{"id":13841,"date":"2003-01-27T08:26:22","date_gmt":"2003-01-27T13:26:22","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=13841"},"modified":"2026-07-22T12:53:20","modified_gmt":"2026-07-22T16:53:20","slug":"return-of-a-gunfighter-by-helenb","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=13841","title":{"rendered":"Return of a Gunfighter (by HelenB)"},"content":{"rendered":"

Summary:<\/strong>\u00a0\u00a0 Gunfighter Drew Maxwell returns to Virginia City.<\/p>\n

Rating:\u00a0 T\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 (13,900 words)<\/p>\n

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

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

The Return of a Gunfighter<\/strong><\/p>\n

Ben and Joe Cartwright had gone in to Virginia City together. Ben had a meeting to attend while Joe picked up some supplies for Hop Sing and did a few errands. They had agreed to meet at The Silver Dollar saloon for a beer before heading home.<\/p>\n

Ben had finished his business first and stood at the bar sipping at a beer while waiting for his youngest son. Things were fairly quiet but there was a card game going on and Ben found himself watching that for want of something better to do. There were four men playing, three of whom Ben recognized but the fourth was a stranger to him.<\/p>\n

Roy Coffee walked in the swinging doors, as soon as he saw Ben he walked over to him. \u201cI\u2019ve been looking for you, Ben. I was just about to ride out to the ranch but Ollie Stewart told me you were in town.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhy? What\u2019s wrong?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cCan you come over to my office? I need to talk to you about something.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben nodded, \u201cSure Roy.\u201d Calling over to the bartender Ben said, \u201cWhen Joe gets here can you tell him to meet me at the jail.\u201d<\/p>\n

As they walked out the door, Roy said, \u201cI didn\u2019t realize Joe was in town. Where is he Ben?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat is this about Roy?\u201d asked Ben, noting how agitated the sheriff had become.<\/p>\n

Before anymore could be said, Joe crossed the street to them.<\/p>\n

\u201cJoe,\u201d Ben said, \u201cI was just going over to Roy\u2019s office, do you want to come with us or will I meet you back here?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIf you don\u2019t mind Pa I\u2019ll wait for you inside.\u201d Ben smiled as Joe headed for the saloon doors having had no doubt what Joe\u2019s choice was going to be.<\/p>\n

Roy grabbed Joe\u2019s arm. He was in a dilemma now. He had wanted to talk to Ben without Joe being there but he certainly didn\u2019t want Joe going into the saloon. \u201cCome with us.\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe looked at his father, uncertain what was going on. Ben shrugged. \u201cLet\u2019s go hear what Roy has to say.\u201d<\/p>\n

After the three men were seated they sat for a moment in silence until Ben became impatient. \u201cRoy, you asked us here to tell us something so what\u2019s on your mind?\u201d<\/p>\n

Glancing at Joe, Roy then turned back to Ben. \u201cI make it my business to check out any strangers in town. Had someone ride in yesterday, he\u2019s in the saloon right now.\u201d Roy looked once more at Joe.<\/p>\n

Ben was starting to feel uneasy. \u201cI think I saw who you\u2019re talking about. I didn\u2019t recognize him. Should I have?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou wouldn\u2019t know him to look at Ben, but you\u2019ll know his name,\u201d Roy replied.<\/p>\n

\u201cWell?\u201d Joe asked, also showing his impatience.\u201cWho is he?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cDrew Maxwell,\u201d Roy said simply.<\/p>\n

Ben felt as if the air had been knocked out of him.\u00a0 For five years he\u2019d hoped that he would never see the man. He\u2019d prayed that Maxwell was out of their lives for good. The Cartwright\u2019s had heard bits and pieces about Maxwell over the years from newspapers and town gossip. Maxwell had indeed gotten what he was seeking those five years ago, a reputation as a gunfighter.<\/p>\n

Ben looked at Joe and saw that the young man was frozen in anger.<\/p>\n

Joe tried to pull himself together. \u201cWhat\u2019s he doing back here?\u201d he asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t know, he hasn\u2019t caused any trouble yet though,\u201d Roy said.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat are you going to do about him?\u201d Ben asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cThere\u2019s not much I can do. I\u2019ll keep an eye on him,\u201d Roy replied.<\/p>\n

\u201cSo he gets to walk around free to do whatever he wants while Tyler\u2019s been lying dead in a grave for five years. You told Tyler he had to leave. Why don\u2019t you at least tell Maxwell the same,\u201d Joe said angrily before turning and reaching for the doorknob.<\/p>\n

Ben quickly grabbed Joe\u2019s arm. \u201cWhere do you think you\u2019re going?\u201d fear making Ben speak sharply.<\/p>\n

\u201cTo the saloon,\u201d Joe said simply.<\/p>\n

\u201cNo, you\u2019re not,\u201d Ben replied.<\/p>\n

\u201cPa, I\u2019m not a child, you can\u2019t tell me what to do anymore.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cJoseph!\u201d Ben said angrily.<\/p>\n

Roy thought it was time he stepped in. \u201cLittle Joe, you either go home now or I\u2019ll lock you up.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou can\u2019t do that. What for?\u201d Joe snapped.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll think of something.\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe simply stood there glaring at Roy until his father pulled his arm. \u201cLet\u2019s go home Joe.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll keep an eye on Maxwell.\u201d Roy said as Ben and Joe walked out.<\/p>\n

\u201cThanks Roy,\u201d Ben said.<\/p>\n

Ben and Joe rode home in silence. Ben knew Joe was thinking about what had happened five years ago. Ben\u2019s own mind drifted back to the same thing.<\/p>\n

Five years ago a man named Tyler Hudson had saved both Adam and Joe. Tyler had later been killed in the front yard of the Ponderosa Ranch house by a gunfighter named Drew Maxwell. Joe, who had been sixteen at the time, had seen it happen. After Tyler had been killed Ben worried constantly that Joe would break his promise to him and go after Maxwell. Every time they read something about Maxwell in a paper or someone mentioned his name it brought it all back and Ben feared Joe would seek Maxwell out to take that revenge.<\/p>\n

Ben knew Joe had never been able to put Tyler\u2019s death behind him but as the years went by, Ben relaxed, relieved that Joe had kept his promise to him and had not sought Maxwell out. But now, with Maxwell in Virginia City that changed everything, Ben was filled with dread at what Joe might do.<\/p>\n

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

Later that day when Adam and Hoss came in to the house, one look at their father\u2019s face told them something was wrong.<\/p>\n

\u201cPa, what\u2019s wrong?\u201d Adam asked. Looking around the room he asked, \u201cWhere\u2019s Joe?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cUp in his room where he\u2019s been since we got back from town,\u201d Ben replied.<\/p>\n

\u201cHe ain\u2019t sick is he?\u201d Hoss asked worriedly as he headed for the stairs, intending to check on his brother.<\/p>\n

\u201cNo Hoss, he\u2019s not sick. He\u2019s avoiding me. Before you talk to Joe though, I want to tell you something.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam and Hoss exchanged glances as they sat down.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat is it?\u201d Adam asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cDrew Maxwell\u2019s in Virginia City.\u201d Ben saw the shock register on the faces of his son\u2019s.<\/p>\n

After Ben had told them what had happened in town earlier that day, Hoss asked, \u201cWhat are we going to do?\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben shook his head, \u201cI don\u2019t know. I thought maybe I could send Joe on a trip or up to work at one of the line shacks.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cPa,\u201d Adam said, \u201cJoe won\u2019t stand for that. He won\u2019t go.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHe\u2019ll go where I tell him,\u201d Ben said angrily; worry making his voice rise in anger.<\/p>\n

Adam was about to reply when he noticed Joe standing at the top of the stairs, \u201cJoe.\u201d<\/p>\n

Everyone was silent as Joe came down the stairs, then Ben cleared his throat and said, \u201cJoseph, I\u2019ve just been talking to your brothers. It seems like the line shack on the North section needs some work. I want you to take some supplies and go up there tomorrow.\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe shook his head. \u201cNo Pa. If it does need doing someone else can go.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben was not accustomed to his sons defying him. \u201cWhat do you mean, if it needs doing?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou know what I mean. You just made that job up because you think sending me up there will keep me away from Maxwell.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIt could use some work, Joe,\u201d Adam said.<\/p>\n

\u201cThen you do it,\u201d Joe snapped. \u201cI\u2019m sick of you all thinking you know what\u2019s best for me. You don\u2019t.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThere\u2019s no need to take that tone, Joseph. Your brother was just trying to get you to see some sense,\u201d Ben said angrily.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou mean he was just siding with you like he always does,\u201d Joe shouted.<\/p>\n

Hoss, always the peacemaker tried to get them all to calm down. \u201cCome on, let\u2019s sit down and talk about this.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThere\u2019s nothing to talk about,\u201d Joe said as he headed for the front door.<\/p>\n

Hoss snaked his arm out and grabbed his younger brother by the arm. \u201cYou ain\u2019t goin\u2019 anywhere little brother.\u201d Joe tried to shake the hand off but it only made Hoss grab him tighter. \u201cJust think for a minute Little Joe, that\u2019s all we\u2019re askin\u2019. We ain\u2019t tryin\u2019 to tell you what to do. We\u2019re just worried about ya.\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe nodded reluctantly and when Hoss released his arm he went and sat on the settee. Ben also took a seat.<\/p>\n

Looking over at his father, Joe said, \u201cI left town like you wanted but I won\u2019t be sent away like a child who doesn\u2019t know how to take care of himself. I\u2019m a man now Pa and you just have to accept that. I can take care of this on my own.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd just how do you intend to take care of it Joseph? With your guns?\u201d Ben asked, anger still very evident in his voice.<\/p>\n

\u201cYes,\u201d Joe said simply.<\/p>\n

Ben was on his feet in an instant. \u201cDon\u2019t you dare do this. I want you to stay away from Maxwell.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat\u2019s the use of talking, you never listen.\u201d Joe muttered as he stood up and then turned away from his father.<\/p>\n

Ben reached out and grabbed Joe\u2019s arm, spinning him back around to face him. \u201cDon\u2019t you turn your back on me. You will have the decency to listen when I am talking to you. I thought I raised you better than this Joseph. Are you going to lower yourself to Maxwell\u2019s level? Does what I have tried to teach you over the years mean so little to you that you could deliberately set out to kill a man. I can\u2019t believe that a son of mine would do that. Do you want your life to turn out like Tyler\u2019s?\u201d<\/p>\n

As soon as the words were spoken Ben knew they had been far too harsh. He was struck with guilt at the look of hurt on his sons face. He hadn\u2019t meant to hurt the boy with his words, only convince him to stay. Ben wished with all his heart that he could take the words back.<\/p>\n

Joe shrugged his father\u2019s hand off and walked up the stairs.<\/p>\n

As Ben sat down in his chair, Adam said, \u201cDon\u2019t worry, he\u2019ll calm down.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben shook his head. \u201cMaybe I went too far.\u201d<\/p>\n

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

It wasn\u2019t long before Joe came back down the stairs. This time he had his saddlebags with him. There was no doubt in his family\u2019s mind what he intended to do. Joe was leaving.<\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t be ridiculous. Where do you think your going?\u201d Adam shouted. \u201cIf you want us to treat you like an adult then start acting like one instead of running away from home like a child.\u201d<\/p>\n

Hoss stepped in. \u201cDon\u2019t Adam. You\u2019re makin\u2019 it worse. Come on Little Joe, you don\u2019t wanta do this. Can\u2019t we talk?\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe shook his head. \u201cThere\u2019s nothing more to be said.\u201d Looking sadly over at his father he continued, \u201cI\u2019m sorry I\u2019m a disappointment to you.\u201d Then he turned and headed straight for the front door, grabbing his gun belt on the way.<\/p>\n

Ben, Adam and Hoss followed Joe to the barn where he started saddling Cochise. \u201cJoseph, I never said you were a disappointment to me. You know I could never feel that way about you. I\u2019m your father. I\u2019m just worried about you. Can\u2019t you understand that?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou have nothing to worry about. I can take care of myself.\u201d With that, Joe swung up on to Cochise and rode away.<\/p>\n

Ben started to saddle his horse. Hoss stopped him. \u201cPa, let me go after him. He\u2019s upset. I don\u2019t think he\u2019s going to listen to you or Adam.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cGo after him, Hoss. In the mood he\u2019s in there\u2019s no telling what he\u2019s going to do.\u201d<\/p>\n

Hoss quickly saddled his horse and set out after Joe. He set a fast pace and it wasn\u2019t long until he caught up with his brother on the road in to Virginia City.<\/p>\n

\u201cDid he send you to hold my hand?\u201d Joe asked bitterly.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou shouldn\u2019t oughta spoke to Pa like that little brother. He\u2019s just worried about ya. He\u2019d make a mighty poor Pa ifin he didn\u2019t try to stop ya from riskin\u2019 your life don\u2019t you think?\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe didn\u2019t answer but Hoss knew he was listening. Hoss reached out for Joe\u2019s bridle and pulled his horse to a stop. \u201cCome home Joe.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI can\u2019t.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou can if you want to. The only thing stopping you is pride.\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe gave a slight nod and then looked at Hoss. \u201cMy mouth speaks before my brain can think.\u201d<\/p>\n

Hoss laughed. \u201cSo what\u2019s new. You\u2019ve always had that problem.\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe joined in Hoss\u2019 laughter then he said, \u201cI don\u2019t know what to do Hoss.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou don\u2019t have to do anything right now. I know how you felt about Tyler but just give yourself time to think before you go doin\u2019 anything.\u201d<\/p>\n

Once again Joe nodded. \u201cYou\u2019re right. Tell Pa I\u2019ll be home soon, Hoss. I just want to be alone for awhile.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cJoe,\u201d Hoss said warily.<\/p>\n

\u201cI won\u2019t go in to town Hoss. I promise. I just want to be by myself for a while and then I\u2019ll come home.\u201d<\/p>\n

Hoss knew his brother\u2019s word was good. If he promised you something, he always kept his word, so Hoss nodded and said, \u201cSee you at home.\u201d<\/p>\n

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

Ben Cartwright made a pretense of reading the newspaper while his two older sons played a game of chess. All three kept listening for a horse, as it had been a few hours since Hoss had returned but Joe had yet to come home.<\/p>\n

Ben sighed with relief at the sound of horse\u2019s hooves but his relief soon turned to worry when there was a knock on the door.<\/p>\n

Adam walked over and opened the door. \u201cClem,\u201d Adam said as he stood aside to allow the Deputy sheriff to enter, \u201cWhat\u2019s happened? Is it Joe?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cRoy sent me to get you. Drew Maxwell\u2019s dead and Joe\u2019s hurt.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHow bad is Joseph hurt?\u201d Ben asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s bad Mr. Cartwright.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben needed to hear no more. The family immediately went out to saddle their horses to ride in to town.<\/p>\n

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

The Cartwright\u2019s entered Paul Martin\u2019s office on the run. Finding no one there they immediately headed for the back room. Pushing open the door they found Joe lying on the bed, the red of his blood that covered his chest so vivid against his pale skin. Roy Coffee was leaning over the young man holding cloths on the wound and trying his best to staunch the flow of blood.<\/p>\n

Ben was across the room in two strides, taking Roy\u2019s place. He looked around the room. \u201cWhere\u2019s Paul?\u201d he shouted.<\/p>\n

\u201cPaul\u2019s not here Ben, remember. He went to San Francisco last week. Doctor Phillips is looking after his practice for three weeks while he\u2019s away.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben remembered that Paul had gone to San Francisco to watch some new types of surgeries being carried out; he liked to keep up with advances that were being made. Paul had introduced Doctor Phillips to the Cartwright\u2019s when he had arrived but with all that had happened Ben had forgotten. \u201cWell where\u2019s Phillips then,\u201d He snapped.<\/p>\n

\u201c There was a notice on the door when I brought Joe here. Doc Phillips is at the Miller\u2019s. Martha is having her baby. I\u2019ve sent word that he\u2019s needed here,\u201d Roy said.<\/p>\n

Adam grabbed some clean cloths and replaced the one\u2019s on Joe\u2019s wound. Looking at his father he said, \u201cHe\u2019ll be here soon, Pa. Joe\u2019ll hold on.\u201d Although looking down at his brother, Adam couldn\u2019t make himself believe his own words. Joe was losing an alarming amount of blood.<\/p>\n

The Cartwright\u2019s could do nothing but wait. Adam had taken over from his father in keeping pressure on Joe\u2019s wound, holding it with as much pressure as he could. When his hand started to cramp, Hoss took over. Joe\u2019s breathing was becoming more labored as he fought for every breath he took.<\/p>\n

Adam looked over at Sheriff Coffee. \u201cWhat happened, Roy?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t know for sure yet. I heard shots and went to investigate. I found Drew Maxwell dead and Joe had been shot in the chest.\u201d<\/p>\n

Hoss couldn\u2019t stop the tears that came to his eyes. \u201cHe promised me he wouldn\u2019t come in to town. I wouldn\u2019t have let him go off by himself if I\u2019d known what he was going to do.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHoss,\u201d Adam said, \u201cwe don\u2019t know what Joe was planning to do. We don\u2019t know how it happened yet.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cRight now I don\u2019t care how it happened,\u2019\u201d Ben said, \u201cThe only thing that matters is Joe.\u201d Ben held Joe\u2019s hand, constantly talking to him. Hoping that even though his son remained unconscious, he knew that his family was with him.<\/p>\n

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

\u201cWhere is he?\u201d the enraged father asked for what seemed like the hundredth time when there was still no sign of the doctor. Ben feared that death would steal his child away from him before the doctor arrived.<\/p>\n

As Adam was about to give the answer he\u2019d given every time Ben had asked, that the doctor would be there soon, they heard the door open.<\/p>\n

Ben\u2019s eyes filled with relief when he looked up and saw the doctor. \u201cHelp us,\u201d he said simply.<\/p>\n

Adam and Hoss stepped aside to allow the doctor room to examine their brother. After quickly checking him over Doctor Phillip\u2019s said, \u201cEveryone out. I need some room in here. I\u2019ll have to operate.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo, I want to stay with him,\u201d Ben said.<\/p>\n

Adam placed a hand on his father\u2019s arm. \u201cCome on Pa. The doctor knows what he\u2019s doing, we\u2019re only in the way.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben stroked the side of Joe\u2019s face. \u201cI love you Joseph. You hold on for Pa.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam helped his father to his feet and they walked through to the outer office with Hoss.<\/p>\n

The wait seemed like an eternity, all eyes stayed locked on the door to the room where Joe lay. When the door finally opened and the doctor came out all the Cartwright\u2019s stood up. The doctor closed the door behind him before the family could get a look at Joe.<\/p>\n

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

Doctor Phillip\u2019s walked over to Ben, pushing him back in to his chair and took a seat next to him. \u201cI\u2019ve done all I can for him, Mr. Cartwright. I don\u2019t think it will be enough. If I\u2019d been here and operated straight away he may have had a better chance.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben felt as if someone had punched him in the stomach. He didn\u2019t want to accept what the doctor was saying. He couldn\u2019t accept it! \u201cBut there\u2019s still a chance?\u201d Ben asked, wanting Doctor Phillip\u2019s to give him even the smallest of hope.<\/p>\n

Doctor Phillip\u2019s nodded. \u201cHe\u2019s still holding on.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben stood up. \u201cI need to be with him.\u201d<\/p>\n

Roy Coffee had waited with the family but after hearing this devastating news he just didn\u2019t know what to say to his old friend. There were no words of comfort he could offer. He thought it best to leave the family to their privacy. \u201c I\u2019ll be going now Ben,\u201d he said sadly, \u201cIf you need anything, you know where I am.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThank you, Roy,\u201d Ben replied before following the doctor in to the room where his youngest son lay. Adam and Hoss walked in with their father.<\/p>\n

Ben walked shakily over to the bed and sat down in a chair beside it, immediately reaching for Joe\u2019s hand, squeezing it gently. With his other hand he smoothed his sons hair away from his forehead as he said, \u201cJoseph, please hold on. You have to keep fighting.\u201d<\/p>\n

The hours passed with no perceivable change in the young man they were all so worried about. Joe\u2019s family stayed with him along with the doctor.<\/p>\n

There was a light knock on the door and it opened to reveal Roy Coffee. \u201cHow\u2019s Joe?\u201d Roy asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cAbout the same, \u201c Hoss replied.<\/p>\n

Roy came in to the room and said, \u201cI need to tell you something, Ben.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat is it?\u201d Ben asked while not taking his eyes off Joe.<\/p>\n

\u201cBen, I know what you\u2019re thinkin\u2019 the boy did. I thought the same thing when I saw them both, him and Maxwell lying in that alley.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m not concerned about that right now. I don\u2019t care what Joe did.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019ll want to hear this. Joe\u2019s gun hadn\u2019t been fired.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat!\u201d Adam exclaimed. \u201cAre you sure?\u201d<\/p>\n

Roy nodded. \u201cI\u2019m sure. Checked it myself. Drew Maxwell\u2019s gun had been fired once.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben looked at Roy a moment before looking back at Joe. \u201cThere must have been someone else there,\u201d he said wonderingly.<\/p>\n

\u201cYes,\u201d Roy agreed, \u201cBut who?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAnother gunfighter do you think?\u201d Hoss asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cMaybe,\u201d Roy said, \u201cBut I think if that were the case he\u2019d want everyone to know about it. I think he would have called Maxwell out in the street. I don\u2019t think he\u2019d have done it in a deserted alley. Also, that would explain why Maxwell was shot, but why Joe?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSomeone with a grudge against Maxwell?\u201d Adam asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cOr Joe.\u201d Roy said.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou just said Joe\u2019s gun hadn\u2019t been fired so he obviously didn\u2019t kill Maxwell,\u201d Ben snapped.<\/p>\n

\u201cI didn\u2019t mean it like that, Ben. I know now that Joe didn\u2019t kill Maxwell but I don\u2019t know if Maxwell shot Joe or if it was this other person and if it was they could just as easily have been after Joe and not Maxwell.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben nodded. \u201cI\u2019m sorry Roy. I\u2019m not thinking straight. I see what you mean. But I think it was Maxwell they were after.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI tend to agree Ben.\u201d<\/p>\n

Hoss looked down at Joe and said, \u201cJoe, what did you come in to town for.\u201d Hoss felt so guilty about not staying with his younger brother and stopping him from coming in to Virginia City, he knew how impulsive the young man could be.<\/p>\n

\u201cI can answer that,\u201d Doctor Phillips had been standing back while the family talked with Sheriff Coffee. When he had everyone\u2019s attention he continued, \u201cIt was Joe who came to tell me that I was needed at the Miller ranch. Joe told me he\u2019d been on his way home when he\u2019d run in to Frank Miller who was coming in to get me. Frank asked if Joe could ride in for me so he could get back to Martha.\u201d<\/p>\n

Hoss looked down at his little brother. \u201cI should of known he wouldn\u2019t break a promise to me deliberate like.\u201d<\/p>\n

After talking with the family for a while longer, Roy left them once again to their vigil. They continued to sit with Joe through the night.<\/p>\n

Doctor Phillips convinced Adam and Hoss to go and get some sleep in the spare room. They were reluctant to leave Joe but as he didn\u2019t seem to be getting any worse they agreed, hoping that once they were rested they could convince their father to lie down for a while before he collapsed from the strain of trying to hold himself together.<\/p>\n

As Ben sat beside his son he looked out the window when he heard it start to storm. As the storm intensified, the temperature dropped and Ben felt a correspondingly cold ache in his heart as he held tightly to his son\u2019s hand. Ben didn\u2019t want to believe the doctor\u2019s words. He wanted to believe Joe would recover but with every minute that passed and with an over whelming sense of hopelessness and sorrow, Ben began to fear that the doctor was right\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026. They were going to loose Joe.<\/p>\n

Ben continued to talk to his son, he talked about many things. The happiness he\u2019d felt when Joe was born, the many good times they\u2019d spent together, the things Ben had taught him over the years. \u201cDo you remember when I first started to teach you how to ride, Joe?\u201d Ben answered his own question. \u201cNo, of course you wouldn\u2019t remember, you were so little. I think from the day you first saw a horse you wanted to ride,\u201d Ben smiled as he remembered Joe\u2019s happy giggle, as he\u2019d put him on a horse that first time. \u201cI remember when we\u2026\u2026\u2026..\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben stopped as he felt a weak squeeze of his hand. \u201cJoseph, can you hear me,\u201d He gently stroked his son\u2019s cheek. \u201cWake up, come on, you can do it.\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe slowly opened his eyes and looked at his father. \u201cPa,\u201d Joe said faintly as he started to move restlessly.<\/p>\n

\u201cShhh son. It\u2019s alright. Just lie still.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHurts Pa.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI know it does. Just hold on and I\u2019ll get the doctor, he\u2019ll give you something,\u201d Ben squeezed Joe\u2019s hand. \u201cI\u2019ll be right back, alright.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat happened to me?\u201d Joe struggled to get the words out.<\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t you remember, son?\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe shook his head. \u201cFeel like I\u2019ve been shot.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben realized that Joe wasn\u2019t aware of what had happened to him. \u201cYou were, Joseph. But there\u2019s no need to worry about anything. You\u2019re going to be fine. Now you just lie there and I\u2019ll be straight back.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben quickly went to the doctor\u2019s room and was back in a few minutes with the doctor in tow.<\/p>\n

Doctor Phillips went in and sat in the chair beside the bed. \u201cJoe, do you remember me?\u201d At Joe\u2019s nod, the doctor continued, \u201cI\u2019m just going to examine you okay?\u201d Once again Joe nodded.<\/p>\n

Joe flinched and started to move when the doctor put his hands on him. \u201cI know how much pain you\u2019re in,\u201d Doctor Phillip\u2019s said, \u201cbut you need to lie as still as you can.\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe tried to lie still but he couldn\u2019t help from crying out when the doctor touched the area of the wound. Ben squatted down beside the bed on the other side and grabbed his son\u2019s hand and started to talk to him hoping to get Joe to focus on him and not on what the doctor was doing.<\/p>\n

Doctor Phillips heard the click of the door behind him and knew without turning to look that Joe\u2019s brothers had just entered the room. Seeing that Joe was awake, Hoss immediately went over and stood next to his father, learning down he lightly brushed his little brother\u2019s arm. \u201cHey buddy. It\u2019s about time you woke up.\u201d\u00a0 Looking over at the doctor, Hoss asked, \u201cHow\u2019s he doin\u2019?\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam was watching Doctor Phillips and saw him quickly cover the look on his face with a smile as he looked at Joe and answered, \u201cHe\u2019s doing fine.\u201d He patted Joe\u2019s leg and said, \u201cHoss, can you stay with Joe for a moment.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSure Doc,\u201d Hoss answered, happy to be able to stay.<\/p>\n

The doctor gently took Ben\u2019s arm. \u201cCome on Mr. Cartwright. You need a cup of coffee.” Ben was about to refuse to leave his son when he realized the doctor wanted to speak to him away from Joe.<\/p>\n

\u201cI won\u2019t be long Joseph,\u201d Ben said as he squeezed Joe\u2019s hand.<\/p>\n

As soon as they were outside the room, Ben turned to Doctor Phillip\u2019s and said, \u201cIs there something wrong? He\u2019s getting better.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cMr. Cartwright, sit down for a moment.\u201d The doctor tried to steer him to a chair but Ben quickly brushed his hand away.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat is it?\u201d Ben asked sharply, his heart starting to pound.<\/p>\n

\u201cHe\u2019s conscious now. That\u2019s a good sign, isn\u2019t it?\u201d Adam asked.<\/p>\n

Doctor Phillips shook his head. \u201cHe\u2019s conscious, yes, but there\u2019s no other improvement. In fact it\u2019s worse now because at least before he wasn\u2019t feeling any pain. I am sorry but I don\u2019t believe in giving false hope. I\u2019m surprised he\u2019s lived this long. I don\u2019t expect him to live longer than another day or so.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben collapsed into the chair behind him, putting his head in his hands he took a couple of deep breaths. Fighting the nausea that overcame him.<\/p>\n

Adam knelt down in front of his father, putting his hand on his father\u2019s arm, he looked up at the doctor and said, \u201cThere must be something\u2026\u2026\u2026.\u201d<\/p>\n

The doctor shook his head, cutting him off. \u201cNo. The only thing I can do is give Joe something that will keep him asleep. He won\u2019t be in pain or aware of what is happening. He\u2019ll just slip away.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo,\u201d Ben said angrily, he felt like shouting but tried to keep his voice down so that Joe wouldn\u2019t hear the conversation. \u201cYou don\u2019t know my son. He\u2019s a fighter. He\u2019s not just going to give up and we have to help him. If you can\u2019t do that, then you just stay away from him.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI agree with my father,\u201d Adam said, glaring at the doctor. \u201cDo you think the move would hurt Joe if we took him to the hotel?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou don\u2019t have to do that, you can stay here,\u201d Doctor Phillips replied.<\/p>\n

\u201cMy son asked you a question,\u201d Ben said angrily.<\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t think the move itself would make his condition worse,\u201d Doctor Phillips said.<\/p>\n

\u201cFine,\u201d Adam replied. \u201cWe\u2019ll do that then.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cBefore you go, at least take these.\u201d The doctor went over to a cabinet and returned with some vials. \u201cHe\u2019ll need something for the pain. Just give him half a teaspoon every four hours.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben accepted the vials and put them in his pocket and then he and Adam walked in to the back room.<\/p>\n

Hoss saw the look of anger the two men wore when they entered. \u201cPa, what\u2019s wrong?\u201d he asked.<\/p>\n

Seeing that Joe was still awake Ben carefully sat down on the edge of the bed and brushed Joe\u2019s hair back. \u201cNothing\u2019s wrong, Hoss. Everything\u2019s going to be fine. We\u2019re taking Joe to the International Hotel.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat?\u201d Hoss said, wondering what his father could possibly be thinking.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll explain later,\u201d Adam mouthed, only succeeding in making Hoss more confused.<\/p>\n

Ben stood, pulling the blankets back and carefully lifting Joe up. Adam pulled the blankets back up so Ben could place Joe on the top one which they wrapped around him.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll go and get the room,\u201d Adam said.<\/p>\n

\u201cThank you, Adam,\u201d Ben replied. Turning to his middle son he said, \u201cHoss, can you carry Joseph.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cPa, are you sure about this?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYes, Hoss. I\u2019m sure. Let\u2019s go,\u201d Ben replied.<\/p>\n

As gently and carefully as he could, Hoss lifted his brother into his arms.<\/p>\n

As they were about to leave Doctor Phillips approached them. \u201cIf you do need me, just send word.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben nodded crisply.<\/p>\n

Adam had the suite arranged and was waiting in the foyer. He quickly led the way, opening the door as Hoss walked straight through to the bedroom. Once they had Joe comfortable, Adam motioned Hoss that he wanted to talk to him in private.<\/p>\n

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

Adam sat beside his brother with his hand on the big man\u2019s back as Hoss fought to bring his tears under control. Adam had just told him what the doctor had said.<\/p>\n

\u201cHoss, I know it\u2019s hard, but you can\u2019t let Joe see how upset you are. We can\u2019t have him giving up on us.\u201d<\/p>\n

Hoss nodded. \u201cIf only Doc Martin was here.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI know,\u201d Adam agreed. \u201cI\u2019ve been thinking the same thing and I know Pa must be too.\u201d<\/p>\n

Just then the door opened and Ben said, \u201cAdam, I want you to go and send wires to all the towns around here, see if you can get a doctor to come here. Tell them money is no object.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYes, Pa,\u201d Adam said and immediately left.<\/p>\n

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

A couple of hours passed with the family keeping vigil at Joe\u2019s bedside. Adam had left word that if a reply came to a wire, it was to be delivered to them immediately. When there was a knock on the door, Adam went to answer it, he was back in a moment.<\/p>\n

\u201cPa, it\u2019s some replies,\u201d Adam called and Ben walked out to join him.<\/p>\n

Ben could see by the look on Adam\u2019s face that it wasn\u2019t good news. Reaching for the telegrams he read them himself.\u00a0 They all said the same thing. No one was able to come. Ben looked at the last one, hating the words he read on the page. \u2018I\u2019ve worked with Doctor Phillip\u2019s. He\u2019s a good doctor. I\u2019m sure he\u2019s done all that can be done.\u2019<\/p>\n

Handing them back to Adam, Ben turned and walked back in to Joe without saying a word.<\/p>\n

Hoss looked up as they came back in and Adam passed him the wires to read, when he had finished he looked up and saw Joe looking up at him. \u201cWhat is it?\u201d Joe asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cNothin\u2019 for you to worry about, Joe,\u201d Hoss said, pulling himself together. \u201cYou just concentrate on getting better.\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe moved his head to look over at his father. Ben smiled at him, fighting the tears. \u201cSomething\u2019s wrong,\u201d Joe said. \u201cI know it is. I\u2019m not going to get better am I?\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben had to swallow the lump in his throat before he could speak. \u201cOf course you\u2019re going to get better. I know it probably doesn\u2019t seem that way to you because you feel so terrible at the moment but you\u2019ll be feeling better in no time, you just have to hold on, Joseph. Promise me you won\u2019t give up.\u201d When Joe didn\u2019t answer, Ben repeated, \u201cPromise me, Joe.\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe nodded.<\/p>\n

\u201cI want to tell you something,\u201d Joe said quietly.<\/p>\n

Ben smiled encouragingly. \u201cGo on. I\u2019m listening.\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe wasn\u2019t sure where to start but he knew there were things he wanted to say while there was still time. \u201cYou\u2019ve been the best father I could ever have had. I can\u2019t imagine what my life would have been like without you. I don\u2019t want to die\u2026\u2026\u2026\u201d Joe\u2019s voice trailed off.<\/p>\n

Fighting tears, Ben squeezed his son\u2019s hand and tried to keep his voice from shaking as he said, \u201cDon\u2019t talk like that, Little Joe. You are going to get better.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cBut just in case, Pa, I want to tell you.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben didn\u2019t want to even consider the possibility that Joe might die and he didn\u2019t want that thought in Joe\u2019s head but he knew his son wasn\u2019t going to rest until he\u2019d said what he wanted.<\/p>\n

\u201cAlright Joe.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI just want you to know that you gave me the best life I could ever have had. I\u2019ve been so happy. I love you so much. I don\u2019t want to leave you.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThen don\u2019t, Joseph. Don\u2019t leave me. I love you more than anything in the world. You know that, you three boys are my life. We need you to fight to say with us.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cPa,\u201d Joe said so softly that Ben had to lean over him to hear. \u201cI\u2019m so sorry, please forgive me.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cJoe. There\u2019s nothing to forgive.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThe argument, Pa. Please forgive me. I didn\u2019t mean to make you so angry. I\u2019m sorry.\u201d Joe turned his head away as the tears he had been fighting came.<\/p>\n

\u201cShhhh,\u201d Ben said, trying to comfort his son. \u201cYou need to try and calm down. It\u2019s alright, I promise.\u201d Ben stroked Joe\u2019s hair back from his forehead, worried about how distraught Joe was becoming. \u201cWhat has you so upset? We\u2019ve had arguments before and\u00a0\u00a0 I\u2019m sure we\u2019re going to have lots more.\u201d Ben smiled and gently patted Joe\u2019s arm. \u201cIt was as much my fault as yours so why don\u2019t we agree to forgive each other, hmm.\u201d<\/p>\n

In truth, Ben thought to himself, it had been weighing heavily on his mind too. The thought that their last words to each other could have been words of anger. Ben tried to shake the thoughts away. He didn\u2019t have to worry about that now, he had a chance to sort everything out with Joe. \u201cJoe, what\u2019s upsetting you? Please tell me. Is it just the argument?\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe shook his head. \u201cTyler\u2019s father never forgave him. Not even after we told him Tyler was dead.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben nodded. Ben had hired someone to find Tyler\u2019s family and when they had been located, Ben and Joe had gone to San Francisco to see them. Tyler\u2019s father had been as unforgiving of his son in death as he had been in life.<\/p>\n

\u201cI love you so much Pa. I don\u2019t know what I\u2019d do if you didn\u2019t love me anymore.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben looked at Joe, totally shocked by what he had said. Surely the boy didn\u2019t believe he could ever stop loving him.<\/p>\n

\u201cJoseph,\u201d Ben said gently, \u201cI could never stop loving you, not ever. What on earth could possibly make you think something like that?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhen we argued\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u201d Joe broke off, unable to continue.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhen we argued, what? Joe, I need you to tell me so we can clear all this up.\u201d Ben ran his hand up and down Joe\u2019s arm, the gesture a familiar one, which always soothed.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou asked me if I wanted my life to turn out like Tyler\u2019s,\u201d Joe said quietly.<\/p>\n

Ben remembered saying the words and he remembered the look on Joe\u2019s face when he heard them. Ben felt as if someone was squeezing his heart.<\/p>\n

\u201cOh Joe, I didn\u2019t mean I would stop loving you, that I would turn you away as Tyler\u2019s father did. There is nothing you could do, nothing, that would ever make me stop loving you.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cPromise,\u201d Joe asked.<\/p>\n

Knowing Joe should lie as still as possible, Ben had to fight the urge to lift the boy to him, he contented himself with leaning down and kissing his son on the forehead. \u201cI promise.\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe smiled, the relief evident on his face. Pa never broke a promise.<\/p>\n

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

The following day Ben was almost sick with exhaustion. Adam and Hoss finally convinced him to lie down after he had made them promise to call him if there was the slightest change in Joe. The family was being meticulous about giving Joe the pain reliever that the doctor had given them, every four hours. They wanted to alleviate as much of the pain as possible and keep Joe as comfortable as they could while not giving him so much that he was allowed to go into a sleep he would never awake from.<\/p>\n

Adam and Hoss both sat in chairs beside the bed. Hoss held Joe\u2019s hand. Joe\u2019s eyes slowly fluttered open and he blinked to clear them. Adam smiled at him and gently stroked his arm. \u201cHow do you feel Joe, do you need anything?\u201d Adam quietly asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cI need to tell you both something.\u201d The words seemed such an effort for Joe to speak. Joe had sorted everything out with his father and now he wanted to make sure his brother\u2019s knew how he felt.\u00a0 Joe looked at Adam and continued. \u201cI know we\u2019ve fought a lot.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cJoe, don\u2019t\u2026\u2026\u2026\u201d Adam tried to interrupt him, not wanting Joe to worry about anything.<\/p>\n

Joe shook his head and said, \u201cAdam, want to tell you.\u201d Adam knew that whatever Joe wanted to say, it was important to him.<\/p>\n

Joe continued again. \u201cWe\u2019ve always fought Adam and I know that\u2019s been mostly my fault. You\u2019ve only wanted to help me\u2026\u2026\u2026.. keep me out of trouble.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam fought tears as he stroked the hair back from Joe\u2019s forehead. \u201cI love you Joe, so very much.\u201d<\/p>\n

Then Joe looked at Hoss who was crying, he\u2019d tried hard not to cry, he hadn\u2019t wanted to upset Joe but Hoss knew that Joe was saying goodbye to them and Hoss could no longer stop the tears.<\/p>\n

\u201cHoss\u201d Joe said, \u201cI couldn\u2019t have had better brothers than the two of you. You helped Pa teach me how to ride and shoot and work the ranch, helped me with my homework.\u201d He gave a tiny smile before continuing, \u201cLet me tag along after you when I was a kid. You\u2019re my brothers but you are also my best friends. I love you both.\u201d<\/p>\n

They just held Joe, then, Joe asked, \u201cCan you get Pa for me?\u201d<\/p>\n

Hoss got up, \u201cI\u2019ll go get him.\u201d<\/p>\n

Hoss walked across to Ben\u2019s room and knocked, he heard his father say yes and opened the door and walked in. Ben had been asleep, exhaustion having caught up with him. When he\u2019d heard the knock he had jumped up and hurried toward the door fearing Joe had\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026..he hated to even think the word\u2026\u2026\u2026..died.<\/p>\n

When Hoss entered, Ben was halfway across the floor. \u201cPa, Joe\u2019s awake and askin\u2019 for you,\u201d Hoss said.<\/p>\n

Ben hurried to Joe\u2019s room. Joe looked at Ben when he entered. Adam squeezed his youngest brother\u2019s hand and released it. \u201cWe\u2019ll see you later Joe.\u201d Adam put his hand on Ben\u2019s shoulder as he passed him. Ben replaced Adam in the chair and immediately picked up Joe\u2019s hand. Adam and Hoss left the room, leaving Ben and Joe alone.<\/p>\n

\u201cPa, stay with me, please.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m not going anywhere Joe. I\u2019m going to be right here with you.\u201d<\/p>\n

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

Joe continued to worsen through the night. His family could all see that Joe was frightened as he struggled for each breath that he managed to drag in to his starving lungs.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2026..can\u2019t\u2026\u2026breath\u2026\u2026Pa\u2026..it\u2019s\u2026..too\u2026..hard.\u201d Joe managed to gasp out.<\/p>\n

Ben gently lifted Joe\u2019s shoulders from the bed and pulled him into an embrace so that Joe rested against him. He slowly moved his hand up and down Joe\u2019s back. \u201cTry to take slow, steady breaths Joe. We\u2019re all right here and we are not going to let anything happen to you.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cPa,\u201d Adam said, \u201cmaybe we should get Doctor Phillips.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben glared at Adam, fearing what his eldest son was suggesting.<\/p>\n

\u201cJust to look at him, Pa. There might be something he can do to help his breathing.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben nodded and Adam headed out at a run, as he opened the door out of the suite he ran head long into Doctor Paul Martin who was about to knock on the door. Grabbing the man by the arm before a word could be spoken, Adam pulled him in to the room where Joe lay. Ben and Hoss looked up in surprise.<\/p>\n

\u201cPaul, thank goodness you\u2019re here,\u201d Ben said. \u201cHe can hardly breath.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cLet me at him, Ben.\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe was now unconscious as Ben gently lay him down but the worried father kept a hold of his son\u2019s hand. Paul realized he would have to conduct the examination with all of the family in the room. It didn\u2019t take him long to find out what the problem was.<\/p>\n

\u201cBen, I\u2019m going to have to operate, he\u2019s got a slow bleed in to his chest. If I can stop that, we\u2019ll have a chance.\u201d Without giving anyone time to reply, he continued, \u201cI need to operate now. I can do it here. Adam, I\u2019ll need your help. Ben, you and Hoss wait outside.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben shook his head. \u201cNo, Paul, I \u2026\u2026.\u201d<\/p>\n

Paul cut him off. \u201cI don\u2019t have time to argue. I need to do this now, Ben.\u201d<\/p>\n

Paul asked Adam to arrange for some boiling water and started to get his instruments ready.<\/p>\n

Ben leaned over Joe before leaving him. Gently brushing back his hair, he lightly kissed his forehead. \u201cI love you son.\u201d Ben whispered before leaving the room.<\/p>\n

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

Ben and Hoss jumped up from their seats when the inner door opened. \u201cCome in, Ben,\u201d Paul said.<\/p>\n

Ben walked quickly over to the bed followed by Hoss. As Ben sat down beside his son, he asked Doctor Martin, \u201cHow is he?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHe\u2019s held on this long, Ben. That\u2019s a good sign in my book. He\u2019s still very ill. We\u2019ll just have to watch him and see how he goes.\u201d<\/p>\n

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

The day after the surgery, his family still sat with Joe, waiting for him to wake. Doctor Martin waited with them.<\/p>\n

When Joe started to become restless, everyone leant forward, willing the young man to open his eyes, when they finally did open the first face Joe\u2019s eyes sought was that of his father\u2019s. When their eyes met, Joe whispered, \u201cPa.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWelcome back Joe,\u201d Ben said, as he once again pushed the hair back from Joe\u2019s forehead.<\/p>\n

\u201cHow do you feel?\u201d Doctor Martin asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cBetter,\u201d Joe mumbled. \u201cIt doesn\u2019t hurt as much as it did before and I can breath a lot better.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s good. Let\u2019s just take a look.\u201d After Paul had finished his examination, he smiled at Ben. \u201cEverything looks good, Ben.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHe\u2019s going to be alright?\u201d Ben asked.<\/p>\n

Paul nodded. \u201cWe still need to keep a close eye on him but I think he\u2019ll be fine.\u201d<\/p>\n

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

Ben sat down on the side of the bed, realizing they hadn\u2019t talked with Joe about what had happened to him.<\/p>\n

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

Joe thought for a moment. \u201cI was going home and I met Frank Miller. He said Martha needed the doctor and asked me if I could get him.\u201d Joe suddenly remembered something and looked at Hoss. \u201cI know I promised I wouldn\u2019t\u2026\u2026\u2026.\u201d<\/p>\n

Hoss smiled. \u201cDon\u2019t worry about that. It\u2019s okay, Joe.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat do you remember after that?\u201d Ben prodded gently.<\/p>\n

\u201cI went to get the doc and then when I walked back to Cochise\u2026\u2026\u2026.\u201d Joe trailed off.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat is it, Joe? What do you remember?\u201d Adam asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cMaxwell.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben rubbed Joe\u2019s arm. \u201cWhat about Maxwell, son?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI heard someone call my name. I turned and saw it was Maxwell.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben smiled encouragingly. \u201cGood boy. I know this is hard but try and remember what happened next.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s all I remember, Pa. Why can\u2019t I remember what happened after that?\u201d Joe turned his head to look at Paul in frustration.<\/p>\n

\u201cSometimes it\u2019s the minds way of coping with things, Joe. Don\u2019t worry about it. Don\u2019t try and force the memories. Just get some rest and when you start feeling better you\u2019ll probably find that bits and pieces will start coming back to you.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIs Maxwell still in town?\u201d Joe asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou don\u2019t have to concern yourself with him,\u201d Ben replied.<\/p>\n

\u201cBut where is he, Pa? Has he left town?\u201d Joe persisted.<\/p>\n

Ben knew he would have to tell Joe soon anyway so it might as well be now. \u201cHe\u2019s dead, Joe. Maxwell is dead. He was shot.\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe just stared at his father. \u201cWho did it?\u201d he finally asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe don\u2019t know,\u201d Ben replied.<\/p>\n

Joe seemed to be considering something and then he asked, \u201cDid I do it?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo,\u201d Ben shook his head fiercely. \u201cWe don\u2019t know what happened but it wasn\u2019t you.\u201d<\/p>\n

The look on his sons face told Ben that Joe wasn\u2019t sure whether to believe his father or not. He patted Joe\u2019s arm reassuringly, \u201cIt wasn\u2019t you. We do know that much for sure. You were both found in the alley. You were badly hurt, he was already dead but Roy checked your gun. It hadn\u2019t been fired.\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe was confused by his feelings. For years he\u2019d wanted Maxwell dead. He\u2019d wanted to pull the trigger himself but now, now that Maxwell was dead, he felt relief to know that he wasn\u2019t the one who\u2019d killed him. Joe couldn\u2019t understand why he would feel that way.<\/p>\n

Ben was quick to notice Joe\u2019s distress. \u201cEnough talking. You need some sleep.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI agree,\u201d Doctor Martin said. \u201cI was just going to order that myself.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOkay,\u201d Joe mumbled. \u201cI am tired.\u201d Joe\u2019s eyes started to close but they opened again a moment later and he just looked at Ben. His father understood the unasked question in Joe\u2019s eyes and smiled gently as he nodded. \u201cYou just go to sleep. I\u2019ll stay right here.\u201d<\/p>\n

When Joe\u2019s steady breathing signaled he was asleep, Paul Martin turned to Ben. \u201cNow Ben, I think it\u2019s time you get some sleep yourself.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI will later,\u201d Ben replied. \u201cI can\u2019t leave him just yet.\u201d<\/p>\n

Paul sighed, knowing there was no use arguing, he wouldn\u2019t win.<\/p>\n

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

Just on a week later, Joe was well enough to go home. Hoss and Adam had brought the buckboard in to town to take their brother home. In the back was a mattress, pillows and blankets.<\/p>\n

Hop Sing had been away visiting relatives in San Francisco. He had returned two days ago and Ben had been on the receiving end of the little mans temper for not having sent word to him that Joe had been hurt. He had spent the last two days in the suite with the family, helping to take care of the young man they all loved so much. Hop Sing had returned to the Ponderosa that morning to make sure that everything would be ready when they brought Joe home.<\/p>\n

Adam and Hoss stood talking in the main room of the suite with Paul Martin. Paul hadn\u2019t wanted to move Joe again so he had been treating the young man there. Ben was in the bedroom helping Joe to get dressed.<\/p>\n

\u201cI saw Doctor Phillips leave on yesterday\u2019s stage. A poor excuse for a doctor in my opinion,\u201d Adam said bitterly.<\/p>\n

\u201cHe is a good doctor, Adam,\u201d Paul replied.<\/p>\n

\u201cHumph,\u201d Adam grunted. \u201cI don\u2019t know how you can say that. He was just going to let Little Joe die. Hell, more than that, he recommended that we give Joe something to make him go quicker. Like Joe was nothing but an inconvenience to us.\u201d<\/p>\n

Paul could feel the anger radiating from Adam and looking at Hoss he could see he was struggling to hold that same anger in. \u201cI\u2019m sure he didn\u2019t mean it like that. He only wanted to ease the pain for Joe. Joe\u2019s injuries were severe; you know that. He lost a massive amount of blood; he was in shock. It was enough to kill most people.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou didn\u2019t give up on him,\u201d Hoss said.<\/p>\n

\u201cNo, that\u2019s true,\u201d Paul said, \u201cbut I have the advantage of knowing Joe\u2019s a fighter and given a chance he can fight back and beat almost anything thrown at him. Plus if I hadn\u2019t just seen a similar operation carried out, I don\u2019t know if I would have been so confident about performing it. There are new techniques being developed all the time, that\u2019s why I like to get to the hospital in San Francisco when time allows so I can see what they are doing,\u201d he smiled, \u201cof course, I didn\u2019t know I\u2019d be putting my new knowledge to work quite so soon.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThe operation you watched,\u201d Hoss asked, \u201cdid the man survive?\u201d<\/p>\n

Paul shook his head. \u201cNo, he didn\u2019t.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam and Hoss knew how close they\u2019d come to losing their brother, but still, to hear that someone in a better-equipped facility, being operated on by someone who had performed similar operations before, had not survived it, hit them hard. They knew that if Paul Martin had not arrived when he did they would be grieving for Joe, not preparing to take him home.<\/p>\n

\u201cJoe would have died if it hadn\u2019t been for you,\u201d Hoss said.<\/p>\n

Paul smiled. \u201cI\u2019d like to take all the credit but the truth is, the surgery I performed gave Joe a chance, Joe did the rest.<\/p>\n

\u201cWell we sure are thankful that you came home a week early, Doc. I don\u2019t even want to think about what would have happened if you hadn\u2019t,\u201d Hoss said.<\/p>\n

Just then the door to the bedroom opened and Joe came out, Ben\u2019s arm was wrapped tightly around his sons waist and Joe leaned heavily on him.<\/p>\n

Doctor Martin patted Joe on the arm and said, \u201cNow remember young man, I\u2019m only letting you go home on the condition that you rest and take it easy. We all put a lot of time and effort into getting you on the road to recovery and we aim to keep you on there so you\u2019ll do as I say, alright.\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe nodded and Hoss said, \u201cWe\u2019ll make sure he does as he\u2019s supposed ta, doc.\u201d<\/p>\n

Paul Martin knew he couldn\u2019t rely on Joe to follow orders but he knew Joe\u2019s family would make sure he didn\u2019t over do it.<\/p>\n

As they made their way slowly through the room, Joe looked over at his brothers and asked, \u201cDid you bring Cochise?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWe brought the buckboard, you for sure ain\u2019t ridin.\u2019\u201d Hoss sputtered.<\/p>\n

The doctor stared at Joe in amazement and Ben said, \u201cJoseph, you don\u2019t seriously think that you are in any condition to ride home do you?\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe grinned. \u201cI was only joking.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWith you Joseph, one never knows,\u201d Ben said and the others all laughed.<\/p>\n

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

A week later Roy Coffee rode out to see the Cartwright\u2019s, after knocking, Roy was shown in by Ben.<\/p>\n

Walking past the settee Roy saw that Joe was curled up, sound asleep. Motioning towards Joe, he said, \u201cHe looks comfortable.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAll he seems to do is sleep. Paul says it\u2019s to be expected.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHas he remembered any more about what happened?\u201d Roy asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cNo,\u201d Ben replied. \u201cHe\u2019s woken a few times from a nightmare. I don\u2019t know if the dreams are connected to Maxwell, I can only guess that they are. Joe can\u2019t remember the dream when he wakes up. Have you found out any more?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNot a thing, Ben. No one saw anything.\u201d<\/p>\n

Both men\u2019s eyes were drawn to movement on the settee. Ben quickly walked over and helped Joe to sit up. When Joe noticed their visitor he asked Roy, \u201cWhat are you doing here? Do you have some news? Do you know who shot me or Maxwell?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo, I\u2019m sorry, Joe. I was hoping you might have remembered something.\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe shook his head and Roy said, \u201cYour Pa told me that you hadn\u2019t.\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe brought his hand down and punched the seat. \u201cWhy can\u2019t I remember?\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben sat down beside Joe and put his hand over that of his sons. \u201cCome on, Joe. Paul said not to worry about it.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI know but I can\u2019t help it. I just wish I could remember what happened.\u201d<\/p>\n

Roy stood up. \u201cI\u2019d better be heading back. I\u2019ll let you know if I find out anymore.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben nodded his thanks as Roy left.<\/p>\n

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

As the weeks went by, Joe slowly recovered. Six weeks after the shooting Ben allowed him to go in to town with his brothers while they picked up some supplies. Joe rode with Hoss in the buckboard. Adam rode beside them on his horse. They were all in a good mood, laughing and joking with each other. The concern of who had shot Joe was still there, naturally, but they were trying not to dwell on it.<\/p>\n

As they went past the mouth of the alley where Joe had been shot, Hoss heard Joe suck in his breath. Glancing over at him, Hoss saw that his brother\u2019s face had drained of all color. Hoss quickly pulled the horses to a stop.<\/p>\n

Seeing that something was wrong, Adam dismounted and quickly went to stand next to Joe.<\/p>\n

Hoss had his hand on Joe\u2019s knee and was shaking it. \u201cLittle Joe, what\u2019s wrong? Talk to me.\u201d Hoss looked worriedly at Adam.<\/p>\n

Adam put his hand on Joe\u2019s back. \u201cJoe buddy, what is it? Do you remember something?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cJohnny Chapman,\u201d Joe whispered.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat Joe? What are you talking about? What about Johnny Chapman?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI saw him Adam.\u201d Joe grabbed his brother\u2019s arm. \u201cI remember seeing him at the mouth of the alley.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAre you sure it was him?\u201d Hoss asked.<\/p>\n

Joe nodded. \u201cIt was him. I only saw him for a moment but I\u2019m sure it was him.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cDid he shoot you?\u201d Hoss asked.<\/p>\n

When there was no answer, Adam gently shook Joe. “Was it him who shot you?\u201d he repeated.<\/p>\n

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

Adam patted Joe\u2019s arm and looked over at Hoss. \u201cLet\u2019s go and talk to Roy.\u201d<\/p>\n

Roy Coffee was sitting behind his desk when the Cartwright brothers walked in. \u201cHello boys. What can I do for you?\u201d He watched as Adam pushed Joe in to a chair.<\/p>\n

\u201cJoe\u2019s remembered something,\u201d Hoss said.<\/p>\n

Roy stood up and walked around his desk, sitting on the edge of it. \u201cWhat is it, Joe?\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe took a deep breath. \u201cI remember who shot me. It was Johnny Chapman.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cJohnny Chapman.\u201d Roy repeated. That was a name he hadn\u2019t heard in a while. Johnny Chapman and Joe had been friends for years, good friends. Then a man named Al Mooney had come in to town and made a fool out of Johnny. Johnny didn\u2019t know how to handle a gun and asked Joe to teach him. Johnny learned his lessons well and he had ended up killing Al Mooney, although it had been ruled self defense. Then Johnny Chapman became a bounty hunter. He and Joe had fallen out and Johnny had forced Joe to draw against him. Joe had been faster and he wounded Johnny in the arm. The last Roy had heard of Johnny Chapman, he\u2019d left town with his girlfriend, Olive.<\/p>\n

\u201cAre you sure it was him?\u201d Roy asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhy does everyone keep asking me that?\u201d Joe snapped. \u201cYes, I\u2019m sure it was him.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI haven\u2019t seen him around town,\u201d Roy said.<\/p>\n

\u201cDoesn\u2019t mean he\u2019s not here,\u201d Hoss said. \u201cYou ain\u2019t had a reason to be lookin\u2019 out for him. He could be holed up anywhere.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHoss is right,\u201d Adam said. \u201cHe might not even be in town, he could be hiding out anywhere around here.\u201d<\/p>\n

Roy nodded. \u201cOr, if it was him, he could have moved on.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat do you mean, if?\u201d Joe snapped. \u201cI just told you that I\u2019m sure it was him.\u201d<\/p>\n

Hoss reached out and placed a hand on his younger brother’s arm in a gesture of reassurance.<\/p>\n

\u201cTell me exactly what you remember,\u201d Roy said. “Do you remember how you came to be in the alley with Maxwell?\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam and Hoss looked at their younger brother, waiting for him to answer.<\/p>\n

Joe started talking slowly, as if he was actually seeing again the events of that day. \u201c I went to Doc. Martin\u2019s office. Doctor Phillips was there. I told him he was needed out at the Miller\u2019s. I was walking back to my horse when I heard someone behind me call my name, I turned and saw it was Maxwell.\u201d Joe stopped and looked at his brother\u2019s. \u201cI wasn\u2019t even thinking about him being in town. I didn\u2019t know what he wanted. I started to reach for my gun but he stopped me, he said he only wanted to talk. He nodded towards the alley. I didn\u2019t know whether to believe him or not but there wasn\u2019t much else I could do.\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe stopped talking and Adam patted his brother\u2019s back. \u201cIt\u2019s alright. Keep going, your doing fine.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHe said,\u201d Joe took a deep breath and tried to get his thoughts clear before continuing, \u201cHe said he\u2019d been hired to come back here, to do anything he needed to do to get me to draw against him.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam and Hoss drew their breaths in, in shock. \u201cWhat!\u201d Hoss shouted. \u201cWho was it?\u00a0 Who would want to do something like that?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cJohnny Chapman,\u201d Adam said.<\/p>\n

Joe nodded. \u201cThat\u2019s what I\u2019m thinking now but back then, at the time, Maxwell didn\u2019t have a chance to tell me who it was.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cGo on,\u201d Roy said. \u201cWhat happened next?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI asked Maxwell who had hired him but he said he couldn\u2019t tell me until we\u2019d reached an agreement. I asked him, what kind of agreement.\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe got up and started to pace the floor, watched by the other three men, Adam got up and guided his brother back to his chair, squatting down in front of him, Adam urged Joe to continue. \u201cWe need you to tell us everything you remember.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cMaxwell said he had heard I was fast.\u201d Joe couldn\u2019t help but grin at his brothers, even with the seriousness of it all. \u201cDon\u2019t tell Pa I said that, it\u2019d make him mad.\u201d The others grinned in agreement.\u00a0 \u201cMaxwell said that he\u2019d been wounded a while back in his gun arm, it damaged some muscle and he\u2019d lost some of his speed. He said he didn\u2019t think that he could beat me and that if I was willing to double the offer, he\u2019d tell me who had hired him and leave town. I heard a noise and started to turn, there was a shot, it hit me and I saw Johnny Chapman at the mouth of the alley as I fell.\u201d Joe shook his head. \u201cThat\u2019s all I remember.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou don\u2019t know what happened after that?\u201d Roy asked.<\/p>\n

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

Adam jumped to his feet. \u201cObviously Chapman killed Maxwell,\u201d He said angrily to Roy.<\/p>\n

\u201cYes,\u201d Roy agreed. \u201cBut what\u2019s happened to Chapman? There was no blood anywhere other than where Joe and Maxwell were so I think the bullet Maxwell fired missed Chapman. He might be waiting for another chance to get Joe.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam and Hoss looked worriedly at Joe. Could Johnny Chapman still want Joe dead? Adam reached down and pulled Joe to his feet. \u201cCome on little brother, we\u2019re going home.\u201d<\/p>\n

As they headed out of town Joe turned to Hoss. \u201cWhat about the supplies?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t worry about them. We\u2019ll send someone in for them later.\u201d<\/p>\n

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

Once back at the ranch, the brother\u2019s left their horses to be put up by a ranch hand and went inside to tell their father what Joe had remembered. Ben was shocked to learn what Johnny Chapman\u2019s plans had been. Once he had heard it all, Ben said, \u201cAnd Roy has no idea where Chapman could be holed up?\u201d<\/p>\n

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

Looking at Joe, Ben said, \u201cI know you are not going to like this son but for now I want you to stay around the ranch and make sure you are not alone.\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe nodded and Ben was surprised to get no argument from him, he could see Joe was upset and looked at Adam and Hoss as he said, \u201cCan you leave us alone please.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam and Hoss nodded their understanding and went upstairs both patting Joe on the arm when they went past him.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat\u2019s troubling you, Joseph? I know this is an awful thing to be happening but now we know who\u2019s behind it, we can deal with it. There\u2019s something more on your mind, isn\u2019t there.\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe nodded slowly.<\/p>\n

\u201cJoe, I can\u2019t help you if you won\u2019t talk to me about it.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAre you angry at me?\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben couldn\u2019t understand why Joe would be thinking that. He walked over to Joe, sitting on the table in front of him he placed his hand on Joe\u2019s leg. \u201cWhy would I be angry at you? This isn\u2019t your fault.\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe looked away but not before Ben saw the tears in his eyes. \u201cYes, it is.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben gently turned his son\u2019s face to look him in the eyes. \u201cWhy do you think it\u2019s your fault?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI was friend\u2019s with Johnny. He wasn\u2019t a killer. I taught him how to use a gun. It\u2019s my fault that he\u2019s done the things he has.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cJoseph, we\u2019ve talked about this. Yes, you taught him how to use a gun but I also know that you did all that you could to make him understand the responsibilities that he was taking on when he learned how to shoot. You did all you could. I know that and so do you. Your responsibility ended there. What Johnny Chapman did after that was up to him. He chose the path in life that he took; no one forced him, it was his choice. Just the same way Tyler made his.\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe looked away.<\/p>\n

\u201cI know you are thinking about him too, aren\u2019t you?\u201d Ben asked and Joe nodded.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m all mixed up Pa. I don\u2019t know how I feel.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben encouraged Joe to go on. \u201cTell me.\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe looked down as he spoke. \u201cWhen you told me Maxwell was dead, I was glad. I\u2019ve wanted him dead for five years and I was glad to hear he was dead. I\u2019ve dreamed of doing it. Of standing in front of him and shooting him down, just like he did to Tyler.<\/p>\n

Joe looked up at his father to see if his face showed anger or disappointment, but he saw neither.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s natural to have those feelings, Joseph. But there\u2019s more, isn\u2019t there.\u201d Ben waited for Joe to go on.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhen you said I hadn\u2019t done it, I was relieved. I don\u2019t know why. I\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026.\u201d Joe broke off.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u00a0 know why,\u201d Ben said. \u201cBecause you\u2019re not a killer, Joseph. I know Tyler tried to change his ways and I respect him for that. But I can\u2019t understand how a man takes up that kind of life in the first place. I don\u2019t understand a man who finds it so easy to kill another for a reputation or money. It was in Tyler and Maxwell to be that type of person and it\u2019s in Johnny Chapman. It\u2019s not in you. You don\u2019t enjoy killing, it\u2019s a last resort for you.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHow do you know?\u201d Joe asked softly. \u201cI\u2019ll never know if given the opportunity, if I would have killed Maxwell myself.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI know, because if you were that type of person, you wouldn\u2019t have been relieved when I told you that it wasn\u2019t you who had killed Maxwell.\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe gave his father a faint smile as he stood up and said, \u201cI\u2019m tired, Pa. I think I\u2019ll go up to bed.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAlright, son. I\u2019ll see you in the morning.\u201d<\/p>\n

When Joe reached the bottom of the stairs, Ben called, \u201cJoseph.\u201d When Joe stopped and turned around to face him, Ben continued, \u201cYou are not like them.\u201d<\/p>\n

This time Ben saw the smile reach Joe\u2019s eyes and Ben hoped that finally, Joe had made peace with all that had happened. \u201cThanks Pa, Night.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam and Hoss heard the door to their young brother\u2019s room close and guessed that Joe had escaped to the solace of his room to think things through. They quietly went downstairs to speak to their father.<\/p>\n

Ben smiled when his two older sons joined him. \u201cWe had a good talk. I think Joe\u2019s feeling a lot better about things now. If only we could find Johnny Chapman and put an end to all of it.\u201d<\/p>\n

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

A week went by with still no sign of Johnny Chapman. Joe was chaffing under the restraint of having to be with either his father or one of his brothers constantly but he knew his father would not allow it any other way at the moment.<\/p>\n

Roy had sent out some telegrams but hadn\u2019t had any success in discovering the whereabouts of either Johnny Chapman or Olive.<\/p>\n

Friday morning was the day everything came to a head. Ben and Hoss had left with the hands to start the branding. Hop Sing had gone with them as they were hoping to get a lot done and eating there would save time. Adam and Joe were taking the buckboard. Paul Martin still wasn\u2019t allowing Joe to ride and although he couldn\u2019t do much other than heat the iron, to Joe\u2019s way of thinking at least he was getting out of the house.<\/p>\n

\u201cReady to go?\u201d Adam asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cYep,\u201d Joe replied, as he was about to climb up in to the buckboard. A move behind him made Joe turn. Standing behind him was Johnny Chapman. Looking down Joe saw Adam, unconscious on the ground. He immediately started to go to him.<\/p>\n

\u201cStop right there,\u201d Chapman said as he pulled the hammer back on his gun. Stepping forward Chapman removed Joe\u2019s gun and then Adam\u2019s. Nodding at Adam, Chapman said, \u201cTie him up.\u201d Joe tied Adam\u2019s hands together and when Adam started to come around, Joe helped his brother to sit up.<\/p>\n

Anger flared in Adam\u2019s eyes at the sight of Chapman. \u201cWhat do you think you are doing? You can\u2019t blame Joe for what happened. You asked him to teach you how to use a gun.\u201d<\/p>\n

Johnny laughed bitterly, \u201cI don\u2019t blame Joe for that. For that, at least, I thank him.\u201d Johnny looked at Joe. \u201cI blame you for taking it away from me. Things weren\u2019t the same for me after you shot me. I lost confidence in myself, but no more. I\u2019m going to show you that I\u2019m faster than you.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhere\u2019s Olive?\u201d Adam asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cShut up! I don\u2019t want you to mention her. It\u2019s none of your business where she is.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cShe\u2019s left you hasn\u2019t she,\u201d Adam continued. \u201cShe saw what you were really like and she didn\u2019t like it.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI said, shut up!\u201d Chapman drew his foot back to kick him.<\/p>\n

\u201cStop it,\u201d Joe yelled, moving forward.<\/p>\n

Chapman seemed to pull himself together. Looking at Joe he said, \u201cTie him to the hitching post.\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe helped Adam to stand and did as Chapman had said.<\/p>\n

When Joe had finished tying Adam up, he stood beside his brother while they both looked over at Chapman.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou taught me well Joe, but now I\u2019m the one who\u2019s going to do the teaching and it\u2019s the last lesson you\u2019ll ever learn,\u201d Chapman said.<\/p>\n

Adam pulled against the ropes. \u201cYou do this Chapman and I promise you that it\u2019ll be the last thing you do. My family will hunt you down like the mad dog you are.\u201d<\/p>\n

As Joe looked around he was struck by how similar this seemed to the day Drew Maxwell had killed Joe\u2019s friend Tyler Hudson, right there in the yard. What was it Adam had told him those kinds of feelings were called, Deja vue, that was it.<\/p>\n

Joe was still standing next to his oldest brother, would this be the last time he saw him, the last time he had a chance to talk to him? \u2018No,\u2019 Joe told himself. \u2018I can\u2019t afford to think like that.\u2019 Joe tried to shake the morbid feelings away, he didn\u2019t want to dwell on what might happen, but still, there was something he had to make sure Pa knew.<\/p>\n

\u201cAdam, tell Pa that I\u2019m sorry. I don\u2019t want to do this but I have no choice.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam knew Joe had to concentrate on what he was about to do, he didn\u2019t want Joe to worry about what Pa might think. Adam knew exactly the way Pa would feel about this because Adam himself felt the same way and he told his brother the truth. \u201cIt\u2019s alright, Joe. Pa will understand. I promise.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cEnough talking,\u201d Chapman said as he put Joe\u2019s gun down on the seat of the buckboard and moved away. \u201cLet\u2019s get this over with.\u201d<\/p>\n

Keeping his voice low so only Joe could hear, Adam said, \u201cCome on Kid, you can beat him. You\u2019re faster than he is, you can do this, just concentrate, don\u2019t think about anything else, just keep your eyes on him.\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe nodded, stepped away from Adam and started to walk towards the buckboard and the gun that lay waiting on the seat.<\/p>\n

Joe was wearing his black gloves, he\u2019d put them on that morning in preparation for the work he was intending to do at the branding pen. As he walked he lifted his left hand up to his mouth and tugged the glove off with his teeth, repeating the move with his other hand. When Joe reached the buckboard he dropped his gloves on the seat and glanced over at Chapman who stood carefully watching him.<\/p>\n

Chapman had his gun pointing at Joe. \u201cPut it in your holster,\u201d he called.<\/p>\n

Joe slowly picked the gun up. \u201cI\u2019m going to check it\u2019s loaded,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n

Johnny Chapman laughed. \u201cWhat\u2019s the matter, don\u2019t you trust me.\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe merely looked at him and Chapman said, \u201cGo ahead.\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe spun the chamber and checked the bullets. Seeing that everything was as it should be. It wasn\u2019t the fact that he didn\u2019t trust Johnny, although it was true that he didn\u2019t, that\u00a0 made him check his gun. It was prompted by lessons drummed in to him by his father and two older brothers; if possible always check your gun before you use it.<\/p>\n

Adam had been about to call out to Joe to tell him to do exactly that. It eased his mind a fraction that at least his brother was thinking clearly.<\/p>\n

Joe put the gun in his holster, took two steps away from the wagon and stood facing the man he had once called a friend.<\/p>\n

Adam watched his young brother and the fear grew in his heart. The kid was fast Adam knew that but Joe still wasn\u2019t fully recovered. Adam knew Joe had been doing some practicing since he\u2019d been shot. But Adam didn\u2019t know if it would be enough, he wasn\u2019t sure if Joe had gained all his speed back yet.<\/p>\n

Adam glanced at Chapman and then back to his brother. Joe stood still the only movement being the fingers of his left hand that he flexed seemingly to the rhythm of his heartbeat.<\/p>\n

\u201cThis is your last chance Johnny. You can still walk away,\u201d Joe said.<\/p>\n

Johnny Chapman laughed. \u201cI\u2019m not walking anywhere. We finish this here and now. Then maybe I can get my life back to the way it was. I was a nobody till I learnt how to use a gun and then people looked up to me. But you took it all away from me when you shot me in that street. You made a fool of me.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou did that all by yourself. You didn\u2019t need me to make you look like a fool,\u201d Joe said.<\/p>\n

Johnny Chapman glared coldly at Joe.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat about Olive?\u201d Adam asked again. \u201cWhat does she think about what you are doing?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI told you to shut up about her. I\u2019m sick of talking. Let\u2019s get this over with. I\u2019m glad Maxwell tried to double cross me. I suspected he would. It\u2019s better this way. Take a look at your fancy home over there Joe,\u201d Chapman nodded towards the house that Joe had been born and raised in, \u201cbecause you\u2019ll never be walking through that front door again, while your at it take a good look around you \u2018cause this is the last day you\u2019re going to see.\u201d He put his gun in his holster.<\/p>\n

Joe stood, his eyes fixed on Johnny Chapman, watching for the slightest movement that the other man was going for his gun and then it came.<\/p>\n

As Adam watched, it seemed to him that time stood still. He saw Johnny Chapman go for his gun and then he saw Joe make his move. In one fluent move Joe\u2019s hand was on his gun, pulling it out and pulling the trigger as if it was all one movement.<\/p>\n

The sound of two guns being fired cracked through the silence of the yard. For a moment both men just stood there. With horror Adam saw the blood on his brothers shoulder. Then he saw Johnny Chapman collapse to the ground as his legs gave way beneath him, his gun dropping to the ground beside him. Walking over to him, Joe kicked the gun away. Joe dropped to his knees. \u201cI\u2019m sorry,\u201d he said quietly.<\/p>\n

\u201cI thought I could beat you,\u201d Johnny Chapman said with his last breath.<\/p>\n

Joe sat there with his head bowed, making no attempt to stand. \u201cJoe,\u201d Adam called. \u201cCome here.\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe looked over at his older brother and Adam said gently, \u201cCome over here. I need your help to get untied.\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe stood up and walked slowly over to Adam, kneeling down at Adam\u2019s side.<\/p>\n

\u201cI only meant to wound him. My aim was off.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cForget him Joe, he\u2019s not worth it. Are you okay?\u201d Adam asked, looking at his brother and noticing the blood spreading on his sleeve.<\/p>\n

Joe nodded and reached for the knife in his boot, cutting the ropes that bound Adam.<\/p>\n

Adam rubbed his wrists to get the circulation back and then helped Joe to his feet. \u201cCome on. I need to have a look at your arm.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat about him?\u201d Joe nodded at the body that lay on the ground.<\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t worry. I\u2019ll take care of him later. It\u2019s you I\u2019m worried about now, come on.\u201d With that Adam led Joe inside and up to his room.<\/p>\n

Taking Joe\u2019s jacket and shirt off, he saw the wound wasn\u2019t too bad. But Joe was going to need a doctor. Retrieving some bandages and water, he cleaned and dressed the wound. Talking to Joe throughout he tried to keep his brother from dwelling on what had just taken place.<\/p>\n

When he\u2019d done all he could, Adam said, \u201cJoe will you be alright here by yourself for a bit?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhere are you going?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cTo go and tell Pa what\u2019s happened and then I\u2019ll get Paul.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t need doc, I\u2019m fine.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYeah well, I\u2019m not leaving it up to you, Joe. I won\u2019t be long, alright?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOkay.\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe closed his eyes and fell asleep but it didn\u2019t seem like more than a few moments later that he woke to the familiar feeling of someone stroking his hair back off his forehead. Opening his eyes he saw his father bending over him. \u201cPa, how did you get here so fast?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWe were on our way back here to find out what was taking you and Adam so long.\u201d<\/p>\n

Looking over his fathers shoulder, Joe saw Hoss who grinned at him and said, \u201cHey buddy. How you doin\u2019?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m okay,\u201d Joe said, \u201cI told Adam I don\u2019t need no doctor.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben sat on the edge of the bed, pulling the bandages away so he could get a look at the wound. \u201cYour going to need stitches so you just lay still till Paul gets here.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI killed him, Pa.\u201d Joe said. Needing his father to understand.<\/p>\n

\u201cAdam told us what happened, Joseph,\u201d Ben said gently. \u201cYou did all you could to avoid it. You did the only thing you could. You defended yourself. You did nothing wrong. I\u2019m proud of you, Joseph.\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe smiled as sleep claimed him. And Ben knew Joe had finally accepted that he was not to blame for how another man chose to live his life.<\/p>\n

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

Joe was up and around within two days and Ben hoped that things could return to normal. The Cartwright\u2019s were sitting at the table eating their mid day meal when there was a knock on the door. Joe smirked at his brothers, knowing that it was usually him that had to get up and answer the door, but for a while longer at least, it was a chore passed to them. With a glare to Joe, Adam got up.<\/p>\n

Adam opened the door, admitting Roy Coffee.<\/p>\n

Ben stood up. \u201cRoy, come in. What brings you out here?\u201d<\/p>\n

Roy sat down at the table as Hoss poured him a cup of coffee.<\/p>\n

\u201cGot a letter for Joe actually, Ben.\u201d He handed the letter to Joe.<\/p>\n

Joe looked at the envelope. It was addressed to him but had no senders name or return address. \u201cWho\u2019s it from?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cJohnny Chapman\u2019s girlfriend, Olive,\u201d Roy replied.<\/p>\n

\u201cOlive?\u201d Joe tore the envelope open and read the contents, then he reread the letter aloud.<\/p>\n

Dear Joe<\/span><\/p>\n

I am writing to you because I fear I must warn you. In the time we have been away from Virginia City, Johnny has grown more and more bitter. He hasn\u2019t been able to hold a job down and is obsessed with becoming a bounty hunter again. He says though, that you took his confidence away and he needs to see you beaten to get it back again. I\u2019m afraid for you, Joe. Afraid of what Johnny is planning. I am leaving him. I see no other choice. He is not the man I fell in love with. He grows more bitter and hateful with each passing day. I am leaving him in the hope of a better life. Please be assured that I don\u2019t blame you in any way for what Johnny has become. You taught him a skill; he learnt how to use a gun from you. You didn\u2019t teach him how to love the killing or a love of earning money from those killings. Johnny taught himself that. The misery he has wrought clings to him like a veil, destroying his soul. You tried to help me Joe but I returned to Johnny, that too, was my choice. Just like the decision I have made now is my choice. I am going to be free. Please don\u2019t think badly of me, Joe.<\/span><\/p>\n

With Love<\/span>
\n Olive<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhere is she, do you know?\u201d Joe asked Roy.<\/p>\n

\u201cJoe, I\u2019m sorry son, but Olive\u2019s dead.\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe stared at Roy, unable to say anything.<\/p>\n

\u201cHow did she die?\u201d Ben asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cShe killed herself. No one was there to find her this time. All her things were packed up. Obviously, the letter was meant to be sent to Joe but it just got put aside. When I started making enquiries about her, the sheriff in Mason City remembered her. Her belongings were still in storage. Johnny had disappeared and no one knew what to do with her things. The sheriff went through them and found the letter, he sent it on to me with a note telling me what had happened to her.<\/p>\n

Roy could see the shock written plainly on Joe\u2019s face and decided it would be best to leave the young man to talk about it in private with his family. \u201cI\u2019ll be getting back to town, I\u2019ll see you later.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben saw Roy out. \u201cThanks for bringing the letter out, Roy.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo problem, Ben,\u201d Roy said as he left.<\/p>\n

Ben walked back to the table, retaking his seat.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhy did she do it? She could have come to me. I\u2019d have helped her,\u201d Joe said.<\/p>\n

Reaching over, Ben placed a hand on Joe\u2019s arm. \u201cShe knew that, Joseph. She didn\u2019t want to be helped. I think she just gave up on life. When Johnny Chapman shot you in that Virginia City alley, Doctor Phillips told us that you were going to die,\u201d Ben glanced at his two older sons before continuing, \u201cbut we knew better than that. When it would have been so easy for you to slip away, you fought so hard to stay with us. That\u2019s because you value life. That\u2019s why you have such deep feelings about having to take a life. It\u2019s what makes you the person you are. The person I am so proud of. Olive didn\u2019t have your strength. She lacked the courage to be able to face a life on her own without Johnny Chapman. She just gave up.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cShe had no one in her life other than Johnny, not really. I tried to be her friend but she\u00a0 had no family. I have all of you.\u201d Joe looked at his family sitting around the table with him. \u201cIt makes it so much easier to fight to stay when there\u2019s so much to stay for.\u201d Joe looked down, embarrassed that he had revealed so much of how he felt.<\/p>\n

Ben stood from his chair, pulling his youngest son to his feet Ben hugged him tightly. \u201cI thank God you feel like that, Joseph. I feel exactly the same way.\u201d Looking at his two older sons Ben could see they had the same feelings. Ben Cartwright knew he was a very lucky man.<\/p>\n

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

January 2003<\/p>\n

**** The characters of Johnny Chapman and Olive are from the episode titled \u201cInvention of A Gunfighter.\u201d
\n<\/i><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Summary:\u00a0\u00a0 Gunfighter Drew Maxwell returns to Virginia City.<\/p>\n

Rating:\u00a0 T\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 (13,900 words)<\/p>\n

A Life Lived Series, links to all the stories within the series are included.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":10321,"featured_media":13256,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"template-full-width-post.php","format":"standard","meta":{"_jetpack_newsletter_access":"","_jetpack_dont_email_post_to_subs":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_tier_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paywalled_content":false,"_jetpack_feature_clip_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":"","jetpack_publicize_message":"","jetpack_publicize_feature_enabled":true,"jetpack_social_post_already_shared":false,"jetpack_social_options":{"image_generator_settings":{"template":"highway","default_image_id":0,"font":"","enabled":false},"version":2},"jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false,"_members_access_role":[],"_members_access_error":""},"categories":[23,1008,13],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-13841","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-drama","category-family","category-whn","wpcat-23-id","wpcat-1008-id","wpcat-13-id"],"jetpack_publicize_connections":[],"jetpack_likes_enabled":true,"jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/four.jpg?fit=298%2C300&ssl=1","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/13841","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/10321"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=13841"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/13841\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/13256"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=13841"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=13841"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=13841"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}