{"id":13962,"date":"2007-08-01T16:16:52","date_gmt":"2007-08-01T20:16:52","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=13962"},"modified":"2026-07-29T13:44:56","modified_gmt":"2026-07-29T17:44:56","slug":"to-live-free-by-susan-g","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=13962","title":{"rendered":"To Live Free (by Susan G)"},"content":{"rendered":"

Summary<\/strong>:\u00a0 A tribe rescues Joe after he attempts to protect one of their own.<\/p>\n

Word Count: \u00a012,600 \u00a0Rated: \u00a0T<\/p>\n

To Live Free<\/strong><\/p>\n

The woman\u2019s scream split the air with an unnerving shriek. Pulling his horse to a stop, Joe Cartwright sat and listened for a minute. Up in the mountains where he was checking trees, there were several animals and birds whose screech sounded almost human. But when Joe heard the scream again, followed by what sounded like shouts of protest, he knew it was no animal making the noise. Kicking his horse, Joe sent the animal rapidly down the trail.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

As he reached a small clearing, Joe pulled his horse to a stop. In the middle of the clearing, a big man wearing the fur vest and hat sported by many trappers was struggling with a woman. The woman was an Indian, clad in a buckskin dress that was now torn at the shoulder.<\/span><\/p>\n

The woman screamed again as Joe quickly dismounted. He could see the trapper was holding his captive\u2019s upper arms, trying to pull her closer, while the woman was crying out in terror as she tried to squirm free. Running to the man, Joe grabbed one of the trapper\u2019s arms and yanked it off the woman. \u201cLeave her alone,\u201d Joe yelled in an angry voice.<\/span><\/p>\n

The trapper spun around, surprised to find someone behind him. He pushed the woman to the ground and she quickly crawled away to huddle behind some rocks. The woman\u2019s attacker looked Joe up and down, then grinned.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cGet your own squaw, boy,\u201d the big man said with a sneer. \u201cThis one\u2019s mine.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cLeave the woman alone,\u201d Joe repeated firmly.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThis ain\u2019t none of your business,\u201d advised the trapper. \u201cI found me a woman and I\u2019m going to have her. Now, ride off.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m making it my business,\u201d Joe stated, his anger growing. \u201cClear out before someone gets hurt.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Once more, the trapper looked Joe over. He was much bigger and stronger than the young man standing before him and he figured he could take care of the kid easily. He raised his arm and swung hard at the young man standing in front of him.<\/span><\/p>\n

With a swift move, Joe ducked the blow. He had seen the man\u2019s arm tense and knew what was coming. His brothers had showed him a long time ago how to watch out for a punch. They also had taught him how to take on a bigger opponent. Joe threw two quick jabs into the man\u2019s midsection, knocking the wind out of the trapper and staggering him. As his adversary bent over, Joe punched him solidly on the jaw, knocking the man backwards. The trapper fell to the ground.<\/span><\/p>\n

But Joe\u2019s blows had only stunned the man and the trapper quickly scrambled to his feet. With a roar, the big man came at Joe again, swinging his arms wildly. Joe ducked most of the blows, but one landed on his shoulder, knocking him to the ground. He saw the trapper coming toward him and quickly stuck out his legs, tripping his opponent. As the trapper fell, Joe got up. He grabbed the man by the vest and landed two solid blows on his chin. The trapper fell back to the ground in a heap.<\/span><\/p>\n

Breathing hard, Joe stood over the man for a minute, waiting to see if the apparently unconscious trapper was going to make another move. Satisfied that he had knocked the man out, Joe turned and walked slowly toward the woman still crouched behind the rocks.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAre you all right?\u201d Joe asked as he neared the frightened woman cowering behind the boulders. She was in her late thirties, with thick black hair plaited into braids. Her face held a look of sheer terror. \u201cDon\u2019t be afraid,\u201d Joe said softly. \u201cI won\u2019t hurt you.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

The woman studied Joe for a minute. Slowly, the fear began to leave her face. She smiled tentatively and stood up.<\/span><\/p>\n

Smiling back at the woman, Joe was about to ask her name when he saw the fear suddenly come back over her face. The woman pointed behind Joe and yelled a warning.<\/span><\/p>\n

Spinning around, Joe saw the trapper was on his knees, pointing a pistol directly at him. Joe drew his own gun with lightning speed and fired at the same time as the trapper. Joe\u2019s bullet hit the big man in the chest, knocking him backwards. But Joe never saw his bullet hit. Just as he fired, Joe felt a sharp stab of pain.<\/span><\/p>\n

Grabbing his side, Joe crumpled to the ground. He felt a burning sensation just before the pain seemed to explode inside him. Joe writhed on the ground in agony for a few seconds, then went limp.<\/span><\/p>\n

As the guns fired, the woman had ducked back behind the rocks. She hid there for several minutes, waiting. Finally, she slowly stood, cautiously looking around. She saw the two men lying on their backs in the clearing; neither was moving. She slowly emerged from behind the boulders and walked tentatively toward the trapper, stopping a few feet away. The man\u2019s eyes were open and he was staring lifelessly into the sky. A large splotch of red covered his chest. There was no question the man was dead.<\/span><\/p>\n

With a sigh of relief, the woman turned and walked rapidly back to her young rescuer. Joe\u2019s eyes were closed and a stain of red was spreading rapidly on his shirt just above the belt. She knelt next to the young man and put her hand on his chest. She could feel his heart beating and the shallow but even movement of his breathing. The woman looked around the clearing. Joe\u2019s horse was grazing unconcerned on the nearby grass and a few birds twittered in the trees. There was no sign of another human in the area.<\/span><\/p>\n

Turning back to Joe, the woman lightly stroked him on the cheek. Then she stood and ran into the woods.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

When the woman returned to the clearing about twenty minutes later, the scene was virtually unchanged. Both men were still lying on the ground while Joe\u2019s horse grazed placidly nearby. She looked around warily then gestured to the woods behind her. Four braves, wearing buckskin shirts and pants, emerged from the trees. One was carrying a crudely-made stretcher while another had a large leather pouch slung over his shoulder.<\/span><\/p>\n

Walking quickly, the woman hurried to Joe and knelt next to him. The stain on Joe\u2019s shirt, which had grown to cover most of his side, had turned to a rusty brown as the bleeding stopped and the blood started to dry. Once more, she placed her hand on his chest, and sighed with relief as she felt the young man\u2019s heart beating steadily. She waved the braves forward.<\/span><\/p>\n

The brave carrying the pouch slid it off his shoulder and handed it to the woman. She began rummaging through it, pulling out a small flask and several rolls of cloth. Turning back to Joe, she hastily unbuttoned his shirt and frowned as she pulled the cloth off the wounded Cartwright. She could see a jagged hole in his side, just above the hip. Dried blood was smeared over his side and stomach. The woman wet some cloth with liquid from the flask and began cleaning Joe\u2019s body.<\/span><\/p>\n

As the woman worked, the braves looked around. One, a tall man about 30, muttered something to the others, who nodded their agreement. The brave holding the stretcher laid it on the ground then walked with two of the men to the body of the trapper. They picked up the dead man and carried him to a small gully at the edge of the clearing. After dropping the body into ditch, they began burying it under dirt and rocks.<\/span><\/p>\n

The tall brave watched the others for a moment, then turned back to the woman. \u201cWill he live?\u201d he asked, more with curiosity than concern.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t know,\u201d the woman answered, not looking up. \u201cThe wound is bad.\u201d She began wrapping the cloth around Joe, bandaging the wound; Joe never stirred during the woman\u2019s ministrations.<\/span><\/p>\n

The trio of braves returned from their unpleasant task, wiping the dirt from their hands as they approached. The Indian standing near Joe said something in a low voice and waved his hand quickly. Once more, the three braves nodded their understanding. Gently pushing the woman aside, one grabbed the stretcher and slid it next to Joe; the other two lifted Joe and place him on it. The woman hovered anxiously near the men as two braves picked up the stretcher. Then the woman and three of the men started walking slowly back into the woods.<\/span><\/p>\n

The lone brave waited until the others disappeared into the trees. Moving slowly, he began walked around the clearing, stopping occasionally to brush the ground. Once he stooped to pull a handful of blood-stained grass from the earth, throwing the blades into the wind. Finally satisfied that he had removed all trace of their presence, the brave walked over to Joe\u2019s horse. Grabbing the reins, he led the pinto into the woods.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Over the next few hours, Joe faded in and out of consciousness. He was aware that he was being carried but couldn\u2019t seem to focus his eyes to see who was carrying him. He also was aware of being gently lifted and then laid back down, his head propped up by something bulky but soft. He tried once or twice to open his eyes, to move his head, and to shift his body. But the throbbing in his side was intense, and any movement sent an even worse stab of pain through him. His eyes felt heavy and his head ached. He also felt hot and sweaty, and what little strength he had seemed to be slowly oozing away.<\/span><\/p>\n

When Joe did manage to open his eyes, the face of a woman appeared before him, fuzzy and out of focus. He had no idea who she was. He heard her tell him to lie still and felt a cold, damp cloth stroking his face. The cloth seemed to cool his burning head, and Joe sighed at the small relief it offered him. He closed his eyes and tried unsuccessfully to will the pain in his side to go away.<\/span><\/p>\n

Voices swirled around Joe, although he couldn\u2019t seem to understand the words. He roused himself again and slowly opened his eyes. He could see several figures standing over him, although the scene was blurry. Joe blinked his eyes, trying to clear his vision.<\/span><\/p>\n

As his eyes began to focus, Joe felt a clutch of fear in his stomach. Standing over him was an old Indian, a man whose hair was almost snow white and whose face was lined by aged. The Indian held a large knife in his hand and he took a step toward Joe.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNo!\u201d Joe cried. He stuck his hand in the air, trying to ward off the knife. He tried wiggling away from the old man but several hands grabbed him and held him in place. He struggled briefly, trying to escape. Then the pain in his side seemed to explode again. Joe groaned and felt himself slipping into a deep pool of blackness.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

The light of dawn began filtering through the trees as a tall brave walked through the Indian camp. The people around him were beginning to stir, gathering blankets and fanning the glowing embers of fires into flames. Most were women and children; only a handful of men were among the group. The white-haired old man was sitting on the ground with two men who seemed almost as old as he was. Four women, easily in their sixties, worked near them, two starting to cook while the other two gathered up blankets. The brave nodded an acknowledgment to the men but kept on walking.<\/span><\/p>\n

At the edge of the camp, the brave stopped. The woman Joe had rescued was sitting on the ground next to the young white man, who was covered by a blanket. Joe\u2019s eyes were closed, and his face was pale. A fine sheen of sweat covered his body. The woman wiped Joe\u2019s face and neck with a damp cloth.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHe is still alive?\u201d the brave asked in surprise. He hadn\u2019t expected the young man to survive the night.<\/span><\/p>\n

The woman nodded. \u201cWhite Bear took the bullet out and put medicine on the wound,\u201d she explained. \u201cHis head is burning, but he is still breathing.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

The brave considered the injured man lying on the ground. \u201cYou know we can not stay here,\u201d he stated to the woman. \u201cIt is too dangerous.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWe can\u2019t leave him here!\u201d the woman protested in a frantic voice. \u201cHe will die for sure if we do. I owe him my life.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI know,” the brave agreed gently. \u201cBut we must think of our people. To stay here would put all our people in great danger. It is not fair to risk them for the sake of one white man.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Before the woman could answer, the old Indian approached. He knelt next to Joe and gently laid his hand on Joe\u2019s forehead. Nodding, he pulled back the blanket. Joe was bare to the waist, his torn and bloody shirt having been thrown into a fire. His midsection was wrapped with strips of faded white fabric and a thicker piece of cloth was bunched under the wrappings, covering the wound in Joe\u2019s side. The old man checked the wound under the cloth, then pulled some moss from a pouch hanging on his belt. Rolling the moss in his hand, he quickly made a paste. Pulling at the cloth again, he rubbed the paste on the wound, then covered it once more. Finally he pulled the blanket over Joe.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhite Bear, will he live?\u201d the woman asked the old man anxiously.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIt is in the hands of the Great Spirit,\u201d the old man answered with a shrug.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cMy brother wishes us to leave,\u201d the woman said.<\/span><\/p>\n

White Bear nodded. \u201cWe must continue our journey.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

The woman looked at Joe with concern. \u201cWe can not leave him here,\u201d she declared. She looked up at White Bear. \u201cCan we take him with us?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

White Bear thought for a minute. \u201cIt would be better if he stayed here, but he cannot,\u201d he replied. \u201cWe will place him on the traveling frame. I will give him the sleeping medicine so he will feel no pain. We will take him with us.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWill he be able to get well if we do this?\u201d the woman asked with concern.<\/span><\/p>\n

The old man shook his head. \u201cI do not know. He may get well or he may die. That is not up to us.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Looking up at the tall brave, the woman asked, \u201cRed Horse, do you agree to this?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

The brave smiled briefly. \u201cMy sister, you know I do,\u201d he answered in a voice full of affection. \u201cI will do anything to help the man who saved you, as long as it does not put our people in danger.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

The woman smiled her gratitude at her brother. \u201cThank you.”<\/span><\/p>\n

Nodding, the brave said, \u201cI will get the traveling frame ready. We will tie it to the man\u2019s horse. We will leave when the sun is halfway to the top of the sky.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Once again, Joe felt himself being carried. This time he didn\u2019t bother to try to see who was moving him. He felt so tired, and the pain in his side was a constant ache. He simply didn\u2019t care what was happening to him, or who was doing it. All he wanted to do was fade back into that dark place where the pain was no longer present. He felt a cup being placed to his lips and a bitter-tasting liquid was forced into his mouth. Joe swallowed the liquid and his wish to return to the darkness was quickly granted.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Sitting in his office, Roy Coffee idly scanned the wanted posters on his desk. He wasn\u2019t looking for anyone in particular, but he always read the posters. He wanted to be able to spot a dangerous outlaw if such an individual was foolish enough to ride into his town.<\/span><\/p>\n

As the door to his office burst open, Roy looked up. Ben Cartwright walked quickly across the room, looking harried and upset.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHello, Ben,\u201d Roy greeted his old friend cautiously. He knew whatever brought Ben to his office was not good.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cRoy, Joe\u2019s missing!\u201d Ben announced without any preamble.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cMissing?\u201d Roy exclaimed in surprise. \u201cWhat do you mean?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHe went up to Sun Mountain day before yesterday to check some trees,\u201d Ben explained in a rush. \u201cHe was due back that night, but he never came home. We\u2019ve been searching for him since yesterday, but can\u2019t find any trace of him.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Roy swallowed hard. He knew the area around Sun Mountain was wild country. If something happened to Joe up there, they might never find him.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cDid you have an argument with him?\u201d Roy asked. He held a faint hope that Joe might have disappeared on his own.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNo, no,\u201d Ben answered quickly. \u201cBesides, you know Joe. Even if he gets mad, he cools off quickly. He would never do something like run away.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHow about a girl?\u201d Roy asked, desperately searching for a reason for Joe\u2019s absence. \u201cIs he seeing anyone special? Someone he might have decided to visit for awhile?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNo,\u201d Ben said again. \u201cThere\u2019s no reason for Joe not to come home. Believe me, Roy, I\u2019ve gone over every possibility. Something has happened to him.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI believe you\u2019re right,\u201d Roy agreed with a nod. \u201cWhat can I do to help?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWe need more men,\u201d Ben replied in an almost frantic voice. \u201cI have every man on the Ponderosa looking for him, but we need more help. That country around Sun Mountain is thick with trees and bushes. There\u2019s a hundred places where an injured man could lie without being seen. We need more help. If we don\u2019t find him soon\u2026\u201d Ben\u2019s voice trailed off; he couldn\u2019t bring himself to say the rest of the words.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll round up every man I can find,\u201d Roy promised, as he stood and grabbed his hat off the desk. \u201cI\u2019ll spread the word around town, too. Maybe someone has seen him.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThank you,\u201d Ben said gratefully. \u201cI\u2019m going to ride back up there. I\u2019ll send Hoss to meet you and your men near Watson\u2019s Creek.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2019ll be there in a couple of hours,\u201d Roy assured his old friend. He laid a hand on Ben\u2019s shoulder. \u201cTry not to worry,\u201d the sheriff added in a comforting tone. \u201cJoe can take care of himself.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Joe had no idea how long he spent in the comforting darkness. He knew time had passed, because he managed to pull himself out of the darkness on three or four occasions. Every time he did, however, he could feel the pain in his side. Joe knew he moaned when he felt the pain, but he couldn\u2019t seem to prevent himself from doing so. Sometimes, he felt he was moving when he woke, but each time he moaned, the movement stopped.<\/span><\/p>\n

Occasionally, someone would force water or a watery broth into his mouth. He still felt hot and the liquids tasted good. But each time he woke, he also had the bitter-tasting drink forced into him. Soon after he swallowed that brew, he would feel himself sinking back into the darkness.<\/span><\/p>\n

Reluctantly, Joe began to wake once more. He hated to leave the now accustomed darkness because he knew he would wake to pain. But somehow he also knew he could no longer stay there.<\/span><\/p>\n

Slowly, Joe opened his eyes. His mouth felt dry and his senses, dull. Surprisingly, though, the pain in his side had subsided to a bearable ache. Joe moved his head slightly, looking around. He was lying under a blanket inside a crude shelter. He could see the leaves on the tall branches which held several blankets over his head. The shelter was large; the roof was several feet above him. Turning his head, Joe could see some slightly rumpled blankets spread on the ground next to him. There was enough room in the structure to accommodate another person if they had wished to sleep next to him. Joe\u2019s eyes continued to search the crude housing. The sides of the shelter seemed to consist of draped blankets, surrounding him fully with an array of red, blue and gray cloth. Joe felt comfortably warm, and was grateful to whoever had built the structure. He wondered briefly how he came to be there.<\/span><\/p>\n

The blankets in front of Joe were pulled open, and he watched as a woman entered into the shelter, carrying a bowl of water. She was an Indian woman, wearing a buckskin dress, and her hand pushed aside the long dark hair that hung loosely around her head and face. At first, Joe didn\u2019t recognize her, but then with a rush, he remembered the woman in the clearing. The Indian woman was the one he had tried to rescue.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou are awake,\u201d the woman said with a smile. \u201cThis is a good sign.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe tried to answer, but found his throat was too dry to produce anything but a croak. The woman quickly knelt next to him and handed him the bowl. Joe drank from the bowl, eagerly swallowing the cold water it contained.<\/span><\/p>\n

When he had drunk his fill, Joe handed the bowl back to the woman. \u201cThank you,\u201d he said gratefully. She nodded.<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe tried raising his shoulders a bit and winced at the pain the movement caused. His head and back were propped up by several rolls of cloth, and Joe sank back against them, grateful for their soft support.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019re the woman I saw in the clearing,\u201d Joe said after a moment\u2019s rest.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYes,\u201d the woman answered with a smile. \u201cThank you for saving me.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI didn\u2019t do anything,\u201d Joe replied in an uncomfortable voice. The truth was that he couldn\u2019t remember much of what had happened in the clearing.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou saved me from dishonor, perhaps even death,\u201d the woman insisted.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhat happened?\u201d Joe asked. \u201cWhere am I?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou are with my people,\u201d the woman explained. \u201cThat\u2026man shot you. My brother and some of his braves brought you back to our camp.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHow long have I been here?\u201d pressed Joe, trying to piece things together in his mind.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou were at our camp for a day, and have been traveling with us for two more days,\u201d the woman told him.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThree days!\u201d Joe exclaimed. He tried to sit up, and felt a sharp pain in his side. He quickly fell back against the rolls of cloth.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cLie still!\u201d the woman ordered. \u201cYour wound is not yet healed.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe nodded in agreement. He closed his eyes for a minute and waited for the pain to pass. When he opened them again, he looked at the woman curiously. \u201cYou\u2019re not Paiute,\u201d he declared.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNo,\u201d answered the woman. \u201cOur tribe is called Cherokee by the white man.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cCherokee?\u201d Joe said in surprise. \u201cI thought all the Cherokees were on a reservation down south some place.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWe were,\u201d the woman stated simply.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhat are you doing here?\u201d Joe asked. His voice was beginning to fade as a feeling of fatigue started coming over him.<\/span><\/p>\n

The woman noted Joe\u2019s weariness. \u201cIt is a long story,\u201d she replied. \u201cI will tell you later. Now, you must rest.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe didn\u2019t try to argue. He suddenly felt tired and the thought of sleeping for awhile appealed to him. Slowly, he closed his eyes.<\/span><\/p>\n

The woman sat next to Joe, watching as he drifted off to sleep. Lifting her hand, she felt his forehead. It was warm, but the burning she had felt during the last few days was gone. She turned as she heard the blankets behind her stir. The tall brave came into the shelter.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHow is he?\u201d the brave asked.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHe will live,\u201d the woman told her brother in a satisfied voice. \u201cThank you for agreeing to stop for awhile. I\u2019m not sure he would have lived if we had kept traveling.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Red Horse shrugged. \u201cAll our people needed rest,\u201d he said. \u201cWe were lucky the Great Spirit led us to this place. It is well hidden from those who would hunt us.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Ben Cartwright sagged as he sat in his saddle. His shoulders ached and his body felt rooted to the leather. But it wasn\u2019t fatigue which caused Ben to slump, even though he hadn\u2019t been out of the saddle for more than a couple of hours over the past few days. Discouragement and a feeling of hopelessness caused his distress. Ben lowered his head, and rubbed his eyes with his hand.<\/span><\/p>\n

The sound of riders caught Ben\u2019s attention. His head snapped up as he looked toward the two men riding toward him slowly. Ben didn\u2019t need to ask them if they had found anything; the set of their shoulders told him that they had no news.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNothing, Pa,\u201d Adam Cartwright answered his father\u2019s unasked question. \u201cWe didn\u2019t find a thing.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cFour days,\u201d said Ben sadly. \u201cFour days of searching and not even a sign of him.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cPa, we\u2019ve had more than fifty men searching this mountain,\u201d Hoss Cartwright stated. \u201cIf Joe was here, we would have found him by now.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHoss is right,\u201d declared Adam. \u201cHe\u2019s not up here. I think we should look someplace else.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cBut where, Adam?\u201d asked Ben in despair. \u201cWhere should we look?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t know,\u201d Adam admitted.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s like he just got swallowed up somehow,\u201d Hoss added.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhere could he be?\u201d Ben asked again.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cMaybe he had to go someplace, or maybe someone took him along with them,\u201d suggested Hoss.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cBut why hasn\u2019t he sent word?\u201d asked Ben. \u201cIf he had to leave for some reason, he would have sent a message. Even if he was kidnapped, there would have been a ransom note. Hop Sing would have sent the man I left at the ranch to us if any word had arrived there.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Hoss shook his head. \u201cI don\u2019t know, Pa,\u201d he conceded, discouragement evident in his voice.<\/span><\/p>\n

The sound of two distant gunshots suddenly rang through the air. As the three men turned to look in the direction of the sound, two more gunshots echoed the first.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cSomeone has found something!\u201d Ben exclaimed. \u201cCome on!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

The three riders turned their horses toward the hill to Ben\u2019s right, the direction from which the signal shots had come. All urged their horses forward at a rapid pace.<\/span><\/p>\n

As the Cartwrights were near the top of the hill, they saw a rider approaching. The man waved at them to stop.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhat is it?\u201d Ben asked the man. \u201cWhat did you find?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

The man, one of the Ponderosa ranch hands, shifted uncomfortably in the saddle and looked away. \u201cRoy Coffee found something,\u201d the cowboy answered, his eyes cast down. Then he looked up at Ben. \u201cIt looks like a body buried in a ditch.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Ben swayed in the saddle. He felt as if the man had dealt him a blow to the stomach.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAny idea how long it\u2019s been there?\u201d asked Adam.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNot long,\u201d the ranch hand replied. \u201cA couple of days at most.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

A sense of grief engulfed Ben and he closed his eyes. He had been praying that they would find his youngest son, but not like this. He wanted Joe alive and well.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cShow us,\u201d Ben ordered in a sad voice as he slowly opened his eyes to look at the ranch hand.<\/span><\/p>\n

Nodding, the cowboy turned his horse and led the Cartwrights over the hill and down the trail. As they reached a small clearing, the riders could see Roy Coffee standing on the edge of a gully. Two men were using small shovels to throw dirt from the depression onto the land above.<\/span><\/p>\n

As the riders stopped their mounts, Ben sat for a moment, a grim look on his face. Then, almost reluctantly, he dismounted. The other riders did the same.<\/span><\/p>\n

Hearing the sound of the men approaching, Roy turned away from the gully. With rapid strides, he walked over to meet Ben. \u201cIt\u2019s not Joe,\u201d Roy said quickly.<\/span><\/p>\n

Ben\u2019s body sagged. He felt a sense of relief that the body wasn\u2019t his son, but also a renewed sense of despair at yet another false sign. \u201cAny idea who it is?\u201d Ben asked.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNope,\u201d Roy answered, shaking his head. \u201cNever saw him before. Looks like a trapper. He\u2019s wearing a fur vest and leather pants. He was shot in the chest. It seems like someone tried to hide the body.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cDo you think Joe had anything to do with this?\u201d asked Adam.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNo way of telling,\u201d admitted Roy, \u201cbut I doubt it. I know Joe. He wouldn\u2019t shoot a man without cause. And if he had shot him, he would come tell me about it.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

With a frown on his face, Hoss started looking around the clearing. He walked a few feet away from the ditch and knelt down on the ground. \u201cPa, it looks like someone tried to cover up the shooting,\u201d he stated. \u201cThe ground\u2019s been brushed over, and some of the grass has been pulled up. But there\u2019s some blood over here that they missed.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Ben nodded, not really interested. The killing of a stranger held little importance for him.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cBen, I\u2019m going to take the body back to town,\u201d said the sheriff. \u201cI\u2019ll see if anybody can identify him.\u201d Roy hesitated, then continued. \u201cI\u2019m going to take the posse with me. We\u2019re not going to find anything up here.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWe can\u2019t stop looking!\u201d Ben cried, his voice tinged with desperation.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cPa, Roy\u2019s right,\u201d Adam told his father. \u201cWe\u2019re just covering the same ground we\u2019ve covered the last four days.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cBut no one found the trapper until now,\u201d Ben argued. \u201cMaybe we missed something else.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cBen, I saw that mound of dirt in the gully yesterday,\u201d Roy remarked. \u201cI didn\u2019t start digging in it until I ran out of places to look. Believe me, if there was some other sign, we would have found it by now.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Nodding sadly, Ben had to admit what Roy was saying was true. But he didn\u2019t know where else to look for his son. The thought of going home and doing nothing deepened his despair.<\/span><\/p>\n

Walking over to his father, Hoss put his hand on Ben\u2019s shoulder. \u201cPa, if something had happened to Joe, we would have found some sign,\u201d he insisted. \u201cFor whatever reason, he left this mountain. The best thing to do is go back to the ranch and wait. Joe will get word to us, you\u2019ll see.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Ben looked at his son. \u201cI hope you\u2019re right,\u201d he said dejectedly.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Felling someone gently shaking him awake, Joe stirred and slowly opened his eyes. The woman was kneeling next to him, a smile on her face.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou have been sleeping a long time,\u201d she declared. \u201cHow do you feel?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe thought a minute before answering. \u201cBetter,\u201d he said truthfully. His side was aching, but the pain was minimal. His headache was nearly gone. Joe looked at the woman. \u201cI don\u2019t know your name,\u201d he added.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI am called Singing Dove,\u201d the woman answered.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m Joe\u2026.Joe Cartwright,\u201d Joe offered in return.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI am happy to meet you, Joe Cartwright,\u201d Singing Dove acknowledged with a smile.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNot near as happy as I am to meet you,\u201d Joe stated with a grin. Suddenly, the aroma of food seemed to fill the shelter. Joe saw a bowl on the ground with a bit of steam rising from the top. \u201cIs that something to eat?\u201d he asked, eyeing the bowl hopefully.<\/span><\/p>\n

Singing Dove laughed. \u201cYes. Are you hungry?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cStarved,\u201d answered Joe, his mouth watering.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cLet me help you sit up,\u201d offered Singing Dove. She place her hand behind Joe\u2019s back and gently pushed him up to a sitting position. Moving rolls of blankets, she helped Joe reposition himself until the mound of cloth supported his back. Satisfied that he was sitting comfortably, Singing Dove handed Joe the bowl; a wooden spoon was sticking out of a thick stew. \u201cEat slowly,\u201d the woman advised. \u201cYour belly must get used to the idea of food again.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

As Joe followed her advice and ate small morsels of the stew, he looked around at the shelter. \u201cI\u2019m sorry you had to use up so many blankets on me,\u201d Joe said apologetically.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t worry,\u201d Singing Dove told Joe, smiling wryly. \u201cThe one thing we have a lot of is blankets.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Shifting a bit, Joe winced at the pain which lightly stabbed his side. He looked up at Singing Dove. \u201cHow bad am I hurt?\u201d he asked in a serious voice.<\/span><\/p>\n

Singing Dove seemed to struggle for an answer. \u201cI don\u2019t know all the words,\u201d she admitted. \u201cThe bullet struck the bone here\u201d, she said, pointing to the top of her hip, \u201cthen traveled up. White Bear, our medicine man, had to cut to find the bullet and remove it.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe remembered the terror he felt when he saw an Indian coming at him with a knife. \u201cIs White Bear an old man with white hair?\u201d he asked in an embarrassed voice. Singing Dove nodded. Joe felt himself redden at the thought of trying to fight off a man who only wanted to help him. He quickly changed the subject. \u201cYou speak English very well,\u201d he commented as he continued to eat.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI lived on the reservation a long time,\u201d explained Singing Dove. \u201cThe men who ran it insisted we learn their tongue. Most of us learned to speak it well.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhat are you doing here?\u201d Joe asked.<\/span><\/p>\n

Before Singing Dove could answer, a man came into the shelter. Joe looked up at him, his curiosity growing.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOur young friend is feeling better,\u201d the tall brave declared.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYes,\u201d agreed Singing Dove. She turned to Joe. \u201cThis is my brother, Red Horse. He is our leader.\u201d She turned to brave. \u201cHis name is Joe Cartwright.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThank you, Joe Cartwright, for saving my sister,\u201d Red Horse said solemnly.<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe looked away. \u201cI didn\u2019t do much,\u201d he replied, once again trying to downplay his actions. Joe really felt that all he had managed to do was get himself shot. He looked back at Red Horse. \u201cI\u2019d like to send word to my family about what happened. They must be worried. Could one of your men take a message to them?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Singing Dove and Red Horse looked at each other. Finally, the tall brave shook his head. \u201cNo,\u201d he stated firmly. \u201cWe can not do this.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhere does your family live?\u201d Singing Dove asked quickly. \u201cDo you have a wife?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNo,\u201d Joe answered. \u201cI live with my Pa and two brothers on a ranch outside of Virginia City. But I don\u2019t understand. Why can\u2019t you send a message?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Crossing his legs, Red Horse lowered himself to sit on the ground. \u201cI will tell you our story,\u201d he said as he settled comfortable on the dirt.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOur people fought the white man for many years,\u201d Red Horse began. \u201cFinally, when most of our braves were dead, we agreed to go to the reservation. We were mostly old men, women and children by then, with only a few braves left to go with them. My father died in battle as did Singing Dove\u2019s husband. I wanted to continue fighting, but my sister convinced me to help take care of our people. The army forced us to live on the land they gave us. It was poor land, with little hunting. We had to rely on the white man to give us food, clothes and blankets.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cLots of blankets,\u201d Singing Dove added, a wry smile reappearing. \u201cWhenever they did not have enough food for us, they gave us more blankets.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cFor many years, we lived on the reservation,\u201d Red Horse continued. \u201cBut the white man forgot we were people. Young men and children grow up. Babies continue to be born. Old people tell the young ones about the days when we were free. Finally, our people were many again, and strong. We decided we no longer wished to live on the reservation, relying on the white man to care for us. We knew we could not fight the army. We only had a few weapons, and they are too many. So we made a plan. One night, we left the reservation. Left in small groups, going in many directions. We scattered like leaves before the wind.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cBut the army is sure to catch you,\u201d Joe said with a frown.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cSome of us, yes,\u201d agreed Red Horse. \u201cBut with so many small groups traveling in so many directions, they can not catch us all. Returning those they catch to the reservation will delay the army, giving the others a chance to escape and live free.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhere are you heading?\u201d asked Joe curiously.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNorth to the Canadas,\u201d replied Red Horse. \u201cThose who are not returned to the reservation will meet in a place we all know. Where there are clear lakes and much game. Where we can live free again.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHow long have you been traveling?\u201d Joe asked.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAlmost three moons,\u201d Red Horse answered. \u201cThe people I guide are mostly women, old ones, and a few children. I have only six braves to help me. I can not spare a man to send to your family. And I can not risk one of my braves being seen. The army would come and we would be returned to the reservation.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI understand,\u201d Joe said, nodding. \u201cBut why are you camped here? Stopping would be dangerous. You didn\u2019t stop because of me, did you?\u201d He felt guilty that he might have put these people at risk.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNo,\u201d Red Horse replied with a smile. \u201cWe stopped because our people needed rest. We need to hunt for awhile, and to ready ourselves to travel on. One of my braves found a valley hidden by high rocks, with only a small path leading in. My men guard the path. We are safe here.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe thought for a minute, trying to picture the location in his mind. He thought he knew where they were. But he also knew that his father and brothers would never find him here.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m grateful for what you did for me,\u201d Joe acknowledged. \u201cAnd I understand why you can\u2019t tell anyone where we are. But my family will be worried.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cFor this, I am sorry,\u201d said Red Horse. \u201cBut you will be well soon. And then you can return to your family. The sorrow they feel now will disappear when you return.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI guess you\u2019re right,\u201d Joe agreed reluctantly. He hated the thought of what his father and brothers must be going through. But he had a feeling that there was no way to talk Red Horse into sending a message for him.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI must ask a favor,\u201d said the brave.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cSure, anything,\u201d Joe answered.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cMay we use your rifle to hunt?\u201d Red Horse asked. \u201cI saw your rifle on your saddle. It is a fine gun. It would help bring much food to our people.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOf course,\u201d Joe agreed with surprise. He couldn\u2019t imagine why Red Horse hadn\u2019t just taken the gun. He owed these people his life; the rifle was a small price to pay in return. Joe was impressed by the honesty and dignity of these Indians. \u201cPlease keep the gun. There\u2019s some boxes of ammunition in my saddle bag. Take those, too.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThank you, Joe Cartwright,\u201d Red Horse said formally.<\/span><\/p>\n

As Red Horse stood to leave, another man came into the shelter. The old man with white hair stood at the entrance to the now crowded shelter and looked at Joe. He said something to Red Horse in a language Joe didn\u2019t understand. Red Horse answered him, and then left. The old man shuffled over and sat next to Joe.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThis is White Bear,\u201d Singing Dove told Joe.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThank you for saving my life,\u201d Joe said to the man.<\/span><\/p>\n

White Bear looked at Singing Dove with a puzzled expression. She said something to him in their own language. White Bear smiled and nodded. He turned back to Joe and began checking the young man\u2019s wound.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhite Bear does not speak your tongue,\u201d Singing Dove explained. \u201cHe felt his power would go away if he spoke the white man\u2019s language.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Ignoring the talk around him, White Bear began making a paste of moss, then spread the paste over Joe\u2019s side. Joe felt a burning sensation, and winced. White Bear nodded, as if he expected this reaction. The medicine man looked around and saw the bowl of water on the ground. He sprinkled some herbs into it, then gave it to Joe to drink.<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe looked at the brew with suspicion. With a firm hand, White Bear pushed the edge of the bowl to Joe\u2019s lips and urged him to drink. Shrugging, Joe decided that whatever the Cherokee had been doing for him had only helped him, and now was not the time to resist. He drank the water, tasting the bitter mixture he remembered from before. White Bear nodded in satisfaction.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAsk White Bear how long it will be before I can travel,\u201d said Joe.<\/span><\/p>\n

Singing Dove relayed the question to the medicine man, and listened to his reply. \u201cHe says seven or eight suns must go before you will be able to ride, and then you must be careful,\u201d Singing Dove relayed to Joe.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cA week!\u201d Joe exclaimed. \u201cI can\u2019t stay here another week.\u201d Suddenly, he felt tired, and found it hard to talk. \u201cI have to get home,\u201d Joe mumbled as his eyes started to grow heavy. His tongue felt thick and his arms seemed to have no strength. \u201cI have to get home,\u201d Joe repeated as he slowly drifted off to sleep.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Ben Cartwright paced the ranch house like a caged tiger. Joe had been missing for almost six days and his frustration at not doing anything to find his son seemed to grow with every hour. Roy Coffee had agreed to send telegrams to every town within a hundred miles, asking the local sheriffs to keep an eye out for Joe. Adam and Hoss regularly rode to Virginia City, looking for replies, but so far, no answers had come. Ponderosa ranch hands had been dispatched to every ranch, farm and town in the area, looking for someone who might have seen Joe. All had returned with no news.<\/span><\/p>\n

Walking back and forth in front of the large fireplace, Ben tried desperately to think of something else to do. He wanted to organize another search, but he had no idea where to look. He tried to think of someone else to contact, but couldn\u2019t image who might know where Joe was. He refused to believe he might never find his missing son.<\/span><\/p>\n

Hearing the front door open, Ben turned and watched as Adam and Hoss walked in, concern and discouragement lining their faces. Ben knew they were as worried about Joe as he was.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cBilly just got back from Carson City,\u201d Adam stated. \u201cHe said he talked with just about everyone there during the past two days. No one has seen Joe.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI checked the telegraph office, Pa,\u201d Hoss added. \u201cThere wasn\u2019t anything.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Sighing, Ben nodded. He turned toward the fireplace, staring into the blaze for several minutes as Adam and Hoss watched him with concern. Finally, Ben faced his sons. \u201cWe\u2019re missing something,\u201d he declared. \u201cSome clue, something that will tell us what happened to Joe. It\u2019s there, I know it is. We just haven\u2019t seen it.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cBut what, Pa?\u201d Hoss asked with a puzzled expression.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t know,\u201d Ben admitted. \u201cBut someone can\u2019t just disappear without a trace. We have to go back to Sun Mountain and start all over again.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cPa, we\u2019ve been over every inch of that country,\u201d Adam noted in a patient voice. \u201cThere\u2019s nothing there.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThere\u2019s got to be!\u201d Ben insisted. \u201cWe\u2019ve just missed it. We have to look again.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam and Hoss glanced at each other; both were sure that the search party hadn\u2019t missed a thing up on Sun Mountain. Finally, Adam shrugged. \u201cWell, I suppose it wouldn\u2019t hurt to look again,\u201d he acknowledged reluctantly.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2019ll go in the morning,\u201d Ben said in an eager voice. \u201cWe\u2019ll cover every inch of that mountain. I\u2019m sure we\u2019ll find something this time.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYeah, we\u2019ll look again,\u201d Hoss agreed in a soothing voice. He was convinced that there was nothing to find, but he knew his father had to do something. Covering old ground was as good as anything, he supposed. It had to be better than doing nothing.<\/span><\/p>\n

A knock on the front door startled the Cartwrights. Adam walked to the door and pulled it open, surprised to see Roy Coffee standing there. The sheriff was accompanied by a tall, rough-looking man, wearing a bearskin vest. The man had long dark hair and a beard, and he looked uncomfortable standing next to the sheriff.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAdam, I need to talk with your Pa,\u201d declared Roy.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cCome on in, Roy,\u201d Ben called from the fireplace. \u201cAny news?\u201d he added hopefully.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWell, not exactly,\u201d replied Roy in a uncertain voice as he and the stranger walked in. \u201cMaybe we\u2019d better tell you the whole story.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cSit down,\u201d Adam invited the men. Everyone settled themselves on the chairs and sofa near the fire. Ben sat on the edge of his chair, waiting anxiously for the sheriff to tell him the news.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cFirst, we identified that fellow we found up on Sun Mountain,\u201d Roy began. \u201cThis here is Will Sommers. He says that fellow was his partner.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Sommers looked at the men. \u201cI saw the picture the sheriff had of the man you found. Ain\u2019t any question that it was Josh Peters. Josh and I trapped together for more than ten years.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m sorry,\u201d Ben said, \u201cbut what does that have to do with Joe?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Roy looked at Sommers. \u201cMaybe you\u2019d better tell them.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Sommers nodded. \u201cWell, Josh and I were together a long time. He weren\u2019t the easiest man to get along with. In fact, he could be down right mean. Little while ago, we had a fight, and I went off on my own. I was hunting up in the mountains and I saw a bunch of Indians. The funny thing was they was Cherokee.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cCherokee? Out here?\u201d Hoss remarked in a puzzled voice. \u201cAre you sure?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m sure,\u201d replied Sommers. \u201cJosh and me seen just about every Indian there is. I know them all. They was Cherokee.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWas it a war party?\u201d Adam asked.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNo,\u201d answered Sommers. \u201cMostly it was old people, women and children. A couple of braves but they weren\u2019t wearing paint. But they did have a white man with them.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cA white man?\u201d Ben asked. \u201cAre you sure?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYep, I\u2019m sure,\u201d stated Sommers. \u201cI was hiding in the woods when they went by. They weren\u2019t more than twenty feet from me. The fellow they had with them, he must have been sick or hurt or something because they was carrying him on a travois. But I could see he was white. The travois was tied to a pinto, and the horse had a saddle on it, the kind of saddle a cowboy uses, with a horn and everything. I could see a rifle in a stock on it and some rope and saddle bags and such.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhat did this man look like?\u201d Ben asked, hope soaring in his heart.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWell, I couldn\u2019t see him too good,\u201d admitted Sommers. \u201cHe was kind of young, and had dark hair. He was covered with a blanket, and I like I said, he looked sick or something.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cJoe!\u201d Ben said softly.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNow, Ben, we don\u2019t know for sure it was Joe,\u201d Roy cautioned his old friend.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cBut Roy, that would explain why we couldn\u2019t find him,\u201d Adam countered.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cMaybe,\u201d Roy agreed. \u201cBut we figure these Indians killed Peters. Why would they kill Peters and then take Joe along?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t know,\u201d Ben said. \u201cBut I aim to find out. Where were these Indians?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Sommers thought for a minute. \u201cThey headed down the trail,\u201d he advised. \u201cLooked to me like they were headed for Hidden Valley. You know, that valley that\u2019s down among the rocks. There\u2019s only one trail in, and you can\u2019t see much from the hills above. That\u2019d be as good a place as any to hide, if that\u2019s what they wanted.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Ben leaped to his feet. \u201cAdam, Hoss, get the horses ready,\u201d he ordered. \u201cWe\u2019re going to Hidden Valley.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cBen, I think you ought to wait,\u201d Roy suggested. \u201cI sent word to the army, and I figure they\u2019ll have a patrol here in a day or two. If them Indians want a fight, you\u2019d be better off with a bunch of soldiers with you.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m not waiting,\u201d Ben said firmly. \u201cIf they have Joe, we\u2019ve got to get to him as soon as possible. Besides, we\u2019d be better off with just the three of us. If they do have Joe, we don\u2019t want him caught in the middle of a war. I\u2019m going to get my son and bring him home.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Joe was healing quickly. The pain in his side came back only when he tried to walk. He spent most of the day sitting in the warm sun, propped up against a large boulder, wearing a buckskin shirt given to him by Red Horse over his own gray pants and boots. His gunbelt was stored away in his saddlebags, which were sitting near the make-shift corral that held his horse as well as the Indians\u2019 mounts. Joe fretted about the worry his family must be feeling for him, but he couldn\u2019t think of a way to get a message to them. Finally, he decided the only thing to do was wait and heal up as fast as possible.<\/span><\/p>\n

Not entirely surprised, Joe found he like the Cherokee. They were good people, honest and cheerful. They also seemed to be reveling in their new-found freedom; a look of happiness was visible on every face. During most of the day, the braves went off to hunt, bringing back game that not only filled the cooking pots but also that could be smoked or dried for future use. The women and old men spent their time repairing their gear, tending to the horses, and in general making everything ready for travel. All of them treated Joe as if he were a member of the tribe.<\/span><\/p>\n

The only one Joe tried to avoid was White Bear, but not because he disliked the old man. Even though he knew the medicine man was trying to help him, Joe hated the bitter brew the old Indian regularly gave him to drink. Joe wasn\u2019t sure what was in the mixture, but he knew it put him almost instantly to sleep. Singing Dove, translating for White Bear, told him that the medicine man knew Joe would heal faster with plenty of sleep. Joe supposed it was true, but he disliked the idea of spending most of his time asleep. He also hated the dull feeling he had when he awoke.<\/span><\/p>\n

In the warm morning sun, Joe began to doze as he rested against the boulder. Singing Dove had helped him out of the shelter and settled him against his now favorite rock before going off to do some chore or visit with the other women. Joe woke when he heard a sound nearby. He squinted in the bright light, trying to figure out what had roused him from his nap, then saw a young boy a few feet away, kicking a rock with disgust.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cLittle Elk, what\u2019s wrong?\u201d Joe asked as the boy kicked the stone into woods. Joe had talked with the youngster a few times. Little Elk was about 12, one of the older children in the camp.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cRed Horse would not let me hunt with the braves,\u201d announced Little Elk in disgust. \u201cHe ordered me to stay in camp then rode off with the other men. He treats me like a child. I\u2019m grown up enough to go hunting. Why won\u2019t he let me go with them?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Hearing a complaint he had often voiced at that age, Joe smiled to himself. Then he put a serious expression on his face. \u201cI\u2019m sure Red Horse knows you\u2019re grown up,\u201d Joe stated in a somber tone. \u201cThat\u2019s why he left you in camp.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t understand,\u201d Little Elk said in a puzzled voice.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m sure Red Horse left you here to guard the camp,\u201d Joe explained.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHe did?\u201d Little Elk replied with surprise. \u201cHe didn\u2019t say that to me,\u201d the boy added with suspicion.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHe probably figured you knew that without him telling you,\u201d Joe advised. \u201cRed Horse is too smart to leave the camp unguarded. He left you behind to keep an eye on things.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cDo you think so?\u201d Little Elk asked, his voice betraying how much he wanted to believe Joe.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cSure,\u201d Joe stated. \u201cLook around. Who else could he depend on to guard the camp?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Little Elk puffed up his chest. \u201cThis is true,\u201d he declared. \u201cThe women and children could not defend the camp, and the men Red Horse left behind are too old.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s right,\u201d Joe agreed, smiling to himself.<\/span><\/p>\n

Little Elk straightened up. \u201cI will see to the camp,\u201d he said in a proud voice and walked off.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThat was a nice thing you said to Little Elk,\u201d commented a voice behind Joe. He looked up to see Singing Dove standing over him.<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe grinned. \u201cMy Pa used to pull that on me when I was his age. I guarded our ranch house for years before I finally figured out that all Pa wanted to do was keep me from taking a shot at him by mistake while he was hunting.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYour father sounds like a very wise man,\u201d Singing Dove said.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHe is,\u201d Joe agreed. He sighed. \u201cI wish I could figure out a way to keep him and my brothers from worrying about me.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou will be home soon,\u201d Singing Dove answered in a comforting voice. \u201cThink how happy they will be when you return.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI guess,\u201d Joe conceded glumly.<\/span><\/p>\n

Bending forward, Singing Dove handed a bowl to Joe. \u201cI brought you some food. You must eat, and then rest.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe sighed again. \u201cI\u2019m tired of resting,\u201d he grumbled. \u201cAll I seem to do is sleep.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIt is best for you,\u201d advised Singing Dove. Then she smiled mischievously. \u201cIf you rest, I will let you help Little Elk guard the camp later.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThanks,\u201d Joe said with a grin, as he began eating.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Ben Cartwright urged his horse down the rough trail. He had been riding for two days, heading with as much speed as he could toward Hidden Valley. Hoss and Adam rode with him, both of them feeling a sense of urgency but also trying to get their father to slow down and rest. Ben had slept little over the past week, and they were afraid the lack of rest would make him ill. Ben ignored his sons\u2019 pleas. All he could think about was finding Joe and bringing him home.<\/span><\/p>\n

As the three riders approached the trail which led to Hidden Valley, Ben halted his horse. It was late afternoon, and the men had been riding hard all day.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhat\u2019s wrong, Pa?\u201d asked Hoss.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNothing,\u201d Ben answered. \u201cBut we can\u2019t just go barging in there. If they are holding Joe, they might harm him.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhat do you want to do?\u201d asked Adam.<\/span><\/p>\n

Ben didn\u2019t reply. He studied the trail before them thoughtfully for several minutes. Then he turned to his sons. \u201cI think we should take off our gunbelts and approach on foot,\u201d Ben declared.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cTake off our guns?\u201d Adam said in surprise. \u201cDo you think that\u2019s a good idea?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t know, Adam,\u201d Ben admitted. \u201cBut if we walk in unarmed, they\u2019ll know we don\u2019t mean them any harm. They might release Joe if they see we don\u2019t want to fight.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAre you sure you want to do that, Pa?\u201d Hoss said doubtfully. \u201cWhat if they ain\u2019t friendly?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s a chance we\u2019ll have to take,\u201d Ben stated firmly. \u201cThere\u2019s no other way into that valley. We can\u2019t sneak in, and if we ride in with guns blazing, someone is liable to get hurt. I don\u2019t want that.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

For a minute, Hoss and Adam just looked at each other. Finally, Adam nodded. \u201cAll right,\u201d he agreed, unbuckling his gunbelt. Hoss did the same.<\/span><\/p>\n

Dismounting, Ben unbuckled his gunbelt and put it in his saddle bag. He hoped he was doing the right thing. If he was wrong, he could get all of his sons killed.<\/span><\/p>\n

Ben watched as Adam and Hoss dismounted and put their guns in their saddle bags also. When both men were ready, Ben turned and led his horse down the trail. Adam and Hoss followed, leading their horses also.<\/span><\/p>\n

The three men reached the narrow part of the trail, where it sloped into the valley below, flanked by large rocks on either side. Ben could see what he thought was smoke from a campfire not too far away. He wasn\u2019t really surprised when two braves jumped out from behind the rocks with arrows poised for release on their bows.<\/span><\/p>\n

Ben raised his hands as did Adam and Hoss. \u201cWe come in peace,\u201d Ben said slowly, hoping the braves spoke English.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhat do you want?\u201d said one of the braves.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cMy son is missing,\u201d Ben explained. \u201cA man saw a white man traveling with you. We have come to ask if this might be my son, and if so, to take him home.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Ben saw another Indian walk up toward the entrance to the valley. The tall brave seemed to be coming from the meadow below and being was trailed by a young boy about 12. The man turned and said something sharply to the youngster. The boy stopped, but the brave walked on.<\/span><\/p>\n

When he reached the area where Ben and his sons stood waiting, the tall brave stared at them for several minutes. Turning to one of the other braves, the Indian said something in a language Ben couldn\u2019t understand, and the man guarding the trail replied in the same tongue. The Indian nodded thoughtfully.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhat is your name?\u201d the Indian asked in English.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cBen Cartwright,\u201d replied Ben, a bit startled by the question. \u201cThese are my sons, Adam and Hoss.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhere do you live?\u201d the Indian asked.<\/span><\/p>\n

Ben thought it was a strange question but answered, \u201cWe have a ranch near Virginia City.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhat is the ranch called?\u201d the Indian asked.<\/span><\/p>\n

Ben couldn\u2019t understand the reason for all the questions, but he was only too happy to reply if it would get him closer to Joe. \u201cThe Ponderosa.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

The Indian nodded, seemingly satisfied with Ben\u2019s answers. He turned and shouted down the trail to the young boy. As the boy ran off, the Indian turned back to Ben. \u201cYou wait,\u201d he ordered.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Joe was sitting by in the sun when Little Elk came running up. \u201cRed Horse wants you,\u201d he shouted to Joe in a breathless voice.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cRed Horse wants me?\u201d Joe asked in surprise. \u201cWhy?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThree white men have come,\u201d Little Elk explained. \u201cRed Horse wants you to come to the top of the trail.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe frowned. If some white men had discovered the camp, the Cherokee were in danger. He wasn\u2019t sure what he could do to help, but he wanted to try. Maybe he could talk to the men, persuade them to leave without causing trouble. Joe struggled to his feet.<\/span><\/p>\n

Singing Dove was suddenly at his side. \u201cWhere are you going?\u201d she asked.<\/span><\/p>\n

Quickly, Joe explained Little Elk\u2019s message. Singing Dove nodded. \u201cI will help you walk,\u201d she stated.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI can manage,\u201d Joe replied. \u201cThere might be trouble. I don\u2019t want you hurt.\u201d Even as he spoke, however, Joe winced. He had taken a step, which caused a pang in his side.<\/span><\/p>\n

Ignoring Joe\u2019s protest, Singing Dove grabbed his arm. \u201cI will help you walk,\u201d she declared again in a voice which brooked no resistance. Joe nodded. The truth was, he didn\u2019t think he could walk more than ten feet or so on his own.<\/span><\/p>\n

Leaning heavily on Singing Dove, Joe started slowly up the trail.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Ben, Adam, and Hoss stood nervously at the top of the trail. The Indians hadn\u2019t said a word since the tall brave sent the boy off; the men stood watching the Cartwrights passively, seeming content to wait. Ben wasn\u2019t sure what they were waiting for\u00a0but was happy they didn\u2019t seem interested in a fight.<\/span><\/p>\n

Looking down the trail, Ben saw two figures walking slowly toward the knot of men standing by the rocks. One was a woman; the other was a dark haired young man, wearing a buckskin shirt. The man was leaning heavily on the woman as he walked. Ben stared at the figures for a moment, then shouted in recognition.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cJoe!\u201d Ben cried, his voice filled with happy relief. Without thinking, Ben brushed by the Indians and ran down the trail.<\/span><\/p>\n

Surprised, Joe stopped and looked up the trail. He grinned when he saw Ben running down the path, followed closely by Adam and Hoss. Joe raised a hand and waved.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHi Pa,\u201d Joe called cheerfully.<\/span><\/p>\n

Running up to his son, Ben grabbed Joe by the shoulders and hugged him. \u201cJoe,\u201d Ben said in a voice choked with emotion. He couldn\u2019t seem to say anything else. Ben held his youngest son tightly against his chest.<\/span><\/p>\n

When he finally released Joe, Ben looked him over carefully. \u201cAre you all right?\u201d Ben asked. \u201cWhat happened? We\u2019ve been looking for you for over a week.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m all right, or I will be,\u201d Joe answered. He winced slightly as he shifted his weight.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cJoe, you\u2019re hurt,\u201d Ben said, concern in his voice.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI caught a bullet in the side,\u201d Joe explained. \u201cI\u2019m healing fast but I couldn\u2019t walk or ride.\u201d Joe looked over his father\u2019s shoulder. \u201cGood to see you, brothers,\u201d he added to Adam and Hoss.<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam and Hoss grinned back at him. \u201cLittle brother, you sure have caused us a bunch of worry,\u201d Hoss declared, not bothering to hide the relief in his voice.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m sorry about that,\u201d Joe replied regretfully. \u201cThere wasn\u2019t any away to send you a message.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019ll do anything to get out doing your work, won\u2019t you,\u201d Adam observed in a teasing voice. \u0093Even get yourself shot.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWell, it was the best I could come up with on short notice,\u201d Joe answered with a smile. He turned back to his father. \u201cPa, I want you to meet Singing Dove. She saved my life.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Ben turned to the woman standing next to Joe. \u201cSinging Dove,\u201d he said. The woman nodded in acknowledgment. \u201cThank you,\u201d Ben added simply but his voice conveyed his gratitude. The woman nodded again.<\/span><\/p>\n

Turning to the braves who had followed Ben down the trail, Joe continued the introductions. \u201cThis is Red Horse,\u201d he explained pointing to one of the men. \u201cHe\u2019s the leader.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Red Horse smiled. \u201cYour son has told us much about you and your ranch. That is why I knew who you were.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Remembering the seemingly strange questions, Ben now understood the reason Red Horse had asked him about the ranch. The Indian wanted to be sure Ben was Joe\u2019s father.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cRed Horse, may my father and brothers join us at the camp?\u201d Joe asked formally.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYes,\u201d agreed Red Horse. \u201cWe will have a big meal. This is a happy time.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHot diggety,\u201d said Hoss, rubbing his hands. \u201cSounds like a party!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHoss, don\u2019t eat these people out of house and home,\u201d Joe warned his brother with a smile. \u201cAfter all, they need SOMETHING for themselves.\u201d As he turned and started down the trail, Joe winced and began to limp a bit as he walked.<\/span><\/p>\n

Quickly, Ben and Adam moved to Joe\u2019s side. Each grabbed an arm and helped Joe to walk.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cJoe, what happened?\u201d Ben asked as he helped Joe to hobble back to the camp.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cPa, it\u2019s a long story,\u201d Joe replied through clenched teeth. \u201cI\u2019ll tell you when we get back to camp.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

As the day turned to night, the Cartwrights shared a festive meal with the Cherokee. Joe introduced his father and brothers to his new friends, sharing tidbits about each of them. When Joe introduced Little Elk as the guardian of their camp, Ben solemnly shook hands with the boy. Little Elk didn\u2019t notice the twinkle in Ben\u2019s eye as Joe explained how the boy guarded the camp while the braves hunted. \u201cI guess you remember how you used to guard the ranch,\u201d Ben murmured as Little Elk strode proudly off. Joe grinned.<\/span><\/p>\n

As they ate, the Cartwrights shared the events of the past week. Ben looked grim as Joe told him about the trapper attacking Singing Dove, and the subsequent fight. He was glad Joe had come to the woman\u2019s aid, but the thought of what it had almost cost him made Ben shudder. Adam and Hoss complained to Joe about their long hours in the saddle looking for him, but the smile on their faces showed they didn\u2019t really mind.<\/span><\/p>\n

When the meal was done and his Indians friends began to drift off to other activities, Joe told his family about the Cherokee\u2019s flight to freedom. Adam and Hoss shook their heads in disbelief as Joe recounted the story. \u201cJoe, the odds are against them making it to Canada,\u201d Adam remarked. \u201cThat\u2019s a long way, and there are a lot of Army patrols between here and there.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI know, Adam,\u201d Joe agreed. \u201cBut they have to try. They want to live free.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

The camp was settling down for the night when White Bear walked up to the Cartwrights. The four men had spread bedrolls across the ground and were sitting on them near a fire. Joe formally introduced the medicine man to his family, as Singing Dove translated. White Bear nodded his understanding. Then he turned to Joe and offered him a cup.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNo, please,\u201d Joe said, pushing the cup away. \u201cNo more, White Bear. I hate that stuff.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhite Bear says you must drink,\u201d Singing Dove translated. \u201cHe says you must rest.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe made a face. \u201cThat stuff tastes terrible!\u201d he complained. \u201cAnd it always puts me to sleep. Tell White Bear I\u2019ll be fine. I\u2019m leaving in the morning.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

White Bear frowned as Singing Dove repeated Joe\u2019s words in Cherokee. He said something in a firm voice.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhite Bear says you must wait two more suns before you ride,\u201d Singing Dove explained.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cTwo days!\u201d Joe exclaimed. \u201cI\u2019m fine. I can ride now.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cJoe, maybe you ought to wait,\u201d Ben cautioned. \u201cYou can barely walk. It won\u2019t hurt to wait a few more days before you try to ride.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cBesides, that\u2019s two more days of this good cooking,\u201d Hoss added, licking his lips.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou don\u2019t have to drink that medicine,\u201d Joe grumbled.<\/span><\/p>\n

Once again, White Bear offered the cup to Joe. With a sigh, Joe took it from the medicine man. \u201cI\u2019ll drink it later,\u201d he promised, putting the cup on the ground. Picking up the cup, White Bear insistently handed it back to Joe.<\/span><\/p>\n

Making a face, Joe reluctantly took the cup and drank from it. Hoss and Adam laughed at the expression on Joe\u2019s face.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYour brother does not like the medicine,\u201d Singing Dove said with a smile.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cMa\u2019am, Joe don\u2019t like any medicine,\u201d Hoss remarked. \u201cWhen he was little, Adam and I had to hold him down while Pa dosed him.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhatever it is, it seems to work,\u201d Adam noted, seeing that Joe\u2019s eyes were already growing heavy. \u201cHe\u2019s almost asleep.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

As Ben watched in amazement, Joe lowered himself slowly to the ground. Within minutes, he was fast asleep.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s the most remarkable thing I\u2019ve ever seen!\u201d Ben exclaimed as he covered his son with a blanket.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhite Bear\u2019s sleeping medicine is very powerful,\u201d agreed Singing Dove.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWe ought to take some of that home,\u201d Adam said with a wry grin. \u201cMaybe we could get Joe to go to sleep early for a change.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Singing Dove woke in the middle of the night. Unknown to Joe, she had regularly gotten up to check on him during the night. Singing Dove\u2019s eyes widened in surprise as she saw Ben sitting up near his sons. \u201cIs anything wrong?\u201d she asked in alarm.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNo,\u201d Ben answered with a smile. He gestured toward the three sleeping figures in front of him. \u201cIt\u2019s just that, well, I was afraid I\u2019d never see this again. My three sons together. I can\u2019t seem to stop watching.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Singing Dove nodded her understanding. \u201cYour son is a good man,\u201d the woman told Ben. \u201cHe risked his life to save me.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAnd you saved him,\u201d Ben replied. \u201cI can never thank you enough.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWe both have much to be grateful for,\u201d Singing Dove observed.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYes,\u201d Ben agreed heartily. \u201cWe are both very fortunate.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Adam and Hoss went hunting with the braves the next day while Joe sat in the sun, grumbling about being left behind.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019re beginning to sound like Little Elk!\u201d Ben said in exasperation as Joe voiced his complaints.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cMaybe that\u2019s because I feel like I\u2019m twelve again,\u201d Joe retorted. \u201cAll anyone does is give me orders.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhen we get you home and well, I have a whole bunch of cattle you can order around,\u201d Ben promised. \u201cThe herd needs to be moved from the south pasture.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s not exactly what I had in mind,\u201d protested Joe as Ben grinned.<\/span><\/p>\n

A loud shout caused Joe and Ben to look toward the trail. Both were surprised to see Adam and Hoss running toward the camp, with Red Horse and his braves close behind.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cPa, we got trouble!\u201d Hoss yelled.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhat\u2019s wrong?\u201d asked Ben in alarm.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cArmy patrol. They\u2019re headed this way,\u201d Adam advised.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAbout ten soldiers, and they\u2019re armed to the teeth,\u201d added Hoss.<\/span><\/p>\n

Suddenly, Ben remembered Roy\u2019s promise to send an Army patrol to help rescue Joe. Unwittingly, he had put his son\u2019s rescuers in danger.<\/span><\/p>\n

Ben looked around as Red Horse and his braves began shouting orders. The Cherokee were gathering their blankets and other goods, making ready for flight. Women were hastily bundling clothes while the braves were attaching travois to the horses. Even the children were quickly gathering blankets and bowls.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cPa, we have to do something to help them!\u201d Joe exclaimed. \u201cWe can\u2019t let them be sent back to the reservation.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Ben nodded. \u201cHow far away is the patrol?\u201d he asked his older sons.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWe saw them coming up the mountain,\u201d Adam replied. \u201cThey\u2019ll be here in an hour or so.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Thinking frantically, Ben tried to come up with a plan. \u201cAdam, you and Hoss help them get packed up,\u201d he ordered. \u201cLead them out of here and then through the pass up on the on the other side of the mountain. The trail there is nothing but hard rock. They won\u2019t leave any signs.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhat are you going to do?\u201d asked Adam.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m going to stop an Army patrol,” Ben answered grimly.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

An hour later, the ten soldiers riding slowly down the trail were surprised to see a camp near the entrance to Hidden Valley. A young man and a white-haired older man were sitting around a fire, brewing something in a large coffee pot on the edge of the flames. The captain in charge of the patrol ordered his men to a halt.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhat are you men doing here?\u201d the captain asked in a brusque voice.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNothing, just resting,\u201d Ben answered in an unconcerned tone.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHave you seen any Indians around?\u201d the captain asked.<\/span><\/p>\n

A look of surprise crossed Joe\u2019s face. \u201cPaiutes? Around here? Nope, haven\u2019t seen a one.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNot Paiutes,\u201d the captain said. \u201cCherokee. Twenty or so of them, mostly women and kids.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cCherokee?\u201d Ben replied with a frown. \u201cUp here? There\u2019s no Cherokee in this neck of the woods.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWe got a report of a band of Cherokee up here,\u201d the captain explained patiently. \u201cSupposedly they have a white man with them. It may be part of a bunch that jumped the reservation a couple of months ago.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t think we\u2019d be sitting here if there were any Indians around,\u201d Joe observed with a smile.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI guess not,\u201d the captain agreed. He turned to his men. \u201cWe\u2019ll scout the area,\u201d he ordered. \u201cSee if you can find any signs.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cCaptain, you and your men have had a long ride,\u201d Ben said quickly. \u201cWould you care for some coffee before you start out again?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWe should start looking,\u201d the captain answered, but there was a hesitation in his voice.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s fresh brewed,\u201d Ben commented invitingly. \u201cYou and your men are welcome to it.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWell, maybe a cup won\u2019t hurt,\u201d agreed the captain. He dismounted and ordered his men to follow suit. The soldiers started pulling tin cups out of their saddle bags.<\/span><\/p>\n

Grabbing the pot from the fire, Ben poured coffee into all the cups. He watched a bit anxiously as the men began to sip from the brew. A few made faces, but most just gulped the black liquid. Having put up with what passed for coffee in the Army, most were unconcerned about the bitter taste.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhat are you doing up here?\u201d the captain asked as he settled comfortably next to the fire.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWe were hunting,\u201d Ben answered. \u201cMy son was injured. We\u2019ve been waiting here for him to get well enough to travel.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Something about Ben\u2019s story didn\u2019t quite ring true with the captain. But before he could question Ben, the officer suddenly felt himself growing sleepy. The captain shook his head, trying to clear it. \u201cMust be getting old,\u201d he muttered. Without realizing it, the captain laid down on the ground and drifted off to sleep. All the men around him followed suit. As the soldiers fell into a peaceful sleep, Ben and Joe grinned at each other<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHow long do you think they\u2019ll be out?\u201d Joe asked.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhite Bear said five or six hours, at least,\u201d Ben answered. \u201cWe\u2019ll keep an eye on them until they start waking up.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2019d better be gone by the time they do wake up,\u201d Joe cautioned.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t worry, we will,\u201d Ben promised.<\/span><\/p>\n

Settling comfortably near the fire, Joe thought back on the hasty good-bye he had given to Singing Dove, Red Horse, and the rest of the Cherokee. He wished he had had the time to bid them a proper farewell.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cDo you think they\u2019ll make it, Pa?\u201d Joe asked.<\/span><\/p>\n

Ben understood what Joe was asking. \u201cI don\u2019t know,\u201d he admitted. \u201cIt\u2019s a long way to Canada.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cPenning them up on that reservation just doesn\u2019t seem right,\u201d Joe stated, shaking his head. \u201cYou should have seen how happy they were to be able to hunt and just do whatever they wanted.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWanting to be free is a basic human instinct, Joe,\u201d Ben advised his son. \u201cThat\u2019s what makes people want to come to this country. That\u2019s why this country was founded.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIt doesn\u2019t seem fair that the people who were here first are the ones who lose their freedom,\u201d Joe argued.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI know,\u201d agreed Ben. \u201cMaybe someday things will be different.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cSome day,\u201d Joe said in a glum voice. \u201cSeems an awful long time away.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAll we can do is hope,\u201d Ben replied. \u201cHope that some day this will be a land where all people can live free.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

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

Summary:\u00a0 A tribe rescues Joe after he attempts to protect one of their own.<\/p>\n

Word Count: \u00a012,600 \u00a0Rated: \u00a0T<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":10338,"featured_media":14203,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"template-full-width-post.php","format":"standard","meta":{"_jetpack_newsletter_access":"","_jetpack_dont_email_post_to_subs":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_tier_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paywalled_content":false,"_jetpack_feature_clip_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":"","jetpack_publicize_message":"","jetpack_publicize_feature_enabled":true,"jetpack_social_post_already_shared":false,"jetpack_social_options":{"image_generator_settings":{"template":"highway","default_image_id":0,"font":"","enabled":false},"version":2},"jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false,"_members_access_role":[],"_members_access_error":""},"categories":[23,41,1007],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-13962","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-drama","category-hurtcomfort","category-joe-cartwright","wpcat-23-id","wpcat-41-id","wpcat-1007-id"],"jetpack_publicize_connections":[],"jetpack_likes_enabled":true,"jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/04\/Saturday-at-Noon.png?fit=762%2C575&ssl=1","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/13962","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=13962"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/13962\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/14203"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=13962"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=13962"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=13962"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}