{"id":13976,"date":"2007-10-02T17:36:52","date_gmt":"2007-10-02T21:36:52","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=13976"},"modified":"2026-07-29T13:44:42","modified_gmt":"2026-07-29T17:44:42","slug":"promises-to-keep-by-susan-g","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=13976","title":{"rendered":"Promises to Keep (by Susan G)"},"content":{"rendered":"

Summary:\u00a0 <\/strong>Rustler strike the ranches around Virginia City, leaving one family grieving and a second worried they too might lose a loved one.<\/p>\n

Rating:\u00a0 T\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 (25,550 words)<\/p>\n

Promises to Keep<\/strong><\/p>\n

The sidewalks of Virginia City were crowded but Joe Cartwright\u2019s eyes were fixed on only one person. A pretty blonde in a print dress strolling down the sidewalk held Joe\u2019s gaze as he walked slowly down the street. She seemed to feel Joe\u2019s look; the girl glanced over her shoulder a few times. Joe smiled at her but the girl didn\u2019t notice him in the crowd. Suddenly, Joe felt his shoulder bump into someone.<\/p>\n

\u201cHey, Cartwright!\u201d said a voice. \u201cWatch where you\u2019re going, will ya?\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe looked to his left, ready to offer apologies. He stopped and grinned when he saw the smiling cowboy he had run into. The young man was wearing a blue shirt with a dark bandanna tied loosely in around his neck. He had a dark hat pushed back on his head. The hat covered a mop of unruly strawberry blonde hair, and tufts of the hair were peeking out everywhere. A spray of freckles dotted the man\u2019s nose, making him look younger than his true age of twenty-two. His dark blue eyes seemed to dance with amusement, and his lips formed an easy smile.<\/p>\n

\u201cDave Marshall!\u201d exclaimed Joe. \u201cI haven\u2019t seen you in weeks.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou didn\u2019t see me now,\u201d replied Dave with an ironic smile. \u201cYou were too busy watching someone else.\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe glanced down the street. The girl had disappeared into the crowd. \u201cYeah,\u201d admitted Joe. \u201cI guess I was.\u201d He turned back to Dave. \u201cWhat brings you into Virginia City? I thought you and your Pa were busy breaking that string of horses.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWe were,\u201d answered Dave. \u201cPa had to come in and testify against Pete Bishop. I came along because I thought I might have to testify, too.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cPete Bishop?\u201d said Joe with a frown. Then his face cleared. \u201cOh, yeah, I heard he was arrested for rustling. Your Pa caught him on your place with a running iron, right?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYeah, that\u2019s right,\u201d said Dave. \u201cI wasn\u2019t with Pa when he caught Bishop, but I helped Pa bring him into the sheriff.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSo what happened?\u201d asked Joe curiously. \u201cHow long did he get?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHe didn\u2019t get anything,\u201d replied Dave, his voice filled with disgust. \u201cThe judge let him off. Said there wasn\u2019t enough evidence to convict him.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWasn\u2019t enough evidence!\u201d exclaimed Joe. \u201cDidn\u2019t you tell the judge Bishop had running iron?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYeah, but the judge said having a running iron wasn\u2019t illegal,\u201d said Dave with a shake of his head. \u201cPa told him about the cattle we\u2019re missing, and how he found Bishop with a running iron. But the judge said that wasn\u2019t enough. He said Pa had to actually see him changing brands or herding the stolen cattle.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2019ve lost some cattle, too,\u201d said Joe thoughtfully. \u201cI\u2019ll bet Bishop had something to do with it.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHe probably did, but according to the judge, we\u2019d have to catch him in the act,\u201d said Dave. \u201cIt isn\u2019t just Bishop, either. Near as Pa can tell, a lot of the ranches around here are missing some cattle. He figures there\u2019s a whole gang involved.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cProbably is, for an operation that big,\u201d agreed Joe. Joe clapped Dave on the shoulder. \u201cListen,\u201d he said. \u201cI was heading over to the Silver Dollar to get a beer before I head for home. Why don\u2019t you come and have one with me.\u201d<\/p>\n

Dave turned back to Joe and smiled. \u201cI sure would like to,\u201d he said. \u201cBut I can\u2019t. I got to meet Pa and head back to the ranch. We got a lot of work. a is letting me break most of those horses we caught.\u201d Dave\u2019s chest seemed to puff out a bit. \u201cHe promised to let me take over that part of the ranch business soon.\u201d Dave\u2019s face grew serious. \u201cI\u2019d like to help out Pa a lot more. He could use it.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYeah, he probably could,\u201d agreed Joe.<\/p>\n

\u201cJoe, do you know if there\u2019s a reward out for those rustlers?\u201d asked Dave.<\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t know,\u201d replied Joe. \u201cWhy? Think about going after them?\u201d<\/p>\n

Dave flushed. \u201cNo, not really,\u201d he said. \u201cIt just be nice if I could figure out a way to make a few extra dollars.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cCatching rustlers is a pretty dangerous way of making some money,\u201d commented Joe.<\/p>\n

\u201cYeah, I guess it is,\u201d said Dave vaguely. \u201cI got to run. You keep an eye out for those rustlers, you hear?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI will,\u201d said Joe. Joe hesitated. \u201cDave, don\u2019t go after those rustlers by yourself,\u201d Joe cautioned. \u201cIt\u2019s too dangerous.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI won\u2019t,\u201d replied Dave. \u201cI promise.\u201d<\/p>\n

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

Talk at the dinner table at the Ponderosa that night centered as usual around activities on the ranch. Joe only half-listened to his brother Hoss talking about how fat the herd was getting, and his brother Adam making plans for his trip to San Francisco. Joe was thinking more about rustlers than ranch work. en Cartwright noticed that his youngest son seemed less interested than usual in the conversation at that table. He wasn\u2019t concerned; Joe had more of a distracted look than a worried one. But Ben was curious about what seemed to be drawing Joe\u2019s attention away from family business . Finally, he could contain his curiosity no longer.<\/p>\n

\u201cJoseph,\u201d said Ben during a lull in the conversation. \u201cYou seem a million miles away tonight. Isn\u2019t our work on the Ponderosa of interest to you?\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe looked up at his father with a startled expression. \u201cWhat?\u201d said Joe. \u201cUm, I mean, yes, sir, it is. I was just thinking about something else.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cProbably some pretty little blonde he saw in Virginia City today,\u201d said Hoss with a grin.<\/p>\n

Joe grinned back at his brother. \u201cAs a matter of fact, I did see a nice looking young lady in Virginia City,\u201d he admitted. Then Joe\u2019s face grew serious. \u201cBut I was thinking more about rustlers.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cRustlers?\u201d said Adam in surprise. \u201cWhat brought that on?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI ran into Dave Marshall in town,\u201d said Joe. He smiled briefly thinking how that statement was literally true. \u201cDave told me his father testified against Pete Bishop in his rustling trial but the judge let Bishop go.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cLet him off?\u201d said Hoss in surprise. \u201cHow come?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cDave said the judge said there wasn\u2019t enough evidence,\u201d explained Joe. \u201cThe judge said that you had to actually catch someone in the act to get them convicted.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, that\u2019s not exactly true,\u201d said Ben. \u201cPeople can be convicted on circumstantial evidence. But for serious crimes, like rustling, most judges and juries like to have some hard evidence.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHard evidence?\u201d said Joe with a frown. \u201cBut Dave\u2019s Pa caught Bishop with a running iron. And he caught him near the tracks of some cattle.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThat probably was too circumstantial,\u201d said Adam. \u201cThe judge probably wanted someone who actually saw Bishop using the running iron or driving the cattle.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s what Dave said,\u201d admitted Joe. Joe shook his head. \u201cIt seems like the only way to be sure some is convicted of a crime is to catch them in red-handed. That\u2019s pretty tough to do.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, it\u2019s not the only way to get a conviction,\u201d said Ben. \u201cBut judges and juries do seem to find it easier to convict someone if there\u2019s an eyewitness to the crime.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSometimes an eyewitness doesn\u2019t even guarantee a conviction,\u201d said Adam. \u201cRemember last year when Cindy Bennett swore she saw the man who robbed the Wells Fargo office in Carson City? By the time the lawyers got finished with her, she was so confused she could barely remember her own name. The fellow they accused went free.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYeah, and remember that guy who was accused of killing the old miner a few years ago?\u201d added Hoss. \u201cFour people said they saw him go into the mine and heard the gunshot. But he came up with two other people who said he was in Virginia City at the time. The jury couldn\u2019t make up their minds who to believe and he got off.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSo even with an eyewitness, people get off,\u201d said Joe with a shake of his head. \u201cThat\u2019s a pretty lousy system.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cPeople do sometimes go free,\u201d said Ben. \u201cEven when they\u2019re guilty as sin. You can never be absolutely certain what a judge and jury are going to decide. But most of the time, the system works. The laws may not be perfect, but it\u2019s the best system we\u2019ve been able to come up with. Without trials and evidence, people could be accused and convicted of crimes by someone who simply didn\u2019t like them. We\u2019d end up with a lot of innocent people in jail.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYeah, I guess,\u201d said Joe. \u201cBut I\u2019ve seen plenty of wanted posters marked dead or alive. Those posters don\u2019t seem to mind if someone doesn\u2019t stand trial.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIn most cases, the men who are wanted dead or alive are known killers,\u201d said Adam. \u201cMen facing a hanging have nothing to loose. That makes them dangerous. They\u2019re not likely to surrender. Dead or alive simply means the law wants them caught, no matter how someone has to do it.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cBut any judge will tell you that the law prefers to have them alive,\u201d said Ben quickly. \u201cJustice is best served by legally trying a man.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cExcept when they manage to wriggle out of it,\u201d said Joe with a shake of his head. \u201cI wonder if those rustlers will ever get convicted.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, first we have to catch them rustlers,\u201d said Hoss. \u201cThey\u2019re pretty slick. They\u2019ve been taking only a few head from a lot of ranches. People barely notice and no one\u2019s been upset enough to get a posse together.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cBut their tally is beginning to add up,\u201d said Adam. \u201cBased on what I\u2019ve been hearing, they must have over a hundred head by now.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWonder where they have them stashed?\u201d speculated Hoss.<\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t know, but we\u2019d better plan to go looking for them soon,\u201d said Ben. He turned to Adam. \u201cHow long do you think you\u2019re going to be gone, son?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, it\u2019s going to take me awhile to get those timber contracts signed,\u201d said Adam thoughtfully. \u201cThen I\u2019ve got to arrange for the wagons, and the ships. I\u2019d say at least six weeks, maybe longer.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSix weeks in San Francisco!\u201d exclaimed Joe. He turned to Ben with a twinkle in his eye. \u201cHow come you never let me go to San Francisco for six weeks?\u201d Joe complained.<\/p>\n

\u201cBecause you\u2019d never last six weeks in San Francisco by yourself, little brother,\u201d interjected Hoss with a grin before Ben could reply. \u201cI figure it\u2019d only take a week for some hoppin\u2019 mad daddy to be chasing you home with a shotgun.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhy, Hoss,\u201d said Joe in mock surprise. \u201cI figure it’d take at least two weeks. The first week I\u2019d be busy down on the Barbary Coast.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYeah, and probably end up shanghaied on some boat to China,\u201d added Adam with a grin. He turned back to Ben. \u201cI\u2019ll stop by Roy Coffee\u2019s office tomorrow when I go to Virginia City to catch the stage. I\u2019ll talk to him about looking for those rustlers.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m sure Roy\u2019s doing the best he can,\u201d said Ben. \u201cBut it\u2019s not a bad idea to let him know we\u2019re concerned. Tell him if he needs any help to let me know.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThe sheriff had better catch those rustlers red-handed if he wants to send them to jail,\u201d grumbled Joe. \u201cOtherwise, he\u2019s going to waste his time.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cRoy knows what he\u2019s doing,\u201d said Ben with a frown. \u201cHe\u2019ll get the evidence he needs. He\u2019ll make sure those rustlers go to jail.\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe looked thoughtful. \u201cMaybe I ought to take a look around,\u201d he said. \u201cSee if I can find any trace of those rustlers.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou have enough to do around here without chasing after rustlers,\u201d Ben said quickly. \u201cYou let Roy worry about catching law breakers.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cCatching them is evidently the easy part,\u201d said Joe with a shake of his head.<\/p>\n

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

\u201cJoe, I have a couple of jobs I need you to do for me today,\u201d said Ben to his youngest son over the breakfast table.<\/p>\n

Joe groaned to himself. Adam had left for San Francisco three days ago, his father\u2019s advice and admonitions still ringing in his ears as he rode away. Since then, Joe\u2019s workload at the ranch seemed to have doubled. Every time he turned around, his father seemed to have another task for him to do. Joe wondered where all the work was coming from. Having one less hand around the Ponderosa shouldn\u2019t have made that much difference.<\/p>\n

Joe turned his father, his face reflecting weary resignation. \u201cYes sir,\u201d Joe said with a sigh. \u201cWhat\u2019s on the list for today? Want me to plow and plant hay on the whole south range?\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben\u2019s lips twitched with amusement at Joe\u2019s exaggerated complaint. He knew he had been working Joe hard for the last few days. With Adam gone, there were extra chores for each of them to do. But mostly, Ben had wanted to keep Joe so busy that he wouldn\u2019t have the time or energy to think about chasing after rustlers. Rustlers were usually dangerous, desperate men, and he had no desire for his son to confront such men. But after three days of hard work, Ben figured Joe had earned a break. Besides, Joe hadn\u2019t mentioned the rustlers since Adam had left. Ben hoped Joe had forgotten about them.<\/p>\n

\u201cNo, I think we can leave the south range as it is,\u201d Ben said, trying to hide his smile. \u201cI want you to ride over to the Marshall place and pay Grant Marshall for those horses we\u2019re buying. Then I want you to ride into Virginia City and pick up the mail.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cBut, Pa, Mr. Marshall said those horses wouldn\u2019t be ready until next week,\u201d said Hoss with a puzzled air from across the table. \u201cWhy do you want to pay for them now?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cBecause Grant Marshall has a cash flow problem,\u201d explained Ben. \u201cWhen I was at the feed store yesterday, I overheard one of the clerks gossiping. The clerk shouldn\u2019t have been talking about it, but he mentioned that Grant Marshall has a big bill there that he can\u2019t pay. Grant\u2019s got everything tied up in stock, in those horses and his herd. Until he starts selling the stock, Grant\u2019s got no money. It won\u2019t hurt for us to pay for those horses now.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYeah, that\u2019s got to hard for him with all those youngsters of his,\u201d agree Hoss. \u201cSeems every time I\u2019m in the store, Mrs. Grant is buying shoes for one of them.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cPa, it\u2019s not that I don\u2019t agree with you,\u201d said Joe. \u201cBut Mr. Marshall is a pretty proud man. He\u2019s liable to look at it as charity or something if we pay him in advance.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou just tell him that I have a business reason for paying him in advance,\u201d advised Ben. \u201cTell him we don\u2019t want a lot of cash money around and we\u2019ll be too busy to get to the bank next week.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAll right,\u201d said Joe doubtfully. He faced lit up with a thought. \u201cUh, Pa,\u201d said Joe, \u201cit\u2019s liable to take me quite awhile to get to the Marshall place and then into Virginia City. I could be gone most of the day.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s true,\u201d agreed Ben with a nod. He looked at his son with a stern expression. \u201cYou just be sure you\u2019re home in time for supper.\u201d Ben\u2019s stern expression melted into a warm smile.<\/p>\n

\u201cYes sir,\u201d said Joe with enthusiasm.<\/p>\n

Hoss shook his head. \u201cPa, I\u2019ll bet you dollars to donuts that he finds a reason to be late,\u201d predicted Hoss.<\/p>\n

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

Joe looked around the Marshall ranch with surprise as he rode up to the house. The ranch looked unusually quiet. Dave Marshall had five brothers and sisters, and usually the place was bustling with activity. Dave\u2019s two older sisters were married, but one or the other of them always seemed to be visiting their parents. The younger two boys and girl were school-age, but they had a talent for finding excuses not to go to school. Joe couldn\u2019t remember the last time he rode up to the Marshall house when one of the kids wasn\u2019t around. Joe stopped his horse in front of the hitching post in the front yard and tied the reins lightly around the post. He took another look around. He could see a herd of horses in a large corral some distance away, behind the barn. An unhitched wagon was parked in front of the barn. The ranch had a neat, tidy look, albeit a surprisingly empty one. Joe knocked loudly on the front door, wondering if anyone was home. The door opened and a tall, broad-shouldered man with dark hair stood on the other side. The man\u2019s weather-beaten face showed surprise.<\/p>\n

\u201cJoe Cartwright!\u201d said Grant Marshall. \u201cWhat brings you over this way?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHi, Mr. Marshall,\u201d returned Joe. \u201cMy Pa sent me over on some business.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cBusiness?\u201d said Marshall with a frown. His eyes looked wary. \u201cWhat kind of business?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhatever it is, you don\u2019t need to be discussing it on the doorstep,\u201d called a woman\u2019s voice from behind Marshall. \u201cInvite Joe in.\u201d<\/p>\n

Grant grinned and shrugged his shoulders. He pulled the door open and stepped aside. \u201cPeggy\u2019s right,\u201d said Grant. \u201cCome on in, Joe.\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe stepped into the large house. He entered into a small foyer, flanked by two large rooms. The sitting room was to Joe\u2019s left, and he glimpsed the large fireplace and worn sofa in the room as he entered. To his right was the dinning room, with a large table covered by a white cloth. Peggy Marshall walked toward Joe from the dinning room.<\/p>\n

\u201cHello, Joe,\u201d said Mrs. Marshall warmly. \u201cWe haven\u2019t seen you in awhile.\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe quickly removed his hat. \u201cHello, ma\u2019am,\u201d he said quickly.<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, what\u2019s this business you got for your Pa?\u201d asked Marshall from behind Joe.<\/p>\n

\u201cGrant, I swear, you have no more manners than our youngsters,\u201d said Peggy with a sigh. She turned to Joe. \u201cCome on into the dinning room. I just made some fresh coffee. You can join us.\u201d Peggy turned and walked back into the room.<\/p>\n

Joe turned to Marshall and looked at him with a quizzical expression. Marshall grinned and clapped Joe on the back. \u201cCome have some coffee,\u201d said Marshall.<\/p>\n

Joe walked into the dinning room. He was surprised to see Dave sitting at the table. Papers and ledgers were spread across the table, and it was evident that the Marshalls had been using the table as a desk. A pot of coffee with several cups sat on the end of the table.<\/p>\n

\u201cHi, Joe,\u201d Dave greeted his friend. His voice tried to convey enthusiasm, but Joe could see a worried look in Dave\u2019s eyes.<\/p>\n

\u201cLet me get you some coffee,\u201d said Marshall, moving to the end of the table.<\/p>\n

\u201cNo, that\u2019s all right,\u201d said Joe. He reached into the inside pocket of his jacket and pulled out an envelope. \u201cI just stopped by because Pa wants to pay you for the horses he\u2019s buying.\u201d Joe dropped the envelope on the table.<\/p>\n

Peggy Marshall looked at her husband with arched eyebrows. Dave also turned to his father, a look of relief on his face. Grant Marshall glanced at the envelope on the table, then looked at Joe with a stony expression. \u201cWhy is he paying for them now?\u201d asked Marshall coldly. \u201cI told him those horses wouldn\u2019t be delivered for another week or so.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cPa doesn\u2019t want a lot of money around the ranch,\u201d explained Joe. \u201cAnd he\u2019s not sure when he\u2019s going to get to the bank again. He just figured it was better to pay you now.\u201d<\/p>\n

Marshall looked down at the envelope, obviously trying to decide what to do.<\/p>\n

\u201cGrant,\u201d said Peggy in a soft voice. \u201cBen\u2019s just paying us in advance. He\u2019s not giving us anything. You\u2019re going to deliver those horses next week anyway.\u201d<\/p>\n

Marshall continued to stare at the envelope. Finally, he took a deep breath and reached for the envelope. \u201cTell your Pa I said thanks,\u201d said Marshall gruffly.<\/p>\n

Dave\u2019s face broke into a smile, and Peggy let out a sigh of relief. Joe grinned at the pair.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ve got four of those horses ready to go,\u201d said Marshall. \u201cYou\u2019d best take them back to the ranch with you so your Pa will have something for his money now.\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe looked at Marshall in dismay. \u201cUh, well, I\u2019m not exactly heading right back to the ranch,\u201d said Joe. \u201cI was heading to Virginia City to get the mail. We\u2019ll get the horses next week.\u201d<\/p>\n

Marshall dropped the envelope back on the table. \u201cWell, then I can\u2019t accept this, Joe,\u201d said Marshall firmly. \u201cI don\u2019t take money without giving something in kind.\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe saw the look of worry flash back across Dave and his mother\u2019s face. Joe sighed. \u201cAll right,\u201d he said. \u201cI\u2019ll take the horses.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOf course, it might be easier if Dave here helped you with the horses,\u201d said Marshall, picking up the envelope again. A smile creased the man\u2019s face. \u201cHe could deliver the horses to the Ponderosa and then go into Virginia City with you. We probably got some mail stacked up there, too.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI think that\u2019s a good idea, Pa,\u201d said Dave, trying to keep the grin off his face. \u201cFour horses is a lot for Joe to handle by himself.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYeah,\u201d said Joe with an answering grin. \u201cI could probably use some help.\u201d<\/p>\n

Marshall reached into his pocket and pulled out a coin. He flipped the coin to Dave who caught it in the air. \u201cYou boys might want to get a beer or something while you\u2019re in town,\u201d he said, his smile widening. \u201cDelivering horses is hard work.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThanks, Pa,\u201d said Dave gratefully. He turned to Joe. \u201cWell, don\u2019t just stand there, Cartwright. We got some horses to deliver.\u201d<\/p>\n

Half an hour later, Joe was standing next to the corral admiring two bay and two roan horses which Dave was holding by their halters. Joe nodded as he looked over the animals. \u201cThere good stock,\u201d said Joe to Grant Marshall, who was standing next to him. \u201cPa is going to be pleased.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m glad,\u201d said Marshall. He turned and looked over the rest of the animals in the corral. \u201cWe\u2019ll have the rest of them ready next week, like I promised.\u201d Marshall took a deep breath. \u201cYou tell your Pa thanks,\u201d he added without looking at Joe. \u201cThat money is sure going to come in handy.\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe nodded and walked over to his pinto which had moved down by the corral. He vaulted into the saddle, then walked the horse over to the corral. Reaching down, he grabbed the lead to the halters from Dave, then waited while Dave also mounted. Dave brought his horse near Joe\u2019s and took two of the leads.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll see you at supper, Pa,\u201d said Dave, chucking his horse forward. He led two of the horses away from the corral, and Joe followed with the other two.<\/p>\n

Dave and Joe were passing the house, heading toward the road, when Peggy Marshall ran from the house, waving a jacket in her hands. \u201cDavey! Davey!\u201d she shouted. \u201cDon\u2019t forget your jacket!\u201d She rushed up to her son who had pulled his horse to a stop. She handed the jacket up to Dave. \u201cIt\u2019s liable to get chilly,\u201d she said. \u201cYou\u2019d best take this with you.\u201d<\/p>\n

Dave rolled his eyes and took the jacket. \u201cThanks, Ma,\u201d he said briefly. He quickly stuck the jacket under the back of his saddle.<\/p>\n

\u201cNow you boys be careful,\u201d she admonished. \u201cAnd be sure to eat something.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWe will, Ma,\u201d said Dave. \u201cWe\u2019ve got to go.\u201d Dave chucked his horse forward and started down the road. Joe nodded toward Mrs. Marshall and followed his friend.<\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t say a word,\u201d said Dave tersely as Joe rode up next to him on the road.<\/p>\n

\u201cHey, you\u2019re not going to get any grief from guy who\u2019s family still calls him \u2018Little\u2019 Joe sometimes,\u201d said Joe with a grin.<\/p>\n

Dave grinned back. \u201cDo you think our folks are ever going to figure we\u2019re grown up?\u201d asked Dave.<\/p>\n

\u201cI doubt it,\u201d answered Joe. \u201cI figure I\u2019m going to have explain to my grandchildren why my Pa still calls me Little Joe.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, maybe we can do something to show them we\u2019re not kids any more,\u201d suggested Dave.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe can try,\u201d answered Joe. \u201cBut I have feeling we\u2019re always going to be about twelve to our folks.\u201d<\/p>\n

Dave nodded in agreement. \u201cYou know what we were doing when you came by?\u201d he said. \u201cWe were trying to figure out how to pay the bills and make ends meet until Pa sold those horses.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI thought it might be something like that,\u201d said Joe, remembering the papers and ledgers on the table.<\/p>\n

\u201cThis is the first time I can ever remember my Pa including me in something like that,\u201d said Dave. \u201cUsually, he and Ma work on things like that without me.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, doesn\u2019t that prove your Pa doesn\u2019t think of you as a kid?\u201d asked Joe.<\/p>\n

\u201cYeah, maybe,\u201d agreed Dave thoughtfully. \u201cI\u2019d sure like to do something to help him more, though. It be nice if I do something to show him he doesn\u2019t need to think me as just one of the kids.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYeah, right,\u201d said Joe with a distracted air. He was looking up at the sun. \u201cDave, you know, it\u2019s going to take us all day to get these horses back to the Ponderosa if we follow the road,\u201d said Joe. \u201cThat won\u2019t give us much time in Virginia City.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI think that\u2019s what my Pa had in mind,\u201d said Dave with a grin.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ve been thinking. If we cut over Sutter\u2019s Ridge, that would save us some time,\u201d said Joe. \u201cWe could go into the Ponderosa by the back road, drop off the horses and still have plenty of time for Virginia City.\u201d<\/p>\n

Dave thought for a minute. \u201cSutter\u2019s Ridge is kind of rough trail,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat\u2019s the matter? Don\u2019t you think these nags of yours can make it?\u201d teased Joe with a grin.<\/p>\n

Dave looked at this friend and smiled. \u201cI think Sutter\u2019s Ridge is a good idea,\u201d said Dave.<\/p>\n

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

An hour later, Joe and Dave were slowly guiding the horses down the backside of the ridge. The trail curved through large rocks and dense brush, masking the riders from anyone\u2019s view. The trail led to a flat stretch of ground that wound through the tall rocks. Canyons and ravines were carved into the thick rock on either side of the flat ground. Not many people traveled the rough country; there were easier trails to almost anywhere. That\u2019s why Joe and Dave were surprised to see another rider in the distance as they reached the bottom of the ridge trail.<\/p>\n

\u201cHey, Joe,\u201d said Dave, peering at the rider. \u201cIsn\u2019t that Pete Bishop?\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe looked down the trail. \u201cIt sure looks like him,\u201d agreed Joe. \u201cWonder what he\u2019s doing up here?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNothing good, I\u2019d guess,\u201d said Dave. He looked around. \u201cYou know, there are two or three places around here where some rustlers could hide a herd.\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe nodded in agreement. \u201cIt wouldn\u2019t be easy to get cattle in here,\u201d he said, \u201cbut you could do it.\u201d Joe looked at his friend. \u201cWhy don\u2019t we just follow Mr. Bishop for a bit and see where he\u2019s going.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s just what I was thinking,\u201d said Dave.<\/p>\n

Joe and Dave turned their horses in the direction of the distant figure. They rode slowly, keeping a good distance between themselves and the rider far ahead of them. The man ahead seemed unconcerned about being followed. He never looked back. Joe and Dave increased their pace, wanting to make sure they didn\u2019t lose sight of the man in the twists and turns of the trail. They had been following the lone rider for about twenty minutes when Dave pulled his horse to a halt.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou know where he\u2019s heading?\u201d asked Dave. \u201cFish Hook Canyon. That\u2019s the only place he could be going if he keeps riding east like this. And that\u2019s a pretty good place to hide a herd of cattle.\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe thought about the canyon. It has been named Fish Hook because of the tall hills on one side and half way up the other. The tall hills formed a J around an expanse of grassy meadow and a small stream. Where the hills abruptly stopped, there was a steep ravine that led to a narrow cleft in the rocks. A few men could easily keep a big herd bottled up in Fish Hook Canyon.<\/p>\n

Joe put his hand on the holster tied to his hip. \u201cLet\u2019s cut through the gorge,\u201d he said. \u201cI\u2019ve got a real interest in seeing what\u2019s in Fish Hook Canyon.\u201d<\/p>\n

The sun was high in the sky as Joe and Dave crept through the brush above Fish Hook Canyon. They had tied the horses near a stream on the far side of the hill, and climbed through the rocks and brush to the top of the canyon. It had been a hard climb, but now as they looked down into the canyon, both felt the climb had been worth the effort. At the far end of the canyon, where the rocks formed a U, a herd of cattle stood grazing. Joe figured there must be close to a hundred cattle standing placidly among the rocks. Dave nudged Joe and pointed directly below them. Near the area where the hills ended and the ground dropped off into the ravine, four men sat around a campfire. Two were drinking coffee, while a third poked at the fire with an iron rod. The fourth seemed to be calculating something on a piece of paper. None were paying any attention to the hills above the canyon.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou know any of them?\u201d said Dave in a low voice to Joe.<\/p>\n

Joe studied the men below. \u201cBesides Bishop, I can see Carl Sand,\u201d answered Joe in an equally low voice. \u201cHe\u2019s the one in the red shirt. The one in the blue shirt is named Perkins, I think. I don\u2019t know the fourth one.<\/p>\n

Dave looked at Joe. \u201cWhat do you want to do now?\u201d he asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cWell,\u201d said Joe slowly. \u201cWe could ride out and get the sheriff.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cBy the time we get back with the law, they could be gone,\u201d protested Dave. \u201cBesides, there\u2019s only four of them.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYeah, but there\u2019s only two of us,\u201d answered Joe.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe can handle them,\u201d said Dave confidently. \u201cWe\u2019ll get the drop on them. They won\u2019t even know we\u2019re here until we right on top of them. We\u2019ll take them back to Virginia City all tied up. \u201d Dave\u2019s eyes took on a dreamy look. He was obviously picturing a triumphant ride into Virginia City. \u201cThat\u2019ll show my Pa,\u201d he said softly.<\/p>\n

Joe didn\u2019t reply. He chewed his lip thoughtfully and stared down the hill. \u201cMaybe it\u2019d be better to get the law,\u201d said Joe slowly.<\/p>\n

Dave could see the hesitation in Joe\u2019s eyes. \u201cWe\u2019ve got them red-handed, Joe,\u201d he said. \u201cWe\u2019ve got all the evidence that any judge would want. We can get them, Joe. You know we can. I promise you nothing will go wrong.\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe studied the hillside below. It was heavily covered with brush and rocks. A man could climb down the hill without being seen. \u201cAll right,\u201d agreed Joe.<\/p>\n

He turned to Dave and grinned. \u201cLet\u2019s go, hero.\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe and Dave worked their way down the hill slowly and carefully, keeping an eye on the camp as they descended. The four men seemed unaware of their presence. It seemed it took a long time to climb down the hill, but in reality, Joe and Dave were at the bottom in just a few minutes. Joe stopped and crouched behind a rock near the bottom of the hill. Dave slid in next to Joe. Joe pulled his gun out and checked to make sure it was fully loaded. He glanced at his friend to make sure Dave had his gun out and ready. Dave waved his gun, signaling his eagerness to move forward. Joe took a deep breath and jumped out from behind the rock.<\/p>\n

\u201cAll right, get your hands in the air!\u201d shouted Joe, pointing his gun at the men around the fire.<\/p>\n

The four men turned toward the direction of the shout, their faces clearly showing their shock and surprise.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou heard him,\u201d shouted Dave, stepping out from behind the rock. \u201cGet those hands in the air!\u201d<\/p>\n

The four men around the fire slowly raised their hands. Joe and Dave walked closer to the campfire. Joe kept his eyes on the men, ready to shoot if any made a move toward a gun. But the four men simply sat by the fire with their hands in the air.<\/p>\n

\u201cLooks like we got ourselves a couple of pups trying to act like men,\u201d snarled Pete Bishop as Joe and Dave approached.<\/p>\n

\u201cThese pups got teeth,\u201d said Dave. \u201cSo don\u2019t try anything unless you want a bullet.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cCareful, Dave,\u201d muttered Joe. Dave nodded once.<\/p>\n

Bishop glanced at the man to his right, Carl Sand. Sand looked back with a steady gaze. Joe and Dave stood over the men with their guns. \u201cThrow away your guns,\u201d ordered Joe. \u201cDo it nice and easy.\u201d The four men reached down slowly. Each pulled a pistol from a holster and each tossed the pistol away. Joe let out a sigh of relief.<\/p>\n

\u201cAll right, now lay face down on the ground,\u201d ordered Joe.<\/p>\n

Bishop glanced again at Sand. This time Sand made an almost imperceptible nod. Bishop leaned forward as if he were going to follow Joe\u2019s orders. Suddenly, he grabbed the running iron that was laying next to the fire. He swung the iron quickly from the ground, crashing it into Joe\u2019s wrist. Joe let out a yelp of pain as he felt the iron smash into his wrist. He heard a crack as if a bone were breaking and felt his hand go numb. His pistol dropped from his fingers. Almost simultaneously, Carl Sand reached down and grabbed a handful of dirt. He threw the dirt directly in Dave\u2019s face. Dave put his left hand to his face instinctively, trying to brush the dirt from his eyes. Sand brought his foot up and kicked Dave\u2019s gun out of his right hand. The four rustlers sprang at the two young cowboys. Joe tried to grab his gun from the ground, but a body slammed into his as he bent down. Joe flailed at the body with his right fist, and felt his fist land solidly against a jaw. Joe heard a grunt of pain and surprise, but another fist pounded into Joe\u2019s side before he could take another swing. Joe struggled and kicked, trying to get away from the two men on top of him, but it was a useless exercise. He was pinned to the ground by one set of arms, while another delivered repeated blows to his face. A small groan escaped from Joe\u2019s lips as his body went limp. Bishop and Perkins climbed off Joe and looked around. Sand and the fourth rustler were standing over Dave. The rustler\u2019s would-be captors were now sprawled unconscious on the ground. Bishop picked up Joe\u2019s gun and pointed it at Joe.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat do you think you\u2019re doing?\u201d yelled Sand.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m going to finish me off a young pup,\u201d snarled Bishop. He cocked the gun.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou fire that gun and you\u2019re liable to stampede those cattle,\u201d replied Sand. \u201cI don\u2019t know about you, but I\u2019m in no mood to go rounding them up.\u201d<\/p>\n

Bishop uncocked the gun and looked around uncertainly. \u201cWell, what do you want to do with them?\u201d he asked. \u201cWe can\u2019t just leave them here. They\u2019ll have the law after us in no time.\u201d<\/p>\n

Sand looked around, trying to decide what to do. A slow smile crossed his face as he saw the ravine. \u201cLet\u2019s toss them down the ravine,\u201d he said. \u201cIf the fall doesn\u2019t kill them, they\u2019ll die from cold or thirst. Ain\u2019t no way they\u2019ll be able to crawl up that ravine.\u201d<\/p>\n

Bishop looked to the ravine and nodded his agreement. \u201cAfter we get rid them, we\u2019d better light out,\u201d he said, turning back to the other men. \u201cIf they found us, a posse might.\u201d<\/p>\n

Sand jerked his head toward the fourth rustler and the two men moved toward Dave. Bishop and Perkins turned to Joe. A stab of pain from his injured wrist pulled Joe back to at least semi-consciousness. He felt a pair of hands gripping each of his arms, and felt himself being dragged over the ground. His boots scrapped the dirt, and his legs were jolted by the rough ground. Joe lifted his head and saw the ravine looming in front of him.<\/p>\n

\u201cNo!\u201d cried Joe as he realized he was about to be thrown into the chasm. He struggled to free his arms, but the hands only tightened their grip. Joe dug his feet into the ground and jerked his right arm. The grip on his arm seemed to loosen, and Joe pulled it free. Joe swung his arm around quickly, landing his fist into the midsection of the body to his left. The punch was a weak one, but it had enough power to force a small grunt from the body. Joe felt the hands on his left arm go slack and he pulled that arm free. Joe fell to the ground. He winced with pain as his injured wrist hit the hard ground. Joe tried to scramble to his feet but he could only put his weight on one arm. He managed to push himself off the ground, but he felt awkward and unsteady. Suddenly, Joe felt a strong push against his side and back. He tumbled to his left, landing on his side. Almost instantly, a foot pushed him over the edge of the ravine. Joe felt himself rolling down the steep slope. His body seemed to bounce off the hard ground, and his right leg twisted under him. Joe reached out his right arm, trying to grab something that would stop the fall. All he managed to do was turn his body so he was now sliding down the hill on his stomach. Dirt and gravel scraped the skin from his face and chest, and his leg twisted even further underneath him. Joe felt his upper body angling to the right, and his ribs slammed into a rock. Joe bounced off the rock and continued what felt like an endless slide down the slope. Joe could feel the rough ground jarring his body. Finally, Joe\u2019s left leg hit the bottom of the ravine, stopping the slide with a jolt.<\/p>\n

Joe laid on his stomach against the steep hill, winded and dazed. His body felt pummeled, and pain seemed to flood through him. Joe heard another object crashing down the ravine to his right, but Joe didn\u2019t have the strength to open his eyes to look. Every nerve in his body seemed to be sending messages of pain to his brain. Joe felt as if he couldn\u2019t breath, and when he tried to gulp for air, his side and chest radiated with a fiery protest. Joe tried to move, but movement set off another wave of agonizing pain. Joe felt himself sliding again, but this time it was into a dark pool of unconsciousness. And this time, Joe did nothing to stop the slide.<\/p>\n

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

\u201cHey, Pa, I got all that hay into the loft,\u201d said Hoss as he sauntered into the ranch house of the Ponderosa.<\/p>\n

Ben looked up from his desk where he was working. He watched as Hoss casually tossed his hat on the bureau near the door and walked over to the desk. \u201cDid you leave four bales near the stalls?\u201d he asked his middle son.<\/p>\n

Hoss nodded. \u201cYep,\u201d he said. \u201cJust like you said. Four bales near the stalls and the rest in the loft. Everything is neat and stacked.\u201d Hoss rubbed his hands. \u201cI worked up a bit of an appetite,\u201d he added, looking back toward the kitchen. \u201cI thought I\u2019d have myself a little snack to tide me over until dinner.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou work up an appetite walking to the barn,\u201d said Ben gruffly. Then he smiled. \u201cBut I think Hop Sing can manage to find something to hold you.\u201d<\/p>\n

A knock on the door cut short Hoss\u2019 reply. Hoss looked toward the door, his eyebrows arched in surprise. \u201cWonder who that could be?\u201d he asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhy don\u2019t you answer it and find out,\u201d replied Ben with an exaggerated air.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat? Oh, yeah, sure, Pa,\u201d said Hoss quickly. He walked to the front door of the house and pulled it open. Hoss\u2019 look of surprise widened when he saw Grant Marshall standing on the porch.<\/p>\n

\u201cMr. Marshall,\u201d said Hoss. \u201cWhat are you doing here?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHello, Hoss,\u201d replied Marshall. \u201cI came to see your Pa. Is he around?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYeah, he\u2019s right here,\u201d answered Hoss. He pulled the door wider. \u201cCome on in.\u201d<\/p>\n

Marshall walked into the house with wide strides and looked around. Ben was coming from around the desk. Marshall saw him and walked toward the desk.<\/p>\n

\u201cHello, Ben,\u201d said Marshall.<\/p>\n

\u201cHello, Grant,\u201d said Ben with a welcoming smile. \u201cWhat brings you to the Ponderosa.\u201d<\/p>\n

Marshall shifted his weight and looked at a point past Ben. \u201cBen, I want to thank you for paying for those horses now,\u201d he said in an uncomfortable voice.<\/p>\n

Ben waved his hand. \u201cDon\u2019t think anything of it,\u201d replied Ben, dismissing Marshall\u2019s thanks. \u201cIt helped me and you to take care of it now.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t know about you,\u201d said Marshall. \u201cBut that money is going to be a big help to me now. I want you to know that.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, I\u2019m glad,\u201d said Ben with a small shrug. \u201cBut I\u2019m even happier to be getting those horses. We need your stock. Those horses will fill out the herd we\u2019re trying to build, and improve our bloodlines.\u201d<\/p>\n

Marshall seemed relieved. He gave Ben a small smile. \u201cI\u2019m glad we\u2019re both going to benefit from this deal,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n

Ben nodded. \u201cGrant, you didn\u2019t have to ride over here to tell me that,\u201d said Ben.<\/p>\n

\u201cI didn\u2019t,\u201d admitted Marshall. He reached into his pocket and pulled out a piece of paper. \u201cHere\u2019s the bill of sale for those horses. I forgot to give it to Joe when he was at my place.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben held out his hand. \u201cYou don\u2019t have to give me that now,\u201d he said. \u201cWait until you deliver the horses.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThis isn\u2019t for all of them,\u201d explained Marshall quickly. \u201cThis is just for the four horses Joe brought back. I meant to give it to him before he left, but it slipped my mind.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben frowned and looked at Hoss. \u201cDid Joe come back with any horses?\u201d he asked Hoss.<\/p>\n

Hoss slowly shook his head. \u201cI haven\u2019t seen Joe since breakfast,\u201d said Hoss. \u201cWe haven\u2019t fixed the fence on the south corral, so the only place Joe could have brought them horses is either the corral outside or the barn. I\u2019ve been in the barn all day unloading the hay. Joe hasn\u2019t been there.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben turned back to Marshall. \u201cWhen did Joe leave your place?\u201d he asked, his voice tinged with concern.<\/p>\n

Now it was Marshall\u2019s turn to frown. \u201cA couple of hours ago,\u201d he answered. \u201cHe and Dave were going to bring those horses back here, and then they both were going to Virginia City.\u201d Marshall looked toward Hoss. \u201cAre you sure they didn\u2019t get here?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThey never showed up here,\u201d answered Hoss. He looked at Ben. \u201cDo you think Joe and Dave headed right for Virginia City?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWith four horses in tow? I doubt it,\u201d said Ben, his concern growing. He turned to Marshall. \u201cAre you sure they were heading to the Ponderosa?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m sure,\u201d said Marshall, his voice echoing Ben\u2019s concern. \u201cI saw them leading those horses down the road toward here. Virginia City is in the opposite direction from my place.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cDo you see any sign of them along the road?\u201d asked Ben. \u201cAny sign of any trouble?\u201d<\/p>\n

Marshall shook his head. \u201cNo, nothing,\u201d he replied. He looked at Ben with a troubled face. \u201cWhere could they have gone?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t know,\u201d said Ben. His frown deepened.<\/p>\n

\u201cPa,\u201d said Hoss thoughtfully. \u201cYou don\u2019t think Joe and Dave could have cut over Sutter\u2019s Ridge, do you? Going over the ridge would have save them some time.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cDave knows better than that,\u201d protested Marshall. \u201cThose horses were green broke, and that trail is pretty rough. He wouldn\u2019t have gone that way.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben cocked his head. \u201cYou said they were planning to go to Virginia City after they delivered the horses?\u201d asked Ben. \u201cMaybe they decided to try it if they were in a hurry.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, maybe,\u201d admitted Marshall. He took a deep breath. \u201cThose horses were broke good. Dave and Joe could have gotten them over the ridge. I\u2019m sure if they went that way, they would have managed all right. Those boys, they know what they\u2019re doing.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben nodded, but his face reflected his uncertainty.<\/p>\n

Suddenly Marshall turned and started walking toward to the door.<\/p>\n

Ben watched him for a minute. \u201cYou going to Sutter\u2019s Ridge?\u201d he called after Marshall.<\/p>\n

Marshall stopped and turned back to Ben. He nodded curtly.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m going with you,\u201d said Ben, hurrying toward the door.<\/p>\n

\u201cMe, too,\u201d added Hoss.<\/p>\n

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

Joe felt himself drifting slowly out of the fog that seemed to engulf him. He could feel the hard ground under his body, and he could smell the dirt. Joe heard a crow screeching somewhere in this distance. And he could feel the fiery pain that seemed to be burning through his body. Joe lay still. He sensed that any movement was just going to make things worse. He concentrated on taking small, short breaths and hoped that would ease the pain. Joe wondered for a moment about where he was, about what had happened to him. Then the memory of the rustlers and that terrible slide down the ravine came flooding back. Joe wasn\u2019t sure how long he lay on the cold ground without moving. Time had lost all meaning for him. But finally, the pain seemed to ease into a dull, throbbing ache. Joe decided to take inventory, and to try to find some part of his body that would work. He opened his eyes a fraction, not enough to focus, but enough to enable him to see the blurred image of his own arm and hand. Joe\u2019s right hand was laying near his face. He concentrated on moving his fingers on his right hand, and was rewarded by being able to curl them without another stab of pain. He lifted his right arm and moved it slowly before letting it fall back on the ground. Joe noted with satisfaction that at least his right arm obeyed his commands. Joe\u2019s left arm was curled under his body. He started to pull his arm free, and felt a jolt of pain from his wrist. Joe groaned and quickly stopped the movement. All right, Joe thought. Legs next. Joe\u2019s right leg was twisted under his left. Joe could feel a throbbing in his right knee, and the unnatural position seemed to be putting pressure on his leg. Joe concentrated on curling his toes in his boots, and felt the toes moving. He lifted his left leg slightly, and started to slide his other leg out. Joe felt a stab of pain in his knee, and the muscles in his leg seemed to burn. But this time Joe didn\u2019t stop. He gritted his teeth and pulled his leg free. He straightened his leg as much as his throbbing knee would allow. That movement eased the pressure and the pain.<\/p>\n

Joe laid still again, his breath coming in short pants. He felt something trickle down into his eye, and his eye blinked away the irritation. Joe\u2019s face and chest burned, and he figured he must have scraped away a layer of skin in the fall. Each breath brought a small stab of pain from his ribs. Joe wonder briefly about the fact that so many parts of his body seemed to be competing to cause him pain. Joe considered his situation carefully, and he didn\u2019t like what he concluded. No one knew where he was. His father and brother wouldn\u2019t even know he was missing until after dinner, and it would be morning before they could start looking for him. Even then, it might be days before they headed toward Fish Hook Canyon. There would be no reason for them to search in the direction of the canyon. If he was going to get out of this, Joe decided, he was going to have to do it by himself. Joe let out a short, bitter laugh. Right, he thought. All he had to do was climb out of the ravine, then walk almost twelve miles to the nearest ranch. All on one good leg, and with one good arm. An unmeasured time past before Joe decided to try moving again. His numerous aches seemed to be receding into dull throbs. Joe pressed his right hand into the ground and slowly lifted his head. He winced as he felt his face being ripped from the ground. His cheek had seemed glued to the dirt by some sticky substance. Joe blinked his eyes open and looked up. Joe could see the edge of the ravine about thirty feet above him. As far as Joe was concerned, the edge of the ravine might have been thirty miles above him. The hill was steep, almost vertical, and the ground looked hard and solid. Joe knew climbing up the ravine was an impossible task. Joe turned his head. His eyes widened as he saw another body to his right. The body seemed curled around a large rock. Joe could see an arm resting against the hillside. A shock of strawberry blonde hair rested on the edge of the rock.<\/p>\n

\u201cDave!\u201d cried Joe in a voice that was little more than a whisper.<\/p>\n

Joe felt his right arm begin to tremble, and he fell back to the ground. Joe let out a grunt of pain and winced. He laid still for a minute, then forced his eyes open again.<\/p>\n

\u201cDave,\u201d said Joe again, his voice slightly louder. \u201cDave, can you hear me?\u201d<\/p>\n

The body on the rock lay still.<\/p>\n

Joe took a deep breath, wincing again at the pain the effort caused. \u201cDave! Answer me!\u201d ordered Joe. He watched the body carefully, but there was no movement. \u201cDave, we\u2019ve got to get out of here,\u201d said Joe in a softer voice. \u201cYou hear me? We\u2019ve\u2026we\u2019ve got to get those rustlers.\u201d Joe waited and watched, his breaths coming in short gasps. There was no movement, no sound from the rock. \u201cPlease, Dave,\u201d Joe pleaded. \u201cAnswer me.\u201d<\/p>\n

The still body on the rock seemed to mock Joe. Joe felt an irrational rage at being ignored. \u201cDave,\u201d said Joe in an angry voice. \u201cYou hear me? You promised me nothing would go wrong.\u201d Joe gasped for breath and winced.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou promised me, Dave,\u201d Joe said in a quieter voice.<\/p>\n

Joe felt a stab of pain from his ribs. His breathing was more labored and his body seemed to conspiring once more to cause him a lot of pain. The agonizing pain caused his stomach to churn and his head to ache. Joe wondered if he how long he could endure such misery. The answer, it seemed, was not long in coming. Joe sensed the fog descending slowly around him again. \u201cYou promised,\u201d Joe muttered as he began to drift into now familiar the fog. \u201cYou promised.\u201d<\/p>\n

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

The three riders slowly descended the steep trail on the far side of Sutter\u2019s Ridge. Their slow progress was only partially caused by the tricky trail. Each man was also looking for some sign of other riders who might have recently used the trail.<\/p>\n

\u201cSomebody sure came this way,\u201d said Grant Marshall when the riders reached the bottom of the trail. \u201cThere\u2019s tracks and broken branches all over the place.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben looked around the empty expanse of the flat ground. \u201cIf it was Joe and Dave,\u201d he said in a puzzled voice, \u201cwhere did they go?\u201d<\/p>\n

Hoss slipped off his horse and knelt on the ground. He studied the tracks, his heading turning as his eyes followed the prints. \u201cPa,\u201d said Hoss, \u201cthese tracks lead away from the Ponderosa. They\u2019re heading toward the canyons.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThe canyons?\u201d asked Marshall. \u201cAre you sure?\u201d<\/p>\n

Hoss nodded as he stood. \u201cYep,\u201d he said as he climbed back on his horse. \u201cYou can see the prints of five or six horses. Two sets are pretty deep, like the horses are being ridden. The rest of are lighter, and closer together. Like the horses were being led.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIt has to be Joe and Dave,\u201d Ben declared. He looked in the direction of the tall rocks in the distance. \u201cBut why would they go in that direction?\u201d he asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t know, Pa,\u201d answered Hoss as he turned his horse. \u201cBut I\u2019m sure going to find out.\u201d<\/p>\n

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

Joe felt the sweat running down his face and into his eyes. He shivered, and wondered how he could be hot and cold at the same time. He knew he wasn\u2019t thinking straight. His mind seemed crowded with all kinds of blurred and unrelated thoughts. He wondered how he could be hurting so much and still be alive. He had given up on the thought of movement. He knew it was probably cowardly of him, but he just could bear to cause himself any more pain. It was easier to simply lie still, hugging the dirt, and praying for any kind of relief. A cloud passed over the sun, and Joe wondered if a rainstorm was going to add to his misery. The thought of rain brought the suggestion of water to his mind. Joe wished he hadn\u2019t thought of that. His mouth felt dry and gritty, and his thirst was growing. Joe tried to push the thought of water from his mind.<\/p>\n

Joe looked toward the body still curled against the rock. He was no longer angry at it. It\u2019s presence actually brought him comfort. Somehow, Joe felt less alone, less abandoned when he could see his friend. Dave hadn\u2019t answered any of Joe\u2019s repeated calls. Somehow, Joe knew he wouldn\u2019t. But that didn\u2019t stop Joe from trying.<\/p>\n

\u201cDave,\u201d Joe croaked through dry lips. \u201cDave, your Pa is sure going to be mad at you. He\u2019s going to be real upset. You shouldn\u2019t have done this to him.\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe knew he wasn\u2019t making sense, but he couldn\u2019t seem to stop talking. He felt himself babbling on about Dave and his Pa, about the rustlers, and about the horses they had been bringing to the Ponderosa. He talked until his dry throat stopped him.<\/p>\n

A moment of clarity seemed to break through Joe\u2019s tortured thoughts. He looked across to the rock. \u201cDave,\u201d Joe whispered. \u201cI\u2019m going to make them pay for this. I promise you. They\u2019re not going to get off this time. I\u2019m going to make sure they pay for what they did to us.\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe closed his eyes and felt the dull, throbbing pain cascading through him. Joe gritted his teeth. He was determined to survive. Somehow, some way, he was going to stay alive until he was found. He was going to make sure those rustlers were caught and punished. Staying alive was the only way he could be sure it would happen. Joe\u2019s thoughts drifted to the four men who had so callously pushed him and his friend into the ravine and then left them. Joe concentrated on their faces, burning the images into his mind. He felt a hate growing in him, and he nourished that hate. The hate would help keep him alive. Joe felt himself drifting into a fog yet again. The pattern was becoming familiar. The pain would pull him out of the fog and he would endure the agony until his brain could no longer stand it. Then he would drift back into the fog. Joe wondered how many times he would drift back and forth like this, how long he would have to endure the bouts of agony until someone found him. Each time he woke, Joe felt weaker. Joe reached inside him and felt for the hate. It was there, deep down, like a knot in his stomach. Joe let himself drift off into the fog. He knew he would drift out of it again. The hate was like an anchor, pulling him back. Joe kept a firm grasp on the hate as he slowly lost consciousness again.<\/p>\n

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

Hoss led Ben and Grant Marshall slowly down the trail toward the canyons. Hoss kept his eyes glued to the faint tracks while the other two men called for their sons. Their shouts seemed to grow more desperate as the only answer was their own voices echoing through the canyon walls. Hoss abruptly pulled his horse to a stop and held up his hand. Ben and Grant Marshall stopped their horses also.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat\u2019s wrong, Hoss?\u201d asked Ben in an anxious voice.<\/p>\n

Hoss didn\u2019t answer. He slipped off his horse and knelt on the ground, studying the tracks in front of him. Hoss looked up and toward the canyon. Then he looked down to the trail again.<\/p>\n

\u201cHoss, what do you see?\u201d asked Marshall, his voice filled with an urgent plea.<\/p>\n

Hoss stood up and turned to the two men on the horses behind him. His face had a puzzled expression.<\/p>\n

\u201cThis don\u2019t make any sense,\u201d said Hoss. \u201cThe horse tracks\u2026they\u2019re gone. They\u2019re covered up with a bunch of new tracks. It looks like a herd of cattle came through here. But that doesn\u2019t seem likely. Who\u2019d have a herd of cattle way up here?\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben and Marshall turned to each other, both their eyes wide with fear.<\/p>\n

\u201cRustlers,\u201d said Ben in a soft voice.<\/p>\n

Marshall swallowed hard. \u201cIf those boys ran into the rustlers\u2026.,\u201d said Marshall in a trembling voice. He didn\u2019t finish the sentence. He didn\u2019t have to.<\/p>\n

Ben turned to Hoss. \u201cCan you see any sign of the horse tracks?\u201d Ben asked. \u201cAnything at all?\u201d<\/p>\n

Hoss walked up the trail a bit, studying the ground. He turned back to the two men who were watching him with both hope and fear in their eyes.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt was a pretty good size herd,\u201d said Hoss in a tight voice. \u201cThey wiped out all the tracks.\u201d<\/p>\n

Marshall stood up in his stirrups and looked around. \u201cDave!\u201d he yelled at the top of his voice. \u201cDave! Where are you? Answer me!\u201d Marshall\u2019s voice bounced off the tall rocks. He waited anxiously for a reply. The only answer was the caw of a crow. Ben looked off into the distance, his mind working furiously. He tried to think logically, to decide what was the best thing to do. He knew that panic could cause them to lose time, and he had a terrible feeling that time was running out for his son.<\/p>\n

\u201cHoss,\u201d said Ben suddenly. \u201cCan you tell where those cattle came from?\u201d<\/p>\n

Hoss studied the tracks, and walked further down the trail. He left the trail, and walked slowly through the brush on the side. He looked up and seemed to be staring at some place far away. Hoss turned and walked back to the horses.<\/p>\n

\u201cThose tracks come from one of the canyons down there to the left,\u201d said Hoss. \u201cI\u2019ve been thinking, and if I was going to stash some cattle, I might just put them in Fish Hook Canyon. There\u2019s good grass and water, and the rocks would make it easy for someone to keep them penned up.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cLet\u2019s get to Fish Hook Canyon,\u201d said Marshall, pulling on his horse.<\/p>\n

Hoss held up his hand to stop the man. \u201cHold on, Mr. Marshall,\u201d he said quickly. \u201cI\u2019m just guessing. I ain\u2019t for sure. It could be one of them other canyons.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWe have to start looking someplace,\u201d said Marshall. \u201cFish Hook Canyon is as good a place as any.\u201d<\/p>\n

Hoss looked to his father. Ben nodded his agreement.<\/p>\n

\u201cAll right,\u201d said Hoss, climbing back on his horse. \u201cLet\u2019s go see what\u2019s in Fish Hook Canyon.\u201d<\/p>\n

The three men rode toward the canyon at a gallop, all of them eager to find some sign of Joe and Dave. As they neared the canyon, however, Ben held up his hand to halt the other riders.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2019d better go slow from here,\u201d said Ben. \u201cIf those rustlers are in the canyon, we want to surprise them, not the other way around.\u201d<\/p>\n

Marshall and Hoss nodded their agreement.<\/p>\n

Ben led his horse at a walk toward the canyon. He had only gone a few yards when he heard the whinny of a horse. He pulled his horse to a stop and listened. The faint sound of a whinny and the snort of two others horses seemed to be coming from Ben\u2019s left. He pointed with his arm and guided his horse toward the sound. Ben saw six horses tied securely in the brush. He didn\u2019t recognize five of them, but the pinto was unmistakable. Ben stopped his horse and jumped from the saddle. He pulled his gun and walked slowly forward to the horses.<\/p>\n

\u201cJoe!\u201d called Ben in a loud whisper as he reached the horses. \u201cJoe, are you here?\u201d The horses moved uneasily at the sound behind them.<\/p>\n

\u201cAny sign of them?\u201d asked Hoss as he came up to the horses. His gun was also drawn. Ben shook his head.<\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s Dave\u2019s horse,\u201d said Marshall as he walked up. \u201cAnd Joe\u2019s pinto, plus the four horses they were taking to the Ponderosa.\u201d Marshall looked around anxiously. \u201cWhere are they, Ben?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t know,\u201d answer Ben, thinking furiously once again. He cocked his head. \u201cThe rustlers wouldn\u2019t have left these horses behind if they knew they were here,\u201d said Ben in a slow voice. \u201cSo that means that Joe and Dave tied the horses here, out of sight, and went some place on foot.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cBut where?\u201d Marshall asked again, his anxiety growing. \u201cWhere did they do?\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben looked up, and studied the hill next to them. \u201cIf you climbed that hill, you could see into the canyon,\u201d said Ben. His face cleared as understanding seemed to dawn on him. \u201cThat\u2019s what they did!\u201d said Ben excitedly. \u201cThey climbed the hill, so they could look into the canyon from the top. They wanted to see what was in there without being seen.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cBut, Pa, they ain\u2019t there now,\u201d said Hoss with a frown. \u201cYou can see that.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThey must have gone into the canyon,\u201d said Ben. \u201cThey must have climbed down the other side of the hill and into the canyon.\u201d He quickly shoved his gun back into his holster. \u201cCome on,\u201d he said, as turned and began walking quickly toward his horse. Hoss and Grant Marshall followed him at a run.<\/p>\n

Ben hoisted himself on his horse and turned the animal toward the mouth of the canyon. He resisted to urge to ride at a gallop into the canyon. Ben didn\u2019t know exactly what was in that canyon, and he had no desire to ride into an ambush. More importantly, he didn\u2019t want to do anything that might end up getting his son killed. So Ben rode slowly to the mouth of the canyon. But his hand opened and closed in anxious movement as he rode. Ben stopped at the entrance to the canyon, and dismounted. He crept to the edge of the rocks and peered around them. The inside of the canyon looked empty, deserted. Ben could see the remains of a fire near the edge of the ravine, and blades of grass that had seemingly had been trampled flat. Ben turned back to the two men he knew would be behind him. \u201cLooks empty,\u201d said Ben. He turned and mounted his horse once more.<\/p>\n

Ben, Hoss and Marshall rode slowly into the canyon. Each man had a pistol in his hand and each was alert for any sign of trouble. Ben guided the horses toward the ashes of the fire. He pulled his horse to a halt and his heart seemed to leap into his throat. Near the fire lay a familiar tan hat. The hat was crushed and battered. Ben slid off his horse and ran to the hat. He picked it up off the ground and looked around. \u201cJoe!\u201d cried Ben in a frantic voice. \u201cJoe, where are you?\u201d<\/p>\n

Marshall and Hoss both dismounted and began to look around. Hoss walked to the edge of the ravine and looked down.<\/p>\n

\u201cMy God!\u201d said Hoss in a whisper. Then he turned. \u201cPa, Mr. Marshall,\u201d bellowed Hoss. \u201cOver here. Quick!\u201d The two men ran to Hoss. Hoss pointed wordlessly into the ravine. Both men took a sharp breath as they looked down. One body was curled around a rock a few feet from the bottom of the ravine. The other was at the bottom of the ravine and was laying unmoving against the side of the hill. Ben and Grant Marshall looked at each other with wide, fearful eyes.<\/p>\n

\u201cGet a rope!\u201d cried Ben.<\/p>\n

Hoss ran back to his horse, and started to take the rope off the saddle. He froze suddenly, and frowned in thought. Hoss took the rope off the saddle, and walked to the other horses. He grabbed the ropes off both saddles also. Then he rushed back and grabbed the reins of his horse. He led his horse to the edge of the ravine.<\/p>\n

Both Ben and Marshall were kneeling on the edge of the ravine, calling to their sons. Neither of the bodies below moved or called back. Hoss swallowed hard, then made himself get down to business.<\/p>\n

Hoss tied one end of a rope around the horn of his saddle. He unlooped the rope and found the end. Working quickly, he tied the end to the beginning of the second rope, pulling on the knot tightly to make sure it would hold. He quickly unlooped the second rope, and repeated the process with the third rope. Hoss scooped up the scatter rope from the ground and moved to the edge of the ravine.<\/p>\n

\u201cPa,\u201d he said, putting his hand on his father\u2019s shoulder. \u201cIt\u2019s got to be close to thirty feet to the bottom of that ravine. I tied all the ropes together. I hope they\u2019re long enough.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben looked over his shoulder to Hoss. \u201cThey will be,\u201d said Ben. He grabbed the end of the now long rope and began to tie the rope around his waist. \u201cI\u2019ll go down first,\u201d he said, without looking at Marshall. \u201cAs soon as I\u2019m down, I\u2019ll untie the rope and you can come down.\u201d Ben looked at Hoss. \u201cThink you can ease me down there?\u201d he asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll get you there,\u201d said Hoss grimly. He turned to his horse, and quickly pulled a pair of gloves from under the saddle. Hoss slipped the gloves on his hand, then picked up the rope. He nodded his readiness.<\/p>\n

Ben slipped over the edge of the ravine, and slowly started to climb down the steep slope. He held on to the rope, which Hoss kept taut. As Ben worked his way down the slope, Hoss let out more rope. It seemed to Ben it took a long time to work his way down the hill. He wanted to sprint down the side, but he knew that would be foolish. He would be of no help to the boys on the floor of the ravine if he fell. So Ben forced himself to ease down the slope carefully. As he neared the bottom, Ben got a better look at Dave Marshall. He briefly closed his eyes. Then he looked up at Hoss and pointed to the body on the rock, indicating he was heading there first. Hoss\u2019 eyes widened in surprise, but he nodded his understanding. Ben was sure that he was only going to need a few moments with Dave. The way Dave was twisted around the rock and the unnatural angle of Dave\u2019s neck told Ben that he wasn\u2019t going to be able to help Grant Marshall\u2019s son. But he had to be sure.<\/p>\n

Ben eased himself down next to Dave Marshall and knelt next to the body. He put his fingers on Dave\u2019s neck and lowered his ear to the boy\u2019s chest. Ben listened and felt for any sign of life. Then he straightened and turned toward the top of the ravine. He looked up at the men staring anxiously down at him. Slowly, Ben shook his head. He saw Grant Marshall cover his face with his hands. Ben turned quickly and eased himself down toward Joe. Ben felt his heart hammering in his chest and a thick lump seemed to have formed in his throat as he climbed down. He could see Joe was laying flat against the dirt, and he didn\u2019t seemed twisted unnaturally as Dave had been. But Joe was not moving, and he was unresponsive to Ben\u2019s calls. Ben knelt next to his son and quickly put his hand to Joe\u2019s neck. He closed his eyes and sighed with relief when he felt the steady throb. Ben turned to the top of the ravine. He could see Hoss staring down with an anxious expression.<\/p>\n

\u201cHe\u2019s alive!\u201d Ben shouted in a voice choked emotion. Ben saw Hoss\u2019 shoulders sag with relief. He also saw Grant Marshall staring transfixed at his son\u2019s body.<\/p>\n

Ben quickly untied the rope around his waist. \u201cAs soon as you get Mr. Marshall down, get a canteen and toss it down to me,\u201d shouted Ben. He turned back to Joe without waiting for an answer.<\/p>\n

Ben gently felt along Joe\u2019s neck and ran his hand down his son\u2019s spine. All the bones seemed to be aligned and intact. Taking a deep breath, he slowly turned Joe over on to his back. Ben took a sharp breath as he looked as his son. The side of Joe\u2019s face and his chest were scraped almost raw. Ben could see blood and tissue as well as the torn skin. Flecks of dirt and gravel were clinging to both wounds. As ugly and painful as the wounds looked, Ben knew they weren\u2019t serious enough to keep Joe at the bottom of the ravine. Ben began to check his son for other injuries. He could see some small cuts and bruises on Joe\u2019s face. Several bigger bruises, already turned to a deep blue, were peeking out of Joe\u2019s shirt. Ben suspected Joe had a large collection of bruises. Ben began to run his hands lightly over Joe\u2019s body. As he probed his son, Ben heard the scrape of boots behind him and a soft sob. Ben didn\u2019t look around. He knew there was nothing he could do to help Grant Marshall or his son right now, and Ben had bigger worries. Ben felt the depression on Joe\u2019s right side, and knew his son had several broken ribs. He could see some small scrapes on Joe\u2019s right palm. Joe\u2019s left wrist laid at an odd angle and Ben felt the swollen tissue and ragged sharpness of the broken bones under the skin. Ben ran his hands over Joe\u2019s leg, and felt the swelling around his son\u2019s left knee and the swollen tissue of his lower leg. Ben couldn\u2019t feel any broken bones in either leg, but there was no question the muscles were bruised and damaged. Ben was feeling Joe\u2019s chest and abdomen when he heard the canteen land with a thud and start its slide down the ravine. He quickly turned to catch the canteen. He hadn\u2019t felt anything unusual around Joe\u2019s midsection and Joe hadn\u2019t reacted to his probing. Ben hoped that meant his son had no internal injuries but he couldn\u2019t be sure. Ben uncorked the canteen and gently lifted Joe\u2019s head from the ground. He pour a small trickle of water into Joe\u2019s mouth. At first, the water simply ran out of the side of Joe\u2019s mouth, but then Joe\u2019s throat began to work, and Ben could see Joe swallowing the water. Ben waited a moment then trickled some more water into his son\u2019s mouth.<\/p>\n

Joe felt the cool liquid sliding down his throat and he swallowed it greedily. He didn\u2019t care where it was coming from. It tasted too good to worry about. The small tickle increased a bit and Joe swallowed again. He opened his mouth wider, hoping to gather more of the water. Joe coughed as a bit more water trickled in, and the water abruptly stopped. Joe didn\u2019t realize the water had stopped, because he was groaning and wincing at the pain his cough had caused. A sharp pain came from his ribs, and the rest of his body seemed to ache. Joe felt his head being gentle laid back on the ground. He heard a voice saying his name. Joe forced his eyes open. He looked at the slightly blurred face above him in confusion. Joe thought he was dreaming. The face looked like his father\u2019s.<\/p>\n

\u201cEasy, Joe,\u201d said the face. \u201cLie still. Everything is going to be all right.\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe stared at the image that appeared to be his father. He still couldn\u2019t believe his eyes. Joe lifted his right hand, fully expecting to feel nothing but air. Joe\u2019s body sagged with relief and his eyes welled with tears as he felt solid flesh and bone.<\/p>\n

\u201cPa,\u201d croaked Joe in a voice that was barely a whisper. \u201cPa.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cEasy, son,\u201d repeated Ben in a soothing voice. He slowly stroked Joe\u2019s head. \u201cYou\u2019re going to be all right now. Just lie still.\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe grabbed at Ben\u2019s shirt. \u201cDave,\u201d he said in an urgent voice. \u201cYou\u2019ve got to help Dave. He\u2019s hurt bad.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben looked over his shoulder. He could see Grant Marshall cradling his son in his arms. Ben turned back to Joe. \u201cDon\u2019t worry about Dave,\u201d said Ben softly. He glanced upward to the sky. \u201cDave\u2019s with his Father now.\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe nodded, not understanding but finding comfort in Ben\u2019s words. Joe closed his eyes and shuddered as the familiar wave of pain seemed to cascade through him again.<\/p>\n

Ben turned toward the top of the ravine. He could see Hoss still peering anxiously over the edge. \u201cHoss, he\u2019s alive, but he\u2019s hurt bad,\u201d yelled Ben.<\/p>\n

\u201cGo get some men, some ropes and a wagon. We\u2019re going to need some help getting him out of here.\u201d Ben saw Hoss hesitate, and then saw a quick nod of his middle son\u2019s head. Hoss disappeared from the top of the ravine. Ben turned back to Joe. He stroked his son\u2019s head again. Then he untied the bandanna from his neck and wet the cloth. He began gently to clean the scrape on Joe\u2019s face.<\/p>\n

Joe felt the wet cloth, and winced at burning pain the cloth cause as it traced the side of his face.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m sorry, Joe,\u201d said Ben softly. \u201cI don\u2019t want to hurt you, but I\u2019ve got to clean out those wounds.\u201d Ben could see the flush of fever on Joe\u2019s face and feel the heat. He knew the fever was caused by more than those scrapes on Joe\u2019s face and chest, but for now, this was about the only thing he could do to help his son.<\/p>\n

\u201cJoe, what happened?\u201d asked Ben as he worked. He wanted to know but he also thought talking might distract Joe from the pain.<\/p>\n

Joe looked up at Ben. \u201cWe found the rustlers,\u201d he said slowly. \u201cWe thought..\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe stopped and winced in pain again. He took a breath and grunted at the pain in his ribs. \u201cWe thought we had the drop on them,\u201d finished Joe.<\/p>\n

Ben heard some movement behind him and he glanced over his shoulder. Grant Marshall had worked his way over to the Cartwrights and was standing behind Ben, listening.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe thought\u2026.we had them,\u201d continued Joe in a weak voice. \u201cThey jumped us. Beat us up.\u201d Joe closed his eyes, trying to remember exactly what happened. His thoughts seemed jumbled for a minute. Then the picture of what happened came back to him in sharp focus.<\/p>\n

\u201cThey pushed us into the ravine,\u201d said Joe in a bitter voice. \u201cAnd they left us here.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben glanced over his shoulder to Marshall. Both men\u2019s faces were clouded with anger.<\/p>\n

\u201cI tried\u2026I tried to get out,\u201d said Joe. \u201cI tried to get help.\u201d Joe\u2019s eyes began to fill with tears again. \u201cI couldn\u2019t do it,\u201d said Joe in a choked voice. \u201cIt hurt too much\u2026too much to move.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSssh, it\u2019s all right, son, it\u2019s all right,\u201d said Ben quickly. He stroked Joe\u2019s head once more.<\/p>\n

\u201cJoe, who did this?\u201d asked Marshall in a tight voice. \u201cWho did this to you and Dave?\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe closed his eyes and thought about the face he had burned into his memory. He could feel the hate for the men inside him. He hated them for what they did to him and Dave, and he hated them for making him feel so helpless.<\/p>\n

\u201cJoe, do you know who it was?\u201d asked Marshall. His voice grew urgent. \u201cTell me who did this?\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe opened his eyes and looked past Ben to Grant Marshall. \u201cThere were four of them,\u201d Joe said slowly. \u201cPete Bishop. Carl Sand. I\u2019m\u2026I\u2019m not sure about the other two.\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe winced as the pain seemed to be growing again. He could feel the fog once again descending around him.<\/p>\n

\u201cGot to catch them,\u201d mumbled Joe as he drifted off. \u201cI promised Dave. I promised I\u2019d get them for him.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben looked down at his son. \u201cDon\u2019t worry, Joe,\u201d said Ben grimly. \u201cI\u2019ll make sure they pay for what they\u2019ve done.\u201d<\/p>\n

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

Ben stood staring at the fireplace, not seeing the flames dancing in front of him. His thoughts were upstairs, in a bedroom, where the doctor was working to put his son back together again. Ben had wanted to stay with Joe, to hold him and comfort him while the doctor worked on him. But Doctor Martin had chased him from the bedroom. The doctor insisted that Ben was more a hindrance than a help as he set bones and cleaned cuts. Ben didn\u2019t realize the anguish that showed on his face as Doctor Martin worked on Joe\u2019s bruised and battered body. The doctor decided it would be a kindness to his old friend if Ben didn\u2019t have to see Joe\u2019s many injuries so closely. Ben\u2019s thoughts turned to the ravine as he stared into the fire. It had taken Hoss over two hours to get back with help. Those were two of the longest hours of Ben\u2019s life. Two hours of Joe drifting in and out of consciousness. Two hours of Ben feeling a choking fear when Joe laid still and unmoving, and feeling a helpless rage when Joe was awake and moaning in pain. Two hours of being able to do virtually nothing to help his son. Ben tried not to think about the tortuous task of getting Joe out of the ravine. He tried to block his mind from the moans and grunts of pain from Joe as Hoss and the six hands he had rounded up lifted Joe gently on to the old wooden door Hoss had brought as a stretcher. The journey up the ravine had been slow and difficult, punctuated by soft groans from Joe. The make-shift stretcher jolted him as it traveled over the rough ground. Even the journey back to the Ponderosa in the wagon was painful for Joe. Despite the thick mattresses in the wagon bed, the ride was hard on Joe. It seemed even the littlest movement had caused a wave of agonizing pain though Ben\u2019s youngest son.<\/p>\n

\u201cPa,\u201d said a voice from behind Ben. Ben turned to see Hoss standing a few feet away. Ben hadn\u2019t heard his son come in.<\/p>\n

\u201cPa,\u201d repeated Hoss, his voice tinged with concern. \u201cIs the doc still working on Joe?\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben nodded and turned back to the fire, his thoughts straying to the upstairs bedroom again.<\/p>\n

Hoss studied his father for a moment. He knew the worry Ben was feeling. He felt it himself. He had heard those terrible moans of pain from his little brother, just as Ben had.<\/p>\n

\u201cJoe\u2019s going to be all right, Pa,\u201d said Hoss, trying to comfort himself as much as his father. \u201cYou heard the doc. He\u2019s going to make it.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben nodded mutely, not turning to look at Hoss.<\/p>\n

Hoss pursed his lips, wishing there was something he could do to help. He silently cursed those rustlers who had caused his family so much pain.<\/p>\n

\u201cPa, Roy Coffee has a posse out after those rustlers,\u201d said Hoss. \u201cCharlie Andrews came by while I was outside. He said Roy sent him to tell us they had followed the tracks into the mountains.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben didn\u2019t answer. Hoss wondered if he had heard him. He was about to repeat what Charlie had told him when Ben turned around.<\/p>\n

\u201cRoy won\u2019t find much in those mountains,\u201d said Ben in a discouraged voice. \u201cThe rock is so hard up there that nothing makes a track. Those rustlers could have led those cattle down any one of those passes.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cMaybe,\u201d agreed Hoss. \u201cBut Roy won\u2019t give up looking. And even if he don\u2019t find anything, he\u2019ll make sure the word gets out. Those rustlers won\u2019t get away.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben nodded, but his face clearly showed that he didn\u2019t believe what Hoss had said. Ben turned back to the fire. \u201cDid the hands get back yet?\u201d he asked in a disinterested voice. Three of the Ponderosa hands had stayed behind to help Grant Marshall retrieve his son\u2019s body and bring it home. The other three hands had been charged with bringing in the horses Dave and Joe had left near the mouth of the canyon.<\/p>\n

\u201cYeah,\u201d answer Hoss. \u201cJeb rode in awhile ago. He said Mrs. Marshall and the young\u2019uns took the news about Dave real hard. I told him to ride over there tomorrow to see if they needed any help.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben stared into the fire. \u201cSuch a waste,\u201d he said in a low voice. \u201cOne young man and another seriously injured. I would have given them five hundred head of cattle if they had just let those boys be.\u201d Ben shook his head. \u201cSuch a waste.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI agree,\u201d said a voice from the stairs.<\/p>\n

Ben turned and quickly walked to the stairs. He looked up anxiously as Doctor Martin descended the stairs. The doctor had his coat thrown over his arm and his black bag clutched in his hand.<\/p>\n

\u201cHow is he?\u201d asked Ben in a voice full of worry.<\/p>\n

\u201cHe\u2019s a sleep,\u201d replied the doctor in a soothing voice. \u201cI pumped him full of as much pain killer as I could. I doubt if he\u2019ll even stir until tomorrow sometime.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cBut he\u2019s going to be all right?\u201d insisted Ben.<\/p>\n

The doctor nodded. \u201cIt\u2019s going to take quite awhile,\u201d said Doctor Martin. \u201cBut, eventually, he\u2019ll heal.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat about his fever?\u201d persisted Ben. \u201cJoe was really hot when we carried him in.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019ll will disappear in a few days,\u201d the doctor assured Ben. \u201cThere\u2019s some infection, but mostly, the fever is from the pain and exposure. Keep him warm and make sure he gets plenty of liquids. The fever should break tomorrow and be gone in a day or two after that.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cDoc, what about the pain?\u201d asked Hoss. \u201cJoe was hurting bad, real bad.\u201d<\/p>\n

The doctor didn\u2019t answer for a minute. He set his bag on the table and slipped on his coat. The he turned to Hoss. \u201cI can\u2019t remember the last time a body that battered,\u201d said Doctor Martin slowly. \u201cFive broken ribs, a broken wrist, sprained knee, bruised ligaments in the leg, and more cuts and bruises than I can count. He must have been in a lot of pain. Setting the bones will help, and so will the medicine. But it will be a long time before he can move without pain.\u201d<\/p>\n

Hoss looked down at the floor. His stomach had tied itself into knots as the doctor catalogued Joe\u2019s injuries.<\/p>\n

The doctor saw the anguish on Hoss\u2019 face. He walked over and put his arm on the big man\u2019s shoulder. \u201cHe\u2019ll get better, Hoss,\u201d Doctor Martin assured him. \u201cThat\u2019s what we have to focus on. Helping Joe get better.\u201d Hoss nodded mutely but didn\u2019t look at the doctor.<\/p>\n

Doctor Martin turned to Ben. \u201cHas Roy Coffee caught the rustlers?\u201d he asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cHe\u2019s after them,\u201d said Ben. shrugging his shoulders. \u201cI don\u2019t think he\u2019ll have much luck, though. Looks like they headed up into the mountains. The doctor nodded. He looked at the two men in the room. Ben was staring at the top of the stairs, and Hoss\u2019 gaze was fixed on the floor. The doctor shook his head. \u201cI\u2019ll be back in the morning,\u201d said Doctor Martin. He turned and walked to the front door. He hesitated, and looked back into the room. Neither man seemed to be aware that he had left them. The doctor shook his head again, pulled open the door, and walked out.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m going to sit with Joe,\u201d said Ben, heading toward the stairs.<\/p>\n

Hoss looked up. \u201cPa,\u201d he said in a voice filled with anger and determination. \u201cI\u2019m going to see if I can find that posse.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben stopped and turned to his son. \u201cHoss\u2026\u201d he started.<\/p>\n

Hoss held up his hand. \u201cI know what you\u2019re going to say,\u201d interrupted Hoss. \u201cLet the law handle this. And I aim to. But I got to help somehow. And catching those rustlers is the best thing I can do right now.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben pursed his lips and nodded. Hoss turned and walked to the door, grabbing his gunbelt off the bureau, and snatching his hat from the peg by the door. Ben watched as Hoss settled his tall white hat on his head and buckled the gunbelt around his massive girth. \u201cBe careful,\u201d said Ben. Hoss looked at Ben and nodded. Then he turned and went out the door.<\/p>\n

Ben looked to the top of the stairs. He took a deep breath and slowly climbed the stairs.<\/p>\n

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

Joe felt as if he were drifting out of a fog once again. But this was a different fog. Joe felt a pleasant lassitude as he slowly tried to clear his fuzzy head. He felt some dull aches, but the sharp, agonizing pain he had experienced earlier was no longer creeping through him. Joe could feel the soft pillows under his head, and the comfortable mattress under his body. Joe wasn\u2019t sure where he was, but he felt safe and warm. For now, that was good enough. Joe shifted slightly on the bed. His body felt restricted. He could feel his left elbow resting on a pillow, and something hard around his lower arm. He felt the tight bandages around his chest and ribs. His right leg was propped up on a pillow under the blankets, and Joe felt something tightly wrapped around his knee. Joe turned his head so the sore side of his face was away from the pillow. He slowly opened his eyes and tried to focus. A slight smile played on his lips as he saw the figure sleeping in the chair by his bed.<\/p>\n

\u201cPa?\u201d asked Joe in a quiet voice.<\/p>\n

Ben sat upright and quickly shook his head. He looked down to the bed and smiled at his son. \u201cGood morning,\u201d he said, trying to sound normal. In truth, every time Ben looked at his bruised and bandaged son, he felt something other than normal. He felt angry.<\/p>\n

\u201cResting your eyes?\u201d said Joe with a smile.<\/p>\n

Ben grinned. \u201cYes, I guess I was,\u201d he admitted. Ben looked around the room. Bright sunlight was pouring through the windows. Ben figured the day was well started. He turned back to the bed. \u201cHow are you feeling?\u201d he asked gently.<\/p>\n

Joe shifted his weight and winced. \u201cThirsty,\u201d he answered, doing his best to ignore the pain. \u201cAnd hungry.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben smiled and turned toward a table by the bed. \u201cWell, we can fix the thirsty part,\u201d said Ben pour some water from a bottle into a glass. \u201cAnd I\u2019ll get Hop Sing working on fixing the hungry part.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben lifted Joe\u2019s head from the pillows and held the glass to his son\u2019s lips. Joe drank deeply from the glass, swallowing most of the water offered to him. When he pulled his head back, indicating he had had enough, Ben eased his head back to the pillow. Ben put his hand on Joe\u2019s forehead. He nodded to himself as he decided Joe\u2019s fever was down.<\/p>\n

\u201cPa, Dave Marshall is dead, isn\u2019t he?\u201d said Joe in a quiet voice.<\/p>\n

Ben turned to put the glass back on the table before answering. He took a deep breath and turned back to the bed. Joe was staring up at his father. Ben had a hard time not wincing as he looked at his son\u2019s bruised and battered face.<\/p>\n

\u201cYes, he\u2019s dead,\u201d said Ben, his voice as quiet as his son\u2019s. \u201cWe think he broke his neck in the fall.\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe looked away. \u201cDid they catch them?\u201d he asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t know,\u201d answered Ben. \u201cHoss went out to join the posse yesterday. He hasn\u2019t been back.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cPa, I want them to pay for what they did to Dave,\u201d said Joe in a bitter voice. \u201cI promised Dave they would.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI know, son,\u201d said Ben in a soothing voice. \u201cI want them to pay, too. But the important thing now is for you to get well.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhen do you think Hoss will be back?\u201d asked Joe.<\/p>\n

\u201cDid I hear my name?\u201d said a voice from the door.<\/p>\n

Joe and Ben both turned to the voice. Hoss stood in the doorway to Joe\u2019s room. His clothes were covered with dust, and his face showed the lines of fatigue. Hoss had a big grin on his face, but both Joe and Ben could tell it was forced.<\/p>\n

\u201cDid you get them?\u201d asked Joe in an anxious voice.<\/p>\n

Hoss looked at Ben, then turned back to Joe. \u201cNo, we didn\u2019t,\u201d admitted Hoss, looking down. \u201cWe searched those passes through the mountains but there wasn\u2019t a sign of them.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThey\u2019re going to get away with this,\u201d said Joe in an angry voice. \u201cThey killed Dave and they\u2019re going to get away.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo, they ain\u2019t, little brother,\u201d said Hoss in a grim voice. \u201cThey may have gotten away for now, but we\u2019ll catch them. Roy Coffee is wiring every sheriff for a hundred miles around. He\u2019s also printing up wanted posters. He\u2019s listing those rustlers as wanted dead or alive.\u201d Hoss turned to Ben. \u201cI told Roy to put a reward on those posters. I told him we would pay it.\u201d Ben nodded.<\/p>\n

Joe didn\u2019t seem to hear his brother. \u201cThey got away,\u201d he said again, looking at the ceiling.<\/p>\n

\u201cNo they didn\u2019t,\u201d insisted Hoss. \u201cI promise you, Joe. We\u2019re going to catch them. They won\u2019t get away. I promise I\u2019ll get them for you.\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe looked at his brother. \u201cYeah, sure,\u201d he said in lifeless voice.<\/p>\n

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

Ben stood in the corral, brushing a horse tied to the fence. His hands moved quickly and expertly as he curried the horse but they moved almost without direction. Ben\u2019s thoughts were elsewhere. It had been three weeks since Joe had been rescued from the ravine. To Ben, it had seemed much longer. In fact, it seemed to Ben like he could barely remember a time when he didn\u2019t spend the entire day worrying about Joe\u2019s agonizing recovery. The first week, Joe had barely moved. He had been too weak and too sore from his injuries to do more than lift his head. As worrisome as that week had been, the last two had been worse\u2026.for both Ben and his son. Doctor Martin had insisted Joe get out of bed and both begin walking as well as doing a series of painful exercises. Ben knew the Doctor was doing only what was necessary to insure his son\u2019s full recovery, but he hated hearing the grunts of pain as Joe tried to make his stiff and sore muscles work. He hated seeing the beads of sweat and the exhaustion on Joe\u2019s face as he finished the exercises. Ben admired his son\u2019s determination but he worried about Joe all the same.<\/p>\n

It wasn\u2019t only the physical pain which his son was experiencing that caused Ben worry. Everyday for the past three weeks, Joe had asked for news of the efforts to catch the rustlers. And everyday, Joe\u2019s face took on a strange, hard look when he was told no progress had been made. Three weeks, thought Ben as he continued to brush the horse. What a strange time it had been. He and Hoss had gone to Dave Marshall\u2019s funeral, offering words of condolence to a mother who couldn\u2019t seemed to be consoled and a father who seemed unaware of the people around him. Ben had exchanged a series of telegrams with Adam, advising his oldest son of what had happened, and assuring him that coming home immediately wasn\u2019t necessary. Joe had insisted Ben instruct Adam to stay in San Francisco and finish his business. Joe had protested that he was disrupting life on the Ponderosa enough without undermining the work on the timber contracts too. Ben frowned as he thought about Joe\u2019s other comment. Joe had said that he would take care of things himself when he was well. Ben had a feeling that his son was not talking about the work around the ranch.<\/p>\n

Ben took a step back from the horse, and, for a moment, interrupted his worried thoughts. He admired the horse, one of the animals that Grant Marshall had brought over last week. Ben frowned as his memories of that event crowded in. Marshall had been awkwardly apologetic for the late delivery of the horses and Ben had felt equally as awkward as he assured Marshall he understood. Both men had seemed reluctant to discuss the reasons for the late delivery, and both had felt uncomfortable in each other\u2019s presence. Neither wanted to offer the other false words of comfort, so their talk was strictly business. Ben had a feeling that he and Grant Marshall would always feel awkward with each other, that the memory of Fish Hook Canyon would come between them from now on. That thought saddened Ben. Ben turned when he heard the sound of a horse riding into the yard, and his face showed surprise as he recognized the rider. He quickly put the brush on the fence, and climbed out of the corral.<\/p>\n

\u201cHello, Ben,\u201d said the rider as he guided his horse toward the corral. The man had a neat, almost business-like look despite his western clothes. He wore a dark string tie and a tan coat over his crisp white shirt. His light gray hat showed none of the wear and dirt that most working cowboys seemed to accumulate.<\/p>\n

\u201cCal Peterson!\u201d answered Ben in astonishment. His face turned to a thoughtful frown. \u201cDid I miss a delivery date?\u201d he asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cNo, Ben, you didn\u2019t,\u201d said Peterson with a smile as he dismounted. \u201cAnd even if you had, a cattle broker doesn\u2019t ride over to see a rancher when the cattle don\u2019t show up. That\u2019s why they invented telegrams.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben smiled as he watched Peterson tie his horse to the corral fence. \u201cWell, then, what brings you to the Ponderosa?\u201d asked Ben curiously. \u201cWe won\u2019t have any cattle ready for at least a month.\u201d<\/p>\n

Peterson\u2019s face grew sober. \u201cI was over at Frank Thompson\u2019s place, trying to get him to agree to a contract on his herd,\u201d explained Peterson. \u201cHe told me what happened to Dave Marshall and Joe.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben nodded, his face grim.<\/p>\n

\u201cHave they caught the men who did it yet?\u201d asked Peterson. \u201cThompson wasn\u2019t sure.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo, no they haven\u2019t,\u201d replied Ben.<\/p>\n

Peterson looked thoughtful. \u201cThat\u2019s why I came over,\u201d he said. \u201cI think I might know something that might help.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben started to answer but the sound of the door of the ranch house opening distracted him. Ben turned toward the house and watched. Joe was walking slowly out of the house, his gait more of a shuffle than a walk. He was leaning heavily on a cane in his right hand, and his balance seemed even more precarious because of the large white sling in which his splinted and bandaged left arm rested. Even from a distance, the scabs on his face were visible.<\/p>\n

Ben watched, his hands clutched with tension, as Joe walked with painful slowness across the wood flooring in front of the house. When he reached the end of the wood, Joe moved on to the uneven dirt of the yard. Joe lurched a bit to his right as he took a step onto the dirt, and he leaned harder on the cane. Ben rushed across the yard.<\/p>\n

\u201cJoe, are you all right?\u201d Ben said anxiously.<\/p>\n

Joe stopped and looked up. \u201cYeah, I\u2019m fine,\u201d he said. \u201cJust lost my balance for a minute. That crutch I was using was easier than this cane.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019ve only been using the cane for a day or two,\u201d said Ben. \u201cMaybe you\u2019d better stay in the house until you\u2019re steadier with it.\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe shook his head. \u201cNo,\u201d said Joe. \u201cI\u2019m sick of the house. I\u2019ve made so many laps around the living room and dining room that I know every inch of the place. The doctor said I had to walk. Well, I\u2019m going to do my walking outside for a change.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cJoe, I know you\u2019re getting bored in the house,\u201d said Ben in an understanding voice. \u201cBut you\u2019ve got to take things slow.\u201d Ben looked at his son, and saw the lines of strain and fatigue in Joe\u2019s face. \u201cMaybe you\u2019d better rest for a bit.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t want to rest and I don\u2019t want to take things slow,\u201d replied Joe in a cranky voice. \u201cI just want to get some fresh air.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAll right, all right,\u201d said Ben hastily. \u201cI think some fresh air is a good idea. But why don\u2019t you sit for awhile. You don\u2019t want to overdo it.\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe hesitated. In truth, his leg was beginning to ache, but he hated to admit it. \u201cI guess sitting for a minute wouldn\u2019t hurt,\u201d he mumbled.<\/p>\n

Ben watched as Joe turned and slowly maneuvered toward the rocker near the front of the house. Ben followed his son, ready to steady him if he should falter. But Joe made it to the rocker, and eased himself down in the chair without assistance. Ben quickly pulled a small stool over to the chair and lifted Joe\u2019s foot onto the stool.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou know, a little nap wouldn\u2019t hurt,\u201d suggested Ben.<\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t need a nap,\u201d snapped Joe. He immediately regretted his words. He looked at Ben. \u201cI\u2019m sorry, Pa,\u201d said Joe in an apologetic voice.<\/p>\n

\u201cHello, Joe,\u201d said a voice from behind Ben.<\/p>\n

Joe looked over Ben\u2019s shoulder. His face showed the same surprise as his father had shown earlier. \u201cHi, Mr. Peterson,\u201d said Joe. \u201cWhat brings you to the Ponderosa? Did we miss a cattle delivery?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo, just visiting,\u201d replied Peterson vaguely. \u201cI heard about\u2026about the accident. I\u2019m glad you\u2019re feeling better.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, I\u2019m not ready to run any races yet,\u201d admitted Joe. \u201cBut I\u2019m making progress.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019d make even more progress if you took a nap,\u201d suggested Ben.<\/p>\n

Joe took a deep breath. \u201cPa,\u201d he said through gritted teeth. \u201cStop worrying. I\u2019m doing fine.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAll right,\u201d said Ben with a sigh. He turned to Peterson. \u201cCal, how about a drink to cut the dust?\u201d<\/p>\n

Peterson grinned. \u201cI was hoping you\u2019d say that,\u201d he said. He nodded to Joe and started toward the house.<\/p>\n

Ben started to say something to Joe, but Joe turned to stare resolutely across the yard, ignoring Ben. Ben sighed and followed Peterson toward the house. Once inside the house, Peterson settled himself comfortably on the sofa while Ben poured them both a glass of sherry. After handing Peterson a glass, Ben sat down in his favorite red leather chair and looked expectantly toward the cattle broker.<\/p>\n

Peterson took a sip of sherry, then looked at Ben. He seemed unsure what to say. Finally, he just settled back on the sofa and started talking.<\/p>\n

\u201cThompson told me about what happened to Joe and the Marshall boy,\u201d said Peterson. \u201cThat got me thinking. A few weeks ago, some fellows rode into Walnut Creek to see me. They said they had some cattle to sell. I didn\u2019t know the men, and when I looked at the cattle, I thought the brands looked a little funny. So I turned them down. There were four of them, Ben. They could have been your rustlers. They fit the description Thompson gave me of the men you\u2019re looking for.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cDidn\u2019t the sheriff in Walnut Creek warn you about looking for the rustlers?\u201d asked Ben with a frown. \u201cRoy Coffee sent telegrams and wanted posters to towns for more than a hundred miles. I\u2019m sure he sent them to Walnut Creek.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOur sheriff is very good at what we hired him for,\u201d said Peterson with an ironic smile. \u201cWhich is breaking up fights and keeping drunken drovers under control. I\u2019m afraid that paperwork isn\u2019t exactly his long suit. There\u2019s no telling how many telegrams and posters like the ones Roy Coffee sent are piling up on his desk unread.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cDo you have any idea of where they went after they left Walnut Creek?\u201d pressed Ben. \u201cAny idea at all?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo, none,\u201d said Peterson with a shake of his head. \u201cOnce I turned them down, they had some drinks in the saloon and left.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, it\u2019s something, I guess,\u201d said Ben in a discouraged voice. \u201cAt least now we know what direction they went.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThere\u2019s more, Ben,\u201d said Peterson quickly. \u201cOne of the men in back in Walnut Creek. He showed up the day before I left. Seems he took a shine to one of the girls in the saloon. He was playing poker and sweet talking the girl. He had a wad of bills, and acted like a man who was in no hurry to leave.”<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat does he look like?\u201d asked Ben anxiously.<\/p>\n

\u201cTall, heavy-set fellow, about 30,\u201d said Peterson. \u201cI heard the girl in the saloon call him Pete.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cPete Bishop,\u201d said Ben, nodding his head in confirmation. \u201cThe thing to do now is to get a telegram off to Walnut Creek and have him arrested.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHold on,\u201d protested Peterson. \u201cI said he might be one of your rustlers. I can\u2019t be sure. I don\u2019t like the idea of having a man arrested on my say without being sure. That\u2019s why I came by the ranch. I was hoping Joe would go back to Walnut Creek with me and take a look at the fellow.\u201d Peterson glanced toward the front door. \u201cI didn\u2019t have any idea he was hurt that badly,\u201d added Peterson softly. \u201cThompson just said he was pretty banged up.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cJoe can\u2019t make the trip. He\u2019s not well enough,\u201d confirmed Ben. He thought for a minute. \u201cBut I can. I know Pete Bishop. He worked on the Ponderosa for awhile. And Joe said Bishop was one of the rustlers. If I go to Walnut Creek and confirm that the man is Pete Bishop, will that be good enough for your sheriff?\u201d<\/p>\n

Peterson nodded. \u201cYour word would be good enough for me,\u201d said the cattle broker. \u201cAnd if it\u2019s good enough for me, it will be good enough for the sheriff. We can head over to Walnut Creek first thing in the morning. If we cut through the mountains, we\u2019ll be there by early evening. I have a feeling that evening is the best time to find this fellow at the saloon.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhy don\u2019t you stay here tonight?\u201d suggested Ben. \u201cWe\u2019ve got plenty of room.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo,\u201d said Peterson with a shake of his head. \u201cI\u2019ve got some business to take care of.\u201d He smiled wryly. \u201cA couple of other ranchers near here haven\u2019t been convinced to contract their cattle to me yet. I want to give them another try.\u201d Peterson looked thoughtful. \u201cHow about I meet you at the foot of Sun Mountain at daybreak.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSun Mountain at daybreak,\u201d agreed Ben. \u201cI\u2019ll be there.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cGood,\u201d said Peterson, rising to his feet. He quickly finished his drink and set the glass on the table. \u201cI\u2019d better get going if I want to see those other two ranchers today. I\u2019ll just say goodbye to Joe and be on my way.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben followed Peterson to the door, and out into the yard. The cattle broker stopped near the rocking chair and looked down. Joe was asleep in the chair, snoring lightly as he dozed.<\/p>\n

\u201cLooks like you got your nap after all,\u201d said Peterson with a smile to Ben.<\/p>\n

Ben looked at his sleeping son. \u201cJoe\u2019s not as strong as he thinks he is,\u201d said Ben. He shook his head. \u201cHe was hurt pretty bad. It\u2019s going to take awhile for him to recover.\u201d<\/p>\n

Peterson nodded his understanding. \u201cSay my goodbyes to Joe for me,\u201d he asked. Peterson hesitated. \u201cI\u2019ll see you at Sun Mountain at dawn?\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben looked down at his son. \u201cI\u2019ll be there,\u201d answered Ben grimly.<\/p>\n

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

Dinner that night at the Ponderosa took longer than usual, as it had for the past two weeks. Joe\u2019s broken wrist made eating a difficult process. Ben filled a plate for Joe and cut his meat, just as he had done for his son when Joe was a child. Joe was naturally left-handed, but his left arm was in a sling. So eating with his fork in his right hand was an awkward and time consuming process for Joe. Watching Joe struggle at the table added fuel to the already burning fire of anger Ben felt toward the men who had deliberately harmed his son.<\/p>\n

Hoss talked with his father and brother about ranch business over dinner, but Ben didn\u2019t seem to be listening. He answered Hoss\u2019 questions vaguely or not at all. Hoss looked at Joe across the table with raised eyebrows. Joe shrugged his shoulders at Hoss and shook his head in puzzlement. Neither of them had any idea what was bothering Ben.<\/p>\n

\u201cPa, I\u2019m going to start working those horses tomorrow,\u201d said Hoss. \u201cThat all right with you?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat?\u2019 said Ben in a distracted voice. \u201cOh, yes, of course, that\u2019s fine.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cPa, what\u2019s bothering you?\u201d asked Joe. \u201cYou\u2019ve been a million miles away all night.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben shook his head and smiled. \u201cNothing,\u201d he answered. \u201cNothing important.\u201d He saw Joe shifting uncomfortably on the chair. The dinner plates were cleaned, and the meal for all intents and purposes was over.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhy don\u2019t we have coffee in the living room?\u201d suggested Ben.<\/p>\n

\u201cGood idea,\u201d said Joe. His knee was beginning to ache again, and the thought of stretching out his leg was appealing.<\/p>\n

Joe turned on his chair, sliding his legs around in front of him. He reached across his body with his right hand, grabbing the cane that was hooked on the back of his chair. Joe pressed the cane firmly to the floor and pushed on it.<\/p>\n

Ben rose hastily from his seat and grabbed Joe under the arms. He pulled Joe to his feet and held him until he was sure Joe had his balance.<\/p>\n

\u201cThanks, Pa,\u201d said Joe gratefully. Joe shuffled slowly across the room toward the sofa, leaning heavily on the cane as he walked. Ben watched his son, ready to help him if needed.<\/p>\n

Hoss also watched until he was sure Joe was going to make it to the sofa. Then he grabbed the coffee pot and three cups from the table. Hoss quickly crossed the room, and put the pot and cups on the low table in front of the fireplace. He seemed to be arranging the cups, but in reality, he was watching Joe ease himself down onto the sofa. As soon as Joe was settled, Hoss grabbed a pillow and put it on the table. Joe nodded his thanks as he lifted his right leg with his hand and eased his foot onto the pillow. He grinned at Hoss as he put his foot on the pillow. He had commented to Hoss earlier that the only good thing about his injuries was that he could put his foot on the furniture without getting yelled out. Hoss saw the grin and knew what Joe was thinking. He smiled back at his brother as he poured a cup of coffee and handed it to Joe.<\/p>\n

Ben walked slowly into the living room, his thoughts still seeming to be somewhere else. He eased himself into his leather chair, and stared into the fire.<\/p>\n

\u201cHey, Pa,\u201d said Hoss, as he settled into the blue chair near the stairs, coffee cup in hand. \u201cJoe said Cal Peterson was here today. What\u2019d he want?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYes, Cal was here,\u201d replied Ben. He hesitated, then continued. \u201cI\u2019m going back to Walnut Creek with him in the morning.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWalnut Creek? Why?\u201d asked Joe curiously.<\/p>\n

Ben took a deep breath. \u201cCal thinks one of those rustlers is in Walnut Creek,\u201d said Ben slowly. \u201cI\u2019m going with him to see if he\u2019s right.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m going with you,\u201d said Joe in a grim voice.<\/p>\n

\u201cJoe, you\u2019re in no shape to make that trip,\u201d said Ben patiently.<\/p>\n

\u201cPa, I\u2019m going,\u201d said Joe in a determined voice.<\/p>\n

\u201cJoe, we\u2019re going to cut through the mountains,\u201d explained Ben. \u201cThat\u2019s a rough day\u2019s ride on horseback. You\u2019d never make it.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cPa, I have to go,\u201d insisted Joe. \u201cI\u2019m the only one who can identify those rustlers for sure.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cFrom the description Cal gave me, I think the man in Walnut Creek is Pete Bishop,\u201d said Ben. \u201cI know Bishop. I can identify him.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cBut what if it isn\u2019t Bishop?\u201d said Joe in an insistent voice. \u201cWhat if it\u2019s one of the other two, the ones I couldn\u2019t name? You don\u2019t know them.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIf it\u2019s not Bishop, I\u2019ll have the sheriff talk with him,\u201d said Ben. \u201cOne way or the other, we\u2019ll bring him back here for you to take a look at.\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe looked away. \u201cPa, I want to go,\u201d said Joe in a stubborn voice.<\/p>\n

\u201cJoe, you ain\u2019t making any sense,\u201d said Hoss. \u201cYou can\u2019t even sit a horse right now, much less ride all day through those mountains. Killing yourself ain\u2019t going to accomplish anything.\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe looked at Hoss. \u201cI promised Dave I\u2019d make them pay for what they did to him,\u201d said Joe. \u201cI\u2019ve got to keep that promise.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI know you want them punished, Joe,\u201d said Ben. \u201cSo do I. And the best way to insure that it happens is to let me take care of this.\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe stared at his father, as if trying to read the meaning of his father\u2019s words. Finally, Joe looked down. \u201cAll right,\u201d he said in a low voice. Joe leaned back against the sofa, his body limp. Ben frowned as he watched his son. Something seem wrong in the way Joe agreed to let Ben go to Walnut Creek. But he couldn\u2019t quite put his finger on what it was.<\/p>\n

Joe took a deep breath, and looked up. \u201cI\u2019m tired,\u201d he said abruptly. \u201cI think I\u2019ll head up to bed.\u201d Joe pulled his leg off the table and set his coffee cup next to the pillow on the table. He grabbed the cane and pushed himself up from the sofa. Walking slowly, Joe headed toward the stairs.<\/p>\n

\u201cNeed any help?\u201d Hoss asked as he watched Joe shuffle toward the stairs.<\/p>\n

Joe stopped. \u201cNo,\u201d he said in grim voice. \u201cI think I can get ready for bed all by myself.\u201d Joe started toward the stairs, then stopped. He turned toward Ben. \u201cYou promise me that you\u2019ll make sure Bishop pays for what he did?\u201d Joe asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cI promise,\u201d answered Ben in a puzzled voice.<\/p>\n

Joe seemed satisfied with Ben\u2019s answer. He turned and slowly began climbing the stairs.<\/p>\n

Ben watched his son\u2019s slow progress, still puzzled by Joe\u2019s question.<\/p>\n

\u201cHoss,\u201d said Ben as he watch Joe finally reach the top of the stairs. \u201cForget about those horses. I want you to stay close to the house while I\u2019m gone.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSure, Pa,\u201d replied Hoss. \u201cBut why?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI want you to keep an eye on Joe,\u201d answered Ben. \u201cHe worries me.\u201d<\/p>\n

Hoss nodded. \u201cYeah, I know,\u201d he said. \u201cWithout someone around, he\u2019s liable to overdo it. Don\u2019t worry. I\u2019ll make sure he takes it easy.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYes, do that too,\u201d said Ben in a distracted voice.<\/p>\n

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

Ben and Cal Peterson rode into Walnut Creek late the next afternoon. Both men and horses were tired and sweaty. Ben had insisted the men keep traveling all day, stopping only briefly to eat and rest the horses. He was anxious to get to Walnut Creek before Pete Bishop left. Peterson understood Ben\u2019s anxiety and didn\u2019t complain. After making sure the horses got a well deserved bag of oats at the livery, Ben and Cal Peterson hurried to the sheriff\u2019s office. They had discussed a plan on the trail, and now wanted to get the lawman\u2019s agreement to their plan. Ben wanted Pete Bishop, but he also wanted to make sure everything was done legally and properly.<\/p>\n

At sheriff\u2019s office, Peterson introduce Ben to the lawman, and Ben quickly explained his reason for coming to Walnut Creek. He also outlined his plan. The sheriff listened without making any comments or asking any questions. He merely agreed to the plan. Ben judged the sheriff to be man without much imagination. But that was fine with Ben. His plan didn\u2019t need a man with imagination. All it needed was a man with a badge. The three agreed to meet at the saloon in two hours. That would give Peterson enough time to get home and change, and give Ben time to get a hotel room and refresh himself. The sheriff assured Ben that the man they wanted wouldn\u2019t be at the saloon until then. Ben agreed, but he also knew he\u2019d be at the saloon long before two hours past\u2026.just in case.<\/p>\n

Two hours later, Peterson and the sheriff walked into the saloon and looked around. Peterson spotted Ben sitting in a table at the back of the room, almost in a shadow. A beer, barely touched, sat in front of Ben. Peterson motioned to the sheriff and the two men joined Ben.<\/p>\n

\u201cHow long have you been here?\u201d Peterson asked Ben after he ordered two beers from the girl who came to their table. A faint smile of amusement twitched at Peterson\u2019s lips.<\/p>\n

\u201cAbout an hour,\u201d said Ben. He reached down and took a quick sip from his beer.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m not surprised,\u201d said Peterson. He looked around the nearly empty saloon. \u201cWhat have you been doing to entertain yourself for an hour?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThinking,\u201d answered Ben in a quiet voice.<\/p>\n

Ben, Peterson, and the sheriff sat for almost another hour at the table. They didn\u2019t talk much or take more than a sip or two from their beers. The beers were mere props, and talking seemed unnecessary. Ben\u2019s eyes were glued on the door of the saloon, and he watched each man who walked in. Ben stiffed when a tall, heavy-set man walked in.<\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s him,\u201d said Ben in a low voice. \u201cThat\u2019s Pete Bishop.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd your son is sure that he\u2019s one of the men who jumped him?\u201d asked the sheriff.<\/p>\n

\u201cHe\u2019s sure,\u201d said Ben curtly.<\/p>\n

The sheriff nodded but continued to sit at the table. The three men watched as Bishop walked up to the bar and ordered a beer.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhere\u2019s Katie?\u201d asked Bishop in a loud voice.<\/p>\n

\u201cShe\u2019ll be here in a little while,\u201d answered the bartender as he set a beer down in front of Bishop.<\/p>\n

Bishop began drinking his beer. He turned his back to the rapidly filling saloon.<\/p>\n

The sheriff turned to Ben. \u201cRemember what we agreed,\u201d he said in a barely audible voice. \u201cI\u2019ll arrest him on your word. But it would be better if we can get him to admit something.\u201d Ben nodded, his eyes never leaving the man standing at the bar. The sheriff got up from the table and walked over to Bishop.<\/p>\n

\u201cPete Bishop?\u201d asked the sheriff.<\/p>\n

\u201cYeah?\u201d answered Bishop cautiously as he turned to face the sheriff.<\/p>\n

In one smooth action, the sheriff pulled his gun out of his holster with his right hand while snatching Bishop\u2019s gun from his holster with his left. \u201cYou\u2019re under arrest,\u201d said the sheriff.<\/p>\n

\u201cArrest!\u201d said Bishop in astonishment. \u201cWhat for? I didn\u2019t do anything.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019re wanted in Virginia City,\u201d answered the sheriff.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat for?\u201d said Bishop, his eyes narrowing.<\/p>\n

\u201cCattle rustling and murder,\u201d answered the sheriff.<\/p>\n

\u201cSheriff, you\u2019ve got the wrong man,\u201d protested Bishop. \u201cI haven\u2019t done anything. This is all a mistake.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThere\u2019s no mistake,\u201d said Ben in a loud voice. He got up and walked slowly toward Bishop. Bishop\u2019s eyes widen when he saw Ben. \u201cCartwright!\u201d he said in a whisper. Bishop\u2019s eyes darted back and forth between the sheriff and Ben.<\/p>\n

\u201cSheriff, this is a mistake,\u201d said Bishop. He looked around the saloon. All movement had ceased and every eye was on Bishop. \u201cCartwright is a big man in Virginia City,\u201d said Bishop in a loud voice. \u201cI heard some of his cattle got rustled. He looking for a scapegoat and he\u2019s decided on me.\u201d Bishop noted with satisfaction that several pairs of eyes shifted suspiciously to Ben.<\/p>\n

Ben ignored the looks. \u201cBishop, you rustled almost a hundred head of cattle,\u201d declared Ben. \u201cAnd when you got caught, you attacked the men who caught you. Only they weren\u2019t men. They were two boys, two young men with more bravery than sense. And you helped throw those two boys down a ravine and then you rode away and left them to die.\u201d<\/p>\n

All eyes were now riveted on Bishop, and several faces in the room had a look of disgust.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou don\u2019t know that,\u201d mumbled Bishop uneasily.<\/p>\n

\u201cOne of the boys died,\u201d continued Ben as if he hadn\u2019t heard Bishop. \u201cBut my son didn\u2019t die. He laid in that ravine for hours, too hurt to even move. But he stayed alive. And he identified the men who did tried to kill him.\u201d<\/p>\n

Bishop\u2019s eyes widened with fear. \u201cI didn\u2019t do anything, I swear,\u201d protested Bishop in a panic. \u201cIt was Sand. He\u2019s the one. He pushed those two kids into the ravine.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019re going to hang, Bishop,\u201d said Ben with grim satisfaction. \u201cMy son is going to testify against you and you\u2019re going to hang for the murder of Dave Marshall.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo!\u201d shouted Bishop. He turned suddenly and grabbed at the gun in the sheriff\u2019s hand. The sheriff and Bishop struggled as Ben pulled his gun out and pointed it toward the pair. The gun in the sheriff\u2019s hand went off, and Bishop froze. A look of surprise came over Bishop\u2019s face. Then he slowly crumpled to the floor.<\/p>\n

The sheriff knelt down and pushed Bishop onto his back, gun ready. But there was no longer any need for a weapon. Bishop had a large hole in his chest, the ragged edges tinged with gunpowder. Blood was slowly seeping from the wound. The sheriff felt Bishop\u2019s neck for a minute, then stood. \u201cHe\u2019s dead,\u201d declared the sheriff without emotion.<\/p>\n

Ben stood staring at the body on the floor, gun still in his hand. Peterson came up quietly behind Ben and put his hand on Ben\u2019s shoulder.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou all right?\u201d Peterson asked with concern.<\/p>\n

Ben nodded as he holstered his pistol. \u201cI didn\u2019t want it this way,\u201d said Ben in a sad voice. \u201cI wanted to take him back to Virginia City to stand trial.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI know,\u201d said Peterson. He looked at the body on the floor. \u201cBut he didn\u2019t give the sheriff much choice. I have a feeling he knew it was going to end that way. Probably thought it was better than a rope.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben nodded.<\/p>\n

Peterson pushed Ben gently on the shoulder. \u201cWhy don\u2019t you go back over to the hotel?\u201d he suggested gently. \u201cThe sheriff will take care of things here.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben didn\u2019t move for a moment, then nodded his head slowly. He took one last look at the body of the floor, then slowly walked out of the saloon.<\/p>\n

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

Ben rode into the yard of the Ponderosa ranch house late the next afternoon. He had spent an uneasy night in Walnut Creek, a night of tossing and turning on the bed. Ben\u2019s conscience pricked at him. Both the sheriff and Cal Peterson had assured Ben that Bishop\u2019s death was the man\u2019s own fault. But Ben still felt uneasy about it. He was convinced he could have planned Bishop\u2019s arrest better. He knew his promise that Bishop would hang had goaded the man into going for the sheriff\u2019s gun. Ben hadn\u2019t planned for that to happen. But he had spent a long time sitting in the saloon, thinking about his son and what those men had done to Joe. When Bishop claimed he was innocent, Ben\u2019s anger was stronger than his good sense. He had spoken without thinking about the impact of his words. And those words had caused Pete Bishop\u2019s death. Ben had been up before dawn and on the trail to home as soon as it was light. He didn\u2019t push his horse the way he had traveling to Walnut Creek, but he still made good time. Ben had been anxious to get home to his sons. Ben dismounted and tied his horse to the hitching post near the front of the house. As he stood untying the saddle bags from the back of his saddle, Ben heard the front door of the house open. He turned to see Joe watching him expectantly from the doorway.<\/p>\n

\u201cHello, Joe,\u201d Ben greeted his son in a quiet voice. \u201cHow are you feeling?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m all right,\u201d answered Joe. As if to prove his words, Joe walked slowly across the wooden flooring in front of the house toward his father. He was still leaning heavily on a cane as he walked. \u201cWhat happened in Walnut Creek?\u201d asked Joe. \u201cWas it Bishop?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIt was Bishop,\u201d confirmed Ben.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhere is he?\u201d asked Joe, watching his father carefully.<\/p>\n

Ben hesitated and then answered. \u201cHe\u2019s dead,\u201d said Ben.<\/p>\n

An odd look of satisfaction flashed across Joe\u2019s face. \u201cThank you,\u201d said Joe in a quiet voice.<\/p>\n

Ben frowned at Joe\u2019s comment. \u201cJoe, I didn\u2019t gun him down,\u201d explained Ben quickly. \u201cHe was killed trying to escape. He died because he was trying to get away.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSure, Pa, I understand,\u201d said Joe.<\/p>\n

\u201cNo, Joe, really,\u201d insisted Ben. \u201cHe did try to get away.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou don\u2019t have to explain it to me, Pa,\u201d said Joe with an odd smile on his face. \u201cI understand completely.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben\u2019s frown deepened. He didn\u2019t like the way Joe seemed pleased at Bishop\u2019s death. Ben looked around. \u201cWhere\u2019s Hoss?\u201d he asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cHe\u2019s out riding with the posse,\u201d said Joe. \u201cHe left this morning. Two rustlers hit Thompson\u2019s place last night. He trailed them as far as the canyons, then went for the sheriff. Roy Coffee thinks they might be two of the rustlers who\u2026who were in Fish Hook Canyon. He thinks they might have come back to get more cattle.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd Hoss is riding with the posse?\u201d said Ben in surprise.<\/p>\n

Joe looked away. \u201cRoy Coffee came by to get a description of the rustlers,\u201d said Joe in a quiet voice. \u201cHe said he wanted to be sure they were the same men if they caught them. Hoss rode out with Roy when Roy told us they were putting a posse together.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, I\u2019m glad you had enough sense not to try and ride with them,\u201d said Ben.<\/p>\n

Joe turned back to his father. \u201cI wanted to,\u201d he admitted. \u201cBut Hoss wouldn\u2019t let me. He told me he\u2019d hog-tie to the bed if I tried to get on a horse.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m glad at least one of my sons has some sense,\u201d said Ben in a stern voice. He walked over to Joe and put his hand on his youngest son\u2019s shoulder. Ben\u2019s face softened. \u201cI know how much you wanted to go after them, Joe,\u201d said Ben in a comforting voice. \u201cBut Hoss was right to make you stay here.\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe took a deep breath and nodded. \u201cYeah, he was,\u201d said Joe. \u201cI\u2019d probably just slow them down.\u201d Joe looked off to the hills. \u201cHoss promised me he\u2019d bring them back to me,\u201d added Joe in a barely audible voice.<\/p>\n

Ben looked curiously at Joe. Ben had the distinct feeling that he and his son were hearing the same words, but the words had different meanings to each of them.<\/p>\n

\u201cJoe\u2026\u201d started Ben.<\/p>\n

The sound of horses and riders stopped Ben. He and Joe both looked toward the road leading up to the ranch house. Seven men were riding toward the house, led by a big man in a tall white hat that both Joe and Ben recognized instantly. Two of the riders were leading horses. A large bundle wrapped in a blanket was slung over the saddle of each of the riderless horses.<\/p>\n

\u201cPa!\u201d called Hoss as he led the posse to the house. Ben raised his hand in acknowledgment.<\/p>\n

The posse stopped in the yard, and Hoss and Roy Coffee dismounted. Joe took a few steps forward. \u201cDid you get them?\u201d he asked Hoss anxiously.<\/p>\n

Hoss\u2019 face turned sober. \u201cYeah, we got them,\u201d said Hoss.<\/p>\n

\u201cJoe, I wonder if you\u2019d mind taking a look at these two,\u201d asked Roy, tilting his head toward the bundles on the horses. \u201cTell me if you recognize them.\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe walked slowly toward the horses, leaning on his cane as he walked. He lifted the blanket covering the bundle on the first horse. The head and shoulders of a man were visible under the blanket. Joe studied the man for a minute, then dropped the cloth. He moved to the second horse and lifted the blanket. Once again, Joe stared at the head and shoulders of a man draped over the saddle.<\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s them,\u201d said Joe grimly as he dropped the second blanket. \u201cThat\u2019s two of the rustlers. This first one is named Perkins or something like that. I don\u2019t know the name of the other one.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cJohnny Perkins and Ray Green,\u201d said Roy, naming the two dead rustlers.<\/p>\n

Ben took a few steps forward. \u201cRoy, what happened?\u201d he asked.<\/p>\n

The sheriff scratched his head. \u201cWell, Ben,\u201d he said thoughtfully, \u201cit looks like those two decided to come back and get some more cattle. We trailed them to Fish Hook Canyon. This time, they were changing the brands on those steers, right there in the open, when we rode up. I tried to get them to surrender, but they started shooting. Hoss got one of them. Killed him as he was trying to climb the hill. We\u2019re not sure who killed the other one. There were a lot of bullets flying around.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou killed one of them?\u201d Joe asked Hoss, looking at Hoss with a curious expression.<\/p>\n

\u201cYeah,\u201d said Hoss sadly.<\/p>\n

Joe stared at his brother for a minute. He nodded at Hoss, his eyes trying to convey some message. Hoss frowned, puzzled by Joe\u2019s actions.<\/p>\n

Joe turned and limped slowly back toward the house. His shoulders sagged and his walk seemed slower and more awkward. Ben rushed forward.<\/p>\n

\u201cAre you all right, Joe?\u201d asked Ben anxiously.<\/p>\n

Joe looked up. \u201cI\u2019m kind of tired,\u201d admitted Joe. \u201cGuess maybe I overdid it a bit today. I think I\u2019ll go in and lie down for a bit.\u201d Joe took another step forward, and stumbled a bit. Ben grabbed him by the arm.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll help you, Joe,\u201d said Hoss, coming up next to his brother.<\/p>\n

Joe looked up and gave Hoss a tired smile. \u201cThanks,\u201d said Joe.<\/p>\n

Ben watched thoughtfully as Joe shuffled slowly into the house with Hoss at his side. He was sure that Joe had tried to convey some message to Hoss when Hoss admitted he had killed the rustler. Ben just wasn\u2019t sure what that message was.<\/p>\n

\u201cSay, Ben,\u201d said Roy, interrupting Ben\u2019s thoughts. \u201cHoss told me about your trip over to Walnut Creek. What happened there?\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben turned back to the sheriff and quickly told him what had happened in Walnut Creek.<\/p>\n

\u201cI guess that\u2019s three wanted posters I can cancel,\u201d said Roy as Ben finished his story.<\/p>\n

Ben look at the sheriff as if he wanted to ask something but was reluctant to do so. Ben bit his lower lip. Roy Coffee watched him expectantly.<\/p>\n

\u201cRoy, what happened in that canyon?\u201d Ben said suddenly. \u201cHoss didn\u2019t kill that rustler deliberately, did he?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHoss?\u201d said Roy in surprise. \u201cNo,\u201d continued the sheriff, shaking his head. \u201cI think he was only trying to wing him. That fellow stood up right as Hoss shot, and the bullet got him square in the chest.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben let out a sigh of relief.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou didn\u2019t think that Hoss would kill him on purpose, did you?\u201d asked Roy Coffee with a frown.<\/p>\n

\u201cI guess I wondered,\u201d admitted Ben. \u201cHe\u2019s been pretty upset about what happened to Joe. We both are. I was just hoping that he didn\u2019t let his anger get the better of him.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNot Hoss,\u201d said Roy, shaking his head again. \u201cIt wouldn\u2019t have made any difference if he had killed him on purpose, though. Those wanted posters say dead or alive.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI wasn\u2019t worried about the law,\u201d said Ben with a frown. \u201cI was worried about Hoss.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t worry about him,\u201d said Roy. He started toward his horse then stopped. \u201cBen, there\u2019s still one rustler left out there. Carl Sand. I\u2019m betting he\u2019s cleared out and won\u2019t be back, but then, I was surprise that these two came back. You\u2019d best keep your eyes open, just in case.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben looked startled at Roy\u2019s comments. \u201cYou don\u2019t think he\u2019ll come after Joe, do you?\u201d he asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cProbably not,\u201d said Roy as he mounted his horse. \u201cBut it don\u2019t hurt to be cautious.\u201d Roy looked down at Ben. \u201cDon\u2019t worry about Hoss,\u201d he added. \u201cI don\u2019t think any of your boys could kill someone deliberately.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben nodded but his eyes strayed toward the house. \u201cI hope you\u2019re right, Roy,\u201d said Ben in a quiet voice.<\/p>\n

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

An air of normalcy seemed to settle over the Ponderosa for the next week or so. Hoss rode out every morning to take care of the ranch, and talked about his day every evening during dinner. Ben worked on the books, and did the routine chores around the house. Joe worked hard on the exercises that would help his injured body heal. But to Ben, the air of normalcy seemed a facade. Ben kept a covert eye on Joe as he worked around the house. Hoss seemed to avoid talking about any other subject than the ranch. Hoss and Ben both studiously avoided talking about the rustlers, even though Joe continued to ask for information about the fourth man. And Joe worked at his exercises with a fierce determination, showing an almost obsessive desire to rid himself of his limp and his cane as soon as possible. Whenever Joe asked about the fourth rustler, his face took on a strange, hard look — a look that frightened Ben.<\/p>\n

Several times, Ben almost broached the subject of the rustlers with Joe. But each time he thought about discussing the rustlers with his son, he stopped. Ben wasn\u2019t sure what to say. He could hardly criticize Joe for feeling a sense of satisfaction that three of the rustlers were dead when, deep down, he had to admit he felt that three men got what they deserved. Joe had done nothing more than ask about the fourth rustler and whether Roy Coffee had caught the man yet. Ben felt Joe\u2019s questions were more than just idle curiosity but Ben didn\u2019t quite know how to ask Joe about it. He had raised his sons to make their own decisions. Whatever Joe was thinking, Ben felt he had to wait until Joe was ready to talk about it. So Ben said nothing. And Ben hoped. Hoped he was doing the right thing, and hoped that Joe was not planning something that his youngest son would regret.<\/p>\n

Ben had an uneasy feeling as he rode out to the Marshall ranch on a bright morning about ten days after the two rustlers were killed. Hoss was out taking care of business on the ranch, and Hop Sing was in town getting supplies. Ben disliked leaving Joe alone at the house, but admitted he couldn\u2019t say why. Joe was healing; he shortly would no longer need the cane. Joe easily could manage by himself for a few hours. Three of the rustlers were dead, and there was no sign of the fourth man. There was no reason why Ben should feel a sense of urgency to finish his business and be home. But he did.<\/p>\n

Grant Marshall watched from the corral as Ben rode up. He seemed to have aged 10 years in the past few weeks. Marshall had always had a serious air about him but now his demeanor had taken on an air of great sadness, too. Ben stopped his horse next to the corral.<\/p>\n

\u201cHello, Grant,\u201d said Ben quietly. \u201cHow are you?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHello, Ben,\u201d answered Marshall briefly.<\/p>\n

\u201cHow\u2019s Peggy doing?\u201d asked Ben with concern.<\/p>\n

\u201cAbout what you\u2019d might expect,\u201d replied Marshall shortly.<\/p>\n

Ben hesitated, not knowing what else to say. Marshall obviously didn\u2019t want to talk about what had happened. Ben respected Marshall\u2019s feelings, and went right to the reason for his visit. \u201cGrant, we\u2019re going to need about 20 more horses to fill out an Army contract,\u201d said Ben quickly. \u201cDo you think you might be able to supply them?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cDepends on when you need them,\u201d answered Marshall. \u201cIt will take me longer to catch and break the horses now that\u2026.\u201d Marshall looked way. \u201cNow that I don\u2019t have as much help.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t need them until the end of the month,\u201d said Ben quickly.<\/p>\n

Marshall looked back at Ben, and nodded. \u201cI\u2019ll supply them by then,\u201d he agreed.<\/p>\n

\u201cGood,\u201d said Ben. Ben shifted uncomfortably in his saddle. There seemed nothing more to say, and he still had a feeling that he should get back to the ranch. \u201cGive my regards to Peggy,\u201d Ben said. He turned his horse.<\/p>\n

\u201cBen,\u201d called Marshall. Ben stopped his horse and looked back. Marshall looked down, as if he were trying to decide about something. Finally, he looked up. \u201cBen, I hear that fourth rustler, that Carl Sand, might be around here someplace.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat!\u201d said Ben in alarm. \u201cAre you sure?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo, I\u2019m not sure,\u201d said Marshall. He looked away again. \u201cTo be honest, the less I think about those men, the better I feel. I don\u2019t like myself when I think about them.\u201d Marshall turned back to Ben. \u201cBut Frank Thompson stopped by yesterday. He mentioned seeing someone who looked like Sand riding up near Sutter\u2019s Ridge.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cDid he tell Roy Coffee?\u201d asked Ben anxiously.<\/p>\n

\u201cNo,\u201d admitted Marshall. \u201cThompson didn\u2019t get a good look at the man, wasn\u2019t sure it was Sand. He just mentioned it because he wanted me to keep a close eye my cattle, just in case. I\u2019m just passing on the news for the same reason.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben swallowed hard. \u201cI\u2019d better get back to the ranch,\u201d he said in an anxious voice. \u201cJoe\u2019s there alone and if Sand is around\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cBen,\u201d interrupted Marshall. \u201cI don\u2019t hold with deliberately killing a man, no matter what he\u2019s done to me.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNeither do I,\u201d said Ben with a frown.<\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s not what I heard,\u201d said Marshall. \u201cI heard you killed Bishop, and your son Hoss killed one of those rustlers.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThe sheriff in Walnut Creek killed Bishop,\u201d said Ben. \u201cAnd Hoss killed the rustler by accident. Neither one of us wanted those men dead.\u201d<\/p>\n

Marshall stared at Ben. \u201cI heard what you said to Joe in that ravine,\u201d he said stubbornly. \u201cWhen Joe kept saying he promised to get those men, you told him you\u2019d make sure they would pay for what they did.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI did, \u201c agreed Ben. \u201cBut I meant I would make sure the law punished them. I didn\u2019t mean I would go after them and kill them.\u201d<\/p>\n

Marshall said nothing for a minute, then slowly nodded. \u201cI believe you, Ben,\u201d he said. \u201cBut it sure sounded different in that ravine.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben wondered briefly how Joe might also have misinterpreted his words, but he pushed that worry aside for now. All he could think about was getting home as quickly as possible.<\/p>\n

\u201cThank you for the news, Grant,\u201d said Ben, with a brief nod of his head. He turned his horse and headed down the road to the Ponderosa at a gallop.<\/p>\n

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

Joe walked slowly from the barn. His knee was aching, and he leaned heavily on the cane. Joe knew he had probably overdone it with the exercises, and standing for another hour as he brushed his pinto hadn\u2019t helped. But Joe was tired of being an invalid, was tired of the aches and pains. He wanted to get rid of the cane, get rid of the bothersome sling in which his broken wrist rested. He wanted to be whole again. And he wanted to go after the man who had caused him all this grief.<\/p>\n

Joe didn\u2019t pay any attention to the trees and bushes near the front of the house as he passed them. He didn\u2019t even see them. He had walked past those trees thousands of times. He didn\u2019t see the shadow by the trees, and didn\u2019t hear the soft rustle of the bushes. He didn\u2019t know anyone was there until he felt the gun in his back.<\/p>\n

\u201cHold it, Cartwright,\u201d growled a voice.<\/p>\n

Joe froze.<\/p>\n

\u201cInto the house,\u201d said the voice. Joe felt the gun nudge him in the back. Joe walked toward the house and heard the footsteps behind him. When he reached the door, Joe stopped and awkwardly lifted his hand with the cane to open the door. Joe fumbled with the latch. The man behind Joe impatiently moved to his side and pushed opened the door. Joe looked at the man. He wasn\u2019t surprised to recognized Carl Sand.<\/p>\n

\u201cInside,\u201d ordered Sand, gesturing with his gun. \u201cI don\u2019t want anyone watching.\u201d Joe lowered his cane and slowly limped into the house.<\/p>\n

Joe stopped a few feet from the door, and turned to look at Sand. Sand followed Joe into the house, and shut the door behind him. The rustler kept his pistol aimed directly at Joe.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019re a hard one to kill,\u201d remarked Sand. He studied Joe\u2019s cane and sling. \u201cLooks like we came close, though.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat do you want, Sand?\u201d asked Joe grimly.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat do you think?\u201d said Sand with a smirk. \u201cI want to get rid of a witness. I want to make sure you don\u2019t testify against me.\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe swallowed hard, and tried not to let his growing fear show on his face. He was alone and virtually helpless against the man who wanted to kill him.<\/p>\n

\u201cAnother murder?\u201d said Joe, trying to keep his voice steady.<\/p>\n

\u201cAn accident,\u201d amended Sand. \u201cYou\u2019re going to have a fatal accident.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou think that\u2019s going to keep you from the noose?\u201d said Joe. \u201cYour three friends are already dead. You\u2019re going to end up the same.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThose three weren\u2019t friends, and they were fools,\u201d said Sand with a sneer. \u201cBishop went back to see that girl, and spent money like a drunken sailor. He practically hung a sign around his neck, begging the sheriff to go after him. And those other two! Spent all their money in no time, and then had the stupid idea of taking rustled cattle back to the same place.\u201d Sand saw the surprised look on Joe\u2019s face. \u201cOh yeah, I heard,\u201d added Sand. \u201cYou hear a lot if you just sit in the corner of a saloon and listen.\u201d Sand shook his head.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat a pack of fools.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019re the biggest fool of all, coming back here,\u201d said Joe. \u201cIf you were smart, you\u2019d ride out of here now and keep going.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo, not until I make sure you can\u2019t testify against me,\u201d said Sand. \u201cI\u2019m not going to spend the rest of my life wondering if I\u2019m going to see you in a courtroom.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou don\u2019t have to worry about that, Sand,\u201d said Joe, his eyes narrowing. \u201cYou\u2019re never going to get to a courtroom. You\u2019re wanted dead or alive. Some bounty hunter is going to make sure you never get to a courtroom.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cDead or alive?\u201d said Sand in obvious surprise.<\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s right,\u201d said Joe, a spark of hope flickering in him. \u201cKilling me isn\u2019t going to make any difference. You\u2019d be better off to just leave while you have the chance.\u201d<\/p>\n

Sand stared at Joe. \u201cThey must want me real bad,\u201d he said slowly.<\/p>\n

\u201cYeah,\u201d agreed Joe grimly. \u201cThey do. If you kill me, that will only make them want you more.\u201d<\/p>\n

Sand rubbed his chin. \u201cDead or alive, eh,\u201d mused Sand. \u201cAll right, I\u2019m going to leave,\u201d said Sand. Joe felt a sense of relief. \u201cBut you\u2019re coming with me,\u201d added Sand.<\/p>\n

Joe swallowed hard as he felt the fear returning.<\/p>\n

\u201cThey won\u2019t be so eager to take a shot at me if you riding with me,\u201d said Sand. \u201cYou\u2019re going to be my ticket out of here.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll just slow you down,\u201d said Joe, raising his sling slightly.<\/p>\n

\u201cCartwright, you think I\u2019m going to worry about that?\u201d said Sand with a sneer. \u201cI\u2019m just going to tie you on a horse and drag you along until I\u2019m out of this territory. Don\u2019t make any difference to me if it kills you. It\u2019ll just save me from wasting a bullet.\u201d Sand gestured with his gun. \u201cGet moving.\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe stared at Sand. The memories of the ravine and the agonizing pain he endured flashed through Joe\u2019s mind. He knew a long ride would be equally, if not more, painful for him. Joe didn\u2019t want to go through that again, he couldn\u2019t go through that again. He\u2019d rather have a bullet.<\/p>\n

\u201cNo,\u201d said Joe in a determined voice. \u201cI\u2019m not going.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cCartwright, you don\u2019t have any choice in the matter,\u201d laughed Sand. \u201cYou either walk out of here or I\u2019m going to drag you. Now move.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo,\u201d said Joe again, his voice even more determined.<\/p>\n

Sand took a few steps forward and reached toward Joe\u2019s arm. Joe dropped his cane and tried to grab the gun from Sand\u2019s hand. But Sand merely pulled the gun away. He pushed Joe hard on the shoulder. Joe took a stumbling step forward and fell to the floor. Joe grunted in pain as his still sore ribs and wrist hit the floor.<\/p>\n

Sand laughed at Joe\u2019s discomfort, and put his foot against Joe\u2019s side. He shoved Joe with his foot. \u201cGet up and get walking,\u201d growled Sand, ignoring the moan from the man on the floor.<\/p>\n

Sand lifted his foot again, but stopped at the sound of the door opening. He looked up in surprise as Ben burst into the house. Sand recognized Ben instantly, and he didn\u2019t need to think about what Ben would do to a man who had harmed his son. Sand had been around Virginia City long enough to know how Ben would react to him. Sand fired his gun at the door, not aiming. Ben dropped to the floor just as the gun went off, and the bullet went into the door.<\/p>\n

Joe saw Ben come in and saw him drop to the floor. Joe turned and grabbed the cane lying on the floor. He whipped the cane upward, smashing it against Sand\u2019s wrist. The gesture was not very different from the one Bishop had used to break Joe\u2019s wrist. But the cane didn\u2019t break Sand\u2019s wrist. It merely knocked the gun from his hand.<\/p>\n

Ben scrambled to his feet and saw Joe knock the gun away with his cane. Ben rushed forward. He stepped over Joe, and, at the same time, threw a punch into Sand\u2019s face.<\/p>\n

Sand staggered back a step. He lifted his arm to take a swing at Ben but Ben was too quick for the rustler. He ducked Sand\u2019s punch, and quickly landed two jabs to the man\u2019s stomach. Sand bent forward and Ben landed a fist on Sand\u2019s jaw. Sand\u2019s head snapped back. Ben grabbed Sand by the front of the shirt and landed another punch on Sand\u2019s jaw. The rustler sagged in Ben\u2019s grip. Ben released Sand\u2019s shirt, and Sand crumpled to the ground.<\/p>\n

Ben stood over Carl Sand, breathing hard and shaking his hand. Suddenly, Ben heard the click of a gun being cocked behind him. He whirled around.<\/p>\n

Joe stood a few feet away, Sand\u2019s gun in his hand. Joe had the gun pointed at the unconscious man. \u201cGet out of the way, Pa,\u201d said Joe in a harsh voice. \u201cThis one\u2019s mine.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo! Joe, you can\u2019t!\u201d said Ben in alarm, stepping in front of Sand.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou and Hoss took care of the others for me,\u201d said Joe grimly. \u201cI\u2019ll take care of him.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cJoe, you can\u2019t shoot a helpless man,\u201d cried Ben. \u201cThat\u2019s murder.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNot according to the law,\u201d replied Joe. He looked at the man on the floor, his eyes burning with hate. \u201cThe law says he\u2019s wanted dead or alive. I figure dead is better. No chance of some slick lawyer getting him off. He\u2019s guilty of murder. The law won\u2019t do a thing to me.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t care what the law says,\u201d Ben said in an angry voice. \u201cYou can\u2019t kill him in cold blood.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHe killed Dave Marshall, and he tried to kill me,\u201d said Joe in a hard, unyielding voice. \u201cHe\u2019s going to pay for it. An eye for an eye.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t use the Bible as your excuse,\u201d said Ben angrily. \u201cIf you want to quote scripture, what about turn the other cheek and blessed are the merciful?\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe looked up at Ben. \u201cPa, you don\u2019t understand,\u201d said Joe. \u201cI have to make sure he\u2019s punished for what he did. I don\u2019t want to take a chance on the law letting him go. I want to make sure he gets what he deserves. Just like you and Hoss made sure the others got what they deserved.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cJoe, I didn\u2019t kill Bishop,\u201d said Ben in a desperate voice. \u201cThe sheriff in Walnut Creek killed him when he tried to get away. I didn\u2019t want Bishop killed. I wanted him to come back and stand trial. And Hoss didn\u2019t kill that rustler on purpose. It was an accident. He was trying to wound him.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cBut I thought\u2026\u201d Joe started. He shook his head in confusion. \u201cI thought you both were just keeping your promise. You promised they\u2019d pay for what they did.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWe did promise that,\u201d said Ben. He tried to keep his voice calm and reasonable. \u201cBut we meant that we would make sure they stood trial, and make sure the law punished them.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cBut sometimes the law doesn\u2019t work,\u201d said Joe, the anger rising in his voice again. \u201cThis way, we don\u2019t have worry about whether he\u2019ll be punished.\u201d Joe looked down at Sand. \u201cI promised Dave I\u2019d make him pay.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou promised Dave?\u201d said Ben, his voice rising also. \u201cOr you promised yourself?\u201d Joe looked startled at his father\u2019s words.<\/p>\n

\u201cDave\u2019s dead,\u201d continued Ben. \u201cKilling Carl Sand isn\u2019t going to change that. And Dave Marshall isn\u2019t reaching out from the grave to hold you to any promise of revenge. The only one who wants revenge is you.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cPa, I promised Dave,\u201d said Joe in a hesitant voice.<\/p>\n

\u201cOh, that\u2019s your excuse,\u201d argued Ben. \u201cBut it\u2019s not the real reason you wanted those rustlers dead. You wanted them dead because of what they did to you. Only you won\u2019t admit it to yourself. So you use some promise to Dave Marshall to justify your hatred. If you\u2019re going commit murder, at least be honest about why you\u2019re doing it. You\u2019re doing it because you hate what those rustlers did to you, the pain they caused you.\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe looked away. He knew his father was right. The knot of hate that he had formed lying in the ravine had been inside him for weeks. He had felt it, had known it was there. Joe had kept telling himself that he wanted the rustlers to die because of what they had done to Dave. But Joe knew that was a lie. He wanted them dead because of what they had done to him.<\/p>\n

\u201cJoe,\u201d said Ben in a soothing voice as he stepped forward. \u201cIt\u2019s only natural to hate something that hurt you. But you can\u2019t use it as an excuse to commit murder.\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe turned and looked at his father. Tears welled in his eyes, and his lower lip began to quiver. \u201cPa,\u201d said Joe in choked voice. He swallowed hard. Joe looked away again. \u201cYou\u2019re right,\u201d he said in a barely audible voice. \u201cI hate them. I want them dead.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI know,\u201d said Ben, his voice reflecting his understanding. \u201cBut killing Sand is wrong. You know it is.\u201d Ben reached out his hand. \u201cGive me the gun, Joe.\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe looked down at Sand, and then back at his father. He uncocked the gun and handed it to Ben.<\/p>\n

Joe lowered his head. \u201cPa, I\u2019m sorry,\u201d he said in a quaking voice. \u201cI\u2019m sorry.\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe closed his eyes, and tears began spilling down his cheek.<\/p>\n

Ben reached out and hugged his son to him. He could feel and hear Joe\u2019s sobs. \u201cIt\u2019s all right, Joe,\u201d said Ben in a soothing voice. He stroked Joe\u2019s head. \u201cIt\u2019s all right, son.\u201d<\/p>\n

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

Hoss looked up from the log he was sawing as he heard the horse approaching. He had spent most of the morning working on the wood piled in the yard in front of the house, and he was glad for an excuse to take a break. Hoss\u2019 face broke into a wide grin when he saw the rider.<\/p>\n

\u201cAdam!\u201d he shouted with glee at the rider. \u201cWelcome home!\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam grinned at Hoss as he steered his horse to the hitching post and dismounted. \u201cWell, it looks like things are about the same,\u201d said Adam as Hoss came over and shook his brother\u2019s hand. Adam\u2019s face grew serious.<\/p>\n

\u201cHow\u2019s Joe?\u201d<\/p>\n

Before Hoss could answer, the front door opened, and both men turned toward the house. Ben rushed out to greet his oldest son. \u201cAdam,\u201d said Ben with a smile. \u201cIt\u2019s good to have you home, son.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s good to be home, Pa,\u201d said Adam, returning his father\u2019s smile. He looked past Ben at the figure emerging from the house.<\/p>\n

Joe walked without a cane, and with only a slight limp. The ends of a small splint and bandages peeked out of his shirt sleeve, but the sling was gone. A few small scabs still dotted the side of Joe\u2019s face.<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, older brother, it looks like you managed to avoid getting shanghaied on the Barbary Coast,\u201d said Joe with a smile as he joined the others.<\/p>\n

\u201cI spent every night with Shakespeare in my room,\u201d said Adam in mock solemnity.<\/p>\n

\u201cShakespeare, eh?\u201d said Joe with a grin. \u201cWas that her name?\u201d Joe ducked as Adam look a playful swing at him.<\/p>\n

\u201cEverything set with the timber contract?\u201d asked Ben.<\/p>\n

\u201cEverything\u2019s set,\u201d confirmed Adam. \u201cJust like I told you in the wire. No problems.\u201d Adam hesitated. \u201cHow are things around here?\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben glanced at Joe before answering. \u201cNo problems here either,\u201d replied Ben.<\/p>\n

\u201cI heard you caught those rustlers,\u201d Adam said in a cautious voice.<\/p>\n

\u201cYes, yes we did,\u201d answered Ben in a quiet voice. \u201cThey sentenced Carl Sand to hang. The others are dead.\u2019<\/p>\n

\u201cJoe, I\u2019m glad you\u2019re all right,\u201d Adam said to his youngest brother.<\/p>\n

Joe looked at Ben. \u201cI am now,\u201d said Joe, his eyes conveying the full meaning of his words. Ben nodded slightly at his son.<\/p>\n

\u201cAdam, I sure am glad you\u2019re home,\u201d said Hoss with a grin. \u201cWe got work piling up just waiting for you.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam rolled his eyes and groaned. \u201cI suppose you\u2019ve managed to keep the worst jobs waiting for me,\u201d complained Adam.<\/p>\n

\u201cNaturally,\u201d answered Hoss.<\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t worry, Adam,\u201d said Joe. \u201cThe doc says in another week, I\u2019ll be ready to go back to work.\u201d There was twinkle in Joe\u2019s eye. \u201cOf course, by then, I expect you\u2019ll have all those dirty jobs done.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2019ll find something for you to do, Joe,\u201d said Hoss.<\/p>\n

\u201cYeah,\u201d added Adam looking at his brother. \u201cWe\u2019ll keep you busy enough so you won\u2019t have time to go chasing after rustlers any more.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t worry about that,\u201d said Joe. \u201cI\u2019ve given up chasing rustlers.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou promise?\u201d asked Ben.<\/p>\n

\u201cI promise,\u201d said Joe. \u201cAnd that\u2019s one promise I intend to keep.\u201d<\/p>\n

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

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

Summary:\u00a0 Rustler strike the ranches around Virginia City, leaving one family grieving and a second worried they too might lose a loved one.<\/p>\n

Rating:\u00a0 T\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 (25,550 words)<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":10338,"featured_media":8554,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"template-full-width-post.php","format":"standard","meta":{"_jetpack_newsletter_access":"","_jetpack_dont_email_post_to_subs":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_tier_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paywalled_content":false,"_jetpack_feature_clip_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":"","jetpack_publicize_message":"","jetpack_publicize_feature_enabled":true,"jetpack_social_post_already_shared":false,"jetpack_social_options":{"image_generator_settings":{"template":"highway","default_image_id":0,"font":"","enabled":false},"version":2},"jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false,"_members_access_role":[],"_members_access_error":""},"categories":[23],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-13976","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-drama","wpcat-23-id"],"jetpack_publicize_connections":[],"jetpack_likes_enabled":true,"jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/04\/prey.jpg?fit=916%2C745&ssl=1","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/13976","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/10338"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=13976"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/13976\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/8554"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=13976"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=13976"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=13976"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}