{"id":13914,"date":"2004-12-12T10:13:42","date_gmt":"2004-12-12T15:13:42","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=13914"},"modified":"2025-02-27T12:09:17","modified_gmt":"2025-02-27T17:09:17","slug":"arizona-trail-by-susan-g","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=13914","title":{"rendered":"Arizona Trail (by Susan G)"},"content":{"rendered":"

Summary: <\/strong>Riding home and leading horses from an unplanned purchase, the Cartwrights encounter more trouble than they bargained for.<\/p>\n

Rating:\u00a0 T\u00a0\u00a0 (16,060 words)<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Arizona Trail<\/strong><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The hot desert sun shone down relentlessly on the men riding across the barren land. Each of the three men rode slowly. They were riding unfamiliar horses and each of them was leading another. Ben Cartwright halted the roan he was riding. He pointed to the rocks to his right, making sure his sons, Hoss and Joe, knew the waterhole was just ahead. The men behind him nodded their understanding.<\/p>\n

Ben guided his horse carefully across the sandy ground toward the waterhole. He had paid a lot of money for the stallion he was riding, and he didn\u2019t want anything to happen to it. Ben chucked his horse forward, up a narrow trail. The animal got a whiff of the water and started to walk faster. Ben held the animal carefully in check as they moved forward. He knew the horse was eager to get to the water, as was the stallion Ben was leading, but he also wanted to make sure the animals didn\u2019t injure themselves in their rush to get a drink. Ben\u2019s horse finally reached the waterhole and Ben let him drink his fill. The stallion he was leading also rushed forward and began to drink. A moment later, Hoss and Joe joined their father. Both were riding newly purchased horses, and leading another. They also let their animals drink deeply from the water.<\/p>\n

\u201cPretty desolate country,\u201d Joe commented as he sat patiently, waiting for his horse to finish drinking.<\/p>\n

Ben looked around. The land around them was sandy and flat. Rocks of all sizes dotted the landscape. A few scraggly bushes struggled to grow in the arid soil. The country around them was not inviting. It looked hard and unyielding.<\/p>\n

\u201cThis trail is not exactly the easiest one,\u201d Ben agreed. \u201cBut it\u2019s the fastest way to get from Arizona to Nevada.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI still think we should have hired some hands to bring these horses home,\u201d Joe grumbled. \u201cWe only stopped in Tucson to change stages, not buy horses. We should be riding home in a stage, not on horseback.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben sighed. Joe had been complaining about the ride since they left Tucson. \u201cJoe, I told you before,\u201d Ben said patiently. \u201cThese horses were such a good bargain, I couldn\u2019t pass them up. The rancher I met in the hotel needed money fast. They\u2019re fine animals. They will improve our stock a lot.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t disagree,\u201d Joe said. \u201cI just hate riding them back to the Ponderosa.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cJoe, who were we going to get to bring them back?\u201d Hoss asked reasonably. \u201cWe don\u2019t know anyone in Tucson well enough to trust them with these horses.\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe shrugged. \u201cWe could have found somebody,\u201d he said. \u201cI\u2019d just rather be on that stage.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019re wanting to be on that stage couldn\u2019t have anything to do with that pretty little gal I saw you talking with, could it?\u201d asked Hoss wryly. \u201cI thought I heard her say she was taking the stage to Carson City.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYeah, but the stage to Carson stops in Virginia City first,\u201d Joe said. He grinned at his brother. \u201cYou have to admit, she was a lot prettier to look at than you,\u201d said Joe.<\/p>\n

\u201cThat ain\u2019t saying much, little brother,\u201d Hoss replied with a grin. \u201cBesides, I thought you were sweet on Peggy Matthews.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cPeggy is a nice girl,\u201d admitted Joe. His grin widened. \u201cI\u2019m just keeping my options open,\u201d Joe added.<\/p>\n

Ben shook his head as he listened. He wondered if Joe was ever going to get serious about anyone. He seemed to flit from one girl to another, like a bee looking for honey. \u201cJoseph, someday you\u2019re going to find a girl who\u2019s going to tame that wild streak of yours,\u201d Ben said.<\/p>\n

\u201cProbably,\u201d said Joe with a smile. \u201cBut until then, I\u2019m going to have as much fun as possible. You know what they say, live today because you never know what tomorrow might bring. I\u2019d hate to have missed something along the way.\u201d<\/p>\n

Hoss roared with laughter as Ben shook his head again in exasperation.<\/p>\n

\u201cFill up those canteens,\u201d Ben said to Hoss. \u201cI want to make sure we have plenty of water.\u201d Hoss nodded and dismounted. He pulled two canteens from his saddle, then reached up and took two from Joe. He knelt next to the waterhole, and began filling the canteens.<\/p>\n

\u201cPa, how far do you figure to ride today?\u201d Hoss asked as he worked. He reached down to cup some water into his mouth.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s about 30 miles to Fort Howard,\u201d replied Ben, looking off into the distance. \u201cI figure we can make it there by nightfall.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s pushing it kind of hard, isn\u2019t it?\u201d Joe said as he reached down to take two of the dripping canteens from Hoss. He took a drink from one, and passed the other to his father. Ben also took a drink.<\/p>\n

\u201cMaybe,\u201d answered Ben as he wiped his mouth. \u201cBut I\u2019d prefer not to camp in open country. The Apaches around here aren\u2019t exactly friendly.\u201d<\/p>\n

Hoss stood and looped the straps of the canteens around his saddle. \u201cYou think we\u2019ll have some trouble?\u201d he asked.<\/p>\n

Ben shook his head. \u201cNo, not really,\u201d he replied. \u201cBut it doesn\u2019t take much to set them off.\u201d He watched as Hoss remounted his horse. \u201cLet\u2019s go, boys,\u201d Ben urged his sons. \u201cI want to try to make Fort Howard by tonight.\u201d<\/p>\n

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

The Cartwrights were about a mile from the waterhole when they heard the first sounds of gunfire. The noise was distant and muted. Ben frowned and pulled his horse to a stop. Joe and Hoss quickly rode up beside him. The three men listened in silence. The gunfire sounded like a string of firecrackers popping in the distance. Whoever was shooting was engaged in a fierce battle.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat do you think, Pa?\u201d Hoss asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t know,\u201d Ben said, his frown deepening. \u201cCould be Apaches, could be outlaws, could be anyone.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cDo you think we should take a look?\u201d Joe asked. \u201cSomebody might need some help.\u201d<\/p>\n

The whoop of an Indian war cry stopped Ben from answering. He looked over his shoulder and saw a band of about twenty Indians riding toward them. The Indians were a good distance behind them, but they were gaining ground fast.<\/p>\n

\u201cLet\u2019s ride!\u201d Ben yelled to his sons. He didn\u2019t stop to see if they heard him. Ben kicked his horse hard, and sent the animal into a gallop. He yanked hard on the rope of the horse he was leading, and that animal began running also. Ben turned his head slightly. He could see Joe and Hoss had urged their horses into a gallop, also. All of the horses were running across the sand at top speed.<\/p>\n

Ben had no particular destination in mind. He simply wanted to outrun the Indians or find a place where they could find cover for a fight. It didn\u2019t take him long to realize that the sound of gunfire was getting louder. They were riding right into the middle of a battle.<\/p>\n

Ben saw the flash of gunfire and the sun glinting off rifle barrels in some rocks ahead of him. The rocks formed a large semi-circle in front of a ravine. The ground behind the ravine was flat for a hundred yards or so, then seemed to drop off into canyon. .A band of Indians were riding back and forth in front of the rocks, firing toward the boulders as they passed. Without hesitation, Ben guided his horse toward the rocks. He didn\u2019t know who was hiding behind them, but they were firing at the Apaches. Ben figured they must be on the same side.<\/p>\n

Ben dropped the rope of the horse he was leading. The animal continued to run along side. Ben pulled his gun from his holster and began firing in the direction of the Apaches in front of him. He heard shots coming from his left, and knew Joe and Hoss were doing the same.<\/p>\n

The Indians near the rocks had their attention on the ravine. The shots from behind them startled the Apaches. Two fell from their horses as Cartwright bullets found their mark. The Indians slowed and milled around in confusion. Another brave slumped forward as a bullet hit him in the shoulder. One of the Apaches raised his arm and yelled, then led his horse away from the rocks. The other Indians followed.<\/p>\n

Ben urged his horse on, hoping to reach the safety of the rocks and ravine before the Indians turned to attack again. As his horse neared the rocks, Ben pulled him to a stop abruptly. The horse skidded for a step or two, then stopped.<\/p>\n

Ben looked around quickly, and was relieved to see Hoss and Joe stopping behind him. Both men looked uninjured.<\/p>\n

\u201cGrab the canteens and rifles!\u201d Ben yelled. He followed his own orders and dismounted.<\/p>\n

\u201cLead your horses into the ravine!\u201d a voice shouted from the rocks. Ben hesitated, looking toward the steep drop ahead. He could see several horses standing in the ravine. Ben grabbed the reins of his horse and led the animal forward. Hoss and Joe did the same.<\/p>\n

The ravine was about seven feet deep. The sides were steep and sandy. Ben hesitated again as he stood on the lip. However, the shriek of a war cry quickly decided him. Ben started down the ravine, leading his unwilling horse.<\/p>\n

The ravine was a perfect corral for the horses once they were in it. It was only about twenty feet long. The sides were steep, and the horses seemed to have no desire to try to climb out. The animals already in the ravine eyed the new arrivals nervously, but they stood still. Ben, Hoss and Joe led the horses with saddles into the ravine. The other horses were still standing about ten feet behind the ravine.<\/p>\n

\u201cPa\u2026\u201d Hoss started to say as he looked back at the horses they had left behind.<\/p>\n

\u201cForget them,\u201d Ben ordered quickly. \u201cThey\u2019re not worth getting killed for.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben glanced at the other horses around them. He saw they were wearing military saddles and blankets. Ben turned to look at the rocks. Five men wearing the blue uniforms of Army cavalry were crouched behind the rocks. One man waved his arm, gesturing to the Cartwrights to join them.<\/p>\n

The Apaches were riding toward the rocks again. Ben quickly dropped the reins from his hand. He looked over his shoulder to check on Hoss and Joe. Both of his sons had already grabbed rifles and canteens, and were working their way down the ravine. Ben followed them.<\/p>\n

The ravine sloped gently upward when it reached the ground behind the rocks. Ben, Hoss and Joe climbed the slope quickly and dove behind the boulders. The soldiers were already firing at the Indians in front of them. The Cartwrights started doing the same.<\/p>\n

Half a dozen Apaches fell off their horses as they charged the rocks. The shooting from the ravine was deadly accurate. The Indians quickly turned their horses and rode out of range. They stopped a hundred yards or so away. Thirty or so Apaches pulled their horses together, trying to decide what to do next.<\/p>\n

\u201cSergeant William Bailey, at your service, sir,\u201d a voice next to Ben said cheerfully. Ben turned to look at the man. Bailey was in his forties, a big man with broad shoulders and chest. Ben could see some locks of sandy hair drooping out from the cap the sergeant had pushed back on his head.<\/p>\n

\u201cBen Cartwright,\u201d Ben said, sticking out his hand to the sergeant. \u201cThese are my sons, Joe and Hoss.\u201d Joe and Hoss both looked at the soldier and nodded.<\/p>\n

\u201cGlad to meet you,\u201d said Bailey with a smile. \u201cYou don\u2019t know how glad we are to meet you.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben looked out from rocks. Bodies, some Indian and some wearing blue uniforms, were scattered across the ground. He turned back to look at the other soldiers scattered among the rocks. All wore the uniforms of Army privates.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat set them off, Sergeant?\u201d Ben asked curiously.<\/p>\n

Bailey\u2019s face grew serious. \u201cOur young lieutenant decided to turn a routine patrol into a prison detail,\u201d Bailey said. \u201cHe tried to capture two braves who were herding some cattle across the desert. One of them got away, and he came back with his friends. They rescued the brave, and now they\u2019re after us.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben craned his neck to look over the sergeant\u2019s shoulder. Again he saw the men behind the rocks were wearing private\u2019s uniforms.<\/p>\n

\u201cHe\u2019s out there,\u201d said Bailey, gesturing with his rifle. \u201cThe Apaches got four of us before we could get to these rocks.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSarge, why are they so bent on getting the rest of you?\u201d Hoss asked. \u201cIf they got their brave back, they should be happy.\u201d<\/p>\n

Bailey scratched his head. \u201cWell, the brave happened to be the grandson of Cochise,\u201d Bailey said slowly. \u201cHe got beat up pretty bad while we had him. Cochise is going to make sure we pay for what we did.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cBeating up a prisoner?\u201d Joe said in disgust. \u201cThat doesn\u2019t sound like the Army\u2019s way of doing things.\u201d<\/p>\n

Bailey glanced over his shoulder before answering. \u201cThis ain\u2019t exactly the best group of soldiers the Army has to offer,\u201d said Bailey. \u201cIn fact, everyone in this unit was assigned because he\u2019s been in trouble. The Colonel figured he would save some headaches by putting them all in the one place.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIncluding you?\u201d Hoss asked in surprise.<\/p>\n

\u201cI got drunk one night and tore up a bar,\u201d Bailey admitted. \u201cSent three men to the doctor\u2019s office. The Colonel assigned me here as punishment.\u201d<\/p>\n

Hoss grinned. \u201cThree men, eh?\u201d he said.<\/p>\n

Bailey grinned and nodded.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat happened with the brave?\u201d Ben asked with a frown.<\/p>\n

Bailey\u2019s face grew sober again. \u201cWe left him with the patrol while the lieutenant and I scouted the trail,\u201d explained Bailey. \u201cI didn\u2019t want to do it, but the lieutenant insisted I come with him. He was pretty green, just got out here. I think he was afraid he\u2019d get lost. I was already in enough trouble, and I didn\u2019t want to get into more for not following orders. When we got back, the brave was tied to a tree. He was bleeding and bruised.<\/p>\n

Carney over there insisted he had tried to escape.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou don\u2019t believe him?\u201d Joe asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cCarney likes beating up on people,\u201d Bailey said. \u201cHe\u2019s done it before.\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe looked past Bailey at the other four soldiers. His face showed his disgust with the men.<\/p>\n

\u201cThey\u2019re not very good soldiers, but they can fight when they have to,\u201d said Bailey as he noted the look on Joe\u2019s face. \u201cOne thing they can all do is shoot straight.\u201d<\/p>\n

Suddenly, the air was split with the shout of a war cry. Everyone\u2019s attention was turned back to the ground in front of them. What looked like a solid wall of Indians was riding toward the rocks. The Apaches had formed themselves into several rows of riders, and they were riding straight toward the ravine.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2019re going to find out how straight they can shoot,\u201d Hoss said as he aimed his rifle.<\/p>\n

\u201cHold your fire until they\u2019re closer!\u201d Bailey shouted to the men behind him. \u201cDon\u2019t shoot until you\u2019re sure you can hit something!\u201d<\/p>\n

The Apaches rode fast and straight. The men behind the rocks aimed carefully, each picking out a target. One of the soldiers suddenly fired. A brave fell from his horse. The other men behind the rocks started to shoot.<\/p>\n

But suddenly, their carefully chosen targets weren\u2019t there. At the sound of the first shot, the Apaches turned their horses, some to the right, some to the left. The movement caught the men in the ravine by surprise. Their shots sped into empty air.<\/p>\n

Quickly, the Apaches reformed and charged again. The men behind the rocks began firing quickly, trying to hit anything. Several horses and braves hit the ground, but many more Apaches surged forward. The shots from behind the rocks came faster, as the Indians came closer. One brave jumped off his horse and dove into the rocks. He landed on top of Bailey.<\/p>\n

Bailey struggled with the man, trying to keep the knife the brave had in his hand away from him. The sergeant was losing the battle. The Apache had landed on Bailey\u2019s back, and Bailey couldn\u2019t turn himself enough to fight the man off.<\/p>\n

Joe jumped to his feet, and ran to the pair rolling in the dirt. Joe quickly turned his rifle around. He used the butt to club the Indian on the head. The brave suddenly went limp. Bailey pushed the man off him, and grabbed the knife from the brave. He stuck the knife in his belt, then picked up the Indian. With a mighty heave, he threw the man from behind the rocks and onto the ground in front of him.<\/p>\n

\u201cThanks!\u201d Bailey said breathlessly to Joe. \u201cI thought he had me.\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe nodded and ran back to his place in the rocks. As he neared the boulders, Joe suddenly flopped to the ground. Bailey turned his attention to the Indians who were charging again. He picked up his rifle and started firing.<\/p>\n

None of the other braves were able to breach the rocks, and the ground was becoming littered with bodies. With a yell, the Apaches turned and retreated again.<\/p>\n

Bailey watched as the Indians once again gathered their horses. The Apaches seemed unsure as to what to do next.<\/p>\n

\u201cThey won\u2019t try that again,\u201d Bailey said with satisfaction. He watched as the Indians turned their horses. The Apaches simply stood, watching the rocks in front of them.<\/p>\n

\u201cLooks like they\u2019re going to stay put for a bit,\u201d Ben said. \u201cMaybe we discouraged them.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI wouldn\u2019t count on that,\u201d Bailey replied. He turned and yelled over his shoulder. \u201cYou men all right?\u201d<\/p>\n

Four voices answered back. Bailey nodded again in satisfaction.<\/p>\n

Ben looked to Hoss. \u201cAre you all right?\u201d he asked his son. Hoss nodded. Ben looked past Hoss. Joe was laying on the ground, his back toward his father. \u201cJoe? Are you all right?\u201d Ben shouted.<\/p>\n

Ben expected his youngest son to turn and answer him. But Joe laid still on the ground. \u201cJoe!\u201d Ben said in alarm. Hoss also suddenly realized his brother hadn\u2019t answered. Both Ben and Hoss rushed over to Joe.<\/p>\n

Joe\u2019s left arm was extended and his head was pillowed on it. He was laying on his side, his back toward the other men. His hat was pushed back on his head. As Ben reached his son, he gently turned Joe onto his back.<\/p>\n

Joe\u2019s eyes were closed, and his mouth was slack. A circle of red was quickly spreading over Joe\u2019s shirt and jacket. Ben quickly pulled his son\u2019s shirt and jacket open. He gasped as he saw the bullet wound in Joe\u2019s shoulder.<\/p>\n

The bullet had struck Joe in the right shoulder, just under his collarbone. Blood was oozing out of the wound. Ben probed the wound gently with his fingers. Joe groaned.<\/p>\n

\u201cIs he hit?\u201d Bailey asked, coming up behind Ben.<\/p>\n

Ben nodded. \u201cThe bullet is still in there,\u201d he said in a grim voice. \u201cI can\u2019t tell how deep.\u201d<\/p>\n

Bailey bent down to look over Ben\u2019s shoulder. \u201cIt don\u2019t look too bad,\u201d Bailey said. \u201cI\u2019ve seen worse. But we\u2019ve got to get that bullet out quick. Otherwise, that wound will fester.\u201d Bailey stood and looked around. \u201cTake him down toward the bottom of the ravine,\u201d Bailey ordered. \u201cThat will give us some room, and keep him out of the line of fire.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben nodded again. He reached down to pick up his son, but Hoss shouldered him aside. \u201cI\u2019ve got him, Pa,\u201d Hoss said.<\/p>\n

Ben looked up at Hoss. \u201cWe\u2019ll both carry him,\u201d Ben said firmly. Hoss nodded.<\/p>\n

Ben moved to the other side of his injured son. He carefully slid his arm under Joe\u2019s injured shoulder, then reached down and slid his other arm under Joe\u2019s knees. He saw Hoss was doing the same. With a nod, both men lifted Joe off the ground. Joe\u2019s head flopped to the side, and his legs dangled in the air.<\/p>\n

Bailey took a step back as Ben and Hoss carried Joe carefully down the ravine. He watched as the two older Cartwrights stepped cautiously down the hill. When he was sure they could manage all right, Bailey turned back to the rocks. \u201cYou men keep your eyes peeled,\u201d he ordered. \u201cHoller if it looks like them Indians are going to do anything.\u201d One of the men waved at Bailey.<\/p>\n

Bailey turned and walked slowly to the bottom of the ravine.<\/p>\n

Ben and Hoss had put Joe gently on the ground. Joe was beginning to regain consciousness. His head moved slowly from side to side. He moaned in pain as he began to wake.<\/p>\n

\u201cEasy, Joe, easy,\u201d Ben said in a soothing voice.<\/p>\n

Joe\u2019s eyes fluttered opened. He winced in pain, and gritted his teeth. Then his eyes opened wider. He looked at Ben, a question in his eyes.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019ve got a bullet in your shoulder,\u201d Ben explained. \u201cIt doesn\u2019t look too bad, but we need to dig it out.\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe nodded, then winced again as a wave of pain radiated through his body.<\/p>\n

Bailey slid down the last few feet of the hill. He crouched next to Joe. Joe looked up at the sergeant.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ve taken out a couple of bullets in my time,\u201d Bailey said to Joe. \u201cYou trust me to dig this one out of you?\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe glanced over to Ben, who nodded slightly. Joe turned back to Bailey. \u201cGo head,\u201d he said. Joe winced and grunted again. He took a deep breath.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt couldn\u2019t hurt any worse than this,\u201d Joe said in a choked voice.<\/p>\n

Bailey turned toward the top of the hill. \u201cCarney, bring me that bottle of \u2018snake bite\u2019 medicine you always carry,\u201d Bailey shouted.<\/p>\n

One of the men turned and looked back down the hill. \u201cSarge, I don\u2019t know what you\u2019re talking about,\u201d the man shouted.<\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t give me that,\u201d Bailey shouted back at him. \u201cI know you got a bottle. Now bring it down here.\u201d<\/p>\n

Carney sighed. He reached inside his shirt and pulled out a small bottle, shaped like a flask. He pulled the top off the bottle, and quickly brought it to his mouth. Carney took a long drink. He wiped his mouth with the back of his hand, then pushed the cork back into the top of the bottle. Then he started slowly down the hill.<\/p>\n

\u201cHere,\u201d Carney said, thrusting the bottle into Bailey\u2019s hand. \u201cI only keep it for emergencies.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cGood,\u201d replied Bailey evenly. \u201c\u2019Cause this is an emergency. Now go back down to those horses. There\u2019s some bandages in my saddlebag. Go get them and bring them over here.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAw, Sarge,\u201d Carney started to whine.<\/p>\n

\u201cJust do as I say,\u201d barked Bailey. The soldier reluctantly got to his feet. He walked to the bottom of the ravine. Then, crouching low, he started toward the horses.<\/p>\n

Bailey watched the soldier for a minute, making sure his orders were being followed. Then he turned back to Joe. \u201cYou want a slug of this?\u201d he asked.<\/p>\n

Joe shook his head. \u201cNo,\u201d he said. \u201cJust get that bullet out.\u201d Bailey nodded.<\/p>\n

Bailey pulled the knife he had taken from the Indian out of his belt. He pulled the top off the whiskey bottle with his teeth, then poured the whiskey generously over the knife, turning the knife as he poured. When he was satisfied that the blade was covered with alcohol, Bailey turned to Ben.<\/p>\n

\u201cBetter hold him,\u201d Bailey advised. \u201cThis is going to hurt.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben nodded grimly. He moved to Joe\u2019s left and firmly put his hands on Joe\u2019s uninjured shoulder. Hoss moved to hold Joe\u2019s legs.<\/p>\n

Bailey unbuttoned Joe\u2019s shirt. He pulled open Joe\u2019s shirt then eased both the shirt and jacket off Joe\u2019s shoulder. He tried to be gentle, but Joe groaned in pain as the sergeant worked. Bailey finally got Joe\u2019s arm out his sleeve. He pulled the cloth away from Joe and folded it under back of Joe\u2019s arm.<\/p>\n

Bailey looked Joe straight in the eyes. \u201cReady?\u201d he asked. Joe took a deep breath, closed his eyes and nodded.<\/p>\n

The next thing Joe felt was a burning, searing pain in his shoulder. His mouth opened as he let out a groan. His body tried to move instinctively away from the pain, but Ben and Hoss held him firm. Joe turned his head and gritted his teeth as his body became rigid. The pain seemed to be getting worse. Joe felt as if a hot poker were boring deep into his body. He groaned and grunted as the pain increased. He wondered how much longer he could stand it. Then suddenly, the pain eased.<\/p>\n

\u201cGot it!\u201d Bailey said triumphantly, holding a small piece of lead in his blood-stained hand. He quickly threw it aside. Bailey picked the whiskey bottle up off the ground where he had laid it. He began pouring the whiskey onto Joe\u2019s shoulder.<\/p>\n

Joe groaned again as he felt another white hot pain in his shoulder. The burning seemed endless this time. Joe tried to move, to do anything to ease the pain. But his body was firmly pressed to the ground by strong hands.<\/p>\n

\u201cEasy, Joe, take it easy,\u201d Ben said once again, trying to soothe his son. His face was creased with pain also as he watched his son\u2019s agony. He knew Bailey was doing what had to be done, but it didn\u2019t make it any easier for him to watch. \u201cIt\u2019s all over now,\u201d Ben said. \u201cJust try to relax.\u201d<\/p>\n

Bailey turned to look down the ravine. \u201cCarney, where are you?\u201d he shouted. \u201cI need those bandages.\u201d<\/p>\n

Carney seemed to be studying something at the end of the ravine. At Bailey\u2019s shout, he quickly turned and started back down the ravine, crouching low as he moved past the horses.<\/p>\n

\u201cHere,\u201d Carney said, thrusting some white cloth into Bailey\u2019s hands. Bailey nodded and turned back to Joe.<\/p>\n

Joe was pale and his face was covered with sweat. His breathing was rapid, and came in ragged bursts. He grunted and winced in pain.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou can let him go,\u201d Bailey said to Ben. Ben nodded and removed his hands from Joe\u2019 shoulder. He gently stroked Joe\u2019s arm as Bailey began to bandage the injured shoulder.<\/p>\n

Carney watched Bailey work. \u201cHey, Sarge,\u201d he said as Bailey tied the bandages around Joe\u2019s shoulder, then looped the cloth around Joe\u2019s chest.<\/p>\n

\u201cNot now,\u201d Bailey growled at the soldier.<\/p>\n

\u201cBut Sarge\u2026\u201d Carney said again.<\/p>\n

\u201cI said not now!\u201d barked Bailey again. \u201cGet back up there and keep an eye on those Indians.\u201d<\/p>\n

Carney\u2019s face went hard. \u201cFine,\u201d he said in disgust. He turned and quickly climbed back up the hill.<\/p>\n

Hoss looked at the sergeant with a questioning expression. \u201cDon\u2019t you think you ought to have listened to him?\u201d Hoss asked.<\/p>\n

Bailey looked up at Hoss. \u201cHe\u2019s the one that beat up that Indian,\u201d Bailey said. \u201cIf it weren\u2019t for him, we wouldn\u2019t be in this mess. I\u2019m not interested in anything he has to say.\u201d<\/p>\n

Hoss started to say something, but Joe groaned softly, pulling Hoss\u2019 attention back to his brother. Joe\u2019s breathing had slowed, but his face still reflected the pain he was feeling. \u201cYou\u2019re going to be fine, little brother,\u201d Hoss said in a reassuring voice. Joe nodded his head slightly.<\/p>\n

Bailey sat back on his heels and studied his handiwork. \u201cHe should be all right with some rest,\u201d he said. \u201cThat bullet wasn\u2019t too deep. It hurts, and he lost some blood, but with some rest, he should be fine.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben looked at the sergeant. \u201cThank you,\u201d he said softly.<\/p>\n

Bailey shrugged. \u201cHe got that bullet because he was helping me,\u201d said Bailey. \u201cI figured I owed him.\u201d Bailey glanced up the hill. \u201cI\u2019d better get back up there. You two stay with him. I\u2019ll call you if we need you.\u201d Bailey stood and climbed back up the hill.<\/p>\n

Ben gently stroked Joe\u2019s head. \u201cHoss, go get one of the canteens,\u201d said Ben, his eyes never leaving Joe\u2019s face. Hoss nodded, and he began to climb the hill also. Ben continued to stroke Joe\u2019s head. \u201cEverything is all right now, Joseph,\u201d he said softly. \u201cYou just rest. Everything is fine.\u201d Ben shook his head as he listened to his own words. They were stuck in a ravine, facing a band of angry Apaches. His youngest son had a bullet hole in his shoulder. There seemed to be no way out of the ravine, and he didn\u2019t know how long their ammunition and water would last. Ben laughed grimly. Sure, he thought, everything is just fine.<\/p>\n

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

The Indians seemed more interested in keeping the men trapped in the ravine than staging a serious attack. They half-heartedly charged the ravine several times during the remainder of the day, but each charge was brief. The Apaches seemed more interested in finding out how close they could get to the rocks before the men in the ravine started shooting than they were on inflicting any serious damage. Each charge was fast and quick, with the Indians retreating almost as soon as the gunfire erupted from the rocks. Neither side inflicted any damage.<\/p>\n

Ben had insisted Hoss stay with Joe at the bottom of the ravine during the rest of the day. He knew the odds were very slim that a stray bullet would find its way to the bottom of the ravine. He had one son with a bullet wound; he wasn\u2019t about to risk anything happening to his other son. Ben had convinced Hoss that someone had to look after Joe, and Hoss was best suited for the task. That was partially true. But Ben also wanted to keep his older son safe.<\/p>\n

At the first sound of fighting after Bailey had removed the bullet from Joe, Ben climbed to the top of the ravine to join the soldiers. He had fired his rifle a few times, more to discourage the charging Apaches than anything else. He doubted if he had hit anything during the latest series of charges. The Indians seemed to know how close they could come and still stay out of the range of the murderous gunfire from behind the rocks.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat do you think they\u2019re waiting for?\u201d Ben asked Bailey at one point. He couldn\u2019t understand the Apaches\u2019 apparent tactic of simply keeping them pinned behind the rocks.<\/p>\n

Bailey shrugged in reply. \u201cWho knows?\u201d he said. \u201cMaybe they\u2019re waiting for reinforcements. Or maybe they\u2019re simply waiting for Cochise to tell them it\u2019s all right to leave.\u201d Bailey shook his head. \u201cMaybe they just want to see how long it will be before we run out of ammunition.\u201d Bailey had cautioned his men to fire sparingly, to save their ammunition for what might be the real battle. But it was not humanly possible for anyone of them not to shoot when the Apache came charging across the ground, screaming and shooting at them. All of the men still had a good supply of bullets, but the supply was beginning to dwindle.<\/p>\n

The long pauses between the attacks gave Ben a chance to study the other soldiers hiding behind the rocks. He wasn\u2019t sure he liked what he saw.<\/p>\n

Carney, the soldier who had given the whiskey to Bailey, was a short man with a mean looking face. He had pointedly ignored Bailey after Bailey had rebuffed him in the ravine, acting like a child who was pouting after some sort of parental punishment. He seemed to enjoy killing; his face broke into an evil grin every time he began shooting at the Apaches.<\/p>\n

The other men looked equally as unpleasant. One was tall and thin, and his face seemed to be set in a permanent scowl. Bailey had called him Hoffman. Another was about average height, at least he looked that way as he crouched behind the rocks. He had long, dark hair and sported a thin mustache. His name was Williams, and he seemed more interested in keeping behind the protection of the rocks than firing at the Apache. The last man seemed a bit younger than the rest. He was thin and blonde, and he seemed to find the battle exciting. Ben had heard Bailey shout at him several times, calling the young man Peterson. Peterson was the one who most often started the shooting. He would fire wildly at the first sign of an Apache charge, rarely hitting anything, but he would shout with excitement as he fired.<\/p>\n

Ben shook his head as he studied the men next to him. Bailey hadn\u2019t lied when he called them misfits. Ben didn\u2019t like the idea of his life and the lives of his sons being dependent on these soldiers.<\/p>\n

The hot Arizona sun blazed down from a cloudless sky during the day. Ben had checked on Joe periodically during the day, usually after one the charges when the Apaches seemed content to leave the men pinned behind the rocks. Joe had slept the day away, exhausted by the pain wound and the loss of blood. Hoss had assured his father repeatedly that Joe was doing as well as could be expected under the circumstances, but that didn\u2019t stop Ben from worrying. He wanted desperately to get Joe to a doctor. He wouldn\u2019t feel confident about his youngest son\u2019s condition until he did.<\/p>\n

The sun was low in the afternoon sky as Ben climbed down the ravine yet again to check on Joe. He was pleased to see that Joe was awake. Hoss was holding Joe\u2019s head up as Joe drank from a canteen. Ben crouched next to his son as Joe handed the canteen back to Hoss. Hoss eased Joe\u2019s head back to the ground. He had pulled Joe\u2019s shirt back on his brother\u2019s shoulder, but removed his jacket. The jacket was folded under Joe\u2019s head as a pillow. The angle of the sun gave long shadows to the rocks above them, and the shadows gave Joe a bit of shade.<\/p>\n

\u201cHow are you feeling?\u201d asked Ben with a smile as he knelt next to Joe.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m all right,\u201d Joe answered. He shifted slightly on the hard ground. \u201cWish we could have found someplace softer to hole up in,\u201d he complained.<\/p>\n

Ben\u2019s smile widened. If Joe was complaining, he was feeling better. \u201cI\u2019ll take that into consideration next time we\u2019re being chased by a band of angry Apaches,\u201d Ben said wryly. He put his hand on Joe\u2019s forehead. Joe\u2019 head felt warm, but his fever seemed very mild. Ben noted he was covered with a thin layer of sweat, but no more than to be expected after laying most of the day in the hot Arizona sun. A small blotch of blood was visible on the bandage on Joe\u2019s shoulder, but the blood looked rusty and dried.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt didn\u2019t seem to keep you from sleeping the last couple of hours,\u201d Hoss teased his brother mildly.<\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s because I didn\u2019t have to listen to your snoring,\u201d Joe said to Hoss with a weak smile. Then he sobered and turned to his father. \u201cWhat\u2019s going on?\u201d he asked. \u201cAre those Apaches still out there?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYes,\u201d admitted Ben. \u201cThey don\u2019t seem to be planning to leave. But all they\u2019re doing is keeping us pinned down.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat are they planning?\u201d asked Hoss with a frown.<\/p>\n

\u201cI wish I knew,\u201d Ben said, shaking his head. \u201cThey seem to be waiting for something, but I don\u2019t know what.\u201d<\/p>\n

Hoss\u2019 frown deepened. \u201cMaybe I should go back up by the rocks,\u201d he suggested.<\/p>\n

\u201cNo, \u201c Ben said quickly. \u201cYou stay here with Joe. We\u2019ll call if we need you.\u201d<\/p>\n

He wanted to keep both his sons as safe as possible. \u201cRight now, all you\u2019d be is another target.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYeah, and one that\u2019s hard to miss,\u201d added Joe wryly.<\/p>\n

Ben smiled, then patted Joe lightly on the shoulder. \u201cYou take it easy and rest,\u201d he said to his youngest son. \u201cWe\u2019ll figure a way out of this soon,\u201d he promised. He looked up at Hoss and nodded encouragingly. Then Ben turned and climbed back up the hill.<\/p>\n

\u201cHow\u2019s he doing?\u201d Bailey asked Ben as he settled into the rocks next to the sergeant.<\/p>\n

\u201cHe seems to be doing all right,\u201d Ben said. \u201cThe bleeding has stopped, and he only has a low fever. But I\u2019ll feel better when we can get a doctor at the fort to look at him.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI think we\u2019d all feel better if we could get back to the fort,\u201d said Bailey ironically.<\/p>\n

\u201cHey, Sarge, I\u2019m getting hungry,\u201d shouted Williams from behind his rock.<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, what do you want me to do, cook you a steak dinner?\u201d Bailey shouted back. \u201cI\u2019m sure those Apaches wouldn\u2019t mind if we told them to call this off because you\u2019re hungry.\u201d Williams scowled at the sergeant and turned back to watch the ground in front of the rocks.<\/p>\n

Bailey turned to Ben. \u201cI sure wish I had my old patrol,\u201d he said quietly with a shake of head. \u201cI\u2019m not sure what these yahoos are going to do.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben nodded. He also wished he had more confidence in the men around him. \u201cI wish we had a battalion,\u201d Ben said wryly. He took a deep breath. \u201cAny chance they might send a patrol from the fort looking for you?\u201d he asked hopefully.<\/p>\n

Bailey shook his head. \u201cWe\u2019re not due back for four or five days,\u201d said the sergeant. \u201cIt\u2019ll be a week before they start looking for us.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThen I guess we\u2019re stuck with these men,\u201d said Ben.<\/p>\n

\u201cYeah,\u201d said Bailey. \u201cWe\u2019re stuck with \u2018em all right. I\u2019m not sure who\u2019s more dangerous \u2013 those Apaches or those so-called soldiers behind these rocks.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben frowned and turned back to watch the ground in front of him. \u201cLet\u2019s hope we don\u2019t have to find out,\u201d he muttered.<\/p>\n

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

At dusk, the men behind the rocks saw what the Apaches were waiting for. A group of fifteen Indians, led by a well-muscled brave, rode in from the West. The Indians who had been attacking the rocks welcomed the new arrivals.<\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s Many Horses, one of Cochise\u2019s young war chiefs,\u201d Bailey muttered as he watched the scene. He turned to Ben and smiled ironically. \u201cI think we might really be in trouble now.\u201d Ben nodded grimly.<\/p>\n

The men behind the rocks watched the Apaches carefully. The greeting shouts from the braves ended quickly. Many Horses yelled and gestured at the braves, seeming unhappy that they hadn\u2019t yet finished with the men in the ravine. One brave seemed to be trying to explain something to Many Horses, but he brushed the man aside. Many Horses began shouting orders.<\/p>\n

\u201cOh, oh,\u201d Bailey said. He turned to Ben. \u201cI think you\u2019d better get your son up here. We\u2019re going to need every gun we\u2019ve got.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben agreed. He turned and shouted down the ravine. \u201cHoss, get up here with your rifle,\u201d Ben yelled. \u201cWe\u2019re going to need you.\u201d He turned back to watch the Apaches again.<\/p>\n

The Apaches were forming themselves to charge when Ben saw Hoss crouching next to him from the corner of his eye. Another movement behind Hoss drew Ben\u2019s attention. He turned his head. Joe was struggling to the top of the ravine. His shirt was buttoned about half-way and his arm rested in the shirt as if in a sling. Joe had a pistol in his left hand.<\/p>\n

\u201cJoe, what do you think you\u2019re doing?\u201d Ben yelled as his youngest son crouched next to Hoss.<\/p>\n

Joe winced as he positioned himself behind a boulder, and leaned back against a smaller rock. He turned to Ben. \u201cI\u2019m not about to lay down there waiting for those Apaches to take my scalp,\u201d he said grimly. \u201cI can still pull a trigger.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cJoe\u2026\u201d Ben started to say with concern.<\/p>\n

\u201cHere they come!\u201d yelled one of the soldiers from Ben\u2019s right. He quickly turned back to the open ground in front of the rocks. About forty Apaches were charging at the rocks, riding at full speed across the ground. Several were shouting war cries as they rode.<\/p>\n

\u201cHold your fire until they\u2019re closer,\u201d Bailey ordered. \u201cMake sure they\u2019re in range before you shoot.\u201d<\/p>\n

The Apaches charged until they were about ten feet from the rocks then slowed as they pulled rifles up to their shoulders. Peterson led the shooting from behind the rocks once again. His first shot knocked a young brave from his horse.<\/p>\n

The rest of men opened fire as soon as Peterson shot his rifle. Once again, their shooting was deadly. Several Apaches fell to the ground, and others slumped against the horses. Bullets whizzed into the rocks as the Indians fired but the Cartwrights and the soldiers were well-hidden. The Apaches suffered heavy casualties while their bullets landed harmlessly.<\/p>\n

Many Horses, the young war chief, was in the middle of the charging Apaches. He seemed startled at the turn of events. He began to pull his horse to a stop and shouting orders. He suddenly winced and grabbed his arm as a bullet grazed his shoulder. Many Horses needed no more evidence of the fool-heartiness of charging the rocks. He shouted another order and turned his horse away. As he rode off, the rest of the Apaches followed him.<\/p>\n

\u201cGuess we showed him!\u201d whooped Peterson from the far end of the rocks.<\/p>\n

\u201cYeah, we showed him,\u201d Bailey said grimly. He watched as the Apaches pulled their horses together yet again in the distance. A minute later, two braves rode off, galloping their horses to the west. \u201cWe showed them that they need more help\u201d, continued Bailey. \u201cWe\u2019ll probably have the whole Apache nation down on us by morning.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben quickly glanced over his shoulder to his sons. Hoss turned his head and grinned at his father. Ben looked passed him to Joe. Joe waved his arm weakly. Ben let out a sigh of relief. Both of his sons had apparently survived the attack without further injury.<\/p>\n

The men crouched behind the rocks watched as the Apaches began dismounting. It looked as if they were making camp. Ben glanced up at the sky. The sun was rapidly disappearing and the sky darkening.<\/p>\n

\u201cThey probably won\u2019t do anything until morning,\u201d Ben said sitting up. \u201cThe Apache don\u2019t like to fight at night. They\u2019re afraid if they\u2019re killed, their spirit will get lost in the dark.\u201d<\/p>\n

Bailey nodded his agreement. \u201cWe\u2019ve got 9 or 10 hours,\u201d he said. \u201cWe\u2019d better use it as best we can.\u201d Bailey turned to the men on his right. \u201cWilliams, see if you can find some wood around here to make a fire.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cA fire?\u201d Williams said hesitantly. \u201cWon\u2019t that give us away?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI think those Apaches know we\u2019re here,\u201d Bailey said, his voice dripping with irony. \u201cNow move!\u201d Williams scampered down the ravine.<\/p>\n

\u201cHoffman, get over to those horses,\u201d Bailey said, continuing to bark orders. \u201cCheck on them, make sure they\u2019re all right.\u201d Hoffman also scampered down the ravine. \u201cAnd bring some coffee and food out of those saddlebags,\u201d Bailey shouted after him. Bailey turned to Ben and grinned. \u201cI\u2019d just as soon get killed with a full belly,\u201d Bailey said.<\/p>\n

A hour later, the sky was fully dark. Night had come quickly, as it does in the desert. The men behind the rocks could see several fires in the distance from the Apache camp. They had their own small fire blazing behind the rocks. The Cartwrights and the soldiers had eaten heartily, finishing off some smoked ham and several cans of peaches. There didn\u2019t seem much point in saving the food for later. Now, they were huddled around the fire, drinking what they hoped was not going to be their last cups of coffee.<\/p>\n

\u201cAre we just going to sit here and let those Indians come get us?\u201d Peterson complained as he sipped his coffee.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m open to any ideas,\u201d Bailey said evenly.<\/p>\n

\u201cI checked the horses,\u201d said Hoffman. \u201cThey\u2019re thirsty but they\u2019re still in good shape. We could make a run for it in the dark.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOh, yeah, that\u2019s a good idea,\u201d Bailey replied with disgust. \u201cRiding a horse at full speed across the desert in the dark. With forty or so Apaches chasing you. If your horse didn\u2019t fall and kill you, those Apaches would.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWe might be able to outrun them,\u201d said Hoffman. \u201cIt\u2019s worth a try.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben glanced over his shoulder to where Joe was resting against the rocks. \u201cI don\u2019t think my son can sit a horse much less ride one at a full gallop,\u201d Ben said.<\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s his tough luck,\u201d said Hoffman. Both Ben and Hoss looked startled at the man\u2019s words. They looked at each other in alarm.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2019re not leaving anyone behind,\u201d Bailey said firmly. \u201cBesides, we\u2019d never outrun those Indians.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou said they won\u2019t fight at night,\u201d Hoffman pressed.<\/p>\n

\u201cThey don\u2019t like to fight at night,\u201d Bailey corrected the soldier. \u201cThat doesn\u2019t mean they won\u2019t do it.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHow about if just one of us goes?\u201d said Williams. \u201cIf you gave me cover, I could ride to the fort for help.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou?\u201d said Carney with a snort. \u201cYou\u2019d probably keep right on riding, you little coward.\u201d<\/p>\n

Williams flushed and said nothing. His lack of response indicated that he was thinking just what Carney suggested.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat if we offer to give them Carney?\u201d Williams suggested in a nasty voice. \u201cI mean, he\u2019s the one they really want. He\u2019s the one that beat that Indian kid. Maybe if we give \u2018em Carney, they\u2019d let the rest of us go.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNow wait a minute!\u201d Carney said angrily. \u201cIt weren\u2019t just me. Hoffman and Peterson, they held him.\u201d<\/p>\n

Hoss and Ben looked at each other again, their faces showing a growing sense of alarm. They were trapped with a group of men who seemed to have no honor, no sense of right and wrong.<\/p>\n

\u201cAs much as I\u2019d like to, we can\u2019t give them Carney,\u201d Bailey said. \u201cBesides, that probably wouldn\u2019t satisfy them.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIt was only an Indian,\u201d Carney muttered. Ben, Hoss, and the sergeant looked at the man with disgust.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat we need is a way to sneak out of here,\u201d continued Bailey. He looked around at the men sitting near the fire. \u201cAny ideas?\u201d<\/p>\n

For a moment, no one said anything. Finally, Carney spoke up. \u201cThere\u2019s a trail leading down into the canyon,\u201d Carney said. \u201cI saw it this afternoon when I got those bandages.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cA trail?\u201d said Ben. \u201cAre you sure?\u201d<\/p>\n

Carney nodded. \u201cI saw it,\u201d he insisted. \u201cRight near the end of the ravine. It looks pretty steep, like a goat trail or something. But it leads right through them rocks and down into the canyon.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cCarney, why didn\u2019t you say something sooner?\u201d Bailey said in exasperation.<\/p>\n

\u201cI tried, Sarge,\u201d Carney replied with a sneer. \u201cI tried to tell you but you told me to shut up.\u201d<\/p>\n

Bailey looked at Ben. \u201cIf there really is a trail, we might just get out of here,\u201d he said. \u201cYou think your boy could do some walking?\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben looked over to where Joe was resting against the rocks. Joe was sleeping, his arm still resting in his shirt. Ben turned back to the sergeant.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2019ll help him walk,\u201d Ben said. He looked around him at the other men.
\n\u201cI sure don\u2019t want to stay here,\u201d Ben added.<\/p>\n

\u201cCarney, come with me and show me that trail,\u201d Bailey ordered the soldier. As Bailey and Carney started to leave the camp, Ben turned to Hoss. \u201cGo with them,\u201d he said. \u201cMake sure we can get Joe down that trail.\u201d Hoss nodded and quickly ran after the other two men.<\/p>\n

Ben moved over next to Joe. He laid his hand on Joe\u2019s forehead, feeling for fever. He was satisfied that Joe\u2019s fever was still very low. Joe stirred as he felt the touch of a hand.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat\u2019s going on?\u201d Joe asked, still groggy from sleep.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe may have found a way out of here,\u201d Ben replied. \u201cBut we\u2019ll probably have to do some walking. Do you feel up to it.\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe sat up, now wide awake. \u201cA way out?\u201d he said. \u201cHow?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThere may be a trail down the canyon,\u201d replied Ben. \u201cHoss and Sergeant Bailey are checking it out now.\u201d Ben looked straight into his son\u2019s eyes. \u201cDo you think you can walk?\u201d he asked again.<\/p>\n

Joe grinned. \u201cTo get away from those Apaches, I\u2019d run barefoot through the desert,\u201d Joe said.<\/p>\n

\u201cLet\u2019s hope it doesn\u2019t come to that,\u201d Ben said with an answering grin.<\/p>\n

Joe grew serious. \u201cPa, I don\u2019t want you and Hoss to get in trouble because of me,\u201d he said. \u201cIf you get a chance to get away, don\u2019t worry about me.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben patted his son lightly on the arm. \u201cJoe, we\u2019re in this together,\u201d Ben said. \u201cAll of us. We\u2019re not going anywhere without you.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben heard Hoss and the other men climbing back up the ravine. He patted Joe on the arm again and quickly moved back to the fire.<\/p>\n

\u201cWell?\u201d he asked anxiously.<\/p>\n

Bailey grinned. \u201cIt\u2019s there,\u201d he said. \u201cThe prettiest little trail you ever saw.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI told you so,\u201d muttered Carney.<\/p>\n

Ben looked at Hoss. \u201cDo you think Joe can get down it?\u201d he asked with concern.<\/p>\n

Hoss frowned. \u201cIt\u2019s pretty steep, Pa,\u201d answered Hoss. \u201cIt\u2019s a tough climb for a man with two good arms. I don\u2019t think Joe can make it.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m not staying here and dying because of him!\u201d Williams shouted, pointing at Joe. Joe glared back at the man.<\/p>\n

\u201cNow take it easy,\u201d Bailey said in a soothing voice. \u201cNobody is staying. There\u2019s a ledge. I figure we can tie a rope around the boy and let him down. It\u2019ll be kind of tricky in the dark, but it can be done.\u201d Bailey turned to Ben. \u201cWe\u2019ll get him down.\u201d Ben nodded gratefully to the sergeant.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat if those Indians follow us?\u201d asked Williams.<\/p>\n

\u201cThey won\u2019t know we\u2019re gone until daylight,\u201d said Bailey. \u201cThat gives us about five hours head start. I don\u2019t think the Apaches will be very interested in trying to catch us. Besides, we\u2019ll have to leave the horses. Apaches love horses. It will probably satisfy them to take our mounts.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHow far is it to the fort?\u201d Ben asked. \u201cI mean, on foot.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI figure about two days walk,\u201d Bailey said.<\/p>\n

\u201cTwo days!\u201d exclaimed Ben. He glanced over his shoulder at Joe. \u201cI don\u2019t know if he can make it.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019ll be pretty rough on him,\u201d agreed Bailey. \u201cBut it\u2019s better than him staying here and getting his scalp lifted.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll help him, Pa,\u201d Hoss said. \u201cI\u2019ll get him there.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben nodded at Hoss, but he looked again at Joe with concern.<\/p>\n

\u201cNow here\u2019s what we\u2019re going to do,\u201d Bailey said turning back to the soldiers. \u201cYou men, gather up all the ammunition and your canteens. The only thing you\u2019re going to carry is your side arm and your water. You\u2019re going to need both hands to climb down the trail, so don\u2019t carry your rifle. Leave everything else behind.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cMy canteen is almost empty,\u201d complained Peterson.<\/p>\n

Bailey looked at the man. \u201cWhat the heck were you thinking?\u201d he shouted at him.<\/p>\n

\u201cI got thirsty,\u201d Peterson whined.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2019ve got an extra canteen,\u201d Hoss said. \u201cIt\u2019s only about half full. I gave most of the water to Joe. The other three we have are almost full. He can have what\u2019s left in the extra one. It\u2019s down near the bottom of the ravine.\u201d<\/p>\n

Bailey nodded. \u201cGo get it,\u201d the sergeant said to Peterson. \u201cYou don\u2019t deserve it, but go get it.\u201d He watched as Peterson scrambled down the ravine. Bailey turned to Hoss. \u201cThanks,\u201d he said. Hoss just shrugged.<\/p>\n

Bailey turned back to the rest of the men. \u201cNow listen up,\u201d he said. \u201cEach of you is going to carry his own water, and be responsible for it. You drink it all at once, and you\u2019ll go thirsty. So I suggest you drink only when you have to. It\u2019s going to take us two days of walking to get to the fort. So ration your water.\u201d The soldiers around the fire nodded.<\/p>\n

\u201cWilliams, build up that fire nice and bright,\u201d Bailey continued. \u201cI want those Apaches to think we\u2019re still here.\u201d Williams nodded and started adding some sticks to the fire. \u201cThe rest of you, gather your ammunition and water. We\u2019re leaving in ten minutes.\u201d The soldiers started scrambling toward various rocks.<\/p>\n

Ben walked over to Joe. \u201cYou heard?\u201d he asked his son. Joe nodded. \u201cDon\u2019t worry,\u201d said Ben as lightly as he could. \u201cWe\u2019ll get you to the fort.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll make it, Pa,\u201d Joe said grimly. He sat up and started struggling to his feet. Ben helped him up. Joe winced as his injured shoulder moved. \u201cI\u2019d better get my canteen,\u201d Joe said as he tried to smile. The effort was a weak one. The truth was that Joe\u2019s stomach was clutched with fear as he thought of the ordeal ahead. He took a deep breath. \u201cI\u2019ll make it,\u201d he said again firmly, both to reassure himself and his father.<\/p>\n

Ten minutes later, eight shadows were moving slowing through the ravine. Each man had a canteen strapped to his belt or looped over his shoulder. Each that is, except Ben Cartwright. Ben had two canteens looped over his shoulder. He insisted on carrying Joe\u2019s canteen for him. Ben had an idea of what was going to happen in the canyon. Joe would have enough problems without worrying about keeping track of a canteen.<\/p>\n

The men were crouched down, and kept the horses between them and the Apaches as they crawled through the ravine. The animals watched the men curiously as they moved through the ravine, but none gave them away.<\/p>\n

Hoss stopped by one horse and reached up to pull a rope off the saddle. He looked at it closely. The rope was thick and looped many times. It looked long enough and strong enough for the job he had in mind. Hoss moved quickly to catch up with the other men.<\/p>\n

A full-moon shone down on the land below. It was bright enough to give the men in the ravine enough light to see by. They only hoped it didn\u2019t give the Apaches enough light to see them.<\/p>\n

The men were crouched at the end of the ravine. Each could see the opening in the rocks that revealed the trail. But each of them could also see the yards of open ground between the ravine and the trail, lit by the bright moon overhead. They waited nervously.<\/p>\n

Bailey led one horse to the end of the ravine. He held the horse steady, hoping to block the view of any Apaches. Then he turned and nodded to Carney.<\/p>\n

Carney scrambled up the side of the ravine. Crouching low, he ran across the open ground and to the rocks near the top of the canyon. He stopped briefly at the rocks, then disappeared.<\/p>\n

Bailey nodded again and Williams followed Carney. As Williams disappeared behind the rocks, Hoffman ran across the ground. Then Peterson followed. Hoss followed Peterson.<\/p>\n

Ben and Joe were crouched in the ravine, waiting for Bailey\u2019s signal. Bailey nodded, and Joe started forward. He made it up the side of the ravine, and started forward. He crouched as he walked, and his gait was slow and measured. Ben watched his son carefully, ready to help him if he faltered. But Joe made it to the rocks. Ben breathed a sigh of relief.<\/p>\n

Ben glanced up at Bailey, then climbed up the ravine. He quickly crossed the open ground and disappeared behind the rocks.<\/p>\n

Hoss and Joe were waiting for him behind the rocks. Hoss was already looping the rope around Joe. Ben glanced down. He saw the soldiers climbing slowly down a steep, rocky trail. The men needed both hands to steady themselves as they climbed. Hoss was right, Ben thought. Joe could never make that climb.<\/p>\n

Bailey came up behind Ben. \u201cLooks like we made it,\u201d the sergeant said with a triumphant smile.<\/p>\n

Ben nodded. \u201cWhere the ledge?\u201d he asked. Bailey pointed to his right.<\/p>\n

A spit of rock jutted out from the lip of the canyon. The ledge was narrow but wide enough for a man to stand on it. It was about twenty feet above the rocky ground.<\/p>\n

Joe licked his lips nervously as he saw the ledge. He turned to Ben. \u201cPa, I think I can make it down the trail,\u201d he said quickly.<\/p>\n

Ben looked at the trail again, then shook his head. \u201cJoe, you\u2019ll never make it,\u201d he said. \u201cYou\u2019ll fall and break your neck.\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe glanced at the ledge again and swallowed hard. \u201cMaybe if you held the rope as while I climbed\u2026\u201d Joe started to say.<\/p>\n

Ben quickly shook his head. \u201cJoe, it would never work,\u201d Ben explained. \u201cThere\u2019s too many twists in the trail, too many rocks.\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe looked at the ledge once more. He took a deep breath and closed his eyes for a moment.<\/p>\n

Ben knew Joe had a fear of heights, and the ledge was high off the ground. But there was no other way to get him down.<\/p>\n

\u201cJoe, you can do this,\u201d Ben said firmly. \u201cThe rope is strong. And I\u2019m going to waiting for you at the bottom.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t worry, little brother,\u201d Hoss said reassuringly. \u201cI won\u2019t let you fall.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019d better not,\u201d muttered Joe. He glanced worriedly at the ledge again. \u201cAll right,\u201d Joe said. \u201cLet\u2019s get this over with.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben quickly started to climb down the trail, wanting to keep his promise of waiting for Joe at the bottom. His attention was glued to the trail as he climbed. The dirt was loose, and Ben needed to hold firm to the rocks as he let himself down. It took him several minutes to reach the bottom.<\/p>\n

As soon as he reached the flat ground, Ben looked up to the ledge. He could see three figures in the dark standing on the ledge. Ben moved quickly to stand underneath it.<\/p>\n

Ben held his breath as he watched one figure grab the rope with his only visible arm. The two other figures seemed to be bracing themselves. Then the first figure crouched and eased himself off the ledge.<\/p>\n

It took only a few minutes for Hoss and Bailey to lower Joe to the ground, but to Ben, it seemed an eternity. He could imagine the terror Joe must be feeling. He watched with his heart in his throat as his son dangled in the air over the rocky ground. Slowly, Joe was lowered closer and closer to bottom. Ben rushed forward.<\/p>\n

Joe was about four feet over Ben\u2019s head when Ben reached the ground under the ledge. He could hear Joe\u2019s rapid and ragged breathing. Ben reached up, ready to grab his son as soon as he was close enough. In only a minute, Joe\u2019s legs were in reach. Ben waited until he could reach Joe\u2019s waist. Then he grabbed his son tightly and lowered him to the ground. A few seconds later, the rope went slack.<\/p>\n

Joe turned and buried his face in his father\u2019s shoulder. Ben could feel him trembling, and he could hear his son\u2019s loud gasps for air. Ben held him tight. \u201cIt\u2019s all right,\u201d Ben murmured as he held Joe. \u201cYou\u2019re safe now.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben held Joe until his son got himself under control. Joe slowly raised his head. Ben could see Joe\u2019s face was covered with sweat. Joe swallowed hard and stared almost blankly into Ben\u2019s eyes. Ben smiled and nodded encouragingly at his son. Joe blinked several times and swallowed hard again.<\/p>\n

Ben heard rather than saw Hoss and Bailey come up to him. Ben kept his eyes firmly on Joe, making sure his son was all right. Joe finally nodded and stepped back from his father.<\/p>\n

\u201cJoe, are you all right?\u201d Hoss asked his brother with concern. Even in the dark, he could tell Joe was pale and shaken.<\/p>\n

Joe nodded. \u201cYeah, I\u2019m all right,\u201d he answered in a shaky voice.<\/p>\n

\u201cThat must have been some trip,\u201d Bailey commented with a grin.<\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t know,\u201d Joe answered. \u201cI had my eyes closed the whole way.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben, Hoss, and Bailey laughed as Joe gave them shaky grin.<\/p>\n

Bailey looked around. He saw the four soldiers sitting on the ground about ten yards away. None of them had made a move to help Ben or Joe.<\/p>\n

Bailey sighed. \u201cWe\u2019d better get moving,\u201d he said. \u201cThe farther we get away from here, the safer we\u2019ll be.\u201d He looked at Joe. \u201cSon, I\u2019d be proud to have you in my unit anytime,\u201d Bailey said. \u201cYou\u2019re twice the man any of those soldiers claim to be.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThanks,\u201d Joe said. \u201cBut let\u2019s think of another way for me to prove it.\u201d<\/p>\n

Bailey grinned, and walked forward to join his men.<\/p>\n

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

The hot sun shone down on the men who were walking slowly across the barren land. Bailey led the way, walking steadily through the sand. Carney, Williams, Hoffman and Peterson followed him in a ragged line. Ben came next, with Joe leaning heavily on him as Ben helped his son walk. Hoss brought up the rear.<\/p>\n

The men had started hiking at a brisk pace during the night. The relief and adrenaline they felt at their escape had buoyed all of them. They had started walking out of the canyon and toward the fort with enthusiasm. But as the hours passed, their enthusiasm quickly flagged. All began to tire, and Joe tired quicker than the rest.<\/p>\n

After three hours of walking through the night, Bailey had called a halt and ordered a twenty minute rest. Joe had made it on his own for the first part of the trek. But he had struggled to get to his feet when Bailey ordered the men to start walking again. Hoss quickly helped his brother to his feet, and put his strong arm around Joe\u2019s waist. Joe leaned gratefully against his brother as he began to walk. Hoss gently pushed Joe forward and kept his arm around him to support him.<\/p>\n

Bailey had noted Joe\u2019s difficulty without comment. But he slowed the pace considerably. The other soldiers either didn\u2019t see or ignored Joe.<\/p>\n

The second rest break came after only two hours. The sun was beginning to rise as Bailey called a halt again. By now, Joe was leaning heavily on Hoss, his pace slower. Ben had watched his sons with concern, but Hoss waved him away when he tried to help.<\/p>\n

The second break had lasted almost half an hour. Joe had fallen asleep almost as soon as he had laid down on the ground. Ben had felt Joe\u2019s forehead and was alarmed that his son\u2019s fever seemed to be higher. Joe\u2019s breathing was fast and heavy, also. Ben desperately wished he could do something to help his son. But there was little he could do.<\/p>\n

The soldiers had grumbled and complained when Bailey ordered them to start walking again. Ben had ignored them as he gently woke Joe. Joe barely opened his eyes. Both Ben and Hoss had to help him to his feet. This time, Ben slipped Joe\u2019s arm around his shoulders. Joe leaned against his father heavily. But he began walking.<\/p>\n

Now the sun was high in the sky, and the heat was building rapidly. Joe\u2019s pace was becoming slower with each step. Ben kept urging his son forward, but it was becoming harder and harder for Joe to walk. Ben pulled Joe\u2019s hat down firmly on his son\u2019s head, trying to give him some protection from the sun. But there was no way to protect him from the heat.<\/p>\n

Bailey looked back at the men behind him. He could see Ben and Joe were falling farther and farther behind. Bailey looked around him and studied the land. Ahead, a cluster of tall rocks, looking almost like monuments, stood out against the cloudless sky. Bailey could see a small alcove in the rocks, bathed in shadows. He headed for the shadows.<\/p>\n

Bailey called a halt as he reached the shade. The soldiers behind him walked quickly toward the relative cool of the shadows. Ben, Joe and Hoss joined them a minute later.<\/p>\n

Ben eased Joe to the ground. Joe was covered with sweat, and his eyes were almost closed. Ben quickly pulled one of the canteens off his shoulder and pulled the top off the container. He lifted Joe\u2019s head and put the canteen to Joe\u2019s lips. Joe drank deeply, as he had during the previous two breaks. The canteen was emptying fast.<\/p>\n

Ben put the canteen aside and eased Joe\u2019s head back down to the ground. He pulled Joe\u2019s shirt open to look at his son\u2019s wound. Ben frowned as he looked at Joe\u2019s shoulder. He could see the skin around the bandage looked red and angry. As Ben gentle lifted the bandage, Joe groaned.<\/p>\n

The wound in Joe\u2019s shoulder was inflamed and swollen. Ben winced as he studied the wound.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2019re going to have to open that up again, let it drain,\u201d Bailey said as he stood over Ben and Joe.<\/p>\n

Ben nodded, hating the thought of causing more pain to his son.<\/p>\n

\u201cWant me to do it?\u201d Bailey asked.<\/p>\n

Ben took a deep breath. \u201cNo,\u201d he said. \u201cI\u2019ll do it.\u201d<\/p>\n

Bailey handed Ben the knife. Hoss came over and knelt next to Joe. He looked at his brother\u2019s shoulder, then quickly at the knife in Ben\u2019s hand.<\/p>\n

\u201cPa,\u201d he said with a frown. \u201cI don\u2019t know how much more he can take.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI know,\u201d Ben said. \u201cBut we have no choice. Hold him, Hoss.\u201d<\/p>\n

Hoss nodded and put his large hands on Joe\u2019s chest and shoulder. Ben doused the knife with water from the canteen. He wished they had the whiskey bottle. Not only would that clean the knife better, but Ben hated to waste the water.<\/p>\n

Ben pulled Joe\u2019 shirt open and pulled the bandage back. With a swift cut, he opened the swollen wound.<\/p>\n

Joe screamed in pain as the knife cut into him, then went limp.<\/p>\n

Ben made another quick cut, and the wound started oozing pus and blood. Joe laid unmoving on the dirt.<\/p>\n

Ben poured some more of the precious water on the wound, hoping to clean it out a bit more. Then he pulled the bandage back over the wound.<\/p>\n

\u201cGood job,\u201d Bailey said, nodding with approval. He stood and looked around. \u201cWe\u2019ll spend a couple of hours here,\u201d Bailey said. \u201cNo sense traveling in the heat of the day. And your son can use the rest.\u201d Ben nodded gratefully.<\/p>\n

Bailey suddenly turned and walked over to the soldiers sitting on the ground. Peterson was about to pour water from his canteen over his head when Bailey snatched it out of his hand. \u201cPeterson, are you crazy or just plain stupid?\u201d the sergeant asked angrily.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m hot,\u201d complained Peterson.<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, you\u2019re going to be worse off if you keep wasting water like that,\u201d Bailey said. He shook the canteen and frowned. \u201cHow much have you had to drink?\u201d he asked.<\/p>\n

Peterson shrugged. \u201cI don\u2019t know,\u201d the soldier replied sullenly. \u201cWhen I get thirsty, I drink.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou keep this up, and you\u2019ll be out of water by nightfall,\u201d Bailey warned. \u201cAnd we have another day before we get to the fort.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAw, sarge, you worry too much,\u201d Peterson said.<\/p>\n

Bailey turned to the rest of the men sprawled on the ground. \u201cListen to me, all of you,\u201d he said. \u201cWe have a lot of ground to cross and there\u2019s no water between here and the fort. You have to save your water. If you use it up, you\u2019re going to die out here.\u201d The men glared back at Bailey. No one said anything.<\/p>\n

Ben and Hoss watched the scene with concern. They had both drank from the canteens sparingly, giving Joe more than his share of their water. Only the one contents of one canteen was dwindling. Between them, they had two other, almost full canteens. Ben wondered what would happen when one of the soldiers ran out of water. He had no doubt that the soldiers would kill to get more water if they had to. Ben looked at Hoss, his face betraying his worry and fear.<\/p>\n

Bailey walked away from the men and sat by Ben and Hoss. \u201cWhen we get back to the fort, I swear I\u2019m going to have them all thrown out of the troop,\u201d Bailey muttered as he eased himself onto the ground. He looked over at Joe. \u201cHe\u2019s having a pretty rough time,\u201d Bailey commented.<\/p>\n

Ben looked at his son. Joe was still laying unmoving on the ground, exhausted by the pain and the walking. \u201cI don\u2019t know how much longer he can walk,\u201d Ben admitted. He turned back to Bailey. \u201cHow much farther to the fort?\u201d he asked.<\/p>\n

Bailey hesitated before he answered. \u201cWe\u2019re not even halfway there yet,\u201d he said finally. He looked at Ben. \u201cMaybe we should have stayed in that ravine.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben shook his head. \u201cNo, if we had stayed, we\u2019d all be dead by now,\u201d said Ben.<\/p>\n

\u201cI wish we could have found another way,\u201d Bailey said apologetically. \u201cI\u2019m sorry.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThere was no other way,\u201d replied Ben. He looked at Joe again and took a deep breath. \u201cThere was no other way,\u201d Ben said again softly.<\/p>\n

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

Four hours later, Bailey ordered his men to their feet. The shade in which they had been resting was rapidly disappearing as the sun rose high into the sky. The heat was coming in waves across the desert. Bailey knew there was no sense staying by the rocks any longer. They would be just as hot staying where they were as they would be if they were walking. And staying wouldn\u2019t get them any closer to the fort.<\/p>\n

Joe had drifted in and out of consciousness during the past four hours. When he was awake, he felt a throbbing pain in his shoulder. Joe had tried not to fade back into a dreamless sleep. But the pain, the heat and his exhaustion made it difficult for him to stay awake. He was vaguely aware of someone giving him water almost every time he woke up. He hadn\u2019t heard Hoss throwing aside a now empty canteen. He only knew that trying to stay awake took more energy than it was worth. He finally stopped fighting and let himself slip back into that dark world where he couldn\u2019t feel the pain and heat.<\/p>\n

Now he felt someone gently shaking him awake once more.<\/p>\n

\u201cJoe, \u201c Ben said with concern. \u201cWe have to get moving. Do you think you can walk?\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe looked up at his father through half opened eyes. He wanted to get up; in fact, he knew he had to get up. But he felt so tired. The thought of getting to his feet seemed a task more daunting than climbing a mountain.<\/p>\n

\u201cJoe,\u201d Ben said again, his voice more urgent. \u201cJoe, we have to get moving.\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe nodded and somehow managed to sit up. It seemed to take all his energy to accomplish that alone. His shoulders slumped forward.<\/p>\n

Ben grabbed Joe\u2019s uninjured arm and started pulling his son to his feet. Hoss grabbed Joe around the waist and pulled up. Between the two of them, Ben and Hoss managed to get Joe to his feet.<\/p>\n

Bailey had watched the Cartwrights with growing concern. Now he walked slowly to the trio. \u201cCan he walk?\u201d Bailey asked.<\/p>\n

Ben slipped Joe\u2019s arm over his shoulders. \u201cHe can walk,\u201d answered Ben. \u201cI don\u2019t know how far, but he can walk.\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe looked up at the sergeant with dull eyes. \u201cI can make it,\u201d he said in a weak voice.<\/p>\n

Bailey studied the men in front of him, then nodded. He turned abruptly and walked away.<\/p>\n

Hoss picked the two remaining canteens up off the ground and slipped the straps over his shoulder. Then he put his arm around Joe\u2019s waist. Joe winced slightly as Hoss\u2019 massive shoulder bumped his arm.<\/p>\n

Ben and Hoss started walking slowly, dragging Joe between them. Joe shuffled his feet; he was being pulled more than actually walking. His head lolled to one side, and his legs were rubbery. Joe held on to his father as tightly as he could.<\/p>\n

Bailey and the four soldiers were walking across the desert ahead of Ben and Hoss. Their pace was slow, but even still, the Cartwrights quickly lagged behind. Ben knew they had a long way to go to get to the fort. He wondered if they could get there.<\/p>\n

Somehow, Ben and Hoss managed to drag Joe across the barren ground for another two hours. All three were becoming exhausted. The soldiers ahead of them kept walking. None of them turned to help.<\/p>\n

The ragged band was approaching another cluster of rocks.. Ben saw the rocks and began searching them with his eyes, looking for a shady spot. He was looking ahead so intensely that he didn\u2019t notice Joe was falling until he felt his son\u2019s arm pulled away from him.<\/p>\n

\u201cBailey!\u201d Ben shouted in alarm. Joe had fallen away from Ben, and only Hoss\u2019 desperate snatch has prevent Joe from crashing to the ground. Hoss laid his brother gently on the ground.<\/p>\n

\u201cBailey!\u201d Ben shouted again. He knelt next to Joe and gently slapped his son on the cheek, trying to rouse him.<\/p>\n

Ben looked up as a shadow crossed Joe\u2019s face. Bailey stood over them, his face full of concern. The other soldiers stood a few feet away, watching impassively.<\/p>\n

Bailey knelt on the ground next to Ben. He watched as Hoss handed his father a canteen, and Ben poured a small trickle of water on Joe\u2019s face. Joe didn\u2019t react.<\/p>\n

\u201cHe\u2019s had it,\u201d said Carney as he watched Ben unsuccessfully trying to wake Joe. \u201cLet\u2019s leave him and get moving.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cShut up, Carney,\u201d barked Bailey.<\/p>\n

\u201cHe\u2019s slowing us down,\u201d complained Hoffman. \u201cWe\u2019d be better offer without him.\u201d<\/p>\n

Bailey glared at Hoffman until the soldier looked away uncomfortably.<\/p>\n

\u201cCarney\u2019s right,\u201d Bailey said reluctantly as he turned back to Ben. \u201cHe\u2019s not going to make it any further.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben looked up at the sergeant and then around him, as if seeking some unexpected help. Then he looked down at Joe. \u201cI\u2019ll stay with him,\u201d Ben said.<\/p>\n

\u201cNo!\u201d Hoss protested. \u201cYou can\u2019t stay here. Joe can\u2019t stay here.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben looked at Hoss. \u201cHe can\u2019t go any further, Hoss,\u201d Ben said softly.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll carry him,\u201d Hoss said in a firm voice.<\/p>\n

Ben looked at Bailey. \u201cHow far is it to the fort?\u201d Ben asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cIf we travel all night, we should get there by noon tomorrow,\u201d Bailey said.<\/p>\n

Ben looked at Hoss. \u201cThere\u2019s no way you can carry him for that long,\u201d Ben said. \u201cYou\u2019d kill him and yourself.\u201d Hoss started to protest again, but said nothing as he realized Ben was right. His face showed his worry and concern.<\/p>\n

Ben looked over to the rocks on his right. \u201cHelp me carry him over there,\u201d Ben said to Bailey and Hoss. \u201cWe\u2019ll find someplace to hole up until you can get back with some help.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben, Hoss and Bailey carried Joe to the outcropping of rocks. Once more, the other soldiers stood watching, making no effort to help. Ben saw a small patch of ground among the rocks, a ring of clear earth about ten feet in diameter. Ben nodded toward the clear ground, and the trio moved Joe into the rocks.<\/p>\n

As they laid Joe on the ground, Ben knelt beside his son. Joe was sweating profusely, and his breathing was rapid. Ben tried to make Joe comfortable, but there was little he could do.<\/p>\n

\u201cPa, I\u2019m staying with you,\u201d Hoss declared.<\/p>\n

Ben looked up at Hoss. \u201cNo,\u201d he said firmly. \u201cYou\u2019re going on to the fort.\u201d<\/p>\n

Hoss shook his head. \u201cI\u2019m not leaving you and Joe out here alone,\u201d he said. \u201cIn this heat, with Apaches all around, you got about as much chance as a mouse at a cat convention.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben shook his head again. \u201cYou\u2019re staying here isn\u2019t going to help,\u201d he said. \u201cI need to you to get to the fort, to get some help back here.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cBailey can bring back the help,\u201d Hoss said.<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd what if something happens to him?\u201d Ben said. \u201cDo you think one of those soldiers would bother to bring help? Or could find their way back here, even if they wanted to?\u201d<\/p>\n

Hoss hesitated, torn between the logic of what Ben said and his strong desire to stay.<\/p>\n

\u201cYour Pa\u2019s right,\u201d said Bailey softly. \u201cThere\u2019s a lot of ground between here and the fort. No telling what can happen. There\u2019s a better chance of help getting back here if we both go.\u201d<\/p>\n

Hoss knelt on the ground next to Joe. He stroked his brother\u2019s head gently.<\/p>\n

\u201cJoe,\u201d he said softly. \u201cI\u2019m going to get you some help. You hang on, you hear. I\u2019m coming back for you. I promise I\u2019m going to bring help back fast. You do what I say, and hang on.\u201d Ben nodded as he listened to Hoss.<\/p>\n

Hoss stood and put his hand on Ben\u2019s shoulder. He started to stay something, but seemed at a loss for words. He squeezed Ben\u2019s shoulder.<\/p>\n

Ben reached up and patted Hoss on the arm.<\/p>\n

Hoss slipped one of the canteens off his shoulder and handed it to Ben. He started to hand the second one to his father also, but Ben stopped him. \u201cYou\u2019ll need that,\u201d Ben said. \u201cYou\u2019ve got to get to the fort and bring back some help. We\u2019re counting on you, son.\u201d<\/p>\n

Hoss nodded and pulled the canteen strap up over his shoulder. He gave one last glance back at his unconscious brother on the ground. Then he turned. \u201cC\u2019mon,\u201d he said to Bailey. \u201cWe got a lot of ground to cover.\u201d<\/p>\n

Bailey nodded. The two big men walked out of the rocks.<\/p>\n

Ben turned his attention to his youngest son. He knew the heat and sun were as much a danger to Joe as the wound in his shoulder. Ben saw a small bit of a shadow near one of the rocks. He looked up at the sun, trying to calculate it\u2019s path. He looked back at the shadow once more. It wasn\u2019t much now, but Ben thought it would grow as the sun descended.<\/p>\n

At least, he hoped so.<\/p>\n

Ben slipped the strap of the canteen over his shoulder. Then he slipped his arms under Joe\u2019s shoulder. Thankful that his son was feeling nothing, Ben dragged Joe a foot or so across the ground toward the shadow. Ben sat on the ground, resting his back against the rocks. He pulled Joe up and toward him, letting Joe\u2019s head rest on his right shoulder. Ben slipped his arm behind Joe\u2019s back and pulled his son closer. Ben closed his eyes for a moment and sent a heartfelt plea for help to heaven. He opened his eyes and looked at Joe. With his left hand, he gentle pushed a lock of hair back off Joe\u2019s forehead, a gesture he had done many times. Ben wondered briefly if he would have to chance to do this again. With a quick shake of his head, Ben dismissed the thought. He\u2019d get Joe through this, he vowed.<\/p>\n

Ben glanced up at the sun in the cloudless sky once more. Then he settled back against the rocks to wait.<\/p>\n

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

Almost two hours passed before Joe began to stir. The shadows from the rocks had lengthened as the sun moved in the sky. Ben had periodically wiped Joe\u2019s face with a damp cloth, and had managed to force a bit of water into his son. Now, for the first time in hours, as Ben wiped Joe\u2019s face, his son began to wake.<\/p>\n

Joe moaned softly as Ben wiped his face. Ben quickly brought the canteen to Joe\u2019s lips, and trickled a bit of water into his son\u2019s mouth. Joe swallowed eagerly, then moaned again. Ben saw Joe wince as he tried to shift his body. Joe\u2019s head moved slowly, and then his eyes opened.<\/p>\n

For a moment, Joe\u2019s eyes had a glazed look. Then he seemed to focus. He glanced at the rocks around him, then looked up into his father\u2019s face.<\/p>\n

\u201cWelcome back,\u201d Ben said quietly.<\/p>\n

Joe nodded. His eyes searched the land around him again. Once more, he looked up at Ben. \u201cWhere are we?\u201d he said in a weak voice. \u201cWhere\u2019s Hoss?\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben ignored the first question; he had no real answer to it. \u201cHoss went on to the fort to get some help,\u201d Ben explained. \u201cHe\u2019ll be back soon,\u201d he continued optimistically.<\/p>\n

Joe nodded, then licked his lips. Ben quickly brought the canteen to Joe\u2019s mouth and let his son drink. When Ben pulled the canteen away, Joe nodded his thanks. He closed his eyes as he winced at the pain in his shoulder.<\/p>\n

After a minute, Joe\u2019s eyes fluttered open again. \u201cGuess I didn\u2019t make it,\u201d Joe said in a sad voice.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou did fine,\u201d Ben reassured him. \u201cYou made it farther than any of us thought you would.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYeah, but not to the fort,\u201d replied Joe. He looked up at Ben. \u201cAnd you\u2019re stuck here with me.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben gave him a small grin. \u201cI\u2019ll tell you a secret, Joe,\u201d said Ben. \u201cI was getting pretty tired myself. I\u2019d just as soon stay here with you than hike through that hot sand.\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe knew his father wasn\u2019t being entirely truthful, but he didn\u2019t argue. He looked out at the barren land, dotted with rocks. \u201cSure wish we had taken that stage,\u201d Joe said wistfully.<\/p>\n

\u201cNext time, I promise you, we will,\u201d answered Ben.<\/p>\n

\u201cIf there is a next time,\u201d said Joe.<\/p>\n

\u201cThere will be,\u201d Ben said quickly, hoping it was true. \u201cHoss will be back soon with some help, and you\u2019ll be home chasing those pretty girls before you know it.\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe didn\u2019t say anything for a minute. He seemed to be lost in thought. \u201cIt would have been nice if I had found someone special,\u201d said Joe softly.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019ll get your chance,\u201d Ben said. \u201cI promise you, Joe, you\u2019ll have plenty of time to search for someone.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cMaybe,\u201d Joe said, his voice fading. His eyes began to close. In a moment, he was asleep again.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019ll get your chance,\u201d Ben repeated softly. \u201cI promise you, Joe, you\u2019ll get your chance.\u201d<\/p>\n

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

The hot desert wind had turned into a cool evening breeze as the sun disappeared behind the mountains. Two figures sat next to a small fire in the rocks, one trying to keep warm, and one in an uncaring sleep. Ben had left Joe only long enough to gather some sticks and straw for the fire. He had kept the fire small partly to avoid attracting attention from any passing Apaches but mostly because he didn\u2019t want to leave Joe alone any longer than necessary while searching for fuel.<\/p>\n

Joe had awaken for brief periods during the afternoon, but he seemed to be conscious only long enough to drink some water and ask where he was in a confused voice. It worried Ben that he had repeatedly answered Joe\u2019s question, but Joe never seemed to understand him.<\/p>\n

But that was only one of Ben\u2019s worries. The canteen seemed to be alarmingly light and there was at least another day before help would arrive. Ben\u2019s stomach grumbled for food, but he couldn\u2019t leave Joe to hunt for something to eat. Ben doubted if Joe had the strength to eat anyway. The night brought out the animals that hunted the weak and injured. Ben heard the coyotes howling in the distance. Ben checked his gun to make sure it was loaded and handy.<\/p>\n

Joe\u2019s head was again resting on Ben\u2019s shoulder. Ben pulled his son close to his body, offering both warmth and comfort. But Joe was still in a deep sleep, unaware of his father\u2019s offerings and his worries.<\/p>\n

Ben fed a few more sticks into the fire, then leaned back against the rocks. His thoughts drifted to memories of happier times. He thought of Joe cackling with glee as he played tricks on his brothers. He remembered the proud look on his son\u2019s face as he broke the horses other said couldn\u2019t be ridden. Most of all, he remember the looks of affection and love Joe had given him through the years.<\/p>\n

Ben felt Joe stirring slightly, and his hand went automatically to the canteen on the ground next to him. Without hesitation, he brought the canteen to Joe\u2019s lips and trickled some water into his son\u2019s mouth. Ben\u2019s own mouth felt dry and gritty, but he didn\u2019t even consider giving himself a drink.<\/p>\n

Joe opened his eyes and looked up at his father. Ben waited for him to ask yet again about where they were. But this time, Joe seemed more alert. His eyes were bright and focused.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m sorry, Pa,\u201d said Joe in a voice that was barely a whisper.<\/p>\n

\u201cSorry?\u201d Ben said. \u201cWhat are you sorry about?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cFor\u2026being\u2026so much\u2026trouble,\u201d Joe whispered. He was finding it hard to talk.<\/p>\n

Ben stroked Joe\u2019s head. \u201cYou\u2019re no more trouble than your brothers,\u201d Ben said in a light voice. \u201cTrouble comes with the territory when you have three sons.\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe didn\u2019t seem to hear. He continued to look up at Ben with focused, intense eyes. \u201cBest father,\u201d he whispered. \u201cThank you.\u201d Joe grabbed Ben\u2019s hand and squeezed it.<\/p>\n

\u201cJoe,\u201d Ben said in a choked voice. \u201cYou can\u2019t give up. You have to hang on. It will just be a little while longer. Hoss will be here soon.\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe nodded, but he squeezed his father\u2019s hand again.<\/p>\n

Ben looked down at his hand. \u201cI remember the day you were born,\u201d Ben said softly. \u201cYou looked so small, much smaller than your brothers. I thought you might be a delicate baby. Then your hand gripped my finger. It was such a strong grip for such a tiny baby. I knew then that you\u2019d be strong.\u201d Ben looked over at Joe, who had fallen asleep once more. \u201cBe strong, Joe,\u201d Ben said. \u201cBe strong.\u201d<\/p>\n

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

Ben spent the night holding Joe tightly to him. He listened carefully to his son\u2019s breathing, and felt the beating of his son\u2019s heart. Ben was terrified that both would stop. But Joe seemed to have reached some sort of plateau. He didn\u2019t get any better, but he also didn\u2019t seem to be getting worse.<\/p>\n

Ben wasn\u2019t sure when he fell asleep. He knew he was exhausted from the worry, not to mention the heat and lack of water. He had tried not to give in to the fatigue. He wanted to keep awake in case Joe needed him. But at some point during the night, he had given in to the exhaustion.<\/p>\n

The sun shining into his eyes woke Ben with a start. He quickly looked down to Joe, and sighed with relief that his son seemed to be sleeping. He could hear Joe\u2019s even breathing and feel the steady pulse of his heart.<\/p>\n

Ben looked up at the sun and guessed it was about 8 am. It would be another four hours or so until Hoss reached the fort, and several hours after that before he could bring help back to them. Ben wondered if he and Joe could last that long.<\/p>\n

Ben pulled the almost empty canteen toward him. He took a small drink, knowing that he couldn\u2019t let himself become too dry. He had to stay as strong as possible, for Joe\u2019 sake. Ben decided not to wake Joe. The longer he slept, the less water he would want. And there was very little water left.<\/p>\n

Ben felt himself beginning to doze again as the day turned hot. He tried to stay awake but began to wonder if it would make any difference.<\/p>\n

The sound of a horse snorting brought Ben instantly alert. He wondered briefly if it was help or if was Apaches he heard. Ben decided quickly it didn\u2019t matter. He would beg help from whoever was out there. He would have begged help from the devil himself to save his son.<\/p>\n

Ben eased Joe off his shoulder, leaning him carefully against the rocks. Ben struggled to get to his feet. His muscles were stiff and sore, and his body was tired. Ben stood with effort, and walked slowly to edge of the rocks.<\/p>\n

Ben looked out and his face froze into an astonished stare. Riding briskly across the sandy ground was a big man with a huge white hat. He was followed by another big man wearing a sergeant\u2019s stripes. A wagon and a troop of soldiers trailed behind at a slower pace.<\/p>\n

Hoss urged his horse into a gallop, covering the final yards to the rocks at top speed. He halted his horse and leaped from the saddle. He pulled a canteen off his saddle and began running toward Ben.<\/p>\n

\u201cHoss!\u201d Ben croaked in a dry voice as the big man rushed forward.<\/p>\n

Hoss put his hands on his father\u2019s shoulders for a moment, then thrust the canteen into Ben\u2019s hands. He looked over Ben\u2019s shoulder. Hoss could see Joe leaning against the rocks, legs sprawled in front of him and head to the side. Hoss looked at Ben. \u201cJoe?\u201d he asked in a trembling voice.<\/p>\n

\u201cHe\u2019s alive,\u201d Ben said as he drank gratefully from the canteen. \u201cHe\u2019s in bad shape, but he\u2019s alive.\u201d<\/p>\n

Hoss nodded and rushed past Ben to his brother. Ben turned and followed, carrying the canteen to his youngest son.<\/p>\n

Hoss checked to confirm Joe was still breathing, then turned and yelled over his shoulder. \u201cDoc! Get over here. We need you fast!\u201d Hoss snatched the canteen from Ben\u2019s hands and began pouring water over Joe\u2019s face.<\/p>\n

\u201cHoss, be careful with the water,\u201d Ben cautioned.<\/p>\n

\u201cPa, we got enough water in that wagon to float a ship,\u201d Hoss answered. \u201cBailey filled up every barrel we could find at the fort.<\/p>\n

Ben looked back to the rocks, and saw Bailey climbing through them. The sergeant had two canteens in his hand. Another man carrying a black satchel followed Bailey through the rocks.<\/p>\n

Bailey handed a canteen to Ben, then looked down at Joe. He could see the young man was unconscious but breathing. \u201cGlad we made it in time,\u201d Bailey said with relief. He stepped back and let the man behind him approach. The man immediately knelt next to Joe and began examining him.<\/p>\n

\u201cThis is Doc Jamison,\u201d Bailey said to Ben. \u201cIf anyone can pull your boy through, he can.\u201d<\/p>\n

The doctor ignored both the introduction and the praise. He was pulling Joe\u2019s shirt open and ripping the bandage off Joe\u2019s shoulder. He reached into his bag and pulled out a jar. He began rubbing salve from the jar on Joe\u2019s shoulder.<\/p>\n

Ben stood and took a step back, giving the doctor more room. He watched the man work for a moment, then looked at Bailey.<\/p>\n

\u201cHow did you get here so soon?\u201d Ben asked in a confused voice.<\/p>\n

Hoss looked up at his father. \u201cWe got ourselves some horses,\u201d Hoss said with a grin. Ben looked even more confused.<\/p>\n

Bailey chuckled. \u201cMr. Cartwright, you sure got yourself a pair of sons,\u201d said Bailey as he laughed. \u201cWe came across some Apaches camped about ten miles from here,\u201d Bailey explained. \u201cThere were only four, but they had horses. I wanted to avoid them, but once Hoss saw those horses, there was no question of us going around.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s faster and easier to ride than walk,\u201d said Hoss in a reasonable voice.<\/p>\n

\u201cBut how did you get the horses?\u201d Ben asked.<\/p>\n

Bailey laughed and shook his head. \u201cWe followed an old army saying,\u201d said Bailey. He looked at Ben. \u201cWhen there\u2019s nothing left to do, you charge,\u201d Bailey said with a grin.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou charged?\u201d Ben said in astonishment.<\/p>\n

\u201cYep,\u201d said Hoss. \u201cWe came running at them, yelling like crazy men and shooting like we had all the ammunition in the world. Those Apaches were so surprised they didn\u2019t know what to do. They just got up and ran away.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben shook his head in amazement. \u201cI\u2019m surprised you got those other men to help you,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n

Bailey\u2019s face instantly grew serious. \u201cThey weren\u2019t exactly willing,\u201d Bailey admitted. \u201cHoss led the charge and I came up the rear. I threatened to put a bullet in any of them who didn\u2019t do what they were told.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cFour horses,\u201d said Ben slowly. \u201cWhat did you do?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHoss and I took two and left the other two for those yahoos,\u201d Bailey said. \u201cWe pointed the way to the fort, and then took off.\u201d Bailey shook his head. \u201cI doubt if we\u2019ll see any of them again.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben started to ask another question, but his attention was drawn back to his youngest son when he heard Joe groan. The doctor was continuing to work on him, but Joe\u2019s eyes were fluttering open. Ben knelt next to Joe and lightly stroked his head. Ben turned and looked a question at the doctor. The doctor smiled and nodded.<\/p>\n

Bailey watched the scene with a smile. Then he turned and yelled over his shoulder. \u201cSimms, get the rest of the men up here,\u201d Bailey shouted. \u201cWe got an injured soldier to get back to the fort.\u201d<\/p>\n

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

Joe sat on a chair on the porch outside the doctor\u2019s quarters. His arm was in a sling, and his face still looked thin. But his ready smile and the twinkle in his eyes had returned .Joe used both as he flirted with the Colonel\u2019s daughter who was sitting next to him.<\/p>\n

Ben and Hoss were crossing the parade ground of the fort, heading toward the doctor\u2019s office. Ben stopped when he saw the sight on the porch. Hoss stopped also.<\/p>\n

\u201cWould you look at that?\u201d Hoss said with a shake of his head. \u201cThe only girl within a hundred miles, and Joe\u2019s already got her sweet talked.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben smiled at the sight. \u201cWe\u2019d better go rescue that poor girl,\u201d Ben said. \u201cJoe will have her fetching and carrying for him in no time.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben and Hoss continued across the ground. Joe looked up and grinned as he saw them approaching. The Colonel\u2019s daughter also smiled at the men.<\/p>\n

\u201cHello, Mr. Cartwright, Hoss,\u201d she greeted them. \u201cJoe has been telling me about your ranch in Nevada. It sounds wonderful.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019ll have to come visit us sometime,\u201d Joe said gallantly. \u201cI\u2019ll show you the prettiest lake in all of Nevada.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019d like that,\u201d the girl said with a giggle.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019re more than welcome anytime, of course,\u201d Ben said with a smile. \u201cBut now, it\u2019s time for Joe to get some rest.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAw, Pa, \u201c Joe complained.<\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t start, Joseph,\u201d Ben said sternly. \u201cYou heard the doctor. You take a two hour nap every afternoon until we leave at the end of the week.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI have to be going anyway,\u201d the girl said. She stood and smiled sweetly at Joe. \u201cI\u2019ll see you later.\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe smiled back at the girl. \u201cI\u2019ll count on that,\u201d Joe replied.<\/p>\n

Ben watched as the girl sauntered off the porch. He turned back to Joe. \u201cStill searching?\u201d he asked with an arched eyebrow. Joe grinned and nodded.<\/p>\n

Hoss frowned. \u201cSearching? Searching for what?\u201d he asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cJust something I promised Joe,\u201d Ben said mysteriously. He turned to Joe. \u201cTime for that nap,\u201d he ordered his youngest son.<\/p>\n

Joe pulled himself slowly to his feet. The truth was, a nap sounded pretty good. He still felt weak and tired. He started into the doctor\u2019s office, then stopped. He turned back to Hoss and Ben. \u201cYou know, it\u2019s nice to know you two keep your promises,\u201d Joe said with a smile.<\/p>\n

Ben smiled back and nodded. Then he put a stern look on his face. \u201cI promise you I\u2019m going to carry you to that bed if you don\u2019t get in there and take a nap,\u201d Ben said.<\/p>\n

\u201cYes sir!\u201d replied Joe with a grin. He turned and went into the office.<\/p>\n

\u201cPa, I got a feeling I missed a lot out there,\u201d Hoss said.<\/p>\n

\u201cNo, Hoss,\u201d Ben said. \u201cYou didn\u2019t miss a thing. What you did was keep your promise to bring back some help. And for that, Joe and I are very grateful.\u201d<\/p>\n

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

<\/div>\n

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

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

Summary: Riding home and leading horses from an unplanned purchase, the Cartwrights encounter more trouble than they bargained for.<\/p>\n

Rating:\u00a0 T\u00a0\u00a0 (16,060 words)<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":10338,"featured_media":8581,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"template-full-width-post.php","format":"standard","meta":{"jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false,"_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":""},"categories":[2,23],"tags":[15,17,16],"class_list":["post-13914","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-actionadventure","category-drama","tag-ben","tag-hoss","tag-joe","wpcat-2-id","wpcat-23-id"],"a3_pvc":{"activated":true,"total_views":2011,"today_views":0},"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/04\/indians.jpg?fit=936%2C600&ssl=1","jetpack_likes_enabled":true,"jetpack-related-posts":[{"id":14010,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=14010","url_meta":{"origin":13914,"position":0},"title":"The Runaway Bride (by Susan G)","author":"SusanG","date":"March 20, 2007","format":false,"excerpt":"Summary:\u00a0 Joe claims he saw someone riding across a ridge on a moonlit night, but his family doesn\u2019t believe his story. Rating:\u00a0 T\u00a0\u00a0 (1,760 words)","rel":"","context":"In "Drama"","block_context":{"text":"Drama","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?cat=23"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/06\/Pine-Trees-Mist-01a.jpg?fit=575%2C970&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/06\/Pine-Trees-Mist-01a.jpg?fit=575%2C970&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/06\/Pine-Trees-Mist-01a.jpg?fit=575%2C970&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x"},"classes":[]},{"id":6768,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=6768","url_meta":{"origin":13914,"position":1},"title":"A Deadly Day (by rosecartwright)","author":"rosecartwright","date":"November 4, 2013","format":false,"excerpt":"Summary: \u00a0Joe is home sick, but things go downhill for this young Cartwright. \u00a0 Rated:\u00a0K+ (635 words)","rel":"","context":"In "Drama"","block_context":{"text":"Drama","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?cat=23"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/11\/2-joe.jpg?fit=237%2C221&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200},"classes":[]},{"id":13963,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=13963","url_meta":{"origin":13914,"position":2},"title":"The Hideaway (by Susan G)","author":"SusanG","date":"December 12, 2007","format":false,"excerpt":"Summary:\u00a0 Joe is accused of murder. Word Count: \u00a018,000 \u00a0Rated: \u00a0T","rel":"","context":"In "Drama"","block_context":{"text":"Drama","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?cat=23"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"","width":0,"height":0},"classes":[]},{"id":13964,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=13964","url_meta":{"origin":13914,"position":3},"title":"Nothing But the Truth (by Susan G)","author":"SusanG","date":"December 12, 2006","format":false,"excerpt":"Summary:\u00a0 On the precipice of an Indian uprising; can Ben prevent the unimaginable? Rating:\u00a0 T\u00a0\u00a0 (23,200 words)","rel":"","context":"In "Drama"","block_context":{"text":"Drama","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?cat=23"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/05\/Best-Day-He-Ever-Saw.jpg?fit=630%2C480&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/05\/Best-Day-He-Ever-Saw.jpg?fit=630%2C480&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/05\/Best-Day-He-Ever-Saw.jpg?fit=630%2C480&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x"},"classes":[]},{"id":13932,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=13932","url_meta":{"origin":13914,"position":4},"title":"Desperate Ride (by Susan G)","author":"SusanG","date":"December 12, 2004","format":false,"excerpt":"Summary:\u00a0 Overhearing news of a planned massacre at a Treaty Signing, Joe sets out on an impossible ride in order to save countless lives of Indians, soldiers, settlers, and importantly, Ben Cartwright. Rating:\u00a0 T\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 (5,200 words)","rel":"","context":"In "Action\/Adventure"","block_context":{"text":"Action\/Adventure","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?cat=2"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"","width":0,"height":0},"classes":[]},{"id":13909,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=13909","url_meta":{"origin":13914,"position":5},"title":"A Matter of Honor (by Susan G)","author":"SusanG","date":"December 12, 2007","format":false,"excerpt":"Summary:\u00a0 Joe's life is at stake when a soldier seeking glory captures an Indian medicine man; and it's up to Ben and Hoss to set events to right. 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