{"id":13832,"date":"2002-11-27T07:40:08","date_gmt":"2002-11-27T12:40:08","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=13832"},"modified":"2026-01-20T15:52:25","modified_gmt":"2026-01-20T20:52:25","slug":"a-life-lived-by-helenb","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=13832","title":{"rendered":"A Life Lived (by HelenB)"},"content":{"rendered":"

Summary:\u00a0 <\/strong>Adam and Joe run into trouble while away from the ranch. Will help arrive in time?<\/p>\n

Rating:\u00a0 T\u00a0 (11,540 words)<\/p>\n

A Life Lived Series:<\/strong><\/p>\n

A Life Lived<\/a>
\nReturn of a Gunfighter<\/a><\/p>\n

A Life Lived<\/strong><\/p>\n

\n
\n

Joe stood as still as he could, he felt sick to his stomach and he could barely control the quivering in his legs. He fought to keep his breathing steady. His body begged for release from the pain and as much as he fought it, his mind kept screaming at him that his body would give out soon.<\/p>\n

Adam knew it wouldn\u2019t be long now. There was no doubt in his mind that he was going to die. He tried to keep as still as he could, knowing that any movement by him was sending pain throughout Joe\u2019s body. He didn\u2019t know how Joe had been able to endure it for so long.<\/p>\n

Adam heard his youngest brother start to cry and as much as he dreaded what was going to happen to him, his heart broke for Joe, for he knew that no matter what he said to him, Joe would forever hold himself responsible for Adam\u2019s death.<\/p>\n

Adam thought back to how this had all started. Lately it had seemed that he and Joe had done nothing but argue. It had all come to a head a couple of weeks ago. Adam had stood in the barn arguing with Joe.<\/p>\n

Joe walked out of the barn, leading Cochise, turning his back on Adam. Adam grabbed his arm and swung him around. \u201cYou\u2019ll do as I say.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t have to do what you say. Pa said I could go and I\u2019m going.\u201d Joe yelled.<\/em><\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019ll not defy me on this, boy.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n

Those words were like a match to dynamite and just as quickly, Joe exploded. Pulling free of Adam he yelled \u201cI\u2019m sick of you treating me like a child. I won\u2019t put up with it any longer\u201d. Before Adam could stop him Joe leapt on to Cochise and was gone.<\/em><\/p>\n

\u201cDamn\u201d Adam was beyond angry but also willing to admit that he had handled the situation badly. He knew he should never have let Joe ride out like that in the mood he\u2019d been in.<\/em><\/p>\n

Hoss, coming out of the house to see what all the yelling was about saw Joe go flying out of the yard on Cochise. He walked quickly over to Adam. \u201cWhat happened?\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n

\u201cJoe wanted to go over to the Miller\u2019s place to help Sarah set up for her party. I told him he couldn\u2019t go.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n

\u201cWhy? Pa said he could have the day off.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n

\u201cPa\u2019s away. I\u2019m in charge. I told Joe he had to get that water hole cleaned out in the South pasture. He hasn\u2019t done it. I told him last week that if it wasn\u2019t done he wouldn\u2019t be going to the Millers today.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n

\u201cDid you ask Joe if he\u2019d done it?\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n

\u201cWhat?\u201d Adam asked, not understanding what Hoss was talking about.<\/em><\/p>\n

\u201cDid you ask Joe if he\u2019d cleaned out the water hole?\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n

Realization hit Adam. That he hadn\u2019t asked; he\u2019d just assumed that Joe hadn\u2019t done it. Trying to justify himself he said, \u201cJoe never does anything without being asked ten times to do it.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n

\u201cThis time he did.\u201d Hoss said simply.<\/em><\/p>\n

\u201cWhat do you mean? Are you telling me that Joe has cleaned it out?\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n

\u201cYes, he has and before you say anything else, yes, I\u2019ve seen it and yes, he did a good job.\u201d Hoss was angry himself. \u201cJoe\u2019s worked really hard while Pa has been away. If you think about it, you\u2019ll realize that Joe\u2019s done all you\u2019ve asked of him and more. He\u2019d just finished cleaning that water hole when I went by there yesterday. He thought you\u2019d be pleased at the job he\u2019d done and that you hadn\u2019t had to remind him to do it.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n

\u201cWhy didn\u2019t he tell me?\u201d Adam said, full of remorse.<\/em><\/p>\n

\u201cWhen did you get home last night?\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n

Adam nodded realizing what Hoss was telling him. \u201cYou know I got in late. I had a meeting in town. Joe was in bed by the time I got home.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n

\u201cExactly. And by the sounds of it, you didn\u2019t give him a chance to say anything about it this morning before going off at him.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n

\u201cNo, you\u2019re right. What a mess. I\u2019ll have to go after him and apologize.\u201d He turned to start saddling his horse.<\/em><\/p>\n

\u201cAdam, why don\u2019t you give him time to calm down before you try and talk to him.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n

Adam smiled wryly. \u201cYou\u2019re right. He wouldn\u2019t want to hear anything I have to say at the moment. Hoss, ride after him. Make sure he got to the Millers okay. It worries me when he rides when he\u2019s so angry.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll go now, Adam.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n

Joe stood trembling, his mind trying to think of anything but what was happening now. He remembered the argument he\u2019d had with Adam, and the things he\u2019d said to Hoss. Hoss had been right he hadn\u2019t meant it. Joe\u2019s thoughts turned to the day of the argument that had precipitated his father sending Joe with Adam to sell the horses in the hope that time away together would give them a chance to sort things out between them.<\/p>\n

Joe rode away from the ranch. After awhile, his emotions took over. He slowed Cochise, getting off he just sat down on the side of the road, his head resting on his arms which were on his drawn up knees.<\/em><\/p>\n

As Hoss had ridden along the road he\u2019d seen Cochise just standing there, with Joe sitting there beside him. Hoss jumped off Chub and hurried over to him, thinking that Joe had fallen.<\/em><\/p>\n

\u201cJoe!\u201d shouted Hoss.<\/em><\/p>\n

Joe looked up at the sound of his brother\u2019s voice. Hoss came over and sat next to Joe, placing his hand on his younger brother\u2019s back.<\/em><\/p>\n

\u201cAre you alright?\u201d Hoss asked concerned. \u201cYou ain\u2019t hurt are ya?\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n

Joe shook his head. \u201cNo, I\u2019m alright. He just makes me so mad.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n

Hoss didn\u2019t need to ask who Joe was referring to. Hoss could tell by Joe\u2019s voice that Joe was struggling with tears and anger. \u201cHe didn\u2019t mean it Joe. I told him about the water hole. He\u2019s sorry for jumping on ya.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n

\u201cSo he should be.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n

Hoss shook his head, Joe sure could hang on to a bad mood. But Hoss knew it wasn\u2019t just anger, Joe was hurt.<\/em><\/p>\n

\u201cAdam sent me after you.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n

\u201cOh, he would. What is wrong with him can\u2019t he just leave me alone.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n

Hoss interrupted him. \u201cJoe, it\u2019s not like that. He was worried about ya that\u2019s all.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n

\u201cHumph,\u201d Joe merely grunted.<\/em><\/p>\n

\u201cYou know you could have stood your ground with Adam, let him have his say and then made him listen to you.\u201d Hoss hated it when his brothers were at odds with each other.<\/em><\/p>\n

\u201cThere\u2019s no talking to Adam when he\u2019s in that mood.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n

\u201cThe same could be said of you.\u201d Hoss said.<\/em><\/p>\n

\u201cI hate him.\u201d Joe said quietly.<\/em><\/p>\n

\u201cNo, don\u2019t say that Joe. You\u2019re angry with him is all. You don\u2019t hate him.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n

Joe didn\u2019t answer.<\/em><\/p>\n

Hoss patted Joe\u2019s back and said, \u201cAdam\u2019s been under a lot of pressure with Pa away. He wants everything to run smoothly.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n

\u201cI was doin\u2019 my best to help him. I didn\u2019t mean to make him mad.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n

Hoss heard the hurt in Joe\u2019s voice. \u201cHe knows that. Sort it out with him Joe. Don\u2019t let the anger fester.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n

Joe was about to retort angrily but Hoss\u2019 calm manner had a good effect on him and Joe calmed down. \u201cYeah, I guess you\u2019re right.\u201d Joe gave Hoss a slight smile. \u201cI will. I\u2019ll talk to him later when I come home to get changed for the party.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n

Hoss stood and pulled Joe to his feet. \u201cYou better get goin\u2019. Miss Sarah will be wonderin\u2019 where you are.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n

Joe swung up on to Cochise. \u201cI\u2019ll see you later.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n

When Joe returned home later that day, Adam was waiting to talk to him.<\/em><\/p>\n

Adam was working at the desk when Joe came in, he called over to him. \u201cJoe, can I talk to you for a minute?\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n

Joe approached the desk and sat down on the corner of it.<\/em><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m sorry about this morning. I should never have said the things I did. I hope you can forgive me.\u201d Adam held out his hand to Joe.<\/em><\/p>\n

Joe immediately reciprocated the move. \u201cI\u2019m sorry too, Adam.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n

Joe nodded at the bookwork Adam was doing. \u201cAre you nearly finished?\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n

\u201cI have a bit more to do. I want to get it all done before Pa gets home tomorrow.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n

\u201cAren\u2019t you coming to the party?\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n

\u201cI didn\u2019t know if you\u2019d want me there.\u201d Adam replied, not sure if things were back to normal between them.<\/em><\/p>\n

\u201cCome on, Adam. I thought we put that behind us?\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n

\u201cAlright,\u201d Adam shut the book. \u201cI guess I can finish this in the morning.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n

As an excruciating pain shot through Joe, his thoughts returned to the awful situation he now found himself in. His shoulder felt like it was on fire.<\/p>\n

Adam felt Joe try to adjust his weight. Adam\u2019s thoughts turned to his treatment of Joe lately. Their father was right, he did still treat Joe maybe too much as a child but how could he help it. Joe would always be his baby brother. And now, he couldn\u2019t help but think about what would happen to Joe after this. He thought about the day after his argument with Joe.<\/p>\n

Ben arrived home and that night after Hoss and Joe had gone to bed, Ben and Adam talked.<\/em><\/p>\n

Ben said, \u201cWell, everything looks fine Adam. How were things between you and Joe?\u201d Ben knew the two brothers were prone to clashes.<\/em><\/p>\n

Ben knew his sons well and he saw the look that crossed Adam\u2019s face. \u201cWhat happened?\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n

\u201cJoe and I had an argument yesterday. It was more my fault than his.\u201d Adam told his father what had happened.<\/em><\/p>\n

\u201cAnd everything\u2019s alright between you and Joe now?\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n

Adam smiled wryly \u201cFor now anyway. It\u2019s like Joe and I just don\u2019t get on. It never used to be this way between us. I don\u2019t know what went wrong.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n

\u201cAdam, Joe\u2019s young. He\u2019s just trying to find his own place in the family. He doesn\u2019t know where he fits yet. He\u2019s caught between no longer being a child and not quite an adult. You were as difficult to get on with when you were his age.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n

Adam nodded. \u201cI guess so. But he isn\u2019t like that with you and Hoss.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n

\u201cI know. But if your honest about it Adam, I think sometimes you expect too much from Joe.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n

Adam started to protest but Ben said, \u201cAdam, you expect him to be like you, and he\u2019s not, son. He does things differently than you, reacts to things differently. It\u2019s not that your relationship with Joe is gone. It\u2019s just changing. Give it time and I think you will find that it\u2019s as strong as ever.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n

\u201cMaybe you\u2019re right.\u201d Adam reluctantly agreed. Smiling at his father he said, \u201cPa, how did you get to be so wise?\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n

Trying to keep a straight face, Ben replied, \u201cI was born wise.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n

Adam\u2019s thoughts stopped wandering and he was jerked back to the present as he heard a crack and Joe cried out. Adam realized Joe\u2019s left shoulder had given out, but still, through sheer force of will Joe stayed on his feet and maintained the weight.<\/p>\n

Adam heard Joe sob as he struggled to speak. \u201cAdam\u2026\u2026\u2026 I\u2019m sorry\u2026\u2026\u2026.I can\u2019t\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026.God, Adam\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026I\u2019m so\u2026\u2026.. sorry.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam felt the rope against his neck pull and he tried to adjust his weight to the right. \u201cIt\u2019s alright Joe. Whatever happens, it\u2019s not your fault. You have to understand that. Please Joe.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam knew there wasn\u2019t much time left. He was desperate to make Joe understand. He felt like giving in to panic and despair, he didn\u2019t want to die like this. Adam knew for him it would soon be over but Joe would have to live with the guilt of not being able to save his brother and Adam feared that the guilt would destroy Joe.<\/p>\n

Joe\u2019s body was starting to cramp from the weight pressing down on it. His legs felt like they were going to give way but Joe knew he could never allow that to happen. He knew if he chose to end his own pain it would cause the death of his brother and he could never do that. He thought about the morning his father had told him he wanted Joe to go with Adam to sell the horses. The words his father had said came back to him and they pounded in his head.<\/p>\n

The day after his arrival home, Ben had spoken to his sons at the breakfast table. Adam was to leave the following day to take some horses for sale. One of the hands was due to go with him.<\/em><\/p>\n

\u201cAdam, I told Pete he wouldn\u2019t be needed to go with you tomorrow. I want Joe to go with you.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n

All three sons knew what Ben was up to. He thought a bit of time away from the ranch together would give Adam and Joe a chance to talk things through. He knew his sons well and he\u2019d used the same strategy before; it had never failed him yet.<\/em><\/p>\n

Adam and Joe nodded their acceptance as they got up from the table to start their day. Ben said, \u201cI want you to remember you won\u2019t have Hoss there to be the peace maker between you two so try not to kill each other.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n

They saw the smile on their fathers face and all three sons laughed. \u201cWe\u2019re not that bad.\u201d Adam said.<\/em><\/p>\n

\u201cHmmm.\u201d Ben said noncommittally.<\/em><\/p>\n

Joe\u2019s head spun and the words kept going around and around in his head. \u2018Try not to kill each other; try not to kill each other; try not to\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2019 Joe tried to make the words stop. Pa had been joking, but now here he stood and it was up to him if Adam lived or died.<\/p>\n

\u201cBastards.\u201d Joe wanted to scream. How could they do this? Why didn\u2019t they just take the money? The thoughts kept running through his head. Was it only yesterday that he and Adam had encountered the men, it seemed like longer than that. But yes, it was only yesterday.<\/p>\n

Joe and Adam had been heading home after selling the horses. As they rode along they had been talking and laughing. Often lately they didn\u2019t seem to see eye to eye on anything and there always seemed to be an argument brewing. Pa had hoped this time away would help them sort things out between them and it appeared it had worked. They had gotten on well, but both had been looking forward to getting home.<\/p>\n

Along the trail heading in the opposite direction they\u2019d met four men. Joe and Adam nodded their heads in greeting as they passed them. Before Adam had a chance to react one of the men had pulled Joe from his horse, pulling Joe\u2019s gun from his holster he\u2019d held it to the boy\u2019s head. He\u2019d held Joe in front of him so Adam couldn\u2019t shoot for fear of hitting Joe.<\/p>\n

The other men had all pulled their guns and Adam had no choice but to throw his down.<\/p>\n

The men had searched Adam and Joe, taking the money they\u2019d gotten for the horses and anything else they had of value on them. Then they had been tied up. Throughout the night the men got drunker then one of them said he wanted to show the others something he\u2019d heard about. They laughed and thought it was funny as Adam and Joe had been forced into position.<\/p>\n

Adam was forced to stand on Joe\u2019s shoulders, a rope around his neck, when Joe couldn\u2019t take Adam\u2019s weight any longer and collapsed \u2013 Adam would hang.<\/p>\n

The image faded from Joe\u2019s mind as he was brought back to reality by the sound of Adam\u2019s voice.<\/p>\n

Joe was too confused to understand what Adam was saying. His eyes blurred by tears and pain, he wasn\u2019t aware of what was happening.<\/p>\n

As unbearable pain shot through Joe\u2019s entire body, blackness claimed him and Joe collapsed to the ground.<\/p>\n

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

Joe awoke to the feeling of a warm soft bed under him. He felt someone touch him as he moved then he heard a voice he knew so well.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s alright Joseph. Lie still.\u201d<\/p>\n

Slowly Joe opened his eyes, knowing who\u2019s face he would see and wanting so very much to see that face.<\/p>\n

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

The drapes were closed, only letting in a little light. The doctor had suggested keeping them that way so that when Joe did finally awaken the light wouldn\u2019t be too painful on his eyes.<\/p>\n

Ben gently lifted Joe\u2019s head and let him sip a glass of water, laying him back down when he\u2019d had enough.<\/p>\n

As awareness came back to Joe he remembered what had happened. Ben was holding Joe\u2019s right hand and he felt his son squeeze with what little strength he had.<\/p>\n

Suddenly tears were flooding Joe\u2019s eyes. \u201cI\u2019m sorry, Pa. I tried to hold him.\u201d Joe kept repeating the same words over and over.<\/p>\n

Careful of Joe\u2019s shoulder wound Ben lifted Joe up so that Joe was resting against him. \u201cJoe, listen to me. Adam\u2019s alright. Shhhh, Joseph. Joseph, please believe me. Adam is fine.\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe would not be comforted.<\/p>\n

Ben and Hoss had made good time to Willow Falls, riding as fast as possible. Adam had looked after Joe until their arrival. This morning Adam and Hoss had gone downstairs to the hotel dining room to have breakfast. Afterwards they went back upstairs to take up vigil in the room where Joe had laid for the last four days. As they walked in, Ben looked across the room.<\/p>\n

\u201cThank heavens you\u2019re here.\u201d Ben pulled Joe back. \u201cJoseph, look.\u201d For a moment Joe just starred, too shocked to say or do anything.\u00a0 Ben gently released Joe, getting up so that Adam could take his place.<\/p>\n

Joe reached up and touched Adam\u2019s face, Adam placed his hand over Joe\u2019s for a moment, then reaching out he pulled Joe towards him.<\/p>\n

\u201cI thought you were dead. I thought I\u2019d killed you.\u201d Joe said.<\/p>\n

Adam was shocked at what his brother said. \u201cOh, Joe.\u201d Adam ran his hand up and down Joe\u2019s back while talking to him. \u201cYou saved me, Joe. No one could have done more than you did. No one.\u201d<\/p>\n

Finally when Joe\u2019s emotions were under control, Adam released him. Joe wiped the tears away, his eyes staying on Adam.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat happened?\u201d Joe asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat\u2019s the last thing you remember Joe?\u201d Adam asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cPain. The pain was so bad.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam rubbed Joe\u2019s right arm. \u201cYou know how you were cramping. The doctor said when my weight was taken off you, the release made those cramps go right through you. That\u2019s why the pain was so bad and you passed out.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cBut how did you get free?\u201d Joe asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cI could feel you sway and I knew you were about to go, when suddenly out of nowhere, someone came riding up. He got me down just before you collapsed.\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe stared an Adam in wonderment. Still not being able to believe his eyes. His tears returned at the thought of just how close he had come to never being able to see his brother again.<\/p>\n

Adam had always found it hard to show his emotions, believing that his family knew he loved them without him needing to tell them so but at this moment he felt in his heart that Joe needed to hear it from him. \u201cJoe, I love you. Always have, always will. You saved my life.\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe shook his head and Adam stilled the movement with his hand. \u201cYes, you did Joe. I really don\u2019t know how you managed to hold me up as long as you did.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI love you too Adam.\u201d Joe said looking at his brother, then looking over at his father and Hoss he said, I love you all.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben sat down on the other side of the bed. He knew Joe was feeling very emotional after all that had happened. \u201cAnd I love you Joseph, so very, very much.\u201d He said as he smoothed back Joe\u2019s hair.<\/p>\n

Hoss walked over and squatted down beside the bed. \u201cThat goes me for two short shanks, you know that.\u201d Trying to lighten the mood, he continued, \u201cCan\u2019t I let you two go anywhere without me without you running into trouble.\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe smiled. \u201cWell, where is this stranger? What\u2019s his name? Can I meet him? When can we go home?\u201d Then Joe realized he didn\u2019t even know where he was. \u201cWhere are we?\u201d<\/p>\n

The others laughed. \u201cOne thing at a time, Joseph. His name is Tyler Hudson and yes, you can meet him.\u201d<\/p>\n

As Joe started to open his mouth, Ben said \u201cYou can meet him later Joe, not now. There\u2019s plenty of time. As it turns out Tyler was looking for work so I\u2019ve offered him a job on the Ponderosa. As to where we are, we\u2019re in Willow Falls.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben could see that Joe was sleepy. \u201cNow young man, the doctor says that as well as having a broken shoulder you\u2019re extremely dehydrated and exhausted. He said the best thing for you is rest so you are going to get plenty of it. So you get some sleep now and I\u2019ll get your brothers to bring you up something to eat.\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe was almost asleep when he remembered his Pa hadn\u2019t answered one of his questions. \u201cYou forgot to tell me when we can go home.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben smiled. \u201cI didn\u2019t forget. I just decided not to answer that one.\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe opened his eyes. \u201cPa.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben rubbed Joe\u2019s arm. \u201cGo to sleep Joseph. We\u2019ll go home when the doctor says you can and not a moment before.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam was still sitting on Joe\u2019s bed and as Joe turned his head to a more comfortable position, their eyes caught. \u201cAre you really alright?\u201d Joe whispered sleepily.<\/p>\n

Adam smiled. \u201cI\u2019m fine.\u201d<\/p>\n

Just before sleep claimed him, Joe mumbled. \u201cGuess I\u2019m lucky it wasn\u2019t Hoss standin\u2019 on me, I\u2019d of been squashed.\u201d<\/p>\n

His family\u2019s laughter was the last thing Joe heard before he went to sleep.<\/p>\n

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

Ben agreed to Joe meeting Tyler the next day. Joe was still so exhausted that he could hardly keep his eyes open but Ben knew how much he wanted to meet Tyler.<\/p>\n

Adam brought Tyler in and introduced him. \u201cTyler this is my youngest brother, Little Joe.\u201d<\/p>\n

Tyler reached for the young man\u2019s hand. \u201cLittle Joe, it\u2019s nice to meet you.\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe clasped his hand. \u201cThank you so much. I don\u2019t know how I can thank you.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYour Pa\u2019s given me a job that\u2019s enough in my book. I\u2019m just glad I came across you both when I did.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNot as glad as us.\u201d Adam joked.<\/p>\n

Ben was watching Joe carefully. \u201cThat\u2019s enough for today. Joe\u2019s tired.\u201d Ben said.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll see you later, Little Joe.\u201d Tyler said.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s just Joe.\u201d Joe mumbled.<\/p>\n

The other Cartwright\u2019s laughed and Joe scowled. Looking Joe in the eyes, Tyler said quietly, \u201cI\u2019ll remember, Joe.\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe flashed him a smile, instantly liking the man.<\/p>\n

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

The Cartwright\u2019s were riding home. Tyler Hudson was with them. Joe felt three sets of eyes on him as his family continually watched him. Joe had, as usual, gotten his own way. The doctor had wanted Joe to stay a few more days but Joe had talked the doctor into letting him go home by promising he wouldn\u2019t over do it.<\/p>\n

They were a day into the journey with another day to go. Ben had already suggested they stop for the night although there were still a couple of hours of daylight left. Joe had shaken his head and kept going. They hadn\u2019t gone much further when Joe pulled his horse to a stop, with his head low he said, \u201cI\u2019m sorry Pa. I need to stop.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben was off his horse and to Joe\u2019s side in a moment, helping his son down he said, \u201cThere\u2019s nothing to be sorry about, Joe.\u201d<\/p>\n

When Joe got off his horse, even though his left arm was in a sling, force of habit made him reach with his right for the buckle of his saddle, preparing to settle his horse for the night but Ben gently led Joe away. \u201cYour brothers will see to the horses.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam handed Ben a couple of blankets and the saddle roll from Joe\u2019s horse.<\/p>\n

After the horses were unsaddled, Tyler took them to a nearby stream to water them. Adam and Hoss walked over to Ben and Joe to start setting up camp.<\/p>\n

Joe was stretched out sound asleep. Ben was sitting next to him.<\/p>\n

\u201cHow is he?\u201d Adam asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cHe\u2019s so tired. He\u2019s been through so much.\u201d Ben looked up at Adam. \u201cYou both have. We should have stayed in Willow Falls a few more days.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam and Hoss sat down. \u201cPa.\u201d Hoss said. \u201cJoe\u2019ll feel a lot better once we get home.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI wish we\u2019d been able to get Cochise back for him.\u201d Hoss said. He looked across at Adam. \u201cI\u2019m sorry you lost Beauty too Adam. You know that but Joe, well, you know how he is about that horse of his.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam nodded. \u201cI know. I\u2019d have given anything to get the horse back for the kid, too.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben sighed. Well, the Sheriff in Willow Falls was sending wires out everywhere so hopefully those men will be tracked down. At least by the descriptions you and Joe gave them they know who they\u2019re looking for, the Wilson gang.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHe didn\u2019t sound too hopeful though. Seemed to think they\u2019d just head for Mexico. The posse he sent out didn\u2019t find anything.\u201d Hoss said.<\/p>\n

All the Cartwright\u2019s were discouraged at the thought that the men might escape justice. The money that had been stolen was of no consequence to Ben, he\u2019d have gladly given it a thousand times over to have spared his sons the ordeal they had gone through.<\/p>\n

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

As the five men rode into the yard, Hop Sing hurried out to meet them. Joe could hardly raise a smile for the little man. He was almost asleep on his feet. Ben put his arm around Joe\u2019s waist and steered him into the house.<\/p>\n

Adam, Hoss and Tyler took care of the horses and then Adam showed Tyler where the bunk house was and introduced him to the other men.<\/p>\n

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

For the first few days after their return, Joe seemed to do nothing but sleep. Ben had Doctor Martin come out, much to Joe\u2019s chagrin.\u00a0 He\u2019d subjected Joe to a thorough examination, at least putting Ben\u2019s mind at ease about Joe\u2019s physical injuries. But Ben was concerned that Joe still seemed so listless.<\/p>\n

On the fourth day, Ben was doing some work at his desk and Joe was reading on the settee when there was a knock on the door. Ben got up to answer it.<\/p>\n

\u201cRoy.\u201d said Ben, reaching to shake his old friend\u2019s hand. \u201cCome in. What brings you out here?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cGood news actually Ben.\u201d<\/p>\n

As Roy came in, he saw Joe. \u201cJoe, how are you feeling?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cFine thanks, Roy.\u201d Joe answered automatically.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m glad you\u2019re here, Joe. You\u2019ll want to hear this.\u201d Roy looked around as he sat down. \u201cAre Adam and Hoss here?\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben shook his head as he took a seat. \u201cNo, they\u2019re branding. They\u2019ll be back this evening.\u201d<\/p>\n

Hop Sing came out with coffee for everyone, having heard the sheriff arrive.<\/p>\n

Once everyone had their coffee, Ben asked, \u201cOkay, out with it Roy. What\u2019s this news?\u201d Ben kept an eye on Joe, knowing the news was probably about the men who had waylaid his two sons.<\/p>\n

Roy also looked over at Joe. “I got a wire from Harleyville. The Wilson gang are dead, Joe.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHow did it happen?\u201d Joe asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe sheriff there had received the wire from Willow Falls and he recognized them. He got some men together and they went after them. The sheriff and his men got them boxed in and well, they wouldn\u2019t surrender.\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe nodded. \u201cAre you sure it was them?\u201d Joe asked quietly.<\/p>\n

Ben got up and went and sat next to Joe, putting his arm around Joe\u2019s shoulders.<\/p>\n

\u201cYes Joe. We\u2019re sure it was them. The descriptions all fit and\u2026\u2026.\u201d He paused for a moment. \u201cThey still had Cochise and Beauty with them.\u201d<\/p>\n

A smile immediately lit Joe\u2019s face. \u201cReally? Are they alright? Can we go and get them?\u201d Joe jumped to his feet.<\/p>\n

Roy laughed, having gotten the reaction he knew he would get. \u201cThere\u2019s no need Joe. I\u2019ve arranged to have someone bring them here for you. They\u2019ll be here in a few days.\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe grabbed Roy\u2019s hand and shook it. \u201cThank you so much.\u201d He turned to his father excitedly. \u201cCan I ride up and tell Adam?\u201d He was already heading for the door as he asked the question.<\/p>\n

Ben quickly grabbed Joe\u2019s arm. \u201cYou\u2019re not riding anywhere just yet.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cPlease pa. I want to tell Adam.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll take you in the buckboard.\u201d Ben said.<\/p>\n

Joe quickly hugged his father. \u201cThank you.\u201d Once again Joe headed for the door. \u201cI\u2019ll hitch up the team.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben pulled Joe back again. Looking at Roy Ben rolled his eyes.<\/p>\n

Taking one last look at Joe, who was pulling his father\u2019s arm, reminding Roy of an excited child, Roy laughed. \u201cI\u2019ll leave you to it Ben.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThanks a lot Roy.\u201d Ben replied sarcastically as the sheriff left.<\/p>\n

\u201cNow Joseph, slow down.\u201d Ben said while trying not to laugh. In truth he was overjoyed at Joe\u2019s enthusiasm.<\/p>\n

Ben felt a great relief that the men who had left his sons to such a cruel fate had met the end he felt they deserved. He knew Joe was feeling exactly the same way and Joe\u2019s joy at getting his horse back was obvious.<\/p>\n

\u201cCome on then Joe.\u201d Ben joked. \u201cWhat are we waiting for?\u201d<\/p>\n

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

As Hoss released the calf, he heard the sound of the buckboard approaching. He looked up and wondered what had brought his father and Joe out.<\/p>\n

Adam put the branding iron down as Ben drew the buckboard to a stop. Before Ben could stop him, Joe was off the buckboard and running toward his brothers.<\/p>\n

\u201cAdam, Adam.\u201d He called excitedly. Adam rushed to Joe\u2019s side, afraid that he would fall.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat is it Joe?\u201d Adam asked as he caught Joe in his arms.<\/p>\n

\u201cThey got them, they got them and Roy\u2019s got someone coming with the horses.\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe spoke so quickly, Adam and Hoss couldn\u2019t understand everything he said.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat are you saying, Joe?\u201d Hoss asked<\/p>\n

Ben approached them, laughing at the confused looks on his older sons’ faces.<\/p>\n

Adam held Joe away from him, holding onto his right arm.<\/p>\n

Ben patted Joe\u2019s back and said, \u201cTake a deep breath and slow down so your brothers can understand you.\u201d<\/p>\n

The smile never left Joe\u2019s face as he said, \u201cThey got the men who robbed us Adam. They\u2019re dead. They still had our horses. Roy\u2019s having someone bring them home for us.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam pulled Joe to him. \u201cThat\u2019s great news, buddy.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSure is.\u201d Hoss agreed, pulling Joe from Adam and giving the boy his own hug.<\/p>\n

Adam looked at his father. \u201cThey got them all?\u201d he asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cYes.\u201d Ben replied.<\/p>\n

Adam breathed a sigh of relief.<\/p>\n

That night Ben checked on Joe before turning in for the night himself. He knew Joe was long past the age that he needed to be checked on but Ben couldn\u2019t seem to break himself of the habit. As he opened the door and looked in, he saw that Joe was still awake. Ben went over and sat on the bed.<\/p>\n

\u201cToo excited to sleep, Joe?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI guess.\u201d Joe replied but Ben could tell by his voice that something was troubling him.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat is it, what\u2019s wrong?\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe sat up in bed. \u201cPa is it wrong to feel glad that those men are dead?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThe Wilson gang?\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe nodded.<\/p>\n

\u201cNo, I don\u2019t think it\u2019s wrong to feel like that Joe. I feel the same way and so do your brothers. I think when someone does something as evil as they did to you and Adam that they forfeit their right to life. They\u2019d done a lot of bad things in their lives and now they can\u2019t hurt anyone else ever again.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat makes people like that Pa? Are they born bad do you think?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t think so Joe. I think sometimes people just start down that road and once started there\u2019s often no turning back.\u201d<\/p>\n

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

With the immanent return of Cochise, Joe\u2019s mood was much improved. Ben thought Joe would burst with happiness the day Cochise was returned. Although Paul Martin hadn\u2019t been too keen on the idea, Joe had convinced him to let him start riding again.<\/p>\n

Up until then Joe hadn\u2019t had much to do with Tyler Hudson. Joe was extremely grateful to him and liked him but they just hadn\u2019t had a chance to talk much. On the way home Joe had been too ill to pay much attention to anything and once home he\u2019d spent most of his time inside but once Joe was up and around again he found that Tyler was great company.<\/p>\n

Joe still couldn\u2019t do much with one arm still in a sling but he hated being cooped up inside so one day Ben sent him to show Tyler around the ranch so that if Tyler was sent somewhere he would know where to go, but it was actually more just to get Joe out of the house. As Joe and Tyler rode, they talked.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhere are you from, Tyler?\u201d Joe asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cSan Francisco. I left there about four years ago when I was seventeen. It\u2019s been three years since I\u2019ve been back.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cDo you have family there?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYes, I do.\u201d Tyler replied.<\/p>\n

Joe thought it strange that Tyler hadn\u2019t been back to visit his family when San Francisco was so close. \u201cWhy haven\u2019t you gone back again? Don\u2019t you miss your family?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSometimes there\u2019s no going back.\u201d Tyler said wistfully to himself.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat do you mean?\u201d Joe asked.<\/p>\n

Tyler hadn\u2019t realized that he\u2019d spoken aloud. \u201cNever mind, it\u2019s a long story. So what about you, Joe? How long ago did you leave school?\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe had the distinct impression that Tyler was changing the subject but decided not to push him. \u201cLast year. I wanted to leave sooner but Pa wouldn\u2019t let me and Adam was on his side.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s understandable. They just wanted you to have a good education.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI know, but they never let me decide anything for myself. They always know what\u2019s best for me; in their opinion, anyway. Even now. I mean, I\u2019ve been out of school for months now but I\u2019m still Little Joe. I think they\u2019ll still be calling me that when I\u2019m an old man.\u201d<\/p>\n

Tyler laughed but Joe didn\u2019t take offense. For some reason he knew the other man would understand, and he did.<\/p>\n

\u201cI had the same problems when I was your age. They just need some time to get used to the idea that you\u2019re growing up.\u201d<\/p>\n

Some of the pieces of Tyler\u2019s life fell into place for Joe. \u201cYou said you were seventeen when you left home, is that why?\u201d<\/p>\n

Tyler was worried that he\u2019d said the wrong thing. The last thing he wanted to do was encourage the boy to leave home. \u201cJoe that was the biggest mistake I ever made. I\u2019ve regretted it everyday since the day I left.\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe looked at him thoughtfully, wondering if that\u2019s what Tyler had meant when he\u2019d said, sometimes there was no going back. Joe was reminded of the words his father had said the night they\u2019d learned the Wilson gang had died.<\/p>\n

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

A couple of months went by and Tyler settled into the routine of ranch life. Late one afternoon Adam rode into the yard just as his father was coming out of the house. As they stood talking Adam was startled by a shot. His hand went to his gun but then he looked at his father and asked, \u201cJoe?\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben smiled and answered simply. \u201cJoe.\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe\u2019s shoulder had healed much to his relief although it was still a little stiff. He had been practicing every afternoon with one of his brothers since the doctor told him he could.<\/p>\n

Ben and Adam walked around to watch and Ben saw that Tyler was with Hoss and Joe. As Ben and Adam stood and watched, Tyler moved next to Joe and said \u201cOn the count of three. One. Two. Three.\u201d Both men cleared their holsters quickly and both shot all their bottles accurately.<\/p>\n

\u201cJoseph!\u201d Ben spoke sharply.<\/p>\n

Ben saw the guilty look on Joe\u2019s face as he turned and realized his father had been watching. \u201cI didn\u2019t know you were there, Pa.\u201d Joe said.<\/p>\n

\u201cObviously.\u201d Ben replied angrily. \u201cWho taught you to draw like that?\u201d Ben threw an angry look at Hoss and Tyler.<\/p>\n

\u201cNo one Pa.\u201d Joe answered quickly, not wanting the others to get in trouble. “I\u2019ve been practicing myself.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWell that\u2019s not something I want you to practice anymore Joseph.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cBut Pa.\u201d Joe started to protest.<\/p>\n

\u201cI said no more and that\u2019s an end to it.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYes sir.\u201d Joe replied knowing his father was waiting for an answer.<\/p>\n

\u201cGo and start your evening chores.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYes sir.\u201d Joe replied before flashing Hoss and Tyler an apologetic look.<\/p>\n

After Joe had left, Hoss said, \u201cI\u2019m sorry Pa.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI expect better of you than that Hoss. You know I disapprove of Joe shooting like that. I don\u2019t expect to see you encouraging him to do it.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI wasn\u2019t.\u201d Hoss tried to defend himself.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou didn\u2019t try to stop him either.\u201d Ben replied.<\/p>\n

\u201cMr. Cartwright, if there\u2019s anyone to blame it\u2019s me. I suggested the contest. I didn\u2019t see the harm in it. Every boy at Joe\u2019s age wants to be able to shoot like that. This is a hard land Mr. Cartwright. Joe has to be able to protect himself.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t need you to tell me what I should teach my son. Joe is quiet capable of protecting himself, he doesn\u2019t need to be able to draw like some kind of gunfighter to be able to do that. That\u2019s a skill that would more than likely get Joseph into more trouble than it would get him out of. In future you will leave Joe\u2019s shooting practice to myself or one of his\u00a0\u00a0 brothers. Do I make myself clear?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYes sir.\u201d Tyler replied as Ben turned on his heel and went inside.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m sorry Tyler I should have stopped you.\u201d Hoss said.<\/p>\n

\u201cNo, it\u2019s my fault. Your father’s right I really shouldn\u2019t have encouraged Joe like that.\u201d Tyler said. \u201cIt was stupid of me.\u201d<\/p>\n

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

A few nights later the Cartwright brother\u2019s were getting ready to head in to town. Things had settled down between Ben and Tyler and Tyler was going in with them. Adam was just about to leave the house to join the others who were saddling the horses.<\/p>\n

\u201cKeep an eye on your brother, Adam.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI will Pa, you don\u2019t have to worry.\u201d Adam knew without asking which brother his father had been referring to. Pa still worried about Joe going to the saloon.<\/p>\n

After arriving at the Silver Dollar, the brothers and Tyler sat down to enjoy a beer. There were a few hands of poker going on which Adam and Hoss might have joined in, if Joe hadn\u2019t been with them. They didn\u2019t want to make Joe feel left out but knew Pa wouldn\u2019t be happy with them if they allowed Joe to participate in a game so they were happy just to sit and talk.<\/p>\n

They had only been there about half an hour when Tyler had an uncomfortable feeling that someone was staring at him, before he could turn around to look he heard someone say, \u201cMatthew Tyler, I\u2019ve been looking for you.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam, Hoss and Joe saw a look of resignation flash across Tyler\u2019s face. Tyler slowly stood and turned to face the man. \u201cWhat do you want?\u201d<\/p>\n

The young man who had called the name rested his hand on his gun and said, \u201cYou know what I want.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m not going to fight you.\u201d Tyler replied.<\/p>\n

Everyone was moving aside leaving a clear circle around the men. They could all see where this confrontation was heading and no one wanted to be caught in the crossfire.<\/p>\n

Adam glanced at this brothers, \u201cHoss, go outside with Joe.\u201d<\/p>\n

Hoss nodded and reached to grab Joe\u2019s arm.<\/p>\n

Joe pulled away. \u201cNo.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam knew Joe was worried about Tyler but things could erupt quickly and Adam wanted to make sure Joe was no where around if they did. \u201cJoe, do as I say. It\u2019ll be alright, I promise. Just do as I say.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cCome on, Joe.\u201d Before Joe could protest again, Hoss pulled him outside.<\/p>\n

Adam stood his ground and looked at the stranger. \u2018What\u2019s going on?\u201d Looking across at Tyler he asked, \u201cDo you know him?\u201d<\/p>\n

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

\u201cMy Name is Drew Maxwell. Remember it, my names going to be well known in these parts soon.\u201d<\/p>\n

Just then Sheriff Coffee pushed through the swinging doors. \u201cThat\u2019s enough. Take your hand off that gun or the only place your name will be known is on a tombstone. What\u2019s going on here?\u201d<\/p>\n

The air was thick with tension and no on spoke. Roy looked at Adam. \u201cAdam?\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam nodded at Tyler and said. \u201cWe were just having a beer when he,\u201d Adam pointed at the young man who had called Tyler out, \u201ctried to start something.\u201d<\/p>\n

Roy looked at the young stranger. \u201cDo you have anything to say?\u201d<\/p>\n

He received no answer.<\/p>\n

\u201cI want you to pack your gear and leave town. I want you gone by tomorrow.\u201d<\/p>\n

Maxwell protested. \u201cYou can\u2019t make me do that. I haven\u2019t done anything.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThis is my town,\u201d Roy Coffee replied, \u201cI can do whatever I like, now get.\u201d<\/p>\n

Maxwell looked at Tyler and said, \u201cThis ain\u2019t over.\u201d He slowly walked out of the room.<\/p>\n

Looking at Tyler Roy said, \u201cI still want to talk to you. Let\u2019s go to my office.\u201d<\/p>\n

Hoss and Joe were anxiously waiting outside and joined the small group heading towards the jail.<\/p>\n

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

Once everyone was seated Roy said, \u201cDid you know him Tyler?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo. I\u2019ve never seen him before.\u201d<\/p>\n

Roy nodded. He knew Tyler wasn\u2019t telling him the whole truth. \u201cBut you do know what it was about, don\u2019t you?\u201d It was more of a statement than a question.<\/p>\n

\u201cTyler didn\u2019t do anything. It wasn\u2019t him that started it.\u201d Joe said, starting to get angry.<\/p>\n

Adam put his hand on Joe\u2019s arm. \u201cWe\u2019ll get it sorted out.\u201d<\/p>\n

Looking at Tyler Adam said, \u201cWhat was it about? If you don\u2019t know him, why did he call you out and who\u2019s Matthew Tyler?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cMatthew Tyler is me.\u201d Tyler replied.<\/p>\n

\u201cI think you better start from the beginning.\u201d Roy said.<\/p>\n

Tyler knew he had no choice. \u201cWhen I was about sixteen I saw myself as a fast gun. I was always practicing. When I was seventeen I got in my first gunfight. I killed a man.\u201d He looked at Roy before continuing. \u201cIt was a fair fight, I wasn\u2019t charged with anything.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIs that why you left San Francisco?\u201d Hoss asked.<\/p>\n

Tyler nodded sadly. \u201cYes, my father made it clear that I was no longer welcome in his house.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019re a gunfighter?\u201d Joe said in awe.<\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t make it sound exciting Joe. That kind of life gets real old, real fast. Everywhere I go there\u2019s always someone wanting to earn a reputation for themselves by taking me on. I\u2019ve been trying to put that life behind me for over a year now but there\u2019s always someone who finds out who I am.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat are you going to do now?\u201d Adam asked.<\/p>\n

Before Tyler could answer, Roy said, \u201cI can make sure the kid moves on but there\u2019s no guarantee he won\u2019t come back.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNow that someone knows I\u2019m here they\u2019ll be others. Only thing I can do now is move on.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cBut you can\u2019t.\u201d Joe said. \u201cYou like it here. Why should you have to go.\u201d Joe stood up, angry at the situation.<\/p>\n

Tyler got up and stood next to Joe. \u201cJoe as much as I\u2019d like to stay I don\u2019t have a choice. I don\u2019t want to live that kind of life anymore. I\u2019m sick of the killing. I can\u2019t stay.\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe looked at him sadly. \u201cI\u2019ll miss you.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll miss you too, Joe,\u201d He looked at Adam and Hoss, \u201cAll of you. I can\u2019t tell you how much working on the Ponderosa has meant to me. It gave me a normal life, even if it was only for a little while.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhen will you leave?\u201d Hoss asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cTomorrow.\u201d Tyler said simply.<\/p>\n

\u201cI think that\u2019s best.\u201d Roy Coffee said.<\/p>\n

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

When they made it back to the Ponderosa they all went inside. With one look at their faces Ben knew something was wrong. \u201cWhat\u2019s happened?\u201d He asked.<\/p>\n

Once Ben had heard the whole story he looked at Tyler. \u201cI\u2019m disappointed you didn\u2019t tell me all this when I first offered you a job.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI know Mr. Cartwright. I\u2019m sorry. I should have. It wasn\u2019t that I didn\u2019t trust you. I just wanted to forget I was ever a part of that kind of life. I just hoped this time would be different and nobody would find out who I really was.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben nodded. \u201cI can understand that but that doesn\u2019t mean I\u2019m still not angry that you didn\u2019t.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI know, sir.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cLook at what happened in town today. My sons were with you when that play was made against you, anything could have happened. What about the times you and Joe were in town alone getting supplies. What if Adam and Hoss hadn\u2019t been there to get Joe out of the way.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI can look after myself.\u201d Joe said indignantly.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m not saying that you can\u2019t Joseph. It was just a very dangerous situation.\u201d<\/p>\n

They all knew Ben\u2019s concerns were real ones.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhere are you going to go?\u201d Hoss asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhere ever the road leads me.\u201d Tyler replied.<\/p>\n

\u201cHave you ever considered going home?\u201d Adam asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cI have no home.\u201d Tyler said simply.<\/p>\n

\u201cI mean your fathe’rs home. Surely he\u2019d want to see you.\u201d Adam said.<\/p>\n

Tyler shook his head. \u201cMy father disowned me.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHave you tried to see him since then? Made any attempt to patch things up with him?\u201d Ben asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cI tried. I went back about a year later. Father wouldn\u2019t even let me in the door. I\u2019ve had no contact with him since then. I\u2019ve tried writing but my letters are always returned unopened.\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe looked at his father, feeling his throat tighten, he didn\u2019t know what he would do if something he ever did caused his father to never want to see him again.<\/p>\n

Ben looked at his three sons experiencing the same feeling. Though in his heart he knew he would never have been able to turn them from his door no matter what they had done.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt must have been very hard on you.\u201d Adam said.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt has been but I can\u2019t lay the blame at my father\u2019s feet either. He warned me time and time again to be careful about the choices I made. He told me what the consequences would be.\u201d<\/p>\n

Tyler seemed to snap out of his reflective mood and said, \u201cWell, no use dwelling on it now, that\u2019s just the way it is. I better get some sleep. I\u2019ll see you all in the morning before I leave?\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben nodded.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll come out with you.\u201d Joe said.<\/p>\n

After Joe and Tyler had left, Adam said \u201cJoe will miss him. They\u2019ve become good friends.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYes.\u201d Ben agreed. \u201cI think it\u2019s for the best that Tyler is leaving now.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cPa, I don\u2019t think you have to worry about Tyler leading Joe into that kind of life, he wouldn\u2019t do that.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI know he wouldn\u2019t do it intentionally Adam, but Joseph is only young, he\u2019s at an age where he\u2019s very impressionable. I don\u2019t want to take any chances. It was only a few days ago that Tyler was encouraging Joe to draw fast. And now knowing the kind of life he\u2019s led, well I think it best he leave.\u201d<\/p>\n

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

As they walked towards the bunk house Joe and Tyler talked.<\/p>\n

\u201cI wish you weren\u2019t going.\u201d Joe said. \u201cDo you think you will come back one day?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cMaybe one day\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIf you write and let me know where you are living I could come and visit you. When Pa thinks I\u2019m old enough.\u201d Joe added disgruntled.<\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t be in a hurry to grow up and leave home Joe. It\u2019s easy to leave but it\u2019s not always so easy to return.\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe shook his head. \u201cI don\u2019t want to leave. I thought I could just visit.\u201d<\/p>\n

Tyler smiled. \u201cWe\u2019ll see.\u201d He knew Ben would never allow Joe to go and visit him.<\/p>\n

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

The next morning Ben and Tyler stood talking in the great room.<\/p>\n

\u201cTyler I want to talk to you about something.\u201d Ben said.<\/p>\n

\u201cJoe?\u201d Tyler asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cYes. I know he has probably asked you to write but I would prefer it if you didn\u2019t.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI would never do anything to hurt Joe Mr. Cartwright. He reminds me of myself when I was his age.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s the problem.\u201d Ben said.<\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t think you have to worry about Joe. He\u2019s a good kid. I don\u2019t think he\u2019d ever do anything that he thought would disappoint you.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSometimes people do things in the heat of the moment before thinking about the consequences.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYes sir.\u201d Tyler replied knowingly. \u201cI won\u2019t write to Joe.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben held out his hand. \u201cThank you. Good luck, Tyler.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThank you, sir.\u201d Tyler replied as they shook hands.<\/p>\n

Just then Adam, Hoss and Joe came in. They had been out in the barn saddling their horses.<\/p>\n

\u201cYour horse is ready to go, Tyler.\u201d Joe said quietly.<\/p>\n

Tyler smiled. \u201cThanks Joe.\u201d<\/p>\n

They all walked outside. When Tyler reached his horse he stopped and turned around, shaking first Adam\u2019s hand and then Hoss\u2019 as they said goodbye. He was about to reach to shake Joe\u2019s when they were startled by Dave, one of the hands riding into the yard.<\/p>\n

\u201cMr. Cartwright part of the fence is down in the north section. If the cattle stray onto Edwards land and we don\u2019t get \u2018em off right quick we\u2019ll never hear the end of it.\u201d Dave said.<\/p>\n

Ben agreed. \u201cYou\u2019re right about that.\u201d The Cartwright\u2019s had been having trouble with Jake Edwards for a while and wanted to avoid more. \u201cWell, we better get up there and round them up.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll give you a hand.\u201d Tyler said. With all the other hands already gone to other parts of the ranch for the day, Tyler knew they could use the help.<\/p>\n

Ben started to protest but Tyler said, \u201cA few hours won\u2019t make any difference.\u201d<\/p>\n

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

It took all morning but finally the cattle were all rounded up with only one mishap that had brought a great deal of laughter for the three older Cartwright\u2019s. Tyler and Joe had been pulling a cow from a mud hole on Edwards’ land and both young men had ended up in the mud hole.<\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s all of them.\u201d Tyler said.<\/p>\n

\u201cThanks Tyler. We really appreciate your help. Why don\u2019t you stay today and get an early start tomorrow.\u201d Ben said.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019d like to but I guess I can\u2019t put it off any longer. I better go now. I\u2019ll just go back to the bunk house and get cleaned up first, I think.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben tried not to laugh. \u201cThat sounds like a good idea.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben and Tyler were joined by Adam, Hoss and Joe. They heard Tyler say he was leaving.<\/p>\n

Once again Ben shook Tyler\u2019s hand. \u201cWe seem to be making a habit out of saying goodbye.\u201d Ben said.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt seems that way, doesn\u2019t it.\u201d Tyler laughed<\/p>\n

\u201cGood luck Tyler. Thanks for the help.\u201d Adam said. Turning to his brothers he said, \u201cLet\u2019s get to work, we still have a fence to fix.\u201d<\/p>\n

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

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

\u201cCan I ride back to the house with Tyler?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSure Joe that\u2019s fine. I think you need to get cleaned up as well anyway. But you are not to leave the ranch.\u201d Ben knew goodbyes were hard for Joe. He felt everything so deeply. Ben knew Joe wanted to say goodbye in private but he didn\u2019t want him going anywhere else with Tyler. He didn\u2019t think it was safe after what had happened in Virginia City the previous day.<\/p>\n

\u201cYes Pa. Just to the house, I promise.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben nodded. \u201cWe\u2019ll see you at home once we get this fence fixed.\u201d<\/p>\n

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

Back at the ranch Joe stood next to Tyler who was about to mount his horse, both men had cleaned up and changed.<\/p>\n

\u201cI wish you weren\u2019t going. Will you write?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cJoe, I\u2026\u2026\u2026.\u201d He was interrupted by a cold voice. \u201cI was hoping we\u2019d meet again.\u201d<\/p>\n

Tyler and Joe turned at the voice and starred at the man in front of them, it was Drew Maxwell.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat are you doing here?\u201d Joe asked.<\/p>\n

Joe\u2019s hand went to his side, then he realized he hadn\u2019t put his gun back on after he\u2019d had his bath and changed. Joe cursed himself for his stupidity.<\/p>\n

Maxwell saw the move and laughed.<\/p>\n

Tyler started to ease himself away from Joe. Not wanting the boy to be in the line of fire.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m not going to fight you Maxwell.\u201d Tyler said.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou have no choice.\u201d Maxwell said. \u201cIf you don\u2019t draw I\u2019ll kill you anyway.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019d be murder.\u201d Joe said.<\/p>\n

Without turning his head to look at Joe, Maxwell kept staring right at Tyler as he said \u201cThere are other ways.\u201d In one swift movement he fired at Joe.<\/p>\n

Tyler quickly looked at Joe and could see that he was clutching at his shoulder and blood was seeping through his fingers but Joe was still standing and the wound didn\u2019t look too bad.<\/p>\n

Tyler turned his eyes back on Maxwell. \u201cLeave the boy alone.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou agree to draw against me or I\u2019ll kill him with my next bullet.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo, Tyler don\u2019t.\u201d Joe said.<\/p>\n

Tyler looked at Joe and smiled. \u201cIt\u2019ll be alright Joe, don\u2019t worry.\u201d<\/p>\n

Maxwell holstered his gun and started to take a few steps backwards. \u201cOn the count of three.\u201d He said.<\/p>\n

Joe stared across at the scene as he heard the count echo in his head. Joe saw Tyler start to pull his gun but before he could fire a shot rang out and Tyler fell. Joe started to run towards him but a bullet fired into the ground just in front of him stopped him in his tracks.<\/p>\n

Tears pooled in Joe\u2019s eyes as he looked over at Maxwell. \u201cI\u2019ll kill you for this.\u201d<\/p>\n

Maxwell laughed. \u201cI think your forgettin\u2019 that I\u2019m the one with the gun.\u201d<\/p>\n

Maxwell walked over to Tyler, looking down he saw the man was still alive but he could tell by the look of the wound that Tyler wouldn\u2019t survive. Picking up Tyler\u2019s gun he said to Joe, \u201cTell them he was beaten by Drew Maxwell.\u201d<\/p>\n

Maxwell walked away, mounted his horse and rode away without looking back. Joe ran to Tyler and dropped to his knees beside him. As Joe heard Maxwell\u2019s horse he looked up and screamed, \u201cI\u2019ll get you Maxwell. If it takes me twenty years, I swear I\u2019ll get you.\u201d<\/p>\n

Maxwell didn\u2019t even acknowledge that he heard he just kept riding.<\/p>\n

As the tears slid from Joe\u2019s eyes Tyler reached for his hand. \u201cDon\u2019t be sad Joe. It\u2019s alright, really. I don\u2019t have to keep looking behind me anymore.\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe started to rise. \u201cI\u2019ll go for help.\u201d<\/p>\n

Tyler kept a hold of Joe\u2019s hand and pulled him back down. \u201cNo Joe. No one can help me now.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll get him for you Tyler. I promise I will.\u201d<\/p>\n

Tyler shook his head. \u201cNo Joe. You mustn\u2019t go after him.\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe didn\u2019t answer and Tyler squeezed his hand. \u201cJoe I\u2019ve lived my life, it\u2019s over but yours is just starting, don\u2019t let your life turn out like mine. Maxwell isn\u2019t worth it. I\u2019m not worth it.\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe shook his heard fiercely.<\/p>\n

Tyler was filled with dread at the thought of where this could lead Joe. \u201cJoe I want you to promise me that you won\u2019t go after Maxwell. Promise me Joe.\u201d<\/p>\n

As the tears dripped from Joe\u2019s eyes he nodded. \u201cI promise.\u201d<\/p>\n

Tyler smiled and before he could say anymore he took a last shuddering breath and was gone.<\/p>\n

Joe wasn\u2019t aware of the hours that passed as he sat there. His arm throbbed constantly but he pushed the pain away. He couldn\u2019t even think, only one thing kept going through his mind, Tyler was dead. So unaware of what was happening around him, Joe didn\u2019t hear the horses that rode into the yard.<\/p>\n

Ben, Adam and Hoss were shocked at the scene that awaited them in the yard. Before Buck had even stopped moving, Ben was off him and running to Joe\u2019s side.<\/p>\n

As Ben knelt next to Joe, one glance at Tyler told him the man was dead. Ben pulled Joe around so that he could get a good look at him. Ben could see that Joe had been shot in the shoulder and blood drenched his sleeve and shirt front.<\/p>\n

Adam and Hoss joined their father at their young brother\u2019s side. Hoss squatted down next to Joe placing his hand gently on Joe\u2019s back. \u201cJoe, buddy.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cCome on Joseph.\u201d Ben spoke quietly as he helped Joe to stand up, he could see how upset the boy was and wanted to try and calm him down before asking questions about what had happened.<\/p>\n

Joe stood shakily supported by his father. Hoss stood on his other side and wrapped his arm around his waist. \u201cCome on buddy, let\u2019s get you inside.\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe took a step forward but then his legs went from under him and if not for his father\u2019s and brother\u2019s arms he would have fallen.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll take him.\u201d Hoss said.<\/p>\n

\u201cNo it\u2019s alright Hoss, I\u2019ve got him.\u201d Ben replied. He lifted Joe into his arms, looking over his shoulder at Adam before carrying Joe inside, he said \u201cGet Paul.\u201d<\/p>\n

As Ben carried Joe into the house and up the stairs to his room he looked down and saw that Joe was starring intently at him, his eyes welling with tears. \u201cIt\u2019s alright Joseph. We\u2019re here now and everything\u2019s going to be just fine.\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe turned his face into his father\u2019s chest but didn\u2019t answer.<\/p>\n

Ben laid Joe on his bed and gently pulled the bloody cloth away from the wound, taking off Joe\u2019s shirt he heard Joe moan in pain. \u201cI\u2019m sorry I\u2019m hurting you Joe. Try and lie still for me.\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe pushed his father\u2019s hand away when Ben touched the wound, sucking in his breath Joe said, \u201cHurts.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben stopped what he was doing. Carefully sitting on the edge of the bed he gently pushed Joe\u2019s hair back from his forehead. \u201cI know it does Joseph, I know. The doctor will be here soon.\u201d As he watched Joe\u2019s eyes fluttered a couple of times and then closed.<\/p>\n

\u201cPa?\u201d Hoss asked, worried when he saw his brother\u2019s eyes close.<\/p>\n

Ben gently ran his hand down the side of Joe\u2019s face. \u201cIt\u2019s alright Hoss, he\u2019s just passed out.\u201d<\/p>\n

At the sound of Adam\u2019s footsteps Ben turned towards the door. \u201cWhere\u2019s Hop Sing.\u201d He shouted.<\/p>\n

\u201cHe stayed in town last night. His Uncle\u2019s sick, remember.\u201d Adam replied.<\/p>\n

\u201cYes, yes of course. I\u2019m sorry, I\u2019d just forgotten. Adam we need some water and bandages.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll get them.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam was back in a few minutes. \u201cHow does it look Pa?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIt doesn\u2019t look too bad. He\u2019s lost a lot of blood. I think we\u2019ve got it under control though.\u201d Ben said.<\/p>\n

\u201cI sent Dave for Doc Martin and Roy.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben nodded. \u201cThanks son.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben set to work cleaning the wound thoroughly, glad that Joe was asleep, he hated to think he was hurting the boy even more.<\/p>\n

Adam handed his father some bandages and said, \u201cIt looks like it happened a few hours ago, Pa.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben nodded.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhy didn\u2019t Joe come and get us after it happened?\u201d Hoss asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cHe\u2019s in shock, Hoss. He\u2019s hurt, he\u2019s lost a lot of blood, he probably saw Tyler die.\u201d Ben shook his head. \u201cHe\u2019s only sixteen years old, it\u2019s no wonder he\u2019s not thinking clearly.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWho do you think did it?\u201d Hoss said, sure he knew the answer.<\/p>\n

\u201cUntil Joe wakes up we can only guess what happened here but I think we all have a pretty good idea of who it was. I should never have let Joe come back here with Tyler.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam put his hand on his fathers shoulder. \u201cYou had no way of knowing this would happen.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAfter the trouble in town last night, I should have been more careful. I should have kept Joe with me.\u201d Ben said.<\/p>\n

\u201cPa, as you keep pointing out to me, Joe\u2019s not a child anymore. As much as you\u2019d like to you can\u2019t keep him with you constantly to keep him safe from the world.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHe could have died Adam.\u201d Ben\u2019s voice shook at the very thought of it. \u201cHe could have died without any of us here with him.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI know Pa but he didn\u2019t. We\u2019re with him now and he\u2019s going to be alright.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIf infection\u2026\u2026..\u201d Ben started.<\/p>\n

Adam cut him off. \u201cNo pa. We\u2019ve cleaned out the wound real good and Doc\u2019ll be here soon. Joe\u2019s going to be okay.\u201d Adam stated firmly.<\/p>\n

Joe started to wake up, moving restlessly on the bed. His eyes flickered open and he just stared at his family.<\/p>\n

Ben stroked Joe\u2019s hair back, \u201cShhh, Joe. Take it easy. How do you feel?\u201d<\/p>\n

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

\u201cCan you tell us what happened, Joe?\u201d Adam asked as he pulled a chair over to the side of the bed and sat down.<\/p>\n

Joe nodded. \u201cIt was Drew Maxwell.\u201d<\/p>\n

The other three Cartwright\u2019s looked at each other. It was what they had suspected.<\/p>\n

Joe continued. \u201cHe must have been hanging around just waiting for a chance to get Tyler. Tyler didn\u2019t want to do it but,\u201d Joe\u2019s voice trembled and his words trailed of.<\/p>\n

Ben smiled encouragingly at Joe. \u201cIt\u2019s alright son just take your time.\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe took a couple of deep breaths before continuing. \u201cMaxwell shot me and then he told Tyler that if he didn\u2019t draw against him that he\u2019d kill me. Tyler only did it to save me. If it wasn\u2019t for me he\u2019d still be alive.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben grabbed Joe\u2019s arms being careful not to hurt his wounded right arm and said, \u201cDon\u2019t you dare blame yourself for this Joe. Tyler chose the sort of life he led.\u201d Ben saw Joe was about to interrupt and said, \u201cLet me finish Joseph. I know Tyler wanted to give that kind of life up and I know he really tried to make a fresh start but for all of that he was still a gunfighter and he knew there was always a chance of someone calling him out just to gain a reputation.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cBut he didn\u2019t want to live like that anymore. Maxwell made him do it, it\u2019s not fair.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben took Joe into his arms. \u201cNo, you\u2019re right Joe. It\u2019s not fair.\u201d Ben didn\u2019t say anymore he just held Joe in his arms. After a while he felt Joe pull back and the young man looked him in the eyes.<\/p>\n

\u201cPa, what\u2019s going to happen to Maxwell?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI honestly don\u2019t know Joe. I\u2019ll talk to Roy when he gets here and I\u2019ll see what he can do.\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe looked down as he said \u201cI told Tyler I\u2019d get Maxwell for him.\u201d<\/p>\n

For a moment Ben felt as if his heart had stopped. He grabbed Joe and shook him, speaking sharply. \u201cJoseph I want you to get those thoughts out of your head now.\u201d Ben saw Joe wince as he inadvertently hurt his arm. Ben was immediately sorry. \u201cI\u2019m sorry Joe I didn\u2019t mean to hurt you but I don\u2019t want you thinking that you owe it to Tyler to go after Maxwell.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cJust before Tyler died he made me promise him that I wouldn\u2019t go after Maxwell. He said he didn\u2019t want my life to turn out like his.\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe allowed himself to once again be gathered into the comfort of his father\u2019s arms. \u2018He was a good man.\u201d Ben said.<\/p>\n

Hearing horses Adam looked out of the window. \u201cIt\u2019s Roy and Doc. Martin.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben nodded as Adam and Hoss went downstairs to greet the men.<\/p>\n

Within a couple of minutes, Doctor Martin was upstairs. \u201cBen why don\u2019t you leave me to have a look at Joe while you go down and talk to Roy.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben did want to talk to Roy but he was reluctant to leave Joe.<\/p>\n

Joe gave Ben a slight smile. \u201cIt\u2019s alright Pa. I won\u2019t give Doc Martin a hard time.\u201d Joe joked, trying to stop his father from worrying.<\/p>\n

Ben laughed. \u201cYou\u2019d better not.\u201d Ben ran his hand through Joe\u2019s hair and said, \u201cI won\u2019t be long.\u201d<\/p>\n

Going downstairs Ben found Adam and Hoss had filled Roy in on what Joe had told them.<\/p>\n

Shaking Roy\u2019s hand Ben asked, \u201cWell, what do you think, Roy? Is there anything we can do about Maxwell? It\u2019s murder in my book. Tyler was forced into that gunfight.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m sorry Ben but I really don\u2019t think there\u2019s much I can do.\u201d Roy said.<\/p>\n

\u201cOh come on, Roy.\u201d Adam said. \u201cHe as good as shot Tyler in cold blood.\u201d<\/p>\n

Roy shook his head. \u201cThat\u2019s not the way the law sees it. It\u2019s Joe\u2019s word against Maxwell\u2019s. Tyler was a well known gunfighter and that\u2019s what it will come down to in the end.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben was livid. \u201cHow do I explain to Joseph that Maxwell can get away with murder?\u201d<\/p>\n

No one had an answer to that.<\/p>\n

Ben sat down. \u201cHe saved two of my sons. Adam would have died two months ago if not for Tyler, and Joe,\u201d Ben\u2019s voice broke \u201cand Joe today and this is how I repay him, I let his murderer go free.\u201d<\/p>\n

The family turned at the sound of feet coming down the stairs and Ben rose.<\/p>\n

\u201cHe\u2019ll be fine, Ben. He\u2019s lost a lot of blood, he\u2019s tired and as much as he\u2019d try and deny it he\u2019s hurting but a few days in bed and he\u2019ll bounce back.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThank you Paul,\u201d Ben headed for the stairs.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ve given him something to help him sleep Ben.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben nodded. \u201cI just want to sit with him.\u201d<\/p>\n

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

A few days later Ben and Joe sat on the buckboard outside the graveyard talking. Joe had talked his father into bringing him as he hadn\u2019t been well enough to attend the funeral.<\/p>\n

\u201cPeople will only remember him as a gunfighter who was killed but that wasn\u2019t who he was, Pa. He was a good person.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThere are people who will remember the real Tyler, Joe. You, me, your brothers.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIf it weren\u2019t for me, Tyler would still be alive.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cJoseph, son, we\u2019ve been through this so many times. It\u2019s not your fault.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHe saved my life.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben put his arm around Joe\u2019s shoulders. \u201cYes that\u2019s true and I will always be eternally grateful to him for what he did for both you and Adam, but\u201d Ben gently squeezed Joe\u2019s shoulders \u201cif it hadn\u2019t been for Tyler, Maxwell wouldn\u2019t have been at the ranch. Tyler wouldn\u2019t have had to save your life because you wouldn\u2019t have been in danger.\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe shook his head. \u201cHe saved my life twice Pa, because I couldn\u2019t have lived with myself if Adam had died. But when Tyler needed me, I couldn\u2019t do anything to help him. I feel so bad Pa. Why did he have to die?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWe don\u2019t know how our lives are going to turn out Joseph. There are all kinds of twists and turns along the way and sometimes we just take a wrong turn. Some people can find the right path again and others are lost forever. I think Tyler was happy that he found the right path before he died.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cDo you think that we could find his family and tell them he did try to change?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll have someone try and locate them, Joe.\u201d<\/p>\n

As Joe got down from the buckboard, Ben said \u201cYou take as long as you need Joe. I\u2019ll wait here for you.\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe smiled at his father. \u201cThanks Pa.\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe walked over and stood in front of the grave of a man he\u2019d only known a short time but a man who had quickly become a good friend.<\/p>\n

\u201cI know Pa\u2019s right Tyler, but I still feel like I owe you. I promised both you and Pa that I wouldn\u2019t go after Maxwell and I\u2019ll keep my promise but if our paths ever cross again, I swear I\u2019ll make him pay.\u201d<\/p>\n

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

November 2002<\/p>\n

Next story in the A Life Lived Series:<\/strong><\/p>\n

Return of a Gunfighter<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Summary:\u00a0 Adam and Joe run into trouble while away from the ranch. Will help arrive in time?<\/p>\n

Rating:\u00a0 T\u00a0 (11,540 words)<\/p>\n

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