{"id":13963,"date":"2007-12-12T16:53:11","date_gmt":"2007-12-12T21:53:11","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=13963"},"modified":"2025-02-27T12:11:11","modified_gmt":"2025-02-27T17:11:11","slug":"the-hideaway-by-susan-g","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=13963","title":{"rendered":"The Hideaway (by Susan G)"},"content":{"rendered":"

Summary<\/strong>:\u00a0 Joe is accused of murder.
\n<\/span><\/p>\n

Word Count: \u00a018,000 \u00a0Rated: \u00a0T<\/span><\/p>\n

Author\u2019s note: This story is set in the time frame after Adam has left the Ponderosa. <\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The Hideaway<\/strong><\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t forget we want to get started on that well for the north pasture,\u201d Ben Cartwright said, checking the item off a list as he sat behind his desk in the den. \u201cI think that covers everything we need to do today.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYes sir,\u201d Hoss Cartwright answered with a sigh from the chair next to his father\u2019s desk. The list of chores had seemed endless and none were attractive to him. \u201cPa, can\u2019t we wait until Joe gets back from Sacramento before we start digging that well?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cJoe won\u2019t be back until tomorrow,\u201d Ben stated. \u201cWe should get started on the well right away. Besides, there is plenty for your brother to do when he gets back.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI sure hope so,\u201d grumbled Hoss. \u201cHe\u2019s due for a little hard work after doing practically nothing for a week.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNow, Hoss, Joe has been working hard getting that timber deal lined up,\u201d Ben replied in a slightly accusing tone. \u201cI\u2019m sure his week in Sacramento has been no vacation.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cPa, I\u2019m sure he\u2019s been working hard during the day,” Hoss agreed with a grin. \u201cIt\u2019s what he\u2019s been doing at night that I wonder about.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m willing to bet that you and I will never know,\u201d Ben acknowledged with a smile.<\/span><\/p>\n

Before Hoss could make another comment about his little brother, he and his father were startled by the sound of a hand banging against the front door. The pounding was rapid and hard, as if the visitor had an urgent need to enter the house. With a frown on his face, Hoss pulled his bulk from the chair and walked to the front of the house, followed closely by Ben. As Hoss pulled opened the door, a tall man in his fifties brushed past him and rushed up to Ben.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cBen, thank goodness you\u2019re home,\u201d the man said in a breathless rush of words.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cJohn, what\u2019s wrong?\u201d Ben asked in alarm. He had never seen John Hardy, an old friend, this upset before.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cBen, there\u2019s a posse out looking for Joe,\u201d Hardy declared.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cLooking for Joe?\u201d Hoss repeated in a puzzled voice. \u201cMr. Hardy, Joe\u2019s in Sacramento. Somebody\u2019s mighty confused.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNo, Hoss, Joe was in Virginia City last night,\u201d Hardy declared, turning to the big man. \u201cHe came in the on evening stagecoach. I saw him myself getting off the stage.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Putting his hands on Hardy\u2019s shoulders, Ben said in a concerned voice, \u201cJohn, calm down and tell us what happened. Start at the beginning. Are you sure Joe came in last night?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

After taking a deep breath, Hardy tried to explain things calmly. \u201cYes, Joe came home last night. I was walking by the depot when the stagecoach pulled in. Joe got off the stage and we talked a bit. He said he was going to check his bags at the depot, then head down to the Silver Slipper to get something to eat and a drink before going home. There was some kind of ruckus later, but I didn\u2019t pay much attention. Then this morning, I heard a posse was out looking for Joe. I figured I\u2019d better get out here and tell you about it.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhy are they looking for Joe?\u201d Hoss asked. \u201cWhat do they say he\u2019s done?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThey said he killed Ed O\u2019Brien. Shot him in cold blood,\u201d answered Hardy, looking at the floor. He couldn\u2019t bear to look Ben in the eyes.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhat!\u201d exclaimed Ben.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAw, Mr. Hardy, you know Joe better than that,\u201d Hoss commented. \u201cHe\u2019d never do anything like that.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI know, Hoss,\u201d agreed Hardy. \u201cBut Frank Garrison, the acting sheriff, he said he saw Joe do it. You know Roy Coffee is in Denver for a while, right? He asked Frank Garrison to take over as sheriff until he got back. Well, Garrison said he heard Joe and Ed arguing about splitting up the money from that Wells Fargo robbery a few weeks ago. According to Garrison\u2019 story, Joe pulled out his gun and just shot Ed. When Garrison tried to arrest him, Joe punched him and ran off. Garrison got a posse together and they\u2019ve been searching for him ever since. They\u2019re all over the Ponderosa looking for Joe.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s the most preposterous story I ever heard!\u201d Ben cried angrily. \u201cJoe involved in a robbery? And shooting a man? Someone is making this up.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cMaybe so,\u201d admitted Hardy. \u201cBut in the meantime, Garrison has ten men or more looking for Joe.\u201d Hardy swallowed hard. \u201cBen, Garrison rounded up some real hard cases for that posse. Men who will shoot first and ask questions later. And they have orders to shoot to kill.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Alarmed, Ben and Hoss looked at each in stunned silence. They knew the accusation against Joe was false, but they also knew Joe could be killed before he ever got to trial. Ben was the first to recover his wits.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHoss, get the horses ready,\u201d Ben ordered. As Hoss ran from the house, Ben turned back to John Hardy. \u201cJohn, do you have any idea where the posse might be?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI heard that they were looking over by New Meadow,\u201d Hardy answered.<\/span><\/p>\n

Nodding with an almost distracted air, Ben grabbed his hat and gun belt, as well as Hoss\u2019 hat and gun. He started out the door then stopped and turned back to Hardy. \u201cJohn, thank you,\u201d Ben said quickly. Then he turned once again and rushed out the door.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019re welcome, Ben,\u201d Hardy replied softly, knowing his friend couldn\u2019t hear him. He walked slowed out of the house, closing the door tightly behind him. Hardy watched as Ben and Hoss climbed into their saddles and kicked their horses forward. \u201cAnd good luck,\u201d he added in the same soft voice.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Ben and Hoss rode like men possessed toward New Meadow, a pasture on the most eastern end of the Ponderosa that was at least an hour from the house. Both men kicked their horses hard and urged them to run at top speed, obsessed with the need to get to Joe before the posse found him. As they rode, the two kept an eye out for signs of another rider \u2013 either Joe or the posse \u2013 but the trail to New Meadow was deserted.<\/span><\/p>\n

As they neared the edge of the meadow, though, Ben and Hoss saw four men riding slowly across the grassy land, one of whom was leading a riderless horse. Ben slowed his mount for a moment and pointed out to Hoss what he assumed was part of the posse. Hoss nodded briefly and both men kicked their horses forward. They caught up with the four men near the foothills which formed the boundaries of the meadow.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHold it!\u201d shouted Ben as he and Hoss neared the riders. The men pulled their horses to a stop and looked around, surprised at the call. The Cartwrights slowed their horses as they crossed the meadow and finally stopped them when they reached the men.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWell, if it ain\u2019t old man Cartwright himself,\u201d one of the riders said with a sneer on his face. \u201cWhat you doing out here? Looking for the precious kid of yours?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYes, yes I am,\u201d answered Ben. \u201cHave you found him?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNo, we didn\u2019t,\u201d replied another man. \u201cBut we found something almost as good. We found the horse he was riding.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Looking at the roan horse they were leading, Hoss frowned. The animal was a poor specimen, appearing to be old and slow. If Joe was riding that horse, it was no wonder he hadn\u2019t gotten very far.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHow do you know Joe was riding that horse?\u201d Hoss asked.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHe stole it in town,\u201d answered the first man. \u201cWe got a description from Frank. Besides, there\u2019s blood on the saddle. Frank thought he hit your kid brother when he was shooting at him in town.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

As he listened to the man talk, Ben felt a clutch of fear in his stomach. The news about Joe kept getting worse. \u201cDid you see any sign of Joe?\u201d he asked anxiously.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNo, but we\u2019ll find him,\u201d stated one of the small posse. \u201cHe can\u2019t get very far bleeding and on foot.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2019re taking this horse back to town,\u201d added another of the riders. \u201cThere\u2019s a reward for finding it. We\u2019ll come back out here once we collected our money. Then we\u2019ll collect another reward for bringing in the kid\u2019s body.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYeah,\u201d laughed the first man. \u201cEasiest money we\u2019ve ever made.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Ben swallowed hard. \u201cAre you the entire posse?\u201d he asked.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNah, there\u2019s a bunch of people looking for the kid,\u201d said the second rider. \u201cOnly, they ain\u2019t looking in the right place.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cC\u2019mon, let\u2019s get going,\u201d ordered the man holding the reins to the old roan. \u201cI want to get back out here before somebody else finds Cartwright.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cMaybe one of us should stay here,\u201d suggested the second rider, giving Ben and Hoss a suspicious look. \u201cI mean, the old man here might find the kid first.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Hoss had been looking around, studying the countryside. Suddenly, he turned back to the riders. \u201cYou don\u2019t have to worry about us,\u201d he said. \u201cWe\u2019re going to look for the rest of the posse, and stay with them.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHoss\u2026\u201d Ben started to say.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cPa,\u201d Hoss interrupted firmly. \u201cIt\u2019s the smart thing to do. We ain\u2019t going to find nothing around here. It\u2019ll be better if we stay with the rest of the posse.\u201d He looked pointedly at Ben.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019re right, Hoss,\u201d Ben agreed hastily. He wasn\u2019t sure what Hoss had in mind, but he was willing to follow his son\u2019s lead. \u201cLet\u2019s go find the rest of the posse.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

The four riders watched suspiciously as Hoss and Ben turned their horses and began to ride slowly away. Finally, one of the men shrugged. \u201cLet\u2019s go,\u201d he said. The small posse headed in the other direction, toward the Virginia City road.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHoss, what do you have in mind?\u201d whispered Ben as he rode slowly beside his son.<\/span><\/p>\n

Quickly, Hoss glanced over his shoulder, then turned to his father. \u201cJust trust me,\u201d he replied in a quiet voice. \u201cI think I know where Joe is hiding.\u201d Ben let out of sigh of relief. \u201cLet\u2019s keep riding for a few more minutes,\u201d Hoss added. \u201cThen we\u2019ll turn back.\u201d Ben nodded his agreement.<\/span><\/p>\n

Ben and Hoss rode for a short while, then Hoss abruptly pulled his horse to a halt. As Ben did the same, he demanded, \u201cHoss, what\u2019s going on? Where\u2019s Joe?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cPa, I\u2019m not positive, but I think I know where he\u2019s hiding,\u201d Hoss answered.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cIt\u2019ll be easier to show you than tell you,\u201d replied Hoss. \u201cLet\u2019s head back.\u201d He turned his horse and retraced the trail to New Meadow. Anxious and worried, Ben followed his son. He wished Hoss would tell him what he was thinking, but Hoss seemed content to keep his thoughts to himself.<\/span><\/p>\n

Riding up to a small strand of trees near the base of the foothills, Hoss stopped his horse and dismounted, carefully looping his reins around a bush near the trees. Ben noted that Hoss\u2019 horse was hidden by the bushes and trees, and quickly moved to imitate his son.<\/span><\/p>\n

Grabbing the canteen off his saddle, Hoss began walking purposefully toward the foothills. As Ben followed him, his worry and anxiety seemed to grow with every step. He prayed that Hoss knew what he was doing.<\/span><\/p>\n

Slowly, Hoss began climbing the steep grade of the hills. The ground was sparsely covered; only a few tufts of grass popped up here and there in the rocky soil. Large boulders and rocks dotted the side of the hill. Hoss kept climbing, acting as a man who knew exactly where he was going. He climbed around the rocks, following some invisible trail. As Ben climbed behind him, he suddenly realized where Hoss was heading.<\/span><\/p>\n

When he reached a small piece of level ground near the top of the hill, Hoss stopped. He looked around carefully, making sure no one else was in the area. As Ben came up behind his large son, he looked back down the hill. They were standing high above the meadow.<\/span><\/p>\n

Nodding his head slowly, Hoss seemed satisfied the Cartwrights were alone, that no one was watching from the meadow below. He took a few steps to his left and then seemed to disappear into the hill.<\/span><\/p>\n

Ben had been following Hoss closely but he stopped when he reached the split in the rocks. From the front, the hill looked solid, a mound of hard dirt and granite stone. But up close, Ben could see a foot or so of open ground behind a large piece of gray rock. In the side of the hill, hidden by the huge boulder, was a hole — the entrance to a cave. The opening to the cave was only about four feet high, and Ben had to bend to enter the dark cavern. Once inside, though, he could easily stand; the roof of the cave was more than fifteen feet above him. As his eyes adjusted to the dark, Ben could see Hoss standing a few feet ahead of him. The big man appeared to be listening for something.<\/span><\/p>\n

Motioning with his hand, Hoss led his father slowly through the gloom. They had only traveled a few feet when they heard the click of the gun being cocked.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cJoe?\u201d Hoss shouted. \u201cJoe? Is that you? It\u2019s me. Hoss.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Almost at once, Ben and Hoss heard a thud, as if someone had dropped something. A few seconds later, a match flared at the back of the cave. Even though the light was minimal, Ben and Hoss could make out the figure holding the match. They both hurried forward to Joe.<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe was lighting a small candle when Hoss and Ben reached the back of the cave. Sitting against the far wall, his legs were sprawled out in front of him and his pistol was lying on the ground next to him. Joe was holding a match in his right hand, trying to light the candle in a wavering left hand. As Ben neared his son, he could see Joe\u2019s left hand was streaked with blood, and that splotches of blood had stained the left sleeve of Joe\u2019s jacket.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cJoe!\u201d Ben cried as he saw his son. There was no question in Ben\u2019s mind that his youngest son was badly hurt. In addition to the blood stains, he could see Joe\u2019s face was beaded with sweat and gaunt with exhaustion. As Ben quickly knelt beside his son, Hoss handed him the canteen. After pulling the cork from the top, Ben put the canteen to Joe\u2019s lips, then watched as his youngest son drank greedily for a minute before pushing the canteen away.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHi Pa,\u201d Joe said in a shaky voice. \u201cI\u2019m glad it\u2019s you.\u201d He looked up at Hoss who was standing over him. \u201cHi, brother,\u201d he added.<\/span><\/p>\n

Stroking Joe\u2019s head lightly with his hand, Ben asked in what he hoped was a calm voice, \u201cJoe, what happened? John Hardy came out to the ranch and said a posse was looking for you. He said Frank Garrison accused you of shooting Ed O\u2019Brien.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI know,” Joe answered in a tired voice.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhat happened?\u201d Ben repeated, his tone sounding more insistent.<\/span><\/p>\n

Closing his eyes, Joe didn\u2019t say anything for a minute; he seemed to be gathering strength. Then he opened his eyes and looked at Ben. \u201cPa, Frank Garrison is the one who shot O\u2019Brien. He\u2019s trying to pin the killing on me.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cGarrison?\u201d repeated Hoss in a puzzled voice. \u201cBut Garrison is acting sheriff while Roy Coffee is in Denver. Why would he shoot O\u2019Brien?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cBecause he and O\u2019Brien robbed the Wells Fargo office,\u201d Joe answered.<\/span><\/p>\n

Confused, Ben frowned. \u201cMaybe you should start at the beginning,\u201d he said. \u201cTell us the whole story.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI decided to come home early from Sacramento,\u201d Joe explained, his tired voice sounding a bit stronger. \u201cWhen I got to Virginia City, I went to the Silver Slipper to get something to eat. I got caught up in a poker game, and before I knew it, it was almost midnight. I was heading over to the livery to get a horse when I heard some voices arguing in the alley. There was nobody else around, so I thought I\u2019d take a look. Garrison and O\u2019Brien were in the alley. I heard O\u2019Brien say he wanted his cut of the Wells Fargo money now. Garrison shoved him up against a wall. O\u2019Brien went for his gun and Garrison shot him.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAnd Garrison saw you?\u201d prompted Ben.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYeah,\u201d answered Joe. \u201cHe took a shot at me but he missed. Then he started yelling I had killed O\u2019Brien. People were coming out of buildings and Garrison was shooting and the whole thing was a mess. I figured the best thing to do was to get out of there. So I grabbed the first horse I saw and started riding.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWe saw the horse,\u201d Hoss remarked. \u201cIt\u2019s a wonder you got out of town.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe gave his brother a small smile. \u201cWell, I didn\u2019t have time to pick and choose.\u201d he replied, then turned serious again. \u201cThere were bullets flying all around, and one got me in the arm. I tried to keep riding, but I got dizzy. I guess I must have blacked out. Anyway, when I woke up, it was daylight and I laying on the grass out in the meadow. The horse was gone.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Ben frowned. If Joe couldn\u2019t stay in the saddle and lay in the grass for several hours, he must have lost a lot of blood. Another thing also bothered him. \u201cJoe, you must have gotten really turned around in the dark,\u201d he observed. \u201cYou\u2019re a long way from the house.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI wasn\u2019t heading toward the house,” Joe explained. \u201cI didn\u2019t want you to get caught up in this. I tried to lead the posse away from the house.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhere were you going?\u201d asked Hoss.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cCarson City,\u201d Joe answered. \u201cI was trying to get to the U.S. Marshall there. I was going to tell him what happened.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThe U.S. Marshall?\u201d said Hoss in a puzzled tone. \u201cWhy?”<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIf Garrison gets a hold of me, I won\u2019t last ten minutes in the Virginia City jail,\u201d Joe stated. \u201cI thought the Marshall could arrest Garrison. Even if the Marshall didn\u2019t believe my story, I could turn myself into him. At least, I\u2019d have a chance with him.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThat was good thinking,\u201d acknowledged Ben in an approving voice. He was pleased that Joe hadn\u2019t been thinking about running away. \u201cBut how did you end up here?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Grabbing the canteen from Ben\u2019s hand, Joe took a drink before answering. Ben noted with a worried glance that Joe seemed to be getting weaker. After gulping down some water, Joe put the container on the ground, almost allowing it to drop from his hand. \u201cWhen I woke up, I knew I couldn\u2019t get to Carson City on foot,\u201d he admitted in a voice which sounded more fatigued than before. \u201cI decided I\u2019d better hole up some place until dark, and then decide what to do. I remember this place. Hoss and I are the only ones who know about it. We used this as a hideaway when we were kids.\u201d Joe looked at Ben. \u201cThis is where we\u2019d go when we wanted to hide from you. You never knew.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Turning his head a bit, Ben smiled to himself. Actually he had known about the cave for a long time — since Hoss and Joe were young boys. He had discovered it by accident one day when looking for strays in the meadow. Ben had spotted Hoss\u2019 horse, and was riding around looking for his son, who was about ten at the time, when he had seen Hoss suddenly emerge from the hillside and climb down to his horse below. Out of curiosity, Ben had waited until Hoss left and then climbed up here. He had found the cave after a short search, and once inside, he had looked around carefully. In the back of the cave, he had discovered two bedrolls, some candles and a small wooden box. In the box were some shiny rocks, a couple of battered dime novels, and a few other \u201ctreasures\u201d that boys tend to collect. After checking out the cave to make sure it was safe, Ben had left everything undisturbed and ridden away. He knew boys needed a place that they could call their own, one they thought no one else knew about. He also felt better knowing exactly where Joe and Hoss were when they were \u201chiding\u201d from him. It would spare him a lot of worry, not to mention searching the entire Ponderosa for his sons.<\/span><\/p>\n

Suddenly, Joe shuddered, bringing Ben abruptly back to the present.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cLet me take a look at that arm,\u201d Ben said quickly. Joe nodded and rested against the wall, his eyes closed. Ben knew his youngest son must really be feeling bad if he didn\u2019t protest Ben checking him over. Usually, if he were sick or hurt, Joe grumbled about people making a fuss over him. But now, Joe simply leaned against the wall of the cave, not saying a word.<\/span><\/p>\n

Moving to Joe\u2019s left side, Ben tore open the sleeve of his son\u2019s jacket and shirt just below the shoulder. The bullet had plowed a deep furrow in Joe\u2019s arm, practically down to the bone. Even in the dim light, Ben could see the gash looked red and angry. As he gently probed the wound, Joe jerked and gave a small grunt. Satisfied that the bullet was no longer in Joe\u2019s arm, Ben quickly poured some water on the wound to clean it out. He untied the bandanna from his neck and wrapped it tightly around his son\u2019s arm. Joe never said a word; he sat stoically has Ben worked. But he flinched each time Ben touched his arm.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThat wound needs tending, Joe,\u201d Ben advised gently. Joe nodded his understanding, barely moving his head and keeping his eye closed.<\/span><\/p>\n

Getting to his feet, Ben turned to Hoss. \u201cHe should be safe enough in here for now. But we\u2019ve got to get this sorted out before somebody decides to collect the reward on Joe\u2019s head.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAre you going to get the doc?\u201d Hoss asked in a worried voice.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNo,\u201d interjected Joe before Ben could answer. Ben looked at Joe in surprise; he hadn\u2019t thought his youngest son had heard them. \u201cNo doctor,\u201d Joe mumbled, his voice barely audible. \u201cThat\u2019ll lead Garrison here.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Frowning, Ben thought for a minute. Joe\u2019s wound was serious but he didn\u2019t think his son was in any danger. If he went for the doctor, someone was sure to spot him in town. There was no way he could lead the doctor here \u2013 or Joe to the doctor \u2013 without bringing the posse down on them.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cJoe\u2019s right,” Ben agreed somewhat reluctantly. \u201cWe\u2019d better keep him away from that posse until we can sort this out. I\u2019ll go get some medicine and other supplies from the house, then come back. We can decide what to do after we take care of Joe.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll look after him,\u201d Hoss assured his father in a quiet voice.<\/span><\/p>\n

Once again, Ben knelt down again next to Joe. He knew his son was hurting; Joe\u2019s breathing was heavy, and his face was beaded with sweat. Even though there was only a small bit of light from the candle, Ben could see his son was pale and his eyes were rimmed with dark circles of fatigue. Ben put his hand gently on the top of Joe\u2019s head. \u201cYou rest and take it easy,\u201d he said. \u201cI\u2019ll be back as soon as I can.\u201d Joe nodded slightly, never opening his eyes.<\/span><\/p>\n

As Ben stood, he looked at Hoss and saw the worry on the big man\u2019s face. Ben slapped Hoss lightly on the arm, reassuring his son the best he could. Then he turned and hurried out of the cave.<\/span><\/p>\n

After climbing down the hill as fast as possible, Ben ran to his horse. He mounted quickly, almost leaping into the saddle, then kicked the tired animal into a gallop. He rode the horse as fast it would carry him back to the ranch house.<\/span><\/p>\n

As he reached the yard in front of the house, Ben pulled his horse to a stop and looked around. The yard and area around the house seemed deserted. As he dismounted, Ben breathed a sigh of relief.<\/span><\/p>\n

Noting his buckskin horse was breathing hard, Ben quickly guided the animal into the barn. He was anxious to get back to Joe but was aware he couldn\u2019t let his horse suffer for his haste. Ben unsaddled the tired animal and rubbed him down, working both efficiently and rapidly. He led the horse into a stall and made sure there was plenty of oats and water for the buckskin. With a speculative look on his face, Ben surveyed the other horses in the barn. In a stall at the end of the barn, a black horse stood quietly, an animal that the Cartwrights had purchased only a few weeks ago. Ben knew Joe thought the black was the fastest horse on the Ponderosa, and he decided that a fast horse was just what he needed. Ben walked to the end stall, threw his saddle on the black, slipped a bridle on the horse\u2019s head, and then led the horse out of the barn. Ben tied the animal to the hitching post in front of the house and rushed to the door.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHop Sing! Hop Sing!\u201d Ben shouted as he ran through the front door.<\/span><\/p>\n

Stopping at bureau near the front entrance, Ben reached down and pulled open the bottom drawer. He began pulling saddle bags out of the drawer. \u201cHop Sing!\u201d he yelled again as he slammed the drawer shut.<\/span><\/p>\n

With an angry look on his face, the Chinese cook came shuffling into the room. \u201cWhat you want?\u201d Hop Sing demanded, looking around. \u201cWhere you and Mr. Hoss go so fast this morning?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Hesitating, Ben wondering how much to tell his faithful cook. He decided the less Hop Sing knew, the better. \u201cHop Sing, I want you to fill these with bandages and every medicine we have,\u201d Ben ordered, handing the saddlebags to the cook.<\/span><\/p>\n

Instantly, Hop Sing\u2019s face went from anger to concern. \u201cWhat wrong?\u201d he asked.<\/span><\/p>\n

Putting his hand on the cook\u2019s shoulder, Ben replied in a quiet voice. \u201cI can\u2019t talk about it now. Please, just do as I say. And fill the other saddle bag with food, enough to last three or four days.\u201d Ben thought a minute. \u201cAnd put a bottle of whiskey in, too.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhat wrong?\u201d Hop Sing repeated, his voice even more demanding.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHop Sing, Joe\u2019s in trouble. It\u2019s a long story and I don\u2019t have time to explain. Just do as I say,\u201d Ben answered, finishing in a stern voice.<\/span><\/p>\n

With a crease of worry on his face, Hop Sing stared at Ben for a minute. Then he turned and rushed out of the room.<\/span><\/p>\n

Walking quickly across the room, Ben went over to the gun rack and pulled open a drawer underneath the rifles. He grabbed a small box — cartridges for a revolver — and stuffed it in the pocket of his pants. He hoped Hoss and Joe wouldn\u2019t have to fight off the posse, but he wanted to give them plenty of ammunition to use if they did.<\/span><\/p>\n

With rapid steps, Ben climbed the stairs by the gun rack. At the top, he rushed down the hall to a small closet. Pulling it open, he quickly grabbed two bedrolls and two extra blankets from a shelf. Sticking the blankets and bedrolls under his arm, he shut the closet door and rushed back down the stairs.<\/span><\/p>\n

At the bottom of the stairs, Ben hesitated, trying to think of what other supplies his sons would need. Remembering the darkness in the cave, Ben hurried toward his desk. On the floor near the bookcase was a lantern. Ben snatched up the lantern, then pulled open the drawer of his desk. He grabbed a handful of matches and stuck them in the pocket of his shirt.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHop Sing!\u201d Ben shouted as he walked back toward the dining room. \u201cI have to go. Do you have those saddlebags ready?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Hope Sing rushed out of the kitchen, carrying two bulging saddlebags. As he handed them to Ben, the cook looked sternly at his boss. \u201cYou take care of Mr. Hoss and Little Joe,\u201d he ordered.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t worry,\u201d Ben answered reassuringly. \u201cThey\u2019ll be all right.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Giving a snort of disapproval, Hope Sing shuffled back into the kitchen, muttering in Chinese. Ben grinned a bit, but his amusement quickly disappeared. Taking a deep breath, he slung the saddlebags over his shoulder and turned toward the door. He stopped abruptly when the door was flung open and in walked Frank Garrison, followed by three dour-faced men.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhat\u2019s the meaning of this?\u201d Ben demanded in angry voice.<\/span><\/p>\n

Ignoring Ben\u2019s complaint, Garrison strode boldly into the house. He looked around briefly, then turned to the men who had followed him in. \u201cJack, search the house,\u201d he ordered. One of the men walked past Ben and climbed up the stairs. \u201cYou two, search the barn and the area outside,\u201d Garrison continued. The other two men walked out of the house and toward the barn.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhat do you think you are doing?\u201d Ben demanded again. \u201cYou can\u2019t just burst in here and begin looking through my house.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYes, I can,\u201d Garrison replied in an unconcerned voice. He pulled a paper from his vest pocket. \u201cI have a search warrant. It\u2019s signed by a judge, all proper and legal.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Snatching the paper from Garrison\u2019s hand, Ben quickly scanned it. The paper appeared to be a valid search warrant.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNow, why don\u2019t you save us all some time and trouble,\u201d Garrison said as he took the paper back from Ben. \u201cTell us where Joe is.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t know where he is,\u201d Ben lied, hoping he sounded convincing.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOh, I think you do,\u201d Garrison countered. \u201cI ran into John Hardy, and he told me about his visit out here. He also told me that you and Hoss went looking for Joe. Now I find you here. Looks to me like you found him.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNo, we didn\u2019t find him,\u201d Ben declared firmly.<\/span><\/p>\n

Garrison looked suspiciously at the saddlebags, bedrolls and other items in Ben\u2019s hands. \u201cWhat are those for?\u201d he asked.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHoss and I didn\u2019t find Joe,\u201d Ben repeated. \u201cWe figure we are going to have to look for quite awhile. I came back to get some supplies.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cTwo bedrolls and some blankets?\u201d Garrison said, his voice dripping with sarcasm. \u201cYou must be expecting a cold spell.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThese are for both Hoss and me,\u201d Ben explained. \u201cHe\u2019s still out looking. I told him I would bring supplies for both of us.\u201d He tried to look calm, but his stomach was churning. He hoped Garrison didn\u2019t decide to look inside the saddlebags. If he saw the medicine and bandages, the sheriff was sure to know he found Joe.<\/span><\/p>\n

Frowning, Garrison stared at the saddlebags and bedrolls in Ben\u2019s hands, seemingly trying to decide what to do next. Just then, Jack came down the stairs and called to the sheriff. Ben breathed a small sigh of relief as Garrison looked away from him.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNobody up there,\u201d Jack yelled.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cCheck down here,\u201d Garrison ordered. As the man started walking toward the kitchen, Garrison shouted after him. \u201cThen go look outside with the others.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Quickly, Ben took a step toward the door. \u201cLook all you want,\u201d he said to Garrison. \u201cI have to go meet up with Hoss.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHold it right there, Cartwright,\u201d Garrison demanded, grabbing Ben\u2019s arm. \u201cMaybe I ought to arrest you and keep you in jail until we find your son.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou have no right to arrest me,\u201d Ben replied coldly.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cMaybe you\u2019re right,\u201d Garrison admitted. \u201cBut if you find your kid and don\u2019t turn him over to the law, I\u2019ll arrest you for aiding and abetting a murderer.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cMy son is not a murderer,\u201d Ben stated angrily.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhy? Did he tell you that?\u201d Garrison asked, his suspicion returning.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNo, I told you I haven\u2019t seen him,\u201d Ben replied. \u201cBut I know my son. He\u2019s not a killer. And he had no reason to shoot O\u2019Brien.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHe had every reason,\u201d Garrison declared. \u201cHe robbed the Wells Fargo with O\u2019Brien two weeks ago. When O\u2019Brien asked for his cut, Joe shot him.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cMy son had no reason to rob the Wells Fargo,\u201d advised Ben in an exasperated voice. \u201cLook around. Why would my son need to stage a robbery?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHe wouldn\u2019t be the first kid kept on a short leash by his family where money is concerned,\u201d Garrison suggested.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019re right that I don\u2019t give my son unlimited funds,\u201d Ben answered. \u201cBut he has all the money he needs. And if he should do something foolish and get in debt, he doesn\u2019t have to rob to cover his losses. Have you ever heard of the Cartwrights owing anyone money and not paying them?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNo,\u201d Garrison admitted. \u201cBut maybe he wanted more.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cMy son is not a thief and he is not a murderer,\u201d Ben stated firmly. \u201cI\u2019ll prove that.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHow?\u201d Garrison asked.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t know,\u201d admitted Ben. \u201cBut I will prove it.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Eyes narrowed, Garrison studied Ben for a minute. \u201cMaybe some of my men should ride with you and Hoss. That way, if you find Joe, you won\u2019t be tempted to help him escape.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI promised you, if I find my son, I will make sure he turns himself into the proper authorities,\u201d Ben said, emphasizing the word proper.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t believe you,\u201d Garrison stated. \u201cI think you\u2019ll help him escape.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIs that what you think I want for my son?\u201d Ben asked. \u201cTo live his life on the run, worrying about some bounty hunter shooting him in the back? No, I\u2019ll take my chances in court. Joe is innocent, and we\u2019ll prove it.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Nervously, Garrison wiped his hand across his mound and chin. Ben\u2019s words seemed to worry him. Before Garrison could say anything more, however, his men walked back into the house.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNothing here, Frank,\u201d called one of the searchers. \u201cWhat do you want us to do now?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Looking around, Garrison seemed unsure about what to do next. Deciding to take advantage of Garrison\u2019s indecisiveness, Ben shouldered his way past the man. \u201cI\u2019m leaving to meet my son, Hoss,\u201d Ben announced as he strode out the door. \u201cClose the door behind you when you leave.\u201d He marched past the three men who had accompanied Garrison and walked purposely toward the black horse tied to the hitching post. Without looking back, Ben flung the saddlebags over the back of the horse. He put the bedrolls and blankets on top of the saddlebags, then tied everything securely to the back of the saddle. After hooking the handle of the lantern over the saddle horn, Ben untied the reins of the horse and mounted. Without a word or a backward glance, he rode off.<\/span><\/p>\n

Garrison stood in the doorway, watching Ben ride away.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cDo you want us to follow him?\u201d one of the men beside him asked.<\/span><\/p>\n

For a moment, Garrison didn\u2019t say anything. He simply watched until Ben disappeared from his sight. Then, suddenly, he seemed to shake himself into action. \u201cNo,\u201d he said firmly. \u201cForget Cartwright. Let\u2019s go look down by the lake.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Ben\u2019s heart was pounding as he rode toward New Meadow. He hoped Garrison had believed him, that the sheriff thought Ben didn\u2019t know where Joe was hiding. But there was no way to know for sure. Ben dreaded the thought of leading Garrison and his posse right to Joe.<\/span><\/p>\n

As he rode, Ben looked over his shoulder, searching for signs of someone following him. He could see nothing, but that didn\u2019t ease his anxiety. He decided to ride a circuitous route back to the cave to reassure himself that he wasn\u2019t being followed. It took over two hours of riding before Ben was finally convinced no one was trailing behind him.<\/span><\/p>\n

The sun was reaching high noon in the sky when Ben arrived back at New Meadow. He dismounted in the strand of trees, happy to see Hoss\u2019 horse contentedly munching grass nearby. He tied his horse to a bush and hurriedly gathered his bundles from the back of the animal. He climbed back to the cave as fast as he could, his progress slowed by the many items he was carrying. Finally, he reached the entrance to the cave. Ben took a quick look around to satisfy himself that he was not being watched, then he ducked into the cave.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHoss?\u201d Ben shouted as he entered the dark cavern. The cave was pitch black. \u201cHoss, are you here?\u201d Ben shouted again.<\/span><\/p>\n

A match flared in the back of the cave. A minute later, Hoss walked toward Ben, a candle flickering in his hand.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cPa, I\u2019m glad to see you,\u201d Hoss said in a relieved voice. \u201cI was getting worried. You were gone a long time.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m sorry,\u201d Ben answered. \u201cGarrison and his men showed up at the house. I had to ride around for awhile to make sure I wasn\u2019t followed.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cGarrison?\u201d Hoss repeated in alarm. \u201cWhat did he want?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHe\u2019s still looking for Joe,\u201d Ben explained. \u201cI\u2019m sure he doesn\u2019t know where Joe is. His men searched the house and the barn.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Hoss nodded, but didn\u2019t seem convinced.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHow\u2019s Joe?\u201d Ben asked with concern.<\/span><\/p>\n

Glancing quickly over his shoulder, Hoss answered, \u201cAbout the same. I let him sleep. That seemed to be the best thing. Besides, there wasn\u2019t much else I could do for him.\u201d Hoss\u2019 voice reflected the frustration he felt at not being able to help his brother more.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHere, light this,\u201d Ben said, handing Hoss the lantern. Hoss lit the lantern with the candle, and the cave suddenly seemed bathed in light. Hoss blew out the candle.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI brought food, medicine, blankets, everything you might need,\u201d Ben stated.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cDid you bring some extra canteens?\u201d Hoss asked.<\/span><\/p>\n

Grimacing, Ben cursed himself. \u201cNo,\u201d he admitted in disgust. \u201cI forgot. I\u2019m sorry.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t worry, Pa,\u201d Hoss reassured his father. \u201cI can sneak down to the stream later and refill the canteen.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Still upset with himself, Ben took a deep breath. \u201cCome on,\u201d he said, \u201clet\u2019s get Joe fixed up.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

As Ben walked toward the back of the cave, Hoss followed him, holding the lantern high. At the end of the cavern, Ben could see Joe curled on his side on the ground, sleeping. His head was resting on Hoss\u2019 hat and his injured arm was lying protectively across his chest. Joe\u2019s face was flushed, and small rivulets of sweat trickled down his forehead. Kneeling next to his son, Ben put his hand lightly on Joe\u2019s brow. He could feel the fever in his son, but was relieved that it didn\u2019t seem too high. He gently stroked Joe\u2019s head, and quietly murmured his son\u2019s name.<\/span><\/p>\n

Stirring a bit, Joe winced and grunted with pain as he moved his left arm. He slowly opened his eyes and looked around, confused as to where he was.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cJoe, wake up,\u201d Ben said quietly. \u201cIt\u2019s all right, son. Wake up.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Turning onto his back, Joe looked up into his father\u2019s face. \u201cPa?\u201d he asked. \u201cWhere have you been?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI went to get some medicines and supplies, remember?\u201d Ben explained.<\/span><\/p>\n

Giving a quick nod, Joe suddenly recalled what had happened and where he was. He looked around and saw Hoss holding the lantern nearby. \u201cHow long have I been asleep?\u201d Joe asked his brother.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cCouple of hours,\u201d Hoss replied. \u201cYou needed the rest.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Quickly spreading out one of the bedrolls, Ben helped his youngest son scoot over onto the ground cloth and blanket. He untied the bandana from around Joe\u2019s arm and took a close look at the wound. The bullet had hit the arm about halfway between the elbow and shoulder. Blood was seeping slowly from the wound, and the skin around the injury was red and swollen. The edge of the wound was encrusted with dried blood.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHoss, bring that lantern closer,\u201d Ben ordered. Hoss knelt next to his father, placing the lantern between them. Hoss winced as he saw his brother\u2019s arm.<\/span><\/p>\n

Taking a deep breath, Ben turned to his youngest son. \u201cJoe, I\u2019m going to have open up that wound. That will help it drain. Can you take off your shirt and jacket?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Nodding, Joe slowly unbuttoned his shirt with his right hand. When the buttons were undone, Hoss helped him slip the shirt and jacket off his right shoulder. Ben eased the clothing slowly off Joe\u2019s left arm.<\/span><\/p>\n

Laying back on the blankets, Joe was breathing hard. Just that little bit of movement had sent shooting pains up his arm and seemed to sap the energy he had built up while he slept.<\/span><\/p>\n

Ben turned to the saddlebags behind him. Opening the flap of one, he pulled out bandages and several bottles. He carefully read the label of each bottle, then set it aside. Ben searched through the rest of the saddlebags, finally pulling a small bottle of whiskey from one. He pulled the cork off the top of the bottle with his teeth, then lifted Joe\u2019s head from the blanket.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cJoe, take a sip of this,\u201d Ben said, holding the bottle to Joe\u2019s lips. \u201cIt\u2019ll help the pain.<\/span><\/p>\n

After he swallowed the liquid, Joe coughed several times. \u201cThat\u2019s whiskey!\u201d he exclaimed with a gasp.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cTake advantage of it, little brother,\u201d Hoss suggested with a grin. \u201cIt ain\u2019t often Pa encourages you to drink.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Smiling weakly back at his brother, Joe took another drag from the bottle then laid back on the ground. His head was beginning to spin a bit.<\/span><\/p>\n

Putting the bottle of whiskey aside, Ben searched briefly through his pockets until his hand found and pulled out a pocketknife. He opened the knife and then grabbed the matches from his pocket. Ben selected one, piling the rest near the saddlebags. Lighting the match, he stuck the blade in the flame for a minute, then he blew out the match and wiped the blade on his shirt sleeve. He could feel the hot metal through the cloth of his shirt. He tried not to think about how the hot metal would feel on Joe\u2019s bare arm.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHoss, hold him still,\u201d Ben ordered in a quiet voice.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYes sir,\u201d Hoss replied, and maneuvered his way to Joe\u2019s other side. He grabbed Joe\u2019s shoulders with his huge hands and pressed them to the ground.<\/span><\/p>\n

As Ben quickly sliced the wound open with the knife, Joe moaned and shivered. Blood and pus began trickling out of the gash. Ben sliced the wound again, and a torrent of the two fluids seemed to pour out of the arm.<\/span><\/p>\n

With a grim expression on his face, Ben continued to work on Joe. He wiped the fluid from Joe\u2019s arm several time, but let the wound bleed on its own for awhile. Then Ben pressed the cloth firmly on the wound to stop the bleeding. After a few minutes, he removed the cloth and was satisfied to see only a small bit of blood seeping from the injury. Grabbing a small bottle from the ground, Ben glanced at the label, then poured the medicinal alcohol directly on the wound. Joe groaned loudly and struggled in Hoss\u2019 grasp, but his brother held him firm. After taking a deep breath, Ben began wiping the streaks of blood from Joe\u2019s arm, using a cloth soaked in the alcohol to clean up his son. He tried not to show how worried he was about the amount of dried blood he had to wipe away. Picking up one of the smaller bottles, Ben read the label carefully, assuring himself that the bottle contained the right medicine, then poured some liquid from the bottle into the wound. He wasn\u2019t exactly sure what it was but he knew the doctor had used it on gunshot wounds in the past. Joe gasped in pain as the medicine burned into his sore arm. Finally, Ben covered the wound with a clean cloth and wrapped a bandage tightly around his son\u2019s arm. Then he sat back on his heels, breathing almost as hard as his youngest son.<\/span><\/p>\n

Releasing Joe\u2019s shoulders, Hoss stood up. He walked quickly to the roll of blankets lying near the saddlebags, and with a quick flick of his wrists, opened the blankets and shook them out. He hurried back to Joe, and gently covered his brother with both blankets. Ben nodded his approval.<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe\u2019s eyes were closed and he laid still. The combination of the whiskey, pain and fever had left him desperate for sleep. Ben gently stroked his son\u2019s head, a gesture of comfort. Both father and son knew Ben had done all he could to help Joe.<\/span><\/p>\n

Turning toward his father, Hoss started to say something. But Ben put his hand up to stop him, and with a jerk of his head, indicated they should walk back toward the entrance of the cave. Nodding his understanding, Hoss glanced at Joe, then followed Ben.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI think he\u2019ll be all right,\u201d Ben said in a quiet voice. \u201cAs long as the wound doesn\u2019t get infected, he should be fine in a few days.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cPa, what do we do now?\u201d asked Hoss.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ve been thinking about that,” Ben answered. \u201cJoe\u2019s idea of going to the U.S Marshall is a good one. If nothing else, the Marshall will protect him from Garrison.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cBut, Pa, Joe\u2019s in no shape to ride,\u201d Hoss protested. \u201cHe wouldn\u2019t last ten feet in a saddle, much less all the way to Carson City.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI know,\u201d agreed Ben. \u201cEven if he could sit a horse, it would be too dangerous for him to ride out now. Garrison and his men are all around. They\u2019d spot him in no time.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThen what are we going to do?\u201d asked Hoss.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll have to go to the Marshall and bring him here,\u201d Ben declared. \u201cI know Jim Fenner a little; we met a few times in Carson City. I\u2019m sure I can convince him to come back with me.\u201d He looked Hoss squarely in the eye. \u201cThat means you\u2019ll have to stay here and take care of Joe. I\u2019m sorry.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t worry, Pa,\u201d Hoss replied in a confident tone. \u201cI can look after him.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI want you to change that bandage every couple of hours,\u201d Ben advised. \u201cAnd when he wakes up, see if you can get some food into him.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYes sir,\u201d Hoss agreed, giving a quick nod.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll ride as fast as I can,\u201d Ben continued. \u201cWith any luck, I should be back by early afternoon tomorrow. Just keep out of sight, and you should be all right.\u201d He reached into his pants pocket and pulled out the box of cartridges, handing it to Hoss. \u201cIf you do have any trouble, here\u2019s enough ammunition to keep that posse away. Just warn them off. I don\u2019t want anyone else to get hurt.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2019ll be fine,\u201d Hoss assured his father, taking the box. \u201cI don\u2019t think anyone can find us, and even if they do, we can hold off an army from up here.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI hope it won\u2019t come to that,\u201d Ben stated, his voice full of worry. \u201cOnce the marshal get here, Joe will be safe. You just have to hold on for a little while.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t worry,\u201d Hoss said again. \u201cWe\u2019ll be fine. You just take care of yourself on the way to Carson. That\u2019s a long ride.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI will.\u201d Ben looked toward the back of the cave where Joe was sleeping. He studied his son\u2019s face for a minute, seeming to engrave the image in his mind. Then he turned abruptly, and gave Hoss a quick pat on the back. With one last look over his shoulder, Ben walked quickly from the cave.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Ben rode hard on the trail to Carson City. He was happy that Joe\u2019s assessment of the black horse was accurate; the animal was fast and strong. Ben covered the miles to the capital city at a quick pace, stopping only to rest and water the animal.<\/span><\/p>\n

It was well after midnight when a tired Ben Cartwright approached the streets of Carson City. His horse was sweating and breathing hard; he had been carrying Ben on his journey for many hours. As he stopped the animal in front of the U.S. Marshall\u2019s office and dismounted, Ben gave the animal a pat on the neck, silently promising him a rest. Hurrying to the door of the office, he was surprised to find it locked. Ben started pounding on the door, shouting the Marshall\u2019s name in a loud voice.<\/span><\/p>\n

A few minutes later, Ben heard a click and the door was pulled open.<\/span><\/p>\n

Marshall Jim Fenner stood in the doorway, his hair disheveled and the tail of his white shirt hanging down almost to the knees of his wrinkled brown pants. The dim light of a low burning lamp silhouetted the tall, lanky lawman, as well as the pistol he was holding in his right hand. Fenner looked out through bleary eyes.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhat do you want?\u201d Fenner asked in a sleepy voice.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s Ben Cartwright,\u201d Ben answered, his voice full of anxiety. \u201cI need to talk with you. It\u2019s important.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

The Marshall studied the man in front of him for a moment. Then he nodded, and pulled the door fully open. \u201cCome on in,\u201d Fenner said, sounding more alert.<\/span><\/p>\n

Anxious to talk to the lawman, Ben quickly followed Fenner into the office. Before Ben could say anything, however, Fenner waved him toward a chair. The Marshall turned the lamp up, making the room bright, then stuck his head through a door in the back of the office, evidently checking on something. Satisfied, Fenner started tucking his shirt into his pants as he walked to his desk. He settled comfortably in a chair behind the desk, placed the pistol on the top of it, and then looked at Ben.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t usually keep the office locked,\u201d Fenner explained. \u201cBut I got two cowhands from the Bar R in a cell back there. I didn\u2019t want to give any of their friends a chance to get them out.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Ben nodded, not really caring about why the door was locked. \u201cMarshall, I need your help,\u201d he stated in a rush of words.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOf course, Mr. Cartwright,\u201d Fenner agreed in a reasonable tone. \u201cI assume that if you wake me up in the middle of the night that you\u2019re not here for a social call.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHardly,\u201d Ben replied with irony, a slight smile on his face. Then he grew serious. \u201cMarshall, I need you to help my son, Joseph. He\u2019s wanted for murder, and there\u2019s a posse after him\u2026a posse that would rather bring him back over a saddle than alive.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cMurder?\u201d said Fenner, frowning. \u201cThat\u2019s serious. But it doesn\u2019t sound like anything that Roy Coffee can\u2019t handle.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cRoy Coffee is in Denver,” Ben explained. \u201cHe\u2019s been there for a couple of weeks, and won\u2019t be back until the end of the month. The man who is acting sheriff is the one who actually committed the murder.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cMaybe I\u2019m not awake yet,\u201d declared Fenner, shaking his head. \u201cI\u2019m afraid I don\u2019t understand. Maybe you\u2019d better tell me the whole story.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Quickly, Ben recounted the story Joe had told him. Fenner listened with interest, his expression never changing. Ben wasn\u2019t sure if the Marshall believed Joe.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s an interesting story,\u201d Fenner acknowledged in a neutral tone when Ben had finished. \u201cI heard about the Wells Fargo robbery and wondered why no one had been arrested. Roy Coffee is a better sheriff than most. Now I understand why the robbers weren\u2019t caught.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThen you believe my son\u2019s story,\u201d said Ben, relief evidence in his voice.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI didn\u2019t say that,\u201d Fenner replied. \u201cI just said I understand why the robbers hadn\u2019t been arrested. A temporary sheriff, well, he probably didn\u2019t know what to do. I didn\u2019t say I believed the sheriff was the thief. Could have been your son or anybody else.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cBut Garrison has a posse looking for my son, a posse with orders to shoot to kill,\u201d Ben argued. \u201cDoesn\u2019t that prove something?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cProves only that Garrison really doesn\u2019t know what he\u2019s doing,\u201d Fenner pointed out.<\/span><\/p>\n

Ben slumped in the chair. \u201cMarshall, it really doesn\u2019t matter what you believe. All I want you to do is come back with me, talk to my son. If you don\u2019t believe him, arrest him. But don\u2019t let Garrison put him in the Virginia City jail. If Garrison gets his hands on Joe, he\u2019ll kill him. I\u2019m sure of that.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

For several minutes, the Marshall stared off into space, his face showing he was deep in thought. Finally, he turned to Ben. \u201cI\u2019ll go with you, Mr. Cartwright. If your son is right, then Garrison will kill him. He wouldn\u2019t be the first man killed \u2018trying escape.\u2019 Unfortunately, it happens too often. But if your son is guilty, then I\u2019ll make sure he hangs for murder.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s fair,\u201d Ben agreed. \u201cI know Joe is innocent, and I\u2019ll figure out some way to prove it. But for now, I just want him safe.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHe\u2019ll be safe with me,\u201d Fenner promised.<\/span><\/p>\n

Ben stood. \u201cI\u2019ll get a fresh horse,\u201d he offered, starting for the door.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNow, hold on,\u201d Fenner protested, putting his hand up. \u201cI said I\u2019ll go back with you, but we\u2019ll leave in the morning.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cMarshall, my son\u2019s life is in danger,\u201d Ben insisted. \u201cEvery minute we delay is another minute that posse could find him and kill him.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI understand that,\u201d Fenner asserted. \u201cBut rushing out in the middle of the night isn\u2019t going to help things. I have to get a deputy to take over here and take care of a few other things. Besides, look at yourself. You\u2019re tired. You\u2019d probably fall out of the saddle from exhaustion before we got back to Virginia City. You need a few hours sleep, and I need a few hours to take care of things. We\u2019ll leave at first light.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

At first, Ben started to protest, then realized the Marshall was right. He was tired, more tired than he could remember for a long time. He couldn\u2019t help Joe if he collapsed from exhaustion. He just hoped the delay wouldn\u2019t cost his son his life.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAll right, Marshall,\u201d Ben agreed reluctantly. \u201cI\u2019ll stable my horse and get some rest over at the hotel. But I\u2019ll be here at dawn, ready to ride. You\u2019d better be ready then.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI will, Mr. Cartwright,\u201d Fenner promised. \u201cI will.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Hoss dozed as he sat comfortably against the wall of the cave. He had spent hours watching over Joe, but his little brother slept the day away. Joe had stirred when Hoss changed the bandage on his arm, but never really woke. Hoss\u2019 stomach had grumbled a bit ago, protesting the lack of food. He had dug through the saddle bags, and was pleased to find some beef sandwiches. He felt guilty about eating while Joe slept, but Hop Sing had packed plenty of food. In fact, Hoss and Joe had plenty of everything except water. Hoss tried to drink sparingly.<\/span><\/p>\n

After checking on Joe again, Hoss relaxed against the wall of the cave. Before he realized it, Hoss was asleep, his snoring filling the cave.<\/span><\/p>\n

When he woke with a start, Hoss wasn\u2019t sure what had awakened him. Then he realized Joe was stirring on the blankets next to him, grunting softly.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHey, little brother,\u201d Hoss said, kneeling next to Joe. \u201cYou\u2019re finally awake.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe\u2019s eyes were bright with fever, and his face looked flushed. But the signs of exhaustion had disappeared from his face and his skin was no longer covered with sweat.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHow could I sleep?\u201d Joe grumbled. \u201cYou sounded like a freight train.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Feeling relieved, Hoss smiled. If Joe was complaining about his snoring, then his brother was feeling better.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou think you can sit up?\u201d Hoss asked, ignoring Joe\u2019s complaint. \u201cWe got to get some food into you.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

As he helped his brother to a sitting position, Hoss made sure he draped a blanket around Joe\u2019s bare shoulders. Joe winced when he moved his injured arm but bit back the groan in his throat. Hoss made Joe comfortable, then pulled the saddle bags next to him.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWell, let\u2019s see,\u201d Hoss said as he rooted through the leather bag. \u201cHop Sing sent some sandwiches, some cheese and some apples.\u201d He flipped open the other side. \u201cAnd, look, he put some cookies in, too.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cCookies? Butter cookies?\u201d Joe asked hopefully.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYep, your favorite kind,\u201d Hoss replied, pulling two cookies out. He handed them to Joe. Hoss smiled as Joe began to eat them eagerly.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAin\u2019t that just like you, little brother,” Hoss chided Joe with a smile. \u201cIgnoring what\u2019s good for you and going right for the sweets.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHoss, you know I can\u2019t resist Hop Sing\u2019s butter cookies,\u201d Joe said, wiping the crumbs from his mouth. Then Joe\u2019s face grew sober. \u201cWhere\u2019s Pa?\u201d he asked.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHe went to Carson City,\u201d Hoss answered. \u201cHe\u2019s going to get the Marshall and bring him back.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAny sign of the posse?\u201d Joe asked.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNo, it\u2019s been real quiet,\u201d replied Hoss. He took a look over his shoulder. \u201cIt\u2019s dark outside, so I figured they\u2019ve settled down for the night. Maybe they\u2019ve even given up.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNo, Garrison won\u2019t give up,\u201d Joe stated, shaking his head. \u201cHe knows if he doesn\u2019t kill me, I\u2019ll put a rope around his neck.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cJoe, you can get into more trouble in the shortest time than anyone I know,\u201d Hoss remarked. \u201cAnyone else, they would have come home without a problem. But you stay in town, and next thing you know, there\u2019s a posse after you.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t remind me,\u201d Joe said, rolling his eyes a bit. \u201cI can already hear Pa\u2019s lecture when this is all over.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWell, he\u2019s right, you know,\u201d replied Hoss. \u201cIf you had come right home when you got back instead of staying in town, none of this would have happened.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI know, I know,\u201d Joe agreed in a weary voice.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHow come you came back early?\u201d Hoss asked. \u201cDid you have trouble with that timber contract?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNo, the contract\u2019s all signed,\u201d Joe answered. \u201cIt\u2019s coming by mail.\u201d Joe hesitated, then continued, \u201cI had some other problems so I decided to come on home.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOther problems, eh?\u201d Hoss repeated with a twinkle in his eye. \u201cLet me guess. She\u2019s about 5\u20192\u201d with blonde hair and blue eyes.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cSomething like that,\u201d Joe admitted, smiling ruefully. \u201cShe also had a boyfriend I didn\u2019t know about. Things got kind of nasty, so I thought leaving was the best thing to do.\u201d Joe finished the last off the cookies, then looked around the cave. \u201cThis reminds me of when we were kids. Remember how we used to hide up here?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI remember,\u201d Hoss said with a chuckle. \u201cYou used to bring Hop Sing\u2019s cookies with you then. You were going to stay up here and live on them cookies when you got in trouble with Pa.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYeah,\u201d agreed Joe. \u201cExcept those cookies never last more than a couple of hours. I usually went home when I got hungry.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Hoss smiled. \u201cRemember the time we hid out here for two days?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cPa never found us,\u201d Joe recalled. \u201cWe spent the entire time pretending we were fighting off pirates. We had those wooden swords and we attacked some bushes until there was nothing left but a few twigs. We pretended we were cutting down the masts from a ship.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cPa wasn\u2019t even upset when we came home,\u201d Hoss remarked in a puzzled voice. \u201cNear as I could tell, he didn\u2019t even go looking for us. Wonder why?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe licked his lips. Talk of pirates and ships had made him think of water, and that had brought his thirst to a head. \u201cCan I have some water?\u201d he asked.<\/span><\/p>\n

Reaching over, Hoss grabbed the canteen from the ground. It felt disturbingly light to him. \u201cGo easy,\u201d Hoss advised. \u201cWe don\u2019t have a lot. I\u2019ll have to go down to the stream in the morning and refill it.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe tried to take a small sip, but his thirst got the better of him. He drank several mouthfuls of water before he could stop himself. \u201cSorry,\u201d Joe apologized as he handed the canteen back to Hoss.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAw, don\u2019t worry about it,\u201d Hoss told his brother. He reached up and felt Joe\u2019s forehead. It was warm, hotter than Hoss would have liked. \u201cYou still got some fever. You needed the water.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Suddenly, Joe felt tired. \u201cMaybe I\u2019ll rest for a bit,\u201d he advised, starting to slide back down on the bedroll.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOh no, you don\u2019t,\u201d Hoss declared, grabbing his brother\u2019s good arm. \u201cYou ain\u2019t going to sleep until you get something more substantial in your belly than some cookies.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m not hungry,\u201d Joe protested. \u201cI just need some sleep.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou stay awake for awhile, you hear,\u201d ordered Hoss. \u201cYou have to eat something and I have to change that bandage again.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe started to protest some more but Hoss put up his hand. \u201cYou can complain all you want, little brother, but you\u2019re going to eat, even if I have to shove it down you,\u201d Hoss said sternly. He reached over to the saddlebags and pulled out half a sandwich, then thrust the food at Joe. \u201cNow, what\u2019s it going to be?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Reluctantly, Joe took the sandwich from Hoss\u2019 hand. He looked pleadingly at Hoss, but his look was met with a stony glare from his older brother. With a sigh, Joe began to nibble at the sandwich.<\/span><\/p>\n

Satisfied that Joe was eating, Hoss reached for the other saddlebag. He pulled a clean cloth from the bag, checking to see how many cloths were left. He found three more, enough to get Joe through another day. By then, Hoss hoped, his father would be back.<\/span><\/p>\n

Untying the bandage around Joe\u2019s arm, Hoss studied the wound. The flesh around the gash was still red and swollen, but didn\u2019t seem as bad as before. Hoss decided that putting more medicine on the wound wasn\u2019t necessary. Joe\u2019s arm seemed to be healing fine, and the medicine was a painful treatment. He put the clean cloth over the wound, then tied the bandage tight around it.<\/span><\/p>\n

While Hoss worked on his arm, Joe tried to eat. He handed the sandwich back to Hoss when his older brother was finished with changing the bandage. He had only eaten about a third of it.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHoss, I can\u2019t eat any more, honest,\u201d Joe declared. His voice sounded weak and tired. \u201cPlease, can\u2019t I just get some sleep?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Taking the sandwich, Hoss gave in to his brother\u2019s pleas. \u201cAll right. I guess that little bit will have to do for now. But you\u2019re going to eat the rest of this in the morning.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Nodding, Joe slid down on the bedroll. He\u2019d worry about trying to eat later. For now, all he could think of was getting some sleep.<\/span><\/p>\n

Gently, Hoss wrapped the blankets around Joe. He wished he could do more to help his brother; he felt like he had done so little. \u201cSleep tight,\u201d Hoss murmured as he watched Joe drift off. Then Hoss looked toward the entrance of the cave. \u201cPa, I sure wish you was back,\u201d he added.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Sun was streaming into the front of the cave when Hoss woke up. He didn\u2019t remember falling asleep, but it was obvious that he had. He stretched and looked over at Joe. Abruptly \u2013 and with a sense of alarm \u2013 he knelt next to his brother.<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe\u2019s face was beaded with sweat and his breathing was rapid; it was obvious Joe\u2019s fever had gone up during the night. Hoss swore to himself. He should have put that medicine on the wound, he thought. And he should have stayed awake.<\/span><\/p>\n

Quickly, Hoss reached for the canteen and shook it. He could tell it was nearly empty. Another mistake, Hoss thought. He should have filled the canteen before now.<\/span><\/p>\n

Shaking his head in anger at himself, Hoss pulled a cloth out of the saddle bag. He wet it carefully, trying not to waste any water. Then he began to gently wipe Joe\u2019s face. Joe stirred as he felt Hoss\u2019 touch; he opened his eyes and looked up at his brother.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cMorning, Joe,\u201d Hoss said in a hearty voice, trying to convey an unconcerned attitude that he didn\u2019t feel. \u201cHow you feeling?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

With a slow push on his uninjured arm, Joe started to sit up, but fell back on to the bedroll. \u201cNot so good,\u201d he admitted. \u201cMy head aches, and so does my arm.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYour fever\u2019s gone up some,\u201d Hoss acknowledged. \u201cI don\u2019t think it\u2019s anything to worry about, but you take it easy. Pa should be back soon, and then we\u2019ll get you home.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Taking a deep breath, Joe closed his eyes. He felt terrible, but he wasn\u2019t going to admit that to Hoss. He didn\u2019t want to worry his brother; he had caused so much trouble already. He figured if he could hold on until his father returned, everything would be all right. Joe looked up at his brother again.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cCan I have some water?\u201d Joe asked in tired voice. \u201cI\u2019m really thirsty.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Quickly, Hoss brought the canteen to Joe\u2019s lips. \u201cIt\u2019s almost empty,\u201d Hoss advised as he tilted the container. \u201cMight as well finish it up. I\u2019ll go down to the stream and get some more.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe drank greedily from the canteen, wishing it was full. His throat felt dry, and his face felt hot. He licked the last drops from the rim of the canteen.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThanks,\u201d Joe said. He ran his tongue over his lips, wondering why they seemed so dry.<\/span><\/p>\n

Knowing Joe was still thirsty, Hoss decided the first thing he had to do was get them some more water. Then he would see what he could do about Joe\u2019s arm.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cJoe, I\u2019m going down to the stream,\u201d Hoss declared as he stood. \u201cI\u2019ll fill the canteen so you\u2019ll have plenty of water. You just rest. I\u2019ll be back in a little while.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Nodding at his brother, Joe tried to smile, but it was a pretty poor effort. He watched Hoss walk toward the entrance to the cave. As soon as Hoss was gone, Joe closed his eyes. He winced as he moved his left arm, trying to get comfortable. As he drifted off, he wondered how long it would be before his Pa got back.<\/span><\/p>\n

Carrying the empty canteen, Hoss hurried out of the cave. His thoughts were distracted by worrying about Joe and wondering if his Pa was all right. He didn\u2019t bother to look around as he climbed down the hill. All he could think of was getting the canteen filled and getting back to Joe.<\/span><\/p>\n

When he reached the bottom of the hill, Hoss started walking toward the trees where his horse was tied. The stream was just behind the stand of trees, almost hidden in the brush. He briefly checked his horse as he went by the trees, saw that the animal was contentedly grazing on the grass, then hurried on toward the stream.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHold it, Cartwright!\u201d a voice shouted.<\/span><\/p>\n

Not sure from which direction the voice was coming, Hoss froze.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNow put your hands up,\u201d the voice continued. \u201cNice and slow.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Hoss did as he was told. He heard some movement behind him and glanced over his shoulder. Frank Garrison and five other men were emerging from behind some bushes. All of them had their guns aimed directly at Hoss.<\/span><\/p>\n

Approaching Hoss warily, Garrison reached carefully to pull the big man\u2019s gun from his holster. Hoss kept his hands in the air. He knew Garrison was looking for an excuse to hit him\u2026or worse.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNow, where\u2019s that brother of yours?\u201d Garrison asked in a confident tone once he had Hoss\u2019 gun.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t know,\u201d Hoss answered innocently. \u201cAin\u2019t you fellows found him yet?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t play cute with me,\u201d Garrison snarled. \u201cWe found your horse yesterday. We\u2019ve been sitting here all night, waiting for you to show up.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI left my horse here while I got some sleep,\u201d Hoss explained, shrugging a bit. \u201cI was going to start looking again this morning.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t believe you,\u201d Garrison stated. \u201cWhere\u2019s your Pa?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHe went off on his own to look,\u201d Hoss answered. \u201cWe figured we could cover more ground if we split up.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cCartwright, you\u2019re lying,\u201d Garrison declared. \u201cWe saw you climbing down that hill. Why would you go all the way up there to sleep? Is that where your brother is?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Trying to think of a way out of the situation, Hoss said nothing. He had to get back to the cave and to Joe. If the posse found Joe, his brother was a dead man. Hoss looked around him and saw six guns were pointed directly at his chest. He felt a sinking feeling in his stomach. He couldn\u2019t see any way to get away from these men.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou keep an eye on him,\u201d Garrison ordered his men. \u201cI\u2019m going up that hill and see if I can find Joe Cartwright.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou mean you\u2019re going up there to murder my brother,\u201d Hoss shouted in an angry voice. \u201cYou want these fellows to stay here so you don\u2019t have any witnesses.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Nervously, Garrison shifted his feet. \u201cDon\u2019t be ridiculous,\u201d he replied. \u201cWhen I find your brother, I\u2019m going to arrest him. Of course, if he puts up a fight, I\u2019ll have to defend myself.\u201d The sheriff turned and started walking toward the hills, his gun cocked and ready in his hand.<\/span><\/p>\n

Suddenly, Hoss realized he still had the canteen in his hand. He knew that the odds of getting away were slim, but he had to do something. He couldn\u2019t just stand here and watch Frank Garrison go off to kill his brother. Hoss shifted his stance slightly, then pulled his arm back. He threw the empty canteen as hard as he could at Garrison\u2019s back.<\/span><\/p>\n

The canteen crashed into Garrison\u2019s shoulder, jarring the man and causing the sheriff\u2019s gun to go off. The pistol fired harmlessly into the ground as the force of the blow knocked Garrison forward. Hoss started after the sheriff but quickly stopped as one of the men in the posse fired a shot into the ground in front of him.<\/span><\/p>\n

Rubbing his sore shoulder, Garrison spun around. \u201cYou\u2019ll pay for that, Cartwright,\u201d Garrison threatened. \u201cYou\u2019ll regret the day you met Frank Garrison.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

In the cave, Joe was dozing when he heard the gunshot. Awakened by the sound, he sat up quickly, wincing at the pain the movement caused. He listened carefully, and heard another shot. Instantly, he knew Hoss was in trouble.<\/span><\/p>\n

Looking around the cave, Joe spotted his gun against the wall, sitting next to a box of bullets. Joe tucked the small box under the gunbelt that was still strapped around his hips, and then grabbed the pistol with his right hand. The gun felt awkward to him because he was used to shooting with his left hand. Getting to his feet, Joe walked shakily toward the entrance of the cave.<\/span><\/p>\n

Stumbling out of the cave, Joe\u2019s eyes scanned the area. For a few moments, he was blinded by the bright sun. He blinked several times, then shook his head, trying to clear out the cobwebs. He also was breathing hard, surprised at how much even that short walk tired him out.<\/span><\/p>\n

As he leaned against the large rock which hid the entrance to the cave, Joe tried to gather his strength. He took a couple of deep breaths, then walked in a shuffling gait around the boulder.<\/span><\/p>\n

Looking down the hill, Joe tried to spot his brother. He could see two men near some trees at the bottom of the hill. Both were facing away from him, pointing guns toward the trees rather than the cave.<\/span><\/p>\n

Hoping he could surprise the men below, Joe started to climb down the hill. He was about halfway down the path when he saw Garrison coming toward him. Joe quickly ducked behind a large boulder, but Garrison had seen him. Just as Joe got behind the rock, a bullet whizzed past him.<\/span><\/p>\n

Standing in the trees, Hoss heard the shot and started toward the hill.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHold it, Cartwright,\u201d one of the men ordered, pointing his gun menacingly at the big man.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIf you\u2019re going to shoot me, you\u2019d better do it,\u201d Hoss answered, giving the man a stony look. \u201cCause that\u2019s the only way you\u2019re going to stop me.\u201d He started walking rapidly toward the hill, ignoring the men around him. Hoss\u2019 shoulders twitched as he walked, expecting a bullet in the back at any moment.<\/span><\/p>\n

Unsure what to do, the posse watched Hoss hurry in the direction of the hill. Two of them cocked their guns, but all seemed reluctant to shoot an unarmed man in the back. Finally, one of them said, \u201cCome on, let\u2019s follow him.\u201d The others nodded.<\/span><\/p>\n

Hoss seemed to be leading a parade as he emerged from the trees. He walked rapidly toward the hill, and five men followed him in single file. Hoss paid no attention to the posse as he started up the path.<\/span><\/p>\n

Hiding behind some rocks, Garrison fired two more shots toward the boulder above him, neither one hitting anything. He ducked down as Joe fired a shot harmlessly back at him.<\/span><\/p>\n

Garrison was preparing to fire again when he heard a noise behind him. Turning, his eyes opened in surprise as he saw Hoss striding up the hill.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhat\u2019s he doing here?\u201d Garrison shouted to men following Hoss. \u201cGet him out of here!\u201d The men following Hoss stopped, still not sure what to do.<\/span><\/p>\n

Ignoring Garrison\u2019s threatening looks, Hoss continued to walk up the path, stopping only when he neared the sheriff. While the other men seemed reluctant to harm the big man, Hoss was sure Garrison didn\u2019t feel the same way. He was positive Garrison would shoot him if he climbed past the lawman.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cJoe, you all right?\u201d Hoss shouted as he neared Garrison.<\/span><\/p>\n

For a moment, the only answer was silence. Then a voice called down the hill. \u201cI\u2019m all right. How about you?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m fine,\u201d Hoss answered. \u201cYou stay where you are, you hear?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cShut up, Cartwright,\u201d Garrison yelled angrily. He turned to the men behind him. \u201cDon\u2019t just stand there,\u201d Garrison demanded. \u201cGrab him. Tie him up if you have to. But keep him away from here.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Happy that someone was finally telling them what to do, the posse surged forward. Immediately, Hoss started fighting the men who tried to grab him. His massive fists knocked down three of the men, but he couldn\u2019t fight off all of them. Before he knew it, Hoss found himself firmly in the grasp of five men.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHoss!\u201d Joe shouted in alarm. From up on the hill, he could see his brother being manhandled. He started to get up from behind the rock, but when Garrison fired his gun, Joe dropped behind the boulder again.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cJoe, I\u2019m all right,\u201d Hoss called. \u201cYou stay there.\u201d He turned to Garrison. \u201cLet me go up and get him,\u201d Hoss pleaded. \u201cHe\u2019s hurt and he\u2019s sick. He\u2019ll give himself up if you let me go up and talk to him.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Garrison gave Hoss a nasty smile as a reply. \u201cSick and hurt, eh. Well, maybe we\u2019ll just let him stew up there for awhile. Let the sun work on him. A couple of hours in the hot sun, and he\u2019ll be real easy to take.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cA couple of hours in the sun could kill him,\u201d Hoss said angrily. He tensed his muscles, but the men hanging on to him just grabbed him tighter. \u201cLet me go to him,\u201d Hoss begged again.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cGet him out of here,\u201d Garrison ordered the men. \u201cTie him up so he don\u2019t cause any more trouble. And make those ropes tight. I don\u2019t want him getting away.\u201d The men nodded and began forcing Hoss down the hill. \u201cAnd three of you come back after you get him tied up,\u201d Garrison shouted after them. \u201cWe need to keep that kid pinned down for awhile.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Up on the hill, Joe watched as the men led a struggling Hoss toward the meadow, relieved that Garrison didn\u2019t seem to want to hurt his brother. Joe leaned against the boulder and wiped the sweat from his forehead with his arm. Then he considered his situation.<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe was stuck behind the boulder. He couldn\u2019t go back to the cave; there was too much clear ground. Even though Garrison was a poor shot, he couldn\u2019t risk it. Besides, Joe felt pretty shaky. He wasn\u2019t even sure he could walk that far. And he couldn\u2019t go down the hill; that would be suicide. He\u2019d be offering Garrison a clear shot at him if he tried to climb down to the meadow.<\/span><\/p>\n

Squinting a bit, Joe looked up at the sun that was rising in the morning sky. He felt hot and thirsty, and he knew it would get worse. Rivulets of sweat were already running down his bare chest. His left arm throbbed and his head ached. He was shooting with his right hand, which meant his aim wasn\u2019t very good. As bad as he felt, Joe thought, he doubted he could hit anything even if he was shooting with his left.<\/span><\/p>\n

A couple of shots suddenly zinged off the top of the boulder. Joe bent lower behind the rock, then peered cautiously around the edge. He could see a couple of men starting to climb up the hill. Joe shot in their general direction, more to discourage them than anything. If he hit one, it would be pure chance. The men halted and scrambled back down the hill.<\/span><\/p>\n

Turning to sit with his back against the rock, Joe wondering what to do next. He remembered Hoss saying that his Pa was bringing the Marshall back. Joe decided to try and keep the men below from climbing up the hill while he waited for his Pa. He glanced up at the sun again then closed his eyes briefly. He only hoped his Pa would make it in time.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Ben and Marshall Fenner rode at a swift pace. Ben had to admit he felt like a new man after a few hours sleep and some breakfast. He also knew that he and the Marshall were making better time than if they had started out in the middle of the night. But he continued to worry about Joe and Hoss. He prayed that the posse hadn\u2019t found them, and that they were safe.<\/span><\/p>\n

As the two men rode, Ben glanced up at the sun. It was just after noon, and they were close to New Meadows. He had told Hoss he would return by this afternoon, and he was grateful that he was able to keep his promise.<\/span><\/p>\n

Nearing New Meadows, Ben and the Marshall heard shots being fired. The shots were few and seemed sporadic, more like target practice than a fierce fight. Nevertheless, Ben\u2019s heart went to his throat. He looked at Fenner, his eyes wide with fear. Without a word, both men kicked their horses into a run.<\/span><\/p>\n

Ben\u2019s worst fears were confirmed as the two men rode into New Meadows. Hoss was sitting near the bottom of the hill, hands tied behind his back and ankles bound by thick ropes, with two men standing guard over him. Ben could see at least three other men scattered among the rocks on the hill, all of whom were looking upward. Ben\u2019s only consolation was that he couldn\u2019t see Joe, and that the men were looking up toward the cave. He hoped that meant Joe had not yet been captured by Garrison and his men.<\/span><\/p>\n

Pulling hard on the reins, Ben\u2019s mount skidded to a stop. \u201cWhat\u2019s going on here?\u201d Ben demanded in a loud voice as he dismounted.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cPa,\u201d Hoss called, relief evident in his voice, \u201cthank God you\u2019re here.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhat\u2019s going on?\u201d Ben repeated. \u201cWhy is my son tied up?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Frank Garrison untangled himself from behind a rock and walked over to Ben. \u201cYou\u2019re interfering with a lawful posse, Cartwright,\u201d Garrison stated in a cocky voice. \u201cWhy don\u2019t you ride out before I arrest you too?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThis is my son you have tied up, and this is my land you\u2019re on,\u201d Ben declared angrily. \u201cI demand to know what you\u2019re doing.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cPa, they\u2019ve got Joe pinned down about halfway up the hill,\u201d shouted Hoss. \u201cThey\u2019ve had him trapped up there for hours.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Ben\u2019s fear grew. \u201cIs he all right, Hoss?\u201d he asked in a frightened voice.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t know, Pa,\u201d Hoss admitted, shaking his head almost sadly. \u201cGarrison won\u2019t let me go to him. He tied me up and kept me here. I told him I\u2019d get Joe to give himself up, but Garrison wouldn\u2019t listen.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

His face full of fury, Ben turned to Garrison. \u201cUntie my son,\u201d he demanded the anger in his voice growing. \u201cUntie him now.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cCan\u2019t do that,\u201d Garrison replied in a lazy tone. \u201cHe\u2019s under arrest for aiding and abetting a murderer. And since I\u2019m the only law around, I guess I\u2019ll just keep him here.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll take over now, sheriff,\u201d Fenner called. He had been sitting on top of his horse, watching and listening. He hadn\u2019t liked what he heard.<\/span><\/p>\n

Turning toward the man on the horse, Garrison asked with a sneer, \u201cAnd just who do you think you are?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Fenner pulled his vest out from over his chest, making sure Garrison could see the badge pinned to it. \u201cJim Fenner, U.S. Marshall. And I\u2019m in charge now.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Garrison seemed to pale at the words. He looked around desperately at the men scattered around him. None of them seemed to know what to do.<\/span><\/p>\n

Dismounting, Fenner walked over to Garrison. \u201cI think you better untie this man,\u201d he noted, cocking his head toward Hoss. \u201cKeeping a prisoner tied up in the hot sun isn\u2019t the way I do things.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHe\u2019s been helping an escaped murderer,\u201d Garrison explained a bit desperately. \u201cHe\u2019s under arrest.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI wasn\u2019t aware that Joe Cartwright had been tried and convicted,\u201d Fenner said sarcastically. \u201cAnd I heard your prisoner say he wanted to talk his brother into giving himself up. That\u2019s not a crime.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI saw Joe Cartwright commit a murder,\u201d Garrison insisted. \u201cMaybe he ain\u2019t been tried yet, but he\u2019s a murderer all the same.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2019ll see about that,\u201d Fenner replied evenly. He turned to the two men standing guard over Hoss. \u201cUntie that man,\u201d he ordered.<\/span><\/p>\n

The two men standing near Hoss looked at Garrison, then at Fenner; they quickly saw who really was in charge. One of them hastily pulled a pocket knife from his vest and cut the ropes around Hoss\u2019 hands and ankles.<\/span><\/p>\n

Rubbing his sore wrists, Hoss got to his feet. He walked quickly over to his father and the Marshall.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAre you all right, son?\u201d Ben asked, placing his hand on Hoss\u2019 shoulder.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m fine, Pa,\u201d Hoss answered. \u201cBut we\u2019ve got to get to Joe.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Ben nodded. \u201cWhat\u2019s the situation?\u201d he asked.<\/span><\/p>\n

Before Hoss could answer, two shots came from behind a boulder about halfway up the hill. The bullets were scattered widely, landing far from the men crouched behind the rocks. Nevertheless, all the men ducked slightly at the sound.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cPa, Joe\u2019s been up there for almost three hours,\u201d Hoss said grimly. \u201cGarrison has been keeping him pinned down by firing at him. Joe\u2019s been shooting back, so he\u2019s still alive. But his shots keep getting wilder and it\u2019s been a long time between shots from up there. I called to him a couple of times, but the last two times, he didn\u2019t answer.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Staring up the hill, Ben spotted some movement behind the boulder about halfway up the hill. He turned to Fenner. \u201cI\u2019ll go up and get him,\u201d Ben offered.<\/span><\/p>\n

Hoss grabbed his father\u2019s arm. \u201cPa, be careful,\u201d he warned.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cJoe wouldn\u2019t shoot me,\u201d Ben insisted.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNo sir, but I don\u2019t what shape he\u2019s in,\u201d Hoss advised. \u201cHe had a pretty high fever this morning, and his arm was really hurting. He\u2019s been up there in the hot sun without any water for a long time. He could be out of his head, Pa; he may not know it\u2019s you.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Ben\u2019s fear for his son, which had been abating, suddenly burst full in him again. He swallowed hard. He was worried more about Joe than his own safety. Ben desperately wanted to get to his youngest son.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cGet me some water,\u201d Ben demanded. One of the posse picked up a canteen from a pile of bedrolls and other gear; the man walked rapidly to Ben and handed him the container.<\/span><\/p>\n

As Ben started walking toward the hill, Fenner stopped him. \u201cMr. Cartwright, your son is already accused of one murder,\u201d the Marshall stated. \u201cIf what your other son said is true, Joe may not know what he\u2019s doing. Don\u2019t let him commit another crime. If it comes to it, save yourself by shooting the boy. Believe me, he won\u2019t thank you for letting him kill you.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Ben\u2019s eyes widened. \u201cMarshall, I can\u2019t shoot my own son!\u201d he cried.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWould you rather see him hang for killing his father?\u201d Fenner asked. \u201cEven if he doesn\u2019t hang, he\u2019ll have to live with the fact that he shot you. It\u2019s a kindness not to make him go through that.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Squared his shoulders, Ben said in a firm voice, \u201cI\u2019m going up that hill, and I\u2019m going to bring Joe down.\u201d He pushed the Marshall aside and started up the hill.<\/span><\/p>\n

Ben had only gone a few feet up the hill when a shot rang out. The bullet hit the dirt a few yard away from Ben. Another shot landed closer to Ben\u2019s feet. Ben stopped walking. \u201cJoe, it\u2019s me!\u201d he shouted. \u201cIt\u2019s your Pa! I\u2019m coming up to you. Everything is all right now.\u201d Ben\u2019s shout was met with silence. Hoss and Fenner exchanged worried glances.<\/span><\/p>\n

Once more, Ben started climbing up the hill. Again, two shots came down from behind the rocks above, both landing a yard or so in front of Ben.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cJoe, I\u2019m coming up to you, son,\u201d Ben called again as he kept moving up the trail. When he neared the boulder where Joe was hiding, Ben could see a pistol come around from the edge. The gun was aimed directly at him.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

As he sat behind the boulder, Joe was in agony. His head hurt and his arm felt like it was on fire. He was more thirsty than he could ever remember. Sweat streamed down his face, bare back and bare chest, staining the waistband of his pants. His face and shoulders were burned from the heat of the sun.<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe no longer remembered why he was waiting here. All he knew was he had to keep the men below from coming up the hill. He didn\u2019t know why they were after him and he didn\u2019t care. He would almost welcome the men to come get him but he knew they would kill him. And he wasn\u2019t ready to die, at least not yet.<\/span><\/p>\n

Closing his eyes, Joe tried to rest. He knew he had had some snatches of sleep, but each time he had fallen asleep, the sound of gunshots had waken him. He had periodically checked on the men below, but none seemed to be interested in coming up the hill. He had fired a few shots from time to time, just to remind them not to try.<\/span><\/p>\n

Shaking his head, Joe tried to clear his brain of the fog that seemed to have enveloped it. His head ached, and he knew he wasn\u2019t thinking straight. Joe tried to remind himself to reload every time he fired the gun. Empty cartridges were scattered around his legs. He didn\u2019t know how many times he had reloaded the gun, but he knew he had dug into the box of bullets many times.<\/span><\/p>\n

As he heard the shouting from below, Joe sat up with a start. Not understand the words that were being yelled, Joe peered cautiously from behind his boulder. His vision was blurred by sweat and fever, but he could see a figure starting to climb up the hill. Joe fired twice, but was surprised to see the figure didn\u2019t retreat like the others. The man kept coming, walking with what seemed a dogged determination. Joe fired two more times, but the man didn\u2019t stop. He heard the man shouting something, but his fevered brain couldn\u2019t make sense of the words.<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe couldn\u2019t believe the man was still coming toward him. For a moment, he was willing to let the climber come up the hill, to let the man put an end to the unrelenting agony he felt. But deep down, he knew he couldn\u2019t allow that to happen. He didn\u2019t know if he could aim his gun well enough to wound the man, but he would try. He knew if his aim was poor, he would probably kill the person coming toward him. Joe hated the thought of doing that, but his survival was on the line. It\u2019s him or me, Joe thought.<\/span><\/p>\n

Aiming carefully, Joe pointed the pistol at the figure moving on the path. Once again, he heard the man shout. He thought the voice sounded familiar but his brain refused to recognize it. Joe wiped his eyes, trying to clear his vision, but the action helped very little. The man was still just a blur.<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe wanted to warn the man to turn back but his throat was too dry. He couldn\u2019t seem to make a sound. His only hope was to shoot the man, to keep him from reaching him. Joe cocked his pistol and steadied his hand. He aimed at the man\u2019s knee, hoping to cripple him. Then Joe pulled the trigger.<\/span><\/p>\n

The gun clicked but didn\u2019t fire.<\/span><\/p>\n

Pulling the gun back, Joe looked at the barrel. He could see the empty cartridges in each of the slots. He had forgotten to keep track of his shots, and now the gun was empty. Joe shrank back against the rock and hurriedly reached into the box of bullets. He cursed silently as he fumbled with the gun, trying to rid it of the empty cartridges and reload it before the man reached him. He knew he was going to be too late when a shadow fell across him.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cJoe!\u201d a voice cried out.<\/span><\/p>\n

As he looked up, Joe\u2019s aching head finally allowed him to recognize the figure standing over him. \u201cPa!\u201d he managed to croak from his dry throat. Then Joe dropped the gun and fell back against the rock.<\/span><\/p>\n

Quickly, Ben knelt beside Joe. He could see the sweat, the sunburned shoulders and the cracked lips on his son. Ben pulled the top off the canteen and held it to Joe\u2019s lips.<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe drank greedily for a few seconds before Ben pulled the canteen away. \u201cJust a bit for now,\u201d Ben advised. \u201cToo much will make you sick. I\u2019ll give you more in a minute.\u201d He poured some of the water over Joe\u2019s face and chest, hoping to cool his son a bit. Then he held the canteen to Joe\u2019s lips again and let him take several more swallows.<\/span><\/p>\n

For the next few minutes, Ben alternated between letting Joe drink and pouring the water over his son\u2019s burning face and chest. Finally, he let Joe drink as much as he wanted.<\/span><\/p>\n

When Joe finally put the canteen down, he looked into his father\u2019s eyes. \u201cPa, I\u2019m sorry,\u201d Joe mumbled, his voice barely audible.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cSorry?\u201d Ben asked in a puzzled voice. \u201cWhat for?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI almost shot you,\u201d Joe admitted. He swallowed hard. \u201cI didn\u2019t know it was you.\u201d Joe looked as if he was going to cry.<\/span><\/p>\n

Clutching his son to his chest, Ben gently stroked Joe\u2019s head. \u201cIt\u2019s all right, Joe\u201d he murmured. \u201cEverything is going to be all right now.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

When he released Joe, Ben carefully examined his son. Joe was burning with fever and badly dehydrated; his son winced as Ben checked the bullet wound in his left arm. The tissue around the wound was red and swollen but didn\u2019t show any signs of blood poisoning. Ben knew Joe was in poor shape right now, but he also felt sure Joe would be all right once he got some water and some rest. He put the canteen to Joe\u2019s lips one more time, urging his son to take a big drink.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cJoe, do you think you can walk?\u201d Ben asked as Joe finished drinking. \u201cWe\u2019ve got to get you down this hill.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cGarrison,\u201d Joe croaked. He was still finding it hard to talk. \u201cGarrison\u2019s down there,\u201d he managed to say in a worried voice.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI know,\u201d Ben said. \u201cBut so is Jim Fenner, the U.S. Marshall. Fenner promised me you would be safe with him. You can trust him.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

For a moment, Joe simply stared at his father. Finally, he whispered, \u201cI can trust you.\u201d Joe started to struggle to his feet.<\/span><\/p>\n

After helping Joe stand, Ben steadied his son as Joe swayed on rubbery legs. He put Joe\u2019s right arm over his shoulders and grasped his son firmly around the waist. With slow, shuffling steps, the pair started down the path.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Standing at the bottom of the hill, Hoss and Fenner had been watching anxiously. Both men gave a big sigh of relief when they saw the two figures starting to descend. Hoss put his head down and said a silent prayer of thanks.<\/span><\/p>\n

Frank Garrison, who stood next to Hoss, also watched Joe and Ben start down the hill but relief was not the emotion he was feeling. He began to ease his gun out of his holster, moving slowly so he wouldn\u2019t attract any attention. His pistol had almost cleared the leather when he felt a massive hand close around his wrist in an iron grip.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhat do you think you\u2019re doing?\u201d Hoss demanded.<\/span><\/p>\n

Looking over toward the men, Fenner was surprised to see Garrison\u2019s gun almost out of his holster. \u201cWhat\u2019s going on?\u201d he asked with a frown.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cGarrison was going to shoot them,\u201d Hoss declared in an angry tone.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNo, no!\u201d Garrison explained quickly. \u201cI was just getting ready to take Joe Cartwright into custody.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t think you\u2019ll need a gun to do that,\u201d Fenner said, reaching over and pulling the pistol from Garrison\u2019s hand. \u201cBesides, I\u2019m in charge here.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cMarshall, you\u2019re going to let that boy get away with murder just because his name is Cartwright,\u201d Garrison protested.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI have never let a guilty man get away with anything,\u201d Fenner replied in a cold voice. He stared hard into Garrison\u2019s face. \u201cYou would do well to remember that.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Garrison looked away, his face full of fear.<\/span><\/p>\n

Satisfied that Fenner would keep an eye on Garrison, Hoss walked rapidly toward the hill. He reached it just as Ben and Joe neared the bottom. Ben was practically carrying his youngest son and Hoss ran up to help them.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHey, little brother, glad you find decided to come down and join us,\u201d Hoss said as he put his arms around Joe\u2019s waist. Joe gave him a small smile and leaned gratefully against his brother\u2019s broad shoulder.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cLet\u2019s get him out of the sun,\u201d Ben ordered. Hoss nodded and the two men maneuvered Joe toward the shade of the nearby trees. Marshall Fenner walked over to the Cartwrights, with Garrison and his men close behind.<\/span><\/p>\n

Gently, Hoss and Ben eased Joe down at the base of a tree, making sure he was in the shade. Joe leaned back against the trunk of a large oak, happy to be finally out of the hot sun. Crouching down, Ben again put the canteen to his son\u2019s lips. Joe took a long drink, then closed his eyes.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cArrest him, Marshall,\u201d Garrison demanded. \u201cI saw Joe Cartwright shoot Ed O\u2019Brien in cold blood. That boy is a murderer.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Getting to his feet, Ben faced Garrison. \u201cJoe says you\u2019re the one who shot O\u2019Brien.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhat!\u201d sputtered Garrison. \u201cThat\u2019s ridiculous. He\u2019s just trying to pin the shooting on me.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s what Joe says you\u2019re doing to him,\u201d Hoss countered.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s Joe\u2019s word against Garrison\u2019s,\u201d Marshall Fenner stated. \u201cI guess we\u2019re just going to have to let a jury sort this out.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou can\u2019t believe my son would murder anyone!\u201d Ben said. \u201cWhat reason would he have to shoot O\u2019Brien?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHe wanted his cut of the Wells Fargo money,\u201d Garrison offered in a confident voice.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cJoe says you\u2019re the one who robbed the Well Fargo,\u201d Ben accused Garrison. \u201cYou need the money; Joe doesn\u2019t.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou seemed all fired anxious to see my brother dead,\u201d added Hoss. \u201cSeems mighty suspicious to me.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019re accusing me?\u201d said Garrison incredulously.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYes, I am,\u201d replied Ben firmly.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou have no proof,\u201d said Garrison. \u201cLike the Marshall said, it\u2019s just your boy\u2019s word against mine.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHe\u2019s right, Mr. Cartwright,\u201d agreed Fenner. \u201cWithout proof, I have no reason to suspect Garrison here.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThe money,\u201d said a weak voice from behind the men.<\/span><\/p>\n

Ben turned in surprise. Joe\u2019s eyes were open and he seemed to be listening intently to the discussion.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhat did you say?\u201d Ben asked.<\/span><\/p>\n

Coughing a bit, Joe cleared his voice. \u201cThe money,\u201d he repeated in a somewhat stronger voice. \u201cI heard O\u2019Brien say it\u2019s in the floor of one of the jail cells.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Nervously, Garrison licked his lips. \u201cThat\u2019s crazy,\u201d he declared in a shaky voice. \u201cHow would the money get there?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAn interesting question,\u201d agreed the Marshall. \u201cHow would it get there? And if it\u2019s there, you had to know about it.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Garrison turned to the men standing around him. \u201cDon\u2019t listen to him,\u201d he shouted. \u201cHe\u2019s just trying to confuse things. You\u2019re with me. We\u2019ll take Joe Cartwright in and you\u2019ll all get a cut of the reward money. If the Marshall takes him in, you\u2019ll get nothing. Let\u2019s take the Cartwright kid ourselves.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cGarrison seems awfully anxious for you fellas to fight his battle for him,\u201d Hoss observed.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYes, he must be offering you a lot if you\u2019re willing to risk taking on the three of us for him,\u201d added Ben. \u201cBecause that\u2019s what you\u2019re going to have to do if you want to take my son.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

The men standing around Garrison looked at each other, doubt evident on their faces. \u201cCome on, let\u2019s get out of here,\u201d one of the men finally said. \u201cGarrison ain\u2019t paying us enough to take on the Cartwrights and a U.S. Marshall.\u201d The others nodded in agreement. The men turned and began walking away.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWait!\u201d Garrison cried in a desperate voice. \u201cDon\u2019t leave! You\u2019re with me! You\u2019re going to help me take Cartwright to jail.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

The men just ignored Garrison and kept on walking.<\/span><\/p>\n

Spinning on his heels, Garrison turned back to face the Marshall. \u201cYou can\u2019t believe this wild story!\u201d he exclaimed. \u201cCartwright is guilty. I know he is.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Standing silently, Fenner continued to look at Garrison with a cold stare.<\/span><\/p>\n

Forgetting that he no longer carried a gun, Garrison reached for his holster. As soon as he realized his mistake, the sheriff looked around for some type of weapon. He spotted a rifle on the Marshall\u2019s saddle and started to run toward it. He only got a few feet before Hoss\u2019 massive hands grabbed him by the shoulders.<\/span><\/p>\n

Struggling hard, Garrison tried to pull out of Hoss\u2019 grip. As Fenner and Ben walked toward the pair, the Marshall pulled pair of handcuffs off his belt. \u201cI\u2019ll take over from here,\u201d he said, snapping the cuffs around Garrison\u2019s wrists. The action seemed to take all the fight out of the temporary sheriff. Garrison\u2019s shoulders slumped.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cGarrison, you and I are going back to Virginia City,\u201d stated the Marshall. \u201cWe\u2019re going to check the floor of the jail cells. And if we find what I think we\u2019re going to find, you\u2019re going to be a guest in your own jail.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cMarshall, I\u2019d like to take my son back to the Ponderosa, if it\u2019s all right with you,\u201d Ben suggested. \u201cI promise you he\u2019ll be there if you want to talk with him.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Fenner nodded. \u201cAll right, Mr. Cartwright. Take your boy home. I\u2019ll send the doc out from town.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThank you,\u201d said Ben gratefully. \u201cThank you for everything.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Hoss added his thanks with a nod of his head.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNo thanks needed,\u201d declared Fenner with a smile. \u201cI like nothing better than arresting a crooked lawman.\u201d With that, he pushed Garrison toward the horses grazing near the trees.<\/span><\/p>\n

As Ben and Hoss watched, Fenner almost threw Garrison on a horse. The Marshall led the animal toward his own horse, then mounted. With a tip of his hat toward the Cartwrights, Fenner led Garrison away.<\/span><\/p>\n

Quickly, Ben and Hoss walked back to Joe. Joe\u2019s eyes were closed again and he seemed to be dozing. He stirred when he heard the men approach.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cLittle brother, you do keep things from being boring around here,\u201d Hoss commented with a grin as he gazed down at Joe. Joe answered with a small smile.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIf we help you, do you think you can sit a horse?\u201d Ben asked anxiously. Looking up, Joe nodded slowly. Ben turned to Hoss. \u201cCome on, let\u2019s keep him home.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Joe sat reading in the red chair next to the fireplace. His arm was in a sling, but otherwise, he showed no evidence of his ordeal. A few days rest was all he had needed to feel like himself again. The doctor had checked his arm and dosed him with some medicine, and Hop Sing had stuffed him with food and drink. Now that he was back on his feet, Joe was anxious to get back to work. He was tired of being treated like an invalid.<\/span><\/p>\n

Sighing, Joe tried to concentrate on the book in front of him. He wished he could be out riding or doing something more active, but his arm still ached when he moved it. The doctor had assured him that the pain would be gone in about a week. Joe just wondered if he could endure sitting around the house for a whole week.<\/span><\/p>\n

A knock on the front door diverted Joe\u2019s attention from his reading. Grateful for the distraction, he put the book down and walked to the door. When Joe pulled open the door, he was surprised and pleased to see Marshall Fenner.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cMarshall, come on in,\u201d Joe said in a welcoming voice.<\/span><\/p>\n

Nodding at the welcome, the Marshall walked in. \u201cI\u2019m glad to see you up and around\u201d.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThe Cartwrights bounce back pretty quick,\u201d Joe stated with a grin. Then he turned serious. \u201cI never got a chance to thank you for what you did. You saved my life.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI was just doing my job,\u201d replied Fenner, waving away Joe\u2019s thanks. \u201cBesides, your Pa is the one you should thank. He\u2019s the one who came and got me. And he\u2019s the one that went up that hill after you.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI know,\u201d agreed Joe soberly. \u201cI owe him and Hoss a lot.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll remind you of that the next time you decide to pull some foolish stunt,\u201d a deep voice said from behind the Marshall. Joe looked past Fenner and saw his father and brother walking into the house.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWell, don\u2019t count on it,\u201d Joe advised with a grin. \u201cI have a short memory.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Both Hoss and Ben smiled back at Joe, acknowledging the truth of his statement. Turning to Fenner, Ben asked, \u201cWhat brings you out here, Marshall?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI just wanted to let you know we found the money,\u201d Fenner answered. \u201cIt was in the floor of the jail cell, just like Joe said. Still in the Wells Fargo bags.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhat about Garrison?\u201d Hoss asked. \u201cWhat\u2019s going to happen to him?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOnce I found the money, Garrison admitted his part in the robbery,\u201d Fenner replied. \u201cBut he\u2019s claiming self-defense. He said O\u2019Brien drew first in that alley.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

For a moment, Joe stood silently, a frown of concentration on his face. \u201cWell, technically, I guess he\u2019s right,\u201d admitted Joe. \u201cO\u2019Brien was going for his gun when Garrison shot him.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s what I wanted to know,\u201d Fenner said. \u201cSince you\u2019re the only witness, I needed to hear what happened from you. The judge will have to decide whether it was actually self-defense, but I think he\u2019ll agree.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhat will happen now?\u201d asked Ben.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m taking Garrison back to Carson City in the morning,\u201d Fenner explained. \u201cSince he admitted taking part in the Wells Fargo robbery, there won\u2019t be a trial. The judge will just sentence him. My guess is he\u2019ll get at least ten years. The judge is no fonder of crooked lawmen than I am. One of my deputies will take over in Virginia City until Sheriff Coffee gets back.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Quickly, Ben stuck out his hand. \u201cMarshall, thank you again for everything.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

With a firm grip, Fenner shook Ben\u2019s hand. Then he cocked his head toward Joe and grinned. \u201cYou just keep him out of trouble,\u201d the Marshall remarked. \u201cI have better things to do than go chasing after him.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t worry,\u201d Hoss advised with a smile. \u201cMy little brother ain\u2019t going to cause any more trouble. At least, he won\u2019t for a week or so. Can\u2019t promise what will happen after his arm heals, though.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

The four men laughed.<\/span><\/p>\n

With a nod of good-bye, Fenner left the house. The Cartwrights followed him outside and watched as the Marshall rode off. Then Joe turned to his father and brother. \u201cI meant what I said,\u201d Joe stated in a serious tone. \u201cYou two saved my life. Thank you.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Ben just nodded and put his hand lightly on Joe\u2019s shoulder.<\/span><\/p>\n

Embarrassed by his brother\u2019s words, Hoss shrugged. \u201cI figure you\u2019d do the same for me.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI would,\u201d Joe agreed wholeheartedly. \u201cOnly you have to be sure to hide some place where I can find you. I\u2019m not searching every cave on the Ponderosa for you!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI knew that old hideaway of ours would come in handy some day,\u201d Hoss remarked. \u201cJust didn\u2019t know how.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cPa, did you know about that place?\u201d Joe asked, his voice full of curiosity.<\/span><\/p>\n

For a moment, Ben didn\u2019t answer. Then he smiled a bit mysteriously at his sons. \u201cLet\u2019s just say I never worried about where you boys were.\u201d With that, Ben turned and walked into the house.<\/span><\/p>\n

Amazed, Joe and Hoss looked at each other. \u201cI guess we never did fool him,\u201d Joe observed.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cBe grateful for that, little brother,\u201d Hoss declared. \u201cYou only need a real hideaway when you can\u2019t come home. Deep down, we knew we could always come home to Pa, no matter what we had done.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAmen to that,\u201d Joe agreed fervently.<\/span><\/p>\n

Putting his arm lightly around Joe\u2019s shoulder, Hoss smiled. \u201cC\u2019mon, Joe, I\u2019ll play you a game of checkers.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Eyes twinkling, Joe looked at his brother. \u201cSounds good to me. I might even let you win.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

<\/div>\n

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

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

Summary:\u00a0 Joe is accused of murder.<\/p>\n

Word Count: \u00a018,000 \u00a0Rated: \u00a0T<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":10338,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"template-full-width-post.php","format":"standard","meta":{"_jetpack_newsletter_access":"","_jetpack_dont_email_post_to_subs":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_tier_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paywalled_content":false,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":"","jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false},"categories":[23],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-13963","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-drama","wpcat-23-id"],"a3_pvc":{"activated":true,"total_views":1638,"today_views":0},"jetpack_featured_media_url":"","jetpack_likes_enabled":true,"jetpack-related-posts":[{"id":13630,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=13630","url_meta":{"origin":13963,"position":0},"title":"A Cry for Freedom (by JennieA)","author":"JennieA","date":"January 7, 2003","format":false,"excerpt":"Summary:\u00a0 It started with Ben giving Little Joe more responsibility for the Ponderosa.\u00a0 Little did the family realize the course Ben was setting in motion. Rating:\u00a0 R\u00a0 (65,725 words) Due to subject matter contained in this series, the stories are only available via e:mail from the author -- ryjennie@comcast.net","rel":"","context":"In "Action\/Adventure"","block_context":{"text":"Action\/Adventure","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?cat=2"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/09\/4Cs.jpg?fit=400%2C401&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200},"classes":[]},{"id":2979,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=2979","url_meta":{"origin":13963,"position":1},"title":"Captain Joe (by frasrgrl)","author":"frasrgrl","date":"November 24, 2012","format":false,"excerpt":"Summary:\u00a0 \u00a0This story is in response to November's Chaps and Spurs Challenge. Joe on the high seas.\u00a0 Word Count: 546\u00a0\u00a0Rated: K","rel":"","context":"In "Chaps and Spurs"","block_context":{"text":"Chaps and Spurs","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?cat=39"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/04\/ponderosa-lj.jpg?fit=640%2C475&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/04\/ponderosa-lj.jpg?fit=640%2C475&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/04\/ponderosa-lj.jpg?fit=640%2C475&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x"},"classes":[]},{"id":12133,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=12133","url_meta":{"origin":13963,"position":2},"title":"Frightened Beyond Reason (by DebbieB)","author":"DebbieB","date":"June 1, 2002","format":false,"excerpt":"DebbieB passed away Christmas 2021. Any reader wishing to read this series should e:mail the Brandsters:\u00a0 Brandsters2020@gmail.com","rel":"","context":"In "Drama"","block_context":{"text":"Drama","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?cat=23"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/11\/2-joe.jpg?fit=237%2C221&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200},"classes":[]},{"id":7623,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=7623","url_meta":{"origin":13963,"position":3},"title":"Seeing An Angel (by DJK)","author":"DJK","date":"May 9, 2014","format":false,"excerpt":"Summary:\u00a0A girl from Marie\u2019s past has something for Little Joe. Rated:\u00a0T\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Word count:\u00a0 1351","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\/2016\/10\/guardian-angel.jpg?fit=250%2C233&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200},"classes":[]},{"id":7641,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=7641","url_meta":{"origin":13963,"position":4},"title":"None Were The Lovingest (by DJK)","author":"DJK","date":"May 9, 2014","format":false,"excerpt":"Summary:\u00a0Ben and Little Joe discuss his father's three wives. Rated:\u00a0K\u00a0 Word count:\u00a0658","rel":"","context":"In "Alternate Universe"","block_context":{"text":"Alternate Universe","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?cat=7"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/04\/ponderosa-lj.jpg?fit=640%2C475&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/04\/ponderosa-lj.jpg?fit=640%2C475&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/04\/ponderosa-lj.jpg?fit=640%2C475&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x"},"classes":[]},{"id":2988,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=2988","url_meta":{"origin":13963,"position":5},"title":"A Night In San Francisco (by frasrgrl)","author":"frasrgrl","date":"June 24, 2013","format":false,"excerpt":"Summary:\u00a0 \u00a0Adam and Joe are in San Francisco and all Adam wants is one night of culture.\u00a0 Word Count: 502\u00a0\u00a0Rated: T","rel":"","context":"In "Chaps and Spurs"","block_context":{"text":"Chaps and Spurs","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?cat=39"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/04\/jb.jpg?fit=720%2C480&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/04\/jb.jpg?fit=720%2C480&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/04\/jb.jpg?fit=720%2C480&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/04\/jb.jpg?fit=720%2C480&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\/13963","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=13963"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/13963\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=13963"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=13963"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=13963"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}