{"id":13991,"date":"2007-04-06T18:45:37","date_gmt":"2007-04-06T22:45:37","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=13991"},"modified":"2026-07-29T13:45:15","modified_gmt":"2026-07-29T17:45:15","slug":"the-letter-of-the-law-by-susan-g","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=13991","title":{"rendered":"The Letter of the Law (by Susan G)"},"content":{"rendered":"

Summary<\/strong>:\u00a0 Ben and Joe aid an acquaintance in evaluating a mine whose owners care little for their impact on the land.<\/p>\n

Word Count: \u00a017,300 \u00a0Rated: T<\/p>\n

Author\u2019s note: This is a Ben and Joe story. Adam and Hoss are back at the Ponderosa getting into mischief and do not appear in this story.<\/p>\n

The Letter of the Law<\/strong><\/p>\n

On a trail cutting through dense woods, two men pulled their horses to a stop at the crest of a hill. One turned to look over his shoulder, watching tolerantly while a third rider bounced uncomfortably on his horse as he guided the animal. The third man looked out of place in his three-piece suit and bowler hat as he rode awkwardly up the trail through the rugged mountain terrain. The other two men, dressed in western garb, looked much more at home as they paused among the tall pines and thick brush.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m sorry to make you wait, Ben,\u201d gasped the man in the suit as he jerked on the reins to stop his horse. The horse tossed its head in protest and the man grabbed the horn of his saddle to steady his seat. The rider was a smaller, older man, perhaps in his fifties. His bowler hat slid a bit, and tufts of white hair were visible. He quickly righted the hat and pulled it firmly down on his head.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t worry about it, Fred,\u201d replied Ben Cartwright with a smile. \u201cWe\u2019re in no rush.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s right, Mr. Harding,\u201d added Joe Cartwright with a twinkle in his eye. \u201cBesides, I have to take it easy on Pa. He\u2019s not as young as he used to be, you know.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhy\u00a0you young whippersnapper!\u201d retorted Ben in mock anger. \u201cThe day I can\u2019t ride you into the ground is the day I\u2019ll retire to my rocking chair.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe grinned at his father. \u201cWell, I think it could be a few years before you\u2019ll need that rocking chair.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Fred Harding smiled at the Cartwrights\u2019 jibes. Harding considered Ben Cartwright an old and valued friend, and he had watched his friend\u2019s sons grow from boys to men. He knew the good-natured banter was a sign of the affection between father and son. The confirmed bachelor enjoyed the fact that he could witness such a warm and easy relationship between two family members.<\/span><\/p>\n

Pulling a handkerchief from his pocket, Harding began mopping his face. \u201cI\u2019m a good lawyer,\u201d he said, as he wiped his brow. \u201cBut I\u2019ll have to admit I\u2019m not a very good horseman.\u201d He shook his head as he placed the handkerchief back in his pocket. \u201cWhy Mr. Grant wanted me to assess this mine as an investment, I\u2019ll never know. He should have gotten an engineer or a mining expert.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cBill Grant knows he can trust you,\u201d Ben pointed out. \u201cThat means more to him than any engineer\u2019s advice could mean to him.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI suppose,\u201d answered Harding with a sigh. \u201cSometimes I wish he would trust me a little less.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Both Ben and Joe laughed at the lawyer\u2019s lament. \u201cIt\u2019s only about another hour\u2019s ride to the mine,\u201d Ben said in a soothing voice. \u201cWe\u2019ll be there soon.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Nodding, Harding smiled. \u201cBen, I can\u2019t thank you enough for going with me. I doubt if I could have made this trip on my own, much less known what to tell Mr. Grant.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI told you, Fred, this really isn\u2019t out of our way,\u201d Ben assured his friend. \u201cJoe and I were going to ride up here to check on that timber stand that\u2019s up for sale. Joe can check out the timber while you and I are at the mine. It\u2019s really not going to cost us anytime. After we\u2019re done, Joe and I can head on over to Donner Flats and you can go back home.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNevertheless, I am still grateful,\u201d stated Harding primly. \u201cI just hope I can return the favor some day.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWell, I don\u2019t plan to need a lawyer anytime soon,\u201d Ben replied with a smile. \u201cBut I\u2019ll keep it in mind the next time one of my boys pulls some crazy stunt.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cPa, you know we just do those things to keep you from getting bored,\u201d remarked Joe, flashing a wide grin.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI could do with a little more boredom in my life,\u201d Ben declared with a shake of his head. He looked up at the sky. The position of the sun told Ben that it was early afternoon. \u201cWe\u2019d best get moving if we want to visit that mine and still get you heading toward home before dark.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYes,\u201d sighed Harding with obvious reluctance. \u201cLet\u2019s continue on. The sooner I look at this blasted mine, the sooner I can get back behind a desk where I belong.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Ben and Joe smiled as they nudged their horses forward and headed down the trail.<\/span><\/p>\n

The three men rode slowly for the next two miles. The deliberate pace was not only to compensate for Harding\u2019s poor horsemanship but also because the trail became more narrow as it wound through the trees. The trio rode until the trail brought them to a clearing. Ben raised his hand to stop the other riders.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThis is where we split off,\u201d announced Ben, looking around. He peered down the trail, then pointed to a thick stand of trees in the distance. \u201cThat\u2019s timber I want you to check, Joe,\u201d Ben added. Joe nodded his understanding.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNow, remember,\u201d continued Ben, \u201cI want you to check the growth and thickness of the trees. But I also want you to look at how difficult it will be to get the timber out. And be sure we can harvest sufficient trees to make it worthwhile without losing the watershed.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cPa, I know how to check out a stand of trees,\u201d Joe protested, his voice filled with exasperation.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI know you do,\u201d Ben admitted with a smile. \u201cIt just makes me feel better to remind you.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cConsider me reminded,\u201d Joe told his father. \u201cWhere do you want to meet?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Ben rubbed his chin thoughtfully. \u201cWhy don\u2019t we meet down where the road starts into the valley,\u201d he answered. \u201cRight where the trail starts to flatten out. As I recall, there\u2019s some large boulders by the side of the trail. We\u2019ll meet there.\u201d He looked up at the sun. \u201cIt should take us about forty minutes to get to the mine, and we shouldn\u2019t need more than an hour or so to look around. I\u2019ll meet you there in about three hours.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThree hours,\u201d Joe repeated, nodding. He turned to Harding. \u201cIt was nice seeing you again, Mr. Harding,\u201d he added in a polite voice. \u201cI hope you have a productive trip.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThank you, Joseph,\u201d replied the lawyer. \u201cI enjoyed riding with you also.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Giving a brief nod, Joe kicked his horse forward. \u201cSee you, Pa,\u201d he yelled giving a cheery wave as he started down the trail.<\/span><\/p>\n

As Ben watched his youngest son ride down the trail, he felt familiar emotions stir within him. Those emotions were a mixture of pride and love, with a bit of self-satisfaction thrown in. Ben Cartwright knew he was a lucky man. He had three healthy, intelligent, and loyal sons. It was almost more than a man could expect in one life.<\/span><\/p>\n

Shaking his head quickly, Ben turned to Harding. \u201cWe\u2019d better get moving. Be careful. The ride gets pretty rough from here on.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI was afraid you were going to say that,\u201d muttered Harding.<\/span><\/p>\n

Ben smiled as he turned his horse to head up the mountainside.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Even Fred Harding could tell when the two riders reached the mining site. He was amazed at how abruptly the landscape changed. Harding and Ben had traveled for almost an hour through tall trees and thick brush. But the lush foliage ended abruptly when the two reached the edge of the land being mined.<\/span><\/p>\n

The land in front of the pair now looked barren and scored; not a single plant could be seen. Deep gouges had been dug into the side of the mountain. A pit filled with rocks sat in the middle of a flat piece of land, and two narrow ditches ran down the mountain on either side of the pit. A few tents were set up on the far edge of the mining site, but the rest of the area was dotted with rocks, wagons, equipment and dusty sacks.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cDoes a mine always do this to the land?\u201d Harding asked his friend in amazement.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNo always,\u201d answered Ben with a shake of his head. \u201cThis is a strip mining operation. They strip away the side of the mountain, rather than digging into the mountain to get the ore.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Harding turned back to study the site. \u201cSeems a shame to tear up the land like this,\u201d he commented.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI agree,\u201d Ben said. \u201cBut not everyone feels the same way. Some miners feel that they just have to do this to get the ore. The ore is more important to them than what happens to the land.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Harding nodded thoughtfully.<\/span><\/p>\n

Urging his horse forward, Ben headed toward the tents. Harding followed slowly, his head turning to study the mining operation as he rode. Both men stopped their horses near the tents.<\/span><\/p>\n

A big man with wide shoulders and a barrel chest came out of one of the tents. He wore a checked shirt and his black pants were tucked into tall boots. His dark hair was flecked with white; it was hard to tell if the flecks were gray hairs or simply dust from the work around him. The man studied the two riders for a moment. Then his face broke into a wide but less than genuine smile.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou must be Fred Harding,\u201d called the man as he crossed toward the riders.<\/span><\/p>\n

After climbing slowly off his horse, Harding walked stiffly toward the man who was approaching him with an out-stretched hand. \u201cYes, I am,\u201d replied the lawyer. \u201cAnd I presume you are Nicholas Burns?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cJust call me, Nick,\u201d offered Burns in an affable tone. He grabbed Harding\u2019s hand and began to shake it. Harding winced slightly as the miner\u2019s thick fingers seemed to crush his palm.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAh, yes, well, I\u2019m pleased to meet you, Mr. Burns,\u201d Harding acknowledged as he extricated his slightly bruised hand. He turned toward Ben. \u201cI\u2019d like to introduce you to Mr. Ben Cartwright. He was kind enough to guide me here.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cBen Cartwright!\u201d boomed Burns in a happy voice. \u201cI sure am glad to meet you. I\u2019ve heard a lot about you. Are you interested in investing in our little operation too?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

A strange expression crossed Ben\u2019s face as he walked over toward the two men — one of distaste mingled with a bit of anger. Quickly, though, Ben pulled his features into a more neutral look. \u201cI\u2019m afraid not,\u201d he replied. \u201cI\u2019m simply acting as a guide for Mr. Harding, and perhaps answer any questions he might have.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWell, you might just change your mind when you see what we have going here,\u201d declared Burns in a confident voice. \u201cWe\u2019re making good money out of our operation. With a little more capital, we can set up operations like this all over the West. Come on, let me show you around.\u201d Burns turned and started to walk toward the gouged mountain.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m not sure I want to see this throughout the West,\u201d murmured Harding as he and Ben began to follow Burns.<\/span><\/p>\n

For the next fifteen minutes or so, Burns showed his two visitors how his miners stripped the ore from the mountain. The men cleared the hillside, destroying or discarding anything that stood in their way before digging into the earth to pull out the ore. Harding\u2019s eyes widened, then narrowed as he envisioned the mountain literally being destroyed. Ben\u2019s face remained impassive, but his lips were pressed into a tight line.<\/span><\/p>\n

As the trio turned toward the pit filled with ore, Harding noticed the dusty bags piled over to the side. \u201cWhat are those?\u201d he asked curiously.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s the chemicals we use for the leaching,\u201d explained Burns.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cLeeches?\u201d said Harding, looking around nervously. \u201cYou have leeches up here?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNo,\u201d laughed Burns. \u201cLeaching. L-E-A-C-H-I-N-G. It\u2019s the way we extract the silver from the rest of the ore.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Harding turned to Ben with a frown. \u201cI\u2019m afraid I don\u2019t understand,\u201d he said.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s a relatively new process,\u201d explained Ben. \u201cI\u2019ve read about it, but I\u2019ve never seen it. The idea is to mix chemicals with water and then pour the water over the ore. The chemicals loosen the silver from the rest of the rocks and make it easy to mine the silver.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s right,\u201d agreed Burns. \u201cIt\u2019s a cheap, easy way to extract the silver. You don\u2019t have to transport tons of ore to a milling plant. You can leach the silver from the ore right here.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cFrom what I\u2019ve read,\u201d said Ben with a frown, \u201cyou have to use some pretty dangerous chemicals to extract the silver. Poisons like arsenic and cyanide seem to work the best.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s right,\u201d Burns confirmed. \u201cWe use arsenic mostly.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cArsenic!\u201d cried Harding in alarm. He quickly reached into his pocket to pull out his handkerchief, then put the white cloth over his nose and mouth.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThere\u2019s nothing to worry about,\u201d Burns assured the lawyer. \u201cIt\u2019s perfectly safe. We mix the arsenic in water. We\u2019re very careful to keep the chemicals and the water away from everything else.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cBut\u2026but\u2026I see dust on those sacks,\u201d said Harding in a muffled tone from behind the cloth.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOh, a little escapes,\u201d agreed Burns. \u201cBut it\u2019s nothing to worry about. It\u2019s only a trace. It can\u2019t hurt you. In fact, I hear some people regularly use a bit of arsenic to look better.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Harding looked to Ben for confirmation.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s true,\u201d Ben acknowledged\u00a0a bit reluctantly. \u201cI\u2019ve read where it was the rage in Europe for awhile. People believed a pinch of arsenic would clear their skin and improve their appearance. There was talk that arsenic was regularly used by Napoleon and Josephine.\u201d Ben looked pointedly at Burns. \u201cBut it can be dangerous if it\u2019s not handled properly.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOh, we know what we\u2019re doing,\u201d assured the miner, waving his hand airily. \u201cCome over here. I\u2019ll show you.\u201d Burns started walking toward the pit in long, confident strides. Ben followed while Harding trailed slowly behind, the cloth still pressed firmly to his mouth and nose.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2019re just getting ready to leach some ore now,\u201d noted Burns, standing on the edge of the pit. He pointed to four men who were mixing something in tall barrels. The men had bandannas covering the lower part of their face as they stirred something in the barrels with tall wooden sticks.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWe pour the mixture over the rocks and let it work for awhile,” Burns explained. He pointed to the narrow ditches on either side of the pit. \u201cThen we let the water run out and we extract the ore.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhere does the water go?\u201d asked Ben with a frown. \u201cThat\u2019s a pretty deadly mixture.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIt flows down the ditches and into the ground,\u201d Burns answered. \u201cThe ground absorbs the water. We\u2019re real careful that it doesn\u2019t run into a stream or anything.\u201d The miner turned to the men near the pit. \u201cYou boys ready?\u201d he yelled.<\/span><\/p>\n

One of the men waved in assent. With the muscles in their arms bulging, the men dragged the barrels to the edge of the pit and poured the water over the ore. Almost at once, a hiss came out of the crater, as if the hole was now filled with snakes. The water covered the ore and filled the pit almost to the top.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2019ll let things soak for a while, and then release the water,\u201d Burns continued to explain. He turned to Ben and Harding. \u201cWhy don\u2019t you fellows come join me in my tent for a cup of coffee? I\u2019d like to show you some figures on expenses and profit, and then talk about how much capital I need to expand.\u201d He turned and walked around the pit toward the tent.<\/span><\/p>\n

Ben started to follow Burns\u00a0but stopped suddenly as Harding grabbed his arm. \u201cBen, if I were you, I wouldn\u2019t drink any coffee,\u201d suggested Harding nervously. \u201cYou don\u2019t know what\u2019s in the water around here.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI wouldn\u2019t worry, Fred,\u201d advised Ben, clapping the lawyer on the shoulder. \u201cI\u2019m sure Mr. Burns isn\u2019t going to poison you. At least, not until he knows whether he\u2019s going to get some money from you!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Riding through the thick stand of trees, Joe mentally estimated the lumber that could be potentially harvested. He was pleased with what his rough calculations showed. He felt confident that the Cartwrights could cut enough trees to make the lumber operation profitably without stripping the land and hurting the watershed.<\/span><\/p>\n

One thing nagged at Joe, however. He had seen quite a few saplings and small plants that were yellow and appeared to be dying. He wondered if some type of blight was affecting the plants. But the older, mature trees seemed unaffected. They stood tall and straight, thick at the base, with roots reaching deep into the ground. Joe shrugged aside his concern. Whatever was affecting the smaller plants didn\u2019t seem to bother the large trees, and those trees were in which Joe was interested.<\/span><\/p>\n

After about an hour of riding among the trees, Joe decided he had seen enough to report back to his father. He turned his horse and headed toward the flat land below.<\/span><\/p>\n

As Joe rode, he realized his mouth felt dry and thirsty. He was reaching for his canteen when he spotted a small stream. Joe let the canteen fall back against the saddle, deciding the save the water in the container for coffee later. He guided his horse to the stream and dismounted.<\/span><\/p>\n

Kneeling down, Joe cupped a handful of water from the stream. \u201cDrink up, Chooch,\u201d he advised his pinto. \u201cIt\u2019s nice and cold.\u201d The pinto bent down to take a drink as Joe brought the water into his mouth. Suddenly, the pinto shied away from the water and whinnied.<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe looked at the horse in surprise as he began to swallow the water in his mouth. Almost immediately he realized the liquid had a funny taste, and spat it out onto the ground.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019re smarter than I am, Cooch,\u201d said Joe as he stood. \u201cThere\u2019s something wrong with that water.\u201d He wrinkled his nose and worked his mouth. He could still taste something unpleasant.<\/span><\/p>\n

On the other side of the steam, a bush thick with blueberries stood invitingly. \u201cCome on,\u201d Joe urged as he pulled his horse across the water. \u201cLet\u2019s get something to get rid of this taste.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Quickly, Joe began pulling the blueberries off the bush and popping them into his mouth. The tart tang of the berries erased the unpleasant taste of the water. He grabbed another handful and began eating them. He laughed as a thin rivulet of blue juice ran down his chin. \u201cThose berries sure taste good,\u201d commented Joe as he wiped his chin with the back of his hand. He shoved some more berries into his mouth, then turned to wash his hand in the stream. He splashed a little water on his chin also, careful not to get any of the liquid in his mouth.<\/span><\/p>\n

As Joe bent by the stream, his back to the berry bush, he didn\u2019t notice the underside of the plant. He didn\u2019t see the yellow leaves and withered branches dotting the bottom of the bush.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Ben and Fred Harding emerged from the tent, with Burns close at their heels. \u201cI hope the figures I showed you were clear,\u201d said the miner as he followed the two men toward their horses.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cPerfectly clear, thank you,\u201d replied Harding in a non-committal voice.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThen you\u2019ll recommend Mr. Grant invest in our operation?\u201d asked Burns hopefully.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI will discuss my findings with Mr. Grant,\u201d Harding answered carefully. \u201cI will let you know what he decides.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhat about you, Cartwright?\u201d asked Burns, turning to Ben with a smile. \u201cSeen enough to make you change your mind and invest also?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Almost abruptly, Ben stopped and looked at Burns. \u201cI won\u2019t be investing in your operation,\u201d he stated shortly.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t understand,\u201d said Burns, frowning at the tone of Ben\u2019s voice. \u201cYou\u2019ve seen the books and what we do here. You could make a nice little profit.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIt depends on what you mean by profit,\u201d declared Ben in a cold voice.<\/span><\/p>\n

Burns\u2019 frown deepened. \u201cWhat do you mean?\u201d he asked.<\/span><\/p>\n

Ben bit his lip as if trying to decide something. He glanced at Harding who was watching him expectantly. Finally, Ben decided to say his piece. \u201cMr. Burns, I wouldn\u2019t invest in your operation for any reason,\u201d blurted Ben. \u201cFrankly, I don\u2019t like the way you mine ore. It destroys the land, not only with the strip mining but also with the leaching. There\u2019s no telling what damage those chemicals might be doing.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhat are you getting so high and mighty about, Cartwright?\u201d demanded Burns in an angry voice. \u201cYou run timber operations all over Nevada. Don\u2019t tell me that you aren\u2019t doing the same thing.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI hope not,\u201d stated Ben through tight lips. \u201cFor every tree I cut, I make sure I plant another. I won\u2019t harvest timber if it destroys a watershed. I do my best to make sure we leave the land fruitful and growing after we take down the trees.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cFruitful and growing?\u201d Burns looked at Ben in astonishment \u201cFor what? There\u2019s nothing out here. No farms, no ranches, no people. Who cares what happens to the land.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI care, Mr. Burns,\u201d Ben declared. \u201cAnd just because there\u2019s nothing here now doesn\u2019t mean we have to destroy the land. All this land was empty at one time. What happens in twenty years, or fifty years, when more people move West? What happens when our grandchild want to grow something on this land? How will we tell them that we destroyed their future?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cBah!\u201d exclaimed Burns angrily. \u201cYou\u2019re an idealist, Cartwright. Well, maybe you can afford those high ideals. Me, I\u2019m just a guy trying to make some money. And I\u2019m not going to let you stand in my way.\u201d Burns turned and stalked away.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m afraid you\u2019ve made yourself an enemy, Ben,\u201d commented Harding as he and Ben mounted their horses.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cPerhaps,\u201d Ben agreed with a shrug. \u201cBut with any luck, I\u2019ll never have to see Nicholas Burns again.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Spotting the boulders as he rode down the trail, Joe turned his horse toward the meeting place. He rode slowly, hanging on to the horn of his saddle. He felt a bit dizzy and his head was aching. His stomach seemed to be churning and he had an odd tingling in his hands also. Joe couldn\u2019t wait to get off his horse.<\/span><\/p>\n

After guiding his pinto to a stop next to the rocks, Joe gratefully slid off the saddle. He flopped to the ground, leaning his back against the rocks. Joe closed his eyes, hoping that the dizziness and nausea would pass.<\/span><\/p>\n

Puzzled, Joe wondered what was wrong with him. He had felt fine until a little while ago, and then he had started to feel sick. He thought about the water he had almost drank. He didn\u2019t think he had swallowed any, but even if he had, it would have been too little to affect him like this. Joe shook his head. Maybe he was just tired. Maybe a little rest was all he needed.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWell, I see you found your way,\u201d said a hearty voice.<\/span><\/p>\n

The voice startled Joe. He had been concentrating on trying to ease his aching head and queasy stomach\u00a0and hadn\u2019t heard the rider approaching. Joe opened his eyes and looked up into his father\u2019s face. Ben was sitting on his horse, looking down at his son with a smile on his face.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHi, Pa,\u201d called Joe, giving Ben what he hoped was a smile. Joe rubbed his stomach lightly. His insides seemed to be churning again and his throat felt raw. \u201cMr. Harding head for home?\u201d asked Joe in what he hoped sounded like his natural voice.<\/span><\/p>\n

Ben didn\u2019t seem to notice anything was wrong with his son as he dismounted from his horse. \u201cYes, I pointed him in the right direction down the trail,\u201d answered Ben as he walked toward his son. He chuckled softly. \u201cI hope he makes it in one piece. Fred Harding is an excellent lawyer but this certainly isn\u2019t his element. He\u2019s much more at home in a courtroom than on the trail.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Distracted by the sick feeling in his stomach, Joe merely nodded.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhat did you think of those trees?\u201d asked Ben as he settled on the ground next to Joe.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThey look good,\u201d replied Joe, trying to concentrate on his father\u2019s question. \u201cWe can get a lot of lumber out of them.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Suddenly, Ben noticed the look on Joe\u2019s face. \u201cJoe, are you all right?\u201d he asked with concern. \u201cYou look a little pale.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m fine, Pa,\u201d Joe assured his father, giving Ben a small smile. \u201cJust a little tired.\u201d He tried to turn the smile into a grin. \u201cGuess you can still ride me into the ground.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Ben nodded but his brow furrowed with concern. Joe definitely looked pale and he could see beads of sweat on his son\u2019s forehead. \u201cJoe, are you sure you\u2019re all right?\u201d pressed Ben anxiously.<\/span><\/p>\n

Closing his eyes briefly, Joe swallowed hard, trying to ease the churning in his stomach. \u201cI\u2019m all right,\u201d he said again. \u201cMy stomach just feels a little queasy.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cDo you want to stay here for awhile?\u201d asked Ben with concern. \u201cWe can make camp and head to Donner Flats in the morning.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Shaking his head, Joe replied, \u201cNo, I\u2019ll be all right.\u201d He smiled again. \u201cBesides, I\u2019d rather sleep in a nice soft bed than on the hard ground.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Trying to keep the dizziness at bay, Joe stood slowly. He had taken only a step or two toward his horse when he suddenly felt a sharp, agonizing pain in his stomach. Joe let out a gasp and clutched his belly as his knees began to buckle. He felt another sharp pain, and fell to the ground, clutching his stomach even tighter and writhing in pain.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cJoe!\u201d cried Ben in alarm. He ran to his son\u2019s side. \u201cWhat\u2019s wrong?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe writhed on the ground as his stomach seemed to burn in agonizing pain. \u201cStomach,\u201d he gasped. He turned on his side and began to vomit. A bit of liquid trickled from his mouth, but for the most part, his retching produced only dry heaves.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cJoe!\u201d exclaimed Ben, his eyes wide in terror. He pulled his son from the ground and held him. \u201cJoe! Tell me what\u2019s wrong, son!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

With the agonizing sickness wracking his body, Joe rocked in his father\u2019s arms. \u201cStomach,\u201d he muttered in a barely audible voice. \u201cBurning. Head hurts.\u201d Another spasm shook Joe\u2019s body.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cJoe, we have to get you to a doctor!\u201d cried Ben, his voice filled with panic. He gathered his son into his arms and stood. Ben carried Joe over to his own buckskin horse, then gently lowered Joe\u2019s legs to the ground. Joe grabbed at the saddle as his knees buckled, trying to keep himself from falling. Quickly, Ben grasped his son\u2019s belt with one hand and put the other hand under Joe\u2019s arm. With a strength he didn\u2019t realize he had, Ben lifted Joe into the saddle in one easy motion.<\/span><\/p>\n

Almost as soon as he had forced his right leg over the side of the horse, Joe bent over, wracked by another spasm which shook his body. Ben reached up to steady his son on the saddle, his fear growing with every minute. He had never seen Joe so sick.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cCooch,\u201d gasped Joe from the saddle. \u201cGet Cooch.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Glancing over his shoulder. Ben saw Joe\u2019s pinto was standing patiently a few feet away. He turned back to Joe. \u201cAll right, all right,\u201d said Ben quickly. \u201cI\u2019ll get him. You just hang on.\u201d Rushing over to the black and white animal, Ben grabbed the reins of his son\u2019s horse. He tugged at the reins and, with short, quick steps, led the animal near his buckskin. Ben tied the leather leads to the back of his saddle, then climbed up on his own horse to sit behind Joe.<\/span><\/p>\n

Moaning and clutching at his stomach, Joe was bent so far forward that his head was almost touching the buckskin\u2019s mane. Reaching down, Ben grabbed the reins of his horse, maneuvering the reins into his right hand while wrapping his left arm firmly around Joe.<\/span><\/p>\n

Nudging his horse with his toes, Ben walked the animal slowly toward the trail. Ben knew he had to go slow; Joe was in enough pain without the rough jolting of a fast horse. But the slow gait was agonizing to Ben. He could feel Joe\u2019s spasms and see his son\u2019s head jerking as the dry heaves continued. He also heard the moans escaping from Joe\u2019s lips. Ben began to fear that his son was going to die in his arms.<\/span><\/p>\n

His heart filled with fear, Ben kept his horse moving as fast as he dared down the trail. He knew Donner Flats was a good hour away, and he doubted if Joe would make it that far. Ben began to pray, begging God for assistance. Ben needed help and he needed it right away.<\/span><\/p>\n

As Ben followed the trail around a bend, he let out a sigh and a brief prayer of thanks. Up ahead, Ben saw a large house made out of logs.<\/span><\/p>\n

The building reminded Ben a bit of the ranch house at the Ponderosa. Dark, thick logs formed the sides, and a small porch jutted from the front. This house was one story, however, and instead of being surrounded by trees, the structure was on cleared land. A large field with some type of crop growing on it spread from the back of the house. In front of the building, a tall, thin man was chopping wood. The man wasn\u2019t young; his gray hair and weather-beaten face showed his age.<\/span><\/p>\n

Ben\u2019s impressions of the house and its presumed owner flickered through his head in an instant. He really didn\u2019t care what the building or the man looked like. All he cared was that here was help for his son.<\/span><\/p>\n

Even though he was a good distance from the\u00a0house, Ben nevertheless began shouting for help. The man in the yard looked up, surprised by the noise. He dropped his ax and watched as Ben guided his horse toward him.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI need help!\u201d shouted Ben. \u201cMy son, my son is very sick.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Giving a quick nod, the man hurried forward. \u201cWhat\u2019s wrong with him?\u201d asked the man as he neared Ben.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t know,\u201d Ben answered, his voice reflecting his panic and fear. \u201cHe just suddenly doubled over in pain and collapsed.\u201d He stopped his horse a few yards from the log building.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHere, hand him down to me,\u201d said the man, reaching for Joe.<\/span><\/p>\n

Easing his son\u2019s shoulders toward the stranger, Ben watched as the man pulled Joe gently off the horse. Joe moaned as his legs slid away from the saddle and his feet hit the ground. Ben quickly jumped off his horse and grabbed Joe\u2019s feet.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cLet\u2019s get him into the house,\u201d suggested the man, backing toward the building. As he and Ben carried Joe toward the log house, the man began to shout. \u201cAnnie! Annie!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

A door opened as the men reached the porch. A small woman wearing a white blouse and dark skirt stood in the doorway. Her face was with lined with age, and her hair was gray. But she had a ready smile and a twinkle in her eyes.<\/span><\/p>\n

Both the smile and the twinkle quickly faded as she viewed the scene in front of her. \u201cJames, what\u2019s wrong?\u201d asked the woman, her eyes wide with surprise.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cBoy\u2019s sick, Annie,\u201d answered James as he and Ben approached the doorway. Pulling open the door, the woman stood out of the way at the two men carried Joe into the house.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cPut him in the spare bedroom,\u201d ordered Annie. James nodded briefly\u00a0and led Ben across a long, narrow front room toward a door on the left wall.<\/span><\/p>\n

Pushing open the door with his shoulder, James carried Joe into the room with Ben\u2019s help. Joe continued to moan as the men laid him gently on a bed a few feet inside the room.<\/span><\/p>\n

As soon as the men laid him on the bed, Joe turned on his side and clutched his stomach. He bent his legs until his knees were almost near his chest. Sweat poured from his body, running down his face and neck in thick rivulets.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cDo you know what\u2019s wrong with him?\u201d asked Annie in concern as she stood by the door to the bedroom.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNo,\u201d replied Ben, shaking his head. \u201cHe just collapsed. He\u2019s got a terrible pain in his stomach.\u201d Ben looked at James. \u201cWhere\u2019s the nearest doctor?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cDoc Granger\u2019s got an office in Donner Flats,\u201d answered James. \u201cBut he isn\u2019t there now. I saw him about an hour ago heading up the road.\u201d He stroked his chin. \u201cHe must have been heading to Bill Foreman\u2019s place,\u201d added James thoughtfully. \u201cBill broke his arm a week or so ago. If I ride hard, I bet I can get him back here real soon.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYes, yes, please,\u201d urged Ben in a pleading voice. \u201cGo get the doctor. Take my horse. He\u2019s already saddled and he\u2019s fast. Please, hurry.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Nodding, James turned and, in three quick strides, was out of the room.<\/span><\/p>\n

The woman moved up next to the bed. \u201cI\u2019m Annie Callahan,\u201d she said in a quiet voice. \u201cMy husband, James, is the one riding for the doctor.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cBen Cartwright,\u201d answered Ben in a distracted voice. He looked at the figure lying on the bed. \u201cThis is my son, Joe,\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Annie nodded at the brief introductions. \u201cWhy don\u2019t you see if you can make him comfortable,\u201d she suggested in a kind voice. \u201cI\u2019ll get some cold water and we can try to cool him off.\u201d Annie turned and left the room.<\/span><\/p>\n

Moving to the top of the bed, Ben gently stroked his son\u2019s head. \u201cIt\u2019s going to be all right, Joseph,\u201d he crooned in a soft voice. \u201cThe doctor\u2019s on his way. Everything is going to be fine.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Flickering open his eyes, Joe looked up at his father. \u201cPa, help me,\u201d he murmured in a weak and strained voice. \u201cPlease. Help me.\u201d Suddenly another spasm shook Joe\u2019s body. His eyes closed tightly and a loud groan escaped his lips.<\/span><\/p>\n

Quickly, Ben grabbed his son\u2019s shoulder. \u201cHang on, Joe,\u201d he ordered in a voice filled with fear. \u201cHang on.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Realistically, Ben knew it hadn\u2019t taken very long for James to return with the doctor, but it had seemed like hours to him. Each passing minute Joe seemed to be getting sicker. His moans had faded into soft grunts of pain. Joe\u2019s breathing was rapid and his body was bathed in sweat. Ben had undressed Joe\u00a0and was surprised that his son\u2019s skin had felt cold and clammy. He had laid Joe on his back after undressing him, but Joe had immediately turned on his side again and pulled himself into almost a fetal position. Joe hugged his stomach as he seemed to be racked with wave after wave of pain.<\/span><\/p>\n

Ben desperately wanted to do something to ease his son\u2019s distress, but he had no idea what to do. All he could do was sit on the edge of the bed and hold Joe\u2019s hand, murmuring words of comfort. Annie had brought water to wipe Joe\u2019s sweaty face\u00a0and piled blankets on the bed when Joe began to shiver. Her small round face reflected Ben\u2019s distress and worry. He nodded his gratitude to her, not only for her help but also for her concern.<\/span><\/p>\n

After what seemed like a year to Ben, James finally burst through the bedroom door followed by a man in a gray suit and carrying a small black bag. The doctor was a younger man, no more than 30, with strawberry blonde hair. He had an average build and was of average height, but the look of intensity and commitment on his face showed he was not an average man. His blue eyes darted around the room, taking in the scene at a glance.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHere he is, Doc,\u201d declared James. \u201cJust like I said, the boy is real sick.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Nodding, the doctor moved toward the bed. \u201cI\u2019m Kenneth Granger,\u201d said the man in way of introduction to Ben. The doctor didn\u2019t wait for a reply. He was already opening his bag and pulling out his stethoscope. In quick, competent movements, Granger listened to Joe\u2019s heart, felt Joe\u2019s forehead and briefly lifted one eyelid to study Joe\u2019s pupils.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cTell me exactly what happened,\u201d demanded Dr. Granger as he continued to examine his patient.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cJoe said he was tired and that his stomach was queasy,\u201d replied Ben. \u201cHe started to get up and then he had a sudden pain in his stomach. He collapsed, and started to vomit. The pain seemed to get worse.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHow long ago did this happen?\u201d asked the doctor.<\/span><\/p>\n

Frowning, Ben tried to remember. \u201cAbout two hours ago, maybe a little more,\u201d he answered.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cTwo hours,\u201d said Granger almost to himself. \u201cWell, we still have a chance.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Looking up at the doctor, Ben asked fearfully, \u201cWhat\u2019s wrong with my son? Do you know?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI know,\u201d answered the doctor grimly. \u201cHe\u2019s been poisoned, probably arsenic poisoning.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cPoisoned!\u201d exclaimed Annie. \u201cAre you sure?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m sure,\u201d Granger stated firmly. \u201cI\u2019ve seen a few cases from up at that mining operation, although none near as bad as this.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cBut how?\u201d asked Ben in astonishment. \u201cJoe was nowhere near that mine!\u201d He shook his head quickly. \u201cIt doesn\u2019t matter. Can you help him?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Doctor Granger took a deep breath before he spoke. \u201cI can. It\u2019s not going to be pleasant, but it is necessary.\u201d The doctor turned to Annie. \u201cDo you have any soap that doesn\u2019t have any lye or sulfur in it?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYes,\u201d replied Annie in surprise. \u201cI\u2019ve got some milled soap that James bought me for Christmas.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cGood,\u201d said Granger. \u201cI want you to make up a big pitcher of soapy water using that milled soap. The more soap you can put it, the better. Then bring it in here with a glass.\u201d The doctor turned to James. \u201cI\u2019m going to need a bucket or pail. Do you have one?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cSure, Doc,\u201d answered James. He looked at Annie with a quizzical expression on his face then shrugged shoulders. Both James and Annie left the room.<\/span><\/p>\n

Taking off his coat, Doctor Granger laid it on a large over-stuffed chair sitting against the far wall. He unbuttoned the cuffs of his white shirt and began rolling up the sleeves. \u201cI\u2019m afraid we didn\u2019t have time for introductions,\u201d said the doctor as he rolled up his sleeves. \u201cI don\u2019t know your name.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m Ben Cartwright,\u201d Ben replied. He looked down at the bed. \u201cThis is my son Joseph.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWell, Mr. Cartwright, I\u2019m going to need your help,\u201d Granger stated. \u201cYour son is very sick. We\u2019ve got to get that poison out of his system before it kills him. We\u2019re going to have to clean out his insides, and we can\u2019t waste any time.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Feeling the fear inside him grow, Ben swallowed hard. \u201cTell me what to do,\u201d he said.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m going to need you to hold your son while I force some soapy water down his throat,\u201d explained the doctor. \u201cThat will make him vomit and, I hope, throw up the poison that\u2019s in his stomach. When he starts to throw up, I\u2019ll need you to help me hold his head, to make sure he doesn\u2019t choke. Like I said, it\u2019s not going to be very pleasant.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Ben ignored the doctor\u2019s last comment. \u201cDo you think that will rid him of the poison?\u201d he asked.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI hope so,\u201d replied Granger. \u201cThe soapy water will force him to expel whatever is in his stomach. If it\u2019s only been a couple of hours, probably not too much of the poison has been absorbed into his bloodstream. The soap will coat his insides a bit and that will slow down the poison also. But we\u2019ve got to work fast, Mr. Cartwright. We don\u2019t have much time to spare.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

James walked back into the room carrying a small wooden bucket. \u201cWill this work, Doc?\u201d he asked.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYes, that\u2019s fine,\u201d the doctor agreed. \u201cPut it on the floor next to the bed.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

James placed the bucket on the floor, his face still showing his puzzlement.<\/span><\/p>\n

Once more, Doctor Granger turned to Ben. \u201cMove your son to the edge of the bed,\u201d he ordered. \u201cLeave him on his side. That will make it easier for us to hold his head and shoulders when he begins to throw up. I want you to hold his head up when I force the water into him to make sure he doesn\u2019t choke on that either. We don\u2019t want to kill him with the cure.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Slowly, Ben slid Joe toward the edge of the bed, then raised his son\u2019s head and shoulders from the pillows. He sat on the edge of the bed and cradled Joe\u2019s head in his lap. Doctor Granger nodded approvingly.<\/span><\/p>\n

Holding a pitcher in one hand and a glass in the other, Annie hurried back into the room. She handed both items to the doctor. \u201cIs there anything else we can do to help?\u201d she asked.<\/span><\/p>\n

No,\u201d Granger answered, shaking his head. \u201cMr. Cartwright and I can handle it from here. We\u2019re going to make his son expel whatever is in his stomach. It\u2019s going to look and sound pretty nasty. You don\u2019t need to be here for that.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

A bit alarmed, Annie looked at James. He nodded and guided his wife slowly out of the room.<\/span><\/p>\n

The doctor poured some liquid from the pitcher into the glass. The water was cloudy and a fine line of soap ringed the edge. Granger nodded approvingly at the glass, then looked at Ben. \u201cWhen was the last time your son had something to eat?\u201d he asked.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAs far as I know, a little before noon,\u201d answered Ben. \u201cWe had some coffee and biscuits on the trail.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThat would be about four or five hours,\u201d mused the doctor. \u201cShouldn\u2019t be too much left in his stomach. Well, we\u2019ll see. Lift his head.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

As soon as Ben had lifted Joe\u2019s head and turned it slightly, the doctor put the glass to Joe\u2019s lips. At first, Joe began to drink eagerly, but as soon as he tasted the soap, he began to pull away from the glass. Ben put his hand on Joe\u2019s forehead and held it tight, while Doctor Granger pulled Joe\u2019s jaw open and poured some more of the liquid into Joe\u2019s mouth. Reluctantly, Joe swallowed the soapy water.<\/span><\/p>\n

When about half the contents of the glass had been forced into Joe, the doctor pulled it away \u201cAll right,\u201d said Granger. \u201cLet\u2019s bend him over the side of the bed. This isn\u2019t going to take long.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

The men barely had time to move Joe\u2019s head and shoulders over the edge of the bed before Joe started vomiting. For several minutes, Joe retched and threw up the soapy water as well as whatever else that was in his stomach. When his retching finally produced only dry heaves, the doctor and Ben eased him back onto the bed.<\/span><\/p>\n

With a detached air, Doctor Granger peered into the bucket into which Joe had been sick. \u201cHe had something in his stomach,\u201d remarked the doctor, looking at the contents of the pail. \u201cI\u2019m not sure what.\u201d Taking rapid steps, Granger walked to a small window on the far side of the room. He pulled the window open and threw the contents of the bucket into the\u00a0yard\u00a0then turned to Ben. \u201cWe\u2019d better do it again.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Once more, the men held Joe firmly as they forced the soapy water down his throat, and once again, they held him over the side of the bed as Joe was violently sick. When the dry heaves began, the two men eased Joe back onto the bed.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWill that do it?\u201d asked Ben anxiously.<\/span><\/p>\n

As before, the doctor studied the contents of the bucket. \u201cHe threw up something more than just the water again.\u201d Granger looked up at Ben. \u201cWe\u2019ve got to be sure that everything is out of him. I\u2019m sorry but we\u2019ve got to do it once more.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Ben nodded understandingly, but his eyes reflected the pain he felt at the misery they were causing his son.<\/span><\/p>\n

After emptying the pail, the doctor filled the glass with soapy water again, and held it once more to Joe\u2019s lips. As soon as Joe felt the glass at his lips, he began to thrash, trying to pull away from the glass. \u201cNo!\u201d gasped Joe as he struggled to pull his head away. \u201cNo, don\u2019t!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cJoe, I\u2019m sorry,\u201d said Ben, trying to soothe his son. \u201cJoe, we\u2019ve got to do this.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNo!\u201d cried Joe. His thrashing eased and his voice faded. Joe seemed to have expended what little energy he had. \u201cNo,\u201d he finished weakly.<\/span><\/p>\n

Taking a deep breath, Ben held his son tightly. The doctor also gripped Joe firmly and pulled open his patient\u2019s mouth. Once more, Doctor Granger forced the soapy water into Joe.<\/span><\/p>\n

The men barely had time to turn Joe this time. He began to get sick almost instantly. A soapy liquid spewed out of Joe\u2019s mouth and into the bucket.<\/span><\/p>\n

At last, the retching stopped and Ben pulled Joe back onto the bed. Joe reached up and weakly clutched his father\u2019s arm. \u201cNo more, Pa,\u201d begged Joe. \u201cPlease. Pa. No more.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

With his eyes reflecting Joe\u2019s pleas, Ben looked at the doctor, who was studying the contents of the pail again. Granger gave a quick nod, then turned to Ben. \u201cI think we got it all,\u201d he declared. \u201cJust water came up this time.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Letting out a sigh of relief, Ben gently stroked Joe\u2019s cheek. \u201cWe\u2019re finished, son,\u201d he said softly. \u201cNo more, I promise you.\u201d Joe closed his eyes and his body relaxed.<\/span><\/p>\n

Sliding Joe\u2019s head and shoulders off his lap, Ben moved his son toward the middle of the bed. He made Joe as comfortable as possible, pulling the covers over his son\u2019s shoulders. Joe laid still on the bed, eyes closed and breathing hard, and looking almost as pale as the white cloth on his pillows.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWill he be all right?\u201d Ben asked the doctor anxiously.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2019ll just have to wait and see,\u201d Granger answered cautiously. \u201cYour son is exhausted from the pain and the spasms, and his system has had quite a shock. We need to let him rest and keep him warm. And hope for the best.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

A crack of light shone into the dim bedroom as the door opened. Annie pushed the door wider and looked in.<\/span><\/p>\n

Ben was sitting in a chair on the far side of the bed, his attention fixed on his sleeping son. The only light in the room was the dim glow from a lamp, a lamp in which the flame had been turned low. Yet, Annie could see the worry etched into Ben\u2019s face.<\/span><\/p>\n

Scanning the room for Doctor Granger, Annie smiled as she saw him curled into a ball in the overstuffed chair. Granger was asleep, and in repose, he looked younger and much less intense than when he was awake. The sleeping doctor looked hardly older than his patient.<\/span><\/p>\n

Quietly, Annie walked into the room. She carried two mugs of coffee in her left hand, holding them expertly by the handles, as she moved toward the bed.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI brought you some coffee,\u201d said Annie to Ben in a quiet voice. \u201cI thought you could use some.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Nodding his thanks, Ben took the mug. He sipped the coffee. \u201cThank you,\u201d he acknowledged. \u201cIt does taste good.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

With a smile, Annie cocked her head toward the doctor. \u201cI thought Doctor Granger might like some coffee, but I see he\u2019s found a better way to spend the night.\u201d She shook her head. \u201cHe\u2019s going to be stiff in the morning.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Ben nodded distractedly\u00a0and turned back to watch over his son.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHow is he doing?\u201d asked Annie, her voice now filled with concern.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cBetter, I think,\u201d answered Ben without looking up. \u201cHis color seems better, he\u2019s breathing easy, and he seems to be resting quietly.\u201d He turned suddenly\u00a0as if a thought had just occurred to him. \u201cI haven\u2019t thanked you for all you and your husband have done,\u201d he added in a contrite voice.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cPish, we didn\u2019t do anything,\u201d replied Annie. \u201cJust lent you a bed and got the doctor. Anyone would have done that.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWell, maybe,\u201d Ben remarked. \u201cBut nevertheless, I am grateful. I\u2019m not sure Joe would have made it without your help.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Annie just shrugged off Ben\u2019s thanks. \u201cWhy don\u2019t you get some rest?\u201d she suggested. \u201cI can make up a bed for you on the sofa in the other room. I\u2019ll stay with your son for awhile.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThank you, but no,\u201d replied Ben with a quick shake of his head. \u201cI couldn\u2019t sleep.\u201d He turned back to stare at Joe.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHaving a sick child makes a parent feel so helpless, doesn\u2019t it,\u201d Annie commented as she watched Ben. \u201cYou want to do anything to make them feel better and there\u2019s so little you can do for them sometimes.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Glancing over his shoulder, Ben gave Annie a look of surprise. \u201cIt sounds as if you know what it\u2019s like,\u201d he said. \u201cDo you have children?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cTwo daughters,\u201d Annie answered. She looked away for a moment. \u201cOne is married and lives over in Dawson. The other one is buried behind the house. Smallpox when she was four.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m sorry,\u201d Ben stated with genuine sympathy.<\/span><\/p>\n

For a moment, the woman said nothing. Then Annie nodded, and seemed to wipe something from her eye. \u201cWell,\u201d she said in a brisk voice. \u201cYou let me know if you need anything.\u201d She turned and started to leave, then stopped suddenly. \u201cMr. Cartwright, are you going to find out how your son got sick?\u201d she asked.<\/span><\/p>\n

Ben nodded. \u201cYes, yes, I am,\u201d he answered in a grim voice. \u201cI think I know where the poison came from. I just don\u2019t know how Joe managed to get it in him. But I\u2019m going to find out, and I\u2019m going to make sure it doesn\u2019t happen to anyone else.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cGood,\u201d declared Annie. \u201cJames and I will do anything we can to help you. This is our home, and I don\u2019t much care for the thought of our land being spoiled.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Ben\u2019s his face reflected his determination as he looked at Annie. \u201cDon\u2019t worry,\u201d he told the woman in an almost fierce voice. \u201cI\u2019m going to make sure no one spoils this land.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

The morning sun was streaming through the window as Joe slowly woke from his deep sleep. He blinked his eyes in confusion as he looked around the room. His mind began working furiously as he tried to figure out where he was and what had happened to him.<\/span><\/p>\n

Grunting softly, Joe tried to push himself up into a sitting position\u00a0and was surprised that his arms felt weak and sore. He fell back against the pillows, but the effort caused the bed to creak.<\/span><\/p>\n

Despite his intentions, Ben had dozed off to sleep sometime during the night. However, the sound of the bed creaking woke him instantly. He sat up in the chair and looked anxiously toward his son. Joe was staring at him, his eyes wide in surprise.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cPa?\u201d said Joe in a voice that was filled with confusion.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cJoe?\u201d replied Ben in an anxious voice. \u201cHow are you feeling?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe considered his answer a minute before replying. \u201cA little rocky,\u201d he admitted. \u201cI feel weak as a kitten, and my belly is sore.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m afraid I\u2019m partially responsible for that,\u201d remarked a voice from the fall wall.<\/span><\/p>\n

Turning toward the voice, Joe\u2019s confusion grew. A young, blonde-haired man in a rumpled shirt was unwinding himself from the chair and standing stiffly. The man stretched briefly\u00a0and walked over toward the bed.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWho are you?\u201d asked Joe.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m Doctor Granger,\u201d the man answered with a smile. \u201cAs I said, I\u2019m partially responsible for your sore stomach. I had to clean out your insides pretty thoroughly yesterday, and I\u2019m afraid the treatment was pretty rough.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Frowning, Joe recalled a vague memory of being violently sick. He also remembered the agonizing pain. \u201cWhat happened to me?\u201d he asked.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cJoe, you were terribly sick,\u201d explained Ben, in a soothing voice. \u201cThe doctor said you swallowed some poison. I\u2019m not sure how you got hold of it, but it made you very, very ill.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

For a moment, Joe looked thoughtful. \u201cIt must have been that water,\u201d he said slowly. \u201cBut I didn\u2019t think I swallowed enough to make me sick.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhat water?\u201d asked the doctor sharply.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI stopped by a stream where I was checking those trees,\u201d Joe told Granger. \u201cI started to drink from the stream but the water tasted funny. My horse wouldn\u2019t touch it.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cJoe, you know better than to drink any water that doesn\u2019t seem right,\u201d chided Ben.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cBut I didn\u2019t drink it,\u201d protested Joe. \u201cAs soon as I tasted it, I spit it out. I might have swallowed a little, but it couldn\u2019t have been much.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

The bedroom door opened, and two more people Joe didn\u2019t recognize walked into the room. By now, Joe was thoroughly mystified about what was going on around him, so he merely nodded at the people.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWe thought we heard voices,\u201d said Annie with a smile. \u201cLooks like your patient is going to be all right, doctor.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cJoe, these are the Callahans,\u201d explained Ben. \u201cWe\u2019re at their place. You were too sick for me to get you to Donner Flats. The Callahans were nice enough to take us in yesterday.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThanks,\u201d Joe acknowledged, still not really understanding what had happened.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cJoe, we need to figure out what made you sick,\u201d the doctor insisted. \u201cYou said you didn\u2019t drink the water. What else did you do?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

For several minutes, Joe tried to remember what happened before he became ill. \u201cWell, the water left a funny taste in my mouth,\u201d he repeated slowly. \u201cI saw some blueberries on a bush near the stream. So I ate a bunch of them to get rid of the taste. Then I got on my horse and headed down to meet Pa. I started feeling kind of sick when I reached the boulders.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHow long did it take you to get to the boulders,\u201d asked Granger.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t know. Maybe a half an hour or so,\u201d Joe answered with a shrug. He leaned deeper against the pillows. Suddenly, he was beginning to feel tired.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIt must have been the berries,\u201d declared the doctor. \u201cSomehow, the arsenic got into the berries.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cArsenic?\u201d said Joe in surprise. He turned to Ben. \u201cWhat\u2019s he talking about?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cJoe, you were poisoned by arsenic,\u201d explained Ben. \u201cThey\u2019re using it up on top of the mountain in that mining operation I saw yesterday.\u201d Ben turned to the doctor. \u201cBurns told me that they flushed the water with the chemicals into the ground. It must be seeping into the water table.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIf that poison is getting into the water, it could destroy all the land around here!\u201d exclaimed James in alarm. He looked at Joe. \u201cWhere was it you ate those berries?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m not sure,\u201d Joe answered in a tired voice. \u201cOver near that stand of trees we\u2019re buying.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Quickly, Doctor Granger motioned to Ben and the Callahans. \u201cWe\u2019d better let Joe get some rest,\u201d he said in a quiet voice. \u201cHe\u2019s had a pretty rough time of it. We\u2019ll let him sleep for awhile, and then see if we can get him to keep some warm milk down. I don\u2019t think he\u2019s going to be able to eat much solid food for a day or so.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIs he going to be all right?\u201d asked Ben anxiously.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHe\u2019ll be fine,\u201d Granger assured Ben. \u201cHe\u2019ll need some time to get his strength back but he should be good as new in a week or so.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Ben let out a sigh of relief. \u201cThank you,\u201d he said taking the doctor\u2019s hand. \u201cThank you.\u201d He glanced at the Callahans, then added, \u201cHow soon can we move him?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNo sense in moving him,\u201d declared Annie before the doctor could answer. \u201cHe can stay here. Won\u2019t be any trouble for us to look after him.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Ben looked at the doctor.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIt would be better if he could stay here,\u201d agreed Doctor Granger slowly. \u201cWhat he needs right now is plenty of rest.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll see that he gets that,\u201d Annie assured Ben.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThank you,\u201d said Ben. \u201cI\u2019m doubly grateful to you.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

The doctor looked at the bed where Joe had already drifted off to sleep. \u201cLet\u2019s talk in the other room.\u201d He grabbed his coat and his bag from the floor next to the chair. The four people moved out of the bedroom, with Ben leaving last. He turned and gave a lingering look at Joe, assuring himself once more that his son was going to be all right. Then he left the bedroom, closing the door quietly behind him.<\/span><\/p>\n

Once again, Ben was reminded of the Ponderosa as he looked around the area outside the bedroom. The room was long and narrow, with a huge fireplace against the wall opposite the front door. A sofa and two chairs faced the fireplace. Two doors flanked the fireplace, one on either side, presumably leading to rooms such as the kitchen and another bedroom. At the far end of the room was the dining area, with a small table and some chairs.<\/span><\/p>\n

Seeing the Callahans and Doctor Granger standing near the fireplace, Ben hurried to join them.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m concerned that arsenic might be seeping into the water table,\u201d advised the doctor in a grim voice. \u201cI\u2019d like to ride up to where Joe ate those berries and take some samples. If there is arsenic in those berries, there\u2019s no telling where else it could be seeping.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cDoc, I want to ride up there with you,\u201d stated James in a determined voice. \u201cI want to take a look around myself.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI have a pretty good idea of where Joe was,\u201d Ben added. \u201cI\u2019ll show you where to look.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWell, nobody is going anyplace until I get some breakfast into all of you,\u201d Annie ordered the men in a firm voice. \u201cI got one sick boy on my hands. I\u2019m not having the rest of you keel over from hunger.\u201d She turned and started toward the far door.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAnnie,\u201d called the doctor. She stopped and turned toward Granger. \u201cAnnie, be sure you boil the water before using it,\u201d the doctor advised.<\/span><\/p>\n

Annie\u2019s face paled a bit. She nodded and hurried toward the door.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Three grim-faced men rode into the mining camp late that morning. It hadn\u2019t taken Ben long to guide Doctor Granger and James to the stream, and it had taken the doctor even less time to make some rudimentary tests on the water, berries and other plants in the area. The tests confirmed what the three men already knew. The whole area was contaminated with arsenic.<\/span><\/p>\n

The three men had debated the next step for quite awhile. Various ideas had been discussed and discarded. In the end, they decided that the next logical step was a trip to the mining camp and a meeting with Nick Burns.<\/span><\/p>\n

As he watched the riders coming into camp, Burns knew the expressions on their faces meant trouble. He had no idea what the trouble was, but that didn\u2019t make him less worried. Burns took his time crossing the camp to greet his visitors. He was trying to decide what the problem might be and how to handle it. Finally, he shrugged aside his worry. Whatever was wrong, he would simply deal with it.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHello, Cartwright,\u201d said Burns in a hearty voice as he approached the men. \u201cI\u2019m pleased to see you\u2019ve come back. I hope this means you\u2019ve changed your mind about investing in our operation.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cMr. Burns, I told you yesterday I would not invest in your operation, and my decision is unchanged,\u201d answered Ben in a grim voice. \u201cI\u2019m here because my son became sick yesterday, deathly sick.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m sorry to hear that, Mr. Cartwright,\u201d stated Burns in a voice that was genuinely confused. \u201cIs the boy going to be all right?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYes,\u201d replied Ben shortly. He gave Burns a hard look. \u201cYou didn\u2019t ask me why my son became ill.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t see what your son\u2019s illness has to do with me,\u201d Burns answered, shrugging his shoulders.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cMy son became sick because he ate some blueberries,\u201d said Ben. \u201cThose blueberries were filled with arsenic.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Burns\u2019 eyes widened, and his mind worked furiously. There was no question now why Ben Cartwright had returned to his camp. \u201cArsenic?\u201d repeated the miner innocently. \u201cHow did those berries get arsenic in them?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI think you know the answer to that,\u201d interjected Doctor Granger. He introduced himself briefly. \u201cI ran some tests this morning. The water, the plants, everything in that area is contaminated with arsenic. The water table in that area has been fouled with the chemicals you\u2019re using.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHow can you say that!\u201d protested Burns. \u201cThere\u2019s no proof the arsenic is from my operation.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhere else could it have come from?\u201d asked Ben. \u201cYou pour your chemicals into the ground. The ground soaks it up. The more you pour in, the more saturated the ground becomes. Eventually, the ground can\u2019t absorb any more and the arsenic begins seeping into other areas. In this case, it has seeped into the water table.\u201d Ben had tried to maintain his control, but now his anger got the better of him. \u201cYou poisoned my son and you\u2019re poisoning this land,\u201d Ben finished in an angry voice.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNow hold on, Cartwright,\u201d objected Burns in a defensive tone. \u201cI don\u2019t know what you think you\u2019re accusing me of, but everything I\u2019m doing here is perfectly legal. I haven\u2019t violated any laws.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou may be following the letter of the law,\u201d Ben stated, his anger still evident in his tone. \u201cBut what about what you are doing to the land? And what about the fact that my son almost died because of you?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI told you yesterday, Cartwright,\u201d Burns replied, his voice rising with both anger and a bit of fear. \u201cYou can afford some silly notion about saving the land. I can\u2019t. I\u2019ve got a business to run. And I didn\u2019t have anything to do with what happened to your son.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAll right, all right,\u201d interrupted Doctor Granger in a calming voice. \u201cGetting angry isn\u2019t going to solve anything. Mr. Burns, we\u2019re here because we want you to stop your leaching operation right away. The land is already damaged, but we can try to prevent any more destruction.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cStop my leaching?\u201d Burns was incredulous. \u201cAre you out of your mind? If I don\u2019t leach that ore, I\u2019d have to send tons of rock to be milled. That would cost me a fortune. It would put me out of business.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIf you say so,\u201d muttered Ben.<\/span><\/p>\n

Suddenly, James stepped forward. \u201cMr. Burns, my name is James Callahan. I have a farm not too far from here. I\u2019m worried what your chemicals could do to my land. I\u2019m worried what it could do to me and my wife. And it\u2019s not just me. There\u2019s lots of farms in this area. You could destroy them all.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s your problem,\u201d snarled Burns. \u201cIf you\u2019re worried, go ahead and pull out. I\u2019m not about to worry about a bunch of farmers.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cMr. Burns, I don\u2019t think you understand,\u201d replied James in a desperate voice. \u201cI\u2019ve lived here for over twenty years. This is my home. I don\u2019t want to move and I don\u2019t want to see my home destroyed.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI already told you,\u201d said Burns in disgust. \u201cThat\u2019s not my problem.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

His facing turning red, James took a step toward Burns, and his hands balled into fists. Ben saw him, and quickly stood in front of James, putting his hands on the man\u2019s chest. \u201cNo,\u201d advised Ben, pushing James slightly. \u201cThat\u2019s not the way.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Turning back to Burns, Ben said in a grim voice. \u201cWe\u2019re asking you once more. We want you to stop the leaching.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m not going to stop anything,\u201d answered Burns in an angry voice. \u201cAnd you can\u2019t make me. There\u2019s no law against what I\u2019m doing. Now I\u2019ll thank you to leave.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Glancing at James and then the doctor, Ben could see both men\u2019s faces showed their anger and disgust. He turned back to Burns. \u201cWe\u2019re leaving. But don\u2019t think this is over. We\u2019re going to shut you down, Burns.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cGo ahead and try,\u201d said Burns with a laugh. \u201cYou won\u2019t get anywhere. I\u2019m within my rights.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2019ll see how you feel when I start spreading the word about what you\u2019re doing,\u201d threatened James. \u201cI\u2019ve got a lot of friends around here, Burns. A lot of families who are going to be angry when they find out what\u2019s going on. We\u2019ll see what you say when you face all of them.\u201d He turned and walked with long strides toward his horse, with Ben and Doctor Granger following him.<\/span><\/p>\n

Standing still and with a confident look on his face, Burns watched the trio ride away. As soon as they were gone, though, his face reflected his worry. Ben Cartwright was a powerful man. He could make a lot of trouble for Nick Burns. Even more worrying was the threat from that farmer. Burns knew enough about Ben Cartwright to know he would try to stop him legally. That would take some time. But if that farmer organized his friends, they could wreck his operation. And that could happen tomorrow.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cPhillips!\u201d shouted Burns, as he turned back to where his men had been standing and watching. A big man with a beard ran forward.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYeah, boss?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cPhillips, you know where a farmer named Callahan lives?\u201d Burns asked. Phillips was a local man, although one that wasn\u2019t particularly liked in the area. He had a reputation as a brawler.<\/span><\/p>\n

Phillips nodded. \u201cYeah, I know where it is.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI want you to take two men and pay a call on Mr. Callahan,\u201d ordered Burns. \u201cI want you to convince him that he should keep his nose out of our business.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cConvince him?\u201d said Phillips. \u201cHow?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHow do you think?\u201d answered Burns pointedly.<\/span><\/p>\n

A nasty grin crossed Phillip’s face. \u201cI\u2019ll take care of it, boss,\u201d he said, rubbing his hands.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Joe spent most of the day sleeping. He had awakened a few times for brief periods, but he didn\u2019t seem to have the energy to stay awake for very long.<\/span><\/p>\n

Every time he had awakened, however, Annie had almost magically appeared. Joe thought of her as Annie because that was what she insisted he call her. Joe liked the older woman, although his acquaintance was limited to several brief encounters. She seemed to be tending to him in a manner that was thoughtful and kind, without fussing over him. Joe hated to be fussed over.<\/span><\/p>\n

Still confused by the turn of events, Joe didn\u2019t have a clear understanding about all that had happened to him or who exactly Annie was. But that didn\u2019t seem important to him right now. All Joe wanted to do was get rid of the lethargy that seemed to have overtaken him.<\/span><\/p>\n

As the afternoon sun streamed through the window, Joe woke once more. His stomach was still sore, and his head still ached, but somehow, he felt a bit stronger. Joe smiled to himself. Sleeping the day away will do that, he supposed.<\/span><\/p>\n

Shifting his weight on the bed, Joe heard the creak of the springs. He quickly arranged the covers around him. He knew that Annie would be in the room any minute.<\/span><\/p>\n

As if he had conjured her up, Annie opened the door and walked in. \u201cAh, you\u2019re awake,\u201d she said with a smile. \u201cHow are you feeling?\u201d Annie seemed to say the same thing every time she entered the room.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cBetter, I think,\u201d Joe answered, giving the older woman a weak smile. \u201cAt least, I don\u2019t feel like I\u2019m going to fall asleep right away.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s a good sign,\u201d Annie stated, nodding a bit. \u201cDo you think you can handle another glass of warm milk?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Rubbing his stomach, Joe thought about the question. He had had at least two glasses of milk that he could remember, maybe more. The thought of food still made his stomach churn, but Joe wasn\u2019t sure that he could face yet another glass of milk. \u201cI don\u2019t think I need any more milk,\u201d answered Joe with a hint of distaste in his voice.<\/span><\/p>\n

Annie laughed. \u201cI suppose warm milk is not quite your drink of choice,\u201d she said with a twinkle in her eye.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNot exactly,\u201d Joe admitted with a grin.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWell, I\u2019ll tell you what,\u201d she offered. \u201cI\u2019ll make some nice custard. That ought to be smooth enough for you to keep down. And a bit of a change from the milk.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Picturing the custard, Joe waited for a reaction from his body. His stomach didn\u2019t seem to churn at the thought, and he was beginning to feel hungry. The idea of something resembling real food appealed to him. \u201cCustard sounds good,\u201d agreed Joe. He looked past Annie to the door. \u201cIs my Pa around?\u201d he asked.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNo, he and my husband and the doctor are still gone,\u201d replied Annie. She shook her head. \u201cNo telling what mischief the three of them have gotten into.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWell, I hardly think they\u2019re tearing the town apart,\u201d Joe stated with a grin.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou can never tell,\u201d answered Annie, smiling. \u201cThey may have decided to form their own version of the James gang and taken to robbing banks.\u201d Annie\u2019s face sobered. \u201cMore likely, they\u2019re trying to figure out how to stop that mine from killing the land.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe\u2019s grin faded also. \u201cI don\u2019t know that there\u2019s much they can do,\u201d Joe pointed out. \u201cI don\u2019t know how you stop something like that. As far as I know, there\u2019s no law against mining the land any way you want.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t know either,\u201d admitted Annie. \u201cBut I have a feeling that if there\u2019s something can be done, those three will figure it out.\u201d She pulled herself up. \u201cWell, now, why don\u2019t you just sit back and rest for awhile, and I\u2019ll get to making some custard. I\u2019m told my custard is the best in three counties.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll bet it is,\u201d acknowledged Joe with a smile. He leaned back against the pillows. Once again, the lethargy seemed to be overtaking him and Joe closed his eyes.<\/span><\/p>\n

For a moment, Annie watched Joe carefully, then turned and walked out of the room. She closed the door softly behind her.<\/span><\/p>\n

Busy in the kitchen, Annie didn\u2019t realize anyone else was around the house until she heard the front door bang open and the sound of feet tromping into the front room. She wasn\u2019t alarmed at the noise, figuring James had finally returned home. Wiping her hands on a towel, Annie hurried toward the front of the house.<\/span><\/p>\n

When she entered the room, though, Annie stopped in her tracks. Instead of her husband, three strangers were standing near the door.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhat do you think you\u2019re doing?\u201d she demanded in an angry voice, trying to hide her fear with anger.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2019re looking for a farmer named Callahan,\u201d stated one of the men. He looked around the room. \u201cWhere is he?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHe isn\u2019t here,\u201d answered Annie. Quickly she decided that telling the men she was alone was a bad idea. \u201cHe\u2019ll be here any minute, though,\u201d she added. \u201cAlong with some of his friends.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYeah, sure he will,\u201d agreed the man, giving an ugly laugh. He looked around the room. \u201cNice place you got here. Be a shame if it got messed up.\u201d The man walked across the room, and knocked a lamp off the table. The lamp shattered as it crashed to the floor.<\/span><\/p>\n

Both the noise and the action caused Annie to jump a bit \u201cWhat do you want?\u201d she demanded in a quivering voice.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWe want Callahan to keep his nose out of things that ain\u2019t his business,\u201d answered the man. \u201cYou tell him to worry about farming, not mining.\u201d The man walked across the room to the fireplace. On the mantle above the fireplace sat a small statue. The man knocked it to the floor with a swipe of his arm. The statue shattered into a thousand pieces.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cStop that,\u201d ordered Annie in a voice that sounded a lot more frightened than she wanted.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI think we\u2019d better be sure Mr. Callahan understands our message,\u201d said the man with a nasty grin. \u201cI think a little re-arranging of the house might get our message across loud and clear.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI think you\u2019d better turn around and leave right now,\u201d a voice suddenly declared.<\/span><\/p>\n

The man wheeled around in surprise at the sound behind him.<\/span><\/p>\n

Standing in the doorway of the bedroom, wearing only a pair of hastily donned pants, Joe scowled at the three men. His feet were bare, and he was shirtless. But he held a pistol in his hand — a pistol pointed directly at the man by the fireplace.<\/span><\/p>\n

Quickly, Joe cocked the gun. \u201cI said, I think you\u2019d better leave,\u201d he repeated. He motioned toward the other two men standing by the front door. \u201cAnd take your friends with you.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

The three men hadn\u2019t expected much resistance from a simple farmer, so they hadn\u2019t brought any guns with them. They were shocked to face a young man who seemed pretty handy with a pistol.<\/span><\/p>\n

The man by the fireplace hurried to the front door. Joe kept his eyes on the man, his gaze steady and his gun hand firm.<\/span><\/p>\n

Once at the door and next to his friends, the man seemed a bit bolder. He glanced at the other men as if trying to decide what to do.<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe saw the look and raise the gun a fraction, making sure the trio by the door had no question about his willingness to pull the trigger. \u201cYou have about ten seconds,\u201d he told them in a grim voice. \u201cIf you\u2019re not gone by then, this gun is going to go off.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

The men at the door looked at each other; without saying a word, the trio quickly turned and left the house.<\/span><\/p>\n

Slowly, Joe uncocked the gun, and his hand dropped to his side. The gun fell from his fingers, and Joe leaned weakly against the door jamb.<\/span><\/p>\n

Annie rushed forward as the young man in the doorway began to sway. \u201cJoe!\u201d she cried as she put her arms around his waist to steady him.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m all right,\u201d said Joe in a shaky voice.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cSure you are,\u201d agreed Annie in a tone that showed she didn\u2019t believe Joe\u2019s statement. \u201cLet\u2019s just get you back to bed before you fall flat on your face.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNo,\u201d declared Joe, rousing himself. He looked toward the door. \u201cThey might come back.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAnd just what do you think you\u2019re going to do if they do?\u201d demanded Annie. \u201cYou don\u2019t look like you have the strength to pull a trigger.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHelp me to a chair,\u201d Joe insisted in a weak voice. He started across the room, staggering rather than walking. Annie held him firmly and guided him to a chair by the fireplace.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWatch out for the glass,\u201d Annie advised as she eased Joe across the room. Joe nodded and stepped carefully around the broken pieces from the lantern and statue scattered on the floor. As soon as he reached the chair, Joe fell into it.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cGet me my gun,\u201d Joe requested, taking a deep breath and trying to gather strength. \u201cIf they come back, I want to be ready for them.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

For a moment, Annie hesitated, then she walked across the room and picked up the pistol. She came back and handed the gun to Joe. \u201cHere,\u201d she said, thrusting the revolver into Joe\u2019s hand. \u201cYou take this. I\u2019m going to get some blankets. You not going to be much use as a guard if you freeze to death.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

That evening, Ben, James and Doctor Granger returned to the Callahan ranch after having spent a frustratingly unsuccessful day in Donner Flats. The doctor had used time between patients researching arsenic in his medical books, looking for something that might neutralize the chemicals in the ground. His research had produced no solutions. In the meantime, Ben and James had made visits to the sheriff, the judge and every town official they could find. Their efforts had been fruitless also. Each official told them the same thing: what Burns was doing was not right, but it was legal. About the only productive outcome the three men could point to for the day, was the fact that they alerted as many people as possible to the danger.<\/span><\/p>\n

Now the trio was returning to the ranch, for both a council of war as well as to check on Joe. Doctor Granger had assured Ben again that Joe had probably spent the day sleeping, and that his son would be fine. Ben believed the doctor, but he knew he\u2019d feel better when he saw Joe himself.<\/span><\/p>\n

Pushing open the front door, James stepped into the house — and stopped dead in his tracks. Ben and Doctor Granger almost knocked him down as they followed close behind. Quickly, Ben pushed James aside, then stared at the scene in front of him.<\/span><\/p>\n

Wrapped in a quilt dotted with pink and yellow flowers, Joe was sitting in a chair near the fireplace. The lower half of his body was wrapped in another quilt, this one made of blue checked cloth. The only part of his body that was visible was his head and his left hand. That was the hand pointing the gun toward the door.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHello Pa,\u201d Joe greeted Ben with an embarrassed grin, as he lowered the gun. Joe leaned back against the chair, his body seeming to sag as the tension left him.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cJoe!\u201d exclaimed Ben in both shock and surprise. \u201cWhat are you doing out of bed? And why are you pointing that gun?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Before Joe could answer, Annie hurried out of the kitchen. \u201cOh, it\u2019s you, James,\u201d she cried in relief. She rushed across the room and threw herself into her husband\u2019s arms.<\/span><\/p>\n

James looked at Annie in surprise as he hugged her. \u201cWhat\u2019s going on?\u201d asked James, clearly bewildered.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWe had some visitors this afternoon,\u201d explained Joe. \u201cSome men who wanted to make sure you got the message to stop poking around at that mine.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAnnie, are you all right?\u201d James asked anxiously, as he held his wife away from him. He raked her with his eyes.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m fine,\u201d Annie assured James. She cocked her head toward Joe. \u201cJoe ran them off, and he\u2019s been playing watchdog ever since.\u201d Annie\u2019s eyes crinkled with laughter. Now that James was home, she could see the humor in the situation. \u201cI\u2019m not sure how fierce Joe looks, though, wrapped in my grandmother\u2019s comforter!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Grinning back at Annie, Joe remarked, \u201cWell, I would have gotten a good shot at them while they were doubled over with laughter.”<\/span><\/p>\n

Hurrying forward to Joe, the doctor immediately began checking his patient\u2019s pulse.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m all right, doc,\u201d said Joe in an irritated voice as he tried to pull his wrist free. The doctor ignored Joe and continued his quick examination.<\/span><\/p>\n

Trying not to show his anxiety, Ben watched Doctor Granger carefully.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cDoesn\u2019t look like he suffered any ill effects,\u201d advised the doctor over his shoulder. Ben let out a sigh of relief.<\/span><\/p>\n

But the doctor wasn\u2019t finished. He turned to Joe and gave his patient a stern look. \u201cYou are going back to bed. Right now!\u201d ordered Granger in a voice that let Joe know he wasn\u2019t going to be argued with.<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe started to protest, but a quick look at the faces around the room told him that protest was going to be futile. \u201cAll right,\u201d grumbled Joe. He put the pistol on the table next to the chair and started to get up.<\/span><\/p>\n

Surprised how weak he felt as he tried to stand, Joe began to sway a bit. Doctor Granger grabbed Joe\u2019s arm to steady him, and Ben rushed across the room to help. As the two men led Joe slowly across the room toward the\u00a0bedroom, they passed in front of James and Annie.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cJoe,\u201d said James in a quiet voice. Joe stopped and looked up. \u201cThank you, son,\u201d continued James in a voice full of gratitude. Joe just nodded.<\/span><\/p>\n

In the small bedroom, Ben and the doctor helped Joe climb into the bed. Despite his grumbles and protests, Joe found the bed to be a very welcome place. He was asleep almost as soon as his head hit the pillow.<\/span><\/p>\n

As Ben pulled the covers up over his son, Granger stared at Joe. His face showed both puzzlement and admiration. \u201cI\u2019m amazed he had enough strength to get out of bed, much less sit up all afternoon,\u201d commented the doctor softly.<\/span><\/p>\n

Stepping back from the bed, Ben gave the doctor a wry grin. \u201cIt was probably more stubbornness than strength,\u201d he stated. \u201cJoe is pretty hard to discourage once he makes up his mind about something.\u201d The doctor nodded, then motioned Ben out of the room.<\/span><\/p>\n

The planned council of war took place over dinner, but the tone was much grimmer than any of the three had anticipated. Annie briefly recounted the events of the afternoon, trying to downplay that there was any real danger. But the faces of the men took on a harsh look as she finished her story.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThat does it!\u201d exploded James. \u201cI\u2019m going to round up some men and we\u2019re going to put Burns and his bully boys out of business.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cJames, that\u2019s no answer,\u201d advised Ben, trying to calm the farmer. \u201cAll you\u2019ll do is find yourself behind bars. And it won\u2019t stop Burns.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cA bullet would stop him,\u201d declared James, his eyes narrowing.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cJames Callahan!\u201d exclaimed Annie in a shocked voice. \u201cYou even think about going after that man with a gun, I\u2019ll\u2026.I\u2019ll\u2026\u201d Annie seemed at a loss to come up with an appropriate threat. \u201cI\u2019ll never make another meal for you again,\u201d she finished weakly.<\/span><\/p>\n

The men laughed and the laughter broke the tension. \u201cAll right, Annie,\u201d James agreed, smiling and holding up his hands. \u201cI sure would miss your cooking.\u201d His face suddenly grew serious. \u201cBut what ARE we going to do?\u201d James asked for what seemed the hundredth time.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWe need to find a legal way to stop Burns,\u201d declared Granger. \u201cOne that\u2019s going to shut him down with the weight of the law behind us.\u201d The doctor looked around the table. \u201cI just can\u2019t figure out how we can do it,\u201d he said glumly.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t know either,\u201d Ben admitted but a thoughtful expression came across his face. \u201cBut I think I know someone who might help us.\u201d The men looked hopefully at Ben. \u201cI don\u2019t want to get your hopes up,\u201d added Ben quickly. \u201cBut let me send a telegram tomorrow and see if I can get us a big gun to turn on Mr. Burns.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

A solemn trio of Ben, James and Doctor Granger were waiting on the porch at the Callahan farm when Fred Harding rode into the yard, bouncing uncomfortably on his horse. James\u2019 eyes widen as he saw the man for whom Ben had sent; Harding hardly looked like the \u201cbig gun\u201d Ben had described. James had expected a tough, fierce gunman. Instead, he was seeing a meek-looking man who could barely sit a horse properly. He looked at Ben in disbelief.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHello, Ben,\u201d Harding greeted his friend as he awkwardly dismounted in the yard. \u201cI came as soon as I got your telegram.\u201d The lawyer looked at the horse on which he had ridden. \u201cI trust you take it as a measure of my sense of urgency that I even chose to ride this miserable beast over here.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Laughing, Ben shook hands with his friend. \u201cI appreciate your coming so quickly, Fred.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWell, from the tone of your telegram, I sense the situation is very serious,\u201d declared Harding. \u201cI promised to repay your kind act of the other day, and I\u2019m a man who keeps his word, although, to be honest, I hadn\u2019t expected you to collect on your debt so soon.\u201d The lawyer looked at the other two men on the porch. \u201cWould you do the introductions, Ben?\u201d he asked politely.<\/span><\/p>\n

Quickly, Ben introduced Harding to the other two men.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAnd Joseph?\u201d asked Harding, looking around. \u201cWhere is he? I trust that the situation doesn\u2019t require me to bail him out of jail or something equally as unpleasant.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cJoe\u2019s inside,\u201d Ben answered with a smile. But his face grew sober. \u201cHe was a pretty sick boy for a day or so,\u201d continued Ben. \u201cHe might have died. That\u2019s why I sent for you.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOh my!\u201d exclaimed Harding in genuine distress. \u201cPerhaps we had better go inside and let me get all the details.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Nodding his agreement, Ben showed Harding to the door. As the men started to enter the house, James grabbed Ben by the arm. \u201cBen,\u201d he said in a quiet voice. \u201cAre you sure this is the \u2018big gun\u2019 you were talking about? This fellow doesn\u2019t look like the kind I\u2019d pick to go up against Burns.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t let appearances deceive you,\u201d Ben replied with a smile. \u201cFred Harding has one of the best legal minds in the country. If anyone can figure out a way to stop Burns, Fred can.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI guess you know what you\u2019re doing,\u201d acknowledged James, but his doubt was apparent in his voice.<\/span><\/p>\n

When James and Ben entered the house, they found Harding had already been introduced to Annie and was expressing his concern over Joe\u2019s health. After much pleading, Joe had been allowed out of bed to join the meeting, as long as he followed the doctor\u2019s strict orders to stay put in the chair by the fire and to return to his bed the minute he felt tired. Ben was sure the only way that Joe would confess to be being tired was if he fell out of the chair in exhaustion.<\/span><\/p>\n

The group settled in the chairs and sofa around the fireplace; Harding looked expectantly at Ben. It took Ben about twenty minutes to tell the lawyer all that had happened since the two had parted a few days ago. Harding listened carefully as Ben spoke, his attention never wavering. His face took on a grim look when Ben described Joe\u2019s illness and the harsh treatment he and the doctor had to administer to save Joe\u2019s life. But Harding didn\u2019t interrupt. He drank in Ben\u2019s words\u00a0and waited until his friend was finished.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cMr. Burns and his mine are a menace,\u201d stated Harding firmly as Ben finished his piece. \u201cBut he is correct about one thing. His mining operation is perfectly legal. He has committed no criminal acts.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNo criminal acts?\u201d said James heatedly. \u201cWhat about him threatening my wife?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cCan you prove those men worked for Burns?\u201d asked Harding politely. \u201cOr that Burns sent them?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWell, no,\u201d James admitted. \u201cI can\u2019t prove it. But I know it.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cKnowing and proving are two different things in the law,\u201d counseled Harding. \u201cWithout proof, it\u2019s your word against his. I doubt Mr. Burns will admit to sending those men. And legally, he is innocent unless proven guilty.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cSo there\u2019s nothing we can do,\u201d observed Joe bitterly. \u201cBurns is going to get to continue to ruin the land. And maybe end up killing somebody.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI didn\u2019t say that, Joseph,\u201d Harding advised. He stared into the fire, his eyes blinking rapidly as his mind worked. He looked at Doctor Granger. \u201cDoctor, are you willing to sign an affidavit as to the extent of Joseph\u2019s illness and the agonizing pain he was in.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYes, of course,\u201d agreed the doctor, mystified at the question.<\/span><\/p>\n

Nodding, Harding continued, \u201cHow long do you think it will be before Joseph is fully recovered? Before he can return to work such as breaking horses and herding cattle?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cA few weeks at least,\u201d replied Doctor Granger.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOh, I figure it could be as much as two months,\u201d chimed in Joe, with a smile.<\/span><\/p>\n

Harding nodded again, then turned to Ben. \u201cWho owns that timber land you were considering?\u201d he asked.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cA fellow named George Miller,\u201d answered Ben. He appeared as mystified as the doctor at Harding\u2019s questions.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIs Mr. Miller a local man?\u201d asked Harding.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHe lives in Donner Flats,\u201d Ben told the lawyer.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cGeorge runs the livery stable in town,\u201d added James. \u201cHe bought that land with the idea of harvesting the timber himself someday, but he realized he was never going to get around to doing it. So he put it up for sale.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAre you willing to buy the land now, Ben?\u2019 asked Harding.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t know,\u201d admitted Ben in a hesitant voice. \u201cAccording to Joe, the older trees are still in good shape. We figure their roots go deep enough that they are pulling water from below the water table. The arsenic isn’t bothering them\u2026.yet.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cBut are you still willing to buy the land?\u201d Harding asked in an insistence voice.<\/span><\/p>\n

Ben rubbed the back of his neck. \u201cI don\u2019t know, Fred,\u201d he said in a\u00a0doubtful voice. \u201cI don\u2019t like the idea of exposing my timber crew to that arsenic.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThen you are not willing to buy the land,\u201d stated Harding.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI guess not,\u201d acknowledged Ben.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cGood,\u201d said Harding with a smile. He looked around the room at the faces staring at him. \u201cWe can\u2019t bring criminal charges against Mr. Burns. He has done nothing for which he can be charged under the criminal statutes. However, we can file civil suits against him.\u201d Harding started ticking off the suits on his fingers. \u201cJoseph will sue Mr. Burns for negligence which caused his pain and suffering. Also for his lost wages. Ben will file suit for loss of a valuable member of his staff for several weeks.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cTwo months at least,\u201d corrected Joe with a grin.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cTwo months,\u201d amended Harding, smiling. \u201cWe will need to persuade Mr. Miller to sue Mr. Burns for the\u00a0devaluation of his properly. I\u2019m sure he\u2019ll agree once Ben tells him that he is no longer interested in buying the timber land. And that\u2019s just the beginning. I\u2019m sure I can think of several other lawsuits to file.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhat good will all those lawsuits do?\u201d asked James in a puzzled voice. \u201cSound like just a bunch of lawyer palaver to me.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIn a sense, it is,\u201d agreed Harding. \u201cEach suit independently is more of a nuisance than anything. But the volume of suits is what we want. We want to win a monetary judgment from Mr. Burns for each suit.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cBut why?\u201d asked Ben curiously.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019ve forgotten I\u2019ve seen Mr. Burns\u2019 books,\u201d replied Harding. \u201cHe is working on a very thin margin. That is why he has been looking for capital from other sources. We are going to seek enough damages from Mr. Burns that he will have to pay us every cent he has. He won\u2019t have enough to satisfy all the judgments, so we will put a lien against any future earnings. I will start everything tomorrow. I think I can assure you that Mr. Burns\u2019 operation will cease by the end of the week. \u201c<\/span><\/p>\n

Looking around the room, Harding could see the other men and Annie still didn\u2019t understand his strategy. \u201cGentlemen,\u201d said Harding, \u201cand Mrs. Callahan,\u201d he added with a gracious nod toward Annie. \u201cWe are going to shut down Mr. Burns by bankrupting him. By making sure that we collect any profits if he tries to open another mine, we will be able to shut down his operation for quite a long time. And, as Mr. Burns has stated, we are going to do it in a way that is perfectly within the letter of the law.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Fred Harding was as good as his word. He and Ben rode into Donner Flats later that day \u2013 a ride that took considerably longer than usual because Harding insisted they practically walk the horses into town. But once the pair reached town, the lawyer went to work.<\/span><\/p>\n

While Ben was sending a telegram to Adam and Hoss, explaining in vague terms that he and Joe would be delayed a week or so, Harding had a chat with George Miller. The smile on Harding\u2019s face when he met Ben at the hotel told Ben that his friend\u2019s \u201cchat\u201d had met with success. The lawyer insisted on renting the only suite in the hotel, and once he was checked in, told Ben in a firm voice that Ben should go look after his son. Ben was hesitant to leave, wanting to help in some way. But once he took a look at all the papers Harding had spread over the desk in the suite, and saw that his friend was lost in a happy flurry of legal activities, Ben smiled and quietly left the suite.<\/span><\/p>\n

At 9 am the next morning, Fred Harding began his assault on Nicholas Burns. He presented himself to the judge as soon as the courthouse opened, and spent an hour explaining the various lawsuits he was filing. The judge was used to dealing with drunks and thieves; lawsuits were something he rarely saw in Donner Flats. Five minutes into Harding\u2019s presentation, the judge realized that he was dealing with a lawyer who was precise, thorough, and had a much better understanding of the law than he did. The judge merely listened, nodded his agreement to everything, and wrote the necessary orders.<\/span><\/p>\n

At noon, the sheriff rode into Nick Burns\u2019 mining camp, flanked by Ben, James and Doctor Granger. The sheriff had insisted he could deliver the legal papers without help, but Ben, James and Doctor Granger were equally insistent about accompanying the lawman. None of them wanted to miss the look on Burns\u2019 face when the sheriff delivered the papers and Burns realized his mining days were over. Only Ben’s threat of tying him to his bed had prevented Joe from coming along.<\/span><\/p>\n

Burns saw the sheriff ride into camp with his three nemeses but the sight didn\u2019t worry him. He knew his rights and he knew he was within the law. He strode confidently across the camp to meet the men.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHello, sheriff,\u201d Burns greeted the lawman. He pointedly ignored the other three. \u201cWhat brings you out here?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cMr. Burns, I\u2019ve got some legal papers to serve you,\u201d answered the sheriff, pulling a stack of folded documents from his pocket.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNow, hold on, sheriff,\u201d said Burns putting up his hand. \u201cYou can\u2019t arrest me or shut me down. I know the law and my operation is perfectly legal.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAs far as I know, you\u2019re right,\u201d agreed the sheriff with a nod. \u201cBut these here papers have to do with some lawsuits filed against you.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cLawsuits?\u201d exclaimed Burns incredulously. \u201cWhat for?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cFor negligence,\u201d answered Ben, barely able to hide his glee. \u201cWe\u2019re suing you for negligence which caused my son harm. And that\u2019s just the beginning. There also are suits for the devaluing of Mr. Miller\u2019s land, loss of my son\u2019s services and just about everything else we could think of.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhat!\u201d shouted Burns. He grabbed the papers from the sheriff. \u201cGive me those.\u201d Burns started to page through the sheets, reading the legal documents with a shocked look. After a few minutes, Burns looked at the sheriff. \u201cThis just a bunch of legal hooey,\u201d he said with disgust. \u201cYou don\u2019t mean to try to enforce these, do you?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAll I\u2019m doing is serving the papers,\u201d replied the sheriff. \u201cThe judge will decide what\u2019s right here, and what damages to assess.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cDamages!\u201d Burns exclaimed as his face grew pale. \u201cWhat do you mean by damages?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhat he means,\u201d explained Ben, his smile now breaking through, \u201cis the judge will assess a monetary penalty for each of the suits he deems to be correct. And believe me, we will win each of those lawsuits.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Quickly, Burns paged through the documents in his hands again. \u201cThis would cost me a fortune!\u201d he exclaimed. He looked at the men. \u201cI don\u2019t have this kind of money.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThe alternative,\u201d suggested Doctor Granger, \u201cis to shut down your operation. We can\u2019t collect if you are no longer in business.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOh, so that\u2019s your game,\u201d said Burns as understanding began to dawn. He narrowed his eyes. \u201cWell, you\u2019re not going to shut me down. I\u2019m getting me a lawyer and I\u2019m getting these thrown out of court.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou have every right to fight the suits,\u201d agreed Ben. \u201cHowever, Mr. Burns, I suggest you get a good lawyer — a very good lawyer.\u201d With a look of satisfaction on his face, Ben nodded to the other men.<\/span><\/p>\n

As he rode from the mining camp with the sheriff and the other men, Ben looked over his shoulder. Nick Burns was standing where they had left him, papers in hand and a look of shock on his face.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Fred Harding was wrong. It didn\u2019t take a week to shut down Burns\u2019 mine. The deed was accomplished in only four days.<\/span><\/p>\n

The lawyer Burns hired he thought was good, but Burn\u2019s attorney was no match for Fred Harding. Each time Burn\u2019s lawyer filed legal papers, Fred Harding filed countersuits. When Burns\u2019 lawyer tried to argue with the judge, Harding presented persuasive legal arguments which countered every point. Harding out-maneuvered the miner\u2019s attorney at every turn. And in every instance, the judge ruled in Fred Harding\u2019s favor.<\/span><\/p>\n

Burns\u2019 lawyer finally admitted defeat and counseled his client to close his mine.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cMr. Harding,\u201d said James raising a glass in toast, \u201cI have to admit you weren\u2019t exactly what I expected. But Ben was right. You\u2019re tougher in a fight than any gunman in the territory.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Fred Harding turned pink as the others standing in the Callahan\u2019s living room raised their glasses and echoed James\u2019 praise. Doctor Granger, Annie, Ben and Joe all were there to toast Harding\u2019s victory.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThank you,\u201d replied Harding in an embarrassed voice, \u201cbut I really didn\u2019t do that much.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cDidn\u2019t do that much!\u201d exclaimed Granger. \u201cYou probably save have this territory from arsenic poisoning. You kept the land from being spoiled. And you sent Nicholas Burns packing. I\u2019d say that was a lot.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAnd all without firing a shot,\u201d added Ben with a grin.<\/span><\/p>\n

Hand raised in protest, Harding was beginning to speak again when the crash of the front door caused everyone to turn with a startled look.<\/span><\/p>\n

In the doorway stood Nick Burns — and he had a rifle in his hands.<\/span><\/p>\n

Slowly, Burns looked at the five people in the room, each in turn, and the hate in his eyes left no doubt about his feelings for all of them. But his eyes seem to take on their fiercest look when his gaze fell on Fred Harding.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou!\u201d spat Burns in a furious voice. \u201cYou ruined me! My mine is shut down, and the bank tells me I can\u2019t get any of my money. Something about a court order. My whole operation is out of business and I\u2019m broke. I\u2019ve got nothing left. And all because of you!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cBurns,\u201d said Ben in a reasonable voice, \u201cput down that gun and let’s talk about this. Maybe we can work something out.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWork something out!\u201d shouted Burns. He laughed almost hysterically. \u201cWhat are you going to do? Just pretend this all didn\u2019t happen and go away?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Moving slowly and quietly, Joe eased himself a step closer to the door. Burns saw the movement out of the corner of his eye and turned the rifle on him. \u201cDon\u2019t try it, boy,\u201d threatened Burns.<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe stopped but his eyes never left Burns.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cJoe, don\u2019t,\u201d advised Ben in a soft voice.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s right, boy,\u201d said Burns with a sneer. \u201cI guess I almost killed you once. You try anything now, and I\u2019ll make sure I finish the job.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhat do you want, Burns?\u201d asked Granger.<\/span><\/p>\n

Quickly, Burns swung around. \u201cNow there\u2019s an interesting question,\u201d answered the miner. \u201cWhat do I want? I want my mine back. I want my money. And I want all of you to pay for what you did to me.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cMr. Burns,\u201d said Harding, taking a step forward. \u201cYou can\u2019t have any of those things. And killing any of us will not get them back for you. All it will get you is a trip to the gallows. Is that what you want?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

A flicker of doubt seemed to cross Burns\u2019 face.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cSo far, you haven\u2019t done anything rash,\u201d continued Harding. \u201cI can assure if you turn around leave now, none of us will press charges.\u201d Harding\u2019s eyes narrowed. \u201cBut if you don\u2019t leave, I can also assure you that you will spend the rest of your life in prison. Or worse.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

The doubt grew on Burns\u2019 face.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cBurns,\u201d advised Ben in a soft voice, \u201cyou\u2019ve got a lot of life in front of you. You\u2019ve still got a chance to do something with that life. Do you want to throw it all away for one moment of revenge? Revenge for something that you know you brought on yourself?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

For several tense moments, Burns stared at Ben, then turned to look at the other people in the room. Slowly, he lowered his rifle. Moving his eyes around the room, Burns fixed them on Harding for a long time. Then, abruptly, he turned and walked out of the house. A minute later, everyone in the house heard the sound of a horse riding away.<\/span><\/p>\n

Six people let out a collective sigh of relief.<\/span><\/p>\n

Pulling a handkerchief out of his pocket, Harding mopped his face. \u201cBen, you would have made quite a lawyer,\u201d he said in a voice that trembled a bit. \u201cI think that\u2019s one of the best closing arguments I\u2019ve ever heard.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNo thanks, Fred,\u201d replied Ben with a smile. \u201cBeing a lawyer is much too dangerous. I\u2019ll stick to ranching\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Walking rapidly to the front of the house, James closed the front door and then turned to the others in the room. \u201cDo you think he\u2019ll be back?\u201d he asked nervously.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI doubt it,\u201d Granger stated.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWell, just in case, I\u2019m keeping my shotgun close by,\u201d declared James.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIf you keep that shotgun close by, I\u2019m sleeping in the barn,\u201d snorted Annie. \u201cYou\u2019re more likely to blow my head off than Nicholas Burns!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

The others in the room roared with laughter.<\/span><\/p>\n

Turning to the doctor, Ben asked, \u201cIs it all right if Joe and I head for home tomorrow?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYes, but take it slow and let Joe rest if he feels tired,\u201d replied Granger.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m fine,\u201d grumbled Joe. \u201cYou all worry too much.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNevertheless, we WILL take it slow,\u201d declared Ben. \u201cI want you fit when we get home. We have a lot of work to do.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cPa, I won\u2019t be able to work for two months,\u201d said Joe in a solemn voice.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cTwo months!\u201d exclaimed Ben. \u201cWhy?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWell, that\u2019s what Mr. Harding said in his lawsuit again, Burns,\u201d replied Joe with a twinkle in his eye. \u201cI wouldn\u2019t want to do anything that made Mr. Harding look bad. Remember, Pa, we\u2019ve got to follow the letter of the law.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

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

Summary:\u00a0 Ben and Joe aid an acquaintance in evaluating a mine whose owners care little for their impact on the land.<\/p>\n

Word Count: \u00a017,300 \u00a0Rated: T<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":10338,"featured_media":13990,"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_hide_featured_image":false,"_jetpack_featured_image_duplicate_dismissed":0,"_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},"categories":[1015,23,41],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-13991","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-joe-pa","category-drama","category-hurtcomfort","wpcat-1015-id","wpcat-23-id","wpcat-41-id"],"jetpack_publicize_connections":[],"jetpack_likes_enabled":true,"jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/03\/House-Divided.jpg?fit=768%2C576&ssl=1","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/13991","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=13991"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/13991\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/13990"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=13991"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=13991"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=13991"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}