{"id":13903,"date":"2004-12-01T07:31:11","date_gmt":"2004-12-01T12:31:11","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=13903"},"modified":"2026-07-30T14:41:52","modified_gmt":"2026-07-30T18:41:52","slug":"a-man-named-jacob-by-susan-g","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=13903","title":{"rendered":"A Man Named Jacob (by Susan G)"},"content":{"rendered":"

Summary:<\/strong>\u00a0 Unable to stand by and watch an injustice, Joe befriends a man and his wife, and plans to show them that not everyone is against them.<\/p>\n

Rating:\u00a0 T (45, 025 words)<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

A Man Named Jacob<\/strong><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Not even the most generous person would have called Watson\u2019s Crossing a town. The three rundown buildings standing near the crossroads of the two mountain trails offered little in the way of comfort. One building had a small sign proclaiming it as a general store; the other two were a stable and what passed as a saloon. The only reason Watson\u2019s Crossing existed was that travelers in the mountains found it to be a handy spot to pick up some supplies or take a break during their journey. No one stayed in Watson\u2019s Crossing any longer than absolutely necessary.<\/p>\n

Joe Cartwright stopped his horse in front of the store. He didn\u2019t often visit Watson\u2019s Crossing but that was by choice. He was less than fond of the man who ran the small collection of businesses. Joe thought Newly Watson was a mean-spirited, crude man. He avoided the ex-mountain man as much as possible. But Joe was tired of eating trail food, and he had almost another day\u2019s ride before he reached home. He forced himself to make a brief stop to pick up some food. Anything was better than another meal of beans on the trail. As Joe walked into the store, he looked around. An old man sat on a bench by the far wall, whittling a stick. Joe ignored him as he walked to the back of the store where the wall was lined with shelves. Small sacks of flour, sugar and other goods sat on the shelves, along with several baskets of potatoes. Standing behind a poorly built counter near the shelves was Newly Watson, a man with long, unkempt hair and a scraggly beard. He wore a striped shirt, stained with dirt and grease. Watson gave Joe what he thought was a smile. Joe thought he looked like a wolf bearing its teeth.<\/p>\n

\u201cJoe Cartwright!\u201d exclaimed Watson. \u201cWhat brings you up to this part of the country?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHello, Watson,\u201d Joe replied briefly. \u201cJust wanted to pick up some fresh meat and a potato or two. Something to tide me over until I get home.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSure, Joe,\u201d Watson said in a pleasant tone. \u201cGot some nice ham and bacon. We butchered some pigs awhile back, and the meat is smoked just right.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cFine,\u201d Joe replied. \u201cI\u2019ll take a couple of slices of ham and two potatoes.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou been up to where they\u2019re building the new fort?\u201d asked Watson as he put two potatoes on the counter.<\/p>\n

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

Watson pulled a big hunk of ham wrapped in a cheese cloth from under the counter and began slicing the meat. \u201cCartwrights going to supply the lumber for the fort?\u201d he asked as he sliced.<\/p>\n

\u201cMaybe,\u201d Joe said. \u201cWe\u2019re talking to the Army.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThat new fort will bring a lot of business in,\u201d Watson said as he began wrapping Joe\u2019s purchases. \u201cI\u2019m thinking of catching and breaking some horses myself. The Army will need remounts. Could make a pretty penny off of them.\u201d<\/p>\n

Nodding, Joe reached into his jacket. \u201cHow much do I owe you?\u201d he asked. Before Watson could answer, the door at the front of the store opened and Joe turned to look at the man who entered. The man was obviously an Indian; his red-tinged skin and coal black hair left no doubt about his race. The man was tall, just over six feet, and well proportioned. His black hair hung down to his broad shoulders. His print shirt narrowed to a small waist. The man wore dark blue pants over his powerfully built legs, and he had a pair of tall black boots on his feet. A beaded belt cinched the man\u2019s waist, and a dark bandanna circled his head. Joe didn\u2019t often think of men as good looking, but he thought the man who walked in was handsome. His dark eyes had a soulful look, and his face was smooth and even featured. Joe figured the man was in his early thirties, although his age was hard to judge.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat do you want?\u201d Watson growled at the man.<\/p>\n

\u201cI would like to buy some supplies,\u201d the man answered in perfect English.<\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t trade with Indians,\u201d Watson said gruffly. \u201cI got all the beads and blankets I can use.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t want to trade,\u201d the man replied evenly. \u201cI can pay.\u201d He reached into his pants pocket and pulled out a small gold nugget. \u201cThis should be more than cover the cost of some flour, sugar, coffee and salt.\u201d<\/p>\n

Watson looked at the nugget briefly, then shook his head. \u201cProbably took that off some white man you scalped,\u201d Watson muttered. \u201cDon\u2019t do business with Indians,\u201d he repeated a bit louder.<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, perhaps you\u2019d do business with my white side,\u201d the man said with a smile. \u201cI\u2019m only half Indian.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cA breed!\u201d Watson spat out the words. \u201cEven worse! Get out of here, you trash. I don\u2019t do business with people like you.\u201d<\/p>\n

The man looked Watson in the eye. His face showed no emotion. He simply stared at Watson. Then a look of pity and regret crossed the man\u2019s face. \u201cI\u2019m sorry to have bothered you,\u201d he said politely. He returned the nugget to his pocket, turned and walked out.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou showed him,\u201d the man on the bench shouted with a laugh.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou bet,\u201d Watson said with a grin. \u201cMurdering savages think they can just waltz in here and do business. Well, I sure showed him that he was dead wrong.\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe had stood silent during the whole incident, but his body was tense. He could feel the anger building inside him.<\/p>\n

\u201cThere was no need to treat him like that,\u201d Joe said, his anger showing in his voice.<\/p>\n

\u201cBoy, this is my place,\u201d Watson replied in a huff. \u201cI can do whatever I want.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cFine,\u201d replied Joe. \u201cThen you can sell me some flour, sugar, salt, coffee, and potatoes. And throw in a slab of bacon.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat you figure to do with all those supplies?\u201d Watson asked suspiciously. \u201cI thought you wanted just enough to get you home.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat I do with what I buy is MY business,\u201d Joe replied in a cold voice.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou don\u2019t figure to give them to that half-breed, do you?\u201d Watson asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cJust give me what I asked for,\u201d Joe demanded. Watson stood behind the counter looking at Joe thoughtfully. \u201cYou wouldn\u2019t want me to spread the word that you refused to do business with a Cartwright, would you?\u201d Joe continued.<\/p>\n

Watson understood the implied threat well enough. With a shrug, he pulled a sack from behind the counter and filled it quickly with the items Joe had requested. Joe pulled some money out of the pocket of his jacket. He counted out a few bills and some coins, then slapped them on the counter. \u201cThat should cover it,\u201d Joe said. He picked up the sack and the small package he had purchased when he first arrived. Without another word, Joe turned on his heels and walked out of the store. Walking into the bright sun, Joe stopped looked around. He saw the Indian standing near the stable, watering three horses. A woman with long black hair, wearing a patterned shirt and a long black skirt, was standing next to him. Joe could see some soft leather boots on her legs. Covering the ground quickly, Joe walked over to the couple. He wanted to be sure they didn\u2019t leave before he reached them.<\/p>\n

\u201cHere\u2019s your supplies,\u201d Joe said as he neared the two Indians. He held the sack toward the man.<\/p>\n

The man turned and looked at Joe, his face showing his surprise. \u201cI thought they didn\u2019t sell to Indians here,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n

\u201cThey changed their minds,\u201d Joe said with a grin.<\/p>\n

Looking at the sack in Joe\u2019s hand, the man hesitated for a moment. Then, with a nod, he took the sack and handed it to the woman next to him. The woman smiled at Joe and began loading the supplies into some large sacks slung over one of the horses, a brown mare which was obviously being used as a pack animal.<\/p>\n

\u201cThank you,\u201d the man said to Joe, his face breaking into a grin. \u201cI really appreciate it. We were getting low on just about everything.\u201d The man reached into his pocket and pulled out the nugget. He handed it to Joe. \u201cThank you,\u201d he said again.<\/p>\n

Joe thought quickly. He knew most Indians were proud and hated charity. But the nugget was worth far more than the few dollars Joe spent on the supplies. And he had little money left to try and give the man some kind of change.<\/p>\n

\u201cNo charge,\u201d Joe said, putting up his hand. \u201cJust consider this an apology for what Watson said in there.\u201d<\/p>\n

The Indian studied Joe for a minute. Finally, he nodded. \u201cThank you again,\u201d he said, putting the nugget back in his pocket. The man stuck out his hand. \u201cJacob Red Feather,\u201d he said introducing himself.<\/p>\n

\u201cJoe Cartwright,\u201d said Joe, returning the introduction as he shook the man\u2019s hand.<\/p>\n

\u201cThis is my wife, Sarah,\u201d Jacob continued, introducing the woman who stood next to the horses.<\/p>\n

\u201cMa\u2019am\u201d Joe said, tipping his hat slightly. The woman smiled back at him. \u201cWhere are you headed?\u201d Joe asked, turning back to Jacob.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2019re looking to buy some land,\u201d Jacob replied. \u201cI want to start a little ranch. Raise horses, and maybe a few head of cattle.\u201d<\/p>\n

Now it was Joe\u2019s turn to look surprised. \u201cA ranch?\u201d he said. \u201cDon\u2019t know many Indians interested in ranching.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cMy husband is an unusual man,\u201d Sarah said with a grin.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll say,\u201d Joe answered, smiling at her. \u201cYou should have seen him in there. Watson called him\u2026well, he wasn\u2019t very nice to him. And he just walked out. I would have thrown a fit.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThey were just words,\u201d Jacob said with a shrug. \u201cI learned a long time ago that words can only hurt you if you let them. Words have no sting unless you choose to let them have it. I choose to ignore such words.\u201d<\/p>\n

Shaking his head, Joe admitted, \u201cIf I had been insulted like that, I would have punched Watson right in the mouth.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd what would that have accomplished?\u201d asked Jacob. \u201cNo, men like that deserve only pity. I know who I am and I don\u2019t need others to tell me what I\u2019m worth. I don\u2019t bother with what others think of me.\u201d Jacob stopped and smiled at Sarah. \u201cWith one important exception,\u201d he added.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou ARE an unusual man,\u201d said Joe, shaking his head. He glanced up at the sky. He could tell by the sun that it was early afternoon. \u201cWell, I\u2019d better get on my way. I\u2019ve got a long ride home.\u201d<\/p>\n

Jacob stuck out his hand again. \u201cThank you, my friend,\u201d he said with a smile. \u201cI\u2019ll pay you back someday.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSure,\u201d Joe mumbled with an embarrassed air as he shook Jacob\u2019s hand. Joe tipped his hat slightly again toward Sarah. \u201cGood luck to you,\u201d he said. Then Joe turned and walked back to his horse. He stuck the small package of ham and potatoes for his dinner in the saddle bag, then mounted his horse. He waved at Jacob and Sarah, then gently kicked his horse into a trot. Riding out of the mountains and into a wide plain, Joe looked at the sun, trying to judge the time. He figured he could stop to eat late in the day, and still make it home before midnight. He\u2019d miss Hop Sing\u2019s dinner, but he could surely be home in time to get a couple of hours sleep in his own bed. After being away from home almost a week, Joe was looking forward to a soft bed and one of Hop Sing\u2019s breakfasts. His thoughts on home and his own bed, Joe wasn\u2019t really paying attention as he rode. That\u2019s why he was so surprised to hear the whoop of an Indian war cry. Joe stopped his horse and quickly looked around. He saw four Indians riding toward him, yelling and pointing in his direction. Joe didn\u2019t wait to see if the Indians were wearing paint. He kicked his horse into a gallop and started across the plain at a dead run. He was confident his pinto could outrun any horse those Indians had. He thought they would chase him for a while and then give up. Joe\u2019s thinking would have been right except for one thing: he hadn\u2019t figured on gopher holes in the ground ahead. He was pulling ahead of the screaming Indians when his pinto tripped. Neighing wildly as it lost its footing, Joe\u2019s horse lurched to the side. Tossed out of the saddle, Joe hit the ground with a thud. He rolled a few feet down a small gully, stopping only when his body hit a large boulder.<\/p>\n

Stunned by the fall, Joe simply laid on the ground for several minutes. He gasped for air, trying to recover the breath that the fall had knocked out of him. Joe could hear the pounding of approaching horses and he tried to will his body to move. But his arms and legs didn\u2019t seem to want to work. Joe struggled again to move and finally got his legs to obey. He got as far as pulling himself to his knees when four horses skidded to a stop near him. Joe felt a hand grab his arm and then he was roughly slammed into the boulder. Stunned again and still breathing hard, Joe tried to catch his breath once more. He sitting on the ground, his legs bent underneath him and his right shoulder resting against the rock. He slowly turned his head to look over his left shoulder.<\/p>\n

Four Indians stood over him, all of them even younger than Joe\u2019s 22 years. He guessed they were about 17 or 18. Three held spears while the fourth had an old navy colt, a gun that looked older than it\u2019s owner. One of the young Indians ran forward and pulled the pistol from Joe\u2019s gunbelt. Then he rushed back to join the others, aiming his new prize directly at Joe.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat should we do with him?\u201d one of the Indians asked.<\/p>\n

The others looked at each other uncertainly. Then the Indian with Joe\u2019s gun lifted it a few inches. \u201cLet\u2019s kill him!\u201d the young man shouted.<\/p>\n

\u201cNo, wait,\u201d said one of the young braves, grabbing his companion\u2019s arm. \u201cRemember the stories around the campfire? We should whip him or cut him first.\u201d<\/p>\n

Staring at his captors, Joe realized the young braves had no idea what they were going to do with him. But this did not make them any less deadly. Joe froze, unwilling to make any movement that might cause them to fire the pistols they held.<\/p>\n

\u201cMaybe we should just let him go,\u201d one of the Indians said, his voice quivering.<\/p>\n

\u201cCoward!\u201d replied another young brave, spitting out the word. \u201cYou\u2019ll never be a man.\u201d<\/p>\n

Pulling his knife from his belt, the Indian with the old colt boasted, \u201cI\u2019ll show you how to deal with a captive.\u201d As he took a step forward, two shots filled the air. The bullets hit the ground just in front of the young Indian, startling the young brave as well as his companions. Looking quickly over his shoulder toward the direction from which the shots had come, Joe saw Jacob standing on the top of the gully. He was holding a rifle at his side, a rifle that was pointed directly at the young men below him.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat are you doing?\u201d Jacob asked in a pleasant voice. He seemed unconcerned about the scene below him.<\/p>\n

Looking at each other, the young Indians seemed unsure how to answer. Then the one with the knife took a step up the hill. \u201cWe\u2019ve captured this white man,\u201d he said boldly. \u201cNow we are going to torture and kill him.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI see,\u201d Jacob replied evenly. \u201cI assume you have permission from your chief to be on the warpath.\u201d<\/p>\n

Shifting their feet nervously, the young braves looked down.<\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t think your chief would be too happy with you for starting a war,\u201d Jacob continued. \u201cIf you harm this man, that\u2019s what will happen. The soldiers will come after you. There will be much fighting and many could die.\u201d<\/p>\n

Looking even more nervous and uncertain than ever, the young braves glanced at each other anxiously.<\/p>\n

\u201cBut we captured this man,\u201d one of them protested. \u201cWe must spill his blood to show we are worthy of being called men.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou captured him,\u201d Jacob agreed. \u201cBut you don\u2019t have to spill his blood. You can count coup.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat\u2019s that?\u201d asked one of the young men with a frown.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s something my people do,\u201d answered Jacob. \u201cA man shows his bravery by simply touching his enemy and then riding away. Later, around the campfire, he can tell the story of how he came close enough to touch his enemy,\u201d Jacob smiled wryly. \u201cMany young women are impressed by this act of bravery, while they are sickened by the thought of blood being spilled.\u201d<\/p>\n

The four Indians looked at each other. Jacob\u2019s comment about the women seemed to convince them. One mumbled something and the others nodded. They turned and walked to Joe. Joe shrank back against the rock, uncertain about what the young men intended to do. Jacob kept his rifle carefully aimed at the young men, but made no move to stop them. Each of the Indians walked over to Joe. One by one, they touched him, two of them roughly pushing him against the rock. Joe saw the young Indian with his pistol stick the gun into his belt. Then the braves turned and walked back to their horses. Both Joe and Jacob watched them carefully as they mounted and rode away. Letting out a sigh of relief, Joe relaxed his body against the rock. He looked up when he saw a shadow falling across his face. Jacob stood over him smiling. \u201cAre you all right, my friend?\u201d Jacob asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cI am now,\u201d Joe answered, with a shaky smile. \u201cThank you.\u201d<\/p>\n

Jacob waved away Joe\u2019s thanks. \u201cIt was nothing,\u201d he said. \u201cThey are just boys trying to prove they are men.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cFor awhile, it looked like they were going to prove it by killing me,\u201d Joe said. \u201cI guess I\u2019m going to be the topic of conversation around their campfire tonight.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t think this is going to turn out exactly like they think,\u201d said Jacob with a chuckle. \u201cOnce their fathers hear what they\u2019ve done, I\u2019ll bet they\u2019ll be chopping wood, and cleaning horses, and doing every miserable job in the camp for a month.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSounds like something my Pa would do to me,\u201d Joe said with a grin.<\/p>\n

Jacob nodded. \u201cMost fathers are the same everywhere,\u201d he agreed. \u201cThose boys will be punished for acting so foolishly.\u201d<\/p>\n

Moving slowly, Joe started to get to his feet. \u201cThanks again,\u201d he said. Joe took a step, but, suddenly, the ground seemed to sway under his feet. Joe reeled as a wave of dizziness swept over him. He started to put out his arm to steady himself, and yelped in pain as he tried to move his shoulder. Joe sank back to the ground, wincing as he took a deep breath. He suddenly realized his side hurt as he tried to breathe.<\/p>\n

\u201cAre you all right?\u201d Jacob asked anxiously. \u201cYou took quite a fall.\u201d<\/p>\n

For a minute, Joe said nothing. He was trying to get the rocks and ground to stop spinning around him. \u201cJust give me a minute,\u201d Joe mumbled. He winced again as he tried to move his arm.<\/p>\n

\u201cHere, let me see,\u201d Jacob said, kneeling next to Joe. He turned Joe\u2019s head toward him, and noted the bruise on the side of Joe\u2019s face. Gently, he felt Joe\u2019s right shoulder, then ran his hands down Joe\u2019s ribs. Despite Jacob\u2019s gentle touch, Joe grunted in pain.<\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t think anything\u2019s broken,\u201d Jacob said. \u201cBut your shoulder is dislocated. And you probably have some pretty nasty bruises.\u201d Lost in a sea of misery, Joe didn\u2019t answer. He felt cold and sweaty at the same time. He closed his eyes, trying to stave off the blackness he felt slowly descending upon him.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou just sit tight,\u201d Joe heard Jacob say. \u201cDon\u2019t move. I\u2019m going to get Sarah. I\u2019ll be back in a minute.\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe thought he nodded but he wasn\u2019t sure. Everything seemed to be happening in slow motion. Jacob didn\u2019t have to worry about Joe moving. Moving was the last thing on Joe\u2019s mind. As he sat on the hard ground, Joe kept his eyes closed. Closing his eyes seemed to ease the dizziness but also seemed to thicken the fogginess Joe felt in his head. Joe wasn\u2019t sure how much time passed before Jacob returned. He was concentrating on trying to stay awake and trying to fend off the pain that seemed to be radiating from his shoulder. He heard some sounds but didn\u2019t try to open his eyes. Then Joe felt the soft touch of a hand on his face and shoulder.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe should set his shoulder right away,\u201d Joe heard a woman\u2019s voice say. It seemed to be coming from far away. \u201cThe longer it stays like this, the worse it will hurt.\u201d<\/p>\n

Two strong hands took a firm hold on Joe\u2019s right arm, and a foot rested itself on his shoulder. Joe felt two other, gentler hands wrapping themselves around his body. Suddenly his right arm was jerked, and Joe felt a sharp, agonizing pain. He heard a scream but didn\u2019t realize it was coming from him. Then the blackness that had been hovering around him seemed to descend and Joe felt nothing.<\/p>\n

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

The smell of coffee brewing woke Joe. He opened his eyes slowly, trying to get his bearings. He knew it was night; he could see the dark sky dotted with the pinpricks of stars over his head. Joe felt his head resting on a blanket and another blanket covered him. His right arm was strapped tightly to his side. Joe tried to sit up, then let out a moan when every muscle in his body seemed to protest the action. Hearing the sound of footsteps, Joe turned his head and saw Jacob coming toward him. The Indian smiled as he stopped and knelt on the ground next to Joe. \u201cWelcome back, my friend,\u201d Jacob said. \u201cHow are you feeling?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSore,\u201d Joe admitted. \u201cI hurt in places I didn\u2019t know you could hurt.\u201d<\/p>\n

Jacob laughed. \u201cWell, you took a pretty bad fall. But other than a dislocated shoulder, some bruised ribs, and a few other cuts and bruises, you came through it all right.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t understand what happened,\u201d Joe said in a confused voice. \u201cI didn\u2019t feel anything, then all of a sudden, everything seemed to hurt.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThe mind is a strange thing sometimes,\u201d answered Jacob. \u201cWhen too many things are happening, it seems to concentrate on only what seems most important. You were worried about those boys and what they were going to do. Once they were gone, your brain suddenly realized you were hurt. You had some kind of delayed reaction and went to some kind of shock.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI guess you\u2019re right,\u201d Joe said, not truly understanding what happened. He gave Jacob a weak smile. \u201cThanks,\u201d Joe said. \u201cFor both scaring off those Indians and helping me.\u201d<\/p>\n

Jacob waved away Joe\u2019s words. \u201cIt was nothing,\u201d he said. \u201cSarah and I just happened along. We\u2019re glad we could help.\u201d<\/p>\n

A plate and cup in her hands, Sarah walked over to Joe and sat down on the ground next to him. \u201cAre you hungry?\u201d she asked.<\/p>\n

Suddenly, Joe realized he was famished. \u201cI sure am,\u201d he answered, struggling to sit up. Joe found sitting up to be a challenge. His right arm was strapped to his side, and his muscles were stiff. Joe would have fallen back to the ground if Jacob hadn\u2019t grabbed him and gently pulled him to a sitting position. Joe grunted at the pain that even this small movement caused. Jacob slid Joe back a few inches, so Joe\u2019s back was resting against a large rock. It took Joe a minute to realize he was still by the large boulder where he had fallen earlier in the day.<\/p>\n

When Joe was finally settled into a sitting position, Sarah laid a plate on his lap. Joe could see it was filled with meat, potatoes and beans, all of which had been neatly cut into bite-sized pieces. Sarah placed a cup of coffee on the ground next to Joe, then handed him a fork. \u201cDo you think you can manage to feed yourself?\u201d she asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt may be a little messy,\u201d Joe said with a smile as he picked up the fork, \u201cbut I think I can do it.\u201d He carefully brought a piece of meat to his mouth. Joe chewed slowly, savoring the taste. The venison he was eating was well cooked and seasoned. Joe thought it was the best thing he ever tasted. Settling themselves on the ground next to Joe, Jacob and Sarah seemed eager to chat. \u201cYou said you were heading home,\u201d Jacob said. \u201cWhere do you live?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cMy Pa has a ranch outside of Virginia City,\u201d Joe answered as he ate. \u201cI live there with him and my two brothers.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cVirginia City?\u201d Sarah said with a frown. \u201cHow far is that?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAbout five, six hours ride from here,\u201d Joe answered.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2019ll make sure you get home tomorrow,\u201d Jacob promised.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou don\u2019t have to do that,\u201d Joe said. \u201cI don\u2019t want to cause you any more trouble. I can make it.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m sure you can,\u201d Jacob said with a smile. \u201cBut it\u2019s no bother. We don\u2019t have any specific place to go. We\u2019re just wandering around, looking for a place to buy.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThanks,\u201d Joe said gratefully. He didn\u2019t want to admit it, but he wasn\u2019t sure he could have made the trip home by himself.<\/p>\n

Suddenly, Joe looked around. \u201cMy horse!\u201d he exclaimed. \u201cI forgot all about him.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t worry,\u201d Jacob assured Joe. \u201cYour horse is fine. I found him and hobbled him with our horses. I checked him over. He wasn\u2019t hurt in the fall.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThank you again,\u201d Joe said. \u201cAll I ever seem to say to you is thanks.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, I told you back at the store I would repay you,\u201d Jacob said. Then he laughed. \u201cI hadn\u2019t figured on doing it quite so soon, or in quite this way, but I guess God moves in mysterious ways sometimes.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cMind if I ask you a question?\u201d Joe asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cNo, go ahead,\u201d answered Jacob.<\/p>\n

\u201cWho are you?\u201d asked Joe. \u201cI mean, where do you come from? I heard you tell Watson that you were half white. But you\u2019re not like any white man or Indian I ever met.\u201d<\/p>\n

Jacob laughed again. \u201cI guess you\u2019re right,\u201d he replied. \u201cI have a hard time fitting in anywhere.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI didn\u2019t mean it like that,\u201d Joe said hastily. \u201cI just meant\u2026well\u201d Joe\u2019s voice trailed off. He wasn\u2019t really sure what he had meant.<\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t worry,\u201d Jacob said reassuringly. \u201cI know what you meant. Sarah and I are Lakota, what you call Sioux. Or at least my mother was. My father was a white man. He lived with the Lakota for a couple of years. He was killed while hunting buffalo when I was about four. I lived with my mother\u2019s people until I was about ten. Then my mother got sick. She knew she wasn\u2019t going to get well, and she knew how her people felt about a half-white child. Indians aren\u2019t much different than white men when it comes to a child of mixed blood. The Lakota didn\u2019t have much use for me either.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m sorry,\u201d Joe said. \u201cIt must have been hard for you.\u201d<\/p>\n

Jacob shrugged. \u201cAt the time, I thought my life was pretty rotten. But like I said, God moves in mysterious ways sometimes. When my mother became ill, she took me to a missionary who lived near our village. Father Paul. He was a wonderful man. He agreed to take my mother and me in. When my mother died, he sort of adopted me.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s why you speak English so well,\u201d Joe said.<\/p>\n

\u201cYes,\u201d replied Jacob. \u201cBetween my father and Father Paul, I\u2019ve spoken more English than Lakota in my life. But Father Paul taught me a lot of other things as well as proper English. I used to ride with him when he visited the villages. The man was a true saint. He never said a bad thing about anyone, and he helped everyone he met. He never got many converts, but that didn\u2019t seem to bother him. His real joy was helping people, whenever and wherever he could. I learned a lot from him, more than any school could have ever taught me. \u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m glad he taught you about helping people,\u201d Joe said with wry grin. \u201cOtherwise, I would have been in real trouble.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHe taught me more than that,\u201d Jacob said, a distant look coming over his eyes. \u201cWhen we rode into the villages, people sometimes made some pretty mean comments about me. Father Paul taught me that words are just words. He showed me how to live with hate, and how to forgive those who would try to make me hate them.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSounds like a remarkable man,\u201d Joe said, admiration showing in his voice.<\/p>\n

\u201cHe was,\u201d Jacob said. \u201cI think he would have liked me to become a missionary, like him. But then I met Sarah.\u201d<\/p>\n

Sarah smiled at her husband, her love shining in her eyes.<\/p>\n

\u201cSarah was in one of the villages we visited,\u201d Jacob continued. \u201cActually, she was there a long time before I noticed her. But once I did see her, I knew I would never live the life of a priest. Father Paul taught her English, as he taught me, as well as how to care for the sick and injured. Sarah began accompanying us to the villages, so she could help him. I have to admit, I encouraged her to come along. Four years ago, he married us.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat made you come out here?\u201d Joe asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cFather Paul died shortly after we were married,\u201d Jacob answered. \u201cHe was an old man when I first came to him, but I never realized it. He always seemed like he would go on forever. But one day, his heart just gave out. Sarah and I knew we would not be welcome back in the villages, and that the white man\u2019s towns would shun us also. So we decided to try to find some place where could live in peace.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019ve been looking for a ranch for four years?\u201d Joe said in an astonished voice.<\/p>\n

\u201cNo,\u201d Sarah said with a laugh. \u201cNot even I would put up with that.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWe spent about two years looking for gold,\u201d Jacob said. \u201cWe knew we needed some money to buy a ranch and we figured that prospecting would be the best way to get it. So, we traveled to Colorado and started looking. We ran into some prospectors from time to time, and occasionally visited one of the boom-towns that sprang up in the gold fields. But mostly, we just kept to ourselves. Eventually, we found enough nuggets to cover what we think the cost of a ranch will be.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhy haven\u2019t you bought a ranch?\u201d Joe asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, it\u2019s proven to be harder than we thought,\u201d Jacob admitted. \u201cEvery time we found a place we thought we would like, the owner would refuse to sell it to us. Seems selling a ranch to a half-breed is not considered the right thing to do.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m sorry,\u201d Joe said, his voice filled with regret for the way these kind people had been treated by supposedly civilized white men.<\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t be,\u201d Jacob said. \u201cIt\u2019s not your fault. It\u2019s just the way things are. We\u2019ll find someplace eventually, won\u2019t we, Sarah.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYes,\u201d Sarah replied confidently. \u201cWe\u2019ll find our home one day.\u201d<\/p>\n

Putting his now empty plate aside, Joe said, \u201cThere\u2019s some good land around the Ponderosa, where we live. I\u2019ll bet I can help you find a place.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, we\u2019ll see,\u201d Jacob said vaguely. He noticed Joe\u2019s eyes were starting to grow heavy. \u201cThe important thing now is for you to get some rest. It\u2019ll be a long ride home for you tomorrow.\u201d<\/p>\n

Nodding, Joe had to agree. His belly was full, and he was beginning to feel sleepy. The pains that seemed so sharp earlier had faded to dull aches. Joe was ready to call it a night. Helping Joe to lie back down, Jacob carefully covered him with a blanket.<\/p>\n

\u201cThanks,\u201d Joe mumbled in a sleepy voice. As he drifted off to sleep, Joe heard Jacob say, \u201cGod watch over you, my friend.\u201d Joe\u2019s last thought before he went to sleep was God had already done a pretty good job of watching over him.<\/p>\n

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

When Joe woke, he looked up at the bright sun and figured it was already mid-morning. Alarmed at having slept so long, Joe sat up quickly, and found that was a big mistake. Every muscle in his body was sore and his shoulder ached. Joe let out an involuntary groan.<\/p>\n

Rushing over to Joe, Jacob asked with concern, \u201cAre you all right, my friend?\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe wanted to say yes, but somehow he couldn\u2019t lie to Jacob. \u201cNo,\u201d Joe admitted. \u201cI\u2019m about as sore as a man can be.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI know you\u2019re very sore now,\u201d Jacob reassured Joe with a smile. \u201cBut it will pass quickly. A few days rest and you will forget the aches.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI hope you\u2019re right,\u201d Joe said, wincing as he shifted his weight.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2019ll help you to get home,\u201d Jacob said \u201cYou\u2019ll feel better once you\u2019re home.\u201d<\/p>\n

The thought of five or six hours in the saddle filled Joe with dismay. \u201cI don\u2019t know if I can ride that far,\u201d he admitted.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2019ll get you there,\u201d Jacob said.<\/p>\n

It was almost noon by the time Jacob helped Joe climb onto his horse. Sarah had insisted on making breakfast for Joe, even though it was mid-morning. She scolded him like a mother when he didn\u2019t eat everything on his plate. Joe and Jacob both laughed when she grumbled about the wasted food. The truth was, Joe had left very little on the plate. He had eaten more than enough to fill his stomach.<\/p>\n

Sarah had also insisted on checking Joe\u2019s bruises before she let him ride. She gently unwrapped the cloth that bound Joe\u2019s arm to his body, then insisted that he take off his shirt. Joe reddened with embarrassment as he eased off his shirt, but Sarah pretended not to notice. She frowned at the large bruise that seemed to cover most of his right side, and gently probed his side to be sure his ribs were intact. She put her hand on Joe\u2019s bruised shoulder while she slowly lifted his right arm, then quickly dropped the arm when Joe groaned at the pain the movement caused. With a shake of her head, she told Joe he could probably sit a horse, but that they would have to ride very slowly. Joe didn\u2019t argue. By the time Sarah had helped Joe put his shirt back on, and re-wrapped his arm so it was bound tightly to his side, the sun was high in the sky. Joe groaned again but this time not in pain when Sarah muttered something about fixing lunch before they left. Joe didn\u2019t think he could eat another bite. Sarah finally relented when Jacob insisted they had to get Joe home, that his family would be worried. Joe grinned when Jacob winked at Joe behind Sarah\u2019s back. At long last, the horses were saddled and the all the trappings of the camp were neatly stowed on the pack horse. Joe began to wonder how he was ever going to manage to get into the saddle. He didn\u2019t need to worry. Jacob picked up Joe as if he weighed nothing and gently placed him on his horse. Joe shook his head at Jacob\u2019s strength. The only other person he knew who was that strong was his brother Hoss.<\/p>\n

The three rode slowly across the plain, with Jacob leading the pack horse. At first, the ride didn\u2019t bother Joe much. He was sore but the pain was more of a dull ache than anything. But with each passing mile, his ribs and shoulder began to hurt more and more. His sore muscles began to stiffen, and the aches turned into a sharper pain. Joe gritted his teeth and tried not to show how much he was hurting. Noting the look of pain and discomfort on his young friend\u2019s face, Jacob thought briefly about stopping, but was sure they were close to Joe\u2019s home. He decided it was better to keep going.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhy don\u2019t you tell me more about your ranch?\u201d Jacob asked Joe.<\/p>\n

Joe knew Jacob was trying to get him to talk, to distract him from the pain. He nodded gratefully, and began talking about his father, his brothers, and the Ponderosa.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat do you do on the ranch?\u201d Jacob asked, trying to keep Joe talking. Smiling weakly, Joe answered, \u201cWell, you wouldn\u2019t have guessed it from yesterday, but I\u2019m mostly in charge of breaking horses.\u201d He shook his head briefly. \u201cI\u2019ve been tossed off of horses a lot. You\u2019d think I\u2019d know how to fall.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s different when you\u2019re expecting it,\u201d answered Jacob. \u201cBesides, I doubt if you roll down a gully and into a boulder when a wild horse tosses you.\u201d<\/p>\n

Smiling, Joe nodded — then winced.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat about your mother?\u201d Sarah asked quickly.<\/p>\n

\u201cShe died when I was little,\u201d answered Joe quietly, his voice tinged with sadness. \u201cI don\u2019t remember her much. Most of what I know about her is what my Pa and brothers have told me.\u201d<\/p>\n

Looking at each other, Sarah\u2019s and Jacob\u2019s eyes shared the sympathy they felt for Joe. \u201cWhat were you doing up in the mountains?\u201d asked Jacob.<\/p>\n

In clipped sentences, Joe told his new friends about the fort the Army was building, and how he had been sent to finalize the contract for lumber. Joe\u2019s voice got softer as he talked and soon it trailed off. Turning his head to take a closer look a Joe, Jacob frowned. The reins of his bridle looped loosely through his fingers, Joe had his left hand wrapped around his sore ribs. He was bent forward in the saddle, and his face showed the pain he was feeling. \u201cMaybe we should stop,\u201d Sarah suggested tentatively.<\/p>\n

\u201cNo,\u201d answered Jacob with a shake of his head. \u201cIf Joe gets off his horse now, he won\u2019t be able to get back on. I\u2019m not sure another night sleeping on the hard ground is going to help him much. I think we\u2019re better off getting him home.\u201d<\/p>\n

Trying to distract his young friend from his misery, Jacob began telling Joe stories of his life with Father Paul. He tried to keep the stories amusing, and was rewarded with an occasional small smile from Joe. Joe lifted his head a few times to look around and give directions. But mostly, he just gritted his teeth and hung on to the saddle. The sun was beginning to set when Jacob finally halted the horses. He looked at Joe with concern. Joe was bent almost double in the saddle, his face beaded with sweat. \u201cMaybe we ought to stop here,\u201d said Jacob.<\/p>\n

Lifting his head, Joe looked around. \u201cNo,\u201d he said with a shake of his head. \u201cWe\u2019re on Ponderosa land. It\u2019s not far to the house. I can make it.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhatever you say,\u201d Jacob agreed with a nod. \u201cWhich way?\u201d<\/p>\n

Pointing weakly, Joe indicated south and Jacob urged the horses forward. He didn\u2019t comment on the small grunt of pain from Joe as the horses began to move. His admiration for Joe\u2019s tenacity and courage had grown with each passing mile. He wouldn\u2019t insult his young friend now by arguing with him. It was dusk when the three riders came into the yard in front of the house. Joe saw the house looming in front of him, and felt a surge of relief. His side and shoulder ached so bad he wasn\u2019t sure how much longer he could have stayed in the saddle. But he also felt a sense of satisfaction in having made the ride all the way home. Halting the horses in front of the house, Jacob quickly slid off his mount and walked to the side of Joe\u2019s horse. His strong arms pulled Joe off the saddle as gently as possible. Joe\u2019s leg\u2019s buckled as they hit the ground, but Jacob held him firmly. After a few tries, Joe finally got his legs to move forward. Jacob had his arms wrapped around Joe and helped his young friend toward the house. Sarah followed the pair toward the door.<\/p>\n

\u201cHello, the house,\u201d shouted Jacob as the neared the front door. \u201cWe need some help out here.\u201d Just as Jacob was about to put his hand on the latch of the door, it was pulled open. A tall, gray-haired man stood in the doorway, a look of curiosity on his face. The man\u2019s look instantly turned to concern as he recognized the young man around whom Jacob had wrapped his arms.<\/p>\n

\u201cHi, Pa,\u201d Joe greeted the man in a barely audible voice.<\/p>\n

\u201cJoe!\u201d exclaimed Ben Cartwright in alarm. \u201cWhat happened?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHe\u2019s had a bad fall,\u201d answered Jacob for his friend. \u201cI don\u2019t think anything\u2019s broken, but he has some pretty bad bruises. Separated his shoulder, too.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIn here,\u201d said Ben, pulling the door open as wide as possible. As Jacob moved past, Ben went to Joe\u2019s side and helped his son into the house. As he walked Joe into the living room, Jacob noted the two men descending the stairs. One was a big man with thinning brown hair, wearing a white shirt and tan vest; the other was dressed in black, with thick locks of dark hair falling forward over his forehead. Both men rushed forward, their faces showing concern.<\/p>\n

\u201cJoe!\u201d cried Hoss Cartwright as he rushed to help his younger brother. \u201cWhat did you do to yourself?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cJust took a fall,\u201d Joe managed to say as Ben and Jacob guided him to the red leather chair near the fireplace. Joe sighed with relief as the two men eased him into the chair. Ben saw the swelling and bruise on the side of Joe\u2019s head, and he gently turned Joe\u2019s head to take a better look. Satisfied that the head injury wasn\u2019t serious, Ben immediately began untying the cloth that bound Joe\u2019s arm to his side, then began unbuttoning Joe\u2019s shirt. He pulled the shirt and jacket off his son, and blanched when he saw the ugly bruises visible on Joe\u2019 shoulder and side. Ben could see the bruises ran most of the length of Joe\u2019s body.<\/p>\n

Adam Cartwright whistled softly as he watched over Ben\u2019s shoulder. \u201cYou must have taken quite a fall,\u201d Adam said to his youngest brother.<\/p>\n

\u201cHis horse was running at a gallop when it tripped,\u201d explained Jacob. \u201cHe rolled down a gully, and bounced off a boulder.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019re lucky you didn\u2019t break your neck, little brother,\u201d Hoss commented, shaking his head.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt could have been a lot worse,\u201d agreed Joe. He nodded in Jacob\u2019s direction. \u201cJacob ran off some Indians who were chasing me. He and Sarah took care of me and brought me home.\u201d Joe winced and gritted his teeth as his father probed his side and shoulder.<\/p>\n

Finishing his examination of his son, Ben stood. \u201cNothing broken as far as I can see,\u201d he declared. Ben turned toward Jacob. \u201cThank you,\u201d he said softly. \u201cThank you very much.\u201d<\/p>\n

Jacob shrugged. \u201cIt was nothing,\u201d he replied. \u201cThe Indians I ran off were just some boys trying to prove they were men. All Sarah and I did was patch Joe up some and bring him home. Anyone would have done the same.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t know about that,\u201d said Hoss. \u201cWe appreciate what you did.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAdam, Hoss, you\u2019d better get Joe upstairs,\u201d said Ben. \u201cHe looks like he could use a soft bed.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cPa, Sarah and Jacob have had a long ride,\u201d said Joe softly. \u201cI think the least we owe them is dinner and a room for the night.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOf course we do,\u201d Ben agreed. He turned to Jacob and Sarah and gave the couple a smile. \u201cWould you be our guests? It\u2019s the least we can offer you.\u201d<\/p>\n

Looking startled, Jacob asked slowly, \u201cAre you sure, Mr. Cartwright? I mean, we\u2019re Lakota \u2013 Sioux. Are you sure\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m sure,\u201d interrupted Ben in a firm voice. \u201cPlease, stay and have dinner with us. We have plenty. And we can offer you a nice soft bed for the night.\u201d<\/p>\n

Still uncertain whether to accept, Jacob looked at Sarah. When she nodded, Jacob turned back to Ben. \u201cThank you,\u201d he said with a warm smile. \u201cIt\u2019s been a long time since we\u2019ve slept with a roof over our heads.\u201d<\/p>\n

As Ben watched, Adam and Hoss helped Joe to his feet, and walked him slowly to the stairs. Turning to Jacob, Ben said, \u201cPlease make yourselves at home. I want to help Joe get settled.\u201d Then he followed his sons up the stairs. Looking around, Jacob and Sarah were unsure what to do next. Jacob shrugged, then walked over to the sofa and sat down. Sarah followed her husband. \u201cNice people,\u201d she commented as she settled on the sofa next to Jacob. \u201cI can\u2019t remember the last time we had dinner in something other than a tent or the open sky. This will be a real treat.\u201d<\/p>\n

Jacob nodded. \u201cThe Lord surely does work in mysterious ways,\u201d he said with a smile.<\/p>\n

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

When Ben came down the stairs about an hour later, he wasn\u2019t surprised to see Adam chatting with Jacob and Sarah as if they were old friends. He had heard the voices from below as he sat in Joe\u2019s bedroom, voices which were soft at first but grew increasingly loud and punctuated with an occasional laugh. Jacob, who had been sitting stiffly on the sofa at first, was now relaxed on the seat, his arm around Sarah\u2019s shoulders. Adam was sprawled in Ben\u2019s red leather chair. As Ben descended the stairs, three faces turned to him.<\/p>\n

\u201cHow\u2019s Joe doing?\u201d Adam asked immediately.<\/p>\n

\u201cHe\u2019s asleep,\u201d replied Ben, giving his oldest son a reassuring nod. \u201cWhere\u2019s Hoss?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cPutting up the horses,\u201d replied Adam.<\/p>\n

\u201cI offered to do it,\u201d said Jacob almost apologetically. \u201cBut Hoss insisted.\u201d<\/p>\n

Smiling Ben said, \u201cI\u2019m not surprised. Knowing that big son of mine, he would have wanted to make sure your animals got as good a dinner as their owner.\u201d<\/p>\n

Just then, the front door opened and the Ben\u2019s \u201cbig son\u201d walked in.<\/p>\n

\u201cJoe all right?\u201d asked Hoss as he crossed the room to join the group.<\/p>\n

\u201cHe\u2019s sore, tired and achy,\u201d answered Ben with a smile. \u201cBut he\u2019ll be all right.\u201d Ben chuckled. \u201cHe kept insisting he wasn\u2019t that tired. At least, that\u2019s what he said until his head hit the pillow and he fell asleep about 30 seconds later.\u201d Ben turned toward the couple on the sofa. \u201cJoe told me more about what you did for him\u2026Jacob, is that right?\u201d Seeing Jacob\u2019s confirming nod, Ben continued, \u201cWe\u2019re very grateful for the way you and your wife looked after Joe.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m sure Joe exaggerated what we did,\u201d answered Jacob in a dismissive tone. \u201cBesides, he did a good turn for me. I was only returning the favor.\u201d<\/p>\n

Padding in from the kitchen, Hop Sing came to the edge of the living room. \u201cDinner is ready,\u201d he said with a smile. \u201cYou come eat.\u201d The cook turned and quickly walked back to the kitchen.<\/p>\n

\u201cHot diggity,\u201d said Hoss, rubbing his hands together. \u201cI\u2019m plum ready to fade away with hunger.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2019d better go eat,\u201d said Ben with a laugh, as he gestured toward the dining room. \u201cWhen Hoss gets hungry, an angry bear looks cuddly by comparison.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAw, Pa,\u201d complained Hoss. \u201cI\u2019m just a growing boy.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYeah, growing into a small mountain,\u201d commented Adam wryly.<\/p>\n

As they got to their feet, Jacob and Sarah exchanged smiles. The closeness and affection the Cartwrights felt toward each other was apparent, and that warm feeling was being extended to include their guests. Neither Jacob nor Sarah could remember the last time they had seen or been included in such a friendly atmosphere.<\/p>\n

As they reached the table, Jacob held the chair out for Sarah, then sat down. His eyes widened a bit as he saw the food on the table \u2013 a platter piled high with baked chicken, a huge bowl of mashed potatoes, and another bowl filled with green beans. There was barely room in the center of the table for the gravy boat, platter of biscuits and bowl of rice that were crowded on the table.<\/p>\n

\u201cAre you expecting an army for dinner?\u201d asked Jacob with a smile.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m afraid this is partially my fault,\u201d replied Adam as he whisked a napkin from the table and onto his lap. \u201cWhen I told Hop Sing you were staying for dinner, I also told him what you did for Joe. He immediately started cooking up a storm. Sort of his way of saying thank you also.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll try not to insult him by leaving too many leftovers,\u201d said Jacob, grinning as his eyes scanned the table.<\/p>\n

\u201cAt this table, we NEVER have leftovers,\u201d said Ben, his head turning pointedly toward Hoss.<\/p>\n

As the following laughter died down, Jacob turned to Ben. \u201cMr. Cartwright, would you mind if I said grace?\u201d asked Jacob.<\/p>\n

\u201cNo, of course not,\u201d Ben answered, a bit surprised.<\/p>\n

As the people around the table bowed their head, Jacob intoned, \u201cDear Lord, thank you for watching over all of us, and for taking care of us. Thank you for giving Sarah and me the chance to help our young friend Joe, and giving us the bountiful blessing of not only this wonderful meal but also the gift of new friends. Amen.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAmen,\u201d came the heartfelt reply from around the table.<\/p>\n

\u201cOh, Lord, one more thing,\u201d said Jacob quickly, with a mischievous look on his face. \u201cHelp me to get to the chicken before Hoss.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cJacob!\u201d exclaimed Sarah in disapproval as the Cartwrights laughed.<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, the Lord helps those who help themselves,\u201d answered Jacob. He reached for the platter \u201cAnd right now, I\u2019m going to help myself to that chicken.\u201d<\/p>\n

As the dinner progressed, Jacob didn\u2019t realize the conversation was slowly but surely turning into a monologue as he talked about his and Sarah\u2019s experiences over the past few years. The Cartwrights encouraged him, asking questions and making comments that kept Jacob talking. When Jacob finally realized he was dominating the conversation, he apologized. \u201cI didn\u2019t mean to talk so much,\u201d he said. Jacob glanced over at Sarah. \u201cSarah always tells me I have the soul of a preacher.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWe didn\u2019t mind in the least,\u201d Ben assured Jacob. \u201cYou and Sarah have led a very interesting life, and that\u2019s putting it mildly.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s for dang sure,\u201d added Hoss with a smile. \u201cAnd we haven\u2019t had two nicer people at our dinner table in a long time.\u201d<\/p>\n

Both Jacob and Sarah looked down, their faces showing that they were pleased but a bit embarrassed by Hoss\u2019 enthusiastic comment.<\/p>\n

As Hop Sing walked into the dining room with two small plates in his hand, Sarah turned to the cook. \u201cThat was a wonderful meal,\u201d she said. She glanced at the table where the platter piled with chicken bones and empty bowls gave evidence to the hearty appetites that had been satisfied. \u201cI think I might have even given Jacob and Hoss some competition.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThank you, missy,\u201d replied Hop Sing, obviously delighted with Sarah\u2019s praise.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat\u2019s for dessert?\u201d asked Hoss, eyeing the plates in Hop Sing\u2019s hand.<\/p>\n

\u201cHop Sing make peach pie,\u201d replied the cook. \u201cVery special, very good.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThat ain\u2019t no lie,\u201d Hoss agreed. \u201cHop Sing\u2019s pies are the best in the territory.\u201d He started to reach for one of the plates.<\/p>\n

But Hop Sing pulled the plate away from Hoss\u2019 hand. \u201cMr. Hoss wait turn,\u201d sniffed the cook. He smiled at Sarah and Jacob as he put the plates down in front of them. \u201cBest pieces of pie go to man who save Little Joe, and to pretty lady.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou know, that\u2019s Hop Sing\u2019s highest compliment,\u201d said Adam. \u201cHe always gives the biggest pieces of pie to the people he thinks deserves them.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThank you,\u201d said Jacob to the cook, \u201cfor both the meal and the honor.\u201d<\/p>\n

With a pleased smile on this face, Hop Sing bowed slightly toward Jacob and Sarah, acknowledging their praise. Then he hurried back into the kitchen, returning a minute later with three small plates. The cook put a piece of pie in front of Adam, and then Hoss.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll have my pie a bit later,\u201d said Ben as Hop Sing set the last plate in front of him. \u201cI want to go up and check on Joe.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou eat pie,\u201d said Hop Sing a in a firm voice. \u201cYou stay here. Visit with honored guests. Hop Sing have dinner tray all ready for Little Joe. Also have good Chinese medicine to rub on sore spots. You stay. Hop Sing take care of Little Joe.\u201d With a quick nod, the cook left the dining room without waiting for an answer from Ben. He returned a minute later carrying a covered tray. \u201cYou eat,\u201d ordered Hop Sing to the people around the table as he hurried past them toward the stairs.<\/p>\n

Picking up his fork, Ben said with a smile, \u201cWell, now you know who REALLY runs things around the Ponderosa.\u201d Jacob and Sarah grinned at Ben as they began to eat their pie.<\/p>\n

\u201cHow big a place are you looking to buy?\u201d Adam asked Jacob between bites of his dessert.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2019re hoping to find a place big enough to run a small herd of cattle as well allow me to raise some horses,\u201d replied Jacob.<\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s pretty ambitious,\u201d commented Hoss with a smile.<\/p>\n

\u201cOne thing you\u2019ll find out about my husband is that he never does things in a small way,\u201d said Sarah. She smiled at Jacob. \u201cAnd when he puts his mind to something, he usually finds a way to accomplish it.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI was just thinking, Pa,\u201d said Adam thoughtfully. \u201cThe old Pearson place might be just what Jacob and Sarah are looking for.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou know, you\u2019re right, Adam,\u201d answered Ben enthusiastically. \u201cThe Pearson place would be perfect.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIf the owner is willing to sell to us,\u201d said Jacob cautiously. \u201cWe\u2019ve found that there are a lot of people who aren\u2019t willing to do business with, well, with someone who isn\u2019t white.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s no problem, \u201c replied Ben. \u201cConsidering that we own the land.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t want to take part of the Ponderosa,\u201d said Jacob with a frown. \u201cJoe told me about your ranch and how you\u2019ve built it up. I wouldn\u2019t feel right taking part of that away from you.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cActually, the Pearson spread is a few miles east of the Ponderosa,\u201d explained Ben. \u201cI bought it as more of a favor to Mrs. Pearson than anything else. After her husband died, she wanted to go back home to Kansas with her children, and I bought it to help her out.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd probably paid a lot more for it than it was worth,\u201d said Sarah with a smile. She had begun to understand the generous nature of the man who sat at the head of the table.<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, let\u2019s just say I helped her out,\u201d acknowledged Ben. \u201cAnyway, we haven\u2019t done anything with the place since we bought it. I haven\u2019t quite been able to figure out how to make use of the land. It\u2019s too far from the Ponderosa for us to run cattle, and I haven\u2019t found anyone interested in buying it. You\u2019d be doing us a favor by taking it off our hands.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m not looking for charity, Mr. Cartwright,\u201d said Jacob a bit stiffly. \u201cI\u2019m looking to buy a place and pay full price for it.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOf course,\u201d said Ben quickly. He recognized Jacob\u2019s pride demanded the man not feel as if the Cartwrights giving him the land. \u201cIf you\u2019re interested, we can negotiate the price later. I\u2019ll be honest with you, though. We haven\u2019t done much with the place in quite a while. It needs some work.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cPa\u2019s right,\u201d added Hoss. \u201cThat spread does need some fixing up. But we\u2019ve got plenty of lumber and we\u2019d be glad to help you.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWe don\u2019t have any horses available right now,\u201d said Adam. \u201cBut we do have some cattle, and they\u2019re good breeding stock. We were going to put them up for auction, but we could sell them to you just as easily.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThere\u2019s some wild horses in those hills above the ranch,\u201d said Hoss in a speculative voice. \u201cI bet you could catch them and use them to start a herd.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cGoodness!\u201d said Sarah with a laugh. \u201cWe haven\u2019t even seen the place yet and you already have it stocked for us.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019re right, of course,\u201d said Ben with a smile. \u201cI\u2019m afraid we are getting a bit carried away. But I do think the Pearson place could be what you\u2019re looking for. We could ride over there tomorrow or the next day and take a look, if you\u2019re interested.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIt does sound like the answer to our prayers,\u201d agreed Jacob. He turned to Sarah. \u201cI would like to take a look at the place.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI would, too,\u201d said Sarah with a nod. She stifled a yawn. \u201cBut tomorrow is plenty of time to talk about it.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m afraid we\u2019ve also forgotten our manners,\u201d said Ben, noting Sarah\u2019s yawn. \u201cYou must be tired.\u201d Ben turned to his middle son. \u201cHoss, why don\u2019t you show Jacob and Sarah to their room.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYes sir,\u201d agreed Hoss, wiping his mouth with a napkin. He smiled across the table as Sarah and Jacob. \u201cI took your bags and things up while you were visiting with Adam. But you can let me know if you need anything else once you take a look at it.\u201d<\/p>\n

A look of dismay crossed Sarah\u2019s face. \u201cBut we can\u2019t just leave the table,\u201d she said. She looked at the empty plates and dishes spread in front of her. \u201cWe should help clean up.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSarah, one of the first things you have to learn about the Ponderosa is that there\u2019s an iron-clad rule,\u201d said Adam with a smile. \u201cNobody \u2013 but nobody \u2013 messes around in Hop Sing\u2019s kitchen, not even to help clean up. Besides, he\u2019d be insulted if he found our guests clearing the table and doing dishes.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, if you\u2019re sure\u2026\u201d said Sarah doubtfully.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m sure,\u201d answered Ben firmly. Then he smiled. \u201cBesides, I\u2019m going to go up and look in on Joe. I think about now he\u2019s going to need some rescuing from Hop Sing\u2019s tender care. Hop Sing does an excellent job of taking care of all of us, but he can be a bit smothering. Joe will be more than happy if I can find something else for our Chinese mother hen to do.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI think you\u2019re probably right,\u201d agreed Jacob with a grin. \u201cWe found out Joe doesn\u2019t care much for a lot of fussing.\u201d He turned to his wife. \u201cIsn\u2019t that right, Sarah?\u201d<\/p>\n

Blushing a bit, Sarah said in a low voice, \u201cYou men never know what\u2019s good for you.\u201d<\/p>\n

After the laughter around the table died down, Ben\u2019s face grew serious. \u201cI can\u2019t thank you enough for what you did for Joe,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n

\u201cNo, Mr. Cartwright,\u201d said Jacob shaking his head. \u201cIt\u2019s us that should be thanking you. You have no idea how long Sarah and I have been looking for a place where we could be accepted, a place to call home. It\u2019s taken a long time, but I think we may have finally found it.\u201d<\/p>\n

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

The tall clock by the door was bonging nine when Joe slowly descended the stairs the next morning. His right arm was strapped firmly across his chest under his shirt, and Joe kept a firm grip on the banister with his left hand as he carefully climbed down the stairs. Ben followed his son by a step, ready to grab him if Joe should falter. When Joe finally reached the bottom of the stairs, he began to walk across the room toward the dining room table at a faster pace. Not only was Joe able to maneuver better on the flat surface, but he was eager to join the two people sitting at the table watching him.<\/p>\n

\u201cGood morning,\u201d said Joe cheerfully to Jacob and Sarah as he gingerly eased himself down in the chair across the table from them.<\/p>\n

\u201cGood morning,\u201d Jacob returned the greeting. \u201cHow are you feeling?\u201d Sarah said nothing but her eyes examined Joe quickly, looking for signs of fever or any other adverse affects. Apparently satisfied, her face broke into a warm smile.<\/p>\n

\u201cPretty stiff and sore,\u201d admitted Joe with a wry smile. \u201cI feel like I\u2019ve been run over by a herd of buffalo.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd you look like it, too,\u201d commented Ben as he walked around the table to his chair at the head. Sliding into his chair, Ben looked around the table. The platter in the center held the remnants of some scrambled eggs and two strips of bacon. The plate in front of Jacob was empty, dotted with crumbs. Sarah\u2019s plate still held some eggs, and she delicately pierced a piece with her fork as Ben watched. \u201cDid you get enough to eat for breakfast?\u201d asked Ben in a solicitous tone.<\/p>\n

\u201cMy goodness, yes,\u201d replied Sarah with a small laugh. \u201cAfter that wonderful dinner last night, I didn\u2019t think I would be hungry this morning. But I think I ate almost as much as Hoss for breakfast.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo one can eat that much,\u201d answered Ben with a grin. He leaned back in his chair and called toward the kitchen. \u201cHop Sing! Joe and I would like some breakfast, please.\u201d<\/p>\n

Apparently, the cook had been waiting for Ben\u2019s call, because Hop Sing almost instantly padded into the dining room, carrying two plates filled with eggs, bacon and biscuits. He set one plate down in front of Ben, and moved quickly to put the other on the table in front of Joe. \u201cYou eat,\u201d Hop Sing said to Joe in a firm voice. \u201cClean plate, get better.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t worry, Hop Sing,\u201d said Joe, picking up his fork. \u201cI\u2019m hungry as a bear.\u201d Despite Joe\u2019s words, the cook stood by the table, looking down his nose until he was satisfied Joe was eating . Then Hop Sing gave a quick nod and padded away from the table toward the kitchen.<\/p>\n

\u201cI feel rather decadent, still sitting at the table this late,\u201d said Jacob with a smile as he lifted a cup of coffee to his lips. He took a sip, then continued. \u201cBut Adam and Hoss insisted that Sarah and I have a leisurely breakfast while they took care of the horses.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m glad they did,\u201d said Ben, as he poured some coffee in a cup. He carefully slid the cup and saucer over toward Joe, making sure his son could reach them, then poured a second cup of the hot liquid for himself. \u201cWe have a firm policy that our guests don\u2019t work on the Ponderosa.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cPa tells me you\u2019re thinking about buying the old Pearson place,\u201d said Joe as he ate.<\/p>\n

\u201cYes,\u201d agreed Jacob. \u201cSarah and I talked about it last night, and we think it could be just what we\u2019ve been looking for. Enough land for both cattle and horses, and I gather there\u2019s a house already built on it.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThe neighbors seem awfully nice, also,\u201d added Sarah with a twinkle in her eye.<\/p>\n

\u201cThey\u2019re not bad,\u201d agreed Joe with a grin. \u201cI\u2019m glad you\u2019re interested. As soon as I\u2019m finished eating, I\u2019ll ride over there with you and show you around.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cJoseph, you are not riding anywhere, at least not for a week or so,\u201d said Ben in a stern voice.<\/p>\n

\u201cAw, Pa, I\u2019m all right,\u201d said Joe. \u201cJust stiff and sore.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYour father is right, Joe,\u201d said Sarah, her voice as firm as Ben\u2019s. \u201cIt will be awhile before you\u2019re well enough to get on a horse.\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe look at the two determined faces staring at him from across the table, then looked down at his place. \u201cTwo against one. That\u2019s not fair,\u201d he grumbled.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou might as well give in, Joe,\u201d said Jacob with a chuckle. \u201cYou\u2019re not going to win. You might be able to convince your father to let you get on a horse\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHe won\u2019t,\u201d interjected Ben quickly.<\/p>\n

\u201cBut I can tell you right now that Sarah is not going to let you ride until she thinks you\u2019re fit,\u201d finished Jacob. \u201cShe\u2019ll drag you back to house by your ear if you try to mount a horse.<\/p>\n

\u201cBetween those two and Hop Sing, I\u2019ll be lucky if I get out the house by Christmas,\u201d complained Joe. \u201cI\u2019m just a little bruised, that\u2019s all.<\/p>\n

\u201cJoe, if you take it easy for a week or so, you\u2019ll be fine,\u201d said Ben in a placating voice. \u201cBut if you try to ride before you\u2019re fit, you\u2019ll end up taking much longer to heal.\u201d Ben gave Joe a stern look. \u201cYou know I\u2019m right.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYeah, I know,\u201d Joe agreed reluctantly. He stared at his plate for a minute, his mind obviously on something other than his breakfast. \u201cWhat if,\u201d said Joe slowly, \u201cwe took the buckboard over? I can\u2019t hurt myself just sitting on a wagon.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t know if that\u2019s a good idea,\u201d said Ben with a frown.<\/p>\n

\u201cThere\u2019s not much difference between sitting around here and sitting on a buckboard,\u201d insisted Joe.<\/p>\n

\u201cThere\u2019s a lot of difference, and you know it,\u201d said Ben. \u201cThat road to the Pearson place isn\u2019t the smoothest, and you\u2019ll get bounced on that wagon.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSo I bounce a little,\u201d said Joe with a shrug. \u201cI\u2019m not made of glass. I won\u2019t break.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m still not sure it\u2019s a good idea,\u201d said Ben, his voice reflecting his doubt. He looked at Sarah. \u201cWhat do you think, Sarah?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, it would be better if Joe just rested,\u201d she said. She looked across the table, where Joe was giving her his most appealing a look. \u201cBut I suppose if the buckboard was driven slowly, it wouldn\u2019t do any harm.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cGreat!\u201d said Joe with enthusiasm. He quickly wiped his mouth with a napkin and pushed his chair back from the table. \u201cI\u2019ll go out to the barn and tell Hoss to hitch up the buckboard.\u201d Joe left the table in a hurry, eager to get the wagon ready before Sarah or his father changed their mind.<\/p>\n

\u201cSarah, my dear,\u201d commented Jacob with a smile as he sipped his coffee. \u201cI think you\u2019ve just been conned into something.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI know,\u201d agreed Sarah with a sigh. \u201cBut Joe looked so eager to go with us, and I just couldn\u2019t tell him no.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t worry, Sarah,\u201d said Ben, chuckling. \u201cThere\u2019s not many people who can resist Joe when he gets that \u2018puppy dog\u2019 look on his face.\u201d His eyes twinkled as he added, \u201cDon\u2019t tell, Joe but I was going to suggest the buckboard if he hadn\u2019t. I know that youngest son of mine well enough to know he probably would try to follow us to the Pearson place anyway, despite our telling him no. This way, at least, I can keep an eye on him and make him ride in the back if things get too rough for him.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019re as big a con man as your son, Mr. Cartwright!\u201d exclaimed Jacob with a laugh.<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, let\u2019s just say Joe gets it naturally,\u201d agreed Ben with a grin.<\/p>\n

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

\u201cThis place is in worse shape than I thought,\u201d said Ben in dismay as he looked at the broken fences of the corral and the barn door hanging loosely on its hinges. He had been eager to show Jacob and Sarah the Pearson spread, but now, as he looked around the neglected ranch, Ben wished he had ridden over by himself first.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s all a matter of perspective, Mr. Cartwright,\u201d said Jacob from his perch on the horse next to the buckboard. \u201cYou see a ranch in disrepair. I see the seed of a homestead that\u2019s already begun to sprout. It will take a lot less work to fix this place up than building from nothing.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s not that bad, Pa,\u201d added Joe from his seat in the buckboard next to Ben. \u201cThe house looks tight and dry, and the rest, well, some lumber and a little paint will do wonders for it.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou two feel a lot better about this place than I do,\u201d said Ben doubtfully. He turned to Sarah, who was sitting on a horse next to Jacob. \u201cWhy don\u2019t you take a look at the inside of the house while Jacob and I check the barn? Then you can decide for sure what you want to do.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAll right,\u201d agreed Sarah, sliding off her horse. She studied the one-story house for a minute, then turned to Jacob. \u201cThere\u2019s a shingled roof on it, and glass in the windows,\u201d she said, her eyes shinning with pleasure. \u201cI can even see some curtain in the windows. Jacob, it\u2019s a lot more than we had hoped for.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNow don\u2019t say that too loud or Mr. Cartwright will raise the price,\u201d said Jacob with a laugh.<\/p>\n

\u201cActually, seeing this place, I\u2019m thinking of lowering the price,\u201d said Ben, shaking his head. Turning to Sarah, he added, \u201cThere\u2019s some furniture and dishes and things inside. Mrs. Pearson left a lot behind. She said she didn\u2019t need or have room for all of it at her sister\u2019s house. I meant to have the place cleaned out but never got around to it.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m glad you didn\u2019t,\u201d said Sarah with a smile. She looped the reins of her horse around the wheel of the buckboard. \u201cI can\u2019t wait to see the inside.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll be happy to escort you, ma\u2019am,\u201d said Joe gallantly. He eased himself gingerly off the seat of the buckboard.<\/p>\n

\u201cJoseph,\u201d said Ben in a warning voice, \u201cYou can go with Sarah but I don\u2019t want you lifting anything. You understand me.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYes sir,\u201d replied Joe in exasperation, his eyes rolling upwards.<\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t worry, Mr. Cartwright,\u201d said Sarah with a smile. \u201cI\u2019ll keep an eye on him.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s a wonder you two don\u2019t just wrap me in cotton wool and stick me in a closet someplace,\u201d grumbled Joe as he walked around the buckboard toward Sarah. As he approached Sarah, however, Joe\u2019s face broke into a smile. He gave Sarah a small bow and stuck out his uninjured arm. \u201cMrs. Red Feather,\u201d said Joe in a formal voice. \u201cMay I have the honor?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhy, thank you, sir,\u201d replied Sarah with a smile, her tone equally as formal as Joe. She put her right arm around Joe\u2019s, and grasped his hand with her left hand.<\/p>\n

As Joe and Sarah walked slowly toward the house, Sarah kept her arm and hand firmly on Joe\u2019s arm. She wanted to be ready to help steady the young man at her side if he should stumble as they crossed the uneven ground. But even though Joe\u2019s pace was slow, his walk was steady.<\/p>\n

Joe\u2019s enthusiasm for the house, however, began to dim as they approached the wooden structure. He could see the broken step leading to the small porch by the front door, and the splintered boards on the porch. The glass in one of the windows was chipped and cracked, and the gray paint that covered the boards of the house was peeling. On the positive side, however, the roof that covered the small porch showed no holes or breaks, and the closed front door stood solid and tight against the frame.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt looked better from the wagon,\u201d commented Joe as he walked carefully over the broken step. Sarah moved her hand to Joe\u2019s elbow, and held it firmly as he stepped up on the porch.<\/p>\n

\u201cHouses are like people, Joe,\u201d said Sarah philosophically as she followed him onto the porch. \u201cThey need a lot of love and attention. And when they\u2019re neglected, they show it,\u201d Sarah grasped the handle of the front door and tried to turn it. \u201cIt\u2019s locked,\u201d she said in a voice full of both surprise and disappointment.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe key is on the ledge over the door,\u201d said Joe. \u201cWe keep it locked so people won\u2019t think they can help themselves to the stuff that\u2019s inside.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cA door with a lock,\u201d Sarah said in almost an awed voice as she reached for the key. \u201cI\u2019ve never lived in a place where you could lock the door.\u201d<\/p>\n

It took Sarah a minute to get the key to open the stiff lock, but when she did, she pushed open the door and looked in. The smile on her face widened as she peered into the house. The main room was long and wide, designed to be a living room and dining room. To the right sat a bare wooden table, with four wooden chairs. A fireplace, its grate neatly cleaned, was on the wall opposite the door, flanked by an overstuffed chair on one side and a rocking chair on the other. To the right of the fireplace was a closed door, obviously sealing off another room, and a second closed door was on the wall to the left of the room. Through the doorway to the right of the fireplace, the kitchen was visible, its small black stove and cabinets openly declaring its use.<\/p>\n

Taking a step into the house, Sarah exclaimed, \u201cOh, Joe, it\u2019s wonderful! It\u2019s a real home, just like Jacob and I have always wanted.\u201d<\/p>\n

Taking a step inside the house, Joe\u2019s boot kicked up some of the dust covering the bare wooden floor. He gave a small sneeze as the dust tickled his nose. \u201cMaybe you ought to see the whole place,\u201d said Joe, cautiously. \u201cIt\u2019s pretty bare and dusty.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNothing that a little cleaning and a few pieces of furniture won\u2019t fix,\u201d said Sarah dismissively. She walked across to the kitchen and looked in. \u201cA stove, and cabinets, and a sink,\u201d she said almost to herself in a pleased voice. Sarah walked into the kitchen and started to pull open the doors of the cabinets. \u201cAnd pans and dishes and cups,\u201d she added gleefully. Sarah looked the kitchen, her face shining with happiness. Walking toward the door at the back of the kitchen, Joe open it and said to Sarah, \u201cThere\u2019s a well just a few feet outside the back door. Pearson never hooked up a pump to the kitchen, but I\u2019ll bet brother Adam could work out something for you, if you wanted.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cCarrying water a few feet is not great chore,\u201d replied Sarah, shaking her head. \u201cWhen I was a young girl, I had to carry water hundreds of yards from the stream to the village.\u201d Sarah looked around the kitchen once more, as if assuring herself that what she saw was real. Then she said, \u201cLet\u2019s go look at the bedrooms.\u201d Joe smiled as Sarah practically flew out of the kitchen.<\/p>\n

By the time Joe had made his slow progress back to the middle of the large room, Sarah was already standing in the doorway of the room to the left of the fireplace. She turned to Joe and said, \u201cThis must have been the parents\u2019 bedroom. There\u2019s a large double bed, a wardrobe and a chest of drawers.\u201d As Joe joined Sarah at the doorway, she gave him a grin. Joe laughed as Sarah walked across the room and started bouncing on the bare mattress that covered the bed as if she were a child.<\/p>\n

\u201cDoes it meet your approval?\u201d Joe asked with a smile.<\/p>\n

\u201cMost assuredly,\u201d answered Sarah as she bounced once more. Then she stood and walked back across the room, passing Joe as she headed toward the second door.<\/p>\n

\u201cA children\u2019s bedroom,\u201d commented Sarah as she opened the door and looked in. Joe joined Sarah in the doorway and looked in. Three small, single beds were crowded into the room.<\/p>\n

\u201cThere\u2019s room for three,\u201d said Joe. Suddenly, he felt awkward, realizing that after several years of marriage, Jacob and Sarah had no children.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2019ve not been blessed with children so far,\u201d said Sarah, as if reading Joe\u2019s mind. \u201cBut maybe God was just waiting until we had a home for them.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cUm, maybe we ought to go out and join Jacob and Pa,\u201d said Joe, still feeling uncomfortable. He didn\u2019t quite know what to say, and had a feeling that anything he said would come out wrong.<\/p>\n

\u201cOf course, \u201c said Sarah, with a nod. She firmly closed the door to the bedroom, then turned and walked toward the middle of the room. Looking around, she said thoughtfully, \u201cWe\u2019ll need some new curtains, and some bedding. A white tablecloth will brighten the room. Oh, and we\u2019ll need some towels. Those thin cloths we\u2019ve been using are more thread than anything. And books. Jacob loves to read and now he has room for lots and lots of books.\u201d<\/p>\n

Once more, Joe laughed at Sarah\u2019s enthusiasm. \u201cYou\u2019d better make a list,\u201d said Joe with a grin. He couldn\u2019t help sharing in Sarah\u2019s apparent happiness. \u201cI wouldn\u2019t want you to forget something.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019re right,\u201d said Sarah in a serious voice. Then she realized Joe was gently teasing her. \u201cI guess I was getting carried away,\u201d she admitted with a small smile. \u201cWe don\u2019t actually own the house yet.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI think that can be handled,\u201d replied Joe, still smiling. \u201cLet\u2019s go find Pa and Jacob.\u201d<\/p>\n

Once the house was locked up again, Sarah wrapped her arm around Joe\u2019s uninjured arm once more, helping him down from the porch. She continued to hold his arm firmly as they crossed the ground toward the barn. Jacob and Ben were just emerging from the nearby structure.<\/p>\n

\u201cJacob, the house is wonderful,\u201d exclaimed Sarah, as she and Joe approached the two men.<\/p>\n

\u201cDo you really like it?\u201d asked Jacob, his eyes twinkling with laughter at Sarah\u2019s enthusiasm.<\/p>\n

\u201cOh yes!\u201d said Sarah. She looked down for a minute then raised her eyes to her husband. \u201cIf we can afford it\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cBen and I have already negotiated a price that we can afford,\u201d said Jacob.<\/p>\n

He turned to Ben. \u201cIn fact, I think you\u2019re giving us a bargain.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s a fair price,\u201d insisted Ben, \u201cconsidering all the work that needs to be done to get the ranch in order. The barn and corral need a lot of fixing.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThe price is still low, considering that you\u2019re throwing in thirty head of cattle and all the lumber we need,\u201d said Jacob, shaking his head. He glanced over his shoulder toward Sarah, who was watching her husband with an anxious expression. \u201cBut I have a feeling that if I said no, I\u2019ll never get another hot meal from Sarah,\u201d added Jacob with a smile. He held out his hand toward Ben. \u201cIt\u2019s a deal.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cGood,\u201d said Ben, grasping Jacob\u2019s hand firmly. \u201cTomorrow, we\u2019ll go into Virginia City and take care of all the paperwork.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll need to convert my nuggets into hard cash first, \u201c Jacob said. \u201cThat way, I\u2019ll have enough to pay you.\u201d Jacob look toward Sarah. \u201cAnd I suppose my wife has a few things she\u2019ll want to buy.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHer list is as long as your arm,\u201d said Joe with a grin.<\/p>\n

\u201cThey\u2019re all necessary,\u201d insisted Sarah. She walked over and kissed Jacob on the cheek. \u201cThank you, my sweet.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019re welcome, love,\u201d replied Jacob tenderly.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou and Sarah must stay at the Ponderosa until you\u2019re ready to move in,\u201d said Ben. \u201cI insist.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWell,\u201d said Jacob hesitantly, \u201cI hate to impose on your hospitality\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019re not imposing,\u201d interrupted Joe. \u201cBesides, Hop Sing would be really disappointed if you weren\u2019t there. Nothing makes him happier than to see people eating his cooking, and between you and Hoss, he\u2019ll be ecstatic.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAll right,\u201d agreed Jacob. \u201cSince it\u2019s only for a few days, I suppose we won\u2019t cause too much trouble.\u201d<\/p>\n

Pulling on Jacob\u2019s arm, Sarah said, \u201cNow that it\u2019s all settled, come see the house.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYes, Sarah,\u201d replied Jacob in a long-suffering voice. Ben and Joe laughed as Sarah almost dragged her husband toward the house.<\/p>\n

Joe\u2019s face suddenly sobered. He pushed at the elbow inside his shirt, adjusting his arm, while his expression turned grim.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou feeling all right?\u201d Ben asked his son with concern as he noted Joe\u2019s face.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m fine,\u201d said Joe, in a distracted voice. \u201cI was just thinking. Maybe I should go into town tomorrow with you. Kind of introduce Sarah and Jacob around. You know, let people know they are friends of ours.\u201d Joe\u2019s mind was picturing the ugly scene at Watson\u2019s Crossing. Realizing what Joe was implying, Ben nodded. \u201cThat\u2019s a good idea.\u201d His face turned stern. \u201cBut only if you agree to rest for the remainder of the day. I don\u2019t want you overdoing things.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m all right,\u201d insisted Joe. He looked toward the house, then turned back to his father. \u201cJacob and Sarah are real nice people,\u201d he blurted out. \u201cWhat difference does it make that their skin isn\u2019t white?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIt shouldn\u2019t make a difference, Joe,\u201d answered Ben. \u201cBut it\u2019s a sad fact of life that, to some people at least, it does.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s not right,\u201d said Joe vehemently.<\/p>\n

\u201cNo, it\u2019s not right,\u201d agreed Ben. \u201cAnd I\u2019m proud of you for thinking that way.\u201d Ben smiled a bit indulgently at his son\u2019s passion. \u201cBut it\u2019s a hard thing, Joe, to change the way the world thinks. Looking back toward the house, Joe said in a determined voice, \u201cI don\u2019t aim to change the way the whole world thinks, Pa. Just Virginia City.\u201d<\/p>\n

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

Holding the reins firmly, Sarah guided the buckboard carefully into Virginia City. Riding behind her on horseback were Jacob and Ben. Both men were too wrapped up in their discussion of ranching to notice Sarah\u2019s body tensing as she drove the wagon into the town. But sitting next to Sarah, his body slouched comfortably in the seat, Joe noticed the tension in her shoulders, and the way her hands tightened around the reins.<\/p>\n

\u201cWould you like me to take over driving?\u201d Joe asked solicitously.<\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t think so,\u201d answered Sarah with a snort. \u201cEven though I\u2019m not very experienced at driving a buckboard, I know that whatever I\u2019m doing with two hands is much better than you would manage with one.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, I could take my arm out of this sling\u2026\u201d started Joe, his left hand grasping the elbow of his right arm, which was resting in a sling of dark blue cloth. A smile twitched on Joe\u2019s lips as he spoke.<\/p>\n

\u201cJoseph Cartwright!\u201c exclaimed Sarah in a sharp voice \u2013 a tone that sounded surprisingly like his father\u2019s to Joe. \u201cDon\u2019t you even think of taking your arm out of that sling.\u201d The sling had been Sarah\u2019s idea. She thought it might be more comfortable for Joe, as well as a very visible sign to people in town to avoid jostling the young man. She had frowned when Joe had asked Sarah to help him strap his holster around his hips after she had helped him into his green jacket, but said nothing. After all, she didn\u2019t know what kind of town Virginia City might be. But she had given the gun a disapproving glance as she had helped Joe settle his arm into the sling. While Sarah hadn\u2019t felt she could comment on Joe wearing a gun, she felt no compulsion to stay silent about Joe keeping his arm in the sling. \u201cIf you try to move that arm, I\u2019m going to stop the wagon right here and box your ears, \u201c she threatened.<\/p>\n

\u201cYes ma\u2019am!\u201d answered Joe with mock fright. \u201cI promise I won\u2019t try. I wouldn\u2019t want my ears boxed.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cGood,\u201d Sarah said in a determined voice. She frowned slightly as she concentrated on driving the buckboard down the main street of Virginia City. The street wasn\u2019t crowded \u2013 only a few riders and one other wagon could be seen moving on the dirt road \u2013 but Sarah was still nervous about steering the wagon with others on the street.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019re doing fine,\u201d Joe assured Sarah. \u201cJust relax. When you tense up on the reins, the horses can tell and they get nervous. This team has made the trip to town a hundred times. Just let them know where you want to go and let them do the rest.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cRight,\u201d agreed Sarah. She relaxed her tight grip on the reins a bit. \u201cWhere should I go?\u201d<\/p>\n

Peering down the street, Joe answered, \u201cThe general store is just over there to the right. Looks like there\u2019s a spot near the front of the store where you can park the wagon.\u201d<\/p>\n

Without turning her head to look at Joe, Sarah nodded and guided the wagon to the right. She saw the wooden building with the large sign proclaiming it was the general store, and the empty space Joe had indicated. The frown on Sarah\u2019s face deepened as she steered the buckboard toward the store.<\/p>\n

\u201cGood job,\u201d said Joe as Sarah pulled the horses to a stop in front of the store.<\/p>\n

\u201cThank you,\u201d replied Sarah with a smile as she looped the reins around arm of the seat to hold the horses at a halt. \u201cIt\u2019s been a long time since I\u2019ve driven a wagon.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou did fine,\u201d Joe assured Sarah. He looked with admiration at the woman sitting next to him. The printed blouse and long black skirt she was wearing displayed her trim figure. A beaded headband held her flowing black hair in place, and a pair of soft moccasins covered her feet and ankles. Joe knew Sarah had dressed carefully this morning, wanting to make a good impression on the people of Virginia City. In Joe\u2019s mind, at least, she had succeeded. Turning slightly in the wagon, Joe looked behind for his father and Jacob. He could see they had dismounted, tying their horses to a hitching post a few feet away, and were walking toward the buckboard.<\/p>\n

\u201cDid Mr. Cartwright tell you everything you need to know about ranching?\u201d Sarah teased her husband as the two men came up to the wagon.<\/p>\n

\u201cHe gave me a few good ideas,\u201d admitted Jacob. Jacob also had dressed carefully, equally as concerned as his wife on making the right impression during their initial trip to town. His tan buckskin shirt was tucked into a pair of dark brown paints that showed the crease from an iron. A beaded belt cinched his waist. Jacob\u2019s tall black boots were polished, and the black hair that fell to his shoulders was carefully combed. The clothes were neat and clean, but didn\u2019t conceal Jacob\u2019s powerful build \u2013 or his Indian heritage.<\/p>\n

\u201cSarah,\u201d said Ben, a bit exasperated, \u201cI told you last night a dinner that my friends call me Ben. I hope you\u2019ll consider me a friend.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI do\u2026Ben,\u201d replied Sarah awkwardly. Taught since birth to address men she respected with formality, Sarah was finding it difficult to use such a familiar name.<\/p>\n

\u201cDid you remember your list?\u201d Jacob asked Sarah. His serious tone was belied by the twinkle in his eye.<\/p>\n

\u201cYes, I have it,\u201d replied Sarah, patting the pocket of her skirt. She bit her lip a bit. \u201cI hope I didn\u2019t forget anything.\u201d<\/p>\n

The men around Sarah laughed at her comment. They knew she had spent a long time compiling her list of supplies. As she had sat at the table last night, muttering to herself, Sarah had added and crossed out items until she had been satisfied that the list contained everything that was needed but no more. Both Jacob and Joe had teased Sarah gently as she worked, Jacob reminding her that their supply of gold nuggets wasn\u2019t unlimited while Joe assured Sarah that a second trip to town was always possible.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt will take me a little time to convert the nuggets to cash at the Assay Office, \u201c said Jacob, \u201cas well as to take care of things at the bank with Ben. Why don\u2019t you look around town for awhile. We\u2019ll meet you back here and I\u2019ll give you the money to get the supplies. You can start getting the things we need while Ben and I record the deed at the Land Office.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWe can go ahead and start getting the supplies now,\u201d suggested Joe.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt might better,\u201d said Jacob cautiously, \u201cto wait until Sarah can show the store owner the money before she starts shopping.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t see why,\u201d said Joe with a frown. \u201cIf I tell Mr. Harris that Sarah will be paying him, that should be good enough.\u201d<\/p>\n

Sarah and Jacob exchanged looks, not quite knowing how to explain to Joe why having the money in hand was a good idea.<\/p>\n

\u201cJacob is right,\u201d said Ben quickly. \u201cSarah and Jacob are strangers. We can\u2019t expect Mr. Harris to take our word alone that they can pay. Once Mr. Harris knows them better, I\u2019m sure he\u2019ll set up an account for them.\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe\u2019s eyes narrowed and his face took on what Ben always called Joe\u2019s stubborn look.<\/p>\n

\u201cI think\u2026.\u201d started Joe.<\/p>\n

\u201cI think it\u2019s up to Sarah and Jacob to decide what they want to do,\u201d interrupted Ben in a firm voice and giving his son a pointed look. \u201cIt\u2019s not our place to decide things for them.\u201d<\/p>\n

A startled look replaced the stubborn one on Joe\u2019s face. He looked at Sarah and Jacob, and then back to his father.<\/p>\n

\u201cI really would like to see a bit of town,\u201d Sarah said to Joe with a slightly pleading look in her eyes.<\/p>\n

For a few seconds, Joe sat silently. Then he gave Sarah a wry grin. \u201cIt won\u2019t take long to see Virginia City, but I\u2019ll be happy to show you around,\u201d said Joe almost grudgingly.<\/p>\n

\u201cThank you,\u201d Jacob said to Joe. He looked at Ben, and his eyes conveyed a deeper meaning. \u201cThank you,\u201d he repeated softly. Ben simply nodded.<\/p>\n

Moving quickly, Sarah climbed out of the wagon and took a few steps away from the buckboard. As Joe slid across the seat to follow Sarah, both Jacob and Ben reached up to help him.<\/p>\n

\u201cI can get out by myself,\u201d said Joe in an irritated voice.<\/p>\n

\u201cSure you can,\u201d agreed Ben, but he grabbed Joe\u2019s arm nevertheless and held it firmly as his son climbed down from the buckboard. As his feet reached the ground, Joe swayed back a bit, leaning into both the wagon and his father. He quickly righted himself.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2019ll meet you back here,\u201d said Sarah, trying to hide a smile as Joe took a step forward and stubbornly shrugged off Ben\u2019s hand. \u201cWill an hour be about right?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAn hour,\u201d agreed Jacob. \u201cBehave yourself,\u201d he added with a smile. But his eyes had a serious look.<\/p>\n

\u201cThat goes for you too, Joseph,\u201d said Ben in a stern voice. \u201cI don\u2019t want you overdoing things.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t worry, Pa,\u201d answered Joe in a resigned voice. His eyes rolled upwards. \u201cI\u2019m sure Sarah will keep a close eye on me.\u201d<\/p>\n

A smile crossed Jacob\u2019s face and this time the look was genuine. \u201cJoe, I already told you. You can\u2019t win with her. You might as well accept that now.\u201d Jacob turned to Ben. \u201cLet\u2019s go. I want to buy a ranch.\u201d<\/p>\n

As Ben and Jacob walked off, Joe took a step closer to Sarah. \u201cWhere would you like to start?\u201d he asked. He raised his right arm, as if to offer it to Sarah as he had the day before at the ranch.<\/p>\n

Quickly, Sarah took a step away from Joe, deftly avoiding Joe\u2019s gesture. \u201cThe dress shop, I think,\u201d she said, deliberately looking away from Joe. \u201cIt\u2019s better if I visit that before Jacob gives me the money to spend.\u201d<\/p>\n

For a moment, Joe stood next to Sarah, a slightly puzzled look on his face. He took a deep breath as he realized Sarah felt taking his arm probably would cause some disapproving stares. An Indian woman holding the arm of a white man wasn\u2019t something people in Virginia City saw everyday. While Joe was prepared to take on Virginia City, he also recognized his father was right. It was up to Sarah and Jacob to decide what battles they wanted to fight.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe dress shop it is,\u201d said Joe lightly. \u201cI don\u2019t visit it very often personally, but I do know where it is.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThank you,\u201d said Sarah, turning to look at Joe. Her words conveyed gratitude for more than just Joe\u2019s agreement to show her the shop.<\/p>\n

\u201cThis way, ma\u2019am,\u201d said Joe, gesturing forward with his hand. \u201c It\u2019s across the street and down a block.\u201d<\/p>\n

Crossing the street with Sarah, Joe kept a small distance between himself and the Indian woman. He saw two women wearing bonnets on the far sidewalk staring at them, their heads bent slightly together as they whispered something to each other. Joe glanced quickly at Sarah and was relieved she didn\u2019t seem to notice.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe dress shop is just down the street,\u201d said Joe as he and Sarah reached the other side of the wide dirt street. Sarah didn\u2019t answer; she merely nodded. But her pace quickened a bit, as if she were eager to get to the shop. The Virginia City Dress Shop was easy to recognize, even if someone couldn\u2019t read the sign hanging over the door. The large windows on either side of the door held dressmaker\u2019s dummies wearing finely stitched clothes. Sarah stopped in front of the first window and stared into it. The dummy in the window was wearing a dark green dress, one the fashion magazines in the East would have called a visiting dress. A matching hat sat on the floor of the window, and several strands of colored beads were spread between the hat and a pair of calfskin gloves. Joe looked into the window with an indifferent glance, but he could see Sarah\u2019s expression reflected in the glass. She was wearing an expression of interest and pleasure. Joe and Sarah hadn\u2019t been standing in front of the window for very long when the door of the shop opened and a woman came out carrying a broom. She seemed a bit surprised to see Joe, but smiled warmly in his direction anyway.<\/p>\n

\u201cHello, Joe. I haven\u2019t seen you in ages,\u201d said the woman in a pleased voice. She was a heavy-set middle-aged lady, wearing a print dress with a white collar.<\/p>\n

\u201cHello, Martha,\u201d Joe returned the greeting with equal warmth. \u201cYou\u2019re looking as lovely as ever.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSave your flattery for the young girls,\u201d answered Martha, but her smiled widened. The expression on Martha\u2019s face turned into a frown as she noted the sling in which Joe\u2019s arm rested. \u201cWhat happened to you?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s nothing,\u201d Joe replied quickly. \u201cJust took a nasty fall.\u201d He turned and touched Sarah lightly on the arm. Reluctantly, Sarah tore her eyes from the window and turned toward Martha.<\/p>\n

\u201cMartha, I\u2019d like you to meet Sarah Red Feather,\u201d said Joe in introduction. \u201cShe and her husband are buying the Pearson ranch.\u201d Joe turned to Sarah. \u201cMartha makes the prettiest dresses in Virginia City.\u201d<\/p>\n

Surprise flickered in Martha\u2019s eyes but only for a moment. She turned her warm smile in Sarah\u2019s direction. \u201cWelcome to our little community,\u201d said Martha. \u201cI hope you\u2019ll like it here.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThank you,\u201d replied Sarah. Her eyes strayed back to the window. \u201cYou have some lovely things.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWould you like to come in and look around,\u201d invited Martha. \u201cYou don\u2019t have to buy anything.\u201d<\/p>\n

Giving the window a last, long look, Sarah turned back to Martha. \u201cNot today,\u201d she said reluctantly. \u201cWe have a lot of things to do to get settled, and I\u2019m afraid that if I started looking, I\u2019d be in the shop all day.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll take that as a compliment,\u201d replied Martha, her smile widening. \u201cBut I do understand. Please feel free to come by anytime, even if you just want to look.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThank you again,\u201d replied Sarah, her smile matching Martha\u2019s. She glanced back at the window again, then turned to Joe. \u201cI suppose you should show me the less interesting shops, like where we can buy feed and grain or shoes for the horses.\u201d<\/p>\n

Smiling, Joe said, \u201cThose are less interesting to you, Sarah. But Jacob would be happy to see them.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m sure he would,\u201d muttered Sarah, shaking her head.<\/p>\n

Giving a short laugh, Joe nodded good-bye to Martha and started down the street with Sarah. Martha watched the pair for a minute, a curious expression on her face. Then she shrugged slightly and began to sweep the walk in front of her store.<\/p>\n

As Sarah and Joe walked slowly down the street, he pointed out the various shops, the purpose of each was fairly obvious by both the signs hung on them as well as the merchandise they displayed. The pair was nearing the caf\u00e9 when the door opened and two men walked out. One was a heavy-set man wearing a black hat and dressed in a black suit, while the other was a slightly older man wearing gray pants and a gray vest over his blue shirt. The older man was wearing a light-colored hat and had a badge pinned on his chest.<\/p>\n

\u201cJoe Cartwright, what did you do to yourself now?\u201d said the man in the black suit in surprise as he spotted Joe coming.<\/p>\n

\u201cHi, doc,\u201d replied Joe. He nodded toward the sheriff. \u201cHello, Roy.\u201d He turned to Sarah. \u201cThis is Doc Martin, best doctor in the territory. And Roy Coffee, who manages to keep me out of jail most of the time.\u201d Turning back to the two men, he said, \u201cThis is Sarah Red Feather. She and her husband Jacob are buying the Pearson ranch.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cMa\u2019am,\u201d said Roy Coffee, touching the brim of his hat. \u201cWelcome to Virginia City.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2019re happy to have you here,\u201d said the doctor in greeting to Sarah. He turned back to Joe. \u201cNow, answer my question. What happened to you.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cJust a fall,\u201d replied Joe, with a shrug. \u201cNothing serious. Sarah patched me up fine.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOh?\u201d said Doctor Martin, with arched eyebrows. He turned to look at the Indian woman.<\/p>\n

\u201cJoe separated his shoulder,\u201d said Sarah quickly. \u201cI popped it back in. He also has some bruised ribs, but there wasn\u2019t any sign of breaks or cracks. He lost consciousness for awhile, but he didn\u2019t have any problems waking up and wasn\u2019t disoriented. His pupils were equal and reactive. Some fever but it disappeared after he got some rest. The other bruises were minor.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019ve obviously had some medical training,\u201d said the doctor, almost in admiration.<\/p>\n

\u201cI worked for a few years with a priest who did,\u201d answered Sarah, modestly lowering her eyes. She raised them again as she said in an urgent voice, \u201cNone of the injuries were serious. We would have called you if they were.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m sure you would have,\u201d replied the doctor, in a reassuring tone. \u201cBut it sounds like I wasn\u2019t needed.<\/p>\n

\u201cI told you, doc,\u201d said Joe with a grin. \u201cSarah took good care of me. She\u2019s a good doctor \u2013 and much prettier than you are.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, I\u2019d have to agree with that,\u201d admitted Doctor Martin with a smile. His face turned serious. \u201cJoe, you keep that arm in a sling for at least a week. And no heavy lifting. You don\u2019t want to dislocate that shoulder again by using your arm too soon.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t worry,\u201d said Joe with a sigh. \u201cPa and Sarah are watching me like hawks. I haven\u2019t lifted anything heavier than a fork since it happened.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll believe that when I see it,\u201d Doctor Martin said skeptically. \u201cYou take it easy for awhile, Joe.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s only some bruises,\u201d protested Joe.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt seems to me you always have some bruises,\u201d commented Roy in a dry voice. \u201cIf you\u2019d think once in awhile before you do something, you\u2019d be better off. It\u2019s a wonder you\u2019re still all in one piece.\u201d Despite his words, though, the sheriff gave Joe an indulgent smile.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou two make me sound like I don\u2019t have a brain in my head,\u201d grumbled Joe good-naturedly.<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, there\u2019s been some doubt,\u201d said Roy with a smile. He nodded at Sarah. \u201cNice to meet you, ma\u2019am. I\u2019ve got to get back to protecting Virginia City from people like Joe.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd I have to get back to my office,\u201d added Doctor Martin. \u201cYou take care of yourself, Joe.\u201d<\/p>\n

As the sheriff and doctor walked away, Sarah commented to Joe, \u201cThey seem nice.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cTwo of my Pa\u2019s oldest friends,\u201d said Joe in reply. \u201cThey\u2019re good men.\u201d<\/p>\n

Looking around, Sarah said, \u201cThe people in Virginia City seem very nice.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cUh oh,\u201d said Joe in a low voice as he looked down the street. \u201cHere comes somebody who might make you change your mind.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cJoe Cartwright, I want to talk with you,\u201d said a woman in a loud voice as she strode purposefully up the street. She was a tall, thin woman, with graying hair. Her tailored dress was dark blue, giving an impression of a person who brooked no nonsense. A small blue hat trimmed in dark lace was perched on her head at an angle.<\/p>\n

\u201cHello, Mrs. Polk,\u201d said Joe respectfully as the woman came up to him and Sarah.<\/p>\n

Giving Sarah only the briefest glance, Mrs. Polk faced Joe. \u201cJoseph, I need to talk with your father. Is he in town with you?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHe taking care of some business over at the bank,\u201d answered Joe cautiously.<\/p>\n

\u201cYour father missed the school board meeting last Thursday,\u201d said Mrs. Polk in an accusing tone.<\/p>\n

\u201cI know, ma\u2019am,\u201d said Joe. He added quickly, \u201cWe had a mare who was having trouble foaling. He thought it was better that he stay at the ranch.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWe can\u2019t publish the school calendar that I made up for next year without the full board\u2019s approval,\u201d Mrs. Polk said briskly. \u201cI need to have him look at it.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m sure he\u2019ll be glad to take a look,\u201d said Joe. He smiled at the woman in front of him. \u201cBut if you made it up, I\u2019m sure he\u2019ll think it\u2019s just fine.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, I need to have him review it anyhow,\u201d Mrs. Polk said, her tone indicating that she was somewhat mollified by Joe\u2019s words. She suddenly seemed to notice Sarah standing next to Joe. Frowning, she asked, \u201cAnd who is this?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSarah Red Feather,\u201d said Joe in introduction. \u201cShe and her husband are buying the Pearson ranch.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOh really,\u201d said Mrs. Polk in surprise. She turned to Joe. \u201cIs this another one of your father\u2019s projects with the Indians?\u201d<\/p>\n

Feeling Joe stiffen in indignation beside her, Sarah said quickly, \u201cThe Cartwrights have been very helpful. We\u2019re just getting settled, so we need a lot of help.\u201d Sarah lowered her eyes. \u201cWe\u2019re hoping that some other people might be willing to help us, also,\u201d she added almost meekly.<\/p>\n

\u201cOh,\u201d said Mrs. Polk. \u201cWhy, of course. We are always happy to help new settlers.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s nice that someone like you would take an interest,\u201d said Sarah.<\/p>\n

\u201cMrs. Polk is one of the leading ladies of our town,\u201d said Joe, trying to hide a smile. His indignation has quickly melted as he realized how Sarah was playing up to the woman\u2019s vanity. \u201cShe\u2019s president of the Ladies League, and on the School Board. She\u2019s very important to our town.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t know about that,\u201d replied Mrs. Polk, but her face showed her satisfaction and pleasure with Joe\u2019s words. \u201cBut people do tend to listen to me. If you need anything, you just come to me.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThank you, you\u2019re very kind,\u201d Sarah said, her voice still meek.<\/p>\n

\u201cNot at all,\u201d said Mrs. Polk. \u201cWe want you to feel very welcome. You just let me know if anyone gives you any trouble.\u201d She turned to Joe. \u201cYou said your father is at the bank.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, he was,\u201d replied Joe. \u201cI\u2019m not sure if he\u2019s still there.\u201d He was sure his father wouldn\u2019t thank Joe for sending Mrs. Polk after him. \u201cI\u2019ll tell him you\u2019re looking for him when I see him.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou do that,\u201d Mrs. Polk said briskly. With a brief nod, she walked off. Both Sarah and Joe could hardly contain their laughter until the woman was gone. \u201cYou handled her nicely,\u201d said Joe, with a smile.<\/p>\n

\u201cPeople like her are easy to deal with,\u201d replied Sarah. \u201cThey\u2019re happy to help, as long as they can feel superior to the poor people they\u2019re helping. It\u2019s easier to just go along with them, rather than trying to prove them wrong.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cMaybe you could help Pa deal with her,\u201d said Joe with a grin. \u201cHe always seems to have a headache after a session with Mrs. Polk.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo, thank you,\u201d answered Sarah with a giggle. \u201cYour father is on his own.\u201d<\/p>\n

As Sarah and Joe started down the street, they began to pass more people. Most merely walked by, not even glancing at the pair, their minds full of their own business. A few people, however, stared at Sarah with curiosity or surprise. But this latter group of people all turned away quickly when they saw the look on Joe\u2019s face, a look that dared them to make a comment. As they reached the end of the street, Joe stopped. \u201cThis is getting into the rougher part of town,\u201d said Joe. He pointed to his right. \u201cThat\u2019s the saloon over there, the Bucket of Blood.\u201d Joe shifted his hand to indicate the building across the street. \u201cAnd that\u2019s the sheriff\u2019s office and jail.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cRight near the saloon,\u201d commented Sarah. \u201cConvenient.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYeah, it is,\u201d answered Joe with a grin. He turned a bit and looked down the street to his left. \u201cThere\u2019s nothing much to see down there,\u201d said Joe with a shrug. \u201cJust some offices and some, um, er, houses.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThe kind of houses that families live in?\u201d asked Sarah with arched eyebrows.<\/p>\n

\u201cYeah, them too,\u201d replied Joe, flushing slightly.<\/p>\n

Sarah and Joe were so intent in looking down the street that neither noticed the cowboy who lurched out of the saloon and stumbled drunkenly across the street toward them. \u201cCartwright,\u201d said the cowboy in a slurred voice. \u201cI want to talk with you.\u201d<\/p>\n

Turning, Joe sighed. \u201cThis seems to be my day to attract all the wrong people,\u201d he said in a low voice. Then he said a bit louder, \u201cWhat are you doing in town, Parks? I thought you were working at the Lazy J.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI was till they fired me,\u201d replied Parks. He frowned as if surprised at his own words. \u201cThey fired me just like you Cartwrights did.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cPa warned you about drinking on the job,\u201d said Joe in a firm voice. \u201cWe fired you because you got drunk instead of going after strays.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cA man\u2019s got to have a little nip now and then,\u201d complained Parks. \u201cJust to ward off the chill.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIn the middle of summer?\u201d said Joe in a skeptical voice.<\/p>\n

\u201cI need a job. No one will hire me,\u201d whined Parks. \u201cCouldn\u2019t you ask your Pa to hire me back?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo,\u201d said Joe, shaking his head. \u201cPa gave you fair warning. He even gave you a second chance after he found you drunk the first time. He\u2019s not about to give a third chance, and I\u2019m not going to ask him.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou Cartwrights!\u201d said Parks angrily. \u201cYou think you\u2019re so high and mighty. Just \u2018cause a man takes a drink now and then, you turn your backs on him.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019re drunk,\u201d said Joe in disgust. \u201cAnd it\u2019s not even noon.\u201d<\/p>\n

Suddenly, Parks seemed to notice Sarah standing next to Joe. \u201cWho\u2019s this pretty little thing?\u201d he asked, peering at the Indian woman through bleary eyes.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou mind your manners, Parks,\u201d warned Joe.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhy? She belong to you?\u201d asked Parks. He leered at Sarah. \u201cYou\u2019re a pretty thing. Did old man Cartwright trade some blankets to the Piautes to get you to warm his kid\u2019s bed for him?\u201d<\/p>\n

Wheeling around, Joe threw his balled left hand at Parks, landing a punch solidly on the cowboy\u2019s chin. Parks was both too surprised and too drunk to react. He staggered backwards and tripped, falling to the ground on his back. As he lay sprawled in the street, Parks reached for the gun on his hip. But Joe saw his hand move, and pulled his own pistol out with lightning speed. He fired a shot into the ground a few feet from where Parks laid on the dirt street. Parks hand froze, poised over his pistol.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou shut your mouth or I\u2019ll shut it for you,\u201d said Joe angrily.<\/p>\n

\u201cJoe, don\u2019t!\u201d cried Sarah in a frightened voice.<\/p>\n

Ignoring Sarah\u2019s plea, Joe said in a hard voice to Parks, \u201cI think you owe the lady an apology.\u201d<\/p>\n

Lying in the dirt, Parks seemed unsure what to do. \u201cI ain\u2019t apologizing to no Injun,\u201d he said brazenly. But he kept his eyes fixed on the gun in Joe\u2019s hand. The sound of a gunshot attracted people toward the end of the street, Roy Coffee among them. The sheriff pushed his way through the growing crowd, then stood between Joe and Parks. \u201cWhat\u2019s going on here?\u201d demanded Coffee.<\/p>\n

\u201cHe insulted the lady, and when I gave him what he deserved, he tried to draw on me,\u201d answered Joe, his gaze still on Parks.<\/p>\n

\u201cI didn\u2019t do nothing,\u201d whined Parks. He started to get up, then lost his balance, falling back to the ground in a heap.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019re drunk, Parks,\u201d said Roy Coffee, the disgust in his voice matching Joe\u2019s tone of a few minutes previously. He walked over and grabbed the back of the shirt of the cowboy sprawled on the ground. Pulling Parks to his feet, Coffee added, \u201cI think you\u2019d better sleep it off in the jail.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI didn\u2019t do nothing,\u201d said Parks again, this time angrily.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019re going to have to sleep off that drunk someplace,\u201d replied the sheriff, \u201cand the jail is just as good a place as any to do it. It will keep you out of trouble. Let\u2019s go.\u201d<\/p>\n

As Roy Coffee nudged Parks not too gently toward the jail, Parks turned to look over his shoulder. \u201cI\u2019ll get even with you, Cartwright,\u201d he growled threateningly.<\/p>\n

Shrugging, Joe merely holstered his gun and watched as Roy Coffee led Parks toward the sheriff\u2019s office. The small crowd that had gathered started to drift away, evidently deciding that the flurry of excitement was over.<\/p>\n

\u201cI wish you hadn\u2019t done that, Joe,\u201d said Sarah from behind Joe.<\/p>\n

Turning, Joe saw that Sarah\u2019s eyes were wide with fright. \u201cDon\u2019t worry about Parks,\u201d he said with a reassuring smile. \u201cHe\u2019s just a drunk, full of hot air. Besides, I couldn\u2019t let him get away with what he said.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ve been called a lot worse,\u201d said Sarah, looking down. \u201cIt wouldn\u2019t have bothered me if we had just walked away.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cJust walked away!\u201d said Joe in astonishment. \u201cAfter what he said? I\u2019m surprised you didn\u2019t slap him yourself.\u201d<\/p>\n

Looking around her anxiously, Sarah said, \u201cI meant, well, I didn\u2019t want to attract so much attention on my first visit to town.\u201d<\/p>\n

Realizing the cause of Sarah\u2019s discomfort, Joe looked down. \u201cI\u2019m sorry,\u201d he said with sincere regret. \u201cI didn\u2019t mean to embarrass you.\u201d He looked at Sarah and gave her a small smile. \u201cGuess Roy was right about me not having any brains.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s all right,\u201d said Sarah. She took a step forward. \u201cAre you all right? You didn\u2019t hurt your shoulder, did you?\u201d she asked with concern. Rolling his eyes, Joe said with exaggerated patience, \u201cNo, I didn\u2019t hurt my shoulder. I\u2019m fine.\u201d He looked down the street. \u201cWe\u2019d better get back to the wagon. Pa and Jacob will probably be waiting for us.\u201d<\/p>\n

As Joe had predicted, Jacob and Ben were standing near the buckboard in front of the General Store as Sarah and Joe approached.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat was all the commotion?\u201d asked Jacob anxiously.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll tell you about it later,\u201d said Sarah vaguely. \u201cDid you get everything taken care of?\u201d<\/p>\n

Jacob looked at Sarah for a moment before answering. Evidently deciding not to pursue his question, he smiled. \u201cYes, we now own a ranch. Or at least we will as soon as we get the deed recorded.\u201d Jacob reached into the pocket of his pants and pulled out a small wad of bills. \u201cThis should cover everything on your list. I hope.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIt will,\u201d said Sarah briskly, reaching for the money. She stuck the bills in the pocket of her skirt. \u201cGo finalize the deed. I have shopping to do.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYes ma\u2019am,\u201d said Jacob, giving his wife a small salute. He turned to Ben. \u201cLet\u2019s get out of here before she starts having me pick out curtain material.\u201d<\/p>\n

Giving out a small laugh, Ben clapped Jacob lightly on the back and the two men started down the street.<\/p>\n

As Sarah started into the store, she noticed Joe was still standing next to the buckboard. \u201cAre you going to come in with me?\u201d she asked Joe, somewhat surprised that he wasn\u2019t by her side.<\/p>\n

\u201cI wasn\u2019t sure if you wanted me to,\u201d answered Joe, looking down. \u201cI haven\u2019t exactly been a lot of help so far.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNonsense,\u201d replied Sarah. \u201cIt\u2019s not every day that I have my honor defended so gallantly.\u201d Then she gave Joe an ironic smile. \u201cBesides, since Jacob isn\u2019t here, I need you to help me pick out the curtain material.\u201d<\/p>\n

Giving a sigh of relief, Joe took a few steps to join Sarah. \u201cWell, I don\u2019t think I\u2019m gong to be much help there either,\u201d said Joe wryly.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2019ll see,\u201d answer Sarah. She took another step and pushed open the door of the General Store. A middle-aged man, wearing a white shirt covered by an apron, looked up from behind the counter as Sarah and Joe entered the store. A look of surprise crossed the man\u2019s face, then quickly disappeared, replaced by a look that was carefully blank.<\/p>\n

\u201cGood morning, Joe,\u201d said the man almost cautiously. \u201cHow can I help you?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cMorning, Mr. Harris,\u201d replied Joe, trying not to get angry at the store owner for ignoring Sarah. He had learned his lesson about stepping in when his interference may not be wanted. \u201cThis is Sarah Red Feather. She and her husband, Jacob, have bought the Pearson place. Sarah has a whole list of things she needs.\u201d<\/p>\n

Harris looked at Sarah, then turned to Joe. \u201cAre you Cartwrights going to stand good for the costs?\u201d he asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cThat won\u2019t be necessary,\u201d said Sarah smoothly. She reached into her skirt pocket and pulled out the wad of bills. \u201cI\u2019ll pay cash.\u201d<\/p>\n

Seeing the money in Sarah\u2019s hand, Harris suddenly smiled at her. \u201cYes, ma\u2019am,\u201d he agreed. \u201cHow can I help you?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI have a list,\u201d replied Sarah, reaching into her pocket again to put the money away. She pulled out a piece of paper and handed it to Harris. \u201cIf you wouldn\u2019t mind pulling together some of these items, I want to look at some material.\u201d<\/p>\n

Taking the list, Harris looked at it briefly then nodded. \u201cSure,\u201d he said. \u201cI\u2019ll get started. You\u2019ll find the material on the shelf against the wall.\u201d<\/p>\n

As Harris walked to a small storeroom behind the counter, Sarah turned to Joe. \u201cWant to help?\u201d<\/p>\n

Looking at Sarah with admiration, Joe ignored her question. \u201cYou handled Harris just like you handled Mrs. Polk,\u201d he admitted. \u201cGuess maybe I should just stay out of things and let you deal with people.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ve had a lot of practice at it, Joe,\u201d Sarah said. \u201cJacob has taught me not to take things too much to heart. People only upset you if you let them.\u201d She turned toward the back of the store. \u201cNow, let\u2019s go look at material.\u201d<\/p>\n

Down the street, Ben and Jacob also faced a man behind a counter. This one also was middle-aged but wore vest and string tie instead of an apron. But the man\u2019s reaction was similar to Harris\u2019 as Ben and Jacob walked into the County Recorder\u2019s office.<\/p>\n

\u201cGood morning, Mr. Cartwright,\u201d said the man heartily. \u201cHow can I help you today.\u201d He glanced briefly at Jacob, then turned his attention to Ben.<\/p>\n

\u201cGood morning, Mr. Carter,\u201d said Ben. \u201cI\u2019ve just sold the Pearson place to Jacob here. We want to record the transfer of the deed.\u201d<\/p>\n

Surprise crossed Carter\u2019s face as he looked at Jacob. \u201cTo him?\u2019 said Carter.<\/p>\n

\u201cYes, to him,\u201d said Ben firmly. He pulled a piece of paper out of his vest pocket. \u201cThe deed is signed and witnessed. I would like you to record it.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOf course,\u201d said Carter quickly. He reached down under the counter and pulled out a ledger. Opening the book, he flipped a few pages, then ran his finger down the a page. \u201cTaxes on the Pearson place is fifty dollars a year,\u201d said Carter. \u201cThey\u2019ve been paid for this year.\u201d<\/p>\n

Looking up, Carter turned to Jacob. \u201cYou understand you\u2019ll owe taxes in the spring,\u201d he said to Jacob. Speaking slowly, as if to a child, Carter continued. \u201cWhen the snow melts, you must bring me fifty dollars in white man\u2019s money. No blankets, no beads. You must pay the Great White Father in paper money or you can not stay on the land.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI understand the taxes and the implications if I don\u2019t pay,\u201d answered Jacob in amusement. \u201cI also understand the assessment can\u2019t increase until I\u2019ve owned the ranch for at least a year.\u201d<\/p>\n

Carter\u2019s mouth dropped open in astonishment at both Jacob\u2019s perfect English and his comprehension of the tax law.<\/p>\n

Standing next to Jacob, Ben began to laugh, covering his amusement quickly with a cough. \u201cMr. Carter,\u201d said Ben, trying not to chuckle, \u201cif you wouldn\u2019t mind recording the deed, we would like to get things finalized.\u201d<\/p>\n

Tearing his eyes away from Jacob, Carter said quickly, \u201cYes, yes, of course.\u201d He put his head down, suddenly finding the information in his ledge to be of great interest.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll pay the transfer fee,\u201d said Ben, reaching into the pocket of his vest.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou don\u2019t have to do that, Ben, \u201c protested Jacob mildly.<\/p>\n

\u201cI want to,\u201d Ben replied in a firm voice. \u201cJust a small way of welcoming you to our community. Besides it\u2019s only a few dollars.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThank you, Ben,\u201d said Jacob. \u201cWe are looking forward to living here.\u201d<\/p>\n

As Ben put three silver dollars on the counter, he saw Carter looking at Jacob with surprise. Ben wasn\u2019t sure if it was because Jacob was seemed to be eager to live in the area or because of the Indian\u2019s easy familiarity with the patriarch of the Cartwrights. \u201cEverything all right, Mr. Carter?\u201d Ben asked, a smile twitching on his lips.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat? Oh yes, everything is in order,\u201d replied Carter quickly. He made some marks in the ledger, then offered the deed to Ben.<\/p>\n

Looking at Ben with raised eyebrows, Jacob took the deed from Carter\u2019s hand. \u201cI believe this is mine now.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOf course,\u201d said Carter. \u201cWelcome to the Washoe, Mr\u2026er, um,\u2026welcome.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThank you,\u201d said Jacob, tucking the deed into his pants pocket. He turned to Ben. \u201cShall we go see if my wife has cleaned out the General Store?\u201d<\/p>\n

As Ben and Jacob left the Land Office and headed down the street, Ben said to Jacob, \u201cI\u2019m sorry about how Carter acted in there.\u201d<\/p>\n

Shrugging, Jacob answered, \u201cIt wasn\u2019t your fault.\u201d Then he grinned. \u201cBesides, I kind of enjoyed the look on his face when I answered him.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll bet you did,\u201d said Ben with a laugh.<\/p>\n

Nearing the store, Ben was pleased to see Joe sitting on a bench on the porch as Harris carried a box loaded with pans from the shop. \u201cI\u2019m glad to see you had enough sense not to try to load the wagon,\u201d Ben said to his son as he stepped on the porch.<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, it wasn\u2019t because I didn\u2019t want to,\u201d admitted Joe. He shifted his arm slightly in the sling. \u201cI started to reach for this little package and Sarah gave me such a fierce look, I put it down right away. I thought she was going to slap my hand.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI know that look,\u201d said Jacob. \u201cIt\u2019s enough to scare the meanest grizzly. I\u2019d better go in and see if I can help. Maybe I can stop Sarah from buying out the entire place while I\u2019m at it.\u201d<\/p>\n

As Jacob went into the shop, Ben turned to his son. He saw Joe staring at the wagon with a frown. \u201cWhat\u2019s wrong, Joe?\u201d Ben asked. Looking startled, Joe shook his head. \u201cSorry, I was just thinking,\u201d he replied. Then he added, \u201cI just wanted everything to go smoothly for Jacob and Sarah today. Instead, all I did was make everyone uncomfortable.\u201d Joe shook his head again. \u201cI guess I messed it up.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou probably were trying too hard,\u201d answered Ben. \u201cJacob and Sarah don\u2019t want to be treated different or special. They just want to be treated like everyone else. When you went out of your way to try to make things better for them, well, it probably did make them uncomfortable.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI was just trying to help,\u201d protested Joe. \u201cIt\u2019s hard to act like Sarah and Jacob are just anyone, when half the people in town were giving them strange looks or ignoring them.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI know you wanted to help, Joe,\u201d Ben said gently. \u201cBut let me ask you this. Did Sarah or Jacob ask for your help?\u201d<\/p>\n

Giving his father a surprised look, Joe admitted, \u201cWell, no, not exactly.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou just assumed that they needed your help, and that you knew how to handle things better than they did without even asking,\u201d said Ben. \u201cIn a way, you were treating them with the same lack of courtesy and respect as some of the other people in Virginia City. You figured you knew what was best for them. You treated them like they didn\u2019t know enough to handle their own problems. Instead, you jumped right in and did what YOU thought was best for them. You did what you wanted, not what Sarah and Jacob might have wanted.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI guess you\u2019re right,\u201d said Joe slowly. \u201cBut it feels kind of funny asking them if they want me to help.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOf course it does,\u201d agreed Ben. \u201cBut there are other ways of letting Sarah and Jacob know you are ready to help if they want or need it. You don\u2019t need to come right out an ask.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s not easy,\u201d said Joe with a sigh.<\/p>\n

\u201cNo, it isn\u2019t, \u201cBen said. \u201cAnd it\u2019s hard not to do anything when people act as if Sarah and Jacob are, well, not as capable or deserving of respect as white folks. But Sarah and Jacob have faced these problems for most of their lives. They have their own way of handling them. You have to show them enough respect to let them handle things as they prefer. \u201c<\/p>\n

\u201cI just want them to be seen as people, \u201c said Joe. \u201cAnd not judged by the color of the skin.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s not a perfect world, Joe,\u201d Ben said. \u201cPeople can be intolerant or just plain stupid. But you can\u2019t fight all of Sarah and Jacob\u2019s battles for them. That\u2019s treating them like they were children.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cBut you can\u2019t expect me to just stand by and do nothing when people treat them like dirt,\u201d protested Joe.<\/p>\n

\u201cNo, I wouldn\u2019t expect that,\u201d said Ben. \u201cBut there\u2019s other ways of letting people know that their behavior is unacceptable without using your fists or your gun. And I think the people of Virginia City are basically good people. They\u2019ll come around. Just give them a little time.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI hope so,\u201d said Joe fervently.<\/p>\n

Looking around, Ben said with a small frown on his face, \u201cWas there anything else we needed to do in town? I want to make sure we get everything taken care of while we\u2019re here.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOh, Mrs. Polk was looking for you,\u201d said Joe, with a grin. \u201cSomething about a school calendar.\u201d<\/p>\n

Groaning, Ben said, \u201cYou didn\u2019t tell her where I was, did you?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo, but I promised I would tell you that she wanted to see you,\u201d said Joe.<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, you\u2019ve told me,\u201d said Ben. \u201cIt\u2019s just too bad that I\u2019m too busy to go see her.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cToo busy?\u201d asked Joe in surprise. \u201cDoing what?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHelping Jacob load the wagon and whatever else I can think of,\u201d said Ben taking a step toward the store. \u201cAnd Joe, if you should see her coming, you\u2019ll warn me, won\u2019t you?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI thought you said something about treating people with courtesy and respect,\u201d teased Joe.<\/p>\n

\u201cI do treat Mrs. Polk with courtesy and respect, Joseph,\u201d Ben chided his son. Then he grinned. \u201cWhen I see her, that is. I just don\u2019t necessarily want to have to go out of my way to see her.\u201d<\/p>\n

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

\u201cThis ol\u2019 ranch don\u2019t look like the same place,\u201d commented Hoss as he rode into the yard of what the Cartwrights now called Jacob\u2019s ranch. Almost a month had passed since Jacob had taken possession of the deed to the ranch, and in that month, he had transformed the place. The corral fence now stood solid and complete, and the barn looked almost new, with the missing slats and broken door replaced and a coat of red paint. The house also had received a coat of paint, and yard grass neatly trimmed. A budding garden was outlined in stones near the house, and small shoots of green were poking their way through the dirt. It the distant meadow beyond the bard, dots of brown cattle could be seen grazing contentedly. If anyone had praised Jacob for the transformation, however, he would have been the first to say the Cartwrights had played a big role in making the ranch sparkle. Not only had they supplied the wood and the cattle, but also the manpower for the work. Ben, Adam, and Hoss had taken turns at delivering materials and cows to the ranch, and each had stayed to help with whatever work needed to be done. The most frequent visitor to Jacob\u2019s ranch had been Joe. At first, he had been allowed only to ride over in the wagon with one of his brothers, and once at the ranch, Sarah had insisted Joe lift nothing heavier than a paintbrush. Once Sarah and his father had finally declared Joe fit, he rode his pinto to the ranch two or three afternoons each week, helping his new friend with the repairs. Often, Joe had ended up eating dinner with Sarah and Jacob, enjoying Jacob\u2019s stories about both his travels with Father Paul and his wanderings in search for gold, as much as Sarah\u2019s cooking. Now that the ranch was in shape, Jacob had decided it was time to add horses to his operation. And once more, the Cartwrights were ready to help, this time to help round up some of the wild horses in the hills.<\/p>\n

\u201cHey, Jacob,\u201d shouted Joe as he and his brothers rode up to the house. \u201cYou ready to go?\u201d Joe stopped his pinto near a saddled horse that was tied to a new hitching post outside the house. Adam and Hoss pulled their horses to a halt next to Joe.<\/p>\n

The door to the house opened, and Jacob walked out wearing the print shirt and blue pants in which Joe had first seen him. \u201cGood morning, Joe,\u201d he greeted his friend. \u201cMorning, Adam, Hoss, \u201c he added as he walked toward the horse. \u201cThank you for coming along.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2019re happy to help,\u201d said Adam. \u201cBeside, little brother here needs all the help he can get when it comes to rounding up horses.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s right,\u201d Hoss said with a grin. \u201cJoe talks a good game, but you\u2019re better off having the experts in the Cartwright family with you.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYeah,\u201d commented Joe wryly. \u201cExperts at getting out of work. You two volunteered to help awful fast once Pa mentioned something about riding fence.\u201d<\/p>\n

Climbing onto his horse, Jacob smiled. He had gotten used to hearing the good-natured teasing among the Cartwrights. He found it amusing, even as he realized it was a sign of the warm feelings the close-knit family had for one another.<\/p>\n

\u201cGood morning, gentlemen,\u201d called Sarah as she came out of the house to stand on the now solid porch. She turned to her husband. \u201cHow long will you be, Jacob?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cProbably most of the day,\u201d answered Jacob. \u201cAnd that\u2019s if we get lucky and find a herd of wild horses, \u201c he added ruefully.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2019ll find them,\u201d stated Adam positively. \u201cOne of the hand saw a herd up near Elk Ridge less than a week ago. They\u2019ll stick pretty close to the grass and water up there for awhile.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019re welcome to join us for dinner when you get back,\u201d Sarah invited.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2019d like to, ma\u2019am,\u201d answered Hoss. \u201cBut Hop Sing is counting on us for dinner, and you know how he gets when he cooks up a storm and nobody\u2019s there to eat it.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll be happy to join you,\u201d said Joe. \u201cI already told Hop Sing \u2013 and Pa \u2013 that I was going to stay and help you get the horses settled.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m going to have to start paying you wages soon, Joe,\u201d smiled Jacob.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe should be paying you, Jacob,\u201d said Adam. \u201cYou\u2019re keeping Joe so busy that he hasn\u2019t had any time to get into trouble. It\u2019s the quietest month we\u2019ve ever had on the Ponderosa in years.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cVery funny,\u201d said Joe dryly.<\/p>\n

Laughing, Jacob turned his horse away from the house. \u201cLet\u2019s go find some horses,\u201d he said, kicking the animal into a canter.<\/p>\n

True to his words, Adam led the other men to the herd of wild horses in just a few hours. The animals were grazing in a wide meadow, the mares contentedly chewing the new grass while the stallion stood a watchful guard. The herd was large \u2013 15 horses in all \u2013 but all the animals looked to be in prime condition.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe stallion\u2019s the important one,\u201d commented Hoss as he and the other men watched the herd from the shadows of some trees on the edge of the meadow. \u201cIf we can get a rope on him, those mares will follow him.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cEasier said than done,\u201d said Adam. \u201cHe\u2019s not going to let us just ride up and put a rope around him.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat if two of us worked our way around to the other side of the meadow?\u201d suggested Joe. \u201cThe other two could run the herd right at us, and we could rope the stallion as he goes by. We could get a couple of the mares, too, maybe. That would insure the rest of the herd would follow us.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cMight work, little brother,\u201d Hoss agreed. He turned to Jacob. \u201cHow good are you at roping?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI can probably lasso a steer if he\u2019s walking slow,\u201d admitted Jacob. \u201cBut I don\u2019t think I could catch a running horse without divine intervention.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, since we can\u2019t count on that, I think Hoss and Joe should do the roping, \u201c Adam said. \u201cYou and I can do the pushing.\u201d He turned to Joe and Hoss. \u201cWork your way up by those rocks at the far end, and give us a wave of that big hat of Hoss\u2019 when you\u2019re ready.<\/p>\n

We\u2019ll run them toward you.\u201d He gave his brothers a small smile. \u201cWe\u2019ll probably only have one chance, unless you want to chase these horses all over Nevada, so do it right the first time.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNot to worry, older brother,\u201d said Joe, unlooping a rope from his saddle. \u201cYou just get those horses to us, and Hoss and I will take care of the rest.\u201d He guided his horse back into the trees, with Hoss following slowly behind.<\/p>\n

As Adam and Jacob waited patiently in the shadows, they could see the stallion looking around nervously. The horse obviously sensed something, but couldn\u2019t quite figure out what was making him edgy. \u201cHe\u2019s a smart horse,\u201d commented Jacob as he watched the stallion pawing at the ground and sniffing the air. \u201cHe knows something is up. He\u2019s just not sure what.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHe\u2019s got a nice conformation, and looks fairly young,\u201d said Adam. \u201cYou keep him and a couple of the mares, and you\u2019ll have the breeding stock you need to start a nice little herd on your own.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI couldn\u2019t manage this without you and your brothers,\u201d Jacob admitted. \u201cI\u2019m really grateful for the help.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cGlad to do it,\u201d said Adam with a small shrug. He grinned suddenly. \u201cBesides, like I said, you\u2019re keeping Joe busy and out of trouble, so we\u2019re the ones who are grateful to you.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cJoe\u2019s a good young man,\u201d answered Jacob. \u201cHe\u2019s just full of high spirits. And I\u2019m happy to have him around the ranch. He knows more about ranching than most of the men twice his age.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAgreed on both points,\u201d said Adam. \u201cJust don\u2019t let him know I said that.\u201d A flash of white in the distance caught Adam\u2019s eye. He leaned forward in his saddle, then said, \u201cThat\u2019s the signal from Hoss.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat now?\u201d asked Jacob.<\/p>\n

\u201cNow we ride at those horses, yelling and waving so they\u2019ll start running to Hoss and Joe,\u201d answered Adam. \u201cAnd we hope Joe ropes that stallion.\u201d Adam untied the rope from his saddle. \u201cWe also might try and rope one or two of those mares while we\u2019re at it.\u201d<\/p>\n

Untying his own rope from his saddle, Jacob said, \u201cI don\u2019t know if I can actually catch something, but I\u2019ll give it a try.\u201d Then he added with a grin. \u201cBut I do have a pretty good war hoop. If nothing else, I can get those horses running.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThen, let\u2019s go, Geronimo,\u201d said Adam. He tugged on his hat, pulling it snugly on his head, and uncoiled the rope in his hand. Adam looked at Jacob, gave him a quick nod, then kicked his horse forward. As his horse started to run, Adam began yelling and twirling his rope. Imitating Adam, Jacob also kicked his horse forward and began twirling his rope. He began shrieking, giving out the war hoop of which he had bragged. Startled, the stallion and mares looked toward the riders for a few seconds, then turned and began to run. The stallion, big and faster than the others, quickly moved to the front of the herd. He was confidently leading the herd toward the other end of the meadow, away from the screaming figures that had emerged from the trees, when two other riders suddenly galloped from behind the rocks ahead of him. These riders also were yelling and twirling ropes. Skidding to a halt, the stallion turned a bit, confused and unsure where to go. The mares behind him also slowed and began milling around. The stallion had just about decided to start running again when the noose of a lasso fell over his head and around his neck.<\/p>\n

\u201cGot him!\u201d shouted Joe excitedly, as he pulled the rope taut. From the corner of his eye, Joe could see Hoss roping one of the mares.<\/p>\n

But Joe\u2019s full attention turned back to the stallion quickly. The horse on the end of his rope was bucking and pulling against the rope, screaming a protest against being captured. Joe quickly wound the end of the rope around his saddle horn, and held the line tightly with his left hand. The stallion began to thrash even harder, trying to free himself.<\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t know if I can hold him,\u201d shouted Joe frantically. The rope was beginning to unravel from around his saddle horn.<\/p>\n

Suddenly, from the side of the herd, Jacob came toward the stallion. He rode slowly, making an odd, chirping noise as he approached the stallion. Despite his screams, the horse at end of Joe\u2019s rope must have heard Jacob. The stallion stopped screaming and bucking. The horse pulled against the rope a few more times, then suddenly stood still. Amazed, Joe watched as Jacob continued toward the stallion, still making the chirping sound. The horse looked at Jacob cautiously but continued to stand still. Jacob slowed his horse to a walk then stopped next to the stallion. The chirping turned into a low chant as Jacob reached out a hand toward the stallion\u2019s nose. The horse sniffed Jacob\u2019s hand, and seemed to find the scent acceptable.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll take him, Joe,\u201d said Jacob in a quiet voice as he reached up to grab the line between the stallion and his young friend.<\/p>\n

Releasing the rope, Joe shook his head. \u201cWhere did you learn that trick?\u201d he asked, still not quite believing what he had seen.<\/p>\n

\u201cA old Sioux taught it to me,\u201d answered Jacob. \u201cHe claimed it was a way to talk to a horse, to assure him that no harm would come to him. I don\u2019t know if I believe that, but it works.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019re quite a fellow,\u201d said Hoss, as he led the mare he had roped toward the other men. \u201cYou speak English, Sioux, and horse!\u201d<\/p>\n

Laughing, Jacob looked over his shoulder to where Adam was riding up, also leading a mare he had roped. \u201cI missed my animal, \u201c Jacob admitted to him.<\/p>\n

\u201cI know,\u201d said Adam. He looked toward the stallion. \u201cI saw what you did with him, though. If I hadn\u2019t seen it with my own eyes, I wouldn\u2019t have believed it.\u201d<\/p>\n

Shrugging, Jacob answered, \u201cI had to contribute something more to this roundup besides my war hoop.\u201d He turned back to Joe and Hoss. \u201cLet\u2019s get these horses back. I\u2019m ready for one of Sarah\u2019s dinners.\u201d<\/p>\n

A short time later, Jacob was leading the herd slowly down the hill from the meadow. The stallion was trotting beside him, not necessarily contentedly but at least not resisting the rope around his neck that Jacob was using to lead him. Hoss rode next to Jacob, leading a mare. The rest of the herd was following the two riders and their captive animals placidly, as Adam and Joe rode flank to keep the horses tightly bunched. The riders and herd had reached the bottom of the hill and were starting across a wide pasture when three riders came toward them. The trio appeared to have been hunting. A small pack-horse followed them, a slain deer and several bundles tied across its back. One of the riders stopped his horse, and said something over his shoulder to the other two. The he kicked his horse forward, urging him at a gallop in the direction of Jacob and the Cartwrights.<\/p>\n

\u201cHey, whatcha doing with those horses!\u201d shouted the rider as he approached the herd.<\/p>\n

Pulling the horses to a halt, Hoss\u2019 nose wrinkled in distaste. He recognized the man who had shouted at him as Newly Watson. Hoss\u2019 opinion of Watson was just as unfavorable as his brothers.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe rounded them up,\u201d answered Hoss briefly.<\/p>\n

\u201cThem\u2019s my horses,\u201d protested Watson. He turned to Joe, who was riding up to the front of the herd. \u201cDidn\u2019t I tell you I was going to round them up and sell them to the Army? Didn\u2019t I tell you that, boy?\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe\u2019s eyes narrowed at Watson\u2019s words. \u201cYou told me you were THINKING about rounding up some horses,\u201d answer Joe coldly. \u201cBut that was about a month ago.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cBut I told you I was gonna do it,\u201d argued Watson. \u201cI told you. You ain\u2019t got no right to take them horses. Not after I told you that I was planning to round \u2018em up.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd just when were you planning to round up these horses?\u201d asked Adam who had also ridden to the front of the herd.<\/p>\n

\u201cI was going to get around to it,\u201d said Watson. \u201cI just ain\u2019t had time. I didn\u2019t figure you Cartwrights were going to steal them out from under me.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAppears to me you had plenty of time to go after these horses if you wanted them, \u201c said Hoss. \u201cYou waited too long, Newly. These horses belong to Jacob now.\u201d<\/p>\n

Looking toward the Indian who was sitting stoically next to Hoss, Watson\u2019s face grew red. \u201cYou mean him?\u201d he shouted angrily. \u201cYou gonna give them horses to this half-breed!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo,\u201d replied Adam quietly. \u201cWe\u2019re not giving Jacob anything. These horses are his. We\u2019re just helping him.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHe\u2019s just a breed!\u201d exclaimed Watson in an enraged tone. \u201cHe don\u2019t deserve nothin’. He ain\u2019t fit to do nothing but crawl in the dirt.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019d watch my mouth if I were you, Newly,\u201d said Hoss, his hand moving to rest on the pistol tied to his hip. \u201cJacob ain\u2019t done nothing to you. Now if you\u2019re smart, you and your friends will ride out of here before somebody gets hurt.\u201d<\/p>\n

Frowning, Watson looked at Hoss, then turned to glance at both Adam and Joe. The other two Cartwrights were watching him with cold eyes, the hands also resting on their pistols. He knew if he made a move toward the rifle resting in the scabbard on his saddle, he\u2019d have a bullet in him \u2013 probably three \u2013 before his hand close around the weapon.<\/p>\n

\u201cAll right,\u201d muttered Watson. \u201cYou take them horses. I\u2019ll find me some others.\u201d He turned to the two men who had been riding with him. They had ridden up slowly to watch the confrontation. Neither had made a move to help Watson, but their faces reflected hostility. \u201cCome on,\u201d Watson said to the men. \u201cLet\u2019s get out of here. I don\u2019t like the smell around here, and I ain\u2019t talking about horses.\u201d Watson started to ride away, then suddenly stopped. He turned back toward Jacob. \u201cYou stay out of my way, Injun,\u201d warned Watson. \u201cYou cross me again, and I\u2019ll show you how I deal with breeds.\u201d Kicking his horse almost savagely, Watson turned and rode off. The two other men and the pack-horse followed him.<\/p>\n

\u201cThat Watson is nothing but a lazy fool,\u201d said Hoss in disgust. \u201cSomebody should have found an excuse to put him in jail a long time ago.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHe can be trouble, though,\u201d added Adam. \u201cI\u2019d stay clear of him if I were you, Jacob.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI intend to, \u201c Jacob said. A wry smile crossed his face. \u201cI\u2019m not sure what he does with \u2018breeds\u2019 but I have a feeling it isn\u2019t pleasant.<\/p>\n

\u201cIf he gives you any trouble, you just let me know, \u201c said Joe in an almost angry voice. \u201cI\u2019ll be happy to show Watson what trouble really is.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou stay out Watson\u2019s way, too, little brother,\u201d said Hoss. \u201cHe\u2019d just as soon take a crack at you as Jacob. He ain\u2019t got much liking for the Cartwrights either.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI can handle Watson,\u201d replied Joe confidently.<\/p>\n

\u201cHoss is right, Joe,\u201d said Jacob. \u201cYou keep out of it. If it comes to it, I can deal with Mr. Watson.\u201d He smiled briefly. \u201cI don\u2019t plan to have any dealings with him, though. The easiest way to avoid trouble is to keep away from it.\u201d<\/p>\n

Looking down, Joe reddened a bit. He remembered what his father said about trying to fight Jacob\u2019s battles for him. \u201cWell, let me know if you need any help,\u201d he mumbled.<\/p>\n

Seeing the look on Joe\u2019s face, Jacob said, \u201cI appreciate the offer, Joe. I really do. Not many people are willing to help what Mr. Watson calls a \u2018breed\u2019. You and your family are good friends. I just wouldn\u2019t want anything to happen to one of my friends because of me.\u201d<\/p>\n

Looking up, Joe nodded at Jacob. \u201cWhatever you want to do, it\u2019s your call. I just want you to know I\u2019ll back you if you need it.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI know that,\u201d said Jacob quietly. He took a deep breath. \u201cNow, let\u2019s get these horses moving before they start to stray all over Nevada.\u201d<\/p>\n

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

\u201cThey\u2019re a pretty good looking herd of horses,\u201d said Joe as he leaned against the corral fence. \u201cOnce they\u2019re ready to ride, the Army will probably give you a pretty good price for them.\u201d<\/p>\n

Leaning next to fence next to Joe, Jacob merely nodded. He had been pleased when he and the Cartwrights had led the horses into the corral, and proud when his wife had enthusiastically praised the success of his venture. The Cartwrights gave him more credit than he deserved for rounding up the horses, but the look of pride on Sarah\u2019s face had prevented Jacob from explaining what he felt was a rather minor role. But now, an hour after Adam and Hoss had ridden off, Jacob was beginning to feel a sense of uneasiness.<\/p>\n

\u201cHow long should I wait to start breaking them?\u201d Jacob asked in what he hoped was a casual voice.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019d give them a couple of days to get used to the idea of being penned up,\u201d suggested Joe. \u201cThere\u2019s plenty of room in the corral for them to move around. A few days of good feed and they\u2019ll start thinking of this place as home.\u201d<\/p>\n

Once again, Jacob merely nodded his agreement.<\/p>\n

\u201cI think you should build the breaking corral over in the pasture,\u201d Joe continued. \u201cThere\u2019s plenty of room, and it\u2019s not too far from the barn. Once you get a horse tamed, I\u2019d take him into the barn so it can start getting used to the stall. About two weeks, they should be ready for the Army.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThat sounds right,\u201d said Jacob, but there was an odd catch in his voice.<\/p>\n

Frowning Joe looked at his friend. \u201cSomething bothering you?\u201d he asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cNo, not really,\u201d said Jacob. \u201cIt\u2019s just that I\u2019m going to need some help building the corral. And it\u2019s probably a good idea if I had somebody else around when I\u2019m breaking the horses.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019re right,\u201d agreed Joe. \u201cI\u2019ll talk to Pa about getting a couple of hands to come over.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo, I can\u2019t ask your father for more help,\u201d protested Jacob. \u201cYou and your family have done more than enough already.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cLook, breaking horses isn\u2019t a walk in the park,\u201d said Joe. \u201cA man can get hurt, even the best rider, and especially if he tries it alone.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019re right,\u201d agreed Jacob. He turned to stare at the horses milling around in the corral. After a minute, he said, \u201cI\u2019ll make this a business deal. You tell your father that I\u2019ll give him twenty percent of whatever I get for the horses if he\u2019ll lend me a couple of hands for two weeks.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s way too much,\u201d said Joe. \u201cEven if we give the hands a bonus for helping, we\u2019ll still end up with more money that we\u2019re paying them.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cMaybe, but that\u2019s the deal,\u201d answered Jacob firmly. \u201cYou tell your father.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAll right,\u201d Joe said with a sigh. \u201cI\u2019m sure he\u2019ll agree.\u201d<\/p>\n

The two men stood watching the horses in silence for several minutes. Finally, Jacob said in a tentative voice, \u201cWhich one do you think I should start with? That brown mare? She looks pretty calm.\u201d<\/p>\n

Turning to Jacob, Joe looked at his friend with a developing suspicion. \u201cJacob,\u201d Joe asked slowly, \u201chave you ever broken a horse before?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSarah and I were in a town in Colorado when they were breaking a large herd of horses,\u201d answered Jacob, a bit evasively. \u201cIt must have taken six men close to a month to break those horses.<\/p>\n

\u201cBut have you ever sat on a bronc?\u201d pressed Joe. \u201cHave you ever actually ridden a wild horse before?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, I\u2019ve seen it done,\u201d answered Jacob slowly. \u201cI know the theory behind how you\u2019re supposed to do it.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOh great,\u201d said Joe, rolling his eyes. \u201cYou\u2019ve seen it done. Jacob, seeing a horse broken and actually doing it is two entirely different things.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI sort of suspected that,\u201d admitted Jacob. \u201cBut I\u2019m sure I\u2019ll catch on to how to do it.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019ll catch on, all right,\u201d said Joe shaking his head. \u201cBut only after you\u2019ve got enough bruises to last you a year. That is, if you don\u2019t break your neck first.\u201d Joe took a deep breath. \u201cI\u2019ll show you how to break a horse.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou don\u2019t have to do that,\u201d said Jacob. \u201cI\u2019m sure one of the hands you send can show me.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cMaybe,\u201d Joe answered, \u201cbut if you want to learn how to do it right, you\u2019d better let me show you.\u201d<\/p>\n

Jacob let out a sigh of relief. \u201cThank you, Joe,\u201d he said gratefully. \u201cI didn\u2019t really want to ask for your help.\u201d<\/p>\n

Clapping Jacob lightly on the back, Joe smiled. \u201cI told you I was ready to help you. All you have to do is ask. Besides, I still owe you for saving me from those Paiutes.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThat debt, if there was one, has been more than paid,\u201d said Jacob in a determined voice. \u201cYou don\u2019t owe me a thing.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, then look at it this way,\u201d grinned Joe. \u201cThis is my excuse to get to eat some of Sarah\u2019s cooking. And your wife is a great cook.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cShe is that,\u201d agreed Jacob, returning Joe\u2019s grin. \u201cIn fact, I think it\u2019s time for you and me to sample her cooking now.\u201d<\/p>\n

For the next few weeks, Joe essentially had two jobs to work. While Ben readily agreed to Jacob\u2019s terms \u2013 although he also felt they were too generous \u2013 he felt he simply couldn\u2019t spare Joe and a couple of hands to be at Jacob\u2019s ranch for the next few weeks. Adam and Hoss were at the timber camp, supervising the logging and delivery of the timber needed to fill their contract with the Army for the new fort. Ben had been counting on Joe to assume some of his brothers\u2019 duties around the ranch. As a result, a compromise had been devised. In the mornings, Joe did his work on the Ponderosa \u2013 routine chores as well as getting the hands started each day on the other various tasks that needed to be done. In the afternoon, Joe and three hands would ride over to Jacob\u2019s ranch.<\/p>\n

For the first week, Joe rotated the men he took with him, trying to find a combination of good horsemen and those who were comfortable working with Jacob. Not all the men were willing to work close with what some considered \u201ca savage\u201d while others who didn\u2019t seem to mind being around Jacob lacked the skills Joe wanted. Finally, he found three men who met his needs, and the work on the horses that had been captured began in earnest. Building the corral and breaking the horses was the easy part, Joe decided. Teaching Jacob how to break a horse was much more difficult. It wasn\u2019t that Jacob lacked enthusiasm for the job. If anything, the man was too eager to learn. While Joe patiently explained and showed Jacob how to stay on a bucking horse, he groaned softly as he watched his friend trying to put Joe\u2019s lessons into practice. For the first week, Jacob stayed on the horses he tried to ride for only a few seconds \u2013 and collected all the bruises that Joe had predicted. When Joe had tried to convince Jacob to let him and the others break the horses for him, Jacob had stubbornly refused the offer. He was determined to learn, and was willing to put up with the aches and pains that seemed required as part of the process.<\/p>\n

Just about the time Joe was convinced Jacob would break one of his bones before he actually broke a horse, Joe learned again of the Indian\u2019s adaptability. Standing by the fence as Jacob mounted a horse, Joe took a half step forward, getting ready to replace Jacob on the bucking mare after his usual three or four seconds in the saddle. But Joe stopped as he saw the horse buck hard \u2013 and Jacob staying with him. Joe\u2019s jaw dropped in amazement as the horse spun and bucked and spun again, and all the while Jacob stayed in the saddle as if he were glued to the leather. When Jacob rode the horse to standstill, Joe was too astonished to do anything but gape. The two hands sitting on the fence broke into a spontaneously fit of clapping and whistling as Jacob dismounted and handed the reins to the third hand who had ridden up to him. Jacob bowed slightly toward the audience on the fence, a wide grin on his face, then started toward Joe. Shaking himself out of his daze, Joe walked to meet Jacob, the grin on his face matching the Indian\u2019s. \u201cThat was a great ride!\u201d exclaimed Joe. \u201cYou rode him like you\u2019ve been breaking horses for years instead of just a few days!\u201d<\/p>\n

Shrugging slightly, Jacob answered, \u201cIt just took me awhile to learn how to feel what the horse was going to do. Once I got that part down, it really just became a matter of staying relaxed and moving with the horse. Just like you said I should do.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI know that\u2019s what I said,\u201d replied Joe, still shaking his head in disbelief. \u201cBut that\u2019s something that usually takes a long time to learn.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m a quick learner,\u201d said Jacob, his grin widening.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll say you are!\u201d answered Joe. His eyes narrowed a bit and he cocked his head at Jacob. \u201cDo you think you can do it again?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cGive me a chance to catch my breath, and then let\u2019s find out,\u201d Jacob said. But his voice implied that he was confident of a repeat performance. And repeat the ride is exactly what Jacob did. He waited until Joe and one of the other hands had each had a try at a horse. While Joe had ridden his mount until the horse finally allowed him to guide him, the hand had been thrown quickly by a bay mare. Jacob replaced the hand on the mare, and once more stayed with the horse until the animal came to a stop.<\/p>\n

\u201cBeautiful!\u201d enthused Joe as Jacob dismounted for a second time. \u201cI guess maybe my services will no longer be needed.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI wouldn\u2019t say that,\u201d replied Jacob with a twinkle in his eye. \u201cSomebody still has to school those horses. I think you could do that.\u201d He laughed as Joe groaned at the thought of the tedious task. \u201cSeriously, Joe, there\u2019s only four horses and the stallion left. I\u2019d appreciate another few days of help.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou got it,\u201d agreed Joe, \u201cas long as all I have to do is break them, not teach them how to behave.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s a deal,\u201d said Jacob, smiling.<\/p>\n

\u201cListen, why don\u2019t you and Sarah come over to the Ponderosa for dinner on Saturday,\u201d said Joe suddenly. \u201cAdam and Hoss are due back on Friday. We can have sort of a celebration.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWe wouldn\u2019t want to intrude on a family affair,\u201d said Jacob in a hesitant voice.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou wouldn\u2019t be intruding,\u201d insisted Joe. \u201cBesides, Pa really would like to see you.\u201d Joe grinned. \u201cIn fact, Pa would really like to see me. For the last two weeks, the only meal we\u2019ve shared is a quick breakfast.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, if you\u2019re sure\u2026\u201d said Jacob.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m sure,\u201d interrupted Joe in a firm voice. \u201cHop Sing will be happy as a clam when he finds out he\u2019ll get to feed both you and Hoss. Look at it as payback for all the meals you and Sarah have been feeding me.\u201d Joe had gotten into the habit of eating his noon meal and dinner with Sarah and Jacob. The hands had been invited also, but the men felt uncomfortable eating at a table in \u201cthe main house\u201d as they called it. They had preferred to eat on their own or head back to the Ponderosa bunkhouse. Joe, on the other hand, had become a regular \u2013 and welcome \u2013 guest at the table. \u201cAs much as I\u2019ve eaten at your dinner table for the past two weeks, it\u2019s a wonder I\u2019m not as big as Hoss,\u201d added Joe.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe like to keep our hired hands happy and well-fed,\u201d said Jacob with a grin. Then he nodded. \u201cAll right, Saturday dinner at the Ponderosa it is. Thank you for the invitation.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019re welcome anytime,\u201d said Joe, waving his hand in a dismissive gesture. \u201cNow, let\u2019s get back to work.\u201d<\/p>\n

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

Saturday dinner at the Ponderosa was a meal filled with talk and punctuated with laugher. As Joe had predicted, his father and brothers were delighted to share the meal with Sarah and Jacob. Quiet discussion quickly turned into constant conversation as each man around the table tried to amuse the others with tales of the activities in which they had been involved for the past weeks. Grins and laughter from the others at the table encouraged each to them to offer a light-hearted account of some event as soon as there was a lull in the conversation.<\/p>\n

In the kitchen, Hop Sing fumed as he listened to the talk and laughter. As much as he wanted the Cartwrights and guests to enjoy themselves, he had wanted them to enjoy their meal as well. He had worked hard preparing the lavish dinner, which from the sounds at the table, was being ignored. Finally, Hop Sing couldn\u2019t stand the thought of his cooking being wasted any longer. He walked to the doorway between the kitchen and dining room, ready to chastise the diners for their lack of appreciation for the meal. But he stopped abruptly as he looked into the room, then turned back to the kitchen with a satisfied smile on his face. He had seen the empty platters and bowls, as well as the plates eaten clean, on the table. The cook was pleased that his meal seemed to have disappeared as rapidly as the talk was flying around the table. Sipping his coffee, Joe finished his story of Jacob\u2019s ride on one of the mares, the last of a series of stories about his friend\u2019s newly developed ability to tame horses. \u201cIt got so that me and the boys were riding the horses just to take the edge off of them, and then Jacob would get on and finish the job,\u201d said Joe with a grin.<\/p>\n

\u201cJoe is making too much of it,\u201d said Jacob modestly. \u201cAll I did was put into the practice the things he taught me.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll bet that stallion was harder to break than them mares,\u201d commented Hoss.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll say he was,\u201d agreed Joe, shaking his head. \u201cHe tossed me twice, and Jacob once. It was the first time in three days I saw him hit the dirt.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhen do you think you\u2019ll have them horses ready to sell?\u201d Hoss asked Jacob.<\/p>\n

\u201cA few more days should do it,\u201d replied Jacob. \u201cI thought I\u2019d ride over on Wednesday or Thursday to where they\u2019re building the fort, and talk to whomever is in charge to see if the army might have an interest buying them.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI may be able to save you a long ride,\u201d said Adam. \u201cI hope you don\u2019t mind, but when Hoss and I delivered the last load of lumber to the fort, I talked with the Major in charge. He\u2019s not only interested but eager to buy the horses, and at a pretty good price.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI appreciate your asking about the horses for me,\u201d Jacob said gratefully. \u201cIt does save me having to ride over there twice.\u201d He turned to Ben. \u201cLooks like I have one last favor to ask, Ben. Do you think you could lend me Joe for a day or so to help me get the horses over to the fort?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOf course,\u201d agreed Ben readily. \u201cThat is, if Joe doesn\u2019t mind.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t mind at all,\u201d Joe chimed in. \u201cI\u2019d kind of like to see this project through to the end.\u201d<\/p>\n

He cocked his head as he looked at Jacob. \u201cThink you\u2019ll have those horses ready by Wednesday?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThey\u2019ll be ready,\u201d answered Jacob confidently.<\/p>\n

\u201cThat stallion is probably going to be a challenge to school,\u201d Adam said. \u201cA horse like that doesn\u2019t take to following orders too well.\u201d He looked at Joe and added. \u201cHe\u2019s probably a lot like a younger brother of mine.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI follow orders,\u201d Joe protested. Then he added with a smile, \u201cWhen it suits me.\u201d<\/p>\n

When the laughter following Joe\u2019s comment died down, Jacob said, \u201cThe stallion has a mind of his own, there\u2019s no doubt. But he and I finally came to an understanding. In fact, I rode him over here.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019re kidding!\u201d exclaimed Joe.<\/p>\n

\u201cNo,\u201d said Jacob, shaking his head. \u201cHe\u2019s tied to your hitching post outside right now.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThis I have to see,\u201d said Joe, pushing himself away from the table. \u201cI didn\u2019t think you\u2019d ever get that stallion to calm down.\u201d<\/p>\n

As Joe headed for the door, Jacob stood and turned to Ben. \u201cPlease excuse me,\u201d he said politely, then grinned. \u201cI think I\u2019d better go outside before your son steals my horse.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m afraid Joe has more enthusiasm than manners sometimes,\u201d said Ben, shaking his head. \u201cOf course, please join him.\u201d He looked at his other sons, and noted the keen interest on their faces. \u201cYou two go ahead, \u201d added Ben. \u201cI know you want to see that horse too.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThanks, Pa,\u201d said Hoss quickly as he and Adam stood and followed Jacob from the table.<\/p>\n

In the sudden quiet that descended on the dining room, Ben turned to Sarah, who still sat at the table, sipping her coffee. \u201cI hope you didn\u2019t feel ignored, Sarah,\u201d he said solicitously. \u201cYou didn\u2019t get a chance to say much.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI enjoyed just listening,\u201d Sarah assured Ben. She looked down at her plate for a minute, as if trying to make up her mind about something. Almost shyly, she lifted her head and looked at Ben. \u201cI hope you don\u2019t mind Joe coming over to our ranch so much.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat?\u201d Ben said in a startled voice. \u201cOf course, I don\u2019t mind. In fact, I\u2019m pleased about it. Joe\u2019s at that age when he can be easily influenced. I\u2019m glad he has someone like Jacob as a friend, someone who is a positive influence.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cJacob is so glad to have Joe around the ranch,\u201d said Sarah. \u201cHe thinks of Joe as sort of the younger brother he never had. I\u2019ve never seen him happier. I\u2019m very grateful to you for sharing your son with us.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m the one who should be grateful,\u201d Ben said. \u201cEspecially to you for becoming part of Joe\u2019s life.\u201d He looked off for a moment and then turned back to Sarah. \u201cJoe has never really known what it\u2019s like to have a mother. Adam and Hoss both had a mother in their lives, even though it was for a short time. But Joe\u2019s mother died when he was very young, and he really doesn\u2019t remember her. He\u2019s been raised in a household of men. Joe\u2019s had women friends, of course, but I\u2019ve always regretted that he\u2019s grown up without out those, well, I guess I\u2019d call it womanly influences.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cJoe has grown into a fine young man,\u201d said Sarah. \u201cYou\u2019ve done a wonderful job of raising him.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThank you,\u201d acknowledged Ben. \u201cBut it\u2019s a comfort to me to know he has someone like you in his life. Someone who might soften those rough edges in a way than Adam, Hoss and I never could.\u201d<\/p>\n

Suddenly, the front door banged open, and Joe burst back into the house. \u201cPa,\u201d said Joe as he rushed back to the dining room. \u201cYou have to come outside and see the stallion. Jacob has him practically eating out of the palm of his hand.\u201d Without waiting for a reply, Joe turned and hurried toward the door again.<\/p>\n

\u201cSee what I mean about the rough edges,\u201d said Ben with a sigh.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m not sure I would want to soften them too much,\u201d said Sarah. \u201cI\u2019d hate to see Joe lose his enthusiasm for life.\u201d The sound of the front door slamming shut interrupted her reply. \u201cBut,\u201d continued Sarah with a smile, \u201cmaybe there are a few things I might be able to persuade Joe to think about.\u201d<\/p>\n

Raising his eyebrows, Ben said, \u201cLike how to enter and leave a house without waking the dead?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, I can try,\u201d agreed Sarah. \u201cBut it could be a bit of a challenge to get him to listen.\u201d<\/p>\n

A voice called from outside the house. \u201cPa, come out and see this!\u201d Joe\u2019s strident voice could be heard through the thick walls of the ranch house. Once more, Ben sighed. \u201cSarah, getting Joe to listen sometimes isn\u2019t a challenge. Sometimes it takes a downright miracle.\u201d He shook his head. \u201cWe\u2019d better get outside and take a look before he comes back in and drags us out there.\u201d<\/p>\n

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

\u201cDoesn\u2019t look like much of a fort yet, does it?\u201d said Joe as he stopped his horse on the crest of a hill. He held a lead rope to which the halters of four horses were tied, four of the horses Jacob planned to sell to the Army.<\/p>\n

\u201cNot yet,\u201d agreed Jacob as he stopped his horse and the four mares he was leading next to Joe. Jacob was sitting on the newly tamed stallion, and, to an unknowing eye, both rider and horse seemed very comfortable with each other. It was fact that still amazed Joe.<\/p>\n

\u201cI guess the fact that they\u2019re still getting organized is a good sign,\u201d Joe said. \u201cMeans they\u2019re looking for lots things to get them started, including horses.\u201d He continued to gaze at the half-built structure below him. The back and two sides of the fort were up, and inside the fort, a number of men were working on constructing the buildings in which the troop would be housed and fed. What would be the yard of the fort seemed filled with lumber, boxes and piles of material covered with tarp. A number of large tents were set up outside the walls, and men in uniforms were moving both between the tents and toward the construction area. A roughly built corral holding six or seven horses stood several feet to the left of the tents. \u201cWhat\u2019s the name of that major Adam told us to see?\u201d asked Joe as he watched the activity below.<\/p>\n

Reaching into the pocket of his pants, Jacob pulled out a slip of paper. \u201cBrowning,\u201d he read from the slip.<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, let\u2019s go see if Major Browning wants to buy some horses,\u201d said Joe with a wry grin. He kicked his pinto lightly, starting the horse forward as he pulled a bit on the lead rope. The mares he was leading started after Joe. Jacob followed, allowing a few feet of space between the horses Joe was leading and his own string of animals.<\/p>\n

No one seemed to notice as Jacob and Joe rode slowly up to the tents with their horses in tow. All of the soldiers seemed intent on their own business, either walking toward some destination or studying papers in their hands. Joe stopped a few feet from a tall, well-built man wearing a uniform with sergeant\u2019s stripes. \u201cHey, Sarge,\u201d Joe called. \u201cWhere can we find Major Browning?\u201d<\/p>\n

The sergeant looked up from a large sheet of paper he had been reading, and stared at Joe and Jacob for several minutes without answering. Finally, the soldier cocked his head to the left and said, \u201cOver by the corral. Tall, thin fellow with a mustache.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThanks,\u201d acknowledged Joe. He turned his horse and walked the pinto and the mares he was leading toward the corral. The sergeant watched as Jacob and Joe headed toward the corral, then shrugged slightly, as if deciding the two strangers were none of his concern. He turned back to the paper in his hand.<\/p>\n

Even without the sergeant\u2019s accurate description, Joe would have been able to spot Major Browning. Not only did the officer\u2019s uniform give him away, but Joe would have figured the man by corral holding a sheaf a papers and shouting orders was likely to be the one in charge of things. Once more, Joe pulled his pinto to a halt, this time a few feet from the major. \u201cMajor Browning?\u201d called Joe.<\/p>\n

\u201cYes, yes, what is it?\u201d replied the officer near the corral turning slightly. He appeared to have a slightly harried air about him.<\/p>\n

\u201cMy name\u2019s Joe Cartwright, \u201c said Joe. \u201cMy brother Adam said you were interested in buying some horses.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cCartwright?\u201d Browning said with a slight frown. \u201cOh yes, I remember. He mentioned something about it last week when that lumber shipment arrived.\u201d The major looked past Joe to the horses he led. \u201cAre they saddle broke?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSaddle broke, schooled and ready to ride,\u201d answered Joe enthusiastically. \u201cMy friend Jacob and I have a real nice string of horses to sell you.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cFine,\u201d said the major, still look distracted. \u201cLead them over to the corral. I\u2019ll join you shortly and take a look at them.\u201d<\/p>\n

Nodding toward Jacob, Joe again started the horses at a walk, this time covering the few feet to the corral. As Jacob stopped his horses near Joe, he looked around. \u201cDoesn\u2019t seem to be many soldiers around,\u201d he commented. Turning to look into the corral, Jacob added, \u201cOr many horses.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cProbably out on patrol or something,\u201d replied Joe. \u201cJust because the fort isn\u2019t built doesn\u2019t mean the Army isn\u2019t doing its work.\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe and Jacob waited patiently by the corral for about ten minutes before Major Browning hurried over to them. As he approached, Browning glanced toward the hills from which Joe and Jacob had ridden, as he were looking for someone.<\/p>\n

\u201cLet me take a look at the horses,\u201d said Browning almost curtly. He walked up to one of the mares and began to run his hand over the animal\u2019s chest and legs.<\/p>\n

\u201cThey\u2019re in fine condition,\u201d said Joe as the major examined the mare. \u201cGood stock and nicely schooled. You won\u2019t find a better string.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll decide that,\u201d replied Browning shortly as he moved to look at a second horse. He examined that animal, then stopped to look up toward the hills again. After a minute, Browning turned back to examine yet another horse, but he stopped when he heard a noise behind him. Turning quickly, Browning looked expectantly, then seemed disappointed when he saw only a wagon loaded with boards rattling by. A bit exasperated by the major\u2019s lack of attention on his animals, Joe said, \u201cLook, major, I know we kind of showed up unexpectedly. If this isn\u2019t a good time, we can camp over by the foot of those hills and come back later when you\u2019ve got time to look at the horses.\u201d<\/p>\n

Looking a bit startled, Browning turned to Joe. He looked as if he were going to reply in anger but his face suddenly softened. \u201cI\u2019m sorry,\u201d he said almost with a sigh. \u201cI am a bit distracted. I\u2019m hoping a patrol we sent out will be back. But you\u2019re right. I should be doing my job. And we need some good horses.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIndian trouble?\u201d asked Joe with a frown.<\/p>\n

\u201cNo, at least, I don\u2019t think so,\u201d replied Browning, shaking his head. He hesitated a moment, then continued. \u201cA wagon full of supplies was due here about a week ago. When it was four days late, I sent a patrol out looking for it. They found the two soldiers, shot in the back. The patrol followed the wagon tracks until they lost the trail in the mountains. Then they reported back. I sent out another patrol yesterday to try to pick up the trail of whoever stole that wagon. I\u2019m hoping they\u2019ll be back soon with those murdering thieves.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd you don\u2019t think it was Indians?\u201d asked Joe.<\/p>\n

\u201cNo, the tracks of the horses the patrol saw all were shod horses,\u201d answered Browning. \u201cBesides, the two soldiers were shot and dumped in some bushes. That doesn\u2019t seem like the work of Indians.\u201d Browning shook his head. \u201cIt\u2019s bad enough to lose the supplies and maybe have to put the rest of the men on short rations for awhile. But to lose two soldiers like that — murdered, well\u2026\u201d Browning\u2019s face took on a hard look.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m sorry,\u201d said Joe with genuine sympathy. \u201cMaybe it would be better if we came back later.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo,\u201d said Browning, again shaking his head. \u201cStanding around waiting isn\u2019t going to bring that patrol back any faster. Besides, I like the idea of having some fresh horses ready when they get back.\u201d The Major turned back to the horses and began to examine each animal carefully.<\/p>\n

It took Major Browning almost twenty minutes to examine the eight horses. He ran his hand over legs and chests, opened mouths to look at teeth, and peered closely at eyes. Occasionally, Joe would point out a good feature on the horse Browning was examining, but the Major only grunted in response or ignored the comment. Jacob sat quietly on his horse during the examination, watching with a look of confidence. When he had finished with all the horses, Browning took a step back. \u201cThey\u2019re good animals,\u201d he said almost reluctantly. \u201cYou say they\u2019re saddle broke?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cMy friend, Jacob, schooled every one of them,\u201d Joe said, nodding in the Indian\u2019s direction. \u201cIn fact, they\u2019re his horses.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThey are?\u201d Browning said in surprise. He looked at Jacob. \u201cIf they\u2019re your horses, how come your friend here is doing all the talking?\u201d<\/p>\n

With a slight smile on his face, Jacob answered, \u201cWe decided it might be a little disconcerting for an Indian to ride into an Army camp to sell horses. Besides, Joe is a better horse trader than I am.\u201d<\/p>\n

Browning studied Jacob for a minute. \u201cI have a feeling you\u2019d do all right at horse trading,\u201d he commented. Turning, Browning looked around the camp. \u201cJenkins,\u201d he shouted. \u201cGet over here.\u201d<\/p>\n

The sergeant that Joe and Jacob had met when they first approached the tents strolled over. He gave Jacob and Joe a look of curiosity, then turned to Browning. \u201cYes sir,\u201d he said in an easy manner. \u201cWhat can I do for you.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI want you to try out one of these horses,\u201d explained Browning. \u201cSee if it\u2019s fit for duty.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYes sir,\u201d repeated Jenkins. \u201cWhich one?\u201d<\/p>\n

Turning back to the horses, Browning paused, then pointed to a bay mare in the middle of the string Jacob was holding. \u201cThat one.\u201d<\/p>\n

With a small salute, Jenkins walked over to the horse and unclipped the halter from the lead rope. Holding the halter firmly, he backed up the horse and led it over to the fence of the corral. Three saddles and some bridles were perched on the fence, and Jenkins grabbed one of the bridles. He took off the halter and quickly slipped the bridle around the mare\u2019s head. The horse stood quietly during the operation. Jenkins turned and grabbed a saddle and blanket, and threw both on the horse\u2019s back. After tightening the girth, Jenkins climbed into the saddle and gave the mare a light kick, turning the animal as he did. The horse obeyed, walking from the corral to an open area a few feet away. Jenkins then urged the mare into a trot, turning and weaving the animal as it moved. For several minutes, Jenkins trotted, walked and then galloped the animal in the open area. Watching the sergeant putting the horse through its paces, Joe chewed his lip nervously. He wanted the mare to do well, for Jacob\u2019s sake. Jacob, on the other hand, merely sat on his stallion, the same look of quiet confidence on his face. Finally, Jenkins walked the horse back toward Browning. \u201cHe\u2019s a little raw,\u201d said the sergeant, \u201cbut it won\u2019t take much to make him into a good trooper\u2019s horse.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIf I told you to ride him on patrol right now, would you do it?\u2019 asked Browning.<\/p>\n

\u201cYes sir, I would,\u201d said Jenkins. \u201cThis horse would do his best for me, and you can\u2019t ask for anything more than that.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThank you, sergeant,\u201d said Browning with a nod. \u201cYou can unsaddle the horse and put it in the corral.\u201d Turning back to Joe, Browning continued, \u201cWhy don\u2019t you put all the horses in the corral. Then we can see if we can settle on a price. I\u2019ll be over in that second tent.\u201d<\/p>\n

Grinning, Joe nodded. As he led his string of horses toward the corral, Joe looked over at Jacob and winked. Jacob smiled at his friend in return. Walking toward the tent after putting the horses in the corral and tying their own mounts to the corral fence, Joe said to Jacob, \u201cLet me do all the talking, all right? There\u2019s an art to these things.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAll right, \u201c agreed Jacob. \u201cBut see if you can get at least $40 a head for them.\u201d<\/p>\n

Nodding, Joe pushed open the flap of the tent and walked in, with Jacob right behind him. Sitting behind a table, Browning looked up as the two men walked in. He had a small tin box and some papers on his desk. \u201cThey\u2019re good horses,\u201d he said without preamble. \u201cI\u2019m prepared to offer you $35 a piece.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, Major, that\u2019s a good price for horses that aren\u2019t saddle broke. But these horses, we were kind of figuring they\u2019re worth $80 each,\u201d said Joe as he lowered himself onto a stool in front of the table. Standing behind his friend, Jacob\u2019s eyes widened a bit at Joe\u2019s statement, but the rest of his face was impassive. \u201c$80 is far too much,\u201d stated Browning firmly. \u201cBut I could go to $40.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWe could take those horses and sell them in Virginia City for at least $75 dollars,\u201d countered Joe. \u201cBut seeing how the Army really needs them, we\u2019ll do you a favor and take $70.\u201d<\/p>\n

Shaking his head, Browning said, \u201cI shouldn\u2019t go this high, but I\u2019m willing to pay $50.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201c$60\u201d said Joe.<\/p>\n

\u201c$55 a head and that\u2019s my final offer,\u201d said Browning firmly.<\/p>\n

Glancing up and over his shoulder, Joe looked at Jacob. The Indian\u2019s face was impassive as ever, but Joe could see the gleam of amusement in his friend\u2019s eye.<\/p>\n

\u201cAll right,\u201d said Joe in a reluctant voice. \u201cWe\u2019ll take $55.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s a deal,\u201d agreed Browning. He picked up a pencil from the desk and pulled a piece of paper in front of him. \u201cWho do I make the bill of sale out to?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cJacob Red Feather,\u201d said Joe. \u201cJacob Red Feather, Virginia City, Nevada.\u201d<\/p>\n

Nodding slightly, Browning wrote quickly on the paper, then turned to the box sitting next to him. Opening the small tin, he pulled out a wad of bills and carefully counted out four one hundred dollar bills and two twenties. \u201cHere\u2019s the money, and your bill of sale,\u201d said Browning, pushing both the small pile of bills and the paper across the table. Looking over his shoulder again, Joe jerked his head slightly, indicating that Jacob should collect the items on the table. Jacob walked forward and picked up the money and the paper, folding both carefully before sticking them into the pocket of his pants.<\/p>\n

\u201cMr. Red Feather\u2026\u201d started the Major.<\/p>\n

\u201cPlease, call me Jacob,\u201d interrupted Jacob.<\/p>\n

\u201cAll right, Jacob,\u201d said Browning. \u201cIf you ever have any more horses to sell, I hope you\u2019ll give me first crack at them. Those are excellent animals, and extremely well schooled. Much better horses than we normally get a chance to buy.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThank you,\u201d said Jacob. \u201cI\u2019ll let you know if I get another string.\u201d<\/p>\n

Grinning, the Major looked at Joe. \u201cNext time, though, don\u2019t bring your friend with you. That young face hides a pretty good horse trader.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll take that as a compliment,\u201d said Joe with a grin.<\/p>\n

\u201cI meant it as one,\u201d answered Browning, still smiling. He reached up and offered his hand to Jacob. \u201cIt\u2019s nice doing business with you.\u201d<\/p>\n

A bit surprise at the offer of a hand, Jacob reached forward and shook the Major\u2019s hand. \u201cThank you,\u201d he said again.<\/p>\n

From outside the tent came the sound of a wagon being pulled to a halt and voices. Browning looked past Jacob with an expectant air as the tent flap opened and Jenkins walked in. Giving a salute, Jenkins said, \u201cSorry to interrupt, Major, but I think you\u2019d better come outside. A fellow with a wagonload of supplies says he\u2019s looking to sell them.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cReally?\u201d said the major, frowning slightly. He stood and walked around the table. \u201cDid he say where he got these supplies?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSays he has a trading post up in the mountains,\u201d replied Jenkins. \u201cHe claims that he brought the supplies from there.\u201d<\/p>\n

Rising from the stool, Joe exchanged a look with Jacob. Both had a pretty good idea of the identity of the man outside. Newly Watson was the only one who had a trading post in the mountains.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019d better talk with him,\u201d said Browning. He nodded toward Jacob and Joe. \u201cIt was a pleasure doing business with you, gentlemen.\u201d Walking past the sergeant, Browning pushed open the flap of the tent. He walked out with Jenkins behind him. Joe gave Jacob a questioning look, and the Indian shrugged in return. The pair followed Browning outside the tent. Standing a few feet from the tent was Newly Watson, as Joe and Jacob had suspected. Newly\u2019s eyes widened a bit when he saw Jacob and Joe emerge from the tent behind the Major, and a look of something almost like hate flickered across his face. But Watson\u2019s face quickly cleared, and he turned to face Browning.<\/p>\n

\u201cMajor, I hear you need supplies,\u201d said Watson, aiming what he called a smile toward Browning. \u201cI loaded up my wagon, and brought a bunch of things down to sell you.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhere did you hear we needed supplies, Mr\u2026.\u201d asked Browning suspiciously.<\/p>\n

\u201cWatson, Newly Watson,\u201d supplied Watson. \u201cLike I was telling this other soldier boy, I got me a trading post up in the mountains. People talk when they come by, and I hear things.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI see,\u201d said Browning in a voice that conveyed he wasn\u2019t entirely satisfied with Watson\u2019s explanation. The Major glanced a bit to his right as Jacob strolled past him in the direction of the wagon, then turned his attention back to Watson. \u201cAnd just what do you have to sell?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cFlour, salt pork, sugar, salt, and such,\u201d answered Watson. \u201cEven got some fresh deer meat in there.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd how much are you asking?\u201d inquired Browning cautiously.<\/p>\n

\u201cNow, Major, I hear you need supplies real bad,\u201d said Watson, again forming his face into a semblance of a smile. \u201cSo I\u2019m going to sell you the whole lot, for just $500.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201c$500!\u201d said Browning in astonishment. \u201cAre you crazy? I could buy all those supplies in Virginia City for under $100.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYeah, but we ain\u2019t in Virginia City now, are we?\u201d said Watson smugly. \u201cIt\u2019d take you four or five days to send someone there and back. I\u2019m offering you these supplies now, and I know you need them.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s robbery,\u201d said Browning angrily.<\/p>\n

\u201cMaybe,\u201d Watson said with a shrug. \u201cBut I don\u2019t see as how you got much choice.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cMajor,\u201d called Jacob, \u201cI think you\u2019d better take a look at these supplies.\u201d He was standing near the back of the wagon.<\/p>\n

\u201cHey, get away from there, you thieving Injun,\u201d shouted Watson. He turned to Browning. \u201cThem redskins will take anything that ain\u2019t nailed down if you don\u2019t watch \u2018em.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ignoring Watson, Browning walked over toward the wagon. Joe looked at Watson and was a bit surprised to see the man rubbing his chin nervously. Joe\u2019s eyes narrowed a bit and he hurried over to join the Major and Jacob. As Joe walked up to the wagon, Jacob was pulling out a small sack of flour. \u201cThese supplies \u2013 at least some of them \u2013 are Army issue,\u201d Jacob said to Browning. He turned the sack of flour over and pointed to the \u201cUSA\u201d stenciled in very small letters on the bottom of the sack. \u201cThere\u2019s two or three other sacks in there marked the same way.\u201d<\/p>\n

Hurrying over to the wagon, Watson said, \u201cGet your filthy hands off them sacks. Ain\u2019t no white man gonna want to use them supplies if they know you handled them.\u201d<\/p>\n

Taking the sack of flour from Jacob, Browning studied the letters on the bottom carefully. He put the sack back in the wagon, and pulled out a small bag of sugar. Turning the bag, Browning saw the same letters stenciled on the bottom. He replaced the bag, then wheeled around to face Watson.<\/p>\n

\u201cThese supplies are Army issue,\u201d Browning said angrily. \u201cMuch like the supplies in the wagon that we lost. Where did you get them?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2026I just had them in a storeroom,\u201d replied Watson, his eyes darting nervously.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019re lying,\u201d shouted Browning. \u201cYou stole these supplies. You murdered two of my men and stole the wagon. And now you have the nerve to try to sell it back to me.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo!\u201d said Watson, his eyes widening with fear. \u201cI didn\u2019t, I didn\u2019t do anything like that. I just bought them supplies off some fellows who came by the other day. Honest!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019re lying,\u201d repeated Browning. He looked past Watson toward Jenkins. \u201cSergeant, arrest this man. He\u2019s to be charged with robbery and murder.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI didn\u2019t do anything!\u201d cried Watson as Jenkins came up and grabbed his arm. The sergeant quickly pulled Watson\u2019s gun from the holster on his hip and pointed the weapon at its owner.<\/p>\n

\u201cWait, wait,\u201d said Watson in a panic. \u201cI bought them supplies, and I can prove it.\u201d Watson reached into the pocket of his pants and pulled out a slip of paper. He held the paper toward Browning, his hand shaking as he did so. \u201cLook, see here\u2019s the paper I got saying I bought them.\u201d<\/p>\n

Snatching the paper from Watson, Browning read it. \u201cPaid by N Watson, $80. One wagon and supplies.\u201d He looked at Watson. \u201cIs this supposed to prove something?\u201d he said in disgust. \u201cIt could be for anything, and there\u2019s no signature.\u201d The Major looked at Jenkins. \u201cTie him up in one of the tents, Jenkins, \u201c Browning ordered. \u201cHe\u2019s going to stand trial for murder before we hang him.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cMajor,\u201d said Jacob in a quiet voice. \u201cYou don\u2019t have any real proof that Mr. Watson murdered your men.\u201d<\/p>\n

Turning toward Jacob, Browning frowned. \u201cHe\u2019s got the supplies, doesn\u2019t he?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYes,\u201d agreed Jacob, \u201cbut he\u2019s also got a receipt. It\u2019s not much of a receipt, but it\u2019s enough to make a jury wonder if he\u2019s telling the truth. And a few sacks of flour with an Army stencil doesn\u2019t seem like enough evidence to hang a man.\u201d Seeing the hesitation on Browning\u2019s face, Jacob continued. \u201cI know you want to get the men who murdered your men, but hanging a man who may be innocent isn\u2019t really justice.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWatson\u2019s been accused of some pretty shady things,\u201d said Joe. \u201cHe\u2019s got a reputation of taking what he wants and not caring who gets hurt along the way.\u2019<\/p>\n

\u201cThat may be,\u201d said Jacob, turning toward Joe. \u201cBut you can\u2019t hang a man for having a bad reputation.\u201d Jacob turned back to Browning. \u201cIf I were you, I would do a bit more investigating before I charged a man with murder.\u201d<\/p>\n

His anger cooled, Browning nodded. \u201cYou\u2019re right, Jacob,\u201d he said. \u201cI did let my emotions get the better of me.\u201d He spun around and faced Watson. \u201cMr. Watson, you\u2019re going to stay in this camp, under guard, until I can organize a patrol to escort you to your trading post. If the patrol finds any evidence that you were involved in the murder of my soldiers, you\u2019ll be returned here to stand trial. In the meantime, I\u2019m confiscating this wagon and supplies as stolen property.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou can\u2019t do that,\u201d protested Watson. \u201cI paid for them supplies. I showed you the paper that said so.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m the legal authority in this area,\u201d said Browning in a cold voice. \u201cI can confiscate the wagon and take back Army supplies if I deem it proper. And we\u2019ll confiscate any other items at your trading post that appear to be stolen property. Just be thankful that I\u2019m giving you the benefit of the doubt that you bought those supplies.\u201d Browning looked over his shoulder toward Jacob. \u201cAnd you should be grateful to Jacob that you\u2019re not being charged with murder \u2013 yet.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cGrateful!\u201d Watson spat out the word. \u201cTo that Injun? If he had kept his nose out of my business, none of this would have happened.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cJenkins, take Mr. Watson and put him under guard in one of the tents,\u201d said Browning. \u201cThen get a patrol organized.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYes sir,\u201d said Jenkins. He pulled hard on Watson\u2019s arm. \u201cCome on,\u201d he said in a hard voice.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll get you for this, Injun,\u201d shouted Watson as Jenkins led him away. \u201cI\u2019m going to make you pay for what you done. You ain\u2019t getting away with this.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019ve made yourself an enemy,\u201d said Browning to Jacob as he watched Watson being pulled toward a tent.<\/p>\n

\u201cNo,\u201d replied Jacob, \u201cI made him mad. He was already my enemy. He\u2019s hated me from the first day he saw me.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhy?\u201d asked Browning in surprise.<\/p>\n

\u201cBecause I\u2019m an Indian,\u201d replied Jacob, almost sadly. \u201cHe didn\u2019t know me, didn\u2019t know my name. All he knew was my skin wasn\u2019t white. And that was enough to make him hate me.\u201d<\/p>\n

Nodding with understanding, Browning asked, \u201cHow did you know to check those supplies?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI just thought it was strange that a wagon full of supplies would turn up so soon after a supply wagon was stolen,\u201d answered Jacob with a shrug. \u201cAnd I\u2019ve been around enough Indian reservations to know what Army rations look like. I just thought it was worth taking a look.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m glad you did,\u201d said Browning. He shook is head a bit, then added, \u201cImagine Watson being stupid enough to try to sell the supplies back to the Army less than a week after he stole them.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t think Watson is that stupid,\u201d said Jacob. \u201cThat\u2019s one of the reasons why I think he didn\u2019t have anything to do with the robbery, at least directly. Watson may be a lot of things, but he isn\u2019t dumb.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, you may be right,\u201d said Browning, in a doubtful voice. \u201cWe\u2019ll see what the patrol finds.\u201d He gave a quick nod to Jacob and Joe. \u201cThank you again for the horses.\u201d Browning turned and walked away.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhy\u2019d you stand up for Watson?\u201d asked Joe in a puzzled voice as he moved to stand next to Jacob.<\/p>\n

\u201cBecause it was the right thing to do,\u201d answered Jacob with a shrug.<\/p>\n

\u201cBut Watson hates you,\u201d said Joe, still puzzled. \u201cHe treated you bad up at his trading post, and he made some pretty ugly threats when he saw us with those horses. Seems to me the easiest thing was to let the Army deal with him. You wouldn\u2019t have had to worry about him any more.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cJoe, just because a man hates you is no reason to stand by and let an injustice be done to him,\u201d said Jacob. \u201cIt\u2019s all about right and wrong, not who is involved. You can\u2019t decide what\u2019s right based on whether you like the person or not. Charging Watson with murder wasn\u2019t right.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI guess you\u2019re right,\u201d said Joe reluctantly. \u201cBut Watson sure didn\u2019t thank you for what you did.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI didn\u2019t do it for his thanks. I stood up for Watson because my conscience would have bothered me if I hadn\u2019t. Besides, Major Browning would have come to the same conclusion after he calmed down a bit,\u201d continued Jacob. \u201cI just stopped him from doing anything he might have regretted before he calmed down.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cJacob, you\u2019re a remarkable man,\u201d said Joe, shaking his head.<\/p>\n

\u201cNo I\u2019m not, Joe,\u201d said Jacob. \u201cI\u2019m just a man trying to do best he can, same as you and your father and brothers.\u201d Suddenly Jacob grinned. \u201cBut right now, I am a rich man. Let\u2019s head for home. I\u2019m sure Sarah will be happy to make up a whole new list of things to buy with the money I\u2019ve got in my pocket.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cShe can\u2019t have much left to buy,\u201d said Joe in surprise. \u201cShe practically cleaned out the store the last time.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou don\u2019t know Sarah,\u201d said Jacob smiling. \u201cI may not be a remarkable man, but Sarah is a remarkable woman. Especially when it comes to shopping.\u201d<\/p>\n

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

Over the next several weeks, Joe\u2019s life slid back into a familiar pattern. He spent most of the time on the Ponderosa, completing the various chores and projects that he and the rest of the family deemed necessary. A trip to Virginia City on a few Saturday nights helped break up the routine of ranch work. But Joe also developed a new habit during that time. Almost every Wednesday afternoon, he would ride over to Jacob and Sarah\u2019s ranch, both to visit with and to check on his friends. It wasn\u2019t exactly a coincidence that Joe\u2019s visits ran toward dinner-time. He enjoyed Sarah\u2019s cooking, and it didn\u2019t take much for her to persuade him to stay for a meal. His visits became so regular that an extra plate was set on the table for him by Sarah even before he showed up on a Wednesday afternoon.<\/p>\n

If the truth were to be known, Joe would have checked up on his new friends more frequently than once a week, especially the week after the visit to the new fort. Joe worried about Jacob and Sarah visiting Virginia City without him, and it took his father and brothers\u2019 most persuasive arguments to convince him not to accompany Jacob and Sarah to town, or to visit their ranch more frequently. Adam\u2019s argument had been the most effective. Joe finally had realized how overprotective he was acting when Adam asked him, \u201cAre you going to follow Jacob and Sarah every day? Pretty soon, people won\u2019t think of them as anything other than Joe Cartwright\u2019s shadow.\u201d<\/p>\n

Despite his reluctant agreement that Jacob and Sarah could manage without him, Joe still fretted about his friends\u2019 reception in Virginia City. Jacob had casually mentioned he and Sarah planned to make a trip to town on the Monday after the horses were sold, and Joe spent that day fixing fences on the hill above the Virginia City road. He took about three times as long as necessary to fix the fence, worrying like a mother hen missing her chicks until he finally saw Jacob and Sarah driving their wagon up the road. He watched them for awhile, making sure that the wagon seemed full and his friends seemed unharmed, then quickly hurried away from the hill. He was sure that Jacob hadn\u2019t known Joe had been checking on him \u2013 or at least he thought that until Jacob had asked him in an amused voice a few days later why the fence on the hill had needed so much work.<\/p>\n

Jacob and Sarah also became frequent guests for Sunday dinner at the Ponderosa. Joe had become concerned about his friends becoming too isolated on the ranch. Except for his visits and an occasional trip to town for supplies, his two friends never saw anyone else. The people of Virginia City had accepted Jacob and Sarah but hadn\u2019t embraced them. There were no invitations to join the church or become part of what passed as society in the town, such as the Ladies League or the Cattleman\u2019s Association. Sarah and Jacob were treated politely but not considered part of the community. While neither Sarah nor Jacob seemed to mind, Joe was bothered by the town\u2019s cool reception toward his friends.<\/p>\n

At a loss over how to improve the situation, Joe finally decided that he would form a ring of friends for Sarah and Jacob one at a time. The first Sunday dinner that included Jacob and Sarah also included Doctor Martin. Joe had been pleased when Sarah and the doctor had spent a good hour discussing various treatments after dinner while Jacob and Adam fought each other to a standstill on the chessboard. Buoyed by his success, Joe invited Sheriff Coffee and Martha from the dress shop to dinner with his friends and family. That too had been successful. Sarah and Martha talked dress styles and materials while Roy Coffee and Jacob compared notes on books they had enjoyed, a discussion that Ben and Adam had quickly joined. As Joe and Hoss played checkers while the others chatted, Joe already was mentally sorting through the people in town, trying to choose the next person to invite for Sunday dinner with Jacob and Sarah. But as Joe walked Jacob and Sarah to their wagon after the second Sunday dinner, Jacob pulled his young friend aside. \u201cJoe,\u201d he said quietly, \u201cSarah and I appreciate what you are trying to do but it\u2019s not necessary.\u201d<\/p>\n

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

Smiling, Jacob said, \u201cI\u2019m not the smartest man in the world, Joe, but even I can figure out you\u2019re trying to get people to accept us by inviting them to dinner with us one or two at a time. It\u2019s really not necessary. Sarah and I are used to being on our own. In fact, we like it that way.\u201d Jacob\u2019s smile widened to a grin. \u201cBesides, at the rate you\u2019re going, it\u2019s going to take about 20 years of Sunday dinners to get the whole town to eat a meal with us.\u201d<\/p>\n

Flushing with embarrassment, Joe looked down. \u201cI was just trying to help,\u201d he mumbled.<\/p>\n

\u201cI know that,\u201d said Jacob in a kind voice. \u201cAnd like I said, Sarah and I appreciate the effort. But we\u2019ll be fine on our own, Joe. We\u2019ll make friends when and with whom we want.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m sorry, Jacob,\u201d said Joe, shaking his head. He took a deep breath and let it out. \u201cMy Pa and brothers keep telling me the same thing. I guess I just wasn\u2019t listening.\u201d<\/p>\n

Putting a hand on Joe\u2019s shoulder, Jacob said gently, \u201cYou have a good heart, Joe. Don\u2019t let anything change that.\u201d As Joe nodded and looked down, Jacob clapped his friend lightly on the shoulder. \u201cWe\u2019ll see you on Wednesday, won\u2019t we? Sarah is planning on roast beef for dinner, and it\u2019s way too much for just the two of us. We need a third for dinner or I\u2019ll be eating beef stew and beef hash for a week.\u201d<\/p>\n

Looking up, Joe nodded happily. \u201cI\u2019ll see you on Wednesday.\u201d<\/p>\n

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

As Joe rode into the yard of the Ponderosa ranch house, he was surprised to see Roy Coffee sitting on the porch. The sheriff looked relaxed, sitting on a chair comfortably, but stood when Joe rode up to the house.<\/p>\n

\u201cHi, Roy!\u201d said Joe, greeting him warmly as he dismounted and walked over toward Coffee. \u201cWhat are you doing out here?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI was just about to give up and ride out of here,\u201d replied the sheriff. \u201cI wanted to talk with you.\u201d<\/p>\n

Holding up his hands in mock alarm, Joe said, \u201cWhatever it is, I didn\u2019t do it. I haven\u2019t been off the ranch in almost a week.\u201d<\/p>\n

Grinning, Coffee shook his head. \u201cI\u2019m not here to arrest you, Joe. You haven\u2019t done anything I can charge you with except maybe breaking a few hearts. The girls in town are getting downright testy since you haven\u2019t been around much.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cBeen busy at the ranch,\u201d answered Joe. \u201cAnd I\u2019ve been helping Jacob and Sarah get settled. That\u2019s taken up a lot of my time.\u201d<\/p>\n

At the mentioned of Joe\u2019s friends, Coffee\u2019s face sobered. \u201cThat\u2019s why I came out to see you, Joe. I want you to tell Jacob to watch out for Newly Watson.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWatson?\u201d said Joe in surprise. \u201cWhy?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHe\u2019s been in Virginia City for about a week, drinking with that fellow Parks you had the run in with,\u201d explained Roy. \u201cThere\u2019s a couple of other fellows hanging out with them that I don\u2019t know.\u201d Roy hesitated, then added. \u201cWatson\u2019s built up a real good hate against your friend, Jacob.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAgainst Jacob?\u201d said Joe, frowning. \u201cI know he doesn\u2019t like Jacob, but what reason has he got to hate him?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, it seems the Army charged him with receiving stolen property,\u201d Roy said. \u201cThey confiscated all the supplies at his trading post, then made him do 30 days of hard labor working on the fort their building. According to Watson, Jacob is the one who got the Army to arrest him.”<\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s not exactly true,\u201d said Joe. \u201cAll Jacob did was point out some of his supplies had Army markings on them. If anything, Watson should be grateful to Jacob. The Army was going to charge him with robbery and murder before Jacob stopped them.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s not the way Watson sees it,\u201d said the sheriff. \u201cHe keeps telling those friends of his that Jacob is the one who turned him in. He claims he was ruined because the Army took all his supplies and he had to close the trading post. And he had to do 30 days of hard labor on top of it.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cDo you think he might come after Jacob?\u201d asked Joe in a worried voice.<\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t know,\u201d admitted Roy. \u201cRight now, it\u2019s just talk. But Watson\u2019s pretty bitter about what happened, and the whiskey don\u2019t help.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cCan\u2019t you do something about it, Roy?\u201d asked Joe.<\/p>\n

\u201cI can\u2019t arrest a man for just talking,\u201d said Coffee, shaking his head. \u201cI\u2019ve warned Watson that I\u2019ll throw him in jail if he does anything, but I don\u2019t think it bothered him much.\u201d The sheriff bit his lip a bit. \u201cYou\u2019d better watch out, too, Joe. That Parks fellow is hanging around with Watson and his friends, and he doesn\u2019t feel too kindly toward the Cartwrights, either. He\u2019s got a special dislike for you because of that run in you had.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m not worried about Parks,\u201d said Joe, dismissing the man. \u201cBut Watson and his friends are another matter. Those could be the ones that murdered those soldiers and stole the supplies. Men like that don\u2019t have much conscience. There\u2019s no telling what they could do.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI thought of that, but I haven\u2019t got any evidence they did anything wrong,\u201d said Coffee. \u201cBut you\u2019re right. It\u2019s a pretty rough crowd.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat do you think we should do, Roy?\u201d asked Joe, his worry for his friends deepening.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou tell Jacob to stay away from Virginia City for awhile,\u201d said Roy. \u201cAnd you do the same. Give me a little time. I\u2019ll find a reason to arrest that bunch or run them out of town. Men like that, well, they don\u2019t stay on the right side of the law for very wrong. Pretty soon, they\u2019ll do something wrong and I\u2019ll be able to step in.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAll right,\u201d said Joe but his voice was full of doubt.<\/p>\n

Walking over toward his horse that was tied to the hitching post, Roy added, \u201cYou tell your Pa and brothers what I said, too. No sense them getting caught up in trouble. You all just stay put for a week or two. I\u2019ll let you know when I\u2019ve gotten rid of that bunch.\u201d With a nod, Roy climbed onto his horse and rode away. Watching the sheriff ride off, Joe frowned in thought. It had been about six weeks since he and Jacob had sold those horses to the Army. Six weeks of pleasant dinners and peaceful visits to town for Jacob and Sarah. Joe had begun to think that his friends had no more worries. But the sheriff\u2019s news showed Joe how na\u00efve he had been. He had dismissed Watson without a thought. He should have known to take Watson\u2019s threats seriously. Joe knew Watson was a dangerous man, and he viewed Watson\u2019s presence in Virginia City as a danger to his friend Jacob.<\/p>\n

Disturbed, Joe walked back toward his horse. He stopped and glanced at the house. His father was checking the herd on the south range, and Adam and Hoss were up at the timber camp. None of them were expected home for hours. Joe had finished riding fence early because it was Wednesday, and he had planned to visit Jacob and Sarah. Now he had a more urgent reason to get to their ranch. Joe wondered if he should leave a note for his father but decided against it. The situation was too complicated to explain in a simple note, and Joe didn\u2019t want to take the time to write a long letter. Since it was Wednesday, his family would know where he was and wouldn\u2019t worry. Joe would talk with them when he got home that night. Leaping onto the back of his pinto, Joe turned the horse and rode out of the yard, urging the animal to more than usual speed. Joe felt a sense of urgency to get to Jacob\u2019s ranch and warn his friend about Newly Watson.<\/p>\n

As Joe rode into the yard of Jacob\u2019s ranch, he carefully looked around. Everything seemed in order and the area appeared quiet. Joe could see a few cattle grazing in the distant pasture. The corral was empty, as Joe had known it would be. Jacob had been keeping the stallion and mares in the barn, both to better protect them from the elements as well as to better watch them. Two of the mares were beginning to swell with evidence of coming foals, foals obviously sired by the stallion in the mountains before the herd had been captured. On Joe\u2019s advice, Jacob put his horses in the corral in the morning to allow the animals a bit of exercise, but herded them back into the barn around noon. Riding up to the barn, Joe looked into the structure. He could see the rumps of the horses in the dim light. The stallion and mares seemed to be standing quietly in their stalls. Several bales of hay were piled near the front of the barn, and two sacks of feed lay next to the hay. Other than the horses, the barn seemed empty, which Joe again expected it would be. This time of day, Jacob was usually in the house, cleaning up after a hard day\u2019s work.<\/p>\n

Looking toward the house, Joe saw nothing amiss there either. It was still to early and too light for lamps to be lit, but everything looked in order. He could see nothing that would indicate anything was wrong. Dismounting, Joe looped his reins around a wagon wheel leaning against the side of the barn. He left enough slack so his horse could reach the small trough of water in front of the building. Then he headed toward the house.<\/p>\n

As Joe crossed the yard to the house, he looked toward a grove of trees standing about thirty yards away. He could see no movement among the trees. Joe knew he was being overly cautious, but Roy Coffee\u2019s warning had made him edgy. Joe was worried about Newly Watson and his friends showing up before he had a chance to warn his friend. Knocking on the door to announce his arrival, Joe looked around the ranch one more time. Everything seemed quiet and as it should be. Still, Joe couldn\u2019t shake the feeling that he needed to warn Jacob about Watson as soon as possible.<\/p>\n

\u201cJoe! You\u2019re early,\u201d boomed Jacob with a smile as he opened the front door. \u201cCome on in and make yourself at home.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThanks,\u201d replied Joe, walking into the house. He grinned at Jacob. \u201cI guess I pretty much always make myself at home here.\u201d<\/p>\n

As Joe walked into the house, he was struck as he always was at how the house with the deserted air had become a warm home. Not only had the place been cleaned until it practically shone, but the house now had an almost cozy look. Dark blue curtains on the windows, an ivory cloth on the table and some knickknacks on new shelves had helped the transformation. Joe saw a tall bookcase standing empty in the corner. \u201cHey, you finished the bookcase,\u201d he said as he looked to the corner.<\/p>\n

\u201cYes, I finished it yesterday,\u201d said Jacob proudly. \u201cNow all I need to do is get into Virginia City to get some books to put in it.\u201d<\/p>\n

As the mention of Virginia City, Joe\u2019s face grew serious. \u201cJacob, I need to talk to you and Sarah about going into Virginia City.\u201d<\/p>\n

With a puzzled look, Jacob started to ask his young friend why but abruptly stopped himself when he saw the serious expression on Joe\u2019s face. Instead he turned and called to the kitchen. \u201cSarah, could you come out here for a minute?\u201d He glanced at Joe again and added, \u201cIt\u2019s important.\u201d<\/p>\n

Drying her hands on an apron that covered her skirt, Sarah walked out of the kitchen. \u201cHello, Joe,\u201d she said warmly. \u201cYou\u2019re early today. I\u2019ve just started making dinner.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI need to talk to you and Jacob,\u201d Joe said in an almost ominous tone. \u201cLet\u2019s sit at the table for a minute.\u201d<\/p>\n

Sarah\u2019s eyes widened with both surprise and concern. She glanced at Jacob, who nodded at her, then walked over to the table and sat down. Jacob and Joe quickly joined her.<\/p>\n

Deciding not to try to soften the warning, Joe plunged right in. \u201cNewly Watson is in Virginia City. Sheriff Coffee is afraid that Watson is going to come after Jacob.\u201d Joe quickly repeated what the sheriff had told him.<\/p>\n

When Joe finished, both Jacob and Sarah sat in silence. Then Jacob nodded slowly. \u201cThe sheriff is right, of course,\u201d he said. \u201cWe shouldn\u2019t go looking for trouble. We\u2019ll stay out of Virginia City until he tells us otherwise.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cBut, Jacob, we need supplies,\u201d protested Sarah. \u201cI need some fresh vegetables and you said you needed some feed for the horses.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou can get whatever you need from the Ponderosa for awhile,\u201d said Joe. \u201cWe\u2019ve got plenty, and whatever we don\u2019t have, Hop Sing will get for you. I doubt if the crowd will bother Hop Sing if he goes into town.\u201d Joe looked at Jacob. \u201cIt\u2019s not only Virginia City that you need to worry about. You need to keep your eyes open around here. It\u2019s very possible that Watson and his friends might show up here.\u201d<\/p>\n

Nodding again, Jacob said simply, \u201cYes, I know.\u201d<\/p>\n

Sighing, Joe said, \u201cI\u2019m sorry about this.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s not your fault, Joe,\u201d replied Jacob. \u201cAnd it\u2019s not like we haven\u2019t been threatened before.\u201d He smiled briefly. \u201cAt least this time, we\u2019ve got good friends to warn us.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd stand with you,\u201d Joe said firmly. \u201cMaybe I should stay here for awhile. Sort of watch your back for you.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo,\u201d said Jacob shaking his head. \u201cThat\u2019s no good, Joe. You\u2019ve got your own place to take care of. Besides, even if the sheriff runs Watson out of town, there\u2019s no telling if he might come back. You can\u2019t stay here forever.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cMaybe we should leave,\u201d suggested Sarah fearfully.<\/p>\n

\u201cNo,\u201d Jacob said again. \u201cThis is our home. We\u2019ve done enough running. This time we\u2019ll stay put.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou could come over to the Ponderosa for awhile,\u201d suggested Joe. \u201cMaybe if Watson and his friends showed up and no one was here, they\u2019d get discouraged and leave.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo,\u201d Jacob answered once again. \u201cI\u2019ve got a ranch to run, too. Besides, there\u2019s no telling what those men would do if they came here and no one was around. I\u2019ve put too much work into this place to see it destroyed.\u201d Jacob took a deep breath. \u201cWe\u2019ll be prudent and watchful, of course, but we aren\u2019t going to run. No this time.\u201d<\/p>\n

Sarah looked at her husband. \u201cJacob, if anything should happen to you\u2026.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll be fine,\u201d Jacob said. He reached over and covered his wife\u2019s hand with his. \u201cThere\u2019s no need to worry until we have something specific to worry about. This could all just be talk.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI think it may be more than just talk,\u201d Joe cautioned his friend.<\/p>\n

Shrugging, Jacob said, \u201cI won\u2019t live my life in fear, Joe. We\u2019ll be careful, of course. But the only thing we can really do is live our lives the best we can and put our trust in God.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019d rather put my trust in a .45,\u201d said Joe, patting his holster.<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, that does help sometimes,\u201d admitted Jacob. \u201cBut I\u2019ve seen enough killing and violence to know that it usually doesn\u2019t solve anything. All it does is breed more killing and violence.\u201d He gave his friend a smile. \u201cI\u2019m not above doing a little shooting and scaring off, though.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI wish there was something more we could do than just wait for Watson to show up,\u201d said Joe. \u201cMaybe we ought to go after him.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cTake the offensive?\u201d said Jacob. He thought about it a minute, then shook his head. \u201cI don\u2019t think that\u2019s a good idea, Joe. He hasn\u2019t done anything but make threats. If we go after Watson, we\u2019ll be the ones in the wrong. And I know enough about \u2018white man\u2019s justice\u2019 to know an Indian who attacks a white man is almost sure to go to jail \u2013 or worse. The best thing to do is just wait and see what happens. Maybe it is just talk. Maybe Watson won\u2019t show up here at all.\u201d<\/p>\n

As if on cue, the trio at the table heard the sound of running horses from outside the house. Jacob jumped up from the table and peered out the window, then turned to face the other two. \u201cIt\u2019s Watson,\u201d he said briefly.<\/p>\n

Getting up slowly, Joe pulled the gun from his holster and checked to make sure it was fully loaded. He looked up to see Jacob crossing the room toward the spare bedroom. Jacob ducked into the room and came out with a rifle in his hands.<\/p>\n

\u201cGot another one of those?\u201d asked Joe.<\/p>\n

\u201cNo,\u201d said Jacob. \u201cI only use it for hunting. It\u2019s only got about ten bullets in it and I don\u2019t have any more around. I had planned to get more bullets the next time I went to town.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ve got six bullets in my pistol and another six in my pocket,\u201d said Joe. He bit his lip. \u201cTwenty two bullets between us. That doesn\u2019t give us much firepower.\u201d<\/p>\n

Suddenly, a gun fired and a bullet shattered the glass of a front window. Jacob dropped to the floor. Joe pushed Sarah to the floor and under the table, then fell on his knees. A voice called from outside. \u201cHey, Injun! You in there?\u201d The call was followed by two more gunshots and the sound of bullets thudding into the front door. Looking across the room at Jacob, Joe said in a meaningful voice, \u201cI think we should send Sarah for help.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo!\u201d cried Sarah from under the table. \u201cI want to stay here.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cJoe\u2019s right,\u201d said Jacob. \u201cYou should go for help. We\u2019ll hold them off while you sneak out the back door.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cCut through the woods and go into the barn from the back,\u201d Joe added. \u201cMy horse is tied right in front of the barn. Take him and ride to the Ponderosa for help.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cBut it will take two hours, maybe more, for me to get there and back,\u201d said Sarah. \u201cThat\u2019s too long.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWe can hold them off if we know help is coming,\u201d said Joe firmly. \u201cThey might even leave if they know someone has gone for help.\u201d He had no false hope that what he was saying was true. But Joe also had no illusion about what Watson and his friends might do to Sarah if they got their hands on her.<\/p>\n

\u201cHey, Injun! You hear me!\u201d shouted the voice from outside again. Another gun was fired, this time the bullet whizzing through the broken window and thudding into the wall near the fireplace.<\/p>\n

\u201cGo, Sarah!\u201d Jacob urged his wife. \u201cWe can\u2019t wait much longer.\u201d<\/p>\n

Looking fearfully at Jacob and then at Joe, Sarah nodded. She started to crawl across the floor to the kitchen, then suddenly stopped. She turned to Jacob and said, \u201cI love you, Jacob Red Feather.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd I love you, Sarah,\u201d replied Jacob tenderly. He took a deep breath. \u201cBut I\u2019ll love you even more if you get out of here and go for help.\u201d<\/p>\n

Sarah turned and crawled quickly into the kitchen.<\/p>\n

Once more, a gun fired and a bullet thudded into the door. \u201cInjun, you\u2019d better get out here,\u201d shouted the voice. \u201cIf you don\u2019t, we\u2019re going to burn you out.\u201d<\/p>\n

Jacob looked at Joe. \u201cJoe,\u201d he started, \u201cmaybe you\u2019d better\u2026.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cJacob,\u201d interrupted Joe. \u201cYou even think about finishing that sentence and I\u2019m going to come over and bust you in the mouth.\u201d<\/p>\n

Grinning, Jacob nodded. \u201cWell, then, let\u2019s go out and meet our friends,\u201d he said. \u201cIf we keep their attention on us, maybe they won\u2019t notice Sarah riding off.\u201d Without waiting for a reply from Joe, Jacob shouted, \u201cHold your fire. We\u2019re coming out.\u201d<\/p>\n

Slowly, Jacob stood and walked to the door. Joe got to his feet also, and followed his friend. As Jacob reached the door, he levered a bullet into his rifle. The he pulled the door open and walked on to the porch. Joe cocked his pistol, and walked out to stand next to his friend. Five men were standing in the yard. Newly Watson stood in the front of the group, a pistol in one hand and a coiled whip in the other. Two of the men standing behind Watson had rifles in their hands. A third held a pistol in his left hand and a rope in his right. Parks, the fired ranch hand, stood a little to the side. His gun was in his holster, and he was holding a whiskey bottle. As Parks saw Joe come on to the porch, Parks laughed. \u201cWell, looky here,\u201d said the ranch hand. \u201cJoe Cartwright. Guess I was right about you wanting that Injun gal after all.\u201d Parks took a swig from the whiskey bottle.<\/p>\n

\u201cIs that how this Injun paid for this ranch? Letting you have his woman?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cShut up, Parks,\u201d snarled Joe. He turned to Watson. \u201cWhat do you want, Watson?\u201d<\/p>\n

Watson ignored Joe and kept his gaze fixed on Jacob. \u201cInjun, you ain\u2019t caused me nothing but grief,\u201d Watson said. \u201cWe heard in town the sheriff was fixing to warn you away from here. We thought we\u2019d better get out here so we didn\u2019t miss the chance to deliver the little pay back I\u2019ve been planning.\u201d Watson uncoiled the whip and snapped with a crack.<\/p>\n

\u201cI think it would be a wise idea if you all left before someone got hurt,\u201d Jacob said in an even voice.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou think you can take us?\u201d Watson said with a laugh. \u201cInjun, you can\u2019t count very good.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWe might not take you all,\u201d said Joe, \u201cbut we can get some of you.\u201d He pointed his gun at Watson. \u201cYou want to be first, Newly?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cCartwright, you\u2019ve been poking your nose in where in ain\u2019t wanted ever since this Injun showed up,\u201d said Watson angrily. \u201cYou\u2019d better back off before you get hurt.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou think you can take me, Newly?\u201d said Joe, a half smile forming on his face. \u201cYou send your friends away and I\u2019ll be happy to give you that chance.\u201d<\/p>\n

From the corner of his eye, Joe saw some movement down by the barn. He turned his head a bit and saw Sarah climbing on to his pinto. Relief flooded through Joe. He knew she was too far away for bullets to reach her, even if the men standing in front of him saw her. But Joe\u2019s distraction would cost him dearly. His attention diverted, Joe never saw Watson snapping the whip in his hand. All Joe knew was that one minute he was holding his pistol, and the next, a painful stinging shot across had hand. As the whip ripped the skin on his hand, Joe\u2019s gun fell to the ground. Joe let out a yelp of both pain and surprise. Jacob turned toward his friend, and at that moment, a rope circled Jacob. The lasso was pulled tight, pinning Jacob\u2019s arms to his side and causing him to drop the rifle from his hands. \u201cGot \u2018im,\u201d shouted one of the men almost gleefully. Seeing Jacob roped like a steer, Joe charged off the porch and started throwing punches. He landed a solid blow on Watson\u2019s chin, and threw a jab into another man\u2019s stomach. Someone grabbed Joe\u2019s arm from behind him, but Joe pushed his elbow hard into that one\u2019s stomach. He turned and blindly threw another punch, and felt his hand land on the side of a face. His arms bound to his side, Jacob couldn’t throw any punches, but that didn\u2019t stop him from joining the fight. Jumping from the porch, Jacob started placing some well-aimed kicks into shins, ankles, and knees.<\/p>\n

If there had been fewer men or if the man holding the rope had loosened his grip, Joe and Jacob might have been able to win the battle. But the rope stayed firmly around Jacob as the man held on tenaciously and pulled hard. Off balance, Jacob fell to the ground. Watson moved to kick the fallen man and Joe rushed to push Watson away. Two men grabbed Joe\u2019s arms, one on either side. Joe twisted, trying to free himself, and had almost succeeded when Parks finally joined the melee. Parks crashed the whiskey bottle against the side of Joe\u2019s head. Stunned, Joe slumped forward, and his two captors tightened their grip. For a minute, there was little movement in the yard. Watson stood still, rubbing his jaw and catching his breath. Jacob still lay on the ground, and the man on the other end of the rope held it taut. The two men holding Joe were breathing hard, waiting for Watson to tell them what to do. Still dazed, Joe was shaking his head, trying to clear it. Only Parks seemed interested in moving. With an almost gleeful shout, he ran to the house and bounded inside.<\/p>\n

Still rubbing his sore jaw, Watson walked over to Jacob and, grabbing the rope, pulled Jacob roughly to his feet. \u201cInjun,\u201d said Watson in a threatening voice, \u201cit\u2019s payback time.\u201d<\/p>\n

Suddenly, Parks burst out of the house. \u201cThe place is empty,\u201d he shouted. \u201cThe woman is gone.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWho cares?\u201d said Watson with a shrug.<\/p>\n

Running over to Watson, Parks complained, \u201cYou said I could have the woman. That\u2019s the only reason I came along. You promised me the woman.\u201d<\/p>\n

Watson looked at Parks for a minute, then turned back to Jacob. \u201cWhere\u2019s the woman?\u201d he asked. Jacob just stared at Parks.<\/p>\n

\u201cShe\u2019s headed for the Ponderosa,\u201d Joe answered in a thick voice. He shook his head again, once more trying to clear his thoughts. \u201cYou\u2019d better leave now, unless you want to face my father and a small army of ranch hands.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThe Ponderosa, eh?\u201d said Watson, stroking his chin thoughtfully.<\/p>\n

\u201cNewly,\u201d said one of the men holding Joe nervously. \u201cMaybe we\u2019d better take off. I don\u2019t want to take on Ben Cartwright and his men.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNaw,\u201d said Watson, shaking his head. \u201cShe couldn\u2019t have left very long ago. It\u2019ll take her a couple of hours to get her and back. That\u2019s more than enough time for us to finish our business.\u201d<\/p>\n

Bending, Watson picked up the whip from the ground where he dropped it. He held the handle of the whip in front of Jacob\u2019s face. \u201cYou ever seen a man whipped to death, Injun?\u201d he asked. Jacob didn\u2019t answer; he simply stared stoically into Watson\u2019s face.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll be you have,\u201d said Watson. \u201cProbably seen that and a lot worse. Well, I\u2019ve seen a man whipped to death, and it takes a long time. The Apaches did it to my brother down in Arizona. They caught us picking up some pieces of gold from their burial ground. They made me watch while they tied my brother to some poles and started whipping him. Took two big Injuns all day but they whipped the skin off him right down to the bone. And you know what was the worst part? Hearing my brother crying and begging them to stop. My brother was the toughest, meanest man I ever knew, and he died sniveling and begging those red devils for his life.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSome ways of dying are worse than others,\u201d agreed Jacob quietly.<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, I seen one of the worst,\u201d said Watson. \u201cAnd I would have been next if the Army hadn\u2019t come along and rescued me. When I buried my brother, there wasn\u2019t hardly any skin left on him except on his face, and that was so twisted up that you couldn\u2019t hardly recognize him. I swore that day that I\u2019d make those red devils pay for what they\u2019ve done.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSo you\u2019ve vented your hate on every Indian you\u2019ve met since then,\u201d said Jacob with an understanding nod. \u201cWhether they had anything to do with your brother\u2019s death or not.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou Injuns are all the same,\u201d said Watson angrily. \u201cYou\u2019re all savages, killers. I\u2019m doing the world a favor anytime I can get rid of any of you devils.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cDid you think killing those soldiers would cause the Army to blame the Indians and punish them?\u201d asked Jacob almost curiously.<\/p>\n

\u201cI done told you, I didn\u2019t have anything to do with that!\u201d shouted Watson. \u201cI wasn\u2019t there.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cBut you knew about it, didn\u2019t you,\u201d said Jacob. \u201cYou knew who did it.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, let\u2019s just say I heard things in the trading post I had,\u201d replied Watson slyly. \u201cI figured I could make a pretty penny off the deal. That is, until you came along and messed up things with the Army.\u201d Watson\u2019s anger seemed to return. He pushed the handle of the whip closer to Jacob\u2019s face. \u201cI\u2019m going to make you pay for them 30 days of hard labor I had to put in. This whip may not be as big as that bullwhip those Apaches used, but I figure I can do a lot of damage with it.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWatson, you\u2019re a sniveling coward,\u201d shouted Joe. \u201cJust like your brother was. You haven\u2019t enough guts to take on someone face to face.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cShut up, Cartwright,\u201d said Watson furiously. \u201cShut up about my brother.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhy?\u201d said Joe. \u201cBecause you\u2019re as much of a coward as he was?\u201d<\/p>\n

Taking a step, Watson turned and slapped Joe hard across the face. \u201cShut up, Cartwright,\u201d he said again. \u201cYou\u2019ll get your turn. After I\u2019m done with the Injun, I\u2019m going to make you eat them words.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cLeave him out of it,\u201d cried Jacob. \u201cJoe doesn\u2019t have anything to do with this. I don\u2019t care what you do to me, but leave him alone.\u201d<\/p>\n

Eyes narrowing, Watson turned to Jacob. \u201cOh, so that\u2019s how it is,\u201d he said. \u201cYou don\u2019t want to see the Cartwright kid hurt.\u201d Watson rubbed his jaw slowly, his hand moving over the bruise that was forming on his chin. \u201cYou know, watching them Apaches whip my brother was almost as bad as being whipped myself. I could see what they were doing to him, see how much he was hurting. Them Apaches, they wanted me to see what was coming. I ain\u2019t ashamed to admit that it scared me, scared me good.\u201d Rubbing his jaw again, Watson continued. \u201cMaybe we\u2019ll just do Cartwright first and make you watch, Injun.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYeah,\u201d said Parks almost enthusiastically, \u201cdo Cartwright first. I want to see him squirm.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo!\u201d shouted Jacob desperately. He started to struggle against the rope that held him. \u201cLeave Joe alone!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOh, I don\u2019t think so,\u201d said Watson. He turned to face Joe. \u201cYeah, Cartwright,\u201d he said, nodding slowly, \u201cI think we\u2019ll give you a taste of rawhide first.\u201d<\/p>\n

Swallowing hard, Joe looked at Watson. He could see the anticipation in the man\u2019s eyes, the almost elated look at the thought of the cruelty he could impose. Joe felt a knot of fear forming in his stomach and his knees felt weak. But Joe wasn\u2019t about to go down without a fight.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019re sick, Watson,\u201d Joe said. \u201cYou haven\u2019t got enough guts to face a man on your own. You have to tie him down, and use your friends here to help you. You\u2019re the biggest coward I\u2019ve ever seen.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhy you..\u201d said Watson furiously as he started toward Joe. Just as Joe had hoped.<\/p>\n

Waiting until Watson was only a foot or two away, Joe leveraged his weight against the men who held him. He lifted both his legs off the ground and kicked Newly Watson hard in the chest. Surprised and hurt, Watson staggered back several steps, knocking into the man who held the rope tightly around Jacob. The rope loosened a bit, not much, but enough so Jacob would slip out of it. He rushed forward, swinging his fists. Meanwhile, Joe had twisted an arm free and turned to throw a punch into the face of the other man who held him.<\/p>\n

Once again there was a flurry of fists and kicks as Joe and Jacob fought desperately against the men who had invaded the ranch. But the battle was brief. Parks came forward and crashed his whiskey bottle into Jacob\u2019s head, this time with enough force to shatter the bottle. Jacob dropped like a stone, falling face forward to the ground. Freed from worrying about Jacob, Watson and the man with the rope joined into the fight with Joe. With four sets of fists crashing into his face and body, Joe had little chance. He resisted the fists pummeling him as long as he could, then fell to the ground also. Taking a step back, Watson looked at the two unconscious men sprawled on the ground. \u201cStrip Cartwright to the waist and tie him against that corral fence,\u201d he ordered the men standing next to him. \u201cThen tie that Injun to the post where he can watch. And tie him tight.\u201d As the men around him started toward the forms lying in the dirt, Watson reached down and picked up his whip. Rubbing the rawhide handle, Watson muttered quietly, \u201cI\u2019ll make them pay, brother. I\u2019m going to make them pay for what they done to you.\u201d<\/p>\n

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

Even if Sarah hadn\u2019t been yelling at the top of her voice when she rode into the yard of the Ponderosa, Ben Cartwright would have known something was terribly wrong. He only had to glance at the pinto Sarah was riding to know. He would have recognized his son\u2019s horse from a mile away, and the fact that Sarah had ridden the animal to a sweaty lather was enough to tell him that Joe was in danger.<\/p>\n

\u201cSarah, what\u2019s wrong?\u201d asked Ben as he ran from the corral to the middle of the yard where Sarah had pulled the exhausted pinto to a stop.<\/p>\n

Almost as tired as the horse, Sarah gasped, \u201cBen\u2026men attacking our ranch. Jacob\u2026Joe trying to stop them. They need help.\u201d<\/p>\n

Nodding his understanding, Ben turned to where Adam and Hoss were standing by the barn, watching in surprise. \u201cSaddle the horses!\u201d Ben ordered his oldest sons. \u201cAnd roust out any of the hands in the bunkhouse. Tell them to be ready to ride in five minutes. Tell them to bring their guns.\u201d Adam disappeared into the barn, as Hoss hurried to the bunkhouse.<\/p>\n

Turning back to Sarah, Ben said gently, \u201cLet me help you into the house. You must be exhausted.\u201d<\/p>\n

Even though she felt like she could sleep for a week, Sarah shook her head. \u201cNo, I\u2019m going with you. I have to get back to Jacob.\u201d<\/p>\n

Not wanting to waste time arguing, Ben helped the woman off the pinto. \u201cAt least sit and rest for a few minutes,\u201d he urged Sarah. \u201cI\u2019ll have one of the hands take care of Joe\u2019s horse and saddle a fresh one for you.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThank you,\u201d said Sarah gratefully. She let Ben lead her to the rocking chair in front of the house. As she sat in the chair, Sarah looked up at Ben. \u201cTell them to bring a gun for me, also.\u201d Sarah said grimly. \u201cAnd tell them to make sure it\u2019s loaded.\u2019<\/p>\n

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

Joe jerked his head back as the water splashed into his face. He felt dazed and confused, wondering where he was. Another handful of water hit him in the face, and Joe looked up. Parks was leaning against the fence, a bucket of water in his hand and an evil grin on his face.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou awake, Cartwright?\u201d Parks asked. \u201cWatson, he wants to be sure you\u2019re awake for this. I do too. I\u2019m going to enjoy every minute of seeing one of you high and mighty Cartwrights brought down.\u201d With a laugh, Parks turned and walked away.<\/p>\n

At that moment, Joe knew exactly where he was and what was going to happen. He could feel the wind blowing against his bare back, and the rough wood of the corral fence rubbing against his bare chest. His arms were stretched out and tied tightly to the fence. Joe shivered, and not because he was cold. Turning his head, Joe could see the corral post a few feet away. He could see Jacob, blood streaming down the side of his head and his hands tied around the post behind him. Joe also could see the anguish in his friend\u2019s face, and that scared Joe almost as much as what he knew was coming.<\/p>\n

Hearing the crack of the whip behind him, Joe closed his eyes and clenched his jaw. He tried to prepare himself, pushing his chest against the fence and gripping the top of the fence with his hands. But no amount of preparation could make him ready for the fiery sting of the rawhide as it sliced across his bare back. Gasping in pain as the whip hit his back, Joe gripped the fence even tighter. He tried to suck in a mouth full of air, but the whip laid another agonizing trail of fire across his back before he could do so. Joe jerked, vainly trying to avoid the lash. When he felt the whip slicing his back again, Joe gave a strangled cry of pain.<\/p>\n

Struggling against the ropes that held him, Jacob watched in horror as Watson lashed the whip against Joe\u2019s back in an almost rhythmic pattern. He saw his young friend jerk each time the whip slashed him, and he heard Joe\u2019s soft cries of agony. \u201cStop it,\u201d Jacob yelled in a frantic voice. \u201cStop it.\u201d<\/p>\n

Pausing for a minute, Watson turned to Jacob. \u201cYou\u2019ll get your turn, Injun,\u201d he said almost casually. \u201cJust be patient.\u201d Watson turned back and raised the whip again. When he brought the rawhide strip down on Joe\u2019s back this time, he seemed to have put an added intensity into the stroke. Watson laughed as he heard Joe moan.<\/p>\n

Standing a few feet away, Parks called out in an almost gleeful voice, \u201cHey, Cartwright, you don\u2019t look like such a big man now. Guess a little rawhide brings any man down to size.\u201d The three men standing next to him gave Parks a look, each showing their disgust at the man\u2019s pleasure at what he was watching. But none of them made a move to help Joe. Twice more the whip hit Joe\u2019s bare back, and twice more Joe jerked and moaned. Joe sagged against the fence, too weak to hold himself up.<\/p>\n

\u201cStop it!\u201d shouted Jacob again as he twisted against the ropes around his wrists. \u201cYou\u2019ll cripple him, or kill him. That\u2019s enough.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s enough when he starts begging me to stop,\u201d said Watson. \u201cI ain\u2019t heard him beg yet, so he must not have had enough.\u201d Once more he raised the whip and brought it down hard on Joe\u2019s back.<\/p>\n

\u201cJoe, ask him to stop,\u201d Jacob said urgently to his friend. \u201cDo you hear me? Don\u2019t worry about your pride. Ask him to stop.\u201d<\/p>\n

In a haze of agony, Joe heard the voices around him but couldn\u2019t make out the words. His mind was filled with nothing but the fiery pain from his back. If he could have understood Jacob\u2019s words, Joe would have obeyed them. He would have said anything, done anything to stop the rawhide from adding a new trail of fiery pain to his back. Realizing Joe was almost unconscious from the pain, Jacob pulled at his ropes again. \u201cHe can\u2019t hear you,\u201d Jacob shouted to Watson. \u201cDo you understand me? He can\u2019t ask you to stop.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, ain\u2019t that a shame,\u201d said Watson as he again lashed the whip across Joe\u2019s back. Closing his eyes, Jacob pulled against the ropes that held him with every ounce of strength he had. His powerful muscles strained and his wrists began to bleed as the ropes cut into the skin. Ignoring the pain in his wrists, Jacob pulled on the ropes again. Maybe whoever had tied the knot had been careless, or maybe a superhuman strength filled Jacob. He didn\u2019t know or care what was the cause. All Jacob knew is suddenly he felt the ropes go slack around his wrists. He pulled against them once more, and the ropes fell from his wrist.<\/p>\n

With an almost inhuman roar escaping from his throat, Jacob ran toward Watson like a charging bull. Surprised at the noise, Watson turned. His hand reached for his holster as he saw Jacob coming at him, but his movement was too slow. Jacob reached Watson before the man\u2019s hand could close around his gun. Barely stopping, Jacob picked up Watson with both hands and held the man above him for an instant. Then Jacob slammed Watson to the ground with all the force his powerful arms could muster. Watson hit the ground, the thud of his body landing accented by the cracking of bone. Stepping over Watson, Jacob charged toward the shocked men standing a few feet away. Parks reached for the gun on his hip with a shaky hand, and the others dove for the rifles they had carelessly dropped to the ground. Jacob\u2019s hand smashed across Park’s face with a force that sent the man sprawling on to his back. Without bothering to look at Parks, Jacob charged into the three men scrambling away from him. Leaning against the fence, Joe heard the shouts. His dulled mind made no sense of the noise. All he knew was that the stinging lashes had stopped slashing across his back. His back burned and throbbed with agonizing pain, but no new rivets of fiery pain were being added to his misery. Joe paid no attention to the sounds he heard; he listened only for the hiss of the whip. Then Joe heard a sound he recognized, and dully wondered what it meant. The sound he heard was a gunshot.<\/p>\n

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

Riding at breakneck speed, Ben led Adam and Hoss and six of the Ponderosa hands down the trail toward Jacob\u2019s ranch. Sarah trailed the pack, gamely trying to keep up with the galloping horses ahead of her. As Ben reached the crest of the hill on the trail to Jacob\u2019s ranch, he pulled his horse to a halt. Even though he hadn\u2019t heard any gunshots, Ben wanted to be sure of the situation at the ranch before riding in. But as Ben looked down at the ranch, he sight he saw appalled him. Bodies seemed to be strewn everywhere. Ben could see one tied to the corral, and even from the distance he recognized that form. Another body lay a short distance away, seemingly writhing in pain. Ben could see one man laying on his back unmoving, and a fourth \u2013 one with long black hair \u2013 laying face down on the ground.<\/p>\n

\u201cJacob!\u201d a voice screamed in anguish next to Ben, and he realized that Sarah had caught up to him on the hill. Sarah kicked her horse into a gallop down the trail, and the others followed suit. Ben rode straight to the corral and jumped off his horse. He was sickened by the sight of Joe\u2019s bare back, crisscrossed with angry red welts and crusted with dried blood from the welts that had broken the skin. Ben ran to his son, pulling a pocket knife from his pants as he did. He quickly cut through the ropes that held Joe\u2019s left wrist to the fence, and then moved to his son\u2019s right to do the same with the other set of ropes. Ben caught his son as Joe slumped to the ground with a groan.<\/p>\n

\u201cJoe!\u201d said Ben in an urgent voice as he stroked his son\u2019s bruised face. \u201cJoe, can you hear me?\u201d He gently tapped Joe\u2019s face, trying to bring his son into consciousness. \u201cJoe, Son, answer me!\u201d But the figure in Ben\u2019s arms lay still.<\/p>\n

Looking up, Ben started to call for water, and saw for the first time the chaotic scene that was swirling around him. Two of the ranch hands were riding off, while two others were coming out of the house, their arms filled with blankets and towels. Ben turned his head and saw both Sarah and Hoss bending over the fallen figure of Jacob. Ben could see one of the hands apparently standing guard over a body sprawled on the ground, and another hand appeared to be performing the same duty for the figure still writhing in the dirt. Adam stood in the midst of the activity, apparently giving orders and directing the men around him. Adding his voice to scene, Ben shouted, \u201cWater! I need some water!\u201d and was rewarded by the sight of Adam walking quickly toward the horses.<\/p>\n

Turning back to Joe, Ben continued to stroke his son\u2019s face and say Joe\u2019s name, hoping for some reaction. But his youngest son lay still in Ben\u2019s arms.<\/p>\n

\u201cHere,\u201d said Adam, thrusting a canteen already opened into Ben\u2019s hands. Ben took the canteen and slowly trickled some water over Joe\u2019s lips.<\/p>\n

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

Looking up, Ben answered his oldest son in a grim voice. \u201cHe\u2019s hurt, Adam. They beat him and whipped him. They whipped him bad.\u201d<\/p>\n

Nodding, Adam said nothing. He and Hoss had seen the marks on Joe\u2019s back as they had ridden up to the ranch, and they had felt as sickened by what they saw as their father had been. Both had wanted to rush to their brother\u2019s aid, but they also knew there was little they could do beyond what Ben was doing to help Joe. So both had pushed aside their feelings of concern for Joe temporarily, and moved to see what else needed to be done.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ve sent one of the men for the doctor,\u201d Adam said, \u201cand told another to get the sheriff.\u201d<\/p>\n

He hesitated as he watched Ben continuing to tickle water on Joe\u2019s lips and face. Adam wasn\u2019t sure his father was even listening. Nevertheless, he continued. \u201cJacob is alive, but just barely. He was shot in the back. Sarah and Hoss are doing what they can for him until the doctor arrives. One of the men is guarding Newly Watson. Looks like Watson has a broken hip and shoulder, and maybe some broken ribs. Parks is unconscious \u2013 looks like maybe he hit his head on a rock \u2013 but I\u2019ve got one of the hands watching him too, just in case.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat about the other three?\u201d asked Ben, surprising Adam with the question. Adam has sure his report was merely words to his father. \u201cSarah said there were five men,\u201d continued Ben.<\/p>\n

\u201cLooks like they just lit out,\u201d said Adam. \u201cThey left a trail, probably more worried about getting out of here than covering their tracks. When Roy Coffee gets here, we\u2019ll go after them. Roy doesn\u2019t know it yet, but he\u2019s already got an instant posse here, ready to ride.\u201d<\/p>\n

Nodding, Ben put the canteen aside. He stroked Joe\u2019s bruised face again, and once more repeated his son\u2019s name. Ben had little hope that Joe would answer, but this time, his words seemed to get through to Joe. Giving out a small groan, Joe moved his head slightly. His eyes fluttered a bit but never opened.<\/p>\n

\u201cJoe, can you hear me?\u201d asked Ben in an urgent voice.<\/p>\n

Joe\u2019s head moved slightly again, and his lips parted. He grunted in pain and he crinkled his eyes. \u201cPa,\u201d said Joe in a soft voice.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m here, Son,\u201d answered Ben in a soothing tone. \u201cEverything is going to be all right. Just lie still.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cPa,\u201d repeated Joe in a whisper. \u201cHelp him. Help Jacob.\u201d Then Joe\u2019s head fell to the side and his body went limp.<\/p>\n

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

Joe didn\u2019t want to wake up. He knew if he did, he would feel pain. Not only a physical pain but also a pain of loss. And Joe didn\u2019t want to feel that pain. So he let himself stay in the safe, fuzzy cloud that seemed to have enveloped him, a place where there was no pain, no loss. He dreamt of Jacob, standing on the ridge above him as he shooed the young Indians away. He saw his friend breaking horses in his dream, and pictured Jacob laughing across the dinner table. Joe didn\u2019t want to leave those dreams because he feared they were pictures that never would be repeated. In his dream world, Joe could hear voices.<\/p>\n

\u201cStill unconscious? He should be awake by now.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHe must be in some kind of shock.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ve tried everything but he won\u2019t come around.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cKeeping trying, Ben.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cMaybe Sarah can help.\u201d<\/p>\n

At the sound of Sarah\u2019s name, Joe felt himself withdrawing further. He didn\u2019t want to wake to see Sarah\u2019s face. That was another pain he wanted to avoid. So Joe kept himself in the safe dream world, ignoring the voices around him. But it was Sarah\u2019s voice that eventually convinced Joe to emerge from the cocoon he had formed around himself. At first, when he heard her voice, Joe pulled away from it. He had heard only the sound, not the words, and Joe didn\u2019t want to look into the face that was surely going to reflect his own pain. But eventually Sarah\u2019s words penetrated, and her urgent pleas confused Joe. He fought to the surface of awareness, not because he wanted to wake but because he needed to understand the meaning of Sarah\u2019s words.<\/p>\n

\u201cPlease, Joe, please wake up,\u201d Sarah repeated. \u201cJacob isn\u2019t dead. Do you understand me? He needs to know you\u2019re all right. Jacob needs you, Joe. He isn\u2019t dead.\u201d<\/p>\n

Fluttering his eyes open, Joe stared up into Sarah\u2019s face. \u201cSarah?\u201d croaked Joe in a dry voice. \u201cJacob\u2019s alive?\u201d<\/p>\n

Giving a sigh of relief, Sarah smiled. \u201cYes, Joe, Jacob is alive. He\u2019s been asking about you, and he\u2019s concerned about you. He needs to know you\u2019re going to be all right.\u201d<\/p>\n

Moving on the bed, Joe winced in pain. His back still felt as if it were on fire, although the burning pain was less than he remembered. Joe was lying on his stomach, and he moved slowly to his side. He could see his father standing behind Sarah, looking tired and relieved. \u201cJacob is alive?\u201d Joe asked Ben, seeking confirmation. Ben nodded.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll tell Jacob you\u2019re awake,\u201d said Sarah, getting up from a chair by the bed. \u201cThen I\u2019ll bring you some soup.\u201d She quickly left the room.<\/p>\n

Looking around, Joe tried to figure out where he was. He didn\u2019t recognize the room.<\/p>\n

\u201cHow are you feeling, son?\u201d asked Ben as he moved to sit in the chair by the bed.<\/p>\n

\u201cSore,\u201d replied Joe. He looked around. \u201cCan I have some water?\u201d<\/p>\n

As Ben reached for a small pitcher and glass, Joe asked, \u201cWhere am I?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cStill at Jacob\u2019s ranch,\u201d replied Ben as he lifted Joe\u2019s head and put the glass to his son\u2019s lips. \u201cWe didn\u2019t want to move you back to the Ponderosa until\u2026until you were stronger.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHow long?\u201d Joe asked as he finished drinking.<\/p>\n

Ben didn\u2019t need clarification of Joe\u2019s question. \u201cYou\u2019ve been unconscious since yesterday. You really had us worried.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSorry,\u201d said Joe. He looked away. \u201cI thought Jacob was dead for sure.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHe was shot and badly injured,\u201d Ben said, \u201cbut the doctor says he\u2019s going to make it.\u201d Ben shook his head. \u201cDoctor Martin said Jacob is the strongest man he\u2019s ever seen, and not just physically. The Doctor said he should have died but somehow Jacob just refused to let that happen.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWatson, he was the ringleader,\u201d said Joe.<\/p>\n

\u201cI know,\u201d replied Ben. \u201cHe and Parks are in custody. Parks told us everything that happened, once he came to. He thought blaming Watson might lessen the charges against him.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWill it?\u201d asked Joe.<\/p>\n

\u201cProbably not,\u201d replied Ben. \u201cBut we let him think so. Adam and Hoss are riding with the posse after the other three. They didn\u2019t bother to hide their tracks, so it\u2019s only a question of time until the posse catches them.\u201d<\/p>\n

Letting out a sigh, Joe said, \u201cI\u2019m glad Jacob is going to be all right. I heard that shot, and I was sure they killed him.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThey shot him in the back, Joe,\u201d said Ben. \u201cIt was a serious wound.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cBut he\u2019s going to be all right,\u201d Joe said with a frown. \u201cSarah said so. So did you.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben looked away for a minute then turned back to face his son. \u201cJacob is going to survive the gunshot, Joe. He\u2019ll probably live to a ripe old age.\u201d Ben looked down and then faced Joe again. \u201cBut, Joe, Jacob will never walk again.\u201d<\/p>\n

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

\u201cJoe, Hop Sing is going into town for supplies,\u201d said Ben as he walked from the kitchen to the living room. \u201cDo you want to ride in with him?\u201d<\/p>\n

Seated in the blue chair by the fireplace, Joe looked up from the book at which he had been staring. The bruises on his face had faded to light marks, but he sat forward in the chair, avoiding resting his back against the soft material. \u201cNo thanks,\u201d Joe said briefly, and looked down again at the page in front of him.<\/p>\n

Frowning, Ben said, \u201cJoe, it\u2019s been almost a week since we brought you home. I know you\u2019re still sore, but you need to do more than just sit around the house.\u201d<\/p>\n

Looking up again, Joe nodded. \u201cI know, Pa,\u201d he said. \u201cAnd I will. I just don\u2019t feel up to it yet.\u201d Joe looked down into the book again.<\/p>\n

Shaking his head, Ben walked over to his desk and sat down behind it. There were some contracts on the desk, but Ben ignored them. He looked across the room at his son, and wondered what he could do or say to help him. Ben remembered how quiet Joe had been in the back of the wagon the day they had brought him back to the Ponderosa. At the time, he had simply thought Joe was in pain. But he knew now that something was troubling his son. Joe had been listless since he had come home, uninterested in doing anything or saying much beyond what was required of him. Ben knew that something was building up in Joe, but he was at a loss at what to do ease Joe\u2019s troubles. With a sigh, Ben picked up the contract in front of him. All he could do is wait for the dam inside Joe to break, and be there when his son\u2019s troubles came gushing out. A knock on the door startled Ben, and he looked up to see if Joe reacted. Joe sat still, his eyes still locked on the page of the book in front of him, ignoring the sound of a visitor. There was a second knock, and with a sigh, Ben rose to answer the door.<\/p>\n

\u201cSarah!\u201d said Ben in surprise and with pleasure as he saw the Indian woman standing on the porch. \u201cCome in!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThank you, Ben,\u201d said Sarah. She walked in and looked across the room. \u201cHello, Joe,\u201d she said in a quiet voice.<\/p>\n

Staring at the woman across the room, Joe swallowed hard. \u201cHello, Sarah,\u201d he said softly.<\/p>\n

Frowning, Ben watched as Sarah and Joe simply looked at each other. Sarah seemed calm and assured, while Joe seemed uncomfortable.<\/p>\n

Finally, Ben gestured to Sarah.<\/p>\n

\u201cSit down,\u201d he said in a overly hearty voice. \u201cMake yourself at home.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThank you, Ben, \u201c said Sarah with a smile. She moved around to sit on the sofa. Joe simply watched her, an almost wary look on his face.<\/p>\n

\u201cHow\u2019s Jacob?\u201d asked Ben as he eased himself in to the red chair by the fireplace.<\/p>\n

\u201cDoing well,\u201d replied Sarah with a smile. \u201cThe doctor is amazed that he\u2019s sitting up in bed already. He\u2019s got his appetite back, too, which means he\u2019s starting to eat everything I have in the house.\u201d<\/p>\n

Laughing, Ben said, \u201cThat\u2019s a good sign.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYes, it is,\u201d answered Sarah. \u201cBen, I want to thank you for sending over those ranch hands to take of things for us. They\u2019ve done a wonderful job keeping the ranch going.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m glad,\u201d said Ben, with a nod. \u201cYou let me know if they don\u2019t do what\u2019s needed. I\u2019ll send some other men over if necessary.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThank you, but I\u2019m sure this is going to work out fine,\u201d said Sarah. She glanced over to Joe who was still sitting silently in the chair. Joe looked down to the floor.<\/p>\n

To break the uncomfortable silence that had descended, Ben said, \u201cYou heard the posse caught those other three men, didn\u2019t you?\u201d<\/p>\n

Turning back to Ben, Sarah nodded. \u201cYes, Roy Coffee rode out yesterday to tell us. Jacob gave the sheriff a statement. I don\u2019t think Jacob will be able to testify at the trial.\u201d Sarah turned to Joe. \u201cYou\u2019re going to testify, aren\u2019t you, Joe?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYes,\u201d said Joe briefly, as he looked up. Then he looked away again.<\/p>\n

Once again, an uncomfortable silence descended in the room. Ben looked at Joe, and then back to Sarah. Sarah was watching Joe, but Joe couldn\u2019t seem to meet her eyes.<\/p>\n

\u201cSarah,\u201d said Ben softly. \u201cIs there anything else we can to do help you and Jacob?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYes,\u201d said Sarah, her eyes still on Joe. \u201cJacob really wants to see Joe. It would help him tremendously if Joe would come visit him.\u201d<\/p>\n

This time, Joe turned to face Sarah. \u201cI\u2019m\u2026I can\u2019t do that,\u201d he said nervously.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhy not?\u201d asked Sarah gently. \u201cThe doctor told me this morning that you\u2019re fit to ride. It wouldn\u2019t have to be a long visit, Joe. But Jacob really wants to see you.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m busy right now,\u201d said Joe, looking away. \u201cMaybe in awhile.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cJoe, Jacob needs to see you,\u201d said Sarah. \u201cHe\u2019s concerned that you\u2019re not all right. I told him you were, but he wants to see for himself. He\u2019s wondering why you didn\u2019t see him before your father took you home. I think he\u2019s worried that we\u2019re hiding something from him about you. Please, Joe, please come see him.\u201d<\/p>\n

Turning back to look at Sarah, Joe started to say something. Then, suddenly, he put his face in his hands. \u201cI can\u2019t, Sarah, I just can\u2019t,\u201d said Joe in a muffled voice.<\/p>\n

\u201cBut why, Joe?\u201d pressed Sarah. She took a breath, and then said quietly, \u201cIs it because you blame Jacob for what happened to you?\u201d<\/p>\n

Raising his face from his hands, Joe looked appalled at the suggestion. \u201cBlame Jacob? Of course not! Why would I blame him?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThen why can\u2019t you see him, Joe?\u201d asked Sarah.<\/p>\n

Looking away, Joe didn\u2019t answer. He stared into the fireplace for a minute, then turned back to Sarah. And the dam inside Joe broke.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s all my fault,\u201d said Joe in an anguished voice. \u201cEverything that happened, it\u2019s because of me and my meddling. If I had left well enough alone, Jacob would be walking today.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cJoe, how can you say that?\u201d exclaimed Sarah.<\/p>\n

\u201cBecause it\u2019s true,\u201d said Joe in a rush of words. \u201cI\u2019m the one who encouraged you and Jacob to settle here, and I\u2019m the one who helped him break and sell those horses to the Army. If we hadn\u2019t been at the Army post, Jacob wouldn\u2019t have had that run-in with Watson. And if Jacob hadn\u2019t been trying to save me, he wouldn\u2019t have been shot.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cJoe, you know that\u2019s not true,\u201d said Ben. \u201cNone of what happened is your fault.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIt is, Pa,\u201d insisted Joe. \u201cIf I hadn\u2019t been at the ranch that day, Jacob wouldn\u2019t have been shot trying to save my skin.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cJoe, do you really believe that you\u2019re being at the ranch caused Jacob to be shot?\u201d said Ben. \u201cIf you hadn\u2019t been there, those men would have still come after Jacob. They probably would have killed him right away. You fought to save Jacob. You\u2019re being there helped Jacob, not caused him harm.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cPa, you don\u2019t understand,\u201d said Joe, putting his head in his hands again.<\/p>\n

\u201cI think I do,\u201d said Sarah. \u201cJoe, you have nothing to feel guilty about, and Jacob certainly doesn\u2019t blame you for what happened. Jacob loved running that ranch, and he was so grateful to you for helping him. He was grateful to you for wanting to be his friend, Joe. And to a man like Jacob, saving a friend is the most important thing in the world. He doesn\u2019t blame you for being shot, Joe. He would have died if he had to, if it meant saving you.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cBut he\u2019ll never walk again,\u201d said Joe, the anguish he felt audible in his voice. \u201cBecause of me, he\u2019s crippled.\u201d<\/p>\n

Standing, Sarah walked over to Joe and gently pulled his hands from his face. \u201cLook at me, Joe Cartwright,\u201d she said in a firm voice. \u201cIf you think not walking is going to devastate Jacob Red Feather, then you don\u2019t know him as well as you thought you did. He\u2019s not happy about it, of course, but he\u2019s not going to let it stop him. He\u2019s going to get on with his life. And, Joe, you need to stop moping around this house and get on with yours.\u201d<\/p>\n

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

Riding slowly, Joe guided his pinto to Jacob\u2019s house. He still was reluctant to face his friend, but Sarah\u2019s visit yesterday had showed him that it was important that he did. Joe wasn\u2019t entirely convinced that Jacob didn\u2019t blame him for what happened, and he still felt guilty about his friend\u2019s inability to walk. But Joe knew he had to face Jacob. He had to know for himself how his friend felt. After tying his horse to the porch beam, Joe walked slowly to the front door and knocked. For a moment, all the times he had done this in the past flashed through Joe\u2019s head. Those were visits of anticipation, a time when he looked forward to seeing Jacob. Now Joe only felt a sense of apprehension as he knocked on the door.<\/p>\n

\u201cJoe, come in,\u201d said Sarah with a smile as she opened the door. \u201cJacob is so anxious to see you.\u201d<\/p>\n

Walking slowly into the house, Joe looked around. The blue curtains and the pale tablecloth were still in place, as were the knickknacks on the shelves. The house looked the same, but to Joe, it no longer felt warm and inviting.<\/p>\n

\u201cGo on into the bedroom,\u201d Sarah urged Joe. \u201cJacob\u2019s waiting for you.\u201d<\/p>\n

Nodding, Joe walked slowly across the room, his legs feeling as if they were made of lead. Joe stopped in front of the bedroom door and pulled his hat off his head. He played with the hat nervously as he stared at the door. Joe felt Sarah watching him, and he knew he couldn\u2019t just stand there in front of the door. Taking a deep breath, Joe pushed the door open. Jacob was sitting up in bed, his back propped up by two thick pillows. His dark skin made a stark contract to the white night shirt he was wearing. Joe could see the powerful legs of his friend outlined under the thick quilt that covered the bed.<\/p>\n

\u201cJoe!\u201d said Jacob in a relieved voice. \u201cI\u2019m so glad to see you. Sarah told me you were all right, but I had to see you for myself, just to make sure.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHello, Jacob,\u201d said Joe awkwardly. \u201cHow\u2026how are you feeling?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNot bad, all things considered,\u201d replied Jacob. He pointed to the chair. \u201cSit down, Joe.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAll right,\u201d agreed Joe, moving to the chair. \u201cI\u2026er…I can\u2019t stay very long.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s too bad,\u201d said Jacob. \u201cI was looking forward to visiting with you. I\u2019ve missed having you around.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, we\u2019re pretty busy at the ranch,\u201d Joe said, looking down.<\/p>\n

Jacob looked at his friend for a minute, then said gently, \u201cJoe, Sarah told me what you said yesterday. I don\u2019t blame you for what happened. You have nothing to feel guilty about. It wasn\u2019t your fault. Maybe it wasn\u2019t anyone\u2019s fault. Maybe it was divine intervention.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat?\u201d said Joe, looking up in surprise.<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, you have to admit I wasn\u2019t a very good rancher,\u201d said Jacob. \u201cIf it hadn\u2019t been for you and your family helping me, I don\u2019t think I could have made this place work.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s not true,\u201d protested Joe. \u201cYou were doing a good job.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cMaybe,\u201d said Jacob doubtfully. \u201cYou know, before he died, Father Paul tried to convince me that I should do something to help others, like being a teacher or something. But I got it into my head that I wanted to own a ranch. So I spent all that time looking for gold and then trying to buy a ranch. Maybe I should have taken it as sign then when I couldn\u2019t find a place to buy. But I guess I was too thick-headed and stubborn to give up, and I kept working at it until I finally found this place. Maybe God got disgusted with me, and finally forced me to give up ranching.\u201d Jacob laughed, and continued, \u201cI wish his methods had been a little less drastic, but maybe that\u2019s the only way he could get the message into my thick head.\u201d<\/p>\n

Smiling, Joe said, \u201cWell, I hardly think a bullet in the back is God\u2019s way of making you give up ranching.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou never know, Joe,\u201d answered Jacob with a grin. \u201cHe works in some pretty strange and mysterious ways.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSo what are you going to do now?\u201d asked Joe, relaxing in the chair for the first time.<\/p>\n

\u201cDo what I think I was always meant to do,\u201d replied Jacob. \u201cFather Paul told me about an orphanage outside of Denver run by some brothers from his order. They take in Indian children, as well as Black children, Chinese children \u2013 any children that no one else wants. It\u2019s the kind of place where Sarah and I will fit right in. Our skin color won\u2019t matter because everyone there has a different color skin. Sarah is planning to act as nurse and be a mother hen to a brood of kids, just like she\u2019s always wanted. I\u2019ll do some teaching, not only the book stuff, but also a little about life and how to deal with it.\u201d Jacob grinned. \u201cI might even throw in a few lessons about ranching.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI think there\u2019s a lot you can teach those kids,\u201d said Joe in a heartfelt voice. \u201cWhen are you planning on leaving?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNot for awhile,\u201d said Jacob. \u201cThere\u2019s a lot to take care of first. I need to get fit, and then try to convince your Pa to buy back this ranch.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHe will,\u201d Joe assured Jacob. \u201cAt a handsome price.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m counting on it,\u201d said Jacob. \u201cThere\u2019s a lot of good I want to do with that money, a lot of things more important than buying a ranch to indulge myself. Sarah has already written to the good brothers to let them know we want to come.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cDo you think they\u2019ll say yes?\u201d asked Joe.<\/p>\n

\u201cThey will,\u201d said Jacob. \u201cFather Paul told me they never turn anyone away. Even a thick-headed Indian.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll miss you, Jacob,\u201d Joe said sincerely.<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd I\u2019ll miss you, Joe,\u201d replied Jacob. \u201cBut you get to Denver from time to time, don\u2019t you? I want you to promise you\u2019ll visit Sarah and me.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t worry, I will,\u201d said Joe with a smile. Then his face sobered a bit. \u201cSarah said you\u2019re not going to testify at the trial.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo,\u201d said Jacob. \u201cI\u2019ve given a statement, and the sheriff thinks that will be enough. It\u2019s probably better that an Indian isn\u2019t taking the stand, accusing white men. On paper, my statement will have no color.\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe looked down, not knowing what to say.<\/p>\n

\u201cBesides,\u201d said Jacob with a smile. \u201cFrom what I hear, it\u2019s not going to be much of a trial. The sheriff told me everyone is telling stories and pointing fingers at each other. It\u2019s not going to be a matter of what happened, but who did what.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNewly Watson isn\u2019t saying much,\u201d said Joe in a dry voice. \u201cHe\u2019s still too sore to talk. They tell me you broke his hip, shoulder and three ribs. And cracked Park\u2019s skull in the process.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYeah, well, I guess I lost my temper,\u201d said Jacob, looking a bit embarrassed.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m glad you did,\u201d said Joe, gratefully. \u201cI have a feeling I wouldn\u2019t be sitting here if it weren\u2019t for you taking them all on like you did.\u201d<\/p>\n

Shrugging, Jacob said, \u201cIt probably wasn\u2019t the smartest thing I ever did. But I couldn\u2019t stand seeing what Watson was doing to you.\u201d He looked intently at Joe. \u201cHow are you, really?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cStill a bit sore,\u201d admitted Joe. \u201cBut the doc says my back is healing fine and there won\u2019t be any scars.\u201d Then Joe grinned. \u201cI figure I can milk this at least another two weeks and get Adam and Hoss to do my work for me.\u201d<\/p>\n

As Jacob laughed, Joe stood. \u201cI really do have to get going,\u201d he said. \u201cI don\u2019t want to tire you out.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019ll come back?\u201d asked Jacob.<\/p>\n

\u201cYes, I\u2019ll be back,\u201d said Joe, nodding.<\/p>\n

\u201cGood,\u201d said Jacob. \u201cHow about Wednesday? You could stay for dinner.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll be here Wednesday,\u201d said Joe in a positive tone. \u201cAnd every Wednesday until you leave for Denver.\u201d<\/p>\n

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

As Jacob had predicted, the trial of Newly Watson and his friends was short. Joe testified, and painted a graphic picture of the cruelty imposed on him and on Jacob. Jacob\u2019s statement was read, and confirmed everything Joe described and more. The rest of the trial was spent having the defendants accuse the others of what had happened and proclaiming their innocence. It took the jury only twenty minutes to find all five guilty. As the five men stood before the judge for sentencing, they still proclaimed their innocence. The judge silenced them with a bang of his gavel.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m still not clear on who did exactly what that day,\u201d said the judge, \u201cbut it really doesn\u2019t matter. In the eyes of the law, you are all equally guilty for the assault on Joseph Cartwright and the attempted murder of Jacob Red Feather. There\u2019s question about your involvement in the robbery and murder of an Army supply wagon, but that will be investigated separately. The Army will have plenty of time to talk to each of you. For the assault with intent to do bodily harm to Joseph Cartwright, each of you is sentenced to five years in the Nevada State Prison. For the attempted murder of Jacob Red Feather, each of you is sentenced to twenty-five years in the Nevada State Prison. The sentences are to run consecutively, which means it will be thirty years before any of you are released. My only regret is that I couldn\u2019t put you all away for longer.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cBut Judge, that ain\u2019t fair,\u201d complained Parks. \u201cI didn\u2019t do anything. All I did was watch.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cDo you want to add contempt of court to your charges, Mr. Parks?\u201d asked the judge. When Parks didn\u2019t answer, the judge banged his gavel again. \u201cThis trial is concluded. Sheriff, take the prisoners away.\u201d<\/p>\n

As Joe and Ben left the courthouse in the crowd of people, Ben put his arm around his son. \u201cSatisfied?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI guess,\u201d said Joe. \u201cPersonally, I would have like to see them away for life, but I guess thirty years is pretty close to that.\u201d<\/p>\n

As Ben and Joe were walking out the door of the courthouse, a cowboy was standing nearby. \u201cCan you believe that?\u201d the cowboy said to someone standing nearby. \u201cTwenty-five years in prison. Just for shooting an Indian.\u201d<\/p>\n

Spinning around, Joe punched the man in the mouth. More surprised than hurt, the cowboy asked Joe, \u201cWhy did you do that?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cJacob isn\u2019t \u2018just an Indian\u2019 \u201c said Joe in a furious voice. \u201cHe\u2019s a man, a good man, one of the best I\u2019ve ever met.\u201d Joe looked around at the crowd of people who were staring at him. \u201cAll of you, you never saw anything but Jacob\u2019s skin, did you? You never looked beyond the color of his skin to see his generous heart. You never saw his humor, his intelligence, his soul. All you saw was that he had red skin. And you know what. I\u2019m sorry for you. I\u2019m sorry for you all.\u201d<\/p>\n

As Joe stalked off from the front of the courthouse, Ben hurried after his son. He caught up with Joe at the buckboard, where Joe was still fuming. When he felt Ben\u2019s arm around his shoulders, though, Joe looked up and apologized. \u201cI\u2019m sorry I lost my temper like that, Pa.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m not,\u201d replied Ben. \u201cIf you hadn\u2019t hit him, I probably would have.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI wanted so much for Jacob and Sarah to be happy here,\u201d said Joe, shaking his head. \u201cI wanted them to be a part of Virginia City.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cJacob and Sarah may never be a part of Virginia City, not the way you wanted, Joe,\u201d replied Ben. \u201cBut I have a feeling it\u2019s going to be a long time before Virginia City forgets a man named Jacob.\u201d<\/p>\n

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

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

Summary:\u00a0 Unable to stand by and watch an injustice, Joe befriends a man and his wife, and plans to show them that not everyone is against them.<\/p>\n

Rating:\u00a0 T (45, 025 words)<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":10338,"featured_media":375,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"template-full-width-post.php","format":"standard","meta":{"_jetpack_newsletter_access":"","_jetpack_dont_email_post_to_subs":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_tier_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paywalled_content":false,"_jetpack_feature_clip_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":"","jetpack_publicize_message":"","jetpack_publicize_feature_enabled":true,"jetpack_social_post_already_shared":false,"jetpack_social_options":{"image_generator_settings":{"template":"highway","default_image_id":0,"font":"","enabled":false},"version":2},"jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false,"_members_access_role":[],"_members_access_error":""},"categories":[2,1015,23],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-13903","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-actionadventure","category-joe-pa","category-drama","wpcat-2-id","wpcat-1015-id","wpcat-23-id"],"jetpack_publicize_connections":[],"jetpack_likes_enabled":true,"jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/04\/coming-soon-5.jpg?fit=768%2C576&ssl=1","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/13903","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\/10338"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=13903"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/13903\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/375"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=13903"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=13903"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=13903"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}