{"id":13831,"date":"2002-09-27T07:32:03","date_gmt":"2002-09-27T11:32:03","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=13831"},"modified":"2026-01-20T15:49:23","modified_gmt":"2026-01-20T20:49:23","slug":"the-past-returns-by-helenb","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=13831","title":{"rendered":"The Past Returns (by HelenB)"},"content":{"rendered":"

Summary:\u00a0 <\/strong>After taking over the Army contract and seeing it through to completion, Joe is given a week vacation.\u00a0 Nothing to worry about, right?\u00a0 Men from the past have other plans in mind.<\/p>\n

Rating:\u00a0 T\u00a0 (21, 270 words)<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\n
\u00a0The Past Returns<\/strong><\/div>\n

 <\/p>\n

It was late afternoon when Joe Cartwright walked towards the house. He was tired and sore in fact he doubted there was any place on his body that didn\u2019t hurt.<\/p>\n

When they heard the front door open and the light footsteps across the floor that they knew to be Joe\u2019s, Ben and Adam looked up from where they were working at Ben\u2019s desk. Joe slowly walked towards them and then carefully sat down on the edge of the desk.<\/p>\n

Ben smiled as he reached out and patted Joe\u2019s leg. \u201cLooks like you\u2019ve had a hard day, son. How did it go?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cGood Pa. Just finished breaking the last of the horses.\u201d Joe replied as he rotated his shoulders trying to work some of the soreness out.<\/p>\n

Ben stood and moved behind Joe. Placing his hands on the young man\u2019s shoulders he could feel the knots there and began to try and gently massage them away. Joe, always welcoming of his fathers touch was quick to start to relax.<\/p>\n

\u201cGood work Joseph, I wasn\u2019t sure we\u2019d get it completed on time.\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe gave a small laugh before replying. \u201cTo tell you the truth Pa, I wasn\u2019t sure we would either but the men worked hard.\u201d<\/p>\n

When the Cartwright\u2019s had taken on the contract they had known it would be a tight schedule, then Adam had strained the ligaments in his right shoulder and the doctor had been adamant that Adam not do any horse breaking for at least a couple of weeks. They had a few men helping out but most of the load had fallen to Joe. Adam had stopped by the corral earlier that morning and knew that, yes, the men had worked hard but it wouldn\u2019t have been completed on time if it hadn\u2019t been for Joe.<\/p>\n

Adam looked at Joe and said, \u201cIt was because of you that it got done. And I can see by the way your sittin\u2019 that you\u2019re payin\u2019the price for it. I\u2019m sorry Joe, you shouldn\u2019t have had to do so much on your own.\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe was pleased with the praise from Adam and quick to try and assuage Adam\u2019s guilt. \u201cIt wasn\u2019t your fault Adam. It couldn\u2019t be helped. I\u2019m fine, just a bit stiff.\u201d Joe grinned at Adam and said, \u201cIt took a bit out of me this time \u2018cause I\u2019m not as young as I used to be you know. These old bones are feeling it.\u201d They all burst out laughing. At nineteen, they all still though of Joe as, the kid.<\/p>\n

Ben finished working on Joe\u2019s shoulders and ran a hand lightly down his back. \u201cFeelin\u2019 better?\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe stood up \u201cmmm, thanks Pa, that feels great. Think I\u2019ll go upstairs and lie down for awhile.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhy don\u2019t you have a hot bath first son? Might help take some of those aches away. Hop Sing\u2026\u2026\u2026..\u201d Ben called the cook to tell him to prepare a bath for Joe but as usual the cook already knew what was needed.<\/p>\n

\u201cBath all leady Mr. Cartlight.\u201d Hop Sing said as he started to push Joe towards the door and out to the washhouse.<\/p>\n

As Joe walked into the washhouse, he could see that Hop Sing had everything ready for him. Clean clothes and a towel had been placed on a bench near the bath. Joe sat on a chair to remove his boots then took off his shirt and belt placing them in a pile beside the chair. Standing, he undid his pants, after pulling them down he stepped out of them and into the tub feeling the warmth of the water. Joe didn\u2019t feel like he had the energy to do anything other than just sit there but thought he\u2019d better make the effort to clean up. Grabbing a washcloth he began to wash away the dirt and sweat from his body and then he lay back to relax.<\/p>\n

In the house Ben and Adam continued working on the books. After awhile Ben looked at Adam, \u201cI think I\u2019ll just go out and check on your brother. I thought he\u2019d be back in by now.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam stood up. \u201cI\u2019ll go Pa. Knowing Joe he\u2019s probably fallen asleep.\u201d They both laughed knowing that could well be the truth.<\/p>\n

Adam knocked on the door and called Joe\u2019s name. Getting no answer he opened the door and walked in, his eyes falling on Joe sound asleep in the tub. Walking over to his brother, Adam gently shook Joe\u2019s shoulder and called his name. Shaking a bit harder, Adam finally managed to wake him.<\/p>\n

Joe\u2019s eyes opened sleepily and he looked at Adam unsure of what was going on. \u201cAdam, what\u2019s wrong?\u201d he mumbled.<\/p>\n

\u201cNothings wrong Joe but you fell asleep and the waters starting to get cold. I think you\u2019d be a lot more comfortable sleeping in your bed and we wouldn\u2019t have to worry about you drowning in there.\u201d Adam joked.<\/p>\n

Joe shook his head, trying to clear it from the fog of sleep. \u201cSorry, I didn\u2019t mean to fall asleep, just thought I\u2019d close my eyes for a minute.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam laughed. \u201cYeah, I know, but it only takes you a minute to go to sleep once you close your eyes. You awake now?\u201d Adam asked, wanting to be sure that Joe wasn\u2019t still half asleep.<\/p>\n

Joe nodded as Adam handed him a towel. \u201cI\u2019ll tell Pa you\u2019ll be in in a minute.\u201d Adam told Joe as he left.<\/p>\n

Adam looked across the room to his father when he returned to the house. Ben was just clearing up his desk. Adam grinned and then started to laugh. \u201cJoe\u2019ll be in in a minute, he fell asleep in the tub.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben couldn\u2019t help the laughter that escaped from his lips. \u201cWell we guessed right.\u201d<\/p>\n

It wasn\u2019t long before Joe entered the house. Hop Sing was bringing plates and dishes to the table in preparation for supper. Adam and Ben were in the living room, Adam reading a new novel he had just acquired and Ben the newspaper. Ben put down the paper to talk to Joe \u201cHoss should be home soon and dinners just about ready.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cPa, I\u2019m not very hungry. Think I\u2019ll just go up to bed if you don\u2019t mind.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIf that\u2019s what you want to do, it\u2019s fine son. Are you sure you\u2019re feeling all right? You don\u2019t feel sick?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo, just tired.\u201d<\/p>\n

As Joe passed his father on the way to the stairs, Ben stood and patted him on the back. \u201cGoodnight Joe, sleep well.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNight Pa, night Adam.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSee you in the morning, Joe.\u201d Adam replied.<\/p>\n

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

The next day, Joe woke to a darkened room but knew it had to be later than it seemed. He looked across to the window and could see that the curtains had been pulled closed. Stretching, Joe smiled, knowing it was Pa\u2019s way of telling him that he could sleep all day if he wanted to. Deciding he\u2019d spent enough time in bed he got up and dressed and went downstairs.<\/p>\n

Ben and Adam were once again working at the desk. Adam looked over at him and said, \u201cWell look who\u2019s awake. We thought you were going to sleep the day away Joe.\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe looked at the clock seeing that it was after 1 p.m. then he looked at his father and smiled. \u201cSomeone closed the curtains. I didn\u2019t know it was so late.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWell I just thought that you might like to sleep in on the first day of your week off.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cA week off. Really?\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben laughed. \u201cYes really.\u00a0 You\u2019ve worked hard the past couple of weeks Joe. When we took the contract to supply those horses, then Adam sprained his shoulder and Ted got sick, I didn\u2019t think we\u2019d be able to get it done. We only got it done because of the extra effort you put in, you deserve some time off.\u201d<\/p>\n

A smile lit Joe\u2019s face. He was happy to get a week off but what pleased him more was the praise by his father. \u201cThanks Pa, you\u2019re the best.\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe rubbed his hands together. \u201cSo Pa, my week off starts today?\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben laughed. \u201cHave you got plans already?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cUm, yeah. I thought I might go into town for a while.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben played along with Joe. \u201cWhat do you need to go to town for Joe? Supplies, post a letter, get a haircut\u2026\u2026\u2026.?\u201d Ben paused and he and Joe looked at each other, then Ben continued, \u201cor maybe a couple of beers at the Silver Dollar?\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe laughed. Pa knew him well all right. When Joe had mentioned town, there had been no doubt in Ben\u2019s mind just which part of town Joe was headed for.<\/p>\n

Hop Sing came into the dining room and placed some dishes on the table. Looking at Joe he said, \u201cYou miss breakfast, you late for lunch, you think I have nothing better to do than wait on you.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI know Hop Sing, I\u2019m sorry. I won\u2019t have anything to eat now though. I was just leaving.\u201d<\/p>\n

Hop Sing made a disgruntled noise. \u201cYou no eat last night. Must eat now. Hop Sing make food, least you can do is eat it.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam laughed. \u201cHe\u2019ll never forgive you if you don\u2019t eat it, Joe. The Silver Dollar will still be there in a couple of hours you know.\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe held up his hands in defeat. \u201cOkay, okay\u201d And walked over to the table to eat.<\/p>\n

Ben and Adam joined Joe at the table for a cup of coffee.<\/p>\n

\u201cSo what else are you going to do with your time off Joe?\u201d Adam asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cI might go over to Clear Water tomorrow and see Cal. Might be able to talk Mr. Peterson into giving Cal a couple of days off and we could get in a bit of hunting.<\/p>\n

The Petersons had been neighbors since before Joe was born. The two families had quickly become friends. Marie had enjoyed visiting with Mary Peterson and when their babies had been born, Cal just a few months before Joe, the boys had become the best of friends.<\/p>\n

\u201cWell you can try Joe but you know John Peterson is not as easy going as me.\u201d Ben jokingly replied.<\/p>\n

Joe patted Ben on the arm. \u201cNot everyone can have a great Pa like you.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben playfully shoved Joe away. \u201cOh stop it Joe, you\u2019re not going to wrangle one week into two.\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe laughed. Adam and Ben joined in.<\/p>\n

Once he\u2019d finished eating Joe stood and said \u201cWell towns a waiting.\u201d<\/p>\n

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

The Silver Dollar was loud and noisy when Joe walked in, a typical Saturday in Virginia City. The hands from the outlying ranches were in town looking for a little fun after a week of hard work. As the day wore on things would get ever livelier.<\/p>\n

Joe stood with his back to the bar, surveying the room, he heard someone call him and turned to see that Caleb Peterson had just entered the saloon and was making his way towards him.<\/p>\n

Caleb acknowledged the barman and put his money on the counter, buying himself a beer and one for Joe. Joe put down his empty beer glass and picked up the fresh one. \u201cThanks Cal. I\u2019ve been looking forward to this all week.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat brings you into town? Thought you\u2019d still be breaking those horses.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cFinished \u2018em yesterday. Pa gave me a week off. What about you, what are you doing here?<\/p>\n

\u201cI just came in to get some supplies, saw your horse tied up outside and thought I\u2019d come and say hello.\u201d<\/p>\n

As the young men talked a man wearing twin pistols moved to the bar and stood near them apparently only interested in his own beer but listing intently to the young men\u2019s conversation.<\/p>\n

\u201cI was going to come out and see you tomorrow. Thought I might do a little huntin\u2019 if I can talk someone into comin\u2019 with me.\u201d Joe looked at Cal.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019d love to Joe but I\u2019ve got some fencing to fix up in the north section. I\u2019m going to make an early start on it tomorrow. Now, if a certain someone who has the week off gave me a hand we could get it done quicker and I might be able to talk my Pa into giving me a day or two off.\u201d He grinned at Joe.<\/p>\n

Joe groaned. \u201cHow early were you planning on making this early start?\u201d<\/p>\n

Cal laughed before answering, knowing Joe wouldn\u2019t like the answer. \u201cSunup.\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe put his head down on the counter, then, looked up at Cal. \u201cI don\u2019t know what I\u2019m going to tell Pa. If I tell him I volunteered to go and do fence work, he\u2019ll think I took one blow too many while I was breaking those horses.\u201d Both men laughed.<\/p>\n

\u201cWant another beer Joe?\u201d Cal asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cYeah, one more. Then I better get home and have an early night if I\u2019m going to be up early tomorrow.\u201d<\/p>\n

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

Joe\u2019s family were relaxing when he arrived home. Ben looked up from the paper he was reading when Joe came in. Ben was surprised that Joe was home already. \u201cYou\u2019re home early son. Nothing happening in town?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo, just thought I\u2019d come home early. I met up with Caleb in town. I asked him if he wanted to go hunting with me. He said he has to get some fences fixed first so I offered to give him a hand in the morning.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam and Hoss both burst into laughter. Adam got himself under control first. \u201cYou volunteered to fix fences?\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe rolled his eyes, knowing how much his family were going to enjoy ribbing him about it.<\/p>\n

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

Joe was up before day break the next morning and headed straight for Clear Water, the Peterson Ranch. As he arrived at the house, Cal was just walking over to the barn. \u201cMorning Joe. I\u2019m just going to hitch up the team. Go inside and have a cup of coffee.\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe dismounted and tied Cochise to the hitching rail. He was about to knock when the door was opened.<\/p>\n

Mary Peterson smiled. \u201cHello Joe. I thought I heard someone ride up. Come in.\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe was always welcome at Clear Water. Mary hadn\u2019t been able to have any more children after Cal and she\u2019d always enjoyed having Joe around. When Marie died she\u2019d felt so sorry for the little boy.\u00a0 At the time Mary had known that Ben was finding it hard to cope and she and John had offered to look after Joe for as long as need be. But as upset and distracted as Ben had been he\u2019d still been adamant that Joe would live no where other than on the Ponderosa. Adam had felt the same way, assuring Mary that he could look after Joe. As much as she would have loved to have Joe stay with her she knew the child would have been lost without the love of his family and he\u2019d stayed where he belonged.<\/p>\n

As soon as Joe was in the door Mary Peterson pushed him into a chair and told him she\u2019d be back in a minute.<\/p>\n

\u201cMorning, Mr. Peterson.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cMornin\u2019 Joe. Do you want some breakfast?\u201d replied John Peterson looking up from his own meal.<\/p>\n

\u201cNo thanks sir. I\u2019m not hungry.\u201d<\/p>\n

Mrs. Peterson came back in with a plate and coffee cup, which she placed in front of Joe. \u201cNonsense Joe. Come on eat up.\u201d<\/p>\n

Mr. Peterson nodded. \u201cThere\u2019s no arguin\u2019 with Mary boy.\u201d<\/p>\n

As Joe ate Mary asked. \u201cHow\u2019s everyone over at the Ponderosa Joe?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cGood thanks Mrs. Peterson.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2019ve missed seeing you around here the last few weeks. Cal said you were busy.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYeah. Was breaking some horses. Pa\u2019s given me a week off now though. Joe looked at John Peterson. \u201cI was hopin\u2019 Cal might be able to get a couple of days off so we could go hunting.\u201d<\/p>\n

John nodded. \u201cCaleb asked me about it last night. As long as that section of fence is fixed, it\u2019s okay with me.\u201d<\/p>\n

Just then Cal stuck his head in the door. \u201cReady Joe?\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe took another swallow of his coffee and stood up. \u201cYep. Thanks for breakfast Mrs. Peterson and thanks for giving Cal the days off Mr. Peterson.\u201d<\/p>\n

Mr. Peterson nodded at Joe. \u201cThat\u2019s alright Joe. I appreciate you helpin\u2019 out today.\u201d<\/p>\n

Mary handed Cal a large bundle wrapped in brown paper. \u201cHere\u2019s your lunch. I made enough for both of you.\u201d<\/p>\n

Cal kissed his mother. \u201cThanks Ma. We should be home by about five Pa.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOkay boys, have a good day.\u201d<\/p>\n

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

Later that day after having his midday meal John Peterson headed out to the barn; as he walked in the door he was shocked to see a man sitting on a bail of hay, apparently waiting for him. The man had a bandana covering his lower face and was wearing a twin holster and had one of the guns pointed directly at him.<\/p>\n

As John stood there shocked two more men also with their faces covered entered the barn behind him. One of them removed John\u2019s gun from its holster.<\/p>\n

\u201cWho are you? What do you want?\u201d John Peterson asked.<\/p>\n

The man stood up and said \u201cMy names Bill Fisher and it\u2019s been a long time but I\u2019m sure if you think real hard you\u2019ll come up with what we want.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cFisher?\u201d John asked, shocked.<\/p>\n

Bill nodded. \u201cI see that the name means something to you.\u201d<\/p>\n

John tried to recover. \u201cI don\u2019t know what you\u2019re talking about. I don\u2019t know you.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo, that\u2019s right.\u201d Bill said. \u201cYou don\u2019t know me but you sure knew by brother, Luke.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo, I\u2026\u2026.\u201d John started to say but Bill cut him off.<\/p>\n

\u201cThere\u2019s no point in denying it. Luke\u2019s wife Katherine died two months ago, her boy\u2019s here,\u201d he nodded towards the two other men, \u201cyou must remember Mark and Sam, well, they were sorting through Katherine\u2019s things and found a letter. The letter was eighteen years old but it sure made interesting reading. Luke must have written it just before he was killed. He never had a chance to post it.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cGet out. I don\u2019t know what you think this has to do with me but I\u2019m not going to listen to anymore.\u201d<\/p>\n

Bill waved the gun at John. \u201cOh, you\u2019re going to listen alright. You don\u2019t have a choice. Besides, aren\u2019t you curious to know what was in the letter?\u201d Bill asked sarcastically. Bill gave John a hard look and then continued. \u201cLuke said he\u2019d gotten involved in some cattle rustling. He wanted me to come and join him, he said he had himself two partners, said they were from the two biggest ranches around here at the time. Clearwater and the Ponderosa.\u201d<\/p>\n

John felt as if someone had punched him, knocking the air out of him. He\u2019d dreaded this moment coming for years. Always in the back of his mind was the fear that someday, somehow, someone would find out what he\u2019d done. But still he was not prepared to admit his part in it. \u201cI don\u2019t know what you\u2019re talking about. I was never involved in any rustling.\u201d<\/p>\n

Mark stepped forward, glaring at John. He spoke for the first time \u201cYou set my father up. You and Cartwright took the profits and made him the scapegoat.\u201d<\/p>\n

John shook his head. \u201cNo, you have it wrong.\u201d<\/p>\n

Bill stood directly in front of John and said \u201cShut up. You can try and lie all you want but we know the truth and there\u2019s no way you are going to get away with this.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat are you going to do?\u201d John asked, beginning to fear what the men had in mind.<\/p>\n

Bill spoke again. \u201cWe want you to go to the sheriff and admit what you did. Cartwright\u2019s a big man in these parts now but with you telling your part in it, we can get him too.\u201d<\/p>\n

John decided to admit the part he had played in the events, trying to reason with them. \u201cI was partners with Luke, that\u2019s true. But I didn\u2019t betray him. It was just bad luck the cattle were found that day. We hadn\u2019t had time to move them.\u201d<\/p>\n

That only seemed to infuriate the men. Bill snapped, \u201cBad Luck!\u201d You call it bad luck that Ben Cartwright just happened to find those cattle on my brother\u2019s land.\u201d<\/p>\n

John started to speak. \u201cBen\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

But once again he was cut off. \u201cShut up. We\u2019ve heard enough.\u201d Bill snapped. \u201cIt\u2019s obvious you need a different kind of persuasion. Just remember that you\u2019re going to be responsible for what happens next.\u201d<\/p>\n

The Fisher\u2019s backed out the door. Retrieving their horses that they had hidden behind the barn, they made good time away from Clearwater. Sam, who had remained silent throughout the exchange with John Peterson, signaled for them to stop. \u201cWhy don\u2019t we just take the letter to the sheriff. This isn\u2019t going to work. You\u2019ll never get him to come forward on his own.\u201d<\/p>\n

Bill gave him a long look. \u201cWe talked about this. The sheriff would never believe the letter was genuine. We have no real proof.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWell it was pointless coming back here wasn\u2019t it.\u201d Sam snapped. \u201cWe\u2019ve accomplished nothing.\u201d<\/p>\n

Bill said, \u201cWe came back here to bring Ben Cartwright and John Peterson down, to shame them before the whole town. To make them sorry that they ever betrayed Luke. Well, there\u2019s a better way to do that. A way that will bring them to their knees.\u201d<\/p>\n

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

Joe and Cal had removed their guns and holsters while they worked and hung them on the buckboard. Despite the heat and the hard work both young men were in a happy mood, laughing and joking with each other while they worked.<\/p>\n

Cal went to the buckboard to get some more nails. He heard a rustle in the bushes and turning towards the sound he saw someone step into the clearing holding a gun on him. Cal made a move towards his gun. He heard the trigger being pulled back and the man spoke. \u201cDon\u2019t even think about it.\u201d<\/p>\n

Seeing what had happened Joe contemplated his next move. Before he could decide what to do the man called out. \u201cMark, Sam.\u201d Two more men stepped out of the bushes to stand beside the other.<\/p>\n

The man who had appeared first was older than the other two and appeared to be the leader. He spoke to his two cohorts. \u201cTie them up \u2013 tight!\u201d<\/p>\n

Mark and Sam approached Cal first while Bill held his gun on Joe. Once Cal was tied they turned to Joe. One man grabbed his arms and pulled them behind him. Joe suddenly lashed out surprising the men. As Joe fought them Bill approached he swung his arm in a wide arc slamming the gun into the side of Joe\u2019s head. When Joe fell to the ground he then began to kick Joe not caring where he kicked him so long as his boot made contact with some part of Joe\u2019s body.<\/p>\n

Cal yelled \u201cStop it, you\u2019ll kill him!\u201d<\/p>\n

Sam was the first to react, pushing Bill away from Joe. \u201cStop it, Bill he\u2019s had enough. We don\u2019t want to kill him.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYeah you\u2019re right.\u201d Bill looked menacingly at Cal. \u201cWe don\u2019t want to kill anyone\u2026\u2026..yet.\u201d<\/p>\n

While he lay unconscious, Joe\u2019s arms were pulled behind his back and tied and then his ankles were tied together. Then the three walked away. Cal wriggled as close to Joe as he could. From what he could see Joe was a mess. There was a cut over his left eye and he was bleeding from his nose and mouth. Cal knew the blows to Joe\u2019s body must also be severe and worried about the damage he couldn\u2019t see.<\/p>\n

While Cal tried to wake Joe the three men who had surprised them held their own conversation. Bill once again took charge of the situation. \u201cLet\u2019s go, we\u2019ve only got a couple hours of daylight left. Sam, throw some water over the Cartwright kid and wake him up. Mark, grab the pinto and one of the horses from the wagon.<\/p>\n

Sam walked over to Joe and Cal. He was beginning to realize what a big mistake he and Mark had made in coming along with Bill. Sam bent down and poured some water over Joe\u2019s face.<\/p>\n

Cal looked at him and asked, \u201cWho are you?\u201d Why are you doing this?\u201d He received no answer.<\/p>\n

When Joe began to stir Sam helped him to sit up and held the canteen for Joe to have a drink. \u201cWhat\u2019s going on?\u201d Joe mumbled, his mind still clouded about what had happened.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s going to be alright.\u201d was all Sam managed to get out before the other men appeared. Bill approached them with a knife in his hand. Joe felt sick as he saw him bend towards him, not knowing what the man intended to do. Then in one swift movement the ropes were cut from his ankles and he was dragged to his feet, pulled over to his horse and all but thrown on. The same process was repeated with Cal.<\/p>\n

Joe could hardly sit up on Cochise he felt so ill but he knew he had to try and find out what was going on. But he got nowhere with his questions. Each question of who the men were and why were they doing this was met with silence.<\/p>\n

They rode for about an hour and then stopped. Joe and Cal were roughly pulled from their horses. They were dragged over to a boulder and pushed to the ground. The man known as Bill stood in front of them and pointed over to a large tree. Do you boys know who was hung from that tree seventeen years ago?\u201d<\/p>\n

Cal nodded. \u201cWe\u2019ve heard stories about what happened out here. It was a man named Luke Fisher. He was a cattle rustler.\u201d<\/p>\n

With the swiftness of a snake Bill backhanded Cal across the mouth. \u201cYou watch your mouth when you\u2019re talkin\u2019 about my brother.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYour brother?\u201d Cal asked as he spat the blood out of his mouth.<\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s right, my brother and those two men over there are his sons. So you see that\u2019s why we don\u2019t hold to Cartwright\u2019s and Peterson\u2019s.\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe took a good look at the men. Over the years he\u2019d heard bits and pieces about what had happened out here all those years ago. \u201cOur father\u2019s had nothing to do with what happened. They weren\u2019t even here that night.\u201d<\/p>\n

Bill squatted down next to Joe and grabbed a handful of Joe\u2019s hair, pulling his head back. \u201cThey may not have been here that night but they sure had something to do with what happened.\u201d<\/p>\n

Before Joe could ask what he meant Bill stood up and walked over to his horse. He pulled two lengths of rope out of his saddlebag and tossed them to Mark. \u201cYou know what to do.\u201d<\/p>\n

Mark walked over to the tree. He climbed up into it and made his way out along one branch. He then tied one rope to the branch. When he let the rope go and it swung down Joe and Cal could see that a noose was tied on the end of the rope. Mark then tied another one next to it.<\/p>\n

As Bill started to walk over to Joe and Cal, Sam grabbed his arm. \u201cThis has gone far enough.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOh come on, Sam. It\u2019s just getting good.\u201d Bill then walked over to Joe and Cal. He looked at them and said, \u201cWell boys, who wants to go first?\u201d As Joe and Cal looked at him in disbelief Bill laughed but there was no humor in the laugh, it was cruel and bitter. He continued to taunt them. \u201cCome on, don\u2019t be shy. Someone has to go first but don\u2019t worry, you\u2019re both going to have a turn.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019re mad.\u201d Joe yelled at him. \u201cWhy are you doing this? You won\u2019t get away with it. My father will track you down and you\u2019ll be the ones who\u2019ll hang.\u201d<\/p>\n

Bill bent down until he was just inches from Joe\u2019s face and his words poured out like venom. \u201cYour father\u2019s were Luke\u2019s partners. They were as guilty as he was and they should have paid the same price but they got away with it and went on with their lives. Well no more. Since they\u2019re not man enough to admit what they did you two can pay that price for \u2018em. Since ya can\u2019t decide who wants to die first, I\u2019ll decide for ya.\u201d He pulled his knife and cut the ropes around Cal\u2019s ankles and roughly grabbed Cal by the arm and yanked him to his feet.<\/p>\n

Joe had been shocked by the man\u2019s words. \u201cNo, my father wouldn\u2019t have done that. You\u2019re wrong. Please you have to believe me you\u2019ve made a mistake.\u201d Joe tried to get the men to stop what they were doing.<\/p>\n

Cal planted his feet and tried to pull out of the man\u2019s grasp. As Cal realized the futility of trying to escape he began to beg for his life. \u201cPlease my father will give you anything, please let us go. We won\u2019t say anything, please.\u201d<\/p>\n

They reached the horses and still Cal struggled to free himself. Mark joined Bill and between them they were able to get Cal up on Cochise. Bill put the noose around his neck. Cal stopped his struggle not wanting to spook Cochise.<\/p>\n

Joe\u2019s hands were sticky from the blood dripping down from his wrists, the skin torn and bleeding from trying to free himself of the ropes. He paid no attention to that, his concentration solely on getting free.<\/p>\n

Sam went over to talk to Bill and Mark. \u201cI think we should stop this now, it\u2019s getting out of hand. We were only supposed to scare them. We\u2019ve done that. We shouldn\u2019t have gone this far. These two boys had nothing to do with what happened back then. They were just little kids.\u201d<\/p>\n

Suddenly Bill swung his arm bringing his hand down on the rump of Cochise. A scream was torn from Joe\u2019s lips. In a moment it was over.<\/p>\n

Sam stood shocked at what had happened. Mark stood next to him almost feeling like his knees would give way. Joe could only stare, too shocked to do anything else.<\/p>\n

Mark grabbed his knife and jumped on his horse intending to cut Cal down but Bill stopped him, pulling his horse away he said, \u201cLeave him, he\u2019s dead. There ain\u2019t no point in cutting him down now.\u201d As Mark looked at the now still body he realized the truth in the words.<\/p>\n

Bill stood there with a look of satisfaction on his face while Mark and Sam tried to come to terms with what he had just done.<\/p>\n

Sam was the first to find his voice. \u201cThis was your intention all along wasn\u2019t it. You never intended to let them go.\u201d Bill smiled and that only served to anger Sam more. \u201cWe agreed we were only going to scare them, there was to be no killin\u2019.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2019ll hang if they catch us.\u201d Mark said.<\/p>\n

\u201cThen we\u2019ll make sure they don\u2019t catch us.\u201d He turned to Mark, \u201cGet the horse.\u201d With that Bill walked over to Joe. He pulled his knife and cut the rope binding Joe\u2019s feet together. Joe could feel the bile rise in his throat, his stomach was in knots and he was starting to shake. He couldn\u2019t take his eyes off the body of Cal. Only a few hours ago they\u2019d been laughing and joking and now Cal was dead. Joe fought to remain calm. Looking around he tried to plan his next move.<\/p>\n

Cochise hadn\u2019t gone far and Mark was back with him in a minute.<\/p>\n

Pulling Joe to his feet Bill looked at Mark. \u201cHelp me get him on his horse.\u201d<\/p>\n

Mark shook his head. \u201cNo Bill. I\u2019m not goin\u2019 to help you commit murder and that\u2019s what you\u2019ve done, you\u2019ve murdered that boy.\u201d Mark nodded at Cal\u2019s body.<\/p>\n

Bill was livid. He angrily spat out his next words. \u201cHave you forgotten what happened to your father?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo, of course I haven\u2019t forgotten. I\u2019ll never forget. But these boys had nothing to do with it. Let him go Bill. Let\u2019s get on our horses and ride out of here.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHe knows what we look like.\u201d Bill shook Joe. \u201cHow far do you think we\u2019ll get once he\u2019s talked to his father and the sheriff. They\u2019ll be a posse on our trail before we know it.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m not going to be hung for murder Bill.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhether you like it or not, you\u2019re in this as deep as I am. If they catch us we\u2019ll swing so it won\u2019t make any difference if it\u2019s one murder or two.\u201d Bill said.<\/p>\n

Mark still shook his head, \u201cNo, I won\u2019t do it.\u201d Bill continued to drag Joe over to Cochise, Joe fought against him but the beating he\u2019d endured had taken its toll on Joe.<\/p>\n

Sam tried to stop what was about to happen. \u201cDon\u2019t be so stupid. As soon as John Peterson finds out what\u2019s happened here, he\u2019ll go to the law and tell them it was us.\u201d<\/p>\n

Bill shook his head. \u201cNo, I don\u2019t think so. If he reveals that he knows it was us, he\u2019ll have to tell everyone why we did it and everyone will know the truth about him. I think he\u2019ll try to handle this on his own. When he least expects it, we\u2019ll strike again.\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe\u2019s mind raced. He knew he would have only one chance. It was going to be a slim chance but one he would have to take. There was no choice. As Joe was thrown up onto Cochise, he tried to set himself in the saddle and moved his hands so he could hold the back of the saddle. As Bill released Joe and reached for the noose, Joe spurred Cochise. \u201cCome on boy, go!\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe fought on staying in the saddle and steering with his legs. Concentrating on getting as far away as he could as quickly as possible.<\/p>\n

Mark and Sam stood there, unsure of what to do. Bill had no doubts. He pulled his gun, took aim and fired, hitting Joe squarely in the back.<\/p>\n

Joe felt the bullet slam into him, hitting him with such force that it almost took his breath away. He tried to stay in the saddle but could not get his mind to control his body. He toppled from the saddle, hitting the ground heavily.<\/p>\n

Bill looked at Mark. \u201cWell don\u2019t just stand there. I\u2019ll get our gear together; you go and make sure he\u2019s dead. If he\u2019s not, finish him off.\u201d<\/p>\n

Mark mounted his horse and slowly rode towards Joe. Joe had fallen on his side. As Mark touched him he could see that Joe was still breathing but his head was bleeding badly. Pulling Joe over he saw that Joe had hit his head on a rock when he fell and blood was streaked down the side of his face. Unable to put a bullet into someone so defenseless and doubting that Joe would live much longer he whispered \u201cI\u2019m so sorry Joe.\u201d He mounted up and rode back to where Bill and Sam waited. When he reached them he said, \u201cHe\u2019s dead.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cGood, let\u2019s get out of here.\u201d Bill looked over at Sam. \u201cAre you coming with us?\u201d<\/p>\n

Sam was sickened at the evens of the last few hours but he needed time to think about what he should do, so he nodded.<\/p>\n

As the men rode towards Virginia City, Mark cast a last look over towards Joe. He felt so guilty about leaving him there to die alone but he felt there was nothing else he could do.<\/p>\n

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

Back at the Ponderosa Hop Sing was just serving up. \u201cYou no wait for Little Joe?\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben walked towards the table. \u201cNo, Hop Sing. I dare say that he headed into town tonight with Cal after they finished work.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam and Hoss joined their father at the table. \u201cJoe and Caleb in town alone together who knows what trouble they\u2019re liable to get up to.\u201d Adam joked.<\/p>\n

Hoss joined in, \u201cI reckon those two have been leadin\u2019 each other into trouble since before they could walk.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben nodded, trying not to laugh as he remembered some of the mischief Joe and Cal had gotten in to while growing up. \u201cWell Joe had better stay out of trouble tonight or I\u2019ll have him back here working so fast that his head will still be spinning next week.\u201d<\/p>\n

Later that night Ben and Adam were reading, Hoss was repairing a harness when they heard a horse race into the yard. Ben threw down his book. \u201cJoe knows better than to ride into the yard like that.\u201d He started to cross the floor to give Joe a piece of his mind but before he reached the door it flew open and John Peterson rushed in.<\/p>\n

\u201cBen.\u201d Looking around the room he continued, \u201cThank God you\u2019re all here.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben\u2019s blood froze. Knowing instinctively that something was wrong with Joe, he grabbed John\u2019s arm, \u201cWhat\u2019s happened?\u201d<\/p>\n

“Cal and Joe are missing. We\u2019ve got to find them. Something\u2019s wrong, Ben. They wouldn\u2019t just go off like that.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben was impatient for answers. \u201cWhat do you mean, they\u2019re missing? Are you sure they haven\u2019t just gone in to town?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m sure, Ben. They said they\u2019d be home at about five. When they didn\u2019t arrive, Mary and I were worried so I went to have a look at the fence line they were working on. I couldn\u2019t see much in the dark but the buckboard and one horse was still there. The other horse and Joe\u2019s horse were gone.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben grabbed his hat and coat as he continued to talk to John. \u201cThere are no other signs of them?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo, not really. Their guns are hanging in their holsters on the buckboard. I had a look around the area but couldn\u2019t find anything. I thought I\u2019d better come and get you. If anyone can find tracks, it\u2019s Hoss.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben nodded in agreement. \u201cYes. Hoss, you get some supplies from Hop Sing. Adam, go to the bunkhouse and get the men. We\u2019ll need them to help search.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam lay his hand on his father\u2019s arm. \u201cPa, we can\u2019t search in the dark, we\u2019ll have to wait for first light.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben was in no mood to listen to talk of waiting. In his heart he knew Joe needed him and there was no way he was waiting until morning. \u201cNo Adam. We can\u2019t wait. Joe needs us now. I\u2019ll get some lanterns and start saddling the horses. Let\u2019s go.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam spoke to the foreman. \u201cSo, that\u2019s all we know Charlie. Get the men together. We want to leave as soon as we can.\u201d He left, leaving Charlie to tell the men while he went to help his father saddle the horses.<\/p>\n

In less than half an hour everyone was ready. Ten men were riding with the Cartwrights as well as John Peterson.<\/p>\n

The men rode with lanterns raised, peering into the darkness. Movement had been extremely slow, the men not wanting to miss Joe and Cal somewhere in the dark.<\/p>\n

When they reached the fence line where Joe and Cal had been working the men waited while Hoss looked around.<\/p>\n

\u201cPa, there are some tracks headed that way.\u201d He pointed north. \u201cLooks like five riders. Cochise\u2019s tracks are with \u2018em.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben needed to hear no more. \u201cAll right everyone, mount up.\u201d With Hoss once more in the lead they headed out.<\/p>\n

Many times they lost the tracks in the dark and had to double back. Hoss cursed the lost time. The sun was just beginning to peak over the horizon when the search party made it to Potters Field.<\/p>\n

The sight that greeted the men when they rode into the clearing was something none of them would ever forget. In the dim light a body could be seen swaying in the breeze. It was hanging from a tree on the other side of the field.<\/p>\n

Ben\u2019s heart constricted as he stared at the awful sight before him. The one thought in his head so terrible that he could not force the words past his lips. Was it Joe? Ben spurred Buck forward the others quickly following.<\/p>\n

\u201cMy God.\u201d uttered John Peterson when they reached the body and he realized it was his son.<\/p>\n

Ben felt immense sorrow for John Peterson and over whelming relief that it wasn\u2019t Joe. At the moment he didn\u2019t have time to try and comfort his friend; he had to find Joe. \u201cWhere\u2019s Joe? Everyone fan out, search the area.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben heard Hoss shout. He looked where Hoss was pointing and saw Cochise standing near some trees. Hopefully Joe would be nearby. Quickly they rode towards the horse. As they got closer they could see Joe lying on the ground. Ben dismounted and ran to him.<\/p>\n

Joe was lying half turned onto his side, his eyes were closed and blood covered the left side of his face. Joe made no sound or movement and as Ben touched him, Ben was shocked at how cold Joe was. With rising fear, Ben placed his fingers on Joe\u2019s neck, preying that he would find the pulse of life there. Ben breathed a sigh of relief as he felt the weak flutter.<\/p>\n

Ben\u2019s voice trembled as he said the words Adam and Hoss were waiting to hear. \u201cHe\u2019s alive.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam ran to get his knife from his saddlebags as Hoss untied his saddle roll to get the blanket and also the bandages and water. Ben sat holding Joe in his arms murmuring words of comfort that Joe could not hear. Adam cut the rope that bound Joe\u2019s hands behind his back, noticing as he did how much the rope had torn into Joe\u2019s skin, a telling sign of how hard Joe had fought to free himself. Then he saw the wound in his brothers back. \u201cGod Pa, his back.\u201d<\/p>\n

Hoss placed the blanket behind Joe and Ben gently lay him down. Turning Joe on his side so that he could see his back he reached to gently pull the shirt away from the wound with shaking hands.<\/p>\n

Adam reached out and touched Ben\u2019s arm. \u201cI\u2019ll do it Pa.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHere Adam.\u201d Hoss said as he handed a wet cloth to his brother. Once Adam had the blood cleaned away and the wound cleaned as best he could he reached for the bandages that Hoss passed him.<\/p>\n

Leaving the Cartwright\u2019s to tend to Joe, Roy nodded for the others to follow him and they began a search of the area.<\/p>\n

While Adam worked on the wound in Joe\u2019s back, Ben wet a cloth and gently cleaned the blood from Joe\u2019s face, talking to him as he did so, hoping for some sign of a response, but there was none, he then bandaged the head wound.<\/p>\n

Laying Joe on his back so they could check for other injuries, they could see the bruises that covered Joe\u2019s chest and stomach and knew that the rest of Joe\u2019s body was likely covered in the same bruises. Whoever had done it, had certainly meant to inflict as much pain on the boy as they could. Adam lightly ran his hands over Joe, searching for any breaks. As he ran his hand down Joe\u2019s left side, he looked up and said, \u201cIt doesn\u2019t feel like any of his ribs are broken but some are probably cracked or bruised judging by the marks on him.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam then checked for breaks in Joe\u2019s arms and legs, when he was finished he wrapped the blanket around Joe and sat back on his heels.<\/p>\n

Ben looked up as he heard Roy approach. \u201cHow is he Ben?\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben kept a tight hold on Joe\u2019s hand as he replied. \u201cNot good. Did you find anything that might tell us who did this? What happened here?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cBen, looks like whoever did this is headed south. Three riders. I\u2019ll take the men and try and track them but you know what the ground is like that way. It\u2019s hard and rocky.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cPa, we\u2019re going to have to get Joe home as soon as we can. We\u2019ll have to put him on a horse.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben nodded, trying to pull himself together. Roy touched his arm. \u201cBen we\u2019ll do what we can to find whoever is responsible but I think our only hope is Joe being able to tell us who it was or at least give us a description.\u201d<\/p>\n

Hoss knelt next to Joe, brushing a hand down the side of his face. \u201cDo you think Joe saw what they did to Cal?\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben stared at Joe. \u201cI hope not.\u201d<\/p>\n

Roy called the men together. \u201cAlright everyone mount up and lets head out. Ben are you going to be able to manage with Joe?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYes thanks, Roy. Can you send one of the men for the doctor. I want Hoss to go with you. Adam and I can get Joe home.\u201d<\/p>\n

Hoss started to protest but Ben said \u201cHoss I know you want to stay with Joe but there is nothing you can do for him and we need to find the men responsible.\u201d<\/p>\n

Hoss nodded reluctantly.<\/p>\n

As Roy was preparing to ride away Ben thought of something. \u201cRoy, John might need some help.\u201d Looking over they saw John had managed to cut his son down and Roy nodded.<\/p>\n

Roy rode over to John and the Cartwrights saw\u00a0 him help John put Cal\u2019s body on a horse and then John rode away. Roy returned to the Cartwright\u2019s. \u201cI offered to have one of the men go with him but he wanted to take Cal home himself.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben nodded and then turned his attention back to Joe.\u00a0 \u201cHoss, let\u2019s get Joe onto my horse.\u201d Hoss reached down and keeping the blanket wrapped tightly around his young brother, lifted him up. Between them, Hoss and Adam managed to get Joe up and onto his father\u2019s horse. They held him in place while Ben mounted.<\/p>\n

Hoss took one last look at his brother and then rode out with the posse.<\/p>\n

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

As they stopped in front of the house, Adam quickly dismounted and reached up for Ben to hand Joe down.<\/p>\n

As Ben and Adam entered the front door, Hop Sing came from the kitchen. \u201cWhat happen?\u201d he asked rushing forward.<\/p>\n

Adam and Ben continued through the room. Adam turned to Hop Sing, \u201cHop Sing, Joe\u2019s hurt bad, we don\u2019t know for sure how it happened, the doctor\u2019s on his way. Can you get everything we need to get Joe cleaned up.\u201d Hop Sing nodded and rushed off.<\/p>\n

Adam quickly carried Joe up the stairs to Joe\u2019s room. He placed Joe on the bed and unwrapped the blanket. Ben sat on the bed staring at Joe\u2019s blood stained clothes. Opening Joe\u2019s shirt he saw the bandage was saturated with blood. Taking a deep breath he said \u201cAdam get a pair of scissors, we\u2019ll cut Joe\u2019s shirt and these bandages off.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam turned towards the door, stopping to place a hand on his father\u2019s shoulder he said, \u201cHe\u2019ll be okay, Pa.\u201d Adam said the words automatically the way he\u2019d said them so many times before preying that by saying them again it would prove to be no different this time. But looking at Joe lying so still on the bed, Adam felt the cold hand of fear grip his heart.<\/p>\n

Adam entered the kitchen to get the scissors, seeing that Hop Sing had everything almost ready he carried the bowl of water and cloths up while Hop Sing carried a tray with whisky to clean the wounds and bandages. As Adam once more entered Joe\u2019s room he placed the bowl and cloths on the table next to Ben and moved to the other side of the bed. From the time they had found Joe, Ben had continued to touch him, to talk to him, telling him that everything was going to be alright now, hoping that some words of comfort would get through to Joe.<\/p>\n

Ben reached to stroke Joe\u2019s face. \u201cJoe we\u2019re going to have you feeling better soon, you just hang on.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam cut the shirt and bandages away, while Ben cleaned the wound in Joe\u2019s back. That done he liberally poured whisky in the wound hoping to kill any infection that might be setting in. Then he re bandaged the wound. As much as he wanted Joe to wake up he was glad that at the moment Joe couldn\u2019t feel anything.<\/p>\n

The bowl of water had become bloodied and Hop Sing placed a clean bowl and cloth on the dresser. Adam cut the rest of Joe\u2019s clothes off and Ben finished cleaning him up while Adam cleaned and bandaged Joe\u2019s head wound.<\/p>\n

When they were finished Adam lifted Joe up while Ben threw the dirty and bloodied blanket on the floor and pulled the bed covers back. Once Joe was as comfortable as they could make him, Ben pulled the chair up to the side of the bed and took Joe\u2019s hand in his. Adam found himself pacing the floor both men thinking the same thing, \u2018What was taking the doctor so long?\u2019<\/p>\n

At last the Cartwright\u2019s heard the sound of a buggy in the yard. Adam went to the window and looked out. He saw Doctor Martin get out and head towards the door. \u201cDoctor\u2019s here.\u201d said Adam as he rushed out the door and down the stairs. Hop Sing had just opened the door to allow Doctor Martin to enter.<\/p>\n

As Adam rushed towards him, Paul Martin said \u201cSorry I took so long Adam. I was out at the Thompson ranch. How\u2019s Joe?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHe\u2019s still unconscious. He hasn\u2019t moved or made a sound since we found him.\u201d The doctor only needed to look at Adam\u2019s face to see how worried he was.<\/p>\n

\u201cLet\u2019s go and take a look.\u201d Said Doctor Martin heading up to the room he knew so well. Ben was wiping Joe down with cold water as Adam and Doctor Martin entered. Ben kept his eyes fixed on Joe.<\/p>\n

Paul Martin moved to the opposite side of the bed to Ben. Ben remained seated next to Joe, never releasing the hand he held tightly in his own.<\/p>\n

Paul placed his hand on Joe\u2019s forehead and felt the fever in the young mans body. \u201cHow longs his temperature been up?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHe started to get hot about an hour ago.\u201d Adam answered as Paul continued his examination. He felt Joe\u2019s pulse, it was extremely weak, but at least it was steady, a small sign of encouragement. Lifting Joe\u2019s eyelids, he looked at each eye then he removed the bandage from Joe\u2019s head to examine the wound there.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe think he hit his head on a rock. How bad is it?\u201d Ben asked, speaking for the first time since Paul had arrived.<\/p>\n

\u201cHis skull\u2019s fractured Ben and the fact that he\u2019s been unconscious for so long is a worry.\u201d Reaching for his bag he continued, \u201cThis wounds going to need stitching but I\u2019d better look at his back first.\u201d Looking down at the bandages on Joe\u2019s back he could see that although Ben and Adam had obviously been able to slow the bleeding it hadn\u2019t stopped completely. Removing them Paul saw how bad the wound was and knew Joe must have lost a massive amount of blood. Paul spent a long time working on Joe, once he removed the bullet he cleaned the wound before stitching it closed. He then cleaned and stitched Joe\u2019s head wound. He checked Joe over completely agreeing with Adam that although the bruising was severe his ribs weren\u2019t broken, he also checked over Joe\u2019s damaged wrists.<\/p>\n

When Paul was finished, Ben picked up the wet cloth and began trying to cool Joe off again. He looked up at Doctor Martin. \u201cPaul, what are his chances?\u201d<\/p>\n

Paul had known the Cartwright family for years. He considered Ben one of his closest friends. He wanted to tell Ben that Joe would be alright but he knew the family should be prepared.<\/p>\n

\u201cBen I wish I could be more hopeful. I\u2019ve done all I can for Joe at the moment. The bleeding’s stopped. All we can do for now is try and keep his temperature down and hope he wakes up soon. We\u2019ll know more then.\u201d<\/p>\n

Periodically throughout the night, Paul came in the check on Joe. Joe seemed to be in limbo. His condition didn\u2019t worsen but there was no improvement either.<\/p>\n

As dawn broke over the ranch house, Paul once more entered the bedroom to check his patient. Ben was still seated next to Joe\u2019s bed with Adam sitting on the other side. He walked over and patted Ben on the back. \u201cBen, why don\u2019t you and Adam go down stairs. Have something to eat and then try to get some sleep.\u201d He knew it was something neither of them wanted to do, but they couldn\u2019t go on like this. \u201cI know it\u2019s hard to leave Joe, but it\u2019ll do him no good if you run yourselves into the ground. Go on, I\u2019ll stay with Joe and call you if there\u2019s any change.\u201d<\/p>\n

They were both reluctant to leave Joe but knew they had to get some sleep. Ben looked at Paul. \u201cYou\u2019ll call me if Joseph needs me?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou know I will Ben, now go on.\u201d<\/p>\n

When Ben woke a couple of hours later he quickly made his way to Joe\u2019s room. He found Adam and Hoss there. \u201cHow is he?\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam answered. \u201cNo change, Pa.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben sat down and looked at Hoss. \u201cWhen did you get back, son.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOnly an hour or so ago, Pa.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cDid you get them?\u201d<\/p>\n

Hoss reluctantly shook his head. \u201cNo, Pa. The tracks led us south and then doubled back around towards Virginia City. We followed them as far as we could. They mingled in with hundreds of others. Roy\u2019s asking around about anyone suspicious but he doesn\u2019t hold out much hope.\u201d\u00a0 Hoss looked over at Joe. \u201cHopefully Joe will wake up soon and be able to tell us who they are.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam shook his head. \u201cWho on earth would want to do something like this. It just doesn\u2019t make any sense.\u201d<\/p>\n

There was no change in Joe as the morning progressed by midday Ben was beginning to despair. They\u2019d only managed to get a small amount of water in Joe, unable to get him to swallow.<\/p>\n

Adam was dozing in a chair on the opposite side of the bed to Ben. Ben called him to wake him up.<\/p>\n

Adam woke and immediately looked at Joe. \u201cAny change?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo, I want to try and get him to drink again.\u201d<\/p>\n

Their movement woke Hoss who was sitting in a chair near the window. He quickly approached the bed. \u201cWhat\u2019s wrong?\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam was quick to calm him. \u201cIt\u2019s alright Hoss. We just want to try and get him to drink some water.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam and Ben gently rolled Joe over and Adam placed his hand behind his brother\u2019s head to lift it up while Ben held a glass to Joe\u2019s mouth. The water trickled out and Adam wiped it away with his free hand. Ben tried again and this time Joe swallowed. Ben couldn\u2019t hide his relief. \u201cHe\u2019s drinking.\u201d Ben managed to get what he considered sufficient into Joe. They tried to wake him but there was no response.<\/p>\n

Adam lay Joe\u2019s head back down and asked \u201cDo you think we should turn him back onto his stomach Pa?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo, let\u2019s leave him for now. He doesn\u2019t seem uncomfortable.\u201d<\/p>\n

Paul came in just then to once more check his patient. Ben told him they had just gotten Joe to drink.<\/p>\n

\u201cGood, hopefully the fact that he\u2019s drinking is a sign he\u2019s coming back to us.\u201d As Paul continued to examine him they heard a horse ride into the yard and then someone knocking on the door.<\/p>\n

Adam rose. \u201cI\u2019ll go and see who it is.\u201d<\/p>\n

Hop Sing had already opened the front door and Tom Matthews was standing in the great room. When he saw Adam descending the stairs he said, \u201cAdam, I heard what happened. How\u2019s Joe?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNot good Tom. He\u2019s still unconscious. What brings you out here? Is it Martha?\u201d Martha was awaiting the birth of her first child, she was a very frail girl and Doctor Martin wanted to be there when the baby came.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe baby\u2019s comin\u2019. I came out to see if the doc can come. I\u2019m sorry Adam. I know you want him here for Joe.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam couldn\u2019t deny that fact but he said, \u201cI\u2019ll tell him you\u2019re here Tom.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam went back upstairs and into Joe\u2019s room. \u201cDoc, it\u2019s Tom Matthews. The baby\u2019s on it\u2019s way.\u201d<\/p>\n

Paul glanced across at Ben. This is what Paul Martin hated. He was the only doctor in the area and he hated the choices he had to make about leaving one patient for another. \u201cBen, I\u2019m sorry. I\u2019ll have to go. I\u2019ll get back here as soon as I can.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben nodded, he wanted Paul to stay just in case Joe needed him but he knew Paul would stay if he could.<\/p>\n

Paul pulled back the blankets, checking the wound in Joe\u2019s back. He pulled the blankets back up and checked the head wound. \u201cIf he wakes up just try to keep him still and calm. He\u2019ll probably have a really bad head ache and he may be sick, he\u2019ll probably want to go straight back to sleep but keep him awake as long as you can.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThank you Paul.\u201d Ben said, not taking his eyes off Joe.<\/p>\n

Paul patted Ben on the arm as he went past. \u201cI\u2019ll see myself out.\u201d Paul Martin went downstairs.<\/p>\n

Suddenly Ben leant over Joe.<\/p>\n

Hoss looked over. \u201cPa what is it, what\u2019s wrong?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cJoe moved,\u201d replied Ben. Leaning close to Joe Ben urged. \u201cCome on Joe, open your eyes. Come on son. I\u2019m right here. Everything\u2019s going to be alright.\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe\u2019s eyes suddenly flew open. The look in them could only be described as a look of pure terror. As Joe struggled to rise up, Ben held him down. \u201cIt\u2019s alright Joe, It\u2019s alright. You\u2019re home now. Lie still.\u201d<\/p>\n

There was no need to ask Hoss to get Paul he was already half way down the stairs shouting for the doctor. Paul was at the door just about to go out but he had stopped and turned as he had heard Hoss\u2019 footsteps thunder down the hallway and then the stairs. \u201cDoc, come quick. Joe\u2019s awake.\u201d He turned and rushed back up the stairs. Paul quickly followed him.<\/p>\n

When they reached the bedroom they found Ben supporting Joe and holding a bowl. Joe was being violently sick.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat happened?\u201d Paul asked, taking the bowl from Ben and placing it on the floor as the vomiting finally stopped.<\/p>\n

Ben continued to hold Joe and started to carefully rub his back as he felt him start to shake. “I don\u2019t know. He woke up and he was sick almost instantly.\u201d As Joe began to calm down, Ben laid him back on the bed. \u201cAre you okay now Joseph?\u201d he asked as he rubbed his arm, trying to give Joe comfort with his continued touch. Joe didn\u2019t answer but his eyes stayed locked on Ben\u2019s.<\/p>\n

As the doctor reached to examine Joe, he said, \u201cIt\u2019s alright Ben. He\u2019s probably sick because of the head injury.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cJoe?\u201d Paul asked. Getting no response he reached over and turned Joe\u2019s face toward him. \u201cJoe, how do you feel?\u201d Paul was starting to get alarmed at the lack of response from Joe. “Can you talk for me Joe?\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe remained silent.<\/p>\n

They kept Joe awake as long as they could but when his eyes started to close Paul said, \u201cAlright Joe, you go back to sleep.\u201d They watched as Joe went quickly back to sleep. Adam was the first to ask the question that was burning in everyone\u2019s mind. \u201cWhat\u2019s wrong with him. Why won\u2019t he speak?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAdam, I don\u2019t know if it\u2019s because he won\u2019t or because he can\u2019t.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat are you saying?\u201d Ben asked in alarm.<\/p>\n

\u201cBen, Joe has been through a terrible ordeal, he could still be in shock from what happened\u2026\u2026\u2026.. and what he saw or\u201d and Paul paused and took a deep breath before continuing, \u201cit could be more serious, that blow to his head may have caused some serious damage.\u201d Three sets of eyes turned to look at him. \u201cLet\u2019s not worry unnecessarily. We\u2019ll let Joe sleep for a while. Wake him in an hour, we\u2019ll know more then.\u201d The Cartwright\u2019s knew it would be a very long hour.<\/p>\n

Paul felt even worse about leaving now, but knew he had to. After assuring the family he would be back as quickly as he could he left them to their vigil.<\/p>\n

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

When it was time to wake Joe, Ben put his hand on Joe\u2019s shoulder and stroked it. \u201cCome on Joseph, it\u2019s time to wake up now. Come on.\u201d Slowly Joe\u2019s head moved and then once more Joe\u2019s eyes opened with the same look Ben had seen an hour ago. Placing his arms around Joe, Ben gently lifted him and held his son too him, rubbing Joe\u2019s back once more in an effort to try and stop the terror that Joe was feeling. Ben spoke quietly. \u201cIt\u2019s alright Joe, you\u2019re safe now, you\u2019re home with us, it\u2019s alright, we\u2019re right here with you.\u201d<\/p>\n

Once Joe was a little calmer Ben lay him back down, keeping a firm hold on Joe\u2019s hand. Joe\u2019s eyes once more stayed on his father’s face. Adam sat on the edge of the bed on the other side and Hoss stood next to him.<\/p>\n

\u201cJoe\u201d Adam reached over and gently turned Joe\u2019s face towards him, \u201cwe need you to try and tell us who did this. Do you know who it was Joe? Did you recognize any of them?\u201d Joe turned back to look at his father.<\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t Adam,\u201d Ben said. \u201cHe\u2019s not in any state to answer questions.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam looked at his father. \u201cI don\u2019t like doing it either Pa, but we have to try and find out who did this.\u201d Once again Adam turned Joe\u2019s face towards him, this time gently holding his hand to the side of Joe\u2019s face to prevent him from looking away. \u201cCome on Joe just try, give us something to go on.\u201d<\/p>\n

At first Ben didn\u2019t think Joe was going to respond but then Joe slowly reached for Adam\u2019s hand and said so quietly that they barely heard him \u201cI\u2019ll try.\u201d Ben felt an over whelming relief at even such a small reaction from Joe. At least he was communicating with them and they were close to finding out who had done this.<\/p>\n

Joe didn\u2019t want to remember; all\u2019s he wanted was to forget it. But he knew that as long as he lived he would never be able to forget it. He could still here Cal\u2019s screams echoing.\u00a0 Joe\u2019s breaths started to come in gasps as he fought to keep himself under control.<\/p>\n

Ben gathered Joe into his arms. \u201cIt\u2019s alright Joseph, it\u2019s alright. Come on Joe, you can do this.\u201d<\/p>\n

The Cartwrights knew that if they were to have any chance of catching the men responsible they needed Joe to give them something, even just a starting point would help them but seeing the state he was in now, Adam began to worry that he\u2019d made a mistake in pushing him to remember.<\/p>\n

Joe\u2019s head whirled with images. He\u2019d known Cal all his life. They\u2019d shared so many good times while they were growing up. Now the only picture Joe could conjure up of Cal was the last time he\u2019d seen him when Cochise had\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026.. Joe clung tighter to his father, he fought to stop his mind from seeing that image. As Joe clung to his father he was able to say two words, \u201cLuke Fisher.\u201d He whispered.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat?\u201d Adam asked, thinking he couldn\u2019t have heard Joe correctly.<\/p>\n

Ben looked down to see that Joe was almost asleep in his arms. Looking At Adam he replied, \u201cHe said Luke Fisher.\u201d<\/p>\n

Hoss saw the look that passed between Adam and Ben and he knew the name meant something to them. In the back of his mind Hoss knew there was an old memory lurking.<\/p>\n

\u201cHe\u2019s asleep.\u201d Ben said to his other sons. They all knew that was all they were going to get out of Joe for now. \u201cHoss, go and ask Hop Sing to come up and sit with Joe. I need to talk to you and Adam downstairs.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYes Sir.\u201d<\/p>\n

When Hoss left the room, Adam turned to his father. \u201cPa.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben cut him off. \u201cNot here, Adam. I don\u2019t want to worry Joseph with any of this.\u201d<\/p>\n

Hop Sing was upstairs in a moment, telling Ben \u201cHop Sing sit with Little Joe.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben made sure Joe was comfortable before he left the room. \u201cThank you Hop Sing. Call me if he wakes up.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYes Mr. Cartlight, I call right away.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam followed his father downstairs. Hoss was waiting on the settee. Ben sat down but Adam found that now that a memory of an event almost twenty years previous had been brought to the surface of his mind he was too anxious to sit down.<\/p>\n

Ben was himself, still trying to work out in his mind what it meant.<\/p>\n

The memories weren\u2019t as clear for Hoss, he\u2019d only been a child when Luke Fisher had died. He could feel the tension radiating from his father and brother. Hoss could wait no longer. \u201cPa?\u201d<\/p>\n

Before Hoss could ask more, Adam interrupted. \u201cWe should have realized earlier. It has to be someone connected to the Fisher\u2019s, but why after all these years?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cPa,\u201d broke in Hoss. \u201cWhat\u2019s going on?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHoss do you remember Luke Fisher and his family?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYeah, I remember them. Not too clearly though. I remember hearing stories when I was growing up about what happened to him when he was hung \u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u201d Hoss\u2019 voice trailed off as realization hit him. Luke Fisher had been hung in Potter\u2019s Field.<\/p>\n

\u201cHoss when Luke lived here, he had a wife and two boys, the eldest Mark, was quite friendly with Adam they were around the same age, the other boy, Sam, was a couple of years older than you. There weren\u2019t many ranches in the area at the time and those of us who were here were all still pretty small. None of us had a lot of cattle. Then cattle started going missing. I lost ten head and a couple of other ranches the same. We were all of us worried about losing any more; we just couldn\u2019t afford it. One day I rode to the neighboring ranches to speak to everyone and arrange a meeting. I cut across Luke Fisher\u2019s land. A different way to the way I usually went. Mixed in with his herd I found some of the missing cattle. A meeting was arranged without Fisher and it was decided that we\u2019d confront him. There was no law here then, just the law of the land. We planned on seeing Fisher the next day but that night some of the other ranchers decided to take matters into their own hands. Luke Fisher was hung that night in Potter\u2019s Field. The same tree as\u2026\u2026\u2026\u201d Ben couldn\u2019t go on but Hoss knew what he had been going to say.<\/p>\n

Adam sat down the events of that night rushing back. He\u2019d only been about thirteen; Hoss had been seven. He knew Hoss recalled little of the events from then because he\u2019d been shielded from them but Adam remembered and he began to tell Hoss of those memories.<\/p>\n

\u201cMrs. Fisher came here after it had happened. She was hysterical. We couldn\u2019t understand what she was trying to tell us at first but we could guess. When she was finally able to tell us, she said the men had come and just dragged her husband away. She said one of the men stayed and kept her and the boys in the house. About an hour later the other returned and told her that her husband had confessed then they just rode away. Mrs. Fisher and her sons went looking for him. They found him in Potter\u2019s field.\u201d<\/p>\n

Hoss was silent. Thinking about it now, he could remember snatches of conversations overheard but at the time he hadn\u2019t understood what it was all about.<\/p>\n

Ben then took up the story again. \u201cMrs. Fisher had Sam with her. Mark had stayed with\u2026\u2026\u2026\u201d he paused, \u201cMark had stayed with his father. I left them here with Marie while I went to see what I could do. I stopped by John Peterson\u2019s place on the way.\u201d<\/p>\n

Hoss interrupted. \u201cHe wasn\u2019t\u2026\u2026\u2026?\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben shook his head. \u201cNo, he wasn\u2019t with the men who did it. Anyway, we both went over to the Fisher\u2019s place. There wasn\u2019t anything we could do really; Mark had already cut him down. We took him back to his house. He was buried the next day. Apart from his family, only Marie, Adam and I were there.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben shook the memories away. \u201cWithin a few weeks Mrs. Fisher had sold the place, she went to live with her sister back east. I don\u2019t know what happened to the family after that. As far as I know, no one around here heard from them again.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam said, \u201cI never did. Mark came over to say goodbye before he left, he said he\u2019d write but he never did.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben nodded. \u201cThey were bitter. I can understand that. Feeling\u2019s were running high at the time. Matt Watson led the men that night. He said Luke confessed before they hung him and I spoke to the other men who were there and they said the same thing but there\u2019s just something about it that\u2019s never seemed quiet right to me. If he did steal the cattle, I don\u2019t think he could have done it alone but we were never able to link him with anyone else around here and the rustling did stop after that.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam walked over to Ben, sitting on the table and resting his hand on his father\u2019s leg. \u201cSo, what do we do now? It has to be someone who wants revenge for Mr. Fisher\u2019s death, but who? And why take it out on Joe and Cal. They were babies at the time.\u201d His anger rising once again at what had been done to his brother, only the thought of Joe asleep upstairs kept Adam from shouting in anger.<\/p>\n

Ben put his hand on Adam\u2019s. \u201cI can only think of three people who would want revenge for that. Katherine Fisher and her sons.\u201d<\/p>\n

I just can\u2019t believe that of Mark, Pa. I just can\u2019t.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAdam, I know you think that the boy you remember, the boy you played with, couldn\u2019t have done this but Adam, it\u2019s been eighteen years. People change.\u201d<\/p>\n

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

\u201cYes, Hoss.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWe don\u2019t know for sure that the Fisher\u2019s are responsible. We can\u2019t be sure what Joe was trying to tell us. But if they are, like Adam said why Joe and Cal? I mean, you and Mr. Peterson had nothing to do with it; you weren\u2019t even there that night. Why wouldn\u2019t they go after someone who was?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t know Hoss, I don\u2019t have any answers at the moment.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben sat in thought for a moment and then said, \u201cAdam, Hoss. I want you to go in and see Roy. Tell him what Joe said and what we think it\u2019s connected to. Ask him if he can come out here and see me. Then you\u2019ll have to go over to see John Peterson. I don\u2019t think he and Mary will be thinking too clearly about anything but ask him if he can come and talk this over with us. Maybe between us all we can come up with something.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben stood up. \u201cI\u2019m going upstairs to sit with Joseph.\u201d He turned to go up the stairs.<\/p>\n

\u201cPa.\u201d Adam stopped him. \u201cI\u2019ll send a couple of the hands in.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAdam, there\u2019s no need. We\u2019ll be alright here.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cPa, whoever they are, they\u2019re killers. You need someone in here with you.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben nodded. \u201cAll right Adam. Now you two get going.\u201d<\/p>\n

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

In Virginia City, Bill Fisher sat at a table in the Bucket of Blood. He knew what everyone in town would be talking about and wanted to hear what was being said. It wasn\u2019t long until he was storming back to his rented room.<\/p>\n

Mark and Sam sat in the room talking; it was their first chance to be alone since the events that had gone so wrong.<\/p>\n

\u201cI think we should just go. If we stay here Bill\u2019s just going to drag us in deeper. Not that we aren\u2019t already in this deep enough.\u201d Sam looked angrily toward Mark. \u201cHow could you kill Joe like that? Adam was your best friend. I know it\u2019s been a long time but I still remember all the times we went over to the Ponderosa to see Adam and we used to play with Joe. Don\u2019t you remember that?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOf course I remember it. I didn\u2019t plan on things turning out like this. I didn\u2019t plan on any of this happening. Just like you, I believed Bill when he said we were just going to scare them. Looking back now I realize just how stupid we were not to know that he was planning to do more than that all along. Why else wouldn\u2019t he have cared if they knew what we looked like. He knew they weren\u2019t going to be able to tell anyone. Look Sam, I feel just as bad about it as you do but we can\u2019t undo it now.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI wish we\u2019d never found that letter. I wish we\u2019d never gone to see Bill. While Ma was still alive she used to warn us about getting mixed up with him. Who knows what he\u2019ll do to us if we cross him.\u201d<\/p>\n

Suddenly Bill walked in the door. Mark said, \u201cWhat are you doing back here already?\u201d Then he noticed the angry look on Bill\u2019s face. \u201cWhat\u2019s wrong?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cJoe Cartwright is still alive.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHe can\u2019t be.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHe is, everyone in town is talking about it. Why didn\u2019t you finish him off?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHe was hurt bad. I didn\u2019t think there was any way he\u2019d survive.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWell he has. Get your gear. We can\u2019t stay here.\u201d He quickly grabbed his belongings and walked out.<\/p>\n

Sam looked at Mark. \u201cI\u2019m glad you didn\u2019t.\u201d<\/p>\n

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

After Roy Coffee had been filled in on the events, he rode out to Clear Water with Adam and Hoss.<\/p>\n

The three men tied up their horses and walked up to the front door. Roy knocked and they could hear someone moving around inside, then silence. After a few moments Roy knocked again, this time calling, \u201cJohn, it\u2019s Roy Coffee. I need to speak to you about something.\u201d<\/p>\n

The door opened but not far enough to allow Roy, Adam and Hoss to enter. \u201cWhat do you want?\u201d John asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cJohn.\u201d Roy said. \u201cWe need to talk to you about something. We have some information about what happened.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHow? What do you know?\u201d John snapped.<\/p>\n

Adam wondered at the way John was acting. \u201cMr. Peterson, is there something wrong? You seem\u2026\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOf course there\u2019s something wrong.\u201d John cut in. \u201cMy son\u2019s been murdered. I don\u2019t want to talk about it anymore, just leave me alone.\u201d<\/p>\n

Roy put his hand on the door and prevented it from closing. \u201cJohn, I\u2019m sorry. I know this is hard on you but as I said, we\u2019ve discovered something and need to discuss it with you. Can we come in?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo.\u201d Tom shook his head. \u201cMary\u2019s too upset. I don\u2019t want to upset her further.\u201d<\/p>\n

Roy looked at him for a moment. “I was talking to Mrs. Anders earlier today, she said Mary was staying with her for awhile.\u201d<\/p>\n

Caught in a lie, John Peterson was at a loss for words, then he stumbled as he tried to explain. \u201cUm, yes, well she is. She found it too hard here. Too many memories.\u201d<\/p>\n

Hoss and Adam just looked at each other. John was definitely nervous about something.<\/p>\n

\u201cCan we come in, John?\u201d Roy pushed the door open, leaving John no choice.<\/p>\n

John stepped back allowing them to enter. After they had all sat down, Adam looked at Roy, who nodded for Adam to start.<\/p>\n

\u201cMr. Peterson, Joe\u2019s doing better and he was able to give us some information today.\u201d<\/p>\n

John\u2019s face paled. \u201cJoe. I forgot about Joe\u201d he almost whispered. \u201cWhat did he say?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHe only said two words actually. A name. Luke Fisher.\u201d<\/p>\n

John tried to stay calm. \u201cIs that all?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYes, he\u2019s still far from well. We\u2019re hoping he\u2019s going to be able to tell us more soon. Do you remember Luke Fisher?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOf course I remember him.\u201d John snapped. \u201cBut that\u2019s not much to go on is it. Who knows what Joe meant by that. Fisher is dead so it obviously couldn\u2019t have been him. Anyway, whoever did it is probably long gone by now. They wouldn\u2019t stay around after what they\u2019ve done. We\u2019ll never find them.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou don\u2019t sound like you want to.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t be ridiculous Adam, of course I do. I\u2019m just stating a fact.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam nodded. \u201cWell Mr. Peterson there\u2019s another fact you should be aware of. Despite what you believe, I don\u2019t think they are going to go away.\u201d<\/p>\n

Roy joined the conversation. \u201cI agree with Adam. I don\u2019t think men who would do something like this would be the type to just up and leave. Until we know more, I think everyone of you should watch your backs.\u201d He looked searchingly at John. \u201cYou have no idea what this could be about?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo.\u201d John replied angrily. \u201cThey murdered my son. Don\u2019t you think I would tell you if I knew something.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cMr. Peterson, Pa wants you to come to the Ponderosa so we can all talk about this.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cTalking isn\u2019t going to help Adam. It won\u2019t change what\u2019s happened.\u201d John answered him.<\/p>\n

\u201cNo, you\u2019re right.\u201d Adam said.\u00a0 \u201cBut it might help us come up with something, anything, to as least give us a clue as to who did this and why.\u201d<\/p>\n

John was silent for a moment and then said, \u201cNo. I don\u2019t know anything that will be of any use to you. I can\u2019t help you.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam, Hoss and Roy exchanged glances and then rose to leave.<\/p>\n

Adam turned before going out the door. \u201cMr. Fisher, when\u2019s Cal\u2019s funeral going to be?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cTomorrow morning at ten, Adam. I\u2019m having him buried here at home.\u201d He looked at Adam sadly. \u201cTell your Pa that I\u2019m so sorry about Joe. I know he won\u2019t want to leave Joe right now so I\u2019ll understand if he can\u2019t come.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam placed his hand on John\u2019s shoulder for a moment. \u201cCal meant a lot to us too Mr. Peterson, he was a good friend.\u201d<\/p>\n

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

Adam was the first to speak as they rode towards the Ponderosa. \u201cWell, what do you make of that? He didn\u2019t even want to let us in the house.\u201d<\/p>\n

Roy agreed. \u201cHe sure was acting like a man with something to hide.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cBut what?\u201d Hoss asked. \u201cWhat could he possibly have to hide about what happened to Joe and Caleb.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam had been deep in thought. \u201cI think it goes back further than that.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat are you getting at?\u201d Roy asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m not sure yet Roy, how it all fits together but I think Mr. Peterson knows more about what happened to Luke Fisher than he\u2019s telling us.\u201d<\/p>\n

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

Bill, Mark and Sam had ridden out to an old cabin in the mountains. They had been arguing all the way about what they should do.<\/p>\n

\u201cLook Bill, We really have no choice. It\u2019s only going to be a matter of time until Joe tells them what we look like. I say we get out of here while we can.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m with Mark.\u201d Sam added. \u201cIt\u2019s foolish to be thinkin\u2019 of doing anything else.\u201d<\/p>\n

Bill was not so easily swayed. \u201cI heard in town he was still unconscious if he were to die before he woke up our problem would be solved.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd what would you have us do?\u201d Sam asked sarcastically. \u201cJust walk in to the house and kill him. His family are going to be right there with him. They\u2019ll be no getting to him. On top of that we have no way of knowing when he\u2019s gonna wake up. For all we know he could be talking to them right now.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cLook Bill, Peterson is obviously still trying to protect his own hide. He hasn\u2019t told anyone who we are but even if he did, he doesn\u2019t know what we look like anyway. If we leave now before Joe tells them anything, we still have a chance. Peterson only wants to protect himself. There\u2019s no guarantee Ben Cartwright will do the same thing. Once Joe tells him what we look like I reckon they\u2019ll be wanted posters for us everywhere. We need to go now before that happens.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAlright, we\u2019ll go. But we make one stop before we leave.\u201d Bill said.<\/p>\n

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

Ben heard the horses ride up to the house and guessed it was Adam and Hoss returning. He checked Joe once more and then walked downstairs.<\/p>\n

Adam, Hoss and Roy were just coming in the front door. Seeing Ben, Hoss immediately asked, \u201cPa, how\u2019s Joe?\u201d<\/p>\n

“He\u2019s much better Hoss. His temperature is down and he seems a lot better. He\u2019s sleeping peacefully.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll go and sit with him Pa, while you talk to Adam and Roy.\u201d<\/p>\n

Hoss headed upstairs and Ben turned to his old friend. \u201cThank you for coming out Roy.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo problem Ben. You know how I feel about Joe. I\u2019m just sorry we haven\u2019t caught them yet. Once they headed for town though there was just no way to track them they just mingled in with everyone else and we have no idea what they look like. We need more to go on, Ben.\u201d<\/p>\n

As they sat down Ben asked, \u201cDid you go out and see John?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYes Pa, we did. He said he didn\u2019t know anything that might tell us why this happened. We asked him to come back here with us to talk but he didn\u2019t want to. To be honest Pa, it was like he knew something that he wasn\u2019t telling us. We all felt it.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWell it\u2019s only natural that he wouldn\u2019t be himself at the moment.\u201d Ben said. \u201cThis must have devastated he and Mary.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019re right of course, Ben.\u201d Roy said. \u201cBut he really did seem reluctant to help us. I thought he\u2019d be wanting to move Heaven and Earth to find these killers but he wasn\u2019t like that, he didn\u2019t even want to let us in the door.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThat doesn\u2019t sound like John, but everyone handles grief differently.\u201d<\/p>\n

Roy and Adam shared a look and Ben asked, \u201cWhat aren\u2019t you telling me?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cPa, we know this has got something to do with Luke Fisher. I don\u2019t know why I think this, maybe it\u2019s just a feeling but I believe Mr. Peterson is connected to Luke Fisher somehow.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat are you saying?\u201d Ben asked Adam angrily. \u201cThat John was mixed up in the rustling with Luke?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo, Pa. I\u2019m not saying that. I just think there are a lot of unanswered questions.\u201d<\/p>\n

Roy nodded in agreement.<\/p>\n

Just then Hop Sing came out of the kitchen with a pot of coffee.<\/p>\n

\u201cThank you Hop Sing.\u201d Ben said. \u201cWe certainly need that. It looks like we\u2019re going to be here for awhile.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben\u2019s words proved correct. The men went over and over every detail they knew concerning two deaths eighteen years apart but apparently, somehow, linked. After hours of talking though they were no closer to fitting the pieces together. Roy was just about to leave when Hoss came to the top of the stairs and said \u201cPa, Joe\u2019s waking up.\u201d<\/p>\n

The tree men quickly ran up the stairs. Ben going immediately to Joe\u2019s bedside and sitting down.<\/p>\n

Joe started to murmur and make slight movements and Ben encouraged him to wake up. \u201cCome on Joseph, it\u2019s time to wake up now. You\u2019re home and you\u2019re safe, we need you to wake up Joe.\u201d Ben kept repeating the words until slowly Joe\u2019s eyelids began to flicker and then Joe\u2019s eyes opened.<\/p>\n

Joe seemed calmer than the last time he had woken and more aware of where he was. He tried to speak but his mouth was dry. Ben reached for the glass of water on Joe\u2019s nightstand and then lifted Joe\u2019s head so he could drink. After Joe had enough Ben removed his hand from behind Joe\u2019s head and replaced the glass.<\/p>\n

Joe\u2019s eyes filled with tears. \u201cPa, they killed him.\u201d Joe said it so quietly they all had to strain to hear. Suddenly the memories were rushing back to Joe. \u201cPa, gonna be sick.\u201d<\/p>\n

Hoss grabbed a bowl and handed it to Ben. Joe had very little in his stomach but the retching wouldn\u2019t stop.<\/p>\n

Adam carefully rubbed his young brothers back, feeling sick himself at what it was that Joe was remembering.<\/p>\n

When it was over Ben placed the bowl on the floor as Hoss handed him a wet cloth, he continued to try and sooth Joe with his words and touch as he cleaned him up. Then he rubbed his hand along Joe\u2019s arm and took his hand again. \u201cI know Joe. It was an awful thing and nothing will bring Cal back but we are going to find the men who did this, we\u2019ll do everything in our power to find them Joe.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cPa, I know I have to tell you about what happened but it\u2019s so hard. All I want to do is forget but I can\u2019t get it out of my head.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI know Joe, but we\u2019re all going to help you though this. I know it doesn\u2019t seem possible now but it will get better. You just have to hold on to that Joseph, it will get better, I promise it will.\u201d<\/p>\n

Squeezing Joe\u2019s hand Ben said, \u201cJoe, I\u2019m sorry son, I know you don\u2019t want to talk about it but we have to.\u201d He tightened his grip on Joe\u2019s hand. \u201cJoseph, do you remember telling us a name?\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe shook his head, \u201cNo.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, that\u2019s not surprising. You\u2019ve been very sick. You told us a name Joe, you said, Luke Fisher. What does that mean Joe? What does it have to do with Luke Fisher?\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe tried to steady his breathing. Once he was a bit more in control of his emotions he said, \u201cThere were three men, they said they were Luke Fisher\u2019s sons and his brother.\u201d<\/p>\n

Roy moved in to Joe\u2019s line of sight. \u201cDid they use first names Joe? What were their names?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cMark and Sam, the other man they called Bill.\u201d<\/p>\n

Roy nodded. \u201cGood boy, Joe. Can you tell us what they looked like? What their horses looked like?\u201d<\/p>\n

It took awhile and there were times Ben thought Joe wouldn\u2019t be able to continue but Joe was able to tell them all that had happened. Starting from when he and Cal had been taken by surprise at the fence line.<\/p>\n

The family went through many emotions as they listened, each felt horror at what Joe had gone through, their blood ran cold when Joe described Cal\u2019s death and how Joe had been placed on Cochise with the same intention in mind.<\/p>\n

Joe was exhausted when he was finished but there was still one more thing they needed to know.<\/p>\n

\u201cDid they say why they were back, Joe? Why they did this?\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe became even more upset. \u201cI never believed them. I know it\u2019s not true. I told them they were lying.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cJoseph, calm down. It\u2019s alright. We need you to just calm down.\u201d Ben continued to speak quietly. \u201cWhat did they say to upset you like this?\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe shook his head. Knowing that what he said would hurt his father.<\/p>\n

\u201cPlease, Joe. You have to tell us everything. It may help.\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe took a shuddering breath. \u201cThey said that you and Mr. Peterson were as guilty as Luke and that you should have paid the same price \u2013 they said since you weren\u2019t man enough to admit it that Cal and I would pay that price for you.\u201d<\/p>\n

Emotionally Joe was rung out. It had been an ordeal to go through it all again. Joe started to cry, sobs ripping through him. Ben held Joe to him.<\/p>\n

When Ben had Joe calmed down, Roy said, \u201cYou\u2019ve done really well Joe. What you\u2019ve told us will be a big help.\u201d Then he looked at Ben. \u201cBen we need to talk about the allegations they\u2019ve made against you.\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe looked at Roy and Ben felt Joe\u2019s hold tighten on him as Joe said, \u201cNo. It\u2019s a lie, you can\u2019t believe them.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben glared at Roy, angry that he had upset Joe again. Roy, trying to help said, \u201cIt\u2019s alright Joe. We just need to talk about why the Fisher\u2019s think that. I don\u2019t believe your Pa was involved.\u201d<\/p>\n

His words had no effect. Joe continued to clutch Ben, repeating the same words over and over. \u201cI know it\u2019s not true.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam and Hoss who had been sitting near Joe while he had talked now reached for him to offer what comfort they could. Adam said, \u201cRoy, I think you\u2019d better wait downstairs.\u201d<\/p>\n

Roy nodded and quickly left, upset with himself for the way he had handled the talk with Joe.<\/p>\n

Ben continued talking to Joe. \u201cJoseph, son. Shhh, it\u2019s okay. I promise I wasn\u2019t involved. We\u2019ll sort it all out, I promise Joe. You don\u2019t have to worry.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam walked over to the bedside table and mixed a sleeping powder into a glass of water, handing it to his father. Ben held the glass to Joe\u2019s lips. It wasn\u2019t long before the medication started to work. Joe\u2019s eyes closed and Joe was quickly asleep.<\/p>\n

After Ben lay Joe down and covered him, he just sat and watched him sleep. Adam put his hand on his father\u2019s shoulder and said, \u201cHe\u2019ll be alright Pa. I think emotionally it\u2019s just all caught up with Joe. He\u2019ll feel a lot better once he\u2019s had a sleep.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI hope so Adam.\u201d Taking a deep breath, he said, \u201cI guess we need to go down and talk to Roy. Try and sort this mess out.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou and Adam go on, Pa. I\u2019ll stay with Joe.\u201d Hoss said.<\/p>\n

Ben smiled his thank you at Hoss knowing he was leaving Joe in good hands.<\/p>\n

When Ben and Adam went downstairs, Roy immediately got to his feet. \u201cI\u2019m sorry about that Ben. I didn\u2019t mean to upset the boy like that.\u201d<\/p>\n

Knowing how badly Roy felt about the reaction he had caused, Ben said understandingly, \u201cIt\u2019s alright Roy. Joe\u2019s asleep now.\u201d<\/p>\n

Roy hated to bring up the subject again but felt he needed to clear the air. \u201cBen, I\u2019m sorry to have you ask you this but is there any truth at all in what the Fisher\u2019s told Joe.\u201d<\/p>\n

Before Ben could answer, Adam cut in angrily. \u201cDon\u2019t be ridiculous. How dare you even suggest something like that.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben laid his hand on Adam\u2019s arm. \u201cIt\u2019s alright Adam, Roy\u2019s just doing his job. We can\u2019t fault him for that.\u201d He turned to Roy. \u201cI have no idea why they would think or say something like that. Things were hard here in those early years but I would never have resorted to stealing.\u201d<\/p>\n

Roy nodded. \u201c I know Ben. I just had to ask, no hard feelings?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou know better than that Roy, of course not. I want the answers to what has been going on here as much as you do.\u201d Ben replied.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2019re no closer to any of those answers, it\u2019s like we\u2019re just going around in circles.\u201d Adam said dejectedly.<\/p>\n

Ben shook his head. \u201cNo, that\u2019s not true. We may not know why they\u2019ve suddenly come back like this but Joe\u2019s given us some good descriptions of the men and their horses. It won\u2019t be long until we corner them.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI agree.\u201d Roy said. \u201cI\u2019m going to go back to town now and ask around. Send some wires out, see if they\u2019ve turned up in any other towns.\u201d He looked at Ben and Adam as he got up to leave. \u201cJust remember. A cornered man is a dangerous man. Be careful.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWe will, Roy. Keep us informed.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI will Ben.\u201d Roy shook hands with Ben before leaving.<\/p>\n

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

The next morning found Ben, Adam and Hoss attending Cal\u2019s funeral. After the service Ben sought Mary and John out. \u201cI\u2019m so sorry for you both.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThank you for coming, Ben. I didn\u2019t know if you would be able to. How\u2019s Joe?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHere\u2019s doing much better, Mary. He\u2019s still a long way from being well though and emotionally, well \u2026\u2026\u2026.\u201d Ben trailed off.<\/p>\n

Mary patted Ben\u2019s arm. \u201cI know Ben. I\u2019d like to see Joe if it would be alright, when he\u2019s up to visitors.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI know he\u2019d love to see you Mary.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cLet me know when Joe\u2019s up too it.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI will Mary. If there is anything we can do for you, just let us know.\u201d Ben said.<\/p>\n

\u201cThank you, Ben.\u201d<\/p>\n

As another couple approached Mary to offer their condolences, Ben and John walked away a little.<\/p>\n

\u201cI just don\u2019t know what I\u2019m going to do now.\u201d John said.<\/p>\n

\u201cDo you want me to send a couple of my men over? They could help you out here for awhile.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo. Thanks for the offer Ben, but no. I\u2019d rather just take care of things on my own.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIf that\u2019s what you want. But you let us know if you change your mind.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI will Ben. I wonder where Dave Anderson is. I thought he would have come. I really thought he\u2019d come. I need to talk to him.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAre you sure it\u2019s nothing that I can help you with?\u201d Ben asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cNo it\u2019s alright. Maybe he\u2019ll come by later.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam and Hoss joined their father; Roy Coffee was with them. Roy had attended the funeral but had been waiting for a chance to talk to John when it was over.<\/p>\n

\u201cJohn, I know this isn\u2019t the best time to discuss this but it can\u2019t wait any longer. Now that Roy\u2019s here we need to talk to you about something.\u201d Ben said.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat?\u201d John asked, looking around nervously.<\/p>\n

\u201cJoe was able to give us a description of the men we\u2019re after. We were right. It\u2019s Fisher\u2019s sons and his brother.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat else did Joe say?\u201d John asked quickly.<\/p>\n

\u201cJoe said that they told him that we were involved in the cattle rustling with Luke.\u201d<\/p>\n

John paled and his legs nearly went from under him. Adam grabbed him and helped him over to the porch where he could sit down.<\/p>\n

Mary quickly made her way over to them. \u201cWhat\u2019s wrong? John are you alright?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m fine Mary, it\u2019s nothing for you to worry about.\u201d John said.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt doesn\u2019t look like nothing. What is it?\u201d Mary asked looking at Roy.<\/p>\n

Roy took Mary\u2019s elbow. \u201cLet\u2019s go inside and talk.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo, tell me now,\u201d she said taking a seat on the porch.<\/p>\n

Roy didn\u2019t want to upset her further on today of all days but he knew it wouldn\u2019t take long for the news to spread and she would hear about it anyway. \u201cJoe was able to give us some more information. It\u2019s Luke Fisher\u2019s sons and brother that we\u2019re after. They told Joe that John and Ben were involved in the cattle rustling that went on years ago.\u201d<\/p>\n

Mary turned on John. \u201cIt\u2019s your fault. Now I know for sure. Our son is dead because of you.\u201d<\/p>\n

John attempted to stop her tirade at him and tried to comfort her. \u201cMary, you don\u2019t know what you are saying.\u201d<\/p>\n

Mary pushed him away. \u201cOh, I know alright. I suspected it was something to do with you and Dave Anderson, and your damn secrets and lies. I hate you for what you\u2019ve done. I\u2019ll never forgive you, never.\u201d Mary broke down crying.<\/p>\n

The mourners who were still there looked on in stunned silence. Roy Coffee tried to calm things down. \u201cMary, we don\u2019t know why they\u2019ve said these things, I\u2019m not accusing John.\u201d<\/p>\n

Paul who had attended the funeral came over and helped Mary to her feet and started to steer her indoors but she just said, \u2018No, please take me back to town.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cMary please, we need to talk.\u201d John tried to grab her hand but Mary just walked away.<\/p>\n

The other mourners quickly left feeling embarrassed about the scene they\u2019d just witnessed, leaving just the Cartwrights and Roy with John.<\/p>\n

The uncomfortable silence stretched and then Roy asked what they all had on their minds. \u201cJohn what was that about? What did Mary mean?\u201d<\/p>\n

John shook his head. \u201cShe didn\u2019t mean it, she was just upset. Don\u2019t take any notice of what she said, she didn\u2019t know what she was saying.\u201d John left them there and went inside.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat do you make of it Ben?\u201d Roy asked.<\/p>\n

Ben gathered his thoughts before speaking. \u201cThere\u2019s no doubt John is hiding something. I don\u2019t think we are going to get anything out of him. The only thing we can do is talk to Mary and see what she\u2019ll tell us.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHow does Dave Anderson fit into it though?\u201d Roy asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cDave used to work for us.\u201d Adam said thoughtfully.<\/p>\n

\u201cDid he? When?\u201d<\/p>\n

The Cartwright\u2019s looked at each other and then Ben said, \u201cHe was working for us when Luke Fisher was killed.\u201d Ben swung on to Buck. \u201cLet\u2019s get back to the ranch we can discuss it there.” Ben had left Hop Sing with Joe and a couple of hands watching the house but felt he had been away too long and wanted to get home to check on Joe.<\/p>\n

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

John Peterson\u2019s nerves were starting to get the better of him. He carried a rifle wherever he went. He knew the Fisher\u2019s would be back. As cautious as he was though he still wasn\u2019t cautious enough. Walking in the door after feeding the stock in the barn he found the Fisher\u2019s waiting for him.<\/p>\n

Bill pointed a gun at him. \u201cYou\u2019re making this too easy for us Peterson. One pull of this trigger and it would be all over for you.\u201d He walked up to John and took his gun.<\/p>\n

John Peterson felt his body stiffen in anger. \u201cYou killed my son.\u201d<\/p>\n

Bill nodded. \u201cYes I killed him but you\u2019re the one responsible for it. If you\u2019d done like I told ya and gone to the sheriff and told him what you did then your kid would still be alive.\u201d<\/p>\n

“I wasn\u2019t responsible for what happened to Luke. I told you that.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t lie to me.\u201d Bill shouted. \u201cWe have the letter. We know Cartwright was in it with you.\u201d<\/p>\n

John Peterson shook his head. \u201cNo, he wasn\u2019t.\u201d<\/p>\n

Mark pulled the letter from his pocket. \u201cThen why does Pa say his partners were from Clearwater and The Ponderosa.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOur partner was from the Ponderosa only it wasn\u2019t Ben. His name\u2019s Dave Anderson, he worked for Ben.\u201d John said.<\/p>\n

This was news the Fisher\u2019s hadn\u2019t expected. There had been no doubts in their minds that Ben had been involved.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhere is he now?\u201d Bill snapped.<\/p>\n

When John didn\u2019t answer, Bill pointed his gun at him and said, \u201cYou might as well tell us, if you don\u2019t I\u2019ll just ask around and find him anyway.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHe has a small place just north of here, the Double D.\u201d John answered.<\/p>\n

Still holding the gun at John Peterson, Bill said, \u201cYou two stay here. I\u2019m going to pay Davy boy a quick visit, then we\u2019ll finish things here and get going.\u201d He looked at John. \u201cI\u2019ll save you until later.\u201d<\/p>\n

Sam said, \u201cWhat are you going to do? We said, no more killing.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m not asking you to do any killing. I\u2019m just telling you to wait here.\u201d With that Bill Fisher left.<\/p>\n

As soon as Bill left, John tried to work on Mark and Sam but nothing he said could get them to release him. They were too afraid of what Bill would do if they did.<\/p>\n

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

When they arrived at the Ponderosa house Ben was assured by the hands that everything was fine, the Cartwright\u2019s and Roy went inside while the hands attended to the horses.<\/p>\n

Ben said, \u201cI won\u2019t be long\u201d as he went upstairs. There was no need to ask where he was going; they knew Ben wouldn\u2019t relax until he had checked on Joe.<\/p>\n

When Ben returned a few minutes later he answered Adam and Hoss\u2019 questioning looks. \u201cHop Sing said Joe hasn\u2019t woken up since we left this morning.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIs he still upset with me?\u201d Roy asked, still feeling awful about the way Joe had reacted to his questioning the previous day.<\/p>\n

\u201cNo, don\u2019t worry about that Roy. I had a long talk with Joe last night and he\u2019s not worried about that anymore.\u201d Ben replied.<\/p>\n

Roy was relieved. \u201cWell, I\u2019m thinking we have all come to the same conclusion here. There is definitely a connection between John Peterson and Dave Anderson. How long did Anderson work for you, Ben?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAbout ten years. Dave Anderson was one of the first men I had working for me, later when he wanted his own place, I helped him get started.\u201d<\/p>\n

Roy nodded. \u201cYou trusted him then?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOf course I did, do you think I would have kept him on if I\u2019d had any doubts about him?\u201d Ben said sharply.<\/p>\n

Roy spoke calmly. \u201cBen, I\u2019m only asking because it does look like he and John Peterson are linked to the rustling that went on back then.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben slowly shook his head. \u201cNo there must be another explanation.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam and Hoss looked at their father, knowing how hard this was on him. Adam spoke, \u201cPa, I think we have to face facts.\u201d<\/p>\n

Deep in discussion they didn\u2019t hear the arrival of a buggy in the yard and were interrupted by a knock on the door.<\/p>\n

Adam opened the door, all were shocked at who it was. \u201cMrs Peterson, come in.\u201d Adam said.<\/p>\n

Ben stood and helped her to a seat.<\/p>\n

\u201cI need to talk to you Ben. I\u2019m leaving on tomorrow\u2019s stage.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cLeaving?\u201d Ben asked. \u201cWhere are you going?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI have a sister in San Francisco. I\u2019m going to stay with her for a while. To be honest, I don\u2019t care where I go as long as it\u2019s away from here.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat about John?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI never want to see him again.\u201d Mary said with bitterness.<\/p>\n

\u201cMary, is this something to do with what happened to Caleb and Joe?\u201d<\/p>\n

Mary nodded, tears springing into her eyes. \u201cIt\u2019s John\u2019s fault. I can\u2019t tell you how sorry I am Ben.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat do you mean that it\u2019s John\u2019s fault?\u201d Ben asked.<\/p>\n

Mary looked in to Ben\u2019s eyes and started her story. \u201cBen, when the cattle rustling was going on, I suspected that John was involved. He tried to keep it from me but I got suspicious. I felt he was involved.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat made you think that?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIt was just little things. Dave Anderson started coming over a lot and he and John would talk outside. John was always really quiet after a visit from Dave and he wouldn\u2019t tell me what they\u2019d been talking about.\u201d Mary took a deep breath before continuing. \u201cWhen we found out Luke had been killed, that night John got drunk.\u201d Mary looked at Ben. \u201cYou know, John. He\u2019s not a drinking man.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben nodded.<\/p>\n

\u201cHe was so drunk I don\u2019t even think he knew he was talking out loud. He said it was his fault; that he\u2019d been supposed to move the cattle but just hadn\u2019t gotten around to it. We argued about it the next day and John promised that he was through with it.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSo he confessed to you that he was involved in the cattle rustling with Luke Fisher and Dave Anderson?\u201d Roy asked.<\/p>\n

Mary nodded.<\/p>\n

Ben was shocked. \u201cI can\u2019t believe it. All these years we were friends. I never considered for a moment that John and Dave were involved. I\u2019d have trusted John with my life.\u201d Ben said angrily.<\/p>\n

\u201cPlease Ben, I know it was wrong but you have to understand. John\u2019s felt so guilty about it all these years. I don\u2019t think a days gone by that he hasn\u2019t regretted it. That day when I finally got him to talk to me he told me just how badly things had been going with the ranch. We were stretched to the limit, I know it\u2019s no excuse, but John just couldn\u2019t see any other way.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben was beyond angry. \u201cWe were all going through hard times. Not all of us stole from our friends.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam shook his head. \u201cAnd Dave too. How could either of them have looked us in the eye and called us friend. All of that was a lie.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo Adam.\u201d Mary said. \u201cPlease don\u2019t think that. John has always considered you his friends. He\u2019s spent a lot of years trying to make up for what he did.\u201d<\/p>\n

Mary looked down ashamed and then she looked at Ben. \u201cI know I should have come to you, the guilt has just eaten at me all these years but he\u2019s my husband Ben, and I loved him. We never talked about it after that day\u2026\u2026\u2026.until now. I had to move into town, I just couldn\u2019t stand being in the house any longer, every where I turned there were memories of Caleb. But the only thing I did in town was think about him anyway. I couldn\u2019t understand why someone would do that to Caleb and Joe. In my heart I think I knew it had something to do with Luke Fisher but I just didn\u2019t want to believe that because if I was right, it would mean knowing that John did play a part in what happened to our son,\u201d she paused and looked at Ben, \u201cand yours. The truth of it is, it\u2019s my fault too. If I had come to you all those years ago and told you what John had been doing then Caleb would still be alive today.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam and Hoss looked at each other, feeling sorry for Mrs Peterson but also feeling that what she said was true, she was partly responsible for it.<\/p>\n

Ben had the same feelings but still sought to offer her comfort. \u201cMary, I can\u2019t deny that I\u2019m angry but I do understand the difficult position you were in.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIt doesn\u2019t make it right.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo, it doesn\u2019t.\u201d Ben replied.<\/p>\n

Mary looked at Roy. \u201cWhat will happen to John?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t know, he may go to prison, that\u2019s not for me to decide.\u201d Roy said.<\/p>\n

Mary suddenly thought of something. \u201cAm I in trouble for not coming forward sooner?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo, I think you\u2019ve already been through enough.\u201d Roy said.<\/p>\n

\u201cThank you.\u201d Mary said quietly. \u201cI wanted to clear all this up with you before I left.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cDoes John know that you\u2019re leaving?\u201d Ben asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cNo he doesn\u2019t. I don\u2019t see the point. He\u2019d only try and talk me out of it and we\u2019ll both end up saying things we shouldn\u2019t. It\u2019s better this way.\u201d She paused for a moment. \u201cBen, if it\u2019s alright I\u2019d like to see Joe before I leave.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cJoseph would be upset if you left without seeing him.\u201d Ben rose offering his arm to Mary.<\/p>\n

When they walked into the bedroom, Hop Sing rose from his seat and left the room.<\/p>\n

Ben sat on the edge of the bed not really wanting to wake Joe but he thought it would be good for Joe to talk with Mary. Ben gently shook Joe\u2019s arm. \u201cJoseph, it\u2019s time to wake up.\u201d He had to repeat it a few times before Joe\u2019s eyes sleepily opened. Ben asked quietly, \u201cHow are you feeling?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cBetter.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben smiled and took Joe\u2019s hand. \u201cJoe, Mrs Peterson is here to see you.\u201d<\/p>\n

Mary walked to the other side of the bed and sat in the chair near Joe so that he could see her.<\/p>\n

Joe turned his head in her direction as she said, \u201cOh Joseph, I\u2019m so glad you are going to be alright.\u201d<\/p>\n

Tears suddenly came to Joe\u2019s eyes and he said, \u201cI\u2019m so sorry, I\u2019m sorry I couldn\u2019t help Cal.\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe squeezed his father\u2019s hand tighter and Ben began to wonder if he had made a mistake. It wasn\u2019t good for Joe to be getting so upset again.<\/p>\n

Mary picked up Joe\u2019s other hand and looked into his eyes. \u201cJoe, you are not to blame for anything that happened. It was not your fault. You mustn\u2019t blame yourself.\u201d<\/p>\n

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

Mary shook her head at Joe\u2019s interruption. \u201cThere are no buts Joe. Through some miracle you survived and I don\u2019t want you to ruin the rest of your life by blaming yourself for Caleb\u2019s death. You didn\u2019t do anything wrong, Joe. Don\u2019t feel guilty for surviving. I thank God you did.\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe smiled slightly. \u201cThank you.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cJoe, I wanted to see you today because I\u2019m leaving town tomorrow.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cFor good?\u201d Joe asked.<\/p>\n

Mary nodded.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhy? Is Mr Peterson going too?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYour father will tell you all about it later. It\u2019s a long story and you look tired.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m alright.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHmm, well I think your father would agree with me rather than you.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s two against one son.\u201d Ben joked.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m moving to San Francisco Joe. When your feeling up to it, I\u2019d love a visit from you.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2019ll both go won\u2019t we Joe.\u201d Ben said.<\/p>\n

\u201cYes, Id like to go. Thank you for coming to see me Mrs Peterson. It means a lot to me.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou mean a lot to me, my dear.\u201d Mary stood up, \u201cI\u2019ll keep in touch and will look forward to your visit.\u201d She bent over and kissed Joe. \u201cGoodbye Joe. You remember what I said.\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe nodded and smiled. \u201cI will.\u201d Joe\u2019s eyes slowly closed and within minutes he was asleep. Ben and Mary quietly left the room.<\/p>\n

Once downstairs, Mary collected her things and as she prepared to leave she handed Roy a piece of paper. \u201cIf you need me for anything that\u2019s my sister\u2019s address.\u201d<\/p>\n

Roy nodded his thanks.<\/p>\n

\u201cThank you for coming out Mary. I know how hard it must have been to tell us about John and I really appreciate you talking to Joe. I think it helped him a lot.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m so glad Ben. I meant every word I said.\u201d<\/p>\n

The Cartwright\u2019s walked Mary out to her buggy. After saying their goodbyes and seeing her off they went back inside to talk to Roy.<\/p>\n

As Ben took a seat he said, \u201cJohn Peterson and Dave Anderson,\u201d he shook his head, \u201cI just can\u2019t believe it.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat do we do now?\u201d Hoss asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m going over to Anderson\u2019s place and then we\u2019ll go and see Peterson again. I want to know what else he\u2019s hiding.\u201d Ben said.<\/p>\n

Adam stood up. \u201cWe\u2019re going with you.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cBen, I don\u2019t think that\u2019s a good idea.\u201d Roy said. \u201cYou\u2019re angry. Give yourself time to calm down before you see either of them. Let me go and talk to them first.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo amount of time will make me calm down.\u201d Ben turned to Hoss. \u201cHoss I want you to stay here with Joe.\u201d<\/p>\n

Hoss nodded his acceptance.<\/p>\n

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

Arriving at The Double D Ben, Adam and Roy looked carefully around. Things looked quiet. Going up to the house Roy started to knock on the door but when he did the door pushed open. He looked at Ben and Adam, calling, \u201cDave?\u201d Getting no answer he stepped into the house, Ben and Adam behind him.<\/p>\n

Roy stopped suddenly, Ben and Adam turned to look at what the sheriff had seen. Lying in a pool of blood on the floor, obviously dead was Dave Anderson.<\/p>\n

Roy walked over and touched him. \u201cHe hasn\u2019t been dead long, looks like we just missed \u2018em.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThey\u2019ll probably be heading for John Peterson\u2019s place next.\u201d Adam said.<\/p>\n

\u201cThey might have already been there.\u201d Ben said, nodding towards Dave Anderson. \u201cWho else could have told them about him.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cLet\u2019s go.\u201d Said Roy.<\/p>\n

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

Ben, Adam and Roy were riding towards the Peterson house when a shot rang out. Jumping off their horses they ran for any available cover.<\/p>\n

Inside the house Bill Fisher glanced away from the window where he\u2019d just fired a shot and said, \u201cWe have company.\u201d<\/p>\n

Mark and Sam moved to other windows and Sam asked, \u201cWho is it?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cBen and Adam Cartwright and the sheriff.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat the hell do we do now? We\u2019re trapped in here.\u201d Sam yelled.<\/p>\n

\u201cWell we\u2019re not the only ones.\u201d Bill replied as he looked over at John Peterson who was tied to a chair.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s the Fishers Ben. Watch out.\u201d John yelled before he could be stopped.<\/p>\n

\u201cThere\u2019s no way out so you might as well give your selves up. Throw out your guns and come out with your hands up.\u201d Roy called.<\/p>\n

The answer was a shot that just went over Roy\u2019s head where he was ducked down behind a water trough next to Ben.<\/p>\n

Adam was beside the barn, out of sight from the house and signaled to his father that he was going to circle around to the back of the house.<\/p>\n

Ben and Roy nodded their agreement.<\/p>\n

\u201cIs John Peterson alright?\u201d Roy called to the men inside the house.<\/p>\n

\u201cHe\u2019s fine. Just a little tied up at the moment.\u201d Bill laughed at his own joke.<\/p>\n

Roy tried to reason with the men. \u201cWe know the truth about Luke Fisher. This isn\u2019t getting you anywhere. Come out and we can talk about it.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cTalk about it!!\u201d Bill screamed. \u201cIt\u2019s too late to talk about it. Did anyone stop to talk about it before they hung my brother.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat about what you did to Joseph and Caleb?\u201d Ben said, his anger rising.<\/p>\n

\u201cAt the time I thought it was you who had been partners with Luke and Peterson here. I\u2019m sorry about your boy. I\u2019m not sorry about the other one though, he paid for what his father did.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cBastard.\u201d John spat, trying to get the ropes free.<\/p>\n

Mark worked his way over to Sam and they had their own whispered conversation. \u201cWhat are we going to do? They\u2019re not going to let us walk out of here and if we give ourselves up, we\u2019ll be hung for murder.\u201d Sam said.<\/p>\n

Mark shook his head. \u201cHow did we let him talk us into this.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam had reached the back of the house, he was surprised that his movement hadn\u2019t been detected but Mark and Sam were busy trying to decide what to do rather than paying attention to what was happening outside.<\/p>\n

Adam saw his chance and took it. When he had a clear shot at a figure behind the window he fired. Sam was hit in the arm and went down.<\/p>\n

Bedlam broke out inside the house. \u201cSam\u2019s been shot.\u201d Mark screamed across to his uncle.<\/p>\n

Mark was down on the floor trying to help his brother, defense of their position completely forgotten.<\/p>\n

Bill turned to see what was happening. Adam fired once again, striking his target square in the chest. Bill was dead before he hit the ground.<\/p>\n

Adam slowly came in the door, his gun at the ready but there was no need for it. Bill was dead and Mark and Sam made no attempt to reach for their guns.<\/p>\n

Adam called out, \u201cPa, Sheriff, it\u2019s alright to come in.\u201d<\/p>\n

Roy and Ben rose to their feet and went inside. As they came in they both noted the body on the floor.<\/p>\n

Adam knelt down next to Mark and checked out Sam\u2019s wound. Seeing that it wasn\u2019t too serious he said, \u201cHe\u2019ll be alright.\u201d<\/p>\n

Mark looked at Adam. \u201cDoes it matter? As soon as he\u2019s well enough they\u2019ll hang us.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam couldn\u2019t deny the truth of that statement. After a moment he said, \u201cIt\u2019s been a long time Mark. I wish we could have met up for a different reason than this.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m sorry Adam. I don\u2019t know how it all went so wrong. How\u2019s Little Joe?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cDo you care?\u201d Adam snapped.<\/p>\n

\u201cYes I do.\u201d Mark put his hand on Adam\u2019s arm. \u201cBill said we were just going to scare them, a warning to Peterson of what we could do if he didn\u2019t confess that he\u2019d been a part of it too. I swear Adam, Sam and I would never have gone along had we known what Bill had planned.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben and Roy had untied John Peterson and now they stood listening.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhy now? Why did you come back now after all these years?\u201d Roy asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cMa died a couple of months ago and we found a letter. I have it in my pocket.\u201d<\/p>\n

Roy nodded for him to get it out. After Ben and Roy had read it, they passed it to Adam.<\/p>\n

Once he had read it Adam handed it back to Roy as he said, \u201cSo you assumed your father\u2019s partner on the Ponderosa was my father?\u201d<\/p>\n

Mark nodded. \u201cMore than that. Since it was your father who found the cattle, Sam and I thought he\u2019d set our father up. We thought if we could get Peterson to confess then he would turn your father in, but he refused to go to the Sheriff. He said we couldn\u2019t prove it and that made Bill angry. Bill had been in the saloon when Little Joe and Caleb were there and he heard them say where they were going to be the next day.\u201d<\/p>\n

Mark nodded at John Peterson. \u201cWhen Peterson refused to do what we had asked that was when we went after Joe and Cal. Bill said it would teach Peterson a lesson.\u201d<\/p>\n

The words hit Ben as he realized what they meant. No one had as yet said anything to John Peterson but Ben now turned angry eyes on him.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou knew the Fishers were here and you left Joe and Cal out there. You put the protection of your secret above the life of my son,\u201d Ben almost yelled at him, \u201cabove the life of your own son.\u201d Ben spat.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt wasn\u2019t like that Ben. I had no way of knowing what they were going to do. Do you honestly think I would have let my son be killed had I known what was going to happen.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben looked at John Peterson in disgust. \u201cI don\u2019t know what you\u2019re capable of anymore John. You stole from me and for all these years you\u2019ve covered it up. Maybe I could forgive you for that but I can\u2019t forgive you for your part in what happened to Joseph. Even after we\u2019d found Joe and Cal, you still kept quiet. You knew who\u2019d done it but you were prepared to let them get away rather than reveal yourself for the thief you are.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben turned away no longer able to stand the sight of the man he had once called a friend. \u201cAdam ,I want to get back to Joe now that this is all over. Can you help Roy get them into town.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSure Pa. You get going.\u201d<\/p>\n

As Ben started to leave John Peterson called out to him. \u201cPlease Ben, I need your help. Dave and I, we just did it that one time, I swear. Please Ben, I\u2019ve lost everything, you have to help me.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben looked at him coldly, \u201cI don\u2019t have to do anything for you.\u201d Ben said before closing the door behind him.<\/p>\n

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

Two months later\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026..<\/p>\n

Ben had worried that the trial would be too much for Joe but with his family\u2019s love and support Joe had handled it well. With that behind him he was able to concentrate on just getting well.<\/p>\n

Mark and Sam were both sentenced to twenty years. Joe had been truthful in his evidence and told the court that it had been Bill Fisher who had actually hung Cal.<\/p>\n

It was decided that no charges be brought against John Peterson. He had paid a high enough price \u2013 the death of his son, the loss of his wife and his reputation in ruins. He found himself ostracized from the community.<\/p>\n

Joe had not yet fully recovered. Returning to the house for dinner Adam and Hoss were surprised to see Joe run into the house, Ben called after him but Joe didn\u2019t stop.<\/p>\n

Dismounting Adam looked at his father\u2019s worried face. \u201cWhat\u2019s wrong?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cPaul Martin was out here earlier.\u201d<\/p>\n

Before Ben could say anymore, Hoss interrupted, \u201cIs Joe alright?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYes, physically he\u2019s fine. There\u2019s nothing to worry about there. Paul says he\u2019s doing remarkably well. It\u2019s just that Paul told Joe he could begin to ride again. I thought it would make Joe happy but it\u2019s had the opposite effect. I just asked if he wanted to go for a ride with me and, well, you saw the result of that. I don\u2019t understand it, usually we would have had a hard time keeping him off Cochise, now it\u2019s like he doesn\u2019t want to ride him.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI think that\u2019s it Pa.\u201d Adam said.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat?\u201d Ben asked in confusion.<\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t think it\u2019s that Joe doesn\u2019t want to ride, I think it\u2019s that he doesn\u2019t want to ride Cochise.\u201d<\/p>\n

Understanding hit Ben. \u201cPotters Field.\u201d He whispered, upset with himself. \u201cI should have realized Joe would feel like this. I should have talked to him about it.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cPa,\u201d Adam placed his hand comfortingly on Ben\u2019s arm, \u201cI don\u2019t think there\u2019s anyway we could have known. Joe\u2019s been fine until now. He\u2019s been going out to the barn everyday to see Cochise. It\u2019s obviously not Cochise that bothers him just the thought of riding him. Joe probably doesn\u2019t understand his feelings himself.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat do we do about it? Hoss asked. \u201cMaybe he\u2019d be okay if he rode a different horse.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cMaybe,\u201d Adam nodded thoughtfully, \u201cbut I don\u2019t think that\u2019s the answer. The longer this goes on before Joe admits there\u2019s a problem and lets us help him deal with it, the harder it will be.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI agree Adam.\u201d Ben said. \u201cThe simple solution would be to let Joe ride a different horse but if he does that now, I doubt that he would ever ride Cochise again and that\u2019s not helping him to deal with the memories, he has to be able to put this behind him. I think if we can just get Joe past the hurdle of riding Cochise for the first time I\u2019m sure he\u2019ll be fine. There are a lot of happy memories for Joe tied up with that horse. I think a couple of hours out riding him will bring those memories back.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cBut how? We can\u2019t force him to do it.\u201d Hoss said.<\/p>\n

\u201cLet\u2019s not mention it again today. We\u2019ll see how he feels tomorrow. I\u2019ll talk to him then. Joe loves that horse. I hate the thought of never seeing Joe on him again.\u201d<\/p>\n

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

When Joe came down the next morning, Adam and Hoss had already eaten and had gone outside to do something for Ben. Ben sat with Joe talking about nothing in particular. Joe knew his father had something on his mind and thought he could guess what it was. It wasn\u2019t long before Ben broached the subject.<\/p>\n

\u201cJoseph, I want to talk to you about what happened yesterday.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t know what you mean.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cJoe I\u2019m not going to let you bluff your way out of this. We need to talk about it or it will keep eating away at you.\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe shook his head and stood up not wanting to talk about it at all.<\/p>\n

Ben wouldn\u2019t let it go, he reached up and grabbed Joe\u2019s arm. \u201cJoseph, I know how hard it must be to think about riding Cochise after what happened to you\u2026\u2026\u2026..\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo,\u201d Joe yelled, cutting his father off angrily, \u201cyou don\u2019t know.\u201d Pulling his arm free and quickly turning away from Ben\u2019s hold, Joe made his way for the stairs.<\/p>\n

In a surprising display of agility Ben beat Joe to the stairs and blocked his path. It was then that Ben saw the anger had left Joe, sadness replacing it.<\/p>\n

\u201cJoseph,\u201d Ben said softly, reaching once more for his son. This time Joe allowed himself to be held by his father. \u201cIt\u2019s going to be alright. It\u2019s only natural to feel this way. To remember what was happening the last time you were on him.\u201d<\/p>\n

Held in his father\u2019s arms Joe finally gave voice to the feelings that seemed to him like they were tearing him apart. Joe lifted his head from Ben\u2019s shoulder and looked at his father as he shook his head. \u201cYou don\u2019t understand. It\u2019s not me I think about, it\u2019s Cal.\u201d Joe looked away from his father\u2019s eyes and put his head down again.<\/p>\n

\u201cOh Joseph.\u201d Ben was at a loss as to what to say to help his son.<\/p>\n

\u201cI know it\u2019s not Cochise\u2019s fault, he didn\u2019t know and I know it\u2019s stupid to feel like this but I can\u2019t help it. I don\u2019t think I can ride him again.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cJoe, as difficult as it is you need to try and get past this. For your sake you need to try. I\u2019ve asked your brothers to saddle our horses. Why don\u2019t you and I go for a ride?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t want to.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben pulled away from Joe; putting his fingers under his chin he lifted Joe\u2019s head up so that he could look in his eyes. \u201cI think the problem is Joe that you do want to but are afraid to try.\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe shook his head. \u201cI can\u2019t.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAll I ask is that you try. You\u2019ll never know what you can do unless you try. Please Joe, for me, just try.\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe nodded.<\/p>\n

\u201cCome on then.\u201d Ben said encouragingly. He led Joe outside before Joe could change his mind.<\/p>\n

Buck and Cochise were saddled and tied to the hitching rail. Adam and Hoss were standing next to them.<\/p>\n

Ben untied his reins and mounted Buck. Joe stood there for a moment. Adam undid Joe\u2019s reins and handed them to Joe, giving his brother a gentle push forward.<\/p>\n

At first they didn\u2019t think Joe was going to do it but after another moment he mounted. It wasn\u2019t his usual confident swing mount the others noted but at least he had gotten on.<\/p>\n

Ben and Joe rode out at a sedate pace. Joe\u2019s head was down; he was clearly not enjoying the ride.<\/p>\n

Adam and Hoss stayed around the yard area, finding excuses to do things that didn\u2019t need doing so that they could be there where Ben and Joe returned home.<\/p>\n

Two hours later at the sound of hooves they looked up to see Joe racing their father, Joe clearly ahead. Normally riding into the yard at that speed would not have been tolerated by their father but it appeared that today Ben had encouraged it. The look on the faces of both riders said it all; it was a look of pure happiness.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

September 2002<\/b><\/p>\n

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

<\/div>\n

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

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

Summary:\u00a0 After taking over the Army contract and seeing it through to completion, Joe is given a week vacation.\u00a0 Nothing to worry about, right?\u00a0 Men from the past have other plans in mind.<\/p>\n

Rating:\u00a0 T\u00a0 (21, 270 words)<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":10321,"featured_media":8478,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"template-full-width-post.php","format":"standard","meta":{"jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_access":"","_jetpack_dont_email_post_to_subs":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_tier_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paywalled_content":false,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[23,1008],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-13831","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-drama","category-family","wpcat-23-id","wpcat-1008-id"],"a3_pvc":{"activated":true,"total_views":2250,"today_views":0},"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/04\/LJshadow1.jpg?fit=720%2C576&ssl=1","jetpack_likes_enabled":true,"jetpack-related-posts":[{"id":13942,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=13942","url_meta":{"origin":13831,"position":0},"title":"The Deadliest Disease (by Susan G)","author":"SusanG","date":"December 12, 2007","format":false,"excerpt":"Summary:\u00a0 Away from the Pondersoa, Joe becomes sick while staying overnight in Green Meadows; and Cartwrights face the fear of a town without a doctor. Word Count: \u00a012,900 \u00a0Rated: \u00a0T","rel":"","context":"In "Drama"","block_context":{"text":"Drama","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?cat=23"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"","width":0,"height":0},"classes":[]},{"id":13838,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=13838","url_meta":{"origin":13831,"position":1},"title":"Betrayal (by HelenB)","author":"HelenB","date":"December 27, 2003","format":false,"excerpt":"Summary:\u00a0 Joe feels responsible for the death of a friend and with Christmas not far away, it doesn't look like it will be a happy one. 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