{"id":13970,"date":"2003-12-12T17:07:13","date_gmt":"2003-12-12T22:07:13","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=13970"},"modified":"2025-02-27T12:07:34","modified_gmt":"2025-02-27T17:07:34","slug":"paying-the-price-by-susan-g","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=13970","title":{"rendered":"Paying the Price (by Susan G)"},"content":{"rendered":"

Summary:<\/strong>\u00a0 Will it be worth the cost to refuse to sell lumber to a new mine owner?<\/p>\n

Rating:\u00a0 T\u00a0 (20,180 words)<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Paying the Price<\/strong><\/p>\n

“Hey, Pa, we\u2019re home!” shouted Joe Cartwright as he walked through the door of the ranch house. Joe hung his tan hat on the peg by the door and slipped out of his green jacket. He tossed the jacket on a peg also. “Pa!” he shouted again as he began to unbuckle his gunbelt. “We\u2019re back!”<\/p>\n

“I can hear you, Joseph,” said Ben Cartwright with a smile as he descended the steps to the large room below. “In fact, I think most of the Ponderosa heard you.” Ben looked around the room. “Where\u2019s Hoss?” he asked curiously.<\/p>\n

“He\u2019s putting up the horses,” answered Joe as he took off the gunbelt and rolled it into a ball. “I cooked the last two days on the trail so he\u2019s got to put the horses away.”<\/p>\n

“And he managed to survive your cooking?” Ben asked in mock horror.<\/p>\n

“Just barely,” Joe replied with a grin. “Hop Sing better be cooking up enough feed to an army tonight. Otherwise, the rest of us aren\u2019t going to get anything to eat.”<\/p>\n

Crossing the room, Ben put his arm affectionately around his youngest son\u2019s shoulder. “Well, what did you think of the stock Jamison is selling?” he asked. “Are they worth the price?”<\/p>\n

“Pa, those horses are the best I\u2019ve ever seen,” declared Joe in an enthusiastic voice. “They\u2019re all sound, with chests like barrels. And not one older than seven or eight. If we buy them from Jamison, they\u2019ll improve our stock a lot.”<\/p>\n

“Good, good,” said Ben. “And how much is he asking for them?”<\/p>\n

Joe\u2019s face grew serious. “The price is high, Pa,” he admitted. “Real high. He wants $20,000 for the whole herd.”<\/p>\n

“$20,000!” exclaimed Ben. “He must be mad. There\u2019s not a herd of horses in Nevada worth that much.”<\/p>\n

“Jamison thinks his are,” Joe said. “He\u2019s not willing to come down. I tried everything I could think of, but he\u2019s stuck on the price.”<\/p>\n

Suddenly, Hoss Cartwright pushed open the front door and walked into the room. “Hot diggity! Something smells good.” He tossed his big white hat on the peg by the door. “When\u2019s dinner?” asked Hoss, rubbing his hands together.<\/p>\n

“It\u2019s nice to see you, too, son,” said Ben pointedly.<\/p>\n

“What? Oh yeah,” replied Hoss apologetically. “It\u2019s good to see you, Pa.” Hoss sniffed the air hopefully. “Is Hop Sing cooking chicken for dinner?”<\/p>\n

Ben threw his hands up in the air. “I give up,” he said with resignation. “I swear if it came down to a choice between me and Hop Sing, you\u2019d choose Hop Sing first.”<\/p>\n

“Now that\u2019s not true,” protested Hoss. “It\u2019s just I\u2019ve been eating what passes as Joe\u2019s cooking for the last two days. I\u2019m getting plum puny and weak. You wouldn\u2019t want me to waste away, would you?”<\/p>\n

“That\u2019d take two, three years,” said Joe, grinning at his massive brother.<\/p>\n

Ben laughed. He was happy to have his two youngest sons home. The house had seemed awfully quiet without their banter and teasing.<\/p>\n

“Joe was telling me about Jamison\u2019s string,” Ben said.<\/p>\n

“They\u2019re good stock,” agreed Hoss. “Not a bad one in the bunch.”<\/p>\n

“But the price!” said Ben, shaking his head. “$20,000 for a herd of horses!”<\/p>\n

Hoss scratched his neck. “It\u2019s high,” he admitted. “I\u2019m not sure they\u2019re really worth that much.”<\/p>\n

“Hoss, those horses are worth every penny,” protested Joe. \u201cYou saw them\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

“Well, it doesn\u2019t make any difference,” Ben interrupted his youngest son. “We don\u2019t have $20,000 available right now to pay for them. We\u2019ll just have to tell Jamison that we\u2019re not interested.”<\/p>\n

“But, Pa, he\u2019s got another buyer,” said Joe in alarm. “If we pass now, those horses will be sold to someone else.”<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

“Then I guess they\u2019ll be sold to someone else,” stated Ben firmly. He saw the disappointed look on Joe\u2019s face. “I\u2019m sorry, Joe,” he added, putting his hand on his son\u2019s shoulder. “But right now, we can\u2019t afford to buy those horses.”<\/p>\n

Joe nodded. “Yeah, I understand,” he acknowledged, but his voice reflected his disappointment.<\/p>\n

Ben clapped Joe on the back. “Why don\u2019t you go upstairs and get cleaned up. Supper will be ready in about an hour,” suggested Ben, trying to lighten his son\u2019s mood. Joe nodded and walked across the room. Ben watched as Joe slowly climbed the stairs.<\/p>\n

“He sure did want to buy those horses, Pa,” said Hoss as he watched his brother disappear at the top of the stairs.<\/p>\n

“I know, Hoss,” Ben agreed. “But we don\u2019t always get what we want in this life.”<\/p>\n

“Ain\u2019t that the truth,” said Hoss. Then he grinned. “You said supper will be ready in about an hour?”<\/p>\n

“Yes,” answered Ben with a smile. “And don\u2019t you try to talk Hop Sing into feeding you before then. Now go get cleaned up.”<\/p>\n

“Yes sir,” Hoss replied. He hitched his pants. “I just hope I can last another hour.”<\/p>\n

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

Dinner talk turned into a monologue as Joe enthusiastically described the horses he had seen at the Jamison ranch. Adam Cartwright had arrived at the dinner table just as his father and brothers were sitting down to eat, and made the mistake of asking Joe what he thought of the horses he and Hoss had seen. Joe spent the next forty-five minutes describing the perfection of the horses and how they would improve their stock. Joe glanced at his father from time to time as he talked. He was lobbying hard for his father to change his mind about buying the horses.<\/p>\n

“And how much does Jamison want for these equine masterpieces?” asked Adam with a wry grin when Joe finally stopped to take a breath.<\/p>\n

Before replying, Joe glanced at Ben once more. “$20,000,” answered Joe softly.<\/p>\n

Adam whistled. “$20,000!” he said. He turned to Hoss. “What, are these horses made out of silver or something?”<\/p>\n

Up to now, Hoss had been too busy eating to contribute anything to Joe\u2019s description of the animals. He looked up as he realized Adam had spoken to him. “They\u2019re real good horses,” replied Hoss, as he continued to eat.<\/p>\n

“But $20,000!” Adam said, shaking his head in amazement.<\/p>\n

“I\u2019ve already explained to Joe that we don\u2019t have that kind of money available right now,” stated Ben. “So it really doesn\u2019t make any difference how good those horses are.”<\/p>\n

“You\u2019re right,” agreed Adam. “Until we sell the herd in a few months, our cash flow is pretty tight. We\u2019d be lucky to able to buy just one of Jamison\u2019s horses at that price.”<\/p>\n

“If you weren\u2019t going to buy the horses, then why\u2019d you send me and Hoss all the way up there?” asked Joe in a voice tinged with disgust. “We wasted a week on the trail for nothing.”<\/p>\n

“I sent you up there because I wanted someone I could trust to look at those horses,” replied Ben patiently. “I had no idea how good they were or the price Jamison was asking. I thought maybe he had a few decent horses that he was willing to sell at a reasonable price.”<\/p>\n

“He\u2019s got some really great horses,” Joe said, trying one last time to convince his father.<\/p>\n

“No horse is that good,” declared Adam.<\/p>\n

“These are,” insisted Joe. He looked around the table. Joe could see by the firm look on Ben and Adam\u2019s faces that they were not going to be talked into buying the horses. “But I guess you\u2019ll never get to see them,” added Joe, his voice full of discouragement.<\/p>\n

“There\u2019ll be other horses, Joe,” said Ben in a placating voice. “Now eat your dinner.”<\/p>\n

“Yes sir,” replied Joe in an unhappy voice.<\/p>\n

“I heard some news today,” said Adam, pointedly changing the subject. “They hit a big vein at the Last Dollar mine.”<\/p>\n

“The Last Dollar?” asked Hoss in surprise. “Wasn\u2019t that Harry Jackson\u2019s mine?”<\/p>\n

“It was,” confirmed Adam. “Sam Parker bought it from Harry\u2019s widow about two weeks ago.”<\/p>\n

“It\u2019s a shame Harry was killed in that wagon accident,” said Joe with a shake of head. “He was just on the verge of hitting it big and never knew it.”<\/p>\n

“That\u2019s the third mine Parker has bought in the last year that has produced a big strike,” Ben observed with a frown. “He bought all three from the widows of owners who were killed in some type of accident. And found a big strike in each mine shortly after he bought it.”<\/p>\n

“That\u2019s kinda of stretching the idea of coincidence” remarked Hoss, raising an eyebrow.<\/p>\n

“Sounds to me like Parker may have had a hand in those \u2018accidents\u2019,” added Adam.<\/p>\n

“I know Roy Coffee looked into all three deaths. He couldn\u2019t find any evidence of foul play,” Ben told his oldest son.<\/p>\n

“But that doesn\u2019t mean anything,” said Adam. “Just because the sheriff couldn\u2019t find anything doesn\u2019t mean Parker wasn\u2019t involved.”<\/p>\n

“What\u2019s Roy going to do about it?” demanded Joe.<\/p>\n

“Not much he can do,” admitted Ben. “Unless he finds some evidence that Parker caused those accidents, his hands are tied.”<\/p>\n

“That doesn\u2019t seem right,” said Joe with a frown.<\/p>\n

“It may not be right, but it is legal,” answered Adam.<\/p>\n

“I don\u2019t care much for the way Parker does business,” added Ben. “Most of the mine owners are good men. But Parker\u2026.” Ben shook his head. “He\u2019s made a lot of money from those mines, but he\u2019s also caused a lot of misery. I know there\u2019s been several accidents in his other mines. And even if he didn\u2019t have anything to do with the death of those mine owners, he\u2019s caused their families to miss out on the profits from those strikes.”<\/p>\n

“If he\u2019s got all the money, maybe he\u2019d like to invest in some horses,” suggested Joe with an impish smile.<\/p>\n

Ben frowned at his son for a moment until he realized Joe was joking. \u201cYou don\u2019t give up easy, do you?” Ben acknowledged with a smile.<\/p>\n

“Well, Pa, you always taught us that whatever is worth having is worth fighting for,” said Joe, his grin widening.<\/p>\n

Ben smiled at Joe indulgently. “I guess I did,” he admitted. “Tell you what. Why don\u2019t you go into Virginia City tomorrow with Hoss to pick up those supplies? You can send a telegram to Jamison and ask if he\u2019s willing to hold on to those horses until August. If he is, you can buy them then.”<\/p>\n

“I don\u2019t know, Pa,” replied Joe doubtfully. “He said he had another buyer.”<\/p>\n

“Joe, you know that \u2018other buyer\u2019 ploy is one of the oldest tricks in the book,” said Adam.<\/p>\n

“I know, Adam,” Joe agreed. “But he seemed awfully confident about selling those horses.”<\/p>\n

“If you don\u2019t ask, Joe, you\u2019ll never know,” remarked Hoss. “What\u2019s the harm?”<\/p>\n

Joe looked around the table. “You\u2019re right,” he said. “Asking never hurt. Jamison might be willing to wait if the price is right.”<\/p>\n

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

The Cartwrights were relaxing by the fire after dinner when the knock on the door came. Adam was sitting in a blue chair near the stairs. He looked up from the book he was reading and stared pointedly at Joe. Hoss was sitting on the sofa, bent over a checker board on the table in front of him. He also looked up at Joe, who was sitting on the table on the other side of the checker board. Joe looked down at the pieces on the board, ignoring a second knock on the door and his brother\u2019s stares.<\/p>\n

A third, louder knock echoed through the house.<\/p>\n

Ben lowered the newspaper he was reading as he sat in his favorite red leather chair by the fireplace. “Joseph, would you please answer the door,” he said sternly.<\/p>\n

Joe looked around. “Why do I always have to answer the door?” he complained.<\/p>\n

“Please, just answer the door,” replied Ben in a weary voice.<\/p>\n

“Yes sir,” grumbled Joe as he untangled his legs from under his body and got off the table. “I have to do everything around here,” muttered Joe as he walked toward the door. Adam and Hoss grinned at each other.<\/p>\n

Joe pulled open the door. A middle-aged man wearing a dark suit, string tie and tan hat stood on the porch. His hand was raised as if he were going to knock again. Hastily, the man lowered his fist.<\/p>\n

“Is Mr. Ben Cartwright at home?” the man asked formally.<\/p>\n

Joe smiled at the formal tone of voice. “Yes,” he replied, his mouth twitching with a smile. “Whom shall I say is calling?” asked Joe, his voice imitating the man\u2019s formal tone.<\/p>\n

The man reached into his pocket and pulled out a business card. “Samuel Parker of Parker Enterprises,” said the man, handing Joe the card.<\/p>\n

Joe looked at the card briefly and pulled the door open. “Come in,” he invited the man.<\/p>\n

Nodding, Parker walked into the house, removing his hat as he entered. Parker\u2019s dark hair was slicked back against his head, and his hand patted his hair in an unconscious gesture. “Thank you,” replied Parker, walking past Joe toward the other men in the room.<\/p>\n

Ben watched Parker approach with suspicious eyes.<\/p>\n

“Mr. Cartwright, I\u2019m sorry to disturb you at this late hour,” said Parker, holding out his hand. Ben took the hand and shook it briefly, but didn\u2019t reply. Parker looked around, then sat on the sofa, making himself comfortable.<\/p>\n

“I\u2019m sorry to be bothering you at this hour,” repeated Parker. “But I have a business proposition which I think you\u2019ll find of interest.”<\/p>\n

“And what would that be?” asked Ben coldly.<\/p>\n

“As you may have heard, I\u2019ve recently had a good strike at one of my mines,” replied Parker.<\/p>\n

“The Last Dollar,” stated Adam. “Harry Jackson\u2019s old mine.”<\/p>\n

“Correct,” acknowledged Parker. “Unfortunately, the vein runs deep into the ground, and we\u2019re going to have to do a lot more digging than we anticipated to get the ore. I need lumber to act as shoring. I would like to buy that lumber from you.”<\/p>\n

“We have no lumber for sale,” answered Ben shortly.<\/p>\n

“I know that you have contracts with the other mines,” said Parker, unfazed by Ben\u2019s tone. “And those contracts do take most of your available lumber. But I also know you aren\u2019t cutting any of the trees on Willow Ridge. I took the liberty of sending one of my men to look at those trees. The trees on Willow Ridge would meet my needs.”<\/p>\n

“Those trees are all pretty new,” Adam told Parker with a frown. “They\u2019re not ready for cutting yet. We only replanted that ridge about six years ago.”<\/p>\n

“Some are relatively small,” agreed Parker. “But others are nice and tall. If you cleared all the trees off the ridge, there would be enough lumber to meet my needs. The combination of both the old and new growth would be sufficient.”<\/p>\n

“But Mr. Parker, if we cleared that ridge, there\u2019d be nothing up there,” declared Hoss with a touch of alarm in his voice. “No watershed, no shelter for the animals, nothing.”<\/p>\n

Parker shrugged. “I suppose,” he said. He leaned forward on the sofa. “I\u2019m willing to pay you a nice price for those trees.”<\/p>\n

“They are not for sale,” answered Ben in an icy voice.<\/p>\n

“Ah, but you haven\u2019t heard my offer,” said Parker confidently. “If you can deliver the lumber I need, I\u2019ll pay you $25,000.”<\/p>\n

“$25,000!” exclaimed Joe. He was standing behind Ben\u2019s chair. Now he looked down at his father. “That\u2019s a lot of money, Pa,” Joe added.<\/p>\n

Ben ignored his youngest son. “Mr. Parker, you wasted a trip out here,” said Ben. “We\u2019re not going to do any cutting on Willow Ridge until I think the trees there are ready to be harvested. And they are NOT ready to be harvested.”<\/p>\n

“I could go as high as $30,000,” offered Parker.<\/p>\n

“The price won\u2019t change my mind,” replied Ben.<\/p>\n

“Why are you so anxious to have our lumber?” asked Adam curiously. “Surely there are a lot of other places that can supply your needs.”<\/p>\n

“Yes, yes there are,” agreed Parker. “But those places aren\u2019t near Virginia City. It would take time to get the lumber here. Could be as long as two months. Your timber could be arriving at the mine within a week. Without the shoring, we can\u2019t work the mine. I\u2019d have to shut down the mine, and that will put a lot of miners out of work for awhile.”<\/p>\n

“And decrease the money you\u2019re making,” added Adam wryly.<\/p>\n

“Couldn\u2019t you put the miners from the Last Dollar to work at one of your other mines?” asked Hoss with a frown. “I mean, it\u2019s only for two months or so.”<\/p>\n

“Pay for a double crew?” said Parker in an astonished voice. “Why would I do that? The extra silver they would mine wouldn\u2019t cover the cost of paying them!”<\/p>\n

Ben sighed and shook his head sadly. “Mr. Parker, I\u2019m afraid you\u2019ve wasted your time,” he said. “We\u2019re not interested in selling you any lumber.”<\/p>\n

“Mr. Cartwright, I don\u2019t think you understand\u2026” began Parker.<\/p>\n

“I understand perfectly,” Ben cut in. “You\u2019re willing to ruin Willow Ridge just to make yourself richer. You\u2019re willing to lay off the miners because keeping them on your payroll might cut into your profits. And your profit come from mines that were bought under, well, let\u2019s just say, under unusual circumstances.”<\/p>\n

Parker\u2019s eyes narrowed. “Cartwright, are you accusing me something?” asked Parker in a threatening voice. “Because if you are, you\u2019d better have the proof to back it up.”<\/p>\n

“I\u2019m not accusing you of anything,” replied Ben, his voice rising in anger. “But I\u2019m not going to do business with you, Parker.”<\/p>\n

Parker looked around the room, hoping to spot one of the Cartwrights who might be sympathetic to his offer. Adam and Hoss stared at him with stony expressions. Joe\u2019s face showed interest, but Joe looked down when Parker looked at him.<\/p>\n

Abruptly, Parker rose. “If you change your mind\u2026” he said as he stood. He pulled another business card from his pocket and held toward Ben.<\/p>\n

“I won\u2019t,” replied Ben flatly, ignoring the card.<\/p>\n

“We\u2019ll see,” said Parker ominously. Parker replaced the card and put his hat on his head. He turned and walked out of the house.<\/p>\n

Hoss watched Parker leave, then turned to Ben. “I see what you mean about Parker,” Hoss told his father shaking his head. “He\u2019s a piece of work, ain\u2019t he?”<\/p>\n

“Pa, are you sure those trees on Willow Ridge aren\u2019t ready to cut?” asked Joe as he eased himself around his father\u2019s chair and sat on the sofa. “If we sold some of them to Parker, we could make a tidy profit.”<\/p>\n

“Enough to buy those horses you want, you mean don\u2019t you,” suggested Adam in a
\ncold voice. “Grow up, Joe. You\u2019re acting like you\u2019re 2 instead of 22.”<\/p>\n

“I didn\u2019t say anything about buying horses, Adam,” declared Joe in a heated voice. “I was just asking.”<\/p>\n

Trying to forestall an argument, Ben put up his hand. “Now hold on; Joe has the right to ask,” he said. Ben turned to his youngest son. “Joe, we\u2019ve talked about this before. This is our land but we have an obligation to use it responsibly. We\u2019ve agreed that we want to build the Ponderosa into something that we can be proud of, something that we can pass on. Cutting those trees in Willow Ridge would not be using the land responsibly. Losing some money now is just the price we have to pay for building toward the future.”<\/p>\n

“I know we\u2019re building something for the future,” replied Joe. “But it\u2019s just one strand of trees.”<\/p>\n

“Joe, you start making compromises and it don\u2019t end,” Hoss told his younger brother. “First it\u2019s a strand of trees that shouldn\u2019t be cut, then it\u2019s a river that shouldn\u2019t be damned, and next thing you know, there\u2019s a whole passel of land that\u2019s messed up.”<\/p>\n

“Besides, I don\u2019t fancy doing business with the likes of Parker,” added Adam.<\/p>\n

Reaching forward, Ben put his hand on Joe\u2019s knee. “Joe,” he said gently. “I know how tempting it is to sell that lumber so you can buy those horses. I have to admit the thought crossed my mind briefly when Parker was here. But that\u2019s short-sighted. You have to think to the future.”<\/p>\n

For a moment, Joe just looked at the earnest expressions on the faces of his father and brothers. Then he smiled wryly. “Well, I guess I\u2019ll just have to convince Jamison to sell me those horses in August,” said Joe with a shrug. He turned to Hoss. “Who\u2019s move is it?”<\/p>\n

Ben sighed as he watched Joe and Hoss returned to the checkers game. Joe was so young and impulsive, thought Ben. He hoped Joe understood his decision not to sell to Parker. Because Ben was determined that Sam Parker would not get that timber on Willow Ridge.<\/p>\n

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

The bell tinkled as Hoss pushed open the door to the General Store. Joe followed his brother into the store, content to let Hoss place the order for supplies. He walked around the store as Hoss talked with the owner behind the counter. He idly looked at some items on the shelf, but he wasn\u2019t really thinking about the shirts he saw. Joe\u2019s mind was working on the wording to the telegram he was going to send to Jamison.<\/p>\n

The bell tinkled again, and Joe looked curiously to see who had entered the store. He was surprised to see a little boy about ten walking in. It was mid-morning, and Joe would have thought all the children would be in school. Joe took a closer look, and thought the boy was the dirtiest child he had ever seen.<\/p>\n

The boy was dressed in brown, ragged pants with a split in the knee. He was wearing a checked shirt that looked about a size too small. Dirt and grime stained the boy\u2019s clothes. His face was smudged, and his light hair was covered with something that looked like dust. Joe wondered what the boy could have been doing to get so filthy.<\/p>\n

Walking slowly, the boy approached the counter of the store and stood next to Hoss.
\nHoss looked down at the boy and smiled. The boy looked back at the biggest Cartwright with solemn eyes.<\/p>\n

“Frank, why don\u2019t you take care of this young fella,” suggested Hoss with a wink to the store owner. “His business looks mighty important.”<\/p>\n

The owner nodded and turned to the boy. “Well, Billy, what can I do for you?” asked Frank.<\/p>\n

Reaching into his pocket, Billy pulled out something with his fingers. Then he held out a dirty hand toward Frank. On the palm of his hand were some coins.<\/p>\n

“Here\u2019s 28 cents,” said Billy in a tired voice. “That\u2019s my week\u2019s pay plus some pennies I earned cutting wood. Ma says you should take half of it toward our bill, and give me as much food as the other half will buy.”<\/p>\n

“Billy, I told you Ma she doesn\u2019t have to worry about paying her bill for awhile,” replied Frank in a kindly voice.<\/p>\n

The boy stood straight and held his head high. “Ma says we don\u2019t take charity,” Billy declared. “That\u2019s why I\u2019m working in the mine and she\u2019s taking in wash. We aim to pay the bill we ran up before my Pa died.”<\/p>\n

Hoss looked over the boy\u2019s head toward Joe, who shook his head in sympathy. Frank sighed and reached toward the coins in the boy\u2019s hand. “All right, Billy,” said the store owner taking the coins. “That\u2019s 14 cents toward the bill and 14 cents worth of food.” The owner looked around the store. “That should buy five potatoes and a slice of ham.”<\/p>\n

“Is that all?” asked Billy, his eyes widening. “Me and Ma and the three little ones got to live on that until I get paid again next week.”<\/p>\n

“I\u2019m afraid\u2026” started Frank.<\/p>\n

“Frank, I think you figured wrong,” interrupted Hoss, winking at the man. “I figure 14 cents should get this young fella about ten potatoes, half a ham, and a loaf of bread.”<\/p>\n

“Er, um, yeah, I guess you\u2019re right, Hoss,” agreed the owner. “I forgot we\u2019ve got a sale going on. You wait a minute, Billy. I\u2019ll gather up the groceries.”<\/p>\n

Billy nodded solemnly, and watched as the store owner started putting the food into a cloth sack.<\/p>\n

“Where you working?” Hoss asked the boy.<\/p>\n

“Last Dollar mine,” answered Billy proudly. “I got a job right after my Pa got killed in an accident.” Billy\u2019s face darkened. “Course it\u2019s only for another week. Then Mr. Parker says he\u2019s shutting down the mine. I don\u2019t know what Ma is going to do if I ain\u2019t working.”<\/p>\n

“Hey, Frank,” called Joe stepping up to the counter. “Didn\u2019t I hear you say you were looking for some help?”<\/p>\n

Frank looked up, two potatoes in his hand. “Did I?” he said in a puzzled voice.<\/p>\n

“Yeah, I heard you say you were looking for someone to help clean up, run errands, that sort of thing,” Joe continued, looking at the man with an even gaze. “Said you\u2019d pay fifty cents a week.”<\/p>\n

“Fifty cents!” exclaimed Billy. “That\u2019s twice what I\u2019m making now!” He turned to the store owner. “Mister, can I have that job? I\u2019d work real hard.”<\/p>\n

“Well, er, I don\u2019t know,” said Frank, obviously confused by Joe\u2019s announcement.<\/p>\n

“Why don\u2019t you give him a try, Frank?” Joe suggested. “He looks like pretty good worker.”<\/p>\n

“Please, mister,” begged Billy. “I\u2019d do anything, anything you told me.” He shuddered slightly and then mumbled, \u201cNothing could be worse than going down into that mine.\u201d<\/p>\n

Frank looked at Billy, his face softening. “All right, Billy,” agreed Frank. “You can start tomorrow. Be here at 9:00 sharp.” He handed the boy the sack of groceries.<\/p>\n

“Yes sir!” said Billy excitedly, his face breaking into a grin. “And thank you.” The boy turned to walk out of the store.<\/p>\n

“Hold it a minute,” Joe called after the boy.<\/p>\n

Billy froze, and turned slowly. His face showed fear. “What\u2026what\u2019s wrong?” asked Billy.<\/p>\n

“Nothing,” said Joe in a reassuring voice. “Frank here just forgot to tell you about his policy. All new employees get a nickel\u2019s worth of candy.” Joe turned to the store owner. “Right, Frank?”<\/p>\n

Frank shrugged. “Whatever you say, Joe,” agreed the man.<\/p>\n

“Gee, thanks, mister!” said Billy. “I really appreciate it, Mr\u2026” Billy\u2019s voice trailed off, as he obviously was unsure what to call Joe.<\/p>\n

“Just call me Joe,” said Joe with a grin. He pointed across the store. “That big fellow over there is my brother, Hoss.”<\/p>\n

Billy nodded. “Thanks, Joe,” he said gratefully. “I really appreciate your putting me on to this job.”<\/p>\n

“Happy to do it,” Joe replied with a wave of his hand.<\/p>\n

Joe and Hoss grinned as they watched Billy carefully select his candy. When the boy was sure he had what he wanted, he watched as Frank carefully twisted the small bag closed and put it into the sack of food the boy was carrying. Billy was all smiles as he turned and waved to the Cartwrights. He walked proudly out the door.<\/p>\n

“Thanks, Frank,” said Joe as he walked toward the counter. “Just put the groceries on our bill.” Joe reached into his pocket and pulled out some money. “Here\u2019s $5. That should cover Billy\u2019s wages for awhile. Remind me the next time we\u2019re here, and I pay you some more.”<\/p>\n

“You don\u2019t have to do that, Joe,” protested Frank. “I could probably use some help around here.”<\/p>\n

“I want to do it,” Joe stated firmly. He shook his head. “Imagine. A little kid like that working in the mines.”<\/p>\n

“Yeah,” agreed Frank. “Parker likes to hire kids to work in his mines. He only has to pay them a pittance and he uses them for all the dirty and dangerous jobs that a lot of men won\u2019t do. Most of the kids don\u2019t know any better, and they need to work to help support their families.”<\/p>\n

“That\u2019s terrible,” Hoss said angrily. “Those kids ought to be in school, not working in some dark, dangerous mine.”<\/p>\n

“I agree,” Frank told the big man. “But there\u2019s no law against it.”<\/p>\n

“Well, there ought to be,” declared Hoss. He shook his head, then suddenly looked at Joe. “You going to send that telegram?” he asked his brother.<\/p>\n

“Yeah, I\u2019m heading over there right now,” Joe answered with a nod. “How about I meet you over at the Silver Dollar for a beer when you\u2019re done here?”<\/p>\n

“Ain\u2019t you gonna help me load the supplies?” asked Hoss, his eyes narrowing.<\/p>\n

“Hoss, I\u2019d like to, but it\u2019s going to take me awhile to get that telegram off,” Joe replied in a solemn voice, but his eyes were dancing. “And Pa wants us back at the ranch before too late.” Joe patted his brother on the stomach. “Besides, I figure you can use the exercise.”<\/p>\n

“Joseph\u2026” started Hoss in a threatening voice.<\/p>\n

“Hoss, I\u2019m only doing this for your own good,” said Joe in an earnest voice. “I don\u2019t want you to run to fat.” Joe tilted his head. “You know, you\u2019re getting a little bit of a weight problem there, brother.”<\/p>\n

Hoss looked down at his stomach as a grinning Joe turned and sauntered out of the store. Hoss looked up and glared at the back of his brother\u2019s head. Then with a sigh, he turned back to Frank. “Well, let\u2019s get those supplies,” said Hoss in a resigned voice.<\/p>\n

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

Joe was sitting in the Silver Dollar, enjoying his beer, when Parker walked in. Parker stood at the bar for a minute, watching Joe. He remembered the interest he had seen in the young man\u2019s face last night when he talked about buying the timber. But Parker also remembered the stony looks on the face of the rest of the Cartwrights. Parker turned to the bartender and ordered a whiskey. He decided he needed to think about what to do next.<\/p>\n

“Hello, Joe,” said a blonde in a short silky purple dress. She sat down at the table with Joe. “Buy a girl a beer?” she asked.<\/p>\n

“Sure, Francie,” answered Joe with a smile. He turned and signaled to the bartender.<\/p>\n

“Thanks,” Francie said with a smile that matched the young man\u2019s. She nodded as the bartender set a mug of beer on the table. “I haven\u2019t seen you for awhile,” remarked Francie as she sipped her beer.<\/p>\n

“Been out of town,” Joe told the girl. “Hoss and I rode up to see some horses that a
\nrancher named Jamison is trying to sell.”<\/p>\n

“I\u2019ve heard about those horses,” commented Francie. “Couple of fellows were talking about them a few days ago. Said they were the best horses in the state of Nevada.”<\/p>\n

“I can\u2019t disagree with them,” said Joe.<\/p>\n

“Are you going to buy them?” asked Francie curiously as she sipped her beer.<\/p>\n

“Maybe,” answered Joe. “Jamison wants $20,000 for the herd.”<\/p>\n

“$20,000!” exclaimed Francie. “That\u2019s a lot of money.”<\/p>\n

“Yeah, it is,” agreed Joe. “More than we\u2019ve got available right now. I\u2019ve sent Jamison a telegram, asking if he\u2019d hold off selling the horses until we get the herd sold at the end of the summer. Don\u2019t know if he will.”<\/p>\n

“Oh, that\u2019s too bad,” Francie said, her voice full of sympathy.<\/p>\n

“Yeah,” agreed Joe. He shook his head. “I sure would like to buy those horses.”<\/p>\n

“Young man, I couldn\u2019t help overhearing,” said Parker as he strolled to Joe\u2019s table. “You know, if you could convince your father to sell me the timber I need, you\u2019d have more than enough for those horses.”<\/p>\n

Joe looked up at Parker, then turned to take a sip of his beer. “Pa won\u2019t sell you that lumber,” Joe stated as he put down his glass.<\/p>\n

“Perhaps you could persuade him?” suggested Parker. “I might even throw in a few hundred dollars extra for you for your trouble.”<\/p>\n

Joe took another sip of his beer. “Mr. Parker,” he said in an even voice, not bothering to look at the man, “I don\u2019t do business with someone who steals mining claims and puts kids to work in those mines.” Joe drank once more from his glass. “I wouldn\u2019t sell you one tree from Willow Ridge.”<\/p>\n

“Now, see here, you young pup\u2026” sputtered Parker.<\/p>\n

“No, you see,” said Joe, turning a fierce glare on the man. “Parker, you\u2019re a bully, and probably a thief and a murderer. You may have the people in this town fooled, but not me and not my Pa. There\u2019s nothing that could convince us to sell you that lumber. Now why don\u2019t you just leave and let me have a drink with the lady.”<\/p>\n

“You can\u2019t say that to me,” screamed Parker.<\/p>\n

“Seems to me I just did,” said Joe in a low voice. He deliberately turned his back on Parker.<\/p>\n

Parker stood next to Joe, his face almost red with rage. “You\u2019ll regret this,” he shouted. “You Cartwrights think you\u2019re so high and mighty. Well, you\u2019ll sell me that lumber. I promise you. I\u2019ll have you begging me to take that lumber.”<\/p>\n

“I wouldn\u2019t count on that,” said Joe, his back still to the man.<\/p>\n

Parker turned and stormed out of the bar.<\/p>\n

“Joe, you shouldn\u2019t have said that,” offered Francie in a frightened voice. “Parker\u2019s a mean man.”<\/p>\n

“He doesn\u2019t scare me,” Joe replied, finishing his beer. He turned and gestured to the bartender, then he turned back to Francie. “Let\u2019s forget Parker,” said Joe, giving the girl his most winning smile. “Let\u2019s talk about something more important, like where you got that pretty dress.” He reached out and took Francie\u2019s hand. “Or how you keep your hands so soft,” he murmured. Francie blushed and smiled back at Joe. Joe put Francie\u2019s hands to his lips and kissed her fingers softly.<\/p>\n

Joe was still murmuring soft endearments to Francie a few minutes later when a big, burly miner strolled into the bar. The man looked around, then frowned when he saw the table where Joe and Francie were sitting. Joe\u2019s head was bent toward Francie, and he was holding her hand. Francie was smiling back at Joe.<\/p>\n

The miner walked over to the table and grabbed Joe\u2019s shoulder, pushing the young man roughly back in his chair.<\/p>\n

“Hey!” protested Joe as he looked up at the man. “Why\u2019d you do that?”<\/p>\n

“Francie\u2019s my girl,” growled the miner.<\/p>\n

“Jake,” protested Francie, “we weren\u2019t doing anything.”<\/p>\n

“Didn\u2019t look like nothing to me,” growled the big miner. He turned to Joe. “I think you\u2019d better leave, sonny.”<\/p>\n

“I\u2019ll leave when Francie tells me to,” replied Joe, his eyes narrowing.<\/p>\n

“Joe, maybe you\u2019d better go,” said Francie fearfully. “I don\u2019t want any trouble.”<\/p>\n

Joe turned back to the girl. “There won\u2019t be any trouble,” he promised. “Are you really his girl?”<\/p>\n

“Well, Jake and I have been seeing each other for awhile,” admitted Francie. Then she looked up the miner and glared. “But that don\u2019t mean I can\u2019t talk with another man,” she added defiantly.<\/p>\n

“Talking\u2019s one thing,” said Jake. “That\u2019s what you get paid to do. But what you were doing wasn\u2019t talking. You was acting like some, some\u2026”<\/p>\n

“Jake!” exclaimed Francie in a shocked voice. She turned her head and lifted her nose in the air. “I think you\u2019d better go, Jake.”<\/p>\n

“I\u2019m not leaving,” answered the miner. “Not while pretty boy here is still around.”<\/p>\n

“The lady asked you to leave,” said Joe, his voice menacing. “I think you\u2019d better do just that.”<\/p>\n

“Yeah, and who\u2019s going to make me?” sneered Jake.<\/p>\n

Joe stood, his eyes blazing with anger. “You have about ten seconds to get out of here.”<\/p>\n

“Hold it!” a third voice shouted from behind Joe. Joe turned his head slightly, and saw Hoss entering the bar. Quickly, Joe turned back to face Jake.<\/p>\n

Walking quickly across the bar, Hoss stood between Jake and his brother. “What\u2019s going on here?” asked Hoss with a frown. “You two look like a couple of big horn sheep ready to butt heads.”<\/p>\n

“Pretty boy here was moving in on my girl,” snarled Jake.<\/p>\n

“You insulted the lady,” replied Joe angrily. “And she asked you to leave.”<\/p>\n

“All right,” said Hoss with a sigh. “Both of you got a little hot, but let\u2019s not break up Sam\u2019s nice bar. Why don\u2019t you both cool down and shake hands.”<\/p>\n

“Stay out of this, Hoss,” ordered Joe, his anger spilling over to his brother.<\/p>\n

“Sonny, I\u2019m going to re-arrange your face,” threatened Jake. “By the time, I \u2019m done you ain\u2019t gonna be so pretty.”<\/p>\n

Frowning, Hoss looked over the miner who was at least twice the size of Joe. “Mister, I think you\u2019d better pick on someone your own size,” suggested Hoss, his eyes narrowing. He took a step forward. “I figure I\u2019m just right for you.”<\/p>\n

“Hoss, I can fight my own battles,” sputtered Joe.<\/p>\n

Hoss ignored his brother and stared at the miner. “Well, what do you say?\u2019 Hoss asked Jake. “You want to go outside and have a go at it with me?”<\/p>\n

As he studied Hoss, who was a bit bigger and taller than him, Jake hesitated. He was used to threatening and beating up much smaller men. The thought of taking on someone who was his equal gave Jake pause. The miner shifted his eyes away from Hoss.<\/p>\n

“Maybe some other time,” mumbled Jake.<\/p>\n

Nodding, Hoss turned to Joe. “C\u2019mon, little brother, let\u2019s go,” he said grabbing Joe by the arm.<\/p>\n

But Joe dug his heels in. “Hoss, stay out of this,” declared Joe angrily.<\/p>\n

Ignoring his brother\u2019s statement, Hoss pulled Joe\u2019s arm. “Joe, cool down,” he said. “Now it\u2019s over. Let\u2019s go home.” Hoss yanked harder on Joe\u2019s arm and pulled his brother a few steps from the table. “Let\u2019s go,” he added firmly.<\/p>\n

Joe\u2019s eyes were still fixed on Jake, but he allowed Hoss to pull him across the room. As they reached the door, Joe turned and walked out.<\/p>\n

“Why\u2019d you interfere?” complain Joe as he pulled to a halt on the sidewalk a few feet from the door to the saloon.<\/p>\n

“Did you see the size of that fella?” asked Hoss almost incredulously. “He would have beaten you to a pulp!”<\/p>\n

“I would have been willing to take him on,” stated Joe stubbornly.<\/p>\n

“I\u2019m sure you would have,” agreed Hoss. “And then I would have got stuck doing your chores while you were sitting around nursing your bruises.”<\/p>\n

Suddenly, Joe gave his brother a weak smile. “I guess he was kind of big,” acknowledged Joe.<\/p>\n

“Yeah,” said Hoss ironically. He looked curiously at Joe. “Just what have you been up to, little brother?” he asked. “I saw Parker a minute ago and he was madder than a wet hen. I heard him tell some fella that you insulted him.”<\/p>\n

Joe shrugged. “All I said was that we wouldn\u2019t do business with him.\u201d<\/p>\n

“Is that all?” pressed Hoss.<\/p>\n

“Well, I may have called him a thief and a murderer and a few other things,” admitted Joe.<\/p>\n

“Oh, well, then that\u2019s all right,” Hoss said, his voice dripping with sarcasm. “Joe, I let you out of my sight for ten minutes, and you end up causing trouble with Parker, sparking some other fella\u2019s girl, and almost getting into a fight.\u201d He shook his head ruefully. \u201cLittle brother, you sure got a nose for trouble.”<\/p>\n

“Yeah, well, it\u2019s a gift,” conceded Joe with a grin.<\/p>\n

“It\u2019s time we got that gift of yours home,” Hoss said, taking Joe firmly by the arm and pushing him down the street. “We got some troublesome steers down on the south range that are just perfect for you.”<\/p>\n

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

Over the next ten days, Parker sent two messages out to the Ponderosa. The first raised the price he would pay for the lumber by another $5,000. Ben simply marked “no interest” on it and sent it back. The next message was a bit more pointed; Parker implied that he could make life uncomfortable for the Cartwrights if they continued to refuse to sell him the lumber he needed. Ben threw that message into the fire.<\/p>\n

“Parker sure don\u2019t give up, do he?” said Hoss after Ben told his sons about the second message at dinner that night.<\/p>\n

“No, he doesn\u2019t,” agreed Ben. He looked around the table. “I want you boys to watch yourselves when you go into Virginia City tomorrow,” warned Ben.<\/p>\n

“Parker wouldn\u2019t try anything in the middle of Virginia City,” said Adam. “Even he wouldn\u2019t be that stupid.”<\/p>\n

“Probably not,” agreed Ben. “But just the same, I want you to take care of your business and come right home. Don\u2019t do anything that Parker might use as an excuse to start trouble.” Ben looked pointedly at Joe. “No defending young ladies in bars, you hear me?”<\/p>\n

Looking up from his dinner plate, Joe reddened a bit. “Yes sir,” he mumbled.<\/p>\n

“You know if Parker just spent all the time and energy that he\u2019s spending on us on getting some timber, he might have the Last Dollar open in a few weeks,” remarked Adam.<\/p>\n

“Men like Parker are always looking for short cuts,” replied Ben. “Eventually, he\u2019ll go too far and find himself on the short end. People like him never understand that there\u2019s a price to be paid for success. And that price is plain old hard work”<\/p>\n

“Well, I hope he gets his comeuppance soon,” said Hoss. “I\u2019m getting mighty tired of Mr. Sam Parker.”<\/p>\n

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

Adam, Hoss, and Joe rode slowly down the main street of Virginia City the next afternoon. As they rode, Adam pointed out several groups of miners standing idly on the streets. “Looks like Parker has made good his threat to shut down the mine,” he remarked.<\/p>\n

“Yeah,” replied Hoss. “We ain\u2019t gonna be too popular with the miners around here for a while.”<\/p>\n

“You two worry about the miners,” said Joe with a grin. “I\u2019ve got other people I want to be popular with.”<\/p>\n

“Joe, remember what Pa said,” warned Adam. “Let\u2019s just do our business and get home.”<\/p>\n

“Oh, all right,” agreed Joe with an exaggerated sigh. “You two will be sorry, though, when all those lonely young ladies are teary-eyed and there\u2019s nobody to comfort them.”<\/p>\n

“They\u2019ll be teary-eyed all right,” said Hoss with a laugh. “Teary-eyed with relief that you ain\u2019t around!” Joe scowled at Hoss.<\/p>\n

The three Cartwright brothers stopped their horses in front of the General Store and dismounted. Hoss nudged Joe as a boy came out of the store carrying a broom. Joe barely recognized Billy. The boy was wearing clean, almost new clothes, and his hair was neatly combed. A long white apron, rolled up at the waist, covered the lower half of his body. Billy wore a serious expression as he began to vigorously sweep the walk.<\/p>\n

“Hey, Billy,” said Hoss in a greeting. “Looks like you\u2019re doing a good job there.”<\/p>\n

Looking up from his sweeping, Billy frowned, as if he were disturbed by being interrupted in his work. But his frown turned to a grin when he recognized Hoss and Joe. “Hi Hoss! Hi Joe!” called the boy cheerfully.<\/p>\n

“How\u2019s the new job working out?” asked Joe with a smile.<\/p>\n

“It\u2019s great!” replied Billy enthusiastically. “I\u2019m making more money than I ever did in those mines. And the work ain\u2019t near as hard and dirty.” Billy puffed out his chest proudly. “Mr. Harris says that since I work here, I can buy things at half price. And I get stuff he can\u2019t sell, like these clothes.”<\/p>\n

“That\u2019s terrific,” said Joe, ruffling the boy\u2019s hair.<\/p>\n

Billy looked solemnly at Joe. “I owe you for getting me this job.”<\/p>\n

“You don\u2019t owe us anything,” Joe told the boy. “You just do a good job and help out your Ma. That\u2019s all that\u2019s important.”<\/p>\n

“Well, maybe I can do a good turn for you someday,” Billy suggested. \u201cI\u2019d sure like to pay you back somehow.\u201d<\/p>\n

“Well, maybe you will,” replied Joe nonchalantly. He turned to Hoss. “While you and Adam are talking with Frank about that fencing, I think I\u2019ll go down to the telegraph office. I want to see if Jamison sent a reply yet.”<\/p>\n

“Joe, you ain\u2019t figuring to get into any trouble, are you?” asked Hoss in a worried voice.<\/p>\n

“Hoss, I\u2019m just going down to the telegraph office,” Joe assured his brother. “What trouble can I get into there?”<\/p>\n

“I don\u2019t know,” stated Adam. “But you\u2019ll think of something.”<\/p>\n

“Older brother, you worry too much,” said Joe with a grin. He tilted his hat back on his head, and gave Hoss and Adam a jaunty wave.<\/p>\n

As Adam and Hoss entered the store, they didn\u2019t notice Sam Parker talking to a group of miners standing across the street. Joe didn\u2019t notice those same miners were starting to follow him as he walked down the street. His attention was fixed on a pretty young woman who was strolling down the street ahead of him.<\/p>\n

But Billy noticed the men. His eyes grew wide as he saw the miners trailing Joe. Billy looked around, trying to decide what to do. He quickly put his broom aside and started walking down the street behind the men.<\/p>\n

Admiring the view ahead of him, Joe followed the young woman toward the telegraph office, He hesitated a moment when she crossed the street, trying to decide if he should continue after the girl. Then he shrugged and walked on toward the telegraph office.<\/p>\n

The miners who were following Joe were being led by the big man named Jake. He stopped when he saw Joe halt at the window of the telegraph office, then motioned to the others to follow him into an alley a few buildings away from the telegraph office. Billy slipped behind some boxes near the entrance to the alley and crouched down to watch.<\/p>\n

Joe talked for a minute with the telegrapher through the window, and the disappointed look on his face told anyone who was watching that there was no message. Joe nodded his thanks, then turned to walk back to the General Store.<\/p>\n

As he slowly walked back down the street, Joe\u2019s eyes were searching the street, looking for the girl he had seen a few minutes earlier. His attention was fixed on the far side of the street as he passed the entrance to the alley. Suddenly, several hands grabbed Joe\u2019s arm and pulled him into the alley.<\/p>\n

“Hey!” yelled Joe heatedly as the hands unceremoniously pushed him to the ground. Joe scrambled to his feet, losing his hat in the process. Before he could react, several more hands pushed him roughly against the side wall of the alley.<\/p>\n

As he looked up and saw the scowling faces in front of him, Joe swallowed. “What can I do for you fellows?” he asked, trying to keep his growing fear out of his voice.<\/p>\n

“You can tell your Pa to sell that lumber to Mr. Parker, pretty boy,” growled Jake. \u201cBecause of you Cartwrights, we\u2019re out of work.”<\/p>\n

Joe\u2019s eyes darted around the alley as he looked at the unhappy faces of the miners. “We\u2019re not selling any lumber to Parker,” replied Joe in what he hoped was a firm voice. “We\u2019re trying to protect our land from men like Parker.”<\/p>\n

“Guess we\u2019ll have to show your Pa what can happen when you don\u2019t cooperate,” said Jake with a grin. Before Joe could react, Jake punched him twice in the stomach. As Joe bent forward, gasping, Jake laid an upper cut on the young man\u2019s jaw. The blow snapped Joe\u2019s head back, cracking it hard against the wall.<\/p>\n

Billy\u2019s eyes grew as wide as saucers when he saw Jake hit Joe. He crawled out from behind the boxes, then turned and ran down the street.<\/p>\n

In the alley, Joe shook his head, trying to clear it. He felt his arms being grabbed, and realized he was pinned against the wall. Joe shook his head again and looked up into Jake\u2019s face.<\/p>\n

“See what can happen when you aren\u2019t helpful?” sneered Jake. “Now, are you going to be smart and tell your Pa to sell that timber to Parker?”<\/p>\n

“Go to hell,” mumbled Joe. Even as he said the words, Joe realized how unwise they were, but he couldn\u2019t stop himself.<\/p>\n

Seemingly enraged by Joe\u2019s comment, Jake\u2019s fist smashed into Joe\u2019s jaw, snapping the youngest Cartwright\u2019s head to the side. Joe felt his face scrape the rough wood of the wall. He struggled to free his arms, but his efforts were in vain. He was pinned against the wall by the two miners, and defenseless against the on-coming blows.<\/p>\n

Jake landed three more blows on Joe\u2019s face, then plunged his fist twice into Joe\u2019s stomach. Joe\u2019s knees began to buckle, but the two men who held his arms pulled him back up. Jake punched Joe in the face again, smiling as he watched his helpless victim react in pain. Twice more, he hit Joe in the face and once again in the stomach. Jake nodded, and the two men holding Joe let him fall to the ground.<\/p>\n

Barely conscious, Joe laid sprawled on his face in the dirt. Jake stood over him, not yet finished with the punishment he was delivering. Jake grinned as he brought his foot down hard on Joe\u2019s right hand, and seemed pleased with the yelp of pain this elicited. Jake kicked Joe in the ribs with a swift swing of his leg.<\/p>\n

Groaning, Joe twitched on the ground. Jake\u2019s grin grew wider as he kicked Joe again in the ribs.<\/p>\n

Jake\u2019s leg was pulled back for a third kick when a shot startled him. Jake froze and looked up. Before he could make a move, a large hand grabbed Jake by the shoulder and shoved him, causing Jake to fall to the ground. The miner looked up to see the massive form of Hoss Cartwright standing over him. Jake shuddered as he saw the look of pure rage on Hoss\u2019 face.<\/p>\n

“The next man who makes a move toward my brother gets a bullet,” announced Adam in a cold voice from the entrance to the alley. He had his gun pointed directly at the miners. The angry look on Adam\u2019s face told the miners that he meant what he said.<\/p>\n

Hoss took a step toward Jake but stopped when he heard a soft groan from the figure on the ground. He whirled around and knelt next to the bleeding form laying in the dirt. Hoss turned Joe gently onto his back. A combination of both fury and pain flickered across Hoss\u2019 face as he gazed at Joe\u2019s battered face.<\/p>\n

“Get your hands in the air and back away,” Adam instructed the miners angrily. He cocked his pistol. Six sets of hands went swiftly into the air and each of the miners took a few steps backwards. Jake quickly stood and raised his hands into the air.<\/p>\n

“Adam, what\u2019s going on here?” a new voice asked from the entrance to the alley.<\/p>\n

Adam glanced to his left and saw the sheriff standing next to him. “Roy, I want you to arrest these men for attempted murder,” said Adam grimly, his eyes never leaving the miners.<\/p>\n

“Attempted murder!” exclaimed Jake. “It was just a fight, and the kid here started it.”<\/p>\n

“Yeah,” said Adam sarcastically. “I\u2019m sure my brother decided to take on seven men all by himself. One half-grown kid against all of you.” Adam turned his head slightly toward the sheriff. “Roy, look what they did to Joe,” declared Adam. “They practically beat him to death. If we hadn\u2019t stopped them, they might have killed him.”<\/p>\n

Looking at Joe\u2019s bruised and bleeding face, Sheriff Roy Coffee swallowed hard. “I believe you\u2019re right, Adam,\u201d agreed the sheriff. He pulled his gun from his holster. “You men are all under arrest.”<\/p>\n

“Now, wait a minute,” protested Jake, taking a step forward.<\/p>\n

Glancing over his shoulder at Jake, Hoss kicked out his leg, hitting the miner hard on the shin. Jake howled in pain and fell to the ground. A brief look of satisfaction crossed Hoss\u2019 face. But then his face turned grim.<\/p>\n

“Adam, Joe\u2019s hurt bad,” said Hoss with concern. “We\u2019ve got to get him to the doc.”<\/p>\n

“Don\u2019t worry, Adam. I\u2019ll see these fellows are all put in jail,” promised Coffee in a hard voice.<\/p>\n

Nodding, Adam quickly holstered his gun. He walked forward and knelt next to Joe. Up close, Adam could see how badly Joe had been beaten, and he winced as he looked at his younger brother.<\/p>\n

Both Adam and Hoss put their arms under Joe\u2019s back and legs, and lifted him as gently as possible from the ground. Joe\u2019s head fell back against Hoss\u2019 arm, and his arms fell limply to his side. Adam and Hoss began walking slowly out of the alley. As they reached the entrance, Hoss noticed a small figure standing nearby. Billy\u2019s face was white with fear.<\/p>\n

“Thank you, Billy,” said Hoss quietly as he and Adam walked past the boy. Billy just nodded and watched as Adam and Hoss carried their injured brother down the street.<\/p>\n

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

Adam sat in a chair in the waiting room of the doctor\u2019s office while Hoss paced back and forth in front of him.<\/p>\n

“It\u2019s been over an hour, Adam,” complained Hoss. “What\u2019s the doc doing in there?”<\/p>\n

Adam shrugged. He had no answer for Hoss. He felt the fear growing inside him with each passing minute. He knew Joe was badly beaten. He was beginning to worry that Joe\u2019s injuries might be even worse than he thought.<\/p>\n

Hoss stopped his pacing as the door to the doctor\u2019s office opened. Roy Coffee walked in, surprised to see Adam and Hoss still in the waiting area. “How\u2019s Joe?” asked the sheriff.<\/p>\n

“The doc\u2019s still working on him,” answered Hoss grimly. Coffee nodded and swallowed
\nhard.<\/p>\n

“Did you get those miners to jail?” asked Adam His face darkened with anger as he thought of what the miners had done to Joe.<\/p>\n

“Yes, I did,” replied the sheriff. He hesitated. “Adam, I wanted to talk with you about them miners\u2026..”<\/p>\n

Roy stopped in mid-sentence as the door at the other end of the room opened. Adam jumped to his feet while Hoss looked anxiously at the man in shirt-sleeves walking into the waiting room.<\/p>\n

“How is he?” Adam asked Doctor Martin, his voice a mixture of anxiety and fear.<\/p>\n

“That\u2019s as bad a beating as I\u2019ve ever seen,” replied the doctor with a shake of his head. “But he\u2019s going to be all right.”<\/p>\n

The three men in the waiting room let out a sigh of relief.<\/p>\n

“He\u2019s got a concussion, a broken hand and some broken ribs, in addition to all those abrasions and bruises,” continued the doctor. “But he was lucky. No broken bones in his face, and no sign of any internal injuries.” Doctor Martin shook his head once more. “Whoever did this really meant to hurt Joe, though. This was a deliberate beating.”<\/p>\n

For a minute, Adam looked meaningfully at Roy Coffee, then turned back to the doctor. “Can we see him?” he asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cFor a minute,” the doctor agreed. “He\u2019s drifting in and out of consciousness because of the concussion. He was awake when I left him a few minutes ago, but I don\u2019t know how long it will last.”<\/p>\n

Without waiting for any further discussion, Hoss walked past the doctor, with Adam and the sheriff following in his wake. He pushed opened the door of the room that the doctor had just left and walked in.<\/p>\n

Joe was laying an examining table, covered with a blanket and his head resting on a small pillow. The edges of the bandages around his ribs peeked over the top of the blanket. Joe\u2019s heavily bandaged right hand was resting across his chest.<\/p>\n

Walking to the table, Hoss looked down at Joe. He winced as he stared at Joe\u2019s face.<\/p>\n

Joe\u2019s left eye was already turning a deep blue. Another large bruise covered Joe\u2019s left cheekbone, and two smaller bruise were evident on the young man\u2019s jaw. The left side of his mouth was red and swollen. A scab was forming on the right side of Joe\u2019s forehead where the skin had been scrapped, and a thin cut ran across his right cheek. Joe\u2019s eyes were closed, and his breathing sounded labored.<\/p>\n

Putting his hand gently on the top of Joe\u2019s head, Hoss slowly stroked his brother\u2019s hair.
\n“Joe?” he said softly. “Joe, can you hear me?”<\/p>\n

Turning his head slightly, Joe gave a small grunt. His eyes flickered opened, and stared up in an unfocused gaze. He blinked his eyes slowly. Then the right side of Joe\u2019s mouth twitched upwards. “Hi Hoss,” said Joe in a barely audible voice. “I guess I forgot to duck.”<\/p>\n

“How are you feeling, Joe?” asked Adam who was standing behind Hoss.<\/p>\n

Joe\u2019s gaze shifted a bit. “I\u2019ve felt better, Adam,” admitted Joe. He tried to take a deep breath and winced with pain.<\/p>\n

“Joe, can you tell us what happened?” asked Coffee. He was standing at the end of the table, watching Joe anxiously.<\/p>\n

Once more, Joe\u2019s gaze shifted, this time toward the end of the table. He seemed to be trying to make sense of the sheriff\u2019s question. “Those miners jumped me\u2026.pulled me into the alley,” answered Joe slowly. He winced again, as if it were painful to talk. “They wanted me to tell Pa\u2026tell Pa to sell the lumber to Parker.” Joe turned his head slightly to look at Adam. “I told them to go to hell,” he added, trying to smile. “It made them mad.”<\/p>\n

“Joe, the miners said you started the fight. The big one, Jake, said you have a grudge against him because he stole a girl from you,” Coffee stated. “Did you start that fight?”<\/p>\n

Joe shook his head slightly and winced again. “No,” he replied, his voice beginning to fade. He lifted his bandaged hand. “Never laid a finger on them\u2026” Joe\u2019s voice trailed off; his hand fell back to his chest, and his eyelids drooped.<\/p>\n

“Doc?” said Hoss in alarm, turning to Doctor Martin. The doctor had been standing behind Adam, watching. Now he pushed Adam aside. The doctor pulled a stethoscope from his pocket and quickly put the tubes in his ears. He bent down and listened to Joe\u2019s heart beat and breathing. Then he stood up.<\/p>\n

“He\u2019s all right,” the doctor reassured Joe\u2019s brothers. “He\u2019s just drifted off again. The best thing is to let him rest for a bit. I\u2019ll wake him up again in a little while.”<\/p>\n

“When can we take him home?” asked Hoss anxiously.<\/p>\n

“Not until tomorrow at least,” replied Doctor Martin firmly. “I want to keep an eye on him for awhile, and make sure there\u2019s no complications.”<\/p>\n

“Hoss, why don\u2019t you get us a couple of hotel rooms?” Adam suggested. “We\u2019ll send
\nword to Pa.”<\/p>\n

“Adam, I don\u2019t think you and Hoss ought to stay in town,” declared Coffee.<\/p>\n

“Why not?” asked Adam.<\/p>\n

Looking decidedly unhappy, the sheriff answered reluctantly. “Those miners are out on bail, and they\u2019re mad. I heard them swear they were going to get even with the Cartwrights.”<\/p>\n

“Out on bail?” said Adam in an astonished voice. “How could that happen? You just arrested them.”<\/p>\n

“I know, Adam,” replied Coffee. “But Parker showed up at my office not more than 30 minutes after I locked up those miners. He had an order from the judge to release them on bail. He paid the bail. I had to let them out.”<\/p>\n

“They were in jail for 30 minutes and they\u2019re mad?” remarked Hoss incredulously.<\/p>\n

“Well, they\u2019re mad they were arrested at all, and mad that they\u2019re going to have to stand trial,” explained Coffee. He looked at Adam and Hoss. “I think it\u2019s best you boys get out of Virginia City.”<\/p>\n

“What about Joe?” said Adam angrily. “You just heard the doc say we can\u2019t move him. What happens if they come after him again?”<\/p>\n

“I\u2019ll keep an eye on things,” promised the sheriff “If it looks like there\u2019s going to be trouble, I\u2019ll come over here and protect Joe.”<\/p>\n

“That\u2019s not good enough,” Adam replied heatedly. “What if they get here before you? What if you don\u2019t realize they\u2019re going after Joe?”<\/p>\n

“Adam, I\u2019ve got a whole town to protect and only one deputy,” protested Roy. “I can\u2019t spend the whole night here.”<\/p>\n

“I\u2019ll keep an eye on Joe,” Doctor Martin assured the Cartwrights.<\/p>\n

“And what if you get an emergency?” demanded Adam. He shook his head. “No, I \u2019m not leaving Joe here by himself.”<\/p>\n

“Just what do you aim to do?” asked Coffee<\/p>\n

Ignoring the sheriff, Adam looked to Hoss. “You head back to the Ponderosa and tell Pa what happened,” Adam told his brother. “I\u2019m going to stay here and guard Joe.”<\/p>\n

“Maybe I ought to stay with you,” suggested Hoss. “Those miners won\u2019t be too anxious to take on both of us.”<\/p>\n

Adam shook his head. “No, you\u2019ve got to keep Pa at the Ponderosa,” Adam replied. \u201dHe\u2019s going to want to come to town to see Joe. If those miners spot Pa in town, they\u2019ll go after him. And they may use more than their fists.”<\/p>\n

“Adam, I don\u2019t know if I can keep Pa at the ranch,” Hoss stated with a frown. “Once he hears what happens to Joe\u2026”<\/p>\n

“Hoss, tell him he can\u2019t do anything for Joe right now,” interjected Doctor Martin. “Joe\u2019s going to be all right. What he needs now is plenty of rest. Ben won\u2019t be able to do anything to help him tonight.”<\/p>\n

“I don\u2019t know,” said Hoss doubtfully.<\/p>\n

“Tell Ben he can come in the morning,” suggested Coffee. “By then, those miners should have cooled off. And probably sleeping off the whiskey I saw Parker buying for them.”<\/p>\n

“Hoss, you have to keep Pa at the ranch,” insisted Adam. “I don\u2019t care if you have to hog-tie him. Just don\u2019t let him come to Virginia City tonight.”<\/p>\n

“All right,” Hoss agreed reluctantly. He looked down at Joe, then looked at Adam. “You take care of him, you hear,” ordered the big man.<\/p>\n

“Don\u2019t worry,” said Adam grimly. “No one is going to get near him.”<\/p>\n

Once more, Hoss looked down at Joe, then took a deep breath. He turned and walked out of the room. Roy Coffee followed Hoss out of the room.<\/p>\n

As the two men walked to the waiting room, they were surprised to see Billy standing near the door. The boy had Joe\u2019s hat, now dusty and flattened, in his hand. Billy took a step forward and held out the hat to Hoss. “I thought Joe might want this,” said the boy, his voice trembling. He looked past Hoss. “Is he going to be all right?”<\/p>\n

“He\u2019s going to be fine,” replied Hoss reassuringly. “The doc says he\u2019s pretty bruised and he\u2019s going to need some rest, but he\u2019ll be back to his old ornery self in no time.”<\/p>\n

Billy smiled with relief. “That\u2019s good,” he said. “I got real scared when I saw those men hitting him.”<\/p>\n

“Billy, did you see what happened?” asked Coffee.<\/p>\n

Billy nodded. “Yeah,” he replied, his eyes wide as he remembered what he had seen. “Those miners followed Joe down the street. I thought it looked like trouble so I followed after them. They waited in the alley, and grabbed Joe. I saw the big one hit Joe. He just hit him, for no reason. That\u2019s when I ran and got Hoss.”<\/p>\n

“Billy, you more than likely save Joe\u2019s life,” Hoss told the boy. He started to reach into his pocket. “That deserves a reward.<\/p>\n

“Oh no,” said Billy with a shake of his head. “I don\u2019t want no reward. I\u2019m just happy I could help Joe, \u2018cause of what he did to help me.” Billy turned and ran out of the office.<\/p>\n

“He\u2019s a good boy,” remarked Roy Coffee.<\/p>\n

“Yeah, he is,” agreed Hoss as he watched Billy running down the street. Suddenly, he turned back to the sheriff. “Billy confirmed what Joe said,” added Hoss. “Ain\u2019t that enough to put those miners back in jail?”<\/p>\n

“No,” answered Coffee with a shake of his head. “As long as their bail is paid and they stay out of trouble, I can\u2019t do anything to them until the trial.”<\/p>\n

“Roy, you know Parker\u2019s behind this,” Hoss pressed the sheriff. “What about him?”<\/p>\n

“I can\u2019t prove Parker was involved,” Coffee replied with a shake of his head. “Unless one of those miners tells me he put them up to it, I can\u2019t arrest Parker.”<\/p>\n

“They all get to run around free while Joe\u2019s in there barely able to take a breath without hurting?” said Hoss in disbelief. “That ain\u2019t right, Roy.”<\/p>\n

“I know, Hoss,” admitted the sheriff. “But that\u2019s the price we pay for obeying the law.” Coffee looked at Hoss with a grim face. “I\u2019ll make sure those miners stand trial. They\u2019ll be punished.”<\/p>\n

“They\u2019d better be, Roy,” stated Hoss in a grim voice. “Because if the law don\u2019t make them pay for what they did to Joe, I swear I will.”<\/p>\n

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

Ben was relieved to hear the heavy tread of steps on the porch. For the last hour, he had been sitting at his desk, supposedly work on the accounts, but really listening for his sons. He was concerned that they had not returned from Virginia City sooner, and as the time passed, his concern had turned into worry. But now, Ben let out a sigh of relief. No one but Hoss had such a heavy step.<\/p>\n

Rising from behind his desk, Ben walked to the front door, reaching it just as Hoss opened it and walked in. “Well, you\u2019re finally back,” said Ben in a hearty voice. He looked past Hoss. “Where are Adam and Joe?” asked Ben.<\/p>\n

Hoss hesitated, then answered slowly. “There was some trouble in town, Pa,”<\/p>\n

“I knew it,” Ben declared, shaking his head, “I just knew it.” He let out a sigh. “All right, let\u2019s have it. What kind of trouble did Joe start this time?”<\/p>\n

“Pa, Joe didn\u2019t start any trouble,” replied Hoss, his face grave. “In fact, he wasn\u2019t doing anything. But some of the miners who got laid off, they jumped him. Pa, they beat up him. They beat him up bad.”<\/p>\n

A look of fear and worry crossed Ben\u2019s face. “How bad?” he asked in a whisper.<\/p>\n

“Bad enough we had to take him to the doc\u2019s,” Hoss told his father. He saw the stricken look on Ben\u2019s face. “The doc said he\u2019s going to be all right,” Hoss added quickly. “He\u2019s hurt but he\u2019s going to mend.”<\/p>\n

“Is Adam bringing him home?” asked Ben in a concerned voice.<\/p>\n

Hoss shook his head. “No, the doc wants to keep him in town for awhile to keep an eye on him.\u201d<\/p>\n

“Just how badly is he hurt?” asked Ben fearfully.<\/p>\n

“Lots of cuts and bruises,” answered Hoss. “Some busted ribs, a broken hand and a concussion. Doc Martin says he thinks his insides are all right. But he wants to make sure before Joe comes home.”<\/p>\n

Brushing past Hoss, Ben walked to the door. “Get my horse saddled,” Ben ordered as he reached for his hat.<\/p>\n

“Pa, the doc says there\u2019s nothing you can do for Joe right now,” said Hoss quickly as he moved to block the door. “He says Joe needs some rest and the best thing you can do is wait \u2018til morning to see him.”<\/p>\n

“I\u2019m not waiting,” Ben told his middle son. “Get out of my way.”<\/p>\n

Hoss continued to block the door. “Pa, there\u2019s something else.”<\/p>\n

Ben froze. “What?” he asked.<\/p>\n

“Those miners who beat up Joe? Well, Adam had them arrested,” explained Hoss. “Only Parker bailed them out right away. Those miners are mad, and they\u2019re looking to take their mad out on a Cartwright.”<\/p>\n

“Even more reason for me to get to town,” stated Ben. “Go get my horse.”<\/p>\n

“Pa, if you go to town, you\u2019ll be riding right into a hornet\u2019s nest,” said Hoss patiently. “Those miners will see you and they\u2019ll go after you.”<\/p>\n

“I don\u2019t care,” replied Ben. “I\u2019ve got to get to town. If those miners are as mad as you say, they might go after Joe.”<\/p>\n

“Adam is staying at the doc\u2019s with Joe,” Hoss said. “He\u2019ll make sure nothing will happen to Joe. But he can\u2019t protect you and Joe both. You won\u2019t be helping Joe any by going into to town and getting yourself beat up\u2026or worse.”<\/p>\n

Standing by the door, Ben was torn by indecision. He knew Hoss was right. Going into town would only stir up more trouble. But he desperately wanted to get to Joe, to be with his injured son.<\/p>\n

Hoss could see the indecision on his father\u2019s face. “Pa, the doc says Joe should be
\nable to come home tomorrow,” Hoss advised. “By then those miners will have cooled off. It\u2019ll be better for everyone if you wait till morning to go to town.”<\/p>\n

For several minutes, Ben stood still as conflicting emotions waged a battle within him. Finally, he slowly hung his hat back on the peg by the door. “All right,” he agreed reluctantly. “I\u2019ll wait until morning. But this is going to be one of the longest nights of my life.”<\/p>\n

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

Adam sat by the window, staring out into the dark. He could hear the tinkle of music from the saloons and the boisterous shouts echoing through the night. He watched the street carefully, looking for any sign that the miners were coming back after Joe. So far the street had been quiet. But Adam refused to let himself be lulled into a false sense of security.<\/p>\n

A soft groan pulled Adam\u2019s attention to the table behind him. He quickly rose from his chair and walked over to the table on which Joe still lay. The doctor had decided not to move Joe. Instead, Doctor Martin had made his patient comfortable, or as comfortable as Joe could be given the bruises and broken bones, on the examining table. Joe had drifted in and out of consciousness all day, waking either on his own or at the doctor\u2019s urging every few hours.<\/p>\n

The soft groans from the table told Adam that his brother was coming around again. He put his hand on Joe\u2019s shoulder. “Easy, Joe,” he said softly.<\/p>\n

Joe\u2019s head rolled to the side and his eyes opened slowly. “Adam?” mumbled Joe
\nthickly, through swollen lips.<\/p>\n

“Yeah, it\u2019s me,” replied Adam with a smile.<\/p>\n

Frowning a bit, Joe looked around the room. “Where am I?” he asked in a confused voice.<\/p>\n

“You\u2019re at the doc\u2019s office, remember?” answered Adam in a soothing tone. “You\u2019ve
\nbeen here most of the day.”<\/p>\n

Joe\u2019s frown deepened as he thought, then he nodded. “I remember,” he said slowly. He looked into Adam\u2019s face. “What time is it?”<\/p>\n

Taking a quick look over his shoulder, Adam glanced at the clock on the wall. “About midnight,” he answered. “Doc Martin went to catch a few hours sleep. I\u2019ve got nursing duty for awhile.”<\/p>\n

“I\u2019ve had prettier nurses,” observed Joe. He tried to smile, but winced at the pain the effort caused.<\/p>\n

“Well, you\u2019re stuck with me for awhile,” said Adam lightly. He put his hand gently on his brother\u2019s forehead. Joe had a fever, but the doctor had assured Adam that was to be expected. Adam was relieved that his brother didn\u2019t feel exceptionally warm.<\/p>\n

Joe\u2019s eyelids started to droop again, but they sprang open at the sound of gunshots from out on the street. “What\u2019s that?” asked Joe in alarm.<\/p>\n

Quickly, Adam looked out the window, then turned back to Joe. “Just some fellows
\nwhooping it up,” answered Adam in a reassuring voice. “Nothing to worry about.”<\/p>\n

Despite his confident words, however, Adam watched the street for several minutes, making sure no one was approaching the doctor\u2019s office. The street remained empty.<\/p>\n

“Sorry to be so much trouble,” mumbled Joe as he began to drift off to sleep again.<\/p>\n

“We\u2019re used to it,” Adam assured him with a smile. He watched as Joe fell into a deeper sleep. For a moment, Adam could see past the cuts, bruises, and swollen tissue, and see how young and vulnerable Joe looked. His brother was more than a boy but hadn\u2019t quite grown into a man yet. Then the bruises came back into focus. Joe had come close to never growing any older, his brother realized. Adam could feel the anger building in him all over again.<\/p>\n

“Joe, Parker\u2019s going to pay for this,” Adam vowed softly. “I promise you. He\u2019s going to pay for this.”<\/p>\n

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

The sun was barely up as the wagon rolled down the deserted streets of Virginia City. Ben guided the team toward the doctor\u2019s office at a sedate pace, but it took all of his will power to do so. What he really wanted to do was to send the team down the street at a gallop, running down anything in his path.<\/p>\n

Sitting on the wagon seat next to his father, Hoss felt tired. He was sure his father was tired also. No one at the Ponderosa had gotten much sleep last night. Hoss had laid in bed, listening to Ben pace in his room most of the night. He had half expected Ben to insist on coming to town in the middle of the night.<\/p>\n

But Ben had kept his promise and waited until dawn to hitch the wagon and load the back with mattresses, blankets and pillows. He had kept the wagon moving at a steady pace all the way to town. But Hoss knew how anxious Ben was. He could tell by the grim expression on his father\u2019s face and the way his hands tightly clutched the reins.<\/p>\n

Now, at last, Ben was able to pull the wagon to a halt in front of the doctor\u2019s office. Throwing down the reins, He jumped from the driver\u2019s seat and rushed to the door of the doctor\u2019s office, pushing it open with a bang.<\/p>\n

“Morning, Ben,” Doctor Martin greeted Ben in a cheerful voice as the worried father entered the office. The doctor had a cup of coffee in his hand. He glanced at the clock.
\n“Seven am,” observed Doctor Martin with a smile. “Not bad. I was figuring you\u2019d be here by six.”<\/p>\n

“How is he?” Ben asked, not needing to explain the “he”.<\/p>\n

“Joe\u2019s doing fine,” replied the doctor. “He\u2019s sore but there\u2019s nothing wrong with him that a little time and care won\u2019t cure.” Doctor Martin turned and walked toward the back of the waiting room. “Adam is giving him breakfast.”<\/p>\n

With rapid steps, Ben and Hoss followed the doctor to the room in which Joe had been taken. As Doctor Martin opened the door to the room, Ben hung back. He stopped at the
\ndoorway and looked in.<\/p>\n

Joe was sitting up on the examining table, his back braced by several pillows. A plate of scrambled eggs sat on Joe\u2019s lap, and a cup of coffee was perched on the side of the table. Joe was awkwardly trying to eat, forking some eggs carefully into a mouth he could barely open. His bandaged right hand laid useless on the table. Adam was standing next to the table, buttering a piece of bread for his brother. Neither Adam nor Joe saw Ben standing in the doorway. Their attention was drawn to Hoss and Doctor Martin as the two men entered the room.<\/p>\n

Even though Hoss had described Joe\u2019s injuries, Ben was shocked by his son\u2019s
\nappearance. Joe\u2019s lip was swollen, and it seemed as if there was more skin on his face that was bruised than not. Ben could see the bandages which were tightly wrapped around Joe\u2019s ribs. The edges of some bruises were visible over the top of the bandages.<\/p>\n

Once again, Ben was torn by conflicting feelings. He wanted to rush forward and comfort his youngest son. At the same time, he felt the urge to go find Sam Parker and throttle the man. He knew Parker was behind what happened to Joe. Taking a deep breath to calm himself, Ben entered the room.<\/p>\n

“I thought I told you to stay out of trouble,” Ben declared in a loud voice, placing his hands on his hips.<\/p>\n

Looking up, Joe winced, both his father\u2019s words and the pain almost any movement caused. “Um, hi Pa,” said Joe in a hesitant voice. For a moment, he was concerned that his father was angry at him. Then Joe saw the affection \u2013 and the worry \u2013 in his father\u2019s eyes. Joe tried to smile, but it was a feeble attempt, given his bruises and swollen lip.<\/p>\n

Walking across the room, Ben put his hand on Joe\u2019s bare shoulder and stroked in lightly. “How are you doing, son?” he asked in a sympathetic voice.<\/p>\n

“I\u2019m all right,” Joe answered, trying to sound healthier than he felt. He shifted a bit on the table and winced. “Just a little sore,” he added.<\/p>\n

“A little?” said Adam with a raised eyebrow. “An hour ago, you couldn\u2019t sit up by yourself.”<\/p>\n

“All right, a lot sore,” admitted Joe. He looked up at Ben. “It wasn\u2019t my fault.”<\/p>\n

“I know, Joe,” said Ben, his voice full of understanding. “Hoss told me what happened.”<\/p>\n

“I just knew I\u2019d have to end up doing your chores,” commented Hoss with a smile. “This is a pretty drastic way of getting me to do them, though.”<\/p>\n

“That\u2019s what big brothers are for, isn\u2019t it,” rejoined Joe. He tried once more to smile but his face showed more of a grimace than a grin. “I could have handled Jake but his friends kind of got in the way.”<\/p>\n

“You don\u2019t have to worry about Jake,” promised Hoss. “I plan to take care of him myself.”<\/p>\n

“Now wait a minute,” said Ben quickly. He looked around the room. “I don\u2019t want any of you going after those miners on your own. Roy Coffee will take care of them legally. Sam Parker is just looking for an excuse to cause us more trouble. Let\u2019s not give it to him.”<\/p>\n

“But, Pa\u2026” Hoss started.<\/p>\n

“Hoss, I know how you feel,” Ben interrupted his son. He looked at Joe\u2019s bruised and swollen face, and took a deep breath. “But going after those miners isn\u2019t going to help things. You\u2019ll only end up in the jail cell next to them.”<\/p>\n

“Parker\u2019s the one we should go after,” said Adam grimly.<\/p>\n

Once more, Ben looked around the room, fixing a stern look on each of his sons. “I want you three to give me your word that you won\u2019t harm those miners or Sam Parker,” said Ben in a firm voice. He looked at the three grim faces of his boys. “Please,” added Ben in a softer tone.<\/p>\n

For a moment, Adam and Hoss looked at each other, both men struggling with mixed emotions. Finally Adam shrugged. “All right, Pa,” he agreed in a resigned voice. “We\u2019ll wait to see what the law does.”<\/p>\n

“Thank you,” said Ben. He turned to Doctor Martin. “Can we take Joe home?”<\/p>\n

The doctor nodded. “In a bit. I want him to finish eating that breakfast. And I want to check him over one more time before you take him home.”<\/p>\n

“Doc, I don\u2019t need to be poked and prodded any more,” complained Joe.<\/p>\n

“Joseph, you do what the doctor says,” Ben ordered his son. “Finish your breakfast.”<\/p>\n

Sighing, Joe slowly lifted a fork full of eggs to his lips. He managed to open his mouth wide enough to get the eggs in. But he winced as he chewed.<\/p>\n

Ben turned back to the doctor. “How long until Joe\u2019s ready to go?” he asked softly.<\/p>\n

“Give me about half an hour,” replied the doctor.<\/p>\n

“All right,” said Ben. He looked toward Adam and jerked his head a bit. Adam walked over to his father.<\/p>\n

“Any trouble last night?” asked Ben in a low voice.<\/p>\n

Adam shook his head. “No. I saw a couple of miners in the street when the saloon closed, but they were so drunk they could hardly walk. Nobody tried to get into the office.”<\/p>\n

“Good,” replied Ben. “Hoss,” he said in a louder voice, “you and Adam help the doctor get Joe ready to go. I have to run a quick errand. I\u2019ll be back in a little while.”<\/p>\n

“Where you going, Pa?” asked Hoss.<\/p>\n

“Just something I have to take care of,” answered Ben vaguely. He looked at Joe. “And you eat that breakfast, young man,” he ordered. Ben turned and walked out of the room.<\/p>\n

Walking from the doctor\u2019s office. Ben quickly headed down the street. Virginia City was just beginning to stir; only a few people were up and about. Ben walked by all of them without seeing them.<\/p>\n

Ben walked to the edge of town and turned into the yard of a house. The house had a new look; the paint was still a fresh white, and the yard showed only a few tufts of grass. Ben walked purposefully to the front door and banged on it loudly with his fist.<\/p>\n

Impatient, Ben continued to pound on the wooden entrance for several minutes before the door was pulled open. Sam Parker stood in the doorway, wearing a partially buttoned white shirt. The suspenders attached to his dark pants were hanging down against the side of his legs. Parker\u2019s face showed surprise and then satisfaction as he recognized his caller. “You\u2019re up early, Cartwright,” remarked Parker.<\/p>\n

“I want to talk with you,” said Ben without preamble.<\/p>\n

“Of course,” replied Parker in a smug voice. He pulled open the door. “Come in.”
\nBen followed Parker into the house.<\/p>\n

“Please sit down,” said Parker graciously. “Can I get you some coffee?”<\/p>\n

Ben stood just inside the door, ignoring Parker\u2019s offers. “Parker, I know you were behind what happened to my boy yesterday,” declared Ben in a grim tone of voice.<\/p>\n

Parker eased himself into a chair. “I had nothing to do with it,” replied Parker easily. “It\u2019s not my fault the miners got mad at you and took it out on your son. It\u2019s understandable, though. Your refusal to sell me that lumber has caused them to be out of work.”<\/p>\n

“You bailed them out of jail,” Ben stated.<\/p>\n

“Just taking care of some of my men,” answered Parker. He smiled wryly. “Isn\u2019t that what you told me to do?” His face grew serious. “I hope you now understand the ramifications of your refusal to sell me the lumber I need,” the mine owner added. “I hope your coming to see me means that you\u2019ve come to your senses and are ready to make a deal.”<\/p>\n

Ben\u2019s eyes narrowed. “Parker, I\u2019m never going to sell you that lumber,” Ben asserted in an icy voice. “I wouldn\u2019t sell you one branch from the Ponderosa. What I came to tell you is that you\u2019re finished in Virginia City.”<\/p>\n

Parker looked startled. “Is that a threat?”<\/p>\n

“No, it\u2019s a promise,” replied Ben. “Before I\u2019m done, you\u2019re going to wish you never heard the name Cartwright. You made the biggest mistake of your life when you hurt one of my boys. And you\u2019re going to pay for it.”<\/p>\n

Nervously, Parker looked around the room. “If you do anything to me, the sheriff will get you,” said Parker, wetting his lips. He patted his hair in an unconscious gesture. “You kill me and you\u2019ll hang.”<\/p>\n

“I\u2019m not going to kill you,” Ben told the mine owner, his voice full of contempt. “I\u2019m not
\ngoing to do anything outside the law. But I am going to make you pay.”<\/p>\n

“What are you going to do?” asked Parker in a frightened voice.<\/p>\n

“You\u2019ll find out,” Ben promised harshly. With that, he turned and walked out of the house.<\/p>\n

Parker sat staring at the door for several minutes after Ben left. He knew Ben Cartwright\u2019s reputation. He was a man who never went back on his word. Parker tried to figure out what Ben had in mind, but finally gave up. He thought briefly about selling out quickly and leaving Virginia City. Then he shook his head. He had a good thing going and plans to make even more money. He would never have a chance like this again to become rich. Richer, he amended to himself. He already was a rich man. But he could become even richer. No, thought Sam Parker, the money he was going to make was much too important to him. He\u2019d just have to deal with whatever Ben Cartwright planned to do.<\/p>\n

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

The streets of Virginia City were much busier as Ben stood outside the doctor\u2019s office about half an hour after his visit to Parker. Several people looked curiously at the Ben as they walked by. He was standing at the end of the wagon, smoothing blankets and straightening the mattresses.<\/p>\n

“Mr. Cartwright?” said a soft voice. He turned from the wagon to see a woman standing a few feet away. She was wearing a short purple dress, and her blond hair was pinned up high on her head. Her hands clutched the ends of the light shawl that was thrown around her shoulders.<\/p>\n

“Yes, can I help you?” asked Ben.<\/p>\n

“Mr. Cartwright,” the woman repeated nervously, “my name is Francie. I work down at the Silver Dollar.” Ben nodded, indicating he knew who she was. “I\u2019ve been seeing one of the miners regular like,\u201d Francie continued. \u201cHis name is Jake. He\u2019s one of the miners your son Adam had arrested yesterday. Jake came over to the saloon last night. He\u2019s real worried about going to jail.”<\/p>\n

“Well, I\u2019m sorry for your sake, but I\u2019m afraid he is going to jail,” said Ben.<\/p>\n

“Mr. Cartwright, Jake\u2019s not all bad,” Francie claimed. “He just loses his temper. He told me that you\u2019re going to send him to jail just because he had a fight with your son, Joe.”<\/p>\n

Ben cocked his head. “It was a little more than just a fight.”<\/p>\n

“I know you\u2019re probably mad,” acknowledged Francie. “Jake\u2019s a lot bigger than Joe, and he probably shouldn\u2019t have gotten into a fight with him. But sending Jake to jail just \u2018cause of a fight? That ain\u2019t right.”<\/p>\n

Ben started to answer, but the sound of the doctor\u2019s door opening drew his
\nattention. He turned and took a few steps toward the door.<\/p>\n

Adam and Hoss were helping Joe walk out of the office. Both had their hands around one of Joe\u2019s elbows, and both were holding their brother up as well as easing him forward. Joe walked slowly, and the pain each step was causing was evident on his battered face.<\/p>\n

Seeing that Adam and Hoss had Joe well in hand, Ben turned and walked back to the wagon. Once more, he straightened the mattresses. He also pulled the blankets to the side.<\/p>\n

As he slowly made his way to the wagon with the help of his brothers. Joe let out a few soft grunts. Adam and Hoss eased Joe down so he was sitting on the end of the wagon. Moving quickly, Adam climbed into the wagon and then gently pulled Joe across the mattresses. Joe winced and groaned as his brother tugged him toward the back of the wagon. When Adam had Joe all the way in the wagon, he helped Joe to lay down. Adam shifted the pillows under Joe\u2019s head, trying to make his brother as comfortable as possible. Once Joe was settled, Adam looked to Ben, who was standing at the end of the wagon with some blankets in his hands. Ben threw the blankets over Joe, and Adam reached down to pull the blankets up to Joe\u2019s shoulders. Then Adam climbed out of the wagon.<\/p>\n

“I\u2019m going to get my horse and Joe\u2019s horse,” remarked Adam as he climbed down. “I\u2019ll catch up with you on the trail.” He didn\u2019t pay any attention to the girl standing a few feet away as he walked past her.<\/p>\n

“Hoss, you drive,” ordered Ben. “I\u2019m going to ride in the back with Joe.” Hoss nodded and walked to the front of the wagon.<\/p>\n

Ben was about to climb into the wagon when he felt a hand grab his arm. Ben turned and looked. Francie stood next to him; her face was pale and her eyes were wide.<\/p>\n

“Mr. Cartwright,” Francie asked in a trembling voice. “Did Jake do that to Joe?”<\/p>\n

“Jake and several of his friends,” confirmed Ben with a nod. “They jumped him and worked him over pretty good.”<\/p>\n

With a shocked expression on her face, Francie looked into the back of the wagon. She could see Joe\u2019s battered face and had heard the soft grunts of pain. Then she turned back to Ben. “Forget what I said,” Francie declared in a firm voice. “You ought to send Jake to jail for what he did.” She looked into the back of the wagon again. “I hope you send Jake to jail for a long time,” she added.<\/p>\n

“I\u2019m sorry,” said Ben sympathetically.<\/p>\n

“Don\u2019t be,” replied Francie. “Joe\u2019s a good guy. He\u2019s always treated me nice. He didn\u2019t deserve this.” The girl shook her head. “I don\u2019t think I\u2019ll be seeing Jake any more.”<\/p>\n

Once more, Francie looked into the back of the wagon. Joe\u2019s eyes were closed, and a fine sheen of sweat was visible on his forehead. Even the short walk from the office to the wagon had obviously been difficult for Joe. He looked exhausted by what should have been an easy stroll.<\/p>\n

“Tell Joe I\u2019m sorry,” Francie said in a soft voice. “Tell him I said I hope he feels better soon.” Tears started to well up in her eyes. “Tell him\u2026” Francie turned abruptly and walked away.<\/p>\n

For a moment, Ben watched as the girl walked away, then turned and climbed into the back of the wagon. He settled himself next to Joe, making sure he was positioned to hold his son if necessary. “All right, Hoss,” he called over his shoulder to the big man sitting in the driver\u2019s seat. “Let\u2019s get started. Take it slow, though. Take it real slow.”<\/p>\n

Hoss nodded and snapped the reins gently. The horses started to walk slowly and the wagon began to roll at a funeral pace. Ben put his hand on Joe\u2019s head and stroked it lightly. “We\u2019re going home, son,” he said softly.<\/p>\n

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

Ben stared into the flickering flames of the fire late that evening. As he gazed at the blaze, Ben was finalizing plans in his mind. He also asked himself again whether his actions against Parker were vengeful or justified. He thought about the ride home from Virginia City. It had taken a long time to get home because Hoss had kept the horses to a walk. Even so, the wagon bounced and jiggled occasionally as it rolled over a bump in the road. Each bump caused a small groan from Joe. And each groan hardened Ben\u2019s resolve to rid Virginia City of Sam Parker.<\/p>\n

Ben had spent most of the day sitting next to Joe\u2019s bed, watching his son sleep. It had been a difficult and slow process to get Joe to his room once the wagon arrived at the Ponderosa. The climb up the stairs had been a particularly difficult and arduous task for Joe, despite the helping arms of his brothers. By the time they managed to get him into the bed, Joe was exhausted.<\/p>\n

As he had watched over his sleeping son, Ben had questioned his motives. He had always taught his sons that pure revenge was wrong, and he truly believed it. But there also was a time when men had to stand up against a growing evil, and Ben also truly believed this was such a time. Sam Parker had done nothing but cause misery in Virginia City, and had lined his pockets with the profits from the misery he had caused.<\/p>\n

But Ben continued to question himself. Did he want to lash out at Sam Parker because he had caused such pain to Joe, because Parker had hurt his son? Or did he really want to try rid the community of a man who would continue to cause misery if someone didn\u2019t stop him. Ben was beginning to suspect both motives were behind his plan. But it didn\u2019t really matter, thought Ben grimly. Getting Sam Parker out of Virginia City was the right thing to do, regardless of the reasons.<\/p>\n

“Pa?” a voice broke into Ben\u2019s reverie. He looked up to see Adam standing on the last step of the staircase.<\/p>\n

“What is it?” asked Ben, rousing himself. “Is Joe all right?”<\/p>\n

“Joe\u2019s fine,” replied Adam reassuringly. “Or as fine as he can be under the circumstances. He was having a hard time getting to sleep. He said he couldn\u2019t find a way to lie in bed without hurting. Frankly, I think he\u2019s just slept out.”<\/p>\n

“He did sleep most of the day,” agreed Ben. He frowned and sat forward in the chair. “Maybe I should go up\u2026”<\/p>\n

“Hoss is with him,” interrupted Adam. “And Joe was practically asleep when I left.” Adam hesitated as he watched his father sit back in his favorite red leather chair. The expression he had seen on Ben\u2019s face when he descended the stairs had scared Adam a bit. He couldn\u2019t remember his father\u2019s face ever looking that fierce. As Adam watched, Ben turned to look at the fire again. Gradually, his father\u2019s features started to harden once more.<\/p>\n

“Pa?” Adam said again. “What are you planning to do about Parker?”<\/p>\n

Ben looked up at his oldest son, startled at the question. “What makes you think I\u2019m planning to do anything about Parker?” asked Ben.<\/p>\n

“Because I know you,” replied Adam with a small smile. He descended the last step and went over to sit in the blue chair near the stairs. “I know you won\u2019t let Sam Parker get away with everything he\u2019s done. That beating that Joe got. That was the last straw, wasn\u2019t it?”<\/p>\n

A small smile appeared on Ben\u2019s lips as he looked at Adam. “I guess I\u2019m easier to read than I thought,” said Ben.<\/p>\n

“Only because I\u2019ve lived with you for about 30 years,” Adam declared with a grin. Then his face grew solemn. “What do you plan to do?”<\/p>\n

Looking in the fire, Ben said nothing for a minute. Then his face took on a determined expression. “I\u2019m going to rid Virginia City of Sam Parker,” Ben told his oldest son quietly. He looked up and saw Adam was frowning. “Don\u2019t worry,\u201d he added, “I\u2019m not going to kill him. I\u2019m not going to do anything that is illegal. But I am going to make sure Sam Parker doesn\u2019t cause any more pain and misery around here.”<\/p>\n

“What can I do to help?” Adam asked.<\/p>\n

Ben hesitated. “Maybe you should stay out of it. This is something I should do.”<\/p>\n

“Pa, I saw my brother laying in the dirt, beaten to a pulp by Sam Parker\u2019s thugs,” said Adam grimly. “I\u2019m not staying out of it.”<\/p>\n

“Neither am I,” Hoss asserted in a quiet voice as he descended the stairs. “Nobody half kills my little brother and gets away with it. Not while I\u2019m around.”<\/p>\n

Ben looked at both his sons for a moment, then nodded. “All right, here\u2019s
\nwhat I want you boys to do,” began Ben.<\/p>\n

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

Parker sat in his office adding the profits from yesterday\u2019s mining to his tally book. He was pleased with the numbers. Even with the Last Dollar closed, he was still making a tidy sum. Parker sat back in his chair. He wondered about Ben Cartwright and his threat. It had been almost a week since Cartwright had showed up on his doorstep. So far nothing had happened. Parker was beginning to think that Ben Cartwright was all talk. He smiled to himself. Even the great Ben Cartwright couldn\u2019t take on Sam Parker, he
\nthought smugly.<\/p>\n

As the door to his office opened, Parker looked up. He was surprised to see Roy Coffee walk in. “Hello, sheriff,” said Parker without alarm. “What can I do for you?”<\/p>\n

Roy Coffee threw a piece of paper on Parker\u2019s desk. “I came to give you this,” Coffee replied. “It\u2019s a new ordinance passed by the town council last night. It prohibits the employment of anyone under the age of 16 in a mining job.”<\/p>\n

Picking up the paper, Parker frowned. He read it carefully. “You don\u2019t really think this is enforceable, do you?” Parker asked skeptically.<\/p>\n

“Yes, I do,” replied Coffee. “In fact, I\u2019m going to make sure it\u2019s enforced.”<\/p>\n

“Sheriff, I employ about 20 kids under the age of 16 in my mines,” explained Parker. “They work there because they need the money. If you try to stop them from working, they\u2019ll starve.”<\/p>\n

“The town council thought of that,” replied the sheriff. “They\u2019re starting what they call a \u2018work study\u2019 program. Those kids will go to school, and after school, they\u2019ll work around town. And the town will pay the same as what you\u2019re paying them.” Coffee gave Parker a disgusted look. “It ain\u2019t all that much.”<\/p>\n

Parker frowned. Finding adults who would do the jobs that the kids were doing would be difficult. And expensive. He looked up at the sheriff as a thought struck him. “Who proposed this ordnance?” he demanded. “Ben Cartwright?”<\/p>\n

“No, it was Hoss Cartwright,” admitted the sheriff. “And he\u2019s the one who came up with the idea of hiring the kids after school. The Cartwrights even offered to make up the difference if the town couldn\u2019t afford it.”<\/p>\n

“I thought so,” said Parker with a shake of his head. “Well, all right. Go tell those kids they\u2019re fired. If Ben Cartwright thinks that\u2019s going to close me down, he\u2019s sadly mistaken.”<\/p>\n

The door to the office opened again, and a man wearing a dark suit walked in. “Mr. Parker?” asked the man. “Mr. Sam Parker?”<\/p>\n

“I\u2019m Sam Parker,” confirmed Parker.<\/p>\n

The man pulled his wallet out and opened it, showing a card to the mine owner. “My name
\nis Walt Jenkins,” said the man. “I\u2019m the chief inspector for the mines for the territory of Nevada. I\u2019m here to inspect your mines.”<\/p>\n

“Jim Hicks usually does the inspections,” remarked Parker with a frown.<\/p>\n

“Mr. Hicks is unavailable,” replied Jenkins, replacing his wallet. “I\u2019m doing the inspections.”<\/p>\n

Sighing, Parker opened a drawer of his desk. He pulled out an envelope and handed it across the desk. “I suppose you want the same consideration as Hicks,” said Parker. He glanced at Roy Coffee standing across the room. “Maybe we\u2019d better talk later.”<\/p>\n

Picking up the envelope, Jenkins opened it carefully. It was filled with cash. The mine inspector threw the envelope down on the table. “I don\u2019t take bribes,” Jenkins declared in a cold voice. “Maybe I need to look at Hicks\u2019 operation closer.”<\/p>\n

“I didn\u2019t mean it as a bribe,” Parker explained hastily. “It\u2019s just money to cover expenses. Inspecting the mines can take some time. I just wanted to make sure you had enough to cover a hotel room and get a decent meal.”<\/p>\n

“The territory covers my expenses,” said Jenkins shortly.<\/p>\n

Parker nodded agreeably. “That\u2019s fine. When would you like to start your inspection? Tomorrow?”<\/p>\n

“As a matter of fact, I\u2019ve already finished my inspection,” said Jenkins, reaching into the pocket of his jacket and pulling out a piece of paper. “And I have to say, in all my years of doing this work, I\u2019ve never seen three mines that look less safe. Here\u2019s a list of things that need to be fixed in those mines. Until they are fixed, you\u2019re shut down.”<\/p>\n

“What!” exclaimed Parker. He picked up the paper and read over it. “It will take at least a month, maybe longer, to do all this. And it will cost a fortune.”<\/p>\n

Jenkins shrugged. “If you say so,” he stated with a lack of concern in his voice. “But you can\u2019t operate your mines until I say so. And I won\u2019t say so until you fix all the things on that list.”<\/p>\n

Parker\u2019s eyes narrowed. “Who asked you to inspect the mines?” he asked slowly. “Ben Cartwright?”<\/p>\n

“I don\u2019t work for Ben Cartwright,” replied Jenkins in a cold voice. Then he relented. “The governor did ask me to personally check out your mines,” he admitted. “It\u2019s my job to check up on our field inspectors. I often check out mines on my own, so his request wasn\u2019t out of line.”<\/p>\n

“And Ben Cartwright is a close friend of the governor?” asked Parker.<\/p>\n

“I wouldn\u2019t know,” Jenkins answered with a shrug. Jenkins turned to Roy Coffee. “Sheriff, I want your cooperation in making sure those mines aren\u2019t worked
\nuntil I give you the say so,” said Jenkins.<\/p>\n

“Happy to oblige,” replied Coffee<\/p>\n

“If Ben Cartwright thinks he has trouble now, wait until all those miners are out of work,” said Parker smugly. “He\u2019ll really have his hands full.”<\/p>\n

The door to the office opened once again, and Jake walked in. He stopped, startled to see the other two men in the office. Then he crossed the room and slapped a paper down on Parker\u2019s desk. “Hey, boss, have you seen this?” asked Jake. “They\u2019re passing out flyers to all the men on your payroll. The other mines in town are offering them all jobs. And at more than you\u2019re paying them. All the men on your crews are quitting.”<\/p>\n

Parker snatched the paper up and read it. He looked at Roy Coffee. “That can\u2019t do that! I want you to put a stop this, sheriff,” demanded Parker.<\/p>\n

Coffee shook his head. “Nothing illegal about offering a man a job,” said the sheriff, a smile playing at his lips.<\/p>\n

“And I suppose Ben Cartwright is behind this too,” said Parker.<\/p>\n

The sheriff shrugged. “I wouldn\u2019t know. All I know is Ben has a lot of friends.”<\/p>\n

Angrily, Parker balled up the paper and threw it in a waste basket on the floor. “Well, if Ben Cartwright thinks he\u2019s going to run me out of town, he\u2019s got another think coming,” stated Parker with bravado. But even as he spoke, beads of sweat broke out on Parker\u2019s forehead.<\/p>\n

“Jake,” said the sheriff, taking a step forward. “I\u2019m glad you\u2019re here. Saves me the trouble of trying to find you. The judge has set your trial for the end of the week. You be at the courthouse on Friday morning, you hear.”<\/p>\n

“My trial!” exclaimed Jake in a frightened voice. He turned to Parker. “You said there wouldn\u2019t be any trial. You said that you\u2019d talk to the judge.”<\/p>\n

“I did,” insisted Parker. “The judge said if I forfeited the bail money, there would be no trial.”<\/p>\n

“The judge has changed his mind,” Roy Coffee explained. “He\u2019s going ahead with the trial.” The sheriff looked at Jake. “If you\u2019re convicted of attempted murder, you could go to jail for twenty years.”<\/p>\n

“Twenty years?” gasped Jake. “Just for beating up the Cartwright kid?”<\/p>\n

“For trying to kill Joe Cartwright,” amended the sheriff. He gave Jake a pointed look. “Of course, the judge might look kindly on someone who told him more about what happened\u2026.like maybe who put him up to attacking Joe Cartwright.”<\/p>\n

“Jake, you keep your mouth shut,” snarled Parker. “There\u2019s a lot worse things than going to jail.”<\/p>\n

Jake looked back and forth between the sheriff and Parker, unsure what to do.<\/p>\n

“Oh, and don\u2019t try to leave town,” added Roy Coffee. “I\u2019ve got some extra deputies on duty. They\u2019re going to make sure you and the others are here for the trial. If you try to leave Virginia City, I\u2019m afraid I\u2019m going to have to put you in jail. Just to make sure you\u2019re here for the trial.”<\/p>\n

Jake paled and swallowed hard.<\/p>\n

Jenkins took a step forward. “Mr. Parker, you contact me when you\u2019ve finished those improvements in the mines,” said the inspector. “I\u2019ll do another inspection then. Until then, don\u2019t try to bring out any ore. If you do, I\u2019ll make sure you\u2019re arrested.” Jenkins turned and stalked out of the office.<\/p>\n

“This is all Ben Cartwright\u2019s doing,” screamed Parker. “He\u2019s trying to ruin me!”<\/p>\n

Sheriff Roy Coffee smiled. “Ben isn\u2019t doing anything illegal,” remarked the sheriff. He turned to Jake. “You remember what I said,” he told the miner sternly. Then he turned and walked out of the office.<\/p>\n

“Mr. Parker, what are we going to do?” asked Jake. “You gotta protect me. You gotta keep me out of jail.”<\/p>\n

Parker put his head in his hands. “Don\u2019t bother me now,” he mumbled. “I\u2019ve got bigger problems.”<\/p>\n

Jake glowered at the man behind the desk. “You\u2019re gonna be sorry if I have to stand trial for beating up Joe Cartwright,” Jake threatened.<\/p>\n

Parker raised his head. “I\u2019m sorry I ever heard the name Cartwright,” he moaned.<\/p>\n

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

The buggy, followed by two riders on horseback, rolled sedately down the main street of Virginia City on Friday morning. Ben pulled the buggy to a halt in front of the Virginia City Courthouse.<\/p>\n

“You two stable your horses,” Ben said to Adam and Hoss who had pulled their horses up next to the buggy. “Joe and I will wait here for you.”<\/p>\n

Ben watched Adam and Hoss ride off, then turned to Joe who was sitting next to him in the buggy. The bruises on Joe\u2019s face had begun to fade but a motley collection of blue, green and yellow marks were still very visible. Joe was resting his sore ribs against a pillow in the buggy. His right hand was still heavily bandaged and held protectively against Joe\u2019 chest.<\/p>\n

“Are you sure you\u2019re up to this?” Ben asked his son anxiously. He was still thinking about how gingerly Joe had climbed into the buggy this morning. “I\u2019m sure I can ask the judge to delay things for a few more days if you want.”<\/p>\n

Joe shook his head. “No, let\u2019s get this over with,” he replied. “We agreed that we want to keep the pressure on Parker,” he added. “This ought to force at least one of those miners to admit Parker put them up to it.” Then Joe grinned. “Besides, I want the jury to see my bruises at their best. If that doesn\u2019t convince them, nothing will.”<\/p>\n

Ben grinned back at his irrepressible son. After almost a week of barely being able to talk and eat, not to mention stabs of pain every time he moved, Joe was finally beginning to act like his old self. Ben had sighed with relief when Joe and Adam had argued over dinner last night, and when Joe had kidded Hoss about how much he was eating. Parker\u2019s men may have broken Joe\u2019s body a bit, thought Ben, but they didn\u2019t put a dent in his spirit.<\/p>\n

“Hi Joe!” a small voice shouted. Ben and Joe looked toward the voice. Billy was walking up the sidewalk, neatly dressed in a white shirt, string tie and dark pants. Frank Harris, the store owner, was walking with Billy.<\/p>\n

“Hi Billy,” said Joe with a smile. “You look awful dressed up.”<\/p>\n

“I\u2019m going to testify,” announced Billy proudly. “The sheriff says I have to tell the judge all about what\u2026” Billy hesitated a minute. “About what those men did to you.” Billy\u2019s face grew sad. “I\u2019m sorry you got hurt, Joe.”<\/p>\n

“I\u2019m sorry, too, Billy,” replied Joe with a smile. “But it might have been worse if you hadn\u2019t been there. I want to thank you for that. And it\u2019s awful brave of you to testify in court.”<\/p>\n

“I was a little scared about it,” admitted Billy. He turned and looked up at Frank. “But Mr. Harris told Ma at dinner last night that he\u2019d go with me. He promised he\u2019d look after me.”<\/p>\n

Ben\u2019s eyebrows went up as he looked at Frank. “At dinner last night?” said Ben with a smile.<\/p>\n

Looking down, Frank shuffled his feet. “Billy\u2019s mother\u2019s is a good cook, and I get tired of eating my own cooking,” he mumbled in an embarrassed tone. He looked up. “She\u2019s a fine woman,” added Frank.<\/p>\n

“I\u2019m sure she is,” Joe said with a grin. “Be sure to invite us to the wedding.”<\/p>\n

Nervously, Frank cleared his throat. “Um, Billy, maybe we\u2019d better get inside,” the store owner said quickly. He took the boy\u2019s hand and led him into the courthouse.<\/p>\n

“It\u2019s about time Frank got married,” observed Ben. He looked at Joe. “And it\u2019s about time we thought about getting into the courthouse, too.”<\/p>\n

Climbing out of the buggy, Ben walked around the back to Joe\u2019s side. He grabbed Joe\u2019s arm and helped his son ease his still sore body out of the buggy. Joe nodded his thanks as he rested against the side of the buggy.<\/p>\n

“Cartwright!” a voice screamed from behind Ben. Ben turned to see Sam Parker rushing down the street toward him. Parker\u2019s previous look of confidence and polish were gone. In its place was a look of desperation. Parker\u2019s clothes were rumpled and his hair was disheveled. The stumble of a beard covered his chin, and his eyes had a wild look.<\/p>\n

“Cartwright!” Parker shouted again as he came up to the buggy. “You\u2019re ruining me. Do you hear me? You\u2019re going to drive me out of business.”<\/p>\n

Ben could smell the whiskey on Parker\u2019s breath. “Parker, get out of here,” said Ben coldly. “I have nothing to say to you.”<\/p>\n

Looking around wildly, Parker saw the crowd of people his shouting had attracted. “Do you know what he\u2019s done?” he asked in a loud voice. “Do you know what Ben Cartwright has done to me? He got the state inspector to close my mines. But that doesn\u2019t matter, because I can\u2019t get anyone to work in them anyway. Not since Mr. High and Mighty Ben Cartwright got his friends to offer them all better jobs. And now I find his son Adam has been telling everyone I\u2019m broke. All my suppliers are demanding payment, and they won\u2019t sell me anything unless I pay for it first! And the bank is demanding payment on
\ntheir loan.”<\/p>\n

“All my son Adam did was to tell some businessmen the honest truth about your situation,” replied Ben. “We felt they had a right to know. Given the way you do business, it wouldn\u2019t be a surprise if you didn\u2019t pay your bills. I didn\u2019t want anyone else to lose money because of you.”<\/p>\n

“Lose money!” laughed Parker. “Let me tell you about losing money! I haven\u2019t had a cent coming in for over a week, and I\u2019m paying out money right and left. And it\u2019s all your fault!”<\/p>\n

“I haven\u2019t done anything illegal,” said Ben in a cold voice. “All I\u2019ve done is what I promised you.”<\/p>\n

“You\u2019re trying to bankrupt me!” screamed Parker. He looked at Joe, who gave Parker an icy stare. “It\u2019s your fault!” ranted Parker, pointing at Joe. “All you had to do was tell you Pa to sell me that lumber. You wouldn\u2019t listen, would you? You deserve everything you got.”<\/p>\n

Moving quickly, Ben took a step to stand between Parker and Joe. “I think you\u2019d better leave,” said Ben, his voice reflecting the anger he was beginning to feel. “You\u2019d better leave before I do something I\u2019ll regret.”<\/p>\n

“You\u2019ll regret?” Parker laughed wildly. “You Cartwrights don\u2019t regret anything, do you?”<\/p>\n

“Ben, what\u2019s going on here?” asked Roy Coffee as he walked up to the buggy. Ben turned to look at Coffee. Ben could see Jake and the other miners standing a few feet behind the sheriff. Four deputies with rifles surrounded the men.<\/p>\n

“Parker was just leaving,” said Ben. He looked Parker straight in the eye. “You are leaving, aren\u2019t you, Mr. Parker,” he added ominously.<\/p>\n

Before Parker could answer, Jake took a few steps forward. “Mr. Parker, what are you going to do about our trial?” asked the miner in a worried voice. “You promised me I wouldn\u2019t have to go to jail.”<\/p>\n

Parker looked at Jake and laughed. “I couldn\u2019t care less about what happens to you. You boys are on your own.”<\/p>\n

Jake\u2019s face turned red with anger. “Sheriff,” he said in loud voice, “I think you\u2019d better arrest Parker here, and make sure he goes to jail with us. He\u2019s the one who told us to beat up Joe Cartwright. He promised us $20 each if we made sure the kid got a beating he\u2019d never forget.”<\/p>\n

“He\u2019s lying,” shouted Parker, turning pale. “I never said anything like that. He\u2019s just trying to get himself out of trouble.”<\/p>\n

“I\u2019m telling the truth,” insisted Jake. He cocked his head. “The others, they\u2019ll back me up.”<\/p>\n

Roy Coffee took a step forward. “Mr. Parker, I think you\u2019d better come with me,” said the sheriff, reach his hands out.<\/p>\n

“No!” screamed Parker, taking a step back. He looked around frantically. “No, don\u2019t let them do this to me,” he shouted. No one in the crowd moved.<\/p>\n

Reaching into the pocket of his jacket, Parker pulled out a derringer. “Don\u2019t come any closer,” he threatened, his arm waving wildly. “I\u2019ll shoot. I swear I\u2019ll shoot. I\u2019ve got nothing to lose.”<\/p>\n

“Parker, put that gun down,” ordered Ben. “It\u2019s over. There\u2019s nothing to be gained by hurting anyone else.”<\/p>\n

Spinning around, Parker pointed the derringer at Ben. “You!” he screamed. “It\u2019s all your fault!” Parker cocked the derringer.<\/p>\n

Roy Coffee had eased his gun out of his holster when Parker pulled the derringer. Now as Parker aimed the small pistol at Ben, the sheriff pulled his gun up to his hip and fired. He had meant only to wound Parker, but he hadn\u2019t had time to aim. The bullet hit Parker square in the chest.<\/p>\n

Parker took a step backwards, his face showing amazement. Then he crumpled to the ground.<\/p>\n

Everyone stood still, shocked at the tragic turn of events. Slowly, Coffee walked toward the body sprawled in the dirt. Ben walked behind the sheriff, his face showing both shock and sorrow.<\/p>\n

Alarmed by the shot, Adam and Hoss came running up the street. They joined Ben and Coffee as they stood over Parker\u2019s body. Adam looked at the figure in the dirt and then at Ben. “Are you all right?” he asked his father. Ben nodded mutely.<\/p>\n

Suddenly, Jake whirled to face Joe, who was watching the scene in the street. “This is all your fault,” Jake yelled, grabbing Joe of the lapel of his jacket. “My boss is dead, my girl won\u2019t have anything to do with me, and now I might go to jail.” He shook Joe hard, then pushed him back against the buggy. Joe winced and let out a groan of pain.<\/p>\n

Jake raised his hand as if to hit Joe. But before he could deliver the punch, a massive hand grabbed his wrist. Jake turned and found himself looking into the face of Hoss Cartwright.<\/p>\n

“I swore if you touched my brother again, I\u2019d come after you,” growled Hoss. He pulled at Jake\u2019s arm and the miner staggered a few steps. Hoss released the man\u2019s arm, and Jake swung hard, hitting Hoss on the jaw. Hoss\u2019 head snapped back but the big man wasn\u2019t fazed. “Is that the best you can do?” asked Hoss in an angry voice.<\/p>\n

Taking a step forward, Hoss drove his fist into Jake\u2019s stomach. He landed another blow on Jake\u2019s chin. Jake stepped backwards, then threw another punch. Hoss saw it coming and ducked. The blow landed harmlessly on Hoss\u2019 shoulder. Jake tried to land another blow but it was a futile effort; Hoss merely ducked again. Hoss\u2019 fury made him even stronger than usual. He punched Jake hard in the jaw and in the stomach. Jake tried to fight back, but he was clearly over-matched. Hoss delivered two more blows, and Jake fell to the ground in a heap.<\/p>\n

Breathing hard, Hoss stood over Jake for a minute. He heard the miner groan and nodded in satisfaction. Then he turned back toward the buggy.<\/p>\n

Standing next to the buggy, Ben and Adam were holding Joe up. Hoss looked at his brother with concern. “Joe?” he asked. “Are you all right?”<\/p>\n

“Yeah,” replied Joe weakly. “Just a few more bruises to add to the collection.” Joe looked toward the miner laying on the ground. “They\u2019re a small price to pay to see you take on Jake,” added Joe with a smile. He looked up at Hoss and the smile widened. “I knew you could take him.”<\/p>\n

Abashed, Hoss looked at Ben. “I\u2019m sorry, Pa,” he said apologetically. “I saw him push
\nJoe and I just lost my temper.”<\/p>\n

“Hoss, you know how I feel about fighting,” replied Ben, trying to look stern. He gave up the effort. “In this case, however, I think it was justified,” Ben advised with a smile.<\/p>\n

Looking relieved, Hoss turned back to Joe and took his brother by the arm. “Let\u2019s get you in the courthouse,” he suggested, “before you figure out any other ways to get some bruises.”<\/p>\n

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

The fire burned brightly in the fireplace of the main room in the ranch house as the Cartwrights relaxed with coffee after dinner. Ben was sitting in his favorite red chair, and Adam had claimed the blue one. Joe was resting his sore body against several pillows at one end of the sofa, and Hoss was sprawled against the other end.<\/p>\n

“One year for assault,” said Adam with a shake of his head. “That doesn\u2019t seem like much punishment for those miners.”<\/p>\n

“I\u2019m satisfied,” Joe replied. “Parker was the one who was behind it. And he paid a bigger price than anyone.” He shook his head. “Parker paid the ultimate price.”<\/p>\n

“I\u2019m sorry about that,” said Ben sadly. “I really am. I never meant for Sam Parker to die.”<\/p>\n

“It wasn\u2019t your fault, Pa,” Adam told his father. “He made the choice to go for a gun. You didn\u2019t have anything to do with it.”<\/p>\n

“Still, I can\u2019t help but feel I drove him to it,” said Ben. He shook his head. “Maybe I went too far.”<\/p>\n

“All you did was keep a promise,” Adam declared. “You told Parker he was finished in Virginia City. He didn\u2019t believe you. And when he found out you were right, he just couldn\u2019t handle it.”<\/p>\n

“I suppose,” said Ben, still sounding unconvinced.<\/p>\n

“Hey, Pa, do you think the families of those mine owners who were killed will be able to buy those mines back?” asked Hoss.<\/p>\n

“I don\u2019t know,” replied Ben. “Somebody is going to have to buy those mines. Parker didn\u2019t leave a will, and as far as anyone knows, he didn\u2019t have a family. His estate will probably be handled by the state. I\u2019m sure they\u2019d be happy to try to work something out with the families of the former owners.”<\/p>\n

Sighing, Joe leaned back against the pillows. “Well, in a few more weeks, I\u2019ll be all healed up, and then things will be back to normal,” said Joe. He smiled. “I kind of like normal.”<\/p>\n

“Oh, that reminds me,” Ben suddenly said. “There was a telegram in town for you.” Ben patted his vest, then reached into the inside pocket. “Here it is,” he said, handing an envelope to Joe.<\/p>\n

Eagerly, Joe tore open the envelope and read the message. He looked up at the curious faces sitting around him. “It\u2019s from Jamison,” he announced with a smile. “The other buyer could only afford half the horses. So Jamison is willing to sell me the other half, and he\u2019s willing to wait until the end of the summer for payment. Says he couldn\u2019t find anyone else who could come up with that much money.”<\/p>\n

“Hey, Joe, that\u2019s great!” said Hoss enthusiastically.<\/p>\n

“Yeah, it is,” agreed Joe. “I\u2019ll take any of the horses Jamison had to offer. They were all good.”<\/p>\n

“I\u2019ll wire him $1,000 in earnest money,” Ben promised. “That should hold the horses until the end of the summer.” He looked at Joe. “You\u2019d better heal up fast,” added Ben with a grin. “You\u2019re going to have a lot of horses to break.”<\/p>\n

“Oh, great!” groaned Joe. “More bruises.”<\/p>\n

“Well, little brother, that\u2019s the price you have to pay to get those horses to act the way you want,” observed Hoss.<\/p>\n

Joe looked thoughtful. “You know, I think I\u2019ve learned that there\u2019s a price to be paid for everything in this life. You don\u2019t get something for nothing.”<\/p>\n

“That\u2019s not entirely true,” advised Ben, leaning back in his chair. “Some things are freely given. They can\u2019t be bought for any price.”<\/p>\n

“Yeah, like what?” asked Hoss.<\/p>\n

Ben looked around the room before he answered. “Things like love, and loyalty, and friendship,” Ben told his sons. “There\u2019s no way those things can be bought. They\u2019re precious gifts. And they\u2019re worth more than anything on earth.”<\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

<\/div>\n

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Summary:\u00a0 Will it be worth the cost to refuse to sell lumber to a new mine owner?<\/p>\n

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