{"id":14009,"date":"2007-12-13T10:38:03","date_gmt":"2007-12-13T15:38:03","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=14009"},"modified":"2026-02-11T10:25:42","modified_gmt":"2026-02-11T15:25:42","slug":"the-prodigal-by-susan-g","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=14009","title":{"rendered":"The Prodigal (by Susan G)"},"content":{"rendered":"

Summary:\u00a0 <\/strong>Joe runs from the law to avoid facing a lynch mob after he is accused of murdering a woman.<\/p>\n

Rating:\u00a0 T\u00a0 (19,840 words)<\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe Cartwright could hear the angry shouts of the mob from his jail cell. The noise was coming from the Silver Dollar saloon, where beer and whiskey fueled the throng\u2019s antagonism. For now, the crowd was content to just voice their anger in the saloon, but Joe knew that the more they drank, the more likely they would be to decide to head for the jail to hold a lynching.<\/p>\n

Peering out the cell window, Joe looked hopefully down the dark streets of Virginia City. He knew Sheriff Roy Coffee would do his best to stop the mob, but one man against a whole town weren\u2019t very good odds. Joe wished his father and brothers were there to help. The 22 year-old suddenly felt very alone.<\/p>\n

Only a few steps were needed for Joe to walk across the cell to the wood-framed bed with a thin mattress. He sat down on the bunk and put his head in his hands. How did I ever get into this mess, he wondered. And who killed Mary Hawkins?<\/p>\n

Mary Hawkins. A pretty girl, Joe recalled, but one he didn\u2019t know well. She had been found dead, the back of her head crushed against a rock. Her father had found the body near Willow Creek. No one had thought of Joe in connection with Mary’s death until Bob Deters claimed he saw Joe riding away from Willow Creek on the day of the murder. Joe knew he hadn\u2019t been near Willow Creek that day; he had been up in the hills, hunting deer. But for some reason, Bob insisted he had seen Joe. Mary Hawkins’ father believed Deters, and now he was in the Silver Dollar, stirring up the mob.<\/p>\n

Joe’s only chance to clear his name depended an old mountain man named Cherokee Pete. Joe had seen Cherokee Pete from a distance while he was hunting and had yelled a greeting at him. He wasn\u2019t sure if the old man had heard or seen him, but Joe knew the mountain man was his only hope to prove where he was that day. His father and brothers were searching the hills for Cherokee Pete; Joe hoped they found him soon.<\/p>\n

The noise from the saloon grew louder, and Joe could hear words like “Hang ‘im” clearly through the din. He began to pace the cell nervously. When he heard the door to the cell area open, Joe looked up, expecting to see Roy Coffee. He was surprised to see Bob Deters come through the door, carrying a large ring of keys and a holster.<\/p>\n

“C’mon, Joe,” urged Deters as he unlocked the cell. “You need to get out of here.”<\/p>\n

Joe hesitated. “If I run now, they’ll be sure I’m guilty,” he protested.<\/p>\n

“If you don’t get out of here now, you’ll be lynched. That mob over at the Silver Dollar is working themselves into a real lather,” declared Deters.<\/p>\n

Still Joe hesitated. “Where’s Sheriff Coffee?” he asked. “And why are you doing this? You’re the one who put me in here.”<\/p>\n

“The Sheriff’s fine; he’s just having a little nap,” Deters replied. “I feel real bad about you’re being here on my say-so, and I don’t want to see you hanged by that mob. Now, c’mon! I’ve got a horse out back for you, with a bedroll and supplies. Here’s your gunbelt. You’ve got about one minute to make up your mind.”<\/p>\n

But Joe continued to waver. He knew that escaping jail was the wrong thing to do. On the other hand, he sure didn’t want to be lynched. Suddenly, Joe realized the noise seemed to be getting closer. The mob was heading to the jail.<\/p>\n

With a quick move, Joe snatched his hat and jacket off the bunk. “Let’s go,” he called, grabbing the gunbelt from Deters\u2019 hand. The two men went to a side door. Deters looked cautiously out into the night, then motioned to Joe. They left the jail and headed to the back of the building.<\/p>\n

A saddled horse, laidened with a rifle, bedroll and saddlebags, waited patiently, just as Deters had promised. Joe buckled on the holster, then turned to the young cowboy, extending his hand. “Thanks,” he said gratefully. “I’ll never forget what you did.”<\/p>\n

“Forget it. Just get out of here,\u201d advised Deters, shaking Joe\u2019s hand briefly. \u201cIf I were you, I’d head for the mountains. That lynch mob is sure to head for the Ponderosa once they find out you’re gone. There’s enough supplies in the saddlebags to last you a week or so, and plenty of ammunition. You should be able to manage fine for quite a spell. Whatever you do, don’t come back to Virginia City for long time. Give your Pa and brothers time to cool things down. A couple of months ought to do it.”<\/p>\n

Swallowing hard, Joe nodded. A couple of months! It suddenly hit Joe that he might never be able to come back. Joe realized he had no choice, though, not if he wanted to keep breathing. He vaulted onto the back of the horse and rode off into the night.<\/p>\n

Deters watched Joe ride safely out of town, then sighed with relief. At least that\u2019s one hanging I won\u2019t have on my conscience, he thought. He heard the shouts of the mob getting even closer, and then the pounding of fists on a door.<\/p>\n

Hurrying around the building to join the crowd, Deters hoped to lose himself among the milling men. He reached the group just as they were breaking open the front door of the sheriff\u2019s office. Four men rushed into the office, while the rest of the throng waited impatiently in front of the building. Suddenly, one of the men came out of the office. \u201cHe\u2019s gone!\u201d the man shouted angrily.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat do you mean, he\u2019s gone?\u201d a voice from the crowd yelled.<\/p>\n

\u201cJust what I said,\u201d answered the man from the door. \u201cThe sheriff\u2019s unconscious on the floor, the jail cell door is open, and there\u2019s nobody in there. Cartwright\u2019s escaped.\u201d<\/p>\n

An angry roar erupted from the crowd in front of the jail. The men started shouting and shaking their fists, but they seemed uncertain about what to do next. \u201cGet your horses!\u201d one of them yelled. \u201cHe couldn\u2019t have gone far. We\u2019ll track down that killer and hang him from the nearest tree!\u201d<\/p>\n

Shouting their approval, the enraged men turned as a group to head up the street toward the livery stable and toward horses tied to hitching posts. The crowd had traveled only a short distance when they found their path blocked by four men on horses.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat\u2019s going on here?\u201d demanded Ben Cartwright.<\/p>\n

\u201cYour boy\u2019s escaped from jail,\u201d called a voice from the crowd. \u201cWe\u2019re going after him and hang him!\u201d The crowd murmured its agreement and started to surge forward.<\/p>\n

\u201cNobody\u2019s going anywhere,\u201d declared Hoss Cartwright in a loud voice from the horse next to his father. He pulled his rifle from his saddle and cocked the weapon. \u201cMy little brother is innocent,\u201d Hoss added.<\/p>\n

A tall thin man pushed to the front of the crowd. John Hawkins, Mary\u2019s father, faced the Cartwrights angrily. \u201cYou Cartwrights would say anything to protect that boy,\u201d Hawkins bellowed in a bitter voice. \u201cHe murdered my Mary. Deters saw him riding away. I\u2019m going to find that kid of yours and make sure he hangs for what he done.\u201d The crowd behind Hawkins shouted their agreement.<\/p>\n

\u201cHold it!\u201d yelled Adam Cartwright, aiming his rifle at the mob. \u201cJoe didn\u2019t kill anyone, and we can prove it.\u201d He turned toward an old man sitting on a scrawny horse next to him. \u201cGo ahead, Pete. Tell them.\u201d<\/p>\n

The old man studied the crowd in front of him for a moment, then shrugged his shoulders. \u201cI saw Joe Cartwright up in the mountains last Tuesday. No way he could have been at Willow Creek that afternoon,\u201d the man stated in a firm voice.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019re lying!\u201d cried Hawkins. \u201cThe Cartwrights paid you to lie for them.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNow hold on,\u201d replied Cherokee Pete heatedly. \u201cNo one calls me a liar. I wouldn\u2019t lie for any reason, and not for a few dollars. What am I going to do with money? I got everything I need up in those mountains.\u201d<\/p>\n

As the crowd started to hum with uncertainty, Hawkins turned to face the men behind him, ready to urge them on again. Suddenly, he spotted Bob Deters in the back of the mob. \u201cDeters, get up here,\u201d Hawkins ordered. \u201cTell them what you saw.<\/p>\n

Reluctantly, Bob Deters emerged from the crowd, pushed forward by the men around him. His eyes were wide with fear as he stood in front of Hawkins. \u201cI don\u2019t think this is the time\u2026\u201d he began.<\/p>\n

\u201cTell them what you saw!\u201d interrupted Hawkins, lifting his rifle toward Deters.<\/p>\n

Deters swallowed hard. He looked at the rifle in Hawkins\u2019 hands, then at the Cartwrights. \u201cI was up by Willow Creek,\u201d Deters told Hawkins in a shaky voice. \u201cI saw Little Joe riding away. I recognized that pinto he rides.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSee!\u201d said Hawkins triumphantly. \u201cWe got an eyewitness.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNow hold on,\u201d answered Ben. \u201cDeters here only says he saw a man on a pinto. He can\u2019t be sure it was Joe. And he sure didn\u2019t see anyone kill your daughter. Anything could have happened up there.\u201d<\/p>\n

Leaning forward in his saddle, Cherokee Pete was silently studying Deters. Suddenly, the old man grabbed Adam\u2019s arm. \u201cI know him,\u201d the mountain man stated. \u201cI saw him with a girl about two weeks ago. They was up at Willow Creek, kissing and tumbling in the grass.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo,\u201d Deter shouted in a frightened voice. \u201cI wasn\u2019t; I didn\u2019t even know the girl.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWait a minute,\u201d Hawkins snapped. \u201cMary said she was sparking some young fellow but didn\u2019t say his name. I just assumed it was young Cartwright. Maybe it was you. Were you courting my Mary? Did you take her up to Willow Creek?”<\/p>\n

\u201cNo, No!\u201d said Deters desperately. \u201cIt wasn\u2019t me. I was just riding by; I saw Joe. I wouldn\u2019t hurt Mary. I loved her.\u201d The crowd fell silent as Deters realized what he had said. He looked around as the men stared at him. Suddenly, his shoulders slumped and Deters began to cry.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt was an accident,\u201d the young cowboy admitted. \u201cMary and I were just having some fun. She got up suddenly and I started to chase her. She tripped and hit her head on the rock. When I realized she was dead, I panicked. I knew her father would kill me. So I said I saw Joe. I figured the Cartwright\u2019s had enough money and influence to clear him. I never thought it would go this far.\u201d Deters began sobbing.<\/p>\n

Hawkins pushed his rifle against Peter\u2019s chest. \u201cYou\u2019re right,\u201d he declared furiously. \u201cI AM going to kill you.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben Cartwright jumped from his horse and grabbed Hawkins rifle. \u201cJohn, wait,\u201d he ordered. \u201cYou almost hanged one innocent man tonight; don\u2019t make the same mistake twice. Let the law handle this. You heard the boy. It was an accident.\u201d<\/p>\n

Hawkins looked at Ben uncertainly. \u201cMy Mary\u2019s dead,” he cried. \u201cSomeone has to pay for this.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben put a comforting arm around Hawkins shoulder. \u201cJohn, I know this is hard. But if what Pete says is true, no one is really to blame. Go home. Mourn your daughter. She wouldn\u2019t want you to do this. She wouldn’t want you to hang someone for no reason, especially if it was a man she loved.”<\/p>\n

Hawkins put his head down for a moment. Then he nodded and wiped his eyes. \u201cYou\u2019re right,\u201d Hawkins acknowledged as he lifted his head. He turned to the crowd. \u201cGo home,\u201d he commanded the men. \u201cIt\u2019s all over.\u201d<\/p>\n

As the crowd started dispersing, Ben took Deters gently by the arm and turned him toward the jail. \u201cLet\u2019s go, son,\u201d he said quietly. With his head still down, Deters started walking. Ben looked over his shoulder at his sons and Cherokee Pete. \u201cWe\u2019ve got to find out about Joe,\u201d he added. The men nodded and began to walk their horses slowly down the street behind Ben.<\/p>\n

As the five men walked into his office, Sheriff Roy Coffee was pulling himself up to a sitting position. Ben rushed to Coffee\u2019s side and helped the sheriff to his feet, and then guided him to a chair. \u201cAdam, get some water,\u201d ordered Ben as Coffee slumped into the chair, moaning and holding his head.<\/p>\n

Quickly, Adam moved to the stove in the corner of the office. He poured some coffee from the pot on the stove into a cup and then walked rapidly to his father. “This will probably work better than water,” he suggested as he thrust the cup toward Ben.<\/p>\n

Nodding his thanks, Ben took the cup from Adam and put it to Coffee\u2019s mouth. \u201cDrink this slow; it\u2019ll make you feel better,\u201d offered Ben with concern.<\/p>\n

Coffee took a sip, then shook his head to clear it. He looked up at Ben with surprise. \u201cBen, what are you doing here? What happened?\u201d asked the sheriff.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2019re not exactly sure,\u201d admitted Ben. \u201cWe rode into town just as a lynch mob was coming down the street. They said Joe\u2019s escaped.\u201d<\/p>\n

Springing to his feet, Coffee hurried to the door of the cell block. He looked in, then back at Ben. \u201cThey\u2019re right,\u201d he called. \u201cThe cell is empty.\u201d The sheriff shook his head again, then glanced around the room. He fixed his gaze on Deters, who was standing dejectedly next to Hoss by the door. \u201cAll I remember is that fellow Deters coming to the door,” the sheriff added. “He said he had something important to tell me about Joe. I let him in and then everything went black.\u201d<\/p>\n

Deters looked up at the sheriff. \u201cI hit you with my gun,\u201d he mumbled, \u201cAnd then I let Little Joe out of the cell. I gave him a horse and supplies and told him to head toward the mountains. He\u2019s probably miles away by now.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou what?\u201d shouted Coffee angrily. He began to walk toward Deters but Hoss moved to stand in front of the young cowboy. Hoss put out his hand to stop the sheriff\u2019s progress.<\/p>\n

\u201cHold on now, Roy,\u201d Hoss declared. \u201cDeters here has confessed to being there when Mary Hawkins died. He said it was an accident and Joe was nowhere near the place when it happened.\u201d<\/p>\n

For a moment, Coffee blinked his eyes in confusion, then turned to Ben. \u201cIs what Hoss is saying true?\u201d he asked.<\/p>\n

Ben nodded. \u201cCherokee Pete here confirmed Joe\u2019s alibi. When Mary\u2019s father began pressing Bob about what happened, he broke down and confessed.\u201d<\/p>\n

Walking over to Deters, Coffee stared at the miserable expression on the cowboy\u2019s face and then nodded slowly. \u201cI knew Little Joe couldn\u2019t have done something like that,\u201d conceded the sheriff. He grabbed Deters’ arm gently. \u201cC\u2019mon, son. I need to lock you up until we get this thing straightened out.\u201d<\/p>\n

Deters nodded and followed the sheriff without resistance.<\/p>\n

After locking Deters in the cell that had recently held Joe, the sheriff walked back into his office and saw the three Cartwrights and Cherokee Pete waiting for him.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019ll take awhile to sort this thing out. But if what he says is true, he shouldn\u2019t be in too much trouble with the law,\u201d stated Coffee.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe important thing now is to find Joe. He could be anywhere, and he thinks he\u2019s a wanted man. We\u2019ve got to find him before he does something foolish,” declared Ben grimly.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll get a posse organized right away,\u201d Coffee offered.<\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s no good, Roy,” Adam countered. \u201cIf Joe sees a posse, he\u2019ll think they want to take him back to jail\u2026or worse.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAdam\u2019s right,\u201d added Hoss. \u201cThe only ones he\u2019ll trust now is Pa or Adam or me. We\u2019ll have to be the ones to go after him.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI believe you boys are right,” Coffee acknowledged. “But it\u2019ll take a miracle for you three to find him.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll help,” Cherokee Pete offered. \u201cI\u2019m the best tracker around these parts. If he\u2019s left any kind of trail, I\u2019ll pick it up.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThanks,\u201d said Ben gratefully. \u201cWe\u2019ll head out as soon as it\u2019s light. In the meantime, Roy, why don\u2019t you get the newspaper to run a front page story about Deters\u2019 confession. That way no one will go off half-cocked and take a shot at Joe if they see him.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll do that,\u201d Coffee agreed. \u201cI\u2019ll also wire every sheriff within fifty miles, telling them what happened and giving them a description of Joe. They can wire me back if they spot him.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cBe sure to tell them not to try and approach Joe,\u201d advised Adam. \u201cIf he sees a sheriff coming after him, he\u2019s liable to shoot first and ask questions later.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAll right,\u201d answered the sheriff. He grabbed his hat from his desk and started toward the door. \u201cI\u2019ll get started on the telegrams now. Then I\u2019ll wake up the newspaper editor and get him working on that story.\u201d Coffee pulled open the door and walked out into the night.<\/p>\n

\u201cPa,” Hoss asked anxiously, \u201cdo you really think Joe would take a shot at a sheriff? He\u2019s hot-tempered sometimes, but he wouldn\u2019t shoot anyone deliberately.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t know what he\u2019ll do,\u201d admitted Ben, shaking his head. \u201cJoe thinks he’s running for his life.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam put his hand on his father\u2019s shoulder. \u201cWe\u2019ll find him.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI hope so,\u201d replied Ben. He took a breath and squared his shoulders. \u201cLet\u2019s go get some supplies and head out. I want to be at the base of those mountains as soon as it\u2019s light.\u201d<\/p>\n

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

Joe rode hard for three days, stopping only when his horse needed rest. He used every trick his father and brothers had taught him to hide his trail. He brushed out his tracks and rode through streams. He looked for hard ground, and rode over rocks and soil where he wouldn\u2019t leave any tracks.<\/p>\n

Finally, he stopped. For three days, he had been grabbing only snatches of sleep. He had eaten in the saddle, munching on the beef jerky that Deters had put in his saddle bags. Joe was exhausted; his body was tired and sore. He couldn\u2019t seem to think clearly. He knew he had to rest. Fatigue was his enemy now.<\/p>\n

Joe halted his horse at the top of a hill. After dismounting, he looked down into the valley below. There was no sign of riders behind him. A tired grin crossed Joe\u2019s face; he had lost whatever posse was chasing him.<\/p>\n

After leading his horse to an outcropping of rocks, Joe tied the animal to a small bush; the horse began to eat the tufts of grass on the ground. Joe patted the horse on the neck, and then untied the bedroll and saddle bags as well as the saddle. He carried the gear to the rocks, spotting a small opening between two boulders. Joe propped the saddle against the rocks, with the seat toward the ground, and unrolled the bedroll. He eased his tired body against the underside of the saddle, welcoming the cushion it gave him. Pulling the blanket over him, Joe closed his eyes and fell asleep.<\/p>\n

The sun was setting as Joe began to stir from his sleep. Reluctantly, he opened his eyes; he still felt tired and sore. Joe yawned and stretched his arms, then sat up abruptly as he remembered where he was and why. He scrambled to his feet and peered over the rocks to the valley below. As he stared hard at the empty landscape, Joe sighed with relief. Still no sign of a posse. Joe slid back to a sitting position, resting his aching back against the saddle. He knew he probably should move on, but he didn\u2019t have the energy to do it. Looking at the setting sun, he figured he had slept about six hours; he felt like he could sleep for about sixteen.<\/p>\n

Joe turned to the horse patiently standing a few feet away. \u201cWell, boy, what do you think?\u201d he asked the animal. \u201cThink we\u2019re safe here for awhile?\u201d He grinned as the horse looked at him blankly. \u201cGuess you don\u2019t have any answers either,\u201d Joe remarked.<\/p>\n

Getting to his feet, Joe picked up a canteen from his gear. He walked over to the horse and untied the animal from the bush; the grass around the shrub was eaten to the ground. Joe led the horse a few feet away, where the grass was plentiful. Using his hand as a cup, he gave the horse some water, then tied him to a small tree, leaving the reins loose enough for the horse to graze.<\/p>\n

A rumble in his stomach reminded Joe that he needed to be fed also.<\/p>\n

Walking back to the rocks, Joe flopped wearily onto the ground. He opened the saddle bags and started sorting through the hardtack and jerky, looking for something more appetizing. He spotted some smoked ham at the bottom of the bag and pulled it out. After taking a bite, he smiled at flavor.<\/p>\n

Sitting back, Joe thought as he ate the ham. \u201cWhat should I do now?\u201d he wondered. He wasn\u2019t really sure where he was. Somewhere northwest of Virginia City, he figured. Should he head for a city? Someplace big like San Francisco where he could get lost in the crowd of people? Joe shook his head. That was no good. He really didn\u2019t like big cities — too crowded for his taste. Besides, what would he do when he got there? He was a rancher, not a clerk or a storekeeper.<\/p>\n

He could double-back and head for Mexico, but that seemed dangerous. He might accidentally run into the posse that was following him.<\/p>\n

Joe frowned as he deliberated. Pa had friends all over the West. Could he go to one of them? Would they turn him in or help him? He couldn’t be sure. Joe sighed. Nothing he thought of seemed like a good idea. He finished eating, licking his fingers to get the last taste of ham, then swallowed some water from his canteen. He stared at the darkening sky, looking for some answers. But the only thing he saw were the stars beginning to twinkle in the night. Finally, his fatigue overcame him. Joe closed his eyes and slept again.<\/p>\n

The bright morning sun woke Joe this time. He felt refreshed; some solid food and a good night\u2019s sleep revived his spirits. Getting to his feet, he looked one last time down into the still empty valley. Joe was positive he had lost the posse now. Grabbing his saddle and gear, he walked over to his horse. As he saddled the animal, he began thinking again about his destination, but continued to have no answers to his dilemma.<\/p>\n

As he mounted, Joe took one more look around. \u201cWell, boy, I guess you and I will just see some country for awhile. Maybe I\u2019ll think of something later.\u201d<\/p>\n

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

Ben, Adam, Hoss and Cherokee Pete spent nearly a week searching the mountains, looking for Joe\u2019s trail. At first, the mountain man was able to spot a few signs, but the trail always disappeared. They searched for several days in vain for any clue to where Joe might have gone. Finally, they split up, each taking a different area to cover. They agreed to meet in two days at the top of Pine Tree Ridge.<\/p>\n

Ben and Adam were sitting around a campfire on the crest of Pine Tree Ridge when Hoss rode up. Ben looked at his son hopefully as Hoss dismounted and approached the fire. \u201cNothing, Pa\u201d Hoss said in response to Ben\u2019s unasked question. \u201cI didn\u2019t even find a twig bent the wrong way. How about you two? Any luck?<\/p>\n

Adam shook his head. \u201cNo, we didn\u2019t find anything. We were hoping you or Cherokee Pete might have spotted something.\u201d<\/p>\n

Almost as if Adam had conjured him up, Cherokee Pete rode into the camp as Adam finished speaking. He dismounted and dropped his reins, rubbing his hands as he neared the fire. \u201cWhew, it\u2019s getting cold,\u201d observed the mountain man. \u201cAdam, pour me a cup of that coffee, would you?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cPete, did you find any sign of Joe?\u201d Ben asked impatiently.<\/p>\n

The mountain man sipped his coffee and then looked at Ben. \u201cNo, I didn\u2019t find anything, and I don\u2019t think we\u2019re going to. That boy of yours really knows how to hide his tracks.\u201d<\/p>\n

As Ben\u2019s shoulders slumped, Adam and Hoss glanced at each other, trying to think of something to say. \u201cPa,\u201d said Adam finally, \u201cJoe knows how to take care of himself. He\u2019ll be all right.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI know that, Adam,\u201d Ben agreed. \u201cIt\u2019s just that I\u2019m worried about where he\u2019ll go and what he\u2019ll do. He could get into real trouble.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cPa, he could be anywhere,\u201d Hoss pointed out. \u201cWe\u2019re not doing any good up here. Maybe we should head back to Virginia City. Roy Coffee might have some news by now.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI suppose you\u2019re right,\u201d admitted Ben reluctantly. \u201cWe\u2019ll head back in the morning.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThen, I\u2019m taking off,\u201d announced Cherokee Pete. \u201cI don\u2019t much like towns. Too noisy, too many people. I\u2019ll keep my eyes peeled and let you know if I spot anything.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThanks, Pete,\u201d Ben said gratefully. \u201cWe appreciate all you\u2019ve done.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cShucks, I ain\u2019t done nothing,\u201d replied the mountain man with an embarrassed look. He walked back over to his horse and mounted. \u201cYour boy will be all right,\u201d he called to Ben. \u201cYou wait and see. He\u2019ll come home soon enough.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI hope so,\u201d Ben said with a sigh. He watched Cherokee Pete ride off then turned to stare at the fire. Adam and Hoss sat next to him, both wishing they could say something to comfort their father, but no words came.<\/p>\n

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

It was midday when the three Cartwrights rode into Virginia City. The town was quiet, with only a handful of people strolling the sidewalks. A few stopped to stare at the trio as they rode slowly down the street but no one spoke to them. The discouraged slump of Ben’s shoulders told anyone who cared to look that the Cartwright\u2019s search for Joe had been unsuccessful.<\/p>\n

The three men rode to the Sheriff\u2019s office and tied their horses to the hitching post in front, then climbed the stairs to the office and went in.<\/p>\n

Roy Coffee was sitting at his desk when the men entered the office. He gave them a searching look as he watched them cross the floor toward him. \u201cI don\u2019t have to ask,\u201d observed Coffee. \u201cI can tell by the look on your faces. You didn\u2019t find him.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo, we didn\u2019t find him,\u201d acknowledged Ben. \u201cDid you find out anything?\u201d<\/p>\n

The sheriff shook his head. \u201cSorry, Ben. I\u2019ve got nothing to tell you. I\u2019ve sent telegrams to every place I could think of, but no one\u2019s seen Joe.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, he must be someplace,\u201d declared Adam with exasperation. \u201cHe just didn\u2019t drop off the face of the earth.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAdam, if I had any idea where Joe could be, I\u2019d tell you in a minute,\u201d Coffee assured him. \u201cBut the truth of the matter is, no one knows where he is.\u201d<\/p>\n

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

\u201cI don\u2019t know,\u201d admitted Ben. He thought for a few minutes then turned to the sheriff. \u201cRoy, did you send any wires to the big cities, like San Francisco?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo, I didn\u2019t,\u201d replied Coffee. \u201cI didn\u2019t see much point. If Joe\u2019s in San Francisco, the police there wouldn\u2019t take the time to look for him. They\u2019ve got too many other problems to worry about to bother searching for a missing boy.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben nodded. \u201cYou\u2019re probably right. But I\u2019ve got a friend who\u2019s a newspaper publisher in San Francisco. I\u2019ll write him and ask him to print the story on the front page of his paper. If Joe\u2019s there, maybe he\u2019ll see it. Even if he doesn\u2019t, the San Francisco papers have a big circulation. Someone else is liable to see it and recognize Joe.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThat might work, Ben,\u201d agreed the sheriff.<\/p>\n

\u201cPa, maybe we should offer a reward,\u201d Adam suggested. \u201cYou know, something like \u2018$500 for information leading to the whereabouts of Joe Cartwright\u2019.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s a good idea, Adam,\u201d declared Ben, his voice rising with enthusiasm. \u201cOnly let\u2019s make it $1,000. That will really get people\u2019s attention.\u201d Ben jumped to his feet. \u201cCome on, boys, let\u2019s get back to the ranch. I want to get a letter off to San Francisco as soon as possible. There are a couple of other friends who I want to contact also. If we spread the word; someone is bound to spot him.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll keep sending wires,\u201d added Roy Coffee as the Cartwrights walked out of his office. \u201cI\u2019ll let you know if anything turns up.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben, Adam, and Hoss were walking to their horses, when a man approached them. \u201cBen,\u201d called John Hawkins, \u201cdid you find him?\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben turned to Hawkins. \u201cNo,\u201d he said shortly.<\/p>\n

\u201cBen, I\u2019m real sorry about what happened,” Hawkins stated in a voice full of regret. “I really thought Joe had killed my Mary. I hope you find him. And I hope you can forgive me.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI can forgive you for thinking my boy killed your daughter,\u201d Ben told the man in a tight voice. \u201cAnd I can forgive you for hating him when you thought he did. But what I can\u2019t forgive is your taking the law into your own hands. If you hadn\u2019t stirred up this town, if you hadn\u2019t decided to be judge and jury, Joe would be home now, safe and sound.\u201d<\/p>\n

Lowering his head, Hawkins had the grace to look ashamed. \u201cI know you\u2019re right, Ben. All I can say is that I\u2019m sorry.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSorry isn\u2019t going to bring my son home,\u201d declared Ben heatedly. He turned and mounted his horse. \u201cCome on, boys,\u201d he said to Adam and Hoss. \u201cLet\u2019s get back to the ranch.\u201d<\/p>\n

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

For the next two weeks, Joe rode in a northwesterly direction. He took his time, stopping to hunt fresh game and resting when he felt tired. He had no particular destination in mind; he just wandered. He stayed away from any trail that looked like it might lead him to a town or a ranch. He lost track of time. He wasn\u2019t even sure where he was, although he felt sure by now he must be in the Oregon territory. The loneliness of his trek was starting to wear on him; he thought longingly of his home and family as he rode. He missed joking with Hoss and arguing with Adam. Heck, he even missed his father\u2019s lectures.<\/p>\n

Coming to the crest of a heavily wooded hill, Joe looked down and was surprised to see a house and barn in the clearing below. It seemed odd for the structures to be out here in the middle of nowhere. He could see a corral with some horses behind the barn, and a wagon next to the corral. A few cows grazed in the open field behind the house.<\/p>\n

Shrugging, Joe turned his horse, giving the animal a gentle kick. Suddenly, he lurched forward as the horse stumbled.<\/p>\n

After the horse righted itself, Joe dismounted. He looked at his mount and saw the horse pawing the ground with its right front hoof. Joe patted the animal and murmured soothing words as he picked up the horse\u2019s leg. He examined the hoof and cursed as he saw the shoe on the hoof was missing. Looking around, Joe saw the horseshoe a few feet away. He picked up the shoe and put it in his saddlebag, then patted his horse on the neck again and started to lead him down the hill.<\/p>\n

A woman was scattering grain from a pail toward some chickens as Joe approached the house he had seen from the hill. She wore a print blouse and a dark skirt; her brown hair, streaked with gray, was pulled into a tight bun at the back of her neck. The woman eyed Joe suspiciously as he neared the house.<\/p>\n

\u201cAfternoon, ma\u2019am,\u201d Joe said politely. The woman nodded back, still watching the young man cautiously. \u201cMy horse threw a shoe,\u201d Joe continued. \u201cI was wondering if you had something I could use to put it back on.\u201d<\/p>\n

The woman studied Joe for a minute. \u201cYou been walking him?\u201d she asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cFor the last mile or so,\u201d Joe acknowledged with a wry grin. \u201cI was taught never to ride a horse that had lost a shoe.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSomeone taught you good,\u201d agreed the woman. \u201cWell, there\u2019s tools in the barn. Help yourself.\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe touched the brim of his hat. \u201cThank you, ma\u2019am,” he said and led the horse to the barn.<\/p>\n

Inside the barn, Joe looked around. Six empty stalls \u2013 three on his right and three on his left \u2013 were just inside the doorway. Beyond them was a wide, open space. On the back wall hung a hammer and other tools. A cot was pushed against the side wall in the back, and a tall cabinet was standing against the opposite wall.<\/p>\n

After leading his horse into the barn, Joe tied the reins loosely around one of the stall posts. He walked to the back of the barn and took the hammer off the wall. Looking around, he spotted a box of horseshoe nails on the floor. Joe grabbed a handful of nails and headed back to his horse.<\/p>\n

Joe took the horseshoe from his saddlebag and lifted the horse\u2019s leg. Balancing the leg on his knee, he fitted the shoe back on the hoof and began tapping nails lightly into the rim of the animal\u2019s foot. Only a few minutes had past when he heard the barn door open. He looked up and saw the woman come in. She stopped near the door.<\/p>\n

\u201cFind everything you need?\u201d she asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cYes, thank you,\u201d Joe answered. He went back to work. The woman watched as he finished nailing the shoe on. Joe let the horse’s leg drop, then bent to examine it. He ran his hands over the limb, looking for any indication of heat or swelling.<\/p>\n

\u201cAny sign of a pulled tendon?\u201d the woman asked from the doorway.<\/p>\n

\u201cNo ma\u2019am,\u201d Joe replied without looking up. He felt the leg some more and then stood, satisfied that the animal wasn\u2019t seriously injured. He turned toward the woman at the door. \u201cHe\u2019s got a stone bruise but that should be all right in a day or so. Thank you again for the help,\u201d he stated politely.<\/p>\n

The woman nodded with a distracted air. Suddenly, she seemed to make up her mind about something. \u201cIt\u2019s getting late,\u201d she said. \u201cIf you want, you can stay here in the barn tonight. There\u2019s a cot over in the corner and some bedding in the cabinet.\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe smiled gratefully. \u201cThank you. It\u2019s been awhile since I\u2019ve slept on anything but the cold, hard ground.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, if you\u2019re going to stay, you might as well have supper with me,” invited the woman. “Get yourself cleaned up. We\u2019ll eat in about an hour.\u201d She turned abruptly and walked out.<\/p>\n

Joe looked down at his shirt and pants, surprised to realize how dirty he was. He rubbed his chin and felt the stubble of a beard. He had been pretty lax about washing and shaving on the trail.<\/p>\n

An hour later, Joe rapped lightly on the door of the house. His face and hands were scrubbed clean, and the dirt brushed from his clothes. After using an old razor and a piece of soap he found in the cabinet in barn, Joe was freshly shaved and his dark, curly hair was washed. He knocked again on the door.<\/p>\n

The woman opened the door and raised her eyebrows in surprise at Joe\u2019s appearance. \u201cCome on in,\u201d she said with a smile and held the door open for him.<\/p>\n

After scrapping his dirty boots on a mat in front of the door, Joe followed the woman into the house and walked into a large room. To his left, a few feet from the door, he could see a table with four chairs. Two doors were fitted snugly into the wall behind the table. To his right, against the back wall, was a fireplace. Two overstuffed chairs, separated by a small table, sat in front of the fireplace. Several other small tables with lamps were scattered around the room. Joe could see a doorway in the wall to the right of the fireplace.<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, just don\u2019t stand there, boy. Come on in,\u201d ordered the woman as she observed Joe looking around. He grinned sheepishly and walked further into the room.<\/p>\n

\u201cMy name\u2019s Molly Branson,\u201d the woman said, holding out her hand.<\/p>\n

\u201cJoe Cart\u2026Carter\u201d Joe answered awkwardly, taking the woman\u2019s hand.<\/p>\n

\u201cNice to meet you, Joe,\u201d Molly declared. \u201cSit down and make yourself comfortable. Dinner will be ready in a minute.\u201d<\/p>\n

At dinner, Joe ate like a starving man. He devoured the chicken, potatoes and greens on his plate and had second helpings of everything. Molly grinned as she watched him eat. Finally, Joe\u2019s appetite was satisfied, and he gave Molly a guilty look. \u201cI\u2019m sorry,\u201d he apologized. \u201cI\u2019ve been eating my own cooking for so long that I almost forgot what a good meal tastes like.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t be,\u201d returned Molly with a smile. \u201cIt does my heart good to see my cooking appreciated.\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe sat back in his chair. \u201cDo you mind if I ask you a question?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cGo ahead,\u201d Molly agreed.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat are you doing living out here in the middle of nowhere? Not that it\u2019s any of by business,\u201d added Joe hastily.<\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t mind. It\u2019s really not in the middle of nowhere. It\u2019s only about a day\u2019s ride to Caldwell — that\u2019s the nearest town.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat made you settle out here?\u201d Joe asked curiously.<\/p>\n

Molly’s face turned to the window and then slowly back to Joe. \u201cMy Will brought me here about three years ago. I knew when I married Will that he was a wandering man, that he wouldn\u2019t be happy in one place. But I loved him so. And for awhile, it was exciting moving around so much. Always new places, new people. But eventually, I got tired of it. I made Will promise to build me a proper home and settle down. He found some gold up Colorado way and had some money. So he bought this land and timber rights up on the mountain. He built me a proper home, just like he promised, and started a timber operation.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhere\u2019s Will now?\u201d asked Joe, his interest piqued.<\/p>\n

\u201cAbout a year ago, he started getting that look in his eye,\u201d Molly explained wistfully. \u201cI knew he was itching to travel, so I told him to go. He promised me he would be back in a couple of months that he was only going to do some trapping up north. I ain\u2019t seen him since.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m sorry,\u201d said Joe sadly.<\/p>\n

Molly sniffed indignantly. \u201cI can take care of myself, boy. I don\u2019t need your sympathy.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m sure you manage just fine,\u201d Joe agreed with a smile.<\/p>\n

Molly smiled back. \u201cWhat about you?\u201d she asked. \u201cA young fellow like you should be home with his family, not wandering around these mountains. Where is your home?\u201d<\/p>\n

Suddenly a look of misery crossed Joe\u2019s face, and his shoulders sagged. He looked like the weight of the world had descended on his shoulders.<\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t have a home,\u201d Joe replied softly, looking down at his plate. \u201cI\u2019m just drifting around.\u201d<\/p>\n

Molly studied the boy. Somehow, she knew there was more to his story, but she didn\u2019t press him. Whatever was bothering him was his business. She stood and started picking up dishes from the table. \u201cWell, I\u2019d better start cleaning up,\u201d she said abruptly.<\/p>\n

Getting to his feet also, Joe began to help clear the table, but Molly waved him away. \u201cThis is women\u2019s work. You go take care that horse and get yourself a good night\u2019s rest. You look like you could use it.\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe thanked Molly again for the meal and for the bed in the barn, but she just shrugged off his thanks. She watched from the door as Joe left the house and strolled to the barn. Slowly she shook her head. Poor kid, she thought, he\u2019s got some real troubles on his mind. With another shake of her head, she headed back into the house.<\/p>\n

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

The next morning, Molly had just started cooking breakfast when she heard the sound of an ax. Walking to the window in the front of the house, she smiled as she looked out. Joe was in the front yard, splitting logs into kindling. Moving to the door, Molly pulled it open it. Joe looked up from his work when he heard the creak of the door.<\/p>\n

\u201cMorning,\u201d Joe called cheerfully. \u201cI watered the stock for you and put out some fresh hay in the barn. Thought I\u2019d do a few chores to pay for last night\u2019s supper.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd maybe for this morning\u2019s breakfast?\u201d Molly asked with a twinkle in her eye.<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, yes,\u201d Joe admitted sheepishly. \u201cThat meal was awful good; it could be a long time before I get another one like it.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019re invited,\u201d Molly said. \u201cFinish that log and bring in the kindling. Breakfast is almost ready.\u201d<\/p>\n

With a big grin on his face, Joe started splitting the wood with fresh enthusiasm.<\/p>\n

Breakfast was hot cakes, eggs and biscuits, and Joe ate every bite. Molly sipped her coffee thoughtfully as she watched Joe clean his plate. He drained his coffee cup, and then smiled at Molly. \u201cThat was great,\u201d he complimented the woman.<\/p>\n

\u201cGlad you liked it,\u201d Molly replied with a distracted air.<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, I guess I\u2019d better be going,\u201d Joe said reluctantly. \u201cI sure do thank you for your kindness. \u201c<\/p>\n

\u201cJoe, do you know anything about logging?\u201d Molly asked abruptly.<\/p>\n

\u201cLogging?\u201d repeated Joe with a surprise in his voice. \u201cYeah, I\u2019ve done some. I can fell a tree and handle a two-man saw. Why?”<\/p>\n

\u201cI told you last night that Will bought the logging rights up on the mountain,” Molly answered. “We\u2019ve got a crew working a couple of miles from here, cutting timber for the sawmill in Caldwell. They could always use another hand.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t know,\u201d replied Joe doubtfully. \u201cI was planned to move on.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhy not?\u201d Molly pressed him. \u201cYou said you’re just drifting. Couldn\u2019t you use the work?\u201d When she saw the hesitant look on Joe\u2019s face, she continued. \u201cOf course, it\u2019s awfully isolated up there. No newspapers, no visitors. It\u2019s the kind of place a man could get lost in.\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe looked at Molly suspiciously. Did she guess he was on the run? She smiled back at him innocently and continued to sip her coffee. Finally, Joe shrugged his shoulders. He didn\u2019t have a better plan, and a logging camp could be just the place to hide out for awhile. \u201cAll right,\u201d he agreed. \u201cI guess I could try it for a spell.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cGood!\u201d exclaimed Molly with pleasure. \u201cGet your horse saddled, and hitch up the wagon for me. I\u2019ll clean up here, then show you the way.\u201d<\/p>\n

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

As Molly drove her wagon up the mountain, Joe followed her on horseback. She guided the team confidently, with no doubts about where she was going. The pair came to a camp about halfway up the mountain.<\/p>\n

Several large tents dotted the area, and a man about forty was sitting at a table in front of one of the tents, a map spread out before him. He looked up in surprise as Molly and Joe stopped near the middle of the camp.<\/p>\n

\u201cMolly, what a nice surprise,\u201d called the man enthusiastically as he stood and walked toward the pair. \u201cWhat brings you up here?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHello, Henry,\u201d Molly greeted the man. \u201cI brought you a new logger.\u201d She turned to Joe who was still sitting on his horse. \u201cThis is Henry Walker, my foreman.\u201d She turned back to the foreman. \u201cThis is Joe Carter. He\u2019s looking for work.\u201d<\/p>\n

Henry studied Joe. \u201cI don\u2019t know, Molly,\u201d he said doubtfully. \u201cHe looks more like a cowboy than a logger.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ve done some logging,\u201d interjected Joe. \u201cI know how to handle an ax and a two-man saw.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHenry, he\u2019s young and strong. What else do you want? Besides, you need the help,\u201d added Molly.<\/p>\n

\u201cAll right,\u201d Henry agreed reluctantly, giving Joe a nod. \u201cYou can put your horse in the corral behind the last tent. Stow your gear in the first tent. There are some empty bunks in there; just pick one.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThanks,\u201d Joe replied with a smile. He dismounted and started to lead his horse away. Suddenly, he stopped and turned back to Molly. \u201cThanks for everything.\u201d<\/p>\n

Henry watched Joe lead his horse away, then walked closer to the wagon where Molly sat with a look of satisfaction on her face. \u201cAll right, Molly,\u201d he said quietly. \u201cWhat\u2019s going on?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHenry, what makes you think anything is going on?\u201d answered Molly with an innocent air.<\/p>\n

\u201cBecause I know you. You adopt every stray critter within fifty miles. Now what\u2019s the story with this one?\u201d Henry insisted.<\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t know, Henry,\u201d admitted Molly. \u201cHe\u2019s a nice kid, but he\u2019s got some kind of troubles. I thought you could keep an eye on him for awhile.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cDo you think he\u2019s on the run?\u201d asked Henry. \u201cI don\u2019t want any trouble from the law.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSince when have you worried about that?\u201d Molly replied with a snort. \u201cThere hasn\u2019t been a lawman around here in three years. Besides, I don\u2019t think he\u2019s the kind that will cause you any trouble.\u201d<\/p>\n

Henry sighed. \u201cWe\u2019ll see, Molly. We\u2019ll see.\u201d<\/p>\n

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

Ben spent days writing letters to everyone he knew. He told them what had happened and asked them to keep their eyes and ears open for any sign of Joe. He also asked them to spread the word about the reward.<\/p>\n

Adam and Hoss took over managing the day-to-day activities of the Ponderosa, a fact Ben didn\u2019t even seem to notice. Every day, Ben rode into Virginia City with a handful of letters. He checked with Roy Coffee on each trip, but the sheriff had no news for him. After a while, Ben\u2019s initial enthusiasm about his letter-writing campaign began to flag. He knew it would take some time for the letters to reach everyone, and even longer to get any replies. But his patience was wearing thin.<\/p>\n

Sitting at his desk, Ben was writing a letter to a rancher he knew in Mexico when he heard the knock on the door. He put his pen down and walked over to the front of the house. When he opened the door, Ben was surprised to see Roy Coffee standing there. \u201cRoy, come in,\u201d Ben greeted the sheriff heartily.<\/p>\n

Roy entered the room slowly and took off his hat, playing with it in his hands as he looked at Ben. He seemed to be searching for some words.<\/p>\n

\u201cRoy, what\u2019s wrong,\u201d Ben asked with alarm.<\/p>\n

\u201cMaybe nothing,\u201d answered the sheriff slowly. \u201cBut I got a telegram this morning from the sheriff over in Black Creek. He says a young fellow matching Joe\u2019s description was killed in a gun fight there last week. There was no identification on the body. He wants us to ride over and take a look at this fellow\u2019s belongings, to see if we might identify him.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben felt as if he had been punched in the stomach. \u201cOh no,\u201d he said weakly. He took a step back and put his hands to his face.<\/p>\n

\u201cNow, Ben, don\u2019t start jumping to any conclusions,\u201d declared Roy Coffee hastily. \u201cThe wire just said the fellow matched Joe\u2019s description. It didn\u2019t say it was Joe.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben swallowed hard and nodded. \u201cYou\u2019re right. But if it is Joe\u2026..\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cBen, we don\u2019t know that,\u201d repeated the sheriff firmly.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll get Adam and Hoss,\u201d said Ben, reaching for his hat and gunbelt.<\/p>\n

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

Ben, Adam, Hoss and Roy Coffee rode as fast as their horses would take them to Black Creek, a small mining town near the border of the Utah territory. It was a two day ride to get there, and Ben kept thinking that Joe could have ended up in Black Creek if his son had headed east. He also might have wandered around for awhile then headed to a small town for supplies. Ben tried not to let the let the fear he felt get the better of him, but it gnawed at his stomach as he rode.<\/p>\n

It was dark when the four men rode into Black Creek. They could hear the music and the shouting from the saloon. The noise was punctuated by the sound of gunshots.<\/p>\n

\u201cThis is a pretty wild town,\u201d remarked Hoss as they rode by the saloon.<\/p>\n

\u201cYeah,\u201d agreed Adam, \u201cit looks like the kind of place where the law pretty much doesn\u2019t exist.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben said nothing. He rode grim-faced to the building where a sign marked \u201cJAIL\u201d was hanging from a post jutting out from the roof. He stopped his horse in front of the building, and dismounted. The others followed suit.<\/p>\n

A heavy-set man with a two-day growth of beard was sleeping in a chair in the office as the four men entered. His feet were propped up on his desk, displaying boots caked with mud; his faded shirt and pants showed stains from his last meal.<\/p>\n

\u201cSheriff!\u201d Ben yelled at the sleeping figure. The man woke with a start.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat do you want?\u201d demanded the lawman, still groggy from sleep.<\/p>\n

\u201cMy name\u2019s Ben Cartwright. This is Roy Coffee, the sheriff in Virginia City. You sent Sheriff Coffee a wire about a boy that was killed here.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOh, yeah,\u201d acknowledged the heavy-set man. \u201cFellow got killed here a week or so ago. We buried him on Boot Hill. I heard about the reward you was offering. Thought the man might be the fellow you\u2019re looking for.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat did the man look like?\u201d asked Adam.<\/p>\n

\u201cEarly twenties, dark curly hair, kind of small, real fast with a gun. He killed a miner after losing all his money in a poker game. Claimed the miner was cheating him. The man he killed, he had a lot of friends. A day or so later, the man turned up dead. Some miners said he was killed in a fair fight.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd you believe that?\u201d asked Hoss with disgust.<\/p>\n

\u201cSure, why not?\u201d answered the sheriff with a lazy grin. \u201cThese things have a way of working themselves out.\u201d<\/p>\n

Roy Coffee shook his head in anger. This was the kind of sheriff that gave the law a bad name. \u201cYou said you had the dead mans clothes,\u201d said Coffee coldly \u201cCan we see them?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSure,\u201d agreed the sheriff. He slowly stood and scratched his wide belly, then walked across the office and opened a drawer in a chest against the far wall. He pulled a stack of clothes and a gunbelt from the drawer, then walked back and laid the pile on the desk. \u201cNobody knew the fellow\u2019s name and he didn\u2019t have anything on him to identify him. We kept his clothes and gear in case somebody might recognize them.\u201d<\/p>\n

With his hands trembling, Ben picked up the gunbelt. The pistol in the holster had a pearl handle, just like the gun Joe always carried. He unrolled the gunbelt, then let out a sign of relief. \u201cThis isn\u2019t Joe\u2019s,\u201d he announced.<\/p>\n

\u201cHow can you be sure?\u201d asked the sheriff with a frown.<\/p>\n

\u201cBecause my son is left-handed, and this is a right-handed gunbelt. Joe would never have been able to use this,\u201d Ben stated. He picked up the shirt from the pile of clothes. The shirt was dark blue; a dark splotch of dried blood covered the front. Ben grabbed the shirt by the shoulders and let it unfurl. \u201cThis shirt is too small for Joe,\u201d he added. Ben dropped the shirt and gunbelt back on the desk. \u201cThe man who was killed isn\u2019t my son,\u201d he declared.<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, it could have been,\u201d said the sheriff defensively. \u201cI\u2019m mean, you never know. I thought it was worth checking out.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou mean you thought it was worth a $1,000,\u201d remarked Adam angrily. \u201cCome on, Pa. Let\u2019s get out of here.\u201d<\/p>\n

After the four men left the sheriff\u2019s office, Ben stopped and took a deep breath of the clean night air. Roy Coffee put his hand on Ben\u2019s shoulder. \u201cI\u2019m sorry, Ben,\u201d he apologized. \u201cI didn\u2019t mean to scare you. But that so-called sheriff was right about one thing. We had to check it out.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI know, Roy,\u201d answered Ben. \u201cI was just wondering how many more times we\u2019re going to have to go through this.\u201d<\/p>\n

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

Joe fell quickly into the routine of the lumber camp. He worked hard, cutting trees and trimming the branches off the felled logs. At first, he kept to himself, afraid that someone would recognize him or that he would say something that would be betray him. But he began to relax when he realized no one paid any special attention to him. A couple of times, he had failed to answer when someone called him \u201cCarter\u201d, but none of the men seemed to notice his lapse. After the weeks of loneliness on the trail, Joe was grateful for the company the camp offered.<\/p>\n

The routine of the camp was simple. Each day the crew of fifteen or so men cut and trimmed trees. Once a week the logs were loaded into two wagons which were driven to the sawmill in Caldwell. The men took turns driving the wagons, not only because it was a long day\u2019s drive to the mill, but also because the men who drove the wagon got to spend the night in town. The system allowed the loggers to have some time off without shutting down the camp.<\/p>\n

When the wagons returned, the drivers brought supplies and any mail with them. Most of the loggers sent or received little mail. The exception, however, was a big, bearded Russian named Yuri. Every Friday, on payday, Yuri faithfully wrote a letter and enclosed his pay. Usually, he received a letter back each week. Joe noticed Yuri\u2019s regular correspondence, and figured the Russian must have a family some place. Joe envied him; he wished he could contact his family. He missed his father and brothers a lot. But he felt it was too dangerous to try to contact them. He didn\u2019t know who might intercept the letter and send the law after him.<\/p>\n

Joe liked being in the crew of loggers; they all worked hard for their pay. All, that is, except a man named Pike. Several times, Joe saw Pike behind a tree, drinking from a flask. He also knew the man seemed to disappear whenever a really tough job came up. But Joe kept his mouth shut about Pike. He didn\u2019t want to cause any trouble that might draw attention to him.<\/p>\n

Joe was sitting outside a tent, sharpening an ax, on an evening when the log wagons returned to camp. He saw Pike was driving the first wagon and the man looked in a foul mood. Several of the loggers called a greeting to Pike, but the man ignored them. Pike climbed down from the wagon and was walking toward a tent when Henry Walker, the foreman, called after him.<\/p>\n

\u201cPike,\u201d the foreman yelled sharply, \u201cyou didn\u2019t unload the wagon. You know how it works. If you drive the wagon, you unload the supplies.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cUnload it yourself,\u201d Pike shouted angrily and stalked into the tent.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat\u2019s wrong with him?\u201d Walker asked the second driver.<\/p>\n

\u201cAw, he\u2019s just mad because he lost all his money in a poker game in Caldwell last night,\u201d the driver explained. \u201cHe\u2019s been complaining about it all the way from town. Don\u2019t worry, I\u2019ll unload the wagons.\u201d<\/p>\n

Walker looked uncertain for a minute, then shrugged his shoulders. \u201cAll right,\u201d the foreman agreed.<\/p>\n

The next day, Joe came back to camp early. The ax he had sharpened was dull again, and he needed a new one. Joe was nearing the camp when he saw Pike. The man looked around quickly, then slipped into one of the tents. His suspicion aroused, Joe followed him.<\/p>\n

After silently pushing open the flap of the large tent, Joe stood watching as Pike began pawing through Yuri\u2019s gear. The logger opened a leather bag and smiled triumphantly as he pulled a letter from the sack. Pike slipped the letter into his pocket.<\/p>\n

\u201cI think you\u2019d better put that back,\u201d Joe said in a quiet but insistent voice.<\/p>\n

Pike spun around. \u201cWhat are you doing here, boy?\u201d he demanded.<\/p>\n

\u201cI said, put the letter back,\u201d Joe repeated, ignoring Pike\u2019s question.<\/p>\n

Pike walked to the flap of the tent. \u201cThis ain\u2019t none of your business,\u201d he retorted.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m making it my business,\u201d Joe declared.<\/p>\n

\u201cGet out of my way,\u201d said Pike, pushing Joe aside and walking out.<\/p>\n

Moving quickly, Joe followed Pike out of the tent and grabbed the logger\u2019s arm. Spinning around, Pike punched Joe on the chin. The blow knocked Joe to the ground and stunned him for a moment. Pike was standing over him, fists ready and a nasty grin on his face, as Joe got up slowly. He was almost on his feet when he suddenly threw a left fist into Pike\u2019s stomach. The logger doubled over and Joe hit him squarely on the jaw. Pike staggered back a few feet, and Joe took a step toward the man. Suddenly, Pike straightened and hit Joe in the face with his right fist. Joe\u2019s head snapped around but he kept his feet. He charged Pike, grabbing the man around the waist and knocking him to the ground. The two men rolled in the dirt, exchanging blows. Finally, Joe managed to get on top of Pike and was about to land another blow when he felt his arms being grabbed. He was pulled off the man on the ground.<\/p>\n

Looking around, Joe realized the loggers had returned to camp. Two of them were holding him securely; two more had grabbed Pike.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat\u2019s going on here?\u201d demanded Walker, approaching the men.<\/p>\n

Joe was breathing hard from the exertion of the fight. He could feel a trickle of blood on his chin and his face felt bruised and sore. Pike was struggling with the men holding him; his face also was bloodied and bruised.<\/p>\n

\u201cI asked a question,\u201d Walker repeated sternly. \u201cWhat\u2019s going on here?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI saw Pike stealing from Yuri\u2019s gear,\u201d Joe stated with conviction.<\/p>\n

\u201cHe\u2019s lying,\u201d shouted Pike.<\/p>\n

\u201cCheck his right front pocket,\u201d declared Joe. \u201cYou\u2019ll find Yuri\u2019s letter with his pay in the pocket.\u201d<\/p>\n

Frowning, Walker took a step to Pike. Pike struggled to free himself, but the two loggers held him firmly in their grasp. The foreman reached into Pike\u2019s pocket and pulled out the letter. He read the address on the front.<\/p>\n

\u201cYuri,\u201d called Walker, turning to a group of men behind him, \u201cI think this is yours.\u201d<\/p>\n

The big Russian stepped forward and took the letter. He read the address. \u201cYes, this is mine,\u201d he agreed in heavily accented English.<\/p>\n

Nodding, Walker turned back to Pike. \u201cYou\u2019ve been nothing but trouble since you got here. I\u2019ve put up with your laziness and your drinking, but I won\u2019t put up with stealing. Get your gear and get out of here. You\u2019re fired.\u201d<\/p>\n

Pike looked at the loggers standing around him. The expressions on their faces told him that the sooner he got out of camp, the better it would be for him. He pulled himself loose from the men who were holding him. \u201cI\u2019m going,\u201d Pike mumbled. He started to turn and then stopped to look back over his shoulder at Joe. \u201cI\u2019ll get you for this,\u201d he threatened. Then Pike walked quickly into a tent, emerging a few minutes later with a bundle in his hands. Without a word, the man stomped out of camp and disappeared into the woods.<\/p>\n

Walker came over to where Joe was standing. \u201cYou better get yourself cleaned up,\u201d he advised kindly. As Joe nodded his agreement, Walker put his hand on Joe\u2019s arm. \u201cI know I should have gotten rid of Pike sooner. I knew he wasn\u2019t doing his share of the work. But I need every hand I can get. I have to keep the timber going into Caldwell — for Molly\u2019s sake.\u201d Joe nodded again, indicating his understanding.<\/p>\n

Grabbing a bucket of water and a towel from outside one of the tents, Joe walked over to a stump and sat down. He wet the towel in the water and started dabbing the cuts and bruises on his face.<\/p>\n

\u201cAre you all right?\u201d an accented voice asked.<\/p>\n

Joe looked up to see Yuri standing over him with a concerned expression on his face. Joe smiled then winced at the pain it caused. \u201cI\u2019m fine,\u201d he answered. \u201cI\u2019ve been in worse fights than this.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI want to thank you for what you did,\u201d continued the Russian. \u201cThis money, it is very important. I send it every week to my wife. She give it to the bank. Soon, we own a farm in California.\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe was surprised. \u201cYou don\u2019t look like a farmer.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI am good farmer, one of the best in Russia,\u201d Yuri boasted with a smile.<\/p>\n

\u201cHow did you end up here, in a logging camp?\u201d asked Joe.<\/p>\n

\u201cMy brother and me, we save a long time to come to America,” the Russian logger explained. “We have friends in California, and they wrote us about the rich land and the freedom here. We came to America by boat, and landed in a town called Seattle. But when we got here, we found things cost more than we thought. By the time we bought wagon, seed, all the things we need, we had only a little money left. We decide to head to California anyway. Along the way, we see sign, saying loggers wanted. My brother and I decide that one of us should stay here and work while the others go ahead. My wife, Olga, went with my brother and his wife. They found a place near our friends in California. Good land, big enough for two fine farms. My brother, he give the last of our money to the bank so we can get land. He has started clearing the land and building houses. I must send the money I earn every week so we can pay bank the rest of what we owe.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou must owe the bank a lot,\u201d said Joe.<\/p>\n

\u201cNot so much now,\u201d replied Yuri. \u201cMy brother, he sometimes find jobs and help pay bank. Soon, the land will be ours and I can go home to my Olga.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou must miss your wife,\u201d observed Joe.<\/p>\n

Yuri nodded. \u201cYes, I miss Olga. I miss my brother, too. Is good to have family who will help you.\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe swallowed hard. He knew what Yuri meant. He thought of all the times that his brothers had helped him, all the times they had pulled him out of trouble. He wished they were here to help him now.<\/p>\n

Yuri clapped Joe on the shoulder. \u201cThank you again, my friend,\u201d said the Russian. \u201cYuri will pay you back some day.\u201d<\/p>\n

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

The camp returned to its normal routine after Pike left. Pike hadn\u2019t done that much work so the loggers barely noticed his absence. Joe fell into the habit of working with Yuri. He liked the big Russian; the logger reminded Joe of his brother Hoss. Yuri, still grateful to Joe for saving his money, enjoyed the younger man\u2019s company as well. The two were becoming close friends.<\/p>\n

The day Joe was dreading finally came, however. It was his turn to take the wagon into Caldwell. He had been thinking about what to do when his turn came. He knew there was a sheriff in Caldwell; he had heard the other men talking about it. What he didn\u2019t know was if the sheriff had a wanted poster with his picture on it. If he did, and the sheriff spotted him, he would be on his way back to Virginia City to face a gallows. Joe decided the risk was too great.<\/p>\n

The day before he was to drive the wagons, Joe approached Henry Walker. \u201cMr. Walker, would you mind if one of the other men took my run with the log wagons?\u201d he asked hesitantly.<\/p>\n

Walker looked surprised. \u201cNo, I don\u2019t mind. I\u2019m sure one of them would be happy for another night in town. But what about you? You\u2019ve been working here without a break for over a month. Don\u2019t you want some time off?\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe shook his head. \u201cNo, I\u2019d rather stay here.\u201d<\/p>\n

Walker studied him for a minute, then shrugged. \u201cWell, it\u2019s all right by me. Go find yourself a replacement.\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe breathed a sigh of relief. He knew he had another few weeks of safety. He also knew he couldn\u2019t stay in the camp forever, but at least he had some time to think about what to do.<\/p>\n

Yuri was happy to take Joe\u2019s turn at driving the wagon into Caldwell. \u201cI get my letter from Olga sooner,\u201d the Russian declared with a grin. \u201cAnother favor I owe you.\u201d Joe shrugged off the big man\u2019s thanks. He was just happy not to have to spend a night dodging the sheriff.<\/p>\n

When he returned to camp the next day, Joe was surprised to see Molly sitting at a table with Henry Walker. \u201cMolly!\u201d he shouted with pleasure when he saw her. \u201cWhat are you doing here?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHello, Joe,\u201d Molly called back, smiling. \u201cJust checking on a few things with Henry.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou mean, just checking on me, don\u2019t you?\u201d Walker countered with a grin.<\/p>\n

\u201cHenry, I never have to check on you,\u201d Molly stated firmly. \u201cOutside of Will, you\u2019re the best man I know.\u201d<\/p>\n

As he noted Walker\u2019s blush, Joe smiled at the affection that was evident between the two. He hoped Will was the man Molly thought he was. She deserved the best.<\/p>\n

\u201cJoe,\u201d Molly said, \u201cHenry here tells me you haven’t gone into the Caldwell, that you\u2019ve been working here every day.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI just didn\u2019t feel like going into town,\u201d Joe explained.<\/p>\n

\u201cNonsense,\u201d retorted Molly sharply. \u201cYou can\u2019t keep working all the time. Tell you what — why don\u2019t you come back to the house with me. I\u2019ll fix you one of those dinners you seem to like so well.”<\/p>\n

Joe looked at Walker with a question on his face. The foreman just shrugged. \u201cGo ahead. After all, Molly\u2019s the boss,\u201d he agreed.<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd don\u2019t you forget it,\u201d Molly declared with a grin. \u201cGo get your horse, Joe. You\u2019re having dinner with me.\u201d<\/p>\n

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

Molly\u2019s dinner turned out to be everything she promised and more. She cooked the best roast beef Joe had tasted since he left the Ponderosa. She had potatoes, beans and biscuits, too. Joe once again ate like a starving man.<\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t they feed you up at the camp?\u201d Molly asked with amusement as Joe was eating his second helping of everything.<\/p>\n

\u201cNot like this,\u201d Joe answered with his mouth full. \u201cMolly, you\u2019re the best cook I know; you\u2019re even better than Hop Sing.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHop Sing?\u201d asked Molly.<\/p>\n

Stopping his fork in mid-air, Joe looked flustered. \u201cWell, um, he\u2019s a cook at a ranch I used to work at,\u201d Joe explained lamely. He put his fork on the table. Suddenly, Joe had lost his appetite.<\/p>\n

Molly nodded but didn\u2019t comment on Joe\u2019s strange behavior. She could see the look on Joe\u2019s face every time he mentioned his past. She knew he was hiding something. He would talk about it when he was ready, she decided.<\/p>\n

\u201cMolly, you ought to open a restaurant,\u201d Joe advised, trying to change the subject. \u201cYou\u2019d have the people in Caldwell lining up to get in.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, thanks for the compliment, Joe,\u201d acknowledged Molly. \u201cBut I can\u2019t leave here. I have to wait for Will.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cMolly, do you really think he\u2019s coming back?\u201d Joe asked kindly.<\/p>\n

Molly didn\u2019t answer. She got up from the table and walked to the window, peering out into the darkness. \u201cI don\u2019t know, Joe,\u201d she admitted still looking out the window. \u201cMy head keeps telling me he\u2019s probably dead; otherwise, he\u2019d be back by now. But my heart keeps hoping. That\u2019s the hard part — the not knowing.\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe said nothing. He was thinking about how his father must be feeling, not knowing where he was.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s hard not knowing what happened,\u201d she continued. \u201cYou begin to look at every face, hoping you\u2019ll see the one you want. Every time I go to town, I check for messages, hoping he\u2019ll send word.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cMaybe\u2026\u201d Joe started hesitantly, swallowing hard, \u201cmaybe he can\u2019t send a message. Maybe sending a message would be dangerous for him.\u201d<\/p>\n

Molly shook her head. \u201cNo, if he were alive, he\u2019d send word somehow. You don\u2019t leave people you love wondering what happened to you. It\u2019s too cruel.\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe stared at his plate. Molly\u2019s words made him feel guilty. He knew his father and brothers must be searching for him, waiting for some kind of message from him. But he just couldn\u2019t bring himself to send a letter. The thought of that lynch mob in Virginia City made him shudder.<\/p>\n

A smile now on her face, Molly turned back to Joe. \u201cWell, enough of this. I\u2019m going to clean up. You go out to the barn and make up that bunk. Henry will want you back in camp bright and early tomorrow.\u201d<\/p>\n

Getting to his feet, Joe walked over to Molly. He kissed her lightly on the forehead. \u201cThanks,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat for?\u201d asked Molly with surprise.<\/p>\n

\u201cFor being my friend,\u201d Joe answered.<\/p>\n

Molly smiled warmly at him. \u201cGo on, get out of here,\u201d she ordered, her voice choked with emotion. Joe smiled back at her and left.<\/p>\n

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

Two days later, Joe was lying on his cot at the lumber camp. It was early evening, and most of the men were cleaning up and doing odd jobs around the camp. Yuri was sitting at a table, writing to his wife.<\/p>\n

Joe stared at the top of the tent, not really seeing it. Molly\u2019s words at dinner still rang in his ears. He had purposely tried not to think about Pa, Adam and Hoss. He had tried not to think about the Ponderosa and the life he led there; the memories were too painful. But Molly\u2019s statement about how cruel it was to leave your loved ones not knowing bothered him. He tried to think of a way to get a message to his family.<\/p>\n

Suddenly, Joe sat up on the bunk and looked at his Russian friend. \u201cYuri,\u201d he said, \u201cwould you do a favor for me?\u201d<\/p>\n

Yuri looked up. \u201cSure, Joe. What is it?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIf I give you a letter, would you send it to your wife and ask her to mail it for me?\u201d asked Joe.<\/p>\n

\u201cSure,\u201d agreed the Russian with a puzzled expression on his face. \u201cBut why go to all that trouble. Why don\u2019t you mail it yourself? The next driver, he can take it into Caldwell for you.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s complicated,\u201d answered Joe slowly. \u201cI want to mail the letter so no one knows where it came from. I can\u2019t explain it. Will you just do this for me without asking any questions?\u201d<\/p>\n

Yuri shrugged. \u201cAll right. Give me letter and I\u2019ll put it in with the one I\u2019m sending to Olga. She will mail it for you.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThanks,\u201d said Joe gratefully. He walked to the table. \u201cCan I borrow a pen and some paper?\u201d<\/p>\n

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

Ben Cartwright sat at the dinner table, toying with his food and glancing occasionally at the empty chair at the table. Hoss and Adam exchanged looks; they knew their Pa was thinking about Joe. Lately, that was all he seemed to think about. It had been almost two months since Joe had disappeared. The story of Joe\u2019s arrest, escape and being cleared of all charges had run in several newspapers. The offer of a reward for information had been published, and posters announcing the reward had been sent to every town in the Nevada. Letters came in — at first a lot, then just a few. Most were from friends, offering sympathy and agreeing to keep an eye out for Joe. A few claimed to have information about Joe, but each claim proved to be false.<\/p>\n

In the last week, they had received no letters.<\/p>\n

Both Hoss and Adam wished they could say or do something to help, but they had run out of ideas. Joe had managed to hide himself well. They felt he wasn\u2019t going to be found until he wanted to be.<\/p>\n

Adam cleared his throat. \u201cPa, we\u2019re going to need some help breaking those horses if we want to fill that Army contract,\u201d he announced.<\/p>\n

\u201cYeah, Pa,\u201d Hoss chimed in. \u201cWe still have about twenty horses to break. Usually, we could manage. But work seems to be piling up around here. It\u2019s hard to get everything done without\u2026..\u201d Hoss stopped in mid-sentence.<\/p>\n

As Adam kicked his brother under the table, Hoss looked at him guiltily. He hadn\u2019t meant to bring up Joe. It just slipped out.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou mean, it\u2019s hard to get everything done without Joe, don\u2019t you,\u201d Ben finished for his middle son. \u201cGo ahead; you can say it. We can\u2019t ignore that fact that Joe\u2019s not here. \u201c<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m sorry, Pa,\u201d apologized Hoss. \u201cI don\u2019t want to make you feel bad.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben sighed. \u201cNo, I\u2019m the one that\u2019s sorry. I\u2019ve left all the work in running this ranch to you boys.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWe don\u2019t mind,\u201d declared Adam.<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, I mind,\u201d replied Ben. \u201cIt\u2019s not right. I\u2019ve been ignoring you two while I\u2019ve been worrying about Joe. I\u2019m sorry.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cPa, we understand,\u201d Hoss advised in a sympathetic voice. \u201cWe\u2019re worried about Joe, too.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYes, but you\u2019ve kept the ranch going,\u201d said Ben. \u201cIf it hadn\u2019t been for you\u2026well, I want you to know how grateful I am. Things are going to change around here, I promise you. I\u2019m going to start doing my share of the work around here again.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam and Hoss said nothing. They were embarrassed by the praise but also saddened by their father\u2019s words. It was almost as if Ben had given up on finding Joe.<\/p>\n

Pushing back from the table, Ben stood up. \u201cI\u2019m going upstairs for awhile,\u201d he announced.<\/p>\n

Hoss and Adam watched Ben climb the stairs. \u201cYou know where he\u2019s going, don\u2019t you,\u201d asked Adam.<\/p>\n

\u201cYeah, I know,\u201d answered Hoss. \u201cHe\u2019s going to Joe\u2019s room.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI found him up there the other night, just sitting in Joe\u2019s room,” Adam noted. “He wasn\u2019t doing anything; he was just sitting there.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI know,\u201d Hoss agreed. \u201cI guess it makes him feel closer to Joe somehow.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, you\u2019re not much better,\u201d observed Adam. \u201cI see you out there feeding and currying Joe\u2019s pinto every day.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat about you?\u201d Hoss countered with a snort. \u201cYou\u2019ve polished his saddle so many times that you\u2019ve practically worn the leather off.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019re right,\u201d Adam admitted with a sigh. \u201cWe\u2019re as bad as Pa. You know, I keep thinking about all the times Joe made me mad, all the stunts he used to pull. He used to drive me crazy.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYeah,\u201d acknowledged Hoss sadly, \u201cI miss him, too.\u201d<\/p>\n

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

Adam and Hoss were already at breakfast the next morning when Ben came down. \u201cGood morning, boys,\u201d he said briskly as he sat down.<\/p>\n

\u201cMorning, Pa,\u201d answered Hoss tentatively.<\/p>\n

\u201cAdam, I\u2019ve been thinking about those horses,\u201d Ben continued as he poured himself a cup of coffee. \u201cI bet we could find some men in Virginia City to help us break them.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam looked at Hoss and then back at Ben. \u201cWell, I suppose,\u201d Adam agreed. \u201cI could ride into town and see who\u2019s around.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cGood, why don\u2019t you do that,\u201d suggested Ben. \u201cHoss, I\u2019m going up to check on that timber operation on Sun Mountain.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cPa, I was going to do that,\u201d Hoss objected.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou don\u2019t have to; I\u2019ll take care of it. You have plenty of other things to do,\u201d replied Ben.<\/p>\n

Adam and Hoss looked at each other. Ben seemed like his old self, taking charge and giving orders. They wondered if he was putting on an act.<\/p>\n

The three men continued to discuss ranch business over breakfast. Joe\u2019s name wasn\u2019t mentioned and Ben said nothing about writing letters or checking in town for replies.<\/p>\n

Breakfast was almost finished when there was a knock on the door. Ben stood and walked to the door, while Adam and Hoss followed him. All three were curious about who would be visiting this early in the day.<\/p>\n

Opening the door, Ben saw a young boy about twelve standing there, holding an envelope in his hand. \u201cMr. Cartwright?\u201d the boy asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cYes, I\u2019m Ben Cartwright,” answered Ben. \u201cWhat can I do for you?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cMr. Hopkins down at the post office asked me to ride out and give you this letter. He said he recognized the handwriting, and that you\u2019d want it right away,\u201d the boy explained. He looked hopefully at Ben. \u201cHe said maybe you\u2019d give me something for my trouble.\u201d<\/p>\n

Taking the envelope, Ben stared at the writing. Then he looked up at Adam and Hoss. \u201cIt\u2019s from Joe,\u201d he announced in a small voice.<\/p>\n

\u201cMr. Cartwright?\u201d the boy said again, the hope still evident in his voice<\/p>\n

Turning back to the boy, Ben reached in his pocket. He pulled out a silver dollar and handed it to the young man. \u201cYes, thank you. You tell Mr. Hopkins I said thank you, too.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cA dollar!\u201d the boy exclaimed. \u201cYes sir. I\u2019ll be sure to tell him.\u201d<\/p>\n

Closing the door, Ben continued to stare at the letter. He was almost afraid to open it, afraid what it might say. Adam and Hoss watched him, also feeling a combination of hope and dread. Finally, Ben tore open the envelope. He pulled out a sheet of paper and started reading it aloud:<\/p>\n

Dear Pa,<\/em><\/p>\n

I\u2019m all right. Don\u2019t worry about me. I know I should have stayed and faced my troubles in Virginia City, but I just couldn\u2019t do it. You always taught us to face our problems, and not to run. I know you were right, but I just couldn\u2019t stay.<\/em><\/p>\n

I think about you and Adam and Hoss every day, and I miss you all a lot. I wish I could come back to the Ponderosa, but I know I can\u2019t. So I\u2019m going to make a new life for myself. I know I won\u2019t be as happy as when I was at the Ponderosa, but I\u2019ll manage.<\/em><\/p>\n

Don\u2019t try to find me. It\u2019ll only cause trouble. This letter is being mailed by a friend far away from where I\u2019m at. I\u2019ll keep thinking about you. Maybe one day I can come home.<\/em><\/p>\n

Joe<\/em><\/p>\n

Ben read the letter with mixed emotions. He was happy to know that Joe was safe and well, but disappointed that his son didn\u2019t tell him where he was. He also was upset that Joe obviously didn\u2019t know he had been cleared of the murder charge. Joe still thought he was a wanted man.<\/p>\n

Ben looked at the envelope. \u201cThe postmark says Eureka.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhere\u2019s that?\u201d asked Hoss.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s a little town in California,\u201d replied Adam. \u201cI\u2019ve been through it. Nothing much around there except farms.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cCome on, boys, let\u2019s saddle up. We\u2019re going to Eureka to look for Joe,\u201d declared Ben.<\/p>\n

\u201cBut, Pa, Joe said the letter was being mailed by a friend, that he wasn\u2019t there,\u201d protested Hoss.<\/p>\n

\u201cI know,\u201d answered Ben. \u201cBut maybe we can find out who mailed the letter. If we can, we can find out where Joe is.\u201d<\/p>\n

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

Four days later, three weary riders rode into the small town of Eureka. Ben had pushed his sons to keep riding, stopping only when they had to rest the horses. He knew the chances of finding who mailed the letter where slim, but he couldn\u2019t help himself. He wanted urgently to get Eureka and find out for sure. Any delay meant he might miss whoever mailed the letter.<\/p>\n

The town had only five buildings \u2013 a bank, a store, a church, a stable and a shipping depot. Ben asked an old man sitting in front of the bank about the post office and was told that the mail was handled by the storekeeper. The trio rode a few feet to the store and dismounted. Ben pushed opened the door, setting off a bell as he entered. Adam and Hoss followed him in.<\/p>\n

A middle-aged man wearing an apron stood behind the counter. \u201cCan I help you?\u201d he asked with a friendly grin.<\/p>\n

Pulling Joe\u2019s letter from his vest pocket, Ben showed it to the man. \u201cI\u2019m trying to find out who mailed this letter. Do you remember?\u201d<\/p>\n

The storekeeper studied the letter, then shook his head. \u201cSorry,\u201d he replied. \u201cI don\u2019t remember who mailed it. People around here mostly just leave their letters in the basket on the counter. Every day or so, I collect the letters, stamp \u2018em with the postmark and give them to the stage driver when he comes through. He takes them to Sacramento, where the letters get sorted and sent on.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThe person who mailed this might have been a stranger,\u201d Ben went on, pressing the man. \u201cSomeone not from around here. He might have had to buy a stamp for it. Do you remember anyone like that?\u201d<\/p>\n

Again the storekeeper shook his head. \u201cNope. I don\u2019t remember selling a stamp to a stranger. Sell \u2018em all the time to the folks who live around here, but no strangers.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cDid anyone mention mailing a letter for someone else?\u201d asked Adam.<\/p>\n

\u201cNope,\u201d answered the man again. \u201cSay, what\u2019s so important about that letter?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2019re trying to find my little brother,\u201d explained Hoss. \u201cThis letter is from him. If we can find out who mailed it, we might be able to find my brother.\u201d<\/p>\n

The storekeeper nodded. \u201cI see. Well, I\u2019ll ask around. Leave me your name and address. If I find out anything, I\u2019ll let you know.\u201d<\/p>\n

Thanking the man, Ben wrote his name and address on a sheet of paper. He left the store with a discouraged air.<\/p>\n

Adam and Hoss looked at their father with sympathy. \u201cPa, we knew this was a long-shot,\u201d said Adam.<\/p>\n

\u201cI know,\u201d replied Ben. \u201cBut I felt so sure we\u2019d find something this time.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, at least we know Joe\u2019s all right. That\u2019s something,\u201d Hoss noted.<\/p>\n

\u201cI suppose,\u201d answered Ben glumly. \u201cLet\u2019s head for home.\u201d<\/p>\n

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

Joe knew that the camp would be shutting down for the winter soon. At night, he could feel a chill in the air. Walker, the foreman, told the crew that the strand of trees they were working on would be last. Joe figured he had about two weeks of work left. He tried not to think about what he was going to do when the camp was closed. He faced the same dilemma as before. Where should he go? What should he do next? He still felt that going back to Virginia City was dangerous. But he had no idea where he could go and be safe.<\/p>\n

As he worked, Joe felt a dull ache in his heart. He missed his family, missed the Ponderosa. At night, he dreamed he was home, working on the ranch with his father and brothers. He dreamed of the big living room in the house, with its warm, inviting fire, and he dreamed of his old room. He woke in the morning with a keen disappointment when he realized where he was.<\/p>\n

Joe continued to avoid driving the wagon to Caldwell. He also had dinner with Molly on three different occasions. Molly never asked him about his past but she continued to talk about how much she wished Will was back, how important it was to have a home to come back to. Her conversation made Joe\u2019s homesickness even worse.<\/p>\n

The work at the camp continued to wind down. One day, Walker declared that the crew would stay in camp. He wanted them to start stowing gear for the winter, to start cleaning up the camp. Joe knew his time as a logger was drawing to a close.<\/p>\n

Joe worked with the other men as the crew started oiling tools and wrapping them in cloth for storage. Walker was checking items off a list as the men worked. Suddenly, the foreman frowned.<\/p>\n

\u201cCarter!\u201d Walker shouted.<\/p>\n

Joe looked up. He was getting used to his new name.<\/p>\n

\u201cCarter!\u201d shouted Walker again. \u201cWe\u2019re missing two axes. Get over to that section where the crew was working yesterday and see if they got left behind.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYes sir,\u201d Joe replied. He turned to Yuri who was standing next to him. \u201cI\u2019ll be back in about fifteen minutes to help you crate those tools.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cFine,\u201d agreed Yuri. \u201cNo rush.\u201d<\/p>\n

Leaving camp, Joe headed toward the area where the men were working last. It was an usually warm day for the time of year, so Joe didn\u2019t wear his jacket.<\/p>\n

When he reached the work area, Joe looked around. He didn\u2019t see any tools. He continued to search, but the axes were no where to be found. Joe was about to return to camp when he heard a voice.<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, if it isn\u2019t the busybody,\u201d said the voice with snarl.<\/p>\n

Turning quickly, Joe saw Pike standing by a tree. The logger had a knife in his hand and the look on his face was pure hatred.<\/p>\n

Joe reached automatically to his hip for his gun, but felt nothing. He had stopped wearing his holster while he was working; he had no need for a gun in the logging camp. Swallowing hard, Joe tried not to show the apprehension he was feeling. \u201cWhat do you want, Pike?\u201d he asked evenly. \u201cI figured you\u2019d be miles away from here.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI was but I came back,\u201d Pike replied with an evil grin. \u201cI decided I owed you something.\u201d The sun glinted off the blade of the knife as Pike took a step toward Joe. \u201cYou got me fired from a nice, cushy job. I\u2019m going to carve up that pretty face of yours to remind you to mind your own business.\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe watched Pike cautiously as the man came closer. The knife was a large one. Joe wished he had his jacket or something else he could use to blunt the blade.<\/p>\n

Suddenly, Pike took a swipe at Joe with the knife; Joe leapt back, the blade barely missing him. He could feel a whoosh of air as the knife went by. Pike\u2019s arm came swishing back. Joe jumped again, but he didn\u2019t quite evade the knife this time. He felt a hot, stinging pain across his chest. Once more, Pike\u2019s arm started forward. This time, Joe grabbed Pike\u2019s wrist with both hands and started pushing it back. Pike pounded Joe in the middle of the shoulders with a fist made from his free hand. Joe arched backward and his knees buckled, but he held on tenaciously to the arm with the knife. Pike hit him again on the shoulder; Joe lost his grip and fell to his knees.<\/p>\n

Laughing, Pike once more stabbed at Joe. Joe put his left hand up, instinctively trying to protect himself, and felt the knife slice his palm. The knife came whizzing back, this time cutting deep into Joe\u2019s forearm. Pike slashed at Joe a third time, cutting a long gash into Joe\u2019s upper arm between his elbow and shoulder. Joe pushed himself away from his attacker, scrambling to avoid the lethal blade. He could feel the blood running down his arm and the burning of the cut on his chest. He suddenly felt light-headed and weak.<\/p>\n

As Pike took another step forward, Joe realized there was little he could do to stop the attack. He tried to push himself back again, but was only able to move a few inches. Pike stood over him.<\/p>\n

\u201cCutting you up ain\u2019t enough,\u201d Pike snarled. \u201cI\u2019m going to make sure you never butt into my business again.\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe felt helpless as he looked up at Pike. He was growing weaker with each passing moment and he knew there was nothing he could do to stop the man from killing him. Joe closed his eyes, and the faces of Pa, Adam and Hoss flashed in his mind. Sorry, Pa, he thought, I never had a chance to say goodbye.<\/p>\n

Opening his eyes, Joe saw Pike raise his hand to deliver the fatal blow. Suddenly, an arm reached around Pike\u2019s neck and pulled him back. Joe watched in astonishment as Yuri threw Pike to the ground.<\/p>\n

\u201cPike, you crazy,\u201d called the Russian. \u201cWhat are you trying to do?\u201d<\/p>\n

Roaring in anger, Pike scrambled to his feet. He had dropped the knife when he hit the ground, and he didn\u2019t bother to look for it. He charged at Yuri and the Russian met the charge by grabbing Pike\u2019s arms. The two men grappled for a moment. Then Pike reached out and punched Yuri in the face.<\/p>\n

As Yuri fell back to the ground, Pike jumped on him and began choking him. Yuri tried to pull the man\u2019s hands from his neck, but Pike had an iron grip on him.<\/p>\n

Staggering to his feet, Joe knew he had to do something quickly. If he didn\u2019t act, Pike would kill Yuri. Joe fell to his knees, too weak to stand. He knew he didn\u2019t have the strength to deliver any kind of blow that would knock Pike off of Yuri. Suddenly, Joe saw the knife on the ground. He picked it up and crawled toward the two men. With all the strength he could muster, Joe raised the knife and plunged it into Pike\u2019s back.<\/p>\n

Pike screamed and his hand reached for his back. He stiffened for a moment, then fell forward on to Yuri.<\/p>\n

The Russian pushed Pike aside and sat up, his hands rubbing his neck as he gasped for air. He took several deep breaths, then looked around. Pike was stretched out on the ground, his eyes closed. Even from a few feet away, Yuri could see the man was dead. He looked the other way and saw Joe lying on his side, blood streaming from his arm and chest. Yuri rushed to his young friend. \u201cJoe, how bad are you hurt?\u201d he asked with concern.<\/p>\n

Joe raised his head. \u201cIs he dead?\u201d he asked weakly. Yuri nodded. Joe started to say something else, but his strength gave out. He crumpled back to the ground.<\/p>\n

\u201cI get you back to camp,\u201d Yuri declared. He grabbed Joe\u2019s uninjured arm and pulled the younger man to his feet. He threw the arm around his neck and put his arm around the left side of Joe\u2019s body. \u201cLean on me,\u201d Yuri ordered. \u201cI get you back.\u201d Joe nodded weakly.<\/p>\n

As Yuri dragged him toward the camp, Joe\u2019s legs were barely working. Rivulets of blood streamed down his arm and chest, and Joe was having a hard time staying conscious. He lost track of where he was. He tried to concentrate on moving his feet but even that was difficult. He could feel the Russian tighten his grip and pull him along even more relentlessly.<\/p>\n

Finally, Joe saw the camp. He recognized the tents in a hazy blur and tried once more to get his legs to work. He could hear shouts and feel hands grabbing at him to help him. Then a curtain of blackness descended.<\/p>\n

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

Joe woke to find himself in a big bed, covered with sheets and blankets. He started to sit up but pain shot through his arm and chest. He sank back, resting his head on two soft pillows. He still felt light-headed and weak. His arm, hand and chest were heavily bandaged. He tried to move his arm but grunted at the pain the movement caused.<\/p>\n

Looking around, Joe saw he was in a small, sparsely furnished room. The only furniture besides the bed was a chair and a small table. A large bowl with a cloth hanging over the side sat on the table next to a lamp. The walls were bare. Joe could see a small window with curtains on his left and a door on the wall opposite the bed.<\/p>\n

Suddenly, the door on the far wall opened, and Molly walked in. She looked at him carefully, then smiled. \u201cI thought I heard you moving around. How are you feeling?\u201d she asked.<\/p>\n

With a confused expression on his face, Joe looked around the room. \u201cWhere am I?\u201d he questioned. His voice was weak and thin.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019re at my place,\u201d answered Molly. \u201cHenry and Yuri brought you here three days ago. The shape you were in, you would have never made it to Caldwell. Besides, they figured I could patch you up just as well as some doctor. And they were right.\u201d She grinned in satisfaction.<\/p>\n

\u201cThree days?\u201d Joe repeated, even more confused. \u201cI\u2019ve been here three days?\u201d<\/p>\n

Molly turned serious. \u201cYou\u2019ve been a pretty sick boy, Joe. You lost a lot of blood and had some infection. You\u2019ve been out of your head with fever most of that time. For awhile, I didn\u2019t think you were going to make it.\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe shook his head; he didn\u2019t remember a thing after returning to camp. He looked up at Molly. \u201cThank you,\u201d he said. \u201cI owe you my life.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou don\u2019t owe me anything,\u201d replied Molly briskly. \u201cI hate to see anything hurt. However, you do owe your family. You need to go home, Joe.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat do you mean?\u201d Joe asked with a frown.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou did a lot of talking while you were sick,\u201d Molly explained. \u201cI know all about your Pa and brothers, and your ranch. I also know that you were falsely accused of murdering that girl.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHow do you know I\u2019m innocent?\u201d asked Joe.<\/p>\n

\u201cBecause you told me. A man who\u2019s out of his head with fever doesn\u2019t lie,\u201d declared Molly. \u201cIt takes a clear head to lie.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI didn\u2019t kill her, I swear,\u201d Joe stated. \u201cBut everyone in Virginia City thinks I\u2019m guilty. If I go back, they\u2019ll hang me.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou don\u2019t know that for sure,\u201d countered Molly. \u201cBut you do know that you have a family that cares about you, that\u2019s worried about you. You should go home, Joe.\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe felt too tired to argue. His arm and chest hurt, and his head ached. He closed his eyes and took a deep breath, then winced with pain.<\/p>\n

Molly came quickly to the side of the bed. \u201cYou\u2019re still hurting a lot, aren\u2019t you?\u201d she stated with concern. Joe nodded. Molly put her hand on Joe\u2019s forehead. \u201cYou still got some fever, too,\u201d she added. \u201cWe\u2019ll talk about this later. You need to get some rest.\u201d Joe nodded again and let himself drift off to sleep.<\/p>\n

For the next two days, Joe did little but eat and sleep. It seemed like every time he woke up, Molly was there. She forced soup into him at first, then soft eggs and custards. She also changed his bandages, shaved him and washed him. Joe was embarrassed by her tending to him, but Molly waved away his protests. \u201cIt\u2019s not like I\u2019ve never taken care of a man before,\u201d she pointed out. \u201cI patched Will up more times than I can count. \u201c<\/p>\n

By the third day, Joe felt well enough to sit up in bed for several hours and to eat some solid food. The pain from his cuts was reduced to a twinge when he moved too much.<\/p>\n

Around mid-afternoon, Molly came into the room to check on Joe. She removed his bandages and checked his wounds. \u201cYou\u2019re healing. I don\u2019t even think you\u2019ll have any scars to show off,\u201d she said with a grin. She put her hand on his forehead. \u201cFever\u2019s gone, too,\u201d she declared. \u201cNow all we have to do is get your strength back and you can head for home,\u201d she told him as she started to put clean bandages over his cuts.<\/p>\n

\u201cMolly, I can\u2019t go back,\u201d Joe insisted, his voice tinged with despair.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou have to,\u201d Molly stated firmly. \u201cYou can\u2019t just leave your family wondering about you. It\u2019s not right. I know.\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe shook his head. \u201cThey wouldn\u2019t want me to hang.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo, they wouldn\u2019t,\u201d agreed Molly. \u201cBut you’ve been here, what, about three months? Do you think they\u2019ve just been sitting around all this time? I\u2019ll bet you by now they have this mess cleared up.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cBut what if they don\u2019t?\u201d pressed Joe. \u201cI just can\u2019t take the chance.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou can\u2019t stay in my spare bedroom forever, Joe,\u201d Molly argued. \u201cYou\u2019ve got to leave here eventually. Where will you go?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t know,\u201d admitted Joe. \u201cI\u2019ll think of something.\u201d<\/p>\n

Molly shook her head and pursed her lips. Joe was stubborn, she thought. Stubborn and scared. It\u2019s going to take some time to convince him. She gathered up the old bandages briskly, and stood up. \u201cYou rest,\u201d she said. \u201cWe\u2019ll talk about this later.\u201d Joe started to protest, but Molly simply turned her back on him and walked out of the room.<\/p>\n

For the next two days, Molly said nothing more about Joe\u2019s going home, and he didn\u2019t bring up the subject. He felt bad that Molly was angry at him, especially after all that she had done for him. But he knew going home was dangerous.<\/p>\n

Joe was sitting up in bed, staring out the window, lost in thought when he heard a knock on the door. He looked up as Molly entered the room. \u201cFeeling up to visitors?\u201d she asked as she opened the door. Joe looked at her with curiosity. Smiling, she walked in the room, followed by Yuri and Henry Walker. Walker was holding a bundle in his hands.<\/p>\n

\u201cYuri! Henry!\u201d Joe exclaimed happily. \u201cIt\u2019s good to see you.\u201d<\/p>\n

Both men grinned. \u201cYou look better,\u201d declared Yuri. \u201cThe last time I see you, you don’t look so good.\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe nodded. \u201cI know what you mean. Yuri, I didn\u2019t thank you for what you did. You save my life.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cBah, it was nothing,\u201d answered the Russian. \u201cBesides, I still owed you favor. Now, we\u2019re even.\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe laughed. \u201cI think I owe you a lot more. But we\u2019ll call it even for now.\u201d<\/p>\n

Henry laid a bundle on the foot of your bed. \u201cI brought your gear. Your horse is in Molly\u2019s barn. We\u2019ve closed down the camp for the winter.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThanks,\u201d said Joe. \u201cBy the way, is there going to be any trouble over\u2026over what happened to Pike?\u201d<\/p>\n

Henry shook his head. \u201cNo. I talked with the sheriff in Caldwell and told him what happened. He\u2019s satisfied the killing was justified.\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe sighed with relief. The last thing he needed right now was the law coming after him again. He turned to Yuri.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat made you come after me that day?\u201d Joe asked the Russian with a puzzled expression. \u201cNot that I mind. If you hadn\u2019t shown up, I\u2019d be dead now.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOh, we found missing axes right after you left. I came out to tell you not to look any more,\u201d explained Yuri. \u201cWhen I see you on the ground bleeding and Pike with a knife, I just grabbed him. It\u2019s good thing you were able to help. I don\u2019t fight so good.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou fight well enough,\u201d Joe observed with a grin. \u201cThank you again.\u201d Yuri just waved away Joe\u2019s thanks.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat are you going to do now?\u201d asked Joe.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m going home,\u201d Yuri announced with a big smile. \u201cMr. Walker give us all big bonus for doing good job. It\u2019s enough to pay off bank. I\u2019m going to be farmer from now on.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s great,\u201d Joe told the Russian. He felt a tinge of sadness, though. \u201cI\u2019m going to miss you,\u201d he added.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019 miss you, too, my friend,\u201d said Yuri. \u201cYou come to Eureka some day. I show you best farm in California.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI will,\u201d Joe promised with a smile. He turned to Walker. \u201cWhat about you, Henry? What are you going to do?\u201d he asked.<\/p>\n

Walker shrugged. \u201cSame thing I do every year, I guess. I\u2019ll hole up in Caldwell for the winter. I\u2019ll find some odd jobs to keep me busy. Then I\u2019ll come back in the spring to set up camp again. That is, if Molly will have me.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou know you\u2019re always welcome, Henry,\u201d Molly declared warmly. \u201cI couldn\u2019t manage without you.\u201d<\/p>\n

Blushing a bit, Walker nervously cleared his throat. \u201cWell, we better be going,\u201d he said. \u201cI put your pay in with your things. You got quite a bit of money there. Be careful with it.\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe nodded and stuck out his hand. \u201cThanks for everything, Henry,\u201d he told the man with as much sincerity as he could put into those few words.<\/p>\n

Henry shook his hand. \u201cIf you get a chance, look me up in Caldwell. I\u2019ll buy you a drink.\u201d<\/p>\n

Again Joe nodded, then offered his hand to Yuri. \u201cYou take care of yourself. Give my best to Olga.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYes,\u201d agreed Yuri as he shook hands. \u201cYou come see me sometime.\u201d<\/p>\n

After Joe watched the two men left the room, followed by Molly, he turned to stare out the window again. Would his life be like this from now on? Meeting people, making friends and then having to leave them behind? He wondered if he would ever be able to settle down and have a normal life again.<\/p>\n

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

Joe improved steadily and, after another week, was well enough to get out of bed. Molly fixed him appetizing meals and made sure he rested each day. Joe enjoyed being looked after; it reminded him of home. Whenever he was sick or hurt at the Ponderosa, his Pa and brothers took care of him the same way.<\/p>\n

As Joe healed, Molly began to ask him about his past. At first, he was hesitant to talk about his life on the Ponderosa; the memories were too painful. Gradually, however, he began to open up. It was relief to be able to talk freely and not have to be careful about what he said. Soon, each night after dinner, he found himself sitting in front of the fire with Molly, telling stories. She grinned when he told her about the time he helped his brothers buy a thoroughbred horse, then beat the horse in a race with another, so he ended up owning both animals. She roared with laughter when he told the story of Hoss trying to fly like a bird. She nodded with sympathy as he recalled the time he desperately tried to bring his Pa a horse as a birthday present, but lost the animal when an outlaw killed it in the desert.<\/p>\n

Several times, Molly broached the subject of his return, but each time she did, Joe cut her short. He refused to discuss the subject.<\/p>\n

With each passing day, Joe was feeling stronger. He began skipping the afternoon naps Molly had insisted he take, and started doing a few easy chores around the ranch. He also started thinking again about where to go next. The days were growing shorter and he knew winter was only a few weeks away. But Joe was reluctant to leave; he had no place to go.<\/p>\n

The two were finishing dinner one night when Molly suddenly looked up at Joe. \u201cYou\u2019re leaving here soon, aren\u2019t you,\u201d she stated.<\/p>\n

Joe looked at her guiltily. He was feeling fit and had been thinking it was time to move on. He just hadn\u2019t thought of the right words to tell Molly goodbye. He knew it would be hard for both of them.<\/p>\n

\u201cYes, I\u2019m leaving soon,\u201d Joe admitted. \u201cI hate the thought of leaving you here all winter by yourself, though.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t worry about me, boy,\u201d Molly said firmly. \u201cI\u2019ll manage fine. How long do you think it will take you to get home?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNow, don\u2019t start that again,\u201d Joe protested heatedly.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhy not? You know and I know that you want to be back on that ranch with your Pa and brothers more than anything in the world. Why don\u2019t you go?\u201d Molly said.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou know why,\u201d Joe answered bitterly.<\/p>\n

\u201cNo, I don\u2019t, and neither do you, not for sure,\u201d Molly argued.<\/p>\n

Joe looked down at his plate, the misery plainly evident on his face.<\/p>\n

\u201cJoe,\u201d Molly said gently, \u201cwhat if you had been killed up here? Your family would have never known what had happened to you. They would have spent the rest of their lives wondering about you, searching for you. It\u2019s not fair to them.\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe looked at Molly with a startled expression. \u201cI guess I hadn\u2019t thought of that,\u201d he admitted slowly. He frowned in concentration. \u201cThings in Virginia City must have calmed down by now. They sure won\u2019t be looking for me at the Ponderosa. I could go back for a day or so. Talk to Pa and Adam and Hoss, and work out what to do, where to go. That way, they would know where to find me and how to keep in touch.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s right,\u201d agreed Molly enthusiastically. \u201cYou could work it out so they could reach you when you\u2019re cleared\u2026.if you haven\u2019t been cleared already.\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe nodded, then smiled. He felt as if a huge weight had been lifted from his shoulders. \u201cMolly,\u201d he declared happily. \u201cI\u2019m going home.\u201d<\/p>\n

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

Two days later, as Joe was saddling his horse in front of the house, Molly stood on the porch watching him. She was filled with mixed emotions. Molly was happy that Joe was going home; she knew it was the right thing to do. But she was going to miss him.<\/p>\n

Once he had finished saddling his horse, Joe walked over to the woman. \u201cMolly,\u201d he said, his voice choked with emotion, \u201cI can\u2019t thank you enough. I don\u2019t know what I would have done if it hadn\u2019t been for you,\u201d He reached out and hugged her.<\/p>\n

Molly held him tight for several minutes, then pushed him back. \u201cYou take care of yourself, you hear,\u201d she ordered briskly as she brushed a tear from her eye.<\/p>\n

\u201cI will,\u201d promised Joe. \u201cYou do the same. When Will does come home, you tell him he\u2019s the luckiest man in the world.\u201d<\/p>\n

Molly nodded, unable to speak. Then she kissed Joe lightly on the cheek. \u201cGo on,\u201d she whispered. \u201cYour Pa\u2019s waiting for you.\u201d<\/p>\n

After hugging Molly one last time, Joe turned and walked to his horse; he mounted and waved farewell to Molly. As she waved back, Joe kicked his horse lightly into a canter. Molly watched until he rode out of sight.<\/p>\n

Joe decided to make a quick detour into Caldwell. He felt confident that a short time in town would not endanger him. He was curious to see the town and also wanted to pick up some supplies. Besides, he thought, I could have that drink with Henry.<\/p>\n

Caldwell turned out to be a town with about a dozen buildings and a huge sawmill just outside of it. Joe stopped at the general store and bought enough supplies to get him home. Then he headed for the saloon.<\/p>\n

Walking into the saloon, Joe spotted Walker immediately, sitting at a table by himself. The foreman was reading from a letter when Joe strolled over to him.<\/p>\n

\u201cHenry, how about that drink?\u201d Joe asked pleasantly.<\/p>\n

Looking up, Walker stared at Joe as if he barely recognized him. He blinked twice before answering. \u201cUh, hi Joe,\u201d he said absently. \u201cSure, let\u2019s have a drink.\u201d He leaned over and called to the bartender. \u201cTwo beers, Sam.\u201d<\/p>\n

As Joe sat down, the bartender brought two mugs of beer to the table. Walker continued to study the paper in his hand.<\/p>\n

\u201cHenry, what\u2019s wrong?\u201d asked Joe, sipping his beer.<\/p>\n

Walker looked at Joe, his face full of sadness. \u201cThis is a letter from a friend of mine who lives about fifty miles from here. Joe, Will\u2019s dead,\u201d he stated flatly.<\/p>\n

\u201cOh, no,\u201d said Joe with a sinking feeling. \u201cWhat happened?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNobody is sure,\u201d answered Walker. \u201cThey found his body at the bottom of a cliff. Could have fallen or could have been pushed. His horse and gear were gone. Sheriff in the nearest town got Will\u2019s name off a watch in his pocket, but didn\u2019t know where he was from. He made up a poster with Will\u2019s picture and name, asking for information, and put up the posters around town. About a week ago, my friend was in the town on business and saw one of the posters; he knew Will and recognized him right off. He checked with the sheriff and found out what happened. My friend figured it might be easier for me to tell Molly than having the sheriff just sending her a letter, so he wrote me.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHow are you going to tell Molly?\u201d Joe asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t know,\u201d admitted Walker, the sadness in his voice even more evident. \u201cShe\u2019s going to take it pretty hard.\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe sipped his beer. \u201cYou know, Henry, I think Molly already knows.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat do you mean?\u201d Walker asked in a puzzled voice.<\/p>\n

\u201cShe told me that Will would have been home by now, or sent a message if he was alive,\u201d Joe explained. \u201cI think she already knows he isn\u2019t coming back.\u201d<\/p>\n

Henry thought for a minute. \u201cYou might be right,\u201d he agreed slowly.<\/p>\n

As he watched Walker thinking glumly about Molly, a kernel of an idea started forming in Joe\u2019s head. \u201cHenry, I think you should ask Molly if you can spend the winter at her place,\u201d he suggested. \u201cShe\u2018s going to need some help to get through this, and you\u2019re the best one to help her.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI can\u2019t do that,\u201d protested Walker. \u201cIt wouldn\u2019t look right.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo one is going to care,\u201d argued Joe. \u201cYou work for Molly at the timber camp, and people have hired hands stay on their places all the time. Everybody will know you\u2019re just there to help out.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThat’s true,\u201d Walker agreed. \u201cBesides, everyone around here knows Molly, knows the kind of woman she is.” He mulled over the idea as he sipped his beer. “You know, I think that’s a good idea. I\u2019ll get my things together and ride out there tomorrow. Do you want to come with me?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo, I have to be moving on,\u201d Joe told the logging foreman. \u201cBut tell Molly I\u2019m thinking of her.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI will,\u201d said Walker. He stood and offered Joe his hand. \u201cThanks\u201d.<\/p>\n

Joe shook his hand and watched Walker leave the saloon. He felt sorry that he wouldn\u2019t be there when Walker told Molly the bad news about Will. But he also thought that having Henry there to comfort Molly would be the best thing for her. And, if he read the situation right, next summer there just might be a wedding in Caldwell.<\/p>\n

After finishing his beer, Joe left the saloon. He mounted his horse and took one last look around Caldwell, deciding there was no reason to linger. He gave his horse and kick and started riding. Joe Cartwright was heading home.<\/p>\n

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

Ben Cartwright leaned back in his red leather chair, staring into the flames shooting up in the big stone fireplace. On the other side of the fireplace, Adam was in a blue chair, reading a book, while Hoss sat on the sofa, cleaning a rifle. None of the men said anything; each was lost in his own thoughts.<\/p>\n

For several days after their return from Eureka, Ben had been unusually silent and distant. He spent hours in Joe\u2019s room, and seemed unaware of what was going on around him. Adam and Hoss worried about their father but didn\u2019t know what to do to help him. Slowly, however, Ben began to come out of his fog. He began asking about ranch business and started working around the Ponderosa again. Ben did his best to act as if nothing were wrong, but Adam and Hoss knew he was still thinking about Joe. They could see it in his eyes when a job came up that needed another hand. They could read it on his face each night at dinner when he would look at the empty place at the table. They could hear it in his voice whenever Ben mentioned Joe\u2019s name.<\/p>\n

This night was like many others. Each of Cartwright was trying to act as things were normal. And each of them was thinking about Joe.<\/p>\n

Suddenly, Ben sat up in his chair and exclaimed, \u201cNew Orleans!\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam and Hoss looked at him. \u201cNew Orleans?\u201d repeated Adam with a puzzled expression. \u201cWhat about New Orleans?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI haven\u2019t contacted anyone in New Orleans,\u201d explained Ben, his voice filled with excitement. \u201cYou remember how Joe always used to talk about going there. He\u2019s been gone over four months. He could have easily reached New Orleans by now. He could have ridden there, or maybe worked his passage on a ship.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cBut, Pa, New Orleans is a big city,\u201d protested Hoss. \u201cHow in the world would we ever find him there?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cMy old friend Judge Wilson is still in New Orleans,\u201d replied Ben with enthusiasm. \u201cHe has lots of contacts. If I write him, I\u2019ll bet Judge Wilson could put out the word on Joe to the police, to business people, to just about the whole city. And if Joe is there, Judge Wilson is the best person to contact him and tell him that it\u2019s safe to come home.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t know,\u201d observed Adam doubtfully. \u201cIt\u2019s long odds that he could find Joe, even if Joe\u2019s there.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAdam, everything we\u2019ve done since Joe\u2019s left has been long odds,\u201d said Ben firmly. \u201cBut we have to keep trying. We can\u2019t give up. I\u2019ll write to Judge Wilson first thing in the morning.\u201d<\/p>\n

As Ben sat back in his chair with a smile of satisfaction on his face, Adam and Hoss looked at each other. Then Adam shrugged. What the heck, he thought, if it makes Pa feel better, what harm can it do?<\/p>\n

A tentative knock on the door interrupted the thoughts of the men in the house. Ben looked at the door with a startled expression. \u201cWho would be visiting at this time of night?\u201d he wondered aloud as he got up and walked to the door. Ben pulled the door opened and stopped in his tracks.<\/p>\n

Standing in the doorway, hat in hand, was Joe. \u201cHi, Pa,\u201d he said in a trembling voice.<\/p>\n

For a moment, Ben simply stared at the figure standing in front of him. \u201cJoe!\u201d he exclaimed softly. Then Ben reached out and grabbed his youngest son. He hugged him close as tears sprang to his eyes.<\/p>\n

Leaping to their feet, Adam and Hoss rushed to the door. Both men stood watching as father and son held each other tightly. Hoss had a silly grin on his face while Adam nodded his head in satisfaction.<\/p>\n

Finally, Ben released Joe. \u201cAre you all right?\u201d Ben said, his voice barely audible.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m fine, Pa,\u201d Joe assured his father. He looked over his father\u2019s shoulder. \u201cHello, brothers.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou sure are a sight for sore eyes, little brother,\u201d Hoss stated, his voice choked with emotion.<\/p>\n

\u201cWelcome home,\u201d added Adam simply.<\/p>\n

Giving a sniff, Ben lightly patted Joe on the back. \u201cCome on and sit down,\u201d he said, guiding Joe gently to the sofa. \u201cWhere have you been? We\u2019ve looked everywhere for you.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s a long story,\u201d replied Joe as he let his body fall wearily onto the sofa. Ben, Adam and Hoss crowded around him. \u201cI don\u2019t know where to start,\u201d Joe continued. \u201cI\u2019ve spent most of the last few months working in a logging camp up in the Oregon.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou working?\u201d joked Hoss. \u201cNow that\u2019s a sight I would have liked to see.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou would have loved it,\u201d agreed Joe with a laugh. \u201cI met a lady up there who\u2019s the best cook in three territories.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSounds like my kind of place,\u201d remarked Hoss with a grin.<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, we\u2019ll have Hop Sing make the best homecoming dinner in the world,\u201d announced Ben. \u201cTomorrow you\u2019ll have the best meal he can cook.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cPa, I can\u2019t stay,\u201d Joe stated, a grim expression forming on his face. \u201cI just came home to let you know I\u2019m all right, and to figure out some way to keep in touch after I leave.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cCan\u2019t stay?\u201d repeated Ben incredulously. \u201cWhy not?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou know why not,\u201d Joe insisted. \u201cI\u2019m sorry. I know it\u2019s wrong, but I just can\u2019t stay and stand trial. I\u2019m just not brave enough to face that lynch mob again.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cJoe, you don\u2019t have to worry about that. We found Cherokee Pete and he cleared you,\u201d explained Adam.<\/p>\n

\u201cCleared me?\u201d Joe repeated in a stunned voice. He looked back to Ben. \u201cAre you sure?\u201d he asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2019re sure,\u201d declared Ben with conviction. \u201cBob Deters confessed. He said Mary fell and hit her head when he was with her. It was an accident.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cDeters? He\u2019s the one who helped me escape,\u201d Joe said in astonishment. \u201cWhen did this happen?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThe night you\u2026left,\u201d replied Ben.<\/p>\n

Joe looked to Adam and Hoss, who nodded in confirmation. Then he looked at the fire in the fireplace in front of him, then shook his head slowly. \u201cMolly was right,\u201d he acknowledged softly. \u201cI should have come home sooner.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cMolly?\u201d asked Ben.<\/p>\n

\u201cShe\u2019s the lady I met, owns the logging camp where I worked,\u201d explained Joe, turning to face Ben. \u201cShe saved my life. She kept telling me to go home. She told me that you\u2019d be working to clear my name. I wouldn\u2019t listen to her.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSaved your life?\u201d Ben said, with a trace of fear. \u201cThen I\u2019m doubly grateful to her.\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe put his hand to his mouth and chewed his knuckle as he stared into the fire. He thought about the loneliness and the fear he had felt for the past few months. It was all for nothing.<\/p>\n

No, Joe corrected himself, it wasn\u2019t all for nothing. He had met Molly and Yuri and Henry. Three new friends, good friends. His life was better for knowing them. His journey had not been wasted.<\/p>\n

\u201cJoe,\u201d said Ben, interrupting his son\u2019s thoughts. \u201cWe can talk about this later. The important thing now is that you\u2019re home.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYeah, little brother,\u201d added Hoss. \u201cAnd you\u2019re going to stay home, even if I have to tie you down.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou should see the way your chores have been piling up,” Adam declared with a smile. \u201cYou\u2019ll be lucky to get caught up in a year.\u201d<\/p>\n

A huge grin split Joe\u2019s face as he looked at his father and brothers. \u201cIt\u2019s good to be home,\u201d he announced. \u201cYou don\u2019t know how good it is to be home.\u201d<\/p>\n

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

<\/div>\n

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

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

Summary:\u00a0 Joe runs from the law to avoid facing a lynch mob after he is accused of murdering a woman.<\/p>\n

Rating:\u00a0 T\u00a0 (19,840 words)<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":10338,"featured_media":8478,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"template-full-width-post.php","format":"standard","meta":{"_jetpack_newsletter_access":"","_jetpack_dont_email_post_to_subs":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_tier_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paywalled_content":false,"_jetpack_feature_clip_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":"","jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false},"categories":[23,1007],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-14009","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-drama","category-joe-cartwright","wpcat-23-id","wpcat-1007-id"],"a3_pvc":{"activated":true,"total_views":1847,"today_views":0},"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/04\/LJshadow1.jpg?fit=720%2C576&ssl=1","jetpack_likes_enabled":true,"jetpack-related-posts":[{"id":1353,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=1353","url_meta":{"origin":14009,"position":0},"title":"Shadow of the Noose (by KateP)","author":"KateP","date":"May 13, 2001","format":false,"excerpt":"Summary: \u00a0Adam races against time to save Joe from hanging. Rated: K+ (16,400 words)","rel":"","context":"In "Adam Cartwright"","block_context":{"text":"Adam Cartwright","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?cat=1005"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/04\/Noose.jpg?fit=768%2C1024&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/04\/Noose.jpg?fit=768%2C1024&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/04\/Noose.jpg?fit=768%2C1024&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/04\/Noose.jpg?fit=768%2C1024&ssl=1&resize=700%2C400 2x"},"classes":[]},{"id":12738,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=12738","url_meta":{"origin":14009,"position":1},"title":"The Noose (by GinnyF)","author":"Ginny F","date":"March 23, 2003","format":false,"excerpt":"Summary:\u00a0 A deserted town and strange happenings.\u00a0 Will the boys survive the night? Rating:\u00a0 T (1,820 words)","rel":"","context":"In "Drama"","block_context":{"text":"Drama","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?cat=23"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/02\/brothers.jpg?fit=296%2C226&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200},"classes":[]},{"id":12911,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=12911","url_meta":{"origin":14009,"position":2},"title":"The Stranger – A Missing Scene (by Jenny G)","author":"Gwynne & JennyG","date":"January 11, 2003","format":false,"excerpt":"Summary:\u00a0 What followed when Roy released Little Joe from jail. Rating:\u00a0 K+ (1,130 words)","rel":"","context":"In "Drama"","block_context":{"text":"Drama","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?cat=23"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/05\/Adam-and-Joe-Desert-Justice-2.bmp","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/05\/Adam-and-Joe-Desert-Justice-2.bmp 1x, https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/05\/Adam-and-Joe-Desert-Justice-2.bmp 1.5x, https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/05\/Adam-and-Joe-Desert-Justice-2.bmp 2x"},"classes":[]},{"id":574,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=574","url_meta":{"origin":14009,"position":3},"title":"The Vicious Circle (by Karen)","author":"Karen","date":"July 15, 2001","format":false,"excerpt":"Summary: \u00a0A friend of Joe's is accused of a serious crime. Rated:\u00a0T (62,605 words) The Vicious Circle Series, links to all stories of this series included.","rel":"","context":"In "Drama"","block_context":{"text":"Drama","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?cat=23"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/02\/bonanza.jpg?fit=295%2C295&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200},"classes":[]},{"id":57070,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=57070","url_meta":{"origin":14009,"position":4},"title":"When You Remember Me (by Wrangler)","author":"Wrangler","date":"June 8, 2025","format":false,"excerpt":"Summary: After a serious head injury wipes out part of Pa's memory, Doctor Martin is unsure if Ben will ever remember one of his sons.\u00a0 Rating T\u00a0 WC 24,300\u00a0","rel":"","context":"In "Ben \/ Joe"","block_context":{"text":"Ben \/ Joe","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?cat=1015"},"img":{"alt_text":"Pa Joe","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/Screenshot_20250604_124915_YouTube.jpg?fit=985%2C720&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/Screenshot_20250604_124915_YouTube.jpg?fit=985%2C720&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/Screenshot_20250604_124915_YouTube.jpg?fit=985%2C720&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/Screenshot_20250604_124915_YouTube.jpg?fit=985%2C720&ssl=1&resize=700%2C400 2x"},"classes":[]},{"id":5300,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=5300","url_meta":{"origin":14009,"position":5},"title":"Protective Custody (by Rona)","author":"Rona","date":"May 14, 2003","format":false,"excerpt":"Summary:\u00a0 Joe witnesses a bank robbery, but he is treated more like a suspect than a witness. Can Adam and Hoss get to the bottom of what is going on before it costs Joe his life? Rated:\u00a0 T \u00a0 \u00a0(9,455 words)","rel":"","context":"In "Drama"","block_context":{"text":"Drama","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?cat=23"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/04\/Quality-of-Mercy-8.jpg?fit=747%2C569&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/04\/Quality-of-Mercy-8.jpg?fit=747%2C569&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/04\/Quality-of-Mercy-8.jpg?fit=747%2C569&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/04\/Quality-of-Mercy-8.jpg?fit=747%2C569&ssl=1&resize=700%2C400 2x"},"classes":[]}],"jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/14009","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=14009"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/14009\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/8478"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=14009"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=14009"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=14009"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}