{"id":1926,"date":"2013-04-23T04:21:49","date_gmt":"2013-04-23T08:21:49","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=1926"},"modified":"2025-08-01T13:29:19","modified_gmt":"2025-08-01T17:29:19","slug":"tears-of-growing-up","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=1926","title":{"rendered":"Tears of Growing Up #1 (by BluewindFarm)"},"content":{"rendered":"

Summary<\/strong>: An accident while breaking horses sets Joe and the family on a downward spiral as unfounded fears over rule common sense. And when tragedy again strikes upon the Ponderosa\u2026will the family ever be whole?
\n<\/span><\/p>\n

Rating<\/strong>:\u00a0 K+ \u00a0\u00a0(40,470 words)<\/span><\/p>\n

The final page contains the reviews\/comments from the old BonanzaBrand Library.<\/span><\/p>\n

Tears of Growing Up Series:<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Tears of Growing Up<\/a><\/span>
\nFirst Ride
\n<\/a>Learning to Trust, One Last Time<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

THE TEARS OF GROWING UP<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

On a ranch the size and complexity of the Ponderosa, the owner and his sons never took the attitude of sitting back and letting their hired hands do all the work. On any given day, Ben, Adam, and Hoss Cartwright could be found right in the thick of work, whether it was marking trees for felling, rounding up strays, moving the cattle or horse herds to different pastures, and even when it came to breaking the horses. Though Ben was long past the age where he should be in the saddle on a bucking horse, he left that work to those of age to take the beating. Hoss knew he was too big to do that kind of work, but there was still plenty of work to be done from the ground when it came breaking horses to be ridden. On weekends, the hands could be assured that by mid-morning, the youngest Cartwright son would be there to help, however best he could.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Since the winter weather broke and spring finally announced its presence, Ben Cartwright had allowed his youngest son, Joseph, Little Joe to everyone who really knew him, to work alongside his brothers on the weekends, once his chores around the house and barn were completed. Ben had finally come to realize that the time had come for Joe to begin to learn what it took to work on the ranch they called home. During the previous month, Ben made sure that either Adam or Hoss were always close by to keep an eye on their little brother when they were out on the ranch and help guide him as he learned the skills that would eventually become second nature to him as he grew older.<\/span><\/p>\n

The patriarch of the Cartwright family smiled during that morning\u2019s breakfast as the whole family sat around the table, each member grinning as Joe eagerly discussed all that he expected to see happen while watching his older brothers working to break the horses that were scheduled for an anticipated delivery to the U.S. Cavalry during the summer months.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cMight be exciting for you, Shortshanks, but it\u2019s a hard ride for older brother there,\u201d Hoss Cartwright stated as he reached for two more pancakes that Hop Sing had just placed on the platter, hot from the griddle.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI know, but still, to ride! To feel the power as the horse jumps and bucks!\u201d Joe gleefully answered after he shoved a forkful of syrup-coated pancakes into his mouth.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cJoseph, don\u2019t talk with your mouth full,\u201d advised Ben as he sipped from his coffee cup. He couldn\u2019t help smiling at the zest for life that Joe carried with each new day.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Fourteen year old Little Joe and Ben stayed well away from the busy action within the corral as they watched Hoss and the wranglers prepare each horse for Adam or one of the others to break. Ben knew how dangerous it could be for one of the handlers to be distracted with questions asked by a youngster eager to learn. The horses strongly objected to the saddles being strapped onto their backs and it took at least three if not four hands to accomplish the feat. Encouraging the animal into the chute for the rider to climb aboard was always the most dangerous time for those on the ground, as well as the rider.<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe sat on the top rail assessing each ride or evaluating each horse and letting his Pa know what he thought. As the chute opened for the next horse to explode out from its confinement, he began rooting and shouting encouragement to his eldest brother to \u201cHang On!\u201d or \u201cYou got \u2018em Adam!\u201d along with the others who were there working and watching until their help was needed again.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cPa, look at \u2018em! I\u2019m gonna ride just like him!\u201d an excited Little Joe exclaimed as Adam rode his fifth horse of the day to a standstill.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhen you\u2019re old enough son,\u201d Ben replied, smiling that his youngest wanted so much to be like his oldest.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI know, Pa. I just can\u2019t wait. Less than two more years, right? You said you\u2019d let me try to break a horse when I was sixteen,\u201d Joe answered; wanting to make sure his Pa remembered his promise.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhen you\u2019re sixteen, and that you\u2019ve matured enough to handle the physical demands that your body will be put through. Don\u2019t forget \u2018that\u2019 part of the agreement,\u201d Ben stated. Casting a glance towards his youngest and watching his shoulders slump and the wide grin fade from his face, he added, \u201cDon\u2019t worry, you\u2019ll grow.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWill I Pa? Why do I have to be the youngest and so small?\u201d Joe disheartedly asked as he slipped down from the rail to stand outside the corral.<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe turned his back to the corral and pushed his hands into the front pockets of his pants, only stopping when this thumbs caught the edge of the seam.<\/span><\/p>\n

Ben stepped closer to his son and compassionately slipped his arm around Joe\u2019s shoulders, \u201cSon, I\u2019m thankful, you\u2019ll always be my youngest\u2026 And, as I\u2019ve explained before, your mother was a lot smaller than Adam\u2019s and Hoss\u2019 mothers. Each one of you takes so much after your own mothers…\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cBut I\u2019m your son too!\u201d Joe interrupted; his voice broke up in pitch. \u201cYou\u2019re big. Why can\u2019t I be big like you?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cGive it time son, you\u2019re not through growing yet,\u201d Ben smiled. He knew the break in his son\u2019s voice had more to do with the onset of puberty than it did with his son being upset.<\/span><\/p>\n

From the moment Joseph Francis Cartwright had made his presence known to his family, a month before his expected due date, he had always been small. The smallest baby Ben had ever held, the smallest child in not only his age group, but compared to children two years younger than he at school, and the smallest of the three that Ben Cartwright loved as his sons. Encouraging the boy to eat more didn\u2019t do any good, his exuberance for life, constantly on the go, just burned it off.<\/span><\/p>\n

Had anyone been watching the father and son instead of the action in the breaking corral, they would have immediately known the topic of the conversation and felt something pull at them had they truly known the youngest son of Benjamin Cartwright. The older, long established ranch hands did their best to protect the boy from the taunts they knew were cast his way from some of the newer hands, as he took care of his chores around the yard and barn. The hands who never were the youngest or the smallest\u2026 were the cruelest. Or if they had been taunted, they enjoyed giving back what they had received earlier in their lives, forgetting how much the taunts hurt when directed toward them.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cCome on\u2026 Back up on top. Looks like Rudy\u2019s getting ready to ride the next horse,\u201d Ben stated, hoping that watching the next few rides would brighten the boy\u2019s spirit.<\/span><\/p>\n

Little Joe forced a smile to his face, and Ben knew it was for his benefit; as a father, he regretted that the smile didn\u2019t make it all the way to his son\u2019s eyes. Standing on the bottom rail, with his arms folded across the top rail, Ben listened as his son cheered on Rudy\u2019s ride, but without all the original gusto he had shouted earlier in the day.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cGive it time son, I promise, you\u2019ll grow up. It\u2019ll happen before you know it.\u201d<\/em> Ben thought to himself. \u201cI can\u2019t believe you\u2019re already fourteen years old\u2026 That happened before I knew it.\u201d<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

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

The past year, Ben had had many conversations with his youngest trying to encourage him to enjoy his childhood, and not rush to grow up. But the conversations always ended with his youngest feeling more dejected. It particularly hurt Ben the previous fall, when it had been found that Joseph had again been attempting to do something that his father, as well as his older brothers considered far too dangerous for the young adolescent; Ben had been forced to punish him. It hurt him to know that this time words wouldn\u2019t suffice, nor would restrictions, and he was left no other option but to take Joseph on a \u2018necessary\u2019 trip to the barn. Once punishment was administered, Ben tried to explain why and to say that regardless of what had happened, he did love him, but Joe cried as he ran away, \u201cYou just don\u2019t want me to grow up! You just want me to stay a baby!\u201d With tears falling down his own face, Ben sat in the barn and quietly asked, \u201cHow do I make him understand?\u201d as he looked up, hoping someone would give him the answers.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI take it he\u2019s upset?\u201d Adam asked as he casually rested against the door jam, left ankle crossed over the right, arms folded in front of his chest.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWouldn\u2019t you be?\u201d Ben retorted. Upset that his eldest son seemed too cynical towards his youngest brother\u2019s attitude. \u201cHe just wants to be so much like you and Hoss.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cBut he needs to understand the only way he\u2019s ever going to grow up to be \u2018like us\u2019 is if he follows your rules,\u201d Adam stated as he stood straight, uncrossing his arms and legs. \u201cHe\u2019s got to learn that for any action there are consequences.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI know that and he knows that,\u201d gruffed Ben.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cDoes he?\u201d Adam stated as he walked across the barn floor and prepared to feed the horses for the evening. \u201cDoes he really know how much it petrified me to see him out there roping that bull? My God Pa!\u201d Adam shook his head at the memory, his hand movements reinforced how finding his brother as he had, had upset him. \u201cThank God he didn\u2019t have the dexterity to dally the rope around his saddle horn\u2026\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou have to admit that he got the bull on his first try,\u201d Hoss stated as he too entered the barn; always there to defend his younger brother.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYeah, his first try, today. The fool kid didn\u2019t even realize the danger he\u2019d placed his horse in\u2026 What would you have done had his horse been injured or worse? Would you have gone ahead and given him the pinto you\u2019ve been trying to convince Winnemucca to let you trade for? Give him the reward of the horse he\u2019s always wanted? His horse Dusty was way too small to take on that bull!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIt don\u2019t matter, Adam. Winnemucca ain\u2019t agreed to trade Pa for that pinto anyhow\u2026\u201d Hoss added.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s beside the point!\u201d Adam loudly announced, exasperated that his brother was trying to down play the severity of what had happened.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAdam, that\u2019s enough,\u201d warned Ben.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cPa, I don\u2019t think so. He\u2019s got to understand what it really means to work this ranch! He\u2019s just turned fourteen and this is all a\u2026. a game to him!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

That night, Ben had lain in bed unable to sleep. He knew Adam was right, but Joe\u2026 Adam\u2019s growing up years had been so different, and so had Hoss\u2019. Both his oldest sons had played a huge part in establishing and making the Ponderosa what it was today. Both had been far younger than Joe was as they worked beside their father, once they grew big enough. Joe\u2019s life was so different. Ben was proud that his youngest child could enjoy his growing up years\u2026 That his childhood hadn\u2019t been stolen from him… But\u2026 It was that night when Ben decided that come spring, on weekends, Joe would work with his brothers to learn the ranch. But\u2026 until that time, his chores around the ranch house and barn would be increased in difficulty and additional chores added to his duties.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cAdam!\u201d Ben called out to his eldest as his attention returned to the present. \u201cIt\u2019s getting late!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOkay Pa!\u201d Adam replied.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThis one\u2019s gonna be the last one before lunch!\u201d Hoss hollered back and gave a wave of his hand over his head in acknowledgement.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cLet \u2018em rip!\u201d Joe hollered, knowing that his Pa was still watching him. He\u2019d thought that maybe, if he began behaving more like a grown-up, not just doing the stuff grown-ups did, but taking the time to think before he acted\u2026 Maybe his Pa would see him as grown up. So, with effort, he tried to display the excitement he had felt earlier as Adam braced against the first buck of the horse he was on. And as he tried to \u2018act\u2019 Joe found himself fully captured in the excitement of the moment, cheering and yelling with as much enthusiasm as he had earlier in the day.<\/span><\/p>\n

A smile crossed Ben\u2019s face when he heard the fevered pitch of his youngest, \u201cCan\u2019t keep you down, can we Joseph?\u201d \u00a0<\/em>Ben\u2019s attention returned to the ride of his eldest, he had hoped by drawing attention to the time of day that Adam might decide put off his ride on this particular animal. Two previous riders, Rudy and Kincaid, had already been unceremoniously dumped hard to the ground and both had to desperately scramble away from the flailing hooves of the bucking animal as it displayed its displeasure at being in the pen and forced to endure humans upon its back.<\/span><\/p>\n

Without warning, the horse changed its tactics during Adam\u2019s ride. The ride began as before; the horse bucked close to the fence rail, weaving its way left and right as it tried to dislodge the burden from its back. But the last leap, when the horse launched itself into the air, it twisted and came down crashing through the boards, slamming Adam through the railings and to the ground. The horse scrambled to its hooves and continued bucking, infuriated to get the rest of the man made contraptions off its back.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cGET THAT HORSE OUT OF THERE!\u201d Ben yelled as he climbed the railing and jumped down inside the corral, his eyes focused on his eldest lying prone on the ground, broken boards lying under and over him. Having no thought other than to get to his son, he ignored the frantic actions of the hands as one man opened the gate to the adjoining corral and the others maneuvered the still bucking animal away from the downed rider.<\/span><\/p>\n

Hoss and Ben reached Adam at the same time, \u201cBe careful Hoss!\u201d warned Ben as Hoss began throwing aside broken boards.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI am Pa, I am,\u201d answered a nervous Hoss, but his words and his actions were meant to reassure his Pa.<\/span><\/p>\n

From years of working with sick and injured animals, Hoss knew that keeping calm around them was the best way to keep them calm. Even though his pa wasn\u2019t injured or exactly sick, he was sick with worry.<\/span><\/p>\n

Gently examining his son who laid on his right side, his right arm above and behind his head, his left arm hung across his body, his left hand, bent at the wrist, lying palm up on the ground; Ben checked first for a pulse by putting his fingers where Paul Martin, the family\u2019s physician, had shown him. Looking down at his son\u2019s prone body, he didn\u2019t notice any awkward angles of his son\u2019s legs; his right leg was straight, slightly bent at the knee, while his left leg was bent just shy of a ninety degree angle at the knee as it rested over his right leg.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHe still has a pulse,\u201d Ben stated.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHe\u2019s got a head wound Pa, it ain\u2019t bleedin\u2019 too much,\u201d Hoss answered. Then calling to one of the hands, \u201cCale, go get the buckboard! We need to get Adam to the house and the doc sent for!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll get him Hoss!\u201d Little Joe yelled, finally thinking and no longer frozen to his spot.<\/span><\/p>\n

The adolescent swung his legs over the railing and jumped to the ground, racing to where their saddle horses stood tethered away from the corrals. Joe pulled the reins and while wheeling his horse around, he swung up into the saddle without his feet touching the stirrups.\u00a0 Full of worry, he did not feel the saddle shift as his weight pulled the saddle off center. He spun his horse around, leaned forward, giving Dusty his head as he encouraged the animal to run for all he was worth, never bothering to put his feet into the stirrups.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cCain\u2019t feel no broken bones in his arms, Pa,\u201d Hoss announced as his older brother continued to lie ominously still on the ground.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHis legs are fine,\u201d commented Ben. \u201cLet\u2019s roll him onto his back so we can check his ribs. Gently!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Once Adam was on his back, Ben regretted that his son was wearing a red shirt; it prevented them from readily seeing if there was any bleeding. With years of long practice, Ben unbuttoned his son\u2019s shirt, letting out the breath he hadn\u2019t realized he was holding in relief to see no open wound, but his son\u2019s skin was already mottling and changing colors to indicate the severity of the blow he\u2019d taken when slammed into and through the railing.<\/span><\/p>\n

Ben patiently watched and waited while Hoss ran his fingers over Adam\u2019s ribcage.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI cain\u2019t feel any broken, but I\u2019m sure he\u2019s gonna be sore and sportin\u2019 a purdy bruise when he wakes up,\u201d Hoss said with relief and a little bit of levity.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhere\u2019s that wagon?!\u201d Ben worriedly asked as he looked up, anything to help distract the man from the severity of the situation in which they found themselves.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThey\u2019ll be here, Pa. They gotta get to the barn, harness the team, and hitch \u2018em to the wagon,\u201d Hoss soothingly answered.<\/span><\/p>\n

While looking for the wagon, Ben noticed that Joe was no longer on the top rail. Nervously, he looked to see where his youngest son might be, concerned how seeing his oldest sibling injured in such a manner was affecting the boy. They\u2019d all witnessed riders thrown and nasty spills, but this one was particularly bad and Ben regretted his youngest had witnessed it and that as a father he was torn between the two sons he felt needed him the most.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cJoe! JOSEPH!\u201d Ben yelled.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHe\u2019s gone for the Doc,\u201d Hoss answered as he positioned himself to keep the sun from shining in his brother\u2019s face. \u201cCharlie! Get me a canteen and a rag so\u2019s I can wipe the blood from Adam.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cShore thing boss!\u201d Charlie answered as he went to follow through with his boss\u2019 instructions.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Thirty minutes after the accident, the group of men gently lifted the still unconscious Adam from the ground and placed him in the bed of the wagon for the slow ride back to the ranch house. Before leaving, Hoss instructed the men to leave off for the day, but tomorrow, he expected them to have the corral fencing rebuilt.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

At the house, Hop Sing anxiously awaited and prepared for the arrival of Number One son and his worried family. He knew from past experiences what the good doctor would need in order to tend to the injured man. Hearing horses and voices in the yard between the house and the barn, he hurried to open the door and made sure the pathway was clear as the men carried the still form of Adam Cartwright into the house and up the staircase.<\/span><\/p>\n

Hop Sing waited until the others left the bedroom before he entered and gave a respectful bow to his employer.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWater on to boil, towels prepared,\u201d Hop Sing spoke in his stilted English. \u201cHe no wake?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNo, he\u2019s still unconscious,\u201d Hoss answered as he elevated his brother\u2019s upper body so their father could remove his shirt. Adam\u2019s head rested forward on Hoss\u2019 bicep before he gently lowered his brother\u2019s upper body to lie flat on the bed.<\/span><\/p>\n

Walking to the foot of the bed, and using great care, Ben removed his son\u2019s boots and socks, while Hoss unbuckled his belt and slipped it from his waist.<\/span><\/p>\n

A few moments later, Hop Sing re-entered the room, in his hands he carried a bowl and had several towels draped over his forearm.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWarm water for bathing, make clean before honored doctor arrive,\u201d instructed Hop Sing.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

No one counted the ticks of the clock as they tended to their family member and made him as comfortable as possible. No one had paid any attention to the passage of time as they waited for Paul Martin to make his presence known in the room; he knew his way around the house. Time drug interminably slow for those taking care of Adam Cartwright and hoping the doctor would soon arrive. As more time passed, all feared that the doctor had been out on a call and Joseph was waiting for his return before heading home.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cUhhhhg,\u201d caused father and son to stop their ministrations.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAdam?\u201d Ben queried and hoped his son was gaining consciousness. He warned, \u201cKeep still,\u201d when Adam started moving his head from side to side.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cArrrgh,\u201d Adam groaned, his eyelids fluttering as he frowned, indicating the pain he was beginning to experience. He sighed heavily.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Adam felt no warning from the horse, one moment the horse was bucking for all it was worth, the next moment Adam felt himself suspended in air and then falling. Briefly he felt pain, before\u2026 blackness.<\/span><\/p>\n

He woke to the sounds of moaning close by and wished that someone would get the doctor to help whoever it was. As he lay there, he tried to remember why he was lying where ever he was and why his body wouldn\u2019t respond to something that should have been so simple, like\u2026 opening his eyes. The longer he thought, the more he wanted to retreat back into the darkness of oblivion to escape the pain.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cPain?!\u201d<\/em> thought Adam, \u201cthen\u2026 that must be me. Oohhh. I hope the doc\u2019s on his way.\u201d<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

As if from afar, he heard voices, but couldn\u2019t make sense of anything they were saying, so he gave up trying and blissfully fell asleep.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cSHERIFF!\u201d Jenson Caruthers called as he spotted the man wearing a badge strolling along the boardwalk on his way back to his office in Virginia City. \u201cSHERIFF!!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

The rider reined his horse to an urgent stop when the sheriff turned towards him.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWell Jenson, been a long time since you visited our town. Your folks here?\u201d Sheriff Coffee casually inquired after taking a few moments to recognize the young rider in front of him.<\/span><\/p>\n

The Caruthers had moved to Placerville with Jensen, now barely into his teens, and his younger, eight year old sister. The family usually did all their shopping in that town, but occasionally, they came to visit old friends in Virginia City, especially during the spring time after months of not being able to travel any great distance.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWe got trouble, we need the doc!\u201d Jenson breathlessly declared.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhat\u2019s the trouble, son? Your folks or sister sick?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cUh\u2026 No, sir. We uh\u2026 found a b-body.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cA body? Where?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAbout two\u2026 two and a half miles outside a town. Ma and Pa are staying with it,\u201d Jensen stated. \u201cHe looks all busted up. Folks said I had to come fetch the doc.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWait here and while you and your horse catch your breath, I\u2019ll fetch the doc and you can show us where this body is.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Within half an hour, Sheriff Roy Coffee, Doctor Paul Martin, and Jenson Caruthers arrived back at the location where his parent\u2019s buckboard and team stood. Jenson\u2019s sister sat on the bench seat playing with her doll.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cMr. Caruthers?!\u201d hollered Sheriff Coffee. \u201cMrs. Caruthers?!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWilma is over there with the boy,\u201d Carlton Caruthers called as he stepped to the road. \u201cLooks like the boy got throw\u2019d from his horse, horse probably stumbled\u2026 I got it tied over there, in the creek trying to reduce the swelling in its fetlock. I was just checking on it when you came up.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Doc Martin extended his hand and greeted Carl Caruthers, who was in his late thirties, skinny, with hard weathered skin from years of working out in the elements.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cJens, you tie your horse over there and go keep an eye on the boy\u2019s horse.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cPa, is he dead?\u201d Jenson asked, in typical youth fashion as he looked to where the \u2018body\u2019 had been found.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNo, he isn\u2019t dead, but he\u2019s hurt bad. Now do as I say.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYes, Pa,\u201d answered the boy as he jumped down from his horse and tied him to the back of the family buckboard.<\/span><\/p>\n

The men walked over to where Wilma Caruthers sat beside the unconscious youth; bathing his face with a damp cloth.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cDear Lord,\u201d Roy breathed as he looked over the physician\u2019s shoulder and recognized Doc\u2019s patient.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWilma, has he regained consciousness since you found him?\u201d Doc Martin asked the heavyset woman, with deep blue eyes and long black hair, braided down her back that stopped at her waist; as he knelt down next to the still form of the boy lying on the ground.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNot really, but he keeps mumbling about needing you, gotta get you for someone named Adam,\u201d the woman answered.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThat would be his oldest brother, this is Joe Cartwright,\u201d replied Doc as he began to examine his patient. \u201cOh Joe, what did you go and do this time?\u201d Doc casually asked in a rhetorical manner, not expecting any answer.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cGotta get Doc\u2026 Adam hurt,\u201d mumbled Joe.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOne Cartwright at a time boy, one of you at a time.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Sheriff Coffee asked Carlton to step aside so they could talk.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHow\u2019d you find him?\u201d Roy asked.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cFirst, we spotted his horse limping along, saddle askew\u2019d, hanging off the side. I got it in the back of the wagon. It were little Jenny who seen the boy, she pointed to the boot lying outta the tall grass. I got down and that\u2019s when I found him, ain\u2019t moved him. Not knowing what kinda injuries he mighta took.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m sure you did the right thing,\u201d Sheriff Coffee stated, hoping to relieve any concern the man had about not doing anything more for the boy.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cDoc said that\u2019s Joe Cartwright, related to Ben?\u201d Carlton asked.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHis youngest.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t remember much about the boy; it\u2019s been what\u2026 ten years since Marie got killed?<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAlmost. Doesn\u2019t seem possible that that much time has passed since her horse stumbled and threw her. I\u2019m praying right now I don\u2019t have to give the same bad news to that boy\u2019s father. Ben\u2019s had enough grief in his life. He don\u2019t need no more.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI agree with you there, Roy.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Doc Martin called, \u201cRoy?!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cCould you help me a moment, I think it\u2019s okay to move the boy to the wagon. Carlton, would you mind helping to transport him to the Ponderosa?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t guess we\u2019d mind. Ben was always good to us when we lived nearby,\u201d Carlton answered.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHow is he?\u201d Roy asked.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cMore unconscious than anything; he\u2019s still mumbling about Adam when he comes semi-conscious.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI take it that\u2019s why you want to take him to the ranch instead of to town?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s exactly why. Even though my office is closer, if Adam\u2019s been hurt, I can treat both of them at the same time.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

The two friends gently lifted the unconscious youth and placed him in the back of the wagon.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWell, I\u2019ll go see to Little Joe\u2019s horse. Tell Ben I took the animal back to town and will have him at the livery. They can tend to the horse, \u2018sides it would be easier if it didn\u2019t have to go all the way back home, as lame as Carlton said it is.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWill do.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cOh Joe, what did you go and do this time?\u201d Joe heard.<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI didn\u2019t do anything. I wanted to help, to help Adam. Someone needed to go fetch Doc!\u201d<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cBut you done did more than that, didn\u2019t ya,\u201d he heard in his mind in Hoss\u2019 voice.<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHey boy, best watch out, there\u2019s real work to do out here and someone your size is bound to get hurt,\u201d called one of the ranch hands who rode by as he looped his lariat.<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYeah, maybe we can practice roping calves by roping the runt there,\u201d another cowboy taunted.<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cLeave the hosses to us,\u201d said a third.<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cBut I can help! I can ride!\u201d<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cSorry, Little Joe, maybe when you grow up,\u201d Joe heard said in Adam\u2019s voice. \u201cIt\u2019s too dangerous for you to be out here now. These horses are far too dangerous\u2026 far too dangerous.\u201d<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cBut I gotta ride, gotta get help\u2026 get help for ya.\u201d<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cFar too dangerous. Horses are far too dangerous,\u201d continued to echo in his mind.<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

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

The front door to the massive ranch house opened to the sounds of horses and a wagon arriving.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThought you were honorable doctor arriving. Sorry, but Cartwrights no have time for visitors,\u201d Hop Sing announced as he walked towards the wagon.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHop Sing, can you help me?\u201d Doc Martin called from the back of the wagon.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhat Doctor do in back o\u2026\u201d Hop Sing started to ask, but stopped when he saw Number Three son picked up and carried towards the house.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWe think he got thrown from his horse. Is Adam here?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cMr. Adam upstairs, hurt, thrown from horse, no wake,\u201d Hop Sins replied. \u201cNumber Three son go find you. How hurt boy?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cProbably the same shape as his brother,\u201d answered Paul Martin.<\/span><\/p>\n

As they carried the semi-conscious youth into the main room, Ben urgently called for Doc Martin hoping to hurry him to tend to his eldest. Ben stopped at the top of the staircase when he saw his youngest being carried in.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cJoseph!\u201d Ben gasped.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHe\u2019s taken a fall, Ben. Let\u2019s get him to his room. Then I want to look at Adam since it seems that he was the first one injured.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAdam tried to regain consciousness about a half hour ago. We can\u2019t find anything broken, but he won\u2019t wake up,\u201d Ben announced as he preceded the doctor carrying his youngest into the boy\u2019s bedroom.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHop Sing said Adam was thrown?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHe was working an ornery horse, it bucked, twisted, and came down with Adam crashing through the fence rails,\u201d Ben briefly describe what had happened.<\/span><\/p>\n

After lying the youth on his bed, Doc Martin stated, \u201cHop Sing, if you wouldn\u2019t mind, strip the boy so I can do a proper examination, and if he needs\u2026\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll do that,\u201d Ben sorrowfully stated as he sat on the edge of the bed beside his youngest.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI bathe dirt from body of Number Three son. He be ready when you come,\u201d Hop Sing stated as he bowed and left to begin preparations for more hot water and towels.<\/span><\/p>\n

In Adam\u2019s room, Doc was pleased to see Adam\u2019s eyes opening.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cSo\u2026 now that I\u2019m here, you decide to wake up,\u201d teased Doc Martin as he set his black bag on the table beside Adam\u2019s bed.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWake up? I wish that\u2026 I had slept,\u201d Adam grimaced.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOther than that, how do you feel?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHurts to breathe,\u201d hitched Adam as he abruptly stopped inhaling the deep breath he had tried to take.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhat about your head?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam raised his hand to feel the lump on his head, \u201cYeah\u2026 that too.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cDo you remember what happened?\u201d Paul asked.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s fuzzy\u2026 Don\u2019t think\u2026 I rode\u2026 that horse. I was\u2026 thrown.\u201d The way Adam spoke, it wasn\u2019t quite a statement nor was it an obvious question; as he had no choice but to allow the doctor to examine him.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou weren\u2019t thrown, older brother, might abeen better had ya, though. You rode that horse all the way to the ground,\u201d teased Hoss, thankful his brother was awake, recognizing people, and could talk coherently, even if it was labored.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOw! Doc!\u201d declared Adam as Doc prodded an especially tender location long his right ribcage.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cSorry, but this is necessary.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI know,\u201d Adam stated, regretting his pain-filled exclamation.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWell, I think you\u2019ll survive a little while longer without me tending to your ribs. I need to go do a proper examination of your little brother.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cJoe!\u201d Hoss exclaimed, followed only a moment later by Adam\u2019s query about their brother.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhat\u2019s wrong with Shortshanks?\u201d a now worried Hoss asked.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHe was thrown from his horse; I believe he was on his way to town to get me. Thankfully he didn\u2019t get thrown into any fence railing. He\u2019ll probably wake up with a bad headache and be no worse for wear. Maybe a sprained ankle,\u201d Paul Martin assured the brothers. \u201cHoss you stay here with Adam, I\u2019ll send your father in so I can tend to my second patient.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Doc Martin stepped into the bedroom of the youngest Cartwright to see his father and the family\u2019s housekeeper and guardian angel, bathing the stripped boy as he lie on his bed.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHow\u2019s Adam?\u201d Ben asked when he heard Paul say, \u201cLet me see him, Ben.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAdam\u2019s going to be quite sore for a few days, maybe a week or so, probably experience some headaches too. It\u2019ll take longer for his ribs to mend, but nothing\u2019s broken. Probably just like this youngster. I gave Joe a cursory exam earlier, but I\u2019d like to do a more thorough exam. Why don\u2019t you go sit with Adam and Hoss\u2026 I told them briefly about Little Joe.\u201d Seeing the worried father giving no inclination to follow through with his suggestion, Doc stated, \u201cBen, please\u2026 don\u2019t make me order you from this room. I\u2019ll let you know the minute I\u2019m through examining him.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Looking his long-time friend in the face, Ben reluctantly rose from the bed, \u201cI\u2019ll be in Adam\u2019s. room. I want to know the minute you find anything.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou will Ben, you will.\u201d Paul shook his head as Ben left the room. \u201cHop Sing, if you wouldn\u2019t mind, I could use your help.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cDoctor need my help?\u201d Hop Sing curiously asked.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI didn\u2019t want to say anything in front of Ben, until I was positive. I want a real good look at the boy\u2019s lower left leg.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cGotta get Doc\u2026 Adam\u2026 hurt,\u201d mumbled Joe as he regained some awareness.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cLit\u2019le Joe lie still. Doctor already help Adam, now Doctor help you,\u201d Hop Sing soothingly spoke.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNo! I can ride! Gotta get Doc!\u201d Joe began to thrash his arms and legs around and voiced louder. \u201cI have to, please?!\u201d he cried as if begging.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHop Sing!\u201d Doc stated, but turned his attention back to his patient when he heard the obvious snap of what he earlier feared had been a severely sprained ankle, now became the a reality of a broken leg.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cMy bag, Hop Sing! The ether!\u201d ordered Doc as Joe cried out in pain, still thrashing around, while the doctor tried to restrain him, to prevent him from doing any additional damage to his leg.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cBoy get sick,\u201d the faithful servant stated, but complied.<\/span><\/p>\n

Paul Martin, hurriedly answered, knowing he had no alternative. \u201cI don\u2019t have a choice. Something has him upset and I need to calm him down so I can tend to him. I can\u2019t have him thrashing around.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

It only took a few moments with a cotton ball soaked with ether held under his nose before Joseph Cartwright stopped struggling and fell into a drug-induced sleep.<\/span><\/p>\n

Half an hour later, after administering four stitches into the boy\u2019s scalp, and having set the broken leg, securing it with splints formed from rolled up newspaper, Doc Martin stepped from the room and closed the door behind him. Taking a deep breath, the physician walked down the hallway to the room of his first Cartwright patient.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHow is Joseph?\u201d \u201cHow\u2019s Joe?\u201d \u201cDoc?\u201d were voiced at the same time as the doctor entered the room. It was easy to know who said what from having known the personalities of the three men for years.\u00a0 All three had heard the yells from the youth and fought against racing into the boy’s room; and possibly taking the doctor’s attention away from where it was needed.
\n<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWell, he\u2019s not as well off as I had hoped,\u201d seeing the immediate reaction to his poor choice of words he promptly continued, \u201cBut he will make a full recovery. Ben, both your boys have suffered concussions today, Joe\u2019s is probably a little stronger than the one Adam suffered, and I suggest they spend the next forty-eight hours in bed, sleeping or sitting upright, as long as they can handle it. I don\u2019t want them up and walking about\u2026 Well, at least I don\u2019t want Adam up and walking about until any and all dizziness subsides.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhat\u2019s that supposed to mean,\u201d demanded Ben.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cJoseph won\u2019t be getting up and walking around on his own\u2026UNTIL his leg mends. I thought the ankle was only sprained when I first examined him out on the road. Unfortunately, it was a fracture, and when he was regaining consciousness, he was still worried about Adam and thrashing about. While trying to restrain him, he fought us and in the process, the leg did break.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHow bad?\u201d asked Adam.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s not a compound fracture, but both lower leg bones were broken. Once I bind your ribs Adam, I\u2019m going to go back to town to get some proper splints in hopes of better stabilizing the leg.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou mean he\u2019s over there without anythin\u2019 keepin\u2019 his leg together? What if he wakes,\u201d asked Hoss.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHop Sing suggested it to me; I used rolled newspapers and secured three, one each on the outer and inner side and behind his calf. However, I don\u2019t really want to return to town until I\u2019m certain he comes out of the anesthesia okay.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou gave\u2026 him ether?\u201d Adam asked, or dared to demand how the doctor could have done that. The whole family knew how Joe\u2019s body reacted to the chemical.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s why I\u2019m staying here until he wakes. I want to make sure he doesn\u2019t injure himself any further when he gets sick after coming around. And even without the use of ether, he\u2019d probably be sick from the concussion and the stitches.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cStitches, what for?!\u201d Ben interrupted.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOnly four stitches, Ben. Evidently, his hat didn\u2019t stay on during his fall and when he hit the ground, his head must have struck a rock or a stone. His skull is NOT fractured, which leaves me to believe that it was a small rock.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cBut he\u2019s gonna be alright? Ain\u2019t he Doc?\u201d Hoss asked.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cGive him a week and he\u2019ll be causing you so much grief, begging and pleading to get out of bed. Don\u2019t worry. Now, Ben, I know you\u2019d probably like to go sit with your youngest, why don\u2019t you go while I bandage Adam\u2019s ribs. You too, Hoss.\u201d As the two Cartwrights stood to leave the room, Doc warned, \u201cIf he starts coming around, call me. And for heaven sake, if he starts thrashing around, retrain him as best you can.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWill do, Doc,\u201d Hoss was the only one who stopped to listen to heed the doctor\u2019s advice.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cDoc\u2026 I\u2019ll be fine,\u201d Adam tried to insist. \u201cJoe\u2026 needs you\u2026 more\u2026 than I do. I can\u2026 lie here… and keep still.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019d feel a whole lot better with regards to your breathing if you allow me to do my job and bandage you.\u201d Doc gave a warning glare to his patient.<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam closed his eyes and tilted his head forward in acquiescence.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Ben and Hoss entered Joe\u2019s bedroom to find the boy still asleep.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cDoctor take good care of Lit\u2019le Joe, he tell me what to do, when to do,\u201d Hop Sing stated as he finished straightening out the blankets that covered his charge.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThank you, Hop Sing, for helping Paul with Little Joe,\u201d Ben stated as he placed a hand on the Oriental\u2019s shoulder, \u201cwe kept you pretty busy today.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHop Sing busy all time, family need Hop Sing. Family need eat. I go fix coffee and sandwiches.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cEatin\u2019 sure sounds good Hop Sing,\u201d Hoss stated at the mention of food.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThen, I fix meal\u2026\u201d Hop Sing stated.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNa, just sandwiches is fine. Don\u2019t think I could eat one of your meals right now anyway,\u201d admitted Hoss.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cBe back, you sit,\u201d Hop Sing ordered. \u201cKeep eye on Number Three son, if wake, call for doctor.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWe will, Hop Sing. Thank you,\u201d Ben stated as he pulled a chair closer to Joe\u2019s bed and sat down.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHe\u2019s gonna be okay Pa. Nothin\u2019 keeps Shortshanks down for long,\u201d Hoss stated as he sat on the trunk at the foot of Joe\u2019s bed.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cHorses are dangerous,\u201d Joe heard in his head.<\/span><\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHey boy! Get away from those horses, they\u2019re dangerous!\u201d another voice called.<\/span><\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cSorry Shortshanks, but Dusty is too dangerous for ya to ride,\u201d Joe heard stated in Hoss\u2019 voice.<\/span><\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cBut I\u2019ve ridden him ever since I got too big for Star,\u201d Joe pleaded.<\/span><\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m sorry, but ya can\u2019t ride \u2018em no more. He\u2019d throw\u2019d ya and hurt ya. Ya wouldn\u2019t want to make Pa unhappy by ya being hurt now, would ya?\u201d again Hoss\u2019 voice asked.<\/span><\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cBut I can ride him! You said I was a natural, even Momma said I was a good rider. She was a good rider,\u201d Joe pleaded.<\/span><\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAnd see what it got her? She \u2018was\u2019 a good rider,\u201d Adam\u2019s voice entered the conversation.<\/span><\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cBut I can ride!\u201d<\/span><\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThey\u2019re too dangerous!\u201d multiple voices started calling out to Joe, taunting him saying the same phrase over and over, again.<\/span><\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cPa, please?! I can ride,\u201d Joe begged. \u201cLet me ride. Dusty wouldn\u2019t hurt me.\u201d<\/span><\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHe already has. How many times have we warned you that horses are dangerous?\u201d thundered Ben\u2019s voice.<\/span><\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

Joe looked up and saw his Pa standing there, tears falling down his face. His pa looked old\u2026<\/span><\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cPa, please?! I can ride,\u201d mumbled Joe as he started to regain consciousness. \u201cLet me ride. Dusty wouldn\u2019t hurt me.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHoss, go get Paul,\u201d Ben stated. He stood up from the chair and sat on the edge of the bed, close to his son.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI gotta get Doc. Adam needs Doc. Please let me ride. Please, I gotta go\u2026\u201d pleaded Joe as he struggled between the dark abyss and waking.<\/span><\/p>\n

Tears began falling from the corners of Joe\u2019s eyes as he pleaded to ride, continuing to call out that he needed to get the doctor for his oldest brother.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cJoseph, Shhhhh. You\u2019re home, you\u2019re safe. Doc\u2019s here treating Adam,\u201d praying that Joe would calmly wake. Ben kept his hands on his son\u2019s shoulders in a gentle, restraining manner. \u201cCome on son, open your eyes.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Little Joe didn\u2019t respond to his father\u2019s loving commands as he continued to fight the mental images and voices that wouldn\u2019t leave him alone. His mental fight turned physical as near hysteria consumed him, he tried to get across his desire and ability to ride only to be drowned out by everyone else\u2019s overbearing words that horses were dangerous.<\/span><\/p>\n

As Doc Martin entered the room, he instructed Hoss to make sure he kept Joe\u2019s legs restrained. \u201cIt\u2019s not so bad if he thrashes around with his head and upper body, but I want to keep that leg still.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNooooo,\u201d cried Joe, shifting his head from side to side as Ben again tried to wake him, taking the boy\u2019s wrists in his hands to prevent him from striking out.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cCome on son, you\u2019re okay. Adam\u2019s okay. You don\u2019t need to worry about going for Doc Martin any more. He\u2019s here.\u201d Ben gently, but firmly started patting Joe\u2019s cheeks, hoping to bring the boy to full wakefulness.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cKeep it up, Ben. He\u2019s coming around. His eyelids are fluttering\u2026 That means he\u2019s fighting the last effects of the ether,\u201d Paul encouraged.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cCome on Shortshanks, ol\u2019 Hoss here wants to see those green eyes of yours,\u201d encouraged Hoss, who stood beside the foot of his brother\u2019s bed, allowing the physician and their father to tend to the youth.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cPa? Please\u2026\u201d Joe cried as his eyes fluttered open, appearing unfocused.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m here son. I\u2019m here. Just open your eyes. Pa\u2019s here.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cPa?\u201d Joe said as he eyes opened wider. \u201cPa? Where\u2026 What\u2026\u201d His agitation slowly settled down as he recognized the people who stood around him, and that he was at home in his own room.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019re home son. Doc Martin brought you home,\u201d Ben sat back and breathed a sigh of relief.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAdam!\u201d Joe exclaimed and tried to sit up.<\/span><\/p>\n

The dizziness that Doc Martin predicted hit Joe at the same time his body reacted to the ether. Hop Sing, having been through post-ether effects with the youngest Cartwright on several occasions was prepared and standing near with a basin when the boy lost the contents of his stomach.<\/span><\/p>\n

Laying over the edge of the bed, Joe continued to retch and heave, his body broke out in a drenching sweat as he fought a losing battle to control the convulsions overwhelming his body. The boy knew his father was the one rubbing circles on his back and speaking gentle words of comfort.<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe was just about to sit up, when a more violent batch of heaves struck, heaves that produced nothing because his stomach was already empty, empty of any food or bile.<\/span><\/p>\n

When he finally could relax across his father\u2019s knee, someone began wiping his face and around his mouth and nose with a wet cloth as his head still hung off the side of his bed.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cGentle breaths son, you\u2019re doing fine. You\u2019ve been through this before,\u201d Doc Martin spoke as he cleaned the young boy\u2019s face. \u201cI don\u2019t think it\u2019s a good thing for you to sit up on your own, so your Pa and I\u2019ll help you lie back down on your back. Okay?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cUh huh,\u201d Joe stated, not wanting to nod his head.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOkay, just relax Joe. Keep your eyes closed. Let your Pa and I do all the work.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

As the two men positioned the boy upon his bed, Hop Sing quietly exited the room to dispose of the contents in the basin.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThat wasn\u2019t so bad, was it?\u201d Doc stated, hoping to give the boy encouragement that he was going to be fine.<\/span><\/p>\n

When Joe didn\u2019t answer, Ben grew concerned, \u201cJoseph?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cPa,\u201d Joe whispered as the tears continued to stream down the sides of his face.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAre you in pain, son?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Ben saw the barely perceptible nod.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll give you some laudanum, it\u2019ll help with the pain and it\u2019ll make you want to sleep,\u201d stated Doc Martin.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201c\u2019kay,\u201d whispered Joe as he opened his mouth to take in the medicine the doctor poured into the spoon; the taste caused him to grimace, \u201cBlaagh.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s a good boy,\u201d Ben stated as he pushed his son\u2019s bangs from his forehead. \u201cSleep Joseph, I\u2019ll be here when you wake.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll leave the bottle here, Ben. Give him another teaspoon full each time he wakes for the next twelve hours. See how he\u2019s doing before you give him any more in the morning, but no more than one teaspoon every four hours. Keep this one flat on his back until I return, I was right in my original assessment that his concussion is more severe than the one Adam sustained. I have a full schedule tomorrow, but should be able to make it out late afternoon to check on these two. And I\u2019ll bring proper splints for his leg.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThanks, Paul. Thank you.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019re welcome old friend, you\u2019re welcome. Don\u2019t worry, I\u2019ll see myself out.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Doc Martin wearily walked down the steps, pausing at the middle landing to stretch his back.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHow are they Doc?\u201d Carlton Caruthers inquired.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m sorry, I didn\u2019t realize you folks were still here. Both boys will ultimately make a full recovery. They should expect a few rocky days ahead, but they\u2019ll be fine.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s good to hear. Well, you\u2019ll let Ben know we wish them well and we\u2019ll be praying for a speedy recovery,\u201d the man stated as he and his family followed the doctor out of the house.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll be back later tomorrow, and I\u2019ll let Ben know. And again, I want to extend a heartfelt thanks to all of you for helping out as you did.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWeren\u2019t nothing.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI didn\u2019t get to see no dead body,\u201d Jenson mumbled as he climbed onto the wagon, turned around and helped his sister into the back.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWeren\u2019t no dead body to see, so you just watch your mouth, young \u2018en,\u201d Carlton chastised his son as he helped his wife to her seat, before following her up. \u201cMake sure Spats there is still tied on securely.\u201d After picking up the reins and encouraging their team on, Carlton yelled back, \u201cSee ya Doc!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Doc Martin walked over and untethered his horse from the hitching rail and wearily climbed into the saddle.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

The sun had set when Hoss slowly stood from the settee in front of the fireplace after hearing someone knock on the front door. Walking to the doorway he tried to erase the weariness from his body, not quite succeeding as he opened the door.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cCharlie, is everythin\u2019 alright?\u201d Hoss asked upon seeing their foreman standing outside the door, hat in hand. \u201cCome on in.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThe men were wondering how Adam is?\u201d Charlie stated.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHe\u2019ll be laid up a few days, Doc confirmed nothin\u2019s broken.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s good.\u201d Shuffling his feet he said, \u201cUh\u2026\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cUm\u2026 Thought you might like ta know there\u2019s good reason he ain\u2019t hurt worse than he was\u2026 I\u2026 Uh\u2026\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNever known you to be tongue tied,\u201d teased Hoss.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWell, I know you gave us the rest of the day off, but I\u2026 I stayed at the corral after the others left and looked it over\u2026 ya know, to get an idea of all we\u2019d need in order to repair it\u2026 I\u2026 Uh\u2026 Shucks Hoss, I\u2019ll just come out and say it. Them two hands we, meaning me, hired last fall to rework the breaking corrals, seems they didn\u2019t do the job, least not as good as they shoulda. It\u2019s my fault for not checking their work. I\u2019m sorry Boss.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhatcha talkin\u2019 about?\u201d Hoss inquired.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWell, to tell you the truth, they only used a few nails to secure the railings to the posts, and painted over them\u2026 and the posts\u2026 they\u2019s the same ones as before. They were still weakened at the base\u2026 No wonder everything gave like it did when that horse and Adam slammed into it.\u201d It was obvious that Charlie was feeling guilty for hiring men to do a job that had not been properly completed, and that he had failed to verify the quality of their work. \u201cYa can dock my pay for it.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThere won\u2019t be any docking of any pay,\u201d Ben voiced from the middle landing of the staircase.<\/span><\/p>\n

Both Charlie and Hoss to turned to look towards Ben.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cCharlie, consider it providence. Think on this\u2026 Had the fence been properly reinforced and repaired, after all the years of standing in the weather\u2026 Adam could have been critically injured today. His ribs could have been broken and his lung punctured\u2026 No Charlie, this time your inattention to detail is most forgiven.\u201d Ben changed his tone, \u201cBut don\u2019t ever let it happen again. I might not be as forgiving next time.\u201d There was no animosity, just a father\u2019s smile that his son was going to be okay, knowing that it could have been a lot worse.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cUnless one of us is spared injury,\u201d mumbled Hoss, only loud enough for Charlie to hear him.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cTh-thank you Mr. Cartwright. I\u2019ll let the others know about Adam, and that no slacking off will be tolerated\u2026 from anybody.\u201d Charlie turned to leave, but stopped, \u201cOh\u2026 One of the men said Dusty wasn\u2019t in the barn\u2026 I presume Joe left Dusty in town and might a come back in Doc\u2019s buggy?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cCharlie, Joe never made it to town. Seems he got thrown from Dusty, somehow Doc found him on the road, and\u2026\u201d Hoss stopped, \u201cPa, how\u2019d Doc find Joe and get him here anyways? I saw him ride his horse out of here.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Ben had stepped to where the two men stood talking, \u201cI don\u2019t know\u2026 I honestly don\u2019t remember, I thought I heard a wagon and horses arrive, so I left Adam\u2019s room and from the top of the stairs I saw Joe being carried in\u2026\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWe can ask Doc tomorrow when he comes to check on them brothers of mine.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIs he okay?\u201d Charlie asked. \u201cDo you know what happened? How he got thrown?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Scratching at the back of his head, Ben stated, \u201cGuess there\u2019s a lot that we don\u2019t know. But the good news is, Joe\u2019s going to be fine, only not as quick to mend as Adam. His left leg is broken and a few stitches to his head. But he\u2019ll be fine.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s good to hear,\u201d Charlie offered, he knew it was time for him to leave the house and the family to their concerns. \u201cI\u2019ll let the men know.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

After seeing their foreman out, Hoss inquired if Ben wanted him to sit with Joe for the first half of the night.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNo son, you had a long day too. Why don\u2019t you go on to bed and I\u2019ll wake you later.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll hold you to that, Pa. With both Adam and Joe down, I don\u2019t need you making yourself sick trying to take care of both of them. Like Doc said, they\u2019ll be fine. Good night, Pa.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAlright . Good night, son.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Before going to bed, Hoss managed to bring a more comfortable chair into Joe\u2019s room for when he and his pa sat watch over the youngest. A gesture that Ben fully appreciated as he slightly dozed, not allowing himself to fully sleep for when Joe woke. The grandfather clock downstairs chimed one o\u2019clock, waking Ben. With the faint light from the lantern lit on the far side of the room, Ben saw that his son was still asleep. He stood, stretched his back, and left the room to wake Hoss as promised.<\/span><\/p>\n

Ben never had the chance to open the door to Hoss\u2019 room when screams indicating a nightmare came from his youngest son\u2019s room. Whirling around, Ben returned to comfort his scared son, as he entered his son\u2019s room, he heard the unmistakable sounds of Hoss getting out of bed and scrambling across the hall, too.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cJoseph, it\u2019s okay. Come on, wake up,\u201d Ben crooned.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNo! No it\u2019s not! Adaaam! Please!\u201d Joe cried, arms flailing, hands balled into fists.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHoss, hold his leg,\u201d ordered Ben, feeling his middle son\u2019s weight on the bed.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cGot \u2018em Pa. Easy there Shortshanks,\u201d Hoss softened.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cPa! Please! No, you can\u2019t! Hosssssss!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Raising his son into his arms, Ben continued to comfort his son in hopes of waking him from his nightmare.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cPa?\u201d Adam called from the doorway, leaning heavily against it.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAdam, Doc said you weren\u2019t to get out of bed yet,\u201d cautioned Ben.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cBut, Joe\u2026\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHe\u2019ll be alright as soon as he wakes,\u201d Ben answered.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cP-Pa?\u201d Joe whispered as he came awake.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYes, Joe. It\u2019s Pa.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhat?\u201d Joe asked as he pushed himself back from his Pa and looked to see one brother holding his legs and the other leaning against the doorjam to his room.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou had a nightmare, son.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cA night\u2026mare\u2026 I\u2026\u201d Joe said as he continued to look around his room. \u201cPa\u2026\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou okay little buddy?\u201d Adam asked.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI think so\u2026 Hey you look a little funny,\u201d Joe said after Hoss turned up the wick of the lantern, allowing it to brighten the room.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cCome on, older brother. Let\u2019s get you back to bed before you collapse and do some real damage to yourself,” teased Hoss.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cPa, is Adam okay? I got the doc in time?\u201d Joe queried after watching his two brothers leave.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAdam is going to be fine in a few days. Though it will take his ribs a while longer to heal.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cDid he break\u2026\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThankfully, he didn\u2019t break any ribs, just sorely bruised. But you\u2026\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhat about me? Ow\u2026\u201d Joe groaned as he finally lay back in bed and attempted to get comfortable. \u201cMy leg.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m afraid you broke your leg son\u2026 Doc has it set using temporary splints, he didn\u2019t have any proper splints; he\u2019ll be back tomorrow afternoon to set it right.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI broke my leg? How\u2019d I do that?\u201d Joe asked as he tried to look under the covers to see his leg.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNone of that right now, lie still. Don\u2019t you remember what happened\u2026\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe sat in contemplation, his face contorted and softened as he remembered.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cDusty tripped and\u2026\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAnd what,\u201d encouraged Ben.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cMy saddle slipped. I\u2019m sorry Pa, I didn\u2019t check my cinch before I\u2026\u201d Joe\u2019s words rushed quickly out of his mouth. \u201cI had to get Doc, Adam was hurt. I\u2019m sorry. I didn\u2019t mean it. Dusty didn\u2019t hurt me on purpose. Ya gotta believe me. Please?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI know he didn\u2019t hurt you on purpose, son. And I\u2019m not upset with you\u2026\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cBut\u2026\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cJoseph, it was an honest oversight. You had to be scared after witnessing your brother\u2019s fall, and you knew how important it was to get Doc Martin.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cBut, if I fell\u2026 How\u2026\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThose questions will have to wait until Paul returns tomorrow afternoon. Now, do you want to talk about your nightmare?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2026 um\u2026 I don\u2019t\u2026 It\u2019s all gone. I don\u2019t remember, Pa,\u201d Joe answered, hoping that his pa wouldn\u2019t see the truth.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAdam\u2019s settled,\u201d Hoss stated as he came back into the room. \u201cHow\u2019s his leg Pa, he didn\u2019t injure himself again, did he?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cJoseph, I want you to lie right there while I check your leg, okay?\u201d Ben asked.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOkay,\u201d Joe quieted.<\/span><\/p>\n

A few moments later Ben stated that he didn\u2019t think any further damage had been done when Joe fought his nightmare.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHoss, bring the bottle of laudanum over here, Doc said to give you some when you woke.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

After watching his father administer the medication to his younger brother, and made the face that was so Joe; Hoss stated, \u201cNow that that\u2019s done, that means you go get some sleep. I\u2019ll take next watch,\u201d and he crossed his arms and waited for his pa to leave the room.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019re sure you\u2019re okay, Joe?\u201d Ben asked. And when his son nodded, he bid them both good night.<\/span><\/p>\n

Once the door was closed, Joe asked his brother to turn down the lantern so he could sleep, again.<\/span><\/p>\n

The room dimmed and Joe heard Hoss settling himself into the chair, within minutes he heard soft snores emanating from Hoss; a far cry from his snoring when lying flat on his back. But as more time passed, sleep eluded Joe and he remembered his dream vividly. The hands taunting him about his stature, and this brothers and father telling him horses were dangerous. After all, it was a horse that killed his mother, and here he was in bed with a broken leg because of Dusty. Tears slipped from his eyes as he muffled his sobs into his pillow. He kept trying to convince himself that it wasn\u2019t true, that horses, the animals he knew to be so majestic\u2026 They wouldn\u2019t, couldn\u2019t possibly mean to deliberately hurt him. But over and over again he remembered hearing, “Horses are dangerous, you will get hurt.\u201d<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

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

The morning sun was just peeking over the horizon when Hop Sing opened the door and smiled at the middle Cartwright son slumped uncomfortably in the big chair. The faithful servant looked to the youngest son and saw the dried trails of tears on the boy\u2019s face and the puffy eyelids, evidence the boy had been crying.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cMister Hoss, you wake,\u201d Hop Sing spoke as he gently shook the gentle giant.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHuh? Hop Sing\u2026 Joe okay?\u201d Hoss asked, pulling himself straight in the chair.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cBoy still sleep. Breakfast ready soon. Wake you, wake your father. You wash and shave for morning. I take care of Lit\u2019le Joe.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

When Hoss was out of the room, Hop Sing poured water from the pitcher into the basin, carried the bowl to beside the bed, and began to wipe the sleeping boy\u2019s face.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cPa?\u201d Joe mumbled as Hop Sing\u2019s ministrations woke him.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cFather wake soon. I come see you, see you cry\u2026\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m not crying,\u201d Joe snapped.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNot now, but you did. What wrong with Lit\u2019le Joe? Leg hurt? That why you cry? You tell Hop Sing.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m fine Hop Sing. It did hurt earlier, but Pa gave me the medicine.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHow\u2019s our patient this morning, Hop Sing?\u201d Ben asked as he stepped into the room, tying a green bandana around his neck.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m fine Pa,\u201d Joe answered.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAre you feeling pain from your leg?\u201d Ben inquired.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cSome.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cDo you want some laudanum?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYes, please,\u201d Joe replied.<\/span><\/p>\n

This surprised both father and housekeeper, both had expected a definite \u2018No\u2019 to the question. After returning the bottle to the bureau, both men said they would be back shortly with breakfast for the two convalescents.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIf your brother is up to it, would you like him to come in here and share breakfast with you?\u201d Ben asked before exiting.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNo, I don\u2019t think I\u2019d be that good a company. Might fall asleep on him,\u201d answered Joe as he pulled the covers up to his chin.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOkay, Joe,\u201d Ben replied as he left the room and closed the door.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cPa, how\u2019s he doin\u2019 this mornin\u2019?\u201d Hoss asked, coming up behind his father in the hallway, having changed from his checkered nightshirt into regular clothes, and shaved.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m not sure\u2026 He\u2019s not acting like himself,\u201d Ben replied. \u201cLet\u2019s go check your other brother, and get their breakfasts to them. Maybe he\u2019ll feel better once he\u2019s eaten. He\u2019s not had anything to eat since breakfast yesterday. That\u2019s it, he\u2019s just hungry.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Hoss thought his father did a poor job of trying to convince him that Joe was really okay.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cGood morning, Pa, Hoss,\u201d Adam greeted as he turned from opening the curtains, and slowly walked to bed.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cReally, Adam,\u201d Ben chastised. \u201cDoc said not to get out of bed, yet.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI feel a lot better than I did earlier\u2026 How\u2019s Joe this morning. Did he tell you what his nightmare was about?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNo he didn\u2019t, said he couldn\u2019t remember,\u201d answered Ben.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou don\u2019t believe him, do you?\u201d Adam asked.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNo, I don\u2019t believe him, but knowing your brother\u2026 I won\u2019t be able to get him to talk about it until he\u2019s good and ready to talk. But\u2026 I have a feeling he was remembering your spill…\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cPa, he\u2019s seen me get dumped before\u2026\u201d Adam interrupted.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cBut not to the point you were unconscious for as long as you were. I think it really shook him. Maybe pushing him to work on the ranch this soon\u2026\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cPa, what\u2019d ya mean?\u201d Hoss asked.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cMaybe he\u2019s not ready to see everything that happens on a working ranch, is all I\u2019m trying to say. Hoss, you yourself told me last month how green he became when he saw those two stallions fighting.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI done turned green too, Pa. It was a vicious fight. I\u2019m sorry that young stallion got killed, but it happens all the time. A young stallion thinks he\u2019s strong enough to challenge the leader\u2026\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI know, but\u2026\u201d Ben paused in concern.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cPa, it\u2019s a fact of life out here. You can\u2019t sugar coat everything; and keeping the harshness of this land from him will only cripple him later in life. It\u2019s best that he learns now how dangerous the jobs we do are, and now is the time for us to help him understand the right way to do things in order to minimize the dangers,\u201d Adam stated matter-of-factly as he pulled the covers over his legs once he was back in bed.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019re right, I know you are\u2026 It\u2019s just\u2026\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHe\u2019s your baby,\u201d Adam completed Ben\u2019s thought.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cJust don\u2019t let Shortshanks hear you call him that, Older Brother,\u201d Hoss warned. \u201cBroken leg or not, he\u2019s gotten to the point where he\u2019d throttle ya for sayin\u2019 that to his face.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI know,\u201d Adam admitted. \u201cIt\u2019s just hard seeing him growing up.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThat it is, but just as the harshness of life is a fact out here, so is the fact that he\u2019s gonna grow up more, and we have to accept that, whether we want to or not,\u201d Ben stated.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

A short time later, father and son carried two trays up the staircase to their injured family members. Upon Hoss entering Adam\u2019s room, Adam suggested, \u201cWhy don\u2019t you carry the tray to Joe\u2019s room and I\u2019ll eat with him. If Pa\u2019s right about his nightmare, maybe seeing me upright will do him some good.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cSorry, Adam\u2026 Pa already suggested that and he said he wasn\u2019t good company. Probably would fall asleep,\u201d Hoss replied as he set the tray on the night stand.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThat doesn\u2019t sound like our brother,\u201d Adam stated as he pulled the blankets over his legs and waited for Hoss to move the tray over to his lap.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAnd Pa knows it. He\u2019s tryin\u2019 to convince himself it\u2019s only because Joe\u2019s not ate since yesterday mornin\u2019.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHe was here for lunch, wasn\u2019t he?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYour accident happened when Pa was trying to get us to break for lunch. Don\u2019t ya remember him saying it was getting late?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYeah, I remember that. Did you bring your breakfast up here too?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNa, Pa and I\u2019ll eat downstairs, he wants to discuss business.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOh\u2026 Guess this is gonna put you a little short handed. Sorry.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAin\u2019t your fault, you didn\u2019t know that horse was gonna slam you into the railin\u2019,\u201d admonished Hoss. \u201cYou eat up. You know Hop Sing will have your hide if that plate ain\u2019t empty.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cGo on, get out of here.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cSee you later.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cCome on Little Joe, let\u2019s get you sitting up so you can eat your breakfast,\u201d Ben stated as he set the tray on the desk in order to help his son sit up to eat his breakfast.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m not hungry, Pa,\u201d Joe answered.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNot hungry? You\u2019ve not had anything to eat since breakfast yesterday,\u201d suggested Ben.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cMy stomach is a little upset, maybe the medicine\u2026\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIf that\u2019s the case, then you best eat. Hop Sing made you some scrambled eggs which should be easy enough for your stomach, and some hot tea with honey.\u201d Seeing his son not move to sit up. \u201cJoseph, I want you to eat breakfast and if I have to, I will stay in here until you do.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe looked to his father and saw the serious expression that conveyed he would carry through with his promise and more, if pushed. Joe pushed the blankets down and allowed his father to help him sit up against the headboard of his bed.<\/span><\/p>\n

A few moments later, Ben placed the tray on his son\u2019s lap, \u201cDo I need to stand here to make sure you eat?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNo sir,\u201d mumbled Joe as he picked up his fork and began to slowly eat.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cGood boy. Hop Sing will be up later to take your tray.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThanks Pa.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Half an hour later, Ben looked up from working the ledgers at his desk to see Hop Sing carrying the trays and empty dishes.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cDid he eat it all?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cMost, yes sir, Mr. Cartwright\u2026 Mr. Cartwright, boy not well,\u201d answered Hop Sing.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIs he running a fever?\u201d worried Ben.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNo, no fever, but he no act like Lit\u2019le Joe.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Standing from his chair, Ben walked around to look at the plate that still held some food.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWell, at least he ate more than I thought he would.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI make him eat more before take tray,\u201d admitted Hop Sing.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThank you. Go on with your duties, I\u2019ll check on him in a little while.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Hoss was just walking in the door for lunch when he, and the rest of the household, heard the screaming from the second floor. Ben made it to the stairway first, followed close behind by Hoss. As both entered the boy\u2019s room, they saw Adam struggling to wake his sleeping brother.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNOOOOO! Adaaaam! Please!!!!! It\u2019s not true!\u201d cried Joe.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cJoe, Come on! Wake Up!\u201d ordered Adam. \u201cI\u2019m fine little buddy. I\u2019m okay.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cA-adam?\u201d Joe whispered as he woke.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m right here,\u201d Adam softly spoke as he pulled his brother to his chest and began to rub his back. \u201cYou want to talk about it?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNo\u2026 I had a nightmare? But\u2026 It\u2019s not\u2026\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cBuddy, nightmares can happen anytime you\u2019re asleep.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI woke you?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNo, I was reading in my room when I heard you screaming.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Knowing that Joe was awake, Ben and Hoss stepped closer in an effort to comfort Joe.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m sorry, I don\u2019t know what happened\u2026\u201d Joe stated and gulped.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHow\u2019s your leg, Shortshanks?\u201d asked Hoss.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2026\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cDoes it still hurt, son?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYes, sir. It aches some.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Hoss and Adam took a moment to look at each other, both knowing their little brother rarely, ever admitted to not feeling fine or wanting medicine to help manage the pain.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThanks, Pa,\u201d Joe stated as he laid back to his pillow. \u201cSorry, I\u2019m being so much trouble.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Sitting on the edge of the bed, Ben stated, \u201cSon, you\u2019re no trouble. But I do think you\u2019re troubled. Something you\u2019re keeping inside is trying to get out.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t wanna throw up again, Pa.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m not talking that. I\u2019m talking that there has to be something upsetting you that\u2019s causing these dreams. Maybe if you talked about it\u2026\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThere\u2019s nothing to talk about, like before\u2026 I don\u2019t remember.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

The three elder Cartwrights did not believe the youngest but knew at this time it was not worth the fight or the anger that would come if they pursued the matter any further.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAlright. Hop Sing almost has lunch ready, and I don\u2019t want to hear a word from you about not being hungry.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI guess I could eat a little soup. I\u2019m still feeling a little queasy,\u201d admitted Joe.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOkay, I\u2019ll have Hop Sing bring you up a bowl of soup and some soft bread,\u201d Ben stated as he stood and motioned for his other sons to leave the room.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cHe\u2019s hiding something, Pa,\u201d Adam said as he stopped in front of the doorway to his bedroom.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI think we all know that,\u201d Pa replied.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhat do you think it is? I mean\u2026 Aw shucks, I don\u2019t know\u2026\u201d mumbled Hoss.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2019ll just have to wait until he\u2019s ready to talk. Adam, back to bed, I\u2019m not sure Paul will appreciate that you\u2019ve been up so much.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cPa, I\u2019m fine, other than the ache in my ribs. No dizziness and the only time my head hurts is when I press on this goose egg.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cStill\u2026\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI know, back to bed.\u201d Adam grinned and complied.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

The grandfather clock has already chimed four o\u2019clock in the afternoon when Ben heard a horse and buggy in the front yard. Rising from his desk, he walked across the wooden floor and opened the front door just as Doctor Paul Martin was about to knock on the door.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAfternoon, Ben. How are our two patients this afternoon?\u201d Paul inquired, removing his hat as he entered.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAdam seems to be doing fine, other than his ribs aching,\u201d answered Ben.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAny dizziness?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOvernight, we\u2026\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhat is it Ben?\u201d the concerned Doc asked.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWell\u2026 It\u2019s Joseph. He\u2019s had several nightmares already. Woke the whole house around one o\u2019clock. Adam managed to get to the doorway of Joe\u2019s room, but I could tell it was a struggle for him to stay upright. Hoss saw him back to bed. But later this morning, he was fine. Opening the curtains in his room, and then he made it to Joe\u2019s room before the rest of us when he had his next nightmare, before lunch.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAnd Joe being Joe, he\u2019s not said what the dreams are about?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou know my boy well.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI should, after all these years. So, other than the nightmares, how\u2019s he doing? Is he still experiencing pain?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s part of what has all of us concerned. He\u2019s admitting he\u2019s feeling queasy, and that his leg is hurting and willingly accepting the laudanum.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s out of character for him.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cSure is a change from his \u2018I\u2019m fine\u2019, but it\u2019s what he calls out during his dreams that has me worried. He keeps crying \u2018No\u2019 or calls for Adam, or yells \u2018It\u2019s not true\u2019. I\u2019m worried about him.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cLet\u2019s go take a look at him, shall we?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

As the two men headed to the staircase, Doc said, \u201cOh, I forgot to mention yesterday, that Dusty was injured when Joe was found. He\u2019s pretty lame in a front fetlock. Roy took him back to town, to the livery, thought it was better to take him to someplace close instead of all the way out here.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWe were worried about him, didn\u2019t realize until later last evening that he wasn\u2019t in the barn. Charlie pointed it out to us. But\u2026 If Joe was thrown\u2026\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cBen, let\u2019s wait till later, after I\u2019ve examined both of them and then we can talk.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Ben agreed and followed the doctor into Joe\u2019s room.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cJoseph, Doc Martin is here to see you.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

The form under the blankets began moving at hearing his father\u2019s voice, and soon, a dark curly-haired head poked out from under.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHi Pa, Doc Martin,\u201d greeted Joe as he began rubbing sleep from his eyes.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWell, how are you feeling?\u201d the doctor asked.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cQueasy, and my leg hurts.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHow about any dizziness, can you sit up for me?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cSure,\u201d Joe answered and worked himself into a seated position.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAny dizziness or fading of your vision?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cJust a little bit, but it went away.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Doc Martin raised his eyebrows, this definitely was not the cantankerous Joseph Cartwright he had always had to deal with.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s good to hear,\u201d Doc answered while pulling out his stethoscope from his black bag. \u201cLet me listen to your chest.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

The doctor listened to Joe\u2019s heart and his lungs, moving the stethoscope around the boy\u2019s chest and back. Removing the instrument and hanging it around his neck, he informed patient and father that he wanted to look at the stitches.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cStitches?! I got stitches?\u201d Joe asked in surprise.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cJust four, on the side of your scalp.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou cut my hair?!\u201d Joe felt panicked as he raised his hand to determine the damage done to his hair.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s the Joe I remember,\u201d smiled the doctor. \u201cThe wound is looking good, no more swelling than expected, and no signs of infection.\u201d Moving to the foot of the bed, the Doctor asked Ben for his assistance. \u201cBen, I\u2019m going to need your help to make sure Joe\u2019s leg stays still while I remove the temporary splints so I can place the permanent splints.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cPermanent, but they\u2019ll come off, won\u2019t they?\u201d a worried Joe asked his voice quieting as he spoke, fearing he was going to be crippled for life.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cJoe, just lie back and let the doctor do what he needs to do,\u201d suggested Ben, not seeing the look of hopelessness on his son\u2019s face.<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe lay back on his bed and stared at the ceiling, the voices returned to his head, \u201cHorses are dangerous, they\u2019re gonna hurt you. Horses are dangerous.\u201d<\/em> Tears slipped down the side of his face as he tried to block out the voices and the tingling sensation in his leg as the doctor changed the splints.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWell, that\u2019s done. Joe, are you okay? Are you in pain?\u201d Doc Martin asked upon seeing his patient crying.<\/span><\/p>\n

The boy nodded.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll give you some laudanum. Ben, keep administering the laudanum, about every five hours through tomorrow night and then, see if he can go six hours between dosages. I\u2019d really like to have him weaned of the drug by the end of the week.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cSure, Paul.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cJoseph, in six, maybe seven weeks time, you\u2019ll be up and back to riding,\u201d encouraged Doc Martin. \u201cNow, let me go check on your other brother.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe pulled the covers over his head only to keep hearing, \u2018Horses are dangerous. Horses are dangerous.\u2019<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cPa, I\u2019m back! Is Doc Martin here?!\u201d Hoss called as he entered the main room.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIn Adam\u2019s room Hoss,\u201d Ben called down.<\/span><\/p>\n

Hoss entered the room to hear Doc Martin release Adam to light duties, \u201cYour ribs will let you know when you\u2019ve done too much. But if the headaches return\u2026\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI know, back to bed,\u201d Adam smiled. \u201cHey brother, get me my clothes from the closet.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cSure.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cDoc, what about Joe. You said we\u2019d talk,\u201d Ben stated.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI did. As you probably figured out, Joe didn\u2019t make it to town yesterday after Adam\u2019s accident. The Caruthers family found him out on the road.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThe Caruthers, I thought they lived over in Placerville,\u201d Said Hoss.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThey do, but every year or so they come to Virginia City to visit old friends. You can be thankful that they chose yesterday to visit,\u201d Paul admitted.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNot only yesterday, but at that time to find Joe,\u201d Adam added.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAnyway, Mr. and Mrs. Caruthers stayed with Joe while their boy Jenson rode his horse into town, found Roy who came for me. They agreed to bring Joe back here once I determined it was safe enough to move him.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhat about Dusty. Charlie said he wasn\u2019t in the barn last night.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHoss, Paul told me Dusty was injured and that Roy took him to town, said it would be easier since it was a shorter distance for him to travel.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhere\u2019d the accident happen? How far from town was Joe?\u201d Adam asked.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAbout two and a half miles,\u201d Paul stated.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThat close? Pa, you figure that long of a trip on Dusty was too much for \u2018em?\u201d Hoss asked.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cDusty isn\u2019t a young horse, Hoss, and Joe\u2019s been riding him a lot while out with you two\u2026 That\u2019s one of the reasons why I\u2019m so anxious to convince Winnemucca to trade with me. Joe\u2019s had his heart set on a pinto ever since he first saw one.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s for sure,\u201d Hoss acknowledged.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHow bad\u2019s the horse hurt?\u201d Adam asked.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHe should be better long before Joe is. I think Hank at the livery said two weeks tops. It\u2019s a front fetlock and possibly a bowed tendon. He\u2019d hoped the swelling in the joint would have gone down some overnight, but the tendon started swelling this morning and there\u2019s a lot of heat along with it.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThat ain\u2019t good Pa,\u201d Hoss stated.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHow\u2019s Joe taking this?\u201d Adam asked.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cPa, he\u2019s not asked one question\u2026 Not once has he asked about Dusty\u2026\u201d Hoss stated, surprised.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAnother uncharacteristic trait your brother is exhibiting since his accident,\u201d admitted Ben.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWe all know you can never count on Joe to be Joe,\u201d Adam teased sarcastically.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAdam, you ain\u2019t got no cause to be teasin’ about him. He done got himself hurt tryin’ to get Doc for ya. Maybe he\u2019s scared\u2026 Pa, do you think that maybe he thinks Dusty broke a leg or somethin’ and that\u2019s what\u2019s scarin’ him to having those dreams?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI never thought of that, Hoss. It\u2019s a possibility.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cGentlemen, if you don\u2019t mind, I think I\u2019ll head back into town. If you need me, just send someone for me. I\u2019ll be back day after tomorrow to check on your youngest Ben.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOh, yes. Thanks Paul.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll see myself out.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cBoys, I think Hoss may be on to something regarding Joe\u2019s dreams. I\u2019ll talk with him tonight, before he goes to sleep.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t you think it might be better to talk to him now, Pa,\u201d Adam asked.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNo, I want him to eat a good supper, and if I try to force the issue now, I\u2019m sure he won\u2019t want to eat.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

The house had quieted for the night when Ben went to visit with his youngest son and to possibly address the issue behind his son\u2019s nightmares. With his hand on the doorknob, Ben gently knocked on the door before opening it.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHi Pa,\u201d Joe quietly called out upon seeing his Pa enter his room.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHow are you feeling?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOkay, my leg doesn\u2019t hurt so much now that Doc has these splints on.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s good,\u201d Ben said as he walked over to sit down on the edge of his son\u2019s bed, careful not to jostle his son\u2019s leg. \u201cYou know son, you haven\u2019t asked me about Dusty.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOh, I thought I did,\u201d Joe quickly replied, lowering his eyes to avoid looking at his pa. \u201cYou said he was okay\u2026\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cDid I Joe?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI thought you did\u2026\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cJoseph, look at me.\u201d Ben waited a moment for his son to look at him. \u201cWhen Doc was here earlier, he told me that Dusty had been injured and that probably was what caused him to throw you.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHe didn\u2019t throw me!\u201d Joe insisted. \u201cHe didn\u2019t hurt me. I fell off. I\u2026 told you\u2026 I forgot to tighten my cinch.\u201d Joe continued to hurriedly speak.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI remember. But whether you were thrown or whether you fell off\u2026\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHe didn\u2019t do it on purpose!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cJoseph, why would I think that he did it on purpose? Why do you feel you have to offer excuses for what happened. It was an accident. I know that.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI just don\u2019t want you thinking bad of him. He\u2019s my horse\u2026 He\u2019s not dangerous.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIf he was dangerous, do you think I\u2019d have let you ride him for all these years?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNo, but things happen and things change\u2026 Is he gonna be okay?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIn time, he\u2019s injured his fetlock and the tendon along the canon bone.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s not good, is it,\u201d Joe stated, diverting his eyes from looking to Ben.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNot right now, but with rest, and considering you won\u2019t be riding, he\u2019ll get plenty of rest.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI won\u2019t be riding?\u201d Joe asked in a small voice.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNo, you won\u2019t be riding.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOkay. Thanks for telling me\u2026 about Dusty.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019re welcome, son. Now that you know he\u2019s going to be okay\u2026 Maybe you\u2019ll be able to sleep through the night.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cSure, Pa. I mean, yes, I hope so.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

The following morning, the three elder Cartwrights sat down for breakfast, their faces spoke volumes that they had enjoyed an uninterrupted night of sleep.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cGuess Hoss was right about what had Joe spooked into bad dreams\u2026 He slept through the night,\u201d Adam stated as he reached for the bowl of fried potatoes. \u201cHe still asleep?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAppeared that way when I checked in on him earlier. Dead to the world,\u201d Hoss stated, reaching for the platter of biscuits. \u201cPa, the butter please.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

The three men casually discussed the day\u2019s planned activities over a breakfast of sausage gravy and biscuits with fried potatoes. They were close to finished when Hop Sing came down the stairs, carrying a tray bearing the evidence that Joe had only partially eaten his breakfast.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI thought he\u2019d eat more than that,\u201d Ben stated as Hop Sing passed the table on his way to the kitchen.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHe\u2019s not doing a lot of anything to maintain his appetite, I\u2019m not surprised,\u201d Adam said as he sipped from his coffee cup.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cPoor little fella, I feel sorry for him stuck up in bed all day,\u201d Hoss stated. \u201cMaybe I\u2019ll spend time tonight with him playin\u2019 checkers.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m sure your brother would appreciate the company.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

On the third day after Adam\u2019s accident, Paul Martin stopped by the ranch to examine Joe, and was happy to say that if he stayed quiet, in bed, that he felt Joe could get up in a week\u2019s time, with the aid of crutches to get around the house.<\/span><\/p>\n

Before he left, he advised Ben to expect a visit from Abigail Jones.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhat\u2019s she want?\u201d Adam asked while he tried to hide the rolling of his eyes.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cSpring break for the school is over, I believe she wants to discuss Joe\u2019s studies while he\u2019s restricted from traveling to school.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI didn\u2019t even think about his lessons,\u201d admitted Ben.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019ve had plenty of other concerns on your mind. Don\u2019t worry,\u201d Paul answered.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Unfortunately, Adam was home when Miss Jones drove her buggy into the yard of the Ponderosa ranch house.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOh Adam! Adam!\u201d Abigail called in her unusually shrill voice as she reined in her horse.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAbigail, how nice to see you,\u201d Adam replied, forcing himself to keep his voice neutral.
\n<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhy thank you. I always enjoy my trips to the Ponderosa. I hope you\u2019re fully recovered from your accident?\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYes, I am. Just bruised and contused.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cDo you have time? I understand from Doctor Martin that it will be some weeks before Joseph is allowed to return to school. I had hoped that if I left my lesson plan with you, that when you have time, you or your father would be able to work with him to keep him up with his classmates.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThank you for being so concerned about Joe,\u201d Adam smiled, a forced smile.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOh, it\u2019s my pleasure. It\u2019s so lovely, may we sit out here while I go over his lessons?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhy yes,\u201d Adam replied as he allowed Miss Abigail Jones to step in front of him and up the two steps to sit at the table on the deck.<\/span><\/p>\n

Half an hour later, Adam was grinning and waving goodbye, and exhaled deeply as Miss Jones\u2019 buggy disappeared around the corner of the barn.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhen\u2019s the weddin\u2019?\u201d Hoss teased.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIf I EVER\u2026\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cEasy there, if you\u2019re that mad, there\u2019s some wood that needs splittin\u2019 that\u2019ll take your anger a lot better than your family.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m sorry, but that woman is so\u2026\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cInfuriatin\u2019?\u201d Hoss asked.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAnd to a point, condescending. As if I didn\u2019t spend five years at college\u2026 earning two Master\u2019s degrees.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cBut you didn\u2019t study education, did you son?\u201d Ben said as he stepped from the house and overheard his sons.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNo Pa,\u201d Adam admitted. \u201cStill…\u00a0 Her credentials from whatever young ladies’ finishing school she graduated from can’t begin to compare with a Harvard education.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI agree with you son, but sometimes you have to take the bitter with the sweet.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAnd just what\u2019s so sweet about her?\u201d Adam tossed back.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cShe\u2019s sweet on you older brother, she\u2019s sweet on you!\u201d Hoss declared and ran to the sanctuary of the house, chased by Adam.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cBOYS!\u201d Ben hollered as he followed them inside, \u201cNo rough housing.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Later, Ben carried the evening meal upstairs to his son, Hoss and Adam followed behind.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWho was here? I thought I heard a hor\u2026 a buggy leave?\u201d Joe asked as he looked up from the book he was reading.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYour teacher, Miss Jones,\u201d Ben answered.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhat was she doing here?\u201d Joe asked.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cShe came by to go over your lessons with me. Since you won\u2019t be able to travel to school,\u201d stated Adam.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOh, yeah\u2026 Are you gonna be able to help me?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Arching his eyebrows, Adam said, \u201cSure, I\u2019d be glad to help you.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cMaybe after supper?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cSure Joe.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cShortshanks, ain\u2019t you forgot, you\u2019re a couple games of checkers up on me, I want a chance to get even.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cMaybe another night, Hoss? I really don\u2019t want to get behind in school.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cSure\u2026\u201d a confused Hoss answered.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

For the remainder of the week, Adam helped Joe with his studies after finishing his work out on the ranch. Joe\u2019s lessons began before supper and continued after he\u2019d eaten his meal. Adam was truly pleased with the effort his brother exhibited and how well he learned and remembered his lessons.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cMiss Jones is going to be real pleased with your progress report,\u201d Adam announced as he checked Joe\u2019s work.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cShe\u2019ll probably think you did it for me,\u201d sulked Joe.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhy aren\u2019t your grades this good when you\u2019re at school?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t know. Maybe it has to do with the teacher,\u201d Joe shrugged his shoulders.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhat do you mean by that? You\u2019ve had other teachers beside Miss Jones and you\u2019ve never been this mindful or correct with your answers.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cMaybe knowing you\u2019d make me take a \u2018necessary\u2019 trip to the barn, keeps me in line.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cJoe, seriously. This whole last week, you\u2019ve not been yourself. No mischief\u2026\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cKinda hard to get into mischief which I can\u2019t even get out of bed,\u201d Joe\u2019s expression soured.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cJoe, why don\u2019t you try this hard at school?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cBecause she just drones on and on and on. You\u2019ve heard her; she\u2019s just so\u2026 uppity, snobbish, boorish\u2026 take your pick.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou can do better than that\u2026 Joe you\u2019re smart. Some of the questions on this test, weren\u2019t the ones from Miss Jones\u2026 I inserted them and you answered them. You hadn\u2019t studied them, and you were able to answer the questions better than satisfactorily. A few grammatical errors on this test, and a transposition of numbers on another. Joe\u2026\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAdam, I\u2019m kinda tired\u2026\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cSure, buddy.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam looked at his brother settling himself under the covers. \u201cWhat\u2019s got you so down, little brother? Why won\u2019t you talk to us?\u201d<\/em> Adam asked himself.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

When Paul Martin returned with the crutches, as promised, Joe quietly accepted his freedom from his bedroom, and with a brother in front and a brother behind him, he made his way down the stairs to the great room.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou want to go outside, little buddy?\u201d Adam asked.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNot right now, I\u2019m kinda bushed. Didn\u2019t think I\u2019d be this tired just coming down the stairs.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s to be expected Joe, you\u2019ve been laid up in bed for ten days. But you\u2019ll get stronger the more you move around. Don\u2019t worry, you\u2019ll be feeling like your old self in no time,\u201d Doc Martin stated before he left to return home.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Two weeks had passed since the accident and other than the last remnants of the fading bruise along his ribs and an occasional ache when he moved the wrong way, Adam had returned to full health and abilities.<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe had yet to make a sound that he was awake for the morning while the others sat at the table for breakfast.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAre you goin\u2019 to town to get Dusty today?\u201d Hoss asked.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThat and the mail,\u201d Adam answered. \u201cThink you can convince little brother to be out on the porch when I return?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhy, I\u2019d be hard pressed to keep him off that horse the minute you come leading that horse home.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI hope so,\u201d Ben stated as he listened to his two sons.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhat\u2019s that supposed to mean?\u201d Hoss asked.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019ve both been out working and haven\u2019t been here\u2026 The only time he\u2019s out on the porch is when there\u2019s no one around\u2026 I\u2019ve noticed lately that the minute he hears someone coming, he makes a reason to come back inside.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou think there\u2019s something going on with the hands? I know Charlie tries to keep the new hands in line\u2026\u201d Adam offered. \u201cBut Pa, he\u2019s greeted us on the porch when we come home.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOnly after you\u2019ve put your horses away and you\u2019re coming in from the barn,\u201d Ben clarified.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNone o\u2019 that sounds like Shortshanks, why\u2019s he actin\u2019 like that?\u201d inquired Hoss.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t know. But maybe Dusty\u2019s return will be the ticket to getting him out of the house,\u201d Ben hoped.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cMaybe he don\u2019t like bein\u2019 reminded that he cain\u2019t ride out with us\u2026\u201d Hoss offered as an explanation after thinking about it.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThat could be it,\u201d agreed Adam. \u201cIt was fun riding out with him, teaching him about the ranch, even if he is a pain with all the questions he\u2019s asking.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s just how he learns, Adam,\u201d Ben spoke. \u201cMaybe Hoss is right. He was right about Joe thinking something had happened to Dusty that was causing his nightmares. Ever since I told him Dusty was going to be okay\u2026\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cSee Adam, I was right. Joe ain\u2019t had no nightmare since Pa told him what happened to Dusty,\u201d boasted Hoss.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Joe was sitting at the dining room table, working one of the lessons that Adam had given him the night before. The boy was totally engrossed in his studies that he didn\u2019t hear the riders enter the yard, nor his name when they hollered for him.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cJoseph!\u201d Ben called as he entered through the front door.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOver here Pa, at the table. I\u2019m studying,\u201d Joe hoped his father would be pleased.<\/span><\/p>\n

Raising his eyebrows, Ben walked around the corner, surprised to see several books laid open and Joe scribbling on a sheet of paper with his left hand, while his right hand marked his spot in one of the books.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cJoe, there\u2019s someone out front who\u2019d like to see you,\u201d Ben stated as he came to stand behind his son.<\/span><\/p>\n

After all the years of watching his son do his homework, it still amazed Ben how difficult it was to decipher the backwards slant of his son\u2019s writing, but with enough attention and because of the years of practice, he could tell the boy was writing an essay about American History \u2013 The Revolutionary War.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cSure Pa, tell them they can come on in, I\u2019m almost at a stopping point,\u201d Joe answered not looking up from his writing.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t think Hop Sing will appreciate that,\u201d Ben stated as he leaned down and picked Joe\u2019s crutches up from off the floor.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWho\u2019s here?\u201d He couldn\u2019t understand who would be visiting him that Hop Sing would have a problem with them coming inside the house.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhy don\u2019t you come and find out?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Slowly, Joe hobbled from the table, around the corner, and out the door, Ben close behind him all the way.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhere\u2019d they go?\u201d Joe asked when he didn\u2019t see anyone in the yard.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cSurprise Little Buddy!\u201d Adam called as he led Dusty out from the barn and towards Joe.<\/span><\/p>\n

His father, brothers, and Charlie, who had already been in the barn, were concerned when Joe stepped away from his horse and a distressed look appeared upon his face. Had Ben not been behind his son, they all felt he would have fallen to the ground.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cJoe, are you alright? It\u2019s Dusty. Adam brought him home for you,\u201d Ben stated as he placed his hands upon his sons shoulders to steady him.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cCome on Shortshanks, you may not be able to ride, but Dusty here looks to be in need of a good groomin\u2019,\u201d Hoss hollered.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t think so. Doc said I wasn\u2019t to do anything\u2026\u201d Joe excused. \u201cThanks for bringing him home. He\u2019s\u2026 is he alright?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Handing the lead rope to Charlie, Adam walked across the yard and stepped to the porch. \u201cHarry said maybe one more week without work and he should be totally sound, only now he can be turned out in the corral beside the barn for a little while instead of stuck in a stall all day. Come on, we\u2019ll make sure you\u2019re okay.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNo, I best not. I don\u2019t want to\u2026 upset Doc\u2026 and have him have to come back out here because I didn\u2019t do what he said. Pa, can I go back inside? I really need to finish my homework so Adam can grade my papers and still get to bed at a reasonable time. I\u2026 I mean, I appreciate all his help, but he\u2019s got so much to do.\u201d The look in Joe\u2019s eyes matched the pleading in his voice.<\/span><\/p>\n

Nodding, Ben stepped aside and let Joe return to the house.<\/span><\/p>\n

When the door closed, Hoss walked to his father and older brother, and said, \u201cDagnabbit, that sure ain\u2019t our Little Joe. In the past we\u2019d a had to hogtie him to keep him away from that horse.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cMaybe being thrown from Dusty has scared him,\u201d Adam offered. \u201cAs much as he\u2019s a natural on horses, I never thought he\u2019d not want to rush right over and hug his horse.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThat cain\u2019t be it Adam. He\u2019s come off before\u2026\u201d Hoss added.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cSure, he\u2019s come off Dusty, when he was doing something he shouldn\u2019t have\u2026 But never when he\u2019s been physically hurt, just his pride,\u201d Ben added. \u201cI think I want to talk to Paul.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHe\u2019s out of town for the next two days, there\u2019s a sign on his office door,\u201d Adam stated.<\/span><\/p>\n

Ben returned to the house while Adam and Hoss returned Dusty to the barn.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Joe had already retired to his room as his family sat in the main room, Ben sat reading the Territorial Enterprise, Hoss was \u2018resting his eyes\u2019, while Adam finished grading Joe\u2019s homework in order to turn into Miss Jones when they planned to meet after church on Sunday to go over the following week\u2019s lesson plan.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAdam, how\u2019s Joe doing with his lessons,\u201d Ben asked as he finished with his paper.<\/span><\/p>\n

Setting his work aside, Adam looked up and saw the concerned look on his father\u2019s face. \u201cI\u2019ll tell you what Joe told me the other day; he told me that, Abigail was probably going to think that I did all his work for him.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHe said, that?\u201d Hoss asked as he came awake.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHe did,\u201d acknowledged Adam.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cPa, I don\u2019t understand how Joe can be doing this good with the work I\u2019ve given him and yet do so poorly when at school\u2026 I\u2019m following Abigail\u2019s lesson plan, only\u2026\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOnly what son?\u201d Ben asked as he sat forward in his leather chair.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOn the tests, I\u2019ve increased the difficulty. I mean, some of the questions were so\u2026 simpleton is the best word I can use to describe.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cLike she\u2019s not challengin\u2019 the students enough?\u201d Hoss asked.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOr at least she\u2019s not challenging Joe enough.\u201d Thinking on what else Joe had said\u2026 \u201cHe said something about her droning on and on, that she was\u2026\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam didn\u2019t continue he didn\u2019t want to get Joe in trouble for repeating exactly how he had described his teacher.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHe\u2019s right about that\u2026 she sure can drone on about you,\u201d snickered Hoss.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHoss,\u201d admonished Ben. \u201cAdam\u2026 exactly what are you thinking\u2026\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cMaybe we should speak with the school board about hiring another teacher.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAnd replace Miss Jones?\u201d a startled Hoss asked.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNot replace her outright\u2026 The school is enrolling many more children as new families move to town, maybe there are too many children for her to handle alone. What if the school board hired another teacher to take over the education of the older children, or those who show inclinations like Joe is\u2026 I mean if this,\u201d Adam slowly waved his hands over the pages of Joe\u2019s homework he had been grading, \u201cis the quality of work he is truly capable of\u2026 I just never imagined Joe would\u2026 had it in him.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Ben and Hoss took the time to look at some of the work Joe had done and were truly impressed with what they reviewed.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cShortshanks is a genius?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNot a genius, but a lot smarter than we gave him credit\u2026\u201d Adam admitted.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cBut why all the sudden turn around\u2026\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI think Joe is right\u2026\u201d Adam added.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cRight about what?\u201d Ben asked.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThat maybe it had to do with the teacher.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Upstairs, Joe lie curled up on his side, his back to the door. He thought back to that afternoon when Adam and Hoss had led Dusty from the barn, he began to cry, his tears only subsiding when he fell asleep.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHorses are dangerous!\u201d<\/em> he heard his Pa\u2019s voice in the deepest part of the night. \u201cIf you\u2019d done as I told you, you wouldn\u2019t have been hurt.\u201d<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cSee whatcha done Shortshanks? Ya upset Pa by not doin\u2019 as he told ya. Horses are dangerous!\u201d<\/em> Joe heard in an angered Hoss\u2019 voice.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYour behavior was childish!\u201d<\/em> came Adam\u2019s disparaging voice. \u201cHow could you do that?! Hoss is right, your actions upset Pa! Joe, horses are dangerous! You\u2019re old enough to know that!\u201d<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNOOOOO!\u201d sobbed Joe as he woke.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

After spending a full day working on the ranch, the elder Cartwright sons were happy to join Joe at the table Saturday night, enjoying Hop Sing\u2019s culinary skills having fixed an excellent pork roast with redbud potatoes and carrots. Adam and Hoss tried to encourage Joe into a conversation by telling him of things they\u2019d seen or had to do, hoping he\u2019d ask questions, but he only made casual comments, \u201cThat\u2019s nice\u201d or \u201cGlad I wasn\u2019t there\u201d.<\/span><\/p>\n

Trying to get more than a few words from his youngest, Ben asked, \u201cJoe, do you think you\u2019re up to going to church tomorrow? Since you can\u2019t ride, we can hitch the buggy up,\u201d as he pushed his empty plate forward on the table.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cUh\u2026 I don\u2019t know. You know Doc told me I should only use my crutches around the house\u2026 And the roads are still pretty rutted\u2026 aren\u2019t they? I mean, bouncing around in the buggy wouldn\u2019t be that good for my leg\u2026\u201d Joe answered, not looking up from the food on his plate that he couldn\u2019t bring himself to eat any more.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAlright, I understand,\u201d a dejected Ben answered; he glanced to his two oldest sons and saw their eyes reflect the same disappointment he felt. \u201cWould you like for me to stay home with you?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNO!\u201d Joe answered with more emotion than he realized. \u201cIt\u2019s not necessary\u2026 You\u2019ve missed church the past few weeks because of me. Now that I\u2019m mobile\u2026 \u2018Sides\u2026 Besides, Hop Sing will be here if I need any help.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOkay, we\u2019ll be a little late in returning. Adam and I need to meet with Miss Abigail and a few members of the school board after services.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t forget you wanted to talk with Doc Martin about comin\u2019 out later in the week to check on trouble, here,\u201d teased Hoss.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll be okay. And\u2026\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAnd?\u201d Hoss inquired. He\u2019d been watching his younger brother closely, especially after seeing his brother\u2019s face drop when he teased in calling him \u2018trouble\u2019.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cJust tell Doc I ain\u2019t\u2026 haven\u2019t been doing anything I shouldn\u2019t. I\u2026 I been\u2026 I have been following his instructions.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Halfway to Virginia City, Hoss pulled his horse to a halt.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhat is it son? Something wrong with Chubs?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNo, you know there ain\u2019t nothin\u2019 wrong with Chubs. It\u2019s Joe, none o\u2019 us is talkin\u2019 about him. We\u2019re tiptoeing and avoidin\u2019 what\u2019s troublin\u2019 him.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHoss, we\u2019re not avoiding the situation, we just don\u2019t know what\u2019s wrong with him.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI know what\u2019s wrong with him, he ain\u2019t actin\u2019 himself. Did you hear him correctin\u2019 his talk at the table? Since when did Joe ever correct himself? And since when does he ever do as told?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cMaybe this accident has finally made him grow up?\u201d Adam stated without a hint of sarcasm.<\/span><\/p>\n

Hoss shot his older brother a warning glare that indicated now was not the time.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHoss, that\u2019s one of the reasons I plan to discuss the situation with Paul. We all know something\u2019s wrong, but until your brother decides to open up about it\u2026 We\u2019re just grasping at straws.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2019re all concerned about him, Hoss,\u201d Adam added.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAw, I know that, it\u2019s just\u2026 I don\u2019t like seein\u2019 him sufferin\u2019 like this and not knowin\u2019 why.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Hop Sing had cleared the table and cleaned the kitchen when he decided to check on Joe.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cLit\u2019le Joe?\u201d he asked as he dutifully walked to stand at the end of the settee upon which Joe sat, reading a book.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHey Hop Sing.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhy you cry? Why Lit\u2019le Joe sad?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m not crying, Hop Sing. I\u2019m just reading a book.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou cry at night. I see stains on pillows when do laundry.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe thoughtfully and nervously considered how to answer his friend. \u201cYou\u2019re right, I do cry, but I\u2019m not sad\u2026 I\u2019m just upset.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhy you upset?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cBecause I\u2019m stuck here.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cFather offer you go to church,\u201d Hop Sing stated, indicating his confusion.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m stuck here because I fell off my blasted horse when Adam was counting on me to get the doctor!\u201d anger colored Joe\u2019s voice.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cBut Mr. Adam okay. He not hurt bad. Doctor come,\u201d Hop Sing calmly replied.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYeah, he came. Only I wasn\u2019t the one who fetched him. Can\u2019t even be counted on to do something as important as getting the doctor when my brother is injured. No wonder they won\u2019t let me ride, won\u2019t trust me to do anything else on the ranch after this.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cFather and brothers trust you. You injured. No can do work. But will when better.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNo\u2026 they won\u2019t trust me not to get injured again. They\u2019ve warned me over and over again how dangerous the work is if not done right. All I had to do was ride to town, and I couldn\u2019t even do that.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou try. That all father ever ask of you,\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Mumbling under his breath Joe said, \u201cHe won\u2019t ask me to do anything now\u2026\u201d Reaching for his crutches Joe stated, \u201cI\u2019m going upstairs.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Hop Sing promised himself he would speak with his employer regarding Lit\u2019le Joe, he was glad he had been able to talk with Joe to find out what was wrong.<\/span><\/p>\n

Upstairs, Joe sat on the seat built into his windowsill and watched the world outside. A shiver ran down his body when he saw Dusty prancing around in the corral, nickering to the horses the ranch hands rode as they left the yard to head out to do their jobs. Tears welled in Joe\u2019s eyes as he heard the men laughing; he knew they were laughing about him, how he was too small and how his family coddled him. In his mind he heard, \u201cDang fool kid don\u2019t know how dangerous horses are. Shoulda left it to one of us to go for the doc.\u201d \u201cGuess being a runt addled his brain too. Too bad the family has to keep such a close eye on him.\u201d \u201cGotta keep him away from the horses so he don\u2019t get himself killed like his momma.\u201d<\/em> Resting his head back, he quietly cried, \u201cMomma\u201d as he fell asleep.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Hop Sing patiently waited for his employer to return home while he prepared their evening meal. Each time he checked the clock he grew anxious of their return, he worried how they would take the news he had discovered. The faithful servant also worried how to keep Number Three Son from hearing him speak. By the time Ben, Adam, and Hoss made it home from church and the discussions held afterwards, the clock was chiming three, thirty.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHop Sing, supper smells delicious,\u201d Ben stated as he placed his rolled up holster on the credenza and his hat on the rack on the wall.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll second that,\u201d Hoss answered as he inhaled deeply for a second time.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cMister Cartwright, Hop Sing find out why?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhy what?\u201d Adam asked as he followed suit of his father in the placement of his holster and hat.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cLit\u2019le Joe worry,\u201d Hop Sing answered. \u201cHe fear family no trust him no more. He feel he fail family by no returning with honorable doctor for Mr. Adam.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhat?!\u201d exclaimed Ben. \u201cThat\u2019s preposterous.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIs it Pa?\u201d Adam stated as he walked to the settee and sat down. \u201cThat kid brother of ours\u2026 We all know he tried to help\u2026 How was he to know that Dusty couldn\u2019t make that kind of a trip?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHow could any of us a known?\u201d Hoss answered as he sat down on the low table between the settee and the fireplace.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cDid Joe tell you this?\u201d Ben asked as he walked over to sit in his leather chair.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI ask why he cry?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cJoe was cryin’?\u201d Hoss sympathetically asked. \u201cWhen was he cryin’?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cBoy cry all time at night.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cBut\u2026\u201d Ben began to speak.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI see stains on pillow covers\u2026 I ask Lit\u2019le Joe why sad? He hurt, in heart.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWell, don\u2019t that beat all,\u201d Hoss answered as he looked up the staircase. \u201cShortshanks thinks we don\u2019t trust him no more because Dusty threw him?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAccording to Joe, Dusty didn\u2019t throw him. He fell off,\u201d Ben corrected.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cFell or thrown. It was an accident,\u201d Adam offered.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI go kitchen, finish fixing supper,\u201d Hop Sing stated before giving a gracious bow to his employer.<\/span><\/p>\n

All three men looked to the doorway when they heard a knock.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cGuess I\u2019ll get it since Joe\u2019s upstairs,\u201d Hoss stated as he stood and ambled over to the door. \u201cHey Charlie, what\u2019s up?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI got bad news for ya about Dusty,\u201d Charlie answered as he stepped inside to the main room.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhat\u2019s wrong with the horse?\u201d Ben asked as he stood to his feet.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHe looked alright out there in the corral earlier, but he\u2019s limping real bad when me and some of the others rode in. Thought you\u2019d like to know. I had Cale catch him and take him into his stall.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThanks Charlie. I\u2019ll go check on him Pa,\u201d Hoss stated as he followed Charlie out the door.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou want some help?\u201d inquired Adam.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNah, you stay here with Pa.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Hoss returned to the house a half hour later with the bad news of a severely bowed tendon.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI soaked the leg with cold water and wrapped it, but\u2026\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s going to be hard on the kid, he was really attached to that horse,\u201d Adam offered as he and his brother and father sat around the table.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t reckon he\u2019ll ever be sound enough to ride again, at least not the way Joe rides. I don\u2019t know what that horse done while we was gone, the tendon looked fine this mornin\u2019, but it\u2019s all swelled up and has a lot of heat.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cGuess you need to visit Winnemucca again, soon,\u201d Adam suggested. \u201cJoe\u2019s got three more weeks until those splints come off\u2026\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAnd you\u2019ll need time to break the horse and make sure he\u2019s gentle enough for Joe to ride,\u201d Ben acknowledged.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIf not me, at least Rudy\u2026\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhy wouldn\u2019t you want to break Joe\u2019s horse?\u201d Ben inquired.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHe\u2019s always telling me I\u2019m too heavy handed, and that Rudy has the best hands out there, at least until he\u2019s old enough to start breaking horses. If this pinto is going to be Joe\u2019s horse, I want the best rider to work him.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAnd you don\u2019t think you\u2019re the best, Adam?\u201d Hoss was incredulous.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNo, like Joe says, I can break them with the best of them, but for the detail training that I want for Joe\u2019s horse, Rudy\u2019s the best.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cBoys,\u201d Ben stated and pointed upwards as he heard the door to Joe\u2019s room open. \u201cSay nothing.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cSure Pa,\u201d Hoss answered.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOkay Pa,\u201d was Adam\u2019s answer.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cJoseph, I take it you had a good nap?\u201d Ben called as his son made it to the middle landing.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cSorry, I fell asleep.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNo need to apologize. Come on to the table, Hop Sing will have supper ready in a few minutes.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

After Ben had pulled out the chair for Joe to take a seat, and helped him slide under the table, he turned to his own place at the head of the table.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWe heard something interesting, and I\u2019d like to set the record straight,\u201d Ben stated as he looked squarely at his youngest. \u201cJoseph, we know you tried your best to get the doctor for Adam. It wasn\u2019t your fault that\u2026 what happened.\u201d Ben corrected what he had been about to say, he didn\u2019t want to start an argument as to whether Joe was thrown or fell. \u201cAs for us trusting you, there\u2019s no question that we trust you now and will trust you again when your splints come off. I want you to put this accident behind you and look forward to those splints coming off.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYes, sir,\u201d answered Joe.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYeah, Shortshanks, we trust ya,\u201d encouraged Hoss.<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam watched his youngest brother and it bothered him when he saw only a fleeting reaction to the reassurances of his family.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Adam sat at the desk in his bedroom to read one of the psychology books that Doctor Martin had given to him when he and his father had stopped by after speaking with the school board earlier in the day. The particular pages that the doctor had marked read just as if the writer had been there watching his youngest brother and had used him as his case example. Adam\u2019s attention was drawn away from the book when he heard muffled noises.<\/span><\/p>\n

Slipping from his bedroom he regretted that his handgun was downstairs, until he neared Joe\u2019s closed door and heard the noises from inside. Opening the door, Adam was surprised when the moonlight shining through the open curtain showed Joe moving in the same manner as he had during his previous nightmares, head shaking from side to side, arms thrashing, fisted hands, only this time, Joe\u2019s teeth were ground closed, the tension was evident through his jaw line.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cJoe,\u201d Adam quietly called, not wanting to wake the others. \u201cJoe, wake up.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

He sat down on the bed and grabbed his brother\u2019s wrists to force them still. Taking both wrists in one of his hands allowed Adam the ability to gently slap his brother\u2019s cheeks in and effort to wake him from his dreams.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cJoe, come on, wake up\u2026\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAd-Adam?\u201d Joe asked as he woke, terror emblazoned his face when he realized why Adam was there.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou okay, little buddy?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cSure, why wouldn\u2019t I be?\u201d Joe tried to act casual and calm his erratically beating heart. He forced his face into a schooled impassivity.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOh, I don\u2019t know\u2026 maybe something about you having another nightmare. How many have you had that you\u2019ve kept quiet? And how are you keeping quiet and not screaming your head off?\u201d Adam asked, keeping his voice low.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m not a baby Adam,\u201d Joe quietly retorted.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI didn\u2019t say you were. I want to know why?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2026 I don\u2019t know\u2026 They just come,\u201d Joe answered guiltily.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cDo you want to talk about it? You used to\u2026\u201d Adam remembered the months after Marie had died and the countless nights Joe had awakened him and Hoss with his nightmares. It was one thing for Joe to know his Momma was dead and no longer there, but when Ben left the Ponderosa in grief… What was a child of five to understand except that his Pa was dead too. The images had terrified the young boy, and he cried his heart out to his oldest brother at the same held him in his arms, listened, and rocked him back to sleep. The nightmares calmed down once Ben returned home; only to one morning the whole family realized it had been some time since their sleep had been interrupted by the cries of a scared child.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI know, but I\u2019m not a little kid\u2026 Adam I\u2019m trying real hard\u2026 I really am\u2026\u201d Joe admitted, hoping his brother would leave him be.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI know you are\u2026\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cCan I go back to sleep?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cSure\u2026\u201d Adam left his brother\u2019s room and as he closed the door he silently wished, \u201cPleasant dreams, Little Joe.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Alone in his room, Joe cried. He was upset that he\u2026 \u201cI\u2026\u201d he began to say. Reaching for his crutches, Joe slowly made his way to the windowsill and sat down. Thin clouds drifted across the nighttime sky, veiling the moon behind a hazy glow. He looked to find the one star that he so desperately wanted to see as the tears continued to fall down his cheeks.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cMomma, I wish you were here\u2026 You didn\u2019t mean to die\u2026 If you\u2019d a known\u2026 would you have ridden out that day?\u201d Joe dashed away the tears from his face using the sleeve of his nightshirt. \u201cWhy didn\u2019t Pa tell you? They shoulda told you that horses were dangerous. Please Momma, don\u2019t be mad at me. I don\u2019t want to die\u2026 All I ever wanted to do was to be like my brothers\u2026 But now\u2026 I\u2026 I can\u2019t.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

With no one the wiser, Joe continued to cry as he looked upon the one star from where he sought solace.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Ben and Adam stood outside the stall as Hoss tended to Dusty\u2019s leg.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cSo he\u2019s still havin\u2019 nightmares,\u201d Hoss stated as he wrapped the leg, hoping the bandage would help support the tendon while it healed.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYeah, I don\u2019t think they ever went away. He just got good at keeping them from us.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhat\u2019s causing them?\u201d Ben stated, his shoulders slumped in dejection that four weeks had passed since Adam\u2019s and Joe\u2019s accidents and as for Joe, nothing had improved.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou gonna go see Winnemucca today?\u201d Hoss asked.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI am,\u201d Ben answered. \u201cWhat about you Adam, you said you needed to go to town\u2026\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThe school board has two candidates that Abigail feels would be good additions to the staff.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s good news,\u201d Ben acknowledged.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m surprised she\u2019s being so\u2026\u201d Hoss couldn\u2019t find the word to use.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cGracious?\u201d Adam offered. \u201cI was too. I mean when we first broached the subject of additional teaching staff and why, I thought she\u2019d get hysterical; but after we logically explained our reasoning\u2026 \u201c<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cShe admitted that she felt more comfortable in teaching the younger children and looked forward to someone else taking on the older students,\u201d Ben concluded for Adam.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWell, good luck to both a ya,\u201d Hoss stated, his attention still on Dusty.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhen are you going to tell Joe about him,\u201d Adam asked, jutting his chin towards the small horse.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cProbably tonight. We can\u2019t keep it a secret any longer.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s not that we\u2019re keeping it a secret, Pa. Joe just ain\u2019t asked nothin\u2019 about what\u2019s happenin\u2019 outside a the house,\u201d Hoss declared.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOther than how things are for us, and keeping with his school work\u2026\u201d Adam added. \u201cHe\u2019s shown no interest in the ranch.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI just wish he\u2019d finally crack,\u201d Ben admitted, wanting to finally begin the healing process for his youngest.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Tranquility bathed the Ponderosa as night settled over the land. Hoss had defeated Joe in two games of checkers before the youth admitted he was tired and was going to head up to bed. Joe acknowledged his family\u2019s \u2018good night\u2019 with his own as he carefully maneuvered his way up the steps.<\/span><\/p>\n

Once his bedroom door was closed, Hoss asked the question that had been burning in his mind, \u201cWell, was ya successful?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cPa?\u201d Adam inquired as well.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI was. I had Rudy take the horse and stay at our original homestead location. Surprisingly, the corral is still in good order.\u201d Seeing the surprised look on his eldest sons\u2019 faces, \u201cI went with Rudy, and took two other horses to leave with the pinto to help him settle in.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cGood idea, Pa. What about you Adam?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThe school board is planning to make an offer of employment to one of the candidates. He seems highly qualified, and is eager to begin this fall with the new school year. The one we chose had already relocated here from San Francisco. You\u2019ve met him Pa, Michael Langsford. He had been a professor at a college preparatory school, but it just became too much, he would have preferred to have tutored, but there were so many tutors that he couldn\u2019t make a go of it.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cSounds like a good man to help the older students and those who are preparing to go to college,\u201d Ben stated.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhat\u2019s Miss Abigail said about Joe\u2019s progress reports?\u201d Hoss curiously inquired.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cShe\u2019s about as astounded as we are\u2026 She didn\u2019t think he had it in him and admitted that she never pushed him because of his behavior in school.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cBut you ain\u2019t pushin\u2019 him, are you?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNo\u2026 Hoss, I\u2019m not,\u201d admitted Adam.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAs I said before\u2026 I wish he\u2019d crack and talk,\u201d Ben stated as he stood and bid his sons goodnight.<\/span><\/p>\n

All three men jumped when they heard \u201cNOO!\u201d screamed and something heavy fall to the floor above them; as one, they ran up the stairs to Joe\u2019s room. There they found Joe lying on the floor below his window, grabbing at his left leg.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAdam, go get Paul!\u201d Ben ordered.<\/span><\/p>\n

Without voicing a response, Adam was out of the room, down the hall, pausing only long enough to grab his holster and hat, before he was out the door and in the barn.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cJoseph,\u201d crooned Ben.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m sorry Pa. It was my fault. I didn\u2019t mean to. I tried,\u201d Joe cried as he continued to wrap his arms around his splinted leg.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHoss, help me get him into bed.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cEasy there Shortshanks, Pa and I are gonna lift you up and get you to bed.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNO!\u201d screamed Joe as Hoss gently touched his leg.<\/span><\/p>\n

Mortified, Hoss looked to his father, the same expression etched Ben\u2019s face. Lifting up the hem of Joe\u2019s nightshirt Ben said, \u201cPaul\u2019s gonna have to do something with his leg.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHe rebroke it?\u201d Hoss asked.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t know, but he\u2019s dislodged two of the splints. Just lift him from his knees, I\u2019ll take his shoulders.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

It was hard to block out Joe\u2019s pleading as they moved him from the floor to his bed. Ben climbed into the bed so that he could help support and comfort his son.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHoss, the laudanum, please.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

After administering the medication, Ben continued to comfort his son with soothing words and rocking the boy in his arms. And waited; rubbing slow circles around the boy\u2019s back in hopes of relieving his tension.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll behave Pa. I don\u2019t wanna die\u2026\u201d Joe pitifully whispered, his eyes closed. \u201cI\u2019ll be good.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAw, Shortshanks, ain\u2019t no one ever died of a simple broken leg, unless they got gangrene in it. And your leg\u2019s just fine,\u201d encouraged Hoss.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou can trust me. I won\u2019t go near \u2018em,\u201d mumbled Joe, the medication having taken effect. \u201cI\u2019m sorry I\u2026\u201d His voice quieted and breathing steadied, indicating he was asleep.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhatcha reckon happened?\u201d asked Hoss.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t know. Maybe he was dreaming.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHe fell asleep in the windowsill?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t you remember when he was younger\u2026 after we lost Marie\u2026 Adam told him about finding Marie\u2019s star, to help him think she was still here watching over him. After I returned to you boys\u2026 I can\u2019t count the number of times I found him sleeping curled up on the seat that Adam built in the windowsill so Joe could sit there and look out. I shouldn\u2019t have left you boys alone\u2026\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNow Pa, we understand why ya felt ya had to leave and you\u2019ve apologized aplenty. It\u2019s long done and over,\u201d Hoss offered in absolution.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI know, but it\u2019s times like this that reminds me of how I wronged each of you.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cBut you done made up for it over the years. You remember that!\u201d declared Hoss, with a nod of his head for emphasis.<\/span><\/p>\n

Still occasionally mumbling about \u2018trust\u2019 and \u2018being good\u2019, Joe slept in his father\u2019s arms when Adam returned with Doc Martin and the necessary supplies in order to tend to the boy\u2019s leg.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Doctor Martin washed the wet plaster mix from his hands and forearms as his patient\u2019s family sat in various chairs around the room.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cSo, this plaster stuff is supposed to be better than splints,\u201d Hoss stated.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s gaining momentum within the medical community. Personally, I don\u2019t like it because it\u2019s so dang difficult to remove, have to saw it off. And a lot of patient\u2019s say it itches. But, when Adam came to tell me what happened, I decided it might be for the best,\u201d answered Doc as he dried his hands on a towel. \u201cThe good news is that he\u2019ll only have to wear this for three more weeks instead of the normal six to seven, while the leg finishes healing.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cSo, he didn\u2019t do any more damage to the leg,\u201d a nervous Ben inquired.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNo, the bones appear to be mending just fine. But with the cast, he can venture out into the barn now and give Dusty a good grooming\u2026 However, I suggest wrapping the foot of the cast in an old towel to help keep it clean.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cMaybe he\u2019ll start bein\u2019 himself when he can get out to the barn,\u201d Hoss said to no one in particular.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cJust send someone for me if you need to. I\u2019ll see myself out,\u201d Paul stated as he picked up his medical black bag and left the family.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cLet\u2019s leave Joe be for the night,\u201d Ben stated as he motioned his two sons to leave the room.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cMaybe it\u2019s for the best that you didn\u2019t get to tell Joe about Dusty tonight,\u201d stated Adam as he walked down the staircase, following his father and brother.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI just didn\u2019t have the heart,\u201d Ben stated as he looked over his shoulder, back up the stairs towards his youngest son\u2019s room.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Three of the Cartwrights were dressing for the morning in their bedrooms when they heard the unmistakable cry of Little Joe yelling for his pa. Bolting from their rooms, meeting in the hallway in some form of undress, the brothers allowed their father to enter the room first.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cJoseph? What\u2019s wrong?\u201d Ben dared ask as he rushed to sit down on the edge of the bed.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhat happened? What\u2019s that?\u201d Joe asked, pointing to the heavy white material surrounding his leg, from just below his knee to where only his toes were visible.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s a cast, son.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t understand. When\u2026 What happened to the splints?\u201d Joe asked. His family heard the panic in his voice.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t ya remember fallin\u2019 out of the windowsill last night, Shortshanks?\u201d asked Hoss.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI fell\u2026 No\u2026 I couldn\u2019t have fallen\u2026 again\u2026\u201d Joe stated, still trying to comprehend.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cJoe,\u201d Adam stated as he sat down on the other side of the bed. \u201cWhen you came up to bed last night, what do you remember?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2026 I looked for Momma,\u201d Joe forlornly looked over to his windowsill.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAnd I believe you fell asleep, and maybe\u2026 you had a dream and you fell out of the windowsill. We heard you scream.\u201d Adam paused to see if Joe was following him. \u201cWhen we came into your room, you were crying and holding onto your leg\u2026 You\u2019d dislodged the splints, so I went to get Doc Martin. He came and stated that it probably would be better to put a cast on your leg.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhat was wrong with the splints\u2026 Why couldn\u2019t he have put them back on?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cDoc said this thing was gainin\u2019\u2026 What exactly did he say, Adam?\u201d Hoss deferred to their older brother.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHe said casting broken limbs was gaining acceptance within the medical community. It\u2019ll be a little uncomfortable for you, you can\u2019t scratch an itch, but it\u2019s more secure.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHow long do I have to wear it?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOnly for three weeks. Paul said he didn\u2019t think you did any more damage to your leg, and the bones appeared to be mending nicely,\u201d Ben answered.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAin\u2019t that good?\u201d Hoss asked.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYeah,\u201d Joe glumly voice.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cBesides, now\u2026 You\u2019ll be able to go to the barn and groom Dusty,\u201d Adam stated, hoping this news would make his brother smile.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019re a matched pair you are,\u201d Hoss let slip.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cA matched pair\u2026\u201d Joe wrinkled his brow. \u201cWhat\u2019s that supposed to mean?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Gaining his youngest son\u2019s attention, Ben said, \u201cJoseph, Dusty reinjured his leg when he was loose in the corral the other day. For now, Hoss has a poultice wrap on it hoping to help it heal.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHe didn\u2019t break his leg did he,\u201d Joe asked, remembering Hoss\u2019 words of them being a matched pair.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNaw, poultices only work to pull out heat or pull out infections. Dusty just has some swellin\u2019 and a lot of heat. Believe me, there\u2019s nothin\u2019 broken in his leg.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAnd\u2026 he\u2019s being good for you?\u201d Joe asked.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cSure, you can come see for yourself. Like Doc said, you can get out to the barn now,\u201d Hoss happily stated.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cDoc said I could?\u201d A nervous shiver ran the length of Joe\u2019s body at the implication of the doctor releasing him from being restricted to the immediate vicinity of the house.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou want to go see Dusty, don\u2019t you?\u201d Ben asked.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cUh\u2026 Sure\u2026 If Doc says it\u2019s okay\u2026\u201d Joe answered and averted his eyes.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cGood, then that\u2019s settled, after breakfast. Joseph, we\u2019ll leave you to get dressed, only I want you to holler for one of us before you try to make your way down the stairs. That cast is a lot heavier than the splints and I don\u2019t want your balance compromised to where you might fall, if not helped.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll call out, Pa.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cSee you soon,\u201d Adam stated as he patted Joe\u2019s uncast leg and left the room.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cJust holler,\u201d Hoss grinned as he left.<\/span><\/p>\n

Ben just grinned as he left the room.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Ben smiled as he watched his two eldest sons encouraging their brother as they escorted Joe across the yard from the house to the barn. Doc had been right\u2026 The weight of the cast did make Joe more wobbly as he used the crutches. But Joe was managing, slowly. Ben had just turned to re-enter their home when his heart panicked upon hearing horses galloping. Without conscious thought, he whirled on the porch as several of the ranch hands came cantering their horses through the yard instead of going around on their way to the range from the barn where the hired help horses were stabled. Ben was appalled at hearing the comments they voiced towards his youngest son. But what shocked him more was his youngest son\u2019s reaction to the men; he\u2019d dropped his crutches and clung to his middle brother for dear life.<\/span><\/p>\n

Ben ran across the yard, yelling at the men for their actions and language, becoming more infuriated by the expressions on the men\u2019s faces as they continued to ride away. Making a mental note to deal with the two later, Ben continued towards his sons.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cJoseph?\u201d Ben calmly called as he reached the threesome, with Adam reaching down to pick up the crutches. \u201cAre you okay?\u201d he placed his hands on Joe\u2019s shoulders.<\/span><\/p>\n

With his eyes closed, Joe shook his head sideways, still not relinquishing his grip upon his brother.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s okay Joe,\u201d Hoss comforted. \u201cNo need to cry. I got ya.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cGuess we shouldn\u2019t have pushed you to come to the barn. I\u2019m sorry, Joe, I should have thought to give you more time to allow your body to become accustomed to the weight of the cast,\u201d Adam offered as an apology. \u201cI\u2019ll talk with those two about racing through the yard like that.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou want our help to get you back to the house?\u201d Ben asked.<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe nodded, still not letting go of Hoss, who mouthed, \u201cI\u2019ll carry him.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

With little effort, Hoss picked up his brother by placing his arms behind Joe\u2019s shoulders and under his knees to carry him into the house and up to his bedroom.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Once Joe was settled and asleep in his bed, Ben told the others he\u2019d stay close to the house and for them to head on out as planned. \u201cThe ranch won\u2019t take care of itself,\u201d Ben stated as both brothers attempted to voice their complaints in being dispatched away from the house.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

With Adam on Sport and Hoss on Chubs they headed out to check several of the herd watering holes as the two brothers talked.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhatca gonna tell Reed and Torrington when you see them?\u201d Hoss asked as he trotted his black horse alongside Adam\u2019s chestnut.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIf I have my way, I\u2019ll fire them.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cFor racin\u2019 through the yard? Only Joe races in faster than them two\u2026\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThen you didn\u2019t hear their comments. I\u2019m sure Pa did.\u201d Adam shook his head as he remembered the expression upon their father\u2019s face.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThey taunted him? I didn\u2019t hear anythin\u2019 \u2018cept Joe grabbin\u2019 onto me. Dang near squeezed the breath out of me.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Not sure how his compassionate brother would handle the comments, regardless Adam knew that Hoss had a right to know what the men had said, \u201cReed called, \u2018Hey runt, get outa the way,\u2019 and Torrington made a snide remark saying, \u2018Told ya the kid needed a babysitter\u2019.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI thought Charlie had taken care of all that ages ago\u2026\u201d Hoss regretfully stated, not realizing the hazing his younger brother was still taking from some of the hands.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHe may have\u2026 I\u2019m sure if Charlie knew, he would have told us. Some men just have to push the boundaries\u2026\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYeah, but to say it like that, when we\u2019s all there to hear it?\u201d Disbelief echoed in Hoss\u2019 words.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cDoesn\u2019t take a college education to push cattle or fix a fence.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Unbelieving that his brother left himself wide open with such a statement, Hoss teased, \u201cBut you went to college. And you push cattle and fix fences.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

The expression on Adam\u2019s face revealed his inability to believe his brother had the audacity to say what he said. When Hoss saw the look on his brother\u2019s face he added, \u201cWell, ya did\u2026 and ya do,\u201d before he kicked his horse into a canter in order to escape his brother\u2019s wrath.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Ben sat in front of the fireplace, absent-mindedly smoking his pipe, the trail of smoke wafting towards the ceiling of the main room as Ben slowly exhaled. He\u2019d hoped that sitting down with his pipe would lessen the anger he felt towards the two hands, but the more he thought on it, the madder the situation drove him. The one thing that tempered his anger was the image of his son\u2026 scared to death, clinging to his brother. Too much had happened to his son in the past four weeks and Ben wondered if the boy would be able to get past it all in order to return to being the youth who was always ready to meet the world head on.<\/span><\/p>\n

Later in the morning, footsteps upon the porch and voices pitched in displeasure drew Ben\u2019s attention to the front door. Hop Sing opened the door for his employer.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cMr. Cartwright,\u201d Charlie stated as he pushed Reed and Torrington into the main room. \u201cThese two want to collect their wages and head elsewhere.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Sitting up and recognizing the two men, Ben arched an eyebrow in surprise.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYeah, tired of having to be a second-act babysitter,\u201d Torrington muttered.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cMind your manners in this house,\u201d warned Charlie, his eyes narrowed upon hearing the man\u2019s comment. \u201cThe Cartwrights are good employers and we ain\u2019t got no room on the Ponderosa for men like you.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWell, we don\u2019t wanna be here nohow. We want what\u2019s due us,\u201d jeered Reed.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cConsidering it is close enough to the end of the month, I\u2019ll go ahead and pay you a full month\u2019s wages. I know I shouldn\u2019t, but if it will get you off the Ponderosa quicker\u2026\u201d Ben answered while walking to the safe cached in the corner of the area he used as an office.<\/span><\/p>\n

Once the safe was open, he pulled out a cash box as well as a receipt book. Filling in the necessary information he pushed the book across the top of his desk and asked the two men to sign their names where he had written \u201cFinal Payment\u201d next to a dollar amount.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cBetter places out there to work,\u201d Reed muttered as he stuffed his money into one of the pockets in his pants.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThen be my guest and go work there,\u201d Charlie stated as he walked the two men toward the door. From there he said, \u201cYou have fifteen minutes to get your gear from the bunkhouse and be heading off the Ponderosa. If you\u2019re found on the premises, I\u2019ll haul your sorry carcasses to Virginia City and file trespassing charges against ya on behalf of the Cartwrights. Now get!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

As he watched the two men leaving, muttering under their breaths, Charlie turned when he heard his employer call his name.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYes, Mr. Cartwright?\u201d Charlie stated as he walked back to Ben\u2019s office area. His employer sat in his chair, elbows on the arms rests, fingers mirrored the image of a church roof and steeple.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou care to tell me what that was all about?\u201d Ben asked and raised an eyebrow in curiosity.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWell\u2026 I figured it would come better from me than from you or Adam.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t follow you, Charlie.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cBoss, I was in the barn, watching as Hoss and Adam were helping Little Joe across the yard. I heard what those two said.\u201d Fidgeting with his hat, he continued, \u201cMost of the men it only takes once or twice of me or the others who like the kid, getting after them about watching their language and attitudes\u2026 But them two\u2026 I don\u2019t know\u2026 I guess by our trying to protect Little Joe, they took it the wrong way. The other fellas have tried to tell me how they really are, but they\u2019ve not done it in my hearing\u2026 Until today.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cSo it was your decision for them to \u2018collect their pay\u2019?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m sorry if I overstepped my job, but\u2026 Well\u2026 Me and the boys like the kid\u2026 I\u2019m sure the other fellas will be happy not to have to deal with those two\u2026 If ya know what I mean\u2026 Men like that sorta stick in your craw.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t worry, Charlie. I appreciate your looking out for Joe. Before you brought them in, I was trying to figure out how best to deal with them\u2026 Guess with all that happened to Joe on top of Adam\u2019s accident, I\u2019ve been too distracted to think straight. Thank you.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cMy pleasure, Mr. Cartwright.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cTell the other hands that I appreciate all that they do here,\u201d Ben stated as he stood, returned the receipt book and cash box to the safe and closed the door.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Hop Sing cleared his throat as he stood next to where his employer sat in his chair, to the left of the fireplace.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m sorry Hop Sing. Did you say something?\u201d inquired Ben.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cLunch ready soon. Lit\u2019le Joe come downstairs, eat with family?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll see if he\u2019s awake. He took a scare earlier. But maybe now he\u2019ll understand why I keep after \u2018him\u2019 to not race Dusty into the yard,\u201d Ben stated and stood to proceed upstairs.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cSome lessons lit\u2019le boys never learn,\u201d Hop Sing answered.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAnd this is probably one of them,\u201d Ben smiled.<\/span><\/p>\n

Slowly Ben climbed the staircase and made his way to his youngest son\u2019s room, without knocking, in case his son was still asleep, Ben opened the door. Without stepping into the room he saw the bed, unmade indicating Joseph had lain in it, but currently the bed was empty. Worried, he stepped into the room to look around and saw his son sitting at his desk.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cJoe?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOh, hi Pa. I didn\u2019t hear you come upstairs.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhat are you doing?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cStudying\u2026 Adam left Miss Jones\u2019 lesson plan in here the other day. I thought I\u2019d go ahead and do some of the work.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Ben looked over his son\u2019s shoulder and saw the mathematical equations written on the tablet of paper and at first glance, Ben couldn\u2019t make heads or tails from the numbers. Shaking his head he looked to the book to see \u2018Introduction to Algebra\u2019 at the top of the pages. \u201dNo wonder,\u201d mused Ben.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHop Sing said lunch will be ready shortly. I thought maybe I could help you down the stairs\u2026\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cSure Pa, let me mark my spot in my lesson.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Ben and Joe were already at the table when Hoss and Adam entered from the kitchen, joking with each other about being thankful the water holes were not in need of cleaning out.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cGuess those beavers know Joe\u2019s laid up,\u201d teased Hoss as they rounded the corner.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYeah, otherwise we\u2019d be out there dismantling it,\u201d Adam thankfully agreed.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHey Adam, I\u2026\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2019s only teasin\u2019 ya little brother,\u201d Hoss announced.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI know that. But\u2026 after lunch\u2026 Adam could you help me?\u201d Joe hesitantly asked.<\/span><\/p>\n

Looking to his Pa before answering and unable to decipher his father\u2019s facial expression, Adam stated, \u201cSure.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI was going over the lesson plan Miss Jones left for me. And I kinda understand the beginning of Algebra, and think I answered some of the equations correct, but there\u2019s a few that have me stumped\u2026\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOkay\u2026\u201d Adam answered, not expecting the requested help to be related to the boy\u2019s school work.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cPa, it\u2019s okay that Adam helps me for a little while\u2026 Isn\u2019t it?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYes, it\u2019s okay,\u201d Ben quietly nodded.<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam interpreted that Ben was concerned, any other time their father would be ecstatic over the youngest son\u2019s eagerness towards his studies, but this was so atypical of Joe that no one knew exactly how they were supposed to react.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHey Hoss, don\u2019t want you to feel neglected\u2026 How about a couple of games of checkers before supper?\u201d Joe asked.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI thought you\u2019d want to go out and see Dusty settled for the night\u2026\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWell\u2026 I do\u2026 but, my leg is kinda tired. Dragging this cast thing around can sure wear a body out,\u201d Joe replied eagerly eating the food he\u2019d placed upon his plate. \u201cAnd my arms and back are a little achy from using the crutches too. Would you take care of him?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cSure, I\u2019d be happy to.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Ben walked down the stairs after being woken by a noise from the lower floor of the massive ranch house; he wasn\u2019t surprised to see Adam sitting near the fireplace in his blue chair. It did surprise him to see a glass of brandy in his hand, the tray with the brandy decanter and three other glasses sitting on the low table in front of him.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cSon?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cSorry if I woke you, Pa. I was trying to be quiet.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI haven\u2019t been sleeping too well since Joe\u2019s accident\u2026\u201d Ben answered as he came around to where Adam sat and took a seat upon the settee.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cCan I offer you a drink?\u201d Adam asked.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cMaybe, if you tell me what\u2019s troubling you?\u201d Having glanced at the grandfather clock that stood to the left of the door, the fire illuminated the room well enough for Ben to have seen it was well after one in the morning.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThe same thing that\u2019s troubling all of us lately,\u201d Adam quietly answered as he raised the glass to his lips and took a small sip.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cJoseph?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cJoe,\u201d Adam agreed. \u201cPa, I think I\u2019ve finally figured out what\u2019s wrong with him\u2026\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAnd?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAnd for the life of me I don\u2019t know how to help him.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cMaybe if you\u2019ll tell his father\u2026\u201d Ben suggested. His unspoken words indicated that it was his right as Joe\u2019s father to know what was wrong with his son, as well as to try to come up with a way to help him.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019re going to want a drink once you hear,\u201d Adam stated as he leaned forward, poured a glass and held it out to his father.<\/span><\/p>\n

Accepting the glass was Ben\u2019s way of letting Adam know to proceed.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHe\u2019s afraid\u2026\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI think we\u2019ve all figured that out\u2026 But of what\u2026 I, for the life of me, don\u2019t know\u2026\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHorses.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Ben\u2019s expression changed to one of disbelief as he lowered his eyebrows and titled his head towards his eldest.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThink on it Pa. Think of everything he\u2019s said, conscious or sleeping and the things he\u2019s not said that he normally would have. Look at his actions, his avoidance of going to the barn. And this morning\u2026 It had nothing to do with what Reed or Torrington said or the fact that they raced their horses through the yard, it was their horses\u2026 There\u2019s no other explanation. By the way, I plan to have words with those two in the morning to see that they \u2018tow the line\u2019 and follow our rules.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThat won\u2019t be necessary,\u201d Ben answered<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cPa, I know you heard what they said towards Joe,\u201d Adam\u2019s words sounded harsh. \u201cI don\u2019t care who they are, they\u2019ve no right to speak to or about my little brother, or anyone for that matter, as they did.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI agree Adam, however, they\u2019re gone. Charlie brought them in while you and Hoss were out. He said they were here to collect their final pay.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThey just up and quit like that?\u201d asked Adam, not believing what his father was saying.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNot exactly\u2026 Charlie fired them, and from what I hear it sounds like the remaining men in the bunkhouse think good riddance.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWell, that\u2019s two less things to worry about\u2026 But back to Joe. Pa, I seriously think that Joe has developed a phobia towards horses. My little brother sees me injured in what could very well have been a serious accident. That had to be a shock to him. I commend him for keeping his wits about him and going after Paul, however, he\u2019s injured after either being thrown or having fallen off his horse. Pa, think back to last fall, when I found him lassoing that bull and how hard we came down on him for pulling such a stunt. We agreed at the time that Joe needed to learn first-hand what it took to work on the ranch. We started by having him take on more responsibilities for doing chores around the barn over the winter.\u201d Adam hesitated as he remembered the morning, only two months before, his voice softened, \u201cDo you remember that morning? The morning we told him he was officially a working hand on the Ponderosa?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Ben sat back and remembered, remembered how he had tried to instill the fact that life on the ranch was dangerous, how just riding a horse could be dangerous, but with cattle added to the equation\u2026 Ben raised the glass of brandy and swallowed half the contents before he lowered it from his lips.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAnd while you were telling him how dangerous the work could be, we were teaching him the same. We kept right on instructing him how dangerous everything was\u2026 every time he worked alongside of us\u2026 I don\u2019t think we ever started a project without some kind of warning about the dangers\u2026 Pa, Hoss and I are as much to blame for this as anyone.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cBut scared of horses\u2026 He\u2026 I don\u2019t understand how he could go from being so vibrant and excited that morning at the corrals\u2026 It wasn\u2019t even twenty four hours later when he first had a nightmare\u2026\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWe have no idea how long he laid unconscious out on the road before the Caruthers found him. The other day, when we were meeting with Paul, he told us the mind was funny in how it interpreted situations\u2026 And now, instead of putting all his energy into working the ranch or being interested in what\u2019s happening on the ranch\u2026 How like Joe is it to be eager to do schoolwork?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cSo, what should we do?\u201d Ben asked in defeat. His youngest son, the son who begged and pleaded to ride at the age of four on his own, the one who could easily swing mount into a saddle, and with the slightest shift of his weight could ask the horse to change canter leads or change direction of travel\u2026 It was difficult to accept that his son was now scared of the one thing that he held such a passion for \u2013 horses.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t think there\u2019s much we can do until the cast comes off. However, I would recommend that we no longer push him to venture out to the barn, and only talk of the ranch if he asks about what we\u2019re doing. I\u2019ll talk with Hoss in the morning.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cShould I have Rudy continue working with the pinto?\u201d Ben asked as he agreed with his son on what they needed to do in order to help the youngest Cartwright.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cDefinitely. I\u2019m sure that once the cast is off, and with Hoss\u2019 help, we\u2019ll get that young jack rabbit back in the saddle and you\u2019ll be chastising him against racing into the yard. And since Dusty won\u2019t be able to carry Joe for any more ranch work\u2026 he\u2019ll need a new horse. Who knows, maybe seeing the horse of his dreams will be the ticket to break him out of this phobia.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI pray you\u2019re right.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWell, if you don\u2019t mind, morning\u2019s going to come way too early. Good night, Pa.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cGood night son; and thank you.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

After watching Adam head up the stairs to his bedroom, Ben banked the fire in the fireplace before following his son to the second floor.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Hoss was just putting on his vest when he heard the gentle knocks on his door, \u201cI\u2019m comin\u2019,\u201d he answered as he adjusted the collar of his shirt. The door opened and he turned to see his oldest brother entering. \u201cAdam, I said I was comin\u2019.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI heard, but I wanted to talk with you about something,\u201d Adam stated as he entered, looking like he\u2019d lost his best friend.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhat\u2019s up? Is Shortshanks okay?\u201d Hoss asked, very perceptible to the mood of his brother.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHe\u2019s not awake yet. And while he\u2019s sleeping I thought I\u2019d let you know we figured out what\u2019s up with Joe.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cHoss, I think he\u2019s developed a phobia towards horses,\u201d Adam stated as he leaned his hip against the dresser in the room.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s plumb loco, Adam.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAnd Pa thought so too, until I pointed out all the idiosyncrasies Joe\u2019s been displaying.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThe what?\u201d Hoss did even try to repeat the word.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHis unusual behaviors.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThen why didn\u2019t ya just say that?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Casting his eyes upwards, squeezing the bridge of his nose between his thumb and forefinger, and breathing deep were Adam\u2019s way of dealing with his frustration towards his middle brother. When they were growing up, Adam was always reading and learning when he had spare time and he\u2019d tried to instill the same love for books and expanding one\u2019s knowledge into his brother, but it had been apparent from early on that Hoss would learn better from nature and tending to animals than he ever would inspire to be a scholar. But now Joe\u2026 Adam thought back on the past few weeks and how much more he was coming to enjoy spending time with his youngest sibling. The questions Joe asked were more mature and more to the point of learning, versus what Adam previously considered his incessant babbling. As Adam took over the role of Joe\u2019s teacher, he was pleased to see his brother\u2019s vocabulary and grammar skills improve under his tutelage, as well as his thirst for knowledge.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cSorry Hoss, it\u2019s just that all of this is so frustrating, but I\u2019m serious about Joe and horses, and Pa agrees.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cShortshanks scared of horses? I can\u2019t believe that.\u201d Seeing how serious Adam was, Hoss asked, \u201cWhat can we do to make him unscared?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cFor the time being, at least until his cast comes off, when he\u2019s present, we won\u2019t talk about the ranch work unless Joe asks. And we won\u2019t pressure him to go to the barn, maybe without us pressuring him he\u2019ll choose to go on his own\u2026\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYa think so?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNot really\u2026\u201d Adam replied with a discouraged voice.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Upon taking the new direction in their dealing with Little Joe, the days passed with relative ease. The youngest spent his hours helping around the house when he could, sitting next to his father for an introduction to \u2018doing the books\u2019, or studying the lessons that Adam had gone over with him the night before. Or, when he was finished with his studies, he\u2019d asked his oldest brother for permission to read some of his books, \u201cAre there any in particular that you would recommend?\u201d Joe asked Adam one night as he finished tidying up the desk in his room before going to bed.<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam returned from his room carrying two books and handed them to Joe, \u201cI think you\u2019d enjoy reading these.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe read the titles of both books, \u201cOliver Twist and A Tale of Two Cities. They sure don\u2019t sound like lesson books.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThey\u2019re not. They\u2019re considered literature \u2013 works of fiction, but as you\u2019ll find out most works of fiction are born of real life struggles. I\u2019d be happy to discuss your impression on either book; both are by the same author, Charles Dickens\u2026\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cDidn\u2019t he write, \u2018A Christmas Carol\u2019, about Mr. Scrooge and ghosts?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYes, Mr. Dickens did write that story.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

As Joe settled into his life of studying and reading what would in the future become among \u2018The Classics\u2019; his family would return from working to find him engrossed in reading. Discussions during supper became more of a one sided affair between Adam and Joe discussing his latest perceptions or questions on the story he was currently reading, leaving Ben and Hoss to sit and intently listen.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

The family sat around the great room one Sunday afternoon when they all heard the arrival of a horse and carriage.<\/span><\/p>\n

Hoss rose from his seat to answer the knock at the door, \u201cMiss Abigail\u2026 Won\u2019t you come in\u2026\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Abigail and another gentleman entered the great room as the rest of the Cartwrights, with the exception of Little Joe, stood to greet them.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cMr. Cartwright, I hope you don\u2019t mind our stopping by unannounced,\u201d Abigail offered as she removed her bonnet.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOf course not. Please won\u2019t you come in?\u201d Ben offered.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cMr. Cartwright, I\u2019d like you to meet Mr. Michael Langsford, he\u2019s to be a new teacher at the school this fall\u2026 Working with the older students.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYes, Adam informed me of the facts after the school board made their decision,\u201d Ben answered and greeted the man with a firm handshake. \u201cWelcome to the Ponderosa. You already know my oldest, Adam.\u201d The man nodded. \u201cThis is my middle son, Hoss.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cPleased ta meet ya sir,\u201d Hoss answered as he extended his hand.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThe same,\u201d Mr. Lansford replied.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAnd this,\u201d Ben continued, \u201cis my youngest son, Joseph. I believe he\u2019ll be one of your students this fall.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cMr. Langsford,\u201d Joe greeted and tried to stand.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cPlease don\u2019t get up. I understand how cumbersome getting around with a broken leg can be.\u201d Returning his attention back to Ben, he said, \u201cActually, I insisted that Miss Abigail bring me to the ranch, I wanted to meet the young man whose works I\u2019ve been reviewing since I was offered the job. I must say, there has been a considerable improvement in what I\u2019ve reviewed.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019ve been reading my homework?\u201d Joe asked, surprised.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s a habit that I picked up years ago. It gives me a better insight, and a better understanding of who my students are and just how serious they are about learning. And your lessons have intrigued me. I had hoped to meet you when you came to church with your family, but then Miss Abigail informed me of your accident. So, that is why we\u2019re here, so Mr. Cartwright, please forgive this impromptu parent \/ teacher meeting.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNo, I\u2019m always pleased to discuss Joe\u2019s schooling with his teacher.\u201d Ben smiled, \u201cPlease won\u2019t you be seated.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYeah, at least lately it\u2019s been good reports. He ain\u2019t gettin\u2019 into trouble, like he always done,\u201d Hoss teased as he sat on the stones of the hearth and the others took seats in the chairs or joined Joe on the settee.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cMr. Cart\u2026\u201d Mr. Langsford stopped; it was getting a little confusing as to how to address each man so as not to confuse who he was talking to.<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam realized the new teacher was looking to him, so he offered, \u201cPlease call me Adam. Too many Cartwrights to stand on formalities.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019d be honored if you\u2019d call me Michael. I understand that you are overseeing Joseph\u2019s studies during his convalescence.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHe is,\u201d Joe offered. \u201cBut just of an evening, after supper.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s true. Joe\u2019s been very astute in picking up and understanding Abigail\u2019s lesson plans, so he\u2019s pretty much following along on his own and of an evening we\u2019ll review what he\u2019s learned and when he has difficulties, I\u2019ll work with him to explain the lesson until he can understand.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cVery remarkable\u2026 From what Miss Abigail said has transpired over the past month and half, I\u2019m truly impressed. If I may\u2026 I have a proposition for you; I\u2019d like to take over the tutelage of Joseph during the summer as well as private lessons during the school year. If I\u2019m right, I believe that within two years, at the most, Joe would be well qualified to gain admittance to Yale.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhat about Harvard? That\u2019s where Adam graduated from,\u201d Hoss eagerly stated, right pleased of the possibility that both his brothers would be college graduates.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou graduated from Harvard?\u201d Michael inquired.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOh, yes, he did,\u201d Miss Abigail stated. \u201cHe has degrees in engineering and architecture.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cA far cry from degrees in education,\u201d Adam humbly replied.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cBut you received Masters in both your degrees,\u201d Joe defended.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYes, Joe, but this discussion isn\u2019t about me\u2026 It\u2019s about \u2018your\u2019 future,\u201d Adam\u2019s words indicated that \u2018he\u2019 as the topic of the discussion was closed.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWould you like that Joe,\u201d Ben asked.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t know\u2026 I mean, Adam\u2019s done such a good job helping me\u2026\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhat about college, Shortshanks\u2026\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s still some time away,\u201d Joe stated, he couldn\u2019t see leaving the Ponderosa, but then\u2026 he could no longer see himself working the land along side his family.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cJoseph doesn\u2019t have to decide tonight, or even during the upcoming school year. I only mention it so that you, as his family, will understand how bright a young man you have here and you already know the opportunities that could await him as a college graduate.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhat about Adam? Why don\u2019t you offer him a teaching job at Yale?\u201d Hoss chuckled.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHoss, my job is here. I left home to seek an education and expand my knowledge, and chose to return\u2026 so here is where I belong,\u201d Adam concluded.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cBut to me, it seems that it\u2019s a waste of your talent as a teacher,\u201d Michael stated. \u201cWe are in desperate need of instructors who can influence this kind of a turn-around in a student.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAs I said, Joe\u2019s done most of the work himself,\u201d Adam again deflected.<\/span><\/p>\n

Hearing and listening to the oldest Cartwright son, Michael stated, \u201cI do understand. Abigail, I think we should return to town. Mr. Cartwright, I\u2019m serious about continuing Joseph\u2019s instructions. Please give it due consideration.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

The two teachers left the Ponderosa, leaving the family astounded and staring at their youngest.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhat?!\u201d Joe stated as he reached for the book he had set down when their guests arrived.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cMaybe we got our own, Isaac Newton,\u201d declared Hoss.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cSupper ready. Family come eat,\u201d Hop Sing announced.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cCome on Joe!\u201d Ben hollered from the base of the staircase, looking up to the second floor.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m coming. What\u2019s the big hurry?\u201d Joe asked as he carefully maneuvered down the steps. Seeing his middle brother he asked, \u201cWhat are you doing home this afternoon, I thought you and Adam were supposed to be out working.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou forget you get your cast off today?\u201d inquired Hoss as he walked across the floor to the stairway.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cMy cast off? I guess I did\u2026\u201d Joe looked around the room, \u201cIs Doc Martin in the kitchen with Hop Sing?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhy would Doc Martin be here? We told you\u2026 Joseph, we\u2019re going to town to see Paul in his office and afterwards, I thought I\u2019d take all three of my sons to supper at the International House.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhy can\u2019t he come here?\u201d Joe asked.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cBecause he\u2019s a busy man\u2026 and the removal of your cast is not a matter of life or death. Now come on.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cUh, I can wait for another day,\u201d suggested Joe as he leaned heavily against the crutches, \u201cwhen Doc\u2019s not as busy.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThe carriage is all hitched,\u201d Adam stated as he easily breezed through the doorway.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cJoseph, we are going to town. Hoss, go upstairs and get his jacket. Come along Joe,\u201d Ben stated as he placed a hand between his son\u2019s shoulders to help encourage him to walk to the front door.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2026 I can\u2019t Pa. I can\u2019t go to town\u2026\u201d Joe pleaded as the horses came into his line of vision.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou can, and you will. Now, get up in the buggy.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHere, let me help you Joe,\u201d offered Adam as he watch Joe struggle with his inner demons.<\/span><\/p>\n

A few minutes later, with Joe and Ben in the buggy and Hoss and Adam following on their horses, the family was on their way towards Virginia City. Ben cast a casual glance towards his son and saw the knuckles of his right hand clutched white as he gripped the side support of the canopy. \u2018Joseph, if you\u2019d only relax\u2026\u2019<\/em> Ben\u2019s attention was drawn back to the horse he was driving as it startled when a jack rabbit scampered across the ground in front of its feet. Ben heard the sharp inhalation from his son. With the horse under control, Ben looked at Joe, both hands tightly grasping the canopy supports with his eyes closed just as tight.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s okay Joseph,\u201d Ben quietly stated as he placed a hand to his son\u2019s shoulder and felt the tension within.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Doc Martin greeted the Cartwrights on the boardwalk as they waited for Hoss to help Joe from the buggy. As Joe preceded him into his office, Doc said, \u201cBet you\u2019re glad to be here and eager for the removal of your cast, young man.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cGlad to be in here,\u201d Joe answered as he made his way to the examination table and Hoss helped him lift his leg to lie on the table so it would be easy for the doctor to remove the cast.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019ll take me about an hour or so to remove the cast, why don\u2019t you three go to the Silver Dollar and wait for me to finish with this young truant.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAin\u2019t ya heard Doc, he\u2019s not a truant, he\u2019s a scholar. Mr. Michael Langsford himself offered to tutor Joe over the summer and into the school year. Says he can to go to Yale,\u201d boasted Hoss.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIs that right\u2026\u201d Doc voiced, not as a question or a statement, but one of disbelief.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll see you three later, Pa,\u201d Joe answered, followed by a quick gulp as Doc Martin uncovered the tray containing all sorts of tools to use during the removal of the heavy plaster that surrounded his leg.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHere\u2019s your boot, son,\u201d Ben said before he left the examination room.<\/span><\/p>\n

Setting to his task at once, Doc Martin offered Joe a small glass of water lightly laced with laudanum. \u201cIt\u2019s bound to get a little uncomfortable as I work my way through the plaster, there\u2019s only enough laudanum in here to act as a calming agent.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOkay Doc,\u201d Joe stated as he accepted the glass and swallowed the entire contents.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cSo, you\u2019re thinking of going to Yale?\u201d Doc asked as a way to pass the time while working.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s what Mr. Langsford said I could do.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAnd you\u2019re not sure?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNot yet. I mean\u2026 The Ponderosa is my home\u2026\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s Adam\u2019s home too. He went away to college and returned. I\u2019m sure your father would be pleased to see a second son attend college. Have you thought of a major yet?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI haven\u2019t thought of anything\u2026\u201d Joe jumped as the tip of the saw blade poked his leg.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cSorry about that, Joe. You doing okay?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cSure\u2026 Everything\u2019s just fine,\u201d Joe exaggerated.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou still experiencing nightmares?\u201d Doc asked as he stopped working on the cast to observe his patient.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cSometimes\u2026\u201d Joe admitted as he gave a quick shrug of his shoulders.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHave you discussed them with your father?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNothing to talk about; I can\u2019t remember them.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Doc Martin, in disbelief at the boldface lie the young man told, slowly shook his head from side to side. \u201cIf that\u2019s what you want to believe, but I for one can tell that you vividly remember your dreams. Your face gives you away Joe. If you ever want to grow up to play poker, you\u2019ve got to learn to bluff your way a lot better than you\u2019re doing.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cMaybe that\u2019s what I\u2019ll become, a card sharp, if I don\u2019t choose to go to college.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhat\u2019s that supposed to mean? I thought you were planning to work the Ponderosa with your brothers.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cSo was I\u2026\u201d Joe sulked.<\/span><\/p>\n

Knowing the youngest Cartwright as well as he did, Doc chose not to press him on this subject as he returned his attention to the removal of the cast, but he didn\u2019t forget the conversation either. He planned ask more questions of Joe in order to draw more out from him as the procedure continued.<\/span><\/p>\n

Fifty minutes after it began, with multiple grimaces and clutching the edge of the table, the cast was off and Joe\u2019s leg was bathed of the plaster that had attached itself to him through the sock that was worn between the cast and his skin.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAre you ready to stand up and try walking on it, Joe?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI guess,\u201d Joe stated as he swung his leg off the table.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cTake it slow and easy at first,\u201d advised Doc as he offered to help Joe take his first few tentative steps.<\/span><\/p>\n

The bell over the door rang, indicating someone had entered his outer office, \u201cBe right with you!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cTake your time, Paul,\u201d they heard Ben\u2019s voice reply.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWell, care to show off your new skill to your family?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cSure,\u201d answered Joe as he slowly transferred his weight from his right leg to his left and back again in order to walk through the doorway and to greet his family.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNow, Joe. Just because I\u2019ve removed the cast doesn\u2019t mean that you can race your horse or spend all day in the saddle. It\u2019s going to take time to rebuild your muscles to acclimate them to that activity.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI won\u2019t be racing a horse\u2026 don\u2019t worry about that,\u201d Joe responded as Hoss handed him his hat and the brothers headed out the door after hearing Ben state he\u2019d meet them at the International House and for them to go ahead and get a table.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cBen, I\u2019m glad you didn\u2019t leave with the boys, I need to talk to you.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIs everything okay?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWith Joe? Physically he\u2019s fine, and I mean it when I say he can\u2019t resume his regular activities right away. If he does, he\u2019s going to be sore. Work him slowly back to where he was before the accident.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cBut you saw something else, didn\u2019t you?\u201d Ben asked.<\/span><\/p>\n

Paul nodded.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAdam thinks\u2026 through everything that\u2019s happened, that for some reason\u2026 He\u2019s become scared of horses.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAnd you agree?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI do.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWell, I have to agree with you. Based on comments he made while we talked as I worked. What are you going to do?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWell, we were waiting until his cast came off, and then take it one day at a time\u2026 Hoping he\u2019d come around on his own to realize there\u2019s nothing to be scared of\u2026 But if that doesn\u2019t work\u2026 We have a plan B in the works.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cCare to let me in on your plan?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI was successful in my dealings with Chief Winnemucca,\u201d answered Ben.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou got the pinto?\u201d Paul was happy; he\u2019d known for a long time how Ben had tried to trade for that horse to give to his youngest.<\/span><\/p>\n

Ben smiled.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI hope your plan works.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWe do to, we all do.\u201d Ben turned to leave.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cGoodbye Ben, just send someone for me if you need me.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThanks for everything Paul.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Ben left the clinic to join his family at the International House Restaurant.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

The sun had set and the town was quiet, except for the noise from the Silver Dollar. On the boardwalk in front of the International House, Adam took a risk and offered Sport for Joe to ride home.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cUh\u2026I really shouldn\u2019t. You heard Doc Martin say I wasn\u2019t supposed to overdo it.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWell, Chubs here is a lot calmer than Sport. Ya want to ride him home?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNo\u2026 Thank you, Hoss. I really appreciate both your offers\u2026 I think I\u2019ll just ride home in the buggy with Pa.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

The three elder Cartwrights looked to each other as Joe climbed into the buggy; each knew it was going to be a long road to get Joe back in the saddle.<\/span><\/p>\n

Ben guided the horse along the road to their home as the moonlight bathed the landscape in a soft glow. The view spread before him was serene, and yet, his one hope and prayer was that his son would enjoy it. The clip-clop of the horse\u2019s trot gently sounded on the ground; in Ben\u2019s mind the sounds transformed to words, \u201cBe okay, son. Be okay, son.\u201d<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cCouldn\u2019t convince Joe to go to town with us?\u201d Adam asked.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNah, I even told him we could stop by the Bucket O\u2019Blood and let him have a half a beer.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou didn\u2019t. What would you have done had he agreed to come? Pa\u2019d skin us alive if Joe came home smelling of beer,\u201d Adam stated as they saddled their horses.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWell, I wanted to get him out of the house and on a horse\u2026 What would you a done?!\u201d Hoss demanded.\u00a0 “It’s been a week…”
\n<\/span><\/p>\n

Looking over the back of Sport, Adam stated, \u201cProbably the same thing.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI know you tried son, and it would have been worth it had it worked,\u201d Ben stated as he entered the barn having heard his sons’ conversation. \u201cIf you could wait a few minutes, Charlie\u2019s hitching up the team.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThe team?\u201d Hoss asked. \u201cWe\u2019re just goin\u2019 to town for the payroll and to get the mail.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHop Sing pointed out to me that his order can\u2019t wait until the weekend, especially since the last time you returned and several items on his list were missing.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHe can\u2019t blame us for that Pa,\u201d Adam stated. \u201cIt\u2019s not our fault that Cass was out of\u2026 whatever.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWell, this time if Cass is out of\u2026 whatever\u2026 Hop Sing can deal directly with him.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYeah, instead a comin\u2019 down on us a threatenin\u2019 to go back to China,\u201d teased Hoss.<\/span><\/p>\n

The three men left the barn and met Hop Sing as he climbed aboard the buckboard for the trip to Virginia City.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cTake care,\u201d Ben waved off as the small group left the yard.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWe will Pa,\u201d Hoss hollered back, waving his hand over his head in acknowledgement as he and Adam followed Hop Sing and the buckboard.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Having spoken with Charlie regarding plans for the next few days, Ben returned to their home. Upon entering, he saw Joe sitting on the settee, reading one of his lesson books. \u201cYou know, your brothers really wanted you to ride into town with them.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI know, but I just didn\u2019t think that Dusty was up to that long of a ride.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou could have ridden in the buckboard with Hop Sing,\u201d Ben added as he sat next to his son, his hands felt lost as he wanted to pat his son’s knee as a way to offer support and comfort.
\n<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOh\u2026 Hop Sing was going into town too?\u201d Joe tried to innocently ask. \u201cBut if I\u2019d gone, it would have taken me away from my lessons. You know how much longer it takes driving the buckboard and then waiting for the supplies and loading them\u2026\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cJoseph, we need to talk. Just the two of us.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cSure,\u201d he answered, his voice sounding anything but assured.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s been a week since your cast was removed.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI know,\u201d Joe answered, still looking at the page in his book.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou have to get back in the saddle some time.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhat\u2019s that supposed to mean? I\u2019m following Doctor Martin\u2019s advice, and I\u2019m sure that Mr. Langsford will be really pleased when he sees my latest tests.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cJoseph,\u201d Ben shook his head, \u201cyou\u2019re avoiding the problem. I\u2019ve never known you to avoid anything, unless it was a \u2018necessary\u2019 trip to the barn.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m not avoiding anything\u2026\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou know, you\u2019re as bad at bluffing as Paul says you are.\u201d Ben placed his hand on his son\u2019s knee, \u201cYou haven\u2019t once this week gone to the barn to see Dusty. And your excuses are just that\u2026 excuses.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cBut I thought you\u2019d be pleased\u2026\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAny other time that my youngest son would devote himself to his lessons, and did as he was told, I would be thrilled. But this isn\u2019t you, Joe.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWell, maybe it\u2019s time I took Adam\u2019s advice and grew up,\u201d Joe said defensively.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAnother point in my favor; you following Adam\u2019s advice. Though I happen to enjoy listening to the discussions between the two of you instead of the bickering and verbal sparing, I almost wish that mischievous part of you would reappear.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t mean to disappoint you, Pa.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019re only disappointing me in that you won\u2019t face the truth\u2026 \u201c<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ve not lied about anything\u2026\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNo, I\u2019ll agree with you there, you haven\u2019t lied. But, you have learned to use your vocabulary to get across your specific point of view.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOkay, so what is it you think I\u2019m avoiding? I\u2019m sure you and Adam have discussed this \u2018supposed\u2019 problem of mine. Let me have it. What\u2019s wrong with me?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Here it was the challenge that Ben had hoped could be avoided; he had hoped his son would see things the way they really were. Joseph had given Ben no choice now but to take him to the one place where he knew he could break him\u2026 \u2018No, not break him, but get through to him. Reach inside him and help him understand his fears so that he can conquer them,\u2019<\/em> Ben thought as he stood from the settee.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cLet\u2019s the two of us take a ride.\u201d Without waiting for his son to object, he stated, \u201cI know Dusty can handle this trip. We won\u2019t go far.\u201d Ben stood and walked to the door, \u201cI\u2019m going to saddle my horse, and I\u2019d appreciate it if you\u2019d join me.\u201d\u00a0 His tone conveyed the tone that he expected his youngest to heed his words.
\n<\/span><\/p>\n

Ben opened the door only to be pushed back inside by two masked gunmen forcing their way through the door and into the house.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cGet inside old man!\u201d ordered one of the men, pushing Ben with his gun drawn. \u201cWatch the brat!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

The second man entered and headed straight for the settee, his gun pointed towards Joe.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThere\u2019s no need to point a gun at my son,\u201d a panicked Ben stated as he was pushed towards his desk.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cLeave my Pa alone!\u201d Joe yelled as he stood and moved to the end to the settee.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cCareful boy,\u201d the second man scoffed as his thumb drew back the hammer to his Colt.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s to help keep you in line. Now, open the safe!\u201d the man barked in answer to Ben\u2019s comment.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThere\u2019s nothing in there but petty cash.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYeah, right. This is the last day of the month, how do you expect to pay all your hands with only petty cash.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThe money\u2019s not here!\u201d yelled Joe, body tense, fists clinched.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOpen the safe!\u201d ordered the first man.<\/span><\/p>\n

Ben knelt in front of the safe, his mind racing for a way out of this. Joe had told the truth; Adam and Hoss were late in returning from town. What would the men do when they found out there was no money? With the last turn of the dial, Ben lifted the handle and pulled the door to the safe open. The man behind him struck him over the head with the butt of his pistol. Groaning and dizzy, Ben sagged to the floor. As if from far away, Ben heard Joe scream, \u201cPA!\u201d while struggling to maintain his footing.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhere\u2019s the money?!\u201d the first man demanded as he grabbed for the front of Ben\u2019s shirt.<\/span><\/p>\n

Shaking his head, Ben tried to hear what the man asked and tried to reply, but everything was fuzzy.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhere\u2019s the money?!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cLeave my Pa alone!\u201d Joe yelled as he rushed the second man who had turned away from him to watch his partner.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cJoe,\u201d Ben mumbled as he fell into the first man.<\/span><\/p>\n

The pain in his side registered before the sound of the gunshot or the smell of gunpowder. Ben grabbed at his side as he slowly slid down to the floor as the armed robber let go of him and watched with shocked fascination.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cPA!\u201d screamed Joe. Forgetting all about the robbers, he ran to his father. \u201cPa?!\u201d Joe cried. \u201cPa?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhere\u2019s the money?\u201d the second man asked as he came towards his partner.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThe kid weren\u2019t lying, there ain\u2019t none.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cLet\u2019s get out of here.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

The two men ran from the ranch house and viciously kicked and whipped their horses in their retreat.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cPa?\u201d Joe cried as he tried to stop the flow of blood from his father\u2019s side.<\/span><\/p>\n

Ben reached for Joe\u2019s hand and stated, \u201cGet Doc, Joe,\u201d before he passed out, his head slipping sideways to the floor.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cPa? I\u2026 I\u2026\u201d Joe scrambled to his feet and ran out the front door of the house. Halfway across the yard he tripped, and slammed his fisted hand to the ground is desperation. \u201cI\u2019m sorry, Pa\u2026 I … I can\u2019t\u2026\u201d he cried as he couldn\u2019t convince himself that he could saddle, let alone ride one of the horses to town for the doctor. \u201cCharlie!\u201d Joe remembered.<\/span><\/p>\n

Clambering from the ground, Joe\u2019s toes slipped for traction in the dusty dirt as he pushed himself forward on all four until he was actually running to the bunkhouse.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cCHARLIE!\u201d Joe yelled as he approached the ranch hands\u2019 living quarters and continued to yell as he pounded on the door. \u201cCHARLIE!\u201d <\/span><\/p>\n

The door opened and Joe fell inside to the arms of their foreman, \u201cLittle Joe?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cPa\u2019s been shot! Robbers! Ya gotta go for Doc!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhere is he? Joe?\u201d Charlie asked.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHouse, by safe. I gotta get back! Please Charlie!\u201d cried Joe.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll be back as soon as I can. You get back there and take care of your pa.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Without any further encouragement Joe ran back to the main house. Dropping to his knees by his pa he said, \u201cI\u2019m back Pa. Charlie\u2019s gonna go get Doc. I\u2019ll be right back. I need to get towels and put water on to boil.\u201d He cringed when he touched his father\u2019s side and fresh blood soaked through to his hands.<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe left his father lying where he had collapsed as he ran into the kitchen and searched the cupboards until he found a pot he felt was the right size. He carried it to the sink and began pumping the handle of the water pump until the pot was three quarters full. Grunting, Joe lifted the pot from the sink, over to the stove and barely managed to slide it on the surface without dropping the whole thing on the floor. Opening the front grate of the stove, Joe shoved several pieces of wood inside as well as kindling and wadded up newspapers. Striking the first match, Joe cursed as it went out before he managed to get it close to the paper. With shaking hands, he held the match box closer to his target before he struck the second match. With bated breath he begged for the fire to take. He exhaled when his silent prayer was answered.<\/span><\/p>\n

Leaving the kitchen, Joe ran to the bathhouse and stopped dead when he saw the empty shelves where the towels were stored. Laundry\u2026 Joe ran outside to the back of the massive house to where Hop Sing hung the laundry to dry in the sun and wind. Joe was oblivious to the fact that wherever he went, he transferred his father\u2019s blood to the surface. Grabbing down a number of towels in different sizes, Joe returned to the house and tried his best to help his father until Doc arrived.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cIt\u2019s not funny, Adam,\u201d Hoss snickered as he loaded a bag of flour onto the buckboard.<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam could not keep a straight face upon the sight of the diminutive Hop Sing castigating Hoss for interfering in getting the supplies he required. \u201cLike you stay out of kitchen, you stay out of my way in store. Hop Sing no care about candy for big man! Very upset if no sugar for your coffee. Very upset if no sugar for cake!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou got to admit it little brother,\u201d Adam said. \u201cAt least he was able to vent his anger at Cass this time instead of us for being out of sugar.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYeah, that was kinda funny. How much longer do you think he\u2019s gonna go on?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cUntil Cass finds the sugar in the store room.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWell, I just wish we could head on home. I don\u2019t like the idea of us standin\u2019 around with all that money on you.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI feel safer here, than on the road. We\u2019ll go back when Hop Sing\u2019s order is fulfilled. Besides, with Joe the way he\u2019s been lately, I\u2019ve missed laughing.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYeah, I have too\u2026 I just wished he\u2019d a come with us today.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cMaybe when Rudy is finished with that pinto\u2026\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYeah,\u201d Hoss said as a shiver ran through his body.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t tell me the weather\u2019s getting ready to change,\u201d Adam stated as he saw his brother\u2019s reaction.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNaw, this ain\u2019t weather. It\u2019s like\u2026 feels as if someone\u2019s dancin\u2019 on my grave. I just got a case of the \u2018somethin\u2019 ain\u2019t right\u2019.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWell, come on. Maybe a beer will settle you,\u201d Adam offered, \u201cI\u2019ll buy.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNo, this ain\u2019t somethin\u2019 to drink over, Adam. It ain\u2019t no beer call. We need to get home. Now!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou sure?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m sure,\u201d Hoss stated, without waiting to see if his brother followed, he headed straight for where Chubs was tethered in front of the Sheriff\u2019s Office, mounted and rode for home. Adam was only a few moments behind him; he\u2019d waited for Hop Sing to come to the buckboard and told him about Hoss\u2019 premonition.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou go home! Protect Lit\u2019le Joe and fatha!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Adam and Hoss were halfway home when they sharply pulled their horses to a halt. Sport objected by tossing his head up and down, while Chubs gave one of his infrequent rears.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cCharlie!\u201d Adam yelled.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYour Pa\u2019s shot!\u201d Charlie yelled, barely slowing his horse to deliver the news.<\/span><\/p>\n

As Charlie continued his race to town, the brothers looked to each other and both voiced their dread in one word, \u201cJoe.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Whipping their horses with the ends of their reins, the brothers continued their race home.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cPA!\u201d Adam and Hoss yelled as they ran across the porch and pushed open the door to gain entry into the house.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAdam! Over here!\u201d Joe answered, tears streaming down his face. \u201cThey\u2026 they shot him. It won\u2019t stop bleeding.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

The brothers saw their sibling\u2019s distress and their father\u2019s blood that covered his hands and soaked his clothes.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cLet Adam in there Joe,\u201d Hoss stated as he gently guided Joe away from their father so that Adam could tend to him.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHow long ago was he shot? What happened?\u201d Adam asked as he removed the blood soaked towels to examine the actual wound. \u201cJoe, how long ago?!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2026 I don\u2019t know\u2026\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhat happened, Joe? How\u2019d Pa get shot? Who done it?\u201d Hoss inquired.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cPa was going to the\u2026 the\u2026 barn,\u201d Joe stuttered out. \u201cHe was going to s-s-saddle Buck.\u201d Joe paused; his eyes grew big as he saw the actual entry wound. He closed his eyes tightly in an effort to block out the scene.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019re doin\u2019 good little brother. What happened next?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThere were t-t-two of t-them. T-they wanted the p-payroll.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThe payroll, but we weren\u2019t back yet,\u201d Hoss stated the obvious.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cPa opened the\u2026 the safe. One of them struck Pa on the head with his gun,\u201d Joe struggled to get the words out to describe what had happened. \u201cHe g-grabbed Pa when he didn\u2019t find the money, Pa fell into him and\u2026\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAnd what Joe?!\u201d Adam demanded as he tended to their father and listened to Joe at the same time.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHe shot him\u2026 Adam\u2026 Is he gonna live?\u201d cried Joe.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI hope so. If Doc can get here in time,\u201d answered Adam. \u201cI hope Charlie can get to him in time.\u201d Looking up to his brothers, Adam stated, \u201cHoss get him to the kitchen and clean him up.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhat about Pa?\u201d asked Hoss. \u201cShouldn\u2019t we move him to his room?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNo, not with Joe telling us he was also hit on the head. I don\u2019t want to move him until Paul says it\u2019s okay. Just get Joe cleaned up.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI want to stay,\u201d answered Joe plaintively. \u201cI can help\u2026 I already have water on the stove to heat\u2026 I pulled the lanterns from the rooms, clean towels.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

As Joe spoke, the brothers looked to their father\u2019s desk and saw the truth he had spoken.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYa done good little brother,\u201d Hoss answered. \u201cNow\u2019s the time ta take care a yourself. We\u2019ll take care of Pa from here.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Torn between his desire to stay and the dismissal received from both his brothers, Joe left the room and headed to the kitchen. He checked the pot of water and added more wood to the stove, to increase the temperature inside, before he walked out the door and away from the main house.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Ben\u2019s moaning, gave the first hint of his return to consciousness.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cBen? Ben? Can you hear me?\u201d asked Doc Martin as he spoke beside the man\u2019s ear.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cJoe\u2026 No Joe, don\u2019t,\u201d Ben stated. His return to consciousness was not a return to the present. \u201cJoe, go for Doc.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhat\u2019s he saying Paul,\u201d Adam asked as he sat forward in the chair in his father\u2019s room.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHe\u2019s calling for Joe. Telling him to ride for me\u2026\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhy\u2019d he do that? He knows Joe ain\u2019t been near a horse since his accident,\u201d Hoss admitted.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cPa wasn\u2019t exactly thinking, but you know\u2026 I sort of figured that if anything would, that would be the trick to get Joe back on a horse. Having to ride to save Pa\u2019s life.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cBut who\u2019d he ride? If Dusty couldn\u2019t make the trip to town for you\u2026 How\u2019d he make the trip this time?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cGuess that\u2019s why Joe had Charlie ride for Doc.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhere is Joe anyway?\u201d Paul Martin inquired.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWe told him to get cleaned up, and I\u2019m sure he\u2019s probably asleep in his room by now. I\u2019ll tell you one thing, my heart almost stopped when I saw all the blood on him and his clothes.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHe looked so scared kneelin\u2019 there next to pa, putting pressure on the wound. And then listenin\u2019 as he told us what happened.\u201d Hoss shivered. \u201cI can\u2019t imagine what he went through here all alone,\u201d Hoss added.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHoss, why don\u2019t you go wake Joe, I\u2019m sure he\u2019d like to know that Pa\u2019s going to be okay. Maybe if Pa hears Joe\u2019s voice it will help bring him around.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cSure, be right back.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Hoss left the room and walked to the bedroom of his little brother, knocking on the door he quietly called his brother\u2019s name and opened the door.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cJoe? Joe?!\u201d Hoss called upon seeing the empty bed. Turning back to the hallway, Hoss encountered Hop Sing. \u201cHop Sing, you seen Joe?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNo see Lit\u2019le Joe since morning. Someone leave bloody mess in kitchen, bathhouse, and on clean laundry.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThat woulda been Joe, tryin\u2019 to get stuff together for when Doc arrived. I hope his clothes come clean, that was his favorite shirt he was wearin\u2019.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNo find dirty lit\u2019le boy clothes\u2026\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhatcha mean, we told Joe to get cleaned up\u2026 Where\u2019d he put his clothes?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNo see Lit\u2019le Joe, no see dirty clothes.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAdam!\u201d Hoss called as realization dawned on him. \u201cJoe ain\u2019t in his room!\u201d he called as he entered their father\u2019s bedroom.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhere is he?\u201d Adam asked.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t know. Hop Sing ain\u2019t seen \u2018em either.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHoss?\u201d Ben slurred after hearing his son\u2019s voice.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m here Pa, so\u2019s Adam.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAdam?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m here Pa. Welcome back,\u201d Adam stated, his voice reflected his encouragement at the improving situation of his father.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cJoe got Doc?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

The brothers looked to each other before Adam stated, \u201cHe sent Charlie for Paul.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOh,\u201d Ben offered. \u201cThey didn\u2019t hurt him, did they?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNo, at least we don\u2019t think they did. We didn\u2019t really pay that much attention to him, other than insist that he clean himself up,\u201d Adam stated.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cBen, that\u2019s enough. You go back to sleep,\u201d Paul suggested.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWant to see Joe,\u201d Ben stated wearily.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cLater, when you wake,\u201d Paul insisted.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cSee Joe,\u201d Ben mumbled as he fell asleep.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cWhere can he be?\u201d Hoss asked.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhere does he go whenever he\u2019s troubled?\u201d Adam answered with a knowing question.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHis momma\u2019s grave?\u201d Hoss replied.<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam nodded. \u201cHop Sing, will you keep an eye on Pa while we go retrieve Little Joe?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cGo, bring Numba Three son home.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll stay here too, at least for the time being. I want to be here one more time when he regains consciousness,\u201d insisted Paul.
\n<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThanks, Paul,\u201d Adam stated as he and Hoss left the bedroom.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHow\u2019d ya think he got there? Weren\u2019t no horses missing in the barn.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHe probably walked or ran. Lord\u2026 if he wouldn\u2019t get on a horse to save Pa\u2019s life, I can\u2019t see him getting on a horse to go to Marie\u2019s grave.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cMomma, I tried\u2026 I tried,\u201d cried Joe as he lay sobbing in front of the headstone that marked his mother\u2019s final resting place. \u201cI tried, but I couldn\u2019t\u2026 I\u2019m scared Momma\u2026 I\u2019m so scared. If Pa dies, they\u2019ll hate me because I didn\u2019t ride to get Doc. Momma, I don\u2019t want him to die\u2026\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWell, well, well, if it isn\u2019t the little boy without his babysitters,\u201d Reed stated as he and Torrington rode their horses into the gravesite and stepped down.<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe looked up, his eyes bloodshot, his clothes still covered with Ben\u2019s blood.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2026 You! It was you, you broke into the house\u2026 You shot Pa!\u201d Joe stood to his feet and threw himself at Reed, fisted hands pounding on the man\u2019s torso.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHey! Leave off!\u201d Reed called as he pushed Joe to the ground and pulled his gun.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cREED!\u201d Torrington yelled. \u201cI don\u2019t want no murder rap.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cBut he knows it was us,\u201d Reed answered. \u201cHow?\u201d he looked to Joe still sitting on the ground.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYour clothes. You\u2019re wearing the same clothes those men wore,\u201d Joe answered.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhat do we do now?\u201d Torrington answered.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWE get our money, one way or the other.\u201d A wicked grin spread across the man\u2019s face. \u201cKid, you\u2019re coming with us.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNo\u2026 No, I\u2019m not\u2026 You can\u2019t make me\u2026\u201d Joe spoke as he began to scramble backwards from the men, turned over, and pulled himself to his feet in an effort to run away.<\/span><\/p>\n

Reed reached Joe and strongly grabbed him by the bicep; Joe struggled against the restraining hand. Even with a gun drawn on him, Joe fought with all the tenacity he knew. Without out any consideration, Reed slammed the butt of his pistol along the side of Joe\u2019s head and allowed him to fall to the ground unconscious.<\/span><\/p>\n

With his arm resting across the horn of his saddle, Torrington asked, \u201cJust how do we get our money by taking him along? You thinking on holding him for ransom? I ain\u2019t willing to go up against Ben Cartwright again, let alone Adam.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019re thinking small\u2026 Think big\u2026 Think banks\u2026 Take this kid in as a hostage, bloody clothes and all\u2026 You think any teller or lawman\u2019s gonna get in our way and risk shooting or killing the kid while tryin\u2019 to stop us? Adam and Hoss\u2019ll be too busy tending to their old man to think of looking for this brat. All the time they had to babysit him\u2026 they\u2019ll be glad for his riddance.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Like a sack of flour, Reed carried Joe and threw him over his saddle before climbing aboard behind him.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Adam and Hoss returned to the house without Joe. Hop Sing informed the brothers that Ben was awake and wanted to see them upon their return. Like men climbing the steps to the gallows, the brothers climbed the staircase to go to their father\u2019s room.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHe was there, Pa,\u201d Adam stated.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWas there. Where is he now?\u201d Ben asked.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWe don\u2019t know. There were signs of riders. It was getting\u2019 too dark to continue,\u201d Hoss thought to add, \u201cwe weren\u2019t properly prepared to look into the night.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cPrepared\u2026\u201d spat Ben. His youngest son was missing.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cPa, let\u2019s just wait until morning. Give Joe a chance to come back on his own. If he\u2019s not back by morning, we\u2019ll go searching for him. And we\u2019ll be prepared to continue to look for him, even if it means riding tomorrow night.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cFind him, Adam. He\u2019s fragile right now\u2026 He knows we know the truth, but I didn\u2019t get the chance to help him. Before\u2026 Before all this,\u201d Ben indicated his injury, \u201cI was pushing him to face the truth. I was getting ready to take him to Marie\u2019s grave. I thought if any place would allow me to get through to him\u2026 That would be the place.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Dawn had broken over the Ponderosa for a second morning without the youngest being under the roof. Adam and Hoss somberly sat in their father\u2019s bedroom as they recounted how they sent word to Sheriff Coffee that Joe was missing, presumed run away, and for him to keep an eye out around town.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWe also asked him to send word to Joe\u2019s friends that we want him to come home. That you want him home,\u201d Adam added.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Hop Sing crossed the great room carrying a tray with Ben\u2019s lunch when he heard a knock on the front door. Setting the tray on the table by the staircase, Hop Sing walked to the door to open it.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cMr. Sheriff, why you come?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHop Sing, I need to see Ben and the boys,\u201d Sheriff Coffee stated.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI take lunch to Mr. Cartwright. You follow.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Hop Sing entered the master bedroom, followed by the sheriff.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cBen, boys,\u201d he greeted.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cRoy?\u201d Ben replied.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI got bad news, but good news for you.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou found Joe? Is he okay?\u201d Hoss asked.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhat\u2019s the news, Roy?\u201d Adam asked, concerned that their father was quiet.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWe got a wire from Placerville this morning. Their bank was robbed.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHow much money did they get away with?\u201d Hoss asked.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThey didn\u2019t,\u201d Sheriff Coffee rocked back on his heels and looped his thumbs over his belt. \u201cA deputy spotted them backin\u2019 out of the bank and ordered them to drop their weapons. The robbers turned and fired, only to be shot down themselves.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWell, that\u2019s good news, but\u2026 I\u2019m sure you didn\u2019t ride all the way out here just to tell us that,\u201d Adam stated. He watched Sheriff Coffee\u2019s body language and knew there was something more. \u201cHow\u2019s this tie into Joe?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYeah, that\u2019s what I came to tell ya. They had Joe with \u2018em.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

All three men perked up at the mention of Joe\u2019s name.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhat about Lit\u2019le Joe,\u201d Hop Sing demanded as he made his presence known in the room. When the man wanted to, he could make people forget he was there by backing away from all the activity, and listening.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThe two robbers were Reed and Torrington\u2026 Seems they had Joe and the teller stated they were using him as a means to rob the bank; threatening to kill the boy if they didn\u2019t turn over all the money.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cJoe\u2019s in Placerville?!\u201d Hoss demanded. \u201cIs he okay?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThey weren\u2019t sure at first. When they reached him, he was covered in dried blood.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cBut they\u2019ve had the chance to examine him?\u201d Adam asked.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cDoc Martin\u2019s been wiring Doc Connors over there ever since we got word.\u201d Roy exhaled just as deeply as he had inhaled. \u201cHe\u2019s been roughed up a little bit, but\u2026 Couldn\u2019t find a reason for all the blood on his clothes and body. But from what Doc Martin said, it\u2019s probably Ben\u2019s blood.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThat days ago,\u201d Hop Sing declared. \u201cThey no take care of Lit\u2019le Joe?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cDoesn\u2019t look like it. Doc Connors says he won\u2019t talk to nobody, doesn\u2019t look at nobody\u2026 Just stares straight ahead. Paul thinks the boy might be in shock.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cSaddle the horses,\u201d Ben stated as he threw the covers away from his legs.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cPa, you\u2019re not well enough for such a ride,\u201d Adam warned.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll not sit here when my son needs me,\u201d Ben retorted.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAnd if you tear open those stitches in your side? Doc says you\u2019re doing fine in keeping that temperature from spiking\u2026 if you stay in bed,\u201d Adam admonished.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAdam\u2019s right, Pa. You try an ride; you\u2019ll get yourself sick\u2026 And what good\u2019ll ya be for Little Joe?\u201d Hoss asked, reinforcing his elder brother\u2019s sentiments.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cDoc Martin said he\u2019d wait in town for one of you two to join him on the trip to Placerville. He don\u2019t want Joe traveling home without him and one of his family,\u201d Roy announced.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll go,\u201d Adam stated.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhy should you go? You know how Shortshank\u2026\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHoss, I\u2019ll go because I\u2019m the oldest, and I think that if I hadn\u2019t insisted on him going to get cleaned up\u2026 If I had let him stay to help with Pa, he wouldn\u2019t have left the house. I owe it to the kid\u2026\u201d Adam explained.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cBring him home, Adam.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI will Pa.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Adam rode Sport into town and having bid goodbye to Roy, he stopped in front of the doctor\u2019s office to dismount.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAdam, how\u2019s Ben? How\u2019d he take the news about Joe?\u201d Paul asked as he closed the door to his office.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHe\u2019s doing as good as can be expected; he wanted to ride to Placerville for Joe.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cDoesn\u2019t surprise me.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHave you learned anything more about Joe?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cJust that he\u2019s in a state of shock, that\u2019s why I told Roy I wanted to be present when he comes home. Sometimes a patient can become quite violent and if necessary, I want to sedate him.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou think it\u2019ll come to that?\u201d a distressed Adam asked.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNo, but it\u2019s best to be prepared. I\u2019ve already requested my horse and buggy be hitched; figured that would be the easiest way to transport him home\u2026 considering\u2026\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYeah.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam walked along side Paul Martin while leading his horse to the livery. Within ten minutes of his arrival in Virginia City, he and the doctor were on their way to Placerville.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

A deputy met the two men from Virginia City as they stopped in front of the Sheriff\u2019s Office. \u201cAfternoon gents!\u201d he called.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cDeputy, I\u2019m Adam Cartwright and this is Doctor Paul Martin.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOh, Sheriff Rutledge and Doc Connors been expecting you. They\u2019re at the clinic. Do you know the way?\u201d Seeing the men hesitate, he said, \u201cIt\u2019s this way. I\u2019ll show you.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cDo you know anything more on the boy\u2019s condition,\u201d Paul asked as they followed the deputy.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNa, Sheriff ain\u2019t said much \u2018cept that all he does is lay there and nothing\u2026\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

The deputy showed them to a two-story wooden structured with a sign stating, \u201cMedical Clinic\u201d hanging over the front door.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cSheriff! Doc! They\u2019re here!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Two men entered the front waiting room from a side office, \u201cPaul, good to see you again,\u201d greeted Doc Connors.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAdam,\u201d Sheriff Rutledge spoke, \u201cit\u2019s a shame that you have to come to our town under such circumstances.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThanks, where is Joe?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019d like to speak with you first,\u201d Doc Connors addressed Adam. \u201cIt\u2019ll better prepare you for what you\u2019ll see when I take you to your brother\u2019s room.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Doc Connors had years of first-hand experience in dealing with all manners of people so when Adam crossed his arms and his dark eyes bore down on the physician, he didn\u2019t flinch or give any indication that the man\u2019s actions affected him in the least.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cPlease have a seat. As we\u2019ve stated in the wires, your brother is suffering a severe case of shock. From what Sheriff Rutledge has discovered, the two men were using him as a hostage in order to rob the bank. We\u2019re not sure exactly how long he\u2019d been in their presence but once he was brought in, I stripped the bloody clothes from him. You can rest assured the blood was not his, not sure whose\u2026\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThe blood belonged to our father,\u201d Adam offered. \u201cJoe and Pa were home alone when two men broke into the house and tried to rob the payroll, only it wasn\u2019t there. Hoss and I were delayed. The men shot our father before they ran out\u2026 We don\u2019t have any idea how Joe came to be with them, except that\u2026\u201d Adam allowed his guilt to show, \u201cWhen we returned home, I sent Joe to get cleaned up. He\u2019d been trying to stop the bleeding on his own. I didn\u2019t want him to be distressed anymore than he was. I thought he\u2019d bathed and gone to bed. It wasn\u2019t until after Pa\u2019s surgery and starting to come around that we realized Joe was missing.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAdam it wasn\u2019t your fault,\u201d Paul sought to comfort the man.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI know\u2026 we both know my little brother, but still\u2026 I should have made sure.\u201d Adam continued to tell the doctor and the sheriff of how they followed Joe\u2019s tracks and found foot prints of others and Joe\u2019s prints disappeared and ultimately how they lost the trail of the men who had him.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cDo you think Reed and Torrington were the ones who shot your father?\u201d Sheriff Rutledge asked.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t know\u2026 but I\u2019d give good odds on any wager they were. Sheriff Coffee indicated that one of the wires said Joe had been rough up.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYes, he had been,\u201d answered Doc Connors. \u201cHe\u2019s got bruises on his face, along his jaw. I\u2019d say he\u2019d been backhanded a few times, hard. And I\u2019m presuming the bruises to his arms, legs, and torso were probably from them kicking him while they had him tied up.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cTied up!\u201d The words shocked Adam. \u201cHe\u2019s just fourteen!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThe raw skin around his wrists proves to me that he was bound, as does the chafed skin around his ankles. Had he not been wearing boots and socks, I believe his ankles would be rubbed raw just like his wrists.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cMay I see my brother now?\u201d Adam asked as he stood.<\/span><\/p>\n

The physician nodded and began to show Adam up the stairs to the second floor.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAdam,\u201d Sheriff Rutledge called. \u201cI\u2019d like to talk with you in my office, once you\u2019ve seen the boy. Maybe later tonight, after he\u2019s fallen asleep.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cLater,\u201d Adam acknowledged.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cLenora?\u201d Doc Connors called as he entered the room. Adam had heard a woman\u2019s voice singing a lullaby. \u201cThe boy\u2019s family is here, as is his physician.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAye, Doctor,\u201d the woman spoke in a soft Scottish dialect. \u201cI leave ye to take care o the lad.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThank you, Miss Lenora,\u201d Adam offered as she left the room.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

The eldest son of Benjamin Cartwright had thought he had steeled himself for the sight of his little brother and yet, he was still not prepared for the vision that met his eyes. The sheets on the bed made Joe appear paler than what he actually was. The colorful bruising along his jaw line indicated he had been struck upon more than one occasion, as well as the slight trace of blood along his split lip.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOh, Joe,\u201d cried Adam mournfully, as he walked over and sat on the edge of the bed. Pulling the covers down, he saw the mottled bruises on his brother\u2019s chest and arms.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIt still gets to me each time I see him. I could only do so much to soften the blow for you.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI understand. Thank you. He\u2019s been like this since he was brought here?\u201d Adam asked, indicating, the unseeing gaze of his brother lying there, eyes wide open, occasionally blinking.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOther than us bathing him, yes. Lenora\u2019s been able to spoon feed some beef stock broth into him, as well as some milk\u2026 Other than that, he doesn\u2019t respond to any stimulation.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNone?\u201d Doc Martin.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOh, we can tap his knee or poke him with a straight pin and his body reacts, but as far as answering questions or following instructions, or jumping at loud noises\u2026 Nothing.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam reached out and raised his brother from the bed so he could slip behind him and hold him in his arms. While rocking his brother, Adam talked of their father and Hoss.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s it Adam, just keep talking to him,\u201d Paul encouraged. \u201cLet him hear the love in your voice and to know that Ben\u2019s going to be okay.\u201d Paul turned to his colleague and asked, \u201cIs it okay for us to spend the night? I don\u2019t think it would be wise for us to leave this late in the afternoon.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cSure. That\u2019s no problem.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Speaking to Adam, Paul said, \u201cI\u2019ll go to the telegraph office and send a wire home, letting them know we\u2019re here with Joe and we\u2019ll start our trip home tomorrow.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThanks, Paul.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Joe had fallen asleep without ever acknowledging the presence of Adam or Paul. Both doctors were pleased that his breathing was regular as was his heartbeat. As the sun began to slip past the horizon, so Joe\u2019s eyes began to droop and finally close.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAdam, you\u2019ve not eaten since we arrived. Why not go to the caf\u00e9 for supper and stop by Rutledge\u2019s office,\u201d Paul stated as he again felt his patient\u2019s forehead to ensure there was no sign of any fever.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOkay, but\u2026\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll send word if there\u2019s any change.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Adam left the caf\u00e9 feeling full, but empty at the same time. He wasn\u2019t sure what exactly he expected but he had hoped at least to see recognition in Joe\u2019s eyes as he entered the room. But, the whole afternoon and into the evening, Joe had just lain in the bed, staring at the ceiling. Adam had helped sit Joe up when Lenora returned and spoon fed Joe his supper of soup and milk. After years of seeing Joe kicking the covers off his bed and actively tossing around in his sleep, it was disheartening to see his brother lying without movement.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Sheriff Rutledge raised his eyes from the paperwork on his desk when he heard the door to his office open and watched as Adam Cartwright entered.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAdam, how\u2019s your brother?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNo change. You said you wanted to speak with me\u2026\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYes, have a seat.\u201d As Adam took a seat in a chair in front of the sheriff\u2019s desk, the sheriff walked to a cabinet and pulled out a paper-wrapped package. \u201cI\u2019m sorry to have to ask this of you, but I\u2019d be remiss in my job if I didn\u2019t.\u201d He set the packaged down on his desk, pulled out a knife, and cut the strings that tied it closed. Before unwrapping the package, he stated, \u201cThese are the clothes we pulled off the boy once we got him to Doc\u2019s. I need for you to confirm what he was wearing the last time you saw him.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWithout looking at those, I can tell you he was wearing dark brown trousers and a tan shirt, Hop Sing had monogrammed his initials on one of the cuffs. There should be a jCf.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThen I guess these are the same clothes. And there\u2019s no chance he ran away to join the men?\u201d Rutledge asked.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHe did run away, but only to his mother\u2019s grave. From there, he was taken and I\u2019m sure it was against his will. If they were the ones who shot Pa, there\u2019s no way he\u2019d have willingly have gone with them.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam watched as the sheriff jotted down something in his notes.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou care to tell me exactly what happened?\u201d Adam asked.
\n<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNot a lot to tell that wasn\u2019t already in the wires we sent, except that had my deputy Marcus not recognized Little Joe, he probably would have shot him as well, thinking him in on the hold up. Cory, the teller, he said he recognized Little Joe from last fall when your family came through here with the cattle drive. He remembered being invited to sit down to eat supper with you. Adam, so much could have gone wrong and cost that boy his life.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou don\u2019t have to remind me, I cringe just thinking about the \u2018what ifs\u2019. If you\u2019re finished with me, I\u2019d like to return to the clinic and my brother.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m finished. There\u2019s nothing more you can add to my report, there\u2019s only three who can\u2026 Two are dead and one\u2026 Well, I pray he gets better and can tell Roy the whole story.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThanks, Zeke.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

After returning to the room where Joe slept, Adam took a chance and laid down along-side his brother; it took a long time, but the toll of the events of the past few days finally won out as Adam closed his eyes in sleep.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Waking in the morning, Adam sensed his brother was awake. He opened his eyes to see his brother lying exactly as he had lain the night before, eyes open, staring at nothing.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cJoe, come on buddy. It\u2019s me, Adam,\u201d he quietly pleaded as he rest a hand on his brother’s shoulder.<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam looked up as the door opened for Doc Martin and Lenora bearing a tray of breakfast entered the room.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAdam, let us tend to Joe this morning while you take care of you,\u201d Paul advised.<\/span><\/p>\n

While shaving, Adam watched over his shoulder via the mirror as Paul and Lenora changed for lack of a better description, a diaper draped around his youngest brother.<\/span><\/p>\n

Paul looked up to see the revulsion on Adam\u2019s face reflected in the mirror. \u201cI\u2019m sorry Adam, we should have told you about this. Until he can take care of himself\u2026 it will be necessary.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam closed his eyes to keep his tears from falling.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Having finished tending to his personal needs and shopping for clothes for his brother, Adam returned to the room to help Paul dress Joe for their trip home.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Their arrival at the Ponderosa was a somber affair. As Paul stopped the horse and buggy, the door to the house opened revealing Ben Cartwright followed by his middle son and housekeeper making their way toward them. Adam carefully lifted his brother from the buggy and carried him towards his family.<\/span><\/p>\n

Paul Martin advised for everyone to return to the house. Adam entered and carried Joe up the staircase and to his bedroom. Paul insisted in examining Ben, who refused by saying, \u201cYou can examine me once I see my son.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

When Ben finally agreed to allow Paul to examine his healing gunshot wound, he felt as disheartened as his eldest son had been since finding Joe in Placerville.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cBen, I have every confidence that if anyone can come out of the shock that he\u2019s experience, Joseph will be the one. With the love that this family and Hop Sing showers upon him\u2026 Just give him time and love, and if possible, make sure someone is with him at all times.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

It was the third morning of Joe\u2019s return to the Ponderosa and Hop Sing entered his room to clean the room as was usual. Hop Sing pushed Hoss out of the room telling the large man that he would tend to Joe that morning. After refreshing the water in the pitcher, Hop Sing walked to the windows to open the curtain and the window to allow fresh air into the room. As he turned, he saw Joe\u2019s eyes open and his head turned towards him. Hop Sing\u2019s heart lightened as he walked towards Joe and the boy\u2019s eyes followed his movements.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cLit\u2019le Joe, you see me?\u201d Hop Sing asked but was not favored with a response. \u201cI need clean you for morning; need to roll you on side.\u201d Hop Sing yelled, \u201cMR. CARTWRIGHT!\u201d when Joe voluntarily rolled onto his side.<\/span><\/p>\n

Only moments had passed when the footfalls of three men thundered through the hallway and into the room.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHe move on own. Roll to side,\u201d Hop Sing explained.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cJoseph,\u201d Ben called as he knelt to the side of his son\u2019s bed. He was pleased when his son\u2019s eyes opened and looked at him.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHe\u2019s gettin’ better?\u201d Hoss asked and thrilled to see Joe look towards him.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cShould I send for Paul?\u201d Adam asked and Joe looked towards him.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cBoys, let\u2019s take this slow. Joseph, can you sit up?\u201d Ben asked and found Joe willingly followed his instructions.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYa think he\u2019d like a bath?\u201d Hoss asked.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHop Sing fix bath, make boy feel better,\u201d Hop Sing stated as he scurried from the room.<\/span><\/p>\n

Encouraged by the improvements in Joe, Ben gambled and asked if he could stand. \u201cJoe, Hop Sing is drawing a bath for you. Let\u2019s go to the bathhouse.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Wide-eyed, mouth gaped open, Hoss and Adam followed as Joe walked beside their father out of his bedroom, down the stairs, across the floor of the great room, and into the bathhouse. Unable to risk getting his own bandages wet, Ben sat in a chair near the tub and watch as his son undressed himself and slipped into the warm waters as instructed. The father laughed as his two oldest sons helped to bathe the youngest and wash his hair.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

By the time Paul Martin returned to the Ponderosa the next day to see if there was any change in the condition of his patient, he was pleasantly surprised to see the boy sitting on the settee, eyes following people as they moved about the room or spoke, but no more, unless instructed. There was still no self-initiated interaction.<\/span><\/p>\n

As he was preparing to leave he told Ben, \u201cThis is a very good sign Ben. Keep doing what you\u2019re doing. You\u2019ll get through to him. Just give him time, but don\u2019t push him.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Another week had passed and to the family, Joe was still too quiet for their liking, but at least he was interacting with them and following instructions. But there was no life in the boy\u2019s eyes as he joined them, there was no spontaneous cackle or even the smallest bit of fight displayed.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Mid-summer settled on the Ponderosa when Ben decided now was the time; the family took Joe to the breaking corrals, Ben drove the buggy while Adam and Hoss rode their own horses. The nervous father felt his youngest son tense as he helped him to the top rail. It was as he had been for weeks, there was no resistance, Joe did as instructed.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNow Shortshanks, you just sit on the railin\u2019 and watch what we got planned today,\u201d Hoss encouraged.<\/span><\/p>\n

Ben saw his son startle when Rudy led the black and white, saddled pinto into the corral and slowly walked around him, the man\u2019s hands were always on some part of the horse\u2019s body.<\/span><\/p>\n

Rudy almost had the same touch with animals as Hoss, he knew what it took to deal with those timid and fearful, including people. He and Hoss had previously talked over the best way to introduce Joe to his horse in order to instill an air to foster encouragement so that the boy\u2019s natural curiosity would ultimately win out over his phobia. But now, with Joe\u2019s lack of participation in the simplest of things\u2026<\/span><\/p>\n

The whole time Rudy was in the corral with the horse he never addressed Joe in an effort to not put any pressure upon the boy.<\/span><\/p>\n

With only Hoss at the horse\u2019s head, Rudy slipped his foot into the stirrup and carefully pulled his weight into the saddle.<\/span><\/p>\n

Hoss whispered, \u201cPinto, you best show how good you are for your new master over there on the fence.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOkay, Hoss, you can step back,\u201d Rudy stated.<\/span><\/p>\n

Hoss walked to the side of the corral where Adam waited, opposite from where Ben and Joe sat on the fence railing.<\/span><\/p>\n

Slowly Rudy asked the horse to walk forward and stop, repeating the movements over and over. He lightened his seat and squeezed with a little more pressure from his calves and asked the horse to trot, clucking to help encourage the horse. He worked on walk, trot, and halt transitions, making sure the gelding was listening to him before he ever signaled the horse into a lope.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHey Hoss,\u201d Rudy called as he halted the horse in the middle of the corral. \u201cI think that\u2019s good enough for today.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThe two of them sure looked good,\u201d stated Hoss as he waved to Rudy.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll second that,\u201d Adam stated and whispered so that only they would hear, \u201cI hope Joe looks half as good as that when he finally gets into the saddle.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYeah, I miss Shortshanks\u2026\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Ben offered Joe a hand down from the top rail and together they walked to the center of the corral. Gently talking to his son, fostering encouragement, but, \u201cGive it time, Ben,\u201d<\/em> he heard Paul Martin\u2019s voice say. Ben decided it was now or never.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHey Adam, what\u2019s Pa doin\u2019 with Little Joe?\u201d Hoss curiously asked.<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam turned to see Ben slowly walking their youngest brother to where Rudy stood with the pinto.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cRudy, shorten the stirrups,\u201d Ben quietly instructed.<\/span><\/p>\n

Hoss and Adam watched as their brother didn\u2019t resist walking towards the new horse.<\/span><\/p>\n

Ben was taking a huge risk, he and Adam were present when Paul told them about the possible traumatic ways Joe could exit from the state of shock in which he currently lived, or that he could wake up one day and everything would be as it was before.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cBut before what?\u201d Adam had asked.<\/span><\/p>\n

Without further explanation, Paul knew exactly \u2018when\u2019 Adam was asking.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t know. There\u2019s just so little medical literature on this subject, and most of what we know comes out of asylums for the criminally insane; and from what I\u2019ve read, it can be \u2018cruel\u2019 at times.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHow do we treat him?\u201d Ben asked.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI believe he should be kept here,\u201d Paul stated.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOf course!\u201d Ben replied.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cJust offer him your love and support. Keep him included in his surroundings. What I\u2019m trying to say is that\u2026 don\u2019t let him just \u2018sit around\u2019. Try to keep him active. He\u2019ll follow instructions so begin there. Try to get him into a routine.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cJoe, listen to me son. Lift your foot and place it in the stirrup. Can you do that son?\u201d Ben questioned.<\/span><\/p>\n

As compliant as he had been to suggestions, Joe didn\u2019t even hesitate to do as instructed.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNow, pull yourself up to sit in the saddle.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Once the boy was secure in the saddle Ben praised him before he turned to Rudy, \u201cLead him around the corral for a few minutes; would you Rudy?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cSure boss, I\u2019ll be gentle with him.\u201d Rudy led the horse forward and began to circle the corral.<\/span><\/p>\n

The rhythmic movement of the horse\u2019s footfalls worked against the tension that had started to possess the youth in the saddle, who hung onto the saddle horn as if for dear life.<\/span><\/p>\n

Minutes passed, \u201cAdam, are you seeing what I\u2019m seeing?\u201d Hoss asked as he peered closely and pointed to his youngest brother. \u201cHe\u2019s\u2026\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHe\u2019s smiling?\u201d Adam answered and without hesitation he walked to Rudy and asked for the reins.<\/span><\/p>\n

As Adam continued to walk the horse and his youngest brother, he smiled when he realized the boy\u2019s smile reached his eyes. Calling over to Hoss, Adam said, \u201cOpen the gate and get the horses.\u201d He continued to lead the pinto over to the open gate, and with reins in hand, he mounted his horse and signaled Sport into a walk.<\/span><\/p>\n

So focused on his brother, Adam missed the rare occasion where Sport didn\u2019t toss his head or act up, demanding to go faster than the walk. Hoss mounted Chubs and rode on the other side of Joe and his pinto.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou sure about this Adam?\u201d Hoss asked.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNo, but if Pa could get him in the saddle, I think we can take him for a nice slow ride.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Ben held his breath as his three sons left the corrals, \u201cPlease God, for Joseph\u2026 Let this be the way to lead him home.\u201d Ben slowly walked to the buggy to begin the drive to the house.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Hours had passed as Ben sat upon the deck, outside the window to his office area and graciously accepted a cup of coffee from Hop Sing.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cSons be okay, they look out for Lit\u2019le Joe,\u201d the faithful oriental offered.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI know. Adam and Hoss will do anything they can to take care of their younger brother\u2026\u201d Ben answered.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cPa! Hey Pa,\u201d the two men heard as Hoss and Chubs came trotting around the corner of the barn.<\/span><\/p>\n

Heedless of the pain caused to his almost healed wound as he stood to his feet and jumped down the two steps to meet his son in the yard, Ben knew he couldn\u2019t sit still.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHoss, what is it? Where\u2019s Joe?! What happened?!\u201d Ben fearfully asked upon seeing the tears streaming down his middle son\u2019s face.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYa ain\u2019t gonna believe it. Joe\u2026 He\u2019s Joe!\u201d Hoss called as he swung down from his horse in order to embrace his father. \u201cHe\u2019s back!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cH-he\u2019s o-kay?\u201d Ben asked, forced into stuttering as Hoss continued to thump him on the back due to all his excitement.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHe\u2019s better than okay! Hot diggity, my little brother is back!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhat happened? Where is he\u2026 and Adam?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Hoss released his father and began animatedly talking waving his hands and arms around to help with his explanation. \u201cI couldn\u2019t keep up with \u2018em. They\u2019re out there somewhere racin\u2019. Chubs wanted so much to go, but\u2026 they\u2019re racin\u2019. Pa, that pinto is fast, you should see \u2018em. He\u2019s gotta be the fastest horse in this county, why\u2026 the fastest in the territory. And Joe\u2026\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHow?!\u201d Ben determinedly asked, thrilled with the news but wanting to know what had transpired.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2019s just walking along, going to the lake. Adam and me just talkin\u2019 back and forth. Adam said that Joe was really relaxin\u2019 in the saddle, he weren\u2019t tense like he was in the corral. Even though he was smilin\u2019 in the corral, but it was more than just a smile, we saw it in his eyes. As we rode, Adam gave Joe his reins to hold\u2026 We weren\u2019t leadin\u2019 him no more.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHoss, get to the point, what happened to bring Joe back?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWell, I done told Adam that he shouldn\u2019t be surprised, Joe\u2019s a natural, has been since he first sat in the saddle in front of ya, Pa.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cMr. Hoss, tell honorable father what happened!\u201d Hop Sing voiced his displeasure at Hoss\u2019 rambling.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI am\u2026 That\u2019s just what happened, we\u2019s a talkin\u2019 about Joe being a natural and all of a sudden we heard him cacklin\u2019, and he said, and I quote, \u2018Of course I\u2019m a natural, what else would you expect of me?\u2019 Pa, just like that!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAnd that was all?\u201d Ben incredulously asked, his brows raised and furrowed.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWell, that was the beginnin\u2019\u2026 He pulled the horse to a stop, jumped down, and ran to a stand of trees. We followed him and found him pukin\u2019. He looked so pathetic\u2026\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cBut you said they were racing, I\u2019m not following you Hoss.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cPa, it all came out. When he could sit up, I done went and got him some water and Adam sat there like he done all those years ago, whenever Joe got scared. He wrapped his arm around Joe\u2019s shoulder and pulled him close. Pa\u2026 for half an hour Joe told us everything\u2026 Including what happened when Reed and Torrington came upon him at Marie\u2019s grave, and while they had him. Thems the two that shot you. Well\u2026 We\u2019s able to comfort him and get him to feeling better. When he was done cryin\u2019, we got him willin\u2019ly back in the saddle.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cBut where are they?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWell, Joe didn\u2019t want to come home\u2026\u201c Hoss admitted, shuffling his feet in the dirt.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cBoy want ride horse, not see father?\u201d Hop Sing asked.<\/span><\/p>\n

Hoss heard Hop Sing\u2019s question but chose to answer the question directly to his father. \u201cNot exactly\u2026 He\u2019s scared of how you were goin\u2019 to react, Pa. He\u2019s worried about you bein\u2019 upset with him.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m not upset with him. My God, doesn\u2019t the boy realize that we understand the trauma he\u2019s been through? He brought this down on himself by not talking after the incident with Dusty, but it wasn\u2019t his fault what happened in Placerville. Hoss, I want him home!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cGive him time Pa, give Adam time to talk with him. He was doin\u2019 a good job explanin\u2019 ya to Little Joe. And it was Adam who done suggested the race, ya know, to give him somethin\u2019 else to think on instead of broodin\u2019. Pa, that pinto\u2026 Lordy, it was beautiful to watch him catch up with ol\u2019 Sport and pass him almost as if they\u2019s a standin\u2019 still.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Adam sat under the canopy of a few trees, beside his youngest brother, with his middle brother on the other side, and listened. He and Hoss were drawn to tears as Joe recounted his anger when the two men broke into their home and demanded the money for the payroll. The youngest Cartwright was proud that he had not reacted, until they had hit Ben over the head, and he told his brothers of how he tried to launch himself at one of them, \u201cBut it was only to get the man out of the way so I could help Pa.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe continued to tell them of hearing the gunshot and looking up to see the man drop their father to the floor\u2026<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cPa told me to go get Doctor Martin\u2026 I tried\u2026 I tried\u2026\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cJoe you succeeded,\u201d Adam stated.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cBut I didn\u2019t\u2026 I sent Charlie,\u201d Joe stated as tears again fell.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cShortshanks, did Pa tell ya to go ride for Doc? Or did he tell ya to get Doc?\u201d Hoss inquired trying to allay his brother\u2019s guilt.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHe said to get Doc,\u201d Joe replied after a few moments of thinking and remembering.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAnd you did, you did what you needed to do to get Paul. Would Charlie have known where all the towels were? What about the lanterns you gathered? And Paul was thankful you\u2019d set the water to boil\u2026\u201d Adam added. \u201cJoe sometimes, what our heart wants and what we know to do conflicts. If you hadn\u2019t stayed home to take care of Pa, he might have died. Paul said you\u2019d done an excellent job of preventing Pa from bleeding to death until he arrived to operate.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cShortshanks, you\u2019re a hero in our books, and in Pa\u2019s,\u201d added Hoss. The big man leaned over and wrapped a massive arm around the youth and pulled him close.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t feel like a hero, I let them take me\u2026\u201d guilt assuaged Joe again.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhat happened? We followed you to Marie\u2019s grave\u2026\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

With his head hung in shame, Joe told the story of recognizing the clothes the men wore as the same worn by the men who\u2019d broken in and shot their pa. \u201cI was stupid and couldn\u2019t keep that information to myself.\u201d He told of trying to get away and being knocked unconscious, only to wake to find himself hung upside down over a saddle, being dumped to the ground, and Reed tying him. His story included listening to the men talk of what to do next and how they decided on robbing a bank to get money they needed, and how each time one would near him, the man would kick him.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI couldn\u2019t do nothin\u2019, I just let them push me around and use me to rob that bank\u2026\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cJoe, you\u2019re a\u2026 barely into your teens,\u201d Adam thought before he spoke, he\u2019d almost said a \u2018child\u2019, but he didn\u2019t want to upset his brother any more than he already was. He wanted to make his youngest brother understand he was going up against two grown men. \u201cI don\u2019t know if I could have done any different than you would have\u2026 They had guns.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHoss wouldn\u2019t have\u2026 He\u2019d of fought them.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNo I wouldn\u2019t have\u2026 Not if I didn\u2019t have a gun, and even then\u2026 I don\u2019t know.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cJoe, let\u2019s go home. I think Pa would like to see you\u2026\u201d Adam stated as he stood, then pulled his little brother to his feet.<\/span><\/p>\n

The three brothers mounted their horses and turned them for home. The brothers didn\u2019t push for any more information Joe had said enough, the rest could wait for their father. For now, Adam was content just to let Joe ride.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cPa\u2019s probably disappointed in me,\u201d Joe stated. \u201cTwice I\u2019ve been sent for Doc and failed. Ride Dusty to the point he can\u2019t be used for work anymore\u2026 Get myself kidnapped, used in a robbery\u2026\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cJoe, Pa ain\u2019t disappointed in you. If he were, would he a traded Winnemucca for that pony yer ridin\u2019?\u201d Hoss asked.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHe is a nice horse\u2026 He\u2019ll make one of the hands a good mount,\u201d Joe grieved.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYes he will,\u201d Adam smiled, knowing the ranch hand in particular that Pa had in mind, his youngest. \u201cJoe, he\u2019s yours, a gift from Pa.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe halted his horse and looked to his oldest brother.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhy?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cBecause you need a horse,\u201d Adam answered.<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe tried to protest, why was their father presenting him with a horse when he\u2019d done nothing to deserve it. Adam insisted that it was as their father always claimed, \u201cHis prerogative.\u201d Adam smiled, he knew he could go round and round with his youngest brother and not get anywhere in getting the boy to accept the truth, so Adam did the next best thing.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cRace ya!\u201d Adam stood in the stirrups, gave Sport his head, and squeezed with his calves. His actions were the cue that Sport had been waiting for, his body quivered, his haunches bunched, head tossing, and then the horse burst into a gallop. Each stride longer than the one before until he was in a full out gallop. Hoss knew in a race Chubs was no match for Sport, but still, the thrill of an all out ride\u2026 Hoss held Chubs in check as the horse anticipated being given his head. Joe sat still, the horse he was on pricked its ears forward and blew hard through its nostrils, startling Chubs.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cCome on Joe\u2026 You ain\u2019t gonna let Adam win one, are ya?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe\u2019s response came in the form of action, loosening his grip on the reins and using his legs he nudged the horse to move. As fast as Sport had been to respond to Adam, the horse Joe rode was more responsive to his rider. Within moments Hoss was trailing after his brothers, Chubs giving a good effort, but Hoss knew his horse wasn\u2019t built for speed. As they followed, he watched as the gap between Adam and Joe closed and the pinto passed the chestnut and outdistanced him. Hoss pulled up Chubs and watched the difference between the two riders and their horses. Adam sat straight in the saddle while Joe leaned forward, almost lying on his horse\u2019s neck. Sport ran, neck and head up, long reaching strides\u2026 The pinto\u2026 his neck and head were snaked out in front, while his strides were as long as his legs could go, they were faster, all four legs blurred as he galloped. As the sounds of thundering hooves faded across the distance, Hoss turned Chubs for home; he couldn\u2019t wait to tell their pa the news.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Joe allowed the natural rise of the land to slow his horse until the animal finally came to a walk. Joe dismounted and immediately loosened the cinch and began to walk the horse, all the while he took time to look the animal over, impressed with its compact build and overall conformation. This was the horse he knew that he wanted to have, ever since his pa had allowed him to go with them to deliver ten head of cattle to Winnemucca\u2019s camp. The moment Joe had spied the pintos he knew that was the type of horse he wanted. He had incessantly talked of the horses all the way home. As they arrived, Ben had told Joe that there were plenty of good horses on the Ponderosa for him to choose from when the time came to replace Dusty. With the tone his father used, Joe knew the subject was closed. And so he consigned himself to Dusty being his mount until his brothers found a horse they felt would be the right horse for him\u2026<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe halted the horse when Adam came up beside him and followed his lead in dismounting and loosening the cinch to his saddle and walking the animal out until it was cool enough to ride home.<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam sensed that Joe had thrilled with the ride but now the mood was waning, \u201cJoe, so\u2026 Is he everything you thought he\u2019d be?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThat he is,\u201d Joe answered as his hand moved up to pet the animal\u2019s neck.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI wish Pa had been here to see you ride him like that,\u201d Adam stated, a good feeling enveloped him at the memory.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHe\u2019d probably chastise me for racing, risking injuring him, like I did to Dusty.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cJoe, what happened to Dusty was an accident, it could have happened to any horse. And I don\u2019t think Pa would have minded you racing that horse considering I was the one who egged you on.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t deserve him Adam.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cFor Pete\u2019s sake, Joe\u2026 When will you get it through your thick skull that Pa wants you to have this horse. He worked long and hard to trade Winnemucca so he could give you the horse of your dreams.\u201d Adam\u2019s voice was tinged with exasperation.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s only because of what happened. He told me last year that there were plenty of horses on the Ponderosa\u2026\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cJoe, he told you that because he had already started talking with the chief\u2026 The only reason you didn\u2019t get him as a Christmas present was that Winnemucca was stubborn. Pa was finally successful before you got your cast off; he\u2019s had Rudy working him to start him under saddle and to start his initial training. You should be proud that he wasn\u2019t broke the way the rest of the horses are.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHe wasn\u2019t?\u201d Joe\u2019s curiosity was piqued.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019ll have to talk to Rudy about that.\u00a0 Pa agreed with me, that the horse for you didn\u2019t deserve to be broken the same way we break the horses for the cavalry\u2026 That\u2019s why it took longer.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cStill..\u201d Joe hesitated.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhy don\u2019t we go home, and you can talk with Pa.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

The two brothers remounted their horses and headed for home at an easy trot.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Chubs raised his head and shrilly whinnied, indicating horses were coming.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cPa!\u201d hollered Adam as he and Sport were first around the barn. \u201cDid Hoss tell you?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Hurriedly walking towards his oldest son, Ben answered, \u201cHe did. Where is that scamp?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m here Pa,\u201d Joe answered as he walked along side his horse; eyes cast down.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cJoseph?\u201d Ben hesitantly called.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHe\u2019s a beauty\u2026 I\u2019m sorry Pa\u2026\u201d Joe held out the reins to his father. \u201cI don\u2019t deserve him.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhy don\u2019t you deserve him?\u201d Ben asked, refusing to take the reins.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2026 I just don\u2019t, not after all I put you\u2026 and Adam and Hoss through. I haven\u2019t pulled my weight on the ranch\u2026 And with me causing Dusty\u2019s injury\u2026\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cStop it right there young man,\u201d admonished Ben, Joe dropped his hand with the reins to his side.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cJoe, if you wouldn\u2019t listen to me,\u201d Adam stated, \u201clisten to Pa. Hear him Joe. Not just the words. Hear what we\u2019ve been trying to tell you.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cJoe, what happened to Dusty was an accident; he\u2019s not a young horse any more. I\u2019ve been trying to negotiate with Winnemucca since last fall to trade for this pinto, because I knew we would need to ultimately retire Dusty. You\u2019re becoming a valuable member of this ranch and I wanted you to have a horse that you could learn with and would come to trust you.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cRudy did a good job in training him,\u201d Joe answered.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAnd so you\u2019ll continue his training, he doesn\u2019t know everything yet.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cBut Pa,\u201d Joe tried to interrupt.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cSo you haven\u2019t pulled your weight on the ranch, kind of hard to work when you were injured\u2026 But if you insist that I should penalize you in some manner, then I\u2019ll dock your allo\u2026 um your pay for the time you weren\u2019t working. But as for the pinto\u2026 I want you to have him\u2026 Maybe you\u2019ll accept him as a reward for improving your grades. Can you accept him for that?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOh, about that\u2026\u201d Joe quizzically answered as he looked to his father, \u201cdo I have to work with Mr. Langsford outside a school?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Father and son looked to their family members as they heard a loud harrumphing laughter, \u201cNow I know\u2026 Shortshanks is back!\u201d Hoss leaned forward, almost bent double as he slapped his knee. Adam rested his head on folded arms upon Hoss\u2019 back, unable to stop his own laughter. \u201cLittle Joe, he\u2019s tryin\u2019\u2026 ta\u2026 ta weasel outa school!\u201d Hoss continued. \u201cGuess Yale\u2026 ain\u2019t got\u2026 nothin\u2019 to\u2026 worry about\u2026\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOh, stop it Hoss!\u201d Adam called out, between his own gales of laughter.<\/span><\/p>\n

Hoss continued, \u201cThey don\u2019t\u2026 gotta get ready\u2026 for Tornado Joe!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHoss! Oh, my sides hurt,\u201d Adam called out as tears of laughter sprung to his eyes. \u201cHoss, quit your joking. You\u2019re gonna make me cry I\u2019m laughing so hard.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI ain\u2019t jokin\u2019!\u201d Hoss roared as his fit of laughter continued.<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe walked to stand closer to his father and didn\u2019t shrug away from the arm draped around his shoulders, \u2018Yeah brothers, keep on laughing\u2026 Just wait\u2026\u2019<\/em> Joe rested his head into his father\u2019s shoulder and was content that his growing up could cause his brothers to suffer such tears.<\/span><\/p>\n

EPILOGUE:<\/span><\/p>\n

Several days had passed and the family was thrilled to be whole once more. Each one smiled as Joe\u2019s cackles sounded across the yard as he played a prank or two on his unsuspecting brothers, even the victims laughed. Joe willingly helped his brothers in and around the barn, cleaning stalls, moving hay in the loft or stacking bags of grain they had purchased.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Joe sat in the windowsill of his room and watched the black and white horse prance around in the corral beside the barn. He looked up to the moonlit sky and saw his mother\u2019s star.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHi Momma, you don\u2019t have to worry about me no more. I\u2019m gonna be fine. I get to work out on the ranch tomorrow\u2026 Adam and Hoss are gonna help me introduce Cochise to cattle.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cSo you decided on a name for your horse,\u201d Adam stated as he entered the bedroom, also amused how his brother\u2019s language habits had reverted back.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYeah, I did.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cKind of strange to give him an Apache name when he was a Paiute pony.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNot so strange when you think about it. He\u2019s a great horse and strong; and I wanted to give him a strong Indian name. Did you know that in their language Cochise is called \u2018Cheis\u2019 and it means \u2018having the quality or strength of oak\u2019?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAnd just how do you know that?\u201d Adam curiously asked.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhen I was waiting on Hoss and you outside the Feed and Grain, I got to talking to a man, he said something about my horse and we got to talking… He told me how he scouted for the Army and had met Cochise. Did you also he\u2019s gaining strength within his tribe? Anyway, Corben, that\u2019s the scout, he told me what his name meant. Don\u2019t you think it\u2019s a good name for my horse?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYeah, I think it\u2019s a good name. Come on, time for you to turn in.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cSure\u2026\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

As Adam blew out the lantern, Joe climbed into bed and nervously asked, \u201cWe\u2019re gonna be okay tomorrow, aren\u2019t we?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYeah, you\u2019re gonna be just fine. I have a feeling you and Cochise will put Sport and me to shame.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHey Adam?\u201d Joe called as Adam started to pull the door closed.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYeah buddy?\u201d He leaned into the room, one hand on the doorframe, the other on the door knob.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou were right.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam paused before he said, \u201cAbout what?\u201d At first he had wanted to say, \u2018Aren\u2019t I always,\u2019 but this didn\u2019t seem to be the time for sarcasm.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAbout Pa, he wasn\u2019t disappointed in me like I thought he\u2019d be\u2026 we\u2019ve talked some more. He said\u2026 he only wished that I had talked with him about what was troubling me\u2026 after I broke my leg. I just didn\u2019t know how,\u201d Joe quieted, but quickly added, \u201cbut I\u2019ll do better next time\u2026\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cJust don\u2019t let there be a next time\u2026 okay?\u201d answered Adam.<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe grinned as he pulled the covers over him, \u201cOkay.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cGood night, little buddy,\u201d Adam stated as he exited the room.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNight, Adam,\u201d Joe answered as he curled up under the covers and began to dream of tomorrow.<\/span><\/p>\n

~THE END~ April, 2013<\/span><\/p>\n

Next in the Tears of Growing Up Series:<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

First Ride
\n<\/a>Learning to Trust, One Last Time<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n

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 <\/p>\n

Author’s Note:\u00a0 A HUGE Thank You! to Krystyna for catching a few minor errors as well as one MAJOR blunder as this story came to fruition. I’d also like to thank her regarding a comment about wishing she could have \u2018seen\u2019 the race between Adam and Joe that Hoss told their father; I hadn’t thought to write of the scene. And thus the conversation among the brothers that began under the canopy of the trees was written for inclusion.<\/span><\/p>\n

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Story Tags: Adam Cartwright, Angst, APM, Ben Cartwright, Hop Sing, Hoss Cartwright, JAM, JHM, Joe \/ Little Joe Cartwright, JPM, Paul Martin, Roy Coffee<\/span><\/p>\n

Reviewer: <\/span>Maria Vaz<\/span><\/p>\n

Date: <\/span>10 Mar 2014 08:21 am Title: <\/span>The Tears of Growing Up…<\/span><\/p>\n

Thank you very much for this great story! \u00a0It gave me lots \u00a0of pleasure!<\/span><\/p>\n

Author’s Response:<\/i><\/span><\/p>\n

Maria, thank you for the compliment!\u00a0 I’m glad you enjoyed reading this tale.<\/span><\/p>\n

**********<\/span>
\nReviewer: BettyHT <\/span>
\nDate: 20 Apr 2013 07:52 am Title: The Tears of Growing Up… <\/span>
\nWonderfully told tale of the Cs and their relationships to one another. Thank you for sharing.<\/span>
\nAuthor’s Response: <\/span>
\nBettyHT, I’m glad you enjoyed the story and how I wove their relationships. Thank you for taking the time to read and comment. <\/span><\/p>\n

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

Reviewer: MsJojo1910<\/span>
\nDate: 20 Apr 2013 01:46 am Title: The Tears of Growing Up… <\/span>
\nBeautiful Story. Wonderful Job !! Thank you<\/span>
\nAuthor’s Response: <\/span>
\nMsJojo1910, you’re welcome. I’m glad you enjoyed the story. Thank you for taking the time to read and letting me know.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Reviewer: Laurie<\/span>
\nDate: 19 Apr 2013 10:12 pm Title: The Tears of Growing Up… <\/span>
\nvery good story, thankyou<\/span>
\nAuthor’s Response: <\/span>
\nLaurie, you’re welcome. I’m gad you liked it. Thank you for reading and taking the time to leave a review. <\/span><\/p>\n

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

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

Summary: An accident while breaking horses sets Joe and the family on a downward spiral as unfounded fears over rule common sense. And when tragedy again strikes on the Ponderosa\u2026will the family ever be whole?\u00a0<\/p>\n

Rating:\u00a0 K+ \u00a0\u00a0(40,470 words)<\/p>\n

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