it was suspected that Ben had been bushwhacked, but up to now Ben had not been able to tell them very much.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Paul Martin greeted them at the door.\u00a0 \u201cHow is he, Dr Martin?\u201d Adam asked anxiously.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWell boys, he\u2019s been a very sick man for the past few days.\u00a0 His fever was my biggest worry but that broke during the night and I think when he wakes up we should see some improvement.\u00a0 Up to now he has been quite delirious so we haven\u2019t been able to find out much about what happened.\u00a0 I\u2019m not going to promise anything, he\u2019s not out of the woods yet, but things are certainly looking much better than they were 24 hours ago.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam and Hoss quickly made their way to their father and although shocked at his appearance were glad to see him sleeping peacefully with little trace of any fever.\u00a0 The sound of the boys\u2019 voices must have broken into Ben\u2019s subconscious and within a very short time his eyes opened.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWelcome back Ben\u201d said Dr Martin \u201cyou had us going there for awhile.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The pain in Ben\u2019s head was almost unbearable, but he made an effort to smile when he saw the worried faces of his eldest sons.\u00a0 Once it was obvious that Ben was coherent, Roy explained to him about the bushwhacking and how two men had found him and brought him back to town.\u00a0 Once that had sunk in, Ben immediately tried to sit up and asked anxiously, \u201cWhat about Little Joe?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cLittle Joe\u201d chorused Paul, Roy, Adam and Hoss simultaneously.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Roy was the first to speak \u201cI thought Little Joe was with Adam and Hoss.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNo, Little Joe was with Pa\u201d said Adam.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The horror showed plainly on Ben\u2019s face, \u201cHow long has it been?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThree days.\u201d said Paul \u201cMy God, we had no idea; we thought you returned alone.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The next few minutes were absolute chaos.\u00a0 A distraught Ben tried to get out of bed to search for Joe and Paul Martin had to administer a sedative whilst Adam and Roy fought to hold him down.\u00a0 Hoss collapsed on the nearest chair and sobbed uncontrollably at the thought of his baby brother alone and missing for three days.\u00a0 How could he possibly have survived?<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Roy belatedly set about recruiting men for a search party.\u00a0 After three days there wasn\u2019t much hope of finding the small child, but he wouldn\u2019t give up without trying, but the fact that the posse had not come across him when searching for the bushwhackers did not bode well for Little Joe.\u00a0 Adam wanted to go with them but Roy insisted he stay with his father and brother.\u00a0 The truth of the matter was that Roy did not hold out much hope for the little boy. The last thing Roy wanted was for Adam to be there if his suspicions came to fruition and the child\u2019s body was found.\u00a0 After three days it would not be a pretty sight and he could not foster that on a young man of 17, it would be something he would never be able to come to terms with.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Word was sent to Hop Sing to inform him of what had befallen his family.\u00a0 As in times gone by, Hop Sing immediately came to the aid of those he loved.\u00a0 He moved into town to look after the boys and be of assistance to Paul Martin in looking after Ben.\u00a0 His own heart was breaking, how would they be able to carry on if they never heard that mischievous giggle again.\u00a0 Little Joe was their one link to Marie, whilst Joe was alive Marie would never die, and like Marie before him he brought laughter and happiness to their lives.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

ooooo00000ooooo<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Men from the town and the nearby ranches searched until the end of the week for the child, but no trace whatsoever was found of Little Joe and, although no-one wanted to admit it, the opinion was that the child was dead.\u00a0 There was every possibility he had died of exposure, drowned in the lake or had been set upon by one of the many wild animals roaming the plain.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Paul Martin had kept Ben sedated for as long as he could.\u00a0 When he finally decided that Ben was fit enough to travel he lessened the drugs and allowed Ben to come out of his drug induced haze and face the harsh reality of Joe\u2019s possible death.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Hop Sing returned to the ranch to prepare for the family\u2019s home coming.\u00a0 This would not be a celebration and he knew that his family could never be the same again.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

An emotionally distraught Ben, Adam and Hoss returned to the Ponderosa scarcely 10 days after they had left.\u00a0 Adam helped his father to his room and went downstairs to ask Hop Sing to prepare Ben a drink.\u00a0 Alone for the first time since Little Joe\u2019s disappearance, Ben lay on his bed and allowed his emotions to surface.\u00a0 His sobs could be heard throughout the silent house as the heartbroken father tried to come to terms with the loss of his youngest.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Downstairs Adam gathered his younger brother into his arms and hugged him as they listened to their father\u2019s cries.\u00a0 What would happen to them now?\u00a0 Ben had taken so long to recover after the death of Marie, how would he ever recover from the loss of Little Joe?<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

ooooo00000ooooo<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

As Ben\u2019s injuries healed he spent his days riding the range looking for any sign of his lost child.\u00a0 He couldn\u2019t believe his baby was gone; there was something inside him that wouldn\u2019t accept that Joe was dead.\u00a0 Ben felt on more than one occasion that he and Joe had a connection that was unexplainable and he knew in his heart that if Joe was really gone he would feel it inside and that feeling wasn\u2019t there.\u00a0 Joe was alive; he felt it with every bone in his body. and unless someone could prove otherwise he would go on believing it.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

It was nearing the end of the second week that Roy sent a man out to the Ponderosa to inform Ben that the men that had bushwhacked him had been apprehended. \u00a0Ben and the boys quickly saddled their horses and rode into town.\u00a0 The two men were a sorry pair, drifters who had been down on their luck and had seen Ben as easy picking.\u00a0 They had admitted to attacking Ben and stealing his wallet and belongings but when questioned denied any knowledge of Little Joe.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben was frantic; he could not believe that they had not been aware of the small child in the back of the buckboard.\u00a0 He had hoped, even though it was very unlikely, that maybe the bushwhackers had taken Joe with them and now his hopes were dashed.\u00a0 The men said that they had not meant to hit Ben as hard as they did, but they had been drinking, and upon realising how badly hurt Ben was, they had panicked and had took only those valuables that were to hand.\u00a0 Both men expressed regret to think that their actions had resulted in a small child wandering off and perhaps perishing.\u00a0 Ben could not find it in his heart to accept the men\u2019s apology, if not for them Little Joe would be with him now.\u00a0 As the last vestige of hope was taken from him Ben attacked the men before him and had to be restrained by Roy and his deputy.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

ooooo00000ooooo<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Little Joe\u2019s days were beginning to take on a pattern.\u00a0 He rose each morning and after breakfast he spent his time playing with the other children before the wagons were packed and made ready for travel.\u00a0 It was obvious to everyone that Joe was forming a strong attachment to Jake as the little boy followed him round as often as he could.\u00a0 Whenever Joe was upset, which was often, it was the big man he sought for comfort.\u00a0 The people on the wagon train still did not know what had happened to the child\u2019s family, he occasionally chattered about his life with his Pa and brothers but when they tried to ask about why he was out on the range himself, he dissolved into tears and it took Jake a long time to calm him down.\u00a0 They decided that when they reached their destination they would seek out the sheriff and inform him of the little they knew and hopefully the sheriff would be able to track down the boy\u2019s family.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

As the days went by this small child captivated the people on the wagon train and the first time he laughed and giggled had them entranced, his beautiful angelic face belying the imp that lay beneath.\u00a0 It had not taken long for Little Joe\u2019s mischievous nature to come to the fore and it became obvious to all the adults present that this one small boy was going to take some watching.\u00a0 On several occasions Joe found himself on the receiving end of a hard swat from Jake.\u00a0 The first time it happened, Joe immediately dissolved into floods of tears and Jessie ran forward to comfort him.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHow could you?\u201d she remonstrated with Jake \u201cAfter all the little mite has been through.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Jake shook his head at Jessie and said \u201cTo let him away with bad behaviour is not helping him.\u00a0 The child still has to learn right from wrong, no matter what has gone before.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Little Joe was not a spoilt child, but he had been brought up in a household where he was very much the youngest.\u00a0 In his short life Little Joe did not have much experience of playing with children of his own age.\u00a0 Hoss was his main playmate and he would happily give up his playthings to Little Joe to keep him happy.\u00a0 Joe was now in an environment with children of a similar age and he was not forthcoming in sharing the few toys that were available to them.\u00a0 For the second time that morning Little Joe had resorted to pushing in order to secure the toy he wanted.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Jake shook a finger in front of Joe\u2019s face \u201cif I find you pushing and being selfish again, I will put you over my knee and tan that little bottom of yours.\u00a0 Is that understood?\u201d\u00a0 Joe wrapped his arms tighter round Jessie\u2019s neck and sobbed.\u00a0 Jake pulled the child back and said,<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cIs that understood, Little Joe?\u201d\u00a0 Joe wiped his eyes and said, \u201cYes sir\u201d, whereupon Jake scooped up the child and hugged him to his chest.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s a good boy\u201d said Jake.\u00a0 Joe hugged him harder and listened to Jake\u2019s deep voice.\u00a0 If he closed his eyes he could pretend it was Papa\u2019s arms around him and everything was alright.\u00a0 The boy began to sob even harder and Jake instinctively knew that Little Joe was thinking of his family and his heart felt like it would break; he would do anything in his power to make this small child\u2019s world happy again.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

During the day Joe appeared like any other child, he played, ate, napped, cried and laughed like a normal five year old, but the nights were a different matter.\u00a0 Each evening he became fretful and weepy and the only way he went to sleep was cradled in Jake\u2019s strong arms.\u00a0 His nightmares frequently disturbed the whole wagon train and it was pitiful to listen to his cries and sobs as he shouted out in his sleep for his Papa.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

At night the child often wet himself during his sleep and it became routine for either Jake or Jessie to lift the boy during the night and hold him over the chamber pot to encourage him to relieve himself.\u00a0 When upset the boy curled up in the foetal position and sucked his thumb.\u00a0 These were all signs of a very emotionally upset little boy and Jake and Jessie were at a loss as to how they could help him.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

This child had gotten under Jake\u2019s skin.\u00a0 How was he going to give him up when they reached their destination?\u00a0 He was now sure from the stories that Little Joe had told him, that the child had not been left intentionally and he would make it his business to find out just where the child\u2019s family were.\u00a0 From what Joe had said he had been travelling for a long time before he had been found, and that had suggested to Jake that he was not from around the area where they had come across him.\u00a0 This was going to make it even harder to find his family.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Jake and Jessie discussed the possibility that Joe\u2019s family would not be found and they both agreed that if that was to happen they would raise Joe as their own.\u00a0 Much as they wanted to find Joe\u2019s kin they were going to find it very difficult to give up this little bundle of energy that had entered their lives.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

ooooo00000ooooo<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Life at the Ponderosa went on.\u00a0 Ben and the boys got up each morning and went through the motions, but the very heart had gone out of their existence.\u00a0 Hoss had very reluctantly returned to school and Adam supported his father in running the ranch.\u00a0 Ben no longer roamed the land; they had looked none stop for months and had turned up nothing whatsoever.\u00a0 Ben had sent out posters to all neighbouring towns and offered a large reward for any information about Little Joe but all to no avail.\u00a0 Ben felt that he had to carry on for the sake of his other two sons but he knew that if it were not for them he could not have got through the day.\u00a0 In his darkest moments he even wished that those men had finished the job and killed him, but then he thought of Adam and Hoss and felt even guiltier for his selfish thoughts.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam gave up the idea of going to college.\u00a0 He could not leave his father and brother in their time of need; he decided his own life would be put on hold indefinitely.\u00a0 Hoss was no longer the carefree child he had once been, without his baby brother to share in the fun life just wasn\u2019t the same.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

One of the most trying times for the family was the first anniversary of Marie\u2019s death.\u00a0 Not only did Ben and the boys grieve for the loss of Marie they now had the loss of Little Joe to grieve for also.\u00a0 Shortly after that date was Little Joe\u2019s sixth birthday and Ben went ahead and bought the new saddle he had promised Little Joe for his pony.\u00a0 Ben felt that to ignore the day would be to acknowledge that Joe was dead and unless someone could come up with conclusive proof he would not accept what everyone was telling him.\u00a0 The third and hardest time was Christmas Day.\u00a0 Christmas was always a special time for them all and now to try and celebrate without Marie and Little Joe was unthinkable.\u00a0 Each of them spent the day quietly buried in their own thoughts.\u00a0 As winter then set in Ben wondered if their nightmare would ever end.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

ooooo00000ooooo<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

About 9 months after Joe\u2019s disappearance Ben was in town for a meeting with the bank when he decided to pay a visit to his old friend Roy Coffee.\u00a0 As Ben made his was from the Bank to the Sheriff\u2019s office he bumped into Mrs Devlin and her son Mitch.\u00a0 Ben\u2019s heart constricted as he looked down at the small boy holding onto his mother\u2019s hand.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cGood morning Ben, how are things with you\u201d asked Mrs Devlin, knowing that Ben was having a hard time coming to terms with Little Joe\u2019s disappearance. She also thought how hard it must be for the father to look at her own son knowing that Joe was the same age and should also have started school with Mitch earlier that year.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cFine\u201d lied Ben.\u00a0 \u201cAnd how are you Mitch?\u00a0 Enjoying school.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Mitch looked up at Ben \u201cIt\u2019s OK, I guess.\u201d He said.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cLittle Joe looked forward to going to school,\u201d said a wistful Ben, smiling at Mrs Devlin.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cMama, was Little Joe my friend\u201d asked a curious Mitch.\u00a0 People often mentioned him but the memories were fading fast.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

A horrified Mrs Devlin looked at Ben and said apologetically, \u201cI\u2019m sorry Ben, you know small children, they forget so easily.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYes, of course, I understand, don\u2019t worry\u201d said Ben patting her on the arm, but now anxious to get away.\u00a0 He couldn\u2019t blame Mitch, he was only 6 after all, and Mrs Devlin was right, 9 months was a long time in a small child\u2019s life, but if Mitch could forget so easily, would Little Joe have forgotten his family by now.\u00a0 Ben stopped his train of thought before it had time to begin; there was no point in allowing his mind to go down that track.\u00a0 Little Joe was gone and would not be coming back he would finally have to accept it.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben was deep in thought as he made his way into Roy Coffee\u2019s office.\u00a0 Roy was having a cup of coffee with another lawman that Ben did not recognise.\u00a0 Ben joined the two men and Roy poured him a coffee.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThis is Clay Dawson, Ben.\u00a0 He filled in for me once before, and well I\u2019m going to be out of town for a week or two, so Clay says he will look after things again.\u201d\u00a0 The three men made small talk for a few minutes and Ben was about to leave when Clay said,<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cActually we have met, but you probably won\u2019t remember me Mr Cartwright, I was the one looking after things last year when you were brought into town after being bushwhacked.\u00a0 You were in a pretty bad way if I recall.\u00a0 Did they ever get the men that did it?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYes, they did\u201d interrupted Roy \u201cthere was 2 of them.\u00a0 Sorriest pair of drifters I ever set eyes on.\u00a0 They got 10 years hard labour, but they were lucky they weren\u2019t hanged for murder.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cSorry I don\u2019t remember you Clay,\u201d said Ben \u201cbut it was a pretty traumatic time.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWell it\u2019s no surprise you don\u2019t remember me, I left town before you regained consciousness.\u00a0 That sure was a busy day if I remember\u201d said Clay \u201cyou were brought into town unconscious, I locked some guy up for being drunk and smashing up the saloon, had to give a tanning to some kid for causing a rumpus in the street and to top it all I\u2019m sure that was the day the fellow from the wagon train came in to report finding some gypsy kid.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cGypsy child, what gypsy child\u201d cut in Ben.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWell I\u2019m almost sure it was the morning before you were found, this man from a wagon train came into town to report finding a small girl in the forest.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

For a few seconds the world spun out of control for Ben, he couldn\u2019t get his breath and he felt as if he would pass out.\u00a0 Roy broke the spell.\u00a0 \u201cI don\u2019t remember you telling me anything about anyone finding a gypsy girl.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWell the fellow was from a wagon train, him and a couple of other men were hunting early in the morning when they came across the child abandoned.\u00a0 I assume they took her to the wagon train.\u00a0 He came here to see if anyone had reported a missing child, which they hadn\u2019t.\u201d\u00a0 It was at this point that Clay\u2019s voice trailed off as he witnessed the faces of the other two men.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cIt might not be him Ben, the man said it was a little girl\u201d said Roy.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhat is he going on about\u201d said Clay in confusion.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Roy and Ben ignored him.\u00a0 \u201cIt\u2019s got to be him Roy, how many other small children would have been wandering about the forest alone that morning.\u00a0 As for being a girl, you know as well as I do Little Joe would easily have been mistaken for a little girl.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhere was he going?\u201d demanded Roy, turning to Clay.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhere was who going?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThe man from the wagon train, of course.\u00a0 I just can\u2019t believe you didn\u2019t report this to me at the time.\u00a0 Do you have any idea of the trouble you have caused?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cTrouble, what trouble, I don\u2019t know what you mean.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThat child was Ben\u2019s son.\u00a0 Little Joe was only 5 years old and he was with Ben when he was bushwhacked.\u00a0 We have spent months looking for him.\u00a0 Posters have been everywhere, I can\u2019t believe you didn\u2019t know about it.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

It slowly began to sink into Clay\u2019s brain what the men were saying and turning to Ben he said,<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cOh Mr Cartwright, I am so sorry, I had no way of knowing.\u00a0 Please you have to believe me, if I\u2019de of known your son was missing, I wo\u2026\u2026..\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNever mind all that now, where was the wagon train headed for.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWell he said they were headed for California, but that was 9 months ago, they could be anywhere now.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben sat down heavily and with his head in his hands he said \u201cIt doesn\u2019t matter where they are, Little Joe is alive and if it takes me the rest of my life, I\u2019ll find him.\u00a0 There\u2019s no way Little Joe is going to grow up not knowing his family and thinking we have abandoned him.\u201d Ben\u2019s eyes filled with unshed tears \u2013 he had to find Adam and Hoss and tell them the good news, their baby brother was alive.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The boys could hardly believe what their Pa was telling them, could Little Joe really be alive and living in California.\u00a0 Hoss wanted to get on the next stagecoach and ride off after Joe immediately and it took all of Ben and Adam\u2019s persuasion to make him see that that was futile.\u00a0 Ben had several influential friends in the Californian region and he wired them immediately to inform them of his dilemma and asking their assistance.\u00a0 It took several weeks of investigation but finally news was sent to the Ponderosa that a family with a small boy, fitting the description of Little Joe, had moved onto a homestead in California just over 9 months ago.\u00a0 That was the news that Ben and the boys had been waiting for, they immediately made arrangements to travel.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

ooooo00000ooooo<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The atmosphere on the stagecoach was strained.\u00a0 The boys were worried.\u00a0 What if it wasn\u2019t Little Joe?\u00a0 How would their father ever recover, he had only just accepted, but never come to terms with, the death of their little brother?\u00a0 What if he had to lose him all over again?<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

On reaching California Ben, Adam and Hoss were met off the stagecoach by a Mr Spencer.\u00a0 Mr Spencer had been hired by Ben to find out as much information as he could with regards to the couple with the little boy.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Mr Spencer accompanied them to their hotel room and then began his report:<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWell Mr Cartwright I am pretty sure the little boy in question is your son.\u00a0 He is living with a couple named Jake and Jessie Johnson.\u00a0 The boy goes by the name of Little Joe and looks about 5 or 6 years old.\u00a0 He has chestnut curly hair and green eyes.\u00a0 There doesn\u2019t seem any doubt that he is your missing child.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The nightmare was finally over, Little Joe was found, Ben and the boys could not wait to make their way to the Johnson\u2019s house and reacquaint themselves with the little boy.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Jake and Jessie Johnson had been informed that Little Joe\u2019s family had arrived in California to claim him.\u00a0 Over the months they had grown to love the little boy as if he was their own.\u00a0 Although the couple were happy that Joe\u2019s family had at last been found the thought of giving Joe up was almost too much to bear.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

It was an awkward moment as Ben and the boys stood outside the door of the Johnson\u2019s home.\u00a0 Ben\u2019s palms were hot and clammy and as he waited for Jake Johnson to open the door he wiped his hands down the legs of his pants in an attempt to dry them.\u00a0 As Ben and Jake faced each other for the first time neither man could escape noticing the likeness between them.\u00a0 They looked into each other\u2019s eyes and each could see their own pain reflected back at them.\u00a0 Jake shook Ben\u2019s hand and then almost wordlessly invited him into his home.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben, Adam and Hoss followed Jake into the living room where a subdued Jessie sat on a chair facing them.\u00a0 She nodded at the three visitors but did not speak.\u00a0 Ben noticed the red rimmed eyes and the handkerchief she kept twisting between her hands; why was it that the thing that was to bring him the greatest joy was going to destroy these people\u2019s lives.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhy don\u2019t you get some refreshments for our guests, Jessie?\u201d said Jake, giving his wife the chance to escape to the kitchen.\u00a0 Jessie almost rushed from the room and when the kitchen door closed behind her, Jake turned back to Ben.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAs you can understand this is very difficult for both of us.\u00a0 We love Little Joe as if he is our own and it\u2019s going to break Jessie\u2019s heart, and mine, when we have to give him up.\u201d before Ben could speak, Jake raised his hand to quieten him.\u00a0 \u201cDon\u2019t get me wrong Mr Cartwright, a boy belongs with his family, but it\u2019s just Joe is a very special little boy\u201d the last word came out as a sob.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben was rendered speechless, there were no words of comfort he could offer, there was no happy solution to the situation, there had to be a loser.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

It was just at this point that the door opened and a small boy entered the house.\u00a0 He walked sedately over to Jake\u2019s side and looked at the visitors.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Time stood still as Ben, Adam and Hoss allowed their eyes to gorge on the sight of Joe for the first time in nearly a year.\u00a0 There was no denying it was Little Joe, but this was not the small, mischievous child they remembered.\u00a0 The emerald green eyes looking at them held none of the usual sparkle, but much more frighteningly they held no sign of recognition.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben stepped forward and reaching out to Little Joe he said \u201cDon\u2019t you remember your Papa, Little Joe?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Little Joe ignored the outstretched hand and taking a step backwards he looked up at Jake and said \u201cMy Papa\u2019s dead, ain\u2019t he Uncle Jake?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWell we thought he was Little Joe,\u201d said Jake.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe quickly changed the subject and said \u201cWhere\u2019s Aunt Jessie?\u00a0 Is she making cookies, can I have some before supper?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Jake nodded and the child skipped off happily to the kitchen.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben was still standing in the centre of the floor unable to move.\u00a0 Jake feeling the other man\u2019s angst stood and put a consoling hand on Ben\u2019s shoulder.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cMr Cartwright, there\u2019s something you should try and understand.\u00a0 When we found Little Joe he was a very distraught and traumatised little boy.\u00a0 At first we thought he had been abandoned, but it soon became clear to us that something terrible had happened.\u00a0 From some of the things Little Joe said we knew that his mother had been dead for a while, but we also believed you to be dead.\u00a0 Joe mentioned his brothers but we had no way of finding them.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

At first he cried constantly for you all and he was having nightmares almost every night, crying out for his Papa.\u00a0 We didn\u2019t know how to help him.\u00a0 As soon as we got to California we had him checked out by a doctor.\u00a0 The doc said that only time and plenty of love would help him.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Well as the months have gone by, the nightmares have stopped and so have the questions.\u00a0 The doc thinks Little Joe has shut down everything in his brain relating to the time before we found him.\u00a0 He thinks the trauma was just too much for a little boy to deal with.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

I\u2019m sorry, Mr Cartwright, but Little Joe doesn\u2019t appear to remember anything before that day and quite frankly the doc\u2019s not sure if he ever will.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Sniffing sounds from Hoss finally broke the silence that followed.\u00a0 The tears shone in the young boy\u2019s eyes.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cLittle Joe is coming home with us, ain\u2019t he Pa?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cOf course he is Hoss, it\u2019s just that it may take a bit longer that\u2019s all.\u00a0 Little Joe needs to have some time to get to know us all again.\u00a0 We\u2019ll just have to take things a bit slowly, let him remember us in his own time.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cLook Mr Cartwight\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cPlease call me Ben\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cBen, I know now what really happened to you back then, the sheriff filled me in, and I understand how hard this must be for you to finally find your son only for him not to recognise you.\u00a0 But I\u2019m sure if you\u2019re patient and give it time Little Joe\u2019s memory will return.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI hope so Jake, I certainly hope so, I couldn\u2019t bear to lose him a second time.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

ooooo00000ooooo<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Over the next couple of weeks Ben, Adam and Hoss spend all of their time with Little Joe trying to recapture the small boy they remembered.\u00a0 At times when Hoss called him \u2018Pumpkin\u2019 or Adam said \u2018Little Buddy\u2019, Ben thought he saw a flash of recognition in Joe\u2019s eyes, but it was quickly replaced once more with the guarded expression that they had come to recognise \u2013 the one that Joe adopted whenever they were around.\u00a0 Ben longed to hold his little boy and to feel his small arms around his neck once more.\u00a0 He would have given anything just to have Joe climb on his knee and shower him with wet kisses like he had done so many times before, but it was not to be.\u00a0 Joe interacted quite well with his brothers, he took to following Adam round asking questions or playing tag with Hoss, but he was always wary of Ben and avoided him whenever he could.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The nightmares had started again almost immediately after Ben\u2019s arrival, and Jake\u2019s nights were disturbed once more by the child crying for his Papa.\u00a0 Little Joe\u2019s bed was often wet in the morning and he had also resorted once again to thumb sucking whenever he was tired or upset.\u00a0 Joe appeared to have no recollection of his nightmares when he awoke and no amount of coaxing could get him to talk about them.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The strain was beginning to tell and there were times when Ben wanted to pick Joe up and shake him, to tell him to snap out of it and return to the Little Joe they knew and loved.\u00a0 Ben felt as if he was stood at the side of an abyss and if he stepped the wrong way he would fall off and be lost forever.\u00a0 How was he to get through to his child, if he tried to show him any sign of affection, Joe immediately retreated to the safety of Jake\u2019s strong arms.\u00a0 When this happened Ben could hardly contain the hurt inside him, it felt as if someone had stuck a knife into him and every time Joe rejected him the knife just went a little deeper and twisted a little more.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe would never allow himself to be alone with Ben, it was as if the cocoon he had built up around himself might be penetrated if Ben was to get too close, and so Joe subconsciously kept him at arms length.\u00a0 To Joe\u2019s troubled mind it was self-preservation.\u00a0 Something about this man deeply unsettled him and that was frightening.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

On one particular day Little Joe and Hoss were playing hide and seek in the yard when Joe climbed onto a high fence and stood precariously on the top.\u00a0 Adam and Ben immediately ran towards the little boy afraid that he might topple.\u00a0 Seeing the men coming towards him, Joe suspected he was in trouble and tried to jump from the top.\u00a0 He landed heavily grazing his knees and hands and on seeing the blood trickling down his legs he started to wail.\u00a0 Ben reached him first and picked him up into his arms.\u00a0 The child screamed even harder and struggled to be put down.\u00a0 As soon as he was set on his feet, Little Joe ran into the open arms of Jake and allowed him to carry him into the house.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

At that moment Ben thought his heart would break in two.\u00a0 His child seemed lost to him forever and Ben\u2019s very presence appeared to be causing him more distress.\u00a0 Ben was aware of the difficulties that Jake and Jessie were having with nightmares and bedwetting and with a heavy heart he finally had to admit that he was probably the cause of it.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

After attending to his injuries Jessie insisted that Joe prepare for bed and it wasn\u2019t long before he was fed, washed and dressed in his nightshirt.\u00a0 After supper as the two families sat in the living room talking Little Joe fell asleep in Jake\u2019s arms.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

As Ben looked at the sleeping child he knew that he had to come to a decision.\u00a0 Ben\u2019s sons were his life, his very reason for existence, but if his being there was going to cause Joe unhappiness then he had no alternative but to retreat from Joe\u2019s life.\u00a0 With a trembling voice Ben tried to explain to Adam and Hoss what he was thinking.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Both boys were shocked that their Pa would even consider leaving Little Joe with the Johnson family, Joe belonged with them, how could Pa think otherwise.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cIf we take him home, he\u2019ll remember, once he sees his room and Hop Sing he\u2019ll be our Little Joe again\u201d pleaded Hoss.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Pa reached over and stroked Hoss\u2019s back, \u201cWe must do what\u2019s best for Little Joe, Hoss.\u00a0 He\u2019s happy here with his Uncle Jake and Aunt Jessie, we can\u2019t go on upsetting him.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cCan\u2019t we stay here Pa, just until he remembers\u201d said Adam.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThe doctors think that might never happen, Adam.\u00a0 And in the meantime our presence is confusing him even more.\u00a0 We won\u2019t be leaving him forever.\u00a0 I just think we need to give him a little space, then maybe he will come to terms with what happened, then perhaps his memory will start to come back\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

As Ben fought back his tears he stood up and walked over to Jake.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cIs it OK if I hold him.\u00a0 I just want to feel him in my arms again.\u00a0 It has been so long.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Jake just didn\u2019t know what to say.\u00a0 Of course he would be happy for Little Joe to stay with him and Jessie, but Little Joe had a family who loved him very much and he admired and appreciated the sacrifice then Ben was willing to make for his son.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben lifted the tiny body into his arms and held him close.\u00a0 He kissed his eyes and mouth and stroked the child\u2019s smooth baby cheeks.\u00a0 The tears that had threatened to fall all day now flooded from his eyes and ran down his cheeks, he was going to lose his precious child again and he didn\u2019t know whether he could bear it.\u00a0\u00a0 Running his hand through Joe\u2019s silky curls he whispered,<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cLittle Joe, my beautiful boy, never doubt how much I and your brother\u2019s love you.\u00a0 Since the day you were born you have brought sunshine into our lives and no matter where you are you will always have a special place in our hearts.\u00a0 You look so much like your Mama, every time I look at you I see her smile and her sparkling green eyes.\u00a0 She would have been so proud of the way you are growing up.\u00a0 Little Joe\u2026\u2026..\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben could not continue, his whole body shook as he stood and handed Little Joe back to Jake before attempting to make his way to the door.\u00a0 Blinded by his own tears Ben almost stumbled before Adam and Hoss reached out to steady him.\u00a0 Supporting their father between them they made their way into the yard and Adam hurried to saddle their horses.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Jessie and Jake did not attempt to follow them, knowing that the family needed privacy in their grief.\u00a0 As the couple stood together trying to comprehend how this was going to effect all their lives, Little Joe stirred in Jake\u2019s arms.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe was at that limbo stage, not quite asleep yet not quite awake.\u00a0 Something was disturbing him, he thought he was dreaming, but this was different.\u00a0 There had been a hand on his face and in his hair that was so familiar, it felt comforting and he didn\u2019t want it to stop.\u00a0 The sound of the voice that was echoing in his head was filled with so much love, but more than that, most of all it was the smell that was attacking his senses.\u00a0 The smell of tobacco and Bay Rum scent filled his nose and penetrated his very being.\u00a0 Then the touch and the voice was gone and the aroma was no longer there and he felt abandoned.\u00a0 Joe sat up suddenly in Jake\u2019s arms and looked around him in panic.\u00a0 Memories long buried were surfacing in his mind once more and he knew what he had to do.\u00a0 Struggling fiercely, Jake was no longer able to hold him and he set Little Joe on his feet.\u00a0 Immediately Joe ran for the door and into the yard.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben, Adam and Hoss were just riding out of the yard when they heard a screech behind them.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cPapa, Papa, come back, Papa, Papa,\u201d cried Little Joe as his voice rose in desperation.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben barely had time to dismount when the barefoot little boy leapt into his arms.\u00a0 The little arms circled the neck of the man who meant more to him than anyone else in the world and cried,<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t leave me Papa, please don\u2019t leave me.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Hardly able to believe what was happening, Ben caressed the child \u201cI\u2019ll not leave you Little Joe, I\u2019m not going anywhere without you.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

That was the start of a very long night.\u00a0 Little Joe clung to Ben as if his very life depended on it.\u00a0 Neither Ben nor Joe tried to explain what had brought about the change; they were just content to have found each other again.\u00a0 It was in the early hours of the next morning before they succumbed to sleep in each other\u2019s arms.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

ooooo00000ooooo<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Over the next couple of days they could not believe the change in Joe.\u00a0 The excited, chattering child of the previous year began to emerge and the impish smile finally began to reach his eyes once more.\u00a0 Jake and Jessie were amazed as they were given glimpses of the child that Little Joe had once been, he was so different from the subdued boy that they had looked after.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Within days it seemed as if father time had turned back the clock, Joe and his brothers were interacting as if they had never been apart.\u00a0 Ben looked at the three of them with pride, his boys were finally together again, really together, and Ben\u2019s world was once again complete.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The Cartwrights were spending one last evening with Jake and Jessie. As the conversation took a lull, Little Joe looked up from his place on his Pa\u2019s lap and said to Ben \u201cPapa, since you went to heaven and came back to me, does that mean Mama is coming back as well?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

It was then that Ben realised that Joe had not fully understood what had happened.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cLittle Joe, Papa didn\u2019t go to heaven.\u00a0 Some bad men hurt him and that was why Papa didn\u2019t get up, but Papa didn\u2019t die.\u00a0 I\u2019ve explained to you before son, Mama didn\u2019t want to leave you but God wanted her to be in heaven with him.\u00a0 Mama can\u2019t come back Little Joe.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Little Joe looked sad for a moment and then smiled \u201cI\u2019m glad you didn\u2019t go to heaven, Papa, \u2018cause I want you to stay here with me.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAnd I want to stay here with you as well, Little Joe\u201d said Ben hugging the boy closer to him.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Little Joe then looked accusingly at Adam \u201cYou didn\u2019t come and get me.\u00a0 I looked for you and when I couldn\u2019t find you, Uncle Jake came and got me.\u00a0 Why didn\u2019t you come for me?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam was slightly baffled \u201cI didn\u2019t know where you were Little Joe.\u00a0 If I\u2019d known I would have come and got you, honest I would.\u00a0 You know that don\u2019t you\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Little Joe looked appeased for the moment and snuggled further into his father\u2019s lap.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The following morning was not one any of them relished and Little Joe was desperately upset at leaving his surrogate father and mother and clung to them each in turn.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cCome with me Uncle Jake.\u00a0 Aunt Jessie you could live at our house with Pa and me and help Hop Sing in the kitchen.\u00a0 Couldn\u2019t they live with us Pa?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNo Little Joe, Aunt Jessie and I need to stay here and you need to go with you Pa and brothers back to the Ponderosa\u201d said Jake handing Little Joe to his Pa.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll never be able to repay you for what you\u2019ve done.\u00a0 Rest assured Little Joe will never forget you and when he\u2019s older I\u2019ll bring him back to visit you.\u00a0 You are two very special people,\u201d said Ben.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben lifted Little Joe and set him on his horse before climbing up behind him.\u00a0 The family waived a sad farewell to Jake and Jessie and headed towards town and within hours they had boarded the stagecoach that would finally take them home.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

As night began to fall that evening and the stage rumbled along, Ben looked at each of his sleeping sons and whispered a silent prayer of thanks.\u00a0 The dark days were gone and on days like this it was just so good to be alive.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The End<\/h1>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

Summary:\u00a0 Ben is ready to make the ultimate sacrifice for the sake of his child.<\/p>\n

Rating:\u00a0 PG\u00a0 (16,615 words)<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":38,"featured_media":3737,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","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_feature_clip_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":"","jetpack_publicize_message":"","jetpack_publicize_feature_enabled":true,"jetpack_social_post_already_shared":false,"jetpack_social_options":{"image_generator_settings":{"template":"highway","default_image_id":0,"font":"","enabled":false},"version":2},"jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false,"_members_access_role":[],"_members_access_error":""},"categories":[1015,23,30,13],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-13780","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-joe-pa","category-drama","category-prequels","category-whn","wpcat-1015-id","wpcat-23-id","wpcat-30-id","wpcat-13-id"],"jetpack_publicize_connections":[],"jetpack_likes_enabled":true,"jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/04\/ben.jpg?fit=264%2C281&ssl=1","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/13780","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\/38"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=13780"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/13780\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/3737"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=13780"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=13780"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=13780"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}