{"id":13837,"date":"2003-10-27T08:04:23","date_gmt":"2003-10-27T13:04:23","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=13837"},"modified":"2025-02-27T12:07:39","modified_gmt":"2025-02-27T17:07:39","slug":"the-seeds-of-hate-by-helenb","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=13837","title":{"rendered":"The Seeds of Hate (by HelenB)"},"content":{"rendered":"

Summary:<\/strong>\u00a0 When someone with a grudge against a friend of the Cartwrights starts causing trouble, the Cartwrights are drawn into it.<\/span><\/p>\n

Rating:\u00a0 T\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 (9,570 words)<\/p>\n

The High Cost of Pride Series<\/strong><\/p>\n

The High Cost of Pride<\/a>
\nThe Seeds of Hate<\/a><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\n
\n

The Seeds of Hate<\/strong>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe Cartwright rode slowly into the ranch house yard of the Twisted K. He was delivering a string of horses that he\u2019d broken for the owner of the ranch, Sam Kirkson<\/span>. There were six horses and with Joe was Cody Swayne<\/span>. Joe and Cody had met when Cody had turned up at the Ponderosa looking for work and had been hired by Joe\u2019s father. It hadn\u2019t taken long for the two to become firm friends. The friendship had endured an accident when Cody, unable to read had mistakenly overdosed Joe, almost killing him. Joe felt sorry for Cody when he learned that Cody\u2019s brother had been given the family ranch when their father died and knowing he was unwanted there, Cody had left. It was at Joe\u2019s suggestion that Ben bought Cody his own ranch, the Double Bar. That had been six months ago. The young man now worked part time for the Cartwrights to earn a bit of extra money, often coming on trips like this with Joe.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Sam Kirkson<\/span> came out of his house when he heard the horses in the yard. Joe and Cody dismounted as Sam walked around the horses, checking them over.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Two hours later, after the horses had been ridden, Sam smiled as he reached to shake Joe\u2019s hand. \u201cYou\u2019ve done a fine job, son. I\u2019d heard you were good and knew horse flesh, you came highly recommended and I can see why.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe was pleased at the praise. He\u2019d only recently taken charge of the horses on the Ponderosa. \u201cThank you, sir,\u201d he replied as he shook the man\u2019s hand.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

As they were talking a ranch hand started to come out of the barn, seeing the young men standing there talking with his boss, he ducked unseen back into the shadows of the barn.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

When another ranch hand rode into the yard, Sam called out to him as he nodded to the horses that he\u2019d just purchased, \u201cPut these horses up.\u201d Turning back to Joe, Sam said, \u201cAre you sure you don\u2019t want to stay here for the night? You\u2019re more than welcome to.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNo, thank you, Mr Kirkson<\/span>,\u201d Joe replied, \u201cI think we\u2019d both like to push on for home.\u201d Cody nodded his agreement.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Sam held his hand out again and as Joe shook it, Sam said, \u201cI look forward to buying from you again. Have a safe trip.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThank you, sir,\u201d Joe replied. He and Cody mounted and set off for home.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

As darkness started to approach, Joe and Cody made camp. Cody got a fire going and was getting their meal ready when Joe came over and sat down after seeing to the horses. As Joe took the plate of food that Cody held out, he grinned and said, \u201cMaybe we made a mistake. If we\u2019d taken Mr Kirkson<\/span> up on his offer we could have been sleeping in a warm bed tonight instead of on the cold ground.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t mind,\u201d Cody said, \u201cIt\u2019ll be good to get home. I know your father always keeps an eye on my place for me but I don\u2019t like being away for long.\u201d Cody looked at Joe and incase<\/span> his friend thought he didn\u2019t want the work, added, \u201cI\u2019m grateful for the work though, the extra money from trips like this comes in real handy.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s okay, I understand. No matter how long I\u2019m away, I always look forward to getting home, too.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Cody grinned at the young man sitting next to him. Joe always seemed to understand how he felt. Cody knew he would be forever grateful to Joe, not only for the ranch but for his friendship,<\/span> it had changed Cody\u2019s life.<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

A week later, on Saturday night, Cody walked into the Silver Dollar saloon. Looking around the room he saw the Cartwright brothers sitting at a table, Joe was<\/span> talking and then all three started to laugh, obviously sharing a joke. As he stood there, Cody felt a twinge of jealousy at the relationship Joe had with his brothers when his own had been just the opposite but it evaporated in a moment, as Cody knew how lucky he was to have met Joe and he would never begrudge Joe the happy life he had even though Cody\u2019s had been far different.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe looked up and seeing Cody he smiled and waved him over. Cody walked over and sat down with the brothers. The four young men enjoyed a night in town and left to ride home late that night.<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The next morning as the Cartwright\u2019s rode past Sheriff Coffee\u2019s office on their way to church, Roy Coffee called out to them. Stopping their horses, they went over to see what he wanted.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhat is it, <\/span>Roy<\/span>?\u201d Ben asked.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cCody Swayne<\/span> came in to see me earlier. You know that bull he got recently?\u201d when the Cartwright\u2019s nodded, <\/span>Roy<\/span> continued, \u201cseems like while he was in town last night someone killed it.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhat!\u201d Adam exclaimed, \u201cWho would do something like that? How did they kill it?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cShot it in the head and left it lying in the yard. Cody says he has no idea who might have done it.\u201d <\/span>Roy<\/span> looked at Joe and asked, \u201cWhat about you, Joe? You know Cody pretty well. Has he made any enemies lately?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe shook his head. \u201cNo, Cody gets on with everyone. There\u2019s no one who would do something like this to him.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWell there\u2019s obviously one person who would,\u201d <\/span>Roy<\/span> replied grimly.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhere\u2019s Cody now?\u201d Joe asked.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWent back to his place,\u201d <\/span>Roy<\/span> replied.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe looked over at his father and Ben nodded. \u201cGo on.\u201d Ben knew Joe wouldn\u2019t be able to concentrate in church so he might as well let him go and see his friend.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThanks, Pa,\u201d Joe said, before riding off.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

As Joe got closer to the Double Bar, he saw smoke and he spurred Cochise<\/span> into a run. He saw that Cody was fighting to put the flames out that had taken hold of the barn. Jumping down from Cochise<\/span>, Joe immediately set to work.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

When the fire was finally out both young men dropped to the ground, breathing heavily.<\/span><\/span> When he finally had his breath back, Cody sat up and said, \u201cThanks, Joe. The way the winds blowing, without your help I think I would have lost the house too.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhat started it?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Cody shrugged. \u201cI don\u2019t know.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201c<\/span>Roy<\/span> told me about your bull, that\u2019s why I came out. The two things have to be related, it\u2019s too much of a coincidence for them not to be.\u201d When Cody didn\u2019t answer, Joe asked, \u201cWho is it, Cody?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYour guess is as good as mine.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

After resting for a while, Joe knew he had to report the fire to Roy Coffee. He and Cody had discussed it and fearing what might happen if someone didn\u2019t remain on the ranch, it was decided that Joe would go into town to tell the sheriff. Joe though, was reluctant to leave Cody on his own.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cBe careful,\u201d Joe said as he mounted his horse. Cody nodded and watched as Joe left.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

After riding into town and telling <\/span>Roy<\/span> what had happened out at the Double Bar, Joe rode out to the Ponderosa to tell his family.<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAnd Cody has no idea who could be behind it?\u201d Adam asked, after hearing the news.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe shook his head. \u201cNo. And I\u2019m really worried about what they might do next.\u201d He looked over his father. \u201cI thought I\u2019d go back and spend the night there, <\/span>Pa.<\/span>\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Ben felt uneasy about Joe spending the night at Cody\u2019s but he knew his son was set on it and there would be no changing his mind. Ben nodded his assent but added, \u201cBe careful.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe nodded. \u201cI will be.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

That night, after they had eaten, Joe and Cody sat and talked. Every now and then, Joe would see a grin on Cody\u2019s face and he wondered what he could possibly be so happy about after the day he\u2019d had.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ve got some good news, Joe,\u201d Cody said when Joe was just about to ask again, why he was so happy, \u201cI\u2019ve wanted to tell you all day but it just didn\u2019t seem like the right time but I just have to tell you now.\u201d Joe began to smile as he guessed what the news might be. \u201cI asked Sarah to marry me yesterday.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Cody and Sarah Miller had broken up after a misunderstanding and had recently started seeing each other again after she broke up with the man she had started dating after Cody. Joe knew Cody had been trying to work up the courage to ask for her hand in marriage.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI take it she said yes,\u201d Joe laughed as he reached to shake his friends<\/span> hand. Cody\u2019s only answer was a grin of happiness.<\/span><\/p>\n

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A few days later, Joe was still staying at the Double Bar. Roy Coffee had come up with nothing that would tell them who was behind the trouble.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIt doesn\u2019t look like anything else is going to happen, Joe,\u201d Cody said as they finished their meal one night. Maybe whoever it was has left the area.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cMmm<\/span>, maybe,\u201d Joe said.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019ll have to be going home soon. Not that I\u2019m trying to get rid of you but you can\u2019t stay here forever.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll stay a few more days,\u201d Joe said, worried still about leaving Cody on his own. Getting up from the table he said, \u201cI\u2019ll just check the horses.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou just want to get out of washing the dishes,\u201d Cody joked, and Joe laughed as he walked out the door, knowing that was partly true.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

When Joe still hadn\u2019t came back inside by the time he\u2019d finished the dishes, Cody wasn\u2019t at first worried because Joe often spent time alone, grooming Cochise<\/span> but an hour later he started to feel that something was wrong and he decided that he\u2019d better go and see what was keeping Joe in the barn so long.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

As he approached the barn, Cody looked around, nothing appeared out of place but he couldn\u2019t shake the uneasy feeling that was settling over him.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cJoe,\u201d Cody called, as he walked into the barn. Receiving no answer, he looked around. \u201cJoe, are you\u2026\u2026.\u201d His words trailed off as he saw his friend lying unconscious on the floor at the back of the barn. Running towards the unmoving figure, he turned Joe over and was shocked at the blood that covered one side of Joe\u2019s face.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Cody tried to rouse Joe but the young man was totally unresponsive. He was about to lift Joe into his arms to carry him inside the house when he heard a sound that froze him for a moment. Rushing to the barn door, he saw the house was on fire.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Glancing back at Joe, Cody was undecided about what he should do. He wanted to get Joe to a doctor and as far as he was concerned the house could burn to the ground but he didn\u2019t want the fire to spread and affect someone else, so he ran towards the flames.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Working alone, there was little Cody could do. He just worked on containing the fire, it didn\u2019t take long before the house was gone and the fire burnt itself out.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Cody was exhausted but he knew he couldn\u2019t stop to rest. Running back to the barn he checked Joe, hitched up the buckboard and lifted Joe into it. Tying Cochise<\/span> and his own horse to the back of it, he headed the team into <\/span>Virginia City<\/span>.<\/span><\/p>\n

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Roy Coffee was making the rounds of the town when he saw a soot covered man pull a buckboard up outside Doctor Paul Martin\u2019s office, realizing it was Cody Swayne<\/span>, <\/span>Roy<\/span> rushed over.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Cody jumped down and pointed into the back of the wagon. \u201cJoe\u2019s hurt.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Roy<\/span> knew that questions would have to wait,<\/span> he helped Cody to lift Joe out of the wagon and carry him inside. Paul had been awoken by the noise outside and had opened the door to investigate.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cBring him in,\u201d Paul said, opening the door wider to allow the other men to enter. \u201cWhat happened?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t know,\u201d Cody replied, \u201cI found him lying in the barn, unconscious.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Paul started to check Joe over, \u201cAnd what about you?\u201d he asked Cody as he worked, \u201cAre you all right?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYes,\u201d Cody answered. \u201cI went out to see what was taking Joe so long in the barn and while I was there someone set fire to my house.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cDid you manage to save it?\u201d <\/span>Roy<\/span> asked, when Cody shook his head, he said, \u201cI\u2019m sorry.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t care about the house. It doesn\u2019t matter. I\u2019ll have to go out to the Ponderosa and tell the Cartwright\u2019s what\u2019s happened to Joe.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll go,\u201d <\/span>Roy<\/span> said. He looked over at Paul Martin. \u201cPaul, how bad is it?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou better tell Ben to come straight in.\u201d Although Paul knew there would be no need to tell Ben that. Once he knew his youngest son was hurt, Paul knew, nothing would keep Ben away.<\/span><\/p>\n

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The Ponderosa ranch house was in darkness when <\/span>Roy<\/span> rode up. It was late and he knew the family would be sleeping. Knocking, he stood waiting until the door was opened by a dishevelled Ben.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Ben looked at <\/span>Roy<\/span> for a moment in confusion, wondering why he would come to the house at this time of the night. Ben\u2019s heart beat faster when he noticed the grim look on <\/span>Roy<\/span>\u2019s face. \u201cIt\u2019s Joe, isn\u2019t it?\u201d Ben asked. Adam and Hoss had come to stand behind their father.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Roy<\/span> nodded. \u201cYes, it is. Cody brought him into town, Ben. He\u2019s been hurt. I haven\u2019t gotten all of the details yet because I came straight out to get you. Seems like someone knocked Joe out in the barn and when Cody went to find Joe, the house was burnt down.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHow bad\u2019s<\/span> Joe hurt?\u201d Ben asked.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cPaul said you should come straight in.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

It didn\u2019t take much time for the Cartwright\u2019s to get dressed and ride into town. Now, they sat in Paul Martin\u2019s office, waiting to hear what he would say. Roy Coffee and Cody were with them.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThe only injury to Joe is a head wound,\u201d Paul said but Ben\u2019s relief was short lived as Paul continued, \u201cbut<\/span> it\u2019s serious.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHow serious?\u201d<\/span><\/span> Hoss asked, \u201cHe\u2019s not going to die is he?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll do my best not to let that happen, Hoss, but we won\u2019t know the extent of the injury until Joe wakes up.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIf he does,\u201d Adam said angrily. Adam knew in his heart that if his brother died, he\u2019d find the man responsible and kill him.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t say that,\u201d Hoss snapped.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cCan we see him?\u201d Ben asked and Paul nodded, showing them into the room where Joe lay with his head swathed in bandages.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOh, Joe,\u201d Ben whispered as his knees suddenly went weak and he quickly sat on the edge of the bed. Taking his youngest son\u2019s hand into his he said, \u201cYou\u2019ll be fine, Joe. I know you will.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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Cody and Roy had reluctantly left the family, knowing they were intruding and Joe\u2019s family stayed with him through the rest of the night and into the next day. It was just after <\/span>midday<\/span> when Joe started to stir.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe groaned softly and moved his head slightly. Ben immediately leant forward from the chair he was now sitting in. Squeezing the hand he\u2019d held on to since first coming into the room, he said, \u201cIt\u2019s all right, son.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cPa,\u201d Joe mumbled.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYes, Joe,\u201d Ben said, reassuringly. \u201cI\u2019m here, so are your brothers. You\u2019ve had an accident but you\u2019re going to be fine.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe\u2019s eyes flickered open and Ben saw a look of panic on his sons face.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cJoe, what is it? What\u2019s wrong?\u201d Ben asked urgently.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cPa, I\u2026I\u2026.. Pa\u2026\u2026\u201d Joe struggled to get the words out, clearly extremely upset.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll get doc,\u201d Hoss said, as he hurried out.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Ben bent closer. \u201cPlease son. Tell me what\u2019s wrong. Are you in pain?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Paul and Hoss had just reached the door and heard Joe say, \u201cI can\u2019t see, <\/span>Pa.<\/span> Why can\u2019t I see?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe started to sit up but he suddenly went pale as nausea hit him. Ben grabbed a bowl and held it while Joe was sick and then helped him to lie back down. Ben fought his own fears, trying to remain calm for his son\u2019s sake.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cShhh<\/span>, Joe. Paul\u2019s here. Just lie still while he has a look at you.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Two weeks later, Joe\u2019s family were taking him home. His sight still hadn\u2019t returned and the family were worried about the depression Joe had sunk into. They thought the best place for him was home. Hoss was driving the buckboard with Ben and Joe in the back. Adam rode beside them on his horse.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

As they pulled into the yard, Ben looked down at Joe. He had his eyes closed but Ben didn\u2019t know if he was sleeping. \u201cJoe,\u201d he gently stroked his sons arm, \u201cJoe, we\u2019re home.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe slowly sat up and reached out his arm to reassure himself that his father was beside him. Ben helped Joe down from the buckboard and put his arm around his sons<\/span> waist as they went inside.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam and Hoss watched them go and then took the horses into the barn. Inside the barn, Hoss stared at Cochise<\/span> and then went over to gently stroke the animal. Tears came into his eyes and he leant his head on the horses back.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam placed his hand on his brother\u2019s shoulder. \u201cIt\u2019ll be all right, Hoss.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNo, it won\u2019t. Not if Joe can\u2019t never see again. You heard what that doctor said that Pa got to come from <\/span>San Francisco<\/span>. He knows all about those kinds of injuries and he said there\u2019s nothing he can do.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHe also said that Joe\u2019s sight might come back on it\u2019s<\/span> own.\u201d They all knew that was a slim chance though. The doctor had said that the longer it went without returning the bigger the probability that it never would.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAnd if it don\u2019t<\/span>,\u201d Hoss said bitterly, \u201cwhat does Little Joe do then? What kind of life will he have?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHe\u2019s alive. Would you rather he had died?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNo, of course not,\u201d Hoss replied immediately. \u201cYou know I\u2019d never wish that. I\u2019m just thinking of Joe.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI know,\u201d Adam said, \u201cbut, we have to make Joe understand that his life\u2019s still worth living.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 **********<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Walking inside after finishing up in the barn, Adam and Hoss saw Hop Sing setting the table. Looking around, Adam asked, \u201cWhere are Pa and Joe?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Hop Sing nodded towards the stairs. \u201cLittle Joe want to go to room.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The brothers were about to go upstairs when there was a knock on the door. Hoss walked across to open it. \u201cCody, come in,\u201d he said when he saw the young man standing there.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHi, Hoss.<\/span><\/span> I was just wondering how Joe was doing?\u201d Cody asked, as he came in. Looking across the room he saw Adam and nodded a greeting to him. \u201cAdam.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cJoe\u2019s upstairs with <\/span>Pa.<\/span> He\u2019s feeling about the same. Hopefully he\u2019ll start feeling better being at home,\u201d Hoss said.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThis is all my<\/span> fault,\u201d Cody said dejectedly as he sat down. \u201cI\u2019ve been nothing but bad luck since I met Joe.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s not your fault, Cody,\u201d Adam said.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cCourse it is. For some reason someone is after me. Joe was just unlucky,<\/span> it should be me this happened to, not him.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cCody,\u201d Adam said as he sat down beside the young man, \u201cthe only person to blame is whoever it is who\u2019s been doing those things to you. The person who hit Joe.<\/span> <\/span>Roy<\/span> doesn\u2019t know who it is and Joe didn\u2019t see him but don\u2019t worry, we\u2019ll find out and they\u2019ll pay. Believe me, they\u2019ll pay.\u201d Hoss nodded his head in agreement.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cCan I see Joe?\u201d Cody asked.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOf course you can. Joe\u2019d<\/span> like that. We was<\/span> just goin\u2019up<\/span> to see him ourselves,\u201d Hoss replied.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

They went upstairs and stood at Joe\u2019s open door for a moment. Joe was sitting on his bed with his head bowed, Ben sitting beside him with his hand on his sons back. Ben looked up and saw them, motioning them to come in.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHey, Joe,\u201d Hoss said, \u201cGot a visitor for you.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cJoe,\u201d Cody said tentatively as he walked over to sit in a chair near his friend. \u201cHow are you doin<\/span>\u2019?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cFine thanks, Cody,\u201d Joe replied without looking up, \u201cHow\u2019s the house coming along?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cGreat. With the hands your Pa sent over, it\u2019s nearly finished.\u201d Cody looked at Ben. \u201cIt seems I\u2019m always beholding to you, sir.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNonsense,\u201d Ben replied, \u201cYou needed help. I had the men. I\u2019m just glad that you haven\u2019t let whoever did this drive<\/span> you away.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cPa, I\u2019m tired,\u201d Joe said quietly.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

They all knew that was just an excuse, Joe didn\u2019t like talking about what had happened.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOf course, Joseph,\u201d Ben said, looking at Adam and Hoss, he continued, \u201cyou three go downstairs. Hop Sing must nearly have dinner ready. I\u2019ll stay here with Joe.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

That was the way life continued on the ranch for the next week. Joe spent all of his time in his room, with Ben never far away.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

One afternoon, Paul came out to check on Joe. When Paul knocked on the front door it was opened by Adam. \u201cHello Paul, come in.\u201d he said.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHow\u2019s Joe?\u201d Paul asked.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNo change.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIs he coming downstairs at all? Getting out?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNo, he won\u2019t come downstairs, let alone go outside. He spends all of his time in his room. Not that I blame him. It must be very frightening. I\u2019ve tried to get him out, I wanted to take him riding but he wouldn\u2019t come.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAnd Ben?\u201d<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam hesitated before answering, wondering if he should voice what he\u2019d been thinking, he decided he had to be honest if he wanted Paul\u2019s help. \u201cI think Pa\u2019s part of the problem,\u201d Adam said finally, \u201cHe won\u2019t let Joe attempt to do anything. He helps him get dressed, cuts his food, whatever Joe needs, Pa\u2019s there to do it.\u201d Adam stopped and drew a deep breath before continuing. \u201cPa thinks he\u2019s doing the right thing. He sees Joe needs help and he can\u2019t help but give it. I think though, that Joe\u2019s losing confidence that he can still do things for himself.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ve been thinking the same thing,\u201d Paul nodded. \u201cLet\u2019s see if we can do something about it. Ask your father to come down for me, Adam.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam nodded and went upstairs He was a bit worried about what Ben would say when they broached this subject with him. A couple of minutes later, he and his father came downstairs.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam had just told Ben that there was someone downstairs who wanted to see him. He didn\u2019t want Joe to know it was the doctor or he would want to know what he was doing there. When Ben saw Paul he said, \u201cPaul, what is it? What do you want to see me about?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cTake a seat, Ben. We need to talk.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cJoe,\u201d Ben started but Paul cut him off.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cJoe\u2019s fine, he\u2019s just upstairs. He\u2019ll be all right on his own for a while,\u201d Paul said. Ben reluctantly sat down.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHow is Joe coping, Ben?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAs well as anyone could expect him to.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAdam says that Joe never comes downstairs. That\u2019s not coping.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhat do you expect him to do,\u201d Ben said angrily. \u201cI\u2019ve closed my eyes and tried to find my way around just so I\u2019d know what it\u2019s like for Joe. Do you know how hard it is? You try it but just remember that when it becomes too much for you, you can open your eyes and see again,\u201d Ben drew a deep breath before continuing, \u201cJoseph can\u2019t.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHe\u2019s becoming too dependent on you, Ben.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cToo dependant on me,\u201d Ben struggled to keep from shouting. \u201cOf course he\u2019s dependant on me. The boy\u2019s blind, Paul\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI know that, Ben,\u201d Paul spoke calmly, \u201cbut it\u2019s not the end of his life. You have to help Joe to understand that. He must learn to do things for himself. He needs to get some independence back.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Ben sat quietly, thinking about the doctor\u2019s words. Seeing that he\u2019d started to get through to Ben, Paul continued, \u201cBen, if something were to happen to you, what would happen to Joe? How would he cope without you when you have been doing everything for him.<\/span>\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam saw the look of pain on his fathers face and knew the doctor\u2019s words had hit him hard. He walked over and sat on the table in front of his father. \u201cPa, Hoss and I will always look out for Joe, I promise. You don\u2019t have to worry about that but we just want Joe to have the best life he can and being shut up in his room all day is no way to live.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Ben nodded. \u201cI know, Adam.\u201d He looked at his son and then over at his old friend. \u201cI thank both of you for making me see that but what do we do about it? When I see Joe struggling to do even the simplest of things, I can\u2019t\u2026\u2026..\u201d Ben trailed off.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI know, Ben. But the more he does, the more you will come to realize there are still a great many things he can do. Take it slow, don\u2019t overwhelm him but make him do a little more each day.\u201d When Ben nodded, Paul said, \u201cNow let\u2019s go up and I\u2019ll have a quick look at him.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

After Paul had examined Joe, Ben said, \u201cJoe, Hop Sing\u2019s<\/span> just about to serve dinner,\u201d he reached for his sons arm, \u201cLet\u2019s go downstairs.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe tried to pull his arm free. \u201cNo, I don\u2019t want to. I want to stay here.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Ben\u2019s heart ached, he wanted to allow Joe to do as he wished but he realized now that it had been wrong to wrap Joe so tightly in his cloak of protection, so as hard as it was to do it, Ben stood firm.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNo, Joe. I want you to come downstairs and eat with us.\u201d He gently pulled his son to his feet.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Paul Martin nodded and smiled approvingly, stepping aside as Ben and Joe made their way across the room and down the hall. When they reached the top of the stairs, Joe stopped and shook his head. \u201cI can\u2019t,\u201d he whispered.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYes, you can,\u201d Ben said encouragingly. \u201cI\u2019m right beside you and I won\u2019t let you fall.\u201d Holding on to Joe tightly, Ben stepped forward, pulling Joe with him. Hoss had come inside to join the family and Adam had told him what they\u2019d discussed with the doctor. He and Adam watched from the table.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

When father and son reached the bottom of the stairs, Paul said his goodbyes, knowing that Joe would feel more comfortable for now, with just his family there.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 **********<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

A month later, Ben watched from the porch as his three sons rode into the yard. Adam and Hoss had taken Joe out riding. Ben had known his youngest son was in good hands but since the injury that had taken Joe\u2019s sight, Ben couldn\u2019t stop worrying whenever Joe was away from him. <\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Now, Ben smiled with relief as they rode up to the house. He watched with pride as Joe dismounted. He couldn\u2019t believe how much Joe had accomplished in the last month. At first, they\u2019d had to fight Joe every step of the way but it wasn\u2019t long before Joe, realizing he was gaining back some independence, started to want to do more.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe was still sticking close to the ranch. The only other place he\u2019d been was Cody\u2019s. He wasn\u2019t ready to go into town yet but Ben was confident that the time would come when he would be.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Paul had suggested that they might be able to get someone to teach Joe more if they were to take him to somewhere bigger like <\/span>San Francisco<\/span> or even <\/span>Boston<\/span> and leave him there while he learnt but Joe had been adamant that he wouldn\u2019t go. Ben felt the same way and this time Paul found that Adam agreed with his father. Ben, Adam and Hoss had always said that they wanted to do what was best for Joe and they all agreed that sending him away from his family wouldn\u2019t help. So they had all spent a lot of time with him, teaching him and encouraging him to do things.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHow was the ride, boys?\u201d Ben called.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cGreat, <\/span>Pa.<\/span> We rode to the lake and had a swim,\u201d Joe said as he walked his horse towards the barn. Adam had told Ben that he was going to try to get Joe to go swimming with them. Ben didn\u2019t think that Joe would do it but Adam had been confidant that he could get Joe into the water and more importantly, that Joe would enjoy it. Ben laughed aloud, pleased that Adam had proved him wrong.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 **********<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Cody\u2019s house had been completed a few weeks ago. Ben had insisted that two Ponderosa ranch hands continue to stay there, at least for a while longer. The Cartwright\u2019s had done all they could to find the person responsible but he had proved elusive. Now, as Cody was in town, picking up some supplies, he looked across the street and saw a man named Mark Anders come out of <\/span>Roy<\/span>\u2019s office. Mark saw Cody at the same time,<\/span> he frowned in anger and glared at him.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

After Cody and Sarah had broken up after the misunderstanding, Sarah had gone out with Mark Anders for a little while. Once she and Cody had gotten back together, Mark was forgotten by the young couple who were so in love. Cody hadn\u2019t given him another thought, but by the look on Mark\u2019s face, he hadn\u2019t put it behind him.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Roy Coffee came out of his office and saw Cody and Mark staring across at each other and then Mark Anders walked away. <\/span>Roy<\/span> walked over to Cody and asked, \u201cWhat\u2019s between you two?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNothing much.<\/span><\/span> After Sarah and I broke up that time, she went out with him for a while. Now that we\u2019re back together he obviously doesn\u2019t like it.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI didn\u2019t know about that,\u201d <\/span>Roy<\/span> said.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI had no idea he was still so angry about it. What was he doing in your office?\u201d Cody asked.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ve had him locked up for the last couple of months. He and another fella got into a fight in the Bucket of Blood. They had a disagreement over a game of poker. Did a lot of damage.<\/span> Neither of \u2018em could afford to pay for the damages so I locked \u2018em both up.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Cody and Roy looked at each other as they realized the implications of what <\/span>Roy<\/span> had just said. <\/span>Roy<\/span> nodded grimly. \u201cThat was the night after your place was burnt down.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHe\u2019s been in jail for two months,\u201d Cody spat the words out, \u201cThat\u2019s why nothings been<\/span> happening on my ranch. It\u2019s him. He\u2019s the one that sent Joe blind.\u201d <\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Cody started to go after Mark Anders but <\/span>Roy<\/span> pulled him back. \u201cThat\u2019s my job. Wait here.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Cody paced, waiting for <\/span>Roy<\/span> to return. He didn\u2019t have long to wait until <\/span>Roy<\/span> came back into sight, dragging a protesting Mark Anders along with him. Cody made a grab for Anders, yelling, \u201cI oughta<\/span> kill you for what you\u2019ve done.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Roy<\/span> pushed past Cody, as Mark Anders said, \u201cI didn\u2019t do nothin\u2019.<\/span> You\u2019re crazy,<\/span> I\u2019m telling you I didn\u2019t do it.\u201d <\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Roy<\/span> ignored him and continued to push him through the door. \u201cTell it to the judge,\u201d he said, as he pushed Anders into a cell.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

When <\/span>Roy<\/span> came back out he looked at Cody and said, \u201cYou just better calm down. We\u2019ve had enough of people trying to get even.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Cody stood up. \u201cI\u2019m going out to see the Cartwright\u2019s and tell them what\u2019s happened.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Roy<\/span> nodded, \u201cAsk Ben to come in and see me.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 **********<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Cody rode up to the house and knocked on the front door.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhat\u2019s wrong?\u201d Adam asked,<\/span> when he opened the door and saw Cody.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI need to speak to you. I know who burnt my house down and hurt Joe.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWho?\u201d<\/span><\/span> Adam asked urgently as he opened the door to admit Cody. All the Cartwright\u2019s were<\/span> there and had heard what Cody said.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWho was it?\u201d Hoss asked, as he stood to his feet.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cMark Anders,\u201d Cody replied.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

For a moment the family couldn\u2019t put a face to the name and then Hoss remembered. \u201cHe was going out with Sarah for a while.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYes,\u201d Cody said, \u201cThat\u2019s him. It all fits. He\u2019s been locked up in jail for the last two months because he couldn\u2019t pay the damage for busting up the Bucket of Blood. That was the night after Joe\u2026.\u201d He trailed off.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOver a girl,\u201d Ben said, as he shook his head, \u201cHe did this over a girl?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI never even thought of the possibility of it being him. I should have,\u201d Cody said.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNone of us thought of him, Cody,\u201d Adam said.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhere is he now?\u201d Ben asked.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201c<\/span>Roy<\/span> has him locked up.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Ben looked over at Joe, who hadn\u2019t said a word since Cody had arrived to tell them the news. Ben walked over to the settee and sat down beside his youngest son, gently patting his leg. \u201cAre you all right, Joseph?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe didn\u2019t answer for a moment as he struggled to get his emotions under control and then he said, \u201cI hate him so much, <\/span>Pa.<\/span> I hardly know him, but I hate him.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Ben moved his hand to Joe\u2019s back and rubbed it soothingly as he said, \u201cI know, Joe. So do I<\/span>. Nothing can make up for what he\u2019s<\/span> done to you but at least now we know who it was and he\u2019s going to pay for it, son.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe blinked back tears as he nodded and everyone else in the room also fought their own battle against tears as they thought about just how much Mark Anders had changed Joe\u2019s life.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

At a nod of approval from Ben, Hoss got up and poured Joe a glass of brandy, placing it in his young brothers hand, he said, \u201cHere, Joe. It\u2019s brandy so sip it slow.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Cody sat watching and then he said, \u201cMr. Cartwright, Sheriff Coffee said he\u2019d like you to go in and see him.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Ben was undecided about what to do. He wanted to go in and see <\/span>Roy<\/span> but he didn\u2019t want to leave Joe. <\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Looking over at his father, Hoss said, \u201cYou go and talk to <\/span>Roy<\/span>, <\/span>Pa.<\/span> Me and Adam will stay here with Little Joe.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIs that all right with you, Joe?\u201d Ben asked.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe nodded and Ben gave one final pat to Joe\u2019s back as he got up and said, \u201cI won\u2019t be long.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Ben walked to the door and stood watching for a moment as his son\u2019s closed ranks. Hoss took a seat beside Joe. Adam sat on the arm of the settee. Ben knew his two older sons would have liked to go to town with him but they would stay at the house because they knew, right now, Joe needed them to be there and Ben was glad. Ben thought it best to keep his sons away from <\/span>Virginia City<\/span> and Mark Anders, knowing the hatred they now felt for the man.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 **********<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

That night after Ben returned from town, the Cartwright\u2019s and Cody sat in the great room discussing what had transpired.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Mark Anders was still protesting his innocence but <\/span>Roy<\/span> felt there was no doubt he was the man responsible.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s over then,\u201d Cody said.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYes, finally,\u201d Ben replied, although he knew in his heart that it would never truly be over for any of them, not with Joe still blind.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 **********<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The next day, Joe rode with Cody over to the Double Bar, he felt like he needed to get out of the house for a while. Cody promised Ben that he would look after Joe and it was arranged that Joe\u2019s father or one of his brothers would go to Cody\u2019s and ride home with him in the afternoon.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

After sending the hands that had been watching the ranch back to the Ponderosa, Joe and Cody went for a ride to check things out. When they returned to the house, the first thing Cody noticed was that the front door was open.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cJoe,\u201d he said, reaching over to pull Cochise<\/span> to a stop, \u201cThere\u2019s something wrong.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhat?\u201d Joe asked,<\/span> picking up on Cody\u2019s unease.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThe front door\u2019s open. I think someone\u2019s in the house.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 **********<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Ben was just returning to his desk with a cup of coffee when he heard the urgent knocking on the front door.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll get it, Pa,\u201d called Hoss, getting up from the chair he was sitting in. Going across and opening the door, Hoss saw a very flustered Roy Coffee standing there.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201c<\/span>Roy<\/span>, what brings you out here?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Roy<\/span> stepped inside and looked around, he asked, \u201cIs Cody here?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNo, why?\u201d<\/span><\/span> Ben asked, walking across the room to stand next to Hoss.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cBen, I talked to some people in town. They are sure Mark Anders was in the Bucket of Blood the night of that fire at Cody\u2019s. The night Joe was hurt.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAre you sure?\u201d Ben asked, anxiety starting to take hold, \u201cHe couldn\u2019t have set the fire and gone back to the saloon?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNo. They\u2019re sure he was there all night.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThen it wasn\u2019t him after all,\u201d Hoss said, dismayed.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cJoe!\u201d Ben exclaimed, as he reached for his hat and gun belt, \u201cWe have to get to Joe. He\u2019s with Cody.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhere are they?\u201d <\/span>Roy<\/span> asked.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cCody\u2019s place.<\/span><\/span> Adam said he\u2019d go over there when he finished checking some fences this afternoon to ride home with Joe but I don\u2019t know if he\u2019ll be there yet,\u201d Ben said anxiously as he ran out of the door.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 **********<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cStay here, Joe,\u201d Cody said as he warily dismounted. Reaching for his gun, he was stopped when a voice called out, \u201cDon\u2019t move.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Cody froze as someone stepped into the doorway and his face registered his shock.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhat\u2019s going on?\u201d Joe said,<\/span> it was frightening to have no idea what was happening.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s all right, Joe,\u201d Cody said, and then turned back to the man in the doorway. \u201cWhat do you want?\u201d When he received no answer, he continued, \u201cLet Joe go<\/span>. He doesn\u2019t know anything. He\u2019s blind. He can\u2019t even describe you. He doesn\u2019t know who you are. Let him go.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNo,\u201d Joe said angrily, worried for his friend, \u201cCody, what\u2019s happening?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The man nodded, \u201cAll right, he can go.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Cody was worried about sending Joe off alone but he knew he had no other choice. He had to get Joe away.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Reaching for Cochise<\/span>, Cody held the bridle as he spoke to Joe. \u201cDon\u2019t worry about me, Joe. I\u2019m sorry to do this to you but you have to try to make it back to the Ponderosa alone.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cTell me what\u2019s wrong? I know you\u2019re in trouble. Tell me!\u201d Joe said, panic starting to rise within him.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t worry about me. I\u2019ll be all right.\u201d Cody pulled Cochise<\/span> around so he was facing in the direction of the Ponderosa, slapping him on the rump, he sent the horse on it\u2019s<\/span> way, preying he was doing the right thing.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 **********<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe\u2019s heart was beating wildly. He wasn\u2019t sure he was heading in the right direction. He was relying on Cochise. Joe knew something was very wrong at Cody\u2019s and he wanted to get help as quickly as he could but he kept Cochise<\/span> to barely above a walk knowing that he couldn\u2019t risk going faster.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam squinted into the distance. He couldn\u2019t believe what he was seeing. Joe was riding towards him, alone. Thinking that Cody had somehow allowed Joe to become separated from him, Adam cursed Cody and mumbled, \u201cI\u2019ll kill him,\u201d as he urged his horse into a run.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe heard a horse coming towards him and pulled Cochise<\/span> to a stop. \u201cWho\u2019s there?\u201d he asked anxiously, as he heard the horse stop.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s all right, Joe. It\u2019s me, Adam,\u201d he said, as he reached for Joe\u2019s bridle. \u201cAre you all right? What are you doing out here by yourself?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cSomething\u2019s wrong at Cody\u2019s house, Adam. There\u2019s someone there. Cody wouldn\u2019t say who it was but he\u2019s in danger. I know it. We have to go back and help him.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNo,\u201d Adam said quickly, \u201cI\u2019ll take you home and then I\u2019ll go and see what\u2019s wrong.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe jerked the reins free from his brother\u2019s hands. \u201cIt could be too late by then. If you won\u2019t<\/span> come back with me, I\u2019ll go by myself. Adam watched as Joe turned his horse towards neither the Ponderosa or<\/span> the Double Bar and he shook his head at his brothers determination.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Reaching for Joe\u2019s bridle again, Adam said, \u201cAll right. We\u2019ll go back.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThank you,\u201d Joe said, relieved.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam did contemplate tricking Joe. He knew he could tell him that they were going back to Cody\u2019s but he could actually take Joe home but he knew his brother would never forgive him if he did that so Adam turned them back towards Cody\u2019s and holding tightly to Joe\u2019s reins they set off.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

When they came into view of the house, they dismounted, walking quickly to the barn, Adam checked it out and then said, \u201cJoe, stay here. I\u2019ll check out the house.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNo. I want to come.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cStay here,\u201d Adam said firmly. \u201cI don\u2019t want to risk you getting in the way.\u201d He knew Joe was hurt by his words but there was nothing Adam could do about it at the moment. \u201cHere,\u201d Adam pressed his gun into Joe\u2019s hand, he was doubtful it would be of any protection for his brother but Adam wanted him to have something, \u201cI\u2019ll take my rifle,\u201d he continued as he pulled it from the scabbard.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam made his way to the house as best he could without being seen. Luck was not on his side however, as the man who had been waiting in the house for Cody\u2019s return earlier, happened to glace out the window and saw him. <\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam approached the back of the house with caution. He looked in a window and saw that Cody was gagged and tied to a chair but he couldn\u2019t see anyone else. Holding the gun ready to use, Adam kicked the door in, as he stepped inside, a gun was held to his back. A hand reached around and took the rifle from his hands.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam was pushed over to a chair next to Cody and made to sit down. He was thrown a rope and told to tie his legs to the chair. Once that was done, the man told him to put his hands behind him, Adam\u2019s hands were tied together and then tied to the back of the chair, making him completely immobile. The man went to a window and looked around, he couldn\u2019t see anyone else.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhat\u2019s going on?\u201d Adam asked, \u201cWhat do you want?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cShut up,\u201d the man replied, then<\/span> he glared over at Cody. \u201cIt makes me sick to think of you having a place like this. It\u2019s not fair. I didn\u2019t want to kill you. I just wanted to drive you off. Why should you have what I can\u2019t but you wouldn\u2019t leave. I have no choice now.\u201d <\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe worried when Adam didn\u2019t return, slowly made his way towards Cody\u2019s house. He was very familiar with the layout of the area so it was fairly easy for him. As Joe got closer, he heard shouting but he couldn\u2019t make out the words. It wasn\u2019t until he reached the back of the house that he could hear what was being said.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWho are you and why are you doing this?\u201d Joe heard his brother ask.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe didn\u2019t recognise the voice that answered Adam, but the words sent a chill through him. \u201cIt doesn\u2019t matter who I am and I don\u2019t know who you are, mister, but you shouldn\u2019t go sticking your nose where it doesn\u2019t belong. It\u2019s going to cost you your life.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe\u2019s heart was beating rapidly. Was Cody already dead? Joe didn\u2019t know the answer to that question but he knew Adam was still alive and he intended to do all he could to help him.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam and Cody watched with horror as the man started to splash lantern oil around and he said, \u201cBy the time the fire burns itself out, I\u2019ll be long gone.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe knew he couldn\u2019t wait any longer. He didn\u2019t know what he would be able to do but he had to try. Gripping the gun tightly in his hand, he shoved the door open.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

All three men looked towards the door in shock. The stranger had put his gun down on the table as he splashed the oil around. The table was on the other side of the room and Adam knew Joe had a chance. As the stranger ran for his gun, Adam shouted, \u201cShoot left, Joe, left!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe was terrified of accidentally hitting Adam but he did as his brother had shouted and shot left of where Adam\u2019s shouts had come from.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The first two shots missed and the stranger\u2019s fingers were just groping for the gun. Adam shouted again, \u201cFurther left!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe fired again, his third and forth shots missing. The stranger grabbed his gun and swung it towards Joe as Joe\u2019s fifth shot went wide.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe\u2019s finger was squeezing the trigger for his sixth and last shot when the strangers<\/span> gun fired. Two shots rang out simultaneously.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNo!\u201d Adam screamed as he saw Joe fall, blood pooling on the floor where he lay.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

As Adam struggled violently to free himself, the man turned slowly to face Adam and Cody. Adam saw the spreading bloodstain, where Joe\u2019s bullet had hit him in the stomach.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The wounded man raised his gun and pointed it at Cody, as he said slowly, \u201cI hate you.\u201d His finger started to squeeze the trigger but before he could, death claimed him and he collapsed to the floor.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam continued to struggle but the ropes were too tight and he couldn\u2019t get free. He could only stare at where his brother lay and prey that he was still alive. It was with relief that Adam and Cody heard horses being ridden fast up to the house.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Ben didn\u2019t know what danger might be waiting in the house but he didn\u2019t take time to be cautious. He charged into the house with Hoss and Roy right behind him.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Ben stopped in shock when he saw Adam and Cody tied to chairs, seeing the anguished look on his eldest sons face, Ben looked to where Adam was staring and saw his youngest son. <\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Ben rushed to Joe. Hoss went to untie Adam and Cody but his eyes stayed on his little brother while <\/span>Roy<\/span> checked the body of the man Joe had shot.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIs he all right?\u201d Adam asked his father anxiously.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Ben was kneeling on the floor and had gently turned Joe over. \u201cHe\u2019s alive,\u201d Ben answered with relief as he ripped off his bandana to do what he could to stop the bleeding. \u201cHe\u2019s got a deep gash on the side of his head, it\u2019s bleeding a lot.\u201d <\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhat happened?\u201d Hoss asked as he untied Adam.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam nodded at the body on the floor and said, \u201cHe tried to kill Cody, and me too because I tried to stop him. If it hadn\u2019t been for Joe, he\u2019d have set fire to this place with us in it.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Hoss had just finished untying Adam when Roy Coffee walked over and took the gag out of Cody\u2019s mouth,<\/span> he then started to untie him.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cJoe shot him?\u201d Hoss asked, thinking his older brother was making no sense. It wouldn\u2019t have been possible for Joe to know what he was aiming at.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam nodded and said, \u201cI\u2019ll tell you about it later,\u201d and they quickly went over to join Ben on the floor. Heedless of the blood, Ben had lifted Joe\u2019s head into his lap.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Released from the ropes, Cody stood up and walked over to the body of the man who had tried to kill him and stared down at him.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Roy<\/span> squatted down beside the Cartwright\u2019s and Adam nodded over to the body and asked, \u201cIs he dead?\u201d When <\/span>Roy<\/span> nodded, Adam asked, \u201cDo you know who he is?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYes, I do,\u201d <\/span>Roy<\/span> replied, \u201cSteve Matthews. He was the man Mark Anders was fighting in the Bucket of Blood.\u201d <\/span>Roy<\/span> shook his head. \u201cWe thought the trouble out here stopped because I\u2019d had Anders locked up for two months but it was him,\u201d <\/span>Roy<\/span> nodded at the body. \u201cI hadn\u2019t even seen him in town before that night.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cDo you know him, Cody?\u201d Adam asked, \u201cThere must be a reason why he hated you so much.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Cody dragged his eyes away from the body and looked over at the Cartwright\u2019s and Roy Coffee as he replied, \u201cOh, there\u2019s a reason all right. His names not Matthews it\u2019s<\/span> Swayne<\/span>, same as mine. He\u2019s my brother.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

There were many more questions everyone wanted to ask but Ben put a stop to it. He wanted to get Joe to a doctor.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

When the buckboard was hitched, Ben, Adam and Cody took Joe back to the Ponderosa. Hoss rode into town for the doctor while Roy Coffee took the body of Steve Swayne<\/span> to the undertaker in <\/span>Virginia City<\/span>.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 **********<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Roy Coffee rode out to the Ponderosa after arrangements had been made for the body. Doctor Martin was upstairs with Joe, having chased everyone but Hop Sing out. They were all waiting anxiously downstairs.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The ticking of the clock seemed overly loud as everyone sat in silence, not knowing what to say. Finally, Adam turned to Cody and said, \u201cI\u2019m sorry about your brother, Cody.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Cody shook his head and replied, \u201cI\u2019m the one who\u2019s sorry. I\u2019m sorry he was<\/i> my brother. I knew he hated me but I guess I just didn\u2019t know how much,\u201d Cody looked at Adam before continuing, \u201cBefore you got there he told me he\u2019d lost his ranch. When we were kids, he never could stand me having something he didn\u2019t. I guess some things never change.\u201d <\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHow did he know about the Double Bar? Or even where you were? I thought you hadn\u2019t had any contact with him since you left home,\u201d Adam said.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s true, I hadn\u2019t. It was just a stroke of bad luck. He had no idea where I was but he said he was working for Sam Kirkson<\/span>, he saw me there when I delivered those horses with Joe.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Cody looked at Ben who sat with his head in his hands. \u201cMr. Cartwright,\u201d when Ben looked up, he said, \u201cI\u2019m sorry, sir.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Before anymore could be said, Hop Sing came to the top of the stairs and called excitedly, \u201cMr. Cartwright, doctor say for you to come up.\u201d Ben needed no second telling, he was up the stairs in a moment, everyone else trailing behind him.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

It was crowded in the bedroom when Hop Sing shut the door behind them and everyone immediately noticed how dark it was in the room. Night had fallen but Paul Martin had the lantern turned down as low as it would go.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cPa,\u201d Joe called and Ben immediately went to him, sitting on the edge of the bed. Joe practically threw himself into his father\u2019s arms. Ben could feel Joe trembling and knew he was crying. \u201cWhat is it, Joseph? What\u2019s wrong?\u201d he asked as he stroked his sons back. Joe\u2019s only response was to cling tighter.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Paul cleared his throat and said, \u201cIt\u2019s<\/span> good news, Ben. Joe woke up while I was examining him. He\u2019s able to see light and can make out shapes. It\u2019s not very clear but I\u2019m hopeful it will improve.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Ben struggled to keep his own tears from falling as he gently pulled Joe back so he could look at him, putting his hands on either side of Joe\u2019s face, he smiled as he said, \u201c<\/span>That\u2019s wonderful news.\u201d He stared into his son\u2019s eyes a moment longer and then pulled him back into an embrace.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam and Hoss quickly went to the bed to join their father and brother. Adam put his hand on Joe\u2019s back and squatted down on the floor as he said, \u201cOh, buddy, that\u2019s the best news I could have heard.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Hoss sniffed back his tears as he bent down to also touch Joe. \u201cThat goes for me too, little brother.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam looked up at Doctor Martin. \u201cIs that why it\u2019s so dark in here?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYes,\u201d Paul said, \u201cThe light hurts Joe\u2019s eyes and it will for a while. We\u2019ll gradually increase the light as hopefully Joe\u2019s eyes improve.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam looked at the bandage circling his brother\u2019s head and asked Paul, \u201cHow is he? What about the wound?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHe\u2019s got a bad headache but I think, at the moment, the excitement of being able to see, at least a little bit, has over ridden that but he\u2019s going to be feeling pretty sick for the next few days. Just keep him quiet and let him sleep.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhat made him able see again?\u201d Hoss asked.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThere is so much we don\u2019t know about injuries like Joe\u2019s but I think the force of that bullet hitting him somehow restored his sight,\u201d Paul shook his head, \u201cIt was a pretty drastic way of doing it, that bullet almost killed him.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

As Ben held his youngest son in his arms, he shuddered at the thought of how close he had come to losing him.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 **********<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

A week later, Joe was still in bed but his eyesight was almost back to normal and Paul was confident it would soon be perfect. Cody hadn\u2019t been to see Joe since that first night and Joe had started to think that Cody blamed him for the death of his brother. Joe\u2019s family had tried to convince him that wasn\u2019t true but to no avail.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Ben decided to take matters into his own hands. He rode over to the Double Bar to see Cody. They sat at the table talking and Cody said, \u201cHow can I face Joe, after what my brother did,\u201d he shook his head. \u201cI don\u2019t know when Steve started to hate me so much.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cSometimes, looking back, it\u2019s hard to know when the seeds of hate were first planted, Cody. But your brother allowed that hate to grow until it consumed him. It didn\u2019t matter to him who he hurt as long as he got what he wanted. He let hatred ruin the relationship he could have had with you. Don\u2019t let your guilt ruin your friendship with Joe. Put it behind you, Cody. We have.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 **********<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Cody rode back to the Ponderosa with Ben. Going upstairs, they heard the laughter coming from the bedroom. When Ben walked in the room, he noticed the happy smile on Joe\u2019s face and the frown on Hoss\u2019, the checkerboard on the bed between them. \u201cI take it you won, Joseph?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYes,\u201d Joe laughed, \u201cNow I\u2019m going to beat Adam.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t be so sure of that, little brother,\u201d Adam laughed. It was then that Joe saw Cody standing in the doorway.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cCody,\u201d Joe said.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHi Joe,\u201d Cody said, nervously coming into the room. \u201cHow are you feeling?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cGreat,\u201d Joe replied, \u201cBe even better when Pa lets me get up.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Ben looked at Joe sternly before replying, \u201cYou know what Paul said, another week.\u201d Joe pulled a face and Ben laughed.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Cody slowly sat down in the chair beside the bed and said, \u201cI\u2019m so sorry, Joe. I don\u2019t know what to say.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s not your fault,\u201d Joe said.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYes, it is,\u201d Cody replied.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe cut him off. \u201cWe don\u2019t get to pick our family. You can\u2019t help who your brother is or what he did anymore than I can help having these two lunkheads for brothers,\u201d he nodded at Adam and Hoss, \u201cYou wouldn\u2019t blame me for something they did would ya<\/span>?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHey,\u201d Hoss said, \u201cWho are you callin<\/span>\u2019 a lunkhead?\u201d and everyone laughed as the tension was broken.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 **********<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

A month later, Ben sat in church with Adam and Hoss beside him as Cody and Sarah were married. Joe stood beside Cody as his best man. Ben found his eyes continually straying to his youngest son as he thought about how bleak life had seemed for them all just a few months ago, when Joe had first been blinded.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

When the ceremony ended, Joe turned and flashed a smile at his father. Ben instantly smiled back, his sad thoughts evaporating as happiness spread through him with the sheer joy of being able to share something with his son that he thought had been lost forever.\u00a0As father and son\u00a0looked into each others eyes, words were not needed. A silent look said it all and\u00a0Ben’s heart soared. <\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The End<\/span><\/b><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/b><\/p>\n

October 2003<\/span><\/b><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

<\/div>\n

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

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

Summary:\u00a0 When someone with a grudge against a friend of the Cartwrights starts causing trouble, the Cartwrights are drawn into it.<\/p>\n

Rating:\u00a0 T\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 (9,570 words)<\/p>\n

The High Cost of Pride Series<\/p>\n

The High Cost of Pride
\nThe Seeds of Hate<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":10321,"featured_media":12989,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"template-full-width-post.php","format":"standard","meta":{"_jetpack_newsletter_access":"","_jetpack_dont_email_post_to_subs":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_tier_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paywalled_content":false,"_jetpack_feature_clip_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":"","jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false},"categories":[23],"tags":[14,15,17,16],"class_list":["post-13837","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-drama","tag-adam-cartwright","tag-ben","tag-hoss","tag-joe","wpcat-23-id"],"a3_pvc":{"activated":true,"total_views":2514,"today_views":1},"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/05\/s-l500-2a.jpg?fit=300%2C300&ssl=1","jetpack_likes_enabled":true,"jetpack-related-posts":[{"id":13836,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=13836","url_meta":{"origin":13837,"position":0},"title":"The High Cost of Pride (by HelenB)","author":"HelenB","date":"July 27, 2003","format":false,"excerpt":"Summary: \u00a0 A young Ponderosa ranch hand learns that sometimes the cost of pride can be too high. Rating:\u00a0 T\u00a0\u00a0 (10,950 words) The High Cost of Pride Series, links to all the stories within the series are included.","rel":"","context":"In "Drama"","block_context":{"text":"Drama","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?cat=23"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/05\/s-l500-2a.jpg?fit=300%2C300&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200},"classes":[]},{"id":12750,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=12750","url_meta":{"origin":13837,"position":1},"title":"A Modern Cartwrights Story #3 – A Quarter\u2019s Worth of Glory: Joe in the Infernal Machine (by Robin)","author":"profrobinw","date":"January 23, 2015","format":false,"excerpt":"Summary:\u00a0 Headlines ripped from the daily newspaper in this modern era tale of the Cartwrights. Rating:\u00a0 K+\u00a0 (775 word) A Modern Cartwright Story Series, links to stories within the series are included.","rel":"","context":"In "Alternate Universe"","block_context":{"text":"Alternate Universe","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?cat=7"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"","width":0,"height":0},"classes":[]},{"id":18230,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=18230","url_meta":{"origin":13837,"position":2},"title":"Gusty Gumption (by PSW)","author":"PSW","date":"August 19, 2018","format":false,"excerpt":"Summary: A little vignette following (at some point later) the events of 'A Dime's Worth of Glory'. Written for the Sept 1 Pinecone challenge and expanded for inclusion here. Prompt: Whisky for my men, beer for my horses (by Scott Emerich\/Toby Keith).\u00a0 Contains phrases from both the song and the\u2026","rel":"","context":"In "Humor"","block_context":{"text":"Humor","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?cat=4"},"img":{"alt_text":"newspaper","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/09\/A8B95BC9-E53D-40E8-BD21-6DC03B08C9BF.jpeg?fit=1178%2C1034&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/09\/A8B95BC9-E53D-40E8-BD21-6DC03B08C9BF.jpeg?fit=1178%2C1034&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/09\/A8B95BC9-E53D-40E8-BD21-6DC03B08C9BF.jpeg?fit=1178%2C1034&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/09\/A8B95BC9-E53D-40E8-BD21-6DC03B08C9BF.jpeg?fit=1178%2C1034&ssl=1&resize=700%2C400 2x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/09\/A8B95BC9-E53D-40E8-BD21-6DC03B08C9BF.jpeg?fit=1178%2C1034&ssl=1&resize=1050%2C600 3x"},"classes":[]},{"id":50522,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=50522","url_meta":{"origin":13837,"position":3},"title":"Little Boy Joe (by JC)","author":"JC","date":"February 15, 2025","format":false,"excerpt":"There are definite advantages to being the youngest Cartwright. And who would know that better than Little Joe? 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Perhaps with a little help from some friends. Rating - K WC - 1288","rel":"","context":"In "Drama"","block_context":{"text":"Drama","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?cat=23"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/11\/Z-ben-toast.png?fit=506%2C402&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200},"classes":[]},{"id":10754,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=10754","url_meta":{"origin":13837,"position":5},"title":"The Sound and the Fury (by sandspur)","author":"sandspur","date":"March 24, 2015","format":false,"excerpt":"Summary: It's brother against brother, Cartwright style! Revenge is not a dish best served cold--it's best served to the sound of the cannon! 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