{"id":13956,"date":"2004-12-12T15:46:30","date_gmt":"2004-12-12T20:46:30","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=13956"},"modified":"2025-02-27T12:09:15","modified_gmt":"2025-02-27T17:09:15","slug":"night-stalker-by-susan-g","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=13956","title":{"rendered":"Night Stalker (by Susan G)"},"content":{"rendered":"

Summary:<\/strong>\u00a0 Tragedy strikes on the Ponderosa leaving Joe brutally attacked and his date dead.<\/p>\n

Rating:\u00a0 T\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 (25,215 words)<\/p>\n

Night Stalker<\/strong><\/p>\n

The full moon shone down brightly, reflecting itself on the lake and lighting the two young people in the buggy a few yards from the shore. Joe Cartwright had started the evening neatly attired in a crisp new shirt and tie. But now, his black string tie hung undone around his neck and the top three buttons of his white shirt were opened. Carrie Winters, who sat nestled in his arms, was responsible for the disarray, and she didn\u2019t regret it for a minute. Her head rested on Joe\u2019s shoulder and her hands slowly stroked Joe\u2019s neck and chest.<\/p>\n

Joe lowered his head and kissed Carrie again. She responded eagerly, pressing her lips tightly against Joe\u2019s mouth.<\/p>\n

Joe was a bit surprised at Carrie\u2019s eagerness. He had known her for years, but hadn\u2019t thought much about her in terms of a potential girlfriend. She was just someone who was part of a family that the Cartwrights had known for a long time. But for the last three weeks, Carrie had hinted and suggested and then practically demanded that Joe take her to the dance in Virginia City this Saturday night. Joe was agreeable. He liked Carrie well enough, and thought it would be fun.<\/p>\n

Now as they kissed in the carriage, a small part of Joe\u2019s mind was continuing to be surprised. Carrie was the one who wanted to leave the dance early, and had suggested to Joe that they drive down by the lake. She was the one who had initiated the first kiss and had insisted that Joe get \u201cmore comfortable.\u201d<\/p>\n

As Joe kissed and nuzzled Carrie with his lips, he began to think he might want to explore this relationship further. He wasn\u2019t sure exactly where things were going, but he was more than willing to find out. He liked Carrie, and if both their feelings could be nurtured into something more, that was fine with Joe.<\/p>\n

Carrie pulled back from Joe and smiled contentedly. \u201cAh, Joe,\u201d she said softly. \u201cYou have no idea how much I\u2019ve wanted to do this.\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe let the surprise cross his face. \u201cReally?\u201d he said. \u201cI mean, I didn\u2019t know you thought of me as anything more than just a friend.\u201d<\/p>\n

Carrie sighed. \u201cOh, Joe,\u201d she said. \u201cSometimes you can be so slow.\u201d Then she smiled wryly. \u201cOf course, it\u2019s been hard for you to notice me while you were sparking Mary Beth, and Judy and Susan and\u2026.\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe held up his hands. \u201cAll right, all right,\u201d he said with a laugh. \u201cYou don\u2019t need to go on.\u201d Joe leaned closer to Carrie. \u201cMaybe I\u2019ve been a little slow,\u201d he said, \u201cbut you certainly have my attention now.\u201d Joe leaned closer and kissed Carrie again.<\/p>\n

The two lovers were intent on each other. Neither noticed the dark figure standing in the trees a few feet away, hidden in the shadows. The figure gripped the rifle in his hand tightly, his knuckles practically white. He was angry. Angry at the girl who had rebuffed his advances so nonchalantly. And angry at the man who had what he wanted.<\/p>\n

Joe pulled back from Carrie and smiled. \u201cMiss Winters, you are not a proper young lady,\u201d he teased. \u201cYour father would come after me with a shotgun if he could see us now.\u201d<\/p>\n

Carried smiled back at Joe. \u201cThen let\u2019s not tell him,\u201d she said. Carrie looked toward the lake, with the moonlight shining down on the water. \u201cOh, Joe, the lake is so lovely. Could we go down by the shore?\u201d she asked.<\/p>\n

Joe grinned. \u201cI\u2019d love to go down by the lake,\u201d said Joe, \u201cbut walking along the shore isn\u2019t exactly what I have in mind.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNeither do I,\u201d replied Carrie with a sly smile.<\/p>\n

Joe climbed out of the buggy then turned to help Carrie out. He kissed her again just as her feet settled firmly on the ground. Then he put his arm around her. The pair started walking slowly toward the water. The dark figure in the shadows lifted his rifle. The moonlight barely gave him enough light to see. But it was enough for him.<\/p>\n

Joe and Carrie strolled slowly toward the water, oblivious to everything around them. Later, Joe couldn\u2019t remember if he heard the shot. All he remembered was a searing pain in his back. Joe arched his back and grunted in surprise. Then he toppled forward to the ground.<\/p>\n

Joe laid face down on the dirt as the pain seemed to radiate through his body. He thought he could hear screaming but he couldn\u2019t be sure. His brain was focused on the pain. The pain was so bad it took his breath away.<\/p>\n

Suddenly, the mist of agony seemed to abate for a minute. Joe could hear Carrie screaming. \u201cNo! No!\u201d she shouted. \u201cJoe, help me!\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe tried to get up but found he couldn\u2019t move. He lifted his head enough that he was able to see the edge of Carrie\u2019s dress as it seemed to be backing away from him. Joe saw a pair of dark boots walk by, slowly moving in Carrie\u2019s direction.<\/p>\n

\u201cNO! Don\u2019t!\u201d screamed Carrie in terror. \u201cGet away from me! Help!\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe tried once more to get up but the sickening pain came rushing back. The dark mist descended again and Joe slid into an abyss.<\/p>\n

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

The pounding and shouting woke Ben Cartwright from a deep sleep. For a moment, he was confused. He couldn\u2019t figure out who was making all the racket. The pounding and shouting continued, and Ben realized that someone was frantically trying to get through the front door on the floor below.<\/p>\n

Shaking the sleep from his eyes, Ben threw back the covers and sat up on the edge of his bed. He reached for the robe on the chair next to the bed, and quickly put it on. Ben rushed from his room and down the stairs. As he descended the stairs, he heard footsteps behind him.<\/p>\n

Ben opened the front door. He was surprised to see an angry and upset George Winters standing on the porch. Winters pushed past Ben and stalked into the house.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhere is he?\u201d Winters demanded angrily. \u201cWhere\u2019s that son of yours?\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben shook his head, trying to clear a brain still dulled by sleep. \u201cWho?\u201d Ben said in a confused voice. \u201cGeorge, what are you talking about?\u201d<\/p>\n

Winters turned and confronted Ben. \u201cI\u2019ll tell you what I\u2019m talking about!\u201d he shouted. \u201cIt\u2019s two o\u2019clock in the morning and Carrie\u2019s not home yet. Now where did that boy of yours take her?\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben\u2019s face showed surprised. He glanced over George\u2019s shoulder and saw that the clock indeed showed twenty after two. Ben glanced toward the stairs. He saw Adam and Hoss standing on the stairs, obviously routed from their beds as he was. Adam was wearing a pair of dark pants and had closed one of the middle buttons of a dark shirt. He was barefoot and his hair was disheveled. Hoss had a robe around his shoulders, but his bright green and white checked night shirt was clearly visible. He also was barefoot and his hair was in disarray.<\/p>\n

\u201cBoys, didn\u2019t Joe come home from the dance with you?\u201d asked Ben, his confusion still evident.<\/p>\n

\u201cNo,\u201d replied Hoss. \u201cHe and Carrie left early.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIf he\u2019s done something to Carrie, I swear I\u2019ll kill him!\u201d shouted Winters. \u201cNow where is he?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cCalm down, George, calm down,\u201d Ben said soothingly. He turned back to the stairs. \u201cAdam, check Joe\u2019s room,\u201d he said over his shoulder. Adam nodded and disappeared up the stairs.<\/p>\n

\u201cI should have never let Carrie go to the dance with him,\u201d Winters shouted. \u201cI should have insisted she meet him there.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cGeorge, calm down,\u201d Ben said again sharply. \u201cYou\u2019ve known Joe for most of his life. You know he wouldn\u2019t hurt Carrie.\u201d<\/p>\n

Before Winters could reply, Adam came rushing down the stairs. \u201cJoe\u2019s not in his room. Doesn\u2019t look like he\u2019s been home yet,\u201d Adam announced.<\/p>\n

\u201cSee, what did I tell you?\u201d shouted Winters. \u201cNow where is he?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cGeorge, Joe would never keep Carrie out this late,\u201d Ben said. \u201cSomething must have happened.\u201d Ben turned back to his sons. \u201cDo you have any idea where Joe and Carrie were going when they left the dance?\u201d<\/p>\n

Hoss wrinkled his nose. \u201cI think I heard Carrie telling Mary Lou something about talking Joe into taking her down by the lake,\u201d he said slowly. \u201cI wasn\u2019t paying much attention, though,\u201d he admitted.<\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s a lie!\u201d shouted Winters. \u201cYou\u2019re making Carrie sound like, like\u2026\u201d Winters\u2019 voice trailed off. He seemed confused as to what it made Carrie sound like. \u201cThat\u2019s a lie,\u201d he finally repeated.<\/p>\n

Ben laid a hand on Winters\u2019 shoulder. \u201cGeorge, calm down,\u201d Ben said once again. \u201cNo one is accusing Carrie of anything. Something must have happened.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSomething happened all right,\u201d shouted Winters. \u201cYour son enticed my daughter to the lake and, and\u2026\u201d Winters stopped. His eyes started to fill with tears. \u201cBen, she\u2019s my baby,\u201d he said in a miserable voice.<\/p>\n

\u201cI know, I know,\u201d said Ben soothingly. \u201cWhat I meant was the buggy must have broken down, or the horse may have run off. Something like that. Something must have prevented Joe from bringing Carrie home on time.\u201d Ben turned back to the stairs. \u201cGet dressed,\u201d he said to Hoss and Adam. \u201cWe\u2019ll go looking for them.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m sorry, Ben,\u201d Winters said in a low voice. \u201cI didn\u2019t mean to get so angry. It\u2019s just that I\u2019m so worried.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben nodded understandingly. \u201cI\u2019m worried, too, George,\u201d he said. \u201cWhy don\u2019t you go the barn and start saddling the horses. I\u2019ll get dressed. We\u2019ll be there in a few minutes.\u201d<\/p>\n

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

Four riders carrying lanterns rode through the night toward the lake. As they rode, Ben quizzed Adam and Hoss about where exactly Joe might have been headed.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe cove is one of his favorite spots,\u201d said Hoss in answer to Ben\u2019s question. \u201cHe might have gone there. Or he could have gone over toward Hunter\u2019s Point. The road runs real close to the lake there.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou boys check the cove,\u201d said Ben. \u201cGeorge and I will head toward Hunter\u2019s Point. If you find anything, fire two shots. If you don\u2019t see anything, meet us at the Point and we\u2019ll decide where to go next.\u201d<\/p>\n

Once they reached the lake, the riders split up. Ben and George Winters rode toward Hunter\u2019s Point, while Adam and Hoss turned west toward the cove. As they rode, Ben and George Winters held theirs lanterns high and called the names of their children. They stopped occasionally to listen for an answer, but the only reply was the chirping of crickets.<\/p>\n

Ben and Winters were nearing Hunter\u2019s Point when Ben heard the snicker of a horse. He stopped and held his lantern high, peering through the dark. Up ahead, he thought he could make out the outline of a buggy sitting in the road. Ben kicked his horse forward, and knew Winters was doing the same.<\/p>\n

Ben recognized the buggy as he rode up to it; it was definitely the buggy Joe had used to take Carrie dance. He pulled his horse to a stop and quickly dismounted. He rushed forward, then stopped. A confused look came over his face as he saw the buggy was empty, the horse waiting patiently in front. Ben held the lantern in his hand high over his head and looked around anxiously. \u201cJoe?\u201d called Ben into the night. \u201cJoe? Are you here?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cCarrie!\u201d echoed Winters. \u201cCarrie, where are you?\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben walked around the back of the carriage, heading toward the lake. He hadn\u2019t taken more than a few steps when he saw the dark shape of body laying on the ground ahead of him. Ben rushed forward, his heart in his throat.<\/p>\n

\u201cJoe!\u201d Ben cried in anguish as he recognized the body on the ground before him. Ben quickly knelt next to his son and brought the lantern closer. Ben felt the fear growing in his stomach as he saw the large red patch of blood covering his son\u2019s back. \u201cJoe!\u201d cried Ben again in a choked voice.<\/p>\n

Ben quickly felt Joe\u2019s neck and almost sobbed with relief when he felt the faint throb of a pulse. He quickly tore open the jagged hole in Joe\u2019s shirt, exposing the bullet wound in his son\u2019s back. As he examined the wound, Ben was barely conscious of George Winters standing behind him, shouting his daughter\u2019s name.<\/p>\n

The bullet had struck Joe just under his shoulder blade. In the dark, Ben couldn\u2019t tell how deep the bullet had gone. The bleeding had almost stopped, and he could hear Joe\u2019s faint but steady breathing. Ben guessed the bullet had missed his son\u2019s lung, but he had no idea what other damage it may have caused. Ben quickly reached into the inside pocket of his vest and pulled out a large white handkerchief. He pressed the square cloth firmly against the wound.<\/p>\n

\u201cBen, where\u2019s Carrie?\u201d Ben heard George Winters ask in a frantic voice. \u201cI can\u2019t see her? Where is she?\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben ignored Winters as he slowly turned Joe face up and gently lifted his son off the ground. Even in the dim light, Ben could tell Joe looked deathly pale. Joe\u2019s eyes were closed and his jaw was slack Suddenly, a hand reached over Ben\u2019s shoulder and grabbed the front of Joe\u2019s shirt. \u201cWhere\u2019s Carrie?\u201d shouted Winters angrily. \u201cWhat did you do with my daughter?\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben pushed Winter\u2019s hand away. \u201cHe\u2019s unconscious, barely alive,\u201d Ben said heatedly. Then he took a deep breath. He knew the anguish Winters was feeling. Ben felt it himself. He looked over his shoulder. Winters was looking down at Joe, his face reflecting the fear in both father\u2019s hearts. \u201cSignal for Adam and Hoss,\u201d Ben said quietly.<\/p>\n

Winters nodded and pulled his gun from his holster. As Winters fired two shots in the air, Ben looked around quickly. He frowned as he looked toward the lake. \u201cGeorge, it looks like there\u2019s some tracks leading toward the lake,\u201d Ben said. He scarcely got the words out before Winters turned and walked slowly toward the lake.<\/p>\n

Ben turned back to Joe. He began stroking Joe\u2019s face and saying his son\u2019s name, trying to rouse him. Suddenly a loud cry sounded through the night air. Ben froze, then closed his eyes.<\/p>\n

\u201cNO!\u201d came the cry again from George Winters, his voice filled with grief. \u201cOh, no, please God, no!\u201d The cry was followed by a loud sob.<\/p>\n

Ben took a deep breath. He knew George Winters had found his daughter.<\/p>\n

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

Adam and Hoss turned their horses and raced along the lake as soon as they heard the shots. As soon as they saw the buggy in the road, both men pulled their horses to a stop and dismounted quickly. Adam and Hoss ran toward the figure of the father kneeling on the ground, silhouetted by the lamplight.<\/p>\n

\u201cPa!\u201d said Hoss as he raced toward the figures. He stopped, and felt a strange, choking feeling in his throat as he saw the figure of his younger brother cradled in his father\u2019s arms. \u201cJoe?\u201d Hoss managed to ask in a hoarse whisper.<\/p>\n

Ben looked up. \u201cHe\u2019s shot in the back,\u201d Ben answered, his face showing his worry. \u201cHe\u2019s still alive, but he\u2019s hurt bad.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam looked around. \u201cWhere\u2019s George?\u201d he asked. \u201cAnd Carrie?\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben gestured with his head toward the lake. \u201cGeorge is down by the lake with Carrie,\u201d he answered softly. Ben saw the questioning look on his sons\u2019 faces and he shook his head. Both Adam and Hoss looked down.<\/p>\n

\u201cAdam, ride to town. Bring the doctor to the house ,\u201d Ben ordered. \u201cAnd tell Roy Coffee to get out here.\u201d Ben turned to Hoss as Adam raced back to his horse. \u201cI need you to help me get Joe into the buggy. I was afraid to move him by myself. I can\u2019t tell how deep the bullet is in there and I didn\u2019t want to move him without help.\u201d<\/p>\n

Hoss nodded and knelt on the ground next to Joe. For a moment, he stared at the pale, unmoving figure in Ben\u2019s arms. He brushed the hair from Joe\u2019s forehead. \u201cHang in there, little brother,\u201d Hoss said softly. His face took on a grim look as he slid his massive arm behind Joe\u2019s back, just under Ben\u2019s arm. Hoss reached down and slid his other arm under Joe\u2019s knees. He looked up at Ben and nodded. The two men rose together, lifting Joe gently off the ground.<\/p>\n

Ben and Hoss walked slowly toward the buggy, carrying the unconscious Joe carefully. Joe\u2019s head flopped to the side, resting against Ben\u2019s arm. When Ben and Hoss reached the buggy, they gently eased Joe into it. Joe sagged in the seat.<\/p>\n

Ben put his arm on Hoss\u2019 shoulder. \u201cHoss, you stay here with George,\u201d said Ben. \u201cHelp him if you can.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYes sir,\u201d Hoss said with a nod. Hoss looked at Joe with concern as Ben rushed around the back of the buggy and climbed into the other side. Ben quickly grabbed the reins which were resting in the buggy. He snapped the reins and the horse began to move. Ben turned the buggy and started off into the dark. Hoss stood watching for a minute, then turned and began walking slowly toward the lake.<\/p>\n

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

Dawn was just beginning to break as the riders rode into the yard of the Ponderosa. The faces of Hoss Cartwright, George Winters and Roy Coffee were haggard with fatigue and grief. The three men stopped their horses at the hitching post in front of the house, dismounted, and tied their horses to the post. Then the three walked slowly toward the house, with Hoss in the lead.<\/p>\n

Hoss pushed open the front door and looked in anxiously. He saw Adam sitting in the red chair near the fireplace. Adam had a book in his hand, but his gaze was fixed toward the top of the stairs.<\/p>\n

\u201cHow\u2019s Joe?\u201d asked Hoss, almost dreading the answer.<\/p>\n

Adam looked startled, as if he hadn\u2019t heard the front door open. He turned to Hoss with a grim look. \u201cPa and the doctor are still upstairs,\u201d he answered. Adam shook his head as if trying to clear his thoughts. He saw Roy Coffee and George Winters standing behind Hoss, and his face showed surprise.<\/p>\n

\u201cGeorge, what are you doing here?\u201d Adam started to say more, then stopped himself. He seemed at a loss for words. Finally, he simply said, \u201cI\u2019m sorry about Carrie.\u201d<\/p>\n

Winters nodded. \u201cWe were hoping to talk to Joe,\u201d he said in a grim voice. \u201cWe were hoping he could tell us what happened.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam looked at Hoss quizzically.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2019ve been searching the whole area down by the lake,\u201d Hoss explained. \u201cWe found some tracks. Looks like somebody was standing the in the trees, then walked toward the lake. The tracks led right to\u2026to Carrie,\u201d Hoss finished lamely. He looked over his shoulder at Winters but Winters stood unmoving as Hoss talked, his face looking as if it had been carved from stone.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe tracks led away from the lake,\u201d Roy Coffee added, \u201cbut then they headed right to the road. That road was covered with hoofprints and buggy marks. No way to tell which way the fella went once he got to the road.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cGeorge,\u201d said Adam in a sympathetic voice. \u201cShouldn\u2019t you be home? Katherine will need you.\u201d<\/p>\n

Winters shook his head. \u201cI can\u2019t face Katherine,\u201d he said firmly. \u201cNot til I know who\u2026\u201d Winter\u2019s voice broke and he put his head down for a moment. Then he raised his head again. \u201cNot til I know who killed my little girl,\u201d he finished.<\/p>\n

Adam\u2019s eyes opened in surprise, and he looked at Hoss.<\/p>\n

\u201cRoy told Mrs. Winters,\u201d Hoss said in a quiet voice. \u201cMrs. Perkins and some other ladies are with her.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAdam, Hoss here tells me he didn\u2019t notice anything unusual at the dance,\u201d said Roy Coffee. \u201cHow about you? Did you see anything that might tell us who went after Carrie and Joe?\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam shook his head. \u201cNo, Roy, I didn\u2019t,\u201d he said. \u201cI\u2019ve been going over the whole evening in my mind. I can\u2019t think of anything that might help.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cDid you see anybody talking with Joe?\u201d pressed Roy. \u201cYou know, angry like?\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam shook his head again. \u201cNo,\u201d he said. \u201cJoe was with Carrie every time I saw him. I didn\u2019t see him talking to anyone but her.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHow about Carrie?\u201d asked Roy. \u201cDid you see anybody talking to her?\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam thought for a minute. \u201cI saw a couple of fellows coming up to her, like they were asking her to dance. She refused all of them.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWere they angry about it?\u201d asked the sheriff, his voice hopeful.<\/p>\n

\u201cNot that I could see,\u201d answered Adam. \u201cI really didn\u2019t pay much attention, though.\u201d<\/p>\n

Coffee turned to Hoss. \u201cHoss, tell me again what you heard Carrie telling Mary Lou,\u201d he asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cI done told you, Roy,\u201d Hoss said, his voice tinged with exasperation. \u201cShe came up and told Mary Lou that she thought she had talked Joe into taking her down by the lake. They both kind of giggled, and Mary Lou kind of squeezed Carrie\u2019s arm. And that was it.\u201d<\/p>\n

Roy shook his head. \u201cI don\u2019t understand it,\u201d he said. \u201cThere don\u2019t seem to be any reason for what happened.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIt was obviously some sort of madman,\u201d said Winters. \u201cHe must have come upon them and\u2026\u201d Winters voice broke again.<\/p>\n

Adam walked forward and put his hand on Winter\u2019s shoulder. \u201cGeorge, why don\u2019t you go home?\u201d he said softly.<\/p>\n

Winters looked up at Adam. \u201cI\u2019m not leaving until I heard what Joe has to say,\u201d he said angrily. \u201cI have to talk with him.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThat won\u2019t happen for quite a while,\u201d a voice said from the stairs.<\/p>\n

Everyone in the room turned to face the stairs. Doctor Paul Martin was walking slowly down the stairs.<\/p>\n

Hoss rushed forward. \u201cDoc, how\u2019s Joe?\u201d he asked in a worried voice.<\/p>\n

\u201cThat brother of yours is the luckiest man on earth,\u201d answered the doctor. \u201cIf that bullet had been an inch higher and to the right\u2026\u201d The doctor shook his head. \u201cThe bullet tore up a lot of muscle and tissue but it missed everything important. Joe\u2019s lost a lot of blood, though. He\u2019s very weak. He\u2019s also got a high fever, which isn\u2019t surprising since it appears he was shot several hours ago.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cBut he\u2019s going to be all right, isn\u2019t he?\u201d Adam pressed the doctor.<\/p>\n

\u201cHe\u2019s got a good chance,\u201d Dr. Martin said cautiously. \u201cI\u2019m going to stay here and keep an eye on him until he\u2019s out of danger.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cDoc, we need you to take a look at\u2026at Carrie,\u201d said Roy Coffee. He glanced over his shoulder at George Winters, then took a deep breath. \u201cIt looks like she was strangled or her neck was broken. I can\u2019t tell for sure.\u201d Roy looked down at the floor and shifted his feet uncomfortably. \u201cHer dress was torn,\u201d Roy said in a quiet voice. \u201cI need to know if\u2026\u201d Roy\u2019s voice trailed off.<\/p>\n

\u201cI understand, Roy,\u201d the doctor said quickly. \u201cBut my going back to town now isn\u2019t going to help Carrie. My staying here could make the difference for Joe.\u201d Doctor Martin looked<\/p>\n

apologetically toward Winters. \u201cI\u2019m sorry, George,\u201d he said. \u201cI know how hard this must be for you and Katherine. I\u2019ll get to town as soon as I can.\u201d The doctor turned toward Roy Coffee. \u201cDid you take the\u2026Carrie to the funeral parlor?\u201d he asked.<\/p>\n

Roy nodded. \u201cYes, but I told them not to do anything until you got there,\u201d Roy answered.<\/p>\n

\u201cWalter will know what to do,\u201d said Doctor Martin. He looked again at Winters. \u201cGeorge, why don\u2019t you go home to Katherine?\u201d suggested the doctor. \u201cI\u2019ll let you know when you can start making arrangements.\u201d<\/p>\n

Winters had stood silent throughout the whole exchange, his face grim. Now he shook his head. \u201cNo, I want to stay here,\u201d he said stubbornly. \u201cI want to talk with Joe as soon as he\u2019s awake.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cGeorge, that won\u2019t be until tomorrow at the earliest,\u201d said Doctor Martin gently.<\/p>\n

\u201cPaul, Joe seems restless,\u201d a voice said from the stairs. Ben walked slowly from the landing of the staircase to the big room below. \u201cHe seems to be in some pain,\u201d continued Ben.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll check on him,\u201d said Dr. Martin. He quickly turned and walked up the stairs.<\/p>\n

Ben started to follow the doctor, then stopped. He turned back to the men standing in the room. \u201cJoe hasn\u2019t been able to say anything,\u201d said Ben in a tired voice. \u201cDid you find any clues as to whom might have done this?\u201d<\/p>\n

Hoss shook his head. \u201cNo, Pa,\u201d he answered. \u201cWe found some tracks but they disappeared when the rider got to the road.\u201d Hoss look at his father, his face pinched with worry. \u201cThe doctor said he thought Joe was going to make it,\u201d said Hoss, more asking a question then making a statement.<\/p>\n

\u201cHe\u2019s hurt bad,\u201d replied Ben. \u201cBut the doctor said his breathing and pulse are good.\u201d Ben shook his head. \u201cAll we can do is wait.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cBen, I want to talk with Joe as soon as he\u2019s awake,\u201d said Winters in a firm voice as he walked to Ben. \u201cI want to know who did this.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSo do I, George,\u201d replied Ben grimly. \u201cBut I\u2019m not going to risk my son\u2019s life. You can talk with him as soon as the doctor says so.\u201d Ben looked at Winters firmly. \u201cAnd not until the doctor says so,\u201d he added.<\/p>\n

\u201cBen, somebody killed my little girl,\u201d said Winters angrily. \u201cYour son\u2019s still alive.\u201d Suddenly, Winters put his head down and let out a small sob. He raised his head and looked at Ben, tears forming in his eyes. \u201cYour son is still alive and my baby is dead,\u201d Winters said again in a choked voice. \u201cI\u2019m sorry, but I\u2019d give anything to it the other way around. God forgive me but I wish it was Joe we were getting ready to bury and Carrie in that room upstairs.\u201d Winters put his head down and began to sob.<\/p>\n

Ben walked over and put his hand on Winters\u2019 shoulder. \u201cI know, George,\u201d he said softly.<\/p>\n

\u201cBelieve me, I know I\u2019d feel the same way if things were different.\u201d Ben looked up at Roy Coffee. \u201cRoy, why don\u2019t you take George home?\u201d said Ben. \u201cI\u2019ll send word to you as soon as the doctor says you can see Joe.\u201d<\/p>\n

Roy nodded and walked over to Winters. The sobbing had stopped but Winters still had his head down. Roy gently took Winters by the arm and turned him toward the door. Winters looked up. He walked without protest as Roy Coffee led him across the room and out the front door.<\/p>\n

The Cartwrights stood silently in the room. None knew quite what to say. Finally, Adam broke the silence. \u201cPa,\u201d he asked \u201care you sure Joe didn\u2019t say anything that might identify who did this?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo, Adam,\u201d said Ben wearily. \u201cHe hasn\u2019t said anything since we found him.\u201d Ben looked at his other two sons. \u201cBut I promise you, we\u2019re going to find whoever did this, and he\u2019s not going to get away with this.\u201d Ben looked toward the front door. \u201cWhoever it is, he\u2019s going to pay for this,\u201d Ben said grimly.<\/p>\n

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

Joe slept through the rest of the day, burning with fever. The painful wound forced Joe to surface from time to time from his exhausted sleep. In a semi-conscious state, all Joe knew was that he was in agony. He heard sounds but nothing made sense to him. He didn\u2019t know the sounds he heard were his own cries of distress.<\/p>\n

Joe\u2019s moans of pain quickly resulted in another dose of laudanum from the doctor. The doctor also regularly forced medicine to fight the fever and infection into his patient.<\/p>\n

Ben sat in silent vigil by Joe\u2019s bed throughout the day. He ignored Adam and Hoss\u2019 attempts to get him to rest or eat. Ben had an irrational fear that if he left Joe, his son would take a turn for the worst. Ben knew his presence had little or no affect on Joe\u2019s condition, and the doctor kept reassuring him that Joe was doing as well as could be expected. But still Ben refused to leave.<\/p>\n

By dusk, Ben was exhausted. His face was drawn from worry and fatigue. He sat slumped in the chair next to Joe\u2019s bed, his eyes barely able to stay open.<\/p>\n

Doctor Martin walked into the room, refreshed by a brief nap. He stopped at the door and shook his head as he looked at Ben. Then he took a deep breath and walked to the bed where Joe laid swathed in bandages. Strips of white cloth were visible over Joe\u2019s left shoulder. Joe was laying on his back, his head sunk deep into the pillows. His skin looked pale and pasty, and his breathing was shallow.<\/p>\n

\u201cAny change?\u201d asked the doctor.<\/p>\n

Ben stirred in the chair. \u201cI\u2019m sorry, Paul,\u201d said Ben in weary voice. \u201cI didn\u2019t hear you come in.\u201d He looked to the bed. \u201cI think his fever is down a bit, and he seems to be resting easier.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cBen, you need some rest,\u201d said the doctor with concern.<\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t start that again,\u201d answered Ben angrily.<\/p>\n

Doctor Martin sighed and turned to his patient. He pulled a stethoscope out of his pocket, and put the tube in his ears. Bending forward, the doctor listened to Joe\u2019s heart. A brief frown crossed his face. The doctor quickly put his hand on Joe\u2019s forehead.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat\u2019s wrong?\u201d asked Ben in alarm as he noted the doctor\u2019s face.<\/p>\n

Doctor Martin said nothing for a minute. Then he turned and smiled. \u201cNothing\u2019s wrong,\u201d he said. \u201cIn fact, everything\u2019s right. Joe\u2019s fever has broken.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben sat back in the chair and let out a sigh of relief. \u201cThank you, Paul,\u201d said Ben gratefully.<\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t thank me,\u201d replied the doctor with a smile. \u201cThank that Cartwright constitution.\u201d Doctor Martin\u2019s face turned grim. \u201cAnd thank the Lord whoever did this was a poor shot.\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe moved on the bed, and the movement caused him to let out a small groan. Ben bent forward and gently stroked his son\u2019s arm. \u201cEasy, Joe,\u201d he said in a soothing voice. \u201cEverything\u2019s all right. Just lay still.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cPa?\u201d said Joe in a barely audible voice. His eyes flickered as he struggled to open them. \u201cPa?\u201d he said again.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m here, son,\u201d Ben said quietly. \u201cYou just take it easy now.\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe felt tired, as tired as he could ever remember. And his back hurt something fierce. But he knew he had to tell his Pa something. Joe tried to wake up. He had to tell his Pa something, but he couldn\u2019t remember what it was. Joe shook his head a bit. He felt groggy, his thinking dull. I have to tell Pa, he thought. Joe shook his head again. What was it he had to tell Pa?<\/p>\n

Ben looked up at the doctor anxiously as he saw Joe shaking his head and fighting to open his eyes.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s the medicine,\u201d the doctor reassured his old friend. \u201cIt\u2019s making him sleepy. And he\u2019s still pretty weak. He should start to come out of it soon.\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe heard the voices and understood some of the words. He fought hard to try to wake up. Finally, making a monumental effort to accomplish a simple task, Joe managed to open his eyes.<\/p>\n

At first, everything looked a bit blurry. Joe blinked several times and once again tried to shake his head. Finally, Ben\u2019s face, looking anxious and tired, came into focus.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou don\u2019t look so good,\u201d Joe said. He tried to smile but it was a poor effort.<\/p>\n

\u201cIf you think I look bad, you should see yourself,\u201d answered Ben with a grin. Then his face turned serious. \u201cJoe, do you remember what happened?\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe frowned as he tried to remember. \u201cCarrie and I were down by the lake,\u201d he said slowly. \u201cWe were walking toward the lake.\u201d Joe shook his head. \u201cThat\u2019s all I remember.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben glanced up at the doctor.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt may come back to him once the medicine wears off, \u201c the doctor said.<\/p>\n

Joe looked at his father, his face showing his confusion. \u201cPa, what happened?\u201d he asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat happened to Carrie? Is she all right?\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben looked up at the doctor once again. Paul Martin just shrugged. Ben turned back to Joe who was watching him. Joe\u2019s face showed the confusion and the anxiety he was beginning to feel. Ben chewed on his lip for a minute, as he tried to form the words.<\/p>\n

\u201cJoe, we\u2019re really not sure what happened,\u201d said Ben slowly. \u201cWe found you down by the lake with a bullet in your back.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd Carrie?\u201d Joe asked anxiously.<\/p>\n

Adam and Hoss were walking down the corridor toward Joe\u2019s room. They had decided to try one more time to get their father to take a break. They were a few feet from Joe\u2019s door when they heard a sound that send shivers up their spine.<\/p>\n

\u201cNO!\u201d said a loud voice. The cry was followed by a moan. \u201cOh, No, No,\u201d the voice moaned.<\/p>\n

Adam and Hoss looked at each other and both men rushed to Joe\u2019s room. They stopped in the doorway, frozen by the scene in front of them.<\/p>\n

Joe was lying on the bed, his right hand over his eyes. He was moaning softly. Ben was hunched forward in the chair, his hand stroking Joe\u2019s shoulder. Doctor Martin stood near the bed, his face showing concern.<\/p>\n

\u201cPa, what\u2019s wrong?\u201d Hoss asked from the doorway.<\/p>\n

Ben looked over his shoulder at Adam and Hoss. \u201cI told Joe about Carrie,\u201d he answered softly.<\/p>\n

Adam and Hoss looked at each other. Hoss swallowed hard. \u201cI\u2019m sorry, Joe,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n

Joe took his hand from his eyes and looked up. Tears glistened in his eyes. \u201cWhy, Hoss?\u201d he asked. \u201cWho would do this?\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam looked at his brother. \u201cJoe, do you know who shot you?\u201d he asked.<\/p>\n

Joe shook his head. Joe squeezed his eyes shut and his body began to tremble. \u201cI\u2019m sorry, Carrie,\u201d he mumbled. \u201cI\u2019m so sorry.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cJoe, it wasn\u2019t your fault,\u201d said Ben. \u201cYou didn\u2019t do anything wrong.\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe didn\u2019t answer. He merely turned his head away.<\/p>\n

\u201cJoe,\u201d Ben tried again, \u201cwhoever did this, he\u2019s responsible for Carrie\u2019s death. Not you.<\/p>\n

You\u2019re the victim in this, just as much as Carrie.\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe didn\u2019t say anything. Suddenly, he felt tired, so tired. Involuntarily, his eyes began to close. He fought the feeling briefly, then gave up the struggle. In a minute, Joe was asleep. Once more, Ben looked up at the doctor.<\/p>\n

\u201cHe\u2019s so weak, Ben,\u201d explained Doctor Martin. \u201cHe\u2019s probably expended what little energy he had. And he\u2019s still feeling the effects of the medicine. He\u2019ll sleep for awhile.<\/p>\n

I\u2019m going to leave you some sleeping powders, though. He might need them later.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben nodded and then looked back to his son with concern. \u201cHe took the news of Carrie\u2019s death so hard,\u201d Ben said. \u201cI didn\u2019t know he felt so deeply about her.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI wouldn’t read too much into that,\u201d cautioned the doctor. \u201cHis emotions are pretty raw right now. The pain, the medicine, everything that happened, well, he\u2019s just feeling overwhelmed.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cJoe\u2019s known Carrie a long time,\u201d said Hoss. \u201cI remember him chasing her around the school yard with a frog.\u201d<\/p>\n

Doctor Martin nodded. \u201cYes, and I\u2019ve seen the way Carrie has been mooning after Joe for the past few weeks,\u201d added the doctor with a smile. \u201cJoe never even noticed.\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe stirred slightly on the bed and grunted softly. Then he seemed to settle into a deep sleep.<\/p>\n

The doctor walked over the table where a black bag was standing open. He pulled the stethoscope from around his neck and stuck in the bag, then click the stiff leather closed. He picked up his coat, which was draped over the back of a chair and quickly slid into it.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll be back in the morning to check on him,\u201d said the doctor. \u201cJust let him sleep as much as possible until then.\u201d The doctor looked at Ben. \u201cAnd you get some rest, Ben\u201d he said in a stern voice.<\/p>\n

Ben didn\u2019t look at the doctor. His gaze was fixed on his sleeping son. \u201cIn a bit,\u201d answered Ben in a distracted voice.<\/p>\n

The doctor looked at Ben and shook his head. He walked across the room to where Hoss and Adam were standing. With a nod of his head, he motioned them into the hall.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou boys make sure Ben gets some rest,\u201d the doctor said to them as the three stood outside Joe\u2019s door. \u201cOne sick Cartwright at a time is about all I can handle.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t worry, doc,\u201d Hoss assured him. \u201cWe\u2019ll take care of Pa.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSee that you do,\u201d said the doctor sternly. Then he sighed. \u201cI\u2019d best get to town and take a look at Carrie,\u201d he said. \u201cThis is the part of this job I really hate.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cDo you think you\u2019ll be able to tell us anything that might help?\u201d asked Adam.<\/p>\n

\u201cI won\u2019t know for sure until tell I examine her,\u201d said the doctor. \u201cBut I doubt it.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam shook his head. \u201cWho could have done this?\u201d he wondered.<\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t know, Adam,\u201d said the doctor. \u201cI just don\u2019t know.\u201d The doctor sighed again. \u201cI\u2019ll be back in the morning,\u201d he said. \u201cProbably with Roy Coffee. Send for me if Joe\u2019s fever goes up or there\u2019s any other change. And make sure Ben gets some rest.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWe will,\u201d repeated Hoss.<\/p>\n

Doctor Martin glanced into the bedroom one last time. \u201cJoe was lucky,\u201d he said. \u201cBut I don\u2019t think he\u2019s going to feel that way for awhile\u2026.for quite awhile.\u201d<\/p>\n

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

Joe slept restlessly through the night. He was too weak and tired to really wake, but the anguish he was feeling – both physical and mental – kept him from resting comfortably.<\/p>\n

Hoss and Adam finally forced Ben to get some sleep. It was more the fact that Ben found himself dozing by Joe\u2019s bed than Hoss\u2019 threat of carrying his father to his room that forced Ben to get some rest. Ben wanted to be there when Joe woke again, He was afraid he might not be alert enough to help his son if he didn\u2019t get at least a few hours sleep. So Ben headed to his room after extracting promises from Adam and Hoss to wake him if Joe came around.<\/p>\n

Hoss was sitting by Joe\u2019s bed when Adam came in to relieve him. Adam wasn\u2019t sure of the time. He knew it was after midnight. He had slept for a few hours but had come to replace Hoss as soon as he woke.<\/p>\n

\u201cHow\u2019s he doing?\u201d asked Adam softly as he came into the room.<\/p>\n

\u201cHe\u2019s sleeping,\u201d answered Hoss with a shake of his head. \u201cBut I ain\u2019t sure he\u2019s resting. He keeps trying to move and he\u2019s been mumbling something off and on.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAnything that makes sense?\u201d asked Adam.<\/p>\n

\u201cNo,\u201d said Hoss. \u201cAbout the only thing I can make out is he keeps saying Carrie\u2019s name.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam nodded. He had seen how upset Joe was when Ben told him about Carrie. Adam knew Joe took things to heart. It was one of the traits that made his little brother so appealing. But as much as Joe enjoyed the good times, he also had a harder time dealing with the bad times. Adam was afraid it was going to be more difficult for Joe to deal with Carrie\u2019s death than his physical wounds.<\/p>\n

\u201cAdam, who could have done this?\u201d Hoss asked. He knew Adam didn\u2019t have an answer. It was more of a plea to help him understand something he regarded as an unfathomable act.<\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t know, Hoss,\u201d replied Adam. \u201cI want to think it was a stranger, somebody we don\u2019t know. But we can\u2019t be sure.\u201d Adam shook his head. \u201cYou just never know about people. I think everyone has some demons hidden in their soul, something they hide from the rest of the world. Most of the time, people can control their demons. But sometimes, something happens and the dark side comes out.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s not a pretty picture,\u201d said Hoss with a frown. \u201cI guess I just prefer to see only the good side of people. I don\u2019t want to think about them demons.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam smiled and put his hand on Hoss\u2019 shoulder. \u201cI know you do,\u201d said Adam gently. \u201cThat\u2019s what makes you who you are. And we wouldn\u2019t have it any other way.\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe stirred on the bed. He grunted softly as he felt the stabbing pain in his back. \u201cNo,\u201d Joe mumbled. \u201cNo. Carrie? No.\u201d Joe laid still and drifted back into sleep.<\/p>\n

Adam slapped Hoss lightly on the shoulder. \u201cYou go get some rest,\u201d said Adam. \u201cI\u2019ll stay with him.\u201d<\/p>\n

Hoss nodded and pulled himself slowly to his feet. He started toward the door then stopped. He turned back to the bed and watched Joe for a minute. Then he looked up at Adam. \u201cYou know them demons you were talking about?\u201d he said softly. \u201cI think I know what you mean. Because right now, if I got my hands on the fella that did this, I don\u2019t think there\u2019s nothing that could keep me from squeezing the life out of him.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam nodded understandingly. \u201cGo get some rest,\u201d he said to Hoss.<\/p>\n

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

Joe woke just as the sun was turning the night into dawn. Despite his restless sleep, Joe felt stronger. The pain in his back seemed less intense. The pain he felt about Carrie was another matter.<\/p>\n

Joe stirred and slowly opened his eyes. He wasn\u2019t surprised to see his father sitting by his bed. Somehow he knew his Pa would be there.<\/p>\n

\u201cGood morning,\u201d Ben said with a smile as he saw Joe\u2019s eyes open. \u201cHow are you feeling?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cBetter,\u201d said Joe. He frowned slightly. \u201cYou been here all night?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo,\u201d admitted Ben. \u201cHoss and Adam took over and made me get some sleep. I have to admit I\u2019m glad they did.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m glad they did too,\u201d said Joe with a smile. Ben did look more refreshed to Joe, more like the father he was used to seeing. He was relieved. He had enough on his mind without worrying about his Pa.<\/p>\n

\u201cPa, did they find out anything about who\u2026\u201d Joe swallowed hard but forced himself to say the words. \u201cwho killed Carrie?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t know,\u201d answered Ben. \u201cSheriff Coffee is coming out with Doctor Martin sometime this morning. Maybe they\u2019ll have some answers for us.\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe looked down. \u201cPa, I never meant for anything to happen to Carrie,\u201d he said in a choked voice.<\/p>\n

Ben stroked Joe\u2019s arm. \u201cI know you didn\u2019t, Joe,\u201d said Ben in a comforting tone. \u201cYou didn\u2019t do anything wrong. You took a pretty girl for a ride in the moonlight, that\u2019s all.<\/p>\n

There was no reason for you to think that something like this might happen.\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe nodded and tried to find some solace in his father\u2019s words. But the words were little comfort to him. Joe knew he hadn\u2019t been in love with Carrie, at least not yet. He thought about their last night together, and remembered how he felt about Carrie. He was angry that someone had stolen away his chance to allow his feelings to blossom into something more than just friendship. And Carrie was a friend, someone Joe liked. He felt guilty that he had put her in a position that had allowed someone to take her life.<\/p>\n

Ben could see the emotions flickering across Joe\u2019s face. He wished he could say some magic words that would make Joe feel better. But Ben knew there were no such magic words. Joe was going to have to deal with this in his own way. All Ben could do was try to help him the best he could.<\/p>\n

Ben cleared his throat. \u201cThink you can eat something?\u201d Ben asked. \u201cHop Sing has some broth simmering on the stove.\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe made a face. \u201cBroth?\u201d he said. \u201cPa, I think I\u2019d rather have a nice thick steak.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben laughed. \u201cYou get the broth down and rest awhile,\u201d he promised. \u201cWe\u2019ll get you a steak for lunch if the doctor says it\u2019s all right.\u201d<\/p>\n

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

The clock was striking nine am when Ben heard a carriage and several horses arriving in the yard. Joe had drank the broth obediently and gone back to sleep. Ben had been relieved that Joe seemed to be sleeping easier.<\/p>\n

The sound of the arrivals drew Ben to the window. He looked down and saw Doctor Martin\u2019s carriage. Roy Coffee was tying the reins of his horse to the hitching post. Ben also saw George Winters tying up his horse. Ben wasn\u2019t surprised to see George.<\/p>\n

He had hoped Winters wouldn\u2019t be with the other two men. He knew that Winter\u2019s presence would make things difficult for Joe. But Ben also knew, if it had been his child that had been killed, nothing could have kept him away.<\/p>\n

Ben took a quick look to make sure Joe was still asleep, then left the bedroom. He hurried down the stairs. Hoss had let the visitors into the house, and the men were crossing the room toward the stairs as Ben descended. Ben saw Adam standing by the fireplace as he climbed down the stairs.<\/p>\n

\u201cHow\u2019s Joe doing this morning?\u201d asked Doctor Martin as Ben stepped off the last step.<\/p>\n

\u201cHe\u2019s complaining because he had broth for breakfast instead of a steak,\u201d Ben answered with a grin. Then his face sobered. \u201cHe was pretty restless during the night.\u201d Ben glanced at George Winters. \u201cI don\u2019t think it was just the pain from the gunshot wound that disturbed him.\u201d<\/p>\n

Doctor Martin nodded understandingly. He turned to the other men. \u201cYou wait here until I call you,\u201d he ordered them. \u201cI want to change Joe\u2019s bandage and make sure he\u2019s up to talking before you see him.\u201d The doctor turned and walked up the stairs.<\/p>\n

\u201cHave you found anything new?\u201d Ben asked Roy Coffee.<\/p>\n

The sheriff shook his head. \u201cNo, I haven\u2019t,\u201d he said. \u201cI\u2019ve talked to several people who were at the dance, but no one saw anything unusual. All of them were really shocked to hear what had happened.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben wanted to ask Roy some more questions, but he felt uncomfortable about doing so with George Winters standing next to the sheriff. He could see the grief and sorrow reflected on Winter\u2019s face. Ben didn\u2019t want to add to the man\u2019s pain.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhy don\u2019t you sit down?\u201d Ben invited the sheriff and Winters. Both men moved to sit on the sofa. Hoss walked over to the fireplace to stand next to Adam as Ben sat in his comfortable red leather chair. Roy Coffee relaxed on the sofa, but George Winters sat stiffly.<\/p>\n

An awkward silent descended on the room. No one wanted to bring up the subject that was on everyone\u2019s mind, but any other conversation seemed trivial in light of the tragedy.<\/p>\n

\u201cWould you like some coffee?\u201d asked Ben, trying to fill the silence.<\/p>\n

\u201cNo thanks,\u201d answered Roy Coffee. Winters shook his head briefly.<\/p>\n

\u201cHow is Katherine doing?\u201d asked Ben, tentatively broaching the subject.<\/p>\n

\u201cShe\u2019s holding up,\u201d answered Winters briefly. \u201cIn some ways, she\u2019s much stronger than I am.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIf there\u2019s anything the boys or I can do to help\u2026.\u201d Ben started.<\/p>\n

\u201cThere\u2019s nothing anyone can do,\u201d interrupted Winters bitterly. \u201cMy little girl is dead and there\u2019s nothing anyone can do to change that.\u201d<\/p>\n

Once more, an uncomfortable silence filled the room. No one could think of anything to say that didn\u2019t sound trite or condescending. All of them were relieved when Doctor Martin descended the stairs.<\/p>\n

The doctor stood on the landing and looked down at the men below him. \u201cJoe is doing about as well as can be expected,\u201d he declared. \u201cBut he\u2019s still very weak. You can talk with him, but only for a few minutes.\u201d He looked at the five anxious faces staring up at him. \u201cHoss, Adam, I want you to stay down here. It\u2019s going to be crowded enough in that room without you two.<\/p>\n

Hoss started to protest, but Adam quieted him with an arm on his shoulder. \u201cWe\u2019ll wait down here,\u201d agreed Adam.<\/p>\n

Ben, Roy Coffee and George Winters rose and quickly climbed the stairs. The doctor led them down the hall to Joe\u2019s room but stopped outside the bedroom. \u201cRemember what I said,\u201d the doctor reminded the men sternly. \u201cOnly a few minutes. I\u2019ll chase you out if it looks like he\u2019s getting tired. Is that clear?\u201d The men in the hallway nodded. Satisfied that he had made his point, Doctor Martin pushed open the bedroom door.<\/p>\n

Joe was sitting up in bed, propped up by two large pillows. He looked expectantly as the four men walked into the room. George Winters was the last man to enter the room. Joe\u2019s expression changed when Winters came in. A look of sorrow and guilt came over his face.<\/p>\n

Winters stopped when he saw Joe and a startled expression came over his face. Joe looked nothing like the vibrant young man who had come by the house to take his daughter to the dance. Joe was pale, and his eyes were ringed with dark circles of fatigue. His shoulder was heavily bandaged, and the white gauze crossed his chest and circled his waist, holding the bandage in place. Joe was leaning heavily against the pillows, as if he couldn\u2019t sit up without their support. Winters saw the expression on Joe\u2019s face as he moved slowly to stand at the end of the bed.<\/p>\n

Joe looked at Winters, and wet his lips nervously. \u201cMr. Winters, I\u2019m so sorry about Carrie,\u201d Joe said in a low voice. \u201cI would never have done anything to hurt her, I swear.\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe lowered his eyes. \u201cI\u2019m so sorry,\u201d he repeated in a barely audible voice.<\/p>\n

Winters nodded as a look of confusion came over his face.<\/p>\n

\u201cJoe, we haven\u2019t been able to find any clue as to who did this,\u201d said Roy Coffee without preamble. \u201cCan you tell us what happened that night?\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe lifted his eyes and looked at the sheriff. \u201cThere\u2019s not much I can tell you,\u201d answered Joe. \u201cCarrie and I left the dance a little after ten. She wanted to ride down by the lake. I stopped the buggy by Hunters Point. We sat for awhile, and then got out to go down to the lake. Next thing I knew, I was here.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cDid you see anyone else down by the lake?\u201d asked the sheriff.<\/p>\n

\u201cNo,\u201d said Joe with a shake of his head. \u201cCarrie and I were, uh, talking. I wasn\u2019t paying much attention to anything but her. But I didn\u2019t see anyone around.\u201d<\/p>\n

Roy Coffee suspected Joe and Carrie were doing more than talking, but he let it pass.<\/p>\n

\u201cDid anything happen at the dance?\u201d he asked. \u201cAnyone get mad at you or Carrie?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo,\u201d replied Joe. \u201cWe danced, had some punch, and then Carrie wanted to leave.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI heard that Carrie refused to dance with anyone but you. Is that right?\u201d asked the sheriff. Joe nodded. \u201cAnyone in particular ask her? Anybody upset that she said no?\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe thought for a minute. He remembered how he felt when Carrie turned down everyone else for a dance. He had been both surprised and a bit smug. \u201cRay Langston asked her,\u201d Joe said slowly. \u201cHe seemed pretty disappointed when Carrie turned him down. Carl Peters asked her, too, but he didn\u2019t seem to mind when she said no.\u201d Joe cocked his head a bit. \u201cThere was another fellow. I don\u2019t know who he was. He was talking to Carrie while I got the punch. I got the impression he was pretty insistent about wanting a dance. He walked away when I came back.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThis other fellow, what did he look like?\u201d asked Coffee.<\/p>\n

Joe frowned as he tried to remember. He hadn\u2019t paid much attention to the man. \u201cHe was big, about six foot or so, and pretty well built. Had sandy hair and a mustache. He was wearing a dark shirt.\u201d Joe shook his head. \u201cThat\u2019s all I can remember about him.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOne more question, and that\u2019s it,\u201d warned Doctor Martin.<\/p>\n

Roy nodded. \u201cJoe, are you sure you don\u2019t remember anything about what happened after you were shot?\u201d asked the sheriff. \u201cAnything at all?\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe\u2019s frown deepened as he tried to remember. Then his face cleared. He seemed to get even paler. \u201cI remember laying on the ground,\u201d said Joe slowly. \u201cCarrie was screaming. I tried to get up but I couldn\u2019t. I saw the edge of her dress. Then I saw a pair of black boots.\u201d Joe looked at Winters. \u201cI wanted to help her,\u201d Joe said in a pleading voice. \u201cI tried but I couldn\u2019t move. I couldn\u2019t\u2026\u201d Joe\u2019s voice faded as a look of anguish crossed his face. His eyes seemed to glisten, and he swallowed hard.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s all right, Joe,\u201d said Winters in a soothing voice. \u201cI know you would have helped Carrie if you could.\u201d Ben looked at Winters in surprise.<\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s enough for now,\u201d said Doctor Martin, taking the sheriff by the arm. \u201cYou can talk with him again tomorrow.\u201d The doctor gently pushed Roy Coffee toward the door.<\/p>\n

George Winters started to follow, then stopped. He turned back to Joe. \u201cYou take care of yourself,\u201d he said to Joe. Then he walked out of the room.<\/p>\n

Doctor Martin escorted the three men out of the room, then stopped in the doorway. \u201cWhy don\u2019t you go downstairs,\u201d he suggested. \u201cI need to check on Joe and then I\u2019ll join you.\u201d Without waiting for an answer, the doctor walked back into the bedroom and closed the door behind him.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m going to talk with Ray Langston and I\u2019m going to see if I can figure out who that stranger is,\u201d declared Roy. Without waiting for a response from the other men, he walked quickly down the hall.<\/p>\n

Ben started to follow the sheriff, but Winters grabbed his arm.<\/p>\n

\u201cBen, I\u2019m sorry about Joe; I really am,\u201d said Winters. \u201cI\u2019ve been so wrapped up in my own feelings that I didn\u2019t even think about your son. I forgot for awhile that he almost died out there, too. I didn\u2019t even think about how you must be feeling to almost lose your child, too.\u201d Winters shook his head. \u201cI\u2019ve known Joe almost all his life. I know he wouldn\u2019t do anything to hurt Carrie.\u201d Winters looked at Ben with an earnest expression. \u201cI hope Joe\u2019s going to be all right.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThank you, George,\u201d replied Ben gratefully. \u201cRight now, Joe\u2019s hurting from more than just that wound. He\u2019s taking Carrie\u2019s death pretty hard.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThe things I said the other night about Joe,\u201d added Winters with an uncomfortable look. \u201cI didn\u2019t mean them. Winters looked down. \u201cI didn\u2019t mean any of them, Ben,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n

\u201cI never thought you did,\u201d said Ben with a small smile.<\/p>\n

Winters nodded. \u201cThe funeral..\u201d Winters stopped and closed his eyes for a minute. \u201cThe funeral is tomorrow at noon. Katherine and I would like you to be there, but we\u2019ll understand if you aren\u2019t.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2019ll be there,\u201d promised Ben. \u201cHop Sing can stay with Joe.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThank you,\u201d said Winters. He seemed at a loss as to what to say next.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhy don\u2019t we go downstairs and get some coffee while we\u2019re waiting for the doctor,\u201d said Ben, putting his arm around Winter\u2019s shoulders. The two men walked slowly down the hall.<\/p>\n

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

Joe was surprised when Doctor Martin came back into the room. He thought the doctor had done all his work before the other three man came to visit him. Doctor Martin helped Joe ease himself back down under the covers, then checked Joe\u2019s pulse and felt his forehead. The doctor conducted his examination with a distracted air.<\/p>\n

Doctor Martin stood next to the bed and took a deep breath, as if deciding something. \u201cJoe,\u201d he said solemnly, \u201cI have to ask you a question, and I need a straight answer.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSure, doc,\u201d replied Joe with a puzzled expression.<\/p>\n

\u201cI need to know what you and Carrie were doing down by the lake,\u201d said the doctor. \u201cI know you were probably doing something more than just talking. Did you and she just kiss or did you\u2026,\u201d the doctor\u2019s voice trailed off.<\/p>\n

\u201cNo, we didn\u2019t,\u201d said Joe, suddenly understanding the doctor\u2019s question. \u201cWe kissed but that was all. We didn\u2019t do anything more than that.\u201d Joe face turned hard. \u201cWhy do you want to know?\u201d<\/p>\n

Doctor Martin didn\u2019t answer. He looked out the window by Joe\u2019s bed.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhy do you want do know?\u201d repeated Joe, his voice more insistent.<\/p>\n

Martin turned reluctantly to look at Joe. \u201cCarrie had\u2026relations\u2026with someone the night she died,\u201d he said slowly.<\/p>\n

\u201cOh, God, no!\u201d cried Joe. His face crumpled and he closed his eyes in pain. Joe covered his eyes with his right hand. \u201cNo,\u201d he sobbed. \u201cPoor Carrie.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m sorry, Joe,\u201d said the doctor in a sympathetic voice. \u201cI had to ask. When I examined the body and found the\u2026evidence, well, I had to know whether you were involved.\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe nodded, his hand still covering his eyes. His body shuddered slightly, and Doctor Martin could hear the soft sobs.<\/p>\n

\u201cJoe, I have to ask you to keep this to yourself,\u201d said the doctor. \u201cRoy Coffee and I are the only ones who know about this. There\u2019s no point telling the Winters, at least for now. It would only add to their pain. I\u2019m sorry I had to tell you about this, but I had no choice.\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe looked up at the doctor, his eyes glistening with tears. \u201cHow did she die?\u201d he asked.<\/p>\n

Martin took a deep breath. \u201cHer neck was broken,\u201d he answered. \u201cProbably she struggled against her attacker. I found some skin under her fingernails.\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe turned his face away and closed his eyes. His body seemed to have sunk into the bed and his face was the picture of misery. Doctor Martin looked at his patient with concern. He wished he hadn\u2019t had to have this conversation with Joe.<\/p>\n

The doctor walked to the small table next to the bed where his black bag sat. He reached into the bag and pulled out a small bottle and a spoon. The doctor uncorked the bottle and shook some white powder onto the spoon. He poured the powder from the spoon into a empty glass on the table. After re-corking the bottle and putting it back in his bag, Doctor Martin reached for the water pitcher on the table. He poured some water into the glass, then stirred the now milky mixture. Then he picked up the glass and turned back to the bed.<\/p>\n

\u201cHere, Joe, I want you to drink this,\u201d he said, holding the glass out.<\/p>\n

Joe turned his head. \u201cWhat is it?\u201d he asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s something to help you sleep,\u201d replied the doctor. He saw Joe\u2019s body tense and saw the refusal forming on Joe\u2019s lips. \u201cYou need to sleep,\u201d said Doctor Martin quickly. Then he looked knowingly at Joe. \u201cIt will help you forget for awhile,\u201d he added softly.<\/p>\n

Joe didn\u2019t say anything for a minute. Then he nodded and reached for the glass. He drank the mixture quickly, and handed the glass back to the doctor. Then he turned his head away once more.<\/p>\n

Doctor Martin put the glass back on the table and closed up his medical bag. He stood watching Joe for a moment. It was hard to tell if the powders were working yet. Joe laid unmoving on the bed, his eyes closed. Finally Doctor Martin decided it didn\u2019t matter if Joe were sleeping yet. If he wasn\u2019t asleep right now, he would be soon. The doctor shook his head, then walked out of the room.<\/p>\n

Doctor Martin walked slowly down the hall, and then down the stairs. As he descended into the large room below, the doctor was surprised to see only the Cartwrights sitting there. All three looked anxiously at the doctor as he descended the stairs.<\/p>\n

\u201cIs Joe all right?\u201d Ben asked, his concern evident.<\/p>\n

\u201cHe was pretty upset,\u201d answered Doctor Martin. \u201cI gave him some sleeping powders. He\u2019ll probably sleep for several hours. Do you still have those powders I gave you last night?\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben nodded. \u201cGood,\u201d continued the doctor. \u201cHe needs lots of rest. I want you to give him some of that sleeping draught if he won\u2019t rest on his own.\u201d Doctor Martin looked around.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhere are George and Roy?\u201d he asked with a slight frown.<\/p>\n

\u201cThey\u2019ve left,\u201d replied Ben. \u201cRoy is going to talk with Ray Langston and see if he can find that other fellow Joe described. George went home. He said Katherine needed him.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cDoc, Pa told us what Joe said,\u201d Hoss said. \u201cWe didn\u2019t want to ask why Mr. Winters was here, but did you find anything that might help?\u201d<\/p>\n

Doctor Martin thought for a moment before answering. He decided there was nothing to be gained by telling Ben and his sons about the assault. \u201cCarrie had some skin under her nails,\u201d he said slowly. \u201cThe man may have some scratches, and maybe some bruises. She fought hard before her neck was broken.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cScratches and a pair of black boots,\u201d said Adam in a grim voice. \u201cThat\u2019s not much to go on.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI know,\u201d said the doctor regretfully. \u201cI wish there was something more. I hate the thought of someone might get away with murder.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben looked toward the top of the stairs. \u201c He won\u2019t get away,\u201d promised Ben. \u201cI don\u2019t care how long it takes. We\u2019ll find him.\u201d<\/p>\n

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

The bright sun shining through the window woke Joe the next morning. He opened his eyes slowly but laid still on the bed. From the sun\u2019s angle, Joe figured it was mid-morning. He wondered if he could go back to sleep.<\/p>\n

Joe had slept almost the entire time since the doctor had left yesterday morning, waking only when his father or brothers brought him something to eat. He had eaten whatever was put in front of him, not tasting any of it. He also willingly drank the sleeping draught that was offered to him. Joe wanted nothing more than to sleep, for he found that Doctor Martin had been right. When he was asleep, he didn\u2019t have to think about Carrie.<\/p>\n

Ben had been concerned about Joe\u2019s almost constantly sleeping and his willingness to take the sleeping powders. Such a docile attitude was uncharacteristic of his volatile youngest son. He had insisted that Doctor Martin check Joe carefully when he had come by this morning. The doctor understood Joe\u2019s wanting to escape from the harsh reality around him right now, and he figured a few days rest could only help his patient. So he reassured Ben that Joe was mending, and tried to ease his old friend\u2019s mind.<\/p>\n

Joe laid on his side, his back turned to whoever was sitting in the chair in his room. Joe knew someone was there. He sense it as well as heard some slight movement. Joe didn\u2019t want to talk with anyone. He didn\u2019t want to be awake. Because when he was awake, his mind went back to that night. No matter how much he tried not to think about it, his thoughts would return to that moonlit night by the lake and Carrie. Her cries echoed in his head.<\/p>\n

Joe finally decided he wasn\u2019t going to be able to go back to sleep. He gave a soft sigh, and turned slowly on his back. He looked to see who was sitting in the chair. He was surprised to see Hop Sing.<\/p>\n

\u201cHop Sing?\u201d Joe said in surprise. \u201cWhat are you doing here?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cMr. Cartwright ask Hop Sing to watch Little Joe,\u201d the Chinese cook explained. \u201cFamily all busy.\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe nodded his head slightly. \u201cYeah,\u201d he said, \u201cI guess the work has to be piling up. They must have a lot to do.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo work,\u201d said Hop Sing with a slight shake of his head. \u201cNo work today. Family go to Virginia City.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cVirginia City?\u201d repeated Joe in a puzzled expression. \u201cWhy?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThey go to say good-bye to Missie Carrie,\u201d answered Hop Sing.<\/p>\n

Ben was standing over his desk, looking at some papers, when he heard Hop Sing shouting. He was waiting for Hoss and Adam to come back into the house, to tell him the horses were saddled and ready. He knew they would have to leave soon to get to the funeral on time.<\/p>\n

Ben frowned when he heard Hop Sing shouting. At first the tone was scolding, then it seemed to be alarmed. Ben hurried to the stairs. He had climbed only the first step when Hop Sing came running down, shouting excitedly in Chinese.<\/p>\n

\u201cHop Sing!\u201d exclaimed Ben, grabbing the cook by the arm. \u201cWhat\u2019s wrong? Is it Joe?\u201d<\/p>\n

Hop Sing replied in a spate of excited Chinese, gesturing up the stairs as he spoke.<\/p>\n

\u201cCalm down,\u201d said Ben, although his voice was as agitated as the cook\u2019s. \u201cCalm down and tell me in English what\u2019s wrong? Is something wrong with Joe?\u201d<\/p>\n

Hop Sing stopped and took a deep breath. \u201cLittle Joe not listen to Hop Sing,\u201d said the Chinese cook. \u201cHe get out of bed.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat!\u201d exclaimed Ben in alarm. \u201cWhy would he do that?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cLittle Joe say he go Virginia City,\u201d answered Hop Sing. \u201cHe say he go to say good-bye to Missie Carrie.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben pushed past the cook and ran up the stairs. At the top of the stairs, he turned and rushed down the hall to Joe\u2019s room. He stopped as he reached the doorway.<\/p>\n

Joe was sitting on the edge of his bed. The covers on the bed were thrown back, and one of the pillows was on the floor. Joe had a pair of tan pants on, and was struggling to get a sock on his foot. He was hunched forward and his left arm dangled at his side. Ben could see the thick bandage covering his bare back.<\/p>\n

\u201cJoseph!\u201d shouted Ben in his most authoritative voice. \u201cGet back in that bed. Now!\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe stopped the struggle with his sock and looked up. His face grew stony. \u201cNo, Pa,\u201d he replied in a soft voice. \u201cI\u2019m going to Carrie\u2019s funeral.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben quickly crossed the room and stood over his son. \u201cJoe, you\u2019re not going anywhere,\u201d he said sternly. \u201cYou\u2019re not well enough to get out of bed, much less make the trip to Virginia City.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cPa, I\u2019m going,\u201d replied Joe in a stubborn voice. \u201cIf you don\u2019t take me with you, I\u2019ll get there on my own.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cJoe, it\u2019s only been two days since the doctor dug that bullet out of your back,\u201d said Ben. \u201cYou\u2019ve been barely able to stay awake since then. What makes you think you\u2019re well enough to get to Virginia City.\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe looked to the floor for a minute. Ben could see the pain flickering across his son\u2019s face. Then Joe looked up at his father.<\/p>\n

\u201cPa, please,\u201d he pleaded. \u201cI have to go. I have to tell Carrie how sorry I am. I have to\u2026\u201d Joe\u2019s voice broke and he swallowed hard. \u201cI have to say goodbye,\u201d he finished.<\/p>\n

Ben stood over his son, torn with indecision. He understood Joe\u2019s need to be at the funeral. He had buried three wives, and he knew how it important it had been for him to say goodbye to each of them. No matter how painful it had been, Ben had to say his farewells at their burials. He knew it was the first step in easing the grief, in healing the wounds caused by their deaths.<\/p>\n

But Ben also knew Joe was far from well. He had almost lost his son on that black night two days ago. He wasn\u2019t willing to do anything to put Joe at risk again.<\/p>\n

Joe could see the indecision on Ben\u2019s face. He spoke quickly, pressing his case.. \u201cPa, I have to go. I owe it to Carrie.\u201d Joe took a deep breath and his face seemed to harden. \u201cYou can\u2019t keep me from that funeral,\u201d Joe said in a stubborn voice. \u201cOne way or the other, I\u2019m going to be there. Now are you going to help me or not?\u201d<\/p>\n

Before Ben could answer, he heard the sound of heavy footsteps in the hall. He turned to the doorway. Adam and Hoss were standing by the door.<\/p>\n

\u201cPa, what\u2019s going on?\u201d asked Hoss. \u201cHop Sing came running out to the barn. All I could make out was something about Joe.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam looked at his half-dressed brother sitting on the edge of the bed. \u201cJoe, what do you think you\u2019re doing?\u201d asked Adam with a frown. \u201cAre you trying to kill yourself?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo,\u201d Joe answered slowly. \u201cI\u2019m just getting dressed for Carrie\u2019s funeral.\u201d He looked up at Ben, his eyes pleading. \u201cPa, I have to go that funeral. Will you help me?\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben pursed his lips, then made a decision. \u201cAll right,\u201d he said, his exasperation evident. \u201cI guess if we don\u2019t take you, you\u2019ll try to get there on your own.\u201d Ben turned back to the doorway. \u201cHoss, go hitch up the buggy. Adam, you go get some pillows and blankets.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cBut Pa…\u201d protested Hoss.<\/p>\n

\u201cJust do it,\u201d ordered Ben. \u201cPlease,\u201d he added softly.<\/p>\n

Adam and Hoss looked at each other, the doubt evident on their faces. But both men walked slowly away from the door.<\/p>\n

\u201cAll right,\u201d said Ben, turning back to Joe. \u201cLet\u2019s see what we can do about getting you dressed.\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe put his hand on his father\u2019s arm. \u201cThank you,\u201d he said softly.<\/p>\n

Ben shook his head. \u201c Don\u2019t thank me. I still think this is a bad idea, Joe,\u201d he answered. \u201cA real bad idea. I\u2019m going to catch a lot of grief from Paul Martin when he sees you.\u201d<\/p>\n

Twenty minutes later, Ben was helping Joe walk slowly down the stairs. Joe\u2019s left arm was inside his buttoned brown shirt, the shirt acting as a sling. Joe\u2019s right arm was flung over Ben\u2019s shoulders. Joe leaned heavily against his father as he walked.<\/p>\n

Ben\u2019s left arm was wrapped tightly around Joe\u2019s ribcage. He held on to the railing for support as he helped Joe down the stairs. He could hear his son\u2019s ragged breathing as they slowly climbed down the stairs. As soon as the pair reached the bottom of the stairs, Ben guided his son to the red leather chair near the fireplace. He eased Joe into the chair, then took a step back.<\/p>\n

A fine sheen of sweat covered Joe\u2019s face, and he was breathing hard. Joe\u2019s eyes were half closed, evidence of the pain caused by his descent from his room. His jaws were clenched tightly.<\/p>\n

\u201cJoe, let\u2019s call this off,\u201d said Ben in a worried voice. \u201cYou\u2019re in no shape to go to Virginia City.\u201d<\/p>\n

A stubborn look came across Joe\u2019s face. \u201cI\u2019m going, Pa,\u201d said Joe firmly. He took a deep breath. \u201cI just need a minute to catch my breath.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cJoe, I know how you feel,\u201d said Ben. \u201cI know how important it is to you to be at Carrie\u2019s funeral. But it\u2019s not worth killing yourself.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cPa, I\u2019m not going to argue with you,\u201d replied Joe stubbornly. \u201cEither you help me out to that buggy, or I swear I\u2019ll go out to the barn and saddle a horse.\u201d Joe smiled weakly. \u201cIt might take me awhile, but I\u2019ll do it.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben shook his head. \u201cI bet you would, too,\u201d he muttered. He sighed and walked over to the front door. He pulled Joe\u2019s hat and green jacket off a peg near the door and brought them back to his son. He eased Joe\u2019s right arm into the jacket, then pulled it around his son\u2019s back. Then Ben pulled the jacket tightly over Joe\u2019s left shoulder.<\/p>\n

Ben heard Joe grunt in pain as he pulled the jacket on, and he looked at his son with concern. Joe quickly looked up at Ben and nodded. \u201cI\u2019m all right,\u201d said Joe.<\/p>\n

\u201cNo, you\u2019re not,\u201d replied Ben as he put the hat firmly on Joe\u2019s head.<\/p>\n

Hoss opened the front door and stuck his head in. \u201cPa, the buggy\u2019s all ready,\u201d he announced. He looked at Joe with a frown. Joe looked pale, and a faint red spot of exertion was visible on Joe\u2019s cheek. \u201cAre you sure you want to do this, little brother?\u201d he asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m sure,\u201d replied Joe in a firm voice.<\/p>\n

Ben shook his head once more, then reached down and grabbed Joe\u2019s right arm. He helped Joe up from the chair, and put his son\u2019s right arm over his shoulders again.<\/p>\n

Ben and Joe walked slowly across the room as Hoss watched with concern. He also shook his head as Ben helped Joe out the front door.<\/p>\n

Adam stood by the buggy, the disapproval clearly evident on his face . He had a gray blanket draped over his arms. Two pillows were on the seat of the buggy behind him. Adam shook his head also as he watched Joe almost stagger out of the house.<\/p>\n

Joe ignored his older brother, and continued determinedly toward the buggy. With each step, he leaned a bit more on his father for support.<\/p>\n

Hoss followed Ben and Joe out from the house. When the pair stopped by the buggy, Hoss rushed forward. As soon as Ben eased Joe\u2019s arm off his shoulders, Hoss put his huge hands around his brother\u2019s waist. He lifted Joe into the buggy. Joe sank into the seat. The beads of sweat on his face and rapid breaths were evidence of what even that short walk had cost Joe.<\/p>\n

\u201cThanks,\u201d said Joe as he leaned against the pillows in the seat. Ben and Hoss rearranged the pillows, making sure Joe\u2019s injured shoulder and back had support and cushion. Adam handed the blanket to Ben, and watched as Ben spread the cloth over Joe\u2019s knees. \u201cFool kid,\u201d muttered Adam as he turned to walk to his horse. A small smile of triumph flickered across Joe\u2019s face. Hoss shook his head once more, then followed Adam.<\/p>\n

Ben decided to try one last time to talk Joe out of what he considered a foolish act. \u201cJoe,\u201d said Ben softly. \u201cPlease, listen to me. Your making yourself sick isn\u2019t going to help Carrie. Please, go back upstairs to bed.\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe\u2019s face turned grim. \u201cNo,\u201d said Joe, looking straight ahead.<\/p>\n

Ben sighed, then climbed into the buggy. He settled himself on the seat next to Joe, then picked up the reins. With one last shake of his head, Ben snapped the reins and the buggy started forward.<\/p>\n

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

The services had already started when Ben pulled the buggy up next to the fence outside the Virginia City cemetery. A tall, thin man wearing the black suit of a preacher was solemnly reading from a bible. The cemetery was crowded. Fifty or more people, many dressed in black, were standing near the open grave. A coffin made of polished oak rested nearby, waiting to be transferred into the ground.<\/p>\n

Ben could see George Winters, dressed in a black suit, standing at the front of the crowd. Winters\u2019 head was bowed. A woman in a black dress and black veil stood next to George. Her back was ramrod straight and she looked directly at the preacher. Only the lift of a hand to her eyes gave away her grief. Ben couldn\u2019t see her face, but he knew the woman was Katherine Winters.<\/p>\n

Ben parked the buggy near the gate, carefully tying the reins to the front of the buggy so the horse wouldn\u2019t stray. Then he turned to Joe. Joe was as white as a sheet, and his eyes were fixed firmly on the coffin. Ben knew it wasn\u2019t only the long ride to Virginia City that was upsetting his son.<\/p>\n

\u201cJoe,\u201d Ben said softly. \u201cI want you to stay in the buggy. You can watch from here. Do you understand me?\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe didn\u2019t seem to hear. His eyes remained staring at the scene in front of him.<\/p>\n

Adam and Hoss had tied their horses to the fence, and now both were hurrying to the buggy. \u201cHoss, you stay here with Joe,\u201d said Ben as his two older sons approached the buggy. \u201cDon\u2019t let him get out.\u201d Hoss nodded. Ben climbed out of the buggy and gave Joe another worried look. With a shake of head, he walked around the back of the buggy and into the cemetery. Adam walked slowly behind his father.<\/p>\n

The sound of the buggy arriving had attracted several people\u2019s attention. They had turned to look, then gave their attention back to the preacher. One man, however, broke away and started walking toward Ben.<\/p>\n

\u201cBen, what\u2019s Joe doing here?\u201d hissed Doctor Martin in a low, almost angry voice. \u201cHe shouldn\u2019t even be out of bed!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI know, Paul, I know,\u201d whispered Ben in a weary voice. \u201cBut I couldn\u2019t keep him away. He insisted on coming.\u201d<\/p>\n

Doctor Martin looked toward the buggy. He could see Joe watching the service, and he noted expression of pain and sorrow on Joe\u2019s face. He also saw the stubborn set to Joe\u2019s shoulders. The doctor pursed his lips, then shook his head. \u201cYou get him home as soon as this is over,\u201d said the doctor. Ben nodded.<\/p>\n

Ben walked to the edge of the crowd with Doctor Martin and Adam. Ben and Adam removed their hats, and stood silently as the preacher continued to read from the Bible. Ben\u2019s mind wandered a bit as he listened to the drone of the preacher\u2019s voice. He remembered other funerals he had attended, too many in his mind. He knew the pain and grief he had felt at all of them. Sometimes the pain was his, and sometimes it was for others. But he also knew the services had given him a sense of closure. He hoped for Joe\u2019s sake that this particular service would do the same for his youngest son. He was worried about Joe, and not simply because of his son\u2019s physical condition. Ben knew Joe felt responsible for Carrie\u2019s death. The fact that no one knew who had killed Carrie or why only added to Joe\u2019s sense of guilt. Ben closed his eyes and said a prayer for both Carrie and his son.<\/p>\n

Ben was startled back to the present when he heard low voices and sensed the people around him moving. The service was over, and the coffin had been lowered into the grave. People were lining up to express their sympathy to the Winters. Ben hurried to join the crowd.<\/p>\n

Adam had spent the service studying the people who were there. He saw Ray Langston standing in the middle of the crowd. There were too many people around him for Adam to get a good look at him. Adam\u2019s gaze moved over the crowd. He stopped and stared when he saw a tall man with sandy hair and a mustache standing at the edge of the crowd. Adam kept his eyes firmly on the man. The man must have felt Adam looking at him. He looked around, eyes searching until he saw Adam. The two men exchanged steady gazes for a minute, and then the man looked away.<\/p>\n

When the crowd started moving toward the Winters, Adam hurried over toward the stranger. He was standing near the sandy-haired man as the stranger approached the Winters.<\/p>\n

\u201cI just wanted to tell you how sorry I am for your loss,\u201d said the stranger to Katherine Winters.<\/p>\n

\u201cThank you, \u201c replied Katherine is a soft voice. \u201cWe appreciate your coming, Mr\u2026..<\/p>\n

\u201cCooper, Arnie Cooper,\u201d supplied the man.<\/p>\n

\u201cThank you, Mr. Cooper,\u201d said Katherine graciously. She noted her husband was staring at the man with a cold expression. \u201cI\u2019m sorry,\u201d said Katherine. \u201cI\u2019m not sure where we\u2019ve met before.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOh, we haven\u2019t met, ma\u2019am,\u201d said Cooper. \u201cI knew Carrie, well, just a little. We sort of bumped into each other a couple of times in town, and I saw her at the dance. She was nice, real nice.\u201d Cooper shook his head. \u201cDarn shame something like this happened to her.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThank you,\u201d Katherine said once again. Cooper nodded and moved off.<\/p>\n

Adam had been watching and listening to Cooper. Now he realized Katherine Winters had turned to him. Adam walked forward and expressed his sympathy both sincerely and quickly. Then he went to follow Cooper.<\/p>\n

Adam followed Cooper toward the horses. As he got closer to the man, he could see Cooper\u2019s right hand and wrist for the first time. Three deep scratches ran down the side of the man\u2019s hand and wrist. Adam hurried to catch up with Arnie Cooper. \u201cCooper!\u201d said Adam loudly.<\/p>\n

Cooper stopped and looked around, a puzzled expression on his face. He saw Adam approaching. \u201cCan I help you?\u201d he asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m Adam Cartwright,\u201d said Adam, introducing himself. Cooper nodded. \u201cI heard you were at the dance the other night talking to Carrie,\u201d said Adam. Cooper nodded again, his expression now wary. \u201cI was just wondering where you got those scratches on your hand,\u201d continued Adam.<\/p>\n

Cooper frowned. \u201cWhy do you want to know?\u201d he asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cJust curious,\u201d replied Adam easily.<\/p>\n

Cooper\u2019s eyes darted away for a minute, then returned to Adam\u2019s face. \u201cI scratched myself on some sticker bushes,\u201d he said. \u201cI was trying to chase a stray calf out of the brush. Not that it\u2019s any business of yours.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI think Sheriff Coffee is looking for you,\u201d said Adam, his expression growing hard.<\/p>\n

\u201cI already talked with the Sheriff,\u201d replied Cooper. \u201cI told him the same thing I\u2019ll tell you. I don\u2019t know anything about what happened to that girl. I left the dance and went for a ride that night. I was never near the lake.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSomebody see you on this ride?\u201d asked Adam.<\/p>\n

Cooper\u2019s eyes dropped. \u201cNo,\u201d he admitted. \u201cI just rode for awhile then headed back to the bunkhouse at the Circle R. That\u2019s the ranch where I\u2019m working.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam nodded. He knew the Circle R, a large spread north of Virginia City.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat time did you get in?\u201d he asked<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat is this?\u201d bristled Cooper. \u201cYou ain\u2019t no lawman. I don\u2019t have to answer your questions.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cMy brother was shot that night, almost killed,\u201d replied Adam. \u201cA young girl was murdered. I want to know who\u2019s responsible.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI didn\u2019t have anything to do with it,\u201d replied Cooper angrily. He pushed past Adam and walked rapidly to his horse.<\/p>\n

Adam started after the man, then stopped. He had no reason to go after Cooper. The man had talked with Carrie at the dance, and he had some scratches on his hand. Every cowhand Adam knew got scratches. There was no proof Arnie Cooper had shot Joe and killed Carrie. Besides, Adam knew where Cooper was working. He decided to let things ride for now.<\/p>\n

Ben had waited as the crowd of people surged forward to express their sympathy to the Winters. Almost everyone else had moved on when Ben approached the couple.<\/p>\n

\u201cGeorge, Katherine, I\u2019m so sorry,\u201d Ben said, his voice sincere. \u201cCarrie was a wonderful girl. She\u2019ll be missed.\u201d<\/p>\n

George Winters merely nodded his head. But Katherine Winters put her hand on Ben\u2019s arm. \u201cThank you, Ben,\u201d said Katherine softly.<\/p>\n

Ben turned to Winters. \u201cGeorge, would you like me to send some hands over to your place for a few days?\u201d he asked. He knew Winters ran his small spread almost single-handedly, hiring cowboys temporarily only at round-up or other particularly busy times.<\/p>\n

George Winters shook his head. \u201cThank you, Ben,\u201d he said. \u201cBut I don\u2019t think that will be necessary.\u201d He looked away. \u201cKeeping busy, well, it helps,\u201d he added.<\/p>\n

Ben nodded and turned to Katherine. He could see her face was pale and her eyes were rimmed in red. But her face was composed and she held herself with a dignified air.<\/p>\n

\u201cKatherine, if you need anything, anything at all, I hope you\u2019ll let us know,\u201d said Ben sincerely.<\/p>\n

\u201cThank you, Ben,\u201d replied Katherine. \u201cBut I\u2019ve shed my tears and I\u2019m getting use to the ache in my heart. Now I\u2019ve got to try to get on with the business of living.\u201d Katherine looked over Ben\u2019s shoulder. With the crowd dispersed, she could see the buggy by the fence for the first time. Katherine frowned. \u201cBen, what\u2019s Joe doing here?\u201d she asked. \u201cGeorge told me how badly he was hurt. He shouldn\u2019t be here.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI know,\u201d agreed Ben. \u201cBut he insisted on coming. He wanted to be here for Carrie. Joe\u2019s very upset about what happened. He\u2019s blaming himself. I\u2019m hoping this will help him somehow.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIt wasn\u2019t Joe\u2019s fault,\u201d replied Katherine. \u201cHe shouldn\u2019t feel that way.\u201d Katherine\u2019s maternal instincts began to assert themselves. \u201cI\u2019ll go talk to him,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n

Ben looked at Winters as Katherine started walking toward the fence. Winters just shrugged his shoulders. The two men started after Katherine.<\/p>\n

Ben had gone only a few feet when he felt a hand grab his arm. Ben stopped and turned to see who was tugging at him. He was surprised to see Ray Langston.<\/p>\n

\u201cMr. Cartwright,\u201d said Langston. \u201cCan I talk with you a minute?\u201d He saw Ben\u2019s hesitation, so Langston quickly continued. \u201cI know this ain\u2019t the time or place, but I need to ask you for a job.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cA job?\u201d said Ben with a frown. \u201cI thought you were working at Charlie Rutherford\u2019s ranch.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI was,\u201d replied Langston. He looked down. \u201cI got fired.\u201d Langston raised his eyes and looked defiantly at Ben. \u201cRutherford\u2019s foreman, well, he was always riding me, always on my back. I got mad at him and we had a fight. Rutherford fired me.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben considered Langston. He noticed the faint bruises on the man\u2019s face for the first time. Langston\u2019s bandanna was tied wide around the man\u2019s neck. Ben knew Langston\u2019s reputation for a hot temper and quick fists. He also knew Rutherford\u2019s foreman was rather harsh with the men who worked on that ranch. The bruises could have come from such a fight. But the marks could easily been the result of something else, something like a struggle with a young girl.<\/p>\n

Langston watched Ben\u2019s face and saw the doubt. \u201cPlease, Mr. Cartwright,\u201d Langston pleaded. \u201cI need a job real bad. Nobody will hire me. The word has spread about Sheriff Coffee asking me about Carrie. I didn\u2019t have nothing to do with it, but nobody believes that. Everybody I ask for a job looks at me like I\u2019m a murderer.\u201d Langston looked down again. \u201cI wouldn\u2019t hurt Carrie,\u201d he said. \u201cI\u2019d never hurt her.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben glanced over his shoulder and saw Katherine was almost at the buggy. \u201cCome to the ranch tomorrow,\u201d he said, turning back to Langston. \u201cI\u2019ll see what we have for you.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThank you, Mr. Cartwright,\u201d said Langston gratefully. \u201cThank you a lot!\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben nodded and hurried off to join the Winters.<\/p>\n

Joe was sitting in the buggy, still staring into the cemetery. His face reflected the misery he was feeling. The look on Joe\u2019s face discouraged many people who were leaving the cemetery from coming over to him. The few who did approach the buggy to express their sympathy got no reaction from Joe. He didn\u2019t hear or see them. He continued to stare into cemetery. Hoss was standing next to the buggy, and he had noted the vacant look on Joe\u2019s face. Hoss quickly answered the people who came up to Joe, thanking them for their good wishes and telling them Joe wasn\u2019t up to conversation yet. The well-wishers didn\u2019t linger.<\/p>\n

Joe wasn\u2019t seeing the scene in the cemetery. His vision was filled with images of Carrie. He saw her as a child, laughing and teasing him in the school yard. He remembered her at her sixteenth birthday party, proudly displaying her new dress and pinned up hair. Joe\u2019s mind was filled with pictures of Carrie \u2013 at dances, at parties and at small family gatherings. She was so happy and alive in Joe\u2019s memories, flirting with him and many of the other young men who buzzed around her like bees seeking a queen. But most of all, Joe kept remembering that night by the lake, and Carrie\u2019s screams of terrors.<\/p>\n

\u201cJoe?\u201d A voice broke into Joe\u2019s reveries, and a hand on his knee shook him back to reality. Joe slowly looked around. Katherine Winters was standing next to the carriage, looking anxiously into Joe\u2019s face.<\/p>\n

The sight of Carrie\u2019s mother sent another stab of pain into Joe. She looked frail to him, and he could see grief in her eyes. Joe lowered his eyes.<\/p>\n

\u201cMrs. Winters,\u201d he said in a choked voice. \u201cI\u2019m so sorry. I\u2019m so sorry about what happened to Carrie.\u201d Joe swallowed hard. He could feel the tears in his eyes. \u201cI should have never taken her down to the lake,\u201d he said in a barely audible voice.<\/p>\n

\u201cJoe, it wasn\u2019t your fault,\u201d said Katherine in an earnest voice. She place her hand on Joe\u2019s chin and gently lifted his face. \u201cJoe, listen to me,\u201d continued Katherine. \u201cYou are not to blame for this. You didn\u2019t do anything wrong.\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe nodded but Katherine could see the disbelief in his eyes.<\/p>\n

\u201cJoe, I\u2019m going to tell you a little secret,\u201d said Katherine. \u201cCarrie was plotting and scheming for weeks on how to get you to take her to the lake.\u201d Joe\u2019s eyes widened in surprise. \u201cCarrie decided awhile ago that she wanted you to court her,\u201d Katherine explained. She gave Joe a small smile. \u201cI think it was because you were one of the few fellows who didn\u2019t chase after her. So she was going to get your attention. I heard her and Mary Lou talking, and I heard her say how she had to figure out how to get you alone. It wasn\u2019t your idea to take her to the lake; you only thought it was. And neither of you could have known what was going to happen,\u201d Katherine finished in a firm voice.<\/p>\n

\u201cBut still..\u201d Joe started.<\/p>\n

\u201cBut nothing,\u201d Katherine said sharply. She smiled at Joe. \u201cCarrie wouldn\u2019t want you to blame yourself. What she would want is for you to go home and take care of yourself.<\/p>\n

She\u2019d want you well and strong, and so do her father and I.\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe didn\u2019t say anything for a minute. He seemed to be thinking about Katherine\u2019s words. Then he nodded. \u201cThank you,\u201d he said. Joe leaned back against the pillows. \u201cThank you,\u201d he repeated softly.<\/p>\n

The horse at the front of the buggy suddenly shook its head sharply, trying to rid itself of an annoying fly. The movement made the harness jingle. Joe heard the noise and frowned. Then he sat up abruptly.<\/p>\n

\u201cJoe, what\u2019s wrong?\u201d said Ben, coming up to the side of the buggy. \u201cAre you all right?<\/p>\n

Joe nodded, still frowning. His mind was clearly somewhere else. \u201cSomething,\u201d he said slowly. \u201cSomething I remember. That night, down by the lake, I heard something.\u201d Joe\u2019s frown deepened as he thought harder. Then his face cleared. \u201cThe jingle,\u201d he said. \u201cI heard it that night. As the man walked by me. I heard a jingle.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat kind of jingle?\u201d Winters asked in an urgent voice.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt was close to me,\u201d Joe said. He turned his head a bit as he thought. \u201cSpurs!\u201d he exclaimed. \u201cIt was spurs jingling.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s not much help, Joe,\u201d said Hoss. \u201cLots of fellows wear spurs.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYeah, but this was a different kind of sound,\u201d replied Joe. \u201cNot like a regular spur. It was more like\u2026\u201d he voice trailed off. \u201cIt was the sound of those fancy spurs, the kind with the tiny bells on them,\u201d Joe said. \u201cI looked at them in the mercantile a few weeks ago. They had a different sound than a normal spur.\u201d<\/p>\n

Winters turned to Ben. \u201cWe\u2019ve got to find out who has a set of spurs like that,\u201d George Winters said in an excited voice.<\/p>\n

\u201cCalm down, George,\u201d replied Ben. \u201cJust because someone has a set of fancy spurs doesn\u2019t make him a killer.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo but it narrows things down,\u201d replied Winters.<\/p>\n

Joe sank back against the pillows. He suddenly felt as if his arms and legs were made out of putty. Everything around him seemed to be happening in slow motion and a dark mist seemed to cloud his vision. His face slackened and his eyes started to close. He was breathing a bit harder, and his already pale face seemed to grow even whiter.<\/p>\n

Katherine Winters saw Joe sag. \u201cBen,\u201d she said sharply. \u201cI think you\u2019d better get Joe home.\u201d<\/p>\n

Doctor Martin and Adam had been standing a few feet away from the knot of people around the buggy. Now both hurried forward. The doctor edged his way up to the buggy. He grabbed Joe\u2019s wrist and counted silently. Then he put his hand on Joe\u2019s cheek. Joe didn\u2019t seem to notice.<\/p>\n

\u201cBen, Katherine\u2019s right,\u201d said Doctor Martin. \u201cJoe needs to get back to bed right away. He should never have gotten out of bed.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben looked at Joe with alarm. He quickly moved around the buggy and to the other side, then climbed into the seat next to his son. Picking up the reins, he leaned forward a bit. \u201cAdam, go tell Sheriff Coffee what Joe said. Hoss, you come with us. I\u2019ll need you to help me with Joe,\u201d ordered Ben. Adam and Hoss nodded and both hurried to their horses.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll follow you out to the ranch,\u201d said Doctor Martin. He quickly walked toward a buggy parked a few yards away.<\/p>\n

Ben snapped the reins and the horse started to walk. He snapped the reins again, and the buggy picked up speed. Ben quickly guided the buggy toward the road.<\/p>\n

The man standing by the trees watched as the buggy sped down the road. He wondered briefly why he had felt compelled to come to the funeral. The question didn\u2019t linger with him. He wasn\u2019t a man given to introspection. He was used to acting on impulse.<\/p>\n

He had been so angry that night down by the lake. He had acted without thinking. He hadn\u2019t meant to kill the girl. He only wanted to love her, to possess her. He had lost his temper when she fought him so hard and called him those vile names. He was sorry she had died. But he was glad, in a way, also. Now no one else could possess her either.<\/p>\n

The man looked at the fading image of the buggy as it traveled down the road. Cartwright was another matter, he thought. He was still angry at Joe Cartwright. He was angry because Joe Cartwright had gotten what he wanted – Carrie Winters\u2019 love. He also was angry because Joe was still alive while Carrie was dead. In the man\u2019s mind, that was wrong, all wrong. It was something that he would have to make right.<\/p>\n

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

\u201cI don\u2019t care what it takes,\u201d said Doctor Martin as he snapped his medical case shut. \u201cThreats, physical force, whatever. But you keep Joe in that bed for the next two days.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben nodded his head. He stood at the end of the bed, watching Joe anxiously. He was still picturing the harrowing ride home, with Joe sitting as limp as a rag doll in the buggy. When they reached the house, Joe had made a feeble attempt to get out of the buggy, then fell back into the seat. Ben and Hoss had carried Joe into the house, and to his bed. The doctor had arrived in the bedroom just as Ben had finished undressing his son. Ben had watched as Doctor Martin examined Joe, but it didn\u2019t take a doctor to see Joe was exhausted and feverish.<\/p>\n

Doctor Martin looked at his old friend as he picked up his bag. \u201cHe\u2019s going to be all right, Ben,\u201d said the doctor in a reassuring tone of voice. \u201cThere\u2019s no sign of infection or the wound re-opening. He has a fever, but it\u2019s not very high.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben nodded again, but the concern was still evident on his face.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt was all just too much for him,\u201d continued the doctor. \u201cThe ride to Virginia City, the funeral, everything. He\u2019s drained, both physically and emotionally. He\u2019ll sleep for a long time. I doubt if he\u2019ll wake up until morning.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI should have never let him go to that funeral,\u201d said Ben, shaking his head.<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, from what you said, and knowing Joe, I doubt if you could have stopped him,\u201d replied the doctor. \u201cWhat he needs now is just rest, plenty of rest. Keep him in bed for the next few days.\u201d Doctor Martin laid his hand on Ben\u2019s shoulder. \u201cHe\u2019ll be all right, Ben,\u201d he said again.<\/p>\n

Ben took a deep breath and nodded.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll be back in the morning to check on him,\u201d said the doctor. He gave Ben a reassuring pat on the shoulder and walked out of the room.<\/p>\n

Ben stood watching Joe sleep for several minutes. He was upset with himself for letting Joe talk him into what he had known was a foolhardy and potentially risky trip to Virginia City. He had known the funeral would take its toll on Joe. Whatever comfort Joe had found at the cemetery wasn\u2019t worth what it had cost his son to go there.<\/p>\n

\u201cMr. Cartwright?\u201d said a soft voice with a Chinese accent.<\/p>\n

Ben turned to see Hop Sing standing in the doorway. \u201cYes?\u201d replied Ben.<\/p>\n

\u201cMr. Adam home,\u201d said the cook. \u201cHe say he need to talk with you. Hop Sing stay with Little Joe.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben nodded and turned to give Joe one last look. Then he left the bedroom.<\/p>\n

Adam and Hoss were sitting on the sofa. They looked anxiously at Ben as he descended the stairs. Both were concerned about their father as much as their brother.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe doc told us Joe was all right,\u201d said Hoss as he watched Ben ease himself into the red leather chair near the fireplace.<\/p>\n

Ben nodded and glanced up to the top of the stairs. \u201cJoe just needs plenty of rest,\u201d said Ben. \u201cRest and time to heal his wounds.\u201d Ben took a deep breath, and turned to Adam.
\n\u201cHop Sing said you wanted to talk with me,\u201d Ben said to his oldest son.<\/p>\n

\u201cI just wanted to let you know what I found out,\u201d replied Adam. \u201cRoy Coffee and I talked with Frank over at the mercantile. He said he sold three sets of those fancy spurs. Bill Miller over at the Golden Nugget bought one set. Charlie Rutherford bought a set. The third set went to a fellow who left on the stage the morning of the dance.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThat doesn\u2019t help much,\u201d commented Hoss.<\/p>\n

\u201cFrank also said he bought the spurs from a peddler who was selling them to stores all over the territory,\u201d added Adam. \u201cSo someone could have a set they bought someplace else.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSo we\u2019re right back where we started,\u201d said Hoss, shaking his head.<\/p>\n

\u201cDo you remember who was wearing spurs like that at the dance?\u201d asked Ben.<\/p>\n

\u201cNo,\u201d replied Adam with a shake of his head. \u201cI\u2019ve been wracking my brain but I can\u2019t seem to remember. I just wasn\u2019t paying any attention. Roy is going to ask around to see if anyone else can remember seeing someone wearing spurs like that at the dance.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m not too optimistic about that,\u201d said Ben. \u201cI doubt if anyone else would have noticed either.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThere\u2019s one more thing,\u201d said Adam. \u201cI stopped by Charlie Rutherford\u2019s place after I left Virginia City, and I asked him about the spurs he bought. He said that his set were missing.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cMissing!\u201d exclaimed Ben. \u201cDoes he know what happened to them?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo, not for sure,\u201d replied Adam. \u201cHe said they disappeared the day before the dance. He also said that a few other things were missing from the ranch. Nothing big, just things like a new bridle and such.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cDoes Charlie know who took them?\u201d asked Hoss with a frown.<\/p>\n

\u201cCharlie isn\u2019t sure,\u201d answered Adam. \u201cBut he said his foreman thought it was Ray Langston.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cLangston?\u201d said Ben. \u201cWhy him?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThere\u2019s no reason, really,\u201d said Adam. \u201cCharlie said his foreman didn\u2019t like Langston, and accused him of stealing. They searched Langston\u2019s things but didn\u2019t find anything. Evidently, Langston and Charlie\u2019s foreman had some words, and then a scuffle. Langston got fired. No one seems to know where he is working now.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHe might be working here, starting tomorrow,\u201d commented Ben.<\/p>\n

\u201cLangston here?\u201d said Hoss.<\/p>\n

Ben nodded. \u201cYes, he came up to me at the funeral and said he needed a job,\u201d said Ben thoughtfully. \u201cHe said no one would hire him because Roy Coffee was talking to him about Carrie\u2019s murder. He also told me he had a fight with Charlie\u2019s foreman. He had some bruises on his face.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI got the impression that it wasn\u2019t much of a fight between Langston and Charlie\u2019s foreman,\u201d said Adam slowly. \u201cCould Langston have gotten the bruises someplace else?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI honestly don\u2019t know,\u201d answered Ben. \u201cThe bruises weren\u2019t very bad. They could have come from a scuffle.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019re not going to hire Langston now, are you, Pa?\u201d asked Hoss.<\/p>\n

Ben sat back in his chair and stared into the fire for a few minutes. \u201cYes,\u201d said Ben with a nod of his head. \u201cYes I am.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cBut Pa!\u201d exclaimed Hoss. \u201cIf Langston\u2019s the one who shot Joe\u2026.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThere\u2019s no proof he shot Joe,\u201d said Ben firmly. \u201cThere\u2019s no proof he took the spurs or that he got those bruises someplace other than a fight with Charlie Rutherford\u2019s foreman.\u201d Ben saw the doubt on Adam\u2019s and Hoss\u2019 faces. \u201cAll we know for sure is he asked Carrie for a dance that night,\u201d continued Ben. \u201cAnd because of that, no one will hire him. That\u2019s not right. If it was one of you boys, I\u2019d want people to give you the benefit of the doubt. We need to do the same for Ray Langston.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cPa, I know you want to be fair,\u201d said Adam slowly. \u201cBut don\u2019t you think it\u2019s taking kind of a big chance having him around the ranch?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cMaybe,\u201d admitted Ben. \u201cBut I don\u2019t think Langston is a killer. He seemed genuinely upset at Carrie\u2019s funeral.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI still don\u2019t like it, Pa,\u201d said Hoss.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2019ll keep an eye on him,\u201d promised Ben. \u201cHe can work fixing those fences down in the south pasture. And at night, he\u2019ll be in the bunk house with the rest of the hands. There won\u2019t be any reason for him to come near the ranch house.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd if he does come near the ranch house?\u201d asked Adam.<\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t intend to leave Joe alone,\u201d said Ben. \u201cNot until we catch whoever did this. If Ray Langston comes near the house, he\u2019ll have to deal with me.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAll right,\u201d agreed Adam reluctantly. \u201cI just hope you know what you\u2019re doing.\u201d<\/p>\n

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

Doctor Martin\u2019s prediction proved correct. Joe slept the day away and through the night. Ben checked on his youngest son periodically, both concerned and relieved to see him sleeping. He was concerned because Joe was still so obviously ill. His fever was low but it hung on stubbornly. At the same time, Ben felt that Joe being able to sleep was a good sign. The sense of guilt that had troubled Joe\u2019s sleep in previous days seemed to be dissipating.<\/p>\n

The sun had been up only an hour when Ben returned the next day to Joe\u2019s room to check on his son. He was surprised to see that Joe was awake. Joe was laying still in the bed, staring at the ceiling. He didn\u2019t seem to hear Ben come in.<\/p>\n

\u201cJoe,\u201d said Ben in a soft voice. \u201cHow are you feeling, son?\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe\u2019s gaze drifted to his father. Joe looked as if he were surprised to see Ben standing next to his bed.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m all right,\u201d said Joe in a distracted voice. \u201cJust a little tired.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben rested his hand on Joe\u2019s forehead for a minute, then nodded in satisfaction as he felt that Joe\u2019s temperature was only slightly higher than usual. \u201cYou\u2019re staying in that bed for the next few days, do you understand me?\u201d said Ben sternly. \u201cI\u2019m not letting you talk me into any more foolishness.\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe nodded, his distraction still evident.<\/p>\n

\u201cJoe,\u201d said Ben in a much kinder voice. \u201cI wish you would stop feeling so guilty about Carrie. No one is blaming you for what happened. You heard what Katherine said yesterday.\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe looked at his father with sorrowful eyes. \u201cYeah, I heard,\u201d replied Joe. He shook his head. \u201cBut it\u2019s hard, Pa. I feel so bad about what happened. I keep thinking how it could have been so different. I wish we had never gone near that lake.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI know,\u201d said Ben. \u201cBut you can\u2019t change what happened. Everyone has done something that they later wished they hadn\u2019t. Sometimes, an event that starts out so usual, so ordinary has tragic results. There\u2019s no way to foresee something like that. And brooding about it isn\u2019t going to change things.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIf only we hadn\u2019t gone to the lake..\u201d started Joe.<\/p>\n

\u201cIf you hadn\u2019t gone to the lake, Carrie might still have died,\u201d interjected Ben. Joe looked startled. \u201cWhoever did this probably followed you,\u201d continued Ben. \u201cHe could have followed you any place. He could have attacked you on the road or even at the Winters.<\/p>\n

Going to the lake didn\u2019t make any difference.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIt made it easier for him,\u201d argued Joe.<\/p>\n

\u201cYes, yes it did,\u201d admitted Ben. \u201cBut that doesn\u2019t mean it still wouldn\u2019t have happened. You had no reason to suspect there was someone following you and Carrie. You would have been caught unaware almost any place.\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe looked thoughtful. \u201cMaybe,\u201d he said with a shrug. He looked up at Ben. \u201cDo you know who killed Carrie?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo,\u201d said Ben with a shake of his head. \u201cRoy Coffee is checking on those spurs but so far, there\u2019s no hard evidence of who the killer is.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cPa, I want him,\u201d said Joe in a grim voice. \u201cI want him bad. I want to see him hang.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThat won\u2019t bring back Carrie,\u201d answered Ben.<\/p>\n

\u201cI know,\u201d said Joe. \u201cBut I want him to pay for what he did.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben looked at his son. Joe was still pale and his face reflected both his fatigue and his troubled thoughts. \u201cSo do I, Joe,\u201d said Ben softly. \u201cSo do I.\u201d<\/p>\n

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

The afternoon sun was dipping in the sky when Arnie Cooper rode into the yard of the Ponderosa ranch house two days later. Adam was standing near the corral, talking with Hoss, when Cooper rode in. Adam was surprised to see the cowboy. Hoss noted the look on his brother\u2019s face and turned to see what had startled his brother. Hoss recognized Cooper from both Joe and Adam\u2019s description. He watched the man warily.<\/p>\n

Adam took a few steps across the yard and met Cooper as he was reining his horse to a stop. \u201cCan I help you?\u201d Adam asked in an even tone.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m Arnie Cooper,\u201d replied the cowboy. He looked an Adam with an uncomfortable gaze. \u201cWe, uh, met the other day at the cemetery.\u201d Adam nodded. \u201cI came over to pick up the bull.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThe bull?\u201d said Adam with a frown. He thought for a minute, then his face cleared. \u201cThe seed bull for the Circle R!\u201d exclaimed Adam. \u201cI forgot all about it.\u201d<\/p>\n

Now it was Cooper\u2019s turn to frown. \u201cMy boss said he had a deal with Mr. Cartwright,\u201d said Cooper.<\/p>\n

\u201cHe does,\u201d Adam assured the man. \u201cWe promised the Circle R use of the bull for three months. It\u2019s just that with all that\u2019s been happening, I forgot all about it.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, where is it?\u201d asked Cooper. \u201cI want to get back to the Circle R before it gets too late.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThe bull is still out in the north pasture,\u201d said Adam. \u201cWe\u2019ll need to bring him in. It will take awhile.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHow long?\u201d asked Cooper.<\/p>\n

\u201cToo long for you to start back to the Circle R today,\u201d replied Adam. He looked at Cooper thoughtfully. \u201cLook, why don\u2019t you plan to spend the night in the bunkhouse here,\u201d said Adam. \u201cI\u2019ll send someone out to get the bull and bring it in. You can leave first thing in the morning.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, I guess that\u2019s all right,\u201d said Cooper, his voice reflecting his unhappiness with the situation. \u201cMy boss told me not to come back without the bull.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll send somebody after the bull right away,\u201d Adam said. \u201cYou can put your horse up in the barn. The bunkhouse is right behind it.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThanks,\u201d said Cooper. He swung his leg over the saddle and dismounted. As he did, his spurs jingled with an almost musical tone. Adam looked at the spurs. A tiny bell was attached to each.<\/p>\n

\u201cThose are unusual spurs you\u2019re wearing,\u201d said Adam, trying to sound casual.<\/p>\n

Cooper stopped and reddened a bit. \u201cYeah, they\u2019re pretty fancy,\u201d he admitted. \u201cI bought them over in Carson City about six weeks ago. Kind of wish I hadn\u2019t. The fellows at the Circle R have been kidding me about them ever since I got them.\u201d Cooper turned and led his horse toward the barn.<\/p>\n

Hoss walked up to Adam. \u201cYou see those spurs?\u201d Hoss asked his brother. Adam nodded.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat do you think we ought to do?\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam didn\u2019t say anything for a minute. \u201cI think we ought to tell Roy Coffee,\u201d he said slowly.<\/p>\n

\u201cIs that all?\u201d asked Hoss, obviously surprised.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat else would you suggest?\u201d asked Adam.<\/p>\n

Hoss looked uncomfortable. \u201cI don\u2019t know,\u201d he said. \u201cBut he\u2019s wearing spurs like Joe described, and you said he had scratches on his hand. And he was talking with Carrie at the dance.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s hardly enough evidence to accuse a man of murder,\u201d commented Adam wryly.<\/p>\n

\u201cYeah, but it sure is suspicious,\u201d said Hoss.<\/p>\n

\u201cI agree,\u201d said Adam. \u201cThat\u2019s why I think we should tell Roy Coffee.\u201d<\/p>\n

As the two brothers were talking, Ray Langston rode into the yard. He looked at the Cartwrights, but didn\u2019t say anything as he guided his horse toward the barn.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou finish the fences in the south pasture already?\u201d Hoss called to Langston as Langston dismounted in front of the barn.<\/p>\n

\u201cNo, I ran out of nails,\u201d replied Langston. \u201cI figure it\u2019s too late to go back out there today. I\u2019ll load up and head back first thing in the morning.\u201d Langston led his horse into the barn.<\/p>\n

Adam watched Langston disappear into the barn, then turned to Hoss. \u201cHow is Langston working out?\u201d he asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, he ain\u2019t the hardest worker we\u2019ve ever had,\u201d said Hoss. \u201cBut he does what he\u2019s told. He hasn\u2019t caused any trouble.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAny sign of those spurs that disappeared from Charlie Rutherford\u2019s place?\u201d asked Adam.<\/p>\n

Hoss shook his head. \u201cNo,\u201d he said. \u201cBut one of the hands told me that he spotted Langston out by Cedar Creek yesterday. He said it looked like Langston was burying something. When he asked Langston about it, Langston got mad. Told him to mind his own business.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cDid you ask him about it?\u201d asked Adam.<\/p>\n

\u201cYeah, I did,\u201d replied Hoss. \u201cHe said he found a dead fox. Said he was just burying it to keep the coyotes away.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, it could be true,\u201d said Adam.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt could be,\u201d agreed Hoss. \u201cBut he sure was acting funny about it.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam sighed and shook his head. \u201cI sure wish we could find something that would definitely identified who killed Carrie Winters,\u201d he said. He shook his head again. \u201cI\u2019m going to get that bull. At least, I can find that.\u201d<\/p>\n

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

Ben had expected to find Joe asleep when he peeked into his son\u2019s room about nine o\u2019clock that night. He was surprised to see the lamp in the room was still lit. Ben was even more surprised to see Joe\u2019s bed was empty. He pushed opened the door and looked in.<\/p>\n

Joe was sitting in a chair by the window, staring into the night. He wore a dark robe over his night shirt, and his left arm was resting inside the robe. Joe\u2019s face had a pensive look as he gaze out the window.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat are you doing out of bed?\u201d demanded Ben as he strode into the room.<\/p>\n

Joe turned to face his father. \u201cI\u2019m tired of being in bed,\u201d he replied in an irritated voice.<\/p>\n

Ben crossed the room and stood by the window. \u201cJoe, I know you\u2019re getting bored,\u201d he said in an understanding tone. \u201cBut you\u2019ve got to follow the doctor\u2019s orders. Otherwise, you\u2019ll find yourself flat on your back again.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThe doc said two days in bed,\u201d said Joe. \u201cI\u2019ve spent two days in bed. Now I\u2019m ready to get up.\u201d Joe looked out the window. \u201cSomewhere out there is the man who killed Carrie,\u201d said Joe. \u201cI want to find him.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2019ll find him, Joe,\u201d promised Ben.<\/p>\n

Outside, standing in the trees, the man watched the silhouettes in the window. He liked standing in the trees. It made him feel as if he were invisible. He gazed up at the window again. One of the hands in the bunkhouse had told him that the window was part of Joe Cartwright\u2019s room. The man frowned when he thought of the conversation in the bunkhouse. He had mentioned Joe\u2019s name casually. He had thought the hands would be indifferent about what happened. He was surprised by the concern for Joe and the anger the hands had expressed about the shooting. He found all the hands liked and respected the Cartwrights. Many of the men talked like Joe Cartwright was their friend, not their boss.<\/p>\n

The man shook his head. He had never been at a place where the boss was so well liked. Joe Cartwright had it all, he thought angrily. He was rich, good looking, and everyone liked him. Carrie had liked Joe, maybe even loved him. He had had so little to offer Carrie. It was no wonder she spurned him in favor of Joe Cartwright.<\/p>\n

It wasn\u2019t fair that Joe had so much and he had so little, thought the man. The man could feel the anger growing inside of him. Without thinking, he pulled his gun from his holster and pointed it toward the window. He was going to make Joe Cartwright pay for taking Carrie away from him. The man saw the silhouettes in the window starting to move. He pulled the trigger.<\/p>\n

Ben finally convinced Joe to go back to bed. He was helping Joe out of the chair when the shot came through the window. The bullet smashed the glass and sped into the side of the chair. Splinters of wood flew into the air.<\/p>\n

As soon as Ben heard the shot, he pushed Joe to the floor and covered him with his body. He heard Joe grunt as his injured shoulder hit the floor. Ben froze, waiting to see if there was another shot. He heard the sounds of footsteps and yelling in the hall. He also could feel Joe struggling underneath him, trying to get up. Ben firmly but gently pushed his son down to the floor.<\/p>\n

Adam and Hoss ran into the rooms, both carrying pistols in their hands. \u201cWhat happened?\u201d asked Adam anxiously.<\/p>\n

\u201cShot came through the window,\u201d replied Ben. \u201cGet outside and see if you can find anything!\u201d Adam turned and ran out the door.<\/p>\n

Hoss started to follow his older brother, then stopped. \u201cIs Joe all right?\u201d he asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m all right,\u201d answered a muffled voice from the floor. \u201cUnless Pa smothers me.\u201d<\/p>\n

Hoss grinned and rushed out of the bedroom.<\/p>\n

Ben heard the sound of Adam\u2019s shouts from outside the house and the babble of voices as others ran into the yard. He was sure whoever had fired the shot wouldn\u2019t be hanging around to face the men outside. He slowly lifted himself off of Joe, then bent to help his youngest son up.<\/p>\n

\u201cAre you sure you\u2019re all right?\u201d Ben asked Joe as he helped his son to his feet.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m all right,\u201d Joe assured him. \u201cThat bullet missed me by a good inch,\u201d he added with a wry smile. Joe lifted his left shoulder a bit, then winced. \u201cI just wish you hadn\u2019t pushed me down on my bad shoulder,\u201d he added. \u201cNext time, try and push me to the right.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben breathed a sigh of relief. If Joe was making wisecracks, he was all right. \u201cIf you had stayed in bed like you should have, this wouldn\u2019t have happened,\u201d scolded Ben. He quickly guided Joe away from the window and over to the bed. Ben hadn\u2019t meant to snap at Joe. He was angry and scared. He was angry that someone had the nerve to try to kill his son in his own home, and scared that that someone had almost succeeded.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m all right, Pa,\u201d Joe said once again as he neared the bed. \u201cYou can let go now. You\u2019re bruising the only good arm I\u2019ve got.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben looked at Joe a startled expression. He realized he was still holding tightly on to Joe\u2019s arm, unconsciously reassuring himself that his son was safe. Ben quickly released Joe\u2019s arm. \u201cYou get in that bed and stay there,\u201d he said sternly to Joe. Then the expression on his face softened. \u201cPlease,\u201d added Ben.<\/p>\n

Joe eased himself onto the bed just as Adam and Hoss walked back into the room. \u201cDid you find anything?\u201d asked Joe.<\/p>\n

Adam shook his head. \u201cNo, nothing,\u201d he said. \u201cNobody saw anything, or heard anything until the shot.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cCould if have been\u2026\u201d Ben hesitated. \u201cOne of the new hands?\u201d he finished awkwardly.<\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t know, Pa,\u201d said Hoss. He stared at Ben with a steady gaze. Ben realized Hoss had more to say, but not around Joe.<\/p>\n

Turning to Joe, Ben repeated his orders to his son. \u201cYou get in that bed and stay there,\u201d said Ben. He turned back to his older sons. \u201cAdam, get something to board up that window. Hoss, why don\u2019t you see if Hop Sing has any coffee. I think we could all use a cup.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t know about you, Pa,\u201d said Hoss as he left the room. \u201cBut I could use something stronger than coffee.\u201d<\/p>\n

An hour later, Ben walked down the stairs to join his older sons. He had stayed with Joe until the window was boarded up and made excuses to linger in the room when Adam was finished. He knew he was probably being overly cautious. Whoever took that shot was not likely to return that night. But Ben was reluctant to leave Joe alone. Finally, Joe grumbled about not being able to sleep with Ben prowling around the room like a caged tiger. Ben smiled wryly, and forced himself to leave.<\/p>\n

As he descended the stairs, he saw Adam and Hoss were sitting on the sofa, talking in low voices. He quickly walked over and sat on the low table across from the sofa. \u201cWhat did you find out?\u201d he asked softly.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe didn\u2019t find anything exactly, Pa,\u201d Hoss said, struggling to explain. \u201cIt\u2019s sort of who wasn\u2019t where they were suppose to be.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat Hoss is trying to say,\u201d explained Adam, \u201cis that Ray Langston wasn\u2019t in the bunkhouse when that shot was fired. Arnie Cooper was out of the bunkhouse when the shot was fired, too.\u201d Over dinner, Adam had explained to his father about Cooper staying over, and had also told Ben about the spurs.<\/p>\n

\u201cDid you ask Cooper where he was when the shot was fired?\u201d asked Ben.<\/p>\n

\u201cI did, Pa,\u201d said Hoss. \u201cHe said he was in the barn, taking care of his horse.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cRay Langston said he was just out taking a walk,\u201d added Adam. \u201cSeems he does that almost every night.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cDid anyone see either of them outside the bunkhouse?\u201d asked Ben, his exasperation growing.<\/p>\n

\u201cNo, they didn\u2019t,\u201d said Hoss. \u201cBoth of them were in the yard when we were looking around, but no one saw where they came from. It was dark and pretty confused out there.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben let out a sigh. \u201cSo either one of them could have fired that bullet at Joe,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n

\u201cOr neither of them,\u201d added Adam. \u201cWe don\u2019t know that it\u2019s Langston or Cooper who is the killer. It could be someone else.\u201d
\nBen shook his head. \u201cWe\u2019re getting no closer to find that killer,\u201d he said. He glanced at the stairs. \u201cBut whoever it is, he\u2019s still trying to get to Joe.\u201d Ben turned to Adam and Hoss. \u201cWe\u2019ve got to find him,\u201d Ben said in an urgent voice. \u201cHe\u2019s tried twice to kill Joe. I\u2019m not going to let him try again.\u201d<\/p>\n

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

Over the next few days, Adam and Hoss talked with every hand on the Ponderosa, and everyone they could remember from the dance, looking for any clue that might identify Carrie Winters\u2019 killer. All they got for their efforts was a lot of head shaking and sympathetic comments. No one remembered anything that would help in their quest for the killer.<\/p>\n

Adam had ridden to Virginia City the day after the shot was fired into Joe\u2019s room. He told Roy Coffee about the shooting and about Arnie Cooper\u2019s spurs. Roy had promised to continue his search for the killer, also. But the sheriff had no more success than the Cartwrights.<\/p>\n

Ben spent the time hovering around Joe like a mother hen protecting a chick. He checked on Joe regularly, using excuses like making sure he was still in bed or giving him medicine. Joe understood why his father was concerned and he tried not to complain too much.<\/p>\n

The day after the shooting, Doctor Martin declared Joe fit enough to get dressed and come downstairs. Ben found this declaration to be both good news and bad news. The good news was Joe was recovering. The bad news was Joe was now mobile, and a mobile Joe would be harder to protect.<\/p>\n

On the morning of the fourth day after the bullet shattered Joe\u2019s bedroom window, Ben was sitting at his desk, trying futilely to make the accounting books balance. His inability to make the figures come out right was partially caused by his watching Joe out of the corner of his eye.<\/p>\n

Joe was sitting in the red leather chair near the fire. He was fully dressed, and his left arm rested in a dark sling. Joe had a book on his lap, but he wasn\u2019t reading. He was staring into the fire, looking for the answer to the same question that had sent Adam and Hoss to Virginia City again this morning. Joe wanted to know who killed Carrie Winters.<\/p>\n

Ben had tried to avoid telling Joe about Arnie Cooper and Ray Langston, and their suspicions about both men. He felt Joe had enough on his mind. But Joe could tell his father was keeping something from him. Over breakfast, he had questioned his father, and demanded to know everything. Ben had tried to brush off the questions, without success. Joe had been relentless. Finally, Ben gave in and told Joe everything they knew.<\/p>\n

Now Joe sat mulling over the information in his mind. The echoes of Carrie\u2019s screams and Joe\u2019s feelings of guilt over her death were both starting to fade in Joe\u2019s mind, but his determination to find the killer was a strong as ever. Joe kept going over that night by the lake in his mind, trying to think of something that might help him identify Carrie\u2019s killer. But nothing came to him. Joe had no further revelations, no clue about who shot him and killed Carrie.<\/p>\n

The sound of a wagon coming speedily toward the house attracted Ben\u2019s attention. He frowned, wondering who was hurrying toward the Ponderosa at this hour of the morning. He put down his pencil, and stood. As he began to walk toward the front door, he heard a frenzied pounding on the door. Ben walked faster. He was surprised when he pulled the door open and saw Katherine Winters standing there.<\/p>\n

\u201cKatherine!\u201d exclaimed Ben. He saw the frantic look on her face. \u201cWhat\u2019s wrong?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cBen, you\u2019ve got to help me,\u201d said Katherine in a breathless rush of words. \u201cYou\u2019ve got to stop George from doing something I know he\u2019ll regret.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cCalm down, Katherine,\u201d said Ben, trying to soothe her. \u201cCome in and tell me what this is all about.\u201d Ben pulled the door open a bit wider and Katherine walked into the house. She nodded at Joe, who was watching her with open curiosity. Then she turned to Ben.<\/p>\n

\u201cBen, you\u2019ve got to go after George,\u201d said Katherine. \u201cHe\u2019s on his way out to the Circle R. He says he\u2019s going to kill Arnie Cooper.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cCooper? Why?\u201d asked Ben.<\/p>\n

\u201cOh, Ben,\u201d replied Katherine, putting her face in her hands. \u201cThis is such a mess. It\u2019s all my fault.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cKatherine, calm down,\u201d said Ben, putting his hands gently on Katherine\u2019s shoulders. \u201cTell me exactly what happened.\u201d<\/p>\n

Katherine Winters lifted her head. She took a deep breath. \u201cI was in Virginia City this morning,\u201d she said. \u201cI ran into Roy Coffee. I asked him \u2013 no, I demanded that he tell me what he had learned about who..\u201d Katherine hesitated then squared her shoulders. \u201cwho killed my daughter. At first, Roy didn\u2019t want to say anything, but I\u2019m afraid I badgered the poor man. He finally told me about Arnie Cooper having a set of spurs like Joe described. He also told me that Cooper had been questioned in Carson City two months ago about a girl who was murdered there.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSo Cooper is the killer,\u201d said Joe in a grim voice.<\/p>\n

\u201cNo, Joe, that\u2019s just the point,\u201d Katherine said. \u201cWe don\u2019t know for sure Cooper is a killer. Roy said he was questioned in Carson City, that\u2019s all. And there\u2019s no evidence that proves he killed Carrie.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat makes you think George is going after Cooper?\u201d Ben asked.<\/p>\n

Katherine turned back to Ben, her agitation evident. \u201cWhen I got home, I told George what Roy said,\u201d replied Katherine. \u201cHe flew into a rage. Said Cooper was the killer, just like Joe. I tried to calm him down, tried to tell him that Roy Coffee was going out to the Circle R this afternoon. But George wouldn\u2019t listen. He said the sheriff wouldn\u2019t do anything. George said it was up to him to avenge Carrie\u2019s death. Then he grabbed his rifle and stormed out of the house. He rode off in the direction of the Circle R.\u201d<\/p>\n

Katherine put her head down again. \u201cBen, you\u2019ve got to go after George and stop him,\u201d Katherine said in a choked voice. \u201cI lost my daughter. I don\u2019t want to lose George too.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cKatherine, I don\u2019t know\u2026\u201d said Ben in a hesitant voice.<\/p>\n

Katherine raised her head and grabbed Ben\u2019s arm. \u201cGeorge will listen to you,\u201d she said in an urgent voice. \u201cHe respects you. You\u2019ve got to stop him from murdering Arnie Cooper. George will hang if he kills that man.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo jury in Virginia City would find your husband guilty,\u201d Joe said with conviction.<\/p>\n

\u201cNo!\u201d Katherine said to Joe in a voice that was practically a shout. \u201cDon\u2019t you see? Cooper might not be the killer. George could shoot an innocent man.\u201d Katherine shook her head. \u201cEven if George doesn\u2019t hang, what if Cooper isn\u2019t the killer? If Cooper is dead, they\u2019ll stop looking. The man who killed Carrie could get away.\u201d Tears welled up in Katherine\u2019s eyes. \u201cI want to know who killed Carrie. I have to know. If George kills Cooper, we\u2019ll never know for sure.\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe looked down. He wanted Cooper to be the killer, and he wanted George Winters to take his revenge. But he knew Katherine was right. Killing Cooper wouldn\u2019t solve anything. Like Katherine, he felt a need to know for sure who killed Carrie. If it was Cooper, they needed a confession from him. If George killed him before they got that confession, there always would be a seed of doubt in his mind\u2026and in everyone else\u2019s mind.<\/p>\n

\u201cPlease, Ben, please\u201d begged Katherine as she turned back to Ben. \u201cGo after George. Stop him. Please!\u201d<\/p>\n

A pained look crossed Ben\u2019s face. \u201cKatherine, there\u2019s no one here but me,\u201d he said slowly. \u201cThe hands are out on the range. Hop Sing is in Virginia City getting supplies. Adam and Hoss are in Virginia City, too.\u201d Ben pursed his lips. \u201cI don\u2019t want to leave Joe alone,\u201d he said in a reluctant voice.<\/p>\n

Joe looked up. \u201cI\u2019ll be all right, Pa,\u201d he said in a firm voice. \u201cYou go after Mr. Winters.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll stay with Joe,\u201d said Katherine. \u201cI\u2019ll look after him.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t need looking after,\u201d said Joe. \u201cGo ahead, Pa. Go stop Mr. Winters.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben hesitated. He wanted to go after George, because he fully agreed with Katherine. Killing Arnie Cooper wouldn\u2019t accomplish anything except to ruin George\u2019s life. But Ben also knew that someone had tried to kill his son, had tried twice in fact. He didn\u2019t like the idea of Joe being alone and unprotected.<\/p>\n

\u201cBen, please,\u201d said Katherine again, \u201cplease go after George.\u201d Her eyes, full of tears, pleaded with Ben.<\/p>\n

There may have been a few men who could have resisted Katherine Winter\u2019s tearful pleas, but Ben Cartwright wasn\u2019t one of them. The look in Katherine\u2019s eyes melted any objections Ben might have had. He nodded his head and turned to walk toward the front door.<\/p>\n

\u201cJoe, I want you to stay in the house,\u201d said Ben as he was buckling on his gunbelt. \u201cDon\u2019t go outside, for any reason.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll make sure he stays put,\u201d said Katherine, wiping her eyes. \u201cAnd Ben, thank you. Thank you so much.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI haven\u2019t done anything yet,\u201d said Ben as he finished tying the holster around his leg. He reached for his hat and bandanna, both of which were resting on a peg by the door. \u201cI\u2019ll do whatever I can, Katherine,\u201d promised Ben.<\/p>\n

Katherine nodded. \u201cIt will be enough, I know it will,\u201d said Katherine with a tentative smile.<\/p>\n

\u201cI hope so,\u201d said Ben. With a last nod, he turned and rushed out the front door.<\/p>\n

Joe pulled himself up out of the chair, and walked over to Katherine. He put his arm on her shoulder. \u201cIt\u2019ll be all right,\u201d he said in a gentle voice. \u201cPa will bring him home.\u201d<\/p>\n

Katherine had been staring at the door. Now she turned to Joe. \u201cI hope so,\u201d said Katherine softly. \u201cI know George. If George kills Cooper, it destroy him. He\u2019ll never be able to live with himself.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cEven if Cooper is the killer?\u201d asked Joe softly.<\/p>\n

Katherine looked down. \u201cIf I knew for sure Cooper killed Carrie,\u201d she said in a low voice. \u201cI go after him myself.\u201d She raised her head and saw the surprise in Joe\u2019s eyes. \u201cBut I don\u2019t know if he killed Carrie. And I have to know, Joe. I have to know for sure.\u201d<\/p>\n

She wiped her eyes again, and cleared her voice. She looked at Joe carefully. \u201cYou look a lot better than you did a few days ago\u201d, commented Katherine, a weak smile crossing her face.<\/p>\n

\u201cI feel better,\u201d Joe replied in a reassuring tone.<\/p>\n

\u201cAbout everything?\u201d asked Katherine.<\/p>\n

Joe hesitated. \u201cYeah, I guess I do,\u201d he admitted. \u201cI still feel bad about what happened, but I guess I\u2019m not blaming myself any more.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cGood,\u201d said Katherine in a brisk voice. \u201cNow why don\u2019t you go sit down and I\u2019ll go make us both some coffee.\u201d Joe started to protest, but Katherine waved his protests aside. \u201cI told your Pa that I\u2019d look after you.\u201d Katherine glanced over her shoulder toward the door. \u201cBesides, keeping busy will help me from thinking too much,\u201d she added. Joe nodded, and started back toward the chair. Katherine headed toward the kitchen.<\/p>\n

Joe was just about to sit down when there was another knock on the door. Joe turned and walked to the front door. He pulled the door open and was surprised to see Ray Langston standing there.<\/p>\n

\u201cHi, Joe,\u201d said Langston with an easy familiarity.<\/p>\n

Joe frowned. \u201cHello, Ray,\u201d said Joe. \u201cWhat are you doing here?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cDidn\u2019t your Pa tell you I was working on the Ponderosa?\u201d asked Ray in surprise.<\/p>\n

\u201cHe did,\u201d said Joe shortly. \u201cWhat do you want?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI just wanted to talk to your Pa or Hoss,\u201d said Langston. \u201cI finished those fences on the south range. I wanted to know what they wanted me to do next.\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe\u2019s frown deepened. He had lost track of what work needed to be done on the ranch, and he didn\u2019t know what to tell Langston.<\/p>\n

\u201cCould I come in and talk with your Pa?\u201d said Langston again.<\/p>\n

\u201cHe\u2019s not here,\u201d answered Joe. \u201cNeither is Hoss. Maybe you\u2019d\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

Before he could finish, Katherine walked back into the room. \u201cJoe, I put the coffee on. Oh, hello, Ray,\u201d she said with a smile when she saw Langston at the front door.<\/p>\n

Langston looked surprised to see Katherine. \u201cUm, hello, Mrs. Winters,\u201d replied Langston in uncertain voice. \u201cI didn\u2019t know that was your rig out front.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhy don\u2019t you come in and have some coffee,\u201d invited Katherine. She looked at Joe. \u201cThat\u2019s all right with you, isn\u2019t it, Joe?\u201d<\/p>\n

It wasn\u2019t all right with Joe. Even though Joe was becoming convinced Arnie Cooper was the one who killed Carrie, he still didn\u2019t want Ray Langston in the house. He didn\u2019t like Langston and he just as soon not have to make polite conversation with the man. But he couldn\u2019t refuse to let the cowboy in without seeming rude to Katherine. Joe opened the door a bit wider, and Langston walked into the house.<\/p>\n

\u201cThank you, ma\u2019am,\u201d said Ray. He looked around the room, his eyes reflecting his envy. \u201cFirst time I\u2019ve been in here. This sure is a fine house.\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe nodded and walked past the cowboy without saying anything. He sat down in the red leather chair, adjusting his injured arm in the sling as he made himself comfortable.<\/p>\n

Katherine sat on the sofa. \u201cI didn\u2019t have a chance to thank you for coming to Carrie\u2019s funeral,\u201d said Katherine. \u201cIt was very thoughtful of you.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ray walked over and stood near the sofa. \u201cI wanted to come, ma\u2019am,\u201d said Ray. \u201cI liked Carrie. I liked her a lot, even though she didn\u2019t seem to think much of me.\u201d Ray shook his head. \u201cI don\u2019t know what this world\u2019s coming to,\u201d he added. \u201cPeople going around raping and murdering young girls. It\u2019s just terrible.\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe\u2019s head went up quickly at Langston\u2019s words. \u201cHow did you know Carrie was raped?\u201d he asked. He looked quickly at Katherine. Katherine had turned pale, and put her hand to her mouth. \u201cNobody knew about that,\u201d added Joe. \u201cNo one except Doc Martin, Sheriff Coffee, and me. And the killer.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, I, um, I just guessed that\u2019s what happened,\u201d said Langston, obviously uncomfortable.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou guessed?\u201d said Joe, his eyes narrowing suspiciously. \u201cOr you knew?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI didn\u2019t kill Carrie. I didn\u2019t have anything to do with it,\u201d protested Langston.<\/p>\n

\u201cI heard that Charlie Rutherford is missing a set of bell spurs,\u201d Joe said. \u201cAnd that you got fired from Rutherford\u2019s place for stealing. What about it, Ray? Did you take those spurs? Were you wearing them the night Carrie was killed?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t have to talk to you,\u201d said Langston, his anger evident. He started toward the door. Joe jumped to his feet and walked quickly across the room. He grabbed Langston\u2019s arm. \u201cYou said you like Carrie, but she didn\u2019t think much of you,\u201d said Joe.<\/p>\n

\u201cIs that why you killed her? Because she turned you down?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo!\u201d said Langston, pushing Joe away. \u201cI didn\u2019t kill her!\u201d He looked Joe with obvious distaste. \u201cYou think you have it all, don\u2019t you, Cartwright. You just crook your finger and all the girls come running. You could have had any girl you wanted, but you had to pick the girl I loved.\u201d The expression on Langston\u2019s face grew angrier. \u201cYou have it all and I have nothing!\u201d he shouted. \u201cI almost evened things the other night. You would have been the one with nothing, nothing but a bullet in you.\u201d Langston suddenly froze, realizing what he had said. Joe\u2019s face darkened.<\/p>\n

Langston started for the door, but Joe grabbed his arm again. Langston spun around and punched Joe hard in the stomach. Joe bent forward as the unexpected blow knocked the wind out of him. Langston threw an uppercut into Joe\u2019s jaw, snapping Joe\u2019s head back. Joe was stunned by the blow. He fell to the floor at Katherine Winter\u2019s feet. Langston pulled his gun out of his holster and aimed it directly at Joe.<\/p>\n

\u201cNo!\u201d shouted Katherine as she flung herself off the sofa. She crouched over Joe, putting her body directly in front of Langston\u2019s line of fire.<\/p>\n

\u201cGet out of the way,\u201d shouted Langston.<\/p>\n

\u201cNo,\u201d said Katherine again, her voice shaking. \u201cI won\u2019t let you do it. I won\u2019t let you murder him.\u201d She looked Langston straight in the eye. \u201cYou killed Carrie, didn\u2019t you?\u201d she said softly.<\/p>\n

Langston looked away for a few seconds then turned back to Katherine. \u201cI didn\u2019t mean to,\u201d he said in a voice full of regret. \u201cAll I wanted to do was make her love me. I tried to make her love me. But she fought me and she called me some awful names. I got mad. I just her to be quiet, that\u2019s all. I tried to make her shut up, and I guess I squeezed her too hard.\u201d<\/p>\n

Langston\u2019s face hardened. \u201c Every time I want something, somebody seems to have it,\u201d he said in a bitter voice. \u201cI learned a long time ago you have to just take what you want. Otherwise, you\u2019ll never get nothing.\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe stirred as his senses started to clear. He heard what Langston said about killing Carrie. He had no doubt that Langston meant to kill him also. Langston had tried it twice already. Joe shook his head, trying to clear it. He knew he was going to have to fight for his life. Joe watched Langston, trying to decide how he could jump the cowboy without getting shot.<\/p>\n

\u201cRay,\u201d said Katherine in a soothing voice. \u201cI know you didn\u2019t mean to kill Carrie. It was just an accident. Why don\u2019t you just give me the gun and we can go to the sheriff together. We\u2019ll explain to him that it was an accident.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat do you think I am, a fool?\u201d said Langston in an angry voice. \u201cThey\u2019ll hang me.<\/p>\n

I\u2019m leaving. I\u2019m going as far away from here as I can. I\u2019ll go someplace where they\u2019ll never find me.\u201d<\/p>\n

Langston\u2019s gaze shifted to Joe. \u201cBut before I go, I\u2019m going to finish things here,\u201d he said. Langston lifted the gun. \u201cNow, get out of the way. I\u2019m going to kill him. It ain\u2019t right that he\u2019s alive and Carrie\u2019s dead. It wasn\u2019t suppose to be that way. Carrie was suppose to love me. He\u2019s got to pay for taking Carrie away from me.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou kill him and you\u2019ll surely hang,\u201d cried Katherine. \u201cPlease don\u2019t.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThey can only hang me once,\u201d said Langston. He reached down and grabbed Katherine\u2019s arm. \u201cNow, get out of the way,\u201d he said, pulling the woman off Joe.<\/p>\n

Katherine threw herself at Langston. She pounded his chest with her hands and tried to kick him. Langston was surprised at the fury of her attack. He fell back several steps as he grabbed Katherine\u2019s arms. Langston push Katherine away from him and she fell to the floor with a loud thud.<\/p>\n

Joe sprang to his feet and dove at Langston. He hit the cowboy in the knees with his good shoulder, knocking Langston to the floor. The gun flew out of Langston\u2019s hand.<\/p>\n

Joe pulled his arm from his sling, and scrambled across the floor on hands and knees. Langston was pulling himself up off the floor as Joe reached him. Kneeling on the floor next to the fallen cowboy, he punched Langston in the face with his left hand. Joe used his left hand by instinct, without thinking. It was the hand that normally packed the most force.<\/p>\n

In the heat of battle, Joe had forgotten about his injured shoulder and how little strength he had in his left arm. The punch that landed on Langston was ineffectual, surprising the man rather than hurting him. But the punch did sent a radiating pain through Joe\u2019s shoulder and back. The sharp pain caught Joe by surprise. He stiffened and grabbed at left his shoulder with his right hand. Joe grunted in pain and his eyes closed as his shoulder throbbed. That gave Langston the opening he needed to fight back.<\/p>\n

Langston scrambled to his feet, and kicked Joe hard in the ribs. Joe fell back across the floor, curling his body on his side as he gasped in pain. He could hear Langston coming toward him. Joe tried to get up. But he couldn\u2019t seem to get his body to work. He could feel the waves of pain coming from both his shoulder and his ribs. Each wave seemed to sap his strength.<\/p>\n

Langston kicked Joe hard in the back, noting with satisfaction how Joe groaned when his foot made contact. Langston raised his leg once more, this time aiming for Joe\u2019s head.<\/p>\n

The shot came from behind Langston. The bullet went straight into his back and through his lung. Langston arched his back in surprise. A second shot followed the first, and this time the bullet shattered Langston\u2019s spine. Langston gave out a small cry, both of surprise and pain. Then he crumpled to the floor.<\/p>\n

Joe managed to turn his body enough to see who had shot Ray Langston. He wasn\u2019t surprised to see Katherine Winters standing a few feet away with the smoking gun in her hand. What did surprise Joe was the expression on Katherine\u2019s face. He expected to see shock or fright or even sorrow. But the look on Katherine\u2019s face was one of satisfaction, pure satisfaction.<\/p>\n

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

\u201cIt\u2019s your move, little brother,\u201d Hoss said. He was sitting on the low table in front of the fireplace. A checkerboard was set up on the table. Joe was sitting in the red leather chair near the fireplace. Supposedly, Joe was playing a checker game with Hoss. But in reality, he was doing nothing but staring anxiously toward the front door.<\/p>\n

\u201cJoe, it\u2019s your move,\u201d said Hoss again.<\/p>\n

Joe looked startled. \u201cWhat did you say?\u201d asked Joe.<\/p>\n

Hoss gave up the pretense of playing checkers. \u201cJoe, will you relax?\u201d he said. \u201cPa and Adam will make sure everything gets sorted out with the judge. There ain\u2019t any reason for you to be so worried.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI should have gone with them,\u201d said Joe. \u201cI should be there to explain everything to the judge.\u201d<\/p>\n

Hoss looked at his brother and shook his head. The bruise on Joe\u2019s jaw had turned a deep purple. Joe\u2019s shirt hid the heavy wrapping around his ribs, but Hoss had seen the signs of bruised and cracked ribs when the doctor patched him up. Joe\u2019s left arm rested once again in a sling.<\/p>\n

\u201cJoe, you heard what the doctor said,\u201d replied Hoss. \u201cYou ain\u2019t in any shape to go to Virginia City. And this time, Pa wasn\u2019t about to let you talk him into making the trip.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cBut what if the judge doesn\u2019t understand what happened?\u201d asked Joe anxiously. \u201cWhat if he doesn\u2019t believe Katherine Winters killed Ray Langston to keep him from killing me?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cJoe, Sheriff Coffee wrote down everything you told him,\u201d said Hoss patiently. \u201cYou signed that statement. The judge will believe it.\u201d<\/p>\n

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

\u201cHe will,\u201d said Hoss firmly. \u201cNow it\u2019s your move.\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe and Hoss spent the next half hour playing a half-hearted game of checkers Neither concentrated on the game. Joe kept watching the front door anxiously, and Hoss kept watching his brother. No matter how much Hoss tried, he couldn\u2019t reassure Joe that Katherine Winters would be cleared of any charges.<\/p>\n

Finally, Joe\u2019s anxious and worried watching was rewarded. The front door opened, and Ben and Adam walked in. Both had smiles on their faces.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat happened?\u201d demanded Joe as the two Cartwrights entered the house.<\/p>\n

\u201cJust what Roy Coffee said would happen,\u201d replied Ben. \u201cThe judge ruled justifiable homicide.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThere was no question that Langston was going to try to kill you,\u201d added Adam. \u201cYour statement and Katherine\u2019s both made that clear to the judge. There won\u2019t be any charges brought against Katherine.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHow is Miz Winters?\u201d asked Hoss. \u201cShe looked awful shook up yesterday when we got back to the house.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cShe\u2019s upset, naturally,\u201d said Ben, removing his hat and gunbelt. He place both on the bureau near the front door. \u201c She regrets having had to kill Langston. But I think she\u2019s finding some comfort in knowing that she saved Joe\u2019s life. And I think both Katherine and George are relieved to know for sure who killed Carrie.\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe didn\u2019t say anything. He remembered the look on Katherine\u2019s face as she held the gun. Saving Joe wasn\u2019t the only thing she had done. No one seemed to realize that Katherine Winters had inflicted the ultimate punishment on the man who had raped and murdered her daughter. Joe wondered if Katherine would find comfort in that fact. He doubted it. Killing Ray Langston didn\u2019t undo what Langston had done. Carrie was still dead. And Katherine Winters would have to live with the memories of both those deaths for the rest of her life.<\/p>\n

Ben crossed the room and sat down in the blue chair near the fireplace. \u201cKatherine is a strong woman,\u201d said Ben as he settled into the chair. \u201cBut it will take her awhile to get over this. George will be a big help. He loves her and love always helps people get through the tough times. It will take some time, but I think both George and Katherine will be all right.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s a good think you were able to stop Mr. Winters yesterday,\u201d said Hoss. \u201cHe might have killed Arnie Cooper if you hadn\u2019t. And we know Cooper was innocent.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWe know that now,\u201d said Ben. \u201cYesterday, I wasn\u2019t so sure. I might not have been able to stop George if you and Adam hadn\u2019t shown up at the Circle R. Showing George those bell spurs that Ray Langston had buried convinced him that Arnie might not be the killer.”<\/p>\n

\u201dThere was a lot of other stuff in the sack we uncovered,\u201d said Adam as he crossed the room to sit on the sofa. He had removed his hat and gunbelt also. \u201cIt looked like Langston had stolen things from just about every place he worked. I was sure that silver belt buckle belonged to the foreman at the Circle R. That\u2019s why Hoss and I rode out there yesterday.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t get it, Pa,\u201d said Joe with a puzzled look on his face. \u201cLangston stole all that stuff, but he never did anything with it. I mean, he didn\u2019t sell it, and he only used it when no one else was around. I don\u2019t think he put on those spurs until after he left the dance.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t think he stole those things to sell or show,\u201d replied Ben. \u201cI think he stole them just to have them.\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe frowned. \u201cYeah,\u201d he said. \u201cHe said something yesterday about taking things just because he wanted them.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cLangston wasn\u2019t willing to work for the things he wanted,\u201d said Ben. \u201cWhen he saw something he wanted, he just took it. He didn\u2019t care who it belonged to, or who got hurt.<\/p>\n

He thought he deserved to have whatever he wanted.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cLike Carrie,\u201d said Joe in a sad voice. He shook his head. \u201cI was so sure Arnie Cooper was the killer. I sure was wrong.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSo was I,\u201d said Ben. \u201cI didn\u2019t believe Ray Langston killed Carrie. If I had, I would have never hired him.\u201d Ben shook his head sadly. \u201cI was so wrong. And my mistake almost cost you your life.\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe shifted uncomfortably on the chair. \u201cIt wasn\u2019t your fault, Pa,\u201d he said. \u201cYou didn\u2019t know. It\u2019s like you told me the other day. Sometimes you do things that seem reasonable and they just turn out bad. There\u2019s no way of knowing in advance.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAre you trying to quote my own words to me?\u201d asked Ben with a smile.<\/p>\n

Joe smiled back. \u201cYeah, I guess I am,\u201d said Joe. Joe shifted again on the chair and winced as a stab of pain went through his sore ribs.<\/p>\n

Ben saw Joe wince. \u201cI think it\u2019s time we got you up to bed for awhile,\u201d said Ben. \u201cYou\u2019ve got to be pretty sore.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAw, Pa, not back to bed,\u201d complained Joe. \u201cI\u2019m sick of that bed.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cJoseph\u2026\u201d Ben started in a stern voice.<\/p>\n

\u201cPa, I think we ought to keep Joe here where we can keep an eye on him,\u201d said Hoss, with a twinkle in his eye. \u201cHe seems to get into a lot of trouble when he leave him on his own.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYeah, Pa,\u201d added Adam with a grin. \u201cI think from now on, Hoss or I should go everywhere with Joe.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOh great,\u201d groaned Joe. \u201cJust what I need. A couple of wet nurses looking after me.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben smiled. \u201cI think Joe can manage to care of himself,\u201d said Ben. Then his face grew serious. \u201cBut I do think it\u2019s important that we watch out for each other. There\u2019s a lot of darkness out there.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cDarkness?\u201d said Joe with a frown.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe worst kind of darkness,\u201d said Ben. \u201cThe darkness of the soul. I hesitate to call it evil. But there are people who do hurt others and do it without remorse. They are concerned only about satisfying their own needs and wants, and don\u2019t care who they hurt in the process.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s a pretty bleak picture,\u201d commented Hoss, remembering Adam\u2019s comments about the demons in everyone. \u201cI like to think most folks are good. Most folks don\u2019t want to hurt anybody.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben gave Hoss a small smile. \u201cLuckily, the number of good people far outweigh the bad,\u201d he said. \u201cThere\u2019s a lot of good people in the world. It\u2019s just that it doesn\u2019t pay to ignore the bad.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2019ll watch out for each other,\u201d promised Adam. \u201cWe always do.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYeah,\u201d added Joe. \u201cThat\u2019s what the Cartwrights do best.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI know,\u201d said Ben. \u201cThat\u2019s a fact that makes me very happy and very thankful.\u201d He looked around the room. \u201cVery thankful.\u201d<\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

<\/div>\n

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

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

Summary:\u00a0 Tragedy strikes on the Ponderosa leaving Joe brutally attacked and his date dead.<\/p>\n

Rating:\u00a0 T\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 (25,215 words)<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":10338,"featured_media":10664,"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":[23],"tags":[16],"class_list":["post-13956","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-drama","tag-joe","wpcat-23-id"],"a3_pvc":{"activated":true,"total_views":2448,"today_views":0},"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/03\/Resitution-Small.jpg?fit=720%2C480&ssl=1","jetpack_likes_enabled":true,"jetpack-related-posts":[{"id":13911,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=13911","url_meta":{"origin":13956,"position":0},"title":"After the Last Viking (by Susan G)","author":"SusanG","date":"December 12, 2006","format":false,"excerpt":"Summary:\u00a0 A WHN for the episode \"The Last Viking\" Rating:\u00a0 T\u00a0 (13 730 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\/2017\/03\/The-Last-Viking.png?fit=698%2C472&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/03\/The-Last-Viking.png?fit=698%2C472&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/03\/The-Last-Viking.png?fit=698%2C472&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x"},"classes":[]},{"id":4920,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=4920","url_meta":{"origin":13956,"position":1},"title":"Loving Carrie (by pjb)","author":"pjb","date":"April 29, 2014","format":false,"excerpt":"Summary:\u00a0\u00a0A devastating tragedy sends Joe on a quest for answers. Rated:\u00a0T \u00a0WC \u00a053,000","rel":"","context":"In "Romance"","block_context":{"text":"Romance","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?cat=3"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/04\/Quality-of-Mercy-14.jpg?fit=649%2C542&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/04\/Quality-of-Mercy-14.jpg?fit=649%2C542&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/04\/Quality-of-Mercy-14.jpg?fit=649%2C542&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x"},"classes":[]},{"id":3555,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=3555","url_meta":{"origin":13956,"position":2},"title":"The Last Viking (by Rona)","author":"Rona","date":"May 21, 2003","format":false,"excerpt":"Summary:\u00a0 A WHB the ending scene.\u00a0 How did the Cartwrights get Joe home after he had been shot? If you ever wondered, read on. Rated:\u00a0 T \u00a0 (9,075 words)","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":3831,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=3831","url_meta":{"origin":13956,"position":3},"title":"Tug of Love (by Rona)","author":"Rona","date":"January 8, 2003","format":false,"excerpt":"Summary:\u00a0 Joe and Adam clash over a girl. However, they both find that blood is thicker than water when the girl kidnaps Joe. Rated:\u00a0 T \u00a0 \u00a0(11,430 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\/2015\/09\/A-J.jpg?fit=400%2C320&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200},"classes":[]},{"id":13465,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=13465","url_meta":{"origin":13956,"position":4},"title":"Same Pines Different Wind (by McFair_58)","author":"mcfair_58","date":"September 14, 2016","format":false,"excerpt":"Summary: This story is a sequel or WHN for the wonderful episode 'Different Pines Same Wind'. \u00a0As Joe Cartwright helps the old woman Carrie Pickett prepare for winter, the arrival of a beautiful young woman at the Ponderosa spells disaster. Her appearance serves as a catalyst for an unexpected series\u2026","rel":"","context":"In "Action\/Adventure"","block_context":{"text":"Action\/Adventure","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?cat=2"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/09\/Joe-Carrie-.jpg?fit=576%2C434&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/09\/Joe-Carrie-.jpg?fit=576%2C434&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/09\/Joe-Carrie-.jpg?fit=576%2C434&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x"},"classes":[]},{"id":1301,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=1301","url_meta":{"origin":13956,"position":5},"title":"A Flame Rekindled (by KateP)","author":"KateP","date":"January 5, 2002","format":false,"excerpt":"Summary:\u00a0 Twelve years have passed and now Carrie is back in town. Rated: K+ (31,535 words) Pains of Love Series, links to all stories of this series included.","rel":"","context":"In "Drama"","block_context":{"text":"Drama","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?cat=23"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/04\/bonanza7.jpg?fit=720%2C477&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/04\/bonanza7.jpg?fit=720%2C477&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/04\/bonanza7.jpg?fit=720%2C477&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/04\/bonanza7.jpg?fit=720%2C477&ssl=1&resize=700%2C400 2x"},"classes":[]}],"jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/13956","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/10338"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=13956"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/13956\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/10664"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=13956"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=13956"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=13956"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}