{"id":13981,"date":"2007-12-12T18:02:43","date_gmt":"2007-12-12T23:02:43","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=13981"},"modified":"2025-02-27T12:11:10","modified_gmt":"2025-02-27T17:11:10","slug":"timber-camp-by-susan-g","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=13981","title":{"rendered":"Timber Camp (by Susan G)"},"content":{"rendered":"

Summary<\/strong>:\u00a0 A trip to the lumber camp to relay a message takes an ominous turn for Joe.<\/p>\n

Word Count: 9200 \u00a0Rated: \u00a0T<\/p>\n

Author’s Note:\u00a0 This story is set in a post-Adam time frame. Adam has left the Ponderosa by the time the events in this story occur, so he doesn’t appear in this tale.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Timber Camp<\/strong><\/p>\n

The timber crew was starting to drift into camp for their noon meal as the man on the pinto rode into camp. Hoss Cartwright looked up from his seat on a log with surprise. \u201cJoe,\u201d he shouted at the rider. \u201cWhat are you doing up here?\u201d<\/p>\n

After dismounting and tying the reins of his horse to a tree, Joe Cartwright walked toward his brother. \u201cWell, big brother,\u201d he replied with a grin, \u201cI figured you couldn\u2019t finish this job without a little help from the timber expert in the family.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cTimber expert, eh?\u201d said Hoss, as he got to his feet and went to meet his brother. \u201cThere must be some really terrible job brewing back at the Ponderosa to drive you up here.\u201d<\/p>\n

The two men clapped each other affectionately on the shoulder and then Hoss suddenly turned serious. \u201cThere\u2019s nothing wrong, is there?\u201d he asked anxiously.<\/p>\n

\u201cNo,\u201d Joe answered reassuringly. His voice dropped. \u201cPa just sent me up here to tell you that the word is out in Virginia City about Jim Brenner bringing the money for the timber contract and payroll up here on Friday.\u201d<\/p>\n

Hoss looked at his brother with a frown. \u201cHow\u2019d that happen?\u201d he asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cThat new bank clerk got drunk last week and started bragging to one of the girls in the Silver Slipper saloon about this big deal he was pulling together, \u201c Joe explained. \u201cHe told the girl about the large amount of money he was gathering for Brenner. A couple of people in the saloon heard him and the news spread. It\u2019s probably nothing, but Pa thought you should know. He wants you to be careful about hiring any new men.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s too late for that,\u201d advised Hoss with a shake of his head. \u201cI hired about eight new men in the last week or so. We needed them to make sure we finished the job on time.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAre you going to make the deadline?\u201d Joe asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe will now,\u201d Hoss assured his brother. \u201cThose extra men are just what I needed. In fact, we\u2019re a day or so ahead of schedule.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s good news,\u201d said Joe with genuine enthusiasm. \u201cPa also said that he\u2019s going to ask Brenner to get here before noon on Friday, rather than late afternoon. He thought the change in time would mess up any plans anyone had to try and take the money. Brenner will be a happy man if you have everything done when he gets here.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2019ll make it,” Hoss confirmed. \u201cEspecially now that you\u2019re here to help us for the next few days.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHelp you?\u201d Joe protested. \u201cI\u2019m just delivering the message. I\u2019m not here to work!\u201d<\/p>\n

Hoss laid his arm across Joe\u2019s shoulders and started guiding him firmly toward the center of the camp. \u201cLittle brother,\u201d he said, \u201cthere\u2019s work enough for everyone. It\u2019s time you started earning your keep for a change.\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe continued to protest as Hoss pushed him firmly and not too gently toward the camp. The pair stopped when they reached the cook fire in the camp where a black man was stirring a pot hanging from an iron frame above the flames. The man\u2019s age was hard to determine, but the flecks of gray in his hair and the lines on his face were evidence that he was no longer young. The black man looked up at Joe and Hoss with a grin. \u201cWell, Little Joe Cartwright,\u201d he greeted the younger man. \u201cWhat are you doing here?\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe smiled at the man. \u201cHowdy, Moses. Hoss seems to think I\u2019m up here to work. I really came up because I know you make the best flapjacks on the Comstock. I miss your good cooking.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cBetter not let Hop Sing hear you say that,\u201d suggested Hoss. \u201cIf he does, you\u2019ll never get another meal at the Ponderosa.\u201d<\/p>\n

The men laughed as Joe shook Moses\u2019 hand in greeting. It was obvious the two were old friends. More men started drifting into camp as Joe and Hoss settled on a log near the fire. Moses began handing plates and dishing out food to the timber crew.<\/p>\n

Three men started out of the woods toward the camp but one of them stopped abruptly and ducked behind a tree. The other two looked at him curiously. \u201cWhat\u2019s wrong with you?\u201d asked one.<\/p>\n

The man peered out from behind the tree and gestured toward the camp. \u201cSee that kid in the green jacket?\u201d he answered. \u201cHe knows me.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAre you sure?\u201d asked one of the other men anxiously.<\/p>\n

The man moved back behind the tree. \u201cI\u2019m sure,\u201d he replied in a\u00a0worried voice. \u201cHe rode with the posse that caught me after that bank robbery in Arizona two years ago. It took them two days to get me back to Tucson. He knows me. He also knows I\u2019m supposed to be in prison. If he spots me, I\u2019m back in jail.\u201d<\/p>\n

The three men looked at each other glumly. \u201cWhat do we do now?\u201d asked the third man.<\/p>\n

The second man shook his head. \u201cI don\u2019t know,\u201d he admitted. He turned to the man behind the tree. \u201cLook, you stay out of sight. We\u2019ll figure out something. Just don\u2019t come into camp until it\u2019s dark.\u201d<\/p>\n

The man nodded from the\u00a0shadow of the tree, then turned and disappeared back into the woods. The other two watched until the first man was out of sight, then strolled into camp.<\/p>\n

Occupied with eating their meal, Hoss and Joe paid no attention as the timber crew wandered into the camp. Joe was asking Hoss about a strand of trees when a big man in a plaid shirt walked up. He greeted Joe and then turned to Hoss. \u201cHoss, we got troubles,” said the big man.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat\u2019s wrong now, Sam?\u201d Hoss asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cThere\u2019s a break in the log flume. We had to shut it down,\u201d answered Sam.<\/p>\n

\u201cDagnabit,\u201d complained Hoss. \u201cIf it ain\u2019t one thing, it\u2019s another.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cRelax, big brother,” Joe told Hoss. \u201cSoon as I finish eating, I\u2019ll go up and take a look. I should be able to fix it.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThanks,\u201d said Hoss gratefully. \u201cI knew you\u2019d come in handy.\u201d Neither Hoss nor Joe noticed the two men in the camp who were watching and listening to them.<\/p>\n

About an hour later, Joe was up on the flume with a hammer, nails and some wood planks. He had found the break easy enough and now was busy replacing the timber flooring. Concentrating on the repairs, Joe paid no attention to anything other than the flume until he heard a rumble and felt a vibration. Looking up, he was shocked to see a log speeding down the flume, heading directly toward him. Immediately dropping the hammer from his hand, Joe started to scramble off the wooden structure. He was almost over the side panel when his foot slipped and he lost his balance. Joe felt himself plunging toward the ground and instinctively stuck out his arm to try to break his fall. Then he hit the earth with a loud thud.<\/p>\n

\u201cHoss, Hoss, come quick,\u201d shouted one of the timber crew as men began running toward Joe from all directions. Hoss was halfway up a hill, yards away from the log flume, when he heard the shouting. He turned and saw the crumpled form on the ground near the flume; Hoss dropped the ax in his hand and ran.<\/p>\n

Pushing aside the group of men crowded around Joe, Hoss knelt next to his brother. Joe was laying on his right side, not moving. As Hoss gently turned his brother onto his back, Joe moaned softly. Joe\u2019s right arm was bent at an odd angle and Hoss could see a piece of bone jutting from Joe\u2019s bloody sleeve.<\/p>\n

\u201cJoe? Joe? Can you hear me?\u201d Hoss asked desperately. Joe moaned softly in reply. Hoss started running his hands lightly over Joe\u2019s left arm, his legs and chest; he frowned as he felt some broken ribs. Hoss looked up at the men standing around. \u201cBob, run back to the camp and get Moses,\u201d he ordered one of them. \u201cTell him what\u2019s happened. Tell him we need a blanket or something to carry Joe.\u201d As Bob ran back up the hill, Hoss quickly turned to another man. \u201cGus, get the fastest horse we got in camp and get to Virginia City. Get the doctor up here fast.\u201d A second man nodded and hurried up the hill also.<\/p>\n

Turning back to Joe, Hoss stroked his brother\u2019s head gently. \u201cDon\u2019t try to move, Joe\u201d, he counseled in a soothing voice. \u201cHelp\u2019s on the way. Just lay still.\u201d Joe\u2019s eyes were closed but his jaws were clenched in pain. Hoss wasn\u2019t sure if his brother heard him.<\/p>\n

It seemed like a long time, but in reality it was only a few minutes before Hoss spotted Moses coming down the hill. The black man had a roll of canvas under his arm. The men standing near Hoss separated to let Moses near the injured man.<\/p>\n

\u201cHow is he?\u201d asked Moses as he dropped the bundle and knelt next to Joe.<\/p>\n

\u201cHis arm\u2019s broken, and so are some of his ribs,\u201d answered Hoss. \u201cI can\u2019t tell about his insides.\u201d<\/p>\n

Giving a brief nod, Moses started to run his hands over Joe\u2019s chest, side and stomach. Joe groaned loudly as Moses pushed lightly on Joe\u2019s side. \u201cYou send someone for the doc?\u201d Moses asked. Hoss nodded. Then Moses looked Hoss straight in the eye. \u201cI think you ought to send someone to get your Pa, too,\u201d the black man added.<\/p>\n

Hoss swallowed hard and nodded again. He turned to one of the men standing nearby. \u201cClem,\u201d he said, his voice shaking. \u201cRide back to the Ponderosa and tell my Pa to get up here. Tell him to ride fast.\u201d Clem started running back toward the camp.<\/p>\n

Moses unrolled the canvas and laid it next to Joe, then looked at the men around him. \u201cWe need to put Joe on the canvas and carry him back to camp. I\u2019m going to need all of you to help. And I want you to be very careful and very gentle. Understand? Very careful.\u201d Slowly, the crowd of men began moving forward.<\/p>\n

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

The trees were casting their late afternoon shadows as Ben Cartwright rode his buckskin horse rapidly up the mountain. He pushed the horse as hard as he could up the rough trail. His sense of urgency was communicated to the buckskin, and the animal climbed as fast as possible.<\/p>\n

As he reached the camp, Ben pulled the horse to a stop, dropped the reins and literally jumped out of the saddle. Ben saw Moses and Hoss standing outside a tent and began running toward them. Hoss raised his hand as his father neared the tent.<\/p>\n

\u201cHoss\u2026\u201d Ben started to say, his voice filled with dread.<\/p>\n

\u201cPa, he\u2019s going to be all right,\u201d Hoss told his father reassuringly. \u201cThe doc\u2019s here. Joe took a bad fall, but the doc said he\u2019ll mend.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben sighed in relief. \u201cI was so worried,\u201d he declared in a shaky voice. \u201cClem said\u2026\u201d He took a deep breath. \u201cI was so worried.\u201d<\/p>\n

A gray-haired man exited the tent behind Ben. \u201cI thought that was your voice, Ben\u201d said the man.<\/p>\n

\u201cDoctor, how is he?\u201d Ben asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cHe\u2019s lucky boy,\u201d answered Dr. Paul Martin. \u201cHe\u2019s got a broken arm, four broken ribs and two cracked ribs. He\u2019s also got some pretty nasty bruises. But there\u2019s no sign of internal injuries or a head injury. It will take some time but everything should heal fine. He\u2019ll be good as new.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThank you,\u201d Ben said gratefully, giving the doctor a shaky smile. \u201cCan I see him?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOf course,\u201d replied Dr. Martin, opening the flap of the tent. \u201cThe medicine I gave him for the pain is pretty strong, so don\u2019t be surprised if he doesn\u2019t make much sense.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben entered the tent, followed closely by Hoss and the doctor. The tent was just big enough for two cots and two small tables at the foot of each bed. Joe laid on the cot to the right, a blanket covering him to about half-way up his chest. His right arm was in a splint and heavily bandaged. His chest and ribs were wrapped in bandages also. Joe\u2019s eyes were closed; his face was pale and his breathing, slow.<\/p>\n

After settling on the empty cot, Ben leaned toward Joe lying on the other bed. He gently stroked the top of his son’s head. \u201cJoe?\u201d he said quietly. There was no response. \u201cJoe?\u201d Ben repeated.<\/p>\n

After slowly opening his eyes, Joe turned his head toward his father. His eyes had a glazed, unfocused look and he blinked twice. \u201cPa?\u201d he murmured in a thick voice.<\/p>\n

\u201cHow are you, son?\u201d Ben asked anxiously.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m fine. How are you?\u201d answered Joe almost politely as he looked at his father through half-opened eyes. His words were slurred.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m fine,” said Ben with a smile.<\/p>\n

Joe blinked again slowly. \u201cWhat are you doing here?\u201d he asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cI came to see you,\u201d replied Ben.<\/p>\n

Joe closed his eyes. \u201cThat was nice; that was real nice of you,\u201d he stated, a silly smile on his face. He opened his eyes again. \u201cIs everything all right?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cEverything\u2019s fine,\u201d Ben answered soothingly, patting Joe\u2019s head.<\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s good,\u201d murmured Joe. \u201cI feel good; I feel real <\/u>good.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll bet you do,\u201d observed Ben with a grin. \u201cWhy don\u2019t you get some rest now?\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe blinked slowly, as if he were having a hard time understanding his father. \u201cI\u2019ll rest,\u201d he declared finally. \u201cI just want to take a nap first. Then I\u2019ll rest.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAll right,\u201d agreed Ben with a laugh. \u201cYou take a nap.\u201d Joe nodded and closed his eyes. Ben watched his son for a moment, then rose from the cot. He gestured to Hoss and the doctor, and the three men left the tent.<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, he\u2019s sure not feeling any pain,\u201d remarked Hoss with a smile as they emerged from the tent. Moses was still waiting outside the tent.<\/p>\n

\u201cNo, he\u2019s not,” Ben agreed. He turned to the doctor. \u201cWhen can we take him home?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNot for three or four days,\u201d answered Dr. Martin. \u201cI want those broken bones to start knitting before you take him over these rough mountain roads.\u201d The doctor reached into his bag and pulled out a small glass vial containing a dozen or so white pills. \u201cWhat he needs now is a lot of rest. These pills will ease the pain and help him sleep. Dissolve one in a cup of water and give it to him about every six hours or so. But, be careful. These pills are strong. Don\u2019t give him more than one at a time, and make sure it\u2019s at least six hours between doses.\u201d<\/p>\n

Moses reached for the pills. \u201cI\u2019ll take care of these, doc,\u201d stated the cook. \u201cDon\u2019t worry. I\u2019ll see to it that he don\u2019t get more than he should.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ve got to get back to town,\u201d said Dr Martin, handing the small glass jar to Moses. He started walking toward the edge of the camp, followed closely by the other three men. \u201cI\u2019ll come up and check on him in a few days. If everything still looks all right, you can take him home then.\u201d The doctor looked at the road and sighed. \u201cI don\u2019t look forward to riding up here.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cJim Brenner is coming up in his buggy on Friday. He\u2019s leaving Virginia City about nine. Why don\u2019t you ride up with him?\u201d suggested Ben.<\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s a good idea,\u201d Dr. Martin stated as he approached his horse. None of the men noticed a shadowy figure in the nearby woods, listening to their conversation. The doctor mounted and turned his horse, then looked back at Ben, Hoss and Moses. \u201cSend for me if Joe develops a high fever or if he has any trouble breathing. Otherwise, I\u2019ll see you on Friday.\u201d The three men waved as the doctor rode off. The figure in the woods also moved, going deeper into the forest.<\/p>\n

Ben turned to Hoss. \u201cWhat happened?\u201d he asked. \u201cClem said Joe got knocked off the flume by a log.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t know what happened exactly, Pa,” Hoss admitted. \u201cI was working on the hillside. All I know is the flume was shut down while Joe was fixing it. Somehow, a log rolled on to the flume and started down toward Joe. He tried to get out of the way, but he lost his balance and fell off the flume.\u201d<\/p>\n

Before Ben could say anything else, one of the men from the camp approached the trio. It was Sam, the big man who had first seen the problem with the flume.<\/p>\n

\u201cSome of the men asked me to find out Joe is doing,\u201d explained Sam. \u201cIs he going to be all right?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHe\u2019s hurting right now, but he’s going to be fine,\u201d answered Hoss.<\/p>\n

\u201cSam, do you know what happened?\u201d asked Ben.<\/p>\n

Sam hesitated before answering. \u201cWell, I was pretty far away,\u201d he said slowly. \u201cBut when I looked at the flume, it seemed to me that somebody was at the top, messing with those logs.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cDo you know who?\u201d asked Hoss.<\/p>\n

Sam shook his head. \u201cI was too far away. I couldn\u2019t tell. All I saw was somebody or something moving at the top of the flume.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben turned to Hoss. \u201cDid Joe have a disagreement with any of the men?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo,\u201d answered Hoss, with a shake of his head. \u201cHe was only in camp a couple of hours before the accident. He barely had time to say anything to anybody.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHave you had any problems with the men?\u201d pressed Ben. \u201cAnything thing\u00a0happen that would cause someone to want to get back at the Cartwrights or shut down this operation?\u201d<\/p>\n

Hoss shook his head again. \u201cNo, Pa, nothing. Things have been going fine. I promised the men that bonus for meeting the deadline. They\u2019ve been working real hard.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben turned back toward Sam. \u201cSam, don\u2019t say anything about what you\u2019ve told us to anyone else,\u201d he cautioned. \u201cKeep it quiet while we check things out.\u201d Sam nodded his agreement and walked away.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m going to stay with Joe,\u201d Ben told Moses and Hoss. \u201cYou get the men back to work. We\u2019ll talk about this later.\u201d The other two men walked back to the camp; Ben watched as they talked to the timber crew, and saw the men in the crew head back to the woods. He looked thoughtfully at the camp as it emptied. Finally, with a shrug, he turned back to Joe\u2019s tent and entered it.<\/p>\n

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

The camp had settled down for the night when Ben emerged from the tent again. The sky was dark and the only light was from the fire in the middle of the camp. Moses was sitting on a log near the blaze as Ben approached. When he saw Ben coming, Moses filled a cup with some coffee from a pot on the edge of the fire and handed the steaming cup to Ben.<\/p>\n

\u201cThanks,\u201d said Ben gratefully as he sat on the log next to Moses.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou want something to eat?\u201d asked Moses. Ben shook his head. \u201cHow\u2019s Joe?\u201d the black man inquired.<\/p>\n

\u201cHe\u2019s sleeping,” answered Ben. \u201cThat medicine really knocked him out.\u201d He sipped his coffee. \u201cI\u2019ll probably need you to help watch over him for the next few days.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t worry,\u201d Moses promised, \u201cI\u2019ll keep an eye on him. You know how I feel about Little Joe.\u201d The black man suddenly chuckled. \u201cI remember the first time you brought him up to a logging camp. That\u2019s when I was still cutting trees. He was a skinny little kid, barely big enough to lift an ax.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI remember,\u201d recalled Ben with a laugh. \u201cHe was only about 15. That was the summer Joe decided he was all grown up and he could do anything his brothers could do. You gave him the biggest tree you could find to chop down. That showed him.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, he showed me something, too,\u201d admitted Moses, grinning. \u201cHe worked on that tree all day. He must have spent six or seven hours chopping at that thing. But he wouldn\u2019t give up, no matter how tired he was. He brought that tree down.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYes, he sure did,\u201d acknowledged Ben with a smile. Suddenly, serious expression crossed his face. \u201cMoses, what do you make of what\u2019s happened?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, I\u2019ve been around lumber camps most of my life,\u201d observed Moses. \u201cI never heard of a log going down a flume on its own. Mostly, it takes a lot of effort to get a log onto the flume and then started down.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s was I was thinking, too,\u201d said Ben. \u201cBut who could want to hurt Joe? And why?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ve been thinking on that,” declared Moses. \u201cI don\u2019t know the why. But maybe I know the who. Three of the men Hoss hired over the last couple of days, well, they\u2019re not exactly loggers. They came riding into camp, said they needed a job real bad, that they\u2019d do anything. You know how Hoss is when he thinks somebody needs help. He hired them. Those three, they\u2019ve been doing as little work as possible since. I noticed one of them missed dinner.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAnything suspicious about them?\u201d asked Ben with concern.<\/p>\n

\u201cNo,” admitted Moses. \u201cThey just don\u2019t seem to fit in.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben looked thoughtfully at the fire as he sipped his coffee. \u201cMoses, do you think you could point them out to me at breakfast tomorrow?\u201d<\/p>\n

“Sure can,” Moses said. “You stand next to me when I’m handing out the food and I’ll make sure you know who they are.”<\/p>\n

After putting down the empty coffee cup, Ben stretched and got to his feet. \u201cI\u2019d best be getting back to Joe.\u201d<\/p>\n

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

Dawn was breaking when Hoss approached the tent where his injured brother laid. He entered the tent and then stopped as he looked at the two beds. Joe was sleeping peacefully on one cot; Ben was sprawled on the other, also asleep. Walking over to Joe\u2019s bed, he put his hand on his brother\u2019s forehead, checking for fever. Hoss smiled with satisfaction, then turned to his father. He gently shook Ben\u2019s shoulder, waking him.<\/p>\n

Ben sat up with a startled expression on his face. \u201cHoss?\u201d he said in confusion. \u201cIs Joe all right?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cJoe\u2019s fine,\u201d answered Hoss. \u201cYou fell asleep. Moses sent me to get you. He said you wanted to be with the men at breakfast.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben frowned, then remembered his conversation with the cook the night before. \u201cHoss, you stay with Joe for a while,\u201d Ben ordered. Hoss nodded as Ben got to his feet and left the tent.<\/p>\n

Moses was placing a large pan of biscuits on a table as Ben approached. Plates of eggs and bacon, and pots of coffee were already spread across the table.<\/p>\n

\u201cMorning, Mr. Cartwright,\u201d said Moses with a smile. \u201cSleep well?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHow did you know I slept?\u201d asked Ben as he picked up a small plate and began filling it with food.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou told me to keep an eye on Joe,\u201d answered the cook. \u201cI checked on him early this morning. You were sleeping like a baby.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThanks, Moses,\u201d Ben acknowledged gratefully. \u201cI guess I\u2019m not as young as I used to be.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2019re ALL not as young as we used to be,\u201d asserted Moses with a grin.<\/p>\n

The men started lining up for breakfast, and Moses greeted each man by name as he handed the logger a plate. Ben was leaning casually against the end of the table, seemingly interested only in the food on his plate. But he carefully studied each of the men who approached the table through hooded eyes.<\/p>\n

Most of the men greeted Ben by name; many asked about Joe. Ben answered each of them in a friendly way, but his answers had a distracted air as he continued to watch the loggers.<\/p>\n

\u201c\u2018Morning, Mr. Green,\u201d announced Moses as one of the last loggers approached. \u201cI didn\u2019t see you at supper last night.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben looked up sharply and studied the man. He didn\u2019t recognize him. Green had the look of a cowhand more than a logger; he was wearing a Stetson hat and his vest was made of mottled cowhide. Ben watched carefully as Green mumbled something about not being hungry last night and quickly took his plate away.<\/p>\n

\u201c\u2018Morning, Mr. Jones,\u201d Moses said to the next man. \u201cI guess you were hungrier last night than your friend, Mr. Green.\u201d Jones nodded as he took a plate of food. Ben stared at Jones without recognition, but he didn\u2019t like the man\u2019s shifty look. Jones glanced at Ben, then turned and walked away.<\/p>\n

\u201c\u2019Morning, Mr. Brown,\u201d greeted Moses to the last man. \u201cYour friends, Mr. Green and Mr. Jones, they got in line ahead of you.\u201d The last man said nothing. He simply took his plate and walked away. Moses looked at Ben. Ben shook his head slightly, indicating he didn\u2019t recognize any of the last three men.<\/p>\n

Ben was putting his empty plate on the cook table when he heard someone call his name. He turned to see Hoss standing at the entrance to Joe\u2019s tent.<\/p>\n

\u201cPa!\u201d shouted Hoss. \u201cJoe\u2019s awake.\u201d<\/p>\n

With Moses close behind, Ben hurried toward the tent. Both men entered the canvas structure behind Hoss. Joe was lying on the cot with his head slightly propped by a couple of pillows. His face was still pale but his eyes were open. His face broke into a smile as his father, brother and the cook entered the tent. \u201cHi,\u201d he said weakly.<\/p>\n

\u201cHow are you feeling, son,\u201d Ben asked softly as he moved to sit on the empty cot.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m all right, Pa,\u201d Joe answered. \u201cJust a little stiff and sore.\u201d He looked toward the entrance of the tent. \u201cAnd hungry. Moses, where are those flapjacks you promised me?\u201d<\/p>\n

The trio surrounding Joe’s bed laughed. \u201cI\u2019ll make you some breakfast,\u201d promised Moses. “But I think some soft eggs would be better than flapjacks, at least for today.”<\/p>\n

Motioning Moses to stay, Ben turned back to his son. \u201cJoe,” he asked, \u201cWhat happened yesterday?\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe frowned. \u201cI don\u2019t know, Pa,\u201d he admitted. \u201cI was working on that flume and suddenly I felt a rumble. I looked up and saw the log coming. I tried to get off the flume but I fell. I don\u2019t remember much after that.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cDid you see anyone else up on the flume?\u201d asked Ben. Joe shook his head. \u201cHow about earlier? Did you have any problems with any of the men? Any arguments?\u201d Ben pressed.<\/p>\n

Again, Joe shook his head. \u201cNo,” he said. \u201cI said hello to a few of the men I knew and then to work on the flume. Why? Don\u2019t you think this was an accident?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m just trying to find out what happened,\u201d Ben replied soothingly. \u201cWe want to make sure this doesn\u2019t happen again.\u201d<\/p>\n

Suddenly Joe shifted uncomfortably on the cot, a wince of pain crossing his face. He moved a bit more, clenching his teeth as he did. Finally finding a somewhat comfortable position, Joe let out a sigh.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou rest for awhile,\u201d advised Moses, \u201cI\u2019ll go make you that breakfast.\u201d<\/p>\n

“Yeah, that’s sounds like a good idea,” agreed Joe as his eyes started to close.<\/p>\n

After watching his son for a moment, Ben turned to Hoss and Moses and jerked his head toward the front of the tent.<\/p>\n

The three men left the tent and walked back toward the cook fire. \u201cHoss, you keep the men working,\u201d ordered Ben. \u201cMoses, after you give Joe something to eat, give him one of those pain pills the doctor gave you.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat are you doing to do, Pa?\u201d asked Hoss.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m going to do a little poking around, talk to the men, and see what I can find out. Someone sent that log down the flume. I\u2019m going to find out who… And why,\u201d stated Ben grimly.<\/p>\n

The men went their separate ways. Hoss began directing the logging crew, making sure they started the last of the cutting while Ben climbed to the top of the log flume and studied it carefully. It seemed impossible that a log could roll down the flume by accident. He climbed down from the flume, and walked toward the area where the loggers were chopping trees. He talked with several of the men, but all denied any knowledge of the cause of the accident.<\/p>\n

After he fed Joe breakfast, Moses carefully shook one pill out of the glass bottle the doctor had left with him. He dissolved the pill in a cup of water as directed, and made sure Joe drank the entire dose. Then he sat with Joe for awhile, talking and passing the time with him until the younger man drifted off to sleep. Moses felt Joe\u2019s forehead, and nodded slightly when he was sure there was no fever. He sat the bottle of pills on the table at the bottom of bed, next to a cup and pitcher of water, and left the tent.<\/p>\n

In the late morning, the camp was deserted. Moses quickly cleaned up the breakfast dishes, and then went into the supply tent. Returning with two pails, the cook eased himself down onto a stool near the cook fire and grabbed a potato out of one of the buckets. Pulling a knife out of his pocket, Moses began peeling the potato.<\/p>\n

A half-hour or so had passed when Moses stood and stretched his arms. Grabbing the empty bucket, the cook headed toward a nearby stream. A figure standing in the shadows of the trees watched the cook depart. The figure watched for a few moments longer, then walked into the camp.<\/p>\n

The man looked around the camp, making sure no one was around. Satisfied, he walked to the tent where Joe was sleeping peacefully. The man entered the canvas structure, and stood for a minute, as if deciding what to do next. Seeing the vial on the table, the man picked up the glass bottle and shook five pills into his hand. He picked up the cup and filled it with water from the pitcher, then dropped the pills into the cup and swirled the water, watching the pills dissolve. With the deadly potion in his hand, the man approached Joe and gently lifted the youngest Cartwright’s head. He put the cup to Joe\u2019s lips.<\/p>\n

\u201cMr. Green! What are you doing?\u201d a voice shouted from behind him. Green let Joe\u2019s head slip from his hand and turned. Moses stood at the entrance of the tent, the peeling knife in his hand.<\/p>\n

\u201cI, er, I thought I heard him call out. I was just giving him a drink,\u201d explained Green with a stammer.<\/p>\n

Moses looked at Joe, sleeping peacefully. \u201cHe don\u2019t look like he needs a drink. He don\u2019t look like he needs anything,\u201d Moses declared, his eyes narrowing with suspicion.<\/p>\n

Green looked at Joe and then back at Moses. \u201cI guess not,\u201d he agreed quickly. Green tossed the liquid on the ground and set the cup on the table. \u201cSorry,\u201d he mumbled as he brushed past Moses and left the tent.<\/p>\n

After making sure the other man had left the tent and walked away, Moses\u00a0 hurried over to Joe. He checked the sleeping man\u2019s pulse and nodded with satisfaction. He checked for fever and again was pleased with the result. Moses pulled the cover up to Joe\u2019s shoulders and then left the tent. He looked around the empty camp for a moment, carefully searching for any sign of Green or any of the other loggers. The only sound was the call of a bird and the only movement was the wind in the trees. Moses mouth closed into a tight line. With a determined look, he walked over to the center of the camp, picked up the stool, bucket of water and an armful of potatoes. He deliberately placed the stool in front of the entrance to Joe\u2019s tent and sat down. After another look around, he started peeling potatoes again.<\/p>\n

When Ben and Hoss returned to the camp for the noon meal with the logging crew, Moses quickly dished out the food, then motioned to Ben and Hoss. The three men walked behind one of the tents.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat\u2019s wrong?\u201d asked Ben, seeing the grim look on Moses face. \u201cIs Joe all right?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cJoe\u2019s fine,\u201d Moses answered in a reassuring tone. \u201cBut something real strange is going on. I found that fellow Green in the tent with Joe.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cGreen?\u201d repeated Hoss with a frown. \u201cWhat was he doing with Joe?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSaid he was giving him a drink,\u201d explained Moses. \u201cHe had a cup in his hand and was standing over the boy. Only Joe was sound asleep. And some of those pills the doc left were missing.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cDid Joe drink from the cup?\u201d Ben asked in alarm.<\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t think so,\u201d replied Moses. \u201cHe seems fine. He woke up a bit ago, hungry and feisty as ever. But I don\u2019t think we ought to let Joe be by himself. Sam\u2019s with him now. But I think one of you ought to go and stay with Joe for awhile.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll go, Pa,\u201d offered Hoss. He turned and quickly walked toward Joe\u2019s tent.<\/p>\n

\u201cThank you,\u201d Ben said gratefully. Moses just shrugged off Ben’s thanks.<\/p>\n

\u201cI can\u2019t figure it out,\u201d Ben continued, scratching his head. \u201cI checked the flume, and I agree that what happened wasn\u2019t an accident. But I also talked to almost all the men. No one has any reason to want to hurt Joe.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t know the answer either,\u201d admitted Moses. \u201cBut I\u2019ll guarantee you one thing. No one\u2019s going to hurt that boy anymore, not while he\u2019s here. I\u2019ll see to that.\u201d<\/p>\n

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

Ben, Hoss, and Moses spent the next two days taking turns watching over Joe. Joe grumbled about being treated like a baby, but he didn\u2019t mean it. He was bored lying in bed, and grateful for the company. He was also puzzled. No one said anything to him, but Joe had figured out what had happened wasn\u2019t an accident. When he tried to talk about it with Ben or Hoss, they dismissed his concerns and told him not to worry. Joe knew they were trying to protect him, but he couldn\u2019t figure out why. He didn\u2019t know of anyone who had a grudge against him or any reason why he should be in danger.<\/p>\n

Friday morning turned out to be cool and clear. Ben emerged from Joe\u2019s tent, stretching and yawning. He had spent an uneventful night watching over his son. He smelled the coffee brewing and smiled. Moses knew what a man needed first thing in the morning.<\/p>\n

\u201cMorning, Mr. Cartwright,\u201d Moses greeted his boss as Ben walked toward the cook fire. The area around the tent was deserted. The rest of the crew was still asleep.<\/p>\n

\u201cGood morning, Moses,\u201d Ben replied, pouring himself a cup of coffee. \u201cAnother quiet night. Do you think we\u2019re making something out of nothing?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI was starting to think so,\u201d Moses admitted. \u201cBut then something strange happened. Those three fellows I told you about? They\u2019re gone.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cGone!\u201d said Ben in astonishment.<\/p>\n

\u201cYep, cleared out,\u201d confirmed Moses. \u201cSaw them sneaking into the woods with their horses and gear a little while ago. Didn\u2019t wait for their pay or anything. Seems awfully strange for three men who came begging for a job.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cDid you say anything to them?\u201d asked Ben.<\/p>\n

\u201cTried to,\u201d answered Moses. \u201cI hollered at them but they kept right on going. No law against a man up and leaving, I guess. But it is strange.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIt sure is,\u201d agreed Ben with a frown.<\/p>\n

Men started drifting out of their tents, and several came to the cook fire, looking for breakfast. Moses hurriedly went back to work and began dishing out food. Hoss joined Ben by the fire, and Ben quietly told him about the three men leaving. \u201cPretty odd,\u201d commented Hoss, shaking his head.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat do you suppose they\u2019re up to?\u201d asked Ben.<\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t know,\u201d answered Hoss. \u201cBut I think we ought to stay close to Joe.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cJim Brenner and the doctor ought to be here in a couple of hours,\u201d Ben said. \u201cWe\u2019ll take Joe home this afternoon. With the camp closing up tomorrow, this all should be over soon.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou don\u2019t think those fellows are after the payroll, do you?\u201d asked Hoss.<\/p>\n

\u201cI thought about that,\u201d Ben replied. \u201cBut I don\u2019t see how going after Joe would tie in with that. If anything, the accident would make us stay closer to camp. It doesn\u2019t make sense.\u201d<\/p>\n

Frowning, Hoss mulled over what Ben had said. Finally, he sighed. \u201cI can\u2019t figure it out either, Pa,\u201d he admitted. Then Hoss sniffed the air. \u201cBut I do know I\u2019m going to get some breakfast. I can smell those biscuits that Moses is making!\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben grinned as he watched Hoss walk to the serving table. Moses gave Hoss a double serving of everything.<\/p>\n

By late morning, Ben was in Joe\u2019s tent, helping his son dress. Joe complained and protested, insisting he didn\u2019t need any help. But Ben ignored him. He could see Joe was still stiff and sore, and even pulling on a pair of pants caused Joe a wince of pain. Joe hadn\u2019t been even able to walk without his sore ribs aching. He had tried to make it out of the tent for breakfast, but had given up after only a few steps. So, as Joe sat on the edge of the cot,\u00a0 Ben helped his son put on socks and boots, and cinched the belt around Joe\u2019s waist. He fashioned a sling for Joe\u2019s arm out of some cloth Moses had produced and gently eased his son\u2019s splintered and bandaged limb into the sling.<\/p>\n

Ben picked up Joe\u2019s shirt from the end of the cot, then took a step back and studied his son. \u201cI don\u2019t see how we\u2019re going to manage to get a shirt on you,\u201d Ben declared with a shake of his head. \u201cYou\u2019ve just got too many bandages.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cForget it for now,\u201d Joe replied in a weary voice. \u201cI\u2019ll throw it over my shoulders or something when we\u2019re ready to leave.\u201d He stifled a yawn. \u201cThat medicine the doc left sure makes me sleepy.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhy don\u2019t you lay down and get some rest until the doctor gets here,\u201d suggested Ben.<\/p>\n

Joe nodded, and pulled his legs up onto the cot. He laid his head on the pillow at the top of the bed, and closed his eyes. In less than a minute, Ben heard a soft snore.<\/p>\n

Ben threw Joe\u2019s shirt over his son\u2019s rolled-up gunbelt on the table at the end of the cot. He watched Joe for a minute more, then reached over to the other cot and pulled off the blanket. Ben laid the blanket gently over his sleeping son. Joe never stirred.<\/p>\n

The sound of a horse and buggy crunching across the rough ground outside the tent pulled Ben\u2019s attention from his son. Ben gave Joe one last look, then turned and ducked out of the tent.<\/p>\n

A few feet away, Doctor Martin was climbing out of the buggy, his black medical bag in hand. Ben walked forward and greeted the doctor.<\/p>\n

\u201cHow\u2019s Joe doing?\u201d asked Doctor Martin.<\/p>\n

\u201cHe\u2019s complaining, and grumbling, and generally being a pain,\u201d answered Hoss as he walked up to the buggy from the cook fire a few yards away.<\/p>\n

\u201cOh, then he\u2019s doing fine,\u201d said the doctor with a laugh.<\/p>\n

\u201cHe\u2019s still pretty sore,\u201d added Ben, \u201calthough he won\u2019t admit it. And he\u2019s still sleeping a lot.\u201d<\/p>\n

The doctor nodded. \u201cThat\u2019s normal,\u201d he declared. \u201cKnowing Joe, he won\u2019t admit how weak he\u2019s feeling.\u201d<\/p>\n

A tall, dark-haired man, wearing a tan suit, vest and string tie, and sporting a tan hat, came up to Ben. He had a saddle bag draped over his arm. \u201cBen, the doc told me what happened to Joe,\u201d stated the man. \u201cI\u2019m sure sorry to hear it. I\u2019m glad he\u2019s going to be all right.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThank you, Jim,\u201d acknowledged Ben. He smiled at the man. \u201cI hope you\u2019re pleased that your lumber has been delivered.<\/p>\n

Brenner smiled in return. \u201cYou know I\u2019m happy, Ben. The contract was met down to the last foot of wood, and delivered a day early.\u201d Brenner\u2019s face grew somber. \u201cBut I would have traded every log for nothing to have happened to your son,\u201d he added. \u201cI\u2019m sorry it was my contract that caused it.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYour contract had nothing to do with it,\u201d Ben assured the man. He took a deep breath. \u201cWell, why don\u2019t we take care of business while the doctor checks on Joe.\u201d<\/p>\n

Before Jim Brenner could reply, three men emerged from the nearby woods. The three missing loggers approached the group of men near the buggy, their \u00a0guns drawn and pointed straight ahead. \u201cEverybody just stay where you are,\u201d shouted Brown. \u201cNobody move.\u201d\u00a0 The two men with Brown walked over and pulled the pistols from Ben\u2019s and Hoss\u2019 gunbelt.<\/p>\n

With a frown on his face, Ben looked around. The camp was deserted. The rest of the loggers were busy dismantling the flume and cleaning up the woods. Only Moses sat watching, a few feet away.<\/p>\n

Green spotted the cook and walked over to him. \u201cYou,\u201d he said, gesturing with his pistol. \u201cGet over there with the others.\u201d<\/p>\n

Moses sat for a moment, his eyes narrowed; he seemed to be deciding whether to obey the one-time logger. Green cocked his pistol. \u201cI said move!\u201d he shouted. Moses got slowly to his feet and walked over to the other men.<\/p>\n

The outlaws herded Ben, Hoss and the others toward the edge of the camp. As the captives were pushed together, Brenner dropped the saddlebags he had been holding and kicked them aside. Doctor Martin moved to stand in front of the bags on the ground. Ben glanced at the men standing a few feet away from him, trying to gauge if they saw what happened. He couldn\u2019t tell.<\/p>\n

\u201cCheck the kid in the tent,\u201d said Brown, gesturing to Jones.<\/p>\n

Jones walked a few feet and poked his head into Joe\u2019s tent, then quickly pulled it out. \u201cThe kid\u2019s asleep,\u201d called the outlaw. \u201cAnd I didn\u2019t see a gun.\u201d Brown nodded and gestured for him to return.<\/p>\n

While Brown was momentarily distracted, Hoss took a step forward. Green, though, \u00a0shot into the ground a few inches in front of Hoss, causing bits of dirt to fly up into the air and onto Hoss\u2019 boot. Ben put his hand on Hoss\u2019 arm and not too gently pulled him back.<\/p>\n

\u201cThat shot will bring the loggers,\u201d advised Moses. \u201cYou\u2019d better get out of here now, while you still can.\u201d<\/p>\n

Green laughed. \u201cNice try, Moses,\u201d he said with a sneer. \u201cWe checked on the crew. They\u2019re all way down by the flume. No way they could have heard that shot.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben looked at Moses, asking a question with his eyes. Moses shrugged.<\/p>\n

\u201cNow here\u2019s what\u2019s going to happen,\u201d explained Brown as he kept his gun pointed at the Ben and the other men. \u201cYou\u2019re going to give us the money Brenner brought up here, and then we\u2019re going to leave all of you in one of these tents. By the time the crew gets back and finds you, we\u2019re going to be long gone. You all behave and maybe the crew won’t find five dead bodies.”<\/p>\n

\u201cDrop your guns!\u201d a voice barked out suddenly. Green spun to his right and froze.<\/p>\n

Joe was standing a few feet away, his chest and ribs swathed in bandages and his right arm in a sling. The edges of some bruises peaked out from the bandages, and were visible on his bare chest and shoulders. Joe\u2019s left hand held a pistol, though, and the pistol was pointed directly at the outlaws. He lifted his gun a few inches. \u201cI said drop the guns,\u201d ordered Joe.<\/p>\n

Green studied the young man standing before him. \u201cI thought I took care of you on the flume,\u201d snarled the outlaw.<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd I thought you were still in jail in Arizona, Cutler,\u201d replied Joe. \u201cI guess we were both wrong.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou think you can get all three of us?\u201d growled Brown. \u201cWe\u2019ll cut you down, boy.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cMaybe so,\u201d replied Joe evenly. \u201cBut not before I get some of you. Maybe you\u2019d like the first bullet.\u201d<\/p>\n

Cutler\/Green and Jones looked at each other nervously; Brown saw them out of the corner of his eye. \u201cKeep your guns on them,\u201d he snapped. The other two outlaws pointed their pistols at Ben, Hoss, Moses, Brenner and Doctor Martin.<\/p>\n

\u201cNow look, boy,\u201d said Brown. \u201cWe\u2019re taking that money. And no one is going to stop us. And if there\u2019s any shooting, your Pa and brother here are going to get hurt. Now put your gun down.\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe looked at Ben and Hoss. Both gazed back at him evenly. \u201cI don\u2019t think so,\u201d Joe told the outlaw. “I don’t trust you to leave any witnesses behind. I remember Cutler shot the bank clerk in Arizona for no reason. He’s lucky the clerk didn’t die.” He took a step forward and winced. \u201cDrop your guns,\u201d he ordered once more. His voice sounded strained. \u201cDrop them now.\u201d Bead of sweat appeared on Joe\u2019s forehead and his gun began to tremble in his hand. Joe\u2019s jaw clenched as if he were gritting his teeth.<\/p>\n

Brown laughed, and turned back to the others. \u201cDon\u2019t worry about him,\u201d called the outlaw to his partners. \u201cI don\u2019t think he\u2019s got the strength to even pull a trigger.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben looked anxiously at Joe. He could see the sweat on his son’s face and shoulders, and could tell Joe was beginning to sway a bit. \u201cJoe\u2026\u201d Ben started, his voice full of concern and warning. Cutler\/Green took a step toward Ben, raising his arm to hit Ben.<\/p>\n

Suddenly a shot rang out, and Cutler\/Green clutched his shoulder. He cried out in pain, but his scream was lost in the sound of a second shot. Brown fell to the ground, grabbing at his leg as he fell.<\/p>\n

Jones, the third outlaw, whirled and fired at Joe. But Joe had already sunk to his knees, and the bullet whizzed over his head. Joe tried to raise his gun to fire once more, but the gun fell from his hand. Joe\u2019s eyes closed and then he fell forward to the ground.<\/p>\n

Jones never had a chance to take a second shot. As soon as the outlaw fired the first time, Hoss ran forward and grabbed the man\u2019s arm. Hoss spun Jones around and landed a powerful blow on the outlaw\u2019s jaw with his massive fist. Jones crumpled to the ground.<\/p>\n

Ben and Moses also had run forward with the sound of the shots. Ben kicked the pistol out of Brown\u2019s hand and picked it up. He pointed the outlaw\u2019s gun directly at the man\u2019s head.<\/p>\n

Moses grabbed the gun that had fallen from the hand of the man Joe had called Cutler. The cook aimed the weapon at Cutler, who was lying on the ground, writhing in pain.<\/p>\n

\u201cBrenner, keep an eye on these three,\u201d said Ben as he handed the gun in his hand to timber buyer.<\/p>\n

\u201cMy pleasure, Ben,\u201d replied Brenner in a grim voice as he took the pistol.<\/p>\n

Doctor Martin had rushed past the fallen outlaws to Joe. Now Ben ran after him.<\/p>\n

Joe was trying to struggle to his feet when the doctor reached him. \u201cStay still,\u201d ordered the doctor as he knelt next to Joe. Joe gratefully eased himself back to the ground. Doctor Martin ran his hands slowly over Joe\u2019s ribs. Joe grunted a bit. Then the doctor put his hand on Joe\u2019s wrist, feeling the young man’s pulse. After another moment, Doctor Martin released Joe\u2019s wrist and moved his hand to Joe\u2019s forehead.<\/p>\n

\u201cHow is he?\u201d Ben asked anxiously as he watched.<\/p>\n

Doctor Martin looked up. \u201cWell, he managed not to hurt himself any worse,\u201d said the doctor with a shake of his head. \u201cHe\u2019s lucky he didn\u2019t displace one of those broken ribs.\u201d The doctor turned back to Joe. \u201cJoe, I\u2019m going to help you up,\u201d he said. \u201cBut I want you to move slow, real slow, you understand me?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t worry, doc,\u201d replied Joe in a shaky voice. \u201cRight now, even slow is going to be a challenge.\u201d<\/p>\n

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

It took awhile to sort out everything in the camp. Once he and Doctor Martin had Joe back on the cot in the tent, Ben went to help Brenner guard the outlaws; he sent Hoss to get several men from the timber crew to help them. Moses set about bandaging the wounded men, tying cloth over their bullet wounds until the doctor could take a look at them. Moses was less than gentle as he tended to the outlaws.<\/p>\n

It was only after he made sure that Joe was comfortable that Doctor Martin turned his attention to the would-be robbers. He quickly examined\u00a0 \u00a0their gunshot wounds, noting that the bullets had passed through the two men and out again. After a few stitches and some bandaging, the doctor declared them fit to ride. Four of the biggest loggers in the camp threw each of the now-sullen bandits on to a horse, and after climbing on their own horses, left for town with the outlaws in tow. Tied up and hurting, none of the three would-be robbers offered any resistance.<\/p>\n

After signing the necessary papers and taking the money from Brenner, Ben counted out enough cash to dole out the wages and bonus owed to each logger. While Ben and Hoss were busy paying the timber crew, Brenner made himself comfortable sitting by the cook fire, drinking coffee and trading stories about the \u201cold days\u201d with Moses.<\/p>\n

Three hours after the thwarted robbery, the camp had returned to a semblance of normalcy. Doctor Martin had stayed in Joe\u2019s tent, determined to keep an eye on his often rebellious patient. Now he emerged from the canvas structure and looked anxiously around the camp. He spotted Ben, Hoss and Moses standing by a wagon. The doctor walked toward the men.<\/p>\n

\u201cBen, I should be getting back to town,\u201d called the doctor, his voice tinged with concern. \u201cI\u2019ve got other patients to see.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2019ll be ready in a few minutes, doc,\u201d declared Hoss as he arranged some blankets and bedding in the back of the wagon.<\/p>\n

The doctor looked into the wagon and nodded with approval. \u201cThat should keep Joe comfortable,\u201d proclaimed Dr. Martin. \u201cBut you take it real slow down this mountain. Joe\u2019s ribs have been bounced around enough for one day.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cC\u2019mon, doc,\u201d urged Hoss, throwing his arm around Doctor Martin\u2019s shoulders. \u201cLet\u2019s you and me get my little brother into this wagon.\u201d<\/p>\n

Moses watched as the two men walked off, then he turned to Ben. \u201cIt was close today,\u201d he observed, not needing to explain. \u201cToo close.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI know, Moses,\u201d acknowledged Ben with a sigh. \u201cIf Joe hadn\u2019t fallen when he did\u2026.\u201d Ben shook his head. \u201cI don\u2019t even want to think about it.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI know,\u201d agreed Moses. \u201cSomebody was sure watching over him.\u201d Suddenly the cook looked down to the ground. \u201cI\u2019m sorry.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSorry?\u201d repeated Ben in a puzzled voice. \u201cWhat are you sorry about?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI promised you I would be the one watching over that boy of yours,\u201d answered Moses, still staring down. \u201cI didn\u2019t do a very good job of it.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben put his hand on the cook\u2019s shoulder. \u201cListen to me, Moses,\u201d he declared in a stern voice. \u201cYou did more than anyone to protect Joe, even more than I did. You took care of him and guarded him, and did your best to make sure he was all right. I couldn\u2019t ask for anything more.\u201d<\/p>\n

Moses looked up and gazed into Ben’s face for a minute. \u201cMaybe after we\u2019ve closed up the camp, I’ll come down and visit with Joe at the ranch for a spell,\u201d suggested Moses. “It might not hurt if you had an extra pair of hands to help keep him down. If that\u2019s all right with you,\u201d he added hastily.<\/p>\n

Ben patted the black man lightly on the shoulder. \u201cMoses, you\u2019re welcome any time,\u201d he assured the cook.<\/p>\n

A mischievous smile twitched on Moses\u2019 face. \u201cMaybe I can show Hop Sing how to make those flapjacks that Joe likes so much.”<\/p>\n

\u201cYou do that,\u201d agreed Ben with a laugh. \u201cJust warn me when you\u2019re going to tell Hop Sing about the flapjacks. I want to be sure I\u2019m on the other side of the Ponderosa when you do.\u201d<\/p>\n

The sound of footsteps and some soft grunts drew Ben\u2019s and Moses\u2019 attention. Both turned to see Hoss and Doctor Martin supporting Joe as he walked slowly from the tent. It took several minutes to ease Joe into the back of the wagon and help him get comfortable. But finally Joe was settled.<\/p>\n

Doctor Martin looked around and spotted Jim Brenner near the buggy. Then he turned back to Joe. \u201cI\u2019ll be out to see you tomorrow, Joe,\u201d advised the doctor. \u201cNow you do what I said and rest until then.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t worry, doc. I\u2019m not feeling up to anything more strenuous than riding home,” conceded Joe. He winced as he shifted his weight in the wagon. \u201cI\u2019ll follow orders.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSee that you do,\u201d stated the doctor sternly. Then he smiled, shook hands with Ben, Moses and Hoss, and walked over to where Jim Brenner was waiting in the buggy.<\/p>\n

Moses turned to Joe. \u201cJoe, you really saved our hides today,\u201d said the cook. He shook his head. \u201cThat was some of the fanciest shooting I\u2019ve seen in a long time.\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe seemed uncomfortable and shifted a bit in the wagon. He stared down at his feet for a minute, as if deciding something, then finally looked up. \u201cWell, to tell the truth, Moses, it wasn\u2019t all that good,\u201d admitted Joe. \u201cI was aiming for their chests, thinking those were the biggest targets. But my hand wasn\u2019t too steady. It\u2019s a miracle I hit anything.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben, Hoss and Moses looked at each other with astonishment. \u201cYou mean, you got those two outlaws with some lucky shots,\u201d stated Ben, his voice filled with wonder.<\/p>\n

\u201cYeah,\u201d acknowledged Joe. Then he grinned. \u201cBut Pa, you always say that sometimes it was better to be lucky than good.”<\/p>\n

Hoss shook his head. \u201cJoe, you are the luckiest little cuss I know.\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe looked around the wagon, at his father, at his brother, and his friend. He thought about how they had cared for him, how they had tried to protect him. \u201cYeah,\u201d agreed Joe softly. \u201cI\u2019m the luckiest man in the world.\u201d<\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

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

Summary:\u00a0 A trip to the lumber camp to relay a message takes an ominous turn for Joe.<\/p>\n

Word Count: 9200 \u00a0Rated: \u00a0T<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":10338,"featured_media":13983,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"template-full-width-post.php","format":"standard","meta":{"jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_access":"","_jetpack_dont_email_post_to_subs":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_tier_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paywalled_content":false,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[23,41],"tags":[15,17,16],"class_list":["post-13981","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-drama","category-hurtcomfort","tag-ben","tag-hoss","tag-joe","wpcat-23-id","wpcat-41-id"],"a3_pvc":{"activated":true,"total_views":2448,"today_views":0},"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/03\/Cartwrights-copy-10.jpg?fit=916%2C580&ssl=1","jetpack_likes_enabled":true,"jetpack-related-posts":[{"id":3654,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=3654","url_meta":{"origin":13981,"position":0},"title":"Kama… WHAT? 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Word Count: \u00a018,000 \u00a0Rated: \u00a0T","rel":"","context":"In "Drama"","block_context":{"text":"Drama","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?cat=23"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/04\/4Cartwrights.jpg?fit=849%2C541&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/04\/4Cartwrights.jpg?fit=849%2C541&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/04\/4Cartwrights.jpg?fit=849%2C541&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/04\/4Cartwrights.jpg?fit=849%2C541&ssl=1&resize=700%2C400 2x"},"classes":[]},{"id":13993,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=13993","url_meta":{"origin":13981,"position":2},"title":"Sins of the Father (by Susan G)","author":"SusanG","date":"December 12, 2007","format":false,"excerpt":"Summary:\u00a0 Ben outbids a competitor to win a lucrative contract, setting the man's son on a course of vengeance. Rating:T\u00a0 (29,455 words)","rel":"","context":"In "Drama"","block_context":{"text":"Drama","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?cat=23"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/04\/ponderosapine.jpg?fit=270%2C404&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200},"classes":[]},{"id":36147,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=36147","url_meta":{"origin":13981,"position":3},"title":"The Old Stable (by BettyHT)","author":"BettyHT","date":"December 23, 2020","format":false,"excerpt":"Summary:\u00a0 Repair and reconstruction of an old stable on the Ponderosa is necessary to keep a memory and a hope alive for the family and leads to some stories that pull the family closer together.\u00a0 Rating:\u00a0 G\u00a0 Word Count:\u00a0 1567","rel":"","context":"In "Alternate Universe"","block_context":{"text":"Alternate Universe","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?cat=7"},"img":{"alt_text":"hoss, ben, joe","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/06\/bonanza_a-L-5245718-13198926.jpg?fit=400%2C320&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200},"classes":[]},{"id":13014,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=13014","url_meta":{"origin":13981,"position":4},"title":"A Different Conversation (by AC1830)","author":"AC1830","date":"June 5, 2016","format":false,"excerpt":"Summary:\u00a0 Imagine the scene in The Ride where Adam and Ben are by the fire having a serious conversation. \u00a0What if father and son discussed something totally different? \u00a0 Rating = K\u00a0\u00a0 WC = 818","rel":"","context":"In "Short Stories"","block_context":{"text":"Short Stories","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?cat=8"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/06\/Ben-and-Adam-1.png?fit=629%2C435&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/06\/Ben-and-Adam-1.png?fit=629%2C435&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/06\/Ben-and-Adam-1.png?fit=629%2C435&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x"},"classes":[]},{"id":17876,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=17876","url_meta":{"origin":13981,"position":5},"title":"The Flume (by Hart4Ben)","author":"Hart4Ben","date":"August 3, 2018","format":false,"excerpt":"Summary:\u00a0\u00a0The timber industry is booming. Anxious to truly use his skills and attempt to make the Ponderosa financially secure for years to come, Adam proposes constructing a narrow gauge rail line and flume from Tahoe to Empire City. 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