{"id":13860,"date":"2003-03-01T07:36:35","date_gmt":"2003-03-01T12:36:35","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=13860"},"modified":"2025-02-27T12:06:51","modified_gmt":"2025-02-27T17:06:51","slug":"a-question-of-guilt-by-camera-chic","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=13860","title":{"rendered":"A Question of Guilt (by Camera Chic)"},"content":{"rendered":"

Summary<\/strong>: After an accident, Little Joe is saved by an outlaw…and then held captive by him and his gang. Joe has to decide whether to turn him in, or trust him to do the right thing…<\/p>\n

Rating:\u00a0 PG-13\u00a0 (14, 440 words)<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

A Question of Guilt<\/strong><\/p>\n

Joe screamed as his hands slipped. He saw the rocks rushing away from him as he fell. I wonder if I\u2019m going to die\u2026<\/em><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The throbbing in his head was the first thing he was aware of. The pain seemed to get worse as he woke up more, and when he tried to open his eyes the sharp glare of sunlight almost made him vomit. He quickly closed his eyes, lying still until the waves of nausea passed. Once he was able to look up again, he saw dark shapes in front of him. They appeared to be moving, and blocked out some of the light. He blinked, and once his vision had cleared, realized that a handful of men stood over him.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

“It\u2019s about time you woke up.”<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe opened his mouth to speak, but no sound came out. He choked slightly, and one of the men lifted his head, holding a canteen to his mouth. He gulped the water, until the man pulled the canteen away, and let him settle back to the ground. “Thank you,” he whispered.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

“You had a nasty fall,” the man said.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Lifting his hand to his head, Joe felt the bandage over the spot that hurt the worst. He looked back up at the men as his thoughts cleared. He started to realize that he was in a sheltered area, tall rocks rose up on all sides, and the sky was almost white from the intensity of the sun. He was covered in a blanket, and nearby was the remains of a campfire.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhat\u2019s your name?\u201d the man asked.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cLittle Joe Cartwright,\u201d he answered, the sun and the pain clouding his thoughts.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cCartwright.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

He missed the realization in the man\u2019s voice. \u201cWho are you?\u201d he asked. When the man didn\u2019t say anything, Joe looked at him closer. He seemed to recognize him, somehow. Squinting, he tried to imagine where. \u201cDo I know you?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The man shook his head. \u201cNo, I don\u2019t think so.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe stared at him, and then looked at the others. He counted five men around him, and could see there were a couple others a little distance away. Questions were racing through his head as he pushed himself up a little, trying to look around.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cStay down,\u201d the man said. \u201cI don\u2019t want you to get hurt.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe sat up a little more. \u201cNo, I\u2019m fine, really.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI told you to stay down,\u201d the man said, shoving him back down with a hand against his chest.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe was startled by the sudden change. \u201cWhat\u2019s going on? Who are you?\u201d The meanness in the man\u2019s eyes seemed to jog a memory, and suddenly everything clicked into place. \u201cYou\u2019re wanted.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYou must have seen the posters.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cJesse Schuyler, wanted for robbery and murder,\u201d Joe answered quietly. \u201cThere\u2019s a posse after you and your men. They\u2019ve been combing this area for days.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Jesse\u2019s smile was anything but benevolent. \u201cIt\u2019s an excellent hiding place. It\u2019s very hard to get into, and well hidden.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

It took a few seconds for Joe to build up courage to ask his next question. \u201cAre you going to kill me?\u201d He dreaded hearing the answer, but he had to know.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNo. We would have just left you where we found you if that\u2019s what we intended.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The throbbing in his head worsened as he tried to understand. \u201cSo what are you going to do?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI haven\u2019t decided yet, Cartwright boy.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe looked up, startled. Shaking his head, he tried to form his thoughts into words. \u201cYou can\u2019t\u2026my father\u2026it\u2019s not\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Jesse laughed. \u201cWhat? Are you afraid I\u2019m going to hold you hostage?\u201d He leaned closer. \u201cAfraid that I\u2019ll use you to demand massive amounts of money from your father, and in return I won\u2019t put a bullet in your pretty head?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe\u2019s eyes tightened into a glare, and he sat up angrily. \u201cYou didn\u2019t find yourself a willing hostage, mister.\u201d Before he could move, hands were pushing him back to the ground roughly, and Jesse leaned over him, laughing. \u201cOh, this is going to be fun,\u201d he chuckled, and then stood up. \u201cTie him up, boys. We don\u2019t want him going anywhere just yet.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe found himself being rolled to his stomach. The pounding in his head quickened, and he fought against nausea. Ropes bit into his wrists and ankles, and within a few moments he was helpless. They let go of him, and he rolled onto his side, where the sick feeling lessened slightly. \u201cYou can\u2019t keep me here,\u201d he choked. \u201cYou will get caught when my family comes looking for me.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Jesse turned back. \u201cThey\u2019ll never find you. You\u2019re miles away from where you fell, we\u2019re very careful, and this area\u2019s very sheltered. They won\u2019t find you.\u201d Jesse walked away.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHow do you expect to get away with this?\u201d Joe asked, but the man didn\u2019t acknowledge him. He wished his head didn\u2019t hurt so much\u2026it was making it hard to think.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe heard footsteps grow closer and then a man walked into his line of sight. \u201cHere, kid,\u201d the man said, gesturing with a canteen. Kneeling down, he helped Joe drink. \u201cMy name\u2019s Cash. Jesse kind of appointed me to take care of you, so if you need anything, ask.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe settled back to the ground. \u201cI need you to let me go,\u201d he said quietly.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Cash laughed. \u201cThat\u2019s not gonna happen, kid. Do you want something to eat?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe thought of food, but then the queasiness in his stomach worsened. \u201cNot yet,\u201d he replied quietly.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWell, you just rest up here. I\u2019ll bring you something to eat in a few hours.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

As the man stood, Joe called after him. \u201cYou think you could untie me?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Cash glanced back with a shake of his head. \u201cNope.\u201d He walked away.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe closed his eyes. For awhile he just lay still, listening to the men talking a distance away, and trying to work the ropes loose. After awhile, he stopped. His wrists hurt too much to continue, and the rope hadn\u2019t loosened at all. For the rest of the day, into the evening, all he could think about was his father and brothers, and wondering how long it would take to come look for him.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

Adam paused in the dim hallway next to his youngest brother\u2019s room. Swinging open the door, he could see the bed was untouched. With a sigh, he turned and went downstairs. Ben was seated at the dining room table. \u201cMorning, Pa,\u201d Adam said.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYour brother didn\u2019t come home last night.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam sat down. \u201cI saw that. I\u2019ll say two o\u2019clock this time.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhat\u2019s at two?\u201d Hoss asked as he walked into the room. \u201cMorning Pa.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben nodded towards him. \u201cYour brother is guessing the time that Joseph will make his presence known on the ranch again.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAh,\u201d Hoss replied. \u201cI pick four. And I think this time he\u2019s gonna say he fell and got hurt, so we won\u2019t come down so hard.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t care what he says,\u201d Ben answered. \u201cHe\u2019s going to have so much work he\u2019ll have to finish, he won\u2019t be stepping foot off the ranch for a month. The least he could do is tell us where he\u2019s going, or how long he expects to be out, that way we know when to start looking for him.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cDo you want us to go look for him now?\u201d Adam asked.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNo, not yet. We have too much to do around here today, and he\u2019ll likely come strolling back in time for dinner.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

\u201cGet down!\u201d the man snapped.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe paused where he was on the side of the wall. He had scurried up as soon as no one was watching, hoping to get up far enough to see a way out of this canyon. Looking back down at the man named Davey, Joe laughed. \u201cWhat are you going to do? You can\u2019t reach me.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Davey pulled out his gun. \u201cMy bullet can.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAlert the posse with a gun shot? No, you wouldn\u2019t do that.\u201d Joe turned, and started up the wall again, but froze as something struck close to his hand. He looked down to see Davey picking up another rock.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cGet down, now.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

With a frustrated sigh, Joe slipped back down the wall where Davey took hold of his collar. He found himself being propelled back towards the dead campfire where he was shoved to the ground. \u201cYou asked me not to tie you today, and I was nice. You lost it, now.\u201d Joe clenched his teeth as the man wound the rope tightly over the chaffing on his wrists left from the past few days. The man tugged the knot firmly, and Joe couldn\u2019t hold back a yelp. \u201cSee if you get anything else,\u201d he snapped, kicking Joe in the side as he stood.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYou can\u2019t-\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cKeep your mouth shut or I\u2019ll gag you too.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe glared at him as he walked away, and then, frustrated, he slumped onto the ground, struggling to loosen the ropes. The last few days had been pretty much the same- no one really talked to him, and no one answered when he asked questions. Mostly he was confined to the bedroll, and sometimes tied during the day. The only time he wasn\u2019t tied or watched closely was at night, when they each took turns keeping watch at the entrance to the canyon. They must have figured that he wouldn\u2019t be foolhardy enough to try to make it over the canyon wall at night. He hoped that his attempt to climb the wall wouldn\u2019t lead to suspicion, because tonight that\u2019s exactly what he planned to do. He knew that his father and brothers had to be out looking, now that he had been gone three nights; although realizing that made him feel worse. He never should have left the ranch without telling them where he was heading. They might have actually found him by now.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Just before dusk, Jesse, Cash, and a few others arrived back at camp. Joe watched as they unpacked supplies from their horses while Davey talked to them. Joe saw them glance in his direction, and he looked away, knowing that his almost-escape was being reported.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Eventually, Joe heard footsteps heading his way, and he looked up as Jesse and Cash stopped in front of him.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNot happy here?\u201d Jesse asked as Cash untied him.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe grimaced as he rubbed his hands over his wrists, which were raw and scraped in a few spots. \u201cI wasn\u2019t trying to escape, if that\u2019s what you mean.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cOh, well, tell me what you were doing then.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe held his temper with effort at the man\u2019s sarcastic response. \u201cWell, actually I was just stretching a little. See, you have me tied up so often, my muscles were getting stiff.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Jesse smiled for a second, and then backhanded him. Joe started, but Jesse\u2019s men appeared almost out of nowhere and grabbed him, keeping him from moving even a foot towards Jesse. \u201cLet go!\u201d Joe demanded angrily.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAll right, let him go,\u201d Jesse said as he sat down, and the men pushed Joe back to the ground. \u201cBe patient, kid. It shouldn\u2019t be too much longer until we\u2019re out of here.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAre you going to kill me then, or let me go?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Jesse snorted. \u201cIf I wanted to kill you, you\u2019d be dead already, and I wouldn\u2019t be dealing with your pathetic attempts to escape.\u201d He shook his head, and almost seemed to say something else, but then just shook his head again.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhat\u2019s in it for you?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

Joe shrugged, and then met his gaze evenly. \u201cI don\u2019t trust you. I\u2019ve heard about you and everything you\u2019ve done. There\u2019s no reason you would just let me go.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019ve heard a lot then, I\u2019m sure,\u201d Jesse snapped.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI know you\u2019re wanted for twelve different murders, and you\u2019ve held up countless banks and stages, and you\u2019ve shot men in the back.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cKeep your mouth shut!\u201d Jesse yelled. He stood up, pacing a few steps away before turning back angrily. \u201cOh sure, you know so much about me, and what I\u2019ve done. What about the murder in Placerville last Spring, the one the sheriff pinned on me? How about any time a bank or a stage is robbed within five days travel, it gets pinned on me, huh? What about the men who were shot in the back\u2026while I was standing in front of them! That\u2019s some mighty fine shooting there! Look at me; I can shoot a man in the back from any angle!\u201d Jesse stormed away, swearing under his breath and leaving Joe staring after him, shaking his head.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHe\u2019s lying.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNo he\u2019s not,\u201d Cash responded.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe looked up at him. \u201cAre you telling me that he\u2019s never killed anyone, or held up a stage?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYou don\u2019t need to tell him anything!\u201d Jesse interrupted, walking back towards them. He leaned over Joe, grabbing his collar. \u201cI don\u2019t care what you think, or what you believe. All I care about is getting out of here, and being far enough away so that when you bring the posse back here, you\u2019ll never find me again.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019re going to get caught eventually.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Jesse chuckled. \u201cWell, I\u2019d rather it not be by a hot-headed lynch mob disguising itself as a posse, and headed by Little Joe Cartwright and his family.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Angry, Joe tried to push his hand away, but the man roughly shoved him backwards.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYou lay down right there, and if you don\u2019t want to be tied and gagged, don\u2019t move or say anything, you hear me?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe knew enough from the last few days that this wasn\u2019t an idle threat; and as there was no way he wanted to risk his escape attempt later, he rolled over, away from the men. After a while, he heard a couple horses riding out, and he looked to see Jesse and one of the others leaving. Trying to hide his happiness, Joe rolled back over. It would be easier now, as it was likely they\u2019d stay out all night.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The evening pretty much went the same as any other. Just after dark the men started a fire and cooked dinner. After he was finished eating, Joe was ordered to go to sleep, and just like any other night he lay facing away from them, listening to the hushed whispers around the fire. After a while, the whispers ceased, and he could tell some of them were asleep. Joe wasn\u2019t the slightest bit tired. He knew what he was doing was risky, but he couldn\u2019t bear to be their prisoner another day.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

There had been no sounds of movement for awhile when he carefully rolled over to see if anyone was still up. The fire was dying, and he counted four men lying near it. A fifth man was just a shadow at the entrance. Joe took a deep breath and pushed aside the blankets. He quietly made his way to the far wall, and then carefully started up, doing his best to find foot and handholds in the dark.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cFreeze.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe stopped, his heart thumping and disappointment rushing through him. He felt hands around his waist and he was pulled off the wall, and then dragged back to the fire. Joe couldn\u2019t tell who was in front if him, the light of the fire was dim and he could barely see his face. The other men were up and standing around him.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhat do you think you\u2019re doing?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe recognized Davey\u2019s voice, and he slowly shook his head. \u201cYou can\u2019t keep me here\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cOh, is that it? See, I thought it was just that you needed to stretch again.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Even though he couldn\u2019t see his face, Joe looked away from him.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s right. Well, I\u2019ll tell you what, kid. Since you can\u2019t sleep, I\u2019ll let you move around, and stretch some of those muscles, all right?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

It was the malice-tinged tone that started to scare him, and Joe looked guardedly at two of the men who started to tie Joe\u2019s hands behind his back. \u201cWhat are you doing?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Davey looked up as he tossed a few more logs on the fire, stoking it up. \u201cGiving you what you want.\u201d Davey\u2019s laugh only made it worse. \u201cLeave that end long,\u201d he directed the men. Davey took hold of the length of rope, which was a good 10 feet long, and then shoved Joe towards the back of the canyon again. Joe was stopped when the rope was yanked back, and he turned and looked at the man. The others stood around, some of them holding whips, and others, sticks. \u201cYou know how they break horses, kid?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe could feel his heart pounding faster.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThey work them, until they\u2019re exhausted and all the fight\u2019s out of them.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe shook his head. \u201cYou can\u2019t work people the same way.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHmm,\u201d Davey responded. \u201cWell, we\u2019ll try it anyway.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe jumped to avoid getting struck by a whip.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cKeep moving!\u201d Davey barked. \u201cIf you stop, you\u2019re getting the worst beating of your life.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe ducked as another man struck at him, and then moved away from them.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Until dawn, Joe was run around in circles, and whenever he stopped, trying to catch his breath or rest for a moment, the men came after him. He was getting more and more tired; he felt as if his feet couldn\u2019t even support him anymore. Several times he tripped, and each time it got harder to get back up. The men pushed him, made fun of him, and tried to trip him, succeeding several times.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Finally, he collapsed and just lay on the ground. \u201cStop\u2026\u201d he gasped. \u201cPlease\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cGet up,\u201d Davey said.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cStop\u2026I can\u2019t\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cGet up.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe looked up at him, blinking away sweat dripping down his face. \u201cI can\u2019t\u2026I can\u2019t\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cPick him up.\u201d The men lifted him, and then carried him back to his bedroll, dropping him unkindly on the ground.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNo\u2026\u201d said Davey. \u201cKeep him up. Don\u2019t let him fall asleep today.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The men laughed. \u201cThat\u2019ll take the fight out of him,\u201d one of them said.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe wasn\u2019t offered anything to eat when the rest of them had breakfast, and once they were done, one of them pulled him up and led him over to the wall. \u201cStand there,\u201d the man directed.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe closed his eyes as the man rolled a cigarette.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNo!\u201d the man snapped, forcing Joe to look at him again. \u201cEyes open.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe bit his lip as he stared at the ground. He was so exhausted, he hardly knew what was going on. \u201cWhy\u2026\u201d he whispered, shaking his head. \u201cLook, I\u2019m sorry. I won\u2019t do it again\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cJust be quiet, will you?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cCan I sit down?\u201d Joe asked quietly.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

It wasn\u2019t until after dark that Jesse got back. Joe was exhausted, physically and mentally drained. The men hadn\u2019t left him alone all day. They made him walk, threw water on him to keep him awake, and yelled at him. When he started to fall asleep in spite of it, they had beat him.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Jesse talked to Davey for a while, and then walked over to where Joe was tied, standing, to a rock. \u201cCome on, we\u2019re gonna talk a little while,\u201d he said, untying the ropes and leading him back towards the fire.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe collapsed onto his knees, barely able to keep his eyes open.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cLook at me.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

With effort, Joe forced his gaze towards the man.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYou want to tell me the truth? What were you doing on the wall?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe choked in a breath. \u201cTrying to escape\u2026I was trying to get\u2026get away.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhy?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe rubbed his stinging eyes, trying hard to keep them open. \u201cI want to go home\u2026\u201d he whispered.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI told you, Joe, I\u2019ll let you go home once I figure out a way out of here without the posse finding me.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe didn\u2019t even have the energy to move, or even raise his voice. \u201cWhat you\u2019re doing is wrong\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWrong? What am I doing that\u2019s wrong?.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

To Joe\u2019s frustration, he felt as though he had no control at all over his emotions, and was about ready to cry. \u201cLeave me alone\u2026just let me sleep\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cOf course I\u2019ll let you sleep. Tell you what, if you agree not to try to escape again, you can go to sleep right now.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe looked up at him, eyes burning from exhaustion. \u201cI won\u2019t\u2026\u201d He was so tired, he could barely think straight.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYou won\u2019t what, Joe?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI won\u2019t\u2026escape\u2026again\u2026\u201d Joe forced out.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAre you sure you mean that?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYes\u2026I won\u2019t try to get away again\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Jesse reached out and pulled him up, and almost carried him to his bedroll. \u201cThere you go.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThank you\u2026\u201d Joe whispered as he collapsed on the bedroll, asleep in moments.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

When Joe opened his eyes, he wasn\u2019t sure where he was. He sat up, looking around, and then realized he was inside a barn, wrapped in a blanket. Nearby there was a stack of blankets, folded, and from the trampled straw, Jesse and his men must have spent the night here as well. Where they were now, he had no idea.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe got up, shaking the blanket off, and folded it, placing it on the stack with the others. He walked a few feet, and then realized he was in a loft. Finding the ladder, he climbed down into the main floor.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHello there.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe turned towards the voice to see a woman nearby, milking a cow.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHi\u2026\u201d he said, uncertain of what was going on.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cJesse said when you were up to send you inside.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe uneasily ran his hand through his hair, scratching his head. \u201cAll right\u2026thank you\u2026ma\u2019am\u2026\u201d He walked outside, and then towards the little house across the clearing. He paused outside the door, wondering if he ought to knock, or even go in at all. Glancing once around the clearing, he took a deep breath and pushed the door open.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Jesse and the rest of the men were standing, sitting around the room, plates of food in their hands. They were talking and laughing, and a few looked up when he walked in the room, grinning at him.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cJoe, there you are! Up, finally?\u201d Jesse got up, leading Joe towards the kitchen. \u201cHere, let\u2019s get you something to eat\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Within minutes, Joe had a cup of coffee and a plate loaded with food, and was being guided to a chair in the main room. As he ate, he listened to the others talking, and it was a completely different mood than the last few days. They were loud, and lively, carefree, as if nothing was wrong. \u201cMiles, that girl of yours sure can cook!\u201d one of the men called out, and the man named Miles loudly agreed, as did a bunch of others.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe\u2019s empty plate was taken, and once the others had finished eating, they settled down a little; a few of them settled on the floor, napping, some pulled out a stack of cards, and a few others were talking quietly. Joe remained where he was, sitting on the chair at the side of the room. He wasn\u2019t exactly sure what was going on, or what he was supposed to do, and he doubted asking questions would earn a response, as it never had before.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWant to play this round, kid?\u201d one of the men playing cards asked, looking up at him.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe shook his head, a little confused. \u201cNo thanks\u2026I\u2019m fine\u2026\u201d After a few moments, he couldn\u2019t take it anymore, and he stood up and walked to the door. No one looked up or said anything, or even tried to stop him as he opened the door and went out. He walked around the corner of the house and then sat down, leaning against the wall.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

It was a while later, he wasn\u2019t sure how long, that Jesse walked around the corner. At first Joe thought he was looking for him, but then was puzzled when the man didn\u2019t even acknowledge him and went on towards the back of the house. As Jesse was coming back, Joe looked up at him. \u201cHow long was I asleep, anyway?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Jesse came to a stop next to him, and laughed. \u201cYou were asleep almost a full day. You didn\u2019t even wake up during the trip here. You must have been tired\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe looked down. He couldn\u2019t bring himself to even pretend to laugh. \u201cYeah\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Jesse crouched down next to him. \u201cWhat\u2019s the matter?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Frustrated, Joe looked up. \u201cDoes nobody think there\u2019s something wrong here but me? I just\u2026What am I doing here? Why did you bring me?\u201d He looked away again. \u201cWhat do you want?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ve told you that before. I want to get out of here, and go where no one will find me. What exactly is supposed to be wrong?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI just\u2026me\u2026what about me?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

Joe dropped his head onto his hands. After several long seconds, he sighed. \u201cI\u2019m so confused\u2026\u201d he said quietly, mostly to himself. Had he looked up then, he would have seen the satisfied smirk his statement brought Jesse, knowing that he was succeeding in keeping the boy off-balance.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cListen. Until I can safely release you, without you bringing every lynch mob in the west down on our heads, you\u2019re just going to have to tag along.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe looked up at him. \u201cThe posse that\u2019s after you isn\u2019t a lynch mob.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Jesse slowly shook his head. \u201cI know you\u2019d like to think otherwise, but it doesn\u2019t really matter. If they hang me when they catch me or hang me after a trial\u2026I\u2019m still dead.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cIf a jury finds you guilty, then don\u2019t you think you deserve it?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cIf a jury finds me guilty of something I didn\u2019t do, do I still deserve it?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThere\u2019s fair trials\u2026there\u2019s honest juries\u2026you can\u2019t know that they\u2019d find you guilty regardless\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhat about you, Joe? Would you give me a fair trial?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe looked away from him, uncomfortably fingering the buttons on his cuff.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWould you listen to everything I had to say, objectively? Would you look for the truth?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

He couldn\u2019t bring himself to look up. \u201cYou have killed people. And you have done things that were wrong.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI admit to it. But there were reasons, Joe.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cSuch as?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Jesse stood up. \u201cI\u2019m not on trial yet, kid. Come on, let\u2019s go inside.\u201d Joe got up and followed him inside.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

A few hours later, one of the men suddenly hissed, \u201cHush!\u201d All of them froze, listening as the sounds of horses grew louder. The men moved quickly and quietly, getting out of the direct line of sight from the doors and windows, guns ready. Jesse grabbed Joe\u2019s arm, pulling him towards the wall, and then stood behind him with an arm around his chest, pining his arms. He wasn\u2019t holding tightly, though, and Joe knew he could easily break away; that is, if he wanted to face the half-dozen other men with guns.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Miles\u2019 girl walked to the door, opening it and leaving it open as she stepped outside. \u201cHello there!\u201d she called out. \u201cYou need something?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2019re looking for a young man who\u2019s been missing several days,\u201d Joe heard a man answer, and Jesse\u2019s hand instantly covered his mouth, making it hard to even breathe. The rest of the conversation was lost as Joe struggled to pull the man\u2019s hand from his face, finally gaining enough leverage in order to inflict a bite. With a sharp hiss, Jesse pulled his hand away and Joe turned towards him, deliberately ignoring the rage in the man\u2019s eyes. \u201cIt\u2019s perfect!\u201d he whispered urgently. \u201cLet me go; I can make up some reason as to why I was here, and-\u201c Joe was yanked forward by Jesse\u2019s hand on the back of his head, face first into the man\u2019s shoulder, and Jesse\u2019s gun jabbed sharply into his side.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t you ever do that again,\u201d the man growled into his ear. Joe heard the man outside finish up his conversation with the woman, and then, satisfied that there was nothing wrong, ride away with the rest of the men.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The front door closed, and the men remained still for several long minutes more. Finally, satisfied that the riders were truly gone, one of the men remained at the window while the rest put their guns away and moved back to what they had been doing.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Jesse pulled Joe away from him by his hair, and then shoved him backwards. Joe fell awkwardly into a man\u2019s leg, trying to move away before Jesse reached him again. \u201cI\u2019m sorry! I thought-\u201c<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYou thought? In case you haven\u2019t realized by now, I don\u2019t give a damn about what you think!\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe kept moving backwards, trying to put anything within reach between them. He felt someone behind him, and he tried to move to the side but the man grabbed his arms, pulling him to the front so he was directly facing Jesse.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe stared at the Jesse\u2019s hand, balled into a fist, and tried to pull away from the man holding him. \u201cI wasn\u2019t trying to turn you in- honestly! I just want you to let me go!\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Jesse pulled his hand back and punched Joe in the stomach. \u201cThat was for questioning me,\u201d Jesse said as the man yanked Joe back up. \u201cAnd this\u2026\u201d Joe grunted and doubled over, almost collapsing onto his knees at the next blow. \u201cThat was for biting me. Tie him up, and gag him if he makes a sound.\u201d Joe was dragged to a chair, and his hands were tightly bound to the sides. \u201cMaybe next time you won\u2019t be so inclined to think,\u201d Jesse snapped at him, and then left the cabin.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe stared at his lap as the men finished tying him and then went back to what they had been doing. He felt angry and frustrated, and a little betrayed. For a brief moment today, he hadn\u2019t quite felt like a prisoner; and he only fully realized it now, now that he was restrained again. It confused him, however. It shouldn\u2019t have been different. He was still a prisoner, whether he was tied up or not. Then why didn\u2019t you try to escape? his conscious questioned, and Joe was honestly startled. The men sitting nearby looked up curiously at his audible gasp.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Cash stood up, moving closer, and Joe seemed to see a completely different person in front of him. This man wasn\u2019t concerned about him; he was only concerned about his own neck. \u201cWhat are you doing to me?\u201d Joe demanded. The man didn\u2019t say anything, just raised his eyebrows slightly, and Joe realized that Cash knew exactly what he was doing, even if Joe didn\u2019t. Joe started to pull against his bonds. \u201cLet me go- let me go right now! Let me go! Let me go!\u201d The men didn\u2019t move, watching him as he fiercely struggled. \u201cLet go of me!\u201d he yelled. \u201cYou can\u2019t keep me here anymore! I won\u2019t cooperate- I won\u2019t! Either let me go, or you\u2019ll have to kill me now! Let! Me! Go!\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

One of the men stood up, grabbing a napkin from the table, and moved towards Joe. \u201cNo!\u201d Joe yelled, fighting harder. \u201cNo! No!\u201d The cloth was shoved into his mouth and tightly tied behind his head, silencing him. Joe kicked out at the man as he walked away, and then tugged sharply against the ropes, fighting as hard as he could. Vaguely, he realized the chair was falling. His shoulder hit the floor, followed by his head, which stunned him for a moment. There was a sharp pain in his arm, and he tried to roll the chair off of himself but as he was still tied, was completely unsuccessful. The men were still watching him, and his frustration was building. He yelled as loudly as he could through the gag, and tried to kick out, to break the chair at the very least.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe suddenly realized he was being set upright again, and he blinked to find Jesse in front of him, and the gag was pulled away.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cLet me go!\u201d Joe snapped, tugging at the ropes.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhy?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe glared at him. \u201cYou can\u2019t do this\u2026I won\u2019t let you do this to me. You\u2019re keeping me here against my will. I\u2019ll either fight you, or escape, or you\u2019ll have to kill me. I\u2019m not doing this anymore.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYou told me you wouldn\u2019t escape, Joe. That\u2019s why I haven\u2019t been tying you. I thought that\u2019s what you wanted.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe didn\u2019t know what to make of the man. Not five minutes ago, Jesse had been furious with him, but now, he was calm, patient, as if he hadn\u2019t just yelled at and hit him. Joe felt as if he couldn\u2019t breathe; he gasped for air and closed his eyes, fighting against tears. \u201cLet me go,\u201d he begged.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cJoe. I\u2019ve told you already, I will.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNo, no, you\u2019ve told me that, you\u2019ve told me a lot of things, haven\u2019t you? Well I\u2019m telling you something, mister. I\u2019m not doing this anymore.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNot doing what anymore?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe honestly didn\u2019t know. \u201cI\u2019m not\u2026doing\u2026going along with it. I\u2019m not going to make it easy on you. Next time, I will escape! I will, just as soon as your back is turned. You can\u2019t watch me all the time. You\u2019ll either have to watch me, or keep me tied up, because I won\u2019t escape. I won\u2019t! And you can\u2019t stop me!\u201d Joe didn\u2019t even know what he was saying anymore, and he felt the pent up tears slip down his cheeks. \u201cI want to go home\u2026\u201d Jesse leaned over and undid the ropes, and then pulled Joe to his feet. \u201cLet me go\u2026\u201d Joe mumbled, trying to pull his arm out of the man\u2019s grip.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cLet\u2019s go for a walk,\u201d Jesse said. \u201cCash, Davey\u2026\u201d The two men followed them out, but remained a little distance away. Jesse pushed Joe with his back against the side of the barn, and Joe sank down onto the ground where he brought his knees close to his chest, hiding his face in his arms. He just breathed\u2026he wasn\u2019t sure what had happened, what was happening.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe felt hands on his arms, and could tell Jesse was in front of him. \u201cPlease\u2026just leave me alone\u2026\u201d he whispered.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

Joe could only shake his head. \u201cI don\u2019t know\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYou wouldn\u2019t rather stayed tied up all the time, would you?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe looked up at him, slowly shaking his head. \u201cI honestly don\u2019t know\u2026I think\u2026that it would be easier\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Jesse shrugged, squeezing Joe\u2019s arms a little. \u201cWell, kid\u2026it\u2019s kind of up to you. If you want me to tie you up, I will. If you don\u2019t want to be tied, I can do that too, but you have to remember your agreement not to escape.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe frowned. \u201cThis isn\u2019t a contract\u2026if I don\u2019t try to escape, you won\u2019t tie me. You\u2019re holding me captive\u2026against my will. And now\u2026\u201d Joe looked back down, wishing that Jesse would let go of his arms. \u201cYou can\u2019t make this better.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI suppose that it was hard to hear that those men were looking for you.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe swallowed, and tried not to flinch. He\u2019d already shown way too much weakness to this man, but he couldn\u2019t not ask. \u201cWas my family\u2026with them?\u201d Joe looked up at him, but he could tell what the answer was.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNo, they weren\u2019t.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe sighed, and looked down again. \u201cWho were they?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t know. Men your family has looking for you. You see, if we hadn\u2019t saved your life, your family would have found your body and that would have been that. But now, having discovered signs of where you fell, but no Little Joe, they\u2019ve realized that you\u2019re alive somewhere, and they\u2019ve got the entire region out searching for you.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe glanced up. \u201cYou\u2019re going to kill me to give them a body to find.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Jesse laughed, shaking his head. \u201cYou can\u2019t get past that, can you? No, as I\u2019ve told you a million times, we\u2019re going to let you go. I just haven\u2019t figured out how yet. You see, as soon as they find any sign of us, that posse will be after our necks.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI keep telling you, it\u2019s not a lynch mob\u2026\u201d Joe said quietly.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cLet me ask you this\u2026every time I tell you that we\u2019re not going to kill you, do you believe me?\u201d When Joe didn\u2019t say anything, the man let go of him and stood up. \u201cWe\u2019ve treated you a lot better than any \u2018posse\u2019 will treat us.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe bit his lip as he looked away. It was true. Joe stretched out his legs and leaned back against the barn. \u201cWhy don\u2019t you just turn yourself in to the sheriff in town?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhy should I?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe shrugged. \u201cYou\u2019ve acknowledged you\u2019ve committed crimes. Eventually, you\u2019re going to get caught. You know that. May as well do yourself a favor by turning yourself in first.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Jesse laughed. \u201cThis isn\u2019t about me, kid. Besides, I\u2019m not ready to hang yet.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThere\u2019s no guarantee that-\u201c<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cMy answer is no, boy.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe sat up a little. \u201cIf you had a good lawyer, and a fair trial-\u201c<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhat does this mean to you?\u201d Jesse knelt down in front of Joe again. \u201cWhy are you so intent on turning me in? I haven\u2019t done anything to you, have I?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe looked away.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAnswer me.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNo, you haven\u2019t done anything to me,\u201d Joe answered, bitterly. \u201cYou haven\u2019t done one wrong thing to me. My family hasn\u2019t been searching, worrying about me for a week. I don\u2019t have bruises all over from your men. You haven\u2019t kept me here against my will, and then made it so hard to escape when I wasn\u2019t\u2026\u201d Joe shook his head, frustrated. He shouldn\u2019t have admitted that last part.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWasn\u2019t what?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cPlease\u2026just leave me alone\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cJoe.\u201d Jesse paused for a long moment. \u201cWould it make it easier to know that I had someone watching you, the whole time?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhat?\u201d Joe looked up at him.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s right. You couldn\u2019t have escaped even if you\u2019d wanted to.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI did want to,\u201d Joe said quietly. \u201cI still want to. I want to get out of here, and then do what I can to make sure you end up in jail, and stand trial for the things you have done.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Jesse laughed. \u201cI\u2019m not done living yet, kid.\u201d Joe sighed as Jesse stood up, and then reached down and pulled him to his feet as well. \u201cBe patient, son. Just a few more days, I promise. Would you rather I tie you up, or have someone watch you?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe glared at him, but then, seeing as he was waiting for an answer, grudgingly replied, \u201cOnly if it\u2019s Cash.\u201d Joe preferred him to the others who had a tendency to let their mean streak show.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Jesse smiled. \u201cAll right. We\u2019ll go inside and then you should get some rest. You must be tired.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

The next few days passed slowly. Even though he was allowed almost free reign, Cash followed him wherever he went. Joe didn\u2019t mind his company.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Jesse had been checking on him fairly regularly as well, and Joe hated that he was starting to look forward to the man\u2019s company, to his questions about how he was doing and whether he needed anything. Joe hadn\u2019t asked to go home or be set free since his outburst after the search party had shown up, and he wasn\u2019t sure if the better treatment he was receiving was because of that.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe went ahead of Cash into the house for supper. The others were already sitting around, eating; but Joe could tell that something was wrong. There was tension in the air, and they looked towards him as he walked towards the kitchen, not saying anything. Miles\u2019 girl- Joe still didn\u2019t know her name- handed him a plate of food, and he reluctantly went back into the other room.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe sat down on the floor near the fireplace, and well away from the others. As Joe ate, one of the men started to speak, loudly, tossing his empty plate on the table. \u201cI think I speak for everyone when I say I disagree with Jesse.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe didn\u2019t look up. He didn\u2019t want to make eye contact; didn\u2019t want to draw attention to himself.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI agree,\u201d another man said, standing and walking up to Joe. \u201cI don\u2019t see why we can\u2019t just dump the kid off a cliff. Hell, I\u2019ll do it; they can pin the murder on me if they catch us.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe froze. He couldn\u2019t look up past the man\u2019s boots to even see who was talking. He saw the man reach down, and then he was yanked to his feet, dropping his plate into the ashes of the cold fire. He stared down at the man\u2019s hands holding the front of his shirt.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhat do you say, kid? You want to do what you can to save Jesse\u2019s neck, right?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cLet him go,\u201d Cash said. The man complied after a moment, leaving Joe standing near the fireplace.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhat about you, Cash?\u201d the man asked. \u201cWould you like to see Jesse swinging off the end of a rope?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNo. But that\u2019s Jesse\u2019s decision to make.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s right,\u201d Jesse said, and the men turned and looked at him as he walked in. Joe moved towards Jesse before he could stop himself, and the man put a hand on his shoulder. \u201cWe\u2019ve talked about it, and I\u2019ve made my decision,\u201d he told the men.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe looked up as Jesse led him towards a chair. \u201cListen, kid,\u201d he said as Joe sat down. \u201cTwo days.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cTwo days\u2026?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m letting you go, son. But I want you to give me two days before you send the posse after me.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe almost felt like shouting for joy, but he managed to contain himself to a smile. \u201cReally?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cJesse\u2026\u201d one of the others said.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2019ve talked about it, and I\u2019m done talking.\u201d Jesse looked down at Joe, and seemed to be thinking about something. Finally he said, \u201cThere\u2019s just\u2026really no point in running anymore. There\u2019s too many men in the area. I\u2019m\u2026going to turn myself in.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cJust give them a body,\u201d the man said. \u201cI said I\u2019d do it\u2026they\u2019ll stop looking once they know he\u2019s dead.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t you think he\u2019ll be more useful alive at a trial?\u201d Jesse snapped.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cTrial\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2019re going to get caught, one way or another,\u201d Cash said quietly.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The man rolled his eyes, and dug into the pile where their supplies were. \u201cFine.\u201d He pulled out three bottles of whiskey, handing one to one of the other men.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Jesse looked back at Joe. \u201cDo I have your word?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe nodded. \u201cI\u2019ll give you two days. But if you haven\u2019t turned yourself in by then\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Jesse smiled. \u201cDon\u2019t worry about that.\u201d He glanced up a the others, who started to move closer. \u201cI\u2019m sorry to have to do this, kid, but there\u2019s no way I want you to have any idea where this house is.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe tensed as two of them grabbed him, pulling his arms over the back of the chair behind him. Jesse took one of the bottles of whiskey and pulled the cork out. Joe felt hands grabbing his hair and his head was tipped back. He gasped, trying to struggle and keep his mouth tightly closed against the liquid. Someone\u2019s dirty fingers forced their way into his mouth, and even though he struggled, they managed to pry his jaw open. Jesse shoved the bottle into his mouth, and Joe almost choked as he was forced to swallow the alcohol. Jesse pulled the bottle away after a bit, and Joe gasped, coughing, finally able to breathe as the men released him for a moment. \u201cDon\u2019t\u2026don\u2019t do it\u2026\u201d he choked.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Jesse gave him a few moments to catch his breath, and then gestured to the men again. \u201cNo\u2026no!\u201d Joe gasped as they took grabbed him, and he was forced to finish half the bottle. Jesse released him as Joe coughed, begging him not to continue. Everything was started to get hazy as the men took hold of him again\u2026<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

Joe slowly opened his eyes. Hoss was looking back at him with a big smile. \u201cThere you are!\u201d Hoss exclaimed. \u201cWe were beginning to worry.\u201d He turned away for a moment, calling their father and Adam, before looking back. \u201cHow do you feel?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe blinked a few times, confused, his head pounding. \u201cHoss?\u201d he whispered. He turned his head, looking around. He was in his own room, in his own bed. He wasn\u2019t sure how he got there, but here he was. \u201cWhat happened?\u201d he asked.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam and Ben appeared then, leaning over him as well. \u201cSon\u2026I\u2019m glad you\u2019re awake. You\u2019ve been asleep all day.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cPa\u2026\u201d Joe reached towards his father, who bent down and lifted him in an embrace. \u201cOh Pa\u2026I didn\u2019t know if I\u2019d see you again\u2026what happened?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThere son, it\u2019s all right. You had a bad fall and hit your head. A man found you, and brought you back. Do you remember anything?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe wasn\u2019t sure what he was going to tell his family yet; he still needed some time to think. \u201cI\u2026remember falling, but\u2026I\u2026I\u2026don\u2019t know\u2026\u201d he said, trying to make his voice tremble, and allowing tears into his eyes. He felt his father hug him tighter, and saw the concern and sympathy Hoss\u2019s expression\u2026and the suspicion wash over Adam\u2019s. He had played it a bit too much. \u201cIt\u2019s all right son\u2026I\u2019m just glad you\u2019re all right.\u201d Ben gently settled him back onto the bed.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe hated making his father so concerned. \u201cPa, I\u2019m sorry,\u201d he whispered.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhat for, son?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe looked down. \u201cJust\u2026 for going off without telling you to begin with\u2026and falling\u2026and making you so worried.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben stood up with a deep breath. \u201cYes. Well, when you\u2019re feeling better, we\u2019ll have a talk about that.\u201d He reached down and squeezed Joe\u2019s arm. \u201cI\u2019ll send Hop Sing up with some food. You just rest awhile.\u201d He turned and left the room with Adam and Hoss following.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe settled back and closed his eyes. He had so many questions that he was afraid of asking for fear of alerting his family. The biggest one though, was what he should do now. If he told them everything, a posse would be able to find Jesse and his men fairly quickly. However, he wanted to believe him. He wanted to give Jesse a chance, to prove that he wasn\u2019t as bad as everyone said he was. Joe wanted to believe that he\u2019d do the right thing.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Sometime later, his door swung open. Adam walked inside, shutting it behind him, and set the tray he had been carrying on a table near Joe\u2019s bed.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe looked up at Adam, a little surprised that his brother wasn\u2019t saying anything, but instead was readying the food on the tray. Adam turned and then without a word, reached down and yanked the sleeves of Joe\u2019s nightshirt up. Joe looked down\u2026and saw the rope burns, the angry red lines dotted with still healing cuts from his trying to break free. \u201cWho was it?\u201d Adam asked.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe stared down, suddenly feeling panicked, and unable to look up at his brother. He knew he wouldn\u2019t rest until he found out what had happened, and Joe felt guilty, because he hadn\u2019t told the truth to begin with.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWho was it?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe looked up. \u201cDid Pa see them? Does he know?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam rolled his eyes as he sat on the edge of the bed. \u201cOf course he does. We all saw them- those, and the bruises on your stomach, the bruises all over your back, and the ones on your arms that look like someone was holding you.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe closed his eyes, and raised his hands over his face.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cJoe.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m sorry! I don\u2019t know what to do\u2026I\u2019m so confused\u2026\u201d Adam didn\u2019t say anything; Joe could tell he was still there, not moving, and he felt trapped. \u201cPlease, just leave me alone\u2026I just need to be alone.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cIs Davey one of them?\u201d Adam asked.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe looked up, startled. \u201cHow\u2026?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam nodded. \u201cI thought so. He brought you back, saying he had found you unconscious, and you woke up long enough to tell him who you were.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cIs he still here?\u201d Joe felt panic forming.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNo. He brought you back and then left. We were a little suspicious at that point; it didn\u2019t make any sense that he would have kept you for almost two weeks had he known who you were, and then bring you back smelling like a cheap saloon.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe winced. \u201cThey forced me to drink at least one bottle of whiskey. He said he didn\u2019t want me to know where I had been.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhy don\u2019t you tell me what happened.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe glanced down. \u201cI\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cFor heaven\u2019s sake, boy, what are you afraid of?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe clenched the blankets tightly in his fists. \u201cI want to believe him, Adam. He said he\u2019d turn himself in, and I\u2026want to give him that chance.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cGive who that chance?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe looked up at his brother. \u201cIt\u2026it was more than one man. It was a group of outlaws. I guess they found me after I fell. All I know is that I woke up where they were hiding. I begged him to let me go, but he wouldn\u2019t. He said I\u2019d bring the posse back to their hideout. He\u2026didn\u2019t want to get caught that way. Finally, he let me go after I promised I wouldn\u2019t send the posse after them right away. To give him time to turn himself in.\u201d Joe sat up a little. \u201cWhen he does, do you think Pa could get him a lawyer? He\u2019s not guilty of everything they\u2019re blaming on him, and he deserves a fair\u2026trial\u2026\u201d Joe felt himself getting angry at the look on Adam\u2019s face. \u201cStop it, Adam!\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThere was a posse through here about three weeks ago, looking for a man named Jesse Schuyler. Was that who it was?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

Adam snorted. \u201cThen I highly doubt he\u2019s just going to ride into town and turn himself in. He\u2019s wanted for a dozen murders, and he\u2019s stolen hundreds of thousands of dollars from banks and stages. He knows they\u2019d probably hang him on sight.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAdam that\u2019s not fair. I don\u2019t think he did all those things.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWell, he must have done a lot of convincing while you were his prisoner; either that or that bump on your head did a lot more damage than it appears.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHe saved my life, didn\u2019t he? Why would he do that, and let me go, if he was as bad as everyone says?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t know Joe, but he must be getting something out of it.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe shook his head. \u201cYou\u2019re wrong, Adam.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

But even though his brother shrugged and stood up, walking out of the room, his questions remained, nagging at the back of Joe\u2019s mind.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

Joe dug through the straw with his pitchfork. He turned towards the opening of the stall to find Hoss standing behind him. \u201cHi there, older brother,\u201d he greeted, trying to ignore the concerned frown on his brother\u2019s face.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

All day yesterday he had lay in bed thinking, feigning sleep when his family came in, and trying to figure out what he was going to do. This morning he was a little closer to the answer he had decided on, and he got up earlier than anyone else to start on chores, hoping that by the time anyone else was up, he\u2019d know what to say to them.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cBreakfast is ready,\u201d Hoss said.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe smiled at him and leaned the pitchfork against the side of the stall. \u201cThanks,\u201d he replied and then walked past Hoss towards the pump to get cleaned up. Inside, Adam and Ben looked up as they walked in. \u201cMorning, Pa, Adam,\u201d he said as he sat down. He avoided looking at them as he pulled his napkin across his lap.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

As Hop Sing brought out plates piled with food, Ben poured himself a cup of coffee. \u201cWe\u2019ll go into town after breakfast, Joe, so you can make a report to the sheriff.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhat report to the sheriff?\u201d Joe asked.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWell, Adam has told us about the outlaws that held you hostage, so we figured as soon as you felt up to it you\u2019d want to go into town and tell the sheriff where they were hiding, so he could send some men out that way.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe looked directly at his father. \u201cPa, I\u2019m not going to make a report to the sheriff. First of all, I don\u2019t know where they were hiding, and secondly\u2026\u201d Joe paused for a moment, trying to remember how he wanted to put it. \u201cPa, he said he would turn himself in by tomorrow. Can\u2019t we\u2026at least just give him that chance?\u201d Joe knew from his father\u2019s face that he couldn\u2019t.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cJoseph, I can\u2019t believe that you\u2019re willing to hide this man. Did he not keep you against your will for over a week?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cBut Pa, I\u2026\u201d Joe didn\u2019t know how to say what he felt so that his father could understand. \u201cHe saved my life, and he didn\u2019t let me go, because he didn\u2019t want to get caught. He\u2026could have killed me, but he didn\u2019t.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cJoe, stop and listen to what you\u2019re saying. He had no right to kill you, just like he had no right to kill anyone else,\u201d Adam said.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThe point is he didn\u2019t, Adam.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s not your decision to make, Joseph. We\u2019re going into town after breakfast,\u201d Pa said, and by his tone Joe could tell that was the end of the discussion.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

\u201cJust tell me what happened from the beginning, son,\u201d the sheriff was getting more impatient, as was Ben. Joe couldn\u2019t see Hoss and Adam, but he didn\u2019t really want to.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cBut I thought I did,\u201d Joe said quietly. \u201cI don\u2019t really remember that much.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cJoseph, there\u2019s no way you were kept in that hideout in the rocks the whole time, the way you said you were. We found that hideout five days before you were returned. Now where else were you held?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe didn\u2019t want to bring the girl into it. He had no idea where the house was, and as far as he could tell, she hadn\u2019t done anything wrong. Once Jesse turned himself in, there wouldn\u2019t even be any need to question her about the outlaw. \u201cI don\u2019t really remember. I thought it was the same place\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cJoseph.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYes, Pa?\u201d Joe looked up at his father, wincing at his expression.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cUnless you can add to anything you\u2019ve already told the sheriff, I want you to go outside and wait for me next to your horse.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe chewed the corner of his lip, glancing up at the sheriff and then back at his brothers, before finally standing up. \u201cI\u2019m sorry, Pa,\u201d he whispered, and then went to the door.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cSorry, Pa,\u201d he heard his father repeat behind him. Joe pulled the door shut, and then closed his eyes for a moment. His legs felt like they were about ready to collapse beneath him. Joe started towards his horse, but then paused. A man was leaning against a post along the wooden walkway a little ways away.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe walked over to the man, who didn\u2019t look at him or acknowledge him at all until he was standing right in front. \u201cCash\u2026it is you,\u201d Joe said. \u201cWhat are you doing here?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Cash smiled. \u201cI just happened to be in town, and I saw the Cartwright family go into the jail. Telling all our secrets, kid?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe shook his head. \u201cJesse\u2019s going to turn himself in, right?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t you trust him?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe sighed. \u201cI want to.\u201d He glanced towards the jail, watching as the door was opened slightly. He saw Adam holding the handle, still looking towards the others inside. \u201cJust\u2026make sure, please?\u201d Joe started away before they would see who he was talking to.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cJesse kept his end of the deal,\u201d Cash said. Joe glanced back, and the man smiled slightly. Joe went towards his horse, waiting there while the rest of his family came out of the jail.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cJoseph, I\u2019m quite disappointed in you,\u201d Ben said.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe knew it was loud enough for Cash to hear, and he cringed.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYou were with them for almost two weeks! You have to know more than there was one hideout they used somewhere, and you don\u2019t remember anything about it! What about their names? What about where they were going? What about how many of them there were?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cPa\u2026\u201d Joe said quietly. His father didn\u2019t answer, swinging onto his horse and starting out of town. With a sigh, Joe followed the others, not looking back.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHoss?\u201d Joe pushed open the barn door. It was in need of a fresh coat of paint, something he was supposed to take care of a few months ago, but somehow never had time. It would turn into another argument with his father soon, he was sure. Joe sighed, and then pushed past the peeling door into the barn. He shuffled through the dirt and hay, peering into each stall, and got to the back door surprised his brother wasn\u2019t there.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Stepping into the corral in the back of the barn, he saw Hoss in the training paddock, working a young horse. Joe walked through the grass, and then swung over the fence, finally ending up perched on the top rung, watching Hoss urge the horse to trot.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Suddenly, details of the night he was kept up were rushing back as he watched the horse run in circles. The names, shoving him, beating him when he stopped for a breath\u2026<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhat is it, boy?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe looked up at Hoss, a little startled, surprised that he had moved closer without his realizing it. \u201cJust remembered something, that\u2019s all\u2026\u201d He started to climb off the fence, but his brother stopped him with a hand on his knee.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhat did you remember?\u201d Hoss asked quietly.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe shrugged, and then shrugged again. \u201cJust\u2026\u201d he swallowed, and then closed his eyes. \u201cIt doesn\u2019t matter, Hoss.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cDid you need something?\u201d Hoss asked gently.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe looked up at him. \u201cI kind of wanted to ask you something,\u201d he said. \u201cIf you\u2019ve got a minute.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWell, sure, Joe. You can ask me whatever you want\u2026although I\u2019m not sure how much help I\u2019d be. I sometimes find it\u2019s best to ask Pa, when I\u2019ve got a problem. He usually has the answer.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYeah, well I can\u2019t ask Pa. He\u2019s already made it pretty clear what his answer is.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Hoss glanced down at the ground, playing with the lead rope for a second. \u201cIs this about that outlaw?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cSort of\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWell Joe, I sort of feel the same way that Pa does about it. I\u2019m not sure what good asking me would do you.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe sighed, and swung off the fence. \u201cThanks Hoss,\u201d he murmured, but then turned back. \u201cHey Hoss? How come you run the horse like that?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Hoss looked back, and stared at him as if he thought Joe had gone crazy. \u201cWhat in tarnation you talking about?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe shook his head. \u201cI don\u2019t know\u2026\u201d He watched as Hoss went back to work. Joe went to leave, but then turned back when Hoss started talking.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYou know, it\u2019s more than just wearing \u2018em down, Joe. You have to make the horse trust you.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe reached out and grasped the fence. \u201cTrust you?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cJoe, you\u2019ve been working with horses for a while; you know that. If you just beat on a horse, like some people do, well, that ain\u2019t gonna make a good horse. You have to show \u2018em that they can trust you\u2026that if they do what you want \u2018em to, you\u2019ll reward them.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe closed his eyes. \u201cHoss\u2026if I was to beat up on that horse, over and over, and you were to come in and stop me every time\u2026well, that horse would trust you, wouldn\u2019t it?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Hoss looked back at him. \u201cI reckon so.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe turned and started away. \u201cThanks, Hoss,\u201d he called, almost running towards the house.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhat\u2019d I do?\u201d Hoss called after him.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe slowed as he neared the house. He wanted his growing suspicion to be wrong\u2026but it was just getting stronger and stronger. Joe pushed the door open. \u201cHey, Pa?\u201d he called.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHere, Joseph,\u201d his father answered.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe walked around the corner to where Adam and Ben sat at Ben\u2019s desk, looking over paperwork.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHow\u2026\u201d Joe tried to think of the right question. He didn\u2019t even really know what he was asking. \u201cPa, do you think it\u2019s possible for a man to change? To decide what he\u2019s done is wrong?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben set down his pen, and Adam looked up, raising his eyebrows slightly.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI mean\u2026do you think someone\u2026\u201d Joe sighed.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2026\u201d Ben started, and Joe looked up at him, hoping he understood. \u201cI certainly think it\u2019s possible for a man to change, for good or bad. But part of deciding something is wrong is wanting to make it right. One can\u2019t just ask for forgiveness or change his ways without some repayment for wrongs done.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWanting to make it right.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s right. When you do something to harm another person, you have to do something to make up for it.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHe said that he had done things wrong. He acknowledged that, Pa. But he also said things had been blamed on him that he didn\u2019t do, and \u2026I don\u2019t know. I\u2019ve never felt so confused about something like this. I mean, he did something good. And it wouldn\u2019t be fair for him to have to go to jail or hang for things that he didn\u2019t do.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cJoe\u2026what did he say?\u201d Adam asked. \u201cWhy are you so adamant about protecting him? What did he say, that made you believe he\u2019d changed?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe thought for a moment, before finally turning and sitting on the edge of Ben\u2019s desk, his back to his father and brother. \u201cNothing\u2026not one thing.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThen I don\u2019t understand\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNeither do I,\u201d Joe whispered.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s where a judge and jury come into play, Joe. One man cannot decide the right and wrong of another\u2019s actions on society.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe nodded.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cDo you\u2026want to go back into town, now?\u201d Ben asked.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe looked back. \u201cPlease Pa\u2026let\u2019s wait until morning. Trust me\u2026I know he\u2019ll do the right thing\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

That night, Joe was startled awake. He wasn\u2019t sure what had awoken him. After a few seconds, he had the impression that someone was standing close. He opened his eyes, just as a pillow slammed over his face. Struggling, he heard someone say, \u201cDon\u2019t make a sound.\u201d The pillow moved away a little, and he gasped for air. \u201cNot a word\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

It was Jesse Schuyler. He would always remember that voice. Jesse flung the blankets aside and pulled Joe to his feet. \u201cGet dressed,\u201d the man barked. Joe scrambled for his clothes, and as soon he pulled his boots on, the man yanked him towards the door. Joe reached for the handle, but before he could grab it the man shoved him face first into the door.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHey-\u201c<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Jesse pressed up against him roughly. \u201cIf you don\u2019t want anyone to get hurt, you won\u2019t say one word. Do you understand me?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Struggling, but unable to push the man away, Joe nodded. Jesse moved away, and then opened the door and shoved him out. They went downstairs, and Joe was alert, waiting for an opportunity to break away from him. He was startled, though, as they came around the corner into the great room, to see his father and brothers and Hop Sing bound hand and foot on the floor next to the fireplace, and Jesse\u2019s men standing around, guns drawn. Feeling so terribly helpless, he could do nothing as Jesse pushed him onto the settee with a warning glare.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAll right boys, go to it,\u201d Jesse said. All but one of his men spread out, and started going through drawers and cabinets, taking anything that may be of use to them.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe felt betrayed\u2026and furious. \u201cYou can\u2019t do this,\u201d he said, standing up and moving towards Jesse.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cSit down and keep your mouth shut.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNo, this isn\u2019t-\u201c Joe was cut off as Jesse suddenly reached forward, grasping Joe by the collar and pulling him close, talking directly in his ear.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYou make one more sound and I will beat you right now, in front of your whole family, until you are lying on the floor crying and begging me to stop, do you hear me?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe wasn\u2019t sure if the others had heard the threat or not, but he couldn\u2019t bring himself to look up before he was shoved backwards onto the floor. \u201cSit down!\u201d the man almost screamed at him. Joe got up, and sat back down on the settee with his head down. He couldn\u2019t believe how wrong he had been.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

After a few minutes, the men were almost done. \u201cWe didn\u2019t find any money,\u201d one of them reported.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhere is it?\u201d Jesse asked.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe looked up, and saw the stubborn glares his father and brothers wore.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhere\u2019s the money?\u201d Jesse yelled. When none of them answered, he turned towards Joe, pulling him off the settee and shoving him towards his men. \u201cHold him,\u201d he snapped. Despite his struggles, Joe was held between two of them so he was facing Jesse. The man grabbed a handful of his hair, tipping his head back, and then just looked at him. Joe felt himself shivering, and he couldn\u2019t stop shaking. \u201cNo,\u201d Jesse finally said. Joe didn\u2019t like the mocking in his voice. \u201cYou don\u2019t need to be afraid of me. As long as your father gives me my money within the next few minutes, there won\u2019t be any marks on that pretty face.\u201d Jesse laughed as Joe angrily pulled away from him, and the looked back at the elder Cartwrights, all of whom wore looks of fury. \u201cWell?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWe can\u2019t, we don\u2019t have any cash on hand,\u201d Ben replied, the anger apparent by the shortness of his tone.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019re lying.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWe don\u2019t have it,\u201d Ben replied, his voice rising in pitch slightly. \u201cIf you\u2019ll wait until the morning-\u201c<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cMorning?\u201d Jesse screamed at him. He turned and angrily kicked a chair over. \u201cWhat do you plan on doing in the morning, riding out to the sheriff\u2019s office and coming back with a nice posse?\u201d Jesse turned towards Joe, who shrank back against the men who were still tightly holding his arms. The man moved forward, and grabbed his chin tightly. \u201cYou have thirty seconds to produce cash, Mr. Cartwright. Or else you\u2019re not going to like what I do to your son.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe couldn\u2019t move, he closed his eyes so he wouldn\u2019t have to look at Jesse\u2019s expression. How could this be the same person\u2026<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI told you\u2026we don\u2019t have anything here\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cTwenty seconds.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cPlease, let my son alone. Hurting him won\u2019t make me give you something I don\u2019t have!\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cTen seconds.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe opened his eyes. The man hadn\u2019t looked away.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cFive seconds, Mr. Cartwright.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cJesse\u2026\u201d Joe whispered.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The man leaned closer. \u201cYou must have a bad memory, kid. I thought I told you to shut up.\u201d He looked at Ben, and then shrugged, looking back towards Joe. \u201cYour Pa must not care that much.\u201d Jesse let go of him, laughing.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe shook his head, paling slightly.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cTell you what, kid. I\u2019m not going to beat you. Because your father obviously doesn\u2019t care about what happens to you, I\u2019ll let you come with us.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t you dare take him,\u201d Ben snapped, and struggled hard against the ropes tying him.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t worry, we\u2019re not going to kill him. You have my word.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t want your word, I want you to leave my son!\u201d Ben snapped.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Jesse laughed and looked back at Joe. \u201cGo ahead, say something to your father before we leave.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t do this\u2026please\u2026\u201d Joe whispered.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWell, if you have nothing to say, we can go. Take him out.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe was dragged to the door. The men were tugging him so sharply he found to hard to keep his footing. Behind him he heard the protests of his family, and that hurt worse than anything. The men threw him over a horse, tying him to the saddle, and then Jesse joined them and they rode away.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI said to shut your mouth!\u201d Jesse snarled.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYou can\u2019t make me,\u201d Joe muttered as the man turned to leave.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Enraged, the man turned back and raised his gun over his head. \u201cYou say one more word, I will smash your head in!\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe glared at him.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The man knelt down and hit him before Joe could bring up his arm to defend himself. He could taste blood as Jesse grabbed his chin and forced him to look up towards him. \u201cI don\u2019t want to hear one more thing out of you. I don\u2019t want to hear that you\u2019re hungry, or uncomfortable. If I ask you a question, I want you to answer it, but that\u2019s it. I want you to keep your mouth SHUT!\u201d the man yelled in his face. Jesse got up, and then kicked Joe in the leg, several times. When he turned and left, Joe\u2019s leg was throbbing, his lip was bleeding, and he wanted his father more than anything. The guilt was eating at him. If only he had told the sheriff everything. This never would have happened.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Well, he would make sure that Jesse didn\u2019t get away this time, no matter what it took.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHere kid,\u201d a man said.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe didn\u2019t bother to move or look up. After a few seconds, the man walked away again, talking quietly to someone else. Footsteps moved closer again, and out of the corner of his eye he saw it was Jesse crouched down next to him now.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAre you gonna eat something, or would you rather starve?\u201d Jesse said. When Joe didn\u2019t respond, the man stood up, muttering obscene insults under his breath.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Furious, Joe kicked out at Jesse, sending him to the ground. In an instant Joe was on him, beating him with his fists. Very quickly, Joe was yanked off the man. An arm wrapped around his waist, rough hands held his arms and hair, and fairly soon he wasn\u2019t able to move. Jesse pushed himself off the ground, and stood in front of Joe.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019re a little hothead, aren\u2019t you?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe pulled sharply against the men who held him. \u201cYou\u2019d better watch what you say!\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Jesse laughed and grabbed Joe\u2019s chin. \u201cWhat are you going to do, hothead?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cLet me go!\u201d Joe snapped. \u201cYou\u2019re cowards, all of you.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cCowards?\u201d Jesse\u2019s hand tightened. \u201cI\u2019d be careful who you called a coward, kid; you were the one attacking a man on the ground.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cLet me go then!\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cLet him go,\u201d Jesse said, backing up a few steps. The men released Joe, and he flew at Jesse, aiming a punch at his head. The man easily ducked, and shoved Joe, using his momentum to send him to the ground. Joe scrambled up, and went for him again. The fight didn\u2019t last very long. Joe\u2019s fury clouded his aim, and Jesse blocked or moved away from most of his punches, and then finally sent him to the ground with a punch to the jaw.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe lay for a moment, stunned, and he felt hands pulling him up. Another blow, and he ended up back on the ground. A third time the man pulled him up and hit him twice in the stomach, and then allowed him to slump to his knees doubled over.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHad enough?\u201d Jesse asked.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe slowly inhaled and shakily stood. He looked up towards Jesse, and then flew at him, catching him around the waist and knocking him over. He was up before Jesse was, and waited as the man stood before aiming a fist at his face. The man caught his arm, and hit him twice. Finally Jesse knocked Joe backwards onto the ground. \u201cI\u2019m done with you,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe pushed himself onto his elbows. \u201cYou liar,\u201d he snapped angrily. \u201cI can\u2019t believe I stood up for you! To my father and the sheriff\u2026.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Jesse just laughed. \u201cIt was so much fun, making you believe me. It was a game, and you responded so well.\u201d The man chuckled. \u201cI wish I could have seen your father\u2019s reaction to all of it.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe started to scramble off the ground, but Jesse kicked him, catching him in the stomach with his boot. Joe crumpled to the ground.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWell, the fun\u2019s over now. Hold him, boys.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe tried, in vain, to fight back against the men pulling to his feet. As Jesse came towards him with his fist raised, and wondered if he\u2019d ever see his father again.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

Joe coughed, and then choked in pain. He gasped and pushed himself off the ground a little, trying to relieve the pain in his side. Forcing himself to breathe slower, he slumped back to the ground, biting his lip, trying to keep from being overwhelmed. He had been left in the clearing early in the morning, hours ago. Jesse hadn\u2019t said anything to him or even acknowledged him after the beating from the previous night. Everything hurt so much to move, but he couldn\u2019t give up. He had to find that man, and make sure he went to jail.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The sound of horses came from nearby, and Joe heard men calling to one another. Footsteps hurried his way, and then hands gently rolled him onto his back. He winced, and then forcing himself to look up, saw the sheriff and a few other men he recognized. \u201cWater, bring water,\u201d someone said, and he was helped to drink. One of the men lifted a gun into the air, and then fired off two shots. The signal was answered from a distance away after a moment.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYour family will be here soon,\u201d the sheriff said. \u201cAre you hurt bad, son?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe grimaced as he gingerly shook his head. \u201cI don\u2019t know\u2026\u201d he groaned. \u201cEverything hurts too much to tell.\u201d The sheriff got a cloth wet from one of the canteens, and then gently wiped the dried blood from Joe\u2019s face.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe heard several more riders arrive, and then his father and brothers appeared above him. Ben leaned over him. \u201cSon, are you all right?\u201d his father asked, running his hand over the bruises on Joe\u2019s face, gently examining him.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m fine,\u201d Joe groaned, and tried to sit up.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cTake it easy,\u201d someone cautioned, and several hands helped him to his feet. Joe did his best to hide the grimace of pain that standing brought, and slowly stretched, trying not to rely too much on his brothers\u2019 hands on his arms to keep him on his feet.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cDo you know which way they went?\u201d the sheriff asked.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe tilted his head in the direction they rode off. \u201cTheir horses were pretty worn down\u2026you shouldn\u2019t have a problem catching up\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019d better get after them,\u201d Ben said.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The sheriff nodded, and then he and the others returned to their horses. \u201cPa, Hoss and I will go too,\u201d Adam said.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cCertainly,\u201d Ben replied. \u201cHelp me get Joe to my horse first.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe tried to push them away. \u201cPa, I have to go with them.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

His father didn\u2019t answer as they lifted Joe onto Ben\u2019s horse.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe bent over holding his side for a moment. \u201cPa\u2026\u201d he groaned. \u201cPlease, we have to go with them\u2026\u201d Ben swung onto the horse behind Joe, with an arm around his son\u2019s waist to keep him securely in front.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cBe careful,\u201d Ben said to Adam and Hoss as they went towards their horses.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cPa\u2026you don\u2019t understand, I have to find him\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThe posse will find him soon enough. Are you all right, son?\u201d Ben nudged his horse forward, and they started towards the Ponderosa.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe felt tears of frustration, and he brought his hand over his eyes. \u201cI can do it\u2026please\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cJoe. If we go with them, we\u2019ll only slow them down.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cPa\u2026I have to find him, to\u2026to make sure he pays for what he did.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThey will.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe was quiet for a while, until the jostling of the horse became too much for him. \u201cPa, please stop for a minute\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cSon, what\u2019s the matter?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe slid off the saddle, but his legs gave out and he collapsed onto his knees. He managed to get closer to a clump of bushes before his nausea overcame him. Joe felt his father behind him, one hand on his shoulder and the other gently rubbing his back.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Finally he sat back, and looked back towards his father. \u201cI\u2019m sorry,\u201d he whispered.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t you be sorry,\u201d Ben said, and went back and grabbed his canteen from his saddle.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Once he was done drinking, Joe handed back the canteen and took a deep breath. He couldn\u2019t let his father see just how much this man had hurt him. \u201cI should be fine now,\u201d Joe said. Ben helped him to his feet, and then led him back to the horse. Joe could tell his father was worried as he fussed over him, helping him into the saddle. Ben swung up behind, and then they started off again, slowly.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

They had only gone a few more miles when Joe needed to ask his father to stop again.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAre you all right? Do you need to get down?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe could feel his father start to slide off of the horse. \u201cNo, I just need to rest for a minute\u2026\u201d Joe was glad his father couldn\u2019t see his face. \u201cPa\u2026I\u2019m sorry\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNo, son.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cBut I am\u2026I\u2019m sorry\u2026for all of it. I was so wrong. I was so\u2026stupid.\u201d He shook his head. \u201cI just\u2026I don\u2019t know what I was thinking\u2026I should have listened to you from the beginning.\u201d Joe bit his lip, and then closed his eyes as his father gently held his arms. \u201cI wanted to believe him. He\u2026\u201d Joe blinked back tears. \u201cHe laughed at me,\u201d he whispered.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben pulled him back, and Joe gratefully collapsed in his father\u2019s embrace. \u201cJoe, it\u2019s all right, son.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t understand why he did it. He could have just left me where he found me\u2026he could have killed me. No one would ever have found me.\u201d Joe sighed. \u201cI thought\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m sorry, son,\u201d Ben said quietly. \u201cI wanted you to be right, too.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWe can go now, Pa.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAre you sure? Are you going to be all right? We can wait a little longer, if you want\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNo, let\u2019s go.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben urged Buck into a walk again, still holding onto Joe, keeping him close so he couldn\u2019t slip off the saddle. They turned off the road towards Virginia city, and started towards the Ponderosa.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHold it.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe looked up towards an outcropping of rocks, from which two men had left their hiding places and were riding towards them, guns drawn. \u201cNo\u2026\u201d he breathed, recognizing Jesse and Cash in an instant.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t reach for your gun, Mr. Cartwright.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cJoe, it\u2019ll be all right,\u201d Ben whispered.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The men came to a stop next to them, and Joe did his best not to show any emotion. He was afraid, and angry, and so horribly powerless.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Jesse kept his gun on them for a few moments.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhat do you want?\u201d Ben said.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Jesse\u2019s mouth turned up a bit, and then he uncocked the hammer of his gun and flipped it around, holding it out to Ben. Joe wished he could see his father\u2019s face as Ben took the gun.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cShall we go into town?\u201d Jesse asked.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

With Cash and Jesse in front, they turned back towards Virginia City. With every step, Joe willed himself to hold on until the next one. Pain was shooting through his side and bottom by the time the tallest buildings of Virginia City came into sight. He realized he was holding his breath, and he forced himself to exhale. They came to a stop outside the jail, and Ben assisted Joe in sliding off the horse. Joe managed two steps, and then collapsed next to the hitching post.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cJoe!\u201d his father called, kneeling next to him.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m all right Pa\u2026\u201d Joe groaned. Ben tried to lift Joe, while still keeping his gun trained on the outlaws.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cLet me help, Mr. Cartwright,\u201d Cash said.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe found himself being pulled from his father, and carried inside the jail by Cash. \u201cThere, set him there,\u201d Ben said. Joe was laid down on a cot, and then he watched as Ben instructed the outlaws to turn their pockets out on the desk. Once Ben had relieved them of their weapons, he led them into the other room and Joe heard a cell door lock.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben walked back into the main room, swinging the door separating the rooms closed. \u201cSon, are you all right?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe nodded. \u201cI just\u2026am tired. It hurts\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhat hurts, boy?\u201d Ben started to undo Joe\u2019s shirt. \u201cWhat did they do?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cMy\u2026my side, and\u2026and\u2026\u201d Joe looked up at his father, biting the corner of his lip. \u201cHe whipped me with a belt. Said I couldn\u2019t take a man-sized beating\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben\u2019s face grew darker, more concerned. \u201cWhy didn\u2019t you tell me? No, no, it\u2019s all right, son, it\u2019s all right.\u201d He tucked Joe\u2019s shirt around him again. \u201cNow don\u2019t you worry about a thing. I\u2019m going to go, get the doctor to take a look at you. You\u2026just stay here, don\u2019t move, and you can just\u2026don\u2019t go in there. You\u2019ll be fine, just stay out here. All right?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe nodded. \u201cI\u2019ll be fine Pa.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben got up, glancing at the door to make sure it was closed, and looking towards the desk. \u201cThe key is there, on the desk. Now don\u2019t worry, I\u2019ll be back soon\u2026just stay right here, and ignore those two in there\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll be fine Pa\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben left rather hurriedly, as if he was afraid Cash and Jesse would be able to break out during the five minutes he would be gone. Joe waited a few seconds, and then pushed himself to his feet, unsteadily moving towards the door to the cells. He grasped the handle, and then fighting back the fear that was raging through him, pushed the door open, stepping inside and leaning against the wall for support, one arm around his stomach holding his side.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Jesse glanced up when he came in, but he didn\u2019t move.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe really didn\u2019t know what he wanted to say, or what he expected would happen. He had so many questions; he wanted to know why Jesse had turned himself in, and why he had beaten Joe and made him think he wasn\u2019t going to. Why had he broken into the Ponderosa, and why did he take Joe with them? Why hadn\u2019t he kept running\u2026just\u2026 \u201cWhy\u2026?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s a complicated question, boy.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe tried to stand a little straighter, or else not lean so much. \u201cI\u2019d like an answer\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWell, you\u2019re not getting one.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe glanced down for a moment. \u201cWhy didn\u2019t you just kill me?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Jesse shrugged. \u201cI don\u2019t know.\u201d The man lay back on his cot, and with a deep sigh closed his eyes. Joe chewed his bottom lip until he caught himself doing it and stopped. He looked towards Cash, but not even he seemed to be willing to offer an explanation. Joe watched them for a few more seconds, but as the queasy feeling started to grow stronger, he knew he ought to go lie down before he got sick again. \u201cThanks\u2026\u201d Joe murmured, and Cash looked up. Jesse didn\u2019t move. Joe\u2019s voice sounded so small outside of his head. \u201cAnyway, for\u2026saving my life\u2026\u201d They didn\u2019t answer.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

He was almost shaking as he turned and then went back into the main room, pulling the door closed behind him. He wasn\u2019t sure what he wanted, or what he expected from the man; whether he would apologize for hurting him, or regret that he hadn\u2019t killed him. Joe sat down, and then waited until his father and the doctor came back. As soon as Ben walked in, he went to Joe. \u201cWhat\u2019s the matter? What happened?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe just reached out, and wrapped his arms around his father\u2019s neck, his tears soaking into Pa\u2019s shoulder. Ben held him tightly, softly whispering, telling Joe it was all right now.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

A few weeks later, once a judge and jury had been assembled, and witnesses from out of town had been brought in, there was a trial. Joe sat in the back of the courtroom with his family, even though there was a place saved for them in the first row. None of the charges brought against Jesse Schuyler involved him at all. He hadn\u2019t wanted them to, and his father had respected that.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe watched as the charges were read, and Jesse responded with a stoic \u201cGuilty\u201d. He never showed emotion, never seemed to care that he had ended so many lives and hurt so many people. Once the legal proceedings were taken care of, he was sentenced to hang; yet still, he didn\u2019t react at all. Joe watched as finally, he was led out of the courtroom, death sentence still hanging in the air. Cash was to be tried separately, but he was likely to go free as he continued to maintain his innocence, claming that he never committed any crimes with the Schuyler gang, and no witnesses could be found to tie him to anything. The rest of the gang had disappeared.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe went outside as soon as Jesse was taken out. Watching from the back of the building, he saw the man being led back to the jail. Jesse didn\u2019t look up.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe felt Ben\u2019s hand on his shoulder.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cPa\u2026he never even\u2026\u201d Joe sighed, and shook his head. \u201cI\u2026I thought he was going to fight the charges. I thought he kept me alive so I could be a witness\u2026\u201d Joe looked back at his father. Adam and Hoss were standing nearby as well.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cMaybe there was nothing to fight, son.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe glanced down, the implications reeling through him. \u201cThen, why\u2026it wouldn\u2019t have mattered, one more life\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cMaybe he wasn\u2019t all bad, Joe,\u201d Adam said, and Joe looked up at him. Adam smiled and wrapped an arm around his shoulders, and Joe felt Ben\u2019s arm around his waist. Hoss reached around and squeezed his hand, and then the four turned back towards the main street. With one more glance towards the jail, Joe went with his family back to their wagon to go home.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

He wouldn\u2019t be back to watch the hanging.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

THE END<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

<\/div>\n

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

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

Summary: After an accident, Little Joe is saved by an outlaw…and then held captive by him and his gang. Joe has to decide whether to turn him in, or trust him to do the right thing…<\/p>\n

Rating:\u00a0 PG-13\u00a0 (14, 440 words)<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":92,"featured_media":11514,"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_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":"","jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false},"categories":[23],"tags":[14,15,17,16],"class_list":["post-13860","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-drama","tag-adam-cartwright","tag-ben","tag-hoss","tag-joe","wpcat-23-id"],"a3_pvc":{"activated":true,"total_views":2262,"today_views":0},"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/08\/Joe-copy-7.jpg?fit=594%2C592&ssl=1","jetpack_likes_enabled":true,"jetpack-related-posts":[{"id":12134,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=12134","url_meta":{"origin":13860,"position":0},"title":"In My Father’s House (by DebbieB)","author":"DebbieB","date":"May 1, 2002","format":false,"excerpt":"DebbieB passed away Christmas 2021. Any reader wishing to read this series should e:mail the Brandsters:\u00a0 Brandsters2020@gmail.com","rel":"","context":"In "Drama"","block_context":{"text":"Drama","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?cat=23"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/06\/Pondarosa-House-3.jpg?fit=564%2C401&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/06\/Pondarosa-House-3.jpg?fit=564%2C401&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/06\/Pondarosa-House-3.jpg?fit=564%2C401&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x"},"classes":[]},{"id":7699,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=7699","url_meta":{"origin":13860,"position":1},"title":"Feeling Guilty (by DJK)","author":"DJK","date":"May 9, 2014","format":false,"excerpt":"Summary: Three vignettes that have the Cartwright brothers dealing with guilty. Rated:\u00a0 K+\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Word count:\u00a0\u00a0 1882","rel":"","context":"In "Drama"","block_context":{"text":"Drama","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?cat=23"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/05\/BrothersComedyStories.jpg?fit=628%2C480&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/05\/BrothersComedyStories.jpg?fit=628%2C480&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/05\/BrothersComedyStories.jpg?fit=628%2C480&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x"},"classes":[]},{"id":15922,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=15922","url_meta":{"origin":13860,"position":2},"title":"Never Quote Me the Odds (by McFair_58)","author":"mcfair_58","date":"January 27, 2018","format":false,"excerpt":"Summary: Ben Cartwright had thought the worst thing that could happen was that his son, Hoss, was shot in back by mistake.\u00a0 But like the other time Hoss was shot - by Red Twilight - Little Joe was in danger too.\u00a0 His brother could be dying and Joe is nowhere\u2026","rel":"","context":"In "Drama"","block_context":{"text":"Drama","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?cat=23"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/01\/img20170618_21305786-scaled.jpg?fit=947%2C1200&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/01\/img20170618_21305786-scaled.jpg?fit=947%2C1200&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/01\/img20170618_21305786-scaled.jpg?fit=947%2C1200&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/01\/img20170618_21305786-scaled.jpg?fit=947%2C1200&ssl=1&resize=700%2C400 2x"},"classes":[]},{"id":7676,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=7676","url_meta":{"origin":13860,"position":3},"title":"Don’t Speak of That (by DJK)","author":"DJK","date":"May 9, 2014","format":false,"excerpt":"Summary: Little Joe's discussion lands him in trouble with his teacher and older brother. Rated:\u00a0 K+\u00a0\u00a0 Word count:\u00a01250","rel":"","context":"In "Adam \/ Joe"","block_context":{"text":"Adam \/ Joe","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?cat=1091"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/04\/ponderosa-lj.jpg?fit=640%2C475&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/04\/ponderosa-lj.jpg?fit=640%2C475&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/04\/ponderosa-lj.jpg?fit=640%2C475&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x"},"classes":[]},{"id":13179,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=13179","url_meta":{"origin":13860,"position":4},"title":"Half Brothers (by No1ButJoe)","author":"No1butjoe","date":"July 28, 2014","format":false,"excerpt":"Summary:\u00a0 Joe asks Adam the meaning of the words \u201chalf brother\u201d. Can Adam explain it correctly so a ten-year old Joe can understand? Rating:\u00a0 G\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Word count: 1250","rel":"","context":"In "Drama"","block_context":{"text":"Drama","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?cat=23"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"","width":0,"height":0},"classes":[]},{"id":7631,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=7631","url_meta":{"origin":13860,"position":5},"title":"Tarnished Armor (by DJK)","author":"DJK","date":"May 9, 2014","format":false,"excerpt":"Summary:\u00a0Hoss's deceit tarnishes his armor in Emily's eyes. Rated:\u00a0K+\u00a0 Word count:\u00a02843 Emily's Sir Eric Series, links to all the stories within the series included.","rel":"","context":"In "Ben \/ Hoss"","block_context":{"text":"Ben \/ Hoss","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?cat=1017"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/11\/Cherry-Tree.jpg?fit=500%2C375&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200},"classes":[]}],"jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/13860","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\/92"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=13860"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/13860\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/11514"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=13860"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=13860"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=13860"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}