{"id":13904,"date":"2007-12-12T08:06:09","date_gmt":"2007-12-12T13:06:09","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=13904"},"modified":"2025-02-27T12:11:16","modified_gmt":"2025-02-27T17:11:16","slug":"a-matter-of-circumstances-continued-by-susan-g","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=13904","title":{"rendered":"A Matter of Circumstances Continued (by Susan G)"},"content":{"rendered":"

Summary:\u00a0 <\/strong>A WHN story for the episode, A Matter of Circumstances.<\/p>\n

Rating:\u00a0 T\u00a0\u00a0 (11,870 words)<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

A Matter of Circumstances<\/strong><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Author\u2019s note: In \u201cA Matter of Circumstance\u201d, Joe is left alone at the ranch to wait for a cook who is a temporary replacement for Hop Sing while his father, brother and ranch hands are moving the herd. Lightning and wind from a storm frightens a mare in the barn, and when Joe tries to calm the horse, he is trampled by the animal. His right leg is broken, his left arm has been lacerated, and his head is cut and bruised. Knowing he is alone, Joe tries to deal with the shock and pain of his injuries, and forces himself to set his broken leg. He spends the first night in the barn, too weak to do more than crawl a few feet. Drugged by some colic medicine he found, the injured young man sleeps through the arrival and departure of the awaited cook. When he finally does wake, Joe manages to make his way from the barn to the house. In the house, he attempts to take care of his damaged arm and struggles to survive while injured and alone. When he realizes his arm is infected with gangrene, Joe becomes alarmed. After consulting a medical book in his father\u2019s study, he desperately tries a poultice to offset the gangrene, without success. Burning with fever and fearful he might die from the infection, Joe prepares to follow the drastic cure outlined in the medical book \u2013 amputation. <\/em><\/p>\n

Concerned when Joe doesn\u2019t show up at the herd and the cook reports no sign of him at the house, Ben and Hoss return to the ranch. They search for Joe, and Ben finds his injured son unconscious on the kitchen floor. Weakened by fever and infection, Joe has collapsed before he could care out his plans to sever his injured arm.<\/em><\/p>\n

Here\u2019s what might have happened next\u2026.<\/em><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

Standing in the doorway of the kitchen, Ben froze in shock as he saw the figure sprawled on the floor near the table. \u201cMy God! Joe!\u201d he gasped. Then he rushed forward to kneel next to his youngest son.<\/p>\n

Slowly, Ben turned Joe over, lifting his son\u2019s head and shoulders into his arms. He could see a large bruise on the side of Joe\u2019s face, and, as his eyes searched for further signs of injury, the splint on his son\u2019s right leg. Hidden by the shadows of the table, Joe\u2019s left arm was only visible enough for Ben to see that the shirt sleeve was torn and streaked with dried blood. Ben didn\u2019t need to see the beads of sweat covering his injured son\u2019s face and chest; he could feel the heat of the fever that was burning through the figure in his arms.<\/p>\n

\u201cJoe! Joe! Can you hear me?\u201d Ben said in a desperate voice. When there was no response from his son, he tapped Joe\u2019s face lightly with his hand. \u201cJoe!\u201d he repeated, trying to rouse his son.<\/p>\n

From a distant room, Ben heard a voice shouting. \u201cPa! I checked the barn,\u201d called Hoss as he entered the house. \u201cThere\u2019s no sign of Joe.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIn the kitchen!\u201d Ben yelled in return. He heard the sound of heavy footsteps hurrying toward the room.<\/p>\n

Like his father, Hoss stopped in the doorway of the kitchen and stared. \u201cWhat happened to him?\u201d he asked in a startled voice. Hoss\u2019 face reflected the shock his father had felt.<\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t know,\u201d replied Ben in a frantic voice. \u201cI found him on the floor unconscious. He\u2019s been hurt. Get me some water quick.\u201d<\/p>\n

Kicking aside the dishes on the floor, Hoss hurried across the room. He stopped briefly in front of a cabinet to grab a tin cup off the shelf, then rushed to fill it from the pump attached to the sink.<\/p>\n

\u201cHere,\u201d Hoss said as he walked in long strides toward his father and brother. He thrust the cup at Ben, then crouched down near the pair.<\/p>\n

Nodding, Ben trickled a bit of water on Joe\u2019s face, and then into his youngest son\u2019s mouth. At first, the water dribbled out of Joe\u2019s mouth and down his chin. But then the seemingly unconscious man\u2018s jaw started to move a bit and he began to swallow. Ben put the cup to Joe\u2019s lips and eased a small stream of water into his son\u2019s mouth. Joe swallowed again and then began to drink eagerly.<\/p>\n

When Joe turned his head a bit, indicating he had had enough water, Ben placed the cup on the floor. Once again, he began to tap Joe\u2019s face with his hand and to say his son\u2019s name. This time, Ben was rewarded by a flutter of eyelids and a face turning toward his.<\/p>\n

At first, all Joe saw was a blurry figure bending over him. He blinked his eyes a few times and the figure came into focus. For a moment, Joe thought he was dreaming. But a stab of pain shooting through his arm convinced him that he was awake. He winced and grunted a bit, then looked up again to make sure the face was still there. “Pa!\u201d whispered Joe in a surprised voice.<\/p>\n

\u201cEasy, Joe,\u201d crooned Ben in a soothing tone. \u201cEverything is going to be all right.\u201d Ben swallowed hard, hoping his words were true. \u201cWhat happened to you?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThat mare\u2026stormed scared her\u2026trampled me,\u201d Joe explained in a soft voice.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhen did this happen?\u201d asked Ben.<\/p>\n

\u201cRight\u2026right after you left,\u201d Joe answered.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019ve been like this for two days?\u201d said Ben in a shocked voice.<\/p>\n

Nodding a bit, Joe replied, \u201cI waited but no one came.\u201d His voice took on almost a pleading tone. \u201cWhy didn\u2019t someone come, Pa? I waited. Nobody came.\u201d<\/p>\n

Glancing down at the splint, Ben asked, \u201cWho set your leg?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI did,\u201d mumbled Joe.<\/p>\n

Ben looked across his youngest son toward Hoss and saw the horror that he felt reflected in Hoss\u2019 face. Both men knew the agonizing pain that Joe must have felt in setting the leg by himself.<\/p>\n

\u201cPa, look at his arm!\u201d exclaimed Hoss, lifting Joe\u2019s left arm a bit.<\/p>\n

For the first time, Ben could see how the limb was swollen and streaked with red. The knot of fear in Ben\u2019s stomach grew, and for a moment, the fear took his breath away.<\/p>\n

Looking at his arm with an almost detached air, Joe said softly, \u201cGangrene.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cJoe, you can\u2019t be sure of that,\u201d countered Ben in a shaky voice.<\/p>\n

Turning back to his father, Joe stated, \u201cI read the book.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat book?\u201d asked Ben with a frown.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe medical book,\u201d answered Joe. His eyes glazed a bit and he stared off into the distance. \u201cNo one has yet explained why the infection runs its course more severely or much quickly in some cases,\u201d he quoted in a singsong voice. \u201cA poultice of tea and tobacco is sometimes valuable. Amputation is necessary or the patient will surely die.\u201d Joe blinked his eyes and they seemed to focus again. He looked up at Ben. \u201cI tried, Pa,\u201d he added softly. Suddenly, a shudder ran through his body. \u201cI tried,\u201d Joe repeated, this time in a voice choked with tears. \u201cI couldn\u2019t do it\u2026I tried but I couldn\u2019t\u2026\u201d His voice trailed off and a tear trickled down his face.<\/p>\n

\u201cPa, what is he saying?\u201d asked Hoss in a horrified voice. \u201cHe wasn\u2019t going to\u2026\u201d Hoss stopped and swallowed hard. He couldn\u2019t bear to finish his sentence.<\/p>\n

Looking as shocked as Hoss, Ben pulled his son closer to him. He could feel Joe trembling and see the tears in his eyes. \u201cIt\u2019s all right, Joe,\u201d Ben comforted the young man in his arms. He gently stroked Joe\u2019s head with his hand. \u201cIt\u2019s all right, son. Shhhh. Don\u2019t worry. I\u2019m here now. It\u2019s all right.\u201d He felt the trembling stop in the body in his arms. Ben looked down and saw Joe\u2019s eyes were closing. \u201cLet\u2019s get him up to bed,\u201d he directed Hoss.<\/p>\n

It took a few minutes to ease Joe\u2019s injured arm across his chest and to make sure Hoss was supporting the injured leg with his massive arms. But finally Ben and Hoss were able to lift Joe gently from the floor. The two maneuvered slowly through the kitchen and then across the dining room, carrying the injured young man carefully. They walked a bit faster across the large living room, then slowed again as they climbed the stairs to the bedroom above. Their progress along the upstairs hall and into Joe\u2019s room was equally as measured.<\/p>\n

As they approached Joe\u2019s bed, Ben could see the blankets were neatly tucked into the mattress, indicating Joe hadn\u2019t been able to make it to his room. Ben tried not to think about the cold, hard surfaces on which his son must had slept over the past two days. Taking care of Joe now was more important than worrying about what had happened in the past.<\/p>\n

Stopping for a moment next to the bed, Ben reached down with one hand and grabbed the edge of the blankets and sheet. With a quick motion, he flung the coverings to the far side of the bed. Then he nodded at Hoss, and the two men eased Joe onto the mattress.<\/p>\n

Ben spent a minute making Joe comfortable \u2013 positioning his head on the pillows and pulling the sheet and blankets over him \u2013 then turned to Hoss. He was a bit startled to see Hoss was still wearing his heavy coat and hat, then realized he hadn\u2019t bothered to shed his own coat and hat. \u201cHoss, get to town and get the doctor,\u201d ordered Ben as he began to unbutton his coat. \u201cTell him to get out here fast.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYes sir,\u201d replied Hoss. The big man turned and hurried from the room.<\/p>\n

As he shrugged off his coat and pulled off his hat, Ben tried to decide what to do next. Joe was injured and desperately ill, but Ben knew there was little that could be done until the doctor arrived. Dropping the coat and hat onto the desk at the far side of the room, Ben thought the best thing he could do would be to make his son as comfortable as possible. He walked to the bed, rolling up his sleeves as he crossed the room.<\/p>\n

After pulling back the covers, Ben quickly tugged off Joe\u2019s left boot and sock. He stared at the splint holding the injured right leg in place and decided not to attempt to remove the boot from that leg. Instead, he unbuckled Joe\u2019s belt and pulled the leather from around his son\u2019s waist.<\/p>\n

Ben covered Joe again to the waist, then reached toward his son\u2019s shirt. As he undid the buttons, he could see the cloth was torn and streaked with dirt, sweat and dried blood. Once more, Ben tried not to think about the circumstances which had caused the shirt to become so tattered. After pulling the shirt open, he gently eased Joe\u2019s right arm out of the sleeve. Ben tugged the cloth at the collar until it slid out from under his son\u2019s back. Then, as slowly as possible, he rolled the left sleeve down Joe\u2019s arm.<\/p>\n

He thought he was prepared for the sight of the injured arm, but Ben gasped when he saw the extent of the swelling and discoloration. With a sick feeling in his stomach, Ben wondered if Joe had been right and amputation was the only treatment. To lose an arm would be devastating, but for the left-handed Joe to lose his left arm could be almost unbearable. \u201cNo, please God, no,\u201d Ben whispered. For a moment, Ben wondered if Joe would be able to stand the loss of his arm, if his son would rather be dead than crippled. Then he remembered the choked words in the kitchen. Joe had been prepared to amputate the arm himself in order to stay alive. His son wanted to live and was willing to do whatever it took to cheat death. Ben resolved that he would make sure his son\u2019s wishes were carried out. He also would do whatever was necessary to ward off the dark specter of death.<\/p>\n

After pulling the blankets up to Joe\u2019s chin, Ben laid his hand on his son\u2019s forehead. He could feel the heat of raging fever and the dampness of beading sweat. \u201cJoe,\u201d he said softly, \u201cI\u2019m going downstairs to get some cold water. I\u2019ll only be gone a minute. I\u2019ll be right back.\u201d<\/p>\n

Lying in the soft bed under the warm covers, Joe felt comfortable and safe for the first time in days. His arm still throbbed and his leg ached, but somehow the pain was less acute than before. Joe no longer felt frightened that he was going to die alone. He could hear his father\u2019s voice and knew instinctively that, no matter what, his Pa would be by his side and do what was best for him.<\/p>\n

Joe wasn\u2019t sure if he nodded his understanding in response to Ben\u2019s voice. He only knew he could drift off to sleep with the confidence of knowing he was no longer helpless and alone.<\/p>\n

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

Hearing the slam of the front door and the clatter of footsteps on the stairs, Ben turned in the chair by Joe\u2019s bed. He had no idea how long it had been since Hoss had left for the doctor; Ben had lost all track of time as he had done what he could to make his son comfortable. For the most part, he simply had continued to bathe Joe\u2019s face and chest with cold water, although he also had done his best to clean the cut and bruise on the side of Joe\u2019s face. Ben had left his son only briefly \u2013 once to build up and light the fire that now roared in the fireplace below, and another time to grab the thick quilt from his own bed to add to the blankets that covered the injured man. Ben didn\u2019t quite understand the science behind keeping Joe as warm as possible while at the same time he was trying to cool his son\u2019s brow. He only knew that somehow it seemed to work; Joe seemed to be more comfortable.<\/p>\n

Giving a sigh of relief, Ben rose from the chair to greet the tall, white-haired man who entered the bedroom. Dr. Paul Martin walked briskly toward the bed, carrying a black bag in his right hand and two wide slats of wood in his left. Recognizing the slats as leg splints, Ben surmised that Hoss had found the doctor in his office and had given the man a summary of Joe\u2019s injuries.<\/p>\n

\u201cThank you for coming,\u201d said Ben.<\/p>\n

Giving his old friend a quick nod and smile of acknowledgment, Dr. Martin continued past Ben toward the bed. He dropped the slats of wood on the floor as he sat down in the chair which Ben had just vacated, and place his black bag on the table next to the bed.<\/p>\n

\u201cHoss will be up in a minute,\u201d stated the doctor as he opened his bag and reached for a stethoscope. \u201cI told him to put the horses in the barn. From what he told me, this is going to take awhile.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben watched anxiously as Dr. Martin peeled back the blankets that covered Joe. The doctor used the stethoscope to listen to Joe\u2019s heart, then put his hand on Joe\u2019s forehead. After feeling his patient\u2019s fever, Dr. Martin moved his hand to gently probe the bruise on the side of the young man\u2019s head. He also lifted Joe\u2019s eyelid a bit and studied his eye. \u201cNo sign of a fracture or concussion,\u201d declared the doctor. \u201cThe bruising is fairly extensive but the cut isn\u2019t deep enough to require stitching. I\u2019ll put something on it later to help the healing.\u201d<\/p>\n

As Ben continued to watch, the doctor pulled the blankets down further to reveal Joe\u2019s arm. Dr. Martin said nothing as he studied the limb for a minute. Then the doctor drew back the blankets to the end of the bed and got up from the chair.<\/p>\n

The sound of footsteps behind him caused Ben to glance over his shoulder. He nodded briefly at Hoss, who had entered the bedroom; in the back of his mind, Ben noted his middle son had left his coat and hat downstairs. As Hoss moved to stand next to Ben, his anxious expression mirrored his father\u2019s.<\/p>\n

Standing at the end of the bed, the doctor was gently feeling his patient\u2019s injured leg. \u201cJoe did a good job setting the bone,\u201d remarked Dr. Martin, \u201calthough it must have hurt like the devil when he did it. The bone is nice and straight. There\u2019s some swelling, but that\u2019s to be expected. I\u2019ll need to put a new splint on it, but that can wait, too.\u201d<\/p>\n

The doctor moved back to the side of the bed and pulled the covers up to Joe\u2019s waist. Sitting down in the chair again, Dr. Martin once more studied the swollen arm, this time probing it gently with his fingers.<\/p>\n

\u201cIs it gangrene?\u201d asked Ben in a worried voice.<\/p>\n

\u201cYes,\u201d answered the doctor without looking up. \u201cHoss told me Joe was injured about two days ago, so it\u2019s not surprising that gangrene has set in.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWill you\u2026\u201d Ben started, then stopped. He swallowed hard. \u201cDo you have to amputate?\u201d<\/p>\n

Dr. Martin turned to look at Ben with a surprised expression on his face. \u201cAmputate? No, that\u2019s not necessary. The infection isn\u2019t that bad. Why would you think I would amputate his arm?\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben let out a sigh of relief before answering. \u201cJoe found an old medical book I had. The book indicated that amputation was the only cure for gangrene. Joe tried…” Ben paused, barely able to say the words. \u201cWhen we found Joe, he said something about trying to do it himself but he couldn\u2019t.\u201d<\/p>\n

The look on the doctor\u2019s face turned to one of astonishment. \u201cHe was going to amputate his own arm? Thank God he didn\u2019t try to do it. The infection isn\u2019t bad enough to warrant such a radical procedure. And the shock and loss of blood from an amputation probably would have killed him.\u201d<\/p>\n

His face suddenly deathly pale, Ben turned to Hoss. Hoss looked back at his father, his face equally ashen. Neither man could find the words to express their sick feeling over what Joe might have done unnecessarily to himself, and their relief that Joe hadn\u2019t gone through with his plan.<\/p>\n

Suddenly, Joe stirred on the bed. He turned his head and slowly opened his eyes, staring at the man sitting next to the bed. \u201cDoc?\u201d asked Joe softly.<\/p>\n

\u201cHello, Joe,\u201d replied Dr. Martin with a smile.<\/p>\n

Closing his eyes briefly, Joe swallowed a lump in his throat. He opened his eyes again and looked hard at the doctor. \u201cDo it\u2026do it quick, will you?\u201d he commanded in a shaky voice.<\/p>\n

Reaching over to put a hand on Joe\u2019s head, the doctor replied in an earnest voice. \u201cListen to me, Joe. I don\u2019t have to amputate your arm. I can save it. I\u2019ll have to do some cutting and it will take a while to heal, but you won\u2019t lose your arm. Do you understand me?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cBut the book…\u201d argued Joe in a confused voice. \u201cThe book said that once the gangrene sets in, amputation is necessary or the patient will die.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s probably an old medical book,\u201d Dr. Martin answered. \u201cWe\u2019ve learned a lot about treating gangrene over the past few years. And the infection isn\u2019t that extensive yet. I can cut out the diseased tissue and put in a drain. Your arm will be as good as new in time.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019re sure?\u201d Joe asked, his voice filled with a mixture of hope and doubt.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m sure,\u201d declared the doctor in a confident voice.<\/p>\n

As Joe closed his eyes again, his body sagged with relief.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m going to put you to sleep for a little while, Joe,\u201d continued the doctor. \u201cWhen you wake up, your arm will be heavily bandaged, but it will be there. I promise you.\u201d Turning to the men standing a few feet away, Dr. Martin instructed, \u201cI\u2019m going to need some clean towels, plenty of hot water and an empty basin.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll get them,\u201d offered Hoss.<\/p>\n

\u201cThere\u2019s a kettle heating on the stove,\u201d Ben called as Hoss turned to leave the room. \u201cI started it when I went down to build the fire. It should be plenty hot by now.\u201d<\/p>\n

The doctor watched Hoss leave, then turned to Ben, \u201cI\u2019m going to need your help, if you can stand it. This isn\u2019t going to be a pretty sight.\u201d<\/p>\n

Squaring his shoulders, Ben answered. \u201cTell me what I should do. I can stand it. I\u2019ll do whatever is necessary to help my son.\u201d<\/p>\n

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

The grey of the early autumn evening was beginning to darken the room as the Ben, Hoss and Dr. Martin waited by Joe’s bed. All the evidence of a long afternoon of medical care had been removed from the room, and now the men were waiting for Joe to stir.<\/p>\n

As Ben waited, he felt the churning in his stomach finally beginning to subside. The queasiness had started when the doctor had sliced Joe\u2019s arm with the scalpel and Ben watched the combination of tan pus and clear liquid begin to ooze from his son\u2019s arm. Only by sheer will power had Ben been able to swallow his nausea and hold his hands steady around the basin as the doctor directed the foul liquid into the bowl. It had seemed to take hours for Dr. Martin to carefully cut the diseased tissue from Joe\u2019s arm and slip each piece into the basin. When he was finally satisfied that he had removed all the offensive material, the doctor had sprinkled some sulfur power over the wound and put a small tube in it to act as a drain. Then Dr. Martin began to stitch the arm. When the doctor had begun working with the needle and thread, Ben had left the bedroom quickly. He carried the basin down the stairs and out to the back of the house, pausing only long enough to grab a shovel from a shed in yard. Then Ben had dug a hole in the yard. He threw the basin and its foul matter into the hole and buried them deep in the ground.<\/p>\n

Standing a few feet from his father in the bedroom, Hoss also felt the knot in his stomach melting away. His role had been to bring fresh pots of hot water, light lamps, and occasionally adjust the ether mask covering Joe\u2019s face. Hoss had tried not to look at what the doctor was doing to his little brother, but he couldn\u2019t keep his eyes from straying to Joe\u2019s arm. Each brief look had turned Hoss\u2019 stomach and he quickly found something else to do. He had been relieved when Dr. Martin had finally finished bandaging Joe\u2019s arm, hiding the ugly wound.<\/p>\n

When the doctor had asked him to help him splint Joe\u2019s leg, Hoss was eager to comply. Handling broken bones was something Hoss was familiar with, and he knew he could help without that sickening feeling forming in his gut. Hoss had waited patiently while Dr. Martin sliced the rawhide strips that had held the makeshift splint of broken chair pieces in place. After the doctor had cut Joe\u2019s pant leg from the ankle to the waist, Hoss had slipped the pants off his brother. His large, strong hands held Joe\u2019s leg firmly in place while the doctor had carefully removed the boot and sock. Those strong hands turned gentle as Hoss carefully lifted the injured leg so Dr. Martin could tightly wrap the bandages around the wooden slats, to hold the splint in place.<\/p>\n

Now all the men could do was wait. Dr. Martin wanted to be sure his patient woke from the ether without complications before leaving.<\/p>\n

As he had done periodically over the past hour, the doctor lightly tapped Joe\u2019s face under each eye. Until now, the tapping had brought no reaction. But this time, Joe stirred a bit.<\/p>\n

\u201cHe\u2019s coming around,\u201d declared Dr. Martin as he straightened from the bed. The doctor stretched his tired arms and reached for his coat. \u201cHe should be awake soon.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat should we do now?\u201d asked Ben anxiously.<\/p>\n

\u201cHe\u2019ll probably be pretty groggy and maybe a bit nauseous from the ether,\u201d answered Dr. Martin. \u201cBest thing to do is just let him sleep. In the morning, see if you can get him to eat. Soft eggs will probably be all he can handle. Other than that, just keep his arm at an angle so the wound will continue to drain.\u201d<\/p>\n

Once again, Joe stirred on the bed. His eyes opened slowly, and he licked his lips, trying to rid his mouth of its dry, cottony feeling. Suddenly, Joe looked down at his chest, where his left arm was resting. He moved his arm a fraction of an inch or so. Then a small smile broke out on his face.<\/p>\n

\u201cI promised you it would be there,\u201d said Dr. Martin, who had been watching the youngest Cartwright carefully. \u201cI keep my promises.\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe looked up at the doctor and, still smiling, nodded.<\/p>\n

Reaching to the table, Dr. Martin grabbed a glass of water. He lifted Joe\u2019s head a bit and put the glass to the young man\u2019s lips. After Joe drained the tumbler, the doctor returned it to the table.<\/p>\n

Bending over his patient, Dr. Martin checked Joe\u2019s arm one last time. Nodding in satisfaction, the doctor straightened and turned to Ben.<\/p>\n

\u201cThat book Joe read was entirely correct about the symptoms,\u201d explained Dr. Martin. \u201cJoe\u2019s diagnosis was correct, too, though a bit premature. Amputation is a harsh remedy. But fortunately, due to the infection, he didn\u2019t have the strength to do it. He\u2019s young and he\u2019s strong. It will take a while, but he\u2019ll be just fine.\u201d Ben nodded his understanding to the doctor.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou know,\u201d the doctor continued, \u201cMaking a decision like that takes more courage than just letting go sometimes, Ben.\u201d He shook his head a bit. \u201cHe\u2019s quite a boy.\u201d He stuck his hand out to his old friend. Ben shook the hand briefly, his eyes still glued to the figure on the bed. Joe gave his father a weak smile of reassurance.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll be back to check on him tomorrow,\u201d declared Dr. Martin, picking up his bag from the table next to the bed.<\/p>\n

As the doctor left, Hoss walked up to the bed. He tried to hide the tears of relief in his eyes. \u201cHe\u2019ll do anything to get out of a round-up,\u201d Hoss joked, trying to lighten the mood.<\/p>\n

For his part, Ben didn\u2019t try to hide his tears of relief. He smiled briefly at Hoss\u2019 jibe, but continued to stare at his youngest son.<\/p>\n

A crooked grin crossed Joe\u2019s face, acknowledging his brother\u2019s gentle jab at him. Then Joe settled into the pillows and fell asleep.<\/p>\n

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

It was well after midnight when Ben heard a soft knock on the bedroom door. He looked up from his chair next to Joe\u2019s bed, not surprised to see Hoss open the door and walk in.<\/p>\n

\u201cHow\u2019s he doing?\u201d asked Hoss.<\/p>\n

Turning back to look at Joe, Ben watched his son a moment before answering. \u201cHis fever is down a bit and he seems to be sleeping easy.\u201d Ben looked back to Hoss. \u201cDid you get something to eat?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYeah,\u201d Hoss answered. \u201cI cleaned up the kitchen, too.\u201d He didn\u2019t elaborate on the evidence of Joe\u2019s attempt to ease his agony \u2013 towels stained with some kind of poultice, a half-empty whiskey bottle, a scorched pan, and utensils scattered throughout the kitchen. Hoss knew that his father must have seen the same things when Ben went to the kitchen to heat some water, but he wasn\u2019t sure their significance registered with his Pa. Hoss decided there was no reason to add to his father\u2019s distress.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou should get some rest,\u201d suggested Ben to his middle son.<\/p>\n

\u201cI already had a couple of hours sleep,\u201d Hoss replied. \u201cNow it\u2019s your turn.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m fine,\u201d Ben said.<\/p>\n

\u201cPa, you need some rest,\u201d Hoss stated firmly. \u201cYou\u2019re not going to do Joe any good by tiring yourself out. And I ain\u2019t got the strength to look after both of you.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben smiled briefly. \u201cReally, I\u2019m fine. You\u2019re the one who needs the rest. You need to ride back to the herd tomorrow.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cRide back to the herd?\u201d repeated Hoss, frowning. \u201cAnd leave you here alone with Joe? I\u2019m not sure that\u2019s the best idea, Pa.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSomebody has to let Candy know what happened, and make sure the herd gets to winter pasture,\u201d Ben told his middle son. \u201cYou\u2019re the best one to do that. I can take care of things here.\u201d<\/p>\n

Reluctantly, Hoss saw the sense in what his father was saying. But he wasn\u2019t willing to give in easily. \u201cI can let Candy know what happened and then ride back here,\u201d he suggested. \u201cCandy will get the herd to pasture.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThere\u2019s no need for both of us to be here,\u201d argued Ben. \u201cThe doctor will look in every day and I can take care of Joe. We\u2019d just be in each others way if we were both here. You\u2019d help more by being with the herd.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI guess that\u2019s right,\u201d agreed Hoss, but the tone of his voice indicated he was less than sure. \u201cWhy don\u2019t you go get some sleep now? I\u2019m all slept out and there\u2019s no sense both of us being awake.\u201d<\/p>\n

Turning back to the bed, Ben watched Joe for a moment. \u201cI hate to leave him, Hoss.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cPa, you heard the doctor, same as me, Joe\u2019s going to be all right,\u201d declared Hoss.<\/p>\n

\u201cI know,\u201d Ben acknowledged. He was silent for a moment, then continued. \u201cI just keep thinking about him during the past two days. Hurt, sick, and alone. He must have been so\u2026so desperate.\u201d Ben shook his head. \u201cI don\u2019t want to leave him alone.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYeah, I know,\u201d said Hoss. He looked at his brother sleeping in the bed. \u201cBut Pa, he won\u2019t be alone. I\u2019ll be here. I\u2019ll watch over Joe.\u201d<\/p>\n

Something in Hoss\u2019 voice told Ben that Hoss needed to look after Joe. He guessed his middle son was feeling the necessity to be here now with his brother because Hoss hadn\u2019t been around when Joe really needed him. Ben understood that feeling; he had the same one. Sitting by Joe\u2019s bed helped ease Ben\u2019s sense of guilt a bit. He knew it would be selfish to deny Hoss the same bit of comfort.<\/p>\n

Getting to his feet, Ben stretched a bit. \u201cAll right, I\u2019ll sleep for a little while. Wake me if there\u2019s any change.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI will,\u201d Hoss promised.<\/p>\n

As Ben started to leave the room, he stopped and turned once more to look at the sleeping figure in the bed. Joe looked so pale, so fragile. He had heard Dr. Martin\u2019s pronouncement that his youngest son would be fine. Ben just wished he could believe it.<\/p>\n

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

The faint light of a dawning sun glowed through the window as Hoss rose from the chair and rolled his shoulders to loosen his stiff muscles. He couldn\u2019t remember a longer night. It wasn\u2019t just the quiet of the house or the haunting thoughts of what Joe might have gone through that had stretched the hours for Hoss. It was the waiting \u2013 hours of waiting for some small movement or soft sound from his injured brother. Through the long night, Hoss had waited for something that never happened.<\/p>\n

Hoss reached to the lamp on the table by the bed and turned down the low flame to a barely perceptible glow. As he did, Hoss glanced over his shoulder toward the bed. Joe was in exactly the same position as when the doctor left. His heavily bandaged hand and arm rested on his chest, and his head was angled a bit to the right, buried deep against the pillows. Joe\u2019s splintered right leg laid unnaturally straight under the blankets while his left leg, slightly bent at the knee, was faintly outlined by the covers.<\/p>\n

For a sick and injured man to sleep deeply through the night wasn\u2019t unusual, Hoss knew. But the fact that Joe hadn\u2019t moved even an inch \u2013 hadn\u2019t stirred or shifted to a more comfortable position \u2013 worried Hoss. His younger brother was normally a restless sleeper, and for Joe to spend the night so still and unmoving was not a good sign.<\/p>\n

As he had done many times during the night, Hoss put a hand on Joe\u2019s forehead, feeling the heat of his brother\u2019s fever and trying to decide if the brow felt any warmer or cooler. Hoss shook his head, unsure if there was any change in temperature. He turned back to the table and reached for a cloth in a small bowl of water. Again, imitating actions that he had done often during the night, Hoss lightly dabbed Joe\u2019s face with the cloth.<\/p>\n

Suddenly, the figure on the bed stirred. For a minute, Hoss thought he might be imaging the movement, that he only thought he saw what he was yearning for. But Joe moved his head again, shifted his shoulders on the bed, and let out a couple of soft grunts. Hoss held his breath and waited. Finally, Joe turned his head and opened his eyes.<\/p>\n

\u201cMorning, Joe,\u201d announced Hoss cheerfully, hoping the relief he felt wasn\u2019t reflected in his voice.<\/p>\n

\u201cHi, Hoss,\u201d replied Joe weakly. He looked around the room. \u201cWhere\u2019s Pa?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cGetting some sleep,\u201d Hoss explained as he eased himself back down in the chair by the bed. \u201cIt was hard to get him to leave you but I finally convinced him that my staying with you for a few hours wouldn\u2019t kill you.\u201d<\/p>\n

A small smile crossed Joe\u2019s face. Then he licked his lips. \u201cCan I have some water?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSure,\u201d said Hoss, as he reached for a glass on the table by the bed.<\/p>\n

The water wasn\u2019t very cold, but it was wet and that\u2019s all Joe cared about. He drained the glass that Hoss held to his lips.<\/p>\n

\u201cHow are you feeling?\u201d Hoss asked in a concerned voice after he put the glass back on the table.<\/p>\n

\u201cTerrible,\u201d admitted Joe. Then the crooked smile appeared again on his face. \u201cBut that\u2019s a lot better than I felt yesterday.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cLittle brother, you sure get yourself into some real messes,\u201d observed Hoss, shaking his head. \u201cHow\u2019d you let this happen?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s what I would like to know,\u201d added a deep voice from the bedroom door. Both Joe and Hoss looked to see their father walking into the room.<\/p>\n

\u201cHi Pa,\u201d Joe greeted Ben in a weak voice.<\/p>\n

\u201cGood morning, Joseph,\u201d Ben replied in a gentle tone. \u201cI\u2019m glad you\u2019re awake. How about some breakfast?\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe shook his head. \u201cI\u2019m not hungry.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI didn\u2019t ask if you were hungry,\u201d Ben said sternly. \u201cOnly if you could eat something. When was the last time you had something in your stomach?\u201d<\/p>\n

Looking down, Joe tried to remember when he last ate. He recalled starting to cook some meat, but then had passed out. The meat had burned to a charred mess. After that, he had become worried about something a lot more serious than food. \u201cI don\u2019t know,\u201d Joe admitted. \u201cI kind of lost track of things.\u201d Joe shook his head. \u201cI think I passed out a couple of times.\u201d<\/p>\n

After exchanging a worried glance with Hoss, Ben said softly, \u201cJoe, you had some bad injuries and a high fever. The wonder is that you stayed on your feet as long as you did.\u201d<\/p>\n

Leaning back against the pillows, Joe looked up at the ceiling. \u201cI felt so weak, Pa. I couldn\u2019t even get on Cochise to ride for help. I turned him loose so he\u2019d be okay if I\u2026\u201d Joe swallowed hard. \u201cI didn\u2019t want him to starve in his stall.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cCochise is fine,\u201d Ben told his youngest son in a soothing voice. \u201cWe found him in the yard.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cGood,\u201d answered Joe, nodding slightly.<\/p>\n

\u201cHow did you manage to get from the barn to the house?\u201d Ben asked, understanding for the first time what a Herculean effort by his badly injured son that short walk must have taken.<\/p>\n

\u201cAfter I set my leg, I spent the night in the barn, and some of the next day,\u201d Joe explained. \u201cI found a broom I could use as a crutch. It took awhile, but I finally got to the house.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat I don\u2019t understand is why that fellow Griffin didn\u2019t find you,\u201d said Hoss, puzzled. \u201cHis boy said he checked the barn.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI was huddled in a corner, trying to keep warm,\u201d Joe answered. \u201cI guess he didn\u2019t see me. I didn\u2019t hear him or the wagon. I was probably asleep.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd Griffin was very late getting to the house, so he wasn\u2019t surprised you weren\u2019t around,\u201d added Ben. He shook his head. \u201cA series of circumstances that made a bad situation worse.\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe simply nodded. He was feeling sleepy again, and his eyes began to close.<\/p>\n

Seeing his son was about to drift off, Ben said quickly, \u201cYou rest awhile. I\u2019ll make some breakfast for you and bring it up later.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAll right,\u201d agreed Joe in a drowsy voice.<\/p>\n

\u201cJoe, I\u2019m going back to the herd in a little while,\u201d Hoss told his brother. \u201cYou take care of yourself while I\u2019m gone. I ain\u2019t gonna be here to watch out for you.\u201d<\/p>\n

Managing to rouse himself a bit, Joe smiled at his brother. \u201cThink you and Candy can handle those cows without me?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOh, I think we\u2019ll manage,\u201d Hoss answered with a smile.<\/p>\n

\u201cGood, \u2018cause I hate roundups,\u201d Joe remarked, his eyes starting to close again.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou won\u2019t have to worry about roundups for awhile,\u201d observed Hoss softly. \u201cFor the next couple of weeks, you get to do your favorite thing \u2013 sleeping in bed all day.\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe tried to smile but the effort was a poor one. He was already half asleep.<\/p>\n

Motioning to Hoss to follow him, Ben turned and left the bedroom. Outside the room, Ben said in a low voice, \u201cI\u2019m going to make Joe some breakfast and then stay with him. Do you want to get some sleep before you leave?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019d rather have breakfast,\u201d Hoss answered firmly. \u201cI can sleep anytime, but eating is something I need to do regular-like.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAll right,\u201d Ben agreed, giving a small laugh. \u201cBreakfast it is. Then you\u2019d better get on your way. Candy must be wondering where we are.\u201d<\/p>\n

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

As he helped herd the cattle through the narrow pass, Candy was indeed wondering where the Cartwrights might be. He had expected them back with the herd yesterday, or at least to join them in camp last night. Now the day was well begun, and still there was no sign of Ben, Hoss or Joe.<\/p>\n

A grizzled cowboy rode his horse up next to Candy. \u201cWhere do you think the boss is, Candy?\u201d the man asked. \u201cMister Cartwright and his boys should have been back here by now. What do you think happened?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t know, Charlie,\u201d Candy answered. \u201cWhen they get here, I\u2019ll ask them.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIt ain\u2019t like Mister Cartwright to leave his herd so long,\u201d insisted Charlie.<\/p>\n

\u201cMaybe it took him and Hoss awhile to find Joe, and they decided to spend the night in a soft bed,\u201d suggested Candy. \u201cThat sounds a whole lot better than sleeping on the ground to me.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNot the Cartwrights,\u201d stated Charlie firmly. \u201cThey ain\u2019t the kind to be sleeping in beds while we\u2019re camping in the cold. Mister Cartwright never asks his men to do something he won\u2019t do himself.\u201d<\/p>\n

Silently, Candy had to agree with the cowboy. But he simply couldn\u2019t figure out why Ben and his sons hadn\u2019t rejoined the herd. So Candy said nothing.<\/p>\n

\u201cMaybe you oughta go look for them or something,\u201d Charlie suggested.<\/p>\n

\u201cOh yeah, that\u2019s a great idea,\u201d said Candy, his voice dripping with sarcasm. \u201cI go look for the Cartwrights, and then you decide to go look for me. Shorty will probably get worried and go out after you, and then Jim will go after Shorty. Next thing you know, those cattle will be walking to the winter pasture all by themselves.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, it was just an idea,\u201d offered Charlie defensively.<\/p>\n

Immediately, Candy felt contrite. He knew Charlie was only voicing the same worry he felt. \u201cLook, Charlie,\u201d he told the cowboy in a conciliatory tone. \u201cYou go back and ride flank on the herd. For some reason, Mister Cartwright got delayed, and he\u2019s counting on us to take care of his cattle while he\u2019s not here. I think we ought to do that for him, don\u2019t you?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYeah, I guess you\u2019re right,\u201d Charlie agreed. The cowboy kicked his horse and rode off.<\/p>\n

As Candy whistled and hooted at the cattle to keep them moving over the next few hours, he tried to act unconcerned. However, he couldn\u2019t help from turning in his saddle from time to time to look down the trail behind him.<\/p>\n

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

\u201cI know this hurts, Joe,\u201d said Dr. Martin in a sympathetic voice. \u201cJust hang on. It will be over in a minute.\u201d<\/p>\n

From the end of the bed, Ben watched as the doctor fiddled a bit with the small tube in Joe\u2019s arm. He turned his attention to the bed, and saw Joe\u2019s body was tense, his face screwed into a grimace. The few minutes the doctor needed to check the arm wound seemed like a painfully long time to both Joe and his father.<\/p>\n

\u201cAll done,\u201d Dr. Martin announced, straightening up. Joe\u2019s body went slack, and he gulped in deep breaths of air.<\/p>\n

\u201cHow\u2019s it look?\u201d asked Joe in a soft voice. He continued to breathe hard.<\/p>\n

\u201cAs well as can be expected, considering that it\u2019s been less than twenty-four hours since I cleaned up the wound,\u201d the doctor answered cautiously as he began to re-bandage Joe\u2019s arm. \u201cThe wound is draining and there\u2019s no sign of any new infection.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHe\u2019s still running a fever,\u201d Ben advised.<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd he will for several more days,\u201d declared Dr. Martin. \u201cHe\u2019s still reacting to the infection and injury. It will take some time for things to return to normal.\u201d The doctor put his hand on Joe\u2019s forehead and felt the fever for himself. Apparently not alarmed by the heat he felt, Dr. Martin turned Joe\u2019s head a bit and looked at the bruise on the side. \u201cNo complications with the bruising,\u201d he commented almost to himself. The doctor took a step back from the bed. \u201cHow does your leg feel, Joe?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIt aches a bit,\u201d Joe answered. \u201cNothing worse that other broken legs I\u2019ve had, though.<\/p>\n

\u201cYes,\u201d Dr. Martin said in a dry voice, \u201cunfortunately, you have plenty of experience with broken bones.\u201d He shook his head a bit, then turned to reach into the black bag sitting on the table. The doctor pulled out a large glass vial with a stopper in the top. \u201cWhere\u2019s that spoon I asked for, Ben?\u201d he asked, then quickly answered his own question. \u201cOh, here it is.\u201d He picked up a spoon from the table, and with practiced ease, uncorked the stopper from the bottle with a quick twist.<\/p>\n

From his bed, Joe eyed the bottle and spoon suspiciously. \u201cWhat\u2019s that?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cMedicine,\u201d replied the doctor. \u201cYou\u2019ll hate it. But if you want to get well quickly, you\u2019ll take a dose of it every four hours.\u201d Dr. Martin poured a small amount of liquid from the bottle onto the spoon and stuck the spoon near Joe\u2019s mouth.<\/p>\n

Joe looked at the spoon with distaste, then opened his mouth. As he swallowed the liquid, he made a face.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m glad you like it,\u201d stated the doctor with a small laugh. He put the bottle on the table near his bag, and turned to Ben. \u201cGive him a dose every four hours. If you run out, just send Hoss into town and I\u2019ll give him a refill.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHoss isn\u2019t here,\u201d Ben told the doctor. \u201cI sent him back to the herd, to help get the cattle to winter pasture.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOh?\u201d said Dr. Martin, a small frown appearing on his face. He looked thoughtful for a minute. \u201cUh, Ben, do you have an extra pillow around someplace? I want to prop up Joe\u2019s arm to make sure it continues to drain properly.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m sure I do,\u201d replied Ben, turning to leave the room.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll come with you,\u201d the doctor offered quickly. \u201cI want to make sure it\u2019s the right size.\u201d<\/p>\n

Outside the bedroom, Dr. Martin grabbed Ben\u2019s arm to stop him. \u201cBen, are you telling me you are here by yourself taking care of Joe?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ve taken care of my sons before when they were sick or injured,\u201d answered Ben with a shrug. \u201cI can take care of Joe.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYes, but you\u2019ve always had Hop Sing or one of the boys around to help you,\u201d the doctor pointed out. \u201cI\u2019m not sure you understand what\u2019s involved here. Joe is virtually helpless. You\u2019re going to have to bathe him, shave him, and take care of his personal needs. You\u2019re going to have to help him to eat. And without any help, that means you also are going to have to cook for him as well as yourself. I haven\u2019t even mentioned the nursing you\u2019re going to have to do.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI’ll be fine,\u201d insisted Ben. \u201cHoss will be back in about a week. I can manage until then.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd exhaust yourself in the process,\u201d Dr. Martin stated. \u201cBen, I\u2019d better see if I can find someone in town to come out to help.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo,\u201d declared Ben in a firm voice. \u201cJoe\u2019s my son, and I can take care of him. Now, let me get that pillow.\u201d<\/p>\n

As he watched Ben walk down the hall, Dr. Martin shook his head. \u201cAnd he wonders where Joe gets his stubbornness,\u201d the doctor muttered.<\/p>\n

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

It was mid-afternoon before Candy spotted the big man with the familiar tall white hat riding up the trail toward the herd. He let out a sigh of relief, then yelled over his shoulder to no one in particular, \u201cHoss is coming!\u201d Candy could hear the sound of men calling in response to his announcement and recognized the relief in some of their acknowledgments.<\/p>\n

Pulling his horse to a stop, Candy waited until Hoss rode up to him. \u201cWell, you finally got here,\u201d declared Candy with a grin. \u201cI thought maybe you\u2019d gotten lost.\u201d He looked past Hoss down the trail. \u201cWhere\u2019s your Pa and Joe?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThey ain\u2019t coming, Candy,\u201d answered Hoss in a serious voice. \u201cThere\u2019s been an accident and Joe got hurt. Pa\u2019s staying to look after him.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAn accident?\u201d repeated Candy with alarm. \u201cWhat happened?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThat new mare spooked and trampled Joe,\u201d Hoss explained. \u201cHe\u2019s hurt pretty bad.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHow bad is it?\u201d asked Candy anxiously.<\/p>\n

Hoss could hear the depth of concern in Candy\u2019s voice. \u201cHe\u2019s going to be okay, Candy,” Hoss told the man quickly. \u201cHis leg is broken, and he\u2019s badly bruised. The horse cut up his arm pretty bad too, and it got infected. The doc had to work on it for a long time.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhere did this happen?\u201d Candy asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cAt the ranch, right after we left,\u201d answered Hoss.<\/p>\n

\u201cAt the ranch?\u201d said Candy, frowning. \u201cThen who took care of him? There was nobody but Joe at the ranch.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s the thing,\u201d Hoss replied grimly. \u201cNobody was there. Joe had to try and look after himself for a couple of days until Pa and I showed up.\u201d<\/p>\n

Candy sat still in the saddle with a shocked expression on his face. His mind raced, trying to imagine a bruised and bloody Joe at the ranch with no one to help him. \u201cMy God!\u201d he murmured softly.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe doctor said he\u2019s going to be all right,\u201d Hoss assured Candy once more. \u201cHe\u2019s going to need some time to heal up \u2013 a long time \u2013 but the doc said he\u2019s going to be fine.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019re sure?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m sure,\u201d Hoss stated firmly. He looked around and saw the herd moving slowly up the trail. \u201cCandy, I told Pa I\u2019d be back in about week. I figured four days to get the herd to winter pasture and settle them in, then two days or so to get home. Do you think we could push the men and the cattle a little and shave off some of that time?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYeah,\u201d agreed Candy, nodding. \u201cI\u2019ll explain things to the men. I\u2019m sure they won\u2019t mind working a little harder. I think we can save at least a day.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cGood,\u201d Hoss said. \u201cI want to get home as soon as I can.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSo do I, Hoss,\u201d declared Candy. \u201cSo do I.\u201d<\/p>\n

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

Sinking wearily into his favorite red chair by the fireplace, Ben wondered if he could afford to take a little nap. He felt so tired, so worn out. In the past two days, he had discovered the doctor\u2019s prediction about all the things that he would need to do fell woefully short of reality.<\/p>\n

Ben had learned that simply moving Joe to a sitting position entailed not only shifting his son on the bed, but also moving a variety of pillows to support his back, leg and arm. And then everything had to be shifted again when Joe wanted to lie down. Still very weak and feverish, Joe was of little help in these efforts. Ben found that moving his son was like shifting a dead weight.<\/p>\n

As the doctor had told him, Ben found Joe could do very little for himself, and Ben needed to take care of his son\u2019s every need. He fed him, dosed him with medicine, and bathed him with cool water. While Joe slept \u2013 which he did for long periods \u2013 Ben made broth, soft eggs and whatever else he thought Joe could manage to swallow. Ben also needed to make more substantial meals for himself. He knew he couldn\u2019t continue to care for Joe without keeping up his own strength.<\/p>\n

In between all these duties, Ben had to handle the ranch chores. There was wood to be chopped, and horses to be tended. He had managed to keep the kitchen reasonably clean, but washing dishes and pans was just one more item on the long list of things to do. This last item was often ignored as he tried to snatch a few hours sleep from time to time.<\/p>\n

I must be getting old, Ben thought as he sank deeper into the chair. He couldn\u2019t remember feeling this tired the other times he had looked after one of his injured sons. Perhaps the doctor had been right. Maybe he hadn\u2019t realized the difference having someone else to help could make.<\/p>\n

Just as Ben was starting to close his eyes, he heard a sharp rap on the front door. Sitting up in the chair, Ben frowned. He couldn\u2019t imagine who could be coming to the house. Being an old friend, Dr. Martin just let himself in. Almost all of the ranchers in the area were involved in round-up and moving cattle as the men of the Ponderosa were. And those that weren\u2019t involved in a round-up wouldn\u2019t expect any of the Cartwrights to be at the ranch house.<\/p>\n

Another sharp rap on the door roused Ben. Slowly, he got to his feet and walked over to the front of the house. Ben pulled open the door, and his jaw dropped a bit.<\/p>\n

Standing on the porch was a woman. She was thin and tall \u2013 although not as tall as Ben \u2013 and her gray hair showed only a few streaks of its original black color. The woman was wearing a woolen shawl over a plain print dress and carried a carpet bag in her hand.<\/p>\n

\u201cLizzie Warren!\u201d exclaimed Ben in astonishment. \u201cWhat are you doing here?\u201d<\/p>\n

Ignoring Ben\u2019s question, Lizzie walked into the house with a confident stride. \u201cBen Cartwright,\u201d she declared sternly. \u201cI ought to take a horse whip to you. Just what do you think you\u2019re doing?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, um, I\u2019m not sure\u2026\u201d Ben stammered in confusion as he shut the door.<\/p>\n

Lizzie interrupted Ben\u2019s hesitant words. \u201cI saw the doctor in town, and he told me about what happened to Joe. He also told me that you\u2019re working yourself into exhaustion trying to take care of him and the house. Now just what made you think you could do this all by yourself? And why didn\u2019t you send for me?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cLizzie, I can manage things,\u201d protested Ben weakly.<\/p>\n

\u201cYeah, right,\u201d snorted Lizzie in a disbelieving tone. \u201cWell, I\u2019m here now. Where do you want me to put my things?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat about your hardware store? And your own family?\u201d asked Ben with a frown.<\/p>\n

\u201cDavid and Josh can run the store,\u201d Lizzie stated. \u201cIt will do those sons of mine good to learn to manage things without me for a while. And Mary will take care of David; that\u2019s what wives are suppose to do, even if they\u2019re so young they barely know what they\u2019re doing. Josh will eat with David and Mary, or he can survive on his own cooking for awhile.\u201d A sly look crossed Lizzie\u2019s face. \u201cOf course, Susie Peters just might be interested in keeping Josh supplied with dinners. He\u2019s been sparking her for awhile.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cLizzie, I appreciate the offer, really I do,\u201d said Ben, still sounding hesitant. \u201cBut I\u2019m not sure this is\u2026well, appropriate.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cBen, I\u2019ve nursed those boys of mine through colds, measles, and more broken bones than I can count,\u201d Lizzie replied. \u201cI know how to take care of a young man in way that won\u2019t embarrass him.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s not what I meant,\u201d countered Ben. \u201cI meant it might not be appropriate for you to be out here with only me and Joe in the house.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019re worried about my reputation!\u201d Lizzie practically hooted. \u201cBen, I\u2019m too old to have a reputation. Besides, the people that know us will understand. And I don\u2019t care two figs about what anyone else says.\u201d Lizzie put her hands on her hips. \u201cNow, any other objections?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNone that I would dare to bring up,\u201d admitted Ben with a smile.<\/p>\n

\u201cGood,\u201d Lizzie said a brisk voice. She looked around the house. \u201cI can use the downstairs bedroom. Why don\u2019t you go put my horse and rig away while I get settled in?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYes ma\u2019am,\u201d agreed Ben almost meekly, but he ginned as he spoke.<\/p>\n

When he returned to the house from the barn, Ben decided Lizzie\u2019s version of settling in must have consisted of throwing her bag into the bedroom. He could smell fresh coffee brewing and heard pans clattering in the kitchen. With a smile on his face, Ben strolled into the kitchen.<\/p>\n

\u201cFind everything you needed?\u201d Ben asked as he walked into the warm room.<\/p>\n

Lizzie was standing at the sink, wiping a wet rag over some plates. \u201cSure did,\u201d she answered over her shoulder. \u201cThe coffee is almost ready. Why don\u2019t you sit down and I\u2019ll pour you a cup.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI think I will,\u201d said Ben, sinking gratefully into the chair by the table. \u201cLizzie, I can\u2019t thank you enough for coming out.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m still mad at you for not sending for me right away,\u201d declared Lizzie as she wiped her hands on a towel. She picked up a white mug from the sideboard of the sink and walked toward the stove. As she poured coffee from a pot on the stove into the mug, Lizzie added in a softer tone, \u201cBen, I owe you so much that this is the least I can do.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou don\u2019t owe me anything,\u201d Ben protested as he accepted the cup of coffee from Lizzie.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhen my husband was killed in that robbery, you\u2019re the one who convinced me that I had to keep the store going, both for me and the boys,\u201d Lizzie stated. \u201cYou guaranteed the loan at the bank when times were tough and I was still trying to figure out how to make the store pay.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThat wasn\u2019t anything,\u201d Ben told the woman, shrugging his shoulders a bit. \u201cI knew you\u2019d work things out and pay back the loan.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, I\u2019m glad you did, because I sure didn\u2019t,\u201d Lizzie observed. \u201cI also happen to know that you talked to the other ranchers and some of the folks in town, convincing them to do their business at the hardware store, even though a woman was running it.\u201d She smiled at the startled look on Ben\u2019s face. \u201cDidn\u2019t think I knew that, did you? You ought to know by now that no one in Virginia City can keep a secret for longer than about ten minutes.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAre you sure you know what you\u2019re getting yourself into, coming out here?\u201d Ben asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m sure,\u201d answered Lizzie in a soft voice. \u201cI had a long talk with the doc. He told me Joe got hurt pretty bad and needs a lot of care. That\u2019s another reason why I\u2019m here; I want to help Joe. Joe had some talks with Josh after his daddy was killed. I don\u2019t know exactly what he said, but I know Josh felt a lot better about things after he talked with Joe.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cLizzie, I\u2026well, thank you. Thank you for coming out,\u201d Ben acknowledged gratefully.<\/p>\n

Cocking her head a bit, Lizzie studied Ben for a minute. \u201cI remember trying to thank you when you helped me. Remember what you said? Friends don\u2019t need thanks. Friends just help each other. Well, Ben, I figure you and I are friends.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYes,\u201d agreed Ben. \u201cYes, we are.\u201d<\/p>\n

In the distance, a clock bonged the hour. Ben listened, then pushed back his chair. \u201cI\u2019ve got to go up and give Joe another dose of medicine,\u201d he announced. \u201cDo you want to come up with me?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI think I\u2019d better,\u201d decided Lizzie. \u201cJoe should know I\u2019m here. I don\u2019t want to surprise him by showing up in his room.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHe\u2019ll be pleased you\u2019re here,\u201d Ben declared.<\/p>\n

Lizzie followed Ben out of the kitchen and across the living room. As she climbed the stairs behind Ben, she looked around and mentally began a list of things that needed to be done.<\/p>\n

When the pair reached Joe\u2019s bedroom, Lizzie waited at the doorway while Ben went into the room.<\/p>\n

Twisted a bit onto his right side in the bed, Joe was in a deep sleep. His heavily bandaged arm rested cross his body, and his right leg was stretched out to the edge of the mattress. Ben walked quietly to the bed, and slowly stroked Joe\u2019s head. \u201cJoe,\u201d he said softly. \u201cWake up, Joe. Time for your medicine.\u201d Joe stirred a bit and slowly opened his eyes.<\/p>\n

As Lizzie watched from the doorway, she struggled to keep her face impassive. The doctor had described Joe\u2019s injuries to her, but she hadn\u2019t really understood how sick the young man was until now. She was having a hard time reconciling the pale figure in the bed, colored only by the deep circles under his eyes and a purple bruise on his face, with the vibrant Joe Cartwright she knew. She said nothing as she watched Ben lift Joe to a sitting position and began re-positioning pillows. But in her mind, Lizzie was resolving that both Ben and his son would get her full attention and every bit of care she knew how to give.<\/p>\n

After giving Joe a spoonful of the medicine, Ben stroked his son\u2019s head lightly again. \u201cFeeling any better?\u201d he asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cYeah,\u201d Joe lied. In truth, his arm ached and he felt uncomfortably warm and dull from the fever. \u201cI\u2019m doing all right.\u201d He looked up at his father. \u201cYou look tired. Why don\u2019t you get some sleep? I\u2019m fine.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI will soon,\u201d Ben promised his son. \u201cAre you feeling up to a visitor?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cA visitor?\u201d asked Joe in a puzzled voice.<\/p>\n

Taking that as her cue, Lizzie walked into the room. \u201cHello, Joe,\u201d she announced briskly.<\/p>\n

Looking toward the doorway, Joe\u2019s eyes opened in surprise. \u201cMrs. Warren!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI heard how you tried to wrestle a horse and lost,\u201d Lizzie said as she stopped near the bed. \u201cI thought you were smarter than that.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, I won\u2019t do it again,\u201d admitted Joe with a small smile.<\/p>\n

\u201cGood idea,\u201d agreed Lizzie. She paused, then added, \u201cIf it\u2019s all right with you, I thought I\u2019d stay around here for awhile and give your Pa a hand. I\u2019ll bet you even money I\u2019m a better cook than he is.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThanks,\u201d said Joe. He glanced up at his father. \u201cPa could use the help.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOh, so now you think I can\u2019t manage by myself, do you?\u201d Ben complained, but his smile widened a bit as he spoke.<\/p>\n

\u201cFirst thing is to get some food into you,\u201d stated Lizzie. \u201cYou\u2019ve got to build up your strength.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m not very hungry,\u201d said Joe, shaking his head a bit.<\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s only because you haven\u2019t tasted my custard yet,\u201d Lizzie told the young man in the bed. \u201cThick, sweet, creamy vanilla custard with cinnamon on top. It\u2019s the best custard in the territory.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI bet it is,\u201d acknowledged Joe as a crooked smile crossed his face.<\/p>\n

\u201cAll right, then,\u201d Lizzie stated in her brisk voice. \u201cI\u2019ll get started on the custard and some dinner for your Pa. You get some rest.\u201d Lizzie turned to Ben. \u201cThat goes for you too. Get some sleep.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cPa, I think you be losing control of things here,\u201d Joe offered with a grin.<\/p>\n

\u201cJoseph, I know I have,\u201d agreed Ben.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

As Hoss rode into the yard of the ranch house ahead of Candy and the other drovers, he was surprised to see his father chopping wood. He was surprised not only because this was a chore Ben rarely did, but also because he had expected that his father would be still sticking close to Joe.<\/p>\n

Hearing the sound of the horses, Ben stopped his work. He wiped his face with a bandana he pulled from his pocket as he waited for the riders to stop and dismount.<\/p>\n

\u201cWelcome home!\u201d Ben greeted Hoss warmly. He included the other men in his welcome with a smile. \u201cI didn\u2019t expect you until at least tomorrow.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWe figured getting home as soon as possible was a good idea,\u201d replied Hoss in a serious tone. \u201cHow\u2019s Joe?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHe\u2019s doing just fine,\u201d Ben assured his son. \u201cHis fever broke yesterday, and he\u2019s starting to feel like his old self.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cDoes that mean he\u2019s complaining?\u201d asked Candy with a grin as he walked up to the other two men.<\/p>\n

\u201cComplaining, doesn\u2019t want to take his medicine, and thinks staying in bed for the next few weeks is a silly idea,\u201d Ben listed dryly.<\/p>\n

\u201cSounds like he\u2019s back to being ornery ol’ Joe,\u201d commented Hoss. He laughed at bit but he also couldn\u2019t keep the relief out of his voice. \u201cI bet he\u2019s giving you a hard time.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, he would if he could get away with it,\u201d admitted Ben. \u201cBut Lizzie Warren is here giving us a hand. More like running things around here, I should say. And you know Lizzie. No one gives HER a hard time.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cMiz Warren\u2019s here?\u201d said Hoss in a delighted voice. \u201cIs she doing the cooking?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYes, she\u2019s doing the cooking,\u201d Ben acknowledged with a laugh. \u201cYou won\u2019t have to eat my meals.\u201d<\/p>\n

Looking over his shoulder, Candy saw the rest of the hands had been standing and listening carefully. All of them had a look of relief on their face from the news that Joe was recovering. \u201cCharlie, why don\u2019t you take over chopping this wood for the boss?\u201d Candy ordered. \u201cThe rest of you, get the horses settled in and stow your gear. I\u2019m sure I can find some things for all of you to do.\u201d<\/p>\n

Heads bobbed as men nodded or touched the brim of their hats. Charlie walked over and took the ax from Ben\u2019s hands.<\/p>\n

\u201cThanks, Charlie, I appreciate this,\u201d Ben acknowledged. He turned to Hoss and Candy. \u201cCome on in the house. I\u2019m sure Joe will be happy to see you. He\u2019s getting a little bored with my company.\u201d<\/p>\n

With the sound of an ax splitting wood behind them, Ben, Hoss and Candy walked into the ranch house. As they stopped inside the front door so Hoss and Candy could deposit their hats, coats and guns on the bureau, Lizzie walked in to the room, drying her hands on her apron.<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, looks like I need to peel some more potatoes,\u201d declared Lizzie. \u201cWelcome home, boys.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHowdy, Miz Warren,\u201d Hoss greeted the woman. \u201cI was sure glad to hear you came out to help Pa.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAw, it wasn\u2019t anything,\u201d replied Lizzie, waving her hands. \u201cIt\u2019s been nice to be able to look after someone other than those two cantankerous sons of mine.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cLizzie, we couldn\u2019t have managed without you,\u201d admitted Ben, his tone implying how heartfelt his words were. \u201cI don\u2019t know what I would have done if you hadn\u2019t shown up.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019d have done fine, Ben; you always do,\u201d answered Lizzie, but she blushed a bit at the compliment.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou, ah, ain\u2019t planning to leave right away, are you?\u201d asked Hoss. \u201cI mean, Hop Sing isn\u2019t due back for another couple of days and Griffin will cook for the boys in the bunkhouse, but it sure would be nice to have you around.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou mean nice to eat her cooking, don\u2019t you, Hoss?\u201d Candy snorted. Then he grinned.<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, I might be persuaded to stay for another day or two,\u201d Lizzie said, her eyes narrowing with a sly look. \u201cIf I had some help with the chores and only had to cook, well, that would almost be like a vacation.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI think we can guarantee you all the help you want,\u201d Ben promised earnestly.<\/p>\n

\u201cThen I\u2019ll stay,\u201d agreed Lizzie. \u201cAt least for a day or two, until things get sorted out.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThank you, ma\u2019am,\u201d Hoss stated gratefully. \u201cThank you a lot.\u201d The other two men nodded their thanks also.<\/p>\n

\u201cNow you go up and see Joe before he gets so anxious he does something foolish,\u201d Lizzie ordered the men. \u201cI\u2019ve got supper to start. And don\u2019t forget to get washed up before you eat. I don\u2019t allow any dirty hands at my table.\u201d With that, Lizzie turned and walked in long strides back to the kitchen.<\/p>\n

\u201cShe\u2019s something,\u201d commented Candy.<\/p>\n

\u201cThat she is,\u201d agreed Ben, with a wry smile on his face. \u201cBut she\u2019s right. We\u2019d better get upstairs before Joe starts yelling for us.\u201d<\/p>\n

The three men walked briskly across the room and up the stairs. At Joe\u2019s room, Ben stopped to knock softly on the partially opened door and then pushed it wide.<\/p>\n

Sitting up in bed with a book propped against his bent, uninjured left leg, Joe smiled as the three men walked into the room. \u201cWell, it\u2019s about time you got back,\u201d he declared.<\/p>\n

Each of the three men entering the room had a different reaction to the figure in the bed. To Ben, Joe looked vastly improved. His color was better and he no longer had the dull look of fever in his eyes. Candy, who hadn\u2019t seen Joe since before the accident, tried not to look shocked. He could believe how badly his friend had been injured, despite what Hoss had told him. Candy tried not to stare at the heavy bandage that covered Joe\u2019s left arm and hand, or at the large bruise on the side of the youngest Cartwright\u2019s face.<\/p>\n

Blinking, Hoss also tried to hide his reaction, but his was one of relief. While Joe still looked pale to him, he could see the spark in his brother\u2019s eyes again. The bruise on Joe\u2019s face had faded a bit since Hoss had seen him last, and he noted Joe was moving his injured arm without apparent difficulty.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe weren\u2019t in a lot of hurry to get back,\u201d Hoss lied to his brother, \u201cconsidering we\u2019re going to have to do all your chores for the next couple of weeks.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYeah,\u201d added Candy, trying to act as unconcerned as possible. \u201cI thought I was going to get out of checking the line shacks this year. Guess I was wrong.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cChecking those shacks is the most boring job on the ranch. I always try to find a way to avoid that chore,\u201d Joe admitted with a smile.<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, you picked a pretty drastic way of getting out it,\u201d Candy replied with a grin.<\/p>\n

Hoss\u2019 face grew serious. \u201cI\u2019m glad you\u2019re looking better, Joe,\u201d he told his brother. \u201cYou gave me quite a turn when we found you. I don\u2019t mind saying you gave us a scare.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, I was pretty scared myself,\u201d Joe admitted, looking down a bit. \u201cI don\u2019t think I was ever as scared as I was over those two days.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cBut you\u2019re going to be all right,\u201d Ben stated firmly. \u201cYour arm is healing and so is your leg. You did what you could to take care of yourself and survive. That\u2019s what made the difference. You didn\u2019t give up.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo, I didn\u2019t give up,\u201d Joe agreed, nodding. He bit his lip a bit, then looked at Ben, and then Hoss. \u201cBut I\u2019m sure glad you two turned up when you did. I\u2019m not sure how much longer I could have held on.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019d have held on as long as necessary,\u201d Ben predicted softly. \u201cYou fought to stay alive, Joe. It didn\u2019t matter what it took or how long you had to wait. You weren\u2019t about to give in.\u201d He cleared his voice. \u201cWell, we all had a scare, but it\u2019s over,\u201d continued Ben in a brisk voice. \u201cNow, Hoss and Candy need to let you get some rest. They also need to get cleaned up. Lizzie made it very clear that she doesn\u2019t allow dirty hands at the dinner table.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cTrust me, fellows,\u201d remarked Joe with a grin. \u201cIf Mrs. Warren gives an order, you\u2019d better obey it. I can tell you from experience that trying to resist her is just a waste of time.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOff you go,\u201d said Ben, shooing Hoss and Candy out of the room. He turned to Joe. \u201cAnd you get some rest, young man.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI will,\u201d agreed Joe. He closed the book and reached over to put it on the table by the bed. \u201cPa?\u201d he called as Ben was leaving the room. Ben turned and looked back. \u201cPa, if I didn\u2019t say it before, I want to say thanks. Thanks for coming to look for me. And, well, thanks for everything.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019re welcome,\u201d said Ben simply. \u201cNow get some rest. Otherwise, I\u2019ll send Lizzie up here.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m resting, I\u2019m resting,\u201d declared Joe quickly. He slid down under the covers. As he heard the bedroom door closed, Joe smiled. He never appreciated before how good it was to feel safe and cared for, but it was a feeling he wouldn\u2019t forget. He\u2019d never again take for granted that his father and brother watched out for him. Then, sinking deeper into the pillows, Joe drifted off to a dreamless sleep.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

<\/div>\n

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

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

Summary:\u00a0 A WHN story for the episode, A Matter of Circumstances.<\/p>\n

Rating:\u00a0 T\u00a0\u00a0 (11,870 words)<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":10338,"featured_media":13411,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"template-full-width-post.php","format":"standard","meta":{"_jetpack_newsletter_access":"","_jetpack_dont_email_post_to_subs":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_tier_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paywalled_content":false,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":"","jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false},"categories":[23,61,13],"tags":[15,17,16],"class_list":["post-13904","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-drama","category-missing-scene","category-whn","tag-ben","tag-hoss","tag-joe","wpcat-23-id","wpcat-61-id","wpcat-13-id"],"a3_pvc":{"activated":true,"total_views":3412,"today_views":1},"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/10\/Emily.jpg?fit=391%2C455&ssl=1","jetpack_likes_enabled":true,"jetpack-related-posts":[{"id":56947,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=56947","url_meta":{"origin":13904,"position":0},"title":"The Best Medicine #3 – Coup De Grace (by Wrangler)","author":"Wrangler","date":"May 24, 2025","format":false,"excerpt":"Summary: Joe pays the ultimate price when he seeks vengeance on evil Dr Hale who maimed his leg and got off scot-free. Rating T-13, WC 43,800 Family,Drama,Hurt\/Comfort Best Medicine Series: Best Medicine Malice Aforethought Coup De Grace \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0\u2026","rel":"","context":"In "Ben \/ Joe"","block_context":{"text":"Ben \/ Joe","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?cat=1015"},"img":{"alt_text":"Pa Joe","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/Screenshot_20250524_054431_YouTube.jpg?fit=773%2C621&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/Screenshot_20250524_054431_YouTube.jpg?fit=773%2C621&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/Screenshot_20250524_054431_YouTube.jpg?fit=773%2C621&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/Screenshot_20250524_054431_YouTube.jpg?fit=773%2C621&ssl=1&resize=700%2C400 2x"},"classes":[]},{"id":57883,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=57883","url_meta":{"origin":13904,"position":1},"title":"Payback (by Wrangler)","author":"Wrangler","date":"June 30, 2025","format":false,"excerpt":"Summary: It's time for payback when Little Joe is unwittingly duped by Pete Timmons, setting the stage for one final battle between them. The conclusion of \"The Third Son\" Trilogy. Rating T\u00a0 \u00a0 WC 22,067 The Third Son Series: The Third Son The Devil's Hold Payback Payback (the follow-up story\u2026","rel":"","context":"In "Ben \/ Joe"","block_context":{"text":"Ben \/ Joe","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?cat=1015"},"img":{"alt_text":"Little Joe","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Screenshot_20250804_152018_YouTube-1.jpg?fit=909%2C701&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Screenshot_20250804_152018_YouTube-1.jpg?fit=909%2C701&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Screenshot_20250804_152018_YouTube-1.jpg?fit=909%2C701&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Screenshot_20250804_152018_YouTube-1.jpg?fit=909%2C701&ssl=1&resize=700%2C400 2x"},"classes":[]},{"id":2406,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=2406","url_meta":{"origin":13904,"position":2},"title":"A Friend in Need (by Dodo)","author":"Dodo","date":"July 22, 2013","format":false,"excerpt":"Summary:\u00a0 \u00a0 A\u00a0WHN to the episode 'A Matter Of Circumstance'.\u00a0 Word Count:\u00a0 2486\u00a0\u00a0Rated: K","rel":"","context":"In "Chaps and Spurs"","block_context":{"text":"Chaps and Spurs","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?cat=39"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/04\/Joe.png?fit=682%2C453&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/04\/Joe.png?fit=682%2C453&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/04\/Joe.png?fit=682%2C453&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x"},"classes":[]},{"id":12272,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=12272","url_meta":{"origin":13904,"position":3},"title":"That Silver-Haired Daddy of Mine (by Debbie B)","author":"DebbieB","date":"April 1, 2004","format":false,"excerpt":"Summary:\u00a0 Ben's near death experience is cause for Joe to want to make atonement for his past misdemeanors. Rated G \u00a0WC 12,600 That Silver-Haired Daddy Series, links to stories within the series are included.","rel":"","context":"In "Drama"","block_context":{"text":"Drama","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?cat=23"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/07\/IMG_2126.jpg?fit=844%2C609&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/07\/IMG_2126.jpg?fit=844%2C609&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/07\/IMG_2126.jpg?fit=844%2C609&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/07\/IMG_2126.jpg?fit=844%2C609&ssl=1&resize=700%2C400 2x"},"classes":[]},{"id":13630,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=13630","url_meta":{"origin":13904,"position":4},"title":"A Cry for Freedom (by JennieA)","author":"JennieA","date":"January 7, 2003","format":false,"excerpt":"Summary:\u00a0 It started with Ben giving Little Joe more responsibility for the Ponderosa.\u00a0 Little did the family realize the course Ben was setting in motion. Rating:\u00a0 R\u00a0 (65,725 words) Due to subject matter contained in this series, the stories are only available via e:mail from the author -- ryjennie@comcast.net","rel":"","context":"In "Action\/Adventure"","block_context":{"text":"Action\/Adventure","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?cat=2"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/09\/4Cs.jpg?fit=400%2C401&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200},"classes":[]},{"id":1212,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=1212","url_meta":{"origin":13904,"position":5},"title":"Stranger Things (by Rona)","author":"Rona","date":"May 4, 2005","format":false,"excerpt":"Summary: Returning home from Placerville, Joe is attacked and left to die. 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