{"id":13845,"date":"2005-07-27T08:47:47","date_gmt":"2005-07-27T12:47:47","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=13845"},"modified":"2026-07-22T12:55:51","modified_gmt":"2026-07-22T16:55:51","slug":"the-closed-door-1-by-helenb","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=13845","title":{"rendered":"The Closed Door (by HelenB)"},"content":{"rendered":"

Summary:\u00a0 <\/strong> Ben says something to Joe that he didn’t think he would ever say to one of his sons.<\/span><\/p>\n

Rating:\u00a0 T<\/p>\n

The Closed Door Series:<\/strong><\/p>\n

The Closed\u00a0 Door<\/a>
\nDoor to the Past<\/a><\/p>\n

The Closed Door<\/strong><\/p>\n

\n
\n

As Joe Cartwright reached the front door of the Ponderosa ranch house, the door was suddenly pulled open and his father stood there, seeming to bar entry to the house.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Joe stood there for a moment, unsure of how to begin to make the apology he\u2019d been running through his mind all the way home. Earlier that day, he and his father had argued and Joe was ashamed of the hurtful words he\u2019d flung at his father in anger. <\/span><\/p>\n

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

Joe looked into his father\u2019s eyes, took a deep breath and said, \u201cPa, I\u2019m sorry, I had no right to\u2026.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Ben cut him off. \u201cJoseph, I don\u2019t want to hear it. You made it clear to me that you are not happy living here, so I think it\u2019s best for all of us if you live and work somewhere else.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Joe starred at his father in shock. He\u2019d said nothing about not being happy on the Ponderosa. \u201cBut, Pa\u2026\u201d Joe started, but once again he was cut off by Ben.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cIt\u2019s all been said, Joe. You are no longer welcome in this house. I think it\u2019s best if you leave now. I don\u2019t want you setting foot inside.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Never had Joe expected to hear words like that from his father and the hurt cut deep. Tears started to come to Joe\u2019s eyes and he quickly turned away, determined not to let his father see him cry. Joe heard the door click shut behind him.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Joe slowly walked over to his horse Cochise, his head was swimming and he had to hold on tightly to the saddle to keep from falling. Taking a deep breath he pulled himself up into the saddle. He looked back at the home he\u2019d lived in all his life and wondered if this would be the last time he saw it. Turning Cochise, Joe motioned the horse forward.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

From the window in his office, Ben watched as his youngest son rode away without once looking back.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

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

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

Joe rode into Virginia City and after tying Cochise to the hitching rail outside the bank he went inside.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cHello, Little Joe,\u201d the teller smiled at the young man she\u2019d known for years.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cHello, Eliza. How are you?\u201d Joe asked.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cFine, Little Joe. I\u2019m looking forward to the dance on Saturday night. Will you be there?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

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

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

\u201cAre you all right?\u201d Eliza asked, he was usually so friendly, the young woman knew something must be bothering Joe for him to be so quite.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Forcing himself to smile, he said, \u201cNo, nothings wrong. I want to draw all my money out though, Eliza. And close my account.\u201d <\/span><\/p>\n

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

Joe only had five hundred dollars in his own bank account but he knew it would last him until he found some work.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

After Eliza closed the account, she handed him the money. \u201cHere you are, Little Joe.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cThanks,\u201d Joe replied, as he put the money in his jacket pocket. \u201cGoodbye, Eliza,\u201d he said quietly as he left the bank. The young woman frowned as he left, thinking that the goodbye had sounded so final.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Walking over to the general store, Joe brought enough supplies to last him for a week as well as some clothes since he hadn\u2019t taken any with him when he\u2019d left the ranch and he had no intention of going back for any of his belongings.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

As Joe was tying the saddlebags onto his horse, Sheriff Coffee walked up to him and smiled as he asked, \u201cBusiness or pleasure?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cWhat?\u201d Joe asked, startled. He\u2019d been deep in thought and hadn\u2019t heard the sheriff walk up beside him.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Roy nodded at the saddlebags and clarified, \u201cYou\u2019re obviously headin\u2019 off somewhere. I was just wonderin\u2019 if it was for business or pleasure.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cNeither,\u201d Joe answered, as he finished tying the bags on and turned back to face the sheriff. \u201cI\u2019m leaving,\u201d he said, simply.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Roy looked at the young man in confusion and then frowned as the words sunk in. \u201cDo you mean you\u2019re leavin\u2019 permanently? You\u2019re leavin\u2019 the Ponderosa?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Joe nodded. \u201cI have no intention of setting foot there ever again.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cWhat\u2019s happened?\u201d the sheriff asked.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Joe shrugged. \u201cYou better ask my father.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cLittle Joe, I\u2026.\u201d Roy started but broke off not knowing what to say.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Joe held out his hand and as they shook hands, said, \u201cBye Roy.\u201d He then swung onto his horse and rode away, leaving Roy standing staring after him.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Roy watched until Joe turned a corner and was out of sight. He was wondering if he should go out to the Ponderosa to see Ben when he heard a commotion down the street and he realized there was a fight going on in one of the saloons, he headed down the street to break it up.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

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

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

Joe left Virginia City with the intention of riding as far away from the Ponderosa as he could but without even realizing it, he once again found himself on the road leading to the only home he\u2019d ever known. Joe\u2019s head was pounding and he felt sick but he knew he couldn\u2019t leave things the way they were. He and his father had argued many times over the years but never had his Pa reacted this way. He had to talk to his father again. He headed home. <\/span><\/p>\n

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

As Joe rode up to the house a shot rang out, the force of the bullet hitting him knocked Joe from the saddle.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

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

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

The sun was just starting to set when Adam and Hoss rode into the Ponderosa ranch yard. They were both surprised to see Cochise loose in the yard. It wasn\u2019t like Joe to leave his horse like that. Going over to Cochise, Hoss reached for the reins and stopped suddenly. In the fading light, he could just make out a patch of blood that showed on the horse\u2019s coat. \u201cAdam!\u201d he called urgently.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Adam quickly walked over to his brother and Hoss quietly said, \u201cIt\u2019s blood, Adam,\u201d as he showed him the mark. \u201cI can\u2019t see any wounds on Cochise. It has to be Joe\u2019s blood.\u201d With one quick look at each other, both brothers ran for the house. Adam reached the door first and flung it open, Hoss following a half step behind. Adam stopped so suddenly that Hoss nearly knocked him off his feet when he ran into his older brother.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Tied, gagged and bound to a chair was their father. The two brothers rushed forward to untie him.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cHave you seen Joe?\u201d Ben asked anxiously, as soon as the gag was removed.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cNo,\u201d Adam replied, looking around and seeing things turned over and draws opened, he asked, \u201cWhat happened? Who did this to you?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cFour men,\u201d Ben said as he rubbed his wrists where the rope had cut into them, \u201cI didn\u2019t hear them, they surprised me when I came into the house. Joe came back here about noon while they were still here. They told me to get Joe to leave. They said if I didn\u2019t, they\u2019d kill him. I couldn\u2019t take the risk that they meant it.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cJoe was here but he left?\u201d Adam asked, confused as to why Cochise was in the yard if Joe had left.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Ben nodded and Hoss asked. \u201cHow did you get Joe to go?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Ben swallowed and both sons saw the sadness on their father\u2019s face as he replied, \u201cI told Joseph that he was no longer welcome here and I wanted him to leave. I told him he was no longer welcome in this house.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cYou didn\u2019t,\u201d Hoss said shocked.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cI had to get him to leave,\u201d Ben said, clearly upset.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Hoss shook his head. \u201cJoe would never believe that.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Tears came to Ben\u2019s eyes. \u201cHe believed me.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cNo,\u201d Adam said, \u201cJoe wouldn\u2019t\u2026.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Ben broke in. \u201cWe had an argument this morning. We both said things we shouldn\u2019t have. Joe wasn\u2019t planning on coming home for lunch. I don\u2019t know why he did.\u201d\u00a0\u00a0 <\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cBut why would you say that to him!\u201d Hoss asked, anguished, \u201cOf all the things you could have said to get Joe away from the house, why that?\u201d Hoss turned and stalked away from his father. He knew how much those words would have hurt his brother and now to think of him out there somewhere hurt and alone was unbearable to the man who had comforted and protected his little brother since the day he was born. Hoss knew though, that his father felt the same way and he understood that he\u2019d been trying to protect Joe but he was also angry, feeling his father should have said anything but what he did.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Turning back to face Ben, Hoss was struck by the devastated look on his father\u2019s face. \u201cI\u2019m sorry, Pa,\u201d he said, not knowing what else to say. He could see how distressed his father was and looking at Adam he could see he felt the same way. Their father needed their support. \u201cDon\u2019t worry, Pa,\u201d he said, trying to reassure him, \u201cWe\u2019ll find Joe.\u201d He suddenly remembered Cochise. \u201cPa,\u201d he said, \u201cCochise is out in the yard.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cHe can\u2019t be,\u201d Ben said, \u201cI saw Joe ride away,\u201d he frowned in thought, \u201cUnless\u2026.unless he came back! Ben tried to pull himself together. \u201cWe have to find him. If his horse is here, Joe must be around somewhere.\u201d Ben started to hurry towards the front door.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cPa,\u201d Adam grabbed his father\u2019s arm, he didn\u2019t want to worry him more but Adam knew he had to tell him what they\u2019d found, \u201cCochise has blood on him. It looks like Joe\u2019s hurt.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cI heard a shot,\u201d Ben said frantically, suddenly remembering the noise he had heard not long before the men had ridden away, \u201cWe have to find him.\u201d He rushed to the door. The three men thoroughly searched the yard and barn, everywhere Joe could possibly be but apart from the blood on Cochise and some on the ground, there was no sign of him. The hands had returned to the bunkhouse and helped to search.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Ben, Adam and Hoss stood in front of the house, deciding what they should do next. <\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cPa, do you think those men took Joe for some reason?\u201d Adam hoped that wasn\u2019t what had happened but he could think of no other explanation for Joe\u2019s disappearance.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Ben nodded. \u201cIt does look that way.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cWe can start tracking them,\u201d Hoss said.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cWe\u2019ll have to wait until morning,\u201d Adam replied.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cWe can\u2019t wait,\u201d Hoss said sharply, \u201cthere\u2019s no telling how bad Little Joe\u2019s hurt. We have to find him as soon as we can.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cWe will, Hoss,\u201d Adam fought down his own anxiety, \u201cbut we can\u2019t track them in the dark, it\u2019s too easy to miss a sign. We need to wait.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cAs much as I hate to admit it,\u201d Ben said reluctantly, \u201cAdam\u2019s right. If we tried to find them in the dark the only thing we\u2019d accomplish is to destroy the signs of which way they went.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cI\u2019m sorry,\u201d Hoss hung his head sadly, \u201cI know you\u2019re right. It\u2019s just so hard to wait around and do nothing when I know Joe needs us.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Ben put his arm around his big son\u2019s shoulders. \u201cWe\u2019ll get everything ready and leave at first light.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cPa,\u201d Adam said, \u201cwe should go into town and talk to Roy. Maybe if you describe the men he might know who they are. We\u2019d know who we\u2019re dealing with then.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cYes, Adam, you\u2019re right,\u201d Ben replied.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cYou go and do that,\u201d Hoss said, \u201cand I\u2019ll get everything here organized.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Ben patted Hoss\u2019 back. \u201cThank you, son.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

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

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

Sitting at his desk, Roy looked up when the door opened. \u201cBen, Adam,\u201d he greeted the men, \u201cAre you here looking for Joe?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cWhat?\u201d Adam asked, shocked, \u201cHow do you know we\u2019re looking for Joe?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cHe was in town earlier today,\u201d Roy replied, \u201cI saw him about two o\u2019clock. I was going to go out to the Ponderosa but something came up and then I thought, well,\u201d the sheriff paused, uncomfortable, \u201cit\u2019s not really any of my business.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Ben and Adam looked at Roy in confusion and Ben asked, \u201cWhat\u2019s not any of your business? What are you talking about, Roy?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cJoe told me he was leaving the Ponderosa, Ben,\u201d Roy said, \u201cI asked him why he was leaving and he said I should ask you. He seemed real upset about something.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cWhat have I done?\u201d Ben sat down heavily, his legs suddenly feeling weak. \u201cI knew he believed me.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cIt\u2019ll be all right, Pa,\u201d Adam said, putting a hand on his father\u2019s leg.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Ben shook his head. \u201cHow can it be all right? Joe\u2019s out there somewhere believing I wanted him to leave.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

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

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

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

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

\u201cAnd you have no idea who the men were, Ben?\u201d Roy asked after he had heard what had happened out at the Ponderosa.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Ben shook his head. \u201cNo, as I said when I described them to you, I only got a look at three of them and I\u2019ve never seen them before. I didn\u2019t see the fourth one, he stayed out of sight but I knew he was there.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cGoing by your descriptions, they don\u2019t sound familiar to me either,\u201d he went over to his desk and got some papers that he handed to Ben. \u201cHere\u2019s some new wanted posters, have a look through those.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

When Ben had finished looking through the posters, he handed them back to Roy. \u201cNothing,\u201d he said in frustration.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cBen,\u201d Roy said, hesitatingly, \u201care you sure that Joe hasn\u2019t just left?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cDon\u2019t be ridiculous, Roy,\u201d Adam snapped, \u201cJoe wouldn\u2019t have left without his horse and the blood on Cochise says something has happened to him.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cI agree that\u2019s what it does indicate but when I talked to Joe just before he left town,\u201d Roy paused, not wanting to hurt Ben but he had no option, he had to tell Ben what his son had said, \u201che was very hurt and very angry. I\u2019ve never seen him like that before. Joe said he was never going to set foot on the Ponderosa ever again. Seemed like he meant it to me.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Ben slumped in his chair, his face pale. Once more Adam reached out and placed a comforting hand on his father\u2019s leg and said, \u201cWe\u2019ll find Joe and tell him why you said what you did. He\u2019ll understand, Pa.\u201d Ben just shook his head.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

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

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

Ben and Adam headed home after arranging with Roy that the sheriff would get word straight to them if he heard anything concerning Joe. Roy wanted to go with them to help them with the search but he was without a deputy as the previous one had just quit and he was unable to leave the town for very long.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

When the two men reached home, one of the hands came out of the bunkhouse. \u201cI\u2019m sorry about Joe,\u201d Steve said, \u201cWe\u2019ll all be ready to start lookin\u2019 for him at first light.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cThanks Steve,\u201d Adam replied, \u201cWe appreciate it.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cI\u2019ll put your horses away,\u201d Steve said, taking the horses and leading them to the barn.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Hoss pulled open the front door. \u201cI thought I heard you,\u201d he said, \u201cAny news?\u201d although by the look on the faces of his father and brother he already knew the answer.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Adam shook his head. \u201cYou?\u201d he asked.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cNot really,\u201d Hoss replied, as Ben and Adam came inside, shutting the door behind them.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cYou know something though?\u201d Ben asked, hopefully.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Hoss was immediately sorry that he\u2019d raised his father\u2019s hopes. \u201cNot about where Joe is, Pa. I just couldn\u2019t understand how Joe could have believed what you said to him though. Joe knows you better than that. Pete just told me somethin\u2019 that helps make some sense of it.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Peter, one of the top hands on the ranch came out of the kitchen carrying a cup of coffee. \u201cMr Cartwright,\u201d he said, \u201cI\u2019m so sorry about Joe.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cThank you, Pete,\u201d Ben replied, \u201cHoss was just telling us that you have some information about Joe. What is it?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cWhen Joe was trying to break that big black this mornin\u2019, he took a real hard fall. Knocked himself out. When he came to, he said he was all right. He kept rubbing his head though. I think it must have been hurtin\u2019 bad. He had to have had one heck of a headache. I told Joe he should go home and when he didn\u2019t argue with me that\u2019s when I knew for sure he wasn\u2019t well.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Ben frowned. \u201cHow bad was he hurt?\u201d he asked, his concern growing even more, \u201cWhy didn\u2019t you ride back here with him or send someone else with him?\u201d he asked angrily.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Pete looked guilty, knowing that\u2019s what he should have done. \u201cI was intending to,\u201d he said, honestly, \u201cbut Joe wouldn\u2019t have it. He told us to go and check the fence line in the north pasture, he said he could get home himself. I am sorry. I shouldn\u2019t have let Joe have his own way about that.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Ben shook his head. \u201cNo, I\u2019m sorry, Pete. It\u2019s not your fault. I know how Joseph can be. And there\u2019s no telling what might have happened if someone had ridden up to the house with Joe today anyway. They might have just killed you both.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cIt didn\u2019t seem like Joe broke anything,\u201d Pete said, \u201che was a bit stiff but he was movin\u2019 all right.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cBut we don\u2019t know how serious his head injury is,\u201d Ben replied worriedly. <\/span><\/p>\n

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

Pete nodded in reluctant agreement.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cPa,\u201d Hoss said, \u201cI think that\u2019s why Little Joe reacted the way he did. There\u2019s no way Joe would have believed you were serious about wanting him to leave, no matter what you said. Little Joe would have realized somethin\u2019 wasn\u2019t right,\u201d Hoss paused and then continued, \u201cWell, normally he would have realized but I think what with hitting his head and all, he just wasn\u2019t thinkin\u2019 clearly.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Adam nodded. \u201cI think you\u2019re right, Hoss. I couldn\u2019t understand how Joe believed it either but it all makes sense now.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Ben rubbed a hand across his eyes and Pete, feeling he should leave the family alone, said, \u201cI\u2019ll make sure the men are ready. I\u2019ll see you in the morning.\u201d The Cartwrights hardly noticed him leaving. They were all deep in their own thoughts.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cPa,\u201d Adam said, \u201cWhat did you and Joe argue about?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cSame thing we\u2019ve been arguing about for the last week,\u201d Ben replied.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cThe horse sale,\u201d Adam said and Ben nodded. There was going to be a horse auction in San Francisco next month and Joe had asked his father for a couple of weeks off so that he could go. Ben had told him that it was a bad time of the year and they were too busy for him to take time off. For the last week, Joe had been trying to get Ben to change his mind.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

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

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

Ben shook his head. \u201cYou know how keen he is to get some new breeding stock since he\u2019s gotten those latest contracts in place. He asked me how he could be expected to do a good job if I wouldn\u2019t let him do things his way. He has a point. I don\u2019t know why I was being so stubborn about it. Normally I\u2019d have given in to Joe and let him go but I guess I was just determined that this time he wouldn\u2019t get his own way.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cOh, Pa,\u201d Adam said, regretfully, \u201cIt was because of what I said, wasn\u2019t it?\u201d He remembered the day Joe had first asked for time off, later, Adam had jokingly told Ben that it wouldn\u2019t be long until Joe had convinced Ben to let him do exactly as he wanted to. <\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cIt\u2019s not your fault, Adam,\u201d Ben said, quickly, \u201cDon\u2019t blame yourself.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cYou shouldn\u2019t blame yourself either,\u201d Adam said quietly, \u201cbut I know that you do.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cThe argument seems so trivial now, it was nothing. It would have blown over by tonight. We both would have apologized and,\u201d Ben looked at Adam and admitted, \u201cI would have told Joe he could go.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Ben stared into the fire as he quietly said, \u201cI\u2019d give anything to be able to tell Joseph that he can go.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

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

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

Joe woke to an overwhelming feeling of being cold. He tried to move but pain shot through his body immediately halting the movement. Trying to keep as still as possible, Joe looked around. Night had fallen and it was hard to see anything but he could just make out the shapes of two men standing over near a couple of horses. Looking up at the stars, he guessed it to be around eight o\u2019clock.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Joe shook his head, trying to clear his mind and realized immediately that the movement had been a mistake when a feeling of sickness came over him. He became aware of the pain in his right shoulder and the wetness of his jacket, knowing it was blood that soaked it. Joe tried to move his arm but the pain was so excruciating it almost took his breath away and he had to bite his lip to stop himself from crying out.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Unbeknown to Joe, the men had gone to the Ponderosa thinking that no one was at home. While they were there Ben Cartwright had arrived home and they had surprised and over powered him. Joe had ridden up to the house not long after that and the men had been furious that their plan was falling apart. They thought the best way to handle the situation was to get Ben to make sure Joe didn\u2019t come into the house. After Joe had left, the men had ransacked the house, going from room to room and then they forced Ben to open the safe, they were angry when they found very little money in there. The four men had been debating their next move when they had heard a horse ride up, looking out they\u2019d seen that Joe had come back. One of the men had pulled his gun and shot him, watching Joe fall from the saddle.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Going outside the men had found Joe alive but unconscious. Worried that someone might have heard the shot they decided the best thing to do was to take Joe with them and get away as quickly as possible. They could decide later on their next move. One of the men had roughly thrown Joe belly down across the saddle and climbed on behind him, then they rode out. It had been getting late when the men had left the Ponderosa and they had ridden until the sun had started to set and then stopped to rest the horses. Two of the men had then ridden on, thinking it might be harder to track them down if they split up. Throughout this, Joe had remained unconscious.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

As Joe watched now, one of the men walked away towards some trees and the other walked towards Joe. The man noticed movement as he got closer and he realized Joe was awake. When he reached Joe, the man nudged him with the toe of his boot. <\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cWho are you?\u201d Joe asked, looking up, \u201cWhat do you want?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

The man ignored Joe\u2019s question and asked a question of his own, \u201cYou\u2019re Joe Cartwright, aren\u2019t you?\u201d When Joe didn\u2019t answer, the man squatted down beside him and said, \u201cI asked you a question. I expect you to answer, boy,\u201d he cruelly reached out and squeezed Joe\u2019s wounded shoulder.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cYes!\u201d Joe screamed.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

The man laughed and released his hold. He knew who Joe was. Ben had told the men it was his son when Joe had ridden up to the house the first time, but the men had recognized Joe anyway, from seeing him around town. <\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cWell, Joe Cartwright, we\u2019ll just have to see how much you\u2019re worth to your father.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cNot much,\u201d Joe muttered softly.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cYou better hope you\u2019re wrong,\u201d the man said as he roughly pulled him up. Joe swayed and closed his eyes for a moment as once again everything started to swim around him. <\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cTom, what are you doing!\u201d The other man called across, he\u2019d just come back after going to get some water. <\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cJust havin\u2019 some fun,\u201d Tom replied. <\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cI need to talk to you now,\u201d the man shouted as he flung the canteens down.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Tom pushed Joe to the ground. \u201cStay there and don\u2019t move,\u201d he said as he walked over to talk to his companion.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

The fall had made Joe gasp with pain and he struggled not to let unconsciousness claim him. He concentrated on keeping his eyes on the men. He saw one of them push the other. He couldn\u2019t hear what was being said but it looked like they were arguing. Moving his left arm slightly he reached down for his gun only to find the holster empty.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Knowing he might not have another opportunity to escape, Joe knew he had to take a chance now. Taking a deep breath, he got to his feet and ran. There were shouts behind him but Joe kept running. He didn\u2019t think the men would chase him far in the dark, at least, he hoped they wouldn\u2019t. <\/span><\/p>\n

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

It was almost impossible for any of them to see where they were going and there were curses as men fell or ran into something.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Joe paused to get his bearings. It was difficult in the dark but they were still on the Ponderosa and he knew the area well. \u201cWidow\u2019s Fall,\u201d Joe muttered to himself as he decided which direction to take and started to run again.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Joe stoped for a moment to catch his breath and could hear one pair of footsteps, he guessed the men had separated or the second man was somewhere behind the first. He heard someone shout, \u201cAin\u2019t no use trying to hide boy. When I find you I\u2019ll make you sorry you ran.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Joe knew the man was gaining on him. He ran a bit further and then positioned himself and waited. <\/span><\/p>\n

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

Suddenly, a terrified scream rang through the night air. There was a thump and then silence.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Joe\u2019s plan had worked. He had headed for a place where the ground just seemed to drop away to nothingness, Widow\u2019s Fall, he had hoped the men wouldn\u2019t know it was there. It was a dangerous place, in the dark it couldn\u2019t be seen. Joe breathed heavily, he knew he had reduced his pursuers to one now.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

The second man was a fair distance behind the first but he heard the scream. Suspecting what had happened, the man quickly searched around for a stick, holding it to the ground, he cautiously walked forward until the ground ran out. Picking up a large rock, the man threw it and counted until he heard it hit below. He knew no one could have survived that fall.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cWhy!\u201d the man screamed, \u201cWhy did you have to kill him! You won\u2019t get away with this. I\u2019m going to get you if it\u2019s the last thing I do. You\u2019re a dead man!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Joe stood still, not wanting to make any noise. Something in the back of his mind said the voice sounded familiar but he pushed that away. He couldn\u2019t think about that now. He wondered what the man would do. Joe hoped the man would stay there until daylight and then climb down to his friend, giving him enough time to get away but Joe\u2019s hopes were dashed when he heard the man beating the bushes with his stick.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Joe tried to control his breathing. It seemed so loud to him that he was sure the man would hear it. What to do? What to do? What to do?<\/i> The words kept pounding in Joe\u2019s head until he wanted to scream in answer, \u2018I don\u2019t know what to do!\u2019 If he stayed where he was, maybe the man wouldn\u2019t find him in the dark but Joe knew he had to reach help soon, his shoulder was bleeding badly again and he felt so sick he could barely stand. Joe knew if he didn\u2019t reach help soon he would die.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cPa,\u201d Joe whispered, \u201c Please help me.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

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

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

Back at the Ponderosa ranch house, Ben paced the floor in his room. He knew he would get no sleep this night, his mind too full of worry for his youngest son. Ben knew that wherever Joe was, he needed his father. Ben stopped pacing and looked out at the night. \u201cHold on, Joseph,\u201d he said quietly, \u201cHold on, son. I\u2019m coming.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

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

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

Joe\u2019s legs trembled as he forced himself to move. Every time he stumbled and fell, he forced himself to get up and keep going. The man behind Joe followed him like a shadow. When Joe ran he could hear the man running behind him. When Joe stopped, the man stopped. <\/span><\/p>\n

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

When Joe was a child he\u2019d spent many nights looking up at the stars with his father as Ben taught him the names and positions of many of them and even how to work out directions by looking at them. Joe looked up at the stars now hoping they could help him find his way home.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

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

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

At the first glimpse of sunrise the men at the Ponderosa were mounted and ready to ride out.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

They followed the trail until they reached where the men they were tracking had stopped to rest. Two horses were still there along with all the gear but there was no sign of anyone else. They looked around and found the tracks where two other horses had been ridden away. Ben knelt down and touched a piece of ground where there was a large patch of dried blood.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cOver here,\u201d Adam called, pointing he said, \u201cLooks like they\u2019ve run this way.\u201d They followed the trail until they reached Widow\u2019s Fall.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Looking down the men saw a body at the bottom. \u201cNo,\u201d Ben whispered, unable to tear his eyes away from the body, \u201cPlease don\u2019t let it be Joe.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

The clothes on the body were torn and from such a distance it was hard to get a good look. It didn\u2019t appear to be Joe but they couldn\u2019t be sure. \u201cI\u2019ll go down, Pa,\u201d Adam said.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cNo, Adam, I\u2026.\u201d Ben started to say.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cI\u2019m going, Pa,\u201d Adam broke in. The men quickly got their ropes tied together and Adam made his way down to the bottom as quickly as he could.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Relief flooded through Adam when he reached the body and turned it over. \u201cIt\u2019s not Joe!\u201d he called, \u201cIt\u2019s not Joe!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cThank God,\u201d Ben said, looking up at the sky. Taking a deep breath he got back to the task at hand. \u201cIs he dead, Adam?\u201d Ben called out.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cYes, Pa,\u201d Adam shouted back, \u201cThere\u2019s no sign anyone else has been down here.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

One of the hands called, \u201cMr Cartwright, over here.\u201d When Ben walked over the hand pointed at some prints and said, \u201cTwo men on foot.\u201d Ben squatted down to look closer at the prints.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Adam had tied a rope around the body and it was hauled up. After Adam made it back to the top, he and Hoss walked over to Ben. Their father pointed in the direction the tracks led and said, \u201cTwo men. Still on foot.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Having left the place where the men had stopped with their horses and followed the tracks so quickly on their way to Widow\u2019s Fall, Hoss hadn\u2019t had a good look at the prints, now he carefully touched one of the footprints. \u201cJoe,\u201d he said.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Adam looked at him curiously. \u201cHow can you be sure?\u201d he asked.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Hoss pointed to a mark within the print. \u201cJoe\u2019s wearin\u2019 his favourite boots. The one\u2019s with a hole in the bottom of one of them.\u201d <\/span><\/p>\n

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

A smile flickered on Ben\u2019s lips as he remembered only recently that he\u2019d told Joe he should throw those boots out but Joe had laughed and said he liked them because they were worn in just the way he wanted them. The smile quickly faded as Ben looked at the second set of prints and then he reached out and touched one of the blood drops that were sprinkled on the ground. \u201cLet\u2019s go,\u201d he said urgently.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

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

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

Joe welcomed the warmth when the sun rose but it wasn\u2019t long before he was wishing the heat away, the sweat pouring off him as he ran.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Joe knew he was almost home when he reached the trail leading to the house. His legs trembled so badly he could barely stand let alone run. His shoulder had bled steadily, taking even more of his energy.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Joe staggered on, relief flooding through him at the sight of the house. Joe looked over his shoulder. He had kept ahead of the man who was following, enough that they hadn\u2019t caught sight of each other but Joe knew he was there, still following. \u201cPa,\u201d Joe tried to call but his throat was so dry, no words came out. <\/span><\/p>\n

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

Joe stopped. Bending over he fought the feeling of sickness that threatened to send him to his knees as he tried to draw in deep breaths of air. Hearing footsteps behind him, Joe forced himself to move, taking a shaky step and then another.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

As Joe reached the porch he heard more noises behind him, he turned, knowing the man was almost upon him.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

The man came around the corner of the barn and Joe stared at him in shock. The man had his gun drawn and it was pointed directly at Joe. Joe stared at the man in confusion. \u201cWhy?\u201d he whispered before his legs gave way and he collapsed to the ground.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

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

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

The Cartwrights and their hands rode on, following the trail.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cHe\u2019s almost home,\u201d Hoss said, looking down at the tracks and the blood that accompanied them. He wondered how Joe could still be on his feet considering the amount of blood he was losing.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Adam nodded, \u201cYes,\u201d he agreed, \u201cbut he\u2019s still being followed, too.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cAnd with Hop Sing in San Francisco there\u2019s no one at home,\u201d Ben said grimly, \u201cLets ride.\u201d Ben urgently spurred his horse forward, the others quickly followed.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

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

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

Riding up to the house, Ben\u2019s heart nearly stopped at the sight that met him. Joe lay on the porch, his shirt covered in blood. A man held Joe in his arms, his head bowed.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

The man looked up and the three elder Cartwright\u2019s looked back at him in shock. <\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cDanny,\u201d Adam said in amazement.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Danny Kidd, a man Joe had befriended about ten months ago looked back at them. Danny had been working on a chain gang when the horse Joe was riding had spooked, throwing him from the saddle. With his foot caught in the stirrup, Joe had been dragged along the ground when the horse had bolted. Danny had saved Joe by stoping the horse. Joe and Ben had arranged to have Danny released into their custody and he had come to work on the Ponderosa. <\/span><\/p>\n

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

Knowing how much Danny enjoyed working with horses, three months ago Joe had gotten Danny a job working at a stable in Virginia City. It was a job Danny loved.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

There wasn\u2019t time for questions now. Ben\u2019s only concern was Joe. He was off his horse and pulling Joe from Danny\u2019s arms and into his own in a matter of moments. Adam and Hoss quickly knelt beside them.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cHe\u2019s alive,\u201d said Ben, without taking his eyes from the face of his youngest son.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cLet\u2019s get him inside,\u201d Adam said, carefully trying to pull his young brother from their father\u2019s arms but Ben resisted. \u201cPlease, Pa,\u201d he said, \u201cLet us take him.\u201d Ben reluctantly moved aside to allow Adam and Hoss to pick their brother up.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Adam looked up as one of the ranch hands said, \u201cI\u2019ll go for the doctor.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cAnd Roy Coffee,\u201d Adam called, seeing the hand nod that he\u2019d heard before he rode out. <\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cIs there anything we can do to help?\u201d one of the other men asked.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cLook around,\u201d Adam replied, \u201csee if you can find any sign of the man who was following Joe.\u201d Hoss and Adam lifted Joe and carried him inside.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

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

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

Once Joe was upstairs and in his room, Ben sat beside him and tried to rouse him but there was no movement or sound from him.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Ben and Hoss gently started to take Joe\u2019s bloody clothes off him as Adam went to get some water, bandages and anything else he thought they\u2019d need. Passing Danny in the doorway, Adam glared at him and said, \u201cSo help me Danny, if you had anything to do with this, I\u2019ll kill you.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cAdam,\u201d Ben said sharply, \u201cLeave it for now.\u201d With one more hard look at Danny, Adam left the room.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

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

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

The family waited anxiously for Doctor Paul Marin to arrive. They\u2019d done all they could for Joe, now with his temperature rising, they tried to cool him down as they waited. The room was crowded but no one wanted to leave it.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Adam looked out the window at the sound of horses. \u201cDoctor\u2019s here,\u201d he said, relief in his voice, \u201cAnd Roy.\u201d He went downstairs to show the doctor up.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cLet me have a look,\u201d Paul said as he came into the room and walked over to the bed, laying his hand on Joe\u2019s forehead. \u201cHe\u2019s got quiet a fever going.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Ben nodded, pointing to the bandage around Joe\u2019s shoulder, he said, \u201cHe\u2019s been shot. The bullet\u2019s gone straight through. It happened yesterday.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

While Paul examined Joe, he said, \u201cThe man you sent in to get me told me a bit about what happened. Joe walked quite a distance for a well man let alone someone who\u2019s in the condition he is. Has he been conscious at all since he\u2019s been home?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Ben, Adam and Hoss all shook their heads. \u201cNo,\u201d Adam said, \u201cHe\u2019s been completely out of it.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cHe was conscious when I first saw him on the porch,\u201d Danny said, all eyes turned to look at him, almost having forgotten he was there. \u201cHe knew who I was but before I could reach him he collapsed.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cJoe had a bad fall off a horse yesterday mornin\u2019 Doc,\u201d Hoss said, \u201cHe hit his head real hard. Do you think that\u2019s why he\u2019s unconscious now?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cIt might be,\u201d the doctor replied. Paul pulled away the bandages to have a look at the wound and then rolled up his sleeves as he said, \u201cLeave him with me. I\u2019ll see what I can do about clearing up this infection.\u201d When no one moved, he said, \u201cI can\u2019t work with all of you in here, it\u2019s too crowded. The sooner you leave the sooner I can do something to help Joe.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Ben reached out a hand and stroked the hair back from Joe\u2019s forehead. \u201cI won\u2019t be far away, Joseph,\u201d he promised, \u201cJust downstairs.\u201d Reluctantly he left the room. As the others started to follow, Adam paused at the door and said, I\u2019ll bring up some clean water.\u201d Paul nodded his thanks.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Adam took the water up to Paul Martin and then joined his family in the great room where they were talking with Roy Coffee, they told him what had happened since they\u2019d last spoken with him. The Cartwrights had just been informed by their foreman that there was no sign of anyone around the yard.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Turning to Danny Kidd, Ben asked, \u201cWhat are you doing here, Danny? How did you come to be here today of all days?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Danny paced the floor. He knew the family would be furious when they learnt the truth. Knowing he couldn\u2019t put it off any longer, he turned to face Ben.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cI didn\u2019t just turn up and find Joe. I was following him.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

The Cartwrights starred at him in confusion but as the meaning of his words sunk in that confusion turned to fury.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Hoss was across the room in a moment, his fist slammed into Danny\u2019s face sending him reeling across the room to crash in a heap on the floor. Hoss went after him, fists clenched.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Ben and Adam grabbed Hoss and tried to pull him back but the big man was too angry and he started to shake them off.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cHoss!\u201d Ben shouted, \u201cI know how you feel but this isn\u2019t helping. Let Danny tell us how this happened. Son, come on now, please calm down.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Hoss stood still but his anger was obvious as he looked at Danny and said, \u201cYou said you were Joe\u2019s friend! He trusted you! You better have a good reason for doin\u2019 what you done. Ifin you don\u2019t, I\u2019m gonna tear you limb from limb and ain\u2019t no one gonna be able to stop me.\u201d <\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cI won\u2019t even try to stop you, Hoss,\u201d Adam said and then he turned to Danny, \u201cStart talking.\u201d <\/span><\/p>\n

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

Danny slowly got to his feet, wiping the blood from his mouth. He walked over to the settee and sat down. \u201cYou have to believe me,\u201d he said, \u201cI never meant to hurt Joe.\u201d When he received only cold stares in return, Danny started his story.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cSince I\u2019ve been working at Murphy\u2019s Stables I\u2019ve been going into Carson City twice a week. Mr Murphy sends me over there for a bit of work as well. I guess I sort of fell in with some men that I shouldn\u2019t have.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cWe gave you a chance to get out of prison and go straight and you\u2019ve thrown that back in our faces,\u201d Adam said bitterly.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cIt\u2019s not like that,\u201d Danny said.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cIt seems like you and trouble are never far apart, Danny,\u201d Adam replied.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Danny ignored the comment, hoping to make them understand why he\u2019d done it. \u201cWhen they mentioned doing some robberies around Virginia City I knew I had to do something to make sure you were all alright. You\u2019ve done so much for me, I wanted to do something to help you.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cOh, you\u2019ve been a big help,\u201d Adam said sarcastically.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cAdam,\u201d Ben said, warningly, trying to calm his son.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cI went to see a Marshal, Marshal Stephens,\u201d Danny got back to his story, \u201cHe\u2019d been aware of the men and what they were planning but he didn\u2019t know who they all were. Neither did I. I think there were about 10 of them altogether. I only knew three. The three who were here at the house with me, Carl Willis, Mark Simmons and the one who died was Tom Parkinson. Marshal Stephens wanted me to join them, to go along with them. Make out I was one of them. He hoped once they accepted me we might be able to find out who the others were. The ones in charge of it all. But the plan fell apart.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

With great difficulty, Adam refrained from making a sarcastic comment.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Danny licked his lips nervously and continued, \u201cI was here yesterday.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Ben frowned and said, \u201cYou were here yesterday? Here at the house?\u201d At Danny\u2019s nod he said, \u201cYou were the man who stayed out of sight.\u201d Once again Danny nodded.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cThere\u2019s no end to your betrayal is there, Danny,\u201d Adam said, as he saw his father about to comment, he continued, \u201cNo, Pa, I won\u2019t stay silent. You were held at gunpoint yesterday. Joe was shot and God knows what else the boy\u2019s been through since he was taken from here. And you,\u201d he turned his furious gaze on Danny, \u201cYou call yourself a friend. Joe almost died, he still might and you have the cheek to sit there and tell us that you were helping us. Help!\u201d Adam all but spat the word out, \u201cWhat a joke. You are responsible for what\u2019s happened to Joe.\u201d <\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cI can\u2019t deny that,\u201d Danny said sadly, \u201cIt is my fault. We didn\u2019t expect there to be anyone here at the house. I wasn\u2019t riding Conco just in case someone did happen to see us and recognized him. We were supposed to just look around,\u201d He looked at Ben, \u201cBut things started to go wrong when you came home, Mr Cartwright. You have to believe me, Sir. I\u2019d give anything to be able to change what happened. Marshal Stephens said it was extremely important that I not tell anyone what I was doing or trying to find out. I realize how stupid that was now. I should have come straight to you and none of this would have happened. My years probation isn\u2019t up yet and I was afraid that if I refused to do what the Marshal wanted, that he would have me sent back to prison.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cI wouldn\u2019t have allowed that to happen, Danny,\u201d Ben said.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cI thought it would be all right. At the time I thought I was doing the right thing. I didn\u2019t know Joe had come back to the house until after he\u2019d been shot and then everything happened so quickly. The others took off and I went with them. When I realized what had happened and that they had Joe, I had to go with them. I knew that someone would come back to the house and find you. Joe was unconscious. Tom had him slung over his horse with him. Later, when we stopped to rest the horses, one of the men, Carl, said Joe was slowing us down. He wanted to kill him,\u201d Ben drew his breath in sharply at hearing those words. <\/span><\/p>\n

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

Danny looked guiltily at Ben and said, \u201cHe said he wished he\u2019d killed you as well, sir. He said we shouldn\u2019t have left a witness alive,\u201d he saw the angry looks on the faces of the Cartwrights and licked his lips nervously before continuing, \u201cTom wanted to keep Joe alive. He said it would be like keeping a card up his sleeve. They decided to split up, thinking they might be harder to find. Before the other two left, Carl told Tom to do whatever he wanted with Joe as long as it didn\u2019t end up leading the law back to him. After they left, Tom pulled Joe down from the horse. He was still out to it. Tom started to think he could maybe get a ransom from you for Joe. We argued. I didn\u2019t think there was anything else I could do except try and get Joe away from Tom.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Danny paused, taking a deep breath before going on. \u201cI told Tom that Joe was my friend and I was taking him out of there. I told him that he could let us go or die trying to stop us. It was his choice. You know I\u2019m no good with a gun and my hand was shaking. I don\u2019t know what would have happened. Next thing I knew, Joe was up and running. I guess he saw an opportunity to get away and he took it. I was distracted, I went to call out to Joe but Tom grabbed my gun, he hit me with it, stunned me. I was knocked down. I heard him fire and start to chase Joe. By the time I got to my feet they were a long way in front of me.\u201d <\/span><\/p>\n

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

Danny got up from his seat and started to pace the floor, knowing the next part of his story would be the most difficult for the family to hear, he resumed his seat and continued, \u201cIt was dark and we were all stumbling around out there, we couldn\u2019t see each other. I heard a scream and I don\u2019t know why but I thought it was Joe. I thought Joe had fallen over the edge of the drop off. In my mind I was certain it was him and I was certain he was dead.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Hoss had been pacing the floor like a caged animal. Always protective of his young brother it had been extremely hard for him to listen to Danny\u2019s story and try to stay calm. He could stay calm no longer and he almost shook with anger. \u201cYou were certain,\u201d Hoss shouted, \u201cHow could you have been so certain? Seems to me you ain\u2019t certain of nothin\u2019. What if it had been Joe who had fallen and what if he\u2019d still been alive? You\u2019d a left him there to die all alone.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cI knew no one could have survived that fall. There\u2019s no way they could. In my mind, Joe was dead and I felt responsible. I\u2019d told Tom that Joe was my friend. I thought Tom had killed him. I was so upset, so angry at Tom. I swore I\u2019d kill him. I yelled out that I would.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Ben nodded knowingly and said, \u201cAnd Joseph thought you meant to kill him, didn\u2019t he?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cYes, sir,\u201d Danny replied, \u201cI\u2019m afraid he did.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cAll night Little Joe was runnin\u2019 from you thinkin\u2019 you were tryin\u2019 to kill him,\u201d Hoss had tears in his eyes at the thought of what his little brother had been through, \u201cHow could you have done somethin\u2019 that allowed Joe to think that?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cDid you know anything about this ridiculous plan, Roy?\u201d Ben asked angrily.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cNo, Ben,\u201d the Sheriff replied, \u201cIf I\u2019d had any knowledge I would have told you. I\u2019ve heard about this Marshal Stephens. He\u2019s a man who likes to work alone. Likes to solve the cases on his own and get all the glory.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cGlory!\u201d Ben yelled, \u201cHe risked my son\u2019s life for glory!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cI know a few people I can get in touch with. I\u2019ll see if I can talk to his superiors. See if they know what he was doing.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Ben nodded. Danny sat still with his head hanging down. He couldn\u2019t look at the family any longer knowing what he had done.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

After Roy left, Ben looked at Danny. He could see how guilty the young man felt and he understood. He felt the same guilt. Taking a deep breath, he walked over to the settee and sat down beside Danny. Ben put his hand on Danny\u2019s back and said, \u201cIt\u2019s all right, Danny. I know you never meant for Joe to be hurt, anymore than I meant to hurt him with the words I said. We\u2019ve both handled things badly. It can\u2019t be changed now though and we have to put it behind us and concentrate on getting Joe well again.\u201d <\/span><\/p>\n

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

Danny refused to look up and meet Ben\u2019s eyes, \u201cBut you were made to say what you did. They forced you to tell Joe that you were throwing him out. You didn\u2019t have a choice.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Adam frowned at Danny\u2019s words and looked at his father. \u201cIs that what happened, Pa? Did they make you tell Joe you wanted him to leave here?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cYes,\u201d Ben admitted, not saying anymore.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cWhat did they say? Hoss asked, looking from his father to Danny.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cWhen Joe was riding up to the house that first time,\u201d Danny said, \u201cThe men recognized him. They didn\u2019t know Joe personally but they\u2019d seen him around Carson City and knew his horse. Carl really seemed to hate him. I think he was jealous. He was always talking about how it wasn\u2019t fair how much some people had when he had nothing. All the other men felt that way as well. They went along with what he said. When Carl saw him riding up, he thought it\u2019d be funny to make your father tell Joe he was throwing him out. He told your father to tell Joe that he didn\u2019t want him here anymore, that if he didn\u2019t make Joe leave, he\u2019d kill Joe then and there,\u201d Danny shook his head, \u201cI think he meant it.\u201d <\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cWhy didn\u2019t you tell us that earlier?\u201d Adam asked his father, looking at Hoss then back at his father he continued, \u201cWe couldn\u2019t understand why you didn\u2019t send Joe into town on an errand or to fix fences or\u2026.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cOr anything but what I said,\u201d Ben broke in sadly. \u201cIt doesn\u2019t make any difference why I said it. I still said it. I should never have said those things to Joe. Never! I should have found a way to get a message to Joe or\u2026.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

This time it was Hoss who broke in, \u201cYou didn\u2019t have time, Pa. If you had tried you might have gotten both you and Joe killed. I\u2019m so sorry I was angry at you yesterday, Pa,\u201d Hoss hung his head in shame, \u201cI should have known you\u2019d never have said something like that to Joe unless you\u2019d really had to.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cThank you, Hoss,\u201d Ben said, \u201cBut I\u2019ll always wonder if I should have done things differently. Yelled a warning to Joe, tried to get a message to him,\u201d he shook his head, \u201cBut at that moment I truly believed I was doing the best thing. I thought I was keeping Joe safe.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cPa,\u201d Adam said, \u201cYou weren\u2019t to know how things would turn out. He looked at Danny, knowing now that his anger at the young man was in the past, and then turned back to his father. \u201cIt\u2019s not Danny\u2019s fault and it\u2019s not yours. The only ones to blame are the men who were planning and doing the robberies.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cYou should have told us that they made you say those things to Little Joe, Pa. You ain\u2019t got nothin\u2019 to feel guilty about,\u201d Hoss said.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cI just felt so awful for saying them\u201d Ben said sadly, \u201cI still do. The hurt look on Joseph\u2019s face is something I will never forget or forgive myself for. If Joe and I hadn\u2019t argued earlier, I know he would never have believed me but the argument we had, probably his messed up thinking from that bad fall,\u201d Ben shook his head, \u201cit helped Joe to believe my words.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Adam walked over and sat on the table in front of his father. \u201cI know how you feel, Pa. I know how much you wish you hadn\u2019t said those things to Joe but you have to accept that by saying what you did you may have saved Joe\u2019s life. Maybe it\u2019s a good thing Joe did believe you. If he hadn\u2019t and had tried to force his way in, well\u2026.\u201d Adam let his words trail off, they were all aware of what could have happened.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cJoe will understand when you explain, Pa,\u201d Hoss said and everyone in the room prayed that Ben would have the chance to explain to Joe.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

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

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

Hours later Joe\u2019s family were starring at the stairs, willing the doctor to come down and tell them that Joe was going to be all right. Finally they heard the door and jumped to their feet. Coming down the stairs, Paul said, \u201cI\u2019ve done what I can for him. He hasn\u2019t regained consciousness yet.\u201d Everyone immediately started for the stairs. \u201cWait,\u201d Paul said, \u201cI need to talk to you first. Joe is extremely ill. We are going to have a real fight on our hands to pull him through. Infection is going to be our biggest battle but Joe\u2019s also beyond exhausted. I\u2019m worried he won\u2019t have the strength to fight the infection. He also has a concussion. He\u2019s covered in cuts and bruises and although those are minor injuries, they are adding to his pain. In the condition he\u2019s in, it\u2019s a miracle he managed to make it home at all.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cI need to be with him,\u201d Ben said, pushing past the doctor in his haste to get to his son, Adam and Hoss quickly followed him.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Ben walked into the bedroom and crossed the floor quickly to reach Joe. Looking down at his son, Ben clenched his hands in anguish. Laying his hand on Joe\u2019s forehead he could feel the fever burning in him. Joe looked so ill and Ben felt inadequate in what he could do to help him. He pulled the chair as close to the bed as he could and sat down, learning over Joe he gently stroked the side of his son\u2019s face. \u201cJoseph, it\u2019s Pa,\u201d he said softly. Joe lay still, unmoving and unresponsive.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

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

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

The family and Paul Martin had been battling for two days to save Joe when Roy Coffee came back out to the Ponderosa. Hoss answered the knock on the door. \u201cRoy,\u201d he said, greeting the sheriff, \u201cCome in.\u201d Roy noticed how tired Hoss looked and doubted the man had gotten any sleep for days. \u201cPa\u2019s upstairs with Joe. I\u2019ll get him.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cI\u2019ll come up, Hoss. That way I can talk to you all together.\u201d He followed Hoss upstairs.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Walking into Joe\u2019s room, Roy was struck by the smell of sickness. Ben and Adam looked as worn out as Hoss. Turning to look at the young man in the bed, Roy thought sadly that Joe\u2019s family were fighting a losing battle for his life. <\/span><\/p>\n

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

Joe lay on the bed wearing only long john bottoms cut off at the knees. Sweat glistened on his body. Ben and Adam were gently wiping him over with cold water. Joe was pale, whiter than the sheet he lay on. His body marked by cuts and bruises that stood out on the pale skin. Doctor Martin had left to see some other patients, promising to return as soon as he could. In truth he knew there was little more he could do for Joe. If Joe had the strength to fight off the infection, he would live. If not, Paul knew, Joe would die. There was nothing Paul himself would be able to do to stop that from happening.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cHow is he?\u201d Roy asked, the words sounding ridiculous as he spoke them, he could see with his own eyes how he was.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cHe\u2019ll be all right,\u201d Ben said and Roy saw him squeeze Joe\u2019s hand as though to reassure himself. <\/span><\/p>\n

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

Roy noticed the doubt that flickered in Adam\u2019s eyes but then Adam quickly looked away as he asked, \u201cHave you got any news, Roy?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cI just got word that Marshal Stephens has been replaced. Apparently his superiors weren\u2019t happy with the way he was working and this was the last straw.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cHave you caught any of the men who were involved in this?\u201d Hoss asked.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Roy shook his head. \u201cNo. I\u2019m sorry. Danny only knew a few of them and they\u2019ve all disappeared. We don\u2019t know who the others are.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cSo they get away with this?\u201d Ben said, never taking his eyes from Joe.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cThere\u2019s something you need to know, Ben,\u201d Roy wasn\u2019t sure how he was going to tell his old friend what he\u2019d just heard, \u201cThere\u2019s some talk going around, I don\u2019t know if it\u2019s true or just talk,\u201d he looked at each of the Cartwrights before continuing, \u201cthat Tom Parkinson had some friends in the gang and they\u2019re going to get even with Joe.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cWhat!\u201d Ben shouted, \u201cThey are the ones responsible! They only have themselves to blame!\u201d he realized he was shouting and quickly looked at his youngest son as though he might have heard, Joe remained unmoving and Ben continued, his voice was lower but the anger was still there. \u201cIf any of them dare to come near Joseph, they\u2019ll be meeting up with Tom Parkinson in hell sooner than they expected to. That\u2019s a promise.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Adam and Hoss had automatically moved protectively closer to their brother and Ben said, \u201cThank you for coming out and warning us, Roy. We\u2019ll look after Joe.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cI\u2019ll see you out, Roy,\u201d Adam looked at Ben and said, \u201cI\u2019ll talk to the men, tell them to watch out for anyone on the ranch or around the house who shouldn\u2019t be here.\u201d\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 <\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cI\u2019ll let you know if I hear anymore, Ben,\u201d Roy said, taking one last look at Joe, Roy quietly left the room with Adam.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

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

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

As the sun set on another day, Adam said, \u201cPa, you need to get some sleep. Please go and lie down. We\u2019ll call you if there\u2019s any change.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Ben shook his head. \u201cI won\u2019t leave him. I can\u2019t. I have to make sure Joe knows I\u2019m here. That he\u2019s at home and he\u2019s safe.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cHe knows, Pa,\u201d Hoss said.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Ben looked down sadly at Joe and replied, \u201cI hope so. You know, when I saw Joe lying there on the porch, so still, covered in blood, I thought he was dead.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cPa,\u201d Adam put his hand on his fathers shoulder in comfort, \u201cDon\u2019t upset yourself.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cDon\u2019t upset myself,\u201d Ben replied bitterly, \u201cJoe was lying on the porch, dying, but he\u2019d obeyed my last words to him. He didn\u2019t set foot in the house.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cOh, Pa,\u201d Hoss\u2019 heart ached for the pain he knew his father was feeling. \u201cLittle Joe will understand.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cWhat if I never get the chance to tell him why I did it?\u201d Ben\u2019s voice trembled.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cDon\u2019t talk like that, Pa,\u201d Hoss said firmly, \u201cYou will. I know you will.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

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

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

The next morning, dawn broke with Ben still at Joe\u2019s side.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

As Ben wiped the cloth once more over Joe\u2019s face, he leant forward and said the words he had repeated numerous times over the last few days. \u201cPlease, Joe, hold on. We love you. Come on, you can do it. Open your eyes for me, Joe.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

The previous requests had gone by without a response but this time Joe moved his head and Ben saw his eyelids flicker.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cThat\u2019s it, son,\u201d Ben leant closer, \u201cThat\u2019s it, come on. It\u2019s time to wake up now.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Slowly Joe\u2019s eyes opened, blinking a few times until his vision cleared and he was able to see the face that hovered over him.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cPa,\u201d the word was a breath, it was whispered so quietly but Ben heard it and responded.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cYes, Joseph, it\u2019s Pa. You\u2019re home now, Joe. Do you understand me? You\u2019re home and you\u2019re safe.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cI made it,\u201d Joe said in wonder, \u201cI made it home.\u201d <\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cIt\u2019s all right, son. It\u2019s all right now,\u201d Ben whispered to Joe, distressed by the tears that had suddenly pooled in Joe\u2019s eyes. <\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cI\u2019m sorry about the argument, Pa,\u201d Ben tried to quiet Joe but Joe shook his head, \u201cPlease, Pa, forgive me. I came back to the house. I had to see you again, to talk to you. I\u2026.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

This time it was Ben who shook his head, cutting Joe\u2019s words off, he said, \u201cShhh, Joseph, none of that matters now. In any case, I\u2019m the one who should be apologizing to you. It\u2019s a long story, Joe. Too long to tell you right now while you are so sick,\u201d Ben stroked the side of Joe\u2019s face, \u201cBut I\u2019ll explain everything to you later. For right now all you have to know is that I never wanted you to leave, Joe. Never. I love you, Joseph.\u201d Joe\u2019s eyes drooped and he was on the verge of sleep but he managed to smile up at his father and Ben\u2019s heart warmed at the sight of it.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cI love you too, Pa,\u201d Joe\u2019s words were slurred as sleep began to claim him but Ben heard them clearly. Suddenly Joe\u2019s body seemed to jerk and his eyes flew open. Ben saw the anxiety in them.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cWhat\u2019s wrong, son?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cDanny,\u201d Joe moved restlessly, Danny Kidd. It was him. He was following me. Pa, he tried to kill me.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cIt\u2019s all right,\u201d Ben tried to calm his son, \u201cI\u2019ll explain it all later. There\u2019s nothing to worry about. No one is going to hurt you, Joe. I promise.\u201d Joe still looked anxious. Ben reached down and squeezed his hand, keeping hold of it. \u201cI\u2019ll be right here with you, all right. You just go to sleep.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cIt\u2019s so good to be home, Pa,\u201d Joe mumbled.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Ben swallowed the lump in his throat. Leaning down he kissed Joe\u2019s forehead. \u201cIt\u2019s so good to have you home.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

He watched as Joe closed his eyes and it was only a matter of minutes before Joe was sleeping soundly.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Ben heard a noise behind him and turned to see Paul Martin come into the room with Adam and Hoss.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cHe just woke up,\u201d Ben kept his voice low but the excitement he felt was clear.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cThat\u2019s good news,\u201d Paul said, laying his hand on Joe\u2019s forehead to check his temperature. \u201cHe\u2019s a bit cooler.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Disappointed that Joe was asleep again and he\u2019d missed talking to him, Hoss asked, \u201cWhat did he say? Did you tell him why you said what you did to him?\u201d Hoss knew the last words Ben had spoken to Joe the day Joe had been shot had been weighing heavily on his father.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cNo,\u201d Ben said regretfully, \u201cNot yet. I did tell him I never wanted him to leave. He was so tired and he was awake for such a short time. He knew he was home though and that I was with him.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Paul smiled. \u201cI think Joe\u2019s turned the corner. His temperature is down. His color is better and he\u2019s breathing easier. I won\u2019t wake him to examine him. We\u2019ll just let him sleep and see how he feels when he wakes again.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

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

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

A few hours later Joe stirred again and it wasn\u2019t long before he woke, finding his father once again sitting by his bed.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cWell, hello,\u201d Ben smiled when he saw Joe open his eyes, \u201cHow are you feeling?\u201d he asked, laying his hand on Joe\u2019s forehead to check his temperature was still down.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cBetter,\u201d Joe replied sleepily, moving uncomfortably, \u201cSore.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cI\u2019ll bet you are,\u201d Ben said as he rubbed Joe\u2019s arm trying to sooth him.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cHey, Joe!\u201d Hoss said happily as he walked into the room with Adam, they\u2019d just gone downstairs to get some coffee. \u201cIt\u2019s good to see you awake.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cIt certainly is,\u201d Adam agreed, as he handed his father a cup of coffee.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Paul moved to the bed and Joe caught sight of him. Before Joe could say anything, Paul said, \u201cNow I\u2019ll have no complaints from you. You\u2019ve been very sick and had us all extremely worried so you are just going to lie there and let me take a look at you. No arguments,\u201d he said firmly. Joe glared at him and Paul laughed, \u201cYou can give me all the dirty looks you want, Joe, as long as you lie still.\u201d Ben, Adam and Hoss laughed, knowing Paul Martin always won the battle of wills against Joe.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

After he\u2019d finished his examination, Paul bandaged Joe\u2019s shoulder again and smiling down, said, \u201cThere, that wasn\u2019t so bad, was it?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cCan I get up now?\u201d Joe asked.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Paul\u2019s mouth dropped open in shock at the question and then he saw the twinkle of amusement in Joe\u2019s eyes and he laughed as he replied, \u201cYou even think about getting out of bed before I tell you that you can and I\u2019ll get Hoss to sit on you.\u201d This time, Joe joined in his family\u2019s laughter.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Paul closed his bag and said, \u201cWell, I better get back to town. I can see I\u2019m not needed here any longer. I\u2019ll come out again tomorrow.\u201d He patted Joe on the leg and turned to Ben. \u201cDon\u2019t hesitate to send for me if Joe\u2019s temperature goes back up or if you have any other worries with him.\u201d Ben shook Paul\u2019s hand gratefully before the doctor left.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

After Paul had gone, Joe looked at his father. \u201cPa,\u201d he said, suddenly serious, \u201cWhat\u2019s going on? Why did you tell me to leave and,\u201d Joe wrinkled his forehead in confusion, \u201cAnd why was Danny following me?\u201d he shuddered, \u201cI thought he was trying to kill me.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Ben sat carefully on the edge of the bed and reached for Joe\u2019s hand, squeezing it and holding it firmly with his own. \u201cI guess it\u2019s time for that long story now hmmm,\u201d he said.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

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

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

When his father had finished talking, Joe shook his head. \u201cI have to admit, Pa, you had me convinced. I feel so stupid now for believing you then. I knew something wasn\u2019t right but I\u2026.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cJoseph,\u201d Ben said gently, \u201cYou certainly have no reason to feel foolish. I wanted you to believe me. I thought I was keeping you safe. I\u2019m so sorry, son. So sorry I put you through that.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cIt\u2019s not your fault, Pa,\u201d Joe said strenuously, wanting his father to understand that he didn\u2019t blame him at all. \u201cIt\u2019s not your fault,\u201d he repeated. Joe shook his head and said bitterly, \u201cI thought Danny was a friend.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cHe is, Joe.\u201d When Joe started to shake his head in denial, Ben stilled it by gently laying his hand on the side of Joe\u2019s face to stop the movement as he said, \u201cJoe, I said the things I did to you that day because I thought at the time it was the right thing to do. Danny did the things he did for the same reason. He thought it was the right thing to do at the time. He didn\u2019t mean to hurt you, Joseph.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Joe\u2019s eyes moved to his brothers who were standing quietly beside the bed. \u201cPa\u2019s right, Little Joe,\u201d Hoss said, \u201cI\u2019ll admit, I was about ready to tear Danny into little pieces when I found out what he\u2019d done. He didn\u2019t mean it to turn out the way it did though.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cHis intentions were good,\u201d Adam added, \u201cHe wanted to tell us earlier, Joe. It was Marshal Stephens\u2019 plan to keep everything a secret.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Joe nodded, thinking about what his family had just told him. \u201cWhere is he, Pa?\u201d Joe asked. <\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cHe didn\u2019t want to go back to town until he was sure you were going to be all right. I think he\u2019s out in the barn. Do you want to talk to him?\u201d Ben asked.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Joe nodded and Adam patted him on the arm as he said, \u201cI\u2019ll get him, buddy.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

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

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

Danny came into the bedroom hesitatingly. He wanted to talk to Joe but he was nervous.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cCome on, Hoss,\u201d Ben said, \u201cLet\u2019s leave these two young men to talk.\u201d Smiling at Joe, Ben patted his arm and then started to leave the room, pausing as he passed Danny, \u201cOnly a few minutes, Danny. Joe needs to sleep.\u201d Danny nodded and walked over to the bed. <\/span><\/p>\n

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

Danny sat down in the chair beside the bed. \u201cI\u2019m really sorry. You\u2019re the best friend I ever had, Joe. My only real friend. I thought I\u2019d gotten you killed. I\u2019m so sorry. I know that ain\u2019t enough but it\u2019s all I can say.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cIt\u2019s enough,\u201d Joe said, \u201cPa told me why you did it. I know you were trying to help.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cI made such a mess of it. I chased you all night. If only I\u2019d thought of the possibility that it was you who was alive and not Tom. If only I\u2019d thought to call out. If I\u2019d let you know earlier that I was there. If I\u2026.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Joe cut him off. \u201cThat\u2019s an awful lot of ifs, Danny. I think we just have to say it turned out all right in the end.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Danny raised his eyebrows. \u201cYou almost died. Marshal Stephens lost his job and except for Tom all the other men got away. You call that turning out all right?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Joe laughed. \u201cWell it could have been worse.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Danny stared at his friend for a moment and then a smile broke out on his face. \u201cI guess it could have,\u201d he said as he joined in the laughter.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

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

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

A week later, after a trip to town Adam and Hoss came into Joe\u2019s room to find him sitting up in bed, reading. The family had agreed not to tell Joe yet about the threats Sheriff Coffee had told them about. Roy had heard of no more threats and there had been no sign of anyone or anything suspicious on the Ponderosa. The family were hopeful that the gang members had decided not to push their luck. The Cartwrights and ranch hands were still keeping a watchful eye on everything though just in case.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cHey, this is a surprise,\u201d Hoss joked as he sat down in the chair beside the bed, \u201cEvery time we\u2019ve come in here lately to see you, you\u2019ve been sleeping.\u201d The doctor had told the family Joe would probably spend most of his time sleeping until his body had a chance to start over coming the injuries and complete exhaustion he had suffered. That\u2019s just what he\u2019d been doing. This was the first day that Joe had really started to feel much better. Ben was downstairs getting him something to eat.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cIt\u2019s good to see something other than the inside of my eyelids,\u201d Joe joked back and his brothers laughed.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cWe have something for you,\u201d Hoss placed a package on the bed. Joe pulled the paper off to reveal the present.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cA new pair of boots!\u201d Joe grinned up at his brothers.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cThe other ones was plumb wore out after all that walkin\u2019 ya did, little brother. \u201cTwernt no savin\u2019 \u2018em. Me and Adam had these ones made for you, special.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cDo you like them?\u201d Adam asked, sitting on the bed.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Joe looked at the workmanship and knew his brothers had paid a lot for the boots but they meant more to Joe for the meaning behind the present. His brothers were glad to have him home. Joe ran his hand over the leather. \u201cThey\u2019re perfect. Thank you.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cGlad you like them,\u201d Adam said, \u201cWe thought it might encourage you to stop lazing around and do some work now that you have something to put on your feet,\u201d he joked.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Joe laughed and going along with the joke replied, \u201cOh, it will be a while before I\u2019m back at work, brothers. I\u2019ll have to wear these boots in real easy like.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Ben stood at the door watching. His heart soared to see his boys joking with each other after the upset and turmoil they had all been through. <\/span><\/p>\n

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

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

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

Late that night, Ben opened the door and looked in on Joe. When Joe stirred, Ben quietly asked, \u201cAre you still awake?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cYes, Pa,\u201d Joe replied softly.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Ben walked over, lit the lamp and then carefully sat on the side of the bed. \u201cIt\u2019s late, I was just about to go to bed. I thought you were asleep. Are you in pain? Do you need anything?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Joe shook his head. \u201cNo, I\u2019m fine. I\u2019ve just been thinking.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cWhat about, son?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cI killed someone, Pa,\u201d Joe turned away from his father, \u201cand I was glad.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Ben sat down on the edge of the bed, gently turning Joe\u2019s face back towards him. He knew while Joe had been so sick he really hadn\u2019t had a chance to think about a lot of the things that had happened recently but Ben didn\u2019t want him to start dwelling on them now that he was starting to recover.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cYou did nothing wrong, Joseph,\u201d Ben said firmly.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cI deliberately led him to Widow\u2019s Peak, Pa. I hoped he would fall over the edge. I prayed that he would. Maybe I should have waited. If I had, Danny might have gotten me out of there and I wouldn\u2019t have killed that man.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cDon\u2019t you dare feel guilty about his death, Joseph. You did what you did to save yourself. His death is not your fault. And as for Danny, well, who can say how things would have turned out if you hadn\u2019t gotten away,\u201d Ben swallowed hard at the thought of what could have happened, \u201cThat man might have killed you anyway. You did everything you needed to do to survive and you have no reason to feel guilty about that,\u201d Ben looked into Joe\u2019s eyes and softly said, \u201cThe choice was your life or his and I\u2019m glad you killed him, too.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Joe looked at Ben and smiled. Relieved that his father understood.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Ben ran his hand over Joe\u2019s arm, softly touching some of the bruises. Feeling a need to keep touching the boy he\u2019d been so afraid he had driven away from him forever. \u201cYou\u2019ve certainly had a rough time of it.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Joe shook his head ruefully. \u201cI can\u2019t believe I was running from Danny all night. If only I\u2019d known I could have saved myself a lot of bruises,\u201d he joked, \u201cI must have fallen over at least a hundred times.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cNot many men could have done what you did. Finding your way home like you did, in the dark, in the condition you were in. Paul said it was a miracle, Joe. Now that we\u2019ve sorted everything out and you know why I told you to leave,\u201d Joe nodded, \u201cI\u2019ve been wondering about something. I know you believed me,\u201d Joe didn\u2019t deny it and Ben continued, \u201cWhy did you come back?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cI was upset and angry when I went into town. I couldn\u2019t understand why you had said the things you did,\u201d Joe paused, sorry for the hurt he saw in his father\u2019s eyes, \u201cIt\u2019s all right, Pa, really. I knew even then that something wasn\u2019t right. That\u2019s why I came back to the house. I had to see you again, talk to you and straighten everything out.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cAnd when you were shot, Joe,\u201d Ben asked anxiously, \u201cWhat did you think? Surely you didn\u2019t think that I\u2019d shot you.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cPa!\u201d despite the seriousness of the conversation, Joe laughed, \u201cOf course not. I knew you didn\u2019t want me gone that bad,\u201d he joked and was able to bring a smile to his father\u2019s lips. \u201cWhen I woke up, it was dark and I was in the middle of nowhere. I didn\u2019t know what had happened but I knew it was something bad. I knew I had to get away and find my way home.\u201d Joe smiled. \u201cYou helped me find my way home, Pa.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cWhat do you mean, Joe?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cWhen I was little, we spent so many nights together looking up at the stars and you used to point them out to me and tell me stories about them. I remember you teaching me how I could find my way home by the stars.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cIs that what you did?\u201d At Joe\u2019s nod, Ben said, \u201cI\u2019m so proud of you, Joe. You did an amazing thing. Thank God for the stars that led you home,\u201d Ben said reverently.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cIt wasn\u2019t just the stars,\u201d Joe looked into his father\u2019s eyes, \u201cThe stars kept me going in the right direction but it was your love that guided me home.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Tears came to Ben\u2019s eyes at Joe\u2019s words and he turned away to hide them. Clearing his throat, he said, \u201cEnough of this talking young man, it\u2019s time you got some sleep. You need to get better. We\u2019ll miss that horse auction in San Francisco next month but you should be up and around by the time the next one comes up and you and I are going.\u201d Joe opened his mouth to protest but Ben shook his head and said firmly, \u201cNo arguments.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cYou know, Pa, you won\u2019t be able to pull that trick again,\u201d Joe joked, “Next time you tell me that I\u2019m not welcome here I won\u2019t believe you.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

A soft smile came to Ben\u2019s lips and this time he didn\u2019t try to hide the tears as he gently pulled Joe into his arms and hugged his son to him. \u201cThey\u2019ll never be a next time, Joseph. The door to this house and my heart will never be closed to you. I love you, son.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

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

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

July 2005<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Note. The character of Danny Kidd is from the episode \u201cThe Friendship.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Next story in The Closed Door Series:<\/strong><\/p>\n

Door to the Past<\/a><\/p>\n

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

Summary:\u00a0 Ben says something to Joe that he didn’t think he would ever say to one of his sons.<\/p>\n

Rating:\u00a0 T<\/p>\n

The Closed Door Series, links to all the stories within the series 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],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-13845","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-drama","wpcat-23-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\/13845","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=13845"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/13845\/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=13845"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=13845"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=13845"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}